Centenary of the Capital

PIB Delhi a magnum opus was build and destroyed seven times, tells the saga of the bygone era. Endowed with the power and charisma of creating myth; transcending moments of history- Delhi completes 100 glorious years. As a narrative of extraordinary time, Delhi has recorded amazing kaleidoscopic breadth of events – sometimes tragic, often triumphant […]

PIB
Delhi a magnum opus was build and destroyed seven times, tells the saga of the bygone era. Endowed with the power and charisma of creating myth; transcending moments of history- Delhi completes 100 glorious years. As a narrative of extraordinary time, Delhi has recorded amazing kaleidoscopic breadth of events – sometimes tragic, often triumphant as the stupendous talent of people.A city brimming with life has many stories wrapped, frozen in time, yet eloquent in their immediacy. There is much more to Delhi than her legendary history, rich cultural heritage, cultural diversity and religious unity. Delhi is a palimpsest, bearing the complexities, the contradictions, the beauty and the dynamism of the city where past coexist with present, many dynasties ruled from here and the cultural elements, absorbed into daily life. One side is monuments, icons of testimony to the grandeur of the past and, to other side is a long suffering Yamuna depicting the follies of the present. Delhi has a multilayer existence and is among the fastest growing cities. Stretching beyond seven cities created around 13th and 17th centuries; Delhi urban sprawl is extensive and still growing. There are skyscrapers, residential colonies and busting commercial malls all testimony to the changing time. Delhi soul is its energy, effervescence, ebullience manifested in the spirit of people. In a quest to build home and hope millions work here with zest, liveliness and fervor. Delhi embodies the subtle fusion of diverse ideas, of variety, of novelty of tradition through many decades. The uniqueness of Delhi is its strength to rejuvenate and withstand the test of time, which can be seen in its life style.
India is a great Nation; Delhi being the capital is a symbol of old and new shares this greatness. Delhi today is multidimensional multicultural and multi-progressive. It is in a constant state of cohesive flux. Delhi without question is home and hopes of millions. After independence Delhi has undergone radical transformation, and poses with a luminous gesture along the developed nation’s capitals. For a surprisingly long time Delhi was not the seat of power. However, every stone and brick here whispers to our ears a long and glorious history.
Between the fading ranges of Aravallis and long flowing Yamuna, Delhi has a labyrinth of history buried under its era. Delhi draws its name from Raja Dhilu. The earliest historical reference to Delhi dates back to first century BC. All through its history, the present capital of India has been an important player. Reasons for this might be found in its geographical location. Delhi has always been a convenient link between Central Asia, the northwest frontiers and the rest of the country. An inscription dating from the time of Asoka, the famous Mauryan king, tells us that Delhi was on the great northern highway of the Mauryas and linked their capital Patliputta (near modern Patna, Bihar) with Taxila (Takshashila), now in Pakistan. This was apparently the route that Buddhist monks took on their way to Taxila, the intellectual hotbed in those days, and Central Asia. What one can read between the lines is that it was also the route that the Mauryan armies took enroute to quelling the frequent rebellions and foreign insurgencies in Taxila and other such border trouble spots.
So, this gave Delhi considerable strategic importance. The story of Delhi unfolds into the multi city existence, which is depicted below:
Indraprastha 1450 BC Site: In Purana Qila
Remains: Archeological finds now support the view that this was indeed Delhi’s earliest city. This has not surprised anyone in Delhi, for popular opinion had never doubted the existence of Indraprashtha. Reasons for its decline are not known.
Lal Kot or Qila Rai Pithora 1060 AD Site: Qutub Minar-Mehrauli complex.
Remains: Very little remains of the original Lal Kot. Of the 13 gates of Rai Pithora fort, now only three remain.Built by: Rajput Tomaras. 12th century; captured and enlarged by the Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan.
Siri 1304 AD Site: Near Hauz Khas and Gulmohar Park.
Remains: Some portions and walls remain. Alauddin Khilji also built other things around Siri. Like, the beautiful Alai Darwaza, the south gate of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and reservoir in present-day Hauz Khas.Built by: Alauddin Khilji of the Delhi Sultanate. Alauddin Khilji was well-known for his trade reforms, so it’s not surprising that Siri was a major trading centre.
Tughlaqabad 1321-23 AD Site: 8km from the Qutub complex.
Remains: Walls and some ruined buildings. Built by: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. Jahanpanah Mid-14th century
Site: Between Siri and Qutub MinarRemains: A few remnants of defensive ramparts.Built by: Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq
Ferozabad 1354 AD Site: Kotla Feroze Shah.
Remains: Only the Asoka Pillar rising from the ruins remains. There is stadium for cricket which is called Feroze Shah Kotla grounds.Built by: Feroze Shah Tughlaq. It remained the capital until Sikander Lodi moved to Agra.
Dilli Sher Shahi (Shergarh) 1534
Site: Opposite the zoo. Around Purana Qila.
Remains: High gates,walls,mosque and a great baoli(well). Kabuli and Lal Darwaza gates and the Sher Mandal.
Built by: This Delhi was actually started by Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor and was completed by, Sher Shah Suri.
City: Shajahanabad Mid-17th century Site: The existing Old Delhi. Remains: The Red Fort, Jama Masjid, main streets of Old Delhi (like Chandini Chowk), long sections of walls and several city gates. Old Delhi might be congested, but it still retains its medieval charm. The people are very warm and welcoming. Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor moved his capital from Agra to here.The capital of India is not only known for its rich historical background but also for some exquisite arts and crafts. In fact, the arts and crafts of Delhi have been patronized since the times of the royals. As a cultural center of its time, Delhi attracted the best of painters, musicians and dancers. This is so because there is no specific identity of the city. With time, people from different areas of India came and settled, making Delhi an assortment of sorts. Slowly and gradually, Delhi assumed some of the aspects of the identity of all the types of people living in it, making multiple identities for it.Delhi has is of diversity, that richness of people coming from different backgrounds characterized by the plurality of people divided in terms of religion, region, language, cast and class; individual with unequal status but, with a shared access to resource and opportunity to seek one’s goal and vision.
Delhi- always a flashpoint, hub of multi-activities capturing the ebb and flow, high and low of footprints of time. The air of Delhi is full of follies of the present and fragrance of the past, as also the fresh pricing winds, refreshing, paving way for new India.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/centenary-of-the-capital/

