 |
| Dead body found this pond in Chirag Dilli. Pic: Bruce K. Thangkhal. |
In a tragic incident, 28-year-old Wilungbou Chawang from Manipur was discovered dead in South Delhi's Chirag Dilli on the morning of July 6, 2014. His body was found in a drain between Sheikh Sarai and Chirag Dilli, with visible injury marks on his head. The exact cause of death remains unknown as authorities continue their investigation.
Gangtok, June 1, 2014: The Department of Agriculture and Horticulture today reiterated the State Government’s unwavering commitment to making Sikkim the first Organic State by 2015. Addressing a press conference at the Department Headquarters, Secretary of Agriculture and Horticulture Mr. P.T. Bhutia and Principal Director of Horticulture & Principal Executive Director of Sikkim Organic Mission Mr. Khorlo Bhutia sought to dispel any misconceptions regarding the State Organic Mission and its progress.
The officials were responding to claims made by Dr. Michung Bhutia, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), who alleged that chemically treated seeds were being procured and distributed under the Sikkim Organic Mission. Secretary Mr. P.T. Bhutia strongly refuted these allegations, asserting, “The State Government remains steadfast in its mission to uplift the farming community and ensure 100% organic certification by 2015.”
He clarified that seed procurement in Sikkim adheres to the strict guidelines of the National Seed Corporation of India, the authoritative body responsible for seed production regulations and organic certification. “All seeds procured by the State are untreated and come with a special label stating ‘untreated for Sikkim,’” he added. Dismissing allegations that the seeds distributed were treated with chemicals like Thiram, Mr. Bhutia maintained that the seeds received by Sikkim are of high organic value and are completely free from such substances.
Addressing concerns over a black mark on seed packets, the Secretary explained, “While the Government of India supplies seeds in bulk to all states, consignments sent to Sikkim are specially designated as untreated. The black mark on the packets indicates that these seeds are untreated and exclusively meant for Sikkim.” He further demonstrated these seed packets, which clearly bore labels specifying their exclusive packaging for the State.
Meanwhile, Mr. Khorlo Bhutia, Executive Director of the Sikkim Organic Mission, reaffirmed the government’s stance, stating that the majority of seed demands are met through local production, with only hybrid varieties being sourced from outside to support government-run programs under the aegis of the Government of India. “Out of the 74,000 hectares of cultivated land, specific areas are designated for the production of cardamom, cereals, and seedlings. Consequently, external seed procurement is minimal, leaving little room for discrepancies,” he stated.
He further assured that each seed packet includes details such as batch number, lot number, and variety, ensuring transparency and accountability. “These details provide a mechanism for verification and challenge at any time,” he noted. Additionally, he highlighted ongoing government initiatives to introduce legislation aimed at preventing unauthorized chemical pesticides and fertilizers from entering the State.
“A high-level meeting in August 2013 resulted in a policy decision that all renewals and new trade licenses for agricultural inputs would be restricted to those of organic origin,” he informed. Stressing the benefits of organic farming, Mr. Bhutia outlined its advantages, including improved soil fertility, ecological balance, biodiversity enhancement, and commercial viability.
He emphasized, “Organic farming is voluntary and cannot be imposed by the government. While isolated cases of chemical use may exist, it is crucial not to generalize. Instead, people must be motivated to embrace organic practices and spread awareness about their benefits.” Concluding the press conference, he urged the public to take responsibility in ensuring the success of the Sikkim Organic Mission.
Arunachal Students’ Union Delhi Stages Protest in National Capital
New Delhi, July 2, 2014 – China has once again asserted its claim over Arunachal Pradesh, depicting the Indian state as “Southern Tibet” in its newly released map. The move has triggered fresh controversy between India and China, reigniting tensions over the long-standing border dispute.
Reacting strongly to this
development, the Arunachal Students’ Union Delhi (ASUD) staged a protest at
Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, sending a firm message to Beijing that Arunachal
Pradesh is an integral part of India and will remain so.
A large gathering of Arunachali
students demanded action from both the State and Central governments, urging
them to address China’s repeated claims. Protesters also condemned China’s
issuance of stapled visas to Arunachal residents, dismissing it as a deceptive
"goodwill gesture" that masks territorial expansionist ambitions.
J.T. Tagam, former ASUD president,
expressed outrage, stating, “We are deeply unhappy with China’s repeated
provocations—be it the issuance of stapled visas, unlawful incursions by the
People’s Liberation Army, or the inclusion of Arunachal Pradesh in China’s
map.”
