Like in the past, offering of floral tributes at Khebaching and tarpan in the Khongjom River, gun salute by Manipur Rifles jawans, observance of silence and cultural events marked the Khongjom Day observance held today at the Khongjom War Memorial Comp…
Like in the past, offering of floral tributes at Khebaching and tarpan in the Khongjom River, gun salute by Manipur Rifles jawans, observance of silence and cultural events marked the Khongjom Day observance held today at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex Source The Sangai Express
Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=1&src=240414
Large scale burning down of forests and jungles for age old tribal practice of jhum cultivation has been attributed for the rise of temperature and decrease in water level Source The Sangai Express
Large scale burning down of forests and jungles for age old tribal practice of jhum cultivation has been attributed for the rise of temperature and decrease in water level Source The Sangai Express
Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=4&src=240414
In response the complaint lodged by Naga Peoples Front NPF , Manipur State on April 11 for taking up preventive measures against manipulation of EVMs allegedly by the ruling Congress party, Election Commission of India has assured NPF that the manipul…
In response the complaint lodged by Naga Peoples Front NPF , Manipur State on April 11 for taking up preventive measures against manipulation of EVMs allegedly by the ruling Congress party, Election Commission of India has assured NPF that the manipulation of EVMs would not be possible at any cost Source Hueiyen News Service
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The haphazard deforestation in Shirui forest is blamed for the recession of spring water sources of Shirui which in turn is creating acute water scarcity in the district Source The Sangai Express Mungchan Zimik
The haphazard deforestation in Shirui forest is blamed for the recession of spring water sources of Shirui which in turn is creating acute water scarcity in the district Source The Sangai Express Mungchan Zimik
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Maoist Communist Party Manipur MCPM has announced that it would call a statewide general strike in the State on April 29 to boycott the scheduled visit of India’s President Pranab Mukherjee Source Hueiyen News Service
Maoist Communist Party Manipur MCPM has announced that it would call a statewide general strike in the State on April 29 to boycott the scheduled visit of India’s President Pranab Mukherjee Source Hueiyen News Service
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Dismissing the recent media report that said Beijing had asked New Delhi to not include youth from Arunachal Pradesh among the Indian delegation for the annual youth exchange programme next month, leading to protests from the Youth Affairs Ministry tha…
Dismissing the recent media report that said Beijing had asked New Delhi to not include youth from Arunachal Pradesh among the Indian delegation for the annual youth exchange programme next month, leading to protests from the Youth Affairs Ministry that now wants the entire exchange stopped, officials in the Ministry of Youth Affairs said the trip would be finalised and confirmed once a new Government is formed at the Centre Source The Sangai Express Ninglun Hanghal
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The Government of Manipur has taken steps to boost the performance of all the Eco Clubs in educational institutes in the State so as to help in preventing continuous degradation in environment Source Hueiyen News Service
The Government of Manipur has taken steps to boost the performance of all the Eco Clubs in educational institutes in the State so as to help in preventing continuous degradation in environment Source Hueiyen News Service
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IMPHAL, April 23: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) Manipur on April 11emailed the Election Commission of India stating that the chief minister of Manipur O Ibobi Singh and his deputy
IMPHAL, April 23: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) Manipur on April 11emailed the Election Commission of India stating that the chief minister of Manipur O Ibobi Singh and his deputy CM Gaikhangam who is also the president of MPCC had openly stated that the Congress candidate Thangso Baite will win the II-Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency seat by a margin of 1.5 lakhs vote which was appeared in all local papers and TV channels, informed the party in a statement.
Since the statement was made just after the polls on April 9 last, the NPF has apprehensions that the EVMs may have been manipulated to their advantage, it said.
According to their assessment, the NPF candidate Soso Lorho has the maximum chances of winning the seat, it is mentioned in the email, informed the statement.
However, if the EVMs are manipulated as speculated in the past, it may jeopardise the free and fair election already held, the the party wrote int he email.
Further in the statement, the party has stated its apprehension is how the State CM and his Deputy CM predicted such secretly cast votes in advance?
It is highly probable that such prediction was being made beforehand while a workable solution for such prediction has already been in the offing, the email said while requesting for the ECI’s intervention.
