Central trade unions’ bandh cripples Manipur – Times of India

Central trade unions' bandh cripples ManipurTimes of IndiaThe coordinating body of trade unions of the state imposed the dawn-to-dusk strike in Manipur. At least six volunteers of the body including three women were picked up by the police for enfo…

Central trade unions' bandh cripples Manipur
Times of India
The coordinating body of trade unions of the state imposed the dawn-to-dusk strike in Manipur. At least six volunteers of the body including three women were picked up by the police for enforcing the strike at bazaar areas.

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNF1W2L7zA3VPAo9kFZIMst7Dw5xWw&url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Central-trade-unions-bandh-cripples-Manipur/articleshow/12078356.cms

Repoll likely in Manipur

New Delhi, Feb 28: Even while political parties submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission of India against widespread malpractices in the recently held Manipur Assembly election, a delegation of 10 political parties today has expressed hope that the poll panel is likely to conduct another around of repoll in those areas where such practices […]

New Delhi, Feb 28: Even while political parties submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission of India against widespread malpractices in the recently held Manipur Assembly election, a delegation of 10 political parties today has expressed hope that the poll panel is likely to conduct another around of repoll in those areas where such practices have been detected.
Speaking to mediapersons in press conference here, representatives of the newly floated People Democratic Front, a amalgamation of 10 political parties in Manipur, claimed that though the ECI has not given any assurance to their demands of repolls, the poll panel has agreed to conduct repoll in certain areas where wide scale proxy voting is being detected. The ECI also assured that action will be initiated on the postal ballot papers.
Nationalist Congress Party chief and chairman of the PDF, Radha Binod Koijam said that they have submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission of India highlighting the “serious irregularities detected by the ECI itself” on complaints from various quarters in the recently held election to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly and urged the ECI to declare invalid ballots cast by proxy voters.
The former chief minister said the delegation held a meeting with the Election Commission on Tuesday to discuss “proxy voting as were distinctly evident from comparison of photos of persons, who really cast the vote and those of the genuine electors as on the electoral rolls” and “postal ballot papers issued surreptitiously to persons, who were not actually on election duty.”
CPI leader M Nara said the ECI has introduced the rule of photographing every elector at the time of casting of vote for the first time in the electoral system in the country during these elections but if it allowed such continued malpractices and started counting the votes without taking into account the true voice of the people, it would be a mockery of democracy. He also expressed surprise over the detection of one person casting vote 76 times, which passed the notice of the officials in charge of the polling stations.
He also urged the ECI to look into the contention that more than 99 per cent voting took place in some hilly areas which is practically impossible.
The press conference was represented by members of the nine political parties except the Congress and NPF. Kh. Devbrata, MSCP; Ksh Santa, NPP; Morangthem Tombi Singh, JD(U); Moirangthem Nara Singh, CPI; Ms Kim Gangte, AITC; Dr NC Luwang, MPP; RB Koijam, NCP and Sh Shantikumar Sharma, BJP, participated.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/repoll-likely-in-manipur/

DoNER Minister to Flag off Pilot Scheme “Youth to the EDGE”

Mail News Service New Delhi, Feb 28: The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Paban Singh Ghatowar will flag off a Pilot Scheme “Youth to the Edge” on February 29, 2012 at Tinsukia. The Pilot Scheme is being funded by the […]

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Feb 28: The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Paban Singh Ghatowar will flag off a Pilot Scheme “Youth to the Edge” on February 29, 2012 at Tinsukia.
The Pilot Scheme is being funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) through North Eastern Council (NEC) and was launched by the DoNER Minister on 30th January this year at Indian Mountaineering Foundation Headquarter Complex, New Delhi. This Scheme has to be executed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYA&S) through National Service Scheme (NSS).
The Pilot Scheme aims to introduce youth from rest of India to the North Eastern Region (NER) and organise combined adventure activities alongwith the youth from NER. They will also be given exposure about local culture, traditions and life style. Conduct of adventure training will benefit the participants by inculcating spirit of adventure, environmental awareness, national integration, casualty evacuation, promotion of adventure tourism, channelising youth energy in positive direction, sense of self employment and self recognition.
Three trails have been identified, two in Arunachal Pradesh (Roing in Lower Dibang District and Hayuliang / Wolong in Anjaw District) and one in Nagaland in Dzukou Valley). The 1st batch of participants of all the three trails will be flagged off by the DoNER Minister.
The Adventure Camps are scheduled to commence from 1st March, 2012 onwards till mid of May, 2012. Under the Scheme, about 2000 youth (rest of India 1450 and NER 550) are expected to take part in adventure activities. Transit Camps are being established at Guwahati, Tinsukia and Dimapur to facilitate smooth passage for youth coming from all over India. Local guides and transport will be provided from Railway Station onwards to the Base Camp (Trail locations) and back.
The Union Minster for Youth Affairs & Sports, the Ministers of Youth Service & Sports of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland will also be present on the occasion.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/doner-minister-to-flag-off-pilot-scheme-youth-to-the-edge/

