IMPHAL, October 20: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sees the North eastern states of India as a potential game changer in the upcoming 2014 parliamentary election, said Nirmala Sitharaman, national spokesperson BJP.

The BJP spokesperson stated this during a public lecture on the theme “Parliamentary Election of 2014: What it means for the Northeast”, held at the Tribal Research Institute auditorium hall today.

The public lecture organised by the Centre for Social Studies, Manipur was attended by social leaders, academicians and politicians.

Prominent figures like Professor Gangmumei Kamei, Th Chaoba, president BJP Manipur, Bhorot Singh, Dr Borobabu, Khasim Ruivah etc were also present.

The programme was presided by M Horam, former chairman of Hill Area Committee, Manipur.

Further delivering her lecture, Nirmala Sitharaman, referring to the theme said that it has two sides.

The first is to dwell into aspects of what the North-eastern states has to do to have significant impact and the second is to retrospect and to speak out as what the significant gain availed to the people.

According to her, the NE states have shown great sense of dedication, participation and contribution in the Indian democracy for the past 60 years yet it has been deprived of meaningful development to its people in term of self-sustenance.

“I am shocked, a state like Manipur which has endowed its natural resources, talents, cultures has not being given full attention,” exclaimed Nirmala.

Apart from having failed to provide with vital communications and in the connectivity sector like railway, increasing airports etc, the Congress government has failed to tap the potential of youths in NE, claimed Nirmala.

Adding that talented youths of NE are today languishing, Nirmala opined that it is time to think out of the box to accommodate all the shortcomings of the regions.

People of the north east have to retrospect and to speak out what have the congress have done for the people despite being given enough times, contended Nirmala.

Claiming that the nation changes from ‘Big ticket Corruption’, she appealed the people to vote for significant change.

Meanwhile, an interface between Nirmala and the audience was also orgnaized as part of the programme.

Washington, October 4: US President Barack Obama has cancelled a trip to Asia this weekend as the ongoing government shutdown entered its fourth day on Friday.

Obama had already shortened the trip from four countries to two after the US government partially shut down as the two houses of Congress failed to agree a new budget.

"Due to the government shut-down, President Obama's travel to Indonesia and Brunei has been cancelled. The President made this decision based on the difficulty in moving forward with foreign travel in the face of a shutdown, and his determination to continue pressing his case that Republicans should immediately allow a vote to reopen the government," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said in a statement.

Obama was scheduled to depart for Indonesia for Asia Pacific Economic Conference and then head to Brunei for the East Asia Summit.

The White House announced earlier this week that Obama was cancelling visits to Malaysia and the Philippines that were scheduled to take place after the summits, because of the shutdown.

Instead of Obama, the American delegation would now be represented in multilateral meetings in Indonesia and Brunei by Secretary of State John Kerry, the White House said.

Carney said the cancellation of this trip is another consequence of the House Republicans forcing a shutdown of the government.

"This completely avoidable shutdown is setting back our ability to create jobs through promotion of US exports and advance US leadership and interests in the largest emerging region in the world," he said.

"The President looks forward to continuing his work with our allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific and to returning to the region at a later date," Carney said.

Obama also called the Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

"He expressed his regret that the ongoing government shutdown in the United States will prevent him from attending the Summit," the White House said.

Earlier in the day, Carney told reporters that if the Speaker of the House allows a vote and allows the majority to speak, the government will reopen right away.

Earlier, Obama made a passionate plea for reopening the government, asserting that this would mean a growing economy and new jobs.

"The problem we've got is that there's one faction of one party, in one half of one branch of government that so far has refused to allow that yes-or-no vote unless they get some massive partisan concessions in exchange for doing what theyre supposed to be doing anyway, in exchange for doing what everybody else agrees is necessary," he said. 

IMPHAL, Sept 24: A sub-committee comprising of six members of the Press Council of India (PCI), arrived in Imphal today on a two day visit as part of taking stoke of the perils that journalists face in the country.

The team led by the Convenor of the sub-committee, Kosuri Amarnath, was received at the Tulihal airport by members of the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) including its president W Shyamjai.

The PCI had earlier constituted a 10 member sub-committee in its meeting convened on September 19, in the wake of growing threats to journalists across the country. The objective of the committee was to examine the matter in depth under its mandate by the Parliament to preserve the freedom of the press. The committee has been meeting authorities and media persons in different parts of the country including the north-eastern state. The delegation had already visited Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura on the same purpose and has informed that it would tour more states in North East.

The team will interact with the journalists of the state tomorrow at Hotel Classic. On September 26, the team will meet the Principal Secretary of Home, Dr J Suresh Babu; Director General of Manipur, MK Das; Commissioner IPR and Director IPR.

Buenos Aires, September 11: Thomas Bach achieved a long-held dream on Tuesday as he was elected to the most powerful position in sport, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The 59-year-old German -- the first Olympic gold medallist to become president -- won in the second round of voting by his fellow IOC members to beat his five male rivals bidding to succeed Jacques Rogge, who stepped down after 12 years in charge.

Bach, gold medallist with the West German team in the team foil event in the 1976 Olympics, had been the frontrunner throughout the campaign and had for years been seen as the man most likely to replace Rogge.

"I know what the enromous responsibilites are of being IOC president but I am very happy," he said after the announcement, which saw him break into a broad smile.

"You my friends and colleagues have placed in me an overwhelming sign of trust. I also have enormous respect for my fellow candidates and I will work with you," Bach said.

