Tribal workers in Bengal’s Tea estates echo miserable tales

JALPAIGURI, DEC 10, 2013 --- More than 85% of the tea plantation workers in West Bengal are tribals, with the majority of the rest being Dalits. Despite facing severe hardships, they have struggled to gain attention from either the estate owners or the state government. Around 3,000 tribals and Dalits are employed at the Patkapara Tea Estate in Jalpaiguri district, with each tea estate employing nearly 3,000 laborers.

“There are around 532 tea gardens in Jalpaiguri, registered under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, where approximately 2.43 lakh laborers are on the regular payroll, while around 1.61 lakh work as casual laborers. Most of them belong to Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes,” said Anirban Banerjee, a PhD scholar in Anthropology from the University of Hyderabad, currently researching plantation workers in Darjeeling district.

These plantation laborers have lived in the gardens for 3-4 generations, yet they continue to face livelihood insecurity. They reside in shelters or staff quarters provided by the management but do not own land for agriculture or any other source of income besides working as plantation laborers, where they endure exploitation.

“More than 80% of the workers are women, but their rights remain largely ignored. Local media reports reveal that about 245 women and 300 girls have gone missing in the last 2-3 years from the tea gardens in Madarihat, Kalchini, Alipurduar, and Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri district,” Banerjee told our bureau.

“This issue is not limited to Birpara. Several unspecified diseases—causing total body collapse and organ malfunctioning among men and women aged 28-45—have been reported in tea gardens near Kalchini, Kumargarm, and Alipurduar,” some workers said.

“We are supposed to receive Rs 130 per day as wages, but in reality, we are only given Rs 66 to 96. How can we manage our daily expenses for food, clothing, healthcare, and our children’s education?” said Ram Kumar Lama, a former Zila Parishad member and local social activist who has worked in tea estates for over two decades. “Our main demand is to abolish the fixed rate of Rs 96 per day and introduce a minimum wage of Rs 250 per day,” he added.

In October, laborers faced issues with overdue salaries. Even after negotiations, the company continued to give them only a 17% bonus instead of the promised 20%. Their staff quarters remain in a dilapidated state, with most repairs carried out using their own hard-earned money.

“We haven’t received rations for the past few weeks. Our payments are irregular, forcing many of us to leave the state. My husband recently moved to Kerala in search of work, so I am working here in his place. There is no fixed payment for overtime. Only if we collect more than 35 kg of tea leaves do we get any extra payment,” said a 32-year-old worker from Patkapara Tea Garden, who wished to remain anonymous. “Most of us don’t own land. As long as we work here, we will continue to be exploited. But we have no choice—there is no escape. We are helpless, and no one listens to us.”

Twelve women and eight men interviewed by our bureau requested anonymity for fear of losing their jobs. These workers shared numerous distressing experiences. If they pluck less than 22 kg of tea leaves in a day, the company deducts Rupee 1 per kg as a penalty.

~ OUR BUREAU | Bruce K. Thangkhal

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Northeast Woman Escapes Attempted Rape in Moving Car

New Delhi, Dec 9, 2013 --- A 23-year-old woman from Manipur narrowly escaped an alleged attempt to rape and murder her inside a moving vehicle on Sunday night. The incident occurred around 8:30 PM after she boarded a white-colored car at Mahipalpur Chowk, New Delhi, heading towards Gurgaon.

According to the victim, she had been waiting for transportation when a car stopped and offered her a ride to Gurgaon for a fare of Rs 20. As a daily commuter, she accepted the offer, unaware of the danger ahead.

She described the driver as a well-built, dark-skinned man dressed in black. Three other men were in the car, whom she initially assumed to be passengers. However, upon reaching the Gurgaon Toll Gate, she grew suspicious and asked the driver to stop. Instead of dropping her off, the three men attempted to assault her inside the car.

The assailants snatched her belongings, including an LG dual SIM mobile phone, a Sony digital camera, a PAN card, a driving license, an Amway bag, Rs 700 in cash, and her ID card. She was beaten and molested as the car sped towards a deserted lane near IGI Airport.

