Vol. XVI. No. 9, September, 2014

NEWSMINISTRY OF HOME LETTERAFFAIRS, GOVERNMENT OF For FREE public circulation A MonthlyNE Newsletter on the North Eastern Region of India Also available on Internet at: www.mha.nic.in The teacher gives the spark which will enable you to develop a new outlook on life and new kind of being. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

DEVELOPMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO NORTH EASTERN REGION 1. Home Secretary Level Talks and Joint Working Group meeting on security related issues between India and Bangladesh were held at Dhaka from 2nd – 4th September, 2014. The Indian delegation was led by Sh. Anil Goswami, Union Home Secretary and Bangladesh delegation was led by Mr. Dr. Md. Mozammel Haque Khan, Home Secretary, Govt. of Bangladesh. In the meeting, issues related to security, border C o n t e n t s management, implementation of various agreements, repatriation DEVELOPMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO NORTH EASTERN of sentenced persons and fishermen, Joint Task Force on Fake REGION Currency, construction/erection of fencing along the border, holding regular meeting ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT UNDER CIVIC ACTION between DMs/ DCs of border PROGRAMME BY CENTRAL ARMED POLICE FORCES d i s t r i c t s , mechanism WINNERS RECEIVE WARM WELCOME for controlling UPON THEIR ARRIVAL IN human and drug trafficking, PROGRAMMES UNDERTAKEN BY MINISTRY OF LABOUR curbing the & EMPLOYMENT activities of c r o s s - b o r d e r WORLD’S TALLEST BRIDGE IN MANIPUR m o v e m e n t , capacity MANIPURI YOUTH MAKES IT TO THE GUINNESS BOOK building and OF WORLD RECORD other related matters etc. READERS COLUMN were discussed. 2. A Tripartite LETTERS TO EDITOR meeting was held with the representative Editorial Board of the National Chief Editor Democratic Shambhu Singh Front of

Editors NE September J.P.N. Singh = Ajay Kanoujia = B.R. Dhiman NEWSLETTER 2014 1 Boroland (Progressive) on 18th September, 2014 to discuss face of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council area in their demands. The meeting was attended by officials all spheres. of the Govt. of and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Home Minister also congratulated Hon’ble Chief In the meeting, demands of NDFB (P) were discussed. Minister, Meghalaya and his officers and also the After discussion, it was mutually agreed to extend the leaders of ANVC for the cooperation extended to the SoO agreement for the further period of three months negotiating team headed by Sh. P. C. Haldar, Govt. of India st upto 31 December, 2014. representative. th 3. On 24 September, 2014, A Memorandum of “All of us wish that Meghalaya becomes a peaceful Settlement (MoS) has been signed among the Govt. and developed State. I also congratulate the people of of India, State Govt. of Meghalaya, ANVC (Achik Meghalaya, including the people of Garo Hills Autonomous National Volunteer Council) and ANVC/B in presence Council Area for showing maturity and wisdom, and of the Hon’ble Home Minister and Chief Minister of recognizing the importance of peace for overall socio- Meghalaya at . economic development” said the Home Minister. On this occasion, Home Minister stated that this Home Minister further mentioned that Govt. has Memorandum of Settlement provides for enhanced always shown its willingness to enter into a dialogue with autonomy for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council any group that is willing to abjure the path of violence and in Meghalaya and also a special package for speedier place its demands within the framework of the Constitution socio-economic and educational development of the of India. He urged all groups in the country to give up area for which the Council has been set up. He strongly violence and come forward to find peaceful solution to all believed that, in the years to come, this will change the their perceived problems.

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

Programmes undertaken by Assam Rifles conducted by various units of the Force in the NE Region 1. Medical Camps. The details of medical camps, during the month of September, 2014, are as under:-

