Guv greets on Guru Nanak day – KanglaOnline

Guv greets on Guru Nanak dayKanglaOnlineIMPHAL, Nov 16: “It gives me great pleasure to greet the people of Manipur and Nagaland, especially our Sikh brethren, on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji”, Dr Ashwani Kum…

Guv greets on Guru Nanak day
KanglaOnline
IMPHAL, Nov 16: “It gives me great pleasure to greet the people of Manipur and Nagaland, especially our Sikh brethren, on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji”, Dr Ashwani Kumar, the governor of Manipur and Nagaland 

and more »

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One seriously injured in bomb explosion in Manipur – Times of India

One seriously injured in bomb explosion in ManipurTimes of IndiaIMPHAL: One person was seriously injured when suspected militants hurled a powerful bomb at a house in Lilong area of Thoubal district today, police sources said. The bomb (improvised expl…

One seriously injured in bomb explosion in Manipur
Times of India
IMPHAL: One person was seriously injured when suspected militants hurled a powerful bomb at a house in Lilong area of Thoubal district today, police sources said. The bomb (improvised explosive device) was hurled at the house of Abdul Salam allegedly 

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Successful North East Festival set to become an annual affair in Delhi

Successful North East Festival set to become an annual affair in Delhi   –        The festival to travel across the country –        The next edition will be bigger & better –        First ever festival showcasing the vibrant future, present & … Continue reading

Successful North East Festival set to become an annual affair in Delhi

 

–        The festival to travel across the country

–        The next edition will be bigger & better

–        First ever festival showcasing the vibrant future, present & past of North East India

–         Thousands of Delhiites enjoyed colourful North Eastern Dance, music, ethnic food, fashion in a Carnival Atmosphere

–        A wholesome event wherein key issues faced by the region discussed with policy makers and North Eastern Stakeholders

 

New Delhi, 13th November, 2013: The two-day North East Festival here ended on a high note. Now, Shyamkanu Mahanta, organiser-in-chief of the Festival promised that the next edition would be bigger and better.

 

The first edition of the festival was organised by Trend MMS in association with the Eight State Govt of North Eastern States, DoNER ministry, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) , NEIIM etc on 8 and 9 November.

 

“This festival is organised to initiate a communication between people of the north-east with other states and also among the various communities living in the north-east,” says Shyamkanu Mahanta, organiser-in-chief of the ‘North East Festival 2013’.

 

Spanning over two days, the festival was organised in the format of a carnival with live music and dance performances engaging the visitors throughout the day in the amphitheatre and serious discussions on business, economy, socio-political issues of the region engrossing the intellectuals in the conference halls.  The Festival aimed at Integrated Marketing the entire North East to attract tourist and investments

 

Probably, it was for the first time all the eight north-eastern states participated showcasing the States, its investment potential and tourism in a festival dedicated to North East. The festival reached new heights with the presence of personalities like Montek Singh Ahluwalia (Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission) during the opening ceremony, Chief Ministers Dr. Mukul Sangma of Meghalaya, Mr. Nabam Tuki of Nagaland, eminent Journalist Arnab Goswami, DoNER Minister PS Ghatowar,  Secretary DoNER, Election Commissioner Mr. HS Brahma. Eminent actor Adil Hussain and Olympian MC Mary Kom supported the cause as brand ambassadors.

 

People hailing from the region of north-east and other parts of the country, came in from all areas to be a part of the festival. On day one, the seminar on Look East Policy and Internal Security of North East saw attendance by leading lights like Mr Ranjan Mathai, Former External Affairs Secretary,  India’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Mr. Gautam Mukhopadhay, Mr. YS Shahrwat, Chairman LPAI, who building ports and export infrastructure in North East, Joint Secretary (Home) in charge of North East Mr. Shombhu Singh, Interlocuter of Peace process Mr. PC Haldar, eminent actor Victor Banerjee, Journelist Mr. BG Vergese all interacted with stakeholders of North East including representatives from North East Political Science Association, media, Student bodies, Entrepreneurs, ULFA publicity Secretary Mr. Sasha Chaudhury etc.

 

In the afternoon an interaction with north-east students on security and other issues in Delhi saw representation from Delhi Police, DoNER Ministry, Planning Commission remained the highlight during the day.

