NE INDIA NEWS

Assam Govt to seek expert opinion on river linking

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZ2aGojr2VU4w0e_DHRUJTVhjmEAUCD_3A0j1-p59sOrWTbwHGMnFj4Fm-52Db2jeQud9x5wW5b9nXaph_WF4PFWY-7lbwd14Z4_RXB9dMhlBmH3Fyy9aWCAVcHjxPYhAiFpQ2mQgP9n1/s1600/Jogighopa-Teesta-Farakka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZ2aGojr2VU4w0e_DHRUJTVhjmEAUCD_3A0j1-p59sOrWTbwHGMnFj4Fm-52Db2jeQud9x5wW5b9nXaph_WF4PFWY-7lbwd14Z4_RXB9dMhlBmH3Fyy9aWCAVcHjxPYhAiFpQ2mQgP9n1/s200/Jogighopa-Teesta-Farakka.jpg" /></a></div>Guwahati, Augsut 30, 2014: The State government believes that the proposed inter-linking of rivers of the country – a logical case of transfer of water from surplus area to deficit area – is desirable after in-depth studies on environmental impact, social considerations, comprehensive inter-basin water balance, geo-morphological, biological, ecological and river engineering aspects, besides socioeconomic aspects involved in the huge exercise. 
 
Moreover, the two proposals concerning Assam – Manas-Sonkosh-Teesta-Ganga (MSTG) and Jogighopa-Teesta-Farakka (JTF) – are unlikely to benefit Assam much in respect of flood control, as only four districts out of 27, and two of the 41 tributaries are covered. 
 
This was stated in the Assembly today by Water Resource Minister Rajiv Lochan Pegu while replying to a call attention motion by AGP legislators Phani Bhushan Choudhury and Keshab Mahanta. 
 
Pegu, in his reply, said that it would be improper to dismiss the proposal without weighing the merits and demerits, and as such the government would seek expert opinion on the implications involved. 
 
Moreover, he added, the proposal involves concerns about Manas National Park, a World Heritage Site, and hence special clearance will be needed. 
 
The Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India, has also constituted a special committee for inter-linking of rivers. 
 
Earlier, raising the issue, Phani Bhushan Choudhury said that the government needed to proceed with utmost caution, as the ill-effects could outweigh the benefits. 
 
Source: Assam Tribune

Assam Govt to seek expert opinion on river linking

Guwahati, Augsut 30, 2014: The State government believes that the proposed inter-linking of rivers of the country – a logical case of transf...

Financial scam detected in DU

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ20Uw1bV4K9bNBAXmwE3GWwL48SWHxxXc3T3ObNnQ74tQdGvAmu6NoBHBoCXew-ct5iQDY0VuXEeUXFbv_LB6rcvuOUUzR-gSHHcI1jR5yDZHZtMIY0YKds883Sq0ifvKK7rWMqv9V8g/s1600/Dibruagarh+University.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ20Uw1bV4K9bNBAXmwE3GWwL48SWHxxXc3T3ObNnQ74tQdGvAmu6NoBHBoCXew-ct5iQDY0VuXEeUXFbv_LB6rcvuOUUzR-gSHHcI1jR5yDZHZtMIY0YKds883Sq0ifvKK7rWMqv9V8g/s200/Dibruagarh+University.jpg" /></a></div>Dibrugarh, August 30, 2014: A huge financial irregularity amounting to nearly half a crore rupees has been detected in the supply and installation of energy efficient LED street lights in Dibrugarh University here. 
 
It is learned that the installation work of LED street lights in DU campus was done by the administration without the knowledge of Planning and Construction Department. The work order was allotted to one M/S Sky View Infradev Pvt Limited, a firm which is reportedly not recognised by the varsity. 
 
Hardly thirty per cent of the work was executed and strangely the DU administration has made full payment to the firm, which allegedly contravenes operating rules. As per the work order, the time of completion was 45 days but five months have passed and not even half the work is executed. The works of cable and terminator, the installation of galvanized octagonal pole and earthing system are yet to be completed. The panel board is placed in the control room but the connection is not done yet. The work order was reportedly issued on 19/03/2014 but was reportedly shown to its Planning and Construction Department as 25/08/2014. 
 
Moreover, it is a normal practice that works executed under the funding of UGC grants are normally published as ‘tender notice’ in leading newspapers but the same has been allegedly ignored. Personnel in the Planning and Construction Department of the varsity are ignorant of the terms and conditions of the work order as they have never received copies of ‘tender notice’ regarding supply and installation of energy efficient LED street lights from the administration. 
 
Further, the Planning and Construction Department of the varsity does not have documents of the warranty period of the LED light due to which they cannot look into the repair and replacement of the items when needed. It needs to be mentioned here that the security of Dibrugarh University campus largely depends on these street lights. 
 
Irregularity has also been alleged in procuring furniture fittings in the new guest house of Dibrugarh University but details could not be gathered. 
 
Source: Assam Tribune

Financial scam detected in DU

Dibrugarh, August 30, 2014: A huge financial irregularity amounting to nearly half a crore rupees has been detected in the supply and instal...

ENSF reiterates demand for job reservation

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppQo05Ej7Vm-27nBAOGeZM-dE2EbbDznYzd2jsOSZtSo1Qm0WvSu2NE8qtuY234hsOfa9Biizy0skTZJ5pJAKk7HTetsOQgha3YU-x9M3owm0S2HUvwcb-aiHa0_kJVmIN7eYU1q8iwno/s1600/Job+Reservation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppQo05Ej7Vm-27nBAOGeZM-dE2EbbDznYzd2jsOSZtSo1Qm0WvSu2NE8qtuY234hsOfa9Biizy0skTZJ5pJAKk7HTetsOQgha3YU-x9M3owm0S2HUvwcb-aiHa0_kJVmIN7eYU1q8iwno/s200/Job+Reservation.jpg"></a></div>Dimapur, August 30, 2014: The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation has once again appealled to Nagaland Chief Secretary to seriously look into the matter of review of Job Reservation Policy for a separate roster system exclusively for the six backward tribes of Eastern Nagaland and issue necessary directives to all departments to implement the 25 per cent job reservation policy in toto.

ENSF reiterates demand for job reservation

Dimapur, August 30, 2014: The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation has once again appealled to Nagaland Chief Secretary to seriously look into ...

Arunachal signs MoU with NEDFi

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3W7se3EvUVTZbgdJX1RIEHpGtvYhtFkNpNl2OQItO-1EfSxvIUv3Ynt_mJTwor4ve3sizJcga2xDuInMMWsiTuj_DZ89mCI3Dbi0KPUIybahtEHU7tZTAY1tmXLhtTg8p_6Lb4axtyCe9/s1600/NEDFi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3W7se3EvUVTZbgdJX1RIEHpGtvYhtFkNpNl2OQItO-1EfSxvIUv3Ynt_mJTwor4ve3sizJcga2xDuInMMWsiTuj_DZ89mCI3Dbi0KPUIybahtEHU7tZTAY1tmXLhtTg8p_6Lb4axtyCe9/s200/NEDFi.jpg" /></a></div>Itanagar, August 30, 2014: Arunachal Pradesh has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Guwahati-based North East Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) for physical monitoring of Special Plan Assistance (SPA) projects for the year 2011-12 and 2012-13. 
 
State Planning Secretary Sonam Chombay signed the MoU on Friday on behalf of the State Government while Deputy General Manager of NEDFi Manoj Das represented the financial institution, joint director (Programme monitoring unit) Mokir Ori said here. 
 
According to the MoU, the total SPA projects for field and physical monitoring by the NEDFi are 266 with a total sanctioned cost of Rs 62,635.05 lakh in the eastern zone covering nine districts from Longding to Upper Siang. 
 
