Tag: IFP

IMPHAL | Oct 17

Youth’s Forum for Protection on Human Rights has appreciated the prompt action taken by the Thoubal Youth’s Child Protection officer (DCPO), Thoubal District Child Marriage Prohibition Officer (DCMPO) Reena and her team, Thoubal District Childline team and Thoubal police team under the direction made yesterday by the Social Welfare department and Manipur State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights to rescue a 12 years old minor from getting married.

A release said that the marriage of the child was fixed today at the residence of the bridegroom somewhere in Thoubal district and the said team rushed to the residence of the bridegroom and enquired about the marriage and asked to produce the girl and the boy.

However, the parents of the boy failed to cooperate with the team as a result father of the boy was taken to the police station concerned for further query, it added.

The girl child was handed over to the police and the team of DPCO, DCMPO and Chlidline and later the child was produced before the Child Welfare Committee, Thoubal district, said the release.

It said that the incidence came to light when YFPHR made a written compliant along with sufficient age proof document of child girl to the social welfare department and Manipur State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights soon after receiving a report from the field urging upon the departments for their urgent intervention.

Further it said that after filling the complaint YFPHR along with advocate Laimayum Sevananda and Thounaojam James the lawyers of the complainant, that is, the father of the victim, rushed to the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Thoubal district, A. Shanta Devi and submitted a petition to grant an injunction of the said marriage of the 12 years old minor under the Child Marriage Protection Act, 2006.

Responding to the urgency of the case, the CJM, Thoubal have issued an injunction of the said marriage until further order, it said adding that the next hearing is fixed on November 6.

IMPHAL | Oct 17

MLA of Yaiskul Assembly constitution, Thokchom Satyabrata Singh has been appointed as chairman of the committee on public undertaking for the year 2017-18. He has been appointed by the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly as per the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the Assembly.

IMPHAL | Oct 17

The district authority of Imphal East district has banned the use and sale of fire crackers during the celebration of Diwali festival within the jurisdiction of the district with immediate effect.

According to an order issued by the deputy commissioner of the district, it said fire cracker should not be used in public places, crowded areas, streets etc., and not to create public nuisance to the general public.

Meantime our Moreh correspondent adds that under the supervision of SDPO of Moreh, Lawrence along with 2nd OC, Md. Akbar, a team of Moreh police seized various fire crackers from the town.

The action was taken up by the police department after having a consultative meeting with various civil body leaders of Moreh town and as per order given by deputy commissioner of Tengnoupal, Kh. Raghumani Singh to ban the sale and usage of all kinds of fire crackers within the district.

IMPHAL | Oct 17

All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) said certain rules implemented by the directorate of other backward classes and scheduled castes regarding the pre matric and post matric scholarship for the year 2017 – 2018, is going to cause disadvantages to the applicants belonging to scheduled caste category.

A notification released by the department on October 12 mentions that the applicants must include the original certificate for scheduled caste while applying for the scheme, said a release.

The is going to cause unnecessary wastage of time for the students as they will have to undergo process of making original certificates every year, it said. Ironically, the department has requested for self-attested xerox copies of OBC certificates for OBC students, it continued. The union has appealed the department to look into the matter and make the required changes urgently, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 17

Spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, the 14th Dalai Lama, has arrived in Imphal today to attend an international peace conference to be held tomorrow at the City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, Imphal.

The Dalai Lama arrived at the Tulihal airport around 10.35 this morning by an Indigo plane along with 18 others including a Tibetan minister, an official each from Ministry of Home Affairs and External Affairs etc.

At the airport, the spiritual leader, who was declared a state guest, was warmly received by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly Y. Khemchand, Khurai MLA L. Sushindro, Chief Secretary and representatives of various ethnic groups of the state dressed in their traditional attires.

From the airport the Dalai Lama was escorted to Raj Bhawan under heavy security measures and met with the Governor. The Dalai Lama will be staying at the the Raj Bhawan during his stay in Imphal.

