ZUF reacts to Police chief

IMPHAL, Jan 23(NNN):  Militant outfit Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) on Monday said the outfit is… more »

IMPHAL, Jan 23(NNN):  Militant outfit Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) on Monday said the outfit is in no way involved in electioneering matter of India or Manipur and blamed the state police chief for attempting to tarnish its image.

Sharply reacting to the news report published on 22 January in one of the local dailies of the state wherein the GOC 57 Mountain Division, Major General Benoy Poonem was said to have requested by DGP Y Baral to open some extra army posts in the areas where ZUF operates in order to refrain the outfit from indulging in subversive activities in the coming general elections, ZUF in a statement made available to Newmai News Network on Monday said that the state police chief was attempting to tarnish its image by making false statement against it.

In the news report, the DGP also indicated that ZUF might try to interfere in the election process and even engage in activities like extortion, kidnapping of candidates and supporters and attacks on security forces might carry out by the militant group.

The outfit has been working to defend the people and guard them against those people who are trying to clutch power and that the militant front was formed to protect the people and their land to finding justice against all forms of discrimination, ZUF added.

It said ZUF is not against India, the Kukis, the Nagas or Manipuris, but it is struggling for bringing peace in the region. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/zuf-reacts-to-police-chief/

Unions urge employees to vote against SPF govt

IMPHAL, Jan 23 (NNN):  Thousands of Manipur government employees are unlikely to co-operate with the… more »

IMPHAL, Jan 23 (NNN):  Thousands of Manipur government employees are unlikely to co-operate with the Congress-led Secular Progressive Front (SPF) in the coming January 28 polls as four employees` organizations have started a campaign by distribution of leaflets which says, “No 6th pay in toto, no vote for anti-employees Government.”

The four Government employee organizations which include JAC of AMTUC and AMGEO, MSSA, COTA and Manipur State Pensioners’ Union (MSPU) distributed leaflets exposing indifferent attitude of the state government over their long pending demands, including the Central 6th pay recommendation which it has failed to fulfill though the employees were time again assured by it in many occasions.

The leaflet, which was also distributed among various government offices, including the Manipur secretariat, says, ‘No equal treatment to all employees, no more SPF government.’

All the government employees should participate in the general elections and they also have the onus of carrying out their responsibility for the election process, but no chief minister of any State of India was ever elected for third term (except CPI-M leader, late Jyoti Basu), it says, adding that in Tamil Nadu, Jayalalitha-headed government was rooted out and set up a new government-led by Karunanidhi for its ill-treatment meted out against the Government employees. The Jayalalitha government came back to power only after it learnt the lesson.

The leaflet also says once boasted for being the government of the poor, the CPI-M government headed by Budhadev Bhattacharjee in West Bengal, which ruled the State for 40-long years, was ultimately dragged down from power for the reason that many were killed in its efforts to give away farmers’ land to Tata company.

“The question lies before us is that whether we should share or not in the formation or re-election of SPF government in the coming State Assembly elections,” the leaflet added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/unions-urge-employees-to-vote-against-spf-govt/

Election Corner

IMPHAL, Jan 23: A district level meeting on security arrangement for the upcoming state assembly… more »

IMPHAL, Jan 23: A district level meeting on security arrangement for the upcoming state assembly polls for Churachandpur district was held today at the office chamber of DC/DEO, Churachandpur. The meeting was attended by SP Churachandpur and officials of paramilitary forces.

Training programmes on use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were held today at Kangpokpi ADC office complex and Ukhrul Mini Secretariat Complex.

The polling personnel of Thoubal district are informed to report to their respective Returning Officers at 10:30 am on January 24 for final round of poll rehearsals.

A street play on sensitization of voters was shown today in various places of Chandel district under the initiative of State Voters’ Educational and Electoral Participation.

The third round of training of polling personnel for Bishnupur district has begun today at three venues.

The second round of training of polling personnel of Senapati district has started at Little Angels School, Senapati.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/election-corner/

Election contestants vow to uplift living standard of people

From Kaimuanthang CHURACHANDPUR, Jan 23: How to improve the abysmal living conditions in the region… more »

From Kaimuanthang
CHURACHANDPUR, Jan 23: How to improve the abysmal living conditions in the region was the main focus of every speaker during the office and information centre inauguration of T Hankhanpau at Sangngaikot and B Kaljang villages today.

T Hangkhanopau, sitting MLA and a candidate for the All India Trinamool Congress , in Singngat AC, during his speeches, urged electorates from the areas to take shelters under the symbol of tress leaves (the symbol of the  party) and then take a giant steps for peace change and development .

He urged the gatherings not to support his rival parties which he claimed are beset with corruption charges and scams and responsible for record numbers of killings in the state.

Ngaineikim, an independent candidate from the constituency, announced that she has chosen to support Hangkhanpau as she found him to be the most worthy candidate in the fray.

