Pillai Urges Nagaland, Manipur to End Economic Blockade

Shillong, Jun 6 : Union Home Secretary GK Pillai has appealed to both Nagaland and Manipur Government to speak to various student organizations and ensure that they call off the economic blockade.

Calling the blockade as ''illegal'', Pillai said the illegal activity needs to be stopped at the earliest.

"Blockade has been done by various student organizations and others. I think they have to call it off. I think the blockade is totally illegal. I think the illegal activity has to stop," said Pillai.

"We have made an appeal to the chief minister of Manipur as well as the Chief Minister of Nagaland to talk with these people and to ensure that the blockade is removed at the earliest because we cannot allow blockade to continue," he added.

Thousands of two-wheelers, cars, trucks and buses have been queuing up at outlets across Manipur to receive their ''share'' of fuel.

Due to this, roads in Imphal have been perpetually clogged since the last few days.

Meanwhile, Indian football icon Baichung Bhutia, urged for peace in both Manipur and Nagaland.

"I hope there is peace in Manipur and Nagaland because at the end of the day it's the common people who are suffering and I hope peace prevails and the people are not into trouble," said Bhutia.

Muivah Leaves Visema Village on Manipur-Nagaland border

Kohima, Jun 4 : After camping on the Nagaland-Manipur border for nearly a month despite stiff opposition from the Manipur government, NSCN(IM) General Secretary Th Muivah today left Visema village.

Nagaland police escorted Muivah and his entourage which headed towards Pfutsero, Nagaland's highest altitude town, 70 km away by road in Phek district this morning on a 'peace mission', NSCN(IM) sources said.

He will be staying at the Pfutsero mission compound of the Chakhesang Baptist church council and hold consultative meetings with people on the ongoing Naga peace process in the next few days, the sources said.

The last peace talks with the Centre had been held on June 1 for the first time in Nagaland.

Muivah at a farewell meeting yesterday thanked the villagers for their warm hospitality to him and NSCN(IM) members.

Rapes Show Extent of Prejudice Against India's Northeast

By  Aruni Kashyap

Female migrants to Delhi from India's north-east are increasingly being subjected to sexual attacks made worse by police attitudes

Last week, after a local Assamese daily reported that another woman from India's north-east had been raped in the country's capital, a lot of my friends in Delhi started to get calls from anxious parents. A friend hoped her mother hadn't read the papers that day since they would worry and ask her to return home. Delhi is an unsafe city for women. Almost all women here face sexual harassment in some form or the other.

But what goes largely under-reported is that a significant number of these cases are against migrant women from north-east – a number that is increasing every day. It is a subject the jingoistic, popular Indian media is not comfortable talking about.

A year ago, an email was forwarded to me that had disturbing images of two Manipuri girls in Gurgaon, who were beaten with iron rods by their landlord as they refused to provide "sexual favours". They escaped with injuries to their thighs, backs and buttocks. In March 2010, when a Manipuri girl who was molested in Munirka went to file a first information report (FIR) in a local police station, the officer-in-charge initially refused to file it or arrest the accused, who she had chased and caught, until members from her community gathered and protested for two hours.

Last year, another woman was raped by a Delhi student and burned alive, apparently for resisting rape. It caused huge outcry, and north-eastern student organisations arranged a protest march demanding chief minister Sheila Dikshit ensure safety for the community, especially women.

One major factor behind these cases is, of course, poor administration, lack of adequate patrolling in the streets, but this isn't the sole explanation. The problem lies in the deep prejudice against north-easterns, and even more against women. Though the administration identified the increasing number of crimes against north-eastern migrants in Delhi, they are complicit in the perpetuation of racial prejudice.

In July 2007, a booklet was published by the west district of Delhi police where they asked north-eastern women not to wear "revealing" dresses and "avoid lonely road/bylane when dressed scantily. Dress according to sensitivity of the local populace". After a gang rape took place in June 2005, the principal of Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, publicly said the salwar-kameez must be the dress code of north-eastern women to avoid sexual harassment in Delhi.

The rest of India has a fraught relationship with its north-eastern states, but the politics of targeting north-eastern women with violence have only started to increase in the last two decades. Due to prolonged internal conflict between the many insurgent groups and the Indian state, student migration from these states has increased phenomenally. Now, thousands of students leave their home every year to different cities of India in search of better academic prospects and jobs. This has made the community a visible minority scattered across India.

