NEWSLETTER NEFOR FREE PUBLIC CIRCULATION Vol. XV. No. 10, October, 2013

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

The essence of all religions is one. Only their approaches are different.

- Mahatma Gandhi C o n t e n t s DEVELOPMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO NORTH EASTERN REGION 1. First meeting of the working group was held on 21st October, 2013, v DEVELOPMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO New Delhi under the Chairmanship of Shri Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary NORTH EASTERN REGION (NE) to review the effectiveness of programmes telecast on Doordarshan, DD News Channel about the people of North East & their rich cultural heritage. v ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT UNDER CIVIC ACTION PROGRAMME BY CENTRAL 2. A meeting of Joint Working Group (JWG) was held with the National rd ARMED POLICE FORCES Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB/RD) Group on 23 October, 2013 at Guwahati for finalization of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement.

v PROGRAMMES UNDERTAKEN BY 3. The security situation in some of the North Eastern States remains very MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD complex because of diverse demands advocated by various militant outfits. DEVELOPMENT However, the situation has shown improvement in 2013 as compared to

v PROGRAMMES UNDERTAKEN BY previous years in terms of number of incidents, casualties of civilians and MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES security forces etc. The violence profile in the North Eastern Region during the last seven years is given below:- v ELECTRONIC EYE FOR KAZIRANGA Security Situation in North Eastern Region

v ADULT TIGERS SUCCESSFULLY SIFTED Years Inci- Extremist Extremist Arms re- SFs Civilians TO ITANAGAR BIOLOGICAL PARK dents arrested killed covered/ killed killed surren- dered v TELECOM SERVICES IN NE STATES TO GET A BOOST 2007 1489 1837 514 950 79 498 2008 1561 2566 640 1618 46 466 v NE STATES TO BE LINKED TO TRANS- 2009 1297 2162 571 1777 42 264 ASIA RAILWAY NETWORK 2010 773 2213 247 1408 20 94

v READERS COLUMN 2011 627 2141 114 1354 32 70 2012 1025 2145 222 1856 14 97 v LETTERS TO EDITOR 2013 (upto 589 1402 110 1368 10 67 31.10.2013) Editorial Board Chief Editor ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT UNDER CIVIC ACTION PROGRAMME BY Shambhu Singh CENTRAL ARMED POLICE FORCES Editors (A) Programmes undertaken by Rifles J.P.N. Singh 1. Medical Camps:- Details of medical camps conducted by various units Ajay Kanoujia of in the NE region during the month of October, 2013 are as B.R. Dhiman under:-

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Sl. Date Unit Place State No of No Patients treated (a) 01 Oct 13 25 Assam Rifles Haflong town Assam 110 (b) 06 Oct 13 24 Assam Rifles Sita 115 (c) 07 Oct 13 20 Assam Rifles Chandel Manipur 160 (d) 09 Oct 13 9 Assam Rifles Moreh Manipur 150 (e) 16 Oct 13 20 Assam Rifles Bongyang Manipur 165 (f) 18 Oct 13 18 Assam Rifles Peren 17 (g) 21 Oct 13 24 Assam Rifles Khudengthabi Manipur 135 (h) 23 Oct 13 20 Assam Rifles Larong Manipur 140 3. Medical Assistance:- 30-Assam Rifles saved the life of a (j) 23 Oct 13 35 Assam Rifles Tuitam Manipur 79 snake bite victim by providing him timely treatment at Battalion th Khongkhai Headquarter Medical Inspection Room on 16 October, 2013, (k) 24 Oct 13 24 Assam Rifles Tengnoupal Manipur 160 in district Imphal East, Manipur. 4. Lecture on Water Borne Disease:- 14- Assam Rifles conducted a lecture on water borne diseases at Government Higher School, Farkawn village, district Champhai, on 21st October, 2013. About 150 children attended the lecture.

5. Programme on Career Opportunities:- (a) 21-Assam Rifles organised a programme on ‘Career opportunities in Security Forces’ for the students of local schools of Zunheboto town, Nagaland on 8th October, 2013. Assam Rifles encouraged the students to join the Forces through lectures followed by a motivational movie and weapon display. About 700 youths, mostly village students from Zunheboto along with the teaching staff attended the event. 2. Anti Malaria Campaign:- 20-Assam Rifles conducted an awareness camp on Malaria at Cheenkhu village, district (b) 41-Assam Rifles organised a Career Counseling Chandel Manipur on 6th October, 2013. Approximately 80-90 Programme at Ukhrul district, Manipur on 7th October, villagers attended the camp. The villagers were educated on the 2013. During the event, lecture was delivered to create causes of malaria and precautions required to avert the disease. awareness of Defence Services and various avenues Blood tests were conducted for the villagers and chloroquine available to the youths to join the security forces. In tablets were distributed to the villagers during the event. addition, distinguished speakers from the fields of civil services, medical science & banking sector also gave motivational lectures to the students.

