Mortal Remains of Shaloni Returned to Home After Brutal Killing in Delhi

IMPHAL, July 23, 2014 [NNN]: The body of Akha Shaloni, a 30-year-old man from Karong (originally from Tungjoy) in Senapati district, Manipur, who was brutally beaten to death in New Delhi, was brought back to his village today.

At approximately 11:30 AM, Shaloni’s remains arrived at Imphal Airport, where a large crowd gathered to receive him.

Floral tributes were paid to the late Akha Shaloni by various groups, including the Naga People's Organisation (NPO), All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Senapati District Students Association (SDSA), All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM), and Senapati District Women Association (SDWA), along with many well-wishers. Church leaders also offered prayers at the airport.

Following the ceremony, Akha Shaloni's body was taken to Senapati in a large convoy organized by civil organizations.

Johnny Mao, a representative of the North East Students Association in Delhi, and Abraham, president of the Poumai Students Union, expressed at the airport that the student bodies from the North East alone cannot combat the rampant racism faced by their community in mainland India. They called on both politicians and civil organizations to join their campaign against racism.

Akha Shaloni was killed by five individuals in Delhi’s Kotla Mubarakpur on the night of July 20. He had previously worked at a BPO.

PHOTOS

Rest in Peace, Dear Brother

Our hearts are heavy with grief as we mourn. 

We will fight relentlessly for Justice.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

Media Incharge
North East Support Centre & Helpline
New Delhi

Protest: Justice 4 Nido Tania
Raising Awareness on Racial Attacks
Valentine's Day with Delhi Police: Justice 4 Nido Tania
Northeasterners unite Against Racial Slurs

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NPF condemns the killing of Shalouni in Delhi

MPHAL, July 23, 2014 [NNN]: The Naga People's Front (NPF), Manipur State has called for a common agenda of all the state governments in the North East region in order to safeguard the people of the region in the mainland India.

Addressing a section of media persons here in his office, NPF, Manipur State general secretary Athuan Abonmai said inspite of different political affiliation and ideologies all the state governments in the North East region should urgently put their heads together to find out means for protecting the North East people in the mainland India especially in New Delhi.

"All the North East state governments should collectivey join hands to formulate an effective policy to address the prevailing issue where racial discromination, killings and harassments to the North East people are going on in the mainland India especially in the nationa capital," Athuan Abonmai urged.

According to him, for a long time the people from the North East region have been discriminated in the mainland India which is racial in nature. He terms such development barbaric. The NPF leader also said that mentally the people of the North East residing in the mainland India are in painful situation. He also said the gap between the mainland India and the North East region is fast widening. He urged that the concerned authority should address the situation on urgent vein before things fall out of gear.

"Assurance after assurance to deal the situation by the Central government every time an incident happens carries no meaning and we are no more to be fooled in that line," Athuan Abonmai asserted.

Condemning the killing of Akha Shaloni from Senapati district in Delhi on July 20 night by five persons, the NPF leader demanded a thorough investigation by a high investigating agency and punish the culprits befittingly.

48-Hour Bandh in Naga Areas of Manipur

IMPHAL, July 23, 2014: With no action comes forth from the Central government to its five days ultimatum, the United Naga Council (UNC) today announced to impose 48 hours vehicular movement in all the national highways in Naga areas in Manipur from midnight of July 24.

According to the UNC, on July 18, a memorandum was dispatched to the Prime Minister of India in which it had reiterated that the Government of India must expedite its intervention with an alternative arrangement, outside the Government of Manipur pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue and also demanded the Government of India's intervention for revocation of the vitiating 144 CrPC, removal of the state forces including police commandos and Manipur IRB from 'Naga areas' and for ensuring that the Government of Manipur observes the ground rules of the cease-fire in letter and spirit within five days time of that memorandum, which if not considered would be followed with further democratic civil actions.

