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Gaikhangam shoots down Nagaland CM`s remarks on peace accord

IMPHAL, August 9: Refuting Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang remarks that Chief Ministers of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh were consulted before signing the peace accord signed between NSCN (IM) and Government of India, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam suspected that the `baseless`™ statement was made just to get blessing from Government of India.

He was addressing media persons at his office chamber at Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) today morning.

Gaikhangam who also holds the portfolio of Home pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had categorically stated that agreement of the peace accord will be finalized only after consulting CMs of other neighbouring States.

The peace accord should not affect and threaten the territorial integrity of Manipur. If so then the government will not remain a mute spectator to the unwarranted development, the Dy CM made it clear.

The statement of Prime Minister that the territorial integrity of Manipur will not be put up stake by the peace accord is highly valuable and respectable, he said, adding that people of the State need to stay vigilant till details of the peace accord are received.

Rain wreaks havoc in Tamenglong, Govt appealed to intervene

IMPHAL, August 9: The Tamenglong Village Chiefs`™ Association has fervently appealed to the concerned State authority to look into the plight of the people of the district due to incessant

IMPHAL, August 9: The Tamenglong Village Chiefs`™ Association has fervently appealed to the concerned State authority to look into the plight of the people of the district due to incessant rain showered for the last 10 to 15 days.

In a statement, the association claimed that heavy rainfall in the district has caused havoc such as landslides and floods which resulted in the loss of various standing crops and vegetables amounting to 15 to 20 crores of rupee.

The trend has been reported from Tousem, Tamei, Tamenglong, Nungba and Khoupum Sub-Divisions. Of these, Khoupum Sub-Division, being low lying area, is worst affected area. Nearly, 1050 hectares of arable paddy fields have been submerged in water resulting in the destruction of standing crops, it said.

Over and above the over-flowed water from the Khoupum Dam Canal further aggravated to suffer the people as all the irrigated area has been submerged by the downpour of water from Khoupum Dam Canal.

In the light of the grim situation, the association in the statement implored the concerned authority to take up appropriate measures so as to mitigate the sufferings of the people of the Tamenglong district in general and the Khoupum Sub-Division in particular at the earliest.

Talks with JCILPS after CM`s arrival: Gaikhangam

IMPHAL, August 9: The government will hold talk with Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) on the proposed bill to safeguard the indigenous people after arrival of Chief

IMPHAL, August 9: The government will hold talk with Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) on the proposed bill to safeguard the indigenous people after arrival of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, disclosed Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.

He was speaking during the 73rd anniversary of Quit India Movement observed by Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) at Congress Bhavan today.

Gaikhangam claimed that JCILPS had been invited for talks by the government three times but there were no positive response.

He exuded confidence that there will be positive outcome during the proposed talk with the JCILPS which is leading the ongoing mass movement for introduction of ILPS or similar law to regulate the alarming influx of outsiders into the State.

During the observance, Dy CM Gaikhangam and several other Congress legislatures led in offering paid floral tribute at the portrait of those freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the Quit India Movement.

Quit India Movement was a civil disobedience movement launched in India on August 8, 1942 by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi against the colonial British colonial rule.

The next day, Gandhi, Nehru and many other leaders of the Indian National Congress were arrested by the British Government. Disorderly and non-violent demonstrations took place throughout the country in the following days.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/talks-with-jcilps-after-cms-arrival-gaikhangam/

Rally endorses GOI-NSCN (IM) peace accord

IMPHAL, Aug 9: In support of the historic peace accord signed between NSCN (IM) and Government of India in New Delhi recently, a thanksgiving peace rally was taken out at

IMPHAL, Aug 9: In support of the historic peace accord signed between NSCN (IM) and Government of India in New Delhi recently, a thanksgiving peace rally was taken out at Noney Bazar, Tamenglong district today.

The rally wherein hundreds of people residing at Noney areas participated was jointly organized by All Input Students`™ Union (AISU) and Zeliangrong Students`™ Union Manipur (ZSUM).

A silent prayer with candle lightning as a mark of respect to the departed souls of Naga patriots was also performed by the rallyists.

Vice-Chairman of Committee on Alternative Arrangement, UNC, Ashingpou Gangmei and lecturer of United College, Chandel Dr Benjamin Gangmei addressed the gathering.

A traditional Ho-Hoing was invoked by Khumji (Lukhambi) villagers.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/rally-endorses-goinscn-im-peace-accord/

`JCILPS to meet with Govt on proposed bill at 3pm today`

IMPHAL, August 9: A 14-member team of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) led by its convenor in-charge Khomdram Ratan will have a meeting with the State government

IMPHAL, August 9: A 14-member team of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) led by its convenor in-charge Khomdram Ratan will have a meeting with the State government on the proposed draft bill tomorrow at 3 pm.

Announcing this during a press meet at the residence of Arambam Somorendro, Sagolband Meino Leirak here today, convener in-charge of JCILPS Khomdram Ratan said that the decision to hold a meeting with the government on the issue was arrived after having a marathon meeting between the committee and representatives of civil society organizations held yesterday.

He asserted that suspension of six police personnel involved in the killing of Sapam Robinhood and assurance of the government on the five-point demands to be included in the proposed bill paved way for the meeting which has been seen as an important development following the public outrage over the demand for implementation of ILPS or similar law in the State.

During the proposed meeting with the government, medical helpline in relation to the ongoing mass movement, treatment for injured agitators and several other relevant issues will be discussed at length, the convener in-charge said.

He also said that outcome of the meeting will be disclosed to the public through the media to maintain transparency in the ongoing mass movement.

It may be mentioned that JCILPS submitted their draft recommendations which include five-point demands to the government yesterday. The five points meant to be included in the proposed bill are issue of permit or pass; cut-off base year of non indigenous persons; issue of non-alienation of land to non-indigenous persons; issue of expansion and smooth functioning of the Labour Department and detection and deportation of non-indigenous persons.

