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Hailstorm levels houses

IMPHAL, May 23: A sudden hailstorm that swept across the State today around 2 pm damaged several houses and properties in Khurai, Lamlai and Khundrakpam constituencies in Imphal East. The

IMPHAL, May 23: A sudden hailstorm that swept across the State today around 2 pm damaged several houses and properties in Khurai, Lamlai and Khundrakpam constituencies in Imphal East. The worst hit areas are Kangla Sangomsang, Sawombung, Phaknung, Yourabung, Nongada, Waiton and Sagolmang.

It is said that many electric posts erected in the areas were also damaged.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/hailstorm-levels-houses/

Meeting with CM on Sports University went well: Sonowal

IMPHAL, May 23: Union Minister Independent Charge for Youth Affairs Sarbananda Sonowal met Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh regarding the status of the National Sport University to be set up

IMPHAL, May 23: Union Minister Independent Charge for Youth Affairs Sarbananda Sonowal met Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh regarding the status of the National Sport University to be set up in Manipur today.

The meeting was convened around 11am following the Union Minister`™s inspection of the SAI complex Takyelpat.

Informing media persons about the meeting while waiting to board his flight for Delhi at the Imphal airport, he said the discussion which was on the issue of site selection for the university went well.

Senior officials from the Centre will soon be visiting the State to conduct a spot visit of the site approved for the construction of the university by the State government, Sonowal said.

The State has approved a site, and the officials from the Centre will be inspecting the site for the whole process of setting up the university to move forward, he continued.

While stating that he wishes to see the university set up soon, Sonowal added that until the officials take a look of the site, he can`™t say much on the issue at the moment.

Sadar Hills Tujang Waichong DCC candidates kick start ADC poll campaign

KANGPOKPI, May 22: The two intending INC and BJP candidates of 4-Tujang Waichong District Council Constituency under Kangpokpi AC have kick-started their poll campaign along with hoisting their respective party

The sitting and local MDC Seikhosat Kipgen, who represent the INC in the forthcoming 5th ADC Election began his poll campaign by organizing a public meeting at his home village at Selsi along IT Road on Wednesday during which the party flag was also hoisted.

On the occasion Tongkholal Hangshing, president of Block Congress Committee Kangpokpi hoisted the flag in the presence of sitting ADC Sadar Hills Chairman Haokholal Hangshing, who is also the uncontested INC candidate from Kangpokpi DCC in the election.

Members of Tuilang Area Kuki Chief Association (TAKCA); Kuki Women Union, Tuilang Block; Kuki Inpi Tuilang Area; KSO Tuilang Block; Kangpokpi Town Committee and area chiefs also attended the public meeting.

Pastor Ngamneo, KBC Gambih No.6 conducted the blessing ceremony of the candidate and his election committee during the function.

In the meantime, BJP candidate of the same DCC Lamminthang Kipgen organized a flag hoisting program and public meeting at Songjang Pakang yesterday wherein Thangkholen Kipgen, president of BJP Sadar Hills and Kajaiga Dangmei, general secretary of BJP Sadar Hills hoisted the BJP flag for the candidate in the presence of the congregate.

Gambih Pastor KBC No.6 Ngamneo administered the blessing ceremony of the candidate and his election committee in the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Thangkholen Kipgen said that BJP is not an anti-Christian party as claimed by the Congress and assumed by some innocent denizens who have been brainwashed by the Congress party.

He continued that the unconstitutional activities of some vested individuals who have been involved in burning down Churches cannot be totally taken as the party activities as a whole while clarifying that the origin of prohibition of killing cow is not from the BJP but that of Janata Dal party in the year 1978-79.

However, BJP emphasized the need to love and care the animal since it gives milk to those motherless children and replicate as mother for them, asserted Sadar Hill BJP president.

CS served notice over non-compliance of court`s order

IMPHAL, May 22: Special Judge (POSCO) Manipur East has issued notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur for non-compliance of the Court`™s order dated March 24 last wherein the

IMPHAL, May 22: Special Judge (POSCO) Manipur East has issued notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur for non-compliance of the Court`™s order dated March 24 last wherein the state government was directed to pay a sum of Rs 2 lakhs as compensation to the victim of sexual assault for rehabilitation as mandated under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2002, which shall be paid within 30 days, according to press release issued by Human Rights Law Network (HRLN).

The Court issued the said notice to the Chief Secretary after the mother of the minor victim namely Soubam ongbi Thoibi Devi filed an application for the enforcement of the said order.

It may be mentioned that on March 24, the Special Court after completion of trial under POSCO Act passed a order wherein the accused person namely Golmei alias Boy, 29 son of Late Pantiphun Golmei of Ramji Khun Tera Makha was sentenced to undergo 10 years rigorous imprisonment with a fine of Rs 25, 000. And the state government was directed to pay Rs2 lakh as compensation to the minor victim for rehabilitation as mandated under POSCO Act, which shall be paid within 30 days. However, even after serving notice to the Chief Secretary for compliance of the said order by the counsel of the victims`™ mother on April 8, the Government of Manipur has miserably failed to comply it without assigning any reason. Thereafter, Soubam ongbi Thoibi Devi has filed the application before the court for the enforcement of the said order.

The present petition is being filed at the active initiation of HRLN.

