AIZAWL, March 31 : Reformed Mizoram Peoples’ Conference (RMPC), a breakaway group of Mizoram Peoples’ Conference, today decided to switch support from the Mizo National Front to the ruling Congress.
“We believe in the leadership of the Congress. We want great leaders like Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi, Pranab Mukherjee, P Chidambaram and Rahul Gandhi to rule the country,” a statement of the RMPC, led by former MLA Dr J V Hluna, said.
The RMPC, floated just ahead of the State Assembly polls, held on December 2 last year, had supported the then ruling MNF.
The U-turn came after the MNF formed an electoral alliance with the MPC, led by former Chief Minister Brig (Rtd) T Sailo.
The elections to the lone seat of Lok Sabha in Mizoram, slated for April 16, is likely to see a triangular fight. Three candidates - former minister C L Ruala of the Congress, former MP Dr H Lallungmuana of the MNF-MPC alliance and failed MP candidate Rualpawla of Israel National Front have filed their nomination papers. The last date for the filing of nomination papers is March 30.
Haukhuma Hauzel Goa-ah
Aizawl: Mizoram chief secretary hlui tuna Delhi (NCT)-a financial commissioner-a awm mek Haukhum Hauzel chu Election Commission of India thu angin Goa chief secretary atan ruat a ni.
"A order-ah pawh ‘as per the direction of the Election Commission of India’ tih a nih avangin Lok Sabha inthlan tur a ni bawk si a, rei rial lova kal leh vat chu a ngai ngei dawn a ni," tiin Haukhuma chuan Evening Post zawhna a chhang."Cadre post a nih avangin central-a deputation kal tur anga duh leh duh loh sawi theihna chi pawh a ni lo va, Lok Sabha inthlan dawn laia Election Commission of India thu, zawm thuai tura min tih a nih bawk avangin a rang thei ang bera kal tur ni mai awm a ni a, tun kar chhung chuan thlen hman a ngai ang chu," a ti. Tuna a hna chelh mek rei a la thawh hman loh chungchangah Haukhuma chuan, "Election comission lamin Goa chief secretary tur hming pe turin ministry of home affairs a va ti a, mi pathum hming an pekah commission lam chuan keimah min dah turin an lo ti ni awm tak a ni, an rawn sawi dan chuan," a ti bawk.
Mizoram assembly inthlan boruakah khan sorkar thar a pian ruala chief secretary thlak a nih tur thu sawi lawk thei sorkar thara challang tak tak te an awm avangin khatih laia CS Haukhuma kha thlak a nih tak chuk chukah pawh khan thil maka ngaih a ni lem lo. A chhan chu assembly inthlan zawh hlim December 5, 2008 khan MPCC Election Monitoring Committee chuan Haukhum Hauzel IAS, chief secretary; B Sangkhumi, chairman, MPSC; John Neihlaia MPS, AIG I; JC Ramthanga IAS, commissioner leh TBC Rozara IRS, commissioner te chu chief election commissioner address-in MNF party tana campaign-ah puhin heng mite chunga action la tur hian an phut a ni.
He lehkhaah hian Haukhuma hi November 18-20, 2008 khan Champhai leh a chhehvel, a bikin Hnahlan-ahte kalin khatih laia chief minister Zoramthanga tana a campaign-ah puh a ni a; Hnahlan-ah hian Paihte zirlai pawlte kokhawm a, Kawlkulh-ah pawh zirlai pawlte nena meeting neiah puh a ni bawk.
Hetianga CEC-a complaint thehluh a nih takah hian joint CEO chuan Haukhuma leh senior officer te chu insawifiah tur leh an insawifiahna hi Election Commission of India-ah thawn nghal tur a nih thu a hriattir nghal a ni.
Hemi chungchangah hian February 25, 2009-a Mizoram sorkar Election Directorate-ah RTI hmangin thil awmdan zawh fiah a ni a, Election Commission of India hian March 16, 2009 thleng khan thawm engmah a la neih loh thua chhan a ni.
Sorkar inthlak hian senior officer te thlak kual hi thil tih fo, tihdan phung mah mah te pawh a ni. Chutih lai mekin CS kalchhuak ta Haukhuma chungchanga thil awmdanah khan sawnchhuah a nih tur thu lo sawi lawk an awm leh MPCC Election Monitoring Committee-in MNF tana campaign tia ECI-ahte thu an lo thehluh bawk si nen titi a siam ta laih kha a ni a.
Campaign-a puh zinga mi JC Ramthanga phei chu an puh hunah hian a lo zin lo hlauh si a, hei hian midang puhna te pawh kha a ti rinhlelhawm ta reng a ni. Election commission-in inthlan kaihhnawiha acton lak tur reng renga thutlukna a siam zung zung laia MPCC Election Monitoring Committee thu thehluha thutlukna siam mai lo va Goa chief secretary atan Haukhuma dah tura home ministry a hriattir hi a chhanna ni mai awm tak a ni. Hemi chungchangah hian Haukhuma chuan zirlai pawl awm lo nena inkawmahte puh a nih avangin Election Commission of India hian an lo ngai pawimawh tawk lote pawh nia a rin thu a sawi. (Courtesy Evening Post)
AR constructs VTC at Tengnoupal
Imphal, March 30 : Under the Assam Rifles Military Civic Action Project, 26 Sector under Head Quarter Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) constructed a Vocational Training Centre (VTC) at Tengnoupal.
A statement of Assam Rifles said that the basic aim of this VTC is to provide vocational training and tap local talent in stitching and embroidery to generate employment to the local villagers to assist them in earning their livelihood in remote areas.
The statement further informed that the AR, in addition to construction of the building, had established the projects having facilities of embroidery and stitching.
Officiating Commandant of 29 Assam Rifles on behalf of Commander 26 Sector inaugurated the project and handed it over to the Tengnoupal villagers.
A statement of Assam Rifles said that the basic aim of this VTC is to provide vocational training and tap local talent in stitching and embroidery to generate employment to the local villagers to assist them in earning their livelihood in remote areas.
The statement further informed that the AR, in addition to construction of the building, had established the projects having facilities of embroidery and stitching.
Officiating Commandant of 29 Assam Rifles on behalf of Commander 26 Sector inaugurated the project and handed it over to the Tengnoupal villagers.
Mizo Moral Reformation Network
Mizote nungchang leh nihphung tlachhe mek ni a sawi, tungding leh turin Mizoram kohhran hrang hrang hruaitu kalkhawm chuan vawiin khan Mizo Moral Reformation Network International a din.
Mizo Moral Reformation Network International din hi nikum lama Steering Committee in a lo ngaihtuah tawh niin, vawiina kohhran hrang hrang hruaitu committee Aizawl-a inhmukhawm chuan, din a remti a, member turte erawh hun remchanga ruat leh tura dah a ni rih a ni.Rev. K Lungmuana kaihhruai vawiin committee ah hian, tunlai Mizote chetzia leh nihphung chuan chhiat lam a pan zel ni a sawiin, Mizote rilru a \ha lama kaihhruai chu tihtur hmasa a nih thu kalkhawmte chuan an sawi a, hemi kawnga hmahruaia, tan la turin Mizo Moral Reformation Network International ni a ni ta tih kan corr chuan a sawi a ni. (Courtesy AIR Aizawl)
UNDSP not to contest polls
Dimapur, March 28 (MExN): The United Naga Democratic Socialist Party will not be contesting in the forthcoming parliamentary and state by-elections. However, necessary decision to support other parties during the elections would be taken, the UNDSP stated in a note today.
The party met on March 28 in Chumukedima where lengthy deliberations were had whether or not the UNDSP would contest. There were suggestions that the party’s advisor, TA Ngullie, a former minister, should contest. Following a lengthy deliberation, the UNDSP decided not to contest in either of the polls. However, the UNDSP decided, that the ‘political situation’ in the state would be ‘assessed’ and a decision taken to support other ‘like-minded’ parties, the UNDSP said.
On other matters, the UNDSP has noted with concern the reoccurrence of bloodshed between the Naga factional workers even while the people continue to pray and appeal for peace and cessation of all forms of violence. The UNDSP has appealed to the armed groups to heed to the cry of the people.
