`Site scouting for rehab centre to house SoO cadres`

IMPHAL, December 29: Reacting to the reported involvement of SoO signatory groups in anti-social activities, state Home minister Gaikhangam who is also the state dy CM said that the government is looking for a proper location to set up a … Continue reading

IMPHAL, December 29: Reacting to the reported involvement of SoO signatory groups in anti-social activities, state Home minister Gaikhangam who is also the state dy CM said that the government is looking for a proper location to set up a rehab centre for the Suspension of Operation signatory cadres.

Speaking to a select group of media persons today at his MPCC office, the party president said that cadres have been found involved in several activities against the ground rules of the SoO.

This might be due to lack of control over them or because they are kept at the Assam Rifles or army camps, he continued.

Once the rehab centre is set up, the cadres will be monitored by the state own security forces and will be under strict vigilance and whenever they go out of the centre, security personnel will be along with them, he elaborated.

He said as of now, the Joint Monitoring Group will be directed to conduct frequent meetings about the SoO ground rules.

Meanwhile, the chief minister and other state high ranking officials have already discussed about the allotment of land for the construction of the said rehab and identification of the location, he said.

Though the place is yet to be identified, the rehab centre is essential to restrict the cadres from indulging in untoward incidents, he opined.

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Electoral Reforms and Democracy

Senior CPI leader and party’s apparent choice for the Inner Parliamentary seat at the next Parliament elections, Dr Moirangthem Nara has been vociferously campaigning for electoral reforms throughout the state, strongly contending that the present majoritarian system of plurality based … Continue reading

Senior CPI leader and party’s apparent choice for the Inner Parliamentary seat at the next Parliament elections, Dr Moirangthem Nara has been vociferously campaigning for electoral reforms throughout the state, strongly contending that the present majoritarian system of plurality based First Past the Post had made a mockery of the concept of representative democracy. During several meetings, bearing the characteristics of election hustings, the former minister had told potential voters on the importance of replacing it with the proportional representation system which is being followed in countries like Russia, Israel etc but very seldom in English speaking countries. The issue of electoral reforms is less likely to make significant impacts to the voters at the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, which incidentally will be conducted under the ‘failed system’. Also, the very evident lack of support from other political parties to the cause is an indication that its campaign for changing the existing electoral systems, or reformation as the party prefers to put it, is not readily agreeable. Despite the drawbacks, the persistence of the party on the issue is laudable and manifested the typical grit and gutsy attitude long associated with the left parties.
The CPI’s argument against the majoritarian system is simple. In the last Assembly elections, the Congress got under 30 percent of the voting share and successfully staked claim to form the government while other political parties who in combined won over 70 percent were compelled by the system to stay out. In fact, the MPP and CPI despite getting significant chunk of the vote-share were not even represented in the Assembly. Another point forwarded by the CPI is that the winner takes all aspects of the majoritarian system tempted voters to choose the parties likely to win the plurality, instead of wasting votes for third parties, posing a disadvantage to smaller and minority parties.  Let us not confuse the CPI’s perception on the existing system as a case of sour grapes by putting its campaign in the backdrop its performance at the last Assembly elections. Its leaders command conceptual clarity and commitment on why the proportional representation will be more beneficial in preserving the democratic values.
Electoral system and democracy are very closely linked. The ideal of democracy assumes concrete dimensions through the electoral process and for many people election is the only form of political participation. The exercise of electoral franchise also means recognition to being a citizen in a democratic society. Thus, if a section of the citizens feel that the electoral system is not fulfilling the expectations of the public, then does not it mean that democracy itself has been put in danger. In all logic, the CPI and MPP must have had hard feelings remembering that despite having thousands of supporters and potentially winning candidates they do not have a single representation at the House. Naturally, when a party or an individual begins to make assumptions that the legislatures following the elections is not reflecting the fair preference, then there will be a decrease in support for the system. Public support for the democratic system is swayed by their belief that the translation of votes into seat under the electoral system is fair. We believed that the issue of electoral reforms on its own strength qualifies for a political debate at the right platforms. Besides, has not India already adopted a style of PR system in the Upper House of the Parliament.  

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Trust gives thrust to pursuit of integration in multi-cultural societies

IMPHAL, Dec 29: Touch India Trust, a partner of Samvada Centre for Research Resources, New Delhi, held an orientation seminar at the Hotel Classic Imphal here yesterday evening with minister for Health, Family Welfare, GAD & CADA, Manipur Phungzathang Tonsing … Continue reading

IMPHAL, Dec 29: Touch India Trust, a partner of Samvada Centre for Research Resources, New Delhi, held an orientation seminar at the Hotel Classic Imphal here yesterday evening with minister for Health, Family Welfare, GAD & CADA, Manipur Phungzathang Tonsing as chief guest and Parliamentary Secretary, Tribal Affairs & Hills, Information Technology, Manipur Victor Keishing as guest of honour.

The trust, according to a brochure distributed to participants, said was founded in 2003 and is a Delhi based charity “with a vision to prepare and empower India’s students and young professionals to be agents of change.”

