Tag: National

Diesel price has been hiked by 50 paise per litre, excluding VAT.
The new price will come into effect from midnight tonight.
The consumers will now have to pay Rs. 50.84 for a litre in Delhi, Rs. 54.15 in Chennai, Rs. 55.16 in Kolkata and Rs. 57.61 in Mumbai.
The Indian Oil Corporation has in a statement said that the hike was necessitated due to devaluation of rupee and increase in the international prices

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/diesel-price-hiked-by-50-paise-per-litre/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, June 30 : While women continue to demand for safety in Delhi, three Northeast girls were harassed by a CISF man at the IGI airport. On June 29 between 1pm to 2pm three girls from Northeast India were allegedly harassed by a CISF Constable, Ram Chander Chaudhury at IGI domestic airport. The three girls were harrassed by the constable while they were waiting for their siblings coming from Imphal to Delhi by Indigo flight which was to arrive at 1:30pm at the airport.
The girls told the North East Helpline that Ram Chander Chaudhury, a CISF constable came and asked us ‘Why are you sitting here for so long’ and when we replied we are waiting for a flight then he continued on asking unnecessary things ‘Which flight, show me your Identity card’.
“There were many people sitting near us, some have been sitting longer than us but Ram Chander Chaudhury didn’t ask anything from them. We were too shocked that he was targeting only us since we look different. He took advantage of our young age and different looks from the rest of other Indians sitting nearby us. His intention was to stalk us as he was roving his eyes all over our bodies while abusively demanding to show him our identity cards,” the three girls said in tearful eyes.
Dr. Alana Golmei, General Secretary of NE Helpline said, “They are my nieces and I was also standing few metres away from them along with my cousin sister when the incident happened. One of my nieces called me on my phone and told me to rush to where they were being harassed by one CISF man, who was in civilian cloth. Then I rushed to the place where they were sitting. I immediately intervened and asked politely to Ram Chander Chaudhury what was it all about and he angrily replied he was doing his duty according to the order of CISF Vigilance. When I requested for the standing order he tried to persuade me to go with him and see from his office. I insisted him to bring the standing order of CISF
(any order that says one should not sit in IGI domestic airport for more than one hour). Meanwhile I also spoke to another person from Ram Chander’s phone and the man on phone said the same thing that they were vigilance personnel of CISF and that he saw nothing wrong on the behaviour of Ram Chander. Later, another CISF official whose name was R.S. Sharma appeared along with Ram Chander. He was trying to justify on behalf of Ram Chander saying that there was no harm in asking for their Identity cards and added that the girls could have just showed it which further appalled me”.
Inspite of repeated calls to the concerned authorities and central government regarding the discrimination and harassment of Northeast community residing in Delhi and NCR region no visible action has been taken up so far.
The North East Helpline strongly urged the Ministry of Home Affairs (Govt of India) and any concerned authorities dealing with CISF Vigilance at IGI airport to take strong action against Ram Chander Chaudhury for harassing and stalking the three NE young girls on June 29 2013. This is not the first time, there were many unreported incidents in the past where NE community were harassed by the security personnel and airline officials as well in IGI airport, New Delhi.
The North East Helpline also sought clarification from the concerned authorities whether there is such rules imposed to people who look different especially the Northeast community to be harassed in this way. And this incident happened while Ram Chander Chaudhury was carrying out his official duty, therefore, we appeal to the concerned authorities to be answerable for the said matter at the earliest.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/girls-harassed-by-cisf-at-igi-airport/

Avantipora (Jammu and Kashmir), June 30 (ANI): Two Kashmiri youth were killed when army had to resort to firing when a crowd intensified their protests here on Sunday .
The two young men were from Markundal village. The incident also saw an immediate protest by the locals who allege that the firing was unprovoked.
Later while addressing mediapersons over the incident, the General Commanding Officer (GOC) of the army’s Victor Force, Major General R. R. Nimbodkar expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.
“We deeply mourn their demise and loss of lives. And through you I want to convey our deep condolences to the bereaved families. Secondly, we are investigating the details of the incident. I can assure you if any wrong doing emerges, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.
Reportedly, one youth was killed by army firing while another one was killed when army allegedly opened fire when the crowds intensified their protests later on.
While the locals are reportedly alleging that the firing was uncalled-for, the army are denying it tooth and nail.
Nimbodkar also confirmed that the army and the police were conducting joint search operations to nab militants hiding in the area.
“I can only say this was a joint operation between the police and us. There were inputs about the militants in this area. For the rest of the things, we will do the detailed investigation and then we will come out with the facts. And if there is any issue, we will definitely take action,” he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/army-expresses-regret-over-killing/

