MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS GOVERNMENT OF INDIAA Monthly Newsletter on the North Eastern Region of India Also available on Internet at : www.mha.nic.in

Vol. XIV. No. 10, October, 2012FOR FREE PUBLIC CIRCULATION Vol. XIV. No. 10, October, 2012

1

C O N T E N T S

DEVELOPMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO NORTH EASTERN REGION

ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT UNDER CIVIC ACTION PROGRAMME BY ASSAM RIFLES

PROGRAMMES UNDERTAKEN BY MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

SADBHAVANA CONCERT

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS IN NORTHEAST TO BE UPGRADED

NAGALAND SHOULD CAPITALIZE OWN RESOURCES, INDEGENOUS KNOWLEDGE

READERS COLUMN

LETTERS TO EDITOR

The essence of all religions is one. Only their approaches are defferent.

-Dr. Mahatma Gandhi

Editorial Board

Chief Editor

Shambhu Singh

Editors

Dr. M.C. MehAnathan

J.P.N. Singh

B.R. Dhiman

DEVELOPMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO NORTH EASTERN REGION

1. A Tripartite Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) between the Central Government, Government of Assam and the factions of Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) & DHD/Joel group) was signed on 8.10.2012. The MoS provides for enhanced autonomy for the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council in Assam and also a special package for speedier socio–economic and educational development of the area. On the occasion, Union Home Minister congratulated Chief Minister of Assam, his officers and also the leaders of DHD and DHD/Joel group for the cooperation extended to the negotiating team headed by Shri P.C. Haldar. He urged all groups in the country to give up violence and come forward to find peaceful solution to their perceived problems.

2. The 13th Meeting of the Home Secretaries between India and Bangladesh was held on 16-17 October, 2012 at Dhaka. The Bangladesh delegation was led by Mr. C.Q.K Mustaq Ahmed, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Bangladesh. The Indian delegation was led by Shri. R.K.Singh, Union Home Secretary. The issues relating to security, border management and enhancement of cooperation of law enforcement agencies including smuggling of arms and narcotic drugs, construction of Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) and Land Custom Stations (LCSs) within 150 yards of Zero Line, outcome of 12 Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting, cooperation in addressing the security concern of India particularly in dealing with Indian insurgent groups, smooth operation of Coordinated Border Management Programme (CBMP), increased joint patrolling to curb criminal activity along the border, mechanism of regular consultation between the District Commissioner (DC) and District Magistrate (DM) of border districts for resolving the local issues, the activities of different nodal points, cooperation for apprehension of wanted

2

NENNEENNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE NNNNNN WWWWWWNENENENENENENENENENENENEWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSLELELELELELELELELELELELETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTERERERERERERERERERERERERNENENENENENENENENENENENEWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSLELELELELELELELELELELELETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTERERERERERERERERERERERERNNNN

criminals and implementation of three agreements i.e agreement on (Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, on Transfer of Sentenced Persons and on Combating Terrorism, organized crime and illicit drug trafficking liberalization of visa procedure, ratification of Land Boundary Agreement ( LBA)-1974 by the Government of India and protocol signed in 2011 were discussed. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the talks in resolving the issues and agreed to exchange strip maps already signed in a time bound manner. The Home Secretary of India handed over an invitation from Home Minister of India to his counterpart inviting him to India.

3. On 16th and 17th October, 2012, a team of officials from MHA visited Tripura and reviewed the progress of projects covered in the Special Economic Package (of Rs. 64.63 crore) signed with National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT/NB).

4. 2nd Official Committee Meeting under the

Chairmanship of Joint Secretary (NE), MHA was held on 26th October, 2012 at Itanagar to discuss & resolve long pending citizenship issues of Chakmas/Hajongs of Arunachal Pradesh.

5. A new Border Liaison Office (BLO) between India and Myanmar has been set up in Arunachal Pradesh Sector at Changlang (India) and Pangsau(Myanmar) with the objective of promoting cooperation between law enforcement agencies at the district level for peace and tranquillity along the border.

6. The First meeting of Border Liaison Officers (BLOs) was held at Jairampur in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh on the 30th October, 2012. Besides the objectives and functions of the BLOs their roles and responsibilities, the issues like the activities of Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) along Arunachal Pradesh sector of the Indo-Myanmar Border, Arms smuggling, drug trafficking, smuggling of wild life and cultural exchange programmes etc. were discussed.

