ATSUM office bearers sworn in

[caption id="attachment_8932" align="alignleft" width="300"] ATSUM office bearers sworn in[/caption]

IMPHAL, Jul 2: The oath taking cum handing/taking over ceremony of newly elected office bearers of the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM), erstwhile known as the interim body of ATSUM, was held today at Senapati district headquarters.

Among others, the oath taking ceremony was attended by former ATSUM president John Pulamte, outgoing president Thomas Jaishya and leaders of different tribal student organisations.

The newly elected office bearers for the term 2013-15 are Emboi Serto (President), Marahang Ngiimei (General Secretary), Hemang Haokip (Finance Secretary), Kakam Haokip (Education Secretary) and Adani David Mao (Speaker).

Speaking at the occasion, newly elected president Emboi Serto said that ATSUM was set up with a vision in 1972 for all the tribal communities of Manipur but the same vision has remained only a dream today.

“To translate the dream into reality is in our hands. But it would not be an easy task for the path is laden with many deterrents”, said Serto. He also pledged to work in the interest of all tribal communities without thinking for personal gains.

For ATSUM to march ahead, advice and suggestions of leaders, federating units, tribal Hohos, Inpuis and tribal student leaders are crucial. Emboi Serto further pledged not to compromise tribal unity and aspirations under any circumstances.

~Sangai

Bharti Airtel and Google join hands to launch Free Zone in India

Bharti Airtel and Google announced the launch of Free Zone powered by Google, which will give Airtel mobile customers access to mobile web search and feature-phone-friendly versions of Gmail and Google+ in India.

The first page of a website linked from search results is provided at no data cost. Free Zone aims to put the web in the hands of more people and empower first time Internet users with several useful services of the Internet.

Airtel mobile customers can access the service by visiting www.airtel.in/freezone and simply start using the Internet without having to sign in to the service.

Any user can create a Gmail account instantly on the Free Zone homepage and enjoy a multitude of connectivity and social media services from Google. Rajan Anandan, VP and Managing Director, Google India said,

“The mobile Internet user base is growing really fast in India. Working with Airtel on this exciting trial means that we can offer Internet services at no cost to anyone with a phone.

This gives people easier access to information in a way that benefits everyone, whether it’s an individual or a small business that wants to reach more people on the web.


We hope this initiative will encourage more Indians to experience the value of the Internet and gain from it. Students can easily look up for facts to work on their assignments, housewives will be able to easily check on recipes and connect with their friends and family from their mobile phones.”

Free Zone aims to make the web accessible and affordable to all mobile users. The expansive set of powerful internet services available via Airtel includes Google Search – which will take Free Zone users to websites matching their search query, Gmail, and Google+ which enables users to share photos and messages with social groupings of family, friends and business or work associates.

While Airtel subscribers will not incur any data charges to access these services on Free Zone powered by Google, access to more advanced services such as Attachment Download or browse through to web sites from the ones accessed in the Free Zone would be enabled through the subscription to a standard data package.

Airtel mobile customers will be able to access the following services from mobile phone browsers through Free Zone powered by Google: s Gmail: Users have unlimited access to Gmail from their mobile browser.

If users click on a link or attachment within the email they are directed to apage where they can purchase a data package.

s Google+: Users can share online photos and messages with circles of family, selected friends or the public; follow updates on the things they are passionate about - from cricket to photography, music to news; and follow people they’re interested in.

s Google Search: Users can search the entire Internet and access the first page of websites from the results for free.

If they click further into a website after that, they are directed to a page where they can purchase a data package.

When users leave the Free Zone to navigate deeper into a website or download an attachment they are informed about the data charges and given the option to purchase an appropriate data package.

~NP

Seven acquitted in Mizoram exorcism death case

Aizawl: Thangvunga, a resident of Lunglei district in South Mizoram, died after sustaining injuries all over his body in an exorcism ritual on August 8, 2010 .

Exorcism is the practice of expelling evil spirits by means of prayer. However, the use of brute force is often reported in exorcism rituals. Lucy Lalrinthari, district and sessions judge of Lunglei, acquitted the accused - a priest and other sixdevotees - after finding them not guilty of homicide while practising exorcism.

~toi

Second Limca Book of Records feat for Assam poet

SILCHAR: The name of Paulose VD, a teacher in the English department in N C College, Badarpur in south Assam has been entered in the Limca Book of Records, 2013. He was honoured for his 1002-line mono-syllabic poem titled "Elegy Written at Elavoor", which was published in his book 'Home Thoughts' in 2012.


This is the second time Paulose has found his name in the prestigious Limca Book of Records. His name was first entered for writing a 600-line mono-syllabic poem titled 'Thoughts on the Site of My Old Home' in 2010.

His latest poem is unique in two ways. First, a 1002-line poem using only mono-syllabic words has been written for the first time in the world. Secondly, the number of words is more than the number of syllables in the poem which again may not be found in any other poem. The poem has 8,110 words, but has only 8,016 (1002x8) syllables.

