October 24, 2014 – Page 3

Ngaton and Pengba command highest prices at fish fair

IMPHAL, October 24: The Ningol Chakouba `Fish Fair-cum-Firsh Crop Competition, 2014`™ was inaugurated by Commerce and Industry minister Govindas Konthoujam as the chief guest today at Mapal Kangjeibung. The function

The function also was attended by Agriculture and Fisheries minister, Md Abdul Nasir, as the function president while chief secretary PC Lawmkunga and commissioner of Fisheries, Y Jugindro Singh attended as the guests of honour.

Delivering his chief guest speech, Govindas Konthoujam revealed that Manipur is able to produce only 28,000 metric tonne of fish against the State`™s requirement of 48,000 MT but added that the shortage of 20,000 MT can be met locally for fish farmers in the State have the potential to produce this shortage.

The minister further divulged that the Government has taken up initiative to include import of fish from Myanmar besides the 62 items already approved in the border trade agreement.

The director of fisheries K Saratkumar Singh in his key note address said that the department has been organising fish fair-cum-fish crop competition since 1975 with the main objective to enhance fish production and to ease the shortages especially at the time of Chakouba.

Informing that fish farmers are encouraged by providing cash awards to the maximum fish producers, he said that a cash award of Rs. 60,000 is provided as first prize, Rs. 40,000 as second prize and Rs.30,000 as third prize and Rs. 5000 each as consolation prizes.

Further Saratkumar, opined that ever since the fish fair was started in 1975, this year is the first time that the Chief Secretary of Manipur has participated.

Altogether 90 fish stalls were opened to sell fish brought from across the entire length and breadth of the State.

The fair organised by the Directorate of Fisheries.

Ngaton and Pengba at Rs. 650 each per kg, command the highest price in the fair.

Governor, CM, others greet people on Ningol Chakkouba

IMPHAL, October 24: The Governor of Manipur, Dr KK Paul has conveyed his heartiest greetings on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba to the people of Manipur and especially to the

IMPHAL, October 24: The Governor of Manipur, Dr KK Paul has conveyed his heartiest greetings on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba to the people of Manipur and especially to the married womenfolk of the State.

In his message to the people of the State, the Governor has stated that Ningol Chakouba is a unique festival of the Meitei community, observed every year on the second day of the New Moon of the Manipuri month of Hiyangei (October-November).

On the day of the festival, the married sisters are invited over by the brothers to a feast and given `dakshina`™ thereafter at their parental homes and these intimate and nostalgic moments strengthen the bond of love and affection between the brothers and sisters, it said.

The Governor further wished for the festival to be celebrated by all in its true form and spirit.

Meanwhile, the State Chief Minister has also conveyed his warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba festival which falls on October 25.

The festival is one of the biggest festivals of the State which celebrates the unbreakable bond of love between brothers and sisters and which reinforces the care and affection of the parents for their daughters binding and reviving family relations.

Though the festival is originally observed by the Meitei community, the celebration now extends to other communities and tribes in Manipur thereby reinforcing unity amidst diversity in the State, he said.

The festival promotes the feeling of peaceful co-existence and harmonious social life by reaffirming faith in the traditional values of love and protection, it said.

Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Lokeshwar Singh has also greeted the people on the occasion.

In his message, the Speaker has prayed for peace and harmony among the various communities in the State, it said.

The Chairman of Hill Areas Committee, Manipur Legislative Assembly Dr Chaltonlien Amo has also greeted the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of the Ningol Chakkouba.

In his message, he wished for the festival to dispel hatred and mistrust among different communities of the State and bring peace, love, communal harmony and prosperity in the State.

The All Manipur Nupi Marup has also greeted the womenfolk of the State on the occasion.

Expressing concern over the competition for gifts during the festival, the AMNM has appealed to all against the practice and further wished for a corruption and crimes against women free society.

The Communist Party of India, Manipur State Council also greeted the people of the State.

A press released of the party signed by its assistant secretary has said that the party wishes for peace and end to crime against women in the State.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, Manipur Pradesh has also wished the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Ningol Chakouba.

The party has prayed for peace, prosperity and tranquility in the State.

Major General Rajeev Chopra, IGAR (S) and all ranks of Assam Rifles extended warm greetings and sincere goodwill to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of Ningol Chakouba, said PRO IGAR (s) statement.