On the other hand, the Drafting Committee constituted by the government has also submitted their recommendations on the proposed bill to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh on August 4.

Problem solving

In these trying times before Manipur, it is difficult not to be reminded of how physicist turned philosopher, Karl Popper, characterised the idea of problem solving. In `All Life is

In these trying times before Manipur, it is difficult not to be reminded of how physicist turned philosopher, Karl Popper, characterised the idea of problem solving. In `All Life is Problem Solving` (Routlege Classic series) a collection of his own essays on issues related to problem solving, an essay which has the same title as the book is particularly interesting in the context of this discussion. He says life, and therefore survival, in the ultimately analysis is about problem solving. This naturally entails, first correctly identifying and diagnosing the problem, and then thinking of a strategy to get past it. All life forms, from the time they came into being, have been following this strategy, of course with widely varying sophistications. This being the case, a simple single cell being like the amoeba and the most evolved brain, and Popper uses the example of Einstein, have employed this survival mantra through their lives. However, the differences in the way they have refined their approaches, as Popper explains, is fascinating and eye opening. Amoebas act purely by instinct. They solve their problems by trials and errors. Whenever it runs into a problem, it and many more of its kind will run continue to run into the problem and perish until by chance one among them discovers a new route to avoid the problem. This new route will then be followed until another problem comes their way, and then the whole exercise will be repeated. There is a good chance they all will perish if their trial and error strategy is unable to discover a new solution soon enough. This is also very much the problem solving strategy of much of the animal world. But things change when it comes to higher primates and other intelligent beings.

So what would humans (Einstein) do, Popper muses. Unlike the amoeba, intelligent life, in particular humans, do not make themselves part of their problem solving experiments. If an experiment fails, it is only the experiment which is discarded, but the experimenter does not perish. This can of course also cross ethical limits, and humans can and have used other life forms to conduct their experiments, and in extreme cases, privileged humans in positions of power have used others of their same kind lower down on the privilege hierarchy as experimental guinea pigs. But even without resorting to such extremes, humans generally solve problems differently. Not just would he avoid his person being part of the experiment, the most progressive would also generally not wait for the next problem to appear. He would instead try and anticipate the problem and therefore its solution too. This entails the capacity to be self-critical. As Popper illustrates it, Einstein would strive to come with a solution to a difficult problem, but after he has discovered it, he would not rest even if his theory has been put in to practice and confirmed as working. He would begin looking for faults in his own theory or even to discredit it, until he discovers other ways of getting past the problem, some even better than what are already available. This way, the best minds, and the best survivors, always have managed to keep ahead of problems. The other inference is, in any problem solving efforts, it is never helpful to look to dead symbols as props for the present problem solving efforts. Looking forward to new solutions is the only way.

If this is true for individuals, it works for societies too. A problem solving plan and its execution must never be treated as identical. A plan must precede its execution for disasters to be avoided in the event of setbacks or even an eventual failure of the plan. Again, a plan must remain open to scrutiny always, even to be discarded and changed if the need arises, if it is discovered the goal can be better achieved through alternate means. In fact, in the battlefields as well as on the sporting fields, the best commanders and coaches always keep many layers of alternate plans ready for quick switches depending on the changes in the battle scenario before them. For this, the ability to be self-critical and the acceptance that nobody and no plan is infallible is crucial. Not only this, the ability must be also to take critical reviews from others, and to learn from them. In the end, the qualities that matter would also be resilience and accommodation, rather than obduracy, blind to unfolding and changing realities.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/problem-solving/

JCILPS observes World Indigenous People Day, sticks to five-point demands

IMPHAL, August 9: Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) observed World Indigenous People Day at Manipur Press Club here today with president of Kangleipak Womens`™ Association Ima Memcha; Convener in-charge of JCILPS Kh Ratan; president of AMKIL Ima Sakhi and president of KANGLAMEI Ima Leirik Leima attending as presidium members.

Addressing the gathering, Kh Ratan reiterated that JCILPS had submitted a 99-page memorandum which includes five points to the government on August 8 justifying the collective demand for introduction of Inner Line Permit System or similar law in the State to regulate the incessant influx of outsiders which has posed a serious threat to the existence of indigenous people.

He stated that the World Indigenous People Day celebration is important for the State given the apparent fact that protection of indigenous people by passing an effective bill is being taken lightly by the government.

He asserted that the observance also provided an opportunity to discuss the five-point memorandum submitted to the government for acknowledgement.

There has been a notable development in the ongoing mass movement for enactment of a new bill acceptable to the people as the government has assured to look into the five-point demands unanimously adopted during a public convention on July 23 at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen to be included in the proposed bill, the convener in-charge of JCILPS said.

Maintaining that the committee spearheading the ongoing mass movement is ready to hold talk with the government on the proposed bill in case there is invitation, he made it clear that any talk with the government should be transparent and based on agendas acceptable to all sections of the people.

Once invitation comes from the government side for meeting on the issue, the committee will highlight agendas to be discussed and delegations/members who will attend the meeting, he said, adding that outcome of any meeting with the government will be made public.

If any critical situation arises out of meeting then the committee will seek suggestions from the people and subsequently the government will be urged to pay heed to the suggestions sought, he continued.

Delivering key note address, co-convener of JCILPS BK Moirangcha stated that

Sapam Robinhood lost his life and scores of others including students sustained injuries in police action during the mass agitation demanding enforcement of ILPS in the State which is a legitimate demand.

He said that people should unanimously adopt certain resolutions to safeguard the indigenous people on World Indigenous Day observation which is pertinent from Manipur perspective.

Stating that different forms of democratic agitation should continue till the five points put up by the committee to the government to be included in the proposed bill are included, he pledged that JCILPS will continue to work for protection of the indigenous people and future generation.

