Tag: IFP

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Nov 20

Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) in association with Social and Youth Progressive Organisation (SYPO) Heirok assembly constituency have observed Universal Children’s Day in a programme held today at Devi Mandap, Heirok part II, Thoubal district.

Thoubal district SP, K. Meghachandra attended the programme as chief guest, chairperson, MCPCR, Ningthoujam Sumatibala as president,  president, CADA, Hijam Priyokumar and chairperson, CWC Thoubal, Kh. Jotindra attended as guests of honour.

Meghachandra said the police department has witnessed many challenges in its efforts to make the children have their rights fully. There are many issues which are not reported to the police and hence remain invisible. The people need to understand together about the rights of the child.  The police are fully determined to root out the issue of child trafficking. He further requested for sharing of constant inputs of information to the police about what it can do to protect the rights of children.

Sunitibala said the children require the help of law to fully express their true potential. Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights is doing what it can to protect them. The programme was organised today with the goal to deliver information clearly about rights of the children to the locality, the village and the overall society.

During the technical session of the programme, member of MCPCR, Gabriela Golmei relayed about POCSO act 2012 and M. Priyokumar spoke about Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006. Member, Nabachandra spoke about the role of the NGOS in implementation child rights acts etc.       

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL| Nov 20

Two-day national seminar on ‘Libraries In Search of Academic Excellence: Making Sustainable in Digital Age’ held as a part of National Library Week concluded today at the auditorium of the State Central library, Imphal. The seminar was organised by Manipur Library Association.

On the closing day eight recommendations were passed by the organising committee unanimously. It includes implementation of Manipur Public Libraries Act 1988, appointment of director of public libraries, programmes and schemes of assistance for libraries run by voluntary organisations under Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF) and its extension to the remote areas in hill districts of Manipur. 

Further the session also recommended that all district libraries of Manipur should be well equipped with necessary infrastructures and all the vacant post must be filled up. At the same time all the newly created districts should have libraries with the creation of required posts and necessary infrastructures.

Prizes were also distributed for storytelling and painting competition which were held in Manipur Public School Koirengei and Imphal Valley School Chumbreithong Mantripukhri respectively organised in connection with National Library Week.

Librarian of Manipur University of Culture Th. Khomdon Singh, president Manipur Library Association Kangjam Chaoba Singh and chief librarian, state central library Imphal E. Latakishore Singh among others attended the concluding session.

The programme was sponsored by RRRLF, Kolkata and department of art and culture.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 20

The Regional Tasar Research Station, Central Silk Board organized “Oak Tasar Krishi Mela” at the regional research station at Mantripukhri today.

The function was attended by parliamentary secretary of sericulture, Awangbow Newmai as the chief guest. Director of sericulture, S Kunjakishore Singh and Dr Ajit Kumar Sinha, director of Central Tasar Research and Training Institute were the guest of honor and president respectively.

The function was formally inaugurated by the chief guest and opened an exhibition displaying various sericulture items and farming methods. Prizes were distributed to the Oak Tasar farmers. 

IMPHAL | Nov 20

Along with the inauguration of an archaeological museum, chief minister, N. Biren launched battery operated vehicle service inside Kangla today.

Speaking at the occasion, N. Biren expressed hope that the newly launched vehicle service would give convenience to visitors especially senior citizens and differently-abled persons, who wish to tour the historic fort.

Four battery operated vehicles have been made operational inside Kangla from today. Every vehicle will have a trained tour guide each.

The chief minister also expressed desire to have a coffee table book on Kangla, which would have vital information about the sacred fort. Art and culture minister, L. Jayantakumar attended the occasion as the functional president.

IMPHAL | Nov 20

Minister of forests & environment and horticulture & soil conservation, Thounaojam Shyamkumar, today attended the second day of the curtain raiser of Manipur Sangai festival, held at YICCL Ground, Keibul Lamjao, Bishnupur district.

Speaking on the sidelines of the function, minister Th. Shyamkumar appealed to all the sections of the society to protect plants, flowers and trees planted on the road median and the roadside. He urged one and all to refrain from harming plants and trees. Instead, he appealed for more plantations of trees and plants for a better environment as well as for beautification of the city.