The statement conveyed that the festival may herald an era of peace, progress and prosperity in the region and enhance the spirit of unity, cohesiveness and brotherhood amongst warm and friendly people of the State, it said.

Exam centres for MES preliminary identified

IMPHAL, Oct 24: The department of Education has identified four schools to be used as examination centres for the Manipur Public Service Commission conducted preliminary exam of Manipur Education Service

The four schools will remain close on Sunday, October 28.

According to a press release of the department, the four schools are CC Higher Secondary School, Imphal, Ananda Singh Higher Secondary School, TG Higher Secondary School and Johnstone Higher Secondary School.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/exam-centres-for-mes-preliminary-identified/

Police operations yield rich results, peak with rescue of two labourers held for ransom

IMPHAL, October 24: State police rescued two labours kidnapped for ransom, and in another incident arrested a police driver constable involved in lifting two-wheelers, in what was for the State

IMPHAL, October 24: State police rescued two labours kidnapped for ransom, and in another incident arrested a police driver constable involved in lifting two-wheelers, in what was for the State police a fairly successful couple of days.

According to a press statement of the PRO police, on October 23, a team of the Imphal East District Police commando unit arrested two active members of the KNF(N) identified as Jangkhohen Kipgen alias Jangpu, 35 son of (L) Kamsei Kipgen of C Zoulen Village, Saikul PS and Paolenmang Kipgen, 38, son of Thanglal Kipgen of H Champhai Village, Saikul PS presently serving as a driver posted at Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council, Kangpokpi.

It said incriminating articles along with Hyundai Santro Xing car bearing registration number MN02A/8013, a purse containing a driving licence and a service ID were seized from the possession of Jangkhohen Kipgen.

Investigation also revealed that they had came to Andro parking for negotiation of ransom amount for two kidnapped labours abducted from Yairipok Malom during the intervening night of October 16 and 17, it said.

Investigation also revealed that the two kidnapped labours were being kept at Molnom Village, Sadar Hills, it said before adding that on follow up action, a combined team of Thoubal and Imphal East police commando units rescued the two.

The rescued labours are identified as Thokchom Kanta Singh, 21, son of Th Babu Singh of Kha Potsangbam, (excavator driver) and Haobijam Jackson Singh, 18, son of H Brojen Singh of Mayang Imphal Maibam Litan Makhong (excavator driver), it said before adding that they were kidnapped by KNF (N) for a ransom of Rs 1 crore.

A case has been registered at Porompat Police Station and investigation is going on.

Further according to the PRO Police statement, on October 21, a team of the Imphal East Police commando arrested a vehicle lifter who identified himself as Buyamayum Tajkhan, 25, son of BM Salaudin of Hiyangthang Tarahei Awang, a Manipur Police driver constable No 1 ODO 121 presently posted at DGCR.

It said that the police team had launched a search operation in the Hatta area after receiving an alert from the district Police Control Room about the loss of a Honda Dio from the area.

During the search, Tajkhan was detained with a Honda Dio bearing regd number MN 01C/ 2880 at Arapti and during verification it was found that the vehicle in his possession was the one reported stolen earlier, it continued.

He was arrested and the vehicle recovered, it said.

On further verification, it was revealed that he had stolen the said vehicle from Hatta near Orient Hotel and on his disclosure, the police team also seized a 9mm pistol along with 10 live rounds loaded in a magazine on October 22 from his house at Hiyangthang Tarahei Awang, it said.

The statement also revealed that he was involved in lifting and stealing of a number of vehicles. A case has been registered at Porompat Police Station and investigation is going on, it said.

On October 22, a combined team of Bishnupur police commando and 12 Bihar Regiment arrested an active member of PREPAK (Pro) identified as Leimapokpam Brojen Singh son of (L) L Keirungba Singh of Leimaram Awang Leikai during a search operation at nambol Bazar, the PRO Police statement said.

A 9mm pistol along with one magazine loaded with two live rounds, a Chinese Hand Grenade and incriminating articles were seized from the possession of the man involved in carrying of arms from one place to another, it said before adding that a case has been registered at Nambol Police Station.

On October 22, another team of the Imphal East District police commandos arrested an active member of the Kuki National Front who was trying to collect a sum of Rs 10000 from a village chief presently residing at Khongsai Veng.

