Mizoram Forest Dept Misappropriated Funds: Rights Activist

Aizawl, Apr 1 : The Forest Development Agency under the Environment Forest Department's Aizawl division has allegedly siphoned off a huge amount of funds, rights activist Ruatfela Nu said today.

Interacting with newspersons, Ruatfela Nu said the Ministry of Tribal Affairs had sanctioned forest development funds to three forest divisions - Darlawn, Lunglei and Aizawl.

A sum of Rs 870 lakhs was allocated to Aizawl division to cover 29 villages from 2007 to 2010 with allotment of Rs 30 lakh per village.

''I toured 17 of the 29 villages. What I saw there shocked me.

Through interactions with village leaders, I came to know that the villages were not at all aware of funds, the Union government had sanctioned,'' Nu said.

When the rights activist sought information under the RTI Act, she was informed that Rs 30 lakh had been judiciously spent in each village for construction of different assets such as playgrounds, water reservoirs and community halls, according to her.

''I have visited all the villages except for those under Saitual range, and saw with my own eyes that there was gross misappropriation of funds. Contrary to RTI information which I have received, community nursery was constructed only at Sateek village.

That too just for name's sake,'' she said.

Other villages did not have any community nursery despite the fact that they were stated as ''constructed'' in the files, she said, adding, ''This was only one of the many cases.'' According to Ruatfela Nu, the matter had been investigated by the state Anti Corruption Bureau and it submitted its report.

''However, I don't know if the ACB had filed an FIR. Since no action has been taken, I decided to initiate my own investigations in the footsteps of the ACB,'' she said.

Asserting that what she was true, Ruatfela Nu challenged forest department officials and the media to go with her and see for themselves. ''By unearthing such irregularities, I don't mean to defame any one or any department. My only motive is to create awareness among the people about their rights. This is also my clear message to the corrupt officials that we are keeping watchful eyes to ensure that the people are not deprived of their rights,'' she said.

''This may be only a tip of the iceberg. There apparently are more irregularities in other departments. I would also want to appeal to the people to come forward and claim their rights,'' she said.

Serchhip YMA Helped in Mizoram Literacy Drive

Aizawl, Apr 1 : Census 2011 has crowned Mizoram’s Serchhip the district with the highest rate of literacy in India.

Clocking a literacy rate of 98.76 per cent, the northeastern district 112km south of Mizoram’s capital Aizawl is a far cry from Alirajpur at the other end in Madhya Pradesh.

A combination of factors such as missionary schools, aggressive campaign on the ground, an association with the chief minister and location that keeps it off the migrant trail are being seen as the key reasons for the high rate of literacy in Serchhip.

The low population base of a little over 60,000 also helped.

“The Young Mizo Association, a prominent NGO, has contributed much in adult education, visiting people’s homes and educating them. All school-going children attend school and there are very few school dropouts,” said H. Darzika, deputy commissioner of Serchhip.

“Chief minister Lalthanhawla has been an MLA from the district for the fourth time, thrice as chief minister and once as an Opposition MLA. We have 42 village councils and all villages have electricity,” the official added.

The head of each village council also helms the village education committee. The Sarva Siksha Abhiyan has been considered successful in Mizoram. Catholic missionaries had reached Serchhip in the 1950s and set up schools.

Serchhip has recorded a high literacy rate because “it has no migrants”, said Irene Lalruatkimi, All India Radio deputy director based in Aizawl. “The Mizos of Aizawl, too are highly literate. But the rate of literacy among communities such as the Brus, Reangs and Chakmas who come into Aizawl is low and this brings the rate down here.”

Serchhip is further away from districts such as Lunglei, which is accessed by migrants from Bangladesh, and Champhai, which is preferred by those entering from Myanmar. “It is easier for the migrants to settle in the districts that are closest to the international borders,” an official said.

Paddy cultivation and horticulture are the main vocations in Serchhip which is known for its crop of oranges.

Rio Declares Manipur, AP Units of Naga People’s Front at Kohima

By Oken Jeet Sandham

Kohima, Apr 1 : Naga People’s Front (NPF), main ruling regional political party in Nagaland, has today formally declared formation of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh Units with adhoc office bearers appointed.

