Tag: State

IMPHAL, Oct 28 NNN: Kovillan Smaraka Activist India National Award, annaward from Kovilan Trust, Kerala conferred to Irom Sharmila has been returned back to the Trust after receiving it formally in protest against the government of Manipur’s move to bar people from outside the state as well as the locals from meeting Irom Sharmila, the hunger striker demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
Addressing newsperson at Manipur Press Club today, Babloo Loitongbam, stated that the Kovillan Smaraka Activist India National Award which carries a cash reward of Rs 50,000 along with a memento was handed over to Irom Singhajit, brother of Irom Sharmila by Mahashweta Devi, noted writer and activist at a function held at Kolkata Press Club on October 27 at around 4 pm.
He further said Irom Sharmila’s decision not to accept any award still stands tall.
Giving reasons on why the award was received formally then, “The decision to send a team to receive the award was arrived at because it was a good chance to vindicate the stand of Irom Sharmila. Moreover, there was also opportunity to interact with the noted writers and activists of the country present at the awardf unction “.
Irom Singhajit, a trustee member of JPF said that the government has barred organizations and activists from outside as well as of the State to meet with Irom Sharmila.
He further said the foundation will persuade the state government to lift the restriction imposed on Irom Sharmila while adding that it will take up a legal steps if the government does not relax the restriction.
It may be mentioned here that the government of Manipur had rejected the requests made by Mahashweta Devi, noted writer and activist from Bengal to meet with Irom Sharmila in 2009. Irom Sharmila Chanu who has been on fasting since the year 2000 demanding the repeal of the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the state of Manipur is still lodged in the security ward of Jwaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sharmila-returns-award-to-protest-restriction/

