Editorial – Page 62 – Manipur News

Cultural Extravaganza

The Manipur Sangai Festival, 2013 will be inaugurated tomorrow afternoon by Paban Singh Ghatowar, Union MoS (in-charge), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region at Hafta Kangjeibung and BOAT in the presence of a respectable list of dignitaries that include two chief ministers from Myanmar, U Ye Myint of Mandalay Region and U Thar Aye of Sagaing Region; High Commissioner of Mauritius, Dr AK Jagessur and representing the host, Chief Minister of Manipur Okram Ibobi, his deputy Gaikhangam and ministers. Before its culmination on November 30, the ten-day extravaganza will feature cultural items, indigenous games, musical instruments performances by troupes from different communities of Manipur as well as cultural performances by troupes from Sikkim, Assam, Myanmar and Thailand.

For minimization of public discomfort during the festival, the administration must keep an open eye for prevention and prompt rectification of lapses that is bound to surface from time to time due to lack of coordination between the organizers and different government apparatus thus leading to chaotic situation. For instance, one of the first casualties has been the passenger vehicle service, particularly those plying along Sanjenthong. Due to unavailability of specific instructions from the authorities, till late evening today, confused passengers were left stranded at many points as terminus and alternate routes for the autorickshaws service, a major component of intra-city and inter village commutation, have not been identified. At the same, the emphasis put on easy thoroughfare to the main venue Hafta Kangjeibung, has eased the Sanjenthong to Konung Mamang Traffic Island segment as was planned, but has shifted the pressure of vehicular movement to other streets.

The smooth organisation of the festival is a prestige question for each and every one of us. Thus, the government can depend on everyone including the press to be supportive in its suggestions and comments. Whether or not the press agree with any particular decision on the operation of the event by the organisers is irrelevant to its sincere support for the success of the event. Everyone acknowledge the fact that the organisers sit in harm’s way, performing their duties for the state. We thank them for doing so. Correspondingly, the organizers should work to protect the interest of the state and should not ask for personal recognition.

ILP impasse

The disagreement between the Centre and pro-ILP agitators in Manipur on the re-implementation of the ILP system has arisen largely due to the former`s refusal to look into the issue from the local perspective. The stiffness with which the Union government has stood against the demand could well be an influencing factor for uniformed citizens in other parts of India to easily misconstrue the ongoing campaign as a disturbance to national unity and communal harmony. Hence, the people of the state and the JCILPS in particular should spare some efforts in creating awareness that ILP system does not tantamount to the deprivation of Constitutional rights of other citizens of India. It is a just another security provision to regulate movement of outsiders which is of great significance in a state like Manipur due to the perilously small population of many of the indigenous tribes and gradually increasing influx of non-locals.

The Inner Line Permit is an official travel document issued by the Government to allow inward travel of Indian citizens into protected/restricted areas for a limited period. In states like Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, it is obligatory for Indian citizens from outside those states to obtain this permit from the check gates at the inter-state border. There is no undemocratic or unconstitutional tone assigned to the procedures being followed in those states.

It is the double standard policy of the Union Government to deny the system in Manipur while the need for its enforcement has been felt in our neighboring states. It will also be a total miscarriage of justice if the crusaders of the ILP system are recognized as racist or a threat to the other Indian. The risks posed by the burgeoning numbers of non-Manipuris to the pattern of land settlement and social make-up of Manipur as well as the anxiety caused to concerned citizens due to their rapidly rising population is legitimate as political repercussion of the existing situation is just a matter of time. The issues of invasion by illegal migrant have reached such magnitude that law enforcement was forced to carry out frequent drives for their identification. It was the activism of civil society organizations that helped in detection of bogus non-Manipuris in the electoral rolls and their involvement in fraudulent practices.

The right approach will be to treat the agitators for implementation of ILP system as responsible activists. Their campaigns have hardly been violent and caution to target only the unlawful migrants were observed. The Centre should engage the agitators in a fair discussion on the re-introduction of ILP system in Manipur.

Unsavory Dealing

Packets of edible salt were flying off the shelves all over the state on Friday as panic-stricken shopper braced themselves for its impending disappearance. The farcical rush to pile reserve stock of salt in Manipur and other north-eastern states was proven to be an outcome of coordinated dissemination of rumors which had its epicenters in Bihar and Orrisa. Yet again, the handy and easily accessible mobile phones played the perfect accessory to the gossip mongers as it did during the episode of hate campaign against people from north-eastern states living in southern India a couple of years back. From early morning of Friday, people vied for the honor of passing on the information about the urgent situation to everyone in their memory, the stream of calls assailing even the skeptics. Prices of one kg packet of common salt shot up to around Rs 150 against the market price of Rs 12 in Imphal and other towns in Manipur.

