FOR FREE PUBLIC CIRCULATION Vol. XIV. No. 7, JulJuly,y, 20122012

MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS GOVERNMENT OF A Monthly Newsletter on the North Eastern Region of India Also available on Internet at : www.mha.nic.in

Freedom implies not only emancipation from political bondage but also equal distribution of wealth, abolition of caste barriers and social inequities and destruction of communalism and religious intolerance. -Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose

C O N T E N T S DEVELOPMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO NORTH EASTERN REGION ¾ DEVELOPMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO NORTH 1. On 10th July, 2012 it was decided to extend the EASTERN REGION Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement with ¾ ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT UNDER CIVIC ACTION Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) Group for a further PROGRAMME BY CENTRAL ARMED POLICE FORCES period of three months upto 30.9.2012. Tripartite talks on the demands of DHD are continuing. ¾ SPECIAL ACTIVITES UNDERTAKEN BY MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT IN NORTH EASTERN 2. Tripartite meeting with Adivasi outfits in REGION was held in 10.7.2012 at New Delhi to discuss their demands. ¾ GREEN ENERGY POTENTIAL IN MEGHALAYA 3. On 18.7.2012 Special Secretary (IS) Ministry of ¾ IMPROVING ROAD CONNECTIVITY IN NORTH EAST Home Affairs chaired a meeting with the officials of the Central Ministries concerned to discuss ¾ UNEMPLOYED YOUTH IN NAGALAND GET POST various provisions contained in the Memorandum HARVEST MACHINERY of Settlement (MoS) proposed to be signed with ¾ TRIPURA VILLAGES REAP PEACE DIVIDEND the factions of DHD. 4. On 19th July, 2012 , it was decided to extend ¾ MANIPURIS PROTEST AGAINST RISING EXTORTION ACTIVITIES the Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement with National Democratic Front of Boroland ¾ READERS COLUMN (Progressive) (NDFB/P) for a further period of three months upto 30.9.2012. Tripartite talks on ¾ LETTERS TO EDITOR the demands of NDFB/P are continuing. 5. In the incidents of communal violence that took place on 19th and 20th July, 2012 in Kokrajhar, Editorial Board Chirang and districts of Assam, 77 persons lost their lives and 4.06 lakh persons were displaced, who are currently sheltered in Chief Editor relief camps set up by the State government. Shambhu Singh Joint Secretary (NE) and Special Secretary(IS) of Ministry of Home Affairs visited Assam to assess Editors the security situation in Assam and also oversee Dr. M.C. MehAnathan the relief measures provided to the displaced J.P.N. Singh persons staying in the relief camps. Union Home B.R. Dhiman Minister along with Special Secretary (IS) and other officials visited violence affected districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang and Dhubri in Assam on

1 NE NENEWSWSLELETTTTERR

30th and 31st July,2012. Union Home Minister The State Government has prepared a road map met violence affected families in the relief camps for providing security and early rehabilitation set up in Kokrajhar, Dhubri and Chirang districts. of families in a time bound manner. The State Union Home Minister reviewed the security Government has planned setting up of 104 arrangements and relief & rehabilitation plan fixed Police pickets in vulnerable areas to instill of the State Government for rehabilitation of sense of security among the affected persons. the affected families in a meeting with Chief Governemnt of India is closely monitoring the Minister, Assam. Principal Secretary (Home), situation in Assam. As per the reports, affected gave a presentation on families have started moving back to their native security arrangements and rehabilitation plan. villages.

ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT UNDER CIVIC ACTION PROGRAMME BY CENTRAL ARMED POLICE FORCES

(A) Assam Rifles the garrison on 10 July 2012. A drawing 1. Go Green Campaign. competition for the school children on the theme “Importance of Trees in Our Lives” was conducted (i) Headquarters IGAR (South) undertook a plantation on the occasion and prizes were distributed to drive under “Go Green Fortnight” with an aim of saving and regenerating flora in . A large the students. number of ornamental plants/trees, fruit trees/ (v) 27 Sector observed ‘Go Green Fortnight’ in plants and medicinal trees/plants were planted , Manipur. 10,000 during the drive. 17 Assam Rifles organised a saplings including ornamental, fruit bearing and nd seminar and tree plantation drive on 2 Jul 2012 other varieties were planted at various locations. in which 1710 saplings were planted. A large number of villagers and students from (ii) As part of the “Go Green Fortnight”, Headquarter various schools and colleges participated in the 9 sector organized a tree plantation drive on event. 04th July 12 at Keithalmanbi. 10,000 saplings including saplings of ornamental, shady and fruit (vi) 28 Assam Rifles in association with bearing trees were planted on the occasion. East Police organised a plantation drive under ‘Go Green Fortnight’ programme at Jawahar (iii) HQ 26 Sector Assam Rifles undertook the Navodaya Vidyalaya, Yaralpat, Singjamei on 12 Campaign to Go Green and spread the message July 2012. Around 1000 saplings of fruit bearing of aforestation throughout Chandel district, Manipur on 05 Jul 2012. 10,000 saplings of and ornamental trees were planted. On 13 Jul ornamental, fruit bearing and medicinal varieties 12, 30 Assam Rifles organised a tree plantation were planted across the district. 37 Assam Rifles drive at Mantripukhri in Manipur. organised a plantation drive at Dingpi Region on (vii) 21 Assam Rifles carried out mass tree plantation 08 Jul 12. drive in and around Zunhebo to area. A total of (iv) Headquarter 28 Sector Assam Rifles and 27 4500 saplings of different varieties were planted Assam Rifles organised a ‘Plantation Drive’ at during the drive.

GO Green functions organised by AR in Manipur

2 July 2012

2. Summer Camp for Orphanage Children. 9 6. Assam Rifles conducts blood donation and Assam Rifles organized a 5 day summer camp for medical camps. 9 Sector Assam Rifles conducted the orphan children of ‘Mother Teresa Home’, a blood donation camp at Sangaipro Village Moreh, Manipur on 02 Jul 12. The camp aimed at near Iskon temple on 09 Jul 2012. The voluntary giving an exposure to about 250 children towards contributions by the doctors and the technical various recreational activities which play a vital staff of Regional Institute of Medical Science role in the overall development of the personality (RIMS) made this event a great success. of the young ones. (ii) A medical team of 42 Assam Rifles organized 3. 15 Assam Rifles felicitates players. 15 Assam Rifles felicitated outstanding National and a camp at Bongyang village on 08 Jul 12. More International players on 02 Jul 2012 at Thoubal, than 200 patients were diagnosed and provided Manipur. Seven International players and 20 medicines. 24 Assam Rifles conducted a lecture National players attended. on AIDS awareness at Tengnoupal village on 08 Jul 2012. 175 villagers atte n d e d t h e e v e n t . 4. Inauguration of Pallel War Memorial. Maj Gen UK Gurung, YSM, IGAR (S) unveiled and (iii) Tuluni festival rejoices with free medical camp inaugurated Pallel war memorial. Standing tall by Assam Rifles. To commemorate Tuluni festival in Pallel of Chandel district, the war memorial is of Sema tribe and to meet the basic medical a mute testimony to the fighting prowess of the needs of the people of Zunheboto district, a Assam Rifles, the sentinels of North East. free medical camp was organised by 21 Assam 5. Assam Rifles organizes eye care camp. 30 Assam Rifles at Emilomi village. 138 patients including Rifles organized an Eye Care Medical Camp at 36 children of Emilomi and adjoining villages Koirengei, Manipur on 8 Jul 12. A team of specialists were treated, given medical advice and free from Regional Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) medicines. Imphal provided free consultation and medicines to about 500 patients from the areas of Khurukhul, (iv) Medical check up camp. 31 Assam Rifles Nilakuti, Mantripukhri and Sawombung. conducted a free medical check-up for school

