Report | I gam khantouna hoi, Ne-le-ta suina hoituanlou

Tutung innlam kava um sung in thil tampi kava mu doh chi ding e, i gam development hoi mama in kamu a, hinanleh Economic welfare hoilou in living standard khanglou in kamu hi.

Singngat district LYF tour, UZO President tour leh Tonjang tournament ( ZRA te Conduct) zia in zoutakual tampi kava tuan kha a, tam hun in kei mimal in igam dinmun kamudan kei mimal ngaidan igam dinmun ka hing gen ahi. Hun dang ah igam in atasap IAS, IPS ahilou dan te, social welfare, siengthouna, dihtatna, kimuanngamna ahidan te itasap ahizawt dan igen ding uh. Tualeh tama atung atour te apat in zong tampi gen ding a um hi.

Tunin igam a develompment work umte, zosate igen siang sih ding uh adiah in tam khantouna ka hing gen singngat tang ahi deu hi. Singngat ah Electrict / Light regular tah in pei a nikhat in minute 10 zong mit lou hi, amabou asiatna singngat khosung mama a aum lou ngal leh Delhi lah bang in light pei hi. Lamka- Singngat Pucca road zawsiang hita a, nidang a 2:30hrs Bus in a zawt tun 50Min in tungtou hiau hi. Tanglai a Isai na kikou Lamkoi suzang un, guamte sudim un len tangte suniam un chite bang Bus a ka tou chiang in lung ah hing lang hi. Tam bang a bawl ahi zia in 50min bang Lamka-singngat zotna di'n lut hi. Tuaban ah Singngat- Behiang lampi PWD ten Feet 10 bang in hing kehlian ua April 15 ni'n zouta ua tu'n May ha apat in BRTF (Pioneer) ten Lamni kebe in Pucca road (eiham) bawltoh thua in Ngasuan lei bang umlou in Lei leh lampi Highway standard in hing bawl ding uhi. PWD te kelet azaw zaw un BRTF te keimu in zong enkhemasate hing tung uhi.

Singngat ah Stadium Singngat standard High school ah bawl in um Field lianpi a phutha in um hi, aban ah Gym thalahna zong bawl hi a zaw hideh deh ta. Tamte lou zong tampi gen ding umhi. Community information centre MTNL te ziah in naupang teng in Computer na khoithei pilpel siang gam uh. Singngat ah inn suan tamzaw in Cable/Dist TV achi uh join/nei ua, inn tamtah in Personal Computer nei uhi. Delhi apat Singngat ka tung in naupang te sang in computer kava siammaw zaw hi. Tun Zong BSNL te'n Internet connect sawm ua Zouveng a SDO inn gei ah Inn lianpi lam ua, a sung a computer koina ding te zong kei kang pei tan in kituantah in bawl zou ta ua, a computer leh a leenpi( Sattelite) pen hing tung nailou in, May-June in tung din gen uhi. Tam BSNL te bawl zaw ahi chiang in Singngat mipi ten man nem tah in mahni inn ah internet 2009 in kijoin thei ding in BSNL apat hing pei kolpan gen phiuphiau hi.

Phaibem khua bang ni dang a zoukhua lah a simmohuai/ neupen tuh a ngai, standard neilou inn tawmpen a ngai tun akhua ah high school khat J.N. Nazareth jr.High School um a khomi tam in inn bang 30 in pung ua Students bang 350-400 lah phathei hi ( LYF Singngat tour in Headmaster pa inn ah ang tung sah ua kakihouna ua athugente /Planning leh comment ngaidan kava share koite zong maban ah gen ka ut hi). Tualeh UZO President tour phatuam dan te zong kahing gen ding hi.

Lam tuam tuam ah khantouna um a hinanleh igam ah Nauluai kivei den ding bang hi, Nehsuina kingatna tahtah kiheh tuam senglou, khangtou seng lou, mipi te living standard growth rate niam mama in kamu hi.

- Hausienmuan

Swine flu ripples in region - Tripura, Manipur sound alert on pork consumption

Agartala/Imphal, April 30: Alarmed by the outbreak of swine flu in Europe and the US, the health departments of several northeastern states have sounded a red alert on the disease. Consumption of pork is high among tribals as well as sections of non-tribals in these states.

Reports of the flu spreading to Tripura have prompted the state health department to take preventive action against the disease.

A high level meeting, presided over by the commissioner of the health department, Yashpal Singh, was held this morning in the state secretariat to devise a strategy for dealing with any possible outbreak of the flu in Tripura.

Official sources said senior health department officials, including the director of health service, Dr Satya Debbarma, attended the meeting. A separate meeting will also be held with sub-divisional medical officers.

Debbarma said the fear of a possible attack of swine flu stems from the large number of piggeries that have mushroomed across the state coupled with the high rate of pork consumption by tribals and large sections of non-tribals.

What has become a matter of major concern for the health department is that more than three lakh people belonging to tribal and non-tribal communities are directly connected with the piggery business and sell pork in markets all over the state.

“We have already issued instructions to keep a watch on the mortality rate of pigs. In case the mortality rate is abnormally high, it can be assumed that an outbreak is likely because the disease is caused by pigs,” the director of the health department, said.

He said the health department had adequate stock of medicines for tackling the disease and that the stock had been built while curbing bird flu last year.

He said despite the threat of swine flu, pork can be consumed provided the meat is boiled at a temperature of over 70 degrees Celsius.

Debbarma said the health and animal resource development department would launch an awareness programme across the state from tomorrow to make people conscious of the threat posed by the flu and educate them on its prevention.

Regarding the nature of the disease, the sources said swine flu was a form of cold spread by swines or pigs and its symptoms were fever, cold, throat pain, loss of appetite, giddiness and stomach disorder.

“Those who work in a sty or remain in close touch with pork are vulnerable to swine flu. However, the disease can spread through the air too ,” Debbarma added.

On the other hand, the state health department has decided to procure 20,000 more vaccines for meningococcal meningitis (MCM) for continuing the vaccination programme.

Sources in the health department said 13,000 people in the interior areas have been vaccinated.

