Day: November 21, 2017

From A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 21

Union civil aviation ministry is introducing direct flight service between New Delhi and Imphal from January 1 next year said Union civil aviation minister Jayant Sinha, speaking at the North East Development Summit, City Convention Center Konung Mamang here today. 

The Union minister made the announcement today at the inauguration of the summit. He said the flight will be operated by Air India twice a week and it would gradually be converted into a daily service. 

The minister said Northeast has performed spectacularly in the second round of bidding for Udan, a programme to increase regional air connectivity. As a result, 92 new routes will be introduced in the region, he said. The ministry will build 9 new airports and 7 new heliports in the Northeast, he informed.

Governor of the state, Najma Heptulla thanked the Union minister for approving her request and further demanded for direct flights services to other major cities like Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai as well.

The event was also attended by Union minister of commerce and industry Suresh Prabhu, union tourism minister Alphonso Kannanthanam, chief ministers of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh and first lady of India Savita Kovind.

Connectivity was in special focus at the event. Nagaland’s chief minister TR Zeliang asked the Union government to allow international flights from at least one of the Northeastern airport such as Guwahati.

“To reach Myanmar, we currently have to go via Calcutta,” Zeliang quipped, adding that the three C’s of commerce, connectivity and culture will transform the northeast.

Civil aviation and tourism minister of Bangladesh Rashed Khan Menon, who also spoke during the inaugural event, said his country is willing to partner with India for development projects to connect Northeast region with the ASEAN countries.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Nov 21

Ising Thinbi Lake that lies near Konaitong village under Machi block, Tengnoupal assembly constituency, Chandel district, now exists in an extremely poor state and is under the threat of becoming extinct in a few years.

Ising Thinbi is a natural lake that sits loftily amongst the rolling hills that surrounds Konaitong Village which consists of 130 households and 600 villagers.

Since past many years the greenery and forest that surrounded the lake had been cut down by people, covertly and sometimes at broad day light for making profits. Making the situation even worse, in the last few years, the villagers have started practicing terrace farming which is another cause for rapid deforestation.

All these situations have adversely affected the lake, turning it into a marsh and eventually, there is fear that Ising Thingbi Lake will die out and continue to exist as a mere name.        

Ising Thingbi being a natural wonder, it is time for the government to declare it as a tourist spot. Being secluded, the lake remains unknown like some exotic plant to the people for many years. The site where the lake exists is truly breath-taking and unique.  

The size of the lake consists approximately of 250 meters in length and breath. There has been now designated roadway connecting the lake since many years. This is one of the reasons why it is not known to the public in large. However, by the efforts taken up by the villagers of Konaitong to save the lake, a roadway was paved under the construction works of MGNREGS which had been ongoing since 2011. Two wheelers can reach the lake now through the roadway.

If a tourist would like to visit the place, he can travel down south at the national highway 39 from Imphal towards Imphal – Moreh road for a distance of 36 kilometres to reach Heirok under Thoubal district.

From there, one can reach Inganglok Village at a distance of 4 kilometres towards north. Konatitong village lies 3 kilometres away from Inganglok Village. Inganlok Village marks the end of valley and roadway to Konaitiong Village goes uphill. The roadway as for now is not fully constructed and can become cut off anytime by natural causes.    

Before the new roadway was made, the only means to reach Ising Thingbi was by foot. It could be reached by nine hours of walk from Heirok by passing along many natural canals and paddy fields.  Therefore, the only time of the year when people could visit the place was from November to April or May before Monsoon arrives as the natural canals remain flooded during the rainy seasons.  

Ising Thingbi Lake can be called a natural wonder, as there are no rivers or natural canals flowing into it. However, the lake remains filled with water all throughout the year. Elders of Konaitong village believe that water comes from underground springs that may lie beneath the lake. The lake never dries up and during rainy season, the rising surface of the lake is drawn out by a naturally formed canal.

