Tag: National

AIZAWL, June 4 NNN : Date for the resumption of talks between the Hmar militant outfit and the government of Mizoram is yet to be fixed.
Mizoram Home minister R. Lalzirliana said the programme for resumption of talks between the state government and Hmar Peoples Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) is yet to be scheduled.
However, the state Home minister disclosed that the HPC (D) had demanded for the political level talks and the files in this connection are being processed.
“We will be take a decision in this regard after the consultation with the Chief Minister when he returns from New Delhi,” said the Mizo minister.
It may be recalled that the political level talks between the state government of Mizoram and HPC-D was proposed for the first week of June.
The last meeting between the HPC-D and the government was held in April.
It worth mentioning here that for the first time on February 9, 2011 the Suspension of Operation’ (SoO) was signed betwen the two parties for six months. However, after signing the earlier SoO, the relation between the HPC-D and the Mizoram government experienced a rough weather. In view of that, the SoO was never extended again even after the lapse of the six month period.
Since 1986, the Hmar People’s Convention (HPC) has been demanding for the creation of Hmar Autonomous District in Mizoram. In spite of the Peace Accord that was inked between the Government of Mizoram and the HPC, there was no concrete solution to address and redress the rights of the Hmar People. “ Following this and to pursue the unfinished agenda, the Government of Mizoram and the HPC (D) signed the Suspension of Operation (SoO) on November 11, 2010 for a period of six months. The SoO document was signed by Lalropui, Army Chief HPC (D) and the Home Secretary Shri. Lalmalsawma, Government of Mizoram,” HPC-D leader L Sangma Hmar had stated sometime in last October.
The Hmar outfit leader had then alleged that the Government of Mizoram had failed to nurture the peace process with seriousness, which resulted in derailing the hard earned peace
process. Taking note of this, the Centre (Ministry of Home Affairs) continued to pressurise the Government of Mizoram to settle the Hmar political problems. The government of
Mizoram digressed from peaceful approach and acted untowardly when the HPC (D) on the other hand, is made to engage in finding the channels for political dialogue with All Party
Leaders of Mizoram, he stated. While handing out the carrot, the Government of Mizoram arrested the HPC (D) Army Chief Lalropui and Deputy Army Chief Lalbiaknung from Silchar airport on June 16, 2012 by the Mizoram police. Similarly HPC (D) Chairman Zosangber was again arrested from Delhi Airport by the Mizoram police when he was on his way to meet officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Government of Mizoram has severely failed to respect the peace process that has seemingly built, the HPC-D had rued.
HPC (D) political interest is collectively shared with the United People’s Front (UPF), currently under SoO with the Government of India and the Government of Manipur. The UPF demands for an Autonomous Hill States within the state of Manipur. The HPC (D) did not sign the SoO documents in Manipur alone but as UPF, the document is collectively shared and signed along with the UPF members: KNF, KRA (U), UKLF, ZDV and ZRA. The HPC (D) has its designated Camp in Ankhasuo with ninety four (94) cadres enlisted. In Manipur, the HPC (D) will continue to abide by the goals shared within the UPF.
“The HPC (D)’s goals and objectives are independent in all its respective context and is free from the other. The SoO terms and conditions in Manipur, has no validity in other States. Therefore, the HPC (D) Manipur Region is not answerable for the HPC (D) of other regions/States as the HPC (D) Manipur Region is particularly confined in Manipur under UPF,” L Sanga Hmar had also statedr.
For all time to come, the HPC (D) Manipur Region as signatory of SoO in Manipur cannot be made responsible or related to any acts of the HPC (D) of other regions, L Sanga Hmar said

