No enumeration for 3000 'superstitious' people

Aizawl: Around 3,000 people with 'superstitious belief' could not be enumerated during the ongoing Census in Christian-dominated Mizoram as they failed to cooperate with the authorities, official sources have said.

As the deadline ended on Wednesday, the sources said census officials would seek an extension from the state government to cover them.

Reports from deputy commissioners, designated as Principal Census Officers, of all the eight districts said while a few of them relented, the majority refused to enroll themselves saying they were ready to face any punitive action.

These people declared they had no objection to being enrolled in the census, but refused to be marked with a Unique ID for fear of the Biblical 'Beast' or the Devil, the sources said.

The fear of being identified with the 'number of the beast' stems from the Bible's Revelation chapter 13 Verse 17 which says "...and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark or the name of the beast or the number of his name."

The Unique Identification Authority of India stipulates that no one can buy or sell property without the UID card among its other key uses.


Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/no-enumeration-for-3000-superstitious-people-34989?cp

Repatriation of Brus to begin tomorrow

NEW DELHI, May 19 – The long-pending repatriation of Bru refugees is all set to get under way from Friday. The first phase of the exercise is scheduled to be completed in less than a week by May 26.

But there is a catch, the entire exercise hinges on the support of Mizoram, which has been asked to extend government services and transport facilities.

The Brus have been displaced from Mizoram in November 2009. In the first phase, a total of 210 Bru families have been identified for repatriation from Tripura to Mizoram. The repatriation that was earlier scheduled to start from May 11 was aborted, as the Mizoram Government failed toprovide transportation facilities.

Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR), said that the repatriation is taking place after written assurances were given by the Ministry of Home Affairs about rehabilitation and security of the returnee Brus. The Bru Coordination Committee submitted its demands for rehabilitation of the newly arrived Brus through the ACHR.

Earlier, Ministry of Home Affairs sanctioned grants-in-aid of Rs 2.43 crore to Mizoram for meeting expenditure on repatriation and rehabilitation of Bru families, who had fled to Tripura in November, 2009.

“The first phase of repatriation should build necessary confidence to start the stalled dialogue for resolving the disputes surrounding the Brus who fled in 1997. The Asian Centre for Human Rights encourages both Mizoram and the Bru Coordination Committee to avail the opportunity arising out of this first phase of repatriation process to find a permanent solution to the Bru crisis,” said director of Asian Centre for Human Rights, Suhas Chakma.

Vacancy at Department of Biotechnology, Mizoram University

Department of Biotechnology,

Mizoram University,
Aizawl-796001 ,Mizoram,

Application on plain paper along with all supporting documents are invited from candidates having minimum 55% marks in M.Sc. Biotechnology / Life Sciences / Biochemistry / Molecular Biology and below the age of 40 years for appointment of one Senior Research Fellow (12000 + 10% HRA per month) in a ICAR funded project entitled “Exploration and Screening of Fungal Diversity in North-East India and their Potential Applications in Agriculture” till March 2011. The appointment in co-terminus with the project or till satisfactory progress of the candidate.

Interested candidates may send the duly completed application with all required documents to Dr. Bhim Pratap Singh, Principal Investigator, Department of Biotechnology, Mizoram University, Post Box No-190, Aizawl-796001, Mizoram, latest by 31st March 2010. Candidates can also send the soft copy of the biodata to bhimpratap@mzu.edu.in. The short listed candidates will be intimated for the interview through email.

Candidates should bring original and one set of attested copies of certificates and mark sheets of all examinations from High School onwards. NET/GATE and experienced candidates will be given preferences.

No TA/DA will be paid by the university/ICAR to attend the interview.

Advertisement for ICAR SRF Vacancy at Department of Biotechnology, Mizoram University

Mizoram church threatens to excommunicate homosexuals

AIZAWL: While the Indian state has remarkably softened its stand on gays, the church in Mizoram has kicked off a controversy by threatening to act against homosexuality.

On Saturday, the Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) said it would take ''strong punitive action'', including excommunication, against homosexuals in the flock.

The highest assembly of the BCM, the second most powerful Church body in Mizoram after the Presbyterian Church, has effectively ruled that homosexuality should be outlawed, Church leaders said here. Over 900 Baptist Church leaders attended the meeting held at BCM Bazaar Church at Lawngtlai in south Mizoram, about 300 km from Aizwal.

The meeting was chaired by Rev. C Rothuama.

According to the BCM guidelines, same-sex relationships, abortions and birth control are strictly prohibited in Mizoram. The BCM, however, is not against medical termination of pregnancy when the life of a woman is in danger.

The controversy surrounding the Church and homosexuality had begun in Mizoram in July last year after Delhi high court struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalized consensual gay sex among adults.

The court had then observed that the section violated fundamental rights of life and liberty and the right to equality as enshrined in the Constitution.