The MoU for monitoring of 2011-12 and 2012-13 SPA projects in the western zone of the State could not be signed and finalised due to unavoidable circumstances. A final date and time would be fixed with the NABConS for signing of the MoU, the release informed. 
 
Source: Assam Tribune

Arunachal signs MoU with NEDFi

Itanagar, August 30, 2014: Arunachal Pradesh has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Guwahati-based North East Development Fina...

Mary to miss biopic premiere in Toronto

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRO7j0ZTxASswKsEzTRw9iqXhUiJ2QDxRQLcpO6B5UK3BWhkOCW4cR_2yzVDhxHd0jui-hiZgC5t70KaOvTeEmwh7iUj7KnBsxXbT2P9EgGOSwvOsMF-jvFHZHno3VirFP8uK24v-YDpe/s1600/Mary+Kom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRO7j0ZTxASswKsEzTRw9iqXhUiJ2QDxRQLcpO6B5UK3BWhkOCW4cR_2yzVDhxHd0jui-hiZgC5t70KaOvTeEmwh7iUj7KnBsxXbT2P9EgGOSwvOsMF-jvFHZHno3VirFP8uK24v-YDpe/s200/Mary+Kom.jpg" /></a></div>Imphal, August 31, 2014: Caught up in hectic preparations for the upcoming Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, boxing champion MC Mary Kom will not be able to attend the premiere of her biopic, "Mary Kom", at the Toronto Film Festival. 
 
Directed by Omang Kumar, "Mary Kom" is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on September 5. The movie will premiere at the 39th Toronto International Film Festival which begins on September 4. 
 
Former Miss World and Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra plays Mary in the movie. According to the director, the film depicts the life and struggles of the renowned boxer who hails from Kangathei village in Manipur's Churachandpur district. 
 
"My husband Onler Kom and I were invited to attend the Toronto festival. Owing to my hectic schedule, I won't be able to make it," Mary said on Saturday, adding, "If I attend the event in Toronto, I'll miss my practice sessions for the Asian Games." 
 
On the controversy regarding Chopra's casting as Mary, Onler said, "In the early stages of production, some Manipuri actresses expressed their desire to play Mary. We told them we have nothing to do with casting." 
 
In fact, the film team asked a Manipuri actor to play a key role in the movie, but he refused due to a ban on Hindi films in the state, Onler added. The ban has been imposed by militant outfits active in Manipur. 
 
Last week, Komrem Union requested rebel outfits to allow the screening of "Mary Kom" in Manipur. The union is a conglomeration of six ethnic groups, including the Koms to which Mary belongs. 
 
Source: Times of India

Mary to miss biopic premiere in Toronto

Imphal, August 31, 2014: Caught up in hectic preparations for the upcoming Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, boxing champion MC Mary Kom ...

KSO alleges fund misuse in IT road construction

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTbZP_S_JC4tXlA7YCI7p-MhYAbzAlT-s2-oJJVDuyfwrcNaPwhg_w6wTrRP7-BLstKHNKLttAQvqy11P0AX-wfVog-DjWd2toreO-v3yZCtXHCQ8n1-jcEJBPvbLKihTCL2I75WWY8iy/s1600/Manipur+Roads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTbZP_S_JC4tXlA7YCI7p-MhYAbzAlT-s2-oJJVDuyfwrcNaPwhg_w6wTrRP7-BLstKHNKLttAQvqy11P0AX-wfVog-DjWd2toreO-v3yZCtXHCQ8n1-jcEJBPvbLKihTCL2I75WWY8iy/s200/Manipur+Roads.jpg"></a></div>Kangpokpi, August 30 2014 : Dissatisfied with the progress and quality of the construction work along Imphal-Tamenglong Road from Kangpokpi to Tamei under North East Council programme, Kuki Students' Organization Sadar Hills warned of launching various agitations, if the concerned authority fails to construct the road in accordance to the NEC guidelines.

KSO alleges fund misuse in IT road construction

Kangpokpi, August 30 2014 : Dissatisfied with the progress and quality of the construction work along Imphal-Tamenglong Road from Kangpokpi ...

Seized liqour lost: CDSU

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZqo2ycae4lQ9NUQvCp01nxJpf3eltfgW8qJcU-hwehUhqrmW6d0iiZfx4oC7Abe6BNuW2vjO1jehNm_jEjxcwRW8QGJRN1KPB4ONkJSI8S-wLyUOEEQdbDZqE-qoW9Q3xENjoRWZiaAL/s1600/OC+rawiin+Police+le+VDF+han+Zu+an+man.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZqo2ycae4lQ9NUQvCp01nxJpf3eltfgW8qJcU-hwehUhqrmW6d0iiZfx4oC7Abe6BNuW2vjO1jehNm_jEjxcwRW8QGJRN1KPB4ONkJSI8S-wLyUOEEQdbDZqE-qoW9Q3xENjoRWZiaAL/s200/OC+rawiin+Police+le+VDF+han+Zu+an+man.png"></a></div>CCPur, August 30, 2014 : Alleging disappearance of huge quantity of liquor seized and sealed off for disposal by Churachandpur Police, Churachandpur District Students' Union (CDSU) has demanded Superintendent of Police, Churachandpur K.Kabid, IPS to clarify the matter in the interest of the general public.

Seized liqour lost: CDSU

CCPur, August 30, 2014 : Alleging disappearance of huge quantity of liquor seized and sealed off for disposal by Churachandpur Police, Chura...

Priyanka Chopra’s ‘Mary Kom’ declared tax free in Maharashtra

Mumbai, August 29, 2014: The biopic on Indian Olympic boxer Mary Kom starring Priyanka Chopra has been declared tax free in Maharashtra. The...

Priyanka as Mary: Politics of prettiness?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pk1vWTtTyhoaAyB6jxFj77hHGlYf78H1-bLlSHw3jQr4fOHj7zsAAS0VEJvWN6lbxIGE9eAuchAr55JNYQMqjOPR6umx6OjnsYyBbCvqO9jdKz7PyXkpdlP6sPSqeXuBNNVFjP4AFwqd/s1600/Mary+Kom+Priyanka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pk1vWTtTyhoaAyB6jxFj77hHGlYf78H1-bLlSHw3jQr4fOHj7zsAAS0VEJvWN6lbxIGE9eAuchAr55JNYQMqjOPR6umx6OjnsYyBbCvqO9jdKz7PyXkpdlP6sPSqeXuBNNVFjP4AFwqd/s200/Mary+Kom+Priyanka.jpg"></a></div>Indradeep Bhattacharyya 
 
Twenty-three-year-old Laishram Devraj Singh from Imphal hasn't heard of Munni or Sheela. But you ask him about Ku Hye-sun, he is so familiar with the South Korean actor-director's oeuvre that he can name all the films by her. There are many like Laishram in this northeastern province, who live a life without Bollywood, thanks to a blanket ban on Hindi movies and television channels throughout the state for a decade and a half now by a militant outfit.

Priyanka as Mary: Politics of prettiness?

Indradeep Bhattacharyya Twenty-three-year-old Laishram Devraj Singh from Imphal hasn't heard of Munni or Sheela. But you ask him about...

Concern over rising smuggling in Manipur

Imphal, August 30, 2014: Concerned over the burgeoning smuggling business in addition to the free movement of insurgents and recruits along ...

Manipuri youth assaulted

Bangalore, August 29, 2014: A Manipuri youth was beaten up by a man identified as Sanketh in the presence of a beat police constable at Laks...