The Indian Salt Manufacturers’ Association, the salt traders body of India, had confirmed that the recent spurt in salt prices in eastern states including Manipur was a ‘result of a cartel by a group of traders who colluded to make artificial shortage of salt in the region.’ Though the episode has been deservedly buried in the past in a swift manner, we should not walk away without inculcating the lessons learnt. The state police should register fraud cases and take punitive actions against those responsible for taking advantage of the vulnerable public by hoarding, rumor mongering and black-marketing. It will be in the best interest of one and all if the police announce the numbers of cases registered and arrest made. Also, the state government has the onus of maintaining a stable supply of food and other essential commodities, though admittedly it is easier said than done in the present perspective with the bad road connectivity and consistent disruptions from bandhs and blockades. It will be convenient for the public if the government owns an exigency plan to restrict disproportionate buying by consumers as well as monitor controlled sale by retailers to bolster the confidence of the customers and help them refrain from similar knee-jerk reactions to unfounded reports. Recurrence of such malicious scare is inevitable, created either by pranksters or insatiable traders. Only constant faith on the government’s preparedness can instill self-assurance to the customers and a tendency to take rumor with the proverbial pinch of salt next time it comes into orbit.

Media trial and its resultant mob decision

By : Kshtrimayum Sopen The dismantling of houses and other family properties of the persons who are allegedly involved in a rape or murder case is on the rise for the last one decade or so in Manipur. On some … Continue reading →

By : Kshtrimayum Sopen

The dismantling of houses and other family properties of the persons who are allegedly involved in a rape or murder case is on the rise for the last one decade or so in Manipur. On some occasions, the alleged person was assaulted to the extent of losing his life. And who has done all this things? The answer is obvious – by a mob of the locality.

After the dismantlement of the house, the mob further announced through media that the alleged person along with his family members should not be allowed to reside in the locality and socially excommunicated. Here lies an issue of human problem on the part of the family member especially small children other than the alleged person. Where do the family members settle? And the education of the school going children of the family will remain uncertain. In a word, they cannot settle on the trees like the birds do.

This issue has now become serious which necessitated prompt intervention by one and all especially the local club leaders and elders who have the ability to control the mob to a certain extent by diverting the wild energy of the mob to a lesser harm course of action in such a way the plan is unnoticeable to the mob. There could be network of local clubs and socially proactive individuals as the trend is spreading here and there.

And one may ask a question – what is the role of the police. Undoubtedly, it is acceptable that police is instrumental in dispersing mob. Despite this, the presence of police or deployment of police at logistic areas and rushing to a particular spot can control crimes as was happened in the case of kidnapping a school boy from his locality and subsequent abandoning of the boy at Soibam Leikai Wangkhei Khunou near Citizen Club presumably on seeing the deployment of police personnel at Checkon Crossing in Imphal East district.

Here again, one may rise a question – why do people incline to mob decision. The answer is again obvious – people of the state did not rely on the present Indian judiciary system which lacks, according to one report, one plus lakh judges across the country thereby delaying in delivering justice to the deserving citizens of the country. And another factor which added fuels to the fire lies on the part of the state police. It is reported in the media that police seldom submits charge sheets to the concern court in time due to reasons known to them.

Meanwhile, it is interesting to remind our esteemed readers a historical event of Manipur happened in 1891 in which Pukhrambam Kajao speared one British Officer which had, historian opines, changed the course of history of Manipur and its people. The action of Kajao had made him a hero of Manipur, although it is said that it was a mob decision which undoubtedly lacks justice.

Furthermore, it is mentionable that a mob has no heart and seldom does justice in any given period of time and place in the history. That is why government authorities impose certain section of penal laws such as Cr PC 144 and even curfew for a period of time so as to avoid unwanted gathering of people in a particular area.

To conclude, etymologically, an army means a group of frogs while a mob means a group of Kangaroos.

Bull`s Eye

Manipuris are starting to find their mark in the game of archery, literally. Although, two times Olympian Laishram Bombayla had been hogging the limelight singly for sometime, two players from the state have made significant progress in their performances and brought laurels for the state this year. The archers, Paonam Lily Chanu and Khuraijam Ratan Kumar, have capped off a wonderful 2013, during which they have trotted the globe, by winning gold medals in their respective categories in the recently concluded 18th Asian Archery Championship hosted at Chinese Taipei. Their senior counterpart Bombayla too had a fairly commendable year with respectable performances winning the World Cup recurve team title at Medellin, Colombia and Wroclaw, Poland, beating mighty Koreans to win the titles.

