Buatsaihi Shocks Chaudhary in Women's National Boxing

Thrissur, Dec 7 : Little-known boxer, Lal Buatsaihi of Mizoram, on Monday stunned Priyanka Chaudhary of Uttarakhand 4:1, on day two of the 11th National Women's Boxing Championships.

The boxer, participating in the 54kg category, just graduated to the senior level, while Chaudhary has the experience of competing in the World Championship in Barbados.

Boxers from the Northeast, especially Assam, have impressed the most here and it is no surprise that the state, along with Delhi, are leading the points tally.

The most exciting bout of the day saw Bihar's Mamta take on Jahnabi Gogri of Assam, in the 48kg category. The scores were tied after the completion of fourth round but the result went 3-2 in favour of Mamta in individual score.

In light-fly category, defending champion Krishna Thappa of Madhya Pradesh defeated Punyavathi of Andhra 11-2.

Vanlal Duati of Tripura, the most favourite boxer in this category, secured a comfortable first-round win over Khalada Wally of Maharashtra after she forced the referee to stop the contest.

NE Youth Festival 2011 at Senapati

Dominic Chawang and members of Youth Intiative Foundation (YIF) addressing media persons in Guwahati late Sunday night, December 5 on the forthcoming North East Youth Festival to be held at Senapati in January. (NNN Photo)

"North East Youth Festival to be held next month at Senapati in Manipur is to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Noth East communities," said Dominic Chawang, convenor of the mega event. The event will be sponsored by Youth Initiative Foundation (YIF).

Addressing a press conference in Guwahati late last night at Atithi, Dominic Chawang talked animatedly about the upcoming 3-day cultural extravaganza that kick starts on January 17, 2011 in Sanapati district of Manipur.

In a PR exercise in the sideline of hectic preparation for the festival, Dominic and the members of the Youth Initiative Foundation interacted with journalists from North East saying that the festival is conceptualized to foster to tap the young talents of the region and to expose the rich culture of the various tribes and peoples of North East India. The three- day mega event consists essentially of cultural programmes with participation by traditional cultural troupes of various communities, food fest competition, music nites, beauty pageant etc.

As North East is a region where people from different cultures are accommodated, the festival aims to promote the rich culture of the various North East communities amongst the people of the region. The entire region of North East is rich in culture and there are underlying diversities within, thus the festival will promote these diverse cultures of the communities living in North East India.

The festival to be organized by Youth Initiative Foundation under the theme “peace through culture and identity” seeks to tame the frustration amongst the youths of the region. A concept paper on the festival said “in the midst of al kinds of turmoil and insecurities, the event is an endeavor to highlight ‘a ray of hope.'  

In order to harness the talent of the people of North East who are almost invariably synonymous with music to the outside world, grand musical nites with internationally recognized artists like Guru Rewben from Manipur, Soul Mate and Lou Majaw from Meghalaya etc. will be roped in to encourage music. Apart from that, a pageantry of beautiful women of North East with a vision and talent to conquer the wider world will be showcased during the jamboree, he added.

The organizer invited participants from across the region with all expense paid reveling to each of the participating cultural troupe from the states of North East, including security cover during the mega event.

While a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh will be given to a winner of cultural dance competition, a consolation prize of Rs 10,000 each is a certainty for all the participants in the festival. As for the beauty pageant, a crown title holder of “Queen of the Mystic Earth” will go back richer by Rs 1.20 lakhs and the first and second runners up by Rs 80,000 and 50,000 respectively.

Delving on the importance of the festival, Dominic talked of the multi-pronged aspects of the initiative. First of all, the festival aims to reach out to youths so that the vast resources of youth may be tapped in bringing about desirable change for the future. The importance of the festival in spreading awareness regarding AIDS/HIV cannot be overemphasized. The festival also seeks to bring together contemporary and traditional music, creating a culture of fusion and change, said the convener of the festival.

