February 17, 2013 – Manipur News

Govt. committed to protect women : CM

The CM. O. Ibobi said, if woman are well educated, they can be included in decision making bodies.
The Congress thinks seriously about domestic violence, rape case against women. The government is making various laws to protect the women.
He was inaugurating a one day womens’ convention and awareness programme on social issues organized by Manipur Pradesh youth congress at Pukchaopat community hall Kongpal Chanam Leikai today.
Reacting to the statement of Th. Chaoba president BJP the C.M said, the Congress party does not decide the number of days of Assembly session. An advisory committee including all representatives of political parties in assembly decide the number of days.
The ensuing sessions will not discuss main budget. It will pass necessary amount for three or four months for the financial year. It will not be a full budget session as we do not know the plan size he said .
The Dy. C.M. Shri Gaikhangam said, the function is held in order to increase women empowerment and taking part in the decision making bodies.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/govt-committed-to-protect-women-cm/

Justice Katju criticises Jaitley, demands he should quit politics

New Delhi, Feb.17 (ANI): Expressing anger over senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley’s statement that Justice Katju was targeting only the non- Congress governments, Chairman of the Press Council of India (PCI), Justice (Retired) Markandey Katju on Sunday said that the former must quit politics as he is unfit for it.
In an article posted on the BJP official website, Jaitley has written that Justice Katju’s attacks on non-Congress state governments seem like ‘a thanksgiving to those who gave him a post-retirement job.’
Demanding Katju’s resignation as PCI Chairman, Jaitley said that he appears to be more Congress than the Congress party itself.
Reacting to Jaitley’s charges, Justice Katju said: “Jaitley should resign from his post and quit politics, he is not cut out for politics. He has totally twisted the facts and accused me of not criticising Congress governments, which is not true.”
“I have criticised congress governments also, I had criticised the Maharashtra Government and written a letter to the Chief Minister after the arrest of the girl, who has written something on Facebook. I had criticised the Himachal Government also. But, he has overlooked everything,” said Katju.
“If Jaitley want to go on such a low level, it is his choice, but he must quit politics for the sake of the nation,” he added.
“Dignified comment is alien to Katju. His attacks on non-Congress governments whether in West Bengal, Bihar or Gujarat seem more in the nature of thanks-giving to those who provided him with a post retirement job,” Jaitley wrote in his article.
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Trade Union calls bandh on 20, 21

IMPHAL, Feb 17 NNN: Lok Sabha MP and secretary of All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Mr Gurudas Dasgupta has called upon the people to start countering the UPA’s economic policy which has given tremendous hardship to the common people.
Addressing a meeting in Imphal today in connection with the 48 hours nation-wide bandh on February 20 and 21 against the price rise, Dasgupta said the bandh has been called as the common people could no longer bear continuous price rise of essential commodities in the country.
According to the AITUC leader, several organisations have decided to impose the bandh country-wide to send a serious signal that common people are dying due to constant sky-rocketing of commodities.
The Lok Sabha MP billed the proposed nation-wide bandh as ‘historic’ saying it is a common people’s movement against ‘anti-people policies of the UPA government such as the neo-liberalisation. Guru Dasgupta also said that the UPA government policies are helping the foreign companies and thereby the small time business community in India are finding it difficult to make both ends meet today. “Big companies of both foreign and India are the owners of the country today and not the Indians anymore,” lamented Gurudas Gupta.
The AITUC leader then pointed out the instances such as the 2G scam, the chopper scam and said, “The common wealth of the country today has become the coffer of the people in power.” He said that foreign companies are playing monopolies in India and that the Indians are at the receiving end. ‘This is because of the anti-people policies of the UPA government,” accused the AITUC leader. “We have to fight for right to live and to bring a change in the country,” he asserted adding, “The citizens of India have right to vote but not the right to live.”
Gurudas Dasgupta then said the AITUC supports the people’s movement against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). “We will support your movement to remove AFSPA for a better life,” Gurudas Dasgupta assured.
Meanwhile, Women Working Forum, Manipur took out a rally in Imphal today as part of the AITUC protest.
The Forum demanded for the reviewing of the order of Anganwadi workers and helpers. It also demanded to look into the minimum wage issue on Anganwadi workers.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/trade-union-calls-bandh-on-20-21/

Seventh Mega marathon organized

Mega Marathon participants waiting to start the race.

