June 16, 2015 – Page 3

Ithai Govt High School facing problem of teachers` absence

IMPHAL 16: The fate of Ithai Government High School still looms in uncertainty with the absence of some teachers slowing the educational growth of the students, lamented convener of the

IMPHAL 16: The fate of Ithai Government High School still looms in uncertainty with the absence of some teachers slowing the educational growth of the students, lamented convener of the School Management Committee, Kh Chinglensana during a press meeting at the Manipur Press Club today.

The press meet was also attended by H Ibohal Meitei, president and Laishram Gobendro general secretary of Parents and Guardians Association, Ithai Government High School; Deben Karam, president and W Sanjit assistant secretary of Ithai Modern Civilisation Club (IMCC).

Chinglensana thanked the Education minister and the director of Education(S) and DESAM for its support in increasing the number of teachers in the school by posting nine more teachers.

At the same time, he claimed that some of the teachers have still failed to attend the school, he alleged.

He further appealed to the authorities to check the frequent transfer and utilization of teachers from the school.

`Frequent Bandhs and Strikes have already affected the attendance of the teachers and deprived the 670 students presently enrolled in the school of quality education`™ said Ibohal Meitei.

After the upgradation of the school under RMSA, the first batch of 10 students appeared in their HSLC exam last year and eight of them passed, while one had to appear compartmental exams and another failed. This is viewed as an encouraging result among the government schools, he added.

However this year due to the acute shortage of teachers and the apathy of the concern authorities, only 14 students out of the 28 cleared the HSLC exam.

`Infact several volunteers tried to bridge the shortage of teachers and assisted in running the school, else it would have been worse`™ said Deben Karam.

Speaking to this reporter over the phone, the head master informed about the background, `The lone English teacher S Monika Devi was utilized at Mukta High School, Moirang. Like wise the MIL teacher S Sunita Devi was utilized at Gokul Jr High School and the Science teacher Priya Manju Goswami was utilized at Tera Kebol High School.

We still lack a Hindi teacher`™ he said.

Providence from the SSA seems to be both insufficient and delayed at all levels. For instance, uniform is provided to only 230 students till date and the headmaster said, `It is not possible to buy a set of uniforms for upper classes at the rate of 400 per student and every year we had to utilize other funds to cover this deficit.

Whereas as demanded by the SSA authorities we continue to furnish utilization report @

400/ student`™, the headmaster continued.

`All the required text books are never provided hence we had to request the parents to buy some of the text books even in the current year`™

Elected INC candidate rejoices victory in ADC Election

KANGPOKPI, Jun.16: Elected Indian National Congress candidate from 7-Keithelmanbi District Council Constituency rejoiced in the Lord for his success in the recently concluded 5th ADC Election, 2015 at Keithelmanbi village

Traditionally organized and spiritual way of jubilation of the INC candidate has been attended by Haokholal Hangshing, who is also the elected uncontested INC candidate of Kangpokpi DCC and Lamkholen Kipgen, elected INC candidate of Tujang DCC.

While Pastor Lamkhoseh Chongloi, KCBC attended the function as Blessing Minister many villages chiefs, authority, local CSOs leaders, church leaders, youths leaders and community leaders apart from large number people also attended occasion.

Staging the blessing ritual Pastor Lamkhoseh Chongloi invokes God`™s blessing and heavenly wisdom for the victorious INC candidate Lamminthang Kipgen and garlands the words of God to be his vanguard.

Speaking at the occasion Haokholal Hangshing opined that politics is not a dirty game but it depends on the people playing the game before underling the importance role of politicians in making the game sanctified and glittering.

`In this day and age, the number of non politicians playing politics is skyrocketing and it becomes harder and harder to identify the real politicians who would like to involve in dirt free politics`, asserted Haokholal Hangshing.

The former ADC Sadar Hills Chairman also elaborated on the formation of District Council in Manipur and its power and functioning as well.

The elected INC candidate of Keithelmanbi DCC Lamminthang Kipgen said that my election to Autonomous District Council is the election of the people of my constituency and I will serve as the voice of the people.

