Manipur Mail – Page 24

Make it a disciplined body

Manipur police commandos are really brave. They fiercely protect their bosses. The other personnel have a lesson or two to learn from them. But their image has been dragged down when some of them make themselves available for doing illegal business like transportation of drug. Then there are fake encounters, which are galore. If police personnel are properly utilised after giving them necessary instructions Manipur will become one of the safest places for living. But who will do that? Police personnel are not selected on merit basis. The amount that one offers shapes the destiny of all. Similarly the other employees working under different departments of the Government of also need to be told that they are paid by the Government for doing their duties honestly, sincerely and regularly. If a surprise check is carried out all that is happening in a Government department will be known. Employees do not attend office in time. They reach office around 12.30 and return home around 2 pm. File movement is as laggard as the movement of a tortoise. Unless a few hundreds of rupees are kept on the table the file will not move at all. The employees shamelessly mention the amount for entry of the files. Once their desire or appetites have been fulfilled they will start smiling from ear to ear. They will all of sudden turn out to be cooperative with the visitors. But the visitors have a complaint. They say the file reading or entry could have been done without waiting for the grease amount. After the work had been done the amount that they expect can be given. That will speed up the work. Unnecessarily visitors are kept waiting making the offices jam-packed by visitors. Everyone is busy. If the visitors are treated with due respect they will talk of the good image of the Government. An employee has the bounded duty of uplifting the image of the Government under which he or she is working. But many of them forget why they are working under the Government. Hence the call for giving instruction to all these employees like Lord Krishna dictating his friend Arjun the dos and don’ts of life in Mahabharata. Once these employees have been made to understand what they are they will start working gleefully in the larger interest of all. They need to be told again and again why they have been absorbed by the Government.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/make-it-a-disciplined-body/

Lecturers appeal to Guv

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 16 : A memorandum was submitted to the Governor of Manipur on 16th July, 2013 by the All Manipur Government Higher Secondary Lecturers Welfare Association.
It said, “The Association is spearheading for improvement of Government Higher Secondary Schools in Manipur for the last many years. There has been a growing popularity of Government Higher Secondary Schools among the public. This is an indication of winning faith of the public towards the endeavour of the Government especially the sincere efforts made by the Education Minister, Shri M. Okendro to improve school education. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) bear fruit in Manipur and the enrolment in primary and secondary schools has been increased.
This year, many girl students thronged into T. G. Higher Secondary School for admission to Class XI especially in science stream. 2051 students submitted admission forms in the said school. In order to distribute the students rationally, the Government with a cabinet decision issued an order (copy enclosed) and allotted 750 girl students in science stream at Ram Lal Paul Higher Secondary School, Imphal which could not be materialised. The decision of the Government is a welcome move being an attempt to get the girl students admitted in a save and secure place having well infrastructure, including hostel facility. Unfortunately, the effort of the Government cannot be materialised yet. Governor may kindly look into this matter.
It demanded to take up necessary action on the following few points in connection with the Government Higher Secondary Schools.There is no uniform fee structure in the Government Higher Secondary Schools which causes a lot of confusion among the public and also lacks transparency. So, a uniform fee structure may kindly be maintained. We welcome the plan of issuance of common admission forms from the next academic session as proposed by the Association. This will ensure even distribution of students in the Higher Secondary Schools and shall avoid huge rush to a single school for admission.

The Association would like to propose formation of a cluster Higher Secondary Schools which are located in and around Imphal; namely T.G., Johnstone, C.C., Model, Lamlong,
Ibotonsana, Ram Lal Paul Hr. Sec. Schools and Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy with I/I//-// facility in the campus. Uninterrupted power and water supply may be provided with hostel facilities in these schools. Installation of solar panels may be encouraged in view of the frequent power breakdown. For infrastructure development more funds may be allotted in Education sector. Higher secondary schools located in rural area may also be given equal emphasis.
Every effort of the Government will remain useless if competent persons are not posted at these Higher Secondary Schools. Principals who indulge in corrupt practices should not be given posting in the premier Higher Secondary Schools.
10+2 standard is a crucial phase for a student who is preparing to enter into the Higher education. In order to match the increasing application of information technology free laptops/tablets may be distributed to the students of 10+2 standard. The Central Government is prepared to launch Rashtriya Ucchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) from this year in an attempt to increase the gross enrolment ratio to 30% by 2020 in higher education.
It is reliabjy learnt that some regular Lecturers are using Government buildings for private tuition/coaching which is unfair and demoralises the sincere teachers. Utilization of Government buildings for private tuition/coaching without proper permission may be checked.
At present, there seems to be a dearth of officials who are well experienced in the field of school education in the Directorate of Education (S). A competent person from amongst the Principals of Higher Secondary Schools may be appointed to the post of Additional Director, Education (S).
Manipur Education Service (MES) has been a long pending demand for the Association. We welcome the move of the Government for implementation of MES. The process for selection of qualified persons for MES through Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) may be accelerated to ensure a better administration. The nature of appointment of officers in Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and Novodaya Vidvalalaya Samiti may be applied in the state.
There are reports of mismanagement of electronic gadgets such as computers, digital projectors, etc. supplied by the Government for imparting computer education among the students in some premier Higher Secondary Schools, like Johnstone Hr. Sec. School. His Excellency may kindly take up necessary action by conducting an enquiry whether the supplied items remain intake.
It has come to the notice of the public that some students approached His Excellency in the pretext of improving infrastructure in T. G. Hr. Sec. School, Imphal. It appears that the students approached your kindness on the insistence of some Lecturers of vested interest. In order to unearth the truth, your kindness may kindly take up necessary action by conducting an enquiry in connection with the representation filed by the students’ union” according to a press hand out issued by M. Joykumar Singh, General Secretary, AMGHSLWA.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/lecturers-appeal-to-guv/

