October 1, 2013 – Manipur News

Was Irabot in favour of complete independence ? – E-Pao.net

E-Pao.netWas Irabot in favour of complete independence ?E-Pao.netThe valley of Manipur experienced the first spell of insurgency during 1948 to 1951 under the leadership of Hijam Irabot. It was a communist revolutionary movement which aimed at establis…

E-Pao.net

Was Irabot in favour of complete independence ?
E-Pao.net
The valley of Manipur experienced the first spell of insurgency during 1948 to 1951 under the leadership of Hijam Irabot. It was a communist revolutionary movement which aimed at establishing a society free from exploitation and oppression. Irabot's …

Demand for dropping all charges against Irom Sharmila

Imphal: Rights activist Irom Sharmila on hunger-strike for close to 13 years demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, and who has been arrested and re-arrested over the years, should be released, Amnesty International (India) sa…

Imphal: Rights activist Irom Sharmila on hunger-strike for close to 13 years demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, and who has been arrested and re-arrested over the years, should be released, Amnesty International (India) said in Imphal on Wednesday.

CM demands support from centre to make NFSA effective

Manipur Information Centre
NEW DELHI , October 1: Welcoming the National Food Security Act 2013, Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh described the Act as an opportunity to address the issues that the State had been facing for many years and it would benefit the people of Manipur ensuring effective Public Distribution System in Manipur.
In the letters addressed to the Prime minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh, Chairperson of UPA and NAC Sonia Gandhi and the Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distrbution Prof K.V.Thomas on September 29 ahead to the Conference of Food Ministers of States held today, the Manipur Chief Minister said, “ The Act gives us a lot of challenges as it needs to be enforced vigorously to meet its objective failing which our accountability will increase many fold”.
Referring to the annual allocation for Manipur at 1.51 lakhs MT calculated by the Government of India on the average annual offtake of 1.30 lakhs MT during 2010-11 to 2012-13; The Chief Minister said, “ This is much lower than our requirement of 1.71 lakhs MT of foodgrains”. He stated that there were long blockades, bandhs and landslides that severely affected induction of foodgrains into Manipur by the Food Corporation of India during 2010 and the lower offtake in Manipur was not due to lesser need but external factors.
He demanded the Centre to increase the annual allocation of foodgrains for Manipur either rising of the annual allocation or through provision of additional and adhoc allocations for rice and wheat on monthly basis.
The Chief Minister mentioned that the Government of India had asked all States to report their preparedness to implement the National Security Act, 2013. He expressed, “ Manipur is very keen to implement it but not yet prepared due to many shortfalls in infrastructure, logistical requirements, lack of fund and manpower and many other problems which the other States may not face”.
He emphasized the need for an extensive support from the Central Government to meet the requirements like construction of FCI godowns at Imphal East, Bishnupur, Jiribam, Chandel, Thoubal and Tamenglong; completion of construction of godowns at Churachandpur and Senapati; construction of 60,000 MT capacity godowns at State Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Imphal for buffer stocking so as to keep bufferstocks for at least six months; construction of godowns at interior areas at Tousem and Tamei in Tamenglong District, at Parbung in Churachandpur District; construction of 2700 Fair Price Shop(FPS) buildings of one-room each at central location of all FPS centres; and procurement of transportation vehicles with GPS tracking system for PDS foodgrains including door step delivery.
The Manipur Chief Minister looked forward to a strong commitment from the Central Government in terms of enabling the Government of Manipur which had the poorest road and rail connectivity, far-off and remote location from the mainland, bad law and order situation with insurgency, difficult terrains, acute financial constraints of the State Government, lack of adequate infrastructure and trained manpower; so that the historic Act could be a game-changer for a food-deficit State like Manipur and a harbinger of food security through an effective mechanism for the people of Manipur.
In an another letter addressed to the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Prof K.V.Thomas, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh expressed his happiness for agreeing to the State Government’s proposal for setting up a separate office of the General Manager of Food Corporation of India for Manipur. He invited the Union Minister to visit Manipur for inauguration of newly set up office of the General Manager of FCI at Imphal along with the completed FCI godown at Mayangkhang in Senapati District within October this year.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cm-demands-support-from-centre-to-make-nfsa-effective/