Thangkhomang, district president of the AITC, stated the Kuki chiefs’ rights over their land are not disturbed even by the British as they dared to challenge and fight against them. However, the present government has been trying to usurp the rights of the chiefs by mean of various acts and provisions, urging the voters not to vote for the Congress.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/election-contestants-vow-to-uplift-living-standard-of-people/

KCP factions boycott R-Day

IMPHAL, Jan 23: The banned outfits KCP (Military Council) and KCP (MTF) will boycott the… more »

IMPHAL, Jan 23: The banned outfits KCP (Military Council) and KCP (MTF) will boycott the Republic Day celebration on January 26.

In separate releases, the outfits decried the Indian colonial rule and called for people’s support to stand against the imperialists and boycott the upcoming Republic Day.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/kcp-factions-boycott-rday/

Singjamei blast JAC formed

IMPHAL, Jan 23: A public meeting was held today at Ibudhou Luwang Pokpa Lampak at… more »

IMPHAL, Jan 23: A public meeting was held today at Ibudhou Luwang Pokpa Lampak at Singajamei Chingamakha to protest against the killing of Maisnam Ratan Singh, s/o late M. Ibotombi Singh. Ratan was killed on Sunday in a bomb blast that left 4 others injured near the residence of the outgoing Assembly, Shri Irengbam Hemochandra Singh. Following the meting, a joint action committee was formed in connection with the incident. According to a press release from the JAC Convenor S. Shyama Devi, the meeting today resolved to appeal to relevant authorities for the family of the deceased and those injured to receive adequate compensation; to appeal to relevant authorities to bring about an amicable situation regarding the threat and ban on Congress party workers and to appeal for refraining from bomb attacks on public and civilian spaces.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/singjamei-blast-jac-formed/

Silent Elections

The elections to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly is barely a week away, yet the… more »

The elections to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly is barely a week away, yet the atmosphere continues to be marked by a deafening silence, thanks largely to the strictures introduced to the electioneering process by the Election Commission of India, ECI, including a very low ceiling of Rs. 8 lakhs permissible campaign expenditures by each candidate. Obviously, the candidates would be spending much more than the specified amount, though covertly, but at least these are no longer the blatant affronts they once were. The assault on the dignity of the conscientious by overt purchases of votes with hard cash was once undisguised. What is worse, these unholy transactions had become an accepted norm, and not only those buying votes, but also those selling them had become so desensitised that they would actually haggle on how much their votes should cost. There were also extremely cynical suggestions from seemingly sane people asking the voters to take money from whoever offers it, but vote per their judgment alone. This is meant as a punishment of those offering money. But such moral breaches are never so easy to plug. Like drug, the lure of unearned money is insatiable and such attitudes have only ended up spreading a contagious corrupting influence everywhere. The fact that elections in Manipur have reached the bottom of the corruption pit today is evidence of this. Hopefully the radical changes in the structure of permissible election campaigns would reverse the trend and clean up what is undoubtedly the most fundamental feature of any democratic polity.

The silence however is regularly broken by a parallel macabre campaign of bomb blasts. A number of underground organisations have come together under the banner of CorCom to have the ruling Congress(I) defeated. They have left a violent trail of targeting the party’s offices and candidates, the latest to face the brunt being the Speaker of the current Assembly, Irengbam Hemochandra. A bomb assault in his residence resulted in the tragic death of one person and injury to four others. Undeterred the Congress has fielded candidates in all the 60 constituencies of the state. In this way, other than the contest between the Congress and the other political parties for supremacy in the next Assembly, this round of elections would also very much be a virtual referendum on the public support for the underground movement. For although the ban by these groups is on the Congress alone, the voters are free to exercise their personal choices on where they put their loyalties by the secret ballot on January 28. If under the circumstance, the voters still show their preference for the Congress, the message should be very clear as to who they are disenchanted with. It would also mean that if the Congress does get routed beyond expectations, it cannot put all blames to the violent campaigns against it, for though they could not campaign, the voters still would have exercise their free wills on either choosing or dumping the party. Whichever way the electoral fortunes swing this time, let the lesson be learnt by all parties involved and be humble enough to admit they have to change their ways so as to be the true representatives of the aspirations of the people they all claim.

This round of elections would also be interesting from the point of view of the entry of the Nagaland Peoples’ Front, NPF, into the fray. The success or failure of this party would also be a measure of the claims of support of the larger public of the “Naga districts” either for Naga integration or Manipur integrity. Here too the peoples’ verdict must be respected. Obviously the party cannot hope to win a majority in the Manipur Assembly for it is setting up only 12 candidates, but the Nagaland chief minister, Niphieu Rio, whose party the NPF is, gave an interesting twist when in his campaign speeches he said his party would join hands with the non-Congress parties to be part of the next government in Manipur. This must have to be described as the height of political ambition, or more precisely irony. Here is a party campaigning for the dismemberment of Manipur, nurturing hopes that it would be part of the next government in Manipur by teaming up with parties, all of which have sworn to fight to all extent any campaign to disintegrate Manipur. It will be interesting to watch what qualifications the political parties prefix or suffix to all the pre-poll polemic after the election results are out on March 6 in order to make their marriages of convenience.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/silent-elections/

Sandal wood seized

IMPHAL, Jan 24: Troops of 31 AR arrested three smugglers and confiscated 175 kilograms of… more »

IMPHAL, Jan 24: Troops of 31 AR arrested three smugglers and confiscated 175 kilograms of red sandal wood after launching an operation at Dalpatti in Moreh. The arrested persons were identified as Mahender, 24, son of Narayan and Mantosh, 30, son of Biren, both residents of Ward No 2, Moreh, and a Myanmar national, Bylay, son of MA Jat, from Tamu.