The man identified as Letlalthang Chongloi alias Linus, 28, son of Ezekiel Paongam of H Khopibung Village, Saikul PS was arrested the eastern side of Lamlong bridge, it said.

Incriminating articles and a Honda Activa white in colour were also seized from his possession, it said before adding that investigation had revealed that he had extorted a huge amount of money from the general public, private firms, government offices, contractors, etc. to raise funds for KNF. A case has been registered at Porompat Police Station and investigation is going on.

The same day, another Imphal East district police commandos unit arrested three active members of Zou Defence Volunteer, who came in a Maruti car from near the New Checkon, Tribal Market during a search operation.

The statement identified the three arrested persons as Lalpu Zou alias Chongminal, 30 son of Mangboi Zou of Sangjang Village, Senapati District; Jamlal Haokip alias Alal, 44, son of (L) Vumkhosei Haokip of New Boljang, Churachandpur and Lunkhogam Haokip alias Angam, 33, son of Hemkholun Haokip of Churachandpur.

Incriminating articles along with a Maruti car Alto bearing registration number MN01S/4190 were seized from their possession and a case has been registered at the Porompat Police Station and investigation is going on.

Let the Dice Roll

It is indeed an interesting sight involving the festival of lights beside the usual fireworks. To the residents of the Imphal city, it is a familiar sight of the signature

It is indeed an interesting sight involving the festival of lights beside the usual fireworks. To the residents of the Imphal city, it is a familiar sight of the signature `Lagao`™ dice game being played in every nook and practical cranny. When the years were back, one could witness the lagao dice gambling being strategically perpetrated and positioned, i.e. to flee at the first sight of any approaching police personnel.

Now, times have changed and we witness during the Diwali festival that the cops who are supposed to be practically banning the gambling act and enforcing the law are very much `taking the law into their own hands`™, in a manner of speaking and translative , several policeman in their ivory maruti gypsies and motorbikes are doing the rounds of Imphal city for a singular purpose ; which is to collect a `lagao tax`™ or protection money. The dice master waves at the police with a note and the latter with a smile on his face accepts the offering and signals that the game be resumed. No one loses except the public.

The acceptance of this game in our society inclusive of the `Housie` or bingo game must obviously point to the fact that our society does accept gambling in a way or other. It is not a sin to have a go at the dice game and is viewed more of an entertainment. In fact, beside the gamblers, the dice game is being organized by women. It may be a form of women empowerment and suggest that times have indeed changed. An amusing sight to see the taxing policeman`™s awe when the ringmaster turn out to be women shouting the symbols of the dice and calling out odds against the gamers.

Back then, some years back. The public were made to part with their hard or easily earned money by scamsters. The frauds operated pyramid schemes or Ponzi schemes by such names of TVI, Visarev, Forex, Global Index Daily etc. and offered the proverbial pot of gold without working up a sweat. Many were duped by the schemers and the masterminds got away scot-free. There were no arrests made and again, it is only the public that loses.

Similarly, when the national highways are supposed held up by the organized highwaymen of the modern era; their reasons mostly based on ethnic lines. Essential commodities like fuel and cooking gas become scarce and prices skyrocket. A business cannot do business on loss, but he rather hikes the price to balance his loss. Here, the public also loses.

Times of election and once again , the drums beats a signal of free food, drinks and pocket money. It is an open secret that politicians woo voters with money. The amount is taken with such ethical standards that the person is obliged to vote for the person who has bribed him. Ultimately, the big time scamster having enough finances wins the election game. It may be akin to the lagao game now. The public is paid off just like the diwali policeman to turn a blind eye and the politician like the master gamer thumps his dice on the ground. But, unlike the dice which is unpredictable, the politician has already laid his cards or dices in his own way and the `House`™ never loses. The Manipur Assembly sittings may harbor such gamesters who with money, power and a tough hide have gained the people`™s mandate for a span of time. And candidly, the gamblers shout foul when their money is lost. Sometimes, we do not just lose money in Manipur but lives also.

AFSPA has taken away much. It is the gambling for all the wrong reasons that the public has ended up in the cesspool dug by themselves only.

But, with the new generation, one hopes that they gamble and bet on the right circumstances and true leaders to bring about a profitable future. In that way, let the dice roll.