MODIfied Northeast India calls for assistance

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVI6n8PAorG4_M9bYZeiPhOVdW4SND0c4w7N8LmTSqTMCJvg0SpkMMyfPNTuUZbOJYiKpAQz0TrR7jwgIm6v0Pul30eZtmgt4pCw4TY8c607y3JJcpdyWMg_5KYlHKCrASljVgDTqINEnX/s1600/Assam+Flood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVI6n8PAorG4_M9bYZeiPhOVdW4SND0c4w7N8LmTSqTMCJvg0SpkMMyfPNTuUZbOJYiKpAQz0TrR7jwgIm6v0Pul30eZtmgt4pCw4TY8c607y3JJcpdyWMg_5KYlHKCrASljVgDTqINEnX/s200/Assam+Flood.jpg"></a></div>Imphal, August 30 2014 : Deeply concern over the plights of flash flood victims and their families in the country particularly in the north east India, the MODIfied Northeast India, which is an initiative to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urged the Central Government to take swift action to rehabilitate the flood victims and provide necessary ex-gratia to the family of unfortunate victims.

MODIfied Northeast India calls for assistance

Imphal, August 30 2014 : Deeply concern over the plights of flash flood victims and their families in the country particularly in the north ...

Workshop on Manipur in India's Look East Policy begins

Imphal, August 30, 2014: Under the joint banner of Manipur Chamber of Foreign Trade and Industry (MACFI) and Manipur Update, a two-day works...

Meet demands active price fixation body

Imphal, August 30, 2014: A public discussion programme held today at Manipur Press Club on the theme 'Uncontrolled Price Rise of Essenti...

CM launches Go-live pilot phase

Imphal, August 30, 2014: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi inaugurated the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) Go-live Pilot Ph...

Lightning bandh on, highway blocked

Imphal, August 30, 2014: In protest against the killing of two protesters in police firing at Ukhrul, a lightning bandh of 24 hours has been...

UNC's peace rally turns violent, two killed in police firing

Ukhrul, August 30 2014 : Two persons were killed allegedly in police firing as the peace rally organised under the aegis of the United Naga ...

GNLA rejects talks, struggle to continue

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL-8sm7eOVRAOeaRXuryscoukzuwLfDOCn8EsZtv65z_Tn3fd_xYXxa42x9b2XihmCf3WP96eJesQ7QRa9qTwqtbDxYpO9Z4FbtBBahc6Pa2zfeTa1CIpLLLtp79ENgIyZpvTWtKEqKqg/s1600/Garo+National+Liberation+Army.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL-8sm7eOVRAOeaRXuryscoukzuwLfDOCn8EsZtv65z_Tn3fd_xYXxa42x9b2XihmCf3WP96eJesQ7QRa9qTwqtbDxYpO9Z4FbtBBahc6Pa2zfeTa1CIpLLLtp79ENgIyZpvTWtKEqKqg/s200/Garo+National+Liberation+Army.jpg" /></a></div>Tura, August 30, 2014: In a major setback to the vision of peace in the Garo Hills region, the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) yesterday rejected the offer of the Meghalaya Government for ‘unconditional’ peace talks. 
 
In a missive sent by senior cadre Savio Ch Marak, the outfit stated that its armed struggle for a Garoland State would continue until it is achieved. The outfit further took potshots at the CM Dr Mukul Sangma accusing him of not being a peace lover. 
 
“Mukul Sangma, who came to power on the promise of bringing peace and development to the State, is currently not popular amongst his colleagues. Now, everyone knows that he is not a peace lover but a killer. His colleagues were right in accusing him of ignoring to invite all militant groups operating in Garo Hills for peace talks”, said Marak in a release yesterday. 
 
Savio said the opportunity created by the CM for all those who want to come overground would not serve the purpose of a new Garoland State. “The State Government had adopted a strategy to create an opportunity for members of militant outfits to take advantage of the government’s offer to come overground and benefit from the rehabilitation package. But, how can an organisation like us just jump in just for a package or surprises when our goal is clearly for Garoland”. 
 
Marak said that the GNLA did not understand why the CM was still adamant on the subject of Garoland when all groups have a similar objective and want to come overground. “He is instead finding ways to aggravate the situation in Garo Hills by bringing in more forces to hunt down militants and by intensifying operations. Offering peace at the front and backstabbing by operations shows his insincerity in bringing about peace”. 
 
The GNLA reiterated that it stood by its demand for a separate Garoland State and would not come to talks without it. He warned, “We will never come and surrender and the government should not expect us to come to talk unconditionally. We will stick to our demand for Garoland and our armed struggle for this cause will continue till it is achieved”. 
 
Source: Assam Tribune

GNLA rejects talks, struggle to continue

Tura, August 30, 2014: In a major setback to the vision of peace in the Garo Hills region, the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) yesterda...

Land hurdle for Umroi airport expansion

Shillong, August 30, 2014: The future of Shillong Airport at Umroi looks bleak as the State Government is yet to hand over land for its expa...

An open invitation to buy arms!

Shillong, August 30, 2014: At a time when Meghalaya is bearing the brunt of insurgency, the Rifle Factory, Ishapore has published an adverti...

Bangladesh seeks to supply rice to northeast India: Tripura minister

Agartala, August 30, 2014: In one more sign of warming cross-border ties, Bangladesh says it is keen to supply rice to food-deficient north...

NEHU sexual harassment case

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOx-7-ksCJQFj9GT_NfGOralslwlExu5WuPvqd4PtFMys4aSZx4DYYU8H43uFEEqZOWHVmFsgpXFSajE5CAZgEliqT0LfffcNH2fksPkgrqsauOdYd3_ZZt68t_EPtceFtw7EN-BFu5U9V/s1600/NEHU+Students+Protest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOx-7-ksCJQFj9GT_NfGOralslwlExu5WuPvqd4PtFMys4aSZx4DYYU8H43uFEEqZOWHVmFsgpXFSajE5CAZgEliqT0LfffcNH2fksPkgrqsauOdYd3_ZZt68t_EPtceFtw7EN-BFu5U9V/s200/NEHU+Students+Protest.jpg" /></a></div>Shillong, August 30, 2014: The High Court of Meghalaya in its August 28 order on the case related to the alleged sexual harassment of NEHU professor AK Das against a research scholar of the University, directed that the disciplinary proceedings of NEHU will be subject to the outcome of the writ petition filed by Das. 
 
“Thus it is directed that the proceedings in question shall be subject to the outcome of this writ petition,” the Acting Chief Justice Uma Nath Singh said. 
 
The counsel for the respondent (University) was granted two week’s time to file reply and the matter has been listed for September 11. 
 
Earlier, the Counsel for the petitioner said that the disciplinary proceedings as recommended by the Women cell of NEHU were scheduled for August 28. 
 
The Counsel for the petitioner also contended that the Chairperson of Women Cell, which has recommended to institute disciplinary proceedings, has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer which may cause serious prejudice to the petitioner. 
 
On Wednesday, normal functioning of the oldest Central University in the northeast region was hampered when several thousand students staged a protest march demanding sacking of the Mathematics department professor. 
 
Source: The Shillong Times

NEHU sexual harassment case

Shillong, August 30, 2014: The High Court of Meghalaya in its August 28 order on the case related to the alleged sexual harassment of NEHU p...

Rising number of foreign tourists in Tripura

Agartala, August 30, 2014: Tripura saw a surge in the arrival of foreign tourists in the 2013-14 financial year, registering a record growt...

Northeastern cuisine is varied and finds growing demand

New Delhi, August 30, 2014: Be it zesty pork chops from Nagaland or a subtle voksa rep chhum (smoked pork with mustard leaves) from Mizoram ...

Petrol Price Cut by Rs 1.82 Per Litre, Diesel Hiked by 50 Paise

New Delhi: Petrol price was on Saturday cut by Rs 1.82 a litre, the third reduction in rates this month, but diesel rates were hiked by 50 p...

ISL’s Mumbai franchise unveiled

Mumbai, August 30, 2014: Indian Super League’s (ISL) Mumbai franchise owners Ranbir Kapoor and Bimal Parekh said that their team will be cal...