Elsewhere, a combined team of 27 A and 28 AR apprehended six Bangladesh nationals who were staying without valid documents at Lilong Bazar during a joint operation yesterday. They have been identified as Md Qalim, Nur Alam, Md Inoz, Ali Johar, Zahir Hussalan, Zafar Hussain and Md Touchi and were handed over to Lilong police station.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/sandal-wood-seized/

Church Response To Politics

By  Rev. L. Simon Raomai Pastor, MBC Centre Church The Hebrew word Qohal (meaning, assembly)… more »

By  Rev. L. Simon Raomai
Pastor, MBC Centre Church
The Hebrew word Qohal (meaning, assembly) is considered to be a proper meaning of the Church. The Greek word ecclesia (…meaning, called out…) was accepted by the New Testament writers in order to give the true meaning of the Church. Our main concern however is, not what the best meaning of the Church is, but the responsibility of the Church in relation to human life.God becoming man is the centre of theological reflection and action, especially the incarnate life and work of Christ based on love which is the chief criterion in establishing a good social relationship as it is God-man relationship.

As it had been in God’s plan, Jesus Christ was called out for an awesome responsibility, so too was the Church called out for a purpose. Therefore, forming an Apostolic body or establishing a Church body was to execute the plans and commands Jesus Christ left for us. For this purpose, Jesus came preaching good news to the poor; forgiving the sins of men; healing the sick; proclaiming liberty to the oppressed and release to the captives (Luke 1:18,19). This is what the Lord of the Church did. Many people consider the Kingdom of God as a small part of human concern, but in a sound theology, political Kingdom is a small part in God’s Kingdom. Thus, the Church and politics are like two rooms under a single roof, which is the Kingdom of God.

As we all know the term politics was first used by Aristotle. It is derived from the Greek word ‘Polis’ which means city. To the Greeks, the city was the State where all human problems were dealt with. So, politics is an art dealing with how people should live together in peace and harmony and in co-operate in matters of common interest.

An Athenian’s interest was all centred in the city. His art was civics; his religion, as far as it was concerned was not related to family matter; Politics was the religion of the city and his religions festivals were civics celebrations. Therefore, to the Greeks, the city was a life in common; its institution, as Aristotle said, was a mode of life. The fundamental thought in all Greek political philosophies was the harmony of the common life (ethics, social, economics etc.)

The root cause of many evils in our society is no doubt, politics. This result in making many people considers politics as an instrument of Satan. In fact, they fail to realise that politics is also a vital part of divine creation. God instituted this sacred institution through His servants Adam, Abraham, Moses et.al.In the Old Testament, we find God as a political God. He involved in politics when He liberated the People of Israel through His servant Moses from Egypt and led them to Canaan, the Promised Land. That was how they come to know “Yahweh” as their God. For Israel, this was an experience of liberation. Some historians suggest that the history of Israel was a political drama where God and Israel were co-actors.

In the New Testament, we find this liberation idea was reaffirmed by Jesus Christ, Our Lord (Luke 4:18)and by the statement of Paul, “All authority is from God.” (Romans 13:1).Jesus was one of the greatest politicians who ever lived on the face of the Earth, reforming and transforming the society with love and justice. Like Daniel and Joseph, the exemplary politicians and the icons of the youths in the Bible, Politicians should be God fearing, which is the pre-requisite criterion of a good politician. Political leaders without this indispensible quality are not worthy to be the leaders of the people, for they are the immediate stewards of God, the provider of all human needs. As we are at the threshold of the 10th Legislative Assembly Election of Manipur, the politicians are all geared up and busy campaigning for the election, while the general public is under the grip of the election mania. Election is the most talked-about topic of the hour and almost everywhere, everybody is affected with election fever.

Everybody may not be involved in politics but politics involves us. Many unwanted incidents are taken place. Politics therefore, in our context is said to be a dirty game and often the politicians are accused to be responsible for it. Mal-practices of the Government have become a burning issue which no doubt,is a reality. In a democratic country, like ours, the politicians are the representativesand servants of the people. We are to elect servants to serve the people not kings to be served. They are rather to be the servants of the people. However, it is contrary to our context. Politics seems to have become a game of money and power. It is also becoming party politics,even narrowing down to village, clan or family politics. Very interestingly the politicians worship the voters (people) before election in order to win their votes and vice-versa. Corruption is one of the aspects, many politicians buy votes while ignorant people sell their rights for money during election without realising that the future of our society is determined by how one votes. So, one has to buy back his/her rightin hundred-fold measure that has been sold for few Rupees.

