July 16, 2014 – Page 3

Lady SI tortures two young sisters, DESAM comes to their rescue

At a time when concerted efforts are being made to stop child labor in the State, a woman who works in Manipur Police as a Sub Inspector and is also the wife of an advocate, has found employing two young sisters in her residence as maids and torturing them on the alleged charge of not performing their work properly for the last two years Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=23&src=170714

Seminar on Folklore held in Silchar

A one day seminar on the topic ‘Folklore, Sahitya amasung Sanskriti’ organised by PAN Manipur Folk Lore Society, Assam was held at the Auditorium of Govt Source Hueiyen News Service JNN

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=31&src=170714

Sports lesson for Manipur from Brazil – KanglaOnline

Sports lesson for Manipur from BrazilKanglaOnlineEven as the FIFA World Cup concluded with its liberal doses of heartbreaks and triumphant moments, the Manipur Olympics Association, MOA, too had a change of guards. This is not a commentary on the elect…

Sports lesson for Manipur from Brazil
KanglaOnline
Even as the FIFA World Cup concluded with its liberal doses of heartbreaks and triumphant moments, the Manipur Olympics Association, MOA, too had a change of guards. This is not a commentary on the electoral fortunes of the MOA. This is on the other …

Manipur’s Development Debacle in Post 2015 Context – KanglaOnline

Manipur's Development Debacle in Post 2015 ContextKanglaOnlineThe international discourse is strongly experienced in Manipur too, of increased effort to privatize people's land and their survival sources in the name of development and clear cut…

Manipur's Development Debacle in Post 2015 Context
KanglaOnline
The international discourse is strongly experienced in Manipur too, of increased effort to privatize people's land and their survival sources in the name of development and clear cut refusal to uphold indigenous peoples' rights. Manipur witnessed …

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Manipur’s Development Debacle in Post 2015 Context

By: Jiten Yumnam Hectic negotiation marks the ongoing efforts to replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with Sustainable Development Goals in a post 2015 development agenda definition process in UN,

By: Jiten Yumnam

Hectic negotiation marks the ongoing efforts to replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with Sustainable Development Goals in a post 2015 development agenda definition process in UN, with the developed, developing and least developed countries aggressively pursuing their interest. One wonders if the re-definition of current development discourse in the post 2015 will ever led to a rethinking of the current development model and processes pursued across Manipur and other parts of India’s North East. For instance, will there be a rethinking into the proposed plans to built colossal mega dams all across the rivers of Manipur and other rivers in the region for a more sustainable and alternative options? Or will there be a rethinking in introducing other extractive industries and other large infrastructure projects that will destroy the rich biodiversity, flora and fauna of the region with serious implications for indigenous communities inhabiting the state and across region. Will the new SDGs led to more involvement of communities in defining development priorities and processes?

The outcome document of the Rio+20 global Summit on Environment and Development held at Rio De Janiero in June 2012 sets the momentum towards defining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The limitations of the MDGs in terms of content and also its definition processes further provided impetus for SDGs. As diplomatic efforts and intensive negotiations among different stakeholders unfold, there’s clearly an obvious reality, of overwhelming focus on privatization of development, to entrust and legitimize corporate bodies’ role and involvement in all development processes throughout. Other pressing decision making process on key development challenges such as UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which gears up for a significant decision by 2015 year end also witnessed delegating maximum responsibilities to private sector development processes with limited or extremely weak accountability mechanisms. Hopes fades fast as one perceives the pattern of decisions shaped in defining SDGs primarily at the UN HQs.

The current discourse is already marked by refusal of many States of UN to refer to the term “human rights based approach to development” or HRBA in defining sustainable development goals. The overt emphasis on private sector led growth as the ultimate model of development in the Mexico High Level Meeting (HLM) of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation (GPEDC) and as also visible in the post Rio+20 processes without establishing a clear set of rules for accountability and respect of human rights of communities already provoked wide condemnations from CSOs and will only contribute in deepening inequality and human rights violations all over.

The international discourse is strongly experienced in Manipur too, of increased effort to privatize people’s land and their survival sources in the name of development and clear cut refusal to uphold indigenous peoples’ rights. Manipur witnessed series of development policies formed in the last decade, interestingly in the last few years, to promote corporatization and privatization of community resources and commodification of peoples live and future, such as the Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006, the Manipur Tourism Policy, 2011 and the most recent controversy is the Manipur Hydroelectric Power Policy 2012 and the New Land Use Policy, 2014.