"Having observed no intervention till date from the Government of India, the custodian of the Indian Constitution, which derives its sanctity from the wishes and will of the people, a 48-hour bandh on all vehicular movement of National Highways in 'Naga areas' ie NH-2, NH-37 and NH-150 will be observed with effect from the midnight of July 24," the UNC said today. 

Educational institutions, medical, power and water supply, postal service will be exempted from the purview of the bandh.

While informing the Naga people to remain alert to face any eventuality at this critical time and situation, the UNC urges the general public for their cooperation and solidarity towards their legitimate demands which is being deliberately  ignored. Any persons violating the vehicular bandh will be doing so at their own risk, it warned.

The UNC then recalled that a 24-hour peaceful total bandh in Naga areas was observed with effect from the midnight of July 15 in protest against the highly vitiated situation brought about by the Government of Manipur after promulgating Section 144 of CrPC in Ukhrul district headquarters in the wake of the unfortunate incident of July 12, 2014. 

"The sentiment of the Naga people on the militarization of Ukhrul town with the deployment of  Manipur Police Commandos and the IRBs was demonstrated loud and clear. However, even after lapse of 10 days, the siege of Ukhrul by the communal state forces continued, disrupting normal life, social functions and church programmes, and creating a war like situation and undermining the democratic rights of the people," the UNC stated. 

~  Newmai News Network

MTSA-M Urges Chief Secretary to Address Pre-Metric Scholarship Issues

Lamka, July 22, 2014: The Manipur Tribal Student’s Association, Mumbai (MTSA-M) has submitted a memorandum to Chief Secretary P.C. Lawmkunga, urging his intervention regarding the non-issuance of the pre-metric scholarship scheme for ST students in classes IX and X.

In the memorandum, the MTSA-M requested an inquiry into the utilization of ₹8,29,70,200 released by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs under the pre-metric scholarship scheme for ST students studying in classes IX and X for the year 2012-13 (released in 2013-14). They highlighted the delay in implementing the scheme, which was initially launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MTA) on July 1, 2012. The MTSA-M pointed out that the state government kept the scheme on hold until mid-November 2013-14, despite receiving prior notifications from the MTA.

The association noted that, while the government appeared inactive, a sanction order was already available on the central MTA's official website. This order confirmed that ₹8,29,70,200 was sanctioned for the payment of the pre-metric scholarship scheme for ST students, aimed at supporting 27,112 students (12,700 hostellers and 14,412 day scholars) at a specified rate.

The MTSA-M emphasized that, despite the grant from the Government of India, the Manipur government had not issued pre-metric scholarship forms for the years 2012-13 or 2013-14, preventing eligible beneficiaries from being selected. They demanded a thorough inquiry to investigate how the funds had been utilized, urging for transparency in identifying the beneficiaries and ensuring their details are displayed on the state government's website for verification.

The president of the MTSA-M called on the Chief Secretary to assess the accountability of officials in the department, questioning their effectiveness in serving the interests of the tribal community. They expressed concern that delays and lapses in releasing scholarship information could negatively impact ST students in Manipur.

The association firmly stated that they would not remain passive observers in this matter, emphasizing the urgency for the state government to act. They expressed disappointment over the lack of advertisements for the pre-metric scholarship schemes and urged for meaningful actions to be taken against any officials found responsible for lapses.

The MTSA-M underscored the need for accountability, asserting that many ST students in classes IX and X have been deprived of their rightful benefits. They are looking forward to a positive response from the Chief Secretary and the government, assuring that they will closely monitor the situation and await further developments.

Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling Inaugurates New School Building at Yangang

Yangang, Sikkim – July 22, 2014: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling inaugurated the newly constructed Multi-Purpose Hall cum 12-room school building at Yangang Senior Secondary School in South Sikkim, amidst a large gathering. Dignitaries present included HRDD Minister R.B. Subba, Former Speaker Kalavati Subba, SLA Speaker K.N. Rai, Ministers A.K. Ghatani, N.K. Subba, S.B. Subedi, G.M. Gurung, Ugen Gyatso Bhutia, Somnath Poudyal, and Tilu Gurung, along with heads of various government departments, Zilla Panchayat members, school staff, students, and the public of the 15 Rangang Yangang Constituency and adjoining areas.