IMPHAL, Oct 26 NNN: The United Naga Council (UNC) said today that it is constrained to respond to the statements of the United Committee Manipur (UCM) and the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) in particular, and media reports in general in respect of the current discourse on the settlement of the Indo-Naga issue.
“Firstly, the “inclusive” nomenclature of UCM and AMUCO, both Meitei organizations, do not include tribal communities which constitute more than 40% of the population of the state of Manipur. While the mandate and representation of the Meitei community by UCM and AMUCO is for the Meiteis to decide, the Nagas in Manipur have in the Naga People’s Convention held on July 1, 2010 resolved to severe all political ties with the communal government of Manipur and to demand an alternative arrangement outside the government of Manipur,” the UNC said. The Naga body then said the interest of the people of the state of Manipur which UCM is professedly advocating is definitely not inclusive of the interest of the tribal communities. The UCM is free to demand “pre-merger status” for its constituents, in its jurisdictions but certainly not for the tribals who own 90% of the geographical area of the present state of Manipur, it asserted. The Nagas have no objection to the aspirations of the UCM and AMUCO and the future that they envision for their constituents but the political position of the Naga people is based upon the unmistakable facts that it is impossible to protect our right to life, land, time-honoured institutions, customary practices and values under the administration of the dominant and communal government of Manipur and that our history with it has clearly confirmed the harsh reality that the government of Manipur has never recognised and respected the identity and dignity of the Naga people, the UNC stated.
The UCM has stated that the government of India should not do anything that would disturb communal harmony.
But where is the communal harmony that the UCM is speaking about? At least not here in the state of Manipur; none other than the Prime Minister of India has expressed his deep concern about the Naga-Meitei divide in Manipur on communal lines (PM’s address in the 45th Conference of DGPs, 26 August, 2010). The very position taken by the UCM and others, in which they stridently advocate the continued suppression of the rights of Nagas, is antithetical to the very idea of communal harmony.
The UNC then said threat to uproot all national level political parties from the state and to launch an agitation stronger than that of 18 June 2001 if the wishes of the Manipuri public is not acknowledged has been made public by
the UCM. Instead of prosecuting the criminal acts of burning the Indian national flag and Indian constitution, the arson of the State Legislative Assembly and the Raj Bhavan in Imphal during the “June Uprising” of 2001, all of which are the highest symbols and seat of Indian democracy, has been glorified and commended by the government of Manipur. “It is therefore no surprise that organisations such as the UCM and AMUCO are threatening to commit the same crimes in greater measure if the democratic rights of the Nagas are upheld and respected. The government of India cannot be cowed down and accept the threat of mindless violence as the factor for its decision. Anti-national organisations advocating an unconstitutional demand can only be tolerated to the peril of the Union Government.
The government of India will have to prove in letter and spirit that it is democratic and fair and seeks to deliver justice where it is well overdue,” the UNC further said.
“The tribals in Manipur in general have a unique position in the largest democracy called India. They subsist under the government of Manipur, a limb of the union, which is communal in its character and predatory in its approach to minority communities. Constitutional protections and democratic rights of tribals have been deprived to the tribals in the state by the GoM and by extension the Imphal valley based Meitei organisations through the persistent “local adjustment” approach to filter out and dilute any actual and real protection and benefit for the tribals. In the name of territorial integrity, the communal government of Manipur, whose decisions and policies are informed by the diktats of organisations such as the UCM and AMUCO endeavours to perpetuate their imperialistic control over the administration of resources, opportunities and government functions to keep the tribals under their hegemony. The sharing of power, opportunities and benefits of development with the tribals is farthest from the minds and hearts of the dominant community, which is bent on keeping the tribals in perpetual subjugation under their chauvinistic interest.The co-existence of Meitei-Naga communities has indeed fatigued all stakeholders, Meiteis, UCM and AMUCO included. Peaceful parting of the Nagas in Manipur and the Meiteis as good neighbours is the only way to avert catastrophic situations that would arise out of the prolongation of the forced union,” it opined.
The UNC then cautions the Naga public to remain alert to face any eventuality at this critical time and situation when our rights, our aspirations and our future are being subjected to the interest and convenience of communal forces. All tribe councils and frontal organisations are informed to be in continued readiness with their constituents to respond to emerging developments as per the declared position of the Naga people, itsaid.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/peaceful-parting-of-meitei-and-naga-much-unc/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Oct 26 : Four persons including two women were injured near Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Porompat today . One of the injured man sustained critical injuries. All the injured were rushed to JNIMS.
Police said the bomb blasted at Babina diagnostics collection centre opposite the hospital in which three staff of the centre and a customer were injured. The man who had visited the centre identified as S Romeo sustained injuries at his head. Three employees of the centre identified as W Rameshori, S Dapu and Th Joyshree sustained injuries in various parts of their bodies and were out of danger.
Earlier today a bomb blasted at Wangjing, Thoubal . No one was injured . Police said personnel of Assam Rifles were on a foot patrol in the area and later the bomb blasted.
Meanwhile protests were held here today at Mantripukhri against planting of bomb in an oil depot. The protestors said a bomb blasted last night near the oil depot and this was not the first time such a bomb was planted.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/four-injured-in-blast/

IMPHAL, Oct 26 NNN: The first Lady of Manipur Kiran Jagat said that the making of the greatness of Manipuri art and culture is the reverence to the art of weaving and the effort of the people to divinely weave the celestial gods and goddesses into the very fabric of their life.
Kiran Jagat said this as the chief guest at the concluding function of the workshop and exhibition of the “Manipurgi Sinnailonda-Leeba” (Reviving traditional appliqué art of Manipur –workshop & exhibition) held today at the conference hall of the Artistes’ workshop cum Dormitory, Palace Compound.
Speaking at the end of the 10 days long programme, organized by the department of Art & Culture, Manipur and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata Kiran Jagat said how she had long admired the intrinsic, delicate artistry of weaving and embroidery done by the Manipuri women. With her in-depth knowledge of this art as only an expert can understand, she goes into detail on the delicate aspect of the art involved and bringing out of the product. She lauded the blending of colours, exquisite design of objects depicted in the design of clothes. She recalled that she was so struck by its elegance that in order to learn the art, cajoled one of the Raj Bhavan lady to teach her but found herself 20 years too late as her body could not adapt to it, she said. She relates its origin as from the pantheon goddesses Leimarel or Panthoibi as according to legend and the art as influenced and taught by the goddess – production of cotton, spinning, weaving, designing and embroidery. Therefore, such reverence of the art led the people of Manipur to weave gods and goddesses into the very fabric of their life too, she said.
Such reverence goes into making the greatness of Manipuri culture and art, she remarked. She discussed the fine aspect of the art in artistic, fine and delicate detail along with the history and background behind the art. Appreciating the organizing of the workshops for bringing alive the dying traditions, she said that she was surprised to see such exquisite and beautifully created appliqué at the workshop.
She congratulated the participants for their high standard of craftsmanship. This encourages the Phiriba craft and makes people aware of the rich heritage of their culture, she said. She concluded by saying, “Let the people of India get a glimpse of this exquisite jewel called Manipur and its aesthetic excellence.”
The president of the function, Dr Kh Sorojini Devi, former Director of Art and Culture, Manipur said that even if appliqué art has practically involved and engaged people in their day to day household works and become part of the life of a Manipuri, yet they are not aware of the intrinsic value of this art. She further said that many traditional Manipuri clothes like Wangkhei Phee has reached many countries of the world and of enormous demand in the international market. There is need of government attention and initiative with proper funding through the department of Art and Culture as effort of individual to revive and preserve appliqué art would be very hard, she added. She suggested establishment of an appliqué art school inside the art and culture department complex with expert faculties while recommending more of such workshops in future.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/kiran-jagat-urges-weavers-to-cater-to-needs-of-the-new-generation/

