Kuki Students’ Organisation, Delhi meet 2010

New Delhi, Sept. 20: The Kuki Students’ Organisation, Delhi XXIII Freshers’ cum Social Meet 2010 will be held on September 25, 2010 at MTNL Hall, RK Puram Sector-VI at 11AM sharp. Pu CS Thanga, Social Worker, Pu Philip Thanglenmang Zou and Pu Kuonthang Touthang has consented to grace the program as chief guest, guest of hounor and functional president respectively.
Kuki Students’ Organisation, Delhi Branch
XXIII FRESHERS’ cum SOCIAL MEET 2010
Chief Guest : CS Thang’a
Guest of Honour : Philip Thanglenmang Zou
Functional President : Pa Konthang Touthang
Date : 25th September 2010
Time : 11 …

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Repeal law giving army special powers: Activists

New Delhi, Aug 23 : Students and civil rights groups Saturday protested in the national capital to demand the repeal of a law that grants the military special powers, including legal immunity, during operations in country's troubled areas.

A day after Home Minister P. Chidambaram said that changes proposed by his ministry in the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act could be implemented after consultations with all concerned, the activists said there should be no sucj law.

"The people from Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Mizoram and other states where AFSPA is there, don't want changes in the law, but we are clearly asking for the repeal of AFSPA," said Sucheta De, secretary of students' body All India Students Association (AISA).

The protestors also cited various instances of human rights violations in the name of the special powers given to armed forces.

G.N. Saibaba, an assistant professor at Delhi University and vice president of the Revolutionary Democratic Front of India, branded armed forces in a few states with AFSPA as "killers" and said they should not be given charge in sensitive areas of the country.

According to Nandini Sundar of Delhi School of Economics, "The government claims that areas like Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Mizoram and Jharkhand are peaceful because of the army. The truth is that years of oppression have silenced the voice of democracy."

The act is in force in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir.

 
 

AASU rally over Assam Accord

GUWAHATI, Aug 10 – Members of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) today staged demonstration in all the district headquarters of the State in protest against the failure of the Government to implement the Assam Accord even after 25 years of inking it. The AASU members also demanded continuation of the implementation of the NRC updating pilot projects , constitutional safeguard to the indigenous people of Assam, abandoning of the proposed mega dam projects, treating Assam’s flood and erosion as national problems and steps to protect Majuli river island.

The AASU members sent memorandum to the Prime Minister through the respective Deputy Commissioners on the above issues.

However, in Tezpur and Dhemaji, the AASU members had to send their memorandum directly to the Prime Minister in the face of refusal of the respective Deputy Commissioners to accept those, said the AASU in a Press release.

Our Nalbari Correspondent adds: Two massive protest rallies against the State government decision to suspend the work of NRC update besides others were taken out here today.

In the first protest rally about five thousand people under the banner of Nalbari district unit of AASU staged a Satyagraha before the Nalbari Deputy Commissioner’s office. Similarly, the Nalbari district unit of AJYCP also took out a torch light procession this evening in support of the same demands.

 
 

AASU warns against NRC form change

GUWAHATI, July 28 – Firing a salvo at the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi-led government for “letting the AAMSU find a scope to legalize the status of illegal migrants who came to Assam after 1971,” the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) today warned of a movement, in case the NRC form is changed to suit the purpose of illegal Bangladeshis.

The AASU also demanded the State government to start the NRC update work at the earliest possible time, failing which it would have to face the wrath of people of the State.

Addressing a press meet here, the AASU adviser Samujjal Bhattacharya said that the government spokesman Himanta Biswa Sarma’s statement mentioning about some flaws in the NRC form is totally unacceptable.

“The State government’s move to ‘simplify’ the form to make it comprehensible for the common people, is unnecessary as the form, in its current structure, is very simple, transparent and fit for updating the NRC. We warn the State government not to do politics on the issue of NRC form and start updating the citizens’ register as per the Assam Accord,” he mentioned.

Criticizing both the AAMSU and the State government for the Barpeta incident and its aftermath, Bhattacharya said that suspending the work due to an ‘undemocratic protest’ by the minority students’ body the government is encouraging the AAMSU to communalize the whole issue. “The incident took place at Barpeta, but the pilot project was also stopped in Chhayagaon, which also shows that the government is acting as the benefactor of the illegal Bangladshis,” he mentioned.

“It was the responsibility of the State government to explain about the NRC and its minuets to the common people in a simple manner, rather than suggesting a change in the form itself,” he added.

The students’ body also asked the Opposition not to start the vote bank politics by speaking in favour of the illegal Bangladeshis. “We would not allow the State government or any other political party or organization to communalize the issue of NRC update in Assam,” said the AASU president Shankar Prasad Roy.

 
 

Students protest against kidnapping in Imphal

Hundreds of students carried out a rally at Lamlai in Imphal east district demanding unconditional release of their colleague who was taken captivity by allegedly KCP group in place his father who is a close associate of state health minister.
Nineteen year old Yumnam Manaobi, a student of Birmangol College, Swambung in Imphal east district was kidnapped by armed cadres of KCP (MTF)-City Meetei group on the night of July 19 when his father Megha was not at home.
Later, the group reportedly demanded Rs 10 crore from the state health minister as well as contract work at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) and a job quota in the recruitment of doctors to the institute.Students from various schools located in and around Lamlai area took part in the rally.
Further Health and Family Welfare minister, Ph Parijat anguished over the kidnapping of his worker’s son said that kidnapping of people demanding contract works, quotas in job appointments and money was not the work to be done by true revolutionaries and that they were gangs, not revolutionary. Meanwhile, bus service on the inter-district Imphal-Churachandpur road had been suspended from Friday owing to KCP threat for not meeting their extortion demand of Rs 50, 000 from the bus owners. Drivers of the buses also staged a sit-in protest at Bishnupur Bazar, report stated. When contacted by this correspondent, a driver said that they were threatened of dare consequences if they continue their service without meeting the demand.
(Correspondent)
The demand served by them is above various underground groups both hills and valley based active on this route, he added.
Further, scribes in Churachandpur district of Manipur resumed duty Friday after two days of cease work following militant group, Hmar People Convention (Democratic)-HPC (D) offered apology to the scribes for their alleged misconduct towards their colleague.
Newspapers failed to hit for two consecutive days due to the cease-work strike in Churachandpur and for a day Friday in Imphal as scribes staged sit-in protest in Churachandpur district headquarters and Imphal yesterday.
In Imphal, newspapers failed to hit as scribes cease work for a day yesterday and staged sit-in protest at Keishampat in Imphal. They also resumed duty from today.
With the militant outfit under ceasefire trust with government forces apologized and withdrawn threat posed to the Imphal Correspondent of Sangai Express daily, the two day old indefinite cease work strike of the scribes suspended from today, scribes in the district informed.
They have resumed their duty today, scribes said adding publication of newspapers will resume from tomorrow.

 
 

'Delhi suppresses fundamental right in state'

Imphal, July 12 : The Manipur Students' Association, New Delhi is organising a programme "Indian State's War Game" in solidarity to the struggle for the democratic rights of the people of Manipur.

MSAD considers that while the Indian State's war game in Manipur is semi-colonial in character, the overarching neo-liberal exploitative regime has been carrying out various forms of repression, oppression and exploitation in other parts of the Indian sub-continent, an e-mail statement of the association said.

"This character is dominantly visible in Manipur, some other Northeastern regions, Kashmir and tribal areas where there is a visible collaboration between rulers, military or paramilitary forces and MNCs," it observed stressing the need for struggle for the democratic rights of the people of the state and to understand the situation and work in unity with other democratic forces towards the final victory of people's democracy.

Inviting all to participate in the meeting and express their views showing solidarity to the people's democratic movement against assault on democratic rights, MSAD said that repeal the law that is responsible for killing of civilians with impunity.

"This is the unceasing cry.

This is our demand.

This is the most fundamental democratic demand that remains under suppression ever since the Indian state had established control over Manipur in October 1949.In December 1950, Comrade Irabot had condemned, "the Government of Nehru is a Fascist Government." On 6 March Chanu Rose of Ngaprum Khullen had committed suicide after she was raped by BSF personnel," the MSAD said.

Since November 2000, it added Irom Chanu Sharmila has been on hunger strike in protest against AFSPA.