Further according to the statement, the ECI had replied that the Election Commission of India has the constitutional duty to conduct free and fair election in the country, and also to ensure full transparency in the system.
It further mentioned that the Commission has assured the NPF that the use of EVMs in every election is completely free from any malpractice. For this, the Commission has put in place stringent administrative measures and procedural safeguard to prevent any possible tampering of the ECI-EVMs, it said.
It further continued that the introduction of Electronic Voting Machines in Indian Elections was made after wide consultation with Technical Experts and Political Parties.
Electronic Voting Machines are in use for more than two decades. They have been proved non-tamperable owing to their technical security and administrative safeguards, it further added.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/04/evms-tamperproof-eci-assures-npf/
The PHE minister took a personal round of visits at various water supply schemes along with the media. It is commendable that the minister rose up to the occasion, in
The PHE minister took a personal round of visits at various water supply schemes along with the media. It is commendable that the minister rose up to the occasion, in wake of the present crisis of water scarcity that the people are currently facing in the state. He has given assurance that if the need arise, water from Loktak will be treated and rationed. Iril and Imphal rivers are two important sources of water. Most of the water supply schemes that supply water to the greater Imphal areas depend on these two rivers. The two rivers, at present, are running alarmingly at a low level. At some areas these rivers have been reduced to streamlets. With no rainfall during the expected season, the scarcity is bound to hit an all-time low. Paddy fields and fish farms without water are parched with visible cracks on its bed. If there is no rainfall at all, the most badly hit would be the farmers. Our staple crop which depends on wet cultivation will be another scarcity. Without the rain, there is no way out. The minister himself took cognizance of the fact during his visits to the water supply schemes. But on a positive note, he had made it public that the government has contingency plan. A series of meeting have been conducted on the matter, as we have been told. Here, may we remind the honourable minister of his claim that he made, during the third day of the seventh session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly? The minister claimed that the State will get enough drinking water supply in the next one or two years. ‘Rain’, the word must have been beyond the purview of the minister’s thought process at that time. The present dry spell has reminded him. How about the idea of treating the water from Loktak? Needless to say, the water in Loktak is also fed by rain; by the rivers that flow into it, when it is filled with rain water. Whenever there is a dry season, we can’t escape the fond memories of the then CM of Manipur: late Oja Nipamacha. The late Oja, during his tenure made an attempt to please the rain Gods. He took a number of cows to the Govinda temple at Palace Compund, to perform rituals by milking the cows. We are not asking the PHE minister to perform the same ritual like Oja Nipamacha. Our modest appeal is that the minister should not make overstatements sans verifiable logics. By all account, the water level at the Loktak must be low owing to the dry spell. The fact that the state has been facing water scarcity needs no validation. When was it that the people have not faced such scarcity? In fact, the scarcity has been a problem that we face daily, the whole year. Whether there is enough rainfall or not, we have been facing water crisis, both for consumption and irrigation. Mismanagement of water is one primary reason. The fact that 14 water treatment plants of the State are lying defunct is also a statement that the minister made on the floor of the Assembly. One cannot overlook the factor of rainfall, water being a natural source. We, however, back the sensible proposal of the minister that there is a need for an inter-departmental effort to solve the water problem. It will include the IFCD and the Forest department for an all-out effort as a team. This is very much welcome. Other measures like regulating the tax, monitoring pilfering along the water pipelines by the public, checking on the private suppliers; these are all mandatory. Now is the time to act. We need concrete action. Do not diminish resolving of water scarcity problem into an election manifesto like promise. We have had enough of it.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/04/the-time-to-act-is-now/
IMPHAL, April 23: A three day Thang-ta festival organised by the Kanglei Indigenous Martial Arts and Cultural Society, KIMACS was today inaugurated at the Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Gate. Joint secretary
IMPHAL, April 23: A three day Thang-ta festival organised by the Kanglei Indigenous Martial Arts and Cultural Society, KIMACS was today inaugurated at the Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Gate.
Joint secretary BOSEM Ph Nandakumar said that the day is an auspicious day to remember the martyrs of the land who sacrificed their lives for the land fighting against the British.
Starting such a festival concerning the indigenous martial art on such an auspicious day is appropriate, he said and added the martyrs of the Khongjom War were all Thangta experts.