MU Teachers to go on Mass Casual Leave on August 1

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 16 : As declared by Manipur University Teachers’ Association (MUTA) in its press release on July 2, 2013, as well as decided by the MUTA Executive Committee on July 11, 2013; Manipur University Teachers will go on One Day Mass Casual Leave on August 1, 2013 as the beginning of a series of protests against the University Authority especially Prof. H.N.K. Sarma, the Vice-Chancellor, for his manipulation in the constitution of 3rd Executive Council (EC) of Manipur University (MU), and non-fulfilling of several demands of the Association.
That, so far as the constitution of 3rd EC is concerned, there were not only manipulation and dishonour of the proceedings of MUTA by deviating from the tradition/convention followed for more than 33 years in the history of MU, but also misused the Office of the Chancellor by misinforming the Association by Prof. Sarma himself that Chancellor desires to have six names as against 3 names submitted by MUTA Office. In fact, he misled the general public by giving press briefing that he has not done anything wrong and done everything as per University Act. Such act of deceiving the public is unethical, condemnable and unbecoming of a V.C. of an institute of higher learning. So, his claim is unacceptable to MUTA.
Further, in order to cover up his autocratic style of functioning and ad-hoc running of the University, Prof. Sarma declared in the press that he has been trying to fill up the statutory as well as non-statutory posts since 2010-2011, but no qualified applicants were found; then sitting idle for the last more than 2 years, instead of advertising for every six months; and promising to start the process of filling up of the posts shortly when things started appearing in the media, are all self explanatory excuses of his autocratic style of functioning and non-committal to his duties.
For instance, there is no question of advertising and recruiting the position of Pro Vice-Chancellor (PVC), as the senior most professor is normally/traditionally appointed as the PVC. Because Prof. Sarma himself was also the PVC earlier by virtue of being the senior most professor at that time. However, now even after nearly two years of assuming office of the V.C., Prof. Sarma fails to fill up the position of PVC by following the same norm, in spite of repeated requests and ultimatum dateline of June 30, 2013 given by MUTA. Because of Human Resources Development, UGC, etc.

Prof. Sarma himself knows best that by appointing the PVC, his unilateral decision making, autocratic functioning and ad-hoc running of the institute, without raising a single finger, will be hampered. And for the same reason he is not trying seriously to fill up all the positions by advertising regularly.
For Central Government Institutions and Organizations, if no qualified applicants of Finance Officer are found in repeated recruitment process, normally Comptroller Accountant
General of India is requested to depute a competent person to look after the office of finance officer, as this is the most sensitive and sometimes controversial section. Besides,
Manipur University Act, 2005, Statute 7(4) (p. 20) writes that “When the office of the Finance Officer is vacant or when the Finance Officer is, by reason of illness, absence or any other cause, unable to perform the duties of his office, the duties of the office shall be performed by such person as the Vice-Chancellor may appoint for the purpose”. Instead, Prof.
Sarma has been acting as Finance Officer, not only violating the act, but also making it apparently true of all allegations of misappropriation of public money.
What to talk about these, the extreme case of Prof. Sarma’s autocratic functioning is that he has extended the service of his wife after superannuation by giving monthly honorarium much above the guest faculties without the approval of the EC. It is even alleged by some quarters that Prof. Sarma himself chaired the selection committee for promotion of his wife.
Prof. Sarma also claimed, in his press briefing that there is a lot of improvement and beautification in the University Campus. It is true that there may be beautification in the University campus after becoming a central University in 2005. However, the irony is that more than 70% of the Plan Budget is used for Minor Works (beautification, drain and wall constructions, earth filling, building repairing, etc.) only, and less than 30% for infrastructural development. As a result, the University Administration Block is now converted to another PWD Office where contract works have been given the first rung, and academic works the second rung. Because of these, even if there is no dearth of fund, the MU is still unable to have a separate Advance Instrumentation Center except piecemeal purchase of one or two instruments. A number of buildings, some of which are 20 years or more, remain uncompleted; many departments having inadequate space; more than 50% of the Departments are understaffed, with a mere total of 172 faculty members only, even after 33 years of its establishment. Whereas, in Assam University, Silchar, there are more than 300 faculty members although it is quite young.
Considering all these facts, the MUTA Executive Committee, in its meeting held on July 11, 2013, unanimously decided to request the Office of the Honourable Visitor, Manipur University and President of India, to institute an inquiry into these matters and initiate appropriate disciplinary action before further deteriorating the state of affairs of the University, and serious protests and public outcries are made. The Committee also agreed to forward copies of the resolutions for information to the Prime Ministers’ Office, Ministry

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mu-teachers-to-go-on-mass-casual-leave-on-august-1/

AR demands release of extortionist, assault police officer

IMPHAL, July 16 NNN: Tension was running high at Jiribam police station ( in Manipur) bordering Assam when the Assam Rifles and the Manipur police commandos confronted each other physically. However, not a single shot was fired.
It all began when the 22 Assam Rifles led by one Major Ajay Kante demanded to hand over the self-style general secretary of United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) identified as one Seinio Guite, (29) s/o Lamthang of New Lamka, Churachandpur who is being detained at Jiribam police station.
Reports said that on July 10, a demand letter of Rs 10 lakh along with a hand grenade attached with a telephone number was found planted at an oil pump in Jiribam. The demand letter was in the name of KRA(U).
On July 15, the police commandos dialed the telephone number left by the extortionist and asked him to come and collect the money at a place called Irabot Statue in Jiribam. The police commandos disguise themselves as the owner of the petrol pump.
Shortly, a numberless Maruti Gypsy led by Seinio Guite came and collected the money from the police commandos who were in civvies. However, it is not clear with whom the UTLA leader came along. Minutes after the handing over the money, the police commandos nabbed Seinio Guite and took him to the Jiribam police station, sources said.
Today, personnel of 22 Assam Rifles led by one Major Ajay Kante came to the Jiribam police station and surrounded it and demanded from Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) one O Menjor of Jiribam Police Station. Major Ajay reportedly demanded that UTLA leader Guite be handed over to them as the militant outfit would be signing the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the government on July 17. However, the police officer refused. In the process, Assam Rifles Major Ajay roughed up O Menjor. The escort team of the police officer and other police commandos in turn caught hold of Major Ajay and assaulted him, the sources said.
Due to some unknown reason the Assam Rifles team left the police station.
Meanwhile, it is said that not a single shot was fired.
UTLA leader Guite is still being detained in the police station, the sources stated.
An FIR has been reportedly filed by the police against the Assam Rifles major for assaulted the police officer.