 

As the evening approached, the cultural performance by musicians and dancers – Guru Rewben Mashangva (Manipur), Mami Varte (Mizoram), Omak Komut Collective (Arunachal Pradesh), Zubeen Garg (Assam), Alobo Naga and The Band (Nagaland) overwhelmed the audience. The evening turned magical and on day one and set a benchmark for the next day which began with a B2B session on north-east Tourism – Paradise Unexplored. It was attended by representatives from DoNER, NEC, IATA, ATOAI, stakeholders of NER etc.  A session on Entrepreneurship and Skil Development seen some successful Entrpreneurs from North East Such as Mr Khanindra Barman, who have set up 17 restaurants in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, Mr. Habib Chaudhury who have invested USD 300 Mn in Laos, Mr.Kh Palin who runs Shija Hospital in Imphal, Dr. Dhabali who runs Classic Hotel in Imphal, Mr. Sidhant who have come all the way from London, Mr. Sidhant is an innovator who made a watch which can work like computer and phone, Mr. Basant Khetan, promoter of Kaziranga University also interacted in the session.  NEDFI CMD, Mr. BP Muktiah talked about the industrial scenario in the North East. Mr. JP Rai, Director General, NSDA talked about skill initiatives for the region.

 

Later on the day north-east icons such as Mary Kom, Adil Hussain, Mr. Larsing Ming of Lajong Club, Mr. Pradyot Debbarma interacted with the audience, which came in  huge numbers to the venue. In the closing session some outstanding achievers of the region like Mr. Jadav Payeng, the forest of Man of India, Dr. Kh Palin, Mr. Sidhant, Mr. Habib Choudhury etc were felicitated for their outstanding work.

 

The visitors stayed back to witness a fashion show which showcased north-east handloom and jewellery by North East Designers and models such as Dhiraj Deka from Assam, Garima Saikia Garg from Assam, Yana Ngoba from Arunachal Pradesh, Joy Singh from Manipur, Anu Marbaniang from Meghalaya, Charlie from Mizoram, Anga and Aji from Nagaland where apart from inspiring the masses with their life stories, Mary Kom and Adil Hussain also walked the ramp.  The concluding performance was by Kalpana Patowary & Lou Majaw, Alobo Naga and team which made the audience wait in high hopes for the next edition of the festival!

 

Food stalls and a photography exhibition attracted a huge number of people from mainstream India as well.

 

Mr. Mahanta informed that support from all State Governments, icons, musicians, general public is overwhelming.

 

“We didn`t get much private support this time because nobody believed in it. Now, they`ve seen it doing well. Once We get that support, We`ll do aggressive marketing,” added Mahanta, who plans to bring the festival back to the capital in the last quarter of 2014. We need to build up the momentum. Our target is Delhi then Mumbai. We want to get attention first. Mumbai might happen within six months, but Delhi will be an annual event. We will build the brand here, strengthen it, then take it forward to cities like Mumbai and Bangalore,” he said.

Mr. Adil Hussain, the Brand Ambassador said that he is very happy to see the response of the Festival. He said he came for one hour and stayed back both days. He offered his support to make it bigger in coming days.

MC Mary Kom, who got the attention of entire National Media while walking the ramp with Adil Hussain and Zubin Garg is very happy to be able to contribute for the North Eastern region. She said, she would keep supporting the objective of North East Festival.

 

Veteran actor Victor Banerjee described the region as “the friendliest” one, “”I`ve been to all parts of India and northeast is the friendliest one, according to me. There is no hierarchy over there. Women have rights. They have much more power than average woman in rest of India,” said Victor.”

For further details, please contact:
Le Communiqué Consultancy                                                     North East Festival
Anuj      / Shabana   / Santosh                                                        SK Mahanta
9958372662/9818759958/9968509492                          919954714240
skmahanta@gmail.com ;trendmms@live.com   

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National School of Drama

Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Sanskaar Rang Toli (T.I.E. Co) begins with BalSangam   –        Bal Sangam brings the flavors of  North East with various Traditional Folk Performing Arts from the Seven States –        Bal Sangam – a Week-long Festival of … Continue reading

Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Sanskaar Rang Toli (T.I.E. Co) begins with BalSangam

 

