NE NEWS LETTERAlso available on Internet at: www.mha.nic.in

MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS, GOVERNMENT OF INDIAFor FREE public circulation

A Monthly Newsletter on the North Eastern Region of India

Mere good governance is not enough;it has to be pro-people and pro-active.Good governance is putting people at the center of development process.

C o n t e n t sDEVELOPMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO NORTH EAST REGION

UNION HOME MINISTER DISCUSSES SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT ISSUES WITH CHIEF MINISTERS OF NORTHEASTERN STATES

ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT UNDER CIVIC ACTION PROGRAMME BY CENTRAL ARMED POLICE FORCES

NORTH EAST STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ‘RASHTRIYA AVISHKAR ABHIYAN’

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY CELEBRATION AT SHILLONG SETS RECORD

READERS COLUMN

LETTERS TO EDITOR

editorial BoardChief editor

shambhu singh

editorsJ.P.n. singh = Ajay Kanoujia = B.R. Dhiman

DEVELOPMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO NORTH EAST REGION

1. On 11th July, 2015, a meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Union Home Minister with Chief Ministers of North Eastern States at Guwahati in Assam. In the meeting, security situation in the North Eastern States, strengthening & equipping of State Police, effective guarding of international borders such as, Indo-Myanmar border, Indo-Bangladesh border and Indo-Bhutan border, preparedness of the State Governments to deal with the natural calamities and other development related issues, etc. were discussed.

2. The whole State of Nagaland has been declared as “Disturbed Area” under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 vide Central Government’s Notification No. 1750(E) further for a period of one year w.e.f. 30th July, 2015.

3. Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement signed with Kuki National Organization (KNO) has been extended for a further period of one year upto 21.7.2015.

UNION HOME MINISTER DISCUSSES SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT ISSUES WITH CHIEF MINISTERS OF

NORTHEASTERN STATESOn 11th July, 2015, Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh

presided over the meeting of Chief Ministers of North-Eastern Region on Security and Development in Guwahati. The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Sports & Youth Affairs Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State (I/C) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju and Union Home Secretary Shri L.C. Goyal also participated in the meeting.

Vol. XVII. No. 7, July, 2015

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Shri Rajnath Singh on the occasion said “North-Eastern Region is very important for us. This region is incomparably rich in natural resources, rivers, mountains, scenic beauty and cultural diversity. But, in spite of all these resources and diversities, our North-Eastern Region somehow lagged behind in development. For overall development of this region, the earlier NDA government created the Department of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) and continued mandatory 10% of funds for this region out of the total development budget of Government of India. Many new projects were started. Fortunately, the successor UPA governments also continued all these efforts and upgraded the Department to Ministry. As a result, this region also started developing fast along with the rest of the country. But, still a lot more is to be done. It is the dream as well as resolve of the Government that the North-Eastern Region should be hub of peace, progress and development.

The development and security go hand-in-hand. They are complimentary to each other. Without development, security scenario suffers badly and without security, development cannot take place at the desired pace. This meeting has been organised with the purpose of ensuring peace and security in the region and get its dividend in the form of accelerated development. I feel that in order to proceed further ahead in this direction, strong and close coordination between the Central and State governments is needed. One of the purposes of this meeting is that we mutually understand each other’s expectations better and deal with the situation in more effective way”.

The Union Home Minister said that "first of all, we shall discuss about the Security issues and then taking advantage of the presence of Hon’ble Minister DoNER and his officers, we would devote ourselves on development issues. I am happy to say that over the last few years, there has been significant improvement in the security scenario in the North-East. Overall level of insurgency is at all-time low. Mizoram, Tripura, large parts of Assam and Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh except its three eastern districts, are almost free of insurgency. There is a strong popular desire for peace in Nagaland and Manipur too. All this has been possible because of sustained efforts of all of you and I congratulate you all for this achievement".