Union Minister assures expansion of SAI centre and Mini-Sport complex

IMPHAL, May 22: Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister Independent Charge for Youth and Affairs assured to fulfil the demand of KSO for expansion of SAI complex and Mini-Stadium at Churcahndpur district,

IMPHAL, May 22: Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister Independent Charge for Youth and Affairs assured to fulfil the demand of KSO for expansion of SAI complex and Mini-Stadium at Churcahndpur district, and also appealed for the support of the people for BJP candidates in the forthcoming ADC elections.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest at the public meeting of BJP Manipur Pradesh in connection with the ensuing ADC election at YPA Hall, New Lamka Churchandpur today, Srabananda Sonowal said that to bring good governance, the first priority and turning point for BJP in Manipur will be during the June 1 ADC poll.

He further appealed to root out the Congress government from the state for the betterment as the 13 years of Congress reign have only witnessed looting of the people.

He said that BJP wants to bring justice to the poorest of the poor and give benefit to all sections of the people. So the one year completed NDA led BJP government has sanctioned a potential amount of money to the northeast states. So that northeast states will be shining and become visible in the World map.

He assured that the demands raised by the KSO was for construction of a mini stadium and SAI centre will be materialized once if the people of the local support BJP and came to power. While appealing the gathering to cooperate with BJP, he said that lots of changes shall be introduced if the BJP is given the chances to rule in the state as well as in local bodies. People should know that states and centre government have to go hand in hand in order to change a new system.

He sought the people`™s co-operation to BJP as the party can bring lots of changes in the state. ADC election is very important for people of tribal communities. We need to elect right person district ruler to fulfil the Narendra Modi Clean India mission in Manipur, he added.

Tapir Gao, Ex-MP and National Executive member of BJP appealed the outfits underthe Suspension of Operation (SoO) signatory groups to maintain peace and harmony in ADC election. He further instructed that SoO group cadres should not interfere in this ADC election slated to be held on June 1, 2015On the other hand he assured them to take up and solve the problems with ADC representative from BJP for pursuing demands for SoO with Union Home Minister or PMO of take up possible step for SoO signatories. When the BJP candidates are elected to power at the ADC level, it promised to give effective local self government in State.

Disclosing this today on the occasion of BJP election campaigned for all candidates hailing from Churachandpur district at YPA hall New Lamka community hall as the guest of honor he further noted that since the Kuki groups have signed the SoO truce it is upto the central government to take up the problems of the groups in order that they have been solved. “Your issues apart from all other will be looked after by the central government” , he said during his speech .

During his presidential speech Th Chaoba said the Khuga dam has been a total failure though a huge amount of money have been spend and till date it could not supply water to the local populace . Ridiculing the independent candidates he said such party could not be formed by any government . He said that, O Ibobi and Gaikhanngam could not sleep fearing the central leaders visit to the state

Mao Council`s total bandh called off

KANGPOKPI, May 22: The Mao Council has suspended its proposed 24-hour Manipur total bandh which was scheduled to begin from today midnight following assurance from the government that an inquiry

KANGPOKPI, May 22: The Mao Council has suspended its proposed 24-hour Manipur total bandh which was scheduled to begin from today midnight following assurance from the government that an inquiry will be constituted immediately into the land encroachment at Dzuko Valley and Koziirii and that Government of Nagaland will be approached to hold a talk on the matter.

According to official reports from Mao Council, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh assured the council to initiate necessary action against the land encroachment and immediately begin inquiry into it.

It may be mentioned that the apex body of Mao tribe had submitted a memorandum seeking intervention into the land encroachment by SAPO reportedly around 10 kms into the state boundary.

Due to prolonged silence on part of the state government, the Mao Council in an attempt to draw the attention of the government to the encroachment issue had called the total bandh.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/mao-councils-total-bandh-called-off/

Economic isolation of state led to backwardness: CM

IMPHAL, May 22: `The states of north eastern India have had ample opportunities but due to economic isolation, Manipur has remained backward as compared to other states of India.` Chief

IMPHAL, May 22: `The states of north eastern India have had ample opportunities but due to economic isolation, Manipur has remained backward as compared to other states of India.` Chief Minister O Ibobi said in his speech during the inaugural function of a two day `International Conference on India`™s Look East Policy `“ Act East and South East Asia: Beyond Borders`™`™`™

The program held at theCentenary Hall of Manipur University was organised by Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID), Chandigarh in collaboration with MU.

He exuded confidence that the GDP growth of the State will rise to 9% by the year 2020. India is on way to become one of the business centres on account of the NE states of India once they are made the gateway to South East Asia. He added that during the 90s Myanmar was not considered as significant in trade but now Myanmar is considered as one big opportunities for foreign trade with India.

He said that air connectivity is effective in Manipur whereas road and rail connectivity is still a problem.

Manipur has tremendous potentail in tourism sector. It also can do well in food production, he added.

He said that the state has natural beauties such as the Loktak Lake, and the captivating natural landscape of the hill districts. the state now has world class medical facilities, vibrant culture and sports, he further said.

He said visa on arrival facilities has also been made available for Myanmar citizen coming to avail medical facilities in the state.

Because of economic isolation and poor land connectivity, the state has suffered, asserted the CM and said that the need is for developmental works to be prioritised.

He voiced optimism that the two day international conference would suggest ways to bring development and uplift of the state.

Giving a brief background of the conference, professor of CRRID Chandigarh, Sucha Singh Gill called for removal of economic isolation of the NE region.

He said that investment from potential investors are the key to development.

He said important issues such as water scarcity, land connectivity by rail and road and how these will promote international trade through the NE states of India will also be discussed minutely.

Manipur has potential for development in the horticulture sector, as fruits like oranges and pineapples are massively produced. However because of weak land transport facilities, the products are not able to reach beyond the state.