In a desperate bid to escape, she managed to push open the car door and jump out near Centaur Hotel. A passerby spotted her and immediately called the police control room (Dial 100).

The victim sustained injuries to her head, legs, and hands. “The attackers robbed her mobile phone, digital camera, and wallet,” said a close friend.

An FIR has been registered at Vasant Kunj South Police Station under IPC Sections 394 (voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery), 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of a common intention). The police have launched an investigation, and the victim’s mobile phone is under surveillance. However, no arrests have been made so far.

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

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Congress Secures Victory in Mizoram

Aizawl, Dec 9, 2013 (IANS): The Congress retained power in Mizoram for the second consecutive time, winning 21 of the 40 seats as the vote count progressed Monday.

Congress leader and Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, 71, was elected to the state assembly for a record ninth time. He contested from two places in central Mizoram and won both seats.

This is for the fifth time the Congress has come to power in the northeastern state of Mizoram, which shares borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. In the outgoing assembly, the Congress had 32 seats.

"Congress candidates are leading in six more seats over their opposition nominees," Mizoram Joint Chief Electoral Officer H. Lalengmawia told IANS.

Thousands of Congress activists celebrated here and across the state as election results began to pour in.

According to election officials, Congress candidates won 21 seats and were leading in six seats while the opposition three-party alliance Mizo National Front (MNF)-led Mizoram Democratic Alliance (MDA) has won two seats and was ahead in three seats in this state of over one million people.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, also state Congress chief, contested from two constituencies and won both Serchhip and Hrangturzo seats defeating his nearest MNF and Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) rivals.

Lal Thanhawla, who with this election has been elected to the state assembly for a record nine times since 1978, defeated his nearest MNF rival C. Lalramzauva, a lawyer and a three-term former legislator, in Serchhip by a margin of 734 votes while he retained the Hrangturzo seat beating MPC opponent Lalthansanga by 1,628 votes.

State Industries and Tourism minister S. Hiato lost his Saiha constituency to MNF nominee K. Beichhua by a narrow margin of 222 votes.

Officials said that Mizoram Home Minister and Congress candidate R. Lalzirliana won the Tawi seat defeating MNF nominee Lalmalsawmi by 947 votes.

Mizoram's Law and School Education Minister and Congress nominee Lalsawta retained his Aizawl East II seat defeating his nearest MNF candidate Sailothanga Sailo by a margin of just 177 votes.

Food, Civil Supplies, Environment and Forest Minister and Congress candidate H. Rohluna retained his Lengteng seat in southern Mizoram defeating his MNF candidate L. Thangmawia by a narrow margin of 167 votes.

Only non-Mizo Congress candidate and Chakma tribe leader Buddha Dhan Chakma won the Tuichawng seat in southern Mizoram beating MNF nominee Rasik Mohan Chakma by a big margin of 8,726 votes.

"In the South Tuipui seat, sitting Congress legislator John Siamkunga retained the seat defeating opposition ZNP (Zoram Nationalist Party) nominee J. Lalchhuana by a margin of 1568 votes," officials told reporters.

Senior Congress leader S. Laldingliana retains his Lunglei South seat defeating his nearest MNF candidate K. Pachhunga by 450 votes.

Unlike the last assembly polls in 2008, the Congress did well in both southern and northern Mizoram which shares borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

MNF candidate Lalrinawma wrested the Tuikum seat defeating Congress aspirant K. Lianzuala by a thin margin of only 14 votes.

Monday's vote count would decide the political fate of 142 candidates, including six women.

"Under tight security blanket, counting of ballots have been under way in eight district headquarters simultaneously since 8 a.m. Final results are likely to be out by late afternoon or by evening," Mizoram Joint Chief Electoral Officer H. Lalengmawia told IANS.

Over 81 percent of the total 690,860 voters exercised their franchise across the state Nov 25 to elect a new 40-member assembly.

The main poll battle was between the ruling Congress and opposition coalition MDA, comprising Mizo National Front (MNF), Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) and Maraland Democratic Front (MDF), all regional and local parties.

