Category: KanglaOnline

By Chitra Ahanthem
One wise saying has this for people to ponder over: you fear what you don`™t know. And if there is one stage of life where fear plays a central part, it is the world of childhood where in each one of us try to make sense of the outer world. The growing up years is when we want to explore our surroundings yet scared to step out. It is also the stage when grown up people in their own beliefs of protecting us or trying to steer us out of trouble, tend to fill our ears with stories of doom and punishment. I am pretty sure that most our parents or family elders used the medium of stories to scare the living day lights out of children in the belief that they would be more obedient (with the threat of punishment with `proof` from stories).

The scare factor in my younger years was Tapta. Looking at the story now, one cannot help but be impressed by the very basic premise of Tapta: a creature that does not exist with the two main protagonists (the tiger and the thief) both believing the worst of this non-existing creature. But the narrative power of the story when the mother trying to soothe down her wailing baby says `tapta laak ae` (Tapta has come) and the immediate aftermath of the child stopping its wails immediately builds up the suspense of this `creature` and how hideous and mean it would be in its appearance. Lai khutshaangbi was another creature who made the windows in our house assume a very terrifying structure. The thought of a long stretchable arm that would swoop down on `children who do not behave` looked like a reality given my rebellious nature. Since there were no comic books then with local fables, it was our imaginations that drew our own mental pictures of the ogress with the stretchable arms. For me, she was someone with bloodshot eyes, unkempt straw like hair and hands that would go on and on. I remember a part of me trying to visualize how she would have rested her long arms when she tried to sleep. My imagination failed me but made up with the heart stopping terror of being lifted away. When my grand father told me that the `red` patch that we find in sugarcane is actually the blood of the lai khutshangbi after a father of a child cut her arms off, it bred more questions for me: would her arms grow back? No one gave me any answer and that scared me further. Thinking of an injured ogress meant conjuring the image of a very angry woman who would want revenge!

Yet, Tapta and Lai khutshaangbi sounded more mythical but with Churanthaaba, it was a different chapter altogether. Here was another entity whose features we were not told about, a being who was supposed to go about with a huge sack to collect unruly children. One major concern that occupied a lot of thought was what would happen to the children so caught. But the scariest `explanation` about what happened to the children caught by Churanthaaba was that they were being used as sacrifices while building huge bridges. The elders in the family said that Thong Nambobi (the humped bridge that connects Waheng Leikai with the bazaar area) was full of children!

I can only laugh at my naivete then. Yet, the fear of these entities were more or less shared by many of our generation and earlier. With later generations of children bred on story-books and fables, the terror made out by fictional characters just does not stay since they would discover much earlier in life that they were make belief. With TV and cartoon shows and video games exposing them to visual imagery, they did not have their imaginations creating a greater atmosphere of fear. They have no baggage of heart stopping terror of the unknown. Rather, they come up with startling conjectures. I remember my now 6-year-old son coming back from his school about a year ago. He looked very excited as he blurted it all out in a rush, `Mama, Tapta does exist! He sings songs. One is called `sambru`™ (mole)!` He was connecting the fictional Tapta with the singer`™s artistic identity and that was his discovery for me to acknowledge.

End-point:
Child psychologists may not approve of the tendency of parents and elders to tell children about scary characters or stories. Also, there is a certain feeling of being let down when we discover that our elders have often lied to us to make us behave for often, the stories were not often told as mere stories. Rather, they were used to scare us into `behaving`. Of course, it is now a different story altogether for the children we see around us now. Their world reflects the environment around them. The sad reality for them though is that their world of bandhs, blockades, murder, gun violence and more is scarier than the make belief characters our own parents told us about.

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IMPHAL May 29: Charges have been alleged upon the Khadi and Village Industries Commission for misconduct and nepotism in regard to awarding of work tenders by the Comission officials.

A reliable source revealed that a `drama`™ was staged at KVIC office by its officials and selection committee members on May 27 with respect to engaging of an agency for data collection and data entry for electronic tracking system for Prime Minister Employment Generation Program (PMEGP) units under the Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Govt. of India.

