Tag: kanglaonline

CC Meet quarter finals line-up set

IMPHAL, Nov 29: Only three out of four out-station team have confirmed their participation in… more »

IMPHAL, Nov 29: Only three out of four out-station team have confirmed their participation in the 55th CC Meet football tournament which is to resume from December 5 at Mapal Kangjeibung.

Mizoram Police, Shillong Lajong FC and the Assam Rifles have confirmed their participation in the prestigious football tournament. AMFA had arranged for four out-station teams but only three teams have confirmed for the participation and hence the quarter final line-up have been arranged.

In the first quarter final match to be played on December 5 TRAU will play Assam Rifles while in the second quarter final NISA will play Mizoram Police on December 6. On December 7 defending champion FC Lajong Shillong will meet USA. NEROCA has got bye and the club is through to the semi final.

All the quarter final match will be played at Mapal Kangjeibung while two semi final and the finals will be played at the Main Stadium of Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/cc-meet-quarter-finals-lineup-set/

CC Meet quarter finals line-up set

IMPHAL, Nov 29: Only three out of four out-station team have confirmed their participation in… more »

IMPHAL, Nov 29: Only three out of four out-station team have confirmed their participation in the 55th CC Meet football tournament which is to resume from December 5 at Mapal Kangjeibung.

Mizoram Police, Shillong Lajong FC and the Assam Rifles have confirmed their participation in the prestigious football tournament. AMFA had arranged for four out-station teams but only three teams have confirmed for the participation and hence the quarter final line-up have been arranged.

In the first quarter final match to be played on December 5 TRAU will play Assam Rifles while in the second quarter final NISA will play Mizoram Police on December 6. On December 7 defending champion FC Lajong Shillong will meet USA. NEROCA has got bye and the club is through to the semi final.

All the quarter final match will be played at Mapal Kangjeibung while two semi final and the finals will be played at the Main Stadium of Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/cc-meet-quarter-finals-lineup-set/

AG`s opinion on AFSPA is non-est in law

By – Suhas Chakma Director, Asian Centre for Human Rights The proposal of Chief Minister… more »

By – Suhas Chakma
Director, Asian Centre for Human Rights

The proposal of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from certain parts of Jammu and Kashmir has exposed the fraught being played by the Central government playing on the basic tenet of the constitution i.e. federalism. As the Ministry of Defence opposed Chief Minister Abdullah’s proposal tooth and nail, the Ministry of Home Affairs in order to extricate itself from the controversy sought an opinion from the Law Ministry. On 18 November 2011, Attorney General Ghulam E. Vahanvati informed the MHA that the Governor of the State is the final authority for declaration and revoking of the AFSPA as per Section 3 of the Act. The AG based his opinion on the Supreme Court Judgement of 1997 that upheld constitutional validity of the AFSPA in the case of the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights Vs Union of India.

The AG’s opinion is all but absolute mis-interpretation of the SC judgement in the case of NPMHR Vs Union of India. The SC judgment did not examine as to whether it is the Governor, who is legally bound to operate on the advice of the State’s Council of Ministers, or the State Government, which is the actual authority for declaration or revoking of the AFSPA. The constitutional validity of the AFSPA was examined in the specific context of whether the Act is violative of the Constitution because ‘public order’, which is addressed in disturbed areas through deployment of the Central forces, is a State subject. The SC upheld that the AFSPA “is not a law in respect of maintenance of public order falling under Entry I and List II.” The Court also held that the AFSPA “does not displace the civil power of the State by the armed forces of the Union and it only provides for deployment of armed forces of the Union in aid of the civil power.”  The Court further clarified that “The expression ‘in aid of the civil power’ in Entry 2A of List I and in Entry 1 of List II implies that deployment of the armed forces of the Union shall be for the purpose of enabling the civil power in the State to deal with the situation affecting maintenance of public order which has necessitated the deployment of the armed forces in the State”. Therefore, the SC judgement reiterated the primacy of the State government and did not justify any discretionary power of the Governor as being interpreted by the AG. If there is no civil power in the State, Governor’s discretion would mean declaration of emergency and/or President’s rule under 356 of the Constitution. 

