Manipur wins

IMPHAL, May 8: Manipur defeated Assam by 8-0 goals in the 1st quarter final league of the ongoing 19th Sr women football championship being held at Chattisgarh.Y Kamala netted three… Read more »

IMPHAL, May 8: Manipur defeated Assam by 8-0 goals in the 1st quarter final league of the ongoing 19th Sr women football championship being held at Chattisgarh.Y Kamala netted three goals for Manipur while Mandakini and Pramesori scored two goals each while Th Umabati too scored one goal in the match. Manipur will meet Goa in their second quarter final league on May 10.

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Tenzing Norway Adventure Award

IMPHAL, May 9: Applications are invited from youths who have made outstanding achievement in the field of adventure for nomination for Tenzing Norway Adventure Award, in a press release by… Read more »

IMPHAL, May 9: Applications are invited from youths who have made outstanding achievement in the field of adventure for nomination for Tenzing Norway Adventure Award, in a press release by the Youth Affairs and Sports’ director, L.Jayantakumar.The prescribed application form of the award may be taken from the Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports, Khuman Lampak and the last date of form submission, in the same office, is on May sixteen, it added.

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Chinese girls born in single body with 2 heads

BEIJING, May 10 (AP): A hospital in southwestern China says conjoined twin girls with a single body and two heads have been born at its facility.A staffer surnamed Wang at… Read more »

BEIJING, May 10 (AP): A hospital in southwestern China says conjoined twin girls with a single body and two heads have been born at its facility.A staffer surnamed Wang at Suining City Central Hospital in Sichuan province says the girls were born Thursday.Wang said Tuesday the parents, who are farmers, did not want to have the babies at first, fearing they could not afford to keep them alive. She said they transferred the twins to a hospital in the nearby metropolis of Chongqing to be examined by experts.The local Huaxi Metropolis Daily reported the twins weighed 9 pounds (4 kilograms) and measured 20 inches (51 centimeters). They have two spines and two esophaguses and share other organs. Doctors were quoted as saying it would be nearly impossible to separate them.

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State games for disables

IMPHAL, May 13: The 1st State Games for persons with disabilities will be held from June 1 to 4 at Khuman Lampak Sports complex informed a statement of the state… Read more »

IMPHAL, May 13: The 1st State Games for persons with disabilities will be held from June 1 to 4 at Khuman Lampak Sports complex informed a statement of the state organizing committee`™s chairman, M. Akshayakumar Singh.

It said that the Games is being organized for implementation of schemes of sports and games for the disabled under the ministry of youth affairs and sports, government of India.

The competition will be held for both men and female category in Sub-Junior (8-11 years) Junior (12-16 years) and senior (17 and above), as per rules of special Olympic Bharat for intellectually disabled, AISCD for athletes with hearing impairment and Paralympics committee of India for athletes with physical and visual impairment in the discipline of Athletics, Aquatics, Badminton, Bocce and Football.

About 290 special athletes and 70 coaches are participating in the games, it said.

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Govt to start land acquisition for road widening

IMPHAL, May 14: The state government will soon start the process of land acquisition along the North AOC to Minuthong road stretch as it has decided to widen the road… Read more »

IMPHAL, May 14: The state government will soon start the process of land acquisition along the North AOC to Minuthong road stretch as it has decided to widen the road stretch at the earliest possible.According to an official source, the process for land acquisition for widening of the road will be done as soon as the state revenue department will made the official notification, as the state government has already decided that the road stretch from North AOC to Minuthong will be widened by 15 metres on both side from the centre of the road median.It further stated that the road widening process will involve land acquisition and demolition of structures on the affected pattaland. However, the land acquisition process may take some more time even as works need to be taken up urgently as the monsoon season will soon set in.On the other hand, the state government has also decided to authorized the purchase of the required land for widening of the said road from the respective pattadars on payment of compensation of land as assessed by the Deputy Commissioner, Imphal east, and the compensation for the standing properties shall be made after due assessment by the PWD, the official source added.

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Manipur swimming coach to avail FINA course

IMPHAL, May 17: The Swimming Federation of India has selected N Debeshwor Singh, swimming and diving coach of the SAI, SAG Centre, Imphal to participate in the Federation Internationale De… Read more »

IMPHAL, May 17: The Swimming Federation of India has selected N Debeshwor Singh, swimming and diving coach of the SAI, SAG Centre, Imphal to participate in the Federation Internationale De Natation (FINA) Diving Judges Certificate Course to be held at Seremban, Malasia from May 20 to 24.