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/talks-with-hmar-outfits/

DIMAPUR, June 4 NNN: Tension is brewing again between Adivasis and Nagas in the Nagaland-Assam border of Mariani following the succumbing of an Adivasi villager allegedly fired by villagers from Nagaland side at Mokochung-Mariani area on Monday.
The deceased has been identified as one Sanjay Bhumji.
Reports said, villagers from across the borders exchanged fire on Monday morning at around 9 and a bullet hit Sanjay Bhumji’s chest. He was rushed to Jorhat Medical College but succumbed shortly.
This incident happened barely after a week’s of imposing blockade and counter blockade in the border area.
On May 27, under the banner of the All Assam Tea Tribes’ Students Association (AATTSA), the Adivasis had imposed blockade to Nagaland at Mariani area of Assam-Nagaland border accusing the Nagas of assaulting the some Adivasis. On the other hand, the Nagas had alleged that the Adivasis were encroaching into Nagas’ land and had destroyed the standing crops in the fields of the Nagas at Mariani area.
“Unable to restrain further, the villagers waylaid the encroachers on May 23 and caught two encroachers red-handed in the act of destroying plantation and cultivated land within the village ancestral land near the Assam border. The encroachers culprits were handed over to the Police Station of Longchem Hq for necessary action,” the Naga villages of Nokpu Village Council and Saring Nokpu B Village Council had stated.
Vehicles from Nagaland and travelers at Mariani were blocked since last week demanding that the government of Assam arrest those Naga villagers involved in the abduction and assault incident on two Adivasis failing,which indefinite road blockade would be imposed on Nagaland.
Countering to the act of the Adivasi community, the apex body of the Ao Nagas under the banner of Ao Senden had imposed counter-blockade from 6 am of May 28.
The Nokpu Village Council and Saring Nokpu ‘B’ village Council of Nagaland alleged that activities of the ‘encroachers’ from Assam side, comprising of armed Adivasis and illegal immigrants under the instigation of some individual with selfish vested interest from the area are still continuing.
The village councils had then said there are historical facts and evidence that tells us about having very good Ahoms Naga relationship which exist till today; and even closer relationship between the communities living border areas, both village council re-iterates that people of Nokpu village still maintained the age old close relationship with the people of Ahoms. And there is no misunderstanding with the people of Assamese people except that we are against illegal immigrants who are encroaching our ancestral land, it added.
“Therefore, the action of the villagers in apprehending the encroachers/culprit and approaching authorities for taking action as per law should not be construed as kidnapping case, and further, both the council appeal to the local residence not to resort to false allegation .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/assam-nagaland-border-area-tense/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, June 3: The Special Judge for CBI Cases Indore has convicted Inderjeet Singh Bhatia the then Development Officer, Divisional Office-I, United India Insurance Company Ltd.
Indore(Madhya Pradesh) U/s 13(2) r/w 13(1)(e) of PC Act, 1988 and sentenced him to undergo three years Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs. 10 lakh in a disproportionate assets case.
CBI had registered a Case on 20.03.2003 against Shri Inderjeet Singh Bhatia the then Development Officer, Divisional Office-I, United India Insurance Company Ltd. Indore u/s 13(2) r/w 13(1)(e) of PC Act, 1988 on the allegations that he amassed huge wealth of Rs.20,70,882/- which was disproportionate to his known source of income.
After investigation a charge sheet U/s 13(2) r/w 13(1)(e) of PC Act, 1988 against Shri Inderjeet Singh Bhatia was filed on 17.08.2004 in the Court of Special Judge for CBI Cases, Indore.
The Trial Court found the accused guilty and convicted him.
The Special Judge, CBI, AHD, Ranchi(Jharkhand) has today sentenced 10 accused persons in one of the Fodder Scam Cases tried at Ranchi.
The ten accused persons are Dr Om Prakash Diwakar, the than Regional Director, AHD, Dumka to undergo six years Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs. Four Lakhs; Dr Ajit Kumar Sinha, then TVO(M), Godda, working in the office of DAHO Godda to unergo six years RI with fine of Rs. Four Lakhs; Braj Bhushan Prasad, Retd Budget Cum Accountant officer, AHD Patna to undergo five years RI with fine of Rs. Two Lakhs; Rajesh Kumar Sinha, owner of M/s Tara Pharmaceuticals J&K Towor, Ex Hibition Road, Patna to undergo five years RI with fine of Rs. Two Lakhs; Naresh Prasad, Owner of M/s Vyapar Kutir, Patna to undergo four years RI with fine of Rs. 1.60 Lakhs ; Rakesh kumar Sinha, the then Treasury Officer. Godda, to undergo five years RI with fine of Rs. Two Lakhs; Bal Krishna Dubey, the then Accountant, Treasury office, Godda to undergo four years RI with fine of Rs. One Lakh; Bhanukar Dubey, the then Assistant , Treasury office, Godda to undergo four years RI with fine of Rs. One Lakh; Dr R.K. Rana, Ex-MLA, resident of Narayanpur, Distt. Bhagalpur to undergo five years RI with fine of Rs. Two Lakhs and Dhruv Bhagat, Ex-MLA, resident of Sangrampur, Distt, Munger to undergo five years RI with fine of Rs.Two Lakhs.
In this case chargesheet was filed in the court against 15 accused persons on the allegations that the accused siphoned off an amount of Rs. 36,65,861/- from Godda(Jharkhand) Treasury on strength of forged & fabricated allotment letters, false supply bills raised by the accused suppliers either without effecting the supply of any material, billed for or by making part supply. Out of 15, two died during trial & one pleaded guilty. Remaining 12 accused persons were facing trial. Out of 12, Ten accused persons were convicted on 31.05.2013. Two persons i.e one Statistical Supervisor and other Supplier were acquitted by the Court.
This is 44th Fodder Scam Case so far disposed off from trial at Ranchi.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/three-years-rigorous-for-insurance-officer/

IMPHAL, May 3 NNN : Condemning the alleged murder of Reingamphy Awungshi inside her room in New Delhi, the Great June Uprising Unity Day Observation Committee (GJUUDOC) Monday made a fervent appeal to the MPs of Manipur to use their might to bring the culprits in the case to justice.
Speaking to reporters at United Committee Manipur (UCM) office here, GJUUDOC chairman KT Rahman alleged there is tacit knowledge that the mainland India discriminates the Northeasterners on various grounds.
Rahaman also appealed to the two MPs of the state to use their strength to help bring all the culprits in the Awungshi killing case to justice. The 21- year -old girl from Ukhrul district of Manipur was mysteriously found dead in her room on May 29 in South Delhi.
“Responsibility for any unpleasant situation that arises out of denial of justice to the case must be owned up by both the state and Central Governments,” he cautioned.
Y Nabachandra, vice-chairman, GJUUDOC, who was also present there, said the committee condemned the killing of Awungshi in the strongest terms blaming the mainland India for racial profiling against the people of the region.
He also expressed unhappiness over the failure of the concerned authority to take up the case of Awungshi killing in South Delhi in right time.
Nabachandra pledged the committee would render support to the Awungshi Joint Action Committee in its future agitation against her killing.
He also appealed to all not to observe the upcoming June 18 anniversary in pompous manner taking account of the seriousness of the Awungshi killing case.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/appeal-to-mps-to-act-on-woman-killing-case-in-new-delhi/