“Touch India offers opportunities through its internship and studentship programmes in academics and research, creative arts and media, social intervention, and social entrepreneurship. It enables them to supplement their educational experience and gain skills necessary to make a critical contribution to society,” the brochure further elaborated.

Giving the key note address to the meet, Dr. Brainerd Prince, director of the Samvada Centre for Research Resource said the mission of the organization and its partners is to rediscover the rich but neglected human resources, especially in the area of reconciling communalism and multiculturalism that ancient India always possessed, and together with its partners seek to understand and resolve today’s vexing problems of social intolerance using these knowledge.

He said Touch India Trust has found immediate affinity and rapport with communities of the Northeast, and today has a strong presence in the region.

Speaking at the function, the chief guest, Phungzathang Tonsing said the multicultural society of the Northeast, Manipur not the least, needs to encourage and learn from such praiseworthy initiatives as those of the Samvada Centre and Touch India Trust.

The guest of honour, Victor Keishing said Manipur is a very diverse society which can boast of affiliations to practically all the religions of India and the world, as much as of skills and arts of any variety. Integrative knowledge and initiatives being pursued by organizations such as Samvada Centre and Touch India Trust can make immense contribution to our society, he added.

Young scholar from Manipur pursuing a degree in philosophy at Oxford University as a fellow of the Touch India Trust, Stephan Muivah, also spoke on the importance of the academic fellowships and programmes supported by the trust in the effort to understand multi-cultural societies, and therefore their vital relevance to the social and political projects of sizing up the dynamics of Manipur’s multi ethnic social milieu and envisioning a way forward.

Earlier in the day, Samvada Centre and Touch India Trust, in collaboration with the History Department of the Manipur University held an awareness seminar of the Manipur University, on the same issue of finding a progressive way forward for multi-cultural societies, the organisers said.

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Book release

IMPHAL, Dec 29: A book titled ‘Chahi Taret Khuntakpa’ written by Rajen Toijamba was released today at the Dave Literature Centre, DM College Complex. The book is also a radio drama. Prof H Behari Singh, convenor Manipur Language Advisory Board, … Continue reading

IMPHAL, Dec 29: A book titled ‘Chahi Taret Khuntakpa’ written by Rajen Toijamba was released today at the Dave Literature Centre, DM College Complex.

The book is also a radio drama.

Prof H Behari Singh, convenor Manipur Language Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi attended as the chief guest while Padmashree RK Jhalajit Singh presided over the function.

The writer is a renowned litterateur, dramatist and a recipient of the Maisnam Tombi Critic Award, 2011.

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`Centrally sponsored schemes a failure in state`

IMPHAL, December 29: A one-day Legal Discourse on Rights to Food was held today at the Conference Hall of the Institute of Co-operative Management, Lamphelpat. Advocate Khaidem Mani; associated professor Economics Department, Manipur University, Chinglen Maisnam; lecturer LMS Law College … Continue reading

IMPHAL, December 29: A one-day Legal Discourse on Rights to Food was held today at the Conference Hall of the Institute of Co-operative Management, Lamphelpat.

Advocate Khaidem Mani; associated professor Economics Department, Manipur University, Chinglen Maisnam; lecturer LMS Law College Dr Chongtham Narendra Singh and Meihoubam Rakesh, Director Human Right Law network (HRLN) attended as the presidium members.

Chinglen Maisnam observed that there are several centrally sponsored schemes in the state; however, people are unable to avail the benefits from any of the schemes.

He said the state is fully dependent to the Centre for everything.

State politicians have today failed to speak out to the Centre on the needs of the people, he opined.

Due to the failure of the state politicians and government to properly express the needs of the state, all centrally sponsored schemes have failed to bring the sought benefits, he continued.

Elaborating further, he said that people are more aware of a housie game than that of food security.

Citing that in the nearby state of Tripura, the government makes it sure that PDS items reach the beneficiaries, he said that in Manipur, the items seldom reach the people.

He further continued there is not even proper godown in the state to store the essential items.

He further observed that since people are not fully aware of the importance of bank accounts, people seldom open their own personal accounts.

Every problem in the state is due to the bad governance, he opined before adding that people need to be aware of their legal rights and unitedly make efforts to understand the schemes especially the Food Security Bill and avail its benefits.

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Science Congress Day

IMPHAL, Dec 29: The ISCR, Imphal chapter and the Manipur University today announced that the two-day 101 session of the Indian Science Congress Day programme will be held under the local theme “Innovations in Science and Technology for Inclusive development”. … Continue reading

IMPHAL, Dec 29: The ISCR, Imphal chapter and the Manipur University today announced that the two-day 101 session of the Indian Science Congress Day programme will be held under the local theme “Innovations in Science and Technology for Inclusive development”.

The program will be jointly organised by the ISCR Imphal chapter and Manipur University with the support of Indian Science Congress Association.

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`Maintain love and unity to bring development`

MOREH, December 29: The 1st foundation day of Minou Youth Club was held today at the community hall of the village in Chandel district Machi block. The foundation was inaugurated by the chief guest of the function D Mathew, District … Continue reading

MOREH, December 29: The 1st foundation day of Minou Youth Club was held today at the community hall of the village in Chandel district Machi block.