Since March 27, a total of 63 persons, including three non-tribals, have fallen to the dreaded MCM in the interior tribal-dominated areas under Chhailengta and Ambassa subdivisions.

In Manipur, swine flu fears have spread with the state veterinary department sounding an alarm after reports of cattle deaths in Imphal West this morning.

However, experts after conducting investigations declared that the death of two cows was caused by black quarter and not by swine flu.

Panic-stricken villagers of Malom in Imphal West informed the veterinary department about the sudden death of two cows in the neighbourhood. Thereafter, the department rushed a medical team to find out the cause of the deaths.

“Our experts have confirmed that the deaths were caused by black quarter and not by swine flu. There is no report of spread of swine flu in Manipur so far and there is no reason to be alarmed,” K. Gopal, state nodal officer (bird flu), told The Telegraph.

The official said black quarter was very common in Manipur.

Following directives from the Centre, the Okram Ibobi Singh government has put the state veterinary department and law enforcing agencies on maximum alert to check the import of live pigs and pork meat from Myanmar.

Th. Jeevan Singh, the director of the veterinary department, yesterday asked the district officials to keep vigil and check illegal imports and movement of livestock, poultry and birds and their products from Myanmar.

The director said a large number of livestock, particularly buffaloes and pigs, were being smuggled into Manipur from Myanmar.

A majority of the people in Manipur are pork eaters and the state has an estimated pig population of about five lakh. “We are on full alert to deal with any eventuality,” Gopal said.

Source: Telegraph India

All airports to screen passengers from tomorrow

Image by vm2827 via Flickr

New Delhi, May 1 (PTI) With the swine flu virus, renamed as the H1N1 virus, spreading to more countries across the globe, the Government today said passengers from the affected countries were being screened earnestly and by tomorrow the process would begin at all airports of the country.

A total of 2,000 passengers, who have come in from the affected countries, have already been tracked and are being kept under watch, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health Vineet Chaudhary told reporters here today.

Screening has started at 10 airports and by tomorrow all airports would begin screening passengers, he said, adding 96 doctors have been deployed for the purpose.

While Delhi has the largest number of 8 screening counters, Trichy has the least that is only one.

The Centre has decentralised its stockpile of Oseltamivir, the drug which is most effective against the virus and Personal Protection Equipments (PPE) for the health workers.

Director of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) V N Katoch said the Indian strategy for containment of the disease was very similar to that of the United States-- the country which has reported the least mortality due to the disease.

Asked if the searing heat can be a factor in stopping the transmission of the disease, he said, though it can kill the virus outdoors, the germs will survive in closed spaces like planes, residences and offices. PTI

PM''s diplomacy exposed Pak globally: Rahul Gandhi

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Sirsa, May 1 (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that it was Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh who compelled Pakistan to confess that the terrorists involved in 26/11 Mumbai carnage belonged to its land.

Addressing an election rally here, the Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, in reply to BJP''s consistent description of Prme Minister Dr. Manohan Singh as a weak PM, said: "It is the same Prime Minister who compelled Pakistan to openly confess categorically that the perpetrators of the terrorists act in Mumbai last year belonged to Pakistan."

Rahul appreciated Dr. Singh''s diplomatic efforts when he said that it was due to Dr. Singh''s diplomatic strategy that Pakistan was fully exposed before the world for harbouring and outsourcing terrorism and being a potent danger to the world.

Meanwhile, Rahul lampooned the tenure of BJP''s prime ministerial candidate Lal Krishan Advani during National Democratic Alliance''s rule under which hijacking of Indian Airlines aircr14 took place.

"During the tenure of so-called mighty and powerful L. K. Advani as Deputy Prime Minister in the NDA government, the country faced unprecedented humiliation when his foreign minister Jaswant Singh himself escorted the most dreaded terrorists to release them in a foreign land," Rahul said.

The Congress general secretary said his party was committed to "ensuring progress and development of all sections of society, including the poor, down-trodden, farmers and toiling masses without discriminating on the grounds of caste, creed or religion.

Rahul was accompanied by Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who enumerated the achievements of Congress during its four-and-half-years of rule in the State.

Hooda said that it was due to Rahul Gandhi''s efforts that the country''s "youth were being empowered to steer the ship of India''s destiny. (ANI)

What Zo Lit Boards can Learn from Paupu the Hero

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- Carey Suante

Paupu The Hero is a movie that enthrals young and old alike. This movie is actually a Thai movie called Ong-bak starring Tony Jaa “the next Bruce Lee”. The original Thai movie is great in itself, though it lacks a decent plot, here I want to focus on the dubbed version in Zou dialect from Manipur.

The fact that a motley crew of dubbing artists, who did voice-overs for the movie turned a Thai movie into a Zou movie in itself is creative enough.

But what the dubbed movie achieved is something they themselves might not even be aware of.

Paupu The Hero is especially popular amongst children. Even in New Delhi. A cousin's son loved the movie so much that he practically was mimicing the dialect wherever he goes! More importantly, he is therefore learning to speak Zou. If not for Paupu The Hero, it would not have been possible for him to learn Zou.

Now even my daughter M, is always saying things like "Nang bang bawl a kinei la zawlpa!". (Popular phrase from the dubbed movie).

You see Paupu The Hero may have achieved far greater impact than a literature board coming out with a couple books a year!

Let me list out some points why any Zo Lit Board* should learn from Paupu the Hero.

* Utilize more powerful media: Our Zo lit boards seem to think that literature can only be taught and learned via books alone. Printed materials will always be there but there are not always that effective. More people are now watching TV than reading books. People prefer watching movies to reading scholarly literature articles. Zo lit boards should therefore use the more powerful media like movies, songs (videos), internet, etc in trying to popularise and reach out to more people. Do our Zo lit boards even have a website? Don't tell me. I know the answer.

* Universal Theme/subject: Zo lit boards should utilize universal themes and subjects to propagate the dialect they want to promote. Had those creative youngsters dubbing the Paupu The Hero pasted 'Zou ham hi Zomite ham tahtah hi' on the CD cover, they would not have the enjoyed the level of popularity and success the dubbed movie enjoyed. Instead they created this for fun. And fun is universal enough. It was fun learning Zou dialect whilst watching Paupu the Hero.

