FOR FREE PUBLIC CIRCULATION Vol. XIII. No. 4, April, 2011 MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Democracy is a form and method of government whereby revolutionary changes in the economic and social life of the people are brought about without bloodshed. – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

DEVELOPMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO NORTH EASTERN REGION

1. A meeting was held on 11th April, 2011 to review visited Arunachal Pradesh to review the scheme WKH VHFXULW\ VLWXDWLRQ LQ $VVDP ZLWK RIÀFHUV RI undertaken under Border Area Development the Assam Government, Security Agencies and Programme and road constructed along Indo- Army authorities. china Border. 2. A Central team consisting of Joint Secretary (BM), 3. A Central Team visited Manipur from 26th-27th Joint Secretary (NE) and JS (Cabinet Secretariat) April, 2011 for interaction with Government of Manipur for decentralized governance in local bodies/ Autonomous Districts Councils.  $ &HDVHÀUH LV LQ RSHUDWLRQ EHWZHHQ *RYHUQPHQW ¾ DEVELOPMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO of India and National socialist Council of NORTH EASTERN REGION Nagaland (Khaplang) [NSCN/K] since 28.4.2001. 7KH YDOLGO\ RI WKH FHDVHÀUH H[SLUHG RQ  ¾ PLANNING COMMISSION FINALISES 2011-12 PLAN FOR NORTH-EASTERN 7KH H[WHQVLRQ RI FHDVHÀUH ZDV UHYLHZHG DQG STATES *RYHUQPHQW RI ,QGLD KDV GHFLGHG WR H[WHQG WKH FHDVHÀUH ZLWK 16&1. IRU D IXUWKHU SHULRG RI RQH ¾ ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT UNDER CIVIC year with effect from 29.4.2011. ACTION PROGRAMME IN NORTH EAST 5. The Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed on MANIPUR YOUTH TRAINED TO ¾ 17th December, 2004, amongst the Central Govt., ACQUIRE SPECIAL SKILLS Govt. of Tripura and National Liberation Front ¾ INDIAN INSTITUTE OF of Tripura (Nayanbasi) (NLFT/NB) provides for a ENTREPRENUERSHIP (IIE), GAUHATI- Special Economic Development Package of Rs. 55 TRAINING TO SURRENDERED MILITANTS crores for capacity building and tribal development in Tripura. The package was approved by the ¾ NORTH-EAST SPRING FESTIVAL: A CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA &RPPLWWHH RQ 1RQ3ODQ ([SHQGLWXUH &1( RQ 28.3.2006 for implementation. The scheme was ¾ ARUNACHAL PRADESH CELEBRATES approved by the Union Home Minister and the MOPIN FESTIVAL Union Finance Minister. The scheme envisaged to: RONGALI BIHU ¾ (a) bring the underground (UG) elements over ¾ READERS COLUMN ground and see that they join the main ¾ LETTERS TO EDITOR stream; Editorial Board Chief Editor Editor Editor Shambhu Singh J.P.N. Singh B.R. Dhiman

1 NE NEWSLETTER

(b) help the tribals in capacity building to enable markets, organizing vocational trainings on different WKHP WR VKDUH WKH EHQHÀWV RI GHYHORSPHQWV trades to youths, etc. and As per Press Reports, NLFT-NB peace accord (c) take projects in tribal areas which will in signed by the State Government of Tripura and turn lead to enrichment of the tribals. Central Government was reviewed recently in the meeting attended by Tribal Welfare Minister, DGP and Out of total agreed package amount of Rs. 55.00 Surrendered Rebel Leaders in Tripura. It was concluded crore, an amount of Rs. 50.00 crores has been released, that the peace accord has been fully implemented. in installments, by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Balance Further, the State Government had provided additional amount of Rs. 5.00 crore will be released during the facilities for 153 surrendered NLFT (NB) militants, who FXUUHQW ÀQDQFLDO \HDU LH  came over ground in December, 2004. The facilities include allotment of 1 hectare land to each surrendered :LWK WKH ÀQDQFLDO JUDQW IURP &HQWUH WKH State Government undertook a number of activities FDGUHV RI WKH 1/)7 1%  $V SHU UHSRUWV DOO FDVHV H[FHSW crime against women committed by the surrendered intended for infrastructure development, economic militants were withdrawn and Centre had released Rs. development, educational & cultural infrastructure  FURUH IRU H[HFXWLQJ YDULRXV VFKHPHV DLPLQJ WR XSOLIW development and capacity building of the tribals in the socio-economic conditions of the surrendered the State. Under the package, projects have been insurgents. Since, 1993, over 8075 militants of various included for setting up/construction of residential RXWÀWV VXUUHQGHUHG WR WKH 7ULSXUD *RYHUQPHQW DQG DUH VFKRROV VSRUWV FRPSOH[ GHYHORSPHQW RI FRPSRVLWH leading normal life.

