Manipur News

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 5

In connection with the 5th winter disabled mela, former advisor to governor, R.K. Nimai said during the closing ceremony on International day of person with disabilities that after seeing normal people living in worst conditions, one should imagine how the differently abled people are living in this world.

The mela was organised under the theme “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all” at the community hall of Sagolband Tera Yengkhom Leirak.

Speaking on the occasion, R.K. Nimai as president of the function said number of crimes has been increasing in the state and normal people are facing many issues. If normal people are facing such severe problems that one cannot even go thorough how the differently abled people are living in this society, he added.

Meanwhile, a Tarao dictionary written by Leikhan Morre Tarao for the Tarao community was also launched today.

Nimai further said there are only some Tarao communities left having not more than 1000 population. If proper steps are not taken then in the next fifty years the community might become extinct.

According to medical science, it is said that there may be some genital disorders within the people of the community that which is causing their women not to conceive. The concerned authorises should take relevant steps in order to save the community immediately, he added.

As a part of the programme, a fashion parade was also organised for the differently abled persons, around 30 stalls were opened in the mela.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 5

The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union, AMWJU, has asked the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi for urgent intervention over the alleged high handiness and tyrannical attitude of state unit BJP leaders against the journalist union’s president Wangkhemcha Samjai.

A memorandum was submitted during a sit-in staged at Keishampat street, today. Representatives of the journalist met Governor Najma A Heptulla on the issue.

A copy of the memorandum was submitted to each of the President of India Ram Nath Kovind, Press Council of India, Indian Journalists’ Union and the Governor.

The memorandum stated that the media in Manipur has plunged into a highly imperiled situation with the journalists’ free and unbiased versions and opinions to shape the society continued to be gagged by the people in power.

It highlighted the incident that compelled the union to come out in the streets to protest against the excesses of some leaders of Manipur unit BJP which is ruling the state.

On November 24 Shamjai, along with two others – a BJP MLA and an academician – had delivered their views as panelists on the topic ‘VlP culture in Manipur” during a daily discussion session hosted by ISTV, a local television network service.

During the discussion, the union president dwelt on the ugly faces of VIP culture in the nation in general and the state in particular, stated the memorandum copy.

Despite the commendable efforts having extended by the Prime Minister to end VIP culture in the country, some leaders of the state unit BJP have taken security escorts mentioned president Shamjai.

During the discussion, our president mentioned the names of such Manipur unit BJP leaders who have been given security escorts. They included vice president Ashnikumar Moirangthem, spokesperson RK. Shivachandra, secretary K. Sharat and Jadumani Singh.

Of them, Shivachandra, Ashnikumar and Jadumani contested and lost in the last assembly election held in March this year on BJP tickets from Keishamthon, Thanga and Thoubal assembly seats.

Samjai did not demand the government to pull out the security escorts from them. Without any prejudice and ill feeling, he simply questioned the rationale behind granting the security escorts to the BJP leaders, stated the memorandum.

On November 30 Shivachandra called up Samjai over the phone and threatened him for naming in the list of the BJP leaders who obtained security escorts. Shivachandra also used crude and defamatory language against him.

AMWJU, in its press statement issued on December 1, strongly condemned the excesses and autocratic nature of Shivachandra. The union, while terming it as an attack to the sanctity and independence of the media, also maintained that Shivachandra should take total responsibility if anything happens to Samjai.

Much to the surprise, Shivachandra made a post on his facebook account defaming Samjai on the same night. He even used highly objectionable language enough to assassinate Samjai’s character, an unbecoming and immature version of a leader of a political party that rules both the centre and the state.

In a media conference held at BJP lmphal office on December 3, Shivachandra and Sharat threatened to file a defamation suit against our president if he fails to tender apology on what he had stated against them during the discussion on VIP culture, added the memorandum.

An emergency meeting of the standing committee of AMWJU convened yesterday resolved that the union will fight collectively against those unprincipled leaders to preserve and strengthen the sanctity and the independence of the press.