"I will put into practise what my motto was during the campaign: 'unity in diversity'."

Bach, a lawyer by profession, is the ultimate insider having been a member since 1991 and has been vice-president three times while also heading up the Judicial Commission.

He has also been one of the leaders in fighting doping, calling for athletes to be suspended for four years instead of the two-year ban in place at the moment.

It had not been all plain sailing for Bach during the campaign with German media in particular posing questions about his ability to be president.

Bach, who has fond memories of Buenos Aires as he and his team-mates came from 7-1 down to win the world foil title in 1975, looked to be in the eye of the storm in August.

An academic report -- commissioned by him -- was released alleging that, like their then East German neighbours, West Germany too had indulged in systematic doping of their athletes.

Bach dismissed the claims that he should have known more about what was going on and then set up an inquiry headed by a retired judge.

He had said in August that even in his time as an athlete he had never witnessed doping firsthand.

"You heard things and read some stories in the newspapers, that something was going on in different sports," he said.

An unflattering documentary on German television failed to turn up anything that could seriously damage him, while his relations with increasingly influential Kuwaiti IOC member Sheikh Ahmed al-Sabah also seemed to leave him unharmed.

The front page of one Argentinian newspaper last week had a cartoon of Sabah, wearing a t-shirt with Bach's face on it, grinning and with his thumb raised, while rival Denis Oswald went public and slammed him for his business links with Kuwait.

However, it made little impact and Oswald, like his fellow candidates, were no match for the machine behind Bach.

All were high quality candidates. Puerto Rican banker and philanthropist Richard Carrion would have brought charisma, lacking in Rogge's 12 years, to the job as well as financial know how -- it was he who negotiated a record broadcasting deal with NBC for exclusive American rights up to the 2020 Games.

However, IOC members hold great store by a sporting background and the 60-year-old's lack of that counted against him.

Ng Ser Miang and Wu Ching-Kuo represented Asia's hopes of becoming the first president from the continent but while both are well regarded, with Wu having done remarkable work for boxing especially, they failed to convince in their campaigns.

Sergey Bubka's exploits as an athlete stood out in terms of sporting achievement and he would have been the youngest ever president but unlike his time as a pole vaulter his campaign never got off the ground.

Muzaffarnagar, September 11: Curfew was on Tuesday relaxed for two hours in three areas of trouble-hit Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh even as the death toll in the clashes in the district and adjoining towns climbed to 38.

With no reports of any fresh violence, curfew was eased for two hours from 3.30 pm in Kotwali, Civil Lines and Nai Nandi areas, district magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma said on Tuesday.

The district administration had clamped curfew on Saturday following incidents of communal violence.

"A total of 38 people have died in various districts of western UP with 32 deaths in Muzaffarnagar", Home Secretary Kamal Saxena told PTI in Lucknow when asked about communal violence over the last three days.

While two deaths have been reported from Meerut, one each has been reported from Hapur, Baghpat, Saharanpur and Shamli, he said, adding that 81 people have been injured in these districts and 366 people have been arrested. The Home Secretary claimed that the situation was under control.

Sending out a stern warning, U P Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said, "The state government would deal strictly with all those who have tried to create communal chasm and harm the atmosphere of Muzaffarnagar and Uttar Pradesh."

"It would be our efforts that communal amity is strengthened and the areas where situation has been brought under control no new incidents are allowed to take place", he told reporters after a state cabinet meeting here which took stock of the recent developments.

"We have got information that many people have left there homes and villages and collected elsewhere and they have to return...it would be my appeal that brotherhood should remain intact", he said.

Curfew remained in force in other areas. Army patrolled the troubled areas in Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Meerut, Saxena said.

Prohibitory orders are being enforced strictly and a close watch is being maintained on mischievous elements, he said.

Security has been stepped up in sensitive Bareilly district following communal violence in western districts of Uttar Pradesh.

"Though there is complete calm in the district but apprehending that anti-social elements may try to vitiate the atmosphere, prohibitory orders have been issued and leave of all the policemen cancelled as a precautionary measure", district magistrate Abhishek Prakash said.

In Delhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today announced Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of those killed in Muzaffarnagar violence and Rs 50,000 each to those seriously injured.

Singh had on Monday spoken to the chief minister and assured him of all help from the Centre to deal with the situation.

FIRs have been registered against BJP legislative party leader Hukum Singh, MLAs Suresh Rana, Bhartendu, Sangeet Som and former Congress MP Harendra Malik among others for violating prohibitory orders and some of the senior leaders who tried to go to Muzaffarnagar.

A one-member judicial commission headed by retired Justice Vishnu Sahai has been constituted by the state government to probe into the Muzaffarnagar violence and asked to submit its report in two months.

Union Home Ministry asked the state government to send Muzaffarnagar situation report every 12 hours. It also asked the state government to deploy enough forces in rural areas in the district where violence is yet to be contained.

Authorities cancelled 1,744 arms licenses in Bhorkala, Shahpur, Phugana and ome other areas of the district.

The state government has also shunted out Saharanpur DIG, SSP Muzaffarnagar and SP Shamli. Violence-hit Muzaffarnagar lies in Saharanpur range. 

IMPHAL, September 9: Altogether 155 cadres of four militant outfits based in the state laid down their weapons before the state government to join the peace process today during an official “Home Coming ceremony” at 1st Manipur Rifle Banquet Hall.

