Quit deadline over, Myanmar may take action against Indian rebels

Jun 13, 2012, 07.15AM IST

GUWAHATI: Two days after the lapse of the deadline given to Indian insurgent groups(IIGs) by the Myanmarese government to leave the neighbouring country, army personnel have been positioned in close proximity of the rebels' camps, but there is no report of any militants fleeing across the border to India.

"The Myanmarese army has positioned itself close to the camps of IIGs at Taga and other places but everything is as usual. There are more than 3,000 cadres of IIGs in Myanmar and there have been no reports of any of these groups moving to India, though there is pressure on the Meitei outfits," a top security source said.

Soon after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Myanmar last month, the Myanmarese government asked IIGs, particularly the Manipuri outfits, to leave the country by June 10. Union home minister P Chidambaram appreciated Myanmar's positive response and expressed hope that the neighbouring country would hand over arrested Indian militants to India.

It now appears that the June 10 deadline was given by NSCN(K) supremo S S Khaplang to four Manipuri outfits — UNLF, Prepak, PLA and KYKL. "There is certain pressure on the outfits of Manipur. Even Khaplang is under pressure from the Centre to withdraw his support from all the other IIGs, particularly the Meitei outfits," the source said.

The NSCN(K), which has a ceasefire agreement with the Centre, on April 9 signed a parallel five-point ceasefire agreement with the Myanmarese government at Khamti in Sagaing division. The NSCN(K) has also opened a liaison office at Khamti, an act that has not gone down well with the Centre.

The NSCN(K) calls the shots as far as giving shelter to other IIGs in Myanmar is concerned. The NDFB, Ulfa and Meitei groups have set up their hideouts in Myanmar with support and help of the NSCN(K).

"For all these years, the IIGs having been staying in Myanmar and it could not have been possible without some kind of understanding with the Myanmarese army and its intelligence. We know for sure that the Meitei groups and other IIGs have been paying money to the Myanmarese army and intelligence through the NSCN(K). So, whatever is happening now is feared to be just a cosmetic venture. Six months ago, the Myanmarese army had closed in on camps of IIGs, but without firing a single shot, the army withdrew from its position. The same thing is happening now," the source said. (~TOI)

Scientist from Manipur accuses colleagues of racial discrimination in Delhi

New Delhi, May 8, 2012: A forensic scientist hailing from the northeast region has accused his colleagues in Delhi's prestigious Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) of racial discrimination .

Upset by the alleged racial slurs he suffered at work, the senior scientific officer from Manipur -- C.P. Singh -- has filed a defamation case against his colleagues. The CFSL assistant director has accused 16 of his colleagues of bullying him and openly calling him "Chinky Owl" and "Ching Chong" at work.

The officer, who works at the physics department of FSL and is an expert in voice identification techniques, alleged that these colleagues regularly gang up against him, pour scorn on him and ridicule him in public, frequently using racial slurs to demean him.

Singh felt that his protest at being passed over for a promotion resulted in the open racism at work.

Headlines Today contacted CFSL director Devender Singh, who promised to investigate the matter and take action against the responsible employees.

~indiatoday.in

Biennial Conference of NEICCYA 2012- Report

Shillong: The 14^th Biennial Conference of the North East India Christian Council Youth Assembly (NEICCYA) was recently held during 20^th-22^nd April 2012 at the Church of God (Meghalaya & Assam), Qualapatty, Shillong, Meghalaya. Out of the 42 affiliated churches and para-churches, 25 units could take part, and altogether more than 300 delegates took part in the conference from within Shillong and outside. The theme of the conference was “Be an Example” (I Tim. 4:12). The 15^th Biennial Conference, 2014 will be hosted by the Evangelical Church of Maraland, Saiha, South Mizoram.

The newly elected Office Bearers for the term 2012-2014 are:

President  - Rev. Jessai L. Neitham, Evangelical Free Churchof India, Shillong

Vice-President - Mr. T. Lalhlimpuia, Baptist Churchof Mizoram, Lunglei

Secretary - Dr. C. Lalliansanga, Mizoram Presbyterian Church Synod, Aizawl

Assistant Secretary - Mr. Hrangthanmawia, Salvation Army Youth, Aizawl

Treasurer - Mr. Samuel Dkhar, Church of God (M&A), Shillong

Finance Secretary  - Rev. Amminot T. Sohliya, KJP Synod Sepngi, Shillong

Executive Committee Members:

1. Ms. Ellen Hlycho, EvangelicalChurchof Maraland, Saiha, Mizoram


2. Mr. V.L. Ruatkima, Cachar Hill Tribes Synod, Haflong, Assam


3. Rev. Eleazar B. Sanglyne, KJP Synod Mihngi, Shillong


4. Rev. B.B. Markhap, Ribhoi Synod, Nongpoh


5. Mr. Bipul Kumar Kongari, GossnerEvangelicalLutheranChurch, Tezpur, Assam


6. Mr. T. Thangkhogin Haokip, Manipur Presbyterian Church Synod, Churachandpur


7. Mr. Lalrinchhana Thiaite, Biateram Synod, Haflong, Assam

Ex-Officio Member   : Rev. R. Lalnunzira, Secretary NEICC, Shillong

Moreover, two more events of the NEICC will be taking place in the coming weeks.

1. 10^th Biennial Assembly of the NEICC Women Assembly (NEICCWA) will be held during 3^rd-6^th May 2012 at Nongpoh Presbyterian Church, Ribhoi District, Meghalaya.

2. 75^thNEICC Annual Session-cum-Platinum Jubilee Celebration will be held during 17^th-20^th May 2012 to be hosted by KJP Synod Mihngi at Rymbai Presbyterian Church, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya.

 

*NEICCYA is a youth unit of Churches in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura

Report by Rev. Jessai L. Neitham

HC tells Delhi cops not to harass NE people

[caption id="attachment_8201" align="alignleft" width="410" caption="A Tibetan exile is detained by police during the protest in Delhi (Reuters)"][/caption]

NEW DELHI, Mar 29: The Delhi high court on Thursday directed the Delhi Police not to harass people from the Northeast and Ladakh because of their facial similarity with Tibetans who have been protesting the visit of China President Hu Jintao.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice AK Sikri and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw also directed the city police to shift Tibetans, who are being lodged in Tihar Jail and police station, to Ambedkar Bhawan where nearly 200 people have been detained by the police for being Tibetan protesters. Appointing a team of five lawyers to meet the detained persons and determine their genuineness, the bench said: “We permit the team of lawyers to meet those persons who were arrested and lodged in Tihar Jail or detained in the police station to find out whether they are from Tibet or Northeast India and Ladakh.”