Leader Writer: Paojel Chaoba

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/let-the-dice-roll/

JNMDA troupe returns from successful Japan trip

IMPHAL, October 24: The Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy has said that a 16-member troupe of the academy led by director L Upendro Sharma has returned to Imphal after successfully

IMPHAL, October 24: The Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy has said that a 16-member troupe of the academy led by director L Upendro Sharma has returned to Imphal after successfully presenting Manipuri dance and music in different cities of Japan from October 13 to 19 during the ongoing festival of India in Japan organised by Sangeet Natak Akademi, Ministry of Culture, Government of India and Embassy of India in Japan.

According to a release of the academy, the group returned on October 20.

The 1st performance of Manipuri group was presented in the Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Tokyo on October 14 in presence of Ambassador of India in Japan, Deepa G Wadhwa, other foreign dignitaries, MPs from India, artistes and public of Tokyo and the 2nd performance was held at Onagawa Town on October 16, it said.

The group presented its third programme at Sendai, a famous commercial area of Japan on October 17 and performed the most popular dance-drama of the academy `Keibul Lamjao`™ (Sangai) with items such as Dhol Cholom, Thang-Ta and Vasanta Raas, it said before adding that the final presentation was made on October 19 in Yokohama City on the occasion of Diwali mela during which Lai-haraoba, Dhol Cholom and Thang-Ta were presented.

Director of Meheila Museum, Japan Tokio Hasegawa who is also an expert on Indian culture was the coordinator of the Manipuri programme, it said.

A book on history of Muslims in Manipur released at Imphal – TwoCircles.net

TwoCircles.net

A book on history of Muslims in Manipur released at Imphal
TwoCircles.net
Imphal: A book titled, Nongsamei Puya (Pangal Khunthoklon), which records the history of Muslim settlement in Manipur, edited by M.A. Janab Khan and O. Bhogeswar Singh was released on October 23, 2014 at Manipur Press Club, Imphal.
‘Nongsamei Puya’E-Pao.net

all 2 news articles »

TwoCircles.net

Chakkouba greetings

IMPHAL, Oct 23: In separate messages Deputy Chief Minister and president Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, Gaikhangam, and Inner Manipur MP, Dr T Meinya, greeted the people ahead of Ningol Chakkouba

According to the messages from the two leaders, both on MPCC letterheads, Ningol Chakkouba is a much awaited day especially for women, who once in a year reunite at their parental homes over a meal, and receive gifts of love and happy tidings.

The day is also a reminder that women are respected, loved and have a special place in the Manipuri society, the messages said.

The two leaders also wished Ningol Chakouba celebration may bring peace, love and harmony in the State.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/chakkouba-greetings/

No tax to NSCN or KTU re-affirms Kuki CSOs

KANGPOKPI, Oct 23: Kuki civil organisations including Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills and its frontal organisations, Sadar Hills Women Union, KSO-Sadar Hills and Kuki Chiefs` Associations unanimously reaffirmed their stand once again in a general body meeting at Kangpokpi to not endorse and give any tax or donation to Naga militant group NSCN of the Kuki Tribal Union, KTU, which they allege is a proxy of the NSCN.

The Kuki civil bodies within Sadar Hills also re-affirmed their stand to stop the collection of any tax or donation in the Kuki inhabited areas within Sadar Hills by any other organisations.

The fact that KTU is collecting taxes from Kuki villages reveals the communal attitude of GPRN/NSCN, pointed out the Kuki civil bodies in the meeting, asserting `No Kuki village will pay any taxes to GPRN/NSCN/KTU and its constituent units or frontal organisations.` This is also the collective stand of the Kuki civil societies in Manipur.

The Kuki civil bodies further pointed out that repeated demands of taxes from Kuki village within Sadar Hills by KTU transparently reflects the design of GPRN/NSCN to sow seeds of discord between the Kukis and Nagas by using the Kuki Tribal Union (KTU) for collection of taxes from Kuki villages.

Urging to withdraw and cancel its orders with immediate effect for long lasting peace and harmony between the two communities, the collective leadership of the Kukis had earlier rejected the orders of GPRN openly in all leading newspapers of the state on March 12.

Cautioning the GPRN to mull a lot before using the name of KTU in the future so as to avoid communal tension, the Kuki civil bodies reminded the GPRN that the Kukis were peace loving people.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/no-tax-to-nscn-or-ktu-reaffirms-kuki-csos/

State MPs uphold implementation of ILPS

IMPHAL, October 23: The three Members of Parliament of the State have unanimously opined that there is need for implementation of Inner Line Permit System, or a similar law to

IMPHAL, October 23: The three Members of Parliament of the State have unanimously opined that there is need for implementation of Inner Line Permit System, or a similar law to safeguard the indigenous population of the State.

