Day: December 13, 2014

IMPHAL, December 13: BJP Lok Sabha MP from Bihar Om Prakash Yadav today joined the party`™s State executive members during an enrolment campaign at Sekmai.

Speaking at the campaign, he said the party understands the pulse of the public.

The BJP led government in the Centre has promoted democracy to its true form and now a person from Manipur can become the Prime Minister, whereas unfortunately with the Congress it is only about promoting the Gandhi family and making one of its members the Prime Minister, the MP claimed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already made a name before the world in such a short period of his becoming the Prime Minister, he said.

Continuing to attack Congress, he said three leaders of the party have been put behind bars while many are facing trial on corruption charges during the first three months of Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister.

The Congress never thinks of anybody else other than themselves, he alleged adding that the Prime Minister has already introduced the Jan Dhan Yojna for the needy and poor section of the society. Through the scheme, anyone can now open a bank account with just Rs 200 and avail credit upto Rs 5000 and an insurance cover of another Rs 1 lakh for accidental death and Rs 30 thousand for natural death, he continued.

Only a poor person can understand another one, he said adding that Narendra Modi who is today known the world over as the Prime Minister of India is himself from a poor family.

Om Prakash said Modi is a true visionary and will certainly take the country towards development.

State BJP president Th Chaoba Singh who was the president of the formal function said that the mass enrolment campaign of the party was launched on November 1 by the Prime Minister and Union Home minister Rajnath Singh.

He said in the last Lok Sabha election, the party received a total of 17 crore 65 lakhs votes which was somehow short of just 3 crore 5 lakhs votes to reach absolute majority. The enrolment camp is being organised with an eye to close this gap, he added.

Meanwhile, a source informed that a team of the BJP Youth Morcha State unit had recently attended a North East meeting of the party in Guwahati.

President of the Manipur unit of the BJYM, O Malesh, vice president and in charge online membership drive, Y Gogendra alias Gopi, VP Kh Basanta and general secretary Ak Pradip who attended the meeting also organised a mass enrolment campaign at Jiribam where around 1000 members enrolled into the party, informed the source.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/bjp-mp-from-bihar-says-party-upholding-democracy-in-country/

By Malangba Bangormayum

In October this year, an acquaintance availed his LTC to go to Manipur. This was against my advice. Well-known for venturing at odd hours and to any place, with the obduracy that some senior persons develop I had my misgivings of the idea. He went ahead with his wife to Imphal. From there, they had a whirl wheel tour of Manipur. He went to Moreh first. He is a Tamilian. He had to go there. I advised against that also. Of course, two powerful blasts happened during that time. Need I add that there was blockade on Imphal-Moreh line at that time? The most interesting story that he told me of his sojourn concerns a coconut.

In Moreh he was surprised to see the biggest coconuts in his life. This is significant considering that he comes from a place where coconuts of all types are a plenty. He had to buy one. He got one for 30 Rupees. Of an inquisitive variety, he went to `Ema Market`™ to inquire about the price of coconuts there. He related with shock that smaller coconuts were sold for 80 Rupees. To this I had to explain that coconuts are an important material for many religious and cultural occasions in Manipur, and I also added that coconuts do not grow in Manipur. I shall come to this latter part of my explanation in a minute. And so on I tried to justify the price of coconuts in Imphal. I didn`™t venture into other factors along the Imphal-Moreh route that could have a contribution in the hefty price difference. Anyway he took that coconut home aboard Indian Airlines. Maybe, everyone in the land of coconut marveled and is marveling at the size of Manipuri coconut.

There is the custom that newly married couple eats the coconut that is part of the marriage ceremony. The coconut is placed on the conjoined hands of the bride and groom. No one has explained, nor have I ventured for an explanation for the coconut`™s part in our elaborate marriage ceremony but I presume that it is a symbolism for union, wholeness, togetherness. The coconut in its many layers could also have another symbolic order. These layers can be frustrating for the monkey who knows that there is something wonderful inside. In a sense, I share the frustration of the monkey in trying to find the meaning behind the coconut on the conjoined palms.