New Delhi, June 29 (ANI): Supreme Court Judge P. Sathasivam will be appointed as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI) after the retirement of the present incumbent Altamas Kabir.
President Pranab Mukherjee has given his approval to the appointment of Sathasivam as the next Chief Justice.
The 64-year-old Sathasivam joined as a permanent judge of the Madras High Court in January 1996. He was transferred to the Punjab High Court in April 2007, and became a Supreme Court judge on 21st August 2007.
Sathasivam, who will be the 40th CJI, will have tenure till 26th April 2014.
The incumbent Chief Justice who assumed office on September 29 last year, retires on 18th July.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/p-sathasivam-next-chief-justice-of-india/

Aizawl, NNN: The bodies of two soldiers from Mizoram, who were killed along with six other Indian Army personnel by terrorists in Srinagar on Monday, were flown home on
Thursday and accorded full military honours.
The bodies of 36-year-old Havildar Lalrohlua of Kelkang village in Champhai district and 34-year-old Lance Naik J Lalrinngheta of Tuidam in Mamit district were flown to Lengpui
Airport in Aizawl.
The bodies were accorded full military honours at the airport at which Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, ministers, legislators, besides senior officials and others were present.
The Mizo soldiers belonged to the Assam Regiment and were deployed in Jammu and Kashmir as personnel of Rashtriya Rifles.
Two other Mizo soldiers, Naik David Lalduhawma and Naik Lalrimawia, both residents of Aizawl, were also injured in the attack.
Addressing the State Farewell cum Absuash parade, Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said the two brave soldiers have made supreme sacrifice in defence of the country and
that the sacrifice they have made will be remembered. Describing the fate of the two soldiers as unfortunate he also expressed grief and sorrow at the tragic incident and prayed for courage and fortitude for the bereaved families.
Giving a brief account of the incident, Subedar TS Mangpu who escorted the mortal remains of the two soldiers said, the terrorists attacked the vehicle in the middle of the three vehicles in a convoy and fired at unarmed soldiers sitting in the vehicle. About 120 bullets were sprayed which hit the driver Havildar Lalrohlua and Lance Naik J.Lalrinngheta.
Central Young Mizo Association (YMA) Vice president Lalbiakzuala who addressed the function said, the sacrifice made by the two soldiers will be admired and respected by all.
The function was presided over by Lengpui Airport Chaplain, Major. C.Thanhranga. Those who attended the State Farewell cum funeral included the Health Minister Lalrinlaiana
Sailo, AH&Vety Minister Nihar Kanti Chakma, Deputy Speaker John Rotluangliana, Deputy Chief Whip RL Pianmawia, Parliamentary Secretary Lt.Col. ZS Zuala, Lunglei High Power
Commt Vice Chairman Joseph Lalhimpuia, KVI Board Chairman K Lianzuala, Youth Commision Chairman Hmingdailova Khiangte and senior Civil and Army Officers. After the
function, the dead bodies were sent to their respective villages for funeral.

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

DIMAPUR, June 26 NNN : Reacting to the reported directive of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), government of India to the government of Nagaland to stop the NSCN-IM from levying tax on common people, the Naga outfit has warned that in the event of any unwanted situation that may emerge from the statement of the MHA, then the government of India will be held responsible.
“The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) has taken a very critical stand of the press reportage that appeared in the media captioned ‘Centre asks Nagaland government to stop NSCN (I-M) levying tax’ wherein the Director (NE) JPN Singh of the Government of India (GoI) Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has blatantly accused the NSCN of the increase in price on commodities and violation of the Cease-fire ground rules. The Director also had created an unwarranted “Threat perception” scenario and went on board to question if NSCN was the Naga political organization mandated to represent the Nagas,” the Naga outfit stated.
The Home Ministry Director (NE) JPN Singh, in his letter, said NSCN (I-M) has been arrogating itself the responsibility of finding political solution on behalf of the Nagas in general of which it clearly is not the sole representative. The outfit is not only not observing the cease fire ground rules, but also violating all the existing laws, rules and regulations, Home Ministry Director (NE) said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nscn-im-reacts-to-extortion-issue/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, June 26 : A tripartite meeting involving the representatives of Government of Assam, and ULFA was held here today under the Chairmanship of Union Home Secretary, Sh. R.K. Singh to review the progress made in talks with ULFA and also to discuss their demands. The ULFA delegation was led by Shri Arabinda Rajkhowa (Chairman, ULFA). Shri Anil Goswami, OSD, Sh. S.Jayaraman, Special Secretary, MHA, Sh. P.C. Haldar Government of India’s Representative for Peace Talks, Sh. Sailesh, Principal Secretary (Home & Political), Govt. of Assam, Sh. Khagen Sarma, Additional DG, Govt. of Assam, Sh. Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary, North East, MHA were also present.
Among other issues, ULFA leaders requested that additional measures are needed to be taken for effective guarding of Indo-Bangladesh Border to check illegal infiltration from across the border. Union Home Secretary stated that Government is committed to take all possible measures to control the illegal influx. He added that measures already taken along international border have helped in curbing illegal infiltration from across the border.
Union Home Secretary reviewed the progress made in talks with ULFA delegation. After detailed discussion, it was decided to follow up on a few specific steps on some issues. He also stated that a meeting was required with the heads of various Central Ministries and Government of Assam, in connection with the different issues raised by the delegation.
ULFA representatives requested that genuine grievances of the people of Assam need to be addressed on priority. Union Home Secretary responded by emphasizing that Government attaches highest priority and importance to address the grievances of the people of the country including Assam.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/meeting-between-govt-and-ulfa-held/