A tender notification in respect of engaging the agency for data collection and data entry for e-tracking system for PMEGP units was published in local dailies calling for willing Agencies (DEA) to apply for the bid. According to the tender documents issued to the applicants for the bid,it was mentioned that the applicants has to undergo initial scrutiny for fulfillment of basic requirements, secondly for the technical appraisal where a bidder is required to make presentation of their company`™s profile, experience and also the methodology to be adopted for conducting the assignment and thirdly the applicants who have been shortlisted after the technical appraisal would be notified and thus qualify for opening of the financial bid.

The source maintained that ,four agencies (bidders) namely MANITRON, Computer Gallery, Capital Information Technology Park and Green Foundation had applied for the said tender. Although, all four agencies assembled last Friday at 1 pm as per direction by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission office staff, out of the four agencies, only one had been singled out and called in the selection committee room and witnessed the selection process and later the bid was also awarded in its favor namely Green Foundation. The remaining three Agencies was confined to another room for two hours only to be called in to pronounce that they have awarded the tender to the agency.

The source pointing out the discrepancies stated that out of four agencies, three were not allowed participation in the opening of the sealed tender documents which was supposed to be an open tender. Secondly none of the three agencies had not made presentation of their company profile, experience and also the methodology to be adopted for conducting the assignment which was a prerequisite for the technical bid. Thirdly, the remaining three agencies have not been intimated which agency qualified the technical bid. The source questioned how the selection committee could open the technical bids and financial bids without the knowledge of majority of the tender applicants,and such action points out the ignorance of the selection committee members and KVIC staffs.

Although the profiles of the selection committee members was not informed to the agencies, it is assumed that officials from different government department were on the selection committee. The majority of the applicants felt whether there were any motivating factors for the selection committee members to act in such a fashion. Values and duties of the participating agencies have been completely ignored. From the aforesaid points competence of the selection committee members is doubted and favoritism might have occurred in awarding the said tender, it alleged.

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TORONTO, May 30: From May 23-25, Nobel Peace Laureates Jody Williams, Shirin Ebadi and Mairead Maguire led an unprecedented conference in Canada, to develop strategies for ending rape as a weapon of war.
According to a statement from Mary D Khuvung of Control Arms Foundation of India, they were joined by over 120 civil society activists, corporate and security sector leaders, military and peacekeeping personnel, and academics to discuss and share ideas at the conference, entitled Women Forging a New Security: Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict.
 According to Nobel Women`s Initiative who organised the Conference, “Sexual violence takes place in every region of the world, with the reasons for its use varying from conflict to conflict. It has been used as a tactic to terrorize communities suspected of supporting guerrilla forces, as a way to force population off land, and to punish human rights defenders”, it added.
 “Waging war on the bodies of women has got to stop,” says Jody Williams, who won the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for her work to end anti-personnel landmines. “Like any tactic of war, it can be eliminated.The magnitude of the problem must be matched by our collective effort. Working together, we can finally bring an end to this scourge on women and their communities.”
 The statement also stated that Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and honorary member of the Nobel Women`s Initiative, Aung San Suu Kyi also sent a video message emphasizing the critical importance of ending sexual violence in conflict.
 On 26 May, which was declared as international day of action against sexual violence in conflict, the three Nobel Peace Laureates called upon concerned people and nations from around the world to TAKE A STAND to end rape in war, it added.
 Binalakshmi Nepram, Founder of the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network who participated in the conference spoke about the situation in Manipur and in India`s Northeast Region and the non-violent ways of unique protests in which women in Manipur and Northeast India have undertaken to respond to sexual violence against women in conflict zones, the statement added.
 A declaration was also unanimously adopted at the historic conference which called up Government of India, Manipur and other Northeast Indian states and also to non-state armed groups to stop violence against women in conflict areas and work to protect women.
According to the statement, the conference has resolved that, “We, 120 women from 33 countries including three women Nobel Peace Laureates gathered at the conference “Women Forging a New Security: Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict” in Montebello, Canada, May 23-25, 2011, call upon the Governments of India and the state of Manipur and other Northeast Indian states and non-state armed groups operating in the region to end violence against women in Manipur and Northeast India. We declare our solidarity with Irom Sharmila and hundreds of thousands of women in Manipur and India`s Northeast region who have non-violently resisted militarization in the name of insurgency and counter-insurgency. We call upon the Government of India to uphold its democratic values by repealing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958. We call on all parties to cease attacks on the civilian population and seek peaceful solutions”.