On 4 October 2003 Nandeibam Sanjita of Jiri committed suicide after she was raped by the paramilitary force.

On 15 July 2004 about a dozen of women in protest against custodial rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama had stripped themselves and demanded, "Indian Army Rape Us", "Indian Army Take Our Flesh".

On 15 August 2004 Pebam Chittranjan self-immolated in protest against state terrorism.

As the movement for defending human rights against the backdrop of escalating assault on democratic rights continues; we, today, raise a simple question – why allow the armed forces to kill people with impunity, it asked.

AFSPA that allows the Indian armed personnel to kill people with impunity may come & go, the MSAD considered reminding the condition of state terrorism that kills and torture people will continue under an exploitative bourgeois democracy that operates with the support of suppressive machineries.

"The rulers may try to cover up their exploitative material objective; but, we, the victim of subjugation and oppression certainly feel the pain and trauma of their selfish war game.

For all these reasons and based on our experience, we no longer see AFSPA in a box of its own," the MSAD added.

Although AFSPA (sic.

state terrorism) stands out as open assault directly keeping under suppression the right to life & freedom we are aware that it constitute an element of an overall war game that is being waged upon the people.

The war game involves series of criss-crossing and reinforcing tactics that only perpetuate subjugation and oppression.

 
 

Students’ bid to check rising prices

Imphal, July 7 : The All Manipur Students Union today said it would carry out raids on the godowns of traders here from tomorrow in a bid to check rising prices of essentials.

Speaking at a news conference today, James Bond Mangang, the president of the student union, said the move was an attempt to bring down prices of essential commodities by checking hoarding by traders.

On July 3, volunteers of the students’ union launched a similar raid on shops and business establishments of the city. However, police picked up four of the volunteers but released them later the same day.

“We seek co-operation from the business community, government authorities, including the police. If our volunteers are arrested again by the police, such action could invite a public uproar because our campaign is in the interest of the people of Manipur,” Mangang said.

The union’s announcement came in the wake of soaring prices of essential commodities, a trend that gained momentum during the 69-day economic blockade imposed by the All Naga Students Association, Manipur.

While traders and officials in the state food and civil supplies department claimed that price rise could not be checked because normal supply of commodities was yet to resume, citizens and civil society organisations put the blame for the phenomenon on government inaction and hoarding by businessmen.

“The economic blockade was lifted on June 18. Goods started coming (to Imphal) even before the blockade was lifted through the Imphal-Jiribam highway with security escorts. The prices should have come down by now. But this has not happened. So, something is wrong and the people are suffering. We believe it is because of hoarding (by traders) that prices have remained high. This should be checked,” Mangang said.

The decision to carry out the raids came a day after a student delegation, including leaders of All Assam Manipuri Students Union, Northeast Manipuri Students Organisation and United Committee Manipur, met chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh to discuss the problem of transportation and price rise.

The chief minister assured the delegation to check prices and also develop the Imphal-Jiribam highway for uninterrupted goods supply and also speed up the construction of the railway line from Jiribam to Imphal.

O. Manindra, the president of Northeast Manipuri Students Organisation, said the chief minister agreed to construct a Manipur Bhawan in Silchar where truckers could put up.

“The chief minister also agreed to a suggestion that a temporary base be set up at a suitable place in Silchar for the truck drivers, who can halt and stay overnight,” Manindro said.

He said truckers plying between Imphal and Guwahati were facing a lot of problems, as they did not have a proper place to rest during the journey.

 
 

AASU objects to hydel unit

The All Assam Students Union today asked the Centre, the Assam government and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation to immediately shelve the Lower Subansiri hydroelectric project after a committee of experts found that the project would have adverse impact on ecology, aquatic life and people.
The project is being executed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation at Gerukamukh village in Dhemaji along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border to generate 2,000MW of power. The committee, with experts from Gauhati University, Dibrugarh University and IIT Guwahati, was formed to study the downstream impact of the power project following a tripartite meeting between the state government, the power corporation and the AASU in December 2006. The panel submitted its report to Dispur and the power corporation on June 29, while AASU received a copy of the study this morning.Ltd.

 
 

NSF mission to NE states, Delhi

Dimapur | June 10 : The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) is confirmed to be on what was stated to be  a “reaching out” mission to Nagaland’s neighboring North-East states and Delhi  to “let them know of the ground reality.”
It is confirmed that the Naga students  are meeting with Mizoram students’ organizations and even reportedly Meghalaya students’ communities ‘to apprise them’ of the “current impasse.” They have also met the All Assam Students Union (AASU)  in  Guwahati, it was informed.
Nagaland and Manipur state are currently locked in an intricate socio-political situation from a myriad and conflicting turn of events  since May 3 and one that was heightened by the May 6 killings at Mao Gate. On May 6, Manipur police forces gunned down two students and  left scores  in a protest rally, injured, at the Nagaland-Manipur border  outpost.
It is learned that a delegation of the NSF led by its president Mutsikhoyo Yhobu is in Delhi and another, in Mizoram. It was informed that the NSF leaders in Delhi have met with Interlocutor of the Government of India to the Indo-Naga dialogue, RS Pandey. Pandey, also former chief secretary of Nagaland, met with the students’ leaders June 8. Sources said that the ‘one agenda’ that Pandey and the NSF leaders discussed was on matter  related to lifting  the ongoing economic blockade imposed on Manipur state in the aftermath of the May 6 killings. 
No lifting of blockade yet, Pandey told
According to NSF chief Mutsikhoyo Yhobu, Pandey requested that the economic blockade on Manipur  state be lifted. Yhobu interacted with The Morung Express from Delhi  tonight.
However, it is understood that the students’ organization made clear that the blockade on Manipur would stand. The students’ leader said Pandey was explained the turn of events that led to the current imbroglio and the Naga organizations’ refusal to budge.
No further information on the proceedings of the meeting with Pandey was divulged. The NSF chief however, assured to go public on the matter later.  Yhobu said the NSF’s Delhi itinerary was to meet with Indian “political leaders” including  with former Interlocutor to the Indo-Naga political talks, Swaraj Kaushal. The students’ leaders refused to say who the “political leaders” in Delhi they planned to meet with.
Appointments have been made and schedule waited, at the time of filing this news report, it is learned.   Also, the delegation was scheduled to meet with former Interlocutor to the Indo-Naga political talks, Swaraj Kaushal, on June 11, at 11 AM.
“The purpose is to reach out to the Indian leaders and our neighboring states and explain to them the ground reality,’ explained Yhobu. He said that many Indian leaders have still yet to know about the ground situations associated with the Indo-Naga political conflict. ‘Many don’t know the reality,’ said Yhobu without elaborating. He said to inform with details about the ‘reach out mission’ and meetings with Indian leaders.
The NSF leaders confirmed that another delegation of the Naga students is in Mizoram state. Details to the reported meeting could not be made available at this time. It is unknown for the moment if the NSF leaders would be meeting with Assam and Manipur students’ organizations. Sources said the NSF has even been meeting with Meghalaya students leaders, in Shillong. This information was confirmed through reliable sources.

 
 

KSO condemns

Imphal, June 8 : The Kuki Students' Organisation, Sadar Hills has strongly condemned the reported acts of torching Kangchup Junior High School, Veterinary dispensary and attempt to torch SDC office yesterday.

A press release issued by the student body refuted the claim that Kangchup areas are included in Imphal West district as unfounded.

It contended that villagers of these areas have been paying hill house tax to Saitu-Gamphazol SDO.

Saying that the situation can be solved at the local level, the KSO maintained that the issue should not be blown out of proportion.

It also called upon all to promote peace.

The KSO Sadar Hills further condemned the arrest warrant issued by Gauhati High Court against ANSAM president David Choro.

The student also congratulated all successful candidates particularly from Sadar Hills in the HSSLCE and HSLCE 2010 conducted by COHSEM and BSEM.

 
 

Grade hurdle for Assam colleges

Students and their guardians wait to collect the admission forms for HS courses from Handique Girls’ College. File picture

Guwahati, June 8: The state’s leading colleges confront a major hassle in calculating the exact cut-off marks for admission into the higher secondary classes because of the introduction of the grading system by the CBSE.

