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AMWJU lifts ban on AR news following assurance by concerned brigadier

IMPHAL, February 16: The All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) has lifted its boycott imposed on all news related to Assam Rifles with immediate effect during an emergency meeting convened

IMPHAL, February 16: The All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) has lifted its boycott imposed on all news related to Assam Rifles with immediate effect during an emergency meeting convened today.

A statement issued by GA Naocha Sharma, general secretary, AMWJU said the decision was taken following a high level meeting held at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal with Brig. Rajeev Chibber, commander 26 sector Assam Rifles, Pallel on February.

It said that in the emergency meeting presided by Wangkhemcha Shamjai, president AMWJU, Brig. Rajeev Chibber, conveyed the gathering that an internal inquiry was underway to probe into the February 12 incident occurred at Moreh wherein the 9th Battalion AR personnel led by Col Anandi Antare who reportedly assaulted impact TV`™s bureau Chief, Noren Ningombam and video journalist, K Bipin Sharma at Moreh while they were covering a mob attack at the SDPO, Moreh office.

Assuring that all those found guilty in the incident will be awarded with befitting punishment, it said that the Brigadier further informed to communicate the proceedings of the inquiry to the union.

Further the AR commander also gave his assurance that similar incident will not be happen in future adding that if it does so, the involved AR personnel will be punished instantly, it said.

At the same time, the AR commander while proposing better relation between the force and the media, assured to give special concessions to media persons on duty while crossing all its check points, it continued.

The AMWJU also insisted the AR should bear the expenses of Noren`™s damaged spectacles, microphone, ID logo and medical expenses incurred and the brigadier accepted this demand, it said.

Taking the above into account and having considered the views and interests of the victims, Noren and Bipin Sharma, the standing committee of AMWJU, in the interest of the journalists and in the interest of providing news concerning the state, it has unanimously decided to life its boycott of the Assam Rifles, concluded the statement.

JCILPS expresses unhappiness over govt proposal on JCILPS

IMPHAL, February 16: Most of the representatives of the All Political Party Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), have started to raised their eyebrow on the Government`™s idea of

IMPHAL, February 16: Most of the representatives of the All Political Party Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), have started to raised their eyebrow on the Government`™s idea of introduction of a new Bill and law in lieu of Inner Line Permit system.

According a highly placed source, a meeting was convened at the CM`™s secretariat and was attended by members of the All Political Party Committee on ILPS, principal secretary (Home).

The meeting which commenced from 8.30 am which lasted till 11 am, deliberately discussed on the pros and cons of the proposed Manipur Visitors`™ Regulation Bill. The Bill is due to be introduced in the upcoming session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

In the wake of the Manipur Visitors`™ Regulation Bill, the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, reportedly proposed for another alternative `Tenant`™s Law`.

Subsequently, another round of meeting was held at the office chamber of Law Minister Thoudam Devendra Singh around 3.30 pm wherein they resolved to form an drafting committee for the proposed `Tenant`™s Law`.

The drafting committee comprises of Law Minister, Th Devendra Singh, advocate Khaidem Mani, advocate N Kumarjit, said the sources adding that the proposal will be tabled during the assembly session.

Meanwhile, taking into consideration the formation of the new committee, most of the political party leaders deemed it was legitimate to dissolve the All Political Party Committee on JCILPS, said the source.

Moreover, it has been informed that the political parties have raised their concerns on the move of the Government, observing the proposed bill/law will not be up to live up to the expectation of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS).

AMCTA holds protest to press demands

IMPHAL, February 16: The All Manipur College Teachers Association (AMCTA) staged a sitting protest today at the Manipur College in pursuance of various demands. Speaking to the media persons M

IMPHAL, February 16: The All Manipur College Teachers Association (AMCTA) staged a sitting protest today at the Manipur College in pursuance of various demands.

Speaking to the media persons M Lokendro, president AMCTA stated that AMCTA had submitted a memorandum to the chief minister and education minister on 16 November, 2014 and also given an ultimatum including all the demands to be fulfil by 25 November but the government still remain silent over the issue.

He further said that if the government fails to resolve the issue by 17 February, 2015 then AMCTA will cease work from 18 February, 2015indefinitely until the demands are fulfil.

The demands strongly made by the AMCTA were immediate release of a fresh notification/OM considering local conditions in respect of recruitment CAS and other service matters, cancellation of government order No 7(2)/6/2003-HE dated 14/11/2014 and appointment of regular principals to al the government colleges of Manipur.

Removal of existing commissioner (H/E), P Vaiphei from Higher Education Department and immediate release of pending due allowances ie SCA, TA etc entitled to college teachers and equivalent cadres by making correction of ROP orders dated 12/08/2011 as top priority.

M Lokendro said that AMCTA also supports All India Federation of University and College Teacher Organisation (AIFUCTO)`™s demands for the approval of MHRD regarding pending issues including UCG decisions like amending the regulations, 2010 and roll out of new regulation for CAS and Ph D regulation.

He also said that AMCTA too protest against the HRD minister attitude for denying an audience with AIFUCTO for the last nine months.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/amcta-holds-protest-to-press-demands/

`State richly endowed with bio-resources`

IMPHAL, Feb 16: Emphasising on developing bio-resources, Union Minister for Earth Sciences, Science and Technology, Harsh Vardhan said Manipur is richly endowed with bio-resources while speaking at a reception function

He said his visit was scheduled on a short notice while also stressing on the contribution which can be made by the State BJP in strengthening the nation. He also stated that the potential of the State BJP will be reflected in the coming 2017 assembly elections.

Assuring on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give priority to the State`™s development, he said the Central government is committed to favouring the North Eastern states to strengthen the nation with full dedication and sincerity. He also expressed that issues of NE States are given priority in Union Cabinet meetings.