Hopefully, the fantastic success of the trio can instill phenomenal inspiration to young and upcoming archers, assist them to overcome their bundle of nerves and rule the international circuit. Agreed, the competition at the state level is barely of the highest class technically. But the state has thrown up good players on a random basis. Surreal, as it may sound, many of the barriers in sports are psychological. History is replete with incidents when a standard or feat that is considered beyond the realms of possibilities become an ordinary task after somebody accomplishes it. A constantly shared example is the barrier of 4-minute mile which was considered not merely unreachable but according to physiologists at one time, dangerous to the health of any athlete who attempted to reach it. Roger Bannister crossed the finish line with a time of 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds in 1954. Within the next three years, 16 runners had logged the sub-4 minutes miles. In the local context, Ng Dinko Singh’s fists of fury brought a gold medal in the Bangkok Asian Games out of nowhere. What happened in the following years is history. A crop of brilliant pugilists from Manipur inundated the national boxing scenario. Among them was Manipur’s greatest sportsperson, Mary Kom who admittedly was inspired by Dingko’s success.

Incidentally, archery in Manipur is as old as the Manipuri culture itself. Traditionally, it was the bamboo bow and arrow which was in action from time immemorial, be it for battles, hunting or recreational sports. But competitive archery is very expensive as it requires scientific and technologically advanced bows and arrows among others if one has to focus his mind on pursuing the game till international glory. It will be a win-win bet for the association in control of the game in the state to identify, recruit and train young guns in this sport, based on the success achieved by our archers this year.

Money Matters

We have this great dichotomy in our lives. On one hand, we are desperate about money to live a respectable life and avoid compromising on our values. On the other hand, any individual with dignity or even a semblance of conscience will agree that life is much more than money and materialistic possession. We cannot live without money and we cannot live for money. Money breeds corruption, competitiveness, jealousy and moreover it divides the closest of friends and families. But, we need it because it reflects our power, our experience and the mark we have made in this world. The more you charge or the more you make increases your bargaining power and social status.

But the moot question is to what extent we have to sacrifice our basic principles, ideals, humane values and relationship in order to amass a fortune or lay our hands on a few bucks. Money can motivate crime. Devaraj lost his life as his killers coveted the excavator he was driving. A man killed his cousin sister over a grudge concerning a meagre Rs 500. Her gold earrings cost the life of an elderly woman. Scaring enough, these are just the cases from the newspapers showing that money fostered attitudes that have reduced our humane qualities. Besides them, we have undergone experiences and felt on numerous occasions the existence of undisclosed cases happening in our day to day life stressing that money has replaced other treasured values of life.

Our society has to evolve considerably to negate the belief that an individual is not considered human unless he becomes rich. The high premium on being rich has pushed people to do everything to own money – murder, prostitution, corruption and other wicked maneuvering. At least now, we have to destroy the perverse notion that people will be treated as somebody only when they have money. We have to lead our fellowmen to engage in pro-social behaviors and help them develop feelings which are contributory to society and develop a positive attitude towards others.

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive, says the Dalai Lama.

Spirit of Ningol Chakouba

The observation of Ningol Chakouba has become more extensive and liberal over the times with civil society organizations and even branches of the government depending on its ability to heal differences and develop deep sense of attachment, during their undertakings for building inter-communal harmony and improving relationship with targeted audiences. From ages, it has been the ideal time for strengthening family bond because of the opportunity provided for the entire members of the clans to get together under a single roof and the profuse show of emotions exhibited during the occasion. For hundreds of women who are married to far-off places away from their parental homes, it is the time they have been looking forward the whole time. In its original form, Chakouba is the epitome of the everlasting bond of love and affection existing in the family even after the female members get separated and live with their husbands after marriages. For the sisters and daughters, the festival is a symbol of praying for the welfare of their parental families. For the male members, it is a reaffirmation of the pledge to protect their sisters and daughters and to welcome them with open arms whenever they visit.

Each year, the spirit of the festival arrives like a soft autumn breeze, making sharp changes in the minds of the people that it touched, in unbelievable ways. The Scrooges open up their clutched hands and behave most magnanimously, the sloths flex their limbs and strain their brains for once in hope of accumulating some money and the prodigal take a break from their extravagant and wasteful ways – all of them with the sincere intention of assembling token of love for their folks. At this exact moment, people discard other preoccupations and focus their thoughts on their family members only. The joy of gift giving abounds.

