NIA attaches PFI's 'Oldest, Largest Arms & Physical Training Centre' in Kerala

 "The closing down of the Green Valley Foundation by the NIA in Kerala establishes the fact that in Kerala the Islamic terrorist organisations are getting covered support from the ruling dispensations of Kerala be it CPI(M) or the Congress," says Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan. 

In a major cracking down further on the terror activities of the Popular Front of India (PFI), the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has attached one of the oldest and largest Arms and Physical Training Centres of the banned outfit in Kerala. This is the sixth PFI Arms Training Centre and the 18th property of the outfit to be attached by the NIA in Kerala as 'proceeds of terrorism' under the provisions of UA(P) Act.

On March 17, 2023, the NIA filed a Chargesheet against 59 accused, including the PFI as an organization.

"...The shocking fact is that NIA has said this centre has large storage of arms and giving training in arms but in spite of that this centre has been functioning for more than a decade...," the Minister says. 

Exciting day ahead in Parliament : Key Bills to be introduced ::: Did Opposition commit a mistake in Rajya Sabha on 'Manipur debate' ?

Biju Janata Dal of Odisha has decided to support the passing of the Delhi Services Bill and we will be opposing the no-confidence motion brought by the opposition. In this regard, a three-line whip has been issued by the party," , says Dr. Sasmit Patra, Biju Janata Dal National Spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP

"Many MPs from different parties want discussion, they met me personally and many MPs are telling so. But unfortunately for one or two leaders who do not want country to progress and Parliament to function". - Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi to reporters  

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and Labour and Employment Bhupendra Yadav is to move the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha today for its consideration and passage to amend the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The Bill was earlier passed by the Lok Sabha.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is to move the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha today for its consideration and passage to amend the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002. The Bill was earlier passed by the Lok Sabha.

Delhi Services Bill also to be introduced in Lok Sabha. 

On the Govt of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi says, "...We will all oppose this as today it is happening in Delhi, tomorrow it can happen in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana or Odisha". 

"This is unconstitutional, immoral undemocratic ordinance will should be opposed by all".  

Arvind Kejriwal had made it conditional that Congress should oppose the Bill to let AAP join the Opposition alliance.  Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit says he supports the Bill and also added that Kejriwal had misled the entire Opposition on it. 

Six Bills, including Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2023, listed in RS today; two for introduction, 4 for consideration and passage

Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal is to introduce the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha today to amend the Advocates Act, 1961.  

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur is to introduce the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha today to provide for press, registration of periodicals. 

On July 31, 2023, was it a self goal by Opposition in Rajya Sabha: Assam MP Birendra Prasad Baishya had 'initiated' Short Duration Discussion on Manipur

 Assam MP Birendra Prasad Baishya of AGP had 'initiated' Short Duration Discussion on Manipur .... but soon pandemonium prevailed..... Did Opposition really run away from discussions?

In fact, debate had 'formally and technically' commenced with Chairman stating - "Is the House prepared to take discussion on Manipur....The government is keen....I therefore call upon Shri Birendra Prasad Baishya to initiate the discussion on The Short Duration Discussion. 

(This was after 2 pm....)

Supreme Court to hear Manipur case yet again on Tuesday, Aug 1 ... after 2 pm

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the embarrassed Manipur government headed by Chief Minister N Biren Singh to come back Aug 1, Tuesday at 2 pm with details of FIRs filed since May 3, arrests made, and action taken on the Manipur situation.

"Are you saying protect all daughters of India or don't protect anyone?", CJI asked, almost snubbing the alleged attempts to link Manipur violence or crime against women with such crimes in opposition-ruled West Bengal and Rajasthan. 

The Court called for evolving a broad mechanism to deal with violence against women in strife-torn Manipur and asked how many FIRs have been registered in such incidents in the state since May.

None other than Chief Justice of India, D Y Chandrachud posed a few tough questions for the central government's legal team including Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. At one point Mr Venkataramani also told the court, “I will personally monitor the CBI probe.  That's the kind of assurance I am ready to make". 

Senior counsel Kapil Sibal, however, opposed the CBI probe and favoured a SIT.

At one point the CJI said, "You also said there are about 6000 FIRs. What is the bifurcation? How many involve offences against women? How many involve other serious offences murder, arson, burning down houses?".

