Manipur Mail – Page 239

The Pincode – The “Steering Wheel” of a Letter

Dr. K. Parameswaran, Assistant Director, PIB,Madurai
The small rectangular box, with six partitions, that appear on all postal articles in India is ignored by many and left unfilled by even more! However for the postal department, the small box represents nothing less than the “steering wheel” of a letter! The box is used to fill in the PIN code of the place to which the letter is being sent. What is the PIN code? How does it work?
What is a PIN code?
The PIN code is the abbreviation of Postal Index Number (PIN) code. This is a unique 6 digit code, allotted to all post offices that deliver mail in India. Since one code can relate only to one post office, the use of the code is the sure fast way of ensuring that the letter reaches the correct post office.
How does it work?
For the implementation of the PIN code system, the entire nation has been divided into eight PIN zones. The following table indicates the identification numbers and extent of each zone.
1 Northern Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir
2 Northern Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal
3 Western Rajasthan and Gujarat
4 Western Chattisgarh ,Maharastra and Madhya Pradesh
5 Southern Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
6 Southern Kerala and Tamil Nadu
7 Eastern West Bengal, Orissa and North Eastern
8 Eastern Bihar & Jharkand
As was indicated at the beginning, the PIN code is a six digit number. The first digit will indicate one of these zones. The second and third digits together indicate the district where in the delivery post office is situated. The next three digits will indicate the particular post office where the letter is to be delivered. In short, the first 3 digits together will indicate the sorting or revenue district where the letter is to be basically routed. The last 3 digits refer to the actual post office where the article is to be finally delivered.
For example, if one hails from Kozhikode, a city in Kerala, the PIN code for the post office in that area is 673 006. Here the first digit 6 indicates that the letter is headed for the sixth PIN zone – Tamil nadu, Pondicherry and Kerala. The digits seven and three (the second and third digits of the code) will show that the destination of the letter is more precisely situated in the Kozhikode (formerly Calicut) district of Kerala. The final three digits – 006 – will ensure that the letter gets routed to post office number 006 in Kozhikode – a small locality called Bilathikulam! A letter posted even in Alaska or Siberia – if it has sufficient postage stamps on it – will reach its destination if the PIN code is correctly indicated on the postal article!
Let us take another example. The PIN code for the Press Information Bureau in Madurai is 625 020. Here the first digit 6 again stands for the PIN zone – Tamil nadu, Pondicherry and Kerala. The next two digits – 25 – represent the District of Madurai, while the two final digits -20 – together represents the post office of Gandhi nagar, the delivery post office for PIB, Madurai!
Here it is also important to note that the number given to the Gandhi nagar post office in the city of Madurai in Tamil nadu is unique. No other post office in India will have this number. A check with the post PIN code directory will reveal that the delivery post offices in Mathura – the holy city in Uttar Pradesh (UP) – with which the temple city of Madurai is likely to be confused has a completely different PIN code – 281 001. Two stands for the PIN zone consisting of UP and Uttarkhand; 81 represents the district of Mathura while 001 stands fro Mathura Head Post office.
ZIP system in USA
ZIP codes are a system of postal code numbers used by the United States Postal Services (USPS) since 1963. The term ZIP is an acronym for Zone Improvement Plan. It was chosen in the belief that it will suggest that the postal articles will travel more efficiently, and therefore more quickly, when senders use the code in the address. The basic format consists of five digits. An extended ZIP+4 code, introduced in the 1980s, includes the five digits of the ZIP code and four more digits that determine a more precise location than the ZIP code alone.
The United Kingdom system
The postal code system used in the United Kingdom is known as postcode. The code uses both alphabets as well as numerals. They were introduced by the British Royal Mail system over a 15-year period from 11th October 1959 to 1974. A full postcode is known as a “postcode unit” and usually corresponds to a set of addresses or a single large delivery point.
Earlier, a system of postal districts was implemented in London and other large cities from 1857. In London this system was refined in 1917 to include numbered subdivisions, extending to the other cities in 1934. These earlier districts were later incorporated into the national postcode system.
Zonal System – a precursor
Attempts at streamlining the delivery system of postal articles in India have a considerably long history. One of the earliest attempts in this direction was taken in 1946 itself – the Delivery Zone Numbering System. Under this system, each delivery post office was allotted a distinctive number. It was first introduced for the major cities like Bombay, Culcutta, Delhi and Madras. The public were requested to note Zone Numbers after the name of city, where this system was adopted. In absence of such an indication, articles were liable to delay.
Postal Circles
The organization of postal circles was also an attempt to streamline the delivery system and prevent long delays.
When the Postal facilities were opened to public on 1st April 1774, there were 3 Postal Circles namely Bengal, Bombay and Madras.
Bengal was catering whole of Eastern and Northern regions of British Empire. Madras was handling whole of Southern region and the rest was catered by Bombay.
After partition, Independent India had the following Postal Circles – Assam, Bengal, Bihar & Orissa, Bombay, Central, East Punjab, Madras and UP. Today, India has 20 Postal Circles – Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J & K, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, North Eastern, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamilnadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and the Army Postal Service.
PIN Code Week – 15th – 21st January.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/the-pincode-the-steering-wheel-of-a-letter/

