Google’s Special Programme for Arunachal

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki’s recent visit to Google Headquarters, Mountain View, California, USA seems to bear fruit as Google Inc has agreed in principle to launch Arunachal specific project and bring in solutions for imparting global standard education to the students of the state.

In a communiqué from Parliamentary Secretary, Education, IPR and Government Spokesperson Bamang Felix, who along with Education Secretary and Planning Secretary, Government of Arunachal held a meeting with Gagandeep Singh Puri, Head of Education in India for Google, stated that Google has agreed to launch a special programme for Arunachal titled “Chief Minister’s Global Education Programme”.

The programme which would be a restructure of CM’s Talent Award Scheme and shall cover the students of Class – VIII to XII, will be launched on 22nd of December at Itanagar by Chief Minister, Felix revealed. The entire technical support is being provided by Google, making it first of its kind in the country.

While lauding the CM for the landmark initiative, apparently excited Felix stated that with the launch of this e-education programme involving professionals from Google, Arunachal Pradesh would find its mention in educational map of the world.
Google being a pioneer in e-education would be of tremendous help in fulfilling the vision and ideals set by the State Government, he expressed confidence. It may be mentioned here that the Chief Minister during his visit to Google Headquarters had sought assistance from Google for making the state an e-educational hub.

-ArT

Nephiu Rio addresses Parliament for Peaceful Naga Solution

Lok Sabha Member and former Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio today asked the government of India to expedite the Indo-Naga peace process and ongoing political dialogue and bring about an early solution in a time bound manner. Addressing the Lok Sabha in Zero Hour of today’s session, Rio said that the more than seven decades of conflict must be brought to its logical conclusion through an honorable solution that is acceptable to the people.

Zero Hour in Parliament is reserved for addressing issues of urgent public importance and national issues.
Rio told Parliament that the Naga issue is of utmost national importance and the peace process and negotiations must be approached to be resolved in a time bound manner.



He recalled that in 2003, the then Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee has stated in Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, that “India recognizes and understands the unique history of the Nagas”, adding that the Naga peace process must be approached as a national issue.
“A peaceful, democratic and just conclusion will not only strengthen the foundations of Indian democracy but it will also bring to an end, the more than seven decades of violent conflict in a crucial region of the country that is of strategic importance in multi dimensional manner”, Rio said in his address.

The Nagaland MP stated that the Naga political issue is termed as the mother of all insurgencies and the conflict is more than seven decades. A ceasefire was declared between the Government of India and the Naga political groups in 1997, however even after 17 years of ceasefire and dialogue, a solution to the protracted problem remains elusive till today.

Rio appreciated the Government of India for appointment of a new interlocutor and welcomed the statement of the National Security Adviser who has expressed the sincerity of the Government of India in the ongoing peace process. He told the House that the Naga people have been crying out for peace and the peace process has the popular support of the people including the mass based civil societies, church organisations, tribal hohos, NGOs, and political parties.

He informed Parliament that in the previous House of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, all 60 MLAs under the banner of the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF) had unanimously resolved to support the peace process. This, he said is a significant achievement that cannot be undermined.
The three times chief minister of Nagaland stated that the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has declared in its election manifesto that the State Government will pave way for any solution that is honorable and acceptable to the people. This commitment, he said has removed all hurdles and obstacles and the ground has been prepared for realization of an honorable solution. Further he reiterated that it was on the basis of this commitment in the manifesto that the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland was voted to power with the popular mandate of the people for three consecutive terms.

Rio urged upon the Government of India to expedite the peace talks and give an offer of solution to the Naga people so that an honorable solution can be reached and permanent peace can be achieved which will pave way for accelerated development to take place.

~EasternMirror Nagaland

UN to declare June 21 as World Yoga Day: Sushma Swaraj

NEW DELHI: The United Nations will soon declare June 21 as World Yoga Day following a proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday.

"Three months ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had appealed to the world community that India's yoga should be celebrated as World Yoga Day. I am happy to inform you that we have received support of 170 nations and four days from today, the United Nations will declare June 21 as the World Yoga Day," Swaraj said at a function in the presence of yoga guru Ramdev.

Addressing the 'Gita Prerna Mahotsav', organized "to celebrate 5,151 years of religious book Gita" at the Red Fort Maidan in Delhi, the senior BJP leader said that yoga is not merely an exercise, but a road to prosperity and good health.

During his visit to the United Nations in September this year, Modi had urged the world community to celebrate Indian yoga at the international level and that June 21 be declared as the World Yoga Day.

Last month, European Union president Herman Van Rompuy also told PM Modi that the 28-member EU supported his idea for a Yoga Day at the UN.

Interestingly, in the cabinet reshuffle last month, he also named a minister for Ayush, dealing with Yoga and traditional medicine.