He even wanted to know what is the bifurcation between offences against the body, offences against properties, offences against places of worship?

Opposition alliance gets a new name .....Yogi Adityanath calls it a "dot, dot group..."

(The counsel for the Hindu side, Vishnu Shankar Jain, submitted that the district court has called for an ASI survey to come to a logical conclusion. He also presented in the court some photographs of the western side of the mosque showing the existence of Hindu idols and their worship. 

When the hearing started in the case, ASI Additional Director Alok Tripathi informed the court that the ASI was not going to dig the structure.

The mosque is located next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple and Hindu litigants in the district court had sought the survey to determine whether a temple existed at the same spot earlier.)

“The walls are screaming and saying something....," says the UP Chie Minister on the Gyanvapi row.

What is a trishul (trident) doing inside a mosque? There is a jyotirlinga ....

 #Opposition alliance gets a new name .....#YogiAdityanath calls it "dot dot group..." 

he says they should not be called 'I.N.D.I.A' ...." ---- also says "Changing attire or name will not give them any protection from past sins"......

Welcome to Bulldozers !!

Yogi's idea ought to be explained a little. By 'dot dot' alliance he probably means the Opposition party alliance could be ignored as they will not make a much difference !!

Weighing in on the controversy surrounding the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister and BJP strongman has suggested that the Muslim society should offer a solution for the “historical mistake”. 

In a podcast with ANI; Yogi Adityanath, who is also the head priest of Gorakhnath Mutt in Gorakhpur, said the walls of Gyanvapi are “screaming” and calling it a mosque will cause “dispute”.

"Desh mein kisi ko rehna hai to rashtra ko sarvopari manna hoga, apne mazhab ko nahi- (if anyone wants to stay...they should hold nation supreme, not their religion)," he said. 

Adityanath's comment on Gyanvapi mosque came ahead of Allahabad high court's verdict on a plea against a lower court order directing the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct a survey to determine if the mosque was built upon a temple.

 

"If we call it a mosque, there will be a dispute. I feel whoever has been blessed with sight by God, that person should see. What is a trishul (trident) doing inside a mosque? We did not put it there. There is a jyotirlinga, dev pratimas (idols)," the chief minister said.

“The walls are screaming and saying something. I feel there should be a proposal from the Muslim society that there has been a historical mistake and we need a solution,” he added.   

The High Court also ordered that the stay on the ASI survey will continue till August 3. The court was hearing the plea filed by Anjuman Intezamia Masjid, which manages the mosque.

While the dispute dates back decades, on July 21, while hearing a petition by four Hindu women, the Varanasi district court directed ASI to conduct a comprehensive survey, using dating, excavation and ground penetrating radar (GPR) techniques, of the plot where the mosque stands, next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. 

The judge, however, excluded a section – where the Hindu side claims a Shivling was found and the Muslims say the structure is part of a fountain – that has remained sealed since a Supreme Court order in May 2022.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath hit out at his critics who often call him a divisive politician, saying there had been “no riot, no curfew” in the state for the past six years and all festivals were celebrated in peace. In the interview the firebrand BJP leader said that his government did not resort to pretence and hypocrisy.  

“People who talk big, see how elections are to be held. There were elections to urban bodies, panchayats, assembly in Uttar Pradesh and panchayat elections were held in West Bengal. What happened? Do they want to make the country (like) West Bengal, the way the TMC government did in West Bengal (and the UP government),” there is a difference,” he said.

“I have been CM for over 6 years now. There have been no riots in the state since 2017. No curfew was imposed in the past 6 years and all festivals were celebrated peacefully,” Adityanath said when he was asked about the criticism of his Hindu hardliner image.

Referring to allegations that many opposition candidates had been prevented from filing nominations in panchayat polls, Yogi Adityanath said that every individual has the right to fight elections.

Supreme Court wants bifurcation of 6000 cases; how many places of worship attacked?

 "By citing other states, we can't justify Manipur violence," says CJI Chandrachud

New Delhi

"Are you saying protect all daughters of India or don't protect anyone?", CJI asked, almost snubbing the alleged attempts to link Manipur violence or crime against women with such crimes in opposition-ruled West Bengal and Rajasthan. 