He said said that the conference will also discuss ways and means to bring up the per capita income of the state.

The conference will be attended by delegates from 8 different countries.

The inaugural function of the conference was attended by Vice Chancellor of Manipur University Prof H Nandakumar Sarma; Professor of Strategic Studies, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi Brahma Chellaney; Executive Chairman, CRRID Chandigarh Dr Rashpal Malhotra and also Member of Lok Sabha Murli Manohar Joshi was attended as president of the function.

Education as Elixir

In a speech by Mark Twain on September 23, 1900, opposing a move in certain quarters of the American government to close down some public schools which the government thought

In a speech by Mark Twain on September 23, 1900, opposing a move in certain quarters of the American government to close down some public schools which the government thought were getting too expensive to maintain, is fascinating for both its passion as well as sound rationale. `Every time you stop a school, you will have to build a jail. What you gain at one end you lose at the other. It`s like feeding a dog on his own tail. It won`t fatten the dog. Twain made the message clear. Whatever fund the government stood to gain by shutting down these schools, would in the long run not result in any saving, for they would have ended up spent in dealing with other adverse social side effects of precisely the closure of these schools. This is a worthwhile lesson for those who handle education policies in Manipur. For education, apart from the well known role of imparting skills and knowledge to the younger generation is also equally about social engineering. Hence, public money well spent on bettering the education agenda is never a waste, and that any obstacle put up before quality education, would amount to a deep stab wound inflicted to the social mechanism, the scars for which will not be easy to remove for generations.

In Manipur, the situation is a little different from the picture Mark Twain sketched. A number of government schools have been wound up here too, but not because the government wants to save money. These schools on the other hand have become defunct on account of decades of dereliction of duty by staff, and criminal official corruption at the time of staff recruitments. The outcomes however are similar to what Mark Twain feared. The death of government schools in Manipur it can safely be presumed, would have contributed liberally to the social turmoil the state is witness to today. In this light, the new initiative the present government is taking to rejuvenate government schools, is not just laudable but also must be considered a very important mission. We wish it all success, not the government`™s sake alone, but our own as well. There are sterling private schools doing yeoman`™s work in uplifting the quality of school education in the state, but not everybody can afford them as they run on the money they earn, and have to put a cost on their services. Government schools, which are run on public tax money, therefore available free to the public, are therefore vital the important social project of building an egalitarian society. We also wish the government can think of similar initiatives in the college sector which too is in a very advanced state of decay.

It is of course another matter as to what quality education should be. Should it be skill oriented, or should be about imparting a liberal understanding of life and the world in general? Should education produce technocrats or philosophers? Must appreciation of art, music, nature etc be a necessary part of a wholesome education? Even as these issues of quality are coming to occupy centre stage elsewhere, it is a tragedy that Manipur still has to be grappling with problems such as teachers`™ absenteeism. Hence in Manipur, the definition of quality education will have to be confined to basic issues like streamlining the administration of government schools and colleges, rationalizing the transfer policy of teachers, handling the pressures to absorb part-time lecturers without screening, resolving the issue of college teachers with fake Ph.Ds etc. Only when these problems have been settled, can the state begin thinking of keeping pace with the more nuanced debates on what constitutes quality education.

But if we must begin all over from the beginning, the sooner this is done, the better it will be. Since the foundation on which the edifice of quality education can stand on is virtually absent, it must have to be built now, or else the present generation will have to live with the terrible guilt of having condemned our society to another `hundred years of solitude`. There can be no single factor to any social issue. Nothing about life is in black and white. But while the basics are being rebuilt, let us also not lose sight of the belief that every school revitalized, every college propped up back on its own leg, would deplete the ranks of mayhem makers on our streets who have made life in the state descend progressively into misery year after year?

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/education-as-elixir/

Conservation of eco-system reverberates on Intl Day for Biological Diversity observation

IMPHAL May 22: As in other parts of the world, the International Day for Biological Diversity was observed jointly by Manipur Biodiversity Board and Forest Department under the sponsorship from

IMPHAL May 22: As in other parts of the world, the International Day for Biological Diversity was observed jointly by Manipur Biodiversity Board and Forest Department under the sponsorship from National Biodiversity Authority Government of India at Manipur Film Development Corporation, Palace Compound today.

The observance held under the theme `Biodiversity for Sustainable Development`™ was graced by Ram Muivah, IAS, Addl. Chief Secretary; P N Prasad, IFS, Chief Wild Life Warden; Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo, Director, IBSD and Dr M Rohinikumar Singh, Ex-Director(Research) CAU as the chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

While reminiscing the forest cover and the flora and fauna of the state in his youthful times, Ram Muivah expressed concern on the rampant deforestation which has affected ecological environment.

He stressed on the need to plant more trees so as to reclaim and conserve the rich biodiversity for sustainable development.

Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo noted that the north east India especially Manipur has a fragile eco-system and would not be suitable for setting up of heavy industries.

However, the concerned stakeholders can collectively approach to revise the existing policy and practice to maintain and promote the eco-system and market the exotic places through tourism, he said.

P N Prasad spoke about the importance of conservation of biodiversity while explaining the co-relationship of humankind and nature and how this balance is essential for sustainability of life.

He cited the knowledge of forefathers of accepting this relationship and how nature is indeed worshipped, which the people are now destroying in greed.

Prizes for painting as well as essay competition on biodiversity held in connection with the observance were distributed to its respective winners by the dignitaries. Manipuri singers Pushparani and Naoboy enthralled the gathering with their famous tracks.