The journalist union requested the Prime Minister for necessary action against the alleged unprincipled individuals in the earliest possible time in the interest of safeguarding the true essence of democracy and the media’s freedom.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 5

State Nodal officer for Intensified Mission Indradhanush, IMI, Th. Nandakishore, has informed that the 3rd round IMI would be launched from December 7.

The announcement was made during a one day media sensitisation workshop held today at the office of family welfare, B.T. road.

Nandakishore said the first and second round of the mission was successfully completed and almost cent percent of pregnant women and infants were vaccinated in order to prevent from dreaded communicable diseases.

He pointed out that in the first round and second of the mission, 996 pregnant women and 3104 infant age between 0-2 years, were targeted for vaccination.

During the first round due to lack of awareness on benefits of the vaccination programme around 60 precent of its target could not be accomplished including in hill districts, he said. But in the second round the department have accomplished almost 100 percent of its target particularly in the hill districts, Nandakishore added.

The third round of this mission aims to eradicate Measles Rubella which is one of the most deadly diseases for all age group, he asserted.

State senior project officer, united nation development project (UNDP), Sarat Yadav said Intensified Mission Indradhanush is launched in twelve state across the nation and Manipur and had achieved the most positive result.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Dec 5

The NSCN-IM under the leadership of ‘Kilo Kilonser’ (outfit’s home minister) Hukavi Yepthomi along with several their leaders comprising Steering Committee members, Kilonsers, Deputy Kilonsers held an intensive consultative meeting with Sumi Hoho,  Sumi Kukami Hoho, Sumi Totimi Hoho, Western Sumi Hoho, Western Sumi Kukami Hoho  and Sumi Kiphimi  kuqhakulu on December 5 at Saramati Hotel in Dimapur.

“Kilo Kilonser Hukavi Yepthomi has been ceaselessly reaching out to the Naga people on the line of changed political situation following signing of a Framework Agreement between the Naga leaders and the GoI. Key sectors in present Naga areas have become better acquainted with the progress of peace process and also understood the nature of blatant misgivings as constantly propagated by certain sections of our own people to further confuse the truth with fact,” the NSCN-IM said today.

According to the NSCN-IM, the issue of transmitting correct information on perspective: that warranty implementation of what has been achieved in such sustained and forward move after putting a Framework Agreement in place is his outmost priority.

“Strong supports of Sumi tribe have been recalled that has covered a great and enormous distance to have come until the GoI relented to saying, “We have realized the futility of seeking military solution”. The GPRN reiterates its commitment towards Sumi tribe to continuously and consistently extend its optimum corporation in future,” the outfit added.

 “That is being intensely engaged in dialogue with the GoI towards finding lasting political settlement once and for all”, it further added.

IMPHAL | Dec 5

The chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh visited ‘Hornbill Festival’ at Kisama today. He was accompanied by PHED minister, Losii Dikho, along with MLAs, L. Susindro, K. Robindro, L. Rameshwor, Th. Satyabrata, S. Subhaschandra, Awangbou Newmai and advisor to CM Rajat Sethi.

On the grand occasion, N. Biren Singh stated that he felt much honoured to be among the people of Nagaland and being in the lustrous land, defined and shaped by bravery and the rich traditions of the many tribes.

‘It is also indeed a privilege to be part of the ‘Hornbill Festival 2017’, in this picturesque setting of Kisama and experience the impressive rich cultural displays and traditions of Nagaland’, said N. Biren.

On behalf of the people of Manipur, the CM extended his best wishes and warm greetings to the people of Nagaland and for the celebration of 54 years of statehood for Nagaland.

‘Nagaland is indeed the land of festivals and Hornbill festival is definitely the festival of festivals’, praised N. Biren.

He thanked the chief minister of Nagaland for the invitation to attend the festival and also thanked him for taking time to visit Manipur last month for the recently concluded ‘North East development Summit’ in Imphal during ‘Manipur Sangai Festival’.

There is so much that connects the two states and its people and based on the shared history and close cultural affinities, people must build the foundations upon which institutions of the two states can collaborate and cooperate with a strong sense of common purpose, said N. Biren.