MDA's constituents MNF, MPC and MDF have fielded candidates for 31, eight and one seat respectively.

With little base in the Christian dominated northeastern state, the Bharatiya Janata Party put up 17 candidates, Zoram Nationalist Party named 38 candidates and the Nationalist Congress Party had two aspirants.

Of the 40 assembly seats, 39 are reserved for tribals. One seat is for the general category.

Reang tribal refugees, sheltered in seven camps in Tripura for the past 16 years, have cast their votes in Tripura through postal ballots for the Mizoram assembly polls.

During the last assembly elections in December 2008, the Congress won 32 seats, the MNF three and the MDF one. The MPC and ZNP got two seats each.

The MNF, which ruled the state for 10 years till 2008, is the principal opposition party.

With a total population of 1,091,014, Mizoram is the only state in India where women voters outnumbered men by 9,806 in the total electorate of 690,860.

 

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Congress wins in Mizoram

Aizawl, Dec 9, 2013 [IANS] --- The Congress retained power in Mizoram for the second consecutive time, winning 21 of the 40 seats as the vote count progressed Monday.

Congress leader and Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, 71, was elected to the state assembly for a record ninth time. He contested from two places in central Mizoram and won both seats.

This is for the fifth time the Congress has come to power in the northeastern state of Mizoram, which shares borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. In the outgoing assembly, the Congress had 32 seats.

"Congress candidates are leading in six more seats over their opposition nominees," Mizoram Joint Chief Electoral Officer H. Lalengmawia told IANS.

Thousands of Congress activists celebrated here and across the state as election results began to pour in.

According to election officials, Congress candidates won 21 seats and were leading in six seats while the opposition three-party alliance Mizo National Front (MNF)-led Mizoram Democratic Alliance (MDA) has won two seats and was ahead in three seats in this state of over one million people.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, also state Congress chief, contested from two constituencies and won both Serchhip and Hrangturzo seats defeating his nearest MNF and Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) rivals.

Lal Thanhawla, who with this election has been elected to the state assembly for a record nine times since 1978, defeated his nearest MNF rival C. Lalramzauva, a lawyer and a three-term former legislator, in Serchhip by a margin of 734 votes while he retained the Hrangturzo seat beating MPC opponent Lalthansanga by 1,628 votes.

State Industries and Tourism minister S. Hiato lost his Saiha constituency to MNF nominee K. Beichhua by a narrow margin of 222 votes.

Officials said that Mizoram Home Minister and Congress candidate R. Lalzirliana won the Tawi seat defeating MNF nominee Lalmalsawmi by 947 votes.

Mizoram's Law and School Education Minister and Congress nominee Lalsawta retained his Aizawl East II seat defeating his nearest MNF candidate Sailothanga Sailo by a margin of just 177 votes.

Food, Civil Supplies, Environment and Forest Minister and Congress candidate H. Rohluna retained his Lengteng seat in southern Mizoram defeating his MNF candidate L. Thangmawia by a narrow margin of 167 votes.

Only non-Mizo Congress candidate and Chakma tribe leader Buddha Dhan Chakma won the Tuichawng seat in southern Mizoram beating MNF nominee Rasik Mohan Chakma by a big margin of 8,726 votes.

"In the South Tuipui seat, sitting Congress legislator John Siamkunga retained the seat defeating opposition ZNP (Zoram Nationalist Party) nominee J. Lalchhuana by a margin of 1568 votes," officials told reporters.

Senior Congress leader S. Laldingliana retains his Lunglei South seat defeating his nearest MNF candidate K. Pachhunga by 450 votes.

Unlike the last assembly polls in 2008, the Congress did well in both southern and northern Mizoram which shares borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

MNF candidate Lalrinawma wrested the Tuikum seat defeating Congress aspirant K. Lianzuala by a thin margin of only 14 votes.

Monday's vote count would decide the political fate of 142 candidates, including six women.

"Under tight security blanket, counting of ballots have been under way in eight district headquarters simultaneously since 8 a.m. Final results are likely to be out by late afternoon or by evening," Mizoram Joint Chief Electoral Officer H. Lalengmawia told IANS.

