January 28, 2013 – Page 2

UNC seeks PM’s intervention, sets deadline

Reminding that the 4th round of tripartite talk of the GoI, GoM and the UNC on the demand for an Alternative Arrangement at Delhi on August 31 last year concluded with an announcement by the GoI that the next round of talk would be held very soon in a hill venue in the State, the United Naga Council has urged the Centre to communicate the date for the 5th round of tripartite talk on or before February 17, 2013 so that the democratic process of dialogue initiated by the GoI is brought to its logical conclusion Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=6&src=290113

Meet moots framing of State policy on reproductive health rights

The need to formulate an exclusive State policy and plan on sexual reproductive health rights so as to spread awareness among the youth was mooted during a Coalition Meeting held today at Hotel Nirmala here Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=10&src=290113

Loumi Lup for irrigation facility

Demanding fit irrigation facilities for double cropping in a year as well as potable water for the general public, the Manipur Loumi Lup today organised a mass rally in addition to conducting a field inspection of the canals of Loktak Lift Irrigation P…

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=5&src=290113

AAP Aam Aadmi Party soon in State

The State unit of Aam Aadmi Party, started by social activist Arvind Kejriwal, would soon be floated, said member of the National Executive Committee of AAP, Habung Payeng, who is also the party in charge of NE India Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=17&src=290113

KSDC suspends public blockade

The indefinite public blockade imposed by the Kuki State Demand Committee KSDC has been temporarily suspended with effect from 7 Source The Sangai Express Singlianmang Guite

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=4&src=290113

All Manipur Democratic Women Front AMDWF on PDS

As a part of their movement to ensure regular availability of PDS items in adequate quantities to the people, the All Manipur Democratic Women Front AMDWF submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioners of three districts today Source The Sangai Ex…

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=13&src=290113

DESAM threatens to sue Govt

Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur DESAM has cautioned the State Government that the students’ body will move the Court if the Government fails to depute adequate number of teachers to Government schools before the start of this academic sessio…

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=3&src=290113

Yet Another Feather In The Cap Of Ace Film Maker From Manipur Syam Sharma’s Leipaklei to be screened in Jeonju intl film fest

Aribam Syam Sharma’s latest Manipuri feature film Leipaklei 2012 has been invited for participation at the Jeonju International Film Festival to be held at Jeonju, South Korea from April 25 to May 5, 2013 Source The Sangai Express Manipur Info …

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=1&src=290113

Hundreds rally for better road

Hundreds of people today took out a protest rally demanding black topping of Imphal Saikul road at the earliest Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=2&src=290113

Anganghal birth anniversary

A one day seminar on Anganghal’s Literature in Contemporary Relevance was held today at Rupmahal Theatre, BT Road to mark the concluding ceremony of Mahakavi Hijam Anganghal Singh’s 120th Birth Anniversary observance Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=11&src=290113

Sainik School Imphal

Two contingent of 52 cadets each and school band consisting of 20 cadets participated in the 64th State Republic Day Celebrations 2013 Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=15&src=290113

Alternative Arrangement outside Government of Manipur pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue – Demand for immediate intervention thereof by Government of India

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28th January, 2013 Dr. Manmohan Singh The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, South Block New Delhi Hon’ble Sir, Alternative Arrangement outside Government of Manipur pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue – Demand for immediate intervention thereof by Government of India. … Continue reading →

28th January, 2013
Dr. Manmohan Singh
The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India,
South Block
New Delhi

Hon’ble Sir,

Alternative Arrangement outside Government of Manipur pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue – Demand for immediate intervention thereof by Government of India.

We refer to our Memorandum dated 27th November, 2012 jointly signed by the United Naga Council(UNC) and 22 other Naga frontal organisations and constituent tribe units urging your good office for an early and honourable settlement of the Indo-Naga political issue based on the recognition of the “unique history and situation of the Nagas”. We had also expressed therein, our concern about the postures being adopted by certain groups without any historical or political basis in connivance with the communal Government of Manipur(GoM) with the intention of disturbing the Indo-Naga peace process and had urged against taking cognizance of such frivolous postulation.

