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IMPHAL, June 17: The United Committee Manipur and the All Manipur Clubs Organization are set for their separate observation of the June 18 incident wherein 18 martyrs had laid down their lives during the agitation in June, 2001 in protest against the extension of the ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) without territorial limit.

The two apex bodies will be observing the day at separate locations. While UCM will be observing the day at Kekrupat under the theme the Great June Uprising, AMUCO will be observing it at Thangmeiband Atheletic Union ground as the Unity Day as in the past years.

A floral tribute to the Matyrdom of the 18 located at Kekhrupat will marked the opening of the both the observation tomorrow and is likely to be attended by ministers, MLAs, state officials and people from all corners of the state.

Meanwhile, the state government is also all set and prepared to prevent any untoward eventuality during the June 18 observation of the United Committee Manipur and the All Manipur United Clubs Organization tomorrow.

State forces and central para military forces of CRPF including its Mahila Bn have already been deployed at identified vulnerable points in and around the Greater Imphal area starting from this evening.

The state police after in consideration of a peaceful observation tomorrow, a new traffic regulation have been made for greater Imphal areas which will enforce from the early morning tomorrow.

An official notification issued by the Superintendent of Police Imphal West district has imposed temporary parking arrangements and changes to ensure smooth traffic regulation during the observation of the June 18 Uprising.

The statement mentioned has specified separate location for parking of normal vehicles and vehicles carrying people to attend the June 18 function.

It said that vehicles coming from Thoubal side shall be diverted from Singjamei Bazar towards Kongba road and Wangkhei side via Singjamei Bridge and park at Palace compound.

The vehicles coming from Mayang Imphal side shall be diverted at Khagempalli crossing and Kwakeithel Bazar toward Lamphel Bus parking via Tera Bazaar, Naoremthong. Uripok Canteen Leirak and Lamphel Sanakheithel for parking. On their return journey- the vehicles shall follow the same route, it said.

The vehicles coming from Tiddim side shall he diverted towards Lamphel Bus parking from Kwakeithel via Tera Bazaar, Naoremthong , Uripok Canteen Leirak and Lamphei Sanakeithel. On their return journey the vehicles shall follow the same route.

The vehicles coming from Sagolband road shall be parked at Moirang Leirak Machin Bus parking. The vehicles coming from Uripok Kangchup road shall be parked near JAS petrol Pump, Uripok.

The vehicles coming from Sekmai and DM road shall be diverted at Khongnang Ani

Karak, towards Inter state Bus Terminus. Vehicles coming from Pangei side shall park infront of Lamlong girl high School, vehicles coming from Ukhrul and Sawombung side shall be parked at Northern side of Lamlong, vehicles coming from Tinsid road shall parked at Northern side of Tinsid road at Lamlong bazaar and vehicles coming from Yairipok and Andro sides shall be parked at Andro parking.

While specifying allocation of parking of vehicles carrying participants of June 18 observation, it said that Peoples coming to Kekrupat shall be allowed only from Minuthong and Khuman Lampak side and no one shall be allow to come to Kekrupat via Keisampat-Sanjenthong.

The vehicles coming from Thoubal side carrying people to attend the function shall be diverted at Singjamei bazaar via Singjamei bridge towards Kongba road, Wangkhei & towards New Checkon road.

The vehicles coming from Mayang Imphal side will proceed to Stadium complex via Keishampat – Kwakeithel Bazaar – Tera Bazar – Naoremthong- Uripok Canteen Leirak-Lamphei Sanakeithel – Watham Leirak – Lilashing Khongnangkhong – Khongnang Ani Karak and enter Stadium complex at the Northern central gate and park at the area around the main stadium.

The vehicle coming from f Tidim side shall get diverted from Kwakeithel Bazar toward Main Stadium via Kwakeithel Bazar-Tera Bazar-Naoremthong- Uripok Canteen Leirak-Lamphel Sanakeithel-Watham Leirak – Lilashing Khongnangkhong-Khongnang Ani Karak and enter Stadium complex at Northern Central Gate and park at the area around the main stadium.

