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Kuki Students’ Organisation, Delhi meet 2010

2010-09-20T19:50:00.001-07:00

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 …

Repeal law giving army special powers: Activists

2010-08-23T01:33:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-10T22:05:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-27T22:52:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-23T21:34:00.001-07:00

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'

2010-07-11T23:54:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-07T01:20:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-03T22:42:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-10T21:30:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-07T21:39:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-07T21:30:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-06T00:46:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-25T22:55:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-17T03:55:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-10T01:30:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-06T02:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-12T04:57:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-12T04:07:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-11T14:07:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-04T03:44:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-30T02:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-28T02:06:00.001-07:00

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

2010-03-25T11:06:00.001-07:00

KSO urges CM on pucca fencing and sentry post

2010-03-24T03:58:00.001-07:00

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

2010-03-22T03:40:00.001-07:00

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

2010-03-06T05:33:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-06T04:53:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-24T06:35:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-22T01:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-21T08:13:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-15T09:39:00.001-08:00

All Assam Student Union Food Demonstration

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

2010-02-15T06:20:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-10T04:31:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-08T06:56:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-04T07:40:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-03T09:06:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-01T05:47:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-01T04:14:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-31T06:36:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-18T23:27:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-01-10T07:27:00.001-08:00

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.

Former Principal of Shillong School gets Lifetime Achievement Award By The Shillong Times

2009-12-27T00:05:00.001-08:00

Guwahati, Dec. 25. Shillong: Fr. PD Johny, former Principal of St. Anthony`s Higher Secondary School, Shillong, and a member of Don Bosco Educational Society, Guwahati Province has been awarded Guruvar ``Lifetime Achievement, East Zone at Durbar Hall of Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi on Wednesday by Hon HRD Union Minister Shri Kapil Sibal. Fr. Johny has also recently completed his PhD from Guwahati University and is now the Principal of Don Bosco College of Teacher Education, Tura. The award consists of a citation, trophy and a cash award of Rs 10 lakhs.

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He hails from Ramalloor in Kothamangalam, Kerala (of Devassy and Thresia Parankamalil) and has been in the forefront of Education in the Northeast, particularly in Meghalaya.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is meant to honour a teacher who has spent a lifetime in the profession and influenced and nurtured several generations. The award is a small but important token of appreciation and acknowledgement. Fr. Johny has been nominated for this award by his former pupils who are now spread in different parts of the country and the world, who remember him with affection and respect.

Fr. Johny said that he was totally surprised to receive this award at a relatively younger age and was grateful to all his former students who voted in favour of him.

He said that the little contribution he made in St. Anthony`s Higher Secondary School was considered a great achievement by his students.

Nehu VC guard in pistol row

2009-12-22T23:59:00.001-08:00

Shillong, Dec. 23: The North Eastern Hill University (Nehu) turned into a battlezone today as the security officer of vice-chancellor Pramod Tandon whisked out his pistol to scare away a group of “aggressive” employees who had gheraoed the official. They were demanding restoration of the Hills Area Special Allowance and release of advance pay for December.

Tension mounted in the evening as Nehu employees blocked all exit routes to prevent the vice-chancellor from moving out of the campus in Mawlai. Tandon’s official residence is outside the campus.

The university sought help from police but till late in tonight they were not able to enter the campus as all the routes were blocked.

The agitation by the staff — both teaching and non-teaching — which has been continuing for the past few days turned aggressive today with the tussle between the employees and the vice-chancellor.

Sources said the vice-chancellor was “almost manhandled” by the angry staff. Shillong city superintendent of police Claudia Lyngwa said the employees “were so aggressive that the PSO, a Meghalaya police constable, had no other choice”.

The Nehu staff — under the banner of the Joint Action Committee — started the pen-down strike on December 11 after the decision of the university’s executive council a day before to cancel the allowance.

The agitating staff also demanded the resignation of Tandon for his “adamant stand” and a letter in this regard was also faxed to President Pratibha Patil, who is Visitor of the university.

As tomorrow is the only working day before the university closes for Christmas, the employees sought the restoration of the allowance and salary for December.

All the students have vacated their hostels with the launch of the strike which also affected practical exams of the science and technology courses. After the incident, Lyngwa rushed to Nehu and the PSO was called back. The police later strengthened security outside the campus.

“The crowd was aggressive and the PSO was the only policeman who was guarding the vice-chancellor’s office,” Lyngwa said.

She said since the guard was the lone PSO, he was doing his duty and protecting the vice-chancellor.

On December 17, the employees had staged a protest march on Nehu campus against the cancellation of the allowance by the Nehu executive council. The spokesman for the joint action committee, Prof. Apurba K. Baruah, said today that the employees were agitated as they had not availed of the allowance as well as the advance pay for December. The vice-chancellor was also not ready to meet the staff, he added.

Moreover, the employees are yet to get 60 per cent arrears pending since 2006, as per the Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendations.

Future leaders of N-E

2009-12-21T23:17:00.001-08:00

Students of Cotton College stage a streetplay in Guwahati on Wednesday to create awareness on witchhunting. Picture by Eastern Projections

Future leaders of N-E
Students of the first batch of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Northeast campus, received their diplomas in the presence of the secretary of the North Eastern Council, U.K. Sangma, on December 15 on the institute’s premises.

Altogether 27 youths from all over the region were awarded diplomas in community organisation and development practice.
These students were nominated by various government bodies like the Bodoland Territorial Council, NGOs and eminent individuals of the region. These youngsters will now go back to their own areas and contribute significantly to the development of the region.
Apart from rigorous academic inputs, which are characteristics of a TISS programme, the students have been exposed to a plethora of issues and practice skills not related to the region but also outside the Northeast.
“Though I have been engaged in social issues for the past two years, I have greatly benefited from this programme. I am now able to see through and connect the local problems to the regional, national and international happenings,” said Habahun Shisha Niller, a candidate from Bethany Society, Meghalaya.
The Assam government has allocated land to the institute for it initial post-graduate academic programmes in social work, rural development management, health systems studies, human development and other certificate and diploma programmes.

The first batch of students of TISS, Northeast campus

New ‘library’

The fully automated EXIM Bank Knowledge Centre at Rajiv Gandhi Indian Institute of Management Shillong was formally brought into operation on December 10, therein beginning a new journey in the field of technology with the implementation of the integrated library management system.
The integrated library system is not only a standards-based, fully integrated, flexible and open, but more. It has advanced features such as functional requirements for bibliographic records, update notifications through selective dissemination of information, user reviews and ratings.
The system completely fulfils requirements of the EXIM Bank Knowledge Centre. Because of its flexibility, it allows creation of customer profiles for the library and staff user and controls access to more than 600 functions throughout the system. It is engineered for the robustness and ease of use that library patrons and staff demand. In a nutshell, it allows setting of the rules and parameters that work best for the library.
CHIT CHAT
A popular talk on Primatology in the Northeast was held recently on the Digboi forest inspection bungalow premises. It was organised by the department of zoology, Digboi College, for the students of zoology of Digboi College and Margherita College.
Narayan Sarma, a doctoral research scholar of National Institute of Science Academy, Bangalore, delivered a lecture on the primates of India with special reference to the Northeast and Assam.
Another resource person, Sumitra Sankaran of Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, gave a lecture on the Western Hoolock Gibbon’s distribution and their biology. An interactive session with the resources persons was also carried among the participants chaired by the head of the department of zoology, Digboi College, Anu Borgohain. She also highlighted ongoing various courses in wildlife at the masters degree level in India, where a science graduate can begin his/her career in wildlife field. Later, Narayan Sarma gave a live demonstration on how to record latitude and longitude, way points, track records with the help of GPS to the forest officials of Digboi forest division.

Status quo on power projects

2009-12-15T02:38:00.000-08:00

KSU stand plays a part

Shillong, Dec. 15 : Meghalaya principal secretary, power, B.K. Dev Verma today said no decision was taken by the cabinet on the handover of two power projects — Leshka stage II and Umngot, to private companies, with the Khasi Students Union reiterating that it will oppose the move.

The students’ union had favoured the formation of a joint action committee to oppose any move to hand over the power projects to private companies after meeting the residents of the areas in Jaintia hills where the projects are located.

The KSU had also organised a public meeting at Amlarem on Saturday after getting inputs that the government was planning to take a decision soon regarding handing over these two projects to private companies.

The student group said its Amlarem unit, after the meeting, opposed any move on the part of the government to hand over the projects to private companies.

KSU president Samuel Jyrwa today said the state government should hand over these two power (above 100MW) projects to the state owned Meghalaya State Electricity Board. The state power board is at present executing the 126MW Leshka stage I hydel project.

In 2007, when the Congress-led government under the leadership of D.D. Lapang was in power, it had to keep in abeyance the power deal with the private companies after protests from the KSU and other pressure groups.

The erstwhile Congress-led government had also entrusted an official-level committee to look into the merits and demerits of the power deal with the private companies.

When the NCP-UDP led Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) came into power in 2008, it had cleared two power projects, Umduna and Umjaut that are below 100MW. It decided to scrap two other major projects, Leshka hydel project, stage II, Umngot among others, which are above 100MW, as these did not follow the international competitive bidding.

However, after the new Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA) government came into power in May this year, no decision was taken regarding the projects.

Deputy chief minister in-charge, power, Mukul Sangma, told reporters today that the erstwhile MPA government had earlier decided that the private companies which are interested to execute the projects above 100MW will have to enter into a joint venture with the state-owned power board.

“We are studying the various decisions taken by the erstwhile MPA government so that we can decide what is best for the state,” Sangma said.

According to Sangma, the next cabinet meeting will take a collective decision on the handover of the projects either to the state power board or to private companies

Students slam NSCN recruitment

2009-12-13T23:17:00.001-08:00

Blame on lax security
OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itanagar, Dec. 13: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has voiced concern over the Khaplang faction of the NSCN’s “recruitment” of 18 youths from Tirap district, bordering Nagaland, last month.

The students’ union alleged that 18 youths, aged between 18 and 23, were recruited by the NSCN (K) from the remote Pongchau circle in Tirap district on November 19.

Of the 18 reported recruits, 16 are from Pongchau village while two belong to Bonia village under Pongchau circle.

Takam Tatung, the president of the apex students’ body, in a statement issued to the press last evening, condemned the recruitment drive by the Nagaland-based outfit and urged the state government and Delhi to act tough on the outfit immediately to stop such drives in the future.

“The recruitment of 18 youths from Pongchau and Bonia villages in Tirap district on November 19 has laid bare the loopholes in the state’s security system, making the youths vulnerable to external elements like the NSCN (K), which has been carrying out a recruitment drive in the district. The act on the part of the outfit within the territory of our state where there is an elected government is a matter of real concern and disturbing. Blame it on the security agencies operating in the area, which were caught napping during such a recruitment drive in the district.”

The union sought the immediate intervention of the state government and the Centre to bring the youths back to the mainstream. It also said law and order in the district was “dismal”.

The deteriorating law and order in the insurgency-ridden district had paved the way for the frequent recruitment drives by the Nagaland-based rebel outfits, it added.

Tatung said the CRPF, Assam Rifles, police forces deployed by the Centre and state police force have miserably failed to contain militancy in the district, which had been at the receiving end of insurgency spilled over from neighbouring Nagaland.

Sources said 39 youths were abducted by the NSCN (K) from Tirap in February last year. Of them, 29 returned home.

AAPSU had called for the boycott of goods coming from Nagaland and a statewide bandh on February 29, 2008, demanding the release of 10 Arunachalee youths allegedly abducted by the NSCN (K).

