September 27, 2014 – Page 3

Retd Chief Justice presents views on ILPS before all party committee

IMPHAL, September 27: Retired Chief Justice RK Manisana has put his opinions regarding the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System before the all political party committee formed in this

IMPHAL, September 27: Retired Chief Justice RK Manisana has put his opinions regarding the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System before the all political party committee formed in this matter today.

The meeting of the committee chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam was scheduled on 2 pm at the office chamber of the New Assembly Secretariat to continue the process of taking the opinions from experts to find the feasible legal means of implementing ILP in the State.

Official sources said that committee scheduled its next meeting on October 1 at 2 pm and there would be joint meetings with officials of the Census department to discuss and review the demographic details of outsiders in the State.

Later in the day, the commissioner of labour was also asked to appear before the committee to monitor the status of migrants and foreigners registered in the State for work.

On October 3, Retired Justice of Manipur High Court Shishak will present his opinions and suggestions on the issue of ILP during the half hour allotted to him.

A committee comprising three senior politicians – Rishang Keishing, RK Dorendro and Radha Binod Koijam – will thoroughly discuss his views on the issue later on that day.

On Ocotber 4, veteran politicians like Okram Joy and Dr L Chandramani will express their views on the issue before the committee members, added our official sources.

Democratize power

By Tinky Ningombam Are you the decision maker in the family? That`™s what they normally ask in marketing research. One of the first signs of power is decision making. A

By Tinky Ningombam

Are you the decision maker in the family? That`™s what they normally ask in marketing research. One of the first signs of power is decision making. A kid turns an adult once we know that he/she is capable of making his/her own choices. But it is the toughest job. And the bigger the stake, the harder it is.

Most of us believe that we make our own decisions but as I have repeatedly espoused it is not so. We seldom question who the decision maker is and what he does with our lives `“ in our personal or social space. We just know that there is. He/she who has power over our lives.

When you ask people of who they think have power, one will always point to the authority figure. It will be the majority in a group, the leader of the pack, the rich, the elite, the famous? But power can also be a very subjective term. Man is powerful than animals, Ideas are more powerful than Man, God is all powerful than everything else? But above all, power is the control over choices. This is the power play we face every day. Who decides over whom?

We somehow secretly think that life would be much easier if all we did was just follow orders. If we are ok in believing that just following orders will make us be successful, accomplished, famous and alive. If we knew that those orders are going to make our life good. Even if they seemed wrong. `Why did you burn the house down, john?` `Because the boss said so.`

Because ignorance is bliss and a huge majority of people like to be told what to do. People like to follow the boss. The boss who has the courage to control the lives of people. When people believe in him/her, they give them the authority to decide and take over their lives. Maybe not entirely it may seem but an awful huge part of it. Because it is easier to live that way. As a child, one would not question if an adult told us to stay in one place and not move. Obviously as a child, we wouldn`t have had the mental prowess to question that order nor will the adult accept the validity of a rebuttal. We are all `children` to someone or the other, we like to be `children`. To be told things.

The hypocrisy in our lives hence is, the fact that we are quite protective of our personal daily choices while we give away all the important decision making to people in power without even raising a question of doubt. The sad part of everything here is that while most men envy power and the control, most common men do not think they are capable of wielding it. People think of power as in this context something that is manipulative, evil or corrupt. Something for people with money or people with connections.

I will get a little cheesy and quote Spiderman`™s Uncle Ben here and say that `With great power comes great responsibility`. Common people need to understand that Power doesn`t mean making others follow them blindly. It does not mean arm-twisting the law. Power does not mean having to decide over others`™ lives to serve selfish purposes. And it is definitely not only with the leader of the pack, the rich, the elite or the famous. Not all great ideas comes from the top. Not all great movements comes from board-rooms. Power comes from the people. From the citizens. Decision-making comes first from the people, from the citizens. Laws are made and are supposed to be made to accommodate the lives of citizens. And if that is not the case, people need to use their individual rights, their powers to revolt, redress and reform.

Yes, being your own boss is the hardest task of all. The boss who thinks of all the pros and cons, the boss who apparently can see the big picture, the boss who`™s neck will be in the noose if something bad happens, the boss whom everyone relies on. Not everyone wants power. It seems fun for a while, but not for long. Hence we consciously stay out of the power games. We leave them to the so called connected people, the moneyed people, the people with agendas, the people who like to take control. And then we get caught in the vicious circle, because we rely on them to make our decisions for us, without even knowing what power it is that we are giving up ,the same one that they are using over you.

You ask me, where do we start? Start with your family, with your neighborhood, with your community. Power should be democratized. You need to question choices that are made for you. Question if people are using power over you and if it is justified. See if your opinions are considered for the choices that affect you. Don`™t just do it for yourself, do it for the people, for your children and the children after that. If you do not take control of your lives, you give control of your lives to people who are waiting to take it.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/democratize-power/

Festive season affecting Sanjenthong construction, as labourers leave for home

IMPHAL, September 27: The arrival of the five day long Durga Puja starting from October 1 and Idul Juha on October 6 has severely affected progress of the ongoing construction

IMPHAL, September 27: The arrival of the five day long Durga Puja starting from October 1 and Idul Juha on October 6 has severely affected progress of the ongoing construction work of a new Sanjenthong.

Most labourers have left the work site to visit their homes during the festive season affecting the ongoing construction work which had been undertaken on a war footing for the past 129 days.

During a spot inspection, the IFP found that most engineers, other officials and technicians of the work implementing agency m/s Simplex K Company pvt ltd were also absent from the work site.

The labourers supposed to be working on the main construction unit of the bridge were also nowhere to be seen.

The only visible signs of any construction work were the use of an excavator to level stone chips on the Babupara side of the bridge and unloading of rock boulders from a truck on the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry dept side. A few labourers were also seen cutting iron bars.

During the spot inspection, it was also witness that the bottom chords for the below portion of the under-construction bridge which were brought in from outside the State were yet to be laid, since finishing touches on the 22 pillars erected on each side of the bridge were yet to be completed.