The vehicles coming from New Cachhar road will proceed to Stadium complex via Tera Bazar – Naoremthong – Uripok Canteen Leirak – Lamphel Sanakeithel – Watham Leirak Lilashing Khongnangkhong – Khongnang Ani Karak and enter Stadium complex at the Northern Central Gate and park at the area around the main stadium.

Vehicles coming from Uripok – Kangchup Road will proceed to Stadium complex via Uripok Canteen Leirak – Lamphel Sanakeithel – Watham Leirak – Lilashing Khongnangkhong – Khongnang Ani Karak and enter Stadium complex at the Northern Central Gate and park at the area around the main stadium.

It further stated that vehicles coming from Sekmai side and D.M. road side shall enter Stadium complex via Dingku Road and drop the passengers at Central Plaza and then come out at Dingku Road via Pandol Road and park at the Central Bus terminus.

The vehicles coming from Pangei side shall be diverted at Lamlong Bazar towards Minuthong via Telipati and after dropping the passengers will park in the area, available near Hafiz Hatta Road.

The vehicles coming from Ukhrul and Sawombung side will proceed towards Minuthong via Lamlong Bazar. After dropping the Passengers at Minuthong they shall proceed towards Lamlong via Checkon crossing and Ayangpalli Road and park at Lamlong Bazar along Ukhrul Road.

Vehicles coming from Tinsid road shall be diverted from Lamlong Bazar towards Minuthong where the passengers will be dropped. From there, they will- proceed to Lamlong via Checkon crossing and Ayangpalli Road and park along Timid Road, it said.

The vehicles coming from Yairipok and Andro sides will proceed to Minuthong where the passengers will be dropped from there, they will proceed and park near Hafiz Hatta.

The vehicles for the 18 victims shall be allowed to go across Khoyathong LIC crossing towards North AOC and park front Cinema.

It stated that Earmarked vehicles of UCM to come to Kekrupat via Khongnang Ani Karak and Earmarked vehicles of AMUCO will be allowed to come to THAU ground via Khoyanthong.

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IMPHAL June 20: The Andro Kendra Development Organization is organizing the fourth edition of the Pineapple fair cum youth festival at Yairipok Thambalnu Market in Andro constituency starting from July 3 till July 7. 

A press conference was held this afternoon at the Imphal branch of AKDO in connection with the fair.

Talking to the media persons, Md Fakarudin, president, of the organisation informed that it is organizing such a festival to give an economic impetus to the local pineapple growers by giving opportunities to showcase and sell their product during the festival.

Keeping in view of the increasing number of participants in the previous years, Fakarudin said that the organisation is preparing to host the largest pineapple fair cum youth festival in the state. He appealed for support and encouragement from the concerned government authority and civil societies in the state for such function as a mark of support to the local farmers. Talking to the media persons he added that last year more than 3000 tons of pineapples were produced by the farmers and is hoping to increase the yield this year.

On the other side, Md. Fakarudin, during the press conference said that on June 23 AKDO will be organizing a felicitation cum prize distribution programme to all the first divisioners from Andro A/C in the examination conducted by BOSEM , COHSEM and CBSE for year 2011.The prize distribution ceremony will be held at the Top Chintha community hall under Andro constituency.

Fakarudin said that till this evening 285 students had already given their name to the association for the felicitation.

During the festival cash prizes will be given to farmers who bag the top three spots and also consolation prizes will be accorded to all participating farmers.

The festival was started in 2008 with only 62 participants, however, the following years saw a sudden surge in the numbers of participants with 98 participants in 2009 and 138 participants in 2010 respectively, which were vying for the top spot during the festival.