Announcing this in a Press Conference here at the NPF Central Office on Thursday, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the party after a thorough deliberation on the formation of NPF Units for those Northeast States where Nagas have inhabited, had finally resolved to set up its units particularly in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

Asked why the ruling NPF in Nagaland took decision to expand its political activities beyond the State of Nagaland, Rio said their main intention to expand beyond Nagaland State should not be misunderstood as it was only to create harmony with other regional political parties, while taking interest of the Naga political issue.

He further explained that Nagas in these States became minority and what they could do at the most was to fight politically to safeguard their interests. “If anyone who has wrong notion, it has to be corrected,” the Nagaland Chief Minister stated.

He also expressed hope that they would be able to work together with the Manipur People’s Party (MPP) and the NPF President Dr Shurhozelie would be contacting all the regional political parties where the NPF would be having its bases. “We are not against any political parties,” he said. “And as regional political party, we are working to protect the minority Nagas living in these States.”

Asked as to what system the party (NPF) would evolve if their candidates were elected in the ensuing Manipur general election, Rio explained that they would sit and discuss together whether to sit in opposition or joining the government. He, however, stated that the NPF Central Executive Committee was yet to decide for joining the electoral fray in the ensuing Manipur general elections.

Replying to a query as to why the NPF did not form its Assam Unit as large chunk of Nagas too lived there, Rio said they could not do so as the election in Assam came closer.

NPF President Dr Shurhozelie, who was also present during the declaration of the NPF Manipur and AP Units, explained the party position for not fielding their candidates in last AP election. He said when the party went ahead with full preparation to field their candidates in AP election, the Election Commission of India had directed them not field this time as some procedural incompletion for NPF to do so was there.

Along with the declaration of the formation of the NPF Units in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, the names of the office bearers to run the affairs of these Units have also been declared.

For Manipur Adhoc Executive Committee (NPF), the names of the office bearers are: Mr G Gaingam, President, Mr Solomon Veino, Working President, Mr Kho John, General Secretary, Mr RT Rebirthson, Secretary, Mr Ningreigam Ruivah, Secretary, Mr K Lianpibou (Temei), Joint Secretary, Mr Somi Keishing, Spokesperson and Mr Samuel Risom, Treasurer.

For Arunachal Pradesh Adhoc Executive Committee (NPF), the names of the office bearers are: Mr Tosham Mossang, President, Mr Tomphoa Ruthun, Vice President, Mr Happa Tataong, General Secretary, Mr P Teakwa, Assistant General Secretary, Mr S Ngemu, Treasurer and Mr Konkhul Chathan, Convener.

The Advisory Committee members are Mr Soso Lorho, ex-Minister, Prof Gangmumei Kamei, ex-Minister and Prof Dr M Horam, ex-Minister.

Source: Asian Tribune

Adriana Lima – Victoria’s Secret Photoshoot

Adriana Lima – Victoria’s Secret lingerie – 2011 collection

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley – Bikini Photoshoot

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley – Photoshoot on the beach in Venice, Italy

Kate Upton Shows Great Apples

Hot model Kate Upton is in a new ad campaign that really shows off her killer tits and amazing body. This girl is stacked from head to toe and has a body that is to die for and someone realized a good ad campaign would be to push her tits up, make them bigger than normal and show off her great body. Sounds good to me. I have no idea what they are selling, but it makes me want to her blow a load which is a great response until I walk through a store, see the actual product the are selling and then have a strange flashback so before I know it I’m half naked and pulling on my dick in the middle of the store screaming that I want to cum on Kate Upton’s tits.

Meet The Lovely and Talented: Sarah Jane

The new starlet of Bollywood

Oomph factor
Sarah Jane Dias makes her debut in Bollywood with 'Game'.
Pics - Publicity stills, Yogen Shah and Text by Riddhi Doshi

Miss India
Sarah won the Miss India title in 2007.

TV stint
Sarah was a VJ with Channel V.

Bikini babe
Sarah also featured in the Kingfisher calender.

Sari clad
Sarah has walked the ramp for a few top designers.

Catwalk

Game for movie?

Bollywood debut

Stylish babe

Mizoram Literacy At 98.63%

India's literacy level is 74%: census

New Delhi, Apr 1 : India's literacy level has increased by 9.21% in the past 10 years to reach 74.04%, according to provisional data of the 2011 census released in New Delhi on Thursday. According to the data, literates constitute 74% of the total population aged seven and above and illiterates form 26%. The literacy rate went up from 64.83% in 2001 to 74.04% in 2011 showing an increase of 9.21%.