India intolerant to dissent : AI

IMPHAL, Oct 1 NNN : The detention of Irom Sharmila Chanu, , for close to thirteen years for her prolonged hunger strike is a continuing reminder of India’s intolerance to dissent, Amnesty International India said today.
Raghu Menon, Networks and Advocacy Coordinator of Amnesty International in India said, “Irom Sharmila is a Prisoner of Conscience, who is being held solely for her peaceful expression of her beliefs,” said Shashikumar Velath, Programmes Director of Amnesty International India. “Authorities must drop all charges against her, and release her immediately and unconditionally.”
Irom Sharmila has been on an indefinite fast since 2 November 2000, demanding the lifting of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA).
She was arrested by the Manipur police shortly after she began her hunger strike and charged with attempting to commit suicide – a criminal offence under Indian law. In March 2013, a Delhi court also charged Sharmila with attempting to commit suicide in October 2006, when she staged a protest in Delhi for two days.
Irom Sharmila has never been convicted of attempting to commit suicide. However, as the offence is punishable with imprisonment for up to one year only, she has been regularly released after completing a year in judicial custody, only to be re-arrested shortly after as she continues her fast, the Amnesty International said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/india-intolerant-to-dissent-ai/

More blood banks to be opened

Imphal, Mar 1 MNS/NNN: The health minister Phungzathang Tonsing said, the government is trying to improve the health sector. The govt. has taken up works to set up a blood bank each in Senapati and Moreh.
He was speaking as chief guest at the national voluntary blood donation day at DM College multipurpose hall today. Blood is most important in the life of human being. Govt. is trying to supply more blood. Blood banks have already been set up at RIMS, JNIMS and Churachandpur district hospital.
Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS) and State Blood Transfusion Council jointly observed the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day today at Multipurpose Hall, D. M College campus here under theme “Voluntary blood donation will cost you nothing but it will save a life”.
Speaking on the occasion, Health minister Phungzathang Tonsing highlighted that like many other countries developed in medical science, Manipur too is growing rapidly in the field with the introduction of highly advanced machines and technology for medical treatment. Mentioning of three blood banks existing at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences and one at Churachandpur District Hospital, the minister declared that three more blood banks will be set up, one each at Senapati, Thoubal and Moreh districts. The minister appealed the need of people between age group 18-65 years to donate blood in order for the blood banks to survive.
Dr Suhel Akhtar encouraged that people between the age group of 18-65 years who are free of disease and who have the weight of 45 kg and above should donate blood every three months as blood is precious and humans cannot invent blood even in this advanced technology. He also added that more awareness camps are needed to give knowledge of voluntary blood donation.
The club 25 inter Manipur organized a cycle rally in Imphal in connection with the national blood donation on the theme to promote young blood donors.
The rally was flagged off by RK Nimai, commissioner, art and culture from Kangla gate. The rallyists passed through B.T road, Uripok, Naoremthong, Tera, Kwakteithel, Keishamthong, Yaiskul and later assembled at Kangla.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/more-blood-banks-to-be-opened/

Hearing of Satyabhama case on October 17

Accused in Satyabhama killing case produced before court.22

IMPHAL, Oct 1 NNN : The three accused in the Ningombam Satyabhama murder case appeared in the court of Imphal West District and Sessions Judge here on Tuesday, but the next hearing of the case has been fixed on October 17.
However, the trio had to give their signatures inside the prison van for their appearance before the court as large number of women hailing from several women organizations including Khwairamband bazaar vendors stormed the Chierap Court complex shouting slogans.
All the accused remained inside the van because the situation appeared insecure for them to personally present before the Judge as the agitating women started shouting slogans after surrounding the accused.
The Judge then put off the next hearing of the case on October 17.
The women protestors held placards that read “We Demand Justice for Satyabhama and “Hang the Culprits.”
The prison van later sped away from the site under heavy security arrangement.
The three accused in the Satyabhama brutal murder case are Toijam Theus, 27, of Thambalkhong Sabal Leikai, Thoudam Jibon, 27, of Irilbung Macha Ahal Mayai Leikai and Biju Kshetrimayum 28, of Irilbung Bazaar.
Satyabhama, a research scholar of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) was found murdered at Bashikhong Loumanbi in Imphal East district on April 3, 2013.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/hearing-of-satyabhama-case-on-october-17/