“While the CBSE has introduced the grading system in Class X examinations from this year, the Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA) continues the old system of giving marks. Under the grading system it would be impossible to calculate the exact total aggregate marks or percentage of candidates who have applied for admission in the science and arts streams of HS classes in my college,” the principal of Cotton College, Indra Kumar Bhattacharyya, told this correspondent.
Under the new system of the CBSE, students were awarded grades, ranging from A1 (91-100), A2 (81-90), B1 (71-80), B2 (61-70), C1 (51-60), C2 (41-50), D (33-40), E1 (21-32) and E2 (20 and below).
The grades have equivalent points, which start from 10 for A1 to 4 for D.
As the exact marks will not be revealed by the CBSE, the colleges will have to multiply total points or cumulative grade point average (CGPA) secured by students who had applied for admission, by 9.5 to get the average marks/percentage represented by the grades.
Thus, A1 will be equal to 95, A2 — 85.5, B1 — 76, B2 — 66.5, C1 — 57, C2 — 47.5 and D will be equal to 38 average marks.
Many senior teachers of B. Borooah College and Handique Girls’ College were of the opinion the formula held out by the CBSE to convert grades into marks and percentage was only an approximation and not exact.
“For example, all candidates with A1 might not have secured exactly 95 per cent. The percentage will vary between 91 and 100. But if colleges follow the rule set by the CBSE, the former would have to keep the percentage of all A1 admission-seekers at 95, while percentage of marks of candidates under SEBA will be accurate and exact. Under such circumstances colleges are in a fix as to whether they would fix the cut-off marks for admission on the basis of the percentage-calculating formula of the CBSE or SEBA,” a senior teacher at B. Borooah College said.
Principal of B. Borooah College Dinesh Baishya said the Assam College Principals’ Council held a meeting on Saturday evening to discuss the issue and many members were apprehensive that there might be confusion during admission. He, however, said the principals would use their discretionary powers to do away with the confusion at the time of admission.
SEBA secretary Dhanadev Mahanta said at a time there is a mad rush among students to get themselves enrolled in the institutions, the grade system would create confusion and might deprive many brilliant students who passed the Class X exam under SEBA, seats in leading colleges.
Sanjib Das, the assistant secretary and regional officer in charge of the CBSE (Guwahati region) said the colleges would have to go with the approximate marks of the CBSE candidates.

 
 

MUTSU peeved

Imphal, June 6 : The Manipur University Tribal Students' Union (MUTSU) has expressed serious annoyance over the failure of Manipur University authority to distribute the Dr TS Gangte Memorial Gold Medal Award in Social and Cultural Anthropology (Department of Anthropology) while other awards were distributed today on the occasion of MU's 30th foundation day.

In a press release, MUTSU asked the MU authority as to why it ignored the award instituted since 2007 .

"Who has taken the money which has been deposited since December 2007", it questioned.

Saying that this year's award is supposed to be conferred to Laishram Sumati of Anthropology, the MUTSU wondered if this was the way MU authorities encourage students.

When contacted to explain the reason for not conferring the particular award this year, the authorities reportedly replied that 'it is because of the long name of Dr Thangkhomang Selpo Gangte (Dr TS Gangte)', the student body conveyed while asserting that it has never come across such a silly excuse.

Saying that it is observing and waiting responses and solutions from all organisations, civil societies and also from MU authorities, MUTSU iterated that it would not hesitate to apprise the Union Minister of the nefarious environment of the university, if necessary.

 
 

AASU fumes at Gogoi jab

Guwahati, May 25: The All Assam Students’ Union today took on chief minister Tarun Gogoi over his “blackmarketeer” comment, asking him whether he had the courage to follow Jawaharlal Nehru’s stand that “such blackmarketeers will be hung from the lamp posts”.
The AASU jibe at Gogoi came a day after the business community took strong exception to the chief minister’s statement that his government can do without the votes of “blackmarketeers” of Fancy Bazar, the state’s commercial hub.
The chief minister made the comment on Sunday at an official public function to mark four years of his government at Dispur.
Leaders of the students’ organisation, addressing a media conference, said Gogoi had no moral right to criticise others on the issue of price rise since the stalwart of Congress and country’s first Prime Minister Nehru could not practice what he preached on punishing blackmarketeers.
“Nehru started preaching about hanging blackmarketeers soon after India became independent. Forget about hanging, the Congress has not yet been able to find a single lamp post. Whenever traders of Fancy Bazar raised the prices of essential commodities, Gogoi’s ministerial colleagues bowed before the former instead of taking action against them. The statement was nothing but a desperate attempt by Gogoi to hide his government’s failure to check price rise,” AASU adviser Sammujjal Bhattacharyya said.
The students’ union also dared Gogoi to prove in public that the former was a product of the RSS. Bhattacharyya said the statement made at the same function on Sunday had only exposed Gogoi’s ignorance about the background of the Assam Agitation.
He said that instead of branding AASU as a product of the RSS, Gogoi should convince Sonia Gandhi to instruct the UPA government to take action against those who demolished the Babri masjid.
“The Liberhan Commission, which probed the demolition of the Babri mosque, listed several leaders from the RSS and Sangh Parivar for leading the country to the brink of communal discord over the Ayodhya issue. Will Gogoi impress upon Sonia Gandhi to take action against those involved in the demolition of the 16th century structure to prove his secular credentials? Bhattacharyya asked.
“The Assam Agitation was led by the people from both Hindu and Muslim communities. Gogoi should not try to create a communal divide in the state by his misinterpretation of the agitation. The RSS cannot dare to approach the AASU at any time,” he said.
AASU general secretary Tapan Kumar Gogoi said “such a statement was not expected from a person who holds the most responsible office in the state.”

 
 

ANSAM, TFO respond to Naga Leaders’ Forum

Dimapur, May 25 : The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) in a rejoinder stated that with reference to the news item published on May 23 under the heading “Naga Forum Appeal for Peace” is nothing but Shedding a crocodile’s tear in the “pretext of the acute inconvenience due to economic blockade by the so called Naga Leaders’ Forum, is disgusting”.

It stated that such a forum is nothing but a self-styled front flouted by some frustrated individuals intending to mislead the people and gain cheap popularity and please their masters. Though any individual may have the liberty to form any organization by way of exercising their democratic right, the Naga people are bound by the traditional customary practices of upholding the village decision.
“The Naga frontal organizations upholding this principle after due consultation at the village and tribe level adopted a decision to reject the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act 3rd Amendment Act 2008 in its present form and contents,” it stated.

Moreover, the note also mentioned that when the Government of Manipur fail to recognize and protect the rights of the tribal, the people’s organization has no choice but to abide and uphold the people’s decision to protect their inherent right to land and governance. “It is a shame for few individuals who are actually a member of the Indian Political Party in the guise of Naga Leader’s Forum crying foul against the village decision to justify and legitimize their position in the party amounts to selling the rights of the hill people. At the cause of the hill people, few Naga individual acting as stooge of the Communal State Government of Manipur have admitted themselves to be an agent working against the interest of the hill people.”

Moreover, in a separate rejoinder note, the Tangkhul Frontal Organisations (Against ADC Election 2010) in its strongest term reiterated to the press statement published on May 24,2010 under the headline “Naga  Leaders’ Forum appeal for peace”. The TFO termed the released as “self style Forum without any root or authenticity and un-mandated and clarifies that there is no such organization mandated by the Naga public in the past or present stage”.

Alleging that the economic blockade at National highway 53 and 39 is the “reciprocatory or repercussion consequences of the government failure to rectify the bill of ADC 2008 Act and restrictions imposed to the visiting NSF officials to oversee the situation of May 6 aftermath at Mao gate where two Naga students were brutally gunned down and several others severely injured”. Thus any mayhem or troubles be responsible solely to the government of Manipur and no other organizations to blame.

The TFO also added that it is unfortunate to have black-sheeps “amidst in the co-Naga fellows who represent in their selfish ends at the time of Nagas mass exodus movement voicing uni-vocally the vulnerable and historical rights of the Nagas when it is deliberately distorted, suppressed and deprived the “just right” by the Meiteis”.

Moreover, the TFO has sternly warned that any person or mechanism distorting the historical rights of the Nagas on behest of calling the Democratic process when the people of the Nagas out-rightly rejected the imposed or force ADC election and repeatedly re-affirmed to boycott  the ADC election in any Naga soil at any cost under the present form and content of ADC 2008 Act.
 