Immediately after the order, Mizo Church leaders came out in opposition. An umbrella Church organization of the state, the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), appealed to Union law and justice to look uphold Section 377.

National integration camp begins in Ayodhya

Ayodhya, Jan 31 A week-long national integration camp began here today with active participation of the youth from different parts of the country.

Organised by the Nehru Yuva Kendra's Faizabad unit, the camp aims to promote national integration by bringing together youth from all over the country and giving them a chance to learn about each other's cultural heritage and values through cultural programmess, community singing, sports and other activities, the organisers said.

Teams from states like Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland are taking part in the programme.

Mizoram related News alerts

The Builum Inquiry Commission Chairman, Mr. S.L Sailova submitted his report to the Chief Minister, Mr. Lal Thanhawla today. Receiving the report, the Chief Minister thanked him for completion of the report within a short period of time and said, this will help the Government in checking and eradicating corruption which is the interest of the Government. The Chief Minister also regretted rampant claims for compensation whenever the Government takes up major development projects and said, this can obstruct the pace of development. It may be recalled that the Inquiry Commission was set up by the Government to look into the alleged irregularities in payment of over 334 lakh rupees as compensation to the land owners in the submergent area of 12 megawatts Serlui B Hydel Project. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Lunglei High Power Committee Vice Chairman, Mr. Joseph Lalhimpuia, Chief Secretary, Mr. Vanhela Pachuau, and Law Secretary, Mr. P.Chakroborty, the Inquiry Commission Chairman, Mr. S.L.Sailova was assisted by the Member Secretary, Mr. H.Parthasarathy and the Commission staff.

The Government of Mizoram has accorded sanction for payment of 26 percent DA to all the Government employees today. This information was given by Federation of Mizoram Government Employees & Workers. In a press release, FMGE&W also said that the enhanced DA will be paid in cash as demanded by the Government servants.
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One non-Mizo labourer engaged in a paddy field near Bairabi was abducted and kidnapped by a group of un-identified gun-men dressed in army uniform yesterday. The Officer incharge of Bairabi Police Station told our Correspondent that the kidnapped labourer was Munir Uddin, engaged by Sanghmingthanga of Bairabi to work in his Paddy field. The relatives of the kidnapped person also told the Police that the miscreants were about 12 persons covering their faces and speaking in a language which was believed to be the Bru dialect. Suspecting the newly formed Bru militant group, the Police have launched a manhunt for the kidnap person.
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Agriculture Minister, Mr. H. Liansailova said, research and demonstration conducted by the Agriculture Scientist will have far reaching effect in development of Agriculture in the State. Addressing the technology week function organized by Kolasib Krishi Vigyan Kendra yesterday, the Minister also asked the Agriculture Scientist to conduct proper research throughout the State to determine the crops to be cultivated in area wise. He also said that the Government has introduced NLUP for waning away of destructive and unproductive method of jhum cultivation and encouraged the beneficiaries to try to achieve their respective goals. In this function, NLUP Implementing Board Chairman, Mr. R. Selthuama also said that the beneficiaries and the Line Departments are to take responsibility in successful implementation of the scheme.
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Lawngtlai District Journalists Association asked the Government Departments to send all their advertisement to the news papers through the District Information & Public Relation Officer. A resolution to this effect was passed in the Annual Conference of the District MJA held in Lawngtlai Press Club today. The MJA also asked the Government to equip all District Level Offices in the District as per the norms and open all those District Level Officers which are not yet opened till today. The Conference also elected Mr. ZD Dengngura as the President, Mr. V. Lallianzuala as the Vice President and Mr. Lalngheta Ralte as the Treasurer for the District MJA Office Bearers for the term of 2 years.
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On the order of Election Commission, Summary Revision of Electoral Roll will begin soon. According to public notification given by the Election Department, the Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls begins from February and the Booth Level Officers will visit all houses within their jurisdictions from the 1st to 19th February to enroll bonafide Indian citizens who have attained 18 years of age by the 1st January 2010 in the Electoral Rolls. They will also delete the names of those who have died or shifted their place of living. Meanwhile Aizawl District Booth Level Officers’ training was held in Vanapa Hall today and the Election Officer, Mr. V. Lalhruaizela Khiangte explained the procedure and working manual for the benefit of the BLOs.
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Cooperation Minister, Mr. JH Rohuama reviewed the activities of Cooperation Department during 2009 with Department officers in his office today. Addressing the officers, the Minister underlined the need to execute all the plans and programmes well in time and asked them to implement all those programmes which are not yet implemented.
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The visiting British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Sanjay Wadvani called on the Chief Minister, Mr. Lal Thanhawla in his official residence this morning. In this meeting, the Chief Minister informed him of various development projects and schemes being undertaken by the Government which included Kaladan Multi Modal Project under the Look East Policy of the Government of India, proposed construction of airstrip in Kawmzawl for improvement of communication, border trade with Myanmar and Bangladesh, resumption of work in 60 megawatts Tuirial Hydel Project and waning away of destructive and unproductive shifting cultivation by introducing NLUP. The British Deputy High Commissioner also informed the Chief Minister that his purpose of visit is to explore possibility of investment in the north east region by British private companies. The British Deputy High Commissioner also met the Chief Secretary, Mr. Vanhela Pachuau in his office today.

