Human Traffickers Target North East Regions

New Delhi, 30 August 2013: A consultation on Anti-Human Trafficking and Women’s Safety, with a special focus on North East India, was held at the YMCA in New Delhi on 30 August 2013. The event was organised by Advancement of People’s Group, Vikalpa Dhara, and Shakti Vahini.

Mrs Mamta Sharma, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), was the chief guest. Other key attendees included Mrs Mamta Saha, Member of the Delhi Commission on Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR), Dr Ramanath Nayak, Senior Technical Officer at the National Commission on Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), and Mr O.P. Arora, Additional Commissioner of Delhi Police.

Mamta Sharma announced that a North East Cell would soon be set up to tackle human trafficking of women and children from the region. She stressed the need to raise awareness in rural areas, saying, "People living in villages must be informed about human trafficking."

She also pointed out that Haryana has a shortage of women due to honour killings and female foeticide. As a result, many girls are brought in under false pretences, often labelled as Nepalese, and forced into domestic work or other forms of exploitation.

Activist Rishi Kant highlighted another disturbing issue: "Girls from the North East are given fake Nepali passports with promises of city jobs. But once they arrive in Delhi, they are trafficked abroad for the sex trade without their knowledge. With these fake passports, it becomes difficult for Delhi Police to confirm their real identity, making it nearly impossible to trace them."

Mrs Mamta Saha, a member of DCPCR, spoke about her organisation’s role in child protection and assured the North-East community of her support in the fight against human trafficking.

Senior journalist Kishalay Bhattacharjee emphasised the role of the media in raising awareness about women’s safety. He revealed that underworld networks operate in the North East, making the region a transit point for human trafficking. He explained that traffickers take advantage of disasters like earthquakes, floods, and ethnic conflicts, tricking desperate parents into sending their children away with promises of free education, shelter, and jobs. He added that 60% of child soldiers are victims of illegal trafficking.

Reports suggest that human trafficking is widespread in the North East, with many women and children being sold to Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and other states.

The programme was attended by student leaders, NGOs, intellectuals, and media professionals from the North East.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL
Media Incharge
NORTH EAST SUPPORT CENTRE & HELPLINE, DELHI

&

Special Correspondent

THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY

 

Anti Human Trafficking & Women Safety (Photos)

By:-
Bruce K. Thangkhal
for iSikkim.Com

TCSA wins Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Football Tournament

FOOTBALL is a passion for the people of North East India. Even Delhi’s scorching heat could not deter young North East footballers, who played tirelessly from morning till evening for three consecutive days. The Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Football Tournament for Northeast Students of Delhi University concluded on Wednesday evening, 28 August 2013.

The closing ceremony was graced by Oscar Fernandes, Union Cabinet Minister for Transport, Roads and Highways, along with U.R. Sabhapathi, former MLA from Udupi, Karnataka. Fernandes praised the sporting talent of North East students, saying, “North East students are very talented in games and sports.”

The much-anticipated final match was officially opened by Oscar Fernandes, who kicked the ball to mark the start of the game. The teams then took their positions, ready to battle fiercely for the trophy.

TCSA Triumphs Over NESS

Defending champions TCSA (Tedim Chin Students Association) defeated NESS (North East Students Society) by 2-0 at Chhatrasal Stadium. Mang Sian Piang Sukte and Michael S. Chongthu each scored a goal for TCSA. Despite their best efforts, NESS could not score, and the match ended with TCSA securing their second consecutive title. Last year, they defeated the same group, which now competes as NESS.

Though NESS played well as a team, they could not match TCSA’s strength. TCSA’s strikers took every opportunity to score, which led to their victory.