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By Rongreisek Yangsorang
The present Manipuri society is certainly and greatly alarmed at the poorly managed government schools with wild rumour painted in the darkest colours that the local education system will be unnecessarily discredited. It is feared that the mounting pressure of hostile public opinion about the schools which are unable to rise to the mark may render closure of government schools. In the HSLCE/11, there are, of course, quantitative gains, the percentage of pass in government high schools rising by some degrees, though continuously falling standards. The sentiment of the guardians on the heated issue of failure is becoming frenetic by the day. The one thing sadly lacking is support—whose or what support? It is the supportable base encircled by a team of bureaucrats of clean image and a few selfless law makers in the state legislative assembly who have a vision of a glorious future in the education sector. Whether the state has men of such stature to revive the unproductive educational institutions? Surely, it does have.

What a cursed profession teaching in government schools has become and what a thankless job it is——laments a head mistress of repute of Imphal city area. At a time when the responsibilities and functions of Head Masters of Government High Schools have become greater, they are placed in a pitiful grade following the implementation of new pay scales which have completely demoralized them. They have felt deceived and their status in the society withdrawn. They are not demanding what shouldn’t be theirs. They are only demanding that the pre-downward revision scale of pay of Rs.7500 with a corresponding Grade Pay of Rs.4800 PM should be restored at once as is in the case of their equivalents in the same department. Why is this discrimination? In every revision, injustice of every sort has been done to them. In fact, the existing head masters are occupying their posts after clearing tiers of departmental promotion and after having put in more than thirty years of service on an average, quite unlike those officers in other government departments. Straight away, I can say that it is their lifelong achievement in the profession.

It is difficult to believe that the downgraded head masters of government high schools in Manipur will contribute extra stamina to give a face-lift to school education in the state. The grade pay of Rs.4400 meant for them is one hundred rupees less than that of senior trained graduate teachers which is in sharp contrast to central pay structures. It is nothing but a step further for abolition of the posts of head masters of high schools in Manipur. Can we expect a better education without head masters in our society? It is impracticable. Manipur alone will be the state in the country to downgrade head masters without justification. Let us recall the status and pay scale of head masters in the past. Also, as per the modified Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008: dated 12.3.2009, trained graduate teachers are placed in PB-3 with a Grade Pay of Rs.5400 PM.

In the most unlikely manner, the recent orders of the Finance Department (PIC) of Manipur: dated 9-6-2011 has not covered the head masters of high schools in Manipur. It is really saddening. The dictum that performing employees deserve better pay scales will have no rationale and merit. There are many departments whose officers with bulky pay are failing in many respects, and are unable to provide the basic needs of the people. Why to blame only teachers, not those who have destroyed the very foundation of educational structure for poor performances of students in the Board Examinations? There are various factors responsible for it. One factor—High School Teachers are often called out for different Governmental assignments while teaching in the schools. While private high schools are generally able to perform better, overt commercialization of education has greatly affected the quality of education. It is important to note that the rot in the government schools has also spread to private schools. Despite charging hefty fees, the corresponding input in teaching cannot be achieved. Invariably, students have to resort to private tuition to attain proficiency and the ability to appear in examinations. Education of that fashion is beyond the means of low income groups. In most of the two hundred government high schools in Manipur, there are no clerks, and no head masters. Some sixty high schools have headmasters of their own while the rest of them have none. There are schools which have no mathematics teachers.

Over a hundred posts of head masters have been lying vacant in the department for so long with no arrangement in sight to fill the said posts as well. In the early 2013AD, two-third of the head masters out of sixty will retire from service on superannuation. At the same time, more than a hundred posts of assistant head masters of high schools cannot be filled in the absence of seniority list as yet. There will be no assistant head masters who can be promoted to the posts of head masters of high schools in that year. In this way, a large number of govt. high schools in Manipur will be head masterless in 2013. Under the circumstances, it is hard to imagine the overall set up of those schools by that time. A thousand graduate teachers of different streams may be appointed in the years to come without having to bother for promotion of teachers to higher posts. The school education department will not attract talented persons to become teachers when there is no planning or arrangement for promotion of teachers to higher posts in spite of a fat budget for big spending with the allocation for school education in the state budget estimates for 2011-12 being more than Rs. 613 crores.