Source: The Sangai Express – E-Pao.net

Source: The Sangai ExpressE-Pao.netImphal, February 28 2012: A two-day national seminar on 'Present condition of political economy of states in North East India' would be held on March 2 and 3 at Manipur College, Imphal. The seminar, organised …

Source: The Sangai Express
E-Pao.net
Imphal, February 28 2012: A two-day national seminar on 'Present condition of political economy of states in North East India' would be held on March 2 and 3 at Manipur College, Imphal. The seminar, organised by Manipur College in collaboration with

and more »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGoGcRZf9ipKekfqOimBVL-3Dtdmw&url=http://www.e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=Snipp4&src=290212

Workshop on Ayush medicines in Sports – E-Pao.net

Workshop on Ayush medicines in SportsE-Pao.netThe inaugural function of the workshop being organised by the State Health Society, Manipur was graced by Mosses Challai, Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Manipur as Chief Guest; Din…

Workshop on Ayush medicines in Sports
E-Pao.net
The inaugural function of the workshop being organised by the State Health Society, Manipur was graced by Mosses Challai, Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Manipur as Chief Guest; Dinesh Deval, State Mission Director of NRHGM,

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFA5Oig_XMVbwtPUmRIvU9wKG0XkQ&url=http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=25&src=290212

CPI to quit SPF; non-Cong parties to cement bond – E-Pao.net

CPI to quit SPF; non-Cong parties to cement bondE-Pao.netImphal, February 28 2012: Communist Party of India (CPI), Manipur State Council, which is a partner in the Congress -led Secular Progressive Front (SPF) Government for the last two terms, is like…

CPI to quit SPF; non-Cong parties to cement bond
E-Pao.net
Imphal, February 28 2012: Communist Party of India (CPI), Manipur State Council, which is a partner in the Congress -led Secular Progressive Front (SPF) Government for the last two terms, is likely to announce its decision of parting way by tomorrow.

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEB0XFr_zZajMK_XDOZIn06b_GkXw&url=http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=21&src=290212

57 pc turnout in sixth phase UP polls

LUCKNOW, Feb 28 (Agencies): An estimated 57 per cent votes were on Tuesday cast in… more »

LUCKNOW, Feb 28 (Agencies): An estimated 57 per cent votes were on Tuesday cast in the sixth and penultimate phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls in 68 seats across 13 districts, popularly known as the Jat land, where voting was by and large peaceful.

“Barring minor incidents, polling process was peacefully over at 5 p.m and as per an estimate 57 per cent of 2.17 crore voters exercised their franchise,” an Election Commission official said.

Tuesday`s polls will decide the fate of 1103 candidates, including 86 women.

Police used mild force to disperse a local BSP leader and his supporters who created a ruckus at a polling centre at Singhani gate area in Ghaziabad on the outskirts fo Delhi.

They were protesting against the absence of booth level officers to distribute voter slips.

Similarly, in Agra, people were agitated over alleged irregularities at a centre at Ahmadia Hameedia college in Mantola.

In Bhatta Parsaul, which was the centre of the land acquisition row, farmers were seen coming out to vote. Their leader Manvir Singh Tevatia, who had spearheaded the farmers’ agitation, is fighting elections from jail. The area falls under the Jewar Assembly seat.

Congress has fielded Dhirendra Singh from Jewar. He was the man on whose bike Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi had reached Bhatta Parsaul last year.

In Chief Minister Mayawati’s native Badalpur village, farmers had lined up to cast their votes. BSP has fielded Satvir Gujjar, the sitting MLA, while Congress has fielded Samir Bhatti.

Mr. Bhatti had once served as MLA from Dadri and his father Mahinder Singh Bhatti represented the seat twice. BJP has fielded Nawab Singh Nagar, who was twice elected MLA from the seat. Samajwadi Party has fielded Raj Kumar Bhatti.