With regard to the Manipur Sangai Festival 2017, he further mentioned that in this festival the rich art & culture, tradition, and beauty of the state would be showcased.

Th. Shyamkumar also appealed to the general public to accord warm hospitality to all the visitors and fully cooperate with the state government in making Sangai Festival a grand success.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Nov 19

Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL-Tangkhul Youth Council) in continuation of their sensitisation initiative on road safety, under the theme, ‘Safe Traffic, Safe Ukhrul’, has released a video on road safety, at a function held today at Gandhi Avenue, Ukhrul.

The said video on road safety highlights the do’s and don’ts for safe traffic regulations in Ukhrul Town.

In the said video release function, executive member ADC-Ukhrul, (Transport, Small Town Development and Science & Technology), Kapangpam Zimik, lauded the initiatives taken up by TMNL on road safety awareness. He added that due to the heavy-vehicle movement and bad road condition in Ukhrul there is a high possibility of traffic snarls and accident related problems.

He further mentioned that street vendors and hawkers occupying the footpath at various intersections in the town are also one major concern for the smooth regulation of traffic. However, he assured that in order to ensure road safety and traffic regulation, taxi stand/point would be allotted on both sides of the road at various intersections in the town. Further, in a few days, guidelines will be issued, and strict action will be initiated to implement the orders. If necessary, sufficient volunteers or force would be deployed to regulate traffic movement, he added.

Lastly, he implored the public to extend maximum cooperation to ADC-Ukhrul in exercising road safety measures in Ukhrul Town.

THOUBAL | Nov 20

Under the new efforts of the government for providing benefits to the differently abled citizens, an assessment camp for identifying the differently abled citizens of Thoubal district was organised yesterday at Thoubal district hospital.

The camp organised by social welfare department, Health department ALIMCO and district administration, Thoubal was inaugurated by DC Thoubal district, L. Nabakiswar. During the camp, certificates were given to newly identified 290 differently-abled persons and to another 350 individuals who were identified earlier. 

Certificates for differently abled citizens were given to 290 new cases and already identified 350 cases.

IMPHAL | Nov 20

All stall applicants for Sangai festival will be accommodated at Hafta Kangjeibung, Khuman Lampak and Lamboikhongnankhong by increasing the number of stalls from the already constructed 525  to 840, including government, security and media stalls. Exhibition sub-committee made this decision on November 14, said a release.

IMPHAL | Nov 20

 As a follow up of the meeting on September 5-7, 2017 between President of Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U.Htin Kyaw, and Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, a 2-day inter-regional media interaction between Myanmar and India will be held on November 27-28, 2017, at Sangai Hall-Imphal Hotel, Imphal, during Sangai Festival, 2017.

In the said 2-day interaction, twelve journalists from Myanmar, five senior journalist from national media organisation, as well as local media personals will interact on two topics, namely: (1) Co-operation and understanding in media activities between India and Myanmar; (2) Media’s role in promoting Act East Policy and regional connectivity.

Individuals who want to participate in the said event are requested to submit the delegate form along with two passport size photographs on or before November 24, at the DIPR office, Moirangkhom, Imphal.

IMPHAL | Nov 20

All Manipur Village Level Worker/ Lower Divisional Clerk Selected Candidate Assn. of  Rural Development & Panchayati Raj 2016 has urged the state government to provide the appointment letter for the selected 189 LDC candidates by November 25, 2107, a release said.

The release mentioned that the recruitment result of the said candidates had been declared last year, on December 31, 2016. But till date, they have been left hanging as they are yet to receive the joining letter, it added.

In spite of repeated appeals to the state government and the concerned officials, there had been no positive response, the release continued. So, the association will be compelled to launch severe agitations from November 26 if the state government fails to address their grievances by November 25, the release reiterated.

In empathy with the plight of the 189 selected candidates, the association also request the public and the CSOs in the state to extend their co-operation in the proposed agitation in order to meet its demands, the release added.

From Our Correspondent

MOREH | Nov 20

Khetrimayum Tilotama Chanu who won a bronze medal at the international XXXl AHMET COMERT Boxing Tournament at Turkey was welcomed by the residents of Kwatha Village in a ceremony held at Kwatha Community Hall.

