Gen Muatmuat Talehang........KV News Special Issue 2013

Gen Muatmuat Tamai Lehang.

- Bravepitt Eimi@facebook.com

Gen muatmuat talehang        ei pawl kuate ka hi i kichi ua leh? Midangte'n kuate na hia

ahung chih chiang un kuate i kichi a? I hihna tak Thangkhal i kichi ngam na hiam? Ahihkeileh i tenna khua zil a tuate ka hi kichi i hiam, ahihkeileh ST certificate lakdan zil a tuate ka hi kichi i hi hiam?

Khatvei mikhat (amin leh khua ka thei na a ka taklat dah ding) mi inn a om hi ven, a omnate toh kithei hoih mahmah ka hihman in ahung om tung in "... nang bangbang a ham mi khat ka ompih uh, himahlehaman kou Vaiphei-te achi zel a...ka theisiam kei bangchidan a...na ham ulah kibang ngal.." achih ka bil ah aging mangthei nawnlou hi. Adawn ding dan zong ka thei tuan kei a, ka mawk meh chetchut mai ve.... Tua mikhat pen ka mohsak kei, himahleh anu leh pa leh innkuante'n athuhilhna uh zui ahi ding a, dik ahina diam? Thangkhal ham a ham pempom napi namdang kichi valong...abangchidan hita? Ka kimuhpih masak ni in kahoupih a, "Kou inn lam a Vaiphei a om hi ungh...."(pure Thangkhal dialect) in achi a, tuani apat ka muh dan atuam sim mawk a, khat veivei kei leh kei zong ka kimohsak sim mawk ve...lungneu ka kisa a lah ka thangpaih sim man chu ahi thou hi.

Atung a bang bang a ahihna kigen ngam lou Thangkhal ham a ham pempom ahihna adang a kigen zel mi 100 lak ah mi 70 bek ki om ding in gingta ing. Thangkhal ham zang tengteng in Thangkhal ka hi mah chilehang tuni in Thangkhal pen Government in zong theiphata ding a, mite theihphak ki hita ding hi. Masang a ka laigelh khat ah "Census lak hun chiang a ihihna Thangkhal chih chiat ding census latute'n Thangkhal chih Government record ah om kei achih uleh zong om in om kei leh ka hihna uh ahi... chi'n pang chiat lei.." chih thu ka na gelh kha hi. I hihna gen ngamlou i hi ding a Thangkhal kichi theihphak ahi nai tuan kei hi. Bangtan vei i hihna lohbup sunga phualdap a, i hihna taisan a, i hihna kilepsan lailai ding i hi ua.

Tribe certificate lak pen ei gam Lamka ah i ut penpen a lak theihlai ahi lei a tribe certificate i lakna penpente ki hi tuanlou ahi. Thangkhal pen recognised tribe hi nailou ahihtakdih man in ei lunglutna lamlam lak theih lei in ngaihsut ing. Tribe certificate tuate a i lak man a amau va kihi chihna aomlam ka na theikha nai tuankei hi.

Na ngaihsut kha tai? Thangkhal sung pen laisiam kitamlou hi napi in mipil i chi diai leadership quality i chi diai nei kitam hi ding hi, nam dang dangte lamkaite i et thakthak leh (nam lian khenkhat chihlouh) alamkaite uah Thangkhal ham zang mi ana omkha kawikawi mawk hi veh aw ahihkeileh tuabang leadership quality neite'n Thangkhal sung sithuai sa a nam dang va ngaithupizaw ahi di uai chih bang zong ngaihsut theih thu khat ahi. Ahihkeileh Thangkhal sunga lungnoplouhna neuneu neia taisan ahi di uai chih zong ngaihsut theih veve hi. Ka theihsun teng ka khualkhual chiangin namdang sung a va kizeplut a lamkai hihna tan ava tun hang un khonung chiangin ningkhin leh nelhsiah in a om veve uh chih pen gen ngailou a muhtheih hi mawk hi. Better late than never..chi mai ni.

