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Ningol Chakouba ’2011 Bangalore

We are happy to announce that “THE NINGOL CHAKOUBA’2011″ was celebrated in Bangalore on 29th,… more »

We are happy to announce that “THE NINGOL CHAKOUBA’2011″ was celebrated in Bangalore on 29th, October, Saturday, organized by MMAB (Manipuri Meitei Association Bangalore) was a grand success and memorable event for every Meitei in Bangalore. And we would like to share this feeling to the Meiteis in every corner of the world.

Best Regards,
JOHNSON
Publicity & Communication Manipuri Meitei Association, Bangalore
mmabangalore AT yahoo.com

For more photos, see: http://gallery.kanglaonline.com/?p=839

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/ningol-chakouba-2011-bangalore/

MMAB Day Long Mass Fasting Protest on Nove 5, to support Sharmila

MMAB (Manipuri Meitei Association,Bangalore) is organising a DAY LONG FASTING cum Signature campaign to support… more »

Irom Sharmila

MMAB (Manipuri Meitei Association,Bangalore) is organising a DAY LONG FASTING cum Signature campaign to support Sharmila’s 11 year long struggle against the draconial “Armed Forces Special Powers Act”.
MMAB cordially invites people in and around Bangalore to join us.
DAY: Saturday,5th November,9:00am – 6:00pm
LOCATION: Town Hall, Corporation circle, Bangalore, India

Contact convenors: Dr.Jiban Singh (8095675523), Roopa (9902070654).

For more info, please see: http://www.mmabangalore.com/wordpress/?p=184

Governor visits cancer patients during National Rose Day observation

IMPHAL September 22: Governor Gurbachan Jagat during the inaugural function of the National Rose Day… more »

Reporters taking pictures of state Governor Gurbachan Jagat interacting with a cancer patient at RIMS as part of the National Rose Day observation.

IMPHAL September 22: Governor Gurbachan Jagat during the inaugural function of the National Rose Day observation held at the mini auditorium of RIMS, Lamphelpat today stated that a special fund has been initiated by the government for the benefit of the economically challenged cancer patients in the state.

Gurbachan Jagat, who was speaking as the chief guest of the function said that the Manipur State Illness Assistance Funds has been set up this year to provide financial assistance to the poor cancer patients living below the poverty line, for treatment at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences and Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal.

He said that the financial assistance to such patients would be released in the form of a one time grant through the medical superintendents of the hospitals concerned where the treatment is being provided.

Addressing the gathering, Jagat maintained that the main objective of the observation that was started in 2006 in the state on this day is to create awareness among the people on the possibilities of fighting back the disease and lead a normal live.

Further in his speech, the Governor lauded the organizer, the Manipur Cancer Society for it’s series of initiatives taken up for the cancer patients in the state, he said that such initiatives are a great source of encouragement and reassurance for the cancer patients.

Later, appealing to the public especially the youth, he stated that the disease is closely connected with life style and that they should try their best to abstain from undesirable life style.

The function was also attended by L. Jayantakumar minister Health and Family welfare as the president.

Dr. Mohen, principal secretary Population Based Cancer Registry, Dr. S. Shekharjit, Director RIMS and other dignitaries also attended the function.

Meanwhile, other speakers at the function called upon all to abstain from the use of tobacco and other related products in order to bring a cancer free society. Addressing specially to the youths they highlighted that one of the primary concern in the state is too much indulgence in tobacco and its related products that are the main causes of cancer in the state.

During the observation, the Cancer survivor awards were also handed over to four survivors.

As part of the National Rose day observation, the Governor also paid a visit at the Radiotherapy Deptt. RIMS and had a brief interaction with the cancer patients lodged in the department. Flowers and gifts were also presented to the patients during his visit at the deptt.

In the meantime, prior to today’s observation a mass rally of cancer awareness in the centre of the Imphal was also held in the morning that was participated by a contingent of more than 400 NCC both male and female cadets . The rally started from Imphal HQ NCC located at DM College campus at Thangmeiband and was flagged off by col. JJ. Verghese, Group Commander Imphal Group Hd. Qr. NCC and proceeded along the Nagamapal road. The rally concluded at the Mini auditorium, RIMS.

The National Cancer Rose Day was also observed by the department of Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion (Blood Bank), Regional Institute of Medical Sciences. In connection with the observation the deptt had provided 27 units of blood free of cost to 16 patients of RIMS Hospital who needed blood transfusion as against 19 units of blood supplied during the same observation held last year.

Explaining the Siege: The Unending Blockades in Manipur

By Bibhu Prasad Routray 21 September 2011 : The ongoing blockades in Manipur entered 52… more »

By Bibhu Prasad Routray

21 September 2011 : The ongoing blockades in Manipur entered 52 days on 21 September. Even by the prevailing norms in the state where blockades are imposed with religious regularity by almost anybody- militant formations, civil society organisations, student outfits, tribal bodies – this time around the siege has gone wee bit too far, with no end in sight.

As people in the state struggle to meet their ends with scarce commodities, this is an attempt to explain the issue at hand and examine the options for the governments in Imphal and New Delhi to put an end the current logjam.

Issue at hand:

Upgradation of the Sadar Hills sub-division of the Senapati district to a full-fledged district.

The issue is at least two decades old. Incidentally, the Manipur State Legislative Assembly has twice passed resolutions supporting the creation of the Sadar Hills district. Creation of this new district is not an easy proposition for the area under the Sadar Hills, and largely dominated by the Kuki tribe, is seen by the Nagas as part of their traditional homeland. Both Nagas and Kukis have fought bitter internecine clashes through out the 1990s resulting in deaths of hundreds.

The biggest stumbling block before the issue, thus, has been “one posed by ethnic contestations over territory informed by archaic notions of ethnic homelands”. The issue also highlights the division between the Hill and the Valley areas of the state. Geographically, 90 per cent of the State area is hilly and contains 41 per cent of the population. The rest 59 per cent of the state’s total population, are located in the Valley, housing the state’s capital.

The Key Players:

1. Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC): Consisting of Kuki tribals, the SHDDC since 31 July 2011 has blocked NH 39, which connects Imphal with Dimapur (in Nagaland). It also has blocked NH 53 that connects Imphal with Assam.

2. United Naga Council (UNC): In anticipation that the SHDDC agitators may have their way, this apex political organization of the Naga tribes within Manipur on 21 August imposed its own blockade along all the other highways (NH 39& NH 150) leading out of the state, thus effectively cutting off the state from the rest of the country. UNC opposes the creation of the district on the fear that the creation of the district would split the Naga population and would further put their ultimate goal of being a part of a unified Nagalim that brings together all the Naga inhabited areas of Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh under one administrative unit in jeopardy. The UNC further insinuates that the demand for Sadar Hills district is part of a sinister divide and rule policy by the Government of Manipur, indirectly hinting at a machination by the valley based Meitei communities who they feel are against the Nagas.

3. Manipur Government: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has promised the SHDDC that a final decision on creation of the Sadar Hills district would be made after the Committee on Reorganization of Administrative and Police Boundaries (CRAPB) submits its report in three months. The first meeting of the state chief secretary-headed Committee on Reorganization of Administrative and Police Boundaries (CRAPB) was convened on 15 September to seek people’s comments and opinion on remapping of district boundaries. Meanwhile, several civil bodies have appealed to the government not to rearrange the boundaries on the basis of religion, language or communities.

4. New Delhi: It has resisted intervening as the issue remains an internal political problem in Manipur and has remained free from ethnic violence. Any intervention would be seen as a bias in favour of or against particular tribes. Thus, it believes that this situation is better handled by the State government. In any event, Manipur police is 20,000 strong, and has 10,000 police commandos at its disposal. In any event, the convoys of trucks are being provided security by the Manipur Rifles personnel and Indian Reserve Battalions (IRB) battalions along with central forces, the BSF, CRPF and Assam Rifles, although full safety of the vehicles has not been ensured. Six trucks including two carrying medicines were burnt down by the UNC protesters at Nungkao area under district along NH 39 on 16 September.