* The theme/subject is as important,if not more, as the message: Zo people really have no tact. We say what we mean and mean what we say. The Zo lit boards ought to be more tactful when broadcasting message or propagating views and opinions. Don't simply say ' 'Zou ham hi Zomite ham tahtah hi', weave that message around an interesting story. An interesting story like Ong-Bak! Paupu the Hero is successful mainly due to the popularity of the original movie itself, the thrilling action sequences to be precise.

* Don't ignore less powerful media: Although Zo Lit Boards should pay more attention to powerful media like TV, videos, radio, Internet etc, they should not ignore less powerful ones like books and magazines! Do publish more books and magazines but please change the subject. Write a fiction, interview an interesting professional, writing shocking stories, love stories, sad stories, etc. The idea is to captivate attention by involving the readers emotionally and by catering to their every senses. Write these with your correct grammar and word-combinations. (These two elements seem to be the most problematic elements of Zo literatures!)

What do you think? Care to share your thought on this?

*Zo Lit Board = Zo Literature Board representing the host of literature boards we have.

Source: ZO AW

US report identifies causes of unrest in NE

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NEW DELHI, May 1 – Failure to properly accommodate the competing interests of diverse ethnic groups, low levels of development, and the success of previous insurgent movements in the north eastern region were cited as some of the prime reasons, fuelling insurgency in the region, according to US State Department’s Country Report on Terrorism 2008.

The Report, released in Washington on Thursday, has noted various facets involving militancy in the region. It mentioned about the growing concern over the porous Indo-Bangladesh border, allegations of existence of insurgent camps and lack of anti-terrorism agreement between the two countries. In what should make New Dehi see red, the report said, in 2008, India ranked among the world’s most terrorism-afflicted countries.

Insurgent groups in North-east, were often fighting for recognition, political, and economic rights, or independence. Failure to properly accommodate the competing interests of diverse ethnic groups, low levels of development, and the success of previous insurgent movements in creating new Indian states were cited as explanatory factors for the appeal of insurgent movements.

In 1990, the Government of India banned one of the most active insurgent groups, the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). ULFA is alleged to have been involved in several terrorist attacks last year, including the bicycle bomb blast on September 18, in Chirang district, resulting in 20 injured Indian citizens, and the October 30 serial blasts.

On October 30, insurgents detonated a series of nine bomb blasts throughout Assam killing approximately 110 people.

Indian officials, particularly in West Bengal and Assam, were concerned about the porous India-Bangladesh border, of which only 2500 of the 3000 km land border has been fenced (total land and water border is 4100 km), the report noted.

Eastern India has a long history of Maoist (Left-wing extremism), and insurgent terrorist activity that has challenged state writ and control, governance structures, and the ruling political class. In 2008, there were 50 terrorist attacks in eastern India that killed approximately 500 individuals, the report said.

On November 26 in a pivotal moment that is now called “26/11”, terrorists struck at a number of locations in Mumbai, killing at least 183 people, including 22 foreigners, six of whom were Americans and 14 members of the police and security forces. Over 300 more were injured.

None of the perpetrators of these attacks has yet been prosecuted. The Indian government assessed that South Asian Islamic extremist groups including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Harakat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami (Bangladesh), as well as indigenous groups were behind these events, the report said.

About Bangladesh, the report said Jamaatul Mujahedin Bangladesh (JMB), the banned domestic Islamic extremist group responsible for a wave of bombings and suicide attacks in 2005, remained a threat.

Neighbouring India alleged that the ULFA and other anti-India insurgency groups were operated from Bangladesh with the knowledge of senior Bangladeshi government officials.

India also blamed the terrorist group Harakat ul-Jihadi-Islami-Bangladesh (HUJI-B) for bomb attacks within India. Bangladesh strongly denied those allegations. The absence of counter-terrorism cooperation between India and Bangladesh fuelled mutual allegations that each country facilitated terrorism inside the borders of the other.

Source: Assam Tribune

NC Hills Violence: Civil Society demands enquiry

Dimapur, April 30 (MExN): Civil organizations, including Naga apex bodies and the All Dimasa Students’ Union, today stood together in making a number of demands to stop the upheaval in North Cachar Hills and to redress the issue at hand. It further called for a highest level enquiry to look into the persistent violence in the region.

A joint communiqué was received here from the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, the Naga Mothers’ Association, the Naga Students’ Federation and Peoples’ Committee for Peace Initiatives in Assam, the All Dimasa Students’ Union, the Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti (MASS) and the Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad.

Expressing concern at the violence, the organizations demanded that the administration in the NC Hills ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the district. The government of Assam should take active steps in creating an environment of trust and dialogue that all communities are assured of a fair hearing of their grievances.

The organizations have urged the “armed opposition groups” to strive for dialogue with the different factions and refrain from targeting non-combatants and civilians. Further, a highest-level enquiry should be constituted to look into the persistence of violence in the district. This commission of inquiry should have human rights activists, public intellectuals and media persons as its members, the joint statement said.

Also, adequate compensation is sought for the next of kin of the deceased, the organizations demanded, and that steps should be taken for relief and rehabilitation of those displaced by the armed conflict.

The joint statement expressed dismay at the manner in which the district and state administration have continued to abrogate responsibility, even as the security of the common people has become increasingly more vulnerable.

“In the last few months, NC Hills has witnessed alarming events that seem to be aimed at creating communitarian strife among indigenous peoples of the district. The context of these events has been the overall neglect of the district and the administration’s lackadaisical approach to solving the political problems of the different communities who live there” the organization said.

It was lamented that “vested interest groups” have been allowed to create confusion and mayhem among the people, instead of fostering an environment where dialogue between the different communities can take place.

At this stage, the organizations said, pointing to events as possible triggers of the ongoing violence is futile. “While we express our concern about the forced displacement of Zemi Naga villagers in the early part of April 2009, we are equally distressed by the killings of Dimasa villagers by unknown assailants on April 28, 2009” the joint statement said. It would be meaningless to attribute a causal logic to these events, it said, that the tragedy has already been unleashed.