Six PREPAK cadres held

On 4/01/2011, Commandos of District Police, Thoubal arrested following 6(six) cadres of PREPAK at about 7.30 p.m. and recovered one Hand Grenade from the possession of the undernoted PREPAK women cadres at SI. No. 5. during the OPs at Waithou, Haokha and
Thoubal Bazar area
1. Oinam Joy Singh 41yrs H/o of Oinam(O) Thoibi @ Thoi Thoi @ Aminao of Waithou Tronglaobi.
2. Kachingtabam Lukhoi Sharma 42yrs S/o late K. Abiram Sharma of Moirangpurel Mayai Leikai, Imphal East District.
3. Romio Longmei 32yrs S/o Changyagai Longmei of Ichumkon near Leimaram Water Fall.
4. Oinam Muhindro Meitei 32yrs S/o late O. Dharam Singh of Waithou Tronglaobi.
5. Oinam(O) Thoibi @ Thoi Thoi @ Aminao’36yrs W/o O. Joy Singh of Waithou Tronglaobi
6. Oinam(O) Kabita @ Ranjita Devi 30yrs W/o O. Muhindro Singh of Waithou Tronglaobi.
Preliminary investigation reveals that they were assigned by PREPAK District Commander of Thoubal to hurl grenade at the house of one
Maibam Tarpon Singh of Nepra Company.
A case has been registered Thoubal Police Station for investigation.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/six-prepak-cadres-held/

Every voter to be photographed, new DGP assumes charge

Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 5: Chief Election Commissioner, Dr SY Quraishi today announced that the Manipur DGP has been changed. R Baral assumed charge as the new DGP while former DGP Y Joykumar was shifted to Manipur Police Housing Corporation. He also convened an inter state meeting attended by officials of Assam, Mizoram and Nagaland besides officials of Manipur and officials of the Commission. Every voter will be photographed he said.
Discussions will also be held with neighbouring country Myanmar to ensure free and fair elections he added. All Ministers , MLAs were asked to stop using official vehicles and issuing official orders. Strict actions will be taken up and FIR lodged the CEC further said.
Border areas will be sealed and transportation of arms, liquor will be completely stopped. Indian Oil Corporation officials were asked to ensure that petroleum products are available and an oil depot be specially allotted to political parties and candidates.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/every-voter-to-be-photographed-new-dgp-assumes-charge/