Over 81 percent of the total 690,860 voters exercised their franchise across the state Nov 25 to elect a new 40-member assembly.

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Manipur: Thang-Ta set to debut in school syllabus

IMPHAL, Dec 9, 2013 [The Sangai Express] --- All relevant processes and preparations for introduction of Thang-Ta, the indigenous martial art form, as a school curriculum from the next academic session have been completed, said Syllabus Committee co-ordinator T Parijat.

Speaking to newspersons at the Palace Compound office of kanglei Indigenous Martial Arts and Cultural so-ciety (kimacs) yesterday Parijat informed that the new sylla-bus will make its debut as an optional subject in class IX.

Syllabus preparation as well as text book printing work for the said subject has already been completed by the Board of Secondary Education Manipur, he said adding that the book will be named Thang-Ta Sindam Lairik-I.

Under the objective of preserving and promoting the traditional martial art form through its introduction as an academic curriculum from school to university level of education Kimacs had been making concerted effort for the past many years, said the coordinator who also pointed out that special session of academicians, intellectuals and civil society organisations convened at Kangla on January 1, 2007 resolved to initiate preparation for adding Thang-Ta as a common syllabus.

As follow up action, the Art and Culture Department set up a 15-member committee on August 15 the same year to finalise the curriculum preparation, Parijat maintained and appealed to CBSE-affiliated educational institutions in the State to adopt the new curriculum.

Noting that introduction of Thang-Ta as school curriculum will facilitate the younger generation understand the traditional martial art form along with ensuring physical wellbeing of the students, he further urged the Government to depute subject experts at the earliest.

He also conveyed gratitude to scholars and exponents of the martial art form for their contribution towards introduction of Thang-ta as a school curriculum from the academic session.

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Issues and Challenges of North East Women in Delhi & NCR

IN AN EFFORT to educate and empower Northeasterners, particularly women, a discussion on “Issues and Challenges of North East Women in Delhi & NCR” was held today in Munirka, South Delhi.

The event featured Ninglun Hanghal, a journalist from Manipur, and Dr. Alana Golmei, a social activist, director of PANN NU Foundation, and founding member of the North East Support Centre & Helpline.

A woman from Manipur shared her distressing experience of facing indirect harassment from a mainland man and recounted how she confronted the situation.

During the discussion, participants shared their personal experiences, making it an eye-opener for everyone. The session proved to be insightful and productive.

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

Delhi

 

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Gurgaon ah George Nangkhankhual 'Bike Accident' in mualliam

MUNIRKA a azi leh tate um private a sem, George Nangkhankhual (29) s/o Jonathan Thangkhanmang, Herbron veng, Lamka tuzingkal in Gurgaon-Haryana ah bike tuahsia in mualliam hi. A bike nung a tuong, Zenngaihlunchin (25) d/o (L) Kamthang, Zion Veng, New Lamka in alu tatliam naak sim a, Safdarjung hospital, Delhi ah operation kibawl.

Tuziing (Dec 5) baihtak in Gurgaon ah George Khual leh ani, Lunching, bike accident uh a, liam naak mahmah uh. Hiai thu gelh ahih, ziinglam dak 4:30 in Gurgaon apan Safdarjung Hospital manoh a ambulance a puak hilel uh.

Tuziing dak 2.30-3:00 kikal in Munirka a anau te un fone call dong uhi. "Tuahsia tuak" uh ahihdan Lunching in fone.

Vaite khat, ava tuak khat in, truck nuai ah ana om uh ahihdan gen. Tua vai pa'n hospital tan tun.

Omdan bel, amun ah unaupa George bei ngal hi diing a, liam-le-bai sa in Lunching in anaute houpih kiangkiang dan ahi.

George' luang Gurgaon Civil Hospital a koih in om a. Lunching in alu tat liam naak mahmah a, akawng na sa ahihman in CT scan khawng laak ngai di ahihziak in Safdarjung Hospital adia refer in om hi. Kintak in gamhuai speed in ambulance in Gurgaon apan Sardarjung hon delh pih uhi.

