UPDATES ON TIS HAZARI COURT INCIDENT (23/05/14)

 

New Delhi, 28 June 2014

• On 22 May 2014, a girl from the Northeast was harassed and molested outside the metro station. An FIR was filed in this regard, and the case was taken to court the following day.
• The victim was accompanied by the President of the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi (NSUD), two of his colleagues, and a lawyer. As the accused was a lawyer from the same court, the atmosphere in the courtroom was highly tense.
• A group of advocates physically assaulted the NSUD President in front of the judge.
• A female advocate from the Northeast, who was assisting the victim, was assaulted and molested by a group of lawyers outside the court premises.
• The President of the Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Delhi (ZSUD), who was also accompanying the victim, was brutally beaten by the same group of advocates.
• On 26 May 2014, a delegation met the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court and submitted a formal representation.
• The delegation also met the President and Honorary Secretary of the Delhi High Court Bar Association and submitted a copy of the representation addressed to the Chief Justice.
• On 27 May 2014, a mass protest rally against the Tis Hazari Court lawyers who had assaulted Northeast leaders was organised at the Bar Council of India. Approximately 2,000 people from different Northeastern states and various civil organisations in Delhi participated.
• On 28 May 2014, the Bar Council of India wrote to the Delhi Bar Council, urging them to take action against the advocates involved.
• On 30 May 2014, details of all three victims and five witnesses were submitted to the police, along with their statements.
• On 2 June 2014, the case was brought to the attention of the Minister of State for Home Affairs, in the presence of two Joint Commissioners of Police from Delhi.
• On 4 June 2014, the Delhi High Court Bar Association wrote to the Delhi Police, urging urgent personal intervention to ensure that the guilty were held accountable and justice was served for the victims of the violent attack within the Tis Hazari Court premises.

Resolution by the Executive Committee of the Delhi High Court Bar Association:

• The incident has severely tarnished the reputation of the legal profession in the eyes of the public.
• The Committee believes that the allegations merit a fair and transparent inquiry, uninfluenced by the fact that the accused are lawyers.
• If the allegations are proven to be true, the strictest possible action should be taken.
• The Executive Committee demands severe punishment for those found guilty of committing this appalling crime.
• The Bar Council of Delhi and the Delhi Bar Association are urged to intervene immediately and take appropriate action after conducting necessary inquiries in accordance with the law.
• The Delhi Police is also called upon to conduct a fair and urgent investigation.
• The matter has been brought to the attention of the Secretary of the Ministry of Law, the National Commission for Women, Members of Parliament, police officials, senior advocates, activists, civil organisations, and other concerned authorities.
• On 26 June 2014, the victims and witnesses reviewed CCTV footage and successfully identified the two main culprits. Photographs of the two accused advocates, taken by a friend outside the court, were submitted, along with their names and other details obtained from reliable sources.
• Awaiting a response from the Bar Council of Delhi regarding strict action against the accused lawyers, including their suspension.
• The Delhi Police is investigating the case and preparing to file the charge sheet. A fair and prompt investigation is anticipated.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
Media Incharge
North East Support Centre & Helpline, Delhi

CLA Founder’s remains finally laid to rest in his village after 48 years

Lamka, June 27, 2014: The body of Tunkhopum Baite, founder of the Chin Liberation Army (CLA), was laid to rest in his native village, Panglian, on 25 June, 48 years after his death. Baite was reportedly killed by Mizo National Front (MNF) guerrillas on 5 February 1967, and his body was initially buried at the MNF Tuichang Camp in Champhai district. His remains were recently discovered in a forest near the Tuichang River along the Manipur-Mizoram border. An expedition team, including Mr Vungthan (Ex-CLA), Mr Zaihrila (Ex-MNF), and Mr Ginkhenpau, located the burial site where Baite had been laid to rest following his execution. The burial ceremony was attended by various leaders, family members, friends, and well-wishers, who gathered to pay their tributes.

~ BKT

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CLA Founder’s remains finally laid to rest in his village after 48 years

South Sikkim Observes "Ten Minutes to Earth" Initiative

Namchi, 25th June, 2014: “Ten Minutes to Earth” was observed today in South Sikkim at the District Zilla Panchayat Bhawan, Namchi. The event, organised by the Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department, saw participation from various dignitaries, including DC (South) Mr Prabhakar Verma, SDZP Upadhakshya Ms D M Baraily, ADM (South) Mr Kapil Meena, DFO (T) Mr M K Rai, ACF (T) Ms Deepshika Sharma, ADC (Dev), Namchi Ms Benu Gurung, DPO Ms Yangchen Tamang, as well as staff and officials from the Forest, Irrigation, and RMD Departments, along with South District Zilla Panchayat representatives. A plantation drive was conducted at the RMDD premises in Namchi.