ANSAM flays arrest of two student leaders

Dimapur, May 24 (MExN):
The All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) has expressed strong resentment against the arrest of two student leaders of Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Manipur (ZSUM) - Micah Kamei and Paul Maithoulung Gangmei on fabricated allegation from Tarung under Senapati District on May 20 last by Manipur Police. The ANSAM has termed the arrest as politically motivated to intimidate and terrorize the two “dedicated student leaders” working in the fore front to protect the rights of the students particularly in remote district of Tamenglong and Zeliangrong villages in Manipur, stated a press note issued by its vice president.
It also claimed that the Communal state forces of Manipur has been acting and indulging extremely in anti people activities in Mao Gate where thousand of Naga People are taking shelter as displaced persons in Khuzama and Kisama. “The state forces continuing their reign of terror has now made Micah Kamei, Information & Publicity Secretary, ZSUM and Paul Maithoulung Gangmei, member ZSUM a soft target on unfounded allegations.”

The ANSAM has questioned the Communal State Government of Manipur for confining under duress the two students’ leaders of ZSUM under Police Custody in Imphal denounced the atrocities and denial of their right to be free.  It also added that the Government of Manipur needs to take necessary steps to release the two students’ leaders unconditionally as they are promoters of student’s welfare. On further delay of their unconditional release, the ANSAM will be compelled to join hands with the ZSUM and other Naga Students Organizations to launch any democratic agitation to protect our rights from injustice, suppression and oppression by the State Communal forces in the hill districts.

 
 

KSO calls for communal harmony

Hueiyen News Service Imphal, May 16 2010: Due to intimidation received from some persons, Khoibus in Chandel district displaced themselves and taking asylum at Khoibu Centre and Tengnoupal, Kuki Students's Organisation (KSO), Tengnoupal block today while briefing to reporters at its office.

President Thangboi Lhungdim speaking to reporters also condemned the act of some miscreants pulled down of a sign board and ransacking belongings of the Khoibu village and threatening to leave the village.

In the prevailing tense situation, KSO does not want such acts and using words threatening the villagers.

It is not good to spew communal venoms to a community by other communities.

"Let allow the displace villagers to return home.

Let the people of the state joining press the Centre to end the impasse as per desire of the people so as to prevent occurring of communal clash," he called for adding that 19 villagers including 12 children are taking refuse at Tengnoupal even as those in Khoibu centre left.

Assam Rifles has extended Rs 300 in cash as help to the displaced villagers apart from providing fooding items, he said appealing the government to ensure peace ad tranquility to the them.

Koko Touthang of Khoibu Centre, general secretary of KSO, Tengnoupal block, Daniel Mate and former president John also attended the press briefing.

 
 

KSO president beaten up

CCpur, May 10 : President of Kuki Students’ Organisation, KSO, Victer Maite was found beaten by some miscreants while returning home after dropping masons in his Maruti Alto car.

He received serious injuries on his head and two teeth were broken.

He is in a state of coma at the Churachandpur Hospital.  Doctors at the hospital said, that the victim is likely to be referred at RIMS.

 
 

Mao students in Delhi demand President’s Rule in Manipur

IMPHAL, May 6 : The Mao Welfare Association Delhi (MWAD) and the Mao Students Union Delhi (MSUD), in a press release said they take strong exception to the militarisation of the Mao Naga areas and condemn the naked aggression of the Government of Manipur on the dignity and honour of the Naga people.

It said everyone, including the Naga leader Th. Muivah who is negotiating for peace and lasting solution for the Naga people with the Government of India, has the right to visit one’s own birthplace.

In the present case, there is nothing illegal on the proposed visit of Th.Muivah to Somdal village, his birthplace as the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has given its clearance on the visit, it said.

“By mobilizing state security forces and imposing prohibitory orders under 144 CRPC in Mao Gate and adjoining villages, the Manipur Government has created serious law and order problem where none exist” it said.

The chauvinistic ideology perpetuated by the state government is soon acquiring a fascist and communalist overtones that can, if untamed, turn into a dangerous civil war which the peace loving people can ill afford, the release said.

Going by the policies of the Government of Manipur, it is easily understood that they are hell bent to thwar the aspirations and rights of the tribal people in the state and this unwarranted action only exposes the height of chauvinistic politics and moral bankruptcy, it said.

“We demand the intervention of the Governor of India to immediately withdraw the security forces deployed by the Manipur Government at Mao Gate and in Naga inhabitat areas of Manipur and impose President Rule in the state to restore peace and order and to stem the fascist agenda pursued by the chauvinistic politics of the Government of Manipur” it added.

 
 

NSUS jubilee launching service held

Dimapur, April 12 : The Naga Students Union Shillong (NSUS) in commemoration of the up-coming Golden Jubilee to be celebrated tentatively on August 21-22, held a Jubilee launching service on the March 28 last at the Naga Community Hall Shillong.
A press release by W Chenijan Patton the General Secretary NSUS stated that the service was held in memory of those who had sacrificed to uplift the union “To Greater Heights" and for God’s blessing upon the historic celebration.
The service was chaired by the General Secretary, with Rev Kevi Meru the pastor of Shillong Baptist Church as the speaker. The president Namgekdai Gangmei in his welcome address acknowledged and revered the pioneers who had led the union to the glory. Others who spoke on the occasion are  Yanrenthung Humtssoe Pastor NCF Shillong, Timothy Ramror (convenor) Golden Jubilee Committee and Imtiwabang Aier the Assistant Residence Commissioner Nagaland House Shillong. The service concluded with benediction by Prof Lanu Aier former executive NSUS.

 
 

SIT report not convincing: NSF

Kohima, April 12 : The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) today said that the Special Investigation Team’s report has not fully satisfied the people. The NSF said the federation would pressure the state government to let the Special Verification Committee (SVC)  bring out an ‘appropriate report’. Addressing a press conference here, NSF president Mutsikhoyo Yhobu hoped that the SVCs would bring out an ‘appropriate report’. In a memorandum to the chief minister on March 19,  the NSF had demanded prompt  action  for the anomalies unearthed in the education department. Yhobu said the government has asked the federation to wait for some time. “The NSF went through SIT report and other documents and  we  came to know this is  one immediate issue the federation needs to address,”  the NSF president  said.
Yhobu said anomalies were found and so the SVC was constituted by the government to verify it. The federation also demanded that some of the teachers attached to DIS/VIPs and other jobs must go back to schools and teach as their profession is meant for teaching. He said the government should take appropriate action against those teachers if they cannot sincerely perform their duties.
The government had already issued notifications regarding redeployment but the NSF said the department remains to do so yet. “Redeployment should be done,” the NSF president said. “The federation will keep on fighting tooth and nail for the cause of younger generation,” Yhobu said.
Affirming that the federation will stand by its earlier memorandum and continue to fight for justice, NSF general secretary O Wati Jamir also said the memorandum is fully in the interest of Nagas and “we will not retrieve back our memorandum.”
The NSF will not remain silent, he said.
Earlier, the NSF demanded that all those employees already tainted in the latest government scandal should be immediately terminated from service. The memorandum has also demanded immediate detachment and redeployment of all those teachers who are still attached with DIS/DEO or the directorate establishment. Punitive action against was sought by the NSF against erring officials under the education department if found, caught or involved in corruption. Calling for “necessary action without any prejudices,’ the NSF lamented that many a times the real culprits go scot-free.
The NSF also urged the chief minister to put on a check those individuals, organization, or groups intervening or obstructing proceedings of investigation. The NSF is “totally committed to work out against such interference on corruption in the largest interest of student community vis-à-vis for our society,” the apex Naga students body said.

 
 

KSO condemns

Imphal, April 13 : Condemning the bomb attack by some suspected militants at the residence of TT.

Haokip, former deputy speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly injuring her 18 year old daughter, the Kuki Students' Organization (KSO) appealed to the group responsible for the act to clarify the reasons behind the attack.

In the statement, the KSO maintained that attacking the innocent civilians would bring no solution to the revolutionary movement rather than causing unnecessary and psychological effect to the innocent civilians.

The KSO further appealed not to repeat such incidents in future.

A blast had been triggered at the residence of TT Haokip, former deputy speaker, Manipur legislative assembly, New Checkon in Imphal Friday morning injuring her 18 old daughter.

She was admitted to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS).

She is reportedly out of danger.