TimesofIndia

Garo ultras trigger IED blast in Meghalaya, 5 cops injured

TURA: Violence continues to escalate in the Garo Hills region with suspected GNLA militants ambushing a police convoy by triggering a powerful IED blast in Chokpot region on Friday afternoon injuring five state police personnel belonging to the 3rd MLP battalion.

The incident comes less than 12 hours after the banned group attacked the residence of the Williamnagar Additional SP by opening indiscriminate fire and leaving behind a powerful IED bomb at the entrance to his house.

[caption id="attachment_13031" align="alignnone" width="800"] One of the Meghalaya police battalion constables injured in the GNLA triggered
IED blast near Chokpot on Friday evening. (ST)[/caption]

Police personnel numbering ten armed men travelling in a mini truck and a maruti gypsy from the 3rd MLP Battalion headquarters in Jowai, Jaintia Hills, were stocking up their outposts and camps when they came under attack by the armed militants.

The two vehicle convoy had just replenished the stock of food items and other essentials at Chokpot for their battalion personnel deployed for counter-insurgency operations and were moving towards Sibbari when the attack took place.

As the convoy was passing through Rongrakgre village, 10 kms away from Chokpot, the powerful IED was triggered by suspected GNLA militants hiding in the dense forests.

“The blast hit the left side of the front Gypsy causing injury to five personnel. The havildar who was seated in the front passenger seat of the Gypsy received the maximum impact of the blast,” informed district police chief Lakador Syiem to The Shillong Times.

The injured personnel have been identified as Havildar Bibison Baitha, Battalion Constable (BNC) Karbinath Sangma, BNC Alians B Marak, BNC Dambarth B Marak and driver of the gypsy Riwstarwell Nongklaw.

All five injured have been brought to Tura Civil Hospital for medical treatment and the seriously injured are expected to be transported to Guwahati for specialist treatment, informed police.

The police gypsy sustained extensive damage on the left portion of the vehicle.

Despite the attack, the militants failed to take away any service weapon from the injured personnel since the armed men in the second vehicle acted promptly.

“As soon as the blast was triggered our boys in the mini truck jumped out and took up positions. They also fired into the dense forests to deter the attackers which may have forced the ultras to flee,” said the police chief.

Preliminary investigation by police indicates that the militants may have used a remote detonator to trigger the last.

“Our boys did not find any wires at the site of the blast and cannot rule out remote detonation. Since it was getting dark and there was a security risk we decided to restart the search next morning,” said SP Syiem.

The worrying factor appears to be the manner in which the militants managed to evade the police sanitizing teams along the route through which the convoy was to pass through.

Armed personnel also known as ‘road opening’ parties had patrolled several sections of the Chokpot road to check for militant activity including IEDs earlier in the day.

“The Chokpot road was cleared by our teams at several patches along the route. The militants probably took advantage knowing that our forces were stretched. The convoy was heading to Sibbari after supplying ration to Chokpot when they were attacked,” informed Lakador Syiem.
Source: http://www.theshillongtimes.com/2014/12/06/garo-ultras-trigger-ied-blast-in-chokpot-5-cops-injured/#Uex4Z7hxTylP4RVh.99

Gangnam Style breaks YouTube View Counter!

Here is an interesting and fun bit of trivia for the coders: The most viewed video on YouTube PSY’s Gangnam Style has been viewed so many times that it broke YouTube’s view counter, making the video the very first ever video to break the reaches of a 32-bit integer.

YouTube on its Google+ posted this:

 

 

Really not sure what the hell that means?

Just know that when you are coding, you frequently have to think how you’re storing data like numbers. Do you want a 32-bit integer, or a 64-bit integer? A 32-bit integer can take up a bit less memory, but be able to only be used to store numbers from −2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647. A 64-bit integer is a bit heavy in its memory usage, but can store numbers from −9,223,372,036,854,775,808 to 9,223,372,036,854,775,807.

As of Gangngam Style's achievement and following code change, YouTube can now theoretically support videos with up to 9 quintillion views. Keep on watching.

So keep watching 'Upa Gangngam Style'

Okram Ibobi Singh government extends AFSPA for a year in Manipur

Imphal: Amid continuing protests against the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, the Okram Ibobi Singh government has extended its enforcement across the state by another year, with effect from Tuesday baring the Imphal municipal areas.

Activist from the state, Irom Sharmila Chanu, has been on a fast for the past 14 years to seek the withdrawal of the military act, which gives security forces unbridled powers, including the right to shoot people on suspicion.

Notably Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not mention AFSPA in his speech during the closing ceremony of the Sangai Festival on Sunday. BJP had promised to withdraw the act in its poll manifesto for the Lok Sabha election.

The state cabinet, which met on Monday evening, extended the 'disturbed area' status in the state which is necessitated for the imposition of AFSPA. According to Section 3 of the act, the state government can extend the 'disturbed area' status over the whole state or selected areas.

