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)

Delhi: Fragrances From The North East on 22-24 August 2014

Fragrances From The North East to enthrall the National Capital from 22nd-24th August, 2014

Khawnglung Run

New Delhi, August 19, 2014: Fragrance of the North-eastern films to traverse through the National Capital - Delhi! This is an opportunity for Delhiites to get as close as possible to North-East India later this month, without stepping out of the national capital. The Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF) is organizing “Fragrances from the North East”, a three-day festival of cinema from the region in a freshly-refurbished Siri Fort Auditorium complex.

Giving an absolute North-Eastern experience to the visitors, the film screenings will be supplemented by cultural programmes, handicraft exhibitions, food stalls and much more during the festival that will take place during August 22-24.

To be inaugurated on August 22 by the Hon’ble Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri Prakash Javadekar, the festival will be attended by several leading film personalities from the region, including internationally-acclaimed filmmakers Jahnu Barua and Aribam Syam Sharma, and actors Danny Dengzongpa, Seema Biswas, Adil Hussain, Geetanjali Thapa and many more.

Going the Distance

Mr. Shankar Mohan, Director, Directorate of Film Festivals said, "I invite all likeminded of people of Delhi, particularly the young to come and experience the three day North East Film Festival - "Fragrances from the North East" happening  at Sirifort complex from the 22nd to the 24th August. These fragrances from the NE are wafting into the Capital city after many years."

Ajeyo

"Come and enjoy the food, films and handicraft of the North East. A window to the North East opens in Sirifort Complex on 22nd August, don't miss this opportunity to experience, feel and enjoy the fragrances wafting through this Capital city." Mr. Mohan further added.

Khawnglung Run

The festival will begin with the screening of Mizo feature film “Khawnglung Run” (The Raid of Khawnglung) which is directed & produced by Mapuia Chongthu within a miniscule budget of Rs 12 lakh. This film won many hearts with its visual panache when it was screened as part of the ‘North-East Focus’ section of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa last year.

The screening will be preceded by a cultural show designed especially for the event by the highly popular singer-composer PAPON, which will take the audience on a musical journey of the region

Kathaa

The festival also include two National Award winning films of this year: Jahnu Barua’s “Ajeyo” (Assamese) and Pradip Kurbah’s “Ri: A Homeland of Uncertainty” (Khasi, Meghalaya).

Representing Sikkim would be Prashant Rasaily’s Gurkhali film “Katha”, while Manipur, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh will be represented by Oinam Gautam Singh’s Manipuri language film “Phijigee Mani”, Joseph Pulinthanath’s Kokborok language film “Yarwng” and Ahsan Mujid’s Monpa language film “Sonam” respectively.

Going the Distance

From Nagaland, a short film titled “Bamboo Shoots” directed by Steven Ao and a documentary titled “Going the Distance” directed by Tiainla Jamir will be screened. Kurbah’s “RI” will be the closing film of the festival and its screening on August 24 will be preceded by a cultural event that will see classical pianist Nise Meruno’s performance of Naga folk fusion and choir group Nagaland Singing Ambassadors’ rendition of Naga folk-based choir.

For more information, please contact:

Anuj Kumar Boruah
Young Monk Communications
M: +91 99583 72662
Email: anuj@youngmonk.in

Day-wise Programme

of

 ‘FRAGRANCES FROM THE NORTH EAST’

22^nd – 24^th August 2014

Siri Fort Auditorium Complex

Day 1 (22^nd August 2014)

 A.     Opening of the Exhibition-cum-Sale Counters of the traditional handicrafts and artifacts from North-East organized by Ministry of Culture at 5.00 P.M in Main Foyer of Auditorium – I.

B.     Opening of the Painting Exhibition organized by Lalit Kala Academey at 5.15 P.M. in Back Foyer of Auditorium – I.

C.      OPENING CEREMONY on 22^nd August, 2014 (Friday),  5.30 pm at Siri Fort Auditorium I, New Delhi

A Live Programme by PAPON along with his band  The East India Company.

