The Intellectuals in The Indian Government

Ten top qualified MPs who bring their expertise to the ministries.

Dr. Manmohan Singh: Prime Minister

M.A. (Economics), Punjab University, Economics Tripos, University of Cambridge, U.K., D.Phil, Nuffield College, University of Oxford, U.K.

Singh is a Rajya Sabha member.

He has authored "India's Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth published by Oxford University. He has written numerous articles in economic journals. He was elected Wrenbury Scholar, University of Cambridge, in 1957. He is interested in sports and is an avid reader.

C.P. Joshi: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister
M.Sc.(Physics), M.A. (Psychology), LL.B., Ph.D

Constituency: Bhilwara, Rajasthan

Joshi enjoys travelling. Being a retired professor, he is still an academic at heart, and likes to read on varied subjects.

M.S. Gill: Sports Minister

Senior Cambridge, B.A. (Honours), M.A., Ph.D., Diploma in Development Studies, University of Cambridge.

He is a Rajya Sabha member.

Gill was the first member of the Indian Administrative Service to go to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling and train with Tenzing Norgay, the Everest hero, in 1961. He has scaled 20,000 ft in mountain climbing. He is interested in promoting Indian sports, and led the Indian contingent to the Mexico Olympics in 1968. Gill was president of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation and heads the Himalayan Club.

Pranab Mukherjee: Finance Minister

M.A. (History), M.A. (Political Science), L.L.B.

Constituency: Jangipur, West Bengal

He was a journalist with a Bengali newspaper Desher Dak, and his writing skills found an outlet in the five books he has published on Indian democracy and its economy. Besides diary writing, reading and listening to music, he spends his leisure hours in an unusual pursuit -- gardening. Reading books, listening to music and maintaining a diary are his other pastimes.

P. Chidambaram: Home Minister

B.Sc., B.L., M.B.A., Harvard University, U.S.A.

Constituency: Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu.

Chidambaram is a keen follower of modern literature in general and Tamil literature in particular. He is a trustee of Ilakkiya Chinanai, a literary association in Chennai, and the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. He has given many lectures in universities in India and abroad. A social and cultural activist, and a sports enthusiast, he is a member of several sports clubs in Chennai and Delhi. Chidambaram is widely travelled.

Mamata Banerjee: Railway Minister

M.A., B.Ed., LL.B

Constituency: Kolkata Dakshin, West Bengal

She has published books in Bengali on socio-political issues, written lyrics for Bengali songs, is widely travelled, and likes to paint and listen to music. She is a member of several social and human rights organisations.

Meira Kumar: Lok Sabha Speaker

M.A., L.L.B, Advanced Diploma in Spanish, Madrid

Constituency: Sasaram, Bihar

Meira Kumar has published several poems, edits a monthly magazine Pavan Pasand, paints, and is founder of the All India Samta Movement. She is associated with service organizations like Ravidas Smarak Society and Jagjivan Seva Ashram. Indian crafts and textiles, music, rifle shooting, equestrian and visiting monuments are her other interests.

Mukul Wasnik: Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment

M.A., M.B.A.

Constituency: Ramtek, Maharashtra

Wasnik's interests range from agriculture, law, industry, labour, education and the uplift of weaker sections, to travelling, cricket and athletics. He attended the 12th World Festival of Youth and Students, Moscow, in 1985, and was part of a delegation to the 42nd UN General Assembly session in 1987.

Kumari Selja: Housing, Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation, Tourism Minister

M.A., M.Phil.

Constituency: Ambala, Haryana

Her passion is to work for the empowerment of women and disadvantaged groups. Contemporary economic and political issues, environmental concerns, inclusive growth and habitat-related issues animate her. Travelling to untouched estinations, and reading on her pet subjects fill her spare time. Kumari is member, Commonwealth Women Parliamentary Steering Committee.

Kapil Sibal: Human Resource Development Minister

M.A. (History), L.L. M.

Constituency: Chandni Chowk, Delhi

Sibal was Additional Solicitor General of India, 1989-1990. He has written articles in national dailies and magazines on various issues, such as security, terrorism and nuclear proliferation. He is involved in protection of archeological sites of cultural and historical significance, and is keen on spreading scientific knowledge especially among the youth. Sibal has an unusual pastime -- cooking, besides reading, writing and travelling.

Source: India Syndicate

Finally! A Solution to PMS

PMS- Women's monthly misery just a drug away

Millions of women could, now, be freed from the monthly misery of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) by taking a tiny dose of a common drug for a few days.