The state will be organising a civic reception programme tomorrow for the visiting spiritual leader at the City Convention Centre where he will be felicitated by the state.

After the reception programme the Dalai Lama will address a peace conference organised at the City Convention Centre followed by interaction with public and dignitaries. Prior to that programme he will be holding a press conference at the mini auditorium.

The Dalai Lama is here in Imphal following an invitation extended by the Speaker Y. Khemchand, during the latter’s visit to Dharmasala. He will leave Imphal for Dharmsala on October 19.

This is the second visit of Dalai Lama in the Northeast this year.

He had visited Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the month of April amidst strong protest from China to India not to allow the spiritual leader to visit Arunachal Pradesh.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 17

The apex body of government employees, Joint Administrative Council of All Manipur Trade Unions’ Council (AMTUC) and All Manipur Government Employees’ Organisation (AMGEO) demanded the application of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations in the state.

President of the council, senior advocate, Khaidem Mani said in a press meet held at its Babupara office that Manipur is the only state of the Northeast states to still not enjoy the benefits of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations.

The 7th Pay Commission released its recommendations last year and many states have started enjoying hikes in salary accordingly. “Eight states in the country have not taken the benefits of salary hikes and among them is our state and the only one in the NE states,” he asserted.

“We have met the Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh on April 21st and August 29 and he had given assurances that it will be done soon. We have also met the deputy chief minister Y. Joykumar Singh on September 1 but nothing positive has resulted till now,” he said.

The president was speaking on behalf of around one lakh government’s employees in the state.

He said that the JAC has been working and meeting officials for the implementation of the new commission since last year. They have other 21 demands in their charter of demands for better working conditions of government employees in the state.

He notified that the council will also go to meet the union ministers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and finance minister, Arun Jaitley in the coming days to extend assistance to the state government in giving a final nod.

Mani made an appeal to his fellow workers to work together for a common purpose and to consult the council for organising any democratic agitations like cease-work strike, mass casual leave and so on. He pleaded with his workers not to create a division with vested interests.

The press conference was also attended by the secretary general, L. Biken Singh and founding secretary general, Soraisam Keshoram.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |Oct 17

Coming down heavily against threat and intimidation towards the media community, a joint statement of seven newspapers published in Nagaland has urged all sections of society to enable a free and vibrant fourth estate. 

The statement from Nagaland Post, The Morung Express, Nagaland Page, Capi, Ao Milen, Eastern Mirror and Tir Yimyim has come amid rising cases of intimidation, pressure and coercion against the media houses.

Media houses in the State of Nagaland asked whether they have the space to exercise freedom of the press. It said that every citizen is “responsible to ensure that the media is allowed to function freely”.

The joint statement asked whether the Nagaland State government is “even aware of its responsibility to uphold the fourth pillar of democracy” and added that media is the only means to publicly confront all forms of political, economic and social suppression.

Further it reminded that the Nagaland newspapers are the only active and functioning private enterprise in Nagaland, which continue to render public service amidst a faltering infrastructure and a corrupt system that deprives citizens of even their most basic of needs.

The newspapers have a responsibility to present, not only the sorry state of affairs in a free and open manner to enable accountability, but also provide the platform where solutions, ideas and views are elicited from all cross sections of society, the statement added.

However, in the process of upholding its responsibility, the media continues to be exposed to ongoing harassment and threats by individuals and organisations that coerce the media to publish their articles and statements, it said, adding there are also people who take it upon themselves to determine what the media cannot publish.

This also involves dissuading and threatening journalists and media houses from reporting critical stories that expose ground realities of Nagaland’s situation and condition, it maintained. 

In addition to journalists, another serious issue involves the safety and security of drivers delivering newspapers who travel at odd hours while transporting newspapers through villages and towns across Nagaland. Drivers are regularly stopped, harassed and even physically assaulted by miscreants, it added.

The statement continued such coercive methods only undermine the very purpose and existence for a free press and its role of keeping society informed, and contributing to its health and vibrancy.