The AG has further failed to appreciate that the AFSPA cannot be considered as a stand-alone Act. The AFSPA comes into effect only after an area is declared “disturbed” under Section 3(1) of the Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act which is unequivocal about the role of only the State Government. Section 3(1) states “where a State Government is satisfied that- (i) there was, or (ii) there is, in any area within a State extensive disturbance of the public peace and tranquility, by reason of differences or disputes between members of different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare such area to be a disturbed area”. There is no reference to the role of the Governor under the Act and once the “disturbed area” notification is revoked by the State government, the AFSPA simply goes!

Major political parties such as the Bharatiya Janata Party, the AIADMK and the Trinamool Congress have been opposing the Communal Violence Bill on the ground that it poses a threat to federalism. However, these political parties have maintained silence on the opinion of the AG, while the BJP on record opposed the revoking of the APSPA from J&K.

It is essential to bear in mind that the Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act was enacted in 1976 to provide for speedy trial for certain offences through the establishment of Special Courts. While Special Courts have seldom been established, the Act has been abused discriminatorily against the States ruled by the minorities. At present, the areas declared disturbed are the entire  State of Manipur  (except Imphal Municipal area), Nagaland and Assam, Tirap and Changlang  district of Arunachal Pradesh, 20 km belt in the States of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya having common border with Assam and 20 out of 22 districts in Jammu and Kashmir. The most curious case is Tripura which in September 2011 further notified 34 out of 70 police Stations as fully disturbed and six police stations as partially disturbed. According to the Tripura Police, 32 insurgency related incidents took place from January 2010 to September 2011 in which only one civilian and two security forces were killed. Though the Naxal affected States have been witnessing far more violence, the Centre has not declared areas from these States to be disturbed as they are ruled by the powerful State governments.

The declaration of certain areas to be ‘disturbed’ has effectively come to mean bringing these areas effectively under the Central rule without declaring the same publicly or under the Constitution of India. Those opposing the Communal Violence Bill need to take a principled stand. After all, the Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act in essence addresses the very issues of the Communal Violence Bill and not the insurgency or national security problems. If the Central rule can be imposed through the backdoor by abusing the Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act, there is no reason as to why the Communal Violence Bill would not be invoked for the same. Armed conflicts are increasing by day and time has come to lay down the law clarifying the role of the Centre vis-à-vis the armed conflicts including the Naxal conflict. Ethnic origin and religious belief must not be seen to be the criteria to judge the competence of the leaders or Indian-ness of the people they govern.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/ags-opinion-on-afspa-is-nonest-in-law/

AG`s opinion on AFSPA is non-est in law

By – Suhas Chakma Director, Asian Centre for Human Rights The proposal of Chief Minister… more »

By – Suhas Chakma
Director, Asian Centre for Human Rights

The proposal of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from certain parts of Jammu and Kashmir has exposed the fraught being played by the Central government playing on the basic tenet of the constitution i.e. federalism. As the Ministry of Defence opposed Chief Minister Abdullah’s proposal tooth and nail, the Ministry of Home Affairs in order to extricate itself from the controversy sought an opinion from the Law Ministry. On 18 November 2011, Attorney General Ghulam E. Vahanvati informed the MHA that the Governor of the State is the final authority for declaration and revoking of the AFSPA as per Section 3 of the Act. The AG based his opinion on the Supreme Court Judgement of 1997 that upheld constitutional validity of the AFSPA in the case of the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights Vs Union of India.

The AG’s opinion is all but absolute mis-interpretation of the SC judgement in the case of NPMHR Vs Union of India. The SC judgment did not examine as to whether it is the Governor, who is legally bound to operate on the advice of the State’s Council of Ministers, or the State Government, which is the actual authority for declaration or revoking of the AFSPA. The constitutional validity of the AFSPA was examined in the specific context of whether the Act is violative of the Constitution because ‘public order’, which is addressed in disturbed areas through deployment of the Central forces, is a State subject. The SC upheld that the AFSPA “is not a law in respect of maintenance of public order falling under Entry I and List II.” The Court also held that the AFSPA “does not displace the civil power of the State by the armed forces of the Union and it only provides for deployment of armed forces of the Union in aid of the civil power.”  The Court further clarified that “The expression ‘in aid of the civil power’ in Entry 2A of List I and in Entry 1 of List II implies that deployment of the armed forces of the Union shall be for the purpose of enabling the civil power in the State to deal with the situation affecting maintenance of public order which has necessitated the deployment of the armed forces in the State”. Therefore, the SC judgement reiterated the primacy of the State government and did not justify any discretionary power of the Governor as being interpreted by the AG. If there is no civil power in the State, Governor’s discretion would mean declaration of emergency and/or President’s rule under 356 of the Constitution. 

