Mizoram PHED employee dies while cleaning water tank

An employee of the Mizoram Public Health Engineering department died while cleaning a water tank at a place near the river Tlawng on the outskirts of the state capital, official sources said today.

Rohmingthanga (47) was sucked inside a pipe while cleaning a water tank last night and died there, the sources said.

Volunteers took a long time to take out the body of Rohmingthanga as he was firmly stuck inside the pipe used for Aizawl water supply.

His body was found by some people this morning.

READ MORE - Mizoram PHED employee dies while cleaning water tank

Mizoram court convicts meth smuggler

A special court in Mizoram state capital here has made its first conviction against a smuggler of party drugs called methamphetamine or 'crystal meth' that has thrown up a new challenge to anti-drug fighters in the state.

The special court for NDPS Act here convicted a Myanmarese national for smuggling heroin and methamphetamine two days ago. Khenthanga, 47, a resident of Tahan 'F' Group, Myanmar's Sagai division, sentenced to four years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000, is the first person to be convicted in connection with methamphetamine in Mizoram. Khenthanga was arrested on July 6, 2013, with 133 grams of heroin and some quantity of methamphetamine, he smuggled from Myanmar. He told investigators that he smuggled the methamphetamine tablets as samples. Already in the midst of a fierce fight against heroin, illicit pharmaceutical drugs (PD) and alcohol, Mizoram's anti-drug fighters face a new threat of methamphetamine from Myanmar.

The meth factories across Myanmar border in China are partly fueled by pseudoephedrine smuggled out from India into those countries. 'Pseudoephedrine is bought from other parts of India and smuggled out to Burma through our State, which is then used to make methamphetamine and other derivatives which is smuggled across the world,' said an excise official. Three major seizures of methamphetamine have been made in Mizoram this year. Customs officials seized 10,000 tablets of methamphetamine, reddish-orange in colour and each marked 88, from Melbuk village in Champhai district on April 30. Two Myanmarese nationals - a woman named Lalruaipuii, 26, and Lalhnunpuia Bawihtlung, 45 - were arrested in this connection.

The seized drugs have a street value of Rs 1 crore, officials said. On March 5, officials seized 15,000 tablets of meth, smuggled from Myanmar, in Aizawl and arrested a Myanmarese national. All the accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Earlier on January 31, the excise police seized 120,000 tablets of the same drug in Aizawl. The seized drugs were valued at Rs 2.4 crore in the local market and it is said to be the biggest meth haul in Mizoram so far. Excise police seized 670 tablets of meth in 2001, 971 in 2002 and 287 in 2011.

The first seizure of meth was way back in the late nineties, they said. Rumours have it that the peddlers are here and if the Mizo social networks are to be believed, the evil business often kick starts with a free offer of samples to impressionable youngsters as in heroin addiction. Meth and its family is highly addictive and therefore the high danger.

With 410 kms of international border with Myanmar, Mizoram is already part of the Golden Triangle, as its main doorway in its western borders. How is it going to defend the youth of the region from this fresh attack of drugs is the moot question, even as media reports say that the meth wave is sweeping communities around the world.

READ MORE - Mizoram court convicts meth smuggler

Arrest warrant issued for police intel inspector in drug trafficking case; granted interim bail

 

Myanmar is considered Asia' biggest source of methamphetamine, a highly addictive narcotic popular as a party drug due to it's energy-enhancing effects but for which there is till now no known medical treatment worldwide. (Source: IE)

Summary

An inspector was granted bail after Mizoram Narcotics dept obtained an arrest warrant against him for supplying meth.

An inspector with the Mizoram Police’s intelligence unit in Aizawl has been granted interim bail after the Excise and Narcotics Department’s Anti-Narcotics Squad obtained a warrant for his arrest following a drug trafficker’s statement that the inspector had given her a consignment of 10,000 methamphetamine pills.
The inspector is currently attached to the District Special Bureau under the Aizawl Superintendent of Police, and has been a key investigator in several high profile drug seizures in the past few months, including busts which led to the arrests of then Congress spokesperson Lalrozara, then Mizoram Youth Commission member Lalremsangi Fanai and a close relative of prominent Aizawl businessman F Hrangvela.
He was granted bail on medical grounds by Special Judge (ND&PS) Lucy Lalrinthari of the Aizawl District Court on Monday after the inspector’s lawyer cited medical problems. The same judge had earlier issued the arrest warrant against the inspector.
The Anti-Narcotics Squad had on July 20 seized 10,000 tablets of methamphetamine in an Aizawl neighborhood and arrested three people who were trafficking the consignment worth Rs 22 lakhs from Khawzawl, a town in the state’s east not far from the Indo-Myanmar border.
Myanmar is considered Asia’ biggest source of methamphetamine, a highly addictive narcotic popular as a party drug due to it’s energy-enhancing effects but for which there is till now no known medical treatment worldwide.
One of the arrested persons told Anti-Narcotics Squad investigators of being a long-time informer of the inspector and that the methamphetamine consignment was in lieu of a reward. The accused currently has another drug trafficking case with the Anti-Narcotics Squad, however, which involves pseudoephedrine, a drug used to manufacture methamphetamine.
An investigator said the police inspector was summoned for questioning last week and he told interrogators he had obtained the pills from an earlier seizure of about 50,000 methamphetamine pills.
Investigators however said both the arrested trafficker and the inspector retracted their statements when the duo were interrogated in the same room, apparently after the inspector asked the trafficker if there was any evidence of the drugs handover.