On helpless head masters: They are having a hard time in the schools and find it difficult to cope with the situation whenever erratic teachers revolt for their own conveniences flexing their muscles. Head masters are not allowed to function freely in the management of school affairs due to disturbances from different quarters worsened by growing student indiscipline as a chronic malaise. Becoming the soft-targets of of any bloc, they work only on the diktats of political heavy-weights and ultras. They have suffered a lot and have become sacrificial lambs at the hands of the “many.”In my enquiry, I have found that the existing Head Masters and Head Mistresses hardly have the backing of strong men in the Council of Ministers or the State Bureaucracy to strengthen their platform. That’s why their position looks utterly feeble and awkward. With the advent of electronic media in everyday life, responsibilities of head masters have compounded. They are occupied with huge works. Their primary objective is to improve teaching and learning in the schools, but due to shortage of teachers and without adequate infrastructure like computers, they are handicapped and are all helpless to move forward. At this juncture, the attention of the head of the department may be drawn that a head master is not supposed to prepare pay bills of the employees and go to treasury offices to negotiate with, every time. Besides, they are to be conversant with computerization of data, data-bank and websites when the gadgets are not easily available in most of the government high schools. The department of school education of Manipur seems to be unfazed by these increased work-loads of head masters.

Till the late 70s, Govt.aided high schools were better managed, and working discipline was very much intact. By the missionary zeal of the efficient teachers appointed for the 109 high Schools taken over by the state govt. of Manipur in August, 1978, the capacity of the students was enhanced through internal assessment, constant counseling and other similar techniques. In my vivid memory, Head Masters of High Schools of yester years were pivotal earning respect from their colleagues, and teachers too were committed to the profession. Their advantage was that the department of that time did not adopt an over centralized approach. In other words, a cordial working relationship was evolved between the directorate and the head masters.

Today, however, the shape of education if to refer to govt. schools has drastically changed and enough is already known relating to the failure of the system when the underprivileged class mostly ends up in these institutions. Due to unabated political interference, inappropriate recruitment of teachers without filling the vacant posts for years together, adding of more teachers to the overstaffed schools and lack of essential facilities, a sizeable number of such schools have now been reduced to mere enrolling offices. Or there is every chance of Govt. High Schools becoming dead-wood as students can make a choice to switch over to ever expanding private high schools in Manipur. There are scores of pressing issues that require a quick overhaul. Will it be a pipe dream to reform the system—-fighting a lost battle?

Born a minority in the ocean of major communities here in Manipur, I have no political backing, and mine is of a poor background. The only wealth I am in possession of is the legacy of my semi-literate dad’s spirit whose dedication to the spread of modern education in a hill hamlet remains worthy of introspection. In 47, among the prominent political figures in Manipur then was a liberal thinking Toijam Heitonbi Singh of Nambol in the Imphal valley whose teaching as a leader was inspirational for my father to start a vernacular school. Later, the leader was elected to the territorial assembly of Manipur. Let my investigation, my passion for innovative ideas, and still what could be the fearless spirit but not in any spirit of boastfulness fire the imagination of many a student and teacher in Manipur—–to save government schools from decay for the sake of children of poor parents and those who have no money in their purses otherwise poor students of the present and the coming generation will find themselves at the ultimate losing end. It is a caution for all.

Lastly, the centralized edifice of decision-making in which even minute procedural matters to be directed by the department will hinder every scheme of school education. It is only fair if the department reconsiders its over-centralized approach and allows heads of institutions to execute their functions without too much strictures. The head of the department may skillfully employ different meters to suit the fast changing educational scenario in Manipur. A good head of the department, who is convinced of the imperfection of human nature, must be conscious of the great liability to error in managing the affairs of the vast education sector which is like a mini empire: and therefore he will be anxious to afford to every individual the readiest means of bringing to his notice whatever may require his intervention. To secure this selective objective, he will never be one-sided to distribute sweets among his employees equally. The kind of venture initiated by a high profile officer of high grade will be always rewarding.