The AG has further failed to appreciate that the AFSPA cannot be considered as a stand-alone Act. The AFSPA comes into effect only after an area is declared “disturbed” under Section 3(1) of the Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act which is unequivocal about the role of only the State Government. Section 3(1) states “where a State Government is satisfied that- (i) there was, or (ii) there is, in any area within a State extensive disturbance of the public peace and tranquility, by reason of differences or disputes between members of different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare such area to be a disturbed area”. There is no reference to the role of the Governor under the Act and once the “disturbed area” notification is revoked by the State government, the AFSPA simply goes!

Major political parties such as the Bharatiya Janata Party, the AIADMK and the Trinamool Congress have been opposing the Communal Violence Bill on the ground that it poses a threat to federalism. However, these political parties have maintained silence on the opinion of the AG, while the BJP on record opposed the revoking of the APSPA from J&K.

It is essential to bear in mind that the Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act was enacted in 1976 to provide for speedy trial for certain offences through the establishment of Special Courts. While Special Courts have seldom been established, the Act has been abused discriminatorily against the States ruled by the minorities. At present, the areas declared disturbed are the entire  State of Manipur  (except Imphal Municipal area), Nagaland and Assam, Tirap and Changlang  district of Arunachal Pradesh, 20 km belt in the States of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya having common border with Assam and 20 out of 22 districts in Jammu and Kashmir. The most curious case is Tripura which in September 2011 further notified 34 out of 70 police Stations as fully disturbed and six police stations as partially disturbed. According to the Tripura Police, 32 insurgency related incidents took place from January 2010 to September 2011 in which only one civilian and two security forces were killed. Though the Naxal affected States have been witnessing far more violence, the Centre has not declared areas from these States to be disturbed as they are ruled by the powerful State governments.

The declaration of certain areas to be ‘disturbed’ has effectively come to mean bringing these areas effectively under the Central rule without declaring the same publicly or under the Constitution of India. Those opposing the Communal Violence Bill need to take a principled stand. After all, the Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act in essence addresses the very issues of the Communal Violence Bill and not the insurgency or national security problems. If the Central rule can be imposed through the backdoor by abusing the Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act, there is no reason as to why the Communal Violence Bill would not be invoked for the same. Armed conflicts are increasing by day and time has come to lay down the law clarifying the role of the Centre vis-à-vis the armed conflicts including the Naxal conflict. Ethnic origin and religious belief must not be seen to be the criteria to judge the competence of the leaders or Indian-ness of the people they govern.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/ags-opinion-on-afspa-is-nonest-in-law/

General strike

IMPHAL, November 28: The three days long general strike imposed by the Kangleipak Communist Party… more »

IMPHAL, November 28: The three days long general strike imposed by the Kangleipak Communist Party (MC) starting from this morning at 10am has partially affected normal life in the state during the first day today.

Even though most passenger vehicles including inter-state and inter district vehicles remained off the roads, most educational institutions and government offices remain functional.

The outfit had called the strike in protest against the killing of one of its cadre in an alleged encounter with the security forces.

Meanwhile, most shops were seen with open shutters in the bazar area with only a few remaining closed. However the main bazars remain open.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/general-strike/

Prizes distributed to talented students

IMPHAL, Nov 28: The prizes for 3rd State Level Talent Hunt Competition, 2011 organized by… more »

IMPHAL, Nov 28: The prizes for 3rd State Level Talent Hunt Competition, 2011 organized by Sanguine Group, Manipur were distributed today in a function held at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul, Imphal.

The prize distribution function was attended by MLA Th Shyamkumar, social worker S Inaobi, S Kunjahari, W Rajen, director of education (s) as the chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

Speaking at the function, MLA Shyamkumar stated that frequent bandh and strike has seriously affected the academic atmosphere in the state.

