Aizawl, Feb. 2: The Mizoram government is striving toward achieving the highest literacy rate in the country by 2005, education minister R. Lalthangliana said today.
“The government is striving to achieve the highest literacy rate in the country, surpassing Kerala, by 2005,” Lalthangliana said at a function organised by the state’s largest NGO Young Mizo Association (YMA). The NGO has declared 2004 as the Year for Safeguarding the Land and the People.
“I will request the YMA and all its members to work toward this end and help the government in its endeavour,” the minister said. He praised members of the organisation for their endeavour to safeguard the interests of the people.
“Mizoram and its people are known mainly for three reasons — it is a Christian state where peace reigns and has one of the highest literacy rates in the country,” he said, adding that the dignity of the state should be maintained at any cost.
The minister thanked the YMA for its activities towards the conservation and preservation of the flora and fauna of the state. The YMA had conservation as its theme for the six consecutive years. The organisation has done much to conserve the bio-diversity of the state.
Threat letter: A threat letter addressed in the name of Suangpuilawn MLA H. Lalsangzuala took 17 days to travel a few kilometres from the Aizawl main post office to the MLA’s residence in the northern part of the capital town.
Lalsangzuala said the letter threatened him and his family with dire consequences if he continued as a legislator. The letter, signed by one Ramhmangaiha of Phullen village, was posted on January 13 at the main post office. Lalsangzuala dismissed the letter as “an act by a crank”.
“The letter was unstamped, but posted from the head post office in Aizawl. From there, it came to Ramhlun sub-post office and subsequently reached me after over two weeks. I am not going to pay any attention to the letter as I believe this has been done by a crank,” Lalsangzuala said.
Rebels killed
Imphal, Feb. 2: Two unidentified militants were shot dead by police during a counter-insurgency operation here today, reports our correspondent.
The operations were launched in the wake of the threat issued by the banned Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) to leaders of the Manipur unit of the BJP. The outfit on Thursday asked the BJP to expel Lok Sabha MP Thounaojam Chaoba Singh from the party and close its offices by February 15.
Acting on a tip-off, police raided Cheiraoching near the Assam Rifles firing range under Lamphel police station this afternoon. On seeing the policemen, two militants, who were hiding in the area, tried to flee. A gunbattle ensued and the two rebels were killed on the spot.
Two 9-mm pistols with five rounds of ammunition were found on the rebels, the police said, adding that five militants, including an activist of the KYKL, were rounded up over the past two days.