As email turns 32, inventor reaffirms his claim

Washington, August 30, 2014: Know who is the inventor of email? The credit goes to an Indian-American VA Shiva Ayyadurai who received offici...

Shillong United claims 1st Div title with thumping victory

Shillong, August 30, 2014: A dominant display by Shillong United saw them earn the First Division football title on Saturday after handing L...

Assam govt to constitute Skill Devp Corporation soon: Gogoi

Guwahati, August 30, 2014: Assam Government would constitute a Skill Development Corporation soon for development of the populace in the rur...

USD 48,700 seized in Mizoram

Aizawl, August 30, 2014: In an operation conducted by the 39th battalion of Assam Rifles, USD 48,700 were seized and one person was arrested...

Mechukha Valley cut off from rest of to landslide

Itanagar, August 30, 2014: The picturesque Mechukha valley in West Siang District has been completely cut-off from the rest of the world as ...

UGC to name chairs after ‘unsung’ heroes

New Delhi, August 29, 2014: For decades, the Nehru-Gandhis have ‘made’ their names in centres of excellence, but it’s now the turn of a whol...

Ex-Myanmar beauty queen accused of stealing crown

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09ONir-ez_CmCxK_tXeEoA0i6tymdPmAzt4_2OyRf7HIdmp0l-I6jH-cm8MIZKqVxNkRlIP22ifWfwhYjKc3s5XQrBE-uAYfBuM6aP7FhcozDaAx8y4amHa-aZT7rF-29MRLG1BRWHTkK/s1600/May+Myat+Noe+Miss+Myanmar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09ONir-ez_CmCxK_tXeEoA0i6tymdPmAzt4_2OyRf7HIdmp0l-I6jH-cm8MIZKqVxNkRlIP22ifWfwhYjKc3s5XQrBE-uAYfBuM6aP7FhcozDaAx8y4amHa-aZT7rF-29MRLG1BRWHTkK/s200/May+Myat+Noe+Miss+Myanmar.jpg" /></a></div>Yangon, August 29, 2014: A Myanmar beauty queen who was stripped of her title for allegedly being rude and dishonest has run off with the $100,000 jeweled crown, a South Korea-based pageant said on Friday. 
 
Myanmar, which only recently emerged from a half-century military rule and self-imposed isolation, started sending contestants to international beauty pageants for the first time in decades in 2012. 
 
May Myat Noe was crowned Miss Asia Pacific World in Seoul in May 2014. But, according to David Kim, director of media for the Seoul-based pageant, the 18-year-old was a disappointment from the start. Attempts to reach May Myat Noe for comment were unsuccessful Friday and her Myanmar phone was switched off. According to the online edition of Eleven Media, a Myanmar newspaper, she was back in the country and would address a news conference soon, although it wasn’t clear when. 
 
Following her success, the organizers said they were arranging singing and video deals for her. But they also wanted to change the 5’7″ teen’s looks, Kim said. 
 
“We thought she should be more beautiful … so as soon as she arrived we sent her to the hospital to operate on her breasts,” he said. “It’s our responsibility,” he said, adding that sponsors picked up the $10,000 tab, as they have for past winners. “If she has no good nose, then maybe, if she likes, we can operate on her nose”. 
If it’s breasts, then breasts.” 
 
Kim said that troubles started from there. The beauty queen brought her mother with her to Seoul for what was supposed to be a 10-day visit, but that quickly turned into three months, incurring extra cost to the organizers, he said. 
 
She “lied” and “never had respect for the main organization, the national director, the manager, media or fans who made her the winner,” organizers said in a statement. 
 
May Myat Noe was notified earlier this week that she would have to give up her title and the crown, Kim said. She was also given an airplane ticket back to Yangon, but never showed up, with Eleven Media reporting that she got on an earlier flight. 
 
Kim said she absconded with the bejeweled Swarovski tiara - valued anywhere between $100,000 and $200,000. 
 
“Everyone knows she is no longer the queen, but she thinks as long as she keeps this crown she’s the winner,” he said. “She’s not.”. 
 
Source: The Shillong Times

Ex-Myanmar beauty queen accused of stealing crown

Yangon, August 29, 2014: A Myanmar beauty queen who was stripped of her title for allegedly being rude and dishonest has run off with the $1...

Syrian refugees top 3 million, half of all Syrians displaced: UN

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhUMQYztHjEMER9h_xcvGAq19w50TNqL1kmTmqFCWA21TOpXxC_15AuLZQzPlPDlivaIenjxOPYM-bDWT26WnWrE4K69NP26SOLdpMW0Sgdw9Cpr6BRWA9WtAXxPdbHgLNwseKgZpMcn4/s1600/Syrian+Refugees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhUMQYztHjEMER9h_xcvGAq19w50TNqL1kmTmqFCWA21TOpXxC_15AuLZQzPlPDlivaIenjxOPYM-bDWT26WnWrE4K69NP26SOLdpMW0Sgdw9Cpr6BRWA9WtAXxPdbHgLNwseKgZpMcn4/s200/Syrian+Refugees.jpg" /></a></div>Geneva, August 29, 2014: Three million Syrian refugees will have registered in neighbouring countries as of today, an exodus that began in March 2011 and shows no sign of abating, the United Nations said. 
 
The record figure is one million refugees more than a year ago, while a further 6.5 million are displaced within Syria, meaning that “almost half of all Syrians have now been forced to abandon their homes and flee for their lives”, it said. 
 
“The Syrian crisis has become the biggest humanitarian emergency of our era, yet the world is failing to meet the needs of refugees and the countries hosting them,” Antonio Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said in a statement. 
 
The vast majority remain in neighbouring countries, with the highest concentrations in Lebanon (1.14 million), Turkey (815,000) and Jordan (608,000), the UNHCR said. Some 215,000 refugees are in Iraq with the rest in Egypt and other countries. 
 
In addition, the host governments estimate that hundreds of thousands more Syrians have sought sanctuary in their countries without formally registering, the agency said. 
 
Increasing numbers of families arrive in a shocking state, exhausted, scared and with their savings depleted, it said. “Most have been on the run for a year or more, fleeing from village to village before taking the final decision to leave.” 
 
“There are worrying signs too that the journey out of Syria is becoming tougher, with many people forced to pay bribes at armed checkpoints proliferating along the borders. Refugees crossing the desert into eastern Jordan are being forced to pay smugglers hefty sums (ranging from $100 per person or more) to take them to safety,” it added. 
 
Syrians now constitute the world’s largest refugee population under the care of the UNHCR, second only in number to refugees in the decades-old Palestinian crisis that falls under the mandate of a separate UN agency UNRWA, it said. 
A recent upsurge in fighting appears to be worsening an already desperate situation, the statement said. 
 
More than 191,000 people were killed in the first three years of Syria’s civil war, a UN report said last week in what UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay called a “wholly avoidable human catastrophe”. 
 
In another report issued on Wednesday, UN human rights investigators accused Islamic State insurgents of committing war crimes including amputations and public executions in northern Syria, sometimes in the presence of children. 
 
The government of President Bashar al-Assad is dropping deadly barrel bombs on civilian areas and Damascus is believed to have used chlorine gas in combating its enemies, they said. 
The United States is pushing to build an international campaign against Islamic State jihadist fighters in Iraq and Syria, including partners for potential joint military action, Obama administration officials said on Thursday. 
 
The UNHCR report said some areas of Syria were emptying out as the frontlines in the conflict shifted. “Recent arrivals to Jordan, for example, are running from attacks in the areas of al-Raqqa and Aleppo,” the UNHCR said, referring to northern areas of Syria. 
 