He further advised the students who have participated in the competition to work hard and bring laurels to the state.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/prizes-distributed-to-talented-students/

Lady begins fast demanding action to curb violence against women

IMPHAL, Nov 28: Perturbed with increasing crime and violence against women in the state, secretary… more »

IMPHAL, Nov 28: Perturbed with increasing crime and violence against women in the state, secretary general of Young Women Help Orgnization, A Robita has started hunger strike at Nupi Lal Complex today demanding the authorities to take up necessary action to curb crime and violence against women in the state.

Prior to her hunger strike, she told media persons that ever increasing crime and violence against women have created a chaotic society where there is no dignity for women.

She also demanded the authorities concerned to close down all illicit restaurants which are a source for immoral activity amongst youths.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/lady-begins-fast-demanding-action-to-curb-violence-against-women/

Notification

IMPHAL, Nov 28: The addl director of univ & hr education in a statement has… more »

IMPHAL, Nov 28: The addl director of univ & hr education in a statement has informed all principals of government/govt aided/private colleges that the election process for the students’ union election for the academic session, 2011-12 is kept abeyance till further notification from the directorate in this regard. A new schedule for the scrutiny, election etc shall be notified in due course it added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/notification/

Imphal West lifts state vovinam trophy

IMPHAL, Nov 28: Imphal West team has become the overall champion of 1st state level… more »

IMPHAL, Nov 28: Imphal West team has become the overall champion of 1st state level vovinam championship held at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium by securing seven gold, 10 silver and six bronze medals.

In the final match of senior boys’ 45-50 kg category, L Ajit of Thoubal, Johnson L of Imphal West and S Jiban of Imphal East secured the gold, silver and bronze medal respectively.

In the final match of senior boys’ 55-60 kg category, R Loren and Sidba secured the gold and silver medal respectively.

In the final match of senior boys’ Ngu Mon Quyen event, S Jiban of Imphal East, M Loren of Imphal West and Ch Halley of Bishnupur took the gold, silver and bronze medal respectively.

In the final match of junior boys’ Ngu Mon Quyen event, Y Lanchenba of Thoubal, K Thoiba of Imphal West and AK Malemnganba of Bishnupur secured gold, silver and bronze medal respectively.

In the final of men’s duel sword, Michael and Thoiba of Imphal West, Arun and Deban of Thoubal and Lanchangba and Bishorjit of Imphal East bagged gold, silver and bronze medal respectively.

In the final match of girls’ self-defense, H Omita and S Bidesh of Imphal West, Y Kharishma and Athoi of Bishnupur and Th Velony and Th Bishorjit of Imphal East took the gold, silver and bronze medal respectively.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/imphal-west-lifts-state-vovinam-trophy/

State archers shine at national competition

IMPHAL, Nov 28: Henthoiba Leishangthem from Manipur bagged the overall first position in individual Indian… more »

IMPHAL, Nov 28: Henthoiba Leishangthem from Manipur bagged the overall first position in individual Indian round by scoring 669 points at the 4th Mini National Archery Championship held at Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.

Teammates Golmei Chuichui Rongmei and K Pushpati Devi secured overall  second position in individual Indian round by scoring 656 and 651 points respectively.

Manipur girls’ team comprising of K Pushpati, M Rupan, Ch Roni and M Pushpa also won team championship with 1784 points in the Indian round.

The state boys’ team comprising of Henthoiba, G Chichui, A James and A Pramod also won the team championship by scoring 1964 points.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/state-archers-shine-at-national-competition/

Unbinding Tourism

The high expectations from the state’s supposedly rich tourism potential while welcome must also not… more »

The high expectations from the state’s supposedly rich tourism potential while welcome must also not result in the abandoning all defences against its adverse impacts. For one, this cultivated expectation may be beyond what the real prospects are. Just a few simple questions by nature of reality check should put things in perspective. The first and foremost of these is, what is it that is so attractive about Manipur which would draw tourists to visit it? Is there enough places and events to see in the state so as to hold the interest of general tourists for more than a day or two? What is the class of tourists that the state should expect? These questions are over and above the other more down to earth assessments such as that of availability adequate infrastructure etc, such as hotel rooms etc. This latter caveat, we are less worried, for once a market develops, private capital will ensure it grows sooner than expected. One is reminded of a remark by a senior South Korean visitor to the state  some years ago that Manipur reminded him of his country 30 years ago. The optimism he wished to leave for Manipur was that 30 years down the line, given the correct policy direction and a matching public attitude, Manipur can be there where his country is today. The important thing to note also is, South Korea’s progress chart in its initial days is heavily determined by the will of its government, considering the country was under a dictatorship then. Its strategic geography, as well as political positioning befriended the rich West too, thereby earning itself the liberal but interested benevolence of the West, especially the USA in their fight to contain the spread of communism in Asia.