According to sources, the 19th sitting of all political party on implementation of Inner Line Permit System was held today at the office conference hall of the deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam, who is also the chairman of the committee.

The Sources continued that three Members of Parliament namely Thangso Baite of the Outer parliamentary constituency, Dr Th Meinya of the Inner parliamentary constituency and Dr Abdul Salam, Rajya Sabha MP were present in the committee meeting.

The three MPs gave the same view that ILP system or a similar law to protect the indigenous peoples of the State must be enacted.

Further the sources said the committee will call on the Chief Minister of the State on October 27.

The committee also decided to seek opinion of constitutional experts regarding enactment of ILP System of a similar law in the State.

Today`™s sitting also dwelled on the main routes of influx of illegal migrants, particularly the NH-37 Imphal `“ Jiribam road, NH-150 Imphal `“ Ukhrul road and NH 152 Mizoram `“ Imphal road.

It deliberated on how illegal influx of migrants can be checked and regulated along the said highways, informed the sources.

The committee also reiterated its decision to reach out to other States like Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh etc to study the ways and means of checking illegal migration, and to implement land holding policies which would not compromise the interests of indigenous populations, added the sources.

It may be mentioned that so far the committee had heard comments and views of more than 50 experts, in connection with the implementation of ILP system. The committee in its meeting with the Chief Minister O Ibobi on October 27 will be briefing him on the comments and views collected from the experts, said the sources.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/state-mps-uphold-implementation-of-ilps/

AMRTDMWU demands Ghosh` arrest

IMPHAL, October 23: All Manipur Road Transport Driver`™s & Motor Workers Union General Secretary Hamom Kulamani said today that no driver will leave ISBT till Ghosh is booked. It may

IMPHAL, October 23: All Manipur Road Transport Driver`™s & Motor Workers Union General Secretary Hamom Kulamani said today that no driver will leave ISBT till Ghosh is booked.

It may be recalled the All Manipur Petroleum Tankers`™ Drivers Union launched a strike,yesterday, to protest against the bullying of an oil tanker driver by the union`™s president Y Bhupendra Ghosh using a gun and assaulting him.

In a press meet at the AMRTDMWU office, Kulamani said the victim, Niman Lama, son of Krishna Bahadur Lama of Kanglatombi, was standing in a queue to take his challan and was behaving nicely.

The victim is a member of the All Manipur Road Transport Driver`™s & Motor Workers Union, he said, adding that harassing a member of the Union is akin to harassing the Union.

He said the victim was only enquiring about the non issuance of challans but in return was harassed and intimidated with firearms. He further appealed the concerned police station to detain Y Bhupendra Ghosh and take actions against him.

Kulamani added that the FIR lodged at the concerned Police Station will not be withdrawn at any cost till the culprit is booked and all the drivers will not drive out of ISBT.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/amrtdmwu-demands-ghosh-arrest/

Locals protest Sports Univ at Yaithibi Khunou

IMPHAL, Oct 23: Villagers of Sora, Koijam, Langthabal, Laiching Minou and Yaithibi Khunou have vehemently protested against the State government for attempting to illegally obtain land without the consent of villagers for the setting up of the Sports University at 44 Yaithibi Khonou allegedly through coercive measures.

The locals of five villages in Thoubal district took the resolution of objecting the government`™s move in a public meeting held at the Sora Bazar Community Hall today.

The meeting was graced by Yaithibi Gram Panchayat pradhan Md Mojuruddin.

In the meeting, the locals took another resolution of urging the concerned authorities to construct the Sports University elsewhere other than 44 Yaithibi Loukol after consulting and taking the consent of all the people of the State. The participants in the meeting stated that if the Union government has given the approval of setting it up here in good faith keeping the interests of the people of Manipur in mind, the government shouldn`™t have any problems in shifting the location of the proposed Sports University in some other place.

