Mizoram Bodies See Red in Protected Area Permit Relaxation

Aizawl, Jan 28 : Several social organisations in Mizoram have perceived the recent relaxation of protected area permit (PAP) in Mizoram as a threat to the social security of the indigenous people of the state.

In the wake of the lifting of PAP from three Northeast Indian states--Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (Mizo students' association) today convened a meeting of all major NGOs and political parties of Mizoram on the issue.

All of the representatives of NGOs and political parties, though restrained from speaking on behalf of the organisations they represented, expressed fear that the lifting of PAP would ultimately lead to the lifting of the Inner Line Permit/Regulation that safeguards the tribals of the Northeast state from assimilation.

In a bid to 'woo foreign tourists', the Centre on December 31 lifted the PAP from these three states to allow foreigners to enter into the states without any restrictions for a period of one year.

The order came after a joint delegation of the Manipuri Association of Canada and Local Support Group submitted a memorandum to the home ministry on December 28.

There had been an attempt to lift the PAP in 1994 which invited strong opposition from all political parties and NGOs in Mizoram.

At this juncture, then Union home minister S B Chavan went on a record saying, ''No innerline restriction would be imposed while restricted/protected area permit requirement for foreigners is lifted, as that would mean welcoming foreigners while keeping out Indians.'' While non-Mizo Indians have to get inner line permit (ILP) foreigners are required to get protected area permit (PAP) to enter into Mizoram.

The ILP, in particular, has drawn much criticism from many Indians as it prevented them from entering the state without getting prior permission.

''While many Indians have been complaining about the requirement of a permit to Mizoram, the relaxation of entry permit for foreigners will certainly result in yet another litigation to do away with the Inner Line Permit/Regulation under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873,'' V L Krosshnehzova said in a keynote address.

All of the speakers, except for one, shared the views of the MZP president and expressed fear that the lifting of PAP would be a threat to the social security of the tribals of the Northeast Indians which has been protected since the British time.

''The ILP's aim is not to harass or prevent entry of non-Mizo Indian nationals per se but to secure the future of the natives by protecting the sanctity of their socio-cultural rights, preventing demographic upheaval leading to invasion of their political bastion by the 'outsiders' which has been the case with Tripura,'' said a senior politician.

The meeting also expressed resentment over the Centre making such a crucial decision (to lift the PAP) following a pressure from just two organisations in Manipur, without consulting the people, or for that matter, any organisations in the two other states concerned.

The Mizo organisations also disagreed with the grounds on which the Centre claimed to have lifted the PAP, that was to 'boost' tourism industry.

''Sikkim has emerged as one of the major tourism hot spots in India. Not only the Protected Area Permit, but also Restricted Area Permit is being enforced in Sikkim. Therefore, the Centre's pretext is meaningless,'' Lalmuanpuia Punte, vice-chairman of North East Students' Organisation, said at the consultation meeting.

Under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, the PAP is enforced in some parts of Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Sikkim and the entire states of Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Similarly, the RAP, under Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, 1963, is enforced in the entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In Sikkim, the RAP covers areas uncovered by the PAP.

Average Mizo Eats 14 kg of Meat a Year in Mizoram

Aizawl, Jan 28 : An average Mizo consumes about 14 kg of meat annually, against the national per capita consumption of meat of 7.5 kg.

According to state's animal husbandry and veterinary department, the per capital consumption of meat in Mizoram is 14 kg which is about Rs 191 crores in terms of monetary value.

Pork, the most favourite meat of Mizos, is priced at Rs 180-Rs 200 per kg in the state capital.

Mizoram consumed pork worth Rs 9563.4 lakhs at the rate of Rs 180/kg during 2009-2010.

According to the department's records, during the month of last December about 54158 animals were slaughtered for consumption in the state which has a population of about nine lakhs. Aizawl topped with 20271 animals slaughtered during that month.

The official records further stated that during the period from March 2009 to February 2010, Mizoram produced 1,02,35,000 kgs of different meats which was far from meeting the state's consumption.

The state also produced 371 lakhs of eggs and 10.633 metric tonnes of milk, which again are far from meeting the requirement.

Number of Malarial Deaths Decrease in Mizoram

Aizawl, Jan 28 : Mizoram has witnessed a fall in the number of malaria-related deaths in 2010 with only 31 people succumbing to the killer disease, as compared to the counts - 199 in 2009 and 99 in 2008.

According to the record of State Vector-Borne Diseases Control Programme (SVBDCP) of the 322929 blood samples tested during last year 15,130 were found to be positive with malaria, of which 14,189 were malaria pf, more deadly than malaria pv. As many as 15,099 malaria patients were cured.

As many as 9399 people were tested positive for malaria, of which 7387 were malaria pf, during the year 2009. Of these 119 people died, the record said.

In 2008, 7361 people were found to be positive of malaria, including 6172 malaria pf, of which 91 died, the record said.

Among the eight districts of Mizoram, Lunglei district in southern Mizoram topped with 11 malarial deaths in 2010 and Champhai district bordering Myanmar did not have any death due to malaria, the record said.

