Assam Meghalaya Flood Relief Fund Help continues to pour in

On the third day of the fund drive for the ‘Assam Meghalaya Flood Relief Fund’ under the initiative of Far East India Solidarity Forum and the Hueiyen Lanpao Group of Publications, 14 generous donors contributed a total amount of Rs Source Hueiyen…

On the third day of the fund drive for the ‘Assam Meghalaya Flood Relief Fund’ under the initiative of Far East India Solidarity Forum and the Hueiyen Lanpao Group of Publications, 14 generous donors contributed a total amount of Rs Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=5&src=031014

Sarita, Devendro should be honoured just like gold medal winners BJP, MPP

Manipur BJP unit today congratulated all the medal winners of the Indian contingent in general and those athletes from Manipur in particular at the Incheon Asian Games in South Korea Source Hueiyen News Service NNN

Manipur BJP unit today congratulated all the medal winners of the Indian contingent in general and those athletes from Manipur in particular at the Incheon Asian Games in South Korea Source Hueiyen News Service NNN

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=1&src=031014

CM announces exgratia for victims of IED blast

Chief Minister O Ibobi while visiting RIMS Hospital and Shija Hospital today to inspect victims of the IED explosion that took place at a temporary Durga Puja site at Thangal Bazar yesterday, announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the family of…

Chief Minister O Ibobi while visiting RIMS Hospital and Shija Hospital today to inspect victims of the IED explosion that took place at a temporary Durga Puja site at Thangal Bazar yesterday, announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased commando personnel, Rs 1 lakh each to the victims who received serious injuries, and Rs 20,000 each to those victims who sustained mild injuries in the blast Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=4&src=031014

1st Mega trade fair begins in Tamenglong

With an aim to promote the trades and encourage the entrepreneur to take up trade as business in Tamenglong region, the Kevi Society Kohima on Thursday formally kick of 1st Mega trade fair at the newly constructed Indoor Stadium Tamenglong District HQs…

With an aim to promote the trades and encourage the entrepreneur to take up trade as business in Tamenglong region, the Kevi Society Kohima on Thursday formally kick of 1st Mega trade fair at the newly constructed Indoor Stadium Tamenglong District HQs Source Hueiyen News Service Daniel Kamei

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=13&src=031014

Sarita awarded IIK National Pride Award in Korea

In recognition of the brave heart acts and best performance of Indian boxer Laishram Sarita Devi in the ongoing Asian Games 2014 at Incheon, ‘Indian In Korea’ IIK awarded her with IIK National Pride Award with a cash Award of USD 1710 contributed b…

In recognition of the brave heart acts and best performance of Indian boxer Laishram Sarita Devi in the ongoing Asian Games 2014 at Incheon, ‘Indian In Korea’ IIK awarded her with IIK National Pride Award with a cash Award of USD 1710 contributed by members of Indians In Korea IIK Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=3&src=031014

Administrative Inefficiency plagues AIDS Control Prog in Manipur

Even though the rate of HIV prevalence in Manipur still soaring over one percent, the pace of addressing the epidemic has slowed down considerably thereby putting the lives of millions of young people at stake Source Hueiyen News Service Seram Neken

Even though the rate of HIV prevalence in Manipur still soaring over one percent, the pace of addressing the epidemic has slowed down considerably thereby putting the lives of millions of young people at stake Source Hueiyen News Service Seram Neken

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=2&src=031014

Mahila Morcha BJP joins Clean India Campaign

Showing solidarity to the public awareness campaign of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Clean India Campaign, the Mahila Morcha BJP Manipur President Naorem Ibemcha Devi initiated a cleanliness campaign in Bal Vidya Mandir Higher Secondary School at Poro…

Showing solidarity to the public awareness campaign of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Clean India Campaign, the Mahila Morcha BJP Manipur President Naorem Ibemcha Devi initiated a cleanliness campaign in Bal Vidya Mandir Higher Secondary School at Porompat in Imphal East district today Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=11&src=031014

Chandel bodies thanks police and MR repairing ChandelPallel road

Different Civil bodies including Chandel Naga People’s Organisation, Naga Women Union Chandel, Lamkang Naga Kver Kunpun, Sirti UPa Ruh, Sirti Sanuw Ruwrkheh, Anal Lenruwl Tangpi and Maha Area Chiefs’ Association of the district have expressed apprec…