Condemning the coercive measures of Kakching MLA Y Surchandra, Wangjing Tentha MLA P Brojen and Tengnoupal MLA DK Korunthang who with the assistance of the Thoubal DC and other staffs are forcibly trying to go ahead with the plan of setting up the Sports University, the locals unanimously decided to launch strong agitations against these individuals if they persist with their activities.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/locals-protest-sports-univ-at-yaithibi-khunou/

Tanker drivers` strike suspended in view of Chakkouba fest

IMPHAL, October 23: The steering wheel-down agitation of the tankers drivers which commenced from last afternoon has been suspended today taking into consideration the Ningol Chakkouba festival. The tankers drivers

IMPHAL, October 23: The steering wheel-down agitation of the tankers drivers which commenced from last afternoon has been suspended today taking into consideration the Ningol Chakkouba festival.

The tankers drivers will resume their normal duties from tomorrow.

Speaking to media persons during a meet held today at ISBT, A Deven Singh general secretary of All Manipur Petroleum Transporter Association (AMPTA), said that representatives of several transporters`™ body who endorsed the agitation today met with the CAF&PD Minister at his office chamber at 11 am.

The transporters`™ body included the All Manipur Inter State Bus Owners`™ Association (AMISBOA), NH-37/53 Truck Owners`™ Welfare Association and All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Drivers`™ Union (AMPTDA).

The meeting was also attended by Lamlai MLA-Ksh Biren, Konthoujam MLA K Sarat and senior depot managers of IOC, SI Singh.

Following an appeal made by the Government to suspend the agitation in the interest of the general public and taking into consideration the Ningol Chakkouba, the transporter suspended the agitation, he said.

It may be noted that the tankers driver resorted to protest demanding the police to withdraw an FIR lodge against Bhupenchandra Ghosh, president All Manipur Petroleum Transporter Association (AMPTA).

The case was lodged by one tanker driver namely Nirmal Lama, 34, of Gautam Basti, Khatkhati, Assam driving for Heirangoithong Service Station (oil pump) who had charged that he had been intimidated and assaulted by Bhupenchandra Gosh, using small arm on October 21.

However, the tankers driver refuted the allegation levelled against Ghosh was baseless adding that only a minor scuffle broke out following misbehaviour of Nirmal who was under the influence of alcohol.

Meanwhile, informing that the tankers driver will resume their normal duty, Deven asked the Nirmal Lama who is involved in the fiasco to tender his apology to the Union physically by November 10.

Terming the October 21 incident as an internal crisis within the tanker drivers`™ family, Deven urged external forces who are trying to blow the incident out of proportion, not to interfere into their matter.

NGOs and private companies join hands in Tamenglong facelift

IMPHAL, Oct 23: Several NGOs and private companies of Tamenglong district today started road widening and repairing work from Noney bazaar to Noney common ground. The initiative was undertaken by

IMPHAL, Oct 23: Several NGOs and private companies of Tamenglong district today started road widening and repairing work from Noney bazaar to Noney common ground.

The initiative was undertaken by Longmai village authority, Longmai village Thoubei (court), Longmai Students`™ Union and Church leaders of Noney area.

Heavy machinaries including excavators, tipper trucks were provided by various private firms like the E.C.I company, NIPL company, Nidhi enterprises, KMC Gaidingam Oil pump, Wadi farm.

No One Likes To Get Hurt

By Thangkhanlal Ngaihte People like to have it easy. No one wants to get hurt. This may be one good way to explain why cases like Juliet Zonunmawii keep happening.