A major breakthrough has uncovered the cause of the debilitating cramps and mood swings that blight most women, a news website reported.

Giving them a low dose of the common anti-depressant Prozac could stop PMS for good.

For the first time neuroscientists have found an organic cause for the condition when the levels of a female sex hormone changes.

Researchers at the University of Birmingham, led by Thelma Lovick, have shown that premenstrual-like symptoms can be triggered in female rats by a change in the level of secretion of one of the female sex hormones that normally occurs towards the end of the menstrual cycle in women.

In tests, the team found that PMS could be prevented by giving low doses of Prozac which is also known as fluoxetine.

Lovick said, "All that would be needed for countless women to benefit from what could be a simple and accessible treatment, involving a drug that is already in widespread use, is clinical tests to refine it and identify the optimal dosing strategy."

PMS causes pain and upset for millions of women worldwide.

Although not all women show all the symptoms, around 75 percent of women are thought to experience some of them.

These can include anxiety, mood swings, tiredness, depression, headaches, feeling bloated and pains in the joints.

Source: IANS

ABC Says The Security Sting Operation by Media Watch Was Bogus

The stream of good news for CWG continues with a popular Australian TV channel slamming the sting operation on CWG security done a few days ago by another Aussie channel. Meanwhile, the gush of athletes and visitors into the Games Village continued unabated giving the Games the much-needed fillip.

New Delhi: Popular Australian TV channel ABC says the sting operation by Channel Seven on an alleged security lapse at the Commonwealth Games main venue Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was "ridiculous and dishonest", but the latter has threatened to sue.

ABC's Media Watch Monday night highlighted loopholes in Seven News reporter Mike Duffy's report, which received worldwide coverage on the lack of security for the Commonwealth Games.

ABC said that when the "filming was done, full Games security was not yet in operation" and termed the "entire stunt ridiculous and dishonest".
Media Watch host Paul Barry alleged that Duffy's suitcase was empty anyway when he walked into the stadium area and indicated that the reporter manipulated the whole episode.

The Channel Seven crew had conducted a sting operation that was broadcast last week. They had claimed that they were able to walk in carrying a large trolley suitcase having explosives capable of triggering up to 200 explosions if fitted with a detonator.

The news crew said they were easily able to obtain a detonator and ammonium nitrate from the capital, adding to a slew of allegations that preparations for the mega event had not been up to the mark.

Soon after ABC report, Duffy said he was "suing ABC TV's Media Watch for defamation" and are "retaining the nation's top lawyer in the field, Mark O'Brien."

The Delhi Police has also termed the sting operation motivated. "It was deliberately planted as the reporter does not even know that ammonium nitrate is a fertilizer and a non-prohibited item for sale in India."

"There is no lock down in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium security as yet. Security will be bolstered with additional deployment after the complete lock down and substantially more during Games time," police had said at the time.

New Delhi: As the Indian capital prepared to host the Commonwealth Games only five days away, 850 athletes and officials poured into the Games Village Tuesday, taking to 3,100 the population of the much maligned complex that is now winning high praise from almost everyone.
Home Minister P. Chidambaram meanwhile reviewed final security arrangements for the Village and the various venues where the Games are to begin Sunday until the closing ceremony Oct 14.

For a change, one delegation after another -- including the Australians, who were the harshest critics until now -- heaped accolades on the sprawling Village that will house some 7,000 athletes and officials from 71 countries and territories.

But diplomats from some countries said they still had concerns regarding the cleanliness of the Village, a mammoth complex built at the edge of the Yamuna river.

Canadian Susan Nattrass, a six-time Olympian and seven-time world trap shooting champion, was among the athletes who arrived Tuesday. She has two Commonwealth silver and three bronze medals to her credit.

Jamaican Ricardo Cunningham, an 800 metres specialist, and the fancied Australian women's hockey team, winners of three Olympic gold medals and five World Cup titles, also flew into New Delhi.

Northern Ireland, New Zealand, England and Australia were among the other countries whose athletes arrived Tuesday. Australian chef de mission Steve Moneghetti said he was "fully satisfied" with the Games Village.

"We are happy with everything at the Village... We are happy with the traffic. I haven't received a single complaint from the athletes about the Village. Accommodation is perfect, the dining area excellent," Moneghetti, who was mayor of the Melbourne Village in 2006, told IANS.

Nigerian delegation head Elias Usman Gora echoed him. Nigerian athletes are "very happy and impressed" with the facilities, have started training, and are optimistic about winning medals, he said.