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 26 : Wreath Laying ceremony was held at Chinar Corps, Badami Bagh Cantt, Srinagar to pay tribute to the martyred soldiers who laid down their lives during the recent terrorist attack. Lt Gen Gurmit Singh, Chinar Corps Commander and all ranks of Chinar Corps laid wreath as a mark of honour for the brave hearts. As a special gesture and symbol of jointness, Shri Ashok Prasad, IPS, DGP J&K also attended the ceremony and laid wreath on behalf of the J&K Police.
On 24 Jun, in a terrorist attack on the convoy of Army, eight soldiers had attained martyrdom. Among the martyrs were Hav Lalrohula from Aizwal Dist (Mizoram), LNk Z Lalringhetta from Mamit Dist (Mizoram), Sep Pravin Das from Udalguri (Assam), Sep John Lalumi Vajphei from Churachandpur (Manipur), Sep Moanung Sang from Mokokchung Dist (Nagaland), Signalman Yadaiah M from Mahbubnagar Dist (AP), Signalman Girdhari Prajapati from Balia Distt. (UP) and Sep Adwaita Nandi from Bankura Distt. Earlier, PM Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Smt Sonia Gandhi, Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had visited the Base Hospital at Badami Bagh Cantt, Srinagar to honour the martyrs personally. The PM had expressed that the country is proud of what Army is doing in the service of the Nation.
Names of these martyrs will be engraved at the Chinar Corps Memorial and their contribution towards peace in the Kashmir Valley will become part of the history. Lt Gen Gurmit Singh while lauding the brave soldiers said “My heart goes out to the families and relatives of the martyrs. May God bestow strength to bear the loss. Chinar Corps salutes them and their martyrdom will only strengthen our resolve to bring peace in Kashmir”.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/chinar-corps-pay-tribute-to-martyrs/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, June 26 : The Indian Railways added another feather in its cap with the historic milestone of connecting Kashmir valley with the Jammu region. The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh dedicated the newly constructed railway line between Banihal (Jammu region)-Qazigund (Kashmir valley) section to the nation by flagging off the first DEMU train from Banihal through the Pir Panjal tunnel- the longest transportation tunnel of India, from Banihal Railway station in Jammu & Kashmir today.
Ircon International Ltd., a PSU under the Ministry of Railways, has been the principal executing agency for Northern Railway to execute the work of Dharam-Qazigund Section of USBRL Project which includes Banihal-Qazigund section and Pir Panjal Tunnel.
The Kashmir Valley railway ( Qazigund-Baramulla section) is a 119 km long modern railway line that became completely operational in October 2009. So far it is an island railway, not yet connected to the Indian Railway network. It connects Baramula in the western part of Kashmir to Qazigund at the other end of the Valley, via Srinagar. With today’s dedication of this challenging project to the nation, the extension of this railway line beyond the Pir Panjal Mountains in to the Jammu region has been achieved with trains running on the new railway section of Qazigund-Banihal. The 17.7 km long rail link paves way for the future railway connectivity of Kashmir region with the national railway network.
On 28th December, 2012, the first trial run train was operated on this section of Qazigund-Banihal which is 17.7 kms long, of this 6.5 km is on cutting and embankment including bridges. This section mostly consists of a 11.2 km long, Tunnel T-80 which pierces through the Pir Panjal range, providing a direct rail connection between the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region. About 11,78,500 cubic meters of earthwork in cutting and filling has been done. The maximum depth of cutting on this section is 15.20 meters and maximum height of embankment is 16.70 meters. 39 bridges have also been constructed in this section which include two major bridges, 30 minor bridges and 7 Road Over Bridges/Road Under Bridges. The total expenditure of Rs. 1691.00 cr. has been incurred by the railways to complete this section.
Tunnel T-80 has been provided the State of the Art systems with CCTV cameras at every 62. 5 m, linear fire detection system, fire fighting system with fire hydrants at every 125 m, emergency telephone with communication to control room at every 250 m, fire extinguishers and fire alarm at every 250 m, air quality monitoring system at every 500 m, escape route signs to guide the shortest escape route in emergency at every 50 m, emergency lighting and normal lighting and public address system. A 3.0 m wide road along the track for rescue and maintenance purpose has been constructed with a 772.0 m long escape tunnel to provide additional escape route. Tunnel ventilation system has been provided which consists of 25 fans along the tunnel, installed in the ceiling of tunnel in groups of 5 each.
Falling in mountainous terrain, JK has always been a challenge to transportation providers. Other factors which increase the difficulty in providing modes of transportation.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pm-dedicates-longest-transportation-tunnel/

