Day: November 3, 2017

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 3

The delegates of IAWA India Manipur is organising a peace rally under the theme “Lets’ voice together to end domestic violence and child abuse” on November 6.

The rally will start at 10 am starting from the western gate of Kangla fort going through Paona Bazar, Thangal Bazar, Nagamapal and concluded at the Khwaibrahmpur near Cheirap court.

The main objective of the peace rally is to stop domestic violence to stop child labour and promoting women empowerment in the state. The delegates urged the people of the state to participate in the peace rally.

An event which was conducted by the IAWA India Manipur under the aegis of Raj and BK Manipur Associate and Amar Cine Production, Mumbai, where a total number of six delegates was selected to represent Manipur for the upcoming grand finale of the IAWA India 2017 to be held on December 4 and 9 at Mumbai.

Among the selected for unmarried category were Archana Konsam (Miss IAWA India Imphal East), Naorem Tony Meitei (Mr. IAWA India Imphal East) and for married category are Adaphro Sylvia (Mrs. IAWA Imphal West) HomenMangshatabam (Mr. IAWA Imphal East) ThangbaikialianGuite (Mr. IAWA Churachandpur) and AshakiranKonsam (Mrs. IAWA Imphal East). The Delegates are looking for sponsors who could offer some financial assistance for the peace rally and upcoming grand finale at Mumbai.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Nov 3

The State Government of Nagaland has impressed upon the Government of India today the need for settling the Naga political issue before the State of Nagaland goes to the polls due in early next year. In this regard, Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang along with  his full team of Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Government Cabinet and Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh this morning.

During the meeting, the Nagaland Chief Minister and his colleagues impressed upon the Union Home minister the need for finalizing the solution to the long standing Naga political issue befor the Assembly polls.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, TR Zeliang told the Union Home minister that it had been 20 years of negotiations and with the State scheduled to have Assembly polls early next year, it is important that settlement of  Naga political issue is initiated before the elections. Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio also mentioned that with the commitment and leadership of the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, the final settlement does not seem to be very far and that it will be in the interest of all if the settlement is done before Christmas. The Union Home Minister appreciated the initiative of Chief Minister of Nagaland and his colleagues for highlighting the need for an early solution and hoped that settlement of Naga political Issue will be done soon, according to the Chief Minister’s Office.

Later in the afternoon today, the Chief Minister along with his colleagues had a meeting with R.N. Ravi, Interlocutor for Naga peace talks at Nagaland House, 29 Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi.

 In this meeting too, the Chief Minister requested Ravi to ensure that settlement of Naga political issues is done before elections. The Chief Minister also appreciated the efforts made by the Interlocutor towards an inclusive solution that is both honorable and acceptable, according to the Chief Minister’s Office.

R.N. Ravi then explained that they are very near to final solutions and it is essential that all parties are involved in the final negotiations to ensure a peaceful and long lasting solution. He also mentioned that most of the substantial issues have been resolved and only symbolic issues need final resolution. He also urged upon all concerned to impress upon all parties for the need of an early solution, preferably before elections in the best interests of the State.

The Nagaland leaders who met Union Home minister Rajnath and Naga Peace talks Interlocutor RN Ravi were Neiphiu Rio (Member of Parliament Lok Sabha), Imkong Imchen, (Minister), G. Kaito,  (Minister), Tokheho Yepthomi, (Minister), Y. Patton, (Minister), Dr. Nicky Kire, (Minister), Kipli Sangtam, (Minister), E.E. Pangteang, (Minister), Mmhonlumo Kikon (Minister), Kejong Chang (Minister), Neiba Kronu (Minister), Imtilemba Sangtam (Minister),  S.I. Jamir (Advisor), C.M. Chang (Advisor), Pukhayi (Advisor) and Hukavi, (Advisor).

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 3

Protection and Preservation Committee Manipur (PPCM) has given their affirmation that the scheduled tribe demand for the Meitei is not in the larger interest of the public. Speaking to media persons in the regard at Wahengleikai Lairembi leirak office today, convenor of PPCM, Nongthombam Bimol told reporters that the organization is against the scheduled tribe status demand.

He said that the Meitei are the majority community among the other communities inhabiting the state and that we have our own script and tradition which is almost 2000 years old.

The Meitei have our own distinctive identity and religion which is recognized not only by the Indian nation but in a global arena too. Before the advent of Hinduism, there was not pagan or shamanism but the Sanamahi, Pakhangba,Panthoibi rituals constitute a proper religious doctrine. Even the British rulers at a time were considered unclean and at a lower stature as they were not allowed to enter temples then, this shows that the Meitei society never considered themselves as an inferior race. We never demeaned our community under any circumstances.

A memorandum in the regard was submitted to the Chief Minister yesterday by the PPCM members, it states that in the 20th century, the Meiteis never lagged behind in any form of profession be it medical, legal, engineering etc. as compared to other states or communities and population-wise. The only hindrance is the the inability to create new avenues for self-employment and this issue will not be solved by providing some reservation seats for the Meiteis. Rather, emphasis should be paid on the development of human resources inclusive of marketing our local resources to the global market. It said that the political economy now does not spare tribals and general alike as the one nation, one tax or rather GST has been imposed. This shows that even the tribals are now not in an exempted status like before, the memorandum states.

It mentioned that there have been policies from the time of the British rule which are objected at dividing the hills and the valley. The Meiteis being the majority should be more inclined to looking after the needs of the other minorities and at the same time creating a congenial atmosphere. The ST demand is more on adding fuel to the fire and creating a wider chasm between the hills and the valley and not the other way around, it said.

Bimol states “ We have had the ILP issue here and many lives were lost, we should learn from this and before taking any decision, we should take into consideration the opinion of the other ethnic communities, in this ST demand, we should consult all stakeholders,” he said.

The memorandum states the possibility of the Meities being awarded ST status that it will be more inclined towards making the Meitei community more lethargic then being competitive. Hence, the public should be more inclined to discuss the pros and cons of the demand and for the Meitei community to be more forward than to be regressive.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 3

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Thongam Biswajit Singh said that the hill-valley gap will gradually disappear when there is more cultural exchange programmes between the different ethnic communities of the state.

The minister stated this during the 24th general conference cum cultural meet of Tangkhul Katamnao Long (TKLI) held at Tribal Research Institute, Chingmeirong.

The two days conference was orgnaised by the TKLI, Imphal under the theme “Diversity and Inclusion” According to the organizer the objective of the conference is to bring together the Tangkhul students together, a way of preserving the Tangkhul culture and also a platform to expose the talents of Tangkhul youths.

Underscoring the importance of students and youths in the society for change, the minister said such cultural programme should be organised often but with all the ethnic communities of the state.

He said Manipur, which is home to over 40 different tribes, too can live peacefully citing the Andaman and Nicobar Island that lives peacefully in spite of diverse cultures.

Minister Bishwajit also assured the gathering to complete the construction of a guest house of TKLI in Imphal by March 2018, for which the TKLI has already acquired land in the capital area.

A book was also released during the function by the dignitaries.

The inaugural function was enchanted by Tangkhul Baptist Church Checkon with their Christian anthem song ‘Halleluya’ chorus in traditional attire. The programme also saw performance of Beat Jagger crew and songs from Nimshimphy Muivah and Oshim Shokwungnao, contemporary artistes and among others.

The two-day event will feature folk song competition, quiz competition, debate, fashion parade and choreography competition among others.

Chairman of ADC Ukhrul K. Dickson, principal secretary to CM, Vineet Joshi and commissioner of taxes, Modak Hrishikesh also attended the function as guests of honour.