1. Union Home Minister Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde inspected security arrangements on the border between India and Bangladesh in Assam's Dhubri

INSPECTOIN OF SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS ON INDIA-BANGLADESH BORDER BY UNION HOME MINISTER

district, on 21st October, 2012, following reports of illegal migration into the country. Union Home Minister accompanied by Home Secretary and senior

3

October 2012

1. Medical/Veterinary Camp.

(i) 42-Assam Rifles organized an anti malaria campaign at various villages in Chandel District, Manipur from 1st Oct to 3rd Oct 2012. A lecture cum demonstration on anti malaria precautions was organized at district headquarter, Chandel and the villages of Machi, Larong, Bongyang. About 300 Villagers attended the programme.

(ii) 15-Assam Rifles, in association with 3 Army Dog Unit organised a veterinary camp on 06 Oct 2012 at Phundrei village, district Thoubal, Manipur. Approximately 217 animals were given medical treatment and vaccination during the camp.

(iii) On the occasion of ‘World Animal Day’, 35 Assam Rifles conducted a Veterinary Vaccination Cum Wildlife Preservation Camp at Sajik Tampak, District Chandel, Manipur on 06 Oct 2012. Approximately

ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT UNDER CIVIC ACTION PROGRAMME BY ASSAM RIFLES

inspect the riverine international border, which is considered to be vulnerable. During the visit he said that efforts are being made to check and completely stop the illegal migration into India.

250 animals received medical treatment and vaccination during the camp.

(iv) 30-Assam Rifles saved the life of a snake bite victim on 10 Oct 2012. The victim, Amarjit aged 22 years of village Khonghampat, district Imphal (West) bitten by a venomous snake was brought to the unit hospital in a critical condition. The victim was administered anti snake venom. The timely action by the medical team of Assam Rifles saved the life of the victim.

(v) 34-Assam Rifles organised a medical camp at village Behlabari in Tripura on 10th Oct 2012. About 62 persons were given medical care.

(vi) 38-Assam Rifles organised a medical camp at Toulbung and Damdei villages under Thanlon sub division in district Churachandpur, Manipur on 13th Oct 2012.

Medical camp organized by Assam Rifles

2. Assistance by Assam Rifles.

(i) On 06th Oct 2012, 31 Assam Rifles presented gifts

to the children of “Spring Buds Orphanage” at Sahaphumi Village, Mokokchung, Nagaland.

officers of the Border Security Force (BSF), visited border guards posts to assess the situation on the ground.

2. Union Home Minister travelled on a speedboat to

Assistance to children’s home by Assam Rifles

4

NENNEENNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE NNNNNN WWWWWWNENENENENENENENENENENENEWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSLELELELELELELELELELELELETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTERERERERERERERERERERERERNENENENENENENENENENENENEWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSLELELELELELELELELELELELETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTERERERERERERERERERERERERNNNN(ii) 30-Assam Rifles provided assistance to ‘Hebron

Children’s Home’ at Langol village in Imphal West on 12th Oct 2012. The Unit distributed daily use items, eatables and clothes to the children of the orphanage.

3. Awareness Camp.

(i) 34-Assam Rifles organised a presentation on hygiene and sanitation at J B school Bishnupur, Tripura on 1st Oct 2012.

(ii) On 5th Oct 2012, 44-Assam Rifles organised a presentation on “care during motherhood” at Chassad, district Ukhrul, Manipur. The objective of the programme was to sensitize people about the myths associated with pregnancy and educate them about the care required during pregnancy. More than 150 women from the adjoining villages attended the event.

(iii) 42 - Assam Rifles organised an awareness programme on “Prevention of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” at Chandel, Manipur on 05 Oct 2012. About 200 persons attended the event.

(iv) 27 Assam Rifles organized a three day computer literacy drive (from 08 Oct 12 to 10 Oct 2012) at village Sugnu, District Chandel, Manipur.

(v) 9-Assam conducted an AIDS awareness campaign at Kongdong Leiharaubuy Lampak, Ward No 7, Moreh, on 12 Oct 12. About 120 persons attended the camp. Besides check up, the participants were educated about AIDS and the prevention.

(vi) On 11 Oct 2012, 17-Assam Rifles organized a seminar on “Challenges and Concerns in Nurturing Youth”.

Assam Rifles organized Computer Literacy Drive and AIDS Awareness Campaign

4. Joy of Giving Week

31 Assam Rifles in conjunction with a NGO, “Care and Support Society” celebrated “Joy of Giving Week” on 08th October 2012 at Mokokchung, Nagaland. About 50 differently abled children from various villages of Mokokchung were felicitated by AR on the occasion.