READ MORE - Arrest warrant issued for police intel inspector in drug trafficking case; granted interim bail

Mizoram: Massive search operation underway for missing constable

 

The search operation at Zo Ngaw, the forest through which the Aizawl-Mamit road passes. (Source: IE)

Summary

Massive search operation underway in Mizoram for police constable who went missing in the woods.

A massive search operation was launched Monday to find an on-duty police constable who is believed to have disappeared somewhere in the forests between Mizoram capital Aizawl and western Mamit town on Sunday.
James Ramhmingthanga, a constable posted in the Mizoram-Tripura border town of Kanhmun, had come riding a motorcycle to Aizawl on an assignment on Saturday.
He had reported at the Vaivakawn police station and returned on Sunday morning. He called his wife along the way from a village called Dampui, which borders a thick forest through which the lone road, a winding route perched on the mountain-side, that connects Mamit with Aizawl passes.
But James never reached home.
The Mamit district police, rescue teams and close to a thousand Young Mizo Association volunteers from at least three towns and villages took part in the search operation that began Sunday night.
Mamit district Addl SP Lalchunglura said there have been no trace of the constable nor of the motorcycle and no leads have as yet been found.

READ MORE - Mizoram: Massive search operation underway for missing constable

Four bodies, including two pre-teens, fished out of two rivers in Mizoram

Lalrinpuia and Lalrosanga had gone missing on Saturday evening on the banks of the Tuirivang river.

Four bodies – including of two pre-teens – were fished out from two swollen rivers in Mizoram on Monday by volunteers that have been searching for the bodies for almost three days.

Lalrinpuia, 13, and Lalrosanga, 12, had gone missing on Saturday evening on the banks of the Tuirivang river near Phulpui village where they lived. They had gone to the river to fish.

A search operation involving volunteers from several neighboring villages began that night itself, and all churches in the area closed their doors on Sunday so villagers could take part in the search.

The search continued through the night when, at 11 am Monday, volunteers found the bodies of the two boys after pulling out some bamboo poles they had stuck in the river to grab the bodies as they were swept downriver.

In another incident, volunteers found the bodies of two men who went missing after a maxicab they were traveling in from Hailakandi in Assam plunged into the swollen Tlawng river around midnight Thursday.

Five of their co-passengers had been thrown out of the vehicle as it tumbled down the gorge bordering the river, and the second driver had fled and returned to Assam.

A massive search operation involving several hundred volunteers was launched Friday to find the two missing men, including the driver Mintu Deb and another person identified only as Vinod.

Their bodies were finally found around 9 am Monday several score downriver volunteers, and were sent home to their families after post-mortems.

READ MORE - Four bodies, including two pre-teens, fished out of two rivers in Mizoram

50 kg ganja seized

Mizoram Excise and Narcotics

department officials seized 50 kg of ganja at a hamlet in the Mizoram-Manipur-Myanmar border, excise department sources said here today.

Two persons were also arrested during the raid at the Khuangphah hamlet yesterday.

The two, Vanlalliana and Lalbiakthanga, were booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, the sources said.

READ MORE - 50 kg ganja seized

Trader killed near Assam-Mizoram border

SILCHAR: A trader was hacked to death by suspected miscreants at Lailapur in Assam's Cachar district, 55 km from here. Locals spotted the body lying in a pool of blood at a playground near an Army camp at Lailapur near Assam-Mizoram border on Sunday.

Police said the deceased was identified as Moin Uddin. Moin, a resident of Ramkrishnanagar in Karimganj district, was staying at a rented house at Lailapur. He ran a confectionary shop there.

The body was sent to Silchar Medical Collage Hospital for autopsy. It had deep marks of wounds on its neck by a sharp weapon.

Police have arrested Rajan Das in connection with the murder. Rajan worked at Moin's shop, sources said. He is being interrogated at Dholai police station. Police are in search of other miscreants.

With Eid round the corner, security has been intensified in the area.