One also wonders if there can ever be just and sustainable development when corporate bodies, which only prioritize on profits, led such kind of development, especially at this time of multiple global crisis? Given the aggressive pursuance of policy deregulation towards corporatization of communities land and resources with militarism, the simplification of processes to seek such approval (single window clearances) and exclusion of community voices and space to air in their grievances and alternatives, one wonders if this will lead to sustainable development in Manipur. One wonder if emphasis on colossal projects in Manipur such as mining, mega dams etc, that will entail massive impacts be considered as sustainable and be pursued as key components of SDGs.

Manipur today witnessed increased intrusion of multinational companies both from developed and developing countries, whichever has the best capacity to loot, destroy, burn and ruin communities land, resources, their lives and future. In the case of ongoing process to drill and explore oil and natural gas in Manipur, oil companies and the State unleashed both misinformation and denial of information. There is serious accountability issue with the oil company, Jubilant Energy and Oil and Gas Corporation of India, as both failed to take the free, prior and informed consent of communities who depend on their land for survival. Rather there’s bribery of community leaders and manipulation of traditional decision making process, which creates confusions within and among communities.

In India’s NE, the definition of development priorities continues to be defined by International Financial Institutions with State facilitation, which promoted enabling environment for private sector/business rather than communities in an atmosphere of exclusivity and lack of transparency and accountability. Such process lacks a full scale impact appraisal, denial of information, misinformation, upsetting the fragile ecological integrity and destroying cultures. The adherence to human rights standards, such as, UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, 2007, is absent. In India’s North East alone, more than 200 mega dams are being pursued with several constructed in Brahmaputra-Barak River Basin. These dams have already threatened indigenous farming in India’s North East States by submerging vast tract of agriculture land, wetlands and forest. And with lack of accountability of most of the corporate bodies involved in large scale destructive development, such as the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) in the case of destruction of Loktak Wetlands by its 105 MW Loktak Project, one wonders if there ever will be development justice in Manipur? A development justice, which places people – that is the majority poor and the marginalized – at the front and centre of development as the primary agents and subjects of change. A development justice, where development process is designed and adapted in response to the aspirations of the people and their available resources, and not imposed by technocrats and so-called high-level experts for all time and for all peoples.

There is no difference between the way how decisions are made on development processes, for specific development projects and policies introduced at the local context. The trend of development introduced in Manipur and across North East India is now a serious matter of alarm and concern. The focus of the region in global economic development, mostly to foster trade and development between South Asia and South East Asia through construction of gigantic highways, railways and other mega infrastructure projects along with promotion of extractive industries and big mega dams targeting the rich natural resources in the region will intensify social, environmental, cultural, health impacts and complicates the already worse human rights violations records in the region. Already, the Trans Asian Highway project and the High Transmission and Distribution Lines with Asian Development Bank and World Bank respectively and passing through Manipur had already displaced several communities from their agriculture and residential land areas. One wonders if the development decision making process in Manipur and across India’s North East works exclusively to the international decision making processes and other advances in development rights regime. There’s a strong disconnect. Marginalized communities most affected by such exclusive process will continue to be impacted, impoverished and pauperized. How can such development process bereft of taking communities into consent be considered sustainable and just? Development fostered under the current development architecture has already ruined lives, destroyed futures of many indigenous communities, displaced fisher folks, small scale farmers and women from their survival sources not only in Manipur, but also across communities worldwide.

One may also ponder if long standing complaints of affected communities to listen to the inconvenience and violations by those projects are ever listened to and considered for necessary action. There are even cases of community members including women killed, assaulted and threatened for demanding just development, for fair rehabilitation and resettlement, for review of destructive projects, for calling for rightful space to air in calls for alternatives and impact assessments. Three people affected by Khuga dam lost their lives in police firing in December 2005. In 2008, Ms. Lungmila of Louphoung Village affected by Mapithel dam in Manipur remain paralyzed after hit by tear gas canister fired by personnel of Indian Reserve Battalion. How can development process which involves taking lives of communities and militarizing their land for asserting their legitimate rights be considered as sustainable and just development?

Given the indications of exclusion of community representatives, stakeholders in the officials decision making process in defining sustainable development goals in the ongoing post 2015 processes in the UN HQ has already led to widespread condemnations. The process, now solely confined for participation and decision among the member States of the United Nations is already arbitrary, exclusive and undermines international advances on just development, to ensure participation of communities and other stakeholders and also undermines the very spirit and outcome of the Earth Summit in 1992 and also the Rio+20 summit in June 2012.