A release of the Manipur Swimming Association, while informing this said Debeshwor is the first swimming coach from Manipur to attend the FINA Diving Judges Certificate Course held outside India.

He will be leaving Imphal on May for the said course, the MSA release said.

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Alliance

IMPHAL, May 18: The Nationalist Congress Party, Manipur Pradesh, in a press release has expressed its alliance with Moirambam Amarjit, a candidate contesting in the oncoming Municipal election for Councilor`™s… Read more »

IMPHAL, May 18: The Nationalist Congress Party, Manipur Pradesh, in a press release has expressed its alliance with Moirambam Amarjit, a candidate contesting in the oncoming Municipal election for Councilor`™s seat.

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SSA wins in state hockey league

IMPHAL, May 21: SSA Charangpat defeated MEIRAA Bashikhong in a match of the 35th mens state hockey league championship being held at Khuman Lampak. SSA won the match with the… Read more »

IMPHAL, May 21: SSA Charangpat defeated MEIRAA Bashikhong in a match of the 35th mens state hockey league championship being held at Khuman Lampak.
SSA won the match with the humiliating 10-4 goals.
H Mani scored seven goals for SSA while S Bishwokumar scored two and Th Rockey scored one goal.
All the four goals for MEIRAA were scored by Th Kirankumar.

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Lakes identified for reclamation and preservation: P.C. Lawmkunga

IMPHAL May 22: The International Day for Biological Diversity was observed today at Kangla on the theme “Forest Biodiversity, Earth’s living treasure”. The observation was organized by Environment and Ecology… Read more »

IMPHAL May 22: The International Day for Biological Diversity was observed today at Kangla on the theme “Forest Biodiversity, Earth’s living treasure”. The observation was organized by Environment and Ecology Wing, Porompat, Imphal -05, Government of Manipur.
P.C. Lawmkunga, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Forest & Environment, government of Manipur graced the function as the chief guest. Resource persons from different academic fields were also present at the dais.
A formal tree plantation was held at Kangla in connection with the observation.
During the observation several indigenous fish (Pengba) were also released in the inner moat of Kangla led by the chief guest.
P.C. Lawmkunga, in his speech as the chief guest, asserted that as far as biodiversity is concerned, Manipur is also considered as one of the hotspot in the world. He opined that we should be aware of our environment. Before starting any projects like Tipaimuk project, capital project, etc that involved large areas of land,  proper environment impact assessments should be done to weigh its positive and negative influence on the environment, he added.
He also suggested to avoid any initiations that could negatively affect the environment in the name of development as far as possible. Expressing apprehension on the depletion of water bodies from various places in the state, he stated that it was very unfortunate. The state is reeling under acute water shortage, considering the problems of water scarcity in the state and other related issues, the Environment and Ecology Wing, Government of Manipur has initiated a project of reclaiming water bodies for preservation and conservation of several water bodies that are considered to be depleting and shrinking at an alarming rate, he further said. He said that altogether 21 numbers of government lakes for reclamation and preservation of water bodies were identified.
Various resource persons also spoke on the environmental and climatic issues resulted from over exploitations of natural resources. The function was attended by various school children, guests and officials of EEW.

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Snake bite

IMPHAL, March 23: The medical team of the 18 Sikh of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR (S) has reportedly saved the life of a youth bitten by a venomous snake… Read more »

IMPHAL, March 23: The medical team of the 18 Sikh of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR (S) has reportedly saved the life of a youth bitten by a venomous snake on May 22.
The victim identified as one Chilemba of Kumbi village was brought to the unit hospital in a critical condition. He was administered life saving anti snake venom and saved by the medical team, said a statement issued by the PRO IGAR (S).

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DESAM worried with degrading pass percentage in under grad exam

IMPHAL May 24: The examination results of the first semester under graduate examinations that were conducted during the month of December under Manipur University has created a major concern, expressed… Read more »

IMPHAL May 24: The examination results of the first semester under graduate examinations that were conducted during the month of December under Manipur University has created a major concern, expressed Moirangthem Angomba Meitei, general secretary of the Democratic Students`™ Alliance of Manipur, in a press conference held at Manipur press club today.

The semester system was introduced for undergraduate courses from last year; however, on comparing with the examination result of previous years, the ratio of pass percentage has declined considerably, the general secretary said.