Talking to media persons in the State Guest House today, Mr. Sanjay Wadvani said, there can be an opportunity to start a joint venture in Vocational Education between the Govt. of Mizoram and the private parties in Britain. He also said, his purpose of visit to Mizoram is to have on the spot study of the North East Region to know the prospect for trade and investment and the security situation as well. Hinting that the British Government may not have interest in direct investment in Mizoram at present, he hoped the border trade with Myanmar and Bangladesh to be booster of economy of the State.

The British Deputy High Commissioner had called on the Governor, Lt. Gen. MM Lakhera in Raj Bhawan yesterday. During the meeting, the Governor informed him that the State has been described as the most peaceful state in the country. He also told him about the people, their occupations, stage of development and the infrastructure facilities created so far by the Govt. The Deputy High Commissioner also called on the Industry Minister, Mr. S. Hiato in his office yesterday and discussed the prospect for investment in the State. The DGP, Mr. Lalrokhuma Pachuau also apprised him of maintenance of law and order in the State including incidence of crime when he met him in his office yesterday..
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In Lunglei Police seized fake Indian currency notes of 500 denominations in Mizoram Cooperative Apex Bank, Lunglei Branch yesterday. Quoting Police sources, our Lunglei Corr. said, raid was subsequently conducted in the residence of the Bank staff and there is no further break-through so far. In the mean time, further investigation are going on. Meanwhile the Branch Manager of the Bank, Mr. Vunghnuna and the staff are trying to obtain anticipatory bail from the Court in Lunglei.
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State Level Coordination Committee on Mid Day Meal enhanced the daily entitlement for Mid-day meals per student with immediate effect. A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting held yesterday under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, Pu Vanhela Pachuau. The daily expenditure to be incurred per student of Primary School has been increased from 2 rupees 50 paise to 2 rupees 95 paise and that of the Middle School student from 3 rupees to 4 rupees 8 paise. The meeting also fixed new rates for construction of kitchens in accordance with the number of students to enjoy the Mid Day Meals. The Committee agreed to re-designate all the cooks and helpers as cook-cum-helper and agreed to pay higher wage of 1500 with effect from the 1st April this year.
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Mizoram Hindi Prachar Sabha announced Hindi Prabodh, Hindi Visharad and Hindi Praveen examination result yesterday. The overall pass percentage is 72.13. In Hindi Prabodh, 276 passed out of 379 candidates who appeared in the examination. In Hindi Visharad, 254 of 375 candidates passed in the examination while 270 of 355 candidates passed in Hindi Praveen examination. The result is displayed in the notice board of Mizoram Hindi Prachar Sabha.
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In view of class 10, 12 and degree course examinations to commence from February, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) asked Power and Electricity Department to ensure regular power supply to enable the students to concentrate in their studies. In a press release, the MZP also asked the Government to make a clear cut decision over the issue of upgradation of 337 Schools by the previous Ministry for ending tension in the minds of the students and the teachers. The MZP expressed regret over the confrontation between the teachers and the SSA over distribution of free text books and asked both parties to avoid confrontation by exercising utmost restraint.
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Mizoram Board of School Education, (MBSE) conducted a briefing of all Centre Superintendents in connection with the HSLC examination which commences from 2nd February and concludes on the 18th February. In the briefing held yesterday in MBSE Conference Hall the Additional Secretary, Mr. T. Rohmingliana asked the Centre Superintendents to conduct the examination in the fairest manner to ensure quality education.They were also asked to ensure that there is no any examination centre where weak candidates flock together. The meeting also discussed the on going confrontation between Federation of Mizoram Govt. School Teachers and the SSA Authority over delay in distribution of free text books and described the boycott threat given by the Teachers’ federation as un-becoming behavior of the Government servants.
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The hawkers in New Market A Lane have shifted to the New Market Building Block-I yesterday. According to Trade and Commerce Department sources, 138 hawkers have so far shifted to the new building.
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Life Insurance Corporation of India, Aizawl Zarkawt Branch donated 1 lakh, 50 thousand rupees in aid of Orphans Home in Mualpui yesterday. This is the first installment of assistance to the Home and the remaining 1 lakh, 50 thousand rupees will be given to the Home later. The cash assistance donated from the LIC Golden Jubilee Foundation Fund was handed over to the Home Superintendent, Major Reuben Lalnunthara by the Branch Manager, Mr. Pamlei Lungleng.
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The Chief Minister, Mr. Lal Thanhawla and Director of AAI Flight Operation, Capt. Thizaw Nath inspected the proposed airstrip in Kawmzawl yesterday. They were accompanied by 2 Ministers, Mr. Zodintluanga and Mr. P.C Lalthanliana The Vice Chairman of Lunglei Dist. High Powered Committee, Mr. Joseph Lalhimpuia. Engineer-in-Chief of PWD, Mr. Liansanga and Civil Aviation Chief Consultant, Wing Commander Lalzawma also accompanied them. Our Lunglei Corr. understands that the airstrip to be constructed in Kawmzawl will be used initially for operating helicopter service.
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Good news for Mizoram women hockey players. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan distributed incentive cash to 23 players who won a silver medal in the Asia Cup received 2 lakh rupees each and the recipients included two Mizo girls, Rosalyn Lalchhanhimi Ralte of Durtlang and Lalremruati of Saitual. According to Mizoram Women Hockey Association Information Secretary, Mrs. Lalruatkimi the two Mizo girls are presently under going a training at the coaching camp in Bhopal.?