The sources said the youths were taken to the insurgents’ camp at Kamka, 40km inside Myanmar, the union then alleged, demanding a quick persuasion by the state government to pressurise the Centre to take up the issue with the authorities in Myanmar.

The students’ union also demanded that the state Assembly pass a resolution on the lines of the Assam Assembly for protecting the territorial integrity of Arunachal Pradesh. The Nagaland House had recently passed a resolution for the recognition of Naga outfits struggling for a “Greater Nagalim”.

The student body also decided to extend its ultimatum from a week to a month for the business community to dispose of Chinese goods in the state. This decision came after a request made by the Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries.

The union welcomed “the concern shown by the leaders of the BJP in Lok Sabha” regarding China’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh.

AASU to blockade ONGC

2009-12-13T23:15:00.001-08:00

Dibrugarh, Dec. 13: The Sivasagar unit of the All Assam Students Union (AASU) has called a 96-hour bandh of the ONGC from December 21 to protest against the company’s alleged move to privatise some of its operations in the state.

The AASU will take steps to block all ONGC operations across Sivasagar district such as transportation of crude from oil fields to the oil collecting stations, movement of men and machines to field and offices and dharnas in front of offices of the establishments in the district, among others.

The Sivasagar district unit of the AASU today issued a statement alleging that the ONGC had failed to clarify its stand on privatisation of some of its operations in Assam because of which the union had called for the bandh.

“We have been urging the company to clarify its stand on the issue which we feel would be totally detrimental to the welfare of Sivasagar district in particular and to Assam in general. But so far the company has not been able to come up with any convincing reply because of which we had to resort to agitation through democratic ways of protest,” the secretary of the Sivasagar unit of AASU, Manik Gogoi, said.

It had been largely speculated in various quarters that the ONGC is going to privatise its Assam Asset operations, which is located in various parts of Upper Assam.

The AASU alleged that despite repeated formal appeals and reminders, the ONGC had not properly replied to them on the critical issue.

The union had also staged a dharna in front of the company’s Sivasagar office on similar demands on December 4, but it failed to evoke any response from the company.

Deputy general manager (corporate communications and public relations), Dilip Kumar Das, said the allegations brought in by the AASU are not correct.

“We are trying to settle the issue and find an amicable solution so that the blockade does not take place,” he said.

AASU firm on expulsion of illegal migrants

2009-12-11T00:51:00.001-08:00

GUWAHATI, Dec 10 – The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), observing its ‘Swahid Diwas’ today, reaffirmed its stand on expulsion of illegal migrants from the State. The students’ body asked the State government and the Centre to give a specific timeframe for implementation of the Assam Accord. “The AASU is firm on its longstanding demand of making the State free from the illegal Bangladeshis and ensuring the authority of indigenous people in the State. Though 30 years have passed since the AASU started fighting for this cause and 25 years have passed of signing the Accord with the Union Government, our borders are not yet sealed to checkillegal influx, let alone the question of finding and deporting the existing illegal Bangladeshis,” said AASU advisor Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya, addressing the media today.

“On the other hand, it is unfortunate and a serious lapse on the part of the State Government that even the identified illegal Bangladeshis continue to ‘vanish’ in the State,” he added.

While demanding a special package for rehabilitation of families of those who laid their lives during the movement, and those who became physically disabled, the AASU said that all the political parties forming Government in the State ignored the sacrifice of these martyrs and their families.

“Swahid Kharageswar Talukdar sacrificed his life on December 10, 1979 while participating in the Assam movement and thus the day is observed to commemorate the 855 martyrs, who sacrificed their lives fighting for the rights of the people ofAssam,” added Sankar Prasad Rai, AASU president.

The students’ body has decided to help the families of Assam movement martyrs. As part of this initiative, it announced to help the family of Girish Chandra Nath of Nagaon with a pair of bullock, the family members of Dharani Roy of Bongaingaon with cow and a calf, and the family of Gahin Deka of Nalbari with a manually-operated loom. It also promised to further help these families in future.

The AASU reiterated its demand for constitutional safeguard, inner land permit and rights of indigenous people over land and natural resources.

On the other, the Asom Gana Parishad also observed the Swahid Diwas today. In a central function held at the Khanapara Ganesh Mandir Indoor Stadium the day was observed with various programmes and prayers in the presence of the AGP leaders Chandra Mohan Patowary, Prafulla Mahanta and Sarbananda Sonowal among others, mentioned a press statement.

Govt introduces Bill on tech varsity

2009-12-09T00:58:00.001-08:00

GUWAHATI, Dec 8 – The State Government has tabled a Bill to establish an affiliating university of science and technology in Guwahati. The Assam Science and Technology University Bill, 2009, states that it seeks to establish a university exclusively for science and technical education by the name of ‘Assam Science and Technical University’ in Guwahati to boost science and technical education in the State, more precisely in the NE region.

The university will be affiliating in nature. All the engineering institutions offering degree and diploma in various branches of engineering in the State, including the private sector ones, shall be affiliated to it.

The university shall have its Court, Executive Council, Academic Council, Postgraduate Board, Undergraduate Board, Finance Committee, Selection Committee and such other authorities as may be declared by the statutes to be the authorities ofthe university, states the Bill.

The Governor of Assam shall be the chancellor of the university, while its Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Chancellor on the recommendation of an Advisory Board constituted by the Chancellor for the purpose.

This Advisory Board will consist of three members of whom one shall be nominated by the State Government, one member to be nominated by the Chancellor and the rest one to be elected by theExecutive Council. The Chancellor shall also appoint one of them as chairman of the Board.

The Vice-Chancellor shall be the principal executive and academic officer of the university. He shall be the ex-officio chairman of the Executive Council, the Academic Council, the Postgraduate Board, the Undergraduate Board, the Finance Committee and the Selection Committee.

He shall preside over all the meetings of the court and also the convocation, in the absence of the Chancellor. He shall be entitled to be present at and to address any meeting of any authority or committee ofthe university.

The Vice-Chancellor shall have the powers of convening the meeting of the Court, the Executive Council, the Postgraduate Board, the Undergraduate Board, the Finance Committee and the Selection Committee, whenever he finds it necessary.

However, the decision of the Chancellor on “whether any person has duly been elected, appointed, chosen or nominated as, or is entitled to be, a member of any authority or body ofthe University or whether any decision of any of the authorities or bodies or of the Vice-Chancellor of the University is in conformity with this Act,… shall be final.”

The Postgraduate Board, among others, shall have the power to recommend to the Academic Council, the pattern of postgraduate courses, the examination to be held for such courses and for their revision. It shall also have the power to approve the curricula and syllabi for the post-graduate courses and to modify them whenever needed.

It shall also have the power to make recommendations to the Executive Council for the institution of posts of teachers required for the postgraduate courses under the university and for the recognition of persons as teachers for any other course, and regarding their emoluments, duties and terms and conditions of their services.

Similarly, the Undergraduate Board shall have the power to recommend to the Academic Council the pattern of courses and examinations for the undergraduate courses and the revision thereof.

It too shall have the power to make recommendations to the Executive Council for the institution of professorships, readerships, lecturerships or other posts of teachers required for the undergraduate courses in the colleges and for the recognition of person as teachers for such courses and regarding their emoluments, duties and terms and conditions of services, the Bill states.

KSO chandel

2009-12-07T00:57:00.000-08:00

IMPHAL, Dec 7 : Kuki Students` Organization, Khengjoy Block, Chandel District has expressed immense gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner, Chandel and all the district level officers for conducting its first DLOs meeting. The meeting, the first of its kind in the block was hosted by Block Development Officer, Khengjoy T.D. block and releasing G.I. sheets under IAY Special package second phase held at Khangbarol village on December 4, stated a press release.

It further states that it has great expectation and believes that there will be a great impact from the said meeting. The KSO unit also appealed to all the concerned government departments to enact and discharge their responsibilities faithfully and bring changes in the block from backward to development.

ATSUM sets deadline

2009-12-02T22:24:00.001-08:00

Imphal, December 01, 2009: All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) set December 10 as the deadline for the government to fulfill various demands of the students' body including reservation for ST in recruitment of SOs under Manipur State Rural Roads Development Agency.

A representation submitted to the Chief Minister by the ATSUM urged the government to fulfill the demands of the ATSUM by December 10 ‘without making the students' body to go to the people to launch all forms of agitations.

The ATSUM demanded ST reservation in recruitment of SOs under MSRRDA, recruitment of one Committee Officer without following reservation norms, non-implementation of reservation norms for ST in promotion of four leading firemen to Sub-officer, and the transfer f HS Verypam, i/c CE/PHED.

IIM Shillong excels

2009-12-01T03:16:00.002-08:00

Students of Maharishi Vidya Mandir Public School participate in their annual sports day at Chandmari in Guwahati on Tuesday. Picture by Eastern Projections

IIM Shillong — the youngest of the lot — has done itself proud by winning two flagship events, Ashwamedha and Kalpavriksha at Ahvan ’09 — IIM Indore’s annual business summit.
Over 500 participants from the top 30 business schools participated in the event held from November 19 to 21.
While Ashutosh Dikshit from IIM Shillong won the solo Ashwamedha event, the Kalpavriksha, a team event, was won by a team of Prof. Swapan Kumar Majumdar, Neeraj Sharma and Hari Krishnan.
The top three in the Ashwamedha event comprised Dikshit, Raghav Sehgal (IIM Ahmedabad alumnus) and Vivek Menon from IIM Indore.
The spotlight round followed in which there was a personality/stress interview conducted by the eminent jury of Prof. Chandrashekhar from IIM Indore, Prof. Vijay Menon (HR consultant and pioneer of the concept of Ashwamedha) and Arvind Sharma, chairman and CEO of Leo Burnett.
One of the highlights of this round was Dikshit’s response to the question on whether IIM Shillong would live up to the standards set by brand IIM, to which Ashutosh replied: “Completeness and Nothingness are two sides of the same coin. In the same vein, standards are defined by perceptions that people have. As far as IIM Shillong is concerned, we have been first in a lot of initiatives — being the first centrally-funded institute to have implemented Enterprise Resource Planning; taking sustainability from concept to execution and the first B-school in the country to host inter-corporate golf tournament”.
Dikshit won the Ashwamedha crystal trophy and prize money of Rs 150,000.

Kamlesh Dutt Tripathi delivers the lecture at Tezpur University

Lecture

Eminent Sanskrit scholar, theatre personality and professor emeritus of Banaras Hindu University Kamlesh Dutt Tripathi delivered the first Srimanta Sankardeva Lecture at Tezpur University on November 25.
Speaking on the important characteristics of ankiya bhaona, Tripathi said various elements like purvaranga, sutradhara, entry and exit songs (dhruva) and many other such features were a continuum of Sanskrit theatre.
Tripathi, however, said ankiya bhaona is not a repetitive exercise of the earlier tradition. It is an expression of the creative genius of the great saint and composer Srimanta Sankardev.
Mihir Kanti Chaudhuri, the vice-chancellor of Tezpur University, underlined the need for extensive research on diverse facets of Srimanta Sankaradev’s contributions and ways to relate its relevance to the present day crisis in society.
CHIT CHAT
The National Education Foundation Law College, affiliated to Gauhati University, has set up a legal aid clinic on its premises, the first in the Northeast to do so.
Chief Justice J. Chelameswar of Gauhati High Court, who inaugurated it on November 26, congratulated the college for taking up such an initiative.

