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Let Mangka Grow Taller

The name Mangka, until recently, was known only to a few people who are interested in folk art and Pena, the traditional string musical instrument. Those who have known her

The name Mangka, until recently, was known only to a few people who are interested in folk art and Pena, the traditional string musical instrument. Those who have known her have been showering her with words of commendations. Mangka started giving live performances as a child artist on the radio when she was in the eighth standard. Except for a few, many people must have been unaware that this young girl represented the country in the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Radio Song Festival 2014, which was held in Colombo. Mangka was selected along with an artist from Bangalore. Only two of them among a host of artists were picked out to represent India. As expected, Mangka struck a chord with the audience with her performance in the said festival. On her return home after the festival, Mangka was interviewed live over the All India Radio, FM Rainbow channel, from its Mumbai studio. This kind of interview is a rare occurrence in the life of an artist, and is surely testimony to the caliber of the artist. IFP also had carried her interview in last year`™s July issue. Our online readers have been sending wishes for Mangka since then.

But Mangka`™s feat had largely remained unnoticed by the public until her performance in the opening ceremony of the 8th Manipur Polo International tournament held in November last year. The theme song of the tournament, based on the Meitei mythical horse and penned by B Jayantakumar Sharma, `Samaton Ayangba`™, which was performed on that day by Mangka went viral on the internet. It is heartening to learn that since then, there have been unprecedented demands for Mangka`™s performance from different quarters. As we are told, organisers would print Mangka`™s name in the performance programme without any prior information either to Mangka or Lai Hui, the musical ensemble to which she belongs. They would fervently push their demand without any compunction of having printed someone`™s name without prior consent of the concerned. Besides, people in positions and power send their emissaries to press their demand for Mangka`™s performance, on a date fixed by them in advance. Such proclivity towards her performance, or Lai Hui`™s genre of `contemporary performance`™ of folk music, is encouraging. But the way in which this proclivity is expressed leaves plenty of room to doubt whether it is an expression of their genuine love for the arts or whether it is a display of some coarse elements in play.

Lai Hui and its young artists, and particularly Mangka have reached a milestone in popularising their folk art in our time. As we have seen, it has been Lai Hui`™s determined endevour to popularise Pena and its associated performance among the youths, seeking tutelage from different maestros of the instrument from across the state. From a very young age Mangka has learned under gurus like Langathel Thoinu and Khangembam Mangi. Needless to remind that this is a time when her peers are busy running from one tuition center to another, in the rat race to find a foothold in the `career`™ battleground. Mangka on the other hand has been scaling artistic heights without compromising her formal education. It might not be out of place to add that Lai Hui and Mangka require space to grow to reach greater heights. Let us all give them that space lest our embrace becomes a smothering hold.

Leader Writer: Senate Kh

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/let-mangka-grow-taller/

Police claim killing URF leaders involved in Dec 2013 IED blasts

IMPHAL, January 7: Two leaders of the United Revolutionary Front, URF Manipur were killed yesterday morning in what the police claimed was an encounter. Bishnupur district SP N Herojit Singh

IMPHAL, January 7: Two leaders of the United Revolutionary Front, URF Manipur were killed yesterday morning in what the police claimed was an encounter.

Bishnupur district SP N Herojit Singh further claimed during a press meet held later in the day that the two were involved in the two deadly IED blasts of December 15 at MG Avenue and December 21 at Khuyathong.

The slain militant leaders have been identified as Finance secretary, URF (Manipur) Keithellakpam Tiken Singh, 45, son of (L) K Anganghal Singh of Naorenmthong Khullem Leikai and the outfit`™s Home secretary Puyam Ruhini Meitei alias Mungyamba, 50, son of (L) P Indu Singh of Khurai Chingangbam Leikai.

The alleged shootout occurred around 11:30 am yesterday inside a private residence at Kwakta Khuman Makha Leikai.

Local sources said the house belongs to Md Mujibur Rehman, 28 who is a personnel of the India Reserve Battalion.

Locals also said that the involved police and commando personnel seem to be completely aware of the location and environment of the house as they didn`™t seek any direction from the locals while approaching the house.

It is also learnt that soon after the police team went into the house, locals heard some gun-shots and found the two persons dead.

One was found lying on the threshold of the house, while the other was killed near the latrine, informed sources.

The locals also said that the two could have been staying at the residence since some days back.

Meanwhile, soon after the incident additional police teams arrived at the spot and conducted a search operation after blocking entry of civilians.

After the conduct of inquest by the Forensic experts and police enquiry, the two bodies were deposited at the RIMS mortuary.

Later around 7pm yesterday, the Bishnupur district SP N Herojit Singh called a press conference at the office of the OC Cdo.

He said on getting information about the presence of some armed militants at the residence of Md Mujibur Rehman, a team of the district police and commandos led by additional SP/ IW Vikramjit and additional SP/ BPR Manjit Singh the operation to flush out the militants was conducted.

The two police officers were also assisted by OC/ Cdo Imphal West inspector P Sanjoy Singh and OC/ Cdo Bishnupur inspector Sadananda and other personnel, he said.

The SP also claimed that the police team was fired upon by the two militants on approaching the residence, which made the police team to retaliate, killing both of them.

Two 9mm pistols, one Chinese hand grenade and a demand letter among other things were recovered from the two, he told the media persons. However, the recovered items were not displayed during the press conference.

