Denouncing the demoralised act of SDO BDO of Tamei P Sana in performing his official duties, the Chairman of Village Authority Chairman Council VACC and Tamei Headquarters Village Authority has raised various complaints Source The Sangai Express
Denouncing the demoralised act of SDO BDO of Tamei P Sana in performing his official duties, the Chairman of Village Authority Chairman Council VACC and Tamei Headquarters Village Authority has raised various complaints Source The Sangai Express
Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=12&src=051211
About 20 trucks that left Imphal this morning to transport goods have reportedly been detained in connection with levying of illegal taxes at Karong area of Senapati district Source The Sangai Express
About 20 trucks that left Imphal this morning to transport goods have reportedly been detained in connection with levying of illegal taxes at Karong area of Senapati district Source The Sangai Express
Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=2&src=051211
Former Brazil great Socrates, the clever playmaker who captained Brazil at the 1982 World Cup, died on Sunday Source The Sangai Express Agencies
Former Brazil great Socrates, the clever playmaker who captained Brazil at the 1982 World Cup, died on Sunday Source The Sangai Express Agencies
Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=8&src=051211
IMPHAL, December 4: The United Naga Council had submitted a memorandum in demand for alternative… more »
IMPHAL, December 4: The United Naga Council had submitted a memorandum in demand for alternative arrangement outside the state government of Manipur to the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh during his visit to the state on December 3.
According to a release of the council, the memorandum was submitted to the PM at the Raj Bhawan.
The memorandum has stated that “We are much concern that even after fourteen long years of cease-fire and negotiation, an acceptable settlement to the Indo-Naga issue has not been brought about nor any concrete steps been taken towards it. We urge the government of India to take expeditious concrete steps towards settlement of the Indo-Naga issue”.
The memorandum has further recalled that the council had also submitted a similar memorandum to the Prime Minister through the Union home minister on Setember 14 at New Delhi.
It has further reminded that the Home minister acting on the said memorandum had initiated the democratic process of dialogue through the tripartite talk of the GoI, GoM and UNC and that there has been three rounds of talks already.
The memorandum has also stated that “unfortunately, the tripartite talks, apart from being subjected to the convenience of the GoM, have by design been limited to the technicality of centre and state jurisdiction/prerogatives and highlighting the development initiatives of the government of Manipur for the tribal areas in the state of Manipur, when the ground reality harshly speak otherwise. The process has not taken up the core issue of demand for alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur, outside the government of Manipur pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue as it should”.
It has further stated that “The sharp social divide on communal lines which your good self had noted with concern in the 40th conference of DGPs on 26th August, 2010 which was created by unmistakable facts of years and years of suppression, subjugation and hegemonic domination of the Nagas and tribals by the communal Government of Manipur backed by the dominant community is the core issue on which we base our demand for an alternative arrangement”.
“Through legitimately established sanctions, the rights of the Nagas and the tribals in Manipur are being surely and irredeemably taken away” it mentioned.
The memorandum has further stated that, “Should the GoI plead helplessness citing the technicality of centre state relationship, then it condemns the Nagas and the tribals to continued deprivation and suppression and GoI becomes the knowing and willing abettor of the injustices meted out against us”.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/unc-submits-alternative-arrangement-reminder-to-pm-during-his-visit-to-state/
IMPHAL, December 4: The United Naga Council had submitted a memorandum in demand for alternative… more »
IMPHAL, December 4: The United Naga Council had submitted a memorandum in demand for alternative arrangement outside the state government of Manipur to the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh during his visit to the state on December 3.
According to a release of the council, the memorandum was submitted to the PM at the Raj Bhawan.
The memorandum has stated that “We are much concern that even after fourteen long years of cease-fire and negotiation, an acceptable settlement to the Indo-Naga issue has not been brought about nor any concrete steps been taken towards it. We urge the government of India to take expeditious concrete steps towards settlement of the Indo-Naga issue”.
The memorandum has further recalled that the council had also submitted a similar memorandum to the Prime Minister through the Union home minister on Setember 14 at New Delhi.
It has further reminded that the Home minister acting on the said memorandum had initiated the democratic process of dialogue through the tripartite talk of the GoI, GoM and UNC and that there has been three rounds of talks already.
The memorandum has also stated that “unfortunately, the tripartite talks, apart from being subjected to the convenience of the GoM, have by design been limited to the technicality of centre and state jurisdiction/prerogatives and highlighting the development initiatives of the government of Manipur for the tribal areas in the state of Manipur, when the ground reality harshly speak otherwise. The process has not taken up the core issue of demand for alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur, outside the government of Manipur pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue as it should”.
It has further stated that “The sharp social divide on communal lines which your good self had noted with concern in the 40th conference of DGPs on 26th August, 2010 which was created by unmistakable facts of years and years of suppression, subjugation and hegemonic domination of the Nagas and tribals by the communal Government of Manipur backed by the dominant community is the core issue on which we base our demand for an alternative arrangement”.
