Tag: Editorial

The outcome of the polls in Karnataka reveals political blabbering cannot influence the minds of the voters. Voters want development, nothing but development. BJP reduced Karnataka to a farce when its leaders squabbled for power among themselves. The party dug its own grave in the state. It will take several years for the party in the state to come out from where it had been laid. India is a vast country. Narendra Modi rhetoric could not dent the aspirations and expectations of the masses. BJP leaders must learn a lesson from Karnataka elections. Hindi heartland issue cannot be applied in the South, the East and the North. The party had faced similar onslaught in the hands of rivals when elections were held in Himachal Pradesh and Manipur in particular and other states in NE region as a whole. Karnataka results forecast what is in store for the Congress party. It is likely Congress party may emulate the record set by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, when the party led by him stormed to power continuously for three terms since 1952 until his death. Since then no political party had been able to win continuously for three terms at the centre. Congress party is now in upbeat mood. Therefore the question being asked now is will the ruling party think of advancing the time for holding general elections. The answer is may be, may not be. Some more states are also going to polls this year. The think tank of the party might be applying their mind on the forthcoming assembly elections in some of the states including Delhi. Better side of the Congress party is its ability to remain in power against all odds. Common masses confide to the party’s ability to steer the country out of mess. That had been shown in the past. The country survived by mortgaging gold during the third front regime at the centre. That was the most unfortunate saga. From scratch the country is now poised to become super power. Foreign investors have shown willingness to invest in our country. This is not a mean achievement. It requires a herculean task. That was carried out. India had experimented non Congress Government at the centre. Situation prevailing now does not warrant further experimentation. Manipur, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka had shown the road ahead. Should we dread the unknown path? No matter whether election time is advanced or not, Congress party as usual will see smooth sailing to power. Modi factor will not play important role in the general elections. Rather BJP, which has suffered dismal defeat in Karnataka, will think of keeping Modi out of leadership race of the party. Karnataka election results must influence the mindset of the blabbering class. Learn to respect the verdict of the voters.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/respect-the-verdict/

It seems the soil at Lamphel areas floats like the ship in the sea. The houses and office buildings constructed at Lamphel and its surrounding areas get sunk slowly and slowly. Large number of old buildings near DC office Lamphelpat lay under water. The buildings look too short as half of its height had gone inside the earth. There is no crack in the wall. The roof is in good condition. But the only problem is the ground floor that remains stuck inside the earth. In future the architects when they design office buildings or quarters for employees must study the nature of the soil. They must raise the level of the veranda to enable the buildings last half a century. The level of the roads can be raised every year by doing WBM work. Buildings and bridges are different; once they have been constructed it is finished. It cannot be pulled up or expanded. There is a bridge at Uripok connecting with Sagolband at Khoisnam Leikai, which has foot path on both sides of the bridge. The foot path is so wide that there is no space for two vehicles coming from opposite direction to negotiate. There is space for only one vehicle. Our engineers are advised to take maximum care to ensure that buildings and bridges are not constructed in a haphazard manner. Architectural design must be interrelated with the condition of the soil. The kind of buildings or bridges, which will last only four or five years, must not come up. Construction of such buildings and bridges is wastage of money. Instead of constructing small quarters here and there the Government must also think cloistering all these employees in multi-storeyed building. That will save space, which can be used in taking up other development programmes. Lamphel areas, Takyelpat, Akampat have seen mushrooming of tiny houses. All these buildings can be clubbed together and the space available after eviction of the small buildings can be used for preservation of water. That will go a long way in the protection of ecology of the areas. Clean airs swept earlier at Lamphel areas now smelly and stinky wind blow. So none think of going to lamphel for inhaling better air. In Thailand there is Oxygen Park. Such park can be preserved at Lamphel areas by evicting useless buildings. Manipur Government can find enough fund for construction of multi-crore capitol project at Chingmeirong. It will be able to trace fund for development of park also. The park thus developed can be used as tourist spots. The people living in the state capital have started feeling suffocation as almost 70 percent of the entire population live in Imphal areas. Something needs to be done to give them a new lease of life.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/building-construction/