Ph Nandakumar also observed that conducting such festivals will help to spread the awareness amongst the people and for the art to gain more popularity and respect.
The inclusion of the Thang-ta in the syllabus by BOSEM will be beneficial for the students who are willing to learn the art but find it difficult due to their school work, he continued.
KIMACS president M Surjaboro said the day is observed on Khongjom Day to remember the martyrs.
Thang-ta helps in boosting the courage, health, self-respect and protection abilities of an individual, which in term would help in building up a healthy society, he observed.
The art form is presently taught at 15 government and private schools under the BOSEM to Class IX students and will be soon extended till Class X.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/04/thangta-festival-inaugurated/
( Part-2) 7. The EVM has no means for the voter to verify that his/her votes have been tallied properly. 8. The EVM has no means outside of the memories
( Part-2)
7. The EVM has no means for the voter to verify that his/her votes have been tallied properly.
8. The EVM has no means outside of the memories of the voting machines themselves to audit or recount the votes.
9. Susceptibility to fraud: Although some may believe that tampering with an electronic voting machine is extremely hard to do, computer scientists have tampered with machines to prove that it is quite easily done. If people have access to the machines, and know how to work them, they can take the memory card out of the machine, which stores the votes, and in place they put their own memory card with a virus that can tamper with the votes
10. Government ties of manufacturers: The Government at the time of election may hire any manufacturer or company for manufacturing EVMs according to the needs of the political party in power An EVM can be tampered during manufacturing stage, that too during the manufacturing of the Chip. After tampering the EVM, its difficult to detect it by a third party. When the tampering happens at the manufacturing stage of chip, even those who are assembling the EVMs will not be aware of and cannot detect tampering .
11. Malicious software programming: Any computer software is basically generated from software programming and coding. And all these soft wares could be tampered with by a computer programmer who knows the source code. Testing electronic voting systems for security problems, especially if they were intentionally introduced and concealed, is basically impossible. If malicious coding is inserted by programmers into commercial software that are triggered by obscure combinations of commands and keystrokes via the computer keyboard, then election results can change completely.
12. Physical security of machines:
13. Secure storage of cast votes: The votes that are cast using the electronic voting machines, are stored in a safe storage or space in the computer machine memory. The time gap between election and the counting of votes is a risk to possible hacking and manipulation . The chance of tampering increases as the time gap increases.
Allegations of hacking EVM in last elections.
When the Indian National Congress surpassed all projections to win 262 seats in 2009, Dr. Subramanian Swamy, President of the Janata Party (24-8-2010) , alleged that the Leader of Indian National Congress Mrs. Sonia Gandhi reportedly hired hackers to hack into election results of the electronic voting machines, which resulted in landslide victory of the Indian National Congress in the national elections in 2009. (Electronic Voting Machine: Excellent tool of manipulation- by News Desk, December 17, 2011-http://www.weeklyblitz.net/1993/electronic-voting-machine-excellent-tool)
In the last State Assembly election in 2012 in Manipur , in spite of huge anti-congress wave, the Congress Party has won 42 seats . All the 11 opposition parties suspected that the EVM machine might have been manipulated to fix election results in favour of Congress party. A PIL case is still pending in this connection at he Supreme Court of India .
Supreme Court’s instructions to Election Commission of India (ECI)
On 25 July 2011, responding to a PIL (Writ Petition (Civil) No. 312 of 2011), Supreme Court of India asked ECI to consider request to modify EVMs and respond within 3 months. The petitioner suggested that the EVMs should be modified to give a paper slip printed with the symbol of the party in whose favour the voter cast his ballot.
Delhi High Court Ruling
On 17 January 2012, Delhi High Court in its ruling on Dr. Subramanian Swamy`s Writ Petition (Writ Petition (Civil) No. 11879 of 2009) challenging the use of EVMs in the present form said that EVMs are not “tamper-proof” and ordered the Election Commission to add a paper trail as an extra security measure against electoral fraud. On 19 January 2012, the Election Commission ordered Electronics Corporation of India Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to make EVMs that will generate a “paper trail” of the vote cast. Election officials pledged to upgrade 600,000 old EVMs to comply with the new guidelines and procure new ones, and voters can now file complaints if there are still problems with the devices.