The 13th Foundation Day of Community Education Centre (CEC), Sadar Hills, Manipur was observed today at Semol Village in Saikul sub-division, Sadar Hills.
Along with observing the CEC foundation day, an awareness programme on HIV/AIDS and Child Rights was also organised in which round 250 students from different villages participated in the programme.
Shri Thongkhup Doungel, founder of the CEC, Sadar Hills and Rev. Th. Joseph Haokip spoke on the occasion as resource persons. Skits, songs and cultural dances from the students were some other highlights of the foundation day observance.
Since its inception, the CEC, Sadar Hills has been doing its best towards socio-economic development of the rural areas in Sadar Hills and people of the area have been benefited by it in various ways.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cec-foundation-day-observed/

The 13th Foundation Day of Community Education Centre (CEC), Sadar Hills, Manipur was observed today at Semol Village in Saikul sub-division, Sadar Hills.
Along with observing the CEC foundation day, an awareness programme on HIV/AIDS and Child Rights was also organised in which round 250 students from different villages participated in the programme.
Shri Thongkhup Doungel, founder of the CEC, Sadar Hills and Rev. Th. Joseph Haokip spoke on the occasion as resource persons. Skits, songs and cultural dances from the students were some other highlights of the foundation day observance.
Since its inception, the CEC, Sadar Hills has been doing its best towards socio-economic development of the rural areas in Sadar Hills and people of the area have been benefited by it in various ways.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cec-foundation-day-observed/

IMPHAL, Oct 25 NNN: The All Tribal Disables Union Manipur (ATDUM) has canceled its proposed 12 hours bandh in all the hill districts of the state which was to be effected from 5 am of October 29 following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) brought about between the State’s education(S) department and representatives of the union in a meeting which was chaired by the State’s education minister here today.
Addressing media persons at Manipur Press Club today, Momo Tantanga, president of ATDUM said the agreement was reached after a long discussion with the education minister at the latter’s office in the presence of ex-MP B.D. Beiring.
The government will consider the demands of the union to relax eligibility criteria for Teacher’s Eligibility Test (TET) in consultation with the National Council for Teachers’ Education, New Delhi and MHRD, Government of India. An examination centre for physically challenged candidates will also be opened at the DM College complex here.
The ATDUM’s president further said those physically challenged tribal candidates who will be appearing in the forthcoming TET exam can consult him for accommodation facility.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/atdum-calls-off-bandh/

IMPHAL, Oct 25 NNN: The All Tribal Disables Union Manipur (ATDUM) has canceled its proposed 12 hours bandh in all the hill districts of the state which was to be effected from 5 am of October 29 following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) brought about between the State’s education(S) department and representatives of the union in a meeting which was chaired by the State’s education minister here today.
Addressing media persons at Manipur Press Club today, Momo Tantanga, president of ATDUM said the agreement was reached after a long discussion with the education minister at the latter’s office in the presence of ex-MP B.D. Beiring.
The government will consider the demands of the union to relax eligibility criteria for Teacher’s Eligibility Test (TET) in consultation with the National Council for Teachers’ Education, New Delhi and MHRD, Government of India. An examination centre for physically challenged candidates will also be opened at the DM College complex here.
The ATDUM’s president further said those physically challenged tribal candidates who will be appearing in the forthcoming TET exam can consult him for accommodation facility.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/atdum-calls-off-bandh/