But sadly, gift giving is not always equal and for that reason disappointment is guaranteed to catch up with some of us. Greed and the crude battle of pride fought through exhibition of superior gifts and paying minute importance on the gifts exchanged have blemished the pristine beauty of this ancient tradition. Here, we have to make the consideration that Ningol Chakouba is a tradition with a simple origin and its essence is the show of love and gratitude among family members, with the married members occupying the centerpiece. This idea should be instilled to save the core idea behind the tradition and eliminate aggravated feelings of inferiority, hurt and shame.

Making Blast a Thing of the Past

Chief Minister O Ibobi reiterated the need for community participation in prevention of crime in the aftermath of the Moirangkhom bomb blast which had a saddening effect on many as three innocent lives were lost and many were injured. Here, it will be pertinent to seek some knowledge from the chief minister himself if there is an appropriate policy or programme in existence to address the nature of collaboration between civilians, CSOs and law enforcement agencies in preventing crime. Because, the chief minister’s hope of ensuring security in the state, or perhaps initially in the Imphal municipality areas where AFSPA had been somehow rendered toothless, or reducing the level of crime need the implementation and contribution from an efficient crime prevention programme. Apart from wishful thinking, the state must introduce a mechanism through which the people of Manipur will contribute in the management of their safety and consequently help in the reduction of crime in their neighbourhood. Such an arrangement
will prove handy not just in preventing highly organised attacks like the ongoing series of blasts but in reversing the upward trend of commonly occurring crimes like vehicle theft, arsons, rapes, homicides etc. Collaboration between the police and public cannot be relied alone on the blind hope of arbitrary approach from the latter in response to the circulation of relevant instructions and contact numbers during taxing times. Or, public raising the alarm from chance discoveries like in the case of Moidangpok blast, also happening on Wednesday.

At the same time, the government needs to start paying serious attention on overhauling the intelligence wing of the state police department. Granted, both the chief minister and Director General of Police have tactfully mentioned within a day of each other about forthcoming schemes for transformation of the severely impaired intelligence service to increase their worthiness, but then the ephemeral joy is overshadowed by skepticism stemming from the disconcerting reminder that similar promises were announced earlier but never executed.

Among other things the series of bomb blast this month have a seemingly taunting reverberation. Two of them were within hearing distance of City Police. The most devastating one was triggered within a one kilometer perimeter of important establishments that included the CM Bungalow, Police Headquarter, Imphal Police Station and 1st MR. While the administration brainstorms to curb attack at public places it might as well take up the issue of safeguarding important police installations.

Common Economic Goals for NE

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had announced recently that the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway passing through Moreh will be completed by 2016. The vast expanse of possibilities of economic growth and overwhelming changes in Manipur and the north-eastern region from the Look … Continue reading →

As India’s effort to attain extensive economic and strategic relations with Southeast Asian nations and stamp its position as a regional power nears fulfillment, it is worth perusing on what will be the contributions from the north-eastern region and its benefits as the trade route has to transverse through it. Can it become an active player in the Indo-ASEAN trade that is nearing 100 billion USD or merely watch it from close quarters as bystanders.

Whatever, the region will be starting from a disadvantage. The skewed proclivity for government jobs among almost all the communities in the region that has lasted generations after generations has shackled them in the global economic race. Bitter it may sound, but we have to forsake some of our beliefs and habits even if we had hold them with attachment throughout our lives, and adventurously embrace alien ways of making a living because they hold good promise for the future of our existence and could stave off the possibility of being dominated by others economically or otherwise. Learning is a human trait and there is no lesson that is too queer or beyond our cognitive ability. Entrepreneurship -like any other skill – has to be taught and the fallacy of its inheritance from our forefathers has been another restraining factor. The only possible way to inculcate business skill or enabling ourselves to become better at taking risk is to jump into the field and learn it practically.

On its own, none of the north-eastern states has the complete facilities for commercial independence. Understanding this shortcoming, the states in the region need to build a comprehensive agenda for cooperation and framework to pursue common economic goals. For example, the history of Manipur and Nagaland over the last four-five decades is predominantly that of hostility and intolerance due to obvious political reasons. But entrepreneur Neichute Duolo from the neighboring state pointed out at the inauguration of Chinjak Festival that the two states complement each other in many ways. For example with its dense population Imphal is the natural market for many of the products of Nagaland. And the story is the same for other states as well.

Focusing on the advantages, with the imminent operation of the trans-Asian highway, the region has a strategic leverage which all the states must enjoy together. Besides, the region has the potentiality for surplus power production to share. Some states have rich oil reserves, others have the environment for horticulture products, plantation crops, medicinal plants and others have the roads to market those products. Along the way, the region can even start looking westward too, towards mainland India and the millions of people, as another market for its vast resources. It is necessary to uphold the fact that the potential for economic growth in the region is in examining the potential of cooperation and engaging in strategic partnership among each other. Beginning now, if there is constant economic motion in the region, if the economy is not rested or put at ease, the elevation of the region into an economic zone is very much achievable.