Dismantling work of the old Sanjenthong was also just about 60 percent complete.

Senior officials of the State Public Works Department said engineers, technicians and labourers have taken leave to go home on account of Durga Puja and Idul Juha, which is why the work site wears a deserted look.

They will however, return to the worksite on October 7, they said.

The entire construction comes under the supervision of the State PWD although a separate implementing agency has been engaged for the construction work.

Construction work of the bridge will be on full-swing again on October 7 when the labourers and engineers are supposed to return, the PWD officials assured.

It is also learnt that the implementing agency has assured to bring 40 skill labourers for the construction work and that even places for them to stay have already been spotted.

The officials have also asserted that laying of foundation of the bridge which is the most important part is almost complete. The steel girder, bottom chord and shear connectors which are to be placed above the foundation have also reached the State. However, the entire components including around 3300 screws for the bridge are 14 truckloads of which eight trucks have reached Imphal.

The part of the old bridge which is yet to be dismantled is to be cut off and brought down using a crane to be brought in from Guwahati, the officials informed.

The crane weighing 70 tonnes is being brought in a truck and already on the way, they said.

The rental of the crane is Rs 1.50 lakh, informed an official while adding that the stone chips being laid at the river banks is to enable the crane to reach the construction site.

Hindu labourers have already left for the Durga Puja, those still remaining at the work site now are muslims and they would also be leaving for Idul Juha, the official informed.

It may be mentioned that the government has already announced that the construction of the all-important bridge will be completed before the Sangai Festival which was held in November last year.

7 file papers for Manipur by-poll – Assam Tribune

7 file papers for Manipur by-poll
Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Sept 27 – Seven candidates have filed nomination papers to contest the upcoming by-election in Manipur with Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) candidate filing the nomination on the last day. MSCP candidate Thouchom Laiba Singh …

Shame and scandal in the Assam Rifles

By Pradip Phanjoubam The explosive story this weekend by the irrepressible Tehelka Magazine, has revealed much more than just the stinking rot that has seemingly set into the very being

By Pradip Phanjoubam

The explosive story this weekend by the irrepressible Tehelka Magazine, has revealed much more than just the stinking rot that has seemingly set into the very being of the Assam Rifles. Although the sensational nature of the story of how Army officers on deputation to this paramilitary unit have been making Faustian deals and selling their souls for filthy money over the years has somewhat overshadowed everything else the story also points to, it must be reiterated that the story`™s inferences on certain other departments of the government were equally damning. In particular, it also spoke of the complete failure of the intelligence wings of the government establishment, in particular the Intelligence Bureau and Vigilance Department. Not the least, the absolute silence of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, in its annual reports on the state of finance management by various other departments of the government, is bewildering. How did they not even get even a wind of an ongoing robbery of this dimension under their very noses in all these years is a question which cannot be raise without suspicion of complicity of these departments in crime as well. Were they all scratching each others`™ backs, turning a blind eye to each others`™ crimes, in what can be described as a collaborated institutional thievery?

As it is turning out once again, very often it is the lowly paid journalists who do much better investigation jobs than those in the cocoon of government services, paid solely to investigate and alert the system of crimes already committed and of possible crimes the government can take precautionary measures against. In this case, as also in the infamous July 13, 2009, BT Road broad daylight murders, by police commandos, it was not local journalists who got the story first. Instead it is yet again a journalist of a newsmagazine from Delhi. This is understandable, for in the state of exception that Manipur is plunged in, with draconian laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, in promulgation in all its unaccountable brutality, it would have been extremely dangerous and practically impossible for local journalists to have gone about snooping into the affairs of the security establishments.

According to the Tehelka story, backed up amply by video and audio recordings of the crimes as they happened, acquired in a daring sting operation assisted by an Assam Rifles empanelled contractor, Assam Rifles officers, engineers and other petty officials, have been in a systematically orchestrated manner, illegally deducting as much as 30 percent of the civic developmental funds allotted to them as part the military civic programme of the Union government meant to warm the hearts and minds of the people of the Northeast towards the military. The annual budgets for this ongoing project is by no means paltry. In the last three years alone the budgets according to the Tehelka report is: Rs. 3,580 crores for 2014-15, Rs. 3,358 crores for 2013-14 and Rs. 2,966 crores for 2012-13. Just to have an estimate of the size of the racket, in just these three years, the amount siphoned off and thereby converted to black money by these officers would be close to Rs. 3000 crores, if 30 percent is what is deducted from every contract job outsourced in the course of this project, as reported by Tehelka.

Quite obviously, insurgency has made many supposed insurgency fighters multi millionaires and this being the case, it would be obvious now as to who are the ones who have a sinister vested interest in perpetuating the conflict situation in the Northeast. What a dismal picture. On the one hand these killing fields have been fertile grounds where gallantry medals are wilfully cultivated and harvested by the madness with a method perfected and elevated to an art form by the security establishment called `fake encounters`, and on the other, rich dividends are being reaped by the same perpetrators of such violence by siphoning off taxpayer money meant for generating goodwill amongst the public. For all this while, everybody was led to believe it was the civil establishment where corruption was institutionalised, but the rot it seems has reached even institutions once thought to be incorruptible. The new UPA government at the Centre, it seems will now have a lot more house cleaning to do than Prime Minister, Narendra Modi had imagined he would be called upon to do.

We do earnestly hope the Tehelka report is taken seriously by the powers that be and the alleged crime officially investigated to ultimately award penalties proportionate to the crime to the perpetrators if the charges are proven. However, if as reported this atrocious practice was so widespread in the organisation and has already corroded the vitals of the system, then it is to be expected that coordinated efforts at covering up too would have already begun. This only means investigations would have to begin at the soonest possible. It is a comforting thought this time that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, AFSPA, will not provide any immunity to those caught red handed committing the serious perfidy against their profession as well as the nation. The AFSPA only allows killing but not pocketing taxpayer money illegally.