According to the death investigation report of the health department, most of the malarial deaths happened due to negligence on the parts of the patients that led to delayed treatment.

''In 2009, the malaria patients were on an average four days late when they took treatment. In 2010, they were on an average two days late. There was a sign of improvement due to extensive health awareness campaign through the media,'' officials said.

The health department has set up FTD/ASHA in all towns and villages to help malaria patients get treatment on time.

Over 50,000 Constables to be Recruited From Northeast in 2011

Guwahati, Jan 28 : Over 50,000 constables will be recruited from North East for various para-military forces this year.

Informing this at a press conference here today, Staff Selection Commission (SSC) chairman NK Raghupathy said, ''The SSC will be recruiting 53,200 constables from the region for six para-military forces on behalf of the Ministry of Home Affairs.'' The vacancies include 880 in the Assam Rifles, 3320 in the Indo-Tibetan Police Force (ITBP) and the rest in four others forces-- CRPF, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), CISF and BSF.

Mr Raghupathy said the advertisements will be published on February four and the entire process will be concluded by July 31, 2011, for Assam Rifles and ITBP recruitment, and by October 31, 2011, for the other four forces.

''We are going for a time-bound recruitment and the SSC shall give their commitment to conclude it within the stipulated date in the advertisements itself,'' he added.

Among the vacancies, the highest number of 3206 posts of constables will be recruited from Assam, followed by 449 from Tripura, 329 from Mizoram, 316 from Meghalaya, 229 from Nagaland, 217 from Manipur and 100 from Aruncahal Pradesh.

Asking the unemployed youth of the region to apply in large numbers, the SSC chairman said eligible candidates from the region could be considered for appointment in other states which do not have adequate number of eligible candidates.

''The minimum educational qualification required is matriculation, which should make most youths eligible to apply. Other standard norms of reservation and concessions are applicable,'' Mr Raghupathy added.

He said the SSC expected 32-40 lakh applications for over 50,000 posts.

In Mizoram’s Rice Bowl, Oil’s Well

By Samudra Gupta Kashyap

Mamit district, known as the rice-bowl of Mizoram, has its eyes set on oil palm to provide a new crop to its farmers and at the same time contribute to the state’s agro-based economy.

While the state agriculture department introduced oil palm cultivation in 2001, Mamit rather woke up a little late. But since 2007, nearly 4,500 farmers in 45 villages in the district have taken up oil palm cultivation.

“We introduced nearly one lakh oil palm seedlings in 2007, but about 45 per cent of them were lost in a massive rodent attack in Mautam —Mizoram’s typical famine that returns every 48 years — last few years,” said Zahrila Hrahsel, the district agriculture officer here.

The Mizoram government has, in the meantime, signed MoUs with three leading oil palm companies of the country, and the partner companies have been allotted different districts for oil palm development.

Accordingly, Mamit, which has been identified as the lead district for oil palm cultivation in Mizoram, has been assigned to Godrej Oil Palm Ltd, which has already set up a nursery at Bawngva. Godrej also has been allotted the adjoining district of Kolasib, while another leading company, Ruchi Soya Industries Limited, has been allotted Lunglei district. Some areas in Aizawl, Serchhip and Saiha districts on the other hand have been given to Food, Fats & Fertilizer Limited.

A centrally sponsored scheme on 75:25 sharing between central and the state governments, the oil palm development programme intends to cover approximately 62,000 hectares in Mizoram. Mamit has an area of 3026 sq kms, and a population of over 63,000 people.

“We have sent several batches of our farmers on educational tours to Kerala and Goa to see how farmers in those states are cultivating oil palm and already enhancing their income,” Hrahsel informed.

Altogether 1,000 farmers have already taken up these tours. This apart, the state agriculture department has also organised training programmes for farmers in collaboration with Godrej Oil Palm Ltd and the other two companies, he added.

Farmers who have taken to oil palm cultivation have also formed growers’ societies jointly with the promoting company and the state government.

The advantage Mizoram has over Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and other states growing oil palm is that the soil here has high moisture content. “Farmers in the southern states are required to provide irrigation support for the oil palms to thrive. But in Mizoram there is no need for irrigation,” the district agriculture officer said.

As for the marketing of the oil palm seeds, Godrej and the other two companies have already agreed to buy back all the produce. The present market value of oil palm seeds is Rs 350 per kg, which is likely to go up by the time the plantations in Mizoram are old enough to produce good amount of fruits.

“Oil palm harvest is generally conducted three to four times a year with each tree yielding 30-40 kgs of fruits per harvest,” Hrahsel said.

What is more interesting is that Godrej has also agreed to buy the old trees after the yield begins to decrease. Oil palm trunks are used for manufacture of particle boards used in furniture.

While the oil palm cultivation programme in Mizoram was so long on a 75:25 sharing between the Centre and the state, the latter has also included oil palm cultivation in its recemt New Land Use Policy (NLUP). Under the policy, every farmer who is involved in oil palm cultivation will get a financial aid up to Rs 1.20 lakh spread over a period of two years.