PLANNING COMMISSION FINALISES 2011-12 PLAN FOR NORTHEASTERN STATES

The Annual Plan for Tripura, Mizoram and Sikkim Capital formation through generation of surplus IRU WKH \HDU  KDV EHHQ ÀQDOL]HG in the production of goods and services for sustainable (i) Annual Plan for the State for Mizoram:- The HFRQRPLF JURZWK LV ZHDN :LWK WKH H[SDQVLRQ RI SXEOLF Annual Plan for Mizoram State for the year 2011- administration and other services, the demand for  ZDV ÀQDOL]HG DW D PHHWLQJ EHWZHHQ 'HSXW\ various categories of workers has decreased. Chairman of Planning Commission, Montek %ULHÀQJ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ RQ WKH GHYHORSPHQW Singh Ahluwalia and Mizoram Chief Minister Lal strategy, Chief Minister Thanhawla said t hat transparency 7KDQKDZOD 7KH $QQXDO 3ODQ ZDV ÀQDOL]HG DW and people participation was the basis of development Rs.1700 crore. strategy. Apart from elected leaders, prominent Complimenting the State on plan performance, citizens, Church leaders and media representatives Ahluwalia said that the Commission was in the process are being included in the Ethnic Committee formed RI ÀQDOL]LQJ WKH DSSURDFK IRU WKH 7ZHOWK 3ODQ DQG at the state level to oversee performance of the state in this process would be shortly holding regional administration. He said that despite resource constraint consultations with the State Governments. He said technology mission introduced by the Centre had made that a joint meeting with the North-Eastern States was VLJQLÀFDQW FRQWULEXWLRQV IRU SURPRWLRQ RI KRUWLFXOWXUH H[SHFWHG ZKHUH WKH FRPPLVVLRQ ZRXOG H[SHFW UHVSRQVH DQG ÁRULFXOWXUH from the state on ongoing social sector programmes as (ii) Annual Plan for the State of Sikkim:- The ZHOO DV URDGPDS IRU WKH QH[W 3ODQ Annual Plan for Sikkim for the year 2011-12 ZDV DOVR ÀQDOL]HG DW D PHHWLQJ EHWZHHQ 'HSXW\ 0L]RUDP KDV DFKLHYHG VLJQLÀFDQW SURJUHVV LQ Chairman, Planning Commission, Montek Singh the sectors of road transport, power, education and Ahluwalia and Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan health. About 94.4 per cent of the villages have been Chamling. The plan outlay was agreed at Rs.1400 connected with approach roads and 61.19 per cent crores. In his comments on the performance of villages have been connected with all weather roads. the State, Ahluwalia said performance is quite According to census 2001, the literacy level of satisfactory. He said continued focus on physical  SHU FHQW KDV SODFHG 0L]RUDP QH[W WR .HUDOD and social infrastructure development together Though agriculture is the mainstay of economic with urbanization would catalyze tourism and activity, shifting cultivation with shortened land use other income generating activities. The State cycle and lack of thrust in the potential horticulture Governments should inform the Commission sector has been a major factor in the slow pace of DERXW WKHLU H[SHULHQFH RQ WKH &HQWUDO VFKHPHV development of the state’s economy. aimed at making plan process more inclusive.