The party also took note of the recent answer-script swapping scandal in the Nagaland Public Service Commission. Extending support to the Naga Students’ Federation’s fight for justice, the party demanded appropriate steps to book the officials involved in the scam.
The party further condemned the threats being issued by “some section of the people” to officials and investigating personnel probing mismanagement in the department of school education. These elements are showing that they are only encouraging corruption in the society, the UNDSP said. The party has appealed to the “concerned section of the people” to desist from “such unlawful activities”.
The party met on March 28 in Chumukedima where lengthy deliberations were had whether or not the UNDSP would contest. There were suggestions that the party’s advisor, TA Ngullie, a former minister, should contest. Following a lengthy deliberation, the UNDSP decided not to contest in either of the polls. However, the UNDSP decided, that the ‘political situation’ in the state would be ‘assessed’ and a decision taken to support other ‘like-minded’ parties, the UNDSP said.
On other matters, the UNDSP has noted with concern the reoccurrence of bloodshed between the Naga factional workers even while the people continue to pray and appeal for peace and cessation of all forms of violence. The UNDSP has appealed to the armed groups to heed to the cry of the people.
The party also took note of the recent answer-script swapping scandal in the Nagaland Public Service Commission. Extending support to the Naga Students’ Federation’s fight for justice, the party demanded appropriate steps to book the officials involved in the scam.
The party further condemned the threats being issued by “some section of the people” to officials and investigating personnel probing mismanagement in the department of school education. These elements are showing that they are only encouraging corruption in the society, the UNDSP said. The party has appealed to the “concerned section of the people” to desist from “such unlawful activities”.
DMC ‘in solidarity’observes Earth Hour
Dimapur, March 28 (MExN): Despite the slight drizzle, a small but spirited crowd gathered at City Tower at the programme called by the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) to show solidarity with the world, to mark the observance of Earth Hour on Saturday, March 28 at 6:00 pm.
It was attended by Khekaho Assumi, DMC chairperson, Savi Legiesie, Dimapur Naga council President and a host of municipal councilors.
The DMC chairperson in his address called upon everyone gathered to switch off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 pm at their respective homes when they go back home after the programme. He dwelt on how such a small gesture would have far reaching consequences. He said that power saved by switching off lights worldwide for one hour would save enough energy to provide India with power for six months. He said that they (DMC) had requested the power department to shut down power at the said time but they (power department) were of the opinion that it would not be symbolic of the occasion if they did so. And that they wanted the citizens to do so at their own volition.
The programme lasted for nearly one and a half hour and included performances from Moanungsang -the first Naga Idol, and a number of other Naga Idol contestants from Dimapur.
It was attended by Khekaho Assumi, DMC chairperson, Savi Legiesie, Dimapur Naga council President and a host of municipal councilors.
The DMC chairperson in his address called upon everyone gathered to switch off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 pm at their respective homes when they go back home after the programme. He dwelt on how such a small gesture would have far reaching consequences. He said that power saved by switching off lights worldwide for one hour would save enough energy to provide India with power for six months. He said that they (DMC) had requested the power department to shut down power at the said time but they (power department) were of the opinion that it would not be symbolic of the occasion if they did so. And that they wanted the citizens to do so at their own volition.
The programme lasted for nearly one and a half hour and included performances from Moanungsang -the first Naga Idol, and a number of other Naga Idol contestants from Dimapur.
Mizo MP Candidate Election 2009
Mizo chhulchhuak tun Lok Sabha MP Election a candidate kan hriat lar te
1) C.L. Ruala Congress Mizoram ST Constituency
2) Dr H. Lungmuana Independent Mizoram ST Constituency
3) H.T. Sangliana Congress Bangalore Central Constituency
Vanneih chuan Mizo MP pahnih Lok-Sabha ah kan aiawh tu tur kan nei ang. An vaiin ram tan an thahnem theih nan i tawngtai sak ang u hmiang.
1) C.L. Ruala Congress Mizoram ST Constituency
2) Dr H. Lungmuana Independent Mizoram ST Constituency
3) H.T. Sangliana Congress Bangalore Central Constituency
Vanneih chuan Mizo MP pahnih Lok-Sabha ah kan aiawh tu tur kan nei ang. An vaiin ram tan an thahnem theih nan i tawngtai sak ang u hmiang.
Regulate placement agencies: Delhi High Court
New Delhi, March 26 The Delhi High Court Wednesday asked the state government to make laws to regulate the mushrooming placement agencies in the national capital.
Expressing a urgent need of having laws and guidelines, a division bench headed by Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah and Justice Sanjeev Khanna asked the government to frame a draft and submit it to the court.
The court was hearing a petition filed by an NGO Shramjivi Mahila Samiti. The petition alleged that minor girls from West Bengal, employed as maids, were badly treated and even sexually harassed by the placement agency owners.
'There is no law in Delhi to regulate the functioning of placement agencies,' Mukta Gupta said in the court.
The court refuted the government's stand that it was asking the placement agencies to register themselves under the Shops and Establishment Act.
'This is not going to solve any purpose as it will only tell the number of agencies in the capital. Our concern is to regularise these so that no illegal activities take place,' the court said.
Expressing a urgent need of having laws and guidelines, a division bench headed by Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah and Justice Sanjeev Khanna asked the government to frame a draft and submit it to the court.
The court was hearing a petition filed by an NGO Shramjivi Mahila Samiti. The petition alleged that minor girls from West Bengal, employed as maids, were badly treated and even sexually harassed by the placement agency owners.
'There is no law in Delhi to regulate the functioning of placement agencies,' Mukta Gupta said in the court.
The court refuted the government's stand that it was asking the placement agencies to register themselves under the Shops and Establishment Act.
'This is not going to solve any purpose as it will only tell the number of agencies in the capital. Our concern is to regularise these so that no illegal activities take place,' the court said.
Tube Investments to sell Rs.200,000 bicycle
Chennai, March 25 Bicycle and engineering product manufacturer Tube Investments (TI) Wednesday said it will sell premium bicycles that cost up to Rs.200,000.
'We will sell bicycles ranging between Rs.17,500-200,000 and accessories through our exclusive retail outlets Track and Trail,' Arun Alagappan, TI senior vice-president (retail and e-bikes), told IANS from Bangalore on phone.
He added that upper end bicycles would be manufactured by Italian company Banchi and Cannondale Bicycle Corp of the US.
'These products have to be retailed exclusively and cannot be sold through other cycle outlets. Further there are several cycling accessories that go with such premium bikes,' Alagappan said.
The official further hoped to achieve 20 percent market share in the first year.
'As per our estimates, the size of super premium bicycle segment is around 7,000 units. We are hoping to sell around 1,500 units in the first year,' Alagappan said.
TI has already opened Track and Train showrooms in Bangalore and Delhi and is planning to open eight more over a period of three years.
The company will invest Rs.10 crore for opening the stores that would mainly sell mountain, road and hybrid bikes.
According to TI managing director L. Ramkumar, the partnership with Bianchi and Cannondale will further strengthen the company's competence in the performance bicycle market.
Added Richard Stroem, director (international sales) of Bianchi: 'India can become an important market for us in three years' time with the youth showing interest to stay fit.'
'We will sell bicycles ranging between Rs.17,500-200,000 and accessories through our exclusive retail outlets Track and Trail,' Arun Alagappan, TI senior vice-president (retail and e-bikes), told IANS from Bangalore on phone.
He added that upper end bicycles would be manufactured by Italian company Banchi and Cannondale Bicycle Corp of the US.
'These products have to be retailed exclusively and cannot be sold through other cycle outlets. Further there are several cycling accessories that go with such premium bikes,' Alagappan said.
The official further hoped to achieve 20 percent market share in the first year.
'As per our estimates, the size of super premium bicycle segment is around 7,000 units. We are hoping to sell around 1,500 units in the first year,' Alagappan said.
TI has already opened Track and Train showrooms in Bangalore and Delhi and is planning to open eight more over a period of three years.
The company will invest Rs.10 crore for opening the stores that would mainly sell mountain, road and hybrid bikes.
According to TI managing director L. Ramkumar, the partnership with Bianchi and Cannondale will further strengthen the company's competence in the performance bicycle market.
Added Richard Stroem, director (international sales) of Bianchi: 'India can become an important market for us in three years' time with the youth showing interest to stay fit.'