Hectic PR exercises are on for now to dispel “fear” of the region by the outside world, and it is through this festival, said the organizer, that the echo of serenity will resonate through the prism of the hearts of the people.

via Newmai News Network

Separatists Open Finance Companies in Guwahati

Guwahati, Dec 7 : Several northeast separatist groups have floated finance companies and doing business in Assam's main city Guwahati besides setting up bases in cities outside the region.

'It is true that some militant groups or individual militant leaders have opened finance companies in Guwahati and even giving loans to people, besides carrying out businesses,' Assam police chief Shankar Baruah told journalists.

'All these have been done to legalize their black money extorted from various sources.'

Assam Police have in the past few months arrested more than a dozen separatists from Guwahati, most of them belonging to Manipur-based outfits.

'We have been able to bust a few such business and finance rackets,' Baruah said.

Baruah said the rebel groups had changed their modus operandi by setting up bases in New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and even in Darjeeling and Kalimpong in West Bengal.

'Most of them operate out of rented accommodations and use either telephones or the internet to slap extortion notices and carry on with their activities,' the police chief said.

A number of rebel leaders from Assam and Manipur were arrested in recent months from Bangalore, Chennai and New Delhi.

'We are fully aware of the militant plans. Hence maximum vigil has been maintained to ensure that their objectives are not fulfilled,' he said.

Hmar FC Beat ASUD 4-2

New Delhi, Dec 7 : With two goals late in the second half, Hmar FC beat Arunachal rivals 4-2 in the North East Tamchon Trophy

There’s no better place to settle old scores than a football field. Just ask the teams from Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh — timeless rivals from the North East. The third match on Monday between Hmar FC and Asud FC put on display just how the game provides the ultimate chance to settle old rivalries.

The Ambedkar Stadium turf was set on fire as players from the two states went head-on — literally. Despite being locked at 2-2 for 70 minutes of the fixtures, Manipur’s Hmar FC pulled off a thriller by firing two more late goals to register an all important 4-2 win in the 4th North East Tamchon Football trophy.

As soon as the referee blew the starting whistle, both teams were on their toes and penetrated each other’s territory on several occasions. Aggressive football brought out the best in the vocal crowds, who stood on their seats and cheered their respective teams.

After an intense but goalless half-hour, Hmar FC drew first blood by crafting a brilliant move through striker Lalthuoisang Pangamte, who unleashed a 30 yard curling footer into the Asud FC net.

Hmar soon delivered the second blow, moments after having changed ends. Hmar’s strikers were kept busy as a cross by Pangamte found Robert Buhril — unmarked at the right flank. He skillfully controlled the ball, before launching it to perfection, doubling the lead.

But just when it seemed like the Manipuri side was going to make a mockery of their opponents, Asud FC struck back. Finally breaking the shackles in the 65th minute after Techi Tasar directed a rolling cross into the back of the net, Asud had reduced the margin to one goal. And five minutes after their first, Asud drew level — much to the chagrin of the Manipuri spectators

But the fans were always going to have their way, even if they couldn’t physically change the course of the game. With an ever increasing decibel level from the Manipuri fans in the stands, fighting spirit was infused back into Hmar FC. And soon, every time they regained possession of the ball, the crowd used the ‘Khuong’ — Manipur’s traditional drum — to raise the ambience to fever pitch. If ever there was a stroke of genius, it must be the decision to bring on Zawlthanglien by Hmar’s coach.

Replacing Lalthuoisang in the dying minutes of the second half, Thanglien’s fresh pair of legs were too quick for the tiring Asud side.

He left his first impression on the game in the 77th minute, before taking the lead beyond reach a minute before full time. Hmar pulled off a crucial 4-2 win, while Thanglien’s re enforced his place in the starting XI.

In the matches played earlier in the day, Super Soccer Star edged over Chandel United, defeating them 2-1, while Zeliangrong FC outclassed NUB FC 2-0.

Meghalaya Seeks Public Support Against Garo Rebel Outfit

Shillong, Dec 7 : Ruling out talks with the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) rebels, the Meghalaya government Monday appealed to the public to extend their cooperation to curb the rebel group's activities.

