AIZAWL, Dec 13 – Planning Commission (North East in- charge) BK Chaturvedi has urged the Government of Mizoram to encourage private-public partnership (PPP) in the State while taking up projects. The Planning Commission member also urged the State Government to be open to investments by the business houses in the State while taking up projects.
Chaturvedi is touring the State and met high ranking officials of the State Government here yesterday. The meeting was chaired by State chief secretary Van Hela Pachuau and was attended by PL Thanga, member-secretary of the State Planning Board, secretaries, commissioners and directors of various departments including representatives from the three Autonomous District Councils.
Addressing the gathering of officers he emphasised that New Land Use Policy (NLUP) should aim at developing economic regeneration of the people and not at consumption regeneration. He outlined that important sectors such as agriculture, irrigation, roads, power and electricty, health and education can be the thrust areas for development of Mizoram and have the potential to take the growth rate of the State to nine or 10 per cent in the near future.
Chaturvedi urged the officers to explore private-public partnerships (PPP) in areas such as power, health and education and asked them to think of convergence in development projects wherever possible and be open to private investments in the State as they can accelerate the rate of economic development
Cracks appear,houses dismantled in Mizoram town
Aizawl, Aug 8 (PTI) At least 70 families were affected and three houses dismantled as cracks appeared on the ground in the endangered Bazar Veng locality of Mamit town in Mizoram-Tripura border, official sources from.
Around ten families had abandoned their houses and the rest of the families were scared of staying in their houses at night, the sources said.
Geologists who inspected the cracks said the soil was sinking due to heavy soil erosion and a check dam had to be constructed in the lower side of the town to save the houses.
Meanwhile, an official statement today said that Deputy Speaker John Rotluangliana, who visited the town yesterday disbursed Rs 20,000 each to the three families whose houses were dismantled and Rs 2,000 each to other affected families.PTI HCV MM
Around ten families had abandoned their houses and the rest of the families were scared of staying in their houses at night, the sources said.
Geologists who inspected the cracks said the soil was sinking due to heavy soil erosion and a check dam had to be constructed in the lower side of the town to save the houses.
Meanwhile, an official statement today said that Deputy Speaker John Rotluangliana, who visited the town yesterday disbursed Rs 20,000 each to the three families whose houses were dismantled and Rs 2,000 each to other affected families.PTI HCV MM
Tombs swept away by landslide
Aizawl, Aug 8 (PTI) A number of tombs were swept away in a massive landslide at the cemetery oft Dawrpui Vengthar locality here yesterday.
A total of 22 wooden tombs and five tombstones were recovered by local Young Mizo Association (YMA) volunteers as heavy monsoon continue to lash the state.
"The ground at the burial place was still moving and measures are being taken to prevent seepage of water in the soil," President of Dawrpui Vengthar YMA branch Lallianzuala said.Besides the tombs a number of skeletal remains were also recovered, he said.
A total of 22 wooden tombs and five tombstones were recovered by local Young Mizo Association (YMA) volunteers as heavy monsoon continue to lash the state.
"The ground at the burial place was still moving and measures are being taken to prevent seepage of water in the soil," President of Dawrpui Vengthar YMA branch Lallianzuala said.Besides the tombs a number of skeletal remains were also recovered, he said.
Bru head count in Mizoram to be completed by this month
Aizawl: Head counting of Brus lodged in six relief camps of Tripura would be completed before the end of this month, Elvis Chorkhy, president of the Mizoram Bru displaced people's forum (MBDF) said today.
The MBDF has been conducting the head count for the repatriation of the Brus following instructions from the state home department.
Chorkhy told PTI over phone from Naisingpara relief camp that besides Naisingpara and Asapara, the largest and second largest camps, the inmates of all the other camps have submitted lists from their respective camps.
"We could not complete the process sooner because many people in the camps can hardly read and write and they have made a number of mistakes," he said adding that the process would be completed by next week.
The Bru refugees were categorised into three groups -those who migrated to Tripura in 1997, who migrated in 2009 and former militants who had surrendered to the Mizoram authorities.
Thousands of Brus left Mizoram for Tripura following communal flare-up triggered by the murder of a forest guard by Bru militants in October 1997. Another exodus was triggered by the killing of 17 year old Mizo boy by Bru militants on November 13, 2009, three days before the repatriation was scheduled to begin.
The MBDF has been conducting the head count for the repatriation of the Brus following instructions from the state home department.
Chorkhy told PTI over phone from Naisingpara relief camp that besides Naisingpara and Asapara, the largest and second largest camps, the inmates of all the other camps have submitted lists from their respective camps.
"We could not complete the process sooner because many people in the camps can hardly read and write and they have made a number of mistakes," he said adding that the process would be completed by next week.
The Bru refugees were categorised into three groups -those who migrated to Tripura in 1997, who migrated in 2009 and former militants who had surrendered to the Mizoram authorities.
Thousands of Brus left Mizoram for Tripura following communal flare-up triggered by the murder of a forest guard by Bru militants in October 1997. Another exodus was triggered by the killing of 17 year old Mizo boy by Bru militants on November 13, 2009, three days before the repatriation was scheduled to begin.
Sachin Pilot holds BSNL review meeting in Aizawl
Aizawl: Minister of State, Communication & Information Technology Sachin Pilot held a meeting yesterday at the I & PR Conference Hall with senior BSNL officials(Chief General Managers and General Managers) of the North-East to review Telecom Infrastructure in the North-East. He was accompanied by senior officers from the BSNL Corporate Office, New Delhi. The meeting reviewed the existing telecom infrastructure in the North East and discussed measures to augment existing infrastructure and ways to better the different services provided by BSNL.Shri Sachin Pilot said that the meeting was held to understand in detail the problems faced by BSNL in the North East and suggest ways to improve services, especially mobile and internet services in the region. Saying that the topography of the region brings forth operational and logistical challenges in providing services, but it was not impossible to improve the services he added. He urged the BSNL officials to be creative in providing solutions and also stressed the need to think out of the box.
The Minister said that he would take up the matter of leasing lines from PGDCIL to augment cellular services in the region with the Ministry of Power and also the matter of providing roaming facility to prepaid customers of BSNL with the Home Ministry. Further he added that BSNL Corporate Office was always ready to provide any kind of support to better services in the region. He asked BSNL oficials of Aizawl to finish work on 5 remaining USOF Towers in Mizoram as soon as possible.
BSNL has three Circles – Assam Circle, North East I Circle (Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura) and North East II Circle (Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland) in the region. The North East region as whole has 1119 Telephone Exchanges; wired line capacity of 12,31,260, of which 6,43,587 are working connections; WLL capacity of 4,00,750, of which 2,48,337 are working lines ; Mobile capacity of 22,52,293 of which 21,46,170 are working connections ; Broadband capacity of 1,70,476 of which 84,643 are working connections. There are 2,36,268 Internet connections and 14,424 km of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) network in the region.
Mizoram has 67 Telephone Exchange; wired line capacity of 74,400 out of which 55,136 are working lines; WLL capacityof 24,000 out of which 15,351 are working connections; Mobile capacity of 95,427 out of which 92,876 are working connections; Broadband capacity of 7234 out of which 4211 are working Broadband connections.In addition there are 32,586 Internet connections and 578 km of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) network in the state.
Mizoram published electoral roll, 2010
Aizawl: Directorate of Election, Mizoram on the 20th July, 2010 had notified the publication of the Lists of Ammendments to the Final Electoral Roll, 2010 for each of the 40( Forty) Assembly Contituencies in Mizoram.
The Lists of Amendments in the Electoral Rolls, 2010 so notified vide No.H.11011/24/2010-CEO : Dt 20.07.2010 have been published and will be available for inspection at the offices of District Election Officer, Electoral Registration Officer and Assistant Electoral Registration Officer.
The said final Electoral Rolls, 2010 may also be accessed on the Official website of the CEO, Mizoram at www.ceomizoram.nic.in.
Queen's Baton relay in Mizoram
Aizawl: Director Sports and Youth Services, Mr. Zoliana Royte today disclosed detailed programme of Queen’s baton relay in Aizawl at a press conference held this afternoon. He stated that according to the programme scheduled, Queen’s Baton for the XIXth Commonwealth Games will land at Lengpui Airport at 1 pm on 29th July by flight number IC 213.The baton will be received by himself and be handed over to Chief Secretary Pu Vanhela Pachuau who is the Chairman of QBR Reception Committee. The baton will be taken to Bawngkawn junction from where relay will be conducted upto Vanapa Hall where a reception function will be held with the Chief Minister as the Chief Guest. Prominent sports personalities, present and past, will participate in the relay. The baton will hault for a night and proceed for Kolkatta the next day.
In commemorating the 71 Commonwealth Games Federation, a tree planting ceremony will be held on 20th July at the premises of Rajiv Gandhi Sports Stadium at Mualpui in which 71 saplings will be planted by Council of Ministers, MLAs and top ranking officials of the state government.
Parliamentary panel members visit Mizoram
Aizawl : The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals & Fertilizers members interacted with Mizoram Government officials at State Guest House Conference Hall on 17th July 2010 at 9:00 A.M., Several issues pertaining to Fertilizers in Mizoram are discussed in the meeting.The Meeting was chaired by Shri Gopinath Munde, Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals & Fertilizers, and the State representatives were led by Pi L.Tochhawng, IAS, Principal Secretary, Government of Mizoram.
Pi L.Tochhawng, Principal Secretary, Government of Mizoram presented problems faced by Mizoram in acquiring its allocated Fertilizers from the Centre and suggestions to overcome these problems. The Chairman responded by saying that the Committee will look into it and try its best to work them out. The Chairman also said that the team had learnt from their interactions, with the Farmers and officials at Sihphir the previous day, that insufficiency in fertilizers affected agriculture product of the State and would see to it that Mizoram farmers get adequate fertilizers. He also expressed his satisfaction by thanking the State Government and the people for their hospitality.
The meeting was attended by representatives from Agriculture, Horticulture, Soil & Water Conservation and Fisheries Departments.
Led by Shri Gopinath Munde, Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals & Fertilizers, the team of 10 MPs and 4 Central officials arrived at Aizawl on Friday to study availability of fertilizers in Mizoram and related issues. They left on saturday afternoon for Guwahati.
Centre sanctions Rs. Ten crore for rural roads in Mizoram
Aizawl: The Ministry of Rural Development has released grant in aid worth Rs. 10,00,00,000/-(Rs. Ten crore) only as part payment of 2nd installment of Phase V for construction of rural roads in Mizoram under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
The sum is from the special window created in NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development) under RIDF as grants in aid to the Mizoram Rural Road Development Agency (MRRDA). MRRDA is the agency executing the works taken up under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in the state.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana is a 100 % centrally sponsored scheme to provide road connectivity in the rural areas of the country. PMGSY envisages connectivity to all habitations with a population of 500 persons and above in the rural areas and about 250 persons and above in respect of the hilly states, tribal areas and desert areas through good and all weather roads.
The sum is from the special window created in NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development) under RIDF as grants in aid to the Mizoram Rural Road Development Agency (MRRDA). MRRDA is the agency executing the works taken up under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in the state.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana is a 100 % centrally sponsored scheme to provide road connectivity in the rural areas of the country. PMGSY envisages connectivity to all habitations with a population of 500 persons and above in the rural areas and about 250 persons and above in respect of the hilly states, tribal areas and desert areas through good and all weather roads.