We also invite reference to our Memorandum dated 23rd December, 2012 and the subsequent Memorandum dated 30th December, 2012 urging for Immediate intervention of the Government of India(GoI) on the communal onslaught on the Nagas in Manipur by the dominant community of Imphal valley, the Imphal valley based militants and the communal GoM during the indefinite bandh imposed in Imphal valley with effect from midnight of 21st December in protest against the reported incident of the manhandling of an actress Ms. Momoko by one Mr. Livingstone, a cadre of the NSCN(IM) at Chandel on 18 December, 2012. The main target of the communal forces was to disturb the celebration of Christmas. It is a premeditated attack on Nagas and on Christians. A localized incident, which had no political or communal implication has been exploited and blown out of proportion. The intention for the same is also clear which is to disturb the impending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue by wiping up communal response from the Imphal valley. The civil society, militant groups and political parties of Imphal valley and the entire state machinery of the GoM have all been engaged to sabotage the Indo-Naga peace process which seeks to address the political aspiration of the Naga people.

Sir, as your good self had observed, we live in the present state of Manipur in a communally surcharged environment which is worsening by the day. Nagas have been exercising outmost restraint and the 72 hours bandh in Naga areas from the midnight of 26th December, 2012 to the midnight of 29th December, 2012 was observed largely on precautionary considerations to prevent any untoward incident in Naga areas given the assaults, taunting, humiliations and torturous hardship systematically inflicted upon Nagas in Imphal during the Christmas eve.

We reiterate that Nagas are not communal and ours is a political issue. What we do not wish for is for any communal conflagration to take place because of the inability on the part of the GoM and the communal forces to accept the inevitable and the logical conclusion of the Naga peoples’ movement for their political aspirations rooted in their history and situation. What we wish for is the peaceful parting of ways and the securing of good neighbourliness for all times to come.

It is our concern that the settlement of the Indo-Naga issue is being delayed even after more than 15 years of negotiation by the GoI, which seems to be subjecting the process to the approval of a state of the Union which is not a party to the process. The delay is enthusing the GoM and communal forces that informs its decisions and policies to adopt more communal strategies.

We are concern that the GoI, notwithstanding the above Memorandum under reference and the foregoing, have not intervened to prevent a full scale communal conflict, which is clearly inevitable should the forced and undesirable union be allowed to fester deeper. The GoI would therefore be responsible for any unfortunate turn of events arising out of this situation.

However, we still retain our faith in the principles of democracy and fervently urge the GoI to take up the demand for an alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur outside the GoM pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue in all seriousness and sense of urgency.

The 4th round of tripartite talk of the GoI, GoM and the UNC on our demand for an alternative arrangement at Delhi on the 31st August, 2012 had concluded with a pronouncement by the GoI that the next round of talk would be held very soon in a hill venue in the state of Manipur.

It is therefore submitted that the GoI communicate the date for the 5th round of TPT on or before the 17th February, 2013 so that the democratic process of dialogue initiated by the GoI is brought to its logical conclusion. Should the requested response be not received in time we will have to take up course of actions in protests against the GoI’s disrespect and undermining the democratic process of dialogue and inaction in addressing the constitutional and democratic rights of the Nagas in Manipur.

Placing our confidence once again in your visionary and wise leadership.

Yours faithfully

sd/- sd/-
(L. ADANI) (GAIDON KAMEI)
President General Secretary

Enclosed : 1. Copy of UNC Memorandum dated 27th November, 2012 for early and honourable settlement the Indo-Naga issue on the basis of unique history and situation of the Nagas.

2. Copy of UNC Memorandum dated 27th November, 2012 for Immediate intervention of the Government of India on the communal onslaught on the Nagas in Manipur by the dominant community of Imphal valley and the communal Government of Manipur.

3. Copy of Joint Memorandum submitted to Dr. Manmohan Singh, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Union of India by the United Naga Council and the Tangkhul Naga Long on 30th December, 2012 for immediate intervention of the Government of India on the communal onslaught on the Nagas in Manipur by the dominant community of Imphal valley, valley militants and the communal Government of Manipur.

Copy for information and necessary action to :-
1. Shri Sushilkumar Shinde, Hon’ble Home Minister, Government of India, North Block, Delhi.
2. Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Hon’ble Leader of the Opposition, Union of India.
3. Shri Shambhu Singh, Jt. Secretary (North East), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, North Block, Delhi.

