The Divide Within

The decision of the Uttar Pradesh cabinet, to split up the largest state in the… more »

The decision of the Uttar Pradesh cabinet, to split up the largest state in the country voluntarily into four smaller states in order that its administration would be more efficient seems unreal viewed from the Northeast region. Here, as we are all witnessing, it is not administration or administrative convenience, but primordial notions of territory and ethnicity which rule. Not to talk about states agreeing to alteration of their political boundaries, here even the proposal for creation of new districts is seen as an affront on the rights of different sections of the people. Come to think of it, the division of interest is not even between different ethnic groups, but also within the same groups as well. The manner in which the proposal for Phungyar subdivision of the Ukhrul district to be made a full-fledged district was vehemently objected to, is just one example. There are other demands for new districts, including that of Tengnoupal in the Chandel district and Tongjei Maril in the Tamenglong district to name just two. Needless to repeat that these demands too would meet stiff oppositions should they begin to appear likely to be conceded by the government.

The problem, as we see it, is one of a lack of a shared sense of identity in ethnically riven societies such as those in the Northeast. On the larger canvas, the notion of Indian citizenship has not been able to sublimate or moderate the notion of ethnic identity and affiliation. This is as much a failure of the ethnic groups to grow out of their shells as it is that of the projection of the Indian identity into which these smaller identities cannot fit. While the primordial notion of identity cannot or should not be abandoned altogether, the identity attached to citizenship, which is much more about conscious and democratic choice, should be given its rightful place. This is exactly what is not happening in the ethnic situation in the Northeast. The multiple identities that Amartya Sen said is what constitutes the composite identity of a modern democratic man, is what is lacking to a great extent in these situations. Although as in Sen’s theory, each individual is a father, a son, a mother, a daughter, belonging to a profession, a meat eater or a vegetarian, each attribute giving him or her a different identity, what always subsumes and even obliterates all these identities when it comes to the crux, is the notion of ethnic identity. Regardless of all the other identities, the “otherness” of somebody always is “manufactured” from the fact that he or she does not have the same ethnic affiliation.

If this were not so, and if everybody were to agree to a larger citizenship as a primary factor in presuming identity, the problem of ethnic friction would have been much reduced. Reorganising state boundaries, not to talk of reorganising district boundaries, would not have been much of an issue too. It is time to change this attitude to some degree at least. Otherwise, the region will continue to be stuck hopelessly in the dreadful state of immobility as it is now with different ethnic groups pulling in different and sometimes directly opposition directions. The Sadar Hills district issue is just the latest and loudest example of this. A blockade that began with predominantly Kuki agitators demanding a new district is now continuing because the Nagas are objecting to any concession to the demand. It is in this sense an agitation which cannot end and therefore can take nobody anywhere. What is most needed at this juncture is a return to senses by all concerned. Coming back to the larger canvas, if India were able to instil the confidence that big or small, the wellbeing and the freedom of expression of creative genius of all communities would be guaranteed, there ought not to be any serious objections to reorganisation of state boundaries purely on administrative considerations. As for instance, if the Imphal valley and the hills were to be separated, the valley’s administrative and security needs would entail its control over its highways. If this can be guaranteed, we see no reason why there should be objections. As it is, the hills and valley are under two different land revenue systems, therefore already separate in many ways. Officials demarcating the two regions as different states should make little difference. On the contrary, it should benefit both.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/the-divide-within/

Promoting Peace Education along the Asian Highway (AH) No.1

(This paper ,an edited version here  was  presented at the Confucius Institute Lecture Hall ,… more »

(This paper ,an edited version here  was  presented at the Confucius Institute Lecture Hall , Kyoto World Peace Museum, Ritsumeikan University, Japan on the 16th October 2011,Orgd by APPRA ( Asia Pacific Research Associate) on the theme :- New Agenda for Peace Research in the Asia- Pacific. )
By Leban Serto
This paper explores the intersection between the subject of Peace Education and the Asian Highways (AH) which are a series of roads. The main focus is on the AH No 1  and indicating the urgent need to promote the ideals of Peace Education along the AHs, to touch the lives of communities and nations. As laid down  in UNESCO’s (United Nation Educational  Social and Cultural Organization) declaration that – the education for a Culture of Peace to create and encourage peace ‘ in the minds of men and women’ , based on the universal values of respect for life, liberty, justice , solidarity, tolerance, human rights and equality between men and women. Today, these goals are  advanced by the fall of the Berlin Wall and the disappearance of Cold War tensions. Towards the creation of a nonviolent 21st Century, the decade of 2001-2010 has been declared as the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World. The growing movement of Peace Education since Hague Appeal for Peace,(HAP,1999) which launched the Global Campaign for Peace Education (GCPE) has facilitated many seminars; consultations and projects in countries across the Globe. The 50 point Agenda of the HAP ( A/54/98) is now an official document of the United Nations (UN)  is also an important rallying point for promotion of Peace Education. .My personal involvement with the campaign for Peace Education began since 1999 in India. Since I also belonged to the North East India region, through where the AH1 will pass, and it has generated a lot of interest and curiosity, which has made me to work and research on the intersection for   promotion of Peace Education agenda along the AH 1.