Mizoram to built Tourist Lodge near Serlui B Hydel Project
Serlui: Pu S. Hiato, Tourism Minister said that proposal to construct a Tourist Lodge near Serlui B Hydel Project is being sent to the Central Ministry for approval.
The Minister was on a two-day visit (2nd & 3rd July, 2010) to Tourists Lodges being constructed by Tourism Department at various locations in Kolasib District and also at Lengpui village. The Minister thoroughly inspected the Highway Restaurant and the two new Tourist Cottages being constructed at Thingdawl, Kolasib Tourist Lodge which is also still under construction, the Bairabi Tourist lodge accomodating 14 beds along with dormitory and another six-bedded Lodge being constructed nearby. The Minister told the contractors to speed up their work with quality and warned that the Government would not hesitate to terminate their contract if the works are not up to the mark.
The Minister also visited the Vairengte Tourist Lodge which is has been renovated since 2008 with an estimated cost of Rs. 45 lakhs, and warned the contractor for slow work progress and told him to complete the construction by August 15, 2010. Vairengte Tourist Lodge was first inaugurated in 1991, and it has now been renovated to give it a facelift to attract tourists from outside the state. Tourist Lodges at Vairengte, Kolasib and Bairabi will all be air-conditioned.
The Minister also inspected the two tourist lodges being constructed near Lengpui Airport, these two Lodges are expected to accommodate 32 beds and constructions works are in full swing and are expected to be completed in a short time.
The Minister also inspected other projects being undertaken by his departments ( PHE and Industries Departments) in the District. He visited a pump house near Tuichhuahen river which feeds the Kolasib Town as the main source of water supply and discussed with the Department officials the water problems faced by Kolasib as a result of breakdown of diesel engine which is being used by the water pumping machine. The Minister instructed Department officials to acquire new machine as early as possible. The Minister also instructed the officials to replace the obsolete pumping machine at Vairengte with a new one.
The Minister also visited water pump house at Kawnpui village.
In response to grievances and concerns expressed to him by the people of Bairabi regarding water problems, harnessing of Chengkawl river water, replacement of obsolete PHE water pipes, large water tanky at Bairabi Railway Station and water supply to IR Batallion at Zophai, the Minister assured them that the Department will take steps in the best interest of the people of Bairabi.
In Bairabi, the Minister visited Sena Clipping Cluster, started by Pu K.Lalhmingthanga, Republic Veng Aizawl with the help of the State Government. The Minister also visited the Modern Brick Industry, established in 2007 by Pu Lalfamkima, Aizawl with loan finance from NEDFi with a sum of Rs. 39 lakhs,
all the employees of the industry are Mizos and the industry can produce 3,60,000 bricks in 48 hours, Pu Lalfamkima told the Minister that even at this rate of production, the industry still can not meet the brick demands of Mizoram.
The Minister also visited CeeKee Bamboo and Wood Product at Thingdawl, this firm has been established by Pu Lalthanpuia, Aizawl through the Bamboo Development Agency, with the cost of Rs.12 lakhs. Bamboo and Wooden furnitures of high and fine qualities are produced here.
The Minister was accompanied by Pu H. Zothangliana, Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism etc., Pu Vabeiha Hlychho, Director Tourism, Pu Jim K. Chozah, Director I&PR, Er. Vanlallianzuala, CE PHE, Pu Lalruata Sailo, SE PWD, Industries Department Officers and several other officials from concerned Departments.
The Minister was on a two-day visit (2nd & 3rd July, 2010) to Tourists Lodges being constructed by Tourism Department at various locations in Kolasib District and also at Lengpui village. The Minister thoroughly inspected the Highway Restaurant and the two new Tourist Cottages being constructed at Thingdawl, Kolasib Tourist Lodge which is also still under construction, the Bairabi Tourist lodge accomodating 14 beds along with dormitory and another six-bedded Lodge being constructed nearby. The Minister told the contractors to speed up their work with quality and warned that the Government would not hesitate to terminate their contract if the works are not up to the mark.
The Minister also visited the Vairengte Tourist Lodge which is has been renovated since 2008 with an estimated cost of Rs. 45 lakhs, and warned the contractor for slow work progress and told him to complete the construction by August 15, 2010. Vairengte Tourist Lodge was first inaugurated in 1991, and it has now been renovated to give it a facelift to attract tourists from outside the state. Tourist Lodges at Vairengte, Kolasib and Bairabi will all be air-conditioned.
The Minister also inspected the two tourist lodges being constructed near Lengpui Airport, these two Lodges are expected to accommodate 32 beds and constructions works are in full swing and are expected to be completed in a short time.
The Minister also inspected other projects being undertaken by his departments ( PHE and Industries Departments) in the District. He visited a pump house near Tuichhuahen river which feeds the Kolasib Town as the main source of water supply and discussed with the Department officials the water problems faced by Kolasib as a result of breakdown of diesel engine which is being used by the water pumping machine. The Minister instructed Department officials to acquire new machine as early as possible. The Minister also instructed the officials to replace the obsolete pumping machine at Vairengte with a new one.
The Minister also visited water pump house at Kawnpui village.
In response to grievances and concerns expressed to him by the people of Bairabi regarding water problems, harnessing of Chengkawl river water, replacement of obsolete PHE water pipes, large water tanky at Bairabi Railway Station and water supply to IR Batallion at Zophai, the Minister assured them that the Department will take steps in the best interest of the people of Bairabi.
In Bairabi, the Minister visited Sena Clipping Cluster, started by Pu K.Lalhmingthanga, Republic Veng Aizawl with the help of the State Government. The Minister also visited the Modern Brick Industry, established in 2007 by Pu Lalfamkima, Aizawl with loan finance from NEDFi with a sum of Rs. 39 lakhs,
all the employees of the industry are Mizos and the industry can produce 3,60,000 bricks in 48 hours, Pu Lalfamkima told the Minister that even at this rate of production, the industry still can not meet the brick demands of Mizoram.
The Minister also visited CeeKee Bamboo and Wood Product at Thingdawl, this firm has been established by Pu Lalthanpuia, Aizawl through the Bamboo Development Agency, with the cost of Rs.12 lakhs. Bamboo and Wooden furnitures of high and fine qualities are produced here.
The Minister was accompanied by Pu H. Zothangliana, Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism etc., Pu Vabeiha Hlychho, Director Tourism, Pu Jim K. Chozah, Director I&PR, Er. Vanlallianzuala, CE PHE, Pu Lalruata Sailo, SE PWD, Industries Department Officers and several other officials from concerned Departments.
AK-47 rifles and ammunition seized in Mizoram's Thuampui
Aizawl, June 24 : Two AK-47 assault rifles and a huge quantity of ammunition were seized from two persons who were arrested by the Mizoram police at Thuampui in Aizwal.
The arms and ammunition were seized from S Vanlala of south Mizoram's New Saiha village and Dingliana of Lunglei last night, Aizawl District SP Lalbiakthanga Khiangte said.
The seized ammunition were 299 rounds for self-loading rifles (SLR) and 419 rounds for AK-47 rifles. He said that the weapons were reportedly procured from Myanmar, which shares a 404 km porous international border with Mizoram.
The arms and ammunition were seized from S Vanlala of south Mizoram's New Saiha village and Dingliana of Lunglei last night, Aizawl District SP Lalbiakthanga Khiangte said.
The seized ammunition were 299 rounds for self-loading rifles (SLR) and 419 rounds for AK-47 rifles. He said that the weapons were reportedly procured from Myanmar, which shares a 404 km porous international border with Mizoram.
Mizoram Home minister lays foundation stone for School
Keifang: Home Minister Pu R. Lalzirliana yesterday laid the foundation stone for the construction of additional classrooms under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shikska Abhiyaan (RMSA) at the Government Comprehensive High School at Keifang.
Laying the foundation stone, Pu Lalzirliana said that for the progress and advancement of education, well-equipped classrooms and dedicated teachers are both a necessity, each complementing the other. He also expressed hope that the new infrastructure would be of good quality, well built to last through the years and called upon the teachers to be vigilant during the construction period to ensure that quality construction.
Under the RMSA, a sum of Rs.36.85 lakhs has been earmarked for construction of 5 additional classrooms which includes a Science Laboratory and a Computer Laboratory.
The school established in 1990, encompasses Class V to Class X and now has 172 students and 13 teachers.
Laying the foundation stone, Pu Lalzirliana said that for the progress and advancement of education, well-equipped classrooms and dedicated teachers are both a necessity, each complementing the other. He also expressed hope that the new infrastructure would be of good quality, well built to last through the years and called upon the teachers to be vigilant during the construction period to ensure that quality construction.
Under the RMSA, a sum of Rs.36.85 lakhs has been earmarked for construction of 5 additional classrooms which includes a Science Laboratory and a Computer Laboratory.
The school established in 1990, encompasses Class V to Class X and now has 172 students and 13 teachers.
Green Mizoram Day Ceremonial Tree Planting Held
Aizawl: The Ceremonial Tree Planting Programme to observe 'Green Mizoram Day' was held at Assam Rifles Ground, Aizawl at 10 AM this morning.
Gracing the programme as Chief Guest, State Level Committee on Green Mizoram Chairman, Mr Lal Thanhawla, Chief Minister, said that mass planting of trees had been organised to demonstrate the government's determination in protecting the flora and fauna of Mizoram and to end further destruction of our environment. He highlighted that under the inititiation and supervision of the government, 16,50,855 saplings had been planted in the state during the last eleven years. He pointed out that the dense forest cover in Mizoram was currently less than 1% of the total land area, and unless strong efforts towards afforestation were taken up immediately, the state could end up in a desert-like situation. The Chief Minister also released a book titled 'Bamboos of Mizoram' published by the Environment & Forests Department, which contained a detailed study of the bamboos of Mizoram. He stated that Mizoram had the best bamboos in the country, and experts were currently engaged in trying to improve the state economy through profitable use of bamboos. The Chief Minister also said that expansion of Mualkhang Gas Bottling Plant, construction of bigger godown at proposed Sairang railway station, construction of Petrol Retail Outlet at Khawzawl and Thenzawl as well as other important issues had been discussed in his meeting with Indian Oil Company (IOC) officials held earlier in the morning.
Presiding over the programme, the State Level Committee Vice Chairman Pu H. Rohluna, Environment and Forests Minister, thanked the Sub-Committee on Green Mizoram for organising the programme and said that mass tree planting programme was being held in all the Districts of Mizoram today. He also stated that while the total green cover in Mizoram was 91.27% (19240 sq.km.), the actual forest area stood only at 0.64 % (134 sq.km.). The most precious legacy we could leave behind for our children was clean environment, and that planting trees was an honourable service to others, he said. He also urged the people of Mizoram to dedicate themselves anew towards conservation of environment, nature and wildlife.
PCCF & Member Secretary Dr S.S.Garbyal also pointed out that life depended on trees, and poor preservation of environment had resulted in drastic changes in climate and weather, as well as gradual drying up of rain water and rivers. In order to counter this problem, 5000 saplings would be planted around the A.R.Ground and every government department would engage in tree planting along the Melthum-Falkawn highway.
Sub-Committee on Green Mizoram Chairman Mr Lal Thanzara, Parliamentary Secretary, who proposed a vote of thanks, commended all the NGOs, Village Councils, Assam Rifles personnel and NSS Units for their steadfast cooperation and continued support towards the initiatives taken up by the government.