The Union Minister further said that he has travelled many countries and visited many States of the country but nowhere did he experience as much bumps as during his tour of Henbung, back and forth, covering 100kms.

Roads appeared to be smooth but they gave the maximum jerks, he quipped.

Informing that it was the main agenda of the Union government to give priority to the development of Manipur, he said the State also needs to have a good government.

While also stressing on the importance of developing the State`™s bio-resources, he said the Central government was planning to set up a Bio-Technology Park and Women Technology Park.

He also assured to improve the existing Software Technology Park of India and the Institute of Bio-Resources and Sustainable Development at Mantripukhri, Imphal.

He said his ministry will do its best in developing Science and Technology in the State, adding that the Ministry welcomes any suggestions from the State`™s side and he will try to implement those suggestions.

The BJP is a party which has brought good governance in the country, he said, adding other parties are synonymous with corruption. He said that it was due to the BJP`™s unique governance that he, as a Union Minister, was able to visit Manipur.

The State BJP president Th Chaoba in his reception speech said Union Minister Harsh Vardhan was one of the most efficient ministers. Calling the attention of the Union Minister, he said the existing IBSD and STPI located at Mantripukhri need to be strengthened and must be made fully functional.

Women bodies in the State are very strong and motivated, Th Chaoba said, stressing on the need for setting up a women technology park in the state. He also added that the Central government must develop the bio-resources and medicinal plants found in the state.

Harsh Vardhan was received by executive members of the State BJP at its office today but there was a glitch during his reception as even before he was seated at the reception function, a power shutdown which lasted for three minutes left the BJP office in darkness.

As the State BJP office is not equipped with a power back-up, those gathered at the BJP office including the Union Minster had to wait for the power to be restored before resuming the reception function.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/state-richly-endowed-with-bioresources/

First sitting of state level tripartite monitoring committee on scribes wages held

IMPHAL, February 16: The first sitting of the state level tripartite monitoring committee for ensuring and monitoring the speedy implementation of the recommendations of the Mazithiya wages boards in the

The State Government was represented by Director of Information and Public Relations W Rajen Singh and Deputy Labour Commissioner E Tomba Singh.

Newspaper establishment representatives include managing director of Sangai Express Nishikant Sapam, managing director of Poknapham Goutam Sharma and managing director of Hueiyel Lanpao S Niladhaja Singh.

All Manipur Working Journalists`™ Union president W Shyamjai Singh represented for the journalist and non-journalist employees.

The agenda items of the sitting include: to devise procedure of sitting of committee, to formulate action plan to review the implementation of the recommendations of the Mazithiya Wages Board for working journalist and non-working journalists in newspaper establishments and news agencies in the State of Manipur.

The principal secretary (Labour & Employment), Govt of Manipur in the chair welcomed all the members present and briefed them about the agenda-items of the sitting for discussion to devise procedure of sitting of the committee and to formulate action plan to review the implementation of the recommendations of the Mazithiya Wages Board for working journalists and non-working journalists in Newspaper establishments and news agencies in the state of Manipur.

He added that according to the judgement and order dated February 7, 2014 passed by the Supreme Court of India in the W.P. (C) No 246 of 2011 the said recommendations are valid in law and the wages as revised shall be payable from November 11 of 2011 when the Government of India notified the said recommendations.

All the arrears of wages up to March, 2014 shall be paid to the eligible persons in four equal instalments within a period of one year from February 7, 2014 and payment of wages and allowances of eligible persons in the revised scales shall be continued from April, 2014 onwards to the newspaper employees.

The members from the newspaper management representatives suggested that the number of members from the newspaper management representatives be increased to cover all the prominent newspaper establishments including ISTV and Impact TV in the State of Manipur.

After discussion of the suggestion of members from the newspaper management representatives, the procedure of meeting of the Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers` Advisory Committee, the class of Newspaper Establishments/News Agencies and the revised scales of wages and allowances of the Working Journalists and Non-Working Journalists applicable to the different classes of Newspaper Establishments/News Agencies placed before the meeting for reference all the members present unanimously adopted the following resolutions:

The State Government of Manipur will be moved by the Deputy Labour Commissioner for reconstitution of the Committee to include the Managing Directors/Proprietors of AZA (Ukhrul/Thangkhul), Di-Cham (Tamenglong), Hornbill (Senapati), ISTV and Impact TV, if it is possible.

It was resolved that the State Level Tripartite Monitoring Committee shall sit at such place and at such time as may be decided by the Chairman of the Committee and it shall sit at least once in six months.

Resolutions were also taken regarding the notice of sitting and list of business.

The relevant information on the Gross Revenue of the Newspaper Establishments/News Agencies for the Accounting Years, 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11 and the number of Working Journalists and Non-Working Journalists employed in the Newspaper Establishments/ News Agencies during 2011, 2012 ,2013 and 2014 and the rates of wages of the said newspaper employees will be collected by Office of the Deputy Labour Commissioner, Manipur, who is enforcing the provisions of the Working Journalists and Other Newspaper Employees ( Conditions of Service ) & Misc. Provisions Act,1955, to ascertain the class of the Newspaper Establishments/ New Agencies and the implementation of the revised Scales of Wages and Allowances of the Working Journalists and Non-Working Journalists in the State of Manipur.

The information collected will be placed before the next meeting of the Committee.

Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurates Vigyan Sadan at Hengbung

KANGPOKPI, Feb 16: Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences & VP, CSIR, Government of India, Dr. Harsh Vardhan on Monday inaugurated a four-storey Vigyan Sadan in the

KANGPOKPI, Feb 16: Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences & VP, CSIR, Government of India, Dr. Harsh Vardhan on Monday inaugurated a four-storey Vigyan Sadan in the FEEDS Campus at Hengbung in Sadar Hills, Senapati district.