The court’s order came after advocate Arun Asthana brought to the court’s notice that “The Delhi police is harassing people from the Northeast and Ladakh as they look like Tibetans which is violative of their personal liberty.” He further submitted that the Delhi police has made Northeasterners or Ladakhis’ life miserable for last two days. “It is the duty of police not to harass people in the name of maintaining law and order in the city,” the bench observed, however declining to restrain city police from detaining Tibetan protesters in lieu of maintaining the law and order situation in the city.

Delhi Police told the court that an order of the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) passed March 27 under the Foreigners’ Act to detain Tibetans who did not have genuine identity proof and were involved in the protest. It was further submitted by the police that 197 people have been picked up from Delhi and kept at Ambedkar Bhawan till March 30 because of BRICS summit and after the international convention, they will be free.

~TSE

Now Bodos demand a separate state

Guwahati: With growing intolerance and unrest minds among the youths of the country, demand for creating smaller states is growing day by day. Recently Uttar Pradesh Assembly has adopted a resolution to divide the state into four parts namely, Purvanchal, Avadh Pradesh, Paschim Pradesh and Bundelkhand. It is realized that this situation has attained importance because of the regional disparity in growth, discrimination in all rights and privileges and sense of insecurity at the individual and community level. Most of the Indian states are politically insurmountable state of affairs to all fronts especially in respect of political and economic fields. There are imbalances and unmanageable equal distribution of wealth and properties. From the law and order point of view each and every state of the country is facing the problems of unemployment, militancy and insurgency. In the Northeastern region almost all the communities feel the pinch of this disparity.



The Central government is not likely to support creation of more smaller states at present. Economic viability for new states is a vital point to be seen before taking any such decision in this respect. Demand for creation of Telangana and a silent announcement for its creation by the Centre, has enlightened the hopes of getting an identity and justice to other communities. Moreover, Telangana, Rayalaseema, Gorkhaland, Vidarbha, Saurashtra, Mithilanchal, Kamatapur, Greater Nagaland and a few more states are waiting for their turn.

In the Northeastern region movements are spearheaded by student organizations. Movement for creation of a separate state of Bodoland is getting momentum. All Bodo Students Union(ABSU)has taken leading part in the movement. Although the Bodos have got an autonomy in the shape of Bodoland Territorial Council, they feel it is not enough to achieve the goal of development. Twice the agreements were signed in 1993 and 2003, but both the agreements failed to achieve Bodoland on the pretext that the Central government did not have policy to create new states during that period. Irony of the fact, ABSU quotes, was that the nation created three more new states, namely, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh in 2000 and now the case of Telangana is under consideration.

ABSU feels that the smaller states are only answer to the problem of militancy and insurgency. The organization has sent memorandum to the Prime Minister of India, demanding solution to Bodo problems. It has mentioned that Bodo is a distinct tribe in the country with distinct language, culture and tradition. They have the history of independent living since the period of their kings and kingdom in Maibang-Cachar of present North Cachar Hills and undivided district of Darrang, Kamrup, Goalpara and also Cooch-Behar of present Paschim Banga.

The language and cultural conflict between present dominant group of people and Bodos resulted physical confrontation and movement in many times in the past. In 1828, before the Simon Commission the then leaders of the plains tribal, mainly Bodos had demanded for separate electorate to maintain their political entity separately from the dominant ruling group of the people in Assam. Even now, there is cumulative impact of this conflict in the entire social and political life. The successive ruling powers in Assam always fail to treat other languages and culture with equal respect and status. During the first part of the 20th Century the process of cultural alienation of Bodos to Assamese began, but now, every tribal  group of Assam are on the process of alienation to the so-called Assamese. The concept of and spirit of co-existence could not work due to suppressive and oppressive mindset of the ruling clique in the past and at present too.  in the present democratic milieu, which is more possessive than the inclusive. The discrimination and deprivation from the ruling party have pushed all ethnic groups to seek for autonomy for their existence. The political hegemony of ruling community had divided the composite society of the Assam on the line of ethnicity, community and cultural affinity, ABSU has alleged.

~AssamTimes

Nine militant groups including HPC (D) surrender arms in Assam

Guwahati: From guns to roses, life for close to 700 militants from nine separatist groups in Assam turned full circle Tuesday when they laid down arms to join the mainstream in the presence of union Home Minister P Chidambaram.

In one of northeast India's biggest surrender ceremonies in Assam's main city of Guwahati, a total of 676 militants laid down weapons and in return received roses from the Home Minister.

"Leave the past behind and look at the future positively. We assure that each one of you would be treated equally and be able to lead a life of dignity and honour," Chidambaram said.

The nine groups are part of two major ethnic groups - the tribal Kukis in eastern Assam and the Adivasis inhabiting the northern and western parts of Assam.

Among the major groups that surrendered were the Kuki Revolutionary Army, the Hmar People's Convention, the Birsa Commando Force, and the Adivasi Cobra Militant of Assam.



All the nine militant groups are already observing ceasefires with the government, although formal peace talks are yet to begin. Most of these groups were either fighting for secession, or some for greater autonomy.

"We have realised the futility of an armed struggle and decided to join the mainstream with the sincere hope that our grievances could be resolved through negotiations with the government," Javerez Khaka, chairman of the Adivasi Cobra Militant of Assam, told a news agency soon after laying down arms.

Donning camouflage fatigues and bandanas, most of the militants recounted the hard life in the jungles and their acts of violence.

"Life was hard in the jungles and at times we regret when our attacks leads to loss of lives of innocent civilians," a battle hardened Kuki rebel said requesting not to be named.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, senior army, police, and civil officials, were also present at the surrender ceremony.

"This could be the beginning of a new dawn of peace and hope in Assam. Surely today is a historic day for Assam and we hope a few more factions opposed to the peace process also realise the futility of an armed struggle and join the mainstream," the chief minister told the agency.

Barring the anti-talk faction of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) led by the elusive commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah, almost all the influential rebel groups in Assam are now either holding talks with the government or in peace mode.

