Mizo University’s 6th foundation day celebrated
Mizoram University celebrated its 6th foundation day recently. The university came up as per memorandum of understanding signed between the MNF and the Centre in 1986. University’s Vice Chancellor Prof. A.N. Rai in a message said, “it is a time to pause and reflect in terms of where the University stands in context to obtaining its objectives.” He, however, cautioned that five is not a very long period of time where anything significant achievement can be made. “Five years is not a great deal of time as far as institutions are concerned, but we ought to have a vision of (MZU’s) future and strive hard to achieve it,” he said. “Institution building is a hard task. Those of us that are here in these early formative days of MZU have greater responsibility and have to strive harder to build this institution despite the inherent hardships and inconveniences that we face, ” he stated.

Sikkim tourism dept plans for monsoon tourism
After a successful summer tourist season, the state department of tourism is now planning to introduce monsoon tourism. The Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Tourism said that the department is fine tuning it’s strategy in regard to alluring more tourists during the so called off-season months of monsoon, from June to mid August. The incentives for the tourists include huge discounts in hotel tariff, the government lodges and hotels already offering 30 per cent discount. The department is also planning a massive publicity to woo the tourists.

Crime against women on the  rise in Tripura
Crimes against women like rape, molestation and dowry death are growing in Tripura. On an average, 82 women face atrocities every month in the State. This includes 21 rape cases, 28 molestation, 17 cases of atrocities on brides, 45 suicides and seven murder of brides. The State Government and Women Commission has turned a blind eye into crimes against women.  Leader of the Opposition, Ratan Lal Nath alleged that the Women Commission has also adopted a politically motivated stance whereby it is not possible to make sure that the victims get justice. He said during the last three years as many as 1,574 complaints were filed before the Women Commission. But so far the Women panel has disposed off only 518 cases.  In 2004 and 2005, only 61 accused out of the 1,901 persons involved in rape and other cases were proved to be guilty in the court of law.

B’desh to continue coal import
Bangladesh has extended the period of coal import from Meghalaya by six months. A delegation of Sylhet Coal Importer Group Committee met the Meghalaya International Exporter Chamber of Commerce (MIECC) members here on Monday and communicated the decision of their government with regard to the expansion of import deal with Meghalaya. The span of last agreement between the two countries on coal trade expired on July 1 this year and sources said it was only a renewal of the old agreement. Meghalaya coal traders would be able to export coal to Bangladesh through Dawki..

Truce with ANVC extended
Ceasefire with the banned ANVC has been extended for one more year. The decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) comprising representatives of the State government, Centre and ANVC held in New Delhi. Official sources informed that after the discussion with the ANVC, the latter assured to strictly adhere to the ceasefire ground rules. The meeting also decided that the JMG would monitor the progress of the ceasefire with the ANVC. The ANVC had entered into tripartite ceasefire agreement on July 23, 2004. The JMG also discussed Garo Hills situation in terms of law and order. The JMG felt that extension of ceasefire for one year would help in improving law and order situation in Garo Hills. During the meeting, the ANVC had asked for lifting of ban. However, the matter is likely to be taken up in a different forum. Among those who attended the JMG meeting include Arist Sangma, Wanding Marak, Chief Secretary S. K. Tewari, DGP W. R. Marbaniang, Joint Secretary in-charge of North-East Rajiv Agarwal.

Next round of Naga talks on  July 28-29
The Centre and major Naga insurgent group NSCN (IM)   will hold a crucial round of    talks in Bangkok this month   end on the issue of extension   of ceasefire, which expires on July 31. The talks will be held   on July 28 and 29 in the Thai capital during which matters relating to giving autonomy to Nagaland on the lines of that in Jammu and Kashmir will also come up. This forthcoming round of parleys is being considered crucial.

|  Headlines  |  Editorial   | Coverstory  |
|  Travel Column   |   News Briefs  |
| OT Main Page | Nena  Home Page  |