5. Education Tour

(i) 46-Assam Rifles organised an education tour for 80 students along with teachers of Rayburn College of Churachandpur District, Manipur on 5th Oct and 6th Oct 2012 to Ukhrul. The tour provided an excellent opportunity to the children to travel outside their district.

Educational Tours organized by Assam Rifles

5

October 2012

(ii) 9-Assam Rifles organised a “National Integration Tour” for 20 school children from Moreh, Manipur to Delhi. The Tour was flagged off from Mantripukhri by IGAR(S) on 14th Oct 12. The itinerary of the tour included interaction with the President of India, the Chief of the Army Staff and eminent sports personalities like Vijendra Singh, Kapil Dev, etc. besides visits to historical places like Red fort, India Gate, Raj Ghat and Qutab Minar.

(c) 23 Assam Rifles organized a picnic for 30 students of Sangtam Students Union, Sao-Chang College, Tuensang, Nagaland on 20th Oct 2012.

6. Sports Events.

(i) On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, 34-Assam Rifles organized a volleyball match between school authority and locals of Kanialal Halam Para village in Tripura on 02 Oct 2012.

7. Cultural Programme

39 Assam Rifles organised an Inter Village Choir Competition at village Thinghat, district Churachandpur, Manipur on 10 October 2012. The theme of the competition was “Eternal Harmony and Peace”.

8. Flood Relief

12-Assam Rifles put in massive effort during the flood relief operation in Assam. Working round the clock, since

Sports events and cultural programme organised by Assam Rifles

22nd Sept 2012 in Sonitpur District, Assam, the battalion rescued 8700 people and after being rescued, 800 people were given Medical Treatment.

(A) CBWE Regional Directorate: Tinsukia

(i) 2-day Self Generation of Fund Programme (SGF) was conducted at Training Hall, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), Doomdooma, District- Tinsukia on 26th and 27th September, 2012 with 20 Industrial workers of the organisation.

The programme was inaugurated by Ms. R. Kashyap, Sr. HR executive, Hindustan Unilever Limited. She emphasized the need of this kind of training programme and thanked CBWE for organizing the programme.

(ii) 10-days NE Special Rural Leadership Development Programme was organised at Anand Bhavan, Naupukhuri, Tinsukia from 13th to 22nd September, 2012.

PROGRAMMES UNDERTAKEN BY MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

The programme was inaugurated by Shri Hathi Baruah, Secretary I/c, ZPPS, Tinsukia. Shri Sunil Tantabai, ward member, Shantipur Gaon Panchayat was the guest of honour.

In his inaugural speech, Shri Hathi Barua spoke about the problems faced by the rural workers in their day to day life and the challenges they have to face. Further, he spoke about the important role of rural workers’ organization. He requested the participants to take keen interest in the programme and put in action whatever they learn. Shri Sunil Tantabai, guest of honour spoke on the occasion and said that information is power hence they should take keen interest in whatever is taught.

6

NENNEENNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE NNNNNN WWWWWWNENENENENENENENENENENENEWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSLELELELELELELELELELELELETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTERERERERERERERERERERERERNENENENENENENENENENENENEWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSLELELELELELELELELELELELETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTERERERERERERERERERERERERNNNN

India is a secular nation and its pride lies in the fact that all its countrymen live together with peace, tolerance and harmony. However, in August, 2012, it was noted that a concerted effort was made to incite communal passions by circulating provocative clips and photographs on Social Networking sites and through SMS’s and MMS’s to vitiate communal harmony throughout the country. This led to exodus of people of NE from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with the result that more than 4500 people fled to their native states in North Eastern Region.

The Union Home Secretary got in tourch with the Chief Secretaries and DGPs of Assam, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The Central and State Governments acted swiftly and took immediate measures to provide security to the people of NE State and restore normalcy. The State police authorities were requested to register FIRs against the originators of the SMSs/MMSs which spread hatred and sought to mobilise people on communal lines. The Central Government suggested the following steps to counter the propaganda campaign and to bring the situation under control:-

Reaching out to the people from North East and reassuring them;

Deploying policemen in localities where the people from the North East stay;

Announcing and circulating help lines; and promptly responding to the calls on these help lines;

Organizing Sadbhavana meets between people

SADBHAVANA CONCERT

from the North East and the members of the other communities including the minority community.

Though the situation was dealt with aptly by the Central and State Governments and people returned to their work places/institutions, the incident raised the need to counter malicious propaganda by forces inimical to country as a large number of people from North East are studying and working and settled in big cities across India and they have made a major contribution to economic development by working in sectors like IT, Hospitality, Media and Entertainment and have well-integrated with other communities.