Meanwhile, family members have identified the two bodies today at the RIMS mortuary.

Speaking to media persons at the RIMS morgue today, Tiken`™s family members said he had been detained under the National Security Act after his arrest at Guwahati in the past.

He has a son and a daughter, the family members said adding that after a long stay at home he left on September 27, 2014 and never returned again.

On the other hand, Ruhini`™s family said he had celebrated Ningol Chakkouba last year at his home.

Ruhini had started living by growing vegetables and rearing fish at home, they said adding that he suddenly went away last year and then never returned.

It is also learnt that even after the family members had identified the bodies and the Lamphel Police Station has being informed, post mortem examination of the two bodies were not conducted as the concerned investigation officer had failed to turn up till late evening.

It may be mentioned that the URF, Manipur was formed during a two-day joint meeting of the KCP/MTF- Sunil Meitei, KCP/ MC- Chingkheingamba and KCP/ MC- Lanheiba Meitei held on September 9 and 10, 2011.

The outfit had signed a MoU with the State government and Centre on February 13, 2013 during which slain Ruhini was one of the three representatives of the outfit signing the deal.

Later after staying at the Loitang Khunou designated camp, the outfit slipped out and had gone underground again on September 22, 2014.

FIDAM, HRA withdraw PIL in skull recovery case

IMPHAL, January 7: Families of the Involuntarily Disappeared Association, Manipur and Human Right Alert have, today, withdrawn their Public Interest Litigation filed last year with the liberty to file a

This was stated by HRA director Babloo Loitongbam in a press meet at the Manipur Press Club this afternoon.

He said a division bench constituted by Chief Justice Luxmi Kant Mohapatra and Justice Nobin Singh of the Manipur High Court heard the PIL as item number 2 at court number 1. During the hearing, the Advocate General placed relevant government files disclosing that the State cabinet has decided to hand over the matter to CBI on December 29 last year.

FIDAM has noticed that even after nine days, the government has not issued the gazette notification which is the first step towards handling over the case to the CBI, he said, adding that even after due notification and consent by the State government, the Central government under section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act should also issue a notification under section 5 of the same Act.

The court asked us to withdraw the PIL as the state government has decided to hand over the whole investigation to the CBI. In that condition, we withdrew the PIL today, he said.

Babloo said many prosecution sanction were demanded from the Union Home Ministry in relation with cases of disappearance of people after their abduction by security forces. But the Home Ministry has informed us to take permission from the Defence Ministry.

They are yet to respond to a prosecution sanction demand made in the case of Yayep Ali who disappeared in 1999. Regarding this particular case, the High Court had asked for an enquiry on May 18, 2005 but till date there has been no finding as reported by his brother, Md Baniyamin. So there is no hope even after the promise of a CBI investigation because this matter will cool off and finish without any real finding.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/fidam-hra-withdraw-pil-in-skull-recovery-case/

Man allegedly kidnapped from wife`s parental home

CHANDEL, January 7: A man from Guwahati who was staying at his wife`™s parental home to attend to his brother in law`™s marriage has been allegedly abducted along with his

CHANDEL, January 7: A man from Guwahati who was staying at his wife`™s parental home to attend to his brother in law`™s marriage has been allegedly abducted along with his wife late last night by armed persons suspected to be security forces personnel from Tonsen Khullen Village, Chandel under Sugunu Police.

Sources identified the man as Gopal Poddar alias T Gopal, 34, son of (L) Rajaram Poddar of Guwahati and his wife as Jenevic Kom daughter of T Daijobsing of Tonsen Khullen.

According to sources, around 10:30 pm after the marriage ceremony ended, armed persons in civilian dresses broke into Jenevic`™s parental home and took away the husband and wife duo.

They had come to attend the marriage ceremony of Tellien Alister Kom elder brother of Jenevic.

Speaking to media persons this morning, T Daijobsing said the family and all relatives who were present at their residence to attend the marriage were sleeping when they were awakened by forceful knockings on their front door around 10:30 pm yesterday.

He said he first enquired as to who it was at which a person speaking Manipuri said they wanted to drink water and asked him to open the door.

When he told them to come in the morning as it was too late and that he wouldn`™t open the door, the unidentified persons broke open the door and entered, and then started to threaten his family members at gun points Daijobsing said.

The armed persons than started searching for his son in law Gopal Poddar and dragged him and his wife from the bed where they were sleeping with their three-year old daughter, he continued.

They even broke open the door to the room of the newlyweds and entered showing no respect, he said.

The armed persons then took away both the husband and wife in two vehicles which were already parked outside on the road, he said alleging that they had tortured his daughter and her husband in front of their young daughter.

He said the family has reported the case to the Sugunu Police Station.

Both the police and the 22 Assam Rifles post located nearby have already denied their involvement, he said appealing to all concerned to release his daughter and son in law at the earliest without any conditions.

The authorities should investigate and award befitting punishment to all those found involved in the crime, he said.

Meanwhile, Tonsen Khullen Village Authority and meira paibi have strongly condemned the incident.

Speaking to media persons, T Bijoy Kom, chief of Tonsen Khullen said that the act of forcibly intruding into a private residence and abducting a father and mother in front of their little girls is highly condemnable.

He said all right thinking individuals and organisations should condemn such barbaric act.

The village chief further said that the police or the Assam Rifles or any armed group should inform the village authorities before searching any house inside the village.