Huchih sung in, George' luang pen, police te'n ziinglam dak 10 nung a post-mortem bawl theih hidiing in theisak uh.

Safdarjung ah kintak in Lunching' chest leh spinal x-ray laak in om a, huchiin a lu leh a a ngawng CT scan laak in om. Kintak a operation ngai diing ahihdan doctor in gen.

Lunching in a lu leh a kawng naa sa petmah a, a u Kimboi kiang ah, "Hehpih tak in hon tusak mai ve, ka lum zou nawn mahmah kei," chi in thuum hithit. "Ka thuak peih nawnkei, inn ah pai mai ni" chi in a u zawn hi.

Ni 2, 3 paisa a Delhi hongtung pan ahi hi.

Huchih sung in, George Khual' tanu, Sarah, a inn uh Munirka ah, bangmah theisiam nailou in, kimawl sarsar in om a. Lenglate te khawng tui dawn di pia in feltak in gamtang hi. Anung sawtlou in anu, Biaklun leh a tanau te un, Gurgaon lam ah, apa meel a muh tawpna di ua va en di'n, a paipih uhi.

~ Zomi News

 

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The IXth Khalvontawi Meet 2013

The IXth Khalvontawi Meet 2013

 “The Eye is the Lamp of the Body. If Your Eyes are Good, Your Whole Body Will Be Full of Light”

– St Matthew 6:22

Date: 6^th Dec 2013 (Friday), 2:30PM                                                    Venue: Committee Room, SSS-I, JNU, New Delhi                           

 P   R   O   G   R  A  M   M   E

 Conductor                               :           Mr Bruce K. Thangkhal, Secretary, KV Delhi

Opening Prayer                      :           Miss Hahat Mate

Welcome Speech                     :           Mr Kammuanmung, Chairman, KV Delhi

Silent Observation

Special No.                              :           Mr Henry Mungnou Thangkhal

Speech                                     :           Rev Dr LangkhanthangLianzaw, Founder & CEO

New Beginning Gospel Ministry International, New Delhi

 

Special No.                              :           Miss Ruthi

Speech                                     :           Rev Jangkholun Mangte, Local Pastor

Zomi Christian Fellowship, Delhi

 

KV ELECTION                     

Special No.                              :           Miss Kimboi

FELICITATION

Vote of Thanks                        :           Mr Hanglamthang, Finance Secretary, KV Delhi

Closing Prayer                        :           Mr T. Ginlunthang, Local Upa

Zomi Christian Fellowship, Delhi 

 

…… :::: Dinner ! DINNER !Dinner ::::……

Nunbang Nuam E
(TSP Anthem)
 
          ~ (L) Kapsuanthang
 
Nunbang nuam e zaitha tawl zong,
Haibang i ngak tuang hong tung ta;
Khut ki lenni maw Khal Vontawi,
Maitai leh lungdam tak in.
 
1. Tuan a pupa lung mawl man,
     Giabang zun lou i gam liangvai;
     Tu in zun tani ei TSP te'n,
     Gim leh tawl khok sa lou in.
 
2. I tung Sianmang leh sia te'n,
    I TSP mabang hong pan;
    Seinou gual te'n giabang zun tou ni,
    Selung gialbang khing lou in.
 ---
 
KV ELECTION COMMISSIONERS
Rev Dr Langkhanthang Lianzaw
Rev Jangkholun Mangte

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Eimi numei 2 leh pasal 3 Delhi ah kivuo

New Delhi, Dec 3, 2013: Eimi nupa khat lampi a peina ua kolte’n a thubei in ana vuo. Vuo a um nupa tegel gen danin amau uh inn juon a peina ah kiniel ua, tuo a kiniel uh lampi gei a um kol te’n ana maw vuo uhi. Tami sil tung khu Thawtanni (Monday) zan dah 11 vel in kigen hi.

