IMPHAL, July 17: Manipur People's Party (MPP) president and sitting MLA Okram Joy has decided to file a disqualification case against four MPP MLAs who had joined the ruling Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) in an indecent haste. Sources said that this imminent court is without any prejudice to the ongoing hearings in the tribunal headed by chairman and Speaker Sapam Dhananjoy Singh against the 9 MLAs. The defeated Speaker Karam Badudhon Singh had 'recognised' the split of the parties despite the fact that he had no power to do so. However, the merger order had been signed by the in cumbent Speaker. Joy has decided to approach the High Court. Meanwhile, the High Court has started hearing the case against four NCP MLAs on the basis of the complaint filed by the president RK Nokulsana. (Correspondent; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; July 19, 2000)

IMPHAL, July 19: The Opposition today rapped rural development and panchayati raj minister N Bihari Singh for alleged illegal appointments in his department. Opposition leaders O Joy Singh, Rishang Keishing and Nimaichand Luwang accused the minister of violating the ban on recruitment imposed by the state government. Discussing the rural development and panchayat department's demands today in the Assembly, former Congress Chief Minister Rishang Keishing alleged that the department was not able to acquire funds allocated by the Centre over the past two years. Terming the minister as inefficient, Keishing said it was unfortunate that the department could not even collect its full share of funds from the Centre for various project. Manipur People's Party (MPP) chief O Joy Singh said the department had advertised for the post of one section officer, two clerks and two progress assistants last year. However, the MPP leader said the department has recruited 21 section officers, 26 clerks and 22 progress assistants, violating government norms. Nemaichand Luwang of Congress charged the minister with interfering in the functioning of the district rural development agency (DRDA) in Thoubal district. Luwang said 16 people have been appointed in Thoubal without proper sanction. Of these, five have already been promoted, he added. Luwang said the DRDA governing in Thoubal comprising ministers and legislators, has stayed the appointment of 16 people after detecting irregularities. However, the minister has ordered the DRDA, Thoubal to start paying salaries to the six employees, he said. Rural development and panchayati raj minister N. Bihari Singh, however, defended his move. He said the money involved in paying salaries to the newly-recruited employees came from the Centre and not from the state Budget. Despite the allegations, Singh justified the appointments, saying he had not violated rules. The minister said the recruitment was ordered after many rural development department employees were deputed to the zilla parishad and the blocks. He said the ad hoc recruitments had been made to replace those employees who had gone on deputation. (Correspondent; The Telegraph; Calcutta; July 20, 2000)

AGARTALA, July 19: Members of the Tripura Assembly today condemned Agartala Doordarshan Kendra station director VN Jauhuri for challenging the authority of the House. The members resolved to send a letter to the Union information and broadcasting ministry enclosing a copy of Jauhuri's letter to the secretary of the state Assembly. Jauhuri has come under fire for allotting programmes to a religious organisation, bending government rules, and favouritism. Information minister Jiten Chowdhury read out a transcript of the letter on the floor of the House. In the letter, Jauhuri said Agartala Doordarshan Kendra is a station under the Prasar Bharati Corporation and not under any ministry of the state government. Any question relating to the functioning of the station can be raised only by the Prasar Bharati or by Parliament. For official programmes, the director is answerable only to higher authorities in the Prasar Bharati, the letter dated July 18 added. Speaker Jiten Sarkar admitted two motions in the House on a Hindu religious organisation chief taking money from the Agartala Doordarshan Kendra and on the roles of Doordarshan and All India Radio in strengthening ethnic peace and harmony. Condemning Jauhuri's letter as being tantamount to undermining the authority of the Assembly, information minister Chowdhury said the director was regularly dishonouring the state government's invitations to important meetings. He sent his deputies to attend such meetings, he added. Chief Minister Manik Sarkar proposed that a letter on behalf of the Assembly would be sent to the Union information and broadcasting ministry and the Prasar Bharati Corporation. Terming the Agartala Doordarshan director's behaviour as "unprecedented", the information minister said all Union government departments, including the telecom and railways, furnish replies to the state Assembly. Chowdhury appreciated the role played by All India Radio to ease ethnic tension and violence by doing special programmes in consultation with the state government. (Correspondent; The Telegraph; Calcutta; July 20, 2000)