As Delhi Police enforced the Games exclusive lane travel system in many parts of the city, it caused the inevitable traffic jams. But many others said they were happy to see disciplined motorists on Delhi's otherwise chaotic roads.

Chidambaram met with his officials amid concerns that terrorists could target the event.

The meeting was attended by Home Secretary G.K. Pillai, chiefs of the Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing, Delhi Police commissioner Y.S. Dadwal and officials dealing with CWG security and internal security.

Chidambaram later toured the 24X7 Control Room for the Games, set up in North Block, which houses the home ministry.

Since Monday, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) were deployed in Delhi's skies to detect aerial intrusions. Army helicopters also hovered over the Games Village.

In New York, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said that India looked forward to welcoming and hosting participants of the Commonwealth Games.

"India eagerly looks forward to welcoming sportspersons and officials ... to Delhi," Krishna told foreign ministers of Commonwealth countries Monday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Preparations are in full swing at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the heart of the Indian capital for the grand opening ceremony where composer and Oscar winner A.R. Rahman will perform Oct 3.

But India's famed Bollywood quotient will take a back seat, giving primacy to the country's cultural heritage.

The opening ceremony will involve dances, drums, music, yoga, textiles, the sights, sounds and colours of India, encapsulating 5,000 years of culture.

Source: IANS

Milan Fashion Week 2010

An amalgamation of designs, colours and styles never seen before marked this year's edition of the prestigious Milan Fashion Week.

A model showcases a creation from the Gucci's Spring/Summer 2011 women's collection during the Milan Fashion Week.

Models present creations from Gucci's Spring/Summer 2011 women's collection.

A close-up of a model in pieces from the Gucci's Spring/Summer 2011 women's collection.

A model in an outfit from the John Richmond Spring/Summer 2011 women's collection.

A model slips on the catwalk as she presents a creation from the John Richmond Spring/Summer 2011 women's collection.

Another creation from designer John Richmond's Spring/Summer 2011 women's collection.

Models walk the ramp in pieces from the John Richmond Spring/Summer 2011 women's collection.

A model walks the ramp with a colourful bag during the D&G Spring/Summer 2011 show.

A model strums a guitar as she presents a creation from the Frankie Morello Spring/Summer 2011 women's collection.

A model gestures as she walks the ramp during the Frankie Morello Spring/Summer 2011 show.

A model presents a Frankie Morello creation in style.

Plastic: No Good, Only Bad And Ugly!

Plastic bags are easy and cheap to make and last a long time, and this is exactly why they have become an environmental hazard.

Ever checked the plastic that goes into your bin? Lets start with garbage bag, the vegetable bag, the bag in which the eggs came, the bag from the grocery store, the bag from the shopping mall, the bag from the drycleaners, the aerated drink bottle, the mineral water bottle. The list is endless.

Now lets see where these plastic bags we junk each day end up. They are found in drains, they littler the roads, they are all over landfills and they are probably also lie in the stomach of the cows your milkman has. According to a television channel eating carelessly thrown plastic bags results in death of 100 cattle per day in the state of UP alone. As much as 35kg of plastic was found in the stomach of a dead cow.

Facing the deluge

And not just that, storm water drainage over flooded and choking with ubiquitous plastics waste have been the held responsible for the Mumbai floods making them unmanageable.

In June 1998, the Bombay Municipal Corporation passed a resolution to ban plastics carry bags only to vacate it in less than two days with the city administration giving up under the pressure of the plastics industry, which has a sound base in the city

Because plastic does not decompose, and requires high energy ultra-violet light to break down, the amount of plastic waste in our oceans is steadily increasing. More than 90% of the articles found on the sea beaches contained plastic.

No wonder that in July, 2009, when Mumbai faced exceptionally high tides, the sea threw back 6.4 lakh kgs of waste comprising plastic, polythene bags and thermocol which is more than four times the average amount that is dumped on the coast in three days.

In June, 2009, UN's top environmental official called for a global ban on plastic bags stating that single use plastic bags which choke marine life, should be banned or phased out rapidly everywhere. This call for a global ban on plastic bags came after a report on litter in the world's ocean, which identified plastic as the most common form of ocean litter.

The plastic problem is so bad that a floating island of plastic debris has been discovered in the northern Pacific which is double the size of the United States.

Why exactly is plastic bad?