By Thangkhanlal Ngaihte

People like to have it easy. No one wants to get hurt.
This may be one good way to explain why cases like Juliet Zonunmawii keep happening. Juliet was a 24-years old Mizo woman who died on October 16 in Delhi. Investigation is ongoing, but there was a deep stab wound on her thigh and foul play is apparent. Her alleged boyfriend, one Virender Singh from Dehradun, is a suspect in the case.
Predictably, social media is awash with wisdom-after-the-fact. Why did she went out with an outsider (community-wise) in the first place? She brought shame on the entire Zo community and she deserved what she got, many said.
Juliet was unlucky. There must be hundreds, if not thousands, of northeast women whose lives are identical to Juliet. Take a walk through the by-lanes of Munirka, where Juliet lives, around 11 pm. There is no dearth of young woman, too drunk to walk, or, too affected by whatever drugs they are taking to care how they look or what others think as they watch. You see them cavorting with African men, or mainlanders. On a Christmas night a few years ago, when I was also living in Munirka, I came across a Mizo-speaking girl crouching on the sidewalk as I walk out, sobbing and whispering into her phone. When I returned, she was still there. It was a cold night. I gingerly approached her and tried to talk to her. She suddenly jerked her face toward me and shouted, `get away.`™ I got away and never see her again.
There was a time when things were better at home in the northeast and very few ventured into places like Delhi. Then, things got bad. The better-off amongst us started migrating to the cities, mainly for education and government-service. Then, the economy went global, internet boom happened and with it, BPO and retail jobs. Northeasterners, who have a headstart in English education, came to be much sought after. Retail jobs and hospitality demand exotic-looking girls. The profile of those who migrate to the cities changed. Now, the majority of those who come here do so to grab jobs in the private sector, not for education.
At home, we have layers of social solidarities protecting us. Most of us live with our parents and grand-parents. We sometimes resent their overbearance, but we can always rush to their ams when we face trouble. They are precious cushions to emotional turmoil. There is the church in which we seek emotional and spiritual well-being. There are legions of social and philanthropic bodies to set rules and boundaries regarding social life.
In places like Delhi too, we tried to reproduce those institutions. We used to make records of everyone from our community coming here. We organize social meets and freshers welcome functions. We set up our own churches. We connect and keep track of each other.
But, since sometime, we seem to be overwhelmed by the sheer scale of migration. Some people also resent that we set up all those social bodies, trying to create a `mini-Lamka`™ in Delhi. Churches no longer search out those who come, it is for those who come to search out the church. Many people, especially those who came for easy jobs, do not bother to reach out to their own kind. They started to live on their own.
The cities are unforgiving. There is neither soul nor emotion. This is especially hard for us northeasterners because we were used to layers and layers of social relationships and protection in a tight-knit village society. One major complaint against northeasterners is that they often gather together, party and play loud music. This is actually no surprise. It is simply that this is how we live life back home, though, in a more innocent setting. We long for home food. We want to hear and talk about home. We cannot do without our own kind. We always long for that animating fire-side chat and human solidarity.
You live alone. You don`™t know the person living next door. You feel lonely and depressed. You had a fight with your parents who don`™t understand how things are. You broke up with your boyfriend. Your job did not work out. You run out of money and feel ashamed to ask your parents. What do you do? It is natural, in such case, to open up and make relationships with anyone who show care and interest in us. That`™s what many of us do. But, these people are not interested in marriage or long term commitment. They want sex, and once they got that, they tried to use you for flesh trade or worse. They abuse you, call you a slut and leave you. You become heart-broken, but cannot turn to your own kind because you have already become famous in a bad way. What you do? Drugs, drinks, prostitution, suicide?
In many such cases, there are concerned people, or relatives, who heard about it and reported the same to parents back home. But, normally, such news are not appreciated. It`™s not that parents don`™t care for their children. They care for them so much so that they come to be willing to listen only to good news about them. They would rather not hear anything than hear bad news. May be, they are in constant dread of receiving calls for fear of hearing bad news. Feeling helpless and frustrated, they often vent that frustration on the bearers of bad news. As I said above, no one likes to get hurt. People want it easy. Only, in some cases, the refusal to face reality and confront it leads to corpses coming home.
Migration to alien cities will continue. Racism and racist violence will not end. If at all, it will still get worse before it gets better. Incidents like Juliet`™s will likely continue too. What can we do? Frankly, I am at a loss. But, one thing we should focus on must be to rebuild our social and religious institutions. We should reconnect in a human way. Churches should pay more attention to the city and train more pastors for personal counselling, psychological support, etc. Our need for such solidarities increase, not decrease, in the city which is, by its very nature, atomistic, alienating and soulless. Facebook is simply no substitute for such warm solidarities.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/no-one-likes-to-get-hurt/

Sarita Unfairly Victimised

Although this was expected, or rather feared would be the consequence, the news that another of Manipur`s ace boxers, who have also been world champion in her weight category, Laishram

