1,000 Trucks And Tankers Leave Imphal With Security Escort

Imphal, Sep 12 : Over 1,000 empty trucks and oil tankers with security escort left in Imphal on Sunday for Jiribam to collect essential items, defying the ongoing blockade on the National Highway 53, to ease the food crisis in Manipur, official sources said.

"Police commandos and jawans of India Reserve Battalion (IRB) are escorting the vehicles on the Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar National Highway 53 in the wake of destruction of several food-laden trucks by those supporting the blockades at Khumbong yesterday," the sources said.

The vehicles, carrying essentials, are scheduled to return after three days, they said.

Jiribam, located about 222 km west of Imphal, is a town bordering Assam. Blockades have been continuing on two important roads -- Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati National Highway 39 and Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar National Highway 53 in Senapati district -- for nearly one and a half months creating scarcity of essentials in the land locked state.

The Sadar Hills District Demand Committee has launched indefinite economic blockades on the two highways demanding conversion of Kuki-majority Sadar Hills into a full-fledged revenue district from August 1.

Opposing the demand, the United Naga council also launched blockades on the two highways since the middle of August.

Explore Northeast India From Top of Tree House

By Kanchuki Sarma

Hang in there...

Forget sedate resorts, opt instead for a house on stilts or a tree house in hidden corners of the heavenly North East...

It is amusing to see people travel far off to see new lands but opting for the familiar. If you would rather stay in a concrete building trying hard to pass off as a resort, and hunt for comfort food, no matter how bad it is, maybe you should sit at home and be an armchair traveler.

Alternatively, you could really immerse yourself in the place, live and eat as the locals do, even if it is for a couple of days, and come back with richer, everlasting memories. If your next holiday destination is the North East of India, try these options:

Chang Ghar or house on stilts

Majuli in Upper Assam is more than just 'the world's largest river island.' It is the hub of a unique sect of Hinduism thriving in Assam for centuries. The Mising tribe of Majuli, Assam, like many others in the region builds their houses on stilts. This was done as protection against the annual flooding of the Brahmaputra and also to protect their granary from the moisture in the soil.

When in Majuli, you can opt to stay in a guesthouse run by the Hindu monastery called Xatras or choose to stay in a unique lodge at the edge of the Mising village. The lodge is a joint venture by Danny, a local Mising boy, Jim Chauvin and Maka Korbaa, two young architects from France who fell in love with the island and decided to make it their second home.

The lodge is modeled on the Chang Ghar, the traditional Mising hut built on stilts but with certain modifications to ensure that it is more permanent than the traditional huts. It is called La Maison de Ananda (a combination of French and Assamese for House of Joy).

You can reach your rooms by climbing a short but steep log with steps carved on it. A lovely sit-out verandah that looks out to the rice fields lets you lounge all day if you'd like. If you venture out for a walk, you'll see villagers engaged in weaving, tending to livestock, mending boats, or going out to the fields. Located close by are the Sattras, or monasteries where you might find Hindu monks, experts in the classical dance called Sattriya nrittya, practising. If they feel generous enough, they might even show you a few steps on request.

An added attraction is that you share food with the Mising family next door where you are welcome to sit in the kitchen as the ladies go about preparing the fusion cuisine of Assamese and Mishing food consisting of dry fish, pork, rice and fish in a light mustard sauce.

Mawllyngong - the tree house
Did you ever dream of the seemingly impossible world created by the likes of Enid Blyton where kids had not only a room to themselves, but also a tree house in their backyard? You can relieve your childhood fantasy in a remote little village of Mawllyngong, in Meghalaya, a few kilometers from the Bangladesh border. Mawllynong is Meghalaya's best-kept secret; a mere 1.5 hours from Cherrapunjee, which is on the standard tourist circuit. It is a small village with a distinction - it has also earned the accolade of being the cleanest village in Asia, a title conferred by the Discovery Channel.

The guesthouse, constructed of bamboo and thatch, even has a bamboo balcony where a simple homemade meal is served. A small bamboo stairway leads to a crow's-nest, where under the leafy shade you can spend many an hour with just yourself and a book for company. Two small but comfortable rooms in the main hut and one small room in the attached hut is all that is available. So if you are keen to stay in this Garden-of-Eden, make sure you plan in advance.

Heritage homes in upper Assam
If the ethnic house in Mawllynong in the Khasi hills puts you in a mood for solidarity with nature, the heritage homes in Upper Assam, once the homes of British tea plantation owners, will make you feel like a true Sahib. Set amidst the lush tea plantations of Upper Assam, these bungalows were built in the beginning of the 20th century by the Burra Sahibs. The first of its sort to be converted into a heritage hotel is the Thengal Manor, which belongs to an old Assamese planter's family.

