Tag: National

Aizawl, Feb 22NNN : It just happened that the proprietors of an industry are non-Mizos, an influential youth body in Mizoram has asked the government to cancel the permit allocation for sites to set up the industry.
Lalruatkima, president of Mizo National Youth Front, the youth wing of Mizo National Front (MNF), has asked the Mizoram government to cancel allocation of sites for Mizoram Ispat Industries in Lengte Export Promotional Industrial Park. Mizoram Ispat Industries is planning to set up a New Steel Project at Aizawl in Mizoram .The project involves Manufacturing Of Billets / Bars & Rods & Tmt.
Lalruatkima after visiting the Export Promotional Industrial Park yesterday with some MNF Youth leaders, asked that for what motive the government of Mizoram could make land lease agreement for 99 years covering land measuring 15,000 square metres for establishment of the Steel Re-rolling Plant which practically belonged to non-indigenous traders. He alleged that the Industry is being setup by RK Agarwal, Roshan Agarwal and Pawan Baid who shared 99 percent of the ownership. The fourth person C.Lalduhawma of Chaltlang, working in ABCI Company has only 1 percent of the ownership. It is learnt that the cost of the project is Rs 30 crore 40 lakh. It will require 4 megawatts of power to run the industry. Meanwhile, the Director of Industries asserted the allocation of Industrial site for Mizoram ISPAT Industries for establishment of Steel Re-rolling Plant.
The press release issued in this connection today clarified that go ahead signal was given to the Industry Director by Mizoram Public Investment Board which carefully examined the case. The Mizoram Public Investment Board is headed by the Chief Secretary and the members are Secretaries, the Principal Adviser and Secretary of Mizoram State Planning Board. Further, the ruling Congress party also admitted that the site for establishment of Steel Re-rolling Plant was alloted to Mizoram ISPAT Industries under the new Industrial Policy of Mizoram 2002. The Congress Media Cell leader, Lalrozara further said, under the same Industrial Policy, the Govt. of Mizoram and Venus Bamboo Products Private Limited, W.Bengal and The Bamboo Development Agency Mizoram signed agreement during the term of the previous government.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/business-at-mizoram/

Srinagar , Feb 22 (ANI): In a bid to promote heritage tourism, authorities have begun renovation work of historical shrines and to equip tourists with better facilities in Jammu and Kashmir .
The shrine of Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani, also known as the Dastgeer Sahib, which holds immense importance among Muslim devotees as well as other faiths across the country, is getting a face-lift as the renovation work is progress.
The state authorities decided to extend the area of the shrine in order to accommodate large numbers of devotees.
Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Asgar Samoon said every possible effort is being made to provide better facilities to the tourists visiting the shrine and to conserve the heritage sites.
“We are trying to protect our heritage structures, the heritage shrines in the down town areas. There are interventions at the considerable level, like the decongestion plan, second is to improve the infrastructure and to improve the quality of life of people, living in near by areas and to improve the utilities, parking facility, water supply and electricity and to extend accommodation,” said Samoon.
The newly constructed walls of shrine and traditional walnut wood carving on the windows and doors have added to the elegance and grace of the edifice.
Appreciating the step taken by the state government, residents said this would help generate business opportunities for them.
“This will benefit us; people from different religions, Hindu and Muslim visit the place, so they will get facilities. The government has taken good steps by initiating the construction work and every year, devotees throng this place in huge numbers and they go back disappointed. So, this is a good step and beneficial for us,” said Muzzaffer Ahmad, a resident. The authorities would try to provide basic civic amenities like toilets and better parking facilities, at every historical site for the convenience of the visitors. Brochures and booklets with historical background of the monuments would also be made available to the visitors, which would serve as a source of knowledge.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/renovation-work-of-historical-shrines-begins-in-kashmir-valley/