The agency voiced deep concern at the fate of several hundred Syrians trapped inside Al Obaidy refugee camp in Al Qa’im, Iraq, after UN agencies and foreign aid workers were forced to abandon their offices and warehouses due to violence. 
 
Source: The Shillong Times

Syrian refugees top 3 million, half of all Syrians displaced: UN

Geneva, August 29, 2014: Three million Syrian refugees will have registered in neighbouring countries as of today, an exodus that began in M...

NE to improve east-west trade via Indo-Myanmar route

Nay Pyi Taw, August 29, 2014: The ASEAN economic ministers meeting which ended on Wednesday with a call for more fiscal cooperation among th...

Nagaland Singing Ambassadors to represent India in a choral festival at Brussels, Belgium

Dimapur, August 29, 2014: Nagaland Singing Ambassadors will be representing India at a choral festival in Brussels, Belgium this November. T...

Criminal cases against 12 Union, 44 state ministers

New Delhi, August 29, 2014: A total of 12 union ministers and 44 state ministers, elected in the past two years, have self declared criminal...

Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie secretly marry in France

Hollywood, August 29, 2014: It’s official – Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have married. The couple, who got engaged in April 2012, tied the k...

IPL fixing: Justice Mudgal committee submits interim report

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSI8J1RX60K70B1NHRlNlhT6tan_9KQ7AH7GglTG8jg0wUlDH0WbAML0-uM8G8uCaq7VejRSvUDy3YuEXA-cH_Ame8w4uDIDLh4a5_aXUxJcOVY-HUptFSqBa_6ke1iDP2vRSd8bFdJJyy/s1600/Justice+(Retired)%2BMukul%2BMudgal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSI8J1RX60K70B1NHRlNlhT6tan_9KQ7AH7GglTG8jg0wUlDH0WbAML0-uM8G8uCaq7VejRSvUDy3YuEXA-cH_Ame8w4uDIDLh4a5_aXUxJcOVY-HUptFSqBa_6ke1iDP2vRSd8bFdJJyy/s200/Justice+(Retired)%2BMukul%2BMudgal.jpg" /></a></div>New Delhi, August 29, 2014: Acting on the Supreme Court directive, Justice (Retired) Mukul Mudgal committee has submitted its Indian Premier League (IPL) fixing investigation interim report to the apex court on Friday. However, the case will be heard on September 1. Earlier, the Supreme Court had set a deadline of August-end for submitting the interim report. 
 
As expected the committee sought two month extension to complete the investigation on the case. The report in a sealed envelope was submitted to the court by a senior lawyer instead of senior advocate Gopal Subramaniam, who had previously acted as an amicus curiae for the Supreme Court. Earlier, the committee met the investigators in Chennai on Wednesday and Thursday. 
On August 20, a statement was released saying the committee has no intention to travel abroad for any interaction with players. The release summed up, “any interaction with the players during a series may disturb their poise and concentration.” 
 
The spot fixing and betting scandal hit the 2013 edition of IPL, with Delhi Police arresting three Rajasthan Royals cricketers – S. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan – in a midnight raid in Mumbai. Then, Mumbai police also unearthed betting links after they arrested Gurunath Meiyappan, son-in-law of former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief N. Srinivasan, and Bollywood actor Vindu Dara Singh. 
 
Last October, the apex court had constituted the Justice Mukul Mudgal panel to investigate the spot-fixing and betting case in the case-rich IPL. The three-member panel led by Justice Mudgal, a retired Punjab and Haryana High Court judge, has Additional Solicitor General L Nageswara Rao and senior advocate Nilay Dutta in the committee. 
 
And on February 10, the committee submitted its first report to the court after conducting a four-month long probe. It is learnt that cricketers, board officials, cops, lawyers and even journalists had deposed before the panel and depositions were recorded during the probe on equipment provided by BCCI. 
 
In the follow up, the court had asked the committee to continue its investigation of the persons named in the sealed envelope and the committee was also given greater powers to effectively conduct its probe. 
 
After agreeing to lead the investigation, Justice (Retired) Mudgal had listed for specific organisations and individuals whose assistance he would require, which included a former India cricketer “of repute and integrity”. 
 
The committee, which is being assisted by former senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer BB Mishra, has been given all investigative powers, including search and seizure of relevant documents and recording evidence. However, it cannot carry out any arrests. The committee was assured of assistance from one senior police officer each from Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi. 
 
Source: Nagaland Post

IPL fixing: Justice Mudgal committee submits interim report

New Delhi, August 29, 2014: Acting on the Supreme Court directive, Justice (Retired) Mukul Mudgal committee has submitted its Indian Premier...

Govt to search for mediator for peace talks with HNLC

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINMxQDE_-8IZMKQq8Azl0M2xLZWesPDsGFZkXcvK2hbMj41c2ZAudI3Grx3az5VPv3tiTdQhj9GxM8bQEtxgST3RCzukHgUEWazwc0FdakX4fk7t2bPW9dTjdFR5DNlEqI1kZBoiOPqzg/s1600/HNLC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINMxQDE_-8IZMKQq8Azl0M2xLZWesPDsGFZkXcvK2hbMj41c2ZAudI3Grx3az5VPv3tiTdQhj9GxM8bQEtxgST3RCzukHgUEWazwc0FdakX4fk7t2bPW9dTjdFR5DNlEqI1kZBoiOPqzg/s200/HNLC.jpg" /></a></div>Shillong, August 29, 2014: The State Government, while welcoming the positive move of HNLC to come overground, has stated that measures would be initiated for appointment of an interlocutor for the talks between the outfit and the Government. 
 
In a statement issued here on Friday, the Government lauded the positive response of the HNLC to the call given by the Chief Minister to all militant, insurgent organizations to come over ground, avail the rehabilitation package for all the cadres which would include counseling, handholding, sustainable livelihood, join the mainstream and effectively engage in ushering peace and progress in the State and the region. 
 
The State Government also expects the HNLC to restrain from any action contrary to the law or any illegal activities and desist from further recruitment in order to create conducive environment to carry forward the objective of achieving peace, progress and prosperity of the State. 
 
Source: The Shillong Times

Govt to search for mediator for peace talks with HNLC

Shillong, August 29, 2014: The State Government, while welcoming the positive move of HNLC to come overground, has stated that measures woul...

Alleged sexual harassment case: FIR against NEHU faculty

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOx-7-ksCJQFj9GT_NfGOralslwlExu5WuPvqd4PtFMys4aSZx4DYYU8H43uFEEqZOWHVmFsgpXFSajE5CAZgEliqT0LfffcNH2fksPkgrqsauOdYd3_ZZt68t_EPtceFtw7EN-BFu5U9V/s1600/NEHU+Students+Protest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOx-7-ksCJQFj9GT_NfGOralslwlExu5WuPvqd4PtFMys4aSZx4DYYU8H43uFEEqZOWHVmFsgpXFSajE5CAZgEliqT0LfffcNH2fksPkgrqsauOdYd3_ZZt68t_EPtceFtw7EN-BFu5U9V/s200/NEHU+Students+Protest.jpg" /></a></div>Shillong, August 29, 2014: An FIR has been lodged at Mawlai PS against Prof. A.K. Das of the Mathematics Department, NEHU by a research scholar of the University alleging that the teacher had been sexually harassing her since February 2014. 
 
Earlier, on Wednesday NEHU students had protested against the Professor continuing in the University. 
 
However on Thursday, in a temporary relief, the High Court of Meghalaya asked NEHU not to carry out disciplinary action till a petition filed by the faculty member is disposed off. 
 
Meanwhile, in a statement issued to the media, the State unit of BJP Youth Wing Meghalaya president, Egenstar Kurkalang, condemned the alleged abuse and harassments of the research scholar in NEHU. 
 
“It is shameful for NEHU which is one of the oldest and reputed universities in North East. This has further put a question mark on the security of the female students in the University,” he said. 
 