Fresh exodus deepens Bru crisis, Ethnic violence in Mizoram

Ethnic violence in Mizoram

Special Correspondent
SILCHAR, Nov 18: With the rerun of ethnic violence in Mizoram following the killing of a Mizo youth identified as Zarzo Kima (18) by the nascent and obscure Bru Revolutionary Army (BRA) at Bungthuam village in Mamit district on last Friday, the Bru crisis has further deepened. In retaliation to the killing, the Mizos attacked and torched around 400 Reang houses spread across Mamit and Kolasib districts of Mizoram. The worst affected villages are Lakhicherra, Kwartha, Kawnpui, Kalaliang, Dampariang, Khinlung and other areas.

According to Mizoram Bru Displaced Peoples’ Forum (MBDPF) president Elvis Chorkhy, more than 5,000 panic-striken Brus have deserted their homes and sought shelter in the refugee camps of Kanchanpur in north Tripura and in Reang-dominated villages of Riflemara, Gutguti and Cheragi in the southern fringe of Assam in Hailakandi district.

The fresh exodus has further deepened the 12-year-long Bru crisis. It will be recalled that in the wake of violent disturbances in October 1997 in Mizoram, 35,000 Brus fled to Tripura and were accommodated in six relief camps at Dashda, Naisingpara, Khakchang, Ananda Bazar, Monpai and Rongapara. Since then, these tribesmen have been languishing in the camps and there has been no sincere efforts from the Union Home Ministry and the Mizoram Government to give them shelter. In order to create a conducive atmosphere for amicable settlement, the armed outfits fighting for the cause of Brus — Bru National Liberation Front (BNLF) and Bru Liberation Front of Mizoram (BLFM) – laid down arms in 2005 and 2006 respectively.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Mizoram Government and the BNLF clearly stipulated that the refugees sheltered in relief camps would be taken back to their native villages in phases, and for their socio-economic development, a special development council would become functional. This apart, relief packages for their rehabilitation and employment with substantial central assistance would also be given effect to, the MoU stated.

The Central Government did come out with the funds of Rs 28 crore for their rehabilitation and Rs 37 crore for the special development council. But for reasons best known to the Centre and the Mizoram Government, not even a single clause of the peace accord till date has been implemented, rued Bruno Msha, an important functionary of MBDPF.

According to sources, disappointment and frustration has been pushing the surrendered BNLF and BLFM militants to opt for jungle life again, and they might be behind the floating of BRA.
Also, nothing concrete came out at the last tripartite meeting held in Aizawl on November 4 involving the representatives of the Centre, Mizoram Government and MBDPF on the question of repatriation of the 35,000 refugees.

Elvis Chorkhy said, “Brus will not return to their villages unless all our demands are met.”
The Coordination Committee of Mizoram NGOs comprising Young Mizo Association (YMA), Mizo Zirlawi Pawl (MZP), Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MNIP) and Mizoram Upa Pawl (MUP), on the other hand, took a tough stand on repatriation and said, “Refugees should not be taken back unless and until Brus shun violence.” Given the situation, the ethnic divide has once again caused concern among the peace-loving people of Mizoram. Pure Salon & Spa Koramangla, Bangalore Led by veteran hair stylist Pure Salon & Spa, Bangalore offers various services from the simple hair cut and styling for women, men, kids, and brides, to vibrant hair colours, conditioning treatments, and Brazilian blowouts. Located at the heart of Koramangla, Bangalore, the salon has been around since 2015, providing professional hair treatments in a relaxed ambience. This is definitely one of our favourite hair salons in Bangalore.