This phase would also decide the fate of youth face of RLD Jayant Chaudhary, as well as Energy Minister Ramveer Upadhyaya, deputy leader of BJP Legislative Party Hukkum Singh and former minister Rajveer Singh, who is also son of former Chief Minister Kalyan Singh.

To ensure active role of junior Chaudhary in state politics Ajit Singh has fielded Jayant, who is MP from Mathura, from Math seat in Mathura.

RLD state president and bureaucrat-turned-politician Baba Hardeo Singh is also in the fray from Aitmadpur seat in Agra district.

A former officer of Provincial Civil Services, Baba Hardeo was the president of PCS Association for the longest time.

Energy Minister Ramveer is also seeking rerun from Chattriya dominated Sikandrarau seat in Hathras district.

Ramveer’s prominence would also be put to test in Sadabad and Dibai seats from where his brother-in-law Satyendra Sharma and brother Vinod Updhayaya are contesting.

Mr. Ramveer’s brother Vinod is pitched against Rajveer Singh, a former minister and son of ex-CM Kalyan Singh.

Popularity of Rashid Masood, who left SP and joined Congress as a Muslim leader would also be put to test in this phase as his nephew Imran Masood is in fray from Nakud seat in Saharanpur district.

This phase would also decide the impact of an appeal made by Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid Maulana Ahmad Bukahri in favour of SP as his son-in-law Umar Ali is in the fray for Behat seat in Saharanpur district.

Meanwhile, BKU President Naresh Tikait cast his vote today for the first time, breaking his father’s tradition of not favouring any party.

The head of the farmers’ organisation cast his vote at the polling centre Sisauli in the district, BKU’s national spokesman Rakesh Tikait said.

According to Rakesh, the late Mahender Singh Tikait had never cast his vote to maintain the non-political status of his organisation.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/57-pc-turnout-in-sixth-phase-up-polls/

Corporatisation of power dept mooted in JERC meet

AIZAWL, Feb 28 (NNN): The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for Manipur and Mizoram asked Mizoram… more »

AIZAWL, Feb 28 (NNN): The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for Manipur and Mizoram asked Mizoram government to expedite restructuring of Power & Electricity department to enhance Administrative, Technical and Commercial efficiencies.

This point was stressed in the State Advisory Committee meeting of the JERC held today in Information and Public Relation Conference Hall in Aizawl which was chaired by H. Bihari Singh.

The meeting highlighted the urgency of corporatisation of the department in the same line with corporatisation of Power & Electricity department of Tripura in 2005. The Commission informed the meeting that a copy of the report of a Study Group sent to Tripura was already submitted to the government for examination.

Reacting to the points raised by the members, the representative of the department Lalduhzuala Sailo, superintendent engineer (Commercial) said, agreement in this regard was signed in 2002 chalking out road maps for corporatisation of the Power & Electricity department with support of funds expected from Structural Adjustment Loan of Asian Development Bank. When the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad, engaged as the consultants by the Deptt. submitted its report for implementation fund from ADB could not be made available, leading to non-conversion of the Dept. into corporation till today. The meeting also asked Power & Electricity Dept. to publicize creation of Public Grievances Redressal Mechanism in various levels and appointment of Assessing Authority and Appelate Authority as well in the print and electronic media of the State.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/corporatisation-of-power-dept-mooted-in-jerc-meet/

National Science Day observed

IMPHAL, Feb 28: The Department of Education (Schools), Govt of Manipur today organized the celebration… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 28: The Department of Education (Schools), Govt of Manipur today organized the celebration of National Science Day 2012 at GM Hall. It was attended by many from the teaching community, staff of Education (S) department as well as students from schools, namely, Keisamthong High School, Temple of Learning, HRD Academy, Wangkhei High School and Lalambung High School.

In his address as the president of the celebration, W Rajen Singh, Director of Education (S), rued the frequent disruptions to normal life through bandhs etc and especially the effect it has on students.. He appealed that students should be left out of the purview of such activities. He also expressed confidence in the abilities of the students from the state.

The day saw quizzes being organized in two categories, written quiz and oral quiz. Ch Sishidha, 9th standard of Keishanthong high school was adjudged the winner of the written quiz. He walked home with a cash prize of Rs. 1,000, a certificate and a memento. In the oral quiz, three teams with three members each had participated and Ch Sishirdhar, H Chingkheinganbi and Kh Geetarani Devi were the winners in an interesting competition. They each walked way with a cash prize of Rs. 1,000, a certificate and memento.