Key Announcements by the Chief Minister:

1. Free Education Initiative: Chamling announced that education in Sikkim will now be free up to the college level, eliminating even minimal fees. Additionally, all previously paid school fees will be fully refunded, making Sikkim the only state in the nation and worldwide to implement such a pro-student policy.

2. Geography Stream Introduction: The school will now offer a Geography stream as per the school administration’s request, with teachers being made available accordingly.

3. Focus on Skill Development: HRDD will emphasize nurturing students' skills to prepare them for competitive exams.

4. 12% Reservation for BPL Students: A new policy by the Central Government will provide 12% reservation for students from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

5. School Renaming: The newly inaugurated school building has been named after Late Ashraj Subba, the school's first teacher. Additionally, Yangang Government Senior Secondary School will now be known as Late Lobsang Gyaltsen Senior Secondary School, in honor of the land donor.

Addressing the Government College Fee Hike:

Chamling clarified that he was unaware of the fee hike as he was in New Delhi for official meetings with Union Ministers.

• He condemned the disturbances caused in the capital, emphasizing that HRDD promptly rolled back the fee hike decision.

• An inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the matter.

• He accused vested interests of exploiting the situation to instigate unlawful activities in the name of student protests.

• Chamling urged students and civil society to stay away from anti-social activities and remain focused on education.

• He stressed that the protests had adversely affected students by causing school and college closures.

• He encouraged students to uphold moral and ethical values, advocating for a civilized and intellectual approach to resolving issues.

Commitment to the 15 Rangang Yangang Constituency:

Chamling assured the public of his commitment to fulfilling developmental projects in his birthplace. He urged students to utilize the opportunities available in both central and state-run universities. He emphasized the importance of teachers taking on the responsibility of not only educating but also nurturing students to become responsible citizens.

• He pledged to address the shortage of Science teachers and faculty members at Sikkim University.

• He expressed his vision of a self-reliant, educated Sikkim with competent professionals across all fields.

New Infrastructure and Scholarships Announced:

• Skywalk at Bhaley Dhunga: The Central Government has granted environmental clearance for the construction of a Skywalk at Bhaley Dhunga, expected to boost tourism.

• Scholarships and Study Grants: Chamling highlighted merit scholarships and financial aid available for economically disadvantaged students.

• ‘Prerna’ Scheme for Girls: This state-backed scheme promotes girl child empowerment through merit-based scholarships.

• Cash Prizes for CBSE Toppers: He informed students about the cash awards given to Class 10 and 12 toppers.

• He urged youth to embrace honesty, meticulousness, and integrity in their academic and professional pursuits.

• Chamling praised the SICB Livelihood Schools Program, which trains youth in self-sufficient skills, reinforcing Sikkim’s goal of self-reliance.

Upcoming By-Elections:

Chamling appealed to the public to support the candidate nominated by him in the upcoming by-elections. He assured that he would not practice nepotism and would provide fair opportunities to non-family members.

School Tour and Felicitation Ceremony:

Before the official program, the Chief Minister toured the newly constructed building and inspected an exhibition set up by the students.

• The Chief Engineer of HRDD presented a technical report, detailing that the school building houses 12 classrooms on the ground floor and a multipurpose hall on the top floor, along with a well-equipped computer lab and library.

• The school committee submitted an infrastructure report and felicitated Chamling for his contributions to the school's development.

• The public of Yangang also honored him for his relentless service towards the holistic progress of Sikkim.

Minister R.B. Subba’s Address:

HRDD Minister R.B. Subba emphasized the transformative impact of the new school building and called on the public, school staff, and students to protect and maintain the facility.