In the aftermath of the brutal murder and rape of Thangjam Manorama Devi by Assam Rifles personnel in July 2004, the state government lifted the tag from the seven assembly segments in Imphal.

Chaired by chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, the cabinet made note of the continuing violence, including bomb blasts, in different parts of the state, official sources said.

The cabinet decided to request the state governor to convene the winter session of the 10th state legislative assembly. The winter session is likely to begin from December 18.

A Supreme Court order said the state government should review the decision to apply the 'disturbed area' tag over a state or some areas of it, with due permission of the chief minister, after every six months depending on the prevailing law and order situation, the sources added.

~TimesofIndia

61 women killed and 40 raped in Manipur in 2014 : Reports

Altogether 61 women have been murdered and 40 raped till November 10 this year, according to data compiled by the United NGOs Mission Manipur (UNMM).

Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here today, UNMM women committee convenor Sobita Mangshatabam said that 61 women have been murdered and 40 raped in the State in the past 11 months and 10 days.

Of the 61 women killed, 24 were murdered in the most ghastly manner. Out of them, four were below 10 years and they were murdered after being raped. One 18 year old girl was also murdered after being raped.

16 women including 13 housewives were found dead under controversial circumstances. Of the 13 housewives, four were pregnant. 16 other women died by allegedly committing suicide. Two women were killed in bomb blasts. Three other women died during or after child delivery.

Sobita pointed out that procreation is impossible without women. Of the 61 women who have died or have been murdered this year, reproductive system of 57 were active.

Of the 40 women raped this year, 26 were below 18 years of age and 13 below 10 years.

Even as rape and killing of civilians by security forces have come down considerably in the State, rape and killing of civilians by civilians have been rising at an alarming rate.

Till November 10 this year, there are reports of 287 cases of violence against women including rape and murder. These figures are based on what were reported in the newspapers.

Source: http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/page/items/45134/61-women-killed-40-raped-this-year-unmm

ACAUT urges PM Modi to act on Naga solution

ACAUT Nagaland has in a memorandum addressed to the prime minister Narendra Modi at Chumukedima Police Complex on November 30 reiterated that it stood for tackling corruption and also for addressing the issue of unabated taxation and ‘syndicate system’ levied by Naga Political Groups(NPGs). According to ACAUT Nagaland,it organised the massive public rally on October 31 in Dimapur despite “threat from a faction” after which public decided to recognise only “One Government One Tax” and not to pay any tax to a single entity adding it meant that Nagas would not pay any tax so long factions exist.

Asserting that “unabated taxation is the cause of factionalism and factionalism, the cause of unabated taxation”, ACAUT said the tireless efforts by the FNR, to bring reconciliation among various factions by FNR seemed to have been abandoned. Realising the futility, ACAUT said it adopted the slogan “One Government One Tax” at the October 31 rally.

No permanent solution could be achieved without reconciliation among factions and so long as there was no solution, there would be no peace in Nagaland, the gateway of Myanmar, South and East Asia, said ACAUT.

In the light of the above, ACAUT said it was not against any ongoing peace talks but that in order to bring about a permanent solution and resolve the 67-year old conflict, it demanded that the prime minister consider the consequences of settlement minus “One Government One Tax” in the absence of unity among NPGs.

It maintained that the onus of salvaging unity among NPGs should be placed squarely on the shoulders of the NSCN(I-M), the dominant faction spearheading the current negotiation.

ACAUT has demanded that the prime minister take into confidence all stake holders, notably the Naga village councils, since people would invariably be affected once settlement was arrived at. It cautioned against a settlement that would spawn “post-settlement conflict” as viewed by Naga civil society

ACAUT reiterated that the 67-year Naga political issue be resolved permanently under the strong leadership of Narendra Modi, prime minister of India by “taking an inclusive approach” by engaging wider talks with NPGs and Naga civil society on the kind of settlement by keeping in mind the concept of “One Government One Tax”.

ACAUT has strongly urged upon the government of India to deal with the issue of tax and unabated taxation that were linked to the wider issue of Naga political problem and to deal with the problem “separately and immediately” as they were causing untold hardship and misery upon the common people.

Further, it said there was no doubt that NPGs were running parallel governments where salaries of over one lakh employees were being deducted at the rate of 24% by NPGs.

It said the lure of easy money has also led many uneducated unemployed Nagas to the ranks of NPGs and the government of India should deal with the issue of unabated taxation “most seriously without delay”.

ACAUT said rampant corruption in the state was “most serious’ and that it has been relentlessly pursuing the issue and demanded that the Centre should “strictly monitor” fund utilisation in the form of economic and developmental projects.
In order to ensure transparency , ACAUT has demanded the setting up of Lakayukta as it was the only relief for the people of Nagaland as an answer to their “crippling lives”.