Accompanied by Kh. Raghumani Singh, IAS, Addl. Secretary, Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of Manipur, former Minister Haokholet Kipgen who is also the President of FEEDS, Laxmi Kanta Sharma, ADM, Senapati, DK. Thangboi Haokip, Addl. DC Kangpokpi along with other officials, the Union Minister earlier went around and saw the facilities in the Laboratory, the Orchidaries, Hardening Chamber and the field Gene Bank and conveyed his deep appreciation to the Orchid Research and Development Centre, Hengbung staff of their good and dedicated hard work before he inaugurated the Vigyan Sadan.

The Minister inaugurated the Vigyan Sadan right after he had been accorded a warm reception by various tribes`™ civil society organizations at the FEEDS campus.

Visibly impressed by the activities and struggles of FEEDS and its associate projects in his maiden visit to Manipur Dr. Harsh Vardhan noted the FEEDS campus at Hengbung as world class research centre at a tribal and remotest part of the country.

Inaugurating the `Vigyan Sadan` the former medical doctor and CM candidate in Delhi election 2014 was in full praise of the research centre which also holds one of the biggest and best Orchid Gene Bank in the NE region.

Speaking at the investiture function the Union Minister said that despite hearing about the State of Manipur since long, he was finally able to make it after six decades, and only after becoming a Union Minister while adding that his visit to the state endowed him with understanding the needs, particularly the needs pertaining to Science and Technology in the state.

He also assured that if the scientists and officers with the help of the Government of Manipur heaved together for the welfare of the people of Manipur, it can make this state far more improved in all respects.

`I strongly feel that in spite of over six decades since Independence our states in the North East certainly deserve better treatment, better developmental modalities and better attention`, asserted Dr. Harsh Vardhan.

I can assure you on behalf of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he himself, with his whole cabinet and party colleagues of BJP are thoroughly committed to ensure the development of the North eastern states and to make Manipur one of the most prosperous and scientifically development states in the country, the Union Minister said.

Further assuring Manipur and North East India of special attention by the Modi led BJP government in the Center, the Minister also called upon the youths to contribute to the welfare of the State and the nation.

Dr. Vardhan also committed to setting up of Bio-Tech Park in Manipur as proposed and declared that the issue will be discussed with Chief Minister O.Ibobi whom he is meeting by evening today.

The five times elected member from Delhi Dr. Harsh Vardhan gave special reference to protection of our environment and bio-diversity which has become the most challenging task across different countries.

ENT by medical profession and the former Minister of Health and Family welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan also promoted the Make in India policy of the Center government encouraged skilled development of the locals and upgrade through the intervention of science and technology.

A veteran politician, writer and social activist, Dr. Harsh Vardhan stated that his visit to the State will give better understanding and will develop the state in whatever way possible.

Kh. Raghumani Singh, IAS, Addl. Secretary, Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of Manipur stressed on the need for popularizing Science and Technology in Manipur through proper facilities and upgradation of the Science City at Takyelpat and establishment of Bio-Tech park in Manipur.

While seeking more assistance for developing the newly inaugurated Vigyan Sadan the IAS officer also acknowledged the presence of the Union Minister as a big boost to the State`™s assets like FEEDS/KVK Hengbung which is rare in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the District Administration, ADM Laxmi Kanta welcomed the Union Minister to Senapati District and expressed its happiness over the presence and concern for the District.

Haokholet Kipgen, president of the Foundation of Environment & Economic Development Service (FEEDS), who is also the vice president of BJP(ST) morcha and former Minister in the Manipur Government said that Vigyan Sadan has been constructed as a centre to promote science, technology and innovation to scale up development particularly in Manipur and the North East region in general.

He continued that FEEDS, a host institute of KVK and ORDC, is an NGO located at Hengbung, Sadar Hills, Senapati district in Manipur for promoting research, extension and development using technology and innovation.

The FEEDS set up a Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) under Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), Govt. of India in 2002 and is extending agricultural technologies while adding that FEEDS was the first to introduced Emu birds in the Northeast Region and KVK Hengbung received the Best KVK of the North Eastern Region 2012 by ICAR.

He also said that with the support of the Department of Science and Technology, FEEDS established an Orchid Research & Development Centre (ORDC) in 2009 in its campus at Hengbung with the aim of Orchid Gene Conservation in the eastern Himalayan region.

Kuki Students`™ Organization Sadar Hills also submitted a memorandum to the Union Minister urging a Technology Centre at Kangpokpi.

Apart from ADC members, various CSOs leaders, local & village leaders, BJP workers, Horticulture and Agriculture department, Senapati, scientist and other dignitaries also attended the inauguration function.

Cultural dances were presented by Kuki-Thadou dance troupe, Maram and Poumai troupes marked the occasion.

Imphal Must Fan Out

The growing congestion in Imphal is a cause for worry. A flyover or two will hardly make a difference either. In fact, as many have already pointed out in the

The growing congestion in Imphal is a cause for worry. A flyover or two will hardly make a difference either. In fact, as many have already pointed out in the debate over the suitability of the BT Road Flyover when it was first being commissioned, unless any particular flyover is able to lift traffic out of a congested area and land them at a distant non-congested area, it will only become a matter of shifting one point of congestion to another. The BT Road Flyover, barely a few hundred meters long, is hardly the former. The benefit it has serve initially was at best in terms of separating pedestrians and shoppers from vehicular traffic to some extent `“ the ground for the latter and the flyover for motor vehicles `“ but even this is now no longer the case. The ground too is now in a perpetual traffic jam. From this point of view, the effort to widen the city roads has been more commendable, and if at all there are prices being paid by individual property owners along these roads, they must understand, it is for a greater common good, although this does not mean that they must not be awarded suitable compensations. The pattern has however been for property owners alone to get compensation, and not those who run small time businesses from rented spaces. Most of these businesses, such as PCOs, photocopy shops, tea stall etc follow a territorial logic, and even if they were to set up the same businesses in other locations, chances are they will never find a foothold. The government, if fairness is the game, should think about them too.

