Northeast India Ethnic Unrest Toll Rises To 50

Guwahati, Aug 6 : The death toll from ethnic unrest in India's northeast rose to 50 on Saturday while at least 400,000 languished in relief camps as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited the conflict-hit area.

The national government has dispatched medical teams to Assam to tend to the victims of the fighting that erupted eight days ago between indigenous Bodo tribes and Muslim settlers over long-running land disputes.

The chief minister of far-flung Assam state, Tarun Gogoi, said the region was now calm after what he called "unprecedented" violence as the focus shifted to providing relief to the 400,000 people who fled their homes.

The death toll climbed to 50 as police reported in a statement that the bodies of five more people killed in the riots had been recovered.

Singh, who represents Assam in the Indian parliament's upper house, was slated to tour relief camps on Saturday accompanied by ruling Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi.

The chief minister described the violence as the worst crisis his government has faced, with rival groups from both sides attacking villages, beating people to death with sticks and burning down homes.

People in the camps have said they were afraid of returning to their homes.

"We are living in fear and we can't even think about going back to our homes," Bimla Basumatary, one of the displaced, told India's NDTV television network.

Gogoi has blamed Singh's government for the escalation in violence, saying it failed to send troops immediately after the unrest erupted.

Now at least 3,000 extra soldiers and paramilitary personnel are patrolling the region.

The international rights group Human Rights Watch said tensions had been building for more than two months between the Bodo and Muslim communities, which have clashed in the past over access to land and resources.

The group urged authorities to rescind the "shoot-on-sight" orders and "promptly investigate and prosecute those responsible while addressing the underlying causes of the clashes".

India's Hopes Riding On 'Magnificent Mary'

She has been given the title of 'Magnificent Mary' by the AIBA for no small reason. MC Mary Kom is a five-time world champion and the lone Indian woman boxer in the fray at the London Olympics.

And despite being forced to train without her American coach Charles Atkinson, who has been denied access to the Athletes Village as he does not have the International Boxing Association's 3 Star Certificate for coaches, she is India’s biggest hope to win another medal at the Games.

The mother-of-two, who is also a multiple-time Asian champion, will face Poland's Karolina Michalczuk - a former bantamweight (54kg) world champion - in her pre-quarterfinal bout on Sunday at 1830 hrs (IST).

The 29-year-old who was made the face of International Boxing Association's campaign to get women's boxing included in Olympics, needs to win just two bouts to be assured of a medal and first up for her is Michalczuk - a 32-year-old, who won a bronze medal at the World Championships this year.
Though she has achieved everything she could possibly have in her illustrious career so far, some critics still wants her to prove herself by winning a medal at the Olympics, and Mary Kom is taking it as a big challenge.
"The critics and some of my well wishers still want me to prove myself after 12 years in this sport and after winning five World Championships," Mary Kom said. "I have won my world championships in 46 and 48kg. These weight categories are not in Asian or Olympic Games. Boxing was introduced in Asian Games only in 2010 and there I got a bronze in 51kg. I have no complaints. My critics may not know but I know what I have to do," she added.
The 29-year-old boxer from Manipur, who entered Olympics after making the cut at the World Championships in May earlier this year, though knows the fact that only two wins can fetch her a medal at the mega-event, she is not taking her opponents lightly.
"I am told if I win two bouts I will be winning a medal. I am not taking things lightly. I am focused because like me, my opponents must also have their plans and strategies, let us not forget that," she said.
If Mary Kom wins her opening bout, she will be up against Tunisia's Maroua Rahali, who has got a first-round bye.

Northeast Rock Bands Suffer As Sponsorships Shrink

By Gaurav Das

Shades of Retribution

Guwahati, Aug 3 : The northeast is known as the region that pioneered rock music in the country, but despite the raw talent of the many bands here, artistes have to run from pillar to post in search of sponsors.

The scenario may have improved compared to the times when there were few corporate houses to spare a buck for musicians, but there is still a long way to go for the rock scene in the region to thrive.

Though several restaurants and bars these days host live music, they haven't helped promote the music scene. "It is quite difficult to organize a rock show at an open venue as it could costs upto Rs 12 lakh.

But for a pub-rock festival the cost comes down to around Rs 30,000," said David Koach, a city-based rock music promoter.