The day was also celebrated across the nation with its common theme ‘Çlean Energy Options & Nuclear Safety’. The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) had asked the Government of India to designate Feb 28 as National Science Day in order to mark the discovery of the Raman effect by Indian physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman on Feb 28, 1928.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/national-science-day-observed/

FNR invitation

DIMAPUR, Feb 28: The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has extended its invitation to all… more »

DIMAPUR, Feb 28: The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has extended its invitation to all the Naga groups (factions), former national workers, the Naga Hoho, tribe hohos, ENPO, UNC, Nagas in Myanmar, Assam and Arunachal, all the women organizations, all the student organizations, colleges, schools, civil society organizations, village leaders, churches, senior citizens, GBs and DBs, Naga Council, Dimapur, politicians and bureaucrats, non naga communities residing in Nagaland and the Naga public at large to the reconciliation meeting to be held on February 29at Agri-Expo Centre, 4th Mile, Dimapur from 10:00am onwards.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/fnr-invitation/

PLA nabbed

IMPHAL, Feb 28: A combined team of 10 Assam Rifles of the Red Shield Division,… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 28: A combined team of 10 Assam Rifles of the Red Shield Division, HQ 9 Sector Assam Rifles and Imphal West Police Commandos launched a search operation in the area of Singda Bazaar on specific information about the presence of a PLA cadre and apprehended the PLA cadre.

The cadre has been identified as Leiphrakpam Gopen alias Roshan alias Khangba, No 3172, aged 32 yr, s/o Late L Biren, resident of village Langthobal Phuramkhong, district Imphal West.

The apprehendee revealed that he is working with PLA since 2008 under Self Styled 2nd Lt Ajit of Jiribam. One 9mm Pistol, three live rounds and one magazine were recovered from the cadre. He has been handed over to Lamsang Police Station.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/pla-nabbed/

Computer sets donated

IMPHAL, Feb 28: 1/11 Gorkha Rifles under the aegis of “Red Shield Division” donated Computers… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 28: 1/11 Gorkha Rifles under the aegis of “Red Shield Division” donated Computers to the Govt School at Sanaikot village under Op Sadbhavana on 27 Feb 2012.

The aim of the project is to impart the basic knowledge of computer to students of this remote areas, who otherwise lack such facilities.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/computer-sets-donated/

21st U-14 boys state level hockey tournament

IMPHAL, Feb 28: Hockey Union blasted Super Sporting Association by 5-0 goals in the 21st… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 28: Hockey Union blasted Super Sporting Association by 5-0 goals in the 21st U-14 Boys State Level Hockey Tournament 2012 played at Khuman Lampak Hockey Stadium.

Hockey Union makes theirs presence felt early in the game as Th.Kingson struck in the 2 minute of play and later teamates W Robinson took over as he came up with a hattrick goal(10,14,22) minute and Nelson Singh chips in with another field goal in the 21 minute for the thumping win.

Hockey Union got the early lead as Th Kingson Singh open his team goal account with a field goal in the 2 minute and later W.Rabinson Singh took charge of the game as he struckhis hattrick goals in the 10,14, 22 minute and little later Y Nelson Singh struck home his team fifth goalin the 21 minute for the resounding victory.

In the other matches, Cosmopolitan hold on YCPA Chandel by 1-1 goals with G.Dingku fetching the opening goal for Cosmopolitan in the 23 minute and later T Johen drew parity for YCPA in the 38 minute to share a point each from the drawn result.

SYUC Uchekon nailed down Moral Education Intellectual Renascent Athletic Association by 4-1 goals. Uchekon gets the break in the 9 minute with L.Johny pushing home a field goal and later N.Robert push home another for Uchekon in the 13 minute to gain the upper hand.

Putting further pressure to its opponent, Uchekon player Th.Romesh dig down further as he struck two more goals in the 19 and 21 minute to post 4 goals lead. The lone facesaving goal for Moral Education came in the 20 minute from N.Inaotomba Singh.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/21st-u14-boys-state-level-hockey-tournament/

Textbook business

The issue of textbook availability haunts Manipur at the beginning of academic session. It will… more »

The issue of textbook availability haunts Manipur at the beginning of academic session. It will still continue to haunt us in the years to come, if we refuse to learn lessons from the past. If we are to seek a solution to this chronic problem, a proper diagnosis is needed. At the very outset, we need to question the attitude and commitment of our education planners and managers towards the problem. Which state agency is executing school textbook policy right from planning to production stage? For the present, the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BOSEM) is being charged with the task. Previously, it was the State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT).

