Here are glimpses from our correspondent, Bruce K. Thangkhal.
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“Why is the Manipur government neglecting the hills?
Why are the rights of the hill people being disregarded?”
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Here's a glimpses from the lens of our correspondent, Bruce K. Thangkhal.
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New Delhi, Sept 18, 2014: In a shocking incident, two young girls—both underage from Manipur—were allegedly raped by a group of men in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Wednesday. On Tuesday, August 26, there was a party at one Ashu Kapoor’s residence where some boys entered, leading to a fight.
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According to the FIR, the two survivors, hailing from Manipur, were lured by a girl from Nagaland named Manau under the false promise of a job at a beauty parlour. Manau brought them to Guwahati and handed them over to a man named Jimmy, who then brought them to Delhi and handed them to Ashu Kapoor in Malviya Nagar. Upon arrival, Ashu Kapoor told the girls that they were unfit to work as domestic helpers and instructed them to go back.
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In such dire circumstances and without any money, the two girls were forced to sign a contract and subsequently coerced into a flesh trade operation run out of Kapoor’s home. “Men would visit us,” the girls lamented.
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Both survivors provided statements before the magistrate at Saket Court on Thursday. A case has been registered at the Malviya Nagar police station under sections 376 (rape), 370 (trafficking), and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (1860). However, no arrests had been made by the time of this report. According to the latest updates, MLC reports have confirmed the occurrence of rape.
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| Student leader checking..... |
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| Some Northeast social activists. |
Note: Victims identity undisclosed.
Gangtok; September 18, 2014: The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), East, in collaboration with the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority and the Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, commemorated Disaster Risk Reduction Day at the TNSSS auditorium in Gangtok on September 18.
The program aimed to raise disaster awareness among the public through skits, speeches, live demonstrations, and appeals.
GMC Mayor Mrs. Lassey Doma Bhutia, the chief guest, urged attendees to reflect on the significance of the day for self-awareness. She emphasized the importance of being responsible for preventing manmade disasters and encouraged students to spread educational information throughout the state. She also presented certificates and tokens to the winners of the elocution competition.
District Collector East Mr. Chewang Gyatso Bhutia recalled the tragic events of September 18, 2011, urging students to share knowledge about disaster preparedness, mitigation, and risk reduction with their families and communities. He highlighted the role of students as effective communicators, stressing the need for regular awareness programs. While natural disasters cannot be prevented, he noted that proactive measures and quick response systems can help mitigate their impacts. He also addressed the need for proper construction methods to enhance safety during earthquakes.
District Programme Officer Mr. Sonam Wangyal Lepcha outlined various activities conducted by DDMA East, including a Mega Mock Exercise on earthquakes, training programs, the formation of a Special Search and Rescue Team, and the establishment of an Early Warning System.
Retired DIG and Civil Defense Warden Mr. B.K. Roka discussed the concept of civil defense and encouraged students to engage in voluntary activities. He explained that first responders at disaster sites play a crucial role and advised students to keep emergency numbers handy.
Principal Mr. K. B. Chettri expressed gratitude to DDMA for selecting TNSSS as the venue for imparting valuable disaster management information and hoped for similar future initiatives.
Earlier, ADC Mr. Karma Bompu read the Chief Minister's message, announcing September 18 as Disaster Risk Reduction Day each year.
The event also featured a skit presented by the Arithang Women Welfare Association and an elocution competition among various schools. Students from West Point Sr. Sec. School, Tadong, Bojoghari, Rani Pool, Deorali, Enchey, and TNSS Sr. Sec. School contributed to discussions on disaster management.
The program was attended by Deputy Mayor Shakti Singh Chaudhary, other GMC councilors, the Additional Superintendent of Police, East, officials from HRDD, and students and teachers from around Gangtok. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from SDM Mr. K. L. Lepcha, and was conducted by Bijeta Kharel.
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| One of the victims. |
JUST days after two northeastern girls were brutally attacked with knives in separate incidents, two youths from Manipur – Lun (21) and Let (18) – were viciously assaulted by four men in South Delhi on Saturday night, 14 September 2014. Both victims are undergraduate students.
