Manipur News

IMPHAL, Sep 11 NNN: The United Committee Manipur (UCM) said Wednesday the present Manipur and Central Governments have no explicit knowledge of the state’s actual boundary area along the Indo-Myanmar border, announcing it would launch a mass movement to push for a final settlement to the alleged flawed boundary fencing and demanded for a demarcation of the border to determine the state’s political boundary.
Talking to mediapersons at the UCM office here, the committee’s president Y Nabachandra demanded that the Central and Manipur Government take steps for demarcation of the alleged disputed Indo-Myanmar border to determine the definite political boundary of the state. Manipur Government should convene an emergency special session of the state assembly to discuss the border issue and bring an ultimate solution, he further demanded.
He said UCM had earlier on September 1 organised a seminar on the border issue here at Imphal Hotel to seek advice from intellectuals on the matter which is very sensitive by nature.
The discussion came after a team of the committee visited the border to oversee the Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing, he said.This was followed by a technical session held at the committee’s office yesterday to deliberate on the next course of action, Nabachandra informed, adding six resolutions were taken during the session.
It resolved the territorial integrity of the state should not be severed at any cost and the concerned should immediately stop taking such steps. An emergency special assembly session should be convened by the Government to discuss on the border issue and take resolutions to bring a final solution.
Any sort of fence construction on the Indo-Myanmar border must be immediately discontinued until the dispute is ended by a political solution, it resolved.
It also resolved that the state Government should bring out a white paper on the issue. Further resolved that a coordinating committee comprises of social organizations and leaders of the ethnic communities of Manipur will be set up to deal with the issue and launch a mass agitation to fulfill all the demands.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/centre-state-oblivious-of-border-problem-ucm/

Imphal Sep 11 UNA : Hundreds of students of Presidency College Motbung gathered at the Jubilee Hall to celebrated the 40th Fresher’s Meet 2013 organized by the Students’ Union Presidency College Motbung on Wednesday.
The event was graced by Shri. Tongminlen Haokip, Jr.MCS, SDO/BDO Chandel District, Khengjoi Block as Chief Guest while Dr. T.Gangte, Principal Presidency College Motbung and Y.Biren Singh, Associate Professor, Chemistry, Presidency College, Motbung attended the event as Guest of Honour and Functional President respectively. All teaching staffs of the College apart from the special invitees attended the event .
During the celebration event, various cultural dance were on display by different cultural troupe including Pahlingnei Cultural Troupe, Presidency College Cultural Troupe, Chungmang Pathen(PYC), etc.
A prominient Kuki Pop Artiste Lovejoy and others like Boipu Khongsai, DJ.Kay, Chongneo Khongsai, Kamgoulen Joewa and Golden Age Band enthralled the audience with their performance in the event.
The audience had a great time listening to Lovejoy hit songs like “Gamtui Theng”, “Thangvan Ponkang Sil”.
One of the highlight of the event which charged up the crowd was the Westerndance from Pipi & Lulun, Pahhoi & Party, Themshi & Friends as well as Kh.Mangpi.
“Enjoy your College life with positive attitude and approach” noted the event Chief Guest while adding that a good student always maintained the value of Education well in positive path.
Dr.T.Gangte urges the freshers and other students to tread on the example of humility in greatness, necessity of continual learning and significance of student involvement in social services as examplified by respectable high ranking top official in the state as well as in central service who are once good pupils of the college.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/supcms-celebrates-40th-freshers-meet/

IMPHAL, Sept 11 NNN : The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is 55 years old today and the people affected by this ‘black Act’ have come all along protesting for over half a century against the Act but the largest democracy in the world, India is unperturbed and callous.
The United Naga Council (UNC), Sharmila Kanba Lup (Save Sharmila Movement) and Just-Peace Foundation (JPF) today strongly advocated for the repeal of AFSPA.
“As an organisation, we also demand for the repeal of AFSPA at the earliest,” said UNC president L Adani while talking to NNN.
Meanwhile, Sharmila Kanba Lup, a movement supporting hunger striker Irom Sharmila has termed today, the September 11 as Black Day’.
On September 11, 1958, the AFSPA came into existence.
Women folks under the banner of Sharmila Kanba Lup carried out sit-in-protest today to mark the day near (JNIMS), Porompat in Imphal.