He appreciated the hard work done, particularly by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Assam Police and the Army, after the heinous killings of Adivasis in last December in the districts of Kokhrajhar and Sonitpur in Assam. Special and concerted efforts by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Assam Shri Tarun Gogoi deserves special mention for action against NDFB. I congratulate him for his admirable action. Now the peace initiatives of the Government of India with insurgent organisations are on the right track. He hoped to bring peace initiatives to

logical conclusions soon. Much of the residual insurgency in the region is by some small violent insurgent groups operating from their safe havens across the border. Incidents of kidnapping for ransom, particularly in Assam and Meghalaya, have increased to almost double. In the Garo Hill districts of Meghalaya, some new splinter groups are there whose objective is kidnapping for ransom or looting the businessmen at gunpoint. He emphasised that the Central government would not talk to such criminal elements. Such criminal activities must be dealt with firmly, he said, now the time has come when apart from insurgency centric security, we must think, plan and deliver on People-centric security. For improving the security ecosystem in the region, he requested all the Hon’ble Chief Ministers to further concentrate on the following important points to create a better environment of peace and security leading to faster development of the area:-

(i) We must take care of the development along with the security of people living along the International Borders where hundreds of villages exist. You would be glad to know that, under Border Area Development Program (BADP), for development of border areas in this region, we have enhanced the share of the region from 30% to 40%.

(ii) Of late, India-Myanmar border has become more active as there are reports of insurgents, weapons and drugs crossing this border. I have constituted a committee headed by Chairman, JIC, Shri R. N. Ravi to review how to effectively manage the Indo-Myanmar border. The committee has done the review and is expected to submit its report in the next few days. The Home Ministry will soon take action on that. We also need to tighten our vigil along the Indo-Bangladesh border.

(iii) When we talk of the borders, we should not ignore the border population. There are some 240 villages with over two lakh population within 10 km of the India-Myanmar border. This large population is without any worthwhile security cover. They are at the mercy of the insurgents. Similar situation prevails along the India-Bhutan border.

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(iv) While the Home Ministry is taking measures for effective management of the border, I would urge upon the Chief Ministers to pay attention to this crucial area of security. You may consider opening and strengthening of Police stations in the border areas to reinforce a sense of security among our population. It will also be crucial for successful implementation of our Act-East policy.

The people of the region have suffered the trauma of insurgency for long. Now they must reap the dividend of peace. Insurgency has adversely impacted the Criminal Justice System. There has been marked increase in low-visibility yet high-impact violent crimes like kidnapping for ransom and extortions in Assam and Meghalaya. It has severely undermined common man’s access to justice. In some States, ratio of prosecution of criminals in cases of serious crimes is disturbingly low, as low as 5 per cent as against All India figure of over 85 per cent. In cases of kidnapping for ransom, this data is negligible in NER. You would appreciate that when the aggrieved people do not get justice from the States, not only their confidence in the system gets eroded but they also become prone to alternative course for justice which further vitiates the environment. The State police must pay greater attention to registration and investigation of crimes and pursue the cases diligently in the Courts for punishing the criminals who commit heinous crimes in these states. The larger Criminal justice system must deliver.

There is need to have Special Investigation Cells to tackle the cases of Extortion and Kidnapping for ransom. It is crucial to restore the popular confidence in the Rule of law. He urged upon the Hon’ble Chief Ministers to pay attention to it in their respective States. The North-East Region is replete with illegal firearms. Weapons are smuggled from across the border and sold in the region and even beyond. The places like Dimapur being the centres for marketing of such smuggled weapons. Existence of illegal weapons will continue encouraging crimes and vitiating the security eco-system of the region. He urged the Chief Ministers to launch sustained drives against illegal weapons and make their respective States free of such arms.

He said that the youths in the insurgency today are mostly those who have been misled by vested interests. Many of them realize their mistakes and are seeking safe ways to lead normal happy life. They are welcome to the mainstream. However, those who have committed heinous crimes and acts of terror will have to face the law and meet the justice. He reiterated and emphasized the new Government’s zero-tolerance policy on insurgency.