DIPHU, July 20: The Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) convention held here today took major decisions on restructuring the party and reallocating responsibilities of Chief Executive Member and executive members. All these decisions were taken amid walk-out by members belonging to Holiram Terang and Jotson Bey group both in the Standing Committee meeting and Central Committee meetings of the party. As per decision Jayanta Rongpi has been replaced by Chandra Kanta Terang as the President of ASDC while Holiram Terang has been replaced by Hem Sing Tisso as the General Secretary of the ASDC. Earlier, Chandra Kanta Terang was the vice-president of ASDC and Hem Sing Tisso will be a general secretary of the Karbi Students Association (KSA). Tisso is now MLA from Diphu. As per the decision of the meeting five members of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), including Chairman Babu Rongpi, CEM Jotson Bey, executive members Rabi Kumar Phagso, Frenchis Teron and Ram Singh Tokli have been removed from the council and given party responsibilities in their respective district ASDC committees. All these decisions were taken first by the Standing Committee having 17 members, which were later approved by the Central Committee having 55 members. Significantly, seven members of the Standing Committee led by the Chief Executive Members (CEM) of the Autonomous Council, Jotson Bey walked out of the meeting. Even, Holiram Terang though attended the meeting for sometime declined to put his signature on the proceedings. Similarly, in the Central Committee meeting 22 members belonging to Holiram Terang group walked out demanding postponement of the meeting. Jayanta Rongpi today advised that the present crisis in ASDC stems from his differences with Holiram Terang and his followers. "The set-back for ASDC is a clash of ideology between me and Terang which has extended to personal level." The meeting also decided to initiate disciplinary action against those leaders who have gone to press about party matters recently and thereby maligned the image of the party. The action will be taken by respective district ASDC units. On disciplinary ground, Rabindra Rongpi, has been dropped from the Standing Committee today. (Bijoy Sankar Bora; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; July 21, 2000)

DIPHU, July 22: Since the day it was formed on May 17, 1986, Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) probably faced worst ever crisis today as its two powerful leaders Jayanta Rongpi and Holiram Terang are at loggerheads. In fact, the crisis has virtually split the ASDC into two groups sans the formalities. The common Karbi people's dream for a separate autonomous state within the state of Assam lies shattered as the ASDC stalwarts are engaged in a power struggle within the party. It is yet to be answered what actually triggered the bitter conflict between Rongpi and Terang, both of whom are also central committee members of the CPI(ML) which floated its left democratic front ASDC in 1986. Although the conflict is being attributed to corruption charges levelled against Rongpi by Holiram Terang and his group including the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) chief executive member, Jotson Bey, but there is more to it than meets the eye. For Rongpi, "It is a major set-back to the ASDC. A clash of ideology has extended to personal level". Rongpi says difference of opinion among the leaders is bound to emerge which should be resolved within the party. He pointed out that the CPI(ML) leadership has evolved a five-point package to resolve the crisis and Terang agreed to it. "I feel betrayed as Terang has now back-tracked from his position vis-a-vis the five-point package", Rongpi maintains. But Terang says "the contentious issues are yet to be resolved in the CPI(ML) forum. So, how can it be resolved in the ASDC forum". Therefore he declined to even acknowledge the decisions arrived at the ASDC standing committee meeting on July 20 last and which were later endorsed in the central committee of the ASDC later in the day. Seven members including Terang did not attend the standing committee meeting while 22 members belonging to "Holiram group" abstained from the central committee meeting. The standing committee has total 17 members while the central committee has 47 members. The major decisions, which are basically aimed at resolving the present crisis, taken in the two meetings on July 20 last included removal of Rongpi and Terang as the president and the general secretary of the ASDC and replacing them with CK Terang and Hem Sing Tisso, respectively. Jotson Bey has been asked to resign from the post of the KAAC Chief Executive Member and take up the job of secretary chief of Hamren district committee of the ASDC. The newly-selected president of the ASDC, CK Terang says the decisions are the need of the hour to strengthen the party at the grassroot level at this crucial juncture. However, Holiram Terang looks uncompromising. He says, "The decisions of the ASDC meeting on July 20 are not necessarily binding on us as the issues are yet to be resolved in the CPI(ML) forum". "We still feel that we are the ASDC. So whatever meeting held on July 20, we do not accept as the ASDC meeting as we are not part of it. As a general secretary of the party I was not consulted on holding standing committee and party central committee meeting on July 20", he added. So, when asked to specify whether the ASDC had already split, Terang only said, "It is upto you to interpret". Whether, Jotson Bey will relinquish the post of the CEM in the KAAC as per the decision of July 20 meeting? Terang's reply is, "Let there be a no-confidence motion in July 25 session of the KAAC against Bey and see whether he survives it or not". Meanwhile, hectic efforts are being put by both the rival groups in the ASDC to muster support of majority Members of Autonomous Council to show their strength on the floor of the Council on July 25 next. If there is a no-confidence motion against Jotson Bey, the CEM, it will be an acid test for not only for the rival groups but also the ASDC as a whole. However, the newly-selected president of the ASDC, CK Terang is still hopeful that for the sake of Karbi people's struggle for an autonomous state the 'disgruntled members' of the party will bury their hatchet so that the autonomy movement is not derailed after it started 24 years back. The new ASDC president declines to accept existence of two groups in the party led by Rongpi and Terang. However, he admits that there are differences among some of the top leaders of the party. Similar is the case with front organisations of the ASDC including the Karbi Students Association (KSA), Dimasa Students Union (DUS), North Cachar Hills Students Federation (NCHSF). These organisations are still not willing to accept that Rongpi and Terang have fallen apart and the ASDC is heading for a vertical split. The KSA general secretary, Long Sing Tokbi says, "I do not think leader like Holiram Terang will want ASDC to split. The present crisis is because of differences within the party which will be resolved soon". In a day-long meeting on July 21 joint standing committee of ASDC, KSA, DSU and NCHSF although endorsed the decisions taken in ASDC meeting on July 20 last, did not press for disciplinary action against those leaders who had gone to press while bringing charges of corruption against Rongpi. Probably these organisations are soft peddling on disciplinary action against those leaders as they feel there is still hope for patch up. (Bijoy Sankar Bora; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; July 23, 2000)