The  paper also addresses some concepts of the Peace Education and Peace Agenda which would be best implemented in the region to reach out to the communities along the Highways crossing beyond nations and therefore fulfilling some of the promises as laid down in the in the Charter of the United Nations. UN through its UNESCO, have ratified strong resolutions defining a culture of peace. These have been widely accepted by the international community, including Resolution A/53/243, the Declaration and Program of Action on a Culture of Peace, which outlines eight critical actions areas ( UNESCO , Education for a culture of peace)  and calls out for actors of peace to act at national, regional and international levels to eliminate the roots of conflict: Fostering a culture of peace through education ;Promoting sustainable economic and social development ;Promoting respect for all human rights ;Ensuring equality between women and men ;Fostering democratic participation; Advancing understanding, tolerance and solidarity; Supporting participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge; Promoting international peace and security.

The Background and Asian Highways (AH) Vision for the future: The AH project was initiated by the United Nations in 1959 with the aim of promoting the development of international road transport in the region. AH, the Great Asian Highway is a cooperative project among countries in Asia and Europe and the United Nations, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) to improve the highway systems in Asia. It is one of the three pillars of Asian Land Transport Infrastructure Development (ALTID) project, endorsed by the ESCAP commission at its forty-eight session in 1992, comprising Asian Highway, Trans-Asian Railway (TAR) and facilitation of land transport projects. The Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) on the Asian Highway Network was adopted on November 18, 2003 by the Intergovenmental Meeting; include which identified 55 AH routes among 32 member countries totaling approximately 140,000 km (87,500 miles ) the IGA treaty was signed by 23 countries. In 2007, 28 countries were signatories , which subsequently rose to 32 countries in 2008. A significant part of the funding comes from the larger or advanced nations as well as international agencies such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB). AH1 is the longest route of the Asian Highway Network, running 12,845 miles (20,557km) from Tokyo, Japan via Korea, China, Southeast Asia, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran to the border between Turkey and connecting with Europe via Bulgaria (AH5). In India the AH1 is, 11,432 km (7,145 miles).

The brief description of the Asian Highway projects should develop an immense interest and challenge; though there are also skeptics who think the project is too ambitious and is next to impossible though  the works have commence and discussion and consultation have started. On the other hand, the civil and political strife across nations in some Asian countries is also hindering the progress and work of the Asian Highways. Nonetheless, the challenges remain. Asia, with the North and South Korean stalemate, the fragile situation in Myanmar and insurgency issue in North East India are visible; the war like situation in Pakistan and war in Afghanistan is also causing immense concern. It is a reality that the Asian Highway will pass through these conflict areas and region in near future. The need for Peace Education is felt even more. Therefore the challenge before us is that, it becomes an important rallying point to develop strategies how we could promote peace education not only in these conflicting points but to start from Japan, where the Asian highways  is one of the important  strategic point in Asia.