"Finding sponsors for rock acts is difficult. Most firms are prepared to shell out big money for Bollywood-type events, which are guaranteed to garner huge crowds, but they hesitate to put their money on the line for rock concerts. However, I still believe the scene today is much better that what it was a decade ago," added Koach.

With few sponsor, rock musicians are now evolving to find alternate sources for funds. Some bands save all the money they earn from shows for the future, while others maintain a 'proper job' and work as professionals in different firms and pool their salaries. Then there are those from well-to-do families and have rich parents they can count on.

"We have no option but to ask for 50% of the advance for our shows. It is difficult to find sponsors and at times we have use our savings to organize shows.

When we travel for outstation to perform, we get accommodation, but travelling expenses are borne by us and this is where sponsorship is important," said Vedan Kaushik, vocalist Shades of Retribution, an Assamese heavy metal band.

Mary Kom Denied 'Professional' Coach

Mary Kom, ranked world No. 4 in 51 kgs, has her opening bout on August 5 against world No. 5 Karolina Anna Michalczuk of Poland. (PTI Photo)

London, Aug 3 : In what could be a major blow to MC Mary Kom's prospects at the Olympics, the world champion Indian woman boxer has been forced to train without her regular coach in London. The reason, ostensibly, is because Charles Atkinson, the coach, is a professional and hence ineligible for accreditation as per Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) rules.


International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) guidelines state that coaches need to have AIBA 3 Star Certification to coach at the Olympics. They claim Atkinson is not qualified.


According to media reports, the five-time world champion is currently training in Liverpool, Atkinson's home town, and was scheduled to return to London on Thursday, three days before her first bout. In Atkinson's absence, Mary Kom will be accompanied by chief women's coach Anoop Kumar.


PKM Raja, the IABF secretary general and Indian chef-de-mission, said that Anoop Kumar was also with Mary Kom in Liverpool. "As per International Boxing Association (AIBA) rules, only those coaches and trainers who are AIBA approved and accredited are permitted to participate as coaches or seconds for boxers at the Olympics," Raja said in a statement.


"Charles Atkinson, who has been coach with Mary Kom for the past six months, is a professional WBC coach and has trained Thai WBC boxers in Thailand. AIBA does not permit any boxing coach who does not have an AIBA 3 Star Certification to coach at the Olympics, World Championships or Asian Games."


While it is intriguing how Indian authorities overlooked such a crucial aspect in the training regimen of the lone Indian woman boxer in London, Raja rejected suggestions that Atkinson's absence as coach was going to have an effect on Mary Kom's preparations.


"Under the tutelage of coach Anoop Kumar, Mary Kom won laurels and accolades and was crowned World Champion five times in AIBA World Women Boxing Championships from 2003 onwards till 2009 at Barbados."


Mary Kom, ranked world No. 4 in 51 kgs, has her opening bout on August 5 against world No. 5 Karolina Anna Michalczuk of Poland. Anna was a bronze medalist at the AIBA World Women Boxing Championships at Qinhuangdao, China.

Over 50,000 Strong Northeasterners Gradually Acclimatising To Life in Bustling Delhi

By Themthingchon Y.R.

New Delhi, Aug 3 : Every year, thousands of people from the northeast come here in search of better opportunities. The city has over 50,000 people from the northeast, who are now well integrated in the city's social fabric.

Lumei Kangmai, 25, is one such woman who came to Delhi from Nagaland in 2004 in search of a better life.

She opened a garment shop in Munirka in South Delhi where she lived. Her business is lourishing today and she has a large number of customers from different communities.

She has overcome many problems, including language, over the years. Today, she is a successful entrepreneur like many others from the northeast, who are well settled in different cities across the country.

"When I came to Delhi for the first time, I faced problems, as I couldn't speak Hindi. Earlier, I felt insecure about staying here, but now, I enjoy my life here. I have made friends with so many local people," Kangmai said.

People from northeast come here to pursue higher studies, and work in various sectors like BPO, media, telecom, and in other businesses.

A human resource consultant from Manipur, Pinky, said that the city offers them good opportunities to grow.

"There are lots of opportunities for the northeast people in Delhi for higher jobs and studies," Pinky said.

They also provide an example of national integration. Many from the northeast get married to people from other parts of the country.