IMPHAL, July 22: Manipur Assembly Speaker Sapamdhananjoy Singh today reserved his decision on the disqualification of nine ruling members after hearing their versions. Singh said he had heard all the nine MLAs today and added that his decision would be announced on a later date. The nine MLAs were K Tomba, S Chandra, L Jatra, Onjamang Haokip, Md Alaudin, Thangminlen Kipgen, C Doungel, V Hangkhanpao and M Zatawn. Assembly secretariat sources said the nine MLAs who were elected on different party tickets joined ruling United Front and later merged with the major ruling partner, Manipur state Congress party. Earlier, the Speaker had approved their merger with the MSCP but some opposition members recently sought their disqualification from membership of the House under anti-defection law. Subsequently, the Speaker served show cause notices against them on June 30 last, sources added. (Press Trust of India; The Indian Express; New Delhi; July 23, 2000)

IMPHAL, July 23: The ruling, opposition and all sections of people are keeping their finger crossed, wishing for the best relating to the disqualification hearing. It had all the trappings of a suspense film that the Speaker is taking his time before passing the verdict. It is understandable since one wrong step will land him in the constitutional death trap. But the ruling and opposition parties have bared their fangs. The MPP MLA, O Joy said that there will be a 'political magic' ll go to a court of law. On the other hand Chief Minister, W Nipamacha was very cautious while making any comment on the possible verdict of the speaker. But then he claimed that he was 'proud' to say that he is the only Speaker whose disqualification of four MLAs had been upheld by the High Court and the Supreme Court. He contended that the political activities took place outside the Assembly. He speculated that the Speaker may give the ruling within the session, that is on or before July 28. When asked specifically about his reaction if the Speaker decides to disqualify the nine MLAs, he merely said that they have the option to go to a court of law against the judgment. He also said that there may be a new Speaker who will have to review the disqualification. (E-Pao; Matamgee Yakairol; Imphal; July 24, 2000)