At 10 am yesterday, bronze medallist Khetrimayum Tilotama Chanu, the second daughter of Khetrimayum John Singh and Khetrimayum Ongbi Thoibi Devi from Kwatha Village, under Moreh sub division, Tengnoupal district was warmly welcomed by the residents of Kwatha Village.

The welcoming ceremony was attended by village chief, L. Kamal Singh, members of Kwatha Village Authority, Kwatha meira paibis and Kwatha Youth Club. 

Tilotama said even if she could not procure the gold medal, she struggled hard as per the guidance and blessings of her coach Ibomcha and Dingku to get the medal in the tournament wherein 22 countries took part and was able to grab the bronze medal at least.

Narrating her story, she said Kwatha Village; having poor connectivity due to bad roadways, is a place where newspapers do not even reach. When asked how she managed to get into SAI and continue her trainings, she replied amongst the villagers of Kwatha Village she was someone born under a poor family who were struggling to make both ends meet.

It was Meetei Council Moreh that sent her to SAI and provided her a path to become the first female boxer from Tengnoupal district to play in international boxing and also procure a bronze medal, she added.  

After coming to stay at SAI, coach Ibomcha and coach Dingku worked extremely hard with her and that resulted in her success. She managed to get a bronze if not gold and her success saved the face of her teachers, she said. On being asked if she will continue playing further, she said “Under the love and blessings of the two teachers of SAI, I will continue to work hard.” 

Lastly, she expressed her gratitude to Khundrakpam Jadumani Singh, whom she considered as her own father, who provided her financial help whenever she went to play at a tournament.

Jadumani would arrange financial help during hard times when sending money from Kwatha village became difficult and whenever there was no money, he would shower her with affection, something which he would not show even to his own children, and made sure all her necessities were provided, she said.   

She also expressed her immense gratitude to the organisers and Meetei Council Moreh for the warm hospitality.

It may be mentioned that at the recent International XXXl  AHMET COMERT Boxing Tournament held under Turkey Boxing Federation at Turkey from September 11 to 17 where 22 countries took part including India, Khetrimayum Tilotama Chanu lost by a difference of a only one single point to a Russian boxer in the semi-final round and settled for bronze under 60 Kg category.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 20

The High Court of Manipur has today directed three contractors, Ashiho Pfuze, W. Sonajit Singh and Khelendra Singh who have been executing works at different portion of National Highway No 2 to personally appear before the court on Wednesday.

Contractor SN. Pavei who have been assigned to execute work from Taphou to Changoubung highway portion, and Paokhotilien Vaiphei who have been assigned to execute work from Changoubung to Kangpokpi and Kangpokpi to Kanglatombi areas today appeared before the division bench of the High Court, acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar and justice K. Nobin.

During the hearing they submitted that filling up of pot holes have been completed and the works have now been taken over by M/S Bharatia Infra Project Ltd. along the said portion of NH-2.

Meantime PWD assistant engineer, Arun Singh submitted that he has verified the execution of the works executed by the aforesaid two contractors.

On the other hand contractor, Ashiho Pfuze, contractor W. Sonajit Singh and contractor Khelendra Singh failed to appear before the court.

In regard of the Imphal-Jiribam road National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) general manager, Sunil Kumar has submitted overall picture of the progress of the work going on the basis.

The division bench felt that there is satisfactory progress of the work far as Imphal-Jiribam sector is concerned though there are certain areas which requires attention of the higher authority for which NHIDCL has already apprised the central government for necessary funding.

The bench took serious note particularly relating to drainage system which is almost non-existent, without which the works so far executed may be rendered ineffective very soon along the highway.

Further the court has directed NHIDCL general manager to file an affidavit by 29 November for further consideration.

The court has also directed PWD retired chief engineer, Joykumar who was present before the court today to also be present on Wednesday.

IMPHAL | Nov 20

Chief minister N. Biren has said that good education is required in giving good governance to the people. He was speaking at the inauguration function of an indoor stadium and a girls’ hostel at Regional College, Lilong in Imphal West district today.     