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the embarrassed Manipur government headed by Chief Minister N Biren Singh to come back Aug 1, Tuesday at 2 pm with details of FIRs filed since May 3, arrests made, and action taken on the Manipur situation.

The Court called for evolving a broad mechanism to deal with violence against women in strife-torn Manipur and asked how many FIRs have been registered in such incidents in the state since May.

None other than Chief Justice of India, D Y Chandrachud posed a few tough questions for the central government's legal team including Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. 

At one point Mr Venkataramani also told the court, “I will personally monitor the CBI probe.  That's the kind of assurance I am ready to make". Senior counsel Kapil Sibal, however, opposed the CBI probe and favoured a SIT.

A series of tough questions from CJI included, "We have to ask this - how many such FIRs have been filed since the May 3rd?

"We need to know bifurcation of 6000 FIRs, how many zero FIRs, how many forwarded to jurisdictional magistrate, action taken, how many in judicial custody?".

At one point the CJI said, "You also said there are about 6000 FIRs. What is the bifurcation? How many involve offences against women? How many involve other serious offences murder, arson, burning down houses?".

He even wanted to know what is the bifurcation between offences against the body, offences against properties, offences against places of worship?

The CJI further asserted, "We are dealing with something of unprecedented magnitude of violence against women in communal and sectarian violence. It cannot be gainsaid that crimes are happening against women and in Bengal also. But here the case is different. We cannot justify what happened in Manipur by saying that this and this happened elsewhere".

The top court had last week taken suo motu cognisance of a video that emerged online recently, in which two women belonging to Kuki tribe were seen paraded naked and being molested.

The bench was on Monday hearing a batch of pleas filed regarding the outbreak of violence in Manipur including the plea by two women from the Kuki tribe who were paraded naked by a mob of men.

Namo in North East 

Advocate Bansuri Swaraj appearing in an intervention application, asked the Court to take up similar incidents from West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, sources said.

The Centre also told the SC that it has no objection if the apex court monitors the investigation into the Manipur violence.

Two women survivors of the assault opposed the CBI probe and transfer of trial to Assam. The Centre clarified it's only for the SC to decide where the trial should occur and that the Centre hasn't chosen any state.

“The viral video case isn't the only incident of violence against women in the state. There must be a wider mechanism in place to prevent such incidents and take action,” the SC said.

Advocate Kapil Sibal said, “We want a court-monitored SIT instead of the CBI.”

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, “The Centre has no objection if the Supreme Court monitors the CBI probe.”

Advocate Vrinda Grover appearing for 'Women in Governance India' claimed that there is targeted violence against the Kuki women. to which the SG objected.

The Supreme Court pulled up the Manipur police over time taken to register a zero FIR in the case. 

The court said there can't be any justification for not registering a zero FIR and asked what stopped them from registering an FIR for 14 days.

ends

Box: Judiciary's teeth: Strong one liners 

CJI DY Chandrachud: We have to ask this- how many such FIRs have been filed since the 3rd?

We need to know bifurcation of 6000 FIRs, how many zero FIRs, how many forwarded to jurisdictional magistrate, action taken, how many in judicial custody? - CJI

This video is not the only assault on women. Number of other such incidents...so this is not an isolated incident. "You also said there are about 6000 FIRs. What is the bifurcation? How many involve offences against women? 

How many....offences against properties, offences against places of worship?"

ends 

Mizo CM in veiled missive joins issue with Biren Singh, flays 'mob lynching'

New Delhi/Aizawl

"I accept that I may occasionally be the subject of mockery and criticism.....However, incidents (like arresting someone for expressing dissent towards the government) will not happen in Mizoram," veteran Mizo leader and Chief Minister Zoramthanga said in his Instagram handle.

His missive can be perhaps easily linked to recent outbursts from Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who said "involvement of a Chief Minister in a particular rally was not nice". 

"I respect him (Mr Zoramthanga) as a senior but he has gone beyond ethics. As a Chief Minister he should not interfere in other state's affairs," Biren Singh had said disapproving Mizoram Chief Minister's participation at a rally at Aizawl wherein speakers made a personal attack on Manipur Chief Minister.

Taking to his official Instagram handle, Zoramthanga posted a photo of one Hangmuanlai Vaiphei who was allegedly killed in a mob lynching attack when he was being taken from the High Court complex to central jail in Imphal.