In other words, politics has become means to make money almost everybody is obedient to money which drives and rules the society today. As such, the people with polluted ambitions have no right to expect an unpolluted government. Today, the majority of our people prefer a politician who does not have an aversion to unlawful practices for their benefits than a politician who abides by the rules and regulations of the government. Similarly, even many Christians give their first preference to a government which receives them with approbation and is ready to meet our selfish desire instead of a just and unpolluted government.

In fact, to be a politician is not at all a privilege to earn popularity, to be in power or to make money at the expense of the public rather he/she has a great responsibility to do for the society. In a free and fair election, “free give” and “free take” system should be the political ethics. We should vote by ballots not by bullets. Man must not yield to money power. No doubt the Democratic principles are good but the practises are not fair. Coercion and violence are against the principles of the Bible.

Taking all these facts into consideration, the church should no longer remain a silent spectator but raise a prophetic voice against the evil elements. I, therefore, appeal to all the Christians and right thinking citizens of our state to join hands in eradicating all vices from the soil of Manipur by electing a person of moral integrity, “A man after God’s own heart.”

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/church-response-to-politics/

Save Sharmila Campaign – An open letter to all political parties of Manipur

By Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL POLITICAL PARTIES OF MANIPUR Dear… more »

By Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign

AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL POLITICAL PARTIES OF MANIPUR

Dear candidates & the representatives of various political parties,

As 28th Jan is nearing, the election fever seems to be in air in the 60 constituencies covering about 17.5 lakhs voters. All we get to see and hear are long, promising speeches being delivered by candidates, candidates walking around promising of development, better security and a better future and people contemplating about election results. There are also some blotches like flowing of liquor, attacks on fellow candidates etc.

Sharmila

Issues of territorial integrity, road blockades & insurgency continue to dominate the agendas. What is new in the elections is the entry of Naga People Front.  Other than that, it’s the same thing with major political parties like People’s Democratic Front, Trinamool congress and BJP struggling to make their own mark, while Congress is off trying to maintain its record in the state yet again.

Like everytime, the political parties are promising different political solutions to the civil and political problems, resulting from the internal conflicts, of the Manipuris. But this time again, like for the last 11 years, all the political parties have chose to forget Irom Sharmila.

Where is the issue of Irom Sharmila? Why hasn’t any of the political parties raised this issue? Is it some kind of vote politics? If yes, then how are they different from the rest and so how can the people believe that they will

The issue of Irom Sharmila has now become a global issue. It is a matter of anxiety among many national as well as international organizations and activists. It is astonishing to note that even though many nobel peace prize winners, megsesay awardees, padam recipients , intellectuals and students from across the country and beyond are showing support for Irom and her cause for peace, non violence and humanity, this issue has failed to become a point in the election agendas of political parties in Manipur, Irom Sharmila’s own state.  Another astonishing thing is to note that this of a woman is being ignored in a state that possesses more women voters than men.

It is known to everyone that Irom Sharma has been on a hunger strike since the year 2000 but the State Government has not undertaken any concrete steps to resolve the issue. Likewise, the Central Government too has not adopted any positive approach. Irom is under arrest on charges of “suicide attempt” and the Government has also restricted her meeting with public, family and media. But Irom Sharmila is among the few of those prisoners who have been assigned solitary confinement. This allegation is also not this serious to support such a brutal punishment. The next question is the charge of “suicide attempt” on a social activist who is fighting for the people. Isin’t this an insult to her struggle? An insult to the people’s sentiments and more importantly, to the democratic way to protest?

Moreover, even if we accept this charge, doesn’t solitary confinement increase, rather than retard, suicidal tendencies? All these questions remain unanswered, because government has no reply. This is a clear case of violation of right to equality.

But the most amazing part still reserves for the attitude of the electoral candidates in Sharmila’s own state. Why are the political parties silent?

We hope and request the representatives of the various political parties to raise this issue in these last days of campaigning. This issue is based on issues of truth, peace and justice. This can restore peace in Manipur.

And even if political groups become fail to deal with the issue, we appeal to the general public of Manipur to bring the issue in main concern. Justice is their right. Economic development can be enjoyed only when social development and justice is imparted.

We, on behalf of Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign, a campaign which has gathered support of more than 80 organizations and lakhs of people from almost all states of India and even of other countries, hereby demand all political parties, their representatives and candidates, all independent candidates and people of Manipur that:

  • *We, the people who believe in democratic values, non violence and peace, demand justice for Irom sharmila Chanu and political solution for her demand through talk process.
  •  *We, the people, also believe that all armed struggles in Manipur should be ended and people of all sides should make themselves ready to be engaged in peace processes.
  •  *We, the people, have full solidarity with problems of Manipur and we will do every possible efforts to resolve your issues on the ground of humanity.
  •  *We, the people, who favors humanity, believe that truth is the tool of sustainable development and the real victory will be made in the hearts of people of Manipur rather than in just getting seats in elections.

We demand that all, regardless of their other political agendas, should collaborate on this common point to resolve the issue of Irom Sharmila and to impart justice to her as soon as possible.