“It is not the prerogative of the politician or the bureaucrat. Nor, is it the privilege of the journalist. It is journalists, through their day-to-day work, who are exercising every citizen’s right to free speech by seeking and circulating news, information, ideas, opinions, perspectives and comments. The press provides the public platform for diverse voices to be heard and to raise issues of accountability”, it added.

The joint statement further stressed that Nagaland newspapers are united and resolute in their stand against all coercions and threats in order to function freely as the fourth pillar of a democratic society.

IMPHAL | Oct 17

Union RD and Panchayati Raj minister, Ram Kripal Yadav said that poverty-eradication measures for the people living in the rural areas, implementation of the pending schemes of the past Congress-led government are the thrust areas of the new Modi regime.

The minister was speaking at press conference held at the conference hall of old secretariat here today.  Prime minister, Narendra Modi is really concerned about the welfare of the Northeast States particularly with regard to issues relating to rural development like  housing schemes, road-connectivity, women empowerment etc., he said.

PM Modi also would like to inaugurate almost 5/6 schemes in rural development and allocated around Rs. 1, 05,000 crore for the development of villages and rural sector, he continued.

“Till now, 30 crore accounts have been opened, 3 crores women given gas connection and 1 crore houses to be built till 2019. Using new technology, money is provided to the beneficiaries and almost 1 crore job cards are created. One can also avail of the facility to complain using the Meri Sadak App in which users can give their feedback regarding pace and quality of works,” he said.

Further highlighting on PM’s vision to connect roads till 2019, speeding up the overall developmental measures in rural sector by 2018 and implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) at the maximum level, the minister said the new government is determined to fill the loopholes of the past government.

We will conduct a field visit tomorrow and are dedicated to leave no stone unturned to alleviate poverty from the rural areas in the NE states, Ram further said.

Focussing on the main difficulties and challenges that Manipur regularly face  like landslides, incessant rain etc., the Modi government is committed to build a new Manipur by trying their level best to overcome all challenges on the way, he assured.

He stressed to expedite speedy progress of the ongoing projects of the NE states and bridge the development gap of the NE states at par with the rest of the country.

Stating that the rural development and Panchayati Raj as an important department that cannot be ignored  for the development of the country, minister Biswajit said that various schemes aimed at welfare for rural poor and women folks like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana should be properly implemented.

He also spoke by focusing on women empowerment with more participation and also on the role of youths as job creators.

IMPHAL |Oct 17

Karam Shyam, minister CA&PD today mooted providing financial assistance towards the Manipuri diaspora settled in Hojai district of Assam and elsewhere. In this regard he will consult with the state chief minister to translate it into action, said the minister.  

Shyam was speaking as the chief guest during the 56th foundation day celebration of Assam Manipuri Sahitya Parishad at Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Bhavan, Hojai district, Assam.

Expressing his happiness, Shyam said Manipuris settled in different parts of the country, including those settled in Hojai are continuing with their efforts in keeping the rich cultural heritage of Manipur alive. It is a sign of advanced cultural society where the traditions and rituals are followed with passion, he added.

Shyam also assured the gathering that he will help in installing the statue of Jana Neta Hijam Irawat at Manipuri Kala Kristi Kendra, Manipur Basti, Hojai and will attend the Irawat day celebration.

He also said he will convey to Himanta Biswa Sarma, health minister, Assam to help the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Hojai and the Manipuri community members with financial assistance.

Paying tribute to the Manipuri ancestors, Shyam said each and every Manipuri must remember the hardships faced by them in keeping the traditions and culture alive. He said Manipuri community expanded as a minority community in Tripura, Assam, Bangladesh and other states due to the efforts of the ancestors who fled Manipur due to internal disturbance.

He also advised the students to carry out good deeds and carry forward the works of our ancestors. Stating that it was encouraging to see that youths are keeping up with the traditions despite the rapid modernisation across the globe, the minister said Manipuri community is still alive because each one of us feels proud of being a Manipuri.