NEW DELHI, July 23: The Assam Government has moved the Supreme Court against "occupation" of its forest and revenue lands by Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. Over the years, a series of meetings between the three north-eastern neighbours have failed to resolve the decade-old boundary dispute. In two separate suits, taken up by the Court earlier this week, the Assam Government sought the Court's intervention to restore its right to administer its "own" areas, as envisaged in the first schedule of the Constitution. Considering the nature of the tangle, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice AS Anand issued notice to the Attorney General for assisting the Court. Counsel KK Venugopal and Vijay Hansaria proposed that the Director General of the Survey of India may be directed to delineate the boundaries on the basis of maps. They pointed out that in the case of Assam-Arunachal borders, the Survey has already prepared 29 maps counter-signed by both parties. On the other hand, the Nagaland and Arunachal Governments submitted that the boundary be fixed keeping in view the sentiments of the local people-- a contention which the petitioner opposed on the ground that it could open a Pandora's box. The Assam Government claimed that its Nagaland counterpart has encroached upon four reserve forests spread over 80 villages. At the same time, it alleged that Arunachal Pradesh was in occupation of about 300 sq km of forest and revenue lands. The Nagaland Government, in an affidavit, referred to two agreements signed by the Naga leaders with the Centre to safeguard the interest of the Nagas. In 1997, a Joint Secretary in the Union Home Ministry, GK Pillai had stated in a report that "many areas are in the occupation of the Nagas and the civil administration of the Nagaland Government functions in these areas. "These include schools, dispensaries, water supply schemes, electricity, veterinary dispensaries etc. The Assam Government, though legally and Constitutionally the owner of these reserve forests, has lost de facto possession of the areas which are under encroachment by the Nagas," the official noted. (Syed Liaquat Ali; The Hindustan Times; New Delhi; July 24, 2000)

IMPHAL, July 23: The Speaker of the Manipur Assembly, Sapam Dhananjoy Singh, on Saturday reserved his decision on the disqualification of nine ruling MLAs after hearing their versions. The much-awaited hearing of the disqualification case of the nine MLAs was held in the office chamber of the Speaker on Saturday morning. The hearing began at exactly 10.10 am and concluded at 11.58 am. The office chamber of the Speaker was reportedly modified so as to make it look like a courtroom. In view of the hearing, tight security arrangements were also made in and around the Assembly complex during the hearing session. It was, however, relaxed after the end of the session. The hearing reportedly started as per the cause list served to the concerned MLAs by the Speaker on Friday afternoon. Secretary T Joute and another deputy secretary of the Manipur Legislative Assembly secretariat assisted the speaker during the hearing. MPP supremo and Opposition leader O Joy, who happens to be a petitioner took part in the hearing along with the respondent MLA Laishram Jatra. Both the MLAs took more than one hour in putting forward their respective arguments during the hearing, sources said. The petitioner MLA Wangkhem Basantakumar Singh and respondent ruling MLA Konsam Tomba appeared as the first petitioner and first respondent in the hearing session. Most of the respondents and petitioners took only about a few minutes except petitioner O Joy and respondent MLA L Jatra Singh, the sources added. Interestingly, no arrangement for press coverage of the proceedings of the hearing was made. When contacted the Speaker Dhananjoy Singh declined to say anything regarding the announcement of the judgement, saying that the matter will be kept reserved for a few more days. Both ruling MLAs and Opposition MLAs were eagerly waiting for the verdict of the Speaker till filling of this report. (Correspondent; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; July 24, 2000)

IMPHAL, July 24: State authorities are still in the dark about whereabouts of four persons from Manipur, who had been allegedly convicted to 70 years imprisonment by Myanmar authorities on smuggling charges. The Myanmar security forces arrested the four persons on April 24, 1995 near Tamu. 12 gallons of illegal acid-like substances were seized from them. A Myanmarese court after finding them guilty under the provisions of the Myanmar Narcotic Act had sentenced them to 70 years of imprisonment. However, the term was reduced to 10 years after they filed a petition challenging the conviction. When contacted, the Special Secretary Home said that they have not been informed of the case. However, the Indian Embassy at Myanmar had sent an official letter to the state Chief Secretary regarding the handling over of the Indian prisoners at Moreh, he added. The letter dated July 21 this year said that Myanmar authorities had informed them that the four Indian prisoners had been handed over to Indian authorities at Moreh on July 1 this year. The letter requested the Chief Secretary to confirm urgently whether the four had arrived to India and had been handed over to the families. The Myanmarese authorities letter also said that they have informed the Indian embassy office that 2 other Indian prisoners, who had been lodged in Sittwe prison had also been released and were being escorted to Tamu. They are expecting to reach Moreh in the next couple of days. (E-Pao; The Sangai Express; Imphal; July 25, 2000)

