kanglaonline – Page 448

Manipur media fraternity protest, no news publication on 6th August 2015

Press release, 5 Aug, 2015 “ The media fraternity in Manipur regret to announce non publication of daily news and electronic media on 6th Aug 2015 due to the intense

Press release, 5 Aug, 2015

“ The media fraternity in Manipur regret to announce non publication of daily news and electronic media on 6th Aug 2015 due to the intense nature of bandh called by Student Wing of JCILPS. The decision was arrived after a meeting of Editors and members of AMWJU. The media fraternity made a fervent appeal and understand the free movements of all media concerned to report the events. The crucial decision was arrived after considering the fact that many workers of press including Editors, Sub Editors, reporters, DTP, Machinemen, platemakers, distributors, circulation personnel and other related workers could not reach the press . Apart from this, reporters and cameramen could not gather news owing to same reason. We take this opportunity once again to appeal to all public to allow free passage to media related personnel. A meeting will be held tomorrow at the Press Club to asses the situation of the following day of the bandh. We appeal all our readers and viewers to bear with us.”

Issued jointly in public interest by Editors Guild Manipur And All Manipur Working Journalists Union Imphal -5th August 2015

Government is not serious about permanent peace: SSSC

Press release: 5th August 2015 Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC) welcomes the decision of peace accord between Govt and NSCN (IM). By this historic peace accord, there are many signals

Press release: 5th August 2015

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC) welcomes the decision of peace accord between Govt and NSCN (IM). By this historic peace accord, there are many signals from the side of the government, first of all it conveys the importance of peace and the commitment for development in North East states where the Prime Minister himself was present during peace accord with NSCN(IM) leaders.

SSSC believes that such actions from government are one of confidence building measures where not only common people of north east, but even insurgent groups and their members can now think and can join the mainstream in the broader objective of peace and development.

SSSC commends the role of R N Ravi for reflecting his commitment towards stability in north east and for standing towards people of north east. Being an interlocutor for these talks, he successfully brought both the parties at single point of joining hands.

With all these best wishes and congratulations, SSSC appeals once again with the government of India to work towards repeal of AFSPA. SSSC convener Ravi Nitesh said that though the move is a welcome but without repealing AFSPA, it does not seem that government is indicating or serious thinking towards permanent peace. In fact, no restrictions or cut in unconstitutional powers of military is actually a threat, not less than the threat of insurgents in north east states. Establishing peace talks and ceasefire deals with insurgents is about ensuring the development and scenario of investment by private parties that government is seeking, but repealing AFSPA will be a move of establishing real and ground contacts with people, of touching their hearts and minds in real ways, because this will mean understanding their scenario of everyday abnormality and threat and also about taking action to ensure peace for them. We hope that from Look east to now Act East, has to move ahead with Understanding East. Without understanding issues, actions will not be as fruitful as it would be.”

We have seen that how despite being on hunger strike since last 15 years, Irom Sharmila has not been able to get importance by government. Even despite her repeated requests and desire to meet newly elected prime minister Mr. Modi, she did not get any chance to meet him. She is a person who is following a non violent and democratic path for her demand to repeal AFSPA. Despite her worldwide popularity and voice and support of human rights organisations, government has not listen demand yet. Moreover, her fast has largely been ignored. Will it not give a signal that non violence and democratic ways are loosing their importance in present regime of India? Government need to rethink on this fast more seriously and to act immediately in this regard.

Media persons protest against attack during JCILPS bandh

Imphal, 5 Aug 2015 : Protesting the attack on media persons by JCILPS bandh supporters on Wednesday at Manipur Press Club, Imphal, Manipur

Media persons protest against attack during JCILPS bandh, at Manipur Press Club. Photo : Deepak Shijagurumayum

On students and activism in Manipur

Following is a reproduction of an interview of Dr. Malem Ningthouja(MN) by The Northeast Today(TNT). TNT: You were associated with a number of student organizations of Manipur, which is an

Following is a reproduction of an interview of Dr. Malem Ningthouja(MN) by The Northeast Today(TNT).

Malem Ningthouja

TNT: You were associated with a number of student organizations of Manipur, which is an insurgency-ravaged state. What challenges did you face as a student leader then?

Dr. Malem: Theoretically, neither militarisation nor insurgency is meant to target the students as a category of soft targets. However, there are challenges that a student leader normally faces in a war-field like situation prevalent in Manipur. Those challenges depend on the ideological position that he/ she upholds and the public issue that he / she raises. A student leader that consistently raises democratic voices against State terrorism and destructive projects is a potential target of the State actors. When I was an active student activists, there were consistent threats from the police and the intelligence. There were also threats from some non- state armed groups, whom I suspected to be working in collusion with the State forces.

TNT: What role students can play to bring in integration in a conflict region like Northeast?

Dr. Malem: When commodity relation for profit is the predominant value system above all other forms of human relationship; there are tensions for selfish ends and ‘disintegration’ at various levels in the family, relatives, villages or neighbourhood, community, and so on. In this situations, although the students are being metaphorically depicted as a homogenous section, they too suffer from the same tendency of tensions and disintegrations amongst themselves. This does not meant that there cannot be any kind of tactical ‘integrity’ amongst those who share common ideology and interest. In this regards, I believe, there can be utopian idealism to homogenise the heterogeneous fragments into a permanent unity. This is a fantasy and cannot happen in the real world at the wink of an eye. Where to begin with the unity initiative and how to begin it will involve organisational efforts, which will be resented by others who do not uphold the same agenda. However, those who think that they are in the right path in their own design, they may attempt to integrate more numbers on their side. This is the only role that different sections of students may attempt to do, in their own ways for different agenda.

TNT: Northeast region has been facing an identity crisis for a long time now. What’s your take on that?