In order to create a feeling of security among the people of NE States residing in various parts of the country that they have as much right as anyone else to live, to earn and to study in any part of the country and to showcase that we, Indians stand together in all adversities, “the Sadbhavana Concert” was organised in Pune, Maharashtra on 5th October, 2012 in order to spread the message of Peace and Harmony amongst the people of Pune under the aegis of Pune Police. Traditional dances like Bihu dance from Assam, bamboo dance from Mizoram and the war dance from Nagaland were performed at the event. The artists who performed included:-

Joi Barua: Bollywood Singer from Assam

Jankee Parekh: Bollywood Singer

Iqbal Darbar and Aawez Darbar: Singers from Pune

Artists from all 7 States of North East India

(iii) 3 days NE special programme for Panchayati Raj functionaries of NE Region was held at Samuhik Kendra Kakopathar, Tinsukia from 18th to 20th September, 2012.

The Programme was inaugurated by Shri Lombeswar Sonowal, President, ZPPS, Tinsukia. In his inaugural speech he said that rural development is possible only through strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions and by organising training programmes for Panchayat functionaries. He further said that Central Board for Workers Education was rendering a very useful service in strengthening the Panchayati Raj institutions.

(iv) 3-days NE Special Programme for Panchayati Raj functionaries of NE Region was held at Conference Hall, North Golaghat Development Block, Dergaon from 20th to 22nd September 2012.The programme

was inaugurated by Shri P. Boruah, extension officer Panchayat & in-charge, BDO North Golaghat Development Block. About 20-male and 10-female participants representing various Gaon Panchayats under North Golaghat Anchalik Panchayat of Golaghat District attended the training programme.

(b) CBWE Regional Directorate: Imphal:

Trainees of a 2-days rural awareness programme conducted at Ibudhou Community Hall, Awangkhunou Mayai Leikai, Imphal West, District, Manipur formed a Self Help Group i.e. “AWANGKHUNOU MANING LEIKAI SHG”, Awangkhunou Maning Imphal West District Manipur. Smt. S. Lokeshori Devi, Smt. P. Jamuna Devi and Smt. Sija khombi Devi are president, secretary and treasurer of the above SHG, respectively.

7

October 2012

To improve road connectivity in the country’s mountainous North Eastern Region, over 10,100 km of national highways in the region will be gradually upgraded. “The Central Government has accorded importance to improving connectivity in the land-locked North Eastern Region”, Road Transport and Highways Secretary Shri A.K. Upadhyay told reporters in Agartala on October 13, 2012.

“Over 10,100 km of national highways in the North Eastern Region would be further developed in a phased manner,” he said. “North East in general and Arunachal Pradesh in particular have been accorded the highest importance for development of road and bridge infrastructure.

“Around 2,770 km of roads, including those in the areas bordering China, are in various stages of construction by BRO (Border Roads Organisation),” Shri Upadhyay

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS IN NORTHEAST TO BE UPGRADED

said. Arunachal Pradesh shares 1,030 km of unfenced border with China. He said the extension, development and widening of National Highway-44 up to Sabroom in Tripura were crucial after Bangladesh allowed India to access the Chittagong port, about 75 km from the border town of Sabroom.

The Central Government has also started building a 150 metre long bridge over the Feni river in Sabroom for better connectivity with the Chittagong sea port.

Shri Upadhyay said that an Additional Director General from the Ministry with higher technical and financial powers would be appointed soon to accelerate works on the national highways in the North Eastern States. Additional Chief Engineers from the BRO would also be posted in the region for the same purpose, he added.

The concert was a major success and people from all walks of life attended the concert. Shri R. R. Patil, Home Minister of Maharashtra was the Chief Guest and Olympics Silver Medalist, Shri Gagan Narang was also present at the event. The concert was attended by the government officials and people of Pune.

The Government is planning to organise more such events in other parts of the country where artists from the Northeast Region will share the platform with artists from other parts of the country. It will not just help people learn more about the Northeast Region but will also strengthen ties between them.

Nagaland Chief Minister Shri Neiphiu Rio said that a ‘land-locked’ State like Nagaland should be capitalize on its own readily available resources and indigenous knowledge in order to boost the State’s economy and industries.

The Chief Minister who inaugurated the multi-utility centre of the Nagaland Bee & Honey Mission (NBHM) at 6th Mile, Dimapur, said that it is very difficult to undertake economic activities in a land-locked and mountainous State like Nagaland.