Najma charges govt of inability to control law and order

Mail News Service Imphal, Dec 11: The national VP of BJP, Dr. Najma Heptullah said, the CM of Manipur O. Ibobi who is holding the charges of Home is unable to control law and order even in his constituency at Thoubal. Talking to media this afternoon, she said, the CM O. Ibobi can’t control the […]

Mail News Service
Imphal, Dec 11: The national VP of BJP, Dr. Najma Heptullah said, the CM of Manipur O. Ibobi who is holding the charges of Home is unable to control law and order even in his constituency at Thoubal.
Talking to media this afternoon, she said, the CM O. Ibobi can’t control the law and order in the state as it is evident from today’s incident in which congress workers disturbed the one day Mahila Morcha convention held at Thoubal Moijing today.
The national VP further said, she condemned the attitude of congress workers who tried to disturb the meeting.
The BJP national secy. Tapirgao also said, the issued will be raised in the Parliament.
Congress workers today attacked a meeting of BJP at Thoubal district the constituency of the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh. BJP national Vice-President Dr Najma Heptullah , State BJP Chief Sh Shantikumar and other BJP leaders were present in the meeting when the attack was launched.
Those who came pelted stones and some persons were injured. Police rushed in and controlled the situation .
The security dispersed the miscreants by firing actual bullets and tear gas shells. A branch of BJP Manipur Unit was also inaugurated at
Thoubal. The national president of BJP will come to Imphal on Dec. 19 next and a public meeting will be held at BOAT Palace compound at 11 a.m.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/najma-charges-govt-of-inability-to-control-law-and-order/

AMWJU to launch stir

Mail News Service Imphal, Dec 11: The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) today decided to launch a stir if the government fails to apprehend those responsible for assault of a scribe by Dec 14 next. On Dec 8 night L Keshonanda, Sub Editor of Poknapham was assaulted by some persons coming in a Hundyai […]

Mail News Service
Imphal, Dec 11: The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) today decided to launch a stir if the government fails to apprehend those responsible for assault of a scribe by Dec 14 next. On Dec 8 night L Keshonanda, Sub Editor of Poknapham was assaulted by some persons coming in a Hundyai Verna MN-04 A/4504 at Babupara.
As the police has failed to apprehend those responsible for the crime it was decided to boycott police activities from today. If those responsible are not nabbed by Dec 14 the AMWJU from the next day will boycott the government. If there is no action by Dec 17 then from December 18 next the AMWJU will boycott all political parties supporting the Ibobi government. The AMWJU today discussed the matter and one of the perpetrators by phone offered to come for talks at the Press Club, however he did not turn up.
Meanwhile, S. Surjeswar Singh, General Secy, of AMWJU has advised all scribes to be careful while going for reporting as there are threats from various quarters of late.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/amwju-to-launch-stir/

AR rescues accident victims

A Maruti Van bearing No MN 01W 6585 moving from Imphal to Moreh and carrying electronic and electrical goods worth Rs. 1 lakh caught Fire due to short circuit in its electrical system near village Bongyang at 0930 am today. A Quick Reaction Team of 42 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector under HQ IGAR(South) alongwith […]

A Maruti Van bearing No MN 01W 6585 moving from Imphal to Moreh and carrying electronic and electrical goods worth Rs. 1 lakh caught Fire due to short circuit in its electrical system near village Bongyang at 0930 am today.
A Quick Reaction Team of 42 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector under HQ IGAR(South) alongwith Fire Fighting equipments rushed to the spot and brought down the fire using the fire extinguishe. The driver of the vehicle along with the goods were safely rescued.
Prompt and timely action by the Assam Rifles personel saved precious life of the driver and the valuable stores. The fire was timely bought down which ensured further spread of fire which would have led to an explosion and cause further damage to the houses and villagers in the close vicinity.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ar-rescues-accident-victims/

NEROCA lifts CC meet

NEROCA, Sangakpham lifted the 55th CC Meet defeating the winner of 53th CC Meet Assam Rifles in the final match played at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium today. During the normal time, both the team held 1-1 draw however in tie break NEROCA which lost to AR in tie break in 2008 defeated Ar 4-2. The […]