–        Bal Sangam brings the flavors of  North East with various Traditional Folk Performing Arts from the Seven States

–        Bal Sangam – a Week-long Festival of Performing Arts and Folk Theatre for the children by the children starts on Children’s Day this year

–        Sanskaar Rang Toli (T.I.E. Co.) introduces Traditional Folk Theatre by Children as a special segment in its Silver Jubilee year

 

New Delhi, November 13, 2013: The sweet melody of flute, dug dugdug sound of the dugdugi, the distinct music of Dotara, nothing compares to the sweet memories of the childhood mela. A flexible girl, a juggler, some clowns in myriad coloursare nowhere to be found in today’s time, more so in an urban setting. These week-long mela-like treat for childrenwill be brought by Sanskaar Rang Toli (T.I.E Co.) of National School of Drama during the BalSangam 2013, starting from 14th November. It will bring the unique and traditional performing arts to the capital as a treat to the urban children.

This year, NSD’s Sanskar Rang Toli – Theatre in Education Co.which was established in 1989 celebrates its Silver Jubilee year and Bal Sangam 2013 marks the beginning of the year-long celebration. Commencing on the Children’s Day, the weeklong festival at the New Delhi NSD Campus, promises to be a traditional, cultural, and mela like delight for its attendees. From folk dance, martial arts, acrobats, street performances like juggling, magic shows, puppet shows and many more experiences, Bal Sangam will present 10 group’s vivid, distinct and on the verge of extinction performing arts.

 

Ratan Thiyam, NSD Chairperson shares on the occasion, “North East Region has very rich traditional and cultural heritage. Various art forms are so rare and exquisite it has become the need of the hour that they be brought back into the limelight and be given due attention they so right fully deserve.”

With special focus on North East Region, Bal Sangam 2013 brings the unexplored talents and for many un-witnessed traditional performing arts by children from this region. It took six months of hardwork in finding these 11 traditional folk performers (child artist groups) from all over the North East by T.I.E. Co. The artists are not trained or taught; rather they have inherited from their families who still practice these performing arts which are now on the verge of extinction. In this category of folk and performing arts Groups which would participate are, Abhiyan from Tinsukia, Assam; A’chick Theatre from Tura, Meghalaya; Bashel Brothers Creations, from West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh; Kohinoor Langa from Rajasthan; Blooming Cultural Akademy, IrilbungImphal West, Manipur; Dapon The Mirror, Tangla, Udalpuri BTAD- Assam; GuguraBodol, NazirPukur Par, Krishnanagar, Agartala, Tripura; KadamtaliOjapali Dal from Darrang Assam, Neuhof Cultural Club,Aizawl, Mizoram; Padma AdzerChoeling from East Sikkim and TiwaBhasha- SanskritiCharchaSomittee from Nagaon, Assam.

Performances like Jaxoi Dance, Huroi Or Baisangi, Jang Bihu, Wangala (Napchenga, Rimchaksoa, Sara Roa, Makkre Rika, Mi Geaa, Mi Rata, Mi Sua, Chu Kana, Dome Dena, Jong’ a Toa, Kambe Toa, Chame Mikkang Nia, Salam Ona), Yak Dance, Hu, Jaam, Zig & Aji  Lhamutells The Folk Tales Of Sherdukpen Tribe, Bamboo Dance, Kabui Naga Dance, Pung Cholam, Dhol Dholak Cholom, Maibi Jagoi, Khamba Thoibi Dance, Stick Dance, Thabi Kakpa, Thang Ani Yannaba, Thang Ahum Yannba, Thangjao Yannba, Thang Ta Chainba, Thang Leiteng Haiba, Yetthang Oithang Yannba, Farkanti, The Bihu, Bardai Sikhla, Raidwng Shipnai, Garia, Lebang Boomani, Mamita, Mosok Sulmani, Hazagiri, Deodhani, Suknani Ojha Pali, Devi Archana, Going to The Temple to, Dance Chaloni Gotir Nritya, Rana Chandi Nritya, Khuti Talor Nritya, Four Stroks, Mandap Kamua Nritya, Cheraw, Chheih Lam, Tlanglam, Sarlamkai/Solakia, Khullam, Chawnglaizawn, Chai, Nepali Maruni Dance (Akashai Ko Kalo-Badal), Nepali Rai Dance (Suntaley Bhiraiko tir), Nepali Churkay Dance (Gharma Cha), Bhutia Dance (Limpokara Sum), Bhutia Dance (Denzong), Lepcha Dance (Mun-Dyak-Ka-Na-Oh, Lepcha Dance (Nam-Frona Pho Sa Bhoem), Langkhon Misawa, Khorla pisu Misawa, Baro Langkhui Misawa, Khram Misawa, Mairawa Misawa, Nakha Sanga Misawa and Khangsi Misawa will be the centre of attention.

