Category: News

by Rajen Singh Laishram
I have no travel experience beyond parts of Oriental Asia. Yet encounters from such sojourn are reminder of the visible contrast of conviviality among the officials and people in Asia and glacial attitude of my fellow Indians.

One does not face the harrowing tales of harassment, physical attacks, and continual attitudinal discrimination while living and travelling in India for being a Chinki. Chinkiness rather paves way for a normal bonding, unusual in many parts of India. Not surprising, though, as various communities are interspersed along the political boundaries with history of shared migration.

It is probably also the cosmological union and Karma that is reorienting our curiosity, memories, quest for restoring normal pattern of relationships with East and South East Asia.

Exploiting the apparent similarities in language, culture among the communities in North East India and East and South East Asia may augment the Indian state`™s foray in East Asia with its stress on Look East policy and public diplomacy.

Involving communities from North East India can be a fillip in erasing the perception of neglect, provide some scope for participation in the developmental process, bridge the cultural and racial hiatus with the Indian state, hence worth deliberation as a policy option.

Many communities in India traces their origin south of the Yarlung Zangbo, source of the Brahmaputra River, including the Tai-Ahoms or Ahoms, an offspring of the Tai people who are called Shan in Myanmar, Thai in Thailand, Lao in Laos, Dai and Zhuang in China and Tay-Thai in Vietnam.

The oral history of Chin-Kuki-Mizo communities places their origin to Sinlung/Chinlung or closed cave, probably the Great Wall in China. The exodus of Chin-Kuki-Mizo people from China was necessitated by the forcible conscription of people for the construction of the Great Wall by Emperor Shi Huang Di around 200BC. The personal names of many Chin-Kuki-Mizo groups have many similarities with the Chinese hint to a connection.

Cathay is the old name of China then, the term Kathe which is used by Burmese to describe the Meitei is a pointer of the possible migration rather an original or early settler of China proper. Similarities in the nouns between Chinese languages and speeches used among communities in Northeast India and Southeast Asia are also a point worth investigation.

Many of us are not aware that the Meitei, who is assumed to be a part of the Black Tai, out of the three kindred of Tai: White Tai, Black Tai and Red Tai, are addressed as Tai mi meaning Tai people by many hill tribes in Manipur. Even the Manipuri vernacular meaning of the universe as Taibangpan, meaning the world in which the Tai reign, is suggestive of the old connection with the Tai community in Yunnan.

The similarities in the name of places may be no coincidence. A predominantly Loi village Tairenpokpi, which is situated at the foothills of Imphal West may be one of the early settlement of the Tai people who probably migrated from Yunnan, as the name suggest.

In Yunnan there is a place called Damenlong, pronounced as Tamenlong. Whether Tamenglong in Manipur and Damenlong has any mythological and historical connection even in the oral history and tradition must inspire our Anthropologist, Linguists and Historians alike.

I am also reminded of Professor Horam, who mentioned in passing over our habitual rounds of Scotch and Royal Sekmai that Tangkhul Naga legend has that Yunnan is the place of origin of the Tangkhul. Many Naga friends from Nagaland, when inquired about the origin of the Naga shares that some of the Naga may have migrated from South East Asia, as there are oral history and discovery of fossils and shells peculiar to ocean.

While staying in the Montien Riverside Hotel in Bangkok, the food and beverages manager of the hotel, who happens to be from Chiangmai, took special care of me once he learnt that I am from Manipur and volunteered assistance. The manager was aware of the Trans-Asian Highway and talked about possibility of having renewed contacts through this.

Exploring the similarities in the cultural and settlement patterns of the Chiangmai in northern Thailand and Sekmai in Manipur could be the beginning of Manipur`™s nongpok thong hangba. In an international conference at Gwalior, Amara Prasithrathsint, emeritus professor of Linguistics in Chulalongkorn University, narrated Manipur is known as Manipura in the Thai chronicles.

If the Khasi, one of the few matrilineal communities in India, have migrated from Yunnan before being pushed out of the Red River delta of Vietnam, then what should interest us is the possible connection between the Khasi and the Mosuo community of Lugu Lake in Yunnan.

The Mosuo is one of surviving matrilineal community in China and has been attracting internal and foreign tourists. The Mosuo community practices a system of marriage called zouhun or walking marriage, where one can choose a female partner for a day, months, and year or for a life time.

Although Hinduism became a state religion of Manipur in the early part of the 18th Century, influence of Hinduism was traceable in 1474 with the worship of Pha (God) ? stone image of Lord Vishnu ridding over the Garuda, when Pong (Shan) king Sabwa Khekhomba gifted to Meitei King Thangwai Ningthouba also known as Kyamba.