Options before the State Government:

1. Force open the Highways: This would appear to be the easiest of solutions. However, all the Highways passing through the state obviously can’t be kept open by security force presence all round the year. The state would require at least 20 dedicated battalions of security forces for the purpose. Neither the state nor New Delhi can afford this. The other option is to concentrate only on Highway 53 that connects Manipur with Assam and is less troublesome to keep operational. However, this Highway is simply unusable in its vast stretches. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which is the repairing agency, has set a deadline of 2013 to complete its work.

2. Create Sadar Hills district: It will placate the Kukis, who would then lift the blockade on NH 39 and 53. However, the decision would annoy the Nagas who would continue the blockade on rest of the highways. The decision will certainly have a spillover effect in Nagaland, where the Nagas would eventually impose fresh blockades on NH 39, which passes through Nagaland. It has happened so many times in future and will recur. The Manipur state government, which now can still get its supplies through convoys of trucks under police and security force protection into the valley areas, will be completely at the mercy of the Nagaland government. New Delhi can intervene in that inter-state conflict scenario, but the danger is that the conflict may also take dangerous turn towards vicious inter-tribal violence between the Nagas and Kukis in Manipur, a worst case scenario New Delhi would try to avoid.

3. Do nothing till the storm passes over: This is a policy the Ibobi Singh government has been frequently accused of. Blockades demanding creation of the Sadar Hills district is almost an annual ritual, for past several years. On previous occasions, protesters have gone home after deliberations and assurances by the state government. Only this time, this has gone on for so long. Since there have been multiple resolutions in the Assembly favouring the creation of the district, the government can’t now reject it. But an Ostrich like policy will keep the issue alive, allowing it to return in possibly worse forms.

4. Get the Nagas and Kukis to talk to each other: On paper, it may sound fine, but is a highly improbable scenario, given the acrimony both communities bear towards each other and also, the hostility they have towards the state government.

5. Create the district, but under different names: As a respected editor friend of mine Pradip Phanjoubam suggests: “The state government could experiment with things like naming the proposed Sadar Hills district as Senapati (South) and the old Senapati as Senapati (North). The point is to send out the message to those demanding as well as opposing the formation of this new district that the new district has no other intent than administrative convenience.”

6. Do nothing till a humanitarian crisis forces the New Delhi to impose President’s rule: Presuming nothing improves, the closing act of the state government may be a transition to the President’s Rule to avoid a humanitarian crisis. As Pradip Phanjoubam opined, “This is not so much about punishing the government for allowing the situation to go out of hand leaving the state with the distinct possibility of completely descending into total chaos, but instead of finding a way out of the present dangerous problem.” This unfortunately looks to be the only way out of the present impasse

This article was sent to Kanglaonline by Bibhu Prasad Routray

CSDANCA Public Grievances – Neglected by Concerned Authorities

Sir, I, on behalf of the people of Chakpikarong area sincerely request your goodself… more »

Anal Students’ Forum, Manipur sent us this grievances letter on behalf of the Chakpikarong Sub-Divisional Anal Naga Chiefs’ Association (CSDANCA), Chandel District which has not been addressed by Concern MLA (41 A/C, Chandel) and the Govt. failed to do the needful inspite of repeated appeals. (visual shown on ISTV News dated the 20th September 2011)

Condition of School – CSDANCA Public Grievances – Neglected by Concerned Authorities

More Photos..

Sir,
I, on behalf of the people of Chakpikarong area sincerely request your goodself to kindly publish the following facts & concern of the people of the Chakpikarong area in daily news papers on special ground.
1. The present condition of the portion of the State Highway in between sugnu & chakpikarong is deteriorated and looks horrid. The people of the area in particular and commuters in general have been facing much hardship and inconveniences. As a result, the number of passenger buses/vehicles plying on this road is reduced. We approached the concerned authority to look into the matter in time & again but paid no heed to it and the road remain unrepaired till date.
2. It is very disappointing that since the close of SBI Chakpikarong branch we appealed to the concerned authority, the Govt. of Manipur for reopening of the said Bank soon but in spite of our appeal, the concerned authority has not done enough and taken up appropriated steps to reopen the SBI till date. As a result, Govt. Employees, Ex-servicemen, NGOs, Registered Societies, MGNREGS job card holders & general public faced much hardships and inconveniences. To redress the grievances of the general public, the concerned authority is requested to delve into the matter and reopen the SBI chakpikarong branch at the soonest.
3. In order to keep the people healthy, PHC Chakpikarong play important role in rural area. Patients from different parts of near & far flung places are brought to PHC Chakpikarong for treatment. However, due to absence of Medical Officer i/c and shortage of nurses/staff and inadequate supply of required lifesaving drugs/medicines & equipment. Patients are not given proper treatment at PHC Chakpikarong. Therefore, the concerned authority, Govt. of Manipur is appealed to take up expeditious action in this regard and send Medical Officer to PHC Chakpikarong as soon as possible. So as to redress the grievances of the people of the Chakpikarong area.
4. The Chakpikarong Govt. High School is the only well run institution in Chakpikarong sub-division, However it’s very disappointing that the School is lagging behind due to apathy of the Govt. The infrastructure of the school regarding the equipment of Lab., School Lib., Sports goods are not supplied and encouraged. The Headmaster and the teaching staff are urged and advised to coordinate with the members of the school management & development committee for better running of the school.
Therefore, Your goodself is requested to kindly publish above mentioned facts and concern of the people of Chakpikarong area in your daily news paper on special ground.

With regard,

Yours faithfully,

HL. THUNGAM
President ,
Chakpikarong Sub-Divisional
Anal Naga Chiefs’ Assn

The above mail was sent to Kanglaonline.com by Anal student Forum, Manipur

Manipur Public Service Commission?’s Questions – Citizen Grievance

Dear President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil Dear Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh… more »

An open letter which tries to reveal the anomalies of the recently held “Manipur Civil Services Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination, 2010”.
The concern being a verbatim replication of twenty four (24) questions in the mentioned examination paper, from a web page/blog which is in public domain.

Manipur Public Service Commission

Dear President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil
Dear Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh
Dear Governor of Manipur, Mr Gurbachan Jagat
Dear Chief Minister of Manipur, Mr Okram Ibobi Singh
Dear Chairman, Union Public Service Commission, Prof. D.P. Agrawal
Dear Chairman, Manipur Public Service Commission, Dr. S. Singsit

We wanted to bring forth some area of concern regarding the “Manipur Civil Services Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination, 2010” examination held on 11th September 2011. The purpose of writing this mail is not to malign the reputation of the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) but to protect its sanctity and enable it to continuously strengthen itself as an apex Service Commission of Manipur.

The concern being a verbatim replication of twenty four (24) questions in the mentioned examination paper, from a web page/blog which is in public domain. After we checked the blog, we found out that it was published before the examination date. Only question no. 23 from both the blog is not present in the question paper.

The blogs which are a replica of each other are mention below:

http://cbseadda.blogspot.com/2011/05/cbse-science-quize.html, published in May 2011
http://allexamguru.blogspot.com/2008/12/general-science-objective-questions.html, published in December 2008.

All the below questions can only be answered by the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) and we as concerned citizens can only wait in anticipation of hope and justice.

1. Was it purely coincidental or intentional or an oversight?

2. Is the profession and the exam of very low standard to have compromised questions from just one sample quiz of 25 questions? We have heard of few questions coming, in an exam from questions bank of thousand questions may be, but never of this magnitude; 24 questions from a sample of 25 questions.

3. Is there any guarantee that the information regarding the site was kept secret, and no nepotism was practiced?

4. Are there any other similar resource, from where the question paper is replicated?

5. Can the MPSC convince the public that they are still fair and if so, does not this incident unmistakably reveal the casual approach and incompetence of the MPSC?

6. Was there any other agenda that we are not aware of?

This is shared purely on public interests to question the conscience of those who are driven by self motives.