“Through legitimately established sanctions, the rights of the Nagas and the tribals in Manipur are being surely and irredeemably taken away” it mentioned.
The memorandum has further stated that, “Should the GoI plead helplessness citing the technicality of centre state relationship, then it condemns the Nagas and the tribals to continued deprivation and suppression and GoI becomes the knowing and willing abettor of the injustices meted out against us”.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/unc-submits-alternative-arrangement-reminder-to-pm-during-his-visit-to-state/
IMPHAL, December 4: As part of the international fortnight long observation protesting violence against women,… more »
IMPHAL, December 4: As part of the international fortnight long observation protesting violence against women, the Women Action for Development, WAD today organized a consultative meet on “Crime against women with special focus on rape and its remedies” at the Classic hotel.
Today’s meet was attended by Ahanthem Romen Kumar advocate and retd IGP, Dr Supriya, forensic department of RIMS, prof. Chinglen Maisnam dept of economics, Manipur University, OJ Meetei, consultant UNM-M and Rupachandra Yumnam, chief editor ISTV as presidium members.
The meet was conducted in two sessions with Ahanthem Romen Kumar and Dr Supriya presenting their reports during the first session.
Ahanthem Romen Kumar presented his paper on crime against women with special focus on rape and its remedies.
In his presentation, the former police officer stated that “Rape is not only a crime against the person of a woman, it is a crime against the entire society. It destroys the entire psychology of a woman and pushes her into deep emotional crisis. It is a crime against basic human rights, and is also violation of the victim’s most cherished fundamental rights, namely, the right to life”.
Providing various suitable explanations, the former police officer expressed at the consultative meet that a rape victim can file an FIR with proper explanation in case of delay in filling FIR at the time of incident.
He further put forth that such crimes like molestation or rape case should not be settled with customary law and should be settled through proper legal actions and punitive actions, and further added that the victim family should not inform the local organizations and to directly inform the police and file a case. His report further added that the concern police should also properly investigate the incident.
Dr Supriya presented her report on the topic ‘role of medico-legal expert in detecting crime against women with particular reference to rape.
In her report she has provided numerous insights on the dos and don’ts which are crucial for the investigation of a rape.
The forensic expert has stated that any incident of rape should be reported to the police as early as possible and an authorised person should be asked for examination of the victim.
Further in her report she has deliberated that after the incident the victim should not bath, douche, change clothes, take other action that destroys/contaminates any evidence present. Her report has further deliberated that undressing the victim should be avoided and in case of undressing, the victim should do it herself and there should be a female attendant.
There should be no delay in examination and the incident should not be reported to clubs and meira paibis, or other organizations for settlement, her report added.
In the second session of the meet, Rupachandra Yumnam presented his report on the role of media in reporting crime against women with reference to rape, suicide, murder, etc, while Chinglen Maisnam presented his report on role of academicians in preventing crime against women in the context of Manipur.
OJ Meetei presented his report on role of NGOs in prevention of crime against women.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/wad-consultative-meet-discusses-crime-against-women-with-special-focus-on-rape/
IMPHAL, December 4: As part of the international fortnight long observation protesting violence against women,… more »
IMPHAL, December 4: As part of the international fortnight long observation protesting violence against women, the Women Action for Development, WAD today organized a consultative meet on “Crime against women with special focus on rape and its remedies” at the Classic hotel.
Today’s meet was attended by Ahanthem Romen Kumar advocate and retd IGP, Dr Supriya, forensic department of RIMS, prof. Chinglen Maisnam dept of economics, Manipur University, OJ Meetei, consultant UNM-M and Rupachandra Yumnam, chief editor ISTV as presidium members.
The meet was conducted in two sessions with Ahanthem Romen Kumar and Dr Supriya presenting their reports during the first session.
Ahanthem Romen Kumar presented his paper on crime against women with special focus on rape and its remedies.
In his presentation, the former police officer stated that “Rape is not only a crime against the person of a woman, it is a crime against the entire society. It destroys the entire psychology of a woman and pushes her into deep emotional crisis. It is a crime against basic human rights, and is also violation of the victim’s most cherished fundamental rights, namely, the right to life”.
Providing various suitable explanations, the former police officer expressed at the consultative meet that a rape victim can file an FIR with proper explanation in case of delay in filling FIR at the time of incident.
He further put forth that such crimes like molestation or rape case should not be settled with customary law and should be settled through proper legal actions and punitive actions, and further added that the victim family should not inform the local organizations and to directly inform the police and file a case. His report further added that the concern police should also properly investigate the incident.
Dr Supriya presented her report on the topic ‘role of medico-legal expert in detecting crime against women with particular reference to rape.
In her report she has provided numerous insights on the dos and don’ts which are crucial for the investigation of a rape.
The forensic expert has stated that any incident of rape should be reported to the police as early as possible and an authorised person should be asked for examination of the victim.