The chief minister contended that a failed education system will lead the whole society to shambles. He said that the State government would mull over providing aid/incentive to private and aided colleges based on their performance.

Stating that he never overlooked the inconvenience faced by the teachers and staff of aided and private colleges, the chief minister said that the new government would definitely look into the inadequacies and grievances of these colleges.

Age-old legends and history should be traced and reminded to the people in order to regain the lost love and sense of affinity among people of different communities, the chief minister said, while adding that sacred sites of Ebudhou Koubru, Ebudhou Thangjing and Ebudhou Khana Chaoba Wangbren would be developed soon.

Stating that he was told that King Kiyamba used to play polo at the space currently used as helipad inside Kangla Fort, the chief minister said that the government would put in effort to develop this plot of land as a memorial complex to honour the King and the game of polo.

Contending that the new government has been working hard day and night to realise a new Manipur, the chief minister sought cooperation from the public in this regard.

Biren also opined that Imphal Evenings can be expanded to Leishang Hiden area if the available space is properly developed.

Education minister Th. Radheshyam attended the function as president and CAF and PD minister Karam Shyam and public health engineering minister L. Dikho as guests of honour, respectively.

In his speech, Karam Shyam sought help from the chief minister in developing the sacred site of Ebudhou Chajinglapka Pureiromba as an ecological park.

 He also requested the chief minister to look into the grievances of teachers of Regional College. Speaking at the occasion, Th. Radheshyam mentioned about the important roles played by schools and colleges in materialising a good and peaceful society.

Later, N. Biren and Karam Shyam visited the sacred site of Ebudhou Chajinglapka Pureiromba.

IMPHAL | Nov 19

Chief minister N. Biren informed the State is ready to host the first ever North East Development Summit (NEDS) 2017, during a press conference held at Cabinet hall today.

Speaking to the media, Biren said that around 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) is expected to be signed between various departments of government of Manipur and national and international companies/investors. The primary objective of organising such festival is to showcase the existing economic potential and to attract investors in terms of food processing industry, bamboo industry, fisheries, real estate etc., he added.

Stating that preparations for the Manipur Sangai Festival 2017 are almost completed, Biren seeks the support and co-operation to make the upcoming North East Development Summit a grand success. We should not create any inconvenience and troublesome to the tourists and visitors both from the country and abroad, he added.

Stating that altogether 175 delegates will be participating in the Summit, Biren stated the Summit will be attended by Union minister for Commerce and Industries, Suresh Prabhu, chief ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, director of India Foundation, Ram Madhav, vice-chairman NITI Ayaog Rajeev Kumar, ministers and officials from NE states, ambassadors, high commissioners and officials from various countries including Malaysia, China, Japan, Sweden, Taiwan etc.

Around 36 companies/firms from India are participating in addition to associations like FICCI, CII, NASSCOM, Border Trade Moreh, Myanmar India Business Chamber, India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce etc. Among others United Nations Resident Co-ordinator Yuri Afanasiev, high commissioner of Malaysia H.E Dato Hidayat Abdul Hamid will also attend the Summit.

IMPHAL | Nov 19

The Maoist Communist Party said the organisation has lifted the ongoing cease work agitations as per the assurance given by the state government that the indigenous peoples of Manipur will be officially identified in the state’s official Gazette.

A release signed by coordinator, standing committee, Kyonghan Mangang said the resolution made by the government to exclude those, who are not amongst the immigrants who arrived and settled in the state, and give them recognition as the indigenous peoples of Manipur, is the biggest achievement.

Many times, the people have witnessed non locals claiming themselves as indigenous peoples of Manipur, it said. However, there will be no need for any further hassle if the official Gazette identifies the indigenous peoples, it added. 

The government’s decision to repair the Mongba Hanba Khubam, Khurai Ahongpung and Koubru Laipham and sanctioning of Rs. seven crores for the project, truly deserves the biggest applause from the public and party commends the current government for the move, the release continued.

The party welcomes the assurance given by the government that it will punish those who are involved in the misappropriation of PDS items, and for coming into terms with the people who were undergoing hunger strikes against the issue, it added.