Best regards,

Raju Athokpam
Alex Phairembam
Basanta Rajkumar
Bimol Akoijam
Bishwajit Khumukcham
Bishwarjit Khagembam
Bomcha Oinam
Brandon Kshetri
Chandisana Thongram Khuman
Chandrakant Aribam
Danny Maisnam
Deepak Luwang
Devakishor Soraisam
Dickmax Mayanglambam
Dinnie Sougaijam
Gautam Maharabam
Gulshan Chingangbam
Hanjabam Isworchandra Sharma
John Konthoujam
Jotin Nandeibam
Kangabam Roogeet
Kanglasha Manipurtalks
Kishalay Bhattacharjee
Korou Khundrakpam
Ksh. Upendra Singh
Lalit Kumar
Langpoklakpam Arora
M Jyoti Singh
Manoranjan Haobam
Monish Karam
Nanao S
Neera Ahanthem
Nelson Elangbam
Nikita Sharma
Ningshen Phasangmi
Padameshwar Nongthombam
Paonam Thoibi
Poonam Karam
Pravabati Chingangbam
Rajukumar Arbind Singh
Ravie Narengbam
Ringo Pebam
Robert Ningombam
Roger Ahongshangbam
Romendro Athokpam
Romeo Ningombam
Satyabhama Ph
Shanta Laishram
Shweta Singh Karam
Sonyboy Narengbam
Sumitra Thoidingjam
Supriya Shijagurumayum
Swanamayee Athokpam
T. Khuman
Thoi Naorem
Thokchom Donpriya
Tony Thokchom
Uttam Ch
Victoria Chabungbam

Date: 20th September 2011

The above Open Letter was sent to Kanglaonline.com by Raju Athokpam

Khuraijam Rajkumar – fast onto death in support of a separate Jiribam district

Khuraijam Rajkumar Singh seen here at the Jiribam CHC, has been on a fast onto… more »

Khuraijam Rajkumar – fast onto death in support of a separate Jiribam district

Khuraijam Rajkumar Singh seen here at the Jiribam CHC, has been on a fast onto death in support of the demands for a separate Jiribam district. He has been taken to the Silchar airport by a team of the Jiribam police and will be further flown to Imphal.

Nominations invited for eNorth East 2011 Award & Conclave (Deadline: Sep 30)

eNorth East Award 2011 Nominations are invited for the “eNorth East Award” 2011, recognizing best… more »

eNorth East Award 2011

eNorth East Award 2011 – click image to enlarge

Nominations are invited for the “eNorth East Award” 2011, recognizing best practices in ICT for development in the region and contribute to an enabling ICT for development environment in the region. Award recognition is being given in 12 key categories. Please visit http://enortheast.in/ for details and nomination form. The eNorth East 2011 is being held in Kohima, Nagaland on November 25, 2011.

Download Nomination Form (MS-Word)

The objective of this eNorth East Award & Platform is to contribute to an enabling, networking environment, experience and best practices sharing, stakeholders meeting and partnership forging between government, industry, civil society, and research and academic institutions from within and outside the region.

The eNorth East Award 2011 is brought to you by Digital Connect, North East Development Foundation & Digital Empowerment Foundation. Nominations are invited from government, industry, civil society and academic institutions to submit their nominations in key categories.

Nomination Categories:
1. E-Governance & Public Services Delivery
2. Education & Learning
3. Health
4. Livelihood & Entrepreneurship
5. Financial Inclusion
6. News & Media
7. Entertainment
8. Commerce & Business
9. Culture & Environment
10. Environment & Tourism
11. Innovative department / PSU
12. Innovative ICT / IT Enterprise

The nomination process is from August 16 to September 30. Filled in nominations can be sent at enortheast@gmail.com. Nominees may send supporting documents, video clips, etc along with the form.

For correspondence:
eNorth East Award Secretariat
House 10, First Floor, Nijom Path, Sixmile, Khanapara, Guwahati- 781022
Telefax: 0361-2363204; Email: enortheast@gmail.com; Web: http://enortheast.in/
Mobile: 9706149298

New Delhi Correspondence:
House 44, Fourth Floor, Kalu Sarai, New Delhi – 110016
Telefax: 011-26532787

Look forward towards submission and quality participation.

Nomination form is attached.

S. S. Kazi
Curator: eNorth East Award
Lead Partner: North East Development Foundation (www.nedfindia.org)
Promoter: eNorth East (www.enortheast.in)

TEN ISSUES/QUESTIONS TO UNDERSTAND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE POLITICAL PREMISE OF AFSPA

To insist that one must address and understand “Political Premise” of AFSPA is to… more »

To insist that one must address and understand “Political Premise” of AFSPA is to insist that we must fundamentally know/address the following issues:

“Law” is a juridico-political fact, thereby meaning it has a political premise and that must be addressed (more so with Acts like AFSPA).
Even if the protestors prefer to de-link the political premise of AFSPA, will the Government of India, with which the protestors are engaging with in order to repeal the Act, de-link what it thinks the Act is addressing while thinking about AFSPA?
All legislations are to address some realities/phenomena in our real world. Acts on dowry, sati, child-marriage, for that matter the recent talk of Lok Pal, all are (about) legislations to address or fight realities of our life (the menace of dowry, sati, child-marriage or corruption). Therefore, the discussions or debates on these legislations are not carried out by de-linking these realities.
What is that AFSPA is fundamentally seeking to address? (Isn’t this a question of policy/approach and politics that informed the policy/approach, a question that is inherently implicated and critical in understanding AFSPA?)
AFSPA is supposed to address the “disturbed condition” caused by “armed rebellion” (“khutlaipaiba lalhouba”).
Aren’t the powers given in the Act related to “armed rebellion”, powers (actvities) that are to be exercised/performed by the military personnel?
Why is it then that the Supreme Court says the “disturbed condition” wherein AFSPA has been enforced is not due to “armed rebellion”? (Is this a “legal” or “political” question?)
If it is about “law and order”, are those powers noted in the Act in line with what is expected of a “law and order” enforcing mechanism or engaging in “war”, including those that can be described as “low intensity” ones?
More crucially, if the Act is not addressing a “disturbed condition” caused by “armed rebellion” (khutlapaiba lalhouba), and it is about “law and order”, why does the Government of India outlawed those rebels groups or charged the members of these groups in Court saying that they are “waging war” against the State?
Are these questions matters of “theory” or (as many have a habit of saying often as a way of debunking or refusing any attempt at deepening understanding on an issue) “ground reality” or both?

To those who are protesting against the AFSPA:

(a) Narratives of human tragedy, of near and dear ones having been tortured, detained, killed or made disappeared by the state agencies under the Act, are facts. But are these narratives of human tragedies un-related to the above questions/issues?

(b) But when somebody (or in “we the people” kind of programme in TV channels) brings out similar narratives of human tragedies in the hands of non-state actors, does the issue of AFSPA get diluted or distracted precisely because your fight is based on a limited or narrow legal/human rights perspective that does not address basic questions pertaining to the Act as I have noted here (as well as elsewhere)?

(c) How do you intend to make the issue of AFSPA politically significant (amongst others, keep the question/issue no. 2 above in mind as well) when your own politicians and middle class can probably sense the human tragedy and say it’s bad but insurgents also do the same and so on.

(d) Granted that, one may agree or disagree with those who are “waging a war” against the Indian State, but the fact is, IT IS THERE as A PART OF OUR REALITY. So, which one makes more sense: Address something that has been there for decades and something that affects our lives with an honest acknowledgment of the reality of “rebellion” and realistically approach the issue or continue to deny or distort the reality (which, while the AFSPA is ostensibly dealing with a phenomenon of “waging war” against the State with arms–in short, “armed rebellion” at the same time legally/juridically denying it, as in Supreme Court Judgment of 1997) OR allow one to be guided by a mob mentality or lynching mindset saying that these “extortionists” blah blah must be “eliminated” (something that the mighty Indian State has been trying for more than 50 years with its military might under a “legal fiction” all this while without success and only to be admitted now and then that we must find a “political solution”!)?

Lastly, HOLLOW promise of a “yes, yes, AFSPA must go” by your politicians or those who feel the human tragedies under the violence of the Act but have a nagging question “what after AFSPA?” for there are these “naharols” (or insurgents), can never be addressed (or rather exposed) until and unless one brings in the above TEN questions/issues into the struggle against this notorious “legal fiction” that has created havoc in our life.

These are some of the concerns that I have in mind when I insist on “political issue/premise” of AFSPA that we must take care!

