Ngambom FC WINS 3rd Rajiv Gandhi Sports Meet Trophy 2014

New Delhi, 26 Aug 2014: The final match of the 3rd Rajiv Gandhi Sports Meet concluded on Monday, with Ngambom FC triumphing over Mazeltove CF in a penalty shootout. This year, 43 teams competed for the coveted trophy over four days.

Both teams showed strong offensive plays in the first half, but neither could score. After an intense second half, the match remained tied, leading to the shootout where Mazeltove missed two goals, while Ngambom missed one.

The closing ceremony was graced by Oscar Fernandez, MP (Rajya Sabha), as the chief guest, alongside Girish Chaudankar, AICC Secretary-in-charge of NSUI, and Roji M. John, National President of NSUI, as guests of honour.

Ngambom FC walked away with a cash prize of Rs 20,000, along with the trophy and certificate. The name “Ngambom” is derived from a Kuki folktale about a boy who sacrificed himself to reunite with his beloved, Khupting, in the afterlife.

The 3rd Rajiv Gandhi Sports Meet final match between Ngambom FC and
Mazeltove CF got underway in a festive atmosphere, with Oscar Fernandez, MP (Rajya Sabha),
kicking off the ball with great enthusiasm. As the ball rolled onto the field, the officials,
players, and friends in attendance erupted in jubilant joy, setting the tone for an exciting match.

Mazeltove received a cash prize of Rs 10,000, trophy, and certificates, while Feather Head United claimed the second runner-up prize, consisting of a trophy and certificates.

Mazeltove’s striker Jiden was named the Best Player, receiving a cash prize of Rs 2000 and a certificate.

Best Player Award: Jiden of Mazeltove

All individual players from the teams were awarded certificates as well.

Organized by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the sports meet took place at Chhatrasal Stadium from August 22-25 for North East students of Delhi University.

Runners up: Mazeltove CF 

“We love football, so we don’t mind playing under the scorching sun for four consecutive days,” said Mr. Len, a DU student from Manipur.

“This year, we have the highest number of participants. We organized this for North East students of Delhi University to showcase their skills and talents,” said Subrat Borah, chief of the organizer.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
(The Mizoram Post | The Northeast Today | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today)

Nagaland Singing Ambassadors: A Symphony of Talent & Dedication

The Nagaland Singing Ambassadors have earned widespread acclaim for their beautiful harmonies, which have captivated the hearts of music lovers across the region. Their dedication to their craft is evident in every performance, and their passion for singing is contagious. As they posed for the camera, their smiles and camaraderie radiated a sense of joy and unity, reflecting the spirit of their music. 

In a poignant moment, the Nagaland Singing Ambassadors posed for a final photograph at the concluding North East Film Festival in New Delhi on August 24, 2014.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

Special Correspondent

The Mizoram Post | Manipur | Zogam Today

Historic North East Film Festival KICKS OFF in Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 22, 2014: The much-anticipated three-day North East film festival, “Fragrances from the North East,” made history by kicking off in the national capital on Friday evening. Organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (Govt of India), this marks the first-ever North East film festival in India. The event is being held at the Siri Fort Auditorium in South Delhi.

Inaugurated by Prakash Javadekar, Minister of Information & Broadcasting, the opening ceremony also saw the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and I&B Secretary Bimal Julka, alongside other distinguished guests.

 Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister of Information & Broadcasting.

The festival opened on a high note, with Assam’s pop icon Papon and his band, The East India Company, delivering a captivating performance to a packed auditorium.

Shri Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister, Meghalaya. 

Mizoram's renowned film, Khuanglung Run (“The Raid of Khuanglung”), directed by Mapuia Chawngthu and starring Alex Lalchhuankima, was the first film screened on this historic evening, adding further excitement to the event.

Mapuia Chawngthu, Director of Khawlung Run, along with its lead actor Alex Lalchhuankima and a Sikkimese actress, posed for the camera during the inaugural ceremony of Fragrances from the North East. Pic: BRUCE K. THANGKHAL.

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PHOTO GALLERY

A vibrant evening of celebration, culture, and cinematic excellence, 
the inaugural night was captured 

through the lens of our correspondent, BRUCE K. THANGKHAL.

Arunachal Stall.

Mizoram Stall.

Fans posed for photos with Manipur actress Thonthoi. 

Nagland Stall.

The renowned Nagaland Singing Ambassadors posed for photos the 

North East Film Festival in New Delhi. - Bruce K. Thangkhal

Famous Assamese pop singer Mr. Papon and his band, The EAST INDIA COMPANY.

The North East Festival in New Delhi kicked off with a bang, thanks in part to the energetic and charismatic COMPERES who hosted the opening ceremony. The two comperes, who brought a perfect blend of calm and vibrancy to the stage, played a crucial role in setting the tone for the rest of the festival.

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CM Chamling meets Sikkim Police Officers, vows to address grievances

Gangtok, August 23, 2014: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, who also oversees the Home Department, chaired a high-level meeting today with senior officers of the Sikkim Police at the Police Headquarters in Gangtok. The meeting was attended by top police officials, including the Director General of Police, IGs, SPs from all districts, and officers from various police stations across the state.

During the interactive session, officers voiced concerns regarding manpower shortages, communication issues, and infrastructure challenges. After listening attentively, CM Chamling assured that the government would prioritize addressing these issues, including improving infrastructure for police stations and addressing gaps in communication networks.

He also expressed gratitude to the police for their efforts in maintaining peace during the recent elections and urged them to continue their work with dedication and a people-friendly approach, emphasizing the importance of law and order in keeping Sikkim a peaceful state.

The Chief Minister announced plans to form two companies of Women Armed Police in the state, to equip and train officers for handling any situation, and to send officers for advanced training. Additionally, a proposal for a police memorial and museum in Aritar, East Sikkim, was warmly accepted.