General Secretary

Copy 27th November, 2012
Dr. Manmohan Singh
The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India,
South Block
New Delhi

The Indo-Naga issue – early and honourable settlement on the basis of unique history and situation of the Nagas.
Hon’ble Sir,
We, the undersigned representing the Nagas in the present state of Manipur have felt it pertinent to make this submission at this crucial juncture to your good office for an early and honourable settlement of the Indo-Naga political issue based on the recognition of the “unique history and situation of the Nagas”.
While our people await the historic settlement in great anticipation, we are concerned by the postures being projected by certain groups particularly in the present state of Manipur, without any historical or political basis in connivance with the communal Government of Manipur with the intention of disturbing the Indo-Naga peace process. The communal forces particularly in Imphal valley have lately been on the offensive by equating the impending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue with a “time bomb” in public discourses and have been stridently inciting sentiments against the same. We strongly feel that taking cognizance of such frivolous postulation will be against the very spirit with which the unique history and situation of the Nagas have been recognised by the Government of India.
The conditions under which the Nagas in particular and the tribals in general subsist under the Government of Manipur are unconstitutional as the democratic rights and guaranteed protections of tribals have been submerged by the interest of the dominant valley community. The political position of the Nagas in demand for an alternative arrangement outside the Government of Manipur pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue has been drawn from this very unmistakeable fact. This position has already been registered with the Government of India and as your good office is aware, the tripartite talk of the Government of India, Government of Manipur and the United Naga Council on this demand has already completed it’s fourth round.
Delay in the settlement of the Indo-Naga issue would tantamount to deprivation of democratic rights of the Nagas in Manipur to the extent of delay. It is therefore the moral responsibility of the Government of India to bring the Indo-Naga negotiation to its logical and honourable end at the earliest possible time.
We firmly believe that an honourable settlement of the Indo-Naga issue will bring peace not only in our land but also just peace for the entire north-east people and the region and also benefits from it in genuine and long terms.
We therefore request the intervention of your good office and exercise of political will to expedite the Indo-Naga peace process.
The Nagas in the present state of Manipur continue to place their confidence in your dynamic leadership and wish you good health and every success.

sd/- sd/-
(L. ADANI) (T.S. WARNGAM)
President Vice President
United Naga Council United Naga Council

sd/- sd/-
(GAIDON KAMEI) (WNG. KOHRING VICTOR)
General Secretary President
United Naga Council Anal Naga Taangpi

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(R. JINGDASHING) (SOLOMON NINGSHEN)
President President
Bujuur (Moyon) Aanchung Puh Tangkhul Naga Long

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(SP. NINGSHINGKUNG) (THOMAS KAMEI)
President Chairman
Kharam Naga Hoho Zeliangrong Baudi (Manipur)

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(KH. RENGTOKUNG) (H. KHANGBA)
President President
Chiru Tribal Hoho Thangal Naga Union

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(C. MALSAWM THAO) (BARIAM AREI)
President President
Chothe Lim Abom Manipur Inpuii Naga Union

(NG. LOHRII) (K. MELA)
President President
Poumai Masou Me Tarao Tribe Union

sd/- sd/-
(CHAKHO ROMEO) (TH. ANGDUN)
President President
Mao Council Maring Uparup Assembly

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(K. RAISONG) (NG. BENITHAN)
President President
Maram Naga Union Sirti Upa Ruh
(Monsang Tribe Union)

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(S.K. SETOI) (M.L. MARKSON)
President President
Lamkang Naga National Council Naga Peoples’ Organisation (Senapati)

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(CH. GABRIEL) J. KUMO SHA)
President President
Chandel Naga Peoples Organisation All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur

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(CHINGYAI LUITHUI) (ARAM PAMEI)
Convenor President
Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights(South) Naga Women’s Union

Copy for information and necessary action to :-
1. Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde, Hon’ble Home Minister, Government of India, North Block, Delhi.
2. Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Hon’ble Leader of the Opposition, Union of India.
.
sd/-
(GAIDON KAMEI)
General Secretary

Copy
23rd December, 2012
Dr. Manmohan Singh
The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India,
South Block
New Delhi

Immediate intervention of the Government of India on the communal onslaught on the Nagas in Manipur by the dominant community of Imphal valley and the communal Government of Manipur.
Hon’ble Sir,
The indefinite bandh imposed in Imphal valley of Manipur with effect from midnight of 21st December by the Film Forum Manipur & Manipur State Shumang Leela Council and others in protest against the reported incident of the manhandling of an actress Ms. Momoko by one Mr. Livingstone, a cadre of the NSCN(IM) at Chandel on 18 December, 2012 has been so consummately orchestrated by communal forces of the Imphal valley and the communal Government of Manipur so that the life, property and movement of Nagas have been left without any protection.

