Elections make a mockery of democracy

Ashish Kothari Elections are a violation of democracy. Our once-in-five-years pilgrimage to the voting booth is a mockery of what democracy should actually mean. Aghast? Hold off for a bit on your judgement that I’m off my rocker, anti-national, or in any case not worth reading further. Hear me out. Democracy = demo (people) + […]

Ashish Kothari Elections are a violation of democracy. Our once-in-five-years pilgrimage to the voting booth is a mockery of what democracy should actually mean. Aghast? Hold off for a bit on your judgement that I’m off my rocker, anti-national, or in any case not worth reading further. Hear me out. Democracy = demo (people) + […]

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2017/11/elections-make-a-mockery-of-democracy/

Limits of Freedom

What is happening in Manipur today once again has underscored why rule of law is important, and even if any section of the public is unhappy with any law, it does not help to resort to lawlessness. It is precisely this understanding which makes democracy work. There are democratic and legitimate ways of addressing these […]

What is happening in Manipur today once again has underscored why rule of law is important, and even if any section of the public is unhappy with any law, it does not help to resort to lawlessness. It is precisely this understanding which makes democracy work. There are democratic and legitimate ways of addressing these […]

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/12/limits-of-freedom/

Leader as Statesman

When the present is in such a mess, the task of envisioning the future becomes next only to impossible. While this truism must be acknowledged, what needs also to be taken cognizance of is the other fact that the challenge of taking on both the onerous responsibilities –  that of setting the present in order as […]

When the present is in such a mess, the task of envisioning the future becomes next only to impossible. While this truism must be acknowledged, what needs also to be taken cognizance of is the other fact that the challenge of taking on both the onerous responsibilities –  that of setting the present in order as […]

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/11/leader-as-statesman-2/

Grassroots democracy a complete failure: Th Chaoba

Thanaojam Choaba, state BJP leader has blamed the Chief Minister O Ibobi led government of exercising power like a despot and its favourable treatment of ADC members at the expense of Panchayati Raj representatives’ interests. He was speaking at the reception function of Adhyaksha Imphal West district and Zilla Parishad members joining BJP after leaving […]

Thanaojam Choaba, state BJP leader has blamed the Chief Minister O Ibobi led government of exercising power like a despot and its favourable treatment of ADC members at the expense of Panchayati Raj representatives’ interests. He was speaking at the reception function of Adhyaksha Imphal West district and Zilla Parishad members joining BJP after leaving […]

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/10/grassroots-democracy-a-complete-failure-th-chaoba/

Grassroots democracy a complete failure: Th Chaoba

Thanaojam Choaba, state BJP leader has blamed the Chief Minister O Ibobi led government of exercising power like a despot and its favourable treatment of ADC members at the expense of Panchayati Raj representatives’ interests. He was speaking at the reception function of Adhyaksha Imphal West district and Zilla Parishad members joining BJP after leaving […]

Thanaojam Choaba, state BJP leader has blamed the Chief Minister O Ibobi led government of exercising power like a despot and its favourable treatment of ADC members at the expense of Panchayati Raj representatives’ interests. He was speaking at the reception function of Adhyaksha Imphal West district and Zilla Parishad members joining BJP after leaving […]

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/10/grassroots-democracy-a-complete-failure-th-chaoba/

Manipur Myanmar Democracy

“You can change your friend but you cannot change your neighbours”, goes a saying. If we must comment, the saying has a fair dose of truth, even if it does not qualify to be called a universal truth and the same saying applies to neighbouring States/countries. Although there are very few corporate houses in Manipur […]

The post Manipur Myanmar Democracy appeared first on KanglaOnline.

“You can change your friend but you cannot change your neighbours”, goes a saying. If we must comment, the saying has a fair dose of truth, even if it does not qualify to be called a universal truth and the same saying applies to neighbouring States/countries. Although there are very few corporate houses in Manipur […]

The post Manipur Myanmar Democracy appeared first on KanglaOnline.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/07/manipur-myanmar-democracy/

The Democracy and the Opposition

By Oken Jeet Sandham India is, undoubtedly, the largest democratic nation in the world. It has the multi-party system in its democracy. There are many countries in the world where such multi-party systems have been successful in their respective democr…

By Oken Jeet Sandham India is, undoubtedly, the largest democratic nation in the world. It has the multi-party system in its democracy. There are many countries in the world where such multi-party systems have been successful in their respective democracies. Brazil, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan,

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/03/the-democracy-and-the-opposition/