Challenges and Opportunities
In this connection, my communication with Richard Schneider CEO, of IGE (Institute of Global Education)  narrated “One example of a cross continental effort was the Pan American road from Alaska to the tip of South America. It required cooperation and monumental effort from many countries and took many years. But it was finally done and was altogether successful. He  is of opinion that – “ In building the AH 1 , the participation of every level of society will be required; bricklayer to teachers, religious leaders of every stripe, the common persons and the political leaders, the intelligentsia, musicians, poets and the youth. A new sense of world citizenship will need to emerge and strengthened- Nationalism will need to be tamed and redirected to a sense of the common good.” In my communication with Cora Weiss, the president of Hague Appeal for peace she remarked about the idea of the Peace Education promotion along the Asian highway as – “And the point of the Peace Trail, or Road to Peace, is that increasingly things are being organized not on a state by state basis, but regionally.. and the next form of organization can be the length of a highway, especially one that goes through national boundaries, demonstrating that peace education has/knows no borders.” The idea of Road to Peace or Peace Route going through so many countries, we can see in our imagination of Peace Education camps, schools courses integrated into education schools and universities along the way, and exchange of faculty visiting each other schools.
Uli Jaeger’s laudatory speech in May 2011 at the Becker Peace Prize jointly given to Gavriel Salomon and others , highlighting the work of Salomon and the  concept that “not all Peace Education Program are created equally”. He also talks about the intractable conflict within which one had to make peace with the real enemies and how “complicated conflict is sometimes” and they are not all similar in different parts of the Globe and would definitely need different strategies and approaches. We must develop good research and scientific peace work to benefit the local communities in bridging the gap and building a culture of peace. This brings us to the challenges and opportunities as along the AH , there will be many communities where some are comparatively more advance having democratic systems and on the other hand where some are in deep conflict with complete lack of governance and basic amenities of life, protection of human rights. The Infamous Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent are also along these Highways and there was economic sanction imposed against the Myanmar military Junta and a full scaled war in Afghanistan. There are also immense cultural, ecological, linguistic varieties existing along the Highways and new discoveries will definitely found along the way.

It would definitely be an exciting time and moments in history as we venture out to promote peace education which is so needed along the highways and the countries and communities which are inflicted, affected and torn apart by violation of human rights and lack of social justice and tolerance that are in need of healing and reconciliation.  The value of peace and tolerance are an essential part of quality basic education, Basic education not only provides the skills of literacy and numeracy, but also provides the values and attitudes needed for self- development, improving the quality of life and for active participation in society. Educational and training programs must be available to people at all levels, formally and non-formally. In such programs, the dimensions of peace education must include tolerance, respects for human rights and democracy, international and intercultural understanding, cultural and linguistic diversity .We must also urgently  incorporate the MDG (Millenium Development Goals) 2015 along with the Peace program at hand.
(The Writer is from Manipur and presently serving as co-ordinator of the Peace Studies Dept at Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) Shillong, available at leban.serto@gmail.com)

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/promoting-peace-education-along-the-asian-highway-ah-no1/

SHDDC urges for `Un-administered Region of Manipur` tag if no districthood – KanglaOnline

SHDDC urges for `Un-administered Region of Manipur` tag if no districthoodKanglaOnlineIMPHAL, November 23: The Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) has submitted a representation to Kishore Chandra Deo V, Union minister of tribal affairs &…

SHDDC urges for `Un-administered Region of Manipur` tag if no districthood
KanglaOnline
IMPHAL, November 23: The Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) has submitted a representation to Kishore Chandra Deo V, Union minister of tribal affairs & panchayati raj, urging to repeal the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council

and more »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNE7zH87neuOHnrhqdU0j85JKF6TtA&url=http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/shddc-urges-for-unadministered-region-of-manipur-tag-if-no-districthood/

UNC asserts stand, accuses CSO leaders – E-Pao.net

UNC asserts stand, accuses CSO leadersE-Pao.netNo objections were also raised when the 11th Schedule (Panchayati Raj) and 12th Schedule (Municipality Council) were extended to the valley of Manipur, it added. The development of Imphal as a modern city …

UNC asserts stand, accuses CSO leaders
E-Pao.net
No objections were also raised when the 11th Schedule (Panchayati Raj) and 12th Schedule (Municipality Council) were extended to the valley of Manipur, it added. The development of Imphal as a modern city with the state of the art infrastructure and

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNG86_rJ_tTa8NTXECIhazFEhsYNRQ&url=http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=6&src=241111

UNC asserts stand, accuses CSO leaders – E-Pao.net

UNC asserts stand, accuses CSO leadersE-Pao.netNo objections were also raised when the 11th Schedule (Panchayati Raj) and 12th Schedule (Municipality Council) were extended to the valley of Manipur, it added. The development of Imphal as a modern city …

UNC asserts stand, accuses CSO leaders
E-Pao.net
No objections were also raised when the 11th Schedule (Panchayati Raj) and 12th Schedule (Municipality Council) were extended to the valley of Manipur, it added. The development of Imphal as a modern city with the state of the art infrastructure and

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNG86_rJ_tTa8NTXECIhazFEhsYNRQ&url=http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=6&src=241111