There are several countries, from both developed and developing countries which seriously positioned to exclude civil societies and representatives of communities from the official decision making on defining SDGs and further to curtail mentioning “Human Rights” or even “Rights” for that matter. There are even countries that refuse to acknowledge that ‘land’ is life for many, but rather perceive it as yet another “productive resource” for corporate exploitation and expansionism. Developed countries are clear during negotiations, to protect and advance the interest of their corporate bodies and their intellectual property rights regime, the basic premise of their corporate operations to consolidate wealth and profits. One may ask whether the current efforts to find sustainable development goals will really be sustainable and helpful for the communities and nature, already subjected to multiple layers of deprivation, conflict and devastation of their lives. Or will the process contribute at least in restoring the health of our mother earth and in ushering development justice for many communities victimized and marginalized by the dominant development discourse.

The need for a just development is increasingly felt all over the world with states insisting on consolidation of the dominant development model and paradigm. As organizations worldwide prepares to observe the global day of development justice on 21st July to remind ourselves of the development injustice and the multiple impacts on marginalized and impoverished communities in deep corners of our earth, it is high time to remind ourselves if whether the current development process in Manipur actually serves the needs and also compatible to the wishes and aspirations of communities. Or whether it serves the interest and needs of only multinational corporate bodies and those in the State that actively support them. Pursuance of development aggression with intensified militarism will never lead to sustainable development, which actually is all about promoting communities intrinsic rights and democratic decision making processes. For indigenous peoples, recognizing their inherent rights over their land and resources and respecting their right to free, prior and informed consent for any development decision making in their land and territories is key for sustainable development in their land.

Promoting human rights based approach to development, fostering a community led development initiatives, promoting rightful participation, transparency and accountability will be crucial to foster development justice in Manipur. A significant step to promote development justice is to rethink all development processes for its compatibility to standards of human rights based approach to development. Reviewing policies detrimental to the rights of communities and to environmental integrity, and if necessary to repeal, such as Hydroelectric Power Policy, 2012, Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006, Manipur tourism policy, Manipur Industrial policy etc, India’s PPP policy etc, Manipur Land Use Policy etc is fundamentally crucial.

Development justice can be best ensured if development processes is rooted in the wishes and aspirations of communities and in promoting health and sustenance of our mother earth. A significant consideration of whose development, who defines and who benefits need be seriously explored. Any development process negating human rights and inconsiderate of the human rights based approach to development will only led to multilayered conflict and confusion and will only reinforce development injustice. Fostering a development process that respect indigenous peoples right to freely assert their self determined development is extremely important to secure development justice in Manipur and beyond. It is high time to advance Development Justice – a transformative development framework that aims to reduce inequalities of wealth, power, and resources between rich and poor, between men and women and between countries. The larger process of defining the Sustainable Developments Goals in the post 2015 process also need be sensitive to the realities of deprivation and inequality prevailing among the most marginalized and the violations within perpetuated by State, Corporate bodies, military and other powerful development actors, as in the case of Manipur and also be sensitive to their voice, aspirations as expressed in their concerted struggles for change and justice.

Sports lesson for Manipur from Brazil

Sometimes it is difficult not to believe certain events in the physical world are inter connected, not just by coincidence, but magically by providence. Even as the FIFA World Cup

Sometimes it is difficult not to believe certain events in the physical world are inter connected, not just by coincidence, but magically by providence. Even as the FIFA World Cup concluded with its liberal doses of heartbreaks and triumphant moments, the Manipur Olympics Association, MOA, too had a change of guards. This is not a commentary on the electoral fortunes of the MOA. This is on the other hand a reminder of mistakes which can ruin, and have indeed been the cause for ruins of many similar sporting projects everywhere. No example of this can be more profound and glaring than the manner in which a formidable footballing nation, Brazil, suffered what can only be described as a catastrophe at the World Cup 2014. Brazil which has won the World Cup five times had the expectation this time of adding to this awesome tally to make it six. What the team, riding on the shoulders of its multimillion dollar superstar players like Neymar da Silva Santosh Jr and David Luiz ended up with, as those of us who followed the tournament closely saw, were ruthless plunders first at the hands of Germany 1-7 in the quarterfinals and then The Netherlands 0-3 in the semis. For a nation which breaths and lives football, no humiliation could have been worse, and as numerous hyperbole rich banner headlines in the nation’s newspapers screamed on the morrow of these matches, the shame of this rout was unprecedented in its entire history.