IMPHAL, Oct 25 NNN: Manipur has become the first state in the country which can inspect the draft photo Electoral Rolls and filing or lodging of objections online in the prescribed forms using the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)’s official website https:www.ceomanipur.nic.in  Directorate of Information Technology’s website https: www.manipurportal.mn.gov.in., Joint Chief Electoral Officer N Praveen said on Thursday.
Announcing this to reporters at his office chamber at Lamphelpat, Joint CEO N Praveen said certain steps are mandatory for using the new website  www.  manipurportal.mn.gov.in.
Register to the portal, mobile number is compulsory for sending SMS by the software and after successful registration, a citizen should login to the login tab on the right corner of the website by using ID and password created while doing registration, he said.
Password should be changed if it is automatically generated and sent through email/SMS. After login, click to the ‘Services’ tab on the right side of the page and select Department list by clicking to the Dropdown Box Label “Select Department” and also select  Election Department, Praveen further informed.
He also said all list of eforms of Election Departmen such as Form 6 (inclusion), Form 7 (deletion), Form 8 (objection) should be used.  Select the required form and fill up and submit he added and informed that document format— jpeg and pdf (photo/age proof/E Roll Pages) should be maximum 2 GB files.
The new facility will ease all the difficulties faced by the public in submitting documents related to draft photo electoral rolls, the Joint CEO stated.
He also said the initiative has been jointly taken up by the Department of Information and Technology and Election Department, Government of Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/online-registration-of-voters/

IMPHAL, Oct 25 NNN: Manipur has become the first state in the country which can inspect the draft photo Electoral Rolls and filing or lodging of objections online in the prescribed forms using the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)’s official website https:www.ceomanipur.nic.in  Directorate of Information Technology’s website https: www.manipurportal.mn.gov.in., Joint Chief Electoral Officer N Praveen said on Thursday.
Announcing this to reporters at his office chamber at Lamphelpat, Joint CEO N Praveen said certain steps are mandatory for using the new website  www.  manipurportal.mn.gov.in.
Register to the portal, mobile number is compulsory for sending SMS by the software and after successful registration, a citizen should login to the login tab on the right corner of the website by using ID and password created while doing registration, he said.
Password should be changed if it is automatically generated and sent through email/SMS. After login, click to the ‘Services’ tab on the right side of the page and select Department list by clicking to the Dropdown Box Label “Select Department” and also select  Election Department, Praveen further informed.
He also said all list of eforms of Election Departmen such as Form 6 (inclusion), Form 7 (deletion), Form 8 (objection) should be used.  Select the required form and fill up and submit he added and informed that document format— jpeg and pdf (photo/age proof/E Roll Pages) should be maximum 2 GB files.
The new facility will ease all the difficulties faced by the public in submitting documents related to draft photo electoral rolls, the Joint CEO stated.
He also said the initiative has been jointly taken up by the Department of Information and Technology and Election Department, Government of Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/online-registration-of-voters/

TAMENGLONG, Oct 25 MNS NNN: One NSCN-K cadre was killed in a clash with NSCN-IM at Tamenglong district’s Khunjao village on Wednesday evening, sources said.
A fierce gunbattle erupted between heavily armed cadres of NSCN-IM and NSCN-K at Khunjao village located about 1 km from Tamenglong district headquarters at about 6:30 pm yesterday, killing one NSCN-K cadre. The fighting lasted for about an hour, the sources said.
The NSCN-K cadre killed in the clash has been identified as Lovingson aged 18, hailing from Kuilong village under Tamei sub division.
Meanwhile, a separate source said it was the clash of a combined team of Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), NSCN-K and NNC with the NSCN-IM cadres.
Attempts to confirm this report both from the warring groups proved futile.
This is the third clash in the last one month.
On September 25, the same groups had clashed at Matung village. Again, on October 2 there was a major clash resulted in the killing of a civilian in the district headquarters.
And in between all these gun battles, there have been situations cropping up that threatened the normal atmosphere in Tamenglong district headquarters.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nscn-k-cadre-killed/