State Government set on the right track when it involved Manipur Development Society in the development of sports. Two month football training programme launched under the supervision of a British footballer and sponsored by MDS will go a long way in the promotion of the game. Similar programme need to be organised for other sports discipline also by involving Government departments. IFCD can be asked to sponsor a training programme on hockey. Likewise PWD for promotion of boxing. There are hundreds of sports disciplines, which cannot flourish for want of fund. If there is proper flow of fund training programmes will be galore, which will yield better result. Manipur is sports power house. In the NE sports meet Manipur continues to occupy coveted position. In the national games also Manipur is the reigning champion among states. If the services consisting of talented sports persons of the country do not participate in the National Games none will be able to beat Manipur in medal tally. The other states in NE region are consciously pondering how Manipur promotes sports in Manipur. Involvement of Government departments in the promotion of the games will be eye opener to other states. It will not be surprising when other states imitate what Manipur is doing in its own land. The domineering role played by sports stars of the state in the field of sports has earned a place of importance for Manipur enviable to other states. Now Manipur is up. It will never be down again. Because realisation has dawned in the minds of those at the helms of affairs. Minus sports Manipur stands nowhere. There is a saying common men’s views shape the opinion of the men in power. As the Government takes up more sports development programmes it fulfils the expectations of the masses, who are thirsty for more achievement. Sports lovers in particular and people of the state as a whole love to see yellowish glittering medal worn by sports stars at end of a competition. We have seen the yellowish colour medal worn by Manipuri in Asian Games and bronze in Olympic. More need to be achieved. The thirst for medal is increasing as the Asian games approaches slated for next year. Chief Minister O. Ibobi having ruled the state for more than 11 years has found time to focus on sports. He will continue to do so. His speech made at the inaugural function reveals what is in store. Sports persons are happy. If they are happy the entire masses are also happy. If not for making the masses happy why should we elect a Government to rule over us? Go ahead do more. Manipur has reaped the benefit of having a stable and powerful Government.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sports-development-makes-all-happy/

The degree and the nature of crime have changed. Even the sister in law has been mercilessly slashed with dao by brother in law. Reports are galore of young girls being murdered after raping. A disease has inflicted in the minds of many a young men. They are out to commit the crimes of all hues. They are merciless. They treat their victims like the wild animals playing with harmless animals in the jungles. Whom do we blame for all these happenings? The time now calls for conducting a serious analysis of the nature of crime that has seen a sea change from what happened one or two decades back. Ours is a very closely knit society. Occurrence of heinous crime is really unfortunate. We see in films villains or heroes slashing rivals with long sword. But that is a fiction penned by a writer that is for public consumption. One might be landing in trouble but why should he unleash his anger on helpless souls. The number of frustrated persons in the society is on the rise. Will occurrence of the crime of such degree be controlled by paying a thrust to reforming our society? Revival of clubs and organisations may bring some changes. But these organisations cannot survive for want of fund. The present day youngsters are different. They can get anything at the click of a button. Their thinking style has to be naturally different. They are extremely clever. Many of these youngsters use their cleverness in exploiting the pitiless souls. If the elders are not cleverer something that we see and hear will continue to happen. What we are seeing now is scientific development. Human civilisation had happened in the past. Therefore we continue to pay obeisance to those, who were born in the past. Lord Jesus, Lord Gautama Buddha were born 2000 years back. Lord Krishna was born 5000 years back. Why we offer prayers to them. Their teachings to the masses make themselves supreme God. Youngsters with evil minds, who consider themselves super human beings for being able to play with some electronic gadgets must think to themselves why they are being born. They must learn to obey the dictates of their seniors. Elderly people want young people to study and be obedient to the seniors. Young minds cannot grasp the difference between evil deeds and good deeds. Hence the need for involving all these youngsters, who are moving like vagabond from place to place in social organisations. But the answer to the question is the heinous crime against pitiless souls committed by well bred men or neglected lots will continue to be elusive? We had heard the history of king being slain by his own son. The motive is important. Therefore serious attempt should be made to understand, who show the propensity for committing crime against hapless lots. When the disease is diagnosed knife can be applied.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/understanding-social-ailment/

