Day: September 18, 2015

In these troubled times, it is difficult not to be reminded of the stand taken by moderate Muslims, such as Maulana Azad, to oppose the Partition of Indian on the eve of the country attaining independence from British colonisers. As most of us are familiar with now, Azad’s decision to not go along with the Muslim League was not so much an opposition to the idea of Pakistan per se, but one dictated by an enlightened self-interest. While he had little to say against the contention that Muslims would be happy to be on their own in Pakistan, his concern was for those Muslims who would remain in India, either by choice or for the lack of means to migrate to Pakistan. Muslims undivided would have still been a minority in an undivided sub-continental India, but it would have been a significantly larger minority, therefore not left at the mercy of the majority Hindus. Other than the decimation in number that would result from Partition, he also reasoned like any other moderate and rational thinker that it would not be easy for Muslims who remained behind in India to win back the confidence of the country. In hindsight we know Azad’s politics of resisting Partition proved futile, but nobody can deny the future that he envisioned for Indian Muslim has been prophetic.

This thought is especially relevant in the wake of the recent statement by a Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland, Khekiho Zhimomi, that Manipur should be bifurcated into two Union Territories, the hills for the tribal communities, and the valley for the Meiteis. Outer Manipur Lok Sabha MP, Thangso Baite, rather tentatively also gave his nod, with an incoherent statement which implied this could be a solution to Manipur’s current problem but pending further public consultations. As for the Zhimomi, he has little business in the matter, though we must thank him for his concern despite his raw and uncouth tone of ridicule in his reference to the valley districts, fit only for internet trolls, an ugly and mindless species whose population is multiplying like virus on various social networking sites. Baite probably was doing a balancing act, owing allegiance to both the state he represents in Parliament and his community that reduced his home to ashes in an extended explosion of fury against the three allegedly anti-tribal bills, whose officially stated intents are to regulate influx of migrants into the state. He has since clarified that he was misquoted by the reporter who asked for his opinion on the matter. Whatever the case was, the truth is, there is today a campaign for such a bifurcation of the hills and the valley of Manipur, so rather than sweep the matter under the carpet, it needs to be elevated to a forum of meaningful discourse, and resolved.

Dividing Manipur into two Union Territories for obvious reasons is unlikely to happen. If the situation does to come to such a pass, under the present circumstance, it can have disastrous and long lasting consequences of the kind Azad feared. For this reason if not anything else, there is an element of irresponsibility in those who insist this should be. What can instead be thought of is a comprehensive autonomy model for the hills as well as the valley. The hills for instance can have the 6th Schedule ADCs if they so wish and a matching autonomy model can be thought of for the valley in consultation with its public. We for one no longer think it should be a 6th Schedule type of autonomy for the valley which is already under modern land tenure system. We are sure nobody would also like to revert to rule by customary law after witnessing all the vigilante and mob justice which often put the valley districts under their frenzied grip. Everybody, we are also sure are happy with modern legal jurisprudence too, just as they have internalised the working of the modern land revenue system under the MLR&LR Act 1960. What can be instead thought of is the reopening and renegotiation of the Merger Agreement 1949 to ask for autonomy such as those that went to Kashmir at the time of its own merger with India. If the hills want to be part of this, fine, otherwise it can be the valley’s new autonomy structure. The Manipur’s Merger Agreement was signed in four days of coercive negotiations with the former kingdom’s ruler under house arrest in his summer home in Shillong, the then capital of Assam. The agreement contains virtually nothing of substance, and King Bodhchandra can hardly be blamed for this, for he was not given the benefit of legal advisers or expert counsels in those four traumatic days in captivity. By contrast, the NSCN(IM) peace negotiation has been happening for 18 years under guidance of the best of legal experts from all over the world, and yet a treaty has still not materialised. The injustice of 1949 is obvious and everybody in India and the world would, or at least should, understand the desire for reopening of this chapter to purge the oppressive memory of this sorry episode.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/manipur-besieged/

IMPHAL, September 18: Member of Parliament from Outer Manipur constituency Thangso Baite has strongly reacted and refuted a media report that quoted him as saying “Creation of two union territories out of Manipur can be a possible solution to solve the present issue in the State.”

Speaking at a press conference called on Thursday at his residence to clarify on the report, the MP said the report is totally wrong and baseless.

He said while he was in the national capital, he received a phone call asking for a comment on a question on “whether the problem of Manipur can be solved by only splitting the State in two Union Territories.”