The people from the surrounding village, considers the place as pristine and holy to them. They believe that leafs from the tress that surrounds the lake never falls into the water.                                                           

Secretary, Ising Thingbi Yaipha Thorang Committe, Maibam Rameshor has expressed in a local daily that representatives of tourist department visited the place some years back for the purpose of declaring the place as a tourist spot.

Unfortunately, the team could not reach the spot. No other planning has been taken up by the government ever since, he said. The lake now faces the threat of extinction and the organisation appeals to the people of Manipur to save the lake, he added.    

Chairman, Konaitong village D.K. Mothung said, the government should declare the place as a tourist site and construct a police outpost there for its protection and appealed to the government to draw its attention to the issue.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 21

For the first time an international art camp is being organised in connection with Manipur Sangai Festival 2017 at Classic Sangai Hall at Imphal Hotel. The programme is organised by North East Brothers Private Limited, which kicked off yesterday.  

The theme of the art camp is ‘Manipur, an Artist’s Destination’, will continue for six days. On the second day, 28 noted artists from four different countries such as Turkey, Myanmar, Haiti and Russia and India who came to take part in the event displayed their art skill at Kangla.

Speaking to the Imphal Free Press, business development manager of North East Brothers Private Limited Bipinchandra Ahanthem said that conducting this kind of international art camp may promote art tourism in our state.

Bipinchandra said, “We are organising this programme with the objective of sharing and exchanging different ideas. This is the second time that we are organising this international art camp, but the last one was not the part of Sangai Festival.”

It is very hopeful that all the art lovers will surely enjoy this camp and may get some new ideas too, he added.

On the inaugural day minister (Art and Culture) L. Jayanta Kumar Singh and principal secretary (Tourism) government of Manipur P. K. Singh took the chair of chief guest and president, respectively.

November 23 and 24 will have workshop and discussion and on the following day a visit to Loktak lake and musical night are in the card. There will be an art exhibition on the last day of the camp at Imphal Hotel.

The art camp is being co-organised by department of tourism and arts and culture, government of Manipur.

IMPHAL | Nov 21

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated Manipur Trade and Expo Centre at Lamboi Khongnangkhong, Imphal today. The inauguration ceremony was organised under the supervision of department of Textiles, Commerce and Industries, government of Manipur.

Speaking on the occasion, minister for Commerce and Industries, RD & PR, Power and IPR, Th. Biswajit Singh said it is a dream come true to host the first ever North East Development Summit and to inaugurate Trade and Expo Centre within such a short time in the State.

It is the biggest achievement of the new government, he added. Th. Biswajit mentioned that the essence of organising such summit is to explore our potential in various aspects such as human resource, natural resource and tourism.

Stating the importance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of Act East Policy and to bring inclusive development in the country, the minister said that such development summit would be a platform to exchange the ideas and opportunities between the business delegates, investors, entrepreneurs and the educated youths of the State for better opportunities and to bring all round economic development in the State.

Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha Ksh. Bhabananda Singh, chairman of MANIDCO, Dr. Y. Radheshyam, chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board, L. Radhakishore Singh, MLA Keirao AC, L. Rameshwor Meetei, chief secretary, R.R. Rashmi, additional chief secretary, Dr. Suhel Akhtar, officials of Commerce and Industry attended the inauguration function.

IMPHAL | Nov 21

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated Manipur Trade and Expo Centre at Lamboi Khongnangkhong, Imphal today. The inauguration ceremony was organised under the supervision of department of Textiles, Commerce and Industries, government of Manipur.

Speaking on the occasion, minister for Commerce and Industries, RD & PR, Power and IPR, Th. Biswajit Singh said it is a dream come true to host the first ever North East Development Summit and to inaugurate Trade and Expo Centre within such a short time in the State.

It is the biggest achievement of the new government, he added. Th. Biswajit mentioned that the essence of organising such summit is to explore our potential in various aspects such as human resource, natural resource and tourism.