• He highlighted the relocation of Sikkim University to Yangang, which will spur regional development.

• He urged immediate cooperation in shifting the university from the capital to Yangang.

• He reiterated HRDD’s commitment to deploying trained Science teachers to improve the quality of education.

• He announced 127 para-medical seats reserved for Sikkimese students in institutions outside the state.

• Addressing the recent student protests over the fee hike, Subba advised educators and scholars to discourage students from participating in anti-social activities.

Cultural Program and Conclusion:

The event concluded with a cultural dance performance by the students of Yangang Senior Secondary School. The gathering ended on a high note, celebrating the educational advancements and opportunities being introduced in Sikkim.

AKHA SHALOUNI: Murder, Beatings, and Molestation in Delhi

Akha Shalouni

New Delhi, July 23, 2014 – The month of July turned into a period of heartbreak and outrage for Northeastern communities in the national capital, marked by another brutal killing.  On July 21, 2014, the gruesome murder of Akha Shalouni (30), a native of Karong, Senapati district, Manipur, has sent shockwaves through the Northeast. This is the second horrific death after Nido Tania's earlier this year, highlighting the ongoing racial violence faced by people from the region.

Marino Tania, mother of Nido Tania, who was allegedly beaten in New Delhi on Jan 29, 2014 and tragically succumbed to his injuries the next day.

Shalouni, who worked at a call center and was the breadwinner for his family, was staying with his younger sister in Delhi. On the night of July 20, 2014, he and two friends—Dihe Kazhiihrii (25) from Manipur and Nagendra Sharma (40) from Bihar—were attacked by a group of five men while attending a party in Masoodpur Colony, South Delhi. The attackers, Shakti Basoya (21), Sanjay Basoya (24), Rajiv (25), Azad Chaudhary, and Lokesh Bhadana, were later arrested, and an FIR under sections 34 and 302 of the IPC was filed at Kotla Mubarakpur Police Station.

Dr. Alana Golmei, Founding member & General Secretary of North East Support Centre & Helpline, New Delhi.

The violence was captured on CCTV footage that has gone viral on Northeast Facebook groups, showing the men chasing Salouni, wrapping a cloth around his neck, and swinging him violently. He was then thrown to the ground and brutally kicked and punched until he lay unconscious. The footage has incited fury among the Northeast community, filling viewers with anger and a thirst for justice.

P.A. Sangma, Speaker, Lok Sabha 

The attack reportedly began when Salouni and his friends hired an auto to drop Kazhiihrii home. As they passed through Gurudwara Road, a car approached from behind, honking aggressively. The occupants, in a drunken state, began verbally abusing the auto driver, which led to a heated argument. While Kazhiihrii and Sharma managed to escape, Salouni was caught and viciously beaten by the group. His friends returned later, only to find him unconscious. He was rushed to AIIMS trauma center, where doctors declared him dead.

Gaurav Gogoi, MP, Assam & K. Zou, advocate & social activist.

Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, along with MPs Dr. Thokchom Meinya (Inner Manipur) and Thangso Baite (Outer Manipur), visited AIIMS, where Salouni's postmortem was conducted. Rijiju expressed his deep concern, suggesting that the attack appeared to be premeditated.

Ering Ninong, MP, Arunachal Pradesh

A medical board of four doctors, led by Dr. Milo from Arunachal Pradesh, was constituted to carry out the postmortem. The tragic death of Shalouni led to widespread mourning, with his body flown to his home village in Karong, Manipur, for the final funeral on July 23rd. Thousands gathered in Imphal to receive his body, expressing their sorrow and rage.