AR Naik Subedar serves legal notice to top officers against deprivation of pay, allowance

IMPHAL, May 22: In an unprecedented manner, a Naik Subedar of 30 Assam Rifles has served a legal notice to five high ranking officers including Secretary of Ministry of Home

IMPHAL, May 22: In an unprecedented manner, a Naik Subedar of 30 Assam Rifles has served a legal notice to five high ranking officers including Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India today against deprivation of pay and allowance to be given according to rank and seniority.

The Naik Subedar has been identified as Ramesh Chand (JC No 3000449), 53 son of Late Uadho Ram Sharma from Didwin village in Hamirpur District, Himachal Pradesh.

The legal notice was served by BP Sahu, advocate of Supreme Court and High Courts as counsel of the AR personnel.

The four other officers have been identified as Ramesh Kumar Rana, Director of Assam Rifles, Shillong; Vedpal Yadav, ex-CO of 30 AR; Roshan Verma, Commandant of 30 AR and Chandal Kharyal, Major of 30 AR.

In the legal notice to the five officers, advocate BP Sahu said, `My client who was serving as Hav/GD No G/30004492 was promoted to the rank of Nb/Sub (GD) with retrospective effect from 01.12.2004 in the scale of pay of Rs 5500-175-9000 per month.`

It further said `the pay and allowance of my client as on 01.12.2004 was fixed at Rs 5675 by granting one increment and by indicating the next date of increment December 1, 2005. The said order was issued in pursuance of the HQ/DGAR order No 1.19012/30AR/0002/2012 dated 21.02.2012.`

It further explained that , in pursuance of the order, `the pay and allowance of my client have to be calculated and prepared as indicated in the said order by fixing his pay and allowance at Rs 5675 as on 01.12.2004 and his pay and allowance have also to be prepared in the said scale of pay with dearness allowances as well as other allowances granted by the Government from time to time.`

The notice went to say that `the pay and allowances of my client was also fixed vide order dated 22.09.2012 in pursuance of CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 wef 25.06.2011 in the pay band 2 ie Rs 9300-34800 plus grade pay of Rs 4600 per month.`

It also said `the pay and allowances of my client was fixed at Rs 19,140 wef 01.07.2012 in the pay band 2 ie Rs 9300-34800 plus grade pay of Rs 4600 per month by fixing his DNI on 01.07.2013. In view of the said order, my client has been drawing his pay and allowances as prescribed by the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008.`

It said that, it has been informed that though `my client is entitled to the arrear pay and allowances for the post of NB/Sub (GD) in view of the aforestated orders with retrospective effect from 01.12.2004 and from the date of commencement of CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008, the authorities concerned including you failed to prepare the arrear pay and allowances of my client, drawn and credited the same to the account and crediting the arrear pay and allowances of my client his pay and allowances have been reduced without assigning any reason. Thus, inaction on your part cannot be justified under any circumstances.`

The notice further warned the AR authorities `to prepare, draw and credit the arrear pay and allowances of my client wef 01.12.2004 in view of the above referred orders` giving them one month to do so, failing which the matter would be taken to the appropriate forum to have actions initiated against them for contempt of the above referred orders of the relevant courts.

TR’s 1 Year in Office – A Tumultuous Political Journey, Kaziranga to Kohima

By Oken Jeet Sandham When TR Zeliang led NPF legislators along with their allies were singing a “Song” paying “tribute to mothers” at the famous Kaziranga’s IORA The Retreat,

By Oken Jeet Sandham

When TR Zeliang led NPF legislators along with their allies were singing a “Song” paying “tribute to mothers” at the famous Kaziranga’s IORA The Retreat, it reverberated across the state of Nagaland. One thinks – “How would it be nice if they could sing same at Kohima or Dimapur or any place in Nagaland in presence of mothers?”

Why did he go to Kaziranga to become a leader of NPF legislature party and why could he not do the same at the home turf? What was wrong and who was the threat to him are some of the basic questions?

It was only after Noke Wangnao, then Minister for Public Health Engineering (PHE), expressed his inner mind to the media with regard to the post of Chief Minister which would soon be vacated by Neiphiu Rio, Team Zeliang rushed to Kaziranga. He (Wangnao) even claimed that Rio asked him to become his successor as no one from the ENPO area had occupied the highest post in the state since statehood.

Of course, there were at least four contenders for the post of Chief Minister. They were TR Zeliang, Noke Wangnao, G Kaito Aye and Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu. Wangnao and Kaito did not, however, join the Kaziranga mission but Zeliang retained them when he formally took over the reins of the state from Rio. However, he was always suspicious of the duo and his suspicion was vindicated at last.

That was how the present Chief Minister TR Zeliang started his most tumultuous political journey from Kaziranga and he would, perhaps, never forget “Kaziranga” as his roadmap of becoming Chief Minister of Nagaland was drawn up from there.

Interestingly, before settling down the dust of political storms soon after becoming the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Zeliang started facing many oppositions not from the main opposition Congress party but from within his party. There were moves against his leadership, though not openly. Even at times, there were head counts, of course again unofficially, to throw a challenge against his leadership within the NPF legislature party. Yet, the numbers on his side were more and that made him and his colleagues loyal to him confident that they could carry on.

This off and on threat to his leadership still continued and at one point of time, many of his Cabinet colleagues had allegedly cautioned him to stand firm. On a few occasions, he was reported to have been allegedly advised by his senior cabinet colleagues loyal to him to even drop the dissidents from the Council of Ministers.

