Manipur News

IMPHAL, April 9: The Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) has said that the Manipur`™s Brow-Antlered deer (Rucervus eldii eldii), popularly known as Sangai is listed as `endangered`™ in IUCN Red List and Scheduled I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and it is endemic to the region.

According to a release of IBSD, there are less than 200 individuals in the wild and more alarmingly the population is restricted to the floating expanse of the Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur.

After taking over as the Director of IBSD, Imphal in October 2014, Professor Dinabandhu Sahoo said he realised the significance and importance of Sangai in the Socio-cultural Life of the people of Manipur and took initiative to conserve Sangai.

As follow up of IBSD `Imphal Declaration 2015`™ in its letter and spirit, the institute has taken the initiative to organise a National Workshop on `Conservation and Sustainable Management of Sangai`™ at IBSD, Imphal during April 16 and 17 where leading experts from different parts of the country as well as stake holders will be participating in the workshop, it said.

The workshop will deliberate and devise to formulate research and management strategies for the conservation of Sangai, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/workshop-to-discuss-sangai-rescue-strategy/

IMPHAL, April 9: Noted writer and lyricist of the state, Bachaspatimayum Jayentakumar Sharma of Brahmapur Nahabam Bachaspatimayum Leirak, Imphal West, has passed away this evening at Regional Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) after a brief illness.

He was 81 and is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters. After he was diagnosed with a heart ailment, Jayentakumar was living with the support of a pace maker.

He was admitted to RIMS yesterday after his condition worsened and was shifted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the institute.

Jayentakumar Sharma had authored 11 books based on drama, feature and songs. Some of the popular songs penned by him are `Ho Iril Turel`™, `Panthou Mangol Khenjonglang`™, `Ningsingli Meragi Thabaldo`™, `Khomlang Laman Singamloi Ema`™, `Sana Leibak Manipur`™, and `Khanguthakki Singarei`™.

He had served as the president of Manipur Sahitya Parishad and was conferred with Lifetime Achievement Award by Apunba Manipur Matam Ishei Kanglup (AMMIK). He was the working president of the organization.

He was also the advisor of the musical group `Sargam`™, Lalit Kala Sangam Imphal and All Manipur Music Association (AMMA) and had also served as a senior jury member of Film Forum Manipur.

Meanwhile, the Waba Publications Team has expressed deep sense of sorrow and brief at the sad demise of the legendry lyricist and writer B Jayentakumar Sharma, who inspired thousands including children with the power of his music, folktales and creativity.

In a statement, the organization said, “™Manipur has lost the leading exponent of its musical nationalism with the death of the legendary writer and lyricist. His contribution greatly enriched the glory of Manipuri music and children folk literatures of Manipur,`™`™

The void that has caused by the demise of him will not able to fill. The Waba Publications Team offers its sense of sympathy and solidarity to the grieving members of the bereaved family, friends and countless admirers of B. Jayentakumar Sharma, the statement said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/noted-lyricist-and-writer-jayentakumar-sharma-no-more-wpt-mourns/

IMPHAL, April 9: `Film is a medium to denounce social evils and propagate our social values,` Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said, speaking as the chief guest at the 9th Mami Numit Celebration cum 3rd Nong-in Music Video Festival at MFDC today. `Perhaps it is the fastest means for social transformation. Certain social messages underline the entertainment, definitely that`™s the crux we should absorb.` He added.

The function was jointly organized by the Film Forum Manipur and Manipur State Film Development Society.

He further said State Artists have sacrificed for our society and the Government would consider appropriate policy and budget for supporting this avenue.

K. Radhakumar Singh, IAS, Secretary Arts & Culture who graced the function as the guest of honour said that a film policy, a film institute and a film city are definitely a requisite to tap the digital explosion that we have experienced in the film industry. `We should focus on the quality aspect of our productions so that it can aim at worldwide market,` he said.

Padmashri Awardee Aribam Shyam Sharma was honoured with Jewel of Manipuri Cinema-2015 on the occasion.

Five Cine Activist were also felicitated namely Aphang Ahum, Producer and Director (Tangkhul); Dee Abonmei, Producer and Director (Liangmei); Moirangthem Nilamani Singh, Pioneer and Director; (Late) R.Leirenjao Kabui, Producer, Actor and Director (Kabui) and (Late) Lamgin Doungel, Producer and Director (Thadou).

Best Film Journalist Award 2015 was received by Narendra Ningombam.

April 9 is the launching anniversary of first Manipuri Feature Film `Matamgi Manipur` at Usha Hall in 1972. On the occasion, silent observation and floral tributes were paid to 37 departed souls including Lt. W. Lalitkumar.