CBI arrests senior assistant of vigilance bureau

MNS: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Senior Assistant of Vigilance Bureau, Punjab posing as CBI officer for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.20,000/- from the complainant.
A complaint was received alleging demand of bribe by a person allegedly posing as CBI officer. The suspect officer initially demanded a bribe of Rs.2 lakhs and later on reduced it to Rs.50,000/-. The accused agreed to accept Rs.20,000/- and rest of Rs.30,000/- later on. CBI
registered a case and laid a trap at Sector- 23, Bus Stop, Chandigarh. The person who demanded the bribe and came to accept was caught
red handed by the CBI. He was identified as Senior Assistant, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab. Search has been conducted at his residence.
The accused was produced before the Designated Court at Chandigarh and was remanded to two days Police Custody.
In another case, the CBI has arrested a Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya-I, Air Force Station, Sirsa (Haryana)for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.10,000/- from the complainant.
The complainant alleged in the complaint that the Principal, Kendriya Vidyalaya-I, Air Force Station, Sirsa had demanded a bribe of Rs.10,000/- for clearing his outstanding bills. A case was registered and trap was laid in the school premises of KV-I, Air Force Station, Sirsa. The accused Principal was caught red handed while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs.10,000/- from the complainant.
The arrested accused was produced before the Designated Court at Panchkula and remanded to Judicial Custody.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-arrests-senior-assistant-of-vigilance-bureau/

12 killed in accident

Dimapur/Imphal, Jan 5: At least 12 people have been killed and 15 others injured when a bus they were travelling in skidded off the road and fell into a gorge at Piphema in Nagaland along National Hghway-2, Imphal-Dimapur road, police said on Thursday.
Piphema is located at around 40 kilometres towards Kohima from Dimapur.The incident happened last night at around 10 when a Shillong-bound Manipur passenger bus, which was carrying about 50 passengers,
including children skidded off the road and plunged into a 300 feet deep gorge after the driver lost control, killing 12 people and injuring another 15.
The ill-fated bus with registration number MN01-1833, which belongs to Network Travels, met with an accident at Piphema in Nagaland last night, police said, adding that 12 people died on the spot and another 15 wounded, but they made no mention whether children were among the dead or injured.
The dead bodies were later conducted autopsy at the Dimapur civil hospital where the injured were also underwent treatment.
Reports said the bodies are being brought to Imphal and they will be arrived here late night

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/12-killed-in-accident/

Gaan Ngai messages

Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 5: O.lbobi Singh , Chief Minister in a message said, “I convey my heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur particularly to our Zeliangrong brethren on the auspicious and joyous occasion of Gaan-Ngai which falls on 7th January, 2012.
While celebrating a festival, we have to follow the spiritual and moral precepts that it conveys and to create conditions in our social demeanor which will preserve and proliferate this gift. A festival has to be celebrated in its true spirit. In Manipur there are people belonging to various ethnic groups and peaceful co-existence is a glorious tradition of the Manipur society. In enjoying a festival, the edifice of oneness gets strengthened and preservation of this bond of oneness is what the Manipuri society calls for to-day so that the glorious tradition of Manipur peaceful co-existence can be continued.
I join the people of Manipur in the celebrating of Gaan-Ngai and convey my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all. Happy Gaan-Ngai.”
Gurbachan Jagat , Governor said in a message, I warmly greet the people of Manipur, especially our Kabul Naga brethren, on the auspicious and happy occasion of “Gaan-Ngai, 2012”.
The festival of “Gaan-Ngai”, which literally means “Festival of Winter Season” is a festival paying homage to those souls who departed the year before. It also marks the end of a year and heralds a new one. The festival is an occasion of worship, joy and merriment, providing an opportunity to come together and work for our shared goal of ensuring peace and harmony in the society. While celebrating “Gaan-Ngai”, we should resolve to follow the spiritual and moral values that it conveys, in order to make the festival meaningful.I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all in the celebration of “Gaan-Ngai, 2012”.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/gaan-ngai-messages/

Bomb exploded

A bomb was exploded near the Congress office of Wangkhei AC by police personnel. A bomb was exploded at the residence of one Taorem Dipak (41) of Ngakraba Leirak, Yumnam Leikai this morning around 5.30 a.m. Another hand grenade was also later Found around 6.30 a.m. A sit in protest was held in this connection […]