One such bungalow, the Mancotta Chang near the city of Dibrugarh, is built on stilts, so that the Sahib could get onto his elephant right from his bedroom. The large rooms in these bungalows are filled with beautifully crafted antique furniture made with sturdy teak. Sipping your moring cuppa, sitting on the opulent cane chairs in the verandah, you need little imagination to send you off into a different era.

Heritage homes are not limited to the tea-estates of Upper Assam. In the hill station of Shillong, once the capital of the region and another Raj-era town, many heritage houses are now offering stay options. Another option, the Lumsohpoh House is a haven in the chaos of today's Shillong, set in its own gardens overlooking the town.

With options ranging from homestays to community run guesthouses to Raj-era heritage homes, suited for all budgets, will you still opt for a star resort and insist on ordering butter chicken and naan on your travels?

**Kanchuki Sarma can be reached at leisure.mirror@indiatimes.com

Nehginpao Kipgen Interview with Chinland Guardian

 

Nehginpao Kipgen

The ongoing situation in Sadar Hills District, Manipur, India has attracted attention of not only the ethnic peoples in Northeast India but also the Chins from Burma.

The Chinland Guardian has conducted an interview with Nehginpao Kipgen, a researcher on the rise of political conflicts in modern Burma (1947-2004) and general secretary of the U.S.-based Kuki International Forum (www.kukiforum.com).

He has written numerous analytical articles on the politics of Burma and Asia for many leading international newspapers in Asia, Africa, and the United States of America.

Chinland Guardian: We have read a lot about problems arising in Sadar Hills District in Manipur, India. Tell us briefly about it.

Nehginpao Kipgen: It is a demand for the implementation of the Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council into a full-fledged district. It is an exercise of democratic rights by the people of Sadar Hills. On the eve of Manipur attaining statehood status in 1972, the Indian parliament passed the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act, 1971. According to the Act, all the hill areas were to be divided into six autonomous districts, with the ultimate goal of a full-fledged district each.

The six autonomous districts were:
1. Manipur South (Churachandpur)
2. Manipur North (Senapati)
3. Manipur East (Ukhrul)
4. Manipur West (Tamenglong)
5. Sardar Hills (Kangpokpi)
6. Tengnoupal (Chandel)

Of the six autonomous districts, only Sadar Hills is left to be accorded a full-fledged district status. Autonomous district council is a sub-administrative unit of a full-fledged district that has to seek the approval of the district administration on all matters concerning executive, legislative, judicial and financial matters.

There is too much interference by the district administration. For example, the deputy commissioner of a full-fledged district can modify or change the budget passed by an autonomous district council administration. All taxes collected by the council are sent to the district administration.

The basic requirements for autonomy and self-government are lacking in autonomous district councils. On the other hand, a full-fledged district is an administrative unit headed by a deputy commissioner, a district magistrate, and a superintendent of police. The Sadar Hills district headquarters will come under the Kuki-majority urban town in Kangpokpi. In addition, Sadar Hills will enjoy all the benefits and privileges of a full-fledged district.

Chinland Guardian: Do you think this is also part of disputes and misunderstanding among tribal or ethnic groups dwelling in the area?

Nehginpao Kipgen: Unfortunately, politics in Manipur is largely driven along ethnic lines. The three major groups of people are the Meitei's, the Kukis, and the Nagas. They are of the same Mongoloid race, speaking Tibeto-Burman languages. The unbiased solution would be the implementation of the district in accordance with Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act, 1971. You cannot demarcate a district boundary based on ethnicity in a state like Manipur. For instance, you can find all the three major ethnic groups in all districts of the state. If Sadar Hills district boundary were to be drawn along ethnic line, it can engender a chain of other demands in existing districts.

Chinland Guardian: Chin people expressed their concerns over the hunger strike in India, where more than 40 Kuki women also got involved. What happens now?

Nehginpao Kipgen: The hunger strike continues. Some are hospitalized; some others are arrested and incarcerated because of refusing medical aid. Both Manipur and Indian governments should take serious note of the gravity of this non-violent form of agitation. Mahatma Gandhi, who is regarded as father of the nation and highly revered around the world, successfully led independence movement against the British with his non-violent political weapon. The government has the responsibility to protect the lives of its citizens.

