Scheduled Tribes to Protest in Delhi on March 8 Demanding Reservation Restoration

New Delhi, March 5, 2011: Several students of Scheduled Tribes from all over India held a meeting here in JNU Students’ Office on March 4 to organise a protest rally on March 8 against the Government of NCT of Delhi in seeking restoration of reservation in posts and services in respect of Scheduled Tribes under the Government of NCT of Delhi.

Students from Scheduled Tribes will assemble at the Jantar Mantar on March 8 and proceed to Parliament to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Home Minister P Chidambaram for immediate restoration of the 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes under Government of NCT of Delhi.

The members of tribal communities notified in the States and UTs under Article 342(1) of the Constitution of India were enjoying the reservation benefits of the vacancies in posts and services under the Government of NCT of Delhi since 1955, however this facilities was stopped by the Government of Delhi based on the judgment pronounced by the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court pronounced its judgment in Civil Appeal No. 5092 of 2009 (Subhash Chandra & Others Vs. Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board & Others) declaring that the dicta in Pushpa (Case Appeal Civil No. 6-7 of 1998 S. Pushpa & Others Vs. Siva Chanmugavelu & Others) is an obiter and not lay down any binding ratio.

The fate of entire tribal communities across India have been hanging in balance by the Hon’ble Court using two words 1) DICTA OBITER (an incidental observation made by a judge which is not material to the judgment and therefore not binding) i.e. statement which are not part of the ration decideni. (2) PER IN CURIUM (a decision which a subsequent court finds to be a mistake and therefore not a binding precedent).

The ST communities in Delhi alleged that the bureaucracy in the Local Government (Govt. of NCT of Delhi) unnecessarily filling up the posts mean for STs, dereserving the seats, non-publishing of posts and non declaration of results and helding up the promotions of the officials of ST categories in a hurriedly manner. This may be termed a systematic attempt to eliminate STs from National Capital Territory citing courts judgments.

To press for the restoration of this reservation facilities, thousands of tribals from different states and UT’s under the aegis of All India Scheduled Tribes Student Action Forum will demonstrate on March 8 at Jantar Mantar at 11 AM.  In this regard, several tribal students and leaders came together for the first time at the meeting held in the capital on March 2. The Forum will provide transportation (buses) for north Delhi and South Delhi. 

The Forum appeals to all the Scheduled Tribes across the country to participate in this rally. For further information, contact: 9899313764, 9891856893, 9999593603.

~ BKT

DEMONSTRATION AT PARLIAMENT ON 8TH MARCH 2011

ALL INDIA SCHEDULED TRIBES STUDENT ACTION FORUM
 
B-29, Christian Colony, Patel Chest, Delhi University, Delhi
 
9899313764, 9891856893, 9999593603
 
Press Release: New Delhi, March 4, 2011
 
DEMONSTRATION AT PARLIAMENT ON 8TH MARCH 2011

All the tribal youths, leaders, student-groups, sub-groups etc. are informed that a huge demonstration will be organised in peaceful manner on 08-03-2011 at 11:00 AM at the Jantar Mantar proceed to Parliament for pressing the Government of India to restore 7.5% reservation of Scheduled Tribes in post and services under the Government of NCT of Delhi. A memorandum will be submitted to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Manmohan Singh, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson UPA and Sh. P. Chidambaram, Home Minister about the unnecessary harassment of tribals by way of stopping reservation under the Local Government of NCT of Delhi and to demand immediate restoration of 7.5% reservation of ST’s which is continued from 1955, as decided by the MHA vide OM No. 7/2/55-SCT dated 14-10-1955. A deeprooted conspiracy was hatched against tribals taking shelter of judgment pronounced by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in Civil Appeal No. 5092 of 2009 Subhash Chandra & Others Vs. Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board & Others, which has been subsequently over ruled by the bench of Supreme Court in Civil Appeal No. 4494 of 2006 dated 07-10-2010 State of Uttaranchal Vs. Sandeep Kumar Singh & Others. Therefore, the 7.5% reservation of ST’s continued from 1955 under the Govt. of NCT of Delhi should not be complicated with the larger issue of migration from one state to other state. Let the tribals join into the main stream of the nation coming to the national capital of India from different state and union territories. If there is no Scheduled List of ST’s for Govt. of NCT of Delhi, issue constitutional order under Article 342(1) of the Constitution treating all the scheduled tribals across the India deemed to be a list of ST’s for Govt. of NCT of Delhi.