Inordinate delays Speed Post mails and parcels continue

IMPHAL, January 7: Despite the recent uproar over inordinate delay in delivery of a mail to an addressee in Ukhrul, Speed Post, the government owned courier service in the state

IMPHAL, January 7: Despite the recent uproar over inordinate delay in delivery of a mail to an addressee in Ukhrul, Speed Post, the government owned courier service in the state continues to be erratic with impunity.

The Imphal head office of the service is currently in a glut of undelivered mails and parcels, some of them weeks old.

The Imphal Head Office claim this unmanageable backlog at its office currently is on account the Kolkata NHS suddenly releasing several weeks mail all at once after holding them up for two weeks at the Airport.

An addressee complained to IFP that a set of books purchased from online retailer Amazon India on December 19 by her father has still not reached her.

Using the internet parcel tracking facilities of both Amazon India and India Post, the parcel is indicated as booked with the Kadugodi Extension SO in Karnataka on December 20.

The track events for the parcel, on the website of India Post, which boasts the capability of delivering mails and parcels anywhere in India in 24 to 48 hours, has the following details.

The parcel was booked on December 20m at 9:28am at R Kadugodi Extension SO. The bag containing the parcel was dispatched for NHS Kolkata Airport at 4:09pm the same day. The bag was received at NSH Kolkata Airport the next day, December 21, at 3:33pm. From there the bag was dispatched to NSH Imphal the same day at 7:46pm.

The delay begins thereon. The tracking facility show NHS Imphal receiving the bag on January 1, at 12:32pm, 10 days after the NHS Kolkata Airport claims it was dispatched from its office.

The question is, why was the Speed Post bag held up for 10 days in the Kolkata Airport? Or was it allowed to pile up at the NHS Imphal all the while.

The internet tracking facility shows NHS Imphal opened the bag and dispatched the parcel to Imphal H.O. on the same day at 3:59pm.

The bag was received at Imphal H.O. on January 2, at 9:44am, opened at 9:45am. January 2 is a Friday, but the having received the parcel early in the morning, the Imphal HO failed to deliver the parcel to the addressee.

The Speed Post parcel, though lying in the Imphal HO is still not delivered even after a week since it came to be in the custody of the Imphal HO.

When the addressee`™s father called the Imphal HO Speed Post department at 2452239, the lady answering the call explained it was the delay from Kolkata which has resulted in a huge piling up at the Imphal HO, and her office is frantically trying to clear the pile.

She suggested the addressee should come to the Imphal HO and collect the parcel.

Given the circumstance, this may be reasonable, but the question is should the matter be allowed to be forgotten without a proper inquiry. After all, the postal service employees are paid from public tax money, and Speed Post tariff is higher than ordinary mail or registered posts precisely because of the promise they would be delivered swiftly, the addressee said.

According to India Post`™s own advertisements, Speed Post mails are guaranteed delivery within 24 hours to most destinations in India and 48 maximum to some destinations.

Yet, nearly 20 days after this particular parcel began its Speed Post journey from Karnataka, it has still not reached its destination.

It is only to be imagined what the plights of addressees who might be waiting for urgent mails on which things as important as careers could depend.

AMWJU celebrates Press Club 40th B`day

IMPHAL, January 7: The 40th Foundation Day of the Manipur Press Club is like Teacher`™s Day because the media like teachers spread information to people everywhere, stated Th Lokeshwar, the

IMPHAL, January 7: The 40th Foundation Day of the Manipur Press Club is like Teacher`™s Day because the media like teachers spread information to people everywhere, stated Th Lokeshwar, the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly while speaking as the chief guest speech on January 6 at the Manipur Press Club.

The foundation day observation was organised by the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU).

He said the observation is not only meant for media persons but also includes people who came to this club to talk about their problems so that the media fraternity can disseminate their tales of woes.

Media is important in every country because they are the only means through information regarding various issues in a place can be gathered, he added.

Lokeshwar further said that listening to the story of how the Press club came into being is inspiring and that we should all be grateful to the veteran journalists who prepared the groundwork for its establishment.

He requested media houses to consider the pros and cons before publishing a story and its negative impact on people.

He also stressed that Manipur cannot become `a golden Manipur` without the contribution of media houses.

In his speech as the guest of honour, Works and Transport minister Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh said journalists of today in our state are different from journalists of two decades ago and now they have capabilities to compete with journalists of other nations as well as many national papers. All the credit must go to the senior journalist because it won`™t have been possible without their help and suggestion.

He said the press club can now be compared with press clubs of other states. However, it all boils down to the contribution made by various media houses, he added.

Sometimes, we found news-reports where reporting is done subjectively or personalised which indicates the character of the particular reporter or the media house, he said, while calling for professionalism among the media fraternity.

Veteran journalist K Madhumangol Singh said the press club was intended to be founded on December 29, 1974 but unfortunately Chief Minister of the time who was supposed to attend as the chief guest could not attend as his government collapsed and it had to be formally established on January 6, 1974.

Many problems had to be faced in those days in organsing such foundation days as the infrastructure was really poor., he said, adding that the story of how the Press club and AMWJU came into being should be published in the press club journal so new journalists can remember their struggles.

In his presidential speech, AMWJU president Wangkhemcha Shamjai said that all the old furniture which were used by veteran journalists were being preserved.

He said AMWJU is trying to keep separate rooms for veteran journalists and women journalist. The guest room is completed but beds are still in the process of being assembled, he added.