Further in her report she has deliberated that after the incident the victim should not bath, douche, change clothes, take other action that destroys/contaminates any evidence present. Her report has further deliberated that undressing the victim should be avoided and in case of undressing, the victim should do it herself and there should be a female attendant.
There should be no delay in examination and the incident should not be reported to clubs and meira paibis, or other organizations for settlement, her report added.
In the second session of the meet, Rupachandra Yumnam presented his report on the role of media in reporting crime against women with reference to rape, suicide, murder, etc, while Chinglen Maisnam presented his report on role of academicians in preventing crime against women in the context of Manipur.
OJ Meetei presented his report on role of NGOs in prevention of crime against women.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/wad-consultative-meet-discusses-crime-against-women-with-special-focus-on-rape/
IMPHAL, December 4: The general secretary of the minority cell MPP Kangabok A/C was allegedly… more »
IMPHAL, December 4: The general secretary of the minority cell MPP Kangabok A/C was allegedly beaten up black and blue by police commandos of Thoubal district yesterday morning while observing Congress supporter’s turn out in the area who were on their way to attend public meeting to be address by Prime Minister and UPA chairperson at Kangla.
The victim has been identified as one Md. Firoz Khan, 37, s/o Haji Azijur of Sangaiyumpham part-II.
A press conference was held in this connection today at MPP head office Imphal.
Briefing media persons with regards to the incident L. Jatra, vice president of MPP, said that Firoz as a part of election strategy was assigned to observe the turn-out of Congress supporters attending the public meeting at Kangla.
However he was allegedly picked up by police commandos in uniforms around 10:30 am from near a cycle workshop located at Kangabok and taken to Wangbal IRB post. The security personnel at the post allegedly beat him up severely.
He informed that the MPP is going to lodge a complaint at the Election Commission of India and state Chief Electoral Officer, against the incident implicating illegal used of state security forces by the ruling party to terrorize opposition parties.
The victim who was also present during the conference exposed his injuries to the media persons allegedly inflicted by the police commandos of Thoubal besides confirming that the incident had been committed by police commandos.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/mpp-alleges-police-brutality-on-party-worker/
IMPHAL, December 4: The general secretary of the minority cell MPP Kangabok A/C was allegedly… more »
IMPHAL, December 4: The general secretary of the minority cell MPP Kangabok A/C was allegedly beaten up black and blue by police commandos of Thoubal district yesterday morning while observing Congress supporter’s turn out in the area who were on their way to attend public meeting to be address by Prime Minister and UPA chairperson at Kangla.
The victim has been identified as one Md. Firoz Khan, 37, s/o Haji Azijur of Sangaiyumpham part-II.
A press conference was held in this connection today at MPP head office Imphal.
Briefing media persons with regards to the incident L. Jatra, vice president of MPP, said that Firoz as a part of election strategy was assigned to observe the turn-out of Congress supporters attending the public meeting at Kangla.
However he was allegedly picked up by police commandos in uniforms around 10:30 am from near a cycle workshop located at Kangabok and taken to Wangbal IRB post. The security personnel at the post allegedly beat him up severely.
He informed that the MPP is going to lodge a complaint at the Election Commission of India and state Chief Electoral Officer, against the incident implicating illegal used of state security forces by the ruling party to terrorize opposition parties.
The victim who was also present during the conference exposed his injuries to the media persons allegedly inflicted by the police commandos of Thoubal besides confirming that the incident had been committed by police commandos.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/mpp-alleges-police-brutality-on-party-worker/
IMPHAL, Dec 4: Barely four days after the counter economic blockade was lifted from the… more »
IMPHAL, Dec 4: Barely four days after the counter economic blockade was lifted from the highways of the state at least 20 freight trucks bound for Dimapur from Imphal have been reportedly hijacked by suspected NSCN-IM militants from Karong, Senapati district today.
Reliable sources said that the trucks were hijacked this morning in between 7 am to 10 am, for their failure to pay annual tax to the outfit for one year.
Sources further disclosed that the militant group has also allegedly threatened the truck owners to burn their trucks if they fail to pay the taxes.
However there was no report of the hijack at the police concerned till the filing of this report.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/trucks-hijacked/
IMPHAL, Dec 4: Barely four days after the counter economic blockade was lifted from the… more »
IMPHAL, Dec 4: Barely four days after the counter economic blockade was lifted from the highways of the state at least 20 freight trucks bound for Dimapur from Imphal have been reportedly hijacked by suspected NSCN-IM militants from Karong, Senapati district today.
Reliable sources said that the trucks were hijacked this morning in between 7 am to 10 am, for their failure to pay annual tax to the outfit for one year.
Sources further disclosed that the militant group has also allegedly threatened the truck owners to burn their trucks if they fail to pay the taxes.