The foundation was inaugurated by the chief guest of the function D Mathew, District Social Welfare Officer, Social Welfare, Manipur at 9.30 am.

Dongreingam, convenor of TBPT presided over the foundation day while T Korouphun, president of Maring Students’ Union attended as guest of honour respectively.

The chief guest of the function D Mathew talked on the topic ‘Challenging the Existing’.

During the talk, Mathew appealed to the gathering youth to apply in their lives the ‘forgive and forget’ lesson and also to maintain love and unity among themselves so that the Minou Youth Club will be developed to certain extend.

He mentioned that it is very necessary for the youth not only indulge in sports but also mould discipline and character.

He also mentioned that all the villages of Manipur will be developed when there is responsible leaders in each and every village of the state.

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SM Naqvi medal winner Prof Arun Kumar feted

IMPHAL, December 29: A reception ceremony of SM Naqyi gold medal winner Manipur University Earth Science department professor Arun Kumar was held today at the Seminar Hall of Earth Science department, Manipur University. Professor Arun Kumar had been awarded for … Continue reading

IMPHAL, December 29: A reception ceremony of SM Naqyi gold medal winner Manipur University Earth Science department professor Arun Kumar was held today at the Seminar Hall of Earth Science department, Manipur University.

Professor Arun Kumar had been awarded for his sincere work for over 30 years in the field of teaching and research experience in the department of earth science, Manipur University by Geogical Society, said an official of the department.

He said that Arun Kumar had initially started his research in the field of fluvial geomorphology with application of GIS and remote sensing techniques in the watershed studies in Manipur.

He had also carried out the landslide hazard studies along the national highways in Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.

He continued saying that Arun Kumar has established a number of seismic observation in Manipur and in Northeast India to monitor the ongoing seismological status as the region falls under the highest seismic zone map of India.

He also said that Arun Kumar has also created that the earthquake hazard awareness in a scientific manner in many in the NE region where the school children can witness to measure the earthquake epicentre parameters in their school earthquake laboratory.

He continued saying that Arun Kumar is presently a member of Programme Advisory committee (Seismology programming) of Minster of MoES and expert advisory committee of Hydroelectric and river valley Project of MoEF said.

Speaking at the reception ceremony, Prof Arun Kumar express happiness and delight on receiving the S M Naqvi gold medal award 2013 in the field petrology and also said that he is very lucky to be in Manipur.

He said he started his career in geomorphology and remote sensing application and started his research work in watersheds in Manipur.

He continued that he had been encouraged by the MoES and MoST to established a seismic station in the state in 1995 to monitor the earthquake activities.

He continue saying that they are the Pioneer in developing the school earthquake labs in Northeast and Himalaya region where the earthquake awareness is being given to the school children and also to measure the magnitude and location of the earthquake he said.

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Dr Nara bats for Promotional Electoral System – KanglaOnline

Dr Nara bats for Promotional Electoral SystemKanglaOnlineIMPHAL, December 29: The yearlong celebration of 4th Nikhil Hindu Mahasabha, Chinga Mipham was launched by Dr Moirangthem Nara, president of All India Trade Union Congress, Manipur today. The fun…

Dr Nara bats for Promotional Electoral System
KanglaOnline
IMPHAL, December 29: The yearlong celebration of 4th Nikhil Hindu Mahasabha, Chinga Mipham was launched by Dr Moirangthem Nara, president of All India Trade Union Congress, Manipur today. The function was organized by the AITUC, Manipur and 
Chinga Meepham rememberedE-Pao.net

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Tapir Gao to assess intending candidates – KanglaOnline

IBNLiveTapir Gao to assess intending candidatesKanglaOnlineIMPHAL, Dec 29: National general secretary BJP (In-charge Manipur) Tapir Gao arrived at Imphal today. A source said that the general secretary will assess the intending candidates who have appl…


IBNLive

Tapir Gao to assess intending candidates
KanglaOnline
IMPHAL, Dec 29: National general secretary BJP (In-charge Manipur) Tapir Gao arrived at Imphal today. A source said that the general secretary will assess the intending candidates who have applied for party ticket for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.
NaMo sets date with State to weave BJP magicE-Pao.net
Modi to campaign in Nagaland to open accountThe Hindu

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SM Naqvi medal winner Prof Arun Kumar feted – KanglaOnline

SM Naqvi medal winner Prof Arun Kumar fetedKanglaOnlineIMPHAL, December 29: A reception ceremony of SM Naqyi gold medal winner Manipur University Earth Science department professor Arun Kumar was held today at the Seminar Hall of Earth Science departme…

SM Naqvi medal winner Prof Arun Kumar feted
KanglaOnline
IMPHAL, December 29: A reception ceremony of SM Naqyi gold medal winner Manipur University Earth Science department professor Arun Kumar was held today at the Seminar Hall of Earth Science department, Manipur University. Professor Arun Kumar 

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