Veteran journalists, DIPR officials, staffs of AIR Imphal, leaders of civil organisation and AMWJU members attended the function.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/amwju-celebrates-press-club-40th-bday/

Road block leaves gas bullets stranded inside Sekmai bottling plant

IMPHAL, January 7: The Awang Sekmai Nongthonband Youth Club called a press conference today in connection with its road block imposed along the road connecting National Highway no

IMPHAL, January 7: The Awang Sekmai Nongthonband Youth Club called a press conference today in connection with its road block imposed along the road connecting National Highway no 2 with the Sekmai Gas Bottling Plant since January 1 decrying the government`™s failure to act on its assurance to repair the road.

The road block had resulted in around 80 loaded gas bullets remaining stranded inside the LPG bottling plant.

The agitation will continue until the road is repaired, the club`™s spokesperson told media persons.

He said the road has been blocked for a week till today, however, the government continues to remain silent even though it was taken up only after the government to act on its assurance.

He continued that last May, both the Chief Minister and the local MLA had assured to look into their demand, which is yet to be fulfilled.

The government`™s silence on the issue is in total disregard of the public`™s emotions, he continued.

The club members also declared that they will never meet government officials and representatives until the road repairing work is started.

The Chief Minister and the local MLA should bear all responsibilities for any untoward incident arising out of the issue, they warned

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MHA proposes setting up Investigative Units on Crimes Against Women

IMPHAL, January 5: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) proposes to set up Investigative Units on Crimes against Women (IUCAW), in 20% of the districts of each State on a

IMPHAL, January 5: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) proposes to set up Investigative Units on Crimes against Women (IUCAW), in 20% of the districts of each State on a 50:50 cost sharing basis with the states, acording to a statement of the ministry.

It said the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has written to the Chief Minister of the States that there is a need to strengthen various elements of the criminal justice system, namely, Investigation, Prosecution and Trials by courts to deal with the issue of rise of crimes against women.

MHA has proposed to set up 150 such IUCAW units initially on pilot basis in most crime prone districts of each state. Elaborating the IUCAW, the Home Minister mentioned that these units may consist of 15 personnel, preferably five of them women, it said adding that the States will have full flexibility on whether to create new posts or to designate from the existing strength.

Each IUCAW will be headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police assisted by two DSPs. Out of the total 2250 personnel required for the 150 IUCAWs, 750 will be women. This will involve a total expenditure of 84 crore rupees annually, out of which 42 crore rupees will be provided by the Centre, the statement added.

Rajnath Singh mentioned that the objective of these units will be to investigate cases referred to them, augment the investigative machinery of the States in relation to the heinous crimes against women, especially Rape, Dowry Death, Acid Attack and Human Trafficking, instill confidence and encourage women to come forward and lodge their complaint and improve the gender ratio in the State Police forces which is adversely impacting effective implementation of the legislations relating to women, it continued.

Besides, these units will have the additional functionality of proactive policing, intelligence gathering, tackling organized crime, monitoring proper implementation of the legislative provisions, helping awareness generation and promotion of social participation in checking crimes against women, the statement said.

Rajnath Singh has also advised the States to set up separate Fast Track Courts to deal with these cases expeditiously.

He has also assured all possible assistance to the States in taming the menace of crimes against women, it said.

Kangpokpi MLA praises State youth on achievements

KANGPOKPI, January 5: `The youths of Manipur has amazingly move forward in the field of education even in the national level and I am beyond doubt feeling proud of calling

KANGPOKPI, January 5: `The youths of Manipur has amazingly move forward in the field of education even in the national level and I am beyond doubt feeling proud of calling the youths of Manipur `my children`™ for their tremendous contribution towards bringing laurels and pride to the nation internationally in various field` asserted MLA Nemcha.

The Kangpokpi Assembly Constituency MLA was speaking during the 3rd Session Glory Day observation of Liyai Kalapahar Liyai Kongpao Youth and Students`™ Organisation under the motto `Learn today and Lead tomorrow` at Liyai Kalapahar Liyai Kongpao village in Sadar Hills, Senapati district today.

Speaking after unveiling the Liyai Kalapahar Liyai Kongpao Youth and students`™ Organization 3rd Session Glory Day stone, the MLA lauded the State youths and continued that the past few years have seen many from the State clear the toughest civil services exam conducted by the UPSC and get selected for the top-posts of IAS and IPS.

Throughout the world, youth are struggling for their respective nation and society and as such the youth of Manipur in general and those of Kangpokpi constituency in particular should give their best in bringing s healthier and more developed Manipur, she added.

The MLA further called for unity among the different communities in the State.

`Respect and take advice from elders while making decision`, suggested the MLA while adding that for healthier and better society youth and students have a big role to play.

In the meantime, the local MLA pointed out that Poumei Nagas are peacemaker in the society particularly between Kuki and Naga before maintaining that Poumei people are faithful, honest and sincere and are committed to what they say.

Extolling the Poumei community the MLA also said that they are broadminded people with a sense of oneness and unity and that is their best weapon in bridging the gap and making peaceful coexistence.

In his exhortation speech Theophilus Rangmathat, President Poumai Students`™ Union said that it is only in our State and district that we have been differentiated in the name of tribe, caste and region but as we move out from the State we are all known as tribal and people of just one race.

It is no time for us even here to differentiate ourselves from one another just because we are from a different tribe or community but it is time for us to come together asserted the Poumei Students Union leader.