As far as the content of the poem is concerned, Limca Book of Records, 2013, writes, "In the poem, Paulose bemoans the loss of a beautiful time he had in his village cottage under the cool foliage of trees with his parents, good neighbours, pet animals and birds. The loss of his parents,friends, neighbours and the death of his pet dog are deeply lamented. The pulling down of his old house, the village school and church, all in order to make new ones, are deeply entrenched in his mind too. Dr Paulose was inspired to write the elegy when he visited his old home at Elavoor soon after the death of his father, making him nostalgic and reminiscent of the days gone by".

Paulose's name had been in news when both Oxford and Cambridge University Press accepted his corrections in their dictionaries. The Oxford University has honoured him by permanently entering his name in the 6th edition of the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary.

Though born and brought up in Kerala, Paulose has spent 40 years in the northeast as an educationist. Some of his other recognitions are two awards from Italy for his poems 'Ode to a Hyacinth' and 'Beggars: White and Black' and translation of his poems into eight international languages and publication of the poems in 14 countries.

~TOI

Churachandpur nude tape rage Accused IRB men placed under suspension

[caption id="attachment_8917" align="alignleft" width="300"] Police firing tear gas shells to disperse the mob on Sunday night at CCpur[/caption]

Imphal/Lamka, Jul 1 : The four IRB jawans, who were arrested by Chura-chandpur police in connection with forcibly video recording two lovers in the nude and whose clip went viral on the net, have been placed under suspension.

Including two havildars, the four jawans belonging to 1 IRB were also produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (Churachandpur) today and the Court remanded them to police custody for six days.

The incident occurred a some days back at Khuga dam area in the tribal-dominated district and it came to light when the video footage allegedly filmed by one of the four personnel went viral on the net.

The four, who were guarding Khuga Dam in the district, allegedly caught the two in a compromising position and one of the jawans filmed the two in the nude.

Besides placing the four under suspension, a departmental inquiry has been ordered against them, police sources said.

Superintendent of police of the district LM Haokip said that the matter would be probed with all the seriousness it deserves and the situation in Churachandpur town was brought under control on Monday in the wake of Saturday’s public outrage.

Having witnessed the video clip, women organizations quizzed the two victims, who revealed the involvement of an IRB personnel in filming the clip.

The police, who received a complaint on the matter, recorded the statement of the two on Friday.

On Sunday evening, the four jawans including two havildars were pulled up from Khuga post and a case was registered against them under sections 354, 431 IPC and 67 ( A) of the IT Act.

Meanwhile over twenty people were injured in police firing late last night as a mob demanding the police to hand over the culprits behind the nude-tape— and those angered by the police blank-fire that injured two— made a daring attempt to storm the police station here.

Subsequent to the first police blank-fire at around 6.20 pm, the crowd that gathered near the police station turned into a violent mob, setting on fire the office of the district traffic police and the signboard erected at the gates beside vandalizing anything they could get hold of.

The extreme conduct of the mob forced the police to summon a Commando team from Imphal that reached Lamka at around 11 pm.

The commando team headed by two top police officials unleashed their might on the rioting mob from the moment they arrived and continued to pursue the chase till midnight as their intermittent gunshots and firing of tear gas shells gave the township residents a restless night.

In all twenty four people were injured as the police struggled to control the mob till midnight, sources said. Six out of the 24 were admitted to the hospital. Luanminsiam (20) s/o Lunkhopau of Zenhang Lamka was shifted to Imphal around midnight yesterday as his condition is said to be critical. The other five were treated at the District Hospital here and at least three of them are awaiting surgery, said the source.

Those admitted in the hospital are identified as Obed (25), Lulun (18), Muangboi (26), Thara (25) and Robert (21). All except Lulun were residents of Zenhang Lamka while Lulun belongs to New Lamka.

Addressing the press at his official chamber immediately after holding a joint meeting of the CJWO, student bodies, the SP, the DC in-charge and other stake holders, ADCC Chairman, Langkhanpau Guite requested the people to refrain from taking any extreme steps on their own. He said the meeting had condemned the conduct of the couple who were film naked by the arrested IRB personnel and in equal terms condemn the IRB men for filming them in an outrageous manner.

He also said that the district administration will work to ensure that rehabilitation plans for the couple would be in place and made provisions to reimburse the expenditure of those injured.

Besides, the state police, BSF and AR will be conducting intensive patrolling in and around the township so that events like last night would not be repeated, he said.

‘It is also our collective desire that those who are behind the tape should be taken to task in the swiftest manner,’ he added.

A reliable source said the arrested IRB men have now been placed under suspension and depending upon the progress of the investigation further actions would be initiated against them.

As the uniforms of traffic police were damaged by the fire during last night’s incident, none of them were seen along the streets today. Understandably, the one-way traffic that was put in placed prior to the Christmas season last year went kaput for the first time.

The CJWO and the social activist who filed the FIR on the nude-tape today said their intention to ensure justice and not riot. They have requested the general public to maintain calm and to desist themselves from adopting any extreme steps. ‘Now that the police have apprehended the culprit behind the tape, the law will take its own course,’ they said.