WamanKendre, Director, National School of Drama, “BalSangam is a mela from Sanskar Rang Toli every alternate year which is a grand treat for children. We want as many as children to come and experience the mela so that they are enriched with our traditional and cultural heritage. Parents are also requested not to miss BalSangam with their children as this is the one and only, unique and complete folk performing arts and folk theatre festival by children in the entire country.”

Also taking a step forward towards educating the children, Sanskaar Rang Toli (T.I.E Co) this time will be holding special performances in the morning session with various schools who has tied up with NSD. The students will also have discussion sessions with artists who are experts of the art form presented and attend various workshops organized during the day.

Introducing a special segment for the Silver Jubilee Celebration, out of the 21 groups that will be performing during the Festival, a street performance and9Traditional Folk Theatre Performance groupswill also bring their best performances to the centre-stage.These will include theatres like Bali Wadh&Dwapar Lila by BhaveshChhouNritya Kala, Jharkhand; RaasLeelaby Face, Manipur;Yakshagana Dance Drama by Yakshagana Kendra Udipi, Karnataka; GosianPatherbyNational Bhand Theatre Budgam, J&K;Darz-E-Patherby Kashmir Performers Collective, Srinagar; Lava Kush by MudalapayaYakshagana Kendra, Karnataka;MaachbyAnkur Rang Munch, MP; PurliaChhou, Royal Chhou Academy, West Bengal and AnkiyaBhaonafrom Prayaas, Nagaon, Assam.The idea is toprovide a platform to the original theatres without the touch of modernism.

Abdul Latif Khatana, Founder Member and present Chief of T.I.E Co. says, “The Mela is an effort to provide a platform at the National level to folk and traditional artists to keep them in practice with their rich cultural tradition. The festival also aims to spread awareness among urban children about the rich cultural heritage of the country. The special focus of the Mela 2013 is the performances of folk and traditional performing Arts from the North East states and only folk/traditional theatre performances from different region of India. Besides various performances, Art and Craft workshops are also part of the Mela.”

 

The fanfare and hubbub of Bal Sangam 2013 starts from 14th November and goes on till 20th November, 2013 at the New Delhi Campus of NSD at Bhagwandas Road. Timing 4:00PM to 8:00PM from 14th to 17th November and 6:00PM to 8:00PM from 18th to 20th November.

Barry John, Founder-Director of the TIE Company on the occasion of Sanskar Rang Tolientering its 25th Year said, “The TIE Company has done a lot to be proud of, but there are massive tasks still waiting to be done. I wish there was a quick and easy way to prove to those who are ignorant or prejudiced about the benefits to be derived from Theatre activities, but of course, there is not. Meanwhile, Theatre’s potential to humanize people, to have them working creatively together, to resolve conflicts and violence, to empower people positively, lies languishing.”

About TIE Co.

Sanskaar Rang Toli is the only theatre education resource centers in the country and has worked with around 10 thousand children till date in various workshops. It consists of a group of actor-teachers working with and performing for children. The major focus of the TIE Company is to perform creative, curriculum-based and participatory plays in schools, specially designed and prepared for children of different age groups. The major thrust of the plays is to create an atmosphere that encourages children to raise questions, take decisions and make choices with an awareness of themselves within the larger social context.

The TIE Company has done more than 1400 performances of 32 plays in various parts of the country. More than 10 lakh children, apart from college students, teachers, parents and theatre lovers, have witnessed these plays in approximately all the states in the country and Poland, China, Philippines and Japan.

The Toli began with an objective of bridging the gap between passive education and an active method of learning by doing through its performances of varied plays, Summer Workshops on self development and social integration, Sunday Club for devising original performances with children, workshops with teachers on effective teaching-learning process. All these activities are practiced round the year as per the children annual school calendar in Delhi and other parts of the country.