Also marking the occasion, Just Peace Foundation, Imphal questions the rationality of continuing imposition of AFSPA by the government for over half a century.
“In many parts of the North East India, the Act has been in operation for all these 55 years generating and invigorating this feeling of alienation,” said the Just Peace Foundation in a communique made available to the media houses today. It then pointed out several instances where numerous government constituted review committees on AFSPA going against the continuing of the Act.
The JPF cited the reports of the 2005 Committee to Review the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the Supreme Court appointed Santosh Hegde Commission and many others.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/55-long-years-under-afspa/

TAMENGLONG, Sept 11-The Bharat Sansar Nigam Limited(BSNL) has started to introduce 3G internet services connectivity in Manipur’s Tamenglong in the current year.
This was disclosed by M Maheshkumar Telecom Technical Assistant of BSNL during the question and answer session soon after delivering his presentation on BSNL’s activities in the backward district of the state on the first day of the on-going 3 day 15thBharat Nirman Public Information Campaign which was organized by Press Information Bureau (PIB)Government of India,Imphal in collaboration with Directorate of Field Publicity(DFP),Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity, Song and Drama Division, All Indian Radio and Doordarshan and District administration of Tamenglong at Town Baptist Church Hall in Tamenglong district today.
He also admitted that the BSNL is planning to launch Wi-max internet service in the hill district headquarter, about 150 km west of the state capital soon once the necessary infrastructure are established.
There are three 2G Base Trans-receiver (BTS)mobile towers, one each of 3G BTS and WLLtowersin Tamenglong district headquarters.There are limitations for setting up of BTS towers as it requires proper infrastructures.
But unfortunately one BTS tower is going down in Tamenglong since the last four/five days back due to frequent cut down on the existing Optical Fibre Cable(OFC)located somewhere along the 40 km stretch of Tamenglong headquarter and Khongsang points, he added.
So far BSNL has been providing telephone and internet broadband services to 410 landline telephone subscribers and 50 broadband telephone services.
Seeking public help and cooperation from the general public of the district the BSNL official also admitted that the up-gradation works of the BSNL services are still on in the district.
The AADHAR number, a unique identity numberof every citizen of the country, issued by government of India will remain valid for their lifetime. This AADHAR number will serve as Identity of a person anywhere in India. It is a must for the citizens to enrolfortheir respective AADHAR numberin the country.
This was stated by Senior Journalist Salam Enaomacha during the first day technical session of the on-going the Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign at Town Baptist Church Tamenglong organized by Press Information Bureau, Government of India, Imphal in collaboration with DAVP, DFP, Song & Drama Division, Prasar Bharati and District Administration Tamenglong, today.
“The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme will prevent the misuse of subsidy amounts provided by the government for every beneficiaryas the government authority or the implementing agencies will directly deposit their money to their respective bank accounts which are linked to Aadhar number”, Enaomacha added. However at present, since many beneficiaries are still to be provided the Aadhar card, the benefits are deposited to the bank accounts even without the Aadhar number.
Under the scheme, all LPG consumers with Aadhar numbers and whose bank accounts linked to Aadhar numbers will be given and advance amount of Rs 435/- per cylinder booked, immediately on booking a cylinder.While the LPG cylinders will be supplied at the market price,the subsidised amount will be credited automatically in their accounts.
It may be mentioned that the DBT which was launched on January 1 this year in 43 districts in 16 states and union territories for 25 schemes, also aims to cover some of the central sponsored schemes such as Indira Gandhi Matritiva SahyongYojana,Dhanlakshmi scheme, Janani SurakshaYojana,housing subsidy for beedi workers, stipend for SC/ST for coaching , guidance and vocational training.
A public discussion on Aadhar and DBT followed by another quiz among the school students of Tamenglong at the concluding part of the technical session. Later magic show and a theme based short play by artists of the Song and Drama Division,Imphal enthralled the gathering.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bsnl-introduces-3g-at-tamenglong/

TAMENGLONG: The newly implemented Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyaram (JSSK) scheme which entitles pregnant women delivering in public health institutions to absolutely free and no expense delivery including caesarean section under the National Rural Health Mission(NRHM), has benefited as many as 252 pregnant women in Manipur’s Tamenglong.