IMPHAL, Feb 17: The 7th edition of the Mega Marathon was organised today by the United People’s Front (UPF) participated by over 20,000 runners in Imphal.
The education minister M. Okendro said, besides sports ,art and culture which identifies Manipur in the world, the present govt is trying not to depend food grains and others on other states. To have a good society, a nation should be healthy. Let us unite for a peaceful society.
He was speaking as chief guest at the reception of those athletes who had completed seventh mega marathon organized by united people’s Front at Khuman Lampak today.
People from Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Karnataka and Bihar conglomerated at Imphal’s Khuman Lampak Main Stadium this morning ar around 8 am for the event where Manipur deputy chief minister Gaikhangam flagged off.
The event was sponsored by Aircel under the theme, “Run for your nation, Run the Mega Marathon.
The runners covered around 22 kilometres in the streets of Imphal.
In the men’s category, 25 years old Thounaojam Sanjit Luwang of Yairipok Bishnu Naha (Manipur), s/o Ibohal Luwang secured the first position. He is also the winner of the 2009, 2011 and 2012 editions.
He completed covered the distance today in 1 hour, 4 minutes and 49 secionds. Md Abid, 24, s/o Md Saras Ahmad secured the second position. He hails from Lilong Heinaomakhong (Manipur).
Md Abid took 1 hour, 5 minutes and 19 seconds.
The third winner is from Nagaland’s Tuensang district. His name is Pache Khiam (21) s/o Sekou. He took 1 hour, 5 minutes and 21 seconds.
In the women category, Sagolsem Premila (28), d/o S Yaima of Yairipok Kekru (Manipur) secured the first position. She took 1 hour, 24 minutes and 14 seconds to cover the distance.
Waheeda of Lilong Turel Ahanbi (Manipur) secured the second position while Meena Rasi secured the third position.
Meanwhile, in both the categories, Rs 30,000 each was given to the first position holders, Rs 20,000 each to the second position holders while Rs 15,000 each was given to the third position holders.
In addition to this, proprietor of Modern Furniture, Imphal awarded each one of the 6 position holders with Rs 5,000.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/seventh-mega-marathon-organized/

Arunachal Guv says China, Pakistan should not take India’s ‘patience’ as its ‘weakness’

By Ravinder Singh Robin
Amritsar, Feb. 17 (ANI): Former Army Chief and Arunachal Pradesh Governor, General (Retired) J. J. Singh on Sunday said though war is not likely with China in the near future, India must keep modernizing and strengthening its defence mechanism as it would be a ‘formidable deterrent’.
General Singh said China and Pakistan must also understand that ‘patience’ of India is not its ‘weakness’ and it is capable of defending its borders.
He said Buddhism, the ‘religion of peace’ travelled from India to China and there exists ample opportunity for India and China to resolve border issues peacefully but India must stay prepared for any eventuality.
General Singh said this while talking to mediapersons during 107th annual convocation of historic Khalsa College Amritsar (KCA) here.
He handed over 450 degrees to the students in the presence of Chander Gaind, secretary, Higher Education, Punjab, Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) president Satyajit Singh Majithia, vice- president Charanjit Singh Chadha and honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina.
He said India must take up development of border areas, update intelligence network to deal with neighbours including China and Pakistan.
He said the present century belongs to Asia and China and India must work together as most powerful nations of this continent.
“We have shared history of peaceful co-existence despite border tensions in 1960s. There are ample opportunities that pending issues are resolved peacefully,” said Singh.
Quoting that ‘strength begets respect’ he however said that the ongoing modernization of Indian defence forces must continue with full vigour.
During his inspirational Convocation address, he stressed on modernization of education and female literacy.
“If we teach girls they would be educated mothers and create an aware society to the benefit of mankind,” he said as young students broke into applause.
He also expressed concern over rising trend of drugs addiction in Punjab, especially in border areas and sought corrective measures from Government and society itself through awareness regarding the menace.
The Governor also sought educational exchange programs of Khalsa College and Guru Nanak Dev University with Arunachal Pradesh.
He was earlier welcomed by Majithia, Chadha and Chhina and KCA Principal Daljit Singh on his arrival at the function.
Gaind, who addressed students, also highlighted the programs of Punjab Government and how students must adopt professional approach in life.
He said the lessons that the students have learnt would go a long way in making there succeed in life.
Earlier, General Singh was so overwhelmed on seeing the grand college building and said that if he had the option to be born again, he would like to study at prestigious Khalsa College Amritsar.
Majithia said that the nation was proud on the ability of General Singh who was the first Sikh General of Independent India and an inspiration for the youth.
Daljit Singh read out annual progress report of the college highlighting achievements in academics, extra-curricular activities and sports.
The outstanding students were given gold medals and merit certificates.
Chhina later said in his vote of thanks that the students were lucky to have received degrees from a highly decorated soldier who rose to the pinnacle of glory in his career from humble beginning.
KCA also honoured Chhina and Santokh Singh for their contributions to the KCGC and society at large.
KCGC additional honourary secretary S.S. Kathunangal, joint secretaries Ajmer Sigh Heir, S.S. Abdal, SS Mannan, Nirmal Singh, Harminder Singh, Rajbir Singh, Principal, Khalsa College of Education J.S. Dhillon, Khalsa College of Engineering and Technology, Amarpal Singh, Principal, Khalsa College of Education (Ranjit Avenue) Surinderpal Kaur Dhillon, Principal, Khalsa College Chawinda Devi, Baljinder Singh Singh were also present on the occasion.