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| Prime accused is the man with yellow & dark coloured T-shirt. |
According to the victims, the attack occurred around 9:30 PM while they were chatting at Babulal Chowk, in the heart of Munirka village. “There were three boys sitting on a Honda Activa who started calling us derogatory names like 'Nepali' and 'Chinky.' We approached them and politely asked them to stop,” Let recounted.
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“When we requested them to stop, the youths became angry, and an argument ensued. Despite our attempts to calm the situation, one of them called his elder brother, and they started beating us,” said Lun, who sustained 15 injuries in the assault.
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Lun described how the elder brother, Rajesh, held him by the neck while the others repeatedly struck him with sharp objects like scissors and iron rods. “I was soaked in blood. Some northeastern girls passing by saw what was happening and intervened. They pulled me away from the attackers. I was completely exhausted and bleeding heavily. They rushed me to a nearby clinic in Munirka. If it weren’t for those girls, I might have been killed,” Lun added.
After receiving first aid at the clinic, both victims were taken to Safdarjung Hospital for further medical treatment.
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Let also shared his experience of being struck with objects, though he managed to escape his attackers.
An FIR has been filed at Vasant Vihar police station under sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (wrongful restraint), and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code.
Out of the four accused, three – including two juveniles – have been apprehended by the police.
Gangtok, 15 Sep 2014: Mr. Rajesh Verma, Principal Director-cum-Secretary of the Information and Technology Department, Government of Sikkim, announced that approximately 9 acres of land in Pakyong, East Sikkim, recently mutated in the name of the IT Department, will be transferred to the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), an organization under the Department of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India.
During a press conference held at the IT Department's training hall, Mr. Verma described the land allotment for establishing a full-fledged NIELIT center in Pakyong as a milestone in Sikkim's IT development. He expressed optimism about increased activities at the NIELIT center, particularly after the completion of the airport. Currently, the Government of Sikkim utilizes the services of the NIELIT Gangtok branch to provide training to its employees, covering a wide range of topics such as cybersecurity, computer familiarization, and management information systems.
He also announced that to enhance the quality of candidates applying for computer-related positions, the state government has made it mandatory for candidates to possess an O’ level certificate for computer operators and an A’ level certificate for assistant programmers and programmers. These certificates from NIELIT will now be part of the eligibility criteria. Furthermore, the state government plans for the NIELIT center to include a state-of-the-art exhibition hall and conference room.
Dr. Ashwini Kr. Sharma, MD of NIELIT, revealed that a senior delegation from NIELIT Delhi and Kolkata, led by himself along with Mr. T.P. Singh, Mr. Arup Chattopadhay, and Mr. Anurag Gupta, met with Chief Secretary of the Government of Sikkim, Mrs. R. Ongmu, on Monday morning.
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Ongmu expressed her enthusiasm for the establishment of the IT center in Sikkim, viewing it as a positive step towards developing skilled human resources in the state. Dr. Sharma assured that the institute will provide free education to students holding Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe certificates.
He noted that NIELIT is in the process of setting up 20 centers in the Northeastern region to reach remote areas, with 15 centers currently operational. Computer concept courses are available in 22 Indian languages, including Nepali, and can be downloaded free of charge from the NIELIT website.
In alignment with the Government of India’s emphasis on youth skill development, NIELIT has been tasked with implementing numerous skill development and capacity-building projects across the country. Dr. Sharma expressed gratitude to the IT Department and the Government of Sikkim for the land allotment in the Pakyong area.
New Delhi, 15 Sep 2014: The Centre has doubled its commitment to the development of the North East Region (NER), with a focus on completing ongoing projects, according to Dr. V K Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Development of North East Region (DoNER). Speaking to the media on Monday, Dr. Singh emphasized that inter-ministerial consultations are ensuring a seamless implementation of development initiatives.
He noted that a review process for schemes under 53 non-exempted Ministries/Departments is underway, aiming to maximize benefits and enhance performance. New initiatives, including ‘Road Development’ and ‘Organic Farming,’ have been introduced alongside existing schemes. The Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) has sanctioned 1,596 projects worth ₹14,172 crore, with 833 already completed.