Liyai Kalapahar Liyai Kongpao Youth and Students`™ Organization submitted a memorandum to the local MLA for construction of the Youth and Students`™ Office building cum Conference Hall which the MLA assured to materialised.

Apart from different youth clubs from various communities of the area, many CSOs leaders, church leaders and the local populace attended the function.

Solo and group dance performances and cultural songs from Liyai KKYSO and the Glory day feast marked the occasion.

BJP to launch agitations in the next three months

Imphal, January 5: BJP Manipur Pradesh will launch three different agitations in the next three months to protest against the state government for not taking up a single project which

Imphal, January 5: BJP Manipur Pradesh will launch three different agitations in the next three months to protest against the state government for not taking up a single project which the Union government has included in its 100 days programme, stated Manipur Pradesh BJP chief Th Chaoba while interacting with media persons today at the residence of O Malesh , president of the Yuva Morch, BJP Manipur Pradesh.

Chaoba said the projects included in the 100 days programme are the repair of the Imphal-Jiribam road which feature in the Union budget, the construction of FCI godowns in all the State`™s districts for which the government has already withdrawn funds and establishment of a National Sport University which is still mired in controversies with the construction site yet to be confirmed.

BJP will launch three agitations to expedite these projects. The present condition of NH 37(Imphal-Jiribam road) road remains deplorable even after it was included in the 100 days programme. BJP will mount pressure on both the Central and the State government to expedite its repair during the agitations, the State BJP chief said.

He said the State government has withdrawn all the funds for the construction of FCI godowns in all the districts of Manipur but there are no signs of any development for the constructions in the districts. During the agitation, BJP will demand to know how many godowns have been completed and how many remains to be completed because the government till date has not mentioned the actual number of godowns to be constructed. But all the funds have been deposited to MDS which is the finest place for covering the trail of the Chief Minister`s corruption, he alleged.

The State government is outwardly showing encouragement to the sports persons of Manipur but haven`™t done anything to establish a world class Sports University. During the agitation, BJP will demand to know the status of the National Spot University and where it will be constructed and whether the site proposed by the government is disputed and whether the government has got the approval of the people, he said.

The government`™s response to the recovery of Skulls and bones from the campus of Tombisana was not immediate. If such case had happened in other States, the CBI might have started its investigations already, he opined, asking why the State government likes to keep matters pending starting from the skulls and recovery case to the construction of the Sanjenthong Bridge.

The case of the skulls and bones need immediate investigation because any further delay would lead to the loss of evidence, he said.

Chaoba said BJP Manipur has made major achievements last years despite suffering electoral defeat in the Hiyanglam bye-polls because politically speaking the party was gaining in popularity among the people of Manipur.

UCM distributes gifts to mark Gaan Ngai festivities

IMPHAL, January 5: The United Committee Manipur today presented quilts and water reservoirs to the Ramji Kabui Village (Kinthanlong), Tera as part of its Gaan Ngai celebration. The gifts were

IMPHAL, January 5: The United Committee Manipur today presented quilts and water reservoirs to the Ramji Kabui Village (Kinthanlong), Tera as part of its Gaan Ngai celebration.

The gifts were presented by a UCM team led by its president Yumnamcha Nabachandra Singh.

Speaking on the sidelines of the simple ceremony marking the handing over of the gifts, Nabachandra said that the endeavour was carried out in order to join in the festivities of Gaan Ngai and share the sentiments of the communities celebrating the festival.

This will help in restoring peace and harmony among the different communities of the State, he said.

He further urged upon the people to encourage gift sharing between the different communities, cultural and emotional exchanges to maintain and promote emotional integrity in the State.

It is in the itinerary of the UCM to attend festivals of all communities residing in the State and cement the bond of love and friendship build up by the forefathers of all communities, he continued.

There is no future for the State unless, the communities understand the necessity of helping each other, he said before wishing a grand Gaan Ngai celebration in the State and for the festival to help bring peace and erase any form of violence.

Meanwhile, the Ching-Tam United Women`™s Association (CHITUWA) has said in a press release that members of the association had presented gifts at Namching village, Mahakabui, Senapati on January 3 as part of its Gaan Ngai celebration.

According to the statement, its president Maibam (o) Purnima Leima was the guest of honour in the event.

The association also presented gifts to members of the Zeliangrong community on the occasion of Gaan-Ngai celebrated at Heikrujam Kabui village, Imphal West on January 4 at 3 pm, it said. The association gifted blankets to the village chief, Punshi Kabui and other villagers, it said.

From Our Bishnupur Correspondent: The Gaan Ngai festival of the Rongmei community was celebrated today at the Maibam Kabui Village Community Hall with a simple gift exchange function.

Maheikhol Ideal training Institute Nambol chief functionary Wahengbam Suni gifted Meitei traditional dresses to six members of the village authority including the village head Lungthaungam.

Suni also handed eatable items to other villagers as part of the function.

Other highlights of the function include cultural shows presented by villagers and the village head offering prayers.

Speaking as the chief guest, Suni said the participation of other communities in the festival of others will improve the relation between the communities.

Directorate of Vety & AH charged of arbitrary exercise of financial powers

IMPHAL, January 5: A written complaint has been submitted to the Governor demanding stern actions against `wrongdoers` of the Directorate of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry by investigating the `illegal actions and misuse of power` within the department which is among the major departments of the State government.