However, despite all these efforts, the maddening congestion that Imphal today is being suffocated by is unlikely to be eased to the extent desired. This is because the planners continue to ignore certain vital needs of a growing city. To name just two simple and the obvious ones: traffic disciplining and a total restructuring of the parking norms. We find it absolutely difficult to understand why heavy commercial and passenger vehicles are being allowed to park, not just enter the heart of Imphal during busy daylight hours. Only insane city planners would continue to give the nod to the Keishampat bus parking, or the one at Waheng Leikai junction. The bus depots must be pushed out, if not to the outermost fringes of the city, then at least away from the city core. It would hence do well for the government to think of building a few more bus terminus away from the innermost layer of the city. There are a few well-placed ones already, such as the one at North AOC and the Andro Parking adjacent to the AIR complex. In direct contrast, there are no proper parking spaces for small private vehicles anywhere near the Imphal city heart. Under the circumstance, people park their vehicles anywhere on the road. Visit the Paona and Thangal Bazar area to get a sense of this. Hence, even as the commercial vehicles are being pushed out, some officially designated parking areas must be built in and around the main Imphal shopping centers. Within the shopping areas, all engine vehicle should be forbidden. A bit of walking in these areas will do the shops as well as the shoppers plenty of good. New constructions, especially hotels and malls, which we are sure will spring up rapidly sooner than latter, must be compelled by law to have at least the ground floor or an underground one, as parking space.

In the longer term planning of course, the government must nudge Imphal to branch out. Satellite settlements and townships must be encouraged. The best suited places for such colonization will be the agriculture unworthy sections of the foothills nearby. It should not be difficult to imagine how the Langgol Housing Complex and the Games Village would have eased the population pressure on Imphal proper. The Nongmaijing and Ngariyan etc, can also be made to pitch in. If new legislations are necessary for this, they must be brought about. Imphal is on the point of imploding and the government must open its eyes to this reality too.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/imphal-must-fan-out/

NRSU, JAC line up agitation sans govt responsein New Tusom triple murder case

R Lester Makang UKHRUL, February 16: With the State government not responding till date to the 10-day deadline for delivery of justice in the New Tusom triple murder case which

R Lester Makang

UKHRUL, February 16: With the State government not responding till date to the 10-day deadline for delivery of justice in the New Tusom triple murder case which is ending tomorrow, Northern Raphei Students` Union (NRSU) and JAC against the gruesome killings have lined up a series of agitation to press for a final resolution of the current murder case.

It may be recalled that NRSU and the JAC had earlier on February 7 served a ten-day deadline for the State government to deliver justice in the cold blooded killings of three innocent hunters of New Tusom village in northern Ukhrul whose lifeless bodies were recovered in the village forest on November 29 last year.

“In the event of the concerned authorities failing to respond by February 17, we are all set to hold a mass sit in protest in front of the Jessami Police Station the following day as a first phase of agitation,” disclosed a reliable source from NRSU today.

The sources continued that if positive response would not come forth after holding sit ins back to back for two days or so, we would be compelled to intensify the agitation and the government shall be solely responsible for any consequences.

Notably, NRSU is comprised of 17 Tangkhul villages in northern Ukhrul district along the Indo- Myanmar border.

Elaborating that all the concerned villages have been informed of the impending agitation, a functionary of NRSU said that the JAC and the students` body are now coordinating with the TNL and all the Tangkhul Frontal Organizations (TFOs) to chart out the course of agitation.

“There is a growing concern for safety amongst the villagers of the area since the authorities have reneged on its assurance to book the killers of innocent villagers. ”

Though both the Ukhrul SP and Jessami OC have been assuring of getting to the bottom of the case, so far nothing concrete has come forth even after more than two months. Justice is what we want for unless this case is resolved who knows, any villagers of the area may fall prey to same crime next time, NRSU has cautioned.

LIC office opened at Moreh for first time

MOREH, Feb 15: An LIC office has been opened at Moreh for the first time today with a simple function attended by SDC Moreh Y Sher, marketing manager of LIC

MOREH, Feb 15: An LIC office has been opened at Moreh for the first time today with a simple function attended by SDC Moreh Y Sher, marketing manager of LIC Sichar divisional office T Lakra and branch manager of LIC Moreh L Lhouvum and Kakching LIC branch manager L Leisan was chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/lic-office-opened-at-moreh-for-first-time/

Farmers protest against proposed land acquisition for SEZ

IMPHAL, February 15: The land owners affected by the proposed Special Economic Zone, SEZ Multi product staged a sit in protest under organised by the Lemba Laijing Loukon Protection Committee

IMPHAL, February 15: The land owners affected by the proposed Special Economic Zone, SEZ Multi product staged a sit in protest under organised by the Lemba Laijing Loukon Protection Committee at Kakching Lamkhai today.

The sit in protest was held against the government decision to acquire 450 acres of agricultural land forcibly in between Kakching Lamkhai and Kuraopokpi in Thoubal district for the construction of the proposed SEZ Multi product.

The protestors held placards reading `We want transparency,` `Don`™t grab poor farmers land`, `we condemn unlawful acquisition of law by force`, `we want justified development protect farmer`™s right.`

Speaking on the sideline of the protest, assistant secretary of the committee N Amuyaima Singh said the committee was formed after the deputy commissioner Thoubal issued a notification for acquiring 450 acres of agricultural and farm land at Lemba Laijing Loukon area in December 10, 2013.

He said the committee has also submitted several memorandums to the DC and the State government to revoke the decision to acquire the said land.

The protestors are demanding the government to revoke the decision regarding the land acquisition for the industrial estate and to seek another side where there is no dispute, he said stating that in case the government fails to meet the demand by April, the farmers have no option other than launch various forms of agitation including road blockade.