Different Civil bodies including Chandel Naga People’s Organisation, Naga Women Union Chandel, Lamkang Naga Kver Kunpun, Sirti UPa Ruh, Sirti Sanuw Ruwrkheh, Anal Lenruwl Tangpi and Maha Area Chiefs’ Association of the district have expressed appreciation to the combined force of 8th MR Leikun and Chandel Police for the kind of help rendered to the people in mending the deplorable Pallel Chandel road by filling the poth holes Source Hueiyen News Service Koko Hrangbung

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=15&src=031014

Seminar : Traditional Food habit and Production by Kha Manipur College – E-Pao.net

Seminar : Traditional Food habit and Production by Kha Manipur CollegeE-Pao.netEven in Manipur, traditional fermented soyabean and bamboo shoots have been consumed as a regular food in different recipes over a long period of time. In order to meet grow…

Seminar : Traditional Food habit and Production by Kha Manipur College
E-Pao.net
Even in Manipur, traditional fermented soyabean and bamboo shoots have been consumed as a regular food in different recipes over a long period of time. In order to meet growing demand of such fermented foods and to ensure its supply throughout the year …

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNF1bLobHg5AQ3GpYI1-Xj1RuDcAJA&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&ei=akIuVOC8C4nmwQGatYD4Bw&url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageSelector.asp?src%3DSeminar_Traditional_Food_habit_and_Production_by_Kha_Manipur_College_20141003%26ch%3Deducation%26sub1%3DEducation_Announcements%26sub2%3DEdn_Ann_2014

Will Manipur Be Clean ? – E-Pao.net

Will Manipur Be Clean ?
E-Pao.net
A closer look into the government offices and buildings across the State will give a worrisome picture of ‘Clean Manipur‘. Lack of civic sense may be a major factor for the deteriorating condition of public places in the State. Toilets in government

and more »

Will Manipur Be Clean ?
E-Pao.net
A closer look into the government offices and buildings across the State will give a worrisome picture of 'Clean Manipur'. Lack of civic sense may be a major factor for the deteriorating condition of public places in the State. Toilets in government

and more »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNEK_y7mkVrfp5z7LsmbxJd9XhcY_Q&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&cid=52778623987803&ei=Mj0vVOjyBqyEwQHKvYDYAg&url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageSelector.asp?src%3DWill_Manipur_Be_Clean_HL_20141003%26ch%3Dnews_section%26sub1%3Deditorial%26sub2%3Deditorial_2014

Good thoughts, an offshoot of clean living environment: CM Ibobi

IMPHAL, October 2: As a part of the `National Cleanliness Day` observed on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, for many years now, the State government held a

IMPHAL, October 2: As a part of the `National Cleanliness Day` observed on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, for many years now, the State government held a function and paid floral tributes to the man of peace and non-violence, and revered as the `Father of the Nation`, at the Gandhi Memorial hall today.

The anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is also commemorated as `International Day of Non-violence` worldwide since it was adopted by the UN in 2007 giving recognition to Mahatma Gandhi`™s thoughts and philosophy.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam along with cabinet ministers Ak Mirabai, I Hemochandra, M Okendro, Francis Ngajokpa; MLAs and bureaucrats offered floral tributes to saintly man.

The CM reminded everyone present that Mahatma Gandhi widely known as the `Father of the Nation` of the country is acknowledged even by the United Nations for his dedication and tireless non-violent efforts in nation building. Mahatma Gandhi will be always remembered as a great spiritual force by the future generations, he added.

The day is observed to mark the birth anniversary of the Mahatma who led the nation in its struggle for freedom from the British Empire using non-violence (ahimsa) as his most powerful weapon, the CM said.

Ibobi observed that good thoughts are an offshoot of cleanliness and Gandhi always promoted hygiene throughout his life as he believed that cleanliness was next to godliness and used cleanliness as a spiritual exercise.

Cleanliness within us will make the environment clean, he added.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam today called upon all to resolve mutually the problems and issues confronting the State through non-violent means as propagated by Mahatma Gandhi.

He said Gandhi`™s supreme sacrifices and dedication for the nation is relevant till today.

The deputy CM also said that not only keeping our surrounding clean is necessary but there is also a need to keep our mind clean to refrain from violence, creating disturbances and destructions.

After the function, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh led others in taking the Swachh Pledge. The Union government has launched a new mission `Swachh Bharat Mission` which started on September 25 and will continue till October 23.