My mother said I should husk the coconut that was part of my wedding share it with my wife. Husking a coconut is no easy task. I then remembered my father relating a story of a strong-man who husked coconuts barehanded. I proceeded to the task, but with a tool. With the first stroke of instrument of choice, the coconut leaped and landed on the water that had collected in the pit that was in front of my house. The pit in question was dug up to make an underground tank, as part of my uncle`™s new three storied building. I always had this impression that coconuts float. I have seen that on T.V. They disperse from the coastal shorelines, carried by the sea waves across the oceans to distant shorelines to germinate, grow and bear fruit for the consumption of those in that distant vicinity: never to be asked where it originated. But this coconut sunk faster than a stone. This one proved to be a different nut. There was no way of retrieving it in my new `yellow`™ dress. There was no way of telling others what happened
without the elders berating me. So, my wife and I decided to keep mum on the coconut.

My mother, who has avid interest in growing things which are difficult to grow, attempted to grow coconuts. I remember at least three occasions of such attempts. The last was quite dramatic. After the previous attempts failed, she was wondering why the coconuts did not grow. At this juncture, she was given the advice that she follows a certain procedure: she should dig a pit of particular dimensions, and then it should be layered with charcoals after which a generous amount of salt should be put in. Then only should the coconut sapling be placed. I was skeptical; because, the process appeared to be conjecture of someone who in fact has not tried. My mother tried following each step meticulously. It did seem to work. The coconut did grow for some time`¦and then withered. After this attempt she gave up the idea of growing coconuts. According to how one counts, this brief persistence of the coconut to grow in the garden could be evinced as evidence that coconuts did grow in our land.

Recently, I came across a discussion on the internet. This centered on a really big coconut on the conjoined hands of a couple. Someone had uploaded it. Someone had commented on the size. Some other claimed that coconuts were grown in Manipur in `olden`™ times. If this gentleman`™s claim is correct then the explanation I gave to my Tamil friend needs correction. I shall do that when I meet him next time. I shall tell him that Manipur was once a land of coconuts. I shall try to convince him with the theory of the movement of the tectonic plates. Who knows Manipur was once surrounded by oceans? I shall add. Maybe, he will be convinced; maybe not. I can even bring out an Atlas and point out that the Earth itself is the shape of a coconut. I shall push my argument saying that we all share the Earth; therefore, we all have a claim to at least the shape of the coconut. Try, I shall.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/different-coconuts/

JIRI, December 13: Ramnagar Manipuri Chaokhat khongthang Nupi Lup had observed the 75th Nupilal Observation at Bangladesh on December 12 at 8 am.

The observation was opened with a floral tribute to the ima who participated in the Nupi Lal and the lighting up of a ceremonial lamp by additional secretary, government of Bangladesh Ashok Madhav Rai who attended as the chief guest.

The programme was also attended by chairman of Shree Mangal Upjal Parishad, Randhir Kumar Dev, Upjal executive officer, Sahid Mohammed Chaid ul Haq, professor at Manipur University, History department, Dr Jaikumar Singh, Jury Upjal vice chairman, Ranjita Sharma, Manipuri Language Research and Development Organisation president, Ak Seram and senior playback singer of Manipur, Nabachandra Sharma were the guests of honour.

After the opening song, the welcome address was presented by Ramnagar Chaokhat Khongthang Nupi Lup, advisor, Thingujam Hiran.

The programme was presided over by president of the nupi lup, Phajatombi Devi and conducted by Thokchom Nongpok Leima.

A newspaper editor Gopal Dev Choudhary, headmaster of a high school ShyamalDutta, Kamalganj Upjal chiarmanRafikumar Rahaman and Mangang Construction`™s Md Human Mutumcha spoke on the occasion.

The chief guest said, despite of the minor population in Bangladesh, the Manipuris have a highly developed culture.

However, influence from other cultures has affected the Manipuri culture and language and there is need for the government to provide some help to preserve them, the chief guest said.

He further promised that the government will construct a Manipuri Cultural Academy at Ramagar at the earliest.