They have also expressed regrets over last night’s violence and shared the pain suffered by those were injured.

NSF terms GPRN/NSCN statement misleading

Reacting to the statement made by MIP kilonser GPRN/NSCN, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) Monday expressed shock and amazement while terming it not only as “misleading but also ambiguous in nature.”

NSF president Tongpang Ozukum and general secretary Esther Rhakho, in joint statement, pointed out that the first incident occurred on June 25, when a shot was fired at “point blank range” in an attempt on the life of the NSF office bearer at lower Chandmari near Lotha Church.

They said the second took place near Hotel Orchid, midland junction area between GPRN/NSCN(Khole-Kitovi) and NSCN(K) and so, there was no question the NSF leader getting caught in a “crossfire or shot from behind”.

They also asserted that the vehicle, AS-01 M - 6773 (Maruti 800) in which GPRN/NSCN cadres were travelling, suddenly pulled over to the left side of the road and the driver,  ‘lieut.’ Amento Kiba rushed out of the vehicle and fired upon the NSF leader.

NSF then asked if the action was not an attempt on life or not an assassination bid?.
“As rightly pointed out by ‘lieut. col’ Kiyeto Zhimomi, the vehicle AS-01 M - 6773 (Maruti 800) was driven by GPRN/NSCN cadre ‘lieut.’ Amento Kiba.

Therefore, they should seriously note the claim of the federation that the person who was driving the Maruti 800 was the one who shot at the federation official at lower Chandmari near Lotha church”, they said.

The signatories pointed out that since the state police had also substantiated the allegation, what more proof was needed for the outfit to take action against its own cadre?

Throwing the onus on the GPRN/NSCN, NSF said the outfit had not ascertained facts of the two above incidents and alleged that instead, the GPRN/NSCN was trying to shelter the “culprit, who almost killed an innocent student leader.

NSF asked the GPRN/NSCN as to why was it reluctant to accept the truth that the NSF official was directly fired upon by their cadre in lower Chandmari and was not caught in the crossfire?.

NSF also termed it as “baseless” the allegation that it demanded GPRN/NSCN cadres be confined in their designated camps while other factions be allowed to roam free.

Further, NSF rubbished the statement that the ultimatum served on GPRN/NSCN was drafted in line with the version of the injured NSCN (K) cadre.  The signatories clarified that NSF had not tried to meet the injured NSCN(K) cadre, leave alone taking  version of the injured, as alleged by GPRN/NSCN.

“It is never expected that GPRN/NSCN will stoop so low, countering the students with such unfounded allegations instead of addressing the issue with a matured approach in the greater interest of the Nagas”, they said.

Further the NSF reiterated that it would never remain a mute spectator when-  ceaseless bloodshed was going on amongst the different Naga underground factions; when innocent public was being harassed and threatened; when people were being taxed unreasonably and when innocent civilians were being targeted.

The federation reiterated its demand that GPRN/NSCN should own responsibility of the action against the NSF official and the movement of the armed cadres in the civilian areas should be curbed by the respective factions so as to prevent civilian casualties.

12-hr NSF bandh total, peaceful

NAGA INHABITED AREAS IN NORTHEAST AFFECTED; NSF SUBMITS 5-POINT CHARTER OF DEMANDS
Normal life came to a standstill throughout Nagaland including Naga inhabited areas in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam  on July 1, during the 12-hour bandh called by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) in protest  against factional clashes and harassment meted out to public by underground groups.

[caption id="attachment_8911" align="alignleft" width="300"] Life came to a standstill in Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, Kiphire and other districts even as train passengers were stranded in Dimapur railway station following total bandh called by NSF. (Nagaland Post Image)[/caption]

The bandh was total and without any incident, at the time of filing this report.
Vehicles were off roads while educational institutions, government and business establishments remained closed.

DIMAPUR: In Dimapur, except for vehicles of magistrates and police on duty, volunteers and media the roads wore a deserted look, with piles of garbage strewn alongside the streets. All business establishments including banks also remained closed while bandh enforcers imposed strict compliance on  pedestrians.

NSF vice-president Joseph Nguori who monitored  the bandh in Dimapur, said it was called to show “strong resentment” against those not maintaining peace, which was the need of the hour.

He asserted that armed factional conflicts  in civilian populated areas   would not be tolerated and lauded the citizens for their  positive response to the bandh called by the NSF in Dimapur.

NSF finance secretary Shikavi Achumi pointed out that the federation had already submitted a five-point charter of demands to the state government on June 26 and demanded a response within seven days.

It may be recalled that NSF wanted the state government to initiate stern action against the culprit(s) involved in the shooting incident where one NSF office bearer was injured  in Kohima on June 25.

NSF also demanded that the government direct all the cadres of every faction be confined within designated camps and to seriously monitor “free movement” of armed cadres in civilian areas.

It also demanded that government ensure security of the general public and also asked it not to release any accused on bail.

Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) president K. Mhachio Lotha claimed that unlike in the past, DNSU did “deploy any volunteers” during Monday’s bandh but that response from public was spontaneous and overwhelming.

He acknowledged help and support from Naga Council, Dimapur, Eastern Naga Students’ Union Dimapur, Garo Students’ Union Nagaland. DNSU president also thanked the Muslim Council Dimapur, Chandu Agarwal for providing mineral water, Rajesh Sethi for donating cash towards the union, Diphupar Naga Students’ Union for providing lunch to the office bearers and volunteers of DNSU.

Train passengers stranded:
The bandh had caused undue suffering on train passengers in Dimapur  as hundreds were left stranded without any means of transportation on arrival at Dimapur, as vehicles stayed off the road.
One Konyak family of four, including two women and a six-year-old boy,  arrived Dimapur at 2 a.m.
from Tinsukia, Assam and were left stranded the whole day at Dimapur railway station while waiting for taxis to arrive from Kohima after 6 p.m.

“We have not eaten anything the whole day. All the shops are closed and the house of our relative is at 5th Mile. We have no choice but to hope that the taxis arrive in the evening,” one of them told Nagaland Post.

Another Naga family, all women, said that they have been stranded after arriving Dimapur from Lumding, Assam.

They could were waiting for an auto-rickshaw to take them to their home at 2 ½ Mile, Dimapur. Throughout the day, train travelers leaving Dimapur were also seen arriving on foot at the station, dragging their luggage under a scorching heat.

KOHIMA: In Kohima, the 12-hour bandh evoked spontaneous response where not even a pedestrian could be seen on the road as volunteers maintained  vigil to ensure that the bandh ended peacefully.

NSF president Tongpang Okukum informed media persons, that the bandh passed off peacefully with no untoward incident reported from all districts including the Naga inhabited areas in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

He claimed that the bandh was observed even in the Naga inhabited areas of Myanmar. He said that due to poor network, NSF could not contact members on Myanmar side, but was optimistic that the bandh had ended peacefully.

Tongpang lauded Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) for the co-operation in enforcing the bandh in the four districts of Eastern Nagaland within a short notice period.

He also acknowledged the services rendered by volunteers in all the districts and sub-divisions and appealed to the public to extend co-operation stating that NSF would continue to fight against “evil” so that Nagas lived in peace.

MOKOKCHUNG: The bandh in Mokokchung was enforced by Ao Students’ Conference (AKM).
No untoward incident was reported during the bandh. AKM has stated that it would continue to support NSF till a solution to the issue was worked out with regard to the firing incident in Kohima.

The student conference said the state government should “immediately arrest” those involved in the incident.

AKM also thanked the civil society organizations in Mokokchung led by Ao Senden and Watsu Mungdang besides the district administration and the police for their cooperation and in making the bandh a success.

ZUNHEBOTO: NSF bandh was observed in Zunheboto by “All Sumi Students’ Union” (SKK) and passed off peacefully evoking a mass response from all.

The district administration headed by DC, Sumi Hoho, STH (Z), STH (G), ZRSU, Zbto police, 8th NAP, IRB personnel, 21 AR and several bodies monitored the bandh which went on uninterrupted except two stray incidents where armed cadres of the NSCNs were apprehended at two different locations.

The identity of the arrested armed cadres could not be ascertained till the filing of this report. SDO (civil), EAC, Sumi Hoho general secretary and several DBs were seen monitoring the bandh so as to prevent any untoward incidents.

TSEMINYU: In Tseminyu area, Rengma Students Union (RSU) imposed the NSF spearheaded bandh which passed off peacefully.

According to RSU tribunal general Kenneth Rengma, National Highway 61 crossing Rengma areas wore a deserted look.

RSU also expressed gratitude to the administration, police, Rengma hoho and its frontal organizations for their cooperation and thanked the Tseminyu Union, Phenwhenyu village council and K. Station Village Council for providing food and refreshment to the volunteers.

PEREN: Zeliangrong Student’s Union, Nagaland ZSU (N) under the directive of NSF observed the total Bandh in Peren district.

The union has lauded all the units and the public for their co-operation during the bandh which passed off peacefully.

PHEK: In response to NSF total bandh, Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) observed Monday’s bandh from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. It passed off peacefully without any untoward incidents.

CSU president Thupukutho Lohe has lauded all for their positive response to the call of students community in the fight to maintain peace and tranquility within Naga society.

Overwhelming response in Eastern Nagaland
TUENSANG: The bandh called by Eastern Naga  Students’  Federation (ENSF) in solidarity with NSF drew overwhelming response in Eastern Nagaland areas. It passed off peacefully without any untoward incident.

ENSF president Likhumse Sangtam said the federation decided to extend support to the bandh as it was against any “anti- social activities” by ‘Naga national  workers.’ All government offices, business establishments remained closed and vehicles stayed off the road.

KIPHIRE: Along with the rest of the state, the bandh passed off peacefully in Kiphire. No vehicles plied on the roads and business establishments downed their shutters in the district from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.

The bannd here was initiated by United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) under the directive of ENSF.