UNLF renews ‘sovereignty’ pledge – E-Pao.net

UNLF renews 'sovereignty' pledgeE-Pao.netConveying gratitude to 'our compatriots' who have supported the armed struggle spearheaded by the UNLF for the 'liberation of Manipur from India' on the occasion of its anniversary, the C…

UNLF renews 'sovereignty' pledge
E-Pao.net
Conveying gratitude to 'our compatriots' who have supported the armed struggle spearheaded by the UNLF for the 'liberation of Manipur from India' on the occasion of its anniversary, the Central Committee also issued it Annual Report for 2011 for
Look East policy a mixed bag for us: UNLFTimes of India

all 3 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNF2asysO48K2gl5Mjj-K6zgR0uvMg&url=http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=3&src=241111

Naga IR jawans’ “Community Policing” wins hearts of locals in Purula

KOHIMA, Nov 23 (NEPS): Ever since the Naga IR (Indian Reserve) jawans from Nagaland deployed… more »

KOHIMA, Nov 23 (NEPS): Ever since the Naga IR (Indian Reserve) jawans from Nagaland deployed toChhattisgarh’s Naxalite prone areas like Dantawada, Bastar, their services were further sought by the Center to other Nexalite and Maoist infested areas too. After 9 NAP (IR)’s tenure in Chhattisgarh was over, the 10thNAP (IR) have been deployed to West Bengal’s Maoist stronghold area in Purulia district. During their deployment, many of them had sacrificed their precious lives in defense of the country. One of the latest Naga IR jawan who sacrificed his life while fighting Maoists in West Bengal’s Purulia district was Mhasivikho Angami. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also paid her respect to the slain Naga jawan.
But in spite of such sacrifices made by the Naga IR jawans, they too were engaged in various “Community Policing initiatives” to win the heart and confidence of the locals in the areas. The 10th NAP Bn (IR) currently in West Bengal’s Purulia district has in fact started  “Community-policing (Humanitarian works)” since September last year in their respective Company locations in the district (Purulia). They have divided their Bn into five Companies (Coy). In all these five Coys, they have initiated “Community-Policing” works by constructing badminton courts, parks, rest houses, providing stationery items to various schools, sports goods to various local sporting clubs, extending financial assistances to poor and needy villagers for treatments, etc.
In Kumarikanan area, the “A Coy” of the 10th NAP (IR) has constructed first class Badminton Court, besides distributing stationery items to various primary schools and also distributed sports items to local A.C.C. Club.
In Murguma sector, the “B Coy” of the 10th NAP (IR) carried out tree plantations, provided sports materials to local sports club—Netaji Club Murguma, visited Jhalda Government High School and extended financial assistance to 7 physically challenge students and also conducted social works at the Government Primary schools and college.
In Bughmundi area, the “C Coy” of the 10th NAP (IR) constructed garbage dumps at different sides for dumping medical wastes. They also constructed five Naga style bamboo garbage baskets with signboard—“Keep your surroundings Clean” written in English and Bengali. They had conducted social works in hospitals of this area too, besides white-washing front part of the Hospital building, the gate and the tree stamps/stems.
In Sirkabad sector, the “E Coy” of the 10th NAP (IR) donated sports items to Kalapani Football Club. They even played football exhibition match with the players of this club by sponsoring the prize. Not only giving away stationery items to schools of this area, they also even extended educational materials to one Mr Hari Pata Maji of Arsha Higher Secondary School, the first and the only matriculate from Danasi Village since India’s Independence. They even extended financial assistance to villagers who were in dire need of medical treatments, besides providing towels and toiletries to patients of Sirkabad Civil Hospital.
This sector is the perhaps the biggest Coy out of the total “5 Coys” under 10th NAP (IR) Bn. They also developed a beautiful “Park” under the name and style of “Lake View Park”. This park is adorned with paddle boat and a diverse array of floras. One of the significant works carried out in this sector was their conducting combine fellowship program between “E Coy” jawans and the Believers Church of India.
The 10th NAP (IR) Bn’s last Coy—“F” also donated significant development in their area, Patarband. In the Patarband Village, they had constructed and donated “Aram Garh” (Rest House). They also constructed another badminton court to Patarband Maidhamik Shikasha Kendra School to encourage extra-curricular activities and awareness on the importance of the role of the games and sports. They also distributed secondhand clothes, shoes, boots, plates and cups to poor and needy villagers, besides planted trees in their villages. They also constantly crated awareness campaigns for the importance of tree plantations.
It may be mentioned that these “Community Policing (Humanitarian works)” were carried out since a year back from September 2010 with the contributions made by Officers and other ranks of the respective Companies of 10th NAP (IR) Bn. These services were mainly carried out for the welfare of the local people, said Nagaland DGP K Kire, IPS.
The Nagaland Police Chief also disclosed that the people in the areas were cooperative with their jawans and at no point of time, there was any adverse attitude from the locals to their “Community Policing (Humanitarian Works)” carried out in their respective areas. These “Community Policing (Humanitarian services)” had brought wonderful “rapport” with the locals, Kire stated.
The Nagaland DGP also spent his last Christmas with the jawans of the 10th NAP (IR) Bn at Purulia.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/naga-ir-jawans%E2%80%99-%E2%80%9Ccommunity-policing%E2%80%9D-wins-hearts-of-locals-in-purula/