Inauguration of Pallel war memorial Blood donation camp organized by Assam Rifles

Eye Care Camp organized by Assam Rifles Medical camp organized by Assam Rifles

3 NE NENEWSWSLELETTTTERR

children of Govt. Primary School, Akhoya Village, 10. Health Awareness Camp. 27 Assam Rifles Mokokchung, Nagaland on 10th July 2012. organized a health awareness camp on water 86 children were provided medical check-up born diseases at Topkaching in Thoubal district for basic ailments. Free medicines were also on 17 Jul 2012. The Medical officer of the distributed on the occasion. Unit conducted an awareness lecture cum 7. Assam Rifles Organised Volleyball Tournament. presentation and distributed leaflets containing 28 Assam Rifles organized a volleyball preventive measures of Malaria. tournament as part of Civic Action Programme 11. Pre-recruitment screening and training camp. in Andro Company operating Base (COB) from 05 30 Assam Rifles organized a Pre-recruitment to 11 Jul 2012. Seven teams participated in the screening-cum-training camp from 18 to 20 July tournament. 2012 at battalion headquarters of 30 Assam Rifles 8. Assam Rifles Observed World Population Day. (Mantripukhri) for the aspiring candidates of the World population day was observed by 15 Assam Assam Rifles recruitment rally held at Senapati Rifles by organizing an awareness lecture on from 21 Jul to 29 Jul 2012. 20 youths hailing from population control at Hongbi Village on 11 Jul different parts of Imphal West and East districts 2012. The lecture was delivered by Unit’s Medical participated in the camp. Officer.

Volleyball Tournament organized by Assam Rifles

Drawing competition and Pre Recruitment Screening and Training Camp organized by Assam Rifles

(B) Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF) Assam Rifles observed World Population Day 1. Civic action programme organized by 67 Bn, 9. Assam Rifles conducted drawing competition. CRPF, (Meghalaya) A Drawing competition was conducted at On 21st and 22nd June, 2012, 67 Bn CRPF organized Nambasi Khullen by 44 Assam Rifles on 14 Jul 12. Civic Action Programme. Shri R.K. Choudhary 82 children from nearby schools participated in second-in-command, 67 Bn, CRPF donated the competition. Prizes were distributed to the computers alongwith accessories to Rongreng children. A similar drawing completion was also girl govt higher secondary school, Willamnagar, conducted at Nambasi. Ampati Govt. Higher Secondary School and

4 July 2012

Jengjal govt. upper primary school, Jengjal in Bn CRPF were also present on the occasion. A Garo Hills area. friendly football match was organized between On this occasion, Shri R.K. Choudhary, second-in- Madhav Chand high school and Durgacherra command, 67 Bn, highlighted the motive behind govt. high school. A medical camp was also the event. He emphasized over the police-public organized in which free medicines were relationship and expressed that local public should distributed. Cultural programme was also not hesitate in approaching any CRPF camp for organized. Water filters, medicines and sports assistance and for information. Such programmes material to the teams were distributed during help in fostering friendly relationship between the the programme. locals and the police force. 3. Civic action programme organized by 140 Bn 2. Civic action programme organized by 124 Bn CRPF, Ambassa (Tripura) CRPF, (Tripura) On 25th June, 2012, 140 Bn organized civic On 14th July, 2012, 124 Bn, CRPF organized action programme at Gandacherra distt- Dhalai various developmental works under civic action (Tripura). During the programme, utility items programme at Mahdhav Chand high school, were provided to the needy people. Shri Lalit Mainarma, Chailengata, district Dhalai. Mr. Mohan, MLA, Gandacherra, Tripura was the Nirojoy Tripura, MLA Chailengta was the Chief Chief Guest. Sports items were distributed to the Guest. Smt. Minarani Chakma, Sarpanch of schools which fall under AOR of 140 BN CRPF and Durgacherra village, and 124 a cultural programme was also organized.