Addressing traffic concerns in Gangtok, the suggestion for introducing prepaid taxis was approved, and steps towards implementation will be taken. The meeting also included Chief Secretary R. Ongmu and Addl Chief Secretary.

Meeting Between KNO & UPF Postponed as SoO Expires Tomorrow

Lamka, Aug 21, 2014: The highly anticipated meetings between the Government of India, the Government of Manipur, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), and the United People's Front (UPF) scheduled for August 22 have been postponed due to technical issues. The current term of Suspension of Operations (SoO) for both KNO and UPF is set to expire on August 22. However, reports indicate that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has communicated with the Manipur State Government, stating that the SoO will be extended and tripartite meetings will be rescheduled for later dates in New Delhi.

Sources reveal that Principal Secretary of the Manipur Government, Suresh Babu, is currently on leave, creating technical difficulties for the tripartite meetings with KNO and UPF.

Both KNO and UPF have reportedly informed the Government of their willingness to sign for the extension of another SoO term. In light of this development, the MHA had notified the Manipur Government regarding the matter. Sources emphasized that even if the SoO extension paperwork is not signed immediately after its expiration on August 22, there will not be any issues, as there is an understanding between the government and the two umbrella underground organizations.

It is noteworthy that leaders of KNO and UPF met with Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju in New Delhi last week. The minister assured both groups that the government would initiate political dialogues soon. Following this assurance, both KNO and UPF agreed to extend the SoO after its expiration on August 22.

T.S. Haokip, the Defence Secretary of KNO, had met with Minister Rijiju on August 16 in New Delhi to discuss the commencement of political dialogue between the two parties. The Union Minister assured KNO leaders that engagement in political dialogue would occur soon, a sentiment echoed by the UPF leaders during their earlier discussions with the minister.

ATSUM Concludes 24-Hour Bandh, Condemns Police Action, and Continues Economic Blockade

Imphal, Aug 21, 2014 (UNA): The 24-hour bandh in all hill districts of the state, spearheaded by the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) to pressure the state government and Manipur University Authority for the implementation of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act 2012 from the current academic session, concluded at midnight today.

The bandh was largely peaceful until reports came in about an incident involving the beating of KSO Churachandpur district General Secretary Haoneo Baite by district police personnel in Churachandpur.

Condemning the high-handedness of the Churachandpur Police, ATSUM President Emboi Serto, in a disillusioned tone, asserted that the Superintendent of Police, Churachandpur, sought negotiation at the KSO Churachandpur district office, but the issues remained unresolved.

The tribal student apex body chief also noted that they received a call for negotiation today from the government but chose to ignore it, stating, “There is no room for negotiation at this juncture while the bandh has already been in full swing.”

“If the government holds the spirit of negotiation, why has it delayed for so long when the door has been open for many days?” Emboi added.

He continued that an executive meeting of the student body will be held tomorrow at the state capital to discuss the proposed indefinite economic blockade starting at midnight on August 22 and further courses of agitation.

The bandh paralyzed vehicular traffic on all national highways passing through the hill districts of the state, severely affecting normal life. Reports from Motbung, Sapormeina, Champhai, Leimakhong, and Saikul, as well as from Senapati district HQ in Maram and Mao, indicated that the bandh was peaceful and total.

Some loaded trucks and passenger vehicles were reported stranded at the Mao gate and Senapati district HQ. Additionally, students from Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and other states who came for the Interstate Youth Festival were provided food and necessary merchandise at Senapati district HQ by SDSA, and they were escorted safely towards the state capital by Senapati police.

Shops and business establishments remained closed in the district headquarters, while government offices, as well as private and government educational institutions, were also shuttered for the day. In Kangpokpi, shops, other commercial establishments, banks, and government offices remained closed, with managements of private educational institutions and government schools declaring a holiday, resulting in a deserted look in the town.

Parents and guardians of some students pointed out that they are very much worn out by the frequent bandhs and closures of schools for various reasons. While this situation is challenging for many students, they expressed that concerning the demands of the student body and the government’s attitude, they put up with the disruptions without regret.

Joys of Bereaved Families: Ex-Gratia Granted

MUALLUM, August 20, 2014: A moment of joy for families after many days of sorrow. The next of kin from two families affected by heavy rain and storm on April 19, 2010, received ex-gratia payments on Wednesday, August 20.

According to Ms. Grace Zamnu, MDC Mualluam, Mr. Ngamkholal (50) was struck by a gate post of the Assam Rifles that collapsed when he and several others were stepping down for an army frisking in Muallum village. Mrs. Mannuam (70) was also killed when an old school building fell while she sought shelter during the storm in Muallum Village on the same day. Muallum is located in the southern part of Churachandpur district, approximately 20 kilometers from the Churachandpur police station.

“I remember the ordeal they endured during those days. When the matter was brought to the attention of Ccpur District Commissioner Jacintha Lazarus IAS, she immediately rushed to the hospital, not only visiting them personally but also covering their entire medical expenses. Despite our best efforts, both ultimately succumbed to their injuries,” Zamnu said.

The MDC noted that securing the ex-gratia payment took several years. “Despite facing numerous challenges in obtaining such assistance, I cannot express enough gratitude for Madam Jacintha's relentless efforts in this matter. By God's grace, our current DC, Sir PK Jha, IAS, arranged for this amount, which I never expected, and it was quickly disbursed, allowing the families to receive the ex-gratia today,” Grace Zamnu added.

The MDC further remarked, “To me, the most successful, powerful, and wealthiest people on earth are those who give generously from their hearts to the poorest and most desperate members of society.”

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
(The Mizoram Post | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today)