"Now almost all the militant groups operating in Assam have joined the mainstream and just a few factions are only active," Khagen Sharma, chief of the Assam police Special Branch, said.

According to plans, the government would lodge these militants in designated camps until peace accords are signed with the government following formal talks.

~IANS

Nagaland tense NSCN factional feud intensifies

[caption id="attachment_6563" align="alignleft" width="370" caption="Image: Onlookindia"][/caption]

DIMAPUR, Jan 23: Nagaland continues to be tense with the factional feud between NSCN (Khaplang) and NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) intensifying during the past few days.

The turf war which start-ed in Dimapur in December last year shifted to Zunhe-boto, the hometown of Ki- tovi Zhimomi, the general secretary of NSCN (Khole-Kitovi), and then to Athi- bung where NSCN (Khaplang) over-ran the de-signated camp of its rival faction last week.

In a renewed spate of violence, the two rival NSCN groups clashed at Zunheboto where one ca-dre of the Khole-Kitovi group was critically injured, while in another skirmish in Kohima, an NSCN(K) commander and his son were injured.

In Zunheboto, NSCN (K) cadres reportedly attacked the residence of Kitovi Zhi-momi, Ato Kilonser of NSCN (Khole-Kitovi), at Amiphoto Colony in the wee hours of Sunday and also later in the afternoon. Hokugha, political organi-zer (PO) of the group, hai- ling from Melahumi village in Sumi region was critically injured in the attack.

According to the Khole-Kitovi group, four armed ca- dres of NSCN (K) attacked Hokugha while he was alighting from his vehicle near Shotomi village. He was critically injured in the gunfire.

In another incident at Kohima Saturday evening, the town commander of NSCN (K), ‘SS’ Maj Kive-khu and his son, Tovito, were injured when suspec-ted armed cadres of NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) fired at them near the Community Hall of Forest Colony at around 6:00 pm. The firing continued for nearly 10 minutes. While Tovito sustained injuries on his shoulder, Kive- khu has been admitted to the ICU with stomach injuries.

Sources said Kivekhu’s daughter, who was also in the vehicle, escaped unhar-med.

Security has been beef-ed up across the state to prevent further escalation of factional clashes, police sources said. Police and the Assam Rifles have been pressed into service to prevent movement of armed cadres and to ensure that the Ceasefire Ground Rules are adhered to, sources said. AR personnel are to be deployed near NSCN-designated camps.

Meanwhile, with the increase in inter-factional rivalry in the state resulting in firing and disturbing the peace of populated areas, the IGAR (N) has assured the general populace that security forces would be deployed around the designated camps of the two fac- tions to deter unauthorized movement of armed cadres to and from the camps.

A press release issued by IGAR (N) said the security forces would carry out spot-checking in the region to protect innocent civilians. The aim of the security forces is to defer the unauthorized move of armed ca- dres from the designated camps, the release said. The IGAR (N) sought the cooperation of the common peo- ple and also appealed to all NGOs, civil societies, Naga Hohos and the Church to ensure that good sense prevails among the Nagas.

~TSE

12 NE ultra outfits give boycott call

GUWAHATI, Jan 21 – Twelve militant outfits of the North East region have given a call to the people to boycott the Republic Day celebrations as a mark of “resistance against Indian occupation of the region.”

The militant outfits have also called upon the people to observe general shut down from 1 am to 5.30 pm on January 26. The release said that during the hours, all trade and commercial activities, all forms of public entertainment and all forms of public and private transportation should not operate in the region. However, emergency services, essential services, media and religious activities have been exempted from the strike.

The joint statement said that the Republic Day celebration legitimizes the colonialoppression of the North East region by India. As the people of the North East are not Indians, there is no reason for celebration of the Republic Day. “We have every right andreason to fight against and overthrow the Indian colonial regime to regain our lost sovereignty and independence,” the statement added.

The statement further said that a spontaneous boycott of the Republic day would force India to realize the truth and withdraw itself from the North East.

The joint statement has been issued by the hard line faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), Coordination Committee of Manipur’s seven parties (CorCom), HNLC of Meghalaya, Kamatapur Liberation Organization (KLO), National Liberation Front of Twipra (NLFT) and Tripura People’s Democratic Front (TPDF).

The statement also proved that the Manipur based militant groups have joined hands to form a coordination committee and efforts are also on by the militant groups of the NorthEast to come into a common platform. In the joint statement, the militant groups also made it clear that united struggle is the key to their success. They further said that they would unite to overthrow the Indian colonial rule.

~The Assam Tribune

A Girl from Manipur Raped in Delhi

New Delhi, January 19, 2012: A 20-years-old girl from Manipur was raped last night. Complaint lodged, no action taken by people to arrest the culprit.

North East Support Centre sent a fact finding team after the matter was reported to its office. According to fact finding team, the incident happened between 10 and 11 last night. She was waiting for public transport after she finished her office work at around 8.45 PM at Gurgaon. A man offered her lift to her resident in Mahipalpur. Instead of taking her to Mahipalpur road, the man forcefully took toward Dwarka. She screamed inside the car but man took her to an isolated area in Dwarka sector 20, beaten her, bite on face and raped her repeatedly.  She was left in the place the man run away. She remained unconscious till 11 PM and called her friends and her friends rushed to the spot and found her laying in cold, wounded.

The matter was reported to Dwarka Sector 23 Police early morning today, complaint lodged, not converted in FIR. The Debit Card of the rapist was found from the place, where crime took place. Police informed the victim and her friends that the rapist will be arrested within two minutes. Unfortunately, FIR is not registered and no action to nab the culprit taken by the concern police station until filing of this report.

The crime against women, particularly North East Indian girls and women is not controlled. North East Support Centre & Helpline appeals to Delhi Police Commissioner to take action against police officers responsible for delay in taking action to nab the culprit.

Victim hailed from Churachandpur district in Manipur. She came to Delhi in 2010 and working in a spa centre at Gurgaon.

North East Support Centre & Helpline (www.nehelpline.net) is combined initiative of various human rights activists, social workers, students, journalists and lawyers seeking to prevent harassment and abuses meted out to women, North East People and tribal communities of different states.