Churachandpur College foundation

2009-12-01T03:16:00.000-08:00

churachandpur, Dec 1 : The 45th Foundation Day of Churachandpur Government College located at the heart of Lamka Town was celebrated with pomp in a programme organised for the purposed as it begun at about 11: 30 am in the college multipurpose hall

During the observation various traditional dances from different communities were showcase alongside with special numbers being presented by the college students

The program apart from others has been marked by distribution of awards to several students who are currently reading in various classes of the college , observation of condolences in remembrance of those 44 teaching and non -teaching staffs who has gone into their heavenly abode over the last 45 years with speeches from the college principal Lalremthang Tusing over and above others .

The college which has produced a great many numbers of bureaucrates , army officials , politicians and many other dignified people has a record students strength of 1886 by this years from the various streams with almost exactly the same numbers during the preceding years .

The occassion was attended as chief guest by the minister Power , Hort & Soil Constvn, SC& Tech T Phungzathang as chief guest while T Goukhenpau Ex - minister acted as the president .

During his speech the minister exhorted the students to be a God fearing and respecting parents . " Education without God is blindness " he said

"You should lead a good moral character and this is the pillar for your success "he advised while pointing out his happiness over the ability of the various people of ccpur in understanding each others even when they speak in their respective languages but regrets for the lack of understanding amongst them

Earlier the minister inaugurated the newly construted academic building for the college which have been undertaken at the total cost of Rs 64 Launder the SPA funds .

Life attempt on ex-MUSU president

2009-11-30T03:14:00.000-08:00

Imphal, November 29 2009: Unidentified persons made abortive murder attempt on former president of Manipur University Students' Union (MUSU) Khundongbam Ashok Kumar (34) s/o Maniram in the intervening night of November 27 and 28 at his home at Heirok Part II Thokchom Leikai.

Ashok Kumar was sleeping in an outer room adjacent to the verandah of the house when unidentified persons fired three rounds towards him through a ventillator above the window of his room at about 1.15 am of November 28, said a police source.

Luckily, the former MUSU president survived the murder attempt unhurt.

Empty cases of 9 mm ammunition and a shumbal (pestle or pounder) suspected to have been used by the assailants to reach the ventillator were found in the verandah.

Taking strong exception to the assault, a large number of people staged a protest demonstration at Heirok Thokchom Leikai.

Ashok Kumar, currently teaching Political Science at Heirok Higher Secondary School, said that he has no personal animosity with any body.

He grew up as a student activist and was elected as general secretary of DESAM in 2001.

Womenfolk demonstrating against the murder attempt on former MUSU president Ashok Kumar

He was also president of the Manipur University Students' Union in 2005-06 .

"There were certain incidents during those periods but all the problems have been amicably resolved.

Now I'm not related to any of those problems", Ashok Kumar said .

Meanwhile, a public meeting held at Heirok today has resolved to keep night vigil in the locality of Ashok Kumar until a definite explanation is received about the murder attempt.

They also appealed to all concerned to own and explain the murder attempt.

KSO, KCA concerned

2009-11-26T21:49:00.001-08:00

Imphal, November 26 2009: Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Khengjoy Block and Kuki Chiefs' Association (KCA), Khengjoy Block in Chandel district have expressed deep concern over the safety and security of the innocent local civilians in Khengjoy block, particularly in Old Samtal area where encounter took place between the insurgents and the security forces on November 23 .

In a joint statement, vice president of KCA Khengjoy Block Henkhongam Haokip and information secretary of KSO Khengjoy Block Letsei Haokip pointed out that frequent incidents of shoot outs in the area have disturbed the peaceful coexistence and normal life of the people.

Therefore, it is our appeal to the underground outfits not to carry out such unwanted activities in Khengjoy block in future for the sake of innocent civilians, the joint statement said.

It also appealed to the security forces and other higher authorities concerned to ensure the safety and security of the innocent civilians and allow free movement to carry on their daily activities.

CAUCUS-2009 starts, enthrals Chandel

2009-11-25T00:39:00.001-08:00

Imphal, November 25 : CAUCUS 2009, a two-day long academic programme being organised by All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) has begun from today at the indoor stadium of Chandel district headquarters.

Being held under the theme of 'Envisioning change through education, Commissioner of Education (S) Prashantkumar Singh, IAS was the chief guest of the inaugural function.

Deputy Commissioner of Chandel district H Dilip Singh, IAS and Director of Education (S) M Harekrishna were also present at the function as president and guest of honour respectively.

In his address, Prashantkumar observed that change cannot be expected overnight but it should come through sustained efforts.

The Government of Manipur has been making consistent efforts towards improvement of the education system in the State.

So instead of criticising the efforts of the Government, it would be appreciable on the part of the public and other civil organisations to come up with constructive ideas, he said, adding that only then there can be change and development.

He also called on the people and the civil organisations of the district to work in close co-ordination with the Deputy Commissioner who is the head of the district administration.

Speaking as guest of honour of the function, Harekrishna pointed out that of all the various schemes launched by the Government of India for the welfare of the students, the Government of Manipur is really concern about the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and feels that denial of its benefit to the young students is a crime.

In the first session of the academic programme today, principal of Blue Star Academy, Churachandpur Dr Dalian Haokip presented talk on the topic of 'Role of private institution in the development of tribal education in Manipur'.

On the second and concluding day tomorrow, former ATSUM president Dr John Pulamte would speak on the topic of 'Tribal education in Manipur: Problems and options' in the morning session while senior advocate of Gauhati High Court Samuel on 'Tribal rights and reservation in Manipur Problems and options' in the afternoon session.

Delegates of various student organisations based in the hill districts of Manipur are participating in the programme.

Some student leaders playing double standard, alleges DESAM

2009-11-23T23:53:00.001-08:00

Imphal, Nov 24 : The Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has alleged that some leaders of the agitating students' bodies–who have put the career of the students in peril in the name of campaigning for the right to life–have taken professional examinations conducted by MU.

A statement issued by the president of DESAM, LC Santosh today said that this shows the mindset of the agitating students who only think for their selfish end without caring for others.

It stated that the careers of other students are equally important like them.

People have to mull over the matter.

He said that the Apunba Lup and the three students' bodies, AMSU, MSF, and KSA have reduced the people's agitation against the Khwairamband incident into an agitation against the people.

He said that the un-thoughtful act of the three students' bodies in protest against the July 23 BT Road incident has rendered the people to turn against the agitation which compels the government to take more advantage of the situation.

The agitation is paving the way for the dawn of a 'depression government' by extending more support to the depressed government.It alleged the agitating bodies of supporting the 'police-raj'.

The acts of the three student bodies and the Apunba Lup are testimony that they are severing the suppression of the already depressed people.

Stating that DESAM has always stood against the violation of rights, fake encounter and atrocities committed by the police and the Army, the statement asserted that it is equally important for all people to stop the rights violations and atrocities.

But it is wrong to reduce the students to scapegoat in the agitation against fake encounters and rights violation.

The ongoing agitation is like terrorists taking students as hostages and killing them for not fulfilling their ransom demands.

It stated that it is justifiable that all sections of the society including the students took part in the agitation.

But turning against the students by denying their studies based on the justification would not bring any solution to the problem.

DESAM has clearly realised the expected outcome over the success and failure of the civil societies' agitation and what impression the government would have on the civil society organisations.

It noted that the failure of the agitation and the civil society organisations is a defeat of the people.

DESAM has taken its decision after realising all the things.

It is easier to start a war and participate in a war than winning the war or bringing an end to it.

In connection with the agitation against the Khwairamband incident, DESAM doesn't remain neither as an observer from outside the boundary of the agitation nor it acts as a judge.

The students' body supported the agitation.

The point with the DESAM is that the strategy or line of approach adopted should be to mobilise the people in order to ensure success with the participation of the whole people.

The agitating parties should now think on how to further the agitation.

They have to seek way in order to engage all sections of the people in the agitation, it stated.

It also derided the agitating parties for presenting themselves as champions through the media, calling bandh through telephones, issuing threats to schools' authorities, fearing the police lathi, fearing to be booked under NSA and serving jail term but who claimed to launch an agitation to secure right to life.

It urged the agitating parties to make it public that the agitation could not bring a solution.

It stated that DESAM is not against the agitation.

But it is standing against the process of turning future of the society into darkness by banning education.

The students' body will go with any organisations or individuals whether they be army, police militants, if they have similar aspiration to make education a free zone, to develop and improve education sector, and usher in quality education.

Stating that India won independence from the British rule after enjoying the benefits of education, the statement asserted that education is a deciding factor of life and death.

It noted that anybody raised without education is morally deprived be they in politics, bureaucratic hierarchy, police or any armed forces organisation.

Unwanted happenings in the society are taking places due to the presence of numerous such kind of people.

The ongoing agitation is termed 'agitational terrorism' as the agitators have resorted to ban class, issuing threats to school authorities, bus and van associations, and burning down schools, the statement justified.

On the usage of the term 'agitational terrorism,' the statement said that the term is an English vocabulary whether it be used by Indian soldiers.

Instead of arguing the usage of the term, the three students' bodies have first to introspect whether their act amounts to terrorism or not.

The frequent statement used by the student bodies like "ready to launch further agitations," "any outcome will be the individuals' responsibility" etc would be reduced to proverbial 'Bausing's left arm,' who fell flat before using his left arm in the boxing ring.

Rule of law would not be in force if the rule of law is violated by the students' bodies.

Further, the statement also urged the three students' bodies to restrain from arguing their points in an ad hominem way.

It stated that DESAM is very much able to pour diatribes on any individual.

Lalgarh: Students block highway in protest against torture

2009-11-21T07:32:00.000-08:00

Kolkata, Nov 21 Students of a high school today blocked the state highway near Lalgarh for nearly four hours in protest against the alleged torture of a schoolmate by joint forces.

Agitated students of Bikash Bharati High School blocked State Highway-9 at 11 am demanding immediate release of Lalit Mahato, a student of class-X who was detained by the joint forces, and apology from the district administration, police said.

The incident took place early in the morning when the groups of joint forces, who were returning after a gunfight with maoists at Joyalbahanga forest near Jhargram, held Mahato and two other students, who were going to take board examination, for questioning, they said, adding the security personnel left the two but took Mahato to the camp for further interrogation.

Manipur: Four lakh students, protesting against extra judicial killing may lose academic year

Around four lakh students may lose out on an academic year in Manipur, following a boycott of classes since September 9 in protest of the alleged extra judicial killing of a youth.

The All Manipur Students’ Union, Manipur Students’ Federation and Kangleipak Students’ Association had declared a boycott of all Educational Institutions in Manipur in response to the killing that occured in July this year.

The mass protest has continued for over two months and the student bodies are refusing to budge until their demands for Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh’s resignation is met.

Parents and educationists in the state blame the AMSU and government for the plight of these students.

"If classes are boycotted further, we do not know what will happen to the fate of lakhs of students in the state and thousands of them may also lose the opportunity to apply for professional courses next year," said a principal of a reputed government institution.

Eighty fire extinguishers given to govt schools Smart card at Churachandpur

2009-11-20T03:43:00.001-08:00

CCpur, November 20 : Smart Card facility was launched at the District Transport Office (DTO), Churachandpur located at Tuibuong today.

The inaugural function of the District Transport smart card was graced by Phungzathang Tonsing Minister of Power, Horti & Sc.Tech, TN Haokip Minister of PHED/IPR/TSM and L Jayentakumar Minister of Transport, Education as the chief guest, guest of honour and functional president respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, T Phungzathang recalled that the transport smart card has been initiated during his tenure as Minister of Transport in 2006 .

Ministers L Jayenta Kumar, Phungzathang Tonsing and TN Haokip at CCpur function

The state is not lacking behind in IT, he said and expressed hope that launching transport smart card will surely benefit the security of the people of Churachandpur district.