Dr. Malem: Identity crisis or any kind of crisis is not an exception to what is being labelled as the Northeast. Since we are ‘peripheral’ part of India, we are like the limbs or the foot that belong to the lower strata of the Varna social order; that is, the Indian rulers do not intend to place us above them, but they need to ‘tame’ us to be obedient to fulfil their geo-strategic and commercial interests in our land. Our land and resources have been expropriated from us to enrich their profit. We are forced to remain silent under militarisation and draconian laws such as the Armed Forces Powers Act. Since we are being treated in this manner for more than six decades; we have realised that our problem is not created by us. On the contrary, it is they who are placing the onus of their problem on us. In this contradiction between ‘us’ and ‘them’; it is for Delhi, that is, the hub of power and brains, to wisely think and extend the warm hands of friendship to solve the problem without causing unwanted bloodshed and humiliation on us. This will be the first step towards resolving what many have blindly interpreted as identity crises in the Northeast.

TNT: What are the issues that students leader can take up in contemporary time?

Dr. Malem: There are couple of issues that require urgent attention. Some of those are: (a) Campaign against violation of human rights by the State actors and non-state criminals; (b) Campaign against drug addiction and for adequate rehabilitation of the addicts; (c) Resistance against population invasion by the outsiders and destructive projects; (d) Resistance against militarisation in the residential areas and places of daily economic activities. (e) Campaign for community economic programmes towards achieving sustainable development and for employment generation; (e) Campaign for expansion of State investment in the medical sector and adequate medical allowances and facilities to the needy persons.

TNT: Do you think that student politics is fading away in the Northeast now?

Dr. Malem: Students are born and brought up in the families, which in turn are the units of a larger society. Anything that affected the society affected the individual and vice versa. In other words, there is an interplay of personal, social and political. Since the rulers behave politically, their actions will be politically either receptive or dissented by different sections; which in totality constitute an overarching political situation, from where an individual can never escape without playing some roles in it.. There are some sayings in Manipuri, “when the house is burning will the student inside it remain reading? When the stomach is hungry and life is threatened will the student affected by it remain reading? Students are the pillar of the society; they must act politically for their future.” To which direction the majority bulk of the students will go is a different issue. Different sections will adopt their own agenda and style of politics. In whatever style or agenda, student politics always persist.

Questionnaire by Dhiraj Sarma, Senior Editor, Northeast Today.

Responses by Malem Ningthouja, Campaign for Peace & Democracy (Manipur).

Dated July 20, 2015.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/on-students-and-activism-in-manipur/

Sulam villagers appeal for immediate attention towards their landslide affected road

CHANDEL, August 4: Residents of Sulam area in Chandel district have called for immediate attention of the State government towards erosion of the road that was hit by a sporadic

CHANDEL, August 4: Residents of Sulam area in Chandel district have called for immediate attention of the State government towards erosion of the road that was hit by a sporadic massive landslide on July 31 at many sections of the Chandel-Vomku Road.

The local residents`™ call for attention of the government came along with a mass social work held today participated by a large numbers of village representatives and chiefs.

The social work was held under the leadership and guidance of Ts Kanlun Anal and Sh. Manglem Monsang, MDC of 13 Vomku and 11 Pantha respectively.

Briefing the media on the sideline Ts Kanlun said there are atleast 21 cases of landslides reported from several parts of the district in between Monsang Pantha and Chumthal, Chumthal and Khongjon, Vomku and Darchin, Darchin and Larong khullen, Larong Khullen and Duthang, Larong Khullen and Libung, Duthang and Libung, Larong Khullen and Larong khunou, Larong Khunou and Angbrasu, Vomku and Challong, Challong and paraolon, Paraolon and Kotal Khunthak, Phiran Leihou and Lampjoupasna, Phiran Lamphou Charu and Lamphou Pasna, Lamphou Charu and anal Khullen, Oklu and Phiran khullen, Anal Khullen and Oklu, Tarao Laimanai and Kongpe, Tarao Laimanai and NH 102 (Moreh).

Cracks have appeared at several places in the vicinity of Vomku, Challong,Angbrasu, Libung and larong Khullen triggering fear of sinking at any time, he said.

He also informed of the collapsed of two more suspension bridges between Larong Khullen and Libung villages and between Monsang Pantha and Thangkin.

While adding the damages of an initial pipe line structure at Challong village including supply pipelines between Vomku and Challong, Vomku and darchin and Darchin and Larong Khullen villages, the MDC urged the State authority to conduct spot enquiry to ascertain the fact for taking up necessary actions.

PEO chief of Khuwngjon R Angningden Moyon said with not even a footpath left of the road, the residents of the area has been totally cut off from the rest of the district since July 31.

Now, the villagers who use to travel on foot, motor bikes and trucks have no other means other than to take the steep road through the dense forest of the hills.

MDC of 11 Pantha Sh Manglem while talking to media maintained that Chandel Vomku raod is the lifelife of Sulam area Dingpi area.

Saying that the damage of the road rendered the people of area `isolated`™ from the rest of the district, urgred the State government help the residents got `a motor able road`™ at the earliest to ease their problems and sufferings.

JCILPS Students` Wing shuts down govt offices, demands Education minister`s resignation

IMPHAL, August 4: Pointing out that the government`™s decision to close down all educational institutions from July 9 in fear of reprisal from the students following the death of Sapam

IMPHAL, August 4: Pointing out that the government`™s decision to close down all educational institutions from July 9 in fear of reprisal from the students following the death of Sapam Robinhood has only aggravated the ongoing mass movement, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) said that resumption of class in the educational institutions from August 3 by an order of the government will not succeed to deter the mass movement.

A press statement signed by assistant media co-ordinator of JCILPS Md Kheirudin Shah Moijingmayum asserted that students agitating to press for enactment of an acceptable bill despite the resumption of class in the educational institutions is obvious given the fact that the body of Sapam Robinhood who was killed in the hands of police during a protest demonstration is still lying in JNIMS morgue.

The refusal to accept Robinhood`™s body is due to the utter failure of the government to pass a new bill acceptable to all sections of the people and suspend those police personnel involved in the killing of the young student, it said.