GUWAHATI, July 25: Pandemonium broke out in Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) as soon as the members assembled to attend the session beginning today. Sources in Diphu informed that the anti-Jotson Bey members of the house tried to move a non-confidence motion against the Chairman of the house, Babu Rongpi with the Deputy Speaker, Daniel Teron in the Chair. In fact, Daniel Teron was occupying the chair even before the chairman, Babu Rongpi, entered the house along with the Legislative Secretary Rup Singh Tisso as per the schedule at 10 am. Seeing the Deputy Chairman in the chair, the Chairman along with his supporters and chief executive member, Jotson Bey raised their voice demanding removal of the Deputy Chairman from the chair. On the other hand the other group of members maintained that since a no-confidence motion was to be moved against the Chairman, Rongpi, he cannot preside over the session. Then agitated members belonging to Jotson Bey and Babu Rongpi group tried to forcibly evict the Deputy Chairman from the chair. Amid the din the Chairman walked out of the house along with the Legislative Secretary. Then the house adopted a resolution that the chairman was removed from the chair, with the Deputy Chairman in the chair. At this point a group of 14 members led by the Chief Executive Member (CEM), Jotson Bey walked out of the house. Out of them two were Congress members and one was Independent member while the rest were from the ASDC. After that the house adopted a motion of no-confidence against the CEM, Jotson Bey and later adopted a resolution that the CEM was remove. The House also suspended the Legislative Secretary, Rup Sing Tisso as he was absent in the house while the session was on and appointed Tensing Rongpi, the Assistant Revenue Officer as the Deputy Legislative Secretary in-charge. The house also got the today's proceedings signed him. Now as the confusion prevails over the proceedings in KAAC today, the ASDC President CK Terang informed The Assam Tribune from Diphu over telephone that the resolutions adopted in the house today would be sent to the Governor so that he can facilitate election of a new Chairman and a CEM within 48 hours as per the rule. On the other hand senior ASDC leader, Holiram Terang addressing a press conference in Diphu today stated that there was nothing legal and constitutional about the resolutions adopted in the house against the Chairman and the CEM as the Chairman walked out of the house after failing control the unruly members. Today's happenings in the KAAC was a reflection of ongoing clashes between two ASDC groups led by Jayanta Rongpi and Holiram Terang. The members of the council belonging to Jayanta Rongpi group were out to remove the CEM, Jotson Bey and Chiarman Babu Rongpi who are known supporters of Holiram Terang. (Staff Reporter; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; July 26, 2000)

IMPHAL, July 25: The entire Opposition staged a walkout in the state Assembly today during the morning session after the Speaker, S Dhananjoy Singh disallowed both a privilege motion and a point of order raised by Nimaichand Luwang of the Congress. The House passed forty-seven advance demands for excess grants for the financial year of 1994-95, 1995-96 and 1996-97 in the absence of the Opposition members following the walkout. The breach of privilege motion, raised by Nimaichand under rules of procedure and conduct of business, rule no. 78(l), was in connection with the detention of MPP MLA O Joy's son O Brojen by Assam Rifles personnel at the western side of the family welfare department on July 19 last. After the Speaker Dhananjoy announced in the Assembly that the privilege motion would not be admitted, but did not give the reason, Nimaichand tried to raise a point of order in this connection, but this too was disallowed by the Speaker, leading to the entire Opposition walking out in protest. The Speaker informed the House that there was a privilege motion moved by Nimaichand Luwang MLA and another two censor motions moved against the RD and PR minister, N Bihari Singh by O Joy Singh and K Loken and another against co-operation minister, W Thoiba Singh by O Joy Singh and Nimaichand Luwang. The Speaker said the privilege motion has not been admitted, though the censor motions were reserved after having done necessary examinations. At this Luwang contended the privilege motion should at least be informed in the house and it should as well be discussed by the House as per rule of business conduct breach of privilege 78 (1) but the Speaker refused to accept the view. At this stage Luwang pleaded again that the motion should be placed in the House for consideration but when the Speaker refused to listen to this, the Opposition staged a walk out and the 47 demands for excess advance grants were passed after it was moved by the finance minister H Lokhon Singh. The demands for excess grants amount to Rs 114931462, Rs 207781145 and Rs 311719070 for the years 1994-95, 1995-96 and 1996-97 respectively. (E-Pao; The Imphal Free Press; Imphal; July 26, 2000)