This mission aims to make the country a Swachh Bharat by 2019 on the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Later, floral tributes were also offered to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi within the premises of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/good-thoughts-an-offshoot-of-clean-living-environment-cm-ibobi/

56 years of AFSPA: Legalising Rule O` Flaw

By Anjuman Ara Begum `It was on the 11 September 1958 that the President of India signed the Act, and the same day 9/11 is observed as the anti-terrorism day

By Anjuman Ara Begum

`It was on the 11 September 1958 that the President of India signed the Act, and the same day 9/11 is observed as the anti-terrorism day world over, the struggle against state terrorism started on the same day for the inalienable civil, political and cultural rights of the peoples of Northeast India with the imposition of AFSPA 56 years ago…`™. this was the reaction of civil society members gathered on September 11, 2014 at Guwahati to `celebrate`™ the 56 years of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA, in short). AFSPA became law on September 11, 1958 after receiving assent of the president of India. It was promised to be a temporary measure. 56 years on, the Act is still in force despite several calls for its repeal and is still held strong by the armed forces an excuse for legalising repression and impunity calling it a `holly book`™. Participating in the same gathering renowned human rights activist of the region Babloo Loitongbam, `if this is temporary measure then what it the meaning of permanent?`™, a thought that provokes human conscience to rethink about AFSPA.

RULE OF LAW, a universally celebrated and adopted concept to counter arbitrariness and unreasonableness in law and practice. The concept dominates the law making process of today`™s civilised and democratic countries. Soon after adopting a written constitution in 1950 with implicit guarantee of RULE OF LAW, the state of India continue to resort to repressive policies as well as practices. Following the colonial footsteps, the AFSP bill was passed in the parliament in August, 1958 after a brief seven hours debate. It was in the same year of 1958, India signed Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Geneva Conventions of 1948, Convention against Racial Discrimination and several others. State of India continued to reaffirm its commitment towards the protection and promotion of international human rights standards despite resorting to repressive policies and practices like AFSPA domestically.

Soon after becoming a law, AFSPA started concretising it`™s existence. It`™s application continued to be extended as well as it`™s abuses. Needless to say that the Act has `normalised`™ routine declaration of disturbed area, encouraged the practice of extrajudicial execution and reinforced the culture of impunity. Let`™s us consider these three aspects.

Firstly, the extension `disturbed area` status for north eastern states since 1955 has now attained the status of a mere routine administrative exercise. What constitute `disturbances`™ is still not codified in legal literature. Even the judiciary ignored this aspect. In Naga People Movement for Human Rights vs. Union of India, AIR 1998 SC 431, it was simply said that the country understands what constructs a `disturbed area`™. It was further decreed that there is no requirement that the Central Government shall consult the State Government before making the declaration. In fact, there are instances where state`s resolution against such declaration has been ignored. It is reported that Nagaland state assembly passed resolutions against the extension on four occasions and each time these resolutions have been ignored by the centre government. Tripura, a state often claimed as an example of successful counter insurgency measures still remained `disturbed`™. Tripura hardly had any major armed encounter in recent years. Such back door declarations of emergency situation continued simultaneously when Government of India claimed internationally that there is no situation of armed conflict in the country.

Declaration of `disturbed area` also means additional budget allocations. In a corrupt country like India, this aspect is important in the context of recurring extension of `disturbed area`™ status. Parliament of India`™s record suggests that the Government has been providing financial assistance. During the period of the year 2011- 2012 financial assistance was provided under Security Related Expenditure (SRE) to the affected States are Assam (153.04 crore), Nagaland (83.11 crore), Manipur (28.88 crore), Tripura (39.25 crore), Arunachal Pradesh (27.82 crore), J& K (342.27 crore)

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/56-years-of-afspa-legalising-rule-o-flaw/

Planting of bombs at crowded places a slap on humanism: Chaoba

IMPHAL, October 2: State BJP president Th Chaoba condemned the cowardly act of planting a bomb at a crowded place which resulted in the death of a police personnel yesterday

IMPHAL, October 2: State BJP president Th Chaoba condemned the cowardly act of planting a bomb at a crowded place which resulted in the death of a police personnel yesterday at MG Avenue at a Durga Puja Pandal.

`Such act is a slap on the face of humanism and we should ensure that such inhuman act don`™t occur again on the soil of Manipur,` he said before demanding strong action against all those responsible for the most inhuman act.

He was attending a sit in protest condemning the blast.