The deceased`™s parents are still in pain anticipating about the due performance of last rites of their son, it said.

How can the students attend class and listen to lecture before Robinhood`™s last rites are performed, the statement asked.

It further accused the government of using excessive police forces against student protestors.

Reiterating that what the committee and people want from the government is only enough political will to pass a new bill to safeguard the indigenous people from the unchecked influx of outsiders into the State, it cautioned the people against the agents who are trying to divert the people`™s attention from the ongoing mass movement.

The JCILPS in its statement appealed to the protestors and supporters of ILPS movement not to cause disturbance to media persons, medical services, religious procession, ambulance and water supply during the ongoing state-wide 48-hour general strike imposed by JCILPS Students`™ Wing.

The committee also demanded the government to take up stringent action those police personnel who caused injuries to ILPS protestors including students so that they being policemen do not commit such brutality in future.

Meanwhile, the JCILPS Students`™ Wing has vehemently condemned the police brutality against student protestors mainly the act of police officer G Thaingampou (City Unit Commando) who was seen pulling hair of a girl student protestor in broad daylight.

In a statement, the Students`™ Wing asked the deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who also holds the portfolio of Home as to why no action has been taken up against the erring police officer yet.

The Students`™ Wing also demanded resignation of Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro for allowing the police clampdown on student protestors who were protesting outside his office at New Secretariat demanding introduction of ILPS in the State and resumption of normal class in their educational institutions.

Several key government offices including ZEO Imphal East; Trade & Commerce Department; Census Department, Porompat; Nehru Yuva Kendra, Porompat; Art & Culture Department, Konung Mamang; SDC Wangoi; SDO Wangoi and ZEO Wangoi have been closed down as part of the agitation launched by the Students`™ Wing, the statement claimed.

It also appealed to its supporters and ILPS protestors to allow free passage to media persons, medical services and religious procession during the ongoing general strike.

Consider ST demand with utmost importance, demand committee urges State government

IMPHAL, August 4: The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur has strongly appealed to the State government to take timely and necessary steps for the incursion of the Meetei in the

IMPHAL, August 4: The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur has strongly appealed to the State government to take timely and necessary steps for the incursion of the Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe list on India.

Speaking at a press conference at the Manipur Press Club today, general secretary of the STDCM Laishram Lokendra Singh made a fervent appeal to the State government to give more emphasis to the demand.

He said the State Chief Minister and the council of ministers should consider the demand with utmost importance and discuss it thoroughly.

It is, he said, a time bound demand and the committee has been considering all options.

Lokendra said the committee has found a letter dated June 2, 2015 sent by the joint secretary, Government of India, Ashok Pai to the State government on the subject `Streamlining of Procedure for Scheduling of communities as STs.`

In the letter, the joint secretary had said that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs had constituted a new system `Task force on scheduling of tribes and matters related` in February 2014 under the chairman of Dr Hrisikesh Panda, the then secretary Ministry of tribal Affairs, GOI, he informed media persons.

He continued under the new system, the Task Force had consultations with the representatives of State government/ UTs, Tribal Research Institute of the States and Central Ministries/ Departments and the National Commission for Schedule tribes.

Lokendra said it was also mentioned that the present modalities of the new task force and the concerns therein includes only those proposals, which have been recommended and justified by the concern State government, and concurred with by the Registrar General of India (RGI) and the National Commission for Schedule Tribes (NCST), are to be considered for amendment of legislation.

It was also indicated in the letter that such proposals will be sent sequentially to the RGI and the National Commission for the Scheduled Tribes and any disagreement from any one agency will automatically stop processing of the proposal which is cumbersome and time consuming, he said.

The letter had also informed the State government that there is no space for collective wisdom and no role for Anthropological Survey of India, (AnSI) the premier anthropological agency.

The joint secretary had also informed the State in his letter that there will be a committee of Secretaries chaired by Secretary (MoTA) for the process of scheduling/de-scheduling of a community as ST, he said.

The committee will also comprise of secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs; secretary, Ministry of Culture; secretary; Department of Social Justice and empowerment and secretary, Depart of Legal Affairs according to the letter, he said.

When a proposal is received from a state/UT government, it will be simultaneously circulated to NCST, RGI and AnSI, which will required to submit their opinion in writing within six months period.

The letter had also informed the State that in case a proposal was received from another source other than the government of the concern State/ UT, it will be sent back to the concern State/ UT and the concern TRI is also required to submit its report in writing within six months period and if the proposal has adequate supporting documents including ethnographic report it will be circulated to the RGI, NCST and AnSI apart from the concern State government and the TRI, he said.

The three agencies also have to give their opinions in writing within six months period, he said.

Even if one or more of the authorities have either not send their written comments or disagreed with any proposal, the committee of secretaries may hold a meeting and examine the case(s) within one month of the above dateline, he continued.

Laishram Lokendra Singh asserted that since the issue is of a very serious matter which affects the community of Meitei, which is the largest community in Manipur and considering the larger interest of the Meitei and the ST Demand Committee, Manipur, the State government should bring up the matter during a cabinet meeting and discuss it before a recommendation is submitted to the GOI.

He also added that the Committee has been demanding Meetei for the inclusion of ST for the past two years but the state government has been repressing the issue till date.

Further reiterating that the initiatives will bring harmony in the society based on ethnic social equality in Manipur and it would bring an end to the constitutional social division of indigenous people of the state as tribals and non tribals.

The press conference was also attended by president STDCM, prof Y Mohendra and vice president B Angousana Sharma.

Bridge collapse not natural calamity, but man-made: MPP lambasts Congress

IMPHAL, August 4: The Okram Ibobi Singh led Congress government in the State should be held responsible for all the issues confronting the State including the high-handedness of the State

IMPHAL, August 4: The Okram Ibobi Singh led Congress government in the State should be held responsible for all the issues confronting the State including the high-handedness of the State security personnel, escalating Inner Line Permit System agitations, flood, etc, Manipur Peoples`™ Party president N Sovakiran said today.