Indian designers should modernise, not westernise: Manish Arora
New Delhi, March 25 : Known for his flamboyant and futuristic designs and creative skills, designer Manish Arora feels that Indian designers are still confused between the modernization and the westernization of their garments, which in turn hampers their growth internationally.
“All Indian designers need to understand the fact that in order to excel in the international market, we all have to focus on the modernity of the garment and not on the Western look. This means that we have to take Western ideas and use Indian sensibilities to make it a global product,” Arora suggested while speaking at the International Herald Tribune Sustainable Luxury Summit here Wednesday.
“Unfortunately most of the Indian designers are confused between these two different terms, which in turn affects their global presence,” he added.
The session, on “Building a global Indian Brand” also focused on the fact that collaborating with various brands also helps in creating an international brand image for a designer.
Arora has collaborated for the ‘Fish Fry’ brand with Reebok under which he has created women’s party wear shoes. Apart from this, he is associated with brands like cosmetics giant MAC, Walt Disney, Nivea and a few more.
“Creative collaborations do help in building a brand and make your global presence felt. To be a known face in the international market is not an easy job but these associations with big names gives you loads of exposure and also helps you personally to use your creativity in a different manner,” Arora maintained.
“The first step towards this brand building is to know where you excel and what your vision is. You have to be creative enough to sustain the value of that brand,” he added.
The maverick designer also felt that a new star will be born after the recession as it is a testing time for every designer to excel in their creative skills.
“Right now, consumers are buying those items that give them value for money. So, we(designers) have to roll up our sleeves and offer them the best thing. It is a testing time for creativity also. Not everyone can survive,” Arora said.
In this context, developing multiple lines was also important, he pointed out.
“Understanding your customer is also very important to sell your brand globally. The collection which we show on the runway is just a concept. You then build on that theme and make different lines suiting customers from different regions. What sells in Japan doesn’t sell in the Middle East. Designers have to understand this,” he added.
Arora also felt that it was high time for all Indian designers to explore different embroidery and textiles as Indians know this art better than anyone in this world.
“It is very unfortunate that when various countries are focusing on Indian embroidery, we are aping the West. We were born with certain skills, so we all should try to reinvent this traditional craft of India and use it in the best possible way,” he contended.
“All Indian designers need to understand the fact that in order to excel in the international market, we all have to focus on the modernity of the garment and not on the Western look. This means that we have to take Western ideas and use Indian sensibilities to make it a global product,” Arora suggested while speaking at the International Herald Tribune Sustainable Luxury Summit here Wednesday.
“Unfortunately most of the Indian designers are confused between these two different terms, which in turn affects their global presence,” he added.
The session, on “Building a global Indian Brand” also focused on the fact that collaborating with various brands also helps in creating an international brand image for a designer.
Arora has collaborated for the ‘Fish Fry’ brand with Reebok under which he has created women’s party wear shoes. Apart from this, he is associated with brands like cosmetics giant MAC, Walt Disney, Nivea and a few more.
“Creative collaborations do help in building a brand and make your global presence felt. To be a known face in the international market is not an easy job but these associations with big names gives you loads of exposure and also helps you personally to use your creativity in a different manner,” Arora maintained.
“The first step towards this brand building is to know where you excel and what your vision is. You have to be creative enough to sustain the value of that brand,” he added.
The maverick designer also felt that a new star will be born after the recession as it is a testing time for every designer to excel in their creative skills.
“Right now, consumers are buying those items that give them value for money. So, we(designers) have to roll up our sleeves and offer them the best thing. It is a testing time for creativity also. Not everyone can survive,” Arora said.
In this context, developing multiple lines was also important, he pointed out.
“Understanding your customer is also very important to sell your brand globally. The collection which we show on the runway is just a concept. You then build on that theme and make different lines suiting customers from different regions. What sells in Japan doesn’t sell in the Middle East. Designers have to understand this,” he added.
Arora also felt that it was high time for all Indian designers to explore different embroidery and textiles as Indians know this art better than anyone in this world.
“It is very unfortunate that when various countries are focusing on Indian embroidery, we are aping the West. We were born with certain skills, so we all should try to reinvent this traditional craft of India and use it in the best possible way,” he contended.
Captive breeding programme to save Kashmir's red deer
Stepping in to save Kashmir's endangered red deer - hanguls - from extinction, the Jammu and Kashmir government has launched a Rs 8.80 crore project under which carnivore proof enclosures will be set up for captive breeding of fawns.With most of the stags falling prey to leopards, wild dogs, jackals and wolfs leading to a decline in population of hanguls, the wildlife department has decided to set up carnivore proof insito enclosures (CPIES) for them.
"We have launched a major initiative to save hanguls in Kashmir Valley from extinction under the Rs 8.80 crore Save Hangul project. In this direction, hanguls would soon have CPIES homes where they would be bred in captivity," Jammu and Kashmir Chief Wildlife Warden A K Shrivastava told media here.
Fine tuned by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the project involves captive breeding, insito enclosure upbringing, census, radio active collars, anti-poaching, anti-grazing measures and habitat improvement to save and conserve hanguls and also increase their population. Jammu and Kashmir's state animal, hangul, is an endangered species of the red deer family.
"The breeding would be conducted in CPIES and later the fawns would be brought up in this secured environment till they grow to a certain age," Shrivastava said, adding the insito enclosures would come up in an area of 10 hectares.
Out of the total amount of Rs 8.80 crore, Rs 1.2 crore financial assistance for the project has been released by the Centre, he said.
For conducting a full fledged survey of the hanguls, the department is planning to purchase cameras, binoculars, radio collars and other equipments, he said adding�"we will also set up camera traps in different habitat to study the reasons for the fall of the population of hanguls."
As per the last census of hanguls conducted in April 2006, there were 160 stags in the valley.
In 1988, a year before the onset of militancy in the state, a census conducted by the Wildlife department with Wildlife Institute of Dehradun and Centre for Wildlife and Ornithology, Aligarh had put the population of hangul in the area as high as 918 with 48:52 as male-female ratio.
Thereafter, there was an alarming decline of hangul especially during the period of militancy in valley- from 918 it touched its lowest population 107-140 in 1996 but slightly increased to 160 in 2006.
"We have to find the distribution area of this critically endangered species. They have also been found in areas of Khrew and Kunmoh. Hangul has also been sighted in the high altitude Kishtwar National Park," the chief wildlife warden said.
Tlangram lo neih vangin a kum telin Mizoam boruak chhia
Aizawl, March 12: Mizoram hmun hrang hrangah ei leh bar zawnna atan tlangram lo neih (shifting cultivation) chu bansan hleih theih lohin a la awm a, mithiamte chhut dan chuan Mizoram chhungkaw zaa sawm sarih vel lai chuan tlangram lo neih hi innghahna atan an la hmang niin a lang a, ngaw tha leh thingte a chereu chhoh zel avangin Mizoram boruak pawh a chhe zual zel a, Pollution Control Board lamin an teh dan chuan Aizawl khawpui bik hi a kum telin boruak a chhe chho zel a, chemichal thalo sulphur dioxide leh nitrogen oxide a tam tial tial tih an sawi.
Mizoram sawrkar chuan kumin atana lo hal ni hnuhnung ber chu March ni 15 a nih tur thu a lo puang tawh a, hemi hma hian tlangram lo neitute chuan vahchap chu an hal vek tur a ni tiin thuchhuahah chuan tarlan a ni.Tun kar Inrinni thlengin vahchap hi hal theih a ni a, tun kar chho phei chuan thingtlang lam chauh pawh ni lo, Aizawl chung boruak a bal hle a, zan lamah phei chuan thla eng pawh a sen dul deuh ruih a, hei hian boruak bawlhhlawh zia a tarlang niin a ngaih theih.
"India ram pum tehna nena khaikhin chuan Aizawl boruak hi chu a la chhe lo hle a, mahse tun hmaa boruak tehna kan hman tirhte kha chuan sulphur dioxide leh nitrogen dioxide hian tehna hi a tichhe pha meuh lo a, tunah chuan heng tehna hi a che nasa tawh hle a, boruak hi a bawlhhlawh tawh hle," tiin Pollution Control Board secretary C Lalduhawma chuan a sawi a.