LONGLENG: Phom Students` Conference (PSC) under the directives from ENSF also observed a total bandh in support NSF’s protest against June 25 incident.

The bandh evoked overwhelming response with no untoward incidents reported from any parts of the district.

The entire district headquarter wore deserted look as government offices, business establishment, banks, schools and collage remained closed and publics stayed indoors while vehicles went off the road.

UKHRUL: Ukhrul town wore a deserted look following the total bandh called by NSF in all the Naga inhabited areas.

Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) initiated the bandh as district mini secretariat, shops and business establishments in Ukhrul town downed their shutters and vehicles stayed off the road. There were no reports of any untoward incidents.

All the inter-district transport systems between Imphal and Ukhrul were halted for the day in the district headquarter.

TKS has appealed all factions to maintain peace and shun violence and has decided to extend support to NSF in further course of action.

~NP

Bangladesh to hand over ULFA leader

Shillong, July 1 (IANS): United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) general secretary Anup Chetia, who has been in a Bangladeshi jail since 1997, would be repatriated this month to India, a senior union home ministry official said Monday.
"He (Chetia) should be reptratriated to India by July 15 or a few days before that," Shambhu Singh, joint secretary (northeast) in the union home ministry,
told IANS.

Chetia is wanted in India for various crimes including murder, kidnapping and extortion. He was arrested in Assam in 1991, but was freed by the state government.
On Dec 21, 1997, the ULFA general secretary was arrested from Mohammadpur in Dhaka for illegally entering Bangladesh and for illegally carrying foreign currency and a satellite phone. He is under detention after completion of his jail term.

Chetia sought political asylum in Bangladesh on three occasions - in 2005, 2008 and in 2011. He also applied to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for political asylum in Bangladesh, contending he had been fighting for a sovereign Assam.

But later the separatist leader who is fighting for a "soveriegn Assam" sought that his application for political asylum in Bangladesh should be cancelled and he be returned to India.

"He wanted to come back to India after much persuasion by his family members and friends. He wanted to be part of the ongoing peace talks between the government (of India) and the ULFA," Singh said.

Chairman of ULFA's pro-talk faction Arabinda Rajkhowa on several occasion had asked the Indian government to seek Chetia's repatriation from Bangladesh to deportation to India.

On May 13, Chetia in his petition submitted to Rajshahi Central Jail, where he has been in detention, said: "Earlier, I wanted to stay in this country. I have changed my mind and I have decided to live the rest of my life with my children in my country (India)."
The prison authorites forwarded the petition to the Bangladesh home ministry.

India has long been demanding Chetia's deportation but Bangladesh has been saying that the issue needs to be settled by the court as he had sought political asylum.
India and Bangladesh had signed an extradition treaty earlier this year.

Although Bangladesh never officially acknowledged handing over of the several top Indian rebels leaders to India since Sheikh Hasina took office of the prime minister in January 2009, it is now an open secret that Dhaka facilitated their arrests by capturing them and later handing them over to Indian authorities.

Those handed over include ULFA chairman Rajkhowa, deputy commander-in-chief Raju Baruah, self-styled foreign secretary Sasha Choudhury, finance secretary Chitraban Hazarika and other leaders of the outfit, as well as National Democratic Front of Bodoland chief Ranjan Daimary, and in the recent time Garo National Liberation Army chief Champion R. Sangma.

~MExN

NE women rescued from Goa prostitution den

Panaji, July 1 (IANS): Eighteen women, most of them from northeastern states and Nepal, were rescued after a raid on a Goa night club which doubled up as a prostitution den, police said Monday. Two people, including a pimp and the night club's owner Ronnie Chakravarthy, were arrested after the Saturday raid in Calangute, said police inspector Nilesh Rane. "The victims are mainly from Manipur, Sikkim and Nepal. There was a Goan girl too. They had been hired as waitresses and dancers, but in fact they were used for prostitution," Rane said. The official said he was not sure about the age of the rescued victims, adding that they had been sent to a government-run home. Calangute, located 20 km from Panaji, is one of the most popular beach villages in Goa and known for its night life.

~MExN

Tripura minister faces snake bite

Senior CPI(M) leader and tribal welfare minister Aghore Debbarma fell prey to snake bite at his official residence.

A close relative said on Tuesday that he was bitten in the bathroom on Sunday midnight, but was immediately administered anti-venom.

Mr. Debbarma, a member of CPI(M) central committee, had faced another unusual incident sometime back when his pet dog bitten him.

“The snake was not poisonous. Still he is taking medicines as per advise of the doctors”, the relative said.

Mr. Debbarma is widely known as an animal lover. He pets a number of species at his residence.

Mr. Debbarma could not attend the special one day session of state assembly to mark its golden jubilee celebration on Monday afternoon due to health hazard.

He left the assembly premises at end of photo session of members of the assembly.