Road to the Finals

In the semi-finals, two strong teams, Golngai United (a team of Kuki players) and RAMSA (a team of Manipuri students), were eliminated:

• TCSA defeated RAMSA 2-0
• NESS edged past Golngai United 5-4

In the quarter-finals:

• Golngai United beat Acrobat 1-0
• NESS won against KSO 2-0
• TCSA defeated Tahchapa FC 4-2
• RAMSA overcame ZFC 1-0

Prize Distribution

NSUI National President Rohit Chaudhary and his team attended the final match and presented the prizes:

• TCSA received the Champions Trophy and Rs 21,000 in cash.
• NESS finished second and won Rs 11,000.
• Thanggoulun Haokip (TCSA) was awarded Best Player and received Rs 1,500.

Participation and Impact

This year, 30 teams took part, including Acrobat, Thunder Strike, NE Society Satyawati College, AL Ameen FC, Golngai United FC, Seven Sister (RLA), Gimney FC, Kangla Club, Zakir Hussain, NESS, Ke Thoh Boyz, Young Pillar College, UEF Team, KSO, Deuteronomy, SGTB Khalso NE Team, KSFC, Shivaji Gunners, Baga, TCSA, ZFC, Young Boys Team, All Star FC, Tahchapa FC, 34th Pirate, ZSP FC, Bullets, RAMSA, Arunachal Warriors, and DCAC.

 

The tournament was dominated by teams from Manipur, with all the finalists and semi-finalists coming from the state.

Last year, only 10-12 teams participated, but the tournament has grown significantly. Organised by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), it provides a great platform for young footballers from the North East. If Indian football clubs scouted these talents, more North East players could get opportunities at the national level. 

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL
Special Correspondent
THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY

 

ZO People MOURN the LOSS of their LEADER: Ro Za Thang

A respected Zo leader, Ro Za Thang, passed away yesterday (28 Aug 2013) at Aizawl Civil Hospital at around 6:30 AM. He was 62 years old.

Born in Khaw Lei village, Falam Township, he was the son of Pi Hlei Sin and Pi Mang Hngel. Ro Za Thang earned a Master’s degree (M.A.) from Rangoon University and worked there as a Lecturer/Tutor from 1980 to 1988.

He was deeply involved in various community and cultural organisations. He served as:

Chairman of the Chin Literature and Culture Committee (1981-83)
Chair of Universities Christian Fellowship (1977-79)
Announcer for the Chin Radio Programme (1977-80)
Chair of the Chin Welfare Association (1982-85)

During the 1988 uprising in Burma, he played a key role as Head of the Information Department in the Chin National Union (CNU). Due to his active involvement in the movement, the Burmese government dismissed him from his post, forcing him to flee to India in 1990.

While living abroad, he continued to take on leadership roles in several organisations, including CLC, ZORO, UZIP, ZHRGN, CDMB, CCN, and NCGUB.

His passing is a great loss to the Zo community, and many mourn his contributions to their culture, literature, and political struggles.

TSP Jubilee Stone Carriers | TSP Jubilee Suang Pawte

 

These dedicated young khalvontawi – both boys and girls ventured into the forest, tirelessly searching for the perfect large stone to serve as the Jubilee Stone for Thangkhal Sinlai Pawlpi (Students’ Union).

Under the guidance of Pu Kamkhanmang (son of ex-TPO president), they worked tirelessly, carrying the stone home with great determination. Their dedication and hard work turned it into a lasting symbol of unity and celebration.

The Silver Jubilee Celebration was held at S. Geltui village on 18 December 2012, where the Silver Jubilee Stone was proudly unveiled. The event was graced by Pu Ginsuanhau, MLA of 60-Singngat Assembly Constituency, as the chief guest. Pu Thangkhenhang @ TK Hang, Chairman of the Zomi Chief Association, served as the functional president, while Pu S. Lianzamang, Chief of S. Geltui, hosted the occasion.

Rev. S. Khaisuanmang, Executive Director of Thangkhal Bible Church, offered a word of prayer and dedicated the Jubilee Stone to God, marking a significant milestone in the history of the union.