Last summer, popular news channels and newspapers were practically hysterical over the racist attacks on Indians in Australia. This surprised the north-eastern community, for we have been facing similar things from other Indians for so long. Amid this mass mania of the solidarity shown for Indians in Australia, some news sites published a report referring to a recent survey that 86% of north-eastern students in Delhi face racial violence in many different forms, with 41% of these cases being sexual violence on women.

In December 2009, when the Dhaula Kuan rape case verdict was announced, reports said that the advocate defending the accused tried to argue for his innocence by citing that the victim from Mizoram, who was raped in a moving car, had an "active sexual life" – which probably meant that the rape shouldn't matter at all.

The judge responded with strong words but such a sentence could only have been hurled against a woman from the north-east; it is even worse that we hear of such debates happening in a court in this day in age, at the heart of this supposedly liberal, progressive nation.

Tangkhul Women Return 16 guns Snatched by Them From Manipur State Force

Imphal, Jun 4 : Fifteen SLRs and one Carbine which were reportedly snatched by the irate mob of Ukhrul late last night have been officially handed over to the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Ukhrul, today.

The incident of snatching the weapons occurred late last night during clashes between the angry residents of Ukhrul town and the state security force personnel.

Taking serious note of the situation, DC Ukhrul and SP Ukhrul, as government representatives, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tangkhul Co-ordination Committee after deliberation over the matter in the wee hours of today.

Among others, the memorandum stated that the IRB personnel and police commandos posted at Ukhrul district should be withdrawn within 12 hours, financial assistance should be provided to all the 12 injured persons who are presently undergoing treatment at District Hospital in Ukhrul by the government and all the security personnel involved in the firing incident should be penalized with suspension within 12 hours.

Reports said that the IRB personnel posted at Ukhrul are yet to be pulled out due to security reasons.

Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Co-Ordination Committee (TAC) has submitted a memorandum in this connection to the Prime Minister of India through the DC Ukhrul.

The memorandum said that the prevailing situation at Ukhrul and the rest of Naga hills districts are direct offshoot of the Government of Manipur's decision to go ahead with the Autonomous District Council election, against much opposition from the tribals of the state.

The United Naga Council (UNC) on May 14 called for resignation of all Naga candidates in the fray and economic blockade has been enforced by the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) on National Highway 39 demanding re-enactment of the Act in present form and contents.

This development was preceded by Muivah's proposed visit to his homeland in Somdal village, Ukhrul District with the Government of India's endorsement.

The Manipur CM, Ibobi sent thousands of 'battle-hardened' Manipur armed forces to Mao Gate and Ukhrul district and unleashed a 'war-like' situation, creating fear psychosis in order to suppress the Naga peoples' demand to allow its leader, Th.Muivah from embarking his journey of Peace to his native village.

Having recognized the ongoing movement of the Naga Civil Society as Democratic and genuine the District Administration admits that the oppressive nature of the State Government to contain the movement is unwarranted.

Hence a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between representative of the Tangkhul Coordination Committee (TCC) and the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police Ukhrul on June 3, arising out of the assault of civilians by the IRB personnel at around 07:30pm at Phungreitang Ukhrul and the aftermaths of June 2 that tender sincere apology for the indiscriminate firing and IRB and commandos posted in Ukhrul will be withdrawn immediately within 12 hours.

The memorandum of understanding also said that necessary financial help will be extended to the injured and the culprit security personnel will be identified and necessary disciplinary action (suspension) will be taken within 12 hours.

Meanwhile, the TAC said that having assured of implementing the MoU by the district administration and no civil organization and no individuals will be victimized.

The Tangkhul Coordination Committee (TCC) on behalf of the people of Ukhrul district agreed to hand over the seized service weapons 15 SLR and 1 carbine of the State Armed personnel by the women torch bearer to the Deputy Commissioner while stating we don't believe in arms to seek justice, (the 17 Manipur Rifles jawans from whom the weapon were seized were also released unharmed earlier) but to give it back to the chief minister of Manipur O.Ibobi Singh to use in elsewhere in the Imphal valley and not in the Naga hills of Manipur for there is peace here and peace will prevail in the Naga country.

"This handing over ceremony is dedicated to the hundreds of men, women and children who were brutalized by State IRB and Commando on May 6 at Mao Gate and to the two 'national martyrs' Chakho and Loshou who had inspired us not to cow down to brute forces but to stand united in our movement towards our rightful place.