2 2011

This would help the Commission in taking sectors. FRUUHFWLYH PHDVXUH ZKLOH GUDIWLQJ WKH QH[W SODQ +H Mr. Ahluwalia said investment friendly DSSUHFLDWHG WKH LQLWLDWLYHV WDNHQ WR PDNH 6LNNLP ÀUVW environment needs to be created to encourage private organic and green State in the country. Priorities in investment in the development of both physical and the sector need to work out accordingly. Chamling said social infrastructure. the thrust of plan is upon the inclusion of the Common Minimum Programme of the UPA and inclusion of The Planning Commission is in the process of various Flagship Programmes, with particular emphasis ÀQDOL]LQJ DSSURDFK WR WKH 7Z H OIWK 3ODQ DQG ZRXOG on Human Development. welcome suggestions from the state on the social sector programme initiated by the Centre to make The State Government has adopted a policy these programmes more effective. He said sectors like decision to embark on a path of sustainable economic energy and health would need added attention of both development and self reliance, and thrust of the state and Central Government to meet the growth Government is on promotion and development of H[SHFWDWLRQ IRU WKH 7ZHOWK 3ODQ ecologically and environmentally friendly tourism, KRUWLFXOWXUH DQG ÁRULFXOWXUH ZLWK VSHFLÀF VWUHVV RQ Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar briefed the production of low volume high value organic agricultural Planning Commission about the new initiatives of his and horticultural produce, Hydro Power generation government aimed at improving resources and reducing without environmental erosion, human resource RQ QRQGHYHORSPHQWDO H[SHQGLWXUH +H VDLG WD[ development, health and rural development. UHYHQXH KDYH LPSURYHG VDODU\ H[SHQGLWXUH KDV EHHQ (iii) Annual Plan for Tripura:- For Tripura state, the plan controlled to improve physical health of the state. outlay for the year was agreed at Rs.1950 crores. He said efforts are on to make best use of available In his comments on the performance of Tripura, natural resources. Skill development and vocational Planning Commission Dy. Chairman Montek Singh education is being given priority to the development Ahluwalia complimented the state government for strategy. Action Plan has been taken up for bringing 50 empowering Panchayati Raj Institution, Anganwadi, per cent of cultivable land. Skill development mission and performance in ICDS. He said efforts should be has been constituted and one ITI is proposed to be set to improve achievement in health and education up in each sub-division.

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

(ii) On 5th March, 2011, under Civic Action Programme TVs, Water Tank, Sewing machine and sports items have been distributed among villagers in area of responsibility of BOP, Khozaichuri & Tiparghat, ([ %Q %6) 0L]RUDP (iii) An Inter Village Football competition was also organized by 83 Bn BSF at Village Gumaghat, Distt- West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya from 22 to 26th March, 2011. 8 teams of bordering villages participated in the event. Football kit including tracksuits and other sports items were distributed to all teams. (iv) Under Civic Action Programme, on 26th March, 2011 itself various items viz. TVs, DTHs, Gen Sets, School furniture’s, Stationery and other educational items to Village Gumghat, Distt- Wes Activities carried out by BSF Khasi Hills, Meghalaya by BSF. th (i) On 4 March, 2011, under Civic Action (v) On 26th March, 2011, a free medical camp was Programme, various items viz. Computer, TVs, organized by BSF in Distt. West Khasi Hills, Water Tank, Sewing machine and sports items Meghalaya. Medicines worth Rs. 3 lakhs were have been distributed among villagers in area of distributed among 1200 patients of bordering UHVSRQVLELOLW\ RI 0DOVXUL 7DEODEDJK ([  %Q villages Rajai, Mawphlan, Nalikaa, Gumaghat, BSF, Mizoram. Kewri, Loskar, Chikenbari and Rangasora.