However there was no report of the hijack at the police concerned till the filing of this report.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/trucks-hijacked/
IMPHAL, Dec 4: The IGAR (s) organized a felicitation ceremony for school boys selected into… more »
IMPHAL, Dec 4: The IGAR (s) organized a felicitation ceremony for school boys selected into the reputed Army Boys Sports Company today, stated a PRO release. Speaker, Manipur Assembly, Iregbam Hemochandra Singh attended the ceremony as chief guest.
It has further stated that the AR had earlier organized pre training and guidance of willing candidates from the state interested in getting enrolled for Boys Sports Company and also made all administrative arrangements to attend the selection procedure. After a grueling selection procedure organized at Headquarters Artillery Centre, Hyderabad with imminent sports coaches/personalities from Army, Sports Authority of India and other fields in attendance, 11 boys were selected in disciplines of athletics and boxing, it added.
It has further stated that in another occasion, 15 AR of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR(s) felicitated 12 child artists of “The Academy for Cultural Resources and Training Institute”, Nepra Company, Thoubal district today. These children between 10-14 years had participated in “Viraasat Series 2011” organized by SPIC MACAY, India Imphal Chapter from 12-29th Nov 2011. The children exhibited their talents in Pung Cholom and Dhon Dhulok Cholom at Guwahati, Delhi, Karnataka and West Bengal during the programme. These children had also earlier performed at Bal Sangam, Bangalore, Commonwealth games, New Delhi, Manipur cultural festival, Bhopal, National folk dance festival, Agartala, Republic Day Parade, New Delhi, Sangai Tourism Festival, Imphal etc. The Children are students of New Public Higher Secondary School, KM Blooming High School and LM High School, Khangabok, the release added.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/felicitation/
IMPHAL, Dec 4: The IGAR (s) organized a felicitation ceremony for school boys selected into… more »
IMPHAL, Dec 4: The IGAR (s) organized a felicitation ceremony for school boys selected into the reputed Army Boys Sports Company today, stated a PRO release. Speaker, Manipur Assembly, Iregbam Hemochandra Singh attended the ceremony as chief guest.
It has further stated that the AR had earlier organized pre training and guidance of willing candidates from the state interested in getting enrolled for Boys Sports Company and also made all administrative arrangements to attend the selection procedure. After a grueling selection procedure organized at Headquarters Artillery Centre, Hyderabad with imminent sports coaches/personalities from Army, Sports Authority of India and other fields in attendance, 11 boys were selected in disciplines of athletics and boxing, it added.
It has further stated that in another occasion, 15 AR of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR(s) felicitated 12 child artists of “The Academy for Cultural Resources and Training Institute”, Nepra Company, Thoubal district today. These children between 10-14 years had participated in “Viraasat Series 2011” organized by SPIC MACAY, India Imphal Chapter from 12-29th Nov 2011. The children exhibited their talents in Pung Cholom and Dhon Dhulok Cholom at Guwahati, Delhi, Karnataka and West Bengal during the programme. These children had also earlier performed at Bal Sangam, Bangalore, Commonwealth games, New Delhi, Manipur cultural festival, Bhopal, National folk dance festival, Agartala, Republic Day Parade, New Delhi, Sangai Tourism Festival, Imphal etc. The Children are students of New Public Higher Secondary School, KM Blooming High School and LM High School, Khangabok, the release added.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/felicitation/
The naked protest by some shameless men on the day the Prime Minister of India,… more »
The naked protest by some shameless men on the day the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh and the Chairperson of the United Progressive Front, UPF, government at the Centre, Sonia Gandhi, was without doubt one of the most obnoxious scenes ever witnessed in the state this year. Not the least, it trivialised the July 15, 2004 landmark naked protest by elderly women in front of the Kangla Gate, in the wake of the alleged custodial rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama by the Assam Rifles. We are appalled that the Manipur People’s Party, MPP, allowed its fair name to be used by these thick-skinned protestors. Rather than do the party, which incidentally is on an unchecked nosedive in popularity over the past decade or so, any good, it further soiled its reputation. What it did not realise was, such incivility is taboo even in hospitality extended to bitter adversaries in any civilised society. What the MPP also did not seem to care to take note is also that the Prime Minister did not come to the state as a Congress party functionary, but as the Prime Minister. This being the case, in the detestable public tantrum of its party workers, the party has also brought down the esteem of the state and its people considerably before the eyes of the world. For this reason, if the party has any modicum of decency left, it must tender its unqualified apology to the people of Manipur in particular and to the visiting dignitaries who were a guest of the state during their short visit.
We would also like to ask what the state’s law enforcers were doing when this lowly and distasteful protest took place? Have they forgotten there is something as public decency they have to ensure? Or have they come to believe the streets of Imphal are fit to become a nudists’ paradise? Henceforth, would anybody or everybody be allowed to walk around naked on the streets without attracting retribution from the law? Unlike the women protestors in 2004, who were defying the law, shouldering the responsibility of taking forward the near universal outrage in the state at the manner in which Manorama was found murdered after arrest, we are certain this group of shameless men protestors were merely interested in attracting cheap attention and not challenging the law. We see no reason why laws on public decency should not be slapped on them even now. If not anything else, this would at least remind everybody that the law of the land does have a definition on what the limits of indecent public behaviours are.
