LUNGLEI COURT SENTENCES MAN TO 13 YEARS AND 6 MONTHS FOR RAPE

Lamtluang Online News: On 28th November 2024, the Lunglei Court delivered a verdict in a rape case, sentencing Joseph Zomuanpuia, a resident of Khawmawi, to 13 years and 6 months imprisonment.

According to reports, on 2nd March 2023, Joseph had asked a woman for water, and after she provided it, he dragged her away and raped her. When the woman resisted, he assaulted her, causing injuries to her face and body.

Joseph was charged under three sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC): Section 376 for rape, Section 354 B for assaulting a woman, and Section 323 for voluntarily causing hurt.

The Lunglei District and Session Judge, Pu Vanlalenmawia, found Joseph guilty on all three counts and sentenced him to 13 years and 6 months imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs. 5,000.

NO TOLERANCE WEEK 2024: MAMIT POLICE CONDUCT SURPRISE CHECKS ON VEHICLES

Lamtluang Online News: On 29th November 2024, as part of the No Tolerance Week 2024, the Mamit police conducted surprise checks on vehicles at four locations in Mamit town. According to Pu Pukhraj Kamal, IPS SP Mamit, the surprise checks were carried out to ensure that the public can celebrate Christmas and the New Year safely and peacefully.

The checks were conducted at Dinthar kawn, Charkawn, Field veng, and Highway, where all vehicles were inspected for valid documents, and drivers were checked for driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Out of the 329 vehicles inspected, 29 were fined, resulting in a total collection of Rs. 38,000.

SP Mamit, Pu Pukhraj Kamal, personally visited the different locations to oversee the surprise checks. The aim of these checks is to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure public safety during the festive season.

Source :  DIPR Mizoram

MNF SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT SLAMS MIZORAM GOVERNMENT OVER VC TERM SHORTEN

Lamtluang Online News: The Mizoram National Front (MNF) Senior Vice President, Dr. R. Lalthangliana, has criticised the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM)-led Mizoram government for shortening the term of Village Council (VC) members without proper justification.

Speaking at the MNF office (Hnam Run) on 29th November 2024, Dr. Lalthangliana stated that the significant reduction in the Post Devolution deficit grant under the 15th Finance Commission would lead to financial difficulties for the state.

He pointed out that the government had prior knowledge of the financial allocation for the next five years, including the funds for urban and rural local bodies. Therefore, Dr. Lalthangliana argued that the LAD Minister's statement regarding the shortening of VC terms was unjustified.

Furthermore, Dr. Lalthangliana criticised the government's decision to shorten the VC term, which is set to expire on 7th September 2025, without proper justification. He noted that the statements made by the Home Minister, LAD Minister, Health Minister, and Adviser to the Chief Minister (Political) on this matter were inconsistent.

Dr. R Lalthangliana, Senior Vice President, Mizo National Front (MNF)

MIZORAM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CELEBRATES WOMEN'S DAY

Lamtluang Online News: The Mizoram Presbyterian Church's Women's Fellowship (Kohhran Hmeichhia) celebrated its 28th Women's Day (Kohhran Hmeichhe Ni) on Friday (November 29, 2024), with the theme 'The Story of Sister Lianchhungi'. The celebration included a discussion on the theme and various entertainment programmes.

The Women's Day is celebrated annually by the Presbyterian Church in Mizoram, with a unified theme for all the branches and churches. This year's theme was based on the story of Sister Lianchhungi written by Sailuti. Some churches also organised overnight prayer vigils and competitions, with prizes awarded to the winners.

The Women's Fellowship (Kohhran Hmeichhia) of the Presbyterian Church in Mizoram was founded in 1904 by Catherine Ellen Williams (Pi Zosaphluii), the wife of Rev. D.E. Jones. The fellowship aimed to empower Mizo women, especially the younger generation, through education and skills training. With the help of a Khasi woman, Siniboni, the fellowship worked closely with the Bible Women and eventually established branches in every church.

The Women's Fellowship Conference decided to observe a special Women's Day, which was approved by the Synod Executive Committee (SEC). Since 1997, the day has been celebrated on the last Friday of November, as recorded in the Synod Calendar.

The reason for choosing the last Friday of November as Women's Day is attributed to Pi Zosaphluia's diary entry, which mentioned that she used to hold women's meetings on Fridays. Although the exact date of the first meeting is not specified, it is believed to have taken place towards the end of 1904, shortly after her arrival in Mizoram. Therefore, the SEC decided to observe the last Friday of November as Women's Day, also marking the founding year of the Women's Fellowship (Kohhran Hmeichhia) as 1904.

Source: Zalen News