DIMAPUR, June 25 NNN : The NSCN-IM has accused Naga writer Kaka D Iralu and two others of trying to confuse the Nagas by creating opinion through ‘unwarranted propaganda’ in order to distort the facts regarding the Naga history.
The other two are Thepfulhouvi Solo and Kekhrie Yhome who are columnists based in Nagaland.
According to the NSCN-IM, these three persons are addicted in using the media to justify their anti-Naga people stand. It said they are giving their best to create an opinion through unwarranted propaganda in order to distort the factual events of history and justify the distorted history that has already been condemned by Naga people.
“To create confusion and mislead the public, Kaka D.Iralu in particular has been the most vocal in his desperate attempt to justify the notorious Shillong Accord of 1975. He apparently behaves to be the mouth piece of the Accord that nearly destroy the history and the rightful struggle of the Naga people. Besides Kaka Iralu, Mr.Thepfulhouvi Solo famous for his divisive write ups and Kekhrie Yhome for his lack of political insight are the other two persons that have drawn our attention, as their articles are misleading and malicious in contents. They are people who have terribly fallen from the national stand,” the NSCN-IM said today.
“Shillong Accord is a prostrate capitulation and the futile effort of Kaka D. Iralu to justify it amounts to taking a reactionary position. The Shillong Accord betrayed and challenged the decisive historical decisions taken by Naga people against any form of alien domination since the entry of the British colonialist inside Nagalim. Naga club came into being in 1918 and subsequently the Naga people took the historical stand including the 14th August, 1947 Independence declaration, the 1951 plebiscite, refusal to accede to the Indian Union and boycott of the Government of India (GOI) sponsored general elections. Let it be known to all that these historical decisions were almost demolished by a few misguided section of the NNC national workers who had received the official endorsement from the Zashei Hurei Ministry of the FGN and who went on to sign the infamous 1975 Shillong Accord. Some members of the NNC in the Alee Command including Isak Chishi Swu, Chaplee Kilonser NNC and Th. Muivah, General Secretary NNC saved the historical stand of the Nagas by condemning the Accord out rightly and later formed the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) in 1980,” the NSCN-IM pointed out.
It then said the Naga people are resolute and a true freedom fighter recognizes the price they have to pay as revolutionaries fighting for the freedom of Naga people. But history indicates that a section of NNC/FGN members was misguided by Nagaland Peace Council who brokered the Shillong Accord. The Shillong Accord propagandist like Kaka D. Iralu justified the signing of Shillong Accord on account of situation forced by the “horror of Indian military operation”. He tried to justify the surrender of one hundred and forty five arms by the NNC members in the hands of the government of India and Nagaland Peace Council (NPC). Another point blatantly argued by him was that some NNC leaders escaped to eastern Nagalim for fear of Indian military operation, the NSCN-IM stated.
“Is he spreading some cheap concocted stories to save the signatories of Shillong Accord and the NNC/FGN leaders?” it asked.
History shows that Isak Chishi Swu and Th.Muivah were then leading the Alee Command mission in China and they were kept in the dark on the signing of Shillong Accord, the NSCN-IM stated.
The NSCN-IM recalled that the Nagas had resorted to armed struggle in self-defense in order to safe their historical and political rights. It has become a symbol of their resistance against any occupational force. Revolutionary struggle ends once arms are surrendered in the hands of the enemy. Thus, NNC dethroned itself from the stage of history to make an ignominious exit by surrendering arms and betraying the Naga people and their political struggle. A Z Phizo befitting his stature as NNC president failed to outrightly condemn the Accord notwithstanding the repeated requests of the NNC members through official letters, the NSCN-IM reminded.
“Mr.Thepfulhouvi Solo known for his eccentric style of writing went overboard in most of his writings, divisively designed with anti-NSCN venom. His writings leave nothing to doubt of his petty grudge against the Nagas living in other states. He is not a Naga by blood in the true sense of the term. But he exercises no inhibition when it comes to downgrading the Nagas residing in other states because of historical circumstances as ‘outsiders’. But the fact remains that there is no ‘aboriginal Nagas’ or ‘outsiders’ as coined by Thepfulhouvi Solo. There is just one Naga nation inhabiting a contiguous and compact area that is now divided by artificial state boundaries and left in the four different states of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh within India and in Myanmar (erstwhile Burma) without the free and informed consent of the Naga people. He should be warned of trying to distort the course of Naga history like Kaka D. Iralu and his blind loyalty to NNC that finally failed to uphold the historical rights of the Naga people,” the NSCN-IM stated.
According to the NSCN-IM, the manner of Mr.Kekhrie Yhome going hyper critical of Naga Hoho with anti-NSCN venom is also seen in the media. But a person lacking political maturity with a prejudiced mindset will never stand the test of logical reasoning to educate the Nagas in correct perspective. He needs to sharpen his intuition on the ongoing Indo-Naga Political talks particularly on the question of ‘sovereignty’ rather than creates confusion among the Nagas for the sake of academic write ups. The unique history and situation of the Nagas that was recognized through the conscious decision of the Government of India on July 11, 2002 at Amsterdam reflects the position of the NSCN in defense of the Naga people’s history and sovereignty. The more than 15 years of political negotiation with the GoI should remind him of the seriousness and the earnestness with which the NSCN is dealing with the more than 60 years of Naga struggle. It is quite a revelation that Mr.Kekhrie Yhome is transforming himself into an objective and state-centric intellectual, the NSCN-IM stated.
“Kaka’s and Mr.Thepfulhouvi Solo justification of NNC and the Shillong Accord stands condemned. It amounts to high treason against the Naga Nation. Mr.Kekhrie Yhome should understand that the Indo-Naga issue is pure and simple political and the current political negotiation is based on the non-negotiable historical facts of the Naga people. The survival of a nation hinges on a sound economic system and issues related to that are our serious concern. However, first and foremost the foundation must be clear and for that reason the political negotiation with the government of India (GOI) began at the highest level, without pre-condition and outside India in a third country. Later as mentioned the GoI recognized the “Unique history and situation of the Nagas” underpinning the commitment of the NSCN for the history and political aspiration of the Naga people. Therefore, it is not necessary to argue about what is clear,” it added.
It then said that any willful attempt to distort the history of the Nagas will no longer be tolerated. The NSCN will not remain a silent spectator to all these unfounded and pseudo intellectual blitzkrieg against the Naga people. “We will guard against such practice and continue to follow the course that is best for the Naga people respecting and upholding the history of the Naga people,” the Naga outfit stated.
“Placed under the situation where the Nagas have to tread carefully, resorting to empty rhetoric to create confusion and pollutes the minds and thinking of the Nagas are simply to be treated as criminal indulgence. As a matter of doing the right thing for the Nagas at the right time, dissemination of wrong information at this critical juncture is anti-national and a crime against the Naga people’s, their struggle and history,” the NSCN-IM said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nscn-warns-naga-writers/