Speaking to media persons at the party office, Sovakiran said the collapse of several bridges and dams during the recent flood are not natural calamities as the government claims to be, but in fact those were man-made calamities.

The bridges which were swept away in the water current were not properly constructed and bound to be swept away, he said.

For this the government should be blamed, he added.

Attacking the Congress for their lack of apathy for the people, he said they should not observe Gandhi Jayenti on October 2, because they do not follow the basic principal of Mahatma Gandhi.

Reacting to the much criticized acts of the police towards girl students during the ongoing ILPS movement, he said under the control of State Home minister Gaikhangam, the State security personnel seem to have forgotten how to act towards women.

The police officer who had reportedly dragged a girl student by the hair yesterday while trying to control a student protest should be terminated immediately, he demanded.

Today in the State, the State force is acting like the personal guard of the Home minister, he claimed.

MPP advisor L Chandramani Singh also spoke at the press conference welcoming the signing of the Peace Accord between the government of India and the NSCN (IM).

He however, said that if the accord contains anything which will disintegrate the territorial limit of Manipur, then the party will not remain silent.

It is regrettable that the details of the peace accord are not yet disclosed to the public, he said.

Injured police officer may undergo possible surgery

By P Chingkhei IMPHAL, Aug 4: Inspector Thaingambou, who became an overnight sensation after he was captured on lens when he pulled the hair of a girl student, during the

By P Chingkhei

IMPHAL, Aug 4: Inspector Thaingambou, who became an overnight sensation after he was captured on lens when he pulled the hair of a girl student, during the violent tussle that broke out in front of the New Secretariat on Monday between agitating students and police personnel is now being advised by doctors for bed rest for at least a week`™s time.

Surprisingly, as it may sound to the Manipuri masses, as the photo presents as some sort of `proof` of the atrocities committed by police personnel.

But, the police officer suffered a torn ligament under his eyes and nasal area and had to be admitted to RIMS casualty for medical treatment.

Veteran officer Thaingambou was punched by one of the students on his face and as the situation had become increasingly volatile after the students broke open the main gate of the New Secretariat, the outnumbered police personnel was ordered to baton charge in order to maintain order and security within the Secretariat where the highest officials of the state were present.

He is also most likely to undergo a minor surgery if his health condition does not improve in that given period of time, as per the doctors who attended him at the RIMS hospital.

On Monday, when the incident occurred, the law enforcing officer was told by his superiors to guard the premise of New Secretariat as large number of agitated students along with JCILPS activists was trying to force their way in into the office of the Education Minister to handover their textbooks as a symbol of showing their frustration over the government`™s indifferent approach towards the implementation of Inner Line Permit System.

Meanwhile, a high ranking police officer, on the condition of anonymity, observed that following the accidental discovery that some of the girl students were wearing trousers inside their school uniformed sarongs and shoes that are not part of the school uniforms, it possibly meant that they had come prepared to engage in any forceful tussle if situation demands it which kills the concept of peaceful settlement of matters.

UCM announces stand on peace accord

IMPHAL, Aug 4: The United Committee Manipur has categorically stated that the peace accord signed between the Government of India and NSCN-IM should be revoked if it infringes upon the

IMPHAL, Aug 4: The United Committee Manipur has categorically stated that the peace accord signed between the Government of India and NSCN-IM should be revoked if it infringes upon the interests of other neighbouring States.

Speaking to media persons today, UCM president Johnson Elangbam said that the UCM welcomes the peace accord if its applicability is restricted within the territory of Nagaland.

UCM is fully committed to the integrity of Manipur and the way the peace accord was signed after bypassing the State government merits collective introspection, he observed.

The State government should provide full details of the accord to the people of Manipur, Johnson demanded.

The Prime Minister and the Home Minister of India should table the full text of the accord at the Parliament during the ongoing session, he said.

Johnson continued there should not be division of administration on ethnic lines.

It would be a disaster if the peace accord affects the neighbouring States rather than confining it within the State of Nagaland, he said and added that it would be a big political blunder on the part of the BJP government as it would unfailingly invite a massive second uprising.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/ucm-announces-stand-on-peace-accord/

Proposed sports university site still five feet under water

IMPHAL August 4: Even as the flood is receding slowly in most areas, the site earmarked for the National Sports University at 44 Yaithibi Loukon at Loushipat in Thoubal district

IMPHAL August 4: Even as the flood is receding slowly in most areas, the site earmarked for the National Sports University at 44 Yaithibi Loukon at Loushipat in Thoubal district is still five feet under water.

As the flood receded in and around Pallel, the water has drained towards Yaithibi Loukon.

About 400 acres of land on the eastern side of the AH 1 and an endless stretch on the other side remain flooded. Irengban Village which has around 100 households remains completely flooded and residents evacuated to Langthabal and Sora areas.

Paddy fields of Sora, Langthabal Yaithibi Khunou and Tekcham Papan are also flooded.

The farmers informed this reporter that they have completed the rice plantation as well as weeding of the paddy fields. However it is unlikely that the water will recede anytime soon as it has increased by three feet today, they added.

The spot is geographically not feasible being the lowest lying region of Thoubal district, a farmer said.

Huge sums of Rs 100 crores sanctioned for construction of the sports university might be wasted in trying to fill the low lying areas, insisted Churamani mutum vice president, National Sports University Construction Demand Committee.

He said, we are told that world class standards will be maintained and this might require expansion from the presently estimated size.

But the present landscape selected is not feasible for any such an investment, he continued.

We wonder if the choice was a sole political decision or arrived on after proper assessment conducted by technical experts, he observed.

On the other hand a bigger size land is offered at Kouthruk Senjam Chirang without even demanding for compensation, Cheramani claimed.

He added, the grazing land unlike Laithibi Loukon is in a much higher ground and construction can start immediately.