This was stated by District Program Manager Ms Abuana Gonmei of NRHM, Tamenglong on the first technical session of the 3 day Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign on the flagship programs of the Central government at Tamenglong today.
She said ASHAs(Accredited Social Health Activist)and the health workers are mobilizing the interior village women in their village. They are the back born of the National Rural Health Mission in Tamenglong, she added and narrated the role and activities of ASHAs.
She said that another new scheme called Adolescence Friendly Health Clinic also launch six clinics in Tamenglong for all adolescence who did not want to consult their health problems to their parents. The adolescence may consult the doctor on every Friday afternoon(2-4 pm).
The district program manager also revealed that the first referral district hospital Tamenglongis running acute shortage of manpower as it has only 20 doctors against around 50 each in the other district hospitals. However besides 252 ASHAs, there are around 11 staff nurses,27 ANMs,12 ASHA felicitators and 6 Ayush doctors under NRHM Tamenglong.
“No one is willing to be posted in Tamenglong due to many reasons including lack of infrastructure, lack of electricity or bad telecommunication etc ”, Abuana opined. The Operation Theatre building has completed but there is no special doctor posted here, to be functional the district hospital has organized two surgical camps in the recent time where as many as 26 major and 17 minor cases were operated successfully. The next surgical camp would be organized in November 2013, she informed.
She further said that the District Mobile Medical Unit has organized 103 camps till date despite having Ultra- sound machine due to lack of technician.
She also mentioned that under NRHM scheme in Tamenglong, Village Health Sanitation Committee also formed with the village authority with ASHAs as president and secretary of the committee respectively. The District Health Mission Society has sanctioned some fund to organize awareness campaign on health and sanitation. “The committee is responsible for any health program or issues related to the health in their respective village”, she said. “As many as 15 government schools have been covered this year besides conducting school health programme”.
Later a public interaction followed by a quiz competition among the school students were also held in the day’s afternoon session.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/252-pregnant-women-benefited-under-jssk-in-tamenglong/

MNS:- David Haokip, Secretary, Deptt. of Political Affairs, Govt of Khulmigam(UKLF) today said 13 September every year is observed as Kuki Black Day by some section of Kuki people since the last some years. It was on this day the largest numbers of innocent Kukis were eliminated in 1993 at few different places at the time when the Naga-Kuki ethnic clash was at its peak.
However, being a peace loving organization, the UKLF is not in favour of observing the day as Kuki Black day owing to some pertinent reasons. We have consulted several church leaders, peace loving individuals, social and political leaders and we came to the conclusion that observing the day as BLACK day will bring nothing good to the society as a whole. Hence, we used to speak out our mind to the public disfavouring its observance many times in the past as wel as in the present. But in this particular point we are being misunderstood by some people even in our own community. Neverthless we cannot remain a silent spectator when we have a commitment to bring peace and tranquility in the society.
Therefore, we have decided that there will be no Black Day observance in UKLF operation area and any body who defied this decision/order shall be dealt with accordingly.
We requested the Kuki church leaders, Pastors/Reverents, social and political leaders to think deeply on the matter and take a decision whether it is in line with the principle of the Bible or not. The Bible’s focal points are forgiving and forgetting the mistakes/misdeeds of others. Peace, unity, harmony, oneness and cooperation among human beings are the main theme of the Bible. There might be a time when we lost love and harmony among us and go into war with one another but we must also have a time to forgive and forget the past unwanted happenings. This is all about the divine law found in the Holy Bible. But whether we put this into practice or not is purely in our hands.
It is also a a request to the general public to ponder seriously and think for the demerits and merits of the actions and thoughts we have. We the UKLF is of the opinion that it will do no good to the society. This is what we believe and accordingly taken a stand point. Our assertion is that remembering and observing the day as such will only renew the past bitter memories which will obstruct the road to peace and social harmony.
Some of the people who supported the Black day say that the day is not for vengeance but for peace and social harmony between the two communities but the result of it seems to be the other way round. Of course we may not openly instigate the people to pound upon and wage war on the other community but it will be a spring well of hatred and animosity against the other which could be a harbinger of another conflict in future.
Black day, though observed by some section of the Kukis, many of the 22 Kuki tribes are not observing it. Thus, the term Kuki Black day is not correct since all the Kukis are not part of it.