He said, use of smart card in issuing driving licenses and registration certificates will prevent frauds from forging driving licenses.

The minister further observed that the DTO building should be made smarter.

If Churachanpur is described as the second town of Manipur next to Imphal West district, facilities to suit the description should also be given.

TN Haokip observed that Churachandpur is the second district which enjoys the smart card facilities after Imphal.

He said, the same facility would be launched in other districts soon.

Eighty fire extinguishers were presented to various government high schools located in Churachandpur District on the occasion.

Minister L Jayentakumar urged the public of the district to maintain peace and harmony so that developmental activities can be witnessed in times to come too.

Transport Director, Devesh Dewal was also present on the occasion.

M Songgel Youth Club, Tollen Cultural Troupe and Young Paite Association (YPA) Cultural Troupe, Zenhang Lamka have presented cultural dances on the occasion.

With talent galore, school wins hearts

2009-11-17T00:01:00.001-08:00

Jamir turns nostalgic at Assam Valley School’s Founder’s Day meet, recalls student days

DAULAT RAHMAN

Maharashtra Governor S.C. Jamir (right) hands over the Best House trophy on the Assam Valley School campus in Tezpur on Sunday. Picture by Eastern Projections

Balipara (Tezpur), Nov. 16: For once, the suave and sophisticated Maharashtra Governor S.C. Jamir was nostalgic, as he remembered the school building where he started his education back home in Nagaland.

The building of his school was a simple, kutcha house without electricity while the one he graced this weekend is one of the most modern of educational institutions in the country — the Assam Valley School (AVS).

“I really wish I was young and studying in this school,” Jamir said in his address as the chief guest of the 14th Founders’ Day celebrations of the school on its campus, located at the picturesque Hatichura tea estate, around 27km from Tezpur.

The three-day celebrations concluded yesterday.

The former Nagaland chief minister recalled his own school to highlight the contrast and told the attentive students, “Your school is, perhaps, the best school with all the amenities and a beautiful ambience. I was thrilled to see the vast playfield, the sprawling green campus and the aesthetically built building.”

Jamir felt that India’s transition to a knowledge-based economy would require a talented pool of manpower and the products of AVS are sure to fit into the role.

Maj. Gen. R.S. Chand, the GOC of the Tezpur-based 4 Corps, was equally impressed by the sporting talent in AVS and was confident that it would be able to produce Sachin Tendulkars, P.T. Ushas and Abhinav Bindras.

Gen. Chand — the chief guest of the annual athletic championship held yesterday morning — said he was highly impressed by the sporting spirit of the students and predicted that they would make the country proud in the near future.

The AVS, founded in 1995 by the Williamson Magor Education Trust, is rated among the 20 best residential schools in the country and is the only exclusive co-educational boarding school affiliated to the Council for Indian School Certificate Examination.

The headmaster of the school, D.N.A. Mountford, said in his Founders’ Day lecture, “At AVS, we are committed to the building up of young people for a globally-connected life in the 21st century.”

That the headmaster was right could be gauged from the all-round talent that the students of the school showcased. It started with an exhibition where the students presented fascinating model on various issues from China’s increasing aggression over Arunachal Pradesh to the Naxalite problem in the country.

The dramatic skills of the students were at its best when they staged Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice.

Assamese actress Zerifa Wahid, among the special invitees, said she could hardly believe that such young students could play the role of tough characters with so much passion and skill.

The celebrations ended with an athletic meet where students showed their skills in different disciplines.

The school went on a vacation for a week from yesterday. “The vacation is a much deserved break for students after the month-long preparations to make the 14th Founders’ Day celebration a great success,” a faculty member of the school said.

Schools get gear to put out fire

2009-11-14T08:19:00.001-08:00

Imphal, Nov. 13: Manipur today distributed fire extinguishers to schools to save educational institutions from being torched.

Education minister L. Jayentakumar Singh today distributed two fire extinguishers each to 10 schools in Hiyanglam Assembly constituency of Thoubal district during a tour of the constituency to assess the academic situation and security measures.

The minister accompanied by works minister K. Ranjit Singh and local MLA E. Dwijamani Singh also visited Langmeidong High School in the constituency, which was set on fire by suspected supporters of the class boycott campaign on the night of November 10.

So far five schools have been torched in different places in the valley areas to counter the government’s efforts to reopen schools.

Education institutions have been closed since September 9 after the All Manipur Students Union, Manipuri Students Federation and Kangleipak Students Association launched a class boycott campaign as part of the ongoing agitation against the July 23 firing in Imphal city in which passerby Rabina Devi and former militant Ch. Sanjit were killed in an alleged fake encounter.

The government strengthened security for the educational institutions and appealed to guardians to send their children back to school and college. However, despite the appeal student attendance remained very poor in most of the institutions.

Jayentakumar Singh said fire extinguishers would be provided to all educational institutions and a police outpost opened in Langmeidong to guard schools and colleges in the area.

The minister said repairing of the damaged schools would be completed soon. The ministerial team visited a few educational institutions in the constituency to see the academic situation and security. He said he found some schools running regular classes.

The Government Recognised Private Schools Welfare Association has convened a meeting of founders, principals and teachers of the private schools on November 15 at Hatta in Imphal city to discuss the ongoing academic situation.

Mao Students' Union demands bank security

2009-11-14T02:32:00.001-08:00

Imphal, November 14 : Mao Students' Union (MSU) has expressed strong resentment that Government of Manipur is yet to provide security to the Tadubi branch of State Bank of India.

Speaking to some mediapersons during a recent inspection tour of Mao and nearby villages, MSU president Lokho Ojo Mao said due to constant appeals by various organisations of mao and nearby areas an official team of SBI conveyed its willingness to establish a branch office at a suitable location in between Mao and Maram.

Consequently spot location surveys were jointly conducted by mao area organisations and the SBI officials that resulted in identifying a private building at near Tadubi bazar which is also close to the National Highway 39 .

Informing that the SBI officials were also impressed in finding the double storey building which is flanked by a post of the Assam Rifles at about 200 metre distance and Tadubi police station even more nearer at about 150 metres, Lokho also said the bank officials pledged commitment in the setting up of the SBI branch.

However, joy of the locals that the long awaited bank branch would be a reality was short-lived as the State Government snubbed public proposal to provide at least 15 personnel exclusively for duty in the SBI branch.

He opined that refusal of the state authorities to assign requisite number of security personnel at the bank is yet another manifestation that Government of Manipur is undermining interest of people in Mao-Maram areas as well as denying economic rights of the locals.

the MSU functionary pointed out that benefits supposed to be reaped by the local workforce engaged in welfare programmes including NREGS is insignificant as the people have to withdraw wage money from either Maram or Senapati district headquarters.

Recounting that a memorandum proposing security personnel provision for the SBI branch had already been submitted to the Chief Minister, Lokho cautioned that failure to redress problems faced by the Mao-Maram people would compel resorting to intense agitation.

AASU’s Human Chain along the Indo–Bangla Border

2009-11-10T03:15:00.001-08:00

AASU’s Human Chain along the Indo–Bangla Border

Human Chain along the Indo - Bangla Border

Thousands people from various parts of Dhubri district recently thronged to the Indo-Bangla International Border at Lakhimari village under the Sonahat Border Security Force outpost to form a human chain in protest against the unabated infiltration across the Bangladesh border and demanding complete seal of Assam-Bangladesh border.

This human chain along the border, however, reminded the villagers of one such human chain programme that was organized by BJP at the Satrasal border, a few kilometres away from the Lakhimari border and spearheaded by Uma Bharati in 1994.

A cross section of people irrespective of caste, creed and religion and a large number of students assembled at the Indo-Bangla Trade Centre Ground.

Romoni Adhikari, an elderly villager of Tokrerchara - III village calls the human chain programme an alarm bell on the porous Indo-Bangla border which is not reaching the ears of the Central and state government.

“The situation is getting worse day by day and things being as they are, the Central government is paying the least attention to the border villages,” Adhikari said.

Aftab Uddin, a teacher of a venture school in Ratiadoh area under Golokganj police station of Dhubri district who went to the Lakhimari border to attend the human chain programme said that the border has been left to the border security forces and nobody knows what is happening there as after the sun sets, no one is allowed to venture on the border road. “So villagers do not know how the Bangladeshis are entering Indian territory and who are involved in trans-border smuggling including cattle. They (BSF) are the sentinels on the border but after 62 years of partition from India, infiltration continues into India through the porous border”, Uddin resentfully stated.

Speaking in a open meeting at the Indo-Bangla Trade Centre Ground, AASU advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya lambasted the state and Central governments for their total failure in sealing the Indo-Bangla border and as a result of which, not only do the people of Bangladesh have free access to Assam but also many a fundamental militant organization has transformed this border into their haven.

Bhattacharya also said that though it is matter of national security as the border remains unprotected but despite their best

Participants of the human chain programme

efforts and the people’s support, the Centre is not taking the thing seriously and no political party has shown interest in solving this problem of unabated infiltration across the border.

“We will continue to fight till the whole Assam-Bangla border is sealed and farmers whose lands fall behind the barbed fencing are compensated,” Bhattacharya said.

Addressing the meeting, AASU president, Sankar Prosad Roy said that the human chain programme at the Lakhimari border has been organized in protest against the slow pace of barbed fencing works in the border and unabated infiltration across the border.

Roy said that it is almost 24 years since the Assam Accord was signed between the Central government and AASU but many a clausesof the Accord is yet to be implemented.

“The barbed wire fencing along the Indo-Bangla border, first erected in 1987, proved to be redundant as it could neither stop infiltration nor trans-border movement of insurgent groups through the porous areas of the border,” Roy said.

Roy also said that AASU wants the sealing of the 272 kms Indo-Bangla border in Dhubri and Karimganj sector with barbed fencing.

While expressing deep resentment over the poor quality of barbed fencing works, Roy said that AASU is raising the demand for the compensation against land which fell behind the barbed fencing.

He said that owners of the l1000 acres (approx) of land can not go to their land freely for cultivation as there is restriction imposed by the Border Security Forces. So it is better for the government to acquire the land and compensate the poor farmers who lost almost everything during the partition of the country.

Roy claimed that renewed movement against the foreigners would remind of the Assam Movement of 80’s which began with a human chain programme from Dhubri.

Roy added that a similar human chain programme will be held at the Karimganj sector soon.

Naga scholar wins prize in Australia

2009-11-07T06:22:00.001-08:00

Meyanungsang Kichu

Dimapur, November 6 (MExN): A Naga scholar Meyanungsang Kichu, a final year PhD researcher from Macquarie University in Sydney, on October 2 won the first prize in a poster presentation competition by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute Incorporated. The institute had conducted its annual one-day symposium on Natural Products Chemistry, in the University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales. A total of one hundred and fifty participants from universities and companies around Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, attended the conference.
Meyanungsang Kichu, who is currently working on Nagaland medicinal plants, won the first prize in the best poster presentation competition. The prize was awarded for his work entitled “TLC-bioautography-guided isolation of antibacterial compounds from a Nagaland medicinal plant.” It describes his research on the isolation and identification of 11 known compounds with biological activity against pathogenic microorganisms from a plant being used by Chungtia villagers for treating skin related infections.
This work is part of his PhD thesis on Nagaland medicinal plants. His major objectives are to systematically document first-hand ethno-medicinal plant knowledge of Chungtia village and to apply this knowledge to identify medicinally important compounds following targeted chemical and biological studies. For this project, he has established a collaborative research partnership with Chungtia Senso Mokokchung Town (CSMT) and Macquarie University for best ethical practices. They follow the principles of the Convention of Biological Diversity Act and the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia, to conduct research with indigenous people.
Associate Professors Joanne Jamie, Jim Kohen and Subramanyam Vemulpad, who supervised Kichu’s research work, are very proud of his achievements and his commitment to help his community in Nagaland. Kichu has presented his research findings at international and national conferences in Australia and India. Prior to pursuing his research at Macquarie University, Australia, he had worked as a lecturer in Biotechnology at St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore.