Comprehensive peace

The new Naga Peace Accord, it is now clear, was only an important agreement on a commonly agreed route map to a future settlement, or `framework agreement` as officials now

The new Naga Peace Accord, it is now clear, was only an important agreement on a commonly agreed route map to a future settlement, or `framework agreement` as officials now describe it as, and therefore there is nothing final about it. It is also unlikely this final settlement is already within grasp. For the reasons that we pointed out in our editorial yesterday, the way ahead is still uphill, and the probably what prompted the hurry was the critical illness of Chairman Isak Chishi Swu. As we see it, this was a symbolic gesture to show that if a closure to the issue is not possible as yet, at least an assurance had to be given that such an end can be reached, even as evening begins to wane and night begins to advance on the lives of the aging top NSCN(IM) leadership duo of Isak Swu and Th. Muivah. In a rather poignant way, the hurried signing of an agreement that only said the negotiations would continue on, is also an indicator that the negotiators believe there are still difficult miles ahead before a final accord can be reached. Hopefully, this is not absolutely so, and a lasting solution acceptable to all, not just the Nagas, but also all with a stake in a happy conclusion to the Naga issue, is the final outcome while the NSCN(IM) patriarchs are still around.

This last point is important. Why must a solution to the Naga problem have elements that must worry Manipur or Assam or Arunachal Pradesh, as it must be admitted has been the case? The answer is quite obvious. No conflict, or solution to it, can happen in a vacuum. Everything and everybody living in any particular geographical region are so interrelated that what one does will have a bearing on the other. Unfortunately, this is a lesson not many are willing to learn, and here we are not referring to any community in particular. This has been the character trait of practically everybody in this region. The conceit of self-importance has made each community think their individual problems can be resolved in isolation, and this is despite the fact that time and again it has been proven how wrong this approach is. In Manipur for instance, as much as the problems of the hill communities cannot be solved in isolation, the valley communities must begin seeing how wrong it is for them to presume their concerns are the state`™s concern as a whole. The ILPS agitation is proving this right before everybody`™s eyes. It is not that the hills do not share the concerns of migrant influx, but quite legitimately, they do not feel this as much of a big threat for them as the valley communities perceive it to be, precisely because the hill lands are protected by law from being taken over, therefore few or no outsider will ever think of permanent residence there. This is why consensus is important. If at all some issues are to be treated as localised, it too should be by mutual understanding. As for instance, it would be difficult to convince the hills of flood threats just as the valley would not see landslides as life threatening as much as the hills do. But even these seemingly different issues are interrelated. The soil erosion in the hills because of deforestation which is making life more and more difficult in the hills, also results in siltation in the rivers and lakes in the valley, making them progressively shallow, and therefore prone to overflow their banks during the monsoons.

The `framework agreement` reached yesterday, therefore must broaden its scope to not just think of a solution of the Naga problem in isolation, if not for anything else, then because such an approach will not work. It must take care that the concerns of all others who would be affected by it are also taken on board. Again to take the example of Manipur, it must not leave the Meiteis in the valley, or the Kukis who share the hills as homeland with the Nagas, feeling they have been wronged. As we have always insisted, a zero sum game can never bring lasting solution. What we all must await and look forward to is a consensual agreement forged by all stakeholders, in which every party stands to gain without unfair costs inflicted on any other. By definition, true peace is precisely this for intuitively everybody knows there is nobody who would not benefit from a comprehensive peace. The trouble is, very often, the kind of peace sought in the Northeast`™s sordid theatres of conflict are just the opposite, and therefore the conclusion one conflict often ends up triggering off other chains of conflicts.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/comprehensive-peace/

Are you smart enough to understand energy?

By: Yumnam Devjit The biggest challenge about writing this article is not the science; instead it’s how to make a boring topic like energy interesting to people. Sit back and just

By: Yumnam Devjit

The biggest challenge about writing this article is not the science; instead it’s how to make a boring topic like energy interesting to people.

Sit back and just think how much money you spend on energy, buying petrol, buying LPG, paying the electricity bill. How much of the money you earn goes into energy bills. Quite a lot! What if energy was free? Will money lose its place in society? Even if you buy goods (not energy), a good portion of its price goes for the cost of the energy used to produce it. Free energy would indeed reduce the cost of goods. So is free energy a bad thing? No, I don’t think so. Free energy would make everyone richer as you have more money to buy things. And the strangle hold that money has on our lives will loosen.

Then why don’t we have a free energy system? Why does energy have to cost so much? We look for answers and turn to our scientist and engineers. And arguably they give us the reply. We cannot have free energy because we cannot generate energy from “thin air”. Energy has to be mined from coal mines, pumped from oil fields, harvested from solar power plants, wind turbines and nuclear reactors. So we listen with our ears and see it with our eyes and think with our nose and say, OK. And give up all our hard earned money to pay for energy. Give away your brains too, because you are not using any of it, nor are the so called scientist and engineers.

If you do not want your brains to become a vestigial organ then fire it up. Put some life into those nerve cells and re imagine a time of your life when your mind was pure and unconditioned to nonsense. School days! Did you ever come across the law of conservation of energy? What did it say? Did it say energy can neither be created nor be destroyed, but it transforms from one form to another. This is basic science no argument about it. It’s a proven fact.

Correct me if I am wrong. I think this means that nobody or no company or no government can create energy, nor can they destroy it. Right? So energy is not like a piece of art which is created by an artist. Energy has neither creator nor destroyer. So how can anyone own energy? If nobody owns energy then why are you paying for it? It’s a bit like water, can anyone own water? Did anyone create water? Does the amount of water on earth become less because you used some of it? Whatever water there is, there is! Likewise, whatever energy there is, there is! And when you use it you don’t destroy it.

The term renewable and non renewable energy is misleading. The very nature of energy is renewable; there is no point in thinking otherwise. Either you use 1 joule or 1 million joules of energy it does not change the amount of energy in existence.