Human rights organizations such as National Human Rights Commission of India and National Commission for Minorities should assess the condition of the hunger strikers and extend any possible help. Human rights campaigners around the world should speak up for these voiceless peaceful hunger strikers. The international community must ensure that the lives of peaceful hunger strikers in India are not jeopardized for a legitimate political demand, and their fundamental rights should be protected. In this regard, pressure must be put on both the state and central governments to take urgent steps.

Leading international human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International should use their influence to help the peaceful hunger strikers. In this regard, I have personally spoken to a number of officials.

Chinland Guardian: How have the local and Indian authorities responded and what could be the best solutions to this problem?

Nehginpao Kipgen: As mentioned earlier, the unbiased solution would be the implementation of the demand in accordance with Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act, 1971. You cannot demarcate a district boundary based on ethnicity in a state like Manipur. The central government has advised the state government to expedite the process, but lacks concrete step. If the state government is unable to handle on its own, the central government needs to step in to resolve the problem at the earliest possible.

Chinland Guardian: Historically, it is said that Chin-Kuki-Mizo is a group of peoples with the same root being divided into different countries during the colonial times. How can the historical relationship be survived and strengthened in modern days?

Nehginpao Kipgen: We share the same root, and belong to one family. We need to focus on how and where we can work together. We should encourage on socio-cultural exchanges. Our unity can be strengthened by organizing international seminars and conferences, especially for the younger generation. In this regard, our leaders and academics should take the initiatives. We should focus on inclusive activities, and stay away from exclusive and detrimental activities. Every individual should use his or her talent and resources to promote peace and fraternity among us.

Chinland Guardian: Tell us more about a brief history of Kuki people and the Kuki International Forum.

Nehginpao Kipgen: Because of the British colonial administration, the Kuki people have been forced to live across international boundaries, notably in India, Burma, and Bangladesh. Many have also now lived around the world. The Kuki International Forum (KIF) was founded to serve as a common platform for the Kuki people across the globe.

The main goals are:

(i) To safeguard and promote the cultural heritages of the Kukis around the world.
(ii) To uphold peaceful co-existence and mutual understanding with other nations.
(iii) To educate and preserve the KUKIS’ national identity.
(iv) To represent the issues of the KUKIS.

Further information on the KIF and the Kuki people, you can visit www.kukiforum.com.

Chinland Guardian: Many thanks for your time and answers.

Nehginpao Kipgen: It’s my pleasure as well. Thank you!

Source: Chinland Guardian

228 people died of AIDS in Mizoram

Aizawl, Sep 11 : At least 228 people affected with full blown AIDS have died in Mizoram during the past two decades, officials said today.

Out of 1,58,220 blood samples tested since October, 1990 till July this year, 6,014 people were found to be infected with the dreaded virus, Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) Project Director Eric Zomawia said.

Zomawia said that 118 new HIV infections were detected during July this year alone and almost 70 per cent of those infected with HIV got infected through sexual contact.

While covert commercial sex workers and their customers were still the highest risk groups, intravenous drug users also easily contacted and propagated the virus, Zomawia said.

Microsoft Teases Windows 8 Feature

Could the '8' in Windows 8 represent how many seconds it takes Microsoft's newest operating system to boot?

A new video, posted on the Building Windows 8 blog, shows that the much-anticipated, re-designed followup to Windows 7 can boot from power-off to start screen on a notebook PC in under ten seconds. This would make it--as many of you running Windows 7 know--much, much faster than the current Windows.

Check this out:

Windows 8 is able to boot so quickly, according to the blog post, by putting the "kernel sesion" into hibernate mode rather than closing it down completely (as happens on current Windows machines). Rather than having to completely boot back up from nothing, your computer will now essentially come back from hibernate mode after you power down. For a full, more technical explanation of how Windows currently shuts down versus how it will shut down in Windows 8, read the Microsoft engineer's explanation here.

The cynics out there will say that it's a good thing this new Windows boots so quickly since you have to restart it so often, and the blog post even mentions that the team is working on "reducing the number of required restarts due to patching running code" for their updated OS. Still, if the Microsoft engineering team can replicate the speed shown in this demo on a wide scale, then Windows 8 just got a great new feature.

The Building Windows 8 blog launched in August and offers users gradual sneak peeks at the development of the OS.

Microsoft debuted Windows 8 at AllThingsD's annual conference in June 2011, and the interface appeared radically different from what Windows users are used to. What was shown off at that conference resembled the Windows Phone mobile interface much more than it did the more familiar Windows for PC. When it launches, Windows 8 will be optimized for touch-and-slide gestures on tablets and smartphones (Mac's Lion OS X, too, has been "iOS-ified," taking on several touch-and-slide capabilities familiar to iPhone users).