In the last 41 hours Nagas preparing the Churches for Christmas celebration in Imphal areas were not allowed to continue their works in the church premises. Coffins of dead bodies being taken to villages were disrespectfully banged upon and their free passage disturbed. Nagas have been beaten up at Khongjom. A Naga village at Lanthung Ching has been provoked into physical clash with warnings to leave the valley and go back to the hills. Buses and passengers carrying Nagas from Imphal to the villages have been forcibly stopped by mobs in the valley in full view of state police forces and the passengers were pulled down and divested of their personal belongings, which were burnt and destroyed. Vehicle belonging to Tribals and Nagas have been stoned and shot at with catapults. Church goers have not been allowed to go to attend the Sunday service. The slogans from PA systems in the localities of Imphal valley are “There will be a war between Meities and Haos”, “Every Naga will be killed”. Many more other reports are pouring in. The narration can go on. The valley militant groups and many Meitei civil societies are behind this orchestra of violence. The Government of India intelligence services will provide your good office with the details of the explosive situation. There is no government and rule of law. A communal carnage is about to take place in Manipur.

The Manipur State Home Minister is on record that the issue of manhandling of Actress Momoko came to the Government’s notice only after 48 hours had elapsed. The bandh was announced all of a sudden without any prior information. The preplanned attacks indicates without any doubt that the communal forces were waiting for an excuse that was provided by the reported Momoko incident. The main target of the communal forces was to disturb the celebration of Christmas. It is a premeditated attack on Nagas and on Christians. The aberration of one man has been heaped upon the entire Naga people. A localized incident, which had no political or communal issue has been capitalized and blown out of proportion very obviously to disturb the impending Indo-Naga settlement.

The threat of violence that have been freely aired in seminars, workshops, ISTV programmes on a daily basis from Imphal valley is being acted out. The communal forces in Imphal valley have been equating the impending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue with a “time bomb” in public discourses and have been stridently inciting sentiments against the same. The threats freely given out in the public domain and in the ears of the State Government is finally come into place. Why were prohibitive orders not passed when the State Government was very much aware that such rioting and violence were going to happen? The State Government remained a mute spectator which implies that the violent drama has been sponsored by it. To add to the unfortunate situation, His Excellency, the Governor of Manipur remains deafeningly silent while the constitution of the country and the rule of law is being overrun by the communal forces.

Nagas are not communal. The guilty in the manhandling case must face the hands of justice. But Sir, you will kindly appreciate that we had in our memorandum dated 14th September, 2010 drawn your attention to the grave potential for communal confrontations and violence which could flare up at the slightest provocations, intentional or perceived as such by any community.

We are therefore placing this submission for the immediate intervention of the Government of India. Should the same be not forthcoming, left without any democratic options, we shall be compelled to take our own course to protect the lives, property and dignity of our people.

Yours faithfully

sd/-
(L. ADANI)
President
United Naga Council

Copy for information and necessary action to Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde, Hon’ble Home Minister,
Government of India, North Block, Delhi.

sd/-
President
United Naga Council

Manipur equestrian team get medals

The Manipur junior endurance team bagged many medals in the national junior endurance championship held at Dibrugarh, Assam and identified the state and ponies of Manipur.
The team consisting of six ponies, six riders, one coach and manager and four helpers bagged one silver, one bronze in individual and also bagged silver medal in group.
A function to felicitate the riders was hld at the office of Manipur pony breeding farm, Lamphelpat today.
Dr. S. Joykumar, president, Manipur equestrian assn., N. Bedajit Dr, Jiban graced the occasion as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
L. Atangba of Chingkheihunba Polo Club which was in the Manipur team and Robin bagged silver, bronze medal.
The group event consisting of L. Atangba, E. Robin, S. Broson and H. Chand of Thangmeiband Polo Club bagged silver medal. T. Pradipkumar was the coach of the team while S. Bimol is the manager.
The dignitaries distributed cash prizes to riders, coach, manager, helpers and ponies.
S. Budhachandra, president of MHRPA announced to buy a saddle of A. Atangba.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/manipur-equestrian-team-get-medals/