“…it is incumbent upon concerned citizens of the region to ask all political organisations to exercise restraint, and for the common people of NC Hills to be assured that their plight has not been forgotten” the joint statement pointed out.

The joint statement demanded the following:

• The administration in NC Hills should ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the district;
• The government of Assam should take active steps in creating an environment of trust and dialogue, whereby all communities are assured of a fair hearing of their grievances;
• Armed opposition groups should strive for dialogue with different factions and refrain from targeting non-combatants and civilians;
• That a highest level inquiry be constituted to look into the persistence of violence in the district and that this commission of inquiry also have human rights activists, public intellectuals and media persons as its members;
• That adequate compensation is paid to the next of kin of the deceased and steps taken for relief and rehabilitation of those displaced by the armed conflict.

Source: Morung Express

Advani seeks fixed tenure for the House

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Gandhinagar, Apr 30 (PTI) BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate L K Advani today sought a fixed term for Lok Sabha and state Assemblies and wanted voting to be made compulsory with elections to be scheduled in the month of February.

"I suggest that political parties and the Election Commission should think over whether we can change the Constitution for a fixed tenure for Lok Sabha and Assemblies," 81-year-old Advani said after casting his vote here.

"We are following the UK pattern which does not suit us and we should change it," he told reporters.

Advani's suggestion implies that even if the government of the day loses its majority in Lok Sabha, the House should not be dissolved and a new government should assume office.

Pointing out the difficulties being faced during the summer months, Advani, who is seeking re-election from Gandhinagar, said "Polling percentage dips during the summer and elections should be held in February." The senior BJP leader also said voting should be made compulsory. "Political parties and the EC should discuss to make voting mandatory." He said the BJP will emerge as the single largest party and that the NDA will form the government at the Centre.

Advani, alongwith with his wife, cast his vote in the morning. PTI ARU VMN ETB 04301041 DELHI



No swine flu case in India: Govt

New Delhi, Apr 30 (PTI) Government today insisted that no case of swine flu has been detected in the country even as it stepped up efforts to prevent the disease from reaching India and prepared to screen about 50,000 people who have come in from the affected nations.

As part of the efforts, counters have been set up at nine airports across the country to screen people coming from affected nations and a decision has been taken to increase the stockpile of Tamiflu vaccine from one million to 10 million doses to meet any emergency situation.

World Health Organisation appreciated India's preparedness to tackle the disease if it reaches here, saying the country has "tremendous capacity" in this respect.

Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry Vineet Chaudhary insisted that no flu case has been detected in the country.

On reports about a suspected flu case in Hyderabad, he said: "The patient is not showing any symptoms now. In fact, he had reported to a nearby health centre for check up after he developed flu like symptoms after coming back from Mexico." National Institute of Communicable Diseases Director Shivlal said as extra precautionary measures, fresh samples have been taken from the Hyderabad resident and are being flown to Delhi. Results will be available in the next 24 to 48 hours.

About 50,000 passengers who have come from countries affected by swine flu have been traced and checks would be carried out on them, Chaudhary said. PTI



India is not safe for 2011 World Cup: Miandad told ICC

Karachi, Apr 30 (PTI) Former captain Javed Miandad argued in International Cricket Council's recent Dubai meeting that if Pakistan is unsafe to host 2011 World Cup matches, India is not a safe venue either.

Sources privy to the meeting that took place in Dubai last week said Miandad, now a director-general of the Pakistan Cricket Board, and governing council member Shakil Sheikh made the strong plea that if the ICC had security concerns about having the World Cup matches in Pakistan, the situation in India and Bangladesh was also not encouraging.

"They argued that the security situation in India had also not been very good in recent times and there was no guarantee it would not deteriorate in coming months while the situation in Bangladesh also remained uncertain," the source said.

The duo claimed that there were also doubts about India hosting the hockey World Cup or Commonwealth Games in 2010.

ICC President David Morgan and CEO Haroon Lorgat told the PCB delegation, led by president Ejaj Butt, that apart from the attack in the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, financial reasons also played its part in the decision to move the 2011 World Cup matches from Pakistan. PTI

Wearing of helmets made compulsory in Manipur

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IMPHAL, April 30 - A new rule, which comes into immediate effect, has made it necessary for all two-wheeler and pillion riders in the State to wear helmets. Expressing concern over the fatal accidents due to riding without helmets on the busy Imphal road, the Senior Superintendent of Police of Imphal West district, L Kailun, in a press communique here, said the Imphal West district police would conduct a special drive to enforce the wearing of helmets from May 3.

All two-wheeler and pillion riders have been asked to wear helmets and other protective headgear and anyone found wanting on this count will be fined as per the existing norms, the police release stated. The release stressed that wearing of helmets and headgear by two-wheeler as well as pillion riders is compulsory under Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1958.

The roads in Manipur have become increasingly hazardous with frequent reports of mishaps from all parts of the State. The sudden rise in the numbers of new passenger vehicles, especially autorickshaws and mini vans (Tata Magic vehicles) has added to the traffic chaos in Imphal.

Manipur Transport Minister Langpoklakpam Jayentakumar had earlier informed the State Assembly that till the end of 2007, the number of light vehicles rose by 5,000 to 6,000 per year.

Source: http://www.assamtribune.com

‘Lack of peace discouraging private investments in NE’

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SHILLONG, April 30 - Due to lack of peaceful business environment, the North-eastern States received a meagre 2.2 per cent of the total planned investments from the corporate sector in the country during the last fiscal.

The 2.2 per cent investment roughly translates into Rs 30,145 crore which the region received during 2008-09, according to a finding of an investment meter of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM).

Out of the 2.2 per cent investments, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh managed to attract the maximum amount of corporate investment, the finding said.

The report added that Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group plans to invest Rs 30,000 crore in a green energy project to produce 5,000 megawatts of hydroelectricity in Arunanchal Pradesh.

The other two investments were announced in Assam. Tata Teleservices plans to invest Rs 100 crore while Root Corporation has an investment plan of Rs 45 crore in Assam.