The function was attended by Karam Ibongohal, President, Assam Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Laipubam Upendra Sharma, director, JN Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal and Parmanda Rajbanshi, secretary general Assam Shahitya Sabha and representatives of Manipuri community in Hojai district.

IMPHAL | Oct 16

Director General Assam Rifles (DGAR), Lieutenant General Shokin Chauhan called on the chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh today and conveyed his warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Manipur on upcoming occasion of Diwali and Ningol Chakkouba, said a release of IGAR (South).

It said that the meeting which lasted for 30 minutes which was accompanied by IG AR (South), General Virendra Singh discussed the security and law and order situation in the state with the CM and assured him of full cooperation by Assam Rifles to the state administration.

He also congratulated the CM and the state for contributing 8 players to the Indian side in the on-going U-17 Football World Cup, it added.

Further it said that DGAR arrived in the state on a two day visit to IGAR (South) today and added that the senior Army General is the head of Assam Rifles and is responsible for the Assam Rifle personnel throughout North East.

IMPHAL | Oct 16

Jwalamukhi Battalion under Senapati Brigade of Red Shield Division organised a yoga campaign at Motbung for orphan children and staffs of Damdei Orphanage Home yesterday, as part of Healthy Manipur Campaign and Celebration of Yoga, said a release.

It said that the event was organised to encourage good health, fitness, natural healing and harmony among the people in the area.

A total of 51 children and staffs of Orphanage Home participated in the yoga campaign, it said adding that a lecture cum demo on yoga was delivered and its benefits were conveyed by the trained instructors of 38 Assam Rifles.

Further it said that classes on various asana were also organised and rehearsed to teach the correct techniques during the class.  The campaign has been planned for duration of one year up to June 21, 2018, it added.

IMPHAL | Oct 16

The screening committee of State Level Kut Committee (SLKC) has selected 19 contestants for Miss Kut, 2017, which will be organised as part of the State Level Kut festival on November 1 at Imphal.

A release said that the contested were selected after the screening conducted on October 8 and 14.

It said that the contestants will be given freedom to select the traditional dress and pattern of any Kut celebrating tribes and added that for the evening gown, they will be allowed to select their favourite colour and pattern.       

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 16

The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Thoubal, A. Shanta Devi, today issued order restraining proposed child marriage of two minors in Thoubal district.

The CJM Thoubal issued the order in response to a petition filed by the father of the 12 year old bride to be to grant injunction order against the accused No. 1 (the father of the 16 year old groom) under section 13 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.

The petitioner pleaded the court to prohibit the accused No. 1 solemnisation of marriage of the accused No.2 (groom to be) with the petitioner’s daughter which is due to be held on October 17 at 3pm.

The court is of the opinion that there is urgency and if notice is issued to the accused at this stage, the whole purpose of this will be infructuous.

Subsequently, the CJM issued order restraining the accused from solemnising the proposed wedding ceremony between the two minors until further order.

The order notice was also issued to the accused which is returnable on or before November 6.

With no material on record to support the age of the accused No. 2 (groom) who is alleged to be a minor of 16 years, the court also directed the district child protection officer, Thoubal for information and necessary action.

It is learnt that the two minors reportedly first eloped on September 9 last however they were separated by both the parents under a mutual understanding.

On their second elopement on October 13 last, the parents of the girl waited for the other party to inform about the same on the next day, on October 14, which the accused party allegedly failed.

Moreover, it has been alleged that the marriage ceremony was fixed on October 17 without the presence of the girl’s family.

In the meantime, the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) also reportedly issued directive to the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer cum Legal-cum-Prohibition Officer (DCPU), Thoubal to take urgent action to prevent the planed child marriage following receipt of a same complaint from Youth’s Forum for Protection of Human Rights, Palace Compound the same day.

IMPHAL | Oct 16

It does not matter whether one win or lose, all that matters is the performance and spirit.  The whole population of Manipur, both hill and valley, felt so proud of the eight players who represented the country in the prestigious global sporting event.