By:

Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign

New Delhi 

Regards,

Volunteers of SAVE SHARMILA SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN”

(A joint initiative of various organizations & movements)

We welcome your participation/suggestion/feedback. We work in favor of Peace, Democracy, Non Violence, Human Rights.

Our demands with Govt of India: 

To take positive steps of talk
To send all party delegation
To send members of NWC,NHRC
To send special team of doctors from New delhi to examine Irom’s health

NON VIOLENCE SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/save-sharmila-campaign-an-open-letter-to-all-political-parties-of-manipur/

R-Day boycott

IMPHAL, January 22:United Revolutionary Front has announced that it will boycott the Republic Day celebration… more »

IMPHAL, January 22:United Revolutionary Front has announced that it will boycott the Republic Day celebration extending full support to the decision taken by CorCom, the umbrella body of seven proscribed outfit, in a press statement released today.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/rday-boycott/

Cycle rally

IMPHAL, January 22: A cycle rally was organized today by Animal Gym, Khoyathong with the… more »

IMPHAL, January 22: A cycle rally was organized today by Animal Gym, Khoyathong with the theme. “Life is wonderful without drugs.” The rally was flagged off by National power-lifter P. Robindro. RK Bishorjit an instructor with Animal Gym said that the rally was being organized with an aim to raise awareness amongst young people to stay away from drugs. He further said that the banners being used in course of the rally was aimed at spreading the message about staying away from drugs and to lead a life of disciplin.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/cycle-rally/

Trinamool supporter hurt

CHURACHANDPUR, January 22: In an election-related violence, a woman identified as Goungaihching, 43, wife of… more »

CHURACHANDPUR, January 22: In an election-related violence, a woman identified as Goungaihching, 43, wife of Khuptinlian of Gouchinkhup Veng, New Lamka was reportedly beaten black and blue at about 6.30 pm yesterday by a supporter of the Congress (I) candidate of Churachandpur assembly constituency.

The victim, a daily wage earner, has reportedly been supporting the Trinamool Congress candidate of the same constituency.

The Congress (I) supporter identified as Zenchingthang Tonsing physically assaulted her complaining that she was not supporting the party’s candidate, said eye witnesses.

According to them, he hit her with the wooden arm of a bench on the left side of her face after which she temporarily lost sight of her left eye. She was rushed to the district hospital for administration of first aid.

Much to the relief of near and dear ones her conditions have improved and she have been discharged from the hospital.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/trinamool-supporter-hurt/

Book released

IMPHAL, January 22: “Kanagi Maralno” a collection of   17 short stories by Laishram Wangthou (Samananda)… more »

IMPHAL, January 22: “Kanagi Maralno” a collection of   17 short stories by Laishram Wangthou (Samananda) Khuman was released today by the titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba in a simple function today held at MDU by the titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba.

The book is publish by the KC publication.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/book-released/

NCC camp

IMPHAL, January 22:The annual training camp of No (M) Air Squadron (Flg) NCC commenced today… more »

IMPHAL, January 22:The annual training camp of No (M) Air Squadron (Flg) NCC commenced today under the command of camp commandant, Flt Lt KU Singh. The 10-day camp which will be attended by 350 cadets from all over the state will feature adventurous activities like para-sailing, skeet shooting and 0.22 rifle firing, education activities and lectures on banking, health and financial planning.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/ncc-camp/

Republic Day football

IMPHAL, January 22:On the third day of Loktak Brigade Republic Day football tournament at Moirang… more »

IMPHAL, January 22:On the third day of Loktak Brigade Republic Day football tournament at Moirang College, Phubala Football Club defeated Kumbi Football Team one nil in a penalty shoot out. In the second match Nachao Football Club defeated Khordak Youth Organisation 4-1.

On the second day Kumbi Football Club defeated Regional Clubs Union,  Moirang 4-2 in a penalty shoot out. In the other match of the day, Modern Ideal, Thanga defeated Moirang Football Club by a solitary goal.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/republic-day-football/

Student elections

IMPHAL, January 22: A press release from the Monitoring cell of the College Students’ Union… more »

IMPHAL, January 22: A press release from the Monitoring cell of the College Students’ Union Election 2011-12 has said that the Student Union Elections which had been withheld has been lifted. The joint body of 6 student organizations in the state: AMSU, MSF, DESAM, KSA, SUK, SWAK further said that a reception program will be held for the candidates of the College Student Union Election 2011-12 and the members of the monitoring cell at Ima Khunthokhanbi Shanglen at DM College on January 23.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/student-elections/

Congress workers fired at

IMPHAL, January 22: At least three persons suffered bullet injuries when unidentified armed persons opened… more »

IMPHAL, January 22: At least three persons suffered bullet injuries when unidentified armed persons opened fire during a meeting of Congress candidate of Tengnoupal, DK Korungthang at Machi Khunou Part III under Tengnoupal police station at around 3 pm this afternoon. The injured identified as Modari and Anphan of Lamlong Khullen and K Bony of Langol Khunou were admitted at Shija Hospital in Imphal and are reported to be out of danger.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/congress-workers-fired-at/