Order of the Election Commission of India
On 19 January 2012, the Election Commission ordered Electronics Corporation of India Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to make EVMs that will generate a “paper trail” of the vote cast. BEL CMD Anil Kumar said: “The new EVMs` paper trail should make the poll process safer and tamper-proof. EC has given us its requirement for EVMs and work is on to incorporate new features.
Supreme Court Directives
On 8 October, 2013, a bench of Chief Justice P Sathasivam and Justice Ranjan Gogoi of the Supreme Court , in its order said the Vote Verifier Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system with EVMs would ensure “free and fair” polls and help in “sorting out disputes”. The court had also directed the Centre to provide financial assistance for the system. The VVPAT system records each vote cast on paper. Once a voter presses a button on the EVM, a light glows. A printer with a drop box next to the ballot unit flashes the serial number, name of the candidate and the party symbol to confirm the voter`s choice. A paper slip then gets deposited in the drop box after the voter confirms his/her choice. The system doesn`t allow voters to get the slip as proof of their vote due to “security reasons”. However, candidates can apply for counting of the slips.
Directives of the Union Law Ministry
The Union Law Ministry, which has amended the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to allow use of electronic voting machines fitted with the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system, has introduced a new section to enable the voter to challenge VVPAT operation in case of doubt. The new rule 49MA reads: Where a printer is used, if an elector after having recorded his/her vote alleges that the paper slip generated by the printer has shown the name or symbol of a candidate other than the one he/she voted for, the Presiding Officer shall obtain a written declaration from the elector on the veracity of the allegation, after warning him/her of the consequence of making a false statement.
The Presiding Officer will then permit the elector to record a test vote in the voting machine in his presence and in the presence of the candidates/polling agents. If the voter’s allegation is true, the Presiding Officer would immediately report to the Returning Officer and stop further recording of votes in the defective machine. As per another section 56D introduced in the rule, a candidate/election agent can request the Returning Officer to count the printed paper slips in the drop box of the printer (VVPAT) in any polling station. However, such counting will be allowed only with the permission of the Election Commission.
What is VVPAT system,
In VVPAT system, when a voter presses button for the candidate of his choice in the Electronic Voting Machine(EVM), a paper ballot containing the serial number, name of the candidate and poll symbol will be printed and the voter can verify it.
A VVPAT is intended as an independent verification system for voting machines designed to allow voters to verify that their votes were cast correctly, to detect possible election fraud or malfunction and to provide a means to audit the stored electronic results.
People’s mistrust in paperless EVM : There is so much mistrust in the society and among intelligentsia about EVMs.
Is it a gross mistake of the Chief Electoral Officer to use paperless EVM in Manipur ?
From the above mentioned facts , it is clear that the Union Law Ministry, Government of India, the Hon’ble Supreme Court have ordered the Election Commission of India to use EVM with paper trail (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system) in the 2014 Lok Sabaha election. The Election Commission of India has also ordered Electronics Corporation of India Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to make EVMs that will generate a “paper trail” of the vote cast. Considering these facts, I think, this is a gross mistake of the Chief Electoral Officer to use paperless EVM in Manipur in the 2014 Lok Sabha election . Or is he pressurized by the High Command to stick to paperless EVM for winning the election. Any thing may be possible in Manipur.
Under such circumstances , I as a citizen of India am deeply disappointed to see the paperless EVMs being used in the 2014 Lok Sabha election on 9th and 17th April, 2014 .
In this connection , may I request the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur and the Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur to clarify the following points to the people of Manipur through all media to save democracy in Manipur. The clarification may be done in greater public interest before counting of votes .
1. Are the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur and the Chief Electoral Officer , Manipur aware that the paperless EVM can be easily hackled or manipulated at the time of manufacturing , before election or after election in favour of a particular candidate?
2. If so, why are the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur and the Chief Electoral Officer , Manipur using paperless EVM in the 2014 Lok Sabha Election ?
3. How do we know that the paperless EVMs used in the 2014 Lok Sabha Election have not been hackled or manipulated during manufacturing stage and /or before election and/or after election ? What is the proof ?
4. Since the chance of tampering EVM increases as the time gap between election and counting increases, how do we know that the paperless EVMs we have used will not be manipulated during the storage time ( 9th April to 16 May, 2014 and 17th April to 16 May, 2014).