Amuyaima also alleged that certain unidentified persons had provided their consent for the land acquisition before the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry during her recent visit and inspection at the proposed site, while the genuine land owners were kept detained at Kakching Lamkhai and not allowed to meet the Union Minister.

The DC`™s order, he said will affect 400 household and added that the committee has already submitted a memorandum on the issue to Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman through the BJP Manipur Pradesh.

State observes Lui-Ngai-Ni

IMPHAL February 15: The State Level Lui-Ngai-Ni festival was celebrated today at the Tribal Research Institute, Chingmeirong under the theme `Sowing the seed of peace and prosperity` organised by the

IMPHAL February 15: The State Level Lui-Ngai-Ni festival was celebrated today at the Tribal Research Institute, Chingmeirong under the theme `Sowing the seed of peace and prosperity` organised by the State level Organising Committee Lui-Ngai-Ni 2015.

Speaking to media persons, general secretary Organising Committee Dr Xavier Pamei stated that Lui Ngai Ni- the seed sowing festival was consolidated after a great deal of studies and consultations and was finally christened, `Lui Ngai Ni`™ in the year 1986.

The State government in recognition of the identity and the culture of the festival has declared it a State holiday, while the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has also listed the festival as one of the tourist festival of India.

The celebration was also attended by deputy Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly MK Preshow Shimray, Phungyar (ST) MLA Victor Keishing, Tamenglong MLA Janghemlung.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/state-observes-luingaini/

Angry with shoddy constructions, locals dismantle school building

IMPHAL, February 15: An under construction school building extension of Patsoi Tulihal New Government Primary School was dismantled by local club and women organization along with angry locals alleging that

The school building construction is an initiative undertaken under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).

The incident occurred this afternoon at around 2 at Patsoi Part-II Makha Leikai under Patsoi PS in Imphal West.

The school building was dismantled by members of Patsoi MakhaYaipha Lup (PAMYAL) and Patsoi Part-II Makha Leikai Women Development Association along with people of the locality.

A local speaking to IFP said that the contractor who has been assigned with the construction work of the school building is not maintaining the quality of the work.

He pointed out that the pillars are installed only for the namesake with the size visibly too small and the distance between the two pillars is more than 20 feet.

The cement usage in constructing the building is very less and the CI sheet used for covering the roof is of very cheap quality, he maintained.

The local club and women organization had instructed the contractor to stop the work few days, he said.

The contractor and the Headmaster of the school were also informed to be present at a meeting today at 1:30 pm by the local club. However the two did not turn up, he said.

Following which the angry locals along with local club members and women organization dismantle the under construction school building, he added.

Kadangband JAC warns of `economic blockade` against govt`s failure to table inquiry report

IMPHAL, February 15: The Joint Action Committee formed against the alleged killing of Khupneilal Neihsiel and Robert Hesei Kipgen at Kadangband on January 28 by 8 Assam Rifles has decided

IMPHAL, February 15: The Joint Action Committee formed against the alleged killing of Khupneilal Neihsiel and Robert Hesei Kipgen at Kadangband on January 28 by 8 Assam Rifles has decided to impose economic blockade for five days with effect from February 18.

The decision to impose the blockade was arrived at against the State government`™s failure to produce the magisterial inquiry report within the set 15-day deadline, informed the JAC.

According to a statement issued by the JAC`™s convenor Thangminlen Haokip and co-convener Lunmang, the JAC had made it clear to the government to furnish the inquiry report regarding the alleged Kadangband encounter in which a civilian driver, Khupneilal Neihsiel and the Central Administrative Officer CAO of KNF Robert Hesei Kipgen were shot dead while three others were grievously injured.

However, the government has miserably failed to establish the veracity of the fake encounter, it said.

The statement continued that the JAC has contemplated a State-wide general strike and remonstration, however, in view of the ongoing HSLC ad HSSLC examinations it has instead decided to resort to economic blockade so as to not disturb the exams.

The JAC, it said will also make sure there is no disruption both in transportation and in exam centres and also wants to reassure the students of peace of mind, support and cooperation.

It has further stated that the JAC and Kuki civil bodies had opted for a magisterial inquiry in lieu of the judicial inquiry with a view for immediate commencement and early culmination of the inquiry but the government`™s apathy towards the gesture by delaying the inquiry is hurtful.

The nature of the killing incident requires swift delivery of justice since an innocent civilian driver and a CAO of a SoO signatory of Kuki armed organization were slain in a fake encounter, it alleged.

The JAC has resorted to this extreme method of protest with the resolve to halt the repeated human rights violation by the Assam Rifles of which every person in the State irrespective of tribe or community is a victim in one way or another.

Most importantly, the JAC appeals to all state and inter-state transporters of economic goods to respect the blockade and abstain from any act of defiance that would aggravate the prevailing tension, it said.

Unclaimed body still lying at JNIMS morgue

IMPHAL, Feb 15: An unidentified non-local who died at JNIMS on February 12 at around 12:30 am after he was admitted there by passersby who found him lying unconscious remains

IMPHAL, Feb 15: An unidentified non-local who died at JNIMS on February 12 at around 12:30 am after he was admitted there by passersby who found him lying unconscious remains unclaimed and unidentified.

Police have informed that the body is still lying at JINMS morgue.

The man seems to be around 40 years old, 5`™5` tall, wheatish complexion, he wears a shot and black hair, slim body, wears a black long pant with white and black stripes shirt.