Several renowned artists from the State also performed during the function.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/manipuri-diaspora-in-bangladesh-observes-nupi-lal-anniversary/

By Khura Seraton

New shirt, new trouser and a new leather slipper, everything was new. I saw Nobin on his over-used two wheeler bike, riding down the Kasturi Bridge towards Nagamapal side. No one will be mistaken to identify Nobin as one of the newly married of this season. The all new clothing speaks for itself. Besides his clothing, one of the easiest ways to identify a newly married man among the Meities is to look at his slipper. If the man is wearing a clean white slipper, nine out of ten will turn out to be newly married. May be, the white colour slipper is worn to match the all-white Pheijom, Pumyat and Kokyet. Some bridegrooms prefer to wear off-white or dull-yellow slippers instead of the white colour one. But white colour is dominant. Someone told me that the all-white Meitei bridegroom signifies the sun. Yes, the sun which is the best power supplier of the earth, the life giver, the ubiquitous sun. But I was not told what the bride signifies. May be because brides are multi-coloured, giving too many options for signification.

Nobin, riding through the busy Nagamapal Street passed by me, and was gone with the medley of vehicular sounds towards the Khuyathong side. He didn`™t notice me waving. Though I know, his mind was occupied with so many things. The Mangani Chak-kouba (a grand feast at the bride`™s parental house on the fifth day after the wedding) was just two days away. It is usual for a newly married husband to make himself busy with some more shopping even after the wedding. You never know the small requirements of the new house, of the woman who have just moved in to stay together for the rest of her life. And it is a good gesture to remind friends to attend the Chak-Kouba even though the formal invitation cards have already been dispatched along with the wedding cards. But Nobin have different preoccupation. His house is going to be dismantled soon.

Earlier Nobin`™s family as well as other families in the locality was served with a government notification. The notice informed them that they will have to shift their houses to a new location on a specific date, within a few days`™ time. That specific date is same with the date of Nobin`™s wedding. It is not that they were not aware of the eviction drive which is rampant in Imphal with the new surge of developmental works carried out by the government. The localities were earlier served with a similar notification. But the date for eviction was however extended after much pleading with the government. They pleaded that constructing new houses at a new location will take some more time, as it was rainy season. The government agreed to give some more time. Yet, uncertainties still loom large as another notification was in the offing. The latest notification arrived like a bad presage. It knocked the loudest to Nobin`™s family, when everyone was busy preparing for the wedding. They have never imagined that eviction drive would begin on the wedding day itself. As soon as the latest notification was served, Nobin`™s family members had to leave the wedding preparation aside. It must have been one of the hardest decisions to make; whether to take part in the Leiaki meeting to discuss about submitting another appeal to the authority for one more extension of eviction date, or to anyhow shift to the newly allotted location so that the marriage is not disturbed.

In the meantime, the Leikai decided to appeal for yet another extension of date. This time they have cited Nobin`™s wedding as one of the chief reasons of extending the date. But it was never easy. Should they meet the MLA, or should they meet the aspiring one, who is very influential `“ who could tame ferocious breed of earth movers like the JCB. Yes, that yellow coloured breed, which can alter a landscape within minute`™s time. I also heard that the influential one also owns quite a number of the same breed. You call it luck or anything, the influential man turned up in the Leikai when heated discussion was going on. He got down from his black Bolero vehicle; offered greetings with folded hands to the elders, shook hands with the young. He talked with the Leikai for some minutes. He made a call from his smart phone. He informed the Leikai that extension notice will be out by evening.

And that was how Nobin`™s marriage was not disturbed. I was wondering what if the phone call of that influential JCB owner had failed to extend the eviction date. Would Nobin and his family shift to the new location? Would they postpone the wedding? That day I met Nobin. He told me that on the day of Chak-Kouba a commotion nearly took place over some trivial issue, which was not at all related with the impending eviction. `Why do things have to go wrong on my important days`, he asked. I had no answer. I cannot try reasoning with him that it was just a matter of coincidence, and that things will be fine. I did not enquire Nobin about his newly wed life; about eating on new plates, about sleeping on new bed `¦ new furniture and above all about the new family member. Nobin, who signified the all-powerful sun for a single day, will have to stay away from the JCB one day.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/in-search-of-new-life/

By Tinky Ningombam

I am always bad with names. I have been plagued by this rather irritating social handicap. My nonsensical inability to recall names and associate them to faces. Though in my defense, I am sure everyone deals with this some time or the other. We often forget people who we do not meet for a very long time or people who we are not interested in. My problem extends to people who I thought were interesting. That is when I saw my problem as indeed a problem not something that I feigned for personal fancies.