New Delhi , Feb.22 (ANI): The Indian Government has reportedly decided to withdraw additional charges slapped by a TADA court against underworld don Abu Salem.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) decided to withdraw the charges after holding consultations with home ministry and external affairs ministry officials. The charges are expected to be withdrawn in about a week.
The charges go against the terms and conditions under which the underworld don was extradited from Portugal .
The government, however, said it will continue to oppose Salem ’s extradition to Portugal . The Supreme Court had while staying the TADA proceedings had observed that the Portugal court’s order has to be respected. Out of the two TADA cases, one is related to 1993 Mumbai serial blasts.
The court has refused to stay proceedings in other five cases and issued notices to the CBI and the government on Salem ‘s plea to quash all criminal cases against him.The apex court bench has asked the CBI and the Ministry of External Affairs to file their replies within a month. It also asked Attorney General G E Vahanwati to assist it in deciding Salem ‘s plea.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/india-to-withdraw-additional-tada-charges-against-ex-don-abu-salem/

Aizawl, Feb 21 NNN: Elections for 81 local councils in Aizawl and 493 village councils in 6 districts of Mizoram will be held on Wednesday from 7 am onwards, an official source from the State Election Commission informed NNN today.
Meanwhile, political parties and their candidates continue the last ditch effort to woo the voters by house to house campaign till Tuesday. The State Election Commission explained the new voting procedures to be adopted in this village councils and local councils elections.
In a press release, the State Election Commission said, common ballot boxes and common ballot papers will be introduced in this elections. The voters are to choose the names and symbols of the candidates they wanted to vote from the common ballot papers which will indicate the names and symbols of the candidates. To make clear their choice they are to mark on the names or symbols of the candidates with the arrow cross mark seal. The Election Commission also advised the voters not to put marks on more candidates than the seats in the village councils or the local councils. The Commission also said, the lists of candidates in the ballot papers will be arranged in alphabetical order of the party they belong and independent candidates’ names will come last.
Counting will be taken up by all the Returning Officers immediately after the completion of the polling on the polling day and announce the results thereafter. If necessity arises, re-polled will be held on February 24 and the entire process of the election is to be completed by February 27.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-local-body-elections/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Feb 21: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Superintendent, Service Tax, IAP-X, Bangalore for demanding & accepting a bribe of Rs.25,000/-from the complainant.
A case was registered against him U/s 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 on the allegation of demanding a bribe from the complainant as a motive or reward for not imposing heavy service tax penalty and also to allegedly close the file.
The Superintendent was caught red handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.25,000/- from the complainant Search was conducted at the residential premises of the accused.
The arrested accused was produced before the Special Judge for CBI Cases, Bangalore who remanded the accused person to Judicial Custody.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Head Constable of Railway Protection Force, Southern Railway, Chennai for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.20,000/- from the complainant.
A complaint was received by CBI from Proprietor of Chennai based Cargo Movers stating that Head Constable, Railway Protection Force (RPF) attached to Central Railway Station, Chennai demanded a bribe of Rs. 20,000/- from him for smooth dispatching parcels to various places through Wagons. He also threatened the complainant that if the bribe amount was not handed over to him, he would detain the parcels tomorrow onwards on security/ Safety grounds.
Based on the complaint a case was registered against the accused U/s 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988. A trap was laid and the Head Constable was caught red handed while demanding and accepting the bribe Rs. 20,000/- from the complainant.
The accused was produced before the Special Judge for CBI Cases, Chennai and was remanded to judicial custody.
In another case, the CBI has arrested an Inspector and LDC both of Employee’s State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Marol, Andheri (East), Mumbai for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.5,000/- from the complainant for registration of company employees insurance.
A trap was laid by CBI at the office premises of the complainant where the duos have come to collect the bribe. Both were caught red handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.5,000/- from the complainant.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-arrests-a-superintendent-of-service-tax-in-a-bribery-case/

Shillong, Feb 21 NNN : A plan to ambush vulnerable vehicle convoys of officials and police patrolling teams by a 12 member group of Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) cadres was foiled by the Speacial Weapon and Tactics team (SWAT) and CRPF Cobra forces in Bansambagre village near Williamnagar town of East Garo Hills in Meghalaya on Tuesday afternoon.
Acting on specific tip off about the presence of heavily armed GNLA cadres in the village , the SWAT and COBRA teams from Williamnagar cordoned off the village and before they could reach an isolate the house where the militants were camping , they were greeted with a volley of fire. Superintendent of police, East Garo Hills J F K Marak confirmed the incident, saying that there were heavy exchange of fire between the police and the militants.
“There was no casualty on both sides and the militants managed to escape using the thick forest cover”, stated Marak.
Informing that the 12 heavily armed militants were under the direct supervision of the outfit’s commander-in- chief Sohan D Shira and were planning for an ambush, Marak added that there is a strong possibility of Shira’s presence in the place of occurrence.
Going by the words of the police officer, this is the second time in three months that the dreaded commander-in0chief of the GNLA has escaped from the cordoning team of the security forces.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ambush-bid-foiled/