5. Why do the Chief Electoral officer, Manipur failed to use the EVM with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system in the 2014 Lok Sabha election ? Shortage of fund should not be an excuse because the Indian National Congress use Rs. 500 crores for advertisment of Rahul Gandhi’s candidature.
6. How far and on what ground will the people of Manipur believe in the outcome of Lok Sabha election -2014. Please clarify to the people with valid reasons .
7. By using the paperless EVM, is the Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur deliberately helping the Indian National Cogress to win the Lok Sabha election -2014.
8. If the the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur and the Chief Electoral Officer , Manipur can not clarify with valid reasons, why not the Election Commission of India declare the Lok Sabha Election -2014 of Manipur as countermanded and hold another fresh election using Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) EVM.
Concluded
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/04/how-far-will-the-outcome-of-the-2014lok-sabha-election-in-manipur-be-reliable/
IMPHAL, Apr 23: The State Archaeology Department of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur and Peoples’ Museum, Kakching has said in a press release that the 123rd Death Anniversary of
IMPHAL, Apr 23: The State Archaeology Department of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur and Peoples’ Museum, Kakching has said in a press release that the 123rd Death Anniversary of Wangkhei Meiraba who died defending his motherland at the Anglo-war in the year 1891 was held at Kakching today.
A floral tribute was held at the martyrs’ memorial complex at Machin Manao Hill at Kakching.
Another event was also held at Library and Information Centre Kakching located at Kakching Phoushupat Leikai.
RK Ranendrajit Singh and Dr Lokendra Arambam attended the function as chief guest and president during the event.
The Liberty Theatre Kakching held a play ‘Wangkhei Meiraba’ by the Liberty Kakching, said the organisers.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/04/wangkhei-meiraba-remembered-at-machin-manao-ching/
IMPHAL, April 23: The Cultural Forum, Manipur (CFM) is presenting the lifetime achievement award, distributed after every two year, to individuals who have contributed in the field of literature and
IMPHAL, April 23: The Cultural Forum, Manipur (CFM) is presenting the lifetime achievement award, distributed after every two year, to individuals who have contributed in the field of literature and culture of the state.
A statement issued by the general secretary of the CFM, Ksh Rajen, stated that the five artists have been chosen for the Cultural Forum Award, lifetime achievement.
The artists are Laishram Ibohalmacha Singh of Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai (song), Leimapokpham Yaima of Leimapokpham Awang Leikai (song), Irengbam Kanhai of Uripok Yambem Leikai (leela), Khule ongbi Leibaklotpi of Naoremthong Laishram Leikai, Ningombam Ibobi of Khongman Mayai Leikai.
Meanwhile, it said that financial awards will also be given away to seven other awards winners including Thoibi awards lifetime achievement awards 2013 (creative plastic art) to Thoidingjam Tombi Singh of Khagempali, Dinesori Sahitya award 2014 to Aribam Chitreswar Sharma (literature) of Khongman, Huirem Amuba and Yaimabi Award 2014 (literature) to Elangbam Sonamani of Moirangkhom, Professor Chongtham Manihar Singh lifetime achievement award 2014 to Laishram Samarendra Singh of Yaiskul, Lairenlakpam Dharambir Literary Award (young creative writer) to Pasuram Thingnam of Kakching Khunou and Laisom ongbi Indrani and Laisom Geetanjali memorial award 2014 to Ningombam Sanatombi of Thoubal.
The individual will be presented with cash prize of rupees 10,000 each along with citation and shawl.
The Ibeyaima Cultural Harmony Award 2014 (lifetime achievement) has been conferred to Thounaojam Iboyaima of Singjamei Thongam Leikai. Cash award 20,000 rupees along with citation and shawl will be presented to him.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/04/cfm-announces-cultural-awards/
IMPHAL, April 23: The PFA has said in a press release that the organisation is not surprised to see the problem of water scarcity experienced by the state now. Much
IMPHAL, April 23: The PFA has said in a press release that the organisation is not surprised to see the problem of water scarcity experienced by the state now.
Much more grievances are on its way due to lack of awareness of our habitat and eco-system, it said.