Biren Singh had also criticised the European Union Parliament for discussing and passing comments on Manipur matters without having adequate knowledge of the ground situation.

ends  

Was it a self goal by Opposition in Rajya Sabha: Assam MP Birendra Prasad Baishya had 'initiated' Short Duration Discussion on Manipur

 Assam MP Birendra Prasad Baishya of AGP had 'initiated' Short Duration Discussion on Manipur .... but soon pandemonium prevailed..... Did Opposition really run away from discussions?

In fact, debate had 'formally and technically' commenced with Chairman stating - "Is the House prepared to take discussion on Manipur....The government is keen....I therefore call upon Shri Birendra Prasad Baishya to initiate the discussion on The Short Duration Discussion. 

(This was after 2 pm....)

Subsequently AGP Member, Baishya was up on his feet and said, "Thank you Honourable Chairman Sir for allowing me discuss the situation of Manipur...

Problems started after that. Congress MP Digvijaya Singh said, "Sir, I have a point of order".

And then interruptions followed !! 

Repeated attempts by Chair to go ahead with the proceedings did not yield expected results ! 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman later blasted the Opposition.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharama briefs media, slams opposition for creating ruckus in Rajya Sabha and running away from debate on Manipur.

"Today you saw what happened in the Rajya Sabha. According to the listing, a discussion on Manipur had to happen but the opposition who claimed to have a discussion on Manipur, today when it began, they didn't let it happen. They ran away from the discussion.

'Eight days have gone. People have gone and come back, so now they don't want to discuss the issues that they noticed during their visit? Through media, I want to convey, that today it's clear that the opposition was shedding crocodile tears on the Manipur issue". 

"....68 MPs had given notices for a discussion on Manipur but the government is running away from it," Congress Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala later said.

A total of 108 projects worth Rs 2,273.44 crore were sanctioned under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) from 2019-23, Union Minister for Development of North-East Region (DoNER) said on Monday. 

"We cannot justify what happened in Manipur by saying that this and this happened elsewhere," says CJI Chandrachud

CJI DY Chandrachud: "We have to ask this- how many such FIRs have been filed since the 3rd?"

"We need to know bifurcation of 6000 FIRs, how many zero FIRs, how many forwarded to jurisdictional magistrate, action taken, how many in judicial custody?" - CJI

The Supreme Court asked the Manipur government to come back Aug 1 at 2 pm with details of FIRs filed since May 3, arrests made, and action taken.

The Supreme Court on Monday called for evolving a broad mechanism to deal with violence against women in strife-torn Manipur and asked how many FIRs have been registered in such incidents in the state since May.

"We are dealing with something on unprecedented magnitude of violence against women in communal and sectarian violence. It cannot be gainsaid that crimes are happening against woman and in Bengal also. But here the case is different. 

We cannot justify what happened in Manipur by saying that this and this happened elsewhere," CJI Chandrachud said.

The top court had last week taken suo motu cognisance of a video that emerged online recently, in which two Manipuri women belonging to Kuki tribe were seen paraded naked and being molested.

The bench was on Monday hearing a batch of pleas filed regarding the outbreak of violence in Manipur including the plea by two women from the Kuki tribe who were paraded naked by a mob of men.

Advocate Bansuri Swaraj (daughter of Late Sushma Swaraj), appearing in an intervention application, asked the Court to take up similar incidents from West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.

The Centre told the SC that it has no objection if the apex court monitors the investigation into the Manipur violence.

Two women survivors of the assault opposed the CBI probe and transfer of trial to Assam. The Centre clarified it's only for the SC to decide where the trial should occur and that the Centre hasn't chosen any state.

“The viral video case isn't the only incident of violence against women in the state. There must be a wider mechanism in place to prevent such incidents and take action,” the SC said.

Attorney General R Venkataramani to the court, “I will personally monitor the CBI probe. That's the kind of assurance I am ready to make.”

Kapil Sibal said, “We want a court-monitored SIT instead of the CBI.”

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, “The Centre has no objection if the Supreme Court monitors the CBI probe.”

Advocate Vrinda Grover appearing for 'Women in Governance India' claimed that there is targeted violence against the Kuki women. to which the SG objected.