The other question that arose is, should the media have ignored the despicable protest altogether? Our opinion is, as long as the pictures are not allowed to get abhorrently graphic, or else the coverage of these events have voyeuristic intents, the media as the mirror of the society has a responsibility of bringing to the fore all the unusual things that happen in the society. This is with the purpose of alerting both the public as well as the authorities of these events. It would facilitate appropriate public opinion on the happenings in the state, as well as nudge the authorities to make legal interpretations of these events so that appropriate and proportionate legal actions can be contemplated and executed. It is important that the state authorities take legal implication of all public affairs seriously. It is precisely by their refusal to shoulder this responsibility that today the awe and respect that the law should command amongst the general public, has virtually disappeared. Hence, practically anybody, including paid employees of the government, who wants to indulge in disruptive activities, does not think twice of legal consequences before going ahead. And now, over and above disruptive strikes, bandhs and blockades, grossly indecent protests are coming to be allowed. There have been so many complaints by the chief minister, Okram Ibobi, himself that development works in the state are stalled by these disruptive protests. He should also consider the thought that it is the government’s own lethargy and reluctance in appropriate and timely application of the law in dealing with these activities which is encouraging anybody and everybody to take the law into their own hands.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/uncouth-and-distasteful/
The naked protest by some shameless men on the day the Prime Minister of India,… more »
The naked protest by some shameless men on the day the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh and the Chairperson of the United Progressive Front, UPF, government at the Centre, Sonia Gandhi, was without doubt one of the most obnoxious scenes ever witnessed in the state this year. Not the least, it trivialised the July 15, 2004 landmark naked protest by elderly women in front of the Kangla Gate, in the wake of the alleged custodial rape and murder of Thangjam Manorama by the Assam Rifles. We are appalled that the Manipur People’s Party, MPP, allowed its fair name to be used by these thick-skinned protestors. Rather than do the party, which incidentally is on an unchecked nosedive in popularity over the past decade or so, any good, it further soiled its reputation. What it did not realise was, such incivility is taboo even in hospitality extended to bitter adversaries in any civilised society. What the MPP also did not seem to care to take note is also that the Prime Minister did not come to the state as a Congress party functionary, but as the Prime Minister. This being the case, in the detestable public tantrum of its party workers, the party has also brought down the esteem of the state and its people considerably before the eyes of the world. For this reason, if the party has any modicum of decency left, it must tender its unqualified apology to the people of Manipur in particular and to the visiting dignitaries who were a guest of the state during their short visit.
We would also like to ask what the state’s law enforcers were doing when this lowly and distasteful protest took place? Have they forgotten there is something as public decency they have to ensure? Or have they come to believe the streets of Imphal are fit to become a nudists’ paradise? Henceforth, would anybody or everybody be allowed to walk around naked on the streets without attracting retribution from the law? Unlike the women protestors in 2004, who were defying the law, shouldering the responsibility of taking forward the near universal outrage in the state at the manner in which Manorama was found murdered after arrest, we are certain this group of shameless men protestors were merely interested in attracting cheap attention and not challenging the law. We see no reason why laws on public decency should not be slapped on them even now. If not anything else, this would at least remind everybody that the law of the land does have a definition on what the limits of indecent public behaviours are.
The other question that arose is, should the media have ignored the despicable protest altogether? Our opinion is, as long as the pictures are not allowed to get abhorrently graphic, or else the coverage of these events have voyeuristic intents, the media as the mirror of the society has a responsibility of bringing to the fore all the unusual things that happen in the society. This is with the purpose of alerting both the public as well as the authorities of these events. It would facilitate appropriate public opinion on the happenings in the state, as well as nudge the authorities to make legal interpretations of these events so that appropriate and proportionate legal actions can be contemplated and executed. It is important that the state authorities take legal implication of all public affairs seriously. It is precisely by their refusal to shoulder this responsibility that today the awe and respect that the law should command amongst the general public, has virtually disappeared. Hence, practically anybody, including paid employees of the government, who wants to indulge in disruptive activities, does not think twice of legal consequences before going ahead. And now, over and above disruptive strikes, bandhs and blockades, grossly indecent protests are coming to be allowed. There have been so many complaints by the chief minister, Okram Ibobi, himself that development works in the state are stalled by these disruptive protests. He should also consider the thought that it is the government’s own lethargy and reluctance in appropriate and timely application of the law in dealing with these activities which is encouraging anybody and everybody to take the law into their own hands.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/uncouth-and-distasteful/
By Tanveer Jafri Whether it is the English Calendar or calendars adopted by different religions… more »
By Tanveer Jafri
Whether it is the English Calendar or calendars adopted by different religions of the world, the beginning of most of them is welcomed with joy and happiness. But unfortunately, the first month of the Islamic year, i.e. the month of Muharram brings to life the black episode of Karbala which not only became the first act of religious terrorism in the world, but also put forward an example of sacrifice for truth, symbolized by the determination of Hazrat Imam Hussein. Like every year, the Muslim world is observing the martyrdom of this grandson of Prophet Mohammad Sa. and son of Hazrat Ali and Bibi Fatima, which took place more than 1331 years ago.