For some reasons, probably for the fact that Brazil’s playing style nicknamed “samba football” which has come to acquire the reputation of representing the joy and exuberance of the “beautiful game”, quite in contrast to the European style which is seen as marked by methodical regimented discipline, a lot many in the non-European world generally end up supporting Brazil. Manipur is no exception. But even for dispassionate followers of football who did not care too much for the fate of Brazil’s team, the two massacres, especially the one by the Germans, were difficult to watch, and if as in boxing there was anything as throwing in the towel to surrender and stop the contest, they too would have loved to see this when there seemed no way Brazil could avoid the massacring onslaughts. In terms more familiar in India, many wished the cricket rule of declaring was also in vogue in football, so that the Germans and then the Dutch could have said enough is enough, and graciously ended the torture mid-game.

As the dusts settle and passions cool, dispassionate post mortem analyses would begin, and indeed have already begun. It is these reports that Manipur should be keenly interested in, for on Manipur’s smaller sports canvas, the parallels are uncannily similar. How did Brazil with such a pedigree of football talent, and inherent national footballing DNA determining its thirst for excellence in the game, not manage to put together a team capable at least of avoiding such humiliation, if not win the World Cup? They had a reputed coach of known international reputation in Luiz Filipe Scolari who has led the Brazil team before to World Cup victory in 2002, and also has been behind many successful campaigns at home and in Europe as manager of various reputed clubs and national sides.

Many are already blaming corruption and official complacency in the framing as well as execution of sports policy in the country. While official patronage of sports is essential for sporting excellence to become a reality, a complete usurpation of the sports agenda by the officialdom can blunt individual creative instincts at the grassroots by reducing sports to another routine official matter. The protests against the World Cup in Brazil before the tournament began have thus acquired new significance. There are already doubts expressed in the country that something did not connect the 12 billion US dollars spent to build the World Cup infrastructures and the way sports was being managed at the grassroots. But let Brazil answer its own questions? The self questioning has also only just begun, so it would be preposterous for us to jump the gun.

But the Manipur parallel is significant, therefore this editorial. This year, Manipur which once was considered as a fountainhead of footballing talent in the country, and its team feared in all national footballing arenas, did not figure anywhere in the Santosh Trophy tournament, the foremost national championship. Did anybody ask why? Neighbouring Mizoram put up a superlative performance and won the trophy, which deserves our congratulations, but how has Manipur’s prowess in the game diminished so radically? Manipur is also a known powerhouse in many other sporting disciplines, but the uneasy question is, would the football fate fall on other sporting disciplines too? How are our State level leagues being organized? Where are the teams which participate in these State level leagues drawing their players from? What are the selection procedures? The picture does not seem too promising.

Here too it may again be an official usurpation which may be the bane. Just one example will illustrate this point. The Eastern Sporting Union has a beautiful football ground. Probably official funds for its upkeep are much more generous now than a decade ago, for it is well maintained. It is unfortunately out of bounds of the public. Round the year, it is a pain to see kids in the locality playing on little patches outside the main sprawling, green, manicured, empty ground, because they are prohibited to enter it. Is the obsession with the cosmetic upkeep of the ground killing local talents? Surely football grounds are not meant for tourist attraction, and their more important function is grooming players. True, a balance is necessary for the ground can also become abused and fatigued by overuse, but as it seems, the balance has been tipped towards the wrong end at this moment. There therefore is a lesson for Manipur in the manner Brazil suffered a humiliation despite the 12 billion dollars spent on building state-of-the-art stadiums.

The highest governing body of sports in the State, the Manipur Olympics Association, has just had its election and a new set of office bearers have taken over. We hope this new team would see the lesson and begin the reformation process. We hope it will be able to rejuvenate the moribund sports administration and re-instill life back into sports in the State, beginning from identifying and grooming talents from the grassroots to the conduct of highest level tournaments.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/sports-lesson-for-manipur-from-brazil/

The Mary Kom film story

The announcement of a Hindi bio-pic on Mary Kom immediately after the five times World Champion won the Olympic medal backed no less by a producer who is an acclaimed

The announcement of a Hindi bio-pic on Mary Kom immediately after the five times World Champion won the Olympic medal backed no less by a producer who is an acclaimed film maker in his own light was big news for the state. Unfortunately, the news got missed in the home media, which could possibly be because of the blanket ban on Hindi films and Hindi language based entertainment in the public sphere which was imposed from 2000 onwards by an underground armed group. That ban as we know, killed off the movie theatre circuit though a few theatres still stand that shows Manipuri digital films. That ban on Hindi films also co-incided with a phase where-in cinema multiplexes with increased seats, technically polished sound systems and other assorted film watching paraphernalia got introduced across the country. Manipur still has to see a decent movie theatre that is clean, has good seats and with safety norms inbuilt, see the light of any multiplex. And while the Manipuri film industry may still be churning out box office potboilers, the reality also is that not many people will find it worthwhile to catch the pictures at any of the theatres in the state.