The State Unit of the BJYM said that the accused should be removed from the campus and urged the NEHU authority to complete the inquiry at the earliest. 
 
The BJYM urged the teaching staff association, disciplinary committee and Vice Chancellor that strict rules and regulation should be framed so that appropriate action can be taken against anyone who abuses his power. 
 
Source: The Shillong Times

Alleged sexual harassment case: FIR against NEHU faculty

Shillong, August 29, 2014: An FIR has been lodged at Mawlai PS against Prof. A.K. Das of the Mathematics Department, NEHU by a research scho...

Teens used as arms couriers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6kniOzTX5mW4nX5l1pVcAt5J-wVBUUHBJ9t-2ds1ixJrmCmVGmxv2IXu2mzmIj2m2K89BF5n2mT2a-1FFU3HJp5JpDGFLzub5RU6CVRls0D1kfYKsB48Z7wTQclwA9Np77khNRH1IZXX/s1600/Arms+Smuggling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6kniOzTX5mW4nX5l1pVcAt5J-wVBUUHBJ9t-2ds1ixJrmCmVGmxv2IXu2mzmIj2m2K89BF5n2mT2a-1FFU3HJp5JpDGFLzub5RU6CVRls0D1kfYKsB48Z7wTQclwA9Np77khNRH1IZXX/s200/Arms+Smuggling.jpg" /></a></div>Shillong, August 29, 2014: Meghalaya police have come across a new modus operandi of a militant group operating in the Garo Hills wherein juveniles are being used for smuggling of arms from Dimapur in order to carry out abduction and extortion for “quick money”. 
 
This has been uncovered with the arrest of five A’chik National Cooperative Army (ANCA) cadres yesterday from the Meghalaya-Assam border. 
 
Meghalaya police, with the help of Assam police, arrested the ANCA members who were brought to Tura police station for interrogation. When they were apprehended, no arms were recovered, but interrogation is on to trace the hidden weapons. 
 
The arrested persons, identified as Amar A. Sangma, 20, Arjan Bey, 18, Dilseng K. Sangma, 18, Hamil B. Marak, 18, and Lakbit K. Marak, 18, were active members of the group, which is being led by one William A. Sangma as the self-styled chairman. 
 
However, William is still at large after he managed to flee from police lock-up in Mendipathar police station under North Garo Hills. 
 
“ANCA has only one ideology, that is to make quick money through extortion and kidnappings, and disappear,” Meghalaya inspector-general of police (operations) G.H.P. Raju said. 
 
Police said Amar A. Sangma alias Amar Thapa, William’s younger brother, is the ANCA “self-styled” deputy commander. 
 
“On the basis of the interrogation of the five arrested members, this gang is responsible for kidnappings from Tura, Tikrikilla, and Phulbari areas of Garo Hills, and Agia area of Assam. They are also responsible for extortion and kidnapping from Tura area in the recent past,” Raju said. 
 
The police official also said the ANCA was formed for raising funds through kidnapping and extortion. The money is also being used for procuring weapons from Dimapur. 
 
Amar Sangma disclosed that without weapons, nobody would pay any group, Raju said. Another arrested cadre, identified as Dilseng K. Sangma, had disclosed that weapons are supplied from Dimapur, but at a high cost due to the risks involved in transportation. 
 
However, a worrying factor is that the ANCA is allegedly employing juveniles to smuggle arms from Dimapur. 
 
“During interrogation, Amar revealed that William had sent two cadres to Dimapur for bringing weapons. He also disclosed that William was using young boys for arms smuggling from Dimapur. Recently William had sent one 14-year-old along with a hardcore ANCA member, Elwart M. Sangma, to Dimapur for weapons,” Raju said. 
 
However, Assam police caught the duo along with the weapons from Guwahati railway station. 
 
“William engages small boys for arms smuggling as it is very easy for these young people to get bail as they are under age. These young people are never sent to jail,” Raju said. 
 
According to Raju, Assam police have confirmed about the arrest of the 14-year-old who is now in a juvenile home. This has confirmed William’s design to engage juveniles for arms smuggling, he added. 
 
Source: The Telegraph

Teens used as arms couriers

Shillong, August 29, 2014: Meghalaya police have come across a new modus operandi of a militant group operating in the Garo Hills wherein ju...

Mongoose hair brushes seized

Guwahati, August 29, 2014: Paintbrushes made of mongoose hair have been seized for the first time in the Northeast by the Wildlife Crime Con...

Push for NE monitoring groups

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistfNhNgN9KJ6EMQBRxRTsyMvGtokcbrJPNd5qXurivJc6CEtRkvzyssQS06QCPavAtcMxV6mMDZ4dsJuyjM_WyHaW5A8yqO5Hi50kAzyDKYBzbuq93BmoGSY48OG-XnDqOp0aIcTopQRY/s1600/FINER.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistfNhNgN9KJ6EMQBRxRTsyMvGtokcbrJPNd5qXurivJc6CEtRkvzyssQS06QCPavAtcMxV6mMDZ4dsJuyjM_WyHaW5A8yqO5Hi50kAzyDKYBzbuq93BmoGSY48OG-XnDqOp0aIcTopQRY/s200/FINER.png" /></a></div>Guwahati, August 29, 2014: The Federation of Industry and Commerce of North Eastern Region (Finer) has proposed the constitution of state-level monitoring groups in the Northeast on the lines of the project monitoring group (PMG) at the Centre for speedy implementation of projects. 
 
“We have taken up the matter with Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, who had in his budget speech (earlier this month) stressed on completion of the pending projects in the state. The state-level monitoring groups can be constituted on the lines of the PMG under the PMO,” Finer chairman R.S. Joshi told reporters here today. 
 
The Centre had recently expanded the role of the project-monitoring group, led by an additional secretary, to speed up and ease project approvals. The group has been asked to follow up on the timeline it sets for different ministries and state governments to provide clearances. 
 
Apart from mega projects such as Bogibeel bridge over the Brahmaputra, gas cracker project at Lepetkata in Dibrugarh, the Lumding-Silchar-Kumarghat rail line that connects Tripura and Assam, a number of road and rail projects are pending implementation. 
 
The apex industry body of the region, Finer, had earlier this month met the Northeast MP’s Forum, a group of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha MPs from the northeastern states, in New Delhi and highlighted key issues of the region. 
 
“Apart from seeking extension of the Northeast Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy, 2007, we have sought improvement and widening the scope of the policy, including service tax exemption and eligible services,” Joshi said. 
 
“We also suggested the creation of an accelerated rail development fund for the Northeast so that railway projects could be taken to its logical conclusion,” he said. 
 
The industry body and the MPs’ forum had six years back formed a joint support group to discuss issues that could be taken up by the parliamentarians at appropriate levels. 
 
Some of the specific issues highlighted by Finer at the meeting of the joint support group were setting up of a Northeast economic zone, creation of an environment that woos foreign direct investment (FDI) to the region, establishment of institutions of excellence such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Indian Institute Management, among others. 
 
The industry body also took up the issue of coal mining ban in Meghalaya. “The abrupt ban on coal mining has taken its toll on the economy of the region. So, we briefed the forum on how certain checks and balances could be made and norms set, instead of a total ban,” the Finer chairman said. 
 
Source: The Telegraph

Push for NE monitoring groups

Guwahati, August 29, 2014: The Federation of Industry and Commerce of North Eastern Region (Finer) has proposed the constitution of state-le...