Govt Formulates Job Plan For Youths of Northeast India

New Delhi, Jan 28 : The government is finalising a special scheme for the skill development and employment of youth with focus on troubled Jammu and Kashmir, North-East and Naxal-affected areas to counter terrorism and insurgency.

The youth affairs ministry's programme will start with the north-eastern states. Assembly elections in Assam -- which is politically crucial for the ruling Congress -- are due later this year.

"The aim would be to make the youth a vibrant force against divisive forces," youth affairs and sports minister Ajay Maken said. "If we can generate employment, insurgency-related problems could also be addressed. Unemployment is a root cause of the problem," he added.

The ministry will approach the Planning Commission and the finance ministry for funding of the new scheme which will be worked out after consulting state governments.

The minister said that the age group of 15-35 years constituted about 40% of the country's total population and the youth in troubled regions fall pray to divisive and extremists forces in the absence of employment opportunities.

Under the scheme, the country would be divided into four parts -- J&K, North-Eastern states, Naxal-hit tribal areas and the rest of the country -- to understand the skills needed in each region so as to ensure that youths get employment.

The projects, in collaboration with FICCI, will start with the North-Eastern region while the Naxal-affected areas will be taken up next in March-April.

The ministry has called the youth affairs and sports ministers of the North-Eastern states for a meeting on February 4 to work out the specific programmes for the region.

"We have to draw up new schemes for the youth as some of the schemes have become outdated," Maken said, adding that these are specific programmes and tailor-made for each region. "The focus will be skill development and employment through sports," he said.

Talking about the North-Eastern region, Maken said infrastructure has to be developed in the region. "In the North-East, there is natural talent for sports. We have to use," he explained.

Cancer Claims More Lives Than Any Other Disease in Mizoram

Aizawl, Jan 28 : Among various diseases that claim lives in Mizoram, cancer claims more lives than any other diseases if the reports by Mizoram Economics & Statistical department is to be based.

In the book, ‘Statistical Abstracts of Mizoram 2009’ prepared by the said department cancer had claimed more lives than other diseases like malaria, cholera, TB etc.

The book highlighted numbers of death during the year 2004-2008. During the year 2004, 593 died of cancer which is 12.72% of death while in 2005, 618 persons died due to cancer which is 13.18% of the total death on that year.

The book further revealed that during 2006, 2007 and 2008, cancer had claimed 12.82%, 13.08% and 11.71% of the total death.

Meanwhile, according to Mizoram Population Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) report, stomach cancer is the most common cancer where 23.1% of cancer patients have suffered from this cancer. It is followed by lung cancer and then throat cancer followed.

via Newmai News Network

US Offers 5th gen F-35 Stealth Fighter to India

Washington, Jan 28 : The US is open to Indian participation in its Joint Strike Fighter programme that would finally lead to its purchase of fifth generation F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, a top Pentagon official said Friday.

"There is nothing on our side, no principle which bars that on our side, Indian participation in the Joint Strike Fighter. Right now, they're focused on these aircraft which are top-of-the-line fourth-gen fighters," Under Secretary of Defence for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Ashton Carter said.

Headed to India in the coming weeks, Carter said the decision to pursue the F-35 is to be taken by India only.

Carter was delivering a key-note address on "US-India Defense Relations" at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, on the occasion of the release of a report on India's Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program.

At a cost of about USD 10 billion for 126 aircraft, the MMRCA competition is the largest Indian fighter tender in years.

Eight countries and six companies eagerly await the outcome of the selection process, which has garnered high-profile attention for its sheer size, its international political implications, and its impact on the viability of key aircraft manufacturers.

Carter argued that US-built F-16 and F/A-18 as being the most technologically advanced aircraft in the competition.

"I think that, without saying anything disparaging about the other entrants, both F/A-18 and the F-16 offers include the best technology," he said.

Authored by Ashley Tellis, the report says that in choosing an aircraft, the government of India must employ a speedy decision process that is focused on the right metrics, taking both technical and political considerations into account.

Tellis in his over 140 page report notes that the European aircraft are technically superb, but the US entrants prove to be formidable "best buys".

If Washington wants an American aircraft to win the game, however, it will need to offer generous terms on the transfer of technology, assure India access to fifth-generation US combat aircraft, and provide strong support for India's strategic ambitions to counter the perception that the older US designs in the MMRCA race are less combat effective, the report notes.

"Given the technical and political considerations, New Delhi should conclude the MMRCA competition expeditiously, avoid splitting the purchase between competitors, and buy the best aircraft to help India to effectively prepare for possible conflict in Southern Asia," the report said.

"Because of the dramatic transformations in combat aviation technology currently underway, the Indian government should select the least expensive, mature, combat-proven fourth-generation fighter for the IAF as a bridge toward procuring more advanced stealth aircraft in the future," it said.

"In making its decision, India's government must keep the IAF’s interests consistently front and center to ensure that its ultimate choice of aircraft is the best one for the service. This will not only help India to strengthen its combat capabilities in the coming years but position it as a rising global power worthy of respect far into the future," the report said.