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(c) 12-Assam Rifles organised a lecture, discussion and presentation on admission to Sainik Schools, Rastriya Military Schools (RMS), Rastriya Indian Military College 6. National Integration Tours:- (RIMC) and National Defence Academy (NDA) for the students of KV, Lokra, district Sonitpur, Assam, and their a) 19-Assam Rifles organised a National Integration Tour from parents on 8th and 9th October, 2013 which was attended Kohima to via Guwahati for students of Kohima, by 8 teachers and 85 students. The information pertaining Nagaland from 10th to 17th October, 2013. The students to the procedures for admission to these institutes was visited Air Force Station Borjhar and various other tourist disseminated to all students and their parents. places in Guwahati. During their visit to Shillong they visited the Headquarters of Director General Assam Rifles, Training Centres of Gorkha and Assam Regiments and various tourist places in and around Shillong. Interaction of the children was organized with the Additional Director General and all officers of the Directorate General, Assam Rifles. (b) 31-Assam Rifles organised a National Integration Tour from Mokokchung to Kolkatta for students of Mokokchung, Nagaland from 10th -18th October, 2013. During the tour, the students visited Birla Planetarium, Khirdirpur Dock, Science city, NICCO Amusement Park, Nehru Zoological Park and other places of interest in Kolkata.

(d) 14-Assam Rifles organised a lecture on employment guidance to join the Security Forces at Lianpui village, district Aizawl, Mizoram on 5th October, 2013. In addition health & hygiene lecture was also organised at adopted village Lianpui which was attended by 61 villagers.

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(c) 16-Assam Rifles organised a National Integration Tour 8. Computer Training Capsule. 26- Assam Rifles conducted from Shangshak to Delhi for students of Government a two week computer training capsule for local youth of Aizawl, High School, Shangshak, Manipur from 15th -26th Mizoram with effect from 6th October, 2013. 11 local young October, 2013. During the tour, students interacted boys and girls attended, the training capsule. with Hon’ble Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 19th October, 2013. The students also visited Red Fort, Raj Path, India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Raj Ghat, National Zoological Park and other places of tourist interest at Delhi.

9. Motor Driving course. 14-Assam Rifles conducted a three week motor driving & maintenance course for local youths at Serchhip, Mizoram from 10th October to 30th October, 2013.

7. Integrated Voice Response System for Ex-Servicemen of Nagaland. On 16th October, 2013 an Integrated Voice Response System (IVRS) was launched for the ex-servicemen of Nagaland. The system has been designed to provide comprehensive information on various aspects concerning the ex-servicemen of Assam Rifles as well as Armed Forces belonging to the State of Nagaland. About 250 ex-servicemen and widows of ex- servicemen belonging to various districts of Nagaland were 10. Community Market. 8-Assam Rifles facilitated a community present during the inauguration ceremony. market at Dasguriya village, district West, Tripura. The unit assisted the locals in repair & renovation of an existing Haat Shed which enabled the local vendors to establish their shops in the shed.

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(B) Programmes undertaken by CRPF 5. CRPF donated one toilet and two urinals:- On 16th September, 2013, 156-Bn CRPF donated one toilet and two 1. CRPF donated sports items at Teliamura sub division, urinals for daily use of the school children belonging to Raja th Distt- Khowai, Tripura:-On 6 September, 2013, 71-Bn CRPF Ajit Narayan Dev Girl’s (ME) School, Basugaon in Chirang organized a Civic Action Programme and donated sports district (Assam) which was appreciated by the school items to school authorities at Mungiakami community hall authorities and the local people of the area. in Teliamura Sub divisions, district Khowai(Tripura) which was appreciated by the school authorities and the local people of the area.

2. CRPF organised free medical camp at Teliamura district Khowai (Tripura):- On 6th September, 2013, 71- Bn CRPF organized “free medical camp” at Mungiakami community hall in Teliamura sub division , district Khowai ( Tripura) for the welfare of the local people. During the camp, free medical checkups and medicines were provided to villagers.