(Source: North East Support Centre & Helpline (www.nehelpline.net) Image:choosingchildren.wordpress.com)

A chunga NE Helpline in Press Release a hung thaw khi a kim rak naw lei'n Pu Lalchungsien Thlawngate in SinlengNews (Facebook Group) a ahung post ahnuoia hung belsa a nih.

Nunghaknu hin kar hmasa khan a sin a zawm thar chau a ni leiin a office fena lampui pakhat ti bak chu hmun le hmang la hrechieng bekbek lo a nih. Zan dar 8 lai vela office tin hlak a ni a, ni dang chu Cab amani Bus a hmu remchang hmasa sain a hung inlawi hlak. Motor hienga a nghak lai hin Car pakhatin a umna chen thak dinga a fiel leiin ama khawmin ngai thatnawna iengkhawm nei chuong lovin a lo zui ve tawp el a nih.

Iemanichen an tlan hnung le an in lampui ani ta naw ti a hrietin phone a inthawkin a pute a hung hril nghal a, amachun an umna hmun a zuk hril thei el naw leiin vaipa chu a phone a pek a, a pute chun vaipa khawm chu khawlam an umna hmun tiin a zuk indawn nghe nghe. Sienkhawm vaipa chun khel a lo hril pek dai kha a lo ni a.

Chu hnung sawtnawte hmun fienriel an tlung chun vaipa chun ka zun a suok tiin motor a sukchawl a, ama khawm chu suok ve dingin a hril bawk a. A zuk suok le inruolin motor number chu enin phoneah save a tum a. Chuphingle vai pa chun a phone an chupui a, la pekin a de hawn a nih. Chutaka inthawk chun an inkeibuoi ta nghal a ni awm. Nunghaknu khawm a theitawpin a thang ve leiin kuttum khawm a tuor pha reng bawk. A mit lai a duka, a hmai an vung bawk, a hner khawm a se pawpna zantieng chen khawm khan a la'n bawk lul zing.

Vaipa hin a kekawr khawm a hlip pek hman a, sienkhawm an ringnaw lai tak intal suokin sa himna ding a ni phawt le tiin kekawr bovin a tlan a, hi lei hin a malpui a hai hling le hmawl zumin a lo zietna hmun iemanizat a pawp a ni awm. Hmun pakhata hlo buk lai an bi a, vai pa'n chun a hung hmu el tanaw phing chun motorah inhmaw deua lutin a zamsan ta a nih.

Vai pa fe liem hnung chun a kekawr hai a van khawm nawka chuonga hung insiem felin a khatin lampui a hung paw a, lampui a chun naupangte unau 2 hmuin an in tieng fena ding an dawn a. Naupang hai hin thataka lo thangpuiin taxi pakhat an biek puia chu taxi chun ama khatin In a hung tlung a nih. Report thenkhatah khawmuol hrelo a a um lai va hmusuok ti kha chu an dik nawh. Naupang hai phone hi hmang pekin, phone number a by-heart sun Churachandpur a a Nu a phone a, sienkhawm hilai hun hi zan dar 11 vel kha a ni ta leiin a phone an pick up nawh.

Car sunga an chuonglai ina a pute kuomah an umna hmun chin a hriet tanaw tia a hril zo khan a pute chun Police Helpline a lo ko ve nghal kha a ni a, nunghak-nu inah a hung tlung zo sawtnawte chun Police hai khawm an hung tlung ve nghal. Police haiin Safdarjung Hospitalah check-up dingin an thuoia, zingtieng dar 2 vel chen an um hnungin Crime thawna hmun chu hriet tumin, Car a chuong tanna a inthawk a van tan nawkin dam ten an fena lampui nia an hrietna tiengtieng an hung zui tha nawk a, chuonga an invel invel sung chun khuo khawm an var pha der.

Khuo var hnung chun Veng tienga a nu kuomah zana missed call hung thawna number kha hung thawn dingin an zuk hril a, a number hung thawn chu an zuk call chun a lo thangpuitu naupangte pahni hai kha an zuk biek paw ta a, anni chun an inhmuna hmun thataka hril pekin a hmun chen Police hai chu an thuoi a, chu hmuna inthawk chun a nunghaknu chun vai pa le an buoina hmun chu a tlungpui thei nawk ta a nih.

Zing dar 8 vel an ta a, Police hai khawm DCP rawiin tamtak an hung bum. A hmun lai chun document (clue) iem hmu thei a um tiin nasatakin an zawng a, nunghaknu phone, vai pa pheikhawk le ATM Card pahni an hmu. ATM Card a inthawk hin vai pa chu an hung sui dawk ta pei a nih.

Vai pa hming hi 'Anuj Saini' a ni a, kum 40 mi vel, company pakhat a Executive sinthaw niin an hril. A phone number chu 9891874890 a ni a, Gurgaon a um, nuhmei khawm nei ta a nih. Police hai chun darkar 2 sunga man nghal thei an inbeisei a ni a, sienkhawm ama hi a lo inbi hman leiin tu chen hin man a la ni nawh. Police hai hi team dangdang a insiemin a sung le kuo ni awm a an hriet hai an dap pei.

Dwarka Sector 23 Thana ah FIR thaw a ni a, vawisun sunnitlak hi hmun a hin nunghak tlangval um khawm a ni a, In tienga inlawi a chawl hadam thil tha lem nia hriet leiin zan dar 9 lai khan tin dar a nih.

Chun pakhat, Pu C.Zorammuana IPS khawm zantieng khan Police Thana a hin a hung a, a thei angangin a mi thangpui. Ama zar lei khawmin uksak ei hlaw hle, lawm a um tak zet. Pu Zorammuana hin ei nunghaknu hi an In (ni lo deu) a umna dinga hmun kan i ruot pakhatah ama car ngeiin a va thak ta a nih.

Zingah Police haiin Media hai ko khawm dinga riruong an siem kha, nunghaknu hi nasatakin a taksa a chau ta a, zinga chu a zo ring a um naw leiin zingnawk a nei lem dinga inrempui a nih.

Chun a tawpna taka dingin: Zani zana inthawk, then lem chu zan bu khawm fa hman lo, tlawmngai a ei nunghaknu khawvar zaka zuitu le vawisun sunnitlaka buoipuitu hai Tv. Joseph Lalramlien Joute, Sung.F. Kholum (Val upa), Lalkhawnvar (Val Upa) Tv. James Tonsing, Nk.Marina(Nute-i) le Nk.Lalthangpui hai inpak an um khawp el. Anni baka nunghak le tlangval thlasak khaw dei hnuoi a mi 30 vel zet hung khawm hai khawm khan thla an suk muong hle a nih. Chun ei nunghaknu hi mi nunnem tak el, Pa nei ta lo, Correspondence course a BA 2nd year inchuklai, inruithei iengkhawm thaw ngailo a nih ti ka la zuk belsa nawk hram.