'PureFit Kothanur in Bangalore provides dance and fitness with personal training. This is a women led fitness and dance center providing Zumba, Aerobics, Bolly Aerobics, Power Yoga, Personal Training. We are devoted to the job of ensuring that every member who joins the dance or fitness has the best experience possible.'
Gracing the programme as Chief Guest, State Level Committee on Green Mizoram Chairman, Mr Lal Thanhawla, Chief Minister, said that mass planting of trees had been organised to demonstrate the government's determination in protecting the flora and fauna of Mizoram and to end further destruction of our environment. He highlighted that under the inititiation and supervision of the government, 16,50,855 saplings had been planted in the state during the last eleven years. He pointed out that the dense forest cover in Mizoram was currently less than 1% of the total land area, and unless strong efforts towards afforestation were taken up immediately, the state could end up in a desert-like situation. The Chief Minister also released a book titled 'Bamboos of Mizoram' published by the Environment & Forests Department, which contained a detailed study of the bamboos of Mizoram. He stated that Mizoram had the best bamboos in the country, and experts were currently engaged in trying to improve the state economy through profitable use of bamboos. The Chief Minister also said that expansion of Mualkhang Gas Bottling Plant, construction of bigger godown at proposed Sairang railway station, construction of Petrol Retail Outlet at Khawzawl and Thenzawl as well as other important issues had been discussed in his meeting with Indian Oil Company (IOC) officials held earlier in the morning.
Presiding over the programme, the State Level Committee Vice Chairman Pu H. Rohluna, Environment and Forests Minister, thanked the Sub-Committee on Green Mizoram for organising the programme and said that mass tree planting programme was being held in all the Districts of Mizoram today. He also stated that while the total green cover in Mizoram was 91.27% (19240 sq.km.), the actual forest area stood only at 0.64 % (134 sq.km.). The most precious legacy we could leave behind for our children was clean environment, and that planting trees was an honourable service to others, he said. He also urged the people of Mizoram to dedicate themselves anew towards conservation of environment, nature and wildlife.
PCCF & Member Secretary Dr S.S.Garbyal also pointed out that life depended on trees, and poor preservation of environment had resulted in drastic changes in climate and weather, as well as gradual drying up of rain water and rivers. In order to counter this problem, 5000 saplings would be planted around the A.R.Ground and every government department would engage in tree planting along the Melthum-Falkawn highway.
Sub-Committee on Green Mizoram Chairman Mr Lal Thanzara, Parliamentary Secretary, who proposed a vote of thanks, commended all the NGOs, Village Councils, Assam Rifles personnel and NSS Units for their steadfast cooperation and continued support towards the initiatives taken up by the government.
'PureFit Kothanur in Bangalore provides dance and fitness with personal training. This is a women led fitness and dance center providing Zumba, Aerobics, Bolly Aerobics, Power Yoga, Personal Training. We are devoted to the job of ensuring that every member who joins the dance or fitness has the best experience possible.'
Mizoram’s pay commission submits reports
The Mizoram state Cabinet sub-committee on 6th payrecommendations submitted its report to Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla.
The pay panel headed by Personal and Administrative Reforms Minister H Liansailova proposed on January 1, 2010 as the effective date, against the Fitment Committee’s earlier proposal of January 1, 2006, without arrears.
Liansailova said the reports had been prepared in line with implementation of the sixth pay recommendations in states like Punjab, Haryana, Orissa, Meghalaya, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh and taking into consideration the proposals and grievances of as many as 84 service associations under the Mizoram government.
The sub-committee recommendations have excluded contractual and muster-roll employees, pensioners and employees of colleges and of law and judicial department.
While pointing out that certain privileges have been shown to Grade IV workers, who have no scope for promotion, the committee chairman made it clear that arrears would not be paid.
‘’Since the Government employees are the real stakeholders of theGovernment, who are aware of the Government’s financial health, they are expected not to insist on getting arrears,’’ Liansailova was quoted as saying by the official source. The Cabinet sub-committee was constituted on 12 January 2010, after the fitment committee’s recommendations were not agreeable to certain groups of government employees. It had visited a number of states to study their pay structures.
Liansailova said the 6th Pay Commission recommendations would be implemented on the basis of availability of fund. ‘’The Government will have to sacrifice a large amount of plan and non plan fund for payment of arrear and the enhanced pay as the Centre cannot be expected to give additional grant for meeting the expenses on implementation of the 6th Pay Commission Report,’’ he added.
The pay panel headed by Personal and Administrative Reforms Minister H Liansailova proposed on January 1, 2010 as the effective date, against the Fitment Committee’s earlier proposal of January 1, 2006, without arrears.
Liansailova said the reports had been prepared in line with implementation of the sixth pay recommendations in states like Punjab, Haryana, Orissa, Meghalaya, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh and taking into consideration the proposals and grievances of as many as 84 service associations under the Mizoram government.
The sub-committee recommendations have excluded contractual and muster-roll employees, pensioners and employees of colleges and of law and judicial department.
While pointing out that certain privileges have been shown to Grade IV workers, who have no scope for promotion, the committee chairman made it clear that arrears would not be paid.
‘’Since the Government employees are the real stakeholders of theGovernment, who are aware of the Government’s financial health, they are expected not to insist on getting arrears,’’ Liansailova was quoted as saying by the official source. The Cabinet sub-committee was constituted on 12 January 2010, after the fitment committee’s recommendations were not agreeable to certain groups of government employees. It had visited a number of states to study their pay structures.
Liansailova said the 6th Pay Commission recommendations would be implemented on the basis of availability of fund. ‘’The Government will have to sacrifice a large amount of plan and non plan fund for payment of arrear and the enhanced pay as the Centre cannot be expected to give additional grant for meeting the expenses on implementation of the 6th Pay Commission Report,’’ he added.
Meeting of Governing Body of Mizoram State Health Care Society
Aizawl: The Governing Body of the Mizoram State Health Care Society (MSHCS) held its eighth meeting yesterday, at the Conference Hall of Chief Minister’s Office under the stewardship of the Chief Minister Mr. Lal Thanhawla.
In order to bring about uniformity in working of MSHCS and the centrally sponsored Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), the meeting decided that the Third Party Administrator (TPA) and the Insurance Company would be the same for the schemes. The meeting also decided to charge Rs.100/-(one hundred) for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and Rs. 500/- (five hundred) for Above Poverty Line (APL) families as a token premium which would entitle them to recieve upto Rs. 1,00,000/- (one lakh) for reimbursement of medical expenses under the Scheme . The token premium would augment the financial resources of the Scheme, the meeting added. For critical illnesses, the reimbursement of medical expenses can be upto Rs. 3,00,000/-(three lakhs). The MSHCS Scheme will be implemented from the 1st July 2010 in the state.
Under the MSHCS, the Chief Minister is the Chairman, the Health Minister is the Co-Chairman, the Chief Secretary is the Vice Chairman and the Health Secretary is the Member Secretary. The meeting approved the appointment of the Secretaries of Finance, Rural Development, Law & Judicial Departments, the Director of Health Services, the Director of Hospital & Medical Education as members of the Society and the Presidents of - Central YMA, MUP and MHIP as non-official members.
In order to bring about uniformity in working of MSHCS and the centrally sponsored Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), the meeting decided that the Third Party Administrator (TPA) and the Insurance Company would be the same for the schemes. The meeting also decided to charge Rs.100/-(one hundred) for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and Rs. 500/- (five hundred) for Above Poverty Line (APL) families as a token premium which would entitle them to recieve upto Rs. 1,00,000/- (one lakh) for reimbursement of medical expenses under the Scheme . The token premium would augment the financial resources of the Scheme, the meeting added. For critical illnesses, the reimbursement of medical expenses can be upto Rs. 3,00,000/-(three lakhs). The MSHCS Scheme will be implemented from the 1st July 2010 in the state.
Under the MSHCS, the Chief Minister is the Chairman, the Health Minister is the Co-Chairman, the Chief Secretary is the Vice Chairman and the Health Secretary is the Member Secretary. The meeting approved the appointment of the Secretaries of Finance, Rural Development, Law & Judicial Departments, the Director of Health Services, the Director of Hospital & Medical Education as members of the Society and the Presidents of - Central YMA, MUP and MHIP as non-official members.
Twin factors hold up refugee repatriation
Agartala, May 22 : The Mizoram government has begun the repatriation of Bru refugees from Tripura.
However, in the first phase, only 259 of the 564 families who fled to Tripura in November last year in the wake of atrocities committed by Mizo civilians, will be taken back.
As part of an understanding reached last Thursday, 78 vehicles were to take 154 families today.
But till 4pm, only 63 families were able to return from Naisingpara camp under Kanchanpur subdivision of North Tripura because of disruption caused by heavy pre-monsoon rain last night.
Official sources in Kanchanpur said efforts were on to send back at least 100 families before nightfall.
Kanchanpur sub-divisional officer Dilip Chakma said last Thursday, four state government officials headed by SDO (Kwartha) Benjamin Lalthama and BDO (Kwartha) Paul L. Khuama went to Kanchanpur and finalised the details of the repatriation process.
“We had pressed them for the repatriation of all 564 families that checked into the camps in November last year but they agreed to take back only 259 families whose credentials had been verified. The officials assured us that the repatriation will be completed in a phased manner,” Chakma said.
He added that the sub-divisional administration in Kanchanpur was facing lot of problems in keeping safe the 36,000 Reang refugees stranded in Tripura since October 15, 1997.
He said according to the agreement reached by the sub-divisional administration and Mizoram officials, 154 families were identified for repatriation but “bad weather and delayed paperwork” had resulted in the repatriation of only 63 families.
“We reached an understanding that on May 22, 50 families and on May 23, 55 families would be repatriated but since today’s quota is unlikely to be fulfilled, the process is expected to continue beyond May 23,” said Chakma.
Official sources here expressed satisfaction over the repatriation and said it would continue on a staggered schedule.
“It is a small beginning but the important thing is that the ice has been broken. We hope the process will continue though finishing it may take some time,” said S.K. Reang, the director of the relief and rehabilitation department.
He said despite pressure from the government of Tripura and the Union ministry of home affairs, the Mizoram government had always been reluctant to take back the refugees who had been forced to take shelter in Tripura following ethnic violence and attacks on them.
The issue was also raised at an international level by Bru (Reang) organisations and their sympathisers among rights activists.
However, in the first phase, only 259 of the 564 families who fled to Tripura in November last year in the wake of atrocities committed by Mizo civilians, will be taken back.
As part of an understanding reached last Thursday, 78 vehicles were to take 154 families today.
But till 4pm, only 63 families were able to return from Naisingpara camp under Kanchanpur subdivision of North Tripura because of disruption caused by heavy pre-monsoon rain last night.
Official sources in Kanchanpur said efforts were on to send back at least 100 families before nightfall.
Kanchanpur sub-divisional officer Dilip Chakma said last Thursday, four state government officials headed by SDO (Kwartha) Benjamin Lalthama and BDO (Kwartha) Paul L. Khuama went to Kanchanpur and finalised the details of the repatriation process.
“We had pressed them for the repatriation of all 564 families that checked into the camps in November last year but they agreed to take back only 259 families whose credentials had been verified. The officials assured us that the repatriation will be completed in a phased manner,” Chakma said.
He added that the sub-divisional administration in Kanchanpur was facing lot of problems in keeping safe the 36,000 Reang refugees stranded in Tripura since October 15, 1997.