KSDC suspends blockade

IMPHAL, Jan 28 Agencies: The Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) has temporarily suspended its indefinite public blockade that has been imposed in all the Kuki dominated areas of Manipur following an agreement was reached between the state Government and the committee.
On Monday, leaders of KSDC met with the CM at his Secretariat here at 10 am to bring a solution to end the stalemate,.
The KSDC leaders said temporarily decided to suspend its stir from 7:30 pm Monday after both the state and central Governments had given a positive response to its call for starting political dialogues with the two umbrella organisations of Kuki militants, Kuki National Front (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) which are signatories to Suspension of Operation (SoO) involving both the Manipur and Central Governments.
“The chief minister of Manipur has agreed to the demand of the KSDC,” George Guite said who is the information secretary of the KSDC.
However, both sides did not disclose the official details of the meeting.
Public blockade as well driving out the local Indian authorities from the Kuki inhabitant’s areas agitation was suspended from 5 pm today ..
Four members of KSDC including Chairman, Hejang Haokip, Sonthang Haokip, vice-chairman, K
Khongsai, Spokesperson and one executive member meet Chief Minister, O. Ibobi Singh at his bungalow at 10:00am which lasted till 11:30am.
According to the vice-chairman of KSDC that during the meet chief minister made a phone call to the Union Home Ministry office and they had a talk directly and after getting an assurance from the central as well from the state government, the KSDC decided to temporarily suspend the agitation.
Mention may be made here that on last January 21 the KSDC along with more than 800 Kuki Village chief has taken a four point resolution that includes, “There will be no celebration and official programme to mark the Republic Day of India, or any subsequent celebrations connected with the Indian state in Kuki areas”, and “The local Indian authorities are advised to withdraw from Kuki territory and they will be held responsible for any untoward incident arising out of their failure to comply with the resolution of the Kuki people”.Further they have taken that “The Kuki militants supporting Kuki statehood are also urged to stand behind the KSDC and act in concert with the KSDC and in tandem with the Kuki people’s ultimate political goal of governing ourselves over our land. The Kuki rights are not necessarily subject to recognize by the Government of India”.
And for the forth point the KSDC has taken that “The KSDC will burn the Indian Flag on January 26 as a mark of severance of ties between Kuki Nation and Indian state which had failed to recognize Kuki political rights even after 65 years of Indian Independence and 65 years of Kuki tolerance. Hence, no Indian law will be operating on Kuki living in Kuki territoties”.But fortunately the Indian National Flag was not burn down.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ksdc-suspends-blockade/

DC warns defaulters : PDS system

IMPHAL, Jan 28 NNN: Imphal East Deputy Commissioner has warned on Monday action will be taken against the concerned agents if complaints are received over denial of PDS items in the district.
United People’s Struggle Committee, which has been formed under the auspices of the All Manipur Democratic Women’s Front, submitted a memorandum to Imphal East district deputy Commissioner RK Dinesh on Monday claiming that people of the district had not been receiving exact ration of PDS items.
The DC, however, told the AMDWF that there was enough evidence of distributing their share of PDs items to the people of the district, members of the women organization told the media.
“Every ration was being distributed through the concerned agents of the district every month and that that was done after signatures of the local MLA and the concerned authorities were duly given,” they said quoting Dinesh as saying.
The DC said, “Utilisation certificates are being submitted on time to me. However, if complaints are received over denial of PDS items in the district, action will be taken against all the concerned agents.”
One copy each of the memorandums was also submitted to Imphal West DC and Thoubal district Additional DC by the representatives of AMDWF led by its secretary Ambrabati Leima, they said.
Thoubal district Additional DC Lukram Nabakishore commented that the distribution system for the PDS items had been affected by the current state of affairs in the state.
“If such condition is improved and at the same time if cross-check is done on regular basis by the NGOs, the system could be corrected and then the ration would be reached to the beneficiaries at the satisfactory level,” they cited the Additional DC as saying.
Accusing the state Government of not distributing PDS items in correct way the AMDWF had organised mass sit-in protest in the four districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur and Thoubal from Jan 15 to Jan 16.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/dc-warns-defaulters-pds-system/