Though the North-east is bestowed with immense natural resources and has an English-speaking population, it is the lack of peaceful business environment which is inhibiting private investments in the region, maintained DS Rawat, secretary general, ASSOCHAM.

Emphasising that the North-east has immense potential to attract investments in the hospitality, tourism, IT, power, food processing and horticulture sectors, Rawat rued that the law and order situation has created barriers for entry of the private sector in the region.

ASSOCHAM has identified the eastern region as its thrust area for seeking government and industry’s interests. It has requested the Government at the Centre and in the States to complement its incentive packages with peace exercises in the region.

Meanwhile, ASSOCHAM has decided to open offices in the North-east and adopt it as a “focus region” for the next five years. ASSOCHAM will be working towards attracting investments, necessary for development, both from the public and private sector.

Source: http://www.assamtribune.com

Violence Spirals in Besieged NC Hills

Dimapur, April 29 (MExN): The volatile situation in the North Cachar Hills of Assam which has been under festering tension the last several months, is threatening to snowball into a major conflict as reports have been received that a village has been razed while score people have been killed and injured.

Amidst conflicting reports reaching here from different sources in Assam, one clear picture that can be surmised is that innocent people have been killed and that there is a raging conflict on in the North Cachar Hills of Assam.

The latest report of killing is said to have happened in a Dimasa village called Yah, situated under Maipong sub-division of NC Hills. It is reported that armed miscreants arrived at the village at around 6:30 pm and opened fire on villagers, killing around twenty of them and injuring more or less the same number.

The village, according to sources, had around 43 families. Reports of kidnapping from the village was also received. The reports could not be confirmed for the moment. Sources from NC Hills said the situation is very tense and that security forces comprising of the army, BSF and the CRPF have been deployed in large numbers in the area, ‘although operation has not yet started’.

Interestingly, the identity of the perpetrators behind the killings could not be ascertained in the wake of conflicting reports. Different sources offered different versions; some claimed that the gunmen were a so-called “Naga Youth Front” formed to protect the Naga community in the NC Hills after the DHD (J) started attacking Naga villages a few months back. Other sources suspected the involvement of either armed Dimasa or Naga armed groups.

The ‘chairman” of the DHD (pro-talk) faction, Dilip Nunisa told The Morung Express today that the rival faction DHD (Jewel) – also called the “Black Widow” – are attacking not only innocent Zeme villagers but also innocent parents and relatives of its deserted cadres. While appealing to the Zeme people for calm and peaceful coexistence, Dilip Nunisa denounced the activities of the DHD (Jewel) group and termed it as “anti-Dimasa, anti-human and anti-social”. He also informed that innocent people, mostly women, were killed in the attack by ‘unknown miscreants’ last night.

Strongly condemning the present turmoil in NC Hills, Dilip Nunisa appealed to the Naga and the Dimasa people not to add fuel to the fire and precipitate the situation. Rather, he appealed, means to coexist peacefully should be explored. “Communal clash is the worst clash…no one will escape from it,” the DHD chairman reasoned. He has appealed the ‘greater Naga society’ especially the Naga Hoho, to ‘cooperate’ and find means to usher in communal peace.

Meanwhile, the Dimasa Baptist Hosom (Mission Centre Dhansiripar) today strongly condemned what it termed the senseless and dastardly killing of Dimasa villagers in Yah village under Maibang sub-division of NC Hills by “a group of armed miscreants whose identity is yet to be ascertained”.

“Such act is unwarranted when there is already a fear of ethnic clash between the Dimasas and Zemes. No tribe will gain anything by provoking and attacking each other,” the DBH stated in a message received here today. It has appealed to the district authority to order an enquiry and bring the culprits to book before the situation worsens. “We appeal for calm and work for peace and tranquility in the district,” the DBH said.

With the latest incident of a Dimasa village being attacked, people fear that the situation in the NC Hills will turn for the worst and an ethnic conflict ensue unless and until the government and the civil society of both the communities intervene and find out means to solve the issue in an amicable way.

Source: www.morungexpress.com

Guite genealogy book released

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Lamka, Apr 30: A revised and enlarged edition of exclusive book on the genealogy and history of the Guite was released here as the Guite Innpi observed the 137th death anniversary of Raja Goukhothang Guite at Synod Hall today.

A prominent chief among the kindred tribes of the state during the British rule Raja Goukhothang Guite was taken captive by two Manipuri Majors under General Nathhaw while enroute to Chothe Munpi and later died of food poisoning at Imphal Jail on April 30, 1872.

The Guite Innpi, the apex body instrumental in producing the ‘Guite Khangthu - Genealogy and History of the Guite’ has opted for the release to co-incide with the Raja, as marked of remembrance and as a tribute to one of the greatest Guite chiefs of all times.

The book compiled for over fifty years by an already ageing historian H Lianzamang Guite contains the historical details of Guite chiefs and the sub-tribes it has yielded during the course of time. Chairman of Kipgen Innpi, Touthang Innpi and many other tribe leaders including the direct heir of Raja Goukhothang, known locally as Innpipa (father of the house) Pauminthang, chief of Lamjang also grace the occasion.


KLO/KLA expels

The KLO/KLA department of information and propaganda has expelled its cadre Thangminlen alias Tiger Kuki s/o Lethang Kuki of Bongjang village for working against the organisation and extortion of money from public without knowledge of higher authority, informed a press release issued by information and publicity secretary of KLO/KNA Addi Khongsai.

After the KLO/KLA entered into SoO pact with the Government, the organisation has stopped collecting tax from public since August last year.

The KLO/KLA also asked one Steward Kuki to surrender to the outfit for his involvement in serving monetary demands to various institutes within the State by claiming himself as finance secretary of KLO/KLA.

It also appealed to public and Government officials to contact the outfit through the phone nos––9436857982, 9402080748, in case they receive any monetary demand

Source: http://www.thesangaiexpress.com

EU warns against swine flu panic | More flu updates

The EU's health chief has urged people not to panic over swine flu, as European ministers rejected a proposal to seek an EU-wide Mexico travel ban. "We have to exercise vigilance, we should not panic, we have to be prepared," Androulla Vassiliou said.