The Supreme Court pulled up the Manipur police over time taken to register a zero FIR in the case. The court said there can't be any justification for not registering a zero FIR and asked what stopped them from registering an FIR for 14 days.

The court asked the Manipur government to come back tomorrow at 2pm with details of FIRs filed since May 3, arrests made, and action taken in the case.

During UPA Govt when a one-year-long blockade happened, nobody from UPA visited Manipur :: Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Earth Science Minister Kiren Rijiju joins issue with senior Congress leader P Chidambaram and says, he would like to take the former FM and ex-Home Minister 

to North-East "to show the ground reality".

In a tweet, the MP from Arunachal Pradesh notes, "PM Narendra Modi ji has built more Airports and Heliports in the North-East during last 9 years than what Congress Govt had built in 6 decades!"

Both the Houses adjourned .... till 11 am, Aug 1, Tuesday 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharama briefs media, slams opposition for creating ruckus in Rajya Sabha and running away from debate on Manipur.

"Today you saw what happened in the Rajya Sabha. According to the listing, a discussion on Manipur had to happen but the opposition who claimed to have a discussion on Manipur, today when it began, they didn't let it happen. They ran away from the discussion.

'Eight days have gone. People have gone and come back, so now they don't want to discuss the issues that they noticed during their visit? Through media, I want to convey, that today it's clear that the opposition was shedding crocodile tears on the Manipur issue: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

"Manipur is a very sensitive issue. Long back under the UPA government when a one-year-long blockade happened, nobody from the UPA went to Manipur at that time. But under PM Modi's government, the Union Home Minister went there and stayed for days and tried to solve the matter and provided aid to the people of the state. Very sad," says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

 Congress leader #Sandeep Dikshit supports #Delhi Ordinance Bill, says, "Arvind Kejriwal has misled the entire Opposition I.N.D.I.A alliace and #BJP has a majority in #LokSabha, this bill should be passed in the House. The bill is as per the status of Delhi. In my opinion, opposing this bill is wrong."

Lok Sabha passes Bill to curb film piracy, revamp age-based certification

Union Minister Anurag Thakur says, 

"I request them to come inside Parliament and participate in discussions. We want discussions from day 1. What is stopping them (Opposition) from holding talks?... 

They only run away from discussions rather than taking part in them...This clearly shows that they are doing politics..."

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav to move the #Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 in #RajyaSabha today for its consideration and passage further to amend the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. 

The Bill already passed by the Lok Sabha.

Home Minister @AmitShah

 to move the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in  #LokSabha today for its consideration and passage further to amend the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur is to introduce the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 in Rajya Sabha today to provide for press, registration of periodicals and for matters connected.

Blogger: Reflected Glories (Parliament) 

Jyotidaditya Scindia flays Chidambaram, points out "Desperation for survival" and urges him not to perpetuate "half-baked truths"

".....@PChidambaram_IN
 Ji, clearly, fact checking is not the current Congress’ strong suit. Desperation for survival and relevance have hit senior discerning leaders such as yourself. Please do not perpetuate half-baked truths!" -- tweeted 

Jyotidaditya Scindia, Civil Aviation Minister

He further states:

"The Govt. under the visionary leadership of PM Modi has “operationalised” 74 airports, some of which had been lying unutilized for decades & were national liabilities, thanks to zero initiative taken by the previous UPA govts! Therefore, the list of 74 includes, both, erstwhile unutilized airports, as well as new airports." 

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has under the Greenfield Airports Policy 2008, operationalised 12 Airports in the country since 2015. Operations in Hirasar (inaugurated this week) will begin shortly. For your information, only 3 greenfield airports were built in the last 65 years! 

Operation of a route is completely dependent on market demand (airlines assess the feasibility of operation on a particular route and bid under the scheme). Airport infrastructure can be utilised as and when demand picks up. 

Also, as airlines create capacities and demand for air travel picks up, many discontinued routes are being bid for again by airlines under new rounds of the UDAN scheme. 

Under the UDAN scheme, 74 Airports/Heliports/Water Aerodromes have been revived/upgraded and operationalised since the inception of the scheme. More than 1.23 crore people and 2.23 lakh flights have flown under the UDAN scheme - the possibility of which was NIL during the UPA regime. And that’s a FACT that can’t be washed away by sensationalist twitter posts. 