Although this was expected, or rather feared would be the consequence, the news that another of Manipur`s ace boxers, who have also been world champion in her weight category, Laishram Sarita, along with her coaches and chef de mission of the Indian contingent to the Incheon Asiad earlier this year were provisionally suspended by the International Boxing Association, IABA, still came as a big shock. We had imagined the IABA would not be so harsh in its judgment chiefly for two reasons. One, upon the advice of authorities, Sarita had unconditionally apologised for her open rebellion at the widely perceived injustice she was subjected to by the boxing judges at Incheon, and the IABA had accepted the apology. Two, thanks to the widely available video recording of the quarter final match, it is almost universal knowledge now that she was made to lose despite clearly dominating her Korean opponent in at least the last three rounds of the four rounds fight. Commentaries by expert eyewitnesses of the fight also had unambiguously come out in support of Sarita, both in the opinion that the fight should have been awarded to her, and also that her protest was within understandable limits, if not befitting. Under the circumstance, it would not be altogether unreasonable to presume the IABA should have instead been induced to be more keen to set its own house in order, and work towards reforming the rules that govern boxing umpiring, and more importantly, devising measures to ensure umpires come under no influences of the scourge which has been the bane of all sports which command passionate spectators involvement `“ that of match fixing.

It is unlikely, the IABA authorities were unaware of all the suggestions that organised match fixing was very likely to have been the case in Incheon. Consider these statistics from the Incheon boxing ring. The Mongolian team not only lodged an official complaint when one of their boxers lost to a Korean fighters in what they believed was also very unfairly ruled in favour of the Korean, but they also officially threatened a walk out by their entire boxing contingent at the Games. According to reports, they did tone down their protest later, and refrained from such a walk out. Again, another Indian boxer, Laishram Debendro, was also visibly on the receiving end of another “grossly unfair” ruling in a bout with a Korean boxer, but he, although sorely disappointed, unlike Sarita, tamely accepted the verdict. Furthermore, in the case of Sarita, after she made public her strong displeasure, her Korean opponent, Ji-Na Park, honestly conceded that even she was embarrassed by the verdict and she too felt Sarita was the real winner of the bout. Under these circumstances, the IABA, though it is quite understandably upset by the extreme and public nature of Sarita`™s protest, ought to have seen the entire episode as one calling for introspection into its own functioning, rather than think of punishing the victim of its failings for daring to protest. We do hope the apex international amateur boxing governing body is capable of some measure of humility and ultimately withdraws its decision to award this harsh penalty to Sarita and her coaches.

Meanwhile, the Indian Olympic Association must also wake up. For long this has been either a den of corruption, or else an extension of the Babudom, where its executive body, a mix of bureaucrats and elected members, rather than take keen interests in the sports and sportsperson they are in charge of, treat their offices as opportunities to grab free travels to exotic sporting venue all over the world. Had the IOA officials who were at Incheon taken a proactive role in the entire episode, and instead of Sarita having to resort to individually fight the boxing establishment, they had taken the initiative to lodge official protests through official channels just as the Mongolian boxing contingent did, things may not have got so ugly and damaging for the Sarita`s as well as her coaches` careers.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/sarita-unfairly-victimised/

Locals urged to support Chakpikarong KVS

CHANDEL, October 23: People of Chakpikarong should be happy about the proposed setting up of a Kendra Vidyalaya School in the periphery of the town and must extend full cooperation

CHANDEL, October 23: People of Chakpikarong should be happy about the proposed setting up of a Kendra Vidyalaya School in the periphery of the town and must extend full cooperation to the government`™s decision which intends to bring better quality of life in the area.

This was stated by Chandel Naga People`™s Organisation (CNPO) president Ws Kanral Anal while addressing the closing ceremony of the weeklong annual sports meet of Chakpikarong Government High School as the chief guest yesterday.

Acknowledging the lack of infrastructure of Chakpikarong Govt High school and the limited number of teachers which are less than the total sanctioned number of posts in the school, the president supported the call for making demands to the State government for addressing the problems faced by the school that ANCACSD president Rd Thumdang had earlier highlighted in his speech.

Thumdang had earlier spoken as a guest of honour before the CNPO president.

Speaking on the importance of sports in education, the CNPO president advised students to take sports seriously and play with determination, commitment and discipline.

Speaking as a guest of honour, Maj Bupinder Verma opined that Manipur was an important part of the world as far as sports was concerned, and encouraged the staffs and parents present to prepare the students for the future.

The closing day was marked by an Anal cultural dance competition among the four houses of the students and prize distribution.

Maj Bupinder Verma of 32 AR Salluk post, School Management Development Committee chairman HL Thungam and Anal Naga Chiefs`™ Association Chakpikarong Sub division (ANCACSD) president Rd Thumdang attended the closing ceremony as guests of honour.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/locals-urged-to-support-chakpikarong-kvs/