The militant groups are Kuki National Liberation Front (KNLF), Kuki Revolutionary Front (KRF), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) Nongdren Khomba group and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL).

50 cadres of the KNLF came with 35 weapons, 53 cadres of KRF brought 30 weapons, while 44 cadres of KCP (Nongdren Khomba) gave up 26 weapons.

Another eight cadres belonging to the KYKL led by s/s sergeant Ak Basantakumar also laid down four arms, though they did not sign any agreement like the others.

While the KNLF and KRF signed the Suspension of Operation; the KCP (Nongdren Khomba group) signed a 'Memorandum of Understanding' with the state and central governments.

Principal Secretary Home Government of Manipur, J Suresh Babu, represented the State Government; the KNLF was represented by Chairman Helun Haokip, Army chief Thangboi Khongsai and Secretary Lalmoi Haokip while the KRF was represented by Chairman Thanglen Doungel and General secretary Henkholal Doungel.

The KCP faction was represented by its Commander in chief Ningthoujam Nongdren Khomba, Chief of army Laishram Guni.

The peace pact agreement cum home coming ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh as the chief guest while Dy CM Gaikhangam who also holds the Home portfolio attended as the president.

Others who attended the ceremony included Chief Secretary PC Lawkunga, Director General of Police MK Das, cabinet ministers, MLAs and other top officials of the state police.

Speaking at the ceremony, J Suresh Babu said that the sincere efforts made by both the state and the central governments has paid off as a considerable number of militants belonging to different groups have given up the path of violence and come up to join the mainstream since the past few years.

He recalled that in similar instances, the governments have signed peace agreement recently on two counts of home coming ceremony held at the same venue as today where militant outfits KCP (URF) (Lalheiba, Sunil Meetei, and Chingkeinganba), KCP Lamphel having three groups of KCP (Lamphel, Taibangangba and City Meitei), two groups of KYKL (MDF) KYKL Athouba and Achouba and  UPPK took part.

He maintained that the two Kuki militant outfits KNLF and KRF are joining a peace process through a Suspension of Operation agreement with the state and the central governments.

KNLF will be a part of KNO while KRF will be a part of UPF and cadres of both the groups will be accommodated at the existing SoO camps, he added further.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said that many have raised their eyebrows on whether the Government is granting license to militants to kidnap and extort, by inviting them to SoO and MoUs. Making his stand clear on the perceived ideas about the peace pact, the Chief Minister said that the government will not remain as a silent spectator but deal accordingly with any groups which are found breaking the ground rules of the agreements signed.

If the need arises, the state government will seek the attention and review the agreement and cancel it, Ibobi continued.

He also appealed to other armed groups to come forward and take part in bringing peace and development in the state.

In his speech, Home Minister, Gaikhangam, said that signing a SoO or MoU, is just the tip of the iceberg adding that comprehensive development and lasting peace will only be brought about when everyone put their heads together.

He further expressed his optimism that many who are misguided would gradually choose to join the mainstream, as the Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh is relentlessly working for the better of both the hills and valley without any disparity.

Speaking at the Home coming ceremony, KCP Nongdren Khomba Commander in chief said that they have joined the home coming ceremony and signed the Peace agreement after taking into consideration the desires of the people who has been yearning for peace and development in the state.

He also appealed to the state government to strictly follow the ground rule of the peace agreement and fulfill it with the signed groups.

Lalmoi Haokip, KNLF Secretary said that the cadres of KNLF who have joined the home coming ceremony were the cadres who have been suffering for seven years in the jungles of Mayanmar and stated that the signing of SoO is a landmark history for the KNLF.

He further said that the cadres of the KNLF will be able to rehabilitate themselves under the peace agreement and reunite with their families.

Altogether 95 arms and ammunition were brought by the 155 cadres of fthe our different militant groups which include Seven Ak-56 rifle, two AK -47 rifle, five Ak-22, four SLR, four Carbine, two Stain gun, six M-16, two M-15, one M-A-1, one .32 rifle, one 60mm Mortor, five lethod gun, one RPG, eleven .32 pistol, eleven 9mm Pistol, two .38 revolver, ten grenade, twelve Radio set, four .303 rifle, three single Barrel, five single barrel, two 9mm rifle, one cartoos gun, fifteen IED bomb, 977 live ammunition, 33 magazine, three motor bomb and ten lethod bomb shells. 

Canberra, September 8: Australia's Conservative challenger Tony Abbott on Saturday stormed to power with a thumping victory in national polls, as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd conceded defeat ending six years of Labor Party rule.

Abbott, head of the Liberal-National coalition, claimed victory, saying, "I can inform you that the government of Australia has changed."

With two-thirds of the votes counted, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said the coalition had secured 85 seats in parliament and was on course to win 91. Labor had secured 54, with a predicted final tally of 55.

The dramatic change of fortune for Rudd came months after he ousted Julia Gillard as Prime Minister and Labor leader.

Rudd had called for elections after defeating Gillard in a leadership challenge in June, amid dismal polling figures that showed Labor on course for a wipe-out.

Earlier, outgoing Prime Minister Rudd conceded defeat and announced that he would not re-contest the leadership of the Labor Party, saying it was "time for renewal".

In his address after victory, Abbott repeated his election pledges, saying the carbon tax would go, the boats would be stopped and the budget would be on track for a "believable surplus".

"From today, I declare that Australia is under new management and that Australia is once more open for business," he said.

