Tag: Human rights

The urination video does not shock me so much as the public’s tolerance of these immoral wars that make criminals of marines
By Ross Caputi (guardian.co.uk)
The video of US marines urinating on Afghan corpses does not shock me. Though their behavior is disgusting and unacceptable, I find the public’s reaction to this video far more troubling. People are not outraged that there are dead Afghans; they are outraged at the manner in which the dead are treated. This is indicative of our culture’s tolerance for war and war crimes – as long as they are done in a gentlemanly fashion.

During the second siege of Fallujah, blatant war crimes were committed, yet the corporate media reported them with indifference. The siege itself was a war crime, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross Summary of International Law, because indiscriminate tactics were used, constant care was not taken to protect the civilian population, proper distinction between civilians and combatants was not made, medical personnel and medical units were not protected, indiscriminate weapons were used, and recent research about the current health crisis in Fallujah suggests that poisonous weapons may have been used as well.

Many of these war crimes were reported by the corporate media, though they were not described as such. For example, the New York Times reported on 8 November 2004 that American forces “seized” the Fallujah general hospital. An incident that I witnessed, as did Paul Wood and Robbie Wright from the BBC, was when my unit fired grenades into a house until it collapsed – with full knowledge that there were two resistance fighters and a young boy (roughly 10 years old) inside. Paul Wood interviewed the lieutenant at the scene, and he acknowledged that they had killed the young boy. In both of these reports, war crimes and Geneva Conventions were never mentioned, and the façade of honorable conduct was preserved.

What did not make it into the news was my behavior in Fallujah and the behavior of others in my unit, which I am certain would have elicited outrage equal to that elicited by this video of the urinating marines. I believe that the second siege of Fallujah can correctly be characterised as an “atrocity-producing situation”. Our false beliefs about who we were fighting, our dehumanisation of Fallujans, our desire to “see combat” (a cute euphemism) and to get a confirmed kill, and our longing for revenge for lost comrades against a faceless enemy all conspired to create a bloodthirsty and lawless atmosphere.

I witnessed marines stealing from the pockets of dead resistance fighters and looting houses. I’ve heard firsthand accounts of marines mutilating dead bodies, of a marine who murdered a civilian, and of a marine who slit a puppy’s throat. As the days of the siege passed, we used increasingly indiscriminate and illegal tactics – like “reconnaissance by fire”, which is when you fire into a house to see if anyone is inside. The violence, the hate and our distorted sense of morality made many of us sick, including myself. I stole a black ski mask out of someone’s home, because I wanted to take it home as a trophy, as evidence that I had fought against the “terrorists”.

My behavior and the behavior of others in my unit was despicable, as was the behavior of these marines urinating on corpses. But we shouldn’t let ourselves be fooled that an immoral mission and immoral war could ever be conducted in an honorable manner. War crimes were implicit in the invasion and occupation of Iraq, and they are abundant in the continued occupation of Afghanistan.

Yet, many of us choose not to see these war crimes, even though they are right in front of our faces. Only when a shocking YouTube video comes along, do we choose to look. And even then, what we see is the urinating, not the dead bodies.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/the-marines-urination-video-doesnt-show-the-real-war-crime/

By: Seram Neken
When someone emerged to enter electoral politics and offered to contest elections, people usually asked “how much money he had earned, how many vehicles he had owned, how much plots of land he had bought, how much he could distribute to the voters, how many contract works he could share to his workers” etc. Possession of costly vehicles such as JCB, Bull Dozer, Trucks, Tata Tippers and properties such as Gas agencies, shop plots, having nexus with both state machineries and otherwise seemed to define the criteria for candidates to win elections. The electorate never enquired the educational background, social activities, political affiliation, oratory and convincing aptitude of the emerging candidates. Fortunately this time, with the strict election code of conduct and limitation on expenditure of candidates, the role of money and muscle power may be reduced to a great extent. However, it is still doubtful whether the electorate is ready to vote for the right candidate or right political party when there is no enough opportunity for political sensitization and awareness. It is also doubtful whether the Election Commission will be vigilant and active enough in the remote hill constituencies of Manipur as it is in the valley districts.

Thanks to the Election Commission of India for its strict code of conduct and strictures on expenditure of candidates and political parties. Role of money and muscle power will surely be reduced to a great extent in the ensuing General Elections and afterwards. However, without political consciousness, the voters are not expected to elect true representatives. Poll date is just a few days away from today. Has the electorate become aware of the various issues of the state? Have the voters properly scanned the competencies of their leaders? On what basis the voters will exercise their rights?

In order to become politically conscious in a democracy, citizens need to actively participate in the discussions and deliberations related to elections of their representatives for each and every candidate, each and every party, if not in the feasts, tea parties and entertainment. The electorate needs to go through the Election Manifestoes of various political parties and alliances. Election is an effective platform for political socialization in a democracy. Remaining aloof from election-time meetings, discussions and gatherings will be a great miss for responsible citizenry.

A people who loses its king is still a people, but a king who loses its people is no longer a king. As the nation and its people are behind the government, the representative body is the best practical device for giving voice to people’s aspirations. Election is the most important opportunity for citizens to express their aspirations and to participate in the policy formulation and execution of the government. Citizens give votes and responsible citizens vote for responsive leaders.

Right to vote is not given to minors and lunatics because they are not mature enough to participate in governance. Even adults who are not politically conscious may be termed as incompetent voters. Political thinkers such as Rousseau believe that since sovereignty resides in the people, it is the inherent right of every citizen to be entitled to vote. However, other philosophers like John Stuart Mill have the contradictory view that right to vote is a privilege of only those who have proper capacity. The later view suggests that a voter should have the knowledge, awareness and consciousness in political affaires so as to be able to elect true representatives of the people.

In the ensuing 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly election 2012, money and muscle power may play a lesser role this time as strictures imposed by the Election Commission of India will not be only on papers. Election expenditure for candidates is now limited to a maximum of rupees eight lakh only, which appears to be a mockery as compared to previous elections. Amidst hectic canvassing, candidates and their confidants find a hard time to record expenditure item by item, the lapse of which will amount to post-poll drilling by the election commission. Agencies have become more vigilant this time with the purpose of enabling free and fair polling. The measures will help minimize corruption in governance and will enable true social activists to be elected to power. A brighter representation is on the cards in future elections. However, the electorate lacks political consciousness to chose their leaders. It is also doubtful whether the Election Commission will be vigilant and active enough in the remote hill constituencies of Manipur as it is in the valley districts.

In spite of being the ruling party for two previous terms, the Congress party in Manipur is apparently feeling headache with the challenges of the so called Naga-forces in the hills and underground elements in the valley. Moreover, money and muscle power of the ruling Congress will not be manifested due to the tight rope created in the form of Election Code of Conduct as never before. Even though the Congress in Manipur is boasting of having had the most stable government and having taken up many infrastructure development works in the state, the anti-incumbency factor is not totally unseen in the nook and corner. It is obvious that the election code of conduct will not be enforced in the remote hill constituencies as strictly as it is in the valley districts due to various challenges known to all. In such a political scenario, whether the congress will return to power again in the 10th Manipur Legislative Elections is a big query among the laymen.

Even though the measures for free and fair elections have been taken up widely, our voters still lack political consciousness. During election time, agents like the political parties, pressure groups and media have to sensitize and mobilize the public on various issues so as to bring about political consciousness among the voters. The Election Commission of India has also to provide ample opportunities to the political parties, pressure groups and the media to mould public opinion. The voters need to study a number of options before giving their votes.

Although Manipur state has innumerable number of pressure groups for the welfare of the people, they seem to remain dumb during election time. Political parties in Manipur are apparently lethargic in sensitizing the people regarding social, economic, political and cultural issues. They are even not paying serious attention to producing their Election Manifestoes, even if election is just a fortnight away from today. The electorate needs a number of public meetings, literatures such as election manifestoes, broachers, pamphlets and leaflets to dwell on state issues. The role of media also needs to be greater during elections. As the Fourth Estate, media is an important agency to mould public opinion in a democracy. Media has a great responsibility for grooming responsible leaders in the government. If not acting partisan towards particular candidates and parties, the various media organizations of the state need to create platforms for discussions and deliberations on election issues.

Only when there are plenty of opportunities for making the electorate politically conscious of state issues, elections will be more fair and free. Only restricting expenses and enforcing strict strictures are not sufficient for bringing about fair elections.