Highway blocked to protest James killing

IMPHAL, July 16 NNN: The National Highway 2 along Imphal-Moreh road was choked today due to the 24-hour bandh wihich was imposed since 6 a.m. in the morning by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the brutal killing of DK. James @ Moshilpha Maring of Laiching Minou in Chandel district.
The bandh was called in protest against the alleged interference from certain people in the police investigation into the murder case.
DK James alias Mosilpha, the first cousin (brother) of Tengnoupal assembly constituency MLA DK Korungthang was found murdered on July 3.
Today, large number of the bandh supporters mostly women blocked the section of National Highway 2 at Kakching Lamkhai and Pallel by burning of tyres and piling of logs and boulders along the road.
During the bandh, several vehicles including two wheelers were damaged by the bandh supporters who were armed with sticks and stone.
At Kakching Lamkai, the bandh supporter were confronted with the Police personnels who used to fire tear gases to disperse the mob.
While briefing the media persons at Kakching Lamkhai, Gabriel Chinir, Convenor of the JAC condemned that some unscrupulous persons trying to interfere with police investigation against the crime by imposing bandh yesterday. He appealed the public to help the police in their investigation to book the culprits and deliver justice to the bereaved family at the earliest.
DK James (57), s/o late DK Koin of Laiching Minou, Machi Block of Tengnoupal subdivision, Chandel district was found murdered.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/highway-blocked-to-protest-james-killing/

Film on Mary to be filmed in Manipur : Priyanka

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 16 : Leading Bollywood actress, singer and songwriter Priyanka Chopra left Imphal on Tuesday after visiting the residence of t MC Mary Kom at Langol Game Village in Imphal West.
The winner of the Miss World pageant of 2000 arrived in the state capital on Monday to share knowledge on the real life of London Olympic bronze medalist Mary Kom for a biopic on the Manipuri boxing icon. Shortly before she left Imphal, Priyanka met the Manipur media at Hotel Classic in Imphal. She said she thanks Mary Kom and her family who welcomed her warmly.
She said that most of the scenes of the film will be shot in tManipur and the shooting will be finished by next year.
The shooting of the film began in June. Prinka is essaying the role of Mary. This film produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali is directed by Omung Kumar and the story is written by Seisaiwyn Qundras. Priyanka is the co-producer of the film.
Prinka accompanied by her crew including her body guard left Imphal at 12:45 pm in an Air India flight.
During her two-day visit to the state, Prinka also visited the Sports Authority of India (SAI) complex, Takyel here where Mary Kom started her career as a boxer more than ten years ago.
Priyanka said her visit to Manipur is to carry out research work.
Physical training has started she said. She however said the name of the film , script have not been finalised. Everything will be finalised after going back to Mumbai she said. The shooting of the film will be done in Manipur and some other parts of thecountry. Since authenticity is required major portions of the
film will be done in Manipur, Omkar said.
The main theme of the film will be Mary Kom and her life as she is the pride of the country, Priyanka said.
“Everything about Mary is fascinating and Manipur is beautiful and I am happy I will be coming to Manipur to shoot a film on Mary” Priyanka said. She said she feels proud to visit Manipur and other parts of north east. She said she knows that Hindi film is banned in Manipur by militants and she hoped that the film will be able to bridge the gap. She hopes a miracle occurs so that people in Manipur can watch a Hindi film based on Mary Kom. Omkar said full shooting schedule will start soon.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/film-on-mary-to-be-filmed-in-manipur-priyanka/

Paban Singh Ghatowar Chairs 62nd NEC Meeting

Paban Singh Ghatowar Chairs 62nd NEC Meeting
Mail News Service
Imphal, July 16 : The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and the Chairman of North Eastern Council (NEC), Shri Paban Singh Ghatowar has chaired the 62nd NEC Plenary Meetoday. The Members of the Council includes the Governors and the Chief Ministers of North Eastern States and their representatives.
On the occasion, Shri Ghatowar informed that his Ministry has launched a scheme named NLCPR (Central). The scheme is meant for major regional projects in the NE region with heavy investments to be implemented by the Central ministries from the accruals of NLCPR. The accruals under NLCPR now stands in excess of Rs. 10,000 crore. He said that his Ministry would be in a position to implement a power transmission project for Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh with an estimated cost of Rs. 3,000 crore and the Turial Hydro electric project by NEEPCO in Mizoram for completion. The Minister requested the Planning Commission to provide adequate funds under NLCPR (Central) to take up such projects in the NE region.
He said that the B.K. Chaturvedi Committee on Restructuring of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) has recommended for making CSS more flexible and has asked the North Eastern Region. Shri Ghatowar requested the North Eastern States to ensure that they send their suggestions to the Planning Commission in respect of the recommendations of B.K. Chaturvedi Committee to make CSS more flexible.
Discussions were held on the various developmental activities taken up in the North East by different Ministries and Government organisations including the Ministries of Railways, Road Transport and Highways, Civil Aviation, Shipping (Waterways), Power, Communication and Information Technology, etc. Discussions were also held on the various livelihood projects initiated and implemented by different organisations like National Skill Development Corporation, Rubber, Spices, Coffee, Tea, National Horticulture Boards and the very relevant and crucial subject on disaster mitigation measures required to be taken in the seismically highly vulnerable NER to save lives and property during natural calamities. The Annual Plan and the Gross Budgetary Support of the North Eastern Council was also discussed.
The meeting was attended by Governors of AP, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura, Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, Manipur and Meghalaya, Members of the NE Council and other senior officials from the Central and the State Governments.