SHILLONG, June 25 NNN: Tension continues to run high even as the state government is promulgating CrPC 144 in the West Garo Hills of Meghalaya following the murder of 8 labourers in coal mines on Sunday.
However, local NGOs are organisation peace meetings so that the situation does not go out of control.
The killing of the 8 labourers came amidst the tense atmosphere prompted by the act of five migrant labourers who had attempted to molest an eighteen years old mentally challenged girl in Wadangere in Garo Hills last week.
The district administration had immediately clamped curfew since Friday night to control the situation.
In the face of this ugly development, eight migrant labourers were killed and three others were critically injured in the remote village of South Garo Hills district late Sunday night.
Superintendent of Police, South Garo Hills district, Davis Marak said that some mischief mongers taking advantage of the present situation prevailing in Garo Hills region attacked eleven labourers at ‘three different coal mining queries’ at Garegittim area near Nongalbibra of South Garo Hills district on Sunday night at around 11 pm and also looted ready money from them.
“In one of the query seven migrant labourers were attacked and killed, in the other one laborer was butchered and in the third three labourers were attacked, who survived despite the brutal attack,” Marak said adding, “On enquiry we found out that only from the three injured persons, miscreants robbed Rs 80, 000.”
He also said that the present condition of the injured persons are stated to be critical by the examining Doctors and they have been immediately shifted for medical attention to Goalpara hospital (Assam), whereas the bodies of the other eight labourers have been sent for postmortem to Williamnagar Hospital.
The bodies recovered had puncture holes with sharp objects; some were also hit with iron rods.
The deceased has been identified as Babul Ali (17), Jirhul Islam (25), Harjit Ali (20), Fazir Ali, Modon Ali, Moinal Haque, Islam Ali and Shah Jahan Ali all hailing from different districts of Assam.
However, the injured has been identified as Zakir Ali (45), Mojial Ali (52) and Ahidur Islam (35) all from Assam.
When asked the SP the reason behind the killing, he said that these labourers had just received their wages in bulk and some mischief mongers knowing the fact attacked them. However, he also said that the department cannot deny the fact of linking the incident to communal flare by the miscreants.
“Our boys are kept on high alert. We have intensified patrolling at vulnerable places,” Marak said.
Marak however informed that the District Administration had banned mining in South Garo Hills district.
“Despite the order, these labourers are working in this queries which are located in the interior locations of the district. Operations teams are asked to evacuate these labourers with escorts to safer locations,” SP Marak asserted.
However, sources informed that the killing of these migrant labourers has no connection to the Tura’s incident on Friday, where five labourers tried to molest a mentally challenged girl.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tension-at-garo-hill/