The total budgetary allocation by central ministries for NER is ₹53,705 crore for 2014-15, with ₹2,306 crore allocated to the Ministry of DoNER. Dr. Singh stressed the importance of proactive policies and detailed stakeholder consultations, highlighted by a Chief Ministers’ Conference held in Guwahati in August.
He also announced plans to refocus the North Eastern Council (NEC) on technical evaluation, capacity building, and as a key adviser for the region's eight states, while also launching campaigns to promote the region's handlooms and handicrafts for better income opportunities.
“Mizoram is a beautiful place in the Northeast,” remarked General (Dr.) V.K. Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Development of the North East Region, while responding to a query from The Mizoram Post. The question addressed the resignation of four Governors within a month, with concerns raised about whether Mizoram was being treated as a “dumping ground for BJP.” In his response, the minister stated, “Those [governors] have taken decisions on their own.”
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Dr. Singh was briefing the media on the initiatives and achievements of the Ministry during a press conference held at the PIB Press Conference Hall, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi, on Monday (15 Sept 2014) evening.
THE KOMREM Students’ Union Delhi (KRSUD) held its 23rd Freshers’ Meet and Felicitation Programme here in Mizoram House, New Delhi on September 14, 2014. Members of the Komrem community gathered for a vibrant celebration featuring a theme of unity: “How good it is when brethren dwell together in unity.”
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| Chongte Leivon performs a melodious song. |
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| KRSUD honoured Esther Serto, IFS, with a traditional shawl. |
The program commenced with the KRSUD Anthem, “Reipar Kapo,” followed by an invocation prayer led by TC Kom. KRSUD President Haoneithang Hmangte welcomed attendees, emphasizing the union's commitment to guiding freshers in their studies. “We, the senior students, are always ready to help our juniors and freshers in their studies,” he said. Hmangte advised the newcomers to use their freedom wisely to shape their futures.
The audience was then captivated by a performance from singer Chongte Leivon, who stole the show with her enchanting voice.
In his address, Chief Guest Thangzalun Khuptong encouraged attendees to focus on the positive aspects of life in Delhi, urging them to strive for quality and excellence in their endeavors. He was honored with a traditional shawl from KRSUD as a token of respect.
Twenty-six freshers participated in the program, which included a blessing prayer led by Sumrengchung Hmangte and other elders. Sumrengchung prompted the freshers to envision their futures, sharing a personal story about the importance of investing in education over other pursuits.
Though the Kom community is one of the smallest in Manipur, it has gained international recognition through renowned boxer M.C. Mary Kom, a five-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist. The recent release of her biopic has drawn large crowds to cinema halls, celebrating her as a source of pride for the northeast and India. Haoneithang Hmangte expressed his joy over the film’s success, noting its positive impact on the community.
Esther Laltankim Serto, an Indian Forest Services (IFS) officer, also spoke, advising attendees to remember God in all their endeavors. KRSUD honoured her for achieving a position in the IPS through the UPSC exam.
The newly elected office bearers for KRSUD for the 2014-2015 term are Thangrengkhup Karong as president, Alex Hmangre as general secretary, and Chongte Leivon as treasurer. A group of elders, including the chief guest, joined in a blessing prayer for the new executives, led by Khuplenthang Hmangte.
The first session was smoothly hosted by young ladies Elsie Rejoice and Hatneichin Leivon, concluding with a closing prayer from Serkhopao Hmangte at around 6 PM. Attendees enjoyed mouthwatering dishes prepared by the mess department, with many lining up for the delicious curry.
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The much-anticipated announcement of the Mr. and Miss KRUSD Fresher 2014 titles added to the celebration, with Tuineilen Leivon and Babygrace Serto winning the honors.
The second session featured more entertainment, led by Ahao Serto, filling the hall with joy and laughter. As the event came to a close, KRSUD General Secretary Paul Leivon expressed gratitude, followed by a closing prayer from Thangrengkhup Karong, marking the end of a memorable gathering.