 

All are requested to kindly join the demonstration on 08th March 2011 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. All are requested to forget regional difference and geographical isolation and make a plan and strategy for making success of this demonstration.

 

With regards

 

All Tribal Brothers & Sisters

 

Two Manipuris Attack a Fellow Manipuri in Delhi

New Delhi, 3 March 2011: Two Manipuris allegedly attempted to murder a fellow Manipuri in Munirka yesterday night. According to the police, the accused, identified as Asem Tangkhul, alias Johns, and Sana (Meitei Pangal), allegedly entered the room of the victim, who belongs the Zou tribe of Manipur, at around 8:30 pm. Shortly after, the accused began attacking the victim with a brick, which they had concealed in plastic. Asem struck the victim on the head with the brick while Sana punched and kicked him inside the room where he lived. The victim sustained multiple head injuries.

According to the victim, “They came to my room while I was having dinner. We had a friendly chat. Suddenly, they stood up and hit me with a brick. They said, ‘Let’s kill’. I was terrified. Then they started hitting and punching me. I defended myself, even though I felt dizzy. I was afraid of falling, so I fought back. We struggled for about 2–5 minutes. They shouted, ‘Let’s kill’, and ran away quickly. At last, I managed to run out of the room and shout for help. Then they fled.”

Upon hearing the commotion, T. Ginlun, Suanlal Mantuong, and Papau Samte rushed to the victim’s aid and took him, blood-soaked, to Dayal Hospital, where he received medical treatment.

The victim, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi, had been living alone in Munirka for many years, while his wife and children remained in Manipur. The victim and the accused were known to each other. “I never expected such a thing to happen. Previously, when we met on the way, we would talk to each other. Now I feel unsafe; they might attack me again,” the victim said.

Asem Tangkhul and Sana allegedly conspired to eliminate the victim and rob him of his money after pay day.

Leaders from the United Zou Organisation Delhi, Zou Youth Organisation Delhi, and Zou Sangnaupang Pawlpi Delhi (students) took the matter seriously and urged Vasant Vihar Police Station to arrest the absconding culprit. The police arrested Sana the same night, while Asem Tangkhul remains at large.

Ved Prakash, SHO of Vasant Vihar Police Station, stated, “A case has been registered. A police team has been dispatched to locate and apprehend the absconding accused at the earliest possible opportunity.”

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

 

Manipur to have Pre-paid Power supply

Feb 28 : Manipur is set to introduce ‘pre-paid’ power supply mechanism to control power theft in April next in the State.

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh informed the new measure to check power theft to news reporters after inspecting Thoubal multi-purpose project in the adjoining areas of Ukhrul, Senapati, Thoubal and Imphal East districts, 45 km north east of Manipur today.He also informed that decades-old Thoubal project will be completed before December this year, three months ahead of its completion target as 75-80 per cent of the construction works are completed.

KSOD EXECUTIVE MEMBERS 2010-2011

President: Lamtinthang Haokip

Vice President: Ngamlen

General Secretary: T Douminlian

Joint Secretary (North): Thangminlal Mate

Joint Secretary (South): P Joseph Suantak

Principal Information Secretary: Thangri Joy Baite

Asst Information Secretary: Zalienmoi Gangte

Secretary, Games & Sports: Kamzathang

Asst Secretary, Games & Sports: Solomon P Haokip

Education Secretary: Joshi Lamkhohat Haokip

Asst Secretary, Education: Diki Touthang

Secretary, Social & Culture: Jangkholen Haokip

Asst Secretary, Social & Culture: Hoizinnia Doungel

Finance Secretary: Lamboichong Khongsai

*******

Manipur Outfit ‘Bans' Mobile Service Providers

Sets Wednesday deadline for dismantling all towers

Imphal, Feb 20 : The outlawed underground organization, the Kangleipak Communist Party (Military Council) has banned all mobile service providers in Manipur. 

A press release jointly signed by the KCP(MC) ‘commander-in-chief' Taibang Nganba and publicity secretary Washington Meitei said all towers should be dismantled by February 23.