Attending as resource persons, Jiten, Yumnamcha Dilip and Lokendro Arambam spoke on relevant topics on implementation of ILPS or similar law in the State without further delay.

Respect, recognize, protect and promote indigenous people: CORE

IMPHAL, August 8: `Indigenous peoples must survive first before they can fulfill their development aspirations,` the Centre for Organisation Research & Education said today. A statement of the CORE signed

IMPHAL, August 8: `Indigenous peoples must survive first before they can fulfill their development aspirations,` the Centre for Organisation Research & Education said today.

A statement of the CORE signed by president of the Elders`™ Council issued on the International Day of the World`™s Indigenous Peoples said this truism is a most critical and relevant issue in Manipur today.

The CORE called upon the governments of Manipur and India to take concrete actions to respect, recognize, protect and promote our collective rights as affirmed by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 2007.

It said UN secretary general Ban Ki Moon had stated, `The interests of the indigenous peoples must be part of the new development agenda in order for it to succeed.

Robinhood`s one-month death anniversary marked with rallies and sit in protests

IMPHAL, August 8: Commemorating the one month death anniversary of young student Sapam Robinhood who died due to police action on July 8 during an ILPS rally, more than 200

IMPHAL, August 8: Commemorating the one month death anniversary of young student Sapam Robinhood who died due to police action on July 8 during an ILPS rally, more than 200 two-wheelers took out a rally around the State capital.

Showing solidarity to the late student`™s family and the ILPS movement, the rally commenced from Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai and after passing through Khurai Lamlong and Ayangpalli Road and continuing till Khagempalli returned to Ananda Singh Higher Secondary School.

People attending the rally offered floral tributes to a life-size picture of Robinhood at his former school.

The rally was participated by mostly women in their mourning clothes who shouted slogans demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit System or a similar act and waved black flags.

It was organised by the JAC formed in connection to the death of the class XI student.

Later womenfolk of Nongmeibung area and students also staged a sit in protest in front of the Ananda Higher Secondary School by blocking the road.

Sit in protests were also held at various places including at Wangkhei Meihoubam Lampak, Palace Gate, Khurai, Singjamei, Canchipur, Yumnam Leikai.

In the evening the whole valley districts were illuminated as people lit candles in front of their gates remembering Sapam Robinhood.

Torch rallies were also taken out at several places in the State capital voicing demands for the ILPS or a similar act later in the evening.

NNN adds: Commenting on the rather-late action of the government in the suspending police personnel, the JAC formed in connection to the death of Sapam Robinhood opined that the suspension of only some low-ranking personnel is an attempt to eye-wash the people of Manipur and an effort to forcefully slow down the momentum of the ongoing widespread agitation.

It, instead, demanded action to be taken to those police officers who ordered the firing that resulted in the death of Robinhood.

If the government fails to punish the police officers who are the actual culprits, the JAC announced that it will not withdraw its agitations.

Also, thousands of locals of Khurai side came out in the streets at Lamlong area and blocked the Imphal Ukhrul road for a while. At 2.55 pm exact, the timing when Robinhood died on this day last month, the protestors observed two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul of Robinhood. They also shouted several slogans demanding implementation of ILP system, protection of indigenous people of Manipur and also hailing the good soul of Robinhood.

Showing solidarity to bereaved family of Sapam Robinhood and supporting ILP demand, all the houses in valley districts lighted candles in their respective as a mark of respect.

All Manipur Recognised Schools Welfare Association resolves to re-open schools from August 17

IMPHAL, July 14: The All Manipur Recogninsed Private Schools Welfare Association conducted a joint meeting on the ongoing demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System in the

IMPHAL, July 14: The All Manipur Recogninsed Private Schools Welfare Association conducted a joint meeting on the ongoing demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System in the State.

The meeting was held at the Gandhi Memorial Hall.

Later the the meeting also resolved three points which includes that the private schools in Manipur will stand for and support all movements taken up by JCLIPS; private schools will be reopened on August 17 if the government do not pass the important ILP Bill in the Assembly before August 15; submission of memorandum without delay to the government demanding implementation of ILP system and demand for an early solution to the woes and cries of the people.

Former president of the association Doren Khanganba said in the meeting that it is the right time for all indigenous communities to come out and unite in demanding implementation of the ILPS or a similar act in the State.

He said the act is not only for the meiteis, and will be beneficial for all indigenous communities living in the State.

The government`™s act of neglecting the demand is condemnable he observed.

He said if the State leaders are willing to implement the ILPS or a similar Act in the State, they would have taken up some concrete steps towards fulfilling the demand instead of using delaying tactics and fooling the people of the State.

He concluded by appealing to the people of the State to support the demand for implementation of the ILPS and said that if the present movement dies out, it would be difficult to start again.

Social activist, Mutum Churamani said the people must remain cautious and demand the government not to implement an Act just for namesake, but to implement it in letter and spirit.

He continued the present agitation seem to be diverting on a different course with reports of agitators harassing staff of the essential services including the media persons and medical staff.

There is an urgent need to spread awareness on such issue and a leader who could lead from the front at the moment, he added.

Transporters demand RCC versions of Barak, Makru and Irang bridges

Imphal, August 8 (NNN): Transporters and drivers demanded that the three important bridges of National Highway 37 Imphal-Jiribam Road`”namely Barak, Makru and Irang bridges`”be built with RCC. They also demanded

Imphal, August 8 (NNN): Transporters and drivers demanded that the three important bridges of National Highway 37 Imphal-Jiribam Road`”namely Barak, Makru and Irang bridges`”be built with RCC.

They also demanded that until the concrete construction of these bridges are completed, the existing hanging bridges should be strengthened so as to enable and ensure non-stop plying of vehicles.