Highlight of some NEC new initiatives are:
• Annual Plan of NEC for Rs. 770.00 crs was approved for the Financial Year 2013-14.
• The Community Based Sustainable Livelihood Projects i.e, North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP), NERCORMP-III for Rs.540 crore is recommended by EFC. Tirap and Changlang districts (Arunachal Pradesh) and Chandel and Churachandpur districts (Manipur) will be covered under this phase.
• Transmission, Sub-Transmission and Distribution System in NE Region for Rs.11348.50 crore proposed to be taken up by PGCIL (Ministry of Power).
• Tourism Master Plan for NER prepared by TCS. Ministry of Tourism has accepted for implementation. State Level Project Management Agencies (SLPMAs) for each NE
States are being engaged by M/o Tourism for preparation of DPRs for the 9 identified circuits.
• Ministry of DoNER has launched a scheme named NLCPR (Central) which is meant for major regional projects in the NE region with heavy investments to be implemented by the central ministries from the accruals of NLCPR. The accruals under NLCPR now stands in excess of Rs.10,000 crore. Ministry of DoNER would be in a position to implement a power transmission project for Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh with an estimated cost of Rs.3,000 crore and the Turial Hydro electric project by NEEPCO in Mizoram for completion.
• NEC has invited Expression of Interests (EOI) for air connectivity of Lilabari, Shillong, Dimapur and Tezpur. In the meanwhile, with the intervention of the Member of the Planning Commission and NEC, Shri B.K. Chaturvedi, air service in Kolkata-Shillong sector has resumed by Alliance Air since 10th July, 2013 for 5 days in a week.
The Planning Commission has accorded in-principle approval and sanction for the following projects at the cost of Rs. 141.17 crore to be funded by the NEC. Rs.25.10 crores was already released during 2012-13 and the projects are in different stages of implementation.
i) Further up-gradation of safety and security infrastructure at Umroi Airport,
ii) Extension of Runway to 7500 feet and construction of Isolation bay and Taxi way at Dibrugarh Airport,
iii) Extension of Apron at Jorhat Airport,
iv) Construction of Boundary Wall surrounding the newly acquired land at Imphal Airport and
v) Construction of Hangars and Apron at LGBI Airport at Guwahati.
A study conducted through the AAI on improvement of air connectivity in the region has been completed and the draft report is being submitted shortly by the AAI.
The approval of the Planning Commission has also been received for
(i) Setting up of North Eastern Regional Multi-disciplinary Paramedical Institute, Dimapur, Nagaland for Rs.53.21 crores and
(ii) Setting up of Regional Nursing College, at Hapania (near Agartala), Tripura for 49.81 cr.
• NEC has approved for construction of a 498 seater Girl’s Hostel for Rs.14.65 crore inside the Jnanabharati Campus of the Bangalore University for students from the North East studying in the University. The University has agreed to provide the land free of cost and the hostel will be managed and run by the Bangalore University.
• To enable the unemployed youths specially the fairer gender from the North Eastern Region who possess strong innate caring and compassionate nature to pursue career in nursing, it is proposed that stipend or financial assistance be extended by NEC to the students who are pursuing nursing courses in Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery and General
Nursing Midwifery in institutions recognized by appropriate authority that are located in the North Eastern States.
• The NEC has also engaged third party agencies for evaluation of NEC funded projects. During 2012-13, a total number of 45 projects were entrusted to third party agencies for evaluation.
Some highlights of other important projects in the NER are:
• The railways have invested Rs.10,503 crs in the last 5 years completing 244 kms of new lines,738 kms of Gauge conversions and 20 kms of doubling. For the current financial year, the Ministry intends to invest Rs. 2498.00 crs.
• The council noted with concern the slow pace of progress of Railway projects due to paucity of funding.
• The council also noted the need for speedy implementation of the Road projects in the NER particularly Special Accelerated Road Development Project in the North East
• The Commodity Boards ( Rubber, Coffee, Tea, Spices) and National Horticulture Board appraised the Council about their activities in the North East and their future plans and Schemes to be implemented in the North East.
• The National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) also highlighted their activities in the North East and further programmes that can be taken up for skill development of the unemployed youths.
• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) also highlighted a very relevant and crucial subject on disaster mitigation measures required to be taken in the seismically highly vulnerable NER to save lives and property during natural calamities.
Proposed institutional mechanism for nec projects
• Setting up a State North Eastern Council Fund Society by each NE State to receive funds from NEC, release funds to the implementing agencies and also carry out the functions of monitoring and reporting the progress of implementation of all NEC projects in these States.
• Engaging Regional Level Monitors (RLM) for effective monitoring of the implementation of various NEC funded projects.
Thrust areas for balanced development in ner
(a) Development of Cash Crops and fruits with focus on increasing the area of cultivation and productivity.
(b) Popularization of Science and Math for school children to promote science and technology related professional studies.
(c) Sponsoring youth for skill development for employment.
(d) Providing stipend to students for nursing courses in addition to existing eligible courses of study.
(e) Promotion of I.T. education in schools for students to have competitive edge for higher studies.
(f) Development/upgradation of District Industrial estates for promotion of value addition of locally available produces.
(g) Increase preparedness for natural disaster management and mitigation of hazards.
(h) Increase usage of remote sensing and GIS applications for planning, implementation and monitoring of projects.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/paban-singh-ghatowar-chairs-62nd-nec-meeting/

Empowering Mentally Ill to Live with Dignity

Dr. H. R. Keshavamurthy
Director (M&C), Press Information Bureau, Kolkata.
Mental health represents a critical indicator of human development, serves as a key determinant of well-being, quality of life and is the basis for social stability. Social and economic impact of poor mental health is pervasive and far reaching, leading to poverty, high unemployment rates, poor educational and health outcomes, among others. There is a need for a wider recognition of mental and emotional well-being as a core indicator of human development, and it is necessary to integrate a mental health and psychosocial perspective into all development and humanitarian policies, programmes.
Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities represent a significant proportion of the world’s population. One in four people globally experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. Almost one million people die due to suicide every year and depression is ranked third in the global burden of disease, and is projected to rank first in 2030. In India prevalence of mental disorders is 6-7% for common mental disorders and 1-2% for severe mental disorders. Treatment gap for severe mental disorders is approximately 50% and in case of Common mental Disorders it is over 90%.With such a magnitude of mental disorders it becomes necessary to promote mental health services for the well being of general population, in addition to provide treatment for mental illnesses.
Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities often face stigma and discrimination due to widely held misconceptions about the causes and nature of mental health conditions. Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities also experience high levels of physical abuse. They encounter restrictions in their exercise of socio-politico-economic rights in the majority of countries, largely due to the false assumption that they are not able to carry out their responsibilities, manage their own affairs and make decisions about their lives.
Though mental health conditions are one of the leading causes of disability, persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities often lack resources to maintain basic living standards. Furthermore, they are one of the most neglected and discriminated groups in development policies and programmes. Integration of mental health into development efforts is a cost effective pro-poor strategy. There are cost effective treatments available for most mental illnesses, and effective treatment is associated with reductions in overall health-care costs. Child development, education, health, social welfare policies and programmes must integrate mental and psychosocial aspects.
In India, National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) was started in 1982 with the objectives to ensure availability and accessibility of minimum mental health care for all, to encourage mental health knowledge and skills and to promote community participation in mental health service development and to stimulate self-help in the community. Gradually, the approach of mental health care services has shifted from hospital based care (institutional) to community based mental health care, as majority of mental disorders do not require hospitalization and can be managed at community level.
During IX five year plan, District Mental Health Programme was initiated (1996) and at present DMHP is covering 123 districts in 30 States and UTs. In addition to early identification and treatment of mentally ill, District Mental Health Programme has now incorporated promotive and preventive activities for positive mental health which includes; School Mental Health services; College Counselling services; work place stress management and suicide prevention services. Efforts are being made to improve human resource availability in mental health sector so that mentally ill gets required attention and persons having a predilection for mentally illness can get good advice, counselling at the initial stages itself. Components of NHMP are being brought under the overall umbrella of National Rural Health Mission so that the States are able to plan requirements concerning Mental Health services as part of the respective project plans. Rs.623.45 crore has been approved as XI plan outlay (upto 2012) for the National Mental Health Programme.
However, recognizing the difficulties/stigma faced by mentally ill persons the Government is in the process of providing a humane, patient centric legal framework for mentally ill patients. The proposed Mental Health Care bill can be a ‘Game changer’ in the life of millions of mentally ill persons who were often victims of inhuman and degrading treatment, abuse and ridicule, both at the community level and at health care delivery establishments.
The proposed Mental Health Care bill is significant in terms of Rights’ Approach that is being adopted to give pre-eminence to the preferences and opinion of the mentally ill person to a major extent. Provisions like ‘Advance Directive’ empowers every person to make directive on how he wishes to be cared and treated for mental illness or not. Other salient provisions are;
A mentally ill person admitted to a mental health establishment shall have a right to receive or refuse visitors, phone calls, mail,etc
A mentally ill person has a right to have treatment in his locality /
residence and can prefer only minimum treatment/care at mental health establishments. This is to ensure that the patient is allowed to live in, be part of and not be segregated from society to the extent possible
· Every patient has a right to protection from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and the mental health establishment shall be safe, clean with facilities for education, recreation, religious practices.
· No patient shall be forced to undertake work and subject to compulsory shaving of head and wearing of uniforms.
· Mental illness may be made eligible for medical insurance coverage.
· Government is duty-bound to plan, implement mental health programmes and create awareness about mental health and illness to reduce the associated with mental illness
· Every person will have access to mental health care and treatment at affordable cost, of good quality and of requisite quantity, accusable to the report, their families and care givers
· Government should interpret mental health services into general health care services at all levels in all health programmes.
· Government shall arrange good quality care and treatment in hospitals funded by government and in case of non availability in nearby place; refund the costs of treatment to the patient.
To conclude, a mentally well person means a healthy society and developed nation. It is not enough if we have best health care services, protective legislation unless the stigma, discrimination and widely held misconceptions attached to mental illness are weeded out and community becomes more empathetic towards such persons.
(PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/empowering-mentally-ill-to-live-with-dignity/