Tuaban ah, Thangkhal min a biakna om Thangkhal Bible Church (TBC) pen Thangkhalte a vilvel (exclusively) dana ngaihdan nei pawl leh TBC a kailoute Thangkhal pomlou dan a ngaihdan neipawl zong ana ki om zel valong e! Hih zong diklou, dik mawngmawng lou. TBC pen Pasian biakna ahi a, kua hileh TBC paidan leh gindan pomte alut thei hi, Thangkhal ham sese hi tuamlou chih pen kei ngaihdan ahi, hinanleh TBC pen Thangkhalte phuhkhiak ahi a, a majority pen Thangkhal kampau zangte ahi ua, TBC sung ah Thangkhal ham in Pasian akiphat a, Thangkhalte a achihtheih ding hi. Banah, TBC leh Thangkhal mekmat gige chihpen ngiamkiatna leh kituaklouhna bulpi ahi. Hihte ziak zong ahi maithei i sanggam khenkhatte Thangkhal sung a alut utlouhna uh. Tualeh ei TBC sunga om Thangkhal kampau zangte i ki Thangkhal sak diak uh bang in ka mu hi. TBC i hihman a Thangkhal diak i hihna ding bangmah a om tuan kei a, i kihihsak diakna un biakna danga omte ading in nopmawh sakna apiangsak thei a, atuitum thei taktak kei uh hi in ka muzaw hi. Thangkhal i chih pen tawm mahlehang i teenna i leenna mun uh azau mahmah ahihman in i omna lemtang dana biakna ana zui pawl zong ki om ding a, ban ah TBC gindan leh paidan lungtunlouh ziak a biakna dang zuipawl zong ki om tham ding hi (Mihing lungsim kibanglou i hihman in). Hih ka gen ziaka TBC dem leh nial ka hi kei a keima mimal muhdan gen ka hi leltak a dik leh diklou chih zong ka gen thei tuan kei hi. Ahoih pen chu Thangkhal kampau zang teng biakna khat ah om thei lehang chih duhthusam ahi tawntung a, 'BUT' hi theilou ahihman in ahi bangbang pomsiam a pankhawm dan i kizil uh poimoh zawta hilou maw?

Thangkhal i chihpen beh-le- phung tuam a om kei a, i ham mah in hung kankhawm ahihman in aham zang teng in hihna (identity) dang i lakleh bang suak mawk ding, Aktal khuang pempom henla kei Akpi hi'ng chi leh mi'n ataksang na diai leh? Ut thu a hihna tel theih hi leh kei zong Saapkangte ut tazen veng e.... Thangkhal ham a ham ing a 'Kei Korea-te hi'ng' chi leng na taksang na di uai leh? Ahihkeileh, "Kei Japan-te hi'ng chi leng kuateng in n'ung nuihsan di ua?....! Bangtan vei i hihna kizumpih a kiphualguk sawm lai i hi hiam, en i zumpih hang in Thangkhal bei thei mawklou ding a, azumpihloute'n Thangkhal kuang tawl tou nilnel zel uh a, kum 10 paisa sang in saupi ana tawltung ta uhi atawlpih ding in nang leh kei hung khut van gige uhi.

Editorial.........KV News Special Issue 2013

Editorial..

Tutung Christmas Midangte Adingin...

Amasapen in KV News simtu teng chibai k'ung buk a, kum 8 paisa sung a hung na mapuia special issue suahkbia thei dinga damna hung pia I biak Pasian min ka phat hi.

Leitungthuthangana sulzuihte adingin kum 2013 inbildohuai - zillin, kial-le-tak, sih-le- manna tamtak ana tung hi .Tuachilou deuh a lungphawng khat ahihlleh CIA leh NSA a semlui Edward Snowden in thuguk (classified documents) 200,000 suahkhia a, tuate lakah US solkal in Facebook, Gmail, Youtube, Skype leh mobile phone a i kihouna-te agukin ana enkai hi chih zong pang hi. Hih thu ziakin US tangtel sihtan banga, mat ding asawm leh Russia in agam ah bitna ana pia hi.Tuachi kawmkal lakah November 22, 1963, 12:30pm a Dallas khopi a car tung kihonga lampia tailai kaplup a om US President John F. Kennedy sih kum SO chinnungin Kuate'n bang tupnaathahuhahia?" chih theihkhiat hinailou. Phalbi sun nitangsatlaitak a President pu a video la toh, camera a kap toh, mitamutohakitek zengzungnungunzonganunglampanakikap e, amailampanakikap e, thautangkhatinakhake, nihleh thum in 3

India lam i etleh mi gegu Pu Sanjay Dutt 1993 a AK- S 6 a inn a ana koihdap ziakin kum S sunga havai meh ne di'n Mumbai thong ah ana lut hi. Nam simmohhuai"Yadav"kicbite leitung a nam theihphak suaksaktu Pu Laloo Prasad, amah leh Khalvontawite gintatlouhpi'n 1996 a bawng-ann nekguk ziakin kum S sung tawldam di'n Ranchi thong ah ana lut hi (bailed a aom uh thu tuam inKoih ta lei) .Tehelka phutkhia galvan lei nekgukna pansana 2001 a BJP/ NDA solkal ana tawlemTarunTejpal zong Goa a lift sunga aseppih numei khat ana bangkhat ziakin police custody sungah sawlbang ana hei hi. Delhi khopi lamiet IdHehMay 15-16,2008 zan mialnuaia Noida flate (inn) a atanu Arushifleh a sila Hemraj thattu a ngoha omTalwar-te nupa zong kum S suizui nungin thong a khumlut hita uhi. Tualthahna va mu leh achetna omlou, "lie detector" in zong amatkhiat zonlouh nunga, "amau lou midang hi theilou ding ahi" chihtohmohpaihaomahiuhi. (Zawnoilah! Guaite,i topic apanvakmang khazaktahange! Phuilouh! Phuilouh!)