6. CRPF installed solar street lamps:- On 20th September, 2013, 71-Bn CRPF installed solar street lamps at Atharamura 43 Mile, Khowai, Tripura which was appreciated by the local people of the area.

(C) Civic activities by (SSB) (i) Fire rescue operation by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in On 18th September, 2013, a fire incident took place near BOP Hatichira at Yuksom near district Hqrs Geyzing, West Sikkim approx 1 km away from BOP Hatichira in Chandaney village. Bn personnel soon rushed to the spot after hearing the fire incident and rescued people, their livestock & their property. 12-personnel of 52nd Bn 3. CRPF organised free medical camp:- On 13th September, involved in the salvage work saved precious lives and 2013, 67-Bn CRPF organized “free medical camp” for the property. welfare of the local people of Umsaw village, East Khasi Hills Shri Umesh Dawar ( a House owner) said that district wherein free medical checkups and medicines worth though he lost property worth Rs. 2.00 lakh due to fire Rs. 1 lakh were provided to 344 villagers. but alert SSB personnel saved property worth Rs. 5.00 4. CRPF distributed solar lamps:- On 15th September, 2013, lakhs besides his family members & cattles. Local people 156-Bn CRPF distributed solar lamps to the needy villagers and Media applauded the SSB personnel of BOP Hatichira of Shisubari, Nepalapara, Jaipur and Ouguri in Chirang district that they rated the SSB as the best Disaster management (Assam). DC, Chirang graced the programme as the chief agency of the region. guest. The Chief guest appreciated the good work initiated (ii) SSB observed hindi pakhwara by CRPF to win public confidence and build a long lasting Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) organised Hindi Pakhwara police-public relation. from 2nd September, 2013 to 16th September, 2013 at the

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Sector Headquarter, Gangtok and at 19th Bn, 46th Bn, 52nd Dy. Inspector General, SHQ, SSB Gangtok, in his Bn & its Area Hqrs Sikkim. message appealed to all the SSB personnel to show 16th September, 2013 was observed as Hindi Diwas. their enthusiasm while working in Hindi and perform On the occasion Shri Sanjeev Sharma, Dy. Inspector most of their work in Hindi. He also urged those who General (DIG), Sec. Hqrs Gangtok distributed prizes to the availed training in Hindi language from the Home winners of various competitions organised on the occasion Ministry Central Hindi Prasikshan Sansthan to dedicate of Hindi Pakhwara. Later, addressing the Bn personnel he themselves in Government works interacting with others appealed to SSB personnel to use simple Hindi language in Hindi language and also do their Government works. while working at office since Hindi is the only language of During the Hindi Pakhwara two days Hindi Workshop public relations which is spoken all over India. was also organised.