TT Haokip is the owner of Haokip Travels, a travel agency at Thangal Bazar, Imphal.

According to police sources, the bomb attack was related to some monetary demands.

Meanwhile, decrying the bomb attack at TT Haokip's residence, the womenfolk of New Lambulane market, Imphal staged a protest demonstration Saturday.

 
 

MSF calls for soul-searching to students

Imphal, April 4 : Manipuri students studying both within and outside the State have been throwing away their morality and self-discipline.

On the other hand, there have been repeated instances of harassment, rape and even killing of Manipuri students studying outside the State, noted the Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) in a press release.

Expressing serious concern over the degrading morality and self-discipline of Manipuri students outside the State, the student body has called upon all for a thorough soul-searching.

Manipuri students studying in other States of India are influenced by the not so decent practices of their host societies.

By and by, Manipuri students adopted such culture and they ultimately gave up their own sense of morality.

This does not mean that all Manipuri students have disposition, MSF clarified.

Saying that both boys and girls should be equally responsible to safeguard the ethics of Manipuri people outside the State, MSF called upon girl students to be more wary of the alien culture.

Referring to the case of Thangjam Satish of Sagolband Thangjam Leirak who went missing from Shillong since February 7, the MSF decried the alleged lackadaisical attitude of the State Government towards security and welfare of students.

In addition to simply intimating the matter to Meghalaya Police, Manipur Police should have actively investigated the case and searched for the missing boy.

Noting that Manipur Police have successfully arrested many hardcore UG cadres from other States, the student body exuded that such an experienced police force can certainly trace the missing student if they (Manipur Police) take up the case with due seriousness.

With the motive of profit making becoming more dominant among private school founders, there have been many reports of awkward incidents and crimes in private schools.

The latest and the most unfortunate case is the death of a young student, Konsam Roshni in school building collapse.

Though it was said to be a natural disaster, the same could have been averted had the school building been built properly with due emphasis on quality.

The MSF also condoled the death of Konsam Roshni, student of Goura Thambal Memorial Academy, Lilong Arapti.

 
 

MUTSU dismayed by IGNTU delay

IMPHAL, March 30 : The Manipur University Tribal Students’ Union, MUTSU, expressed strong resentment at the government of Manipur for undue delay in the process of land acquisition for the construction of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University at Makhan, Sadar Hills division of Senapati district, though it was officially inaugurated by chief minister himself way back on the September 9, 2009.

According to a press statement issued by the MUTSU, the vice-chancellor of the IGNTU, Amarkantak, in his reminder letters dated 17th February 2009 and 13th June 2009 had persistently requested the government of Manipur to complete the process at the earliest possible date so that academic session starts in time.

The MUTSU in the memorandum dated 28th January 2010, submitted to the chief minister had also reminded the Manipur government to complete the same process as soon as possible so as to facilitate the start of academic session before April 2010.

However, all pleas have been kept in abeyance, thus the exact status of the said process remains hidden and pending till date.

It further stated that it is noteworthy mentioning that the Manipur University had witnessed an interrupted academic atmosphere for the last three consecutive years (2007, 2008 & 2009) when deprived tribal students vehemently protested against the discriminatory attitude of the government and the university authorities, it resulted finally in the establishment of the present campus of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University.

Initially the tribal students got a sigh of relief as they perceived the larger part of their grievance being addressed, the release said.

Yet, sincerity and willingness are seen lacking on the side of the government, it said.

“We wonder how the process of acquisition of this small piece of land had consumed such a pretty long time; this clearly shows the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the government in discharging their duties”, the MUTSU statement said.

The MUTSU, urged the Government of Manipur to complete all the pending processes of land acquisition at the earliest so that commencement of academic activities takes place in the interest of students in particular. It further questioned the Government of Manipur of the whereabouts of the result of the written test of the Combine Preliminary Examination for the recruitment of various posts conducted by the Manipur Public Service Commission which was held way back on the 18th September 2008. This act of irresponsibility on the part of the Government had crafted an air of uncertain future among the educated youths of our state. Further delay in the declaring the results will have many aspirants, educated and talented candidates out of the eligibility criteria as they would have crossed the maximum age limit.

The MUTSU statement further added that it will closely watch the response of the government of Manipur to this problem and take help of like minded students’ organizations, NGO’s and civil organizations to stage various demonstrations and agitations until the government acts positively on this pending issue.

 
 

How b-schools are helping students with startups


While innovators like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates have mythologized the ‘college dropout’ route to success, business school today are putting rigid academia on the backburner, in order to help students build a bridge from the blackboard to the boardroom. Here is a great article profiling seven of these student entrepreneurs who hatched their concepts with the guidance and support of their business schools. See a snippet below:
During her schooling, Megan Shea helped her family care for her aging grandparents, including relocating them to an independent living facility. The process was all-consuming, and so when it came time for Shea to pitch a business to develop in class, she dove into making the care-finding process easier for aging adults and their caregiver children. Turns out, Shea hit on an exploding market (annual elder-care market sits at about $192 billion). RetireLife.net was one of fifteen of forty-two businesses selected for development from her business school by her peers. Through the support of her school, friends, and family, Shea is now in business, helping families through tough times.
See all seven profiles at Entrepreneur.

 
 

All Assam Student’s Union Cycle Rally

All Assam Student’s Union Cycle Rally 274737
All Assam Student’s Union Cycle Rally 274741

 
 

KSO urges CM on pucca fencing and sentry post

Imphal, Mar 24 : Expressing concern over the lack of pucca fencing and sentry post at Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) camp Saivom and Molnoi, Chandel district, Kuki Students' Organization (KSO) submitted a memorandum Tuesday to chief minister, O Ibobi.

The memorandum signed by Helen Haokip, president of the organization stated that the planning of the government to construct fencing and sentry post at Saivom and Molnoi in the programme of 2009-2010 under the National Highway Patrolling Scheme (NHPS) is yet to be executed.

It is well aware of the fact that the IRB post at Saivom and Molnoi is at risk due to the lack of pucca and sentry post, said the memorandum.

The Kuki Students' Organization stated in the memorandum that being a local organization, they understand and had well knowledge of the prevailing situation.

The organization further urged the chief minister to look into the matter at the earliest for the convenience of the sepoys and public of the location.

 
 

AASU urges Kamal Nath to speed up 4-lane project

GUWAHATI, March 22 – A delegation of the All Assam Students’ Union called on Union Minister for Road Transport Kamal Nath in New Delhi on Thursday and urged him to expedite the ongoing work on the four-lane project in Assam.

In a statement the AASU said that it drew the attention of the minister to the alarmingly slow progress of the four lane project and further demanded that the project be extended to the entire State. The AASU delegation also appealed to the minister to expedite the construction of two proposed bridges at Dhola-Shadiya and Numaligarh-Gahpur.

 
 

Three Bangalore students drowned

MANDYA: Three students out of four from Bangalore drowned in Cauvery river near the famous Gaganchukki falls where they had gone for a sight-seeing trip, 60-km from here in the early hours today, police said.

The deceased, identified as Sanjeev (22), Ravikumar (22), both natives of Sikkim and Jelfu (21) from Manipur, were pursuing their Masters in Business Administration from Dayanand Sagar college, police said.

The fourth member of the group who survived the tragedy, Ronajith, who is also from Sikkim, is said to be absconding, police said.

The mishap occurred when one of them went for a swim in the river and was a caught in whirlpool and the others tried to save him.

 
 

Tribal students to discuss Manipur education

Imphal, Mar 6 : The All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) is organizing an `academic consultation` on Saturday at Kuki Inn, Imphal.
The tribal students` body sends out its cordial invitation to tribal academics, intellectuals, legal experts, senior citizens and mandated civil societies to participate in the said consultation.
According to ATSUM, between 1947 and 1971, Manipur Hill Minister (and later Chairman of Autonomous District Council) were empowered as final arbitrators with matters like settlement of land disputes, ownership of land, maintenance of land, management of forest, land cultivation and jhuming; recommendation of legislation of the government of Manipur in regard to social and custom of tribals, inheritance of property, marriage and successions. Over and above this, development and social justice activities were also given to the said minister/chairman.
” After 1972, many of these posts, powers and activities of the tribals were curtailed. By 1998-99, tribals are frustrated by this curtailment of their rights and therefore decided not to cooperate with the District Councils and its election.
Without first addressing the issue of the past frustration and non function of the District Councils, the state government is preparing to conduct Election of the District Council after a gap of 20 (twenty) years.” the ATSUM said.
“It is true that due to the non functioning of the Autonomous District Councils, its powers and functions had gone to numerous exploiters that need to be immediately stopped.In this juncture ATSUM feels the need to have and indebt discussion on the issue,” added the ATSUM communique.