Hichibang zenzunte lakah ei "aam aadmi-te" (mi nautangte) adingin kumbul apat i na buaipih pen leitung thuthang tuamtuamte sangin i nasepna, isumzonna, naisimnate, iinnkuan sung thute ana hizaw hi. Pasian kianga i na thumna leh kipak thu i na gennate zong atamzawte eima mimal vai mah hi kik hi .Tuaziakin kum khat a i na zakzel Christmas mah zong "angai bok" chih didan in thalawpna tuam zong om beeklou bang hi. Christmas sialin mundanga om bangzahhiamte zong tunglam leh nuailam panin inlam ah i kikhohlut zel uhi. Ahi'n inlam hi'n khoilam hitalezong Christmas manna lunggulh tuam ding, khiadah tuam ding a om kei hi. Kikhopna zong thalopna om beeklou, lengkhawm dinglahkichial thoh pian ngai chihdan in a omta hi.Thu kigen tenglah i zaksa, i theihsa vive, a tnugen hiala i va pantheihlouh chih thu chauh ahi.

Hih hun a ngaihtuah thak di a deihhuai ahihleh, Christmas kichi pen Pasian in mihingte ahung it seng ziaka tapa tang neihsun ahungpiak kipakna ni, Pasian tapa amah-le-amah ki awngsut a gentheihna thuak dinga mihing ahung suak ni ani.Tua ahihtakleh eite'n zong midangte i itna larma a bang hiam i piakkhiat ding chihna ahi. "Eima" ading bekhiloua"midangte"adinga in i hinkhua, i sum-le-paite, i ngaihsutnate i zak ding Pasian lametna len ahung thupiak ahi tawntunghi.TualehJesu bangziaka piang a, bang ziaka si ahia? (Mikhialte tan dinga hung piang/si ahi). Chihte banah bangziaka kum 33 hing a, kum 3 sung vingveng nna ana sep ahia? Chih bang i ngaihsut thak ding poimoh hi; tua ahi gospel bu 4-te' n ana sau suutsuut un.

I sa nek leh i nopbawlnate kheklamdang silbaih hi kei mahleh hihte bana kalbi suantheihna ding lampi a om hi. "Bangbang hileh tutung Christmas puan / van thak ka leina taanggentheite panpihna in ka zang ding"chih thupukna bang la dup mailei Bethlehem bawngbuk toh kinaih aeuh lei kilawm ka sa hi. Hih zong mi tamtakte adi' n sfl haksapi suak kik ding hi. Pasian gualzawlna i tante lakah bangzah hiam ei sanga poimohzawte adi'n pekhia lei bawlfuh ding i hi.Tampi kipiate tungah tampi lamet ahi a (Luke 12:48), a neih sunsun pia meithainu in Jesu lungtang dengkha m (Mark 12:43).Tangval hausapa Jesu tehna ah "failed" ahi (Mathai 19:21). Nang khoi pen ah na pangkha diai? Silpiak lam tempai mahrnah ke 'ng na chih kankan lai leh midangte thumsakna leh kuamah phawkphaklouhte vehna dinga zong hun lemchang bawl thei na hi.

Boundaries Create Identities and Give Shape to Gorkhaland

Seminar on the Demand for Gorkhaland and its Relevance in 

the Context of Indian Gorkha Identity held in Dehradun

A SEMINAR addressing the demand for Gorkhaland and its significance for the Indian Gorkha identity concluded successfully in Dehradun on Sunday (29 Sept 2013) evening. The event drew a crowd of around 500 Gorkhas from Darjeeling, Delhi, and Dehradun, underscoring the widespread interest in this critical issue.

Darjeeling Foundation Convenor Swaraj Thapa emphasized that the demand for Gorkhaland transcends the boundaries of Darjeeling and its surrounding areas. “The issue of identity is not confined to the Gorkhas of Darjeeling hills but extends to Gorkhas across India, including those in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, and the Northeast,” he stated. The seminar aimed to amplify the voices of Gorkhas and bring their concerns to the forefront.

Ganesh Joshi, MLA from Mussoorie, highlighted the need for Uttarakhand to send a strong message in support of the legitimate demand for Gorkhaland. He assured the audience that he would lead a rally in Dehradun in the coming days to endorse the cause.

Kalimpong MLA Harka Bahadur Chettri spoke passionately about the power of emotional integration among Gorkhas nationwide. “Emotional unity among Gorkhas will lend strength to the demand for Gorkhaland,” he said.

Adding a cultural touch, Indian Idol runner-up Kapil Thapa performed a song he composed on Gorkhaland, resonating with the audience. Reflecting on his personal experiences, he shared how he faced discrimination when he first went to Mumbai for the Indian Idol contest. “I was asked if I came from Nepal, a question that struck me deeply. Such experiences highlight the identity crisis we Gorkhas face,” he remarked.