SHILLONG, June 23: Being weighed down by non-bailable arrest warrant against the Chancellor of CMJ University, Chandra Mohan Jha, the fugitive Chancellor finding no other means to redress his grievances on Sunday has knocked on the door of the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee.
In a letter sent to the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, the Chancellor of CMJ University, Chandan Jha alleged that the Governor’s action has imperiled the very existence of the University and has also placed in jeopardy the career of thousands of students who are pursuing their degrees from the University from the past 3 years.
Defending himself, Jha said that he is being bounded and hunted like a common criminal by issuance of a non bailable warrant by a local court.
“Chancellors of Universities are not directly responsible either for the admissions, examinations, results and issuance of mark sheets or degrees, nor in any way involved in the daily affairs of the University,” Jha said in the letter.
He also said that the whole unsavory incident is being orchestrated by the Governor for his ulterior motives.
“ln a record of sorts the Governor wrote for the dissolution of the University and on the very next day the state government had accepted the recommendation for dissolution. The Governor also recommended for a CBI probe into the affairs of the University when the CID enquiry is still on and an expert committee of UGC has been constituted to enquire into the affairs ofthe University at the behest of the Governor,” Jha said.
He therefore urged the President to personaìly intervene in this matter as the future of thousands of students are at Stake due to the rash, reckless and imprudent action of the Governor, RS Mooshahary.
He also said that such dictatorial impulses of Governor must be controlled and suitable directions should be given to the Governor.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/chancellor-seeks-help-of-president/

Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Friday asked Congress Members of Parliaments and Legislative Assembly to donate their one month’s salary for relief work in Uttarakhand.
In addition, Sonia Gandhi asked the MPs belonging to the Congress Party to mobilise Rs 10 lakh each for relief work there, party’s communication department in-charge Ajay Maken said. The Prime Minister has announced a grant of Rs. 1000/- crores for flood relief work. State governments too have announced grants. They include: Bihar Rs.5 crore;Odisha Rs.5 cr; Uttarakhand Rs.5 cr; UP Rs.25 crore Haryana Rs.10 cr; MPRs.5 cr Karnataka- Rs.5 crore ;Maharashtra Rs.10 cr; Gujarat Rs.2 cr Delhi Rs.10 cr and Chhattisgarh Rs.5 cr.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/donate-salary-sonia-gandhi/