Rev.Jangkholun Mangte namdetna ZCF Delhi ah om

Feb 13, 2011: Tuni biak kikhopna hun ah Zomi Christian Fellowship, Delhi in kum 5 sung full time Pastor ding in Rev. Jangkholun Mangte laklutna leh namdetna nei ding uhi. Amah ahihle hih ZCF, Delhi pastor ding a laipia mi 7 lak a deihpen leh achingpen a Executive Committee in atelkhiak ahi hi.

AIDS threaten 200 kids in Manipur

More than 2,000 children are infected by HIV in Manipur and the number is expected to grow.

The shocking figures were revealed today by the project director of Manipur AIDS Control Society, Pradeep Kumar Jha, during the inaugural programme of a two-day workshop funded by Unicef.

KSOD Press Release: Hangminlen Haokip Passes Away in Delhi

KUKI STUDENTS’ ORGANISATION DELHI
 
Press Release
New Delhi, the 13^th February, 2011

 KSOD/PR/01/2011

A 30-year-old Hangminlen Haokip, a resident of Churchandpur in Manipur passed away on the night of 11^th February 2011 at around 11.45pm at LNJP hospital in New Delhi. The funeral service was held on February 12 at the South West Delhi Christian Cemetery in Dwarka, Delhi. Kuki Worship Service Delhi pastor Rev Letlal Haokip conducted the funeral prayer. The funeral service was attended by the Kuki Worship Service Delhi, Kuki Students’ Organisation Delhi and Delhi Lompi. Many Kukis in the capital gathered at the cemetery.

Ironically, the father of the deceased is unknown. The name of his village is untraceable. No one claimed the deceased body. Finally KSOD claimed the body.

The deceased Hangminlen Haokip and his three friends were said to be drug addicts living in Munirka. After facing money problem, they took sheltered under the flyover in Munirka. These four Kuki youths have been seen living under the flyover in November last year. The shocking incident came into limelight when somebody reported to KSO leaders residing in Munirka. Thereafter Mr Lalboi Baite, ex-vice president, KSOD made spot enquiry and found out that the condition of these youths were much beyond imagination. The matter was immediately informed to KSO advisor Pu Khupthang. The four youths were brought to advisor’s residence, where they were given medical treatment and other necessary helps.

Kuki Students’ Organisation, Kuki Worship Service, Gangte Welfare Association and Vaiphei Welfare Association had a discussion in last November.  As per their discussion, KWS leaders admitted the four youths in The Last Resort rehabilitation centre in Delhi.

After one month, two of the four youths got recovery while the health condition of the other two deteriorated each passing day. The first two youths returned back to Churachandpur while Hangminlen Haokip and Sasang Vaiphei were admitted in LNJP hospital. Hangminlen Haokip was declared dead by the doctors on February 11 night while Sasang Vaiphei is said to be in critical condition.

The incident gave us a striking lesson to learn. The youths belong to different tribes. However they chose to die under the same roof. So they began sheltering unitedly with their last hope, as one of the victims told the earlier rescuers. During day, the other two ventured out in the city to find food for their half-dead friends, who were lying unconsciously for several days. Though they were homeless, they vowed to die under one’s care rather than dying lonely. The love and unity towards their fellow being is highly appreciated. This set an exemplary life for all of us. 

On behalf of the Kuki Students’ Organisation Delhi, we hereby, expressed our heartfelt gratitude to all the organisations and individuals who had painstakingly stood beside us throughout the steps.

We are deeply impressed by the cooperation extended by the broadminded leaders/members of Gangte Welfare Association, Vaiphei Welfare Association, The Last Resort, Kuki Worship Service and Kuki Students’ Organisation. We also sought everyone to stand united in the days to come.

PS. Hangminlen Haokip is misspelled as Hangminthang Haokip in the wooden cross.

 

          Sd/-                                                                                            Sd/-
  (LAMTINTHANG HAOKIP)                                                         (T. DOUMINLIAN)
              President                                                                               General Secretary
 Kuki Students’ Organisation                                                  Kuki Students’ Organisation
                Delhi                                                                                              Delhi

 

---

Manipur 1st State to Start Biometric For NPR

Feb 12 : Manipur became the first state in the country to start collection of Biometrics for preparation of National Population Register (NPR) along with Population Enumeration of Census 2011. The second Phase of Census of India 2011--Population Enumeration started today and will continue till February 28 with a Revision Round from March 1- 5, 2011. 