Interestingly, females literacy level saw a significant jump as compared to males between 2001-2011.

While female literacy in 2001 stood at 53.67%, it has gone up to 65.46% in 2011. The male literacy in comparison rose from 75.26 to 82.14%.

Kerala with 93.91% continues to occupy the top position among states in the field of literacy while Mizoram's Serchhip (98.76%) and Aizawl (98.50%) recorded highest literacy rates among districts.

Lakshadweep followed Kerala with a literacy level of 92.28%, while Bihar remained at the bottom of the ladder with a literacy rate of 63.82% followed by Arunachal Pradesh at 66.95%.

Ten states and UTs viz. Kerala, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Tripura, Goa, Daman and Diu, Puducherry, Chandigarh, NCT of Delhi and Andaman and Nicobar Islands achieved literacy rate of above 85%, the target set by the Planning Commission to be achieved by 2011-12.

The gap of 21.59 percentage points recorded between male and female literacy rates in 2001 census has reduced to 16.68 percentage points in 2011. Planning Commission has set up target of reducing this gap to 10 percentage points by 2011-12.

Mizoram With Population Of 10 Lakh Has 6 Lakh Mobile Users

Aizawl, Mar 31 :  The small northeastern state of Mizoram with a population of around 10 lakh, has over six lakh mobile phone users as of February 2011 against over 5.5 lakh in February 2010.

With the communication revolution having reached even the remotest corners of the state, mobile phone connections increased by 6.98% during the past one year - from 6,01,189 to 5,61,917, according to the latest economic survey, tabled in the assembly by chief minister Lal Thanhawla on Tuesday.

The expenses of the consumers on cellphones in the state would be at least six crore per month, assuming that each consumer paid Rs100 per month, state government sources said.

"Some subscribers pay over Rs2,000 per month," the sources said.

Among the six mobile service providers, Airtel has the largest subscribers at 2,30,000 followed by the BSNL with 1,32,436, the economic survey said.

HPC-D Very Upset with Divisive Attempts Of Mizoram Govt

The HPC-D slapped back on the some minister in the Mizo Government for the silly design of Mizoram government by way un-necessary propaganda in attempt to thwart the SoO.

The SoO was signed with faith between the Mizoram Government and HPC-D.

Read the Press Release:

Chinese Silk Will Wipe Out Assam Silk, Fears Brinda

By Sushanta Talukdar

Rangiya,Mar 31 : Communist Party of India (Marxist) Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat on Wednesday expressed apprehension that the unique Muga silk of Assam would be wiped out soon as Chinese silk will come in a big way due to reduction of import duty on raw silk by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

Ms. Karat, who has been in the State campaigning for her party candidates, also flayed the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress-Bodoland People's Front (BPF) coalition government for failing to demand a review of the decision by the Centre.

A member of the Rajya Sabha, Ms. Karat told journalists here that there has been a misconception that this will help the handloom sector. “It is not so. Handlooms are not using imported raw silk. So there should be no misconception on that. Certain powerloom units in Tamil Nadu and, to a certain extent, in Uttar Pradesh, may be benefited. But it will adversely affect the sericulture farmers. Chinese silk will come in a big way due to reduction in import duty on raw silk and our own farmers will suffer.

The unique Muga silk of Assam will be wiped out. There is no quantitative restriction on raw silk and once the Chinese silk starts entering, our raw silk producers, who are poor and small marginal farmers, will simply die. The UPA Government must review the decision. Unfortunately the Congrees-led coalition government in Assam has done nothing even though the State's unique Muga and traditional handloom silk industry will be severely hit,” she added.

Later addressing an election rally at Goreswar to campaign for the sitting party legislator from Rangiya Assembly constituency Ananta Deka, Ms. Karat urged the electorates in Assam to elect more and more representatives of her party to the Assembly to raise stronger voice for the poor and marginalised.

Holding party flags in their hands and sporting red caps, hundreds of CPI(M) workers, dancing to the beats of Bihu dhol and Kham (traditional drums of the Bodo tribe) and tunes of sifung (traditional Bodo flute) escorted Ms. Karat to the rally venue.