The demonstration at Thangal Bazaar near the blast site was jointly organized by the Hindustani Samaj, Manipur Imphal and the Bazaar Committee.

Shops in the two bazaar areas of Imphal also remained closed for the day.

Chaoba accompanied by the party`™s general secretary administration M Ashnikumar and others joined the sit in protest.

Chaoba said the recent series of violent incidents including ambush of police personnel and bomb blasts both in the hills and the valley is not a sign of improving law and order situation in the State.

If the government is unable to protect the life and properties of the public, than it is not good governance, he lamented.

Such violence has been frequent in the State capital which has left many persons dead and other injured, he claimed.

He also said that the party shares the grief of the family of the police personnel killed in the blast.

The protestors strongly condemned the blast and said it is unfortunate that such a violent incident has occurred during one of the biggest festivals of the hindus.

Meanwhile, members of the Durga Puja organizing committee, where the blast took place appealed against all not to repeat such actions. One of the protestors said such violence could only create fear psychosis and nothing else.

Shops and other business establishments run by non-locals in both the Thangal and Paona bazaars remained closed during the protest hours.

Meanwhile, a member of the Hindustani Samaj, Subhas said since the last 27 years, Durga Puja is being celebrated after taking permission from the concern DC.

Yesterday`™s violence is unfortunate for the people living in the heart of the Imphal city, he said.

He demanded adequate security for the civilian population in the area.

Another leader of the organization, Ramji Sahni said if the government couldn`™t protect the lives of the civilians, than it will make its appeal to the Union government.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/planting-of-bombs-at-crowded-places-a-slap-on-humanism-chaoba/

Boxing Disgrace and Disaster

For Manipur, news from the boxing ring of the 17th Asian Games at Incheon, South Korea, in the past few days have been packed with high drama. While Mary Kom,

For Manipur, news from the boxing ring of the 17th Asian Games at Incheon, South Korea, in the past few days have been packed with high drama. While Mary Kom, the sporting superstar in her own right, brought in ecstatic tidings having become the first Indian woman to win a boxing gold medal at an Asiad, stories of Laishram Sarita and Laishram Debendro were heartbreaking. The latter two, from all appearances, were given dubious verdicts by the boxing judges at their respective bouts, both against South Korean opponents, denying them the glory they well could have won. Had they lost fairly, there would not have been any further need for extending the ado, but the developments were far from such an outcome, from the accounts of all who watched the bouts live, as well as all of us who saw them on TV. Even commentators doing the running commentary of these bouts for TV channels expressed utter surprise at the results. One cannot be certain if the judges were swayed by the chants of the home crowds, or else they were, as some suggested, part of a match fixing racket for money, a bane few popular sports have been spared. This suspicion is further buttressed by the fact that the Indian boxers were not the only one to complain of unfair verdicts. Earlier, before Sarita was rudely shown the exit door, the entire Mongolian boxing contingent officially complained of a similar verdict against one of their boxers fighting a South Korean opponent and threatened a walkout.

Debendro bowed out quietly though visibly perturbed when the verdict was pronounced, but Sarita did not. Stunned and in sheer disbelief she wept bitterly even as the verdict came, and then thereafter lodged a complaint against the judgment. She then refused the bronze medal she was still entitled to even after the loss, leaving it on the podium where she was given it, earning accolades from onlookers, but possibly putting her future career as a boxer at great risk as well. From news reports so far, AIBA, the apex international amateur boxing control body, it seems is probing her extreme protest, and at the worst, can suspend her from participating in tournaments under its banner in the future. If AIBA does go ahead with such a ban, Sarita, who is already in the afternoon of her career at ripe age of 32 for a contact sports which demands extreme physical fitness and mental grit, may not have the opportunity or time to make a comeback ever. The greatest disappointment for fans and her would be if she is made to miss the Rio Olympics about two years from now.