This was stated by chief minister, N. Biren while according rousing reception to eight Manipuri players, who had participated in U-17 FIFA World Cup, at chief minister’s secretariat today.

Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Boris Singh Thangjam, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Nongdamba Naorem, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Ningthoinganba Meitei and Md. Shah Jahan were specially invited at the CM’s secretariat along with their guardians for the reception.

Biren encouraged the World Cup heroes with warm hugs apart from presenting them bouquets and shawls.

He also handed over cheques of Rs. 5 lakh each to all the players. The cash rewards were earlier announced by the State government in recognition of the hard work, achievement and performance of the players.

The players also reciprocated CM’s warm gesture by touching his feet amid loud applause of officials, media persons, guardians and friends.

Despite some on-field mistakes, the overall performance of the team was satisfactory, the Biren further opined.

Stating that the cash rewards do not imply that the State Government is financially sound, Biren maintained that it was just a token of appreciation and love to the players on behalf of 28 lakhs people of Manipur. 

He also wished all the players for a great career ahead and to perform better in future tournaments. Later, Biren also had a photo session with the players and their guardians at the lawn.

Works minister, Th. Biswajit, parliamentary secretary (Home) L. Susindro, chief secretary, R.R. Rashmi, CM’s media advisor, Irengbam Arun, commissioner (Youth Affairs and Sports) H. Deleep and YAS director N Praveen also joined the chief minister in feting the players.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 16

The social welfare department in response to a petition challenging the procedure that appointed the new chairman of the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has clarified that necessary selection procedure were followed and there was no violation of any Act or rules while appointing the chairman of MCPCR.

The department on October 13 through its counsel submitted a counter affidavit against the petition which is pending with the single bench of acting Chief Justice, N. Kotiswar Singh, High Court (HC) of Manipur.

The counter affidavit was submitted by Sonia Oinam, serving as under secretary of social welfare, on behalf of the respondent No. 1, state government.

Advocate S. Syamacharan Singh, who is also one of the members of the MCPCR on October 3 in his petition challenged that new chairman of MCPCR was appointed violating the rules under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 and pleaded the HC to passed an interim order to stay the appointment.

In the affidavit the respondent brought to the notice of the HC that the petitioner was one of the two applicants who had submitted their applications for appointment to the post of chairperson of the MCPCR and that he has concealed this fact as such the petition deserve to be dismissed.

It said the other applicant is Sumatibala Ningthoujam, (respondent No.2) was appointed for the post of chairman MCPCR following recommendation made by a three member selection committee formed by the department as per rule.

The department claimed that three member selection committee was constituted (as per government order No.9/25/2005-S(SW)Pt.I dated September 8, 2017) with Nemcha Kipgen minister social welfare as the chairperson and H. Deleep Singh commission (social welfare) and Jacintha Lazarus, director social welfare as members.

The advertisement or wide publicity for selection of chairperson or member of state commission was not mandatory, said the department adding that the interim relief sought for by the petition if granted shall amount to granting final relief.

It is pertinent to note that the petitioner in his petition pointed out that under section 18 of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 any vacancy for the post of chairperson or member shall be given wide publicity through open advertisement in at least four national daily newspapers before appointing the chairman.

Subsequently, the appointment should be conducted following the recommendation of the three member selection committee which shall consist of the chairperson of the committee, who is the minister in-charge of the department (social welfare) and two members of the commission. However, the department violated the procedure, it alleged.

After having examined the counter affidavit the HC fixed the next hearing of the petition on November 13 and also issued notice to the respondent No.2, to appear before the court.

IMPHAL | Oct 16

Additional chief secretary of agriculture, Suhel Akhtar said the department needs to calculate input and output production to get more production in agriculture during World Food Day, 2017 held today at training hall, directorate of agriculture.

Speaking on the occasion, Akhtar as chief guest said till now the concerned department has not surveyed the production of agricultural products. It is necessary to do a survey for each district on crops production, he added.