Nagaland waits for HM’s visit

DIMAPUR, Feb 17 NNN: The focus is now on the visit of Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde to Nagaland on Monday (February 18).
When the Nagas were eagerly waiting for the Prime Minister’s visit on February 8, they were disappointed by the cancellation of the VVIP visit to Nagaland.
The curiosity to hear something on the Naga peace talk from someone like the Prime Minister or from the Union Home minister has been the sole reason why the people in Nagaland are waiting for the VVIPs.
The proposed visit of Sushil Kumar Shinde to Nagaland is significant. The Union Home minister had stated few months ago settlement to the vexed Naga political issue would be brought about by March, 2013. Given this background, Sushil Kumar Shinde’s comment on the Naga peace talks when he lands in Nagaland will create ripples, be it negative or positive.
Meanwhile, according to the reports, the Union Home minister will address an election campaign rally in the Manipur-Nagaland border village Khuzama on Monday. Sushil Kumar Shinde has also planned to address another election campaign rally at Jalukie town of Peren district.
Congress party president Sonia Gandhi had visited Nagaland on February 7 but did not give any hint on the probable time frame to ink the settlement paper on Naga issue except the “as soon as possible.”
Later, few days ago AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi came to Nagaland and only assured to help solve the vexed Naga issue.
Both the mother-son duo of the Congress party “high command” harped more on the development aspects for Nagaland. The senior Gandhi wrapped up her visit to Mokokchung and Dimapur in a one-day event by hurling serious allegations on corruption on the Naga People’s Front led Nagaland government.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nagaland-waits-for-hms-visit/

Nagaland election

The crowd that turned up to hear Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi as they rendered speeches for February 23 assembly elections plus the claim made by leaders of the party, of Congress becoming the single largest in 60 member house of Nagaland assembly, emboldens the belief of the common men, Congress may return to power in Nagaland. Moreover 10 years rule by NPF led Government could do nothing meaningful for development of the state. During the same period the other states in NE region particularly Manipur had seen addition of too many infrastructural development. Prestigious capitol project had come up. Massive construction at Khwairamband bazaar took place during the same period. Then there is city convention hall. All these heart throbbing. Then if one visits the district head quarters one will notice the change that had taken place. Nagaland Government forgot its prime duty and waited for the change that it felt would be brought by the peace talk in the same manner lazy men waiting for the fruit to fall in their mouth. But the inconclusive peace talk was extended further. It will continue to be extended again and again for certain demands made by extremists are untenable. Manipur will remain intact no matter whether NSCN demand expansion of territory. Nor the demand for implementation of 6th schedule in Manipur be met. Keeping all these things in view the possibility of NPF returning to power will be next to impossible. NPF’s 10 year rule had exposed the inability of the party to do anything for the betterment of Nagas in Nagaland. Forgetting the prime duty of developing Nagaland it attempted to venture into other neighbouring states’ politics. But it ended like a faux pas without yielding the desired result, it expected. It got only four seats in Manipur. That shows Nagas in Manipur want to lead a peaceful life. A handful of leaders are attempting to hijack the opinion of the masses by playing with people’s emotion. There is a saying you can befool a few people for some time but you cannot befool all people for all time. Realisation has dawned in the minds of the highlanders. They will not go for NPF. After all where lies the need for another homeland for Manipuri Nagas when they are living peacefully in a state, which has seen the return of peace. It will not be a surprise when Congress party sweeps Nagaland poll as the party did it in Manipur. Every party hoped of getting double figure in Manipur election. What happened stands out as a testimony to the people’s belief. Manipur people want the development to come fast so they went for Congress party. Nagaland too will see the change after ousting NPF from power. Moreover existence of NPF is disturbing to the peaceful coexistence of all people in the neighbouring states including Manipur. Rio even called Manipur CM number one villain of Nagas. He hoped by locking in verbal duel with Manipuris the unity of Nagas would be established. Hostile country does that when there is unrest in their own country. Neiphieu Rio has seen the door of exit. Better days are ahead.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nagaland-election/