Kolte mi 10 vel chiang jangh eimi nupa tegel vuo ua, tuaban ah a gei a um eimi numei khat leh pasal nih jong athu bei in vuo uhi. Vuo a umte lah ah pasal nih in liemna tuo uhi. Hinanleh numei te liem khalou kichi.

Liemna tuote Safdarjung hospital ah medical test nei sah in um uhi. Vasant Vihar Police Station ah FIR u/s 323/341/34IPC tungtawn in khut khate tungah thubuai gellut in um. Tam report kimu tan in police mat nei lou. Police lam in akin theilam ah khutkhielte mat ding chi’n gen.

Inua Pasian ni’n eimi tangval call centre a sem khat tambang ma in kolte’n vuo uhi. Amapa a mai, a keng leh a khut lah ah liemna tuo hi.

~ ZOGAM TODAY

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Locals Beat Two Northeast Girls and Three Boys in Munirka

New Delhi, 3 Dec 2013 – A couple from Manipur was allegedly beaten by local residents in Munirka on Monday night. Three other persons, including a woman who was beside the road during the incident, were also physically assaulted by the locals. The two injured Northeast boys have been taken to Safdarjung Hospital for medical tests.

The incident occurred around 11 PM when the couple, who was passing through the road, was suddenly attacked with sharp sticks and blunt objects by a group of about five to ten locals.

“While my husband and I were walking towards our room, we had a minor quarrel on the way. Some locals heard us arguing and suddenly started thrashing us mercilessly,” the complainant told our special correspondent. She added that three of her friends—two boys and one girl—who were nearby were also beaten up by the locals without any reason. These three persons also witnessed the incident.

An FIR has been lodged at Vasant Vihar Police Station under sections 323, 341, and 34 of the IPC. However, no arrests had been made at the time of filing this report. Police officials said teams have been sent to arrest the culprits, who are currently absconding.

According to Mr Bruce K. Thangkhal, media incharge of North East Support Centre & Helpline, another Manipuri boy was also beaten by locals in Munirka on Sunday morning. “The victim sustained injuries on his face, arms, legs, and some parts of his back. He hails from Manipur and currently works at a call centre,” the NESCH team said.

“I work night shifts at a call centre. On Sunday morning, I returned home around 11 AM with two of my friends who had visited my room. As I stepped outside to see them off, I was suddenly beaten by locals, who suspected me of being a thief,” the victim recounted.

“I have stolen nothing. How can I be a thief when they found nothing in my hands or in my possession? The locals are calling me a thief just to escape from police arrest,” he said.

In an earlier incident, when two boys from Manipur visited a friend in Munirka at night, the house caretaker suddenly screamed “Thieves! Thieves!” upon seeing them. A minor scuffle broke out, but the victims claimed that the caretaker falsely accused them. However, this incident was not reported to the police.

“On Sunday (December 1), my roommate and I had a firsthand experience of Dilli wala discrimination and their so-called beautiful words. We had a scuffle with our landlord earlier because he refused to provide us with a rent agreement. We informed the police, but no action was taken. To settle scores, this cunning fellow secretly turned on our water motor while we were inside, unaware of it, as the switch is outside our room. He then gathered local goons and started hurling abuses at us”.

“My female friends, who often visit me, were called prostitutes by my landlord. He even shouted, ‘This is not a brothel house!’ One of the girls he referred to as a prostitute was actually my roommate’s cousin sister. We felt so humiliated and it was unbearable, but I know it is useless to complain to the police,” said Abhijeet from Assam, who is studying engineering in Delhi.

~ The Mizoram Post | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today

 

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Hmar FC Lifts Tamchon Trophy: Hmar FC defeated KSL FC 3-2

NEW DELHI, DEC 1, 2013 – Saturday evening marked a significant moment for football enthusiasts from the Northeast as thousands gathered at Dr. Ambedkar Stadium in the capital. The much-anticipated final match between Hmar FC and KSL FC (Kangleicha Sanaroi Lup) kicked off to the cheers of excited fans. The atmosphere was electrified with energy as both teams fought hard for victory. After an intense battle, Hmar FC triumphed with a 3-2 win over KSL FC, securing the Tamchon Trophy.