Probe finds AFSPA useless in fighting insurgency

IMPHAL, July 16 NNN: The report of Supreme Court appointed ‘Commission on Extrajudicial Execution’ in Manipur that is now with the CSCHR member Extrajudicial Execution Victims’ Families Association, Manipur (EEVFAM), has made various recommendations like police commandos cannot be allowed to ‘terrorize people at will’ as they appear to be doing presently.
The report says there is no doubt that insurgency in Manipur state is a reality, but the continuous use of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for decades in the state has evidently had ‘little or no effect’ on the situation.
On the other hand, the six cases of extrajudicial killings, which have shown to be not real encounters, are egregious examples of the AFSPA’s gross abuse, it says.
Babaloo Loitongbam, executive director, Human Rights Alert (HRA) informed that the report of Supreme Court appointed Commission on Extrajudicial Execution in Manipur is now with EEVFAM. He said this during a media briefing at the HRA office here on Tuesday.
Citing the report, Babloo said the Jeevan Reddy Committee to review the AFSPA after its own hearings found that this Act had become “a symbol of oppression, an object of hate and an instrument of discrimination and high-handedness.”
The report recommends that the Manipur administration has to be made more sensitive, proactive and responsive and that the police and policing have to be made more people-friendly.
He further cited the report recommending police commandos cannot be allowed to terrorize people at will as they appear to be doing presently.
The state level police complaint authorities should also have at least one member from the civil society and must review the functioning of the District Level Police Complaint
Authority on a quarterly basis, Babaloo mentioned the report as saying.
It is clear to the Commission that Manipur state police on its own is grossly inadequate to face the challenges before it, the report says and adds that therefore it is strongly
recommended that the Manipur Government draw up and implement a five-year plan for strengthening and training of the civil police in the state so as to altogether do away with the deployment of Union armed forces in aid of the civil power.
Babaloo also said EEVFAM will win justice as the six cases are in continuous progress and informed that the next hearing on the cases will be held in the apex court on August 6.
Representatives of EEVFAM are ready to present at the hearing in New Delhi, he added. The last hearing on the cases was held at Hotel Classic, Imphal from March 3-7 last year.
He also appealed to all who want to add their views and opinion to the recommendations to get in touch with HRA and EEVFAM.
EEVFAM president Renu Takhellambam and family members of the victims were also present at the briefing.
The Supreme Court appointed Commission is headed by the former Lokayukta and retired Supreme Court Justice N Santosh Hegde, which includes the former Chief Election Commissioner, J.M. Lyngdoh, and the former DGP, Karnataka, Ajay Kumar Singh.
The apex court appointed the special high-powered commission of inquiry on January 4, 2013 to investigate the six cases from a list of 1528 cases submitted by EEVFAM.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/probe-finds-afspa-useless-in-fighting-insurgency/

CBI officials to go to jail

MNS The Special Judge for CBI Cases, Saket Courts, New Delhi has convicted Murari Lal, then SP, CBI and sentenced him to undergo four years Simple Imprisonment with total fine of Rs.5 Lakh 20 thousand in a bribery case.
A case was registered by CBI on 12.08.1999 U/s 120 B IPC r/w sec 7, 8 & 9 of Prevention of Corruption Act, against Murari Lal, the then SP, CBI; then Dy. S.P. and others on
the allegation that the accused persons were acting as middlemen between suspects / accused persons of some cases under investigation in CBI and the concerned Investigating
Officers/ Law Officers, with a criminal conspiracy to subvert investigation of such cases by influencing the IO / Law Officers in favour of the accused persons. In the process, the accused had allegedly accepted huge amounts as illegal gratification for such IOs/ Legal Officers and for themselves.
After thorough investigation, CBI filed a charge sheet against Murari Lal, the then SP, CBI and the then Dy. S.P, U/s 120 B IPC r/w sec 8 & 9 of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The then Dy SP died during trial and the proceedings against him were abated.
The Trial Court found the accused guilty and convicted him.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-officials-to-go-to-jail/