There are boundary disputes between some States like the ones between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Nagaland, Assam and Meghalaya, Assam and Mizoram, and between Tripura and Mizoram. Recently, disputes started between Angamis of Nagaland and Mao tribals of Manipur regarding Dzukou valley. Many of the

disputes are legacies of the past. Unfortunately such disputes, at times, tend to grow into serious tensions that occasionally erupt into violence and displacement of people. He urged upon the Chief Ministers to resolve them mutually by using their good offices and ensuring that under no circumstances the disputes develop into active tensions. The Home Ministry will be happy to assist, should the Chief Ministers so decide. However, till the dispute is resolved amicably, the status quo must be maintained by both the concerned states.

In the wake of improvement in security scenario, there is a need to review deployment of security Forces in the region. At present the deployment is more than it was when the insurgency was at its peak. In the past few years there has been substantial strengthening of State police also. Without compromising with the security, we must plan to reduce deployment so as to make the environment easy to encourage positive thinking of outsiders about this region on this aspect. He urged all the Hon’ble Chief Ministers to have a realistic audit of deployment of Central Armed Police Forces in their States and assured help in the deployment of Central Forces when actually needed. Border guarding is one of prime concerns. He urged all the Chief Ministers concerned to provide land for border fencing and expedite land acquisition on urgent basis wherever it is pending.

The North-Eastern part of India is a high intensity seismic zone. The region is also prone to periodic devastating floods. These disasters cause untold miseries to the people and immense loss of life, property and livelihood. He expressed satisfaction that the states with active assistance of the National Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Home, have built certain capabilities to meet and manage natural disasters. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has one Battalion stationed at Guwahati for the region. The Govt. has sanctioned one more Battalion of NDRF for the North-East. He urged the Hon’ble Chief Ministers to maintain and always keep in readiness their State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and upgrade their Disaster Management capabilities.

While concluding, he assured the people of North Eastern Region that Government would take all steps to ensure that they are not discriminated against. The Home

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Minister requested the Hon’ble Chief Ministers to give their invaluable views on how to further root out insurgency and develop the region, strongly integrating it to the

national mainstream.” There were detailed deliberations on the issues and the strategy for improving the overall scenario and mainstreaming the region as a whole.

Programmes Undertaken By Assam Rifles

1. Medical camps. As part of its constant endeavour to provide medical care and access to medicines to people living in remote areas, the Assam Rifles organized Medical camps in areas where adequate health care facilities are not available to the villagers. A total of 2603 patients were treated during the camps and were also provided with free medicines.

(b) A lecture on ‘Various Career Opportunities available to the Youth’ was organised by 16-Assam Rifles on 9th July, 2015 at Nungdam Kuki village, Ukhrul district, Manipur. 30 villagers attended the lecture.

ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT UNDER CIVIC ACTION PROGRAMME BY CENTRAL ARMED POLICE FORCES

Medical camps organized by Assam Rifles

2. Awareness Drives. In another initiative undertaken by the Force towards Nation building and upliftment of people, especially the youth living in remote areas, Assam Rifles conducted various awareness drives to address issues related to health, education, welfare and social upliftment as well as provided information to the populace about various Government schemes and employment opportunities available, for the benefit of the locals. The details of some of the awareness drives conducted by various units of the Force during the month of July, 2015, are as under:-

(a) A lecture on ‘Recruitment in the Security Forces’ was organised by 10-Assam Rifles on 3rd July, 2015 for the youth of Thingsai village, Lunglei district, Mizoram. 13 villagers attended the lecture.

Lecture on career opportunities available to the youth by Assam Rifles

(c) A ‘CDS Coaching Class’ was organized by 43-Assam Rifles on 20th July, 2015 for aspiring candidates of Haflong village and adjoining areas, district Dima Hasao, Assam. 15 male and four female youth attended the same.

CDS coaching class organized by Assam Rifles

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(d) A lecture on ‘Drug De-Addition’ was organized by 42-Assam Rifles on 3rd July, 2015 at Miao Town, district Jairampur, Arunachal Pradesh. About 420 students of various schools attended the lecture.