This appeal was kept to the authorities concerned jointly by the All Manipur Truck Owners`™ Welfare Association and All Manipur Road Transport Drivers`™ and Motor Workers`™ Union in a press meet held today at TDC office at MG Avenue, Imphal.

President H Ranjit of the former and general secretary M Ajit of the latter briefed the media persons regarding their demand.

H Ranjit said, `It`™s been 15 days since vehicles could not ply along this road as the Barak Bridge is damaged and defunct as an over-loaded steel carrying truck of BRO tried to pass the bridge. BRO seems to be playing `delaying tactics`™ as repairing is not done yet even after so many days, while it took only three days in 2014 when TDC, PWD and BRO jointly repaired the same bridge, he said.

BRO`™s manner is condemnable and we also doubt why the repeated pleas of the transporters are not acted upon.`

He also mentioned that there were incidents of BRO substituting sands with hill soils in road construction.

He continued, `BRO`™s blame to the transporters and drivers for carrying overloaded vehicles is indeed false, and we always have been sticking to the guidelines of Central Motor Vehicles`™ Act.`

Ranjit also questioned why it took many days to repair only 25-feet length of the bridge. He drew the attention of the authorities concerned of the Central and State government to act immediately as this highway is the lifeline of the state and drivers and transporters feel safe and tension-free in this road, unlike while passing through in Imphal-Dimapur road.

The association leaders also mentioned about the urgent need to continue their service and to bring in essential items to the State, in such hard times of flood, landslides and law and order situation.

Thanga Pradhan decries govt`s apathy to death of fishermen

BISHNUPUR, August 8: Condemning that the government has failed to consider the death of fishermen in Loktak Lake during the recent thunderstorms, local clubs of Bishnupur Ithing and Sendra called

BISHNUPUR, August 8: Condemning that the government has failed to consider the death of fishermen in Loktak Lake during the recent thunderstorms, local clubs of Bishnupur Ithing and Sendra called a press conference today.

The press conference attended by Pradhan of Thanga Part II Kh Binarani Devi and club members was held at the residence of Moirangthem Nilo Singh, 54 son of Late Manikhomba of Ithing Mayai Leikai, whose dead body was found in the lake on August 5 around 7 am.

Nilo had reportedly gone missing after he left his home for fishing in a boat.

Addressing media persons, Pradhan Binarani lamented that about ten fishermen of the district have died of drowning during 2010-15 but the deceased`™s families are yet to get any compensation and facilities including Group Accident Insurance Scheme for Active Fishermen/Fisherwomen of 2010-11 from the concerned government department.

She urged the government to avail Self Contain Under Water Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) divers in the State and construct huts in different parts of Loktak Lake so that fishermen and fisherwomen could take shelter during occurrence of thunderstorms.

Apart from M Nilo, the other fishermen and fisherwomen who have died due to drowin in Loktak Lake while fishing are identified as Kh Ngambi Devi, 55 wife of Late Kh Ibotombi; Kh Raghumani, 35 son of Late Kh Thambaljao; P Natek, 60 son of Late P Ngoubram; M Ingo, 42 son of M Sanaba; P Matumbi, 52 wife of Jadhop; Kh Chandramani, 52 son of Late Kh Ningthemjao; L Chandramohon son of Late Yaima and P Ningthem, 39 son of Late Ibotombi, the Pradhan informed.

India Today group consulting editor talks on `Investigative journalism` in Imphal

IMPHAL August 9: Consulting editor for the India Today group and author of `2014: The Election that changed India` Rajdeep Sardesai attended the second day of the three-day media advocacy

IMPHAL August 9: Consulting editor for the India Today group and author of `2014: The Election that changed India` Rajdeep Sardesai attended the second day of the three-day media advocacy programme for State journalists.

The programme organised by the All Manipur Working Journalists Union and sponsored by the Manipur Development Society at the Secure Office Complex Auditorium, AT Line North AOC was inaugurated yesterday.

The renowned journalist talked on investigative journalism during the programme which was attended by enthusiastic journalists and students of the journalism.

Rajdeep gave a very insightful presentation drawn from his experience especially his exposer at Jammu and Kashmir to draw the narratives of conflict situations.

He also emphasised on tapping the edge of the technology revolution and boom in connectivity in this information age.

Trends like `Citizen Journalism`™ and social media are seen today as new hopes to get reports from the far flung remote areas.

He defined investigative journalism as something which goes beyond the popular narratives, daring to ask uncomfortable questions, daring to risk conflict of interest which differs from cosy reporting. While quoting veterans like Prashant Bhusan, he lamented that investigative journalism requires both time and resources.

He further cited the Right to Information Act as an empowering tool to access documents in investigative research.

`Yet the government is still paranoid about sharing documents`™ he remarked while admitting that 10 years after RTI Act there are more RTI applications rejected than responded.

`There is an imperative need to challenge benchmarks like Television Rating Points which merely attempts to hook the viewer with titillating and sensational reporting with Respect Points`™ he said pointing that serious news is often shadowed and compromised.

He said the boom in the media world has undoubtedly increased the quantity or reports however it has also led to decline in quality which requires introspection.

He pointed out the lack in rural reporting, despite the fact that 70 % of the country`™s citizens still live in villages.

Sabina Inderjit, vice president, Indian Jounalist Union (IJU); S N Sinha, president IJU; Brozendra Ningomba, chief editor ISTV news and A Robindro Sharma, editor Poknapham also talked on various aspects of journalism today.