 
 

GUTA calls class boycott

Guwahati, Feb. 23: The crisis in Gauhati University today deepened with teachers announcing a phasewise total non-cooperation demanding immediate implementation of the revised UGC payscale.
Dispur, however, maintained that the matter was under consideration of the finance department.
An emergent executive committee meeting of GU Teachers’ Association (GUTA) this afternoon decided to launch the non-co-operation from Friday by boycotting the classes and all other academic activities.
The GUTA meet also decided to block the vice-chancellor’s office for three days from March 3 to jeopardise the functioning of the university.
Jogen Chandra Kalita, the general secretary of GUTA told The Telegraph that executive members of the association expressed resentment over the way the state government, especially the education department, had handled the issue of revised payscale.
He said the meeting found no other option but to go for non-co-operation as the last resort of the teachers to pressurise Dispur for implementing the revised payscales.
“During the VC office blockade programmes on March 3, 4 and 5, the teachers will abstain themselves from attending classes and all other academic activities. The GUTA will also disrupt the administrative functioning of the university during those days to send a strong message of resentment to Dispur,” Kalita said.
The 6th Revised New Payscale was approved by the UGC in 2008 for teachers in central and state universities.
The existing basic pay of is Rs 8,000 for a lecturer, Rs 12,000 for a reader and Rs 16,000 for a professor. In case of the revised pay, the expected basic salary will be Rs 16,000 for a lecturer, Rs 37,000 for a reader and Rs 39,000 for a professor.
Education minister Gautam Bora told The Telegraph that the agitation was unfortunate and urged the teachers to be patient.
He said his department had already moved the file relating to the revised payscales and it was pending with the finance department.
“Chief minister Tarun Gogoi even assured the teachers to implement the revised payscale during the meetings with GUTA. The government will have to take additional financial burden of several crores of rupees while implementing the revised payscales. So the finance department will take some time to clear the file and teachers must co-operate,” Bora said.
He said the state budget for 2010-11 might allocate funds to implement the revised pay.
The GUTA, however, termed Bora’s stand on the issue as very weak.
The association’s general secretary said the education minister could have impressed upon the chief minister and finance department to implement the new payscales within the current financial year.

 
 

Abducted dist student leader released; agitation called off

Imphal, February 21, 2010: With the release of the abducted former president of a district branch of a students’ body, locals of Nambol in Bishnupur district today called off all planned agitations including state-wide general strike from midnight today.

Sairom Robindro (33), former president of the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Bishnupur district, a resident of Kha Jiri of Nambol, whose whereabouts remained unknown since he was abducted by suspected security men in civil dress on the night of February 17, was released unharmed last midnight at Nambol Khoriphaba area by the abductors.

Mention may be made here that locals of Nambol area alleged that he was picked up by the security personnel, threatened to impose statewide general strike if abductors failed to release him safe and sound by 4 pm today.

Apparently in response to the demand of the locals, the unknown abductors released him last night.

However, residents as well Robindro himself are still at dark whether the abductors were security men or underground groups.

Today, Robindro said after picked up from his home on the night of February 17, he was blind folded and kept in an unknown place for two days.

The abductor did not identify who were they but asked many questions like whether he has nexus with underground elements or involve in their activities.

They also beat up him at every instant of questioning.

"Unable to bear with the torture meted out by them, I even pleaded them to kill him," Robindro added.

When asked, he said, they (abductors) were suspected to security forces but they never tell their identities.

Mention may be made that locals yesterday formed a JAC and decided to launch intensify forms of agitations and also threatened to impose general strike from midnight tonight by setting deadline to release Robindro by 4 pm today.

The JAC also announced suspension of all forms of stir announced earlier but urged those group or individuals to clarify on the matter of abduction of Robindro.

 
 

AASU demands CBI probe in NC Hills scam

Guwahati, Feb. 20: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) today demanded the intervention of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to constitute a CBI inquiry into the allegations of involvement of several ministers of the Tarun Gogoi government in the Rs 1,000 crore scam in North Cachar Hills district.
The AASU also demanded that the Union home ministry immediately publish the main report of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that indicted the ministers in embezzlement of the funds meant for development in the district.
Chief minister Tarun Gogoi had yesterday rejected a CBI inquiry unless there was prima facie evidence against the ministers.
Reacting to a news report published in a national magazine about the alleged involvement of the state’s ministers in the scam, the AASU leaders dared Gogoi to “prove his moral uprightness by constituting the CBI inquiry”.
The magazine in its report named seven ministers, besides sitting MP Dip Gogoi and former Assam Governor Lt Gen. (retd) Ajai Singh, for their involvement in the scam.
“Since the central funds meant for development of NC Hills used to go through Dispur, it could easily be understood that someone in the government might have siphoned off the funds. The NIA, which probed the alleged politician-bureaucrat-militant nexus in embezzlement of funds in NC Hills, also recommended a CBI probe. Why is Gogoi afraid of asking the CBI to conduct the inquiry? The Prime Minister, who is a representative from Assam in Parliament, must intervene and order a CBI inquiry to punish those involved in siphoning off public or tax payers’ money in NC Hills,” AASU advisor Sammujjal Bhattacharyya told reporters.
He said the NIA had submitted a report to the Union government highlighting the involvement of Assam’s ministers in the scam and the AASU would pressure the Union home ministry to make the report public.
“The NIA was created after the Mumbai terror strikes to probe terrorism-related acts. The agency’s credibility will be at stake if its main report is not published. The Congress government at the Centre might overcome political pressure to expose those involved in the scam. It must also be investigated as to why the NIA could not fully complete its investigation in NC Hills,” Bhattacharyya said.
AASU president Sankar Prasad Rai alleged that the chief minister was trying desperately to shield the corrupt ministers of his cabinet.
The students’ union demanded punishment to all those involved in the scam, including the former governor.
Bhattacharyya said if the Centre did not concede to the AASU’s demands, it would approach either the Supreme Court or Gauhati High Court for a CBI probe.
The AGP today staged a dharna in front of Raj Bhavan, seeking the arrest of those named in the NIA report.
According to the magazine, the indicted ministers are Himanta Biswa Sarma, Rockybul Hussain, Chandan Brahma, Ajanta Neog, Akon Bora, Gautom Roy and Khorsing Ingty. Hussain filed a criminal defamation suit against the management and editor of the magazine at the sub-divisional judicial magistrate’s court in Nagaon today.

 
 

All Assam Student Union Food Demonstration

All Assam Student Union Food Demonstration

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All Assam Student Union Food Demonstration 237292
All Assam Student Union Food Demonstration 237295
All Assam Student Union Food Demonstration 237297

 
 

ADSU, ACKHSA to hold mass convention on BG, E-W Corridor

Silchar, Feb 15 : In order to put presure both on the Central and the State Government for early completion of Silchar-Lumding BG and East – West Corridor, All Dimasa Students’ Union and All Cachar Karimganj and Hailakandi Students’ Association have arranged a mass convention on February 26 here at Gandhi Bhawan.

Asit Deb Roy, general secretary of ACKHSA central committee, said student and youth leaders of Tripura, Mizoram, Brahmaputra Valley and North Cachar Hills, besides Barak Valley, would attend the convention.

This convention would chalk out the course of action in order to make the movement for the two important projects of this region with the public support of the neighbouring states and districts.

Asit Deb Roy said that so far the authorities concerned have been blaming insurgency as the cause of delay in the completion of BG and Super Highway.

ACKHSA leader said now that militant organizations of North Cachar Hills have laid down arms and ammunitions and normalcy has returned, work on both the projects should be taken up in right earnest by the ministry of railways and the national highway authority of India. He cautioned if nothing came out concrete in this regard, all the student and youth organizations of the areas and states concerned would join a mass movement

 
 

Gogoi terms AASU demand impractical

GUWAHATI, Feb 10 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said that the demand of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) for DNA test to establish linkages for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is an impracticable demand.