Ser No Date Unit Place State No of Patients Treated

(a) 07 Sep14 20 Assam Rifles Machi Manipur 500

(b) 07 Sep 14 42 Assam Rifles Kuttum Arunachal Pradesh 593

(c) 08 Sep 14 38 Assam Rifles Gunjong Assam 130

(d) 09 Sep 14 15 Assam Rifles Singlongbari Tripura 1342

(e) 16 Sep 14 36 Assam Rifles Hatipota Assam 1405

(f) 18 Sep 14 43 Assam Rifles Mahur Assam 177

(g) 19 Sep 14 43 Assam Rifles Hajadisa Assam 262

(h) 23 Sep 14 1 Assam Rifles Nginu Arunachal Pradesh 400

NE September 2 NEWSLETTER 2014 and also to encourage school students to appear for NDA, IMA, Mil/Sainik school entrance examinations. Approx 800 students attended the event. (e) 20-Assam Rifles organised a Community Volunteer Training on Tuberculosis Care and Control at Machi Village, district Chandel, Manipur on 20th September, 2014. The training was planned as part of a medical awareness drive. (f) 9-Sector Assam Rifles celebrated ‘International Day for Peace’ and organised various competitions for children at Sangaiprou village, district , Manipur on 21st September, 2014. The effort was aimed to create awareness, Medical camps organised by Assam Rifles companionship and to foster a feeling of togetherness among 2. Awareness Drives. the local populace. (a) 21-Assam Rifles organised a HIV and Tuberculosis (g) 24-Assam Rifles organised a lecture on ‘Deforestation and Tree Plantation’ at Shaibol village, district Chandel, awareness drive cum screening campaign at Gelangai Village st in , Manipur, in association with Chandel Manipur on 21 September, 2014. About 53 villagers attended District AIDS Control Organisation and Emmanuel Hospital, the lecture. In addition to this a Go Green Drive was also . Around 200 people were screened and free conducted in which about 50 saplings were planted. medicines were distributed during the campaign. (h) 28-Assam Rifles conducted Career Counseling Camp at Saiha, Mizoram on 19th September, 2014. About 25 youths attended the camp. (i) 14-Assam Rifles conducted a lecture on Cleanliness Drive at Serchhip, Mizoram on 20th September, 2014. About 15 youths attended the lecture.

Assam Rifles organised a HIV and Tuberculosis awareness drive cum screening campaign

(b) 14-Assam Rifles conducted a Lecture on Disaster Management at Government High School, Serchhip, Mizoram on 5th September, 2014. About 35 students participated in the Career counseling camp and cleanliness drive event. organised by Assam Rifles (J) 20-Assam Rifles conducted a lecture on Drug Abuse at (c) 9-Assam Rifles organised a lecture cum awareness Maha Union High School, Chandel district, Manipur on 23rd campaign on ‘Anti Dengu Drive’ at Hill Tribal Council Building, September, 2014. About 150 students and teachers attended Moreh, Manipur on 9th September, 2014. About 90 people the lecture. attended the lecture. 3. Village Chiefs Conclave. 27-Sector Assam Rifles d) 12 & 36-Assam Rifles organised an Army Mela on 2nd organised a village chiefs conclave in , September, 2014 in Biswanath Chariali, Assam. The aim of the Manipur. The conclave was aimed at knowing and interacting event was to attract local youth to join the Security Forces with the civilians directly, to understand their problems and to make them aware of the measures taken by SF for the upliftment of society.

NE September NEWSLETTER 2014 3 4. Assistance by Assam Rifles. cutting of foliage and removal of mud deposits from the road surface. Approximately 40 kms of the NH was maintained (a) Succor to Widows. The Assam Rifles has taken a noble in one week. The BRO also provided assistance in terms of step towards helping a widow organisation, functioning at Pallel. tippers, plant equipment and construction material during Commander 26-Sector Assam Rifles, visited the organisation, the maintenance drive. reviewed their functioning and highlighted the need for them to go commercial with their venture and to diversify, (f) Screening of Movie. 25 Assam Rifles screened the given the immense talent that existed. Promotion and sale of Bollywood Movie ‘’ at Company Operation the handicrafts, Base Mutbung, Khongpokpi and T/Akutpa, district , produced by Manipur. Total 458 civilians enjoyed the movie. the organisation was taken on by 5. Promotion of Sports. the Assam Rifles, (a) Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) organised a with the aim Friendly Badminton Tournament with Manipur Badminton of increasing Association, Manipur on 16th September, 2014. The their revenue aim of the event was to promote sports among the youths. At g e n e r a t i o n . the culmination of the event, prizes were distributed to all the To kick start winners. the initiative, a suitable outlet for selling the products in an organised (b) 24-Assam Rifles conducted a friendly Volleyball Match manner is being provided by the Assam Rifles. between troops of Assam Rifles and the team of Ril Ram Centre village, district Chandel, Manipur on 16th September, (b) 16-Assam Rifles organised Hepatitis B Vaccination 2014. Drive, during which 34 children were administered the vaccine at Koso Village, district , Manipur on 18th (c) 41-Assam Rifles conducted a friendly Volleyball Match September, 2014. between Kharasom Lazo Youth Club (KLYC), district Ukhrul, Manipur and troops of Assam Rifles on 20th September, 2014. The aim of the match was to strengthen the friendly relation between the youth of Kharasom Lazo and the troops of Assam Rifles and to also encourage the youth to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