AIZAWL, June 2 NNN: Due to the FIR filed recently by the Mizoram corruption watchdog, People’s Right to Information and Development Implementing Society of Mizoram (PRISM) to Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) against Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and his ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries and MLAs on ground of discrepancy in accumulation and construction of their own residential buildings and to investigate over it, the accused ministers and MLAs said they now want to resort to filing defamation case against the PRISM, according to the media cell of Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC).
“After having done verification over the accusations made by PRISM against the MLAs, we found that the accusations are false and unfounded,” the MPCC stated, adding, “We are very much afraid that these out-of-the-way accusations hurled at the MLAs may downgrade even their already secured good names. The possible reason, we supposed, for PRISM doing like this is because they want to contest in the assembly elections. We therefore, supposed that they (PRISM) feel the good MLAs as a hindrance in their plan for the same and so tried to defame them”, the MPCC said.
It can be noted here that this is not the only case where PRISM had exposed the corrupt practices in Mizoram.
On August 18 last year, the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACb) had arrested PWD Engineer-in-Chief, Lianchungnunga, former Engineer-in-Chief Liansanga and PWD Accountant B Thanpuia on the charges of misappropriation of funds for the Serkhan-Bagha Road surfacing, thanks to the PRISM exposure.
Political parties including Mizoram state unit of BJP, Mizoram National Front (MNF), Mizo Peoples Convention (MPC), Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), PC and Zoram National Party (ZNP) along with NGOs such as AMFU, AMIS, CITUM, FOMTU, GDN, HR&LN, HZP, MBCS, MCDC, MMS, MRTU, MUP, MSU, MZP, PRISM, SOSA and TZP rallied behind PRISM in the case.
The Anti Corruption Bureau had arrested the three officials- Lianchungnunga s/o Hranga (L) Chaltlang Dawrkawn, Liansanga s/o Suakkunga (L), Khatla and B Thanpuia s/o B Lalnghaka (L), Upper Republic following the FIR lodged against them for their alleged involvement in corruption in connection with the work of Serkhan-Bagha Road construction. ACB had arrested the three PWD officials through the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Lian¬chungnunga was arrested while he was at his office, Liansanga at his residence, and B Lalthanpuia while on his building construction work.
After receiving an FIR in 2009 against the three PWD officials, the Anti Corruption Bureau had carried out investigations after which they came to arrest the three accused PWD officials last month.
It can be noted here that the BRTF had earlier worked for the 75 km. Serkhan-Bagha construction and after blacktopping was done, it was handed over to Mizoram PWD in 2004. Then, the PWD received Rs. 6, 00, 50,000 during 2006-09 from the 12th Finance Commission, Rs. 1,00,86,000 from Mizoram Plan Fund during 2004-07, Rs. 30,00,000 from NEC in March 14, 2006 and again Rs. 45,00,000 on September 21, 2006.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/grand-bungalows-of-ministers-in-mizoram-attract-corruption-watchdog/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, May 31: The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a chargesheet against five accused persons (four residents of Balipur & one of Katra Vihar) of District Pratapgarh(U.P) for their role in the conspiracy & alleged murder of Nanhe Yadav then Pradhan of Balipur District Pratapgarh and recovery of illegal weapons.
The investigation revealed that rivalry between the deceased & the accused for dominance in village politics and a land dispute between the deceased & accused persons, were the reasons behind the killing.
CBI had registered four cases relating to murder of three persons, including ShriZiaulHaque, Deputy Superintendent of Police of Uttar Pradesh and two other persons, namely ShriNanheYadav& his brother Shri Suresh Yadav, both of District Pratapgarh (UP) in separate incidents on 02.03.2013 on the request of UP Govt and after Notification by Govt of India. CBI has taken of the investigation of these cases which were earlier registered by Uttar Pradesh.
Further investigation is continued U/s 173 (8) Cr.P.C. in the case.
The public is reminded that the above findings are based on the investigation done by CBI and evidence collected by it. Under the Indian Law, the accused are presumed to be innocent till their guilt is finally established after a fair trial.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a chargesheet against five accused persons (four residents of Balipur & one of Katra Vihar) of District Pratapgarh(U.P) for their role in the conspiracy & alleged murder of Nanhe Yadav then Pradhan of Balipur District Pratapgarh and recovery of illegal weapons.
The investigation revealed that rivalry between the deceased & the accused for dominance in village politics and a land dispute between the deceased & accused persons, were the reasons behind the killing.
CBI had registered four cases relating to murder of three persons, including ShriZiaulHaque, Deputy Superintendent of Police of Uttar Pradesh and two other persons, namely ShriNanheYadav& his brother Shri Suresh Yadav, both of District Pratapgarh (UP) in separate incidents on 02.03.2013 on the request of UP Govt and after Notification by Govt of India. CBI has taken of the investigation of these cases which were earlier registered by Uttar Pradesh.
Further investigation is continued U/s 173 (8) Cr.P.C. in the case.
The public is reminded that the above findings are based on the investigation done by CBI and evidence collected by it. Under the Indian Law, the accused are presumed to be innocent till their guilt is finally established after a fair trial.
Ajay Kumar Pal, residence of Balipur; Vijay Kumar Pal, residence of Balipur;Sanjay Pratap Singh @ Guddu Singh, residence of Balipur; Rajiv Pratap Singh @ Raju Singh, residence of Balipur;
Rakesh Narayan Pal, residence of Katra Vihar