This idol which is still worshipped in a temple at Bishnupur bears resemblance to Chandis temple of Java as in the Chandi Punta Deva of 7th century such as the corbelled arch in Borobudur and ventilation holes in Chandi Pawon. This should be reason enough for us to ponder over the early connection.

Balinese dance and Manipuri dance form may have visibly similar gestures. But we are reminded by a lady Professor from Chulalongkorn University, who led a troupe at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy that some of the Thai dance forms have more similarities with Manipuri Dance. The Balinese dance gestures are played above the shoulder with direct eye gestures and contacts, whereas Manipuri and Thai dance form are gestures from below the shoulder with no direct eye-contact.
I am not a temple-hopping Hindu, but the bliss of visiting a Hindu temple was experienced in Besakih temple?derived from Sanskrit word wasuki which means saviour?in Bali, Indonesia. There are no touts and beggars imposing their service and wares in this temple, largest in Bali.

Manipur history has valorized King Khagemba`™s defeat of Chinese giant Khagi king of China. Inquiries into this matter with some Chinese scholars suggest that there was no such record. There are suggestions that King Khagemba might have defeated one of the chiefs of the Yi tribe and the word Khagi probably means Kha Yi meaning South Yi. Nonetheless this testifies the fluctuating links either through conquest or expeditions on either side.

The ubiquitous yellow color among the Tais in Yunnan reminds me of the yellow khudei Meitei grooms traditionally wears day after the wedding and yellow muga silk suit that adorns the bride on the mapam chakouba the possibility of Tai lineage.
The copper plate used in the Umanglais bust and in idols at Kondong Lairembi and Eengourok are reminder of the Buddhist influence from South East Asia. A Mahidol University faculty is tracing the possible routes of this past.

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IMPHAL, May 31: The 23 year old IAS topper Haulianlal Guite, from Churachandpur district ranking 33rd position, probably the youngest among toppers of the state sees potential in Manipur in producing toppers in good ranks.

Comparing the past performance of the state and the present he said, `My achievement is the testimony that we have potential`, in an exclusive interview with the IFP.

The Bachelor student of Philosophy who graduated from St. Stephen College, DU, is the eldest of four siblings of Dr. Thangchinkhup Guite (father) MHA, USA and Dr. Dr. Paozachiin Guite, an eye specialist.

The young topper expressed his desire in preserving the ecology of Manipur and arranging alternative livelihood for those whose activities is threatening it. He is also willing to work for encouragement of animal husbandry and improvement of road connectivity.

He observed the need of reformation of the education system in the state especially the Matriculation. He maintained that the syllabus is somewhat narrow when compared to others.

Haulianlal further suggested the need for introducing logical reasoning which he sees as a helpful tool in studies and appearing in competitive examinations and asserted that he does not believe in `punishment`™ but productive measures to encourage students. And most importantly, he lamented on the lack of Library facilities in the schools of Manipur. `These things are vital, my success and experiences is a testimony` he said.

He did his schooling till six standards at St. Joseph Churachandpur, which he termed as the `formative years`™ for it was the first time that he have ever been exposed to public speaking. He shifted his school from seven standards at the St. Paul institute, Churachandpur, and matriculated from there. And He received his higher secondary studies at the Air Force School, New Delhi.

Haulianlal reacted that his result was beyond expectation. He revealed that he was confident of going through the exam however was expecting within 300 positions. His outmost desire is to become a philosopher, but somehow he ended appearing the civil service exam owing to his father`™s suggestion.

He asserted that this was his second attempt.

He expressed his love for reading books base on philosophy, human and science etc and stated that Steven Hawkings remains one of his favorite.

Responding on being asked about his way of preparation for the exam, the young topper maintained that he spent 4 to 5 hours a day reading on a regular basis. As for the preliminary round of the exam he said that he prepares his notes by himself base on past papers and college notes and as for the mains exams, he took coaching.

He likes to indulge in extracurricular activities like badminton, table tennis, hiking and has hobbies of Philosophical Writing, Reading books, news paper etc.

As strong believer of God and determination, he gives his credits of success to God and his parents. `God help those who help themselves`, said Haulianlal.

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IMPHAL, June 1: The ZILLAI (Vaiphei Students`™ Association) Imphal Block has observed its 72nd Zillai Day today at their block office at Sanjenthong, Imphal.

During the formal observation this morning, Genneikhup Vaiphei ex ADC member and advisor of the association, Lalliathang Vaphei, Asst. Prof. MU and P Mawia Vaiphei, Police Inspector while participating as special guest of the observation this morning exhorted the students to devote their valuable time in their studies with the aim to become effective leaders.