ACAUT has also demanded CBI probe into the abandoned SARDP project in four districts for two-lane roads at Longleng-Changtongya; Mon_Tamlu-Merangkong; Phek-Pfutsero; Zunheboto-Chakabama by Gayatri-Maytas JV where original estimate of Rs.1296 crore was escalated within 14 months by 200% to Rs.2978.20 crore.

ACAUT said it was incumbent upon the prime minister to close the chapter of conflict, death, alienation and militarization in the region by “concretising a permanent settlement with the Naga people”.

~NagalandPost

PMs remarks at the Inauguration of the Hornbill Festival, Kohima

Read PM Modi's speech here

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today described the entire Northeast region as a “Natural Economic Zone” – NEZ – whose potential had hitherto remained untapped. He said his priority is to nourish the NEZ for the benefit of the NE (Northeast). In his remarks at the inauguration of the Hornbill Festival in Kohima, the Prime Minister praised the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland and the sturdiness, honesty, simplicity, inherent strong character and hardworking attitude of the Naga people. He congratulated the Nagas for organizing this festival which showcases the cultural diversity of the state.



The Prime Minister also greeted the people of Nagaland on their statehood day, and urged them to introspect and look back at what has been achieved over the last 50 years, and what ground remains to be covered.



The Prime Minister also mentioned the rich biodiversity, and youthful English-speaking population. He said these would ensure that tourism and investment would come to the state. He said the region must capture a part of the global IT outsourcing business.

The Prime Minister mentioned the potential of the state in the sports of boxing, archery, football and taekwondo, and said this must be realized.



He said it was a decade since former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee had visited Nagaland. He assured the people of the state that they would not have to wait so long again for a Prime Minister to visit. He said he would come back to see that all he has mentioned becomes a reality.



The Prime Minister also highlighted the initiatives taken by his Government for the Northeast over the last 6 months. He mentioned the Ishan Uday special scholarships for 10,000 students from the Northeast, and the Ishan Vikas scheme for 2000 students and 500 faculty members from colleges of the Northeast to visit other parts of the country every year.

He said a modern apparel garment manufacturing centre would be set up in every state, beginning with Nagaland, Assam and Sikkim.



He said the Government has earmarked Rs 53000 crore in the Union Budget for development of Northeast. Rs 28,000 crore has been earmarked for construction of new railway lines to boost connectivity. Rs. 5000 crore has been earmarked for improvement of intrastate power transmission systems and a similar amount for boosting 2G mobile connectivity.

A National Sports University will be established in Manipur and 6 new colleges of agriculture will be set up in the region.

Source: Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Modi's speech at the inaugural function of Hornbill Festival 2014

 

Good morning. Ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honour for me to be here amongst the friendly Nagas to celebrate the world famous Hornbill Festival. I greet you on this joyous festive season. I congratulate the Nagas for organizing this wonderful festival, which aims to preserve, promote and protect the unique cultural diversity and rich traditions of Nagaland.

I also congratulate the people on the occasion of 51st anniversary of Nagaland’s statehood. On this auspicious day, I urge the Nagas that after 50 years of statehood, Look back! Introspect! And take stock of the ground you have covered so far and what remains to be achieved. I have seen the strength of your society today. A very rich cultural heritage. This must be promoted.

Your culture must not only be interpreted as your colourful dances and songs, but the Naga culture of sturdiness, honesty, simplicity, reflected in all your deliberations and actions. The Naga way of life means pride in your inherent strong character and your hard working attitude.

I also know that you have a rich biodiversity. Your region is located in one of the 25 hot bio-diversity areas of the world. This must be protected at all costs, even as your embark on sustainable development of your resources. People will come to your state for investment or tourism and they will do so because of your amazing bio-diversity and salubrious climate.

Nagaland is blessed in having a young population well-versed in the English language and in tune with what is happening around the world. This is an advantage which must be tapped. You must capture the IT outsourcing business of the world in this part of the country.

I also greatly admire the equal position of Naga women in the Naga society. I recall how smartly our young Naga women jawaans worked while deployed during the Delhi Commonwealth Games. This participation brought great pride to our nation and was a shining example for our womenfolk across the country. The contribution of half of our population to the growth of our society is immeasurable.

Nagas are sports-loving people and have the potential to perform well in disciplines such as boxing, tae kwon do, football and archery. I feel that these activities must be promoted in a systematic way to realize the potential of the people of the region, given the right direction.

I know that it has been over a decade since Prime Minister Vajpayee visited Nagaland. I think, nowadays, if I want to come to Nagaland from Delhi, or if anyone from here wants to go to Delhi, it hardly takes 10-15 hours. But Prime Ministers took more than 10 years to reach here. I assure the people of Nagaland that you will not have to wait this long for the Prime Minister to visit again. I assure you. I will be happy to come often to meet the people of Nagaland.

I will come back to see to it that everything that I have mentioned becomes a reality.

Come, let us together build a new, resurgent, stronger and more prosperous India, as well as our Nagaland.