(e) A lecture on ‘Prevention of Malaria’ was organized on 12th July, 2015 by 10-Assam Rifles for villagers of Farkawn village, Champhai district, Mizoram. 7 teachers and 60 students attended the same.

(f) A lecture on ‘Water Borne Disease’ was organized by 28-Assam Rifles on 16th July, 2015 for villagers of Parva village, district Lawngtlai, Mizoram. About 130 villagers attended the lecture.

(g) In order to ‘Generate Awareness on the Symptoms and also preventive measures against Chicken Pox and Typhoid’ 25-Assam Rifles organized a lecture on 17th July, 2015 for villagers of Jwalamukhi, district Senapati, Manipur. 211 villagers attended the same.

(l) A ‘Tree Plantation’ drive was organised by 18-Assam Rifles on 17th July, 2015 at Jalukie village, district Kohima, Nagaland. 500 tree saplings were planted at various locations in the area of Jalukie. Troops, families, children and civil staff participated in the same.

3. Assistance by Assam Rifles. The Force has been providing succour to the socio-economically disadvantaged & marginalized people who have limited economic means, access to basic amenities and living in remote areas of the NE Region by way of diverse kind of activities, such as construction of various kinds of infrastructure, distribution of items to assist in generating self employment and other critical items based on the requirement of particular group of people. The details of assistance provided by various units of the Force during the month of July, 2015, are as under:-

(a) Lt Gen RK Rana, SM, VSM, DGAR accompanied by Mrs (Dr) Rajeshwari Rana, President Assam Rifles Wives Welfare Association interacted with Ex-Servicemen, Veterans and felicitated Veer Naris at Lokra, Assam on 2nd July, 2015.

(b) Lt Gen R K Rana, SM, VSM, Director General Assam Rifles handed over a dividend cheque of Rs. 30,604/- (Rupees thirty thousand six hundred four) to the Village Council, Medziphema, district Dimapur, Nagaland on 23rd July, 2015 during his visit to 37-Assam Rifles. Brigadier Brijesh Dhiman, Commander 6-Sector Assam Rifles, Mrs Sara Jamir, ADC, Medziphema were present during the ceremony.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan organized by Assam Rifles

(h) A lecture on prevention of ‘HIV/AIDS’ was organized by 10 Assam Rifles on 21st July, 2015 for villagers of Champhai village, district Champhai, Mizoram. 20 villagers attended the same.

( j) A cleanliness drive as part of ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ was organized by 24-Assam Rifles on 15th July and 20th July, 2015 for villagers of Sita village, and RCC village, district Chandel, Manipur. 83 villagers attended the lecture.

(k) An ‘Iftar party’ was organized by Headquarters 7-Sector Assam Rifles on 16th July, 2015 at Tuensang, district Tuensang, Nagaland. 123 Muslims and 12 Prominent Hindus attended the same.

(c) In a ‘Humanitarian Gesture’ 41-Assam Rifles saved the life of an 84 year old man, Mr H Ngalangzar of Siruhi village, district Ukhrul, Manipur on 14th July, 2015. The man was brought in a serious condition due to snakebite, while working in the field. Timely administration of life saving antivenom and treatment averted an impending life threatening situation.

(d) 20-Assam Rifles established a ‘Green House’ for widows of Life Care Centre, Pallel district Chandel, Imphal on 29th July, 2015. The Green House was handed over to the village authority for empowering the women and generating self employment. The project will go a long way to make the women especially the widows of the area to be self reliant. The villagers have started

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utilizing the green house for plantation of different varieties of fruits and vegetables. The profit earned out of the products of Green House is being utilized as financial assistance to the widows.

(b) 41-Assam Rifles provided furniture and books to Ngariching Living Centre Blind School, Ukhrul district, Manipur.