3 NE NEWSLETTER

Activities carried out by Assam Rifles

(i) Distribution of Drinking Water. As a noble cause 3URMHFW )< ² ZLWK WKH DLP RI H[SRVLQJ and a helping hand to people of hill who are facing underprivileged children especially from orphanages VFDUFLW\ RI ZDWHU LQ WKH 8NKUXO $VVDP 5LÁHV ZHQW D of Manipur to culture, heritage, history and step ahead in distributing water tankers in nearby economic development of India was organised by villages i.e. Shangshak Khullen and Shangshak $VVDP 5LÁHV 'XULQJ WKH WRXU FKLOGUHQ ZLWQHVVHG WKH .KXQDR LQ 0DUFK  7KH $VVDP 5LÁHV LV DOVR Republic Day Parade, Beating the Retreat ceremony constructing water storage tanks in these remote and the PMs Rally organised by NCC Directorate. areas. The work for the same is in full swing. Children also visited historical monuments such as (ii) Maintenance of Road Under Self Help Project. Red Fort, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple, Rashtrapati $VVDP 5LÁHV KDV VWDUWHG PDLQWDLQLQJ RI URDG WR Bhavan, Hawa Mahal of Jaipur, Taj Mahal and the Shangshak Khunao village with the help of villagers Agra Fort. Meeting with Chief Minister of Delhi, Ms under Self Help Project. The AR has promised Shila Dikshit, Director General NCC and Cabinet the villagers of more such projects in future for Ministers of Rajasthan Government were also improving infrastructure in the hinterland. The vigor organised where the leaders had an opportunity to and enthusiasm shown by civilian in participating interact with the children which encouraged them ZLWK $VVDP 5LÁHV LV D VXUH VLJQ RI QRUPDOF\ WKDW to achieve great heights. The children also got an this beautiful state has now embarked on. opportunity to travel by train, metro and the city mass transportation system. The 20 days tour which (iii) Education Tour of Students to Delhi, Jaipur and was organised on behalf of HQ IGAR (S) was taken Agra. Earlier, an education tour (under AR MCA XS WR JLYH WKH FKLOGUHQ DQ H[SRVXUH WR ULVLQJ ,QGLD

(iv) Distribution of Solar Street Lights to Tuijang on 17 Mar 11. The Power Tillers were distributed Village.$VVDP5LÁHVSUHVHQWHGVL[6RODU6WUHHW/LJKWV under Military Civic Action programme with a view to Tuijang village under “CIVIC ACTION PROJECT” in of introducing modern technology in agriculture for the remote village in Samtal Area, Chandel district the farmers of villages of Ukhrul District. on Indo- Myanmar border. These solar lights is a big (vii) Distribution of School uniforms. AR donated step towards overall development and especially School Uniforms, Sports items, Stationery items, IRU WKH VFKRRO FKLOGUHQ 9LOODJHUV H[SUHVVHG WKHLU Library books, Generator sets, TV sets, Dish GHHS JUDWLWXGH WR $VVDP 5LÁHV IRU SURYLGLQJ WKHP antenna and Computers to Eden Orphanage and with the Solar lights and also for various other developmental activities undertaken in the area. Phungcham Orphanage of Ukhrul Distt on 15 Mar 2011. The items were distributed with a view to (v) Water Supply Project at Tuikong Village. In order improve the standard of living of the children living to provide safe and Hygienic drinking water, Assam in the orphanages. 5LÁHV KDV FRQVWUXFWHG D :DWHU 6XSSO\ VFKHPH under Civic Action Project” in Tuikong, one of the YLLL $VVDP 5LÁHV &RQVWUXFWV :DWHU 6XSSO\ 6FKHPH remotest village in the Chandel District, located in at Hengkot Village. In order to provide safe DQ H[WUHPHO\ GLIÀFXOW WHUUDLQ (DUOLHU WKH YLOODJHUV DQG +\JLHQLF GULQNLQJ ZDWHU $VVDP 5LÁHV KDV had to fetch the water from the nearest water constructed a Water Supply scheme under “Civic VRXUFH DSSUR[LPDWHO\ RQH NP DZD\ IURP WKH Action Project” in Hengkot and one water storage YLOODJH 7KH YLOODJHUV RI 7X L NRQJ H[SUHVVHG WKHLU tank provided to Phaiphenkot village. Hengkot immense gratitude for providing basic amenities and Phaiphenkot are among the remotest and and help them join the main stream. farthest villages in the Samtal Salient of Chandel (vi) Donation of Power Tillers. $VVDP 5LÁHV GRQDWHG District. Earlier the villagers had to fetch water, Power Tillers to the villages of Shingda and Tuinem DSSUR[LPDWHO\ WKUHH NPV DZD\ IURP WKH YLOODJHV