"I now look forward to forming a government that is competent, that is trustworthy, and which purposefully and steadfastly and methodically sets about delivering on our commitments to you, the Australian people," he said.

The new Prime Minister elect said that in a "week or so" Governor-General Quentin Bryce would swear in the new government.

"Today, the people of Australia have declared that the right to govern this country does not belong to Mr Rudd or to me or to his party or to ours; but it belongs to you, the people of Australia," Abbott said to a swarm of cheering crowd. Rudd earlier said that he had called Abbott to congratulate him on his victory.

"I gave it my all but it was not enough for us to win," Rudd told a crowd of cheering Labor Party supporters in Brisbane. Rudd said he was proud he had helped preserve Labor as a "viable fighting force" for the future. 

Buenos Aires, September 8:Tokyo won the right to host the Olympic Games for the second time, overcoming fears about radiation from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant to land the 2020 edition of the world's biggest sporting event.

Members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) meeting in Buenos Aires chose the Japanese capital, which previously hosted the Games in 1964, over Istanbul, after Madrid was dramatically eliminated following a first-round tie with the Turkish city yesterday.

Crowds gathered in Tokyo broke into wild cheers, despite the result coming in the early hours of the morning nearly a dozen time zones away, television pictures showed.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had earlier flown in to the Argentine capital from the G20 summit in St Petersburg, Russia, to reassure nervous members about the safety of the nuclear plant some 220 kilometres (140 miles) from the city and fears about the leaking of contaminated water.

He told delegates that the situation was "under control", adding: "It has never done or will do any damage to Tokyo."

Fukushima operator the Tokyo Electric Power Co also played down fears of a possible spread of radiation in a separate message.

Concerns over Fukushima -- seriously damaged in the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 18,000 people -- had dogged the bid in the final days but Abe successfully allayed IOC members' fears.

The final result was 60 votes for Tokyo against 36 for Istanbul, said the IOC.

Tokyo -- third in the vote for the 2016 Games won by Rio de Janeiro -- had been the frontrunners originally, as they promised a safe and financially secure Games in what they termed "uncertain times".

The decision means it will be the fourth time that Japan plays host to the Olympics, having also organised hosted winter Games in Nagano (1998) and Sapporo (1972).

Asia will also see successive Olympics, as the South Korean resort of Pyeongchang is hosting the 2018 winter edition.

Madrid had looked to be the city with the momentum coming into the final week after an outstanding presentation to IOC members in Lausanne in July -- and were hoping that like Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 race, they could go on to win.

But it was not enough, even with 28 of the 35 venues built and all the infrastructure in place plus a positive assessment by the IOC Evaluation Commission -- the only IOC members allowed to visit the bid cities - over their relatively low budget.

Doubts about Spain's recession-hit economy persisted to the end and not even some more upbeat news on the issue recently and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's pledges that financing would not pose problems convinced enough members that they could deliver.

Istanbul had been hoping Turkey would become the first predominantly Muslim country to host the quadrennial sporting extravaganza.

But despite a passionate and dynamic campaign trading on bridging two continents and two cultures as well as an evocative "wake up in Asia compete in Europe" slogan, their bid was hampered in June.

Several IOC members were unimpressed by the heavy-handed way that the Ankara government handled anti-government protests that escalated from opposition to the redevelopment of an Istanbul park.

There was also nervousness surrounding the fallout from the bloody civil war in neighbouring Syria.

Prime Miniser Abe said in his presentation that the Olympics were part of his DNA, having experienced them for the first time at a young age.

"I was at the opening ceremony in Tokyo in 1964 and saw several thousand doves all released into the clear blue sky and coming together to make the Olympic rings," he said.

He also cited his experience meeting one of the children on a trip to visit survivors of the earthquake and tsunami and said sport had a key role in society to aid recovery.

"I met with one boy in the affected area, he was holding a cherished football, given to him by a footballer from overseas who had visited the area," said Abe.

"That ball was not just a football to him, it represented his hope for the future. "Today under the blue sky of Fukushima there are young boys playing football and looking into the future and not the past."

New Delhi, September 8: Prime Minister asserts there is nothing to hide on missing coal file issue and further maintained that he will have to factor in certain harsh realities like India being affected by terror before arriving at a final decision on meeting his Pakistani counterpart Nawab Sharif in New York.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh terms Rahul Gandhi as an "ideal choice" for the prime ministership post after the next Lok Sabha polls.

Singh asserted he would be happy to meet Sharif under normal conditions as he had respect for the Pakistani premier, who had said the right things about how India-Pakistan relations should evolve.

"But there are certain harsh realities on the ground. If the terror acts do not stop, if those who voice terrorist thoughts move about freely, if there is no significant progress in bringing the culprits of the Mumbai massacre to book - that I have to factor in before arriving at a final decision," he said on Saturday.

The uncertainty surrounding a Singh-Sharif meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York later this month comes against the backdrop of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Mohammad Saeed not being brought to justice in Pakistan and moving around freely in that country, and also the lack of progress in the Mumbai attacks trial in Islamabad.

Singh was talking to reporters on board a special Air India plane on his return home after attending the G20 summit in the Russian city of St Petersburg.

He was asked about the possibility of meeting Sharif amid mounting speculation on this issue and a view in the country that he should avoid meeting his Pakistani counterpart.

The BJP has voiced its opposition to any meeting between Singh and Sharif.