How the ‘task’ changed hands will indeed be interesting for us to recall. It all started with a campaign by the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) for systematic planning of textbooks through research and a deliberative process. Before the AMSU campaign, SCERT use to invite proposed textbooks from individual writers and publishing firms. The books will go through a selection process, as they said. Then, it becomes the sole responsibility of the selected publishers to publish the selected textbooks and ensure availability in time. But after the campaign, a complete overhauling of the system was done which led to the introduction of group discussions on regional content and group writing of textbooks. And then, top officials of the SCERT began to lose interest in textbook business. They were so powerful that, within a short period of time they lobbied with the government and succeeded in doing away with textbooks and assigning it to the BOSEM, whose main activity then was conducting HSLC examinations. Like the
National Council of Educational Research & Training (NCERT), the basic purpose of establishing SCERTs in the states was for educational research and development of textbooks with regional content including production. How did they manage to convince the government otherwise is still a mystery. Yet, we may deduce from that singular action that the SCERT officials are indeed powerful and that top ministers and officials have no interest in educational planning and research. This is what we call, an indifferent attitude on the part of the state towards education.

Having said this, we would like to discuss why state agencies always fail to avail school textbooks in time. Lack of commitment and sincerity on the part of government officials, once again, comes to the fore. They look at textbooks as an entirely commercial activity. First, they need to convince themselves that, textbook planning and development including production is purely an academic exercise. It is an exercise which will involve educationists, intellectuals and writers. Times have changed and gone are the days of individual writers. A multi-disciplinary approach has become a necessity in the development of textbooks. Be it in English language or Manipuri language or the sciences, multi-disciplinary deliberations is needed, given the changing dynamics of human thought processes and globalization. What kind of citizens do we need to take forward the country in the ever changing world? This must necessarily the guiding principle in the development of the curriculum and textbooks. For such an exercise, multi-disciplinary approach and group writing of textbooks is needed. Secondly, printing and publication of textbooks should be the sole responsibility of state agencies. Outsourcing the task to private parties is another matter. But, publishing responsibility and timely distribution should remain with the state agency handling textbooks. Once again, we are of the opinion that, SCERT should be entrusted with the planning and development including publication of school textbooks. If a change of guard in the top echelons of SCERT is necessary for realization of the same, let it be so. These are some of our thoughts. But for a deeper look, an in-depth study and examination of the problem is required. Perhaps, a high powered committee should be instituted. Frontline civil society organizations inclusive of student organizations should also start looking for solutions instead of starting a blame game.  

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/textbook-business/

Naga Nationalism: Out of the Box Settlement?

By Abraham Lotha Out of the box. Muivah is fond of saying that the Indo-Naga… more »

By Abraham Lotha
Out of the box. Muivah is fond of saying that the Indo-Naga conflict will be solved out of the box. Whether the conflict is settled within or outside the Indian Constitution, one has to give credit to the Government of India (GoI) and the NSCN (IM) for venturing to discuss various options to settle the Naga problem out of the box. For this, international experts on constitutions have been consulted and subsequently proposals have been made and are being re-adjusted in the negotiations.

For instance, Muivah’s comments, “We also have to understand India’s position,” seem to show a softening of, indeed to belie, the original demand of ‘all or nothing.’ On the other hand, the GoI’s offer of a ‘broad-based political package,’ or ‘Christmas gift,’ or a ‘supra-state’ status, even if they are only vague hints, is a starting point for further negotiations. The current impasse in the negotiations can then be considered as a creative tension.

At this juncture, both the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) have a tendency to want to know, in advance, the outcome of the talks. This curious positioning reminds one of the times when the IM leadership calls for the Naga public’s prayer and fasting for God’s guidance. The call would be fine except for one small detail: the decisions have already been made, which means that the prayer and fasting being requested are really not for guidance at all.

My point is that the talks have to be open-ended, and both parties have to respect each other’s position and be committed to the outcome. As I stated in an earlier article, the right of the Indian government to consider the Nagas as part of India should be respected. So also the Nagas’ right as a people should be respected. No party wants to lose. The Government of India and the Nagas should not underestimate the other, nor should they ask people to give up their dream.  At the moment, unfortunately, both parties are asking from the other what they don’t want to give. This is because the negotiations are being done strictly within the foredoomed framework of the Indian nation-state versus the “break-away” Naga nation.