4 2011

L[  &RPSXWHU 3UHVHQWHG 7R *RYHUQPHQW +LJK the presence of all the villages. Moldom is remote School At Sita Village. $VVDP 5LÁHV SUHVHQWHG WKH village in Samtal, Chandel distt. on Indo–Myanmar computer to the Government High School, Sita. border. Due to its remoteness, basic infrastructure This educative and supportive attitude of the LV DOPRVW QRQH[LVWHQW 7KHVH VRODU OLJKWV LV D ELJ $VVDP 5LÁHV ZDV DSSUHFLDWHG E\ WKH FKLOGUHQ DQG step towards overall development and especially villagers of the area with prayers of gratitude. IRU WKH VFKRRO FKLOGUHQ 9LOODJHUV KDYH H[SUHVVHG (x) Distribution of Solar Street Lights to Moldennom WKHLU GHHS JUDWLWXGH WR $VVDP 5LÁHV IRU SURYLGLQJ Village.$VVDP 5LÁHV SUHVHQWHG  6RODU 6WUHHW /LJKWV them with the Solar lights and also for various other to Moldom village under “Civic Action Project” in developmental activities undertaken in the area.

MANIPUR YOUTH TRAINED TO ACQUIRE SPECIAL SKILLS

Union Minister of State (I/C) for Youth A ffairs and The scheme has been launched keeping in view Sports Ajay Maken inaugurated Youth Employability the Prime Minister’s vision to create 500 million Skill (YES) Project at Imphal by enrolling 100 youths FHUWLÀHG DQG VNLOOHG SHUVRQV E\ WKH \HDU  LQ WKH for skill development. Under the project, skill country. The National Skill Development Corporation related training would be given to the youths in (NSDC), which has been co-promoted by the Ministry the North-Eastern Region to boost their chances of of Finance to catalyze private sector involvement in ÀQGLQJ MREV RU VWDUWLQJ WKHLU RZQ HQWHUSULVHV $ERXW skill development, would partner the Ministry of Youth 8000 youths would be covered under this scheme in Affairs and Sports for the YES venture. the North East. The YES initiative would see training in employable skills being provided to unemployed youth in 59 districts of 8 North Eastern states. Market mapping and skill gap analysis is being undertaken in North East before launching of the project in other districts. The project focuses on youth who plan to seek jobs locally and also those who wish to migrate. The opportunities of self employment are also addressed in the Training Modules. Linkages ZLWK ÀQDQFLDO LQVWLWXWLRQV DQG LQGXVWU\ SDUWQHUV DUH Thai Trade Delegation Visits Manipur:- Maanmar is seen as the hallmark of this unique initiative for providing WKHFRQÁXHQFHRI,QGLD V/RRN(DVWSROLF\DQG7KDLODQG V/RRN sustained livelihood to the youth of the region. He also :HVWSROLF\DQGWRIXUWKHUGHYHORSWULODWHUDOWUDGHEHWZHHQ inaugurated the Board of Governors (BOG) meeting WKHWKHUHFRXQWULHVDPHPEHU7KDLGHOHJDWLRQZHUHRQ of the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and announced YLVLWRI0DQLSXUDQG0\DQPDU VERUGHUWRZQVKLS7DPXIURP setting up of 10,000 Mentor Youth Club throughout the 0DUFKWR country.

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ENTREPRENUERSHIP (IIE), GAUHATI- TRAINING TO SURRENDERED MILITANTS:

After facing immense hardships in the jungles, known trainers are coming to train them,” said Achinta PHPEHUV RI YDULRXV PLOLWDQW RXWÀWV DUH QRZ XQGHUJRLQJ Baruah, faculty, IIE. training at the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) Surrendered militants said that they are happy LQ *XZDKDWL WR EHFRPH VHOIVXIÀFLHQW DQG HFRQRPLFDOO\ about the way the government is helping them to become independent. independent, ”After laying down arms, I started my own +DYLQJ VSHQW PDQ\ \HDUV ÀJKWLQJ VHFXULW\ IRUFHV agricultural work. With the help of government, I joined they have now realized the futility of insurgency and a Self Help Group through which I came to know about returned to mainstream society. They are being trained many schemes for the region. I am happy about the way at the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship under the the government is helping us become independent,” program” Motivating Youth for Self Employment “. Well Bhaskar Bobola . known trainers and successful entrepreneurs provide “We have learnt a lot of things here and many lessons on management, entrepreneurship and other SHRSOH IURP GLIIHUHQW ÀHOGV DUH WUDLQLQJ XV LQ GLIIHUHQW aspects. “Through this program we are imparting them skills,” said Niyaaz Hussain. skills on business, management and trade. Various well-