Talks with Kuki group held

IMPHAL, July 15 NNN: Representatives of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) and United People’s Front (UPF), an umbrella body of several Manipur-based Kuki militant outfits resumed their meeting on Monday.
The JMG meeting held at Banquet Hall, 1st Manipur Rifles in Imphal was participated by Principal Secretary (Home), government of Manipur, Suresh Babu, Joint Secretary (Home) Chourashia, JMG Chairman and Additional Deputy Director General of Police (ADGP) LM Khaute, Superintendent of Police (CID), and top official of Assam Rifles, BSF and Army on the Government side.
For UPF, it was represented by leaders of United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF), Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), Kuki National Front-P and Hmar People’s Convention-Democratic (HPC-D).
In the meeting, the UPF side urged the JMG side for regular payment of stipend (Rs 3000 for each cadre) to the militants belonging to the umbrella organization, a highly placed official source said.
It also pushed for additional fund to complete the under construction designated camp of ZRA at Phaibatang in Churachandpur district while urging for convening the JMG meeting on monthly basis.
The JMG side assured the UPF leaders that the demands raised by them during the meeting would be met soon.
It also informed the insurgent leaders to submit an upto-date list of its cadres to the committee soon and to start re-verification of the cadres.
The UPF, now under Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, side told the JMG that a latest list of its cadres would be submitted to it at the earliest, the official source added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/talks-with-kuki-group-held/

Three killed in clash at Ukhrul

IMPHAL, July 15 NNN : There was a shoot out between the suspected NSCN-IM cadres and suspected UNLF cadres in Manipur’s Ukhrul district early today. Three persons reportedly were killed
However, officially it is not confirmed.
According to reports received, suspected cadres of UNLF were resting at Wangli community hall at Wangli village under Kasom Khullen sub-division in Ukhrul district when miitants believed to be from the NSCN-IM surrounded the community hall and opened fire. The other group retaliated. In the process, three militants were said to have been killed but it is yet to be ascertained as to which group the deceased belonged. Unconfirmed reports said two injured suspected UNLF cadres have been taken away by the other rival outfit.
Wangli is a Tangkhul village located 60 km from Kasom Khullen subdivision headquarters bordering Myanmar.
Meanwhile, due to certain problem, the police of Kasom Khullen subdivision is yet to reach the place. They are likely to go to Wangli village in the morning.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/three-killed-in-clash-at-ukhrul/

The Great Nalanda – Past and Present

Radha Kant Bharati
The Nalanda Mahavihara (ancient Nalanda University) had been a great seat of learning for about eight hundred years (from 5th century to 13th century A. D.). At the very beginning it was a monastic institution accommodating thousands of travelling monks coming from different regions. During their stay at Nalanda monastery the Buddha’s Dhamma and Vinaya based on ‘Pariyatti’ and ‘Patipatti-dhammasasanam’ etc. senior monks gave their sermons while the junior monks attended. This was the beginning of the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara. This monastic establishment developed and ultimately it became the foremost University unparalleled in the world. This reputation was so furthered that it came to be known as the ‘University of Universities.”
Actually the Nalanda Mahavihara had not only been a great seat of learning. But it also became a great centre of culture and civilization. This was a fact that Buddhism was studied here in all its branches. But the comparative study of non-Buddhism thoughts and culture too had been studied here thoroughly. Thus it became a centre not only for Buddhist culture, but also of the Indian culture.
The name and fame of this University spread throughout Asia. Scholars from different parts of Asia specially from China, Tibet, Korea, Mangolia, Bhutan, Indonesia, Central Asia and the like came here for studying.
Gradually there was exchange of scholars between several countries. Buddhist monks from Nalanda went to Korea, China and Tibet. Tibetan scholars too came to Nalanda to enhance their knowledge of Buddhism as well as Indian culture. Thus, the monk-scholars of Nalanda Mahavihara served as the apostles.
Geographically speaking, Nalanda can be spotted on tourist map of India as one of the best archaeological sites that we Indians can be proud of. The ruins of famed University were found in Bargaon situated near the Nalanda Railway Station of Bakhtiyarpur-Rajgir branch line of the Eastern Railway. If one goes to trace the place today, one comes across partially excavated ruins of the ancient University of Nalanda with a number of villages around having variety of Buddha images in different forms.
Although, Francis Buchanan had earlier seen the place in 1812, but could not identify it. Regular excavations started in 1915 and with the untiring efforts on Pandit Hiranand Shastri for two decades, the mighty and majestic Nalanda resurfaced from the womb of earth. It is now locally known as “Khandahara” (ruins) of Nalanda.
Like Bodhisattva, Mahavihara was born and reborn with the word ‘NAVA’ preceding the nomenclature through the dedication of Ven. Bhikshu Jagadish Kashyap in 1951. It was nourished and looked after well by his worthy successors.
Students and scholars from India and foreign countries are seen engrossed in their studies, meditation, and spiritual elevation. A good reference library, several important publication of the Institute, digital edition of the Tripitakas, indepth study of Buddhism with the help of original Parakrita Sanskrit texts, decipherment and study of old and obscure scripts are some of the commendable achievements of the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara.
This resurgence is also marked by taking over the Xuanzang (popularly known as Huensang) Memorial which seems to vibrate with the saintly and scholarly sentiments of the great Chinese pilgrim. His contribution towards understanding and furtherance of Buddhist thought in the world is as meritorious as of any Indian Buddhist Acharya who went abroad with the torch of India’s great heritage. The great Nalanda is now transformed into an attractive tourist spot where an impressive life size bronze statue of Xuanzang has been installed in the beautiful surrounding with lush green large lawns, fountain and pond.
Nalanda was an example of the Guru-Shishya parampara, a great Indian tradition. The authority of the Guru (teacher) over the Shishya (student) was absolute, and yet dissent was permitted in academic matters. The tradition, although going back thousands of years, flourished at Nalanda more than elsewhere.
Describing the Guru-Shishya relationship, I-Tsing says” “He (Shishya) goes to the teacher at the fist watch and at the last watch in the night. First the teacher bids him to sit down comfortably selecting some passages from Tripatakas, he gives a lesson in a way that suits the circumstances and does not leave any fact or theory unexplained. He inspects his pupil’s moral conduct, and warns him of defects and transgressions. Whenever he finds his pupil at fault, he makes him seek remedies and repent. The pupil rubs the teacher’s body, folds his clothes and sometimes sweeps, the apartment and the yard. Then having examined the water to ensure there are no insects in it, he gives it to his teacher. Thus, if there is anything to be done, he does all on behalf of the teacher.”
It is, therefore, not surprising that the students and the teachers wore the same yellow robes whose details are available in the Buddhists texts, “wrapped round the loin and reaching below the knee”. Food was simple and ‘satvik’. According to Shaoman Hwui Li, the author of “the Life of Hiuan Tasan”, all the provisions were contributed by two hundred house-holders from about a hundred villages situated around the Nalanda University.
The fall of Nalanda at the hands of the Turks is a story too deep for tears. Like Nero, Bakhtiar Khilji, its destroyer in 1205 A. D. laughed while Nalanda burnt. The city of knowledge, which took several centuries to build, took only a few hours to be destroyed. Legend has it that when some monks fell at the feet of the invader to spare at least its world-famed library, Ratnabodhi, he kicked them and had them thrown in the fire along with the books. The monks fled to foreign lands, citizens became denizens and Nalanda was relegated to a memory.
Thus ended the story of Nalanda till it was retold first by Hamilton and later by Alexander Cunningham. The excavation started in 1915 and continued for twenty years. Yet much remains to be done. At the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, which stands close to this ancient site, Sakyamuni seems to be beckon all men of knowledge to restore the glory of the great centre of culture and learning.
However, the Governments initiative has been already taken for the revival of Nalanda. Now the Parliament has passed Nalanda University Bill. Accordingly the Central and State Government started the work for making Nalanda an academic institution of world class.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/the-great-nalanda-past-and-present/