READ MORE - Trader killed near Assam-Mizoram border

Former Mizoram CM Brig Sailo ill, hospitalised

Aizawl, Jul 24 (PTI) Former Mizoram Chief Minister Brig Thenphunga Sailo (92) suddenly fell ill tonight and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unite (ICU) in a hospital in Aizawl, family sources said.

Dr. Larinliana Sailo, son of the former Chief Minister and retired Principal Director of the state Health Services department, told PTI that his father was suffering from hyper-tension and was being treated. His condition was improving.

READ MORE - Former Mizoram CM Brig Sailo ill, hospitalised

Heroin seized near Aizawl, one arrested

Mizoram Excise and Narcotics department officials have seized 47 grams of heroin at Zemabawk near Aizawl and arrested one person in this connection, state excise department officials today said.

The accused Thanliandinga (21) of Vaikhawtlang in the Myanmar border Champhai district told the interrogators that he smuggled the contraband through the Mizoram-Myanmar border hamlet of Zokhawthar for selling it in Aizawl, the officials said.

Thanliandinga was booked under section 21 (b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and sent to judicial custody, they said.

Meanwhile, the state excise department officials, in a joint operation with the BSF seized 10,400 detonators from the Mizoram-Assam border town of Vairengte last night and arrested a 51-year-old woman in this connection, the officials added.

READ MORE - Heroin seized near Aizawl, one arrested

Centre focussing on Seri potential in Mizoram

Aizawl, Jul 24 : Mizoram, being one the best suitable places to have sericulture farms, the Central government has given more attention to the state for rearing silkworm, said C.Zothankhumi, MSS.

C.Zothankhumi, Secretary Sericulture Department today paid a visit to Sericulture Office at Kikawn Veng, Serchhip and Sericulture Farm in Serchhip where she was well received by V.Zothansanga, DSO and District Sericulture Office staff.

During an interaction with DSO and Sericulture Office staffs, C.Zothankhumi, MSS said as the Central Silk Board has fortunately came to learn Mizoram as the best suitable place for rearing silkworm, it has high expectation from the state to expand sericulture farm for maximum silk product.

The secretary said that the practice of sericulture or silkworm rearing does not abrubptly bring profit to the farmers.

Therefore, its need patience and perserverance if one has to prosper and achieve success from sericulture farm.

She added that the practice of sericulture is a farm which only a dilligent and harworking person can do.

Although it take time to yield financial profit to the farmer, one can earn many profit from sericulture, she said.

C.Zothankhumi exhorted DSO and Sericulture Office staff to work harder and reamained steadfast in their endeavor to expand sericulture farm in the state.

She told DSO and his team that sericulture farmers have to be encouraged, motivated and to perform their task well.

While citing about the need for obtaining good quality of cacoon, the secretary aked sericulture department staffs to put stress on the neccesity of rearing good quality of cacoon.

She had also mentioned that Cocoon Reeling Factory at Zemabawk, Aizawl has to be expanded and to materilize this plan the state government is working on it.

DSO and Sericulture office staffs also expressed their heartfelt thanks to the secretary for her official visit to the site and simultenously apprised her of the the need for setting up Eri Seed farm in Serchhip, shifting of Muga Farm at Thenzawla, construction of Farmers' Training Hal, renovation of Office Approach Road, construction of more staff quarters and placing District Sericulture Office at the center of the town.

Responding to the demand of sericulture office staffs, C.Zothankhumi said she will have a careful study on the problems and thereby take necessary action accordingly.

At present there are 15 office staffs (DSO-1, Extension Officer-2, Head Assistant-1, LDC-1, Demonstrator-4, IV Grade-3 and M/R-3) at District Sericulture Office, Serchhip.

The state government also owned two Mulberry Farms both in Serchhipah and Thenzawlah respectively.

Currently Silkworm rearing is practice at Government Sericulture Farm, Serchhip where 50 dfls (Nistari) are being reared presently which are in 3rd Moult stage.

At Thenzawl, 70 dfls (Mc4) are currently rearing which are also in the stage of 3rd Moult.

Government Sericulture Farm, Serchhip in colloboration with Central Silk Board (CSB) has presently rearing 3000 dfls Chawki under Institute of Village Link Programme.

Recently, Chawki worm was distributed among the silk farmers and cacoon rearing is now working out by the farmers.

From the Cocoon Purchasing Centre, Serchhip, about kg.

340.5 Reeling Cocoon had been purchased from Private Silk Farmer in this current year which are dispatched to Cocoon Reeling Factory, Zemabawk after drying.

Besides, District sericulture Office, Serchhip also currently supervising 207 silk farmers (beneficiaries) under NLUP project.