"I have always maintained that we can choose our friends, but we have no choice with regard to our neighbours. And therefore, under normal conditions, I would be happy to meet with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, whom I respect, who has said the right things about how relations between our two countries should evolve," he said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said he was very sad to hear of the killing of prominent Bengali writer Sushmita Banerjee by the Taliban in Afghanistan and described her as a noble person.

"It is a very sad development. She was living in Afghanistan for a long number of years. She was engaged in very important social work. So I feel very sad that such a noble person should have been the victim of the Taliban's wrath," he said.

Singh said the incident showed that Afghanistan is still plagued by the Taliban menace.

"The government and people of Afghanistan, ultimately, will have to make up their minds whether the Taliban philosophy, particularly with regard to the role of women in society, is the theme which should decide their approach to life," he said. 

Moscow, September 5: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reached Russia where he will attend the two day G20 summit which begins on Thursday and that is expected to focus on minimizing the external impact when major developed countries gradually phase out fiscal stimulus.

The two day summit is expected to focus on minimizing the external impact when major developed countries gradually phase out fiscal stimulus.

This would cause volatile capital flows into emerging markets and put pressures on their currencies.

The G20 leaders would also deliberate on issues like stimulus in Euro zone, and quota reforms at multilateral institutions.

Dr. Singh has attended all previous G20 summits since the first meet in Washington in 2008. He is due to return on Saturday.

The main theme of the 8th G20 summit is starting a new cycle of growth through quality jobs and investment, trust and transparency and effective regulation.

The past summits were held in Washington, London, Pittsburgh, Toronto, Seoul, Cannes and Los Cabos.

Besides India, the G20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the UK, the US and the European Union. 

MOREH, August 26: The state government has already informed the Union Ministry of External Affairs to pursue the matter of the border fencing row with the Myanmar authorities and conduct a joint survey by the two countries to bring an amicable solution at the earliest, Principal Secretary (Home) Dr J Suresh Babu told media persons during an inspection of the disputed areas of the border fencing at Moreh today.

Dr J Suresh Babu is also the chairman of the Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing Committee constituted by the state government to look into the ongoing border fencing row with Myanmar.

A team of the committee led by its chairman today inspected several disputed areas along the border at Moreh and nearby areas.

The team went on foot from Muslim village near Border Pillar Number 79 upto Govajang village inspecting the border and talked with the Govajang village chief on the problems of the villagers.

Further during the inspection, the team also visited disputed area, Haolenphai village and checked the stone marked as “Pillar 23” said to have been erected by the Myanmar authorities.

Later, the team inspected the materials stacked in the area by the neighbouring country’s army for the construction of a base camp at the area and another stone near the Tamil Sangam temple marked as “Pillar 21” purportedly by the Myanmar authorities though highly believed to be pillar number 78.

Addressing media persons, Dr J Suresh Babu said that the team had arrived at the border area under instructions from the state government to understand the views of the people of the border area on the present fencing issue.

He expressed that nine pillars along the Indo-Myanmar border remain unsettled at present.

The state government has already informed the Union Ministry of External Affairs to pursue the matter with the Myanmar authority and conduct a joint survey of the border, he said. However, the row could be solved only through a joint meeting of the two countries and one country alone cannot solve the issue, he continued.

The team also inspected the Govajang village located between Border Pillar 79 and 80 and where there is apprehension that around 15 houses will go on the Myanmar side once the border fencing is completed.

He further said that the people have a misconception regarding border fencing. Border fencing doesn’t mean the exact boundary, it is only a security fencing to stop illegal entry into the country by smugglers and other illegal elements, he said.

India wants a secure international boundary, he said before adding that under the international law, border fencing should be made 10 meter away from the exact border pillar.

At some places it is above 10 meter while at some it is made at exactly 10 meter away, he added.

Officially, 18 gates have been provided in between Border Pillar 79 and 81 for the villagers to conduct farming or other activities in Indian territory on the other side of the fencing, he said before adding that both India or Myanmar will not provide any restriction on such activities.

He further continued that Border Pillar Number 76 at Haolenphai and Pillar Number 78 at Moreh remain unsettled.

The issue cannot be settled unless the two countries sit together, he said.

Works taken up by the Myanmar authorities for the construction of a post at Haolenphai remains suspended following India’s interruption, he said and added that Myanmar is a friendly country and not an enemy.

When asked about a similar boundary issue at Ukhrul, he said that the state government will take actions after understanding the desires of the people of the area. The state government will never compromise on any issues regarding the territorial integrity of the state, Suresh Babu said.

A joint field visit is necessary if all such issues are to be addressed, he said.

During a recent Myanmar visit, the Indian Foreign Secretary had expressed the wish to address all such issues and to form a joint committee at the earliest, he said.

However, the Myanmar authorities are yet to get back, he said.

The Manipur boundary is guarded by the Assam Rifles based on the map provided by the survey of India, he said while declaring that the stones marked as Pillar 21 and 23 could be old Myanmarese pillars.

He further expressed his belief that the old stone marked Pillar Number 21 could be the new Pillar Number 78 and the other stone marked Pillar Number 23 could be the new Pillar Number 76.

He said at Haolenphai, the Myanmar villagers believe that Indian have entered into their territory, while Indians also believe that Myanmar villagers have entered into its territory.

Such issues should be solved by holding talks on the District Commissioner level and bringing it up at the government level, he said.