Manipuri Girls Caught With Yemenis in Bangalore

Feb 8 : Abdul Mallik, 29, and his friend Mohammed Ali, 23, both from Yemen, thought they were on to a good thing when they picked up two beauticians Sctey, Remey Thang, both from Manipur, in Kammanahalli in Bangalore and kicked off their liquor-sodden drive to Mysore. 

Manipur issues find place in kisan sabha charter

IMPHAL: Two major issues that Manipur is facing insurgency and the plight of people affected by the Loktak hydroelectric project have been incorporated in the All India Kisan Sabha's charter of demands which will be raised by the CPI MPs in the ensuing parliament session.

Altogether 25 demands were adopted during the 28th national conference of the sabha, CPI's frontal organization, held in December last year at Aurangabad in Maharastra.

Leaders of the Manipur Loumi Lup (MLL), an affiliating constituent unit of the sabha, who attended the conference, said the demands were adopted in view of various problems faced by the poor farmers of the country. 

Manipur boy wins UN Peace poster

Guwahati, Jan 26 : Come March 18, a youngster from the northeast will be awarded at the United Nations headquarters in New York for his efforts in spreading the message of peace with his paintbrush and colours.

Eleven-year-old Raj Phairembam from Moirang in Manipur has won the International Peace Poster contest in which children from 100-odd countries took part. He is the first Indian participant to win the global award.

Raj, who is a Class V student of St Xavier's School in Moirang, painted a dove removing a dark covering featuring guns, blasts etc from the earth.

Govt formulate Job plans for Youth of NE India

New Delhi, Jan 28 : The government is finalising a special scheme for the skill development and employment of youth with focus on troubled Jammu and Kashmir, North-East and Naxal-affected areas to counter terrorism and insurgency.

The youth affairs ministry's programme will start with the north-eastern states. Assembly elections in Assam -- which is politically crucial for the ruling Congress -- are due later this year.

Over 50,000 Constables to be Recruited From Northeast in 2011

Guwahati, Jan 28 : Over 50,000 constables will be recruited from North East for various para-military forces this year.

Informing this at a press conference here today, Staff Selection Commission (SSC) chairman NK Raghupathy said, ''The SSC will be recruiting 53,200 constables from the region for six para-military forces on behalf of the Ministry of Home Affairs.'' The vacancies include 880 in the Assam Rifles, 3320 in the Indo-Tibetan Police Force (ITBP) and the rest in four others forces-- CRPF, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), CISF and BSF.

Mr Raghupathy said the advertisements will be published on February four and the entire process will be concluded by July 31, 2011, for Assam Rifles and ITBP recruitment, and by October 31, 2011, for the other four forces.

''We are going for a time-bound recruitment and the SSC shall give their commitment to conclude it within the stipulated date in the advertisements itself,'' he added.

The Grand Homecoming: Swu and Muivah

Nagas in Delhi, on January 23, 2011, warmly welcomed their visionary leaders who have long yearned for the unification of the scattered Nagas in North-East India and Myanmar into a sovereign Nagalim.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

At 5 PM, 61, Lodhi Estate — a prominent location in the capital — was abuzz with hundreds of Nagas residing in Delhi, eager to witness the civic reception for National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) Chairman Isak Chishi Swu. The event was organized by the Naga Community, Delhi, and was attended by numerous Naga leaders, activists, scholars, students, and employees.

The crowd erupted in unison as Isak Chishi Swu arrived at the venue, accompanied by his wife and flanked by NSCN (IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, who was also accompanied by his wife and other leaders. Swu waved at the gathering from the stage, eliciting cheers and admiration.

The reception was presided over by James Pochury, a young and dynamic gentleman. The event began with the hymn “How Great Thou Art,” followed by an invocation prayer led by Rev. Dr. Ricky Medom, Pastor of the Naga Christian Fellowship, Delhi. The Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu, Delhi, presented a touching welcome song in honor of Swu and Muivah. Kekhrie Yhome then delivered the welcome address.

The organizers, Naga Community Delhi, presented tokens of appreciation and love to Swu and Muivah for their tireless leadership. Since signing the historic ceasefire agreement with the government in August 1997, the NSCN-IM has engaged in more than 50 rounds of talks in India and abroad with the government’s interlocutors, though the negotiations have often ended in stalemate.

Speaking at the event, Isak Chishi Swu explained that the NSCN leadership had come to Delhi at the invitation of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to further political negotiations towards a final resolution. Swu acknowledged the positive attitude and efforts of the Government of India and reiterated the NSCN’s commitment to achieving a solution. He emphasized the importance of not missing this critical opportunity to resolve the issue.