Army issues 48-hour deadline for Egypt consensus

[caption id="attachment_8899" align="alignleft" width="300"] An Egyptian protester looks at the damaged Muslim Brotherhood headquarters in the Muqatam district in eastern Cairo, Egypt on Monday.[/caption]

The Army on Monday gave Egyptian President Mohammed Morsy and the opposition a 48-hour ultimatum to reach consensus and meet the people’s demands or it would announce measures to end the stalemate.

“The armed forces reiterates its call to meet the demands of the people and gives everyone 48 hours as a last chance to bear the burden of such historical circumstances that the country is going through,” Defence Minister Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi said.

“If the people’s demands are not met within the specified deadline, the armed forces — based on its national and historical responsibility — will announce a plan for the future and a series of measures that it will supervise with the participation of all factions,” he said.

Muslim Brotherhood’s HQ stormed

Earlier in the day, anti-government protesters in Egypt stormed the Cairo headquarters of the ruling Muslim Brotherhood, and the opposition called for civil disobedience if President Mohammed Morsy does not step down by Tuesday.

The Health Ministry said that 16 people have been killed and more than 780 injured nationwide since the clashes started on Sunday.

Medics said at least 12 people were killed in the fighting that started on Sunday around the Muslim Brotherhood’s biggest offices, in the suburban Cairo area of al-Moqattam.

Protesters torched the first floor of the building on Sunday.

Activists said Muslim Brotherhood members inside the building responded with live fire and shotgun rounds.

The clashes began as hundreds of thousands took to the streets Sunday across the country, as the opposition stepped up pressure on Mr. Morsy to step down.

Several Muslim Brotherhood offices have been torched in different province since Wednesday as tensions have risen between Mr. Morsy’s supporters and opponents in the lead-up to Sunday’s rallies, which marked his first anniversary in office.

Members of the opposition Tamarod campaign, which called for Sunday’s protests, said they will continue their sit-in in various squares across the country.

They gave Mr. Morsy an ultimatum — to resign by Tuesday — and called for more civil disobedience if he stays.

Tamarod, a grassroots campaign that said it collected more than 22 million signatures of those who want to oust Mr. Morsy, called on the army, police and judiciary to stand with the protesters.

“It is no longer possible to accept any halfway measures,” the group said, rejecting dialogue with the president.

The opposition says Mr. Morsy, Egypt’s first democratically elected president, is concerned only with tightening his Muslim Brotherhood group’s grip on power and has failed to address the country’s economic and social problems.

Mr. Morsy’s allies charge the opposition of seeking to topple him to seize power. His supporters have vowed he will complete his four-year term.

Mr. Morsy backers continued camping around a mosque in eastern Cairo.

On Sunday, five people were killed in clashes between Mr. Morsy’s opponents and supporters in the southern Egyptian cities of Assiut and Beni Sueif.

Five Egyptian ministers resign

Five Egyptian ministers have resigned after mass protests to demand the resignation of Mr. Morsy, sources in the Cabinet said on Monday.

Prime Minister Hesham Qandil is currently holding a meeting with the Ministers of tourism, environment, communications, public utilities and parliamentary affairs to discuss their decision.

Snowden said to have “insurance policy” against capture, death

[caption id="attachment_8896" align="alignleft" width="300"] File photo of Edward Snowden.[/caption]

Edward Snowden, the U.S. National Security Agency’s external-contractor-turned-whistleblower, is said to have hidden away a “massive trove of top-secret data” in encrypted files that would be released publicly should “anything” happen to him, and such revelations could damage U.S. intelligence interests, reports have said.

Mr. Snowden, who is wanted by the U.S. government for making earth-shaking revelations on the NSA’s mass automated surveillance of Internet and telephonic communications, is presently said to be stuck in the international transit area of Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport, even as he awaits travel documentation from Ecuador after making an asylum application to that country.

However according to unnamed sources speaking to the UK’s Sunday Times, when he left Hong Kong for Russia on June 23, “he did not carry his four laptops to the airport” and encrypted copies of the data on those machines were said to be “locked in a safe or a bank vault.” The Times added that the release of this data could have “devastating consequences for Western security interests, say sources familiar with his time in the Chinese city.”

The suggestion that Mr. Snowden has such an “insurance policy” against attempts to capture or assassinate him is consistent with remarks made by Guardian reporter Glenn Greenwald, who was at the centre of the NSA-surveillance revelations, to the Daily Beast.

Mr. Greenwald has been quoted saying that Mr. Snowden “has taken extreme precautions to make sure many different people around the world have these archives to insure the stories will inevitably be published,” and he added that if anything happened at all to Mr. Snowden, “He told me he has arranged for them to get access to the full archive.”

Mr. Snowden himself warned authorities that he could not be silenced, saying on June 17, “The U.S. government is not going to be able to cover this up by jailing or murdering me... The truth is coming, and it cannot be stopped.”

Reports of Mr. Snowden’s backup plans came even as some intelligence experts called on the U.S. government to limit the damage from the revelations about snooping programmes PRISM and Boundless Informant.

Former Central Intelligence Agency and NSA Director, Michael Hayden, said on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” show this weekend that the government should release more information about how and why phone and Internet records from around the world were being observed by the NSA, so as to reassure Americans that their privacy rights were being protected.