Start talks by Feb 17 : UNC

IMPHAL, Jan 28 NNN : The United Naga Council (UNC) has given the government of India a time frame of February 17 to initiate the 5th round of ‘tripatite talks’ or else it will start taking up its course of agitation.
In a memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today signed by its president L Adani and its general secretary Gaidon Kamei, the UNC said that should the requested response be not received in time it will have to take up course of actions in protests against the government of India’s disrespect and undermining the democratic process of dialogue and inaction in addressing the constitutional and democratic rights of the Nagas in Manipur.
“We refer to our memorandum of November 27, 2012 jointly signed by the United Naga Council(UNC) and 22 other Naga frontal organisations and constituent tribe units urging your good office for an early and honourable settlement of the Naga political issue based on the recognition of the “unique history and situation of the Nagas. After manhandling of Momoko by SS Lt col Livingstone on December 18 , 2012 main target was to disturb the celebration of Christmas it was alleged. A localized incident, which had no political or communal implication has been exploited and blown out of proportion. The UNC also said its concern is that the settlement of the issue is being delayed even after more than 15 years of negotiation by the GoI, which seems to be subjecting the process to the approval of a state of the Union which is not a party to the process.
The 4th round of tripartite talk had concluded with a pronouncement that the next round of talk would be held very soon in a hill district of Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/start-talks-by-feb-17-unc/

Republic day celebrations

64th Republic day Parade at Kangla, Imphal

MNS: 40 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR(S) celebrated 64th Republic Day with local populace of Lilong. A patriotic function was organised by 40 Assam Rifles in Darool-Uloom Madarsa at Lilong. About 400 students attended this event and they actively participated in Mushaira (a poetic symposium) followed by a patriotic group song. The medical team conducted medical checkup and provided medicines.
On 26 Jan 2013, troops of Senapati Brigade celebrated Republic Day by visiting the Orphanages at Saikul, Kanglatungbi and Charhazari. A flag hoisting ceremony was organised at the Orphanages. The children celebrated by singing the national anthem, patriotic songs and presenting a cultural programme. The security forces distributed sweets and gifts to the children of orphanage and sports equipment to the Saijang Youth Club in Saikul on the occasion of Republic Day.
A flag hoisting ceremony, march past and a cultural programme was also organised at Jwalamukhi Public School, Lairoching.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/republic-day-celebrations/

Rally to demand repair of road

IMPHAL, Jan 28 NNN: A massive rally was carried out today at Saikul under Sadar Hills in Senapati district demanding the black topping of Imphal to Saikul road. The rally was organised by Kuki Inpi of Saikul Area, Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) of Saikul Area and Women Union Saikul.
Kuki Inpi, Saikul Area president Thangkam Lupheng while addressing the rallyists said that the Saikul block was established in 1969 but the government is yet to pay attention to the area. He said for the last 43 years the state government has been neglecting the area . Thangkam Lupheng regretted that the distance from Saikul to Imphal is just 30 kilometres but the state government had failed to even put its effort in this short distance for the last 43 years. Thangkam then pointed out that the Imphal-Saikul road is covered by four assembly constituencies namely Saikul, Ukhrul, Karong and Khundrakpam but even at this advantageous position, the road has not been developed. The Kuki Inpi, Saikul Area president also said that the common slogan of the chief minister is ‘hill-valley are one’ but the Saikul Area is never to be compared with the valley roads.
KSO), Saikul Area president Thangjalun Mate said the road from Saikul to Imphal is too dusty to be used during the dry season and too slashy and muddy during the raining season.
The rally was held from Thangtong government higher secondary school to SDO office. Imphal-Saikul road (from Liklikhong to Molkon Bridge) is one of the most important roads.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/rally-to-demand-repair-of-road/

Syam Sharma’s Leipaklei to be screened in Jeonju film fest

A scene from Leipaklei

Manipur Information Centre
NEW DELHI, January 28: Aribam Syam Sharma’s latest Manipuri feature film-Leipaklei (2012) has been invited for participation at the Jeonju International Film Festival to be held at Jeonju, South Korea from April 25 to May 5, 2013. The Programme Coordinator of the Festival June Yun-kyung Kim informed the film maker Syam Sharma for screening the film in the section- ‘Special Section: Beyond Bollywood’ of the 14th edition of the international film festival.The invitation came after the Jeonju festival authority selected the Manipuri film in the Kolkata International Film Festival.
Based on the Sahitya Akademi Award winning drama- Leipaklei written by Arambam Samarendra, the film tells the story of a woman- Leipaklei who is separated from her husband and whose life is surrounded by the hard trials of fate and is burdened with sustaining herself and her little daughter.She had a lover once, but he joined the army and went to war. It was believed that he died in war.Leipaklei gains inspiration from the moments she spent with him and lives in the hope that he will return one day. He returns eventually, and brings with him a set of dilemmas because they can’t live together. The conclusion is open ended with the two may start living together. Leipaklei is a name of a flower- a symbol of patience and strength. National film award winning actress Leisangthem Tonthoingambi is the protagonist of the film.