Plastic poses a threat to the environment because it is not biodegradable. Plastic which ends up in the sea (through garbage dumps at seaside, river flow etc) becomes food for marine life that mistakes it for food especially of the jellyfish variety. Plastics bags have been found in the stomachs of endangered animals including the leatherback turtles and black footed albatross.

It takes about 430,000 gallons of oil to produce 100 million non-degradable plastic bags. And 4 to 5 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide annually.

What makes the whole plastic bag debate ironical is the exact reason why they are used. Plastic bags are cheap. And perhaps that is why they are incessantly used. Often, one or two bags are sufficient, but the grocery clerk at the local store uses twice that many.

What we can do:

* Reuse and reuse. don't just throw away the plastic bag you get from stores, stash it and carry it for the next time you go shopping.
* When out shopping, if its just for one or two items, don't accept a plastic bag.
* When shopping at more than one store, try putting everything in one bag instead of accepting huge plastic bag with a small item.
* Don't buy mineral water bottles if you can carry your own water.
* Don't invest in garbage bags, use from the numerous bags you have hung up behind your kitchen door.
* Simply say NO to plastic.

Source: India Syndicate

Bandh Will Be Dealt With Iron Hand: Mizoram CM

Aizawl, Sep 29 : Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla today said any blockade on the national highways would be dealt with an iron hand.

Village councils and NGOs of Bairabi have decided to stage a road blockade on the Bairabi-Aizawl national highway, in protest against the poor condition, which has been worsened by monsoon rains.

''The government is well aware of the poor condition of roads in this sector and has done everything within its capacity to improve it.

However, desired results could not be achieved due to continuous rainfalls,'' the Chief Minister informed the Assembly.

The states only railhead is located at Bairabi. From there to FCI godown, rice is transported by trucks to all the PDCs across the state. The poor road condition has drastically reduced supply of rice in the landlocked Mizoram.

Stating that regular plying of trucks has worsened the road condition and slowed down the repairing works, he said the village councils and NGOs of this area decided that the road be closed for all the types of vehicles in order to expedite the process.

He further added if at least two rice carrying trucks ply the road per day, it still better than no truck at all.

''The roadblock will only worsen the food shortage. Therefore, the government has taken the village councils and NGOs decision very seriously.

The law will take its own course against these people who are trying to block the states lifeline,'' he asserted.

He added that despite the governments appeal yesterday, the protesters were determined to stage the blockade.

Dammed If You Do: The Choice Between Hydropower and Food Security

By Huascar Robles
Without it they’d be in the dark. With it, their food production system buckles. This is the dilemma the Toubul village has to endure at the foot of a dam in the northern Indian state of Manipur.

As in many cases of development gone wrong, the hydropower dam fuels the region with electricity.

Because of it, a few roads were also built. But instead of paving the way to responsible industrialization, the dam has severely endangered the livelihoods of Toubul’s families.

According to an article at Infochange, the major setback for this agricultural community is the floods caused on the village’s arable land. To keep the dam operational, the adjacent Loktak Lake is kept at levels that inundate a total of 80,000 hectares of land, according to the Loktak Lake Affected Areas Peoples’ Action Committee.

But it does not stop there.

The project has progressively disturbed the lake’s ecosystem, decimating the fish population and killing plant species, both used in food and rituals.

Naturally, the result is a collapse of the local economy. Rice farmers have lost their land. Some have resorted to leasing new plots, and now make a fraction of their original revenues. (A series of reports can be found here.)

Trying to keep their community from drowning, local activists won a compensation case at the Guwahati High Court. But as it's expected in these cases, the petitioners (a total of 6,000, according to the report) still await payment.

The question these dwellers are now asking themselves is 'what’s the point of having a hot stove if there’s nothing to put in it?' It must also be a head-scratcher to visit the market for rice that you once grew plentiful in your backyard.

It is living example of the paradox that plagues the developing world. Progress, while serving some benefits, leaves some of the world’s most abject behind. For the people of  Toubul, the dam brought electricity but took away their food security.

It’s a trade off that not all are willing to make.

Photo Credit: Gary Brown

**Huascar Robles is a journalist and documentary filmmaker based in Puerto Rico, and an op-ed columnist for El Nuevo Día.

Mizoram Anti Dam in Protest In Aizawl

 









Memorandum Below

Submitted by Sinlung Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Organisation (SIPHRO) and Sinlung Peoples Collective

To, 28^th September 2010

Shri Lal Thanhawla
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram

Subject: Implement Moratorium on Dams in Sinlung Hills, Mizoram.

