| 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 |
RD Ministry releases grant in aid worth Rs. 204 crores to NRRDA for Rural Road Connectivity in Mizoram under PMGSY
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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