Robin Hibu IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police & Nodal Officer for Northeasterners in Delhi

A candlelight vigil was held in Salouni's memory on July 22, 2014 at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. Prominent figures attending the vigil included former Lok Sabha Speaker P.A. Sangma, Ering Ninong (Member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh), Gaurav Gogoi (Member of Parliament from Assam), Dr. Thokchom Meinya (Member of Parliament from Manipur), Thangso Baite (Member of Parliament from Manipur), Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma (Tripura Royal Foundation & Editor of The Northeast Today), Marina Nido (mother of Nido Tania), Robin Hibu IPS (Joint Commissioner of Police and Nodal Officer for Northeasterners in Delhi), and Vumlunmang Vualnam IAS. 

Dr. Alana Golmei, General Secretary of the North East Support Centre & Helpline (NESCH), along with several social activists, student leaders, and well-wishers, also paid tribute to Salouni, calling for an end to racial violence and justice for the Northeast community.

~ Bruce K.Thangkhal

Media In-charge

North East Support Center & Helpline, New Delhi

Man from Manipur Beaten to Death in South Delhi’s Kotla

New Delhi, July 21, 2014 – In a tragic incident, a 30-year-old man from Manipur was brutally beaten to death by a group of locals in South Delhi's Kotla Mubarakpur early Monday morning (July 21). The victim, identified as Shalouni, son of Akha, hailed from Tunjoy village in Senapati district.

The attack occurred around 2:30 AM when Shalouni and his two friends, Dihe and Najender, went to Kotla to visit another friend. Shortly after arriving, a group of 5-6 men in a car stopped near them, got out, and surrounded the trio. Without warning, the men began to assault Salouni mercilessly. Dihe and Najender managed to flee, leaving Salouni behind.

After a while, Dihe returned to the scene and found Shalouni unconscious. He immediately informed the police, and the injured man was rushed to AIIMS Trauma Centre, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

Witnesses report that the attackers had come to a nearby shop on Gurudwara Road in a white car before allegedly attacking Salouni. The deceased had been staying with his sister in Munirka.

The incident is being treated as a potential hate crime. Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Home Affairs, visited the body at AIIMS and expressed concerns, stating, “This appears to be a conspiracy, and the police are investigating.”

Dr. Alana Golmei, General Secretary of the North East Support Centre & Helpline, echoed these sentiments, labeling the attack as racially motivated. She noted that the attackers spared Salouni’s Bihari friend and specifically targeted his Poumai friend, who managed to escape.

A case of murder has been registered at the Kotla police station. The police have arrested three suspects- Rajeev, Shakti, and Sanjay - in connection with the incident. Meanwhile, Manipur MPs Dr. T. Meinya and Mr. T. Baite also visited AIIMS Trauma Centre to meet with members of the Northeast community.

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

Raising Awareness on Racial Discriminatio in Delhi: Nido Tania

On July 21, 2014, an awareness campaign addressing RACIAL DISCRIMINATION AGAINST NORTHEASTERN PEOPLE IN METROPOLITAN CITIES was held in Munirka, South Delhi. The event was led by Mrs. Marino Tania, mother of Nido Tania, who tragically died on January 30, 2014, after being brutally beaten in Delhi. Joining her were Nido Tania's sister and Shri Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma, Founder of the Tripura Royal Foundation & Editor of The Northeast Today.

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NIDO TANIA
(victim of racism in New Delhi)

Nido Tania, a 21-year-old student at Lovely Professional University in Jalandhar, Punjab, was pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree. He was assaulted by shopkeepers in Lajpat Nagar on January 29, after being taunted for his hairstyle. He succumbed to his injuries the following day.

The son of a Congress MLA from Arunachal Pradesh, Tania had come to Delhi only a few days before the attack. His tragic death has sparked outrage, bringing the issue of racial discrimination against Northeasterners into sharp focus and fueling calls for stronger anti-racism laws in India.