PROGRAMMES UNDERTAKEN BY MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

1. Training in fruit and vegetables preservation & nutrition CFNEFUs with the objective to disseminate simple measures (F &VP& Nutrition) programmes for general public mainly of nutrition. During the month, following programmes were includes housewives, adolescent girls, members of ogranised conducted:- groups and others. CFNEU, Guwahati:- The Guwahati unit conducted Community Food and Nutrition Extension unit 8-Nutrition Education Programmes, out of which (CFNEU):- Shillong unit of Food and Nutrition Board (FNB), 4-programmes were conducted in Sipajhar block, Muslim eastern region organised one training programme on F &VP Ghopa block of Darang district and rest at Narangi block of & Nutrition for 34 members of organised group of Rilup Kamrup district. 280 people participated in the programme of village, block-Mawryngkneng, district- East Khasi Hills. which 40 belonged to Scheduled Tribe (ST) and 65 Scheduled 2. Monitoring of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs):- The services Caste (SC) households. of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) are rendered CFNEU, Shillong:- CFNEU, Shillong conducted 9 Nutrition from the Anganwadi centres at the community level. Such Education Programmes in Mawkynrew and Mawrynkneng services include distribution of supplementary nutrition to blocks of East Khasi Hills. The programme was attended by the children from 6 months to 6 years, Pregnant & Lactating 209 people from Scheduled Tribe households. women. Other services like growth monitoring for children, immunization etc. are also provided to the beneficiaries. CFNEU, Imphal:- The unit conducted 2 Nutrition During the month of August, 2013, the CFNEUs of the North Education Programmes at Wangoi and Haorang Sabal block Eastern States performed the following activities:- of Imphal West district. Approx. 60 people were covered CFNEU, Guwahati:-Guwahati unit conducted 8 surprise under these awareness programmes. inspections in Darang & Kamrup districts at Sipajhar (Rural) CFNEU, Gangtok:- The unit conducted 7 Nutrition and Noonmati (Rural) block. While conducting the inspection Education programmes on Infant Young Child feeding of the unit it was observed that feeding programmes are practices (IYCF), exclusive breast feeding confidence building being rendered in the Anganwadi Centres (AWCs). in mothers and creating breast feeding support environment CFNEU, Shillong:- The unit undertook 5 surprise around the mother. Importance of breast feeding upto inspections at Mawkynrew block of East Khasi Hills district. 2nd year and child growth was discussed in the nutrition CFNEU, Imphal:- The Imphal unit conducted 5 surprise education session. About 141 women participated in the inspections at Haorang Sabal & Wangoi blocks of Imphal programme of which 22 belonged to Scheduled Caste and West district. 119 to Scheduled Tribe population. CFNEU, Gangtok:- During the month of August, CFNEU, Itanagar:- The unit conducted 8-Nutrition 2013, CFNEU, Gangtok conducted 7 surprise inspections at Education Programmes at Papunala- I & II AWC of Naharlagun Namchi, Gangtok Rural and Mangam Tribal (Integrated Child Block. Approx 74 women from Scheduled Tribe population Development Services) ICDS Projects. While conducting the participated in the awareness programme. inspection the regularity, the quality of food, the acceptability 4. Orientation Training Courses (OTC) for field level of food stuff, hygiene & sanitation of the centres were functionaries of ICDS and others:- checked. CFNEU, Guwahati:- Guwahati Unit organised CFNEU, Itanagar:- Itanagar unit conducted 8 surprise inspections in Naharlagun ICDS project of Papumpare one orientation training course for 30-grass-root level district. While conducting the inspections the unit-in-charge functionaries of Guwahati block, Kamrup district. Various conducted the nutrition awareness session in the AWCs. aspects of nutrition were discussed by the eminent experts to prevent malnutrition. 3. Nutrition Education Programme conducted in Rural/ Urban/Tribal areas:- In addition to surprise inspections, CFNEU, Shillong:- The unit conducted one orientation nutrition education programmes were also conducted by the training course for 30 participants.

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CFNEU, Imphal:- The unit conducted 3 orientation CFNEU, Gangtok:- The unit organised one training courses for 90 grass root level functionaries at orientation training course on IYCF for 30 beneficiaries at Wangoi & Sawombung blocks of Imphal West & Imphal East Kharkagaon, Singtam ICDS, East Sikkim w.e.f. 26.7.2013 districts. to 27.7.2013.

Funds Released to North Eastern Region (NER) under ICDS Scheme for the year 2013-14 upto 31.8.2013 Rs. In Lakhs Sl. STATE ICDS SNP Training Total NO. (Gen.) released 1. 4576.18 2489.09 46.22 7111.49 2. Assam 28590.55 30598.38 617.84 59806.77 3. Manipur 5333.16 4449.10 61.74 9844.00 4. 2743.69 5162.67 13.40 7919.76 5. Mizoram 1588.34 2111.40 12.17 3711.91 6. Nagaland 2901.30 3445.56 43.02 6389.88 7. Sikkim 811.35 587.68 15.22 1414.25 8. Tripura 5296.06 4000.16 43.44 9339.66 Total 51840.63 52844.04 853.05 105537.72

PROGRAMMES UNDERTAKEN BY MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

1. Aquifer Mapping areas and so far, 3 exploratory wells have been drilled in Under Aquifer mapping programme in North Eastern region, Kamrup district & a total of 13 wells have been completed sub-surface hydrogeological data has been generated by in alluvial areas of Jorhat, Goalpara and Kamrup districts of Assam and in the hard rock areas of Meghalaya. way of interpreting 13 VES conducted in Kamrup districts of Assam. Groundwater exploration has been taken up in the 4. Other activities like seminar/lectures/meeting study areas and so far, 3 exploratory wells have been drilled Hindi Pakhwara (Hindi week) was celebrated in the Regional in Kamrup district and 13 wells have been completed in office of NER and unit offices of Shillong, Agartala & Naharlagun alluvial areas of Jorhat and Goalpara and Kamrup districts of during second and third week of September, 2013. Assam and in the hard rock areas of Meghalaya. Dr. M. A. Farooqui, Scientist-B (SUO,Shillong) participated 2. Participatory Ground Water Monitoring and presented a paper entitled “Ground Water Potential in th Under participatory ground water monitoring, 73 wells are virgin area of Western Meghalaya,” in the 40 International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH-2013) at Perth, Australia being monitored by observers, of which 48 are in Assam, 7 in th th Arunachal Pradesh, 9 in Meghalaya & 9 in Tripura. during 15 – 20 September, 2013. Sh. Biplap Ray, Scientist-C & Sh. D. Khanikkar, AHG 3. Ground Water Exploration through departmental rigs presented Interim report of Aquifer mapping for Jorhat – Groundwater exploration has been taken up in the study Golaghat area (F.S.P.2012-13) at CHQ, Faridabad.