And when the people of Nagaland were still in Christmas festive hangover and not believing of any coup of sort, 22 dissident NPF legislators led by Kaito openly walked away from the 38 NPF legislature group. Many were caught napping and this sudden turn of political development had deepened the ruling NPF crisis to an unprecedented level. But Zeliang took advantage of the unusual political crisis to drop Kaito and Nienu and later Wangnao from his Council of Ministers.

Many political pundits believed that Zeliang might have planned to take support of Opposition Congress much ahead of the open revolt against his leadership as he knew that he would not be able to run his government peacefully unless he destabilized the dissidents. That was why within days of the open revolt, he approached the Governor of Nagaland for summoning a Special Session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to have a “Trial of Strength” of his shaky Government.

It took nearly a month for the Governor to summon a “Special Session of Nagaland Legislative Assembly” for “Floor Test” of his nine month old Ministry. The dissident NPF legislators, however, questioned the motive behind his move for “Confidence Motion” explaining that they were never against their Government in Nagaland but his leadership as NPF legislature party.

Although he won, as expected, the “Confidence Motion” on 5 February without a single legislator opposing it, he could not still run his government smoothly as the final verdict on the NPF party “Cock” symbol was pending in the Election Commission of India (ECI). The dissident group’s going to the ECI, after electing Wangnao as President of NPF, claiming the party’s “Cock” symbol had forced the NPF led by Dr Shurhozelie to fight back.

Zeliang was in dilemma unable to expand his Ministry till such time the ECI pronounced its verdict as it would decide the fate of his Ministry. But only after the ECI issued notification on 27 Marchto both the NPF groups to organize their “General Convention” as per their Party Constitution to end their internal party crisis, things had changed and reconciliation idea came up within them to settle their crisis.

Now, after fully knowing that the game was almost up, Zeliang took the smart move by elevating Parliamentary Secretary P Paiwang Konyak of BJP to Cabinet on 27 April and inducting another five legislators mostly as Parliamentary Secretaries leaving the rest to be inducted in the earlier part of May and that too after the “General Convention” of the party on 30 April.

His keeping in touch with the opposition Congress since the beginning of sailing his boat in the stormy seas was known as he allegedly wanted to chuck the dissident NPF legislators out of his Ministry. And after surviving the political storms with the support of opposition Congress, he had to take them (Congress) along whether it was opposed by the BJP or not. As Taylor Swift says, “Life isn’t how to survive the storm, it’s about how to dance in the rain.”

Finally, he inducted the leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Tokheho Yepthomi into his Council of Ministers while other five Congress legislators were appointed as Parliamentary Secretaries on 8 May. Congress leader SI Jamir, Dr TM Lotha (BJP), Imtilemba Sangtam (BJP), N Thongwang (NPF) and Naiba Konyak (NPF) have been sworn-in as Advisers on May 22. The last Congress legislator Imtikumzuk is yet to be appointed as the Deputy Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

So, looking at his last one year government, Zeliang was mostly busy negotiating the political storms and hardly had time for development in the state. The people suffered enough as their representatives remained incommunicado since the beginning of this year due to the NPF leadership crisis.

The Zeliang’s Opposition-less government will not be healthy at all as in a democratic form of government such as ours, the role of opposition is a must so that the welfare state does not suffer. In the absence of Opposition, no government can function effectively. Anyway, this inexplicable political chemistry in Nagaland also becomes the most intriguing political development in the history of Indian democracy.

Zeliang could not much on development front last year as he almost concentrated on survival of his Ministry, besides inheriting huge deficit from his predecessor. He failed to push the state’s Annual Plan discussion to better level either. There was hardly any major development worth mentioning during the last one year of his ruling, while the people had strongly reacted to the serious failure of law and order on some occasions. The unprecedented political crisis in the ruling NPF party had also taken their toll on the development, the people of the state and even the Naga political issue.

But one man who should not be forgotten as well during the entire stormy political journey is Dr Shurhozelie, President of the Naga People’s Front (NPF). He was continuously supplying fuel for the ship to sail through the stormy seas. It is a win-win game for him and Zeliang.

At least, at the end of completing one year of his hot seat, one remarkable thing he has done is inviting his “Manipur counterpart” O Ibobi Singh to Nagaland. As former NDA Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee once said in the Parliament, “You can change friends but not neighbors.” A shot in the arms, indeed! Now let us hope that concentration on development begins.

NEZCC inviting applications from artistes, performers, cultural groups, artisan’s etc. from the North Eastern States for formal empanelment

EMPANELMENT OF ARTISTS NORTH EAST ZONE CULTURAL CENTRE (NEZCC) MINISTRY OF CULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, invites applications from

EMPANELMENT OF ARTISTS

NORTH EAST ZONE CULTURAL CENTRE (NEZCC)

MINISTRY OF CULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, invites applications from artists, performers, cultural groups, artisans etc. from the North Eastern States for formal empanelment with NEZCC.

The mandate of NEZCC is to preserve, innovate and promote the projections and dissemination of arts of the region and to upgrade and enrich consciousness of the people about their cultural heritage. Special efforts are made to encourage folk and tribal arts and to preserve and strengthen the vanishing art forms

To achieve these objectives, the NEZCC provides opportunities to the Folk and Tribal Cultural Troupes/ Crafts persons, Traditional Chefs (Cuisine Artisans), Mime and Puppetry, Traditional Healing an Medicines Traditional Games to participate in cultural festivals and melas organized in the region and other parts of the country.