M. K. Sharma, President, Assam Association of Delhi, said, "We are all from one country. When an Assamese marries Bengali, it is also a matter of national integration. This is how bondages are strengthened and it helps a lot I believe."

Be it Delhi or Mumbai, people from the northeast excel in various walks of life and celebrate their cultural and food festivals with great enthusiasm - be it Assam's Bihu or Manipuri Raas. 

Record Turnout At Army's Recruitment Rally in Manipur

By K Anurag

Imphal, Aug 3 : Manipur is viewed in the rest of the country as a state dogged by insurgency where militants dictate terms in every spheres of life and most of its youth are associated with one of those secessionist insurgent outfits operating in the troubled far-flung state.

However, the Indian Army  has witnessed a completely reverse picture during a mega recruitment rally organised by it in the Senapati district of the state during July 21 to 30. The Army has been overwhelmed by the massive response of the youth to the recruitment rally which reflects that the youth of the state are hardly alienated mentally from the rest of the country.

"It was a massive turn up. The Army recruitment rally saw a record turnout of 16,000 youth participating fervently in the hope of finding employment in the ranks of the Army. The colossal response of the populace strappingly asserts the growing aspirations of the youth to get fasten together with the mainstream of the country, and that they have become wary of insurgency," a senior official said.

The enthusiasm with which the youth participated in the recruitment rally is of note and depicts the changing perception of the environment towards the mainstream. It gleams at a responsive youth who are yearning to take on opportunities of employment and looking forward for development and peace in the region.

Major General Binoy Poonen, GOC 57 Mountain Division, pleased at the astounding response of the youth to the rally, has complimented the people of Senapati district, the civil administration, civil police, participants and the 59 Mountain Brigade for the peaceful conduct which steered the largest ever rally conducted in Manipur.

Defence public relations officer Lt Col SS Phogat said that the incident free rally that epitomisied the warmth and affection bestowed by people of Senapati, had indeed carved a heartwarming and nostalgic moment for the Army and the youth who participated in the recruitment.

People of Senapati came forward to provide basic amenities to the youth who came from all over Manipur irrespective of the tribal diversity. It was astounding to take notice of local vendors who kept their shops open even on Sunday to extend their support to the youth coming from far-flung areas of Manipur.

Naga Woman Held From AP For Conning Investors of Rs11 crore

 Hyderabad, Aug 2 : Rosemary Jamir, secretary of Tragopan Farmers' Society from Dimapur in Nagaland, collected Rs24.7 crore through seven agents in AP, disbursed Rs13.7 crore to gain investor's confidence and then disappeared with Rs11 crore

 A woman from Nagaland has been arrested from Vijaywada in Andhra Pradesh on charge of duping investors to the tune of Rs11 crore through a money circulation scheme, reports PTI quoting police.

Rosemary Jamir, secretary of Tropogan Farmers' Society from Dimapur in Nagaland, who is one of the accused in the case, was picked up from Vijayawada by a CID team, they said.

Rosemary had appointed seven executive members for Andhra Pradesh for the purpose of collecting funds from unsuspecting investors, who in turn through the network of 52 agents amassed Rs24.70 crore and disbursed Rs13.70 crore to gain confidence of investors before winding up their firm and disappearing with Rs11 crore.

An office was established at Dilshuknagar here which was maintained for about eight months before it was shut down, police said.

According to police, Rosemary had entered into a partnership deed with the executive members in 2011 to share the proceeds to be collected from investors.

Lands and buildings were purchased by the executive members in and around Nellore and Krishna districts of the state.

CID has identified several properties in this regard, which will be attached, while further investigations are on, according to a CID release.

HPC-D Elects New Leader: Promises to Pursue Its Goals in Mizoram

Aizawl, Aug 1 : The HPC-D released a press statement condemning the lies spread by the Mizoram Government and the arrests of its leaders which were against the law as HPC-D has Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the Goverment of India.


Below is the press release

PRESS RELEASE

The Government of Mizoram arrested the HPC(D) Chairman, H.Zosangbera from Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport on July 17, 2012 and is now in its custody. The HPC(D) Chairman was on his way to meet officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India to intimate about the urgent need for political solution of the Hmars in Mizoram. 