This is a day of gloom for the Muslims, particularly the Shiites. Requiems are held and people hurt themselves with swords and knife chains and walk on fire, just to mourn the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussein and his family. Food and drinks are freely distributed among the poor to remember the three day hunger and thirst of Hussein.
According to the Islamic history, in 680 AD or 1331 years ago, Yazid, the king of Shaam (present day Syria), asked Hussein for his recognition as a Muslim king, since at that time, Hazrat Imam Hussein was the lone legitimate inheritor of Prophet’s legacy i.e. Islam. Yazid was a cruel, raffish, characterless and destructive minded despot. Hussein didn’t want to recognize a despicable person like Yazid as the king. Shaam is said to be one of the most powerful kingdoms of those times. Initially, Yazid sent his messengers and ambassadors many a times to convince Hazrat Hussein to provide him recognition as an Islamic ruler. But Hussein refused to get impressed by Yazid’s allurements and his big army. Hussein wanted to foster true spiritual Islam. He was worried that posterity would talk how the heir of the Prophet degraded Islam by handing over its reins to a characterless person like Yazid. Rather, he wanted that Islam should be presented to the world in its original, pristine form. He wanted to tell the world that Islam is a religion, whose true believers never bow down to tyranny, oppression, mendacity, cruelty and fear. Hussein used to say, “It’s better to die respectfully rather than living a life of notoriety.”
After being rejected, the furious Yazid decided to go on war against Hussein. Yazid wanted to kill Hussein in Medina. But in order to avoid bloodshed in this holy city, Hussein decided to leave for Karbala (in today’s Iraq), along with his 72 family members and colleagues. Before starting, he made known to his companions that there is every possibility that they would be killed by Yazid’s humongous army. Hence, every person in his group was not only a true and dedicated Muslim, but also a saviour of Islam and a real ‘Jihadi.’ On second day of Muharram, Hazrat Hussein reached Karbala and camped on the bank of river Furaat (Euphrates). On 7th Muharram, Yazid’s army removed them from the riverbank. It is said that the summer season was on and heat was at its peak in that desert area. In such a condition, Hazrat Hussein and his companions were denied food and water for the next three days. At last, on 10th day, known as Youm-e-Ashura, all the males of the group were martyred by Yazid’s troops one after another. Those killed by Yazid’s men included Hussein’s brother Hazrat Abbas, his 18-year old son Ali Akbar and 6-months old innocent son Ali Asghar. According to the folklore, Hazrat Hussein himself went to the enemy to ask for water for that innocent child. Instead of giving water, they killed Ali Asghar right there in Hussein’s lap. Only Hussein’s son, Zainulabideen, who was ill at that time, remained alive and later on he was declared the heir of Hazrat Imam Hussein. After killing all the male members, including Hussein, on the evening of 10th Muharram, all the female members and Zainulabideen were captured by Yazid’s men. Their wrists were tied with ropes and they were publicly insulted on way from Karbala to Kufa to Shaam. This black evening of 10th Muharram is known as Shaam-e-Garibaan.
Shiites consider themselves the descendents of Hazrat Imam Hussein. But the martyrdom of Hussein shouldn’t be seen as the legacy of any one sect or religion, particularly in today’s scenario when once again same kind of terrorist forces are asserting themselves on Islam. The incident at Karbala inspires us to bravely combat and expose these terrorists. Not only the Shiites or Muslims, rather modern day’s educated people, intellectuals, historians and experts, all have been influenced by this sacrifice at Karbala. In India, Mahatma Gandhi, Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Sarojini Naidu, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru et al have paid their homage to Hazrat Imam Hussein in one way or the other. Mahatma Gandhi’s decision to take 72 people along with him during his famous anti-British Dandi March is said to be influenced by Hussein’s group of 72 people. Even today, in different parts of India, a large number of non-Muslims pay homage to Hazrat Hussein on this sad day. The sacrifice of Hussein and his colleagues is not only more relevant today than any other time in the history; this immortal story also reflects the Islamic principles in true form.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/martyrdom-of-husain-reminds-of-victory-of-truth/
By: Dr Irengbam Mohendra Singh An email from HELUN TOUTHANG, Saikul Hill Town, Manipur, which… more »
By: Dr Irengbam Mohendra Singh
An email from HELUN TOUTHANG, Saikul Hill Town, Manipur, which reads: Sir, To spend a small time every Sunday on your article has been always a good time and it’s all the more today (27 Nov)… You have enlightened a big section of the people through your articles. Thank you very much, Sir…with bigger expectation for the comings.