Followed by the screenings of the opening film Khawnglung Run (The Raid of Khawnlung) in the language Mizo/122 mins.,  directed by Mapuia Chawngthu.

 Day 2 (23^rd August 2014 – Siri Fort Auditorium I)

10.00 am	12:30 pm	3.15 pm	6:00 pm
Yarwng 2008/Kokborok / 35mm/95 mins Dir : Joseph Pulinthanath Prod :  Joseph Kizhakechennadu Cast : Nirmal Jamatia, Meena Debbarma	Phijigee Mani 2011/Manipuri/35 mm/111 mins. Dir : O Gautam Singh Prod : Medha Sharma Cast : Tonthoi Bonny Sharma, Momita	Sonam 2006/Monpa/120 mins. Dir: Ahsan Muzid Prod: Ashok Kumar Jhuria Cast: Hagge D. Appa, Tashi Lhamu	Ajeyo 2013/Assamese/35 mm/ 117 min. Dir : Jahnu Barua Prod : Shiven Arts Cast : Rupam Chetia, Jupitora Bhuyan

Day 3 (24th August 2014)

Siri Fort Auditorium I

A. Screening of the following films with a QUIZ 

Session on North-East after each screening 

10:00 am	11:00 am	6:30 pm
Going the Distance 2010/Nagmese/Digibeta/24 mins Dir & Prod : Tiainla Jamir & Bamboo Shoots 2014 / 35 mm/ 10mins Dir : Steven Ao Prod : SRFTI, Kolkata	Kathaa 2012/ Gorkhali/Bluray/110 mins Dir: Prashant Rasaily Prod : Raaz Gadaily Cast: Saugaat Malla, Usha Rajak, Timothy Rai	Ri (Closing Film) 2013/ Khashi/ Bluray/ 117 mins Dir: Pradip Kurbah Prod: Kurbah Films Cast: Merlvin Mukhim, Elgiva Shullai AlbertMawrie, Anvil Laloo

 

 

CLOSING CREREMONY on 24^th  August, 2014 (Sunday),  5.30 pm at Siri Fort Auditorium I, New Delhi 

 Cultural Evening  by Nise Meruno & Nagaland Singing Ambassadors.

 Followed by the screenings of the closing film

RI : Homeland of Uncertainty  in the language Khashi/117 min., directed by Pradip Kurbah

  ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS
 In addition, there will be special North East food stalls representing cuisines from all eight States of North-East.

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Landlord Arrested for Molesting Northeast Girl in Delhi

ON AUGUST 18, 2014, a 20-year-old girl from Manipur was allegedly molested by her landlord in Mohammadpur, South Delhi, around 5 p.m. The accused made three attempts to intimidate and harass the victim and her aunt.

In the first incident, the landlord, accompanied by an unknown man, forcefully entered their home, inspecting every room, including the bathroom. At the time, the victim was with her aunt. The man stood watch while the landlord sat on their bed, waiting for them. "We were terrified and ran outside, refusing to return until he left," recounted the aunt. The victim added, "He threatened us, saying, 'You, Northeast people, what can you do to me if I kill you? You stay only with your sisters. Who will come to save you?'"

In the second incident, the landlord again entered their room forcefully, making the victim and her aunt fear for their safety. "He was clearly trying to take advantage of us because we are girls. We were terrified he might attempt to kill or rape us," said the victim, a Delhi University student visiting her aunt during the holidays.

The victim's aunt, who had recently moved to Delhi and works as a staff nurse in a private hospital, was living with three friends, two of whom work in retail, while the brother is a student. During the incidents, none of them were present. Following the complaints, the police arrested the landlord.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

Media In-charge

North East Support Center & Helpline, New Delhi

Celebrating DREE: APATANI COMMUNITY Unites in Delhi

On July 20, 2014, the APATANI COMMUNITY residing in Delhi and its National Capital Regions gathered at Dr. N. Taley's residence in North Delhi to celebrate the highly anticipated festival of 'DREE 2014'. The occasion was marked by the vibrant presence of Apatani men and women, who adorned themselves in their stunning traditional attire. Dree, a festival of prosperity, brought the community together in a spirit of joy and celebration.