SPECIAL ACTIVITES UNDERTAKEN BY MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT IN THE NORTH EASTERN REGION

1. CBWE Regional Directorate: . need for such trainings at regular interval. Some Two days Joint Educational Programme for of the participants expressed that such training Employees of Assam Gas Company Ltd (AGCL), programmes are very useful to them in their Distt. was conducted at Recreation day to day life as well as for their families and Centre, AGCL, Duliajan, Distt. Dibrugarh Assam dependants. on 19th and 20th July, 2012. 2. CBWE Regional Directorate, Imphal. Shri Jiten Gagoi, Dy. Manager (Trg), AGCL, Trainees of the rural awareness programme Duliajan inaugurated the programme. He urged conducted, at Anganwadi centre, Ngairangbam the participants to take keen interest in the Mang Makha Leikai, Imphal West district, formed programme so as to derive maximum benefit out weaving Self Help Group and opened their bank of the programme. account of Bank of Baroda, Yuremham Branch, In their feedback, the participants expressed the Imphal West District.

GREEN ENERGY POTENTIAL IN MEGHALAYA

Taking a cue from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, by the Chennai-based Centre for Wind Energy power-deficit Meghalaya is going all out to tap green Technology (CWET), an autonomous institution of energy to bridge the widening demand-supply gap in the Government of India, said the state is capable the state. of tapping between 40-90 MW of power from wind A preliminary investigation conducted by the energy alone. The agency in collaboration with CWET Meghalaya Non-Conventional and Rural Energy is presently conducting a feasibility study in the entire Development Agency indicated that the state could state to install windmills in at least seven selected sites generate about 3155 MW of electricity through non- across the state. Three wind turbine test stations have conventional sources of energy such as bio-mass, been installed in the southern slope of Meghalaya and solar and wind energy. A GIS mapping, conducted four more will be added by year end.

5 NE NENEWSWSLELETTTTERR

These stations have been installed in Ladrymbai installed. In a year’s time, on the basis of the data in Jaintia Hills district, Laitdiengsai in East Khasi Hills collected from these testing stations will enable district and Mawiawet in West Khasi Hills district. The the government to come up with a detailed project other four stations will be set up in Skhentalang in proposal to set up windmills in feasible sites. Till date, Jaintia Hills district, Laitynsew and Mawkynrew in East the agency has lighted 134 remote villages where the Khasi Hills district and Phodjaut in West Khasi Hills Meghalaya Electricity Corporation Ltd. was unable to district. The preliminary information received from extend their power grid. In 2008, Meghalaya required the installed centres indicated that wind blowing up approximately 610 MW of power, and it spent several the cliffs in the southern slopes of the state could be crores of rupees to buy power from outside the State essentially tapped for almost throughout the year. to cater to its consumption. At present, Meghalaya The testing stations installed at the mountain Electricity Corporation Ltd (MeECL) generates 228.5 edge would give an idea on how much amount of MW of power and receives about an equal amount of power will be generated if power windmills are power from the central power projects.

IMPROVING ROAD CONNECTIVITY IN NORTH EAST In a move aimed at boosting the road implement road investments that follow widely- infrastructure in six states in the North East recognized best practices in engineering design, Region, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and pre-construction activities and project management. the Government of India have signed an USD 74 .8 The programme envisages enhanced Information million loan agreement to improve connectivity in the Technology-based capacity development of the North Eastern Region. The loan constitutes the first State implementing agencies including PWDs for tranche of the North Eastern State Roads Investment improved road asset management, planning and Programme, a USD200 million multi-tranche finance project management. A road safety programme has (MFF), expected to be executed in two tranches. also been incorporated with coordinated engineering, Under the facility, a total of 433.7 km roads would be enforcement and education components. The first upgraded in six States- Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, tranche loan of USD 74.8 million from ADB makes up Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura. to 68 percent of the total project cost of USD 109.8 million, with the Central and State Governments The project is expected to be completed by providing counterpart of finance of USD 35 million. December, 2016. The Ministry of Development This loan from the ongoing capital planning of the of North Eastern Region (DoNER) is the national ADB has a 25 year term, including a grace period of executing agency. 5 years, commitment charges of 0.15 percent and The project would be ADB’s first transport sector interest rate in accordance with ADB’s LIBHOR- based project in the North Eastern Region to develop and lending facility.