Different taste of Kankal

Giving a different taste to the audience, artistes of Khenjonglang performed Kankal Skeleton , a play based on Rabindranath Tagore’s short story of the same name, at its theatre complex located atop Keirao Awaching in Imphal East district on February …

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=23&src=180213

Sanjit, Premila retain Mega Marathon Manipur titles

Th Sanjit Luwang and S premila Devi respectively retained the men’s and women’s titles of the Mega Marathon Manipur organised by United Peoples’ Front under the aegis of Athletic Association of Manipur AAM Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=12&src=180213

HC prohibits clearance of phumdihuts

Gauhati High Court has sanctioned orders prohibiting clearance of phumdi huts from Loktak Lake as against the threat of LDA, informed All Loktak Lake Area Fishermen Union Source Hueiyen News Service

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LuiNgaiNi celebrated in Guwahati

Away from home the Nagas from Manipur residing in Guwahati celebrated Lui Ngai Ni, annual seed sowing festival, at Shilpgram, Guwahati on February 16, under the theme, ‘Our Culture Our Identity’ Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=11&src=180213

Controversy over ATSUM revival lingers on

Quagmire on the revival of All Tribal Students Union, Manipur ATSUM continues to persist Source Hueiyen News Service NNN

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=19&src=180213

KSA reacts to the storming of their office

Reacting to the incident where people of three localities of Khurai stormed at the Sega Road Konjeng Hajari Leikai office of Kangleipak Students’ Association KSA yesterday, the students’ body has said that it will not concede to such incidents Sour…

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Biggest Church of Moyon inaugurated

The biggest ever built Church of Moyon tribe, which is one of the smallest tribes in Manipur, was inaugurated at Kapam village in Chandel district today Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=17&src=180213

ATSUM revival quagmire persists

Quagmire on the revival of All Tribal Students Union, Manipur ATSUM continues to persist Source The Sangai Express

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Chief Minister Ibobi tells Chaoba to quit politics

Reacting against the remark of State BJP unit President Th Chaoba, who contended that Budget session of the Assembly for only three days is too short for any substantive discussion on important issues of the State, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has exclaimed that its time for Chaoba to retire from politics instead of trying to tarnish the image of ruling party for his own personal gain Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=15&src=180213

Mahindra Theatre Festival NT Theatre makes it three in a row

Scripting a sort of a record, professional theatre group of Manipur, NT Theatre has been nominated for Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Award of Mahindra Theatre Award Festival for the third time in a row Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=8&src=180213

AITUC Secy Gurudas censures UPA’s economic policy

Lok Sabha MP and secretary of All India Trade Union Congress AITUC Mr Gurudas Dasgupta has called upon the people to start countering the UPA’s economic policy which has given tremendous hardship to the common people Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=13&src=180213

Union to oppose corporatisation of Power Department

In a major blow to the State Government’s plan for corporatisation of the Power Department, the Manipur Electricity Employees’ Union has expressed its stance not to allow to proceed the proposal until the State generates adequate power Source The Sa…

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No privatization of Power Dept MEEU

Opposing the state government’s proposal of privatizing Electricity Department, Manipur Electricity Employees’ Union Manipur MEEU has resolved that there should be no corporatization of the department until and unless it able to produce its own elect…

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=22&src=180213