Lalu Prasad Yadav in jail

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

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

Gaikhangam on the right path

The manner with which Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, who is also in charge of home portfolio indicates his desire to bring a change to the police set up. As he told he will be visiting several other units of the police organisations. Having talked to the middle and lower ranked security personnel he might have known what their requirements are. But our thinking is very simple the drive for cleansing the moral should start from the top level. Always remember all good things come down from above. Ganga water flows down from mighty Himalaya. As it run down it gets murkier and dirtier. Ganga water purification cannot be started from Hoogly. It must start from Gangotri or Haridwar. If the head is clean the lower ranked will also be clean. It is human nature we tend to imitate the nature and style of our boss or mentor. A youngster will surely follow the foot step of his brother. If his brother is a drug smuggler the younger will take up the same business. Because he knows how his brother earns sleazy money. The same is the case with contractor brother. Political family will have brothers and sisters showing propensity to take up politics as a resort. The drive if any to cleanse the police morals, it must cover higher ranked officers also. What we see on the road is despicable. Common people are always at the receiving end of law enforcing agencies. For fear of being targeted they cannot go to police station to lodge a complaint. But the Home Minister has given a thrust to bettering the relation between police and public. If there is better relation between police and public, no criminals will be able to live in our midst. Because general public want to live peacefully without the thugs around them. In the developed countries police can arrest too many criminals acting on the specific information provided by common people. Neighbours know what his neighbours are doing. Therefore steps have to taken to ensure that the complainant is protected no matter whether the information provided by them is half baked. If the investigating agencies perform their duties judiciously and cautiously too much information about the wrongs done by criminals wearing the garb of common men will be known. Gaikhangam had earlier declared that he will reform police organisation in such a manner it provides human touch even in dealing with serious crisis. Let him achieve his goal.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/gaikhangam-on-the-right-path/

What do these policies and programmes mean to us?

One should attempt to realise what these centrally sponsored schemes are. In doing so one will realise what the Government has done for us. It seems as the trend reveals no one realises what these schemes mean to us. Leaders of political parties can easily hijack public opinion if the common masses are ignorant about the Government policies and programmes. Some leaders also attempt to befuddle public mind by presenting concocted lies of the important policies launched by the Government of India. Food security Bill, IAY, MGNREGA, SSA, RTI etc are for uplifting the living conditions of the common masses. Influential men, who are well to do or moneyed men, have no right to talk about food security bill. If they speak anything on the topic it will be distorted version of the act. For when the act is implemented successfully they will not get anything. The act is for the millions and millions of poor people, who constitute 80 percent of the 1.23 billion people of the country. We feel sad when someone makes irresponsible utterances on the act. Equally irresponsible as they are with the blabbering clash they say, the act will jeopardise the growth of the country. Many others all influential say, the act will make millions of people of the country dullards for when the rice and food grains are made available at cheaper rate they will not like working. Oh God teach these speakers how to show love and care to the needy people. One must know all these moneyed class people were once poor kids, who were brought up by their poor mother selling vegetables or shaking rice at the rice mill. As if they were born with the silver spoon in their mouth like the prince of Buckingham they have forgotten the past and they speak invectives that hurt the sentiment of the poor people rather than comforting them. Congress party understands that the act will wipe out the hungers of the masses. The other parties took time to realise that. Owing to pressure from the masses they followed the line set by the ruling party. The situation now calls for serious thinking by all. It is time we discuss, which party will be able to carry down all these policies and programmes launched by the Government at the centre. Efforts should be made to make all people realise the importance of the policies and programmes launched by the Government. When realisation has dawned better days will step in.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/what-do-these-policies-and-programmes-mean-to-us/

Where the state is heading to?