On June 10, 2012, the HPC(D) Army Chief, Lalropui and the Deputy Chief of Army, Lalbieknung were also arrested by the Mizoram Armed Police (MAP) from Silchar Airport (Assam) when they were on their way to visit the HPC(D) Designated Camp and attend a peace meeting with the leaders of the All Parties Leaders (Mizoram). The Chief Minister of Mizoram was aware about the peace meet and has given a nod to the All Party Leaders (Mizoram). The Government of Mizoram, once again, broke the trust and confidence that has been slowly building up after the first term of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) between the HPC(D) and the Government of Mizoram (November 11, 2010 – May 11, 2011). The Mizoram Armed Police (MAP) and the Government of Mizoram blatantly trespass with the arrest as the HPC(D) has Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the Government of Assam.

The HPC(D) strongly condemns the coward act of the Government of Mizoram as it stands against the just and peaceful approaches adopted by the HPC(D) to secure the Constitutional rights of the Hmars in Mizoram. The HPC(D) is convinced that the Government of Mizoram is in no way interested in securing peace and democracy in Mizoram. The HPC(D) shall not be a silent spectator to the necessary belligerency adopted by the Government of Mizoram; the recently conducted “Flag March” in Sinlung Hills was un-democratic and exaggerated; the attempt to “segregate” the Hmar peoples by the Home Department, Government of Mizoram, with its order (No. D. 32020/24/2010-HMS) is a shame. It will forever stand as the biggest insult to Mizoram's peace and democracy. The Government of Mizoram must immediately end its “segregationist” policies that are directed against the Hmar people. The decades of suppression and discrimination by the Government of Mizoram in collusion with Mizoram based NGO has resulted in giving no place and space for Hmar language, culture, identity and tradition; our people are deprived and marginalized from getting our due and fair share in governance, welfare, development, education, entitlement and justice. The rights of the suppressed Hmar people shall not be allowed to be thwarted and deterred by the exercise of such uncalled for belligerency. Enough is enough!

If the Home Minister of Mizoram, Lalzirliana and his cahoots thinks that the rightful demand of the Hmar people of Mizoram and a peoples’ movement launched under Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic) could be suppressed with the arrest of our selfless leaders, they shall be proven wrong. The Government of Mizoram shall be responsible for the fall-out. As a matter of fact, our movement will be taken to a higher level and we are more determined towards prioritizing our goal ever than before. There are hundreds of Hmar youths and leaders who are ready to respond to the call of securing our rights and the long-time aspirations of the Hmar people that are also represented by our arrested leaders. Let the Mizoram state police trace and track us anywhere and everywhere if it thinks that would wrest our movement and aspirations which will be again proven wrong.

The Government of Mizoram has been blindly accusing the HPC(D) of planning several attacks on the people and state of Mizoram. We are also accused of disintegrating the Mizos of Mizoram and elsewhere. We would like to remind one and all by asserting that the Hmars’ movement in Mizoram and its adjoining areas is not against any individual people or community but only for securing a just socio-economic and political development of the Hmars in Sinlung Hills areas of Mizoram which has not only Hmars living in it. Moreover, our struggle is for improving democracy and for the decentralization of the same, which has eluded the Hmar people for many decades. The just development of Hmar people of Mizoram will in no way disintegrate the Mizos; instead it will strengthen and integrate the Mizos. Our time has come to secure our fair and equal share in welfare, democracy and development; no one can stop us from securing our rights.

In the larger interest of securing the goals of the peoples’ movement, the HPC(D), in its recently concluded Emergency Executive Council appointed Shri L.T. Hmar to be the Chairman in-charge of the HPC(D). 

We appeal to all right thinking citizens to take note of the treacherous policy of the Government of Mizoram towards the Hmar people. The Hmar people or the HPC(D) shall not be responsible for any outcome bred by the decades of treacherous, segregationist and suppressive and oppressive actions of the Government of Mizoram. We remain committed to our rightful struggle and aspirations; we shall continue the good fight under all circumstances until we achieve our goals. In order to realize the great future, we shall sacrifice everything that is required of us.

Sd/-

(AMOS P. HMAR)

Secretary

Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic)

Date: 01.08.2012

Government of Hmarram
HMAR PEOPLES' CONVENTION (DEMOCRATIC)
General Headquaters, Sinlung.