A sawi chhunzawm zelnaah chuan heng chemical chi hnihte hian natna a thlen thei tih a sawi a, "Thawhah, Asthma leh hrawk zate pawh a thlen thei a ni," tiin a sawi.
"Aizawl atang chauhin kan teh a, thingtlang lam lo hal kha tlem azawng kan dawng ve a ni mai a, heti chung hian boruak hi chu a tehna kan neih tirhte nen chuan a inthlau hle a, a hmain Aizawl boruak thianghlim tak lo hip thang tan chuan in ‘adapt’ zung zung a har a, India ram hmun dang ang em chu ni lo mahse kan dinhmun hi a chhe zawng chuan a kal hrim hrim a ni," tiin secretary chuan Evening Post a hrilh bawk.
India ram standard nena khaikhin chuan pollution hi la sang lutuk lo mahse tunah chuan tehtham a awm ve tawh tiin thudawnna chuan a sawi bawk.Tun hnai boruak chhe leng vel chungchangah Aizawl Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Lalbiakkima chu biak pawh a ni a, ani chuan, "Natna tlanglawn thawhhahte chu a awm niin kan observation atang chuan a hriat theih a, abikin tlang hrileng hi naupang leh kum upa lamah a zual bik a, asthma te pawh a kaitho thin," tia sawiin hemi chungchang hi chiang taka statistic nena an la neih loh thu a sawi a, "Statistic nena teh thin kan ni a, tunah chuan statistic hi kan la nei chiah lo a, mahse kan observation atang chuan natna hi chu a awm niin kan ngai," tiin Evening Post a hrilh bawk.
Tlangram lo neih vanga Aizawl boruak a chhiat theih chuan Mizoram pum boruak pawh chhiat phah hle tura ngaih a ni.
Lloyd’s Managing Agent cancels Burma Insurance
New Delhi, Mar 12 - Australia based insurance company and the largest Lloyd’s managing agent has decided to stop providing insurance to companies operating in Burma.
Queensland Insurance, Bankers’ and Traders’ and Equitable merge [QBE] which claims to be Australia’s largest international general insurance and reinsurance group has cancelled their business involvement in Burma after the boycott campaign of activists based in United Kingdom.
The QBE official in Australia told Mizzima that the company has decided to stop insurance business in Burma but the official refused to reveal further information including the reasons why it decided to end their business link with the military ruled Burma.
Johnny Chatterton, campaigns officer at the Burma Campaign, United Kingdom (BCUK) told Mizzima that they had discussions with QBE for a number of weeks regarding its operations in Burma and the company finally decided to cancel its insurance provided to Burma
“We do warmly welcome QBE’s decision to withdraw from Burma,” said Chatterton. “And it is a shame for remaining companies that they continue to insure the industries that finance Burma brutal regime,” he added.
In a statement to Burma Campaign, UK, Frank O’Halloran, QBE’s Chief Executive said, “QBE has reviewed its various portfolios around the world and has cancelled the few incidental Burmese exposures on multinational insurance policies which could have a direct or indirect benefit for the current ruling party in Burma… QBE does not provide insurance for any business owned in Burma.”
In October 2008, Lloyd’s of London, a leading marketplace in England, wrote to all of its managing agents to reconsider whether their businesses have links with Burmese junta or not after it received a letter from the British government’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and with the mounted campaign activities of the Burma support groups in the United Kingdom.
The Burma Campaign, UK in July 2008 had named sixteen insurance companies in its "dirty list" that have business dealings with the military junta in Burma. They included Hannover RE, Catlin, Atrium, XL, ARIG, Tokio Marine, Sompo Japan and Mitsui Sumitomo,QBE,ACE, Labuan Re, OCBC Bank, Pana Harrison, Target Insurance Broker and AI Wasl.
At least two insurance companies, namely XL and Chubb, which are among the world’s leading insurance companies, have pulled out of Burma last August.
“We are aware of 12 companies that are currently doing insurance business in Burma that fund the Burmese regime. Those are what we know. May be there are some more others doing business with military junta in Burma,” said Chatterton.
“Foreign insurers provide a financial lifeline to Burma’s brutal regime. They insure the projects that make the regime billions of dollars a year. These billions don’t help the people of Burma, they entrench military rule and fund campaigns of ethnic cleansing in Eastern Burma” said Chatterton in the press statement of BCUK.
“We urged all insurance companies that continue to insure business in Burma to pull out and stop funding brutal regime,” said Chatterton.
Queensland Insurance, Bankers’ and Traders’ and Equitable merge [QBE] which claims to be Australia’s largest international general insurance and reinsurance group has cancelled their business involvement in Burma after the boycott campaign of activists based in United Kingdom.
The QBE official in Australia told Mizzima that the company has decided to stop insurance business in Burma but the official refused to reveal further information including the reasons why it decided to end their business link with the military ruled Burma.
Johnny Chatterton, campaigns officer at the Burma Campaign, United Kingdom (BCUK) told Mizzima that they had discussions with QBE for a number of weeks regarding its operations in Burma and the company finally decided to cancel its insurance provided to Burma
“We do warmly welcome QBE’s decision to withdraw from Burma,” said Chatterton. “And it is a shame for remaining companies that they continue to insure the industries that finance Burma brutal regime,” he added.
In a statement to Burma Campaign, UK, Frank O’Halloran, QBE’s Chief Executive said, “QBE has reviewed its various portfolios around the world and has cancelled the few incidental Burmese exposures on multinational insurance policies which could have a direct or indirect benefit for the current ruling party in Burma… QBE does not provide insurance for any business owned in Burma.”
In October 2008, Lloyd’s of London, a leading marketplace in England, wrote to all of its managing agents to reconsider whether their businesses have links with Burmese junta or not after it received a letter from the British government’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and with the mounted campaign activities of the Burma support groups in the United Kingdom.
The Burma Campaign, UK in July 2008 had named sixteen insurance companies in its "dirty list" that have business dealings with the military junta in Burma. They included Hannover RE, Catlin, Atrium, XL, ARIG, Tokio Marine, Sompo Japan and Mitsui Sumitomo,QBE,ACE, Labuan Re, OCBC Bank, Pana Harrison, Target Insurance Broker and AI Wasl.
At least two insurance companies, namely XL and Chubb, which are among the world’s leading insurance companies, have pulled out of Burma last August.
“We are aware of 12 companies that are currently doing insurance business in Burma that fund the Burmese regime. Those are what we know. May be there are some more others doing business with military junta in Burma,” said Chatterton.
“Foreign insurers provide a financial lifeline to Burma’s brutal regime. They insure the projects that make the regime billions of dollars a year. These billions don’t help the people of Burma, they entrench military rule and fund campaigns of ethnic cleansing in Eastern Burma” said Chatterton in the press statement of BCUK.
“We urged all insurance companies that continue to insure business in Burma to pull out and stop funding brutal regime,” said Chatterton.
Burma's Northern Commander threatened with removal
Aizawl, Mar 12 : The Burmese junta brass has threatened to replace the Northern Regional Commander Brig-Gen Soe Win if he fails to pressurize Kachin ceasefire groups and Kachin youth, said local sources close to the Burmese Army.
Brig-Gen Soe Win has been threatened with replacement before his term ends. He was appointed as Northern Regional Commander in late June last year in place of his predecessor Maj-Gen Ohn Myint who was promoted as commander of the junta’s Bureau of Special Operations (BSO) No. 1, said sources in Northern Regional Command Headquarters (Ma Pa Kha) based in Kachin State’s capital Myitkyina.
The sources added, that Brig-Gen Soe Win is the junta’s No. 2 strongman Senior-General Maung Aye’s man whereas Maj-Gen Ohn Myint is the junta’ supremo Senior-General Than Shwe’s protege.
According to Northern Regional Command Headquarters sources, Commander Soe Win was threatened last month by his senior officer Maj-Gen Ohn Myint when he made his regular inspection trip of development projects around Kachin State including the controlled areas of the Kachin ceasefire group, the New Democratic Army-Kachin (NDA-K).
Soon after his appointment in Kachin State, Maj-Gen Ohn Myint ordered his successor Brig-Gen Soe Win to keep under pressure the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the main Kachin ceasefire group in the state as well as keep Kachin youth in check, said local sources.