He said according to the agreement reached by the sub-divisional administration and Mizoram officials, 154 families were identified for repatriation but “bad weather and delayed paperwork” had resulted in the repatriation of only 63 families.
“We reached an understanding that on May 22, 50 families and on May 23, 55 families would be repatriated but since today’s quota is unlikely to be fulfilled, the process is expected to continue beyond May 23,” said Chakma.
Official sources here expressed satisfaction over the repatriation and said it would continue on a staggered schedule.
“It is a small beginning but the important thing is that the ice has been broken. We hope the process will continue though finishing it may take some time,” said S.K. Reang, the director of the relief and rehabilitation department.
He said despite pressure from the government of Tripura and the Union ministry of home affairs, the Mizoram government had always been reluctant to take back the refugees who had been forced to take shelter in Tripura following ethnic violence and attacks on them.
The issue was also raised at an international level by Bru (Reang) organisations and their sympathisers among rights activists.
Census 2011 begins in Mizoram today
Census 2011, the seventh census after independence, begins in Mizoram today covering all the eight districts, S K Chakraborty, Deputy Director of Census Operations, New Delhi announced in Aizawl yesterday.
Chakraborty told a press conference that 2,354 enumerators and 392 supervisors would conduct the census and the National Population Register would also be prepared in the state along with the rest of the country.
All the district magistrates of the eight districts have been designated as Principal Census Officers.
The first phase of the census during which houselisting, housing census and collection of data on National Population Register would be completed by September this year and the population enumeration would be taken up during February next year, he added.
Chakraborty told a press conference that 2,354 enumerators and 392 supervisors would conduct the census and the National Population Register would also be prepared in the state along with the rest of the country.
All the district magistrates of the eight districts have been designated as Principal Census Officers.
The first phase of the census during which houselisting, housing census and collection of data on National Population Register would be completed by September this year and the population enumeration would be taken up during February next year, he added.
Refugees' return from Tripura to Mizoram is non-starter
Agartala/Aizawl, May 11 (IANS) The much-awaited repatriation of tribal refugees from Tripura to Mizoram did not start Tuesday as the authorities did not arrange transport and security for them, a refugee leader said.
'The refugees were ready to return, but the Mizoram government did not arrange any vehicle and security for them,' refugee leader Elvis Chorkhy told reporters.
'We have sent letters (through fax) to top officials of Mizoram government and told them that without security and vehicles how would refugees go to their villages in Mamit district of western Mizoram,' said Chorkhy, who is also the president of Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum (MBDPF).
Last week, the Mizoram government informed the Tripura govenment and refugee leaders that it has decided to take back 2,000 tribal refugees who had taken shelter in north Tripura last year.
On Monday, Mizoram Home Secretary Lalmalsawma told reporters in Aizawl: 'We have taken steps to repatriate the refugees from Tuesday. The exercise is expected to be completed by May 15.'
The official said Mizoram will give Rs.40,000 per refugee family for travelling and construction of home in their villages.
Around 32,000 Reang tribal refugees have taken shelter in six camps in north Tripura, adjacent to Mizoram, since 1997.
They fled western Mizoram after ethnic clashes with Mizos over the killing of a forest official.
The refugees' repatriation from Tripura to Mizoram was stopped in November last year when a mob in western Mizoram burnt down around 700 tribal houses after an 18-year-old Mizo youth was shot dead by unidentified miscreants.
Following the arson and violence, about 5,500 displaced Reang tribals took shelter in adjacent Tripura.
'I have met the refugee leaders and informed them about the Mizoram government's willingness to take back around 2,000 newly displaced tribal refugees,' north Tripura's Kanchanpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate Dilip Chakma said Monday.
'The refugees were ready to return, but the Mizoram government did not arrange any vehicle and security for them,' refugee leader Elvis Chorkhy told reporters.
'We have sent letters (through fax) to top officials of Mizoram government and told them that without security and vehicles how would refugees go to their villages in Mamit district of western Mizoram,' said Chorkhy, who is also the president of Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum (MBDPF).
Last week, the Mizoram government informed the Tripura govenment and refugee leaders that it has decided to take back 2,000 tribal refugees who had taken shelter in north Tripura last year.
On Monday, Mizoram Home Secretary Lalmalsawma told reporters in Aizawl: 'We have taken steps to repatriate the refugees from Tuesday. The exercise is expected to be completed by May 15.'
The official said Mizoram will give Rs.40,000 per refugee family for travelling and construction of home in their villages.
Around 32,000 Reang tribal refugees have taken shelter in six camps in north Tripura, adjacent to Mizoram, since 1997.
They fled western Mizoram after ethnic clashes with Mizos over the killing of a forest official.
The refugees' repatriation from Tripura to Mizoram was stopped in November last year when a mob in western Mizoram burnt down around 700 tribal houses after an 18-year-old Mizo youth was shot dead by unidentified miscreants.
Following the arson and violence, about 5,500 displaced Reang tribals took shelter in adjacent Tripura.
'I have met the refugee leaders and informed them about the Mizoram government's willingness to take back around 2,000 newly displaced tribal refugees,' north Tripura's Kanchanpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate Dilip Chakma said Monday.
Mizo masterplan to revamp farming
| Policy aims at abolishing jhum method | ||
| OUR CORRESPONDENT | ||
Silchar, May 9: The Congress government in Mizoram will launch its masterplan to develop farming in the state sometime in end-July. This agriculture scheme called , the new land use policy, will replace the primitive method of the jhum (slash and burn) farming in the state by a permanent system of cultivation on the hill slopes and on the fallow lands in the valleys. The policy, which will cost both the central and state exchequers Rs 2,907.90 crore, will help increase food output by seven folds in five years. P.L. Thanga, the vice-chairman of the project in the state, said in Aizawl yesterday that a baseline survey of the farmers’ present economic status in the state had already been completed in September last year by Young Mizo Association, an NGO which has its branch in each village and hamlet in the state. Thanga, a retired IAS officer who is also the secretary of the state planning board, added that the government had sought suggestions as well as amendments from the people for this survey, which has identified those farmers who now need both cash and material grants to overhaul their age-old farming practice. The deadline for sending in the suggestions is May 31. Thanga said the final reports about those possible recipients of help under the policy would be submitted to the project board on June 21, and the formal notification for flagging off this ambitious project would be issued on July 9. Official sources in Aizawl hoped that this project, which was conceived during the Congress regime in the state between 1993 and 1998 and then revived after chief minister and state Congress chief Lalthan-hawla was back in power again in December 2008, is likely to be formally operational in the last week of July. A fixed date for its inauguration would be announced soon, the sources said. The sources also said the policy would be a multi-pronged plan where apart from farming regeneration, its mainstay, attention would also be given to accelerate the output of horticulture products such as grapes, ginger, papaya and passion fruit (sapthei), handicrafts, milk production and fisheries. This year at least 17,046 hectares of forestland in the state were devoured by the bushfire, a result of the burn and slash method. | ||
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Church merger aims to help Indian Christians
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| Reverend Setri Nyomi |
The World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC) will merge in June in Michigan to form the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC).
WARC general secretary Reverend Setri Nyomi, who was in India last week for the biennial meeting of the Presbyterian Church in India, told UCA News that the merger constitutes “a refreshing attempt to reverse fragmentation” within the Church.
Six Indian churches-the Church of South India, Church of North India, Presbyterian Church of India, Evangelical Church of Maraland, The Church of Christ and Reformed Presbyterian Church in North East India-will be a part of the alliance.
The WARC includes congregational, Presbyterian, Reformed and United Churches. Reverend Nyomi, who hails from Ghana, is the first non-European to head the alliance and has done so since 2000.
Reverend Nyomi said the merger will showcase global-level Christian unity. It will also strengthen the unity of Churches in India, he said.
Moreover, the Presbyterian Church of India is a member of both the merging organizations. Instead of belonging to two, it will now belong to the one merged new alliance.
The WCRC would be “the one voice of the united churches” against “any evil” in the world, he said.
The alliance would be helpful to its partners in India because “in a communion, when one suffers, the other also suffers.” If Indian Christians suffer, it should affect Christians in other parts of the world, he said.
“The Churches in India should be able to say that we are not alone. We have brothers and sisters in other parts of the world,” the Presbyterian theologian said.
He said the alliance will make Christianity easy for outsiders to understand. “The union represents unity in diversity, which is a healthy sign,” he said during a lecture in New Delhi.
“Christ prayed that his followers be one and we take that prayer very seriously,” he said adding the decision to merge was taken in 2006 when the two groups concluded the need to go beyond collaboration.
Source: Church merger aims to help Indian Christians (UCAN)
Centre notifies draft share of states in national truck permit scheme
NEW DELHI: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh will get the major share of revenue from the issuance of national permits for trucks under the new policy. The Centre has now notified the draft rules on how the share of each state.
Under the new national permit policy, trucks can get the permit for the entire country after paying Rs 15,000 per year. The draft notification proposes that Maharashtra will get a maximum of Rs 1,576 per permit per annum whereas Mizoram will get the lowest share of revenue -- Rs 4. The norm proposes that Uttar Pradesh, with a major share of national and state highways network, will get 10.5% of the consolidated fee on national permits. The consolidated share would come to Rs 1,574 per permit.
Similarly, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Gujarat will get a sizable share of the consolidated fee on the national permits.
Under the new scheme, a state in which a truck is registered will issue a single national permit for Rs 15,000 per truck annually, which could help operators save around Rs 10,000. Currently, these truckers pay Rs 20,000 and get access to the home state and three neighbouring states. For each additional state, the transporter has to pay another Rs 5,000. Presently about 1.2 million trucks with national permits ply across the country.
Earlier, the road, transport and highways ministry and states had worked out the compensation formula. However, sources said that Tamil Nadu and Bihar were not happy with it. "Now we have notified the specification for distribution of the consolidated fee among states and Union Territories. All the stakeholders can file their objections, which will be considered prior to the issuance of the final notification,'' said a ministry official.
However, industry analysts still feel that the government has not given enough time to the stakeholders to respond and file their objections.
S P Singh, senior fellow at Indian Foundation of Transport Research and Training (IFTRT), said, "The government has given little time for the stakeholders to make suggestions or objections this time. On all earlier occasions, when any amendment was made to the national permit scheme, the government gave at least 45 days to the stakeholders to give suggestions and objections. This time there is no specified period for this.''
Under the new national permit policy, trucks can get the permit for the entire country after paying Rs 15,000 per year. The draft notification proposes that Maharashtra will get a maximum of Rs 1,576 per permit per annum whereas Mizoram will get the lowest share of revenue -- Rs 4. The norm proposes that Uttar Pradesh, with a major share of national and state highways network, will get 10.5% of the consolidated fee on national permits. The consolidated share would come to Rs 1,574 per permit.
Similarly, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Gujarat will get a sizable share of the consolidated fee on the national permits.
Under the new scheme, a state in which a truck is registered will issue a single national permit for Rs 15,000 per truck annually, which could help operators save around Rs 10,000. Currently, these truckers pay Rs 20,000 and get access to the home state and three neighbouring states. For each additional state, the transporter has to pay another Rs 5,000. Presently about 1.2 million trucks with national permits ply across the country.
Earlier, the road, transport and highways ministry and states had worked out the compensation formula. However, sources said that Tamil Nadu and Bihar were not happy with it. "Now we have notified the specification for distribution of the consolidated fee among states and Union Territories. All the stakeholders can file their objections, which will be considered prior to the issuance of the final notification,'' said a ministry official.