Police said they will hand over the dead body to IMC for disposal if no one comes forward to claim the body by 10 am of February 18.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/unclaimed-body-still-lying-at-jnims-morgue/

Union Looking East

Quite obviously Prime Minister Narendra Modi meant it when he said developing the Northeast is going to be one of his top priority areas. In what seems a translation of

Quite obviously Prime Minister Narendra Modi meant it when he said developing the Northeast is going to be one of his top priority areas. In what seems a translation of this informal statement of policy intent, in the past one week, almost on a daily basis, important Union cabinet ministers have been visiting the Northeast, many of them making Manipur a stop on their tours. These visits no doubt would put the state government on the alert, and nobody will disagree this is good. Democracy works best when checks and balances are built into the system at every level, from the very top right down to the bottom. No need for reminder again that this is precisely what has been lacking in Manipur for all this while. Those at the apex of the hierarchy of state power have come to think they are untouchables, not even by the law, and have been virtually doing whatever they fancy. This has also expectedly been having a cascading effect, and down the hierarchy too, this sense impunity has percolated. Today the entire officialdom has become a monolithic corruption structure where each class of employees scratch the back of the ranks above them and together reap their unholy harvest of public money. This will be more than evident even in a cursory scan of the wealth disproportionate to the known sources of income of these employees.

However, Like so many abnormal trends in governance, corruption too has become Manipur`™s new normal. But the trouble is, the government can give employment to barely 2 percent of the population, therefore even if this corruption monolith were to be accepted as a skewed form of wealth distribution system, it cannot reach the majority of the population. This being case, we are concerned because unless this monolith has been effectively checked, even if total dismantling of it is impossible, all talks of resolution to some of the most vexing social issues of Manipur, including insurgency, will remain in vain. This notwithstanding, though everybody knows corruption is a scourge affecting their individual lives directly or indirectly, their spirit of resistance has now been lulled effectively by the intimidating belief they are powerless to change anything. It is from this vantage that we are encouraged by the signs of new and sustained vigil the Union government seems intent on keeping on the state government. Hopefully, at the end of it, there will be some governance accountability introduced. Wasn`™t it the Prime Minister who had himself said government servants must remain as servants of the society and not its masters? We do hope this current rush of ministerial visits from Delhi is a way of the Prime Minister putting his money where his mouth is.

We must however say there are obvious cautions. Manipur is under a Congress government and the Union government is BJP. This must not result in any vendetta thereby topple democratic norms in Centre-State relations. We say this caution is essential for we also see the state unit of the BJP trying to take advantage, even encouraging the use of undemocratic means to unsettle the state government. This is especially repulsive because as yet the BJP does not have the people`™s mandate in the state, and the party is without a single seat in the state Assembly. The party still did not have this mandate in a bye election to a vacant Assembly seat held after the BJP government was installed at the Centre. If the BJP leadership in power at the Union were to facilitate in any way the undemocratic backdoor entry of the state BJP to the state Assembly through the undemocratic means of using the office of the state Governor, it may amount to some immediate gains for the party, but the longer term losses, in terms of a general depletion of faith of the people not just in any political party, but the Indian democratic polity itself, will far outweigh these immediate gains. Let the state BJP wait till the Assembly election next year to prove its credentials, and it would be to everybody appreciation if the Central BJP leaders rein in its state unit to ensure this is the case.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/union-looking-east/

NPO celebration calls for Naga unity

KANGPOKPI, February 15: Celebrating the unique cultural facade by the 16 tribes of Nagas of Manipur, Lui-Ngai-Ni festival hosted by Naga People Organization was organized today at Senapati Public Ground.

Traditionally the festival is to invoke the blessing of the creator on the seed crops by showing devotion through folk dances, songs and rituals and to reawaken their past glorious and values for their years to come.

Since the `seed sowing festival`™ is collective to all the Naga tribes and celebrated simultaneously during the onset of spring, it was christened `Lui-Ngai-Ni` in 1987.

L. Dikho, MLA 48(ST) Mao was the chief host of the event while Nagaland minister of Social Security & Welfare Kiyanilie Peseyie was the chief guest, Chandel MLA ST Nunghlung Victor was the guest of honor.

Special invitees include Zomi Council chairman LB Sona, Hmar Inpui president Dr. John Pulamte, Naga Hoho president P Chuba Ozukum, NSF president Tongpang Ozukum, speaker of UNC, ATSUM officials, women`™s union, chief headmen and other dignitaries.

The main highlights of the celebration were folk songs, cultural dances from various tribes such as Poumai, Inpui, Anal, Kharam, Zeliangrong, Chiru, Moyon, Mao, Lamkang, Maram, Chothe, Thangal, Maring, Tangkhul, Tarao and Mongsang.

In his presidential address, UNC president Gaidon Kamei asserted that the socio-cultural and ethno-political unity and solidarity inspires a common future.

So, in spite of the absence of completely identical cultures, dialects, belief system existing among the Naga tribes of Manipur and elsewhere, we have immense commonality in those aspects, he added.

He also urged the Naga community to work for unbending unity in true spirit of their cherished and common political aspiration and hope, which will keep stirring their aspiration.

He further plead that to ponder about our adversaries which hiss out venom of separatism, groupism, self-interest expressed it against the oneness of the Naga family while appealing that `let us stand firm lest our adversaries get a upper hand over us`.

Perhaps as we are in midnight`™s watch at this juncture, waiting for the dawn for which we have been looking forward to, the UNC president said.

He further shared the hope for `early solution to the decade-old Naga political problem in time bound manner with the political will under the new political dispensation in Delhi under the dynamic and able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his concluding message he urged the people to strengthen the unity and let Lui-Ngai- Ni celebration inspire everyone afresh and make it more vibrant.

Kiyanilie Peseyie prayed that the leaders sow the best seed and reap the harvest in abundance with the blessing of Almighty from the people of peace and unity.

He urged the Nagas to join hand and look forward for future by building peace, unity and prosperity in the motherland and by forgetting the bad stories of the past.

He reminded the leaders of Nagas of Manipur that the outside people cannot bring change but only by themselves can bring the change through hard work, which always have a reward in manifold.