Let me give you another example. Let’s say you are driving a car. You go from point A to B and consume 1 liter of petrol. In the process whatever energy there was in the chemicals of the petrol is converted into kinetic energy of the car. This kinetic energy in turn gets converted into frictional energy of air being displaced by the car in motion and ultimately ends up as thermal energy in the air.

The science is there but the technology isn’t. Nobody has come up with an engine that can run on the energy from “thin air”. Or somebody did and was covered up by some secret govt. organization because it will undermine the control of money over people. Well I don’t know!

But this is what I know.

The holy grail of free energy science is an above unity engine. An engine that produces more energy than it consumes. Nobody has made such an engine so there is no free energy.

Now what if I told you it already exist? And you are already using it in your kitchen, office and homes. I find it funny, talk about going a blind eye. The same scientist and engineers who would argue the impossibility of an above unity engine would do so sitting in a room with their ac on, sipping a cup of coffee made with milk from their freezer.

Yes, I am sarcastically referring to the process of refrigeration. Energy is applied to a machine and it takes heat away from one point to another. In the process cooling one part and heating the other. How ironic is it, that the only device that release more energy than it consumes is the one we pay the most for in energy bill.

If we turn the table around and focus on the radiator of an ac or fridge, the heat energy being liberated at this end is a sum of the electrical energy consumed by the machine and the heat energy absorbed from the cold end of the machine. Usually we get 3 time the energy consume, i.e. if we apply 100 watts of power to an ac we get 400 watts of power in the form of heat energy at the hot end. 300 watts of heat energy is absorbed from the cold end and release it at the hot end. That is 300 watts of from “thin air”. I am no scientist but 400 watts from 100 watts sounds like above unity to me.

Currently I am working on a project to build an engine that produces more energy than it consumes. Using basic equipments I am able to produce up to 10.901 watts of power (heat energy) by using 7.2 watts (electrical) using a peltier module.

Ambient energy engine is the name I am giving to my device. Basically it’s a combination of stirling engine, refrigerator and an alternator. I still have a long way to go, but the possibility is real. This device will be just a proof of concept. A device to prove to everyone that nobody owns energy and that energy is free for all.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it, and hope my words inspire you to think and not take things as they are.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/are-you-smart-enough-to-understand-energy/

GOM kept in the dark on GOI-NSCN (IM) pact, awaiting details from MHA, says CM

IMPHAL, August 4: A day after the historic signing of the peace accord between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM), the Government of Manipur continues to remain in

Chief Minister O Ibobi addressing the media persons in the presence of party MLAs and ministers

IMPHAL, August 4: A day after the historic signing of the peace accord between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM), the Government of Manipur continues to remain in the dark of its contents.

The government is awaiting the full text of the accord from the Centre, although the Union Home Minister has ruled out any possibilities of compromising on the territorial integrity of Manipur, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh told media persons during a press conference held this evening at his secretariat following a joint meeting held with Congress legislators.

The Chief Minister, however, declared that the Government of Manipur, under any circumstances, will not accept any form of compromise in regards to the territorial integrity of the State.

He said `Nagas are our brethren and we have been praying that their issue is resolved once and for all.`

Nevertheless, apparently oblivious of the contents of the accord, he said that he was quite confused whether to interpret the development as good or bad.

The Chief Minister excoriated the dealing of the BJP led NDA government in the Centre, and stated that the Prime Minister Office and MHA have overlooked Manipur this time unlike the UPA Government who always intimated the Manipur government with matters pertaining to the demands of the NSCN-IM.

The common belief of the people that the Prime Minister of India is transparent and federal minded, and has sincere intention to bring about a change in the North-eastern States has turned out to be wrong, he pointed out referring to the signing of the accord which was undertaken without taking into confidence any of the North-eastern States.

Taking serious note of the entire episode, Ibobi compared the very act with that of a dictator.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh revealed that he had contacted the Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh yesterday, asking for the full text of the accord.

He said he had apprised the Union Minister of how the entire Manipur was taken by surprise by the unexpected turn of events and the adverse impact on the credibility of Manipur Government.

He further disclosed that in his response, the Home Minister ruled out any possibilities of compromising the territorial integrity of Manipur and assured to provide the full text of the `Peace Accord` once it is tabled today in the ongoing session of the parliament.

The Chief Minister also drew the attention of the Centre to make details of the peace accord a public domain at the earliest to clear the uneasy atmosphere in the aftermath of the signing of the accord.

MHA monitors flood situation in various parts of the country

IMPHAL, Augst 3: The Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh spoke to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Anandiben Patel and the Chief Minister of Manipur, Okram Ibobi Singh and enquired about

IMPHAL, Augst 3: The Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh spoke to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Anandiben Patel and the Chief Minister of Manipur, Okram Ibobi Singh and enquired about the rescue and relief operations going on in the wake of floods and landslides respectively. He assured of full Central support to overcome the disaster situation, informed a PIB press release.

The Ministry of Home Affairs is regularly monitoring the flood situation in various parts of the country and extending necessary assistance in this regard, it said.

In Gujarat, 14 Districts and population of about 40 lakhs have been affected in recent floods due to heavy rainfall in the last few days. More than ten lakhs food packets have been airdropped/ distributed to the flood victims. Temporary relief camps have been set up in affected areas and peoples are accommodated on need basis. A total of 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed for rescue and relief operations in Gujarat, it continued.

The statement added the Minister of State for Home Affairs, ShriHaribhaiParathibhaiChaudhary has visited the state for two days to assess the situation and oversee the rescue and relief operations.

In Rajasthan, so far 28 deaths have been reported, out of which 12 people lost their lives during past few days owing to very heavy rainfall and flood like situation in many parts of the state. Rajasthan has experienced excessive rainfall in most of its districts. Some of the districts are facing flood situation due to extremely heavy rainfall. The situation is grim particularly in districts of Jalore, Jhalawar, Baran, Sirohi, Barmer and Dungarpur, accordingto the statement.