It is worth mentioning that Thangkhal Sinlai Pawlpi (TSP) was founded on October 31, 1989, with the noble motto: “Righteousness Exalts a Nation” (Proverbs 14:34). TSP was collectively established by visionary leaders –  T. Kamsuanlal (now serving as MELC Delhi pastor), Thangsuanhang (Lecturer, Lawngtlai Govt College, Mizoram), Mangminthang (now a pastor), Khupsuanhau (M. Tanglian), and Khuplam (S. Geltui).

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

GORKHALAND DEMAND IN DELHI | Photos

Gorkhas from Darjeeling staged a dharna at Jantar Mantar, demanding Gorkhaland.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL
Special Correspondent
THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY

Read more

Gorkhaland Demand SPARKS Protest in Delhi 

 Seminar on Gorkhaland Demand and Indian Gorkha Identity held in Dehradun | Photo

Boundaries Create Identities and Give Shape to Gorkhaland

Gorkhas to Host Seminar on Gorkhaland & Identity

Demand for seperate state in India - brief preview

GORKHALAND DEMAND IN DELHI | Photos

ATSUM interacts with Manipur Tribal Rights Forum in Delhi

The All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) met with the Manipur Tribal Rights Forum Delhi (MTFD) on Saturday, 24 Aug 2013, to discuss tribal issues in Manipur. ATSUM leaders, including President Mr. Muan Tombing, General Secretary Mr. Vareiyo Shatsang, and Adviser Mr. H. Mangchinkhup, recently arrived in the capital. They plan to meet political leaders regarding the Scheduled Tribe status demanded by the so-called Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDM).

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL
Special Correspondent
THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY

UZO SUGNU BLOCK ELECTION RESULT

UZO SUGNU BLOCK ELECTION A TEL CHING TE

Prez- Thangminjam

Vice/Prez- Paulienkhup

Secy- Khuplienthang

Jt. Secy- Chinkhanmang

Secy. Orgn- Khupsen

Secy. Info- Liansuanmang

BY:- P. Nick Zo, Sugnu

Five Arrested in Mumbai Photojournalist Gang-Rape Case

Mumbai, 23 Aug 2013 (PTI): The Mumbai Police on Friday arrested all the five accused allegedly involved in the shocking gang-rape of a 23-year-old photo journalist here.

The photojournalist, who was working as an intern with an English magazine, was allegedly gang-raped by five men at around 8pm on Thursday near Shakti Mills in Lower Parel area of the metropolis.

The victim was on an assignment, doing a story on 'chawl' when the incident took place, police said.

In a chilling reminder of the December gang rape in Delhi, the men tied up the victim's friend and raped the woman.

In a statement given to police, the girl said the five goons were present in the Shakti Mills compound. They started making lewd remarks and harassed her. When her friend intervened, two of them assaulted him. Three others took her inside the dilapidated structure and raped her.

The police registered a gang-rape case in NM Joshi Marg police station and recorded the statement of the victim's friend.

The cops claimed the victim has identified two of the accused by their names. She told police that two of them were calling each other as Rupesh and Sajid, they said, adding, some drug addicts have been picked up from the area for questioning.

Earlier, the police had released sketches of the five accused and had picked up about 20 people for questioning.

The sketches were prepared on the basis of the description provided by the victim's male colleague, who was tied up by the accused before they sexually assaulted the woman.

Several teams were formed and send across the city to track the culprits.

The victim was admitted to Jaslok Hospital. Preliminary reports suggested that she sustained multiple internal injuries, they said.

Dr TaranGyanchandani, acting CEO of the hospital, said, "We are doing the needful ... she is under strict observation."

Maharashtra home minister RR Patil had visited the victim at Jaslok hospital.

"This is a very serious matter. We have taken note of it. The accused will be arrested soon," Patil told reporters outside the hospital.