Abdicated Moral Space

The trouble with Manipur is, nothing sounds the alarm bell loud enough for it to… more »

The trouble with Manipur is, nothing sounds the alarm bell loud enough for it to remain awake long enough. Nothing, not even the worst crisis, it seems can shake it out of its complacency. And crisis is one thing the state has never ever been scarce of. It has been almost by rule a crisis a week recipe for the state, some not so severe while others were nothing less than nightmares. Regardless of the fact that these crises had either faded on their own with the passing time or stemmed by public resentment, one thing is clear, given the circumstance Manipur is caught in today, nobody can promise the last word has been said on the matter. Turmoil and upheavals, many of them extremely violent, seem to be an inalienable destiny of the state. The worrying thing is not so much these crises are extremely stressful, but that nobody ever seems to learn from them. Not even those who consider themselves as storm-troopers, both amongst those in the driver’s seat of the establishment as well as the vast human landscape outside it that is rather ambiguously referred to as civil society. The state and its people have come to learn superbly to live out crises and even to fight them, but no crisis, however awesome have been able to teach them the lesson that would make them think in terms of putting the roots of these crises safely to bed forever, incapable of accumulating harm potential again.

Crises explode like several kilotons of dynamite periodically, and during these crises semblance of masterstrokes of collective resolves emerge. However, once the dusts from these crises settle, the downward pulls of mediocrity once again neutralize and level out everything to square one. During economic blockades along its major mountain passes, especially National Highway-39, war cries to have the NH-53 developed, often work up to a mass frenzy. Once these storms pass by, nobody bothers what condition this uncared for highway is in. Similarly, the talk of cutting a third highway, so desperate and passionate once, has relegated to not much more than idle academic discussions. In many ways this is also a show of how resilient the Manipur society is. It does not lose its composure easily. But the line dividing resilience and complacent inaction although thin, can become glaring, as indeed it is in Manipur today, and we are sure at some point counterproductive too. The fact of the matter is, a resilient society must not only have the capacity to absorb adversities without detriment to the overall mental and physical composure of the society, but also the will and commitment to be proactive in looking for lasting resolutions to the vexing issues at hand so that the grave challenges they pose to the health of the society do not periodically repeat and threaten. Resilient as any society may be, if the challenges are incessant and incrementally severe as the case seems to be, there will have to come about when the thread that holds its sanity together snaps.

There are more sinister examples of these challenges than the ones discussed. Take the case of official corruption at high places. It is not a question of excusing corruption at the lower echelons of the officialdom, but its needs no elaboration to convince anybody that the whole enterprise of dismantling the corruption edifice has to begin from the top. After all, if the generals are corrupt, how can corruption be prevented from contaminating the foot soldiers. The generals can discipline the foot soldiers but the reverse can never be a reality. Would we then need any more proofs to convince anybody that organized robberies of public coffers still are rampant? It is everybody’s knowledge that huge percentages are still being siphoned off from development funds and shared between contractors and contract awarders? It is another story that many insurgent groups have joined this unholy league, but this can be no excuse for those mandated by the people to captain the state to be corrupt. Unless and until the establishment becomes a credible institution of governance upon which the people can repose faith in, there will always be the legitimacy of alternates, even if they are subversive, in some corner of the masses’ heart. Herein is the space upon which the foundation of any insurrection is laid. And this space cannot be destroyed physically, but won over spiritually. This is why the search for an answer to insurgency is not so much a physical war but by necessity have to be a moral one. At the cerebral level, everybody who can make the difference understands this very well. The trouble is, this cerebral understanding has never been allowed to be internalized to become a matter of the heart and soul. An often heard question amongst the masses is, what would have been the status of justice and equality if insurgency never happened? The implication is, regardless of the mutation it has undergone, the phenomenon has been and is still an anguished voice on the corrupt and unjust ways of the establishment. The Robin Hood image is not altogether unjustified, even if it is by the establishment abdicating a vital moral space. An honest and satisfactory answer to this question will, we are sure, provide a blueprint to victory in this moral war.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/abdicated-moral-space/

Pillar of Knowledge Practices in Manipur

By: G.S.Oinam In democracy, people will get the government they desired. Quality of the voters… more »

By: G.S.Oinam
In democracy, people will get the government they desired. Quality of the voters will determine the quality of elected representatives. Political leaders can lead the crowd but they can’t be a dictator. Political atmosphere can be change overnight. After throughout reading of the election manifestos of political parties and bio data of candidates of state assembly election, state political thinkers have viewed that state would require mentors to improve the political economy in the state. Politics as “a career” is possible in the state only after political parties have vision, well organisational setup and financially sound; most possibly after government have approved the policy of state funding for election. Election manifestos are goals and objectives of the political party to be achieved within five years. But, Election manifestos are not a vision; vision is the statement that should be a vivid and inspiring description of what the organization will be and do at some point in the future generally long term prospective say 10-20 years. Well, state have discussed about issue politics, of course, election manifestos are the objectives of the political party to solve the state political issue, economic and social problem of the state. However, we must look at what’s already in place? What is still missing? What should be done? Who is responsible for what? Well, Election code of conduct “Do and Don’t” has given certain restriction to our expressing but we can give you guidelines how to chose your right representatives and fair election practices.