Addressing mediapersons today, Gogoi said that such a demand by the AASU would only slow down the process of updating the NRC and the problem would never be solved. He reiterated that 1971 should be the cut off year for updating the NRC and pointed out that in the Assam Accord also, 1971 is the cut off year for detection and deportation of foreigners.

The Chief Minister asserted that he was not craving for the votes of the foreigners. “I do not need a single vote of foreigners,” he said. He claimed that he was interested in permanent solution of the problem of infiltration and also advocated the need for issuing identity cards to Indian citizens.

On the issue of talks with militants, Gogoi said that apart from the demand for sovereignty, the Government is ready to talk on any issue. He said that a congenial atmosphere should be created for talks but did not specify whether the Government would be ready to release the jailed ULFA leaders to create a favourable atmosphere for talks. He said that more pressure is being put on the ULFA through Myanmar. He also asserted that the overall law and order situation in Assam improved considerably and even Union Home Minister P Chidambaram admitted the fact.

The Chief Minister further admitted that the performance of the ONGC in Assam was not satisfactory and that is why he took up the matter with the Government of India, following which, the Centre decided to form a subsidiary company.

 
 

DESAM concerned by RIMS strike

IMPHAL, Feb 8 : The Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has expressed strong concern over sudden halt of emergency services and teaching programme at the prestigious Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal.

In a statement, DESAM said sudden closure of the health care sector without prior information has created much inconveniences to people who are in desperate need for medical attention.

Sudden closure of academic programmes in the prestigious medical institutions is against the wishes of the people and the DESAM’s campaign to bring free zone in education  sector, the statement said adding the students body condemned halt of academic programme in the premier medical institute.

It is quite unnatural for the RIMS staffs in launching cease work strike merely for delay in payment of salaries, the DESAM said adding identification and award of befitting punishment to those responsible for the current stir could be the right step for the concerned authority.

While asserting that sudden closure of emergency services at the RIMS has created problems amongst patients, the DESAM appeal for immediate opening of emergency services in the interest of the general public.

The influential students body further appeal the strikers to resume normal academic programme in the institute asserting the DESAM always stood against class boycott, bandh, blockade and general strike.

The students body also appeal concerned authority of the RIMS to bring an amicable solution at the earliest.

 
 

Ramayana rocks

JNU professor Manoj Pant is giving a new tune to the timeless epic, the Ramayana
Photo: Sandeep Saxena

SYMPHONYPant has composed tracks in different genres like rock blues and jazz

The story of Ram, Lakshman, Sita and Ravan continues to find an expression on the artistic horizon. The ideal characters, the concept of Dharma and the devotional element, which are the hallmark of Ramayana — one of the two great Hindu epics – are enough to keep creative minds enchanted. Now, it has caught the fancy of Manoj Pant — economic advisor to the Government of Nagaland and a professor at the Centre for International Trade and Development, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where he teaches International Trade theory. He is composing a rock musical on the Ramayana.
Away from the numerous dance ballets, plays, classical dance and music recitals where the narrative has always been set to traditional Indian music — even if the text was being viewed in a universal context — Pant is lending it a new hue. The two-hour musical has borrowed the tale from Kumaoni Ramlila, which is translated into Hindustani and set to different genres of western music like rock, jazz and blues. So, what you get in this musical package are a number of songs interspersed with minimal dialogues. Running into roughly four acts, the songs in each one of them will be backed by western music arrangements.
“For instance the song in the first act on Sita's Swayamvar sung by a sad and disappointed Raja Janak, “Toote nahin chaap sita rahe kunwari”, after nobody has been able to break the bow, is a blues composition. The number in the fourth act, “Tum mere jaise purush main tum jaisi naari, ye sanyog vidhi racha vichari”, is rendered by Surpanakha. Ravan's sister is smitten by the handsome Ram and Lakshman and, dancing in front of them in the jungles, she is asking them to marry her. The situation lent itself well to a jazz composition,” explains the founder member of Jazz Yatra. Seventy-five per cent through with the work, he is in the process of finalising his cast and crew. Since dance too will be an important part, Pant has engaged Mumbai-based actor, singer and dancer Madhuri Bhatia for choreography. Auditions will begin as soon as the director is in. The music, which is being composed in his house, has vocals of Pant, his daughter and friends for the sake of rehearsals but “all this will be professionally recorded in the studio and then without any vocals because actors will sing it live on stage.
It will be easier to take it to different places then. It won't be a set-based flashy drama but laced with movements, music and emotions,” says Pant.
For the story, Pant referred to a couple of “Shri Ramlila Nataks”, the books on which Kumaoni Ramlilas are based on.
“They are written by different authors in Eastern UP dialect, who again took material from different sources. With the help of my aunt Manorama Joshi, we translated them into simple Hindustani. Going to the Ramlila was an integral part of the lives of the people of my generation and I have used some of the traditional tunes that I heard in these Ramlilas, like in the song “Aye pakshiyon bataon mujhe sita kahan gayi”. Interestingly, Kumaoni Ramlilas were executed in Parsi theatre style,” says Pant, who is formally trained in classical guitar.
But perhaps the seeds of this work were sown back in the ‘70s when Pant attempted a number of western musicals like “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” and “You are a Good Man Charlie Brown”, which he felt offered little scope for innovation and hardly any challenge. “And also, it's not something Indians connect with. So, I thought why not do an Indian musical based on western music. Simon and Garfunkel's “Bleecker Street” is a nice song but how many people here know where Bleecker Street is. Bollywood has combined the brilliant orchestration of the West to Indian settings,” says the artiste who aims to stage the musical in October this year.

SHAILAJA TRIPATHI

 
 

NSF demands disclosure of SIT probe

Dimapur, February 2 (MExN): The Naga Students Federation (NSF) has written to the Chief Secretary of Nagaland demanding disclosure of the SIT investigations report on the bogus teachers’ appointment case. Likewise, the NSF has demanded disclosure on the matter of redeployment of teachers to their respective posts from “non-teaching offices.”
In a letter appended by NSF executives, the federation asked the chief secretary to meet its demand immediately, pointing out that the NSF will “stand all out” in the interest of the public so as to ensure “fair practices to prevail.” The NSF also cautioned that it will not hesitate to ‘defend its rights democratically’ should the government remain a mute spectator to its demands.
The NSF lamented that it is almost a year now that the Education department had been playing the “blame game amongst the officials over the bogus appointment issue.” Consequently the government had instituted the Special Investigation Team to examine the nature of appointments.
The NSF however lamented that the SIT report had been kept in cold storage till date. It pointed out that the investigation had affected the academic career of government schools last year due to shortage of teachers and “government’s unsympathetic” attitude towards the affected schools. The NSF stated that further delay “without any tangible result will not be tolerated by the federation.”
It was also pointed out that while the NSF fully supports the ‘cleansing’ of the Education department “without fear or favor”, however “indefinite type of investigative process would yield no good result for corrective process to take shape in the system.” The “improper” system in the Education department was the result of years of “accumulated problems” the NSF said, adding that the anomalism cannot be ‘cleansed’ by delaying the results of the investigation.
Likewise, the NSF mentioned the long held demand of the students’ body for redeployment of teachers to their respective posting from non-teaching offices such as the Directorate, DEOs/DIS offices or attached to MLAs, parliamentary secretaries or ministers. The demand has not been met, NSF said.
The NSF however lauded the DEO/DIS Dimapur, Niuland and Zunheboto for undertaking redeployment exercise. “Favouritism practiced by the government breeds differences in the department in particular and society at large,” the NSF stated.
The organization said it had been upholding the need for standard and quality in education. It has also been extending its cooperation to the authority concern for strict, fair and just action ever since lacuna was detected in the system especially in the Education department.

 
 

AAPSU to boycott Chinese goods in Arunachal

Itanagar, Feb 3 : The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) has decided to boycott all Chinese goods in the state from February 8.

The modus operandi of the student activists will be door to door visit to every shop to identify presence of any Chinese goods, union president Takam Tatung said in a communiqué here today.
The apex students' body of the state, while seeking cooperation from the traders' community in its movement, said enough time was given for the disposal of Chinese goods in the state as earlier requested by Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) last month.