Stating the importance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of Act East Policy and to bring inclusive development in the country, the minister said that such development summit would be a platform to exchange the ideas and opportunities between the business delegates, investors, entrepreneurs and the educated youths of the State for better opportunities and to bring all round economic development in the State.

Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha Ksh. Bhabananda Singh, chairman of MANIDCO, Dr. Y. Radheshyam, chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board, L. Radhakishore Singh, MLA Keirao AC, L. Rameshwor Meetei, chief secretary, R.R. Rashmi, additional chief secretary, Dr. Suhel Akhtar, officials of Commerce and Industry attended the inauguration function.

IMPHAL | Nov 21

The Editor Guild Manipur has condemned the killing of yet another journalist in Tripura, this time allegedly by the Tripura State Rifle (TSR) Jawan. It appealed to the Tripura state government and the Centre to ensure safe working environment for the journalist.

A release said EGM also join the journalist fraternity of the Tripura in mourning the loss of their colleague. Our moral support is with all the journalists’ organisations of Tripura in whatever means of protest they undertake to secure a safe working environment, it said.

Our sympathy is also with the family members of Sudeep Dutta Bhaumik who gave up his life in the line of his duties, it added.

Sudeep Dutta Bhaumik was reportedly shot dead by TSR Jawan identified as Nandu Riyang at RK Nagar near Secind battalion headquarters area in Agartala. Sudeep was a senior reporter with a Bengali daily and was out on reporting duty when the incident took place. Reports said the culprit has been arrested.

IMPHAL | Nov 21

The Editor Guild Manipur has condemned the killing of yet another journalist in Tripura, this time allegedly by the Tripura State Rifle (TSR) Jawan. It appealed to the Tripura state government and the Centre to ensure safe working environment for the journalist.

A release said EGM also join the journalist fraternity of the Tripura in mourning the loss of their colleague. Our moral support is with all the journalists’ organisations of Tripura in whatever means of protest they undertake to secure a safe working environment, it said.

Our sympathy is also with the family members of Sudeep Dutta Bhaumik who gave up his life in the line of his duties, it added.

Sudeep Dutta Bhaumik was reportedly shot dead by TSR Jawan identified as Nandu Riyang at RK Nagar near Secind battalion headquarters area in Agartala. Sudeep was a senior reporter with a Bengali daily and was out on reporting duty when the incident took place. Reports said the culprit has been arrested.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 21

Making his maiden visit more significant, President of Inida, Ramnath Kovind Singh today inaugurated the North East Development Summit at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound.

Speaking at the summit, he said that development of Northeast region is development of the nation and the true measure of India’s partnership with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and hence is important.

He said though there has been a misconception in ‘short period of history’ that Northeast is considered as frontier of India. “But far from being a frontier, Northeast has been at the heart of Indian imagination. And in the South Asia and Southeast Asia continuum Northeast is right in the middle,” he added.

Reiterating his interest in the region, the President said the rich potential of the Northeastern states cannot be ignored and that “few regions of the world have such a wealth of cultural, ethnic and religious diversity packed into a small area.”

Ramnath expressed his ambition to place the region into the most developed region of the country saying that with the coming of railways three years ago; extensive development of railway links in the Northeast is under way, with investments totalling Rs 90,000 crore.

Further he said road building in the region is busier than it has ever been. Border roads, National Highways and state roads are all being built or improved. Incorporated in July 2014, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation is working with special focus on the Northeast, he said, adding it is engaged in about 100 road projects in the region.

He also emphasised saying that the Northeastern region is the true driver of Act East Policy, and added that “India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway and the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project are critical for many of our countries and for the Northeast.”

The Northeast is also the corridor for so many trade and connectivity projects on the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) and the Bay of  Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) platforms, he also mentioned.

The summit co-organised by India Foundation was also attended by Bangladesh civil aviation minister, Rashid Khan, union minister for commerce and industry, Suresh Prabhu, union minister for civil avaiation, Jayant Sinha, union minister for tourism, K. J. Alphons, chief minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal, CM of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu, CM of Nagaland, T. R. Zeliang as special guests.