Friends, for the last 2-3 days, I have been in this part of our country. I think it is the first time that an Indian Prime Minister has stayed in the North-East for 3 days. In India, the word “SEZ” is very popular. Special Economic Zone. But after being here for the last three days, I must say that it is not only SEZ, it is NEZ. When I say NEZ, I mean Natural Economic Zone. The other parts of India will have to find man-made Special Economic Zones. But here, Natural Economic Zones (already exist). But unfortunately, they are untapped.

It is my priority to nourish this NEZ for NE, North-East. NE is meant for NEZs. NEZs are meant for NE.

I took charge as the Prime Minister six months back. And I would like to mention some of the initiatives we have taken for the North-East in the last 6 months. I am sure that this is the right time to mention these initiatives as we are celebrating the Hornbill Festival and preparing for Christmas.

The scheme called “Ishaan Uday” is a special scholarship for students from the North-East, under which 10,000 students will benefit. The scheme called “Ishaan Vikas” will provide opportunities for internships and visit at IITs, NITs, NIFTs in other parts of India during vacation for the students of North-East. Every year 2,000 students and 500 teachers will benefit from this scheme.

We have decided to establish one modern apparel garment manufacturing centre in every state of North-East. We know that we have a rich heritage in the field of textiles. We have a mastery in weaving. Our women carry this art in their fingers, and we have to utilize this capability for the development of this area. And for that, we have decided to begin with Nagaland, Assam and Sikkim. The Central Government will spend 20 crore rupees for this new programme.

During the tenure of the Vajpayee government, a unique decision was taken by Atalji. It was decided at that time that 10% of the Annual Plan Budget will be spent on the North-East states. My government has made a provision of Rs 53,000 crore in the Union Budget for development of the North-East. Rs 28,000 crore will be provided for construction of 14 new railway lines. There are so many tourists here from other parts of India and foreign countries. This is the best tourist destination. All we need is road, rail, and air connectivity to develop tourism here.

Energy is lifeline. We cannot do anything without energy or power. The North-Eastern region power system improvement project has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 5,000 crore for six North-Eastern states including Nagaland. This will strengthen intra-state transmission and distribution systems. Our goal is 24x7x365 power supply.

Nowadays, the meaning of infrastructure has totally changed. Even if you have road-rail-air connectivity, it is not enough. You require Digital Connectivity too. Under the Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for the North-Eastern region, we have sanctioned Rs 5,000 crore for 2G mobile coverage for enhanced connectivity between this area and the world.

We have decided to establish a National Sports University in Manipur, and the people of Nagaland will be among primary beneficiaries of this sports university.

We have decided to set up 6 new Agriculture Colleges in North-East. I am sure that North-East can become India’s Capital of Organic Agriculture. North-East can become a source of Organic Agriculture products for the world and for humanity.

Friends, it is a great opportunity for me to be a part of this Hornbill festival. We are very eager to develop our tourism sector. There is a tremendous untapped scope for India in this field of tourism, and we are focussing on it. There are people, even in India, who do not know what a rich bio-diversity we have in this part of India.

Seeing is believing. And I am sure that people here from different parts of India can see what a unique cultural heritage this part has. I am sure that this Hornbill Festival will improve the tourism sector of Nagaland, the people of Nagaland will be beneficiaries of this growth. And when the people of Nagaland become prosperous, the whole country will be the beneficiary.

I am thankful that the Chief Minister invited me to attend this festival. I am sure that in the next 10 days of this festival, lakhs of people will come here to be a part of this festival. Thank you very much.

Source: Narendra Modi

PM’s remarks at the closing function of the Manipur Sangai Festival

In his remarks at the closing function of the Manipur Sangai Festival in Imphal today, the Prime Minister said sports was the fulcrum of tremendous economic activity. Several allied disciplines such as nutrition and physiotherapy were associated with sports, and this could boost employment prospects for the youth of Manipur. 



The Prime Minister made an impassioned plea to free the youth of the state from the menace of drugs. He said the youth of this state, that has the potential to inspire the entire nation through excellence in sports, should not fall prey to drugs. 

On the subject of employment, the Prime Minister said the entire northeast region had the potential to emerge as a hub for call centres. 



The Prime Minister referred to the requests made by the Chief Minister for improving infrastructure such as roads and hospitals. He said he was happy that the Chief Minister looked forward to this Union Government delivering infrastructure. He said Rs. 60,000 crore had been earmarked in the Union Budget this year for infrastructure in the North-East. He said he would look into each of the requests made and see what could be done about them. He said the Union Government wishes to take the entire Northeast region to new heights of development. The Prime Minister also said that during his recent visit to Myanmar, a lot of attention had been given to improving connectivity between Imphal and Southeast Asia. He said a lot of initiatives had been taken for infrastructure, and the results of these initiatives would be visible in the coming days. 