5 NE NEWSLETTER

17 surrendered cadres of ULFA and 11 cadres of NDFB the surrenderees to use the skills they had developed so were given a seven day training at the prestigious Indian far to start their own enterprises without being dependent Institute of Entrepreneurship at Guwahati to hone their on anyone. Having faced immense hardships in jungles and VNLOOV IRU VWDUWLQJ OLIH DIUHVK DQG PDNLQJ WKHP ÀW WR HDUQ being disillusioned with militancy, the former militants by becoming self employed. The programme was titled too are happy with these endeavors. “Motivating Youth for Self Employment” and as such urged

NORTH-EAST SPRING FESTIVAL: A CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA

7KHÀYHGD\ORQJ1RUWK(DVW6SULQJ)HVWLYDO UHFHQWO\ 5HODWLRQV WKH JUDQG ÀHVWD VDZ DUWLVWV IURP  GLIIHUHQW organized in Dimapur city of Nagaland was a grand affair states of the country perform on the same stage to spread that showcased some of the best folk art forms of the the message of love and harmony through music. culturally rich north eastern region of India. The main aim behind holding the festival Organized under the aegis of Northeast Zonal was to promote the idea of national integration Cultural Centre Dimapur and Indian Council for Cultural by bringing artists of different regions together. Som Kamei, Director, North East Zone Cultural Centres said: “The main aim of having this spring festival is to H[SORUH WKH FXOWXUDO OLQNDJHV WKDW ZH VKDUH QRW RQO\ among the northeastern states but also between the rest RI ,QGLD DQG DOVR LQ WKH $VLDQ FRQWH[W HVSHFLDOO\ LQ WKH Southeast Asian countries where we have deep cultural linkages. “I should say that it is brilliant because it connects us with so many people not only locally but to other different states and not only that we can cross over the RBI Reaches Out to Ukhrul:- 2QWKHRFFDVLRQRIWKHSODWLQXP boundary and get connected with other parts of the MXELOHHRI5HVHUYHEDQNRI,QGLDLQWKH5HVHUYH%DQNRI FRXQWU\ DQG LW LV UHDOO\ D JRRG H[SRVXUH DQG , VKRXOG ,QGLDGLGVRPHVRXOVHDUFKLQJUHJDUGLQJLWVVHUYLFHWRWKHSHRSOH say that the NEZCC is doing a brilliant job,” Suzzane 7KHDFKLHYHPHQWZHUHDVVHVVHGDQGDSROLF\PRRWHGRQKRZWR Lotha, a participant. A book fair and an ethnic cuisine EULQJDERXWDFKDQJHLQWKHOLIHRIHYHU\,QGLDQ7KH*RYHUQRU fest were also organized during the fest. Local artisans RI 5%, GHFLGHG WR WDNH VWHSV WR PDNH 5%, D PRUH UHVSRQVLYH SXEOLFSROLF\LQVWLWXWHE\RUJDQLVLQJ)LQDQFLDO2XWUHDFKYLOODJH also displayed handloom and handcraft products that &DPSV )29& LQVHYHUDOSDUWVRIWKH1RUWK(DVWHUQVWDWHV were a huge draw among the visitors.

ARUNACHAL PRADESH CELEBRATES MOPIN FESTIVAL :

Arunachal Pradesh celebrated the joyous Mopin In this festival Mopin Ane, the Mother Goddess festival recently with traditional smearing of rice of welfare, peace and preserver of vegetation, is powder on each other’s faces, and a show of rich SURSLWLDWHG LQ D JUDQG FHOHEUDWLRQ IRU ÀYH GD\V ZKHQ dances of the state. A festival of the Galo, Adi and women prepare traditional dishes called Tipak. They Nyishi communities of the State, Mopin is celebrated also take out a procession with their granary baskets in order to get rid of natural calamities and to pray for behind them, singing and invoking the Goddess on peace, good harvest, health, wealth and prosperity. the way to the dancing sites. The festival marks the beginning of the sowing season.