Scholarship for Minority students clearing prelims conducted by UPSC, SSC, State PSC etc. 2013

 

For more details visit : http://www.minorityaffairs.gov.in/

2 North-East Students ASSAULTED & RACIALLY ABUSED by Delhi Police, Two Officers Suspended

New Delhi, August 22, 2013: Just three days after an attack on three North-East students in Delhi, two more students from the region have suffered a similar ordeal. This time, the perpetrators were two sub-inspectors of the Delhi Police. Officers Puneet and Lakshmi Chand allegedly assaulted and racially abused two North-East students at Bharat Nagar Police Station. As a result, both officers have been suspended. Delhi Police are investigating the incident, and an FIR will be filed once the Medico-Legal Case (MLC) report is available, according to Robin Hibu IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police (Training) and Coordinator for North-East Students and Employees in Delhi.

Thanglunmang Khongsai, a representative of the North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS), stated that the students were beaten over a minor issue regarding a bus ticket. The incident took place near Delhi University’s Satyawati College, where the students were on their way to discuss issues faced under the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) and the general challenges encountered by North-East youth in Delhi. As they got off a DTC bus and spoke with a ticket checker, the two sub-inspectors intervened and began harassing them, Khongsai said.

Both students are active members of NEFIS, which has led protests against the compulsory Hindi language requirement in the FYUP curriculum at Delhi University. According to Khongsai, the officers took the students to Bharat Nagar Police Station, where they were physically assaulted and racially abused based on their appearance. “They were released only after being forced to sign a statement falsely claiming that they were not assaulted by the police but by a third party,” he added.

The students have undergone medical examinations at Hindu Rao Hospital, and legal action will be taken against the officers based on the MLC report, said Robin Hibu.

Meanwhile, Robin Hibu also informed our correspondent that he has initiated a meeting on August 31, 2013, involving Delhi Police representatives from North-Eastern states, student leaders, NGOs, and employees from the North-East to discuss measures for their safety and security in Delhi.

— BRUCE K. THANGKHAL
Media Incharge, North East Support Centre & Helpline, Delhi
(Special Correspondent for The Mizoram Post, Manipur Chronicle, Zogam Today)

 

Delhi Police to interact with North East students

Date: 31st August 2013

Venue: Arunachal House, Bir Tikendrjit Marg, Chanakyapuri (Behind Yashwant Place Market)

Time: 11.00 AM onwards

Chief Guest: Shri Takam Sanjoy, M.P. Lok Sabha & Secretary of North East MP Forum

Delhi Police is planning to hold a Review Meeting on 31-08-2013 with all the Delhi Police Representatives of North Eastern States, Student Leaders, NGOs, and Employee Associations. Therefore, you are requested to inform all your representatives from the North Eastern States, Student Leaders, NGOs, Employee Associations so that they can give fruitful suggestions for the safety and security of the N.E. students and employees in Delhi. Lunch will be served at 1.00 PM.

Shir Robin Hibu IPS, Joint CP (Training) & Chief Coordinator for N.E. Students & Employees in Delhi, told NE Helpline this evening: "Please inform our brothers and sisters who are staying in Gurgaon, Nodia, Ghaziabad and others to attend the meeting. We also concern for their safety and security".

Bruce K. Thangkhal

Media Incharge

NORTH EAST SUPPORT CENTRE & HELPLINE, DELHI

8860956209 | 9999397620 | 9716775257

Three Northeast Students Attacked in Delhi, No Arrests Made

New Delhi, Aug 20, 2013 -- Three students from Northeast India studying at Delhi University were allegedly attacked by a group of locals in North Delhi on Saturday (17 Aug) night. One of the victims, identified as Lun (name changed), suffered head injuries after being struck with cricket bats. Despite the severity of the incident, no arrests have been made so far.

The attack occurred around 7:30 PM when approximately ten armed men barged into the rented accommodation of Gigin (name changed), where he and his friend Len (name changed) were watching a movie. The assailants, armed with iron rods, cricket bats, and baseball bats, reportedly beat and assaulted the victims inside their room.