IMPHAL, July 26: The whereabouts of four Indian nationals from Manipur who had been allegedly convicted to 70 year rigorous imprisonment by the Myanmar authorities on smuggling charges a few years back are still in the dark. It can be recalled that four individuals from Manipur identified as T Mani (35) son of Tombi and K Mani (42) both from Thangmeiband area in Imphal west district, S Gandhi (29) son of Kula of Hiyangthang in Imphal west and another Baite Rankho (32) son of Siw Ran of Moreh in Chandel district were arrested by the Myanmarese authorities on April 24, 1995 near Tamu in Myanmar. Twelve gallons of illegal acid-like substance were seized from them. A Myanmarese court after finding them guilty under the provisions of the Myanmar Narcotic Act had sentenced them to 70 years of imprisonment. However, the term was reduced to 10 years after they filed a petition challenging the conviction. The state Special Secretary (Home) has informed that they have not got any information in this connection with the case. The Indian Embassy in Myanmar had sent an official letter to the state Chief Secretary regarding the handing over of the Indian prisoners at Moreh. As per the letter dated July 21 this year, Myanmar authorities had informed the Indian Embassy that the six Indian prisoners had been handed over to Indian authorities at Moreh, the border town of Manipur on July 1 this year. It also reportedly urged the state Chief Secretary Rakesh to confirm urgently whether the six had arrived India and had been handed over to the family members. The Myanmar authority letter also said that they have informed the Indian Embassy office that two other Indian prisoners who had been lodged in Sittwe prison had also been released and were being escorted to Tamu and they are expected to reach Moreh in the next couple of days. It may be noted that the Rajya Sabha MP from Manipur Wahengbam Angou Singh had already brought up a question in this connection two years back. The then Home Minister (state) also informed the House that there are four Manipuri prisoners in Myanmar jail for their involvement in smuggling of illegal items. (Correspondent; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; July 27, 2000)

GUWAHATI, July 27: The ongoing crisis in the hill district committee of the CPI(ML) today took a serious turn as feeling betrayed by the party, at least 36 members resigned from the party. In a joint statement those who tendered their resignation from the primary membership of the party said that repeated appeals were made to the central committee of the CPI(ML) to interfere and resolve the ongoing crisis instead of taking all the party members into confidence and refusing to recognise their grievances against the autocratic style of functioning of the Karbi Anglong District Committee. The statement said that the package of solution brokered by the central leadership of the CPI(ML) only created more disillusionment among the ordinary party members. The package of solution envisaged by the central committee called for change of ASDC leadership among others. This issue could have been resolved in the fifth ASDC general conference, which is long overdue. They, however, pledged their loyalty to the people of Karbi Anglong and NC Hills and announced their resolve to continue struggle for creation of an autonomous state. Meanwhile, the secretary of the Hill District Committee of the CPI(ML), Jayanta Rongpi today hit out at the chairman of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Babu Rongpi and the Chief Executive Member Jotson Bey. "They were defeated in the no-confidence vote and now they are trying to mislead the people. We are ready to give them another chance to prove their majority in the Council", he added. (Staff Reporter; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; July 28, 2000)

IMPHAL, July 27: The Naan Far Lon, once a part of Manipur till 1972 has now been taken over completely by Myanmar despite repeated reminders and appraisals to Union government to consider the issue, Chandramani, deputy Chief Minister told the House today. The deputy CM informed the House that a standing House committee comprising members of both ruling and opposition members will be constituted to re-examine any violations of Indo-Myanmar border issues. Earlier, O Joy, MLA, told the House that the state had lost 29 sq. km of land from the 1971 land survey onwards to Myanmar. Despite repeated reminders to Union foreign ministers and home ministers to consider the issue, they have remained silent, he maintained. The Union government must consider encroachment on Molcham area by the Myanmarese authorities as a great matter of national concern and an encroachment in Indian Territory. The Indian authorities must not solely concentrate on Kargil, O Joy maintained. Chandramani informed the House that final demarcation of India and Myanmar boundary is still not finalized. He said the state government has not made any response to the Myanmarese clarification call to state government in 1999 on Indo-Myanmar border issue, he said, adding that clarification will be issued after closely examining all violations and other perspectives. The United Front Government will ensure that not a single inch of Manipur territory will be gifted to any other state or country, Chandramani maintained. (E-Pao; The Imphal Free Press; Imphal; July 28, 2000)