Hepatitis B Vaccination Drive and Youth Empowerment programme organised by Assam Rifles (c) 40-Assam Rifles organised a six day Pre-UPSC Written Examination Coaching for NDA exam, in the form of a ‘Youth Empowerment’ programme, at Keithelmanbi, Imphal on 23rd 6. Painting Competition. September, 2014. The aim of the coaching was to prepare the local aspirants on how to prepare for and attempt the (a) 42-Assam Rifles conducted a Painting Competition at UPSC written examination. During the period of the coaching, Government Senior Secondary School, Kovin village and RK candidates were provided with accommodation and mess Memorial School at Jairampur in Changlang district, Arunachal nd th facilities by the Assam Rifles. A total of 20 young candidates Pradesh on 22 & 24 September, 2014 respectively. About attended the coaching capsule. 48 students participated in the event. (d) 37-Assam Rifles jointly with Indian Council of (b) 20-Assam Rifles conducted an ‘Open Theme’ painting Agricultural Research (ICAR) organised an event to create competition at Larong Khullen Government School, district self employment, as part of which 300 poultry birds were distributed to 30 locals belonging to Khaibung, Thekrezenoma and Zhuikhu villages. The project was aimed to provide a source of income for the villagers inhabiting the far-flung villages. (e) Maintenance Drive. 37-Assam Rifles with combined efforts of BRO and local volunteers from villages along the National Highway(NH)-29 conducted Maintenance Drive of NH between Zubza and Paglapahar. During the maintenance drive, a large number of people voluntarily came forward and engaged in filling of potholes, clearance of rainwater drains, Painting competitions organised by Assam Rifles NE September 4 NEWSLETTER 2014 Chandel, Manipur on 23rd September, 2014. About 30 Peren, Nagaland. About 29 students were imparted training students participated in the event who were encouraged by on computer handling and awarded course completion giving prizes. certificates.

7. Teacher’s Day Celebrations. (c) 28-Assam Rifles conducted a four week Computer Course for local youth at Tupang village, district Lunglei, th (a) 40-Assam Rifles celebrated Teachers’ Day on5 Mizoram from 5th to 30th September, 2014. September, 2014 at Islamic English School, Hangam Thabi, district Imphal West, Manipur. On the occasion, a (d) 39-Assam Rifles conducted a four week carpentry friendly volleyball match was also organised for the teachers course at Mimbung village, district Champhai, Mizoram from of the school. The event was attended by 35 teachers and 150 5th September, 2014. 7 youth attended the Course. students all of whom voluntarily & actively participated in the celebrations to make the event a grand success. (b) 3-Assam Rifles celebrated Teacher’s Day in schools of villages of Sehlon, Old Samtal, Phoilen and Tuitong, district Chandel, Manipur on 5th September, 2014. A number of programmes including cultural dance were presented by the students on this occasion. Continuing to lay emphasis on the importance of good education and to promote education in remote areas, the Assam Rifles distributed stationary items to the students and teachers in these schools. (c) 2-Assam Rifles organised a Pagal Gymkhana for teachers and school children at Thoubal Football Ground, Manipur on Computer Course and Carpentry Course organised by Assam Rifles 6th September, 2014. Over 500 school children and around 30 teachers attended the event. (e) 14-Assam Rifles conducted a two weeks vehicle maintenance course for local youth at Hnahlan, Mizoram from 12th September, 2014. 10 young boys attended the course. (f) 39-Assam Rifles conducted a two weeks Electrician Course at Ngopa, Mizoram from 15th to 30th September, 2014. 5 youths attended the course. (g) 8-Assam Rifles operationalised a Vocational Training Centre at Gaurnagar, Tripura under ‘Project YUVA’ for empowerment of tribal youths. 17 tribal youths were trained in socks making. (h) 36-Assam Rifles conducted Pre Recruitment Training at Mazbat village, district Sonitpur, Assam from 6th September, 2014. About 27 local youth attended the training. Teacher’s Day celebrations organised by Assam Rifles (i) 45-Assam Rifles conducted a Pre-Recruitment Selection (d) 2-Assam Rifles distributed books and stationery items for the Territorial Army from 20th September, 2014. About 80 to 150 school children of the Primary School at Chandrakhong candidates from Radhanagar, district Unakoti, Tripura were village, , Manipur on 8th September, 2014. screened and medical checkup was carried out. (e) 27-Sector Assam Rifles, celebrated Teacher’s Day at Tuibong, Churachandpur, district, Manipur. Teachers from 10. Plantation Drive. twenty schools attended the ceremony. Sports equipments (a) 27-Assam Rifles organised a distribution and plantation were distributed for the students of these schools. training program of ‘Hybrid Banana’ and ‘High quality Cashew 8. Information Technology (IT). 22-Assam Rifles liaised with INFOSYS, Bangalore and through their ’Corporate Social Responsibility programme', facilitated the donation of 30 computers to nine Government Schools in , Manipur. This initiative will enable enhancement of the IT skills of the local youth, increase awareness and empower them to seek meaningful employment.