Imphal, 13 Sept 2014: THE KUKI COMMUNITY across Manipur observed September 13 as Kuki Black Day or Sahnit Ni, a day of mourning and remembrance for the victims of the Naga-Kuki ethnic clashes that took place in the 1990s. This annual observance is a tribute to the innocent lives lost during the tumultuous period.
As per the resolution of the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) Cabinet Meeting, households across the state hoisted black flags, and people wore black clothes as a mark of respect for the victims. Daily activities were suspended, and vehicular movement was limited, with black flags fixed on vehicles in Kuki-dominated areas.
Churches held mass prayers for the victims' families and justice for all those affected. Some families observed a fast on Saturday to pay homage to the departed souls. The Black Day was also observed at Kangpokpi, where business establishments, educational institutions, and government administration came to a standstill.
At the memorial site in front of the Inspection Bungalow, Kangpokpi, people gathered to mourn and pay homage to the victims listed on the monument. Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills General Secretary N. Sehjalien Gangte lamented that on September 13, 1993, over 100 innocent Kukis were killed, which remains the highest number of Kukis killed in a single day during the NSCN (IM) ethnic cleansing in Manipur.
Gangte emphasized that the observance is not against any community but to commemorate and mourn the victims, and to pressure the government to deliver justice to all victims and compensate and resettle the displaced Kuki villagers.
A candlelight service was held at the Memorial Site in the evening, followed by a Mass Prayer organized by the Kangpokpi Town Churches Fellowship. The Kuki Black Day was also observed at Gelnal, where a prayer session was held, and people observed two minutes' silence in honor of the ethnic clash victims.
Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills President Seikhomang Khongsai urged other communities not to misinterpret the observance and prayed that such painful incidents should not recur in the future. The Black Day was also observed at Laikot in Sadar Hills, where leaders from various CSOs, Church leaders, and elders spoke on the need for reconciliation and restoration of peace and normalcy in the state.
During the observance, leaders emphasized the need for justice and compensation for the victims and their families. They also prayed for the departed souls and called for reconciliation and peace between different communities in Manipur.
KV NEWS
Gangtok, 13 Sep 2014: A nine-member team from Sikkim stranded in Srinagar was evacuated on Friday morning and taken to an army camp at Bandal Bal, 20 km outside the city. Seven members, led by Mrs. Diki D. Bhutia, were flown to Leh on September 12 and reached by Saturday morning, where they are staying at a Government Guest House. Efforts are underway to airlift them to Delhi as soon as possible. The remaining two members were airlifted to Delhi on Saturday afternoon. The entire team is expected to reach Delhi by September 14 and return to Sikkim by September 15.
Once communication lines were partially restored, the Sikkim State Government worked closely with officials and the Army, leading to the successful evacuation of the stranded team.
Gangtok, 12 Sep 2014: The people of Sikkim stand in solidarity with the nation, extending their heartfelt sympathy to the victims of the devastating floods in Jammu & Kashmir. Among those affected are three officials from the Sikkim Rural Development Agency (SRDA) under the Rural Management and Development Department, led by Ms. Namrata Thapa, Project Director of SRDA and CEO of NRLM, along with six rural artisans representing various Self Help Groups. The group had traveled to Srinagar to participate in the SARAS Mela, a program sponsored by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, when they became trapped in the flood crisis.
In response to the situation, the Sikkim State Government promptly reached out to the Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir, issuing multiple communications and requests for immediate assistance and rescue efforts for the stranded officers and rural artisans.
The rescue and relief operations for the Sikkim team are being closely coordinated and monitored by the State Government. The Principal Resident Commissioner of Sikkim House in New Delhi has been directed to maintain regular communication with the Resident Commissioner of Jammu & Kashmir. The exact location of the stranded team—Pearl Cottage Hotel on Shiraz Road, Rainawari, near the petrol pump in Srinagar—has been identified with coordinates at latitude 34.5.43 N and longitude 74.49.15 E. These details have been communicated to the Air Force, which is conducting relief operations. Assistance from the Army has also been requested.