Sequence of Events

Recounting the incident, Gigin stated, “Our caretaker entered my room without permission on August 14, leading to a heated argument. However, there was no physical altercation at that time. On Saturday evening, he returned to my room, glanced around without speaking, and left. Moments later, he came back with around ten armed men who forcefully entered my room and started attacking us. They used their weapons, even pulling out a gas cylinder to assault me. They shut the door and thrashed us mercilessly. We had no choice but to defend ourselves and managed to escape. As we ran, they chased us outside and continued the assault.”

Lun, a research scholar at Delhi University’s Department of Anthropology and a former president of the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) Delhi, was injured while trying to mediate the conflict. “I was writing my thesis when I heard a commotion outside. I stepped out to intervene and pacify the situation, but the locals attacked me with baseball bats and iron rods. I collapsed, bleeding profusely. I was targeted simply because I am from the Northeast,” he told our correspondent.

Lun was taken to Hindu Rao Hospital for medical treatment, while the other two victims sustained minor injuries.

Delayed Response and Police Inaction

Following the attack, KSO leaders and journalists rushed to the hospital and Maurice Nagar Police Station to support the victims. However, they alleged that the police response was biased.

“The police registered the case under IPC sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (wrongful restraint), and 34 (common intention) but refused to file an FIR in Gigin’s name, even though he was attacked inside his own room,” said Thangminlen Kipgen, President of KSO Delhi.

He further stated, “The police took Gigin’s statement verbally but did not record it in writing. Instead, they registered the case only in Lun’s name. The house caretaker, who was the primary instigator, is now falsely blaming Gigin. The police made us wait all night just to receive a copy of the FIR.”

Despite the severity of the assault, no arrests have been made, raising concerns about the treatment of Northeast students in the capital and the police’s handling of the case.

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

 

ZORO snubs 3rd World Zomi Convention

KANGGUI, Aug 19, 2013 [TSE] --- The ZoRO (Zo Re-unification Organization) has decided not to take part in the 3rd World Zomi Convention/3rd Global Zo People Convention to be organised by Zomi Council of Manipur.

according to ZoRO general HQs, Aizawl (Mizoram) the Convention being organised by the Zomi Council of Manipur is not sponsored by the ZoRO.

ZoRO said that the Peoples' Conference Party of Mizoram and Zomi National Congress Manipur jointly hosted the 1st World Zo Reunification Convention on May 19 and 20, 1988 at Champhai in Mizoram which is always called "Zo Khawpui", where the generic name 'Zo' coined by different writers was deliberated for naming the Zo nation and hence instituted "Zo Reunification Organization" for their social, cultural, economic, spiritual and political affinity.

Different Zo-folks from different parts of the world also adopted a joint resolution to unify all the Zofate (sons of Zo) within the Constitution of India in the Convention, the ZoRO HQs said.

It further informed that the Zofate (Sons of Zo) are under tripartite divisions of India, Myanmar and Bangladesh since the British period.

Realizing that it is the UNO where to put up their aspiration for reunification and not within the framework of Indian Constitution taking into account that it is not appropriate to put up the issue from one country under the supervision of one political party, they resolved to sustain the issue under the banner of NGO.

Consequently the 2nd World ZoRO Convention was convened at Vanapa Hall, Aizawl in July 1991 where a fresh ZoRO (Zo Reunification Organization) was constituted thereby keeping it aloof from any political party keeping in mind the decision of the Chin-Lushai Conference of 1892 at Fort William in Kolkata.

Hence, the ZoRO, acting from different angles as an independent organization for reunification of all Zofates participated in sessions of the World Indigenous Peoples under the auspices of UN namely UNWGIP, UNPFII, EMRIP and other seminars and training conducted in respect of the rights of the Indigenous Peoples of the World.

It continues to participated in such sessions from 1999 till date. Therefore ZoRO does not feel it imperative, as of now, to conduct convention of all Zofates since it finds no other compelling issues, said the ZoRO General HQs.