The Prime Minister said that by participating in the closing function of the Manipur Sangai Festival, he wants to give a message to the rest of the country about the immense tourism potential of the state. He said tourism and infrastructure went hand in hand, and tourism was a big generator of employment. 



The Prime Minister said he wanted youth from the Northeast to be recruited in the Delhi Police. He also referred to a proposal made by him when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat, for 200 women police personnel from each of the Northeast states to be deployed in Gujarat for 2 years. He said such steps could boost national integration. 

~Source: http://www.narendramodi.in/pms-remarks-at-the-closing-function-of-the-manipur-sangai-festival/

Will crackdown on illegal immigrants in Assam: PM Modi

GUWAHATI: PM Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed a gathering of BJP workers here and praised them for their efforts in the northeast, adding that development has been the only mantra of BJP.

Addressing the issue of safety in Assam, PM Modi said, "I am aware of the problems of Assam and there will be no compromise on safety."

Modi also sought people's consent for an India-Bangladesh land swap deal which he said will benefit Assam.

The Prime Minister said he would use the deal to stop illegal infiltration into Assam from Bangladesh.

"I know the sentiments of the people of Assam. I assure you that I am going to use the proposed land swap deal for the benefit of Assam."

"It may seem a loss for Assam but I will make such arrangements that it benefits Assam in the long run," he said.

(With inputs from IANS)

NPMHR demand justice for Naga human rights activists

KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 28 (MExN): The Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has informed that a hearing at the Delhi High Court on November 27 “marked another important step towards justice for Naga human rights activists Luingam Luithui and Peingamla Luithui.”

A press note from the NPMHR Secretary General, Neingulo Krome informed that the two human rights activist, who are also spouses, have been living in “virtual exile” in Canada for almost 20 years after the Government of India (GoI) “arbitrarily impounded their passports.” It stated that a writ filed by the activists, and 12 members of their immediate family and clan, demands the full restoration of their “citizenship rights.”

NPMHR informed that the plaintiff’s counsels pointed out the “illegality and unconstitutionality of impounding” Luingam Luithui’s passport “without providing him due notice and opportunity to respond, as required by law.”

The plaintiffs became Canadian citizens in 2006, almost a decade after Luingam’s passport was “impounded” and his wife was not issued a temporary travel document or duplicate passports after hers was pickpocketed. Indian law does not recognize dual citizenship, and Indian citizens who “voluntarily” acquire citizenship in another country forfeit their Indian citizenship. However, the petition argues that the decision of the plaintiffs to seek Canadian citizenship “does not fit this provision as it was a decision forced on them by the illegal actions of the Indian government which rendered them stateless.”

At the hearing, according to NPMHR, the Chief Justice determined that a tourist visa issued to the plaintiffs so that they could be present in the Court was “not an adequate response to the serious issues raised in the petition.” Following the issuance of tourist visa, the plaintiffs attended the Court hearing on November 27.

The Court was not satisfied with the Government’s failure to file a counter-affidavit which addressed the contentions raised in the petition, it added. NPMHR informed that the Court has given the GoI four weeks time to file its counter-affidavit. The case has been adjourned until February 10, 2015.

Aside from NPMHR members, the hearing was attended by supporters of the plaintiffs, including indigenous rights advocates from Malaysia, Denmark, Switzerland and Canada. NPMHR expressed hope that the response of the GoI will “finally put on record the explanation for its actions persecuting Mr. and Mrs. Luithui, and that the Court will provide justice in the case.”

Luingam Luithui, was one of the founders of both the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights and the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact among others. He was also a signatory to the letter petition that eventually resulted in the Supreme Court of India’s judgment on Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in NPMHR v. Union of India (1998 2 SCC 109).
The “denial” of the plaintiff’s “citizenship,” lamented NPMHR, “has deprived them the opportunity to freely travel to and from their homeland and to enjoy their rights as citizens.”

 

~MExN

IED bomb found at D.C. Office complex in Senapati, Manipur

Senapati, November 29: At 3.20.p.m today, an IED bomb was found planted in a toilet at D.C office Chamber, District Level Office No. 4 by Senapati police. According to a reliable source, the bomb was planted by suspected MNPF, an insurgent outfit operating in Manipur.

Interestingly, the police begun the search for the bomb following the tip given by leaders of civil organisations who were informed by the outfit through mobile text messages that the bomb threat believed to be just a mere hoax on 28th november was real. It is also said that social leaders were threaten by the suspects for covering up the truth.

According to the Superintendent of Police, Senapati, when the search was on, the sniffer dog suddenly stopped near the door of the toliet. And when the police open the toilet door, an IED bomb was found lying on top of the flasher.

On reaching the spot, this reporter found that main gate of the Block was locked, and the lock key was with O.C., Senapati Police who said that the case would be handled by police alone.