Kuki Gospel Artiste Chichin Tuboi, Helam Chongloi and Chingnu Kipgen enthralled the crowd in the function with their harmonious voice.

Presentation from various sections and on the part of the candidate family as well as the glorious feast marked the grand occasion.

860 WY tablets seized: Police

IMPHAL, June 16: A team of Narcotics and Affairs of Border Police Station arrested one Nemjakim Guite, 43 wife of Thongkhothang of Yangoubung village, Tengnoupal Sub-Division, Chandel district along with 860 numbers of Amphetamine tablets (WY tablets) on June 14, said a press release issued by PRO Police Department.

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

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/860-wy-tablets-seized-police/

Next hearing of disqualification case against former MSCP MLAs on July 20

IMPHAL, June 16: The next hearing of the disqualification case against five MLAs of Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP), who joined the Congress party, has been fixed on July 20

IMPHAL, June 16: The next hearing of the disqualification case against five MLAs of Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP), who joined the Congress party, has been fixed on July 20 by the Speaker`™s tribunal court of Manipur Legislative Assembly.

The petition was filed in the Speaker`™s tribunal court seeking disqualification of the five MLAs under the Tenth Schedule of Indian Constitution. The five MLAs had contested from their respective constituencies with MSCP`™s tickets and elected to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly but later joined the Congress.

As scheduled, hearing of the disqualification case no 1 of 2014 was conducted in the Speaker`™s tribunal court today.

During the hearing, the petitioner of the case was represented by his counsel S Yaima while the respondents were represented by their counsel S Gunabanta Meitei.

The petitioner of the case had filed a petition in the court on June 15 pleading to give certain amount of time so that he could give parawise comment/reply to the documents/affidavit filed by the respondents in connection with the case.

During the hearing, the respondents of the case also requested the court to grant a reasonable time so as to enable them to give reply to the document/affidavit filed by the petitioner.

After hearing all the statements and taking consent of both the two sides, the Speaker`™s tribunal court fixed the next hearing of the disqualification case on July 20.

Applications invited for tourism course

IMPHAL, Jun 16: Applications are invited from interested candidates for undergoing one year job-oriented training for educated youth of northeast States in hospitality & tourism course through Ashoka institute of

The courses include hotel front office, restaurant services, travel agency & tourism, food production etc. Intake of capacity in each of the course will be 40/50. The minimum qualification for undergoing the courses is Class XII in any discipline.

The training costs including accommodation, mess and travel expenses will be borne by the Ministry of DoNER.

The minimum and maximum age applicable is 18 to 28 years and forms will be available from Planning Department and at its web site www.planningmanipur.gov.in and filled up form should be submitted to the Planning Department/AIH&TM on or before June 20, 2015.

Interview of the intending candidates will be held at Planning Department, Babupara on June 22 at 10 am.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/applications-invited-for-tourism-course/

Efforts on to bring normalcy in district, says Chandel DC

CHANDEL, June 16: The Chandel district administration has been closely monitoring the prevailing situation in the district in the aftermath of the June 4 ambush and subsequent Army operation and

CHANDEL, June 16: The Chandel district administration has been closely monitoring the prevailing situation in the district in the aftermath of the June 4 ambush and subsequent Army operation and efforts are on to bring normalcy in the affected areas at the earliest possible.

This was stated by Deputy Commissioner of Chandel Robert Singh Khetrimayum while interacting with media persons at his office chamber this afternoon.

Elaborating on the efforts taken up by district administration for safety of the villagers and providing possible administrative assistance to the villagers, Robert said that based on the concerns raised by the villagers, a team of the district administration led by SDO of Chandel Neilenthang Telien visited Paraolon, Challong, Kotal Khunthak and Moltuk villages after the ambush on the 6th Dogra Regiments.

At Moltuk, the team met Major Joshi and Captain Minthang and discussion the issue relating to the concerns raised by the villagers that included safety of the villagers, entry into their fields and forest for earning livelihood, he said.