(The writer is a free lance journalist)

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/towards-a-fairer-election/

By: Hejang Misao, MSW.
Insurgency is the hallmark of North East India in general and Manipur in particular. It becomes the excuse ground for all failures (law and order, development etc.)  in the region or the state. In such backdrop Manipur will once again test the meaning of true democracy by going to poll for the ———– Legislative Assembly on 8th January 2012. The right to vote is the exclusive right of a citizen. The exercise of adult franchise established the supremacy of the citizens over the executives. Election is the main factor that decide the fate of the people at least for five years if not topple in the meantime. However, the irony is that voters seldom exercise their right to vote especially in the tribal areas of Manipur. Proxy with coercion – the hand that holds the barrel decides the people’s future.

Making a critical look at the performance of the elected people’s representatives one can make a precise conclusion that they end up their office tenure in pleasing their god father rather than delivering welfare services to the people. As a result development takes the back seat. In the name of democracy people are made the scapegoat and most of the developmental funds are siphon off taking the chance of culture of silence which is mainly because of fear of reprisal or lack of awareness.

Every discussion topic is centre around the issue ‘who will get the blessing of the god father’ not who should be voted to power for people’s welfare. Justice and equality as the main feature of democracy is held under ransom – one has to pay for its realization.

People wanted and long for a true democracy where vox pupuli is reckon with and taken into consideration for crucial decision making but can’t help. Democracy as government of the people, by the people and for the people has a very little meaning in its true sense in reality. Interestingly government, obvious though, remain a mute spectator – centre and state – to this entire episode in spite of the incidence taking place just in front of their nose. To be honest the government is very much aware of the ground situation and realities.

The age old strategy of political conspiracy and intrigue is still valid the aftermath of which is the rampant violation of human rights and political rights. Social disorder and economic backwardness are the cascading effect of the so called manipulated democracy. “It’s been more than five years or ten years that I didn’t cast my valuable vote” is the common words of the people. Election becomes something that is just in theory without practical.

Surprisingly the election commission comes up with a mechanism where they proposed the idea of fitting cctv in the polling booth with a view to ensure free and fair election. No doubt this mechanism will check the proxy voting system and pave the way for every adult to exercise his/her franchise. The big question here is will this really establish the spirit of true democracy? Should we call it justice when your choice is dictated by someone or the exercise of your voting right is done under duress?

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/the-test-of-true-demcracy/

By Tanveer Jafri
As was foreboded, the situation in Iraq is deteriorating. It was feared that the Shia-Sunni rivalry in Iraq would flare up after the toppling of Saddam Hussein in April 2003. Saddam Hussein was a Sunni Arab military dictator who took over the reins of Baghdad from Ahmad Hasan Al Barq in 1979 and continued to rule the country till 9th April 2003. Shiites form 60 percent of the Iraqi population whereas Sunnis account for 31 percent. During his despotic rule of 24 years, Saddam used every tool to crush his opponents, be they Shias, Sunnis or Kurds.

However, this tyrannical and dictatorial nature of Saddam provided the US an easy excuse to interfere in Iraq in the name of unearthing weapons of mass destruction and combating terrorism. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed in violence since the American occupation in 2003. Many incidents of communal violence have been witnessed in all these years. Crowded markets, religious festivities, mausoleums, mosques etc. have been endlessly targeted. Meanwhile, the local opposition against the American presence kept on increasing. In accordance with Obama’s election promise of bringing back the troops from Iraq, the US ended its mission this December after ‘disposing of’ Saddam and installing a ‘democratic’ government in Baghdad. Certainly, Washington played a major role in the formation of a coalition government and circumscribing sectarian violence to a large extent. Now that the US troops have left the country, fragile political system of Iraq is apparently coming under unprecedented strain.

On 19th December, an Iraqi court issued an arrest warrant against Tariq Al Hashmi, the Vice-President of Iraq and the leader of the biggest Sunni party Iraqiya, on the charge of involvement in “suspected terrorist activity.” Hearing this, Hashmi hid away in Kurdistan. Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki, a Shia, said, “We won’t allow any interference in Iraq’s judicial system. Saddam Hussein was prosecuted impartially and Al-Hashmi’s case will also be impartial.” He appealed to the Kurds to handover Hashmi to the government. The Vice President Tariq Al Hashmi has denied all the charges and said, “I swear before Allah that I have committed no crime.” Hashmi is ready to face the judicial proceedings but only at Kurdistan region.

Of late, communal tension has escalated in Iraq. Violence has also been reported from some parts. 13 bomb blasts ripped through the capital Baghdad on 22 December, killing 75 and wounding more than 200 people. Hashmi has claimed that violence has escalated only as a result of the warrant against him. According to him, it is difficult for Premier Maliki to stop this violence. He has also accused Maliki of creating this “national crisis.” Besides, a simmering political and constitutional crisis cannot be denied. All the ministers belonging to the Iraqiya party have refused to attend Cabinet meetings. In response, Prime Minister has threatened to sack them. Both the groups of coalition are apparently getting ready for a showdown.

Current political situation in Iraq is harbinger of the fact that a civil war can break out anytime. If that happens, it would have repercussions not only for Iraq, but for the entire region. Sunni and Shia, the two major sects of Islam, are struggling to dominate the entire Arab world. These struggles for predominance lead to the eight years long First Persian Gulf war between Iran and Iraq from 1980-88. At that time, Saddam had complete backing of Washington. When both countries got exhausted and suffered huge losses after fighting for eight consecutive years; they agreed to a peace truce under Resolution 598 of the UN Security Council. During his reign, Saddam enjoyed the full support of almost all the Sunni Arab states. This backing was based on the fact that he was a Sunni dictator. But when, owing to his belligerence, he tried to capture Kuwait in 1990, it set alarm bells ringing across the Arab world vis-à-vis the ‘danger’ Saddam posed to other Arab states. Since then, many countries of the region turned against Saddam. America took the benefit of his isolation and occupied Iraq in 2003.

Iran is sympathetic to the Shia groups in Iraq and is said to support them actively. Hence, Iran’s role in current turmoil in Iraq cannot be ruled out. Coming days may turn out to be more perilous for Iraq and it may witness a Civil War. What will come out of this churning, remains to be seen. Whether the power will go to a single group as was the case during Saddam’s rule? Or, will Iraq break up on sectarian lines and lose its influence in the region, in line with the wishes of the West?

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/is-iraq-on-the-verge-of-civil-war/

By Hoihnu Hauzel
In many ways, the future of Churachandpur district and its people depends on the ensuring election. The elected representatives are ultimately the ones who will shape the future of the people and the place. They are the ones who will assume the role of rulers and decide for the good of all. They will lead and show the way and be responsible and accountable for many issues ranging from development to a peaceful existence.

Therefore, the question of whom to give your precious vote has never been so important and pertinent as today. The need of the hour is a visionary leader who can fuse in new life and hope to the declining state of affairs in this promising district of Manipur. The people deserve to have a reliable figure on whose wisdom and wit they can safely surrender their fate.  An educated leader who possesses genuine degree, who is articulate and well-informed, is one who should assume the role of being our representative. A selfless leader who would not pocket away the money meant for our development is one who should be chosen. A man of integrity and principle who can uphold truth under any circumstances is one who should be favoured. A broadminded leader with a fair understanding of global affairs and who will go beyond the petty lines of caste and clan is one who should lead the flock.

A thinking leader who can argue and debate with logical stand and one who can speak in the language of the educated lot in the Parliament is one who deserves to get the support of all.

Considering that Churachandpur district has only regressed with time instead of progressing, there is little doubt that people should be discerning enough by now to know whom to vote, this time round. Am assuming that people are now tired of leaders who do not deliver. That, they have had enough with leaders who only amass personal wealth for themselves at the cost of many others who go hungry. Churachandpur is bleeding and it needs a compassionate hand that can gently heal the wounds and nurse it back to health. The people should be eager and restless to revive the pristine glory of their home in every sphere. Lamka in particular, used to be a peaceful den with guitar-strumming youth who would walk the street fearlessly under the moonlit night. Today, can anyone with the right frame of mind dare step out after sunset? Yes, the district is home to drug lords and addicts. Unemployment rate is only increasing and social restlessness is growing. There are no productive vocational activities for the youth who are only wasting their prime lives. All these have not featured in the scheme of many existing politicians who would rather concentrate on more lucrative activities.

The problems in the district are manifold. There are sociological, economical, ethnical and political. If you consider the few government schools in the villages (in different constituencies of the district) it’s appalling as they are without proper facilities and teachers. There are no proper health care facilities in villages despite having the money sanctioned in paper.  Do we have our basic needs in place? Why do we still run out of drinking water? Why are we so accustomed to having no electricity in our homes?