Shillong, Feb 21 NNN : Meghalaya deputy chief minister Bindo Lanong categorically blamed the unscientific coal mining for the contamination and pollution of rivers in Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, even as he disagreed to the notion shown by the environmentalists on the catastrophic effects caused by the cement plants in Khliehriat sub division of Jaintia Hills district.
Speaking to newsmen, the Meghalaya deputy chief minister spoke at length about his visit to four cement plants. Stating that he had gone along with thee officials from the Pollution Control Board, department of forest and industries, Lanong said that the inputs received from all sides indicated that the cement plants have nothing to do with the pollution of rivers and streams in the area.
“It is the unscientific coal mining that is the cause of concern”, stated Lanong , adding, “I utter these words on the basis of the technical inputs of the officers who briefed me”.
A senior magistrate to four other officials of the department concern accompanied the deputy chief minister to his visit to four cement plants. These plants belong to Star Cement, Adhunik Cement ,Green Valley Cement and Hills Cement. Giving a clean chit to these four cement plants, Lanong stated, “The discharge of chemicals are treated and I am told that it will not pollute the water bodies”.
Lanong was not hesitant to state that the unscientific mining is the main cause of water contamination in the rich coal belt under khliehriat sub division of Jaintia Hills district.
It can be noted that there were many areas within the sub division that have to buy water as far as from Jowai to meet the demand of water in time of family or community festivities.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/coal-mining-process-unscientific-dy-cm-lanong/

Mainpuri (Uttar Pradesh), Feb.21 (ANI): Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday criticised the party’s political rivals for making false promises to garner votes from people in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.
Gandhi told a rally here that the central government has provided national scheme for providing employment to people in need, but the Mayawati regime was not implementing those schemes and taking away job cards.
“The federal provides the guarantee scheme of giving 100-days employment for 120 rupees per day, which is 12,000 rupees for every family. Anybody who is willing to work, needless of any caste or religion. But Mayawatiji says that nobody will benefit from MNREGA
(Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Generation Act). When Mulayam Singh Yadavji’s government was in power, MNREGA was not implemented, job cards were taken away, ministers stole the money and then three-four months before the election, he assures the public of giving an allowance for the unemployed,” said Gandhi.
Gandhi said the failure of implementing MNREGA, had forced people to migrate to other states to earn their living.
“The strength that lies in Uttar Pradesh is not in any other state. The youth of the state are migrating to Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh in search of jobs. And if you want employment, you have to migrate to other states, because employment is not available for the youth in Uttar Pradesh. Do you think this is right?” said Gandhi.
Gandhi’s campaign speeches and tactics have kept him in the spotlight for a large part of the election in the state, most notably his act of tearing a list representing the promises made by the rival Samajwadi Party.
Gandhi slammed regional Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav for failing to address the problem of electricity in the state since 22 years.
“Now, Mulayam Singh Yadav ji is saying that elect me for the fourth time and I will provide you free electricity. He was not able to provide free electricity during his three terms but now he promises to provide in his fourth term. He visited Bundelkhand and addressed a public rally and said that Bundelkhand would be made at power to Israel. When he was the chief minister, he was unable to provide water, people were crying but you did not visit them, migration was taking place that time he did not felt that he is the chief minister, he should meet the public and talk to them that what could be done,” said Gandhi.
Hitting out at Chief Minister Mayawati, Gandhi said she has petted a magical elephant, which gulps money belonging to the poor.
“You must have seen elephants’ walking on the roads and eating grass and leaves but Mayawati ji has created a magical elephant, a pet elephant, which gulps poor people’s money. Bundelkhand faced drought but she did not notice, gathered votes but did not notice the problems, and as the centre granted 8000 crore rupees and the elephant swallowed the money meant for people of Bundelkhand,” said Gandhi.
Gandhi’s campaign efforts have seen him try to convince potential voters of a stronger mandate than the one in 2007, where the Congress secured just 22 seats in a 403-strong assembly.