Now it also learn that some Kuki people are attempting of erecting memorial stones to remember those Kuki wictims of the Naga Kuki conflict. These people might have anumber of justifications to justify their actions but it will only elongate the memories of those days and the ugly incidents are not erased for good.
Thus, UKLF is not infavour of it. If we want to erect memorial stone we may do so for a particular village or a family but not for the entire Kuki community as it may be a permanent obstacle in process of peace and reconciliation in the society.
We should keep in mind that 20 year before and today is not the same. Time is fast changing and yesterday and today is not the same. We must think for the future more than the present. In the past we might have many mistakes and committed heinous crimes but we cannot be on that path of life always. We should be able change ourselves with the changing of time otherwise we shall be left behind. Looking back and busy recalling and recollecting the past things are doing more harms than good in most cases.
Now is the time to reconciles and come together for building a better future. Singularity is not appreciated since the call of the time is for unity and cooperation. Brethren Nagas had been singularly struggling hard for the last so many decades but achieve very little. They might have suffered heavy casulities in the processes but in the field of achivement it is so little.The Kukis, though late in the field of politics, are also following the footstep of the Nagas and they are likely to end up at nothing if they are not wise enough before it is too late. If the two communities forgive and forget the past and walk hand in hand they may have future other wise a big avelanche is ahead of them.
Right from the beginning, the UKLF has been striving for unity, peace and social harmony in the society. We did whatever we could to achieve something to this end though our success rate is still not up to the mark. We left no stone unturn to bring the two communities back to normalcy particularly after the so call Naga Kuki ethnic clash of the early 90s. Disfavouring Kuki Black Day is one basic step to endeavour our mission. We might be misunderstood by some but we are very clear in our vision and mission.
Now let us be intelligent and careful for the future ahead of us. Let the by-gone be by-gone. We must look for the things a head and not behind us. All farsighted and right thinking citizens should not opt for conflicts and confrontations. We must apply the best intention we have not to allow past bitter experiences to resurface. We must give peace a chance so that security to life come first and economic prosperity comes in the next. Then only we can enjoy the beauty of our blessed state – Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/stand-of-uklf-in-regard-to-kuki-black-day/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 10 : Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Governor of Manipur and Nagaland today presented Governor’s and RK Sanatombi awards at Asha and Jina hall. Addressing the function he said “It is a pleasure and a privilege for me to be here today, at the presentation and felicitation ceremony of the prestigious awards, to the brightest students, best teachers, outstanding sports persons and the most dutiful traffic woman.
My heartiest congratulations to all the awardees and all the prize winners who have been conferred the awards and prizes today. It is no easy task to climb the highest peak in the worjd and it is no easy task to stand first in the class and to so excel in sports that you defeat all your competitors. We all know that it requires a lot of hard work, courage and dedication to make it to the top. Dear awardees, prize winners and summiteers, what you have achieved is creditable not only for you but the entire state of Manipur. It is time for you to feel happy and congratulate your self. At the same time, please do not forget to thank those who have helped you to reach this height. While you struggled, your parents were praying for you. Your teachers, mentors and coaches gave you all the guidance you needed. I am sure you received moral and financial support from your families. Without these, you will agree with me, it would have been difficult or even impossible for you to succeed. Therefore, this is the time to acknowledge the contribution made by others in your success and express your gratitude to those who have helped you in your journey to the top.
On behalf of the Government of Manipur, on behalf of the people of Manipur and on my own behalf, I compliment the individuals and Institutions for making this happen. At this stage I must thank the members of the selection committee for helping me decide the recipients of Governor’s Award and the same committee for selecting the R.K. Sanatombi Awardees. They have done their work in choosing the best candidates in a most transparent and impartial manner.
I also thank the Managing Committee of RKSD Vidyalayas, especially it’s Chairman, Padmashri Haridas Singh ji, for inviting me and my wife to participate in these celebrations. You have given us an opportunity to visit this place called the Asha-Jina Complex. Had it not been for this invitation, we would not have known who is ‘ Asha’ and who is ‘ Jina1 and how important this complex is for Imphal.