When asked why the bomb was not disposed immediately,S.P. of Senapati said that bomb squad from Imphal will arrive on Monday as they were all engaged for Prime Minister’s visit to attend conclusion ceremony of the Sangai Festival on November 30 which had started since November 21. S.P. also said he would request the help of Assam Rifle, Senapati Post by Sunday. Until the bomb is defused, the police personnel will stay vigil and guard the building, said S.P.

The incident took place when DC Jacintha Lazarus is on leave to visit her sick mother.

24 hours before Modi's arrival, Bomb blast killed 11 year old in Manipur

IMPHAL, Nov 29: A powerful IED blast at Lilong Sagol Loukon (paddy fields) near 40 Assam Rifles post in Thouabl district killed an 11 year old boy this morning.

According to information culled from the spot, the improvised explosive device exploded about 200 metres West of the AR post at around 9.35 am. Incidentally, Lilong police station is also located just beside the AR post.

The boy killed in the IED blast has been identified as Md Wahajuddin s/o Md Hafazuddin of Lilong Turel Ahanbi Mathak Leikai. Family members said that Wahajuddin went out in the morning to collect left out paddy stalks.

It is suspected that the boy accidentally stepped on the IED which was planted there and covered by straw. Later, a police team led by Thoubal Additional SP Dr Sarangthem Ibomcha came to the spot and cordoned off the area in case any more explosives were still present.

With the arrival of a bomb disposal squad, a search operation was conducted in and around the area. After it was confirmed that no more explosives were present in the area, a team of Forensic Science experts investigated the blast site.

Meanwhile, taking strong exception to the fatal bomb blast, local people blocked Imphal-Moreh highway at Lilong-Arapti junction this afternoon. One religious leader alleged that no UG element was present in Lilong area and that Assam Rifles posted there was responsible for the bomb blast.

Assam Rifles prohibit civilians from accessing the paddy fields after 4 in the afternoon. There were many instances where Assam Rifles disturbed the peaceful atmosphere and tranquillity of the are. For all these reasons, the AR post should be shifted away at the earliest, said the religious man.

On the other hand, the All Manipur Muslim Organisations Co-ordinating Committee organisation secretary Abdul Qayum has condemned the bomb blast in the strongest terms. He also conveyed solidarity to the bereaved family.

He also questioned how such a powerful bomb exploded just 200 metres away from the AR post in the periphery of the paddy field where civilians are denied access.

The road blockade was lifted after an understanding was reached between the protesters and Agriculture Minister Abdul Nasir.

Abdul Nasir reportedly assured the protesters that ex-gratia of Rs five lakh would be given to the family of the deceased victim in addition to other benefits.

Police have picked up and deposited Wahajuddin’s corpse at JNIMS morgue.

~SangaiExpress

NE conflicts have socio-economic roots: Rajnath

Guwahati, Nov 29 : Most conflicts in the North-eastern region have socio- economic reasons behind them and these (reasons) have been there since even before independence, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said here on Saturday.

Intelligence Bureau director Syed Asif Ibrahim on the other hand said the Northeast situation was “fragile” despite several groups talking peace with the government.

Addressing the inaugural function of the 49th All India Conference of DGS and IGPs – held for the first time outside the national capital – here Saturday, Singh said these socio-economic disparities have existed due to lack of development including that of infrastructure in the region.

“The level of development including infrastructure development has not been as satisfactory as it should have been. Some conflicts have roots in these socio-economic reasons. This is a matter of concern. It is not an exaggeration that these disparities have existed since even before independence,” Singh said.



He also expressed concern over incidents of violence carried out by various groups in the region despite peace talks, ceasefire and suspension of operation by several of these groups.

“The Government of India has been talking to some groups while some others are either in ceasefire or have declared suspension of violence on their own. But despite that, extortion and other incidents have been on,” Singh said.

Pointing out that holding the All India Conference of DGPs and IGPs outside Delhi was a major decision taken by the government, the Home Minister also said that holding the first such conference in Guwahati was at the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.

“It is at the Prime Minister’s suggestion that we are holding this important conference in the Northeast,” he added.

Earlier, giving an overview of the situation, Intelligence Bureau director Syed Asif Ibrahim said the security scenario in the Northeastern region continued to be fragile due to violent activities carried out by groups that are still outside the process of peace talks with the government.

“The situation in the Northeast continues to be fragile because of violent acts carried out by groups that are still outside the dialogue process with the government,” Ibrahim said.

Giving a state-wise break-up he said that while the Songbijit faction of NDFB was responsible for 85 per cent of the casualties in Assam, the GNLA was responsible for over 75 per cent casualties in Meghalaya.

“In Nagaland, internecine clashes for area dominance and extortion have remained a cause of worry, while two Naga outfits are engaged in a turf-war in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts of Arunachal Pradesh. In Manipur on the other hand, Meitei underground groups are responsible for over 55 per cent casualties,” Ibrahim said.