ELECTRONIC EYE FOR KAZIRANGA The Central Government has released Rs. 3 crore for would then be visualized through high resolution electronic the installation of an electronic eye project in the Kaziranga system. Eight towers would be installed along the 120 kms National Park (KNP). The installation of the electronic eye stretch of the KNP in the current financial year in the first system would make it easier for forest officials to detect phase. The towers would be installed at identified locations. human movement even inside the dense forests. The The electronic eye has already been installed at the Corbett system would capture the heat of the human body which National Park.

ADULT TIGERS SUCCESSFULLY SHIFTED TO ITANAGAR BIOLOGICAL PARK

In an important rehabilitation effort, two sub adult were then kept at the Mini Zoo in Roing until they became Royal Bengal tigers, were safely shifted from Mini Zoo- sub-adults and required more spacious accommodation. Roing in Arunachal Pradesh to Biological Park, Itanagar. The 32 hour operation by road and boat was carried out by The two tigers, whose mother was believed to have been Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department and National Tiger killed, were rescued as young cubs from the Angrim village Conservation Authority (NTCA), with assistance from the in Dibang wild life sanctuary in December last year. They IFAW-WTI team.

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TELECOM SERVICES IN NE STATES TO GET A BOOST All presently uncovered villages in the North East will systems. It is also proposed that all block headquarters would be get Village Public Telephones (VPTs) by March, 2014, as per a linked by broadband by July, 2014. In addition, National Optical proposal of the Central Government. About 1564 Digital Satellite Fibre Network (NOFN) project has proposed to complete the Phone Terminals (DSPTs) would be installed along with other first phase by March, 2014, second phase by March, 2015 and technology options as per the proposal. A directory of installed the last phase by September, 2015. Thus, all Panchayats and VPTs would be provided to the State Governments to integrate Village Councils would be provided broadband coverage by the VPTs into the Disaster Management Communication September, 2015.

NE STATES TO BE LINKED TO TRANS-ASIA RAILWAY NETWORK It is proposed to link the states of NE region with the and Bangkok in Thailand and ends in Kapikule in Bulgaria. The TARN (Trans-Asian Railway Network). A track of 118-kms distance between Bangkok and Kapikule is 11,460 kms and would be laid between Imphal and border towns of Moreh and will provide Trans-Continental connectivity to China, Thailand, Tamu in Myanmar. Another 237 km route from Jawahar Nagar Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Iran and Turkey. As per in Tripura to Northern Mizoram’s Kolashib and Myanmar’s Vision-2020 prepared by the North Eastern Council, the NFR Darlon would be laid. The proposed TARN covers 80,900 would connect all the North East State capitals by 2020. The kms or rail lines including 22,600 kms in South Asia, Iran and link would be North Eastern States, gateway to the South East Turkey. The southern corridor begins in Kumming in China Asian countries.

READERS COLUMN

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

LETTERS TO EDITOR

Respected in charge of NE Newsletter, I Sir I want to subscribe hard copy of NE It is a great pleasure of mine reading had been downloading and reading NE Newslet- Newsletter. Kindly send the copies to the your esteem NE Newsletter from time to ter since last year, as I am posted in Shillong as below mentioned address. I would be highly time in the department of the university. Security Force Officer, so I want to subscribe NE grateful to you:- I would like to receive a free copy of NE Newsletter so that I need not to download by Sd/- Newsletter at the address given below:- visiting MHA website every month. Kumar Shivam, Sd/- Sd/- C/o Jai Prakash Gupta, Mung Neihsial, Vikash Kumar, M/s Prakash Bhandar, Hmuia Veng, Tedim Road, Asst. Comdt., R.N.T. Road, Hojai, Lamka, 8 Bn BSF, MHA, Distt- Nagaon, Churachandpur-795128, Shillong Assam P.O. Box-112, Manipur

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