The Poumai Tsiidoumai Me performed a beautiful folk song, followed by a speech from the much-anticipated General Secretary, Thuingaleng Muivah, who last visited India in December 2006 for talks with government leaders. Muivah highlighted that the Government of India has recognized the uniqueness of Naga history, which forms the basis of the ongoing dialogue. He assured the gathering that the Nagas will not be betrayed, stating, “We are not a lost people or a lost nation.”

Muivah elaborated that successive Prime Ministers, including the current one, had assured a solution that would be honorable and acceptable to both sides. He noted that the extent to which the Government of India would reflect its understanding and acceptance of Naga history remained a serious question yet to be resolved. He stressed the NSCN’s commitment to peace, stating, “We have not fired a single bullet,” and reaffirmed that their leadership had come unarmed for talks, demonstrating their intent for peaceful resolution. He cautioned that the Nagas’ patience should not be tested by forcing them into an impossible position and emphasized the need for reconciliation among the Nagas.

The event also included prayers led by Naga pastors residing in Delhi. Programme Coordinator Boveio Poukai Duo delivered a comprehensive vote of thanks, and the gathering concluded with the heartfelt hymn “We Shall Overcome,” followed by a benediction by Rev. Rocky Angumai, Pastor of UEF Delhi. A sumptuous dinner was served afterward.

The Nagas, spread across Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh in India, and Sagaing Division and Kachin State in Myanmar, number approximately four million. Under Sagaing Division, the Naga-occupied townships include Lahe, Tamu, Mowlick, Homelin, Laishi, Hkamti, and Namyung, while in Kachin State, they inhabit the Tanai Township, part of the Naga Hills District.

The Nagas first made their demands known in writing to the British Government’s Simon Commission on January 10, 1929, requesting that they be left to govern themselves as they were before British rule. On August 14, 1947, a day before India’s independence, the Nagas declared their own independence.

Under the visionary leadership of guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu, S.S. Khaplang, and Thuingaleng Muivah, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim was formed on January 30, 1980. The NSCN later split into two factions: NSCN (K), led by Khaplang, and NSCN (IM), led by Isak and Muivah.

NSCN (IM) has since demanded the integration of Naga-dominated areas and a “special relationship with India,” seeking greater powers for a “Greater Nagaland.” Initially fighting for an independent homeland, the NSCN scaled down its demands to creating Greater Nagaland by incorporating parts of Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh with Naga populations.

The political situation in Nagaland has remained unstable since the Naga National Council (NNC), led by A.Z. Phizo, declared independence on August 14, 1947. The NNC signed the Shillong Accord in 1975, but the NSCN has continued its struggle for sovereignty, making it one of South Asia’s longest-running insurgencies.

Kukis knock on Prez, Pm doors for Justice

Imphal, Jan 17 : Kuki civil bodies of Manipur have asked the Centre to task to the NSCN(IM) rebels who massacred hundreds of people of the community in ethnic clashes during the early Nineties.

 

In a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday, the All Kuki Inpis and the Kuki Movement for Human Rights reiterated that the NSCN(IM) militants killed over 900 Kukis and destroyed about 360 villages displacing more than 1,00,000 Kukis.

The Kuki civil bodies said several memorandums have been sent to the successive Prime Ministers of the country seeking justice for the Kuki victims but the appeals have fallen on deaf ears. 

Unique Identification Number (UIN) launched in North East India

Agartala, Dec 2 (IANS) Aadhaar, a 12-digit identity number to be issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for all Indian residents, was formally launched in the northeastern state of Tripura Thursday. 

Tripura is the first state in the northeast and the eighth in India where Aadhaar has been launched, according to officials here.

43.27pc in Mizoram had pre-marital: Survey

Aizawl: According to the latest survey done by a church body in Mizoram, 43.37 % had revealed that they had pre-marital sex. The survey was done to 31,202 persons across the state. Dr. Robert S Halliday, Coordinator of Synod Social Front in the Mizoram Synod said.

 

The main reason for the Synod Social Front (SSF) of the Mizoram Synod, the largest church organisation in Mizoram, to conduct such survey had been to eradicate the practice of pre-marital sex in Mizoram.

Dam: Way to Develop or destroy?