Much has changed in the 14 years of the ban on Hindi films in theatres and on the local cable TV in the state, including ushering the Manipuri digital industry. With the emergence of the Dish TV service, people can now tune in to their favourite TV channels and watch the films that are on offer, thereby rendering the ban on Hindi films at best cosmetic. While at one point of time, posters of Hindi film actors were stopped from being sold in the markets of Imphal and other districts with newspapers being pulled up for carrying Hindi film related news in the ‘entertainment’ section, the impending Hindi film bio bic ‘Mary Kom’ is perhaps a reminder that the ban needs to go. The release of two theatre posters in the form of the first look for ‘Mary Kom’ starring popular Hindi film actor Priyanka Chopra is currently creating an immense buzz in the social networking world. There have been many voices questioning the casting Priyanka Chopra instead of someone from the region whose looks would be more in line with the way the diminutive Olympian looks like. But those who follow the business of cinema will know that producers and film makers alike put in their finances and efforts behind what are known as bankable actors and those whose association with a venture will bring in better returns. This is true not just for the Hindi film industry but also in other film scenarios across the world.

The film and Mary Kom, the boxer will have gained in name for the attempt to tell the story of a woman who took up a sports that is not really encouraged in India, and much less for women and then going to win the World Championships for five times, ultimately capping it with an Olympic bronze medal. The losers will be the people of Manipur who will not be able to watch the film when it releases across the country. The losing score for Manipur started much earlier because of the ban on actors from the state not being allowed to work in the Hindi film industry. The scare generated by the long-standing ban also ensured that the film makers steered clear of making locations in the state important landmarks in the film. Having the film made in the state would also have ensured that technical support would have included those from the pool of film making talent that the state has.

Mary Kom herself has gone on record stating to national media forums saying that the Hindi film bio-pic on her life would serve as a source of inspiration for young people, while expressing hope that the ban on Hindi films in Manipur would be lifted so her film can be screened. But till the boxer sits down with the various civil society groups and assorted associations operating in the state to create a safe space for bringing her film to the big screen here, the film ‘Mary Kom’ will eventually end as a mere footnote tossed around in social networking sites.
Leader Writer: Chitra Ahanthem

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/the-mary-kom-film-story/

Gaikhangam talks tough against drug trafficking

IMPHAL, July 16: None of the drug traffickers operating in the State will be spared but dealt with in a befitting manner according to the law of the land said

IMPHAL, July 16: None of the drug traffickers operating in the State will be spared but dealt with in a befitting manner according to the law of the land said deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam on the floor of the ongoing full budget session today.

Gaikhangam was responding to a query raised by senior Congress legislator Y Irabot during the question hour.

Noting that the issue of drug abuse can be a threat to an entire generation, Gaikhangam who is also the Home minister had opined that the government will not spare those responsible for such reckless activities.

Expressing concern, Gaikhangam asserted that some important cases have already been handed over to CBI for investigation.

The number of seizure of banned drugs consignments in the State during the period from 2007 to June 2014 is 430 and total number of persons (owner) booked so far 657 adding that all the arrested individuals are the real owners of the drugs consignments, he told the House.

In his question, Y Irabot had raised his doubts over the dealing of a case in connection with the drug seizure made by a team of the SIU from the Tulihal Airport on January 11, 2013, wherein a person identified as Md Rajuddin of Lilong was reportedly arrested.

On the other hand, in response to query raised by Andro MLA Shyamkumar with regards to the procedure of allotting gun licence, Giakhangam informed the House that none of the licence holder were given any basic training of weapon as there is no provision in the Gun Licence Act 1995 Arms Rules, 1962 as most of the weapon category are non-sophisticated. However, licence is provided to only genuine applicants after proper verification.

Irabot questions Thoubal getting lion’s share in police recruitment

IMPHAL, July 16: Responding to a question raised by the senior Congress legislator, Gaikhangam said that no recruitment was done during the year 2002 to 2004 in the Police department.