Urgent Requirement of Trainee Chemist M.Sc Chemistry – Interview Date 19th September, 2011

There is an urgent vacancy of trainee Chemist in one of the reputed pharmaceutical company… more »

There is an urgent vacancy of trainee Chemist in one of the reputed pharmaceutical company based in Delhi.

Required qualification : M.Sc Chemistry with strong knowledge in Medicinal Chemistry.

Interested candidate can contact Chaoba Phuritshabam chaoba.ph[at]gmail.com.
Details of Interview:
Place: Delhi
date: 19th September, 2011
Time: 9.00 AM

The above job annoucement is sent to Kanglaonline.com by Chaoba Phuritshabam

Part 1: The human rights crisis in Manipur and the north-east: Victimization of women and children

By: Usha Thiyam Context Manipur In the land of NUPI Lal, Meira Peibis (Local women who safeguard the folks), Sharmila and Manorama, it is unbelievable that such horrific crimes as… Read more »

By: Usha Thiyam

Context Manipur

In the land of NUPI Lal, Meira Peibis (Local women who safeguard the folks), Sharmila and Manorama, it is unbelievable that such horrific crimes as mentioned below are committed.

I must confess killing an EMa Meira Peibi member, was a shock to everyone at that time. Then, came more shocking news of more women being killed, more Meira Peibis. Whatever be the reason “XYZ” the reason is not strong enough to take on human lives

Indeed it is a human rights disaster. Dead bodies being recovered in awkward positions, hands tied, legs tied, eyes blindfolded, nude, neck being twisted, body parts being twisted. It is not a thriller or crime series on TV but reality that drastically shot up in 2010 for women and children. The number of dead young men in the last decade “shot for XYZ” reason will never be justified. There is no knowledge of any database – perhaps 100s or 1000s. Perhaps, similar to a country ruled by a dictator or those countries with human rights crisis- similar to Sudan, Darfur ? Obvious reply –research please!. Number of widows in the state continued to rise. Not just widows but those infected with mental diseases too and continued to be exploited. Certainly not in chronological order, but the ghastly crimes that falls in just one state indicates there is the need for a international Alarm on human rights disaster in the state. International authorities should step in unless, more deaths and a civil war is carved out.
First, it was “one” disastrous news that an Ema (member of Meira Peibi) was shot and killed. I must confess killing an EMa Meira Peibi member, was a shock to everyone at that time. Then, came more shocking news of more women being killed, more Meira Peibis. Whatever be the reason “XYZ” the reason is not strong enough to take on human lives. Then, came the news about the series of so called attacks by Assam Rifles personal, and the tragedy of Manorama’s death. The event that there was a nude protest at the gate of the Assam Rifles/Kangla to protest against the prevailing molestation, torture and rape of womenfolk and Manorama’s death became a news shared widely.
Then, came the disastrous news of several “northeast” women being molested and raped in Delhi and the racial discrimination they face there (June-November 2010 news including those @timesofinidaonline.com). I saw quite some comments and reactions by everyone because many family members, relatives commute and work in Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai. So I started to send e-mails, to create a strong organization and put a stop to such crimes.
Then, came the news of women and children being trafficked and molested primarily by foreign aid seeking organizations in Chennai, south India as well as in several organizations. The usual story of a well paid job being promised located abroad- Bankok, China or in the nearby countries was mentioned in the news articles. Amazing to read that child soldiers were being recruited by various militants and the recruiters were being paid well for their jobs.
Then there are cases of vulgar pornographic Korean film clips being sent out to women and children by SMS mobile telephones. The internet without any censorship and more related films and materials, elevated such crimes and torture and violence against women continued.

Recent cases:

In one recent case, the daughter of one person was kidnapped, raped and mercilessly thrown out simply because the demands made to father were not met. Today you have heard this news of a Class-XI girl being raped and killed by strangulation. Post-partum reports are yet to be revealed as to whether the accused is the boyfriend or other men are involved. Even thou, news report suggest the accused is caught by the police, the reality still remains.
Are the police to be trusted or appropriately doing their duties- No comment? In one article news report indicated a women committed suicide because of harassment and teasing by a group of police commandoes. So how far can we trust the police?
In January 2010, a double rape and murder shook Imphal. The killing of Chanbi and her teenage daughter Menaka at Phayeng (Manipur) who were called out from their home in the evening by two men on the pretext of discussing something. Till date, even thou it might not have been too difficult of a task, who called them out that evening is not solved. While several organizations strongly condemned state government’s inaction in delivering justice to this double rape and murder case, no one has been booked for the double murder. She was a widow and left behind 3 small children.
On december 13, 2010 the nude dead body of an unidentified woman believed to be in her forties was found amongst ricestraw at a paddy field near Yaiphakol village, about 2 kms from Khuga dam. Entirely nude mercilessly killed, and blood seeping from her nose and mouth. Sources in the police said, they suspect she was done to death a night before.
The news media stated that there were no visible foot-prints available in the area surrounding the body, nor was there any trace of her clothing or any other substantial evidences. Again, the question here is what the forensics is doing here in this case, around the paddy field or near the dead body – in what way the autopsy helped here?. This was the second instance in three weeks wherein the dead body of a woman entirely in nude was discovered in the district. The lifeless body of a fifty-year old woman cashier with the DRDA was discovered nude stacked behind wooden pieces beneath her own residence on Nov 25. Authorities, according to news sources, detained her husband allegedly on suspicion over the murder.
Not only this, several murders took place, a mentally handicapped woman was found raped in her shop in the night.

Apex civil society organizations for women extended their support in many ways, agitation, Joint action Committees (JACs). But the outcome and agitation launched in connection with the incidents above did not change the trend and it continues to rise. Perhaps it is aging of armed persons- who knows that they cannot be caught striking again and again. Time to Wake up Manipur-! For the number of women murdered, there should be few days of demonstration and a statewide stir and shake up massive protest rally.

Few days back, news came out that millitants groups would buy properties in Guwahati and many other places in India in the name of their wives. The question is is the wife’s name being exploited, taken for granted or is this mere exploitation.

Questions:

The role of media in showing the dead bodies, delivering the news and the psychological impact it might have is largely ignored.
For state-of-art facilities of post partum, perhaps, time is to ask what kind of facility do we have ?
How many JACs are formed until date for how many unlawful deaths?
Internet/film censorship – where are we with this?
By no drastic steps steps being taken to book the killers of such ghastly crimes of rape/murders the number of killers is on the rise.

Role of government and police authority and why they will not resign- still a question at large ?

I would like to tribute this article to late Prof. Naorem Sanajoaba, noted human rights activist and intellect who was my aunts’ husband.

References: kanglaonline, e-pao, sangai express, timesofindia, telegraphindia – Online Articles

Usha Thiyam is a Social Activist Based in Germany

Boyfriend arrested in rape and murder case of Ukhrul girl, condemnation continues

IMPHAL, Sept 13: The prime suspect in the rape and murder of a teenage girl at Cheirao Ching has been arrested by Ukhrul police today. The accused is identified as… Read more »

Students of RK Sanatombi Devi Vidyalaya carrying out a silent protest rally in Imphal against rape and murder of Vasmi Khaleng on Tuesday.

IMPHAL, Sept 13: The prime suspect in the rape and murder of a teenage girl at Cheirao Ching has been arrested by Ukhrul police today.

The accused is identified as one Wungthem Mawon, 22, s/o Likeson of Tushen Chanhong Village in Ukhrul district. He is currently pursuing B.Com final year at DM College of Commerce and at present staying in a rented house at Lamphel.

Police sources informed that the accused has admitted committing the crime during preliminary interrogation.

The accused was produced before the CJM Imphal this evening and was given remand to police custody for 10 days.

The source further informed that Wungthem was arrested by Ukhrul police following a tip off from SDPO Lamphel who has been handling the case. He was arrested in the wee hours today at around 1:30 am from Lamlang gate which falls under the jurisdiction of Ukhrul police station. He was handed over to Lamphel police later today.

As per the interrogation, it has been revealed that the victim and the accused were having love affairs. On September 10, they arranged a date at Khongnang Anikarak, Chingmeirong at around 10:30 am and later went to Cheirao Ching.

Wungthem confessed that he killed Khaleng using his scarf on the same afternoon.

