NEC appoints MNCs  
With the aim to strengthen its operations, the North Eastern Council (NEC) has appointed three multi-national companies (MNC) to monitor and evaluate the ongoing projects undertaken by the eight North-Eastern states, at a cost of more than three crore. More than 50 officials will be deputed across the NE states, by three MNCs and would start monitoring and evaluvating all the projects funded by NEC. Companies such as Snowy Mountain Engineering Corporation, Computer Management Corporation and Grace   Systems, which would set up their offices in their allocated places in all NE   states. All the appointed officials will be equipped with a high-tech VSAT system to provide regular feedback. Officials, some of the exclusive technical persons would be in charge of monitoring power and other research projects. The Planning Departments of various states would co-ordinate with these officials in their respective region.

Tripura Govt  to regroup 5883 tribal families 
Tripura Government will rehabilitate tribal people living in remote or inaccessible areas. Under the plan, over 5883 tribal families will be rehabilitated on the form of regrouping in a bid to give   them opportunities to lead a ‘modest’ life.The beneficiaries will be engaged in different cultivation like medicinal plans, bamboo & cane. Besides, they will also be involved in joint forest management to earn their livelihood.

Bell of freedom chimes for animals 
As many as 50 species of animals were released to enjoy their god-gifted freedom in Lalram (Kingdom) Farm at Zemabawk in Mizoram to mark the World Wildlife Week.The animals, which included deer, monkeys, mongoose and different types of birds, were donated by several inviduals to the Association for Environmental Protection (ASEP) to be released in the association’s mini-sanctuary. “This day will be a remarkable day in the history of Mizoram. I truly appreciate the steps taken by the ASEP, which is the first of its kind in Mizoram. It is high time that the people of Mizoram wake up to the need to protect our environment and wildlife,’’ Mizoram Assembly deputy speaker C Lalrinsanga, who rang the bell of freedom, said. The ASEP has already declared October 10 as ‘Animals’ Freedom Day’ and appealed to all the people of Mizoram to observe it each year.

NSCN (IM) cadre  thrashed and handed to cops 
A cadre of the NSCN (IM)  who tried to abduct a doctor from the Primary Health Centre at Pallel Maning Leikai under Thoubal district was over powered by the patients, others, and handed over to the police.  The cadre came to the Primary Health Centre and after whipping out a gun asked the doctor on duty, Dr Y Rameshore to come to Komlathabi. Not amused by the threat issued to the doctor, the patients and their relatives pounced on the gunman and after disarming soundly thrashed him and later handed him over to the police.

11-point programme for development  
Manipur Governor S S Sidhu  has mooted an 11-point programme for the development of the North Eastern region. Speaking during a national level seminar on ‘’Developmental Challenges and Employment Generation’’ in NE, he said tourism and hospitality industry should be the main focus. Bamboo mission, strengthening local artifacts, utilisation of herbal mediciens, horticulture, agro-processing, quality nursing, information technology, financial services, self-employment generation programme and training in tourism and management were the issues the Governor mooted. The NE was lagging behind other states of the country and the rate of unemployment in the region had caused social tensions and led to the sons of the soil movements in the country. In Manipur alone there were more than 4.95 lakh registered unemployed youths, he said adding high degree of unemployment was one factor compelling youths to join insurgent groups.  

Assam Rifles adopts girl child    
Living up to the tradition of Assam Rifles (AR), the 21st Battalion of AR has adopted 12-year-old Anga — a student of standard seven — from Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home. The batallion would bear the schooling expenditure of Anga, who currently studies at the Government Higher Secondary School. The girl had been adopted by the orphanage after she lost her parents at a very young age. While adopting the child, commandant of 21 AR Col J K Chaurasia hoped “she would grow up with a sense of pride’’.

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