Enhanced security measure is being considered in the back drop of series of bomb blasts and killing of migrant workers in the state capital. So far nobody has claimed responsibility for all that been perpetuated. Why these incidents happened? That needs to be discussed. Such type of incidents will continue to happen no matter whether security is strengthened or not. Even the Indian Parliament was attacked by the Mujahideen. Instances are not lacking. The perpetrators of such type of crime will always find the loopholes and strike at their sweet will. What is now required is making attempt to win the confidence and trust of the masses. No common men will go to police station and let out what they have in mind because they are apprehensive at the end they themselves will become the victims. The press fraternity is at the receiving end. Even the hawkers were threatened. Though no life attempt was made confusion prevails. Why should such type of incidents continue to happen? Manipur needs leaders with strong will power to cleanse the messes that have piled up everywhere. Such campaign should start from the top level. Fraudulent show of money power by the top level officials in grabbing land and also in constructing palatial buildings is the root cause of mushrooming of evils in the society. They give damn to the law of the land and indulge in doing what they think is beneficial to them. Even the elected representatives complain albeit secretly that they cannot face the haughtiness of top level bureaucrats. Bureaucrats flatly deny their request for extension of help to the needy people. All these bomb plants, killing of migrant workers reflect the angst and frustration of the youths. Highly educated and intelligent youths cannot dream of becoming a Government employee in Manipur. If they cannot garner up a few millions of rupees to fill the coffer of influential men their chances of stepping into Government is remote. Many sold away agricultural land to become SI or Jamadar. What can we expect from those who got the job through back door? No meaningful contribution will be made by them. When they are asked to remain vigilant, they will waste time dozing off. Therefore foot patrolling or enhanced security measure will yield no better result. What we need is transparency. Show it.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/where-the-state-is-heading-to/

Pot holes that deface

Fund starved PWD it seems has not been able to maintain the roads passing through the state capital. All roads are filled with pot holes. Just near Usha cinema hall at Paona bazaar the potholes almost block movement of vehicles. Half of the Paona bazaar road lay occupied by vehicles from dawn to dusk. Vehicles move on the western side of the road. At the said spot the vehicles cannot freely as the depth of the potholes is near two feet. Autos with lots of passengers face trouble in crossing the portion of the road if the vehicles parked at the eastern side turn out to be longer and bigger. The pot holes in the middle of the road at Waheng Leikai, which are also as big as pond invite fatal accident. If the two wheelers do not drive wisely and cautiously at the area where such pot holes have appeared, they will face instant death. Then the entry point at Palace gate is a hell on the road. Completely damaged road, which extends nearly 50 feet in length, gives deep jerk to the users of the road. The words uttered by the commuters when they pass such portion of the road cannot be printed in the news paper. Blasphemous words are uttered against the Government. If roads are repaired and kept in tip top condition and foods are available at cheaper rate as desired by the UPA Government at the centre there is no reason as to why the masses should not feel happy of having a popular Government they also say. Then again at Wangkhei side just near the entry point of Ningthem pukhri gravels pile up, which is not levelled. Accident will occur at this area also. Two wheelers unable to climb the portion of the road which has landscape of a small hill suddenly halt in the middle of the road. During the dry season when vehicles move fast it is likely two wheelers will get sudden push from backside. An amazing phenomenon too has also been detected both repairing and reappearance of the potholes go together. Hence the call for specialisation in repairing potholes. There should be separate wing in the PWD, whose sole duty should be to survey the roads, which are prone to frequent appearance of potholes. The area at Nityaipat chuthek near the traffic island is also prone to pot holes. It was repaired a few months back. Now the area is filled with pot holes. Whom do we blame, the engineer who cannot prescribe sand, stone and asphalt combination or contractor who makes attempt to make some gain by distorting the prescribed combination. Whatever the case may be the blame is put on the Government. Pay attention on pot holes.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pot-holes-that-deface/

Price rise of rice and faulty measures

As the price of rice continued to shoot days after days leaving the befuddled concerned department unable to find a way to control the price rise, a faulty idea crept in. Such measures of distribution of rice at crowded areas should have been taken when all systems have collapsed. The manner with rice is sold at crowded areas reflects complete absence of mechanism to reach out to the masses. Spiralling price hike can be checked when the supply chain is strengthened. Earlier system of selling Government controlled rice through rationing agents does better job. Where had gone our elected representatives? They have a role to play to improve the supply chain. The long queue that forms wherever rice is sold makes it appear as if Manipur has been ravaged either by war or natural calamities. As if starvation had engulfed the entire masses men and women with torn plastic bags stand for collection of rice. One hates to see such scene. What we do not try to remember is that there are thousands and thousands of people, who need rice yet they cannot stand in such beeline queue for one reason or the other. Under the scorched heat without any shade men and women form the long queue to get 10 kgs of rice. Children below 15 years of age are barred from standing in the queue, which needs to be clarified. Do not children eat rice? It is time Government make serious attempt to revive public distribution system. Where lies the necessity for all these road shows when the same task can be done by approved rationing agents. Frankly speaking such show blackens the face of the Government. The public memory is still fresh. The scene of thousands standing in queue for collection of petrol or diesel from oil depots haunts us which is yet fade out. Distribution of rice in the manner as is being done now will not solve rice scarcity in bazaar areas. Now rice is sold at bazaar areas at Rs 1200 per 50 kgs. During the corresponding period last year rice was sold as cheap as Rs 700 per the same weight. What made things to come to this stage. It says something has gone wrong somewhere. The attention of the highest authority is invited to look into the matter.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/price-rise-of-rice-and-faulty-measures/

Price rise, cannot it be controlled?