DC (South) emphasised the importance of the initiative, urging participants to ensure thorough follow-up every three months to guarantee the proper care and growth of the trees and flowers planted in their respective areas. He also highlighted the significance of the ‘Paryavaran Mahotsav’, with its three essential components: Cleanliness Drive, Awareness Campaign, and Plantation Drive, which are aimed at fostering collective responsibility among all participants.

Additionally, DFO (T) briefed the officials on the key steps to be followed while carrying out the plantation drive in their respective departments. He stressed the importance of executing a systematic follow-up plan to nurture the plants and trees planted for years to come.

Government departments such as IPR, HRDD, Irrigation, Health, and the Namchi Municipal Council, along with the Namchi Gram Vikas Kendra and school students, also participated in the ‘Ten Minutes to Earth’ programme. Flowering and medicinal plants, ornamental tree saplings, and local species such as pine and fir were planted during the event.

 

Northeast Students Cleaning Delhi University Campus | Photo

These photographs show students from Northeast India actively cleaning the campus of Delhi University. They are seen sweeping the grounds and disposing of unwanted items, working together to keep the surroundings neat and tidy.

Photo: Bruce K. Thangkhal

New Delhi | 15.06.2015

Joseph weds Raman: ZT assistant editor nau in Punjab ah zinei

Chandigarh, June 11, 2014: Zogam Today assistant editor Johnson Pau Samte' naupa Tv Joseph Lamboi Samte (33) leh Punjabi nungah feltah mai Raman Massey (27) June 11, 2014 ni'n Badala, Gurdaspur district, Punjab ah Rev Dr Joginder Pal, Bishop, The Gospel Khushkhabri Fellowship Church, Badala khut ah Hattuom Dansiengthou in kiteeng uhi. 

Badala khuo ahileh Chandigarh apat 225 km vel a gamla ahi. Joseph Lamboi ahileh Kamdou Veng a um Pu Zamdouthang Samte leh Nu Khanzachiin Samte tate 5 lah a a 4-na ahi a, tulel in Chandigarh a Pasian nasem a um ahi. Tualeh Raman Massey (tua Samte hita) ahileh Badala Penticostal Church pastor Salmat Massey ta 4 (numei 3 leh pasal 1) lah a upapen ahi. Aman B.Th a zaw in Pasian nna sem hi. 

Manipur apat Joseph Lamboi' u-pa Pa Khamkhanlun Samte banah EFCI Chandigarh pastor Hnamtinthang Hmar leh Delhi a um Zogam Today joint editor Tv Bruce K. Thangkhal (Lamboi adia a Pu) te'n zong moupa innkuang lam a pang in mou pui in va kuon uhi. Pasian lungsiatnat toh Mou Pawi lohching tah in zaw in um hi.

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English: By the grace of God, the holy union of our brother, Joseph Lamboi Samte, and Miss Raman Massy was solemnized by Rev. Dr. Joginder Pal, Bishop of the Gospel Khushkhabri Fellowship Church, Badala. The ceremony took place in Badala, located in the Gurdaspur district of Punjab, about 225 kms from Chandigarh.

Representing the groom’s side, Mr. Khamkhanlun Samte (the groom's elder brother), Pastor Hnmatinthang Hmar (EFCI Chandigarh), and Mr. Bruce K. Thangkhal (Joint Editor, Zogam Today) were present to witness the joyful occasion. After completing his Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.), the groom began his work as a missionary.

The groom, who is the fourth among five siblings (four boys and one girl), and the bride, who is the eldest among four siblings (three girls and one boy), are both blessed with supportive families. The bride is the daughter of the Pastor of the Badala Pentecostal Church.

"Wishing you both a lifetime filled with love, joy, and God's abundant blessings as you embark on this beautiful journey together. May your marriage be a source of strength and grace, reflecting His love and guidance always."

~ Joint Editor, ZOGAM TODAY

Para Legal Volunteers Training

A group of Northeast youths participated in a two-day Orientation & Para Legal Volunteers Training Session held at Mata Sundari College, New Delhi, on June 25-26, 2014. The training, organized by the Delhi State Legal Services Authority, was conducted under the theme Summer Internship Programme, 2014.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal, New Delhi

6 Assailants Brutally Assault Northeast Youth in New Delhi

New Delhi, June 7, 2014 --- A 26-year-old Northeast youth was viciously attacked by his former manager and five accomplices on the night of June 4 in Kirti Nagar, New Delhi. The assault took place on the third floor of an office building around 11 PM, where the victim, who had recently left his job at a BPO, was summoned by his manager under the pretext of collecting his salary.