\The government's efforts in building 74 airports/Heliports/water aerodromes demonstrate the commitment to expanding infrastructure and accessibility to remote areas, and supporting regional development. Most of these airports are the only source of direct connectivity with far-flung cities, such as Darbhanga, Jharsuguda, Jamshedpur and Rourkela etc. 

The UDAN scheme is also the sole reason behind the birth of many regional airlines that cater to such routes. 

"These developments have involved incurring unprecedented capital investment - almost Rs 75000 crore in the last 10 years - which is directly linked to the growth of employment in the country and has a deep social impact apart from meeting the growing aspirations of all the strata of the society to undertake air travel. What earlier governments failed to achieve in 70 years has been achieved in merely 9 years!"

Mahesh Jethmalani, BJP endorses Scindia and says, "The stain of his own rank corruption as Finance Minister has not humbled P Chidambaram.

"Superb demolition of #Chidambaram’s ostensibly pithy tweet. He should realise that gone are the days when he could preach from the lofty perch that he thought his Harvard background afforded him. 

As with his pompous prognosis that PMModi’s plans to digitalise India were doomed to failure, he once again stands exposed as a charlatan. The stain of his own rank corruption as FM has not humbled him. That’s the luxury delayed criminal trials afford the audaciously dishonest". -- Mahesh Jethmalani tweets 

Earlier P Chidambaram in his tweet had said:

"The claims of the government that they had built "74 airports in the last 7 years" are hollow and untrue
Only 11 new airports were built since May 2014  and which are operational.

"The 74 "airports" include 9 helicopter stations and two waterdromes. The waterdromes closed down soon after the 'inauguration'! Out of the 74  "airports", 15 are no longer in use because there are no flights! 

The BJP-NDA government launched 479 new "routes". Out of these, 225 are no longer in operation! 

Naga peace interlocutor AK Mishra makes key breakthrough with Kukis :::: BJP leader Chuba recalls Sangma's sagacity

Naga peace interlocutor Mishra makes key breakthrough with Kukis

New Delhi 

Of all the formal and informal parleys related to Manipur situation in recent past, the most significant meeting has been the first 'formal meeting' between the Central government's representatives and two Kuki conglomeration the United People's Front (UPF), and the Kuki National Organization (KNO).

"At least the ice has been broken since May first week and UPF and KNO were led by Aaron Kipgen and Seilen Haokip respectively. We see positive signs as earlier even the courtesy dialogue had faced hindrances," a key source said.

The Kuki-Zo people see their two organisations discussing things with Mishra and other officials in 'positive perspective' and also held a solidarity and peaceful sit-in in Kangpokpi district on July 26 in support of the UPF and KNO talks with the Centre.

Assam Rifles personnel repairing a 'destroyed' water poject

Both the organisations, the UPF and the KNO have put up their demand for Union Territory with legislative powers for Kukis and Zo communities, it is learnt.

The centre and N Biren Singh-led Manipur government have started other administrative measures too which are related to the present impasse in the state.

In the letter, Peter Salam, Joint Secretary (Home), Manipur government, told all deputy commissioners

to start 'biometric capturing' of illegal migrants from Myanmar.

In fact, his order to district police bosses and civil administration is reference to a directive from the Union

Ministry of Home Affairs of May 29, 2023 wherein it has been directed that the campaign for capturing biometric 

data of illegal migrants in the state of Manipur has to be completed by September this year.

The Manipur government has already reported to the centre that over 700 illegal immigrants from Myanmar 

have entered the state lately. 

The National Crime Records Bureau (NBRC) team which has been deputed by MHA for training and 

handholding of state government officers, will assist and guide in the biometric capture exercise to be 

conducted at Foreigners' Detention Centre, Imphal.

Sources said similarly a set of multi-pronged strategies have been initiated and 'details' of some

these could not be shared. 

Asked whether the arrest of a NSCN-IM deputy kilonser and a Nagaland

cop Michael in connection with army supply to Manipur is also linked to such 'strategies',

the source said, "We cannot say either yes or no to many questions in life".