What was also shamefully confounding in the entire episode was the attitude of the Indian Olympics Association officials who accompanied the Indian contingent to Incheon. From the picture which is emerging now, it seems none of them were by the side of the two distraught boxers when they needed their help the most. Sarita, it now has become clear had even to borrow the fee of 500 US dollars for making a complaint as the IOA officials avoided joining the action, quite in contrast with what the Mongolian officials did for their boxer similarly dumped by the judges. The complaint was rejected on the technical ground that such complaints can be made, as per AIBA rules, only against the referee but not the judges. Had the IOA officials been by Sarita`™s side when this trouble was brewing, perhaps she would have been spared making the protest all by herself, thereby avoided attracting scrutiny of the AIBA on her individual self. As officials they are expected to know these rules of protest better than the athletes, and they are supposed to give sane counsel to the latter at such times. But none of these happened. If Sarita does get slapped with an AIBA suspension, the IOA officials must be made to shoulder the responsibility.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/boxing-disgrace-and-disaster/

Policeman killed in IED blast given State honour

IMPHAL, October 2: State honour was conferred to the deceased police personnel, M Ibotombi of Lilong Arapti, who was killed in the MG Avenue bomb blast on October 1. A

IMPHAL, October 2: State honour was conferred to the deceased police personnel, M Ibotombi of Lilong Arapti, who was killed in the MG Avenue bomb blast on October 1. A contingent of 1st Manipur Rifles paid gun salute to honour the personnel at 11:30 today.

State Chief Minister, O Ibobi and deputy CM, Gaikhngam along with top officials of police were present on the occasion.

Mention may be made that on October 1, at around 7:55pm a powerful Improvised Explosive Device went off amidst a crowd, when a large number of people had turned up to take part in the Durga Puja festival, organised at the MG Avenue area.

The blast injured more than 20 people, besides killing a police personnel. Five persons who were critically injured are still under medical treatment at RIMS and Shija hospital.

Ibobi later in the afternoon visited the injured patients at RIMS along with the deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the portfolio of Home minister.

The CM after the visit maintained that the incident is condemnable in all possible terms. He further appealing that such heinous act should not be allowed to be repeated in the future.

Ibobi said that the religious festivals must be shared by every community of the State and should be respected across all affiliations and beliefs. He said without tolerance, the society will not progress.

He further mentioned that the State government is yet to ascertain the identities of those who have committed the crime. Befitting action will be taken to those found involved, he added.

The Chief Minister also announced to extend financial support of Rs 5 lack to the family of the deceased, Rs 50,000 each to those seriously injured; and Rs 20,000 to those with minor injuries.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam expressed that the State will tighten up its security arrangements taking into account of the prevailing law and order situation. He continued that a review meeting of the security force has been conducted chaired by the DGP of police.

He added that the CCTVs that are being installed in different parts of the Imphal will be made functional. Later AK Mirabai, minister of Social Welfare joined the CM and deputy CM to visit those injured at the Shija hospital, Langol.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/policeman-killed-in-ied-blast-given-state-honour/

MG Avenue blast an act of terrorism, says Gaikhangam

IMPHAL, October 2: Terming the bomb attack at MG Avenue on October 1 as `barbaric`, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has condemned the incident which claimed the life of a policeman

IMPHAL, October 2: Terming the bomb attack at MG Avenue on October 1 as `barbaric`, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has condemned the incident which claimed the life of a policeman and injured around 20 civilians.

He was speaking at the observance of the National Cleanliness Day on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Memorial hall.

He observed that the incident was totally in contrast to the ideology of non-violence propagated by Mahatma Gandhi.

The dastardly act was immature, bereft of any ideology and is an act of terrorism, he said asking those responsible for the blast how would they react if it were to happen to their family members and whether they would be able to remain calm.

Amidst various external forces from different directions trying to destroy the territorial and emotional integrity of the State, such incident is shameful and will not only create rifts among us but will prove counterproductive for the State, the deputy CM added.

Urging those responsible for the blast to think about the pros and cons of their action on the auspicious day even though they lack the conscience of humans, he said that taking the path of non-violence would not bring anything and would not resolve any issue because violence would beget more violence only.

Such act has occurred many times in the State but it didn`™t bring any solution, he said asking what kind of benefits could be gain by killing innocent people and making them bleed.

He also condoled the death of the police personnel and expressed grief for the injured civilians in that incident.

Stressing that many steps were taken by the government for the protection of people living in the State whether permanently or temporary, he said police personnel are doing their duty to safeguard them which is clearly evident from the death of a policeman on the spot.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/mg-avenue-blast-an-act-of-terrorism-says-gaikhangam/

MPP blames security lapses for MG Avenue blast

IMPHAL, October 10: The Manipur People`™s Party has blamed State intelligence failure and negligence on the part of the State forces for yesterday`™s powerful blast in the heart of the

IMPHAL, October 10: The Manipur People`™s Party has blamed State intelligence failure and negligence on the part of the State forces for yesterday`™s powerful blast in the heart of the city which killed a police commando and injured many other civilians.