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The news item that Hollywood movies are making their way back in the cinema theatres in Imphal came as a pleasant surprise. After more than a decade of their abrupt withdrawal from the state cinema together with Bollywood movies following a ban on the latter by the underground Revolutionary People’s Front, RPF, the pleasurable tradition of going for these movies in Imphal’s then growing number of movie theatres had begun to seem like a distant memory. It may be recalled, the RPF had banned Hindi film saying they are a dangerous tool for advancing culture hegemony from mainland India in the immediate wake of the killing of one of their top leaders, allegedly in custody by the security forces towards the end of the 1990s. The story at the time was, national film distributors, probably under covert official pressures, had set the condition to Imphal movie theatres that if they did not screen Hindi movies, they would not be entitled to have English movies either. In the end, both were dropped and movie theatres in the state had to find other means of survival.

Thankfully, this was the time the digital age was not only burgeoning but as is the case with all modern technology, becoming cheaper by the day. Understandably the vacuum left by the sudden withdrawal of Hindi and English movies created a stir in the fledgling Manipuri film industry, and had it not been for the much cheaper and easier digital technology available, the vacuum perhaps never would have been filled. This is not to say it has been filled completely or adequately, but the fact is, it was not left a complete vacuum. Something good did come out of the bad situation. The necessity of the moment pulled the tottering Manipuri film industry up and forced it to stand on its own legs. A new crop of enterprising and talented young film makers came forward to take on the mantle from their forerunners who worked on the celluloid medium. While the former managed to bring out movies at the rate of at the most one every two or three years, their inheritors the digital film makers of today, especially the commercial oriented ones who are interested only in using well established formula melodramas, bring out several each every year. In the absence of competitors from infinitely bigger, richer, resourceful and experienced film makers from the giant industries of Hollywood and Bollywood, they had the entire field to themselves to experiment and also not be mauled into total submission by flops, therefore not be afraid to experiment further. They also helped at least a good percentage of the cinemas theatres to sustain their businesses. At the time of the withdrawal of Hollywood and Bollywood films, there were 11 theatres in Imphal city alone. Some are still very much around, but some others have had to convert their infrastructure to other more sustainable businesses.

We do hope that screening of the Hollywood film “Fast and Furious” at Usha Cinema last Friday is the beginning of a new era of openness in the state. Though movie fans did continue to still see Hindi and English releases on private video facilities and TV, seeing them in the theatre is an altogether different experience. We also hope theatre owners would also take the necessary steps to upgrade their theatres to make them fit for the new age films made on radically transformed technological platform. To underscore the point, what is more important is the atmosphere of openness and freedom which only can guarantee the foundation on which good art can grow. Manipuri film industry benefitted from the decade long hiatus of films from outside, but now it certainly has its own legs and should face no danger of being pushed away into insignificance by the formers’ re-entry. The pressure of having to live up to a higher standard should also do the home industry good in the long run, provided the people behind the enterprise are ready to meet the new challenge. We are confident and optimistic they would be able to do this with courageous aplomb, for they have indeed carved out an unmistakable niche for themselves amongst theatre goers in the state. This confidence is writ large in the large hoardings at vantage positions all over the Imphal city. The same confidence is also equally evident in the gleams on the faces of the Manipur film industry’s ever growing number of star actors and actresses.

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From John K Kaping
UKHRUL, July 2: The people of Ukhrul town showed signs of joy when the road development works of the town were transferred to General Road Engineering Force (GREF) from the state public works department.

The PWD has failed to develop the roads of Ukhrul town for quite a long time thereby causing much inconvenience to the people.

After taking over the responsibility of developing the roads of Ukhrul town, the GREF could show good progress in the work.