Remarkably, the formal observation of the meet today was marked by the paying of rich tributes to the departed leaders of the community by delegates, well wishers and students who were presence in persons in the observation and observation of one minute silence to honors the leaders.

The very meet today was ended with a prayer with dedication and thanks giving by the Rev. Latingen, which was followed by a great community feast.

On the other hand, the same event was also reportedly held at different places, at EFCI Centenary Hall Shillong along with a seminar to mark the occasion likewise the event was also organized in Delhi at SSS Auditorium JNU, New Delhi with the theme, `Profile of Zillai` during which Kh Ginlalchung, Sr. Exe. Asst Parliament and Ninglunhanglal, Journalist presented seminar paper on the occasion.

The source from the Association also mentioned that, the Zillai Churachandpur Block also observed of the oldest Students`™ Organisation of the state, Zillai Day today bu visiting Vungzagen High School at Mata village and the representatives of the student organization have distributed sweets to more than 500 students and Lalblkthuami head mistress and Siammung Asst. Head master of the said school were honoured with presentation of traditional shawls to show their appreciation to their contributions and commitment in the administration of the school, Minlian MDC Haupi Range and Kh Benlian, editor Nisin Thuhiltu also participated in the function today. Further the similar observation of Zillai day was also reportedly held at Haflong NC Hills.

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by Bibhu Prasad RoutrayProviding the best of rms and equipment to paramilitary personnel is crucial to the success of India`s anti-Naxal strategyA Few days ago, some newspapers in India ran two separate reports. One hogging the front page was a stub on India’s flourishing economy and the other relegated to the inside pages underlined the challenges faced by the security forces battling the Left-wing extremists (Naxalites) in the remotest corners of the country. The first item pointed to the soaring number of choppers and private jets jostling for space in Indian skies and the demands they make on the Air Traffic Controllers. The second report, on the other hand, quoted the Border Security Force (BSF) authorities asking the ministry of home affairs (MHA) to replace the Dhruv helicopters since these do not meet the force’s operational requirements. This report went on to detail the drastic shortage of choppers for the security forces deployed on anti-Naxal duty and its impact on the morale of the forces. These two narratives posed a familiar paradox, from Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”, when there are “choppers choppers everywhere, but not many for the security forces”.On May 19, a chopper employed by Gadchiroli district police in Maharashtra returned with injured and dead police personnel from the encounter site at Nalgonda. However, security forces battling the Naxals in Beijjur phata in the same district could not avail themselves of the service of the chopper since it had already completed the stipulated 500 hours of flying and had to proceed for the mandatory maintenance service. The Gadchiroli police requested that the services of another chopper from neighbouring Chhattisgarh be provided. But by the time it arrived, the encounter had ended. It could fly only to recover three dead bodies of police personnel from the area.A similar incident took place in Jharkhand’s Lohardaga district on May 3 in which 11 security force personnel were killed. The Naxals ambushed a 150- member team of state police and paramilitary personnel returning from a combing operation. While four personnel were killed on the spot, seven others succumbed to their injuries since the chopper at the disposal of the state police was unavailable, being on a sortie to neighbouring West Bengal for poll-related duties. It could reach the incident site only after four hours. The Jharkhand Director General of Police admitted that the personnel died owing to lack of timely medical aid. One of the injured personnel who ultimately survived bemoaned the fact that he had to suffer the excruciating pain for over four hours before being evacuated and admitted into a hospital.The MHA, since mid-2010, has deployed a fleet of seven choppers for carrying out troop deployment, casualty evacuation and sending reinforcements in the Naxal-affected states. These choppers are based in Raipur (Chhattisgarh) and Ranchi (Jharkhand) and are available to any of the Naxal-affected states on demand. However, on most occasions, this fleet has been found to be highly inadequate to meet the forces’ ground-level requirements. Complains have been made about the frequent servicing requirements of these Advanced Light Dhruv Helicopters and their inability to fly beyond a certain height. They are frequently grounded by the unavailability of spare parts, which makes them almost an unreliable element in the anti-Naxal operations.In addition to these incidents of shortage, because of unavoidable technical and logistical reasons, choppers have also been diverted on occasions for use by politicians and bureaucrats. Media reports in early May indicated that out of the fleet of seven, only one chopper was functional and was catering to the requirements of the nearly 70 battalions of paramilitary forces deployed against the Naxals throughout the country.The MHA is planning to wet-lease six new Russian Mi-17 helicopters from private companies for deployment in the anti-Naxal operations. At a purchase price of Rs 45 crore apiece, wet-leasing the Mi-17 helicopters, under which the company lending it provides for the pilot, maintenance and fuel, is a far more affordable option. According to reports, the sorties by these leased machines to the Naxal strongholds could start as early as August 2011. The MHA hopes to reduce its dependence on the ministry of defence, which currently flies the paramilitary troops in the Naxal zones. In any event, the Indian Air Force (IAF) choppers’ “80 flying hours a month” rule is a handicap in terms of using them excessively. On the other hand, the Mi-17 choppers proposed to be taken on lease are fuel guzzlers, but the MHA has no alternative other than accounting for such expense.In various forums the Union home minister has spoken of the cumbersome procurement procedure coming in the way of providing the best of arms and equipment to the paramilitary personnel. One does not know whether the process of acquiring choppers also faces similar challenges. The proposal to wet-lease 13 Mi-17 choppers is at least an eight-month-old idea, first floated in October 2010. The number of choppers had then been decided on after taking the requirements of the forces operating in a vast territory into cognisance. But for reasons best known to the MHA, the number has now been reduced to six, which is highly insufficient. Meanwhile, the MHA has negotiated in vain with the IAF, which itself gets choppers on lease. Many of the IAF helicopters are deployed in the United Nations’ Congo mission and the move to recall them has not been successful.For operational purposes, choppers are as basic a requirement for the forces battling the Naxals as any other sophisticated arms and equipment. India’s anti-Naxal policy needs to improve upon the prevailing conditions, on an urgent basis. The author is a former deputy director in the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), a visiting fellow at CLAWS (New Delhi) and a fellow at the Takshashila Institution.