Leipaklei had an enthusiastic response from the audience and critics when it was screened in the 18th Kolkata International Film Festival held in Kolkata in November 10-17, 2012 and was the inaugural film of the 5th Guwahati Film Festival held at Guwahati in December 10-16, 2012.
After scoring music as well as acting in the very first Manipuri film -Matamgi Manipur (1972) directed by Deb Kumar Bose, Aribam Syam Sharma made his directorial debut in Lamja Parshuram (1974) which was a superhit film beating the show running record of Raj Kapoor’s Bobby screened at another theatre in Imphal. His second Manipuri film was Saphaabi (1979), based on a Manipuri folk story and received the national award in regional category. His third Manipuri film- Olangthagi Wangmadasoo (1980) was a block buster film running successfully more than 30 weeks breaking the record of Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay which was simultaneously screened in Imphal at another theatres. The film also bagged the regional award in the National Film Awards. Then Syam Sharma never looked back the commercial films and joined the bandwagon of ‘New Wave’ cinema with the making of Imagi Ningthem in 1981 which marked the first Indian film to have won the top prize of ‘Grand Prix’ in the Festival of Three Continents, Nantes in 1982. His Ishanou (1990) which was screened in the Un Regard Section of the Cannes International Film Festival in 1991 and travelled in many major international film festivals was considered as another masterpice of Syam Sharma and was screened recently in Indian International Film Festival, Goa in the Centenary Indian Film section among 27 Indian films selected.
Acclaimed as one of the most original film makers of India by international critics, Aribam Syam Sharma, now 73, had won five National Film Awards in Manipuri features and eight National Awards in non-features. He earned a great repute of a complete filmmaker in the country for his grand success in making all kinds of films- mainstream films, new wave films and documentaries.

Gadkari failed as BJP President

Ousted BJP President Nitin Gadkari has the habit of uttering the words that do not fit his stature. As if he belonged to chattering class he threatened IT employees while speaking in Nagpur saying Congress will be out of power and who will be able to protect IT officials. The impending cases against the firm owned by him acted against his continuation as BJP president. He lost the post but BJP has gained. Because if he continued to speak in the manner as he is doing the party will fare badly in 2014 Lok Sabha election. When he was in Manipur as BJP president some time back he made the false promise of reclaiming Kabow valley now in Myanmar after BJP returns to power at the centre. Either he considered Manipuris are foolish or he knew BJP will never return to power at the centre that he could think of making such irresponsible promises in front of a huge crowd. Did he ever say if BJP returns to power at the centre the Government of India will try to retain Pak occupied Kashmir. He tried to kick up a dead issue by making false claim. Perhaps he desired India to lock in a brutal war with the neighbouring country. Because without engaging in bloody war no land can be reclaimed. At a time when the Government of india is focussing on look east policy with a view to better economic conditions of the people living in North East India such irresponsibly made statement that too by leader of a big political party will create misunderstanding between the two neighbouring countries. After India opened its heart and mind the neighbouring country too have shown similar gesture to us. Fortunately Myanmar did not take his statement seriously and the matter ended there only where he spoke. India is making all out efforts to nurture better relation with all the neighbouring countries. Indian endeavour has borne fruit. All the neighbouring countries except hostile Pakistan have stated that it will not indulge in any form of activities that will be detrimental to the well being of India. India since its independence has been projecting itself to the rest of the world as the upholder of peace. US know that. It observed Indian relation with Myanmar before it re-established diplomatic relation with Myanmar. Indian military might is known all over the world. Yet it does not use the might in creating turmoil in the neighbouring countries. Had it not been for the strong support extended by India, Sri Lanka would have remained embroiled locked in bloody war with LTTE. The country has seen the return of peace. Bangladesh is also happy to be India’s neighbour and it sees India as a big brother. Then there is Bhutan, the king of which country was honoured by inviting as the chief guest of the 64th Republic Day celebration held in the capital. Ousted BJP President might have learnt a lesson or two after making blah blah. He must control his mouth. He should think twice before opening his mouth. The true duty of a leader should be to usher in peace and tranquillity. He failed as BJP President.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/gadkari-failed-as-bjp-president/