He further presented the district wise total number of recruitment for various post in the police department during the year 2005 till 2013.

As per the presentation Thoubal district topped the chart in recruitment.

In 2005 a total of 218 were recruited in MR/IRB of the total sanction post 776.

In 2006, 33 posts Constable Radio Transmission officer (CRTO) recruited of the total 92 sanction post, 107 havildars of the total 464 sanctioned posts and 53 female constable out of 199 sanctioned posts were from the district.

In 2007, 393 individuals were recruited in district in MR/IRB of the total sanctioned post 1284.

The highest recruitment for the district was in 2009 wherein 1123 constable male was recruited from the district of the total 4197, 638 (MR/IRB) in 2010 of the total 2587, 71 CRTO in 2011 of the total 211, 219 female constable in 20012 out of 842 and 167 constable female (9IRB) in 2013 out of 570.

In his supplementary question, Y Irabot asked the reason behind giving the lion’s share in police recruitment to Thoubal district adding that he demands equal share in recruitment constituency wise.

Seized oil samples proved adulterated: Phungzathang

IMPHAL, July 16: A case has been registered under the Food Security Act, 2006, regarding the recent seizure of edible oil from a Mantripukhri godown, after test results of the

IMPHAL, July 16: A case has been registered under the Food Security Act, 2006, regarding the recent seizure of edible oil from a Mantripukhri godown, after test results of the samples sent for test has proved adulteration.

This was stated by Health and Family Welfare minister, Phungzathang Tonsing replying to a calling attention motion raised by opposition leader, AIC MLA Dr I Ibohalbi on the fourth day of the ongoing full Budget session.

The minister informed the House that the involved trader’s licence has been cancelled and the godown sealed.

Highlighting the penalties the perpetrator could face, which include a fine of Rs one to two lakh or imprisonment, Phungzathang further assured action against the trader.

The government has not taken the issue lightly as it is a matter of health of the entire State, said Pungzathang adding that even the Chief Minister had shared his concern on the issue.

He further divulged that due to lack of funds, the department concerned could not employ enough man power besides the designated officers in each district. However, he assured the House of the government’s initiative in meeting the required man power in the department within a month.

Meanwhile, the Health minister also revealed that another three cases of oil adulteration have been taken up by the department however he declined to share the details with the House citing that all three were in the initial stages of investigation.

Raising his motion, Dr I Ibohalbi Singh compared the trader’s act to slow poisoning and went on to say that it was a challenge to the tradition and culture of the State irrespective of hills and valley.

The opposition leader further questioned whether it was an attempt to wipe out the entire populace of Manipur?

Recalling the event based on news reports published in local dailies, Dr I Ibohalbi said that the adulterated oil and betel nuts were seized from the godown of Ajay traders whose owner is Molchand Pawar of Rajasthan.

Over Rs 30 lakhs worth adulterated oil was seized and found other tampered containers, he said.

Further claiming that Molchand has fled to Rajasthan, he questioned how the government will take action against the perpetrator.

He also questioned on the number of the registered businessmen of edible oil in the State and the procedure of the functioning of food safety officers in the State adding suggestions to deploy food safety officers at strategic check posts including Moreh, Jiribam and Mao gate.

Seized oil samples proved adulterated: Phungzathang

IMPHAL, July 16: A case has been registered under the Food Security Act, 2006, regarding the recent seizure of edible oil from a Mantripukhri godown, after test results of the

The minister informed the House that the involved trader’s licence has been cancelled and the godown sealed.

Highlighting the penalties the perpetrator could face, which include a fine of Rs one to two lakh or imprisonment, Phungzathang further assured action against the trader.

The government has not taken the issue lightly as it is a matter of health of the entire State, said Pungzathang adding that even the Chief Minister had shared his concern on the issue.

The opposition leader further questioned whether it was an attempt to wipe out the entire populace of Manipur?

Over Rs 30 lakhs worth adulterated oil was seized and found other tampered containers, he said.

Further claiming that Molchand has fled to Rajasthan, he questioned how the government will take action against the perpetrator.

Thumbuthong’s road condition worrisome for locals: ex-commissioner

By Lanchamei Golmei IMPHAL, July 16: Works minister Dr. Kh Ratankumar has assured people residing in the surrounding areas of Thumbuthong that the road development and other related works will

By Lanchamei Golmei
IMPHAL, July 16: Works minister Dr. Kh Ratankumar has assured people residing in the surrounding areas of Thumbuthong that the road development and other related works will resume today.