 

About BalSangam:

With the start of new millennium TIE Co. started a new bi annual event “BalSangam”, a festival of Indian performing folk and traditional arts presented by children practicing these arts from different regions of the country.

 Around 2 lakh people, mostly children, have witnessed BalSangam till date in the last 7 BalSangams. Around 85 groups have participated and showcased around 672 performances till date.

 

For further queries, please contact:
Le Communiqué Consultancy                                                                                         National School of Drama

Anuj@9958372662/ Shabana@09860758687/                                                            A.K. Barua @ 9810329401

Santosh@9968509492/Hemant@9999370919                                                                            PRO, NSD

 

Anuj Kumar Boruah
Associate Director


Le Communique Consultancy
3rd Floor, N-5 A, Jangpura Extension
Near Eros Cinema
New Delhi-110014
Telefax- 011-41519967

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Opposition Congress to boycott “State Golden Jubilee Celebration”

Opposition Congress to boycott “State Golden Jubilee Celebration” if CM fails to remove Imchen from Council of Ministers By Oken Jeet Sandham KOHIMA, Nov 13 (NEPS): In an unprecedented move that will have far reaching consequences in the present Neihpiu … Continue reading

Opposition Congress to boycott “State Golden Jubilee Celebration” if CM fails to remove Imchen from Council of Ministers

By Oken Jeet Sandham
KOHIMA, Nov 13 (NEPS): In an unprecedented move that will have far reaching consequences in the present Neihpiu Rio Government in Nagaland, the main Opposition Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) warned that it would launch a mass agitation even to the extent of “boycotting the 50th Anniversary celebrations of (Nagaland) Statehood” if chargesheeted State Cabinet Minister Imkong L Imchen was not removed from the Council of Ministers within fortnight.In a representation to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio here on Wednesday, the main opposition NPCC strongly demanded the removal of Imkong L Imchen, Medical Minister, from the Council of Ministers since he had already been “chargesheeted” by the Wokha Police for his “criminal conduct during the recently concluded state assembly elections.”
“Caught red handed with crores of unaccounted money, illegal weapons and liquor in his possession at Wokha, enough prima facie evidences are available against the Minister and for which his continuance in the Cabinet has become untenable until he is proved innocent in the court of law,” said the representation.
Stating that Imchen lost all moral authority to cling on to the ministerial chair, the NPCC demanded for his immediate removal from the Cabinet so that the entire trial hearing process did not get influenced by his position as minister.
It further warned that it would launch a mass agitation even to the extent of boycotting the “50th Anniversary celebrations of (Nagaland) statehood” if the Chief Minister failed to remove him from his Council of Minister within fortnight. “(Because) it will not tolerate a criminally tainted person masquerading as leader to make a mockery of law and hold the state to ransom,” it asserted.Meanwhile, the NPCC also sought the intervention of the State Governor Dr Ashwini Kumar to prevail upon the Chief Minister for removal Imchen as Minister without further delay to let the justice prevail.
Later talking to press her at Congress Bhavan on Wednesday, NPCC President SI Jamir disclosed that they sought appointment for Chief Minister but the latter could not give even for five minutes. So they had submitted the “Representation” through one of his officials at his office.

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Ningol Chakaoba in Bangalore

Ningol Chakaoba in Bangalore: A melting pot of diverse ethnic group: A small Ningol Chakauba event organized by a group of enthusiastic Meities in Bangalore successfully marked the seemingly meitei festival into a cross-culture event by bringing together members of … Continue reading

Ningol Chakaoba in Bangalore: A melting pot of diverse ethnic group:

A small Ningol Chakauba event organized by a group of enthusiastic Meities in Bangalore successfully marked the seemingly meitei festival into a cross-culture event by bringing together members of other ethnic groups in the festivity. Close to 100 guests attended the luncheon held at the prestigious NGV Club premises in the heart of the city. The event was a sincere effort, devoid of any political motive to cohabit and celebrate the harmony within cultural diversity.