Burning of forests to obtain charcoal leads to destruction of wildlife. Destroying of trees causes drought because of lack of moiture in the atmosphere which causes rainfall, it said. “Trees play an important role in our environment. They provide habitat for wildlife, protect soil and water supplies. Trees also reduce the effects of sunlight, heat, reflection, pollution, humidity, wind, glare and noise.”
Water cycle is the process which regulates all. Deforestation adversely affected the water cycle said the PFA.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/04/pfa-deplores-burning-of-forest/
JIRIBAM, Apr 23: The Ngamkhei Kanba Lup has said in a press release that the Government of Manipur has not provided any help to the locals of Boroikhal and Sahughat
JIRIBAM, Apr 23: The Ngamkhei Kanba Lup has said in a press release that the Government of Manipur has not provided any help to the locals of Boroikhal and Sahughat who are currently staying at relief camp at Jiribam.
The villagers of Boroikhak and Sabhughat, a total of 92 villagers till now are provided assistance by volunteers, clubs and CSOs said convenor W Dinesh of Ngamkhei Kanba Lup.
Meanwhile, SP Imphal East, Angam R Kamei and IG Clay Khongsai who came to Jiribam yesterday visited the villages of Boroikhal and Sabhughat today.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/04/boroikhal-villagers-still-in-relief-camp/
LAMKA, April 23: The 95th Zogal Day, patriots’ day of the Zou community was held at the Zoveng today. A select media group attended the function. It was said that
LAMKA, April 23: The 95th Zogal Day, patriots’ day of the Zou community was held at the Zoveng today.
A select media group attended the function.
It was said that the United Zou Organisation had taken a resolution during its last sitting that the day should be held on April 23 along with the Khongjom Day.
Clarifying on the day being co-incidental with the Khongjom Day, the elders of the community said that prior to 1915, the Zou community did not use the Gregorian calendar and as such the observation may not be just a mere coincidental.
“We are considered outsiders by other communities, but we are no less than them and are integral part and indigenous people of the present day Manipur state,” said K Zou.
He said that as the people of the valley, especially the Meiteis fought the British aggression, the Zomi-Chin-Kuki groups also fought with the British in areas spreading to the present day India and Myanmar.
Elders also said that in the past the day was observed after the harvesting of paddy fields, and was usually performed for a day to please the spirits with the sacrificial offering of three Mithuns and mud replicas of Rs 30.
The day long observation was followed by a night long merry making that lasted till the cultivation period begins again, they said.
Today’s observation was organised by the Zou Sung Siamphatna Saipawl which literally means “peace initiative group of the Zou community” the organisers said that the commemoration of the Zogal day, will include a traditional night program to pay abeyance to the leaders who resisted the British for the freedom of their community.
An elder Paneh said that the day was actually observed on March 17, till last year but was changed to April 23 as per by the UZO present day leadership.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/04/zou-celebrates-patriots-day/
Manipur pays homage to Khongjom MartyrsKanglaOnlineIMPHAL, April 23: Manipur today paid befitting floral tributes to the war heroes of Manipur who were killed during the historic 'Khongjom war' fought in the year 1891 against the British Empire…
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Manipur pays homage to Khongjom Martyrs
KanglaOnline IMPHAL, April 23: Manipur today paid befitting floral tributes to the war heroes of Manipur who were killed during the historic 'Khongjom war' fought in the year 1891 against the British Empire. The state government observed the day at the Khongjom … |
Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNG_e1jBvSNeCIkCimxM-spDYna5tA&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&cid=52778483063264&ei=BBZaU_ilEIK_8gHVTA&url=http://kanglaonline.com/2014/04/manipur-pays-homage-to-khongjom-martyrs/
By Kamboi KANGPOKPI, April 23: In what is becoming an annual event, increasingly frequent and more intense, fires are sweeping through the forest particularly in the hill districts of the
By Kamboi
KANGPOKPI, April 23: In what is becoming an annual event, increasingly frequent and more intense, fires are sweeping through the forest particularly in the hill districts of the state during the initial stage of jhum cultivation.
Jhum cultivation is in fact an annual practice by the hill people mainly for their livelihood keeping aside the dangerous outcome of the practice.
During the initial stage of the jhum cultivation, a vast area of the forest is burnt down for agriculture and plantation of varieties of crops apart from other purposes by the poor farmers.