Sources informed IFP that the written complaint was submitted to the Governor today. The complaint was submitted by S Indra Singh, a resident of Hawreibi Mayai Leikai in Imphal West district.

The three-pages long written complaint contains allegations suggesting that the government rules & OM(s) have been `rendered futile and otiose` as the Secretariat : Vety & AH department, is functioning under the influence of the Directorate of Vety & AH and that arbitrary promotion orders of the department officials have been issued.

The complaint further mentions payment of `excess salaries` to demoted officers, paying pensions commensurate with that of grade-III employees to retired veterinary officers and that a culture of officers misusing their official powers prevails in the department. It also mentions in great detail the pending Vigilance case no. 5/SP-V/2014 against the incumbent director, Dr S Joute.

Sources said copies of the written complaint have been submitted to the Chief Minister, chief secretary and the commissioner of Department of Personnel.

Official documents which are in IFP`™s possession reveal that there is an ongoing controversy within the Directorate after an order was issued proclaiming a joint director who was officially engaged by the Directorate as absent on Extra-ordinary leave(EOL) during the period of his engagement.

Sources said Dr K Gopal Singh was promoted as a joint director (MVS grade `“II) by L Lakher, commissioner (Vety & AH) after issuing an order (order no. 4/4/99-Vety/part-1) on July 2, 2012. The order promoted nine veterinary officers to the posts of joint directors. Dr Gopal was listed on serial no 8 in the promotion order.

With the issuing of the order, Dr Gopal was transferred as joint director of Veterinary department in Chandel district. But he was engaged in the headquarters of the Directorate by director Dr S Joute from September 13, 2012 to January 14, 2013 after officially summoning him back into the Directorate headquarters. He received his due allowance and salary as a Joint Director during this period.

However, an order issued by under secretary (Vety & AH), Saichchingpuii on December 22 which proclaimed that the joint director was on extra ordinary leave during this period, which means his absence from duty was unauthorised. This has left many bewildered.

Dr K Gopal, joint director of District Veterinary Office, Chandel has written to the director, Vety & AH opposing the order and demanding the order to be revoked which proclaims him to be absent on EOL and threatening to move the High Court of Manipur if the order is not revoked.

AMUCO`s 3-day youth leadership camp held in Imphal East

IMPHAL, January 5: The first phase of the three-day Youth`™s Leadership Residential Camp 2014-15 of the All Manipur United Clubs`™ Organisation, AMUCO was conducted from December 28-30, 2014 at the Khuman Lampak Kang Shang organised by the Imphal East United Clubs Organisation, IEUCO.

According to a press release of the AMUCO, several intellects attended and spoke on diverse topics during the three-day long camp.

The participating campers also raised several questions for the intellects and resource persons to elaborate, it said.

The statement said the second phase of the camp will be held from January 7 to 9 at the Yairipok Universal Collage organised by the All Thoubal District United Clubs Organisation, ATDUCO.

The inaugural function will be attended by member of 10-Langathel zilla parishad, Thoubal Sh Budhi Singh, retd Veterinary director and ATDUCO advisor Dr M Rajendro Singh, president AMUCO Dr Y Mani Khuman, DDC president T Rameshor Meitei, KHUKAMPAL president W Maipak Devi, AMPKLP president M Tathot Devi as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively, it said.

The evening session of the inaugural day will start at 2pm with principal IRE, N Rajivkumar speaking on the topic`Moral education for a better society` and State Shumang Lilla Cuncil president Th Gunachandra Sharma speaking on `People perspective on Arts, Culture and Sports.`

Quality not maintain in State`s railway project construction alleges AZSU

IMPHAL, January 5: The All Zeliangrong Students`™ Union, Manipur which sent a team to inspect some of the sites of the railway project in the State has discovered that quality

IMPHAL, January 5: The All Zeliangrong Students`™ Union, Manipur which sent a team to inspect some of the sites of the railway project in the State has discovered that quality is not being maintained in the construction of railway tunnels from Tupul to Jiribam. This was alleged by AZSU president Pamei Tingenlung.

A team of All Zeliagrong Students Union (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) along with members of Zeliangrong Students Union, Manipur inspected the construction sites of railways tunnels and bridges from Jiribam to Tupul from December 26 to 30 last year.

The team found irregularities while maintaining quality control in the construction of tunnels and bridges, said Pamei Tingenlung in a press meet at the AZSU office in Namdulong today.

He said the team inspected the sites after AZSU started receiving several request from people to inspect the irregularities of the private companies working in the North Eastern Frontier Railway project in maintaining quality control during the construction of the tunnels and bridges.

He has asked the concerned authorities of the Railways project to dismantle these completed works for not maintaining quality control by using proportionate amount of sand and irons bar as per NEFR norms and not heeding to its recommendation of using only the finest sand and materials in construction.

Those companies which have not maintained quality control must dismantle their works within 10 days and if any of the companies don`™t comply with that, AZSU and ZSUM will impose a ban on their construction works in the future, he said.

A full detail report on the irregularities in maintaining quality control by these private firms will be sent to the Union Ministry of Railways, Pamei informed.

He said the team also inspected the construction site of the world`™s highest bridges, Bridge No.1164, which is constructed between Lukhambi and Nungtek. The Simplex Company is constructing the bridge but unfortunately it was found using inferior raw materials for the construction of the world`™s highest bridge, he added.