The three districts of Garo Hills region in western part of Meghalaya has witnessed spurt of GNLA's anti-national activities, prompting the government to launch offensive operations against the growing GNLA rebels.

'Lack of public cooperation from the civil society groups in Garo Hills has created hurdles for the police and intelligence agencies to get specific informations about the rebels movement and activities,' a top police official, who did not to be named, said.

He admitted the non-cooperation of the public is a serious concern for various security agencies.

'These violent activities would surely put on hold all developmental activities in Garo Hills,' the official told IANS.

Additional Director General of Police (Special Branch), S.K.Jain said that the police are committed to neutralize various criminal groups in Garo Hills.

'But the police needs the public support to nip in the bud the growing GNLA activities to ensure overall development in the Garo Hills region,' Jain told IANS.

Meanwhile, Home Minister H.D.R Lyngdoh Monday ruled out talks with the GNLA.

'At the moment, we have no plans to invite them for talks. Operations against these thugs (GNLA) will continue till we nab them all,' Lyngdoh told reporters.

Expressing hope that the police would neutralize the GNLA activities soon, Lyngdoh said many GNLA cadres have already surrendered or been arrested along with their weapons.

'Our operations against them (GNLA) have been successful. Many of their camps have been busted and weapons seized,' he added.

James Angami Wins Naga Chilli Eating Competition At Hornbill Festival

Hot, Hotter, Hottest: James Angami (2nd from left) winner of the Naga King Chilly Eating Competition organised by XL Group during Hornbill Festival held at Kisama on December 6. (DIPR Photo)

The first ever-historic event of Naga King Chilly Eating Competition was also held today as a part of the ongoing Hornbill Festival.

Eleven participants took part in the competition. James Angami, who ate eight hot Naga chillies was declared the winner of the competition and walked away with a cash prize of  ` 10,000, while Neluyi Chakhesang and H. Pukhu Khiamniungan ate five and four chillies
respectively. The parliamentary secretary for Tourism, Law & Justice, Yitachu was the chief patron of the competition.

To assist the competitors, Dr. Throshe and his medical team provided first aid to the participants. Moreover, the director of Horticulture department, Joseph gave away the prizes to the winners.

The first ever Naga Chilly Eating Competition was organised and conducted by XL group. The officials also said that the chilly has been officially declared as Naga King Chilly and is registered in the department of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland.

Meanwhile, the morning and afternoon sessions included folk dances, songs and ritual dramas showcasing the different significance of the Naga tribes – Rengma, Sumi, Chang, Kachari, Zeliang, Sangtam, Ao, Angami, Chakhesang, Phom, Kuki, Konyak, Yimchuner, Lotha, Khiamniungan and Pochury. Further, the America musical group entertained the crowd.
DIPR

India to Improve Rail-Road Links to Bangladesh: Officials

Agartala, Dec 6 : India will extend and improve its road and rail connectivity with Bangladesh to enhance trade and also to get access transit through that country to bridge distances between the mountainous northeastern states and rest of India, officials said here Monday.

As per the agreement signed during Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to New Delhi early this year, India will construct a bridge over Feni river in southern Tripura to get access to Chittagong port for carrying goods and heavy machineries for the land-locked region.

The Chittagong international sea port is about 75 km from Tripura's southern border town Sabroom.

The proposed bridge, to be built at a cost of over Rs.13 crore, would connect Sabroom and Bangladesh's Ramgarh and would not only be the trading lifeline for the whole of northeast India, but also help trade from the southeast Asian countries.

'The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has started work to extend its railway network up to the Sabroom in southern Tripura, 135 km from Agartala, and Akhaurah in western Tripura, just 6 km from the Agartala railway station,' NFR general manager Keshav Chandra told reporters.

Agartala is the newest station of the Indian railways, and came up on the country's rail map in October 2008.

'Works are now in full-swing to extend railway line from Agartala to border town Sabroom by 2014,' said Chandra, who accompanied by 20 senior officials arrived here from NFR headquarters in Guwahati and is now on a three-day visit to Tripura.