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-files-chargesheet-against-five-persons/

AIZAWL, May 30 NNN: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has started its preparation for the conduct of assembly election in Mizoram. Mizoram will go to poll in the later part of this year.
The Election Commission of India has finalized for conduct of Electoral Roll Special Summary Revision. In this connection, Joint Chief Electoral Officer (Jt CEO) H Lalengmawia today interacted with the media.
As per the direction of ECI, Special Summary Revision will begin by July 1, and the final roll is to be published on August 16.
At present, Mizoram has 6, 83, 801 voters, which is 60.11% of the total population, from which is learnt that 39.09 % are not in the Roll, and therefore, many people are yet to enter in the electoral roll.
Jt. CEO Lalengmawia said that despite several criticisms, EVMs are planned to be used in the assembly elections in the state as per the wish of the Election Commission of India.
He added that out of the 1500 EVMs in Mizoram, 187 needed to be repaired, and are now processed to be sent to ECIL Hqrs. Hyderabad. And, as per permission of ECI, 200 EVMs are planned to be borrowed from Tripura.
The JT. CEO invites the media persons to cooperate in ensuring that each and every citizen exercise their franchise.
As it is mandatory that photos of every voteer be shown in the Electoral Roll, therefore each district is informed to take strong steps in this regard, JT. CEO Lalengmawia said, adding any new voter must submit at least 2 copies of passport photographs.
As the Election Commission of India has made arrangement for Public Grievances Redressal Mechanism to which people can approach in Election-related matters, toll free telephone connections are made in every district.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/preparation-for-mizoram-elections/

Gurgaon/New Delhi, May 30 (ANI): Doctors treating Vidya Charan Shukla at the Medanta Medicity Hospital in Gurgaon on Thursday said that the veteran Congress leader is still in a very serious condition.
“As compared to yesterday, his condition remains steady. In fact, there has been a slight response to the supportive care, the antibiotics and the other treatment being given to him.
Let me clarify that Mr. Shukla still remains critical and not out of danger,” said Dr. A.K. Dubey, the spokesperson of Medanta Hospital.
Meanwhile, Shukla’s nephew Amitesh hoped for his speedy recovery.
“I believe he is much better now. He has no fever and his organs are functioning properly. His health has improved. I hope that he is out of danger soon,” he told the media in New Delhi.
The 84-year-old former union minister sustained three bullet wounds after he was caught in the middle of an ambush by Maoists on a Congress convoy in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar District on Saturday.
Prior to being moved to Gurgaon, Shukla underwent an operation at a Jagdalpur hospital for removal of the bullets.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi visited Shukla at the Medanta Hospital on Sunday, and inquired about his health from the hospital staff and his family members.
BJP leader L K Advani, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit have also visited Shukla at the hospital.
Heavily-armed Maoists had on Saturday ambushed a convoy of Congress leaders in the state’s Bastar district, killing 27 people including PCC chief Nand Kumar Patel, his son Dinesh, Congress leader Mahendra Karma and ex-MLA Uday Mudliyar and injuring 37 others.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/vc-shukla-still-remains-critical-medanta-doctors/

The Special Judge, Tis Hazari Courts, Delhi, has convicted G.C. Jain, then Officer(Junior Management Grade Scale), State Bank of India and two private persons, Rakesh Kumar & Pramod Kumar in a cheating & forgery case. G.C. Jain was sentenced to undergo five years Rigorous Imprisonment with total fine of Rs. 2.70 lakh and Rakesh Kumar & Pramod Kumar were sentenced to undergo four years RI with fine of Rs. 60,000/- each.
This case was registered on 28.09.1990 on the complaint of State Bank of India, Head Office, Sansad Marg, New Delhi against Shri G.C. Jain, Officer, JMGS, SBI and five private person alleging therein that G.C. Jain in conspiracy, defrauded SBI to the tune of Rs.12,33,162/-(approx) by substituting genuine pay-in-slips submitted by Bank customers for crediting cheques / drafts and other bank instruments with forged ones in favour of accounts opened in the name of his relatives on his introductions.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sbi-official-sentenced/

