1.22 Lakh People Court Arrest in Tripura

Agartala, Nov 9 : More than one 1.22 lakh people today courted arrest throughout Tripura in response to a 'jail bharo' agitation launched by 11 trade unions including CITU and INTUC, CITU sources said.

Among others, CPI-M spokesman Gautam Das, CITU leader Shankar Dutta and Pijush Nag, Forward Block leader Biswanath Saha were arrested and later freed by the police.

CITU sources said the working people demonstrated before central government offices and railway stations throughout the state.

Police said the movement was peaceful and there was no untoward incident.

Eleven central trade unions, backed by the Left parties, Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called the country-wide 'jail bharo' movement to press for their six-point charter of demands.

The demands include rollback of petro product price hikes and check prices of essential commodities, and social security for the unorganised labourers.

Manipur Shutdown: Whose Responsibility is The Northeast?

Akshaya Mishra

Up against blockade

New Delhi, Nov 8 : Is the North-East anybody’s responsibility? While the rest of the country remains obsessed with Team Anna and its unending antics, beyond the glare of the TV cameras and public attention, Manipur suffers. Intense ethnic politics has debilitated life in the state. Neither the Central government nor the state government seems too keen on breaking the cycle of economic blockades and counter-blockades which has been depriving the state of essential supplies.

As the blockade of the two national highways – NH 39, connecting Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati, and NH 53, connecting Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar, reached its 100th day today, people in Manipur kept struggling for the bare essentials. Prices have skyrocketed across the board, hospitals are running short of medicine, potato, onion and cereals are virtually out of the market and petrol, diesel and LPG availability is close to drying up. Food riots have not happened yet. But they might soon.

The highways are the lifeline for the state since these connect Manipur to other parts of India. The ethnic Kukis had blocked these for 92 days demanding the conversion of the Sadar Hills area near Imphal into a full-fledged revenue district. Soon after the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee, which was spear-heading the movement, signed a favourable deal with the state government, the Nagas jumped into action in protest. Now, they are doing their bit to deprive the Manipuris of essentials.

An economic blockade is primarily a war-time measure, aimed at cutting off supplies to the enemy population. That the ethnic groups in Manipur would resort to starving their own people is bizarre. Creating a humanitarian crisis for ethnic-political ends does not make sense. Moreover, it only serves to aggravate and intensify the animosity between the Kukis, Meiteis and Nagas.

The extreme action seems to be the only option left for ethnic groups pushed to the margins by the Meiteis, who are perceived to be controlling the polity of the state. The highway blockades undertaken by the Nagas and Kukis are meant to make the government and the Meiteis sit up and take notice. Whatever the reason, the developments have been disastrous for the state’s economy. Those at the receiving end belong to all ethnic groups.

The only people benefitting from the blockades are the traders and hoarders across all groups. This group—some analysts do not rule out the possibility of the direct or indirect involvement of this lot in the blockades—makes a killing when essential items disappear from the open market. Interestingly, almost everything is available in the state in the black market during the times of the blockade.

During all this, the state government and the Centre do not seem anywhere in the picture. The Centre, too far removed from the ground zero of the ethnic politics of the state, has been clueless about a proper response. The North-East, in any case, does not form the political centre of gravity for Delhi. It partly explains the lack of seriousness on its part on issues relating to Manipur and other states in the region. The efforts of the state government do not seem to be adequate either.

But to be fair to both, it’s not an easy situation in Manipur. The roots of exclusivist ethnic politics run deep in Manipur.

The creation of a separate Sadar Hills district for Kukis out of the current Senapati district, which otherwise be a matter of simple administrative decision, is not easy given the history of ethnic rivalries in the district. Senapati is home to different communities of the Kukis and the Nagas. The Sadar Hills region is dominated demographically by the Kukis. Nagas fear that a separate district of the Sadar Hills would come in the way of creation of greater Nagalim. Both the communities have been in conflict over many decades over the bifurcation of the district.

The solution lies in both sides climbing down from their position. But it does not look possible. “Don’t blame the Nagas now for this deadlock. We want the people of Manipur to come out and question the government about the issue,” said S Milan, leader of the United Naga Council, which is spearheading the blockade by the Nagas even as the state turned into a lawless territory.

Clearly, the state government is incapable of bridging the wedge between the two groups. The Centre must intervene. If it has to use force to remove the blockade, it should not matter. It has to ensure that the supply of essentials are not hindered and people are not made to suffer because of the frequent agitations and the political agendas of ethnic groups.

New World Record Longest Headed Goal

Longest Headed Goal 58 Meter headed by Ryujiro Ueda, FAGIANO OKAYAMA YOKOHAMA FC vs FAGIANO OKAYAMA

Assam's Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Opens For Tourists

A Great Indian one horned rhino at the Pobitora Wildlife. Pobitora is famous for the highest density of Great Indian One Horn Rhino within 42sqkm.