Love the senior citizens: Mirabai

Imphal, Oct 1 MNS/NNN: The social welfare minister AK Mirabai said it is inhumane to treat senior citizens badly. Atrocities on olders have been reported in this state. To reduce such incidents, it is necessary among us to make aware of the same.
The minister was speaking at the international olders day at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Sanglen today.
The govt. by taking up various schemes is trying the make senior citizens live happily. Every district has opened tribunal which will extend compensation to those older who were driven out from their respective houses. Altogether 16 old age homes have been set up in nine districts.
Mirabai said the state Government has recently initiated a policy to set up tribunals for elderly people in all the districts so that all these people, who have been forced out from their homes by their own children, can get suitable compensation through these proposed courts.
Mirabai said the Social Welfare Department has so far given pension to 72, 514 aged persons in the state under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension scheme and another 45, 905 persons have availed pension under the state’s own similar scheme.
Admitting that elderly people are facing increasing harassment and maltreatment from their own children in the state, Mirabai said this type of ill-treatment and spite meted out to their own old parents is nothing but cruelty.
The minister was speaking on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons 2013 observed at Iboyaima Shumang Lila Shanglen, Palace Compound here. This year’s edition of the observation was held on the theme “The Future We Want; What Older Persons are Saying.”
She also called for a joint effort of the Government and the public to mitigate cases of elderly people in the state who have been victimised by their own children.
Informing that the Social Welfare Department has been taking up various schemes to take care of older people, Mirabai said the department has initiated a latest policy to establish tribunals in every district to deal with their cases so that they can get proper compensation.
She further informed a total of 16 Old Age Homes have been kept open by the Government in the all the nine districts of the state to nurture older people.
Many older persons from different parts of the state were honoured by presenting shawls on the occasion. Md Fajur Rahim, chairman, WAKF Board, Manipur, Yaiskul constituency MLA E Chand, Social Welfare Director L Ibobi, Manipur Women Commission chairperson Dr L Ibetombi, Manipur State Protection of Child Rights chairperson A Nabachandra were also present on the occasion.
Md. Fazrool Rahman, L. Ibobi, director, social welfare, Dr. M. Ibetombi, chairperson, MSWC and Nabachandra of Manipur state protection for child rights were the presidium members.
The day organized by Senior Citizen for society was also observed at Shija Hospital Langol.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/love-the-senior-citizens-mirabai/