Picture:
(1) Nunghaknu pheikhawk bun. Hieng anga bal thei chu, nasatakin thang a khaw ve a nih ti a chieng.
(2) Vai pa lim ngei chu. Idea SIM an chawkna a a thlalak.

Mizo CM gets taekwondo black belt

GUWAHAT:In what has been seen as a rare appreciation to his love for sports, the South Korean government has conferred the black belt degree in taekwondo to Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla.

Master Lee Jeong Hee, a general sports manager under the embassy of Republic of Korea in Delhi conferred the honorary belt to 73-year oldchief minister on behalf of the Kukkiwon, World Taekwondo Federation.
It is significant that before Mr Lal Thanhawla, the federation had conferred this honorary degree to only one Indian — Shah Rukh Khan.

In an obvious attempt to promote taekwondo in India, the South Korean government however intends to confer honorary black belt to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and general secretary Rahul Gandhi also.
Disclosing this to reporters at Aizawl, the renowned taekwondo teacher and sports manager of Korean embassy Master Lee Jeong Hee said,

“Mizos, who have similar physical features with Koreans, have the capabilities to be globally-known in this form of martial arts.”
Master Lee, a sixth-dan blackbelt in taekwondo, sent to promote taekwondo in India by World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and South Korea government, is in Mizoram to coach Mizo taekwondo fighters for six days, starting from Sunday.

~MANOJ ANAND, Age Correspondent(The Asian Age)

Nine insurgent groups including HPC (D) to lay down arms in Assam

In Assam, nine militant outfits actively involved in underground activities in the State will lay down arms before the Republic Day on 26th of this month.

[caption id="attachment_6327" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="Image:manipuronline"][/caption]

This was disclosed by the State Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at a press conference in Dispur today. The outfits include-five Adivasi and three Kuki underground groups besides Hmar Peoples Convention (HPC). These outfits have already declared unilateral ceasefire expressing desire to sit for peace talks with the Government to settle their issues amicably.

Rejecting the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) outfit’s demand for creation of a separate ‘Bodoland State’, the Chief Minister stated that territorial integrity will not be allowed to be disturbed while negotiating with the militant outfits. He mentioned that talks with three militant outfits-Karbi Longri N.C.Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF) and two factions of Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) are in the final stage for signing formal agreement.

~newsonair(DD)

Bus mishap in Kohima: Death toll 10, 33 injured

DIMAPUR, JAN 5 (NPN) (Staff Reporter):  The death toll in Wednesday night’s bus accident rose to ten while the number of injured rose to 33, many of them in critical condition.

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As reported in Nagaland Post on Thursday, the bus carrying passengers from Imphal to Shillong plunged down a deep gorge at around 9.45 p.m.(near Piphema) after it reportedly developed brake failure.

Sources said the Network Rajdhani bus(MN-01-1833), carrying over 40 passengers skidded off the road then rolled down a few hundred feet below and some trees prevented it from going down further before turning turtle.

Rescue team of Dimapur Traffic and Medziphema police rushed to the spot and on Wednesday night and retrieved  three bodies.Several of the injured were rushed to Medziphema hospital while 16 were taken to Dimapur Civil Hospital by a CRPF ambulance.
Rescue efforts continued till early morning.

One of the injured passengers, S.L.Haothang(30) of the CRPF told Nagaland Post that the driver suddenly shouted “brake fail” and the next moment it plunged down the deep gorge.

Yaiphaba from Mayang Imphal said he was asleep on the last row when he suddenly felt a big shudder.When he woke up, Yaiphaba said the bus had turned turtle but he miraculously escaped with a minor cut on the head.

According to Traffic police sources, the cause of the fatal accident could have been “mechanical failure”.
Major rescue operations were conducted by Piphema youth organization, general council Piphema, Piphema women organization and 20 Assam Rifles (AR) ‘D’ Coy, according to Balie Angami, OC Traffic, Dimapur.

DSP Traffic I Rongsen said the timely and tireless help rendered by Phiphema villagers, AR and other volunteers saved many lives.
The mangled bus body was yet to be retrieved as more recovery vans were needed to hoist it up. Police said recovery would be done Friday at around 4 a.m. when traffic would be thin.

Traffic sources said an injured passenger said the driver of the bus managed to escape could not be confirmed. The bus owner was expected at Dimapur for investigation.

DSP Traffic Rongsen said  the dead bodies were put in coffins provided by the Dimapur district administration and handed over to relatives to be taken to their respective native places.

Dimapur Traffic sources said one woman, who was seriously injured refused to be taken to hospital as she continued to search for her missing daughter.  She later succumbed to her injuries even before reaching the hospital at Dimapur.

Two infants traveling with their aunty, miraculously escaped injuries.Another traumatized female child, who got separated from her father, was finally reunited with him at the Dimapur Civil Hospital Thursday.

Besides the district officials, Chumukedima town council advisors, Dimapur municipal council advisors, Dimapur Naga women hoho and Kuki welfare community Dimapur were also present at the hospital.

List of casualties
Police identified the dead as- Md. Bahao Uddin Mosa (M), s/o Md. Hesamuddin from Churapur Makha Leikai, Thoubal district; Thenching Kuki (F) of Songel village from Churachandpur district;  L. Lhungkhojang (M) of Loiloi Phai from Churachandpur district;  Hahat Kuki (F) of Bongbal Khulen from Kangpokpi Sardar Hills; Moirangthem Kumarjeet (M), s/o M. Shangai Singh of Kakching from Thoubal district; Gailatou Thaimai (M-27), s/o Paimeinga Paimai of Thoubal district;  Karunangeliu (F-55) w/o Guanghiim, Merryland ward-9 from Tamenglong district;  Chingkhoneng Kuki (F) of Molmom village from Sadar Hills;  Md. Rafiuddin (M-46) s/o Md Rafiba of Lilong Ushoipokpi Samongsang of Lilong and Lhaichin Kuki (F) of Molpaphai Sugnu from Churachandpur district.