6 2011

RONGALI BIHU

Rongali Bihu, Assam’s most colorful festival, was is Goru Bihu when cows are given bath, decked up celebrated all over the state with young and old, rich and worshipped. This year, Goru Bihu fell on the 14th and poor all dancing, singing and playing traditional of April. This ritual can best be seen in rural Assam. musical instruments in every nook and corner of the 7KH QH[W GD\ LV WKH 0DQXK %LKX 7KH PDLQ %LKX GD\ state. Celebrated in mid April, Rongali Bihu marks when much merriment takes place, Manuh Bihu fell the advent of new seeding time, and heralds the on 15th of April this year. The last day is Gohain Bihu Assamese new year. Traditionally celebrated for 7 when Gods are prayed to for the welfare of society, GD\V WKLV %LKX KDV WKUHH PDLQ GD\V 7KH ÀUVW GD\ peace, prosperity and good harvest.

READERS COLUMN

The NE monthly Newsletter is published in English, problems and possible measures for resolution thereto Assamese, Bengali and Manipuri and has circulation related to North East. of 40,000 copies. Ministry of Home Affairs brings out Articles should be sent in a hard copy format the publication incorporating important information/ DFFRPSDQLHG E\ ÁRSS\&' YHUVLRQ DORQJ ZLWK developments concerning North Eastern States. photographs. Articles should be accompanied by an Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Newsletter, DEVWUDFW RI D PD[LPXP RI  ZRUGV 5HDGHUV DUH would request for inputs for the Newsletter from encouraged to send comments and suggestions (upto the State Governments, agencies, institutions and 300-400 words) on published articles. All letters should LQGLYLGXDOV KLJKOLJKWLQJ WKH DUHD VSHFLÀF LVVXHV have the writer’s full name and postal address. The problems, special features including potential for selected articles will be incorporated in the monthly tourism, environmental protection or special efforts/ NE Newsletter in its subsequent editions with due DFKLHYHPHQW LQ YDULRXV ÀHOGV 9LHZV DQG ZULWHXSV editing and contribution will be welcomed and suitably IURP JHQHUDO SXEOLF DUH DOVR LQYLWHG RQ VSHFLÀF LVVXHV rewarded.

1RWHG IRRWEDOOHU %DLFKXQJ %KXWLD DQGWKH 8 1DWLRQDOFKDPSLRQ$VVDP )RRWEDOO WHDP SRVH IRU SKRWRJUDSKDIWHU WKH\ ZHUH IHOLFLWDWHGDW1HKUXVWDGLXPLQ*XZDKWLRQ0DUFK

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

%RGR GDQFHU SHUIRUP DW WKH LQDXJXUDO FHUHPRQ\ RI WK $OO &KLOGUHQ WDNLQJ SDUW LQ D %LKX :RUNVKRS DW 6KLOSJUDP LQ ,QGLD3ROLFH+RFNH\& VKLSLQ*XZDKWLRQ0DUFK *XZDKDWLRQ0DUFK

8QLRQ 0LQLVWHU$JDWKD 6DQJPD DW WKH UHJLRQDO FRQVXOWDWLRQ RQ UHVSRQVLEOH WRXULVP RUJDQLVHG DW WKH LQLWLDWLYH RI ,PSXOVH 1*2 1HWZRUNZLWK$VVDP6WDWHSDUWQHU*ROEDO2UJDQLVDWLRQIRU/LIH'HYHORSPHQWUHFHQWO\DW+RWHO'\QDVW\*XZDKDWL$VHFWLRQRIWKH GHOHJDWHVZKRDWWHQGHGWKHVHPLQDU 3KRWRVE\5DMLEGDV$VVDP 

LETTERS TO EDITOR

1. I shall remain grateful to 2. I shall be very much happy 3. I shall be highly pleased if you you, if you kindly send me and thankful if you kindly send kindly send me a free copy of a copy of NE Newsletter free copy of NE Newsletter NE Newsletter in English to the following address. in English at the following in English on the following Sd/- address. address. Kambirei English School Sd/- Sd/- Phundrei, K. Pashi, Sosin Kent, B.O Phundrei, Rayotang,P.O Ukhrul, Tseminyu Newtown, P. O Wangjing, Manipur,Pin- 795142 Kohima- Nagaland Manipur- 795148

MHA requests the readers to send their response through e-mail at: [email protected]/[email protected]/[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 3ULQWHGE\&KDQGX3UHVV'6KDNDUSXU'HOKL3K

8