Student bodies divided over withdrawing class boycott

2009-11-05T00:42:00.000-08:00

IMPHAL, Nov 5 – Even as the All Manipur Students Union (AMSU), Manipuri Students Federation (MSF) and Kangleipak Students Alliance (KSA) have affirmed on Tuesday not to resume classes, the Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has resolved to resume classes immediately in a meeting held here on Monday. The student bodies have been boycotting classes since September 9.

In the meeting, DESAM has also resolved to form an organisation comprising of 20 clubs which would be responsible in taking up steps for the resumption of the classes immediately. Thestudents ’ body also resolved not to use education as a means of agitation and to make education free zone. They also stated that the civil society organisations should show its solidarity in the move of DESAM for the resumption of the classes.

About 500 people hailing from 50 social organisations attended today’s meeting, out of which 450 individuals were not in favour of the ongoing boycott.

It may be recalled that in the wake of the July 23 fake encounter incident the classes have been boycotted by All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) and Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) since September 9 as part of the ongoing mass movement under the aegis of the Apunba Lup demanding the resignation of Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh. The threestudents’ organisations are agitating against the July 23 ‘fake’ encounter incident.

It is worth noting that the All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) has also been advocating for the resumption of classes. ATSUM had convened a public meeting on October 24 in this regard.

On Sunday, the agitating AMSU, MSF and KSA had warned any organisation or individual attempting to sabotage the ongoing ‘peoples’ movement including the boycotting of classes. The threestudents’ bodies pledged not to allow the classes to be resumed unless the State Government obliges the demands of the organisations.

Meanwhile, the Inpui (Kabui) Students’ Union has said the closure of educational institutions as a mark of protest is not right. The Inpui students’ body said that the closure of the educational institutions has caused irreparable loss to the students’ community.

NSF for change in quota rules

2009-11-01T23:18:00.001-08:00

Kohima, Nov. 1: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has demanded the immediate intervention of Governor Nikhil Kumar, who is also the chief rector of Nagaland University, in the reservation system of the university.

The federation said the university authorities have violated the reservation policy of the ministry of personnel and pensions of the Centre.

NSF president Mutsikoyo Chakhesang said the reservation quota in the Nagaland University is not in accordance with the office memorandum of the ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions department.

The memorandum, issued in July 5, 2005, states that Nagaland can avail of 45 per cent reservation in the group C and D posts in any central office.

“A recent advertisement for recruitment to various posts in Nagaland University show a violation of the policy,” he said recently.

He said in contrast with the other states, more than 80 per cent of the population of Nagaland included the Schedule Tribes.

The Naga students said unless the reservation quota was increased, the educated unemployed would be deprived of opportunities.

The federation also lamented that all the vacant posts were not included in the recent advertisement for non-teaching posts under Nagaland University.

They urged the governor to consider the sentiment of the Naga students.

The Nagaland University Teachers Association has also charged vice-chancellor K. Kannan of making illegal appointments in the university.

It urged the state government and Centre to intervene and stop such practices.

The NSF has taken exception to the backdoor appointment of teachers in government higher secondary schools across the state. It said the state government has already appointed over 113 teachers for nine schools without conducting interviews.

The NSF’s president said the current system of appointments deprived qualified and capable persons of their rights. It has urged the state government to cancel all such backdoor appointments immediately and conduct interviews for the posts.

It also demanded an immediate explanation from the commissioner of school education, Banuo Z. Jamir.

The federation said if corrective measures were not taken immediately, they would resort to their own course of action in the larger interest and welfare of Naga students.

KSO GHQ dissolved

2009-11-01T23:09:00.001-08:00

Imphal, November 2 : The Standing Committee of the Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) has dissolved the Central Cabinet of the KSO General Headquarters in toto as per article No 10 of the KSO constitution and fixed the date of election of the KSO Central Committee, a statement issued by the secretary of the KSO Standing Committee, Lunkhothang informed.

The standing committee shall hold the office of the KSO with immediate effect until a new Central Cabinet of the KSO General Headquarters is duly constituted, it stated.

The committee also retained Paotinthang Lupheng, the incumbent education secretary as its office secretary for the whole duration of KSO GHQ election.

According to the statement, nomination may be filed from November 9 to November 16 while the election date has been fixed on November 17 .

The election will be held at Kuki Inn, Imphal.

Racial attack, says MSAD

2009-10-31T02:33:00.001-07:00

Imphal, October 31 : The Manipur Students' Association, Delhi has come out strongly against the brutal murder of Ramchanphy Hongray by an IIT student at Delhi.

In a statement, the student body said that the people of North East have been subjected to racial discrimination for long and chronicled some recent events.

Stating that the North East people are no longer safe in India, MSAD said that Delhi is a glaring example of the series of unabated and deliberate racial discriminations against the people of the North East.

Stating that the murder of Ramchanphy was not the first instance of singling out people from the North East, MSAD said that on April 17 this year, Giupuilu Gangmei, a five year old Zeliangrong girl, was raped and murdered in broad daylight in Mahabalipur.

In the night of September 20,2009m a Chiru Naga boy was severely assaulted with iron rods by local goons at Outram Lines, said MSAD and added that in the night of September 21, 2009, a Moyon Naga girl was molested and beaten up by the neighbours at Munirka.

On October 11, 2009 a Naga couple was assaulted by local goons and the police at first refused to register an FIR.

The FIR was registered only after a hue and cry was raised.

Again on October 14, 2009, locals of Nariana assaulted and attempted to rape a Mao Naga girl, while on October 24, 2009, a 21 year old girl from Arunachal Pradesh was molested by a team of students of a Government run school at Bharat Nagar, claimed the student body.

ATSUM endorses recommendations

2009-10-31T02:26:00.001-07:00

Imphal, October 31 : An emergency federal assembly of the All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM), which was held today at its office located at Old Lambulane, endorsed the recommendations of the Public Meeting convened by the students' body on October 24 on the indefinite closure of educational institutions in some valley districts of the state.

Sharing the pains and sorrows of all bereaved families who lost their near and dear ones caused by state and non-state actors especially those of July 23 at BT Road, the federal assembly of ATSUM appealed both the government and the agitating students' bodies (AMSU, MSF and KSA) to lift the 'ban' imposed on all educational institutions, including institutions under CBSE/ICSSE by October 2009, according to a statement issued by the assembly secretary of ATSUM, Ningthou Kamei and its speaker Tonghen Kipgen.

"We justified the agitations launched under the banner of Apunba Lup in protest against the July 23 incident of BT Road.

However, the indefinite closure of all educational institutions in some valley districts as a part of the agitation is uncalled for and is taking the issue beyond the limit," the ATSUM statement noted.

Appealing for allowing private schools to collect their normal school fees so that ttheir teachers continue to get their meager salaries, the ATSUM demanded that the government to treat the ongoing impasse as 'calamity' and compensate the private school teachers if their appeal is not heeded.

"If these two terms are not accepted, ATSUM will use all its might and resources to make a 'token' payment to these teachers even if it is just Rs 1 for a teacher," it asserted.

The TASUM also requested that exams conducted by BSEM, COHSEM and MU be held on normal scheduled.

In case normal classes were not resumed by November, ATSUM will organise 'residential coaching class' at selected centres across the state especially for HSLC and Class XII candidates.

All interested students - tribal and non-tribal - will be welcome for the coaching classes, it added.

The ATSUM also requested the state government to intervene so that any student who is desirous of shifting their institutions within one Board can do it freely.

It further added that ATSUM will be compelled to think of 'alternative options' if the present impasse continues beyond the limit.

KSO concerned

2009-10-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

Imphal, October 30 : Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Imphal Branch has demanded clarification on the reported abduction of Thangpao Kipgen on October 27 from Leimakhong Bazar as to why he has been abducted.

A statement issued by the information secretary of KSO, Imphal D Letminthang Haokip informed that Thangpao Kipgen (25), son of (L) Lhukhokai Kipgen of Nongmaipal village, Sadar Hills was abducted by around five persons in a white colour Maruti Van (bearing registration number MNA-01-1279) from Leimakhong Bazar.

Stating that the abducted person was innocent, the KSO statement pointed out that he was going to Leimakhong to drop food items for his brothers and sisters studying at Leimakhong.

It added that Thangpao was preparing for the coming VDF recruitment.

Drawing the attention of all concerned authorities, the KSO statement urged the kidnappers to release the abducted person immediately.

AAPSU for firm steps to curb violence against NE students

2009-10-29T05:18:00.001-07:00

ITANAGAR, Oct 29 : The apex students organization of the State, All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) today called for sincere and concerted measures from all concerned to curb the repeated violence being inflicted on students from the North-east studying in various parts of the country.
The Union condemned the molestation of an Arunachalee girl and the gruesome murder of a Naga girl in New Delhi in the last couple of days. It expressed fear that such incidents would have far reaching consequences and would further aggravate the imbalance between the region and mainland India. It urged upon the Delhi Government as well as the Central Government to deal with iron hands with perpetrators and sympathizers of such crimes.
The Union is leading a delegation to the national capital on October 30 next headed by its president Takam Tatung to meet Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and other Central leaders. Besides the issue of safety of North-east students and crime committed by mainstream Indians against people from the region, the Union would raise the issue of the repeated claims over Arunachal Pradesh by China.
The Union said, all elected members of Parliament from the region and all State governments of the North-east, cutting across party lines, needed to get together to voice their stand against all atrocities committed on people from the region.
It has further resolved to take the issue to the North East Students’ Organization (NESO) platform to give a united stand of the North East.

Keep politicians out of education bodies: AASU

2009-10-29T00:52:00.001-07:00

GUWAHATI, OCT 29 – The AASU has reiterated its demand to remove politicians from the governing body of all educational institutes of the State. The Government, it may be mentioned, had issued an order seeking removal of all the politicians from the governing body of the educational institutes.

However, another notification from the Principal Secretary, Education (Higher) issued on October 9 conceded that majority of the colleges are yet to abide by the earlier notification and further issued a fresh order stating that the senior most of the two University-nominated would be appointed as the interim-chairman of the governing body of those colleges, which still has politicians in the governing body.

Asked to comment, AASU adviser Dr Samujjal Bhattacharya, “We demand that the same rule be made applicable not only for colleges but for all theeducational institutes in the State.”

ATSUM for stir against fake encounter but not at the cost of education

2009-10-24T23:43:00.001-07:00

IMPHAL, Oct 25 : The All Tribal students` Union Manipur, ATSUM in a public meeting held today at the auditorium of the Tribal Research Institute, Adimjati, in connection with the closure of educational institutes, adopted many resolutions after a detailed discussion.

Spokepersons from different organizations and individuals, including KSO, UNC, CNPO, ZSUM, Zelianrong Baudi, Poumei Union, Kuki Inpi Manipur bodies, ex-MP Holkhomang Haokip, Samuel Jendai, gave their views and opinions.

After the discussions, recommendations were adopted by the organizing committee of the ATSUM for further discussion in their federal assembly to chalk out further stands.