During the discussion, the Army particularly the Dogra Regiment assured that no retaliatory action would be taken up against the innocent civilians, the DC said.

He also informed that the DIG of 26 Sector Assam Rifles and the CO of 26 AR, in their reply to a letter from the district administration, assured safety and security of the villagers.

He continued a meeting was held today with the chiefs of the affected villages and the Chandel Naga People`™s Organisation at his chamber.

Robert also informed that after hearing the plight and grievance of the villagers, assurance for all kinds of assistance for normalcy to return was assured to members present in the meeting.

Meanwhile, the CNPO and some villages`™ chiefs have also met DIG of 26 Sector Assam Rifles today and highlighted their grievance. It was informed that the DIG during the meeting gave positive assurance to the delegates.

PREPAK (Pro), KCP (Poirei), KYKL cadres nabbed from different place

IMPHAL, June 16: Based on a reliable information, a combined team of District Police Commando Bishnupur and 12th Bihar Regiment conducted search operation at Phoijing Kaboklei Bazar on June 13

IMPHAL, June 16: Based on a reliable information, a combined team of District Police Commando Bishnupur and 12th Bihar Regiment conducted search operation at Phoijing Kaboklei Bazar on June 13 and arrested one cadre of PREPAK (Pro) organisation, namely, Heirangkhongjam Romesh Singh, 41 alias Ibungo son of Late H Chandramani Singh of Nambol Phoijing Awang Leikai, according to a press release issued by PRO Police Department.

Investigation revealed that he was involved in extortion of money from general public, collection of information for planning ambush against security forces, transportation of arms and ammunitions and recruiting of new cadres for their organisation.

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

On the other hand, on receipt of a reliable information about the presence of some unlawful elements suspected to be cadres of valley based outfit KCP (Poirei) in and around Yairipok Thambalnu Market, a team of District Police Commando Imphal East conducted frisking and checking at Ngariyan Chingkhong Andro crossing on June 14 and arrested one active member of KCP (Poirei), namely, Laiphrakpam Chaoba Meitei, 26 alais Nanao alias Solomon son of L. Sanatomba Meitei of Bashikhong Panthoibi Bazar.

Four numbers of 36 HE grenades, 4(Four) detonators and one mobile handset were seized from his possession.

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

On the same day, based on reliable information, a combined team of Bishnupur District Police Commando, 6th Assam Rifles and 2nd JAKLI conducted search operation at Moirang Heman Leikai area and arrested one active member of KYKL organisation, namely, Hemam Somen Singh, 33 alais Thoungamba son of H Hongba Singh of Moirang Hemam Leikai.

Investigation revealed that he was involved in lobbing one hand grenade at the Moirang Kiyam Leikai house of Shri. M. Pritiviraj Singh, MLA.

On follow up action, on the same day, Bishnupur District Police Commandos also arrested one active member of KYKL organisation, namely, Sagolsem Abung, 31 alias Umesh Singh son of S. Nimai Singh of Moirang Shribon Leikai from Kwakeithel Heinou Khongnembi.

Investigation revealed that he was also involved in lobbing of hand grenade at Moirang Kiyam Leikai residence of Shri. M. Pritiviraj Singh, MLA.

Two cases have been registered in this connection at Moirang Police Station and Singjamei Police Station respectively and investigation is going on

Further, on the same day Bishnupur District Police Commandos conducted search operation at Shribon Leikai and arrested one active member of KYKL organisation, namely, Heisnam Ibomcha Singh, 47 son of Late H Iboton Singh of Moirang Shribon Leikai.

A case has been registered at Moirang Police Station and investigation is going on, the release stated.

Meanwhile, according to a PRO Defence, Imphal statement troops of Senapati Brigade under Red Shield Division apprehended three insurgents of different UG groups.

It said in the first operation on Jun 15, one insurgent of Kuki National Front (Nehlun) was apprehended from village Turibari of Senapati district. The cadre was identified as LunkhomangKipgen, 25 yrs, s/o LalpaoKipgen, resident of Lhangnomphai village of Senapati district of Manipur. He was apprehended along with 01 Nokia Mob, 02 Airtel, 01 Vodafone, 01 Idea and 01 AircelSim cards alongwith a Driving License and a Memory card.