TAMENGLONG, Oct 25 MNS NNN: One NSCN-K cadre was killed in a clash with NSCN-IM at Tamenglong district’s Khunjao village on Wednesday evening, sources said.
A fierce gunbattle erupted between heavily armed cadres of NSCN-IM and NSCN-K at Khunjao village located about 1 km from Tamenglong district headquarters at about 6:30 pm yesterday, killing one NSCN-K cadre. The fighting lasted for about an hour, the sources said.
The NSCN-K cadre killed in the clash has been identified as Lovingson aged 18, hailing from Kuilong village under Tamei sub division.
Meanwhile, a separate source said it was the clash of a combined team of Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), NSCN-K and NNC with the NSCN-IM cadres.
Attempts to confirm this report both from the warring groups proved futile.
This is the third clash in the last one month.
On September 25, the same groups had clashed at Matung village. Again, on October 2 there was a major clash resulted in the killing of a civilian in the district headquarters.
And in between all these gun battles, there have been situations cropping up that threatened the normal atmosphere in Tamenglong district headquarters.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nscn-k-cadre-killed/

The 23rd foundation day of All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association, AMAWOVA was held today at Manipur Press Club. Prof. Ksh. Bimola Devi M.U. L. Memchoubi Devi president Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi and Y. Kunjarani Devi president AMAWOVA graced the occasion as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively. Dr. Dhanabir Laishram social activist, Dr. Priyadarsini lecturer Damdei Christian College Motbung and H. Manbi advisor AMAWOVA, Ph. Sakhi spoke at the occasion

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/amawova-foundation-day/

Bruce K. Thangkhal
Imphal, Oct 24 : The multi-lingual monthly magazine Zogam Today is set to hit the market as daily newspaper from October 30 onwards. The magazine, which came up with its first issue in May last year, is now gearing up to become one of the daily newspapers of Churachandpur district in Manipur, says Zogam Today editor S. Nengkhanlun, who is also the Secretary of Manipur Hill Journalists Union (MHJU).
The editor told that Zogam Today (an independent daily newspaper) will be released by the Chief Guest Ginsuanhau Zou, MLA Singngat A/C on October 30. Langkhanpau Guite, chairman, ADC, CCpur and Jacintha Lazarus IAS, DC, CCpur will kindly grace the inaugural function as the Guest of Honour and Functional President respectively.
“Zogam Today follows a strong principle of ‘Journalism without barriers’. Now we are working hard to bring out the first issue. We will begin our work from Zogam Today office starting on October 25. We are committed to truth, honest and unbiased towards news reporting”, the editor said.
Come October 30, Zogam Today will be an independent daily newspaper. Since then the paper will hit its stand daily.
The first-two issue of Zogam Today will be distributed as free copies. The paper will be delivered to the subscribers every morning. The subscription fee is only Rs. 100/- per month.
Shifting from monthly magazine to daily newspaper, the Zogam Today aims to bring out unbiased news and information to the people of Churachandpur as well as Manipur.
Zogam Today editorial team is headed by S. Nengkhanlun as Editor with his associates Bruce K. Thangkhal as Joint Editor, Johnson Pau as News Editor and Lalboi Gangte as Reporter. The contributors/correspondents include T. Zamlunmang Zou (Shillong), S. Thangboi Zou (Shillong), Suanlyan Tungnung (Mumbai) and Kamlianlal Zou (New Delhi).
The Office of Zogam Today has been inaugurated by Rev. S.K. Manlun with prayer on October 14 in the presence of Zogam Today editor S. Nengkhanlun, advisers Michael Ginzasuan, DSO, CCpur, S.Kaikhankap, ARCS and Mannuamching MCS, CEO, CCpur. The office is located at P. Kamdou Veng, only a kilometre distance from Lamka Police Station.
Zogam Today magazine has completed 16 months before it took complete transformation, monthly to daily. The last issue of this magazine is coming up within this month. The editor thanked the advisers, patron members, contributors and well-wishers, who are indeed the backbone of Zogam Today magazine. The editor further requested them to still extend their hands in the coming days.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/zogam-today-goes-daily-from-30/