Thanks Helun.
While in school I was very fond of cowboy films or Western films (Westerns). I used to read a lot of cowboy novels during my college days.
The most famous writer was Zane Grey (1872-1939), known as the “Father of the Western novels”. Famous Western movies starring popular actors such as John Wayne, James Stewart and later, Clint Eastwood were based on his books.
The popularity of the Westerns died in the early sixties. The young generations would have hardly seen any. My son has not read any cowboy book or seen any Western film.
Stirred by the Western films I always had a longing to travel through the Apache (pronounced Apachi) country of Arizona, Nevada and Colorado (Sonora) deserts with sage brush, sand and cacti.
Westerns are an expression of life in the settlements of immigrants from the “Eastern Seaboard” to the “West”.
They often stress the harshness of the wilderness and frequently set the action in a desolate village; or the small frontier town with its saloon, general store, livery stable and jailhouse.
It is usually the saloon that emphasizes that this is the “Wild West”. It is the place to go for music (raucous piano playing), women (often prostitutes), gambling (draw poker or five card stud), drinking beer or quaffing whisky, brawling and shooting.
In some Westerns, where “civilization” has arrived, the town has a church and a school with a single woman teacher who has come from the ‘East’. It often shows a rich ranch owner (a retired Major) with a lovely daughter and no wife.
Almost all the Westerns are fictional but some are based on true stories such as Gunfight at OK Corral in Arizona. The Westerns are set in the later half of the 19th century.
The American West is west of ‘Eastern Seaboard’ or around California – the easternmost costal states in the Pacific Coast such as San Francisco, San Diego to the east of Mississippi River.
It is a bit confusing in that San Francisco is in the Pacific Coast facing east. But you have to go there to believe that the Golden Gate Bridge, 1.2 miles (App. 2 Km) long connects San Francisco to the Marin County in California, facing the Atlantic Ocean, beginning from South Carolina.
My wife and I flew from London on Monday, September 26 2011 for the old cowboy trail in the Apache country. Until then I did not know where the American West was, often set in the
Westerns.
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We landed in Los Angeles (The Angels, or the City of The Angels) Airport and from there we drove southwards along the coast to San Diego where we stayed for the Night and the next day.
Spaniards were the first Europeans to arrive at California, America. Whenever they discovered a place they named it after a saint such as San Francisco, San Bernardino, and Santa Fe. (San for male and Santa for female like Santa Maria). But Santa Cruz like the Santa Cruz airport in Mumbai means Holy Cross.
San Diego was the first European settlement in what is now known as California. It was named after the Spanish Flag Ship. It is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California. It is an American naval base and Marine Training Centre.
We toured the USS Aircraft Carrier Midway that saw fighting in Vietnam and the Gulf War, with a collection of 27 restored aircrafts, now a museum piece in the San Diego bay.
On the third day we drove west towards Phoenix (full of unique Golf Courses) in Arizona via Yuma. It is the typical desert landscapes of the Wild West with mountains, reminiscent of many cowboy films. There are varieties of cacti. The most amazing ones are those you see in cowboy films, called Saguaro – tree size, native of Sonora Desert of Arizona.
Its flower is the State wild flower of Arizona. It looks like a white Datura flower (Sagol Hidak in Manipuri). Poaching the cactus (Federal property) carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in jail, and $20,000 fine. Usually the thieves get a fine of $50 – $70 per foot.
Arizona is Apache country. Apache is the best known Indian tribal names because of
their ferocity in fighting. Geronimo, the name of an Apache fighter evokes an iconic Western American Image. There is a Western with Victor Mature playing his part.
The Apache tribes lived and fought the invading Spanish in the beginning, then the white Americans. They were nomadic and lived in conical huts – wigwams made of wooden frames, covered by matting of brush. Men were hunters. The Apache men used to dress in dear skin shirts and breechcloths and moccasins. Women wore buckskin short dresses and long boots. They wore feathered headgear.
They now live on their reservations – land they own, but as US citizens, obeying American law. At present, about 55,000 Apaches live on or near reservations.
The next morning we travelled through Navajo Indian country and stopped at Sedona surrounded by spires of red stones mountains, for sight seeing.
Driving further uphill, past the Oak Creek canyon we had the stunning views of the rusty Grand Canyon – one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the world. It is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and 1 mile deep. With a helicopter ride for 25 minutes we could see the mighty Colorado River running majestically though the gorges.
After lunch we descended to Flagstaff located on Historic Route 66 in North Arizona for the night. The next morning we drove north to Las Vegas. It is a city with excitement, which never sleeps. Our hotel Planet Hollywood was right in the middle of the strip. We could enjoy a simple stroll to and from the hotel.