This was informed to the residents of the area in a meeting by Yaiskul MLA Elangbam Chand and the Section Engineer responsible for the development works in the area, stated ex-commissioner GA Ravichandra who participated in that meeting.

According to Ravichandra, the local MLA and the SE also relay the commitment expressed by the Works minister to complete the road development and other related works in the area.

A meeting was held on May 25, at the same venue where the local MLA and members of Brahmalaya Social Welfare Centre discussed the inconveniences faced by people in the surrounding areas of Thumbuthong.

During the meeting, it was decided that construction of the retaining wall would begin two days later but the construction stopped on June 28 without completion, ex-commissioner Ravichandra told IFP.

Ravichandra said the residents have patiently waited for the construction to begin since then but as there were no positive response from the government, members of Brahmalaya Social Welfare Centre and the local meira paibis held a meeting on Sunday to express their agony over the matter.

During the function, the members had a conversation over the phone with the local MLA on the issue to which the local MLA requested the people to give him time until Monday so that he can have a word with the CM and the Works minister on the issue, said the ex-commissioner.

Lamenting that the health of children and elders residing in the area are deteriorating day by day, he asked how long the people residing in the area will have to live in such conditions.

“We have been compromising since Thumbuthong opened to the general public. As it is one of the vital links between the two districts in the Imphal valley, we hoped that the State government would understand the issues and took up timely action,” he said.

He further stated that they have set a deadline of June 15 for the government to give a positive response to the demand.

In case the government fails to act on the demand, members of the Brahmalaya Social Welfare Centre and local meira paibis will launch agitations by blocking the road along Thambuthong, he warned.

He further added that, however, if the government’s response is positive, they will extend their best possible help to see the quick completion of the road development and other related works.

CM gaffes answering to Samuel Risom

IMPHAL, July 16: The question hour of the 4th day of the ongoing full budget session witnessed a lighter moment with Chief Minister Okram Ibobi committing an unintentional mistake while

IMPHAL, July 16: The question hour of the 4th day of the ongoing full budget session witnessed a lighter moment with Chief Minister Okram Ibobi committing an unintentional mistake while replying to a question raised by Ukhrul MLA, Samuel Risom.

Altogether nine questions were in the list of question raised by the Ukhrul MLA including seven starred questions and two un-starred.

Technically, un-starred questions are replied in written form and don’t require verbal responses.

However, to the surprise of the House, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi went on to reply to one of the un-starred question of Ukhrul MLA, Samuel Risom instead of replying to the starred questions in the list, which led to loud mutterings amongst the members of the House.

The Chief Minister came to know of his knowledge only after the intervention of the Speaker who was also informed of the error by one of his staff present inside the House.

At the same time, the questioner had also stood up to make clarification.

However, the Chief Minister had also tabled the report of the Comptroller, Auditor General of India on State finance for the year ended March 31, 2013 and Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for the year ended March 31 (Report No. 1 of 2014).

Revenue minister, Th Debendra Singh, also tabled a copy of the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Diversion of Land) Rules, 2014.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/cm-gaffes-answering-to-samuel-risom/

Maoist general strike on July 24

IMPHAL: July 16: Manipur Maoist has called a general strike on July 24 against alleged embezzlement of crores by Agriculture department, Government of Manipur. In a statement made available to

IMPHAL: July 16: Manipur Maoist has called a general strike on July 24 against alleged embezzlement of crores by Agriculture department, Government of Manipur. In a statement made available to the media signed by its secretary publicity and propaganda, Nonglen Meitei has stated that it will be a 12 hours strike starting from 5 in the morning.

The statement has alleged that in these few years the Agriculture department has embezzled huge amount of money that comes through various schemes such as Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, (RKVY), Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), System of Rice Intensification (SRI) etc.

It said RKVY was instituted for the welfare of the farmers in agricultural and its allied sectors. The allied sector includes Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fishery, Dairy Development, Forestry and Wild Life, and agricultural research and training etc. The statement has alleged that the total amounts of fund that have been embezzled are more than 200 Crore, distributed among a handful of bureaucrats and ministers by table work manipulation.

The outfit has further maintained that the finding is just the tip of the ice berg. It said embezzlement has been going on in the said department for a long time. This was evident when a former Director of the department gave kilograms of gold as dowry gift on his daughter’s wedding, according to the statement.