Sovereignty, or the denial of it, has been the bone of contention between the Nagas and the GoI. But like most situations in life, it is important to note that the way we conceive of nation or sovereignty is very much shaped by our experiences of history. The lack of meaningful progress in the negotiations has shown that the hegemonic effect of the nation-state’s defining episteme, namely sovereignty, has made it difficult for both the GoI and the IM to think of alternative relations to those dictated by it. Both parties are locked in the mindset and structure of governance derived from a fundamentalist interpretation of the nation-state, thereby reducing their relationship to one of inevitable antagonism between winner/loser and ruler/ruled reminiscent of colonialism, instead of making the relationship into one of mutually beneficial postcolonial co-existence.

Thomas Biolsi reminds us of the possibility of this latter positive alternative when he refers to the nation-state’s “circulation not only as an obligatory but also as a liberatory category in the global public sphere,” a category which lends itself to “both political realities and subversive political imaginaries.” Neither the GoI nor the IM has explored the untapped potential that Biolsi speaks of. Both seem unaware that seeing the sovereign state as the only modular form available to them makes difficult, if not impossible, the need to visualize other forms of sovereignty and other forms of being a nation in the twenty-first century.  Such blindness can become an impediment for good governance and state-building. It will serve both sides well to heed Michael Seymour’s warning, that, failure to “conceptualize nations in different ways, one can then be led to adopt a negative attitude toward legitimate forms of nationalism, and these attitudes may in turn have enormous political consequences, sometimes even leading to violence.”

Sovereignty, then, has to be thought of in inventive ways. As Sanjib Baruah says, “Unlike political scientists of a generation ago that took the modern idea of absolute and indivisible sovereignty as normal and desirable, many today look to shared sovereignty as an aspect of the usable past that could provide a framework for resolving many stubborn territorial disputes of today.”  The challenge for India as a nation-state, then, is how to govern with issues of heterogeneity and diversity, and for the Nagas, it is how to be a unique nation among nations.

In multi-ethnic states, the challenge for both the state and the nations within the state is to realize that there are different ways of being a nation just as there are different ways of enacting sovereignty. Non-state nations have been influenced by the popular thinking that each nation should be entitled to its own nation-state. But homogenous nation-states are becoming a rarity especially in terms of territory and ethnicity. Besides, as Ottaway says, “nationhood, or a sense of common identity, by itself does not guarantee the viability of a state.” Along the same lines, Donald Horowitz argues, proving the Naga experience, that secession from states as a means to self-determination by ethnic groups is almost never an answer to the problems of ethnic conflict and violence. For Horowitz, as a sovereign Nagalim might learn too late, the most likely scenario is that the minorities in the new states become oppressed and their rights are not likely to be respected. The right direction, Horowitz suggests (something GoI should pay attention to), is for states to seek internal accommodation including devolution of power by means such as regional autonomy or federalism.

Fortunately, unlike the nation-state’s sovereignty there are no modular forms for state-building, so each multi-ethnic state can innovate according to their particular contexts. There is no one-size-fits-all model of state building. Conceptually, scholars such as Mark Berger suggest that, “the term nation-building is increasingly being substituted for the less problematic concept of state-building.” Thus, in multi-ethnic states, as Ottaway opines, “the goal of nation building should not be to impose common identities on deeply divided peoples but to organize states that can administer their territories and allow people to live together despite differences.” That is to say, force and armed repression are the proven way to a failed state; they won’t do. Rather, consensual democratic methods are the preferred ways for countries that would aspire to greatness.

It is clear then that just as there is no one definition of nation and nationalism, there is also no one way of being a nation or a state. There can be other ways of being a sovereign state and a nation than the supposedly irreconcilable nations-within-state paradigm handed down by colonialism. In the Indo-Naga case, one innovative postcolonial example is worth a mention: China’s ‘one nation two systems’ model under which Hong Kong functions as a Special Administrative Region. Though directly under the authority of the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China for foreign and defense affairs, Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy including separate visa and passport agreements.

Should the Chinese practice seem unappealing to the GoI, there are other models. Puerto Rico as Associate State of the United States, the relationship of Gibraltar to the UK, the relationship of the Cook Islands and Niue to New Zealand, Liechtenstein’s status as a dependent territory of Switzerland, or Monaco with France. These are some examples of alternative types of sovereignty within nation-states. Incidentally, the GoI’s ‘supra-state’ concept has in it something of the Nordic Sami Convention.