It added, apart from State Disaster Response Force, Police, RAC etc., at present 08 teams of NDRF are deployed for rescue and relief operations. So far more than 630 peoples have been rescued from various districts in Rajasthan. Relief materials have been distributed to the affected population.

Further according to the statement, in West Bengal, 48 deaths have been reported from various parts of the state during the floods owing to lightening, wall collapse, electrocution, snake bite and drowning. As reported by State government due to cyclone KOMEN, heavy to very heavy rainfall occurred at isolated places in almost all South West Bengal districts. So far 12 districts consisting of 210 blocks and 9691 villages have been affected due to floods. A population of 36,90,627 are affected. State Govt has deployed 121 boats for rescue and relief operations. A total of 5672 cattle is also lost in the floods. Due to floods, State Govt. has established 1537 relief camps and 214306 peoples have been accommodated. 204 medical teams have also been deployed. So far 402600 water pouches have also been distributed.

The PIB statement also said that in Odisha, 07 districts of Odisha namely Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Bhadrak, Balasore, Jharsuguda and Deogarh are affected. A total of 05 people lost their lives and 644 villages and population `“ 480399 are affected. ODRAF units are carrying out relief and rescue operations. So far 1574 peoples have been evacuated to safer places. 7 relief camps have been opened and 55 peoples have been accommodated. 132 boats have been deployed for rescue operations.

In Manipur, about 20 villagers of Joumol Village in District Chandel have been swept away by landslide on 01/08/2015 at about 0630 hours including 12 houses. This village is located about 96 KMs from Tengnoupal HQ of which 83 Kms track/road is motorable. Rescue operations are going on. Reportedly one villager has been rescued, it said.

Two teams of NDRF have been earmarked for rescue and relief operations in Village Joumol. Of these one team comprising of 22 rescuers have been airlifted in the morning while the other team is likely to reach by late evening, it added.

Students injured in police action; fresh agitations erupt

IMPHAL, August 3: Altogether 11 students were injured six of them said to be seriously as students protested the opening of schools before the government implemented the Inner Line Permit

IMPHAL, August 3: Altogether 11 students were injured six of them said to be seriously as students protested the opening of schools before the government implemented the Inner Line Permit System or a similar legislation in the State.

A group of students from several schools stormed the Old Secretariat Building threatening to submit their textbooks to the State Education minister Moirangthem Okendro, which resulted in a fierce confrontation between the agitating students and the security forces manning the building. The incident occurred around noon.

Two students were arrested by the police during the confrontation but were reportedly released in the evening.

It may be mentioned that educational institutes in the Greater Imphal areas were re-opened from today after being left closed since July 9 in the wake of the death of class XI student Sapam Robinhood on July 8.

Meanwhile, as news of the confrontation spread, people came out to the streets immediately and imposed road blocks at several places in the State capital.

The protesting students condemned the government`™s inaction to take action against the police personnel involved in the death of Ananda Higher Secondary School student Sapam Robinhood and the delay in introduction of the ILPS or a similar Act in the State.

Around 40 students from several higher secondary schools of the State had gathered at the Nupi Lal memorial Complex and tried to storm the secretariat building.

They came shouting slogans that they do not want education if the situation in the State was improved, and tried to storm the Secretariat building with the design of submitting their textbooks to the Education minister.

However, noticing the student protestors the security personnel manning the gate of the secretariat building closed the gate.

Nevertheless, the students tried to force their way in resulting in the police-student confrontation.

In their effort to control the students, the police resorted to lathi-charging. The students also tore their text-books and threw them at the gate.

Meanwhile, women-folk who were staging sit in protest supporting the present ILPS movement in the State, on hearing of the incident imposed road blocks at different places.

At Palace Gate, womenfolk blocked the Wangkhei-Palace Gate road by sitting across the road.

Road blocks were also witnessed at Uripok and Naoremthong area.

According to the NNN, immediately on hearing the news of the agitation and attack on the students, womenfolk who were staging sit-in-protests at Uripok and Naoremthong area came out to the street and started agitating in a stronger form.

They blocked all kind traffic movement in the Uripok-Kangchup Road. Also, large number of women and members of youth club, Nongmeibung also started agitating by blocking the road at Konung Mamang and Old Checkon crossings, an NNN report said.

Locals of Wangkhei Angom Leikai and Andro Parking formed human chains and shouted slogans demanding the implementation of ILP system and seeking justice for the killing Sapam Robinhood, the report continued.

The NNN report also said that a student of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary School identified as Surjit was severely hurt during the police-student clash as he was kicked in the chest by police personnel.

He is currently under medical intervention at JNIMS Hospital, the report continued.

Two girl students, Thokchom Monika of TG School and Heisnam Roshni of Ibotonsana Girls`™ School, were also injured due to lathi attack from the police, it said.

The two students are currently hospitalised at RIMS Hospital. Some other students were also injured, and they were discharged from the hospital after being provided with first aid, it continued.

The NNN report also said that students of Ananda Singh School locked the entrance gate of the school condemning the forced re-opening of the school.

Later, locals of Nongmeibung, where the school is situated came in and guarded the school to avoid any unwanted incidents, the report continued.

Manipur Assembly to regard Lukhoi as MLA again

Imphal, August 3 (NNN): Manipur Legislative Assembly has today notified that ex-Wangoi MLA O Lukhoi, who was disqualified, will be regarded as an MLA again. It may be mentioned that

Imphal, August 3 (NNN): Manipur Legislative Assembly has today notified that ex-Wangoi MLA O Lukhoi, who was disqualified, will be regarded as an MLA again. It may be mentioned that he along with Thongju MLA Th Bishorjit and Thangmeiband MLA Kh Joykishan were disqualified by the Tribunal Court of the Assembly for their alleged misconduct to their party, Trinamool Congress.

After that, O Lukhoi had filed an appeal to the Manipur High Court showing dissatisfaction over his disqualification. And only few days back, the Manipur High Court had given a `stay`™ to his appeal giving some relief and a ray of hope to him. The next hearing of the case is scheduled on August 19.