By K Anurag

Guwahati : As the autumn has set the stage for the winter to rule the atmosphere in the picturesque North East India's hills and valleys, enchanting destinations in the region are ready to welcome visitors in the coming tourists' season. K Anurag reports.

While the captivating rhino abode in Kaziranga National Park was thrown open for the tourists on October 28, three days ahead of the schedule, two other most-visited wildlife protection areas -- Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and Manas National Park -- in the state were opened for tourists from Saturday.

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has the highest density of the rare one-horned rhinos on the planet. The 38 square kilometers park with a core area of 22 square kilometers have 84 one-horned rhinos s per the last headcount carried out in 2009.

A wild buffalo

Already migratory birds of different hues have started flocking numerous wetlands in the park that is located about 35 kilometers away from the heart of Guwahati city and well connected to the arterial National Highway 37.

A few lush green tea estates and several ethnic villages on its fringes added value to the destination making it a heady package of one-horned rhino, ea estates and ethnic culture.

Declaring the park open for tourists, Assam Tourism Minister Rockybul Hussain informed that Pobitora had started attracting more and more tourists and the revenue earning from tourists have increased at least 16-fold since the year 2001.

The picturesque and sprawling Manas National Park spread over about 1000 square kilometer in western Assam bordering Bhutan Himalayas too was opened for tourists this morning by the Deputy Chief Executive Member of Bodoland Territorial Council, Khampa Borgoyari in presence of senior forest and wildlife officials.

Visitors enjoying an elephant safari at Pobitora

A large number of tourists including several visitors from abroad set their feet inside the park on the opening day while all the travellers nests in and around the park are booked for coming days.

Words hardly suffice to describe that beauty and grandeur of a sprawling landscape called Manas National Park that converges to the banks of a majestic Manas river that cascades down from the Bhutan Himalayas.

The atmosphere inside is usually serene which is interspersed with occasional chirping of birds and gurgling sounds of the stream flowing by. The ubiquitous peacock would often crisscross your way.

Assam Forest Minister Rockybul Hussaini at Pobitora

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Committee in its 35th conference held in Paris in June this year has decided to restore the World Heritage status to Manas National Park in view of the improved wildlife protection measures and regained resources.

The tag was removed in 1992 as the park was facing major devastation due to social turmoil and insurgency in the area at that time.

It is a unique wildlife protection area in the country which has got five different conservation status -- tiger reserve, world heritage site, biosphere reserve, national park and an elephant reserve. Manas is arguably the only wildlife habitat which harbours more than twenty Schedule I species as listed in the Wildlife Protection Act of India.

Thousands of Lesser Whistling Teal at the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Because of the pressure from tourists, the most visited Kaziranga in Assam had to be opened on October 28 before schedule. Famous for its treasure trove of over 2,000 one-horned rhinos, Kaziranga Park also home to highest number of endangered tigers in the region.

Located along the NH 37, the park is very well connected to the rest of the country through road, rail and air.

Meanwhile, tour operators and the government of Meghalaya are expecting an increased flow of visitors to numerous scenic destinations in Meghalaya ( the abode of cloud) including Shillong, Cherrapunjee (Sohra), Mawsynram, Upper Shillong etc. Already people are thronging the annual Shillong Autumn Festival organised for three days since yesterday by Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum both in Shillong city and Orchid Lake Resort at Umiam in Borapani off Shillong.

The carnival organised in collaboration with Meghalaya Tourism Department has showcased colourful ethnic culture of all the eight Northeastern states to mark the beginning of a hectic tourists' season ahead.

Jammu Court Rejects Bail to Mizoram Lady in Jackpot Lottery Scam

Jammu, Nov 8 : A local court today rejected the bail application of a Mizoram based lady allegedly taken into custody in a much publicized jackpot lottery scam, sources here said.

Chief Judicial Magistrate, Jammu Jatinder Singh Jamwal rejected the bail application of Singrothangi alias Mercy Ralte, resident of Tuithiang, Aizwal Mizoram who is alleged to be involved in the scam.

While rejecting the bail application, the CJM Jammu after hearing both the sides observed that the matter pertains to cheating public of huge amount, sources here said.

They said that according to the complainant, he was duped of an amount of over Rs 28 lakh on account of purported transaction charges. The fraud is handiwork of well trained and well equipped group of frauds including the foreign nationals and the accused is only one of them, they added.

The court, however, noticed that nothing substantial had happened in the investigation of the case and apart from the applicant, all other accused people involved in this case were still at large.