The son, grandson and great-grandson of former prime ministers, Gandhi is considered likely to take over as prime minister from Singh,

but the timing is not clear, as he had said earlier that becoming prime minister did not interest him for now.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/rahul-gandhi-targets-opposition-over-failure-to-implement-mnrega-in-up/

Kollam (Kerala), Feb.20 (ANI): A Kollam First Class Magistrate on Monday placed two Italian naval guards in police custody for three days on charges of murdering two Indian fishermen.
Rejecting the Italian Government’s plea for diplomatic immunity and that the two naval personnel be tried back in Italy for their alleged crime, First Class Magistrate K.P.John said that arrested accused should and would be tried according to Indian law for the killing of Indian fishermen Ajesh Binki (25) and Jalastein (45). He also sentenced them to 14 days judicial custody.
The two fishermen were killed on February 15 off the Kollam coast near Kerala when armed guards of the ship fired at their boat, suspecting it to be a vessel belonging to pirates.
Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi admitted on Monday that legal differences existed with India on how to proceed in the case, and added that four days of diplomatic negotiations had failed to yield the desired result.
Italy maintains that the incident happened outside Indian waters, and thus, local laws don’t apply.
A team from Italy will be arriving shortly in New Delhi . It will meet Ministry of External Affairs officials before heading for Kochi for legal consultations in connection with the case.
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna has made it clear that the captain and crew of the Italian ship will have to surrender and cooperate in the investigation of the case. Krishna , according to a statement by the External Affairs Ministry, said the loss of lives could have been avoided had the naval personnel onboard “Enrica Lexie” been careful and exercised restraint. He told his Italian counterpart Terzi that “our information clearly indicated that the Indian fishermen were not carrying any arms or ammunition on board their vessel. Indian fishing vessels do not carry these on board but only fishing nets and the fish they catch”.
Krishna also told Terzi of his telephonic conversation with Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy who conveyed “the strong public opinion and agitation in Kerala” at the loss of the innocent lives and the need for an urgent resolution of this issue.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/italian-navy-guards-placed-in-3-day-police-custody-in-kerala/

By Praful Kumar Singh
Itanagar, Feb 20 (ANI): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki on Monday pointed out that his state shares the developmental concerns and priorities of the rest of India .
Speaking on the occasion of the silver jubilee celebration of Arunachal Pradesh statehood here, Tuki said his government’s priorities include creation of sufficient job opportunities through hydropower development, IT and agriculture sectors, infrastructure development, ensure food security of the people, expanding the health and education sectors, and introduction of Living Heritage scheme to encourage local artisans and policies on inclusive growth.
Tuki also emphasized on the need for promoting border trade with Bhutan and Myanmar, connectivity to all unconnected administrative centres, foot suspension, foot tracks and wooden bridges along the border area for faster movement of the defence personnel and the locals.
On the occasion of the 25th Statehood Day, Tuki announced the establishment of the Arunachal Pradesh Employment Generation Council (APEG) and the Arunachal Pradesh Skills Development Council (APSDC), which he said would help the youths to develop their skills and to find gainful employment.
The festive occasion at the Indira Gandhi Park here saw people from all walks of life taking part in cultural programs.
“We propose to bring a new sports policy so as to encourage our youths to participate in national and international sports events and I am planning seriously to bring out a new scheme CM’s Youth Development Scheme to channelize the unlimited energy and talents of the youths for constructive work,” Tuki said.
He said his government would take full advantage in implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Programme to provide legal guarantee to the work seekers and secure the livelihood of the people in rural areas.
“For effective food security, the state government is contemplating to streamline the public distribution system (PDS) by establishing FCI depots in all district headquarters and will launch e-PDS software application,” he disclosed.
State Governor J J Singh highlighted various initiatives of the state government with the support of Government of India, and called upon the people to realize their responsibilities and commit themselves as members of Team Arunachal to take the state to a new height of progress and glory.
Defence Minister A K Antony, who was the chief guest for the function, gave away state awards to people for their meritorious services in different fields, including Everesters Anshu Jamsenpa and Tena Mena, both first women of the state to scale the Everest besides opening a four-day Festival of Arunachal.
An army motorcycle team from the Army Signal Corps (ASC) showcased their dare devilry leaving the audience spellbound with their heroic stunts while a number to cultural troupes from across the state in their multi-colour traditional attires proved the rich cultural mosaic of this tribal state.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/arunachal-shares-developmental-concerns-and-priorities-of-rest-of-india-tuki/