Here’s the vibrant moments captured through the lens of our dynamic correspondent, Bruce K. Thangkhal.

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Northeast IPS Officer’s DAUGHTERS Shine at All India Open Karate Championship

TWO daughters of Robin Hibu, a distinguished IPS officer and Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police, excelled at the 10th All India Open Karate Championship 2014, held at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi on August 17-18, 2014.

Miss Anna Hibu showcased her skills by defeating Miss Ananya Kumari from Gurgaon, Haryana, in five rounds of the Sub Juniors Karate Skills Demonstration (Kata) for children under 8 years old. 

Meanwhile, Hibu Abyang clinched a gold medal in fighting (Kumite) for the under 11 girls’ Sub-Junior category, triumphing over Miss Tanima Biswas from Kolkata, West Bengal, after four intense rounds.

Their father, Robin Hibu IPS, expressed pride in his daughters’ accomplishments, stating, “Anna and Cathy have trained rigorously in karate every day for the past three years after school. I’ve witnessed their growing confidence, self-defense skills, and concentration. I feel assured that they can take care of themselves against road romeos and muggers with their karate kicks and punches. At least I won’t worry about their safety as they grow up.” Robin Hibu also serves as the Nodal Officer for the North East in Delhi.

💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

Exclusive interview: Robin Hibu, IPS : The Guardian Angel of the Northeast

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

Media In-charge

North East Support Center & Helpline, New Delhi

Zou Calls for Equal Opportunity Commission in Manipur

 NEW DELHI, AUG 18, 2014: Khamchinpau Zou @ K. Zou, a social activist and candidate for the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat in 2014, has urged the Honourable Chief Minister and Vice Chancellor of Manipur University to establish an “Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC)” to promote integrity in Manipur. He argues that the current system of distributing state resources in employment, educational institutions, and development sectors has become a significant barrier to peaceful cohesion within the state.

Zou highlighted that the disproportionate allocation of state resources has led to the dominance of the majority elite Meitei community in government employment, universities, and the economy. Consequently, the indigenous Tribals, who make up around 35% of the state's population, have been marginalized and relegated to a second-class status, resulting in widespread discontent. He emphasized the need to eliminate such unconstitutional and irrational discrimination or find alternative arrangements to foster peaceful coexistence.

Additionally, Zou raised concerns that even some senior tribal government officials, including IAS, IPS, MCS officers, and directors, often face deprivation of their rightful claims to promotions, postings, and work allocations. He pointed out that Hill people are frequently denied their fair share of reservations in educational institutions, central-sponsored professional courses, employment, and other development schemes. The demand for the implementation of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act 2012 at Manipur University, voiced by both groups of ATSUM, serves as a recent example of the apathy shown by the institution. Zou noted that such acts of partiality and chauvinism against specific sections of society reflect a cold-war-like atmosphere in the state.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

 (Special Correspondent of The Mizoram Post | The Northeast Today | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today)

 

 

Nagas Protest in Delhi Against Sec-144 Imposition in Manipur's Ukhrul District

 x

ON 16 August 2014, a protest by Naga students in Delhi turned violent, leaving at least three people severely injured when police intervened to disperse the crowd outside Manipur Bhawan, New Delhi. Around 500 Naga youths had gathered to protest the imposition of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in Manipur's Ukhrul district.