Under Maj-Gen Ohn Myint’s pressure on Brig-Gen Soe Win, more and more Kachin youth were systematically sent to jails compared to other non-Kachin races in the state if they committed small civil or criminal offenses, insiders at the Northern Regional Command Headquarters said.
Before the September, 2007 Saffron Revolution or Buddhist monk-led demonstrations in Burma, the All Kachin Students’ Union (AKSU), an underground Kachin students’ organization organized a series of anti-junta poster movements in KachinState. However, no one was detained by the authorities.
But, the KIO, its armed-wing the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), and the NDA-K are divided and their economic resources had been severely jeopardized by Maj-Gen Ohn Myint during his tenure in Kachin State from mid 2005 to early July 2008, said KIO/A and NDA-K sources.
In December 2005, the KIO/A split with a group led by Lasang Awng Wa being awarded Gwi Htu Pa near Myitkyina as his special controlled area by Maj-Gen Ohn Myint while a series of reunification meetings were held between KIO/A and Lasang Awng Wa.
Moreover, the main sources of income of the KIO/A and NDA-K like timber trade on the Sino-Burma border, gold mines in Hukawng (Hugawng) Valley and Upper Mali and N’Mai Rivers were often blocked or cracked down upon by the Burmese Army on the orders of Maj-Gen Ohn Myint.
On May 7, 2008, KIO/A was forced to shift from its neutral stand over the junta’s constitutional referendum and supported it because Maj-Gen Ohn Myint marched to the KIO/A Headquarters in Laiza on the Sino-Burma border with heavy military equipment like tanks and armoured cars.
In the later part of 2005, the Rawang, one of Kachin tribes in Kachin State formed a militia group called Rebellion Resistance Force (RRF) in Hkawng Lang Hpu in Putao District in northern Kachin State with financial and arms support from commander Maj-Gen Ohn Myint.
For these accomplishments of Maj-Gen Ohn Myint in Kachin State, he was highly applauded by Senior-General Than Shwe who said, “This man is a very reliable person except when he is drunk.” He was later promoted to Commander of Bureau of Special Operations (BSO) 1 in which Kachin State, Chin State, Sagaing Division, Magwe Division and Mandalay Division are included.
kachinnews
Brig-Gen Soe Win has been threatened with replacement before his term ends. He was appointed as Northern Regional Commander in late June last year in place of his predecessor Maj-Gen Ohn Myint who was promoted as commander of the junta’s Bureau of Special Operations (BSO) No. 1, said sources in Northern Regional Command Headquarters (Ma Pa Kha) based in Kachin State’s capital Myitkyina.
The sources added, that Brig-Gen Soe Win is the junta’s No. 2 strongman Senior-General Maung Aye’s man whereas Maj-Gen Ohn Myint is the junta’ supremo Senior-General Than Shwe’s protege.
According to Northern Regional Command Headquarters sources, Commander Soe Win was threatened last month by his senior officer Maj-Gen Ohn Myint when he made his regular inspection trip of development projects around Kachin State including the controlled areas of the Kachin ceasefire group, the New Democratic Army-Kachin (NDA-K).
Soon after his appointment in Kachin State, Maj-Gen Ohn Myint ordered his successor Brig-Gen Soe Win to keep under pressure the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the main Kachin ceasefire group in the state as well as keep Kachin youth in check, said local sources.
Under Maj-Gen Ohn Myint’s pressure on Brig-Gen Soe Win, more and more Kachin youth were systematically sent to jails compared to other non-Kachin races in the state if they committed small civil or criminal offenses, insiders at the Northern Regional Command Headquarters said.
Before the September, 2007 Saffron Revolution or Buddhist monk-led demonstrations in Burma, the All Kachin Students’ Union (AKSU), an underground Kachin students’ organization organized a series of anti-junta poster movements in KachinState. However, no one was detained by the authorities.
But, the KIO, its armed-wing the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), and the NDA-K are divided and their economic resources had been severely jeopardized by Maj-Gen Ohn Myint during his tenure in Kachin State from mid 2005 to early July 2008, said KIO/A and NDA-K sources.
In December 2005, the KIO/A split with a group led by Lasang Awng Wa being awarded Gwi Htu Pa near Myitkyina as his special controlled area by Maj-Gen Ohn Myint while a series of reunification meetings were held between KIO/A and Lasang Awng Wa.
Moreover, the main sources of income of the KIO/A and NDA-K like timber trade on the Sino-Burma border, gold mines in Hukawng (Hugawng) Valley and Upper Mali and N’Mai Rivers were often blocked or cracked down upon by the Burmese Army on the orders of Maj-Gen Ohn Myint.
On May 7, 2008, KIO/A was forced to shift from its neutral stand over the junta’s constitutional referendum and supported it because Maj-Gen Ohn Myint marched to the KIO/A Headquarters in Laiza on the Sino-Burma border with heavy military equipment like tanks and armoured cars.
In the later part of 2005, the Rawang, one of Kachin tribes in Kachin State formed a militia group called Rebellion Resistance Force (RRF) in Hkawng Lang Hpu in Putao District in northern Kachin State with financial and arms support from commander Maj-Gen Ohn Myint.
For these accomplishments of Maj-Gen Ohn Myint in Kachin State, he was highly applauded by Senior-General Than Shwe who said, “This man is a very reliable person except when he is drunk.” He was later promoted to Commander of Bureau of Special Operations (BSO) 1 in which Kachin State, Chin State, Sagaing Division, Magwe Division and Mandalay Division are included.
kachinnews
Mother, daughter killed in forest fire
AIZAWL, May 11 : A woman and her daughter were burnt to death in a forest fire at Sesang, about 50 km from here, in Mizoram on Tuesday.
The blaze, fanned by gusty wind, swept through forested area trapping the two, official sources said.
The two were identified as Tlingi (40) and her 10-year-old daughter.
With the fire still raging, volunteers belonging to the Young Mizo Association (YMA) cordoned off the whole place and making effort to put off the flames.
The traditional Mizo way of cultivation by slash-and-burn shifting had caused wanton destruction to the forest in the state for hundreds of years.
The blaze, fanned by gusty wind, swept through forested area trapping the two, official sources said.
The two were identified as Tlingi (40) and her 10-year-old daughter.
With the fire still raging, volunteers belonging to the Young Mizo Association (YMA) cordoned off the whole place and making effort to put off the flames.
The traditional Mizo way of cultivation by slash-and-burn shifting had caused wanton destruction to the forest in the state for hundreds of years.
Meghalaya govt loses majority support
Shillong: Political uncertainty gripped Meghalaya as the government on Wednesday lost majority support in the 60-member legislature after a senior minister quit and switched loyalty to the Congress party.
Urban Affairs Minister Paul Lyngdoh submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Donkupar Roy, reducing the strength of the Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) to 30. The Congress strength now goes up from 27 to 30. Helicopters in demand as elections draw near
On Monday, two independent legislators, Limison Sangma and Ismail R Marak, withdrew support to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)-led MPA government, putting the coalition under threat.
All the three lawmakers have resigned apparently over the functioning of the government and the lack of development work in their constituencies.
Meanwhile, hectic parleys are on by the Congress to stake claim to form a new government.
The Great Indian Poll Tamasha
In the assembly, the MPA now has the support of 30 legislators: NCP (15), United Democratic Party (10) and five legislators from smaller parties including one of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
"We are not trying to topple the government but now we cannot remain silent. We would have to act," former Chief Minister and Congress leader D D Lapang said.
The Chief Minister, however, remained unfazed and said there was no threat to his government.
The focus now shifts to the Raj Bhawan with Governor R S Mooshahary likely to call for a floor test if the Congress stakes claim to the form a government.
Full Coverage: Lok Sabha elections 2009
"The governor is keenly watching the developments and will act according to constitutional provisions," a Raj Bhawan official said.
After the March 2008 assembly election, Lapang was sworn-in as Chief Minister of a Congress-led coalition government. He resigned 10 days later ahead of a trust vote after failing to muster majority support.
Political instability is the hallmark in Meghalaya. The state has seen six governments with varied combinations of political parties, resulting in four Chief Ministers between 1998 and 2003.
There were just two occasions when a Chief Minister was able to complete a full five-year term since Meghalaya attained statehood in 1972.