It is also difficult not to see poetic justice at play in this sorry episode, as much as it difficult not to assess it against the morality of the AFSPA. Brutality it seems is not just about the strong victimising the weak. If it destroys the victims physically, it also destroy the souls of the of the perpetrators. In works of fiction this morality play has been told so many times. Among the most convincing of these is the Hollywood classic of the 1970s, `Apocalypse Now`, a film based on Joseph Conrad`™s novel `Heart of Darkness`. Just as Kurtz ended up destroying his soul by his own savagery on others, the savagery of the AFSPA has not only caused innocent deaths, but it has also blackened the perpetrators`™ souls irretrievably. Describing Kurtz`™s madness Conrad notes quite memorably `alone in the jungle he had a peep into his own soul, and beware, he went mad`. Kurtz himself describes his own madness to himself as `the horror, the horror`. The excruciating pain in these words could not have been brought out more chillingly than Marlon Brando who mumbles to himself these words in `Apocalypse Now`. Surely a lot many have also said these words to themselves, and a lot more will be doing so too, if not already doing it by now. That is, provided those in the moral dock now do not have Teflon-coated, shame-resistant, guilt-immunised souls as hard as carbon-alloyed metal.

The development is sad for a much more historical reason. The Assam Rifles is 179 years old and its history is almost intrinsically linked with the modern history of the Northeast. It was founded in 1835, nine years after the Treaty of Yandaboo 1826, concluding the first Anglo-Burmese war and marking the takeover of Assam by the British. By Assam in 1826, it meant virtually the entire region that we know today as Northeast, with the exception of Manipur and Tripura, which were independent kingdoms. After the British annexed Assam and included it as a new territorial extension of its province of Bengal, they felt maintaining a military there was no longer cost effective. The Burmese had just been beaten off comprehensively and ceased to be a threat to the British, and other European powers such as the French and the Germans with their `spheres of influence` (Curzon`™s lecture of 1907) in Indochina and Yunnan were too distant at the time for the British to worry. The British did fight two more wars with Burma in 1852 and 1885, but these were not a result of any Burmese aggression and instead were, as historians note, mere excuses of the British to annexe Burmese territories they coveted. In the 3rd Anglo Burmese war, the whole of Burma was to be annexed into British India. In the words of well known academic Alastair Lamb, `Britain swallowed Burma in three gulps`.

In other words, in the 1830s after the British took over Assam, it had eliminated all possible threats of immediate external aggression on its eastern territories. So it began withdrawing its military to be deployed where they were more urgently needed, such as in the Afghanistan frontiers. But in the 1830s, Assam`™s commercial interest began growing after the discovery of tea by Robert Bruce, and the British need for security cover again increased. It was then the idea of setting up a civil militia occurred to a civil officer called E.R. Grange. The idea received approval and a militia called Cachar Levy (I suppose like the Salwa Judum, or in Manipur`™s context, the VDF), was set up. This militia men were to be better armed than the police but less paid than the military (L.W. Shakespear). More militias came to be set up thereafter under the same initiative, such as the Jorhat Militia, but all of them ultimately merged with the Cachar Levy, and came to be known under different nomenclatures in the course of the years, most prominently as the Assam Military Police. The unit was soon to become indispensable to the British administration in the Northeast, and was instrumental in the subjugation of `wild tribes` in the hills adjoining the Assam plains. It also became an important feeder institution for the various Gurkha Regiments of the British Indian Army.

To cut the story short during the First World War, this militia sent so many invaluable experienced soldier recruits for the Indian Army to fight in Europe that after the war, in recognition of the service the unit rendered, the title Assam Rifles was given to it.

The Assam Rifles`™ affinity with the Gurkha Regiment is historical and even today, the original five battalions are still linked by umbilical cords to different Gurkha Battalions each served as the feeder unit in the early days of its formation. Hence the 1st Assam Rifles, (Lushai Hills Battalion) is affiliated with the 2nd Group, 2nd and 9th Gurkha Regiment, the 2nd A.R. (Lakhimpur Battalion) is affiliated with the 5th Group, 7th and 10th G.R., the 3rd A.R. (Naga Hills Battalion) is affiliated with the 1st Group, 1st and 4th G.R., the 4th A.R. (Manipur Battalion) is affiliated with the 4th Group, 5th and 6th G.R., and the 5th A.R. (Darrang Battalion) is affiliated with the 3rd Group, 3rd and 8th G.R. (Shakespear).

Today, the Assam Rifles has grown several times its original strength and from the original five, it has now 46 battalions. It has gone through many ups and downs in its long history, as any organisation of its nature is expected to, but never has its image been tarnished so disgracefully as it has just been, if the Tehelka story is anything to go by. Reading the history of the Assam Rifles is also almost akin to reading the history of modern Northeast. Perhaps the contractor culture and the brazen corruption the Assam Rifles has been exposed to be diseased by, is also symptomatic of the larger disease of corruption and unconcern of the political leadership of the Northeast towards the wellbeing of their own peoples. In the end, it is, as they say, dust unto dust. The Assam Rifles began as a civil militia. From what it appears today, the paramilitary unit of such distinction and history seems to be returning to its original state of indiscipline as a civil militia once again.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/shame-and-scandal-in-the-assam-rifles/

List of Delhi Police North East Representatives

List of North East Representatives from every North Eastern states. PDF file – List of Delhi Police North East Representatives Provided by: IGP Robin Hibu, IPS Nodal Officer for North

List of North East Representatives from every North Eastern states.

PDF file – List of Delhi Police North East Representatives

Provided by:
IGP Robin Hibu, IPS
Nodal Officer for North East people
Delhi

[pdf]http://kanglaonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/List-of-Delhi-Police-North-East-Representatives.pdf[/pdf]

Shillong Blues & Jazz Festival on is here

Shillong Blues & Jazz Festival on is here! IMAGENATION to drive positive social change through music September 25, 2014; Shillong/Guwahati: IMAGENATION is all set to sway Shillong with yet

Shillong Blues & Jazz Festival on is here!