SHILLONG, May 28 NNN:A father who has been struggling to ensure his ailing siblings gets the required treatment to survive from a disease for sixteen years long today decided to knock on the door of the Court seeking its permission to commit-suicide.
Running out of resources, Abdul Rahim – a resident of Barapathar of Shillong announced this drastic decision to journalists at a news conference held here.
Rahim is living with his wife and five siblings. But the family has been going through depression and pain when three of their children were declared to have suffered from “Thalesemia” – a blood disorder disease.
Undergoing treatment at a Hospital in Guwahati, Assam, Rahim, a shoe merchant had to spend maximum about Rs 45, 000 a month for the regular blood transfusion for his children.
It is also learnt in order to get a 100 per cent cure for the disease, the family required to spend around 20 – 25 lakh rupees for each child.
The three children included 16 years old Sadik Ahmed, Suheil Ahmed (14) and their nine year old brother Mohamed Samim.
Over the years, Rahim has sold off his shoe factory at Anjalee, his shop at Bara Bazaar and land properties all for the treatment of his children.
Now, the father decided to make an appeal to the State High Court requesting it to grant him permission to commit suicide along with his three children.
“I can no longer see my children suffering. I have nothing left but to seek permission to take his children’s lives and commit suicide,” he told journalists here.
However, Rahim said that he would also make appeal to the government of Meghalaya and Assam to extend medical assistance to his children. According to him, if the government refused assistance then he would have no other option but to take the last resort.
Mentionably, Rahim though originally hails from Assam is a citizen of Meghalaya while his wife and siblings are settling in Nagaon district of Assam.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/man-seeks-permission-to-commit-suicide/

Raipur, May 28 (ANI): Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh today said anti-Naxal operations will be intensified with more security forces and modern weapons being provided by the Central Government to the affected regions.
“We will coordinate with Naxal-hit states adjoining Chhattisgarh and forces and modern weapons would be provided by the Centre for anti-Naxal operations,” he told mediapersons after holding a meeting of senior officials at the police headquarters here.
“We will not involve the army. There is no need to call the Army. Neither have we asked them. But we will send more (paramilitary) forces,” he said, when asked to comment on the role of the army to tackle the Naxal threat.
Singh further said a judicial inquiry has been set up to find out the error.
“Maoists on Tuesday claimed that the main target of their deadly May 25 attack on a convoy of Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar District was tribal leader Mahendra Karma.
In a four-page letter and an audio clipping sent to the media from an undisclosed location, the Maoists formerly accepted responsibility for the death of 28 people and over 30 injured in the attack. The letter carried the signature of a Maoist spokesperson from Dandakaranya.
As per the letter, a team of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) carried out the attack. It further states that senior Congress leaders Mahendra Karma, Nand Kumar Patel and V C Shukla were the main targets of the attack.
The Maoists claimed that the purpose of their attack was to “punish” Karma for launching the anti-Naxal armed Salwa Judum movement against them.
Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader in Chhattisgarh Nand Kumar Patel was targetted for giving a go ahead to Operation Green Hunt and letting paramilitary forces join anti-Naxal operations when he served as the state’s home minister, the rebels said in their letter.The Maoists, however, regretted the killing of some “innocent” Congress functionaries, but put the blame on Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, the Congress and the BJP for their “anti-people policies”.
The Reds also hit out at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, BJP president Rajnath Singh and CM Raman Singh for choosing to stay mum “when innocent people were being killed by the state”.
The Maoists also made seven demands in the letter, calling for the withdrawal of paramilitary forces from Dandakaranya and an end to Operation Green Hunt.
They also sought the release of arrested Maoists and “innocent” tribals from prison unconditionally.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/anti-naxal-operations-will-be-intensified-sans-army-home-secretary/

DIMAPUR, May 27 NNN : Adivasis and Nagas in the Nagaland-Assam border of Mariani are on loggerhead and hence blockade and counter blockade from both the sides.
Under the banner of the All Assam Tea Tribes’ Students Association (AATTSA), the Adivasis have imposed blockade to Nagaland at Mariani area of Assam-Nagaland border accusing the Nagas of assaulting the some Adivasis. On the other hand, the Nagas alleged that the Adivasis are encroaching into Nagas’ land and had destroyed the standing crops in the fields of the Nagas at Mariani area.
“Unable to restrain further, the villagers waylaid the encroachers on May 23 and caught two encroachers red-handed in the act of destroying plantation and cultivated land within the village ancestral land near the Assam border. The encroachers culprits were handed over to the Police Station of Longchem Hq for necessary action,” the Naga villages of Nokpu Village Council and Saring Nokpu B Village Council.
Vehicles from Nagaland and travelers at Mariani have been blocked since last Friday with a 24-hour demanding that the government of Assam arrest those Naga villagers involved in Thursday’s abduction and assault on two Adivasis failing,which indefinite road blockade will be imposed on Nagaland.
Countering to the act of the Adivasi community, the apex body of the Ao Nagas under the banner of Ao Senden will impose counter-blockade from 6 am of May 28.
The Nokpu Village Council and Saring Nokpu ‘B’ village Council of Nagaland alleged that activities of the ‘encroachers’ from Assam side, comprising of armed Adivasis and illegal immigrants under the instigation of some individual with selfish vested interest from the area are still continuing.
The village councils then said there are historical facts and evidence that tells us about having very good Ahoms – Naga relationship which exist till today; and even closer relationship between the communities living border areas, both village council re-iterates that people of Nokpu village still maintained the age old close relationship with the people of Ahoms. And there is no misunderstanding with the people of Assamese people except that we are against illegal immigrants who are encroaching our ancestral land, it added.
“Therefore, the action of the villagers in apprehending the encroachers/culprit and approaching authorities for taking action as per law should not be construed as kidnapping case, and further, both the council appeal to the local residence of Naganijan/Nakachari/Mariani section; not to resort to false allegation which would result disturbing peace in the area, And also pointed out that if any encroachers are caught in future the village will deal with them as per customary law of the land,” the Village Councils stated.There are around 80 lakhs population of Adivasis in Assam alone and a couple of Adivasi based militant outfits are existing demanding a Adivasi statehood by carving out a portion of Assam state.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/assam-nagaland-bodies-launch-blockades-against-each-other/