We are visual creatures. It takes us less time to recall an object by sight than by name. Moreover, ever since I was a young girl, I have always been attracted to interesting visuals. In the passing years, I have discovered that I am part of that certain group of people who easily forget people`™s names. But like most of the incorrigible pampered lot, the only ones that I seem to remember are the people from the past that are most obnoxious, weird or the visually fascinating kind.

So does this mean that who-so ever that I forget are plain and boring? I don`™t know.

And people who are with me on this, will understand my plight. Ever more so when I say that this has not been very good for me, of course, especially in my social life. Many uncomfortable situations have befallen on me. One particularly embarrassing one happened just a couple of months ago.

A dear acquaintance of mine and her group of friends had met me. I, being the host, had to play the part to introduce my long-lost friend to the group and I introduced her by the wrong name. And instead of playing dumb and moving on, she corrected me and said that, that was definitely not what she was called. If ever you have to invent time machines, those are to be for times like these. To save you from the embarrassment of introducing your friend by the wrong name. I would have found it offensive if someone did that to me. Considering how self-important and highly I think of myself. That girl deserves nothing less. And even as I write this, I cannot for the life of me, remember what her name is, again.

Why do we forget names? Are there some valid explanations? Why is it so hard to keep up? Apparently there are a few explanations for these. People fail to correlate a face to a name because of one or few of the following things.

A. We forget a name because we are not interested in them. Because we think that the person is inconsequential and will not be connected to us at all in the future.

B. Because at the time of introduction, we try too hard to focus on something about the person or on something else in our mind entirely that our attention to the name becomes unimportant

C. Our short term memory is indeed very short or we suffer from a brain disorder
But I mustn`t joke. A brain disorder is no laughing matter. Because I was thinking about this. And also because I was bored and I like to surf the net for completely random things, I found and read of what is called face blindness. Something that you wouldn`t want to even dream of having. Our momentary memory lapses are nothing in comparison to this brain disorder which doesn`t allow facial recognition. My sympathies for the victims of it.

Coming back to our ordeal. How do we deal with this, you ask? How do we get past these deplorable character suicides and public embarrassments of forgetting people`™s names? There are apparently quite a few tricks to learn. All is not lost. This is not a premature attack of dementia yet. I have tried and tested some for your benefit. And it does work, much to my relief. I shall leave you with those.

– Because of the fact that most of the time, we do not remember names because we do not pay attention to that person, we can try to associate the name to a certain thing or activity or object or a facial feature.

– Repeating the name about 5 to six times when introduced helps. This makes it easier for our brain to get used to the face and the name relation. So when you are introduced to Bob, say `“ `So Bob, how was your day?` `It is lovely to have met you Bob` ` Have a good day to you too Bob` It might seem a little weird at first and he might think you are a little crazy if you use his names more than 10 times in 10 minutes. But do go on, if need be.

– Writing it down helps. But this might not be practical in some situations. It can also be a little creepy for the other person if she knows you are indeed writing the names down. Also, if you are introduced without a pen and a paper in your hand, you shouldn`™t go asking for it.

– Make a small limerick or a poem with the person`™s name. If not so creative, use rhyming words. Look at the person closely and hum it silently `Bob wants to shop`, `Bob likes to rob` `Bob is in a mob`. Just don`™t say it aloud in front of him.

– Or do what one of my friend did. Call every girl that he met as `Nanao` This might not work at your workplace but what the heck, it is definitely better than calling someone `oye`.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/elusive-names-forgetfulness-or-disinterest/

IMPHAL, December 13: A former women`™s boxing world champion Laishram Sarita Devi today appreciated the support she has received from several sports icon of the country as she awaits a final ruling of the International Boxing Association, AIBA following her protest during the medal presentation ceremony in the Incheon Asian Games earlier this year.

The boxer, facing a provisional suspension following her protest, was speaking to media persons during a brief interaction at the North East Sports Conclave 2014 at Hotel Imphal by Classic conference hall today.