NITI Aayog vice chairman, Rajiv Kumar Sharma, managing director of Patanjali Ayurved Limited, Acharya Balkrishna and UN resident coordinator Yuri Afanaslev also attended the function as presidium members.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 21

Making his maiden visit more significant, President of Inida, Ramnath Kovind Singh today inaugurated the North East Development Summit at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound.

Speaking at the summit, he said that development of Northeast region is development of the nation and the true measure of India’s partnership with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and hence is important.

He said though there has been a misconception in ‘short period of history’ that Northeast is considered as frontier of India. “But far from being a frontier, Northeast has been at the heart of Indian imagination. And in the South Asia and Southeast Asia continuum Northeast is right in the middle,” he added.

Reiterating his interest in the region, the President said the rich potential of the Northeastern states cannot be ignored and that “few regions of the world have such a wealth of cultural, ethnic and religious diversity packed into a small area.”

Ramnath expressed his ambition to place the region into the most developed region of the country saying that with the coming of railways three years ago; extensive development of railway links in the Northeast is under way, with investments totalling Rs 90,000 crore.

Further he said road building in the region is busier than it has ever been. Border roads, National Highways and state roads are all being built or improved. Incorporated in July 2014, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation is working with special focus on the Northeast, he said, adding it is engaged in about 100 road projects in the region.

He also emphasised saying that the Northeastern region is the true driver of Act East Policy, and added that “India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway and the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project are critical for many of our countries and for the Northeast.”

The Northeast is also the corridor for so many trade and connectivity projects on the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) and the Bay of  Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) platforms, he also mentioned.

The summit co-organised by India Foundation was also attended by Bangladesh civil aviation minister, Rashid Khan, union minister for commerce and industry, Suresh Prabhu, union minister for civil avaiation, Jayant Sinha, union minister for tourism, K. J. Alphons, chief minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal, CM of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu, CM of Nagaland, T. R. Zeliang as special guests.

NITI Aayog vice chairman, Rajiv Kumar Sharma, managing director of Patanjali Ayurved Limited, Acharya Balkrishna and UN resident coordinator Yuri Afanaslev also attended the function as presidium members.

Sangai Festival begins with fanfare and gaiety amidst general strike

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL |Nov 21

Despite the general strike called by the CorCom, President of India Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the Manipur Sangai Festival 2017, watched by several hundred delegates and over a thousand spectators at the Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT), Imphal. 

In his address, President Ram Nath Kovind stated that Sangai Festival is the perfect showcase for the cultural diversity and richness of Manipur, comprising various communities and beautiful social fabric. He added that Manipur is a paradise for tourists, a place that needs to be experienced at leisure.

Besides the natural beauty and rich cultural tradition of the state, President Ram Nath Kovind lauded the history of resilience and courage of the people in the state. He greeted the martyrs of Anglo Manipur War 1891, such as Bir Tikendrajit and his comrades, as heroes who will always be remembered for their contribution in the fight against colonialism and for human liberty.

Further, he added that the Second World War relics in Manipur have the potential for attracting international tourists from the West as well from country like Japan.

The President of India also commended the contributions that Manipur has made in the field of sports, in the past as well as in the present. He reiterated his twitter on Mary Kom’s achievement at the Asian Boxing Championship 2017 as such, “You make us prouder with every punch.” Furthermore, he applauded the determined spirit of eight of the 21 members of Indian World Cup team from Manipur.

Underscoring the state’s contribution and potential, he even hailed Manipur as the “capital of Indian sport”—a treasure that must be shared with the world.

On the development sector, President Ram Nath Kovind emphasised that Manipur is India’s window to Southeast Asia and a key player in Indian government’s Act East Policy. In this light, he mentioned that there is a concentrated effort to quickly develop connectivity projects in the state, namely: the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, plan for an air cargo terminal complex at Imphal International Airport, enhancement of rail links, and Union ministry of Civil Aviation’s plan for affordable air links in the region, particularly in Manipur.