New Delhi, May 24 (ANI): Minister of State in Prime Minister’s office (PMO), V. Narayanasamy, on Friday said that no one should interfere in the working of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and added that it should be given a free hand to investigate any matter.
“As far as the CBI autonomy as far as the investigation is concerned yesterday we had a meeting under the chairmanship of P Chidambaram, the Honourable Prime Minister constituted the group of ministers to look into the matter. We discussed several issues related to the autonomy to the CBI,” he told media here.
“The Supreme Court judgement has clearly mentioned that the overall superintendence and administrative control can remain with the government specially the department of personnel as well as the investigation part is concerned the CBI should be given the free hand to investigate the matter. Nobody should interfere in the investigation process of CBI,” Narayanasamy added.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had recently formed a Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Finance Minister P. Chidambaram to decide the plan of action to insulate the investigating agency from external influence.
Besides Chidambaram, the GoM has External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, newly-appointed Law Minister Kapil Sibal, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari and Minister of State for Personnel V. Narayanasamy as members.
The government’s move came after the Supreme Court had called the CBI “a caged parrot” that “speaks in its master”s voice after the investigating agency admitted in an affidavit that Ashwani Kumar, who quit as the Law Minister, and senior officials of the Prime Minister”s Office and the coal ministry had made certain changes in the report on the allocation of coal blocks.
The apex court, which reserved its harshest words for the CBI, calling it a “caged parrot with many masters”, stressed the need for the CBI to operate independently of the political establishment.
“You are not a constable or head constable. You are a premier investigating agency and must learn to work under pressure. It (probe) is not a collaborative exercise between the CBI and ministry officials … It is a sordid saga of many masters and one parrot,” it said. (ANI)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nobody-should-interfere-in-working-of-cbi-narayanasamy/

SHILLONG, May 24 NNN: A new case of crime against women from the West Garo Hills region in Danabollonggre of Meghalaya was revealed, according to a delayed report.
The incident took place on May 18, at about 2 pm when a physically handicapped girl was molested by a fish trader who had tried to offer her biscuits before trying to take advantage of the situation and of her being alone. The incident has shocked the whole neighbourhood as the girl is only 14 years old, while also being physically handicapped and suffering from severe epileptic fits.
Danabollonggre, a small hamlet of a 133 people in the Gambegre constituency is about 22 km from the district headquarters, Tura.
A case in this connection was only filed today by the parents of the girl who was molested. The molested girl related the incident stating she had asked the molester to run as she was not going to give in without a fight. The molester ran after he heard small children came towards the house.
In September 2012, the same trader had tried to rape another girl of a neighbouring village.
He had chased the girl who was in the field moving cattle when he found her completely alone. The girl ran towards her house, when the man turned back. The incident was reported by the girl to her elder sister, who kept mum thinking the girl may have been mistaken. However, after the second attempt on the physically handicapped girl, the first incident came to light.
The molester who was a regular visitor to the area trying to sell fish to the villagers was identified by the villagers, who however could not give complete details as the person had given a false name to the villagers. The villagers said the person identified himself as Sunil Ali and said he was from a village in the Rajabala constituency, both of which may be false. No arrests have been made as the trader is still absconding. Incidentally, both the girls who have been molested are minors.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/physically-challenged-person-molested/