Highlighting that other companies were also found to be using low-quality sand in the construction of tunnels and bridges when the team inspection other sites, he informed that the Onycon engaged in the construction of Tunnel Point 27 at Marangjing area and Tunnel Point 21 at Rangkhung, Sushee engaged in construction of Tunnel Points 19, 1 and 2, ECI engaged in the construction of Tunnel Point-2A at the Thingou area and NAYAK which is constructing bridges and retaining walls at Noney areas were some of the companies not maintain quality control.

Pamei said a proper inspection of the construction sites is needed because after the completion of the National Railways project the companies will leave but the dangers of not maintaining quality control during the construction will remain. The victims will be Manipuris, he cautioned.

The North Eastern Frontier Railways officials are reportedly inspecting the construction sites regularly but our findings have revealed that officials are inspecting the sites only for namesake, he alleged.

Meanwhile, the state government is not taking any initiative on the construction of the Railways project and because of this negligence; the target set by the government for its completion can`™t be achieved. The team which asked officials of the NEFR whether it was possible for the completion of project within 2020 received a negative response, the AZSU president said.

He also said that both the students union will continue monitoring the construction because the construction companies feel that the state of Manipur doesn`™t have any monitoring officials that can conduct random checks on whether they were maintaining quality control or not.

Sharp increase in Senapati population results in decrease in population-elector ratio in the State

IMPHAL, January 5: The State Election department has completed a special summary revision of the Manipur Photo Electoral Roll on January 1, 2015 under instruction of the Election Commission of

IMPHAL, January 5: The State Election department has completed a special summary revision of the Manipur Photo Electoral Roll on January 1, 2015 under instruction of the Election Commission of India, chief electoral officer O Nabakishor told media persons today. He said the projected population of the State in 2015 is 30,80,488.

Speaking to media persons inside his office chamber at the New Secretariat building this evening, he said the special summery revision with reference to January 1, 2015 as the qualifying date has come to an end with the final publication of Electoral Roll of 60 Assembly constitutions today.

He said the current projected population of 30,80,488- 1551774 male and 1528714 female, is against the total population of Manipur which stood at 28,55,794, of which 14,38,586 were male and 14,17,208 were female, by the 2011 Census.

The CEO continued that the total number of electors in the Draft Roll, 2014 is recorded as 17,64,122 of which 8,64,122 are male and 9,00,000 are female.

According to the final Electoral Roll, the elector-population ratio is 58 percent- male accounting for 56 percent and female accounting for 60 percent, he said.

This means that there is a 2 percent decline in the elector-population ratio as it was 60 percent in 2014, he continued.

Nabakishore elaborated that the decline has been caused by a sharp increase in the population of Senapati district as recorded in the latest census report.

CEO further said that the copy of the released electoral roll can be obtained from Census EROs at SDO offices for the valley district and for Hills district from the concerned DC offices.

The formats of the electoral roll can also be availed from CEO`s official web site www.ceomanipur.nic.in and the same has also been uploaded in the ECI`s website www.eci.gov.in, he said.

New Year and Renewal

We are already into another New Year. Although there is nothing new about any New Year, the sense of renewal that they bring is nonetheless joyous. Lest it be mistaken,

We are already into another New Year. Although there is nothing new about any New Year, the sense of renewal that they bring is nonetheless joyous. Lest it be mistaken, there is nothing religious about the Gregorian calendar New Year that we celebrate on January 1 each year though so many presume it is a Christian occasion. Probably this is on account of its proximity to Christmas just a week ahead on December 25. Christmas definitely is a Christian occasion, and the most important one at that. But increasingly, perhaps as a sign of the time and the spirit of liberalisation of the spirit that come with it, so many non-Christians too partake in the festivities of Christmas. The red Star of David lanterns which have become the symbol of the Christmas season, is increasingly seen in so many non-Christian localities in Imphal these days, and we for one think this is beautiful. Religion should unite and not divide, though unfortunately the latter has been the tendency through history, including in the modern times. Notions such as heresy, apostasy, heathen and non-believer should all have become buried and done with, had this spirit of liberalism been allowed to gain ascendency instead. Obviously there are bigots who think otherwise, and no use finger pointing at others. Begin by pointing a finger at the self, and have no doubt, truthful introspection is the beginning of all reformation movements. It is also true, those who do not believe in the need for perennial reformation of mind and matter are the true bigots.

It is also unfortunate to see the tussle between the Govindaji Board and Umang Lai Lups over a Bill that sought to have the board control the Umang Lai worship. Thankfully, the Bill today has been withdrawn. Hopefully given the time, the two faiths are able to reconcile their differences in the spirit of peaceful, harmonious co-existence. At their cores, all religions preach this. Only those religions whose practitioners have misinterpreted and introduced attributes of politics into their religions, and therefore the need for hegemonic control over others, go against this most humane tenet of any faith. So many moderate followers of Islam, for instance, have time and again said this too at witnessing fundamentalist followers of their religion commit outrageous crimes. In like manner, so many Hindus too have expressed their disillusionment at the current propaganda of “Ghar Wapsi” of Hindu fundamentalists who seek to “reconvert” to Hinduism, those who chose to adopt other religions. We hope good sense returns and prevails.
Back to the contemplation of New Year and the sense of renewal, we are reminded of a verse in the Baghavad Gita. As many of us who have read it knows, the Gita is interesting even to those who are not religious for it can be read not only as a religious text, but as an engaging intellectual discourse as well. Even American poet T.S. Eliot’s extended poem, “Four Quartet” was inspired greatly by it. Directly summarising Krishna’s core message Eliot writes, “Fare forward / Not fare well,/ but fare forward voyager.” In other words, it is not the destination which is important, but the journey, so keep moving forward in whatever you do. The other passage from the Gita that is interesting in the contemplation of New Year is the one in which Krishna tells Arjuna that worshipping any God is fine, “for whoever worships any God with devotion worships me”. Beautiful. It is like saying, celebrate any time of the year as New Year, be it harvest, spring or the dead of winter when all life is in hibernation, as the Gregorian calendar New Year does, for they are all the same as long as they inspire the joyous sense of renewal. Happy New Year everybody!