Protest: Justice 4 Nido Tania
Raising Awareness on Racial Attacks
Valentine's Day with Delhi Police: Justice 4 Nido Tania
Northeasterners unite Against Racial Slurs

~ Bruce K.Thangkhal

Media In-charge 

North East Support Center & Helpline, New Delhi

Sikkim to Host National Sports Festival in 2015

Gangtok, July 18, 2014: Sikkim is set to host a week-long National Sports Festival in 2015, announced Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, Law & Parliamentary Affairs, R. B. Subba. He urged the administration, Panchayats, students, civil societies, and NGOs to actively cooperate to ensure the success of the historic event.

Subba made the announcement during a workshop on "Mandate and Modalities for Youth Engagement and Sports Promotion" and an awareness program on rural sports under RGKA/PYKKA & NSS, organized by the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs at Chintan Bhawan.

Highlighting the state’s focus on skill development for youth, Subba referenced the National Youth Policy 2014, which defines individuals aged 15 to 29 as youth, noting that 40% of Sikkim's population falls into this category.

Encouraging students to pursue studies in physics, chemistry, and mathematics, Subba emphasized the importance of meeting the state's increasing demand for skilled human resources. He also highlighted opportunities in nursing, GNM, and laboratory technology, especially with the multi-specialty hospital under construction at Sichey.

Subba informed the attendees that 152 students from Sikkim were sent for training in fields like engineering and architecture, though 248 seats remained vacant due to insufficient applicants. Additionally, he noted that around 8,000 youths from the North-Eastern states would receive skill development training at ITFT Chandigarh, sponsored by the government, with opportunities for Sikkimese youth to participate.

The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan (RGKA) scheme was also discussed, with Subba explaining that Rs. 1.6 crore would be allocated to each block in the country to develop indoor and outdoor sports activities.

Principal Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs, Dr. K. Jayakumar, IAS, emphasized the need for a comprehensive youth development model to guide young people toward productive engagement in society. He called for collaboration between educational institutions and Panchayats to ensure sustainable development and empower youth both physically and mentally.

The workshop featured interactive sessions, distribution of cash incentives to sports achievers, and cultural performances. The event began with traditional khada offerings, a ceremonial lamp lighting, and a welcome address by Special Secretary Nima L. Yethanpa.

New Nagaland Governor P.B. Acharya Felicitated in Delhi

New Delhi, July 17, 2014: The new Governor of Nagaland, Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya was felicitated today at Delhi BJP office. Friends and well wishers from different parts of the National Capital City attended the function.

Acharya  who was also given the additional responsibility as the Governor Tripura, is a veteran in the RSS, BJP and ABVP cadres. Earlier he was the BJP National Secretary for the North East Regions and is the first person from a GSB community to achieve the coveted post. 

Acharya served as BJP National Secretary during the period 1995-2000 when the present Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the BJP National General Secretary for North East Regions.

Militants Targeting ADC Members in Manipur

Imphal, July 16, 2014: Intelligence reports have revealed that 6 to 7 more members of the Autonomous District Council (ADC) are on a hit list, according to Manipur Home Minister Gaikhangam, who disclosed this in the state legislative assembly on July 15.

This statement came just four days after the killing of Ngalangzar Malue, a Ukhrul district ADC member and former vice chairman of the Ukhrul ADC, by suspected militants.

Home Minister Gaikhangam, who also serves as Deputy Chief Minister, confirmed that multiple ADC members remain on the militants' hit list, though he did not specify which militant group was responsible. However, the state government suspects the NSCN-IM of being involved in the killing of 60-year-old Ngalangzar Malue on July 12.

In response, state security forces launched a pre-dawn raid on the NSCN-IM's Wung Tangkhul Region office in Ukhrul town on July 13, arresting 8 cadres and rescuing 6 individuals from their custody. Weapons were also seized during the operation.

Gaikhangam stated that since the formation of the NSCN-IM in the early 1980s, a significant number of people, including a former Manipur chief minister, have been killed by militants. He emphasized that the government's patience has reached its limit and warned that further violence would no longer be tolerated. The state is prepared to take decisive action against militants from both the valley and the hills.