Pradeep Kumar
Itanagar, Feb 19 (ANI): Defence Minister AK Antony is scheduled to arrive here on a two-day trip to attend the golden jubilee of Statehood Day on February 19.
Antony is expected to review the border situation from all angles, from military build-up to road development with the high-ranking defence officers. Of the total 3,500-km border India shares with China , 1,080-km touches Arunachal Pradesh.
Any statement which Defence Minister Antony makes, after getting first hand feedback from the army top brass and state Governor JJ Singh, a former Army chief, particularly from nation’s security view point, will be watched by the global media particularly Beijing.
Antony had made his maiden tour to the state (Tawang) in April 2008.
Anthony, in a written reply to questions from Rajya Sabha members, had said: “On July 13 this year, a PLA patrol attempted to cross a 200 feet wall of loose stones constructed 250 metres on our side of LAC in Yangtse area of Tawang, which was prevented by our troops. The stone wall was partially damaged by PLA, which has been reconstructed.”
After drawing Anthony’s attention on the slow progress of BRO road work in his office on January 13. Arunachal’s Planning, Finance & PWD Minister Chowna Mein sent another letter to him recently expressing his disappointment.
Addressing jawans at Tawang on April 6, 2008, Antony had said ‘infrastructure development in the Northeast is now a top priority for the Government of India. Infrastructure development in the NE would not only contribute to the security of the nation but also accelerate the growth process of this vital region.
‘In the past, required attention was not given to this region. There is no point in finding fault with anybody. It’s our topmost priority now to develop infrastructure in the North- East’, said Anthony.
Antony, who was accompanied by the then Army Chief Gen Deepak Kapoor, Defence secretary, Vijay Singh and other senior officials of the ministry had reiterated GoI’s commitment to the modernization of the Armed Forces.
‘Our overall objective is to provide you (Armed Forces personnel) with the latest equipment so that our Armed Forces continue to be one of the best in the world. Our endeavour will be to ensure an all-round welfare of Armed Forces personnel and their families. I wish to assure you that we will do whatever is humanly possible to give you the best’, he had added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/antonys-visit-to-ap-getting-attention/

Dimapur, Feb 18 NNN : Various Naga underground leaders, Naga civil society organisation leaders, Naga intellectuals and church leaders will come together in Dimapur on February 29 in a programme convened by Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) in order to further consolidate the Naga reconciliation process.
“On February 29, at 10 am the Naga people must clearly implore our Naga groups and our leaders to demonstrate to the world that the Naga people have embraced forgiveness and reconciliation,” said the FNR today.
The Naga people’s mandate for reconciliation and unity among the Naga political groups is absolute, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) said.
The Forum stated that it is upon the will of the people that the Forum for Naga Reconciliation with the active support of the Naga Hoho, tribe hohos, churches, women organizations, student organizations and the thousands of common Naga men and women, evolved a process towards “Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope,” based on the historical and political rights of the people.
It added that despite many setbacks and challenges, the “Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope” in its four years has clearly shown the many positive possibilities the Naga people can achieve if only the Naga political groups can come together. It demonstrated not just the de-escalation of internal violence, but the opportunity to a better way of life through mutual respect and trust. Therefore, the Naga people can no longer remain silent, because the future of the Naga people lies in the hands of the people, the FNR further stated. “At this critical moment, it is now time for the Naga people to take a decisive step towards our shared Naga future. The Forum for Naga Reconciliation calls upon all the Naga people to step forward to participate in the Naga Reconciliation Meeting at 10:00am on February 29 at the Agri Expo Centre, 4th Mile, Dimapur, Nagaland. It is essential that all the Naga groups, Naga Hoho, tribe hohos, ENPO, UNC, NBCC, FNBC, CAN, NCF, Churches, NSF, ENSF, ANSAM, NMA, NWUM, ENWO, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Women Organizations, NPMHR, Eastern Naga organizations, village council leaders, village representatives, senior citizens, GB’s and DB’s, Naga Council Dimapur, Peace Channel, all other NGOs and the Naga Public to rally together at this Naga Reconciliation Meeting,” the Forum said.
“Please be there at the Agri Expo Centre to show your support and commitment to Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope,” the FNR appeals.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/naga-organizations-to-meet-on-feb-28/