Man with vision is the need of the hour. The men with vision will be able to do a lot for the society. There is a saying those, who think more do more. If such men with mission join voluntary organisation the body led by them always grow like the banyan tree. Such men must try luck in electoral politics also because if they win they will think of transforming their dream into a reality. Former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao long before he tried luck in electoral politics was the chairman of a local bank in Andhra Pradesh. The bank under his care had coffer filled with money. What method did he apply none knew it. Similarly when he became Prime Minister of India the face of the country was changed. India became one of the richest nations in the world. Those, who are thinking of becoming public servant must ask themselves what they have in mind and how they plan to bring a change to the state. The question is addressed to all the social organisation leaders. Can they do something to change the colour of the society? Surely leaders of the organisations might be feeling handicapped even in taking decision. They might be facing challenge even from their friends in the organisation in taking decision. But if you are a true leader you will be able to face the challenge bravely and boldly. You must relentlessly carry out the task. Only then a leader will start getting help and support from those around him. Because men, who keep commitment, who have shown willingness for doing something are on demand. If you see an organisation crumbling unable to survive the blame must go to the leaders of the organisation. They might not have been sincerely doing their duty. They might have misused the little fund of the organisation. They might be lazy men, who derive pleasure on seeing others doing the work of the organisation while they sit on chair. Leaders of organisation should be prepared to sweep the floor of the office of the organisation if the situation demands. In Manipur these days even the top leaders, who had once served the state at different level are rejected by voters if they refuse to inspect nullah and roads passing through different areas of the constituency represented by them. Why does an MLA lose in the election when it is held after the term is over? Voters want to be together with their leaders for all the time. But the elected representatives change their nature all of sudden and they forget the promise and commitment made to the voters. Do not forget common men expect lots from their leaders.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/we-need-men-with-vision/

A language cannot die. We must not allow Manipuri language to die. At the border areas by speaking Manipuri language business is conducted. This is lingua franca of Manipur. In some districts some persons, minuscule in number, deliberately avoid use of Manipuri language in conducting meeting and also while rendering speeches. But if you hear the speeches made by such persons you will find the English language used by them really funny. The listeners most of them illiterate or half educated remain at yawning without knowing all that was being spoken to them. English is international language, who will not like to master this language. Those who have thorough knowledge of this language are in demand all over the world. But if one speaks English or Hindi among the crowd, who do not know anything more than Manipuri the speech does not serve any purpose. One must feel the delightment of learning even a dialect. Every language has it precinct beauty. Nothing should be done to block development of a language. Hindrances stand in the way of speedy development of Manipuri language. Though Manipuri was included in the 8th schedule of the constitution of India two and half decades back it is not getting the kind of facilities the other scheduled languages have got. Now realisation has dawned. Every single child born in Manipur has to take up Manipuri as a subject. The earlier system of class IX students opting alternative English has been done away. In the UPSC conducted examination a Manipuri can try on Manipuri paper. Lots of work needs to be done for speedy development of Manipuri. Writers can be encouraged to write more books be it fiction or biography. It is really amazing why our writers do not feel the need for writing biographies of big personalities. A biography on noted Manipuri politician or famous artistes will be sold like hot cake. Who will not like to read the biography of noted comedian Oinam Babu. Likewise who will not like to read the biography of seasoned politician Rishang Keishing. How he spent his childhood and teen ager period. That will be interesting to read. Such biography will throw light how a successful man struggles in the early period of life. After reading his story youngsters will think of imitating him. That will help bring a change to the society. Unfortunately none comes out to write such biography. If the concerned authority sanctions money for writing biographies of noted personalities some writers will surely come out. We measure the richness of a language according to its properties. We must have lots of books. The state Government as it introduces awards for literary figures it must also think of giving more financial assistance to the writers. Because when they write the language will be enriched.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/manipuri-language/