Today’s inspection was also participated by 26 Sector Assam Rifles DIG Brigadier Rajiv Mankotia, 9th AR CO Anadi Atriya, Chandel DC Chittaranjan, IG Intelligence KT Vaipheisu, ADC Moreh Robert Kshetrimayum, SP Chandel E Priyokumar and other officials.

Another team led by the Committee on protection of Land in Border Fencing, Manipur convenor Bojendro Nangomba and ICHAM president N Rajendro was also present during the inspection.

New Delhi, August 26: Fighting legal battle in courts has become so expensive that it has gone beyond the reach of a poor man, the Supreme Court said while expressing concern over the legal profession getting commercialised rapidly.

Virtually holding a mirror to itself, the apex court said that judicial proceeding is so slow that people in the country are convinced that a case would not finish in their lifetime.

"In the present era, the legal profession, once known as a noble profession, has been converted into a commercial undertaking. Litigation has become so expensive that it has gone beyond the reach and means of a poor man.

"For a long time, the people of the nation have been convinced that a case would not culminate during the life time of the litigant and is beyond the ability of astrologer to anticipate his fate," a bench of justices B S Chauhan and S A Bobde said.

Observing that lawyers are equal partners with judges in the administration of justice, the apex court said, "Advocates cannot behave with doubtful scruples or strive to thrive on litigation."

It also said wilful disregard for litigants' interest by a lawyer is reprehensible and unbefitting for an advocate.

"Law is no trade, briefs no merchandise. An advocate being an officer of the court has a duty to ensure smooth functioning of the court. He has to revive the person in distress and cannot exploit the helplessness of innocent litigants.

"A wilful and callous disregard for the interests to the client may in a proper case be characterised as conduct unbefitting an advocate."

The apex court also frowned upon the "multi-tier operation of one lawyer hauling a client and then acting as a facilitator for some other lawyer to draw proceedings or engage another lawyer for arguing a case is definitely an unchartered and unofficial system which cannot be accepted as in essence, it tantamount to a trap for litigants which is neither ethically nor professionally a sound practice," it said.

"Such conduct is ridiculously low from what is expected of a lawyer," it added. The court made the observations while pulling up an advocate on record for "lending" his signature, for consideration, to a petition filed in the top court and thereafter not even once appearing in the case.

Advocates on record are those lawyers who alone are eligible to file cases in the apex court. An advocate on record (AOR) is not a "guest artist" who lends his signature to a petition, the bench said, adding, "Such an attitude tantamount to cruelty in the most crude form towards the innocent litigant. In our humble opinion, conduct of such AOR is certainly unbecoming of an AOR."

New Delhi, August 26: The Food Security Bill is likely to be taken up for discussion in Lok Sabha on Monday, even as AIADMK said it will oppose the bill in its present form.

"The House will function tomorrow (Saturday). But a large of members and leaders have stated that they are going to be away...Many members and leaders want to speak on the Food Security Bill," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath told reporters outside Parliament House on Friday.

"So they have requested the Speaker that the Food Security Bill should not be taken up tomorrow, but on Monday. So the Bill will be taken up on Monday," he added.

Asked about extension of the session beyond 30th August when it is scheduled to end, the Minister said Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs will meet soon to decide on the issue.

On Friday, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar suspended 12 MPs from Andhra Pradesh for five days over disruption of House proceedings following protests over creation of Telangana and Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day.

The Speaker took the decision after consulting all party leaders earlier in the day.

Imphal, August 26: Manipur Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar on Sunday Conferred annual Governor’s Award and other awards instituted by the Library & Information Centre, Kakching in a solemn function held at its auditorium.

During the function Governor presented altogether 11 different awards instituted by the Centre and others donated by individuals and trust.

The awards included Governor’s award, Phanjoubam Gourahari Singh awards, Kshetrimayum Sanajaoba Singh-Smt Amureima Devi awards, Ksetirymayum Ibohal Singh awards, Kshetrimayum Kullachandra Singh and Sija Devi awards, Moirengthem Toyaima memorial awards, Naorem Ganga Singh award, Yengkhom Yaima Singh medical scholarships, Naorem Niranjoy Memorial Meritorious awards, Dr Kshetrimayum Ratan Singh memorial sports awards and Naorem Amuba Singh teachers’ award.

Apart from the Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar who was the chief guest, the function was also attended by Kakching MLA Y Surchandra Singh and Ksh Subadani, Councillor, Kakching Municipal Council were guest of honour and president respectively.

This year’s Governor’s Award was given to HSLC (Manipur board) topper Miranda Mongbijam of Nirmalabas high school. The award carries cash prize of Rs 5000 and a citation.

Phanjaobam Gourahari Singh Award given annually to girl topper of Kakching residents was bagged by Shougaijam Lessi Devi of Padma Ratna English School. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 300 with a citation. Kshetrimayum Narendra Singh also of Padma Ratna English School bagged HSLC toppers’ award of Kakching residents.

This year’s Naorem Amuba Singh Teacher’s award was given to Kshetrimayum Mangal Singh of Kakching Turel Wangma Ningthou Pareng.

Before presenting the awards, the Governor released poetry book “Nungshibagee Lipun” and souvenir of the Library and Information Centre.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar stressed the need for imparting job oriented education to students as the state faces acute problem of unemployment.

As per latest statistics, literacy rate of the state is 80 percent but state government must try to achieve cent percent literacy rate, Governor said and expressed regret that unemployment rate in the state very high.