Look East policy a mixed bag for us: UNLF – Times of India

Look East policy a mixed bag for us: UNLFTimes of IndiaIn a statement, the UNLF said the wheels of Manipur's economy "turn on the salaries of employees and earnings from supply and contract works". It added, "Only a successful strugg…

Look East policy a mixed bag for us: UNLF
Times of India
In a statement, the UNLF said the wheels of Manipur's economy "turn on the salaries of employees and earnings from supply and contract works". It added, "Only a successful struggle for regaining our lost independence can vouchsafe us an escape from the

and more »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNG6Hpc2rPhFOEcZp0MmgLbf9-1lLA&url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Look-East-policy-a-mixed-bag-for-us-UNLF/articleshow/10848598.cms

Film on Sharmila’s struggle to be awarded – Times of India

Film on Sharmila's struggle to be awardedTimes of IndiaIMPHAL: Irom Sharmila Chanu's decade-long fast for the repeal of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (Afspa) from Manipur may not have cut any ice with the political leaders…

Film on Sharmila's struggle to be awarded
Times of India
IMPHAL: Irom Sharmila Chanu's decade-long fast for the repeal of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (Afspa) from Manipur may not have cut any ice with the political leadership of the country but it sure seems to have left its mark in
Sharmila brings impact to cause through hungerE-Pao.net

all 3 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFxDFt3sADlGTyMhGVtOsXAyLZRUQ&url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Film-on-Sharmilas-struggle-to-be-awarded/articleshow/10848529.cms

Bangladeshi envoy to visit India over dam project issue – MSN India

Daily Star OnlineBangladeshi envoy to visit India over dam project issueMSN IndiaDhaka, Nov 23 (IANS) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Wednesday that a special envoy would be sent to India soon to discuss the Tipaimukh Dam to be built on th…


Daily Star Online

Bangladeshi envoy to visit India over dam project issue
MSN India
Dhaka, Nov 23 (IANS) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Wednesday that a special envoy would be sent to India soon to discuss the Tipaimukh Dam to be built on the Barak river, that flows down into Bangladesh, in India's Manipur state.
Hasina sending envoy to IndiaDaily Star Online
No third party intervention: QuayesBangladesh News 24 hours
Bangladeshi Opposition calls strike to protest India's controversial dam projectHydroWorld
TwoCircles.net –Financial Express Bangladesh –The Hindu
all 86 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEXOR7zbfYfYhmNRKG2WOsplai4_w&url=http://news.in.msn.com/international/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5618798

Zeliangrong students stand by Baudi – MorungExpress

Zeliangrong students stand by BaudiMorungExpressDimapur, November 23 (MExN): The All Zeliangrong Students' Union of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland today lashed out at the Rongmei Council for questioning the primacy of the Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Man…

Zeliangrong students stand by Baudi
MorungExpress
Dimapur, November 23 (MExN): The All Zeliangrong Students' Union of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland today lashed out at the Rongmei Council for questioning the primacy of the Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) as the mandated apex Zeliangrong
Zeliangrong Baudi mandated apex Zeliangrong body: AZSU (AMN)Nagaland Post

all 2 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHI0Zr5oy-JAtoEd3KjEa8JH7hF7A&url=http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/73443.html

Khaleda Zia writes to Manmohan over Tipaimukh Dam project – TwoCircles.net

Daily Star OnlineKhaleda Zia writes to Manmohan over Tipaimukh Dam projectTwoCircles.netThe proposed dam is to be constructed near the confluence of Barak and Tuivai rivers in Manipur and within 100 km of Bangladesh's border. A pact in this regard …


