Day: October 9, 2017

IMPHAL | Oct 9

The 68th Territorial Army Day was observed at the Banquet Hall of 1st Bn. Manipur Rifles, Imphal today. It was organised by the government of Manipur with chief minister N. Biren Singh and deputy chief minister Y. Joykumar Singh gracing the function as chief guest and president.

Chief minister stated that the state government would request the central government for the expansion of the present battalion unit of Territorial Army situated in Manipur.

Biren said that Territorial Army is often known as “Citizens Army” and act as a bridge between army, paramilitary forces and civil society of the country. Many a times, Territorial Army co-ordinates with the people at the times of war and internal aggression, he added.

Stating the significance of Territorial Army in border states like Manipur, Biren said that it is the responsibility of Territorial Army to maintain a cohesive and good relationship among the people and armed forces. The state government would encourage and support Territorial Army in such aspect, he added.

To achieve good relationship with the public, chief minister stated that Territorial Army need to motivate the people by organising awareness campaign etc. so that people can feel the sense of security and oneness among themselves.

Lauding the efforts and contribution of Territorial Army towards welfare of the country, he said that we should make people aware that army and paramilitary forces are there to protect the people and Nation.

Joykumar said that the role and responsibility of Territorial Army is to execute their task properly in a humane way. He mentioned that Territorial Army need to know and study the scenario and psyche of the local people and should know how things/issues are to be handled properly. With such efforts, we can achieve peace and harmony without causing any co-lateral damage, he added.

Mentioning that Territorial Army has various units such as Infantry Unit, Ecological Task force, Engineering unit, General Hospital, Joykumar stressed that we need to set up an Ecological Task Force in Manipur so that we can make people aware about the importance of ecology and healthy natural environment in the state.

Later, General Officer Commanding of Manipur Terriers presented mementoes to chief minister and deputy chief minister.

Minister for CAF&PD Karam Shyam, chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board L. Radhakishore Singh, parliamentary secretaries Khasim Vashum, S. Subhashchandra Singh, MLAs Y. Surchandra Singh, S. Bira Singh, O. Lukhoi, chief secretary, DGP, General Officer Commanding, Red Shield Division and Deputy IGAR (South), officers of Territorial Army, top civil and police officials and families of Territorial Army attended the function.

Newmai News Network

IMPHAL |Oct 9

Tabitha Tarao, a 40 year-old craftsperson from Khuringmol village of Chandel district is one woman who exemplifies the embodiment of many values in a person. She is a wife, an earning mother who supports her children’s education by making use of her skill.

Fairs provide good platforms to showcase her products but Tabitha feels the government can do much more for artisans like her so that skilled workers will feel encouraged. She is one of the participants in the ongoing Regional SARAS Fair at Shumang Leela Sanglen in Imphal organised Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj under Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission.

Talking to this reporter today, Tabitha said that she started helping her parents in earning for the family’s need by making simple baskets and other articles by using cane at the tender age of seven. Sitting at stall number 43 which is christened as “Maleena SHG”, grinning Tabitha expressed hope that everything will go well this time.

Her stall among those which were damaged by storm in last year’s fair.

Tabitha passed standard 12 but could not continue her studies due to acute poverty. However, such disappointment did not deter her spirit to endeavour for better life. Tabitha said she had participated in the various state and national level exhibitions since she was just 20. She had participated in about 10 state and national level exhibitions.

Tabitha said one of her children is studies in New Delhi. She said that she sends money every month to her son who is studying bachelor of technician (Medical). “I spend about Rs 48,000 per year on my son’s education,” Tabitha said.

According to her, she designs different types of articles made of bamboo and cane. She can design about 20 different types of decorative articles. Her goods are quite popular today. The prices of her items range from as low as Rs 15 to as high as Rs 2000. She designs flower vase, bamboo box, tray and baskets.

According to Tabitha, she can complete certain items in 30 minutes. On average, she takes three to four days to complete an item. Tabitha expressed that her most enjoyable movement was in an exhibition in Rajasthan as cane and bamboo products are highly demanded in that state.