Burning of forests is of concern for many reasons, the most often cited being loss of habitat for rare plants and animals and an increase in global carbon dioxide (CO2) leading to “Global Warming” which the poor farmers have little knowledge and awareness of.
The poor farmers who survive with the help of jhum cultivation give much more importance to their annual profession/practice rather than the dangerous outcome of their profession (burning forest for jhum cultivation).
The burning of the forest mainly for jhum cultivation definitely affects the ecosystems because it is part of the global ecosystem.
In many cases this annual practice by the poor farmers add to the deforestation process and it takes many more years for the forest to grow back again.
The air around the entire district of Sadar Hills Senapati in Manipur has been drastically polluted compared to the past and the mercury level continues to go higher.
Global warming, if it continues and does not turn back, will cause huge changes in the ecosystems. But unfortunately no one knows for sure how warm it will get and how fast it will get there so lots of people particularly the poor farmers still argue over whether there really is global warming.
One local jhum cultivator innocently claims, “What I have done is the most suitable and sustainable job for the survival of my family. I don`t think my job is a threat to anything and I don`t believed in Global Warming,” terming it as a ploy to end the main source of livelihood of the poor farmers ie Jhuming.
Another jhum cultivator asserted that there is no other options for us rather than adopting to this occupation to sustain our livelihood because other occupation needs high amount of capital to begin with which we are unaffordable for us(the poor farmers/cultivators).
In the meantime, there is daily report of water scarcity both in the valley as well as in all the hill districts of the state which is probably the most interesting outcome among many others of the cutting down of trees and burning of forest mainly for jhum cultivation by the poor farmers which they (the poor farmers) interestingly have no knowledge about.
All the major rivers in the state have dried up resulting in tremendous scarcity of water which has directly affected the general public and compelled the public health engineering department to cut down on supply of potable water.
The continuous rising of mercury with the temperature hovering around 35.6 degrees celsius on April 21, recorded as the hottest day in the state in 15 years is the direct effect of global warming which is another significant account of jhum cultivation.
Now the big question is can this annual practice of the poor farmers particularly in the urban and hilly region of the state and the country be stopped?
The suitable answer to this rests with us. It is this generation at the eleventh hour who have the knowledge and ability to act. If we leave it to the next generation it will simply be too late and the forest won`t be there to save and the global warming to prevent.
There are many different groups that will have to work together to achieve an end to this annual practice while considering the livelihood of the poor farmers too- environmentalists, conservationists, government as well as those who actually work in the forest-the poor farmers.
It is the vital role of the governments of initiate suitable measures in bringing out the most suitable solution which is the need of the hour.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/04/jhum-cultivation-a-threat-to-global-warming/
Mulayam Singh no longer hero for young in ManipurBusiness StandardSamajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav is no longer a hero for the young in Mainpuri, the constituency which sent him to parliament thrice. Naziya Parveen, 25, a primary school teache…
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Mulayam Singh no longer hero for young in Manipur
Business Standard Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav is no longer a hero for the young in Mainpuri, the constituency which sent him to parliament thrice. Naziya Parveen, 25, a primary school teacher in Bhongaon, told IANS: "Mulayam is definitely not a hero for us.". |
Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNFzxlzV77kxg2iHGZ7aG5wXP57xEA&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&cid=52778482881426&ei=69RYU6CcAYSo8QHXrwE&url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/mulayam-singh-no-longer-hero-for-young-in-manipur-114042301061_1.html
By Oken Jeet Sandham Nagaland Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar always emphasizes on the “quality education” in the State and once cautioned, while speaking at the 20th Foundation Day of Nagaland
By Oken Jeet Sandham
Nagaland Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar always emphasizes on the “quality education” in the State and once cautioned, while speaking at the 20th Foundation Day of Nagaland University at Kohima last year, that “If we delay in taking corrective measures and do not immediately rework our curriculum and courses, we will be doing injustice to our children.” He called on academicians, politicians and civil societies to start providing quality education to the students of the state.
I think the Governor much have had hunch of the precarious educational conditions of the State. And by now he must have realized of the state of affairs in the State. It is really sad that the educational systems in most of the government schools in the State are in a complete mess. There have been reports that students have to appear their exams without seeing their textbooks. School uniforms are not provided on time or sometimes not at all. Mid-day meal crises have become normal and in a very comical manner, the previous Education Minister in DAN-II Government even admitted on the floor of Assembly that he had taken Rs 51, 00,000/- for use in attending functions as chief guest.