IMPHAL, July 27: Speaker S Dhananjoy announced in the House today that the censure motions moved by four MLAs demanding resignation of Arts and Culture and Cooperation Minister W Thoiba and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister N Bihari have been rejected. Opposition member O Joy and K Loken had moved the motion against Bihari while Nimaichand Luwang and N Nimai initiated the motion against W Thoiba yesterday. The censure motion against Bihari was put up charging him of appointing 19 SOs against the required one, 26 LDCs against the required two, 22 progress assistants and sending away of 36 employees to DRDA centres on deputation in his department. The Speaker maintained that the motion were not admitted as the Chief Minister had already informed the House that the issue is being looked after by a Cabinet sub-committee. Minister W Thoiba was charged with appointing 92 co-operative inspectors for three ICDP project in Imphal East, West and Ukhrul district without issuing proper notification and without the consent of the finance department. The Speaker declared that this motion had also been rejected as it had already been discussed. (E-Pao; The Imphal Free Press; Imphal; July 28, 2000)

IMPHAL, July 28: Deputy Chief Minister L Chandramani today assured the House that a new committee would be instituted to look into the alleged encroachment of the state's border by Myanmar. The committee will also look into the construction of roads and bridges at the border areas. The Government will issue a formal order in this connection by tomorrow, he added. The committee will be headed by Chandramani as Chairman and will include Veterinary and Information Minister M Kunjo, Environment minister Prof Gangumei Kamei, revenue Minister T Bira, Chief whip Zatawan, Sericulture minister Hangkhanpao and MoS Onjamang Haokip. The convenor of the committee will be the Home Commissioner and the first meeting of the Committee will be held in the first week of August and the report will be submitted within two months time. Chandramani further said previous Committee was disbanded due to the 7th Assembly elections. He was then also the chairman of the Committee. The first Committee was set up in January 6 this year especially to investigate the encroachment of the state's border by Myanmar. He further said that four members of the previous Committee were defeated in the last hustings and hence a new Committee has been formed. The Committee will also look into the construction of roads and bridges at the border area. He further informed the House that the Chief Minister and himself apprised the Union Ministry to lift the restrictions imposed by the Union Home Ministry on the construction of roads and bridges near the border areas. (E-Pao; The Sangai Express; Imphal; July 29, 2000)

AIZAWL, July 28: Mizoram Chief Minister and Mizo National Front chief Zoramthanga on Thursday said his party would continue to fight attacks against Christians and innocent civilians, reports PTI. The ruling MNF office-bearers and Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the party at a meeting here on Thursday condemned the recent attacks against the priests near Tripura-Mizoram border town of Dhamcherra. The Opposition Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) has urged Vanlalzawma, the lone Lok Sabha member of the state to withdraw his support to the Vajpayee government at the Centre for its alleged failure to protect the lives of Christians. In a press release issued by the ZNP here said that spate of attacks against the Christians had increased during the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regime and pleaded the MP to withdraw his support to the NDA government. (Press Trust of India; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; July 29, 2000)

IMPHAL, July 29: Notwithstanding the efforts of PB Acharya, secretary, NEBA of the BJP to evolve a consensus, the question of selection of new president of the state BJP finally had to be decided through the ballot this afternoon. Meinam Bhorot Singh was later declared elected as the new state BJP president by the central observer cum returning officer, RN Pandey, Mayo Shaiza and N Sanajaoba were elected as national BJP councilors for Outer and Inner Manipur respectively. N Bhorot defeated his nearest rival Sh Shantikumar by a margin of six votes. After the declaration of the results, Col H Bhubon, outgoing president, BJP Manipur Pradesh, congratulated the newly elected president and councilors, and informed that formal handling over of charge will be done on Monday. The newly elected president thanked all the party workers for electing him and urged them to forget any animosity that might have arisen during the run-up to the elections. "I'm elected as president, but to boost the party, and all the workers have to do their share," he said. The state legislative wing leader, RK Dorendro also congratulated the newly elected president, but expressed unhappiness at failure to come to a consensus, despite the efforts of PB Acharya. He however expressed confidence that the newly elected president will play a big role in state politics. (E-Pao; The Imphal Free Press; Imphal; July 30, 2000)