Sir,

All our small and big rivers (Tuiruong and Tuivai - Tipaimukh Dam (1500 MW), Tuivai (210 MW), Serlui- (12 MW), Tuivawl ( 40 MW), Tuirial (60 MW) in Mizoram’s Sinlung Hills are proposed to be dammed. When Mizoram requires only 100-160 MW for its own consumption, the imposition of these projects in our small land clearly points to the extermination of our land and people in the name of development. Moreover, these projects are without our knowledge, consent and approval. We were never informed, consulted or intimated in any manner regarding these destructive projects that are already threatening us in our ancestral land. These projects are undemocratic and imposed upon us.

Serlui B hydel project has already pushed our people out of our land, alienated our people from their stable livelihood system and deprived us of our citizenship and democratic rights. Villages affected by the Serlui B Hydel project are already in a state of environmental refugees. Worse, the major share of compensation out of Serlui B project and Tuirial Multipurpose Hydro Electric Project were bagged by the rich, influential and powerful lots from Mizoram’s Aizawl; people who were never affected by these projects. These projects are indiscriminate and inhumane in all its form. They should never be allowed to take shape in the name of development. Our experiences with small hydel projects show that there is lax or near absent regulatory mechanisms, which in turn cause environmental degradation and large-scale displacement of people. The implementing agencies, both the State as well as non-State agencies, are merely institutionalizing injustice in the name of development. The deprived tribals should not be allowed to be further marginalized from their land and of their Constitutional rights.

The proposed projects failed to be transparent in all its planning process. All information’s about these dams that, otherwise, are supposed to link, inform and educate the affected people did not reach them. Information has become a costly property in the hands of the few powerful groups who will never be affected by the dam, but who sought monetary compensation, contract job and other benefits from the project. The entire covert practice is a negation of the Fundamental Rights of the marginalized tribals who will be affected by these projects.

Despite the high-risk the proposed projects embody, it not only fails to inform the threatened people about the possible adverse impact, but also fails to represent their approved consent. In short, these projects did not take into consideration the existence of the tribals/indigenous peoples and their rights. The tribals have no role or say in any stages of the decision making process that, otherwise, should require their active participation. The entire evolved process has made it evident that the proposed projects are not people friendly projects.

Instead of informing and educating the threatened tribals, the implementing agency, the State actors as well as non-State actors, took advantage of the ignorance of the information deprived tribals who will be severely impacted by these projects. The unwanted conduct is a discrimination and negation of the Fundamental Rights of the tribals.

The Government of Mizoram’s experiences with Dams is marred with failure. This is evident with the cases of Serlui ‘B’ project, Kau Tlabung and Tuipang Hydel Project. The Government of Mizoram should withdraw from its adventurous attempt to dam all our small and big rivers in Sinlung Hills, in the name of development, when it severely failed to achieved good practices with the small projects. It is our humble request that the Government of Mizoram reconsiders its policy on dams and focus on the welfare of its people, their citizenship and democratic rights.

Similarly, with a poor and failed record of implementing policies on dams and any development projects, breakdown of law and order and governance, the Government of Manipur does not qualify to be one of the implementing agencies to dam our rivers by playing with the lives of its citizens, forests, rivers, and rights in the name of development. When the Government of Manipur is incapable of reforming its governance, law and order, it should rather review its existing practices with development projects before taking up Tipaimukh Dam. The Government of Manipur should not exploit the strength of its militarized State to built Tipaimukh Dam. We cannot bear to afford militarization taking over the destructive project, our land, rivers and forests. The Government of Manipur should not conveniently exploit the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) to pursue the controversial project. There can be no compensation for the social, human, security and environmental cost and crisis that it will create for the tribals who will be affected. The controversial project is increasing social, economic and political exclusion and injustice for the tribals. The Government of Manipur is institutionalizing injustice to the Hmars and other affected communities by the project. Furthermore, it will alienate the people and their rights from their ancestral land, forest, rivers, and natural resources.

We, the people of Sinlung Hills, do not give our consent and approval to the recently signed (April 28, 2010) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Manipur, National Hydro-electric Power Corporation (NHPC) and Shimla-based Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVN) for the construction of Tipaimukh Dam, by damming our river Tuiruong and Tuivai. Besides destroying hundreds of kilometers of our virgin forest and jhum land, the proposed project will directly affect fourteen (14) villages in Sinlung Hills, Mizoram: Sawleng, Darlawn, New Vervek, Sailutar, Sakawrdai, Khawlek, Vaitin, Vanbawng, Khawpuar, Suangpuilawn, Ratu, Phullen, NE Tlangnuam, and Lungsum. We shall not allow these projects to ruin, plunder and rob our right to life. We shall not allow the Government of Manipur to capitalize its militarized power and invade our land and rivers, our dignity and freedom.