To answer the following questions, we must look at candidates’ profiles and political party’s manifestoes. Then ask–Define yourself. Why should I vote to you?  Are you a team player? What are your preferences –power, money, service, national feeling? What is your philosophy towards work?  If so, what is your strategy to achieve your target and objectives? Explain how you would be an asset to us? Do your skills match this political job or another job more closely action. Tell about your ability to work under pressure. Describe your political management style and work ethic. Do you think you are overqualified for this position? How do you like to handle it if your top political leader is wrong? We believe that these behavioral questions will able to choose your right candidate.

Don’t worry! Even, you have chosen wrong representatives. I have written about 350 pages project proposal in 2 months on Information and knowledge management centre to bring social order and innovative idea creation in the state. Manipur will require at least four pillars for developmental challenges and peaceful process. I will prepare to complete writing for second pillar and structural reforms on the next year; which will enable to solve your traffic congestion and green urban legend. We must be conscious about climate and environmental changes. For time being, traffic police has to suffer and take care of city and special traffic arrangement shall be made for Palace compound area which has many theatres like Bheigyachandra Open Air theatre, Iboyaima Sumang Lila theatre, Hapta Kangjeipung (mela ground), newly constructed city centre, Manipur Film Development Society’s hall and Art and Culture Department’s Theatre etc. These theatres are  all thousands of crowd pulling if run at full swing ; beside, Jagnath Ratha Yatra from Palace and goers to Shree Shree Gobindaji Temple, and Mahabali Temple shall not be disturb. How far is Hospital from Palace Compound? How many minutes will take to reach nearest hospital? Is ambulance readily available in case of emergency? Do you know why I am asking this question? You can’t blame it only to politician.

No matter, even state government does not hire me; I would hire state government. No matter, DIPR officials do not co-operate me in the project preparation of Information and Knowledge Management Centre; I shall cooperate DIPR.

DIPR will be one of the most powerful and important department in the state with this I&KMC project. Of course, recently state has developed a wing of “media censorship and certification” to prevent local media from bills board practices. However, authorities do not give any better input to the local media for people education.

I&KMC project will work together with local media, NGOs, lawyers, local intellectuals to deliver knowledge and skills to the people. For which research, training and awareness programmes has been included in the project writing. All programmes are SMART (specific, measurable, accountable, realistic and time bound). We use SMART programme to achieve our objectives. SWOT analysis (strength, weakness, opportunity and threat) are usually done at the time of comparison. A very special programme “Know Your Tribe- Know Your Manipur” programme will attract everybody. Base line survey will be conducted to identify the skills of educated unemployed persons and MGNRGA job card holders. To improve the required skills for your favourite service sector job, “explore your talent, acquire your skills, secure your job and deliver exceptional value to the country” programme will be organised in all districts of Manipur. I &KMC will look for job creation in the state—business climax and business practices are important indicators for service sector job creation. A way will be find out to improve the unorganized service sectors to organised service sectors. Right skills right job has to be given by MGNREGA. Presently, under the MGNREGA, a singer is used to dig a wall. A post graduate job card holder is used to road construction labour works. Finally, complain cases of using JCP machine instead of job card holders had came to the notice of law court. Under the MGNREGA, law practitioners are using to provide legal literacy to the rural people at a minimum budget of Rs 3000/- per programme. In such a way, graduate / post graduate job card holders can be used for educational programme. Singers and artists can be used in singing and arts class.

I will slow dawn my speed at 60 miles/hr; and you have to speed up at 60 miles/hr, if you are willing to be a team member of I & KMC; we will have no different, big or small. From that starting point of speed 60, we will work together to achieve the target at the speed of 85-100 miles /hour. Please satisfy if your team is able to achieve target at 85-98% because this is a team work and it requires team coordination, team combination, work culture; and also, we are working in Manipur. Beside, no man is perfect.

The terms information management and knowledge management are used very inconsistently in theory and in practice. This is due to ignorance and tactical reasons. The latter holds true, for consultants and IT firms trying to market often old services and products under a new label. However, this is also partly valid for science. Knowledge management has a wider perspective working toward raising the creativity of the organization`s staff. Knowledge Management (KM) is a concept in which an enterprise gathers, organizes, shares, and analyzes its knowledge in terms of resources, documents, innovations and people skills. KM involves data mining and some method of operation to push information to users. Knowledge management can also be a business process that formalizes management and leverage of a firm`s intellectual assets.

Information systems and business informatics can be attributed to the management of information technology. Organizational and management sciences deal primarily with knowledge management (in a narrow sense). The management of (codified) information and the study of information use are the domains of records management and library and information science. From a narrow point of view, data management is equated with information management. Even though information management is perceived as more comprehensive by nearly all authors, data management is one essential component of technology-oriented information management.