The senior CPI(M) leader also flayed the Tarun Gogoi government for not giving patta to traditional forest dwellers in the State under the Forest Rights Act.

Return Of A Prodigal

By Kaushik Deka

Asom Gana Parishad leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta

I can't tell you who my favourite author is as I don't want to offend anyone in Assam and I will not reveal an English name as I would not like be seen as someone who prefers another language over my mother tongue Assamese." This was Prafulla Kumar Mahanta reply when asked to name his favourite writer. This is the kind of political correctness and dogmatic parochialism which has helped the Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly stay relevant in politics for almost four decades. After living in political obscurity for the last 10 years, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader has emerged as the main challenger to the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress Government in the Assembly polls next month.

In 2001, Mahanta, two-time chief minister of Assam, lost power and the post of party president over allegations of two "extras" in his political and personal life-extra-judicial killings of family members of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), also known as Secret Killings in Assam, and an extra-marital affair. In 2005, he was expelled from the AGP on charges of anti-party activities.

He fought the 2006 elections from Asom Gana Parishad (P) and was the only winning candidate of his party. From becoming the youngest chief minister at 32 in 1985, he became a pariah in Assam politics. Experts wrote the political obituary of the man who was Jyoti Basu's choice to become the prime minister. "In a meeting of the United Front held at Delhi's AssamBhavan in 1996, Jyoti Basu suggested my name as the prime minister. I politely declined as I was more committed to Assam," claims Mahanta, who is now aiming for a third-term as chief minister .

Three years ago, this seemed an impossible dream. The then AGP president, Brindaban Goswami, vowed never to allow Mahanta's return to the party. "It was tough but I took it as an opportunity to connect with people. I travelled across Assam and tried to understand where I went wrong," says the 58-year-old leader.

Goswami failed to connect with grassroots workers and Mahanta's loyalists inside the party forced him to quit as president. Chandra Mohan Patowari, who became agp president in 2008, brought the former chief minister back to the party. "Patowari had no option. Since 1979, politics of Assam has revolved around Mahanta," says a senior journalist.

But for Mahanta, returning to the party was not enough. He persuaded Patowari to vacate the post of Leader of the Opposition for him in September 2010. This was a masterstroke as it projected him as the AGP's chief ministerial candidate. His next move was to snap the alliance with the BJP. The BJP's gain in the last Assembly elections and the fear of losing Muslim votes made Mahanta wary of the saffron party. He denies his role in the split, claiming, "I wanted the agp to grow stronger on its own." He doesn't rule out a post-poll alliance the BJP.

Mahanta is now ready to take on the Congress on corruption charges and construction of big dams on the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. About his letter to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi demanding big dams in Assam, he says, "We wanted multi-purpose small dams for flood control, irrigation and electricity. They are constructing dams only for generating electricity. Big dams cause havoc during earthquakes."

He does not talk about illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh, an issue which was the core of the Assam agitation. "As a chief minister, I could do little, as deportation of these foreigners needed the co-operation of Bangladesh. Only the Central Government can solve this," he says.

The allegation of his involvement in the Secret Killings still haunts him. "Three inquiry commissions that probed the Secret Killings did not find any evidence against me," he claims. Still, many in his own party don't want him as the next chief minister. "He is vindictive and those who had supported his ouster from the party are afraid that he will settle old scores," says a party leader. Sarbananda Sonowal, who had played a major role in Mahanta's expulsion from the agp has alread left to join the BJP.

Journalists don't have fond memories either, as many of them were jailed during his second term. "He used the state machinery to silence the voice of dissent," says a senior journalist. Mahanta doesn't agree. "I don't mind criticism. I have collected all newspaper cartoons of me and will publish them as a book someday," he says. He says he enjoys the jokes portraying him as a dumb head. "Some of them are really good," he says.

There may be charges of an extra-marital affair, but Mahanta swears by his commitment to his family. "Whatever free time I get, I spend with my family. My daughter complains that I did not give her enough time when I was the chief minister. Now I try to compensate," he says. He always wears white because it helps him stay calm and pure.

He will certainly need to stay calm in this electoral battle. The party faces severe fund crunch, dissidence over tickets and, unlike in the past, he is not the official chief ministerial candidate. But giving him company in the biggest battle of his career is an English book, Living With The Himalayan Masters by Swami Rama.