The Home Minister also clarified that the recent deployment of security forces in Ukhrul town is not intended to harass civilians but to maintain law and order, urging public cooperation with the government's efforts.

Inauguration of Poklok Nandugoan Gram Vikash Kendra

Nandugoan, July, 16, 2014: The newly established Gram Vikash Kendra (GVK) at 6th Mile, Samseybong, under the 10 Poklok Kamrang constituency, was inaugurated today by SLA Speaker and Area MLA, Mr. K.N. Rai. The event was attended by ADC (Development) Namchi, Mrs. Benu Gurung; GVA, Poklok Nandugoan, Mr. Deepak Rai; Former Chairman Welfare Board, Mr. Passang Rinzing Sherpa; Zilla Panchayat member Mr. C.P. Rai; President of Poklok Denchung GPU, Mr. Gyalpo Lepcha; Social Worker, Mr. Tika Gurung; Panchayat Secretary, Salghari GPU, Mr. Jas Lall Rai; along with officials from various government departments, school principals, headmasters, and the public.

During his address, Mr. K.N. Rai congratulated the community on the new GVK, highlighting its importance in bringing government services closer to the rural population. He expressed satisfaction that residents would no longer need to travel to Jorethang for official work. Mr. Rai also emphasized his commitment to introducing additional facilities and development initiatives to improve livelihoods in the constituency. He reiterated the SDF government's focus on pro-people governance under Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling’s leadership and how GVKs have played a vital role since being introduced in 1994.

Mr. Rai further encouraged the promotion of Village Tourism, a community-based approach that benefits locals through sustainable, low-impact tourism. He also assured the public that the government, alongside departmental officials, would work toward new developmental schemes across all GPUs, particularly focusing on youth empowerment and self-reliance.

Earlier, GVA Mr. Deepak Rai gave a detailed presentation on the ongoing development activities in the region, including housing schemes like REDRH, CMRHM, and NRHM. He highlighted the financial investments made and the benefits brought to local beneficiaries. Mr. Rai also raised various issues faced by the GVK, which the MLA promised to address promptly.

ADC (Development) Namchi also spoke about upgrading the GVK through manpower, infrastructure development, asset creation under MGNREGA, and the introduction of a local bank to better serve the community.

The event also featured addresses by Mr. C.P. Rai, Mr. Passang Rinzing Sherpa, and Mr. Jas Lall Rai, with a variety of cultural performances adding to the day's festivities. 

~ IPRD, Namchi, South Sikkim

26-Year-Old Manipur Woman Found Dead in South Delhi

New Delhi, July 16, 2014: A 26-year-old woman from Manipur, identified as Dailyrose Gangmei from Chiuluan village in Tamenglong district, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in her rented accommodation in South Delhi's Moti Bagh on Wednesday morning.

According to sources, a friend discovered her body around 11 a.m. She was found lying on her bed with earphones in her ears, her head bent down.

DCP South, BS Jaiswal, stated, “We have examined the body, and there are no visible injury marks. At this point, there is no indication of foul play, and we are awaiting the post-mortem report.”

The body has been sent to AIIMS for further examination, and the cause of death remains unknown.

Dailyrose had been living in Moti Bagh for the past eight months and worked as a receptionist at a beauty parlour in Punjabi Bagh. She moved to Delhi in 1998 and completed her graduation from Miranda House College. Her body is scheduled to be taken to her native home on Friday.

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

Manipuri Girl Found Dead in Moti Bagh

A 26-year-old woman from Manipur, identified as Dailyrose, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in South Delhi’s Moti Bagh on the morning of July 16, 2014. Dailyrose, originally from Chiuluan village in Tamenglong district, was working as a receptionist at a beauty parlour.

The exact cause of her death remains uncertain, with speculation pointing to either a heart attack or food poisoning. 