CM condoles; ex-gratia for victims
Expressing deep pain over the tragic bus accident that claimed ten lives and injuring over 30 other co-passengers Wednesday night, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio Thursday announced cash relief of Rs.50,000 each to the deceased and Rs.10,000 to those injured to meet “emergency requirements”.

In his condolence message, the chief minister Rio conveyed deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved families and prayed to God Almighty to grant solace and courage to withstand the loss. He also wished speedy recovery to the injured.

Meanwhile, chief minister Neiphiu Rio has acknowledged and lauded the prompt assistance offered by the neighbouring villagers, district administration and the Assam Rifles in the evacuation of the death and injured from the accident site.

~Nagaland Post

CorCom bans Congress party

Imphal, January 04 2012: Charging Ibobi-led Congress party with standing against the people and the freedom movement, the Co-ordination Committee (CorCom) of KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK (Pro), RPF, UNLF and UPPK has announced its decision of banning Congress party indefinitely.

In a statement, the CorCom said that no one should become member or worker of Congress party, no one should contest in the election as candidate of Congress party, no election camp for Congress party should be set up, no election rally or feasting should be organized, no camera meeting and public meeting of Congress party should be organized, no household should hoist the flag of Congress party and no individual or transport association should allow their vehicles to be used by candidates of Congress party.

Anyone who acted against these restrictions would be punished, the statement warned, added that no public movement should be initiated against the campaign being launched by the seven UG groups.

Source: Hueiyen News Service

Election scene hots up in Manipur

 IMPHAL: Hectic election activities are on in Manipur with Manipur unit of Rashtriya Janata Dal (United) move to join pre-poll alliance of Manipur People’s Party(MPP), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)and Janata Dal(U). This move has been made to

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defeat the Congress party in the forthcoming 10th Manipur State Assembly elections scheduled to be held on January 28.

The move by RJD came a few days after the alliance had made an announcement on the 44th foundation day of MPP on December 26. President in-charge of the State unit RJD (United) K Kumarjit informed that the support to the Congress-led Secular Progressive Front(SPF) government has been withdrawn forthwith. The stand of the State unit was taken with the approval of the Central leaders, Kumarjit added.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State unit is yet to announce its formal pre-poll alliance with any like-minded political party.

However, claiming that the ruling Congress party will bag 40-45 Assembly seats in the ensuing election, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh speaking to party workers and supporters on the occasion of the 126th foundation anniversary celebration of the Indian National Congress here on December 28, had once again said that the Congress will forge alliance with like-minded parties to form the next Government.

The Communist Party of India (CPI) has announced the first list of 19 candidates. A second list of candidates may be announced by January 3.

On the other hand, the United Naga Council (UNC) has reportedly decided to openly support the Naga People’s Front (NPF) in the Naga-dominated hill constituencies of Manipur. But Ukhrul Assembly constituency is likely to have a different story, sources claimed. Five out of seven intending candidates in Ukhrul are running for Congress ticket while one each for Trinamool Congress and NPF.

The party-wise position in the last Assembly poll was – INC (30), MPP (5), CPI (4), NCP (4), RJD (3), National People’s Party (3),Trinamool Congress (1), Independent (10). One seat each of Congress, CPI and Independent are lying vacant in Manipur valley due to untimely demise of respective MLAs.

~The Assam Tribune

 

Manipur University 2nd Chancellor appointed

IMPHAL, Dec 17 :  The President of India has appoin- ted Prof Nachane Dillip Madhukar as the second Chancellor of Manipur University for a period of five years with effect from November 4, 2011, MU Senior Public Relations Officer M Saratchandra said in a release.

Prof Madhukar, MA (Eco) and MA (Maths), Ph D, is currently a Professor Emeritus in Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai.

He is also Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Fellow and Honorary Fellow, Institute of South Asian Studies, University of Singapore and Honorary Fellow of Indian School of Political Economy.

He was the Professor of Quantitative Economics (1978-2003), Director of Dept of Economics (1993-99) of University of Mumbai and Director of Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (2007-10).

Biggest ever marriage solemnization for six couples in Dimapur

Ao Baptist Church Dimapur (DABA) conducted its biggest ever marriage solemnization for six couples in Dimapur on Friday. DABA normally conducts multiple weddings each year and this year, it was the biggest ever.  (EP)

All India Tribal Students’ Union Press Release

ALL INDIA TRIBAL STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION, DELHI
(18 years of Striving for Justice and Progress)
6/12A VIJAY NAGAR, DELHI-110009

Date: 15th Dec., 2012

PRESS RELEASE

In commemoration of our 18 years of relentless service for the tribals and the Northeast people and in view of the urgency of public participation for restoring peaceful co-existence in Manipur, the All India Tribal Students’ Association, Delhi (AITSA) with its Manipur Branch will be organising a two day Conference-cum-Seminar on “PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE THROUGH DISTRIBUTION OF STATE RESOURCES IN MANIPUR: Reality or Myth!” on 27th & 28th January, 2012 in Zogal Memorial Hall, Zoveng, Churchandpur, Manipur.

Social Activist and President of the Association, Mr. K. Zou informed that Conference will be inaugurated by the releasing of a booklet dedicated to the patriotic leadership and integrity of Pu (L) Yangmasho Shaiza, Pu (L) Mairengbam Koireng Singh, Pu T. Gougin Zou, Pu (L) Teba Kilong, Pu (L) Major Kating, Pu Athuibou Daimei, Pu (L) Athiko Daiho, Pu (L) R. Suisa, Pu (L) T.C. Tiankham and Pu Paulen Haokip in memory of their sacrifice for the peaceful co-existence of the valley and hill people of Manipur in the 1960’s.

The Association invites Scholars, Writers, Revolutionary Leaders, and Civil Societies of Manipur to demonstrate their concern on the pitiable situation of Manipur State by presenting a paper or expressing their valuable ideas and suggestions for ushering peaceful co-existence in our State. Seminar Papers, etc. should reach the undersigned on or before 15th January, 2012. No TA/DA will be paid to the participants except resource persons. There will be no registration fee. Certificate will be given to every participant. Transportation will be provided and dinner will be served as per Manipur timing. The Association also invites all leaders of all organisations in Manipur and university student community to participate in the Seminar.