As per the confession of the accused, the murder was triggered following an argument between them. The accused left Imphal for Ukhrul the next day, the police said.

The accused also further confessed that no third person was involved in the crime and it has been informed that there was several scar marks on his body which police hinted could have been made by the deceased herself while trying to escape from strangulation.

A statement issued by the Senior Superintendent of Police, L. Kailun, expressed appreciation of the help and support rendered by family members, NGOs, Ukhrul police, in making the effort to nab the culprit successfully.

On the other hand, strongly condemning the incident the staffs and students of the RK Sanatombi Devi Vidyala, today took out a silent protest rally this morning around 11 am from Khuman Lampak Dingku road till Dewlahland Tangkhul Baptist church where a public meeting was held.

During the rally the students displayed placards which reads “We need peace not violence”, “We need good human beings not criminals”, “Punish the culprit immediately” etc.

The meet at the church was attended by many social leaders, community leaders, students’ bodies including the chairperson of the Manipur state commission for women, I. Ibetombi. It was organized by the Tangkhul Katamnaolong Imphal.

Talking to media persons at the sideline of the rally, the principal of the school, H. Nobinchand, strongly condemned the incident terming the act as barbaric.

He call on the people to fight unitedly against such heinous crime against students and children to prevent similar incident in the future.

In the meantime, many NGOs continue to join the band wagon of condemnation of the rape and subsequent murder of 15 year old Vasmi Khaleng D/o Ngaithingkhui of Paorei village.

The North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF), in a statement terming the act as inhuman asserted that the forum take it seriously besides terming it as a threat to the survivability of womenfolk.

While citing the rapid increase of crime against women and children in the state during the last few years it draws the attention of the entire stake holders, civil societies, NGOs to response collectively to stop the escalating crime against inhumanity.

It appeals the state government to check and investigate such inhuman act against the weaker lot without any delay and book and punish the perpetrators.

The Women Action for Development (WAD), in a statement also sturdily condemned the rape and murder of Vasmi Khaleng.

It claimed that there are a total of 92 cases of violence against women reported to local newspapers which include rape, rape and murder, murder suicide, missing, molestation, etc. It recalled that the most recent incidents of crime against women and children are the rape of six year old minor girl of Achanbigei on September 3 night and murder of four year old minor girl of Tangkhul Khullen.

In view of the increasing crimes rate an alarming level it drew the attention of all NGOs to fight collectively and also appeal the state government to intervene to such heinous crime against women ensuring the protection of women and children.

It urged the entire 60 MLAs should not remain a mere spectator and rather use their political right and not to politicize the issue in view of the upcoming general election.

It further appeal the law enforcing department and judiciary bodies to look in to the matter seriously for delivering justice without any delay.

The Naga Peoples’ Union Imphal (NPUI), Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights while strongly condemning the killing of Vasmi Khaleng asked the government to award the culprit at the maximum applicable of legal punishment befittingly to life time.

It share the grief and pain of the bereave family at this painful time and prayed for the soul of the victim to rest in peace.

Problems in Manipur’s Sadar Hills: Interview with General Secretary of Kuki International Forum

08 September 2011 – [CG Note: The ongoing situation in Sadar Hills District, Manipur, India has attracted attention of not only the ethnic peoples in Northeast India but also the… Read more »

Nehginpao kipgen

08 September 2011 – [CG Note: The ongoing situation in Sadar Hills District, Manipur, India has attracted attention of not only the ethnic peoples in Northeast India but also the Chins from Burma.

The Chinland Guardian has conducted an interview with Nehginpao Kipgen, a researcher on the rise of political conflicts in modern Burma (1947-2004) and general secretary of the U.S.-based Kuki International Forum (www.kukiforum.com).

He has written numerous analytical articles on the politics of Burma and Asia for many leading international newspapers in Asia, Africa, and the United States of America.]

Chinland Guardian: We have read a lot about problems arising in Sadar Hills District in Manipur, India. Tell us briefly about it.

Nehginpao Kipgen: It is a demand for the implementation of the Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council into a full-fledged district. It is an exercise of democratic rights by the people of Sadar Hills. On the eve of Manipur attaining statehood status in 1972, the Indian parliament passed the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act, 1971. According to the Act, all the hill areas were to be divided into six autonomous districts, with the ultimate goal of a full-fledged district each. The six autonomous districts were:

1. Manipur South (Churachandpur)
2. Manipur North (Senapati)
3. Manipur East (Ukhrul)
4. Manipur West (Tamenglong)
5. Sardar Hills (Kangpokpi)
6. Tengnoupal (Chandel)

Of the six autonomous districts, only Sadar Hills is left to be accorded a full-fledged district status. Autonomous district council is a sub-administrative unit of a full-fledged district that has to seek the approval of the district administration on all matters concerning executive, legislative, judicial and financial matters.

There is too much interference by the district administration. For example, the deputy commissioner of a full-fledged district can modify or change the budget passed by an autonomous district council administration. All taxes collected by the council are sent to the district administration.

The basic requirements for autonomy and self-government are lacking in autonomous district councils. On the other hand, a full-fledged district is an administrative unit headed by a deputy commissioner, a district magistrate, and a superintendent of police. The Sadar Hills district headquarters will come under the Kuki-majority urban town in Kangpokpi. In addition, Sadar Hills will enjoy all the benefits and privileges of a full-fledged district.

Chinland Guardian: Do you think this is also part of disputes and misunderstanding among tribal or ethnic groups dwelling in the area?

Nehginpao Kipgen: Unfortunately, politics in Manipur is largely driven along ethnic lines. The three major groups of people are the Meiteis, the Kukis, and the Nagas. They are of the same Mongoloid race, speaking Tibeto-Burman languages. The unbiased solution would be the implementation of the district in accordance with Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act, 1971. You cannot demarcate a district boundary based on ethnicity in a state like Manipur. For instance, you can find all the three major ethnic groups in all districts of the state. If Sadar Hills district boundary were to be drawn along ethnic line, it can engender a chain of other demands in existing districts.

Chinland Guardian: Chin people expressed their concerns over the hunger strike in India, where more than 40 Kuki women also got involved. What happens now?

Nehginpao Kipgen: The hunger strike continues. Some are hospitalized; some others are arrested and incarcerated because of refusing medical aid. Both Manipur and Indian governments should take serious note of the gravity of this non-violent form of agitation. Mahatma Gandhi, who is regarded as father of the nation and highly revered around the world, successfully led independence movement against the British with his non-violent political weapon. The government has the responsibility to protect the lives of its citizens.

Human rights organizations such as National Human Rights Commission of India and National Commission for Minorities should assess the condition of the hunger strikers and extend any possible help. Human rights campaigners around the world should speak up for these voiceless peaceful hunger strikers. The international community must ensure that the lives of peaceful hunger strikers in India are not jeopardized for a legitimate political demand, and their fundamental rights should be protected. In this regard, pressure must be put on both the state and central governments to take urgent steps.

Leading international human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International should use their influence to help the peaceful hunger strikers. In this regard, I have personally spoken to a number of officials.

Chinland Guardian: How have the local and Indian authorities responded and what could be the best solutions to this problem?

Nehginpao Kipgen: As mentioned earlier, the unbiased solution would be the implementation of the demand in accordance with Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act, 1971. You cannot demarcate a district boundary based on ethnicity in a state like Manipur. The central government has advised the state government to expedite the process, but lacks concrete step. If the state government is unable to handle on its own, the central government needs to step in to resolve the problem at the earliest possible.

Chinland Guardian: Historically, it is said that Chin-Kuki-Mizo is a group of peoples with the same root being divided into different countries during the colonial times. How can the historical relationship be survived and strengthened in modern days?

Nehginpao Kipgen: We share the same root, and belong to one family. We need to focus on how and where we can work together. We should encourage on socio-cultural exchanges. Our unity can be strengthened by organizing international seminars and conferences, especially for the younger generation. In this regard, our leaders and academics should take the initiatives. We should focus on inclusive activities, and stay away from exclusive and detrimental activities. Every individual should use his or her talent and resources to promote peace and fraternity among us.

Chinland Guardian: Tell us more about a brief history of Kuki people and the Kuki International Forum.