There is nothing a man cannot do. Have a will the way will be found. This proverbial phrase is not touching the heart and mind of the young men. Because we have seen lots of young men moving aimlessly as if they have no future. Many of them are very talented. To be frank most of them are lazy men. They wait for someone to come to their help. Like the lazy men waiting for fruits to fall into their mouth by sleeping under the tree these useless youths expect family men to arrange everything for them. They want their parents to arrange even for passing the examination be it matriculation or higher secondary level. How can it be possible? Now crime against women is on the rise all over the country. Gory details of child being done to death after raping that appears almost daily in the newspapers leave a question mark. Who perpetrates such heinous crimes? Has anybody seriously attempted to understand the root cause of such crime? But ours is a conservative society, which does not allow anything foreign to infiltrate our culture. It happens the perpetrators of the crime against child are the ones known to the victim child. So the tormentors think of doing away with the evidence by killing the victim. Parents or guardians are advised to observe with whom their children are living. Surely the perpetrators of the crime are the dullards, who leisure away time. They sit together with friends familiar to them chatting all the time sitting on the roadside or at the secluded places. Parents are also advised to observe their sons. Their lazy sons will one day turn out to be the rapists. For, they continue to mix up with those, who do not want to study, who want to puff away time talking about ludicrous stories of women falling for handsome boys. How do we control useless boys wasting time without doing anything? Parents cannot ask them to go to hotels to wash utensils, nor can they be asked to devote to studies. Number of useless souls is rising daily. That is to be seen in every Leikai. They sit at the roadside and talk the ills of others only. We have heard local women saying they cannot pass through the roads abound with roadside Romeos. They know Roadside Romeos talk nothing about development of society. Their talk focuses on the ills of others only. A change must come. This can be achieved to some extent by clearing the roads and public places of chattering classes. The rumour spread by them is really disturbing. In their wildest thought they even establish sexual relationship between men of high standard with someone known to the families. The listeners take it as gospel truth and rumour machine churns out more stories. Something needs to be done to control the gathering of dullards to bring a change to the society.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/social-ailment/

Petrol scarcity has hit hard all and the queue that we had seen in the past is being seen again. Even before the opening of the oil depots vehicles have parked in front of the depots. This ugly phenomenon hated by all continues appear again and again. These are all our own creation. A strong and drastic action is called for to fight against the imposition of indefinite economic blockade on the national highway roads. Our is democracy one day or two day blockade can be launched, nobody will protest against such type of agitation. But addition of adjective like indefinite is unacceptable. Laws need to be framed to deal with the menace of indefinite blockade on the national highway. Whichever organisation be it hill based or valley based, which resort to indefinite blockade on the roads must be banned and the persons associated with such organisations must be booked for causing harassment to the people of the state. Law enforcing agencies hunt down a person or two when they attempt to suffocate a baby, but when a section of people attempt to cause suffocation to the entire masses by causing artificial scarcity of essential commodities, petroleum products included,they are not being chased. The demand might be genuine, no doubt about it. Who will not weep when their lovely children are not seen? The entire masses are with families affected by such incidents of child kidnapping or missing but economic blockade is not acceptable. Has any organisation, which so ever it may be how so ever powerful it may be, got any demand after calling economic blockade on the national highway? Rather it hijacks the main issue. The main issue had been sidelined as the masses remain concerning the scarcity that had hit human psyche. At home at the public the focus of talk is about scarcity of petrol and essential commodities and subsequent price rise. Kidnapping or missing, which should have been the focus of talk had been forgotten. Similarly the concerned authority, who has been at the receiving of the angry masses, might not be remembering the main issue as it attempts to come out of the pestering problems caused by petrol scarcity. The missing children may return. But the problems of petrol scarcity will continue to occur again and again. Because it happens in Manipur there are elements, who think they can play with the life of entire masses by imposing economic blockade. They have not learnt anything. Hence the call for giving punishment to all those who call indefinite blockade on the national high way as per their wishes without realising the dangerous consequences it leaves to the state.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/laws-need-to-be-framed-to-fight-against-economic-blockade/