Of late, fresh complaints surfaced from Dimapur areas that the students and teachers from government Town Middle School, located in Half Nagarjan area are reported to have waited for government’s action to deliver the textbooks for the students, before their exams started. The shocking exposé is the Headmistress of the school admitted that all such unwanted thing had happened in spite of their constant submission of details regarding the required study materials to the Education Department. She could not even tell when they would get the textbooks. There were also cases from Dimapur areas that students did not have their school buildings and their teachers were compelled to take classes under trees.
Now, one can easily imagine what would be the fate of thousands of poor students in far flung areas of the State if students studying in the Dimapur areas did not receive their textbooks till now.
It is really painful to see the innocent and extremely underprivileged students going to their schools in far flung areas of the State. These poorest of the poor students have to walk kilometers in some villages to reach their schools, most of which do not have walls, toilet facilities, class rooms, etc. In many places, one or two teachers will run the schools, while in some places one or two students are found to be only students. But on paper, it claimed enrolments of students in Government schools in remote villages are increasing.
The fact is these poor students have been undergoing all kinds of man-made tragedies from the day they started going to schools. Large number of students in extremely remote and inaccessible villages may not even know where they are going and for what purpose because many of them did not see their textbooks throughout the academic sessions. They just appeared their final exams without seeing even once their textbooks, forget about not getting their school uniforms and mid-day meals. These are the stories used to float every now and then.
These students are the children of the poorest of the poor who live in the villages and hardly know beyond their village activities. The reality is that they are born in their village, live there and die there without even seeing their neighborhoods. Their village is their own world. It is this situation that the authority continues to indulge in various forms of corruptions and on rare occasions, student bodies from those affected areas aired their grievances that hundreds of students had to appear their final exams without seeing even once their textbooks.
On the other hand, there have been agitations by the teachers for quite some time affecting educational careers of thousands of students across the State. They said they had not received their salaries for the last four months and for which they had already submitted number of representations to the Government, besides various forms of agitations to release their pending salaries. The other day, these teachers took out a silent procession from old MLA Hostel Junction to Raj Bhavan and submitted an ultimatum to the Governor with a 15 days’ time to address their issue. These agitating teachers are Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) teachers.
SSA is Government of India’s flagship program for achievement of Universalization of Elementary Education (UEE) in a time bound manner, as mandated by 86th amendment to the Constitution of India making free and compulsory Education to the Children of 6-14 years age group, a Fundamental Right.
SSA is being implemented in partnership with State Governments to cover the entire country and address the needs of 192 million children in 1.1 million habitations.
The program seeks to open new schools in those habitations which do not have schooling facilities and strengthen existing school infrastructure through provision of additional class rooms, toilets, drinking water, maintenance grant and school improvement grants.
Existing schools with inadequate teacher strength are provided with additional teachers, while the capacity of existing teachers is being strengthened by extensive training, grants for developing teaching-learning materials and strengthening of the academic support structure at a cluster, block and district level.
SSA seeks to provide quality elementary education including life skills. SSA has a special focus on girl’s education and children with special needs. SSA also seeks to provide computer education to bridge the digital divide.
Under SSA, the Nagaland State has received an amount of Rs 21665.89 lakhs (Rupees two hundred sixteen crore sixty five lakh eighty nine thousand) from the Government of India since 2008. The current SSA teachers in Nagaland are part of this scheme and their salaries should not be any problem. Because these SSA teachers’ issue has got nothing to do with the State budget. It does not at all affect the State’s exchequer.
Now the pertinent questions are how many students benefited from this SSA scheme in the State? And also why couldn’t students get their textbooks, and thereby forcing them to appear their exams without seeing once their textbooks. How many school buildings have been constructed under SSA in the State?
Why has the concerned department remained silent while educational systems in most of the government schools have been deteriorating day by day? Why couldn’t the department come up with some ideas as to how the issue could be solved? What is the Minister in-charge of School Education doing? Is he thinking to do something to mitigate the problems or has he exhausted any means to solve the problem? Can he remain silent?
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/04/can-the-nagaland-education-minister-remain-silent/