Nehginpao Kipgen: Because of the British colonial administration, the Kuki people have been forced to live across international boundaries, notably in India, Burma, and Bangladesh. Many have also now lived around the world. The Kuki International Forum (KIF) was founded to serve as a common platform for the Kuki people across the globe. The main goals are:
(i) To safeguard and promote the cultural heritages of the Kukis around the world.
(ii) To uphold peaceful co-existence and mutual understanding with other nations.
(iii) To educate and preserve the KUKIS’ national identity.
(iv) To represent the issues of the KUKIS.
Further information on the KIF and the Kuki people, you can visit www.kukiforum.com.

Chinland Guardian: Many thanks for your time and answers.
Nehginpao Kipgen: It’s my pleasure as well. Thank you!

The above interview was sent to kanglaonline by kukiforumnews@yahoo.com. The original interview is at http://www.chinlandguardian.com

Sharmila, Media and Manipuris

By: Sanjib Meitei I am a staunch supporter of Irom Sharmila’s struggle against the draconian law Arm Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA). I too, always feel that mainland Indian media… Read more »

By: Sanjib Meitei

I am a staunch supporter of Irom Sharmila’s struggle against the draconian law Arm Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA). I too, always feel that mainland Indian media houses are biased while handling two Gandhians of modern India – one from a neglected and failed state called Manipur trying to make people and leaders in mainland India hear that people living here are yet to get democratic rights even though India is celebrating its 64th years of independence while the other Gandhian belongs to one of the most prosperous states of India taking up a cause called corruption which most of the people enjoy indulging it personally at various levels but problematic when others indulge it at his cost. The only similarity between the two Gandhian activists is that both of them resorted to indefinite hunger strike to press their demands. Unfortunately, the similarity ends here. Anna Hazare took the nation by storm. Central government had to bow down in front of Mr. Hazare. The whole India got to know the modern era Gandhi, Mr. Anna Hazare, whose struggle lasted for a few months and almost succeeded getting his goals. Not bad and he rightly deserves to get respect for bringing awareness among the ignorant people of the country (I hope so and I would love to live in a corruption free society). One thing is clear. The mighty Indian government is not intimidated by any person but it’s afraid of the mass who can vote
them out of power. The success of his war against corruption would not have been easy had the media houses not covered each of his moves. Credit should go to media also for making the issue reaches to common men and gain their support. For media, it was a win -win situation. They got their expected TRP besides supporting a patriotic cause.

The other Gandhian is more humble and her cause is relevant to only a fraction of Indian population although it is not less important than that of Mr. Hazare by any standard. Most of the people living in AFSPA free states never heard about the Act itself let alone support the cause. Before Mr. Hazare become famous, I came across only a very few editorials of Hindi/English dailies supporting her cause while many retired army officials and other prominent people opposed it openly saying the reasons which sound so theatrics and painful to us. Their reason for supporting AFSPA sounds more hypocrite now a days after hearing the reason for their reluctance to use the same yardstick to treat the people of Naxalite affected areas of India where the condition seem at least similar if not more worse than APSPA implemented states.

For the last 11 years, Irom Sharmila has been fighting a lone battle against the law enforcers of the biggest democratic country in the world begging our basic democratic rights other than right to vote. No media house is interested in highlighting the plight of the people of India living without democratic rights. Their reluctance may be partly due to lack of response from their audience regarding the issue and simple arithmetic is that in this big bad competitive world, money matters. For them, money is directly linked to the number of audience for each news article. I think I could understand (at least I tried to convince myself that) the reluctance of media houses to put Ms. Sharmila on headlines is nothing discriminatory but simply business related issue. During Mr. Hazare’s fast, she has been compared with Anna Hazare and as a result many people got to know her even though most of them are not interested in knowing her cause for the indefinite fast. Ignorant people even hurled insults to hercause. Some prominent columnists and so called social commentators like Mr. Santosh Desai questioned the legitimacy of her demand without trying to understand the illegitimacy of the Act. Well, it’s unfortunate to say the least. Many people seem to hate people getting basic democratic rights even though they are fully enjoying it.

As for people like Mr. Dersai, had you ever been slapped across your face just because your name sound like a name of an outlawed person by a jawan frisking you in a cold late evening when returning home after a long day at work or had one of your sisters or your wife had to go to labor in the middle of the street just because there was a combing operation going on to identify some suspected terrorists by security personals, then I think, your comments would have been
different

. It’s very hard to explain the importance of basic democratic rights which you never had to struggle for in your life. Let me give you an example. I came across the love and hate relationship between Mahatama Gandhi and then British Prime Minister Mr. Winston Churchill who is considered as one of the greatest statesman and war time leader in UK. Despite the latter’s statesmanship and leadership quality for leading UK during hard times, he was against Indian independence movement.
There were reports that he favored letting Mahatama Gandhi die as a result o f indefinite hunger strike so that British rule could be continued in India. It’s very easy to Churchill than being Gandhi. I think same is happening in India now. It is very easy to deny basic democratic rights but very difficult to acknowledge and support it for the sake of others. While trying very hard to convince myself the logical reason behind Sharmila’s cause not being on headlines with its deserved importance, there came the news regarding Ms. Sharmila’s confession for her love of a person who she believes that he is the one. My wife called me up and informed me that she just came across the news of Sharmila’s romantic tryst. I told her that it’s good thing to happen to our beloved Gandhian. After all, love makes life beautiful and in fact the world is beautiful when you are in love. I pray that the two beautiful people in this world live happily for the rest of their life. When I read the news, I was saddened by the fact that Sharmila is not happy with the way her close associates treated the man whom she loves. I feel that if AFSPA is draconian, then objecting to Sharmila’s choice of partner is much more draconian. As usual, the chaos begins the next day in Manipur. Some
people are demanding the editor of newspaper in question to come down to Manipur and apologies to the people of Manipur. Isn’t it too much?

There are two big problems

(i) the way telegraph India sensationalized the news which sounded rather insulting to the people who are suffering under AFSPA than any show of sympathy on Sharmila’s struggle per se and

(ii) the way on how people reacted to the situation by directly resorting to violence. Violent reaction on this issue demeans Sharmila’s genuine sacrifice and struggle.

It simply accelerates the deviation of the focus from the genuine issue and making it a romantic comedy. I think, our political leaders (if they genuinely felt for the plight of the people of Manipur), social activists and organizations can express their displeasure regarding the news which sounded like making a joke of Sharmila’s personal life instead of appreciating her struggle. If the news is baseless, I would appeal to social groups to sue the media house to teach them a lesson. Even if it is genuine news, we can still make our displeasure known to the media house on the way how they handled it. It should be made clear that even if the mainland media houses could not appreciate or help the genuine cause of our beloved lady’s sacrifice, they should not try to malign it by sensationalizing it by giving a negative light. The editors and reported should remember the old saying that “If you cannot help someone, then at least don’t do bad for the person”. You people have a big role to play in maintaining cultural harmony and national integrity. Instead of making the people of Manipur out of place by sensationalizing the news in a different light other than the people of Manipur expect, you can help the genuine cause of our Iron lady.

To me, I respect Mahatama Gandhi much more than Mr. Winston Churchill for the formers ideology of non violence and equality of rights even though the latter won a big war against non democratic groups. In the land of Gandhi, let us not follow Churchill’s footsteps.

The above article was sent to Kanglaonline.com by Sanjib Meitei, sanjibmeiteicha[at]rediffmail.com

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/sharmila-media-and-manipuris/

Mr. Chidambaram, Time to revisit the strategy in Manipur

By: Bibhu Prasad Routray Barely 43 deaths of civilians, security forces and militants have been registered in Manipur in the first eight months of 2011. If these trends continue… Read more »

Source: Bibhu Prasad Routray

By: Bibhu Prasad Routray

Barely 43 deaths of civilians, security forces and militants have been registered in Manipur in the first eight months of 2011. If these trends continue for another four months, this State in India’s northeast would register less than 100 deaths in a year, for the first time since 1992. In fact, it would better last year’s total fatalities of 138, which was the lowest for the last 20 years. Home Minister P Chidambaram’s September 2009 statement that “Manipur remains resistant to counter-insurgency interventions”, is no longer valid.