P. Arjun, a member of the study forum, provided insights into the democratic and non-violent nature of the Gorkhaland movement, led by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). He lauded the historical contributions of Gorkhas from Uttarakhand to India's freedom struggle, citing Shahid Durga Malla as a prominent example. He urged the audience to recognize their shared challenges and work collectively toward solutions.

Swaraj Thapa reiterated the importance of addressing the identity issue faced by Indian Gorkhas. “The demand for Gorkhaland is synonymous with the identity of every Indian Gorkha across the country. We have contributed significantly to nation-building in areas like security, sports, and academics, yet we often have to clarify our identity as Indians,” he said.

Harka Bahadur Chettri explained that the seminar in Dehradun aimed to connect Gorkhas in Uttarakhand to the broader Gorkhaland movement. He emphasized the need to bridge communication gaps among Gorkhas, which have hindered progress toward statehood. “Through interactive seminars and discussions, we can come closer to solutions and find answers to our problems,” he noted.

Ranjan Sharma, the media coordinator, highlighted the identity crisis among Gorkha youth. “We interacted with the youth attending the seminar and found that the fire of identity crisis burns as intensely here as in Darjeeling,” he said.

Other speakers at the seminar included Col. Bhupendra Singh Chettri, Col. V.K. Sharma, and Col. Bhagwan Singh Chettri, president of Gorkhali Sudhar Sabha, who delivered the welcome address. Various Gorkhali organizations based in Dehradun were also present. The seminar concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session.

Moderated by senior journalist Swaraj Thapa, the seminar was organized by the Darjeeling Foundation. Thapa concluded, “Boundaries create identities, and giving shape to Gorkhaland would resolve lingering doubts about Indian Gorkha identity.” He also announced plans to hold a similar seminar in Guwahati, Assam.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL
in Dehradun, 29 Sept 2013

Special Correspondent
The MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY

Read more

Gorkhaland Demand SPARKS Protest in Delhi 

GORKHALAND DEMAND IN DELHI | Photos

 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

 

Gorkhas to Host Seminar on Gorkhaland & Identity

By Bruce K. Thangkhal

Dehradun, Sept 29, 2013 — In a significant move, the Delhi-based think tank Darjeeling Foundation organized a press conference in central Dehradun on Saturday evening, ahead of a major seminar on Gorkhaland and the identity of Gorkhas in India.

The conference was addressed by key Gorkha leaders including Col Bhagwan Singh Chettri (President, Gorkhali Sudhar Sabha), P Arjun (GJMM), Harka Bahadur Chettry (MLA, Kalimpong), Hony Capt JB Karki, and senior journalist Swaraj Thapa (Convenor, Darjeeling Foundation).

The speakers expressed their discontent with both the Uttarakhand and Union Governments for treating Gorkhas as second-class citizens. “We are wrongly labelled as migrants from Nepal. We are neither Nepalese nor Pakistanis. We are Indians,” said Harka Bahadur Chettry, GJMM Spokesperson and MLA from Kalimpong.

The demand for Gorkhaland is among the oldest statehood movements in India, first raised in 1907 within the constitutional framework. While earlier phases of the movement remained peaceful, it turned violent between 1984 and 1987 under the Gorkhaland National Liberation Front, resulting in over 1,200 deaths. Since 2007, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has led a nonviolent movement.

For the first time in Dehradun, a seminar titled “Gorkhaland and the Demand for Smaller States” will be held at the Gorkhali Sudhar Sabha on Sunday. According to Ranjan Sharma, Media Coordinator for the Darjeeling Foundation, the event aims to shape public and political opinion, dispel misconceptions, and promote informed discussion through debates, research, and publications. Political figures from Uttarakhand are expected to attend.

EASTERN CHRONICLE | THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE

Read more

Gorkhaland Demand SPARKS Protest in Delhi 

GORKHALAND DEMAND IN DELHI | Photos

 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

Anthony Shimray Begins Three-Day Hunger Strike in Tihar Jail

“Release All Political Prisoners, No More Killing and Random Arrests”

IN SOLIDARITY with political prisoners of the Nagas, the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) observed September 27, 2013 as “Black Day” here in Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. Human rights activists, Naga students, and supporters gathered to light candles in memory of Anthony Shing, also known as Ningkhan Shimray. Shimray was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on September 27, 2010, at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport while traveling from Bangkok to New Delhi.

According to the NPMHR, Shimray was en route to participate in the peace talks between the Government of India (GoI) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), scheduled for September 29, 2010. “Anthony is a key figure in the peace talks, having participated in at least seven rounds of discussions both within India and in third-party countries,” said an NPMHR spokesperson.

Initial investigations by a Nepalese human rights group revealed that Shimray had completed his Disembarkation Card and provided his hotel address. After clearing Nepal’s immigration without issue, he went missing. Five days later, under mounting pressure from national and international human rights organizations, the Indian government admitted to arresting him. On October 2, 2010, Anthony’s wife was informed via the NSCN secretariat in Delhi that he had been “picked up” at Kathmandu airport and transported to Patna by the NIA. Shimray has since been held in Tihar Central Jail No. 4, New Delhi, facing charges of procuring arms and waging war against India. He has now completed three years in detention.