The outfit has appealed to the people for their support to the general strike. The strike has been called in the general interest of the people of Manipur and more particularly for the toiling agricultural workers whose rights have been violated. If the authority concern fails to look into the matter, the outfit will take serious note of it, added the statement.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/maoist-general-strike-on-july-24/

Police stop disgruntled SI and Jemadar appointees from marching towards Assembly

IMPHAL, July 16: The SI/Jemadar and ASI selected candidates of 2010 who were marching towards the Manipur Legislative Assembly to protest against the State government’s decision to delay the issue

IMPHAL, July 16: The SI/Jemadar and ASI selected candidates of 2010 who were marching towards the Manipur Legislative Assembly to protest against the State government’s decision to delay the issue of their appointment orders were stopped by a police team at Thangmeiband Meisnam Leikai today at around 12:30pm.

Speaking to media persons, a candidate stated that the selected candidates went to the police headquarters to collect their appointment letters after being notified that they should collect their appointment letters on July 16.

However, when the selected candidates went to the police headquarters to collect them, we found that the matter has been postponed indefinitely, he added.

Stating further that the government or the concerned department didn’t give any prior information about the indefinite postponement of issuing their appointment letters, the candidate said that the decision to further delay the issue of appointment letters was absurd.

Later, the candidates asked for an appointment to meet the Director General of Police to enquire about the reason behind the cancelation of issuing the appointment letters but they were denied the permission to meet the DGP on the ground that he was unavailable.

The Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court has in its verdict ordered the State government to issue the appointment orders. Copies of the judgment of the Chief Justice have been submitted to the Chief Minister, Home Minister, Principal Secretary (home) and the DGP. However, no action has been taken after the judgment, he said.

Urging the State government to not further delay in issuing the appointment letters and fix a particular date, he said that their agitation will continue until the government acts on their demands.

“However, we will not cause any hindrance to the general public because we will be law enforcing agents in the foreseeable future,” he said.

No screening of Priyanka Chopra’s latest movie on Mary Kom in Manipur – Hindustan Times

Hindustan TimesNo screening of Priyanka Chopra's latest movie on Mary Kom in ManipurHindustan TimesThe reason: Hindi films were banned in the state over a decade ago by separatist organisations who felt the movies undermined Manipur's culture. …

Hindustan Times

No screening of Priyanka Chopra's latest movie on Mary Kom in Manipur
Hindustan Times
The reason: Hindi films were banned in the state over a decade ago by separatist organisations who felt the movies undermined Manipur's culture. There is also resentment that Priyanka Chopra was cast to play Manipur's sporting icon instead of a local …
The Mary Kom film storyKanglaOnline
Here's what's so wrong about Priyanka Chopra playing Mary KomFirstpost
Priyanka, Parineeti set to clash at the box-officeBollywood Mantra
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Manipur woman found dead in flat – Times of India

Manipur woman found dead in flatTimes of IndiaNEW DELHI: A 26-year-old woman from Manipur was found dead inside her south Delhi flat on Wednesday under mysterious circumstances. Rose Gangmei was found unconscious in her room with headphones on by her f…

Manipur woman found dead in flat
Times of India
NEW DELHI: A 26-year-old woman from Manipur was found dead inside her south Delhi flat on Wednesday under mysterious circumstances. Rose Gangmei was found unconscious in her room with headphones on by her flat-mate. Prima facie investigations …

A Manipur district in the ‘dark’ about FIFA – The Hindu

A Manipur district in the 'dark' about FIFAThe HinduCitizens of Tamenglong, a backward hill district in Manipur, could not watch FIFA world football cup matches. Reason: no power supply. For the sports loving people of Manipur there cannot be a…

A Manipur district in the 'dark' about FIFA
The Hindu
Citizens of Tamenglong, a backward hill district in Manipur, could not watch FIFA world football cup matches. Reason: no power supply. For the sports loving people of Manipur there cannot be a more cruel punishment than this. The district has not been …

and more »

Nupi Maanbi: The Transgender of Manipur – Advocate.com

Nupi Maanbi: The Transgender of ManipurAdvocate.comThe maibis, a community of women mediums in India's northeast Manipur state, lead a mystical existence, acting as religious counselors and oracles to the human world from that of the Meitei gods.

Nupi Maanbi: The Transgender of Manipur
Advocate.com
The maibis, a community of women mediums in India's northeast Manipur state, lead a mystical existence, acting as religious counselors and oracles to the human world from that of the Meitei gods.