New Delhi , Feb 18 (ANI): Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni on Saturday appealed to the leaders of various political parties to refrain from politicising the issue of the setting up of the anti-militancy unit, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).
“When an issue like terrorism and the innocent people affected by it has been discussed in this country, everybody has always said that politics has nothing to do with it and today even I think that everybody should reiterate that such an issue should not be politicized,” she told the media here.
Meanwhile, viewing the increasing rift between the ruling Congress Party and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the setting up an anti-terror body, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Balbir Punj said the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief was welcome to join hands with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
“And now the situation has further worsened, apart from people at large who have no confidence in this government, even the allies and particularly an important ally like the Trinamool Congress and Mamata Banerjee, they have expressed their lack of faith, lack of confidence in this government repeatedly and we are not surprised by that,” said Punj.
“Mamata Banerjee is a very important leader and chief minister of one of the largest state of the country and she has been a part of the NDA earlier and if she wants doors of the NDA are open for her,” he added.
According to certain media reports, Mamata Banerjee, who is upset with the Centre’s NCTC proposal, skipped Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram’s function in Kolkata today, where he inaugurated the National Security Guards (NSG) hub.
The main task of the NCTC would be to ensure that the wide variety of security organizations in the country work in tandem, at least on issues related to terrorism. It will also have the power to seek information, including documents, reports, transcripts, and cyber information from any agency, including from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency, National Technical Research Organization, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and all seven central armed police forces including the National Security Guard (NSG).
The body, which will function under the Intelligence Bureau, has been given its own operational wing with powers to arrest and conduct searches under Section 43A of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ambika-urges-political-fraternity-to-unite-in-fight-against-terrorism/

Shillong, Feb 17 NNN: The Meghalaya government has received good responses today regarding the ideas it sought from the experts and civil populace to live up with the 11% growth rate by the end of the next five year plan.
The consultation sessions held at the committee room of the state secretariat on Friday has circulated upon the state vision plan that should kick start from the upcoming budget and the road map throughout the 12 five year plan.
During the second and final round of pre budget consultations on resources allocations, chief minster Mukul Sangma solicited the participants’ views to overtake the national growth rate and the targeted 11 % growth rate of the state by using all the resources and potentials available in the state.
Meghalaya chief minister spoke at length on the state vision to achieve the 11 % growth rate by the end of the 12th five year plan period.
“Going by our present growth rate we have a long way to catch the national growth rate but your suggestions to our innovative objectives will help in achieving the same”, stated Sangma.
He also said that the new strategies to redefine and to restructure the new budget proposal will be in consonance with the public views.
Principal secretary to the government R M Mishara listed the state potentials by pointing to natural resources,young population ,bio diversity hot spot, centre of excellence in education and English,vast
tourism potentials,trade links with Bangladesh and the pre-independence high per capita. The chief minister after hearing the various viewpoints assured to integrate the ideas and thoughts of the people into reality.
This is the second pre budget deliberations with the stake holders before the March 9 budget session of the state assembly.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/11-growth-rate-at-meghalaya/