All together 5385 candidates from science, 6520 candidates from arts and313 candidates from commerce had appeared for this year`™s under graduate examination, however, only 2383 from science, 4098 from arts and 71 from commerce were declared pass that is sharply contrasting from the previous years, Angomba stated that the results were very unfortunate as it vividly shows that the new system needed timely revaluation.

Apprehensive about the new system introduced by MU for under graduates, Angomba Meitei, talking to media persons, appealed the concerned authorities to initiate an immediate attention to improve the higher education in the state from further deteriorations.

The general secretary said that DESAM would initiate serious monitoring of colleges where pass percentages are low. He also appealed the teacher to give full cooperation to their students towards achieving positive goals.

He mentioned that various factors are affecting the academic atmosphere of the student, Adding to this, the delay in the declaration of examination results has caused another setback for the students, he added.

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Obituary

IMPHAL, May 26: At around 6.40pm in the evening, Moirangthem Meghachandra Singh passed away yesterday at his residence in Uripok Ningthoukhongjam Leiki, after a prolonged illness. He was born on… Read more »

IMPHAL, May 26: At around 6.40pm in the evening, Moirangthem Meghachandra Singh passed away yesterday at his residence in Uripok Ningthoukhongjam Leiki, after a prolonged illness.

He was born on 24 August1924. In 1958, he passed Bachelor of Laws from the University of Delhi and was elected as the Member of Parliament in the 4th Lok Sabha from Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency in the year 1967. He was consequently elected as the member of Manipur Legislative Assembly twice, from Uripok Assembly Constituency in the year 1972 and 1974 and also served as the Cabinet Minister of Education, Medical, Forest and Corporation. He also served as the Chairman of the Manipur Public Service Commission from January 1981 to January 1987.

He is survived by his wife, three sons, six daughters, four grandsons and eight granddaughters.

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Training programme

IMPHAL, May 27: A one day block level special training programme on flagship schemes and other schemes of the UPA and SPF government was held today at Tingcha Memorial School… Read more »

IMPHAL, May 27: A one day block level special training programme on flagship schemes and other schemes of the UPA and SPF government was held today at Tingcha Memorial School located at Litan Sareikhong in Ukhrul district.

The training programme was among others attended by MPCC president Gaikhangam and state industries and commerce minister Y Irabot Singh.

The training programme was also attended by several leaders of the Congress party.

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NSCN-IM absent from ceasefire monitoring group meeting

Kohima, May 28 (NNN): The 61st meeting of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) was held on Saturday at Hotel Japfü, Kohima. However, representatives of the NSCN/GPRN were absent from the… Read more »

Kohima, May 28 (NNN): The 61st meeting of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) was held on Saturday at Hotel Japfü, Kohima. However, representatives of the NSCN/GPRN were absent from the meeting.

Briefing media persons after the meeting, the chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group, Eapen Jacob Kochekan Major General (Retd.) said representatives of the NSCN/GPRN chose to stay away from the meeting, while divulging that the group members had been keeping away from the meeting for the past several months adding that, earlier meetings were cancelled for this reason.

In this regard, he reminded that the CFMG is a mechanism set up by the Government of India and NSCN leadership to strengthen the ongoing political dialogue process whereby, certain ground rules had been set up. The chairman felt that the absence of the NSCN/GPRN is for consideration as to whether non-participation in the deliberation of the ceasefire monitoring group is in line with the spirit of the agreement. He said while many issues were discussed during the meeting, most of the points required the views of the NSCN and informed these issues have been conveyed to the organization by the office of the chairman and response would be awaited. As chairman, he expressed hope that all parties would attend future deliberations of the CFMG so that the group would be able to help and support the political Elaborating on this, the chairman disclosed that since the shooting incident at Namsa in August, 2010, the NSCN/GPRN has not attended the meeting citing several reasons as stated by the NSCN/GPRN which include, ground rules are not being implemented and that the previous meeting was chaired by a representative other than the proper chairman. He said the NSCN/GPRN further argued that the chairman had been appointed without consultation. Stating that the NSCN/GPRN has been giving one reason or the other, the chairman explained that discussions during the meeting are held when the parties give their views and on questions of ground rules, the chairman decides and directs parties involved within the ambit of the ground rules set up.