Akhtar said for promoting agricultural products, the Central government has implemented many schemes but due to lack of awareness many farmers, they remain unable to take advantage of these schemes.

Director of agriculture, Ph. Rajendro Singh as president said with the continued conversion of agricultural land to real estate, agricultural land in the state is shrinking at an alarming rate. Most of the agricultural land have been occupied in the name of development and reclaimed for construction of infrastructures.

He said to make the agriculture more effective, proper administration is needed and the department also needs to function cautiously and should take a special interest in formulating ways to preserve agricultural land and products.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Oct 16

Eighty percent of the hill ranges of Machi block which comes under the newly created Tengnoupal district have all become barren as there are no more trees growing there. Deforestation has reached an alarming level in this area.  

The villages of Machi block, Tengnoupal district are Thamlai, Heinoikhong, Wabaching, Konaitong, Parington, Thabi keithel, Warongthel, Ringpam, Khoibu, Tonghang, and Meryland etc. Number of households ranging in between 150 to 300, are there in most of the villages.   

Deforestation for the purpose of producing firewood, coal, wood for house construction are carried out and “Uyok Kaiba” wherein trees nurtured for many years, are being cut down and sold for the sake of increasing the income of the village are being practiced.

After years of such deforestation, the hills have become all barren and only the stumps remain.

These villages can be reached through Heirok, Thoubal district and they are located near Ingalok village under Heirok Assembly constituency.

Agriculture has been the main source of income for the villagers. They also rely on the production of seasonal vegetables as another source of livelihood. Terrace farming is still carried out by the villagers.

On the other hand, the natural lake known as Ising Thingbi that lies amongst the rolling hills between Thamlai and Konaiton village under Machi block, has become swamped and blocked due to rapid deforestation. If the present satiation continues to prevail, Ising Thingbi lake will cease to exist and will no longer be visible.                    

There is an urgent need for the authorities concerned to look into the matter without any delay.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 16

The six-week entrepreneurship skill development programme on photography studio and Photoshop organised by Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute, government of India, ministry of MSME concluded here today.

The skill development programme which began on August 31 ended today with a valedictory held at the MSME-DI, Imphal office at Takyelpat Industrial Estate, Imphal.

Speaking on the occasion, Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of the Imphal Free Press maintained that such a training programme on photography studio is very meaningful in the current situation of digital technological advancement in photographic equipment, which may completely change the future of conventional photography. 

Therefore, those practicing photography as a profession should prepare, if necessary, to evolve with the changing times, he said. Pradip further suggested the trainees to develop the unique photographic eye in addition to the photographic knowledge and skill obtained from the training programme.

Mitra, deputy director (in-charge) of the institute speaking as the president of the function said the current programme is a sort of experiment and he is more than satisfied on seeing the high quality photographs taken by the trainees during the training which were on display.

He further informed all the participants that another training programme on digital photography & videography is in the pipeline for next year’s training calendar.

Sanajaoba, general secretary of All Manipur Food Processors Association who also spoke on the occasion said amongst the many ESDP & EDP programmes conducted so far in the state of Manipur, the ESDP on Photography is the first of its kind in the State and he is grateful that such an innovative initiative is taken up by MSME-DI, Imphal and Manipur Amateur Photo Club for the building up of entrepreneurship amongst the young photographers who may one day provide employment to themselves and also to others.

Certificates were distributed to 25 trainees who have successfully completed the training programme. Photographs taken by the trainees during the training programme were also displayed in a mini-exhibition during the function.

From Our Correspondent

MOREH | Oct 16

As the biggest festival of Manipur, Ningol Chakouba and Kut festival approaches, the international border town Moreh is chocked with traffic caused by early shoppers today. The border town has been teeming with shoppers coming from different parts of the valley in particular. 

Shoppers thronged the town and could be seen scattered everywhere. Having no empty spaces, privately brought vehicles were parked on both sides of the road causing huge traffic jam.