In an operation, on Jun 16 a hardcore cadre of United Naga People`™s Council (UNPC) was apprehended from village Motbung. The cadre was identified as Jonah Inpui, 42 yrs, s/o RenjinInpui, resident of village Motbung of Senapati district of Manipur. He was apprehended along with 01 rubber stamp of Information and Publicity Secretary of the group, a rubber stamp each of the General Secretary, Home Secretary, Finance Secretary alongwith 02 letter padsbearing the name of the insurgent group and an extortion letter pad, it said.

In another operation on the same morning a cadre of PLA was apprehended from village Leitanpokpi of Senapati district. The cadre was identified as Maipa Sana, 24 yrs, s/o L Hemanta, resident of village Leitanpokpi of Senapati district of Manipur. He was apprehended along with a 9 mm Pistol and a Magazine alongwith two live rounds. The apprehended insurgentsalongwith the recoveries were handed over to police for further investigation, it said.

No alliance, Opposition bench for BJP in all District Councils, Chaoba asserts

IMPHAL, June 16: The BJP has decided to sit in the opposition in all the six District Councils of Manipur to ensure that there is no compromise to the principle

IMPHAL, June 16: The BJP has decided to sit in the opposition in all the six District Councils of Manipur to ensure that there is no compromise to the principle and ideology of the party, said the party`™s State unit president Th Chaoba today.

Speaking at a press conference held at the party`™s office, Chaoba said the decision was arrived at following a set of meetings of State office bearers, core committee members, hill district leaders and all candidates of the party who fought the recent ADC election.

The party also discussed the present political situation in the State, he said.

Those present in the meeting unanimously decided to take the role of opposition in all the district councils and will soon send a team to the party`™s national office in New Delhi to apprise the party`™s Central leaders of the resolution and seek their endorsement, he continued.

The ADC election was not a friendly election amidst all the muscle and money power flexed by both the Congress and the NPF and so we have decided not to form alliance with any other party in the State, he said.

Chaoba said although the ADC election was held on June 1 with re-polls in some polling stations on June 10 and 11, the State government is yet to issue a gazetted notification for the formation of the new District Councils.

Demanding a gazette notification, Choaba said ignoring the elected representatives, denying them to start working and delaying their swearing in for such a long time is violation of the Indian Constitution.

The BJP winning 21 seats is a clear evidence of the people`™s lack of support and sympathy for the Congress, he continued.

It is also proved that the Modi-wave has finally reached Manipur, Chaoba observed.

Now, until the government announces the official notification for by-poll in the three Assembly constituencies left vacant by the disqualifications of the sitting MLAs, the BJP will not decide on the allotment of party tickets.

It may be mentioned that the three respective MLAs, following their disqualification, had joined the BJP.

Chaoba also continued that poll related violence is continuing in Ukhrul where cadres of the NSCN (IM) and NPF workers assaulted four BJP workers.

He said the four party workers identified as RS Thanreiso (35) son of RS Shimthat, M Mungleng (40) son of M Sapei, RS Ningtharso (49) son of Late RS David and RS Jacob son of Late RS Sorapung are now getting treatment at hospitals following the assault.

He elaborated, that BJP workers were called to the NSCN(IM)`™s Wung Region office in Ukhrul district on June 15 where they were mercilessly beaten up by cadres of the NSCN (IM) and workers of the NPF in connection to the ADC election.

Myanmar Pivot

National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval will begin his visit of Myanmar on June 17 (today). One of the agendas before him during his meetings with his counterparts in the country,

National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval will begin his visit of Myanmar on June 17 (today). One of the agendas before him during his meetings with his counterparts in the country, obviously will be the question of tackling cross-border insurgency jointly. This probably will have two related but different points to pursue. One, it may be recalled, immediately after the June 4 ambush, newspapers in Imphal reported that the National Investigation Agency, NIA, had filed a case against SS Khaplang for his crimes on Indian soil. With this case as the basis, India could be seeking Khaplang`™s extradition to India to face the case. The other point would probably be to have Myanmar agree to a Bhutan style operation in Khaplang stronghold on the eastern side of the Patkai watershed in Myanmar`™s Sagaing Division to flush out Indian militants taking shelter there.