A bomb was exploded near the Congress office of Wangkhei AC by police personnel.
A bomb was exploded at the residence of one Taorem Dipak (41) of Ngakraba Leirak, Yumnam Leikai this morning around 5.30 a.m. Another hand grenade was also later Found around 6.30 a.m.
A sit in protest was held in this connection today.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bomb-exploded/

Bomb explodes at Hemanta’s residence

Two bombs were hurled at the residence of Moirangthem Hemanta, MLA of Tentha Khongban last night around 11 p.m.
One bomb was exploded however the remaining didn’t explode. In the blast no casualties were reported.
The unexploded bomb was found inside the gate of his house. Police today exploded the same at the field of Tentha Khongban this morning.
Meanwhile some unknown persons burnt dawn a unit office of Keishamthong Block Congress committee at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai.
The doors, windows of the office were damaged in the fire.
No arrests were made in this connection.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bomb-explodes-at-hemantas-residence/

Torture of man condemned

The united villagers and clubs organization , UVACO, Nambol strongly condemned the torture of L. Thoithoi Khuman president of UVACO by the Indian army and police commandos frequently. The secy general UVACO Y. Ningthemjao said media persons that the UVACO is a civil society organization having the objective of unity, peace, development, integrity between hill and valley and co-existence. It is not related whth any underground organization. L. Thoithoi Khuman the president of the UVACO was tortured by a team of police commandos posted at Manthak hill Oinam and his mobile was also robed. The police charged him that he was related with some underground organization. Then he was handed over to the Nambol PS. Later, a combined force of A.R and sikh regiments posted at Nambol Maibam Lokpa ching. Pick up L. Thoithoi on 30 Dec 2011 at about 11.45 p.m. He was beaten up at the camp by charging that he is a member of PLA. They did not give any arrest memo when he was arrested.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/torture-of-man-condemned/

CBI establishes anti human trafficking unit

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Jan 4 : The Central Bureau of Investigation has designated one Unit in Special Crime Zone of CBI in Delhi as Anti-Human Trafficking Unit. This unit will be responsible for collecting, collating & analyzing data on kidnapping and abduction of persons from all over India. The unit will also develop actionable intelligence to conduct operations against gangs involved in trafficking, especially of children & women for the purpose of exploitation, such as beggary and prostitution. This unit would also liaise with NGOs involved in this field.
A helpline number 011-24368638 has been established by CBI, on which any person having inputs about such gangs can give information.
It has also been decided that person giving information leading to arrest and criminal action against such gangs would be rewarded upto Rs.Two Lakh.
The Government of India has already designated all Police Officers of the rank of Inspector and above in CBI as “Trafficking Police Officers” to exercise powers of investigation under the “Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956” and other laws dealing with sexual exploitation of persons.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered five new cases on 2nd January, 2012 in connection with the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in Uttar Pradesh. Searches are being conducted today in 60 locations across Uttar Pradesh, & in Delhi.
High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, Lucknow Bench in Writ Petitions passed an order on 15.11.2011, directing the CBI to conduct preliminary enquiry in the matter of execution and implementation of the NRHM Scheme and utilization of funds at various level during such implementation in the entire state of Uttar Pradesh since its inception in the year 2005-06 till date. The CBI was asked to complete this enquiry in four months by Hon’ble Allahabad High Court.
The NRHM Funds to the tune of about Rs.10,000 crores were allocated to the State of Uttar Pradesh for the period 2005-06 till date by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India. The funds have been spent through CMOs of 72 Districts in UP and other
Nodal Offices all over the State of UP like family welfare, medical health, training etc. under the various schemes by the Govt. of India
involving a large number of beneficiaries. A number of these works have been executed through several State PSUs and a large number
of contractors/firms.