NEROCA, Sangakpham lifted the 55th CC Meet defeating the winner of 53th CC Meet Assam Rifles in the final match played at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium today.
During the normal time, both the team held 1-1 draw however in tie break NEROCA which lost to AR in tie break in 2008 defeated Ar 4-2.
The sports minister DD Thaisee, AH Choudhury, President AMSA retd. IAS, tourism commissioner KK Chhetri and MACS director graced the final match as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
N. Nabachandra of NISA, Th. Tababi got the footballer of the year trophy.
NEROCA for the first time entered the final in the history of CC Meet in the year 2000. In that final match, NEROCA beat SSB and lifted the prestigious trophy. NEROCA lost to 1-2 to Eastern Sporting Union, Wangkhei in 2002.
In 2008, it became the runner up. In that final match, AR beat NEROCA in tie break.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/neroca-lifts-cc-meet/

Anna’s symbolic daylong fast galvanises hundreds across India

Lucknow/Kanpur/Kolkata/New Delhi, Dec 11 (ANI): Veteran social activist Anna Hazare’s daylong protest fast at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi galvanised hundreds across the country, as his supporters warned the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at the Centre of a prolonged agitation if key demands were not included in the Lokpal Bill. Hazare’s supporters […]

Lucknow/Kanpur/Kolkata/New Delhi, Dec 11 (ANI): Veteran social activist Anna Hazare’s daylong protest fast at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi galvanised hundreds across the country, as his supporters warned the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at the Centre of a prolonged agitation if key demands were not included in the Lokpal Bill.
Hazare’s supporters gathered in large numbers in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow city to demand the inclusion of three key demands outlined in the Bill.
Purshottam Shukla, a supporter of Hazare and himself a serial hunger striker, said the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, had promised to include the demands put forward by Team Anna, but the government had backtracked on its position.
Shukla further said that he would support Hazare in a prolonged agitation against the Congress-led UPA Government if the demands were still excluded.
“The three key demands that were remaining in the end, our Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh) had assured that they will be included and had said that Annaji (Anna Hazare) should break his fast. Now, again they are not agreeing to these demands and the government has backtracked again,” said Shukla.
“It is our one-day demonstration, a waning demonstration, so that the government agrees to our demands, but if they do not agree then we will sit on an indefinite hunger strike again from December 27 and we will hold a stronger anti-corruption movement as compared to the last time,” he added.
Similar scenes were witnessed in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur city, where Hazare’s supporters wearing ‘I am Anna’ caps staged a sit-in and sang patriotic songs to express their solidarity with the veteran social activist.
“The common people have elected you (lawmakers) to the Parliament. The Prime Minister had promised and had given a written assurance that the government will include the three key demands outlined in the Jan Lokpal Bill. But we have been betrayed,” said Rakesh Yadav, a Hazare supporter.
“So, keep in mind that if we can elect you in Parliament then we can overthrow you from Parliament and this demonstration is a warning to highlight that,” he added.
Meanwhile, the locals in West Bengal ‘s Kolkata city also came out on the streets and waved the national flag to mark their support to Hazare.
Hazare sat on a daylong fast at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to protest against the proposals of Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Lokpal Bill.
Hazare, who is fighting for a strong anti-graft bill, has been demanding that the lower bureaucracy should be brought within the ambit of the Lokpal besides provisions for Citizen’s Charter and setting up of Lokayuktas under a central law.
The 74-year-old social activist has also warned the government that he would sit on an indefinite fast from December 27 at the Ramlila Maidan here if a strong Lokpal Bill is not passed in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.
The Lokpal Bill is seen as a weapon to root out corruption and nepotism from the government machinery and in public life.
The proposed Bill envisages the setting up of a national anti-corruption watchdog to check financial mismanagement and corrupt practices that have deeply pervaded several democratic and civic institutions of India .
Hazare had staged an indefinite hunger strike against graft that he gave up on August 28 when the government agreed to deliberate the issues raised by him and his forum vis-à-vis the passage and enactment of the Lokpal Bill, a suggestion that has received unprecedented nationwide backing.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/anna%E2%80%99s-symbolic-daylong-fast-galvanises-hundreds-across-india/

UN Human Rights day on the works of Sharmila

Human rights observance has gained immense importance today throughout the world. The relevance is more so in our region where there is report of series of massacres, violations of right to life, denial of civil and political rights. People have to fight for everything in our land and the state’s response and measures are not […]

