Manipur News

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug  21

International award winning filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar yet again makes history with his debut feature film Loktak Lairembee by entering in competition section at the prestigious Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA), the region’s highest accolade in film.

In collaboration with Paris based UNESCO and FIAPF-International Federation of Film Producers Associations, this year’s award will be held on November 23 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in Brisbane, Australia.

Paban’s Loktak Lairembee has created history for Manipuri cinema by becoming the first film from Manipur to compete for this prestigious international award. Since the inception of APSA, thousands of films from the region have competed in the international event, demonstrating a rich state of diversity, telling a unique story from its country of origin.

The Asia Pacific Screen Academy has forged an international academy in alliance with the European Film Academy which presents the prestigious annual European Film Awards. The Academy encourages dialogue, collaboration and business opportunities for the region’s filmmakers.

It may be mentioned that the film Loktak Lairembee had created waves with its entry at the prestigious 67th Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year, followed by winning the German Star of India award at the 14th Indian Film Festival of Stuttgart Germany.

The film was also awarded the Best Environment Film at the 64th National Film Awards 2017, Special Mention – Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, 26th G. Aravindan Puruskaram for the Best Debut Director 2016, FIPRESCI India Critics Award – 9th Bengaluru International Film Festival 2017, Silver Bodhisattva Award – 2nd Bodhisattva International Film Festival 2017.

It also won the prestigious Golden Gateway Award at the 18th Mumbai Film Festival last year and the NETPAC Award (Asian Select) at the 22nd Kolkata International Film Festival 2016.

It was world premiered at the Asian New Currents of the 21st Busan International Film Festival held in the Korean city during 2016, screened in the Indian Panorama section of the 47th International Film Festival of India at Goa and took part in many other reputed international and national film festivals.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |Aug 21

 Nagaland chief minister TR Zeliang has expressed hope that the government of India would work out a formula for “inclusiveness” and that all “stakeholders” would be taken into account before signing of final ‘Framework Agreement’, according to a release of the chief minister’s office.

TR Zeliang said this during his meeting with a three-member delegation of Nagaland Gaon Burah Federation (NGBF) in Kohima today when the latter called on him at his office chamber to apprise him of their (NGBF) recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

TR Zeliang has assured the delegation to look into the matter at the earliest and urged them to play a constructive role to voice fearlessly for the unity of all Nagas. 

The NGBF delegation also submitted the copies of memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and Centre’s interlocutor for Naga peace talks RN Ravi, in which they appealed the government of India to take on board all the “stakeholders” for final solution, it added.

NGBF president L. ShahlemKonyak presented a Bible and a ‘law book’ as a token of appreciation to the chief minister for being supportive and extending financial assistance in the past.

NGBF general secretary Shikuto Zalipuwhile congratulating TR Zeliang on his comeback to chair as chief minister informed him that the 15-member delegation of GBs also met R.N. Ravi, Th. Muivah and Khole separately at Delhi to urge them for inclusiveness of all stakeholders.

On the issue of Rongmei tribe recognition, Zalipu informed the CM that they held talks with Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) on the issue earlier during which the council clarified that they were not opposed to recognition of those 1313 and their ancestors who settled in Nagaland before statehood in 1963. In this connection, Zalipu urged the CM to implement the cabinet order so that children of those early Rongmei settlers do not suffer.

Zalipu also cited the allotment of plot for construction of office for Nagaland GBFederation at old DC’s office that has been pending in Secretariat office for long. Further, the delegation requested the chief minister to issue a vehicle for the federation, it added.

IMPHAL | Aug 21

The Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) has called 48 hours general strike from the midnight of August 23.

A release signed by its president Moirangthem Lakshman said that the general strike is a protest against the ill treatment by the state government towards the activists of indigenous rights in Manipur.

KSA has requested all the individuals, clubs, Meira Paibi leaders and other organisations to support the general strike. It further stated that plying of vehicles will be strictly banned during the 48 hours except for the purpose of medical, ritual ceremonies and other emergencies.

IMPHAL | Aug 21

The government of Manipur has notified complete ban on the use of plastic carry bags of more than fifty microns in thickness with immediate effect. Any person found using such plastics bags will be punished under Section 15 Environment protection Act, 1966.

A release signed by the deputy secretary of forest and environment, government of Manipur said the notification is in pursuance of Section 4 of the Plastic Waste Management rule, 2016, notified by the ministry of environment, forests and climate change, government of India.

It said the notification specifically directs the manufacturers, imported stocking, distributors, sellers and users of plastic bags, plastic sheets or similar to it, or cover made of plastic sheet and multi-layered packaging.