UNEMPLOYED YOUTH IN NAGALAND GET POST HARVEST MACHINERY The Nagaland Government, with the aim to beneficiaries, said, “I feel great that our government is increase agricultural productivity and promote supporting us well. We can now take this opportunity agro-entrepreneurship, recently distributed farm to help build our lives.” Similar sentiments were machinery to unemployed youth in the state. Chief echoed by Sieno Nakhro, another beneficiary, who Minister Shri Nephiu Rio distributed farm/post said, “I got ginger paste and powder machine. My harvest machinery to 136 educated unemployed plan is to establish a factory through this machine. youth. I am grateful to our government for giving me this The beneficiaries were selected from eleven chance to build my career.” Popcorn makers, bamboo districts for distribution of machinery under the shoot processors, passion fruit and pineapple juice state sponsored AGRONAG scheme. Interacting extractors, and potato and banana chips makers with mediapersons, Zuchamo Mozhui, one of the among others were among the youth who were

6 July 2012 distributed machinery. The beneficiaries were earlier said. Rio also released the “Vision 2025: Food for trained to use the equipment. all” document. Over 71 percent of Naga population is engaged in farming but it is only contributing 20 Chief Minister Nephiu Rio urged the youth to percent to the state’s GDP. The state intends to find join the agriculture sector. “I hope you will make a solution to this problem. good use of machineries handed over to you,” he

TRIPURA VILLAGES REAP PEACE DIVIDEND The decline in militancy in the North East has infrastructure and Midday Meal Scheme to attract benefited the rural areas the most, as government- more children. Villagers are working hard to send their sponsored development programs are easily kids to school so that they can have a better future. implemented without any hindrance and people have Sanajit Debbarma, a student, said: “We have options to choose a life they want. Subal Singh Para regular classes in our school and government provides village in Tripura was earlier affected by insurgency. free meal in our school.” School headmistress Binita With the Bangladesh border in its vicinity, the village Debbarma added “Students get free books, dress and became a base for insurgents. mid-day meal under the government schemes. Our But now with the surrender of insurgents, there school is running very successfully. At present the is peace and normalcy in the area. Development boundary walls are under construction and there is a activities have gained momentum due to several supply of clean drinking water.” centrally sponsored programs like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna and Mahatma Gandhi Rural The socio-economic condition of the villagers has Employment scheme. improved as they have jobs now, Paddy cultivation is the most common occupation. Several Women in the Budhadev Debbarma, a villager, said: “Earlier, hamlet have formed Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and are there was no road and no facility for drinking water cultivating teak. Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment supply, all because of insurgency. But with the return of Guarantee scheme is providing jobs to many in the peace and normalcy, we notice signs of development. village. The village has a market and a health sub-centre is coming up behind the market. The attendance in the Naragin Debbarma, a worker, said: “We schools has largely increased. The schools earlier used established a nursery under SHG in which we shall to remain empty as people were scared to send their grow 1300 trees. Government has sanctioned this kids to schools. The government has implemented nursery under the MGNREGA scheme which is helping schemes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan to improve the us to run our families and educate our children.”