The implementing agencies of these projects did not disseminate any information regarding these destructive structures. We have no confidence in any of the implementing agencies who will plunder and ruin our land, rivers and people for their profit driven interests.

We would like to draw your kind attention to NHPC’s track record with hydro-power which is alarmingly poor in all the important aspects. If one looks at NHPC’s performance, in case of Indira Sagar and Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Chamera I and II projects in HimachalPradesh, Loktak project in Manipur, Koel Karo project in Jharkhand, Lower Subansiri project in Arunachal Pradesh, Teesta Low Dam stage III project in North Bengal, Salal and Uri projects in Jammu and Kashmir, Dul Hasti project in Jammu and Kashmir, Baira Saul project in Himachal Pradesh and Tanakpur and Dhauliganga projects in Uttaranchal, Rangit project in Sikkim, it is evident that NHPC severely failed in good practices, creating irresponsible disaster to land, people and resources, displacing people without proper relief, rehabilitation and resettlement measures, violating human rights, huge cost and time overruns, causing construction related disaster, poor social and environmental standards. In many cases NHPC did not even have an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Social Impact Assessment as well. Worst, NHPC have also, in many cases, failed to avail free, prior information for the affected people. Many times, NHPC pursue its projects without informing the targeted people about public hearings. In short, NHPC has been involved in severe violations of current Indian environment norms. We shall not allow such irresponsibility and inhumane activities to repeat in our land.

Moreover, the only safe areas that will not be affected by these dam projects are targeted to be converted into Pualreng Wildlife Sanctuary. In this pursuit, the authorities are doggedly scheming to purchase the community and private land and forests of four villages- Khawdungsei, Mauchar, Zohmun and Palsang. These villages have been asked to received their share of “compensation” and vacate their villages. These villages have taken resolution to live on their ancestral land and not to take any such “compensation”. Despite strong protest lodged by the authorities of these villages, the State authorities failed to take heed of their humane stand.

We are strongly against the indiscriminate attempt of the State authorities to push the villagers out of their land to make way for a wildlife sanctuary. It is our humble demand that the concerned authorities immediately stop its inhumane activities and allow our peopled to peacefully co-exist with our land, forests and rivers.

The unbridled pursuit of monetary profit by few individuals at enormous environmental, social and human cost will inevitably lead to the growing alienation and deprivation of our people in our own land. The implementing agencies, without the prior, informed consent of the affected people, had breached obligations to respect and protect the Constitutional and democratic rights of the Hmar people and other communities. Moreover, we are not aware of any of the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Social Impact Assessment (SIA), and our entitlements. These projects, by destroying our rivers, forests, land and people, will only benefit few, but influential and powerful coterie.

The proposed projects are not people’s friendly projects and stand against any democratic principles. It is our sincere request to the Government of Mizoram to respect the time honored Hmar- Mizo tribal customs, rights, traditional land holdings system and not to give its approval for any clearance to any of these projects.

In the pursuit of justice, fairness, respect by realizing our Constitutional rights, the marginalized peoples of Sinlung Hills,Mizoram demands that:

1. The implementing agencies, State as well as non-State actors should immediately rethink, implement moratorium and withdraw from pursuing these destructive projects and save our land and people from irreparable destruction. The State as well as non-State actors ought to know that our land, rivers and forests are the backbone of our existence and survival. Our citizenship and democratic rights that are integrally embedded with our land, forests and rivers must be safeguarded and protected for all time to come.

2. The haves and influential coterie from Mizoram and Manipur should stop their selfish quest for securing contract job and compensation by negating the ancestral dwellers.

3. There should be Constitutional Safeguards for securing and developing our land, our people, our rights and our future.

Copy to:

Mizoram

1. His Excellency MM Lakhera, Governor of Mizoram.

2. Home Minister of Mizoram.

3. Minister of Environment and Forests.

4. Press.

5. NGOs.

Centre

1. Prime Minister of India

2. Shri P Chidambaram, Union Home Minister.

3 Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister for Environment and Forests.

4. Shri Naveen Verma, Joint Secretary, North East, Ministry of Home Affairs.

Others

1. Chief Minister of Manipur

2. CMD, NEEPCO, Shillong, Meghalaya.

3. CMD, NHPC, Faridabad.