Return to near normalcy is not because of a sudden dip in violence liable to be interpreted as a tactical retreat by the militants, much like what happened in theatres that are affected by Left-wing extremists. It is rather a progressive decline since 2008. The diminishing numbers (485 in 2008, 416 in 2009 and 138 in 2010) is a clear indication towards a decline in militant capacities, which has not only been imposed by the suspension of operations (SoO) agreements with over a dozen of militant formations, but also by the neutralisation of top ranking leaders of outfits including chairman of United National Liberation Front (UNLF), R K Meghen. Meghen led UNLF, the largest and the most powerful militant group of Manipur for last 35 years and was arrested in December 2010. Commander-in-chief of Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) Malengba was arrested on 5 May from Bangalore. Security forces operating in the State agree that such recurrent neutralisation has taken wind out of the sails of these armed groups.

Home Minister P Chidambaram’s September 2009 statement that “Manipur remains resistant to counter-insurgency interventions”, is no longer valid.

Manipur remains in the category of ‘problem areas’ for the Indian government. However, an analysis of the problems that have confronted the state and its population in recent times are mostly administrative and political in nature. The protracted Naga conflict in neighbouring Nagaland subjects the state to recurrent shutdowns. But shutdown also happens internally as well. The ongoing blockade of Highway No. 39 and No. 53 is the result of the unfulfilled demand for the establishment of the Sadar hills district, an internal issue between the Kukis and Nagas in Manipur. There isn’t much role for the Army personnel in such issues. Even problems like rampant militant extortion are better tackled by the Manipur police.

I would argue the same way I did in an article on activist Irom Sharmila in 2010. If militant violence created raison d’etre for the Army to move into Manipur and promulgation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act [AFSPA] in the State, the lack of violence necessitates that New Delhi reviews its position. The onset of relative peace in Manipur throws up an opportunity to embark upon much needed task of assigning the state police the lead role in counter-insurgency duties. It also opens up the possibility of withdrawing AFSPA from few other areas in the State, where the Army’s role can be tactically downgraded. Reassigning primacy to the Army and bringing back the AFSPA, in case the situation worsens, would not be too difficult a task. Opportunities certainly exist to make a new beginning for the State, instead of condemning it to hopelessness in perpetuity.

Bibhu Prasad Routray, a former deputy director in the National Security Council Secretariat, is a Singapore-based independent analyst. E-mail him at bibhuroutray[at]gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @BibhuRoutray

The above article was sent to Kanglaonline.com by Bibhu Prasad Routray.

View Bibhu’s Blog

European Manipuri Association – Annual Social Gathering 26th – 28th August, 2011

EMA Annual Social Gathering 26th – 28th August, 2011 European Manipuri Association (EMA), UK London, UK: The Annual General Meeting and Social Gathering of the European Manipur Association (EMA) was recently held from the 26th to 28th of August at Margate,… Read more »

EMA Annual Social Gathering 26th – 28th August, 2011

European Manipuri Association (EMA), UK

London, UK: The Annual General Meeting and Social Gathering of the European Manipur Association (EMA) was recently held from the 26th to 28th of August at Margate, one of the most popular seaside holiday resorts on the eastern coast of Kent, United Kingdom. Many individuals and families of Manipur origin who are currently staying in Europe attended the annual social gathering, the event has become one of the most significant yearly event of the EMA members to come together on a common platform and share a memorable weekend of discussing current issues, enjoying cultural activities, savouring traditional culinary thereby creating a sense of togetherness.

EMA Group-Photo

Continuing EMA’s effort to share and promote authentic local dishes from various parts of Manipur, the attending members brought homemade delicacies of different varieties on the first evening of the get-together. Members also shared authentic traditional Manipuri herbs and vegetables grown lovingly at their gardens in Europe. The evening came to an end after a series of mini meetings and gatherings of members, exchanging greeting, views and ideas on different issues ranging from personal to current burning topics of Manipur.

EMA Ladies Group Photo

The General body meeting of the association was inaugurated by the out-going Chairperson, Dr. Shamurailatpam Krishnananda Sharma on the morning of 27th August, followed by organisational reporting from the outgoing General Secretary, Mr. Santosh Sougrakpam, Treasurer, Mr. Guneshwar Mayanglambam and Information Secreatry, Mr. Shanjoy Mairembam respectively, to update members on the various projects, activities and achievements of EMA during the previous year.

Beach Football in action

A heart-warming farewell was given to the outgoing committee, followed by the election of new committee members for the period 2011-2013.

The unanimously elected new members are:

1) Chairperson: Mr. Okram Bishwajit

2) General Secretary: Mr. Khangembam Somorendro

3) Treasurer: Mrs. Leichombam Ongbi Hijam Pinky

4) Information Secretary: Mr. Laishram Tiken

5) Executive Member: Ms. Gurumayum Jaishree

Thouri-Chingbi Contest

As part of promoting cultural activities especially among the young members, Marina Yaiphabi Mayanglambam, the beautiful five-years-old daughter of Guneshwar Mayanglambam and Mayanglambam Ongbi Sougaijam Nalita performed a mesmerising “Thoibi Jagoi” in full traditional attire, followed by brief information on the symbols and meaning behind the Meitei Jagoi. The spirit of culture was followed by the indispensable Manipuri sports spirit – Football, Thouri-Chingnabi and Chaphu-Thugaibi. Finally the day was concluded with an intellectual and thought provoking book exhibition hosted by Elangbam Bishwajeet, displaying rare collections of medieval Meitei-lon literature and books related to World War II in Manipur.

Book Exhibition

On behalf of the Association, the new EMA committee request all the people of Manipur origin living across Europe, of any belief, ideology and ethnicity, to be part of the EMA family and support EMA in achieving its goal. Commending the exhibition of books of immense importance, the new committee, would continue to work and promote the beauty of the various ethnicities of Manipur by organising exhibitions and presentations through the EMA platform.

Sd/-

Laishram Tiken

Information Secretary, EMA

On behalf of

European Manipuri Association, UK

Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958: Manipur Experience

The above booklet was sent to Kanglaonline.com by Malem Ninthouja with the following note.

Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958: Manipur Experience

Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958; Manipur Experience

Editor
Malem Ningthouja

Editorial Team
Ksh. Dayabati, Malem Ningthouja, Manishwar
Nongmaithem & Salam Sanayaima

Web-site
www.cpdm.info

E-Mail
cpdmanipur@gmail.com

The above booklet was sent to Kanglaonline.com by Malem Ninthouja with the following note.

Ahanbamaktada adomgi media house pu eekai khumnaba ootchari. CPDM gi chefongsinggi marakta houjik faobada khwaidagi circulation touba ngamba asi mathakta pnjariba compilation asi oiri. Eikhoina masi sendonggidamak puthokpa natchade. Hairiba chefong asi soft copy oina online da fanghanba pamjabadagi editor gi mafamda attach toujari. Masibu adomgi media da fongnaba haijari. Adomgi toubimalbu kaojaroi.

With regards

Malem Ningthouja

CPDM

On Teachers’ Day

By: Seram Neken The most probable government job for an average unemployed graduate in Manipur at present is either to become a government school teacher or to become a rifleman… Read more »

Whenever I encounter the word ‘Oxymoron’, I remember my beloved teacher, the late educationist Ningombam Ibobi Singh who was teaching political science during my college days in D.M College nearly two decades back. He introduced me the term ‘Oxymoron’, which refers to a compound word formed by two opposite words such as ‘carefully-careless’. With the coming of teachers’ day, I recall this great personality who once said ‘ if the past and the present are in agreement, future will be bright and if the past is contradictory to the present, future will be dim’. Really speaking, if the present generation neglects and disobeys the elders, we can hardly produce good citizens in future, meaning our children won’t pay heed to our words. As long as we respect our elders, our children will obey us and their future will be bright. Oja Ibobi is not in our midst now, but his teachings are increasingly becoming relevant day by day. This article is my homage to the late teacher on teachers’ day.