UNHCR Chief in Burma on Rohingya Issue
New Delhi (Mizzima) - Mr Antonio Guterres, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) based in Switzerland is currently in Burma on an official visit to discuss with the Burmese authorities on the issues of displacement and Rohingya boatpeople.
Yante Ismail, UNHCR spokesperson in Bangkok told Mizzima in an email that UNHCR chief would discuss a wide range of issues with the Burmese authorities and would meet with UNHCR’s partners and beneficiaries in Burma during his six days trip beginning 7 March.
“This visit will be an opportunity to explore how problems of displacement in Northern Rakhine State and the South East of Myanmar can be addressed and to see what additional steps can be taken to help stabilize these situation and improve prospects for solutions,” she added.
Geneva-based International Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) last week said in their report that there were at least 451,000 Internally Displaced People (IDPs) only in eastern Burma in October 2008. They were affected by the on-going human rights violations allegedly committed by the Burmese military government and due to the armed conflicts between the Burmese army and the insurgent groups.
According to the report, IDPs in eastern Burma at Karen, Karenni, Shan, and Mon states and Tenasserim division continue to increase in number.
The report also further says that the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in western Burma such as Chin State and Arakan State including Rohingyas who are denied with citizenship continue to flee the country to India, Thailand and Malaysia to avoid from alleged human rights violations.
“He will be meeting with several Government officials while in Myanmar including officials of the Ministry of Foreign affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration & Population, and the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas,” said Ismail.
Navanethem Pillay, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) had earlier called for a thorough investigation into reports that indicate the ill-treatment meted out to Rohingya.
While speaking at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 5, Ms. Pillay said, “I urge all neighboring countries to ensure their appropriate reception, processing and protection, in line with international standards.”
More than 800 Rohingya boatpeople had been rescued by Indian and Indonesia authorities in their territorial water since last December.
The Indian officials in Andaman and Nicobar Islands told Mizzima earlier that when they saw the boat-people the first time, they were on boats with no engines and the rescued refugees testified the about the abuses of Thai authorities.
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, however, denies Thailand’s ill-treatment of the Rohingya, and later admitted that Thai Army might have pushed back Rohingya boatpeople as they attempted to illegally enter the country.
Burmese Foreign Minister Nyan Win during the 14th ASEAN Summit in Thailand said Burma does not have a Rohingya minority, but said it agreed to accept the boatpeople if they identify themselves as “Bengalis” born in Burma.
Yante Ismail, UNHCR spokesperson in Bangkok told Mizzima in an email that UNHCR chief would discuss a wide range of issues with the Burmese authorities and would meet with UNHCR’s partners and beneficiaries in Burma during his six days trip beginning 7 March.
“This visit will be an opportunity to explore how problems of displacement in Northern Rakhine State and the South East of Myanmar can be addressed and to see what additional steps can be taken to help stabilize these situation and improve prospects for solutions,” she added.
Geneva-based International Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) last week said in their report that there were at least 451,000 Internally Displaced People (IDPs) only in eastern Burma in October 2008. They were affected by the on-going human rights violations allegedly committed by the Burmese military government and due to the armed conflicts between the Burmese army and the insurgent groups.
According to the report, IDPs in eastern Burma at Karen, Karenni, Shan, and Mon states and Tenasserim division continue to increase in number.
The report also further says that the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in western Burma such as Chin State and Arakan State including Rohingyas who are denied with citizenship continue to flee the country to India, Thailand and Malaysia to avoid from alleged human rights violations.
“He will be meeting with several Government officials while in Myanmar including officials of the Ministry of Foreign affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration & Population, and the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas,” said Ismail.
Navanethem Pillay, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) had earlier called for a thorough investigation into reports that indicate the ill-treatment meted out to Rohingya.
While speaking at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 5, Ms. Pillay said, “I urge all neighboring countries to ensure their appropriate reception, processing and protection, in line with international standards.”
More than 800 Rohingya boatpeople had been rescued by Indian and Indonesia authorities in their territorial water since last December.
The Indian officials in Andaman and Nicobar Islands told Mizzima earlier that when they saw the boat-people the first time, they were on boats with no engines and the rescued refugees testified the about the abuses of Thai authorities.
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, however, denies Thailand’s ill-treatment of the Rohingya, and later admitted that Thai Army might have pushed back Rohingya boatpeople as they attempted to illegally enter the country.
Burmese Foreign Minister Nyan Win during the 14th ASEAN Summit in Thailand said Burma does not have a Rohingya minority, but said it agreed to accept the boatpeople if they identify themselves as “Bengalis” born in Burma.
‘Domestic Violence, an Ignored Reality’
Dimapur, March 9 : Strongly propagating the need to shed inhibitions on the issue of domestic violence in Naga society, director of NEZCC Hekali Zhimomi, IAS, today said Nagas have for too long been trying to ignore it. Hekali, who was speaking on the occasion of International Women’s Day organized by the Western Sumi Women Organization in Dimapur, said there are many women suffering silently; the Naga familial structure is gradually eroding due to increased violence against women, the former Dimapur deputy commissioner said.
Speaking on the theme of “men and women united to end violence against women”, at Thahekhu Baptist Church, the speaker also commented on sexual abuse prevalent within the family. Hekali said existing political, social and legal systems are not strong enough to protect the rights of women.
In fact the system of “bail” and other forms of interim relief for criminals only send across the wrong message, she said.
Terming sexual abuse to be an abomination against humanity, Hekali viewed such crimes to be a result of social attitude towards women in the Naga society. Men need to change their attitude in order to build an egalitarian society she said and encouraged the women organization to stand firm in its fight against such society evils.
Zhimomi also suggested bringing necessary changes into the customary laws, which can inculcate the issues that concern women.
Hekali also focused on issues like maternal health and infant mortality rate and said they are significant in comparatively to violence against women in Nagaland. Women’s rights are also human rights, she said.
Shedding light on the priorities and the different needs of men and women, Hekali also commented on the crucial role of women in the decision-making process.
She urged women to extend their hand towards creating awareness at all levels of issues that affect women. This way, she urged, build a safety network to help women living under harsh conditions.
Speaking on the theme of “men and women united to end violence against women”, at Thahekhu Baptist Church, the speaker also commented on sexual abuse prevalent within the family. Hekali said existing political, social and legal systems are not strong enough to protect the rights of women.
In fact the system of “bail” and other forms of interim relief for criminals only send across the wrong message, she said.
Terming sexual abuse to be an abomination against humanity, Hekali viewed such crimes to be a result of social attitude towards women in the Naga society. Men need to change their attitude in order to build an egalitarian society she said and encouraged the women organization to stand firm in its fight against such society evils.
Zhimomi also suggested bringing necessary changes into the customary laws, which can inculcate the issues that concern women.
Hekali also focused on issues like maternal health and infant mortality rate and said they are significant in comparatively to violence against women in Nagaland. Women’s rights are also human rights, she said.
Shedding light on the priorities and the different needs of men and women, Hekali also commented on the crucial role of women in the decision-making process.
She urged women to extend their hand towards creating awareness at all levels of issues that affect women. This way, she urged, build a safety network to help women living under harsh conditions.
Ideal Characteristics of a Pa
Image by yathin via FlickrThis is the second post on our series on manliness. The first post is Manliness: The Lost Art of Being Pa , if you missed it.
Our concept of the ideal pa - a man's man - would differ from person to person. And as highlighted in my previous post the very concept and ideas of being pa (pasalpha/pasaltha) changes with time too.
Our concept of the ideal pa - a man's man - would differ from person to person. And as highlighted in my previous post the very concept and ideas of being pa (pasalpha/pasaltha) changes with time too.
Well, over the years my ideal man - the man I myself wanted to be, has changed tremendously. My expectations and moral standards get bogged down and my tolerance of mediocrity multiplied manifold.
Call me cynic or pessimistic, but the impact of (bad) music, drugs, money, promiscuous lifestyle and cable TV has exposed our Zo society to the ills and problems of very sophisticated societies of the West. So much of our traditional values and lifestyle changed that sometimes its good enough if you don't do anything wrong.