"Our salute goes to the thousands of torch bearers who braved the rain of bullets of State security forces demanding justice on the intervening night of June 2 and 3 at Gandhi Chowk Ukhrul and to the injured we wish you all a speedy recovery," the TAC memorandum to the Prime Minister said.

Meanwhile, the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Naga Youth Front (NYF) have condemned the incident in which the state security force personnel opened fire.

In a press release, the UNC stated that the violence prone IRB/Commandos of Manipur accosted Naga civilian on the streets of Ukhrul and started raining blows, kicks and rifles butts on the excuse that curfew had been clamped in Ukhrul town, while there was no such notification from the district administration.

The IRB/Commandos were heavily drunk and were out for action on innocent civilians, the UNC said.

[ via Newmai News Network ]

India To Layout Tribal Policy Soon

New Delhi, Jun 4 : The much-delayed national tribal policy, which aims to give tribals greater control over forest resources, will be placed before the cabinet for approval soon, Tribal Affairs Minister Kantilal Bhuria said Tuesday.

'It will be placed before the cabinet soon,' Bhuria said at a function of the tribal affairs ministry. 'The policy has been finalised, it will give tribals greater control over their land,' he said.

It has been in the pipeline for more than six years. The draft of the proposed National Tribal Policy was prepared in 2004 during the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regime. After being in cold storage for nearly four years, it was given the green signal by a Group of Ministers in 2008. It has been with the ministry ever since.

Official sources confirm that the policy will be placed before the cabinet this month.

The policy, which has been reportedly delayed due to opposition from the industrial lobby, will provide for giving tribals the right to and ownership of forest produce. It will also restrict non-tribals from buying land in tribal area.

Senior officials from the ministry said the policy provides tribals the right to decide the manner of development in forest areas.

'Tribals will have the right to decide if a road has to be built, they will have the right over how to use forest produce, in addition they will also have intellectual property rights over indigenous knowledge. On the whole, they will be key decision makers after the policy comes into force,' an official from the ministry said.

Stating that the government is already working towards ensuring land rights to tribals, Bhuria said the process is in progress under the forest rights act.

'We have received over 28 lakh applications from the tribals for land rights. Over 10 lakh cases have been cleared so far,' he said.

'Land rights will be given to all forest dwellers who have been living there since before 2005,' the minister added.

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act was passed in 2006. It ensures land rights to forest dwellers.

Manipur Blockade: Fuel Runs Out

Imphal, Jun 4 : The Manipur government's effort in countering the economic blockade by regulating and rationing of fuel and essential commodities seems to be running out of steam as the blockade entered the 51st day on Friday.

Imphal city is not new to fuel crisis but this summer has been unusual. People have been queuing up overnight for just a few litres of petrol or diesel.

The two highways into Manipur have been choked by protesting Naga student groups demanding greater autonomy.

After a month's wait, the government started airlifting supplies and forced open the blockade for a day to move in a convoy of trucks carrying essential commodities. That is now running out.  

The government has also been regulating the sale of fuel. Two wheelers are allotted 5 litres and four wheelers are eligible to get 10 litres. The supply, however, is irregular and inadequate.

But the black market sale is thriving. Petrol and diesel are available for anywhere between 100 to 150 rupees.

"I'm buying fuel for hundred and fifty rupees so I am charging my passengers that much. If it's a hundred rupees fare then I charge two hundred," said Anand, an autorickshaw driver.

Schools have reopened after school buses are being given additional fuel. But other commuters have been hard hit.

Along with fuel, commodity prices are also shooting up in the state with no breakthrough in the crisis in sight.

Assam Farmers Learn Organic Lessons From a Lab

By Samudra Gupta Kashyap

Farmers in Assam, especially those in districts close to the state capital, have found a new and safer method of pest control. The State Bio-Control Laboratory (SBCL) of the state agriculture department has isolated two exotic species of farmer-friendly insect bio-agents and have begun sharing these with farmers.

The two species of insect bio-agents — Trichogramma japonicum and Trichogramma chillonis — have earned considerable popularity among farmers, with the authorities claiming that they have not been able to meet the increasing demand.

“Our focus has been on paddy, brinjal, tomato, potato, chilli and sugarcane, and farmers have already started accruing a lot of benefit from these bio-agents,” said G C Borthakur, senior agricultural development officer at the SBCL.