40,000 tribal people face displacement, starvation as government builds mega dam in Manipur, north east India.

 

Achungmei Kamei, a tribal woman and our correspondent in Manipur brings us this video about sufferings of tribal people caused by a mega dam project. Manipur is a hill state of India that has a fragile ecology, but a great reserve of biodiversity and has been home to about a hundred thousand Naga tribal people like Achungmei. For them land and forest are the main sources of livelihood. Today, nearly half of them are about to becomes refugees as a government mega dam project called Tipaimukh Hydro Electric Project is destroying their land, their forest and will submerge the homes when it is completed.

Curb on foreign tourists’ visit to 3 NE states lifted

In a New Year bonanza for Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, the Centre has lifted a decades-old rules of obtaining permission by any foreigner visiting the three northeastern states.

"The government has decided to exclude Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland from the Protected Area regime notified under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order 1958, initially for a period of one year," a Home Ministry statement said.

However, all foreigners visiting these states will have to register themselves with the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) of the district they visit within 24 hours of their arrival.

Where Christ answers to over 50 names

Guwahati, Dec. 24: Apart from a home that is hundreds of years old, Jesus Christ has a name amid the mountains and rivers of the Northeast. He’s Isua in Mizo, Yisui in Ao, Jesun in Thadou, Isu in Hmar, Poupa Jesu in Paite, Isuan in Ranglong, Jisunii in Maram and Pakai Jesu in Kuki. 

The Bible has been translated into 57 languages in the region and the figure is expected to touch 100 by Christmas next year.

Zoumi folk art festival held:Thangkhal Cultural Dance Show

Imphal, December 12 2010: The Paite Tribe Council, Churachandpur in coordination with Department of Arts and Culture, government of Manipur and Kolkata based Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre yesterday organized a Folk Art Festival of Zoumi at YPA Hall, Upper Lamka, CCpur.

A modern cultural dance performed by ZMC under the theme 'Shifting Cultivation and Cloth Making' marked the opening ceremony of the festival.
In a speech, Deputy Commissioner, CCpur, Ms Jacintha Lazarus IAS said that in every civilization, the annals of culture are protected and it is nice to be associated with Paite Tribe Council.

Thangkhal New Testament Bible Internet sung a koih hiding

Apaisa July 18, 2010 a ki hongkhia Thangkhal Bible pen leitung munchin a mikhat peuh in asim theih na ding deihna in internet sung ah koih ding lunggel kinei hi. Internet sung ah om hitaleh internet connection nei khat peuh in a ut hun hun adeih hun hun in simthei ziau ding ahihman in Khalvontawi mun tuam tuam a om te ading in phatuam in nuam tuam mahmah ding hi. Tuchiang in Khalvontawite zong khovel mun tuamtuam ah ikithehthang ta ua, hard copy vakithot pen alemtan louh hun jong omjel hi. Hih project pen Thangkhal Bible 1st Anniversary ni chiang a honkhiak ding lungtup kinei a, isite neihsun uh Thangkhal.blogspot.com sung ah adeih peuh in download theih ding a koih hiding hi. BSI apat phalna lak apoimoh leh zong lakding chih ahi. Hih project sukpiching na ding in mi bangjah hiam chomngaihna kideih a amaute'n phone call/e-mail tungtawn in zaksakna ngah ding uhi. Internet sung a koih ahih ding ban ah Mobile Version jong sawtlou a bawl ding dan lunggel kinei a, ilunggel te sukpiching ahihtheih na ding in Toupa kiang a ithumna te ah aap chiat ni.

Thangkhal Tribe Recognition Demand Committee

Thangkhal Tribe Recognition pen ahatzaw sem ding tupna in hih anuai ate Thangkhal Tribe Recognition Demand Committee ding a telkhiak in om hi.

Chairman:  Pu Pauminlianthang
Secretary: Pu Khuphenpau
Finance Secy.: Upa Zalianpau 
Treasurer : Nu Niangngaihlian


Source: Khalvontawi, Vol.V, Issue 4

Where Christ answers to over 50 names

The Holy Scripture in Thangkhal

Guwahati, Dec. 24: Apart from a home that is hundreds of years old, Jesus Christ has a name amid the mountains and rivers of the Northeast. He's Isua in Mizo, Yisui in Ao, Jesun in Thadou, Isu in Hmar, Poupa Jesu in Paite, Isuan in Ranglong, Jisunii in Maram and Pakai Jesu in Kuki.