The ministers were considering a French plan for an EU-wide travel advisory.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its pandemic alert to five, the second-highest level, but says it has no immediate plans for another rise.

"We do not have any evidence to suggest that we should move to phase six today, or any such move is imminent right now," said WHO Assistant Director General Keiji Fukuda.

But he added that the situation was still evolving rapidly.

In Mexico, the centre of the outbreak, the number of confirmed cases rose to 97 - up from 26 on Wednesday. Dr Fukuda said this was due to many laboratory results coming in.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon urged people to stay at home over the next five days.

There are many cases elsewhere - including the US, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Israel, and New Zealand.

BBC health correspondent Matt McGrath says many experts remain hopeful that even if this happens, the effects of the H1N1 virus will be mild.

None of the dozens of cases of swine flu reported on the continent so far has been severe.

The only deaths from the virus have been recorded in Mexico and the US.

In the latest developments:

* The Netherlands confirms its first case of swine flu, in a three-year-old boy recently returned from Mexico. Cases have also been confirmed in Switzerland, Costa Rica and Peru
* The number of confirmed cases in the US rose to 109 in 11 states
* Japan reported its first suspected case of swine flu
* China's health minister says that the country's scientists have developed a "sensitive and fast" test for spotting swine flu in conjunction with US scientists and the WHO. The country has recorded no incidence of the flu yet.

EU health ministers met in Luxembourg to discuss a French proposal for a continent-wide travel advisory for Mexico.

The ministers rejected the plan, opting instead to allow each nation to decide its own policy.

Several countries have restricted travel to Mexico and many tour operators have cancelled holidays.

Other member states are resisting calls to implement travel bans or close borders on the grounds - backed by the WHO - that there is little evidence that they work.

The EU ministers were also trying to agree on how to refer to the virus.

The European Commission has been calling it "novel flu", replacing the word "swine" to avoid prompting a fall in demand for pork and bacon.

It was not clear whether a decision had been taken on the name.

On Wednesday, Egypt began a mass slaughter of its pigs - even though the WHO says the virus was now being transmitted from human to human.

The WHO says it will now call the virus influenza A (H1N1).

Ghana has become the latest country to ban pork imports as a precaution against swine flu.

Source: BBC NEWS

Shilpa Shetty's innings with Shane Warne

Mumbai: Shilpa Shetty, who turned producer recently, is reportedly making a movie on cricket soon. Friends close to the actor say despite the debacle of the Hurman Baweja starrer Victory -- which sank without a trace at the box office -- Shilpa is confident that a 'tight script' will bring in the laurels and the money on the table.

Game plan

"Shilpa was never so excited about cricket the way she is now after buying a stake in Rajasthan Royals. Now she also has some first-hand experience of what happens inside the dressing room and about inter-player relationships. She is convinced that it makes for a very good movie script," said a source close to the actor.

The fact that her fiancé Raj Kundra has developed a fascination for the game and is encouraging her to make this movie has only boosted her confidence.

'Personal' take

"Shilpa will soon commission someone to write the script. She has a plot in mind. It will probably be based on the Twenty-20 format and will centre around the IPL if she is allowed to use the brand name. There will be a lot of elements in the film from her personal experience at the tournament," the source added.

Stars galore

It is understood that the star players of Rajasthan Royals - Shane Warne and Graeme Smith - will be playing a cameo in the film. Some other star Indian players will also be making cameo appearances.

Shilpa is supposed to make an official announcement a few months later when she has the script and the lead actors ready. Another challenge is of course to throw in a love angle there. But this Shetty babe is a pro at it and hopefully it won't be such a challenging job.

Source: DNA

Third phase of Lok Sabha elections witnesses 49 to 50 % polling: EC

New Delhi, April 30 (ANI): The third-phase of the Lok Sabha elections witnessed a largely peaceful vote on Thursday with 49 to 50 per cent of the total 14.4 crore eligible voters casting their votes in the nine States and two Union Terrritories that underwent elections in 107 constituencies despite a scorching heat.

According to the election commission, the voting percentage recorded till evening remained in Uttar Pradesh (45 %), Bihar (48 %), Madhya Pradesh (44 to 45 %), Karnataka (57%), Maharashtra (43 to 45 %), Gujarat (49 to 50 %), Jammu and Kashmir (30 %), West Bengal (for first phase 64%) Sikkim (till last reports 60 %).

"In Uttar Pradesh, which witnessed 45 per cent of voting, the polls were absolutely peaceful. No incident of any sort was reported. While Madhya Pradesh, which witnessed 44 to 45 per cent polling today, some incidents were reported," said R. Balakrishan, Deputy Election Commissioner during a press conference.

Polls were held in nine States Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh , Bihar , Gujarat, Sikkim, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka. The two Union Territories being Daman and Diu and Dadar and Nagar Haveli.

During the third phase of elections, the prominent leaders in fray included Congress president Sonia Gandhi (contesting from Rae Bareli), the BJP''s prime ministerial candidate L.K. Advani (Gandhinagar), the former Prime Minister, H.D. Deve Gowda (Hassan), BJP leader Jaswant Singh (Darjeeling), Janata Dal (U) president Sharad Yadav (Madhepura), CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta (Ghatal) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Basudeb Acharya (Purulia).

There were 1,567 contestants including 101 women in this round.

Elections were conducted at 1,65,112 polling stations with 6.6 lakh personnel being on poll duty.

As 15,193 polling stations had been identified as being naxalite-affected in seven Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar and three in West Bengal, the Election Commission had arranged to thwart any attempts by the outlaws to disrupt polling. (ANI)

Chiengkawnpang village Diamond Jubilee

Imphal, April 29 2009: CHIENGKAWNPANG village, the largest settlement of the Gangtes founded by Pu Khuppau Suktung in Churachandpur district is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee on May 1 at Chiengkawnpang Village Community Hall, Churachandpur.