From the vantage of the step-children of the majoritarian nation-state, the world looks very different

By Garga Chatterjee The most successful tyranny is not the one that uses force to assure uniformity, but the one that removes awareness of other possibilities, that makes it seem

By Garga Chatterjee

The most successful tyranny is not the one that uses force to assure uniformity, but the one that removes awareness of other possibilities, that makes it seem inconceivable that other ways are viable, that removes the sense that there is an outside. `”Allan Bloom

When there is a festival, it may create an illusion as if the `whole world`™ is happy at this moment. Or so we like to think. Solitary wails cannot be heard above the sea of laughter. For a certain segment of inhabitants of the Indian Union, the US elections are a `must-follow`. The drama this year will end sometime in November. November will also mark hopelessness in a part of this subcontinent. Irom Sharmila Chanu, the Gandhi that Gandhi never was, has already been continuing 15 years of her epic fast, protesting the torture perpetrated by the armed wing of the Indian state in Manipur, especially in the cover of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). And she is not finished, yet. She may get 12 more years. I sincerely hope not.

A major part of the reason why the cries of Manipuri women, as exemplified by Irom Sharmila Chanu, can be ignored is the purported `insignificance`™ of Manipur in the `national`™ scene. This `national scene`™ effectively came into being in the Indian Union after the Republic was proclaimed in 1950. Even before the Indian Union was a Republic, it had managed to dismiss the democratically elected government of Manipur led by the Praja Shanti party. The Congress had fought the elections of Manipur and lost. Manipur, with an elected government and at that point not an integral part of the Union, was annexed by the Union of India, which was still not a Republic. Original sins often create particularly bad ulcers. Excision is not an option for a `modern nation state`™. Hence `insignificant`™ ulcers bleed on as the rest of the body is on pain-killers, reading history and civics dutifully from official textbooks.

The focus on the US presidential election also focused the minds of some desis on to the two other elections happening in the USA at the same time `“ those to the US Congress and the US Senate. Let us understand a few things carefully. The US Congress is analogous to the Lok Sabha of the Indian Union. But the USA is a nation constituted by a more real commitment to federalism rather than a semantic charade in the name of federalism. Hence its upper house, the US Senate is not analogous to the Rajya Sabha of the Indian Union. In the lower house in both USA and the Indian Union, the numbers of seats are meant to be proportional to the population. This represents that strand of the nation-state that gives precedence to the whole. This whole is ahistorical and is a legal instrument, though much time and money is spent in the Indian Union to create a fictional past of this legal form. The upper house in the USA represents that strand where past compacts and differing trajectories and identities are represented in the form of states. The states form the `United`™ States of America `“ hence in the Senate the unit is the state, not the individual citizen. That is why in the US Senate, each state, irrespective of population, has 2 members. This respects diversity of states and acts as a protection against the domination of more populous states and ensures that smaller states are respected and are equal stake-holders of the Union. In the Indian Union, the so-called `Rajya Sabha`™ is simply a copy of the Lok Sabha, with multiple staggered time offsets. Even in the Rajya Sabha, the seats allotted to each state are roughly proportional to its population `“ and hence at its core does not represent any different take on the Indian Union. In the Sabha of the Rajyas, the Rajyas are not the unit, making a mockery of the name itself. Manipur has 1 representative in a Rajya Sabha of 245 members. Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura altogether have 7 members in that Rajya Sabha. No group thinks of themselves as `lesser people`™ for being fewer in number. A federal democratic union is not only for the children of Bharatmata. It is a way of having a joint family with many mothers, for no one`™s mata is less important than my mata.

This pattern is replicated all across the subcontinent. When one looks to the west, one sees the autonomy of the Khanate of Kalat being usurped unilaterally as part of the `One Unit`™ scheme, again by a fresh Pakistan state that itself did not possess a republican constitution. And there too, one sees a festering ulcer that bleeds intermittently. Sweeping powers given to the Frontier Corps do not help. Nor do the extra-judicial killings and torture of young Baloch activists help. Piercing an ulcer with a dirty knife risks a general blood poisoning. Every missing person, every body-less head, every tortured torso that `appears`™ by the highway in Balochistan makes the lofty pronouncements about human rights made from Islamabad that much more hollow. And even if the Baloch decided to try to democratic path, what can they do in a system where they count for less than a tenth of the seats, in the national assembly. In November, the extra-ordinary powers of the Frontier Corps were extended in Balochistan again. Maintaining `law and order`™ is the universal answer to all protestations `“ that same cover that the British used to beat brown people into pulp. If the brutal actions of the Frontier Corps as well as the impunity enjoyed by themselves sounds familiar across the border, it is because their colonial cousins in Khaki also have a similar record of glory. It is this impunity that has broader implications. Live footages of Sarfaraz Shah`™s killing or Chongkham Sanjit`™s murder will not lead to anyone`™s pension being withheld. Behind the scenes, there might well be pats on the backs for the `lions`™.

It is useful to understand why it is in the best interest of a democratic Union that the Rajya Sabha be constituted on a fundamentally different paradigm than the Lok Sabha, rather than replicating it. In contrast to the `whole`™ viewpoint, the regions of the Indian Union and Pakistan have diverse pasts, some of which have hardly ever been intertwined with the `centre`™, however defined. This also means that concerns, aspirations and visions of the future also differ based on a region`™s perceived attitude towards a monolithic `whole`™. A federal democratic union is one that does not discriminate between aspirations and is rather flexible enough to accommodate differing aspirations. Rather than using `unity in diversity`™ as an anxious mantra of a paranoid monolith, one might want to creatively forge a unity whose first step is the honest assessment of diversity by admitting that the Indian Union or Pakistan are really multi-national nation-states.