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At its crux, there are only two known ways of resolving a conflict of interest. One is to crush the weaker of the two with brute force and the other to reach a democratic consensus. The civilized norm of the modern world being the latter option, the need is to explore its possibilities, wherever conflict has come to stay, at least until a more perfected mechanism is evolved. For the moment, we can only foresee all putative future conflict resolution mechanisms as derivatives of the democratic system, the latter being known for its resilience and almost infinite accommodative capacity. But it must be acknowledged that often the most vocal advocates of democracy have regressed into the logic of an atavistic past where only force mattered. The objectionable interventions in the Middle East and West Asian have said this eloquently. It is a matter of pessimism that war still seems unavoidable even in the days of democracy. A qualification needs however to be added here. In the UNDP Human Development Report, HDR, 2002 with the theme “deepening democracy in a fragmented world”, one of the many interesting patterns of national behaviors that evolved from empirical data on wars in the second half of the 20th Century is, no two democracies have ever gone to war with each other. Quite obviously, these nations have discovered an alternative ground on which to thrash out vexed issues. The indication is also, democracy is a versatile medium for this meeting of minds and resolution of conflicts.Even in our situation, there have been very strong tendencies on very many occasions to return to the former method of conflict resolution, which basically has a one-line philosophy made famous by Joseph Conrad’s fictional character, Kurtz in Heart of Darkness – exterminate the brute. But, as in this story, the scale to decide which is the “civilized” and which the “brute” between the exterminator and exterminated, becomes extremely blurred. But the values of democracy, with its insistence on giving each and every one a say, regardless of numerical or physical strength, have generally managed to keep this tendency in check. There have been occasions when this inner moderation snapped, as in the case of the Naga-Kuki feud, Meitei-Meitei Pangal mayhem, and Kuki-Paite fratricide, but it would be reasonable to presume that many more would have been prevented by this inner cord. For indeed although our society seemed at certain junctures to have reached points of explosive of ethnic violence, nothing so catastrophic have happened so far. This however does not mean the dark forces of violence have been successfully subdued for all times. We still continue to sit on a dormant volcano which can with provocation come alive again. And provocations there have been and there will be by those who either do not understand or believe in the healing power of accommodation and mutual respect that democracy recommends.There have also been plenty of talks of a dialogue between the civil societies of the different communities that are at loggerheads. This is welcome, but a dialogue devoid of a willingness to accommodate can possibly lead nowhere. A dialogue or a discourse is not simply about convincing the opposing party to surrender to the will of the other party, but of discovering, or rediscovering as the case may be, of common grounds on which to build the foundation of the future together. This spirit has never been conspicuous in all the vociferous claims for the need for understanding and good neighbourliness. By democracy we do not necessarily mean only the number game. This is a necessary ingredient, but it is far from being a sufficient condition. Equally important, it is also about justice, and in evolving this understanding of justice, the premium must be on reason and creative insights into what is common good. Here concept of freedom is also important. Without individual freedom, the aggregate of which is what constitutes freedom of larger social grouping, including the nation, there can be no democracy. But again, as philosopher Isaiah Berlin said, freedom cannot be without any conditions. Absolute freedom for the wolves translates into death for the lambs. Freedom then can make meaning only if it is moderated by reason and a commonly legislated rational law.