Pointing out suggestion made by Nagaland CM on ‘tourist circuit’ for the northeast region, N. Biren stated that from next year onwards, attempt will be made to evolve concrete collaborative mechanism for jointly promoting the two biggest festivals of the states, Manipur Sangai festival, which is held in the last 10 days of November and Nagaland Hornbill festival, which is held in the first 10 days of December.

There are many untapped opportunities which Manipur and Nagaland as neighbours should jointly leverage to unlock the full potential of the two states and fulfil the aspirations of the people, especially the youths, he added.

While recalling the history, the CM mentioned that some of the fiercest and deciding battles of the Second World War were fought in Imphal and Kohima, 74 years ago. Collaborative efforts of the governments with entrepreneurs, historians and enthusiasts to develop a tourist circuit should be supported not only for promoting tourism but for preserving the history and relics of forgotten battles of World War II, he added.

Biren Singh further spoke about the importance of sports in the region. He said that the enduring foundations laid by the inspiring legacy of Dr Ao of Nagaland, who was the first captain of Indian national football team after independence had been a promising prospects for the young sports talents, like those of the eight Manipuris who represented India in the recent U-17 FIFA World Cup.

Sports unify people and more opportunities should be explored to increase interactions between the two states in the area of sports at various levels starting from schools, colleges, village, professional clubs level and others, he added.

He continued that there is a need for extensive and meaningful ‘people-to-people’ interactions and between institutions for collaboration and partnership in the area of entrepreneurship, skill development, commerce, arts, culture, films and theater.

The CM congratulated the government and the people of Nagaland for putting up a grand impressive show and the kind hospitality. He also mentioned that the cultural troupes from Manipur will be reaching the venue to attend the festival.

CM N. Biren also extended his warm greetings and best wishes for Christmas, on behalf of the people of Manipur.

IMPHAL| Dec 5

Governor Najma Heptulla today graced the inaugural function of the 2-day Kathak Utsav organised by the Kathak Kendra, New Delhi in collaboration with the Jawarharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal at the auditorium of Manipur Film Development Society, Palace Gate.

Chairperson, AC, Kathak Kendra, Ms. Kamalini Asthana; vice chairman, AC, JNMDA, prof. Hijam Tombi Singh; director, Kathak Kendra, B.B. Chugh & director, JNMDA, L Opendra Sharma shared the dais with the governor at the function.

Stating that the Kathak Utsav is the right place for the Kathak dancers to showcase their performances to the world as Manipur is equally popular as a state of rich cultural traditions, the governor said, “It is a celebration of the performing arts that bring together legendary artistes, dance lovers, scholars and connoisseurs through dance performances, seminars, lectures and debates.”

Tracing the origin of Kathakas in ancient Indian history, Najma Heptulla narrated that Kathak dance evolved during the Bhakti Movement, particularly by incorporating the childhood stories of the Hindu God Krishna, as well as independently in the courts of North Indian kingdoms. Wandering Kathakas communicated stories from the great epics and ancient mythology through dance, songs and music in a manner similar to early Greek theatre, she also said.

She appreciated the relentless efforts made by the Kendra in promoting & disseminating this art form adding that it will go a long way in popularizing and perpetuating this rich heritage.

“Regarding various deficit areas like lecture-cum-demonstration, solo dance items & choreographic techniques, the Manipuris have a lot to learn from their counterparts in the rest of the country”, confessed prof. Hijam Tombi.

Drawing attention to the discovery of new things each time she comes to Imphal, Kamalini Asthana shared her views that they can develop stronger ties and brotherhood with Manipur by conducting such festivals more often.

We are presenting Manipur dance & music at Raipur & other places of India in December and through the various programmes of Kathak Kendra, the messages of love & peace will be flourished with the spirit of growth, delivery and evolution, said L Opendra by welcoming the audience.

Nitya Parampara, Krishna Namah dances were showcased by the students of Kathak Kendra.  Solo recital  were presented by Guru Rajendra Kumar Gangani during the function. Tabla, vocal & harmonium, sarangi & pakhawaj were performed by Rahul Vishwakarma, Samiullah Khan, Ghulam Waris and Salman Khan respectively.