The Bible has been translated into 57 languages in the region and the figure is expected to touch 100 by Christmas next year.

Dr Zaihmingthanga, associate director (translation) of Bible Society of India, Shillong Translation Centre, told The Telegraph that the Bible has been translated so far into Adi, Anal Naga (Pakan), Angami Naga, Ao Naga, Assamese, Bengali, Biate, Boro, Bru, Chang Naga, Dimasa, Gangte, Garo, Hmar, Galo, Hrangkhol, Hmar, Karbi, Khasi, Khiamnuingan Naga, Komrem, Konyak Naga, Kuki and Kyong Naga (Lotha), Liangmai Naga, Lamkang Naga, Lai, Manipuri (Meitei), Mara (Lakher), Maring Naga, Maram Naga, Mao Naga, Mizo (Lushai), Moyon Naga, Monsang Naga, Nokte Naga, Paite, Phom Naga, Poumai Naga, Rabha, Ranglong, Rengma Naga, Rengma (North) Naga, Rongmei Naga, Sumi Naga, Sangtam Naga, Sema Naga, Tangkhul Naga, Tangsa Naga, Thadou Kuki, Thangal Naga, Thangkhal, Tiddim Chin, Vaiphei, Yimchungru Naga, Zeme Naga and Zou (Zomi).

Thanga said while the Bible was first translated into Assamese in 1820 that the latest translation was in Nokte, a language spoken by an indigenous group in Arunachal Pradesh.

"The Northeast has diverse languages and we are working on the translation projects for those who are in need of the Bible. We are doing the translation for the benefit of the Christian people for whom the Bible is the basic foundation of their faith. It will be made available to those who aspire to read it. Even though the project is not aimed at popularising Christianity, the demand for translation of the Bible is increasing every day. The holy book is selling hugely among Mizos after it was translated in their language," he said.

Thanga said the new principle of translation aims at transferring the content into local idioms and expressions. The idea is to reach out to all sections, the young and the old, the learned and the barely literate and the womenfolk.

According to Thanga, the translation is done meticulously to ensure that the text of the Bible is not diluted.

He said each indigenous community nominates a linguistic scholar to translate the Bible into its language.

Thanga also added that the Bible Society of India has a team of experts that compares the translated version of the Bible with the Old Testament in Hebrew and New Testament in Greek.

The translation is approved only after the content matches the original text.

Source: The Telegraph, Kolkata, India [Dec.25, 2010]

JAC Protests Khuga Dam Inauguration, Demands Full Project Completion

New Delhi, October 13, 2010: The ongoing beautification efforts at Khuga Dam, aimed at a potential inauguration by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on October 26, have spurred the Joint Action Committee (JAC) into action. The Committee recently travelled to the capital to meet with political leaders and has announced its readiness to protest the inauguration unless all components of the dam are fully completed and meet the satisfaction of the people of Churachandpur district in Manipur.

PIC: BKT

A three-member delegation from the JAC on the Khuga Dam Project arrived in New Delhi on October 5. The delegation comprises Rampana, Chairman of the JAC; Lalpu Hangshing, JAC Secretary; and Seipao Misao, Secretary of Kuki Inpi Churachandpur. On Tuesday, a consultation meeting was held at Mizoram House in Vasant Vihar, where the Committee engaged in in-depth discussions with various social organizations, civil societies, student bodies, and NGOs. The delegation is also expected to meet with Rahul Gandhi, General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, on Wednesday. The JAC was formed on July 23, 2010.

The Khuga Dam Multipurpose Project is situated at Mata village, approximately 10 kilometres from Lamka town in Churachandpur. Construction began in 1983 with an initial sanction of Rs. 1.64 crore from the Planning Commission of India. To date, the State Government has invested Rs. 350 crore in the project.

The dam is intended to provide 1.5 megawatts of hydroelectric power, supply 5 million gallons of water, and support an irrigation canal system covering 9,575 hectares, with the potential to create 15,000 hectares of annual irrigation in the Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts.

However, Seipao Misao, Secretary of Kuki Inpi Churachandpur, expressed grave concerns about the dam’s quality. He stated, “Once the dam is inaugurated, the fate of our land is beyond imagination. The dam has been built with sub-standard materials, and its construction has been mismanaged. Some sections have already developed cracks, and the dam may not last for many years. It could burst one day.”