Let me give you an example. For some years now whether in Lamka (a Zo majority town in Manipur) or in Aizawl (the largest Zo town in India), parents are happy to give away their daughters in marriage to someone who only drinks! I am not saying drinking in itself is bad and immoral. It simply means that there are so many drug-abusers that parents are okay with alcoholics. Education, background, profession and even love becomes secondary. And that's the best they can ever get for their daughter too, as rare is a man who only drinks, too. Again what kind of a parent would not want the best for her daughter, right? Mind you, Mizoram is supposedly a dry state and, Lamka and Aizawl are majority Christian societies.
That is the level the Zo Christian society is reduced to. So our standards and expectations are being pulled down by the gravity of our irresponsible and reckless lives. We have come to accept mediocrity and even raised it to its undeserved stature.
So an ideal man, by the standards that we have today, may be defined something like this - a man who is not a liability to the society in which he lives. You see by that definition, someone who is not a liability is good enough. He may or may not contribute anything to the society, he may or may not be selfish and tlawmngai, he may not be able to support himself financially, but he has become good enough.
So, as you can see, I struggle to write this part of our series on manliness. I can get all utopian and idealist but reality continuously raps on my every conscience, and makes me nervous and drives me nuts.
I don't even have the guts to list out the ideal characteristics of a pasalpha/pasaltha.
Maybe, you are bold enough to do it. If so, please list the characteristics of your ideal man in the comment below.
[zoaw]
So, as you can see, I struggle to write this part of our series on manliness. I can get all utopian and idealist but reality continuously raps on my every conscience, and makes me nervous and drives me nuts.
I don't even have the guts to list out the ideal characteristics of a pasalpha/pasaltha.
Maybe, you are bold enough to do it. If so, please list the characteristics of your ideal man in the comment below.
[zoaw]
On My Road to Rangoon
Dr Maung Maung Nyo
Preamble
I’ve heard of the poem entitled” On the Road to Mandalay Mandalay to dethrone King Thibaw thus depicting the way from the British Burma in Moulmein and Rangoon to Mandalay along the Irrawaddy River
(Nobel Prize Winner Poet Rudyard Kipling 1865-1936)
The first stanza clearly depicts this road:
(Moulmein Kyaikthalan Pagoda)
“By the old Moulmein Pagoda, lookin' eastward to the sea,
There's a Burma girl a-settin', and I know she thinks o' me;
For the wind is in the palm-trees, and the temple-bells they say:
"Come you back, you British soldier; come you back to Mandalay!"
There's a Burma girl a-settin', and I know she thinks o' me;
For the wind is in the palm-trees, and the temple-bells they say:
"Come you back, you British soldier; come you back to Mandalay!"
(This is exactly what she sees: "Lookin' eastward to the sea")
Come you back to Mandalay ,
Where the old Flotilla lay:
Can't you 'ear their paddles chunkin' fromRangoon to Mandalay
Where the old Flotilla lay:
Can't you 'ear their paddles chunkin' from
(Old Ships of the Irrawaddy Flottila Company in the Old Days)
On the road to Mandalay ,
Where the flyin'-fishes play,
An' the dawn comes up like thunder outerChina
Where the flyin'-fishes play,
An' the dawn comes up like thunder outer
(Mandalay Hill, Fort and Moat)
There were some criticism as to the absence of any Moulmein pagoda on the road to Mandalay or in Mandalay . But the pagoda he mentions is in Moulmein
(Gilded Kyaikthalan "Old Moulmein Pagoda" of Kipling)
Similarly some critics said adversely that there is no flying fish in the Irrawaddy River Irrawaddy River and Chindwin River
(Mandalay at Dusk Signalling the End of the Mandalay Era)
This poem has become so famous that the Allied soldiers also sang during the WW II to evict the Japanese soldiers in Mandalay and elsewhere in Burma Mandalay becomes popular and there is now a Mandalay Bay entertainment enterprise in the Las Vegas in the USA
(The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas)
So also, I’m writing my memoirs in whatever way I remember and it’s not an official report or a precise diary. It’s just the things or events I remember in my head or heart and some sequences of events may not be chronological, they are just eventual but I try to keep them true without romanticizing them unduly. Enjoy.
Farewells in Lashio
I received my transfer order from Rangoon in the early week of March 1964 and I told all my friends that I was going to Rangoon to join the Medical College 2 in Mingaladon, Rangoon
(Dr Saw Aung Hla Win and Son Still Cherish the Degree)
Now it needs some clarification here as many medical doctors in Burma Burma to be sent abroad for a higher degree (Ph.D.) in the UK
(Pagoda at the Top of the Mandalay Hill)
I also told the Deputy Commander of the Eastern Command Colonl Aung Pe that I was going to Rangoon Rangoon
(Lashio City, Northern Shan State)
Colonel Min Maung’s Farewell
Colonel Min Maung had become my personal friend and he regretted that I was transferred so soon from Lashio. ”Saya, your transfer order came so soon. This is a record in the Burma Army. We’ll give you a farewell lunch one day. I’ll arrange with the Adjutant,” he said. He invited me to have a lunch at 12.00 noon on one Saturday and all the army officers of the Lashio Station were invited. Lieutenant Shwe Man was on duty. He later was awarded a Thura Medal and became a general in the SPDC.
(Namkham River)
There was no ceremony, just stating that the 109 Light Infantry Battalion bid “Farewell” to me and they all wished me success and happiness in the future and they ate lunch for me. It was Htattaya (Parata) and chicken curry with vegetable salads and refreshments (light drinks). The whole battalion that was stationed in Lashio enjoyed it. I also did.
Captain Yin Nyunt’s Farewell
Captain Yin Nyunt and his wife were my good friends and they used to invite me to their home quite often. I think they were then just married over two or three years and they did not have a child yet. “Saya, please give us one evening to give you a farewell dinner. Khin is a very good cook. She wishes to say farewell to you personally,” Captain Yin Nyunt said to me. So, I had to give them a date just two or three days before my departure.
(The Namtu Mine Spiral Where Captain Yin Nyunt Fights Bravely)
They fed me coconut rice, oily chicken curry (Kyet Thar Sipyan), fried Balachong (Fish paste and chili), cucumber salad and pea soup. It was very delicious and I thanked them for their generosity. Daw Khin Hla Myint was very happy that I enjoyed her cooking. Captain Yin Nyunt resigned or retired from the army and settled down in Mandalay while I was in London Mandalay transmitting Shan and Burmese goods from Mandalay to Lashio and Taunggyi in the Shan State
(Misty Lashio Scene)
Major Hla’s Farewell
Major Hla’s home had been my “Sar Ein Thauk Ein” (Free Eating and Drinking Haven), but they gave me a farewell dinner. They asked me to bring along Dr Ivan Win Pe too as we used to be inseparable before I left. Ivan was keen to join the Burma Army like me, but his mother who lived with him to look after his house as he was single at the time did not agree.
(Lashio Motel)
However, Ivan used to take me to his home almost every day and he asked me to eat his portion of Chapati (Indian flat bread) and vegetable dishes made for him. He instead ate what was cooked for me. His mother told me, “Maung Nyo, your friend is hard headed. He is acting strange as he likes to join the army like you. But he can’t as he is a Hindu.” However, Ivan’s elder brother Kenneth Varma (K. Ba Thoung) was already in the Burma Army. He was a major then. He was more popular when General Ne Win married Yadana Natme (June Rose Bellamy) as they were classmates in Maymyo. Ivan later succeeded in joining the Burma Army.
(Welcome to Lashio)
Daw Aye Ngwe cooked a typical Burmese meal for us. It included specially cooked rice, oily cooked pork, roasted chicken, fried pea, assorted vegetables sour soup, fried fish paste, fresh vegetables salads, fried fish and roasted soy flakes (Pebokekin). We drank some beer as Major Hla urged us for a happy farewell. Bohmu Hl and Daw Aye Ngwe had been good to me in all ways. They hosted my friends Colonel Tun Hla Pru and Captain Khin Maung Lin in their home while I was away at somewhere. They told them I was very busy and had many social activities. Yes, I was.