READ MORE - Centre focussing on Seri potential in Mizoram

10,000 'Meth' tablets seized in Mizoram

Aizawl, Jul 22 (PTI) Ten thousand tablets of pshychostimulant drug 'Methamphetamine' were seized from three persons at Vaivakawn locality here, Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Department Commissioner L Hmunsanga said today.

The tablets smuggled from Myanmar through the 404-km-long international border were seized by officials of the Mizoram Excise and Narcotics department on Sunday night, he said.

The three persons were arrested and booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, Hmunsanga said.

READ MORE - 10,000 'Meth' tablets seized in Mizoram

Squash cultivation booming in Mizoram village

Aizawl, Jul 22 :  Cultivation of Squash or Chayote, locally known as Iskut, continues to be a boon for farming community of Sihphir, a village before reaching Aizawl from Silchar.

In 2013 alone, the farmers in Sihphir cultivated huge quantity of Iskut roots in an area of land extending 251 Ha from which they earned Rs.2,61,55,332 by marketing 45,742 quintals of squash.

The Iskut fruits or squash were sold at wholesale rate between Rs.5 and Rs.6 per kg, the farmers estimated.

Acknowledging the success of Iskut cultivation in Sihphir, the state government of Mizoram has also been taking steps to further boost the earning of the villagers through the vegetable fruits.

At present, there are 208 families in Sihphir under the state government flagship programme New Land Use Policy (NLUP) who have been cultivating Iskut or squash since the 1st phase till the 4th phase now.

Besides, Horticulture Department today distributed 1625 quintals of different kinds of fertilizers worth Rs.Rs 21, 98,025 to 442 Iskut growing families in Sihphir village.

The fertilizer distributing today was graced by Deputy Speaker of Mizoram Legislative Assembly R.Lalrinawma, who is the constituency MLA.

Addressing the short programme of fertilizer distribution held at Sihphir Kawn twin market under the aegis of Horticulture Department leaders and Mizoram Iskut Growers' Association leaders, Deputy Speaker R.Lalrinawma said that Iskut is among the very few ways through which Mizoram can earn money from outside the state.

He said that not only that the state government acknowledges the labour and success of Iskut growers but indeed proud of them.

As such, in order to boost their cultivation further, the state government will continue to take steps, he said.

Talking of dignity of labour, Deputy Speaker R.Lalrinawma said that it is not only that we need to speak of the value of manual labour, but even necessary that we influence others in admiring the manual labourers.

This is the mindset of the nation we are admiring, such that, it is the only way we may have self-sufficiency and be like others, he added.

Exhorting the cultivators to strive for self-dependence, Deputy Speaker R.Lalrinawma said that there is something to be done on the part of the ones who receive help from the government.

The task is to take steps for self-dependence and struggle to do away with assistance from the government, he said.

Continuing, he said that one who always demands help from the government hardly achieve progress and profit, and advised the Iskut growers to labour harder so as to earn more from the vegetable they are cultivating.

If they can spare at least 20% of their earning for expenses in procuring fertilizers, for tending their garden and for other maintenances, it would be of great help, he advised.

The different kinds of fertilizers distributed to Iskut growers in Sihphir today included UREA 200qtls, SSP 400qts, MOP 150qts, Neem Manures 250qts and Slaked lime 625qts.The farmers were instructed on the process of mixing the different kinds of fertilizers and the process of how to mix with cow dung manure in the distribution programme on the day.

Lalliankima, Joint Director, Horticulture Department and other officials gave the instruction.

READ MORE - Squash cultivation booming in Mizoram village

Mizoram: Woman Allegedly Gang Raped in Front of Husband

A woman was allegedly gang raped in front of her husband by two youth at Ropaiabawk locality here, police said today.

The incident took place yesterday when Zarzoliana (19) and P C Lalhruaitluanga (20), both residents of Chawlhhmun, overpowered the woman's husband and tied him to a tree before raping the woman, they said.

Both the accused were arrested from Aizawl, police said.

READ MORE - Mizoram: Woman Allegedly Gang Raped in Front of Husband

Mizoram man held for killing python

AIZAWL: A resident of Falkawn village near Aizawl was arrested and sent to jail for killing a python on Thursday.

State environment and forest department officials said Lalramliana killed the 13-feet-long python near Darkhuang river on July 16. "Lalramliana brought the snake and displayed it before the public at the village market place," an official said.

After learning about the incident, K Sangliana, range officer (Aibawk), arrested Lalramliana and booked him under Section 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The python was publicly burned in front of the office of the Aizawl Wildlife Division.

Mizos believe the gall bladder (bile) of the python has medicinal values.

They use it to cure dysentery, diarrhea and cholera. Python meat consumed during pregnancy is touted to ensure a healthy delivery.