6. Vocational Training Activities and Promotion of Self Employment.

The Force has been providing vocational training and imparting specialised skills in various disciplines as varied as welding, computer literacy, tailoring, beautician courses, wireman/electrician, agriculture productivity, motor training and nursing. In addition, Assam Rifles has also been distributing material to enable the locals to gain from the vocational training imparted and make them more self reliant with the long term objective of social and economic development of the region. The details of vocational training activities carried out by various units of the Force during the month of July, 2015 are as under:-

(a) 39-Assam Rifles conducted a two week ‘First Aid Course’ from 6th July, 2015 at Ngopa village, Champhai district, Mizoram for local youth. 6 youth attended the training.

(b) 10-Assam Rifles organised a two weeks ‘Plumber Course’ from 6th July, 2015 at Hnahlan village, Champhai district, Mizoram, which was attended by six youth.

4. Promotion of Sports. In order to encourage sports in the NE Region, Assam Rifles conducts various types of sports training and tournaments in the Region and also distributes sports equipment to help divert the minds of the youth from insurgency and encourage them towards more constructive pursuits. The details of sports activities/distribution of sports items undertaken by various units of the Force during the month of July, 2015, are as under:-

(a) 42-Assam Rifles provided assistance and refreshment for the local populace during ‘Kabbadi and Football matches’ conducted in Miao Town, Jairampur district, Arunachal Pradesh.

(b) Headquarters 6 Sector Assam Rifles and 37-AR provided assistance to ‘all Nagaland Muaythai Council at Urban Hat, Dimapur, district Dimapur, Nagaland for conducting ‘State Level Muaythai Boxing Championship’ in terms of Boxing Ring, Equipment/Gears, Tarpaulin and financial assistance.

(c) 25-Assam Rifles conducted a ‘Inter Village Friendly Volleyball Competition’ at Saikul village, district Senapati, Manipur. Four teams participated including team of Company Operating Base, Saikul.

(d) 37-Assam Rifles provided ‘Volleyball and Football’ to Mr Alhong Kuki for the youth of Sangiang Colony Ghashpani, district Dimapur, Nagaland.

5. Education Infrastructure.

(a) 16-Assam Rifles provided educational items to local children of nearby villages of Litan Company Operating Base, Ukhrul district, Manipur to enhance the education system in the area.

First Aid Course and Plumber Course organised by Assam Rifles

(c) 28-Assam Rifles conducted four weeks ‘Electrician Course’ from 8th July, 2015 at Lunglawn village, Lunglei district, Mizoram for local youth. 11 youth attended the course.

(d) 39-Assam Rifles conducted one week ‘Driving and Mechanical Course’ at Sakawrda village, district Aizawl, Mizoram from 13th July to 21st July, 2015. 7 youth attended the course.

Driving and maintenance course organised by Assam Rifles

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(e) 4-Assam Rifles conducted a ‘Pre Recruitment Training’ on 24th July, 2015 at Champahour and Mandai villages, district Khowai, Tripura. 17 youth attended the same.

(b) Programmes undertaken by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

(i) SSB organized workshop on Human Trafficking in Sikkim.

36th Battalion of SSB Gangtok, Sikkim organized a workshop on Human Trafficking at Bn Hqrs on 8th July, 2015 in collaboration with SUBH LAXMI a NGO at Chandmari (Gangtok). The workshop was aimed at creating awareness among force personnel and sharpening their skills to detect cases of human trafficking. Mrs. Lalita Lama, President, Shri Uttam Chettri, General Secretary and other members of the NGO shared their knowledge and experience with SSB personnel and pointed out the factors behind human trafficking.

The experts cleared all the queries of jawans by interacting with them and also discussed previous case histories. Smt. Lalita Lama, President said that SSB can play a pivotal role in International Border and its adjacent areas to reduce human trafficking by imparting awareness among the people in the border areas. She also said that human trafficking is becoming a major threat and it is the responsibility of SSB to check the same it being a border guarding force.