Whose responsibility is it?

Roads are too narrow, which cannot accommodate space to the ever increasing numbers of vehicles. Driving vehicles during day time on such roads is easier and manageable. But night time is different. Latest model cars with halogen bulbs shooting the light upward are on the road, which is blinding. Showing least concern to others coming from opposite direction they drive in full speed. Imagine the plight of the drivers on the wheel on the opposite direction. He will not see anything yet the vehicle continues to roll on. There had been instances of pedestrians being hit in the night by vehicles. Then there are foolish pedestrians who inculcate the bad habit of walking in the middle of the road just near median portion. They walk aimlessly as if they cannot be hurt. What they do not know is if the driver loses control for one reason or the other they will be crushed like frogs and rats on the road. Who can advise all these foolish pedestrians not to walk in the middle of the road? Middle portion of the road is for the fastest driving vehicle. If any pedestrian dies in the middle of the road he or she will not get any kind of compensation from anybody. Because rules had been violated when they walk in the middle of the road. Pedestrians’ space is reserved on the extreme left side of the road. A middle aged woman, who as a habit crosses the road without looking back was hit by a fast moving two wheeler at Uripok some time back. Luckily she did not die. She was wise she learnt a lesson. She is seen these days crossing the road straight after looking left and right. She will not be hit by fast moving vehicle in future. One must learn lesson without committing any kind of mistake. If pedestrians avoid the bad habit of walking in the middle of the road a change will be seen. At par the concerned authority should frame rules for the vehicles to paint black patches on the top portion of the bulb holders. That will make driving in the night safe. The number of vehicles is alarmingly increasing and there are mad drivers among them. Something needs to be done to control road accidents.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/whose-responsibility-is-it/

Mr World reception

IMPHAL, July 15 NNN : NGOs in Manipur are preparing to give a warm welcome to Mr World 2013 title holder Dr Ngangbam Shantikumar who is a Manipuri-Taiwanese when he arrives in Imphal on July 27.
Dr Shantikumar, a Taiwanese citizen, competed in the International Natural Body building Association (INBA) Mr World Championship held at Zakynthos in Greece from July 5-7 this year.
The Taiwan-based Manipuri bagged the title in the international event and brought laurels to the state as well as the country.
Dr Shantikumar, who resides in Taipei, will be felicitated here in the state capital by NGOs when he arrives in the state on July 27, S Shyamsunder, president, Mr World Dr Ngangbam Shantikumar Reception Committee, told reporters at the state CPI office here on Monday.
Dr Santikumar, originally a native of Sagolband Moirang Hanuba Leirak in Imphal West district will arrive in the Imphal
Tulihal Airport at twelve noon of July 27. From there, he will be carried on rickshaws to different parts of the city and
finally take him to CRAU ground, Sagolband Moirang Hanuba Leirak, he said.
The Rickshaw Driver and Puller Welfare Association, All Manipur Intellectual Forum, and Irabot Research and Commemoration Committee in collaboration with several other NGOs will organize the felicitation function.
Dr Shantikumar contested in two categories in the competition. In the age group 40-49, in which he won the gold, there was no weight limitation or height. Among the 150 athletes from around the world who had contested in this categories,
Dr Shantikumar was the only Asian mongoloid.
At present, he is working as an English Professor at De Lin Institute of Technology, Taipei. Dr Shantikumar married a
Taiwanese Chinese citizen, Chen Nan Tai and they have four children.
Representing Taiwan, he had also competed in the IFBB East Asian, Asian, Asian Games, Mr Universe and even Hong
Kong invitational championships.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mr-world-reception/

KLO investigating into killing of Seikhohao

IMPHAL, July 15 NNN : Kuki Liberation Organisation/Kuki Liberation Army (KLO/KLA) is engaging in intense investigation on the killing of its ‘home secretarty’ Seikhohao Khongsai, in an ambush on Saturday last.
Talking to reporters somewhere in Saikul area today, KLO/KLA general secretary L Timothy warned that by July 18 the outfit involved in the killing of the home secretary of KLO/KLA should make known their identity and also the reason for the killing or else the outfit will spare no stone unturned to give befitting punishment to the culprits.
“Why did these people have to mete out such an inhuman act on the family members of Seikhohao Khongsai alias Marwin?” asked L Timothy.
The KLO/KLA general secretary then expressed his regret that the killing of Seikhohao Khongsai alias Marwin is a big loss to the movement of the Kuki statehood demand.
On behalf of the KLO/KLA, L Timothy strongly condemned the killing of Marwin and said, “Such an act will not be forgiven.”
L Timothy then expressed his gratitude to Kuki frontal organisations for extending their co-operations to Marwin’s family members from the time when they were rushed to the hospital and till the funeral.
On Sunday daughter of slain home secretary had succumbed to her injuries at Shija Hospitals, Imphal.
Two years old Joukim was one of the injured in yesterday’s ambush incident.
She had gone intestinal operation yesterday at the hospital and was put at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) but succumbed yesterday.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/klo-investigating-into-killing-of-seikhohao/