On extortion and taxation, the chairman read out a reference section from the Ceasefire ground rules where it is stated the government of India had raised concern on forcible intimidation on individuals including government officials. It is mentioned, the NSCN representative had stated that they being a people`™s organization did not resort to such activities. However, in view of the concern expressed by the GoI, and the interest of promoting the peace process, the NSCN representatives reportedly agreed that such activities would be prevented. The chairman opined, if somebody is indulging in extortion, since the NSCN claims it is against their mandate, people have to be made aware that whatever activity is taking place is not with the expressed approval of the group and people should desist from giving.

On the rape incident at Chedema, the chairman said he had not received any complaint so far, but information had been received from the Assam Rifles. He felt everyone feels the pinch of extortion and taxation and people need to be bolder, while lamenting that, unfortunately, fear is all pervading in such cases. He further opined a lot of criminal activities are taking place in the name of various groups and it has now become a convenient excuse for a lot of unscrupulous business people and the entire brunt is being borne by the poor people.

The Ceasefire Monitoring Group consists of five representatives each from the Government of India including the State DGP, IGAR, DIG (CRPF), and Secretary to the chairman from the GoI, the NSCN/GPRN and civil society, NSCN/GPRN. However, representatives from the civil society have reportedly not attended a single meeting so far. Besides the chairman, the meeting on Saturday was attended by Thechamo Lotha, Addl. DGP Nagaland, Banuo Z. Jamir, Addl. Chief Secretary and Commissioner Nagaland, Major Sandeep Kumar IGAR (N) and Prabhanjan Kumar, Commandant CRPF.

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17,014 students make it through HSSLC exam

IMPHAL May 29: A total of 22,775 students appeared for the HSSLC exams,2011. Out of the students, 6706 students passed in the first division,9021 students in the second division and… Read more »

IMPHAL May 29: A total of 22,775 students appeared for the HSSLC exams,2011. Out of the students, 6706 students passed in the first division,9021 students in the second division and 1203 in the third division, while 84 students passed without divisions. The total number of students who passed the exam is 17,014 and the pass out percentage is 75.67 which falls down from 76.47 percent of last year exam. A total of 506 students secured stars.

4,537 students passed in the Arts stream, 12,144 students for the science stream and 333 students only in commerce.

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Zillai Day speakers call upon students to devote more time in their education

IMPHAL, June 1: The ZILLAI (Vaiphei Students`™ Association) Imphal Block has observed its 72nd Zillai Day today at their block office at Sanjenthong, Imphal. During the formal observation this morning,… Read more »

IMPHAL, June 1: The ZILLAI (Vaiphei Students`™ Association) Imphal Block has observed its 72nd Zillai Day today at their block office at Sanjenthong, Imphal.

During the formal observation this morning, Genneikhup Vaiphei ex ADC member and advisor of the association, Lalliathang Vaphei, Asst. Prof. MU and P Mawia Vaiphei, Police Inspector while participating as special guest of the observation this morning exhorted the students to devote their valuable time in their studies with the aim to become effective leaders.

Remarkably, the formal observation of the meet today was marked by the paying of rich tributes to the departed leaders of the community by delegates, well wishers and students who were presence in persons in the observation and observation of one minute silence to honors the leaders.

The very meet today was ended with a prayer with dedication and thanks giving by the Rev. Latingen, which was followed by a great community feast.

On the other hand, the same event was also reportedly held at different places, at EFCI Centenary Hall Shillong along with a seminar to mark the occasion likewise the event was also organized in Delhi at SSS Auditorium JNU, New Delhi with the theme, `Profile of Zillai` during which Kh Ginlalchung, Sr. Exe. Asst Parliament and Ninglunhanglal, Journalist presented seminar paper on the occasion.

The source from the Association also mentioned that, the Zillai Churachandpur Block also observed of the oldest Students`™ Organisation of the state, Zillai Day today bu visiting Vungzagen High School at Mata village and the representatives of the student organization have distributed sweets to more than 500 students and Lalblkthuami head mistress and Siammung Asst. Head master of the said school were honoured with presentation of traditional shawls to show their appreciation to their contributions and commitment in the administration of the school, Minlian MDC Haupi Range and Kh Benlian, editor Nisin Thuhiltu also participated in the function today. Further the similar observation of Zillai day was also reportedly held at Haflong NC Hills.