According to close sources, Dailyrose had been living in Delhi since 1998 and completed her graduation from Miranda House College.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

Media In-charge

North East Support Center & Helpline, New Delhi

Naga Man Found Dead in Chirag Dilli

 Cause of Death Unknown, No Arrests Made

New Delhi, July 7, 2014 – In a tragic incident, a 28-year-old man from Manipur was found dead in South Delhi’s Chirag Dilli on Sunday morning.

The deceased, identified as Wilungbou Chawang, hailed from Oklong village in Senapati district. His body was discovered in a drain between Sheikh Sarai and Chirag Dilli, with visible injury marks on his head.

The exact cause of death remains unclear. A post-mortem was conducted at AIIMS on Sunday evening, and authorities were awaiting the report at the time of filing this story.

Throughout the day, several community leaders and individuals from the Northeast gathered at AIIMS mortuary and Malviya Nagar police station, demanding justice and showing solidarity.

On Sunday evening, a police team led by IPS officer Robin Hibu, Joint Commissioner of Police (also the Nodal Officer for Northeast Affairs), along with BS Jaiswal, DCP South, and Northeast community leaders, visited the site where Wilungbou’s body was found.

Local residents suggested that Wilungbou might have scaled a wall and jumped into the drain, where he allegedly drowned. However, his younger brother Caleb refuted this claim. “My brother was a good swimmer. How could he drown in shallow water? And how did he sustain head injuries?” he questioned. Police have yet to provide satisfactory answers.

The location where Wilungbou’s body was found is several minutes away from the house of his friend, where he had dinner on Saturday night. “It takes at least 5-7 minutes to reach by running or walking fast,” noted Robin Hibu. He assured that police are investigating the case.

Wilungbou and his brother Caleb had been living in Naraina for four years. While Wilungbou worked at a BPO, Caleb was preparing for competitive exams. Their father is a retired pastor, and their mother is a homemaker. The two brothers were their parents' only children.

The Night Before

On Saturday afternoon, Wilungbou went to visit friends in Chirag Dilli. Later in the evening, he and his friend Denise went to Old Delhi railway station to purchase a ticket to Gwalior. However, they were unable to do so as they lacked identity cards. They then returned to their friend Neil’s residence in Chirag Dilli, where they had dinner.

According to Denise, after he stepped out of the washroom, he asked Neil about Wilungbou. Neil replied that he was outside talking on the phone. Initially, they assumed he was engaged in a conversation with a friend, but as time passed and he didn’t return, they grew concerned and began searching for him.

Believing that Wilungbou may have gone home, they called Caleb, who confirmed that he had not returned. “When we tried calling him, his phone was switched off. This must have been around 1 or 2 a.m.,” said Denise. They alerted neighbors and searched the area but found no trace of him.

“I learned about my brother’s death through one of our church elders, who informed me at around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday,” Caleb said.

Wilungbou’s body was retrieved from the drain by police after locals reported it. Caleb filed a complaint at Malviya Nagar police station, and police assured that an FIR would be registered on Monday.

Questions Remain

Many who visited the scene found it hard to believe that Wilungbou climbed the wall and jumped into the drain. Some strongly suspected foul play, believing that he was murdered and his body disposed of in the water.

In Imphal, family members, friends, well-wishers, and church elders from Liangmai Baptist Church received Wilungbou’s body on Monday morning. His remains were then taken to his native village, located approximately 100 km from Manipur’s capital, for the funeral.

“My parents had a bad dream about my brother the previous Sunday. They had warned us to be careful,” Caleb revealed.

Chirag Dilli is home to a large population of Northeast Indians, yet concerns over safety persist. Just a year ago, in 2013, Reingamphy Awungshi, a young girl from Manipur, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in her rented room. Now, Wilungbou Chawang has met a similar fate.

Who will be next? Is Delhi truly safe for Northeast residents?

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
Special Correspondent, New Delhi
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