Irom Sharmila`™s struggle is failing partly because in this fight for dignity of the Manipuri people, the subcontinental constitutions drowns the voice of the victim in the crowd of the apathetic and the indifferent, inside and outside the legislative chambers of Delhi and Islamabad. Violence then becomes a way to be heard above the high decibel ritual chants of the `idea of India`™ or `fortress of Islam`™ or `Jinnah`™s Pakistan`™. Ideologically vitiated `national`™ school syllabi and impunity of military forces do not produce unity `“ it produces a polarization between unity and diverse dignities. There is no unity without the constitutive parts`™ dignity. Hindi majoritarianism or Punjabi-Urdu majoritarianism may not appear so to its practitioners but from the vantage of the step-children of the majoritarian nation-state, the world looks very different. When such questions are raised in the subcontinent, one may see tacit agreement or opposition. As far as the opposition goes, it is important to make a few mental notes. Is the person who opposes the idea for whatever reason, from Delhi/Islamabad/Lahore or broadly from North India / West Punjab? Also, has the concerned person lived most of their adult life in a province different from where his/her grandfather lived. If the answer to either if this is yes, there is a high likelihood that the pattern of response to questions raised in this piece will be of a certain kind. Inherent majorities with the noblest of democratic pretensions end up forming imperious centres in the name of a union. A democratic union of states takes into cognizance the subcontinent as it is, not the subcontinent that delhiwallas and isloo/lahorewallas would want it to be like.

A point often made by legal honchos of the subcontinent is that neither Pakistan nor the Union of India is a union of states in the same way the United States of America is. What they mean is that these nation-states did not come into being due to some agreement or treaty between states. Rather they maintain that the states/provinces are arbitrary legal entities/ instruments created by the respective constitutions for administrative ease. What such a reading aims to do is to delegitimize any expression of aspiration of the states/provinces that may not be in line with the centre. How can an arbitrary legal entity created by central fiat and also alterable by fiat have autonomous will? This legalese collapses in the face of sub-continental reality where states/provinces as they exist today are broadly along ethno-linguistic lines. These entities are along ethno-linguistic lines (and more are in the pipeline in Seraiki province or Telegana) because `administrative`™ units can only be arbitrary to a point, irrespective of the total arbitrariness that constitutions permit. The ethno-linguistic ground-swells are real, aspirations to homeland are real, and since the capital cities do not have enough experimental chambers to convert all inhabitants into `nothing but Indian`™ or `nothing but Pakistani`™, these are here to stay and do not seem to have any immediate plans of committing suicide. While the specific drawing of the lines may be arbitrary (something that applies to the whole nation-state too), that in no way makes the reality of ethno-linguistic community habitats vanish. A legal stranglehold that denies this reality also ends up denying that the subcontinent existed before the constitutions were drawn up. If the BritIsh didn`™t happen to the subcontinent, and if one or more large nation-states had to happen in the subcontinent, such entities would have been due to agreements between different near-sovereign entities. That states/provinces did not have such agency to make such a compact in 1947 is a legacy of British rule. Ironically, such a scenario bequeathed from the British is the bedrock of the post-colonial nation-states of Pakistan and the Indian Union. Both like to call themselves federal, for no one else calls them so.

A creative re-conceptualization of the distribution of representation and power in the Indian Union as well as Pakistan may show that one does not necessarily need to choose between the unity and diversity. Accounting for more than a sixth of humanity and a serious breadth of non-domesticated diversity, that subcontinental experiment is worth doing, irrespective of its outcome. A people`™s democratic union is not only feasible but also humane. For far too long, bedtime stories commissioned by the state have been read out in schools and in media outlets, so that our deep metropolitan slumber is not interrupted by real nightmares in rougher parts. But there are just too many truths to spoil the myth.

PREPAK sends out message on Int`l Day of the World`s Indigenous Peoples

IMPHAL, August 8: The People`™s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak has wished the people of Manipur on the occasion of the International Day of the World`™s Indigenous Peoples on August 9.

A statement signed by its assistant secretary publicity and propaganda, Leibak Ngakpa Luwang said that the indigenous peoples who are scattered around the world continue to survive as the small, weak and exploited communities even today.

Several indigenous communities have today become extinct while many are facing extinction due to lack of proper government policies safeguarding them, it said.

The outfit, it said is saddened by the indigenous communities of the land losing their identities due to the discrimination and exploitation.

It said the total population of the around 5000 indigenous communities in the world stands at around 37 crore which is just 5 percent of the total population of the world whereas they make-up for 15 percent of the world`™s poor population.

It said the United Nationas General Assembly on December 23, 1994 had resolved to observe the International Day of the World`™s Indigenous Peoples on August 9 marking the first day of the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Population from August 9 to 13 in 1982.

It was first observed on August 9, 1995, the statement said.

It further continued that even though India is a signatory of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) which was adopted on September 13, 2007 by the UN General Assembly, it is yet to implement the declaration.

Lately Meeteis Realise Blood is Thicker than Water

By Dr. Th Ranjit The Meeteis settling in the central valley districts of the state and elsewhere are the aborigines or originals settlers of the state, like the Tankhuls, Kabuis,

By Dr. Th Ranjit

The Meeteis settling in the central valley districts of the state and elsewhere are the aborigines or originals settlers of the state, like the Tankhuls, Kabuis, Maram, Mao, Kom, Vaiphei, etc., the recognized Scheduled Tribes of India, among the Mongoloids (Kirats) race of the North East India. This fact is proven by the Anthropologists and Historians `“ present and past, Indians and non-Indians, literates and illiterates alike, since a long time till date. There is no doubt about the Meeteis belonging to a tribe or indigenous people of the state. None can challenge the veracity of it. After the historical tragic incident of forced conversion of Meeteis into Hinduism during the reign of king Pamheiba/Garibniwaz (1709-1748), they have been treated as Hindus/Aryans instead of Mongoloids, because of the fact that only the Aryans can embrace Hinduism according to Swami Vivekananda.