The NPMHR criticized the circumstances surrounding Shimray’s disappearance and arrest, calling it a blatant violation of human rights. “His enforced disappearance and unlawful imprisonment undermine the peace process and violate the basic principles of human rights and democratic values,” they asserted.

From his prison cell, Anthony Shimray announced he would observe a three-day hunger strike from September 27 to 29, demanding the unconditional release of all political prisoners to strengthen the fragile peace process, as well as an end to killings and arbitrary arrests.

In a letter from Tihar Jail, Shimray wrote, “Peace is essential, but it cannot be achieved through coercive policies, arrests, and suppression. Imprisonment and killings are incompatible with peaceful political negotiations. These actions mock the very essence of peace talks and betray the cause.”

Reflecting on his arrest, he added, “This infamous day September 27, 2010, when I was abducted at Kathmandu airport will forever be remembered as a ‘Black Day’ in the history of Indo-Naga peace talks. No country in the world kidnaps or imprisons a delegate attending peace negotiations. This incident has inflicted immense damage on the credibility of the Government of India and the peace process.”

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

 

Programme Highlights: North East Festival

Venue and Time

The event is planned to be organized at IGNCA Ground, Janpath, New Delhi on 8th & 9th November, 2013.

Programme Highlights

8thNovember, 2013
10.00 AM -Inaugural Session
10.05- 10.15 AM - A small Presentation on North East Festival
10.15 AM - Welcome Address by Union DoNER Minister
10.30 AM - 1 PM - Conclave of leaders of North Eastern States.
Speech by Chief Ministers of various NER States
1 - 1.25 PM - Address by Brand Ambassadors - MC Mary Kom, Adil Hussain, Baichung Bhutia
1.25 PM - Closing remark by Member Secretary, IGNCA

1.30 PM - Lunch Break

2.00 PM - Seminar on uniqueness/ issues of North East Culture - by eminent speakers with strong connections with North East India.

      To be presided by Mr. Veerappa Moily, Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas
            Speakers - Mr. Sekhar Gupta, Editor, Indian Express
                               - Mr. Victor Banerjee, Eminent Actor
                               - Mr. BG Verghese, Senior Journalist
                               - Mr. GK Pillai, former Home Secretary
                               - Mr. PC Haldar, Interlocutor, Peace process in North East
                               - .Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor in Chief CNN-IBN
                               - Ms Kaveri Bamsai, Editor, India Today

5.00 PM - An Interaction with North East Students on security and other issues in Delhi
                               - Robin Hibu, Joint Commissioner, Delhi Police
                               - Binalakshmi Nepram, Social Activist
                               - Question - Answer session 

6.00 PM - Cultural Evening
Inauguration by - Union Minister of Culture, Government of India
Performance by musicians & dance performers of North East

• Manipur - Guru Reuban Maswanga
• Mizo- Mami Varte
• Arunachal - Pamak Kamut, Ngawang Tashi Bapu
• Karbi - Phu Ning Ding
• Tripura - Mr. BK Hrangkhal
• Nagaland - Alobo Naga

Late evening performance by famous Bollywood singer from NER, Joi Barua

9thNovember, 2013
10.00 AM -B2B Session on North East Tourism - Paradise Unexplored
Venue- Seminar Hall at IGNCA
Inauguration by - Union Minister of Tourism, Govt. of India
Speakers - Secretary, Tourism, Govt. of India
                     - Presentation from North East Tour Operators Association
                     - All India Tour Operators Association
Interactions, Question and Answer
Concurrent Session:
10 AM to 1 PM
Conference Hall, IGNCA
Empowering North East- Entrepreneurship in the North East- Success Stories, Skill development strategy
Speakers -

• Mr. S Ramadorai, Adviser to PM, National Council on Skill Development
• Mr. Madhav Lal, IAS Secretary, Dept of Industries MSME, Govt of India
• Mr. DS Poonia, Ex Chief Secretary, Manipur -Skill Development Programme of Manipur
• Mr. Ranjit Barthakur, Chairman, GMS group.
• Few Successful entrepreneurs of the region who have done well inspite of difficult situation would address about their journey
• Mr. B Muktiah, CMD, NEDFi
• Mr. Rajneesh Kumar, CGM, SBI, NER

1.30 PM - Lunch Break
2.30 PM - Interaction with North East Icons

• MC Mary Kom, Olympian
• Baichung Bhutia, Football Legend
• Mr. Ratan Thiyam, Chairman, National Schools of Drama
• Larsing Ming, Promoter, Center Point Hotels and Owner Lajong Club
• Dr. R.C. Deka, Director, AIIMS
• Mr. PD Rai, Hon'ble MP, Sikkim
• Adil Hussain, eminent Bollywood Actor
• Anshu Jamsenpa, only mother whole scaled Everest twice
• Joi Barua, Well known singer
• Mr. Neil Nongkrinth- musician
• Special Guests - Mr. Santanu Moitra, Bollywood music producer
                                  Mr. Pritam, music composer