A report by a sub-committee of the Manipur cabinet has revealed that 2,187 illegal immigrants from 

Myanmar have set up settlements in 41 locations in four districts of Manipur. The panel was 

headed by Tribal Affairs and Hill Development minister Letpao Haokip, who is one of ten MLAs who 

have called for a separate administration.

The report stated that the highest number of 1,147 Myanmar nationals are currently residing in Tengnoupal, followed by 81 in Chandel, 154 in Churachandpur and 5 in Kangpokpi.

Before the violence broke out on May 3, the state government had decided to identify the Myanmar nationals  who had earlier sought asylum in Manipur.

ends 

Newly-appointed BJP VP Chuba Ao hails P.A. Sangma’s sagacity

"I feel humbled by the trust and faith shown in me," says BJP's newly-inducted Vice-President, M. Chuba Ao.

This is for the second time, he got the crucial assignment.

Interacting with a group of youth, including students from Meghalaya, Nagaland and Sikkim, virtually, he said, "I am going to surprise you. As a rival, I always criticise the Congress. But individually Late P.A. Sangma ji was a great leader.

When he became the Lok Sabha Speaker, he said, "I know I am the first tribal Speaker. I know the responsibility; if I fail, everyone will say a tribal has failed."

Chuba Ao said, "The same situation applies to me... I am the first Naga and also first northeastern tribal leader to get this post. So, I should not fail."

Late P.A. Sangma was a Congress veteran for many years and became the Lok Sabha Speaker in 1996.

Of course, Sangma was also part of the troika with Sharad Pawar and Tariq Anwar in 1999 quitting the Congress and forming NCP on the ground of Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin.

Chuba is incidentally the BJP in-charge of Meghalaya where NPP leader Conrad Sangma is the Chief Minister.

Conrad is late P.A. Sangma's son and the party NPP too was floated by the former Lok Sabha Speaker.

Fielding questions on the Manipur impasse and the roles played by the BJP both in Imphal and Delhi, Chuba Ao was critical of the Congress and other opposition parties.

"They have brought a No Confidence Motion, but they will get a befitting reply on the floor of Lok Sabha," Chuba said, according to sources in his office.

Chuba, who hails from Nagaland, pointed out that in 1993 when there was the height of Kuki-Naga clashes, the then Union Minister of State for Home, Rajesh Pilot, spent "three hours in Imphal".

Compared to this, he said, "Our Home Minister Amit Shah visited Manipur for three days. My colleague and MoS Home Nityanand Rai camped himself in Imphal for 20 days."

The BJP National Vice-President also said -- What an ex-chief of the Indian Army, General Naravane has stated that there could be the possibility of 'foreign angle' must be understood.

"I think he is a learned man. General Naravane knows our region. He served at Jakhama and Rangapahar. So, we should give due weightage to words from such experts. Naravane ji is also a man of few words," Chuba added.

One participant from SIkkim then said, "Do you agree China could be involved... and (pauses)... Naga insurgents have in the past taken help from China?"

To this question, Chuba's response was: "I am not competent and authorised to speak about foreign countries. This is a very sensitive issue. Our experts, diplomats and leaders in the government are examining all these and they will speak in Parliament during the debate on the No Confidence Motion."

One female young entrepreneur from Tura in Meghalaya asked him -- "Uncle Chuba, what is your mission in life as a BJP leader because your party is pro-Hindu?"

The BJP National Vice-President (Chuba) replied stating, "Firstly, as a Naga, a tribal and a Christian, I have never faced any problem from my party. So why call us pro-Hindu? We are hundred per cent pro-inclusive for all, for growth and development. The Prime Minister has said it repeatedly, we don't do anything for Hindus or Muslims; we do and want inclusive growth of every citizen."

"When toilets were made, roads were made and bridges came up, did they come up only for Hindus... The developmental works have been immense in Assam and also Manipur," he said.

To another question, he said, "We have to contribute more sincerely for the cause of peace in Nagaland. As a BJP leader and as a member of Team Nadda and Team Modi I think, I should contribute my part towards bringing all stakeholders for an early solution to our very old Naga issue."

(Nirendra Dev is a New Delhi-based journalist. He is also author of the books 'The Talking Guns: North East India', and 'Modi to Moditva: An Uncensored Truth'. Views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

SICKULARISM may mock, but reality is India is emerging under Namo ::: "We can become a developed country by 2047 with an average annual real GDP growth of 7.6%"

Now let us get at some of the statistics and factors those go in favour of in general sense.