The protest was organized by the Tangkhul Katamnao Long, Delhi (TKLD) under the banner “Committee Against the Imposition of CrPC 144 in Ukhrul”. The imposition of the law followed the assassination of Ngalangzar Malue, the former Vice Chairman of Ukhrul Autonomous District Council, who was killed by unidentified assailants at Finch Corner on July 12. Although eight cadres of the NSCN (IM) were arrested in connection with the killing, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

In response, the state government imposed Section 144 in Ukhrul District, restricting public gatherings, and deployed police commandos and Indian Reserved Battalion (IRB) personnel to maintain order.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

Special Article: Indigenous leaders of Chittagong Hill Tracts

Indigenous leaders of Chittagong Hill Tracts

About the International Indigenous Day and the Indigenous leaders of the Chittagong Hill Tracts

WE REALLY wondered when hearing the new debate about the term ‘Indigenous’ and ‘tribal’ Issues in the CHT. The Jana Sanghati Samiti (JSS) urged the government for Indigenous recognition in place of ‘tribe’ and United People Democratic Front (UPDF) urged the government for constitutional recognition of all ethnic groups in each tribal ethnic terms. Before the Peace Accord in 1997, the hill leaders used the term tribe. Even in the Papers of Peace Accord of CHT, JSS leaders wrote and signed, “the term of hill people will be Tribe”. Then, no one complained. 

Today, the leaders want Indigenous recognition. What marvelous politics. UPDF, that never wanted the Peace Accord of CHT, complained that the JSS leaders earned huge money from International organizations, such as the United Nations Development Organizations (UNDP), DANIDA, Asia Development Bank (ADB), in the name of observation of Indigenous Day. They save money to buy arms with. Leaders of both organizations complain with each other. 

On the other hand the government announced that in Bangladesh the term Adibashi (Indigenous) cannot be used, now people can only use the term Nrigushthi (small ethnic group). Earlier, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni stated that there were no Indigenous people in Bangladesh. Bangladesh government (according to memo: CHTAM (s-2)29/2010/25, Date: 28.01.2010) announced that according to the notice declared by the government there are 45 Indigenous peoples in Bangladesh. In the laws of Hill District Councils, Regional Council and state’s constitution “tribes” should be used for the hill peoples of Chittagong Hill Tracts. The term Indigenous was not used anywhere for the hill people. 

Mr. Dipankor Talukder, former Minister of CHT Affairs, said that Sontu Larma (Chairman of JSS and the present Chairman of Bangladesh Indigenous Forum) and Barrister Devashish Roy (Chief of Chakma Circle) spoke about that there are no Indigenous here in this country; there are small ethnic people. They are now urging to the government for recognition as indigenous. 

Diponkor Talukder also said that when the first World Indigenous Day was observed in Dhaka in 1994, Sontu Larma himself said then no Indigenous peoples in Bangladesh. We are all tribes. He (Talukder) repeated that during the Peace Accord of CHT, he had said to Sontu Larma to use the term indigenous in place of tribe, but he then did not agree with him. 

At the time, Larma rather told him that we are not indigenous people, we are tribal. As a result, the term tribe for all the hill peoples was included in the CHT Peace Accord. 

On the other hand, Barrister Devashish Roy, while he was an adviser in the Caretaker government, wrote that there are no Indigenous peoples in Bangladesh. There are only tribal people. If so, why are leaders interested to use the term indigenous now? What are the reasons behind this?

By: -

Information and Publicity Department

KUKI-CHIN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION (KNDO)

Chittagong Hills, Bangladesh

North East Trade Union FORMED to Address Workers' Challenges

ON 13 August 2014, a new trade union, the North East Trade Union (NETU), has been formed to address the persistent issues faced by Northeastern youth working in various private sectors such as BPOs, spas, hospitality, and retail. The union was formed during a meeting at the CAW Office in Nanakpura, New Delhi, spearheaded by the North East Support Centre & Helpline (NESCH) and the New Trade Union Initiative (NTUI).

The newly elected leadership includes Mr. T Romeo Hmar from Manipur as President, Miss Mina Toko from Arunachal Pradesh as General Secretary, and Mr. Ezekiel Debbarma from Tripura as Treasurer. This union aims to tackle the ongoing challenges of exploitation, discrimination, and unfair work conditions experienced by Northeastern workers in the private sector.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

Media Incharge, North East Support Centre & Helpline (NESCH)