The World Bank Institute’s Knowledge for Development Program (K4D) helps build the capacity of client countries to access and use knowledge to become more competitive and improve growth and welfare. K4D helps client countries assess how they compare with others in their ability to compete in the global knowledge economy. It has developed a four-pillar framework that countries can use as the basis for their transition to a knowledge economy.

Pillar 1–Economic and Institutional Regime
Pillar 2–Education and Skills
Pillar 3–Information and Communication Infrastructure
Pillar 4 — Innovation System.

The application of knowledge—as manifested in entrepreneurship and innovation, research and development, and software and product design—is one of the key sources of growth in the global economy.

But many developing countries fail to tap the vast stock of global knowledge and apply it to their needs. They need not deny themselves this vital tool for growth. By building on their strengths and carefully planning appropriate investments in human capital, effective institutions, relevant communications technologies, and innovative and competitive enterprises, developing countries can capitalize on the knowledge revolution.

The most commonly cited of the KAM’s (Knowledge Asset Management or Knowledge Acquisition and Modeling) several indexes is the Knowledge Economy Index (KEI)—a broad measure of the overall level of preparedness of a country or region for the knowledge economy. The KEI summarizes each country’s performance on 12 variables corresponding to the four knowledge economy pillars. India stood at top 100 rank of Knowledge Economy Index 2008, World Bank Institution.

Do you know what is the height of Napoleon Bonaparte; “the little corporal”?   This was the British war propaganda to make him short because he was very successful in leading his army in several victories, resulting in France`s dominance in Europe; in actual height, Napoleon Bonaparte was 5 feet 6 and one half inches or 1.7 meters tall in British measurement. He is taller than an average British height. His weight was 172 lbs. No matter, state political leaders can be trained to mend their style of management. They are not worse as you think but they need your support to make them good. Please don’t play fault game to win power.

According to “Morung Express,” Nagaland local newspaper‘s opinion poll on “Do you trust and believe in the present generation of Naga leaders;” 84% says “No” 6% says “Yes” and “others” 10%. Some of those who voted “NO” had this to say:  The present generation of Naga leaders viz freedom fighters, politicians, hohos, student leaders, church leaders etc has become one of the largest stumbling block to development of our state. Its better we represent ourselves than to suffer under these so called leaders.  Power, money drives them.  Not at all; just look at the present crop of leaders. I don’t think they care at all about the people. They only care about themselves. They only look at themselves in the mirror. They are only for their selfish ends; relatives; tribes!! Today, our Naga leaders are selfish, egoist and self-centered. They only think of power and how to retain their position. This is a far cry from what Naga leaders were once. It’s the leaders who are destroying the society because they have no vision. Absolutely “No”. Be careful whom you trust. The present so-called leaders are all devil in disguise-mistrustful, lairs, corrupt to the core, lustful and proud. They are the direct descendant of satan, who will Inherit the kingdom of hell. Yet we pray for your souls. Amen! They lack vision for a better Nagaland. They are all selfish & greedy. Today, whether they are over ground leaders or underground leaders, they are the same. They seem to be driven by the same motive – to promote their own interest. The over ground leaders today are taking advantage of the situation and are taking the people for a ride. The underground leaders have become corrupted by the ceasefire and many of them have forgotten the cause of the Nagas. All these leaders of the present generation are after power and they have stopped thinking about the welfare of the people. They forget what happened in Mokokchung and Wungram colony. They must never underestimate the patience and anger of the public. They should mend their ways before the people act. Not educated, they cat just yap to escape the situation No, they are all about making money for themselves. Deliverance from present clutch is next to impossible as they are still entangling with greed, hatred, position and money hunter. No.. I can`t…problem is money and power. All the leaders get deceived by money and power. Its hardly to generations since we are seeing money in terms of thousands and lacs….90% still haven’t seen crores…..we are disproportionately modernized but not yet appropriately civilized. If the leaders know all these short comings and lead us with sincerity, honesty, humbleness and wisdom, surely something great can be achieved and why not, next to God, my full trust will be in them. It’s like trusting a person who has an angel face but a devil Heart. Our beloved corrupted leaders are not worthy to be trusted and believed. No! Because they are not working in the interest of the general people but they are working for their selfish benefit and they are crazy for money. All are corrupted Leaders are elected by followers every generation. We get what we are: untrustworthy. The present generations Nagas have some great leaders but my answer is a very big NO! How can you trust or believe our so cold leaders especially Naga UGs who loot, murder, threaten people, prevent development, and every kind of unchristian things. (Reminding you al, they have just come out of jungle!!) Secondly, the so called social workers (politicians, associations, organizations leaders) are far worse than the UGs but for the lack of gun power. Remembers UGs and social workers are those stupid few who can’t get anything out of their education and the church leaders…all have been said about them but what I want to tell some of those stupid hot tempered reverends, pastors, and catechists …is that the hottest part of hell’s for them. Most of us know what’s right and what’s wrong except our leaders.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/pillar-of-knowledge-practices-in-manipur/