From Moreh Bazar bridge to fire brigade service station which lies ahead of the police station, the highway was lined with parked vehicles. Under the supervision of SDPO, Laurence K. Munlou, Moreh police are putting all their energy, in the heat of the day, to prevent the traffic jam. The efforts to control the jam, has been very trying for the police. 

On the other hand, the lodging hotels opened at the Moreh town bazaar area are all booked, causing difficulties to those looking for rooms. Some are making adjustments by sharing rooms. 

Nanpalong Intenational Market of Myanmar was also heavily crowded by shoppers that came from Manipur.  As usual, the Myanmarese vendors who are aware of all the dates of Manipuri festivals have raised the prices of goods.

However the price rise has not discouraged the shoppers from buying the items they came for looking.

Regarding the matter, Meetei Council Moreh has extended every possible help to the tourists and shoppers coming from the valley by providing shelter and food. A representative of the organisation informed, in order to avoid difficulties in getting places to stay, shoppers may contact the office of MCM for booking hotels and other places, prior to visiting Moreh.

 From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI |Oct 16

With an aim to promote national integration through culture and tradition and to encourage close relationship among different communities with moral and physical integration, a tribal folk festival cum seminar was successfully kicked off today at Tumuyon Khullen in Kangpokpi district.

Sponsored by ministry of culture, government of India, the three-day festival cum seminar organised by the Maram Art & Literature Association (MALA) under the theme, “Tribal Folk Festival for National Integration” was inaugurated by Th. Sanglou, superintendent of taxes, government of Manipur.

Sanglou attended the occasion as chief guest while T. Abraham, general secretary, Maram Union and Sushila Devi, director, Art & Culture, government of Manipur attended as president and guest of honour, respectively.

Various cultural troupe including MALA senior cultural troupe and T. Khullen Baptist Church Women Society presented various cultural dance and choreography during the opening ceremony while various prominent artiste also presented different folk songs.

 “If Art is to be preserved it should be learned, practiced and promoted only then art and its forms will find space in literature”, asserted Th. Shanglou Maram while addressing the occasion. The past practices are valuable but as the traditional practices has some conflict with the doctrines of Christianity it might be hard to retain them in latter and spirit but partial omission and commission might be the justified way, he said.

Further he said said art and culture should not be politicised or become a point of division but it should serve as a bonding element in the society while celebrating the diversity of culture among the tribal.

He was also of the view that adaptation and modification of art and culture is a must for tribal with modern touch while shifting the mind-set from conventional approach.

Abraham stated that much of the dialects of the tribal especially the Marams have lost its originality as a result of synthesis with other languages where Manipuri and English words have unknowingly crept into the dialect which can no longer be removed.

He also said that the preservation and promotion of culture and tradition has to start without any delay else the future generation will lose its identity.

He further emphasised that there is a need to augment the knowledge of ritual and traditional practices which have been carried on from one generation to another.

Speaking to media persons, Th. Thumbu Maram, Chairman MALA said that our beautiful culture, tradition and identity are diminishing by the wave of mix culture since we are unable to explore our identity properly.

He continued that the most valued songs are forgotten, tales are missing and even languages are mixing together which need serious attention.

A social and cultural activist, Th. Thumbu Maram, who is also a recipient of various State award further said that culture is an industry as all types of crafts such as head gears, cultural attires, cane and bamboo products, spears like war instruments, necklace are all cultural base products which need to be protected and preserved.

He appealed everyone to promote their own culture and tradition while promoting peace and integration among all communities in every village so that national integration could be achieved.

Altogether, 16 dance team, six singing team and seven prayer team including one instrumentalist from different villages across Kangpokpi and Senapati districts will participate in the three-day long festival while tribal culture and its importance on various field will be emphasised during the event by various resource persons including Meithuanlungbou Gonmei, acting principal, Mt. Everest College, Benita, curator, State Museum, Manipur and L. Pungding, Asst. Professor, MU.