9. Vocational Training Activities. (a) 45-Assam Rifles conducted a two week Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Course for local youth at Radhanagar, Tripura. Five young boys attended the course. (b) 18-Assam Rifles conducted a three months long Basic Approximately 5000 saplings each of banana and cashew nut were Computer Course at Vocational Training Centre, Jalukie, district distributed which will benefit 250 families from this scheme. NE September NEWSLETTER 2014 5 nut’ saplings at Kadamtala, Tripura. The unit along with Child Welfare Ashram mobilised people residing in Jiribam Sub Division, Churachandpur and Districts. (b) 5-Assam Rifles organised a plantation drive on 18th September, 2014 in Zunheboto district, Nagaland to make the environment clean & green. More than 1180 saplings were planted during the drive. 11. Flood Relief by Assam Rifles. During the recent floods in Meghalaya, Directorate General Assam Rifles, located at Shillong, pro-actively undertook the task of providing essential relief material to include blankets, clothing and shoes which were voluntarily donated by its personnel. A column with the relief material moved with utmost speed, relief camps. The column distributed over 200 packets of to the flood ravaged Tura district of Meghalaya, to provide food, clothing and over 400 much needed blankets to the requisite assistance and much needed succor to the flood locals in the relief camps at Phoolbari and Chibniang, which victims. The column reached Tura district on 28 September was greatly appreciated by the local populace, the State and was one of the first relief columns to have reached the Disaster Relief Organisation & the District Administration.

ASIAN GAMES WINNERS RECEIVE WARM WELCOME UPON THEIR ARRIVAL IN MANIPUR Manipuri players have yet again brought laurels to the relatives, sports lovers and well wishers. The five time world country. Boxers MC Mary Kom and L Sarita Devi, who won champion and Olympic medalist has added yet another gold and bronze in their respective categories at the Asian feather to her cap by becoming the first ever Indian woman Games in South Korea, were accorded a warm welcome upon boxer to have won a gold medal at the Asian Games. their arrival in their home state. "Whatever, Mary Kom has done is unique. I congratulate On her arrival at the Imphal International Airport, boxing her for her unique achievement. This is an inspiration for all icon Mary Kom, who won gold in the women's flyweight the mothers in the world," Union Sports Minister Sarbananda category, received a warm welcome by hundreds of her fans, Sonowal said.

Mary Kom and Laishram Sarita Devi

Sanathoi Devi and Chinglensana & Kothajit

NE September 6 NEWSLETTER 2014 Boxer Laishram Sarita Devi, who won a bronze medal Khadangbam Kothajit and Chinglensana Kangujam were in the 60 kg category, was also given a hero's welcome at also a part of the men's hockey team that won gold at the Imphal. event. Besides the two women boxers, Wushu player from the Manipuri players have been consistently performing state Yumnam Sanathoi Devi also won a bronze medal in well and bringing laurels at national and international level women's Sanda 52kg category at the games. Hockey players events.