In solidarity message from LB. Sona, President, Zomi Council, he brings the regards from all the Zomi tribes which is scattered all over Northeast States and petitioned that `the seed of unity, prosperity and brotherhood`™ must be sowed in the Naga tribes.He manifested his appreciation to UNC for maintaining the society in harmony and unity and plead that UNC continue to work for the society and keep unified.

In the words of the Speaker of Naga Hoho `Silver or gold I have none, but what I have is many brothers and sisters living together in this beautiful land. We are one, I`™m proud of you. Our traditions, culture, rich attires, food habits, dances, folktales, music are all same and interwoven.`

He claimed that the festival theme `Sowing good will, reaping understanding` is the most relevant theme in the present context.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/npo-celebration-calls-for-naga-unity/

Path Dependence So Far And Need For Path Breaking: Manipur`s tragedy and the remedy

By Amar Yumnam One important development of Economics since the 1990s is the discovery that `History matters`. But I must hasten to add that this is not history for the

By Amar Yumnam

One important development of Economics since the 1990s is the discovery that `History matters`. But I must hasten to add that this is not history for the sake of cultural arrogance and remembering the dates of rule of a king or otherwise howsoever important the dates are. Economists now attach importance to the yesterday, day before yesterday and the days even earlier as determinants of the character and direction of events today. This new understanding and approach for appreciating the dynamics of a society is now being emphasised irrespective of space. The trajectory of any development process in any geographical context is accounted for to a large extent by what events that space had experienced in the past. Similarly the development dynamics of any society at any point of time is explained by what social norms and habits the members of the society have acquired individually, collectively and in interactional dynamics over decades. Thus history matters both for geography and society. This arises because of several reasons. `First, cognitive selections developed over time can be seen as shaping a collective memory, being one part of reducing choices for actors due to historical reasons. Second, firm-specific investments might also be a part of such path dependence, sensitive to earlier historical events. The third reason relates to strong interrelatedness in complex organizations, which also would include technological interrelatedness`.

Now it becomes necessary and important for us as to what has been the most path-dependent characteristics of Manipur during the last few decades. The significance of this endeavour arises because of the dogged refusal of the society of Manipur to evolve towards a direction indicating greater sincerity, higher social justice, and widening and deepening trust among the population. While the social changes or rather qualitative deterioration has been our worries, what has been happening in my own locality is almost like products of experimental research.

The collective behaviour in my home locality has been strongly dominated by the violent, repressive, imposing and absolutely rent-seeking approaches of a group supposedly looking after the property and interests of the sylvan deity of the locality. Now the dynamics of the composition of this group is very revealing. It has been dominantly composed of members from a clan which has been successful as participants in the highly corrupt governance process during the last four decades or so. This successful participation in the corruption process of the administration of the land has definitely established certain kind of aura for the families of this clan; one best example of their success relates to the public distribution channels of Manipur. Since wealth has been accumulated more by faulty means than through globally appreciated and socially acceptable means, the actors simply did not possess deep qualities of commitment to social transformation. Instead they have rather been characterised by pseudo drive for indulgence in supposedly common interest while the inner ethos was one of assuming the collective for granted. From among the collective too, there were people who could be easily sucked into the mechanism as the scope for economic and social advancement has been very limited. This latter group could be easily mobilised by offering regular country-liquor with the ill-gotten wealth and mis-using the property of the local deity in the name of common interest, and help in projecting a positive image of the social-thieves.
It is here the relevance of the character of governance in Manipur over the decades arises. How could such a group emerge with impunity and sustain itself? This takes us to the `mithibong mitambal` who politically represented our locality during the 1990s coupled by the head of district police during that period. The mithibong mitambal found it very convenient to collude with these lumpen elements and had no qualms in indulging in any nonsense as desired by these elements for purely personal gains and social looting. The head of the district police during the period was someone who some people describe as the most-decorated officer. This person was marked by his ready indulgence in violence, flamboyance with absolute disrespect for the rule of law and thought he could get anybody along his lines of liking irrespective of reasonableness or otherwise. Now both the mithibong mitambal and the police officer are no longer in limelight, and with them the wealthy lumpen elements have found themselves in a position of inability to sustain their modus operandi.

Now what is the worry when these elements have their aura compromised? It is the path-dependent nature as reflected in the behaviour of the contemporary youths in the locality. As growing teenagers they have learnt that one could still prosper and accumulate wealth at personal levels by adopting a pseudo interest in common welfare. Indulgence in spreading lies and revealed preference for violent approaches are absolutely salient among them. This is what sucks our society. This is the challenge for the society, which demands responsiveness from governance. I only hope that this character in my local society is not a generalised feature of Manipur. Or am I wrong in wishing for this?

Regional FCI office will be made fully-functional, says Union CAF & PD Minister Ram Vilas Paswan

IMPHAL, February 15: The regional FCI office will be made fully functional and the General Manager of FCI has been directed to act in this regard, announced Union Consumer Affairs,

Union Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan opening the foundation plaque for the FCI storage depot at Sawombung.

IMPHAL, February 15: The regional FCI office will be made fully functional and the General Manager of FCI has been directed to act in this regard, announced Union Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan while laying the foundation stone for the construction of food storage depots of Bishnupur and Sawongbung.

`I have a great affection for the North East` stated Ram Vilas Paswan while describing his origin in a poor Dalit family.

He said that though he will appeal to the concerned authorities for maximum recruitment of the locals, the regional office will also have staffs from around the country.

He appealed the State CM for providing safety to staffs from other parts of the country. The Union Minster expressed that the conversion of the railway link to a broad gauge will be completed for the transportation of food grains.

He lamented that the work progress may hinder due to the Nagaland bandh from February 17, mentioning that once the Lamding- Silchar broad gauge is ready, sufficient food grains will be made available in the State. Talking about the complaints of truckers on their staying idle as tenders are held at Assam, he assured that once the regional office starts running in full swing then tenders will be held at Manipur.