Interested Folk and Tribal Cultural Troupes/ Crafts persons may submit their application for empanelment with NEZCC.

The application form for empanelment could be downloaded from Website –
http://www.nezccindia.in (Advertisements link) and from the Art and Culture/Cultural Affairs Directorate of the respective State Governments or collect the form from the NEZCC Office, Dimapur during office hour (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM).

Interested artists may also contact our office to have more details and advice in the matter.

Contact

NEZCC

Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India,

P.O. Box – 98,

Dimapur – 797 112

Off : +91- 3862 – 243573/243557

Fax : + 91- 3862 – 243626

Email:nezccdimapur@yahoo.co.in, nezccdimapurNE@gmail.com

Website: www.nezccindia.in

DRCM conducts relief camps for Nepal earthquake victims

IMPHAL, May 21: The Disaster Relief Committee Manipur (DRCM) has said that the committee in cooperation with National Youth Forces (Rastriya Yuba Dasta) of National Movement of Indigenous Peoples (Adibashi Janajati Rastriya Andolan, Nepal) led by Padma Ratna Tuladhar, a joint 13 member team of healthcare experts, volunteers and media persons led by Dr. Debabrata Roy Laifungbam of the committee has conducted relief camps from May 13 to 17 with the objectives of providing the earthquakes victims of Nepal with an emergency relief support.

According to a release of the DRCM, the team visited the earthquake affected areas of Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts of north central Nepal at the advice of NAMIP including devastated areas of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur a as well as Trauma Centre at Bir Hospital and organised briefing meetings with Red Cross Society of Nepal and the leaders of indigenous peoples of Nepal.

From May 15, the team visited Archali and Thulogaon villages of Rasuwa district and Kaule village of Nuwakot district and provided medical as well as non-medical supports. The team conducted full day medical camps in the villages and gave medical assistance to over 500 patients/casualties. Free medicines as well as non-medical items were also distributed to them and their families in the villages, it said.

The Manipur Relief team in association with the Indian Red Cross Society, Manipur State Branch (IRCS) has also donated Rs.3,00,000/- to the Red Cross Society of Nepal.

The population in the villages, consisting mainly of Gurung and Tamang communities is major victims of the recent Great Himalayan earthquake and they have been deprived of proper food and shelter and acutely vulnerable. The government relief support is yet to reach them and they continue to be acute post-earthquake trauma. The people are suffering from high anxiety, fear, sleep disturbances, intrusive memories, grief and a loss of hope for the future. The team plans to return soon to Nepal to conduct training programmes on psycho-social healing for survivors of trauma and designing to construct earthquake resistant housings using indigenous knowledge and technology and construction materials available in rural areas of Nepal. The DRCM team returned to Imphal on May 20 after completing voluntary services, it said.

The committee is planning to have a 10 days training on Psychosocial Support for health workers based in 14 earthquake worst hit districts of Nepal from June 29 to July 8, it said.

SF arrest KYKL cadre involved in 2005 encounter with AR

IMPHAL, May 21: A combined team of Thoubal District Commandos and 2 Assam RIfles have arrested a KYKL cadre involved in an encounter with the AR in November, 2005 in

IMPHAL, May 21: A combined team of Thoubal District Commandos and 2 Assam RIfles have arrested a KYKL cadre involved in an encounter with the AR in November, 2005 in Tamenglong.

According to a PRO Police statement, a combined team of Thoubal District Police Commando and 2 Assam Rifles conducted cordon and search operation at Heirok Part-III, Ngarouthel Lampak and arrested two cadres of KYKL organisation on May 19.

The arrested cadres were identified as Karam Hemanta alias Pheiren alias Bobo, 28, son of K. Dhaniya Singh of Barpathar Manipuri Basti, Golaghat District, Assam and Okram Amarjit alias Rai alias Manaobi, 20, son of Premjit Singh of Wangjing Heitupokpi Awang Leikai, it said.

Investigation has revealed that Karam Hemanta was involved in the encounter with Assam Rifles in the month of November 2005 in Tamenglong district, according to the PRO IGAR (S) statement.

A case has been registered at Heirok Police Station and investigation is going on, it said.

Meanwhile, according to a release of the PRO IGAR (S), troops of the 11 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector AR IGAR along with a team of Manipur Commandos launched a joint operation in the general area Muslim Nagar, Ward No 5, Moreh and apprehended an over ground worker of KYKL on May 19, it said identifying the OGW as Md Zakariya, 21, son of Md Joinlubuddin of Muslim Bazaar, Ward No 5 (Manipur).

From his possession one Chinese grenade was recovered, it said.

The apprehendee along with the recovered item has been handed over to the Moreh Police Station.

Further according to the statement, troops of the 12 BIHAR of 9 Sector AR launched an operation in the general area Salam Mamang Leikai and apprehended one PREPAK cadre on May 21.

The apprehendee is identified as Sonakhaibam Ibomacha, son of (l) S Nitai Meitei of Salam Mamang Leikai, it said adding that the apprehendee has been handed over to the Patsoi Police Station.

`Congress` brand of secularism only for namesake`

IMPHAL, May 21: The Congress claim of being a secular party is only in name, BJP Manipur president Th Chaoba said today. He said Manipur needs a change of government.

IMPHAL, May 21: The Congress claim of being a secular party is only in name, BJP Manipur president Th Chaoba said today.

He said Manipur needs a change of government.