PROGRAMMES UNDERTAKEN BY MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT

(i) CBWE Regional Directorate, Guwahati:- A 2-day aspects. All participants expressed that the programme was special programme for Scheduled Tribes Workers was immensely helpful to them to understand the important organised at village Pauripota, Borogan Block Mazbat, dist- provisions of MGNREGA as well as their income and Udalguri on 23rd & 24th July, 2014. All the participants who employment generation avenues. On the closing day of the participated in the training programme took a decision programme participants expressed that they will fight for unanimously to start animal husbandry activities in the their economic and social rights as given in the MGNREGA village. Further, A 2-days Special Programme for Scheduled Act. Tribes Workers was orgnaised at Bhabanipur village, Kamrup (iii) CBWE Regional Directorate, Imphal:-A 2-days district, Assam on 27th August, 2014 and 28th August, 2014. Special Programme for SCSP was held on 6th & 7th June, Participants expressed that they have been immensely 2014 at Anganwadi Centre, Khurkhul village, Imphal West benefited by the programme. They requested the CBWE to district- Manipur to discuss the Economic Development organize such training programme in future as well. of the participants and role of SHG schemes for economic (ii) CBWE Regional Directorate, Tinsukia:- Two numbers development. Accordingly, 13 participants formed a Self Help of 2-days village level MGNREGA programmes were Group named- “The Leima Piggery Self Help Group” and conducted, one at Anganwadi Kendra of Bokul Majgaon opened its Bank account at Central Bank of India bearing village, district Dibrugarh under Lahoal Block on 16th & 17th Account No. 335450669. Further, a 2-days Special Programme August, 2014 and the other at Pub Doomjangaon, West for SCSP held on 9th & 10th May, 2014 at Tairenpokpi Golaghat Block, district Golaghat on 25th & 26th August, village, Imphal West, district Manipur discussed economic 2014 by Regional Directorate, Tinsukia. In both the training development of the participants and role of SHG schemes for programmes 80 female workers, who are engaged as economic development. 12 participants formed of SHG names agricultural workers, were trained on different provisions of “UMA LIRENBI Self Help Group” and opened a Bank Account the MGNREGA along with their socio-economic development at Union Bank of India bearing Account No. 0652011126721.

WORLD’S TALLEST BRIDGE IN MANIPUR

The World’s tallest bridge is coming up at in the The bridge will also pass through the deep gorges and over North Eastern State of Manipur. The 141 meter tall bridge many rivers flowing at low ground levels. For this, 46 tunnels will be built by the NF Railway Construction Organisation. measuring a total of 54.5 Km in length and tall bridges are to This bridge will be higher than the presently tallest bridge be constructed to maintain a suitable gradient for efficient in Manipur and is part of 111 Km long Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal operation of railway. The length of the longest tunnel will be railway line linking the capital of Manipur with the Broad 4.9 Km between Jiribam-Tupal and 10.75 Km between Tupul- Gauge network of the country. This railway line will pass Imphal section. The bridge near Noney, about 700 metre through steep rolling hills of Patkai region and eastern trail of long will be the tallest traversing though the gorge. The first the Himalyas. Jiribam, a small town of Manipur near Assam- phase of this project starting from Jiribam to Tupul (covering Manipur border, is situated at 37m above the Mean Sea Level a distance of 84 Kms including this bridge) will be completed and the capital city Imphal is situated at 780m above MSL. by March, 2016.

MANIPURI YOUTH MAKES IT TO THE GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORD

Twenty-six-year old weightlifter Maibam Itomba Meitei the SAI NERC complex, he managed to do 16 pull ups in 30 is on cloud nine these days. He recently entered the Guinness seconds using two fingers, breaking the previous world record Book of World Records after completing the most number of of 16 pull ups in a minute by an American weight lifter. consecutive Pinky pull ups. He received official confirmation in July. A resident of Naoremthong Samusang in Imphal West “For a long time, I have been trying to make this happen. District, Itomba made his first attempt at achieving the record When I got the official certificate, I felt so happy. I feel like in 2012. During his second attempt in March this year at crying, and now, I feel that I have done something that makes NE September NEWSLETTER 2014 7 RNI Reg. No. R-72398/99 my birth worthy,” said the Guinness Record holder. Itomba currently runs an iron and steel furniture work shop to earn a livelihood. The young weightlifter has received several state and national awards. He had trained intensively for the world record and hopes to continue achieving more such feats. Maibam Tolen, Itomba’s uncle said, “I am so happy to know that he has been selected for the Guinness Record. It has been possible only because of his hard work.” Youth of the region are extremely talented and with a little bit of support, they can go a long way in achieving laurels for the country. The achievements of people like Itomba will inspire youngsters to work hard, besides instilling in them a sense of pride.

READERS COLUMN

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

LETTERS TO EDITOR

I would like to request you to kindly I shall be obliged, if you could I shall be obliged if you kindly send send me free copy of NE Newsletter in send me a copy of the NE News letter in a copy of NE Newsletter regularly in English on the following address:- English at the following address:- English language at the following address:- Sd/- Sd/- Namdithiu Pamei, R. L. Nongkhlaw, Sd/- Tharon, Thangmeiband, Department of Chemistry, Athanbou Pamei, Imphal West-795001, North Eastern Hill University, President of Village Manipur Shillong-793022 Authority Council, Tamenglong Dist. Manipur, Ward No. V, Spring Valley, Near Tamenglong Post Office, Tamenglong HQ, Manipur-795141

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

NE September 8 NEWSLETTER 2014