For now, there is no word on a release date for Windows 8, though Steve Sinofsky, President of Windows and Windows Live, told Engadget in June that they were set to release a new Windows build once every two to three years: Windows 7 was released on October 22, 2009.

ULFA Chief Paresh Baruah Reportedly Shot At, Injured By Myanmar's Army

New Delhi, Sep 10 : The commander-in-chief of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), Paresh Barua, reportedly been shot at and injured by the Myanamarese Army soldiers in the jungles of northwest Myanmar.

Sources were quoted by NDTV, as saying that Baruah has survived the attack. The channel said he was with some rebels when he was detected by the Myanmarese army and fired upon.

The ULFA recently had unconditional talks with Indian Home Ministry officials in an attempt to usher peace in insurgency-hit Assam.

An ULFA delegation met Home Ministry officials and Home Minister P. Chidambaram in February and again last week.

Baruah, however, has skipped both of these meetings.

He is still at large issuing threats and carrying out attacks. He wants sovereignty as a pre-condition for talks.

KMSS, AASU Resume Anti-Dam Agitation

Guwahati, Sep 10 : The Krishak Mukti Sangram Samity (KMSS) and Aasu resumed anti-mega dam campaign on Friday after the Assam government decided to bring the barges carrying turbines for the construction of NHPC hydel project at Lower Subansiri.

While the KMSS has already blocked national highways at various places in the state, Aasu has instructed all its units to come out to block the waterways to barricade the barges. "KMSS will not allow the barges to reach Subansiri at any cost. We won't hesitate if we have to even sacrifice our lives. But the barges will be blocked. We warn the state government of a huge agitation," said Kamal Medhi, the publicity secretary of KMSS.

KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi, who was on his way to Ralegaon to join Anna Hazare, cancelled his tour and came back to Assam. He will join the movement on Saturday. Activists of the farmers' body blocked national highways at Kaziranga, Chabua and Teok on Friday.

An Aasu delegation has already left for Jogighopa where it will stage a waterway blockade on Saturday.

"The government has disrespected the people of the state who have been opposing the mega dam. It has not even listened to the expert committee report. Aasu has always opposed the mega dam and will do so at any cost," said Aasu president Shankar Prasad Roy.

Due to the ongoing agitations, the five cargo ferries of Assam-Bengal Courier India Ltd, carrying turbines for the NHPC mega dam project at Lower Subansiri are waiting for more than a year now at Dhubri port of Assam.

MANIREDA Lighting up Manipur

Imphal, Sep 10 : The Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA) has recently announced plans to light up nine Deputy Commissioner (DC) offices and five district hospitals in the state through 25 KW solar power plants by the end of next year, thereby carrying forward plans of both the Centre and state governments to further promote renewable energy in the northeast so as to meet the region's power requirements.

Scores of young students turned up at the Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas, organized under the aegis of MANIREDA, in support of renewable energy, here on August 20.

"If any establishment where power is a problem, we request them to come up to MANIREDA so that we can extend our help to the organization and solve their problem at least to a certain extent," said MANIREDA Director L Manglem.

The students participating in the rally emphasized that renewable energy sources are of great importance.

"It is good to participate in this rally, as renewable energy sources are of great importance to us. We should not waste our natural resources but instead should use them judiciously so that everyone can be benefited," said Sophia, a student.

MANIREDA is the nodal agency for popularizing the applications of various non-conventional and renewable source of energy in Manipur.

It has set up biogas plants, distributed solar cells, lighting systems, wind-solar hybrid energy system in villages of Manipur where grid connectivity has not reached.

MANIREDA has lighted up 165-gram panchayats, 200 villages, 73 police stations, distributed 5736 solar streetlights with a capacity of 444 Kilowatts, set up a 200 KW solar power plant at Moreh and off late has taken up a program to install 50,000 solar water heaters for domestic and commercial use.

This agency also trains villagers in preventive maintenance of these installations.

"We have contributed a lot to the development of the state where the grid connectivity cannot be reached. We have electrified more than 200 villages in the region and are working towards development of the state," said Manglem.

During the event, MANIREDA felicitated 110 meritorious students of the Board of Secondary Education of Manipur.

The speakers interacted with visitors and spoke about the advantages of using renewable sources in solving the global energy problem and preventing global warming.

Apart from MANIREDA, several other schemes like Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutkaran Yojna that aim at electrification of rural areas are also being implemented in the northeast.

Under the scheme, 22782 villages and 25623 hamlets have been electrified and nearly 23,16,282 rural households, now have access to electricity.