The victim, who had worked at Consumer Loan BPO in Kirti Nagar for 10 months, was severely beaten by the group. He suffered a fractured left hand, along with injuries to his right leg, left waist, and face. According to his account, as soon as he entered the office, his manager, Mr. Ankur, along with one unknown man, locked the gate and led him to the third floor. There, the manager took his phone and laptop, then began striking him with a blunt object. Despite trying to shield himself, the victim was beaten mercilessly, including by the other five men, who used blunt instruments and wooden sticks.

The attackers threatened to kill him and other Nepalese workers, even mentioning taking him to an isolated location for further abuse. After the assault, the attackers retreated to another room to drink wine, giving the victim a brief chance to escape. He managed to lock the door from the outside and call for help, eventually drawing the attention of nearby witnesses who contacted the police. The police arrived and rescued the victim, with the attackers being arrested shortly thereafter.

The accused initially claimed that the victim had attacked them, but the police dismissed their allegations. A case was registered at the Kirti Nagar Police Station, and the victim has requested the addition of the SC/ST Act to the FIR. The victim, the sole breadwinner for his family, hails from Manipur and lives in South Delhi with his ailing mother and elder sister.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

Media Incharge, North East Support Centre & Helpline, New Delhi

(THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY)

Help Desks for Northeast Students at Delhi University

New Delhi, June 3, 2014: As June arrives, thousands of students from across India and abroad flock to Delhi University for admissions. Gaining admission to a Delhi University college is a significant aspiration for young students who have recently completed their 10+2 exams. To assist these aspiring students in completing the centralized optical mark recognition (OMR) forms, several help desks have been established by various student organizations, including the Delhi Mizo Zirlai Pawl (DMZP), Naga Students’ Union, Delhi (NSUD), Kuki Students’ Organisation, Delhi (KSOD), Hmar Students’ Association Delhi (HSAD), and the All Bodo Students’ Union, Delhi (ABSUD). Additionally, national organizations such as the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Students’ Federation of India (SFI), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and Youth Dignity Forum (YDF) have also set up help desks to assist students.

Lalramngheta Ngente, Vice-President of DMZP, told our reporter, “DMZP has two help desks, one at Daulat Ram College and the other at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharam College. We will continue assisting students until the last day of registration.”

Delhi University has approximately 77 colleges and 86 academic departments. This year marks a significant shift as the university has implemented the much-debated Four-Year Undergraduate Program (FYUP). A protest message, "ROLL BACK FYUP!" was displayed on a board near the registration area on Wednesday.

The registration period began on June 2 and will last until June 16. Students who were unable to obtain the registration form offline can still register through the university’s website (www.du.ac.in). The offline registration fee is Rs. 150 for General and OBC categories, and Rs. 70 for SC/ST categories. The online registration fee is Rs. 100 for General and OBC categories, and Rs. 50 for SC/ST categories.

The university is offering 54,000 seats under the FYUP. In addition, Delhi University has launched an Android-based mobile application, “DU UG Admission 2014-15,” allowing students to fill online forms and access all admission-related information. Offline forms are available at 18 centers across Delhi University.

Rachubui Pamei, President of Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Delhi (ZSUD), mentioned, “Naga Students’ Union, Delhi has 21 units, and each unit volunteered to manage the NSUD help desk.”

Taifung Basumatary, General Secretary of the All Bodo Students’ Union, Delhi, stated, “We helped many of our people and others who came to us for assistance.”

Saveio Khole, President of the North East Students’ Society (Delhi University), was also seen busily assisting students. The North East Students’ Society (NESS) was formed in 2012 with the goal of unifying Northeast students at Delhi University. According to Khole, out of the 77 DU colleges, only 46 have set up North East Cells, while the rest have not, as the concerned principals and administrations have been hesitant to establish them.

Khole further shared that NESS had submitted a memorandum to the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiran Rijiju, outlining their concerns. Some of their key demands include the effective establishment of North East Cells at DU, the appointment of Nodal Officers, regulation of electric bills based on government rates rather than landlords’ discretion, and the creation of a dedicated office for Northeast students in North Campus.

The ABVP has expressed its opposition to the FYUP, claiming that the Delhi University administration, with tacit support from the Congress-led UPA Government, introduced the program to destabilize public-funded higher education and promote private, commercial universities around Delhi. They argue that the extension of the course duration to four years will financially burden students, with an estimated cost of an additional Rs. 1.5 lakhs per student.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY

Landlord and Son ASSAULT three from Manipur in Delhi

NEW DELHI, JUNE 3, 2014 — Two men and a woman from Manipur were reportedly assaulted by their landlord and his son on Monday night in Chirag Delhi. The incident took place around 9 PM.

The victim, a young woman (name withheld), had been living in Chirag Delhi for the past eight months while running a grocery shop. She alleged that her landlord, Rajesh Pandit (alias Raju), had been harassing her for the past two to three months.