READ MORE - Mizoram man held for killing python

One arrested with heroin

One person was arrested and 31.5

gram of heroin was seized from him at a place near Seling village in Aizawl district, officials said today.

The officials said that Lalnunmawia of Thuampui was arrested arrested last night and booked under relevant sections of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

In a separate incident, Excise and Narcotics department officials also seized 2.55 lakh tablets of pseudo-ephedrine being brought from Assam to be smuggled to Myanmar.

Six persons were detained for interrogation in this connection, the officials said, adding that large quantities of pseudo-ephedrine, precursor for clandestine manufacture of the dreaded Methamphetamine, were being smuggled from Mizoram to Myanmar.

READ MORE - One arrested with heroin

Mizoram registers lower growth of GSDP

Aizawl, July 14 2014: A summarized version of the more important issues of the Audit Repots related to the Government of Mizoram for the year ended on March 31, 2013 has been released by Comptroller and Auditor General of India (C&AG).

Three Audit Reports (1) State Finances (2) General, Social, Economic, Economic (SPSUs), & Revenue and (3) Annual Technical Inspection Report on Urban Local Body and Rural Local Bodies of C & AG of India relating to Government of Mizoram containing audit comments and observation on State Finances and transaction pertaining to the activities of the State Government noticed in audit have forwarded to the Governor of the State earlier on 27th March, 2014 for laying the State Legislature and the Reports were laid the State Legislature on 9th July 204 .

As per the audit report of C & AG on State Finance, Mizoram registered a lower growth of 15.19 percent in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) during 2012 - 2013 as against a growth of 15.41 percent in 2011 - 2012.However the tiny hilly State had made significant changes in revenue.

The revenue received increased by Rs.711.84 crore (18.61 percent) over the previous year mainly due to increase in Grants-in-Aid (Rs.664.42 crore).

The total revenue receipt (Rs.4,536.74 crore) was lowered by Rs.259.74 crore (5.42 percent) than the assessment of the State Government in its Fiscal Correction Path (FCP) (Rs.4,796.48) .

Revenue expenditure increased by Rs.811.58 crore (21.95 percent) while Capital Outlay increased by Rs.7.28 crore (1.21 percent) over the previous year.

Revenue Expenditure was higher by Rs.340.20 crore (8.16 percent) than the assessment made by the State Government in its FCP (Rs.4, 168.71 crore).

While, Capital expenditure was lowered by Rs.281.19 crore (31.64 percent) than the projection made by the State Government in its FCP (Rs.888.74 crore) .

Public Debt receipts increased by Rs.194.58 crore (86.21 percent) over the previous year.

The total expenditure of the State increased progressively from Rs.2,772.25 crore in 2008 - 2009 to Rs.5, 146.71 crore in 2012 - 2013 at an annual average rate of 17.13 percent.

Of the total expenditure during 2012 - 2013, the revenue expenditure (Rs.4, 508.91 crore) constituted 87.61 percent while capital expenditure (Rs.607.55 crore) constituted 11.80 percent and loans and advances (30.25 crore) formed 0.59 percent.

The overall fiscal liabilities of the State increased at an average annual rate of 8.30 percent during the period 2008 -2013.During the current year, the overall fiscal liabilities of the State increased by Rs.565.75 crore from Rs.4, 458.45 crore in 2011 - 2012 to Rs.5, 114.20 crore in 2012 - 13.As of 31 March 2013, the Government had invested Rs.20.91 crore in Government Companies and Co-operatives, Rs.85 lakh in Public Sector and other Undertaking of Government Companies and Rs.29.34 lakh in Consumer Co-operatives.

During 2012 -2013, an expenditure of Rs.5, 583.97 crore was incurred against the total grants and appropriation of Rs.6, 294.32 crore in savings of Rs.710.35 crore.

The overall savings of Rs.829.24 crore which were offset by excess of Rs.118.89 core.

Cash balance of the State Government at the end of the current year increased by Rs.67.55 crore from Rs.194.97 crore in 2011-12 to Rs.262.52 crore in 2012-13 .

As far as the State Home Department is concerned, the GoI deducted a central assistance of Rs.1.05 crore during 2010 -11 due to non-utilization of the approved outlay in time.

An amount of 36.51 crore was parked under Civil Deposits, besides, retention of Rs.13.04 crore in cash.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Police and the Heads of District Offices incurred an expenditure of Rs.3.26 crore.

On Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), the State government utilized only an amount of Rs.183.17 crore against the Central assistance of Rs.199.98 crore released during 2008-13.The ICDS schemed was launched as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme on 2nd October 1975, in pursuance of the National Policy for Children, 1974 .