Daily Star Online

Khaleda Zia writes to Manmohan over Tipaimukh Dam project
TwoCircles.net
The proposed dam is to be constructed near the confluence of Barak and Tuivai rivers in Manipur and within 100 km of Bangladesh's border. A pact in this regard was inked Oct 22 among India's National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, or NHPC Ltd,
Khaleda writes Manmohan for jt survey on Tipai damDaily Star Online
Khaleda calls for stopping building of Tipaimukh damFinancial Express Bangladesh
Bangladesh opposition protest planned Indian damMonsters and Critics.com
Bangladesh News 24 hours
all 17 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGya38S13dwcDUWmIzfMWvMRySdHg&url=http://twocircles.net/2011nov23/khaleda_zia_writes_manmohan_over_tipaimukh_dam_project.html

1st Evergreen Flowers’ School (EGF) Alumni Meet held on 16 Nov, 2011

Press Release 1st EGF Alumni’s meet was held on 16 Nov. at the school premise… more »

Press Release

1st EGF Alumni’s meet was held on 16 Nov. at the school premise of the Evergreen Flowers’s School, Thoubal, Ningombam. Celebrating the day, the alumni members organised a workshop on ‘Every Career Is Good But the Choice is Yours’, for students of class X and IX of the school and students from other 10 schools of Kakching, Thoubal and Senapati. Nearly 300 students took part in the workshop and around 70 alumni members helped and contributed for the function.

Rev.Father Louis of St.Xavier High School, of Maram, Senapati was the chief guest of the function and Nawaz Khan Thouba , Desk Editor, DDK was the guest of honour of the function. The key note address of the workshop was given by Dr L.Jibon, K.Sh., Director in Charge, Manipur Institute of Management, Manipur University, Imphal.

Skype live talk and interaction with the students and overseas Manipuris were also organised on that day. Dr, Jayanta , Dr, Hamidur, Dr, Sachin Sharma, Dr Bishwajeet Elangbam spoke skype live from Malaysia, US, Africa and England respectively. This, perhaps, could be the first time in Manipur to have given such opportunities for local students to listen and talk to directly with learned overseas Manipuris.

Alumni meet organising committee thanks all the media personnel for the wide coverage given to the function.

Sd/-
Alumni Organising Committee
EGF Alumni
Manipur

Note: This press release was sent to KanglaOnline by Bishwajit Okram (bishwajit.okram1 AT gmail.com)

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/1st-evergreen-flowers-school-egf-alumni-meet-held-on-16-nov-2011/

1st Evergreen Flowers’ School (EGF) Alumni Meet held on 16 Nov, 2011

Press Release 1st EGF Alumni’s meet was held on 16 Nov. at the school premise… more »

Press Release

1st EGF Alumni’s meet was held on 16 Nov. at the school premise of the Evergreen Flowers’s School, Thoubal, Ningombam. Celebrating the day, the alumni members organised a workshop on ‘Every Career Is Good But the Choice is Yours’, for students of class X and IX of the school and students from other 10 schools of Kakching, Thoubal and Senapati. Nearly 300 students took part in the workshop and around 70 alumni members helped and contributed for the function.

Rev.Father Louis of St.Xavier High School, of Maram, Senapati was the chief guest of the function and Nawaz Khan Thouba , Desk Editor, DDK was the guest of honour of the function. The key note address of the workshop was given by Dr L.Jibon, K.Sh., Director in Charge, Manipur Institute of Management, Manipur University, Imphal.

Skype live talk and interaction with the students and overseas Manipuris were also organised on that day. Dr, Jayanta , Dr, Hamidur, Dr, Sachin Sharma, Dr Bishwajeet Elangbam spoke skype live from Malaysia, US, Africa and England respectively. This, perhaps, could be the first time in Manipur to have given such opportunities for local students to listen and talk to directly with learned overseas Manipuris.

Alumni meet organising committee thanks all the media personnel for the wide coverage given to the function.