And part of the problem is having chosen wrong leaders who are not just quipped to think or act. They lack the faculty of sound reasoning owing to their illiterate background. If there is anything, this ensuring election must redefine the standard of our elected leaders who must represent us, fight for us, fend for us and stand up for us. If there is ever a toss between financial muscle and intellectual power, the choice becomes easy and clear. For what is the might of money that can be squandered away overnight when intellectual power endures forever?  And, anyway, money in the hands of an illiterate and flamboyant is a dangerous tool that can cause social evil.

General public are in some ways responsible for having chosen incompetent leaders. If any voter can be bought with money, it would indicate their lack of character and stand.

However, there is hope of revival if we make the right choice. With a bit of brand new ideas, a lot of changes can be introduced in the district. The system is crying out for young blood to take on that role of leadership. I have had no inclination to know who is standing for what Party and where. Nor do I burden myself with the task of supporting or standing against any candidate. But for the love of the place and the people what is important for me and you is to identify candidates who are dependable.

I have had the opportunity of meeting just one candidate so far. He’s Chinlunthang, all of 37 and shows maturity beyond his age. Easily, he reminds me of India’s young brigade of politicians whom I have had the privilege of interviewing time and again. Like India’s youngest politician Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed who, at 26, became the youngest member of the 15th Lok Sabha. Sayeed is a lawyer and so is Chinlunthang. In fact, it was only after meeting other young politicians like Agatha Sangma and Shruti Choudhury, among others, who are all lawyers by professions that I realized Chinlunthang really falls in that category of bankable young Turks who can make a difference.

Chinlunthang is soft spoken but firm. He is mild mannered and speaks with the wisdom of a lawyer in measured tones. He has taken on the Rahul Gandhi model of working and believes in acquainting himself with ground knowledge before he plunged into politics. No wonder, he’s also the president of Rahul Gandhi Youth Brigade in the district. Soon after he became a lawyer and practiced for a while, Chinlunthang gave himself for various social causes. As a social worker, he took on the cause of the poor and needy and educated himself on their problems and pondered upon possible solutions. Yes, apart from the college degree that he already possessed from Delhi University, (a science graduate from Hans Raj College), he knows and understands the need to educate himself on the problems of his people, an indication that he is dreadfully serious about his decision to stand for election.

Given the fact that he is an ideal candidate who can argue for his people in the Parliament and much more, he must be given a chance. In many of his campaign speeches, he is heard saying that his late father, Thangkhanlal, left no wealth or material possessions behind for him. But I say, the biggest wealth that any father could have ever left behind for his offspring is a sound education that no thief or burglar can steal. Chinlunthang is fortunate enough to have that today. And surely, it is this gift of intelligence that will stand him or rather, should stand him in good stead in this race.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/the-only-way-to-see-change-in-ccpur-is-to-vote-sensibly/

By Dr. Konthoujam Khelchandra Singh
In the last two decades, environmental problems have attracted the attention of a wide cross section of people all over the world. Decision makers, scientists and even laymen are becoming increasingly conscious of a variety of issues – global warming, ozone layer depletion, acid rain, famines, droughts, floods, pollution and depleting natural resources and many more – all having adverse effects on the environment.

All of us believe that the air we breathe the water we drink and the food we eat should be free from harmful pollutants. We want to avoid the threat and uncertainity of climate change. Conserving the environment creates both challenges and opportunities. Let us explore these challenges and try to make environment clean and healthy for quality life, which we desire, for us and for our children in future.

India’s ongoing population explosion is a great challenge, which has placed great strain on the environment. One in every seven persons on this planet lives in India. With 16 per cent of the world’s population and only 2.4 per cent of its land area, there is obviously a heavy pressure on the environment. The rapidly growing population, along with a move toward urbanisation industrialisation has placed significant pressure on India’s infrastructure and its natural resources and reduces the gains of development. The greatest challenge before us is to limit the population growth. Population, poverty and environment are interrelated. The nexus between poverty and environmental degradation can hardly be over emphasised. This is a major issue and the biggest challenge. The challenge of poverty and the challenge of environmental degradation are not two different challenges, but two facts of the same challenge.

Environmental pollution has become serious problem in the country. Community/Domestic wastes, Industrial effluents and chemical fertilizers and pesticides have polluted our surface water and affecting quality of the ground water. Restoring the water quality of our rivers and other water bodies as lakes is an important challenge.

Land is the basic resource providing for the needs of the people. Due to soil erosion, salinity, alkalinity, wind erosion, etc it is estimated that nearly 100 million hectares of land, almost one-third of the total area, is suffering from degradation. Land degradation is great challenge faced by India today. Another challenge is to sustain and increase agricultural growth without damaging the environment.

India is very rich in biological diversity with about 89,000 species of animals and 47,000 species of plants. A number of bio-geographic zones can be identified within the country with their respective flora and fauna lending a distinct character to each. Biodiversity has also faced serious threat due to over exploitation and habitat destruction and it has also become a major challenge to us. India is recognised as a country which is uniquely rich in all aspects of biodiversity, species and genetics. India is one of the world’s mega diversity centers. But, all the ecosystems are under pressure. Conserving the biodiversity of India from the on slaughters of human activities is another challenge before us.

The environmental scene in India is one of hope tinged with concern. The concern arises from the resources constraints which our country faces. The government is determined to ensure that major development activities of the country shall not effect he environment in future and accordingly, additional resources are provided to these activities in order to mitigate the adverse consequences on the environment. We have to understand that the damage to the environment does not arise only from the consequences of developmental projects. More damage to the environment is being caused through the pressures of the people to meet their minimum needs. This pressure can be achieved only through population control and through accelerated poverty alleviation.

Today, there is widespread realisation that there can be no readymade solutions, that technology alone cannot solve problems, that we need to use all our ingenuity to find solutions which combine the best of the old practices with the benefits that modern science and technology can offer. There is a need to develop and modernise in less wasteful ways than is the current paradigm, without losing our sound traditional values and practices. We along with other developing countries, have to find alternative paths to an alternative good. A goal which ultimately is the true goal of development should be an environmentally sound and sustainable development while the challenge of development might seem to be ‘‘how to get there’’, the real challenge is ‘‘how not to get there’’. Urbanisation, industrial growth, transportation system, agriculture, housing etc. all have to stop imitating practices that are already being phased out in the developed world.

His essential, apart from protecting the existing environment, to regenerate the already degraded environment to ensure sustainable development. About 100 million hectares of degraded land have to be brought back to productive use. The polluted rivers and water bodies need to be cleaned up. The 30 million hectares of degraded forest need to be reforested. The resources needed for these are enormous and can be found only gradually as the competing claims of development and poverty alleviation projects on the resources assume a higher priority.

We have to realise that environmental issues like global warming and ozone depletion, acid rain, marine pollution and biodiversity are not merely national issues but are global and must be tackle with international efforts and cooperation. We are fully aware of the environmental problems. This awareness has spread across all sections of population-villagers, city dwellers, youth, students, women, law-makers etc. The immediate result of this consciousness is a wide spectrum of laws on pollution control, forests, wildlife etc., which provide a sound basis for environmental protection. There is need of enforcement of these laws and rational patterns of consumption, more efficient utilisation of depletable resources by the developed countries, and more equitable access to these resources for the developing countries.

The solutions to global environmental problems can be found only through international co-operative action to which each nation contributes the most of what it can. All countries need to place sustainable development at the top of their agenda and consolidate the requisite political social and economic structures to realise the goals. The nations which are strong in technology and resources will have to use them with a vision that transcends political boundaries and signify their resolve to serve the interests of humanity as a whole, including themselves.

We have to understand that environment is our future we have to make it livable. It is the responsibility of every one, who lives on this planet. If we do not take strong measures to conserve our environment  from further deterioration, the future of coming generations will be in jeopardy. Let us together make a right effort towards our environment – our future.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/environmental-challenges-in-india-an-overview/

By Chabungbam Amuba Singh
PART I
In this age of the Internet, retirement is a boon for those `who wanted to read but could not find the time`. I am talking not of any serious academic pursuit but of simple pleasurable reading. Respectfully curious of the Royal Court Chronicle of Manipur, the Cheitharol Kumbaba, I longed to read it and practiced `reading the Meitei Mayek` during my days in office. I was disappointed at the slow progress of my proficiency in Meitei Mayek. So I was really elated when I was given by Shri M Biren Singh a copy of the Cheitharol Kumbaba in the Bengali script edited by Shri L Ibungohal Singh and Shri N Khelachandra Singh and published by the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad (second print, 1989).