In the recommendations the dignitaries, parents and guardians agreed to share the pain and sorrow of the victims of July 23, as a mark of solidarity and also resolved that such discussion was being organized by ATSUM irrespective of community affiliations solely for the benefit of the future generation.

The gathering also agreed to endorse the agitation against fake encounters in the state including the July 23 incident but opposed the boycotting of educational institutions saying this was to much, considering the general loss.

The meet however agreed to ban or boycott government offices and other programme in the state.

It also resolved to appeal to both the state Government and Apunba Lup for bringing an amicable solution before October 30, failing which the students bodies would pressurise the government for conducting compulsory classes for Class X and XII examination as per government schedule.

Recommendations also underscored the necessity for private schools to pay salaries to the private teachers and for parents and guardians to pay fees including to coaching centers and school van services.

It also adopted to appeal the state government to treat the current impasse as natural calamity and rightly compensate the helpless teachers.

It was also agreed that if a negative outcome arises despite the points adopted today the ATSUM would in an effort to save the academic atmosphere starts a free residential coaching programme especially for the Class X and XII for minimum of two months with contribution form the general public and also noted about the apprehension of the centrally sponsored school examinations probably be effected by the boycott stand of the three students` bodies.

While sharing their opinions during the open discussion David Adani, president of the ANSAM urged for a joint fight together in connection with the July 23 incident however he expressed that it was not right to give hindrances to education.

According to L.C Santosh, president of the DESAM, if the present agitation of class boycott continues the loss may be irreversable adding that the DESAM has been contributing its mite to ensure right to education and making education a free zone.

He requested the concerned organizations to repeal the boycott stance and instead adopt other means.

While delivering his key note address during the meet, Thomas Taishya, president of the ATSUM, revealed that the union is deeply pained and distressed by the BT Road incident and asserted they condemn the incident terming it as barbarous act of the state police leadinh to loss of precious human lives.

While stating that the ATSUM shares all the pain and loss of the victim families inflicted by both state and non-state actor, it asserted the agitation launched to protest the July 23 incident under the banner of Apunba Lup and the two JAC formed in connection with the said incident was justifiable in all respect.

He further held that the accusation hurled at the state police, commandos and IRB personnel by individuals and civil society seems to hold water as with even the media have come out with it openly and to the point of boycotting the state government and it is also the responsibility of the government to find a ways and means to resolve the impasse to restore normal life functioning of education in the state.

CDSU seeks separate FIR

2009-10-23T23:39:00.003-07:00

Lamka, October 24 : Claiming that something fishy is going on in the entire affairs of the UBI scam, wherein more than 4 crores was withdrawn fraudulently by unidentified persons, Churachandpur District Students' Union has petitioned the Officer-in-Charge to include the circumstances under which huge funds for MSDP were credited into EE/DRDA's (an individual's) account.

The CDSU noted that was really doubtful why and how such a huge fund of the Government meant for development programme was not deposited into the department's account but in an individual person's account.

"Is the MSDP fund already stolen or was it deposited into an individual person's account with an evil intention to steal them instead of giving away to the beneficiaries," the union asked in its petition to the OC.

Accodingly, an FIR No.55(10)09CCP-PS was registered under section 419/420/468/471/120-B IPC by the police.

Though, unconfirmed there were reports about the UBI terminating the services of some of its employees and the police investigation making a credible headway.

DESAM to hold public meeting if class boycott not withdrawn by Nov 2

2009-10-23T05:24:00.000-07:00

IMPHAL, Oct 23: The Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur, DESAM, today informed the media that if the three students organisation, AMSU, MSF and KSA, spearheading the class boycott agitation failed to withdraw their stance by the month of October, 2009, the DESAM would organize a public meeting on November 2 at Bhagyachandra Open Air Theater.

In this regards a press conference was held today at the office of the DESAM, at Keishampat, during which the president of the students` body, revealed that considering the importance of right to education, All Tribal Students` Union Manipur (ATSUM) and DESAM had planned to organize a public meeting on October 21 however due to pressures from senior citizens, parents and guardians, the meeting has been delayed, the DESAM president said.

He said right to education was the ideological foundation of the DESAM and considering this, the DESAM decided to convene the meet and also urged students, parents and guardians to attend the meeting.

The DESAM further said that the resolution taken in the meeting would be converted into action by the students` body and appealed from any individuals against this would not be entertain by DESAM, he said.

It may be recalled ATSUM and DESAM in had planned to organize a public meeting on October 21 however it was postponed and the ATSUM is now set to organize a public meeting in this connection on October 24.

The boycott call by the AMSU, MSF and KSA was on the issue of making the government accountable in the July 23 daylight fake encounter killing of a young ex-militant, Ch Sanjit at Khwairamband.

The students along with the Apunba Lup are demanding the chief minister, Okram Ibobi to vacate office on moral ground.

AASU protests price rise

2009-10-20T09:20:00.001-07:00

AASU activists burn the effigy of food and civil supplies minister Nazrul Islam in Guwahati on Monday. Picture by Eastern Projections

Guwahati, Oct. 19: The All Assam Students Union (AASU) refrained from celebrating the birthday of its advisor, Samujjal Bhattacharyya, today and instead took to the streets to protest against the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities.

The AASU activists also burnt the effigy of food and civil supplies minister Nazrul Islam to protest alleged government failure to control the price rise in the state.

A senior leader of the students’ body said they did not celebrate Bhattacharyya’s birthday because the soaring prices of essential commodities had badly affected the poor, lower middle and middle class families.

“It is hard to celebrate when the rising prices has put a great burden on not just the poor but also on the middle class,” an AASU member said.

The activists of the “anchalik” units of the AASU burnt the effigy of the food and civil supplies minister in their respective areas across the state today.

In Guwahati, the members of All Guwahati Students Union set Islam’s effigy on fire near Gauhati High Court around 12.30pm and shouted anti-government slogans for its failure to arrest price rise.

The protesters alleged that the worthlessness of the minister and the state government had led to a rise in the prices of essential commodities in the state.

They also criticised chief minister Tarun Gogoi for indirectly supporting the price rise by arguing in favour of the traders.

The AASU activists will stage a dharna at all district headquarters of the state tomorrow to protest the government’s inaction. The sit-ins will be organised outside the deputy commissioners’ offices.

The Opposition AGP this evening announced a Dispur chalo march on October 26 to protest against price rise.

Fee hurdle

2009-10-20T09:19:00.001-07:00

Agartala, Oct. 19: The euphoria over recognition extended by the Medical Council of India (MCI) to the Tripura Medical College (TMC) has now given way to desperation, owing to the low-key response from students for admission to the first year MBBS course.

The college is in a dilemma over the lack of response from the students, apparently due to a relatively high admission fee fixed by the Society for Tripura Medical College.

The latter, which runs the college, is a government-sponsored society headed by health commissioner Yashpal Singh.

Out of a total of 85 seats under state quota, only 37 seats have been filled up by local candidates. The society and B.R. Ambedkar Hospital had prepared a waiting list of 35 candidates.

Official sources said that if the state quota seats remained open even after intake from the waiting list, an open entrance examination, regardless of ranks in the joint entrance examination, would be held after the last date for admission (October 20) is over.

Sources said that while disposing of a case on October 9 filed by the college on the issue of MCI recognition, the Supreme Court had directed that the process of admission for the current academic session be completed by October 20. “As things stand, we will have to draw upon the waiting list and if the quota is not filled up, even then we will have to conduct an admission test at the earliest. Fifteen of the total of 100 seats fall in the central quota,” said Dr J.K. Nag, the superintendent of TMC.

“A new entrant to the first year will have to deposit Rs 3.5 lakh as tuition fee, Rs 50,000 more for caution deposit and an additional Rs 24,000 as hostel charge. This sounds exorbitant in a state like Tripura but there is no other option because the state government is not in a position to subsidise the expensive medical education in the state,” Dr Nag said.

He also added that the fee structure would marginally fall in the remaining three years of the course for students because no security money would have to be deposited afresh.

The lukewarm response to the admission process and fee structure has already triggered a controversy with the Opposition leader Ratanlal Nath pointing out the difference in fee structures of the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and the TMC.

“In AGMC, students are required to pay Rs 1 lakh for the first year excluding caution money and hostel charge and Rs 65,000 for each subsequent year. In contrast, the fee structure at TMC appears exorbitant,” Nath said, describing the difference in fee structure as an “instance of gross discrimination”.

He also asserted that the state government was “actually planning to hand over the management of TMC to a private party very soon and that is why the government is determined not to compromise on the fee structure despite demands from the people”.

KSO, NSUC urge

2009-10-20T00:23:00.000-07:00

Imphal, October 20 : Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Chandel and Naga Students' Union Chandel (NSUC) have urged the Tribal Development Minister to give preference to local candidates in selecting the teachers under ADC for which written examination was conducted on October 11 .

A memorandum submitted jointly by the two students' bodies has also urged the concerned minister to cancel roll numbers from 01 to 200 in the recent recruitment examination in respect to Chandel district.

The memorandum informed that the two students' bodies will look into the matter of alleged bribery and pledged to take up appropriate and necessary action against anyone found indulging in bribery - be they Ministers, MLAs, bureaucrats, or CM.

The students' bodies also warned that excess number of teachers and illegal appointment should not be committed while pointing the existence of such case in the recruitment of teachers conducted in 2006. Asserting that provisions of the RTI Act, 2005 will be used in checking answer scripts in the event of any discrepancy, the KSO and NSUC warned to launch any form of democratic agitation if the authority fails to fulfill the demands.

TSA alleges CEO has fake HSLC certificate

2009-10-19T01:32:00.001-07:00

IMPHAL, Oct 17: Alleging that the H.S.L.C certificate, 1997 of the present Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chandel district autonomous council was fake, the Thadou Students Association, TSA, demanded government to take appropriate actions against the CEO, S. Wurngam Anal, and also to replace the CEO, with another qualified person.

While briefing media persons, the president of the TSA, Nagmboi Haokip, revealed that the state vigilance commission has taken investigation under an FIR case No. 23 (10) 2000 VPS U/S 471/1488/420 IPC on 4/10/2000 besides the issue has also be taken up at the floor of the state Legislative Assembly during which it was informed that his (CEO) case was under investigation.

However, the TSA held that so far there has been no development in connection with the investigation and urged the concerned authority not to declare the results of the primary teachers candidates of Chandel district from Roll No. 1 to 200 adding that the president further alleged that manipulations has been carried out by the CEO.

Further, Ngamboi Haokip, pointed out that while recruiting 80 teachers for district autonomous council, in 1993 only five Thadou Kuki were appointed besides that no Thadou Kuki were selected in 1996 where in no advertisement was also made in that regards etc, said Ngamboi and further asserted that there has been no interest following such disparity around 15 schools in the Chandel district were without any Thadou Kuki teachers and urged the concerned authority to select more Thadou Kuki in the recently concluded primary teachers examination.

ZSUM caution against foul play in selecting primary teachers

2009-10-16T23:42:00.000-07:00

TAMENGLONG, Oct 17 : The Zeliangrong Student`s Union Manipur, ZSUM want free and fair and select on the merit basis of the candidates who appeared in the written test for recruitment of the primary teachers under Tamenglong Autonomous District Council. The written test for recruitment of the primary teachers under Tamenglong Autonomous District Council was held on 11 October 2009 at Tamenglong.

While disclosing to media persons at Tamenglong today K. Humaliabou, Chairman of ZSUM said that concern authority should be maintain free and fair and select the educated talented candidates on merit basis of the primary teachers. He also requested all NGOs and specially the underground groups not to give pressure or give hindrance to the selection committee on the process of selection of the primary teachers.