Shri Lalit Kumar, Dy Commandant, (Offg.Commandant), 36th Bn and Shri Satyendra Kumar, Assistant Commandant also briefed the jawans through interaction on human trafficking and its impact on society. They informed jawans how they have to proceed sagaciously while tackling such sensitive cases. Dr. C. K. Das, Commandant (Medical), Shri Lalit Kumar, Dy. Commandant, Shri L.N. Singh, Assistant Commandant, Shri Satyendra Kumar, Assistant Commandant, Shri S. Gahatraj, SAO Sikkim area and 80 other ranks of SSB (36th Bn and Sikkim area) were present in the workshop.

(ii) Annual Wrestling Competition organized at Marchak (Sikkim).

A four days Sector Level Wrestling Cluster Competition of SSB was organized at Marchak under 36th Bn SSB Sikkim wef 30th June, 2015 to 3rd July, 2015. The competition was inaugurated by Shri Lalit Kumar, Dy Commandant. (Offg. Comdt), 36th Bn on 30th June, 2015.

Speaking on the inaugural ceremony Shri Lalit Kumar said that the main objective of organzing the competition was to spot talent among SSB personnel and to provide them a platform to grow in a particular field. This type of competition will also develop a sense of competition among SSB sportsmen, he said. He further appealed all the participants to play the games fairly and perform to their level best. During the four days wrestling competition, 26 sportsmen of SSB from three Sectors showed their talent in various activities i.e. judo, boxing, wrestling and weight lifting. Speaking on the closing ceremony on 3rd July, 2015, Shri Rup Singh, DIG, Sec Hqrs SSB, Gangtok said that all 26 participants have performed well during the competition

and showed a great spirit of sportsmanship. He thanked all participants to be a part of this successful tournament. While congratulating winners, Shri Rup Singh, informed that they will compete at Inter Frontier Level Competition commencing from 14th July at 1st Bn SSB (Maharajaganj (UP).

Participants were also given medals for their best performances. Shri C. K. Das, Commandant (Med), Sh. Lalit Kumar, Dy. Commandant, Sh. S. Gahatraj, SAO, Shri Narendra Singh, Asstt. Comdt. Shri K. K. Karna, APO and 180 other ranks from SSB were present during the closing ceremony of competition.

(iii) SSB Sikkim Area conducts Plantation Drive

To promote the local motto ‘Keep Sikkim Green’, Sub-Area offices of A.O., SSB, Sikkim organized an extensive plantation drive at Chumbung Pry. Health Centre premises on 1st July, 2015 at Lungthu BOP on 9th July, 2015 and at Lower Rumbuk ICDS Centre on 16th July, 2015. SSB personnel in collaboration with the Staff of health Deptt. of Chumbung Health Centre planted 20 Nos sapling of Guava, Amla, Okher, Ajalia, Pipley and Uttish at the premises of Chumbung Pry. Health Centre under Darap Sub-Area on 1st July, 2015. Similarly, on 9th July, 2015, 50 Nos sapling of Rhododendron and flowers were planted by SSB Officers and personnel at Lungthu BOP of East Sikkim under Rongli Sub-Area. To give continuity of this plantation drive 30 nos sapling of fruits and flowers were planted at Lower Rumbok ICDS Centre by SSB personnel, Panchayat members and ASHA group of ICDS Centre under Sombaria Sub-Area on 16th July, 2015.

The saplings were provided by Forest authority of Govt. of Sikkim. Panchayats and the local people appreciated the work done by SSB to keep their local area green and alternatively keep Sikkim green.

(iv) SSB organised cleanliness drive to review the “Swachhata Abhiyan”

Responding to the call of Swacch Bharat Mission of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and to review the abhiyan as earlier made by this sector, SSB personnel of Sector Head Quarters Gangtok carried out a cleanliness drive on 23.7.2015 from 0930 am to 1230 pm at the Office premises, surrounding areas of Jhora and road side of development Area near Gangtok. All the officials of SSB, Sec Hqrs, Gangtok took active part in the cleanliness drive. Before starting the cleanliness drive Shri Vikash Marwah, Staff Officer (Admn) of Gangtok Sector addressed SSB personnel to carry out and continue this cleanliness drive periodically/perpetually.