Sd/-
Alumni Organising Committee
EGF Alumni
Manipur

Note: This press release was sent to KanglaOnline by Bishwajit Okram (bishwajit.okram1 AT gmail.com)

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/1st-evergreen-flowers-school-egf-alumni-meet-held-on-16-nov-2011/

Economic blockade enters 94th day in Manipur – IBNLive.com

Indian ExpressEconomic blockade enters 94th day in ManipurIBNLive.comPTI | 04:11 PM,Nov 23,2011 Imphal, Nov 23 (PTI) As the crippling economic blockade on two national highways in Manipur stepped into the 94th day today, its sponsor United Naga Council…


Indian Express

Economic blockade enters 94th day in Manipur
IBNLive.com
PTI | 04:11 PM,Nov 23,2011 Imphal, Nov 23 (PTI) As the crippling economic blockade on two national highways in Manipur stepped into the 94th day today, its sponsor United Naga Council (UNC) in an ominous note threatened 'severing' of all ties with the
Politics Journal: As Parliament Meets, What About Manipur?Wall Street Journal (blog)
Economic blockade enters 94th day in ManipurHindustan Times
Why the Meiteis are always against Nagas?MorungExpress
E-Pao.net –Nagaland Post –KanglaOnline
all 14 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNH4-TfXsy6jS8i8Tq60N7xUqD3zvA&url=http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/economic-blockade-enters-94th-day-in-manipur/911583.html

Economic blockade enters 94th day in Manipur – Hindustan Times

Indian ExpressEconomic blockade enters 94th day in ManipurHindustan TimesPTI The economic blockade launched by United Naga Council (UNC) on Manipur portions of two national highways entered the 94th day on Wednesday forcing the prices of essential item…


Indian Express

Economic blockade enters 94th day in Manipur
Hindustan Times
PTI The economic blockade launched by United Naga Council (UNC) on Manipur portions of two national highways entered the 94th day on Wednesday forcing the prices of essential items to rise. The UNC had first launched economic blockades on the two
Economic blockade enters 94th day in ManipurIBNLive.com
Politics Journal: As Parliament Meets, What About Manipur?Wall Street Journal (blog)
Chandel for 'Alternative arrangement'E-Pao.net
Nagaland Post –Deccan Herald
all 11 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNG0fbGkpwyvAWUsc2Q_uc1tCR4o4A&url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Imphal/Economic-blockade-enters-94th-day-in-Manipur/Article1-772944.aspx

Manipur JD(U) demands written assurance from Chidambaram – Hindustan Times

KanglaOnlineManipur JD(U) demands written assurance from ChidambaramHindustan TimesPTI The Manipur unit of Janata Dal (United) on Wednesday demanded written assurance from Union home minister P Chidambaram that the Centre will not make a 'supra sta…


KanglaOnline

Manipur JD(U) demands written assurance from Chidambaram
Hindustan Times
PTI The Manipur unit of Janata Dal (United) on Wednesday demanded written assurance from Union home minister P Chidambaram that the Centre will not make a 'supra state body' for Nagas. "The issue is a very serious matter as it is the first step to
JD (U) demands written assurance from Union home minister on Supra stateKanglaOnline

all 4 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEb2xOypwjFbkEbvzNh2cXN0uS6Jg&url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Imphal/Manipur-JD-U-demands-written-assurance-from-Chidambaram/Article1-772942.aspx

Bangladeshi Opposition calls strike to protest India’s controversial dam project – HydroWorld

Bangladesh News 24 hoursBangladeshi Opposition calls strike to protest India's controversial dam projectHydroWorld1 to protest Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's incumbent Bangladesh Awami League-led government's "inaction" about an i…


Bangladesh News 24 hours

Bangladeshi Opposition calls strike to protest India's controversial dam project
HydroWorld
1 to protest Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's incumbent Bangladesh Awami League-led government's "inaction" about an investment agreement on the construction of Tipaimukh Dam and a hydroelectric project on a common river Barak in Manipur state of
Share all detailsDaily Star Online
Keep us in loop, Dhaka tells DelhiBangladesh News 24 hours
In Bangladesh, Tipaimukh dam pact sparks fresh rowThe Hindu
Zee News –Financial Express Bangladesh –IBNLive.com
all 64 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNH4syqoejG1eyo1aHkHD6_7ghLiWw&url=http://www.hydroworld.com/index/display/news_display/1547483088.html

Best Wishes for Examinations from MSAD

PRESS RELEASE Manipur Students’ Association Delhi, MSAD wishes the Manipuri students of DU, JNU and… more »

PRESS RELEASE

Manipur Students’ Association Delhi, MSAD wishes the Manipuri students of DU, JNU and other institutes which are based in Delhi and NCR who are appearing their semester/house examinations all the very best and good luck. Hope that your results will bring some cheers in these troubled days of Manipur.