Giving advice to the students, the Governor said hard-work and sacrificial spirit should always go together. Meaningful education will prevail when an education policy based on self employment is adopted and implemented in the right way, he added.

United Nations, August 25: A top UN envoy was in Damascus on Saturday to press for an investigation into an alleged chemical attack, as Syrian hospitals were reported to have treated thousands of "neurotoxic" cases.  

US President Barack Obama, meanwhile, met his top national security advisers to weigh the response to the alleged massacre.

He is under mounting pressure to act following Wednesday's reported chemical attack near Damascus that opposition groups say was carried out by President Bashar al-Assad's forces and had killed as many as 1,300 people.

The Syrian government has strongly denied the allegations but has yet to accede to demands that UN inspectors already in the country be allowed to visit the sites of the alleged attacks.

"The president has directed the intelligence community to gather facts and evidence so that we can determine what occurred in Syria. Once we ascertain the facts, the president will make an informed decision about how to respond," a White House official said.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said that around 3,600 patients displaying "neurotoxic symptoms" had flooded into three Syrian hospitals on the day of the alleged attacks, and 355 of them died.

The victims all arrived within less than three hours of each other, and MSF director of operations Bart Janssens said the pattern of events and the reported symptoms "strongly indicate mass exposure to a neurotoxic agent".

"Medical staff working in these facilities provided detailed information to MSF doctors regarding large numbers of patients arriving with symptoms including convulsions, excess saliva, pinpoint pupils, blurred vision and respiratory distress," he said.

His comments came as UN Under Secretary General Angela Kane was in Damascus, tasked by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon with establishing the terms of an inquiry.

Ban is determined to "conduct a thorough, impartial and prompt investigation" into the chemical attack claims, his spokesman said.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, during a visit to the West Bank on Saturday, blamed Syria for a "chemical massacre" and said that "the Bashar regime is responsible."

But Damascus ally Iran blamed the rebels and warned the West against any military intervention. "There is proof terrorist groups carried out this action," foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Araqchi said, without giving any details. 

New Delhi, August 22: Not ruling out the "sabotage" angle behind explosions on Navy's destroyed submarine INS Sindhurakshak, Defence Minister A K Antony on Thursday said the incident has cast a shadow on the force's capability to safeguard country's maritime interests.

Giving clarifications in the Rajya Sabha on the August 14 submarine accident, he said the Navy has also ordered a study to assess the status of weapons on board the sunk submarine in view of fear of any further explosion during salvage operations.

"The Navy has ordered a Board of Inquiry (BoI) and it has started with all seriousness. Its terms of reference is to look into all aspects of causes of this incident will be examined by it. Nothing is ruled out. All likely aspects would be examined by the BoI," Antony said.

Several members including Chandan Mitra (BJP) and Naresh Agrawal (SP) sought to know if sabotage was one of the reasons behind the accident which took place on the eve of Independence Day.

The Defence Minister said at the moment, "We cannot say conclusively about the exact cause of the incident. Our armed forces work on war footing on these aspects and they are also anxious on this issue."

The Minister said of the 18 personnel on board the sunken vessel, bodies of eight had been found till yesterday and they have been sent to the Naval hospital for postmortem.

"Death certificates of eight bodies cite extensive burns as the cause of death."

He said five international and Indian companies are involved in surveying the vessel for salvage and after the vessel is dewatered and brought up, the team of Russian experts would be involved in the investigations.

Johannesburg, August 21:Highlighting the increase in Africa's trade with India, President Jacob Zuma asked BRICS members to use the bloc's Business Council as a platform to explore new models and approaches towards more equitable development and inclusive growth in the world.

Opening the Council meeting on Tuesday, President Zuma highlighted that total trade with India, which is South Africa's sixth largest trading partner, grew substantially from R53 billion (USD 5.23 billion) in 2011 to R67 billion (USD 6.61 billion) in 2012, representing a growth of over 26 percent.

Speaking at the inaugural BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Business Council meeting, he said the strength of the alliance was amplified by the fact that BRICS countries accounted for 43 percent of the world's population.

President Zuma said there was potential within the group, adding that business leaders should take advantage of opportunities present and urged business to advance key issues in the BRICS economies.

"Within South Africa, there is a host of opportunities as well. We invite participation in six areas, which are infrastructure development, agriculture, mining and beneficiation, manufacturing, the green economy and tourism," the African country's government news agency quoted him as saying.

Indian participants in the meeting welcomed the agreement between the five nations to forge a closer partnership for development integration and industrialisation to contribute to the development of the African continent.

"It was a very positive meeting because we could, between the five countries, develop a consensus of partnership and how BRICS countries can contribute towards the growth of Africa from the perspective of industrialisation, beneficiation and added value to Africa," Ambika Sharma, Deputy Secretary General and Head of International at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) informed.

Key recommendations of the Council included working collectively to carry forward the work agenda set by the G20 leaders for promoting stronger, sustainable and more equitable growth.

"We should look to continue enhancing intra-BRICS trade to achieve at least USD 500 billion by 2015 as per agreement from previous Business Forum in India," the Council said in a statement.

Sharma said FICCI members were taking development in Africa very seriously. Although a number of Indian companies have already established footprints in Africa, Sharma said FICCI would now look at newer companies that wanted to expand abroad.

Indian High Commissioner Virendra Gupta said it was most significant that South Africa had also invited business leaders from other African countries to the meet.