Misao highlighted the risks to numerous villages that could be devastated by the dam’s potential failure. The dam’s two main canals — the Right Canal (Eastern side) and Left Canal (Western side) — pass through several villages. The Eastern Canal traverses Saipum, M. Simol, Vengnomphai, Misao Lhahvom, Mualsan, Mualpi, Mualkot, Sumtuhphai, Daijang, Ngurte, Tuikham, Thenmol, Tuibul, and Mualbem villages, while the Western Canal passes through Mata, Lhingshiphai, Nakhopai, Tualnuam, and Thingkangphai villages. “These areas are at high risk, and many other villages could also be washed away by the waters of Khuga Dam,” he added.

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In a tragic incident on December 14, 2005, villagers affected by the dam’s construction protested against the government. Police opened fire on the protestors, resulting in three deaths and over 25 injuries.

Rampana, Chairman of the JAC, questioned the government’s claims about the project’s benefits. He remarked, “Though Khuga Dam is expected to generate 1.5 MW of power, the Power House is now submerged. The irrigation canal, which was supposed to irrigate 68 kilometres, barely reaches one kilometre. Where is the truth in the government’s promises?”

The Public Health & Engineering Department has constructed water reservoirs in Rengkai, New Lamka, Salem Veng, and Thingkangphai. However, reports indicate that these reservoirs remain dry, with not a single drop of water available.

Despite promises of compensation, resettlement, and rehabilitation for affected villagers, none of these measures have been fully implemented. As part of the rehabilitation policy, the government paid Rs. 3,000 per family instead of the promised Rs. 30,000.

The Khuga Dam Local Contractor’s Association has also demanded that the State Government release a pending bill of Rs. 16.02 crore.

JAC Secretary Lalpu Hangshing voiced frustrations about restricted access to the dam site, stating, “We are not allowed to visit the site by security personnel. Our fundamental rights are being suppressed by the government.”

Rampana also criticized political leaders for their inaction. “We have made numerous complaints and requests to politicians, ministers, and MLAs, but our efforts have been in vain. Some even responded with ‘Silence is Golden.’ We no longer trust the state, so we have come to Delhi,” he said.

On Tuesday, leaders from various organizations, including the All Tribal Students Union Manipur, Kuki Students Organization, Zomi Students Federation, Hmar Students Association, Siamsinpawlpi (Paite Students Welfare Association), Sinlung Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Organization, Zomi Human Rights Foundation, Delhi Hmar Welfare Association, and Campaign for Peace & Democracy in Manipur, expressed their views and support for the affected people of Churachandpur.

The Sinlung Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Organization has also recently protested against the proposed Tipaimukh Dam on the Barak River in Manipur.

The Khuga Dam project has displaced thousands of people, leaving them impoverished, hungry, and homeless. For the tribal communities in Manipur, the word ‘dam’ has become synonymous with suffering and despair.

 ~ Bruce K. Thangkhal, New Delhi

Mate Tribes resolve

IMPHAL, Sep 30 [TSE] : Three significant resolutions were adopted during the Central Executive meeting of the Mate Tribe Council, Manipur held today at the conference hall of Hotel Nirmala, said a statement issued to the press today. With the vice president of the Mate Tribe Council, N Mate presiding the function, the gathering passed three resolutions, which read as, "The Mate Tribe Council, Manipur from its inception has been pursuing for a distinct identity. In the course of our struggle, MTC, Manipur has not opened a joint dialogue with any other Mate organisations; The Mate Tribe Council, Manipur has no knowledge regarding the Mate Phungpi Assembly proposed to be held at Tengnoupal village, Chan-del district from October 14 to 17, 2010.

A BLATANT MISTAKE OF TOI

Today's TIMES OF INDIA carries a photo caption "India team was heralded by a girl in Naga dress" in the front page lead photo [inset:thumb size]. Actually it was not a 'Naga dress' but it's a Mizo traditional dress. Why this blatant mistake crept up in India's topmost paper? It's time that TOI need some NE faces! Or must pay little attention to NE regions to avoid further mistake. Anyway, a letter to editor has been sent immediately. You can see this 'Mizo dress' in our paper MAIL TODAY at page 34 [Oct 4, 2010]. Or Log on www.mailtoday.in   - Bruce K. Thangkhal New Delhi