The sub-themes of the Conference/Seminar are as given below:-

1. Prospects of Peaceful Co-existence in Manipur: It’s Urgency and Viability.

2. The Glaring Economic Disparity in the Hills and Valley of Manipur: Political Negligence or Social Disorder.

3. Domination of Manipur State Resources by the Valley Dwellers: A Reality or Myth?

4. Reservation Pattern in Manipur: A Constructive Discrimination of SC/STs: An Overview.

5. Introduction of Valley and Hill Cadre System in all Recruitment in the State of Manipur. Its Merits and demerits.

6. Strategies for Peaceful Co-Existence through Reasonable Distribution of State Resources in the State of Manipur.

7. Role of the MPs, MLAs, Public Servants & Civil Society in the Holistic Development of Manipur.

For further information, contact:

Mr. K. Zou, Delhi – 09871205247
Mr. Wilson Gondaimei, Manipur – 9612123498
E-mail: kzou@rediffmail.com, northeastp@yahoo.com

In the service of the people

S/d

(RAJU DEURI)
General Secretary
AITSA, Delhi
Contact No.: 09871205247

S/d

(T. VINCENT ZOU)
General Secretary
AITSA, Manipur Branch
Contact No.:9402739489

 

~ZOLENGTHE.NET

United Peoples Democratic Solidarity cadres lay down arms; heralds new chapter

DIPHU: In a grand ceremony Wednesday, 568 United Peoples Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) cadres laid down arms before the government in Assam’s restive Karbi Anglong district, ending the 12 year-long insurgency in the region.

UPDS rebels joined the “mainstream” and deposited a huge cache of arms and explosives at a public function at Karbi Anglong Sports Association (KASA) stadium, Diphu.

Dignitaries present at the event were -- Maj. Gen. Shakti Gurung, GOC 4 corps, Sankar Baruah, DGP Assam, Khagen Sarma, Addl DGP and other high ranking officers of para-military and armed forces. The ceremony commenced with the UPDS’s flag retreat. It was carried to the podium by four cadres in full UPDS uniform and handed over to Sankar Baruah.

Longsodar Senar, chairman, UPDS, symbolically began the day’s ceremony by handing over one AK-series rifle to the DGP. Horen Bey, general secretary, V. Mukrang, K. Tisso, C-in-C along with other top ranking leaders also handed over their weapons to the authority. After the UPDS flag retreat, the National tri-colour was held high by four cadres of the organization as a mark of UPDS’s allegiance to the Constitution of India.

“This is a momentous event. With the UPDS coming back to society, we hope peace will endeavor and pave way for lasting peace in the region and optimistic end of all forms of sadism and mayhem”, said DGP Shankar Baruah during his speech at the arms laying down ceremony.

While addressing the UPDS cadres, Baruah assured to take all necessary steps to bring other insurgent groups into the mainstream. He mentioned that small and large insurgent groups have shown willingness for negotiation which was a welcome sign for both the government and the society.

Speaking on the occasion, Khagen Sarma, who was instrumental in bringing UPDS to the negotiating table, stated, “This is a historical day for the people of Karbi Anglong, security forces who were involved in counter-insurgency and UPDS.

Karbi Anglong is a unique region where almost all small and large insurgent groups are present, but  the encouraging fact is that major insurgent groups like KLNLF has also entered the peace process and it is expected that KPLT will follow the UPDS footstep soon. We started the peace process with UPDS, now the Nunisa and Jewel faction of DHD are also on the process of entering peace agreements.

The other encouraging sign is the willingness of relatively smaller armed outfits like several Kuki and five Adivasi militant groups to reject the path of hostility and enter into the peace parleys with the centre and state governments”.

UPDS was proactive in Karbi Anglong district unleashing violence, including sabotage of railway track, ambushing convoys, kidnapping for ransom, imposing total strike to paralyze normal life in Karbi Anglong in its quest for an autonomous land for the indigenous people of this region. UPDS responded to the peace call given by the Union government and decided to come to the negotiating table in 2002.

The outfit was formed in 1999, through an amalgamation of the former Karbi People’s Front (KPF) and Karbi National Volunteers (KNV) shaped in 1994. It reached a ceasefire agreement with the government in 2002 and since then peace parleys continued for nine years.

“We hope the central government responds to our peace overtures as we have decided to abjure the path of violence and come over-ground,” said one of the cadres in the arms lying down ceremony after putting aside his M-16 rifle, for the last time.

The decision of UPDS to disband its rank and file and hand over its arsenal to the government came after signing of a tripartite peace agreement between UPDS, Union government and the Assam government on 25 November this year. The outfit has taken the decision to join mainstream society and also contest the forthcoming Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council elections.

Immediately after the official ceremony came to an end, the entire venue was occupied by UPDS and its political allies. Jubilant cadres mingled with commoners and their relatives and well-wishers.

Those present in KASA stadium danced to the tune of a revolutionary song, composed by eminent leftist lyrist, Chandra Kt. Terang. A public rally was organized by Peoples Alliance for Peace Agreement (PAPA), umbrella organization of UPDS, where opposition leaders addressed a massive gathering where thousands of people rejoiced with the rank and files of UPDS to mark the occasion.

 

~Nagaland Post

Blast rocks Imphal PWD office

IMPHAL: A powerful bomb exploded at the Public Works Department (PWD) office building located in the heart of Imphal, injuring three staffers, including a woman on Wednesday.

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Additional Deputy General of Police (ADGP) V.Jathang who was at the site told the media that they believed the blast was caused by a very powerful time-bomb which was put inside a dustbin.

“As of now, we don’t have any suspect responsible for the blast but investigation is underway to ascertain who was behind the act”, the police officer said when asked to comment on the identity of the suspects who might have carried out the blast.

The explosion took place at around 1:30 pm. All of a sudden a powerful bomb blasted inside a room on the second floor of the PWD building which houses the rooms of Assistant Engineers of Thoubal, Ukhrul and Churanchandpur districts.

Three staffers, including a woman were wounded in the blast. The injured were rushed to the RIMS hospital and Raj Polyclinic private hospital here. One of them is stated to be in critical condition.

The walls and ceiling of the office room, including the window glass panes of the first floor and second floor of the building were extensively damaged due to the powerful impact of the explosion.