The significance of the observation of Khongjom day in a grandeur manner is its ability to instil in the minds of all the sacrifices made by our forefathers in the protection of the territory of our land. They fought against the British might valiantly and fearlessly laying down their own life to uphold the prestige of the land. We are now living in a land of our own. If our forefathers did not feel the need for fighting against the invaders would we have what we are having now? The answer will be in negative. Though Manipur lost in the Khongjom war it reminds Manipuris are ferocious when they are challenged. Unrelenting and ceaseless, they continue to fight till they get the goal of their choice. But the time has come for all to ponder where and how our energy is being utilised. Social ailments like corruption which have eaten into the vitals of the society have permeated everywhere, but none comes out to fight against the menace of this disease. Corruption has threatened to tear apart social fabric. The possibility of brilliant student yet poor becoming a Government servant is remote in Manipur. Those who can gamble by selling homestead land and paddy fields may be able to lead a blissful life, there is no doubt about it. Many young men had taken up arms to bring a change to the society and also to liberate Manipur. Nevertheless the attack carried out at Kwatha by armed elements leaves a big question mark. What message the attackers wanted to give by ambushing unarmed civilian officials. Something is wrong somewhere. Human life is not a plaything. One must show restraint in the face of provocation. Manipur will set on the path laid down by forefathers when we as people learn to respect each other. Let us learn to despise those who become rich and famous by indulging in heinous activities. Let us learn to show respect to those, who make sacrifices for the cause of other people. Until that happens we will continue to see social unrest caused by the ever widening gap between the haves and have nots. As we observe Khongjom day we must take a pledge not to indulge in any form of activities that will be detrimental to the well being of the society. It is really sad even the drivers, who toil hard to earn a living are gunned down. Disgusting stories of young girls being kidnapped and killed continue to ring in our ears. All out efforts must be made to check such type of incidents. The cooperation of all is required. When these men and women related crimes are stopped our forefathers will rest in peace. The men in power must attempt to achieve this goal.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/relevance-of-khongjom-day-celebration/

As the rainy season sets in early we are all of sudden reminded of the need for having well maintained river banks. It is time vulnerable areas are inspected and steps taken to strengthen the river banks. That will avert colossal loss that may be caused by the inundation of low lying areas. The past experience had taught us river bank depression happened at the areas, which were kept neglected by the concerned authority. That must not happen now. All river banks should receive required vigil. Standing crops, newly constructed houses were swept away by the force of the water that flushed out through the depressed portion of the river banks. Such scene is really horrible. That must not happen. Amazingly in some areas the river banks had been made slim by the encroachers. It seems river side dwellers do not want a properly maintained road passing near their houses. Because they make river side roads narrow even after it had been widened by paying compensation to the river side dwellers. In some areas the dwellers immediately grab the land by erecting walls at the widened portion. What they do not know is in case of calamities be it natural or unnatural they will land in precarious condition unable to receive help from those who are ready to extend help to them. When the river bank was depressed trucks with earth could not reach the depressed portion as the road was too narrow. These river side dwellers cannot feel the harm they are doing to the bank when they plant vegetables into the river channel. The places where vegetables or plants have grown are always vulnerable to depression. Because the water that has been absorbed will reduce the raised bank into the form of mud and the mud cannot withstand the force of the water when the river is in spate. The state Government decision to construct retaining walls all along the river channel will go a long way in fighting against the menace of flood. But such retaining wall construction is not taken up in the areas where river bank depression is likely to happen. Iril River, Imphal River assume dangerous proportion when the water is in full. The river banks look tiny set against the volume of water in the channel of such major rivers. The Union Government will release fund for construction of retaining walls if properly framed project report is sent up for consideration. Unfortunately what happens in our state is the fund released by the union Government is not properly utilised. A massive retaining wall construction programme was taken up in Manipur. Contractors had done their duty. But the payment is held up. Consequently utilisation certificate cannot be sent to the concerned authority. Unless the certificate is sent no fresh fund will come. That will hamper strengthening of river banks.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/river-banks-need-to-be-strengthened/