Meanwhile Secretary of State John Kerry defended Washington’s global-scale surveillance, which is authorised by the secretive Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, saying on the sidelines of the ASEAN conference on Monday, “Every country in the world that is engaged in international affairs with national security undertakes lots of activities to protect its national security and all kinds of information contributes to that.”

The U.S. faced sharp criticism over the weekend this week after German news weekly Der Spiegel reported on Sunday that the NSA “bugged diplomats from friendly nations – such as the EU offices in Washington, New York and Brussels.” The Indian embassy here was also said to be included in a list of 38 surveillance “targets.

Diesel price up by 50 paise per litre

Diesel price was on Monday hiked by 50 paisa per litre, the sixth increase in rates this year.

The increase in rates, which are excluding local sales tax or VAT, will be effective from midnight tonight, Indian Oil Corporation said.

Diesel in Delhi will cost Rs. 50.84 per litre from Tuesday as against Rs. 50.26 currently.

Oil firms on Saturday hiked petrol price by Rs. 1.82 per litre, excluding VAT, as rupee depreciation made import of crude oil costlier.

State-owned oil firms had been in January authorised to raise diesel prices by up to 50 paisa per litre every month till entire losses on the fuel are wiped out.

In Mumbai, price has been hiked by 62 paisa to Rs. 57.61 while in Kolkata it will cost Rs. 55.16 a litre from Tuesday as against Rs. 54.57 currently. Chennai will see a price increase of 61 paisa to Rs. 54.15 a litre.

Underground hideout busted in Manipur

IMPHAL, June 30: Troops of Red Shield Division busted a temporary hideout being used by valley based insurgent groups near Moirang Khunao in south Manipur.  Valley based insurgent groups have been working on input and intercepts for over two months about targeting security forces in areas of Kumbi, Moirang, Sugnu and Dampi, according to PIB-Defence Wing.

However, the PIB-Defence Wing did not mention to which outfit the hideout belonged.

It said the Red Shield Division launched an operation in a swampy area adjacent to Moirang Khunou which led to recovery of four AK 47 rifles, sixteen magazines, 575 rounds of AK 47, five radio sets, large quantity of explosives including grenades, assorted ammunition of other weapons and war like stores.

The success achieved is a result of sustained operations undertaken by Red Shield Division toward ensuring peace in the state, the PIB-DW stated.

Meanwhile, an active terrorist of Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) bearing army number 2883, 'Lance Corporal', identified as one Oinam Samananda Singh alias Kanba, (33), S/o Oinam Yaima Singh surrendered to the troops of Red Shield Division on June 29 at 1 pm with a 9 mm carbine, a magazine and one 9 mm round, the PIB-Defence Wing claimed.

It said the PLA cadre joined the outfit on October 25, 2005 and underwent three months of training at Mendha, Myanmar and later joined 251 Battalion of PLA. He expressed his gratitude toward the Security Forces and government for giving him an opportunity to come back to the mainstream, the PIB-DW stated.

~MExN

Two vanish with one crore

IMPHAL, Jun 30 : General manager of North East Vision Line Infratel Private Limited Romesh of Kakwa and managing director of the same company Salam Ranjit of Sagolband Salam Leikai have disappeared without any trace after collecting more than Rs one crore from a number of contractors and land owners with the false promise of erecting mobile towers.

Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club this afternoon, general secretary of the land owners’ association Th Manibabu and spokesman of the contractors’ association Th Iboyaima said that legal action would be initiated against Romesh and Salam Ranjit for collecting Rs one crore deceitfully.

Romesh and Ranjit, using their agents collected Rs 1 to 1.20 lakh each from 250 to 300 people between 2009 and 2010 with the false promise of erecting mobile towers.

Romesh ran his office at Kekrupat while Ranjit had his office at Sagolband Salam Leikai.

Against the names of the people from whom the due collected money, a list of 153 people were published on March 22, 2010. This was followed by a list of 16 people.

Next month, land lease agreements extending up to 15 years were signed with land owners. As per the agreement, the land owners should get Rs 8500 per month starting from the month of May, 2010.

In addition, the duo issued work orders for installation of mobile towers at the rate of Rs 9,22,500 for each tower. This amount was for the foundation part only. The contractors were made to deposit 4 per cent of the work order amount.

Again, each of the contractors were made to deposit Rs 25,000 for fixing nuts and template bolts.

Not only that, Romesh and Ranjit collected Rs 10,000 to Rs three lakhs from each contractor after convincing the contractors that their liabilities would be released shortly.

Then the unsuspecting contractors were called to Guwahati and Kolkata to collect their bills thereby wasting money and time. Even though the contractors were given cheques, all the cheques turned out to be bogus.

Now, Romesh and Ranjit have disappeared without any trace, said Manibabu and Iboyaima.

They said that legal action would be initiated against the two frauds.