Bihsorjit and Joykishan, however did not file such similar appeals.

Today`™s notification was issued in the Assembly Bulletin by the Secretary in-charge of the Assembly, K Meghajit.

With this new relief provided by the Assembly to the disqualified MLA, Lukhoi will re-claim his position as an MLA until further notice. He will take part in all the Assembly proceedings and will enjoy every privilege that is entitled to any MLA. However, he will not be able to exercise his voting rights on important roles such as discussion of Bills and will not be able to vote in MP elections etc.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/manipur-assembly-to-regard-lukhoi-as-mla-again/

48-hr gen strike from 6pm today; govt offices boycotted

IMPHAL, August 3: In pursuance of its demands served to the government and in condemnation of the excesses meted out to students by police today, the Joint Committee on Inner

IMPHAL, August 3: In pursuance of its demands served to the government and in condemnation of the excesses meted out to students by police today, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) Students`™ Wing has imposed a 48-hour state-wide general strike with effect from 6 pm of August 4.

Declaring the call of the strike during a press meet at the office of Manipur Students`™ Federation (MSF) here today, leader of JCILPS Students`™ Wing O Nandababu strongly condemned the excesses committed by police against the students who were protesting outside the office of Education Minister at New Secretariat today demanding introduction of Inner Line Permit System in the State.

The police action against the student protestors came at a time when the State is on boil over the collective demand for implementation of ILPS which is legitimate, he said.

He appealed to clubs, associations and women`™s organizations to extend full support to the proposed general strike.

Meanwhile, the Joint Students`™ Union, a conglomerate of Higher Secondary Schools based in Greater Imphal has decided to boycott government offices, tuition centres and private firms from tomorrow.

Speaking to media persons, Secretary (Games & Sports) of Ram Lal Paul Higher Secondary School Students`™ Union Ashis Hijam representing the Joint Students`™ Union announced that the union has also decided to boycott Independence Day celebration on August 15.

Students who suffered injuries in police action today were also present while making the announcements by the students`™ body.

Will not remain mere spectator to police excesses against students: JCILPS

IMPHAL, August 3: Taking strong exception to the government`™s attempt to suppress the ongoing mass movement by using excessive police forces mainly against student protestors who are demanding enforcement of ILPS or similar law, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) has pointed out that the government`™s habit of realising outstanding issues pertaining to the State only after witnessing public outrage is not a new thing.

In a statement issued to the press today, the JCILPS reiterated that the ongoing mass agitation demanding enactment of a new bill to safeguard the indigenous people by passing an acceptable bill is due to the inaction of the government to do so for a long time despite launching different forms of intense agitation by many sections.

The fact that it is the people not the government who are safeguarding the territorial integrity and its identity by launching various movements is clearly evident from the past unforgettable incidents, it asserted.

Alleging that the government is in the mood to suppress the ongoing mass movement by using excessive power and police forces, the statement said education has fallen prey to the hands of the government as closure and re-opening of educational institutions are decided by the government itself.

To order re-opening of all the education institutions which were shut down by the government for a long time, before performing last rites of Sapam Robinhood who was killed in police action in an ILPS agitation and delivering justice to the death is like inviting more untoward incidents, it said.

Instead of passing an acceptable bill which is the collective wishes of the people and letting the last rites of Robinhood to perform after doing so, the government has been engaging in political game and delaying tactics of which the people well understood, the statement said.

Pledging that the committee will not remain as a mere spectator to the excesses of police with some male personnel beating and kicking girl students who are just demanding ILPS implementation or similar law, the committee in the statement asked the government to shun dictatorship type of rule at once. It then appealed to the people to continue with the civil disobedience movement against the government till a new bill acceptable to the people is passed.

Uchiwa Wangmataba still in knee deep water

IMPHAL, August 3: Although the rains have ceased bringing some respite, Uchiwa Wangmataba remains flooded much to the despair of the residents. A team of media persons took a boat

IMPHAL, August 3: Although the rains have ceased bringing some respite, Uchiwa Wangmataba remains flooded much to the despair of the residents.

A team of media persons took a boat trip around the locality inspecting the families affected by the flood.

As the water level had risen, many shifted their homes for some safer places. Some moved in with their relatives in other places while many others displaced by the flood are camping on their own at the Uchiwa Punshi Keithel market shed.

People who decided to stay back in their homes have to use rafts to come out till the road.

More than 100 houses have been flooded.

Uchiwa Wangmataba lies under Wabagai constituency and is a low-lying area and as a result attracted water from the Tentha Wangjing River, Sekmaijin River and Imphal River.

The locality is connected to Mayang Imphal by the Litan Suspension Bridge.

A local who identified himself as Nilachandra Ningthoujam said most of the displaced families are taking shelter at the market shed.

Our local MLA Md Fajur Rahim has totally neglected and ignored the area during this tiring time, he continued.

He continued he has a fish farm and now due to the flood he has incurred a huge loss.

He was also joined by other locals in lauding the Works minister Dr Ratan Kumar for the timely repair of the suspension bridge.

The locals also said that they would be happier if the minister could convert the bridge to an RCC one as it is the only connectivity of the area with Mayang Imphal.

A volunteer from across the constituency, Tiken who is also the sports secretary of the All Uchiwa Development Association said he is extending all possible help to the affected people.

He said the area which has around 750 voters has been badly affected by the flood.

Later in the day, sources also informed that the Works minister Dr Kh Ratankumar who is the local MLA of Mayang Imphal distributed aid to the affected people of his constituency including at Chirai Chabung Company, Konchak Mamang Leikai, Uchiwa Komlakhong, Phabakchao, Laphupat Tera.

The MLA had also deployed an Excavator and a Tipper and helped the locals to check the flood water.

It is also learnt that Dr Ratan distributed rice, dal, oil, candles and other essential items to affected houses.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/uchiwa-wangmataba-still-in-knee-deep-water/