Mail News Service
Agartala, June 21 : The first Unit of ONGC’s Mega Power project in Tripura was formally dedicated to the Nation by the President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Palatana (Tripura) on 21st June 2013. Among the dignitaries present on the occasion wereGovernor of Tripura, Shri Devanand Konwar, Chief Minister of Tripura, Shri Manik Sarkar, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dr. M. Veerappa Moily, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Smt. Panabaka Lakshmi and Chairman, ONGC-Tripura Power Company (OTPC) and ONGC Group of Companies, Shri Sudhir Vasudeva. This Unit 1 of the gas-based plant will generate 363.3 MW. The Unit II of the 726.6 MW power plant is expected to be commercially operational later this year.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said nature has bestowed Tripura with abundant natural gas. This power project by OTPC in a land locked, logistically challenged and difficult terrain is an important feat. It would pave the way for effective utilization of discovered gas. He expressed hope that this power plant would meet the requirements of power deficient states in the region and open up avenues for industrialization in Tripura. The President pointed out that the power project not only constituted the largest investment in the North East but it was also the largest project in the world registered under the Clean Development Mechanism of the UNFCC. It would earn India over a million of carbon credits.
The President specially thanked the President, Prime Minister and Government of Bangladesh for their support in making this project possible. He called for increased cooperation between India and Bangladesh in power sector. He said it was a much awaited and proud moment for all stake holders. He lauded the efforts of those associated with this important venture.
Petroleum Minister Dr Veerappa Moily informed that in line with Government’s efforts to enhance power generation capacity in the country, the government allocated ONGC’s Tripura gas for setting up of this mega power project in the state. This project would ensure abundant availability of the power in the region that in turn will provide significant spur to the growth activities. He added that this single project initiative of ONGC would bring in investments in excess on Rs. 10,000 crore in the region, when we consider the upstream investment of ONGC for supply of gas to the project and also the downstream transmission line from the project site at Palatana to the PGCIL grid-point at Bongaigaon being set up by North East Transmission Co. Ltd. (NETC) for evacuation of power from the project.
He added that special credit must go to ONGC to have successfully implemented this bold project at such a difficult terrain from logistics and support infrastructure point of view. ONGC realized the audacious dream of transporting such heavy and over-dimensional equipment through the territories of Bangladesh. Dr Moily underscored fact that the central and state governments provided all the support in helping ONGC realize its vision for the region. “This daring dream will not only make the region power surplus, but also has provided a platform for further improvement of the ties between the two neighboring nations. The credit for successful implementation is also due to the managements of OTPC and BHEL”, the Minister said.
ONGC, a leading oil PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, has ventured into power generation in north-east to monetize its natural gas resources, which were idle for want of an industrial market. With a total investment of around Rs. 3,804crore, this is the single-largest investment in north-east India.
ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC) has been floated as a joint-venture of ONGC, IL&FS Energy Development Company Ltd. and Tripura Government. The 2×363.3 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine based power project has also been registered as a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/president-dedicates-ongc-tripura-power-plant-single-largest-investment-in-ne/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, June 19 : Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh issued a statement to the media after an aerial survey of disaster affected areas of Uttarakhand: He said “Earlier today, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, UPA and I undertook an aerial survey of the rain and flood-affected areas of Uttarakhand. We saw for ourselves the large scale devastation that has been caused in the State. Our hearts go out to the families of those who have lost their lives and those who have suffered injury or loss of property in this huge tragedy.
Assessing the magnitude of the losses, both in terms of lives lost and houses destroyed, or the damage to buildings, roads and other infrastructure, is an exercise that will take some more time. The priority for the authorities at the moment is to rescue the stranded and provide urgently needed succor to those most in need of it.
What Chairperson UPA and I saw today was most distressing. While the most recent estimates put the death toll at 102, it is feared that loss of lives could eventually be much higher. So far, more than 10,000 people have been rescued and are being provided food, clothing and shelter. Many persons still remain stranded. The maximum damage has been in Kedarnath and its vicinity.
The immediate need is for rescue and relief operations and the Government will not spare any effort in this regard.
The Central and State Governments have deployed all possible resources to deal with the immediate aftermath of the ghastly tragedy. About 5500 Jawans and Officers of the Army, 3000 men of the Border Roads Organisation and 600 ITBP personnel are engaged in relief and rescue efforts. Thirteen teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed. The Air Force has deployed 18 helicopters and a C-130 aircraft. Private helicopters have also been engaged by the State Government.
The Central and State Governments will continue to work in close coordination to ensure that every possible effort is made not only to provide immediate relief to the affected persons but also to help them reconstruct their lives.
Ex-gratia assistance of Rs. 2 lakh each to the families of those who have lost their lives and Rs. 50,000 each to those who have been injured will be provided from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Further, we will also provide from the PMNRF ex-gratia assistance of Rs.1 lakh each to those whose houses have been completely destroyed and Rs. 50,000 each to those whose houses have been damaged.
I have decided to provide an amount of Rs.1000 crore to Uttarakhand for disaster relief, of which Rs. 145 crore is being released immediately. I have also directed all Central Agencies to render all possible assistance in their domain to the State.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pm-announces-1000-crore-rupee-disaster-relief-for-uttarakhand/

AIZAWL, June 19 NNN : Fish farmers in Mizoram are doing brisk business these days, thanks to the New Land Use Policy (NLUP).
However, the state government of Mizoram wants that the local fish farmers should increase their products to the extent where they start exporting fish outside the state.
NLUP is a pilot project of the Congress led Mizoram government under the leadership of chief minister Lal Thanhawla. Under this scheme, the government of Mizoram attempts to provide alternative means of livelihood to the farmers who are heavily dependent on jhumming which is detrimental to the environment.Piggery, bee-keeping, fish-farming, grape-cultivation etc., etc., are some of the fields the government is encouraging the local people to pursue by providing financial assistance.
Meanwhile, the Mizoram Co-operative Fish Farming Marketing and Processing Federation Ltd. (ZOFISFED) organised Annual General Assembly-cum-Awareness Campaign for Integrated Fish Farming Programme at Agriculture Conference Hall recently wherein Mizoram Co-operation minister J.H.Rothuama graced the ocassion as chief guest.
The federation had resolved ‘fish farming as a tool for self-sufficient’ as its yearly theme during the assembly.
While delivering a speech minister J.H Rothuama expressed happiness over Mizo fish farmers for their work and products and also said that the practice of fish farming has been increasing which is a good sign for many fish lovers in the state. The minister added that having ‘our own’ products (fish) in the market is a great boon for the health and hoped that in the coming days Mizoram will not be needing a fish from outside. The state government has introduced New Land Use Policy (NLUP) for upliftment and development of farmers in the state and fish farmers were among them who did well with the assistance given by the state. He also believed that NLUP will serve as a tool for long-term development of the state in various fields.
ZOFISFED was established October 29, 1998 with 22 Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies 22 under its wing. Since 2008, ZOFISFED is maintaining 8 Demonstration-cum-Fish Seed Farms. Through government sanction the federation has built Ice Plant at Buhchangpui with an expense of Rs. 22,52,500 besides purchasing one ‘Refrigerated Van’ during last year. 17,900 families have been enrolled in Scheme for Welfare of Fisherman Saving-cum-Relief Scheme for Fishermen of Mizoram State while 781 were benefited through Paddy-cum-Fish Culture. The assembly presided over by ZOFISFED chairman Thangchungnunga and had elected Board of Directors for 2013-2018.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/land-policy-benefitting-fishers/

