The Northeast Notebook

Rebels collect tax at source
THE Nagaland government has finally woken up to the decades-old phenomenon of different rebel groups collecting tax from government employees ‘at source’.

The state government last week asked all government departments to clarify if any such ‘tax’ was actually being collected ‘at source’ in connivance with cashiers during salary distribution and whether government officials actually share information about earnings with the rebel groups.

Goodwill tourism
ASSAM Rifles, the oldest counter-insurgency force in the country, last week launched a new goodwill mission that aims at promoting various tourist destinations in the Northeast.

Topping the list of priorities is Shillong, often referred to as Scotland of the East, where Assam Rifles has set up a musical fountain at Wards Lake and sheds for vendors in Cherrapunjee. Seems like Assam Rifles is living up to its title of ‘Friends of the Hill People.’

Meghalaya NGOs oppose uranium mining
NGOs and student groups in Meghalaya do not want the government and the Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) to start mining in Domiasiat in the West Khasi Hills. Their objection is based on the fear that mining would bring in large number of ‘outsiders’ to the hill state apart from creating health and environment hazards.

The state government however has stated it would stick to established environmental and employment norms before allowing mining to begin.

Remembering Anglo-Manipur war martyrs
MANIPURIS are particular about honouring heroes. Last week it was the martyrs of the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, also known as the Khongjom War, in whose memory the Manipuris paid rich tributes.

So powerful is the influence of the Anglo-Manipur War that led to annexation of Manipur to British India, that the Meiteis also commemorate the sacrifices of the heroes through Khongjom Parba, a dance form based on the war.