He had replied there is nothing as such and that commenting on such a critical situation might create more misunderstanding and it is not the right time to comment on it.

Any wrong reply could create more problems for the State he said he had told the person.

Unfortunately, when the report was published, it quoted him as making the statement which is very unfortunate and baseless, he told the media persons.

He said the party high command does not allow making such provoking statements on State issues.

Baite also added that issues of people’s concern could be brought up for discussion but splitting of the State is impossible from his side.

He further appealed to all section of the Manipuri people and the political parties not to believe such biased and wrongly quoted statement.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/outer-mp-contradicts-media-report-on-split-manipur-into-two-uts/

LAMKA, September 18: Womenfolk in the district continued staging sit in protests in various parts of the district in support of the JAC Churachandpur demanding a separate administration of the tribal dominated districts.

In the meantime, the JAC imposed public curfew was relaxed from 5am till 1pm today.

Showing support to the demand for autonomy of the hill people, womenfolk also took out a massive torch rally in the late afternoon yesterday which commenced from Hiangtam Public Ground with slogans raised during the rally including “Tribal Unity: Let it sustain; the three bills: Let it be revoked.”

The torch bearing womenfolk had converged from different localities of Lamka Town including suburbs like Mata, Thingkangphai, Kangvai, Saikot, etc.

Meanwhile, in another incident, late in the afternoon, women folk who had been virtually handling the protest in Churachandpur burned down Health minister Phungzathang Tonsing’s residence for the third time yesterday since fierce protest erupted in the district against the passing of the three bills in the State Assembly on August 31.

The womenfolk were angry that supporters of the minister had once again tried to repair the minister’s residence even though the bodies of the nine who died during the ongoing movement in the district are lying at the Churachandpur District Hospital.

Prior to today’s torch rally, chief convenor of the JAC and representatives of SoO signatory groups UPF and KNO deliberated on the importance of capitalising on the unprecedented unity among the tribals and to sustain it.

ZRO chief advisor Khaizasong said a team of the UPF and the KNO will meet the Home secretary in Delhi and urged for an observation team from the Centre to visit Churachandpur.

He added some positive response will transpire soon which was welcomed with a thunderous applause from the womenfolk who were all dressed in black as a sign of mourning.

On the other hand, many protestors who participated in today’s rally said they would not allow the present struggle to die out, while others from Hebron Veng of New Lamka said they want the supporters of the minister who tried to repair the minister’s residence which is an insult to the deaths and public sentiment should be punished by the public.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/churachandpur-women-stage-sit-in-protest-phungzathangs-residence-set-on-fire-for-the-third-time/

KANGPOKPI, September 17: Ameishing Luikham, Secretary, department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, government of India visited Kangpokpi town on his trip to Senapati District to inspect the changes in the district today.

The IAS officer, who was accompanied by Jacintha Lazarus, Deputy Commissioner, Senapati stopped at the Multi-Purpose Hall, addl DC’s Office at Kangpokpi at around 3:30 pm in the evening where he had a brief interaction over the various changes in the areas with the District Level Officers, Civil Society Organizations including Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, KSO Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi Town Committee in the presence of DK. Thangboi, addl DC, Kangpokpi.

Speaking on the occasion, Jacintha Lazarus highlighted the basic purpose of the secretary’s visit to the district.

She said that the Prime Minister would like to have knowledge of what are the changes, the IAS officer could see at his first place of posting and the changes happening at the moment.

She also said that the secretary would like to make out what changes have the DLOs, CSOs and the general public envisage and shared their view on the present government policies and programs, which are satisfactory and which needs modification.

KSO Sadar Hills general secretary Lamcha Chongloi apprised the visiting Union secretary on the inevitability of a full-fledged Sadar Hills district for grassroots level development.

We are pleased over the government policies and programs, however, for earth-shattering changes and development the district status enjoyed by Sadar Hills, should be officially declared full-fledged by the Government of Manipur, he said.

This will help in achieving fertile implementation of various government policies and programs in Sadar Hills, he added.

He continued that when any government policies and programs are directly implemented through the Sadar Hills Administration it could be properly accomplished.

We had already become a district some 40 years back, but the Government of Manipur has intentionally denied the Parliament Act of 1971 which was in regard to the creation of the Sadar Hills, he added.

He also said the Parliament Act of 1971 remains one of the oldest Act passed by the Indian Parliament and waiting for its implementation while adding that unless the Centre takes appropriate measures to enforce the said Act accordingly it will remain a mockery of the Indian Parliament in the Indian history.

Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills and Kangpokpi Town Committee put up their view on the ageless water paucity in the town and its adjoining areas. Meanwhile, area representatives also highlighted the pitiable road condition and connectivity in Twilang (Imphal-Tamenglong) areas.

Various DLOs also shared their views on Medical, Education and other departments.

Speaking after the interaction, Ameishing Luikham emphasized on the importance of sizeable agriculture market in hill district.

“Agriculture/vegetable market is the most important among the markets since it helps the poorest of the poor”, asserted A. Luikham.

He also stressed on the need to change the unchanging practice of sitting on the roadside selling vegetables.

The visiting IAS officer also shared his view to make rural economy more influencing and the major source of income by introducing conveniently sizeable agriculture marketplace.

The IAS officer, who was enthusiastically serious about the market, suggested the concerned town committee and the district administration to approach the government with a proposal of setting up a big agriculture market while adding that the Government will definitely help in any possibility.

However, Luikham noted that the community should donate a huge land, which is near to the roadside and approachable since the Government has no land in the hill areas.

He urged the DLOs, CSOs and the people to have a serious thought of more than five steps ahead for the future so as to avoid apology when it too late.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/declaration-of-sadar-hills-as-full-fledged-district-inevitable-cso-leaders-apprise-union-secretary/

IMPHAL, September 18: The Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) celebrated its 9th foundation day today here at Lamyanba Shanglen, Konung Mamang.

The function was attended by Commerce and Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam, CADA president Y Ratankumar, National & International Awardee Ibungosana Ningthemcha as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Dr Ch Narendra, Reader LMS Law College; Dr N Gyaneshwar Singh, Psychiatrist District Hospital Churachandpur and Dr Homen Thangjam, Assistant Professor MB College spoke as resource persons at the function.

Minister Govindas speaking at the function said that even a common man would say that drug abuse is bad but we need to discuss how bad it can be.

He further said we have heard stories of opium war where not only the existing generation is destroyed but even future generations of the society are affected.

The geographical location of Manipur is such that it is very prone to drug trafficking as three directions of it is open to Myanmar and only one direction is open towards mainland India, he said.

The government has very little knowledge about the various kinds of illegal narcotic drugs being trafficked from these three porous directions bordering Myanmar however the civil society organizations operating in these areas have more information about these activities, he said while maintaining that the situation is very alarming.

There are also very common news reports of packages sent through flight couriers or through the post turning out to be illegal drugs, he added.

Introspecting on why narcotics drugs are being brought into the State, certain questions are raised, he said.

Is it that some people are trying to wipe out our entire race from the surface of the earth or are they simply trying to suppress us using these drugs and bring in new communities, he observed.

By 2017, the railway service would be reaching our land and at the same time, the Trans Asian Highway will be opened by then opening the eastern gates, he said

If we don’t act in time, our future generation might perish, he maintained.

Now is the time for all of us to face these issues and extend help to our civil organisations fighting against drug and alcohol abuse, he observed.

Another very common sight we get to see daily is women both young and old chewing “zarda pan” as soon as they wake up, he said.

This is a serious concern and is very unhealthy for pregnant women, he said, and added what would happen to the inborn children if the going to-be-mothers keep on chewing ‘zarda pan.’

Will we produce only unhealthy children, he asked.

Manipur is considered a sports powerhouse of the country, but are we going to allow drugs and alcohol destroy our rich culture, good sportsmanship and educated youth which we are all proud of?, he continued.

Manipur is a dry State only on paper, the minister continued.

Anyone can get any kind of liquor at a number of hotel, he said.

Different varieties of liquor are also available at the Canteen Supply Division of various security organisations present in the State, he continued.

Brokers buy liquor from these sources and then sell it at various locations around the State, he added.

Sometimes, people from outside visiting the State mock us saying that although Manipur is a dry State on paper, liquor is available everywhere, the minister said.

We need to properly assess how all these is affecting our society mainly the youngsters, he said.

Govindas said some of our communities have rituals which demand them to brew liquor in their homes.

We can make an exception to them, however, this also needs regulation because a family will only need a maximum of half a bottle for the rituals, he said.

At the same time, the government has also received some applications to patent the liquor produce at Sekmai, Andro, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/govindas-reminds-all-of-ills-of-drug-abuse-during-cada-foundation-day-celebration/

KANGPOKPI, Sep.18: The Joint Action Committee Sadar Hills today announced its course of agitation in protest against the three bills and demand for withdrawal of the bills in its second sitting at Multi-Purpose Hall, Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council, Kangpokpi.