The first half saw KSL FC dominate with an early lead, leaving many spectators believing they would clinch the win. Both teams created several scoring opportunities, but numerous attempts went wide. The sound of beating drums and the roaring voices of the crowd filled the stadium, amplifying the tense atmosphere. While it seemed that Hmar FC might lose stamina, they made a remarkable comeback in the second half. They scored three goals, with KSL FC managing only one more goal by the final whistle. When the match ended, Hmar FC fans surged onto the field in celebration, surrounding their victorious team in joy.

The event was further enlivened by performances from popular Northeast singers, including Ms. Roselyn Hmar, Ms. Fiona Pachuau, Ms. Mawitei Ralte, Dr. Evelyn Lalremsangi, and Mr. Donny J, who delighted the crowd with their energetic songs. The young Mizo boys and girls also performed the beautiful ‘Cheraw’ dance (bamboo dance), and the Hmar Choir performed the renowned Christian hymn “Amazing Grace.”

The closing ceremony was graced by Mr. Luizinho Faleiro, former Chief Minister of Goa, as the chief guest, and Mr. Renedy Singh, a famous footballer from Manipur, as a special guest. For the first time in the history of the North East Tamchon Football Trophy, the event was broadcast live by DD Sports.

A total of 16 teams from Northeast states competed for the prestigious trophy in the 7th North East Tamchon Football Tournament, organized by the Tangkhul Naga Society Delhi from November 16 to 30, 2013.

Hmar FC, a four-time finalist, claimed the trophy this time, taking home the champion's prize of Rs 5 lakh, medals, and certificates. KSL FC received Rs 3 lakh for finishing as runners-up, while last year’s champion, Zeliangrong FC, who defeated Tripura FC 2-1 to secure third place, was awarded Rs 1 lakh.

The quarter-finalists—Tripura FC, Muvanlai Athletics, United Rhino FC, Wung United, and Barhungkha (Bodo) FC—each received a consolation prize of Rs 20,000.

In memory of the late RN Tamchon, ACP, Delhi Police, the Tangkhul Naga Society Delhi has organized the North East Tamchon Football Tournament for the past six years. RN (Ramnganing) Tamchon, an IPS officer from Khadang village in Manipur's Ukhrul district, served as Additional Commissioner of Police in Delhi for nine years until his untimely passing in 2006. He left behind his beloved wife, Ms. Valleygreen, and two young children. After his death, Ms. Valleygreen joined the Delhi Police as a Sub Inspector (SI). The couple married in 1997.

Indian footballer Renedy Singh shared with our bureau, “It was a wonderful moment. This tournament showcases the talent of the people from the Northeast. It's great that we have this platform.”

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

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Site for CCpur Court finalised

Imphal, November 26 2013[e-pao] Justice Laxmikanta Mohapatra, Acting Chief Justice of High Court of Manipur along with Justice N.Kotiswar Singh accompanied by S.Serto, Registrar General, Th.Saimon Singh, Registrar, Rameschandra, Secretary (Law) and Alex Muivah, Principal Secretary to the Chief Justice, High Court of Manipur visited the Chief Judicial Magistrate's Court complex at Churachandpur for inspection and identification of the site for establishment of the Court of District & Sessions Judge in Churachandpur District.

After the inspection, Chief Justice (Acting) along with Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur Jacintha Lazarus identified the building of PMSY Executive Engineer's office which is just adjacent to CJM Court for renovating the same to begin the Court of District & Session Judge.

Further, the Chief Justice (Acting) also directed the Executive Engineer, Churachandpur to complete the ongoing compound wall construction at the earliest.

Later on, the Chief Justice (Acting) also inspected the CJM and JMIC quarters and stressed the need to renovate the same.

The District & Sessions Court at Senapati is stated to be inaugurated in the month of December, 2013 

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Prince William invited to Manipur polo tourney

IMPHAL: Prince William, the second in line to the throne of England, has been invited to attend the 8th 'Manipur Polo International' next year.