I got the shock of my life when I found that this sacred book/compilation of the records of the reigns of the `Meidingus` starts with the Sanskrit word `Shri` (“Shri Taibangpanbagee mapu ….”) and the very next sentence refers to the Kalyabda—an era system connected with Hindu mythology and not at all followed in the writing of history in any part of the world. This tell-tale evidence of the sacred book having been re-written or re-compiled at a later date when the Manipur royal court had been completely Hinduised notwithstanding, I derived immense pleasure of fleeting through the world unfolding out of the pages of this sacred book. Of course, the book written in old Meiteilon does not provide easy reading to a novice like me. Supplementing my endeavour with occasional reference to Saroj Nalini A Parratt`s English transliteration of the Chronicle (available on the Internet) opened up another woe for me: the occasional inconsistencies in the two versions of the Chronicle—the Sahitya Parishad`s and Saroj Nalini`s. 

Saroj Nalini A Parratt says that for the pre-British period, the Cheitharol Kumbaba is the only source of Manipur’s history that we have which is of any substantial historical value. This bold observation endows the Chronicle with a unique place of importance and reverence. It is my intention here to establish its chronological authenticity beyond any shadow of doubt and provide the basis for an error-free Gregorian dating of the events recorded in the Chronicle.

It is a fact that we the Manipuris adopted the Saka system of counting the solar sidereal years – but we have never followed the Saka calendar (even in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries). Throughout the Chronicle, the entry of a date always refers to the phase of the moon and a month always refers to the lunar month – a system contrary to the system of the Saka calendar which is a solar calendar. It is not at all surprising, rather it is natural, that such a luni- solar system was followed in Manipur, because such a system was followed in east and northeast India and also in Southeast Asia. However, the astronomical foundation of a luni-solar system is quite complicated. In comparison, the solar Gregorian system has a straightforward astronomical basis. That is why all historical recordings are done in or transliterated into the Gregorian system which is now called the Common Era (CE) system.

In the Internet space, I have come across quite a few write-ups about the history of Manipur in which wrong dates in CE have been given to important events. For example, in the history of Manipur uploaded by IIT Guwahati, the date of birth of Pitambar Charairongba is given as 20 May 1673 CE and that of the crowning of Pamheiba as 28 August 1708 CE – both of which are incorrect according to the recordings in the Cheitharol Kumbaba (the correct dates are 17 June 1673 CE Saturday and 14 August 1709 CE Wednesday respectively).  Marjit’s (Nongpok Wairang Pamheiba) ascension to the throne of Manipur is often reported to have taken place in the year 1813, while the true date of the event recorded in the Cheitharol Kumbaba is the 17th day of Shajibu (later) in  Saka 1735 which is the 6th April 1814 CE. Even in the Appendix to the Cheitharol Kumbaba published by the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, the editors had given the reign of Meidingu Marjit as 1813-1819. The fact as per records in the Cheitharol Kumbaba is that Meidingu Marjit reigned from Wednesday 6 April 1814 to Tuesday 9 December 1819. It is important here to respect the authenticity and accuracy of the entries in the Chronicle.

Eclipses of the sun and the moon are God-given chronometer to determine the precise dates of historical events. Records of the eclipses can be conveniently used to translate any date in a lunisolar calendar into a date in the proleptic Gregorian calendar or the CE system provided the week-day of the date is also given. Here it is understood that the seven-day week is universally adopted. (For example, the assertion that the week-day `langmaiching` or `nongmaijing` in the Manipuri system is the week-day `Sunday` in the western system is never to be disputed.)

Solar and lunar eclipses are regular astronomical events occurring at least four times a year (a maximum of seven eclipses may occur in a calendar year). Very precise and detailed records of solar eclipses for 7000 years and lunar eclipses for 5000 years in the proleptic Gregorian calendar have been computer-generated and are now available on the Internet for ready reference.

The Cheitharol Kumbaba contains records of 189 eclipses (58 solar and 131 lunar) sighted in Manipur (a few are `reported` but not ‘sighted’) – starting with the partial lunar eclipse of 1666 December 11 (Saturday)

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/cheitharolkumbaba-and-the-internet-the-gregorian-dating/

By Jagadamba Mall
The Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC), UNC, the state Government of Manipur and the Union Government of India to jointly compensate 3,79,188 poor people (17.5% of Population BPL, 2004-05 Report) for the loss and hardships they have suffered over the last 3 months. SHDDC & Co and UNC & Co. for trampling over the right to life of poor people and putting to extreme hardships in managing square meals against sky rocketed price. The state and Union Govt for neglecting obligation towards the poor, and not responding to the situation for 3 months, causing extreme hardship without any relief or enforcing laws to stabilize the situation. The four parties together owe a sum of Rs 5700 Crores in compensation for the 3 months long economic blockade (1st Aug – 31st Oct, 2011) to people below poverty line in particular.

Pay the poor for deprivation or pay the state and own the National Highways

Each of the family below poverty line who earns a meagre wage of Rs 56 per day for survival of their families had to spend another Rs 56 per day to keep their family hearths burning for their children during the economic blockade when prices on essential commodities sky rocketed. Each of these families must get a sum of Rs 5040 for 90 days to stabilize their family economy and recover the loss of their small little savings. And if without any further considerations – how the economic blockade only hit the poor families and their children below their belt – UNC and Co continue clamp economic blockade on the NHs they must be prepared to compensate another Rs 3808 for 68 days economic blockade last year (Apri-Jun 2010). If they don’t see good reasons in this demand of the poor then they must fully pay the Union Government of India, the entire cost of construction and maintenance till date, of the National highways passing through their ancestral domain so they may absolutely own it and do anything they like at their own sweet wills without having to answer to any group or community in the neighbourhoods. As long as they don’t pay to the Union Govt they must pay to the poor who suffered without any reasons.

Declare: No national highway in Manipur or enforce laws

Though the Government at state and centre may not be held accountable and answerable to the people as majority do not get representation but the state by the constitution has obligatory responsibility to ensure and maintain law and order. National highway is maintained by National Highway Authority under a set of rules of law. The government with its huge companies of security forces deployed should only remained silent spectator when the national ways are blocked for any reasons by any group of community. Worse for them is to remain as affected party by the economic blockade. It does not behove well when ground troops on counter-insurgency duty are purchasing booze from local vendors for simple reason that supplies in the army canteens are stopped because of economic blockade. People don’t need any sympathy nor should they expect the same from the people. Simple fact remains. The army, paramilitary forces deployed all along National highways and over-sized law enforcement agencies in the state are useless in the face of economic blockade. The big question will continue gap for answer: why the central government is not providing security on national highways and ensuring normal supplies of essentials for the common people? The state will have to be held accountable and answer why do not enforce law on the national highways even when economic blockades affects large population, their livelihood, and right to education for  children. If they, for genuine reasons unable to provide security the central government must declare that there is no national highways connecting Manipur. But until they do so they must own responsibility towards the poor people and compensate jointly with leaders of SHDDC and UNC & Co. to each family of the poor.

The issue is the Governance not the people

The fundamental flaw in the Indian democracy which spells out as a Government of the people; by the people and for the people is conspicuous and revealing in the multi-party electoral political system. This must be studied and understood well before blaming any group of community. It is easy arose the communal sentiments but difficult to calm down by reasons. Systems are hard to develop but run easily once appropriately in place by reasons. The result of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly election 2007 is a glaring example to take to understand the fundamental problems of governance for a population of diverse race, ethnic communities and cultures.

It is not the 90% turn out but only 37% that make the Government!

One cannot be complacent and fooling by the impressive turn out at the polling station during elections. What remains hidden behind the impressive 80-90% voters’ turn out, reported by state election commission in the 9th Assembly election in 2007 is the hollowness and skewed people’s representation in the highest decision-making body of the state – the Legislative Assembly. The 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly – elected representatives of 60 persons where voted by only 37% of the total electors’ population belonging to all communities above 18 years of age in the state of 21,66,788 (2001 Census). Yet, all the decisions taken by small group of elected representatives voted by minority affect the lives and socio-economic situation of average citizens on day to day basis. The larger majority have been systematically marginalized from the Governance and the poor more acutely and adversely for the last 3 decades of Indian democracy in Manipur. The poor do not belong to this state government and they will never be unless the system gets reformed or changed. As long as the existing electoral politics continue the government will continue to be in reality of the elite, for the elite and by the elite belonging to all communities. The elites have no caste and creed. The newly emerging elite society in the state belongs to political class, bureaucrats, contractors, technocrats, professionals and business community. Their interests and security is primary to all others. This is what has been observed over the years.

It is a rule by a small elite minority! Why bother the majority?