He also said that he will instruct the FCI officials to consider hiring local transporters.

He further expressed that 90 percent of food grains would have to be acquired by the State government with the remaining 10 percent supplied by the Central government and all the latter has to do was to make sure that food grains reach the targeted destinations.

He said that the State government is concerned about the locations of fair price shops and its pricings. He said that at present the existing state FCI depots have stocks for three months only, mentioning that the requirement for food grains of India is 580 lakh tons, out of which 450 lakh tons of food grains are transported through the railways.

He added that FCI depots in India have capacity of 750 lakh tonnes while depots located at North East India have the capacity to store 5.02 lakh tonnes. He asserted that the construction of FCI depots for the capacity of three lakh tons has been instructed at the cost of around Rs 500 crore.

He stated that FCI depots located at Manipur have capacity of 33423 tonneswith another 57000 tons of food grains still being needed.

He said the Government has planned to construct depots at eight places in the State which are Jiribam, Senapati, Thoubal, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, Imphal East, Chandel and Tamenglong and added that if these depots are constructed then the state will have extra food grains of 27500 tonnes.

Regarding the implementation of National Food Security Act, he mentioned that the Act was implemented in the country on July 4, and after a year only 11 states have effectively implemented the Act. He said by May 31, NFSA will be effectively implemented in the State; and for the same, 88 percent of the rural and 85 percent of the urban population have been identified as beneficiaries.

He said once NFSA is implemented, there will be no BPL and APL category within citizens but only the Antyodaya Anna Yojna will remain.

Appreciating the culture of Manipur that he witnessed during his stay in the State, he said he would visit the State in the future but whenever he visits, he would like to visit with a purpose.

Speaking as the chief guest, the State Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said he is not new to the State and understand the sentiments and problems regarding mainly the transportation of food grains in the State.

He said after repeated requests from the State government and after great difficulties, the regional FCI office came into being after many years on January 14, 2014. He added that the said depot and office is not fully functional and not allotted autonomy. The State government cannot intervene into the activities of the regional office as it is a GOI branch office at Imphal.

He said the State was eagerly awaiting the implementation of NFSA without delay, adding people below the poverty line were more concerned about the Act.

He said the State government is acquiring rice at seven rupees per Kg and selling at three rupees per Kg to the BPL families. The Government will suffer a huge lose and difficulty, he added while also stating that handling the fair price shops will cost a huge amount of money and the State has no resources was going through a financial crunch. The State Chief Minister further stated that if the fund is released for the land acquisition for the purpose of FCI depots at Tamenglong and Chandel districts then the process will soon be completed.

He said Tamenglong is one remote district and sometimes food grains are transported through helicopter during raining season which cost a lot of money.

The Chief Minister appealed the Union Minister to make the regional depot fully functional at the earliest and to release the funds for the land acquisition at Tamenglong.

The two foundation stones for the construction of food storage depots of Bishnupur and Sawongbung were unveiled by the Union CAF & PD Minister Ram Vilas Paswan. The CAF & PD and Education minister M Okendro was also present as the guest of honour at the function.

The function was held at the Regional Office of FCI in the old Assembly complex, Imphal, organised by the Food Corporation of India.

Lui-Ngai-Ni 2015 greetings

MPHAL, Feb 14: The Governor of Manipur Dr KK Paul, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Inner Manipur MP Dr Thokchom Meinya, Speaker Th Lokeshwar Singh and MPCC president Gaikhangam has

MPHAL, Feb 14: The Governor of Manipur Dr KK Paul, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Inner Manipur MP Dr Thokchom Meinya, Speaker Th Lokeshwar Singh and MPCC president Gaikhangam has greeted the people of Manipur, especially Naga brethren, on the occasion of Lui-Ngai-Ni, 2015.

The Governor in his message said, `My heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people of Manipur, especially to our Naga brethren on this happy and joyous occasion of Lui-Ngai-Ni, 2015.`

`Lui-Ngai-Ni is a festival celebrated by all the Nagas of Manipur on the February 15 every year for a bountiful and bumper harvest,`

`During the festival, people seek the blessings of the Almighty for a prosperous life. Apart from its traditional and customary attributes, the festival has now become popular as a Tourist Festival also bringing all communities together irrespective of caste, creed or religion.`

`This festival has come to signify peace, harmony and humanism for all. Let the festival be celebrated by all in its true spirit,` he added.

The Chief Minister in his message said, `I have great pleasure in greeting the people of Manipur especially our Naga brethren on the joyous occasion of Lui-Ngai-Ni Festival, 2015.`

`Lui-Ngai-Ni, the seed sowing festival, is one of the biggest festivals of the Nagas.`

`The festival assumes much significance as it not only occupies a unique position among the Nagas, but also among the people in the North East for it appeals for peaceful coexistence and at the same spreads the message of `live and let live,`™ cutting across the barriers of caste, creed and religion.`

`I hope the festival would be celebrated in its true spirit and the festival will strengthen the bond of oneness and brotherhood to all the people belonging to various communities living in the state.`

`I join our Naga brethren in the celebration of this joyous festival. My best wishes and warm greetings to all the people of Manipur on this happy occasion.`

Inner Manipur MP, Dr. Thokchom Meinya in his message said, `I wish that the festival would bring love, peace, prosperity and happiness to the people of Manipur and that the celebration would strengthen the bond of unity among the different communities of the State.`

Speaker Th Lokeshwar Singh in his message said, `I pray the Almighty that this festival brings in prosperity, peace, and love to this land which is settled by different communities.`

The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaikhangam on behalf of the committee has also extended heartiest greetings on this occasion of Lui-Ngai-Ni, 2015.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/luingaini-2015-greetings/