Speaking to media persons at the party office, MPP president Nongmeikapam Sovakiran said the State government has failed to take any precautionary and anticipatory measures on security.

It is unfortunate that the blast took place at a place where prohibitory orders under Sec 144 CrPC was still imposed, he lamented.

This clearly indicates the failure of the State security arrangement, he continued.

He said yesterday`™s incident is not the first and it will not be the last.

The State police have always failed to apprehend any person involved in a bomb blast in the State, he continued.

He said the party shares the sorrow and pain of the bereaved family of the police constable killed and the others injured in the blast.

Sovakiran also said the party congratulate boxer Mary Kom on her winning the Asian Games gold medal.

However, such happy times as her winning the gold medal has been mired by the controversial decision of the jury in Laishram Sarita`™s bout, he continued.

Although Laishram Sarita had lost her semi-final bout against Jina Park of the host nation due to a dubious decision of the juries, she has won millions of hearts, he said.

She deserved to be congratulated at a par with the gold medal winners, he said and urged both the State and the Central governments to treat her like the gold medal winners during felicitation functions.

He further decried the Indian Olympic Association of neglecting its duties during Sarita`™s ordeal.

Stating that the manner the issue has been handled would have been quite different if the boxer had been from some other State. He said the three MPs from the State have failed to apprise the government of the issue.

He also charged of corruption in sports, which can be seen during provision of admission under reservation.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/mpp-blames-security-lapses-for-mg-avenue-blast/

IIK rewards Sarita with National Pride Award

IMPHAL, October 2: The Indian community in Korea has honoured pugilist Laishram Sarita with the IIK National Pride Award, which include a cash award of USD 1710, contributed by Indians

Sarita IIK Award

IMPHAL, October 2: The Indian community in Korea has honoured pugilist Laishram Sarita with the IIK National Pride Award, which include a cash award of USD 1710, contributed by Indians in Korea.

According to a release of the Indians In Korea, the honour has been conferred to Sarita in recognition of her brave act and her performance in the ongoing Asian Games 2014 at Incheon.

It said the citation of the award mentioned that: `Indians In Korea (IIK) community is proud of you for giving best performance at Incheon Asian Games 2014. You are the real winner for us and will always be.

As a token of appreciation, IIK is pleased to award you “IIK National Pride Award” with a cash value of USD 1710 contributed by Indians In Korea (IIK) members as a respect for your performance.`

The statement recalled that following the controversial loss in the semi-final bout against South Korean boxer Jina Park despite the fact that Sarita was clearly the better of the two pugilists, Sarita on Wednesday stunned officials and spectators by refusing to accept the bronze medal.

It continued that the Indian subsequently also lost an appeal against the judges` decision and on Wednesday tearfully made her way to the medal ceremony. Crying bitterly on the podium, Sarita first refused to wear the medal before handing it over to Park after sharing an emotional hug with the home boxer.

The statement added that Sarita`™s brave act has united the Indian community and made Indians in Korea feel proud of their nation, hence IIK award entitled as `IIK National Pride Award`™ has been conferred to her.

Further it said that AIBA in its statement indicated that its supervisor and Technical Delegate David B Francis have submitted a report to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) concerning the case.

IIK strongly believe that the brave act of Sarita will persuade the AIBA to look into the case more positively and seriously, in terms of changing rules of judging rather than taking actions against Sarita and Boxing India Team, added the release.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/iik-rewards-sarita-with-national-pride-award/

Injustice to Indian boxer Sarita tarnishes images of boxing world & 17th Incheon Asian Games

By Oken Jeet Sandham In my 36 years of sports careers particularly in the field of martials arts – Karate, Kick-Boxing and later 25 years in Muaythai – I have