"My landlord asked me to vacate my shop, but when I tried to do so, he stopped me again. He also threatened my sister, warning me to remove her from the shop. His son, Himanshu Pandit (alias Hemu), also intimidated me," she said.

On Monday night, around 9 PM, two men, Mr. Lansingh and Mr. Somaya, visited her grocery shop to buy vegetables when, without provocation, the landlord and his son brutally assaulted them. Both men sustained injuries.

"My landlord grabbed my hand and forcibly pulled me out of my shop. He threatened to rape us if we reported the incident to the police. He even threatened to harm my sister, my mother, and me. After the attack, he locked my shop by force," the victim recounted.

A case has been registered at Malviya Nagar Police Station under FIR No. 618/14, dated 02-06-2014, under Sections 323, 341, 354, 452, 508, and 34 of the IPC, along with provisions of the SC/ST Act. The accused, Rajesh Pandit and Himanshu Pandit, have been arrested.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY

Zillai celebrates Platinum Jubilee in Delhi: A Journey from Maite to Delhi

The 75th Zillai Day Platinum Jubilee (1939-2014) was celebrated with grandeur by the Zillai (Vaiphei Students' Association) Delhi Branch on May 31 (Saturday) 2014 evening, with the theme “Maite to Delhi.” The event took place at the Air Force Auditorium in Subroto Park, New Delhi.

The occasion was graced by several dignitaries, including Mr. T. Manga Vaiphei, MLA and Chairman of the Manipur Tribal Development Corporation, who served as the Chief Guest; Mr. Thangso Baite, MP (Manipur Outer), as Jubilee Pa (Father of the Jubilee); and Mr. Lamkhogen, President of Zillai General Headquarters, Manipur, as the Functional President. Special guests included Mr. Genneikhup, Executive Member of the Churachandpur Autonomous District Council; Mr. Henneimang, Finance Secretary of Zillai GHQ; and Mr. Kaihau Vaiphei, retired IDAS.

Zillai, which means ‘Learners / students,’ was originally founded on May 31, 1939, in Maite, a Vaiphei village in Thanlon sub-division of Churachandpur district. Its motto is “In Words and In Deeds.” Zillai has expanded to Assam (1955), Delhi (1992), and possibly Mizoram (2014).

The history of Zillai is intertwined with the arrival of Christianity in Churachandpur. In 1910, two Vaiphei students, Thangkai and Lungpau, who were studying in Aizawl, brought the Welsh missionary Mr. Watkin Roberts to Senvon village in the southwest of Manipur. Thangkai and Lungpau became the first Christians in Churachandpur and pioneers of the region's Christian community.

During the celebration, Mr. Thangso Baite, Jubilee Pa, urged the attendees to maintain discipline while living in Delhi, especially in light of recent reports of crimes against Northeastern people. He also addressed the misuse of social media, calling out those who had involved themselves in discrediting politicians during the last election.

As the Chief Guest, Mr. T. Manga Vaiphei reflected on the origins of Zillai in Maite, stating, “This is where Zillai was born.” He recounted the challenges and triumphs of the Golden Jubilee celebration in 1985, highlighting the humble beginnings of Zillai’s financial situation at that time, when the association only had Rs. 80 in its funds.

To commemorate 75 years of Zillai’s legacy, selected individuals were invited to strike a gong 75 times, with Mr. Lamkhogen, President of Zillai GHQ, striking the final gong.

The celebration was further highlighted by an impressive traditional dance performance by the Delhi Vaiphei Cultural Troupe, which captivated the audience, and a beautiful rendition of songs by talented singers.

A documentary titled “Maite to Delhi” was screened, showcasing rare photographs and documenting Zillai's journey from its origins in Maite to its current presence in Delhi.

The evening also saw the presentation of bouquets, traditional shawls, and mementos to the Chief Guest, Jubilee Pa, and other dignitaries. The fashion show and cultural displays added to the lively atmosphere, while the red carpet photo session featured attendees proudly showcasing traditional Vaiphei costumes.

The jubilant event was co-hosted by Miss Nem Lucie Thangluai and Mr. Lamminlun Neihsial. The program began with the Zillai Anthem, performed by the Vaiphei Artist Association, followed by a blessing of the jubilee by Rev. P.K. Lianmang. Mr. Juanlalmuan, President of the Zillai Delhi Branch, delivered a welcoming speech, warmly greeting all those present.

As the evening concluded, Mr. Salvador T. Baite, Vice President of Zillai Delhi Branch, delivered the vote of thanks, followed by a closing prayer from Mr. Lamkhomang Neihsial, Chairman of the Evangelical Organization Church (EOC), Delhi. The celebration ended with a sumptuous dinner, marking a successful and memorable Jubilee celebration.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY