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09/07/2006: "Datta joins Naga chorus for peace Correspondent Nagaland post"
Datta joins Naga chorus for peace Correspondent Nagaland post
Kohima, Sept 6 (NPN): State Governor Shyamal Datta on Wednesday joined the Nagas in their chorus for unity, peace and solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political problem during the observance of 42nd Peace Day.
"People's thirst for peace makes it clear that we need peace," said the Governor while addressing a thanksgiving service organized by the Nagaland Peace Centre at the Zonal Council Hall here. The thanksgiving service was organized to commemorate the first ceasefire between the Nagas and the Indian government in 1964.
Expressing deep concern over continued factional killings among Nagas, Datta called for cessation to fratricidal killings. He described factional killings as an "aberration" and said the aberration continued because "we have drifted away from the path of human norms and values".
Commenting on prevalent fear-psychosis among people in the State, Datta pointed out that no country, nation or society, how strong it might be, could survive without the voice of its people. The strength of the society lies in the voice of the people and the time has come for the Nagas to stand up and find a course and chart it out, he said. The Governor urged the Nagas to assert themselves of their views, norms and values of lives stating life is precious and must be guided properly by moral values. Earlier, delivering the introductory note, Lhusi Haralu, former Director, Nagaland Peace Centre, briefed on the circumstances that brought about the first ceasefire between the Nagas and the Indian government in 1964.
Also speaking, the chairman of Nagaland Peace Centre, N. Theyo, appealed to the people to work towards strengthening political forces for peace and to pray for final solution of the Naga political issue. "Peace is understood not just in military terms but a phenomenon encompassing economic development, socio-political justice, democratization and respect for human rights," Theyo pointed out. Chaplain, Baptist College Kohima, Kedo Peseyie, in his speech gave the message on the theme "A man to stand in the gap". He cited the example of Prophet Ezekiel, who stood for truth and obedience to God, and said such people were needed among Nagas today.
Earlier, Executive Director, Nagaland Peace Centre, Lhusi Haralu, gave an introductory speech on the thanksgiving service while Rev. Chen Rengma delivered the invocation and Lord's Prayer. Khrieleno Terhüja delivered a speech on "This would I say" where she expressed the hope and desire of the Nagas to live in peace and achieve development. A special song was presented by the Chakhesang Baptist Church choir. Members of the Nagaland Peace Centre, church leaders, NGOs and dignitaries attended the function. The FGN also observed the Day at the Chedema Peace Camp.
A statement issued by FGN Kilo Kilonser Shevohu Keyho stated the Nagas always acknowledged the "great achievement" made by the members of Nagaland Peace Mission and NBCC who had worked tirelessly for bringing about peace between the Indians and the Nagas at times of intense gun battle and heavy operation by the Indian Army in Nagaland. Shevohu gave thanks to God for guiding and protecting the Naga nation and added "no Naga leaders committed any political mistake in the history of Naga nation".
The FGN Kilo Kilonser appealed to the Naga youths to realize how God was guiding the Naga nation and said "it is our bounden duty to uphold God's gift of peace and protect our people through peaceful means so that we live as a nation among nations of the world."
‘Quit notice’ Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, SEPT 6 (NPN): The NSCN-K has re-iterated its 'quit notice' against the Tangkhul community and said the notice was final and would continue for an indefinite period of time. Consequent upon the quit notice, secretary MIP (NSCN-K), said the council of kilonser GPRN (NSCN-K), in a resolution also decided "that the nomenclature, Isak-Muivah (I-M) would be replaced by Isak-Khodao (I-K). The NSCN-K further said that henceforth it would address the N
Rio knocks PM’s door on affiliation Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, SEPT 6 (NPN): After meeting Union ministers for Home, Shivraj Patil, and Human Resource Development (HRD) Arjun Singh, chief minister Neiphiu Rio finally knocked on the door of the Prime Minister and urged the latter to resolve the impasse arising out of the affiliation issue.
At a press briefing held here Wednesday at his private residence, the chief minister disclosed that during his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday evening in New Delhi, he had submitted in writing the state government's position on the issue of affiliation of private schools in the four hill districts on Manipur to the NBSE along with relevant documents and papers.
According to Rio, the Prime Minister's response was "yes, it's a very serious issue and we must find a solution," and assured to study the affiliation issue in detail. Rio expressed optimism that the Prime Minister would soon give his opinion to the HRD Ministry.
The chief minister also said he had frankly told the Prime Minister as well as Home and HRD ministers that since ANSAM and private schools of the four hill districts in Manipur had made up their mind not to join the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BSEM), alternative arrangement should be made if these schools were not to be affiliated to NBSE.
The HRD Ministry is now reportedly waiting for the opinion of the Prime Minister. Taking a dig at the Nagaland Youth Congress (NYC) and the Congress for criticizing the government on the affiliation issue, the chief minister said "on Naga issues, I think we should have one voice," adding such issues should not be taken along party lines.
Rio said if state Congress was really concerned about the issue, then it should take initiative and approach the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre instead of accusing the DAN Government. "After all it is not DAN government who initiated the move for affiliation, ANSAM and the private schools approached the state government for affiliation and the state cabinet said it has no objection but first it must approach the HRD Ministry," he added.
He also said there were contradictions within the Congress party itself and pointed out to the alleged assurance of opposition leader I. Imkong to ANSAM delegation and NPCC president Hokheto Sumi's to the state government to go slow on the affiliation issue.
Rio said it was not right for a majority community to impose its language on minorities and added that Article 30 (1) of the Indian Constitution provides protection for linguistic minorities.
On his earlier proposal for an interim agreement to the Naga political issue, Rio defended his proposal saying "if it seems too difficult, then they should even go for interim agreement, which is a process to further continue (the talks)."
The chief minister said the main concern of the state government as "facilitator" was that there should not be a "deadlock" in the talks; "what is agreed upon can be utilized, what is not agreed upon can be continued and discussed," he added Meanwhile, the chief minister informed that he had extended invitation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to inaugurate the Sainik School at Punglwa in December or January next year. Singh is also likely to lay the foundation stone of Kohima Campus, Nagaland University, during his visit.
NNC cadre killed in factional clash Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Kohima, Sep 06: In continued factional feuds, armed unidentified youths shot dead a suspected cadre of the NNC/FGN at Lhisemia Khel, Kohima village, last evening at around 5.45.According to Nagaland police sources, unidentified gunmen, numbering around four to five approached the victim, who was reportedly playing cards with some of his friends and shot him at close range.
The victim has been identified as Saloni Poumai, son of late Reikholo of Chingmai-Khunao village. Meanwhile, intermittent clashes have been reported between the two warring NSCN factions near Phek area in Nagaland today. However, casualties, if any, are yet to be known.
The factional clashes between the NSCN-K and and the NSCN-IM are fiercely going on in Nagaland's Phek district and at Zunheboto in the last few days.
Mention may be made that the battle for control of Zunheboto appears to have reached a war-like situation with skirmishes between the two rival NSCN factions becoming an almost-daily feature, particularly in Zunheboto district, where the June 14 Zunheboto Agreement was signed between the two factions. Starting Saturday, the two factions have been heavily engaged in fierce firefights in villages near Zunheboto and the factions appear to be heading for an ultimate showdown even as the Sumi Hoho is desperately trying to broker a ceasefire between the two factions.
It was revealed that the two factions have been clashing on an almost-everyday basis.
Even on Sunday, the two clashed at Vekuho, the sources claimed, adding that both the factions ceased fire after public intervened. Zunheboto district is presently reportedly tense with reports of both the factions building up and reinforcing troops for what an imminent showdown.
Improve law & order, Manmohan tells States The Morung Express
New Delhi, Sept 5 (PTI): With intelligence warning further intensification of terror attacks, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today sought closer cooperation between the Centre and states and asked Chief Ministers to personally monitor steps to improve intelligence generation and collection.
He also asked Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern states to be “especially sensitive to the nuances of each situation.” Addressing a conference of Chief Ministers on internal security here, Singh proposed constitution of Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) to be headed by Home Minister Shivraj Patil and includes select Chief Ministers of the state to closely monitor the spread of the Naxalite movement.
Referring to the inputs by intelligence agencies, he said, these warned of a “further intensification of violent activities by externally-inspired and directed terrorist outfits in the country.” The agencies have spoken about the possibility of more “fidayeen” attacks, use of suicide bombers, picking up economic and religious targets and vital installations including nuclear establishments and army camps, he said.
The Prime Minister said reports also suggested that “terrorist modules and sleeper cells exists in some of our urban areas, all of which highlight the seriousness of the threat.” Regretting that terrorism has created a wrong impression of radicalization of the entire Muslim community, he said the adverse consequences of the “prevailing insecurity” among minorities, especially Muslims, could be “extremely deleterious for our polity”.
Thanksgiving service affirms call for peace The Morung Express
KOHIMA, SEPT 6 (DIPR): A thanksgiving service, organised by Nagaland Peace Centre was held today at the Zonal Council Hall, Kohima. Governor Shyamal Datta was also present at the function.Addressing the gathering, Shyamal Datta urged the Naga people to assert themselves, of their views, norms and values of lives. He also said that life is precious and must be properly guided by moral values and called upon the people to work for peace from among themselves. “By rejuvenating the wall and boundaries of morality we can capture and explore prosperity, growth, friendship and co-operation for the common welfare of the people,” he said.
Chaplain, Baptist College Kohima, Kedo Peseyie gave the message on the theme “A man to stand in the gap”. He cited the example of the Prophet Ezekiel who stood for truth and obedience to God, adding that such people are required amongst Nagas today. Executive Director, Nagaland Peace Centre, Lhusi Haralu gave an introduction of the thanksgiving service while Chairman, Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC), N Theyo gave the opening remarks. Rev. Chen Rengma said the invocation and the Lord’s Prayer. Khrieleno Terhüja gave a speech on “This would I say” where she expressed her hope and desire for Nagas to live in peace and achieve total development. A special song was presented by Chakhesang Baptist Church choir.
Responsive reading of Bible passages from the books of Isaiah and Ezekiel was led by Lhusi Haralu. Rev. Dr. VK Nuh, member of Governing Body, NPC said the closing prayer and benediction. Members of the Nagaland Peace Centre, church leaders, NGOs and dignitaries attended the function.
Peace encompasses all dimensions-NPC The Morung Express
Dimapur, Sept 6 (MExN): Strongly reminding that peace encompasses all dimensions of life, human rights and society, the Nagaland Peace Centre has called for strengthening “political forces” for a final solution to the protracted Naga political issue.
“Peace is understood not just in military terms but a phenomenon encompassing economic development, social-political justice, democratization and respect for human rights” reminded NPC Chairman N Theyo at the thanksgiving service in commemoration of Peace Day held at Zonal Council Hall, Kohima September 6. While calling for a concerted effort for strengthening the “political forces” for peace as well as praying for a final settlement of the Naga political issue, the peace center asserted: “These pillars of peace are interrelated and mutually reinforced. Peace cannot be imposed upon the will of the people nor can peace exist without the removal of eco-political oppression”. The center stood on the Bible: “(The) Bible makes it clear to live in right relationship with one another and with God. The right relationship can be established between people in absence of eco-political oppression”. The NPC however did not elaborate what “eco-political” implies. It quoted Yoder: ‘“Jesus came so that things might be as they ought to be both among people and God and even in Nature”’.
The Federal Government of Nagaland also stated in a separate release that the Naga people has a challenge in upholding “God’s gift of peace” to withstand its enemies for the interest of the Naga nation rather than “fighting against our own people”.
Bring changes in CF rules, Rio to PM The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, SEPT 5 (MExN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today acquainted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of the several issues of importance in Nagaland. In the meeting of Chief Ministers convened by the country’s premier, Rio, while stating that Nagaland has remained largely peaceful, lamented that the State continues to suffer the consequence of the unsettled Naga political issue. “The number of factional clashes in the current year shows a rising trend, compared to the incidents recorded during last year.
The ongoing ‘turf war’ between the rival factions of the UG outfits is responsible for this situation,” he said. He termed this as the biggest problem, adversely affecting public peace and order in the State. More significantly, he said, “There are certain grey areas regarding the degree of intervention to be done by the State agencies, in the matter of enforcement of the ground rules.”
The Chief Minister has urged upon the Centre to introduce necessary changes in the ceasefire ground rules and to ensure accountability of the parties for strict adherence to the (ceasefire) ground rules.
On the raising of Indian Reserve Battalions, he impressed upon Delhi the need to urgently frame norms and guidelines for the deployment of such battalions outside their respective States. “In assignments such as anti-naxal operations, it is essential that the police personnel are appropriately trained to deal with the situation such as handling explosives, bombs and landmines.”
Raising concern over the influx of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, Rio said that with the increased threat of the ISI in the country, and in the absence of a coordinated policy and approach in handling illegal migrants, the Northeast can become a hotbed of terrorism.
Expressing gratitude on the Police Modernisation Scheme which has now been made 100% CSS in respect of Nagaland, Rio however placed on record that Nagaland, “while being a ‘resource challenged’ State, was perhaps one of the few States in the country that contributed more than the stipulated State share of 25% during the last many years when it was funded on 75.25 pattern. He has asked Manmohan to take note of this and requested for a more liberal allocation when the next allotments are made. Rio also strongly felt that the basic requirements of the Village Guard organizations in Nagaland should be included either under the Police Modernization Scheme, or under SRE.
Students ransack govt schools in 4 districts, burn effigies of CM, EM The Imphal Free Press
SPT/UKL/TML, Sept 6: Student volunteers burnt the effigies of state chief minister O Ibobi Singh and education minister L Nandakumar and ransacked government schools across four hill districts today as part of their stir seeking affiliation of schools in these districts to the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education.
The volunteers, acting under the aegis of the All Naga Students Association, Manipur were expressing resentment at the chief minister` alleged attempts to draw away students from the ongoing movement for affiliation to the NBSE by promising them accomodation in government schools. In Senapati, the Senapati District Students Association took responsibility for organising the demonstration.
Speaking before the crowd while setting the effigies on fire, Isaac, the president of the Senapati District Students Association said that the demonstration is an expression of resentment to the statements made by the chief minster that "the students from the hills will be accommodated unconditionally
UNLF leader remanded to Judicial custody
Additional police team sent to escort rebel leader, arrival date not yet certain
Ibotombi being carried to a police ambulance in Coimbatore Sangai Express
Coimbatore, Sept 6: A Manipuri separatist leader and his aide, who have been arrested here, were remanded to judicial custody and lodged in the Central prison today.
Ibotombi alias Khundongbam, the leader of banned outfit Manipur People’s Army, and his aide Salam Bunk were arrested from a city hospital by a Manipuri special police team yesterday.
As per original plan, the duo was to be taken to Imphal last night itself, where Ibotombi was wanted in many cases.
However, considering the “health condition” of Ibotombi, who had undergone a spinal compression surgery, the Judicial Magistrate ordered his Judicial custody till September 19, after which both were taken to Coimbatore Central prison, police sources said.
The Manipur police team was making efforts to bring in a special aircraft to airlift them, the sources said, adding that both were likely to be taken from here on September 8.
A reliable source informed The Sangai Express that an additional team has been sent to Coimbatore today to escort back the rebel leader and his aide.
However it is not yet certain when the duo will be brought back to Imphal as there is the question booking flights and other details, explained the source.
The source refused to divulge the number of personnel detailed to bring back the UNLF leader as well as the leader of the advanced team which went to Coimbatore for the arrest.
The UNLF leader who is also known as Tomba had a key role in the armed struggle by the UNLF’s Manipur People’s Army and is said to be the second in command. He is believed to have arrived here on August 22. He underwent a surgery for two compressions in the spinal cord.
The interception of a phone call made by Tomba to a UNLF base in Manipur by the Military Intelligence wing revealed his whereabouts. Immediately, the Intelligence Bureau and the Manipur Police coordinated with the Coimbatore city police and Tombo was brought under surveillance and kept under watch for eight days.
A search was on for Tombo for the last two decades and the Manipur Govt had announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh. He was a “proclaimed offender” for declaring a war against the Indian Govt, seeking indepen- dent Nationhood for Manipur.
A team headed by the Commissioner of Police, Coimbatore City, Karan Singha arrested Tomba, and his companion. They have been remanded to judicial custody and lodged in Coimbatore Central prison.
A laptop, cell phones, Rs 35,000 in cash and clothes were seized. Pictures relating to a centre run by the Manipur People’s Army for training activists in loading rifles, AK-47, light machine guns and using rocket launchers were also recovered, sources said. Besides picking up a student who is suspected to have come to the hospital to see Tomba, the police secured nearly 20 Manipuri students studying here for questioning.
(Agencies and Staff Reporter)
CM’s effigies burnt to protest TIPS arrest Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Sep 6: Effigies of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh have been set on fire at various places demanding repealing of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur and release of TIPS general secretary Leitanthem Umakanta and publicity secretary Thabi without any condition from police custody. At Khergao Junior High School, Kongpal Iranpham Thongkhong and Heirangoithong, the effigies were burnt by the activists of Meeot-Meenei Kanba Apunba Lup amidst slogans demanding the uncon-ditional release of the arrested TIPS activists and decrying the excesses being committed by the security forces under the immunity granted by the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
ISKCON peace rally By Lt Col H Bhuban Singh (Retd) Sangai Express
There was a grenade attack on ISKCON Temple Complex, Imphal, on 16 August 2006 during the Ras Leela, symbolising the birth of Lord Krishna. The grenade blast had caused the death of six persons, so far. A Peace Rally was organised on 23 August in response to the attack. The rally started from ISKCON and congregated at Thau Ground, where a public meeting was held. I participated in the rally right from start. But after ushering in the people at the public meeting place, I left the meeting place at 12.30 p.m. as I had an appointment in the early afternoon of that particular day. So, I express my apologies and regrets for missing the public meeting. Now, I am expressing my views on the Peace Rally.
I must congratulate the organisers for calling it a Peace Rally, rather than calling it a Protest rally. It was really a peace rally, with all the intents good - no criticism, no revenge mood and no hatred. When mankind started life on this earth of ours, our fore fathers lived in caves and dug-outs, since they did not know how to build a dwelling house. Of course, those early men barricaded their cave-homes with some protective fencing in order to ward off wild animals and other fellow human beings. From time immemorial, it has been observed that human beings were the worst enemies of human beings.
The practice of head-hunting was prevalent everywhere. Along with head-hunting, the attackers used to capture young women who were to become wives and small boys who were to be brought up as slaves and those were the orders of the day. During the colonial days of seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, such kind of or similar practices were prevalent. When the United States of America was passing through this transformation phase from Wild West to democratic freedom, gun-slingers used to shoot and kill at random. Those attackers used to carry off young girls and married ladies. But they soon realised that violence brought more violence and more revenge, with no let up in sight.
Some philosophers and saintly people thought for a way-out to stop these mindless killings. Thus, came religion. Religion sobered them. After the battle of Kalinga, Emperor Ashoka was so moved by the immensity of killings that he devoted the rest of his life for spreading Buddhism. The Jats of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan were famous for revenge killings. They believed in the dictum of ‘eye for eye’, ‘tooth for tooth’. If a Jat father was killed, it was the duty of the Jat son to kill his father’s killer.
“In this process, the Jat son might also get killed at a young age of twenty seven or so. If the young Jat widow happened to be pregnant at the time of her husband’s death and if the child, born after the death of the young Jat father happened to be a boy, then it became the duty of the young widow to brainwash her young son from the age of three to avenge for the killing of the child’s father. This way, killings and revenge killings would carry on for generations. Nowadays, such things are rare and everyone including the brave and ferocious Jats have realised the stupidity of such acts of revenge killings.
Therefore, the crux of the matter is religiosity and ability to pardon your enemies. The ISKCON attack must be viewed in that light. Lord Jesus Christ was reputed to have preached that if someone slapped you on your right cheek, you must offer your left cheek to be slapped again. Mahatma Gandhiji, through non-violence, compelled the biggest colonial power of the world to leave India. Non-violence is the key to peace and tranquillity.
But mankind does not seem to have learnt much of a lesson as yet. Thousands of people got massacred daily, I repeat, daily in the Republic of Congo, in countries like Ethiopia, Sudan etc. In Iraq, the land of Saddam Hussien, factional killings among the Shias and Sunnis happen almost every day. Why kill in the name of religion? Religion does not preach violence; on the other hand, it preaches tolerance, love and peace. Therefore, the ISKCON Peace Rally was a great success, in as much as there was no ill will against anyone. And the perpetrators of the crime must realise their own mistakes and commit no such crimes in future. It is this realisation and change in thinking mode, which is more important than anything else.
Centre firm on written word from ULFA From Our Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Sept 6 – It’s a Catch 22 situation again, with the Centre standing firm on a written communication from ULFA and isn’t likely to change its stand until the outfit complied, highly placed sources said. ULFA’s argument for not submitting anything in writing has few takers at the Centre. The mediator duo of Rebati Phukon and Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami were told last evening that the Government of India needed something in black and white before releasing the five prisoners, sources said.
The next 10 days of the extension of suspension of operation is going to be crucial because the mediators have to submit the banned outfit’s response within that period.
Sources said that it was pointed out to the mediators that the Centre had nothing in writing from ULFA to show that the peace process was on and on the basis of which the Government of India could work towards releasing the central committee members.
At least few lines from ULFA stating that they are coming for talks would be enough to get things rolling, Phukon and Goswami were told.
The duo had met National Security Advsier, MK Narayanan and Union Home Secretary, VK Duggal to deliver the Peoples Consultative Group (PCG) letter. The meeting led to extension of the suspension, but it came with a subtle warning that should there be any reports of extortion, regrouping or movement of cadres with weapons, the Centre would have the option of calling it off.
The Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, has also, while addressing the Chief Ninister’s meet on internal security, admitted that about ULFA’s extortion drives.
Meanwhile, sources said that the mediators told the NSA and Home Secretary that the ULFA was not in a position to give anything in writing because of most its top leadership were scattered. They conveyed that ULFA leaders have not been able to get together to take a collective decision on the issue. The ULFA had earlier conveyed that it was willing to give in writing but only after the central committee meeting.
However, Phukon said that he would again get back to ULFA leadership and PCG and convey the Centre’s standpoint. The only positive thing going was the reign of peace prevailing in the State. The Chief Minister yesterday made a strong case for continuation of the ULFA peace process. “We should keeping trying to bring ULFA to the negotiating table,” he said.
The Centre and State seem content that the guns have fallen silent and hence bent on pushing the peace process to its logical end, despite stiff opposition from the Army and intelligence agencies.
Bombs recovered in Manipur From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Sept 6 – A number of powerful improvised explosive devices were detected and defused at various parts of the State capital since the past few days.
Kh Ningthemjao, 70, of Kwakeithel Heinoukhongnembi, hurt in the August 16 ISKCON temple blast died at Catholic Medical Centre, Koirengei near here on Tuesday raising the death toll to six. One more bomb was recovered from the roadside of Indo-Myanmar road at Kiyamgei this morning around 10.30 am. The bomb squad of Manipur Police safely defused the bomb, at the non-residential Lamphelpat area.
Mention may be made here that a powerful IED, weighing more than one kg was safely defused at the crowded Singjamei market place in Imphal on Monday.
Students ransack govt schools in 4 districts, burn effigies of CM, EM The Imphal Free Press
SPT/UKL/TML, Sept 6: Student volunteers burnt the effigies of state chief minister O Ibobi Singh and education minister L Nandakumar and ransacked government schools across four hill districts today as part of their stir seeking affiliation of schools in these districts to the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education.
The volunteers, acting under the aegis of the All Naga Students Association, Manipur were expressing resentment at the chief minister` alleged attempts to draw away students from the ongoing movement for affiliation to the NBSE by promising them accomodation in government schools.
In Senapati, the Senapati District Students Association took responsibility for organising the demonstration. Speaking before the crowd while setting the effigies on fire, Isaac, the president of the Senapati District Students Association said that the demonstration is an expression of resentment to the statements made by the chief minster that "the students from the hills will be accommodated unconditionally
Army to expose NE to national media Nagarealm.com
Kohima, Sep04 [NNN] : A 25-member team of media persons from both the national electronic and print media would be arriving in Kohima on September 17 on an exposure trip to the Northeast organized by the Indian Army.
The exposure trip of the members of the national media is an initiative of GOC Nagaland and IGAR (North), Maj. Gen. S.S. Kumar, who had taken up the issue with Chief of Army Staff, Gen. J. J. Singh during his recent visit to Dimapur. The media team would be flown in by special aircraft till Dimapur or Guwahati from where they would be flown to the capital by army chopper. During their overnight stay, the team is expected to meet Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Governor Shyamal Datta and others apart from members of the local media fraternity.
The media team would be putting up at Hotel Japfu during their overnight stay. The team would also fly to Mokokchung and Wokha by army chopper as part of the trip. The team is scheduled to fly by chopper to Imphal on September 18.
Centre to set up new major IT programmes Nagarealm.com
Aizawl, Sep07 [UNI] : In a bid to improve the standard of Information Technology (IT) in the North East region, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has decided to implement some new programs.The IT Ministry has already setup Community Information Centres (CICs) at 487 blocks in the seven NE states, including Sikkim, to provide connectivity at the block level and thus promote application of IT for accelerating socio-economic development of the region, official sources said here on Wednesday.
The CICs will help tackle the digital divide by providing internet access and IT enabled services and also facilitate citizens interface with the Government. With the help of the Centre, Education and Research Network (ERNET) India has also set up point-to-point high speed links in ten universities of NE region including states of Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim.
These links help students and faculty of these universities to acccess internet, hosting web servers and e-Journals, distance learning and Digital library.
Apart from this, ERNET India would be setting up campus wide local area network at Arunachal University. The Government has also provided NICNET infrastructure at all state secretariats and 70 districts of NE and Sikkim. In addition, the National Informatics Centre (NIC) has provided video conferencing studio at all NE state secretariats.
The officials also stated that Software Technology Partk (STP) has been set up at Guwahati, Imphal and Gangtok to provide datacom services to promote software exports.
With an aim to help the weaker sections, fee reimbursement assistance is being provided to the students belonging to the Schedule Caste (SC) and Schedule Tribes (ST) in the NE region in the accredited institutes for DOEACC 'O' and 'A' level IT courses.
A regional institute of E-learning and IT is being setup by DOEACC at Kohima at a total cost of 20 crore over a period of four years to provide education and training in the area of information, electronics and communication in the non-formal sector. To provide special health services in the NE states, two district level telemedicine centres are being set up in the States of Mizoram and Sikkim in association with Apollo Hospital, Delhi. The district hospital at Namchi, Sikkim and Aizawl Civil hospital has been connected with the system at Naga hospital at Kohima, which is connected with the Inderprastha Apollo hospital, New Delhi, for consultations.
Apart from this, implementation of advanced hospital management systems is underway at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Imphal in Manipur. The IT Ministy has so far spent Rs 87.67 crore to implement all these projects in the NE region and ther new project such as e-governance, implementing State Wide Area Network (SWAN), Electronics test and development centre at Guwahati and Agartala are in the pipeline, the officials added.