During the drive, beside the office premises footpath connecting to Development Area to Zero point was also cleaned from where various local people and Students walk to their offices and schools. Later, Shri Vikas Marwah, Staff Officer (Admn) stated that cleanliness drive organized by SSB at various places is a part of Swachh Bharat Mission and had been initated to maintain the proper hygienic environment in the locality. He further added that SSB will continue to organize cleanliness drive in the days to

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RNI Reg. No. R-72398/99come in order to aware others for participating so that the mission of Central Govt. “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” and the

State Govt. mission for making clean and green Sikkim and diseases free Sikkim shall be a grand success.

Northeast students in the age group of 6 to 18 years studying in Class 1 to 12 will be involved in the “Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan” which is a unique concept developed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. It aims to inculcate a spirit of inquiry, creativity and love for Science and Mathematics in school children. Under this, the government schools will be mentored by Institutes like IITs/IIMs/IISERs and other Central Universities and reputed organizations through innovative programmes, student exchanges, demonstrations, student visits, etc to develop

International Yoga Day was celebrated at various Air Force and Army establishments in Shillong and North East Region where separate programs were conducted for ladies, children and personnel. The aim of the camp was to reinforce the benefits yoga offers in tackling day to day rigours of life. This celebration even created a record for the largest yoga performance simultaneously by a single

a natural sense of passion towards learning of Science and Maths. This youth centric concept is aimed at bringing the North East youth closer to mainstream India and offer them high quality training in the field of science and technology to enable these students to attend exclusive National Science Training Programme. This is in response to the lack of quality education and jobs in the North East region, that witnesses a large exodus of its youth to other parts of the country for better opportunities.

uniformed youth organization at multiple venues on 21st June, 2015. About 3000 personnel, ladies and children and personnel, ladies and children participated in large numbers. More than 56,000 National Cadet Corps (NCC), cadets participated at 169 venues across the entire North Eastern Region.

NORTH EAST STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ‘RASHTRIYA AVISHKAR ABHIYAN’

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY CELEBRATION AT SHILLONG SETS RECORD

The NE monthly Newsletter is published in English, Assamese, Bengali and Manipuri and has a circulation of 40,000 copies. Ministry of Home Affairs brings out the publication incorporating important information/developments concerning North Eastern States.

Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Newsletter, requests for inputs for the Newsletter from the State Governments, agencies, institutions and individuals highlighting the area specific issues, problems, special features, potential, environmental protection or special efforts/achievement in various fields etc. Views and write-ups from general public are also solicited on specific issues/

READERS COLUMNproblems including on measures for resolution thereto in the North East.

Articles should be sent in a hard copy format accompanied by floppy/CD version along with photographs. Articles should be accompanied by an abstract of maximum of 150-200 words. Readers are encouraged to send comments and suggestions (upto 300-400 words) on published articles. All letters should have writer’s full name and postal address. Selected articles will be published in the monthly NE Newsletter after due editing.

LETTERS TO EDITOR I fully appreciate the NE Newsletter which

keeps us informed about the Government many development activities and initiatives in NE States. I shall be grateful if you would kindly send a copy of the NE Newsletter in English at the following address.

Sd/-Katchin Langel,

Director (Admn/PG),Ministry of Water Resources, RD & GR, 425,

Shram Shakti Bhawan,New Delhi-110001

I will be obliged of you kindly send me a copy of NE Newsletter regularly in English language at the following address.

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Khasi Hills District,Shillong-793006, Meghalaya

Kindly send me the monthly copy of NE Newsletter in English language at the following address.

Sd/-Akshay Jyoti Sarma,Assistant Professor,

OKD Institute of Social Change and Development,

Upper Hengrabari, VIP Road (Six Mile), Guwahati-781036,

Assam