The prices of essential commodities have shot up. It is really alarming. But the heart warming news is that there is room for controlling the prices of essential commodities if these items are brought in huge quantity from Myanmar. That is one angle that can be brought under the purview of discussion. We are confident all these problems caused by scarcity of onion and spiralling high prices of other items will come down when the fresh agri yields hit the market? One ugly phenomenon that has been noticed is excessively high prices of rice. Nupee lan was launched against the export of rice from Manipur. Now the war if any will be to bring in more rice that is heavily subsidised. Last year farmers of the state could not find the market for selling locally produced rice. Every house had a poster telling rice is available. Does this rice scarcity have anything to do with the excessive restriction imposed by the Government in the distribution of rice? Something needs to be done. Earlier when the Government did not put restrictions on sale of Government controlled rice at market the price of rice was not as high as it is being sold now? These days the rationing agents too have not done their duty of distribution of rice. Card holders have not got anything from these agents. Instead of selling rice through mobile system at crowded areas the old system of distribution of rice through rationing agents should be revived. That will not only check pilferage of rice by middle men but also improve Government image. A Government that performs must not shirk the duty of reaching out to the needy men. Now the suffering of the people has increased manifold. All these are caused by the sky rocketed prices of essential commodities. Now the people of the state have questioned the ability of the Government to control price rise. A solution must be found. Irresponsible utterances of the masses against the Government can be checked when Government shows it remains concerning for the welfare of the people. The need of the hour is making frantic efforts to address the problems facing the people of the state. Poor men will be dying of starvation. Do something.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/price-rise-cannot-it-be-controlled/

Leadership crisis

The top leadership of the BJP minus LK Advani, who brought up BJP from mere two in 1984 to 186 in 2001 has been, guided by a false notion that with Narendra at the helm of affairs BJP will be to cling to power at the centre. That will be proved wrong. A country having 1.25 billion people cannot be ruled by a party, which believes in one philosophy. Advani understands all that is sweeping in the minds of the voters. The others in BJP do not. BJP will do better with Advani at the helm of affairs. He was right when he said the projection of leadership should be done after the end of the state assembly elections in five states including Mizoram. Moreover the ruling party is not declaring its prime ministerial candidate. Will Modi stop campaigning for the party if he is not given what he wants? His action and belief are tantamount to what we call dictatorial way of functioning. BJP leaderships did not attempt to weigh the mood of the voters when it declared Modi as its prime Ministerial candidate. Frankly speaking BJP will be reduced to where it belongs after the projection of NAMO as the prime ministerial candidate. After all where lies the necessity for projection of prime ministerial candidate, when the candidate for top executive post is to be decided by the elected representatives. Advani is questioning with his stand on leadership if the party suffers colossal loss in the five states, where elections are due, after the projection of Modi as the prime ministerial candidate.. Cautious move is required. Jumpy decision makes no gain. The importance of a political party is enhanced when it works in keeping with the interest of the masses. Every single voter understands that the problems confronting the country cannot be solved by a single party that rules the country. Aspirations of the masses are rising high. Every single state will want the problems confronting them to be treated on priority basis. Tamils want their problems to be considered; similarly the other states have similar demand. Nagas want their problems considered by the Union Government. Manipur too has vast problems which require attention of the Union Government. Will BJP be able to take care of all these if they remain concerning Hindutva. Hence the observation that no matter whether Modi is declared for the top position or not the voters mind will not change. The party that declared prime ministerial candidate will suffer colossal loss after the 2014 elections.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/leadership-crisis/