T Phungzathang, Minister of Power, Horticulture and SC, Science and Tech, Government of Manipur and S Doulienkap Gangte, Chief Engineer, IFCD will grace the 75th years commemoration programme as the Chief Guest and Functional President respectively, according to the Diamond Jubilee Committee.

Showcasing of cultural dances of six communities - Gangte, Meitei, Paite, Simte, Thadou and Vaiphei �presentation of songs by Jubilee Choir, final selection of Jubilee Star, live performance by popular musical band 'Mystic Ministry' and othercelebrated crooners, etc will be the main attractions of the Diamond Jubilee Celebration, the organisers informed.

Other highlights of the event include paying obeisance to the departed villagers, giving oblation to the Almighty, beating Jubilee Gong, etc.

Source: Hueiyen News Service

Danny The One - Sanchil Lienu | Various Artist | Zou| Audio CD

Image via Wikipedia

By Muanthang Zou

Ka lawmhoipen Nang hing ngai inge…./I lenkhawmlai nunnuom na e…/ Genthei da ni’n i da khawm/Nopni’n nuam in lenkhawm/ Heisa pallai avanglun/ friends forever…/ Danny The One, the one and only/ Ka itpen hi chie../ ka palpi Nang/ ka angkawi chimlou/ Ka ngil theilou Nang/ Ka hawmthaw Nang/ Oh….yeah…Danny The One.

Laa 14. Asa mi guh. Lasate min : Hatbawi, Lawrence, T T Lal, “Imported” Pauginmuan, Sianpiahthang leh “introducing” Khuppu.

Hatbawi leh Lawrence ahi uh tammi CD ah hing ngaisah ding. Amaute ni’n nidang in Lawmthang aw, Sianmang leel Simthu, Deitoh laamkhawm chi leh adangte. ahing na pe ta uhi. Ahileh, tana’h bang a um ei leh? Vangngai lienu, ngai aw ngai aw leh momo nu chi ah akidawng ua; a hoina. Momo nu chipen Sianmang leel simthu toh a thu hileh a kaidan a kinai mamaa; teisawn a bang deu hieu. Tuoleh, Lhingbawi leh Lawrence in nidanglai a alasa khawm uh kithang mama Theilou Singkhuol asa khawm ua. Thiphatawp ah ki-“modernise” hi ding hiven, nidang a laa ngai pen dempha vawt sih.



Amatang in Lawrence in Sanchil Lienu asa a. A aw lien leh thuum in, a laa nguina a piching sah mama. A dang a sate Ka lungzuong man leh Khattang Lungzuong te ni a siem bangte ahia, angaithei na hi. Hatbawi solotegel - Kumkhuo leh Singkhuol Vanglah - ahileh a lengkhawm laakai sim ahihang in siemtah a kaineem ahi. Amanu pen laa tampi ahing pie dungzui in laa chituom vilvel sa leh ama-leh-ama kidem chi mawng hiven. A bawlhoi mama.

Laa Khat sate: T T lal. Na thei nai? Paupu - The Hero ah lasa pa khu. Tana Hing laam aw chi pen a sa. Funky na mah e…. Mitha Khuppu Mangpha: Ama pen tomkhat ahing kizil ngai nalai va. A ban ah Sianpiahthang Vaten Singdang apan a kulmut vawt ahi. Nidang a awpeh neipa tuni’n a khangtou mama.

A pumpi a gen in, tammi keset Danny the One ahileh Leel aw…Leel aw leh Singzabuong te toh kizawh sim a kibawl ahi. Danny Manlun theizingna dia kibawl, amapa laa vive ahi.

A keset haatna khat ahileh Pauginmuan laate ahi. Nuol thei hi mawng vawt sih e. A minlaa Danny The one in laathumal pil mama a, akai dan toh ahing kigawm leh a changkang mama. Tullou dinga chi jong asa a. Anigel in a tuom a, a aw ngat in a laate a suh-“fresh” mama.

Khat-kia ahileh a laathute ahi. Lungsim-guh leh zawlsaina Kammal genzaw lou laamal in a puongzah a. Tamna’h atulngai ngai lou ding laa aban aban in akiguol dimdem hi. (Na ngaikha nailou amah ngaikha ta nahijong, a laa nite thu hing sun nalai vang i!)

Vate’n Singdang a pan:

Kumsawtpi a ka ngai/ Mubang in hing leng aw/ Na tongdam na sang ning/ Sanchil vangngainou aw/ Vate’n singdang a pan/ sing dang bawh in leng uh/ Kang ngaina in vang ngai/ Nangpan mi kung tung sih va.

Sanchil lienu:

Sanchil lienu, na vang ngai in/ lungzuon hitui nul ing/ Ngai aw na mel enchim la’ng e/ Sielbang lien e../ kang ngaina.

Lungdei zozam sannem ngainou aw/ Sinlai ah gubang thamden chie/ Senngai nang toh i khawl khawm lai/ Lungtuo ngabang i lenlai ni/ Ngai ing na vang heimun pou ah/ Lungzuon hitui nul ing kei.

Zoma Presents ' Danny The One Sanchil lienu
Music : Khuppu ( Kyaw Khaine), Sia Ginkhankhup, Thangzangam
Mixed and recorded at : Roulngul Records, Lamka

Source: MAIMIT REVIEWS

Entrepreneurs chip in where Govt fails

By S Singlianmang Guite | Lamka, Apr 29: The con-scious failure to provide adequate water supply to the second largest town-ship in the state by the SPF government for the past one decade or so has facilitated many an entrepreneur the chance to capitalize on it, off shooting a thriving ‘water business’ in the township like never before.

For a locality of not more than 80,000 residents, a di-lemma of this magnitude could very well send any conscious government scurrying for cover, but that was not the case here. ‘Let us hope that things will ex-pedite with the appointment of a local EE,’ PHE Minister TN Haokip vaguely said on the eve of Rahul Ganshi’s public address here, when inquired about the initiative he had taken to address the crisis.

Failure to make use of vast water resources avai-lable within the five km radius of the township despite tens-and-tens of crores earmarked since the early part of the 90s have now cost the residents dear.

yet for some entrepre-neurs who sense this more than the elected represen-tatives or government does are making the most of it.