Organized by the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association (MHRPA), the mega event is being held to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first modern polo exhibition match between a Manipuri polo team and a British team in Kolkata in March 1864.

A formal invitation has been recently sent to Prince William requesting him to attend next year's mega event here, MHRPA president S Budhachandra Singh told TOI on Thursday.

"We will also invite at least six foreign teams to take part in the event for which a decision will be taken by the association soon," Budhachandra, who is a retired IAS officer, said.

He said the state government is likely to take necessary steps to ensure that the historic Mapal Kangjeibung is declared a world heritage site.

Polo, which is regarded as symbol of peaceful co-existence between man and animal, is said to have originated in Manipur. According to the 1991 Guinness Book of World Records, the origins of polo can be traced back to 3100 BC when people in Manipur state played the sport as Sagol Kangjei (horse stick).

The 7th edition of 'Manipur Polo International' concluded at Mapal Kangjebung - regarded as the oldest polo ground in the world - on Thursday. The final match was played between a team from the US and one from Manipur. Five teams - two from India and one each from the US, Germany and Thailand - took part in the tournament this year. The tournament was held as part of the ongoing Sangai festival, the biggest state-sponsored tourism festival in Manipur.

Meanwhile, chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh said sufficient budget would be allocated for preserving the rare Manipuri ponies, known as 'original polo pony'. The MHRPA is currently manning a pony breeding farm at Lamphelpat here with the primary aim to ensure that the animal does not become extinct.

During a visit of the proposed Pony Sanctuary Park at Ibudhou Marjing Polo Complex at Heingang area in Imphal East on Wednesday, the CM said that the pony sanctuary development work has began after the state government gave its nod.

Currently, the park development work is on in a 23.5 acre area. Efforts are on to acquire another 500 acres, including the adjoining area in the foothills, for the proposed pony sanctuary, the chief minister said, adding that development of a race course to attract tourists is also one of the project's components.

Singh pointed out Manipur Polo International tournament has been made a regular feature of the Manipur Sangai Festival as part of the state government's vision to protect and increase the pony population from the present number of about 700.

Source: indiatimes.com

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The Mobile Store Set to Dial Franchisees for Northeast Play

India’s northeastern states, racked by militancy, are set to get a better communication network and an array of handsets. India’s largest modern trade mobile phone seller The Mobile Store will begin setting up franchise stores in the seven states, a model it has chosen to tap uncharted territory. Chief executive Himanshu Chakravarti told ET that the company was earlier reluctant to get into the franchise model due to challenges around management of supply chain, logistics management and security. “Northeast is one of the big opportunity areas, but it’s a troublesome territory to approach. We will have several franchisees and master franchisees for some of the states,” he said. The retail chain currently owns 800 stores that sell multiple brand handsets with 10% on the franchise model. The company’s move fits well with the telecom regulator’s proposed . 2,918-crore investment plan to boost voice and data coverage in the northeastern states, where connectivity is much lower than the national average. 

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has suggested that the government will require a large investment in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura that have an average tele-density of 40%, which reduces to 10% in villages. Trai has recommended 2% discount in licence fee, charged annually for those telecom operators who cover at least 80% of the habitations with a population of 250 and subsidies for installation of solar power units at telecom towers. 

The Essar Group-owned mobile retailer, which holds a 27% share of the modern trade mobile phone retail, is happy with its leadership position in the north, south and eastern regions of the country, but doesn’t have any aggressive expansion plans in the south, which is dominated by regional players. 

Chakravarti said over the next 12 months, the retail store is planning to upgrade around 100 of its existing retail outlets into lounges that allow the customer to try out smartphones from various brands before making a choice. The move will cost the company, which gets around 93% of its sales from smartphones, around . 30 crore which it plans to source from internal accruals. 

The retailer is planning to add around 40 new stores a year, based on opportunities in different states and may look at various funding options through equity and debt, said Chakravarti. “We won’t go in for an IPO though.” It is planning to also aggressively push the sale of post-paid mobile connections, including data plans, as well as of accessories in its stories to boost footfalls, he added.

Source: TheEconomicsTimes

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