Though India`™s concern is understandable, it is not difficult to see why Myanmar may find it not as easy to agree. For one, Myanmar is itself plagued by numerous ethnic insurgencies, and is at the moment trying to have all of them come to a ceasefire with its central government. Its objective is to bring these ethnic rebel armies to come to another joint declaration of upholding a federal Myanmar in the manner the Panglong Agreement envisaged in 1947 on the eve of Myanmar`™s independence. Khaplang is just one among these ethnic leaders Myanmar government is wooing. To isolate Khaplang for a different treatment to suit Indian needs may upset the pattern of peace plan of the Myanmar government amongst all its own ethnic states. India may be willing to help Myanmar tackle Khaplang, but Khaplang is not Myanmar`™s only problem, and in fact may even not be the most important. Our guess is, Myanmar is unlikely to agree to either request, but if does concede to one, it will be on the question of extraditing Khaplang to India.

Moreover, the recent devastating June 4 ambush on a convoy of the 6-Dogra Regiment by a combined team of militants now working together under Khaplang, and June 9 loudly declared surgical operations by Indian troops within Myanmar territory may have queered the diplomatic pitch with Myanmar. Though nobody is stating it, it is reasonable to believe that Doval`™s visit at this juncture could also be to control whatever damages caused by the publicity blitzkrieg of the Government of India, using the New Delhi media. Myanmar has since denied Indian troops entered its territory. The truth of whether Indian troops entered Myanmar or not could be either way, as media reports now suggest. In any case, even if Indian troops did enter Myanmar, and even if there were prior unpublicised agreements between the two countries to allow such hot chases into each other`™s territories, it was absolutely unbecoming of India to have made such a din over it. This was bound to embarrass Myanmar, and the latter rather than explaining it to its people, would have been forced to go on a denial mode even if the raids did happen.
Whichever way the truth was, India should have kept the mission a secret. Maybe India was trying to mimic the US navy SEAL Abbottabad raid to kill Osama Bin Laden in 2011, and the unabashed proclamation of the raid to the world. The difference is, while Pakistan is a US surrogate and cannot do much to severe its relations with the US, Myanmar relation with India is hardly of this nature. Though the Myanmar government at this moment seems a little estranged from China, considering the Chinese leaders`™ bid to woo opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the country can easily drift away from India and into Chinese embrace again. Doval`™s visit could therefore be in anticipation of harms of this nature, and to work out ways to mend fences. It goes without saying that Myanmar is important to India geo-strategically more than even commerce. This is in the wake of China`™s rise as a global superpower and the country`™s ambition to become a two ocean power by having a dominating presence in the India Ocean. Myanmar could be the pivot for China to achieve this ambition, just as it would be the key to India and the West`™s bid to keep China from achieving this goal.

Leader Writer: Pradip Phanjoubam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/myanmar-pivot/

MPP to revive Kendra, Dist Committees

IMPHAL, June 16: In pursuance of its order issued on May 25, the Manipur People`™s Party (MPP) will be reviving several of its Kendra Committees and District Committees to boost

IMPHAL, June 16: In pursuance of its order issued on May 25, the Manipur People`™s Party (MPP) will be reviving several of its Kendra Committees and District Committees to boost functioning of the regional party, conveyed a press release of MPP.

Names of the Kendra Committees are Wangkhem Kendra Committee, Moirang Kendra Committee, Sugnu Kendra Committee, Thanga Kendra Committee, Yaiskul Kendra Committee, Thongju Kendra Committee, Sagolband Kendra Committee, Kumbi Kendra Committee and Singjamei Kendra Committee.