MANIPURIS PROTEST AGAINST RISING EXTORTION ACTIVITIES

Residents of Imphal staged a protest against act and was very shocking; we should unite and fight rising incidents of extortion in the region, the latest against it,” Devi said. being a grenade attack at Pari Imom Sindam Sang School, located at Langjing and firing at a doctor’s car, The students, are still trying to come to terms who refused to accede to the extortion demands. with the shocking attack. “A bomb was thrown at our school gate. It could have killed many. We do Earlier this month, insurgents threw a grenade not know why they have done this but we want outside the Pari Imom Sindam Sang School, forcing the to know who has done it? We don’t want such school to close for a day. Parents, teachers, students incidents to be repeated,” Ibetombi Chanu, a and non-teaching staff participated in the protest student, said. rally and urged the insurgents to stop such activities. Interacting with media, Dhanamanjuri Devi, the school Another incident of violence has traumatised principal, said that such incidents are not acceptable. the family of Dr. Salam Nongthon. Suspected cadres “We are serving the students. We are ready to face of Kangleipak Communist Party & military task force any consequence for their future. It was a cowardly faction fired two bullets at the doctor’s car recently.

7 NE NENEWSWSLELETTTTERR RNI Reg. No. R-72398/99

The outfit had demanded Rs.20 lakhs from the doctor, The people affected by the incidents came who did not pay up. “A few days ago, the insurgent out on the streets in protest. “Some militants fired outfit sent us letter for Rs.20 lakhs, but how can we bullets at Dr. Nongthon. We strongly condemn it pay such huge amount. We tried to communicate and want them not to repeat it,” Subadini Devi, our inability to pay such a huge amount but were a protestor, said. The people in Manipur want all unable to do so. We were scared, “Urmila, wife of Dr. militant outfits to give up violence and sort out Nongthon, said. differences through dialogue.

READERS COLUMN

The NE monthly Newsletter is published in fields. Views and write-ups from general public are English, Assamese, Bengali and Manipuri and has a also solicited on specific issues/problems and including circulation of 40,000 copies. Ministry of Home Affairs on measures for resolution thereto in the North East. brings out the publication incorporating important Articles should be sent in a hard copy format information/developments concerning North Eastern accompanied by floppy/CD version along with States. photographs. Articles should be accompanied by an Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Newsletter, abstract of maximum of 150-200 words. Readers are requests for inputs for the Newsletter from the State encouraged to send comments and suggestions (upto Governments, agencies, institutions and individuals 300-400 words) on published articles. All letters highlighting the area specific issues, problems, should have writer’s full name and postal address. special features potential for tourism, environmental The selected articles will be published in the monthly protection or special efforts/achievement in various NE Newsletter with due editing.

LETTERS TO EDITOR

I have gone through the NE I had come across and read I shall be highly obliged if you Newsletter of its latest version many issues of you newsletter, it kindly send me a free copy of NE and this is very important for my is very informative. It would be Newsletter in English to my address profession. I would like to request obliged of you if you send me a copy given below. you kindly to send me the free of it to the address given below. copy of NE Newsletter in English to the address given below.

Sd/- Sd/- Sd/- Jakir Hussain, Secretary, Biangpor Shylla, Mrinmay Choudhury, Real Mission Foundation, Umasasham, Moosalyngkat, C/O Diptikana Deb, Mission Complex, Jowai-793150, PWD Sub-Division NO.II, Baniarapara Garemari Bazar, West Jaintia Hills District, P.O. Kailashahar-799277, P.O. Garemari Dist. , Meghalaya Unakoti District, Assam- 781314 Tripura

MHA requests the readers to send their response through e-mail at: [email protected] Readers are also requested to e-mail their e-mail address for getting a copy of the N.E. News Letter through e-mail. Request for free copy of the NE Newsletter indicating language preferred or suggestions, if any, may be sent to the Chief Editor/Editor at the address given below:

Edited and Published by N.E. Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, North Block, New Delhi - 110 001 Printed by: Chandu Press, D-97, Shakarpur, Delhi-92, Ph.: 22526936 8