While there is no doubt that Manipur and the Northeast is at this moment very well placed geopolitically in the wake of the rise of China, a booming South East Asia, the new political churnings in neighbouring Myanmar, and indeed, India’s own need to expand its influence in South East Asia, and can expect the State funds to booster its growth, the important question is, what it the strategy it must adopt to sustain the momentum given by this booster on its own. The new euphoria over the anticipated growth in the tourism industry must be assessed from this light. Currently it is the government which is the flag bearer of this new campaign but ultimately the banner must pass on to the people and the market. The other thing to be cautious about is that tourism is generally seasonal and also it is determined by an ever shifting zeitgeist. If today it is the temples of India, tomorrow it can be the war relics of Vietnam. A prospering tourist town resurrected from rubbles and ruins today can no sooner be reduced a ghost town. These are consequences any place that hopes to lean on tourism as a prop for its economy must be prepared for.

But the more fundamental question remains, what exactly are the features of Manipur which would bring in tourists. A dry state with its night life destroyed hopelessly not so much by bad law and order situation as officials are so eager to put forward as alibi, but more by the acute power shortage which plunges the state, in particular the capital Imphal into darkness at sunset, is hardly a place people on holidays with their families would be interested to spend time in. There could be adventure tourism of trekkers and back packers, but there are so many more established and tested trekkers’ paradises like Nepal to compete with. Cultural tourism if not moderated by a sense of dignity and identity amongst the general public can reduce the culture of the place to market commodities. One can expect cultural troupes spawning in the hundreds to perform for visitors, and in the process reduce the standard as well as outlook to some of the most beautiful performing arts that the state can boast of. It can even resu
lt in sacrileges like Lai Haraoba staged not as a sacred religious ritual but to appease dollar tourists. This is not a matter of being a wet blanket but of cautioning everyone to be aware of the pitfalls of the enterprise now being looked up to at this moment almost as the panacea of all ills of the state.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/unbinding-tourism/

Sangai festival sees a major turn-out of visitors on Sunday

IMPHAL, November 27: The Manipur Sangai Festival 2011 today witnessed a huge turnout of visitors… more »

A Thai cultural delegate during the ongoing Sangai Festival at Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre on Monday.

IMPHAL, November 27: The Manipur Sangai Festival 2011 today witnessed a huge turnout of visitors leaving the traffic near the main venue of the festival busy all day long.

The unexpected flow of visitors has taken by surprised the stalls inside Hatta Kangjeibung, the venue of the main event of the festival. The sales rate of all the shops had reportedly gone double today.

Today’s turnout was the biggest ever recorded since the festival started on November 21, organizers and police had a hard time controlling the crowd and remarkably no untoward incidents were reported.

The reason behind the swelling crowd could be due to the coinciding of yesterday’s schedule which was postponed to today due to yesterday’s general strike and today being Sunday.

Another major factor for the flood of visitors’ turnout was due to the 2nd X-games International Men and Women open speed climbing competition. The competition is being participated by various climbers from various countries including the world top ranked climbers from China.

Further another attraction was the line-up of various entertainment programmes including Sumang Leela shows, cultural performances, musical concerts within the main venue.

Visitors not only from Imphal but from far flung places also came to witness the festival hiring buses, private vehicles etc.

All the roads from Sanjenthong, Nongmeibung, Minuthong, leading to the venue of the festival remained congested till late in the evening.

The shops especially the eateries inside the main venue were reported to have a hard time attending the flood of customers. Moreover most of the eateries ran short of stock.

Talking to IFP, Nandani Thokchom, a restaurant owner, revealed that the rate of sale today was double when comparing to previous days.

“I never expected such a huge turn out that, I dint make enough necessary preparation and ran out of stock since early in the evening”, said Nandani.

She expressed disappointment on the imposition of bandhs, strike etc. at this time. Such disturbances can only disrupt the smooth functioning of the festival, she added.

She further expressed her desire to further extend the festival to cope with the lost inflicted by the imposition of bandh, strike.