The process of Enquiry & Investigation in this matter is continuing

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-establishes-anti-human-trafficking-unit/

Solar items distributed

Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 4: The 46 Assam Rifles of 27 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of “Red Shield Division” distributed 08 Solar Lights to Chingpi village, Thingkeu village and S Kholen village on 04 January 2012. Apart from this computer sets with generators were also distributed to NGOs like Agape Care Center, Renkai and Ex-Servicemen Association, New Lamka by Brigadier V S Ranade, Commander, 27 Sector Assam Rifles. The Vocational Training Center, Mission Veng also received handloom and Sewing machines under this Army Military Civic Action Project.
The 39 Assam Rifles of 27 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of “Red Shield Division” donated Sewing Machine to Village of Songdo under Churachandpur District. In all, ten Sewing Machine were donated under the OP SADBHAVANA. Especially for the Widow who have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Security Forces.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/solar-items-distributed/

AR recovers warlike stores

Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 4: Discovering the transportation of warlike stores in Ukhrul-Jessami road junction, troops of 17 Assam Rifles of 10 Sector under HQ IGAR (South) launched operation in the area and apprehended one individual alongwith assorted weapons and warlike stores on 03 Jan 2012.
The apprehendee was identified as Leishiyo,25 yrs,s/o Late Chon,r/o Nungao,Sangshak,Ukhrul. 04 x SBBL 12 Bore Gun,02x one Barrel Bore gun,04xBore material for barrel, 01x Rifle barrel, 02 Butt Bore Gun, 01 x trigger assembly Bore Gun, OlxHand drill machine and 02 x weapon making tools were recovered from the apprehendee who alongwith recoveries were handed over to Ukhrul Police station.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ar-recovers-warlike-stores/

India Declared Free from Bird FLU

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Jan 4 : India has declared itself free from bird flu (H5N1). The declaration was made here on December 29, 2011 and notified to OIE. However, the
surveillance will be continued throughout the country especially in the vulnerable areas bordering the infected countries and in areas
visited by migratory birds. Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries in the Ministry of Agriculture has advised the States to maintain vigil against the disease.
Outbreak of bird flu was notified on September 8, 2011 in village Bhamondanga, part- I, Agomoni Block in Dhubri district of Assam. This
was followed by another outbreak in Betai Nanshatola and Putimari Christianpara in Tehetta Block of Nadia district of West Bengal, which was notified on September 19, 2011. Thereafter, there has been no further outbreak. The control measures adopted in the outbreaks were stamping out of entire poultry population including destruction of eggs, feed, litters and other infected materials in the radius of 3 kms. around each outbreak location, restriction on movement of poultry, poultry products to and from the area of outbreak, disinfection and cleaning up of infected premises. The final disinfection process was completed on September 29, 2011.
Surveillance was carried out throughout the country. Surveillance around the area of outbreak since completion of the operation (including culling disinfection and clean up) and surveillance in rest of the country has shown no evidence of presence of bird flu (H5N1).

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/india-declared-free-from-bird-flu/

Nomination papers filed, election notification issued

Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 4: Two candidates filed nomination papers today. Dr Tonsana President MPDF filed nomination papers for Heingang AC.Ph . Irabot, CPI candidate of Patsoi Assembly Constituency , filed his nomination paper at the SDO office of the district today. All the Returning officers issued separate notifications of elections for the 60 Assembly constituencies of Manipur today. As per the notification issued today a candidate may submit the nomination papers to the concerned RO between 11 am and 3 pm up Jan 11 next. Scrutiny will be performed on Jan 12 and notice of withdrawal may be given upto 3 pm of Jan 14. The poll will be held on Jan 28 from 7 am to 3 pm.
Counting of votes will begin on Mar 4 . The model code of conduct was enforced from Dec 24 last.
The People’s Democratic Front (PDF), a political parties’ alliance of Manipur People’s Party (MPP), NCP, JD (U), CPI (M) and RJD today decided to field more candidates in four Assembly Constituencies, including hill districts in the ensuing polls to the 10th Manipur Assembly slated for January 28.
The PDF held a meeting at the MPP office here this afternoon during which it was decided to field common candidates in another four
Constituencies besides 30 Constituencies that have already been declared, the alliance convenor and MPP president Dr. Nimaichand Luwang informed the media.
MPP candidate will be fielded in Heingang Constituency while in three Constituencies Chandel, Tipaimukh and Singhat will be fought
from JD (U) candidates, Luwang said.
One more MPP candidate has also been put up for Thanga Constituency, making the total number of MPP candidates to 14, and the PDF to 34 as of now.
Meanwhile, the Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) today announced its first list of candidates for the forthcoming polls to the 10th Manipur legislative Assembly to be held on January 28.MSCP declared 17 candidates, including five Scheduled Tribe Constituencies, and more will be announced on January 9, the party
president Y. Mani, who is also contesting from 22-Wangoi Constituency, told mediapersons at its office Wednesday.
He also indicated that the party is likely to be in post-post alliance, but it has not entered into pre-poll alliance with any other political parties in the State.
The party’s spokesperson Vivek Raj Wangkhem who was also present at the press meet said, “We have not entered into pre-poll alliance so far, but the door is wide open for talks with like-minded parties.”
The former MLA and one of the prominent party men will be contesting in the polls from Kshetrigao Constituency.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nomination-papers-filed-election-notification-issued/