“Farmers have realized that prolonged use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides have not only lowered soil quality but have also contributed towards pollution of both air and water. Thus, finding an alternative, more farmers are using our bio-agents.”

In Assam, a common pest affecting paddy is Scirpophaga incertulas, popularly known as stem-borer or moja-khowa in Assamese. “Over 70 per cent of paddy area in Assam must be infested by stem-borer,” said B K Sarma, a former ICAR scientist, who is also the author of the widely-acclaimed book ‘Rice Diversity of Northeast India’.

While farmers across the state have been using chemical pesticides, research has shown that their prolonged use has led to residual effect in rice. Trichogramma japonicum, is made to lay eggs in corcera, a host insect, after which the larvae are released in paddy plants affected by stem-borer. The larvae feed on stem-borer eggs, in the process saving the paddy stalks from dying due to damage to the stems.

Similarly, eggs of Trichogramma chillonis are also becoming popular among farmers facing the menace of a common pest called fruit-borer (Leucinodes arbonallis). The larvae of Trichogramma chillonis also feed on eggs of fruit-borer, in the process protecting brinjals from being affected. Farmers collect eggs pasted on cards, which are then released on the plants within 24 hours. The eggs hatch within 24 hours and the larvae start feeding voraciously on eggs of stem-borer and fruit-borer. There has been a three-pronged impact of this: while pest control has become safer, use of pesticides is going down, and the farm produce is definitely going to be organic.

“Set up in 2001, this laboratory does not intend to supply bio-agents to the farmers on a commercial scale. While we are looking at registration of our bio-agents from the Faridabad-based Central Insecticide Board, we also want to give the know-how to entrepreneurs for supply to the farmers,” said Bhaben Kalita, another scientist at the SBCL.

The laboratory produced 3.33 million Trichogramma japonicum and 2.5 million Trichogramma chillonis during 2009-10, with the demonstration programme itself benefiting about 500 paddy farmers and 2,000 brinjal growers. In case of brinjal, Trichogramma chillonis has also benefited the consumer in a significant way.

“Farmers are known to apply chemical pesticides on brinjals to make them shine more. But with Trichogramma chillonis, farmers do not need to do so as the bio-agent is also proved to have added some physiological benefits in size, colour and glaze of the brinjals,” Borthakur claimed.

“The efficacy of bio-agents identified and propagated by the SBCL has come as a major boon to farmers. The laboratory has worked wonders, especially when the whole world is talking organic. The state government has decided to strengthen the lab by providing more funds,” said state agriculture minister Pramila Rani Brahma.

George Bush Joins Facebook: Read His First Post

Former US President George W. Bush has officially joined Facebook.

His Facebook page includes information on his location (Dallas, TX), birth date (July 6, 1946), education (Harvard Business School and Yale), as well as links to the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Bush-Cheney Alumni Association, the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund, and a link to Amazon, where his forthcoming book, Decision Points, is available for pre-order. There's also a link to the Washington Speakers Bureau, for those interested in scheduling an event with President Bush.

His first status update, posted around 10AM ET, read:

Since leaving office, President Bush has remained active. He has visited 20 states and 8 countries; given over 65 speeches; launched the George W. Bush Presidential Center; participated in 4 policy conferences through The Bush Institute; finished the first draft of his memoir, "Decision Points"; and partnered with President Clinton to establish the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. More on his activities in future posts...

And his second:

Laura Bush's memoir, "Spoken from the Heart," is #1 on the "New York Times" Bestseller List for the third consecutive week. To learn more, visit her website at www.laurawbush.com

President Bush lists five "Favorite Pages"--among them, Laura W. Bush's Facebook page.

His status updates are, thus far, less personal than his wife's, who has been sending short posts from her book tour.

At the time of this post, some 560 people have "liked" his page. Facebook users have posted a stream of complimentary messages on his wall (no word yet on whether the page's admin or Facebook will be monitoring the content.) "I may not have agreed with everything you did, but I never doubted your love of country or your will to protect her," wrote one user.

Story continues below

A Twitter account, @George_WBush, was created under his name, but it has not been verified as authentic. AFP political correspondent Olivier Knox (@OKnox) tweeted, "Sorry to disappoint, but @george_wbush is not the former president's feed, his office says, and Dubya has "no plans to tweet.""

What politicians do you follow on Facebook? Who would you like to see join that hasn't yet?
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