The C&AG report shows that the State Education Department incurred an authorized expenditure of Rs.127.32 lakh unauthorized deployment of ten Primary/ Upper Primary Schools teachers taken on deputation at the District Project Coordinator, SSA, Aizawl Office.

The District Project Coordinator, SSA, Aizawl under School Education Department had also unauthorizedly diverted an amount of Rs.52.02 lakh from four interventions for procurement of Free Text Books due to wrong assessment of Text Books to be distributed to the students of Upper Primary Schools in the State during the year 2011-12 .

READ MORE - Mizoram registers lower growth of GSDP

Governor leaves Mizoram

Mizoram Governor Vakkom B Purushothaman today left the state after a hurriedly organised farewell at the Lengpui airport near here.

The farewell was attended by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, two of his cabinet colleagues and top officials.

Raj Bhavan sources here said he would first go to Chennai for medical check-up and then go to his home state Kerala.

The farewell had to be organised in a hurry as the governor's visit to Chennai was planned earlier, before his new appointment to Nagaland with additional charge of Tripura was announced, protocol department officials said.

They said because of lack of time it could not be held at the Raj Bhavan where Purushothaman was sworn-in as the Mizoram Governor on September 2, 2011.

The new Governor Dr Kamla Beniwal would be sworn-in at the Raj Bhavan here at this evening.

READ MORE - Governor leaves Mizoram

Socio-Economic & Caste Census underway in Aizawl

Aizawl, Jul 10 : The process for preparing final list of Socio-Economic & Caste Census 2011 is being on in Mizoram.

In connection with the same, training was organised today at I&PR Auditorium here for Ward Level Officers and Assistants in Aizawl.

Socio-Economic & Caste Census (SECC) was conducted in 2011 and now the Draft List is being displayed since June 27, 2014, for necessary correction (s) .

Addressing the training programme, Aizawl deputy commissioner Dr.Franklin Laltinkhuma, spoke on the significance of Socio-Economic & Caste Census (SECC), saying, the same, besides being a documentation of the economic status of every family, is also used as a base for the allocation of fund under Plan Allocation and under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (SSA, RMSA, MGNREGS, NRHM, IAY, etc) from Central government.

Besides, it has effect on supply of rice, gas etc. he added.

DC Dr.Franklin Laltinkhuma called on the general public to peruse the SECC-2011 Draft List, and also asked the government officials concerned with the census to ensure that not a single family is left out.

The deputy commissioner also called for cooperation between the officials, NGOs and the public in preparation of the SECC Final List.

Emphasizing the importance of Socio-Economic & Caste Census, he further said that counting less (than the actual number) would result to getting less (fund) from the Centre.

SECC Draft List was published on 27th June 2014, for public view at DC Offices, BDO Offices and also sent to Designated Officer/LC/VC/YMA in each locality and Aizawl District Administration called on the denizens to avail Claims & Objections forms for correction, deletion, and addition in the census, the DC mentioned.

Further, Aizawl District Administration has invited each Local Council/ Village Council and Branch YMA to coordinate the Charge Officers and Ward Level Officers, the DC added.

Claims & Objections can be submitted till 17 July 2014 .

Besides Dr.Lalnilawma, MZU, Rajib Sinha, Census Officer, and Angela Zothanpuii, Addl.

DC Aizawl, who are also National Level Master Trainers, gave the training today.

READ MORE - Socio-Economic & Caste Census underway in Aizawl

Mizoram assembly passes vote on account for four months

Vote-on-account for four months (August to November, 2014) amounting to Rs 2,377.88 crore as presented in the Mizoram assembly by the state Finance minister Lalsawta was unanimously passed by the legislature today after a brief discussion.

Lalsawta said that he had presented and obtained the first vote-on-account during the last session in March for expenditure requirements of the first four months of the current fiscal (April-July) as the Planning Commission was yet to allocate the state annual plan outlay for 2014-15.

He said that due to recent formation of the new government at the Centre, the finalization of the annual plan was likely to take some more time and was compelled to seek another vote-on-account for four months from August to November 2014.

"The regular budget would be laid for seeking the approval of this august House as and when the Plan size for 2014-2015 is determined by the Central government," he added.

READ MORE - Mizoram assembly passes vote on account for four months

Mizoram FM Lalsawta presents second vote-on-account for four months

Mizoram Finance Minister Lalsawta presented the second vote-on-account for four months commencing from August amounting to Rs 2,377.88 crore in the state assembly on the first day of the monsoon session today.

Lalsawta said that he had presented and obtained the first vote-on-account during the last session in March for expenditure requirements of the first four months of the current fiscal (April-July) as Planning Commission was yet to allocate the state annual plan outlay for 2014-15.

He said that due to recent formation of the new government at the Centre, the finalisation of the annual plan was likely to take some more time and was compelled to seek another vote-on-account for four months from August to November 2014.