Human rights observance has gained immense importance today throughout the world. The relevance is more so in our region where there is report of series of massacres, violations of right to life, denial of civil and political rights. People have to fight for everything in our land and the state’s response and measures are not worth getting applause from any quarter . State human rights commission is now defunct and writings on the wall are clear. State government does not want to clean the dirty linings in the open. The central government is also unable to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Banning mobile services in the north east is not the solution in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Stopping mobile services when the Union Home Minister comes to the state is amazing. After the attacks on Parliament there was no talk of imposing AFSPA in New Delhi or banning mobile services. Ban on entry of foreigners and other restrictions exclusively reserved for our holy land are abominable archaic restrictions not expected in a democratic country. The UN observes the day every year . Time has come to dedicate the day to Irom Sharmila an incarnate of ‘Mother Compassion’. The future generations will find it hard to fathom the reason of the delay of recognizing her works . Procrastination of a decision favouring democracy over martial law will remain a black phase in our democracy. Such unparallel struggle should be recognized by the UN and observance of the day to recognize her works at least for a year will go down in global history and international human rights movement to safeguard the dignity and the rights of the people. No one is against the military but against martial law taking over people’s life in a great democratic country like ours. Every state agencies have its own defined roles and one should not try to contravene its others’ duties and responsibilities. If martial law has to be imposed in the aftermath of every blast or attack the entire world fits the bill to be imposed AFSPA. Attacks in US, Europe and other countries are crimes against humanity of immense proportion and the blasts in our region are like ants biting a rhinoceros. Is our democracy and people’s rule so weak that we have to call in the service of the military to carry out state activities. Prolonged use of military will belittle supremacy of the people over all forces. Too much use of the most powerful medicines will affect the harmony of the body and may lead to the dead of the person. It is well said that , “Human rights belong equally to each of us and bind us together as a global community with the same ideals and values.” The date was chosen to honour the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption and proclamation, on 10 December 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the first global enunciation of human rights and one of the first major achievements of the new United Nations. It was a year later after India got Independence. Time has come for our country to understand people’s aspirations and respect human dignity and life. UN Secy Gen, Ban Ki-moon aptly described the movement and the current scenario when he said, “Yet at the end of an extraordinary year for human rights, let us take strength from the achievements of 2011: new democratic transitions set in motion, new steps to ensure accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity, new and ever-spreading awareness of rights themselves. As we look to the challenges ahead, let us take inspiration from the example of human rights activists and the timeless power of the Universal Declaration, and do our utmost to uphold the ideals and aspirations that speak for every culture and every person.” And we feel the right person to remember is Irom Sharmila .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/un-human-rights-day-on-the-works-of-sharmila/

IGAR S interacts with NDA cadets

Mail News Service Imphal, Dec 10: : Fifteen cadets of the prestigious National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune hailing from different parts of Manipur were invited by Maj Gen U K Gurung, YSM, IGAR(South) for a lunch at the HQ IGAR(S) Mess today. All the cadets are products of Sainik School, Imphal which has once again […]

Mail News Service
Imphal, Dec 10: : Fifteen cadets of the prestigious National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune hailing from different parts of Manipur were invited by Maj Gen U K Gurung, YSM, IGAR(South) for a lunch at the HQ IGAR(S) Mess today. All the cadets are products of Sainik School, Imphal which has once again risen up to its expectations with 18 more students qualifying for entry to the NDA in the current year.
NDA is the premier military institute which has produced brave and elite officers of Army, Navy and the Air Force and also chiefs of the tri services. These cadets are an example worth emulating and would serve as source of inspiration and guidance to their brethren.
The General revived fond memories of his academy training days in the company of these cadets who have come for their term break. The General during his interaction with the cadets also dwelled upon the importance of being physically and mentally strong. He added that the aptitude and outlook towards life imbibed during training at the academy develops in them the quality of character that goes into the making of a good leader. The General shared with the cadets the proven belief of NDA being the nursery of defence leadership in India since it is here that a great deal of time, thought and resources is invested on the core purpose of the services which is character development.
The cadets were overwhelmed to meet the General Officer and other alumni of the NDA. The interaction would definitely encourage them to attain greater laurels and would boost their morale.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/igar-s-interacts-with-nda-cadets/

BJP not anti Muslim: Najma Heptullah

Mail News Service Imphal, Dec 10: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday attacked the Congress saying the Northeast region has been kept isolated from the mainland India by this party thereby making the region underdeveloped. “In the 60 years of Congress rule in India, we do not see development in the Northeast. There is […]

Mail News Service
Imphal, Dec 10: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday attacked the Congress saying the Northeast region has been kept isolated from the mainland India by this party thereby making the region underdeveloped.
“In the 60 years of Congress rule in India, we do not see development in the Northeast. There is no road connectivity in the region”, BJP vice president and former Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson Dr. Najma Heptulla told pressman at the Manipur State unit BJP office here. Dr. Heptulla arrived here today on a three-day visit.
She said the Government has done nothing for the youth of Manipur even as they have made the country proud, particularly in the field of sports.
The BJP vice president categorically made assertion that some anti-BJP people are deliberately trying to spread propaganda against BJP for what they say an anti-Muslim party which is totally wrong and destructive.
“My forefathers were used to work with Congress party but I joined BJP as I like the way the party works for the public”, she added.
Heptulla also earnestly appealed to the Muslim community of the State not to consider BJP an anti-Muslim party and said that they need to join and work with non-Congress parties for their betterment.
A reception function of O. Indira Devi an aspiring candidate of BJP of Thoubal Kendra was held today at BJP office Nityaipat Chuthek Keishampat. O. Indira Devi had joined BJP with 1500 followers. Dr. Najma Heptulla general secy BJP, Sh. Shantikumar Sharma, BJP Manipur unit were also present on the occasion.
O. Indira Devi said that she joined BJP because the party can save Manipur from corruption. She will fight the ensuing tenth assembly election at Thoubal. Thoubal is the most backward constituency in Manipur she said. There is no drinking water in Thoubal. No water reservoir. She will make up the deficiencies if she is elected in Thoubal. She wants to change the present culture of corruption and muscle power in election. The Chief Mninister O. Ibobi betrayed the people of Thoubal for the last ten years. But now, the people of Thoubal has wake up and it is the time to defeat the corrupted Chief Minister, she added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bjp-not-anti-muslim-najma-heptullah/