Ma Ohn May and Ma Kyin Mu’s Farewell
Ma Ohn May and Ma Kyin Mu gave me a farewell dinner at a Chinese Restaurant in Lashiolay (Small Lashio). (There are two Lashios, Lashiogyi and Lashiolay; Lashiolay is the town where government offices, market and Lashio Civil Hospital Army Hospital
(Manzu Pagoda in Lashio)
They both said I was transferred so soon and they would miss me very much as we three had become good friends. We had good company and now I would be leaving them two alone. They were so sad. I told them it was the Director’s doing and I was keen to go abroad. I would meet them when I came back from the UK
U Aung Hla’s Farewell
U Aung Hla was a close friend of Major Hla. His wife and Daw Aye Ngwe were fast friends. They shared some common interests and Bohmu Hla used to take me to their house and shop in Lashiolay. They sold all kinds of Shan goods especially Shan dried tea leaves. I used to buy one or two visses of dried tea leaves whenever I went down to Mandalay
(Lashio Market)
My friends liked those pure unadulterated tea leaves. So when I bought 4 Visses of tea leaves they asked me why I was buying so many. I told them I was transferred from Lashio and I was going to Rangoon and these tea leaves would be good gifts to my Burmese friends in Rangoon and elsewhere in Burma
It was a typical Shan meal consisting of cooked Shan rice that was sticky, pickled Monhnin (Mustard), Soon-Tan soup, fried soy flakes and chili, chicken and gourd soup, cooked 3-layered pork and cucumber salad. It was a specially cooked delicious meal and we three ate ravenously including Major Hla.
BMH, Maymyo
I remember I was driving the ambulance jeep from Lashio to Meiktila and driver Hla Min was accompanying me. I would leave the ambulance in Meihtila Medical Battalion 232 when I arrived in Meiktila. Then, I would take the train from Thazi to Rangoon Mandalay
(Maymyo or Pyin Oo Lwin City Centre)
Colonel Balakrisna was happy to see me.” So, you are on the way to Rangoon Rangoon
(Rangoon Medical College, Lanmadaw, Yangon)
I went to my old medical wad and Major Aiyyappan greeted me warmly. He was glad that I had been chosen for further study in the UK
(Maymyo Horse Cart, Yahtalone)
I said,” Hello” to Ko Aung Thein, elder brother of Dr S. Hla Mong. He was surprised and glad that I was being transferred from Lashio to Rangoon Mandalay Mandalay Lashio Road
(Maymyo Waterfall)
I ate lunch with my driver and soldiers at the Lashio Restaurant on the Mandalay Lashio Road Mandalay Mandalay Mandalay Mandalay
Monywa
My parents were gad and surprised to see me in army uniform driving an ambulance jeep. I greeted them,” I come here to say Hello and to pay respects to you. I’m being transferred from Lashio to Rangoon
(Mohnyin Thanbuddhay Cedi, Monywa)
“Good. How many days will you stay in Monywa?” my father asked. “Say today and tomorrow. Then I’ll leave day after tomorrow to Meiktila,” I replied. “Today after resting for a few hours we’ll go to Sudaungpye and Shwezigon Pagodas. I’ll pay homage to them and showed my three companions. Then, I’ll greet old friends,” I continued. “Don’t eat at outside shops. I’ll cook dinner for you. Beef, bitter gourd, gram pea soup and mango pickle you like,” my mother told me.” We rested for some time, took shower and changed clothes. Then we drove to the Pagodas.
(Bodi Tahtaung, 1000 Buddhas and Banyan Trees, Monywa)
I stopped in front of Khin Khin Latt’s house at Kyaukka Street
(Handicrafts of Kyaukka, Monywa)
We had a good picnic on that Saturday in Kyaukka. It’s is only 12 miles (20 kilmeters) from Monywa and it’s a big village with about 2000 households. It made Burmese lacquer wares sold at the many pagoda festivals in Upper Burma . It has also a famous pagoda called the Shweguni Pagoda gilded with solid gold in the upper half and gilded Buddha image inside. There is a waterfall and cold stream called the “Htan Ta Loke Chaung” that comes from an underground spring.
(Htan Ta Loke Chaung, Kyawkka, Monywa)
It’s surrounded by big boulders and shady trees. The place is good for picnic and trekking walk. We enjoyed our picnic on the boulders under the big shady trees. We bathed in the cold stream. Ma Ma, prepared a good lunch of bread and sardine with coffee. We ate well and talked well.
(Lacquerware Making in Kyaukka, Monywa)
Kyaukka celebrates the Shweguni Pagoda Festival in May (5th to 8th waning day of the Burmese Month Kason) each year when the whole village was crowded. I visited the festival twice in my high school days. We came back from Kyaukka at about 2.00 PM. Khin Khin Latt was a Senior Assistant teacher. My parents were happy to hear that I had been selected for state scholarship by the army to go to England after a few years’ training in Rangoon
(90 Meters-Long Reclining Buddha, Monywa)
Meiktila
I put up at the Officers Mess at No. 232 Medical Battalion. There were four beds in two rooms and only one bed was occupied. “Who is sleeping here?” I asked the Mess sergeant. “Bogyi Win Pe,” was the answer. “Is he from Lashio?” I askd. ”Yes. Bogyi,” the Mess Sergeant replied. At long last my friend Dr Ivan Win Pe had succeeded joining the army. That’s why I lost touch with him in my last few days in Lashio.
(The Meiktila Lake, Pagoda and People)
“Hey, Maung Nyo, Congratulations,” Dr Win Pe shouted at me in the after noon. “Let’s go to town for a drink. I will drive your car,” he said. Thus we happened to enjoy our army life together in Meiktiila driving around the Meikytila Lake
The cloth or fabric was synthetic, smooth and soft. It was dark green in colour, the same cloth that high ranking Thai and KMT army officers as well as Shan SSA officers were wearing. “Thank you, Ivan. Can I stitch it in Rangoon 37th Street Rangoon
(The Clock Tower, Meiktila)
True, my new uniform was ready one morning before I boarded the train at Thazi. I wore it and Dr Win Pe, now Lieutenant Win Pe sent me there. He was also wearing the same uniform. “I’m very glad to be in the army. I’m free. No stress like in the civil practicing for money,” he enthused. He saluted me smartly like in the British Army as I was senior to him now. I was a full fledged captain. I returned his salute and bid Good Bye to him. He was later posted to Mongton where I had been and he married a beautiful Shan girl, Nang Hla Yin, there. They had two cute sons who were now in the UK
Mingaladon
I remember I arrived in the Central Railway Station, Rangoon
(The Central Railway Station, Kwan Chan, Yangon, Burma)
” Good, Maung Maung Nyo, Welcome. Have you got a place to live?” he asked. “No, Bohmu. Can I live in the Officers Mess?” I requested. “I’ll enquire now,’ he said and dialed a number. He said, ’Yes, you stay with us. We have me, Tin Ohn and Tun Hla Pru in single rooms on the first story, Maung Maung on the ground floor. You have another room on the ground floor. We eat in another Mess paying our rations and needed cash separately. It’s good food.” “Thank you. Bohmu. I’m single with three trunks. I’ll study hard to go and get Ph.D. from UK Rangoon
(The Interior of the New International Airport, Mingaladon, Yangon)
Dr Maung Maung Nyo
28.02.2009
To parody Rudyard Kipling’s On the Road to Mandalay
( Mark Twain and Rudyard Kipling)
On My Road to Rangoon
On my road to Rangoon
I was like a babbling baboon
Pacing from place to place
I reached my destination in haste.
I drove the ambulance fast
Without thinking about accidents much
Lucky that I did not meet any trouble as such
I had pains and aches all over as aftermath.
But, I met my teachers on the way
Colonels Bala and Aiyyappan to say
“Hello” for their parts they played in my life
It’s their kindness and guidance that right.
I met my friends before I left too
Min Maung, Yin Nyunt, Ma Kyin Mu
Ohn May kept my life occupied and cool
Major Hla couple also helped in making it too.
Ivan was a great friend
He was reliable godsend
He appeared at unexpected moments
He lent you his hand to relieve torments.
My parents encouraged me whatever I do
So long as my dreams would come true
They did not want me to become a politician
They said I would excel as an academician.
Dean Ko Ko Gyi had been good to me
He promoted me without necessity
He wanted me to excel in the academy
I tried and accomplished that by study.
I saw many men maneuvering to manage
To control others and to be top in the lineage
Scrambling upon one another like maggots in the roughage
I did not find such human animals in my crusade, so fortunate.
(Kipling's House in Mumbai, India Where He was Born)
Dr Maung Maung Nyo
28.02.2009
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