True to the essence of Ningol Chakauba, all the ‘ningols’ came adorned in best of their traditional attire- exquisite mix of ‘enaphi’ and choicest ‘Phanek’, some with kids tagged along and others much on their own. Nevertheless, all were welcomed and guided inside, making sure no one entered unattended. The much awaited feast, including classic dishes like ‘sareng thonba, shinju, ataoba thonba any many more were earnestly prepared by the volunteers themselves to retain the traditional touch. Aslo, in the most customary way, organizers ensured all the ‘ningol’ were presented with a small ‘dokhina’(gift) knowing very well that a Ningol Chakaoba is never complete without ‘Dokhina’ presented to the ‘ningol’.

“First time I have attended an event like this and I’ am really happy to be a part. Next year also I wish to attend” a non-meitei guest expressed his views when asked. “Event like this gives us an opportunity to meet, celebrate and introduce our customs and traditions to others” said a lady guest. Many guests echoed same views of replicating the success in coming years and organizing a bigger and better event. – Ms. Roopa, one of the ningols.

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Myanmar reaches a crucial stage for national peace

 By Nehginpao Kipgen  November 12, 2013  http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/379331/myanmar-reaches-a-crucial-stage-for-national-peace From Nov 4-5, the Myanmar government peace negotiation team and representatives of ethnic armed groups met in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin state. The meeting took place after a four-day (Oct 30 to … Continue reading

 By Nehginpao Kipgen
 November 12, 2013
From Nov 4-5, the Myanmar government peace negotiation team and representatives of ethnic armed groups met in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin state. The meeting took place after a four-day (Oct 30 to Nov 2) conference of 17 ethnic armed groups in Laiza, also in Kachin state.
The meeting was significant for two reasons. First, it was the only large and inclusive gathering of ethnic armed groups and the Myanmar government since the country’s independence. The two sides came together in an attempt to address protracted minority problems.
The meeting, which was attended by over 50 leaders of different ethnic armed groups and several representatives from the government, can be termed a more inclusive one than the Panglong conference of 1947, which was signed by 23 representatives from Chin, Kachin, Shan and Bama or Burman.
Second, the meeting was attended by international observers _ Vijay Nambiar, Special Adviser to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and Wang Yin Fan, the Chinese government’s representative.
During the two-day meeting, the ethnic armed groups presented an 11-point proposal they had devised during the Laiza conference to the government, which included the establishment of a federal army.
Naing Han Thar, general secretary of the United Nationalities Federal Council, an alliance of ethnic armed groups, said “If we want to create a federal union, we need to have a federal army. If the army is controlled by a small group of people, it is not appropriate for a federal union and it can’t guarantee inclusion for ethnic minorities”.
On the other hand, the Union government presented a 10-point proposal to the ethnic armed groups, including non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, perpetuation of sovereignty and democratic principles according to the 2008 constitution.
At the end of the two-day meeting, the two sides agreed to work together towards a nationwide ceasefire and establish a framework for political dialogue, and to hold meetings for political negotiation. They also agreed to meet again in Hpa-An, the capital of Karen state.
Initially, the government was hopeful of signing a nationwide ceasefire agreement before the end of November. But it is now certain that the ceasefire will not happen in November as the next meeting is scheduled for December.
Can recent developments resolve the decades-old political problems in the country? Though it is still too early to give a definitive answer, there is potential for a solution as long as both sides are willing to compromise and cooperate.
One setback of the Myitkyina meeting was the absence of the United Wa State Army, one of the most powerful non-state armed groups in the country. Other armed groups such as the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang and the Kuki National Organisation also did not participate. All these armed groups also did not attend the Laiza conference.
For a nationwide ceasefire to be effective and successful, all ethnic armed groups in the country need to participate and cooperate in the peace-building process. Meanwhile, it is the responsibility of both the Union government and leaders of the participating armed groups to convince and invite the non-participating groups.
As has been the case for the past several decades, the greatest challenge in the reconciliation process is likely to be the question of withdrawing the Union army from ethnic minority territories and granting autonomy to the minorities.
And another challenge will be how the Union government will deal with the armed groups after a nationwide ceasefire is signed. Will the government be willing to integrate the armed groups into the federal army, or transform them into other state forces?
If the government decides to integrate them, will the armed groups accept such a proposal as a long-term solution? And if the government decides to transform them into other state forces, will the government sanction adequate funding to support them?
Moreover, the 2008 constitution needs to be either rewritten or amended in order to accommodate the demands of ethnic armed groups.
In any case, the armed groups are unlikely to surrender their arms if they are not fully convinced that the Union government is sincere in its commitment to addressing the longstanding demands of ethnic minorities, such as equality of rights and self-determination in their own territories.
Because of the historical lack of trust between the minorities and the successive central governments, building mutual trust is going to take time.
While the unprecedented nature of the Myitkyina meeting brings hope, one must be cautiously optimistic about the end-result. Nevertheless, recent developments are crucial for the success of national reconciliation, and should be encouraged.
Nehginpao Kipgen is general secretary of the US-based Kuki International Forum. His research focuses on the politics of South and Southeast Asia, with a concentration on Myanmar.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/11/myanmar-reaches-a-crucial-stage-for-national-peace/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=myanmar-reaches-a-crucial-stage-for-national-peace