Further the release said whoever fails to comply with the notification under the said Act is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or with fine which may extend to Rs one lakh, or with both and in case the failure or contravention continues, with additional fine which may extend to Rs 5000 for every day during which such failure or contravention after the conviction for the failure or contravention.

If the failure or contravention referred to in the above mentioned clause continues beyond a period of one year after the date of conviction the offender shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, added the release.

By A Staff Reporter

AGARTALA | Aug 21

United Committee Manipur (UCM) in association with Programme Committee Tripura have organised the Tripura Manipur socio cultural meet at Sahid Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel, Agartala, Tripura. 

Minister of art and culture, L. Jayantakumar who attended the meet as the chief guest, said a statue of major Chongthamiya, who took a big role in the war against the British and later exiled from his birthplace, to breathe his last in Naran Kharam village, Tripura, will be erected in the village.

 The occasion was attended by member of Meetei Students Union, Tripura, Sahitya Parishad and representatives of civil organisations. Jayantakumar further expressed that the meet was crucial and necessary for strengthening the bond between those Manipuris who had been staying at the said village.

He further urged that the people should not shy away from trying to find out their identity. One must try to protect one’s identity. The Manipuris who had settled at different places should not feel disheartened for being a minority. They should rather try to maintain their identity. Otherwise, fear will enter their lives when they are unable to know their roots, he added.

 It may be mentioned that major Chongthamiya (1841 – 1908) whose real name was Chongtham Iboton, was sent as a spy in disguise of a Muslim by Chandrakirti to draw information from the Muslims who were revolting against him. Chongthamiya was successful in his task and prevented much bloodshed from happening.  

He was an individual who took a major role in the war against the British. On May 12, 1891, a death sentence was passed against him for conspiring against the queen of England. He was to be hung on May 15, 1891. One the day of execution, a new order was passed and he was exiled to Andaman Nicoabar where he stayed till 1896. After his release, he went to Radha Kunda and Brindavan as the British prevented him from returning back to Manipur.

He arrived at Tripura in 1898 to stay with his relatives at Naran Kharan village, and last breathed his last there in 1908.   

President of UCM, Elangbam Johnson speaking on the occasion said that the effort to maintain a good relationship with Manipuris who has settled outside is crucial. He said Manipuris who have settled outside the state should not be bogged down by inferiority complex. One should be proud to assert his/her identity, he added. Johnson further said that UCM will provide all necessary help to the Manipuris who are settled in Tripura to get equal political and social rights.

Veteran writer of Tripura, L. Birmangal Singh and chairman of the reception committee, N. Niranjan Datta Das also attended the function as presidium members.

DIMAPUR |Aug 21 (NNN)

Tension ran high as one of the two rival factions of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) is all set to hold central executive council (CEC) meeting in Kohima tomorrow.

Former Chief Minister of Nagaland Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu who is leading the other faction of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) said the meeting of CEC of NPF led by Neiphiu Rio scheduled for tomorrow in Kohima as illegal and unauthorised.

“Take notice that this meeting is illegal, unauthorised by me or the CEC and is thus unconstitutional. Those who attend this illegal meeting will be doing so at his/ her risk of being automatically disqualified/ debarred/ suspended from the Naga People’s Front ‘s primary and active membership,” said Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu in a statement.

Meanwhile, NPF led by Dr Shurhozelie said in another statement that, “it has come to the notice of the Naga People’s Front, central headquarters, that an unauthorised person by the name of Thangsat Kuki, formerly office secretary of the NPF and presently with the Rio group, has been circulating on the social media an illegal circular calling for a meeting of the CEC on August 22”.

Pointing out a clause in the party constitution, the Dr Shurhozelie group said, “Article IV (3) (c) (iii) of the Constitution of the NPF party clearly states that ‘any member of the Party may requisition a meeting of the CEC by presenting to the president a memorandum signed by 1/3rd or more of the CEC and such a meeting be convened within 15 days from the date of receipt.”’

Meanwhile, the Neiphiu Rio led NPF said that the ‘Media and Press Bureau’ of Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu “has no legality in propagating the agenda of the minority group since the voice of the majority in the Legislature and the Party set up is solidly behind Neiphiu Rio who has been popularly chosen to lead the NPF party”.

The Rio NPF camp also added, “If there is any illegality anywhere, it is with the minority NPF group and its ‘Misinformation and Propaganda Bureau’ which is relentlessly trying to confuse the people with concocted versions and misinterpretations of the laws of the country and the Constitution of the NPF.”

 The Rio led NPF then said that the rival group “utterly disregarded the voice of the majority” and contended, “It has now become incumbent upon Neiphiu Rio to function as the full-fledged President of the NPF party.”