Consider the statistics of last poll results. Each constituency had an average of 5-6 candidates vying for the assembly seat both in the hills and valley. More than two candidates in a constituency only divide the electors’ population in a constituency into fragments of small minority groups of close kins, clans and friends voting their candidate not on any issue of party ideology. This fragmented electors’ population make the Indian democracy a virtual illusion by electing representatives of small close minority groups assuming mandate of the people from their respective assembly constituency. 60 candidates who entered and /or returned to the last 9th Legislative Assembly in the state was voted to the power by only 36-38% of the total electors in each of the assembly constituency. If there were any poor people who voted for a winning candidate they would have been richly rewarded over the last one decade by the present ruling government. Furthermore, they would, by now, be aiming for more wealth and assets only to ensure that the rule of their masters continue for the next term to register into the newly emerging elite club. It is this group of elite the leaders have to, if at all, target for and hold accountable to their issues not the larger majority people. It is clear. It is not the larger population who make the government.

Leaders are elected by one’s kith, clans and cronies not on public issues

The poor and the large majority of voters (62-64% of total electors) at an average have no representation in the government for all time. The position of the Opposition in the Manipur Assembly, for the last two terms, needs no further discussion. It is suffice to say they are simply an acutely marginalized minority in the legislative assembly among the elites in power. They have no say especially because they also do not represent basic issues of larger population in the first place. Secondly, they were elected by own kith and kin, clans and cronies. The majority of the population which comprise of 63% of the total electors (10,66,170) and plus another 21% of the total of underage children population (4,65,388) do not either belong to the government or has any representations. So, they are also not responsible for anything the government does to any community or group. Why should large majority population be responsible for the issues and bear the burden of economic blockade for months together? What is their fault if it is not because they belong to a particular community other than Naga or Kuki?  

Issues are genuine but the methods are not just

The leaders of all civil society and frontal organizations, especially in Naga and Kuki communities will have to reflect on their strategies and actions of addressing their issues and answer many questions to the larger population who for no fault of theirs victimized and penalized. Why should the burden of month-long economic blockade be imposed over all the poor and majority? How do the leaders imposing economic blockade for months on NHs justify that their action which they suppose is targeted to the Government? How do they pray over plateful of rice and meat every meal while starving thousands by their own action? Even the worst communal Government in the state have not starved its people what moral ground and authority have leaders to drive thousands to brink starvation? Why interests in making hundreds of people spend sleepless nights in queues for a litre of petrol to send their children to school or to buy essentials for double price? Why should the leaderships deprive children of school, pregnant women emergency access to hospital and patients in emergency oxygen and life-saving drugs in the hospitals?

The Economic blockade is a war against the neighbours whose support may be needed 

Despite having expressed displeasures over the continuing blockade and appeals to lift it what is intentions of further resolving to continue the blockade if it is not a war against a particular community or larger population? Other people may or may not subscribe to or share the views of Naga and Kukis leaderships and their action why do they to arouse animosity? On the contrary, one is rather shocked to hear the audacity of these leaders, proudly announcing “economic blockade is the best method for addressing issues” even after acknowledging the fact that such action has given extreme hardships to common people! Do they know that their action is violating other people’s right to life and right to culture? One would still be sympathetic to the cause of Naga and Kukis leadership, despite the hardships, if the issues were of starvation in the hills, instead. But when right to land is given priority over right to life, education and culture can there be any good reasons to remain silent spectator and accept situation of starvation? Economic blockade is a war against a population in the neighbourhood. What do these leaders actually working for: Governance and better administration or an exclusive ethnic nation-state in the 21st century?

Educated leaderships can do more

Finally, in sincere appreciations of all the educated leaderships that has emerged in all communities in Manipur, especially those representing social and political organizations of different ethnic communities including frontal organizations and their capabilities of influencing the socio-economic and political affairs in the state it behoves them well to focus their attentions to the systems of governance that has caused the situation and spare the people especially those in the neighbours and poor across communities. It must be remembered that it is the neighbours only who will rush to and extend a helping hand at the times of need. They are the only one who will tell your stories to the future generations across communities only if the leaderships rise above the communal and narrow worldviews. Indigenous community cannot choose neighbour especially when the neighbours are also indigenous people.

It will be in the best interests of SHDDC and Co, UNC and Co, State Government of Manipur and Union Government of India to respect the rights to life and livelihood of the poor as they have nothing to do with the issues of Sadar hills, Naga integration and territorial integrity. Stop victimizing and starving the poor and unrepresented majority. Priority for the poor is securing the next square meal and to do a work that pays them. Most of them will also simply accept any amount of money for voting in favour or against a particular candidate in the assembly election for a paltry sum of Rs 100-500/ not knowing that they are selling their rights for the next 5 years. But they do that for their immediate requirements. They are neither represented nor responsible for the issues. Spare them. If there is anything the leaders must focus their attention, at all, it is the fundamental flaws in the electoral political system of Indian democracy not the people. Reinventing the wheels is neither a creative solution to the problem of governance nor desirable for the large majority and poor who will anyway be marginalized. But it is in evolving the given system to suit the realities of ethnic diversities that is given.

Expect help from others if actions are self-respecting and others

Indian Democracy is only the largest in size and population but not the oldest that is deep-rooted in our society. There are lacunae, loopholes and loose ends everywhere. This is increasingly felt by educated citizenry across India. Despite deficiencies and disappointments Indian democracy is young and flexible to enough to bend and open to change to suit the self-determination needs of all indigenous communities and growth of peoplehood across indigenous communities it has either occupied or adopted or inherited from British India. Expect and hope that Indian democracy can evolve to be the finest democracy in the twenty first century by drawing resources from its largest body of ethnic people and cultures, and knowledge. It is in winning together peace and development sustains not by defeating the others. This is possible only when leadership lead the people towards democratization of traditional society, greater participation of all people and improving representations deficiencies. Not by rejecting and communalizing society and politics but by working together. There are concerned people, though less, across communities if you starve them they will die and nobody in the neighbourhood will be able to be helpful to address the issues.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/01/compensate-rs-5700-crores-to-the-poor-first-for-the-economic-blockade/

By Chaoba Kamson
The Zeliangrong, an indigenous ethnic group of North East belongs to Tibeto- Burman family of Mongoloid stock. The population of this group is found mainly in Tamenglong District of Manipur. They are also found scattered in Manipur Valley of Imphal West District, Imphal East District, Thoubal District, Bishnupur District, Churachandpur District, Senapati District. Outside the state of Manipur, they are found settling in Nagaland in its Peren District, Dimapur District and Kohima District and in Assam in its Haflong District, Cachar District and Heilakandi District.  The present article attempts to examine the Gaan-Ngai festival of Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak people of North East.

The Zeliangrong people are rational and they do not easily give up their religion and culture because of profound values and spiritualism in their traditional belief as a result of this there are about thirty thousand devotees of Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak in the three states

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/chakaan-gaanngai-the-living-religious-and-cultural-festival/

By Chaoba Kamson
The Zeliangrong, an indigenous ethnic group of North East belongs to Tibeto- Burman family of Mongoloid stock. The population of this group is found mainly in Tamenglong District of Manipur. They are also found scattered in Manipur Valley of Imphal West District, Imphal East District, Thoubal District, Bishnupur District, Churachandpur District, Senapati District. Outside the state of Manipur, they are found settling in Nagaland in its Peren District, Dimapur District and Kohima District and in Assam in its Haflong District, Cachar District and Heilakandi District.  The present article attempts to examine the Gaan-Ngai festival of Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak people of North East.

The Zeliangrong people are rational and they do not easily give up their religion and culture because of profound values and spiritualism in their traditional belief as a result of this there are about thirty thousand devotees of Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak in the three states

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/chakaan-gaanngai-the-living-religious-and-cultural-festival/

By: G.S. Oinam
Recently Europe and American social media sites started enquiry, why Journalists are too educated? And, why they are authoritative? I can’t comment for other people; but from my experience, journalist mind are rolling, energetic, and they have commitment and socially responsibility too. I have the habit of studying research paper at an average of 15 research papers per month. I used to read and study about 60 research papers in the current one and half month on the relevant topic, in which I have rejected 20 research papers, I have collected relevant data and information from 30 research papers and I do approved 10 research papers as relevant to the subject matter I want to know. These are my personal extra work. In Manipur, Late Laishram Joychandra, Editor, Prajatantra, local vernacular daily paper does the same in his life time. Well, a child can read the same but how can you capture knowledge from your studying for application is a very difficult task. When you read one research paper, you will be very attractive. When you start comparison from one research paper to another, you will find the weakness of other research paper. If you read hundred research papers you will find many joker research papers. Therefore, Dr. X must be careful while writing and delivering your work—time has changed; you alone can’t be authoritative on the subject matter.