Bruce K. Thangkhal
Imphal, Oct 24 : The multi-lingual monthly magazine Zogam Today is set to hit the market as daily newspaper from October 30 onwards. The magazine, which came up with its first issue in May last year, is now gearing up to become one of the daily newspapers of Churachandpur district in Manipur, says Zogam Today editor S. Nengkhanlun, who is also the Secretary of Manipur Hill Journalists Union (MHJU).
The editor told that Zogam Today (an independent daily newspaper) will be released by the Chief Guest Ginsuanhau Zou, MLA Singngat A/C on October 30. Langkhanpau Guite, chairman, ADC, CCpur and Jacintha Lazarus IAS, DC, CCpur will kindly grace the inaugural function as the Guest of Honour and Functional President respectively.
“Zogam Today follows a strong principle of ‘Journalism without barriers’. Now we are working hard to bring out the first issue. We will begin our work from Zogam Today office starting on October 25. We are committed to truth, honest and unbiased towards news reporting”, the editor said.
Come October 30, Zogam Today will be an independent daily newspaper. Since then the paper will hit its stand daily.
The first-two issue of Zogam Today will be distributed as free copies. The paper will be delivered to the subscribers every morning. The subscription fee is only Rs. 100/- per month.
Shifting from monthly magazine to daily newspaper, the Zogam Today aims to bring out unbiased news and information to the people of Churachandpur as well as Manipur.
Zogam Today editorial team is headed by S. Nengkhanlun as Editor with his associates Bruce K. Thangkhal as Joint Editor, Johnson Pau as News Editor and Lalboi Gangte as Reporter. The contributors/correspondents include T. Zamlunmang Zou (Shillong), S. Thangboi Zou (Shillong), Suanlyan Tungnung (Mumbai) and Kamlianlal Zou (New Delhi).
The Office of Zogam Today has been inaugurated by Rev. S.K. Manlun with prayer on October 14 in the presence of Zogam Today editor S. Nengkhanlun, advisers Michael Ginzasuan, DSO, CCpur, S.Kaikhankap, ARCS and Mannuamching MCS, CEO, CCpur. The office is located at P. Kamdou Veng, only a kilometre distance from Lamka Police Station.
Zogam Today magazine has completed 16 months before it took complete transformation, monthly to daily. The last issue of this magazine is coming up within this month. The editor thanked the advisers, patron members, contributors and well-wishers, who are indeed the backbone of Zogam Today magazine. The editor further requested them to still extend their hands in the coming days.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/zogam-today-goes-daily-from-30/

IMPHAL, Oct 24 NNN : The biggest harvesting festival of the Anal tribe ‘Chavan Kumhrin,’ was celebrated at Tribal Research Institute, Chingmeirong in Imphal organized by Anal Taangpi Valing (Imphal) flaunting different cultural events and performing cultural rituals amidst merry making.
Since from the early period, the festival marks the end of the harvesting season when village elders headed by chiefs and priests offer part of the harvested crops to their God and then eat the remaining, said Chandel MLA Nunghung Victor who was attending at the celebration. He said the literal meaning of ‘Chavan’ is ‘autumn’ while ‘Kumhrin’ denotes ‘New Year.’
Victor also expressed happiness to witness the mammoth gathering at the function marking the Chavan Kumhrin celebration and offered prayer to the God for a bounty of crops for the coming year.
The celebration was inaugurated with Chavan Kumhrin Thanksgiving Gospel Service and it was followed by a glittering cultural programme.
As part of the festival, a fashion parade was held where several Anal students took part. Children and elders from Baptist Church, Imphal also staged a drama based on harvesting. Anal folk songs and cultural dances were later presented, aside from prayers were offered and then all the partakers together had a grand feast.Ex-MP BD Behring who was also taking part at the celebration stated the harvesting festival Chavan Kumhrin was first started to organize at Modi village in Chandel district at district level and since then the festival begun to celebrate on October 23 every year after the Manipur Government recognized it as a festival of the Anal tribe with a district holiday of Chandel.
This festival has not only attained popularity but also brings unity for the tribe, said Anal Taangpi Valing. It also promotes the tribe’s cultural heritage in a healthy manner. The Chavan Kumhrin festival which was initiated by the Anal tribe at the beginning, has become a common festival for all the tribes inhabiting Chandel district today. The celebration has also been Christianised.
The Anal tribe is one of the oldest tribes of Manipur. They occupy the Chakpi River basin and its adjoining areas upto the Indo-Myanmar border in Chandel district of Manipur. The Anals are also found dwelling mostly in Sagaing Sub-division of the neighbouring Myanmar.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/chavan-kumhrin-celebrated/