IMAGENATION to drive positive social change through music

September 25, 2014; Shillong/Guwahati: IMAGENATION is all set to sway Shillong with yet another of its bold initiative – the Shillong Blues & Jazz Festival that will be held at U Soso Tham Auditorium on September 27, 2014. Supported by the Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya, the Shillong Blues & Jazz Festival will bring 30 renowned musicians from across the country to sing about peace, hope and reconciliation, providing wholesome entertainment and bringing everyone together through music. Other associates for the event are Asian Confluence, Hotel Polo Towers, NIIT, etc.

Press Meet – ImageNation Shillong Blues & Jazz Festival

The performance line-up for the Shillong Blues & Jazz Festival includes some of the most celebrated music bands in the Blues and Jazz scenario like Lou Majaw, 4th Element, Rudy Wallang Band featuring Andrea, Fringes, Arjun Sen, M Trio, Ronojit Chaliha, Adiel Massar, Plan B, Parvati La Cantante, etc.

Speaking to the media at the press club today, Ian Khongmen, Imagenation, said, “The Shillong Blues & Jazz Festival is just a drop in the ocean of music, but it brings together extraordinary musicians who are committed to and have made this art form a way of life. They come in all shades and colours, from the metros Delhi, Kolkata and mainland India to collaborate and run in the same groove with their brethren from the Northeast.”

“Blues & Jazz is but an evolution of the music culture. It is symbolic of our times and indeed breathes life into the music industry and still remains the foundation of a tradition that has evolved for many years”, he adds.

Music is in the DNA of Shillong, and what better way to celebrate this musical spirit, than recognizing the music heritage of Shillong. The Shillong Blues & Jazz Festival is a tribute to the music of Shillong and an attempt to honour musicians all over who are connected by a common thread of passion in music.

Shillong’s very own Lou Majaw, who was also present on the occasion, expressed his excitement in being associated with this event. “’Music is life… Life is music… Bare your soul for music… where else but the Shillong Blues & Jazz Festival! – Lou pensively expresses amidst the cacophony and hustle and bustle.

The SB&J Festival endeavours to drive local change, promote self confidence, create economic value, generate positive thinking and promote reconciliation through quality music. The festival aims at being a catalyst of positive change for one and all. Briefly, it seeks to spread the message of peace through music.

Commenting on the Shillong Blues & Jazz festival, Jazz pianist Ronojit Chaliha spoke, “This one of a kind festival is a great opportunity for the people of Shillong and Guwahati to have an idea of what Jazz and Blues sound like in a live setting with spontaneous improvisation. I expect this festival to get audiences interested and curious to know more about this form of music. It’s a great start!”

A member of Kolkata based Jazz band Plan B says, “Plan B comes from a part of the country where, unfortunately, cover music rules. The audience is stuck in a time warp, so it’s been doubly difficult to be ‘heard’ performing live original music. Hence, it gives us the greatest pleasure to have been invited to perform our own brand of jazz-pop, blues and country-rock compositions, songs and tunes that are very special to us, at the Shillong Blues and Jazz Festival.”

Besides the performances, there will be various other surprises in store for the audience. Among them will be the SB&J Festival’s food court, which will tickle the taste buds of the audience by dishing out Chinese, Naga, Malaysian and authentic Khasi food. There is also a surprise for the foodies, well wishers and passer-byes.

Prior to this event, Imagenation has organized various popular events in the city, such as Bob Dylan celebration, Free ur Mind, Rock the Republic, Street Plays, Road Shows and other similar activations.

Performers at Shillong Blues and Jazz Festival

– Lou Majaw needs no introduction. With an unmatched musical career spanning 50 years, he is the performer, the entertainer and the central character in Shillong’s enduring romance with music. Age has not limited Lou’s love and passion for music.

– Ronojit Chaliha is a Jazz Pianist who trained with a renowned Piano Pedagogue, Roxana Anklesaria-Doctor. He is currently involved in Adil Manuel’s project in Delhi and performs regularly in cities like Mumbai (Café Zoe, Blue Frog), Delhi (Delhi Jazz Fest) and Pune (Shisha Jazz Café). He has also had the honour of performing at the Caux Palace in Switzerland and has worked with various Jazz musicians from across the Americas and Europe.

– Adiel Massar started playing Cello at the age of 14. He was under the tutelage of Austrian Cellist, Eva Itzlinger who briefly helped him and is one of the few Cellists in India who plays a rare combination of both, Western Classical and Jazz. He is currently playing Cello for the North-Eastern Jazz Collective and has played with many great musicians like F.A. Talafaral, a renowned Saxophonist from Madagascar, Karan Joseph, an upcoming Jazz Piano player from Mumbai and Cesare Picco, a Pianist from Italy.

– The Rudy Wallang Band is a natural progression for a musician who deserves plaudits for his natural skills with the guitar. Another homegrown Shillong icon who has made a mark in the Blues genre all over, Rudy Wallang is another persona in the endearing love story with music. A performer par excellence at international platforms, he takes the home stage this time in his nom de plume, together with pedigree, surprising one and all.

– 4th Element are Sarah, Ribor, Amit, Jeff and the one and only Sam Shullai. Their music a mix of funk jazz and blues transcends barriers to brighten up any music aficionado’s dull day. The synergy of Sarah’s sublime vocals, Ribor’s keys, Amits and Jeffs riffs and Sam’s excellence on the percussion says it all. You won’t want to miss this music!

– Fringes is a blues experimental band from Manipur. Fringes is a blend of both young and old. It is young in the sense that the members have come together under the banner recently in the winter of 2010. The name of the band denotes the predicament existence of being at the margins and yet rooted to the core of an evolution. The band believes that art is an offshoot of the living reality, not created in vacuum. Fringes band members also grew up exposed to this environment. They opted western music in its form and infuses it with organic reality of contemporary Manipur in content.

– M-Trio is a three piece band from Guwahati with Manasquam Mahanta on Guitars, Pritam Boro on Keyboards and Partho Boro on Drums.