IMPHAL | Nov 19

All Manipur Madrassa Modernisation Teachers’ Welfare Association (AMMMTWA) demanded regularisation of teachers recruited under Madrassa modernisation scheme, by November 30,  a release said.

The release further mentioned that the said teachers had been recruited on a contract basis, after undergoing due process of selection, on November 24, 2011, as a part of Madrassa modernisation scheme, implemented by WAQF Board, which functions under the directorate of Minorities & Other Backward Classes, Manipur.

The selected teachers had been working in various Manipur traditional Madrassa in the interest of the minority Muslim students, despite not even receiving salary for the past 36 months, it added.

Further, in the midst of such dilemma, the joint secretary of MOBC notified the CEO of WAQF Board on May 8, 2017, to withhold the regularisation process of the said teachers, the release continued.

In light of the above situation, AMMMTWA had expressed their grievances and demands to the chief minister of Manipur, N.Biren Singh, on June 15, 2017, and October 15, 2017. However there has been no positive response so far, it added.

AMMMTWA reiterated its demand for the regularisation of the said teachers and the release of their pending salaries by November 30, as well as the suspension of the CEO and Chairman of WAQF Board, it added.

Failing which, AMMMTWA in collaboration with other CSO in the state will be compelled to launch severe agitations to meet its’ demands, the release maintained.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 19

The first North East India Regional Women’s Conference was held today at Marwari Dharamsala Hall with an aim to empower women of the Northeastern states and to focus on development.

The event was organised by Bharat Vikas Parishad (BVP), Manipur and Bharat Vikas Parishad, Imphal (Mahila).

Works minister Thongam Biswajit Singh attended the function as chief guest. Speaking on the occasion he said almost half of the population of the state are women but they face certain problems such as unemployment.

He said poverty could be eradicated from the state when women are given the right kind of education. When women are given the right space, they can grow and bring development in the state economically and socially, he stressed.

He emphasised the importance of women’s education to develop a state. Women need to be educated and at the same time they should be able to take part in social activities, he pointed out.

He said that when compared to other states, the status of women in the state fares much better. In spite of shouldering household chores women’s participation in the field of education, government jobs, competitive exams are greater in the state.

The women conference outlines the problems faced by women in various fronts. National president of BVP, Sitaram Pareek, vice-chancellor of Central Agriculture University, Iroisemba, M. Premjit Singh and chairperson of Manipur State Women’s Development Corporation Ltd, S. Satyabhama Devi among others attended the function as presidium members.

BVP is a service and a ritual-oriented political, socio cultural NGO. It is dedicated to all round human development (culture, society, education, policy, spirituality, nationalism, etc).

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Nov 19

District Water and Sanitation Committee (DWSC), Ukhrul, today observed World Toilet Day 2017, with the theme ‘Wastewater’, at the Common Facility Centre, Lunghar Village, Ukhrul district.

Executive member of ADC-Ukhrul, Ngamsung Hashuwo attended the function as the chief guest. In his address, he urged the gathering to reap the benefit of this project so as to live a clean and disease free life. He further added that it is also the duty and responsibility of every citizen to keep their courtyards, roads, and surrounding clean.

According to the district co-ordinator, SBM Ukhrul district, Themreishang Marei, 50 percent of the planned construction of 30,000 toilets in Ukhrul district under Swachh Bharat Mission has been completed. That by 2030, it aims to halve the proportion of untreated wastewater in Ukhrul and increase recycling for safe reuse.

ZSBP (MDWS) Ukhrul, Rinshang Pheiray, also informed that with the aim to eliminate open defecation in India, ZSBP Ukhrul is undertaking a project on creating hygienic toilets with sealed pit or tank, separated from human contact. He further mentioned that treated wastewater and waste products can be used for energy generation, and as fertilizers in food production.

In the said programme, IHAO Group and Kasom Tang, Hunphun, Ukhrul district, were felicitated with an appreciation certificate and a cash award of ?5000/- by SBM-Ukhrul, for their contributions made towards ‘Clean India Movement’.

A short video clip on ‘Clean India Movement’ was also aired during the programme.