Mahatma Gandhi: An Ace Communicator

O. P. Sharma
Mahatma Gandhi, “The Father of the Nation” is one of the greatest freedom fighter, a revolutionary social reformer and above all an ace communicator. Not only he held lofty principles but he effectively propagated his message among the masses by using the then existing media, mostly the print as well as through public meetings. Among his other qualities of leadership he was the best communicator. His distinguish quality was that he truthfully believed in the message and skillfully conveyed his philosophy which he himself also practiced. He sent his thoughts through the life by setting a personal example. His autobiography titled “My Experiments with Truth” narrates the actual life he lived and practised his principles for setting a personal example. This was also the secret of his success as a communicator.
More than anyone else, Mahatma Gandhi recognized that skillful communication is the most effective tool to shape public opinion and mobilize it for popular support. He was successful because he had a latent skill in communication that surfaced in South Africa where he started during 1903 “The Indian Opinion”. Gandhi’s journalism belonged to an era where there were no modern mass communication gadgets. He did make use of his mighty pen to convey his heart to millions of his followers and admirers across the globe.
Successful Media Use
After return to his motherland on January 9, 1913, he spearheaded the freedom struggle. Gandhiji did make best use of the nationalist press and his own journals: Young India, Navjeevan and other periodicals to reach the masses in every nook and corner of the country. He also knew that the secret of reaching out to the hearts of people living in the rural areas was through the age-old oral traditions as also public lectures, prayers meetings and padayatras (walks). He used all the available means of communication channels of the time to give a new direction to the national struggle and assumed the inspiring leadership on the national scenario and won the freedom through the unique technique of non-violence, Satyagraha, truthfulness.
Gandhiji never for a moment minimized the important role of newspapers (then radio was under the British Government control and the television channels were non-existent). He would scan through all the newspapers and reply suitably to any misrepresentation or distortion of facts. It is to his credit that he did use the traditional and modern media of communication with telling effect.
Trend-Setting Style
Gandhiji made his personality felt through the columns of Young India and other periodicals. The impending change was visible from the very beginning. He turned those into his “views papers” ventilating his point of view .The Young India sold more copies than the combined total circulation of several other newspapers in the country. There were not only new thoughts, simple but stylish language and a fresh air of fine quality of journalistic writings. It is a unique feature that Gandhiji had not been accepting advertisements for his periodicals and what is more, he had allowed his articles to be freely reproduced in most other newspapers in India or elsewhere.
Gandhiji proved that style was the master and his writings were complete departure from the one that was in practice. His English was biblical and he was meticulous about the use of proper words at the particular moment. Above all, his sentences were simple and lucid. In fact, he wrote from his heart and directed it to the hearts of his targeted readership. Gandhiji himself declared all his journals as ‘views papers” because all of them were organs of political and social movements which discussed with intensity and concentration the public problems.
Gandhian Era
Gandhiji, in fact, brought many new elements which introduced a free life in the field of journalism. Many of his followers were moved to write and publish in the Indian languages and regional journalism began to acquire an importance and there was hardly an area in the country that did not have its newspapers.
An effective communicator, Gandhiji was fearless and eloquent with his words. He reached out to millions of people and convinced them of his cause. Gandhiji was probably the greatest journalist of all time, and the weeklies he edited were probably the great example of weeklies of that period. He published no advertisements but the same time he did not let his newspapers run at a loss. He wrote simply and clearly but forcefully, with passion and burning indignation.
Indelible Imprints
“One of the objects of a newspaper, he said, is to understand the popular feeling and give expression to it, another is to arouse among the people certain desirable sentiments, and the third is fearlessly to expose popular defects”, Mahatma Gandhi has always stressed.
The Father of the Nation was not only one of the greatest freedom fighter with his unique technique of non-violence but was the best communicator who mobilized the public opinion for attainment of freedom. Gandhiji made optimal use of other channels of communication very efficiently and effectively as he had a rare knack of “inventing apt news events” to get the best coverage by the media. Mahatma Gandhi exercised his high moral values in his political life and practice of mass communication which stands out as a light house for all times to come. (PIB Features)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mahatma-gandhi-an-ace-communicator/