– Plan B is a Jazz band from Kolkata. It plays Saturday nights at Someplace Else at The Park, Kolkata. Plan B has performed pan-India. They were recently invited to perform at the highly-acclaimed Windmills Craftworks in Bangalore.

– Parvati La Cantante from Delhi is the surprise draw for the SB& J Festival. She sings many languages and together with Pranai Gurung on the guitar is amazing. Parvati La Cantante sings one of the most amazing set of covers and along with the simple medley of electronic guitar, the experience will surely be simply ecstatic.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/shillong-blues-jazz-festival-on-is-here/

Official launching of neScholar Magazine at Manipur Press Club (27 September) – KanglaOnline

E-Pao.netOfficial launching of neScholar Magazine at Manipur Press Club (27 September)KanglaOnlineIt will cater to all the students in Manipur and North Eastern India initially and spread to Indian and Outside Indian market. It features valuable inform…

E-Pao.net

Official launching of neScholar Magazine at Manipur Press Club (27 September)
KanglaOnline
It will cater to all the students in Manipur and North Eastern India initially and spread to Indian and Outside Indian market. It features valuable information and articles in the field of Science & Technology, History & Archaeology, Heritage, Nature …
Manipur ranks second in North East for Dementia casesE-Pao.net

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Official launching of neScholar Magazine at Manipur Press Club (27 September)

PRESS RELEASE We are happy to announce that the official launching of Nanao’s “neScholar Magazine” will be held on Saturday, 27 September 2014 at 3 P.M. at Manipur Press Club,

PRESS RELEASE

We are happy to announce that the official launching of Nanao’s “neScholar Magazine” will be held on Saturday, 27 September 2014 at 3 P.M. at Manipur Press Club, Imphal.

“neScholar Magazine” is a Quarterly Multi-Color Educational Magazine Edited by Dr. R.K. Nimai, Former Commissioner Art and Culture, Govt of Manipur.

The Modest intention behind “neScholar Magazine” is to impart knowledge beyond school and college textbooks and also to inculcate a new form of reading habit among students. Our endeavor is to make reading an easy and joyful experience. It will cater to all the students in Manipur and North Eastern India initially and spread to Indian and Outside Indian market. It features valuable information and articles in the field of Science & Technology, History & Archaeology, Heritage, Nature, Sports & Adventures and Career – for the eager mind

Experienced Professors from different fields and from different states of North East India serve as editorial team :

Dr. Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih (Prof., Department of English, NEHU, Shillong)
Prof. Shikhar Kr. Sarma (Director-Gauhati University Institute of Science and Technology, Assam)
Dr. Hanjabam Nandiram Sharma (Former HOD & Reader, Botany Department, DM College, Manipur)
Shri Gurumayum Tomba Sharma (Former Principal, DM College of Science, Manipur)
Shri Huidrom Jayantkumar Singh (Retd. HOD of Mathematics, DM College of Science, Manipur)
Dr. Elangbam Bijoykumar Singh (Prof., Department of Economics, Manipur University)
Prof. Waikhom Vishwanath (Department of Life Science, Manipur University)
Prof. N. Joykumar Singh (Department of History, Manipur University)
Shri L Dwijendra Singh (Former S.G. Lecturer, Department of Physics, DM College of Science, Manipur)
Dr. Maibam Chourjit (Asst. Prof., Department of Physical Education & Sports Science, MU)

“neScholar Magazine” is registered under Registration of Newspaper India bear RNI no. MANENG/2014/00112 and also bears ISSN No.2350-0336.

The formal releasing function of Nanao-“neScholar Magazine” will be held on 27.09.2014 (Saturday) at Manipur Press Club, Imphal, at 3.00 P.M.

Yours sincerely,

(Nelson Elangbam)
Director
NE Brothers Entertainments Pvt Ltd
Imphal
Mob : 09089607215

Announcement – Official launching of neScholar Magazine at Manipur Press Club (27 September)

Abducted laborer rescued in Manipur – Business Standard

Abducted laborer rescued in ManipurBusiness StandardRecently, Bishnupur Police and its commando unit successfully rescued an abducted labourer from a place between Bishnupur and Thoubal Districts. According to sources, Mohammad Nasir was abducted from …

Abducted laborer rescued in Manipur
Business Standard
Recently, Bishnupur Police and its commando unit successfully rescued an abducted labourer from a place between Bishnupur and Thoubal Districts. According to sources, Mohammad Nasir was abducted from his work site at the new primary school in …

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Abducted laborer rescued in Manipur – ANINEWS

ANINEWSAbducted laborer rescued in ManipurANINEWSAbducted laborer rescued in Manipur. Sep 27, 4:40 pm. Bishnupur , Sept. 27 (ANI): Recently, Bishnupur Police and its commando unit successfully rescued an abducted labourer from a place between Bishnupur…

ANINEWS

Abducted laborer rescued in Manipur
ANINEWS
Abducted laborer rescued in Manipur. Sep 27, 4:40 pm. Bishnupur , Sept. 27 (ANI): Recently, Bishnupur Police and its commando unit successfully rescued an abducted labourer from a place between Bishnupur and Thoubal Districts. According to sources …

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Manipur Diary – Outlook

Manipur DiaryOutlookIt is believed that the Kingdom of Manipur germinated at Kangla. As its political and religious centre, Kangla grew into a formidable fortress city over the centuries. It is from this capital that the Ningthoujas ended up wielding e…

Manipur Diary
Outlook
It is believed that the Kingdom of Manipur germinated at Kangla. As its political and religious centre, Kangla grew into a formidable fortress city over the centuries. It is from this capital that the Ningthoujas ended up wielding enough political and …
Manipur Tower opens in GhaziabadE-Pao.net

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Maharaja-in-council of Manipur for customary and religious : Matters of its people – E-Pao.net