Similar, responses were given by all the other stores inside the main venue of the festival and appeal concerned organization to abstain imposing such disturbances.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/sangai-festival-sees-a-major-turnout-of-visitors-on-sunday/

Manipur Cycle Club – 3 day cycle ride

Manipur Cycle Club members before starting for a 3 day cycle ride covering Keibul Lamjao… more »

Manipur Cycle Club members before starting for a 3 day cycle ride covering Keibul Lamjao National park as part of the ongoing sangai fest, on Sunday.

Manipur Cycle Club members before starting for a 3 day cycle ride covering Keibul Lamjao National park as part of the ongoing sangai fest, on Sunday.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/manipur-cycle-club-3-day-cycle-ride/

Incredible leaders, incredible problems

By Somchandra Nahakpam Are we all despicable and worthless (unwanted) human beings? Of course some… more »

By Somchandra Nahakpam

Are we all despicable and worthless (unwanted) human beings? Of course some of us are and you can’t deny it. Look at the way how a gang of people play with the lives of thousands of people just because they happen to be ‘elected’ by the people. With the coming of the general election lots of activities has already been started. All the nonsense bluffing has already been started with the inauguration spree-community halls, bridges, drains…It is as if waking up from a deep slumber and suddenly getting few eye-washing things done. Now somewhat one has a feeling that at least a Government is/was present after all these years. Also for many people it will be an opportunity to have free drinks daily while for others it will be good way to pass time. And again for many others it will be kind of trying their luck for themselves for a better future (contract works, lower level Government jobs etc) by working real hard for the aspiring candidates. I really wonder from where did these bunches of people got the impression that development only means erecting tall buildings, flyovers, putting some huge statues. They never bother about the indispensable requirements .See the condition of the roads in Imphal (wonder what would be those in far off places).It is insane and it only points to the fact that the Government and its machinery has failed as has always been.

How can roads be kept in a condition worse than paddy field for such a long period of time? For the past 3-4 years people living in Imphal have been experiencing artificial flooding every rainy season. The only blame will go to the monsoon which is utterly a dull excuse. It is as if we only experience monsoon season in the entire planet .Isn’t it possible that the roads are made to last for say 5 years by making best efforts. It will not only safe the cost but also the inconveniences related to it. But that is not likely to happen, why? Because that way few well connected people will not be able to fill their pockets and run a family. Many people will also lose their job as many depend on “Thikas”. Imagine travelling a short distance of only 2-3Kms in and around Imphal and taking more than 1 hour not because of heavy traffic but because of the horrible conditions of the roads. Above that you will get a bonus of dust and mud. The dust around the town has seriously affected the health of people albeit silently. But people have no choice and they need to be foolishly brave to face the hurdles.

Politicians doesn’t care until and unless there is some real purpose like their ‘bosses’ making a visit or passing by. All the hullaballoo regarding the visit of Prime Minister or for instance any other Union Minister is incredible. It is as if some God has descended from paradise. Of course for the power and wealth hungry people it might be for they got to impress them by any means. It is worth mentioning here that about a technique in which tourist buses operates for sight-seeing in and around Delhi for foreigners. These operators will only single out the routes or places which are ‘presentable’ to the foreign tourist. Similar with this, each and every important “Central” person visiting the State will be taken by a specific route. Days ahead of some important visitors making their descend the Government will be busy with activities and workers will put extra efforts, real hard, night and day. Even the Japanese won’t be able to compete. Buses, although meant for public but kept dormant, will be rolled out for the big fat circus.

This is where a section of people is contemplating whether there is really a need for using the voting rights when even basic facilities are not appropriately provided. By basic it only means-5-6 hours of power supply, decent roads (with less pot-holes).Forget about public transport, running water, security etc. For those people who regularly pay the electricity bills or water bills they never get the service they should be getting in return for their obedience. The fact is that people should be less bothered by the obstruction of the Highways. How can a Government which is not able to maintain few roads in Imphal properly be able to take responsibility of Highways? I sincerely doubt it. How long is it going to take to come out of this quagmire or are we ever going to come out of this? Are we so incompatible people that we are not able to produce a single leader with a good vision? What about those people who are not involved in elections for any personal gains or who don’t want free drinks/feast but only want the basic necessities as a citizen to be fulfilled.