The President also extended his greetings to the government of Manipur for the efforts undertaken to promote the tourism potential of Manipur.

The Presidents’ address was greeted with a round of applause by the attending delegates and the crowd. But it was his remark that he will be returning to Delhi with enough quantities of Manipuri black rice that touched the heart of the audience.

Manipur’s governor, Najma Heptullah, speaking at the inaugural function said she was very fortunate to be given the chance to serve as the first woman governor of the state, where women’s right to empowerment is highly regarded.

“World’s largest women market is in Manipur. I feel very proud to be a first women governor in the land of women empowered state, Manipur,” she exclaimed.

Many years back Manipur was known for law and order problem than its beauty, she said adding that with changing scenario people from other part of India and countries start exploring its unknown and hidden qualities.

Manipur’s chief minister, N. Biren said that the Northeast states can work together on the idea of a pan North East Tourism Circuit.

The chief minister thanked minister of state for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha for announcing to start Imphal-Delhi direct flight service twice a week from January next year.

He also expressed confidence that the Udaan scheme would be accorded a high priority to promote the concept of North east Tourist Circuit.

He expressed hope that under the dynamic leader of Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) K Alphons, the State would soon realise its true potential in tourism sector.

He said that the State government would approach the Union Tourism ministry with some projects including overall tourism development of Loktak area, cable car projects and development of wellness centres and strengthening of tourism infrastructure in the hills of the State.

With formation of the new government in the State there is a growing feeling of optimism and heightened expectation in the minds of public, he maintained while adding that the State government, therefore, decided to scale up Manipur Sangai Festival into a mega event for showcasing the tourism potentials of the State.

Another unique feature in this edition of the festival is the showcase of culture, art forms, cuisine, handloom and handicrafts of our partner States of Madhya Pradesh and Nagaland under the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said.

He further asserted that the presence of President Ramnath Kovind would be remembered as a red letter day, for this is the day when the State has witnessed such a large number of luminaries, be it from the field of politics or business, and which will eventually lead to ushering in an era of peace and development in the State.

Colourfult cultural presentations were also showcased before the capacity crowd that included many distinguished dignitaries, foreign delegates and tourists.

The President was joined on the dais by the first lady, Savita Kovind, Union minister for tourism, KJ Alphons, Manipur governor, Najma Heptulla, chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, chief minister of Nagaland, T.R. Zeliang, and chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu.

Sangai Festival begins with fanfare and gaiety amidst general strike

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL |Nov 21

Despite the general strike called by the CorCom, President of India Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the Manipur Sangai Festival 2017, watched by several hundred delegates and over a thousand spectators at the Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT), Imphal. 

In his address, President Ram Nath Kovind stated that Sangai Festival is the perfect showcase for the cultural diversity and richness of Manipur, comprising various communities and beautiful social fabric. He added that Manipur is a paradise for tourists, a place that needs to be experienced at leisure.

Besides the natural beauty and rich cultural tradition of the state, President Ram Nath Kovind lauded the history of resilience and courage of the people in the state. He greeted the martyrs of Anglo Manipur War 1891, such as Bir Tikendrajit and his comrades, as heroes who will always be remembered for their contribution in the fight against colonialism and for human liberty.

Further, he added that the Second World War relics in Manipur have the potential for attracting international tourists from the West as well from country like Japan.

The President of India also commended the contributions that Manipur has made in the field of sports, in the past as well as in the present. He reiterated his twitter on Mary Kom’s achievement at the Asian Boxing Championship 2017 as such, “You make us prouder with every punch.” Furthermore, he applauded the determined spirit of eight of the 21 members of Indian World Cup team from Manipur.

Underscoring the state’s contribution and potential, he even hailed Manipur as the “capital of Indian sport”—a treasure that must be shared with the world.