Thoubal District-I, Thoubal District-II and Bishnupur District are the District Committees which are going to be revived, the release informed.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/mpp-to-revive-kendra-dist-committees/

A road not taken in Manipur – Deccan Herald

Deccan Herald

A road not taken in Manipur
Deccan Herald
Speeding along the Asian Highway 1 (AH1) from Manipur capital Imphal en route to the border town of Moreh, there is a sense of peace. It kindles a hope that New Delhi’s ambitious plan to connect North-East India to Southeast Asia through Manipur is …

Deccan Herald

A road not taken in Manipur
Deccan Herald
Speeding along the Asian Highway 1 (AH1) from Manipur capital Imphal en route to the border town of Moreh, there is a sense of peace. It kindles a hope that New Delhi's ambitious plan to connect North-East India to Southeast Asia through Manipur is …

India names key suspect behind Manipur attacks – gulfnews.com

Deccan Chronicle

India names key suspect behind Manipur attacks
gulfnews.com
Kolkata: Indian intelligence agencies have identified Niki Sumi, the self-styled military adviser of Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland — Khaplang (NSCN-K), as the mastermind behind the June 4 attack on the Indian Army in Manipur’s Chandel …
NSCN(K) operative Niki Sumi is key man behind Manipur massacreThe Asian Age

all 4 news articles »

Deccan Chronicle

India names key suspect behind Manipur attacks
gulfnews.com
Kolkata: Indian intelligence agencies have identified Niki Sumi, the self-styled military adviser of Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland — Khaplang (NSCN-K), as the mastermind behind the June 4 attack on the Indian Army in Manipur's Chandel …
NSCN(K) operative Niki Sumi is key man behind Manipur massacreThe Asian Age

all 4 news articles »

M.Tech Programme 2015 at NIT Manipur

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/m-tech-programme-2015-at-nit-manipur/

Kuki Research Forum Reply to IMF’s Rejoinder : KuRF PR

Apropos the International Meitei Forum states stand-a rejoinder by Pu Ch. Birendra dated appearing in the 4th and 5th June, 2015 issues of The Sangai Express and other local dailies,

Apropos the International Meitei Forum states stand-a rejoinder by Pu Ch. Birendra dated appearing in the 4^th and 5^th June, 2015 issues of The Sangai Express and other local dailies, the Kuki Research Forum (KuRF) wishes to clear any whiff of resultant misconception on the intellectual credibility of KuRF that is bound to emanate from the level at which the ongoing public spate has further degenerated into one of personal attacks, name calling, wild invectives and innuendos.

The forum initially responded to Pu R.K Rajendro, President, International Meitei Forum’s incendiary, baseless, communal and exclusivist statements made in his inflammatory speech on ISTV dated 16th May 2015 as it appeared to the forum that the esteemed individual was attempting to incite communal passion based solely on wild and unfounded distortion of Kuki indigenity in the state of Manipur.

The KuRF is independent and guided by the vision of intellectual integrity and logic and stands for peaceful co-existence above all else. Irrational arguments or one that borders on violence does not find place in the forum. The forum generally does not comment on everything and from every individual or group that claim to espouse the cause of the Kukis. However, given the nature of IMF’s provocative and historically untenable statements, KuRF is obliged to issue its last reply/rejoinder for the introspection of IMF and discernment of the public.The forum call upon all esteemed readers, intellectuals, scholars, academicians, Political leaders and concerned citizens of the state to exercise their best judgment as to which of the two forums is attempting to sow seeds of communal hatred, parochial sentiments and disintegration of Manipur.

First, your salutary address with the words “D/Descendant of Immigrants” is in bad taste and the tone and tenor of your write up is rather conspicuous for the absolute lack of basic decency and factual veracity, normally expected in a civilized discourse, and not so much for the historical narrative. Through its brazen attack on Kuki-Chins, IMF exposes a total absence of both academic scholarship and dignified restraint.