191 cases of crime against children reported

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONPMbplNEBdyzJJOcbOg7HgYxQYYMAMw6bygEU413K1ksHdyzKzR81GnJKrwJiJTEwCdTw2gsAbqcvK_CiFq7POw2qFw5kMhdmnr20cnudbGk1ztl0A3wy0TufzB7_nwyQ4RP7JLpoLcI/s1600/Crime+against+Children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONPMbplNEBdyzJJOcbOg7HgYxQYYMAMw6bygEU413K1ksHdyzKzR81GnJKrwJiJTEwCdTw2gsAbqcvK_CiFq7POw2qFw5kMhdmnr20cnudbGk1ztl0A3wy0TufzB7_nwyQ4RP7JLpoLcI/s200/Crime+against+Children.jpg" /></a></div>Imphal, August 29, 2014: Even though Manipur witnessed 191 cases of crime against children in the last two years, only two accused involved in a rape case were convicted. 
 
According to a report compiled by the Manipur Alliance for Child Rights (MACR) based on newspaper reports, Manipur witnessed 191 different cases of crimes against children between September 2012 and August 17 this year. 
 
Of the 191 victims, 104 were girls while the remaining 87 were boys. These crimes included 36 cases of sexual assault and 99 per cent of the victims of sexual assault cases were girls. 
 
Child trafficking constituted 86 cases of crime against children. Out of them, 67 children have been rescued while 11 children could not be traced till date. Four children were freed after serving as child soldiers for some period. In the meantime, it was suspected that two children were recruited as child soldiers. 
 
Five children sustained injuries in different incidents of bomb explosion. Kidnapping attempts were made on two children while five children were molested. During the same period, 31 children have been subjected to physical assault. 
 
Four children were killed while three others were murdered after being sexually assaulted. One child died during communal clash. Nine children reportedly committed suicide even as six newly born dead kids were abandoned at different places. 
 
Talking with The Sangai Express, MACR convenor K Pradipkumar decried that rate of conviction in cases related to crime against children is dismally low whereas crimes against children have been rising at an alarming rate. 
 
Counselling and rehabilitation of the victim children is far from satisfactory. The State is unable to implement the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act effectively, Pradipkumar said. 
 
Against 36 cases of sexual assault, two individuals involved in a rape case were convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. 
 
Commando driver Yumnam William s/o Y Deben of Khagempalli Panthak and actor Thongam Arun s/o Th Jayenta of Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment after they were found guilty for gang raping a girl inside a restaurant. 
 
Recording of statements of children who have been made victims of sexual assault either at police stations or other places by police personnel in uniform is not permissible according to the Juvenile Justice Act 2000, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Rule 2007 and POCSO Act 2012. 
 
With regard to some cases where the victims were summoned to police stations for taking their statements, some police officers told The Sangai Express that there are juvenile police units in every district of Manipur as per the provisions of JJ Act. But all these units do not have adequate infrastructure. 
 
Police personnel assigned to juvenile police units are sent to other unrelated duties too. 
 
“It is against the law to summon rape victims, particularly children, to police stations for taking their statements and we are aware of it but we don’t have vehicles to go to the victim’s home or other places where the victim would find it convenient,” said one police officer. 
 
As such, the guardians/parents are requested to bring the victims to police stations for taking their statements, he added. 
 
To effectively tackle crimes against children, systematic changes are required apart from equipping all juvenile police units with adequate infrastructure, said the police officer. 
 
Quoting provisions of POCSO Act, Pradipkumar said that police should complete collection of evidence within 30 days after a crime against children has been committed. 
 
Trial of such cases must be completed within a year. Hospitals should admit and treat victims without waiting for registration of FIR, he added. 
 
Source: The Sangai Express

191 cases of crime against children reported

Imphal, August 29, 2014: Even though Manipur witnessed 191 cases of crime against children in the last two years, only two accused involved ...

CCDD condemns

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDE-rj1LuWp_v70Cb6YnT4hfUu3LRUbd3uyENimZguLhT7l1qhph_El2kFhYw1Lyj6eApT8f3pqZ4qVRTd-eIR-sjQGe9pLkjLZu62rEBBhD7zIik5N-5cqZerXQNAJIZhD1KvJLLn1hR/s1600/Hydel+Power+Project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDE-rj1LuWp_v70Cb6YnT4hfUu3LRUbd3uyENimZguLhT7l1qhph_El2kFhYw1Lyj6eApT8f3pqZ4qVRTd-eIR-sjQGe9pLkjLZu62rEBBhD7zIik5N-5cqZerXQNAJIZhD1KvJLLn1hR/s200/Hydel+Power+Project.jpg" /></a></div>Imphal, August 29, 2014: The Citizens Concern for Dams and Development expressed concern and condemned the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) for taking up four Hydroelectric Power Projects in Manipur on August 28, accroding to statement issued by the Co-Chairperson of CCDD. 
 
The signing of MoU for the four power projects, namely the 60 MW Irang HEP, 51 MW Tuivai HEP, the 67 MW Khongnem Chakha and 190 MW Pabram HEP projects in Tamenglong, Churachandpur and Senapati districts, as part of the larger dam building plans over rivers of Manipur under the Manipur Hydroelectric Power Policy, 2012 is another attempt of the Government to create further destruction of people’s livelihood and survival sources in Manipur, the statement said. 
 
It added that the plan to build these dams is a fraught with absence of consultation and prior consent of communities to be affected by such mega dam projects. The Ithai Barrage of Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project already devastated the Loktak Wetlands ecosystem and destroyed the livelihood sources of fisherfolk and farmers of Manipur by submerging more than 80,000 acres of farmland. The ongoing Mapithel dam construction will destroy more than 1000 hectares of agriculture land and forest in Mapithel hill range. The proposed 1500 MW Tipaimukh Dam will also submerge more than 27,000 hectares of forest land, while displacing several thousands of communities, the statement asserted. 
 
The Government’s exclusionary move and decision to promote mega dams all over Manipur without consulting the indigenous communities is a violation of indigenous peoples’ rights as outlined by UN Declaration on the Rights of indigenous peoples. The community have not been provided the necessary information on the proposed plans. 
 
The statement demanded that the MoU signed between Government of Manipur and NEEPCO for four mega dam projects in Manipur on August 28 should be repealed. with communities already resorting to widespread use of solar energy in Manipur, it is a high time that the promotion of alternative energy is seriously promoted by the Government of Manipur rather than promoting unsustainable mega dam projects. 
 
Source: The Sangai Express

CCDD condemns

Imphal, August 29, 2014: The Citizens Concern for Dams and Development expressed concern and condemned the Memorandum of Understanding signe...

Director’s office broke open

Imphal, August 29, 2014: As demoted RIMS Director Dr S Sekharjit failed to turn up to open the locked office chamber of RIMS Director even a...

Manipur pays rich tributes to freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuiVrP1CIhLF7ymw-l9qK7x62rBNwciD-_V4DpNUhJ9cttNGAldW3im1RXb4WFdwYUaNySWEFadqFGByBB4HKlslMDyyUOyd0VBLAOzUn3MVb2eil1dvSP3Hf_yPjtO4bRA45cnu6MhmW/s1600/Manipur+pays+rich+tributes+to+freedom+fighter+Haipou+Jadonang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuiVrP1CIhLF7ymw-l9qK7x62rBNwciD-_V4DpNUhJ9cttNGAldW3im1RXb4WFdwYUaNySWEFadqFGByBB4HKlslMDyyUOyd0VBLAOzUn3MVb2eil1dvSP3Hf_yPjtO4bRA45cnu6MhmW/s200/Manipur+pays+rich+tributes+to+freedom+fighter+Haipou+Jadonang.jpg" /></a></div>Imphal, August 29, 2014: The 83rd death anniversary of freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang was commemorated Statewide today with the main function held at Haipou Jadonang Park, Keisampat. 
 
Organised by the Death Anniversary Observation Committee of Haipou Jadonang, the programme was attended by distinguished leaders of the State; civil society leaders and people irrespective of castes, tribes and communities. 
 