Considering these types of sovereignty mentioned above, where the nation-state is only one among political geographies, Biolsi suggests that political entities “see these heteronomous or nonnation-state geographies not as anomalies or exceptions to the nation-state rule, but as concrete realities in which many people live and think about their rights and interests”. In other words, ethnic-driven states can co-exist with and not displace a sovereign state model.

Serious nation building is an everyday commitment, and the first task is to prevent political differences from spiraling into violence. The Indo-Naga relations have been that for too long. The time for violence and apathy has long past. Now is the time to negotiate an actionable, workable framework. The challenge of nation-building, as Ottaway says in another context, “need not become a quagmire as long as the effort has clear goals and sufficient resources.” Both Nagas and the Government of India need to come up with proposals for a win-win situation. “Poor eyes limit your sight; poor vision limits your deeds.” Let these words of Franklin Field not be repeated by posterity about the present generation of Indian and Naga leaders.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/naga-nationalism-out-of-the-box-settlement/

Iran refuses to bow down

By Tanveer Jafri In recent days, rhetoric of war has escalated between USA and Iran…. more »

By Tanveer Jafri
In recent days, rhetoric of war has escalated between USA and Iran. The US naval warship USS Lincoln is said to be moving towards Persian Gulf. America has also accelerated the work on development of a 13.6 tonne Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb, which is capable of destroying the underground nuclear facilities of Iran. The efforts to isolate Iran & cripple its economy have been on for years. Notwithstanding the sanctions & embargoes imposed by the West, Iran has sustained and expanded its nuclear program. While Iran has repeatedly insisted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, the US claims that Tehran is clandestinely involved in developing nuclear weapons which would pose threat to the global security.

Tensions between the US & Iran reached to new levels recently when Iranian President Mahmhoud Ahmadinejad launched indigenously produced enriched uranium fuel rods in Tehran. He also announced the setting up of four more nuclear reactors. This is seen as Iran’s way of showing to the West that it has advanced its nuclear program based on indigenously developed technology. After this technological feat achieved by Tehran, the US has once against called upon the international community to severe its ties with Iran. But Ahmadinejad is apparently unfazed. He announced, “Some 6,000 centrifuges were operating (in Natanz facility), 3,000 new ones have been added – bringing the total to 9,000.” Although he also assured that Iran would share this information with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) & comply with the IAEA safeguards. Daring the US, Ahmadinejad asserted, “The era of bullying nations has passed. The arrogant powers cannot monopolise nuclear technology. They tried to prevent us by issuing sanctions and resolutions but failed.” He also tried to convey that America is no more all powerful and if need arises, Iran can teach a lesson to it.

Iran’s nuclear program is not new. It dates back to 1960s. But after the Islamic Revolution of 1979, it had to be stopped. It was revived after 1990 and has progressed notwithstanding American sanctions. Washington accuses Tehran of clandestinely developing nuclear weapons in the garb of its nuclear program in violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). But not all countries are ready to tow this American line on Iran. Its main reason is that the claims of the US regarding Saddam’s Iraq possessing Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) were found false and they acted just as an excuse to topple Saddam regime. Therefore, majority of the countries are not ready to believe America again on Iran issue. Moreover, it is well understood that Washington is just trying to secure Israel by circumscribing Iran’s increasing strength in the region.

In December, Iran shocked the world when it claimed to have landed an American drone which it said, was spying into Iranian airspace. Embarrassed Pentagon said that the drone crossed into Iranian airspace from Afghanistan owing to a technical snag. In latest revelation, Iran has said that it possesses six American drones, which it has landed by deploying Iranian communication technology. Iran has also announced that very soon it will exhibit those drones.

In January, an Iranian court issued a death sentence to an American of Iranian descent convicted on charges of spying for the Central Intelligence Agency. On January 11, an Iranian nuclear scientist died in a “terrorist bomb blast” in northern Tehran when an unidentified motorcyclist attached a magnetic explosive device to the scientist’s car. Iran once again indicated that it believed the United States and Israel were responsible for this killing.