He also maintained that the ZSUM is ready to take up any actions if the concern authorities are taking bribe, not select the educated and talented candidates and found any unfair means in selection process.

He also mentioned that some rumors after the written test was over, the UGs and some social leaders are pressuring the ADC officials to allot or select under their quotas. It also spread rumors that some officials are taking bribe from the candidates by collecting huge amount of money. He appealed all concerns not give any hindrance in the selection process in the larger interest of the Zeliangrong people.

Further he appeal the concern authority of the ADC to declare the written test results of the recruitment without any delay.

Guardians call for resolution to crisis

2009-10-16T23:41:00.001-07:00

Imphal, Oct 17 : The newly formed All Manipur Students Guardians` Organisation (AMSGO), Manipur, said the organisation has been running from pillar to post to have the administration intervene and ensure the condition whereby schools and colleges can resume classes.

The general secretary of the organisation O Yaima Singh said they have met several key figures in the government including the chief minister to press them to resolve with the Apunba Lup and other leaders of the current stir against the July 23 killings by commandos at the Khwairamband Bazar.

He said in a meeting the chief minister has assured them that hectic efforts are being made by the state government to restore peaceful academic conditions of the state by holding talks with the agitating student bodies in connection with the total paralysed of educations arising out of the Khwairamband bazar incident of July 23.

According to the AMSGO general secretary the education minister, L Jayantakumar, works minister, K Ranjit, power minister, Phungzathang Tonsing, IFCD minister N Biren and director education (S) Here Krishna were present at the meeting.

The organisation spkesperson further mentioned that, the organisation in their memorandum to the government called for appropriate resolution to the current turmoil in the education arising out of the unfortunate incident at Khwairamband bazar on July 23.

Their memorandum further narrated that, after the july 23 incident at BT Road all the educational institutions in the state are not imparting regular classes since, August 9, this year thereby creating turmoil in the areas of education.

The students at large are left with an uncertain future it said.

Further, the memorandum also mentioned that, the AMSGO, had called a meeting of parents of students on October 14 this month at the premises of Iboyaima Shumang Lila Shanglen, Imphal, to know what they are feeling about the education of their children.

In the said meeting the guardians and parents equivocally appealed all concerned, both government and agitators to agree with the proposal that all educational institutions should be declared as free zone and students should be allowed to go to schools from October 21.

The memroandum of AMSGO further elaborated that, the Parliament passed the Right of Children to free and compulsory education Act on August 14, 2009 making education a Fundamental Rights for every child of the country.

The deprivation of such a fundamental right of children will have far reaching consequences to the society`s future it said.

This being the case, there has arisen an urgent need for an administrative intervention to end the crisis.

Nearly 3,000 participants for national school games in Chandigarh

2009-10-16T07:32:00.001-07:00

Nearly 3,000 students from various states and union territories (UTs) will participate in the 55th National School Games, being organised by the Chandigarh education department here Oct 22-27.

'The education department will organise national school games in the disciplines of softball, fencing, gymnastics and dodge-ball from Oct 22. Our preparations, to make this event a huge success, are going on in full swing,' said Chandigarh Home-cum-Education Secretary Ram Niwas here Friday.

'All the venues of games and accommodation have been finalised and all the concerned officials have been assigned their respective duties. We have also told senior officials of Chandigarh police to make suitable security measures especially for girls' teams and at the games venues,' he added.

According to an official spokesperson, around 3,000 students from different states and UTs like Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Delhi, Daman-Diu, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland are participating in these games.

'Seven schools each for the accommodation of boys' and girls' teams have been identified. Good quality food, sufficient drinking water, clean toilets and continuous supply of electricity will be made available at the schools,' Ram Niwas said.

The schools identified for the accommodation purpose would remain closed till the games are over.

Students form human chain for fencing of Indo-Bangladesh border

2009-10-15T01:34:00.001-07:00

Sonahat (Assam): Thousands of students formed a human chain in the Sonahat region in Assam on Tuesday to demand fences along India-Bangladesh border.

Insurgency-hit Assam shares a 272-kilometer long border with Bangladesh of which about 70 per cent has been fenced with barbed wire.

All Assam Students Union (AASU), an influential student organization in the state, organised the event.

Demanding implementation of the Assam Accord within a specific time frame protestors demanded the completion of border fencing on a war footing.

"If the Government can seal India-Pakistan border within three years so why not in case of Indo-Bangladesh border…it is a crime on the part of Government at the Centre and Assam…through this illegal Bangladeshi immigrants the ISI (Pakistan spy agency Inter Services Intelligence), HUJI (Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami, a Bangladesh based militant outfit) and other fundamentalist groups have entered," said Sammujal Bhattacharya, advisor, All Assam Students Union.

The Assam Accord was a Memorandum of Settlement signed between representatives of the Government of India and the leaders of the Assam Agitation in New Delhi on August 15, 1985.

Though the Accord brought an end to the Assam Agitation or Assam Movement, a popular movement led by AASU and other outfits against illegal immigrants in Assam between 1979 and 1985.

The porous India-Bangladesh border has always been a bone of contention with allegations that hordes of illegal Bangladeshi migrants enter Assam for livelihood, thereby upsetting the region''s demographic profile.

AASU forms human chain demand border fencing

2009-10-13T11:51:00.001-07:00

Guwahati, Oct 13 (PTI) The All Assam Students Union (AASU) today formed a human chain along the Indo-Bangladesh frontier in Assam's Dhubri district demanding completion of border fencing at the earliest.

The influential students' body formed the chain at Sonahat area in protest against illegal infiltration and the government's alleged failure in completing fencing.

The AASU is also demanding resolution of the illegal foreigners' issue through implementation of the Assam Accord within a definite time frame.

Officials said there was no report of any untoward incident during the protest.

The AASU had staged a sit-in demonstration and hunger strike on October 10 to press for the same demands.

KSO doubtful over admit cards issuance

2009-10-12T01:19:00.000-07:00

Imphal, October 10 2009: Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Chandel district expressed doubt on the move of the CEO Chandel in allotting roll numbers on admit cards for candidates of ADC teachers exam while also expressing gratitude to the DC and SP of Chandel for initiating the smooth conduct of the exam.

A statement issued by information and publicity secretary of KSO, Chandel, Doumang Haokip pointed out that the CEO begins allotting roll no from '201' instead of beginning it with '01' .

The statement demanded a lucid report on the matter while also demanding the CEO to make the total number of applicants and the actual number of candidates who take the exam once the exam is over.

The KSO further demanded the concerned authority to make selection purely on merit basis.

It added that the KSO will remain watchful over any discrepancy and manipulation of the selection of the candidates.

Manipur student organisations impose ‘ban’ 10 schools

2009-10-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

IMPHAL: The All Manipur Students Union, the Manipuri Students Federation and the Kangleipak Students Association have issued a press release imposing a ban on 10 schools and coaching centres mostly located in Thoubal for an indefinite period ...
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Probe panel seeks Shillong jailbreak data

2009-10-07T06:04:00.003-07:00

Shillong, Oct. 6: The judicial inquiry commission, headed by Justice (retd) D. Biswas, examining May 31 Shillong jailbreak, has sought previous inquiry reports and additional documents from the Meghalaya government to proceed with the probe.

The first sitting of the inquiry commission was held today at the state secretariat.

The government on July 23 had notified the one-man judicial inquiry commission, led by Justice Biswas, to probe the jailbreak.

The five terms of reference of the inquiry include the reasons behind the jailbreak, circumstances which led to the death of gang leader Full Moon Dhar, circumstances leading to the arrest and subsequent release of Congress politician Thomas Nongdtu, an accused, the extent of politician-criminal nexus and other related matters.

Official sources said the inquiry commission today asked the government to provide all the relevant papers including newspaper clippings, besides the administrative inquiry report prepared by principal secretary, home, Barkose Warjri, for scrutiny.

Along with the administrative inquiry report, the government has to submit a separate note on the deposition of witnesses recorded by Warjri.

The judicial probe is the fourth one to be set up by the state government following the jailbreak on May 31. While the magisterial inquiry and the internal departmental probe found out the reasons behind the jailbreak, the third administrative inquiry examined why the Congress member of Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, Nongtdu, who funded the jailbreak, was released.

It also pointed out the lapses on the part of the police chief Anil Pradhan for Nongtdu’s release.

Moreover, the administrative inquiry report had also blamed Pradhan for directing the subordinate police officials to drop all charges against Nongtdu.

Though the last date for filing of affidavits ended yesterday, the inquiry commission has extended the date till October 12 to allow more persons to submit their memoranda before the commission.

So far two affidavits have been submitted to the commission.

While an affidavit was filed by the Steering Committee Against Murder of Democracy (SCAMoD), which had demanded a judicial probe into the jailbreak, another one was filed by Supreme Court lawyer K.T.S. Tulsion on behalf of the government.

KSU to intensify mining protests

2009-10-07T06:04:00.001-07:00

Shillong, Oct. 6: The Khasi Students Union (KSU) in a public rally held today asked the government not to go ahead with the proposed pre-development projects in the uranium mining sites even as it appealed to the people to be prepared for “any sort of agitation” in the coming days.

In a well-attended public meeting at Motphran here, the KSU leaders warned the government not to go ahead with the August 24 cabinet decision to allow the UCIL to carry out pre-development projects in the uranium mining sites.

The KSU also hinted that agitation programmes would be announced within a few days if the government still does not lend an ear to their demand. The KSU is likely to wait for the arrival of chief minister D.D. Lapang from Delhi to announce the agitation programmes.

Lapang left for Delhi today to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to apprise him about the cabinet decision to go ahead with the pre-development projects in the uranium mining sites.

Lapang is also expected to brief the Prime Minister about opposition to uranium mining from certain quarters.

At the meeting, KSU president Samuel Jyrwa criticised the government for giving a nod to the UCIL to carry out pre-development projects.

According to Jyrwa, the decision of the government is to finally allow the UCIL to carry out actual mining of uranium.

“The government has misled the people by saying that the implementation of the pre-development will bring development, but this will only serve the interest of the UCIL,” he said.

The KSU president also reminded the people that during the official public hearing on uranium mining held at Nongbah Jynrin, one of the uranium mining sites, in 2007, 75 per cent of the people gathered had opposed uranium mining.

“But UCIL and the Meghalaya Pollution Control Board have manipulated the report and misled the Union environment ministry by saying that 75 per cent had supported uranium mining,” Jyrwa said.

On the comments of the chief minister that the Centre may use force to mine uranium in Meghalaya, Jyrwa said this would be against democratic principles.

The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), which is supporting the present Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance government, also took part in the KSU-sponsored rally.

HSPDP president H.S. Lyngdoh urged the people to care about the future of their children as uranium mining will bring about only misery.

An organisation from the uranium mining sites, the Langrin Youth Welfare Association, flayed urban affairs minister and former KSU president Paul Lyngdoh for changing his stand on uranium mining.

KSU general secretary Hamlet Dohling and the vice-chairman of state law commission, Fenela Lyngdoh Nonglait, among others also urged the people to oppose the stand of the government on the uranium mining issue.

Bomb attack flayed by Naga Students Union

2009-10-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

Imphal, Oct 1 : Naga Students' Union, Chandel (NSUC) has strongly condemned the incident of bomb attack at the residence of CEO of Autonomous District Council, Chandel Wurngam at Lambung village in Chandel district last night.

In a statement, NSUC president TS Warshing categorically stated that the people of Chandel irrespective of caste and creed, while co-existing peacefully and trying hard to develop the land, will not allow anybody to disturb the peaceful atmosphere by using violent means.