Speaking at the flag hoisting ceremony of the party`™s candidate from 19-Chakpikarong district council constituency Hranglim Jeremiah, Chaoba said the Congress is claiming to be secular with the motive of garnering votes.

The ceremony was held at the Chaokpikarong Community Hall.

For the past 13 years, the people of Manipur have been electing the wrong set of leaders, he said.

Chaoba said if the government really cared for the public, the people would not have been suffering this much.

During the last 13 years, the Congress government in the State has been siphoning off huge development funds, he continued.

No schemes or public distribution systems have been properly implemented in the State, he said claiming that the State`™s leaders are siphoning off the development funds to lead luxurious lives.

He said the government has deprived the people especially the tribals of their development funds and the Tribal Affairs and Hill can be called the Gaikhangam Family Welfare department.

Chaoba appealed to the people to give BJP a chance to prove itself in ADC election.

BJYM president Oinam Malesh said there has been no development in the State in the 13 years of Congress rule.

He said instead of developing the State, the MLAs and ministers are increasing their wives jewelry and ornaments.

The function was also attended by BJYM vice presidents Y Gopi, K Robindro and Dr Antas Khan.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/congress-brand-of-secularism-only-for-namesake/

NSCN refutes report on assault of Cong worker

IMPHAL, May 21: The NSCN/GPRN has clarified that the news report wherein the outfit was alleged of assaulting one Congress worker in Ukhrul district reportedly for distribution of money for

IMPHAL, May 21: The NSCN/GPRN has clarified that the news report wherein the outfit was alleged of assaulting one Congress worker in Ukhrul district reportedly for distribution of money for the upcoming ADC election in Manipur is totally untrue and said that the outfit has no problem if any locality or group of people punishes candidates or their agents buying ballots through money.

In a statement, the outfit said if such allegation were true then it is the duty of the Election Commission officials of India to take note of it and book the Congress candidate for violating election code of conduct.

It has become the habit of the ruling Congress government under the evil partnership of Chief Minister Ibobi Singh and Home Minister Gaikhangam blaming NSCN for every ills and sore of their misgoverns in Naga areas.

Pinpointing NSCN at the drop of the hat in every incident is ridiculous and mischievous. It is undeniable that the present Congress led government indulges in state sponsored terrorism where their police machinery become a tools for bombing civilian areas, creating fear psychosis, instigating communal clashes and confrontation in order to divert public attention from the government unquenchable thirst for corruption to social discords, it alleged.

Let the Congress led government of Manipur clarify as to who bombed the office of NPF Kamjong unit in Ukhrul district on the night of May 20. Will it blame the NSCN again? Or is it state terrorism? Why the Congress led government remains silent on this, the statement asked.

It also mentioned that sooner or later the people of Manipur will come to know the true colour of CM Ibobi and Dy CM Gaikhangam who are the two infamous shareholders of Manipur state exchequer under the garb of protecting Manipur territorial integrity for their selfish interest at the cost of peace and state development.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/nscn-refutes-report-on-assault-of-cong-worker/

Hemochandra stresses on need to enhance employable skills

IMPHAL May 21: JCRE Skill Solutions (JCRESS) celebrated its second foundation day at the Sangai Hall, Imphal Hotel today with PHED and Labour & Employment minister I Hemochandra Singh as

IMPHAL May 21: JCRE Skill Solutions (JCRESS) celebrated its second foundation day at the Sangai Hall, Imphal Hotel today with PHED and Labour & Employment minister I Hemochandra Singh as the chief guest.

Chief election officer O Nabakishore Singh, and Babina Healthcare and Hospitality Industries Pvt Ltd managing director Dr Th Dhabali Singh also attended the function as guests of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Hemochandra stressed on the need to enhance employable skills and progress from conventional professions.

While citing the major breakthrough in the State power sector which has led to inculcating environmental and resource friendly values, he feels that ventures like JCRESS will be able to retrieve the mass migration.

O Nabakishore Singh emphasised that excellence and perfection are the futuristic codes to gain from the present techno savvy age.

He expressed belief that this can be achieved by creating and availing the skills required.

The chief guest officially declared a partnership between JCRE Skill Solutions (JCRESS) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

Folk singer Mangka Mayanglambam was named the Brand Ambassador for the current year however, owing to her absence due to her college examination, she was represented by her mother during a felicitation function.

JCRESS, CEO L Niranjan Singh said we have become the first and only certified partner of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in Manipur and the second in the entire northeast.

JCRESS assists in skill training, up-skilling, employment, entrepreneurship, corporate training and migration support, he said.

He continued JCRESS ambitiously aims to impart international standard training to one lakh youths of Manipur by 2023 and enhance their employability in various sectors.

In two years JCRESS have been able to train more than 1,500 trainees under different courses in various sectors, he claimed.

With the PPP mode under NSDC programme, skill building will focus on construction, apparel tailoring, retail, hospitality, BPO and beauty & wellness, he stated.

In order to bridge the skilled workforce with potential employers, JCRESS launched a portal on the occasion www.thabakjobs.com

The CEO further explained that the portal will avail services of driver, security guard, plumber, electrician, housemaid, nurse, mason etc.

L Niranjan detailed, JCRESS is an initiative of the Big Concepts Foundation Pvt. Ltd and a training partner of Australian Vocational training & Employment group (AVTEG), Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship and National Institute of Electronics and Information technology (NIELIT).

It is an accredited skill training provider registered under the ministry of labour& employment, GoI. JCRESS is also an authorized training partner of Manipur Urban Development Agency (MUDA) for Travel& Tourism and Tailoring under National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM).