Bomb explosion in Manipur injures one seriously – Economic Times

Bomb explosion in Manipur injures one seriouslyEconomic TimesBomb explosion in Manipur injures one seriously. 16 Nov, 2013, 01.33PM IST. Post a Comment. 0. Share More. READ MORE ON » Thoubal district | The Office | Manipur | casualty | bomb explosion …

Bomb explosion in Manipur injures one seriously
Economic Times
Bomb explosion in Manipur injures one seriously. 16 Nov, 2013, 01.33PM IST. Post a Comment. 0. Share More. READ MORE ON » Thoubal district | The Office | Manipur | casualty | bomb explosion in Manipur | Bomb explosion | Ayah Uddin 

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGd_91gmCjeZx1fvYxwyxNjtAp3lw&url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/bomb-explosion-in-manipur-injures-one-seriously/articleshow/25878759.cms

One injured in Manipur grenade attack – The Hindu

One injured in Manipur grenade attackThe HinduThere was a general strike on Saturday in Ukhrul district of Manipur protesting against the bombing of the office of the Tangkhul Students' Union. Sources said that on Friday night unidentified persons …

One injured in Manipur grenade attack
The Hindu
There was a general strike on Saturday in Ukhrul district of Manipur protesting against the bombing of the office of the Tangkhul Students' Union. Sources said that on Friday night unidentified persons entered the office premises and exploded the bomb.

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Bomb explodes in Manipur, no casualty – Deccan Chronicle

Bomb explodes in Manipur, no casualtyDeccan ChronicleImphal: A powerful bomb (improvised explosive device) exploded in Manipur's interior Ukhrul district bordering Myanmar but no casualty was reported, police said today. The bomb, allegedly planted…

Bomb explodes in Manipur, no casualty
Deccan Chronicle
Imphal: A powerful bomb (improvised explosive device) exploded in Manipur's interior Ukhrul district bordering Myanmar but no casualty was reported, police said today. The bomb, allegedly planted by militants at the office of Tangkhul Katamnao (a

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Bomb explodes in Manipur, no casualty – Times of India

indiatvnews.comBomb explodes in Manipur, no casualtyTimes of IndiaIMPHAL: A powerful bomb (improvised explosive device) exploded in Manipur's interior Ukhrul district bordering Myanmar but no casualty was reported, police said on Saturday. The bomb…


indiatvnews.com

Bomb explodes in Manipur, no casualty
Times of India
IMPHAL: A powerful bomb (improvised explosive device) exploded in Manipur's interior Ukhrul district bordering Myanmar but no casualty was reported, police said on Saturday. The bomb, allegedly planted by militants at the office of Tangkhul Katamnao (a 
Bomb blast at TKL officeKanglaOnline
Ukhrul : Second bomb capital of the StateE-Pao.net

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34th annual conference of NE India History Association held at Manipur University – TwoCircles.net

34th annual conference of NE India History Association held at Manipur UniversityTwoCircles.netImphal: The North East India History Association (NEIHA) held its 34th Annual Conference from 11th to 13th November 2013 at Manipur University, in Manipur. T…

34th annual conference of NE India History Association held at Manipur University
TwoCircles.net
Imphal: The North East India History Association (NEIHA) held its 34th Annual Conference from 11th to 13th November 2013 at Manipur University, in Manipur. The conference, hosted by Department of History, Manipur University, was inaugurated at the 

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