Deepening Diversity and Democracy in India

Deepening Diversity and Democracy in India: Working Towards Addressing Racial Discrimination & Call for an Anti-Racial Law   Delhi, 23 March 2016 – Control Arms Foundation of India in partnership with Multiple Action Research Group (MARG), Northeast India Women Initiative for Peace and NEIFAR commemorated the International day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination under

Deepening Diversity and Democracy in India: Working Towards Addressing Racial Discrimination & Call for an Anti-Racial Law   Delhi, 23 March 2016 – Control Arms Foundation of India in partnership with Multiple Action Research Group (MARG), Northeast India Women Initiative for Peace and NEIFAR commemorated the International day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination under

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/03/deepening-diversity-and-democracy-in-india/

JNU Professor: “Kashmir, Manipur illegally occupied by India”

A professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University has voiced her support for plebiscite in Kashmir and said that India had “illegally occupied” the territory, a media report said. “We believe that democracy (Rashtraraj) is a very strong thing, but if it was so strong then why few students, who raised such (anti-India) slogans were arrested,”

A professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University has voiced her support for plebiscite in Kashmir and said that India had “illegally occupied” the territory, a media report said. “We believe that democracy (Rashtraraj) is a very strong thing, but if it was so strong then why few students, who raised such (anti-India) slogans were arrested,”

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2016/03/jnu-professor-kashmir-manipur-illegally-occupied-by-india/

CPDM Interview Series: “No one forced me to participate in any students movements, I was happy to be part of it” – Irengbam Priyobata

Exclusive (online) interview carried out by Campaign for Peace & Democracy (Manipur) for KanglaOnline. – Why young student activists wanted Inner Line Permit System in Manipur? – Why are they

Exclusive (online) interview carried out by Campaign for Peace & Democracy (Manipur) for KanglaOnline.

– Why young student activists wanted Inner Line Permit System in Manipur?
– Why are they fearless to speak out their minds?
– How will the judgmental sections interpret their minds: are these students to be seen as misguided or forced to have political views and some democratic actions?

Read the background of this interview series: CPDM interview-series-why-young-student-activists-wanted-inner-line-permit-system-in-manipur

 

Irengbam Priyobata, MSAD

Irengbam Priyobata

CPDM Interview with Irengbam Priyobata

Student Profile
Irengbam Priyobata
23 years Old
Irengbam, Bishnupur district
Vice President, Manipur Students’ Association Delhi

 

CPDM: Please tell us your name and surname, sex and age.
Irengbam Priyobata: Irengbam Priyobata, male, 23 years

CPDM: Where are you from?
Irengbam Priyobata: Irengbam, Bishnupur district.

CPDM: Where are you presently located?
Irengbam Priyobata: Delhi.

CPDM: Why did you leave manipur and choose Delhi for your studies?
Irengbam Priyobata: I didn’t very much liked the idea of leaving Manipur for studies and I wanted to study in Manipur.  On the other hand, my parents wanted me to study out of town because colleges in Manipur have low teaching standards. These circumstances drove me to Delhi University for my education.

CPDM: Which class are you in? Please tell us the name of your institute too.
Irengbam Priyobata: I have completed my graduation this time in Zakir Husain College, Delhi.

CPDM: What is the purpose of your education?  What ambition in life motivates you to pursue education?
Irengbam Priyobata: For knowledge and certificate. There were many things I wanted to become in life but none of them lures me now. My family elders have pressured me to get a job and make their lives happy and comfortable. I will fulfil their wishes, but I didn’t pursue education for these.

CPDM: What are your views on the inner line permit system movement in manipur? Do you think it is a right movement? Please share us your thoughts.
Irengbam Priyobata: Inner Line Permit System is a movement of the people and calls for saving the indigenous people of Manipur. But who is an indigenous person? Will only those persons residing in Manipur prior to 1951 be called indigenous people? There are many questions here. The agitators should know this first and take part in the movement. There are outsiders who have moved to Manipur in 1956, call Manipur their homeland and have no other home in other states of India. I wonder where they stand in the ILP question.

CPDM: How have you come to know about the inner line permit system? Would you share it with us?
Irengbam Priyobata: I have been participating in the ILP movement since I was in class 9. In classes 11 and 12 too, I have participated in various movements in Manipur. But I didn’t consult books and papers to know more about it. After coming to Delhi, I knew more about it from Manipur Students’ Association, Delhi.

CPDM: Do you think the student community should/ should not participate in the ilp movement? Please elaborate your statement.
Irengbam Priyobata: I believe the students should be the ones taking a more proactive role in the Inner line permit system movement, for this movement is for the future generation. His education is useless if a student just studies for the sake of studying and not take part in state issues. There are many benefits of students taking part in the movement, our system discourages non students to take lead roles in any agitation.  We have a tradition of killing people on false charges too.