He also criticized the Indian
government for failing to resolve the border dispute. “This issue has
persisted for decades. If the government does not take decisive action soon, we
will intensify our protests, even at the Chinese embassy,” he warned.
The controversy follows similar
claims made in 2006 when the Chinese ambassador to India declared Arunachal
Pradesh as Chinese territory. While India’s Ministry of External Affairs has
repeatedly affirmed that “Arunachal Pradesh is an inalienable part of
India,” a permanent resolution remains elusive.
Condemning China’s latest claim,
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki stated, “We strongly object to
China’s assertion over our state. We urge the Indian government to engage China
in dialogue and seek a lasting solution.”
The timing of this controversy is
particularly striking, as it coincides with Vice President Hamid Ansari’s visit
to Beijing to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Panchsheel Agreement
(Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence).
ASUD leaders also expressed
frustration over the Indian government’s perceived inaction, questioning, “Why
does China persist with these provocations? Is it due to a weak and indecisive
government, or does China wield undue influence over democratic India?”
The student union has called for
immediate intervention from the Central government, demanding a firm and
resolute stance to counter China’s territorial claims and resolve the longstanding
dispute.
.jpg)
New Delhi, 28 June 2014
Resolution by the Executive Committee of the Delhi High
Court Bar Association:
Lamka, June 27, 2014: The body of Tunkhopum Baite, founder of the Chin Liberation Army (CLA), was laid to rest in his native village, Panglian, on 25 June, 48 years after his death. Baite was reportedly killed by Mizo National Front (MNF) guerrillas on 5 February 1967, and his body was initially buried at the MNF Tuichang Camp in Champhai district. His remains were recently discovered in a forest near the Tuichang River along the Manipur-Mizoram border. An expedition team, including Mr Vungthan (Ex-CLA), Mr Zaihrila (Ex-MNF), and Mr Ginkhenpau, located the burial site where Baite had been laid to rest following his execution. The burial ceremony was attended by various leaders, family members, friends, and well-wishers, who gathered to pay their tributes.
~ BKT
Namchi, 25th June, 2014: “Ten
Minutes to Earth” was observed today in South Sikkim at the District Zilla
Panchayat Bhawan, Namchi. The event, organised by the Forest, Environment and
Wildlife Management Department, saw participation from various dignitaries,
including DC (South) Mr Prabhakar Verma, SDZP Upadhakshya Ms D M Baraily, ADM
(South) Mr Kapil Meena, DFO (T) Mr M K Rai, ACF (T) Ms Deepshika Sharma, ADC (Dev),
Namchi Ms Benu Gurung, DPO Ms Yangchen Tamang, as well as staff and officials
from the Forest, Irrigation, and RMD Departments, along with South District
Zilla Panchayat representatives. A plantation drive was conducted at the RMDD
premises in Namchi.
DC (South) emphasised the importance of the initiative, urging participants to ensure thorough follow-up every three months to guarantee the proper care and growth of the trees and flowers planted in their respective areas. He also highlighted the significance of the ‘Paryavaran Mahotsav’, with its three essential components: Cleanliness Drive, Awareness Campaign, and Plantation Drive, which are aimed at fostering collective responsibility among all participants.
Additionally, DFO (T) briefed the officials on
the key steps to be followed while carrying out the plantation drive in their
respective departments. He stressed the importance of executing a systematic
follow-up plan to nurture the plants and trees planted for years to come.
Government departments such as IPR, HRDD,
Irrigation, Health, and the Namchi Municipal Council, along with the Namchi
Gram Vikas Kendra and school students, also participated in the ‘Ten Minutes to
Earth’ programme. Flowering and medicinal plants, ornamental tree saplings, and
local species such as pine and fir were planted during the event.
A group of Northeast youths participated in a two-day Orientation & Para Legal Volunteers Training Session held at Mata Sundari College, New Delhi, on June 25-26, 2014. The training, organized by the Delhi State Legal Services Authority, was conducted under the theme Summer Internship Programme, 2014.
New Delhi, June 7, 2014 --- A 26-year-old Northeast youth was viciously attacked by his former manager and five accomplices on the night of June 4 in Kirti Nagar, New Delhi. The assault took place on the third floor of an office building around 11 PM, where the victim, who had recently left his job at a BPO, was summoned by his manager under the pretext of collecting his salary.