"The regular budget would be laid for seeking the approval of this august house as and when the Plan size for 2014-2015 is determined by the Centre," he said.

READ MORE - Mizoram FM Lalsawta presents second vote-on-account for four months

Zoram Nationalist Party alleges Congress Govt

Aizawl, Jul 7 :  Opposition party Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) came down heavily on the Lal Thanhawla led Congress government for the alleged practice of nepotism in Mizoram.

The regional party, that act as an opposition party along with other seven other political parties here strongly slammed the Congress government for nepotism and slow development process witnessed in the state over the past few years.

At a press conference held at Aizawl Press Club, ZNP secretary, Lallunghnema said that the state of Mizoram has seen the 27th year of its birth anniversary.

Although the state has advanced in many fields, yet it still has no sustainable development on which people can depend on.

"The people of Mizoram are yet to see a trustworthy government.

This is because the state is yet to produce a proficient government that has honesty, good vision and policy", he said.

The ZNP secretary then said that in Mizoram, the actual development did not reach to the people because of the prevalence of nepotism and partiality.

"Only the members of ruling party have prospered and the only 'royal families' and their intimate friends who exploit the government resources developed in no time", he alleged.

According to Lallunghnema, the people are being exploited through the practice of corruption and maladministration due to the laxity of the government.

"While the poor section becomes poorer, the rich people become richer by the day.

Knowledge and logic have no their values", Lallunghnema said adding that Mizoram needs an honest government that loves the people and that leads them to the right path.

READ MORE - Zoram Nationalist Party alleges Congress Govt

Role of Mizo women lauded

Aizawl, Jul 7 : Mizo Hmeichhia Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) Day, literally meaning Mizo Women Association Day, was observed today at Electric Veng YMA Hall in Aizawl organized by Electric Veng MHIP.

Mizoram Health Minister Lal Thanzara graced the function as chief guest.

Lal Thanzara said the presence of NGOs in the state otherwise instituted to do good things for the people is the fact how the Mizos are more fortunate than others.

Lauding MHIP, Thanzara said the activity of MHIP to empower and elevate the position of women and comforting their members who are the victims of sexual molestation and other atrocities is most comforting and thus deserved praise.

The government and NGOs are taking earnest effort to lessen various crimes related to robbery, murder, drugs abuse and sexual molestation, the minister stated.

"Usually when a person involved in such heinous crime is probed, it is found that the person comes from a poor family background.

Therefore, everyone has the responsibility to protect and look after his family", Lal Thanzara said.

The minister then said that with the advance of civilization in the present world, the position of women in Mizoram has also been growing.

"It is highly grateful that we are now able to have a women representative in the state highest legislature", the minister said.

The minister however, warned that women should not try to come above men.

Quoting the Bible, he said women should be submissive to their husbands as written in the Bible.

They should respect their husband even though they may receive higher education and occupy higher rank in office than their husband, he added.

Lal Thanzara also lauded MHIP for its campaign to end consumption of tobacco products.

He said that the drastic campaign by the MHIP to eradicate the use of various tobacco products like tiranga and gutkha which severely affect the health of youths due to excessive consumption.

READ MORE - Role of Mizo women lauded

Mizoram Medical College to be operational by Aug 15

AIZAWL, July 7 : The Mizoram State Medical College will come to full operation by August next year with intake capacity of 50 seats for First batch. Subject to the improvement of the medical college, the intake capacity is to be increased from 50 seats to 100 seats as allowed by Government of India.

In this connection, the Board of Management for Establishment of Mizoram State Medical College headed by Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla today held meeting regarding crucial matters for the proposed setting up of State Medical College and approved Mizoram Institute of Medical Education and Research (MIMER) to be the name of the State Medical College as has been suggested by Advisory Committee.

It is planned that MIMER will get started with the existing 300 beds in the State Referral Hospital, Falkawn, from which later it shall be upgradated to 500 beds.

READ MORE - Mizoram Medical College to be operational by Aug 15

Presbyterian Church asks local churches to hold mass prayer

Mizoram Synod of the Presbyterian Church of India has asked all the local churches to organise mass prayer on Sunday night on the issue of prohibition.

The powerful church which was against replacement of the existing prohibition law, in a statement said, the Presbyterian church prohibited its members from indulging in alcohol for a hundred years and the church's stance remained the same.

The church statement came in the wake of the proposed relaxation of prohibition by the Mizoram government by introducing a new bill in the coming assembly session commencing on July eight.

The state government intended to introduce the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition and Control) Bill, 2014 in the state legislature on July 10 replacing the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1995, in force in the state since February 20, 1997.

The church also wanted continuation of the dry law in Mizoram to ensure public peace and tranquility, the statement said.