In fact, Meeteis continued to be a major tribe in the official British records till Manipur merged into Indian Union in 1949. In 1891 census, Manipuris (Meeteis) were recorded as forest tribe; 1901 census, main tribe and 1931 census, Hindu Tribe but retaining their distinctive language and culture. But after the merger of Manipur into Indian Union and subsequent to the formation of new Republic of India on 26th January, 1950, the tribal status of the Meeteis was abruptly dropped and enlisted in the general caste/category without giving valid reasons to the Govt. of Manipur, owing to the unholy influence of some Manipuri Hindu fanatics and some political leaders having vested interests in the persons of Shri Lalita Madhav Sharma, Banka Bihari Sharma and Sinam Khrishnamohon, the so called scholars of that time. Consequently, the social chasm between valley people and hill people that was created in 18th century, when the former was converted to Hinduism ,was further deepened due to the categorization of the people of the State as general, ST and SC by the constitution of India, in addition to the British policy of divide and rule between hills and plains.

As the valley of Manipur was formed from a big lake in the geologic past ,due to the siltation of organic matters and sediments from the surrounding hill ranges, is very fertile and very suitable for agricultural activities for a long time. In fact, agricultural products of this small fertile valley districts are largely contributing to the livelihood of the people of the state, both hill and plain, poor and rich, indigenous and non -indigenous and so on. But, this small portion of arable land, occupying 5% (approx.) of the total geographical area of the state, is giving shelters and foods to about 70% of the total population of the state. Unfortunately, this so important plain area of the state, peopled mostly by the Meeteis, is not protected by the Indian Constitution, that is, anybody in India can purchase or own land in this so precious land of the people of the state. In the hill districts, on the contrary, no people belonging to the general category/caste, (say,Meeteis, Biharis, Marwaris, Bengalis,etc.) can buy land and settle there as the lands are protected under Scheduled V of the Indian Constitution.

As we all know, the fertile land of the valley districts, very good for agricultural pursuits, are gradually dwindling due to the faulty policy of the government, procurement of lands by rich people and businessmen in the name of urbanization for construction of buildings, hotels, educational institutions, industrial establishments, stone crushing centres, brickfields, expansion of roads, airport, railway lines by the Govt. etc. If this trend is not checked, there will be hardly any land left for agricultural activities to meet the growing food grains demands, employment avenues of our people in the fields in rural areas of the state and the like in near future. The situation will be grimmer when Indian railway reaches Imphal and Trans Asia Highway passes through the State in the next few years and that the land owned by poverty-stricken and money-poor majority Meetei populace will fall prey to the land hungry business sharks and multimillionaires when they wanted to establish their business centres. In this way, constitutionally unprotected lands of the state, peopled by Meeteis mostly, but producing the maximum agricultural yields of the state will be in the hands of the outsiders or non-indigenous people and as a result of which Meeteis, in particular and other indigenous people in general, will face unprecedented problems in terms of food availability, employment avenues, business opportunities, demographic patterns, social harmony, etc. If the government and people are sensible and sincere enough to utilize our small fertile lands in the valley areas of the state judiciously and purposely, we can save our land, identity, culture, and future generations from being exploited by various greedy, rich, hard working, skilled and organised non-indigenous people coming from outside the state in large measures.

Therefore, in order to save the Meeteis and other indigenous people of the state or sons of the soil from possible food crisis or mass starvation for want of agricultural produces or from possible exploitation by ever increasing influx of people coming from outside the state , the fertile and productive areas of valley districts should be protected under the Indian Constitution, as is done in the hill districts of the State. Restoration of ST status to Meeteis will save our fertile valley, which is producing foods for the total population of state, on one hand and the Meetei tribe from gradual extinction in the next 3-4 decades in his natural habitat, on the other. Not only this, Meeteis can live on generation after generation in his ancestral land with his brethren in the hills and valley in harmony, ethnic equality and peace once again as one tribal society or tribal state as before in the past. Over and above this, Meetei can compete well with the rest of the country in central sectors-educations, jobs, etc. in proper platforms for its rights and opportunities as guaranteed by the Indian Constitution and bring more laurels for the people of the state.

Finally, the realization of Meeteis that they were in higher social status because of their being in general category was nothing but a false pride will be paving a great step forward in fostering peace, development and unity among the indigenous people of the state. The historic comeback of Meeteis`™ to tribal status or old fold, as guaranteed by Indian Constitution, should be seen as `home-coming`™ and should be given warm welcome by other indigenous people of the state and prove to the world that `blood is thicker than water.

Will consult NE States during finalisation of NSCN (IM) accord, PM tells CM

NEW DELHI August 8 (MIC): Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today called on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh in connection

The Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Okram Ibobi Singh calling on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on August 08, 2015.

NEW DELHI August 8 (MIC): Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today called on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh in connection with the Naga Peace Accord.

While meeting with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence at 7, Race Course Road at 1.20pm, the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh was informed that everything would be discussed with the State governments concerned before finalization of the accord.

During the meeting with the Home Minister at his residence at 17, Akbar Road here at 11.20 am, interlocutor of Naga Peace Talk R. N. Ravi also attended.

In the meeting, Manipur Chief Minister demanded a copy of the Naga accord from the Union Home Minister.

He informed the Union Home Minister that the people of Manipur were anxious to know the details of the Naga Peace Accord and had the apprehension that it would affect the territorial integrity of the State of Manipur.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh replied that the Accord was just a framework. It would not affect the territorial boundary of the neighbouring States of Nagaland.

He further stated that the Government of India would invite the state governments for discussion while working out the final shape of the accord.

During the meetings, Manipur Chief Minister placed before them the existing Acts namely Manipur (Village Authority in Hill Areas) Act 1956; Manipur Land Revenues and Land Reforms Act 1960; Manipur ( Hill Areas) District Council Act 1971 and Manipur Legislative Committee( Hill Areas Committee) Order 1972 passed by the Parliament for administration of hill areas in Manipur, protection of customary laws, legislative protection to the interests of Hill areas and prevention of Tribal land alienation.