5.00 PM - Concluding session - Agenda for North East Development
Welcome address by DoNER Minister
*Inauguration by Hon'ble Prime Minister of India
*Address by Arun Jaitley- Leader of the Opposition
*Confirmation awaited
Personalities having ou tstanding achievements in various fields would be awarded in the field of Business & Entrepreneurship, Art & Culture, Literature, Social Works.
6.30 PM :Fashion show on North East handloom &jewellery by North East Designers and models
7 PM - Cultural Evening- Folk musicians from the North East, Shillong Chamber Choir, the famous band from Shillong

Late evening performance by Angaraag Papon Mahanta
Throughout the day North East Students as well artistes sponsored by State Government would perform dance performance of the respective States at the Amphitheater

* The Programme schedule is tentative and subjected to change depending on situation.

Source: www.northeastfestival.com

Mizo Designer Shines at North East Design Fest: Charlee Lalthlenmawia

A model showcases an outfit designed by young Mizo designer Mr Charlee Lalthlenmawia during the North East Design Fest at Select CITYWALK, New Delhi, on 22nd September 2013. 

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

Mizo Designer Shines at North East Design Fest: Melody Runremsangi

A model showcases an outfit designed by young Mizo designer Miss Melody Runremsangi during the North East Design Fest at Select CITYWALK, New Delhi, on 22nd September 2013. Miss Runremsangi completed a Diploma in Fashion Designing from the North East Institute of Fashion Technology (NEIFT), Assam, in 2012.

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

“If the Northeast MPs are united, you can have a Prime Minister,” says Zozam, Chin State MP

New Delhi, Sept 22, 2013: “I am not happy to be an MP with no work to do. Many MPs are faithfully napping in the arms of the higher authorities. If there is no free and fair election next year, I will not contest,” said Mr Zam Cin Pao, alias Zozam, an MP from Chin State and Chairman of the Chin National Party, during a meeting with Chin students, social activists, research scholars, and journalists from Northeast India.

Mr Zozam was accompanied by Dr Aye Maung, MP from Sittwe, Rakhine State, Mr Isaac Khen, Executive Director of the Gender and Development Initiative, Myanmar, and Ms Ei Ei Toe Lwin, Senior Reporter at The Myanmar Times. The discussion, organised by the Burma Centre Delhi, was held at Nagaland House, New Delhi, on the evening of 20 September. Dr Alana Golmei, Director of the Burma Centre Delhi, delivered the welcome address. Burmese officials had also been invited by the Centre for a conference on 19 September. Dr Aye Maung left the discussion early to attend an important meeting in Rakhine State on 22 September.

Speaking on humanitarian grounds, Mr Khen, a human rights activist, made three key suggestions. He emphasised strengthening ties between Myanmar’s ethnic groups and Northeast Indians, transcending geographical boundaries to foster shared cultural and social ties.

Mr Khen urged Chin students to return to Myanmar. “We need you. It is very important for ethnic minorities to participate in mainstream politics,” he said.

He also called upon Naga communities in Nagaland, India, to extend support to the Nagas in Myanmar, who remain isolated from the mainstream due to geographical barriers.

Mr Zozam remarked, “We must distance ourselves from the one-sided Myanmarese government.” He recounted how he initiated the Federal Union Party (FUP) with just four parties, which has since expanded to 16. “We are also working towards including other Burmese parties,” he said.

The FUP has emerged as Myanmar’s third-largest party, alongside the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and the National League for Democracy (NLD). “We formed the party on a common foundation—federalism,” Mr Zozam added.

He commented that Aung San Suu Kyi’s leadership is what sustains the NLD and warned that the party’s influence may diminish once she is no longer active.

“Young men can introduce new ideas, but older men cannot. If you have a broad vision, you can build a great nation,” he told the Chin students.

Mr Siang Ceu, President of the Chin Students’ Union (CSU), Delhi, briefly recounted the organisation’s origins. He explained that it was founded by exiled students from Myanmar following the 1988 uprising, with CSU Delhi being formally established in 1995.

Mr Zozam criticised many MPs as being ineffective and shared his own experiences, saying, “I picked up English from the streets.” He encouraged Chin students to read books about great leaders and adopt their ideas.

Responding to a query from attendees, Mr Zozam stated, “I am the poorest MP. My salary is barely $200 per month,” adding that even his taxi fares often exceed his earnings.

On the Myanmar government’s airstrikes against Kachin rebels earlier that year, Mr Zozam said he had challenged senior authorities: “Kachins are my brothers and sisters. Why are you fighting them with airstrikes? We need only political dialogue.”

He also recounted how his minister had warned him during a visit to Germany, advising him against meeting South American delegates, solidarity movement campaigners, and Greenpeace activists.

Addressing the Northeast Indian audience, he remarked, “If the Northeast MPs are united, you can have a Prime Minister from the region.”