Who are doing media research in Manipur? Mostly, library science students of Manipur University and one –two teachers of Journalism in MU do media research.  But, they are happily settled after getting job. Who contribute articles to local media? Mostly teachers of economics, history and political science departments of Manipur University contribute articles. Why working journalist can’t do media research in the state? Their works are overloaded; their salary is not salary-simply honourarium. They can’t do critical analysis on critical situation because it requires qualification, new skills and financial soundness. But who will get benefit after media research? Publisher of media house—Board of Directors of media house must know this idea if they want to improve your media industry. Work culture in Manipur is vividly found in media house, private schools and private clinics; however, staffs are exploited by so called proprietors of the respective institution.

The same is happening in state administration. As a quasi-federal polity, public policy in India is made at three levels—Central, State and Local. It is true that senior level civil servants in the Government of India /Manipur appear to be constantly overworked. But this is mainly because of the heavy burden of day–to-day administrative (implementation) work, which occupies far more time than thinking on policy issues; and the high degree of centralisation of administrative powers. How many state bureaucrats have found never pulled up to the dock of law court, explanations and disciplinary action by higher authorities in their life time before their service retirement?  State bureaucrats are always in the middle between complicated court cases and cabinet decision. The narrowing of choice for the political executive in bureaucratic appointments at the Centre (to a narrower and exogenously selected pool) may be a potential source of political resistance, though this is not likely to be very strong. The State governments may not comply with central “guidance” on career paths as it would blunt the use of transfer as a weapon to secure obedience. However, non-compliance at the state level would not mean a death blow and implementation of this even in the senior postings at the Central government level would be enough to start with.

More problematically however, the concept of ‘weeding out deadwood” is likely to be judicially challenged. Even if the concept is upheld, individuals who are dropped out of the selections may challenge decisions, obtain stays and or secure re-appointment and even promotion. The approach of the Indian courts on matters of this kind has been strongly pro-employee, and the constitutional “doctrine of pleasure” has been greatly eroded.

The skills required for academic success are not necessarily the same as those required for success in public management and public policy making; the services are replete with academically brilliant officers who are poor managers or policy-makers. There are also a few instances of superb administrators with just a Bachelor’s degree. This limitation can be overcome by ensuring that academic achievement is only one factor in the selection process, but it does mean that the benefit of a ‘transparent basis for career progression’ is diminished to that degree.

All IAS/IPS officers should spend their first 10-12 years in general management, largely in field assignments. This will provide them with a thorough grounding in field realities and in basic managerial skills, which are crucial for making the right policy-choices, O.P. Agarwal, IAS and Dr. T.V. Somanathan, IAS, have  mention on their research paper “Public Policy Making In India: Issues and Remedies”. Further, Policy-making processes and structures should ensure the gathering of information on such inter-sectoral impacts, the analysis of trade-offs, and fully informed choices between alternatives after a proper consideration of effects on different sectors. It requires public opinions especially from NGOs, media and Educationalist. Before submitting for policy approval from the cabinet, policy makers has to discuss for re-examine the matter to Policy Advisory Board/ Council. But, where is the Policy Advisory Board in Manipur? What are the amounts of quality inputs of state media, educationalist and NGOs are providing to state government?

A democratic society cannot function properly if everything in it is left only to the State or even to statutory bodies. In the absence of NGOs/civil society, the State machinery and civil servants become the dominant and the only repository of power. A large number of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are working in the developmental fields. But the number of such NGOs dedicating themselves to preservation of public order is limited. We can perhaps learn from experiences of some of these NGOs and recommend measures to pave the way for their greater involvement. State NGOs has to learn how to prepare innovative projects. Whatever you called projects is nothing but the scheme of government. Problems are already identified; NGOs are simply filled up the format for financial grant for implementation. Your inputs to state government are very important for policy making. Do research work before you prepared for project writing. Only then, NGOs reputation will be recognized.

What is wrong to project implementation? Many research papers have common view, factors for  delaying in project implementation like law and order problem, environmental clearance and land acquisition problem, engineering design and planning problem, work awarding problem, availability of skills and semi skills labour, soil—weather problem, cost and time over-runs problem etc. etc; among this , most serious problem is contract work awarding problem in Manipur. For example- 50 kms long road construction work will be share by about 20 contractors. Half of contract works say 25 km will be done by one contractor and the rest 25 km work will be done by the rest 19 contractors. Because, the same work can’t be done by one contractor due to financial problem/ farms turn over problem. How many contractors having turned over of Rs 50 crore do you find in the state? Contractors often face financial crunch due to work overload beyond their financial resources limit and bills pending. Beside, small contractors want more profit. Therefore, state is facing problem while submitting project report in time. Further, Delays in submitting project detail progress reports and utilisation certificate may causes termination of project because project financers/ investor want Investment of Return (IOR) in time. Many examples of unviable Public private partnership (PPP) projects exist in the national highways sub-sector. Three issues that hamper the viability of projects are: projects that are planned beyond their scope, dated cost estimates that lead to insufficient viability gap funding (VGF), and increased risk to the provider due to several contractual terms such as the possibility of termination of concession, if traffic crosses a threshold level.

If current trends continue over the Eleventh and Twelfth Plan periods (2008 to 2017), McKinsey & Company, Inc. Delhi estimates suggest that India could suffer a GDP loss of USD 200 billion (around 10 per cent of its GDP) in fiscal year 2017.

In terms of GDP growth rate, this would imply a loss of 1.1 percentage points. In addition, India’s economy could lose up to USD 160 billion in 2017, by forgoing the industrial productivity impact of infrastructure. However, there is no conclusive approach for estimating the value of such productivity impact, and hence it is not included in our estimate of the GDP loss, which is pegged at USD 200 billion. Inefficiencies in implementing infrastructure projects in India occur at all stages.

While identifying problem we face two things to remember 1) cause and 2) effect. For a critical complex problem, sometimes cause and effect of a problem are indivisible. It happens this way that the problem we are mentioning is not a problem at all, but is actually an effect of another problem.

The relationship between the three (Effect, Problem and Cause) has to be outlined in the Problem Statement of any proposal. If we have an issue, it will be a good exercise to go a step back and forth to find out its cause and effect relationship. The best way to understand the cause of an issue is to ask “Why” continuously i.e. “the why of why”. This will help reveal the cause of the problem. For example, suppose there is high drug abuse and alcohol addiction in our locality which is deadly affected to our society. Here problem is not the drug and alcohol. Real problem is abusive and addictive habit. Unless s/he were addicted in drugs and alcohol, but he might be addicted in others like eating, women, gambling etc. Here, we fine two effects- 1) environment and moral effect which influence the person to abusive and addiction in drug. 2) Effect and influence to other people after s/he was addicted. Confused? Environment and moral of the person may also be a cause of addiction and abused of drug/ alcohol? But there are many other causes to influence him/her to addiction—plenty availability of drug, his/her personal tragedy- even suicidal tendency, unawareness of the bad consequences—health, moral, friend circle and environment etc. if we know the cause and effect of the problem then we will able to find a solution, for which a strategy is required.

The first decade of the 21st century have changed how Manipur must think about “Social Order and Social Security” To meet the multiple challenges of the complex issues, it is crucial that we develop a system that places the right people in the right places in government at the right moment. Consequently, it requires people who are not only substantively qualified and knowledgeable regarding policy issues but also possess the leadership abilities to direct large complex organizations. There are also obviously growing requirements for those with technical expertise, human resource management, finance/comptroller skills, etc.

Training is concerned with teaching what to think and what the answers ought to be. Education is focused on teaching how to think and what the questions ought to be. Training is most frequently used when the goal is to prepare an individual or an organization to execute specified tasks. It often includes task repetition, not unlike an athletic team learning to execute plays, and normally is the preferred method of learning when the goal is to perform operations in which success, failure, and completion can be clearly measured. Education has more to do with how to think about problems and how to deal with challenges that may not lend themselves to outright solutions. It is a matter of intellect, thought, indirect leadership, advice, and consensus building.

Unfortunately in Manipur, writing, teaching and advocacy is not called “doing” even by state elite, intellects. Do you mean teachers are not doing, writers are not doing or public speakers are not doing? Then, what do you mean by doing? Engineers, doctors, bureaucrats, ministers, contractors, businessmen, NGO workers are doing. Because, you are getting materials support you need or money from them. Right?  So, government is right; now you can get earn money from contract works and 6th pay commission, business is profitable and you can get enjoy in wine, sex with prostitute or affairs with other women because poor people will sell their body—consequently create crime against women and alcohol addiction because you know everything and you do not need for advice, teaching and guidance, right? The same case was happen in developing African countries. Whenever they get some income they are almost spent on enjoyment and entertainment items without considering for saving and investment. They feel that they will get income and will enjoy their live as usual forever. What is the objective of individual(s) after getting rich or good income? Building home, buying TV, Refrigerator, expensive cell phone, laptop/ computer, a car and entertainment. Remember— personal tragedy may change your whole life—friend circle, wealth, health, environment, thinking and life style.