After the welcome address, the programme began with the traditional offering of scared wine to the creator and Haipou Jadonang. 
 
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam led the candle lighting and floral tribute session amid huge crowd and was followed by 2 minutes silence in memory of the sacrifices made by Haipou Jadonang. 
 
MLA Janghemlung; MLA Z Kikhonbou Newmai; Father of social worker Th Iboyaima; Ex-Union Minister Meijinlung Kamson and members of civil society organisations also paid floral tributes to Haipou Jadonang. 
 
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said, “Story of Haipou Jadonang is an endless subject. His story lives on and people are observing his death anniversary to remember his great sacrifices for the sovereignty of the State. He was hung to death not for any criminal activity but for raising his voice against the British rule and his extensive struggle for freedom.” 
 
“The railway line project which will pass through Tupul is underway and the State Government is planning to link the railway line till Moreh. The state Government is planning to open many small sub-stations along the cource of the railway line. Out of them, one sub-station would be established in Kambiron, the native village of Haipou Jadonang and it would be named as 'Haipou Jadonang Sub-Station' to remember his great sacrifices,” the Deputy Chief Minister announced. 
 
He added that Jadonang Memorial hall was also built 4/5 years back in Tamenglong. Moreover, a 9 feet statue of Haipou Jadonang would be erected by this year in the Haipou Jadonang Park so that people can commemorate his death anniversary eminently in the years to come. 
 
Speaking on the vision and efforts of Haipou Jadonang, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that like Haipou Jadonang’s crusade for freedom from the Britishers, people regardless of community, tribe, religion, must live in harmony and work collectively to maintain the State’s sovereignty. Tamenglong district where Puiluan, Haipou Jadonang’s native village, is located is considered as one of the most backward districts in the State. To make the world recognise the native home of a great freedom fighter, the State Government is undertaking national developmental projects like Power Projet 2, Railway line, Loktak Down Stream etc. 
 
The Deputy Chief Minister also urged the people to commemorate the death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang under one common banner from next year so as to spread the message of unity and harmony. 
 
Meanwhile, the Programme Committee of Haipou Jadonang Death Anniversary Observation, organised a commemoration programme to mark the 83rd death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang at Tarung Community hall today. 
 
Z Kikhonbou Newmai, MLA, Tamei, Vice-Chairman, Hills Area Committee; K Humaliabou, Chairman, ADC, Tamenglong; attended the commemoration programme as the chief guest, guest of honour. Other dignitaries present at the programme were the ADC members of Tamenglong district; Tarung chairman, Khunpu; Athon Abonmai, General Secretary, NPF, Manipur; Ningthaodai Gonmei, former AZSU president. 
 
Addressing the gathering, guest of honour, K Humaliabou suggested that observation of the death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang must not be limited only to Zeliangrong community. If possible, leaders of other tribes and communities should also be invited to participate in the commemoration programme and spread the message of unity and also the sacrifices of Haipou Jadonang far and wide. In his speech, K Kikhonbou said, “ People in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur, particularly Zeliangrongs observe the death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang annually in August 29. The observation is being held Statewide in Manipur as well. The State Government in order to educate rest of the world about the existence of our eminent freedom fighter, Haipou Jadonang, various developmental projects have been initiated in his home district, Tamenglong.” 
 
He also appealed to the Zeliangrong frontal organisations and the people to be broad minded and accommodative in order to bridge the gap among different communities. Just like the vision of Haipou Jadonang, Zeliangrong people should carry the dream forward collectively. Akham Gonmei, resource person of the programme, spoke in length on the life of Haipou Jadonang. 
 
The commemoration programme also featured hoi kaomei, a synchronise chanting by menfolk; candle lighting and offering of floral tributes, traditional dance performance and musical performance by Simplifier; Alvina Gonson, Gaiguimei Daimei, Julia. 
 
Source: The Sangai Express

Manipur pays rich tributes to freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang

Imphal, August 29, 2014: The 83rd death anniversary of freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang was commemorated Statewide today with the main functi...

Memorandum submitted on admission reservation in MU

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKhWG1KeK-Fe4thI5jGAt7BokQOo0sxnKamMl17BdzwkVYZNy_GYkK7lQa6JP-QqRS-tYWQdnNz32JgHY_7pf3QPH7Bn_nxshOL5UxAfFwsb0_JF4bG-goPQCv4m0gu8a8mwMY7iFCeNc/s1600/Manipur_University_main_gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKhWG1KeK-Fe4thI5jGAt7BokQOo0sxnKamMl17BdzwkVYZNy_GYkK7lQa6JP-QqRS-tYWQdnNz32JgHY_7pf3QPH7Bn_nxshOL5UxAfFwsb0_JF4bG-goPQCv4m0gu8a8mwMY7iFCeNc/s200/Manipur_University_main_gate.jpg" /></a></div>Imphal, August 29, 2014: A memorandum regarding the adoption of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act, 2012 in Manipur University has been submitted to the Vice Chancellor, Dean of all Schools, Registrar and All Heads of Departments of Manipur University yesterday to bring a permanent settlement to the present issue of seat reservation in the University admission, conveyed a press release issued by General Secretary of the Manipur University SC and OBC Students Union, Manipur University, Yengkhom Rajiv Singh. 
 
The misinterpretation of the Amendment Act, 2012 has led to the notification for reservation of 31 percent for ST, 2 percent for SC and 7 percent for OBC by the Authority of Manipur University on July 25, 2014 which again led to the ongoing controversy. 
 
The controversial point is due to the misinterpretation of "the Act" in Section 3(a) of the Amendment Act 2012 which the Union therefore seeks clarification from the relevant authority of the varsity. This Act is clearly defined in Section 1 of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act, 2012 as this Act may be called as the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act, 2012, said the memorandum. Hence, there should not be any change in the reservation system and should follow as usual that is, 7.5 pc for ST, 15 pc for SC and 27 pc for OBC. Moreover, Manipur University must be administered according to the law as laid down by the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act, 2012 without favouritism and nepotism to any section of the society, so as to avoid any legal controversy and bring a good academic atmosphere in the University, failing which, the Manipur University SC and OBC Students has planned several steps to be taken up if necessary, asserted GS of MU(SC/OBC)SU, Yengkhom Rajiv Singh. 
 
Source: The Sangai Express

Memorandum submitted on admission reservation in MU

Imphal, August 29, 2014: A memorandum regarding the adoption of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Ac...

ZYF urges to defer inauguration of Bailey bridge

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIAqlqSTXRFXF5nC3Akrrn1vPXHyGwV6LePQs2XQcXZmdbwVkZR9REJqgmXeSjdr6bdrxlEzrnMX4KKBKxf6sI4iYAMMJD7pYWOJ-LS9BVNxYCT0u0u1nXzsYHKbke6yrZ4A2S3XPvSZh/s1600/Bailey+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIAqlqSTXRFXF5nC3Akrrn1vPXHyGwV6LePQs2XQcXZmdbwVkZR9REJqgmXeSjdr6bdrxlEzrnMX4KKBKxf6sI4iYAMMJD7pYWOJ-LS9BVNxYCT0u0u1nXzsYHKbke6yrZ4A2S3XPvSZh/s200/Bailey+Bridge.jpg"></a></div>Tamenglong, August 29, 2014: Expressing strong reservation against the alleged plan of the State Government to inaugurate the incomplete suspension bailey bridge built over Barak river between Dikiuram and Katang village, on September 1, the Zeliangrong Youth Front has urged the State Government to defer inauguration of the same till necessary technical rectification is made in the interest of the general public.

ZYF urges to defer inauguration of Bailey bridge

Tamenglong, August 29, 2014: Expressing strong reservation against the alleged plan of the State Government to inaugurate the incomplete sus...