Bharat rang mahotsav to kick off with Ratan Thiyam’s Raja as inaugural play

Manipur Information Centre
NEW DELHI , January 4
The visually beautiful production of Rabindranath Tagore’s highly symbolic play, ‘The King of Dark Chamber – ‘Raja’ directed by Ratan Thiyam of Chorus Repertory Theatre of Manipur will be the inaugural play of the 14th edition of the 15- day Bharat Rang Mahotsav, the largest theatre festival of Asia to be held in New Delhi at nine different venues namely Shri Ram Centre, LTG, Bahumukh, Sammukh, Kamani, Abhimanch, Meghdoot 1& 2, Meghdoot 3 and Abhilkalp from January 8 to 22.
As a tribute to Tagore on his 150th birth anniversary, the festival has a focus on his works with 14 productions and 4 Allied events among the 88 plays in the main repertoire and 11 Allied events. The festival will witness different productions of five theatre directors of Manipur.
Bharat Rang Mahotsav was introduced a decade ago by the National School of Drama to stimulate the growth and development of theatre across the country. Originally a national festival showcasing the work of the most creative theatre workers in India , it has evolved to international scope, hosting theatre companies from around the world.
At the forefront of the International section this year, the festival will have a focus on contemporary Polish Theatre with three very vibrant productions.
A series of wrap around programs around the festival includes a talk on interactive sessions with the directors, a seminar on “The multi-disciplinary approach of Tagore’s performance language” and five photographic exhibitions.
The 14th Mahotsav will include several national and international performances, and various associated events in a wrap-around program.
Bharat Rang Mahotsav is accompanied by a shorter festival in a second city, with selections from the main repertoire, extending the scope of the Mahotsav and sharing its plays with theatre lovers outside Delhi . This year it travels to Amritsar , Punjab . The second festival was held in Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow , Bhopal and Chennai in the past editions.
Theatre doyen Ratan Thiyam’s The King of Dark Chamber- Raja in Manipuri will be staged on 8 January at 7 pm at Kamani Auditorium.
It’s a symbolic as well as allegorical play. It is not divided into acts and scenes. This play is a reflection of Tagore’s philosophy and the relation between individual and the universe.
The play evolves with the Queen Sudarshana’s search for Raja, who is invisible. As a result neither the queen nor the citizens of the state can see him. Some people, therefore, distrust if there is a king at all ! But they don’t know that God cannot be seen like any other earthly things. During her journey, Sudarshana is accompanied by Surangama and Thakur Da, who sings and communicates with the whole community in conveying the idea of Raja’s true self.
NSD Diploma production- “Mirage” scripted and directed by Loitongbam Paringanba, an NSD student from Manipur will be staged on 10 January at 8.30pm at Abhimanch. Paringanba is the son of noted theatre director Loitongbam Dorendro.
The play in Hindi is based on Dr. Saroj Bharadwaj’s translation of Kalidasa’s Ritusamhara. The play depicts the contemporary situation of Manipur. In a land where the dead bodies of young people who lose their lives in encounters, fake-encounters or counter insurgency operations are cremated under state authority as unclaimed bodies; and where the cry of bereaved mother’s adds fuel to the funeral pyres, the summer season’s warm heat loses its charm. In a land where the sound of blasting bombs has replaced thundering clouds, the season of rain has no story to tell. In a land where full moon nights are intercepted by search lights from army camps, the autumn season has a different tale to tell. When widows embrace the ice-cold bodies of their dead husbands, the beauty of the winter season is lost. Spring has lost its color as camouflaged army troops cover the land. Thirsty people traveling across the desert mistake a mirage for water.
Similarly, out of their sheer longing for peace and order, and to escape the horror of the present, people imagine that the colours they see are those of the year’s different seasons, as described by Kalidasa in Ritusamhara.
Loika Loikum directed by Goshe Meitei, a renowned balladeer of Manipur is a Manipuri folk play to be staged on 13 January at 6 pm at Bahumukh. The play is based on legendary Khamba Thoibi epic of Manipur.
Heisnam Tomba’s Hungry Stone, an adaptation from the story by Rabindranath Tagore will be staged on 14 January at 4.30pm at Shri Ram Centre. The play in Manipuri is weaved into a performance that raises poignant questions. A man purchases a Persian slave girl and gifts her against her will to the Badshah. The girl laments hysterically like a crazed woman. Does her lament signify personal disappointment or the yearnings of the entire female race?
Ningthouja Deepak’s Mythical Surrender written by Budha Chingtham, an eminent theatre critic of Manipur will be staged 17 January at 4.30pm at Sri Ram Centre. The Play bagged three awards namely Best Innovative Sound Design: Ningthouja Jayvidya, Best Original Script: Buddha Chingtham and Best Choreographer: Ningthouja Deepak in the Mahendra Excellence in Theatre Awards 2011 selected by the eminent jury members namely Anuradha Kapur, Arundhati Nag, Mahesh Elkunchwar, Neelam Mansingh and Utkarsh Mazumdar.The play in Manipuri is developed on the backdrop of military combing operations conducted as part of counter insurgency measures in the North Eastern region of the country. Using symbolic theatrical gestures and movements, the play depicts the pain, violence and cruelty inherent in the existing contemporary situation.
Ratan Thiyam’s Raja will also be the inaugural play of the 10-day Amritsar Festival beginning from 11 January at two different venues.
The play will be staged at Naatshala on 11 January at 7pm. Heisnam Tomba’s Hungry Stone will be performed on 16 January at the same venue. Two Manipuri plays were among 18 plays selected for the Amritsar Festival.