Taking into account the fact that more than 50 rickshaw pullers who ma-nage three trips a day and at least five mini-tankers that manage four trips having witnessed demands more than they could attend, there clearly is a water crisis in this restive little town-ship. Residents have alrea- dy shelled out, on a daily basis more than Rs. 30,000 to meet their needs, and the amount could very well be doubled if a proper estimate was carried out.

With the current esti-mate which excludes small-time water supplier such as Khuppu of Zen-hang Lamka who makes 300-500 bucks a day from his ring-well and Siasiam who fetches at every avai-lable opportunity when he is not ferrying passengers to the interiors, the town-ship’s estimate monthly expenditure on water stands at Rs. 9 lakhs per month.

An alarming figure for any individual with economic sense.

A novel thing for the in-dividuals that came in the midst of this dilemma is the introduction of ‘mineral water’ at Rs. 1 per litre though an American Hydro-logist. The American had introduced a simple but effective way to extract mi-neral grade water sometime last-year and the business is kicking well since with more than five such facilities within the township.

One such entrepreneur to capitalize on the ‘mineral water’ who had a registered customer of above 150 fami-lies that gulps 20 litres daily is Kamsuan of Pearsonmun. He now makes a door-to-door delivery with a DI mini-truck complete with the mi- neral water fame special container.

His counterparts too set-up several outlets in the township and sold them to the public according to their needs. Though, there was no official sanction on the quality, sources close to the installation activities said, they have tested a sample at Guwahati and it was branded as a mineral grade.

As for the rickshaw pullers and workers of the entrepreneurs that invested with a mini-tanker they maintain something in com-mon. During an interaction with The Sangai Express they said they could not meet the demand for water.

‘We only deliver to those who book at least one day in advance,’ Khai-thang, a tanker driver said, while Siammuansang said since 2003 the lack of water source is delaying their delivery.

‘If we wait for our turn right after our morning meal we get your chance only at 1 pm, so we could only manage three to four trips a day,’ he said adding, ‘as long as you have the water you don’t have to worry for a buyer.’

What really is intriguing is the fact that such a crisis comes about when there is a sea of water reserved at about 5 km from the township while tens of crores have already been sanctioned for utilizing the water reserved. When The Sangai Express visit Khuga Dam yesterday the water level remains at 844.2 meters and it only needs five more meters at 850 to store its maxi- mum capacity of 60 million gallons. The water there lay wasted beneath one hill-top after the other and down below but in contrast the people are craving for water. The water at Khuga Dam and the drought-like situation in the township is one stark evidence that the government has failed to deliver to the people. A project undertaken by the IFCD in the early parts of the 1990s was aborted due to sub-standard pipelines.

Another big-time project worth 24 crores was again sanctioned in 2002 under NLCPR but till today the government has failed to bring even a drop of water from the dam.
PHED’s EE J Baite told The Sangai Express that his department is planning to complete the project by June this year. It may be noted here that the department has made similar claims to this correspondent last year too. When inquired about the major set-back, the EE said Installation of water pump and filter media was the only major problem now and maintains that the pump too had arrived at Imphal.

But, with the present pace of work the project will fail this year as well. Three women were having a nap on a shade when this correspondent visited the water treatment site and an attendant of the construction company said they were having a lunch break. The government could very well avoid a 2005 like confrontation with the masses if it expedite and delivered the much needed water to the people when they needed most. Students demanding adequate power supply and a decent road connectivity had ransacked the police station and torch many vehicles then. Two supply zo-nes under the same project is said to be completed but it bring no benefit to the township as they attends only to a handful of adjoining villages. The most cru cial seems the most neglected. Khuga Dam is expected to attend at least 80 percent of the township but it receive the same amount of funding with other zones, and the priority remains with the other two as it is the last in the line of completion.

Last, because it has the least amount of left-over, no one knows. The Government’s failure to deliver even the naturally available resources that were aplenty has evoked severe criticism from residents as well.

‘If they (govt) can’t deliver the naturally available resources from Khuga Dam till here, I really don’t know what else can be expected,’ argue S Muandounlian, an editor of a monthly journal.

Source: http://www.thesangaiexpress.com

Obama marks 100th day in office

Image by Clicksy via Flickr

US President Barack Obama has been sketching out the future direction of his administration, as he marks his first 100 days in office. Mr Obama is addressing a town hall meeting in St Louis and will hold a primetime news conference, which will be broadcast live on most TV networks. Traditionally, commentators have used the milestone to assess presidents' early successes and failures.

Latest polls suggest Mr Obama continues to enjoy a high level of popularity.

See the words American citizens use to describe Mr Obama

"I'm pleased with the progress we've made but I'm not satisfied," Mr Obama told the audience in St Louis.

"I'm confident with the future but I'm not content with the present."

Major emergency

Since taking office on 20 January, Mr Obama has, among other things, passed an economic stimulus package, ordered the closure of the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, set a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq and signalled a willingness to open up a diplomatic dialogue with countries like Iran and Cuba.

But as the president enters his 100th day in office, he faces a major domestic emergency in the form of the swine flu outbreak.

And the economic turmoil that has engulfed America since before Mr Obama entered the White House shows little sign of abating.

Apart from the stimulus package, Mr Obama has also attempted to shore up the economy with plans to recapitalise US banks and salvage failing car firms.

Mr Obama swept to victory in last year's presidential election with 53% of the vote.

The latest Gallup poll gives him an approval rating of 65%, virtually unchanged from his level of support on the day of his inauguration.

As he finishes the first phase of his presidency, Mr Obama is now expected to focus on passing his plan to give all Americans access to healthcare coverage, and introduce a cap and trade system to reduce carbon emissions and combat global warming.

Mr Obama's prospects of getting his ambitious agenda through Congress improved on Tuesday, when Republican Senator Arlen Specter announced that he was switching parties to become a Democrat.

If, as most people expect, the disputed Minnesota Senate race is decided in Democrat Al Franken's favour, Mr Obama's Democratic Party colleagues in the Senate will have the 60 votes they need to overturn any attempts by Republicans to block legislation.



Source: BBC NEWS