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IMPHAL, June 5: The Self Support Group and All Manipur Positive Women Network, Imphal East, Christian Net of Positive Women Manipur Branch, has strongly condemned the killing of 4 year old Thiyam Roberoy and the bomb blast at ADC office Khuman Lampak, wherein a mother and her two daughters were injured.A press conference was held in this connection at Hatta, Imphal East district. Speaking to media persons the representatives of the organizations urged the government to produce the culprit involved in the killing of the minor boy within June 10 failing which it warned to endorse any course of action taken by the JAC formed against the killing. The groups further condemned the act of a police officer who used his service pistol to threaten protestors yesterday who were staging a protest against the killing of the minor at Ningthoukhong.At the same time, the groups while condemning the blast at the ADC office which injured three women folk of a family has urged the perpetrator to avoid similar incidents in the future.Menawhile, the Poumai Students’ Union in a press release signed by its publicity secretary has decried the bomb blast which at the ADC complex, Khuman Lampak on May 28, which had left three members of a fmily injured. The release has stated that the responsible group behind the attack should come forward and claim responsibility of the incident. The Union also condoled the injured victims and their family members while mentioning that the public should joined in to condemn the barbaric act.

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IMPHAL, June 17: The United Committee Manipur and the All Manipur Clubs Organization are set for their separate observation of the June 18 incident wherein 18 martyrs had laid down their lives during the agitation in June, 2001 in protest against the extension of the ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) without territorial limit.

The two apex bodies will be observing the day at separate locations. While UCM will be observing the day at Kekrupat under the theme the Great June Uprising, AMUCO will be observing it at Thangmeiband Atheletic Union ground as the Unity Day as in the past years.

A floral tribute to the Matyrdom of the 18 located at Kekhrupat will marked the opening of the both the observation tomorrow and is likely to be attended by ministers, MLAs, state officials and people from all corners of the state.

Meanwhile, the state government is also all set and prepared to prevent any untoward eventuality during the June 18 observation of the United Committee Manipur and the All Manipur United Clubs Organization tomorrow.

State forces and central para military forces of CRPF including its Mahila Bn have already been deployed at identified vulnerable points in and around the Greater Imphal area starting from this evening.

The state police after in consideration of a peaceful observation tomorrow, a new traffic regulation have been made for greater Imphal areas which will enforce from the early morning tomorrow.

An official notification issued by the Superintendent of Police Imphal West district has imposed temporary parking arrangements and changes to ensure smooth traffic regulation during the observation of the June 18 Uprising.

The statement mentioned has specified separate location for parking of normal vehicles and vehicles carrying people to attend the June 18 function.

It said that vehicles coming from Thoubal side shall be diverted from Singjamei Bazar towards Kongba road and Wangkhei side via Singjamei Bridge and park at Palace compound.

The vehicles coming from Mayang Imphal side shall be diverted at Khagempalli crossing and Kwakeithel Bazar toward Lamphel Bus parking via Tera Bazaar, Naoremthong. Uripok Canteen Leirak and Lamphel Sanakheithel for parking. On their return journey- the vehicles shall follow the same route, it said.

The vehicles coming from Tiddim side shall he diverted towards Lamphel Bus parking from Kwakeithel via Tera Bazaar, Naoremthong , Uripok Canteen Leirak and Lamphei Sanakeithel. On their return journey the vehicles shall follow the same route.

The vehicles coming from Sagolband road shall be parked at Moirang Leirak Machin Bus parking. The vehicles coming from Uripok Kangchup road shall be parked near JAS petrol Pump, Uripok.

The vehicles coming from Sekmai and DM road shall be diverted at Khongnang Ani

Karak, towards Inter state Bus Terminus. Vehicles coming from Pangei side shall park infront of Lamlong girl high School, vehicles coming from Ukhrul and Sawombung side shall be parked at Northern side of Lamlong, vehicles coming from Tinsid road shall parked at Northern side of Tinsid road at Lamlong bazaar and vehicles coming from Yairipok and Andro sides shall be parked at Andro parking.

While specifying allocation of parking of vehicles carrying participants of June 18 observation, it said that Peoples coming to Kekrupat shall be allowed only from Minuthong and Khuman Lampak side and no one shall be allow to come to Kekrupat via Keisampat-Sanjenthong.