Manipur has rich tourism potential. What is needed is exploring the means for tapping tourism potential. Every state is giving the thrust to development of tourism with a view to earn more revenue. What really have we done to attract tourists to our state? Have we ever attempted to understand the area where the focus should be made? What type of tourists do we want to come to Manipur? A two day seminar had been held, which will come out with a concrete answer to all these questions. A beginning has been made the path has been set. The journey however is long. It will be strenuous. But one cannot abandon mid way. Success comes to those, who work relentlessly. Cooperation of all is required to gain a place for Manipur in the tourism map of India. It is said since the lifting of restricted area permit, the flow of foreign tourists in the state had increased manifold. But the figure is dismal set against those visiting south. In the past a foreigner had to wait several months to enter Manipur and many returned frustrated without having a glimpse of Manipur. They desired to visit Manipur but the handicap was RAP, which stood as stumbling block. The frequently imposed bandh or general strike also discouraged tourists to visit the areas of their choice. Very recently a team from other parts of the country spent the entire tour programme confined on the balcony of a hotel as their visit coincided with the headless bandh, which was launched to protest against the molestation of film actors of Manipur by rebels of an underground organisation. Will the same tourists, who had experienced the bandh launched in a haphazard manner, think of visiting Manipur again? The answer is very simple. They will not plan to visit Manipur in the near future. Something is wrong somewhere. We try to interfere in whatever others are doing. Where lies the necessity for a students’ body to air its view in the appointment of Chief Secretary. Does a Chief Secretary lay down the policy of the Government? We must remember all the time ours is democracy, which must uphold sovereignty of the people. If we think a Chief Secretary can do anything we are degrading sovereignty of the people. Let the elected representatives feel what their role should be a in a democratic set up. Give the responsibility for doing for the betterment of the state to these elected representatives. By sidelining these classes of people we are diverting from the path set by ourselves. Let us ask them to do more work. They should have power to do something for the state. If they work surely a way will be found. It is time we study the factors that contribute to crippling the growth of all the development activities including tourism in the state. Tourism alone can shape the destiny of the state.

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

Manipur has very little number of dams. Amazingly we do not feel the need for constructing more dams in Manipur. Importance of Singda dam need not be stressed again and again. Had we not had this dam the entire Imphal area would have landed in a precarious situation without having drinking water? That situation had been averted with the construction of the dam. Chief Minister O. Ibobi has rightly praised the former leaders of the state, who constructed the dam. To save Manipur from landing in ugly situation in future it is time serious attention is paid in the construction of more dam to save water at source. A proper survey needs to be done without delay to identify the areas, where the dams of such nature can be constructed. Singda dam is facing threat to its survival by the dwellers at the side of the dam. Chief Minister O. Ibobi has given timely warning to evict the encroachers from the dam site. These dwellers are responsible for felling trees at the catchment areas. They have softened the surface of the hills by doing terrace cultivation. Naturally the soil becomes spongy and it absorbs water during the rainy season. Consequently the soil slides and runs towards the low lying areas. Prolonged siltation has raised the ground level of the dam reducing the water storage capacity. Now remedial measure is called for to save the dam. The concerned department must take it as a challenge to protect the dam. Coordination of all departments is called for. IFCD will find it handicapped to evict the encroachers. Chief Minister had also underlined the need for taking up a forestation programme at the catchment areas of the dam. Our jhumias are really a problem. They cannot grasp the harmful consequence that awaits when the forest wealth is damaged. All having said the matter will be forgotten once again and everything will return to square one. Concerned officials will not think of pursuing all that had been told to them by the highest authority of the land. Our bureaucrats, who have the habit of turning back even to their bosses will not think of doing anything. They plead the inability to check anything citing law and order as a factor. All these existing dams are really our precious possession given to us by the past. We have the bounded duty to protect all these dams be it Singda, Khuga or anything that is important to us. The world will not end with us. Let us think for the future. Let us work for them.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/importance-of-singda-dam-stressed/