Baichung's Side Takes On Shillong Outfit

By Abhishek Ganguly

Guwahati, Mar 31 : The second division I-League kicks off on Thursday with five games at two centres (Guwahati and Madurai), but the football fraternity will have its eyes trained on one particular match - the Group A clash between United Sikkim FC (USFC) and Langsning Sports Club of Shillong at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. That game will set the ball 'rolling' for the Sikkim-based club that is the brainchild of Baichung Bhutia.

Bhutia is very serious about his latest endeavour and that was visible during Wednesday's practice session. He didn't have a full-fledged workout as he is yet to fully recover from a calf-muscle sprain, but he was very much in the thick of things - keeping a close eye on the players, pointing out mistakes some of the youngsters were committing and offering valuable tips. He is clearly the general of a team of talented men who are out to make a mark.

"The players look up to Baichung as an idol and his presence does make a lot of difference," said coach Stanley Rozario. The coach added that he would speak to the India captain about having him in the reserves' bench, despite Bhutia not being fully fit. "That lifts the morale of the side, and I can also use him if required for clinching a victory," Rozario explained.

It's true that a half-fit Baichung could make a difference in any match, but with the squad the Snow Lions - as USFC are popularly called - have built, a winning start against the L Darlong-coached side shouldn't be a tall ask. Players like NS Manju, Budhiram Tudu, B Beikhokhei, Lalrinfela, Prem Kumar, M Suresh, K Kulothungan and Bijen Singh - all of whom have played at the highest level - gives USFC the edge. Rennedy Singh is also on the roster, but he won't be available in the first phase as he is recuperating after a knee operation.

Three foreigners - Johnny Menyongar, Mituski Ichihara and Joseph Lapira - have been roped in to bolster the side.

Langsning Sports Club, who have been training here for 10 days, also have three foreigners in their ranks and Rozario has seen them in action during his stint with Shillong Lajong FC. But Rozario is stressing on is an attacking game to make it a memorable 'debut' for Bhutia's side.

Thursday's Matches (Guwahati)

NISA, Manipur vs Golden Threads
Simla Youngs vs Gauhati Town Club
Langsning Sports Club vs United Sikkim FC.

India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Trade Proposed

By Sobhapati Samom

Imphal, Mar 31 : A 12- member Thailand delegation visited Manipur and Myanmar’s border township Tamu recently to establish a trilateral trade between India, Myanmar and Thailand.

Tharodol Thongruang Thai-Myanmar Border Trade in-charge led Thai delegation also attended a day-long Union of Myanmar Border Trade sponsored trilateral trade conference at Tamu town, near Moreh on Sunday wherein he appealed to the Myanmarese officials to help in boosting cross-border between the three countries.

“Myanmar would be the confluence of India’s Look East Policy and Thailand’s Look West Policy”, the Thai team leader said. “Myanmar would be greatly benefited from these two similar policies of India and Thailand if Myanmar takes up some pro-active initiatives”.

Vice President of the Trade Chamber of Commerce (Myanmar) U Myin Swe led the Myanmar delegation while the Indian team was headed by Officer on Special Duty L Dwijamani of Manipur Commerce and Industries (Foreign Trade).

The Myanmarese delegates responding to the appeal of the Thais assured that their country would make maximum efforts to facilitate cross-border trade between India and Thailand through Myanmar.

Proposals to identify the trade items that would be sanctioned for cross-border trade among the three countries were also raised during the meeting.

Dwijamani on behalf of the Indian delegates highlighted the importance of fostering closer ties among the three countries besides emphasising on the need to build closer relations among the three countries in the fields of culture and sports. The meet also agreed to identify the trade items for the cross-border trade jointly.

The Thai delegation also had meetings with the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and the Chief Secretary DS Poonia prior to their departure on Monday, in connection with Thailand’s role in the ongoing 16 year-old Indo-Myanmar border trade which was opened on 12 April, 1995.

Lucy Pinder – In Awesome Glory (NSFW)

Lucy Pinder in underwear – pics by Anna Fowler

Veronika Fasterova topless in Hombre Magazine (NSFW)

Veronika Fasterova – Hombre Mexico (April 2011)