Human rights day observed

Mail News Service Imphal, Dec 10: The Manipur Students’ Association Delhi (MSAD) had participated in an observance programme on the day of the International Human Rights Day, at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. The programme was observed jointly by various institutions, civil organizations and other different student communities wherein almost more than 200 members were present. […]

Mail News Service
Imphal, Dec 10: The Manipur Students’ Association Delhi (MSAD) had participated in an observance programme on the day of the International Human Rights Day, at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. The programme was observed jointly by various institutions, civil organizations and other different student communities wherein almost more than 200 members were present. A march was taken out from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar before converging at Jantar Mantar.
The members took a deliberate discussions and debates on the issues of human rights and its violations in different parts of the world specially India. Many of the members opined for an objective and a democratic procedure for the movement against human rights violations and deprivations.
As one of the organizers of the programme, MSAD had also put a few words on the very issue. MSAD said, today i.e. the “10th of December must be the world’s, mostly the workers’ and the peasants’ happiest day, for, their rights of being human have been suppressed, oppressed and exploited by the bourgeois. However, we the people have been fighting back with positive determinations for these very rights of our own, for more than thousands of years.
If these suppressors, oppressors and exploiters don’t try to give us back the very rights of us, as they have been doing for the last thousands of years, then, we the people would be compelled and determined to fight them for the same, even forcefully, if needed, so that we can teach them a lesson so as to make them understand the real meaning of life, for they are still acting so childishly as far as their minds are concerned. Also, it’s the time that we through our togetherness make such people understand how much wrong they are doing and what can it bring to our societies? So as to gain these very rights, we will be very much needed to fight back with a sense of togetherness.
The Save Sharmila Campaign Committee organised a daylong event in New Delhi today to coincide with the 63rd International Human Rights Day celebrated globally on the 10th of December since 1948. Raj Ghat, the historic memorial of Mahatma Gandhi came alive today with activists from Manipur as well as from the length and breadth of India – Assam, A.P., Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, M.P., Punjab, U.P., the press note from Just Peace Foundation.
It said the event which was supposed to be a day of fast was denied permission, however not to be deterred the activists gathered for a day of fast beginning with a prayer meeting of more than two hundred people.
“The spirit of Gandhi is being kept alive by Irom Chanu Sharmila” affirmed eminent activist Ms. Medha Padkar at the Save Sharmila Campaign. She added that it was indeed a national embarrassment that the organising of one day of fast in solidarity with Irom Sharmila’s twelfth years’ of fast was being denied permission at the capital. Swami Agnivesh stated that it is not for herself that Sharmila is fasting, neither is it for Manipur or India alone but for the cause of entire humanity. “We should understand and rally behind her cause”, he added.
At the end of the day of fast the activists assembled again at the Press Club of India and interacted with the media.
“It is a matter of shame, a matter of embarrassment that we were denied permission to hold a fast on this very day declared as the International Human Rights Day” stated Ms. Aruna Roy an eminent activist who is also member of the National Advisory Council. Anandi Khangembam, Managing Trustee of Just Peace Foundation, Manipur expressed that “One should not look at Irom Sharmila alone to resist the repressive laws which oppresses women; women all over India and the world should begin to voice their protest against all repressive laThe statement said noted academician and activist Prof. Nandini Sundar, Shabnam Hashmi of Anhad also addressed the media asking for the repeal of AFSPA and expressed their solidarity with Irom Sharmila. Human rights activist, Babloo Loitongbam expresses immense grief over the state of affairs. He stated “The twelfth year of Irom Sharmila’s fast which fails to move the state speaks a lot of the lack of maturity of the Indian State”. He added that 60,000 soldiers terrorising citizens in Manipur is not a sign of a mature, democratic nation that India claims to be, rather fostering solidarity amongst people, like this event organised by NAPM and others will herald the birth of a new democracy in India.
The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) observed the International Human Rights Day to commemorate the 63rd year of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on the theme “Social Media and Human Rights in the Local Context”, at Ana Ki Conference Hall, Dimapur today. Aside from members of NPMHR, among those who attended were representatives from the Naga Mothers Association (NMA), Naga Students Federation (NSF), United Naga Council (UNC), Nagaland University Teachers Association (NUTA), pioneering senior members of NPMHR, and other well wishers.
Dr. Gina Shangkham, the Secretary General of NPMHR gave the welcome address

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/human-rights-day-observed/

Health camp at Somtal

Mail News Service Imphal, Dec 10: The 37 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector under HQ IGAR(S) conducted free HIV screening and counseling for 175 villagers and Medical screening of 50 students including girls at primary school of Joupi village in Samtal Salient, Chandel district. Joupi is one of the remote villages near Indo – Myanmar […]