Another silent observation was held later after receiving the sad news of B Jayentakumar Sharma`™s demise.

Nong-in Music Video Festival 2015 followed with the screening of 16 songs out of the 65 entries.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/film-makers-honoured-on-day-to-celebrate-birth-of-manipuri-cinema/

IMPHAL, April 9: In an embarrassing incident, a computer teacher of Slopeland Public School, Khongjom in Thoubal district, who was selected for participation in the worldwide Computer Based Entrance Examination, 2015 organized by Joint Entrance Examination Union, CBSE New Delhi in Singapore from April 10 to 11 as an Internal Observer could not take part in it due to failure to get passport and visa in time.

Narrating the incident during a press meet at Slopeland Public School today, Nahakpam Babulin, principal of the school said that S Narendra, a PGT computer teacher of the school was chosen to take part in the high profile worldwide Computer Based Entrance Examination, 2015 as an Internal Observer which is a big achievement of the school.

He elaborated that Narendra received the confidential appointment order from CBSE New Delhi on March 13 confirming his participation.

On receiving the appointment order, the teacher tried his best to get passport and visa but could not get it despite putting earnest efforts. The failure to get passport and visa in time has led the teacher to miss out a lifetime opportunity.

`It is a big loss for the school too,` he lamented.

Expressing his desire for upgrading Imphal Passport Office to a full-fledged office so as to enable people get passport and visa in time, he said that there is no guarantee that the unfortunate incident experienced by Narendra would not happen to anyone in future.

He applauded three students of the school for getting selection to participate in the Asian Power Lifting Competition to be held in the first week of June in Hong Kong.

S Narendra himself and several other staff of the school were also present during the meet.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/passport-and-visa-delays-make-teacher-miss-out-on-high-profile-exam/

THOUBAL, April 9: A public rally was organised by villagers against the construction of Mapithel Dam at the source of Thoubal River by IFCD, Manipur Government today at Kakching Khunou Umathel.

The rally was held to ban the construction of the dam which will built without the consent of the villagers. Protestors held placards with slogans such as `Stop displacement of innocents`™, `Abide free prior and informed consent`™, `Respect Forest Conservation Act, 1980`™, `Review Mapithel Dam construction`™ etc., and demonstrated around the areas of Kakching Khunou Umathel.

After the rally, a public meeting was held at Umathel Awang Leikai community Hall and agreed to ban the construction of the dam at all cost. A memorandum containing the statements made by the villagers was submitted each to the Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh, Union Tribal Affairs Minister and Governor of Manipur, PK Paul and the Chief Minister.

The meeting was jointly organised by Centre for Youth Development Association, Umathel, Umathel Women Development Association, Community Development Organisation and Life to Life Foundation, Umathel and attended by representatives of Mapithel Dam Affected Villages Organisation and Centre for Research and Advocation.

Speaking at the public meeting, MDACTO member, Dominic has said that the dam constructed by the government for the development of the state is not for development but to fill the pockets of contractors. He also questioned whether affecting the villagers and causing them trouble be called development. After the construction of reservoir of the dam on January 15 with security force by blocking the river, fields of Chadong village which is located near the dam was flooded. If the dam is fully constructed the village will be submerged under water, along with neighbouring village, Lamlai village and other villages as well, said Dominic.

He further questioned if starvation and children who cannot get education can be called development.

With the arrival of monsoon season, the bridge laid above Chandong village river will be flooded and will cut off connection with other villages. The village will suffer greatly if their products cannot be sold due to the flood. Also the station of security at the dam has also caused panic among the children and has refused to go to school, he lamented.

Secretary of WAD, Sobita said that the government`™s plan for construction of dams in the name of development is an insult to the indigenous people. Workers hired in the construction of dams and Security force stationed at the dams will cause problems to women and children. The indigenous people should not be made to suffer in the name development, said the secretary.

Large dams should not be constructed at any cost. People suffering due to construction of large dams is one big example, she said.

Afterwards, various statements were taken. The statements are, to stop blocking of Thoubal River immediately and filling up of the reservoir of the dam, to ban construction of dam till all rehabilitation process acceptable to affected communities and their free, prior and informed consent is taken, to resume the Expert Review Committee set up in 2008 by Manipur Government, to halt all militarization process that support Mapithel dam construction immediately, to stop all forms of involuntary displacement if indigenous people affected by the dam as per UN Declaration on Indigenous Peoples`™ Right 2007 and recommendations World Commission on Dam, 2000 and to urge the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to desist from financing the Integrated Water Supply Scheme, to draw water from Mapithel for Imphal town.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/rally-held-against-the-construction-of-mapithel-dam/