AMCTA launches cease work strike supporting ILPS introduction

IMPHAL, August 7: In support of the demand put up by JCILPS to the government which is introduction of a new bill to safeguard the indigenous people and nation-wide cease

IMPHAL, August 7: In support of the demand put up by JCILPS to the government which is introduction of a new bill to safeguard the indigenous people and nation-wide cease work strike launched by All India Federation of University &College Teachers` Organisations (AIFUCTO), All Manipur College Teachers`™ Association (AMCTA) staged a one-day cease work strike today.

Informing this in a press release, the association said AMCTA being a unit of AIFUCTO maintains the solidarity of teachers of universities and colleges of the country.

It further informed that AIFUCTO launched the nation `“wide cease work strike and hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi today urging the Central Government to fulfil certain demands including immediate constitution of VII Pay Review Committee; MHRD approval of UGC Decisions on 3rd Amendments of UGC Regulations -2010 and Ph D Regulations 2009.

Scrapping of API; rolling back of Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) & CU bill 2013; extension date for RC and OC up to December 2015; UGC pay scales for all categories of teachers; stopping commercialisation of Higher education; rejection to New Pension Scheme 2004 and consultation on Education Policies with teachers`™ organizations are some of the demands put up by AIFUCTO to the government.

All government college teachers of Manipur under the banner of AMCTA have taken part in the nation-wide strike, the release said.

Gaikhangam leads party sit in protest demanding white paper on peace pact

IMPHAL August 7: Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president and State deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam today led party members and volunteers to stage a sit in protest against the BJP led

IMPHAL August 7: Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president and State deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam today led party members and volunteers to stage a sit in protest against the BJP led NDA government for suspending 25 Congress MPs from the Parliament for five day and demanding a white paper on the GOI-NSCN (IM) pact at Congress Bhavan.

The sit in protest was also participated by several Congress MLAs who were seen holding placards demanding resignation of Union Minister External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivaraj Singh Chauhan.

The Congress protestors also condemned suspension of the 25 party MPs and demanded a white paper on the peace accord signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM).

Speaking to media persons, deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said the historic signing of the peace accord between the GoI and the NSCN (IM) which has been achieved after 18 years of ceasefire is welcomed.

However, the Centre should not invite more problems in trying to solve one, he observed.

He said although the Chief Minister has already submitted a written request for the full text of the accord, the State has been denied its contents till date and so we are not in any position to make comments.

`Our Chief Minister has flown to Delhi today to seek appointment with the Prime Minister and informed him of our concerns and positions especially on territorial integrity` he said.

The document has been shrouded in mystery and is yet to be made public, which is only intriguing and confusing the public, the State deputy Chief Minister continued.

The MPCC, State government and the public are collectively demanding a white paper on the agreement, he said.

Gaikhangam also said that anything which would be against the interest of Manipur and that infringes on the territorial integrity of the State will not be acceptable.

He further called upon the people to unite against their differences and meet any eventualities that may arise.

He said not just the State government, but even the ongoing Parliament session has not been involved of such a historic event.

Meanwhile, replying to a query regarding the demand for suspension of the police personnel involved in the death of Sapam Robinhood and those who had inhumanely treated the school girls, the deputy Chief Minister simply replied things will be resolved very soon.

Nagas welcome signing of accord

IMPHAL, August, 7: A thanksgiving celebration function of the recent signing of the peace accord between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India in New Delhi was held today

IMPHAL, August, 7: A thanksgiving celebration function of the recent signing of the peace accord between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India in New Delhi was held today at the Jadonang Park, Tamenglong headquarter attended by a huge crowd.

The celebration was organised by the frontal organisations of the Tamenglong District Celebration Committee.

It is also learnt that as part of the celebration, a torch rally will be taken out from the Lower Ground to Jadonang Park in the evening.

Meanwhile, the All Naga Churches in Chandel district of Manipur is conducting a welcome and thanksgiving prayer service to be organised across the district at the respective churches on August 9.

Informing the collective decision taken in this regard, presidents of Anal Christian Forum Rev Kl Tangthu Anal, who is also the executive secretary of Anal Naga Baptist Association (ANBA) said the programme would be conducted in collaboration with the Chandel Naga People`™s Organisation (CNPO).

The welcome and thanksgiving prayer according to Rev Kl Tangthu is organised to show that the churches in Chandel is grateful for the signing of the Peace agreement between the GoI and the NSCN (IM) recently.

The Churches will say special prayer of thanksgiving and further pray for PM of Narendra Modi and his government and collected leadership of the Nagas led by Isak Chisi Swu and Th Muivah, Tangthu added.

Meanwhile, Kanankhu Baptist Churches Thursday organised a get together to welcome the peace agreement at the church compound.

Led by Church Pastor Ts Hmungam, village authority chief and members, church members including men, women and youths present in the gathering, thanked PM of India, Narendra Modi and NDA government.

They also said `thank you` to Isak Chisi Swu and Th. Muivah.

The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and Tangkhul Longnao are jointly organising a Thanksgiving Day on August 10 to celebrate the signing of Peace Accord between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India (GoI) in New Delhi recently.

`A new history has been created and it is only fitting that we acknowledge the milestone peace pact with thanksgiving,` said TNL general secretary Nobert Khayi in a press briefing at his office this evening.

As a part of the Thanksgiving Day, the public of the township would be undertaking a Peace March holding Naga National Flag through the town`™s thoroughfare at 11 am, he informed adding that during which there would be a shutdown on commercial establishments and traffic movement in the town.

Urging all the residents of the town irrespective of tribe or race to participate in the celebration, Khayi asked all to dress themselves in their respective traditional attire on the day.

Later in the evening at 7 pm, all households would light up candles in their respective yards, while all Churches in the township would be conducting a candle-lit worship service, he informed.

We have duly informed all Tangkhul Longnao from across the district and we are expecting them all to take part in the event, he anticipated.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/nagas-welcome-signing-of-accord/