IHAO group members, Kasom Tang executives, TNFC members, Lunghar Village Authority, elders and youths of Lunghar village attended the said programme.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 19

A ceremony to felicitate Rajyogini Brahma Kumari Sheela, sub-zone in charge of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya North East, Guwahati was held at Marwari Dharmasala here today as part of the organisation’s golden jubilee celebration.

Education minister Thokchom Radheshyam Singh attending the function as chief guest said that there will be no peace of mind without instilling love and compassion. 

Radheshyam said he came to learn from the Brahmakumaris, and not as an education minister. Pointing out the importance of developing positive attitudes and good thoughts in human, he said nowadays people are more focussed on grooming the outer beauty.

He said more importantly beautifying the mind is ignored by most people. The minister appreciated the Brahmakumaris for their contribution towards creating a peaceful society free of conflicts and violence.

In these crucial times Rajyoga meditation in our daily routine will act as a tool for creating positive wave, he said.

Rajgogini Brahma Kumari Sheela as the special guest said that the karma is important for positive actions and humanity for peaceful co-existence in our society. She stressed on the need for a positive change saying that we are children of one God and good karma will pave the way to a happy, balanced life in future.

Medical superintendent of Shija Hospital, Langol, Dr. S. Jugindra and dean (Academic), JNIMS, Prof. W. Gyaneshwar Singh and president of Indian Medical Association, Manipur, Dr. Kh. Sulochana Devi attended the function as presidium members.

Founder of Divya Jyoti Ashram, Changangei, Uchekon,Imphal, Ch. Jamini Devi, vice-president of Manipur Mahila Kalyan Samiti, Dewlahland, Imphal, M. Pramodini Devi, professor of department of psychiatry, RIMS, Dr. R. K. Lenin Singh, retired staff of M.U. L. Nabakumar Mangang and other officials from different professions also attended the programme.

Rajyogini Brahma Kumari Sheela has been looking after the operations of over 100 branches in the Northeast and Bangladesh. She joined the Brahma Kumari in 1959 at the age of 10 and helped establish Brahma Kumaris centres in the Northeast.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |Nov 19

Leaders of the Working Committee of the six Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) returned to Dimapur today from New Delhi after signing ‘an agreement’.

Two days ago,  Dimapur based Nagaland Post had reported that the Working Committee of six NNPGs had signed ‘an agreement’.

However, the signing of the paper was not the final solution. Both the Working Committee of the six NNPGs and the Centre will negotiate based on the ‘agreement’ which was inked on November 17, sources said.

The 6 NNPGs are GPRN/NSCN, FGN, NNC (Parent Body), NPGN/NNC (NA), NSCN (R) and the NNC/GDRN (NA).

Meanwhile, according to the sources, 13 members of Working Committee of the six NNPGs were warmly received by a large number of people at Dimapur airport this afternoon as they returned from the national capital.

Meanwhile, former chief minister of Nagaland and Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio has termed the signing of the ‘agreement’ between the Centre and the Working Committee comprising of six NNPGs on November 17 New Delhi as a “welcome step in the right direction”.

“On behalf of the Nagas, I extend my sincerest gratitude to the government of India led by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister for once again recognising the political and historical rights of the Naga’s right to self-determine their future in consonance with their distinct identity,” Neiphiu Rio said.

He added that this is a significant step in our search for honourable resolution of the Naga political imbroglio. “I appeal to all the negotiating parties, especially the government of India to expedite the political dialogue and bring about a solution that is honourable, democratic and upholds the political rights of the people,” Rio added.

Neiphiu Rio also expressed happiness on the adoption of a 5-point resolution by the Parliamentary Working Committee on November 17 in Kohima with regard to the Naga political issue.

“Although I was unable to attend the meeting due to inclement weather which prevented me from landing at Kohima on the said day, I wholeheartedly endorse the resolutions,” Rio expressed. The Nagas have been a strife-torn people for the last more than 60 years and now is the time for peace to reign in the land, and in our hearts, he added.

Rio continued, “As the Nagas stand at a crucial juncture in our history – at the crossroads between lasting peace coupled with progressive development, and the path to chaos and self-destruction – I pray that wisdom prevails and that the Nagas choose the former.”