By Pradeep Kumar
Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh), May 24 (ANI): Outgoing Arunachal Pradesh Governor and former chief of army staff,
General (retired) J.J. Singh, has once again asked the Centre to find an early solution to end the Naga imbroglio.
Interacting with media before calling curtains on his five-and-half-year-long stint as the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, General (retired) Singh said: peace is linked to prosperity, and reiterated his view that only an iron fist for insurgents and a velvet glove for civilians policy would ensure that peace prevails and attempts by any forces inimical to national security would be thwarted.
It was a reiteration of what General Singh has been advocating from the day he bcame governor, and particularly emphasised during his first official visit to Khonsa, the headquarters of the insurgency infested Tirap District, on February 1 and 2, 2008.
Pointing out that insurgency is going out of fashion, the former army chief opined that the surrender policy has not been implemented effectively, and admitted that the people of Tirap, Changlang and Longding Districts were caught in intermittent turf wars between both NSCN factions.
He said there was a need for the government to announce a viable surrender package to motivate NSCN cadres and Maoists to rejoin the national mainstream.
Singh said that he considered himself lucky to become a governor of a sensitive state like Arunachal Pradesh, especially during its historical phase of development.
It was a challenging assignment, particularly peace, stability and law and order. Maintaining security of the frontier state and law and order problem was my greatest challenge, and I?m happy that by and large, there was no problem with the neighbouring nations, he said.
He said the bandh culture was contained and divisive forces were not allowed to take deep root to blackmail, extort, kidnap innocent Arunachalees.
Commenting on the numerous development initiatives, the governor attributed the achievements to the seamless relations between the Raj Bhawan and the Chief Minister’s Office.
Responding to a specific question from ANI as to what motivated him to coin Team Arunachal adage, he attributed
his success in life, including as army chief to team work, but said that as Governor he found many sincere and hardworking people in Arunachal with individualistic approaches.
Team Arunachal bounded one and all right from young to old in one thread as a symbol unity in diversified Arunachal to spread the message We are together, he said.
Singh, who frequented every part of the land-locked state, made a special mention of his pet Poma bamboo project near the state capital where 50 to 60 families are earning their livelihood.
Singh has been replaced by Lt. Gen. (retired) Nirbhay Sharma, who is likely to take oath on May 28.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/surrender-policy-not-implemented-properly-j-j-singh/

AIZAWL, May 23 NNN : Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla’s reported participation in a Hindu temple sometimes ago is kicking up ruckus in Mizoram with the principal Opposition party Mizo National Front (MNF) organising a protest rally in the state capital Aizawl today.
However, it is not certain when the chief minister had entered a Hindu temple but there have been speculations that Lal Thanhawla and his wife had participated in a Hindu temple and the picture of that event was reportedly circulated by people in social media.
Today, the Mizo National Front (MNF) organized a protest rally christened as ‘Milem biak duhlohna kawngzawh’ or ‘Rally against Worshiping of Idols’ in Aizawl.
The rally began from Chanmari to Vanapa Hall.
Thousands of people in the state attended the protest rally.
MNF alleged that Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had attended at a Puja sacrificing himself according to Hinduism.
At the protest rally, MNF leader R.Tlanghmingthanga addressed the gathering at Chanmari, Dr.H.Lallungmuana at Zarkawt point, Lalthlengliana at Dawrpui and Zoramthanga the party president at Vanapa Hall.
Former Chief Minister Zoramthanga clarified that the MNF was not saying Lal Thanhawla had violated the Constitution of India. “But we organized this protest rally as he had violated the God’s commandments in the Bible,” Zoramthanga said.
According to Exodus chapter 20 in the Bible’s Old Testament, it is written as, “And God spoke all these words: ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me’”, Zoramthanga pointed out. The MNF president then said Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had violated these two commandments fourth times with his wife breaking a coconut, smearing colour in their foreheads while believing in idolatry, said Zoramthanga.
“Being a preacher in the pulpit in the church, such kind of activity was not suited for the leader of the Christians in Mizoram, so the protest rally was organized,” the MNF leader added.
Meanwhile, the protest rally today passed a resolution saying Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla injured the heart of the Mizo people. Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla has also denied the religion of the Mizos and the Mizo people, the MNF leader said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-cm-attacked-for-visiting-temple/

New Delhi, May 23: The legal maxim “Justice delayed is justice denied” has become true for the family of a five-year-old girl, who was horrendously raped and brutally murdered four years ago. Even four long years have passed without justice after the rape-murder incident; the accused has been acquitted by the Court in Delhi recently.
The 5-year-old was allegedly raped and brutally killed by Manoj Thapa at Mahipalpur in New Delhi on April 17, 2009. The accused,. Manoj Thapa (21) stayed in the adjacent building and was just another friendly neighbour of the victim’s family when he committed the crime. Later he was arrested.
The family of the victim came to Delhi from Mhainamtsi village of Peren district, Nagaland in the month of January, 2009 to get better employment opportunity as well as to educate their child in a good school. However, their dreams short lived when they lost their only child. The nightmare continues unstoppable till today. In pursuing the case, the North East Helpline met B.S Jaiswal, DCP South yesterday. “It was really unfortunate and very disappointing to learn that the Judge, Atul Ghar has acquitted the accused Manoj Thapa on the ground that there was no sufficient evidence to punish him,” said Dr. Alana Golmei, General Secretary of NE Helpline.
“The alleged murderer Manoj Thapa had several criminal records including a charge of raping a deaf and dumb girl at R.K. Puram in 2004 but it’s shocking to learn that the Court has acquitted him without even further investigation,” Dr. Alana added.
However, the DCP South B. S. Jaiswal yesterday told NE Helpline that the police is not convinced with the verdict of the Court and therefore the police have filed an appeal to the High Court and is awaiting for the next hearing.
North East Helpline strongly appeals to concerned authorities and law enforcement agencies to seriously look into the matter so that the family of the victim gets justice.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/no-justice-yet-in-rape-case/