By Oken Jeet Sandham
In my 36 years of sports careers particularly in the field of martials arts – Karate, Kick-Boxing and later 25 years in Muaythai – I have never come across such a humiliating sporting incidents like the one where India’s boxing star Sarita Devi’s semifinal fight against her South Korean opponent Jina Park on September 30, 2014 on the ongoing 17th Asian Games at Incheon, South Korea.
I was having food while Sarita’s boxing match with her South Korean opponent Park came in on live TV. I just shoved my plate aside and started gluing to the live TV showing her dominating fight against her opponent. The first round was somewhat neck to neck though she was slightly ahead of her opponent. But the rest of the rounds, she gave her ferocious punches to her opponent with her fantastic footwork. Even at following rounds, Park simply could not defend herself Sarita’s ferocious attacks and was off-balanced at many times.
Being in sports for 36 years and also having judged on many world kick Boxing and Muaythai tournaments including 13th Asian Games at Bangkok in 1998 and also 24th SEA Games at Korat, Thailand in 2007, I was banging my dining table as soon as the Sarita’s fight against Park was over, shouting, “Oh, Sarita wins.” But in no time, all hell broke loose when the referee lifted Park’s hand as winner. I was still speechless and remained as stupor unbelieving the judging over this match, because it was so hugely different the boxing skills and prowess between the two boxers. Sarita’s boxing skills and prowess dominated during the fight. This greatest injustice sent instant shock waves across the world.
I would not have much thinking even if Park was declared winner if their fight was somehow neck-to-neck or near neck-to-neck. But in the case of Sarita’s semifinal fight against Park on September 30 at Seonhak Gymnasium was something no judges could manipulate for the simple fact that Sarita had far exceeded than her opponent in attacks and punches with excellent footwork.
Then seeing the points given by the judges on their match becoming more ridiculous because the entire judges came in favor of Park and not even one judge came in favor of Sarita. This incident has simply tarnished the image of the technical officials of AIBA besides creating massive question mark on their activities.
In any game, the standard of the match depends on the quality of judging and not the match. Even for any new game to get Olympic recognition it’s judging and refereeing needs first examining. And if the judging and refereeing are not up to the mark, no game can be qualified to enter into Olympic Games or Asian Games.
Whatever the explanations or arguments that might come after this highly questionable and controversial match, the simple and plain truth is this historic match has been video recorded and telecast worldwide. The match has been in YouTube and other social media networking sites and it can never be misinterpreted.
In fact, the whole country was overjoyed when legendary India boxer Mary Kom won Gold Medal in 51kg category in the Asian Games a day after Sarita’s final berth in the 60kg category was deliberately robbed off. But Sarita’s controversial match was prominently splashed in all the front pages of newspapers in India and the country’s media had done remarkable justice by openly defying the controversial results given by the judges on Sarita’s fight against Park. They said she lost out due to “unfair” decisions during her bout. They all agreed that Sarita was the real winner in her historic semifinal match against Park. Even for the first time, international media had given coverage prominently around the world on the controversial boxing match between Sarita and Park.
Some papers feel Sarita Devi was a “clear winner” in her lightweight (57-60kg) semifinal bout against South Korean Ji-Na Park on Wednesday.
The Indian Express says” “Sarita appears to be a clear winner in the bout… dominating the proceedings with such ferocity that Park barely managed to stand the assault. But much to the shock of the Indian contingent and the spectators, the judges awarded the bout to Park.”
A report on the Mint website says the controversial result has been “widely condemned as unfair and biased towards the host country.”
Sarita’s refusal to accept her bronze medal and her outburst of emotions on the podium dimmed the celebration of Mary Kom’s victory. But the Mint website adds that “it was a day of tears in the boxing arena at the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea. Some happy, some sad.”
The follow up developments have exposed a very shoddy affairs of the boxing officials from India as well as the officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). I have agreed that a grave injustice was meted out to Sarita by the judges but it was a double whammy that no officials either from Indian Boxing or Indian Olympic came forward to formally lodge complaints forget about consoling her. It was simply unimaginable that Sarita had to borrow money from the Indian media persons for protest fees. But she as a player could not lodge any complaint whatsoever with the Judging Committee. Where were the officials be it Indian Boxing officials or Olympic Officials. Are they aware of the rules of the games that in the event of any controversial results given by judges, officials were the ones authorized to formally lodge complaints along with whatever protest fees prescribed as per the rules and regulation framed by that respective International Federations.
Although some including deputy general of Incheon’s organizing committee (IAGOC) say that Sarita’s refusal to accept her bronze medal on the podium went against the values of sportsmanship, no one at home takes it that way. Everyone in India appreciated her actions rather, though it happened with her unprecedented emotional outburst. But the mistake was not Park’s but the judges who should be suspended from judging any future boxing tournaments.
At the same time, the injustice meted out to Sarita tarnishes the beautiful image of the 17th Asian Games at Incheon. It also exposes shoddy attitudes of Indian Boxing officials as well as Indian Olympic officials.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/injustice-to-indian-boxer-sarita-tarnishes-images-of-boxing-world-17th-incheon-asian-games/