However, industry analysts still feel that the government has not given enough time to the stakeholders to respond and file their objections.
S P Singh, senior fellow at Indian Foundation of Transport Research and Training (IFTRT), said, "The government has given little time for the stakeholders to make suggestions or objections this time. On all earlier occasions, when any amendment was made to the national permit scheme, the government gave at least 45 days to the stakeholders to give suggestions and objections. This time there is no specified period for this.''
Bru repatriation from May 11
Aizawl, May 6 (PTI) Repatriation of around 462 Bru families, who had fled Mizoram to neighbouring Tripura in the wake of the communal tension triggered by the murder of a Mizo youth by Bru militants in November, would begin from May 11, state Home Secretary Lalmalsawma said here today.
The Brus would return and would be resettled in their respective villages in Mizoram and the exercise was expected to be completed by May 15, Lalmalsawma told PTI.
To make sure that the repatriated Brus were bona fide residents of the state, the home secretary said job cards under NREGS, electoral photo identity cards and family ration cards would be sufficient proofs.
The Brus would return and would be resettled in their respective villages in Mizoram and the exercise was expected to be completed by May 15, Lalmalsawma told PTI.
To make sure that the repatriated Brus were bona fide residents of the state, the home secretary said job cards under NREGS, electoral photo identity cards and family ration cards would be sufficient proofs.
Many Burmese involved in criminal activities in Mizoram: Lalthanhawla
5 May 2010-05-05: Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla has spoken of Burmese people being involved in criminal activities at a Class 1 officers’ meet on May 3 in the Vanapa Hall in Aizawl city, Mizoram northeast state of India.
The daily newspaper Vanglaini reported that the Chief Minister said that most criminal activities in the state are by Burmese people, who are foreigners in Mizoram state.
The Home Minister R. Zirliana said that the government could not deport and push back Burmese people involved in criminal cases and hand them over to the military junta directly, though he had made an announcement regarding this. That is because of the prevailing international laws and some weakness of the enforcement agencies. However, he said the government would try to handle it the best way possible.
He warned that most Burmese people fled to Mizoram because of political and economic upheaval in Burma and are staying here as refugees or migrant workers under some NOGs. However, they have to understand not to take advantage and get involved in wrong doings like threatening local people with guns, rape and brew alcohol in Mizoram.
There are about 1.5 lakh Burmese people in Mizoram and 100,000 of them are Chin people. The biggest NGO in Mizoram, the Young Mizo Association (YMA) has carried out a population census of Burmese in 2009 but it has not been announced officially yet.
via - Khonumthung News
The daily newspaper Vanglaini reported that the Chief Minister said that most criminal activities in the state are by Burmese people, who are foreigners in Mizoram state.
The Home Minister R. Zirliana said that the government could not deport and push back Burmese people involved in criminal cases and hand them over to the military junta directly, though he had made an announcement regarding this. That is because of the prevailing international laws and some weakness of the enforcement agencies. However, he said the government would try to handle it the best way possible.
He warned that most Burmese people fled to Mizoram because of political and economic upheaval in Burma and are staying here as refugees or migrant workers under some NOGs. However, they have to understand not to take advantage and get involved in wrong doings like threatening local people with guns, rape and brew alcohol in Mizoram.
There are about 1.5 lakh Burmese people in Mizoram and 100,000 of them are Chin people. The biggest NGO in Mizoram, the Young Mizo Association (YMA) has carried out a population census of Burmese in 2009 but it has not been announced officially yet.
via - Khonumthung News
Assam Rifles top gun to visit Mizoram
Aizawl, Apr 26 : Newly inducted Director General of Assam Rifles Lt Gen K S Yadav is scheduled to arrive here tomorrow for a three-day visit.
Assam Rifles' sources said the Director General, who was on his maiden visit to the Northeast, would review security situation in the state and chalk out new strategies for border security with the officials of Mizoram range of Assam Rifles.
Mr Yadav is also expected to call on the state top officials, including Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and Governor Lt Gen(rtd) M M Lakhera during his stay.
Mr Yadav had an impression of Mizoram as a model of peace and development for other states, AR sources added.
''Assam Rifles, Mizoram is indispensable to the history of the state. The paramilitary force has been serving as 'friends of the hill people' for the last 175 years,'' the director general said.
Assam Rifles' sources said the Director General, who was on his maiden visit to the Northeast, would review security situation in the state and chalk out new strategies for border security with the officials of Mizoram range of Assam Rifles.
Mr Yadav is also expected to call on the state top officials, including Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and Governor Lt Gen(rtd) M M Lakhera during his stay.
Mr Yadav had an impression of Mizoram as a model of peace and development for other states, AR sources added.
''Assam Rifles, Mizoram is indispensable to the history of the state. The paramilitary force has been serving as 'friends of the hill people' for the last 175 years,'' the director general said.
BAMBOOZLED Mizoram
with a carefully choreographed routine to welcome in the summer. The dancers spread out over three kilometres to perform an eight-minute jig with bamboo sticks, setting a record at the expense of the previous holders – a 7,700-strong group in Cebu, in the Philippines. “A new Guinness world record was created with 10,780 dancers performing the bamboo dance for eight minutes in perfect rhythm,” a representative of the Guinness Book of World Records, Lucia Sinigagliesi, said after the event. Sinigagliesi handed over a certificate to the arts and culture minister of the state of Mizoram. The bamboo dance, locally known as the Cheraw dance, is the harbinger of the Chapchar Kut festival of the Mizo tribal group, which marks the end of winter and advent of summer. The total number of dancers in the Cheraw were 10,736 in 671 groups spread between a 2.5 km stretch of the main city road between Sikulpuikawn in the south and Chanmari in the north as well as inside the Assam Rifles ground.
The record attempt was organized a day after the state celebrated the Chapchar Kut festival, which is a curtain raiser to the bamboo dances. The state has three kuts (festivals), which are spread over the agricultural year.
Chief Minister Lathanhawla was named the Father of the Kut while cultural affairs minister Zoramsangliana, credited with organising this mass dance, was named the Host of the Kut.
The previous record for the largest dance gathering was held by the Phillippines’ Cebu province where about 7,000 people had joined hands to dance together last year.
Cheraw dance is a combination of rhythm and skill. Four people hold two pairs of long bamboos across one another on the ground. As the bamboo sticks are clapped together, the main dancers in traditional attire weave patterns through them in time with the rhythm.
The whole of Mizoram was united for the common cause-organising the World’s Largest Bamboo Dance. For a month, the sounds of the bamboo and music were heard literally everywhere, and it was the only talk on people’s lips. The day drew closer, and the practice and the anxiety increased. Finally, the day arrived.
I was there, amidst the crowd, the pride, the hope and eventually, the celebration. Yes, I had witnessed one of the greatest moments of Mizo history, where literally the whole state was united for a common cause.The faces of those who had actually danced the dance are now a part of the history of this beautiful and varied culture; their smiles, their pride and the hope in their eyes will always be on my mind. Not only the people back home, but our brothers and sisters living in other parts of the world were a part of this momentous occasion, in spirit and prayers, if not in person.
The days after followed with a buzz, and a feeling of pride amongst everyone, especially for the fact that, now, we may have finally made a name for ourselves, in some ways, if not in other. And no more will the Mizos be just another ‘tribal’ people.
H. Vanlalnghaka
Mizoram police identify slain Bru militant
Aizawl, April 10: Mizoram police have identified the slain Bru militant in Tripura as Thankima, the main accused in the murder of a Mizo youth in November last year.
The dead body of Thankima was recovered inside Tripura near the Mizoram border last week.
A special investigation team who immediately rushed to Tripura, have identified the militant as Thankima for whom they have been hunting for months, police sources said here on Monday.
According to Mizoram police, Thankima was the kingpin in the gunning down of Zarzokima, a 17-year-old youth of Bungthuam village in Mamit district in western Mizoram on November 13, 2009.
”He was the person who actually pulled the trigger,” a source in the police said.
Police sources said Tripura police are investigating the case to find who had killed Thankima.
The Mizoram police had arrested six persons in connection with the Bungthuam killing which had triggered communal violence between Mizos and Brus, forcing hundreds of Brus to flee to the neighbouring Tripura last November. (UNI)
The dead body of Thankima was recovered inside Tripura near the Mizoram border last week.
A special investigation team who immediately rushed to Tripura, have identified the militant as Thankima for whom they have been hunting for months, police sources said here on Monday.
According to Mizoram police, Thankima was the kingpin in the gunning down of Zarzokima, a 17-year-old youth of Bungthuam village in Mamit district in western Mizoram on November 13, 2009.
”He was the person who actually pulled the trigger,” a source in the police said.
Police sources said Tripura police are investigating the case to find who had killed Thankima.
The Mizoram police had arrested six persons in connection with the Bungthuam killing which had triggered communal violence between Mizos and Brus, forcing hundreds of Brus to flee to the neighbouring Tripura last November. (UNI)
Easter Sunday observed in Mizoram
Aizawl, Apr 5 (PTI) Easter Sunday, signifying the resurrection of Jesus Christ, was observed here with religious fervour by different churches across Mizoram.
Special prayer and worship programmes were held in every village and locality.
The Salvation Army band party played "He's risen" in Aizawl and different towns to mark the day.
Members of the Catholic Church broke their week-long traditional fast to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
Special prayer and worship programmes were held in every village and locality.
The Salvation Army band party played "He's risen" in Aizawl and different towns to mark the day.
Members of the Catholic Church broke their week-long traditional fast to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
SC orders probe into trafficking of NE kids
NEW DELHI: Following reports of 76 children from Assam and Manipur, most of them minor girls, being rescued from "homes" run by missionaries in Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered a probe into a possible trafficking racket involving tribal children.
The Tamil Nadu police, in its affidavit before the SC, said, "Pastor Shaji was arrested at Somanur in Coimbatore district on February 12 and remanded to judicial custody. Effective steps are being taken to nab the absconding accused Rev Paul."
A Bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices Deepak Verma and B S Chauhan accepted amicus curiae Aparna Bhat's suggestion for a probe into the matter. The National Commission for Protection of Children's Rights will carry out the probe.
Additional solicitor-general Indira Jaising said the TN police had not detailed the facts of the case to the court. "How could these children be taken more than 1,000km away without anyone noticing anything," Jaising asked.
The Tamil Nadu police, in its affidavit before the SC, said, "Pastor Shaji was arrested at Somanur in Coimbatore district on February 12 and remanded to judicial custody. Effective steps are being taken to nab the absconding accused Rev Paul."
A Bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices Deepak Verma and B S Chauhan accepted amicus curiae Aparna Bhat's suggestion for a probe into the matter. The National Commission for Protection of Children's Rights will carry out the probe.
Additional solicitor-general Indira Jaising said the TN police had not detailed the facts of the case to the court. "How could these children be taken more than 1,000km away without anyone noticing anything," Jaising asked.
Congress and MNF to form one party in Mizoram
Mizoram chief minsiter Lal Thanhawla, home minister Lalzirliana and former CM and MNF president Pu Zoramthanga.
Home Minister R Lalzirliana is acting as coordinator between MNF president Pu Zoramthanga and Chief Minister Pu Lal Thanhawla who were gunning for each other’s head in recent months.
“The main aim of the party would be to find a solution to existing problems of the Mizo people and their unfulfilled dreams besides bringing unity in politics,” said Congress source.
This action was apparently triggered by a larger perception within the two parties that none of them alone would be in a position to tackle the rising inflation and rampant corruption in the bureaucracy.
Early yesterday, at 7 :45 am, Pu Lal Thanhawla and Pu Zoramthanga held an hour-long discussion on the subject at an undisclosed location, acoording to the source.
Details of the discussion are not available. However, the length of the discussion suggests that coming days can bring a lot of unpredictable actions in Mizoram politics.
“The Congress high command is not aware of such move,” the source added.
via Mizoram Express in Aid of April Fools day.....:)
Cyclonic storm causes widespread damages
Vehicles wade through waterlogged street, at Chandmari area after a heavy shower in Guwahati on Wednesday, March 31. (Ujjal Deb Photo)
Aizawl, Apr 1: Cyclonic storms and hailstorms have killed one person and injured few others in Mizoram. The cyclonic storm lashed various parts Mizoram in the last two days causing widespread damages to houses including office and school buildings and churches.
In Serchhip district, Zalawma, 65 years lost his life and a child aged 7 years was injured. In South Khawlek, in Lunglei district, two persons were hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the storm. As per the reports of the deputy commissioners of various districts, 220 houses have been completely damaged, 1073 houses have suffered serious damages, 1967 houses have been partially damaged and 48 other non-residential buildings suffered damages.
In Aizawl district, 21 houses have been completely damaged, 253 houses have been seriously damaged, 800 houses were partially damaged and 16 other non-residential buildings suffered serious damages. In Lunglei district, 41 houses have been completely damaged, 436 houses have been partially damaged and 11 non-residential buildings suffered damages.
In Serchhip district, 88 houses have been completely damaged, 11 houses have been seriously damaged and 321 houses suffered partial damages and 21 other non-residential buildings suffered serious damages. In Saiha district, 3 houses have been completely damaged, 529 houses have suffered damages.
In Mamit district, 254 houses have suffered serious damages and in Kolasib District, 67 houses have been completely damaged, 26 houses suffered serious damages and 410 houses have been partially damaged. In Lawngtlai district, 5 houses have been completely damaged, 23 houses have been seriously damaged and 27 houses suffered partial damages .
In Champhai district, 10 houses have been completely damaged. The numbers of houses damaged are expected to go up as reports from the remote parts of Mizoram are still awaited.
Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, making a special mention in the state assembly session here today, said more than 2000 houses across Mizoram have been either partially or totally damaged. The chief minister said the government has taken all possible steps to distribute relief materials to the victims.
Heavy wind, hailstones in Manipur
Newmai News Network
Imphal | March 31
Reports of destructions and damages caused by hailstones accompanied by heavy wind have been pouring in from various parts of Manipur since the last two days as concerned officials including some NGOs are accessing for the reports to be submitted to the government for necessary relief.
As per information culled from various spots of Imphal West, CGI sheets of over 400 houses have been damaged by the hailstorm. The worst affected areas include Laphupat Tera, Khunou, Mayai Leikei and Khodak. The destruction and damages occurred during the last 48 hours. If the heavy downpour accompanied by heavy wind persists chances are that most of the houses will not be able to withstand the calamity.
According to Kachanthai Faiga Gangmei, SDC of Mayang Imphal while talking to some media persons disclosed that she had conducted survey in the afected areas. She assured the hailstorm victims that the same report will be handed over to the higher-ups for immediate relief.
Reports of destruction and damages of houses were also received from the districts of Churchandpur and Ukhrul in Manipur due to the hailstorm which have been continuing for the past two days but the exact picture of damages could not be ascertained till the filing of this story.
The district of Churchandpur experienced heavy downpour accompanied by storm which destroyed a Junior High School at Saipum. In Ukhrul district, according to Yarsho, working for an NGO disclosed that many houses in Roudie village were damaged due to the hailstorm.
Imphal | March 31
Reports of destructions and damages caused by hailstones accompanied by heavy wind have been pouring in from various parts of Manipur since the last two days as concerned officials including some NGOs are accessing for the reports to be submitted to the government for necessary relief.
As per information culled from various spots of Imphal West, CGI sheets of over 400 houses have been damaged by the hailstorm. The worst affected areas include Laphupat Tera, Khunou, Mayai Leikei and Khodak. The destruction and damages occurred during the last 48 hours. If the heavy downpour accompanied by heavy wind persists chances are that most of the houses will not be able to withstand the calamity.
According to Kachanthai Faiga Gangmei, SDC of Mayang Imphal while talking to some media persons disclosed that she had conducted survey in the afected areas. She assured the hailstorm victims that the same report will be handed over to the higher-ups for immediate relief.
Reports of destruction and damages of houses were also received from the districts of Churchandpur and Ukhrul in Manipur due to the hailstorm which have been continuing for the past two days but the exact picture of damages could not be ascertained till the filing of this story.
The district of Churchandpur experienced heavy downpour accompanied by storm which destroyed a Junior High School at Saipum. In Ukhrul district, according to Yarsho, working for an NGO disclosed that many houses in Roudie village were damaged due to the hailstorm.
Agartala, March 31 (PTI): Two persons were killed while over 600 houses damaged and trees and electric posts uprooted in a severe storm in Tripura in last two days, police said here. Thirteen-year-old Santanjoy Reang died last night when his house collapsed during the storm at Nandirampara, a remote tribal hamlet in Kanchanpur subdivision of North Tripura district, they said. An ex-gratia of Rs one lakh has been given by the Tripura government to the next of kin of Santanjoy.
Another person Purnaram Reang (21) was killed and his wife Anjuti was seriously injured when lightning struck them at Paharpur, a remote tribal hamlet in South Tripura district on Monday. Anjuti was admitted to Amarpur sub-divisional hospital in critical condition, the police said. The storm has razed at least 600 houses, besides uprooting around 300 electric posts and over 250 trees in the state due to strong wind and heavy rains which lashed the state.
MSACS 2010 Recruitment Mizoram State AIDS Control Society
Introduction
Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) Management of the National AIDS Control Plan Over a period of time it was recognized that due to many administrative and financial procedures, there was a delay in free of financial outlay part by GOI due to which the implementation of the plan at unlike points suffered. Maharashtra is 2nd biggest state in India with population of 100 million and area of 3.08 lacs Sq. Km.
Inviting Applications From
The Government of India has obtained a Credit (Credit- 4299- IN) from the International Development Association (IDA) and a allow from the department for International Development (DFID), U.K in several currencies towards the price of the Third National HIV/AIDS Control Project and it is proposed that a division of the continues of this credit/ grant will be utilized to entitled payments under the contract for which this invitation for consultancy is issued. The project is an intervention with a goal of reducing the burden of HIV/AIDS events in the Country.
Objectives of MSACS
Elimination of stigma and discrimination in employment and at workplace on the basis of real or perceived HIV status
Prevention of HIV & AIDS
Care and support of employees infected and affected by HIV & AIDS
Management and mitigation of the impact of HIV & AIDS on employees and their families
Programs
Anti retroviral therapy
Blood safety
HIV/TB co-infection
ICTC centre
STD control programme
Condom promotion
Services
Information Education & Communication
Training
Targeted intervention
Sentinel surveillance
Address
Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS)
Project Director
MV-124, Mission Veng ‘S’
Aizawl, Mizoram-796005
Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) Management of the National AIDS Control Plan Over a period of time it was recognized that due to many administrative and financial procedures, there was a delay in free of financial outlay part by GOI due to which the implementation of the plan at unlike points suffered. Maharashtra is 2nd biggest state in India with population of 100 million and area of 3.08 lacs Sq. Km.
Inviting Applications From
The Government of India has obtained a Credit (Credit- 4299- IN) from the International Development Association (IDA) and a allow from the department for International Development (DFID), U.K in several currencies towards the price of the Third National HIV/AIDS Control Project and it is proposed that a division of the continues of this credit/ grant will be utilized to entitled payments under the contract for which this invitation for consultancy is issued. The project is an intervention with a goal of reducing the burden of HIV/AIDS events in the Country.
Objectives of MSACS
Elimination of stigma and discrimination in employment and at workplace on the basis of real or perceived HIV status
Prevention of HIV & AIDS
Care and support of employees infected and affected by HIV & AIDS
Management and mitigation of the impact of HIV & AIDS on employees and their families
Programs
Anti retroviral therapy
Blood safety
HIV/TB co-infection
ICTC centre
STD control programme
Condom promotion
Services
Information Education & Communication
Training
Targeted intervention
Sentinel surveillance
Address
Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS)
Project Director
MV-124, Mission Veng ‘S’
Aizawl, Mizoram-796005
MBSE results announced
MIZORAM Board of School Education has announced the results of the examination held in the year 2009.MIZORAM BOARD of School Education has announced the results of the examination held in the year 2009. To check the result the students can log on to the official website of the board.
The Mizoram Board of School Education is responsible for development of qualitative education in the state. This board is an autonomous body and has the power to see forth, regulate and supervise education in the state from class I-XII.
The Board conducts public examination at the end of classes IV, VII, X and XII. Besides this it also conducts Proficiency Certificate Examination in vocational trades at the end of 12th year of schooling for vocational school students.
The Mizoram Board of School Education is debating upon grading and scaling system. There might be an elimination of public examination at the end of class IV and VII. Continuous and comprehensive evaluation might be introduced at elementary level(Class I-VIII)
Bodies of two Mizos found in Assam
Aizawl, Mar 23 : Bullet-ridden bodies of two Mizos and a non-tribal have been recovered from Panikheti area in Assam, Mizoram Home Minister R Lalzirliana said today.
Making an official statement in the state assembly, Lalzirliana said Assam police recovered the three bodies yesterday and presumed that they were killed at around 3 am.
Used pistol cartridges have also been found beside the bodies and Mizoram police officers have been sent to Guwahati to help in the investigation.
The two bodies have been identified as Saidingliana Sailo and H Lalhmingmawia and after autopsy in Gauhati Medical College Hospital, they were being brought to their respective villages.
"They went out on Sunday night to purchase a vehicle and never returned," he said.
The Guwahati Mizo Welfare Association leaders suspected that the two Mizos and the non-tribal were killed in a fight between two gangs of car lifters.
Making an official statement in the state assembly, Lalzirliana said Assam police recovered the three bodies yesterday and presumed that they were killed at around 3 am.
Used pistol cartridges have also been found beside the bodies and Mizoram police officers have been sent to Guwahati to help in the investigation.
The two bodies have been identified as Saidingliana Sailo and H Lalhmingmawia and after autopsy in Gauhati Medical College Hospital, they were being brought to their respective villages.
"They went out on Sunday night to purchase a vehicle and never returned," he said.
The Guwahati Mizo Welfare Association leaders suspected that the two Mizos and the non-tribal were killed in a fight between two gangs of car lifters.
3 bodies found at Panikhaiti 1 Suspected to Be Mizo
GUWAHATI, Mar 23 – Three bodies with bullet injuries were recovered from Hatisila near Panikhaiti early this morning along with an abandoned Scorpio vehicle bearing a registration number that was later found to be fake.
Among the dead, two were identified as residents of Jalpaiguri and their bodies claimed by family members after post mortem was done. The identity of the third victim, who might be from Mizoram, is yet to be ascertained.
All the bodies had bullet injuries, which the police believe were fired from 9 mm pistol. Some spent cartridges were recovered from the crime scene, making the police believe that the killings took place near the spot where the bodies were found. Documents like driving license and registration papers were recovered from the vehicle.