The fight between BJP and JD (U) over leadership issue will end in breaking up NDA with the later opting for a way that it considers is favourable to its survival. JD (U) understands that no party will be able to survive without the support of the people. The party feels that there is erosion in its vote bank since it worked together with BJP. No political party wants to face Telegu Desam fate, which suffered complete rout after it allied with BJP. JD (U) is apprehensive if it continues to ally with BJP its vote bank mostly those belonging to minority community may be plucked away by Laloo. Therefore Narendra Modi factor was brought into the picture by JD (U) and on this premise the party will break away from NDA. As Narendra Modi climbs political ladder BJP has alienated minority community. The allies of the BJP know that. Unlike other political parties which look to the leadership as internal matter of the leading party, JD (U) cannot not control all that is brewing in the minds of the top leadership of the JD (U). It has stated openly it will not be able to go together with BJP if Modi would be projected as prime ministerial candidate. Neither BJP can say it will not project Modi as its prime ministerial candidate nor it can afford to lose an important major ally like JD (U). One thing that needs to be discussed is the aftermath in the event of projection of someone other than Modi as prime ministerial candidate of BJP. Will Modi think of floating a party of his own and decide to lead a third front minus BJP and Congress? It is said Modi is not banking on BJP alone to project him as prime ministerial candidate. He has used different forums to project himself and started speaking like a prime ministerial candidate of BJP. Modi considers himself as a popular candidate. He thinks and other leaders in BJP lack the charisma to pull voters. Many in BJP know the possibility of BJP led ally forming Government at the centre will be remote unless BJP alone wins not less than 200 seats. Will it be possible? That is one million dollar question being asked now. Moreover the party has suffered rout in every state where elections were held. This party will continue to face rejections when elections are held in many states where elections are due this year. Perhaps for these reasons JD (U) wanted to maintain safe distance from the BJP. Bihar does not have mineral resources and it cannot survive on its own without active support from the centre. Nitish Kumar, Bihar Chief Minister had said it will extend support to the party that can recognise Bihar as a special state. Which party can meet the demand of the JD (U)? The answer is in everybody’s mind. When JD (U) becomes a partner of UPA it will not evoke amazement to the onlookers.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/internal-bickering/

President of India Pranab Kumar Mukherjee will be coming to Manipur on a two day visit to the state. The state has a lot to expect from his visit. Unlike his predecessors he maintains wonderful relation with the UPA Government at the centre. He makes announcement and the Government shows readiness to translate all his assurances into action. Will he announce lifting of controversial armed forces special powers act from Manipur? Irom Chanu Sharmila is demanding repealing of the act? His visit is connected with the golden jubilee celebration of Adim Jati Shiksha Ashram. The other states in NE region Meghalaya and Mizoram are out to grab every single opportunity and these two states are attempting to drag all the developmental programmes framed for NE region to their states. Manipur cannot waste the visit by the head of the country to the state and it is time the state Government decides what it should demand from the president of the country. We are lagging far behind in telecommunication. Land has been occupied for up gradation of Imphal airport. The union Government cannot delay up gradation of the Imphal airport to the international level. The other day when the union Civil Aviation Minister was asked to declare the date for declaration of Imphal airport as the international airport, he rebuked the scribe, who quizzed him saying where do you want to go? Meghalaya has IIM, Mizorma is also going to get one. Manipur can demand one IIM. The President will hear it, there is no doubt about it. Contribution made by Manipur in the field of sports is enormous. More need to be done for promotion of sports in Manipur. Number one problem facing the state is inability to create jobs for the educated unemployed youths. Fund starved Manipur Government cannot do anything to make the unemployed sections happy. Either we demand private investors to come to the state and start business keeping the unemployed sections in view or the Government creates enough funds to give to the educated youths to start the business of their own. That however will be easier said than done. Our unskilled entrepreneurs will find it handicapped to compete with the giant sized production companies. Solution to unemployment problem lies in starting too many public sector companies in the state. Pranab Kumar Mukherjee when he visits Manipur surely he will be seeing some of the massive constructions that have come up at Chingmeirong side. On seeing these massive constructions he will think Manipur is moving ahead of other states. Yet more need to be done. We do not have income of our own unless it comes from the centre. This must be understood by all the dignitaries visiting Manipur. We are confident President of india after seeing Manipur will advise the Union Government to pay special attention to enable it to survive on their own in the same manner Union Government is considering to give special status to Bihar. Manipur is the most troubled state in the entire NE region. Let him feel it.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/manipur-must-get-special-status/