Bangladesh operates regular train services along the border on its side up to Akhaurah and various other places, just opposite several sub-divisional towns in Tripura.

'A team of officials of IRCON (Indian Railway Construction Company) recently visited Dhaka and held talks with the Bangladesh government and the railway ministry officials and finalised alignment of the 13-km Agartala-Akhaurah connecting rail line,' NFR additional general manager Vipin Jha said.

Subsequently, top officials of the Bangladesh government and the railway ministry visited Tripura in September and signed an agreement in this connection.

Of the 13-km link railway line, connecting with the Bangladesh railway network through Akhaurah railway station, 5.4 km falls in the Indian territory and the remaining is in Bangladesh.

India and Bangladesh had resumed regular train services in April 2008 - after 43 years - through Gede in West Bengal's Nadia district and Darshana in Bangladesh. The rail journey between Kolkata and Dhaka covers a distance of 406 km.

The service was suspended after the 1965 war between India and Pakistan when Bangladesh was then Pakistan's eastern wing.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, who visited Tripura last month, emphatically announced that the country would allow South Asian nations, including India, access to its Chittagong and Mongla ports and is keen to revive connectivity in the region.

Earlier, access to these ports was denied to India and a few other countries due to security concerns raised by some opposition parties in Bangladesh.

Dhaka and New Delhi signed a bilateral treaty last week to facilitate the transport of heavy Indian equipment, including turbines for a power plant being set up by the state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in South Tripura's Palatana.

'The treaty would facilitate Indian cargo to ferry through waterways up to Ashuganj river port and then by road to Tripura on very large lorries with long trailers,' an ONGC official here said.

Repair, renovation and improvement works of the Ashuganj port and road connecting to Tripura would be done at India's cost.

Agartala is 1,650 km from Kolkata and 2,637 km from New Delhi via Guwahati whereas the distance between the Tripura capital and Kolkata via Bangladesh is about 350 km.

The seven northeastern states are surrounded by Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan and China and the only land route to these states from within India is through Assam. But this route passes through hilly terrain with steep roads and multiple hairpin bends.

'Trade between the two countries has been constrained by the lack of transhipment facilities. For example, tea from Assam travels 1,400 km to the Kolkata port whereas the distance could be curtailed by 60 to 70 percent if access to Chittagong and other Bangladeshi ports are available,' said a senior official.

Meet The Lovely And Talented: Neetu Chandra

Neetu Chandra is making a comeback to Bollywood with Anees Bazmee's 'No Problem' releasing this Friday. The dusky damsel from Bihar has many big films on hand. Click on, for some sizzling pix of the hottie!

Neetu Chandra was born in Patna, Bihar. She studied at the prestigious Notre Dame Academy in Patna and IP College in Delhi.

Neetu's father, a businessman, was initially reluctant to let her pursue a career in movies. But her mother, Meera, stood by her.

Neetu idolises her mother and attributes her success to the staunch support of her mother.

Neetu has done dozens of ads and video films before she got a foothold in films.

Neetu is a Taekwondo Black Belt and has represented India in International Taekwondo Championship at Hong Kong (1996). She has represented India in World Korfball Championship in 1995 at New Delhi too. She is a national games Silver Medal winner in Taekwondo.

In 2003, she received the Best Student Award for Sports and Academics from the Prime Minister of India.

Her first film was 'Garam Masala' (2005), in which she portrayed Sweety, an airhostess.

Her second movie was in Telugu, 'Godavari' (2006), directed by Sekhar Kammula.

The lead role in Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Traffic Signal', gave her the recognition she desperately wanted.

To prepare for her role in 'Traffic Signal', Neetu reportedly lived a whole week on the streets of Mumbai!

7Seas Technologies has developed a 3D mobile game with Neetu Chandra playing the lead character. The game is named after her: Neetu The Alien Killer!

Neetu says her sex appeal lies in her attitude.

Neetu has become a great fan of Madhavan after working with him in '13B'. She says Maddy is not just a great person, but a great actor too. "He is a fantastic co-star. I would love to work with him again and again."