CPDM: Do you think students who have left manipur for their studies should take part in political activities of such nature? Please elaborate.
Irengbam Priyobata: Those who have gone out to study are still Manipuris. All of their family members reside in Manipur, nor has the student changed his residence. It’s just a matter of few years, one day he will go back to his birth place. So, he should participate in the incidents and movements related to Manipur. Even if I leave home, I must save my home from brning if a fire breaks out.

CPDM: Have you taken any initiative/ active role in the ilps movement? If so. Please state it. Did anyone force you to join the agitation or take responsibility of it?
Irengbam Priyobata: I was the monitor of my class in 11th standard. There was a great movement organised by AMSU, DESAM in those days. I led my school in the sit in protests. No one forced me and I was happy to be a part of it. In 2014, I played a major role in the signature campaign on ILPS in Delhi. This time around too, as the President in charge of MSAD, I am in the forefront supporting this movement.

CPDM: what are the reasons for the failure of ilps demand movement?
Irengbam Priyobata: The movement going in the wrong direction, the government orienting it in a way which pleases them and lack of unity.

CPDM: What do you want to say to the government of manipur with regards to the inner line permit system movement?
Irengbam Priyobata: It is a people’s movement. In a place like Manipur, where numerous small and numerically weak indeginous communities exist, saving them and protecting them is very important.

CPDM: Inner Line Permit Ki Khongjang Asiga Mari Leinana Nahakna Manipur Police Amasung Government Forces Singgi Mafamda Kari Hainingbage?
Irengbam Priyobata: In a democracy the people can ask for any sorts of demand and this uprising is not a personal one. The police and we are not enemies. Every Manipuri force has become a faithful dog to their masters. Don’t all of them support the ILPS demand, or, have their uniform made them dogs? The genesis of all is this dog government who have unleashed their other underdogs.

CPDM: What message do you want to convey to the leaders and civil society organisations of ilps movement?
Irengbam Priyobata: It is easier to start a movement than to sustain it till the goal is achieved. Don’t want a temporary movement which lacks goal. Since you have already stepped in, we don’t want anything other than the goal itself and we won’t settle for anything. I want the leaders to set a target and see how far we can move forward. I don’t want the people’s movement to get hazy but wish their voices get shriller without break.

—x—

Read the interview series:  CPDM interview-series-why-young-student-activists-wanted-inner-line-permit-system-in-manipur

–> Interview with Haobam Supriya: ILPS Movement is a People’s Movement

–> Interview with Chingtham Balbir: ILPS Movement is not Selected Few

–> Interview with Thoithoi Huidrom: Stop not till the ILPS demand is achieved

–> Interview with Irengbam Priobata: No one forced me to participate in any students movements, I was happy to be part of it

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/cpdm-interview-series-no-one-forced-me-participate-in-any-students-movements-i-was-happy-to-be-part-of-it-irengbam-priyobata/

CPDM Interview Series: Stop not till the ILPS demand is achieved – Thoithoi Huidrom

Exclusive (online) interview carried out by Campaign for Peace & Democracy (Manipur) for KanglaOnline. – Why young student activists wanted Inner Line Permit System in Manipur? – Why are they

Exclusive (online) interview carried out by Campaign for Peace & Democracy (Manipur) for KanglaOnline.

– Why young student activists wanted Inner Line Permit System in Manipur?
– Why are they fearless to speak out their minds?
– How will the judgmental sections interpret their minds: are these students to be seen as misguided or forced to have political views and some democratic actions?

Read the background of this interview series: CPDM interview-series-why-young-student-activists-wanted-inner-line-permit-system-in-manipur

 

CPDM Interview with Thoithoi Huidrom

Thoithoi Huidrom

Thoithoi Huidrom

Name: Thoithoi Huidrom
M. Sc., Central Agricultural University, Imphal
Age: 28 years old
Address: Thangmeiband Lairenhanjaba Leikai, Imphal West

CPDM: Please Tell Us Your Name And Surname, Sex And Age.
Thoithoi Huidrom: Thoithoi Huidrom, Female, 28 years.

CPDM: Where Are You From?
Thoithoi Huidrom: Singjamei Wangma Kshetri Leikai, Imphal East.

CPDM: Which class are you in? Please tell us the name of your institute too.
Thoithoi Huidrom: I have completed my M Sc. from Central Agricutlural University, Imphal West.

CPDM: What is the purpose of your education?  What ambition in life motivates you to pursue education?
Thoithoi Huidrom: To learn, gain knowledge and wisdom and be an independent person. I would like contributing to the society and bring about positive changes and help build a better environment for the future.