What do you feel when you listen the news reports of crimes and violent of Manipur? According to ‘Crime in India 2010’ produced by National Crimes Record Bureau, Manipur has earned the dubious distinction of recording the highest rate of violent crimes ( 34.5%) in the country followed closely by Jammu and Kashmir. Assam (33.4%) has become the country’s fourth most dangerous place to live in and is followed closely by Delhi (30.4%). However, cognisable crimes are decreasing, from 3,349 in 2008 to 2,852 in 2009 to 2,715 in 2010. The number of policemen has gone up from 8,541 in 2009 to 10,249 in 2010.

Manipur has 188 cases of crime against women in 2007-08. 43.9% crime against women and domestic violence according to NCRB, Delhi. The issue of HIV/AIDS is not only a health issue. The issue is a multifarious one encompassing social, economic, legal, human rights and political aspects. In accordance to the epidemiological analysis report of Manipur State AIDS Control Society, there are 38,016 HIV positive people in Manipur till January, 2011. Among this, 10,109 are woman and 2578 are children, and 9985 HIV positive people are receiving ART facilities. The saddest and shocking news is the sudden increasing numbers of HIV positive children!

However, the problem is not only for Manipur; it is an entire North East problem. A Guwahati-based NGO, the Global Organisation for Life Development, which conducted a study recently, has claimed that about 20 per cent of teenagers of the north-eastern region, between 11-17 years, are being compelled to become sex workers. The GOLD officials also underscored that almost half of the child sex workers were from Assam, followed by Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, while some of the victims were trafficked to brothels in Mumbai Pune and Ahmedabad. Hasina Kharbhih, a team leader of the Meghalaya-based NGO, Impluse, who has been working in this area for many years, said that child prostitution is the immediate result of human trafficking.

Reports of 1000 sex workers working in Mokokchung (Nagaland) envisage possibility of red light area in the town and other towns in NE India. If we add the number of sex workers in Kohima and Dimapur, it may be more than 3000 sex workers in Nagaland writes Dr. R.B. Thohe Pou in www.e-pao.net. A survey conducted by Kristian Thalai Pawl (KTP), youth wing of the Mizoram Presbyterian Church, has revealed that there were more than 1000 commercial sex workers (CSW) operating in Mizoram. Normally, prostitutes, locally referred to as KS (Khawpui Service, or city service) in Aizawl and some cabbie also play important part in their business, highlighted the survey. Ruatfela Nu, as well as other researchers, has disclosed that the number of minors (between 12-13 years of age) among the KS has increased. Mizo sex workers are doing their business widely in Shillong of Meghalaya too. A survey revealed that there are 70 genuine Mizo sex videos currently circulating in and around Mizoram.  62.85% of the people involved in these videos said that they did the films with their own consent while 37.14% of girls in these videos accused their male partners of filming their activities without their knowledge, the survey said.

There are around 1200 female sex workers currently operating this business in Imphal city. Besides, numbers of sex workers in Churachanpur, Moreh of Chandel districts are working.

Clients of Sex Workers in Manipur according to  National Behaviour Surveillance  Survey 2006 is:  Age wise clients in Manipur —age between age between 15-20 is 1.9 % age between 20-25 is 31.5%; age between 26-35 is  45.2%; age between 36-45 is 20.7%   and age above 45 is 0.7%; median age ( age percentage) in a-the years is  29. Among the illiterate cline is 11.5%; grade1-IV is 6.3%; grade V to X is 41.5%; grade XI-XII is 21.1%; above XII is 19.6%. Marital statuses of clients are ever married clients is 44.4 %in 2006 against 55.1% in 2001. Highest clients according to age group are, age group of 20-25 is 46.7% and followed by age group of 26-30 that is 35.8%.  Among them currently married and living with spouse represent 39.6%; Currently married and living with other sexual partner represent 0.4; Currently married and not living with spouse or other sexual partner represent 4.4% Not currently married and living with sexual partner represent 0.4 and Not currently married and not living with sexual partner represent 55.2%. Main Occupation top five of the clients-Local transport worker represents 14.4%; Petty business—16.3; Non agricultural labourer—1.5%; Services—7.8; Truck driver—12.6%; Live in the city/ town—98.9%; Live in the city since birth—67.8%; not staying at regular residence—20.0%;

So, if you know that urban living men both married and unmarried at an average age between 20-40; both educated and uneducated working as labourers, small businessmen, contractors, services are regular clients of sex workers, we have no reason for listening one sided story for increasing sex workers in the state is due to poverty and forced them to do this job from their personal tragedy and now, they can’t change the job. If there is no client there shall be no sex worker in the state; outsider clients is maximum about 30%. Improve your family relationship; know something about spiritual. Spiritual is principles of divine law. It is different from religion. Only legal system, law enforcement and medical advances can’t solve the problem.  Recruit them in security forces if some of them are found fit.

My theoretical argument is that actual legal system in reasonable successful society have a clear moral principles behind at lease much of their law. Russel Hardin on his “Law and Social order” argue that there may be many laws within a general legal system that have the other moral bases or that arguably have moral basis at all. The central programme of law to create social order is itself commonly guide by mutual advantage. It would be perverse to say that, if there is a legal system, then it must have been designed to be mutually advantageous. But it not so perverse to say that , if legal system is succeeded in  effecting social order, then it must substantially serve mutual advantage. Mutual advantage, which is simply ordinary utilitarianism, is roughly Paretian. A policy serves mutual advantage if it benefits some and harms none—this is the Pareto Principle in Economics.

At a more nearly systematic level, a legal system serve mutual advantage is, ex -ante, it secure social order and opportunity for prosperity. This is the core claim of Thomas Hobbe in his defense of rule by sovereign with the power to secure order. Hobbes supposed that any sovereign must be supported without any threat of attempting reform against that sovereign’s rule. A particular legal system is right or good, however, is essentially to say that it serve as well.

So, if a legal system roughly meets the Pareto criticism, we can say that the system itself is efficient relative to no system at all, as Hobbe’s argue must be true for virtually any system that secures order. If this is a reason for having a legal system, then we might suppose that the same criterion should often apply to the details of the system, that is, to the actual content of the various laws, Russel Hardin opinioned. Any legal system that is heavily infused with morality will work well only when if its subjects share the morality. We want a greater welfare; we achieve it by creating institutions that regulate behaviour and make it a matter of legal duty. This is what Fuller describes elsewhere as the “coordination function of Law”.

Further, State is deeply concerned about educated unemployment; it has been recorded 7.02 lakh in 2011 in about 25 lakhs population of the state n which Imphal East and Imphal West represent 3.30 lakhs educated unemployed registered in the employment exchange. Numbers of post graduated registered unemployed is above 13 thousands.

National Rural Employment Guaranteed Act (NREGA) had been extended to all the nine districts of Manipur w.e.f 1st April, 2008. 11, 85, 622 nos of household have been provided employment for which 433,082 nos of job cards issued. 706.14 lakh persons/mandays generated. About 130, 00 educated & uneducated youths have been benefited under Special Employment Generation Programme implemented in the State for providing gainful employment. However, In order to translate outlays into outcomes for MGNREGA, there needs to be a proper plan in place to improve the human resource situation. This exercise is not receiving requisite attention.

Manipur government has target of creating employment opportunities of about 1 lakh in various sectors by 2012. The sectors under which these employment opportunities are to be created are under Agriculture, Horti, Vety & AH, MOBC, Sericulture, Commerce & Industries, Fisheries, Social Welfare, and Tourism etc. Action Plan is being formulated by the various line deptts. However, inflow of tourists in the state is possible after improvement of law and order and after giving awareness to the people for tourist friendly guidelines and infra structural facilities are completed for tourist attraction.