~SangaiExpress

Prime Minister Modi to inaugurate Meghalaya's first train on Nov 29

SHILLONG: Meghalaya will be on the railway map when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate its first train connecting Dudhnoi in Assam with Mendipatha in the state on November 29.

The Prime Minister will flag-off the new rail connectivity to Mendipathar in North Garo Hills from Maligaon in Guwahati and then speak to the people of Garo hills through video conferencing, deputy commissioner of North Garo Hills district D Sangma said.

Approved in 1992-93, foundation of the 19.47km broad guage railway line was laid by chief minister Mukul Sangma in 2012.

The British had unsuccessfully built the Cherra Companyganj State Railways in Khasi and Jaintia hills region in 1895-96.

~TOI

Ferguson ruling sparks 'worst' riots

The US town of Ferguson has seen rioting and looting after a jury decided not to bring charges over the killing of a black teenager.

Michael Brown was shot by a white police officer, Darren Wilson, on 9 August, sparking protests.

A police chief said the latest violence in the suburb of St Louis, Missouri, was "probably much worse" than on any night since the teenager's death.

St Louis County police chief Jon Belmar said rioters had fired 150 shots.

Many in the African-American community had called for Mr Wilson to be charged with murder, but after three months of deliberation a Missouri grand jury - of nine white and three black members - made no recommendation of charges.

President Barack Obama joined the teenager's family on Monday in appealing for calm, urging Americans to accept the decision was "the grand jury's to make''

[caption id="attachment_12919" align="alignnone" width="624"] Demonstrators flooded on to the streets of Ferguson after the verdict, with several buildings set alight[/caption]

India, Nepal ink 9 deals; Modi inaugurates bus service, gifts helicopter

KATHMANDU: Nepal's happiness "gives us joy", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Tuesday on his second visit to the Himalayan country in 100 days as both sides inked nine agreements, further cementing their close ties.

Modi, who in his departure statement said the fact that he was visiting Nepal twice in the six months since he took over "reflects the importance we attach to our unique and special relations with Nepal", also held delegation-level talks with his Nepali counterpart Sushil Koirala.

Modi, who is here to attend the 18th Saarc summit, urged Nepal to frame its much-awaited constitution early and on the basis of consensus.

Addressing a gathering during handing over of a 200-bed trauma centre built by India, Modi said writing the constitution was "taking too much time" and urged Nepal to finish the work on the basis of consensus and not majority.

He said the constitution should be like a bouquet, with each flower representing each strata of the Nepali society — the Madhesis, the Maoists and Pahadis — providing them rights.

Modi said India will not interfere and has never interfered in Nepal's affairs, but added that "Nepal's happiness is reason for us to smile, so write it fast".

Political parties have set January 22 as the deadline to draft the constitution.

The trauma centre has been built by India at a cost of Rs 1.5 billion in the city's Bir Hospital, the oldest medical facility in the country.

Among the dozen agreements inked was one for project development agreement (PDA) for the Arun-III hydropower project.

~TOI

Protest against proposed sports university turns ugly in Manipur : Cops over powered, arms confiscated by mobs

IMPHAL, Nov 24 : A protest rally taken out today at Sora against the Government’s plan to set up a National sports university at Yaithibi Loukon turned violent and four police personnel including an officer were captured by an irate mob.

Four weapons were also confiscated apart from a police outpost torched to the ground. Sources informed that people of Sora and 10 other surrounding villages took out a protest rally at around 10.30 am today.



The protesters were blocked by police in accordance with restrictions imposed under Section 144, CrPC. The police team also asked the protesters if they obtained due permission from the concerned authority.

This was followed by a tense stand-off between the two sides. Soon after, police started firing several rounds of tear gas shells in a bid to drive back the protesters.

The protesters retaliated by burning down a police outpost opened anew at Sora Chingjin. They also set ablaze three two-wheelers (Bajaj Pulsar, Hero Pleasure and a Hero Honda motorcycle).

In the meantime, Kakching PS OC Inspector Rishikesh Sharma arrived at the scene. But the mob somehow overpowered Inspector Rishikesh and three other police personnel at around 11.30 am and took them inside a nearby village. Their weapons were also confiscated by the mob.

After the arrival of police reinforcement, the protesters were finally driven away by firing tear gas shells and mock bombs.

Whereas Inspector Rishikesh Sharma somehow escaped from the clutches of his captors, two police personnel who were beaten up by the mob were sent for treatment in a Maruti van at around 2.30 pm. Then they were taken to Shija Hospital.

The two police personnel undergoing treatment at Shija Hospital are M Punilkanta (30) s/o Ingobi of Tentha and M Shanta (30) s/o Maimu of Thoubal Khekman.

It is reported that two girls were also injured in the confrontation. The fourth captured police personnel was freed at around 5 pm and the confiscated weapons were also handed over to police.