Guwahati, Feb 17 NNN: Just a day after China had denied the charge of aiding North East based militants, Paresh Barua led banned Ulfa had termed former home secretary GK Pillai’s comment on the outfit’s chief was baseless and an outcome of frustration.
In an email statement to media houses here on Friday, the publicity secretary of Ulfa , Arunudoy Asom alleged that it was GK Pillai, the former home secretary of India, who had masterminded the total destruction of Ulfa but his initiatives suffered a major setback.
China on Thursday dismissed the charges hurled on it by G.K Pillai that it was aiding insurgent groups in India’s North East, saying that it follows the policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. China’s foreign ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said in a statement that Chinese government always uphold the principle of non interference in other countries’ internal affairs.
The statement from China’s foreign ministry said that the report consists of allegation from India’s former home secretary G K Pillai was completely inconsistent with facts. GK Pillai on February 13 last in Guwahati in a seminar had said that insurgents in Northeast region were holding meetings with Chinese intelligence officials.
“Pillai, when he was home secretary he had initiated a bid to finish Ulfa. For his plan, the government of India had pumped in huge amounts of money to eliminate Paresh Barua. But his effort failed and Ulfa is still active. Pillai’s statement on Paresh Barua was an outcome of frustration”, said Arunudoy Asom.
Pillai in his address at the seminar had even said that despite India’s complete information provided to Chinese authority on Ulfa chief Paresh Barua’s trip to Yunan province of China from Dhaka in early 2009, the elusive Ulfa leader’s every detail including the plane in which Paresh Baruah was moved to China, the Chinese authority did nothing to apprehend the Ulfa leader.
Pillai had further said that Praesh Barua’s family wanted to come back to Assam but the elusive military commander of Ulfa prevented them. Paresh Barua’s wife and sons are currently in Bangladesh under close observation of security agencies of the neighbouring country.
Banglashesh was safe haven for Ulfa till early 2009. But when Seikh Hasina led government was formed, most of the militant outfits of Northeast India sheltered in that country faced security offensives. Most of the top leaders of Ulfa including chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa was nabbed in Bangladesh in 2009 and later handed over to India. But Ulfa’s military chief Paresh Barua and some of his trusted lieutenants had managed to give a slip to security agencies of Bangladesh.
A big section of Ulfa leaders and cadres under the guidance of its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa made a deal for holding dialogue with New Delhi. But Paresh Barua had opposed the peace talk with the government of India. The anti talk faction of Ulfa dissolved the previous body and formed a new Central committee.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/paresh-barua-refutes-pillais-claims/

Itanagar, Feb 16 (ANI): Gross National Happiness (GNH) or happiness interwoven with balanced economic development was a concept introduced by Bhutan’s King in 1972, as an alternative to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), said Bhutan’s National Assembly member Dupthob at the start of four-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh as the leader of a five-member team.
Dupthob, the chairman of the National Assembly’s Poverty Reduction Committee, conveyed this message to Arunachal Pradesh State Assembly Speaker Wanglin Lowangdong, Deputy Speaker Jomde Kena and other assembly officials on Thursday.
The 33-year-old first timer parliamentarian, said GNH is one of the Million Development Goals (MDGs) of Asia’s happiest nation that graduated to parliamentary democracy in 2008 on the insistence of Bhutan ‘s fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
The GNH is based on four pillars – 1) sustainable socio-economic development by taping hydropower and setting up of industries to enrich national coffer; 2) protect environment, forests and rivers (Constitution prescribes 60 percent of nation’s total 38,394 square kilometre area to be under forests); 3) cultural protection and promotion of the religious-rich people of the world’s last Buddhist kingdom by protecting monasteries, promoting festivals and 4) good governance.
Agreeing with his view, Speaker Lowangdong said: “There is no denying the fact that every human being wants happiness. We, the nature and peace loving Arunchalees were much happier before materialism invaded tribal society. Many Arunchalees of late are suffering from blood pressure, diabetes and chronic disease is the best indicator.”
Both exchanged views on the parliamentary system of governance in Bhutan and in Arunachal Pradesh.
Lowangdong lauded Bhutan for its spirit to protect its rich culture and environment, saying Arunachal Pradesh, particularly Tawang and West Kameng districts, have lot of cultural affinity with Bhutan .
Disclosing that after visiting Bihar, the team is here to study the democratic process and steps taken for poverty alleviation, Dupthb extended an invitation to Speaker Lowangdong to visit Bhutan soon.
Accepting the invitation, Lowangdong said: “The 60-member young Arunachal Assembly is a symbol of true democracy where decisions are taken in greater welfare of the people that too with the unanimous voice of the opposition.”
The tribal-dominated state has made rapid development strides, particularly after Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh visited it on January 31, 2008 and announced a huge economic package, including the 1,554-km Trans-Arunachal Highway, being developed as an inter-district double-lane highway to speed up the process of socio-economic development of the land-locked state that had graduated to parliamentary democracy in 1975, Lowangdong added.
The Bhutan team visited the assembly house, which includes Members Kinley Dorji, Ugen Tenzin and Choeki Wangmo (one of the four women of a total 47 members), besides officer Tenzing Namgey.
The team, accompanied by state protocol officer Bandhana Deori and Papumpare Deputy Commissioner Pige Ligu visited Chimpu, and attended an official dinner hosted by Finance, Planning and PWD Minister Chowna Mein in the evening.
They are scheduled to visit Ziro tomorrow.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bhutan-parliamentarians-begin-study-tour-of-ap/