The meeting decided to organize 9 days sit in protest at different locations within Sadar Hills while resolved to launch another intense agitation if the bills are not withdrawn within the 9 days.

It is likely that if the bills are not withdrawn during the 9 days sit-in-protest the JAC Sadar Hills will subsequently imposed indefinite economic blockade along the Trans Asian Highway.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, JAC Sadar Hills spokesperson Lamcha Chongloi said that the JAC resolved to organized area wise sit-in-protest which is to be followed by submission of memorandum to the Governor through Addl. DC Kangpokpi and its concern block officer.

Highlighting the timetable of the JAC sit-in protest within the jurisdiction of Sadar Hills administration Lamcha Chongloi said that the proposed sit-in-protest will be held at Saitu-Gamphajol & Sapormeina area on September 21; Saikul area on September 22; Bungpi area on September 23; Island Block on September 24; Moltam & Kangchup Area on September 25; Leimakhong area on September 26; Motbung & Champhai area on September 28; Kalapahar, Daili, Tumnoupokpi & Yaikongpao area on September 29 and Twilongkun, Kanggui and Mayangkhang area on September 30 consecutively.

If the state Government fails to come up with positive result within the 9 days sit-in-protest another intense form of agitation shall be imposed immediately after the sit-in-protest added Lamcha Chongloi.

The JAC Sadar Hills also resolved that elected members of ADC Sadar Hills shall organized a one day sit-in-protest at Kangpokpi to protest against the recently passed anti-tribal bills and warned that in case the ADC members fail to organized the protest the JAC will close down the office at Kangpokpi.

The second sitting of the JAC Sadar Hills also resolved to send three member delegates to participate at the All India JAC Federation for Tribal Rights meeting in Delhi from September 22 to 23.

In the meantime, after deliberate discussion, the JAC appoints Thangminlen Kipgen, president KSO Sadar Hills and Hatneng Sitlhou, president KWU Sadar Hills as convener Sub-Committee Finance and treasurer respectively while Seikhomang Khongsai, president Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills as advisor to the Joint Action Committee.

The JAC also appointed Tonglet Chongloi, VP Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Tongkhohao Kipgen, president Kuki Inpi Gunhom Lhang, Khuplet Haokip, president Kuki Inpi Twibul Lhang, Paotong Doungel, president Kuki Inpi Moltam Lhang, Paoboi Haokip, secretary Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai, Lunmang Haokip, president TSA Sadar Hills, Veichosapou, social worker and Prakash Adhikari, social worker as the members of the Sub-Committee Finance while it also resolved that Lamtinthang Haokip, co-convener of the JAC shall be the acting secretary to the Joint Action Committee.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/jac-sadar-hills-sets-nineday-deadline-for-withdrawal-of-three-bills/

IMPHAL, September 18: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sarbananda Sonowal had on September 17 assured ex-MLA of Thongju Th Biswajit to set up a new multi-sports complex in his constituency, according to sources.

Sources informed that Biswajit, who joined the BJP following his disqualification from the Manipur Legislative Assembly earlier this year, had met the Union Minister at the latter’s Tughlak Road residence in the national capital.

In an hour long meeting with the Union Minister, Biswajit who was accompanied by BJP national executive member Tapir Gao, highlighted the various difficulties faced by sports players from the remote villages and the hill districts in accessing the facilities available at the Khuman lampak Sports Complex, informed the source.

It is also learnt that he had urged Sonowal to improve and develop sports infrastructure in the remote villages and at block levels in the hill districts.

Continuing his appeal, he had proposed setting up of a multi-sports complex including facilities for both indoor and outdoor games at Thongju Constituency as the first phase.

Sources also said that the Union Minister granted Bishwajit’s appeal and to sanction the estimated amount for the multi-sports complex at his constituency.

It is also learnt that the ex-MLA has also been instructed to identify a suitable site which will help sports players of Imphal District.

During the meeting, the Union Minister had also lamented that the State government was yet to initiate construction of the National Sports University which was already sanctioned by the centre in 2014, sources added.

He had said the State government is claiming that frequent bandhs and blockades are the main factors for the delay in construction of the university, the sources continued.

Sonowal had also observed that once the university is open, players from both outside the country and other States of the country will be coming to study there which would boost Manipur’s contribution to Indian sports, the sources added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/09/sarbananda-sonowal-has-assured-multisport-complex-at-thongju-source/