Manipur News

IMPHAL, Nov 28: The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has warned tax collectors of rival groups and informers operating in their area, to halt their activities immediately or else face dire consequences.

A statement issued by the A. Dangmei, Information and Publicity Secretary Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), revealed that on November 25, it apprehended one Robinson, an NSCN-IM cadre, of Khumji/Lukhambi village while indulging in tax collection at Noney (Longmai) Area.

On humanitarian ground being a Zeliangrong Inpui community, the outfit let him off with mere warning rather than any harsh action, it said.

It said that the ZUF will show him no mercy if he is caught repeating the same act in future.

It further warned the general public to keep their distance from Robinson and his associates, to avert any unwanted consequences.

Meanwhile, the outfit also claimed to have apprehended an army informer identified as one D. Magangmei wife of Maheising Dangmei from Gaidimjang Village, Khoupum Sub-Division, Tamenglong district on November, 26.

It said that during the course of interrogation, she confessed to have been working as an informer along with some of friends for the past few months. In exchange for her service, she essential items for daily used from the army.

Magangmei was warned she would be awarded stern penalty if she continues her anti-party activities.

Subsequently, Magangmei`™s associates will also be summoned for explanation at the earliest adding that if found guilty appropriate action will be taken against them, further added the statement.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/zuf-warns-rivals-of-dire-consequences-if-they-do-not-relent/

By Lanchamei Golmei

IMPHAL, November 28: `There are no separate gates for the differently-abled persons. The extra tight security system as well as traffic regulation are added woes for people like me, for we too have to walk at least one kilometre to reach the venue from the first security cordon`, said Md Yusuf, a differently-abled participant of the Sangai Festival.

Talking with this reporter, Yusuf, who is also the general secretary of the Disabled Development Association Manipur, DDAM said that he had to face lots of inconveniences in order to get a stall at the festival venue.

He also lamented that there is no separate exit or entry gate for the differently-abled persons, although this has been made mandatory by law for organiser of any public event or function.

`The organiser in future should make it a point to make proper arrangements for the differently-abled persons prior to the festival. If they cannot make arrangement for such persons in festivals to come, they are going to discourage many innovative people from showcasing their talents and creativity in the festival`, Yusuf said.

Another stall owner, Mutua Bahadur, a well-known private curator of the State pointed out that the intent of his stall is to make the common people understand the unique and rich cultural heritage of the State, and also to show to the world the State`™s variegated but composite culture.

He opined that the section for Explore Manipur would have been much better if the area/section is allocated only to showcase the unique cultures of Manipur instead of mixing up with other commercial stalls.

He also said that there are many more of Manipur that could have been showcased but as the space he was allotted is limited, he had to contend with a limited edition.

He also informed that his stall is sponsored by the Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur and this is the first time the government is extending such generosity in the Sangai Festival.

It may be mentioned that Mutua`™s stall is within the Explore Manipur Section showcasing different communities`™ handloom fabric, ornaments, instruments maintained and preserved at the Mutua Museum, Keishampat Imphal.

It is also worth mentioning that the festival has been celebrated in the past as Tourism Festival but since 2010 it was renamed as Sangai Festival, and each year its popularity amongst the people has been growing. This year, lakhs of people have been thronging the festival venue every day.

The festival has also become the appropriate forum for start up enterprises to introduce their innovative ideas to the public, and also a common platform for various communities of the State to come together, but a lot still remains to be improved, stated a keen observer of the festival.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/differentlyabled-complain-of-insensitivity-by-sangai-fest-2014-organisers/

By Bachaspatimayum Bisheswar Sharma

IMPHAL, November 28: A bicycle made of bamboo could be a luxury ride and Elangbam Ajit a native of the State claims to be the second person in India who knows how to make cycle with bamboo.

The mechanical parts of the cycle are however metal.

During a brief meeting at the National Bamboo Mission Manipur, department of Forest premium stall inside the Sangai Festival, Ajit said he was trained in bamboo crafts in China in 2012.

He said during his two-month training stint in China he learned about planting a bamboo tree, nourishing it, cultivating and utilising it.

Ajit said he learned that bamboo can be used as any other wood and help in fighting deforestation and soil erosions.

The life cycle of a bamboo plant is about four years, he said.

He said soon after his training in China, he first tried making a sofa set and took about 45 days.

He said he has already received 24 orders for his sofa set which is exhibited alongside his bamboo cycle in the National Bamboo Mission Manipur stall.

A carved sofa set could cost Rs 45000 while a plain set could cost Rs 35000, he added.

Coming to his bicycle, he said he has produced around 14 bamboo cycle frames, however, he is yet to quote a price.

He further thanked the National Bamboo Mission for providing him a space in the stall to exhibit his crafts.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/man-behind-bamboo-cycle-optimistic-of-bamboo-resurgence/