She told media persons that she expects the AIBA to come out with its final ruling by next month.

Sarita at the same time lauded the decision of the government to establish a Sports University in the State and said it will immensely help the sports players of the State.

A seminar `Scopes & Potential of North East in Sports` and an interaction session on `Roadmap for Sports University in Manipur` were the main highlights of the conclave which was being organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in association with North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of DoNER Government of India and Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur.

Speaking at the conclave, secretary North Eastern Council Ameising Luikham observed the need to develop and upgrade all the local sports institutions in the State to the level of regional institutions and added he will provide all possible help.

He said Manipur has a lot of potential in sports and has brought much laurels to the country however there is still lots of room for improvement.

He further appealed to the sports bodies in the State to work harder to develop sports in the State.

Parliamentary secretary M Prithiviraj said in the past a land was considered powerful only if they have much artillery, however, today the concept of a power-house has drastically changed from that perception. Today countries are considered sports`™ powerhouse if the people of the State have the potential of winning in sports and acquire several medals in a sporting event.

Former National Men Hockey captain Bharat Chetri and Anshu Jamsenpa who have summited the Mount Everest three times and boxer L Sarita Devi attended the conclave as special guests.

A NNN report said the conclave dwelled on the proposed Sports University to be set up in Manipur. It acknowledged that Manipur alone has been claiming most of the medals in national and major international sporting events compared to other States of the region.

NEC secretary Luikham assured to improve the present stadium of Manipur Mountaineering & Trekking Association (MMTA), it said.

I Hemochndra said the case of boxer L Sarita, who has been banned by AIBA, will be raised in the coming meeting of Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the NNN report continued.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/sarita-appreciates-support-from-countrys-sporting-icons/

MOREH, December 12: The 75th anniversary of Nupi Lal was also observed in the border town of Moreh today. It was jointly organised by Kha-Nongpok Apunba Nupi Lup, Moreh; Moreh Minority Development Society, Moreh; Nupi Khunai Chaokhat Lamjing Lup, Moreh and Muslim Women Development Association, Moreh.

The event was marked by a rally in the morning which was taken part by women folks. It was followed by a formal function in the afternoon, held at the premises of Kondong Lairembi, Moreh.

The function was attended by Th Ibemhal Leima, president of KNANL; Th Jamuna Devi, president of NKCLL; Jubeda Begum, president of MWDA; Nurbanu, vice president of MWDS. They were joined by M Thoiba Singh, president of Meetei Council, Moreh; O Lukhoi Sing, VP of All Community Development Organisation, Moreh; Md Hussain, president of Manipur Muslim Council, Moreh; Y Jotila Leima, advisor to NKCLL and N Nabakumar Meitei, president of all AMSU, Chandel District committee.

Ch Chandarsakhi Devi of Moreh College spoke on length about the relevance of observing Nupi Lal in the present day as the main speaker of the function. The presidium members also deliberated on the significance of Nupi Lal.

Prizes were handed away to the winners and participants of the rally held in the morning.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/nupi-lal-anniversary-observed-at-moreh/

IMPHAL, December 12: The Bharatiya Janata Party, Manipur State unit, observed the 75th Nupi Lal anniversary today at its office at Nityaipat Chuthek Imphal.

Speaking during the observation, Th Chaoba, president of the Manipur unit of the party maintained that there is a 3rd Nupi Lal in the offing. Explaining his prediction, Chaoba said that the Supreme Court has recently given verdict that attempt of suicide is no longer a crime. He said in this regard discussion will be held in the Parliament to look into the ruling.

He continued that on the other hand, Irom Chanu Sharmila has been fasting against the AFSPA 1958 for more than 14 years. The State government has been confining her on the charge of suicide attempt, he recalled.

He said Sharmila might get released in view of the Supreme Court ruling, but the she will continue her fast against the Act. There is no indication of repeal of the said Act, as no political party in the country is serious about removing it.

On the other hand, Sharmila will continue her fast, and she might even meet her end, he maintained.

Chaoba continued that if that kind of incident ever takes place, there is possibility of violent protest by the people of the State. He said the protest could turn into civil unrest and another Nupi Lal could occur.

The ruling State government must take the responsibility in such a scenario, he added.