The injured have been indentified as Haorungbam Nirmala (27) of Sagolband Sayang, Y. Yaima from Khongman in Imphal east and Md Manal from Lilong Leihaokhong, Thoubal district.

Sources said the blast occurred at a high security zone manned by a company of CRPF, including three personnel of the CID and another eight Home guard personnel.

State police and Central Paramilitary forces rushed to the site and cordoned off the area minutes after the blast and conducted a massive search operation inside the PWD campus. But there was no report of any arrest in connection with the incident.

Besides ADGP Jathang, Works minister K. Ranjit, DGP Y. Joykumar, Imphal West DIG, SP in-charge were also visited the scene. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack and the motive behind the blast is not known. A powerful bomb which police said an IED was exploded right in front of the main gate of the Sangai Festival 2011 here on November 30 last causing one dead and four other injured. (NNN)

Tipaimukh Dam site on high risk quake zone

November 26, 2011: The Tipaimukh dam site, on a highly risky earthquake zone, is prone to massive tremors that will cause devastating floods to Sylhet region, experts said at a view-exchange meeting yesterday.

"The dam will reserve huge amount of water to generate hydroelectricity, if it collapses the vast area of Sylhet will be flooded causing a huge catastrophe," said Aminur Rahman, consulting engineer, at the meeting, held at Dhaka Reporters' Unity, organised by Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD).

There are six most high risk zones for earthquake in the world of which north-east India is one, said Aminur, who designed the 30-storey Bangladesh Bank Bhaban.

Any earthquake measuring over eight in the Richter scale will damage the dam, he said.

Great Asam earthquake in 1897, Bihar earthquake in 1934 and Asam earthquake in 1950, all generated in this region, Aminur said adding that these earthquakes caused great damage and killed many people.

According to geologists of both countries there is a high chance of another huge earthquake in the area in near future, he said.

Hasanul Haq Inu, president of JSD, said they will not accept any dam at the high earthquake risk zone.

Meanwhile, speakers in two separate programmes, organised by environment friendly organisations, also protested against constructing the dam and demanded to take the issue to international court.

They said the Tipaimukh dam project will be another 'death trap for Bangladesh like Farakka barrage' and cause environmental disaster for 50 million people in the Meghna River Basin. (Source: The Daily Star)

 

India and Bangladesh Spar Over Tipaimukh Dam

By. John C.K. Daly of Oilprice.com

While renewable energy advocates see hydroelectric facilities as largely beneficial, things get complex when the rivers to be harnessed cross international borders.

Bangladesh and India are now at loggerheads over the latter’s proposed Tipaimukh Dam across the Barak River in Manipur. New Delhi is attempting to assure Dhaka that the Tipaimukh hydroelectric project will not adversely impact Bangladesh, but India’s bland assurances are contradicted by a 2005 study by the Institute of Water Modeling (IWM) Bangladesh, which concluded that during a drier monsoon season, when Bangladesh will need water for fisheries and cultivation, Tipaimukh dam authorities would nevertheless retain 27 percent more water in June, 16 percent in July, 14 percent in August and 4 percent in September than an average monsoon year. The water retention accordingly would also reduce the navigability of the Barak’s two downstream channels, the Surma and Kushiyara rivers.

In 2007 India’ North Eastern Electric Power Corp. commissioned the Agricultural Finance Corporation of Mumbai to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Tipaimukh dam. In the “Impact of the Project on Environment” section the EIA noted, “Average water availability at downstream for monsoon season at post dam condition will decrease by 30 per cent in comparison to pre-dam condition and thereby will provide relief to downstream populations from recurring flood havoc,” effectively validating Bangladeshi concerns about reduced water flow.

The EIA report asserted that the Tipaimukh dam will help control floods, a view supported by some Bangladeshi experts, who agree that the dam may help control flash floods, but others have warned of worse flooding to come. Among the skeptics is Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering head Professor Jahir Bin Alam, who observed, “The dam and the reservoir have certain limitations. The dam may control some of the annual flooding. But when there is a really big rise in water levels, the gates will have to be opened to save the dam itself. That will lead to a much bigger flood downstream.”

According to the Indian government, the 1,280 foot-long and 535 foot-high Tipaimukh embankment dam, first proposed in the early 1970s, is necessary for flood control and hydroelectric power generation in one of India’s most impoverished states. The dam was originally designed solely to contain flood waters in the lower Barak valley but hydro power generation was later incorporated into the project, which has now been redesigned to be able to generate 1,500 megawatts of electricity from six 250 megawatt Francis turbine-generators.

Brac University vice-chancellor Ainun Nishat, a water expert, observed that the Tipaimukh dam could be useful for Bangladesh and could play a role in flood control if it were a joint project and managed in line with Bangladesh's requirements "But we know neither their construction plan nor their management plan."

Prof Asif Nazrul, an expert on international river law, stated that being a lower riparian country, Bangladesh has the right to be informed before any action relating to an international river is taken, adding, "It is also a duty of a good neighbor and international practice to inform its lower riparian country about any project on any shared river."
Another factor worrying Bangladeshi experts is that the Tipaimukh region is seismically active. In August 1988 a major earthquake occurred on the Manipur-Myanmar border, measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale.

The Tipaimukh dam is now turning into a political issue in Bangladesh, as on 22 November at a public rally in Dhamrai, Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Dol (Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP) Chairman Khaleda Zia demanded India immediately discontinue the construction of the Tipaimukh facility and called for discussions between Dhaka and New Delhi on the controversial project, offering the government BNP support if it would lodge a protest with India against the project unilateral move. Khaleda also heavily criticized the government for not protesting the earlier construction of dams by India on many other common rivers, which disrupted and lessened the rivers’ flows by the time they entered Bangladesh.

As a result of political pressure, the day after Zia’s criticism Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced that she will shortly dispatch a special envoy to India to discuss New Delhi’s intention on the Tipaimukh dam project, noting that in 1996 her government had negotiated and signed a water sharing treaty with India over the Ganges which ensured that both nations received an equitable of the river’s water.

Besides the Ganges agreement as a model, Hasina also has a second tool to hand, the Bangladeshi-Indian Joint River Commission (JRC), established in the 1972 Indo-Bangladeshi Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Peace.

The JRC was instrumental in forging the 1996 Ganges agreement and reviving its mandate should be Hasina’s highest priority, while India should play the role of “good neighbor” and listen carefully to Dhaka’s concerns.