The level of your discomfiture with KuRF reasoned response dated 1^st of June, 2015, has apparently overwhelmed you so much so that you have taken recourse to the all too familiar strategy of divide-and-strike, first by dividing the Kukis into New and Old as the British Colonial did and second, by amusing attempts at entangling the Naga community into this fruitless diatribe, the significance of which is not lost sight of.

In so far as the intra-ethnic relationship among consanguineous brothers viz., the so called Old and New Kukis are concerned, the KuRF is conscious of the apparent fragmentation between the two, but suffice to say here that the fundamentals (Stalk) are too strong not to withstand divisions (Barks) as in a family (Tree). It is but natural for siblings from a common parentage to evolve into nucleated families of their own which in no way repudiates their root. And, may it be noted that when push comes to shove, the identity will still find its hold as strong as ever. Historically, linguistically, socially and culturally they belong to Kuki-Chin family. There is no scientific or ethnographic basis for distinguishing between ‘Old’ and ‘New’ Kukis. The semantic, ‘Kuki’, if anything, binds both Old and New under one irrefutable identity and destiny.

The KuRF appreciates the latest statement of the IMF that ‘Meiteis and Nagas are indigenous people of Manipur’. The Manipur government was also contemplating at one point of time to make an official declaration that Meiteis and one particular community of Manipur are blood brothers. This is almost in line with what T.C. Hudson had said; “Meiteis, Kukis and Nagas are brothers.” Unlike IMF, the KuRF considers Meiteis, Nagas and Kukis as indigenous people of Manipur with significant affinities. The perceived ethnic ties between Naga and Meiteis are indeed a positive sign of historical milestone by scholars and intellectuals who transcends the mythological barriers to establish new and emerging genealogical findings on continuing basis. But these apparent gung-ho is surprisingly intermittent and situational as they are contextual to needs and nothing more. IMF’s policy of dividing tribals would lead to more anti-Meitei and anti-Manipur rhetoric’s, thereby causing irreparable damage to the tribals’ ties with the majority Meiteis. The IMF’s desperate attempt to divide the tribals is bound to be an exercise in futility. It is high time for the IMF to realize that Manipur is not mono-cultural but multi-cultural and multi-racial. The political problem that beset Manipur, then and now could be resolved only when policies and strategies reflect this diversity.
Why are the issue of Immigrants (Foreigners) and Nomads so dear to IMF and its tall leaders? Northeast India has been described as ‘one of the greatest migration routes of mankind’ (Barpujari: 1992. 35). Various ethnic groups came to Manipur from pre-historic times. The present ethnic groups of Manipur, viz., the Meiteis, the Naga tribes, the Kuki-Chin tribes and other Indian communities are the descendants of those migrating people. (H.S.Sharma, History of Manipur: An Independent Kingdom, 2011). The entire people of Manipur belong to the same ethnic group (N. Tombi Singh:1972.17). Meiteis had their ultimate origin in the hill areas of Manipur. (V. Chakravarty 1986). “Manipuris(Meiteis) are a mixed race between the Kukis and the Nagas.” (Elwin 1969, 451). Grierson, Konow, S.K. Chatetterjee and many other linguists classified Meitei under Kuki-Chin group of the Tibeto-Burman group of language. Touthingmang, the third Meitei king was from Touthang clan. (Manimohan, Poirei Sanna Leibak). Nongdam Lairen pakhangba, the first historically recorded king of the Meithis (Meiteis)’s mother was a Kuki woman named ‘Lenghoi’ or Nungmaidenga. (William Shaw 1929:47-48). As Reid said, while the Raja reigned over the valley of Manipur, the Kukis “ruled the roost in the hills that surrounded the valley of Manipur. (History of the North East Bordering on Assam). IMF’s repeated attempt to suppress the historical truth is motivated and a slur to basic right of every ethnic community to dwell peaceably in the land that has been their own since known history, to develop and progress and to contribute their share in the evolution of Manipur culture and civilization.

Nonetheless, the sequence of inroads into present state of Manipur by one ethnic group preceding/succeeding another is a normative reality and does not in any way confer the right of exclusive ownership over land or its resources to one group to the exclusion of others nor does it deprive the later migrants of their right to claim ownership over the land settled by their ancestors.