New Delhi , Feb 15 (ANI): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has claimed that Indians are the largest depositors of illegal money in banks abroad amounting to an estimated 500 billion US dollars.
CBI Director A.P. Singh, while speaking at the inauguration of first Interpol global programme on anti-corruption and asset recovery, on Monday said: “It is estimated that around $500 billion of illegal money belonging to Indians is deposited in tax havens abroad. Largest depositors in Swiss Banks are also reported to be Indians.”
The CBI Director said the probe by the investigating agency into the recent scandals have been pointing to transfer of large amounts of money to tax havens.
“In some of the recent important cases being investigated by CBI, such as 2G, CWG and Madhu Koda cases, we find that money is taken to Dubai, Singapore, Mauritius, from where it goes to Switzerland and other such tax havens,” said Singh.
“For criminals, all it involves is setting up of a few shell companies and then making layered transfers from account to another in a matter of hours as there are no boundaries in banking transactions,” he added.
Singh said accessing information about illegal transactions was a time-consuming process.
“53 percent of the countries said to be least corrupt by the Transparency International Index are offshore tax havens, where most of the corrupt money goes. The tax havens include New Zealand which is ranked as the least corrupt country, Singapore ranked number five and Switzerland number seven,” he said.
Singh further said managing the asset recovery investigation is complex, time-consuming, costly and most importantly requires expertise and political will
“ There are many obstacles to asset recovery. Not only is it a specialised legal process filled with delays and uncertainty, but there are also language barriers and a lack of trust when working with other countries,” he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/indians-are-largest-depositors-of-black-money-claims-cbi/

A team of twenty children and three teachers who were part of National Integration Tour from Sita Village, Chandel District (Manipur) to Delhi organized by 24 Assam Rifles met Dr APJ Abdul Kalam former President of India,on Feb 12 at his residence in New Delhi
The children presented a traditional Manipuri shawl to Kalam and interacted with him for about 45 minutes and also shared his experiences. The Ex President of India encouraged the children to work towards the prosperity of Manipur and India.
A team of National Integration Tour conducted by 1/11 Gorkha Rifles reached Mumbai yesterday and visited National Defence Academy (NDA ).
43 Assam Rifles of the Red Shield Division organized a National Integration Tour for school children of Motbung , Hengbung and Lairouching .
The tour comprising of 23 children and 04 teachers will be visiting Delhi, Dehradun ,Mossurrie from 13 Feb 12 to 25 Feb 12.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/students-meet-kalam/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Feb 14: Sahitya Akademi Awards for the year 2011were presented here today. Among 22 authors, famous poets honoured with the Award are (late) Kabin Phukan (Assamese), Manindra Gupta (Bengali), Premananda Mosahari (Bodo), Naseem Shafaie (Kashmiri), Melvyn Rodrigues (Konkani), Harekrishna Satapathy (Sanskrit), Aditya Kumar Mandi (Santali) and Khaleel Mamoon (Urdu).
The well-known novelists Kashinath Singh (Hindi), Gopalakrishna Pai (Kannada), Kshetri Bira (Manipuri), Kalpanakumari Devi (Odia),
Baldev Singh (Punjabi), Atul Kanakk (Rajasthani) and S. Venkatesan (Tamil) also received the awards. Lalit Magotra (Dogri), Grace (Marathi) and Samala Sadasiva (Telugu) got the Award for their books of essays.
Ramachandra Guha (English) for his book of Narrative History, Mohan Parmar (Gujarati) for his book of short stories, M. K. Sanu (Malayalam) for his book of biography and Mohan Gehani (Sindhi) for his book of plays have been honoured. Award in Maithili yet to be declared.
The Awards in the form of a casket containing an engraved copper-plaque, a shawl and a cheque of Rs. 1,00,000/- was presented to the authors of these books at a special function held here today during the Festival of Letters organized by Sahitya Akademi. Eminent Hindi critic Prof. Namwar Singh was the chief guest of the function and Sumathy Sivamohan, Sahitya Akademi Premchand fellow was the guest of honour.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sahitya-akademi-awards-2011-presented-to-bira/