Not wishing to be a named, a senior police official said that the killings could be the outcome of rivalry between gangs of car lifters, which have proliferated in recent times.
Among the dead, two were identified as residents of Jalpaiguri and their bodies claimed by family members after post mortem was done. The identity of the third victim, who might be from Mizoram, is yet to be ascertained.
All the bodies had bullet injuries, which the police believe were fired from 9 mm pistol. Some spent cartridges were recovered from the crime scene, making the police believe that the killings took place near the spot where the bodies were found. Documents like driving license and registration papers were recovered from the vehicle.
Not wishing to be a named, a senior police official said that the killings could be the outcome of rivalry between gangs of car lifters, which have proliferated in recent times.
Rs204 crore aid for rural roads in Mizoram & UP
The Ministry of Rural Development has released grant in aid worth Rs204 crore to the National Rural Roads Development Agency (NRRDA) from the special window created in NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) towards payment for works taken up under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Mizoram & Uttar Pradesh.
Of the sanctioned amount Rs10 crore are to be given to the Mizoram Rural Roads Development Agency (MRRDA) and the remaining Rs194 crore have been granted to the Uttar Pradesh Roads Development Agency (UPRRDA) as part payment of the 2nd installment of Phase V. The grant is towards Plan Expenditure and is subject to the provisions of PMGSY Programme Guidelines and supplementary directions issued there under.
Mizoram to get chopper services within three months
AIZAWL, Feb 15 – After Nagaland, it’s Mizoram’s turn to have chopper services.
However, the question remains whether the authorities concerned will be able to materialise chopper services in three months time or not.
The last meeting between Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, accompanied by officials from Aviation Wing with Pawan Hans, held on Thursday decided on starting the service within three months. Lal Thanhawla said, “Our future is bright but there are many things to be done before the maiden helicopter services start in this hilly State”.
A ten-seater ‘Dauphin’ from Pawan Hans will operate in Mizoram as per the negotiations between the two parties. But in a hilly State like Mizoram only 7-9 persons can be accomodated on a Dauphin, officials from Pawan Hans said.
However, the question remains whether the authorities concerned will be able to materialise chopper services in three months time or not.
The last meeting between Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, accompanied by officials from Aviation Wing with Pawan Hans, held on Thursday decided on starting the service within three months. Lal Thanhawla said, “Our future is bright but there are many things to be done before the maiden helicopter services start in this hilly State”.
A ten-seater ‘Dauphin’ from Pawan Hans will operate in Mizoram as per the negotiations between the two parties. But in a hilly State like Mizoram only 7-9 persons can be accomodated on a Dauphin, officials from Pawan Hans said.
Mizoram state to buy back 453 mln rupee bonds-from RBI
MUMBAI, Feb 10 - The state of Mizoram will buy back its loans worth up to 452.9 million rupees in 2009/10, the Indian central bank said in a release on Friday. Accordingly, the Reserve Bank of India will carry out the purchase of these state development loans from market participants on behalf of Mizoram state.
The securities it will buy back are: 200 million rupees of 10.52 percent SDL maturing on April 25, 2010, 149.7 million rupees of 12 percent SDL maturing on Sep. 26, 2010 and 103.2 million rupees of 10.35 percent SDL maturing on May 8, 2011
The securities it will buy back are: 200 million rupees of 10.52 percent SDL maturing on April 25, 2010, 149.7 million rupees of 12 percent SDL maturing on Sep. 26, 2010 and 103.2 million rupees of 10.35 percent SDL maturing on May 8, 2011
RD Ministry releases grant in aid worth Rs. 204 crores to NRRDA for Rural Road Connectivity in Mizoram under PMGSY
| The Ministry of Rural Development has released grant in aid worth Rs. 204 crore to the National Rural Roads Development Agency (NRRDA) from the special window created in NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) to wards payment for works taken up under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY ) in Mizoram & Uttar Pradesh. Of the Sanctioned amount Rs.10 crore are to be given to the Mizoram Rural Roads Development Agency (MRRRDA)and the remaining Rs. 194 crore have been granted to the Uttar Pradesh Roads Development Agency (UPRRDA) as as Part payment of the 2nd installment of Phase V. The grant is towards Plan Expenditure and is subject to the provisions of PMGSY Programme Guidelines and supplementary directions issued there under. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana is a 100 % centrally sponsored scheme to provide road connectivity in the rural areas of the country. PMGSY envisages connectivity to all habitations with a population of 500 persons and above in the rural areas and about 250 persons and above in respect of the hill states, tribal areas and desert areas through good and all weather roads. ************* AKT/ST/SAK |
Mizoram: Mosquito the biggest killer
Once ravaged by insurgency, Mizoram is now the most peaceful state in the Northeast.
But a new menace is disturbing the people and the state government there, and it is not a band of gun-totting youth but the tiny mosquito that is causing a major headache.
Malaria was the biggest killer in the state last year, killing as many as 119 people. It is not that funds have not been forthcoming from the Central government.
Mizoram government received over Rs 400 lakh just for malaria control in 2007-08 and 2008-09.
And, while it was declared a high-risk area for malaria in 1996, an intensive awareness campaign across the state is yet to catch up.
But a new menace is disturbing the people and the state government there, and it is not a band of gun-totting youth but the tiny mosquito that is causing a major headache.
Malaria was the biggest killer in the state last year, killing as many as 119 people. It is not that funds have not been forthcoming from the Central government.
Mizoram government received over Rs 400 lakh just for malaria control in 2007-08 and 2008-09.
And, while it was declared a high-risk area for malaria in 1996, an intensive awareness campaign across the state is yet to catch up.
Reang refugees : ACHR assails Mizoram Government
By Jyoti Lal Chowdhury
THE Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) in its fact-finding report released to the media on January 21 in Guwahati assailed the Mizoram Government for its failure to protect the Reangs or Brus. The Reangs, it is to be recalled, have been languishing in six relief camps of Kanchanpur in north Tripura since 1997 following their exodus from the native state of Mizoram due to ethnic violence. The Mizoram Bru Displaced People’s Forum (MBDPF) which has been fighting for the repatriation of their tribes- men and parleying with the successive state governments at Aizwal and even hammering with the Union Home Ministry for the last nine years has failed to succeed in initiating the process of the return of the Brus. Two militant outfits floated by the disgruntled Reang youths—Bru National Liberation Front (BNLF) and Mizoram Bru Liberation Front (MBLF)—in course of time laid down arms and ammunitions in 2005 and 2006 in order to facilitate the repatriation.
After series of talks between the Centre, Mizoram Government, MBDPF and the militant outfits, the Union Home Ministry came out with rehabilitation packages and a special development project for the refugees four years ago. An accord in this respect was entered into with BNLF by the Mizoram Government in particular. It was the responsibility of the Mizoram Government to take them back and implement the packages. But, for reasons best known to the government at Aizwal during the period, nothing was done in this regard.
The Bru-crisis continued to deepen and it became quite complex with the murder of a Mizo youth by the suspected Reang rebel. The Mizo youth was identified as Zarzokima and his killing led to widespread violence in Mizoram with the Mizos attacking the Brus assuming that some Reang rebels might have killed the youth. The repatriation was further pushed to uncertainty.
The Asian Centre for Human Rights was invited by the Mizoram Government to make an on the spot study of the violence-hit areas and the fact-finding team, visited not only the affected areas but also Tripura in December 2009. According to their findings, during the recent violence 383 houses were totally burnt and about 5000 Brus were rendered homeless. Of them, 2000 Brus crossed over to Tripura and joined 35000 refugees already displaced and sheltered in the relief camps since 1997.
In its report the ACHR pointed out that while the murder of Zarzokima must be condemned, the violence against the Brus cannot be justified on any ground. It indicted the state government for its failure to take timely action and intervene to stop the burning of Bru houses from November 14 to 16, 2009. It was only on November 17 that the Mamit District Magistrate talked of any security measure for the protection of Brus. The police, the report noted, did not act impartially which allowed the arsonists to take liberty and in some cases the rule of law had totally collapsed.
Though the Mizoram Government did provide relief to the violence-hit people, it has done nothing for their rehabilitation. Nor did the Government take steps to conduct assessment of damages suffered by the victims of communal disturbance. The ACHR also lambasted the Tripura Government for its failure to provide relief to the displaced Brus who took shelter in that state. It also observed the intriguing pretext of the Mizoram government to keep in abeyance the repatriation process and slammed it for delaying the return of the Brus despite the necessary funds being provided by the Centre.
In order to resolve the Bru crisis, ACHR has recommended the Union Home Ministry and the Mizoram Government to recognise the fundamental and constitutional right of the Brus to proper relief and rehabilitation. It insisted that both the Centre and the State Government should identify each and every Bru as to their places of origin before any repatriation begins and to sign an agreement with MBDPF in order to dispel fear and suspicion in respect of their relief and rehabilitation.
The ACHR at the same time made the observation that the demands of Brus for their social and economic security fall below what the Union Home Ministry has been providing to Kashmiri Pandits, Sri Lankan Tamil refugees and other Sri Lankan displaced people. It called upon the Centre to uphold the principles of equality and social justice for the sake of fair deal without any discrimination towards the Brus.
In the meantime, a Mizoram Government delegation led by Additional Secretary (Home) T V Fambol held talks on January 22 at Aizwal with representatives of BNLF, BLFM and MBDPF in order to resolve the repatriation imbroglio as well as other related demands. But, the talks failed to come to any concrete decision and the Bru crisis continues, again pushing the fate of around 40,000 Reang refugees to uncertainty.
THE Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) in its fact-finding report released to the media on January 21 in Guwahati assailed the Mizoram Government for its failure to protect the Reangs or Brus. The Reangs, it is to be recalled, have been languishing in six relief camps of Kanchanpur in north Tripura since 1997 following their exodus from the native state of Mizoram due to ethnic violence. The Mizoram Bru Displaced People’s Forum (MBDPF) which has been fighting for the repatriation of their tribes- men and parleying with the successive state governments at Aizwal and even hammering with the Union Home Ministry for the last nine years has failed to succeed in initiating the process of the return of the Brus. Two militant outfits floated by the disgruntled Reang youths—Bru National Liberation Front (BNLF) and Mizoram Bru Liberation Front (MBLF)—in course of time laid down arms and ammunitions in 2005 and 2006 in order to facilitate the repatriation.
After series of talks between the Centre, Mizoram Government, MBDPF and the militant outfits, the Union Home Ministry came out with rehabilitation packages and a special development project for the refugees four years ago. An accord in this respect was entered into with BNLF by the Mizoram Government in particular. It was the responsibility of the Mizoram Government to take them back and implement the packages. But, for reasons best known to the government at Aizwal during the period, nothing was done in this regard.
The Bru-crisis continued to deepen and it became quite complex with the murder of a Mizo youth by the suspected Reang rebel. The Mizo youth was identified as Zarzokima and his killing led to widespread violence in Mizoram with the Mizos attacking the Brus assuming that some Reang rebels might have killed the youth. The repatriation was further pushed to uncertainty.
The Asian Centre for Human Rights was invited by the Mizoram Government to make an on the spot study of the violence-hit areas and the fact-finding team, visited not only the affected areas but also Tripura in December 2009. According to their findings, during the recent violence 383 houses were totally burnt and about 5000 Brus were rendered homeless. Of them, 2000 Brus crossed over to Tripura and joined 35000 refugees already displaced and sheltered in the relief camps since 1997.