New Delhi, May 22 (ANI): The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA), , completed the fourth year of its second term in power on Wednesday and the government said that it had ushered in several important decisions, while the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rubbished the former’s performance.
“In the matters of development or agriculture or food security or road transport or railways or medicine, this government has been lagging behind but when it comes to matters of inflation, corruption, attacking the democratic system, misusing the federal police and having corrupt ministers, this government has been leading the race,” said BJP spokesperson, Vijay Sonkar Shastri.
A series of high-profile scandals eroded trust and stymied policymaking in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s administration in recent months.
A string of billion-dollar scandals has sparked widespread anger against the government. The corruption saga has dented investor confidence and smothered reforms such as on land acquisition that could help maintain the momentum of one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, which has showed signs of slowdown.
Minister of State for Agriculture, Tariq Anwar, however, said production in the farm and other sectors had increased under the current regime despite, several scams.
“On behalf of the Samajwadi Party, we want the UPA government to improve their performance in the remaining one year. The overall mood of the public is not good. The current four years were filled with scams and this needs to be controlled and many of their ministers, who are loose cannons, should be controlled,” said General Secretary (GS) of the Samajwadi Party, Ram Asrey Kushwaha.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cong-led-upa-happy-at-completion-of-four-years-bjp-bashes/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, May 22: The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a chargesheet against Ex-Chief Minister of Jharkhand Madhu Koda in the Court of Special Judge, CBI, Ranchi for possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. His associate has also been chargesheeted along with him for abetting the offence. The assets and expenditure of Ex-Chief Minister have been found to be disproportionate to the tune of approx. Rs.8.42 crores.
The public is reminded that the above findings are based on the investigation done by CBI and evidence collected by it. Under the Indian Law, the accused are presumed to be innocent till their guilt is finally established after a fair trial.
The Special Judge for CBI Cases, Patna has convicted B N Kunwar & D C Choudhary, both then Junior Engineers, RCD, Motihari (Bihar) and D N Singh, Carriage Contractor. All the three accused were sentenced to undergo five years Rigorous Imprisonment for misappropriating the bulk Bitumen.
The instant case was lodged by Birendra Narayan Kunwar, JE, RCD Motihari vide Motihari P. S. case No 126/96 alleging therein that carriage transporter D.N.Singh lifted 546.86 MT Bulk Bitumen against S.O. No. 4773 (E) dt. 23.07.94 but delivered only 120.84 MT. He also lifted 1024.96 MT Bulk Bitumen in respect of S.O.No. 5502 (E) dt. 17.08.94 but supplied only 12.32 MT to consignee RCD Motihari. Thus, the carriage transporter D.N. Singh misappropriated Bulk Bitumen worth about Rs 70 lakh.
CBI took up the investigation on the directions of Hon’ble High Court, Patna and registered a case on 05.03.1997.
After investigation, charge sheet was filed against three accused persons, namely D. N. Singh, Carriage contractor;
B. N. Kunwar & D. C. Choudhary, both then JEs, RCD, Motihari. The Trial Court found all the accused guilty and convicted them.
The Special Judge, CBI cases, Ernakolam (Kerala) has convicted i K. Ramarajan, then Assistant Manager, State Bank of India, Vaniyamkulam Branch, Palghat and three other private accused viz. i K. Divakaran Nair; K. Ramdas & i Gopalankutty, all resident of Palghat, in a CBI Case U/s 120B r/w 420, 468, 471 IPC & Sec. 13 (2) r/w 13(1)(d) of PC Act, 1988 and sentenced them to undergo three years Simple Imprisonment.
The investigation revealed that K. Ramarajan while working as Assistant Manager(Advances), State Bank of Travancore, Vaniyamkulam Branch, Palghat(Kerala) entered into a criminal conspiracy with 5 private accused persons viz. i K. Divakaran Nair; i K. Ramdas; Gopalankutty and two other persons. In pursuance of the said criminal conspiracy, the public servant had fraudulently & with dishonest intention, recommended agricultural loans to various persons on the basis of forged documents like Tax Receipts, Possession Certificate etc. submitted by private persons. The Assistant Manager knowing fully well that the said documents were forged and that the loanees were not entitled to get any loan, had cheated the State Bank of India to the tune of Rs.12,36,000/-(approx) and derived pecuniary advantage for himself & other accused persons. The Court found four accused persons guilty. Two accused were died and charges against them were abated by the Court.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-files-chargesheet-against-ex-chief-minister-of-jharkhand/

New Delhi, May 22 (ANI): Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath on Wednesday suggested it is time to project Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate of the Congress Party for the 2014 elections.
“I don’t think the election is inevitable. The election will take place when it has to take place, at the scheduled time.
As things stand now, there is no possibility,” Kamal Nath said when asked for responsive to rumours of mid-term polls.
Describing Rahul Gandhi as the Congress’ number 2, Nath said he “now has all his 10 fingers in, he has served as vice-president and he should be projected as the prime ministerial candidate for the Congress Party.”
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he said, “has served his 10 years.”
However, while the Congress-led UPA-II Government celebrated its four years in power, the BJP tore into Prime Minister Singh, with Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj saying, “I have to say this unfortunately, that the PM is not a leader. He looks at Sonia Gandhi for every decision.”
In the 2009 general elections, the Congress emerged as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha, securing 206 to the 543-member Lok Sabha. It was able to gain a majority and form the government with the help of its regional allies.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/time-to-project-rahul-gandhi-as-congress-pm-candidate-kamal-nath/