And last but not the least; I am not that naïve that I will talk about other fundamental rights for it is out of my reach or imagination.

Note: This article was sent to KanglaOnline by Somchandra Nahakpam (http://nahakpam.blogspot.com/)

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/incredible-leaders-incredible-problems/

KCP (URF) announces ban on Congress, CPI

IMPHAL, November 27: A statement by Mangangthoi, chairman of the Re Concilation Committee of the… more »

IMPHAL, November 27: A statement by Mangangthoi, chairman of the Re Concilation Committee of the KCP (United Revolutionary Front) has banned the working of the Indian National Congress and the CPI in the state for being anti-people.

It has stated that the upcoming 10th Assembly Elections will be boycotted for both political parties and that no candidates should represent and work for the parties. The decade old SPF governance has muddled itself in corruption, fake encounters among many wherein the basic issues afflicting its public has remained widely ignored. It has not been able to have the foresight and tackle the influx of the migrant workers which is an issue which needs to be addressed, it said.

After deliberating the policy of the state government , the Re Concilation Committee has resolved to initiate ‘Operation Non Coperation’ and will take up measures to prevent the Congress and the CPI from carrying out its agendas in the state. It has further sought cooperation from the public and further warned that if the workers of the said political parties do not refrain, then there may be reprisals.

The statement mentioned that the arms struggle is the only means to liberate the state from the Indian government. Mentioning the historical aspects of the annexation and history of the armed insurgent movement, it further stated that Irom Sharmila’s struggle against AFSPA for a decade has been ignored by the centre. It questions on how India can be called the largest democracy when the voices of its people are not heard.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/kcp-urf-announces-ban-on-congress-cpi/

Books released

IMPHAL, Nov 27: The books “Manipuri Costumes Through Ages” authored by Mutua Bahadur and “Puwarida… more »

IMPHAL, Nov 27: The books “Manipuri Costumes Through Ages” authored by Mutua Bahadur and “Puwarida Kanglei Natki Machak” authored by Longjam Arun were released today in a function held at Ema Mini Hall, Keishampat, Imphal.

Dr RK Nimai, commissioner of art and culture, K Sundergopal, managing director, MGI, Mandalay were the chief guest and president of the function respectively.

Speaking at the function, Dr RK Nimai stated that the books will serve the people understanding the rich cultural aspects of the state.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/books-released/

Family members and JAC accepts Nando`s dead body after assurance for demands

IMPHAL, November 27: The dead body of the Heikham Nando Singh who was allegedly killed… more »

IMPHAL, November 27: The dead body of the Heikham Nando Singh who was allegedly killed in the custody of 30th Assam Rifles post located at Loitang Khunou Spinning Mill has been accepted today by family members and JAC following an agreement with concerned authorities including both state government and Assam Rifles.

According to JAC members, the agreement was brought following an assurance from the concerned authorities to look into their demands.

The dead body was handed over to the family members by the police after conducting post mortem.

Meanwhile, the dead body of Ningombam Dhanamanjuri of Thoubal Ningombam who was found hanging inside her house yesterday still remains at RIMS morgue following an argument between her family and her husband’s family over who has the rights to perform her last rites.

However, after post mortem, the district magistrate had instructed that the dead body should be handed over her husband’s family.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/family-members-and-jac-accepts-nandos-dead-body-after-assurance-for-demands/

Folk dance festival

IMPHAL, Nov 27: The Lairenkabi Youth Dramatic Union Kangchup road Imphal west district, Manipur have… more »

IMPHAL, Nov 27: The Lairenkabi Youth Dramatic Union Kangchup road Imphal west district, Manipur have reportedly organized a folk dance festival of seven states of the North eastern region from November 25 to November 27 under the financial assistance of cultural functions grant scheme, Ministry of Culture, government of India at its union hall. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/folk-dance-festival/

Public dialogue

IMPHAL, Nov 27: The Senior Citizen for Society and United Club Organization (UNO) is jointly… more »

IMPHAL, Nov 27: The Senior Citizen for Society and United Club Organization (UNO) is jointly organizing a public dialogue on ‘Supra state body’ on November 29 at MDU hall, Yaiskul Police Lane at 11 am in the morning.

It further appealed to all political parties, civil society organizations, Meira Paibis, Legal activists and students leaders to participate in the meet.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/11/public-dialogue/