In the opinion of the court it was a fit case where the investigating authority should be provided ample opportunity to investigate the case to unearth all the hidden truths regarding the offence committed.

With these observations, the court rejected the bail application, they added.

10,000 Students Affected By Mizoram Teacher Strike

Aizawl, Nov 8 : Around 10,000 students are likely to be affected as teachers belonging to Mizoram Deficit Mission Schools Association (MDMSA) has decided to launch indefinite strike from Tuesday.

The strike, to be launched ahead of the annual examinations, by teachers of the best educational institutions in the state ran by churches like Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, Presbyterian and Baptist churches, is likely to affected education.

The teachers have been demanding hike in the salaries in line with Sixth Pay Commission recommendations, introduction of pension scheme and application of modified ACP.

They had taken mass casual leave for a week and decided to go on an indefinite strike after the state education minister Lalsawta failed to give them any concrete promise, they said.

Manipur Blockade Enters 100th Day

By Oinam Sunil & K Sarojkumar Sharma

Imphal, Nov 8 : The economic blockade of Manipur entered 100 days on Monday, with no sign of respite for its long suffering people. While the Kuki tribals withdrew their agitation from November 1, the Nagas remain unrelenting and continue to block the state's lifelines, the Imphal-Dimapur and Imphal-Silchar highways.

The Kukis, who were the first to call for the blockade from August 1, demanded the creation of Kuki-dominated Sadar Hills district from a portion of Naga-majority Senapati district. The Okram Ibobi Singh-led Congress government assured them that it will look into their demand following the report of district re-organisation committee. It also agreed to quickly grant three more sub-divisions to Sadar Hills area.

This angered the Nagas who protested against Ibobi Singh's assurance to Kukis of Sadar Hills district without consulting them. The United Naga Council (UNC) called a counter-blockade on the two highways on August 21 to oppose any move to bifurcate Naga dominated areas without consulting them. The UNC is also demanding an alternative administrative arrangement for the Nagas of Manipur.

Left without an option with soaring prices of essentials, an angry Ibobi Singh warned protesters of stern action. "We have waited and watched the agitation that has taken a toll on the common people. Our tolerable limit is over," he said.

With assembly elections in February 2012, the Ibobi government was wary of using strong-arm tactic against the agitators. But now that popular opinion in Imphal valley is turning against him, the CM is worried of losing support among the majority Meitei people.

"We stand in queues for petrol which is Rs 240 per litre. I bought a cooking gas cylinder for Rs 1,900 today. This is simply unacceptable. But the government is doing nothing," fumed Ibomcha Singh of Imphal. Another Imphal resident, Mema Devi, said, "For the last 99 days, our kitchen budget has gone for a toss as prices fluctuate every week. Only vegetables prices have not increased much as it is winter now.

In normal times, around 300 trucks and tankers enter landlocked Manipur daily with essentials and fuel. During the blockade, the government could manage to get only 1,200 to 1,300 goods trucks a week. Add to this the cost of escorting these trucks on the Imphal-Silchar and Imphal-Dimapur highways, and the blockade begins to hurt.

Miss World 2011 Crowned: Miss Venezuela Ivian Sarcos

Venezuela's Ivian Sarcos wins Miss World 2011 crown

Emotional moment: Miss Venezuela Ivian Sarcos is crowned winner at the Miss World competition held at Earls Court in London.

Miss Venezuela, Ivian Sarcos, is crowned Miss World 2011 in Earls Court in west London November 6, 2011 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Miss Venezuela Ivian Sarcos reacts as she is announced winner at the Miss World competition held at Earls Court in London, Sunday, November 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Miss Venezuela Ivian Sarcos reacts as she is crowned winner at the Miss World competition held at Earls Court in London, Sunday, November 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Competitors in the 2011 Miss World final, parade on stage during the opening ceremony of the competition in Earls Court in west London November 6, 2011 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Contestants stand on stage at the 60th Miss World competition at Earls Court in London, Sunday, November 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Miss Japan, Midori Tanaka, takes part in the opening ceremony of 2011 Miss World final in Earls Court in west London November 6, 2011 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Competitors in the 2011 Miss World final, parade on stage during the opening ceremony in Earls Court in west London November 6, 2011 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

Competitors in the 2011 Miss World final, parade on stage during the opening ceremony in Earls Court in west London November 6, 2011 REUTERS/Paul Hackett

(L-R) Miss China Chen Liu, Miss Japan Midori Tanaka, Miss India Kanishtha Dhankhar, Miss Hong Kong Hyman Chu and Miss Philippines Gwendoline Ruais pose beside the Thames during a photocall as part of the Miss World 2011 UK Tour, on October 31, 2011 in London, United Kingdom.