All the hotels (5 Star) are resorts with colourful and amazing spectacles of light and a vast array of entertainments. You can gamble or, eat and dine all night and day.
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Two days later we drove through the Mojave Desert eastwards to the ghost town of Calico where there is a replica cowboy town with a real life Sheriff and shoot-out show. After lunch we drove to Vasalia in north California for the night stay.
Next morning we travelled to the great Yosemite National Park in Sierra Nevada. Here, we found evidence ‘for the survival of the fittest’ in the plant Kingdom – the Sequoia trees.
The Giant sequoias can live over two thousand years. Their trunks can reach over 25 feet thick through which an old wagon could pass. They contain tannin and are resistant to fungus and insects, and even fire.
Through research they found that wild fire actually promotes reproduction of these tress, by clearing away the competing fir and cedars and by exposing bare mineral soil for the tiny seeds (size of a paddy) to take root.
Later, we drove to Sonora for the night. Next morning we travelled to the east coast city of San Francisco with the world famous Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf. We crossed the bridge to see a bit of the Atlantic Ocean.
After two days we travelled southwards along the eastern Pacific coast, one of the loveliest coastal routes in the world, to Cambria for the night’s stay.
Next morning we drove to Santa Barbara near California for lunch. It has miles of beautiful beaches – the American Rivera, where Hollywood stars had houses overlooking the beach.
We drove to Anaheim for the night.
Anaheim is very close to Los Angeles, where the Disney Land and Universal Studio are located. It was very enjoyable to visit this Studio, which is three storied. We also enjoyed a conducted tour of the old Queen Mary Liner, anchored there as a hotel and conference venue.
Two days later we went to Hollywood in the morning, visiting among other places, Hollywood Boulevard where the names of famous stars are immortalised with their palm and foot prints in cement on the sidewalk (footpath), known as Hollywood Walk of Fame. Because of the holy name, Mohamed Ali’s was set on the wall, not to be trodden.
The famous Sunset Boulevard is a street in West Hollywood that is an icon of Hollywood celebrity with its Sunset Strip – the centre of nightlife, where the famous stars used to hang around.
Hollywood is now dying as most movies are now filmed elsewhere because it is cheaper. The glamour of movie stars of the ‘50s and ‘60s became old fashioned by the ‘70s.
Since the mid-1960s Westerns were made in Italian Studios, known as a derogatory “Spaghetti (specific Italian dish) Westerns”, but typically featuring an American Star, such as Clint Eastwood in the “A fistful of Dollars”.
In the afternoon we left Hollywood for the Los Angeles Airport to fly back to London with a time difference of eight hours forward, and jetlag on arrival on Monday October 10 2011.
The writer is based in the UK
Email: imsingh@onetel.com
Website: www.drimsingh.co.uk
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/on-the-cowboy-trail-in-apache-country/
Hornbill Festival 2011, Day 4Nagaland PostTen bands – Sunep Assemble Band (Nagaland), Agnostic (Assam), Salt and Light Travelling (Manipur), Final Surrender, Bengaluru (Karnataka), In The Name (Nagaland), Grammy Winning Effort (New Delhi), Indigo Child…
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Hornbill Festival 2011, Day 4
Nagaland Post Ten bands – Sunep Assemble Band (Nagaland), Agnostic (Assam), Salt and Light Travelling (Manipur), Final Surrender, Bengaluru (Karnataka), In The Name (Nagaland), Grammy Winning Effort (New Delhi), Indigo Children( New Delhi), Dissected Souls (West … |
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All India RadioLast sitting of Manipur assemblyNagaland PostThe winter session of Manipur Legislative Assembly would commence from December 20 at the newly constructed Assembly Hall inaugurated on Saturday by the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and UPA …
 All India Radio |
Last sitting of Manipur assembly
Nagaland Post The winter session of Manipur Legislative Assembly would commence from December 20 at the newly constructed Assembly Hall inaugurated on Saturday by the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi. Governor Gurbachan Jagat has … PM pledges help to sullen Manipur Singh promises Manipur more aid PM appeals people of Manipur to shun violence |
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Sitting member of Manipur assembly passes awayNagaland PostHe was the sixth member of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly who died during its five year term, due to expire by second week of March next year. Other members were Mairenbam Munindro, Elang…
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Sitting member of Manipur assembly passes away
Nagaland Post He was the sixth member of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly who died during its five year term, due to expire by second week of March next year. Other members were Mairenbam Munindro, Elangbam Kunjeshwor, Dr Sapam Budhichandra (sitting speaker), … MLA Borajao passes away; with him the current Assembly has lost seven MLAs Manipur CPI MLA Heikhan Borajao passes away |
Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNH74MaE5InV58cxoo4IEY8skWIsbA&url=http://www.nagalandpost.com/channelnews/Regional/RegionalNews.aspx?news=TkVXUzEwMDAwOTk3MQ%253D%253D-4a%252FMZn9K7Yo%253D