Recalling the Manorama incident, he said that following widespread protest, Disturbed Area status was removed from seven Assembly Constituencies and areas under the Imphal Municipal Council overnight by the then government.

He pointed out that the State government can save the life of Sharmila if Disturbed Area status is removed from all 60 Assembly Constituencies in the State. The government should not invite another Nupi Lal, he said.

Highlighting the significance of the Nupi Lal observation, he said that Manipuri women are brave enough to confront any forces that threaten the existence of the society.

He also recalled the nude protest of Kangla by the mothers against AFSPA.

In the observation BJP Mahila Morcha president, N Ebemcha, State Vice president S Satyabhama and BJP National executive member Sarda Devi graced as president and guest of honour respectively.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/chaoba-demands-disturbed-area-removed-from-whole-state-to-save-sharmila/

IMPHAL, Dec 12: A ZRA cadre was held in general area of Veng near District Hospital, Churachandpur in an operation launched by the troops of Red Shield Division on December 11 December at 11 AM based on specific information regarding extortion activities by some miscreants.

According to a release of the PRO defence, at 11.45 AM, the cadre namely, Jampao Guite, 47, son of (L) Jamkhothong of Lanva village, Churachandpur was apprehended from a medical store while demanding money.

A Motor Cycle Yamaha (RX-100) with Registration No MN1H-0610 with key, one Nokia Mobile (XL) Black with Airtel Sim Card, Rs. 5,090/- in cash and incriminating documents having financial details of the extortion activity being carried out by the individual were recovered.

The apprehendee along with the recoveries has since been handed over to Lamphel Police Station, Imphal, it said.

In another release by the PRO, proactive actions of troops of Red Shield Division has busted a very well planned and coordinated attempt of arms dealers to smuggle a huge consignment of weapons and ammunition into Manipur along Indo-Myanmar Border.

A special operation was launched by the troops of Red Shield Division from Churachandpur district and to maintain continuous surveillance over the movement of the arms dealers which resulted in apprehension of three arms dealers along with 7 MA III MK II Rifles, 14 Magazines & 19 rounds packed in a steel case and cash of 2,08,000 Kyat.

The apprehendees have been identified as Khenthang ,48, son of Luthsuanthang of Zamphi District, Tonzang (Myanmar), Paudoa, 45, son of Thang Khogin of Zamphi District, Tonzang (Myanmar) and Seamtong, 36, son of Pau Suanthong of Zamphi District Tonzang (Myanmar).

Further interrogation of the individuals revealed that consignment was bought from Kalemyo on December 6 and were being illegally smuggled inside Manipur to abet insurgent activities. The apprehendees along with recoveries are being handed over to the Police.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/extortionist-held-arms-smuggler-gang-busted/

IMPHAL, December 12: Manipur is a State whose history is laced with many watershed events but the observations of those events begin only after many years which reveal the callous indifference of successive Union governments to the State and its people, alleged Manipur Peoples`™ Party president N Sovakiran.

He was speaking at the 75th Nupi Lal celebrations. Over the years, the people of the State appear to have neglected historic events like Nupi Lal, Khongjom Day etc, he opined.

He said the allied forces and the Japanese fought big battles in Manipur during the 2nd World War in which thousands of soldiers died.

The Common Wealth War Grave Commission has established many cemeteries in various places where the Great War was fought. There is a cemetery of that war in Imphal and Kohima. Every year the war is commemorated, he observed.

The MPP president said but in the context of Manipur, Nupi Lal which occurred in 1904 and the Khongjom War fought in 1891 were commemorated only after 1974 when MPP came to power. Various National political parties never attempted to observe those historic events, he added.

Observing that the State marked the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was killed in January 30, 1948, at MG Avenue a year after his death, he said but the Nupi Lal memorial foundation stone was laid by KV Krishna Rao on December 9, 1986 only after MPP was able to send an elected representative in the parliament.

Later in 1999 when the MSCP led government came to power, the Nupi Lal memorial complex was inaugurated by ON Shrivastava, the then Governor of Manipur, he said before asking the reason of such delay in the observation of historic events pertaining to the state from the government.

When the MPP was in power, Manipuri was included in the 8th schedule in 1992, he pointed out.