The present condition of the dilapidated road has caused immense hardship and inconvenience to the people of all walks of life. The remains of the dug-out earth piled up on either side of the made it difficult for people to walk on the road especially during monsoon season.

The vehicles of all types plying on this one-way-traffic road always get jammed because of the slippery mud and narrow passage.

However, the GREF has been working to improve the condition of this deplorable road by using all its manpower and machineries. The people of Ukhrul town are indeed happy with the work progress of the GREF and they hope that their woes for having bad roads will soon be over.

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IMPHAL, July 5: Security forces have arrested three persons belonging to different UG groups from various parts of the state.

Imphal East Police Commandos today arrested one PREPAK (GS) cadre, identified as one Laikhuram Pritobrata alias Nanao alias Hotenao alias Lakpa, 26, s/o (late) L Samungou of Kongba Khaidem Leikai from Kongpal Bridge at 5:30 am.

According to a release of the SSP Imphal East, the arrested person disclosed that he was involved in  extrotion from the general public and also in hurling hand grenades and transportation of arms and ammunitions.

In another incident, Thoubal Police Commandos arrested one KYKL cadre from Ningel village on July 4 at 2:50 pm, identified as one Moirangthem Ningthembi Singh alias Ningthem alias Roshan, 32, s/o Moirangthem Shyamkanhai Singh of Ningel Maning Leikai.

One 9mm pistol along with magazine containing two live rounds were recovered from his possession, informed a release of SP Thoubal.

43 Assam Rifles apprehended one KRF cadre, identified as one s/s sergeant major T Dinten Doungel, 25, s/o Paolen Doungel, r/o Saparmaina today in a joint operation with Imphal west police commandos.

One revolver with incriminating documents were recovered from the possession of the apprehendee, said a release of PRO PIB (Defence Wing).

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GUWAHATI,July 22(NNN): Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi said United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) military chief Paresh Baruah was bent upon subversion in the state despite the outlawed outfit’s declaration of ceasefire.

Barua and some 150 hardliners have refused to talk to ‘colonial New Delhi’ and have broken off with the majority pro-talks ULFA headed by chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa.

“We’ve received intelligence inputs that Paresh Baruah is planning terror attacks in the state with help from Manipur-based People’s Liberation Army, the Maoists and some other extremist groups of the Northeast,” Gogoi said on Friday. “But we are alive to the situation and taking all precautionary measures to foil his designs.”

Gogoi criticized Baruah for continuing with the armed movement when most of his colleagues gave up arms in the interest of peace. “I urge him to see the writings on the wall and abjure the path of violence. People want peace and not violence,” he said.

The Assam government believes that Baruah is operating from safe hideouts along China-Myanmar border. “He is currently holed up in northern Myanmar but keeps moving around. A number of extremist groups of the Northeast have their bases in that region,” Gogoi said.

Earlier, the ULFA used to operate from Bhutanese territories until being flushed out during ‘Operation All Clear’ (an Indo-Bhutanese joint military offensive of December 2003). Later, the outfit set up bases in adjoing Bangladesh. But the return of Sheikh Hasina to power and a subsequent crackdown on Northeast Indian militants saw ULFA shift to the China-Myanmar border.

Gogoi said peace parleys with the pro-talks faction of ULFA were imminent. “We’ve got green signal from the central government. Peace talks between ULFA and the Central government will begin very soon,” he added.

According to the chief minister, the talks will be held directly between ULFA and central government. Earlier, peace talks between ULFA-appointed People’s Consultative Group and central government hit roadblocks ostensibly after the government had refused to discuss all core issues. The issue of Assam’s sovereignty is one of ULFA’s most contentious demands.

“In the first round of talks, ULFA would submit its charter of demands. Government will then see how far it could go to accommodate the demands. All decisions will be taken by the central government but we’ll be consulted,” he said. The chief minister added that efforts were being made to bring all other militant groups to the negotiating table.

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