CPDM: What are your views on the Inner Line Permit System movement in Manipur? Do you think it is a right movement? Please share us your thoughts.
Thoithoi Huidrom: It is quite natural and justified for an ethnic minority to feel threatened by the majority. So, for the protection of the vulnerable section ILPS is an effective tool. There is enough evidence to prove that such vulnerable sections will soon be engulfed by the massive influxes of outsiders. This will also result in a major humanitarian crisis. Democracy is a game of numbers, we presently (apparently in the future too) don’t have any say in central politics; we don’t want it to happen atleast in the state. There is a common myth that ILPS is mainly for the labour force from major Indian states. This is simply not true. With a porous international border India shares with her neighbours, many foreigners from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal have entered Manipur illegally, despite the ginormous presence of heavily armed security forces and their unwarranted sweeping powers. With such threats happening in broad daylight, there has to be a law which checks the inflow of foreigners and other immigrants so that the local population is protected. This is why I support ILP system in Manipur.

CPDM: How have you come to know about the Inner Line Permit System? Would you share it with us?
Thoithoi Huidrom: From newspapers and the internet, mainly the social media.

CPDM: Do you think the student community should/ should not participate in the ILPS movement? Please elaborate your statement.
Thoithoi Huidrom: I would here refer to the cliché, “students are tomorrow’s future”. They have every right to decide their future and take part in activities which will affect them the “most” in the near future.

CPDM: You are a woman, and it is a popular notion that women should restrict themselves to the tit bits of family matters and not take active role in politics. What are your views here?
Thoithoi Huidrom: Such are popular myths. But the point is to challenge and prove them wrong. In our society, most women do not confine themselves to the four corners of the wall. Many are bread earners and maintain a fine balance between work and family life. So, if any woman chooses to be in politics she can do well, provided she has the will. But yes, I also conform to the fact that only a microscopic sample of women are in politics today in our society. Breaking the stereotype by a handful can do wonders.

CPDM: Have you taken any initiative/ active role in the ILPS movement? If so. Please state it. Did anyone force you to join the agitation or take responsibility of it?
Thoithoi Huidrom: Yes. I have participated in the sit in protests and rallies out of my own will. I also play the role of educating the people about the urgent need of ILPS in Manipur and why people should support it.

CPDM: Who and where was the movement organised? How was it organised? What form of movement was it?
Thoithoi Huidrom: Locality level women torch bearers were the forerunners of the movement. It was basically a peaceful march.

CPDM: How far has the movement/agitation been successful? Please elaborate.
Thoithoi Huidrom: I won’t call the movement a success until ILP system is implemented.

CPDM: What are the reasons for the failure of ILPS demand movement?
Thoithoi Huidrom: The government which lacks spine and pay no heed either to public interest or sentiment is to be the number one culprit. Secondly, many among us are divided on this issue. The neo-liberals and metro lived elites and intellectuals think that it’s a backward movement against the tide of globalisation and their bookish, practically unfeasible theories, when in fact, globalisation is also one reason as to why there must be some regulation to help preserve and protect the numerically weak ethnic indigenous masses. Thirdly, there are enough sceptics ready to clap hands and say “this is Manipur…nothing can be done. You are only wasting your time.” Such discouragers themselves don’t do anything productive for the society yet fill the minds of people with doubt and render them hesitant to either support or take part in the movement.

CPDM: What do you want to say to the government of Manipur with regards to the inner line permit system movement?
Thoithoi Huidrom: I want the government to understand the reasons for public fear and apprehensions which has led to the present unrest and do the needful from their side. The public has had enough of their wait and watch policy and is now at the brink of explosion. Take necessary actions as soon as possible for the benefit of everyone.

CPDM: What do you want to say to the government and police forces of Manipur on the issue of ILPS implementation?
Thoithoi Huidrom: The savage actions of the Manipur police commandos are beyond words. Protests are an integral part of a democratic government. The excessive and unnecessary use of force on protesting civilians and students is utterly uncalled for. A precious life would not have lost had the commandos just did their duty of controlling the crowd and not “attacking” them as if they were some foreign enemy.

CPDM: What message do you want to convey to the leaders and civil society organisations of ILPS movement?
Thoithoi Huidrom: For the sake of our future generations, our culture, script and traditions, please continue the movement without dismay. The people are with you. Let not our identity be reduced to some research documents. Stop not till the goal is achieved.