Sovakiran said the party drew inspiration from the heroic tales of those ordinary women who performed extraordinary deeds in 1939 while forming the party and that the episode has always given strength to the party.

MPP is always concern about the welfare and development of the State and it will continue to strive for making the future generations not easily forget the historic events of the of Manipur, he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/mpp-president-questions-delayed-observations-of-states-historic-events/

IMPHAL, December 12: Dedicated to the `Mothers of the Nation`™ State Nupi Lal Ningshing Lamjel Organising Committee, Imphal today organised 23rd State Level Nupi Lal Ningshing Lamjel & Ningshing Thouram with the theme `Women for Tomorrow`™.

The commemorative marathon race was flagged off by the president of the organising committee, NK Dashini Devi from the Nupilal Memorial Complex, which culminated at the Singjamei Super Market, Imphal.

More than 600 Imas (Women folk) took part in the marathon race.

The race was categorised into three age groups: 36 to 45 years, 46 to 56 years and 56 years and above.

Among the participating Imas, the oldest Ima was one Lalita Devi aged about 91 years, who was felicitated by PHED minister, I Hemochandra Singh.

The winners of first category are K Soniya from Thiyam Konjil, Huidrom Bandana of Thiyam Konjil, Paonam Indira of Takyel Khongbal. In the second category; Saikhom Bedishini of Khangabok Awang Leikai, Khoibam Sodiya of Kiyamgie Khoirom, Sarungbam Inaotombi of Huikap Mayai Leikai stood as first three and Th Ibemhal of Khongjom Bazar, Th Akashini of Wangoi Makha Leikai and N (O) Memcha Devi of Chajing Chingkhong were the first three of the third category of the race.

Prizes and certificates were distributed at the Singjamei Super Market. Volunteers of Model Club, Singjamei extended support in organising the commemorative race.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/23rd-nupi-lal-commemorative-marathon-race-draws-massive-turnout/

IMPHAL, December 12: Befitting homage was paid to the martyrs of Nupi Lal by the State, in a ceremony led by the Chief Minister of Manipur, Okram Ibobi Singh, at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex Imphal today in the morning.

The inaugural function commenced with floral tribute at the memorial site of Nupi Lal attended by the Chief Minister and other dignitaries and invitees.

Reiterating the sacrifices made by the women of Manipur against the atrocities of the British colonial administration, Ibobi said one must vow to follow the path of those valiant women to bring about a prosperous and peaceful State. He was speaking as the chief guest of the observation.

He recalled that the two chapters of women`™s uprising, popularly known as Nupi Lal, the first in 1904 and the second in 1939, were not simple agitations. The uprisings were against the oppressions meted out to the people of Manipur by the then British colonial regime in cohorts with some scrupulous traders, he said.

He further continued that the monopoly control over rice by the colonial regime to trade it off outside the State during that period resulted in man-made scarcity of the staple food of Manipuries. The women folk could not remain silent to the injustice and they took on with the British and their Assam Rifles. He added that the uprising could not only stop the monopoly control in the trade, but it brought about a social reformation in the Manipuri society.

The sacrifices made by the women in the said uprisings are still remembered by today`™s generation as the Nupi Lal, the CM added.

Deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam giving his presidential speech came down heavily against the escalating crime against women in the State. He said it is shocking that in a land where historic event like Nupi Lal took place, where women who are treated as the symbol of the universal mother, such crimes have been disgraced the place`™s beautiful culture.

There will be a 3rd Nupi Lal if the current trend of dastardly crimes continues, he lamented.

He continued that it is impossible to imagine a society without mothers, the roles the mothers have played in the Nupi Lal is unrivaled. But it is extremely unfortunate that there are unwanted elements in the society, blinded by their morbid frames of mind, who have time and again assaulted the modesty of women, he said.

The deputy CM asserted that such unwanted elements, who cannot respect women and who commit heinous crime against them are a common enemy of the society. We must jointly root out the common enemy, if not the way forward to an amiable and peaceful society will be hard to achieve, he added.

He noted that commemorative day of Nupi Lal is the right day to take a joint pledge to fight against the evils of the society, more particularly against the atrocities meted to women.