India’s growing economic strength has enabled it to befriend with the US on equal term footing. In the process India has able to increase its military expenditure at a fast pace. That way, Russia understands the geo-politics on ground and hence Vladimir Putin has also befriended Narendra Modi.

The Indian government has not failed Moscow as New Delhi has not backed Ukraine and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar rightly says,  "We are on the side of Peace and we are with ourselves, that is national interest".

India is expected to move up to the third slot by 2029-30, with China and the US occupying the first and second positions. 

According to the World Bank, India occupied fifth position in world economies in 2022 with GDP in nominal dollar terms amounting to $3,385 billion as against $25,462bn and $17,963bn for the US and China respectively. In 2014, India's ranking was number tenth. 

It is easy to say things have progressed as expected and the Modi government need not be given credit; but the fact of the matter is in between the world has succumbed due to multiple factors including Covid19 and the Russia-Ukraine war.

It is pertinent to note that while the World Bank's projection stands at 6.3% ,

the Reserve Bank of India has projected 6.5% growth for this fiscal year. 

Importantly yet again, World Bank President Ajay Banga recently opined that domestic consumption provides a natural cushion to India's economy against global slowdown as bulk of the GDP depends on local demand.

An RBI bulletin released earlier in July also said that India could become a developed country by 2047 with an average annual real GDP growth of 7.6% over the next 25 years.

Faceless voter keeping an eye on 'India story'

According to Sipri, an independent research institute looking into various aspects of armed conflict, India’s military expenditure was estimated at $81.4bn in 2022, ranking fourth globally.

"India’s higher military expenditure has enabled it to build up its military strength in various fields at a fast pace. Its fast-developing strategic partnership with the US and its allies has added to its military weight, upsetting the strategic balance in South Asia to Pakistan’s disadvantage," says an article in Pakistani newspaper 'Dawn'.  

Henry Kissinger in his book, ‘World Order’ (2014), takes note of India’s hegemonic designs and points out that India has established “in practice a special position in the Indian Ocean region” and like the American Monroe Doctrine conducts “its policy on the basis of its own definition of a South Asian order”.

At the global level, now India is an emerging nation unlike the 'defensive and apologetic' previous regime and thus New Delhi mandarin wish to ensure that India gets its 'due place' as one of the great powers, and also a key player in international peace and security set up.

"India’s long-term and rapidly-developing strategic partnership with the US and its allies, bilaterally or through such forums as the Quad (Australia, India, Japan and the US), promotes its economic progress and military build-up and helps it counter Beijing’s ingress in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, while serving the US policy of containment of China.

However, India is too big to be reduced to the status of a satellite of the US," wrote Javid Hussain in 'Dawn'.  

Chanakya: New Parliament Building

This is a Mallu diagnosis..... but many Mallus will not like !! ...... "Just like across India, youth in Kerala also attracted towards PM' vision : Anil Antony

(This is a mallu diagnosis..... but many Mallus will not like !! communists and opportunism of Congress is so deep (as my own Bangla) that 'crabs' will start working and people will mock BJP's newly appointed National Secretary !! 

"Just like across India, the youth in Kerala are attracted towards the Honourable Prime Minister’s vision for India. 

Kerala is a state with a lot of socio economic growth. While the median age of the country is 27, in Kerala it is 35 and young people are struggling for job opportunities. They are leaving in masses searching for jobs both outside the country and within India to other states." - A K Antony's son -- Anil Antony says ..... 

In first media interview close on the heels of his appointment, Anil Antony also said

"I joined the BJP, because I was very sure that the BJP is the only national party with a vision and direction to drive the country forward under the leadership of our beloved Prime Minister Narendra Modiji. 

He has a vision for the country for the next 25 years. In the nine years under the Prime Ministership of Narendra Modiji, the country has progressed much ahead than the earlier 67 years post Independence put together.

India is emerging as a prominent pillar in a multi-polar world. He wants to push forward the country into a developed nation in its 100th year of Independence. I am feeling very humble and honoured that the BJP leadership has shown this much confidence in me and with this new posting that I have a better platform to work towards the PM's vision for India."