—x—

Read the interview series:  CPDM interview-series-why-young-student-activists-wanted-inner-line-permit-system-in-manipur

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/cpdm-interview-series-stop-not-till-the-ilps-demand-is-achieved-thoithoi-huidrom/

CPDM Interview Series: ILPS movement is not for a selected few – Chingtham Balbir

Exclusive (online) interview carried out by Campaign for Peace & Democracy (Manipur) for KanglaOnline. – Why young student activists wanted Inner Line Permit System in Manipur? – Why are they

Exclusive (online) interview carried out by Campaign for Peace & Democracy (Manipur) for KanglaOnline.

– Why young student activists wanted Inner Line Permit System in Manipur?
– Why are they fearless to speak out their minds?
– How will the judgmental sections interpret their minds: are these students to be seen as misguided or forced to have political views and some democratic actions?

Read the background of this interview series: CPDM interview-series-why-young-student-activists-wanted-inner-line-permit-system-in-manipur

Chingtham Balbir

Chingtham Balbir

CPDM Interview with Chingtham Balbir

Name: Chingtham Balbir
Age: 21 years old
Address: Thangmeiband Lairenhanjaba Leikai, Imphal West
College: Zakir Husain College, Delhi

 

CPDM: Where are you presently located?
Chingtham Balbir: Delhi.

CPDM: Why did you leave manipur and choose Delhi for your studies?
Chingtham Balbir: The law and order situation in Manipur and the inadequate colleges there were the reasons I came to Delhi for my education.

CPDM: Which class are you in? Please tell us the name of your institute too?
Chingtham Balbir: I have given my 3rd year exam. I study in Zakir Husain oCllege.

CPDM: What is the purpose of your education?  What ambition in life motivates you to pursue education?
Chingtham Balbir: I would say to gain knowledge, wisdom and be independent, live at par with others in the society. I want to be someone who can direct the Manipuri society in the right way and so I am getting educated.

CPDM: What are your views on the inner line permit system movement in manipur? Do you think it is a right movement? Please share us your thoughts.
Chingtham Balbir: I don’t know the nitty gritty rules of ILPS and its provisions. But all in all, I support the cry to save the indigenous people and their resources.

CPDM: How have you come to know about the inner line permit system? Would you share it with us?
Chingtham Balbir: I am a member of Manipur Students’ Association Delhi. So, I get the news and knowledge of what happens in Manipur.

CPDM: Do you think the student community should/ should not participate in the ilp movement? Please elaborate your statement.
Chingtham Balbir: Since this is the people’s movement, I don’t think there should be a separate element called “students”.

CPDM: Do you think students who have left manipur for their studies should take part in political activities of such nature? Please elaborate.
Chingtham Balbir: When students of developed places leave their land and attend colleges elsewhere, it can be inferred that they do it because they wish to learn, explore and gain the experience of other developed places. But our Manipuri students’ chapter is a different one. We are forced to migrate to other places because of the prevailing situation. Again, we cannot study freely in other places. We face financial problems and live in tiny rooms like refugees. This is certainly not indicative of people from developed places seeking knowledge. Considering such facts, I think it is necessary to participate in political activities even if we are far away, so that we can make our homeland a better place.

CPDM: Have you taken any initiative/ active role in the ilps movement? If so. Please state it. Did anyone force you to join the agitation or take responsibility of it?
Chingtham Balbir: Yes. In 2014, during the ILPS agitation, the state forces committed excesses to the student agitators. On this a memorandum was submitted to the President of India. We also organised discussions and campaigns in various colleges on this issue.

CPDM: What are the reasons for the failure of ilps demand movement?
Chingtham Balbir: Difference in opinions among the leaders. Lack of proper research in the field and vague demands by the agitators, I think, are the main reasons.

CPDM: What do you want to say to the government of manipur with regards to the inner line permit system movement?
Chingtham Balbir: Politically negotiate the demands of the people.

CPDM: What do you want to say to the government and police forces of manipur on the issue of ilps imlementation?
Chingtham Balbir: Police should perform their duty properly. They should not function like a mercenary forces just for guarding the ministers. They should not pour out their frustrations to the public. The police are for the protection of the people. They must not treat the people as their enemy.

CPDM: What message do you want to convey to the leaders and civil society organisations of ilps movement?
Chingtham Balbir: The movement is not for a selected few. A rigorous discussion of the present movement is recommended and the demands put forward shoud be made crystal clear to the public. Pamphlets and publications can be a means to mobilise the public. Depending merely on public emotions and sentiments to win the movement will be difficult.

—x—

Read the interview series:  CPDM interview-series-why-young-student-activists-wanted-inner-line-permit-system-in-manipur

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/cpdm-interview-series-ilps-movement-is-not-for-a-selected-few-chingtham-balbir/