On the development sector, President Ram Nath Kovind emphasised that Manipur is India’s window to Southeast Asia and a key player in Indian government’s Act East Policy. In this light, he mentioned that there is a concentrated effort to quickly develop connectivity projects in the state, namely: the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, plan for an air cargo terminal complex at Imphal International Airport, enhancement of rail links, and Union ministry of Civil Aviation’s plan for affordable air links in the region, particularly in Manipur.

The President also extended his greetings to the government of Manipur for the efforts undertaken to promote the tourism potential of Manipur.

The Presidents’ address was greeted with a round of applause by the attending delegates and the crowd. But it was his remark that he will be returning to Delhi with enough quantities of Manipuri black rice that touched the heart of the audience.

Manipur’s governor, Najma Heptullah, speaking at the inaugural function said she was very fortunate to be given the chance to serve as the first woman governor of the state, where women’s right to empowerment is highly regarded.

“World’s largest women market is in Manipur. I feel very proud to be a first women governor in the land of women empowered state, Manipur,” she exclaimed.

Many years back Manipur was known for law and order problem than its beauty, she said adding that with changing scenario people from other part of India and countries start exploring its unknown and hidden qualities.

Manipur’s chief minister, N. Biren said that the Northeast states can work together on the idea of a pan North East Tourism Circuit.

The chief minister thanked minister of state for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha for announcing to start Imphal-Delhi direct flight service twice a week from January next year.

He also expressed confidence that the Udaan scheme would be accorded a high priority to promote the concept of North east Tourist Circuit.

He expressed hope that under the dynamic leader of Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) K Alphons, the State would soon realise its true potential in tourism sector.

He said that the State government would approach the Union Tourism ministry with some projects including overall tourism development of Loktak area, cable car projects and development of wellness centres and strengthening of tourism infrastructure in the hills of the State.

With formation of the new government in the State there is a growing feeling of optimism and heightened expectation in the minds of public, he maintained while adding that the State government, therefore, decided to scale up Manipur Sangai Festival into a mega event for showcasing the tourism potentials of the State.

Another unique feature in this edition of the festival is the showcase of culture, art forms, cuisine, handloom and handicrafts of our partner States of Madhya Pradesh and Nagaland under the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said.

He further asserted that the presence of President Ramnath Kovind would be remembered as a red letter day, for this is the day when the State has witnessed such a large number of luminaries, be it from the field of politics or business, and which will eventually lead to ushering in an era of peace and development in the State.

Colourfult cultural presentations were also showcased before the capacity crowd that included many distinguished dignitaries, foreign delegates and tourists.

The President was joined on the dais by the first lady, Savita Kovind, Union minister for tourism, KJ Alphons, Manipur governor, Najma Heptulla, chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, chief minister of Nagaland, T.R. Zeliang, and chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 20

UNESCO in its report under ‘List of Endangered Languages in the Online Version of the World Atlas of Endangered Language (vis-a-vis census) 2009’ had classified the Tarao dialect as one of the extinct languages suggesting either dilution or nonexistence of the tribe.

In a move to save and revive the tribe, Relief Centre for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Manipur under the coordination of Thokcom Chandramani, took a survey recently and found that the tribe has not actually gone extinct.

He told IFP that the population growth rate of the Tarao community is slow and is far short of 1000.

Chandramani said that he had started his survey since 2010 and through his survey he managed to get Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India (SPPEL) implemented for the Tarao tribe under HRD department.

Factors such as geography, social practices, low fertility, genetic defect leading to low fertility, disability, nutritional habit among others make the tribe almost extinct, said spokesperson of the relief centre, Chandramani.  

Tarao is a minority community in Chandel district speaking Taraotrong. It is said that Maharaja of Manipur, Ching-Thang Khomba had an orchard at a place near Pallel and his orange trees were looked after by the Taraos at Komlathabi.