E-Pao.net

Maharaja-in-council of Manipur for customary and religious : Matters of its people
E-Pao.net
They overcame the battle in which many gallant Manipuri soldiers and General Paona’ Brajabasi and others laid down their lives for the defence of their motherland, and they proceeded towards Kangla and reached there on the early morning of 27 April …

E-Pao.net

Maharaja-in-council of Manipur for customary and religious : Matters of its people
E-Pao.net
They overcame the battle in which many gallant Manipuri soldiers and General Paona' Brajabasi and others laid down their lives for the defence of their motherland, and they proceeded towards Kangla and reached there on the early morning of 27 April …

Chandel district vigilance to stage sit in protest on Sept 29

CHANDEL, September 26: Recalling the former Manipur Governor VK Duggal assuring the sanction of Rs 13 crores during his last visit to the district for restoration and repairing of the

CHANDEL, September 26: Recalling the former Manipur Governor VK Duggal assuring the sanction of Rs 13 crores during his last visit to the district for restoration and repairing of the newly upgraded NH 102C (Pallel – Chandel) with March 2015 as time of completion, the people of Chandel have been eagerly waiting to see the road that was turned into a highway getting restored and repaired soon, said Chandel Naga People`™s Organisation.

Seeking the authorities concern to expedite the process and formalities of the work, the organisation expressed hope that the work is getting started soon and would be completed as per the timeline.

Speaking to media persons, president of the organisation Ws Kanral Anal narrated the grievances face by the people and said during the rainy season the road is flooded and dusty during the dry seasons making the people prone to diseases.

Making his fervent appeal he expressed hoped that all formalities including tender of the work will be initiated so as to start the work from next month.

Meanwhile, in another development, the Chandel District Vigilance Committee in a statement has announced to stage a sit-in protest at the district head quarter on September 29 in collaboration with BJP Chandel district regarding the grievances of the public in the district.

DVC president BD Betha said a memorandum on the grievance of the people will be submitted to the Prime Minister seeking his intervention and appealed to the people to participate in the sit in.

He also said that during a joint meeting with MACA representatives as well as CO of BRTF and his officials on September 1, it was resolved that the BRTF would filled up the pot holes from Chandel to Chakpikarong soon after the rainy season, for which the DVC thanked the CO.

BJP-expelled members demand Chaoba`s resignation

IMPHAL, September 26: A day after BJP State president Th Chaoba alleged the party`™s dissident group in Delhi of trying to character assassinate him, four party members who were reportedly

IMPHAL, September 26: A day after BJP State president Th Chaoba alleged the party`™s dissident group in Delhi of trying to character assassinate him, four party members who were reportedly expelled earlier by the president have demanded his resignation from the top post.

A press release signed by S Rajen, Y Khemchand, L Jatra and N Ratan has said Chaoba has been behaving like an autocrat and trying to befool the people.

It said they came to know of their expulsion from primary membership through media reports. However, they decided to remain silent on the issue following instruction of the party high command, it continued.

Further according to the statement, the situation has gone to such an extent that not only Chaoba, but the entire BJP State machinery is seen in poor light.

Elaborating further, it said though there was no official notification from the party, they came to know of their expulsion for celebrating the removal of Dr Sekharjit, former director RIMS from the media. It said they also learnt through the media that the party president had also threatened to send show-cause notices to nine BJP members, including three senior leaders, Dr H Borobabu Singh, Sh Shantikumar Sharma and Prof S Tikendra Singh.

It was also learnt from a news report in The Statesman that CBI while raiding the residence of Dr Sekharjit Singh found a letter written by the wife of the ousted director Dr Damayenti addressed to Chaoba asking him to return Rs 1 crore given to him to retain the directorship of her husband and to guarantee against CBI raids, it said.

The four further demanded to know whether Dr Damayenti is a member of BJP or is there any nexus between Chaoba and her?

Seeking a proper verification of the letter, the four said ironically Chaoba had welcomed the recent CBI raids in RIMS.

`In that case, why were we expelled and few others served show-cause notices for appreciating the action of Union Health Minister in sending CBI in RIMS? Either Chaoba should resign for making statements that hurt the interest of Dr Damayenti or take back the charges against us,` it demanded.

The present development has completely ruined the image and credibility of BJP Manipur Pradesh and is going to affect the prospect of the BJ P candidate in the coming by- election in Hiyanglam Constituency it said and further demanded Chaoba`™s resignation.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/bjpexpelled-members-demand-chaobas-resignation/

Meet resolves to seek clarification in IED blast case

IMPHAL, September 26: A meeting was convened at the Sabungkhok Lailampak community hall, 10 am today in connection with the bomb blast that inflicted injury to two civilians. The explosion

IMPHAL, September 26: A meeting was convened at the Sabungkhok Lailampak community hall, 10 am today in connection with the bomb blast that inflicted injury to two civilians.

The explosion taken place along the Nation Highway-150 Imphal-Ukhrul stretch in between Sabungkhok and Yaingangpokpi near Murei Village Lamkhai Yaingangpokpi police station.

Aftermath of the blast five individuals were also arrested by the AR personnel.

The meeting chaired by Heikrujam Tombi Singh of Sabungkhok Khunjao, was attended by villagers residing in between Sabungkhok Khunou to Gwaltabi.

The gathering unanimously resolved to seek clarification from the perpetrators who planted the IED behind the attack.

Appealing all the concerned to prevent similar incident in the future in populated area, it said the innocence civilians are always at the receiving end.

Moreover, it further resolved to sent a representation to the Union Home Minister apprising the plight of the people who often falls victim of such attack.

Further, the gathering also formed a Joint Action Committee comprising of villages from Leimakhong Mapal to Gwaltabi Manasabi.

The JAC is made up of 13 members with Chingakham Ibepishak Devi as the convenor and Laishram Mema Devi as the co-convenor.

Meanwhile, the arrested individuals were reportedly released by the AR personnel late last night.