However, due to the hotel’s low-lying position and its proximity to high-rise buildings, it has been difficult for helicopters to airlift the group. The government is actively pursuing an alternative rescue plan involving evacuation by boat, followed by helicopter transport. Dr. Sandeep Tambe, IFS, Special Secretary of RMDD, has been deputed to coordinate the efforts from Delhi and will travel to Srinagar if necessary to ensure the safe return of the stranded group.
The Sikkim State Government remains vigilant and committed to ensuring the swift rescue and relief of its team, continuing to monitor the situation around the clock.
Gangtok, 11 Sept 2014: The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok, Sikkim, is set to host a 3-day Boudh Mahotsav Buddhist Festival from September 16-18, 2014, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. This festival aims to showcase the tangible aspects of Buddhism and promote the values of peace, non-violence, compassion, and loving kindness that are at the heart of Buddhist philosophy.
The Ministry of Culture has been actively promoting Buddhism, and this festival is part of its concerted efforts to revive and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Buddhism in the land where the Buddha himself once preached.
The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, a renowned center for excellence in Buddhist studies in North East India, is the perfect venue for this festival. For over half a century, the Institute has worked tirelessly to preserve, document, and disseminate knowledge of all four Sects and Schools of Buddhism, as well as Bon.
The festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of Buddhist culture, featuring a range of events, including:
Lama chanting
Cham dance
Sand mandala creation
Butter sculpture
Thangka painting
Promotion of Sowa Rigpa, the Ancient Tibetan Science of Healing
The showpiece of the festival will be the NIT Museum, which boasts a substantial collection of rare Buddhist artifacts. Additionally, folk dance troupes from seven states of India will participate in the festival.
In a unique initiative, a free Medical Camp will be set up, where the Sowa Rigpa team from the Central University of Tibetan Studies, Saranath, Varanasi, will provide free consultation and medicines for up to 60 patients per day for a month.
In today's strife-torn world, the core concepts of Buddhism are more relevant than ever. The festival, open from 10 am-5 pm on all three days, invites everyone to participate and experience the essence of Buddhism.
All are cordially invited to join in this celebration of peace, compassion, and loving kindness.
Gangtok, 11 Sep 2014: In observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, an awareness and sensitization workshop was held on Wednesday (9 Sep) at the European Conference Hall, STNM Hospital, Gangtok. The workshop was organized by the Non-Communicable Diseases Division of the Health Care, Human Services & Family Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the Psychiatric Department of Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial (STNM) Hospital.
The event, chaired by Dr. K. Bhandari, Director General and Secretary of the Health Department, was attended by key officials including Dr. P.M. Pradhan, Mission Director, and Dr. Yogesh Verma, Medical Superintendent of STNM, among others. The program began on a solemn note with two minutes of silence observed in memory of suicide victims.
In his address, Dr. P.M. Pradhan emphasized that suicide is a complex, multifaceted issue that requires careful and persistent efforts to address. He noted that Sikkim is the first state in India to implement the District Mental Health Programme in all four districts and assured that the state is well-equipped with psychiatrists specializing in suicide prevention. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to address “deliberate self-harm” at the grassroots level and commended the recent heroic action of a home guard who saved a person from drowning.
Dr. K. Bhandari stressed the importance of World Suicide Prevention Day in light of rising suicide rates. He urged society to come together and make collective efforts to understand and prevent suicides. He underscored the need for individuals to be proactive and recognize the early signs of distress, as these are often the first cries for help. Dr. Bhandari also called on the media to play a positive role in addressing this issue.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. C.S. Sharma, Head of the Psychiatry Department at STNM Hospital. Following this, an interactive workshop was held for media personnel, featuring a slideshow presented by Dr. N. Thapa, Consultant Psychologist.
During the interactive session, Dr. K.J. Tobgay, Additional Director of HS-NCD, and other officials addressed questions from the media and provided insights into the issue of suicide prevention. The media were also briefed on World Health Organization guidelines for reporting and writing about suicide cases. The workshop concluded with media representatives offering suggestions to collaborate with authorities in preventing suicides and promoting peace in society.