IMPHAL, August 18: Internationally renowned dramaturge and director par excellence,  Ratan Thiyam, has been appointed as the chairperson of the National School of Drama, NSD, New Delhi, according to a reliable source in New Delhi.

Thiyam’s theatre group, Chorus Repertory Theatre, tours the world routinely, enthralling the theatre world with refreshing interpretations of classics as well as his own scripts, which have been described by critics as rich with poetic metaphors and characterised by a unique brand of enchanting lyricism.

Ratan Thiyam said though the official letter of appointment has not reached him yet, he has been communicated of his appointment by top authorities of the NSD on the phone.

He said he still has some time to decide when he would assume the new and prestigious responsibility, and this suits him well as he has some important prior commitments to keep.

Thiyam will be leaving for Delhi on Wednesday on way to Tokyo, where he is to attend a world theatre congress as an observer, in preparation for a forthcoming international theatre festival.

Chorus Repertory Theatre, he said is currently working on an interpretation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and rehearsals are being staged now at repertory’s own facility.

Apart from accolades for his own creations such as the now iconic Nine Hills One Valley, Thiyam has been praised for his creative and distinctive stage interpretations of work of many renowned theatre personalities, contemporary as well as from the past era, including Henrik Ibsen’s many plays, Dharamvir Bharati’s 1954 classic Andha Yug (Blind Age) etc. His Mahabharat Tiology, particularly his portrayal of Abhimanyu, is considered as belonging to the realm of legends in Indian theatre.

Manipur Information Centre adds: Well-known theatre personality Ratan Thiyam from Manipur was on Monday appointed as the Chairperson of the National School of Drama Society.

A press release from the Ministry of Culture said, “The President of India has appointed Shri Thiyam for a period of four years as per the relevant Rules and Regulations of the Society”.

Ratan Thiyam takes over from theatre director, Amal Allana, who demitted office as NSD Chairperson in June this year after serving two consecutive terms.

In 1971, he enrolled at the National School of Drama in Delhi, gaining a reputation as a powerful actor and director. In 1976, he returned to Manipur and founded Chorus Repertory Theatre.

He was also briefly the director of National School of Drama, New Delhi in 1987-88 and was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987, the Padma Shri in 1989 which he returned and was Sangeet Natak Fellow in 2013.

Lucknow, August 19: Two new cases of Japanese Encephalitis were reported on Saturday at Baba Raghav Das Medical college in this Uttar Pradesh district.
 
The vector-borne disease has so far claimed nine lives, mostly of the children.

The disease spreads its jaws each year with the onset of monsoon in eastern parts of the state including the districts of Deoria, Kushinagar, Siddharthnagar, Gorakhpur and Sant Kabirnagar.

So far, as many as 121 people are receiving treatment at Baba Raghav Das medical college.

The disease has claimed thousands of lives in the past few decades.

Every year the government starts vaccination drive to curb the vector-borne disease.

Cairo, August 17: Egyptian security forces on Saturday surrounded a Cairo mosque full of supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi as the Muslim Brotherhood planned fresh marches after clashes left nearly 100 dead, raising fears of more violence that will further push the country into chaos.

The Al-Fateh mosque near Ramses Square in central Cairo has become the latest flashpoint in the growing crisis after more than 1,000 people reportedly sought refuge following Friday's clashes between protesters primarily aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood and security forces.

Protesters took those killed and wounded in the clashes to the mosque, where the Muslim Brotherhood established a makeshift field hospital.

Police reportedly said women could leave the mosque but men would be held for questioning - an offer rejected by those inside.

Security officials quoted by the official Mena news agency said "armed elements" had opened fire from inside the mosque.

They said that people were being prevented from leaving the mosque by protesters.

But other media reports said that people trapped inside the mosque were afraid to leave because they believed they would be attacked by plainclothes "thugs" aligned with the military.

Meanwhile, the Muslim Brotherhood called for a week of protests across Egypt starting from today.

"Our rejection of the coup regime has become an Islamic, national and ethical obligation that we can never abandon," said the Brotherhood, which has accused Egypt's military of plotting the downfall of Morsi last month to regain the levers of power.

‘In the worst of the violence yesterday, at least 95 people were killed and hundreds injured in Cairo's Ramses Square as security forces opened fire on Morsi supporters, who took to the streets after Friday prayers to protest the killing of over 600 in a crackdown by the military-backed government on Wednesday.

Egypt's interim officials say more than 1,000 Islamists were arrested after yesterday's protests - dubbed a "day of anger".

 "The number of Muslim Brotherhood elements arrested reached 1,004," the interior ministry said in a statement.

An interim cabinet, installed by the army after it removed Morsi during rallies against his rule, has refused to back down in the face of the protests.

It has authorized police to use live ammunition to defend themselves and state installations.

Bader Abdel Atty, a spokesman for the Egyptian foreign ministry, defended the actions of the security forces in an interview with Al Jazeera, saying that protesters were armed with machine guns.

He dismissed international condemnation of the violence and said Egypt would accept no external interference.

Egypt's interim leaders have imposed a state of emergency with dusk-to-dawn curfews in the capital and other areas.

The interior ministry says police have been authorised to use live ammunition "within a legal framework".

The Muslim Brotherhood has been on the streets since 3rd July after the army deposed Morsi - Egypt's first democratically elected president - last month and installed an interim government.