Media workshop on paid news , advertisement

Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 4: A one day workshop of media person on paid news and advertisement jointly organized by chief Electoral Officer, Manipur and All Manipur working Journalists Union at Manipur Press Club today.
The president of AMWJU, A. Mobi was the moderator. A.Mobi while speaking on the occasion said if media person strictly follow the guidelines of Press Council of India, there will be no difficulty of paid news during election. If there is an image of paid news, there will be lot of impact on voters during the state assembly election.
A. Tombikanta, state level chairman, MCMC who also attended the workshop as resource person reminded the guidelines of PCI said, it will be the duty of the press to give objective reports about elections and the candidates. The newspapers should not indulge in unhealthy rated reports about any candidate, party or incident during the elections.
Election campaign along communal or caste lines is banned under the election rules. Therefore, the press should eschew reports which tend to promote feelings of enmity or hatred between people on the ground of religion, race, caste, community or languages.
The press should also refrain from publishing false of critical statements in regard to the personal character and conduct of any candidate or in relation to the candidature or withdrawal of any candidate or his candidature to prejudice the prospects of that candidate in the election , he also said and added that press shall not publish unverified allegations against any candidate, party.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/media-workshop-on-paid-news-advertisement/

Woman shot at

A woman received injuries when some persons fired at her near SK High School, Ngairangbam this afternoon around 12.30 p.m. The injured was identified as Khwairakpam Jamuna (32), Sagoltongba Chongtham Leirak. The incident took place when she was riding an Activa along with one L. Nanao Devi (27) younger sister of Yurembam Gram Panchayat Pradhan. […]