Myanmar’s 30-month-old democracy, he observed, remains fragile. Many MPs elected in the last polls have little authority, as power remains concentrated within the Myanmar government. As a result, many MPs remain silent spectators in parliament, where crucial national decisions are made.

“The MPs are paralysed by restrictions in a dysfunctional parliament. Their power is dictated by how much the ruling authorities permit them to exercise,” Mr Khen remarked.

As Myanmar’s President Thein Sein prepares to step down, reports suggest he is not currently planning to contest the 2015 presidential election. Meanwhile, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has set her sights on the presidency. Come November 2014, Myanmar’s citizens will exercise their democratic rights in a pivotal election.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL
The Mizoram Post | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today

 

 

Northeast residents in Gurgaon meet DCP to address grievances

A group of people from Northeast India residing in Gurgaon, Haryana, visited Ms Naazneen Bhasin, Deputy Commissioner of Police, East Gurgaon, at her office on Friday, 20 September 2013, to address the issues faced by Northeasterners. 

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

(Special Correspondent for The Mizoram Post | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today)

South Asian Journalists Discuss Climate Change Ahead of Key Global Talks

New Delhi, Sept 19, 2013 – South Asian Media Briefing on Climate Change was held in Delhi on 18 September at the India Habitat Centre, bringing together around 100 journalists from across South Asia for a two-day event. Organised by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi, the briefing took place ahead of discussions for the 2015 climate treaty at this year’s Conference of Parties (CoP) in Poland. It aimed to share the latest updates on climate negotiations, politics, science, and the effects of climate change in the region.

The organisers emphasised the urgency of a legally binding climate treaty, warning that the world is moving further into the “danger zone.” They described the ongoing negotiations in Poland as “blind” and stressed the need for immediate global action.

In the mid-1980s, scientists from the British Antarctic Survey discovered a hole in the ozone layer, which had begun depleting in the 1970s. A similar issue was reported over the North Pole. The depletion exposed humans to harmful UV rays, posing serious health risks. The main cause was chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), chemicals used in aerosol sprays, refrigeration, air-conditioning, plastic foams, and cleaning solvents. The chlorine in CFCs was found to be responsible for the damage to the ozone layer.

In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was signed to phase out substances responsible for ozone depletion. Later, countries switched to hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), a less harmful but still damaging alternative. Developed nations phased out CFCs by 2000 and aim to phase out HCFCs by 2020. Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment, pointed out that companies have profited first from CFCs and now from their replacements, calling the ongoing battle over these chemicals a “virtual war.”

According to the World Resources Institute’s Climate Analysis Indicators Tool (CAIT), the USA, with less than 5% of the world’s population, accounted for 17% of global carbon dioxide emissions in 2010. India, with nearly 18% of the world’s population, contributed 5% of emissions, while China led with 27%, despite having 20% of the population. Reports from the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) show that electricity and heat production contributed 41% of global carbon dioxide emissions, making them the largest sources. Transport accounted for 22%, with road transport responsible for 74% and aviation for 7%.

India’s total net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2007 were 1,727.71 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. The energy sector, particularly electricity generation, contributed 65% of these emissions. In the industrial sector, iron and steel production accounted for 28%, cement for 32%, food processing for 7%, and aluminium production for 1%. In agriculture, enteric fermentation (gas from livestock) contributed 63%, rice cultivation 21%, and soil emissions 13% of the sector’s total emissions.

Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), countries align themselves into different groups for negotiations. Some key groups include the European Union (EU) with its 27 member states, the Umbrella Group consisting of Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Ukraine, and the USA, the G77 and China representing developing nations, and BASIC, which includes Brazil, South Africa, India, and China. Additionally, AOSIS (Alliance of Small Island States) and LDC (Least Developed Countries) represent vulnerable island nations and less developed countries.

The Umbrella Group has often resisted emission cuts, arguing that such measures would harm their economic growth. They also insist that major developing economies like China and India should take on emission reductions. The USA refused to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on these grounds, according to CSE. The EU has positioned itself as a global leader in climate action, but internal political and economic challenges have made this difficult to maintain.

The next Conference of Parties (CoP) will take place in Warsaw, Poland, from 11–22 November 2013. The EU has supported a proposal for a World Leaders Summit on climate change, called by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in the second half of 2014. They hope to secure a decision on this at the Warsaw summit.

 

Northeast Leaders Meet Gurgaon Police Chief

New Delhi, September 18, 2013 – In a bid to address the safety concerns of Northeast residents in Gurgaon — Haryana’s second-largest city and part of the National Capital Region — a delegation from the North East Helpline met with Gurgaon Police Commissioner Shri Alok Mittal, IPS, on September 17. The team, led by founding member and general secretary Dr. Alana Golmei, included Ms. Debby Rai, Principal Correspondent of Eastern Chronicle, Delhi; Mr. Bruce K. Thangkhal (media incharge), Mr. Mathew Kamei, Mr. Ninglumpam Vashum, Mr. Yuingam Keishing, and Mr. Edward Kamsiantung Zou.