Pot holes

Pot holes at Waheng Leikai and the ones near AIR entry point to name a few are really dangerous. The simple question is why these pot holes cannot be filled up? Whose orders these engineers are waiting for? Do not state PWD have funds for repairing roads? This question is being raised now. The quality of the road is dismal. At Lamphel the roads were under the flood water. The newly black topped roads will have the black cover peeled off when the flood waters have run away. Black topping at such road running at low lying areas is wastage of money. What is needed to be done at such road is raising its level. Our engineers are advised not to recommend black topping of the road, which are prone to flood. The amount spent in black topping can be used in raising the level of road. The roads can be black topped after it has gained respectable height. That way the quality of the road will improve. But it happens in some areas the level of roads is raised repeatedly unnecessarily. That is also wastage of public money. If the main roads are full with pot holes one can imagine what is happening at the lanes and by lanes. Why it happens? Our elected representatives are to be blamed for it. They have not supervised the condition of the roads in their constituency. If they supervise they will be able to tell the PWD where it has gone wrong. On the eve of elections they went with folded hands pleading for support and making false promise that if they are through in the election they would do whatever they can to bring a change in the constituency. Nothing has changed. These elected representatives think the responsibility of repairing or improving a road lies what the Government. What they do not attempt to know is that they are also part and parcel of the Government, whose voice is seriously heard by the men in direct charge of the roads. The gap between the ruled and rulers are also widening. The simple people do not think of going to the residence of elected representatives to demand repairing of roads or nullah. If any one of them moves to their residence it is for getting personal and direct benefit. Always remember the representatives who pay scant attention on the improvement of roads and nullahs are always rejected by the voters when elections are held. These roads and nullahs are faces of our representatives. It is spoilt.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pot-holes-2/

Flash flood, what will happen tomorrow?

Low lying areas in the state capital were flooded caused by the incessant rain. Two hours continuous rainfall left lanes and by lanes under flood water. The knee deep flood water created havoc in many areas. Students, who had gone to private tutors house riding two wheelers could not return home and they were picked up parents. Two wheelers cannot not be driven in the knee deep water. Old women were seen moving with stick to buy something from the shops for the evening. Car drivers, who had no idea of the landscape of the lanes had trouble time enquiring the nearby shop keepers whether the vehicle would be able to cross the road. The lady shop keeper was heard murmuring after the vehicle had left; I am not responsible if the vehicle would be driven into the nullah. The torrential rain also left Nambul River in spate. River water entered nullah. If rain falls as it happened yesterday many more low lying will be inundated. Lamphel areas lay under the flood water today. If more rains fall devastation will occur at the low lying areas. It seems there is no solution to all these happenings. The solution if any to be provided to all these problems monetary involvement will be staggeringly high. The solution lies in deepening the nulla and also in widening the river that carries away flood water. We have witnessed Shamushang uku today. The water level at Nambul was 10 feet higher than the water level at Lamphel areas. The shutters at Shamushang uku cannot be opened for if it is opened Lamphel areas will be under water for 10 months. All that is happening at Lamphel areas reveal complete absence of planning. This needs to be checked. Everyone knows too many offices and quarters have been set up at Lamphel. Many of these offices remain under the flood water during the rainy season. The time has come for all of us to understand how and why floods occur at Imphal precisely at the low lyiing areas. Our thinking is very simple if there is proper drainage system all these flood problems can be solved. Waters do not accumulate at higher altitude. The blame for all these happenings should be directed to the concerned department for the improper drainage system. The local people have a role to play. Do not throw anything into the nullah.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/flash-flood-what-will-happen-tomorrow/

Preserve water bodies to solve water scarcity

Unless we increase the number of water bodies the problems of drinking water scarcity will remain unsolved. Therefore actions need to be taken to increase the number of water bodies. Lakes have disappeared. With it ponds too have gone. Nothing is done to store the rain waters. A state like Manipur, which receives rainfall round the year also sees occurrence of drought. But drought and rain cannot go together. Drought occurs at the place where there is no rainfall. The decision of the Government of Manipur to make a small lake at Lamphelpat will be of great help in storing rain water during the rainy season. The rain water thus collected can be used during the lean season when there is dry spell, which usually occurs during the winter. The mini lake will also be of immense help in controlling artificial flood, which occurs during the rainy season at Lamphel areas. When the Nambul River is in spate the culver at Shamushang at Uripok will have its shutters down to block entry of river water towards Lamphel side. But once the culvert is closed the flood water accumulated at Lamphel side will remain stagnant with the drains full with water. It had happened in the past Lamphel area remained under flood water for almost one month or more than that. If a lake as proposed by the Government of Manipur is dug out the flood water will flow into the lake. Such big lake will also be a tourist spot. Our thinking is such good work cannot be delayed. The work should be done on water footing. What is important is the depth of the proposed lake. It should be very deep not less than 100 feet to increase water storage capacity and also to increase purity of water. Lamphel was once a lake. Accumulation of filthy materials like herbs and shrubs over prolonged period of time has made Lamphel soil black in colour. So the water accumulated at Lamphel area is also black in colour, which cannot be used for human consumption. Even the fishes caught from Lamphel area are black in colour. Engineers of the IFCD, which will be an agency of the proposed work, should advise the higher up authority to make the mini lake one of the deepest lakes in the state. Let it bring solace to one and all.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/preserve-water-bodies-to-solve-water-scarcity/