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Brighter Academy reach final school football

IMPHAL, June 2: Brighter Academy has reached final of the U-17 Boys Imphal East district Subroto Mukherjee football tournament. Brighter Academy will meet NEES Khabeisoi in the final to be… Read more »

IMPHAL, June 2: Brighter Academy has reached final of the U-17 Boys Imphal East district Subroto Mukherjee football tournament. Brighter Academy will meet NEES Khabeisoi in the final to be played on June 4.

In the second semi final played today at Practice Ground of Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Brighter Academy defeated Keibi High School by a solitary goal.

All important goal for Brighter Academy was scored by Pourinmai in the 46th minute.

In the U-14 boys category, NEES Khabeisoi has reached the semi final as the team defeated NEES Khewa in a quarter final match played today at the same ground. The NEES Khabeisoi won the match with 4-0 scoreline.

NEES Khabeisoi will meet Success School, Khurai in the semi final.

The other semi final lineup for the same age group have also been made and it will be between Kongpal IM and the Manipur Public School.

Both the school defeated their opponents in the quarter final matches played today.

While Kongpal IM defeated Oriental English School by 4-3 in the tie-break, Manipur Public School defeated Brighter Academy with similar margin in the tie-break.

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MPP calls for new changes in state

IMPHAL June 2: Calling for new changes in the state, Th. Chaoba ex- union minister, while addressing a One day political conference at Thoubal Charangpat Mamang Leikai community hall under… Read more »

IMPHAL June 2: Calling for new changes in the state, Th. Chaoba ex- union minister, while addressing a One day political conference at Thoubal Charangpat Mamang Leikai community hall under Wangkhem A/C stated that the state is facing an acute hardship as a result of the congress government. He further mentioned that in the forth-coming general election, MPP will form an alliance with like minded political parties other than NPF to overdraw the Congress led government.

Accusing the Chief Minister of being associating with family politics, Th. Chaoba termed the present O.Ibobi led Congress government will have the same fate as that of Karunanidhi led government in Tamil Nadu.

The One day political conference was organized by the Youth Front of Manipur Peoples Party to address on various present issues of the State.

Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, president MPP, L. Kunjabihari, district president MPP, Th. Chaoba, , L. Jatra, ex-MLA, M. Maniton Mangang, president Youth Front MPP graced the function as chief guest, president and guests of Honour respectively. The function was also attended by other office bearers, members and invitees.

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CORE expresses disappointment with cabinet decision on Lokpal Bill

IMPHAL June 3: The Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE) has expressed its disappointment with yesterday`™s state cabinet decision regarding the Lokpal Bill in response to the invitation of… Read more »

IMPHAL June 3: The Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE) has expressed its disappointment with yesterday`™s state cabinet decision regarding the Lokpal Bill in response to the invitation of the centre regarding the ongoing drafting process of the Bill.

A press release by CORE`™s president Debabrata Roy has stated that the cabinet decision had highlighted that the Lokpal legislation will be of `no use`™ as an invisible and toothless Lok Ayukta Act is already in force.
The release further stated that even though the entire responsibility of the unbridled corruption prevailing in Manipur cannot be placed at the doorstep of the SPF regime alone, the SPF government is one of the most corrupt government that has ruled the state.

It also added that the state cabinet decision explains its hesitation to support a strong anti corrupt legislation. It is a widely held opinion of the people that the politicians and executives are looting the state, forfeiting the democratic and fundamental rights of the citizens, it further charged.

The release further mentioned that, the fundamental rights protected by the Indian Constitution and the Directives of State Policy as well as existing laws do not properly address the definition and scope of corruption in government, further the constitution presumes an impartial and just government machinery to look after its citizens, the checks and balances inbuilt into the constitution were designed to prevent ambiguous and unfair decisions by those in authority and acting in the service of the people.

Corruption in high and low places must be viewed within the same scope of the proposed ombudsman legislation as no one is above the law. As corruption affects in every walk of life, the issue is clearly everyone`™s concern. A recommendation from the state reflects the people`™s view through our elected representatives.

It has further stated that the recommendation submitted by the state cabinet has been arrived without any consultation with civil societies of the state.

The present government is fond of aping the notion that development is not possible without peace, but peace alone is not enough to ensure fundamental rights and freedom for all when uncontrolled corruption is the established morality of the state.

It further stated that the recommendations of civil societies in each state must also be seriously considered.