Sheikh Abdul Hakim,
Academic & Magazine Secretary
MSAD
21 November, 2011

Best Wishes for Examinations from MSAD

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/best-wishes-for-examinations-from-msad/

Its time to bid farewell to AFSPA

By Bibhu Prasad Routray Given that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act [AFSPA] has been… more »

By Bibhu Prasad Routray

Given that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act [AFSPA] has been in vogue for more than two decades in 20 of 22 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, it is almost a given that the debate over its withdrawal would be prolonged. Stakeholders would make their case, arguing for and against the proposed repeal, sometimes resorting to alarming scenario building exercises. That is precisely what has happened. However, under the circumstances, the stage by stage withdrawal of the controversial Act appears to be the only sober option for the Government of India, for the following reasons.

Firstly, security laws are crucial, but only when the security situation warrants them. Without getting into the contentious debate of the enabling provisions of the AFSPA and the alleged human rights violations the Act perpetrates, AFSPA was a necessity in 1990, when it was first applied. The civilian fatalities had reached an alarming 862 that year. Both presence of the army and the Act, remained relevant all through the next 15 years. The average annual death of civilians between 1990 and 2005 remained precisely at that — 863 with a total of 13,821 deaths. It is for the first time in 2006 that the civilian deaths came down below 500 and since then, it has progressively declined. Since 2007, the state has consistently recorded under 100 deaths. And since 2010, the annual civilian fatalities are even below 50. There is no way that such significant improvement can be ignored.

Secondly, the army does not even operate in areas where it wants the extension of AFSPA. Since last few years, the Jammu and Kashmir police have taken over the lead role in counter-insurgency operations, with the para-military and the army providing a supporting role. Thereby, it makes little sense for the army to demand the continuation of the Act, in anticipation that it may operate in those areas. Neither the police nor the paramilitary benefits out of AFSPA. The ground level situation allows the authorities to reconfigure the force deployment in areas, deploying the army only along the Line of Control (LoC) and limiting its role in the urban areas.

Thirdly, continuation of security laws, beyond their rationalised existence, is demonstration of country’s weakness and not necessarily its strength. The army’s reported contention that the state would secede by 2016 if not for the Act is questionable. Such assessment is almost similar to the subsequent claim by the separatist Hurriyat Conference that without the Act, the state would witness mass uprising. If the presence of over two decades by the armed forces has only managed to create a condition, liable to be overrun in just five years, India needs to rethink its security strategy in the state, much beyond the deployment of armed forces and promulgation of an odd Act. Similarly, army’s contention that the repeal of the Act is a demand only by “Pakistan, the Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate, terrorists and secessionists” is too incorrect. There exists significant support for the move to withdraw the Act in the state and beyond. And moreover, neither the police nor the paramilitary share army’s alarming assessment.

Fourthly, it is important to reach out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir through pro-active measures and expose the agenda of the minority separatists. Development activities in the state, appointment of interlocutors and consistent move to open the channels of communication with every strand of opinion in the state are indicative of New Delhi’s constant endeavour to find a solution to the problem. The stage-by-stage withdrawal of AFSPA adds to such confidence building measures. And more importantly, the improved ground-level situation allows for such an experiment. In a way, such moves are even more important than the attempts to make peace with our western neighbour. Jammu and Kashmir is fast returning to normalcy and there can be no better way to say this.

In August 2004, Manipur chief minister, considered to be a weakling by many, took a brave decision to withdraw the AFSPA from seven assembly constituencies of his state, amid army protests and more importantly, going against New Delhi’s advice. Although the army refused to operate in those AFSPA-less areas, those parts of Manipur didn’t really lapse into extremism in the subsequent months and years. Omar Abdullah’s government in Jammu and Kashmir is also within his rights to un-declare the select areas in his state as “disturbed”, thereby automatically allowing AFSPA to lapse. That’s why it is better for New Delhi to back Abdullah’s decision, rather than allowing the chief minister to take a unilateral decision.

And moreover, the withdrawal of the Act isn’t exactly an irreversible process. It can be brought back the moment situation warrants it.

Note: This article was originally published on 18 November 2011 in the New Indian Express: www.expressbuzz.com/voices/a/334308.html

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/its-time-to-bid-farewell-to-afspa/