PIC: BKT

The meeting highlighted the insensitivity of Haryana Police towards Northeast residents and the challenges they face. The delegation submitted a memorandum outlining key issues and urged the Commissioner to take corrective measures.

Commissioner Mittal welcomed the discussion, expressing his willingness to address their concerns. Speaking to our correspondent, he assured that the recommendations made by the team would be taken into serious consideration. He emphasized that this was the first such meeting where young Northeast residents of Gurgaon actively participated, fostering mutual understanding between both parties.

Ms. Naazneen Bhasin, DCP East, Gurgaon, was also present at the meeting. She assured the Northeast community that she could be contacted at any time and invited them to visit her office in Sushant Lok for further discussions on safety mechanisms. She also shared her contact details with the team.

A significant Northeast population resides in areas such as Sikanderpur, Chakkarpur, Nathupur, DLF, and various private apartments in Gurgaon, most of which fall under the jurisdiction of DCP East. Recognizing this, Ms. Bhasin extended an invitation for further dialogue to improve security measures for Northeast residents.

Commissioner Mittal assured that police personnel would be sensitized to the concerns of the Northeast community. He encouraged residents to report any instances of negligence by the police to senior officers at the ACP or DCP level. “For any issues, our DCP East, Ms. Bhasin, is available and can be approached,” he stated.

Additionally, he mentioned plans to discuss these concerns with Shri Robin Hibu, IPS, Joint Commissioner (Training), Delhi, and Chief Coordinator of Delhi Police for Northeast Affairs, to explore best practices from Delhi's initiatives.

“Going forward, regular interactions with Northeast residents will be held,” Mittal affirmed. He also announced that some Station House Officers (SHOs) would be sent to Vasant Vihar Police Station in New Delhi to study how Delhi Police has implemented measures to protect Northeast residents in Munirka.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

Media Incharge

North East Support Centre & Helpline

Delhi

Discussion on Reporting Life and Death in the North East: Bruce K. Thangkhal

New Delhi, 16 Sept 2013: Senior media professionals, social activists, research scholars, and students gathered at Jamia Millia Islamia on Monday to discuss the pressures exerted on the media by both government forces and non-state armed groups. The discussion also reflected on the challenges of working, living, and reporting from conflict zones such as North East India.

Titled From the Frontlines: Reporting and Reflecting on Life and Death in the North East, the event was organised by the Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research at Jamia. The discussion was chaired by the Centre’s Director, Prof. Sanjoy Hazarika, a former reporter for The New York Times and one of the region’s most prominent commentators.

“The media in North East India often reports on sensitive issues at considerable professional and personal risk, bringing local concerns and challenges to public attention as well as to policymakers and other media outlets,” said Hazarika. Despite criticism, particularly of ‘metro’ media for portraying the region negatively, he emphasised that some of the most ground-breaking and courageous stories have been highlighted by journalists based in the North East. Over the years, editors and media professionals in the region have frequently received threats, and several have been killed in the line of duty.

The session on Reporting from Conflict Zones featured speakers such as Subir Bhowmick, former BBC correspondent for Eastern India; Kishalay Bhattacharjee, former NDTV (North East) Bureau Chief; Pradip Phanjoubam, founder editor of Imphal Free Press; and Ms. Esha Roy, Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express in Imphal.

In the panel discussion on AFSPA: The Vanishing, human rights campaigner Babloo Loitongbam from Manipur led the panel, which included Ms. T. Lata Devi, whose son Onsojit was allegedly killed in a fake encounter by Manipur Police; Ms. Rosemary Dwuvichu, a leader of the Naga Mothers’ Association, which has worked towards peace in the region; a relative of a victim of state violence; and scholars from the North East Centre.

Ms. Dwuvichu recounted that women in Nagaland were dragged inside churches and raped in front of their husbands and brothers by Indian Army personnel. “Women have been sexually assaulted, raped, and killed. Until AFSPA is withdrawn from Nagaland, women will never feel safe from the hands of the security forces,” she said.

Ms. Lata Devi, speaking about her son Orsonjit, a 19-year-old allegedly killed by Manipur Police Commandos, said, “When I saw his body in the morgue, all the fingers on his right hand were completely crushed. They must have been smashed with a heavy object. There were 30 bullet marks all over his body. Why did they do this?” she cried.

According to Babloo Loitongbam, Director of Human Rights Alert, there have been 1,528 cases of alleged fake encounters in Manipur. “Twenty-seven independent inquiries have been conducted, including the case of Th Manorama Devi. The court has scheduled the next hearing for Tuesday, 17 September 2013,” he stated.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had ordered the Manipur government to submit copies of reports from various inquiries conducted on AFSPA by 10 September, with the next hearing scheduled for 17 September.

The discussion was also attended by P.P. Thawla, MLA and Founder-President of the Maraland Democratic Front (MDF); M. Laikaw, President of MDF; and C. Lawbei, MDC from Mizoram.

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