Call for social integration

Certainly the time has come for us all to shed our inhibitions and egoism and to inspire and be inspired by one another for a better tomorrow rather than bemoan

Certainly the time has come for us all to shed our inhibitions and egoism and to inspire and be inspired by one another for a better tomorrow rather than bemoan lack of opportunities. The State, for the past many years, has witnessed people bemoan every other action of the others and complained about being left out from the scheme of things. While the desire to succeed as an individual or promote one`™s own group should be cultivated and encouraged, it should not be at the expense of others. Considering this the reported statement of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj minister Francis Ngajokpa at a seminar that the people of our small State are still divided on so many issues comes as a welcome reflection. The minister`™s statement is all the more important as he was addressing students who are pillars of the future. During the same seminar, the Kuki Students`™ Organisation president had also observed that the mutual distrust, rivalry for preservation of identity, disparity in economic conditions or standard of living, and a sense of alienation now prevalent among the three main ethnic groups Meitei, Kukis, and Nagas have ruptured the idyllic social mosaic that Manipur was. He had also expressed that each group is not willing to see the larger picture of promoting their own culture and identity without compromising on social integration.

If we have anything to learn from these observations, it is to realise the depth of the crisis which is fast engulfing the State, before only the proverbial ashes remain of the State. Where distrust and alienation act as the guiding force for the people, survival and growth of the very society is very much at stake. For anyone who is remotely interested in the political or social developments in the State, it would be easy to point out that people are easily herded around by some towards wrongly interpreted goals. While it is important for every individual or group to think for the welfare of their own group and have all the fine visions for the future of their own, it is also equally important not to offend or be blind towards the interest of others and at the same time that of the larger society. The means to realise my own good and wants cannot at any cost affect the overall good of the society.

What has been done has been done and cannot be reverted, but it is never too late to restart anew if the desire is genuine and the inspiration is there. The first step could be to rebuild where there has been a trust deficit. Tolerance of one another`™s simple unintended blunders could also go a long way in paving a path for mutual trust to grow among the different groups. At the same time, let the government take the lead and encourage equal participation of all and promote social integration. Allow the minister to act on and continue in the same vibe as he had shown during the seminar and not allow it to rot like the many assurances and promises of our State leaders. The public unfortunately seems to have become accustomed to the failure of the leaders to honour their own assurances and promises. Unless we act together and drive out the dividing wedged amongst us, our own survival could become dubious.

Leader Writer: Wangkheimayum Bhupendra Singh

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/call-for-social-integration/

Tourism `“ a boon or bane

By Kalpana Thaoroijam Indigenous peoples`™ co-existence with Nature or forest depends on access to land, territory and natural resources. Right to land is regarded as an integral aspect of identity,

By Kalpana Thaoroijam

Indigenous peoples`™ co-existence with Nature or forest depends on access to land, territory and natural resources. Right to land is regarded as an integral aspect of identity, which is predominant source of income, providing traditional livelihoods.

Remnants of Sacred Groves are existing witness to conservation effort of communities – at fringe forest areas. Land being primary source of sustenance; government or any private party cannot acquire community land and forest areas. Instead, a symbiotic relation must be enhanced. Lately, tourism industry has been the buzzword for economic growth in North East India, Manipur in particular!

The government of Manipur in its endeavor to provide job opportunities, overall progress in the State, has been pushing tourism industry as the key source of economic growth. In the process, infrastructure development has been given prime attention. In order to facilitate the boost of tourism, the Manipur Tourism Policy 2014, claims that Manipur with its inherent tourism potential, rich cultural heritage and vibrant pool of youth, with excellent grip over English language as an ideal place.

This is true that tourism is still at nascent stage in Manipur, and its potentials can be tapped for the benefit of local communities. However, it must involve long-term planning that will foster overall sustainable development. Resources must be used but not to the extent that our future generation will be deprived of any.

In the process of the so called development that is often not gradual but random, people in power play games for their own benefits. In such situation question may be posed: what are the stakes of local inhabitants?

Money will be an important aspect of tourism industry, but profit will mostly go into the pockets of a few private parties in the current given scenario of corruption and nepotism ruling the roost. In the lure of making quick money, resources have to be shared with tourists that will lead to over-dependency on natural resources, which will eventually shrink if not given enough time for regeneration. Thus there is fear that tourism industry will be responsible for massive deforestation, construction of tourism based infrastructures will also use a good amount of our water resources and forest products. Alongside, resource consumption by the tourists is bound to increase, which would in turn threaten the needs of the local people. This would further disturb optimal sharing of the resources. And thereby, there will be increased level of social injustice, which will have adverse impact on social and cultural way of life among the local populace.

In this backdrop, the role of Women as an important support system will be pushed at the periphery of development. Serious concern lies when the roles of women are limited to entertainment (song and dance), cooking and serving and at the same time stereotyped as the torchbearers of cultural identity.

Enormous traditional resources can be tapped but preservation and integrating traditional livelihood is a must.

Manipur Tourism Policy 2014 is incomprehensible and unedited compilation of every kind of tourism practiced elsewhere. It is a mix-match of several tried and failed concepts; not in anyway, suitable in our local context. The Policy mentions focus on Community Participation, involvement of private entrepreneurs for comprehensive development of tourism industry in Manipur. It reflects assigned participation, and not pro-active role of community workforce. The scopes of employment for locals are mostly confined to low- income activities, and menial jobs that will provide meager remuneration. Additionally, an assessment of the loss of current livelihoods to make way for tourism is required.

During recent visits to Thanga, Shirui and Nongmaiching to understand current tourism scenario and the progress of development, one could easily capture that majority of the communities had conflicting views with the government concerning benefits, participation, acquisition of land and the idea of tourism itself. Local communities expressed that they will be better host than others.

Communities have very less or no idea on upcoming projects in their areas, and their interests are sidelined in the process of tourism development while at same time they do not see how they can take part and benefit from the project. While people are not averse to the idea of promoting tourism, they wanted more transparency and would like to be party to the initiatives.

Tourism will come and go, as an alternative source of income. But we cannot depend solely on tourism activities for economic sustenance. People dependent on traditional occupations like farming, fishing, weaving and other activities will be able to entertain visitors only during their lean periods or seasons.