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IMPHAL, June 9: A five member representatives of the World Bank Group have arrived in the state capital this morning to assess feasibility of the technical implications to sanction fund in the form of loan to Manipur government meant for improvement of power sector.
According to an official source, the state government while considering the difficulties towards the development aspects to both public and private sectors in terms of development caused by accumulating irregularities of proper power supply in the state, the state government had decided to sought financial assistance from the World Bank in terms of Loan which will be invested for the improvement of power supply in the state.
The visit is in respond the official approach made by Manipur government.
The five membered team of the World Bank group is led by two senior energy specialists Rohit Mutal and Mukul Matindra of the Worl Bank Group. The other members are Kavita Saraswati, senior engineer, Survi Goyal and Mudit Naraian,  operation analysts.
They arrived at the state capital today and attended series of meeting at the conference hall of Old Secretariat Imphal which started from 11 am under the chair of state chief secretary DS Poonia.
The official source further mentioned that the visiting team of the World Bank attended the introductory meeting this morning at 11.am and later analyzed official documentations tabled by the state concerned departments through state government seeking additional monetary assistance from the World Bank for the improvement of the power supply in the state.
The meeting was also attended by head of departments of Power, Planning and Finance.
The joint official meeting was resumed at 3pm this afternoon and reviewed the official presentation of the state government along with the visiting official representatives of World Bank Group and officials of power department on the operational and financial health of power sector, key challenges facing the sector and the department.
It is reported that the high level meeting today also discussed on the current institutional capacity and state power department in technical procurement/ contacting Planning, finance/account, environment, social and personal areas, schemes propose to covered under the project and works already done as well as implementation of RGGVSY and R/APBRP and their linkage with proposed schemes during the late hours this evening and concluded at 6.45 pm.
The source also mentioned that the visiting official representatives of World Bank Group will continue to attend the joint meeting with the Commissioner finance VK Dewangan and Special Secy. Planning Sajjad Hassan tomorrow morning at 10 am at Old Secretariat Imphal and will be followed by D-briefing meeting with the Principal Secy. LP Golmei at the same venue at 11 am and the visiting official representatives will leave Imphal for Delhi at 5 pm after collecting all source of needful documentations and comments made by the series of official level meeting to initiate needful proceedings to allow the state government to get loans from the World bank which meant for the improvement of power supply in the state, the official source added.

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IMPHAL June 14: United NGOs Mission, Manipur has appealed to the Chief Minister and the Governor of the State to make immediate alternative arrangement for the evicted families of Lamphel Yaipha Leikai at the earliest.

A press release of the secretary of the organization U Nobokishore stated that the conditions of the fifteen evicted families are now in a deplorable condition. As the families are left without proper shelter and living in makeshift shelters, the aged persons and the children are suffering from starvation and water borne diseases, the children are also not able to attend school, it maintained.

The press release further thanked the organizations and individuals for partaking in the protest rally and public meeting held on June 12 addressing the escalation of crime against women and children.

Meanwhile sources stated that the makeshift shelters constructed anew along the Lamphel roadside have also been removed by security persons.

Local MLA W Brajabidhu is also reported to have met the evicted families and told them to shift to another adjoining area, but the families have stated that the area is unfeasible as the said place is a marshy area.

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IMPHAL JUNE 17: One constable of the state police has reportedly succumbed to unknown ailments yesterday at around 7 pm while another VDF personnel also reportedly succumbed this early morning at their respective barracks under suspicious conditions.

According to a reliable source the constable has been identified as one Thokchom Rajesh, 27, s/o late Th Jilaton of Sangaipurou Mamang Leikai and currently posted at Patsoi PS.

The same source identified the dead VDF personnel as Athokpam Yaiphaba, 29, s/o late A Kuladhaja of Singjamei Top Leikai and also identified him to be attached currently with the Lamphel PS.

It is also informed that Rajesh was reportedly found lying unconscious on his bed inside the barrack yesterday evening at around 7 pm after returning from census duty. He was rushed to the RIMS but was declared brought dead by the doctors, added the source.

Meanwhile, in a similar incident, the VDF personnel identified as Yaiphaba was also found lying unconscious on his allotted bed by his colleagues this early morning at around 3 am, stated a reliable source.

According to the same source, the personnel was rushed to the nearby hospital however doctors announced him also brought dead.

The personnel was on sentry duty last night at the Lamphel PS, stated the source.

However till the filling of this report there has been no official confirmation from the respective police stations.

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