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/new-year-and-renewal/

DoNER secretary calls on State CM

IMPHAL, January 5: Newly appointed DoNER secretary R Binaykumar called on the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi at the latter`™s official chamber today. Sources said the DoNER secretary discussed the

IMPHAL, January 5: Newly appointed DoNER secretary R Binaykumar called on the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi at the latter`™s official chamber today.

Sources said the DoNER secretary discussed the present status of fund and projects undertaken in the State under the Non-Lapsable Central Pool (NLCP) during the meeting.

It is also learnt that following the meeting with the Chief Minister, he further visited NLCP funded projects in Thoubal and Moreh and later returned to Imphal late this evening.

Sources also said that he will be meeting with the State chief secretary tomorrow and visit Senapati district later.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/doner-secretary-calls-on-state-cm/

Binalakshmi Nepram in Forbes (India) Minds That Matter 2015 List

NEW DELHI, January 4: Binalakshmi Nepram, humanitarian, author and civil rights activist, founder of Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, CAFI and Northeast India Women Initiative for Peace who works to support women survivors of armed violence all across Northeast India has been listed in prestigious Forbes (India) Magazine `Minds That Matter` list for 2015, a press release by Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network said.

The release said Forbes India in their 9 January 2015 issue writes that people like Nepram are `Thinkers who best explain a rapidly-changing India to the world (and the world to India)` and that Nepram was chosen as `She fights racism against people from the North East and says it like it needs to be said in a country with deep geographical and regional prejudices`. In 2014 Nepram along with many from region lead massive non-violent movements in India`™s capital Delhi that forced government of India to set up the Bezbaruah Committee to look into racial discrimination of people from Northeast India.On 3rd January 2015,the recommendations of this committed was adopted by Govt of India

It said Nepram is the only Northeast person included in the list. Many from the region hailed the inclusion of Nepram in Forbes list calling it `a feather in our caps` and a `public recognition of the significance` of Nepram`™s decade long work for peace, disarmament, ending wars and a gender-just society in conflict affected Northeast India,home to South Asia`™s longest running insurgency, the release added.

Binalakshmi Nepram was born in Manipur is a writer, civil rights activist and a humanitarian spearheading work on making women-led disarmament a movement and an issue that is meaningful to people`s lives, the release further said. She is author of four books

In 2003, in order to help thousands of women who are affected by gun violence in her home-state Manipur, Nepram started Manipur Women Gun Survivor Network. She has represented India civil society in various women and disarmament meetings held at United Nations in New York & Geneva. Nepram is recipient of Dalai Lama Foundation`s WISCOMP Scholar of Peace Award,Sean MacBride Peace Prize; CNN IBN Real Heroes Award. In 2013, London based organization Action on Armed Violence named Nepram as `100 most influential people in world working on armed violence reduction`, the release said.

Transporters caution govt ahead of its attempt to shift parking lot for Oil Tankers

IMPHAL, January 4: If the government acts on its decision of shifting the parking lot of all the oil tankers carrying kerosene, petrol and diesel from the Inter-State Bus Terminus

IMPHAL, January 4: If the government acts on its decision of shifting the parking lot of all the oil tankers carrying kerosene, petrol and diesel from the Inter-State Bus Terminus at Khuman Lampak to the campus of the FCS godown at Sangaiporou, it will only add into the traffic woes of Imphal City, a spokesperson of the All Manipur Petroleum Tankers & Drivers`™ Union told IFP.

He said that the recent initiative of the Chief Minister to forcibly shift the parking lot of Oil Tankers from ISBT to Sangaiporou is nothing new as it was earlier attempted by the last government when Pheiroijam Parijat was the FCS minister. However, the last government failed in its endeavour as many issues cropped up while enforcing its plan, he added.

Continuing that the heavy vehicular traffic on the Tiddim Road aside it is also located on the Airport road, he pointed out that possibilities of road accidents is also quite high as a result. Apart from that many colleges and schools along with the ISKCON temple is located along the road, he added.

Transporting empty or loaded tankers from NH-2 by crisscrossing Khwairamband Keithel or Nagamapal also poses a big problem, he said.

There are traffic problems even on the Dingku Road when loaded tankers are parked in the ISBT after reaching Imphal as the timing of their arrival coincides with school and office hours, he said.

Due to these reasons, we expect the government to ponder over these issues before carrying out its decision as similar attempts in the past failed, he cautioned.

However, the government is trying to shift all the 700 Oil Tankers parked at the ISBT to the FCS godown in Sangaiporow by January 16, he said, adding that the 700 tankers include 600 tankers of the Indian Oil Corporation with the remaining belonging to Bharat Petroleum, NRL and Essar company.