AIZAWL, June 19 NNN: Repatriation of Mizoram Bru refugees from Tripura camps to Mizoram is likely to resume soon.
This information is received by the Mizoram government from Tripura Government which stated that the situation has become conducive once again after a short-lived tension in the inter-state border areas during the last two months.
Meanwhile, the initiative taken at the official level is expected to be approved by the Government in a few days time.
According to official sources, Mizoram officials are likely to be sent to the refugee camps in Tripura for identification of the refugees who are willing to return to Mizoram.
It may be mentioned here that the inter-state road between Mizoram and Tripura which was blocked at Langkaih Bridge has been reopened with effect from the first June following improvement of the situation.
The process of repatriation was temporarily stalled by officials of Tripura Government following tension in the border area in the aftermath of the death of Siberamriang. But now, the situation has improved further with reopening of Langkaih Bridge which connects Mizoram and Tripura.
On May 7, in the wake of the move to resume the repatriation of the Bru refugees, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP),the largest students’ body of Mizoram had asked the state government of Mizoram not to resume the repatriation process of Bru refugees from Tripura camp to Mizoram unless the refugees inform the government in writing that they were willing to come back to Mizoram.
The MZP leaders had said that the Bru people did not want to return to Mizoram when they were given chances five times by the Centre and the government of Mizoram as they left Mizoram for Tripura on their own volition.
The MZP also expressed concern over the increasing law and order problem in the border area including kidnapping of Mizos by the Brus for ransom.
It is pertinent to note that hundreds of Brus left Mizoram in 1997 and 2009. The first case was triggered when Bru militants murdered two Mizos who were forest guards on October 21, 1997. The second case happened after a 17-year-old Mizo boy was killed by the Brus near Bungthuam village on November 13, 2009. When the Bru left Mizoram they had driven out some Mizos in villages of Sakhan Hill Range in Tripura like Sakhan Serhmun, Sakhan Tlangsang, Sakhan Tualsen and Upper Dosda which had kicked up much ruckus in Mizoram then.
Meanwhile, a couple of years ago, head count conducted by the MBDPF found that there had been 31,703 Brus in the relief camps belonging to 5,448 families who were bona fide residents of Mizoram.
The repatriation of the 1997 batch of Bru refugees was underway until it stalled by the November 13 killing.
In the year 2011, conglomeration of major NGOs in Mizoram had submitted a joint memorandum to the then Union Home minister P Chidambaram to rehabilitate displacedMizos in Tripura and stall the ongoing repatriation of Brus from Tripura to Mizoram. The memorandum was signed by representatives of four large NGOs in the state—the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the MZP, the Mizoram Upa Pawl (MUP) or elders association and the Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) or the women’s federation and four political parties.
The memorandum had mentioned that more than 80 Mizo families displaced from Tripura’s Sakhan Hill range in 1998 after being threatened by Bru militants should be adequately rehabilitated by the Centre, otherwise, the repatriation of Bru refugees from Tripura relief camps should not be allowed.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bru-repatriation-likely-to-resume-soon/

SHILLONG, June 18 NNN : The National People’s Party (NPP) has condemned the inaction and inability of the Congress led Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA)-II government in locating and arresting the rape accused Sub-Inspector Nurul Islam, who is accused of molesting and raping two minor sisters at Ampati Police Station on March 13 and on May 31.
“It is a matter of great shame that such a crime was committed in the constituency of Chief Minister and instead of monitoring the situation himself and seeing to it that the accused is arrested immediately and brought to justice, CM is again camping in Delhi,” NPP Spokesperson James K Sangma said in a press statement on Tuesday here.
The NPP leaders wondered if ‘the soft pedaling and shoddy investigation being carried out is because as per some reports, the accused S.I. Nurul Islam is related to the Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma from his mother Roshanara Begum’s side?”
At the same time, James also condemned the ‘hypocrisy’ of the MUA government on its empty talk on tackling the rising cases of Rape in the State. “The reality is contrary to this because Rape cases are rising at a meteoric rate and all the cases of Rape are still hanging fire with absolutely no conviction. The Government seems to be content with its obligation of giving a meager compensation of Rs. 50,000 to the rape victims,” he said.
Asking government to nab Islam at the earliest, NPP said the biggest deterrent to such crimes is conviction and punishment, which can only be initiated if the accused is arrested in the first place.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/npp-condemns-govts-inaction-against-rape-accused-islam/