Lalu Prasad Yadav in jail

Former Chief Minister of Bihar Lalu Prashad Yadav was sent to jail for his involvement in fodder scam. He may be disqualified from the parliament membership. This is a sad end to the illustrious career of a big politician of his stature. The historic verdict of the CBI court gives strong warning to the corrupt members and would be members of the house that they cannot play with the law in hand and resort to the activities that make themselves happy. All that had happened indicates power corrupts human mind. Lalu was a good student leader before he took up politics as a profession. When he was young he would not have thought of doing what he did. Sycophants thronging around such leaders are also responsible for giving false advice to the leaders for doing what they did. Leaders should be able to close ears to the false advice given by the sycophants for at the end the sufferers happen to be the leaders themselves. Lalu Prasad is a great leader, who knows to which direction the wind is blowing. His witty remark when the opposition parties questioned the locus standi of the Congress President Sonia Gandhi over the issue of making her Prime Minister of the country was really thought provoking. He questioned the logic behind the opposition demand. He said, what is this tradition that cannot accept a woman even after marriage as sister in law of a family. Hindu law was challenged by opposition parties when Sonia was rebuked saying she cannot become prime minister of India because she is an Italian. The law says a woman becomes a part of the family after marrying into one of the family members. Lalu stood solidly behind Sonia saying she can become Prime Minister of India. Nevertheless Sonia Gandhi turned down the pressure from the workers and other leaders of Congress party and made Dr. Manmohon Prime Minister of India. Since then things have changed. Lalu continued to maintain close relationship with Congress party. Congress party also attempted to protect him. The controversial ordinance, which Rahul Gandhi described as non sense was construed as a tool to protect tainted leaders like Lalu. Congress did not betray the friendship. Congress party did not attempt to abandon a sinking ship. Lalu understands that so he did not say anything when Rahul flayed the ordinance. A lesson should be learnt from all that happened in Bihar. One must know howsoever big a person may be he cannot remain above law. The long hand of law can touch anybody.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/lalu-prasad-yadav-in-jail/

AMMPWA fetes Halim Chowdhury

All Manipur Muslims Meitei Pangal Welfare Association has felicitated its founding President Halim Chowdhury on being honoured the prestigious Hijam Irawat Award, 2013 by the Jananeta Hijam Iraway Celebration Committee on the occasion of observing th…

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=32&src=021013

NCP MLA meets Union Minister on border issue

President of Nationalist Congress Party NCP Manipur State and MLA L Ibomcha Singh has discussed the present crucial issues of Indo Myanmar border with Praful Patel, Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha…

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=16&src=021013

CTLLSM proposes fund for State integrity

Council of Tribal Languages and Literature Societies, Manipur CTLLSM has urged the State Government to propose fund to the 14th Finance Commission for promotion of tribal mother tongues education in the State Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=30&src=021013

CTTLLS suggests ‘Integrity Fund’

The Council of Tribal Languages and Literature Societies, Manipur CTLLSM has urged the Government to introduce propose fund for the promotion of tribal mother tongues education in the State in the 14th Finance Commission Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=15&src=021013

Workshop on traditional hear gear begins

Tribal Museum and Research Centre TMRC along with Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangralaya IGRMS , Bhopal kick started a ten day long workshop on traditional head gear and head dress of Manipur at TMRC, Sagolband Akham Leikai here from today Sourc…

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=28&src=021013

KNO rubbishes ZDV factions merger claim

Reacting to the statement of Zou Defence Volunteers ZDV statement that both factions of ZDV under KNO and UPF have merged as one under the UPF, the Kuki National Organisation KNO said that the ZDV was a part of the KNO and continues to remain a cor…

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=14&src=021013

MLA Ibomcha discuses border issue with Praful Patel

MLA L Ibomcha Singh, who is also the President of NCP Manipur State Unit, has discussed the present burning issue pertaining to the missing of original boundary pillars along Indo Myanmar border that has resulted in a serious dispute between the two neighbouring countries with Praful Patel, who is not only the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, but also the Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha and in charge of North Eastern States of NCP Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=26&src=021013

Blood donation Day

The National Voluntary Blood Donation Day was observed today at Multipurpose Hall, DM College Campus under the joint aegis of Manipur State AIDS Control Society and State Blood Transfusion Council Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=13&src=021013

Two factions of ZDF amalgamated under UPF

Zou Defence Volunteer ZDV has claimed that two ZDV factions that were functioning separately under KNO and UPF have now amalgamated as one under United Peoples’ Font Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=24&src=021013

State joins International Day for Older Person observance

Like their global counterparts senior citizens of Manipur today observed International Day of Older Persons with Social Welfare Department organising a State level observance function at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound today Source …

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=12&src=021013

State to have three more Blood Banks

Keeping its commitment towards development of health care sector, Government of Manipur is all set to open three new blood banks, one each at Thoubal District Hospital, Senapati District Hospital and Moreh Hospital as soon as possible, Phungzathang Ton…

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=22&src=021013