The victim, who had worked at Consumer Loan BPO in Kirti Nagar for 10 months, was severely beaten by the group. He suffered a fractured left hand, along with injuries to his right leg, left waist, and face. According to his account, as soon as he entered the office, his manager, Mr. Ankur, along with one unknown man, locked the gate and led him to the third floor. There, the manager took his phone and laptop, then began striking him with a blunt object. Despite trying to shield himself, the victim was beaten mercilessly, including by the other five men, who used blunt instruments and wooden sticks.
The attackers threatened to kill him and other Nepalese workers, even mentioning taking him to an isolated location for further abuse. After the assault, the attackers retreated to another room to drink wine, giving the victim a brief chance to escape. He managed to lock the door from the outside and call for help, eventually drawing the attention of nearby witnesses who contacted the police. The police arrived and rescued the victim, with the attackers being arrested shortly thereafter.
New Delhi, June 3, 2014: As June arrives, thousands of students from across India and abroad flock to Delhi University for admissions. Gaining admission to a Delhi University college is a significant aspiration for young students who have recently completed their 10+2 exams. To assist these aspiring students in completing the centralized optical mark recognition (OMR) forms, several help desks have been established by various student organizations, including the Delhi Mizo Zirlai Pawl (DMZP), Naga Students’ Union, Delhi (NSUD), Kuki Students’ Organisation, Delhi (KSOD), Hmar Students’ Association Delhi (HSAD), and the All Bodo Students’ Union, Delhi (ABSUD). Additionally, national organizations such as the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Students’ Federation of India (SFI), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and Youth Dignity Forum (YDF) have also set up help desks to assist students.
Lalramngheta Ngente, Vice-President of DMZP, told our reporter, “DMZP has two help desks, one at Daulat Ram College and the other at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharam College. We will continue assisting students until the last day of registration.”
.jpg)
Delhi University has approximately 77 colleges and 86 academic departments. This year marks a significant shift as the university has implemented the much-debated Four-Year Undergraduate Program (FYUP). A protest message, "ROLL BACK FYUP!" was displayed on a board near the registration area on Wednesday.
The registration period began on June 2 and will last until June 16. Students who were unable to obtain the registration form offline can still register through the university’s website (www.du.ac.in). The offline registration fee is Rs. 150 for General and OBC categories, and Rs. 70 for SC/ST categories. The online registration fee is Rs. 100 for General and OBC categories, and Rs. 50 for SC/ST categories.
The university is offering 54,000 seats under the FYUP. In addition, Delhi University has launched an Android-based mobile application, “DU UG Admission 2014-15,” allowing students to fill online forms and access all admission-related information. Offline forms are available at 18 centers across Delhi University.
Rachubui Pamei, President of Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Delhi (ZSUD), mentioned, “Naga Students’ Union, Delhi has 21 units, and each unit volunteered to manage the NSUD help desk.”
Taifung Basumatary, General Secretary of the All Bodo Students’ Union, Delhi, stated, “We helped many of our people and others who came to us for assistance.”
.jpg)
Saveio Khole, President of the North East Students’ Society (Delhi University), was also seen busily assisting students. The North East Students’ Society (NESS) was formed in 2012 with the goal of unifying Northeast students at Delhi University. According to Khole, out of the 77 DU colleges, only 46 have set up North East Cells, while the rest have not, as the concerned principals and administrations have been hesitant to establish them.
Khole further shared that NESS had submitted a memorandum to the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiran Rijiju, outlining their concerns. Some of their key demands include the effective establishment of North East Cells at DU, the appointment of Nodal Officers, regulation of electric bills based on government rates rather than landlords’ discretion, and the creation of a dedicated office for Northeast students in North Campus.
NEW DELHI, JUNE 3, 2014 — Two men and a woman from Manipur were reportedly assaulted by their landlord and his son on Monday night in Chirag Delhi. The incident took place around 9 PM.
The victim, a young woman (name withheld), had been living in Chirag Delhi for the past eight months while running a grocery shop. She alleged that her landlord, Rajesh Pandit (alias Raju), had been harassing her for the past two to three months.
"My landlord asked me to vacate my shop, but when I tried to do so, he stopped me again. He also threatened my sister, warning me to remove her from the shop. His son, Himanshu Pandit (alias Hemu), also intimidated me," she said.
On Monday night, around 9 PM, two men, Mr. Lansingh and Mr. Somaya, visited her grocery shop to buy vegetables when, without provocation, the landlord and his son brutally assaulted them. Both men sustained injuries.