A woman received injuries when some persons fired at her near SK High School, Ngairangbam this afternoon around 12.30 p.m.
The injured was identified as Khwairakpam Jamuna (32), Sagoltongba Chongtham Leirak.
The incident took place when she was riding an Activa along with one L. Nanao Devi (27) younger sister of Yurembam Gram Panchayat Pradhan.
Jamuna received injuries in the left thigh.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/woman-shot-at-2/

Elect the person appeals Senior Citizen Society

Imphal, Jan 3 NNN: The Senior Citizens for Society (SCS) hopes the electorate of Manipur will elect only the ‘right persons’ in the ensuing polls to the Manipur Assembly and said in the last two decades the State has witnessed money and muscle powers that greatly influenced elections.
“The public are the one which will directly help forming the government so let us vote for the right person as we have suffered much”, SCS president N. Binoy told a press conference here today.
In the last two decades, most of the Parliamentary and Assembly polls were engulfed by money and muscle power, Binoy said, adding that many MPs having criminal records are now in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
He added, in the 15th Lok Sabha, 543 members were elected, out of which at least 300 are ‘crorepatis’ and said the number of MPs who are having criminal records like murder is 223.
The SCS president elaborated that there are about 100 crorepatis in the Rajya Sabha and among them, industrialist Bajaj is known as the most affluent MP in the House.
Fifty crorepati candidates were also contested in the 2011 Assam Legislative Assembly polls and out of these 47 won their seats.
Binoy also appealed the people of Manipur to get rid of “money and grand feast” that often buy their votes but to choose individuals who can sacrifice with a clear vision and further urged the electorate to think twice while casting their votes in the coming general election.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/elect-the-person-appeals-senior-citizen-society/

Police start guarding media houses

Imphal, Jan 3 NNN : Following the threat to the media in Manipur, police commandos have started guarding media offices in the state capital from today.
On Monday, the banned KCP (MC) Lanchen Chanu had threatened the local daily Naharolgi Thongdang by gifting the letter a Chinese hand grenade which was wrapped in a nice small box.
The box was found at the entrance of the newspaper office around 5:30 am. A threatening note which read ‘Last warning to the editor, next will be blast’ was also found writing on a slip inside the box that wrapped a bomb.
As a mark of protest, the editorial columns of all the dailies in Manipur were banked out on Tuesday’s editions.
Also, on January 7 media persons will carry out a rally in Imphal in protest against the threat to the media in Manipur.
Meanwhile, another meeting convened by All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) was again this evening in connection with the threat. The meeting decided that the representatives of the media body and the chief minister will hold a dialogue over the current development when the latter returns to Imphal who is out of station at the moment.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/police-start-guarding-media-houses/

Congress and UNC to fight in Nagas areas

Imphal, Jan 3: The battle lines have been drawn clearly with the United Naga Council (UNC)’s stand to oppose the Congress party in the Naga areas in Manipur in the ensuing assembly election.
It has become obvious now that the tussle will be mainly between the groups supporting the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and those of the Congress party in the districts of Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul and Chandel.
Both the NPF and the Congress party are likely to declare the names of their candidatures either on Thursday or Friday.
Sources said the NPF central leaders are spending sleepless nights screening the intending candidates applied for the party ticket. “We are almost through now,” an NPF leader informed this evening.
Meanwhile, the hectic campaigns are likely to begin by the end of this week. No doubt poll related feasting has begun long ago.
It can be noted that the Christmas and the New Year’s celebrations in the hill districts are dampened by the poll talks.
Meanwhile, regarding the NPF, as many as 56 aspiring candidates from 14 Naga majority Assembly Constituencies have been found lobbying for the Naga People’s Front (NPF) ticket to fight in the polls to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly slated for January 28.
Out of the 56 individuals who are seeking NPF ticket, the largest number of ticket contenders was found from Chandel Assembly Constituency with nine intending candidates applied for the purpose.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/congress-and-unc-to-fight-in-nagas-areas/