''The boycott call has been necessitated in the backdrop of repeated Chinese claim over Arunachal. The approach adopted by the Union Government in the case of Chinese issue leaves a lot to be desired and one of the cases in study was the alleged captivity of one Chabe Chader, a villager of Gumsing Taying under Taksing Circle of Upper Subansiri by the Chinese Army. Chader went missing from Asaphila border area since August 18, 2007,'' Tatung said.

The issue was pursued by the earlier AAPSU leadership even at the level of the Union Home Ministry and then Lok Sabha Member Kiren Rijiju raised the issue in Parliament.

At that time External Affairs Ministry Joint Secretary Ashok K Kantha said the matter had been taken up through diplomatic channels as well as through flag meetings, border personnel meeting and the hotline at Bumla.

''However, till date there is no trace of Chader, thus vindicating the union's apprehension that in the case of China our Union Government can even forego the safety of an innocent citizen of Arunachal Pradesh,'' Tatung said while validating their boycott of Chinese goods.

He further alleged that the successive governments at the Centre had utterly neglected Arunachal in case of development, especially in the aspect of border roads, while China had constructed all weather road leading up to its border posts facing Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and Demchok and Fukche in Ladakh.

 
 

AMU Centres at Hyderabad and Assam

Annual Meeting of the Aligarh Muslim University Court, the supreme governing body of the University was held yesterday.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. P. K. Abdul Azis in his opening remarks informed the house that the project of establishing five centres is in progress and the Government of Kerala, West Bengal and Bihar has agreed to hand over the land to the University free from all encumbrances.
Based on the suggestion of Mr. Rashid Alvi, MP and a letter received from the Chief Minister of Assam, Mr. Tarun Gogoi, the University Court has also resolved to establish AMU Centres at Hyderabad and Assam.
Mr. Moosa Raza, Visitor’s nominee to the University Court suggested to constitute a Special Committee to review the University Act and Statutes. The suggestion received wide support and the house unanimously adopted it.
Mr. M. A. Shahnawas, MP suggested that the election schedule for the post of Chancellor, Pro-chancellor, Honorary Treasurer and six members of the Executive Council be postponed so that the 42 members of the AMU Court to be elected in today’s meeting gets a chance to participate in these elections. It will also uphold the democratic values of the country, he added.
Mr. Naseem Ahmad, former AMU Vice Chancellor, Mr. Khursheed Ahmad Khan, Mr. Khwaja Mohammad Shahid, Prof. Saud Ali Khan and Mr. Syed Shahnawaz Husain, MP and former Union Minister have also favoured the postponement of the election to the top court positions. The Vice Chancellor Prof. P. K. Abdul Azis also shared the same opinion and ruled that since many of the members elected today will not get a chance to participate in these elections to the highest offices of the University, the election to these offices be postponed to a later date. The ruling was unanimously approved by the house.
The house also resolved to pursue vigorously the case of Minority status pending before the Supreme Court.
The members present in the meeting appreciated the efforts of the Vice Chancellor and unanimously praised the steps taken by him for the modernization and expansion of the University.

 
 

ATSUM decries

Imphal, Feb 1 : The All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) has decried the sudden change of academic calendar of Manipur.

A press release issued by the student body said that for many years student organisations worked hard to maintain academic calendar in the State which has been witnessing bandhs and strikes quite frequently.

It was only in the past 4/5 years that the Education Department and educational institutions of Manipur could maintain some sort of academic calendar.

Asserting that following the new academic calendar would jeopardise of career of many students who wish of pursuing higher studies outside the State, ATSUM appealed to the State Government and Education Department to ponder again on the decision to change the academic calendar in sync with the national calendar.

The academic session/calendar should be ahead of the national calendar/session and those of other states.

It further exhorted all educational institutions in the hill districts to start their session immediately as usual and not wait for announcement of the new academic calendar.

 
 

Naga reconciliation now a reality: ANSAM, president

Imphal, January 31 : After the Ukhrul leg, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) today convened a public meeting at Senapati Public Ground where over 3000 Nagas from Tamenglong, Chandel and Senapati participated.

At the end of the programme, there was a "public declaration" where the gathering Nagas shouted in chorus supporting the reconciliation process of the Nagas initiated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).

In today's Senapati meet, 12 members of the FNR headed by its convenor Rev.Dr Wati Aier participated while from the 'Joint Working Group' (JWG) of the NSCN-IM, NNC/FGN and NSCN-K seven members participated.

From the NSCN-IM side, senior leader of the outfit Kraibo Chawang spoke on the occasion and C.Singson represented the NSCN-K side.

NNC/FGN vice president Zopra spoke on behalf of his group.

The programme started at around 11 am and concluded at 2 pm.

At the end of the programme Naga Peoples' Organisation (NPO) president shouted slogan, 'we support' and the crowd echoed in chorus, 'Naga reconciliation'.

Meanwhile, speaking on the occasion, United Naga Council (UNC) president Samson Remmei advocated the need of the Naga frontal organisations actively in the ongoing Naga reconciliation.

Samson Remmei also said that after the reconciliation process started with numerous meetings and joint football matches the incidents of violence have been reduced drastically in Naga areas.

He said that the three Naga "political groups" (NSCN-IM, NSCN-K and NNC/FGN) have now started sitting down together in the same platform and talk peace and reconciliation.

The UNC chief exhorted that the development is historic.

All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) president David Choro while giving vote of thanks on the occasion said that the Naga reconciliation was a dream "but now it has become a reality".

He urged all the Nagas to involve in the ongoing Naga reconciliation process.

Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) convenor Rev Dr Wati Aier dwelt on the history of how the FNR came into being.

It is pertinent to note that under the initiative of FNR football matches among all the Naga underground groups and Naga civil bodies had been organised both in Thailand and in Nagaland last year.

Joint advent Christmas of the NSCN-IM, NSCN-K and FGN under the aegis of the FNR was also observed in Dimapur last month.

 
 

NSF expresses concern at NU’s reservation quota

Dimapur, January 18 (MExN): With its statement over Nagaland University’s Schedule Caste and Other Backward Tribes reservation going unheeded, the Naga Students’ Federation is starting to feel not too happy at the university’s apathy.
In fact, the NSF took stern cognizance at the NU authorities that an interview in the opposed format, for recruitment of non-teaching staff of the university, is being held. The NSF has demanded that NU scrape the interview immediately, or face action.
“We regret that despite a memorandum submitted by the NSF and ENSF demanding re-advertisement of the vacant post as per the guideline of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training, Dated 5th July 2005, wherein it is clearly stated that Nagaland State has the opportunity to avail 45% reservation in Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ category of posts in any office, the NU authorities have gone ahead with the conduct of interviews,” stated an NSF statement today. The NSF said the NU authorities’ attitude is undermining the sentiments and aspirations of the Naga “educated” youths.
The NSF has demanded that the NU authorities immediately revoke the ongoing interview and start afresh by advertising the stipulated reservation quota of the ministry. “Failure on the part of the NU authorities to do so would compel the NSF to take our own course of action for which the Vice Chancellor and Registrar will be held solely responsible of any unwarranted situation arising out of it,” the NSF stated.
The organization had reminded the NU authorities that Nagaland does not have any reservations for Schedule Caste and Other Backward Tribes, only Schedule Tribe. The reservation quota should have been for the Schedule Tribe category to which Nagas belongs, the NSF stated.
“The aspirations of the Naga educated youths cannot be siphoned off by any vested interest individual. Therefore, the Federation will never accept the out come of the interview and we will continue to uphold our principal stand until our demand is fulfilled,” the federation added.

 
 

How will medical education change in the future?

Medical school has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. Think about how many drugs medical students had to learn 50 years ago. Compare that to today, where new classes of pharmacological agents are being developed practically every year. On top of those changes, we're seeing so much happening in the world of molecular medicine, genomics, pharmacogenetics, personalized medicine, and medical devices. Plus, we're inventing new treatments and applying new strategies to treat certain diseases and conditions. The study of medicine has become much more complex over the years.

The traditional medical school in the United States if 4 years long and it's a graduate program for students who have completed a 4-year college degree. There are a handful of medical schools that combine undergrad with medical school so that you can complete your education in a shorter period of time.

Given all the recent advances in medical technology, disease management, and pharmacology, is 4 years of medical school enough? In the future, will medical school be longer than 4 years? Maybe residency will get longer. There are some people out there who are actively advocating that certain residencies should be longer because physicians who complete those residency training programs are not feeling properly equipped to practice medicine.