IMPHAL, Oct 24 NNN : The biggest harvesting festival of the Anal tribe ‘Chavan Kumhrin,’ was celebrated at Tribal Research Institute, Chingmeirong in Imphal organized by Anal Taangpi Valing (Imphal) flaunting different cultural events and performing cultural rituals amidst merry making.
Since from the early period, the festival marks the end of the harvesting season when village elders headed by chiefs and priests offer part of the harvested crops to their God and then eat the remaining, said Chandel MLA Nunghung Victor who was attending at the celebration. He said the literal meaning of ‘Chavan’ is ‘autumn’ while ‘Kumhrin’ denotes ‘New Year.’
Victor also expressed happiness to witness the mammoth gathering at the function marking the Chavan Kumhrin celebration and offered prayer to the God for a bounty of crops for the coming year.
The celebration was inaugurated with Chavan Kumhrin Thanksgiving Gospel Service and it was followed by a glittering cultural programme.
As part of the festival, a fashion parade was held where several Anal students took part. Children and elders from Baptist Church, Imphal also staged a drama based on harvesting. Anal folk songs and cultural dances were later presented, aside from prayers were offered and then all the partakers together had a grand feast.Ex-MP BD Behring who was also taking part at the celebration stated the harvesting festival Chavan Kumhrin was first started to organize at Modi village in Chandel district at district level and since then the festival begun to celebrate on October 23 every year after the Manipur Government recognized it as a festival of the Anal tribe with a district holiday of Chandel.
This festival has not only attained popularity but also brings unity for the tribe, said Anal Taangpi Valing. It also promotes the tribe’s cultural heritage in a healthy manner. The Chavan Kumhrin festival which was initiated by the Anal tribe at the beginning, has become a common festival for all the tribes inhabiting Chandel district today. The celebration has also been Christianised.
The Anal tribe is one of the oldest tribes of Manipur. They occupy the Chakpi River basin and its adjoining areas upto the Indo-Myanmar border in Chandel district of Manipur. The Anals are also found dwelling mostly in Sagaing Sub-division of the neighbouring Myanmar.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/chavan-kumhrin-celebrated/

Imphal, Oct 24 NNN : The Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF-AMN) has alleged that transporters plying along the National Highway 37 have become a problem for the public confining along the highway as the drivers normally carry out their duties after getting drunk.
On October 26, a meeting will be convened on the matter. David Kamei, joint secretary of the ZYF-AMN said in a press statement that there have been numerous accidents occurring along the NH-37 mainly because the transporters are drunk. Citing the past cases, David Kamei stated that drunk drivers of heavy vehicles speeding through villages along the national highway have also been affecting psychologically to the villagers for a long time time. “This mess should be checked by the authorities concerned so as to avoid accidents and also not to create a kind of botheration for the villagers,” asserted the ZYF leader.
As recent as on October 22, a truck bearing registration No. AS-18/8377 driven by a person identified as one Moirangthem Naoba of Moirang who was in an inebriated state, hit a Bolero Invader in which the ZYF team was traveling near Pongringlong (Charoipandongba) village causing damage to the vehicle. “We escaped miraculously,” stated the ZYF leader. The ZYF statement also cited numerous past incidents caused by the drunk drivers along the NH-37.
“There was an incident where a Tata Sumo bearing registration No. MN-01A/ 8779 met with an accident near Khongshang village killing 5 persons with 7 others passengers seriously injured on July 20 this year while trying to divert from the high speed convoy of trucks but the truck responsible for the accident remain untraceable till today,” the ZYF said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/zyf-asks-drivers-to-refrain-from-drinking-on-highway/