A host of State dignitaries were also present during the observation, which include Deputy Speaker of State Legislative Assembly, Th Lokeshor, retired Justice RK Manisana, Council of ministers and MLAs, State Chief Secretary, PC Lawmkunga, DGP, Shahid Ahmed and high ranking civil and police officers, and other invitees.

As part of the observation, a Nupi Lal play was staged by artists of Nupi Lal Memorial Association and Nupi Lal & Khongjom War Memorial Society.

Songs dedicated to Nupi Lal were also presented by the artists of Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Government Music College of Imphal.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/state-pays-befitting-homage-to-nupi-lal-fighters/

IMPHAL, December 12: The All Manipur Nupi Marup has kicked off its yearlong platinum jubilee observation of Nupi Lal at the Keishampat Lairembi Community Hall here today.

Floral tributes were offered in memory of the martyrs, who fought against the British. It was followed by release of the platinum jubilee souvenir of Nupilal which was released by the chief guest during the function.

Speaking as the chief guest of the function, R K Memcha Devi, chief judicial magistrate, Imphal West lauded the All Manipur Nupi Marup for its contribution in various fields by addressing issues related to socio-political and economic matters of the State.

She also added that AMNMM work tirelessly not only for the women but also for the uplift and welfare of the society at large.

RK Memcha Devi also expressed her gratitude toward AMNMM for publishing Souvenir to commemorate the 75 year of Nupi Lal. She also wished AMNMM members to continue its good work.

While delivering the keynote address at the function M Shakhi, working president, AMNM said that Nupi Lan (Women`™s war) is one of the most important movements in the history of Manipuri women which occurred on December 12, 1939.

She said that women during that time played important roles not only in the economic activities but also in bringing political reformation in Manipur.

But today in the state, there has been an increase in number of crimes against women and children, she maintained. She added that in view of the present deplorable condition of women in the State, the AMNM is organising various activities like seminars, workshops and panel discussions to give awareness to women especially, as part of the platinum jubilee through-out the State.

She pointed out that women and children are the most important components of the society and they must be given respected spaces in ushering peace and progress.

The function was also attended by S Sorojini Devi, president of AMNM; patron members of AMNM, M Kadambini Devi, Y Ibeni Devi and T Ibemhal Devi.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/nupi-marups-platinum-jubilee-observation-of-nupi-lal-begins/

IMPHAL, December 12: The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Ukhrul has said that it organised a One Day Youth Political Awareness cum on-line Membership Mission 2014-15 held at Youth Hostel, Ukhrul on December 10.

According to a release of BJYM, National Secretary, North East in-charge, Doni Nich as chief guest President BJYM Manipur Pradesh, O. Malesh as functional president and President of Ukhrul M.Worthington attended the programme as the guest of honour.

A host of dignitaries, senior party leaders, active members and well- wishers attended the meeting, it said.

In his speech, Doni Nich stressed on the need for expedient BJP strengthening in the district while praising the BJP Ukhrul district for guarding pace in activating the part`™s activities.

He called on the public to jointly grab the opportunity of the glorious BJP empire extension.

M.Worthington in his speech which was greatly lauded by everyone reminded the public of the uniqueness of Ukhrul district which had produced the first Christian BJP MLA in the whole North East, D. Shaiza and two powerful CMs of the Manipur.

He also said the legendary Th. Muivah hails from Ukhrul district. The district is also home to the exotic Shirui Lily he said, `soon this blossom will find a soul mate in the lotus of BJP, and the two would bloom alongside each other in Ukhrul.`

Clarifying the doubts and apprehensions of the public regarding the interference by outside elements in the forthcoming

ADC election, the leader quoted, `The Indo-Naga peace talk is going smooth in all courts. If we are friends there in New Delhi, we cannot be enemies in Manipur.`

In his welcome address, Ameithemchui Raiping, president BJYM Ukhrul dist, expressed his immense gratitude to the dignitaries for making the occasion presentable and successful. He also expressed the preparedness of the BJYM Ukhrul in involving as the powerhouse of BJP glory soon to be witnessed in the district, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/bjps-lotus-will-blossom-with-ukhruls-shirui-lily-says-bjp-leader/