By: Seram Neken

The most probable government job for an average unemployed graduate in Manipur at present is either to become a government school teacher or to become a rifleman in home department. A few better-off students opt to serve as private school teachers when they can’t buy positions in the government sector. Many other remain working in private banks as collectors or otherwise. Young graduates’ quest to become teachers or serve in security forces is due to dearth of other employment avenues for the thousands of degree-holder youths and lack of education quality in the state. Earlier, most of the average graduates had yearned to become a clerk in government departments, but nowadays such jobs are scarcely vacant. Most educated graduates even sold out their assets only to buy positions as teacher or policeman. If average people come to teaching profession for earning their livelihood, quality of knowledge imparted to students is sure to be diminished. Teaching profession should be made a different one, if we desire to mould a bright future generation.

India celebrates Teachers’ Day on 5th September every year, coinciding the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan since 1962. A philosopher and a teacher par excellence, his unique contributions towards Indian education system have been remembered for all times. He believed “teachers should be the best minds in the country”. One day, some of his students and friends requested Dr. Radhakrishnan to allow them to celebrate his birthday. He replied “instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be my proud privilege if 5th September is observed as Teachers’ day”. From then onwards, Dr. Radhakrishnan’s birthday is observed as Teacher’s Day all across India.

Born on 5th September, 1888 at Tirutani, Madras in a poor Brahmin family, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan rose to the positions of the first Vice President and the second President of independent India. As his family was poor, Radhakrishnan supported most of his education through scholarships. He had his early education at Gowdie School, Tiruvallur and then went to the Lutheran Mission School in Tirupati for his high school. He joined the Voorhee’s College in Vellore and later switched to the Madras Christian College. He did his B.A. and M.A. in Philosophy.

After completing his M.A., Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan accepted an Assistant Lectureship at the Madras Presidency College in 1909. In college, he mastered the classics of Hindu philosophy, namely the Upanishads, Bhagvad Gita, Brahmasutra, and commentaries of Sankara, Ramunuja and Madhava. He also acquainted himself with Buddhist and Jain philosophy and philosophies of Western thinkers such as Plato, Plotinus, Kant, Bradley and Bergson. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was selected as Professors of Philosophy at Mysore University in 1918 and at Calcutta University in 1921. In 1923, he published “Indian Philosophy”, which is hailed as a philosophical classic and a literary masterpiece. When Oxford University invited Radhakrishnan to deliver lectures on Hindu philosophy, he used his lectures as a platform to further India’s cause of freedom. He also argued that Western philosophers, despite all claims to objectivity, were biased by theological influences from their wider culture. He showed that Indian philosophy, once translated into standard academic jargon, is worthy of being called philosophy by Western standards. He thus placed Indian Philosophy on the world map.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was elected Vice Chancellor of the Andhra University in 1931 and he became the Vice Chancellor of the Banaras Hindu University in 1939. In 1946, he was appointed as Ambassador to UNESCO. In 1948, Dr. Radhakrishnan chaired the University Education Commission, the suggestions of which helped mould the education system for independent India’s needs.

In 1949, he was sent as an ambassador to Soviet Union where he helped laid the foundation for a strong relationship between India and Soviet Union. Radhakrishnan was elected first Vice-President of India in 1952. He was honored with the Bharat Ratna in 1954. After serving two terms as Vice-President, he became the second President of India in 1962. During his tenure as President, India fought wars with China and Pakistan. He retired as President in 1967 and died on April 17, 1975.

The importance of Teachers’ Day celebration may simply be assessed from the view that teachers act as foundation for creating responsible citizens of a state and good human beings in the society. Life without teachers is unimaginable. Words fail to appreciate teachers enough for their immense contribution in lives of many. Teachers’ Day is celebrated to show our acknowledgement and recognition of the hard work put in by them towards development of mankind. Schools all over India celebrate the Day with students presenting gifts to their most admired teachers. It is an equally special day for teachers, as they get to know how much they are liked and appreciated by their pupils. Teachers are more than just an employee; they are the beacons of light for the next generation. Apart from knowledge, teaching profession requires a lot of hard work, dedication, sincerity and a guiding attitude, without which a teacher is not a teacher at all.

The writer is a freelance columnist

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/on-teachers-day/

On Teachers’ Day

By: Seram Neken The most probable government job for an average unemployed graduate in Manipur at present is either to become a government school teacher or to become a rifleman… Read more »

By: Seram Neken

The writer is a freelance columnist

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/on-teachers-day/

Teacher`s Day

By Heisnam Jogen Singh Teachers have an influencing role in the life of every student. They are like beacons of light, guiding us in the formative years of our life…. Read more »

A good teacher must know how to arouse the interest of the pupil in the field of study for which he is responsible. He must himself be a master in the field of study and be in touch with the latest developments in the subject, he must himself be a fellow traveler in the exciting pursuit of knowledge… – Dr. S. Radhakrishan

By Heisnam Jogen Singh

Teachers have an influencing role in the life of every student. They are like beacons of light, guiding us in the formative years of our life. Teachers mould us and in the process and shape our future. What we learn from our teachers remains with us, throughout our life. However, very often, we fail to show our appreciation and gratitude for their altruistic devotion. Teachers do need encouragement and support from the community to feel that their efforts are being recognized.

Teacher’s Day is celebrated throughout the world, year by year. By celebrating National Teacher’s Day, we thank our teachers for providing us their invaluable guidance. In India, Teacher’s Day (also called Teachers’ Appreciation Day or National Teacher’s Day) is celebrated on 5th of September, every year. The date was selected, because it is the birthday of a timeless teacher and the former President of India – Dr. Sarvepalli

On this day, we gratefully remember the great educationist Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose dream was that “Teachers should be the best minds in the country”. Hence, Teachers’ Day is very important for all our people, for our students and even for all the parents, as the teachers lay the foundation for creating enlightened citizens for the nation.

While the world celebrates international Teacher’s Day on the 15th of October, India celebrates it on the 5th of September, which is also the birthday of the famous teacher, academic philosopher and the second President of India, Mr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishan.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born in the year 1888 in a well-known religious state in Chennai, then called Madras. He was the second son of Veera Samayya, a tehsildar in a zamindari. It was a middle-class, respectable Hindu Brahmin family. He graduated with a Master’s Degree in Arts from Madras University. In partial fulfillment for his M.A. degree, Radhakrishnan wrote a thesis on the ethics of the Vedanta titled “The Ethics of the Vedanta and Its Metaphysical Presuppositions”, which was a reply to the charge that the Vedanta system had no room for ethics.

The Origin of Teacher’s Day:
Since 1962, 5th of September has been celebrated as Teacher’s Day in India. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakhrishnan was a philosopher and a teacher par excellence. Some of his students and friends approached him and requested him to allow them to celebrate his birthday. In reply, Dr, Radhakrishnan said, “Instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be my proud privilege if September 5th is observed as Teacher’s day”. The request showed Dr.Radhakrishnan’s love for the teaching profession. From then onwards, his birthday is observed as Teacher’s Day in India.

What did he Do? He showed how western philosophers, despite all claims to objectivity, were biased by theological influences from their wider culture. In one of his major works he also showed that Indian philosophy, once translated into standard academic jargon, is worthy of being called philosophy by western standards. His main contribution to Indian thought, therefore, is that he placed it “on the map”, thereby earning Indian philosophy a respect that it had not had before. Dr. Radhakrishnan was of the opinion that only the right kind of education could solve many ills of the society and the country. He wanted to bring in a change in the educational system by improving the quality of education and building up a strong relationship between the teacher and the taught. In his opinion, teachers should be the best minds of the country; they should not merely instruct but should gain the true affection of pupils, and the respect for teachers cannot be ordered but it should be earned.

After 1946, his philosophical career was cut short when his country needed him as ambassador to UNESCO and later to Moscow. He was later to become the first Vice-President and finally the President (1962-1967) of India. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954. The University of Oxford instituted the Radhakrishnan Chevening Scholarships and the Radhakrishnan Memorial Award in his memory. He also received the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade in 1961.

Even as the president Sarvepalli remained a humble man. It was an open house at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and people from all sections of society were welcome to meet him. In addition he accepted only Rs. 2,500 out of his salary of Rs. 10,000 and donated the remaining amount to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund every month. He remained a teacher in many ways and even adopted the authoritative tone of a headmaster in many of his letters to his ministers. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan passed away on April 17, 1975.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/teachers-day/