Way-forward:

Equitable benefit-sharing must be the guiding principle, if tourism has to flourish in Manipur. The trickle-down effect of `tourism economy`™ will create internal problem.

Manipur is home to 33 ethnic groups, and their cultural heritage, folk song and dance, traditional festival and indigenous game cannot be ignored. The policy is very Imphal-centric ignoring the highlights of other districts. Understanding current tourism developmental trends in Manipur and its brunt of consequences on communities living around project areas must not be overlooked.

For development to be effective, we need to look into the communities`™ mindset, without whom, the process will be incomplete. Community participation can only bring sustainable development. At village set-up communities have the rights to choose the kind of visitors that will be allowed in their villages, depending on the kind of tourism offered at hand. District-wise planning with local populace participating right from decision-making task, and incorporating them wherever possible is a prerequisite.

Manipur`™s unique advantage is that we are going to be a late participant in tourism industry when compared with other high profile tourism destinations of the world and country in particular. Therefore, lessons can be learned from those established tourist destinations concerning their challenges and negative impact on society and environment that they have to faced, or still facing.

What is required is collective engagement of the communities right from the decision making process to implementation in a wider encompassing framework.

(Kalpana Thaoroijam is with the Indigenous Perspective)

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/tourism-a-boon-or-bane/

Three suspended in connection with the death of commando driver

IMPHAL, September 26: Two havildars and a jawan of the 1st IRB have been suspended in connection with the hijacking and subsequent murder of a commando driver last night. Sources

IMPHAL, September 26: Two havildars and a jawan of the 1st IRB have been suspended in connection with the hijacking and subsequent murder of a commando driver last night.

Sources said that a high level team comprising of top police brass was immediately put in charge of investigating into the hijacking of a bullet proof vehicle and murder of the driver of the police commando.

While the full episode of the yesterday`™s incident could not be ascertained with the perpetrator still at large, the identity of one of the possible accused has been identified.

He is identified to be one Thangkhinsong Tonsing (riflemen no.6070517) Vengnuam Veng Churachandpur, originally recruited as a personnel of the 6th IRB however officially transferred to 1st IRB in 2011 to. He is amongst the three who have been placed under suspension.

He is presently stationed at the residence of Hill Areas Committee chairman, Dr Chaltolien Amo, as escort cum house guard.

Speaking to IFP, N Manimohan, commandant of 1st IRB, revealed that the accused Tonsing along with two commanders (havildars) were suspended today adding that a departmental enquiry has also been instituted against the Jamandar Raju of the 1st IRB for negligence in handling his service weapons.

It may be mentioned that an MP5 sub-machine gun was recovered inside the hijacked rakshak vehicles abandoned at Sabal Leikai Thambalkhong. It was learnt that the MP5 belonged was service weapon issued to Jamandar Raju.

Moreover, a jacket, with a syringe inside its pocket, belonging to the prime accused Thangkhinsong Tonsing was also reportedly recovered from the hijacked vehicle.

Meanwhile, another section of 1st IRB has replaced the present section allocated for security escort of Dr Chaltonlien.

Five file nominations for Hiyanglam bye-polls

IMPHAL, September 26: Five candidates have filed their nomination papers for the upcoming Hiyanglam bye-polls today. The candidates filed their nomination papers before the Kakching Sub-Divisional Officer Th Chitaranjeet Singh,

IMPHAL, September 26: Five candidates have filed their nomination papers for the upcoming Hiyanglam bye-polls today.

The candidates filed their nomination papers before the Kakching Sub-Divisional Officer Th Chitaranjeet Singh, the returning officer designate of the Hiyanglam bye-polls, between 11 am to 4 pm.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Works minister Dr Kh Ratankumar along with Congress legislators such as T Mangibabu, K Ranjit and S Bira accompanied the INC candidate E Dwijamani while filing his nomination paper.

Dr Yumnam Radheshyam Singh of the AITC, Mayengbam Amutombi Singh of the MPP, Maibam Dhanabir Singh of the BJP and Yumnam Thambou Singh of the breakaway group of the AITC are the other candidates in the fray.

They submitted their nomination papers at the SDC office in Thoubal.

Talking with media persons at the SDC office before filing the nomination, MPTCC president Th Shyamkumar said the candidate representing the party is someone who has served the people of Hiyanglam for a long time.

The chances of our candidate who was defeated in the last assembly elections by the late Maibam Kunjo by a margin of only 85 votes is high, he adds.

Shyamkumar said that the main agenda of the party in this election are saving the territorial integrity of Manipur, developing education, agriculture and health sectors and implementing the ILP system.

MPTCC supports the demand for implementing ILP in the State, Shyamkumar said, emphasizing that the party wants to tread carefully by examining the pros and cons so as to not contravene any provisions under the Indian Constitution even if it wants to enact a law to regulate the influx of migrants.

Leader of the breakaway MPTCC, Dr I Ibohalbi said there is no confusion in the allotment of the party symbol while requesting the people of Hiyanglam to not get confused as some people are trying to create confusions with regards to the symbol.

Our candidate approved by the AITC is the genuine candidate of the party led by Mamata Banerjee and we hope that we regain the seat with the support of the people of Hiyanglam, he added.

Mayengbam Amutombi, the candidate representing the MPP was accompanied by party president N Sovakiran while filing his nomination paper. Later in the day, Yumnam Thambou contesting the Hiyanglam bye-polls as the candidate of the breakaway AITC group also filed his nomination paper.

It may be recalled that the last date for filing the nomination papers of the Hiyanglam by-polls announced on September 20 is September 27, and the date of scrutiny of the nomination papers is September 29.

The last date of withdrawing candidatures in the Hiyanglam bye-poll, due on October 17 between 7am and 4pm, is October 1. The counting of votes will begin on October 20 and the whole election process will be completed on October 22.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/five-file-nominations-for-hiyanglam-byepolls/