They are concentrated at four villages, Tarao Laimanai, Leisokching, Khuringmol and Heikakpokpi. As per Cheitharol Kumbaba (The Royal Chronicle of Manipur) the Taraos had been in existence since AD 1263-1467.

Tarao tribe leaders had complained to the government in the past of having no MLA and ADC members in its populace.

With an endeavour to save the endangered tribe and its language especially, in a first of its kind, Imphal Hospital has adopted the tribe to extend every possible medical technology to help the tribe from further extinction. 

Managing director of Imphal Hospital, Dr. Salam Maipak Singh said that he does not want any indigenous tribe of the state to be extinct and would do anything to help them in population stabilisation health wise.

Retired HOD of RIMS gynaecology department, and also an advisor of the relief centre, Dr. Chanam Manglem Singh said that population is important for existence of a tribe. The population of Taraos during the time of Ching-Thang Khomba was 700 and that was some 219 years ago.

The population have in a way increased but no so much, and that is a worry for the tribe as well as the state.

According to the official records of Tarao Tribe Union’s member, K. Mila Tarao said for 2016-2017, there are a total of 894 populations concentrating in five villages of the state. Of which Khuringmul at Tengnoupal district, has the largest concentration level at 55 household and a population of 270.

Leisokching which serves as the hub for the tribe is situated at Tengnoupal district and is home to 40 household and a population of 240 persons.

Sanakeithel at Ukhrul district have the least population with 70 and 20 households, respectively.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 20

UNESCO in its report under ‘List of Endangered Languages in the Online Version of the World Atlas of Endangered Language (vis-a-vis census) 2009’ had classified the Tarao dialect as one of the extinct languages suggesting either dilution or nonexistence of the tribe.

In a move to save and revive the tribe, Relief Centre for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Manipur under the coordination of Thokcom Chandramani, took a survey recently and found that the tribe has not actually gone extinct.

He told IFP that the population growth rate of the Tarao community is slow and is far short of 1000.

Chandramani said that he had started his survey since 2010 and through his survey he managed to get Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India (SPPEL) implemented for the Tarao tribe under HRD department.

Factors such as geography, social practices, low fertility, genetic defect leading to low fertility, disability, nutritional habit among others make the tribe almost extinct, said spokesperson of the relief centre, Chandramani.  

Tarao is a minority community in Chandel district speaking Taraotrong. It is said that Maharaja of Manipur, Ching-Thang Khomba had an orchard at a place near Pallel and his orange trees were looked after by the Taraos at Komlathabi.

They are concentrated at four villages, Tarao Laimanai, Leisokching, Khuringmol and Heikakpokpi. As per Cheitharol Kumbaba (The Royal Chronicle of Manipur) the Taraos had been in existence since AD 1263-1467.

Tarao tribe leaders had complained to the government in the past of having no MLA and ADC members in its populace.

With an endeavour to save the endangered tribe and its language especially, in a first of its kind, Imphal Hospital has adopted the tribe to extend every possible medical technology to help the tribe from further extinction. 

Managing director of Imphal Hospital, Dr. Salam Maipak Singh said that he does not want any indigenous tribe of the state to be extinct and would do anything to help them in population stabilisation health wise.

Retired HOD of RIMS gynaecology department, and also an advisor of the relief centre, Dr. Chanam Manglem Singh said that population is important for existence of a tribe. The population of Taraos during the time of Ching-Thang Khomba was 700 and that was some 219 years ago.

The population have in a way increased but no so much, and that is a worry for the tribe as well as the state.

According to the official records of Tarao Tribe Union’s member, K. Mila Tarao said for 2016-2017, there are a total of 894 populations concentrating in five villages of the state. Of which Khuringmul at Tengnoupal district, has the largest concentration level at 55 household and a population of 270.

Leisokching which serves as the hub for the tribe is situated at Tengnoupal district and is home to 40 household and a population of 240 persons.

Sanakeithel at Ukhrul district have the least population with 70 and 20 households, respectively.