NAGALAND SHOULD CAPITALIZE OWN RESOURCES, INDEGENOUS KNOWLEDGE

Shri Rio also said that importing labour and resources to set up industries in the State would prove to be a costly affair and is not viable at all. Therefore, Nagaland has to explore its own area of strength and bank on its own resources, rich biodiversity and indigenous knowledge for the State’s industries and enterprises to make a dent in the global market.

He said in this direction, NBHM is doing a commendable job by undertaking bee and honey mission

8

NENNEENNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE NENENENENENENENENENENENEWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSLELELELELELELELELELELELETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTERERERERERERERERERERERERNENENENENENENENENENENENEWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSWSLELELELELELELELELELELELETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTERERERERERERERERERERERERNNNN

8

MHA requests the readers to send their response through e-mail at: donedc-mha@nic.in

Request for free copy of the NE Newsletter indicating language preferred or suggestions, if any, may be sent to the Chief Editor/Editor at the address given below:

Readers are also requested to e-mail their e-mail address for getting a copy of the N.E. News Letter through e-mail.

Edited and Published by N.E. Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, North Block, New Delhi - 110 001 Printed by: Chandu Press, D-97, Shakarpur, Delhi-92, Ph.: 22526936

RNI Reg. No. R-72398/99

READERS COLUMN

The NE monthly Newsletter is published in English, Assamese, Bengali and Manipuri and has a circulation of 40,000 copies. Ministry of Home Affairs brings out the publication incorporating important information/developments concerning North Eastern States.

Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Newsletter, requests for inputs for the Newsletter from the State Governments, agencies, institutions and individuals highlighting the area specific issues, problems, special features, potential for tourism, environmental protection or special efforts/achievement in various fields. Views and write-ups from general public are also solicited on specific issues/problems including on measures for resolution thereto in the North East.

Articles should be sent in a hard copy format accompanied by floppy/CD version along with photographs. Articles should be accompanied by an abstract of maximum of 150-200 words. Readers are encouraged to send comments and suggestions (upto 300-400 words) on published articles. All letters should have writer’s full name and postal address. The selected articles will be published in the monthly NE Newsletter with due editing.

LETTERS TO EDITOR

I shall be highly obliged if you kindly send me a free copy of NE Newsletter in English to my address given below:-

Sd/-Mr. Ruparsing Deori Sukrang,

Branch Post Master,Kadam Guri Post Office,Via-Gogamukh-987034,

Dist- Dhemeji, Assam

I shall be highly glad if you would supply a copy of NE Newsletter in English to my address below:-

Sd/-S.K Das,

Post Durlavnarayan,Via Melaghar,

Dist. Sepahijala,Pin- 799115, Tripura

I shall be grateful if you kindly send NE Newsletter free of cost at the address below:-

Sd/-Arjit Choudhary,

Tirsha Apartment,9 E, Ajanta Road,Kolkata-700075,

West Bengal

on a war footing and enhancing production of honey from 120 metric tonnes in 2007 to 350 metric tonnes in 2012.

“We have a vision to increase honey production in the State from present 350 metric tonnes to 5,000 metric tonnes in the 12th Five Year Plan”, the Chief Minister said.

Shri Rio further mentioned that Nagaland with more than 80 percent forest cover and 70 percent of population engaged in agricultural activities and a biodiversity hot-spot, is an ideal land for bee keeping. However, in order to attain that vision, he said it will require joint efforts of the State Government, NBHM and other stakeholders including bee keepers.

Stating that the government can do only as much as playing the role of facilitator, Shri Rio said the business of enhancing honey production lies in the hands of local bee keepers.

He urged NBHM officials to impart sufficient training to the bee keepers and to upgrade their indigenous and

traditional bee keeping skills with application of modern technologies. Shri Rio asked the young entrepreneurs to take beekeeping which is a lucrative enterprise.

“We (government) will give support to bee and honey mission because we have the will to popularize honey in Nagaland”, Shri Rio added. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched official website of NHBM and released a book “Traditional underground bee-keeping in Mima village, Nagaland”.

Additional Chief Secretary and development commissioner, Shri Alemtemshi Jamir, and mission director and team leader NBHM, Shri Mhathung Yanthan, also spoke on the occasion.

The multi-utility building was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 120 lakh which included a bee museum, library and honey testing laboratory. State agriculture production commissioner and principal secretary, Shri HK Khulu, chaired the programme.