"My landlord grabbed my hand and forcibly pulled me out of my shop. He threatened to rape us if we reported the incident to the police. He even threatened to harm my sister, my mother, and me. After the attack, he locked my shop by force," the victim recounted.
The 75th Zillai Day Platinum Jubilee (1939-2014) was celebrated with grandeur by the Zillai (Vaiphei Students' Association) Delhi Branch on May 31 (Saturday) 2014 evening, with the theme “Maite to Delhi.” The event took place at the Air Force Auditorium in Subroto Park, New Delhi.
The occasion was graced by several dignitaries, including Mr. T. Manga Vaiphei, MLA and Chairman of the Manipur Tribal Development Corporation, who served as the Chief Guest; Mr. Thangso Baite, MP (Manipur Outer), as Jubilee Pa (Father of the Jubilee); and Mr. Lamkhogen, President of Zillai General Headquarters, Manipur, as the Functional President. Special guests included Mr. Genneikhup, Executive Member of the Churachandpur Autonomous District Council; Mr. Henneimang, Finance Secretary of Zillai GHQ; and Mr. Kaihau Vaiphei, retired IDAS.
Zillai, which means ‘Learners / students,’ was originally founded on May 31, 1939, in Maite, a Vaiphei village in Thanlon sub-division of Churachandpur district. Its motto is “In Words and In Deeds.” Zillai has expanded to Assam (1955), Delhi (1992), and possibly Mizoram (2014).
The history of Zillai is intertwined with the arrival of Christianity in Churachandpur. In 1910, two Vaiphei students, Thangkai and Lungpau, who were studying in Aizawl, brought the Welsh missionary Mr. Watkin Roberts to Senvon village in the southwest of Manipur. Thangkai and Lungpau became the first Christians in Churachandpur and pioneers of the region's Christian community.
During the celebration, Mr. Thangso Baite, Jubilee Pa, urged the attendees to maintain discipline while living in Delhi, especially in light of recent reports of crimes against Northeastern people. He also addressed the misuse of social media, calling out those who had involved themselves in discrediting politicians during the last election.
As the Chief Guest, Mr. T. Manga Vaiphei reflected on the origins of Zillai in Maite, stating, “This is where Zillai was born.” He recounted the challenges and triumphs of the Golden Jubilee celebration in 1985, highlighting the humble beginnings of Zillai’s financial situation at that time, when the association only had Rs. 80 in its funds.
To commemorate 75 years of Zillai’s legacy, selected individuals were invited to strike a gong 75 times, with Mr. Lamkhogen, President of Zillai GHQ, striking the final gong.
The celebration was further highlighted by an impressive traditional dance performance by the Delhi Vaiphei Cultural Troupe, which captivated the audience, and a beautiful rendition of songs by talented singers.
A documentary titled “Maite to Delhi” was screened, showcasing rare photographs and documenting Zillai's journey from its origins in Maite to its current presence in Delhi.
The evening also saw the presentation of bouquets, traditional shawls, and mementos to the Chief Guest, Jubilee Pa, and other dignitaries. The fashion show and cultural displays added to the lively atmosphere, while the red carpet photo session featured attendees proudly showcasing traditional Vaiphei costumes.
The jubilant event was co-hosted by Miss Nem Lucie Thangluai and Mr. Lamminlun Neihsial. The program began with the Zillai Anthem, performed by the Vaiphei Artist Association, followed by a blessing of the jubilee by Rev. P.K. Lianmang. Mr. Juanlalmuan, President of the Zillai Delhi Branch, delivered a welcoming speech, warmly greeting all those present.
As the evening concluded, Mr. Salvador T. Baite, Vice President of Zillai Delhi Branch, delivered the vote of thanks, followed by a closing prayer from Mr. Lamkhomang Neihsial, Chairman of the Evangelical Organization Church (EOC), Delhi. The celebration ended with a sumptuous dinner, marking a successful and memorable Jubilee celebration.
New Delhi, May 30, 2013 --- A powerful gust of wind swept through New Delhi on Friday evening (May 30), causing visible damage in several areas of the city. In parts of South Delhi, the strong winds uprooted trees, scattered debris, and left minor destruction along the roadside.
Photographs captured by Bruce K. Thangkhal show the aftermath of the windstorm, with fallen branches, a damaged car, and even a dead cow lying on the road. The images highlight the intensity of the winds, which disrupted daily life in the affected areas.
Lamka, July 4, 2026: The Kuki Human Rights Council (KHRC) has strongly condemned the Government of India for facilitating Manipur Chief Min...
.jpeg)