Mail News Service
Imphal, Dec 10: The 37 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector under HQ IGAR(S) conducted free HIV screening and counseling for 175 villagers and Medical screening of 50 students including girls at primary school of Joupi village in Samtal Salient, Chandel district. Joupi is one of the remote villages near Indo – Myanmar border, basic medical facilities are not available in this region.
The medical staff of 37 Assam Rifles treated more than 75 students for upper respiratory tract, ear and skin infection. A Medical record of all students of the school is being maintained and will be periodically monitored by the medical staff of 37 Assam Rifles, to ensure good health of the students and on the same occasion Stationary & CSD items were also distributed to the students.
The Doctor delivered a lecture on personal and Oral hygiene to school students and teaching staff. Villagers and the teaching staff have expressed their deep gratitude to Assam Rifles for looking after the school children and imbibing in them, the important aspect of health and hygiene.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/health-camp-at-somtal/

Finance Minister in the Meeting with Chief Ministers of East Zone

The Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee addressed the this Meeting of CMs of East Zone States in Kolkata today. He said, “We have here today a diversified mix of Eastern states consisting of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tripura and West Bengal. From the banking perspective, we have a […]

The Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee addressed the this Meeting of CMs of East Zone States in Kolkata today. He said, “We have here today a diversified mix of Eastern states consisting of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tripura and West Bengal.
From the banking perspective, we have a mix of states with varying level of access to banking facilities, flow of credit to priority sectors and over all C-D ratio. State Governments and the bankers are working in close coordination to tap the potential of each State/Union Territory and promoting credit flow into various growth areas. States with a high level of co-operation with Banks have done well in availing their banking services. It will, indeed, be a great learning process to share each other’s experience and formulate appropriate strategy to approach state specific problems. Nonetheless, I would like to highlight a few issues relating to flow of credit and some other related issues.
It has been our endeavour to ensure timely availability of agricultural credit in adequate measure at an affordable cost to the farmers. A special package was announced earlier to usher in green revolution in the Eastern region. For the current financial year, we have set a target of Rs. 4,75,000 crore for credit flow to the agriculture sector. Bank have already extended credit of Rs. 2,23,380 crore as on 30th Sept,2011. During the year 2011-12, short term crop loans will be available at an attractive interest rate of 4 per cent per annum for prompt repaying farmers. It will be our earnest effort to cover all the eligible farmers. States should make efforts to generate awareness about the Scheme so the farmers can benefit from cheaper credit while the banks get timely repayment. In terms of employment generation, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE) is next only to agriculture. This sector also plays a crucial role in furthering the objective of equitable and inclusive growth. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set separate targets for flow of credit to MSE Sector and for micro enterprises within this overall target for MSE Sector. Last year, Rs. 4,000 crore was provided to SIDBI for refinancing incremental lending by banks to these enterprises. For the year 2011-12, as announced in my budget speech, the provision has been increased to Rs. 5,000 crore. On all India basis, the outstanding MSE credit has exceeded the target but there has been a shortfall in the share of advances to micro enterprises. State-wise performance in MSE sector also differs. While Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and
Tripura have shown an impressive growth in credit flow, other states particularly Manipur have reflected lower credit growth. Similarly, East Zone states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Nagaland and Odisha could not achieve 50 per cent target of credit flow to micro enterprises within the MSE Sector; rest of the states under review have achieved the stipulated target of 50 per cent I would like to advise the State Governments to devise suitable schemes in cluster/location specific industry groups for improved credit flow. We have taken up an ambitious plan ‘Swabhiman’ for Financial Inclusion. We have set a target for coverage of 73000 habitations of the country with banking facilities by the year 2012. By the end of October, 2011, on all India basis over 45000 villages have been covered which is around 62 per cent of the target. In the States represented here today, I find that out of 23,000 villages allotted to East Zone for provision of banking services, nearly 12,000 villages have been covered by the end of October 2011, which comes to about a little over 50 per cent of the target. Therefore, the rest of the villages representing nearly 50 per cent of the target needs to be covered by the end of March, 2012. This in turn will require massive efforts on the part of state Governments and banks
particularly the RRBs. There has been significant flow of credit to Housing Sector to States in the East Zone in 2010-11. Housing loans in the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura have shown a remarkable growth of 62 per cent and 45 per cent during 2010-11 respectively. I request states of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, & Jharkhand to focus on the growth of Housing Loans as their growth is less than 20 per cent. To further stimulate growth in housing sector, in my budget speech, I have liberalized the existing scheme of interest subvention of 1 per cent on housing loans by extending it to housing loan upto Rs.15 lakh where the cost of the house does not exceed Rs.25 lakh. States should popularize the scheme among the targeted beneficiaries.
With regard to the Credit Deposit (CD) Ratio, I find that all East Zone States are having lower CD Ratio in comparison to 60 per cent benchmark. CD ratio in relation to States of Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura are less than 30 per cent. I request, particularly, the Chief Ministers of these states to use the forum of SLBC meetings effectively and take pro-active action to ensure that the CD Ratio in their States is improved.
Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) are playing an increasingly important role in the growth of rural economy. I am happy to note that out of 82 RRBs functioning in the country, 80 RRBs have rolled out the CBS. These institutions will soon be a part of National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT). I am also happy to note that all the 22 RRBs functioning in the East Zone states are participating in the NEFT system through their sponsor bank. With this all the RRBs in the country will be in a position to provide facility to their customers to remit funds across the country. As regards, financial support, the Government of India in 2010-11 has announced scheme of supporting 40 weakest RRBs. 13 RRBs have been provided recapitalization support during 2010-11 and 2011-12 to the tune of Rs. 354.64 crore, half of which has been contributed by the Central Government. The ten State Governments of the Eastern region are now required to release Rs. 198.50 crore for recapitalization of 18 RRBs. I would request them to release their share expeditiously.
We have been encouraging expansion of RRBs in terms of opening new Branches. To improve the coverage of RRB, 269 branches of RRBs will be opened by March 2012 and 539 branches will be opened by March, 2013 in the Eastern Region. I request the State Governments to extend their full supports for expansion of branch network of RRBs.
Apart from expansion of banking facilities in rural areas there is also a need for improving insurance penetration in rural areas. I notice that a number of districts, especially, in the North Eastern States are not having a single branch of Insurance companies – either Life or non life. For instance, out of 194 Districts covered under review today, 53 districts do not have any Branch. Similarly, out of 56 NE Districts, 31 do not have any Branch. I am instructing LIC and Non-life Insurance Companies to ensure that all Districts have at least one Branch or a satellite office during the coming year. We have been popularizing insurance coverage of rural poor through various schemes as a part of Financial Inclusion. Aam Admi Bima Yojana (AABY) and Janashree Bima Yojana (JBY) are important insurance schemes of the Government of India meant to support the rural landless households, rural and urban poor and informal workers and their families.
The coverage under these insurance schemes needs to be improved. Government has introduced a co-contributory voluntary pension scheme – “Swavalamban” with effect from September 2010, under which Central Government contributes Rs. 1000 per account per annum for an annual minimum saving of Rs. 1000 and upto Rs, 12000 per annum.
The coverage so far at the country level is about 3.65 lakhs under the scheme. The State Governments should take benefit under the scheme and should bring all the workers in the unorganised sector under the ambit of Swavalamban Scheme.
Delay in the implementation of projects, particularly in the infrastructure and manufacturing sector, not only deprives the economy of its benefits, downstream investment and resultant employment generation, it also make the projects vulnerable to time and cost overrun and thereby impacts their viability. In my recent review, it has come to my notice that implementation of a number of projects are held up due to regulatory approval. I would request the Chief Ministers to pay personal attention to this aspect and review the status of approvals in large projects in their states. CMDs of the PSBs have been advised to approach the State Governments for expediting the approvals in projects financed by them.
E-payment is another area where I would seek the cooperation of the Chief Ministers. As you are aware all Public Sector Banks are almost completely on the core banking platform. All the RRBs, barring a few, have also rolled out CBS and soon be a part of NEFT. Since the required system for paperless transmission of funds is in place, the States should introduce mandatory e-payment for its various transactions such as payment to its employees, contractors, etc. There are large number of schemes both by the Central Government and State Governments where cash benefits are transferred to the beneficiaries. Under the financial inclusion plan under implementation, banking services are expanding rapidly. I would urge the Chief Ministers to shift to electronic benefit transfer in all villages which have been covered with banking services in a time bound manner. Government of India is keen to expand and strengthen the branch network of banks in eastern states, particularly in the north eastern states. Out of 69 unbanked blocks in NE region, 27 blocks were covered with banking services by 30th November, 2011. The remaining 42 unbanked blocks are in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland. I would urge the banks to extend the banking services to these remaining blocks also by 31st March, 2012. Government has also directed that in the under banked districts, the banks shall open a regular brick & mortar branch in habitations with population of 5000 and above. In the North Eastern Region, 47 Districts do not have a Clearing House and 8 Districts do not have a Currency Chest. Government is pursuing to ensure that all the Districts of N-E Region have atleast one Currency Chest and Clearing House each in all the districts, I am happy to note that eleven clearing houses will be operationalised by March, 2012 of which 5 will be in the North East States. Similarly, three currency chests will be established by March, 2012, of which one will be in Assam. However, Government will ensure that the currency requirement of all the districts in NE region are adequately met. To conclude, the Eastern States have immense potential. The need, therefore, is to identify the opportunities and recognize the challenges to work towards a sustainable and inclusive growth of the region supported with greater penetration of the formal financial sector.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/finance-minister-in-the-meeting-with-chief-ministers-of-east-zone/

Power hike with retrospective effect

We have all heard of employees getting pay benefits with retrospective effects but we have never heard of issuing bills with retrospective effect. Many new things started in our state; many good and many bad. We wonder in which category the decision to demand power bill with retrospective effect can be fitted. Residents of the […]