 

~Sangai

NE girls harassed at IGI airport

New Delhi, Jun 30 : At a time when women in Delhi are demanding safety, three North East girls, all nieces of Dr Alana Golmei, General Secretary of NE Helpline, were allegedly harassed by a CISF man at IGI airport yesterday.

According to a statement issued by NE Helpline, the three girls were allegedly harassed by CISF Constable Ram Chander Chaudhury at IGI domestic airport between 1pm and 2 pm.

The NE Helpline said that the incident happened when they were waiting for their siblings coming from Imphal by an Indigo flight which was to arrive at 1.30 pm.

The girls told the North East Helpline that the CISF Constable enquired why they were sitting there for long.

Although, the girls told the Constable that they were waiting for their siblings, he kept on asking unnecessary questions and demanded to show their identity cards.

The press release quoted the girls as saying that the Constable didn’t ask anything to other people who were sitting there longer than them.

The press release quoted the girls as saying, “We were shocked that he was targeting only us since we look different. He took advantage of our young age and different look from the rest sitting nearby us. His intention was to stalk us as he was roving his eyes all over our bodies while abusively demanding to show our identity cards”.

Dr Alana Golmei said, “I was also standing a few metres away from them along with my cousin sister when the incident happened.

“One of my nieces called me on phone and told me to rush there where they were being harassed by the CISF man, who was in civvies.”

Golmei added, “I rushed there and immediately and asked politely to Ram Chander Chaudhury what was it all about upon which, he angrily replied he was doing his duty according to the order of CISF Vigilance.

When I requested for the standing order he tried to persuade me to go with him and see from his office. I insisted him to bring the standing order of CISF (any order that says one should not sit in IGI domestic airport for more than one hour).

Meanwhile I also spoke to another personnel from Ram Chander’s phone and the man on phone said the same thing that they were vigilance personnel of CISF and that he saw nothing wrong on the behaviour of Ram Chander”.

“Later, another CISF official whose name was RS Sharma appeared at the scene along with Ram Chander again. He was trying to justify the conduct of Ram Chander saying that there was no harm in asking for their identity cards and added that the girls could have just showed it which further appalled me”, Golmei added.

Despite repeated calls to the concerned authorities and central government regarding the discrimination and harassment of North East community residing in Delhi and NCR region no visible action has been taken up so far, said the press release.

The North East Helpline strongly urged the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and any concerned authorities dealing with CISF Vigilance at IGI airport to take strong action against Ram Chander Chaudhury for harassing and stalking the three NE young girls yesterday.

This is not the first time, there were many unreported incidents in the past where NE community were harassed by the security personnel and airline officials as well in IGI airport, New Delhi, the press release added.

The North East Helpline also sought clarification from the concerned authorities whether there is such rules imposed to people who look different especially the Northeast community to be harassed in this way.

CrPC 144 imposed IRB men held over CCpur nude tape

[caption id="attachment_8885" align="alignleft" width="235"] Police-stop-mob-entering-PS[/caption]

Lamka, Jun 30: A day after police took the statement of two youths whose nude photos were posted on the web and amidst growing resentment amongst the public; the police have today apprehended four people suspected to be behind the video.

Sources said that the arrest was made at around 3.25 pm, even as the Joint Women Organisation and other organisations were discussing their course of action on the issue.

The news of the arrest however drew an adverse impact as some people gathered in front of the police station and raised a commotion, demanding that the police hand over the arrested men to them and at times trying to make their way inside the police station.

The situation subsided as police granted leaders of the JWO and their counterparts an access to the arrested men and their identities. Police have identified the accused, all personnel of 1 IRB posted at Khuga Dam, as Th Chaoba Singh, 47 of Khonghanbi, Thoubal; Ningthoujam Dokendro, 43 of Shyam Chirag Mayai Leikai; Hav T Sonlian Tungdim, 26 of Mata; and Hav Nengsuanmung, 35 of Sahei Road New Lamka.

However, the crowd again gathered steam at night fall with some trying to forcibly make their way in while others began pelting stones into police station forcing the police to order a blank-fire at around 6.20pm.

Two youths, Thangnunmuang 26 son of G Khanthong of Zenhang Lamka and Obed Thangtansang 25 son of Khamzapau of Zenhang Lamka were reportedly injured in police firing. The first received bullet wounds at his buttock while the later received injuries at his head. Gunshots were also heared at about 7.35pm.

Around the same time, a group of people made their way into the residence of one of the accused at Mata village and after pouring kerosene oil on the floor set in on fire before quickly making their escape.

The fire was however put under control by the locals before it could cause any substantial damaged. A 5 year-old girl, Manbiaksiam son of Paukhansuan, younger brother of the accused suffered burnt injuries during the melee.

To prevent further escalation of violence the district administration has at around 7.15pm swiftly clamped 144 CrPC.

The SP Churachandpur has assured that police will pursue the case with all seriousness and sincerity. Besides the charges in the FIR, other relevant sections if needed will be added as well he said.

Meanwhile, 18 year old youth identified as Lulun alias Mika was attacked by some men with sharp object near the police station while the turmoil was underway at the police station.

~Sangai