In its report the ACHR pointed out that while the murder of Zarzokima must be condemned, the violence against the Brus cannot be justified on any ground. It indicted the state government for its failure to take timely action and intervene to stop the burning of Bru houses from November 14 to 16, 2009. It was only on November 17 that the Mamit District Magistrate talked of any security measure for the protection of Brus. The police, the report noted, did not act impartially which allowed the arsonists to take liberty and in some cases the rule of law had totally collapsed.
Though the Mizoram Government did provide relief to the violence-hit people, it has done nothing for their rehabilitation. Nor did the Government take steps to conduct assessment of damages suffered by the victims of communal disturbance. The ACHR also lambasted the Tripura Government for its failure to provide relief to the displaced Brus who took shelter in that state. It also observed the intriguing pretext of the Mizoram government to keep in abeyance the repatriation process and slammed it for delaying the return of the Brus despite the necessary funds being provided by the Centre.
In order to resolve the Bru crisis, ACHR has recommended the Union Home Ministry and the Mizoram Government to recognise the fundamental and constitutional right of the Brus to proper relief and rehabilitation. It insisted that both the Centre and the State Government should identify each and every Bru as to their places of origin before any repatriation begins and to sign an agreement with MBDPF in order to dispel fear and suspicion in respect of their relief and rehabilitation.
The ACHR at the same time made the observation that the demands of Brus for their social and economic security fall below what the Union Home Ministry has been providing to Kashmiri Pandits, Sri Lankan Tamil refugees and other Sri Lankan displaced people. It called upon the Centre to uphold the principles of equality and social justice for the sake of fair deal without any discrimination towards the Brus.
In the meantime, a Mizoram Government delegation led by Additional Secretary (Home) T V Fambol held talks on January 22 at Aizwal with representatives of BNLF, BLFM and MBDPF in order to resolve the repatriation imbroglio as well as other related demands. But, the talks failed to come to any concrete decision and the Bru crisis continues, again pushing the fate of around 40,000 Reang refugees to uncertainty.
via organiser
MIZORAM AT A GLANCE
Table-1 : Socio-Demographic characteristics (Source - Census 2001)
No | Items | 1991 | 2001 | ||
India | Mizoram | India | Mizoram | ||
1 | Population | 846,421,436 | 689,756 | 1,028,737,436 | 888,573 |
2 | Decadal growth rate | 23.87 | 39.7 | 21.54 | 28.82 |
3 | Density of population | 267 | 33 | 325 | 42 |
4 | Sex Ratio (total) | 927 | 921 | 933 | 935 |
5 | Sex Ratio (0-6 years) | 945 | 969 | 927 | 964 |
6 | % 0-6 years | 17.9 | 18.6 | 15.9 | 16.2 |
7 | % Disabled persons | NA | NA | NA | 1.8 |
8 | Literacy rate | 52.2 | 82.3 | 64.8 | 88.8 |
9 | Literacy rate (M) | 64.1 | 85.6 | 75.3 | 90.7 |
10 | Literacy rate (F) | 39.3 | 78.6 | 53.7 | 86.7 |
11 | Work participation rate (Total) | 37.5 | 48.9 | 39.1 | 52.6 |
12 | Work participation rate (M) | 51.6 | 53.9 | 51.7 | 57.3 |
13 | Work participation rate (F) | 22.3 | 43.5 | 25.6 | 47.5 |
Dr. C.P.Joshi assures Mizoram CM of full Co-Operation
The Ministry of Rural Development will ensure that the required Central Share for the implementation of all the ongoing Rural development Schemes in Mizoram is reaching in time. There will be no paucity of funds in this regard. This assurance was given by Union Minister for Rural Development Dr. C.P. Joshi to the Mizoram Chief Minister Mr..Lal Thanhawla, who called on him here today.
Mr. Lal Thanhawla also requested for help through NABARD to the State and gave a full account of the progress of various ongoing schemes including the Bharat Nirman projects. He also invited Dr. Joshi to visit the State.
Mr. Lal Thanhawla also requested for help through NABARD to the State and gave a full account of the progress of various ongoing schemes including the Bharat Nirman projects. He also invited Dr. Joshi to visit the State.
Mizo legendary singer Pi Ruati not to sing, but she will talk
Mizo legendary singer Pi Ruati with Pu C Dinthanga. Photo courtesy: Lelte WeeklyShe is being interviewd for a talk show by Lelte Weekly editor Pu C Dinthanga and the broadcasting is likely to be in the first week of January.
The recordings were done on December 17. “I have made lots of mistake in life, but the little good things that I have done should be told to the people of Mizoram,” Lelte Weekly quoted Pi Ruati as saying.
“Pi Ruati has gone bald due to the deadly disease. She is now wearing a wig,” added the entertainment weekly magazine.
via mizo
Yemen's Jews fear for their lives, yet refuse to make aliyah
Remaining members of Yemenite Jewish community say they have paid heavy price for radicalization of country, but won't leave for fear they will lose property, will not be able to return
By Daniel Edelson
Yemenite military training undergone by the Nigerian man who tried to blow up an American airplane on Christmas Day, along with threats made by terror elements, which led to the shutting down of Western embassies in the country, did not surprise the few Jews left in Yemen.
The small Jewish community, centered in the capital of Sanaa, has been dealing with harsh circumstances due to fundamental Islamic factions taking control of the country. Many of its members fear for their lives – but refuse to immigrate to Israel.
The community, which has only some 200 members, paid a heavy price following the radicalization of Yemen. Only a year ago, a former pilot with the Yemeni air force shot to death Moshe Yaish-Nahari, the brother of one of the community's chief rabbis, because he refused to convert to Islam.
Although the members of the community do not make a special effort to conceal their Jewish identity and long side-locks, they think twice before uttering a word in Hebrew.
Y., 44, who resides in the city of Dhamar and is a member of a prominent family in the Jewish community, refused to be identified in an interview with Ynet, because he said he feared for his life.
Yemenite Jews. Think twice before speaking Hebrew (Photo: Reuters)
"Yemen is not the same country anymore," said Y., who insisted on conducting the interview in Hebrew, after making sure he was not being listened to. "The Taliban took control over the whole northern region; it is not easy being a Jew or a Christian here. We do not hide, but we still prefer to travel in large groups so that we do not attract the attention of the Muslims," he said.
According to Y., the tense reality caused several members to convert to Islam. "We are among the few that are still Jewish. We have a community life, but there are no more operational synagogues, and so we pray in our houses. Radical Islam has taken control of everything. If they were to find out I am speaking in Hebrew they would have me murdered," he said.
Y. added that even though one cannot ignore the process of fundamentalism that is taking place in his country, many Yemenites choose to remain indifferent in the face of these events. "They are not concerned by it; it doesn't seem like they realize that Yemen can turn into a battlefield. There is an absolute Muslim majority here, and they don't care if Yemen is on the side of the US or the Taliban."
Y. noted that one of the reasons for this indifference was the vast poverty in the country. "People live on a sack of flour that needs to last for two weeks. They will be in favor of whoever gives them money."
Y.'s comments did not surprise the President of the Israeli Federation of Yemenite Jews Dr. Moshe Nachum.
"I have been trying to convince them to immigrate to Israel for the past 33 years. There is nothing we haven't done. We sent envoys from New York and London; we promised monetary benefits and even used the help of their relatives, but they are scared to lose what they have."
According to Nachum, one of the main factors deterring Yemenite Jews from making aliyah is the financial aid provided by members of the Jewish Satmar community in the United State, which is known for its radical stance against Zionism and the State of Israel.
The situation in Yemen is like a time bomb, Nachum added, calling on the remaining Jews to leave as soon as possible. "Yemen is not itself; the Taliban has taken over it. At this rate it will become a radical and racist country just like Iran. If the US is worried about the situation of the Yemenite Jews and wants to take them out of there – that means the community is in very bad shape," he said.
Nachum warned that members of the community are being watched by Taliban and al-Qaeda members and estimated that the only way to pull them out was by "using a special unit of CIA, FBI and church factions."
By Daniel Edelson
Yemenite military training undergone by the Nigerian man who tried to blow up an American airplane on Christmas Day, along with threats made by terror elements, which led to the shutting down of Western embassies in the country, did not surprise the few Jews left in Yemen.
The small Jewish community, centered in the capital of Sanaa, has been dealing with harsh circumstances due to fundamental Islamic factions taking control of the country. Many of its members fear for their lives – but refuse to immigrate to Israel.
The community, which has only some 200 members, paid a heavy price following the radicalization of Yemen. Only a year ago, a former pilot with the Yemeni air force shot to death Moshe Yaish-Nahari, the brother of one of the community's chief rabbis, because he refused to convert to Islam.
Although the members of the community do not make a special effort to conceal their Jewish identity and long side-locks, they think twice before uttering a word in Hebrew.
Y., 44, who resides in the city of Dhamar and is a member of a prominent family in the Jewish community, refused to be identified in an interview with Ynet, because he said he feared for his life.
Yemenite Jews. Think twice before speaking Hebrew (Photo: Reuters)
"Yemen is not the same country anymore," said Y., who insisted on conducting the interview in Hebrew, after making sure he was not being listened to. "The Taliban took control over the whole northern region; it is not easy being a Jew or a Christian here. We do not hide, but we still prefer to travel in large groups so that we do not attract the attention of the Muslims," he said.
According to Y., the tense reality caused several members to convert to Islam. "We are among the few that are still Jewish. We have a community life, but there are no more operational synagogues, and so we pray in our houses. Radical Islam has taken control of everything. If they were to find out I am speaking in Hebrew they would have me murdered," he said.
Y. added that even though one cannot ignore the process of fundamentalism that is taking place in his country, many Yemenites choose to remain indifferent in the face of these events. "They are not concerned by it; it doesn't seem like they realize that Yemen can turn into a battlefield. There is an absolute Muslim majority here, and they don't care if Yemen is on the side of the US or the Taliban."
Y. noted that one of the reasons for this indifference was the vast poverty in the country. "People live on a sack of flour that needs to last for two weeks. They will be in favor of whoever gives them money."
Won't leave despite everything
Even in the face of grim reality, Y. clarifies that he does not intend on leaving Yemen. "If we leave the country, we will not be allowed to take our possessions – everything will be confiscated. I don't know how we will survive. I have relatives in Israel and in the US, and they always ask me to join them, but for now we are getting by. We have a steady income and a house," Y. concluded.Y.'s comments did not surprise the President of the Israeli Federation of Yemenite Jews Dr. Moshe Nachum.
"I have been trying to convince them to immigrate to Israel for the past 33 years. There is nothing we haven't done. We sent envoys from New York and London; we promised monetary benefits and even used the help of their relatives, but they are scared to lose what they have."
According to Nachum, one of the main factors deterring Yemenite Jews from making aliyah is the financial aid provided by members of the Jewish Satmar community in the United State, which is known for its radical stance against Zionism and the State of Israel.
The situation in Yemen is like a time bomb, Nachum added, calling on the remaining Jews to leave as soon as possible. "Yemen is not itself; the Taliban has taken over it. At this rate it will become a radical and racist country just like Iran. If the US is worried about the situation of the Yemenite Jews and wants to take them out of there – that means the community is in very bad shape," he said.
Nachum warned that members of the community are being watched by Taliban and al-Qaeda members and estimated that the only way to pull them out was by "using a special unit of CIA, FBI and church factions."
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