Tensions escalated recently when Israeli officials blamed Iran for bomb attacks in the capitals of Georgia, India and Thailand targeted at Israeli Embassy personnel. Evidence suggests that the bombings were part of a single plot, for which Israel has blamed Iran. Iranian officials, however, have denied any involvement & instead accused Israel of conspiring these bombings. In fact, Israel also wants the US to attack Iran & destroy its nuclear establishments and in the process weaken its military. Washington is not only increasing international pressure on Iran through sanctions, but also encouraging domestic opposition against Ahmadinejad’s government within Iran. Washington expected New Delhi to stand with it on Iran issue. But taking a clear stand, India has politely rejected the American suggestion and instead called for a diplomatic route to break this deadlock. Big countries like Russia, China and India are apparently standing with Iran as far as the option of military action is concerned.

As American allies, countries like France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Netherlands & Portugal proposed to stop oil imports from Iran from July onwards. They estimated that Iran could be made to fall in line using such threats. But their policy seems to have boomeranged as Iran has decided to stop crude exports to these countries with immediate effect. By this step, Iran has tried to prove that it is strong enough economically and doesn’t care for any threats. This standoff between the West and Iran is a matter of serious concern in the times of global economic slowdown and a danger of looming recession. Many questions are striking people’s minds such as why Iran is refusing to bow down under American pressure? Does America consider Iran as another Iraq? Does Iran treat American threats as mere hollow rhetoric? Facts suggest that after America’s rout in Afghanistan, groups like Taliban have stopped fearing it. Its claim of Iraq possessing WMDs was found to be a sham. Added to this, economic slowdown has crippled Washington’s ability to get involved in other such needless wars. Perhaps this is the reason why Iran is openly challenging the American hegemony.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/iran-refuses-to-bow-down/

National Science Day observed – KanglaOnline

National Science Day observedKanglaOnlineIMPHAL, Feb 28: The Department of Education (Schools), Govt of Manipur today organized the celebration of National Science Day 2012 at GM Hall. It was attended by many from the teaching community, staff of Educa…

National Science Day observed
KanglaOnline
IMPHAL, Feb 28: The Department of Education (Schools), Govt of Manipur today organized the celebration of National Science Day 2012 at GM Hall. It was attended by many from the teaching community, staff of Education (S) department as well as students

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Manipuri researcher among discoverers of new species of fish in Kalpangi River – KanglaOnline

Zee NewsManipuri researcher among discoverers of new species of fish in Kalpangi RiverKanglaOnlineThe team included K Nebeshwar from Manipur University, Kenjum Bagra Research Officer at Arunachal Pradesh Biodiversity Board and DN Das of Rajiv Gandhi Un…


Zee News

Manipuri researcher among discoverers of new species of fish in Kalpangi River
KanglaOnline
The team included K Nebeshwar from Manipur University, Kenjum Bagra Research Officer at Arunachal Pradesh Biodiversity Board and DN Das of Rajiv Gandhi University. The discovery of the new species was mentioned in an article published in the February,
New fish species found in Arunachal PradeshTimes of India

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Bob Khathing’s birth centenary celebrated – Assam Tribune

KanglaOnlineBob Khathing's birth centenary celebratedAssam TribuneMANTRIPUKHRI (MANIPUR), Feb 28 – The Manipur Governor, Chief Ministers of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, Rajya Sabha member from Manipur and a number of dignitaries from the regio…


KanglaOnline

Bob Khathing's birth centenary celebrated
Assam Tribune
MANTRIPUKHRI (MANIPUR), Feb 28 – The Manipur Governor, Chief Ministers of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, Rajya Sabha member from Manipur and a number of dignitaries from the region remembered the outstanding service of Ralengnao Khathing,
State salutes Maj Bob Khathing on his 100th birth anniversaryKanglaOnline

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Manipur: Oppn Parties Allege Malpractices, Seek Repoll – Outlook

Calcutta TelegraphManipur: Oppn Parties Allege Malpractices, Seek RepollOutlookPTI | New Delhi | Feb 28, 2012 Alleging poll irregular ties in Manipur assembly elections held on January 28, opposition parties in the state are seeking a repoll in some pl…


Calcutta Telegraph

Manipur: Oppn Parties Allege Malpractices, Seek Repoll
Outlook
PTI | New Delhi | Feb 28, 2012 Alleging poll irregular ties in Manipur assembly elections held on January 28, opposition parties in the state are seeking a repoll in some places and have knocked at the doors of the Election Commission.
Repoll in Manipur likelyAssam Tribune
Oppn parties in Manipur complain against CongZee News
AMTU urges President to intervene in re-poll rowKanglaOnline
Times of India
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Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFmM-RRDG9HaufFmn_5pv_9kilHYg&url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=753496