Various prizes to winners of Manipur Skill Competition 2015 in sectors of apparel, hospitality & retail and certificates of recognition for staffs/trainers/trainees were also distributed by the guests.

Certificates of Recognition to Customer Care Centre Staff of Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) undertaking one month corporate training programme at JCRESS were also distributed by Sudhan Ramasamy, managing director, MSPDCL.

The gathering was entertained with a Leela by Joseph, Rangila & Co.

Committee demands resignation of 60 MLAs over boundary encroachment issue

IMPHAL, May 21: Committee for Koziirii & Dzuko Land Boundary Resolution has demanded resignation of all the 60 MLAs if they cannot adhere to the assurances they had sworn in

IMPHAL, May 21: Committee for Koziirii & Dzuko Land Boundary Resolution has demanded resignation of all the 60 MLAs if they cannot adhere to the assurances they had sworn in to serve the people.

Addressing a press meet at Manipur Press Club here today, spokesperson of the committee N Rajendro reiterated that the proposed 24-hour general strike with effect from midnight of May 22 was called as the government has apparently failed to meet the deadline served by the committee to intervene into the encroachment of Dzuko valley and Koziirii by Nagaland.

He cautioned that the committee along with Mao Council will impose indefinite economic blockade along National Highway-2 from June 1 if the government remains unresponsive to the issue of land encroachment despite the general strike.

He expressed shock on the clarification by the government that the matter of land encroachment was not reported to it given the fact that the SDO Tadubi himself inspected the encroachment areas following an order of DC Senapati.

Subsequently, a report was submitted to DC Senapati on November 11, 2014 after which the DC sent the same report to Chief Secretary for further necessary steps, he claimed.

Meanwhile, the Manipur People`™s Party has also said that it will support the 24 hour general strike.

A statement of the party said the MPP supports the general strike called by the Committee for Koziirii Dzuko Land Boundary due to government`™s ignorance on the land encroachment at Dzuko valley which falls under Mao A/C despite repeated appeals.

It said the party also strongly condemned the government`™s lack of action against Southern Angami Naga People`™s Organisation`™s road construction and rest house construction within the territory of Manipur.

A joint press release of United Committee Manipur (UCM) and AMUCO has said that appeal has been made to the public to support the `Committee for Koziirii-Dzuko land boundary resolution`™ 24 hours bandh to be imposed from the midnight of May 22.

It said that demonstration from the public has become a necessity due to the government`™s lack of commitment to the issue of land acquisition by Southern Angami Naga People`™s Organisation.

It has also appealed to the CSOs, Clubs, Meira Paibi Lups, various Transport Associations/Societies, vendors of Ema Keithel and stores to take part in the bandh, it said.

BJP wants State to act on the Dzuko Valley land dispute

IMPHAL, May 21: The government must bring a conclusive end to the burning issue of land dispute in Dzuko Valley, demanded the BJP Manipur Pradesh today. During a brief interaction,

IMPHAL, May 21: The government must bring a conclusive end to the burning issue of land dispute in Dzuko Valley, demanded the BJP Manipur Pradesh today.

During a brief interaction, BJP general secretary administration M Asnikumar said the government should not stay silent on this issue.

The government has always been vocal about not allowing any compromise to the territorial integrity of the State, however, it has continued to remain silent till date on the Dzuko Valley land incursion issue, he said.

He said the issue has come up due to the government`™s failure to maintain law and order in the Mao area especially the Dzuko Valley during the last 13 years.

He said the government always accuses the Centre on such disputes which is as effort to mislead the people of the State.

No community in the State wants to give away land to the neighbouring States including Nagaland, he said demanding the government to bring out a white paper on the issue at the earliest.

The Dzuko Valley dispute had been established from during the reign of the UPA government in the Centre and so the State government should not blame the present BJP-led NDA government in the Centre, he continued.

The silence maintain by the State government has confused the people of Dzuko Valley, he said.

In case the government is unable to solve the issue at the earliest, the Chief Minister should resign on moral grounds, he continued.

MNPF owns up blast at NPF office

IMPHAL, May 21: Claiming hands on the blast at the office of Naga Peoples`™ Front (NPF) at Kamjong Block Headquarters on May 20, the Manipur Naga People`™s Front (MNPF) clarified

IMPHAL, May 21: Claiming hands on the blast at the office of Naga Peoples`™ Front (NPF) at Kamjong Block Headquarters on May 20, the Manipur Naga People`™s Front (MNPF) clarified that the blast was not carried out to threaten people ahead of the ensuing Autonomous District Council election but to caution the NPF party on its alliance with NSCN (IM) in their bid to manipulate the election.

A statement signed by Thomas Numai, Assistant Publicity Secretary of MNPF pointed out that there was a time when NSCN (IM) used to boycott election and bar Nagas from voting with the assertion that Nagas are not part of India but after it inked ceasefire with the Government of India, the outfit has been misleading Nagas by creating non-issues at the time of elections just to serve its own purposes.

Taking chances of the ceasefire, political parties registered Indian Constitution and Naga social organizations were forced by NSCN (IM) to support only those candidates endorsed by the outfit, it alleged.

Further claiming that NPF party works according to the wishes of NSCN (IM) sidelining pulse of Manipuri Nagas, the MNPF pledged that it will not further remain as a silent spectator on such manipulative tactics which will bring only harm to the Manipuri Nagas.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/mnpf-owns-up-blast-at-npf-office/