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Death, Restoration and Life

by Charles ChasieOne has read that there will be a special service for reconciliation, led by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation this Easter. This creates a mixed feeling of both… Read more »

by Charles ChasieOne has read that there will be a special service for reconciliation, led by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation this Easter. This creates a mixed feeling of both happiness and sadness. Happiness because God is the best guide to pursue the correct path and, ultimately, we all fall back on Him in our times of desperation. Sadness because just a short while ago, the FNR was forced to issue an appeal to the various factional groups, and all other Naga leaders, to reconcile for the sake of the future of Naga people and coming generations. Such an appeal had come in the wake of renewed clashes and war of words between factional groups and inability to hold a meeting across the table at the highest levels of the factions. One is happy that all factions seemed to have adopted a more positive approach since then. One hopes and prays such attitude will continue till an acceptable and durable solution is found. What still troubles is the seemingly effortless violence that erupts in any part of Naga inhabited areas and especially among Nagas themselves. No Naga opposes Naga Nationalism or the high ideals that launched the Naga Movement. But today all Nagas want the violence to stop and for Naga Future to be insured, enabling at the same time, our younger generations an equal opportunity to take their place among other peoples. Violence and fratricidal killings make no sense of Naga Nationalism or Patriotism. Indeed, these defeat the very purpose and objectives of Naga Nationalism. For the sake of the future of Naga children, Naga leaders cannot fail. I am not a “religious” person per se, but I do believe in God and in prayers. I also think that most Nagas have a profound connection with God in their lives. But that is not even the point in this case although the connection may well testify to the strength of the connection between the two! The point here is whether we are true to our stated beliefs. That, to me, is what Easter means. And it will also decide the rise or fall of the Naga people. Sure, the Nagas will have a lot to blame/castigate “India” and “India” has much to answer for – even more to herself than to the Nagas – but the time now is to leave that to God to pass judgement on India. The Naga role will be to ensure the future of the Naga people in the best way we know how.Talking about the future of the Naga people, one of the areas Nagas must focus on is how to create/build a society that works and can actually survive! In this instance, the following is what I read in the February issue of Frontline magazine. I thought, in many ways, they reminded of Naga society at this stage. “Delusions are possessing you,Already, ferocity and brute forceAre labeled strength and valour”The above are taken from Luiz Vaz Camoes’ “The Lusiads” (Frontline, February 11, 2011). The author, Talmiz Ahmad, Indian diplomat and author, is the writer of the piece titled “Strategic Scenarios” (A reflection on the strategic situation in the greater Indian Ocean in the light of the diminishing US influence in the region). The piece is from a review of a book titled, “Monsoon” by Robert D Kaplan. I found the piece very interesting and thought it ought to be shared. The originality of thinking of the reviewer of the book came across quite strongly. Secondly, I thought most Nagas will agree that the above quote, from The Lusiads, quite vividly depicts the Naga society we live in today! Naga pride today has been prostituted and taken down to its lowest possible interpretation of that word. For example, consider the following lyrics that have been passed on through mobile phones for, apparently, quite some time.“Ami (name of tribe) aseTumi ki phutani kuri aseDath Sath girai di boNath sath phulai di bo”It came in the form of rap music and so many young Naga children found it so catchy. But just imagine a future Naga society with such kind of mentality! Third, the book is about the greater Indian Ocean area – geographically from Oman to Indonesia, representing one third of the world’s population. This means North East India is placed bang in the middle of this geographical configuration. The region gains more importance in the backdrop of India’s Look East Policy. Because of the above reasons, I decided to `flag’ this piece and bring it to the notice of our people. I do not know how many of our people will either get hold of or actually ready the book mentioned here. But I do hope that as many as possible will be able to get hold of a copy or of the piece mentioned above and read the review. At this time, when Nagas are so hopeful of a final settlement, our people need all kinds of perspectives. We may individually like each other or dislike, even intensely, one another, but it does not really matter. What matters is what happens to us as a people and how we build our people-hood. We all know that no Naga thinks he/she is inferior to anyone else. This is freedom in the best sense of the word. This is a great position from where to begin to build a level playing field across the board and explains why only accepting each other as equals will actually work in the Naga situation. Sometime ago, the NSCN-IM, while mourning the death of the first woman commander of a Naga Battalion, also noted that they were the first to appoint a woman commander of a battalion. They were right to be proud of this fact. The question now is whether they will also accept all the other factions on a level playing field and bring closer the possibility of a workable and durable settlement of the Naga Issue.

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