We have all heard of employees getting pay benefits with retrospective effects but we have never heard of issuing bills with retrospective effect. Many new things started in our state; many good and many bad. We wonder in which category the decision to demand power bill with retrospective effect can be fitted. Residents of the state received hiked electricity bills and later the bills were changed with new ones. It was calculated again by including bills of previous months. Many were shocked and many were wonderstruck. For the state power department it is good as more revenues will be received but it has many questions to answer. Hike in prices have to be announced and it can not be announced with retrospective effect. Can we include a huge amount to a customer in a restaurant by saying that the prices were hiked earlier and not included when they visited the restaurant earlier ? The power department seems to be suffering from serious flaws. Some places continue to get uninterrupted power supply while others continue to get uninterrupted black out. The Power Minister, Phungzathang Tonsing is a senior minister in the Ibobi Singh Cabinet. We wonder if he is aware of the recent decision. The Power Chief Engineer may also have knowledge about the matter . We wonder if he is trying to rectify the wrongs done. At least people should be informed ahead about price hike, changes in load shedding programme. Nothing is done. Taking the people for granted is not acceptable in this age and good citizens who hardly complain about the inefficiencies of the department should not be taken for a ride. There is a limit to executive autocracy and misuse of power. Things are done as if a monarch is ruling the state. Is it possible to give fresh bills to all the subscribers getting more power supply than those getting less power supply. There is complete chaos in the distribution of power and collection of revenues. We remember a time when we addressed the issue of inclusion of previous bills in the bills given to subscribers if the bills are paid one day late. If the bills are lost there is nothing one can do rather than paying the previous bills also. The only rectification the department did was to give a curt reply, “the subscribers are advised to pay bill on time”. We are losing all our potentials, working hours as we do not get adequate power supply and we end up using precious oil to generate power. Two hours of power during day time is ridiculous. As repair of faulty lines takes place during office hours most of the time power supply during day time is also disrupted. The matter will pass away with the will of a few stampeding over the need of the three million people. We have seen unannounced power hikes at regular intervals, the time has come to supply power regularly without prior announcement. That will go down as a good step.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/power-hike-with-retrospective-effect/

Aspiring candidate arrested

An aspiring candidate for the ensuing 10th state assembly election of Heirok A/C was arrested along with her husband by a team of Thoubal police commandos from their residence this morning around six a.m. These arrested were Ningthoujam Sumtibala (45), her husband N. Ibomcha (55) of Heirok III Tourangbam Leikai. Following the incident, the JAC […]

An aspiring candidate for the ensuing 10th state assembly election of Heirok A/C was arrested along with her husband by a team of Thoubal police commandos from their residence this morning around six a.m.
These arrested were Ningthoujam Sumtibala (45), her husband N. Ibomcha (55) of Heirok III Tourangbam Leikai.
Following the incident, the JAC formed in this connection blocked Heirok Wangjing Road for one hour and later submitted a memorandum to SP, Thoubal.
An election office of sitting MLA, M. Okendra has been opened in fron of the house of aspirant candidate Smt. N. Sumtibala. The woman along with her workers removed the festoon which wrote ‘welcome to Okendro’. Following a complaint by Heirok Youth congress committee, the Thoubal commandos apprehended them.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/aspiring-candidate-arrested/

MPP on Naga integration

Imphal, Dec 9 NNN : Manipur People’s Party (MPP) MLA R.K Anand Friday said the newly floated political party, Naga People’s Party (NPF) is a “political umbrella” aiming and struggling for Naga integration in the State. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of inauguration of a local community hall at Langthabal, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Constituency […]

Imphal, Dec 9 NNN : Manipur People’s Party (MPP) MLA R.K Anand Friday said the newly floated political party, Naga People’s Party (NPF) is a “political umbrella” aiming and struggling for Naga integration in the State.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of inauguration of a local community hall at Langthabal, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Constituency MLA R.K. Anand said that peace parleys between NSCN-IM and the Government of India are still continuing that sometimes the peace process poses a “big threat” to Manipur, and the people of the State are not freed from threats caused by the talks.
The recently surfaced issue of “Supra-State Body” which has created a strained state in Manipur is now relatively calm following assurance given by the Prime Minister during his recent visit to the State, Anand said.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohon Singh on his visit to Manipur on December 3 had clearly stated that there would be no compromise on the State territorial integrity which alleviated distress of the people, the MLA added.
Anand also strongly urged the political parties in the State to take care while fielding candidates where NPF candidates are contesting in the upcoming polls to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly to be strong enough to defeat the party.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mpp-on-naga-integration/

NPF begins campaign

Imphal, Dec 9 NNN : The Manipur unit of Naga People’s Front (NPF) has begun its official electioneering process by inviting interested candidates who are willing to contest from the NPF ticket in the forthcoming Manipur assembly election. The party’s political affairs secretary Ningreingam Ruivah said today that applications are invited in plain sheets from […]

Imphal, Dec 9 NNN : The Manipur unit of Naga People’s Front (NPF) has begun its official electioneering process by inviting interested candidates who are willing to contest from the NPF ticket in the forthcoming Manipur assembly election.
The party’s political affairs secretary Ningreingam Ruivah said today that applications are invited in plain sheets from all the interested candidates, representing their respective Assembly Constituencies, who are willing to contest in the forthcoming elections to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly 2012 on Naga People’s Front (NPF) ticket.
The same application is to be submitted either through the office of the concern Divisional Unit President or directly to the office of the Election Committee, Manipur State Unit at Fairyland, Stadium Road, Imphal addressed to the president, NPF Manipur State Unit on or before December 20, 2011 along with necessary bio-data and 2 (two) recent passport-sized photographs duly signed by the applicant, said the NPF functionary.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/npf-begins-campaign/