The vehicles coming from Thoubal side carrying people to attend the function shall be diverted at Singjamei bazaar via Singjamei bridge towards Kongba road, Wangkhei & towards New Checkon road.

The vehicles coming from Mayang Imphal side will proceed to Stadium complex via Keishampat – Kwakeithel Bazaar – Tera Bazar – Naoremthong- Uripok Canteen Leirak-Lamphei Sanakeithel – Watham Leirak – Lilashing Khongnangkhong – Khongnang Ani Karak and enter Stadium complex at the Northern central gate and park at the area around the main stadium.

The vehicle coming from f Tidim side shall get diverted from Kwakeithel Bazar toward Main Stadium via Kwakeithel Bazar-Tera Bazar-Naoremthong- Uripok Canteen Leirak-Lamphel Sanakeithel-Watham Leirak – Lilashing Khongnangkhong-Khongnang Ani Karak and enter Stadium complex at Northern Central Gate and park at the area around the main stadium.

The vehicles coming from New Cachhar road will proceed to Stadium complex via Tera Bazar – Naoremthong – Uripok Canteen Leirak – Lamphel Sanakeithel – Watham Leirak Lilashing Khongnangkhong – Khongnang Ani Karak and enter Stadium complex at the Northern Central Gate and park at the area around the main stadium.

Vehicles coming from Uripok – Kangchup Road will proceed to Stadium complex via Uripok Canteen Leirak – Lamphel Sanakeithel – Watham Leirak – Lilashing Khongnangkhong – Khongnang Ani Karak and enter Stadium complex at the Northern Central Gate and park at the area around the main stadium.

It further stated that vehicles coming from Sekmai side and D.M. road side shall enter Stadium complex via Dingku Road and drop the passengers at Central Plaza and then come out at Dingku Road via Pandol Road and park at the Central Bus terminus.

The vehicles coming from Pangei side shall be diverted at Lamlong Bazar towards Minuthong via Telipati and after dropping the passengers will park in the area, available near Hafiz Hatta Road.

The vehicles coming from Ukhrul and Sawombung side will proceed towards Minuthong via Lamlong Bazar. After dropping the Passengers at Minuthong they shall proceed towards Lamlong via Checkon crossing and Ayangpalli Road and park at Lamlong Bazar along Ukhrul Road.

Vehicles coming from Tinsid road shall be diverted from Lamlong Bazar towards Minuthong where the passengers will be dropped. From there, they will- proceed to Lamlong via Checkon crossing and Ayangpalli Road and park along Timid Road, it said.

The vehicles coming from Yairipok and Andro sides will proceed to Minuthong where the passengers will be dropped from there, they will proceed and park near Hafiz Hatta.

The vehicles for the 18 victims shall be allowed to go across Khoyathong LIC crossing towards North AOC and park front Cinema.

It stated that Earmarked vehicles of UCM to come to Kekrupat via Khongnang Ani Karak and Earmarked vehicles of AMUCO will be allowed to come to THAU ground via Khoyanthong.

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IMPHAL June 23: A 15 member representatives of various leading exporters’ firm of the country have arrived here, to participate in the 2nd Buyer – Seller meet cum exhibition, 2011 held at the conference hall of the Hotel Classic, today. 

Expressing contentment at the products displayed during the exhibition, the representatives, that include from Delhi, Kolkatta, Kerala, Varanasi were of the opinion that the products should be made on par with the international standards in terms of commercial viability such as pricing, market acceptability and production capability.

They suggested that the parameters of the traditional methods of the local artisans and its usages should be diversified in order to meet the taste of global consumers.

The representatives of the leading exporters’ firms hinted that creative diversification in the locally produced textile products is necessary.

M. Rajen, OSD, handloom, directorate of commerce and industries said that today’s meeting cum exhibition was held to form a platform for the local handloom weavers and local entrepreneurs to have the opportunity to directly interact with the exporters and to find a viable roadmap for global arena of the locally produced handloom products. He said that Manipur stands 4th position in the number of Handloom weaver and 3th position in Handloom usages and Yarn consumption in the all India ranking.

Today’s buyers–sellers meet cum exhibition was organized by the Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers and Handicraft artisan co-operative societies limited under the integrated handloom development scheme.

The function was sponsored by the development commissioner (Handloom) Ministry of Textiles, Government of India & Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur.

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