Ladies and gentlemen, I consider it a privilege to be given this opportunity to distribute the awards and address all of you gathered here today. I am aware that among the audience we have so many intellectuals, educationists, leaders of political parties/civil society, media persons and most important of all, the best( teachers and students. I have been most impressed reading about the social work being done by The Leirik Memorial Charitable Society in the field of Health and Education. I have been told that this Society and RKSDV institutions have been providing excellent services to the community in Health and Education since the early 1980′s.

These days we come across many,individuals and Institutions whose only task is to keep criticizing others and pointing out what is wrong with us and what is -wrong with Our society. They specialize in finding faults rather than in finding solutions. On the other hand, here in Manipur, we are fortunate to h.ave with us, the perfect example of individuals and Institutions, who have been voluntarily doing the noblest task, of looking after the sick and educating the students. We are indeed lucky to have amongst us illustrious personalities like Padamshri Haridas Singhji and his two daughters, Ashaji and Jinaji,. In fact, what they are doing is also a perfect example of how to pay lasting tribute to your partner and to your parents.
7. Two days ago, on 8th of September, the world celebrated the International Literacy Day. An interesting article in a newspaper, made a comparison of the literacy rates prevailing in various parts of the world. I was happy to read that our State of Manipur has made tremendous progress in the last few years. However, in comparison to many countries and states, we are still far behind. As per the comparative statistics, the world Literacy rate in 2011 was 84.1%. Whereas, the literacy rate of Manipur was only 79.85%. Our two neighboring states of north east India, Tripura and Mizoram have high literacy rates of 94.65% and 91.58% respectively. Similarly, the male literacy rate in the world was 88.6%, whereas, the male literacy in Manipur was 86.49%. The female literacy rate in the world was 79.9%, whereas, in Manipur it was 73.17%. Therefore, we all need to work much harder under the “Saakshar Bharat’ program to ensure that no one remains illiterate inManipur. We should implement the plans in right earnest and our target should be to make Manipur 100% literate in the next few years.
8. Dear students and dear friends, the best way of changing people and transforming society is through education. However, there are some individuals and groups among us, who believe in bringing about change through the use of force, through use of violence and through use of bullets and guns. Any change brought about through these means will not be lasting. It will be only temporary. History is testimony to the fact and our scriptures also say it, “Those who live by the sword, die by the sword.” It has been established through sociological studies, that the most effective and quickest way to change and transform society, is through the education of girls and women. It is said if you educate a woman you educate the whole family and Kofi Annan, the former Secretary General of United Nations has said, “To educate girls is to reduce poverty.” In management, they say educating females has a multiplier effect. »
9. I have had the opportunity of discussing the education scenario in Manipur with Shri Haridas Singh ji. He has also been kind to give me a written note pn the need to improvejtha quality_of education being imparted in the schools and colleges of our State. As per his analysis, there has been a decline in the quality and standards of our education in the last few years. I will urge the’ Govt. of Manipur, the Dy. CM and the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, present here today, to consider the various suggestions being made to improve the quality of education. I think there is an immediate need to link our courses and curriculum with the issues of livelihood and employment. We need to lay greater emphasis on vocational education and finding avenues of livelihood and self employment for all the girls and boys passing out each year from our Schools, Colleges and Universities.
10. I have something to say particularly the girl students of R.K.S.D. Vidyalayas. Dear girls, you are lucky having had this opportunity of studying in Schools like this. Shrimati RK Sanatombi Devi Ji, was not so fortunate, neither was my mother. You are also the brightest girls we have in our State. We are all proud of you and we have lots of hopes from you.
We are sure you will be the harbingers of change in our society. We hope, when you leave the precincts of this Institution, you will provide leadership to all your siblings and family members. Please remember to be always honest and truthful. Never tell lies. Remember to be always respectful to your parents, elders and teachers. However, high position you may attain in life, always remainhumble. We will pray for you. Our blessings and good wishes will always be with you.
11. In the end, I will like to once again congratulate all the award winners and prize winners. May you continue to achieve still greater heights in your chosen fields of study and sports. Those who missed the prizes or did not get any award need not feel disheartened. Sky is the limit for you.
There will always be a next time. I am sure each one of you is capable of the best and each one of you will get an opportunity to showcase your talent and make us and your parents proud of you. With these words and my blessings –

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/governors-r-k-sanatombi-awards-given/