The Kukis of Manipur are Indian by nationality and indigenous tribe of Manipur by birth and descent. James Johnstone, writing on Kukis as being heard for the first time in between 1830-1840 in Manipur valley similarly betrays a monumental misunderstanding or ignorance or both. The British colonialists may have transferred some Kukis from one area to another, but it is hugely preposterous to imply these relocations to account for the entire Kuki population. Normally, immigrants and nomads have no land and do not conquer land and people. The Kukis have land and country to rule over, to fight wars to protect their land to conquer others as shown during the Kuki Rising (1917-19). The Kukis have been a dependable ally for the Meitei Maharajas from the first historic King Meidingu Nongda Lairen Pakhangba to the times of Chandrakirty. They upheld mutual co-existence, peace and dignified relations with Meiteis and in that spirit had opposed the Manipur Merger Agreement and patiently attempted to make the state of Manipur a success in the post independent period. The exclusivist and chauvinist attitude of fanatic elements as represented by IMF are consistently trying to destroy the historically friendly relations between the Kukis and Meiteis. After the merger of Manipur with the India Union in 1949, the erstwhile communalities of the state of Manipur have become citizen of India. The Kukis are as much indigenous and masters over the land they occupy as any other community in Manipur and don’t owe anybody any explanation for their existence. Perhaps, the IMF argument is based on The History of Manipur by J.Roy (PP.2 &34)
With regard to your farfetched innuendo of killing Meitei’s as a pattern within an overall strategic domination architecture to populate and dominate Manipur by Kukis, it made a nice fairy tale reading and nothing needs to be said where imagination can take one to ridiculous conclusions! On various incidents that you mentioned, surely, there would have been incidents and differences of opinion and even misunderstandings. Such things do happen between neighbours and sometimes inevitable. However, these incidents and occasional differences of opinion should be set aside keeping in mind the larger interest.

Lastly, the Kuki Research Forum again reiterate that every saner element within the Meitei and Kuki communities should guard against grossly false, misleading, communal and historically untenable utterances and statements of IMF. Since KuRF stands for peaceful co-existence among the different communities of Manipur, the forum would like to have scholarly debates and discussions with Meitei civil societies other than the IMF (which need not be engaged seriously) by looking at the past to explain the present situation for constructive dialogue and debate. Be that as it may, the fulcrum of the KuRF rejoinder rest on the non-negotiable rights of Kukis as a citizen of India and indigenous ethnic community from the throes of pre-historic age right down to the age of post-independent India; which was, is and shall remain an abiding reality for now and for posterity.

Issued by Kuki Research Forum, they can be contacted at kukiresearchforum@yahoo.com

Manipur to translocate critically endangered Sangai deer – The Hindu

The HinduManipur to translocate critically endangered Sangai deerThe HinduThe Manipur Forest Department plans to translocate a section of the rare species of the endemic deer to Pumlen Pat, which is close to its existing habitat in Loktak. Keibul Lamja…

The Hindu

Manipur to translocate critically endangered Sangai deer
The Hindu
The Manipur Forest Department plans to translocate a section of the rare species of the endemic deer to Pumlen Pat, which is close to its existing habitat in Loktak. Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP), situated inside the lake, is the only remaining …
Manipur plans to translocate critically-endangered SangaiBusiness Standard

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Manipur plans to translocate critically-endangered Sangai – Business Standard

Manipur plans to translocate critically-endangered Sangai
Business Standard
The critically-endangered species of brow-antlered deer ‘Sangai’, which is found only on a floating biomass on Manipur’s Loktak lake, will soon be provided a second home to save it from extinction. The Manipur Forest Department plans to translocate a …

and more »

Manipur plans to translocate critically-endangered Sangai
Business Standard
The critically-endangered species of brow-antlered deer 'Sangai', which is found only on a floating biomass on Manipur's Loktak lake, will soon be provided a second home to save it from extinction. The Manipur Forest Department plans to translocate a …

and more »