The students body has also asked the perpetrator not to repeat the act in future.

In another statement, Chandel Autonomous District Council Teachers' Association has also strongly condemned the incident and appealed to all concerned to restrain from carrying out such attacks in future.

Students sensitised on renewable energy

2009-09-30T05:52:00.001-07:00

Churachandpur, September 30 : Faced with an alarming rate of depleting energy sources on earth, MANIREDA, a pioneer agency in promoting renewable energy resources in the state today achieve a feat here as it gave a practical exhibition to nearly two-thousand students of Rayburn College on the viability of efficient yet renewable sources of energy.

Science and Technology/IT Minister T Phungzathang, DC Churachandpur Jacintha Lazarus, among others, and several faculty members from other schools and colleges were in attendance during the breathtaking exhibition and awareness campaign.

At the technical session, MANIREDA Director L Manglem Singh made a presentation on Renewable Energy and Efficient Energy Systems, Rayburn College faculty Dr Mangcha Shoute delivered a speech on Global warming while Scientific Officer of MANIREDA Y Kholchandra Singh quizzed the students on Renewable Energy.

In his speech Rev Khen P Tombing, Principal of the college said, 'we want to be a part of MANIREDA in fulfilling their dreams,' and offered the service of his institution if the later wishes to utilize them in the days to come.

He also expresses the college's willingness to act as a nodal agency in the district in MANIREDA's campaign for the promotion of Renewable Energy.

The occasion as well witness the institution of Mrs & Mr T Phungzathang meritorious award for its toppers with effect from the present academic session.

Hailing the efforts and initiatives of MANIREDA in fostering energy revolution, T Phungzathang in his speech said the department has approved a Small Hydro Project to be instituted along the course of Lanva River.

This will be the first of its kind in the district and the necessary paper-works were already in the final stage, he said.

Later in the day, the minister attends the closing ceremony of the district's 1st Division League at Lamka Public Ground as well.

Apathy mars CCpur employment exchange: Indifference of officials posted at Churachandpur employment exchange mars its effective functioning as many job hopefuls were constantly denied the service they sought.

Let alone for others, this correspondent has consulted the office for registration on four occasion since Friday last, but on each of the occasion the official in attendance express his inability due to the absence of his sub-ordinate staff.

On Friday at around 11 AM, an official said he colleagues hasn't turn-up, but at 2 PM he was nowhere to be seen and another official again said he was the only one and have packed jobs at hand.

Yesterday, none of the staff were to be seen as the JAC of the selected candidates in the earlier DPC for District council teachers past poster all over the office.

With a handful of police personnel posted at the office, the office was supposedly open, but at 2 PM the lone official present again said, his sub-ordinates had left as they were bound for Imphal.

The service was sought on four occasions in three working days, but on each occasion no two or more staff was present at a time, an amazing but pathetic conduct for any department meant to help-out the public.

Foreign institutions need not provide for quotas

2009-09-29T01:05:00.000-07:00

Union Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal has stated that foreign universities and education providers setting up campuses in India will not be required to provide reservations for scheduled castes and tribes and other backward classes (OBCs).

A PTI copy, carried by Business Standard yesterday, quoted Sibal stating that “...adherence to Indian laws, including on reservation, will be one of the prerequisite conditions for foreign universities interested in setting up their campuses”.

Sibal said that only government education institutions were required by law to provide for reservation quotas. Foreign universities were like unaided private education providers in India, which were not required to set aside seats for scheduled castes and tribes and OBCs. Therefore, the foreign universities could not be treated differently, he said.

In any case, there would be a separate regime for foreign education providers with a case-by-case dispensation, he added.

MUTSU appeal

2009-09-27T01:13:00.001-07:00

IMPHAL, Sept 27 : While appreciating the Manipur University authority for early declaration of results of combined preliminary test for the posts of AR, AFO etc., the Manipur University Tribal Student`s Union, in a release has expressed concern over delay in declaration of result for the post of lecturer in Political Science meant for ST candidates though six months have elapsed since the interview was held.

The MUTSU also called for reconstitution of the Manipur University Students Union asking as to why the MUSU cannot be exist while there are Manipur University Teacher`s Association and Manipur University Staffs Association.

M G Varsity bags team championship

2009-09-22T01:21:00.001-07:00

Kottayam, Sep 19 (PTI) Mahatma Gandhi University lifted the team championship in men's and women's category of the 24th All India Inter-University Cross Country Championship held at St Thomas College Pala today.

M D University, Rohtak got the second place in men's section, while Mangalore University came second in women's category.

Over 1,000 athletes from 85 varsities participated in the championship.

The male athletes covered a stretch of 12km while women ran for six km.

M M Jacob, former Meghalaya Governor distributed the awards.

Cabinet approves nine NITs

2009-09-17T10:39:00.002-07:00

New Delhi, Sep 17 The government today approved establishment of nine National Institutes of Technology (NITs) which will start functioning from next year.

These national level institutes will be set up at a cost of Rs 2,350 crore in Manipur, Mizoram, Goa, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Pudducherry, Uttarakhand and Delhi.

The Union Cabinet gave its go ahead to these institutes, which will either be started in campuses on lease or in the campuses of older NITs till the new ones get their own infrastructure, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni told reporters.

The process of setting up these institutes will start next year with the formation of respective societies, constitution of their board of governors and appointment of directors.

At present, there are 20 NITs in the country. The government had decided to set up ten new NITs in those states which do not have such institutions

Student body announces stir against uranium mining project

2009-09-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

Shillong , Sept 17 The Khasi Students Union has announced a series of programmes to protest the Meghalaya government&aposs decision to lease land to the Uranium Corporation of India Ltd for pre-project development work in uranium-rich areas of the state.
The student body had set a 15-day deadline ending September 15 for the government to revoke the decision.

KSU president Samuel Jyrwa said last night that the programmes would include a sit-in protest in Shillong on September 22 and a public meeting the following day.

Anti-mining groups led by the KSU feel that the UCIL projects would not bring development to the areas concerned as claimed by the government.

Jyrwa said,"We had given ample time to the government to reconsider its stand on the pre-project programmes.

Chief Minister D D Lapang had made it clear that the government would not review the decision to lease 422 sq hectares of land having uranium deposits in West Khasi Hills for 30 years to UCIL for pre-project developmental work.

The UCIL had agreed to earmark Rs 209 crore to carry out pre-project development programmes, including health care facilities, power, drinking water, educational institutions and roads.

KSU assures safety of Assam students

2009-09-13T07:32:00.001-07:00

GUWAHATI, Sept 13 – Leaders of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) have told a delegation of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) yesterday that they would extend full cooperation in creating a fearless atmosphere for the students of Assam on North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) campus. The KSU leaders made the above statement at a bi-partite discussion held with the AASU delegation at the headquarters of their organization yesterday, said an AASU press release here this evening.

They also told the AASU delegation that the case of assault of three students of the University by a section of students on September 8 was not a case of communal or group clash. The KSU would set up a special cell on the campus of the University to prevent occurrence of such incidents in future, said the KSU leaders.

This cell will take proper steps to ensure safety of students from other NE states on the University campus, they said.

Leaders of both the student organisations also met the Vice-Chancellor of the University who assured of a fearless atmosphere for the Assam students on the University campus. He also informed the joint delegation of the KSU and AASU leaders that steps to inquire into the September 8 incident were taken. The report of the inquiry would be submitted within seven days and proper steps would be taken following the receipt of the report, he told the student bodies’ leaders.

The leaders of the student organisations also met the B-Tech students of the University.

The AASU delegation comprised AASU president Sankar Prasad Roy, general secretary Tapan Kumar Gogoi and advisor Samujjal Bhattacharyya while KSU president Samuel Jyrwa and general secretary Doling Hamlet, along with their other colleagues took part in the bi-partite discussion.

The AASU leaders thanked the KSU leaders for their prompt action in diffusing tension on the NEHU campus.

Ex-KSU chief blasts Paul

2009-09-10T02:19:00.007-07:00

Shillong, Sept. 9: The former president of the Khasi Students’ Union, Michael Syiem, who is an activist involved in the right to information movement, has criticised Meghalaya urban affairs minister Paul Lyngdoh for not raising his voice against the cabinet’s decision to allow the Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) carry out pre-development projects in West Khasi Hills district.

Lyngdoh who was the president of the Khasi Students’ Union for 11 years had been opposing uranium mining till he became a minister in the Congress-led MUA coalition.

Earlier, the KSU also criticised Lyngdoh for his sudden change of stand. Lyngdoh, the president of the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM), however, clarified his stand by saying that being a lone dissenting voice in the cabinet, he could not oppose the decision.

According to him, the people had rejected his party that campaigned for anti-uranium mining in the 2008 Assembly elections.

Only Lyngdoh was elected as an MLA from the KHNAM in the Assembly elections.

Syiem termed Lyngdoh’s statement illogical and childish. A leader of Lyngdoh’s stature should have his own stand on uranium mining despite a different view held by the majority, he said.

According to him, if Lyngdoh feels that the people have rejected the KHNAM’s anti-uranium mining stand during the elections, he should immediately wind up the party.

Opposing the UCIL-sponsored uranium mining project, Syiem said the NGOs from West Khasi Hills and the state government were speaking only about development through uranium mining.

“This shows that the government cannot develop West Khasi Hills and has surrendered to the UCIL to carry out development activities which is unfortunate.”

The yearly MLA-MP scheme for Meghalaya will come around Rs 60 crore and had they utilised the amount properly, there would have been more development in the state and one need not look up to uranium mining for development.

Syiem criticised the MLAs, including Lyngdoh, for just distributing utensils, buckets, tarpaulins and umbrellas under MLA scheme in the name of development of their constituencies.

“The amount of money we get from the central schemes is such that we can distribute at least Rs 5,000 to every household in Meghalaya,” Syiem pointed out.

Alleging lack of transparency in the whole uranium mining project, Syiem suggested that more debates be held on the merits and demerits of uranium mining before the government took a final decision.

Photo trap for dummy examinees

2009-09-10T02:19:00.005-07:00

SEBA thinks up new method to arrest fraudulent examination practices

DAULAT RAHMAN

Illustration by Suman Choudhury

Guwahati, Sept. 9: Fake candidates, who earned a buck or two writing exams on behalf of others, have just lost their jobs in Assam.

The Board of Secondary Education, Assam, has made it mandatory for students appearing in matric examination to have their recent photographs pasted on their registration and admit cards. The examinees have to pose holding a board with their names and date for the photograph.

D. Mahanta, secretary of the board, which conducts the high school examination, said there were numerous reports of dummy students appearing in the matric examination at various centres across the state.

“Under the new system, students will have to submit photos for registration card as well as admit cards to appear in the HSLC examination. The placards in front of their chest will clearly mention their names and dates when the photos were taken. Many candidates give old photographs, which often do not match with their face at the time of examination. The photos will be scanned and stored in a system to distinguish between genuine and fake candidates,” he said.

Mahanta said students would first submit their photos with the registration forms to SEBA to appear for the Class IX final examination. Photos will also be required while collecting admit cards before appearing for the HSLC examination in Class X.

“The photos will be attached to the admit cards. We will try to despatch separate documents mentioning the names and photos of candidates to every examination centre for records,” the SEBA secretary said.

The step has generated mixed reactions. While the teaching community has welcomed the move, the All Assam Students’ Union is not satisfied.

AASU adviser Samujjal Bhattacharyya said: “The step may send a wrong signal to students, as they have to get themselves photographed much in the manner of offenders in police stations.”