Law and order has become a problem in Manipur since 1948. But the problem was not serious as we are facing in Manipur today. Police can control the situation easily. At the time of integration of Manipur with India on 15th October 1949, Manipur had only 5 Police Stations and 7 Outposts. The strength of the Civil Police was 1 SP, 2 DSP, 5 Inspectors 11- SI , 1-SI Arm Branch, 26 ASI, 16 HC , 4-HC in Arm Branch 262 constable,48 constable arm branch . The total strength of police was 310 personals. The total strength of the Manipur Rifles was 133; in which 1 Subedar, 3 Jamadar, 3 Habildar, 9 Naik, 95 sepoys, 5 Buglars and 13 Bandsmen. The Superintendent of Police was also the Commandant of Manipur Rifles.  The law and order situation in the hill areas of Manipur noticeably improved during the later half of 1961-62 as a result of the effective action taken by the security forces. In the same year, Shri L. Gopal Singh, the then SP brought out a booklet on the History of the Manipur Police. The crime and violent has recorded increasing both in valley and hills since 1980-81.

Half of the law and order problem in the state is related to political problem – it must be settled with political dialogue. And, half of the problem comes from social disorder and social insecurity. Mismanagement, lake of skills, wrong decision making, misused of package, and misused of enforcement body like police and security forces for a long period has comes to social insecurity and social disorder in the state. How MSRTC was closed? Manipur must be the only state does not owned state run public transport corporation in India. Manipur must be among the few states does not have highway police.

According Bha’i’s (spiritual) view- The problems of law and order in many countries of the world are multiplying. There are many reasons for this but fundamentally it is because we are in a transition period between the old order of society and the new world civilization which is evolving. Many people no longer have high moral standards based on religious beliefs. There is no common agreement on what is right and wrong. Theft is often not considered to be wrong if the victim is the place of work, the government or a large institution. Respect for the rights of other people is no longer universal. Building more and more prisons, with stricter regimes, does not stem the tide of crime. What is needed is a fundamental change of attitude in the individual and in society as a whole.

“The most essential thing is that the people must be educated in such a way that no crimes will be committed; for it is possible to educate the masses so effectively that they will avoid and shrink from perpetrating crimes, so that the crime itself will appear to them as the greatest chastisement. They…. will refuse, though they are dying of hunger, to stretch their hands and seize unlawfully the property of their neighbour…”

Development and Security are truly mutually inter-related. We need therefore, to evolve a combined strategy to deal simultaneously with the twin challenges of development and security within the framework of a democratic polity committed to respect for all fundamental human freedoms and also committed to upholding the rule of law. Internal conflict management is the key to the success of participative democracy, strengthening national solidarity and cohesion and firming up the nation’s resolve and capability to meet any external threats to its security and territorial integrity. The deficiencies in this vital area need to be plugged through judicial and police reforms, better citizen participation in governance, transparency and more effective and integrated approach to public order maintenance.

One of the effect of prolong social disorder  and insecurity is Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is an anxiety disorder in which a person has an excessive and unreasonable fear of social situations. A person with social anxiety disorder is afraid that he or she will make mistakes and be embarrassed or humiliated in front of others. The fear may be made worse by a lack of social skills or experience in social situations. In addition, people with social anxiety disorder often suffer “anticipatory” anxiety — the fear of a situation before it even happens — for days or weeks before the event. In many cases, the person is aware that the fear is unreasonable, yet is unable to overcome it. People with social anxiety disorder suffer from distorted thinking, including false beliefs about social situations and the negative opinions of others. Without treatment, social anxiety disorder can negatively interfere with the person’s normal daily routine, including school, work, social activities, and relationships.

There is no single known cause of social anxiety disorder, but research suggests that biological, psychological, and environmental factors may play a role in its development.
· Biological: Social anxiety disorder may be related to an imbalance of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Neurotransmitters are special chemical messengers that help move information from nerve cell to nerve cell in the brain. If the neurotransmitters are out of balance, messages cannot get through the brain properly. This can alter the way the brain reacts to stressful situations, leading to anxiety. In addition, social anxiety disorder appears to run in families. This means that the disorder may be passed on in families through genes, the material that contains instructions for the function of each cell in the body. Natural chemicals in your body may play a role in social anxiety disorder. For instance, an imbalance in the brain chemical serotonin (ser-oh-TOE-nin) may be a factor. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and emotions, among other things. People with social anxiety disorder may be extra-sensitive to the effects of serotonin
· Brain structure. A structure in the brain called the amygdala (uh-MIG-duh-luh) may play a role in controlling the fear response. People who have an overactive amygdala may have a heightened fear response, causing increased anxiety in social situations.
· Inherited traits. Anxiety disorders tend to run in families. However, it isn’t entirely clear how much of this may be due to genetics and how much is due to learned behavior.
· Psychological & Negative experiences. Children who experience teasing, bullying, rejection, ridicule or humiliation may be more prone to social anxiety disorder. In addition, other negative events in life, such as family conflict or sexual abuse, may be associated with social anxiety disorder. The development of social anxiety disorder may stem from an embarrassing or humiliating experience at a social event in the past.
· Environmental: People with social anxiety disorder may develop their fear from observing the behavior of others or seeing what happened to someone else as the result of their behavior (such as being laughed at or made fun of). Further, children who are sheltered or overprotected by their parents may not learn good social skills as part of their normal development.

Risk factors
Social anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental disorders. It usually begins in the early to mid-teens, although it can sometimes begin earlier in childhood or in adulthood.

A number of factors can increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:
· Being female. Females are more likely than males to have social anxiety disorder.
· Family history. You’re more likely to develop social anxiety disorder if your biological parents or siblings have the condition.
· Environment. Social anxiety disorder may be a learned behavior. That is, you may develop the condition after witnessing the anxious behavior of others. In addition, there may be an association between social anxiety disorder and parents who are more controlling or protective of their children.
· Temperament. Children who are shy, timid, withdrawn or restrained when facing new situations or people may be at greater risk.
· New social or work demands. Meeting new people, giving a speech in public or making an important work presentation may trigger social anxiety disorder symptoms for the first time. These symptoms usually have their roots in adolescence, however.
· Having a health condition that draws attention. Facial disfigurement, stuttering, Parkinson’s disease and other health conditions can increase feelings of self-consciousness and may trigger social anxiety disorder in some people.

Social anxiety disorder can cause to individual(s):
· Low self-esteem
· Trouble being assertive
· Negative self-talk
· Hypersensitivity to criticism
· Poor social skills

Social anxiety disorder can also result in:
· A poor work record
· Low academic achievement
· Isolation and difficult social relationships
· Substance abuse
· Excessive drinking, particularly in men
· Even, Suicide.

Whose responsibility is to maintain public order?  This is the duty of the institution (government) to maintain public order. There are many important organs in an institution to track the channels to find out images; the clear image has to be identifying for fixing at right point. Social order and social security are closely interrelated because we are living in a system—failure of one organ will stop the whole system.  For example, a car can’t run without wheels; a car can’t run without staring; a car can’t run without fuel. These are small, small parts- we are not even, discussing about engine or body parts of the car.

Enough for now, we have a lengthy discussion about introductory of Manipur problem. The above introductory note is very witty- it gives no clue to prepare project for Manipur and getting fund from the centre. Tell me honestly, what do you expected from a common man like me? I am not NGO worker / entrepreneur to bring you project. I am neither social worker nor political aspirant to be a future politician. I am not a contractor to build your road and building. Or, I am not a farmer to give you plenty of food. Also, I am neither a central government servant nor state government employee to support you. But I have learnt that there is a vacancy for the post of faithful servant of the people, and for the people— political leaders has no vacancy in the state; there are many leaders. Hire Me!! Because tacit knowledge is difficult to transfers. I am not expensive guy; you are the owner and I am your faithful servant. You will not be expensive to befriend with me. But, I am truly professional and also, I will have no problem to change my job profile for 12 times if necessary; I have already changed for 4 times. I can bring Social Order in the state; my work plan is ready; simply I need invitation and approval from the state. I will teach you new skills, innovative idea and innovative project preparation. By the way, the most challenging second wing to bring Social Security in the state will be ready to fly. I will have the opportunity to interact with 7.02 lakhs educated unemployed people to bring them into productivity. I supposed some of unemployed youths must have productive and they must want greater productivity. Without Productivity, there wouldn’t be any economics, or any economic thinking, good or bad, or any pizza, or anything else. How a conflict-ridden, grossly over-populated place with no resources whatsoever gets rich is simple. The British colonial government turned Hong Kong into an economic miracle by doing nothing. Every people of North east, may be Naga, Kuki, Meitei, Pangal, Tripuris, Mizo,Khasi-Garo- Jyenta, Sikkimist, Arunachalist, Assamess etc have talent; simply they are not getting small support when dearly need to climb up the mountain ( I was working for north east for more than 3 years and visited to every corner of north east and learnt its vibrant culture, tradition and habits). If necessary, I will pull dawn the whole global knowledge to fix in Manipur—it is one of the most tough jobs but I have confidence that I will able to win it!

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/where-is-my-job-card-mr-cm/