The Presbyterian Church's Synod Executive Committee (SEC) on July two had sought the help of major NGOs to take up the matter by protesting against the proposed relaxation.

However, the church did not go ahead with its proposal to take out a procession as the NGOs expressed their decision not to support the church in organising the protest procession.

READ MORE - Presbyterian Church asks local churches to hold mass prayer

GSI survey centre in Mizoram

Silchar, July 4 : The foundation of a field training centre of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) was laid at Durtlang village near Aizawl by the state’s industries minister H. Rohluna late last week.

The centre will be the first specialised body in the Northeast and the twelfth in the country, aimed at tackling landslides and enhancing the knowledge of the region’s geography.

Speaking to The Telegraph from Aizawl today, Rohluna expressed hope that the centre, set up under the Union ministry of mines, would fill in the knowledge gap about Mizoram’s geography in particular and the Northeast in general.

It will also provide information about landslides in the Northeast.

The director-general of the GSI, S.K. Wadhawan, who was present at the foundation-laying ceremony of this centre, along with three other deputy director-generals of the institute, said it would be a “world class training centre”.

It would be equipped with state of the art instruments and gadgets to help in the dissemination of knowledge about landslides and earthquakes, which will be transferred to experts, geologists and students of geography and geology.

Rohluna hoped that the institute would be able to complete the construction soon without a hitch.

Natural disasters like landslides and earthquakes occur regularly in the state every year.

The industries minister made it clear that the local residents and the people of the Northeast would be helped considerably.

The institute has conducted training since 2010 for the administrative and engineering department officials of both the Centre and the state government regarding the threat of periodic landslides and earthquakes in the state.

The training will now be conducted at the centre at Durtlang.

READ MORE - GSI survey centre in Mizoram

Lightning leaves 2 dead in Mizoram

 Lightning struck a 58-year-old woman and her 20-year-old son to death in Hmunnghak village in Aizawl district today.

Sources said Lalthari and her son Samuel Vanlalpeka were hit by the lightning as they were hiding from heavy rains in a jhum hut around 1600 hrs.

The woman was said to be holding a knife as was trying to tear apart an old mosquitoes net which was also held by her son on the other end.

Their neighbour Zatluanga and his four sons were staying in the jhum hut when the lighting struck. Zatluanga was slightly hit by the lightning on his leg, the sources said.

READ MORE - Lightning leaves 2 dead in Mizoram

3 arrested with arms, ammunition near Mizoram-Myanmar border

A huge cache of arms and ammunition was seized and three suspected Myanmarese nationals were arrested on a highway between Aizawl and Champhai town along Mizoram-Myanmar border, police said today.

Four AK-47 assault rifles, two AK-56 rifles, three G-3 rifles, one light machine gun, one Mark-4 rifle, 1,195 rounds of ammunition and 21 spare magazines were seized last night, a police official said.

Three persons, suspected to be Myanmarese nationals who smuggled the arms from Myanmar via the international border were arrested, he said.

The police suspected that the weapons were to be handed over to a Bangladesh-based Chakma insurgent group called the United People's Democratic Front, a breakaway group of the Shanti Bahini.

The joint operation was conducted by the Mizoram Police and 14 battalion Assam Rifles.

READ MORE - 3 arrested with arms, ammunition near Mizoram-Myanmar border

Heroin seized in Aizawl

Aizawl
1 Jul 2014

Mizoram excise and narcotics department officials today seized 15 grams of pure heroin in Aizawl, commissioner of the department L Hmunsanga said. Lallianthanga, also known as Pumthanga, of Khawmawi in Myanmar, who allegedly smuggled the contraband concealed in soap cases through Mizoram-Myanmar border river Tiau, was arrested while trying to sell the dreaded drugs. Hmunsanga said that the accused was booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and remanded to judicial custody at the Central Jail near Aizawl today.

READ MORE - Heroin seized in Aizawl

Mizoram governor takes additional charge of Tripura

Agartala: Mizoram Governor Vakkom B. Purushothaman on  Monday took additional charge as the governor of Tripura.

Purushothaman was sworn-in by Tripura High Court Chief Justice Deepak Gupta at a simple ceremony at Raj Bhavan here.

Purushothaman, an 86-year-old veteran Congress leader who served in his native state Kerala as a minister and the assembly speaker and was also elected to the Lok Sabha twice, was appointed Mizoram governor by then president Pratibha Patil in August 2011.

He replaced Devanand Konwar, who was transferred to Tripura from Bihar March 25 last year and completed his tenure Saturday.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, his cabinet colleagues, leaders of various political parties and army and police officials were present during the ceremony.

READ MORE - Mizoram governor takes additional charge of Tripura