Lok Sabha elections

Will Lok Sabha election be preponed? This question is being
asked. May be or may not be will be the right answer. If the monsoon session of Parliament ensures smooth passage of the Food security bill yes the time for holding Lok Sabha elections may be advanced. If not, the answer will be “may not be”. If the elections are to be held as per scheduled the time for holding such elections is around eight months away. Why should not elections be held as per scheduled? This question is also being asked. Election is a very costly affair. India now is passing through a critical phase. Down valuation of Indian currency against dollar and other currencies of developed nations is alarming. A system needs to be found to see to it that Indian currency regains the value it lost. How can it be made possible? This question is being put to those at the helms of affairs. Someone quipped India is ruined. She lamented there is no room for recovery. If Congress led UPA Government cannot find the remedies will the Government being formed by other parties be able to tide over the financial crisis. That will be hoping against hope. The past had taught a lesson. That’s really fearsome. India survived by mortgaging gold. That situation does not arise now. A stable Government can ensure financial stability. That’s known to all. It is time political parties declare measures to be adopted to tide over financial crisis in their election manifestoes. That will enable simple voters to decide to which party he or she should go. We must not allow one billion plus people of the country to land in African continent like situation, where famine and gun culture go together. Therefore nothing should be done to confuse the minds of the simple voters by making false claims of being able to bring heavens on the earth. Political party having disciplined leaders will do better when the people are in need of effective and clean administration. The better side of Congress party is that it can punish corrupt Ministers without a fuss. BJP faced trouble time when it attempted to take action against Yedyurappa on corruption charges in Karnataka. The manner with which Narendra Modi shot himself to top leadership of the party in defiance of the dictate of L. K. Advani also indicates party discipline was set aside to benefit an individual. Janata Dal would have remained in NDA had Modi agreed lent ears to Advani’s suggestion. That became a thing of the past. Let voters decide which party should rule the country?

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/lok-sabha-elections/

BSP will support formation of Telangana: Mayawati

Lucknow, July 14 (ANI): Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati here today said that her party would extend support for formation of Telangana.
“Right from the beginning we have been in favour of a separate state of Telangana. We will support any positive decision by Centre,” Mayawati told media here.
The Core Group of the Congress which met in New Delhi on Friday to discuss the creation of a separate Telengana state, has communicated the outcome to the Congress Working Committee, the party’s highest decision making body, which will now take a final call on the issue.
Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh, who is in-charge for Andhra Pradesh, had earlier said a decision will be taken in the working committee meet.
He said the party had held wide consultations with all political leaders and the Core Group had heard Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy, PCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana and Deputy Chief Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha on the issue.
“Congress Party has held widest consultations with all political parties, with all leaders and finally the Core Group has now met the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister and the PCC President before taking a final view. And therefore now, the Congress Party will call the working committee and take a decision,” he said.
Digvijay Singh earlier on Thursday said that the Centre has to consult UPA partners and opposition parties, as the decision might require amendments to the Constitution.
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and other senior Cabinet ministers and leaders from the ruling party’s attended the core group meeting.
Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde had on Wednesday said the consultations on the demand for a separate Telangana were still on and it would take time for arriving at a decision.
“How can I make a comment on the core group’s plan? There is a high command which will take a decision,” he said, when asked whether a decision was expected from the Congress Core Group.
Congress MPs from Telangana have so far accused the Centre of following what they call a ‘one-step-forward-two-backward’ approach when it comes to addressing their demand for a separate state.
The Centre’s flip-flop over the issue began in December 2009 when the then Home Minister P. Chidambaram promised the formation of a new state only to go back on it after a few days.
The issue was later pushed before a committee headed by Justice B.N. Srikrishna. This panel did not come up with a tangible solution, but instead presented six options.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bsp-will-support-formation-of-telangana-mayawati/

Mizoram has huge oil potention

AIZAWL, July 14 NNN: A geologist from Mizoram Dr Lallenmawia has informed that Mizoram falls under category number one or ‘proven commercial productivity zone’ which roughly estimates there could be about 170 million metric tonnes of untapped crude reserves. The oil reserve could be even more and, if tapped, the state would witness an economic boom to the extent of earning a sobriquet of Kuwait of the Northeast India, the geologist said.
Meanwhile, Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla while having an interation recently with the Director, Oil India Limited B.N Talukdar had expressed his government is all out to co-operate in the exploration of oil in Mizoram.
The Mizoram chief minister is of the opinion for the speedy execution of works by oil companies to explore and utilise the same for the development and bring revenue to the state. Many oil companies have found out that Mizoram has huge oil deposits and exploration is also being carried out in some places in Mizoram.
Lal Thanhawla also informed Talukdar that his government is always ready to work with the oil company in their bid to explore and drill the hydrocardons reserves. Knowing that some of the areas may not be connected by road, the chief minister expressed that Mizoram will cooperate with the company in this regard too.
BN Talukdar apprised Lalthanhawla that exploration had already been done in Saitual and Thenzawl and for production of gas oil company also installed machine and other necessary equipments. He lauded the chief minister for his valuable assistance in the exploration and hoped that Cong govt in Mizoram will lend all necessary help in the future.
The chief minister was accompanied by Lok Sabha MP from Mizoram C.L Ruala.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-has-huge-oil-potention/

Baby girl dies of bullet wounds

Imphal Jul 14 MNS Agencies: A two and a half year old daughter of the home secretary of Kuki Liberation Organisation (KLO)/Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) who sustained critical injury in Saturday’s attack that killed the home secretary has died Sunday, around 2 am.
Hoizoukim succumbed to bullet injury at Shija hospital where she was admitted after critically wounded in the ambushed laid on KLO/KLA home secretary Lh Seikhohao Kongsai (33) yesterday, around 3.30 pm.
In the ambush that killed the home secretary, his driver also sustained bullet injury even as his wife escaped unhurt. The ambush which police suspect laid by a rival group of the KLO was laid near a culvert at Champhai village under Sagolmang police station
of Imphal while he was travelling in his Verna car bearing registration number MN02/A7518.
Meanwhile, the dead bodies of the home secretary and his daughter have
been handed over to the family after necessary postmortem at JNIMS morgue today. The bodies were taken to Saikul, the native village of the deceased for last rites.
The Kuki Innpi Manipur (KIM), headquarters at Imphal has strongly condemned the assassination of the home secretary of the KLO/KLA while
terming it was an act of cowardice people. Such a “barbaric” act should be condemned by all section of the society.
Asserting that KLO/KLA is among the Kuki militant groups coming out on the path of peace after signing suspension of operation with the Centre and state government, spokesperson of the KIM, Ajang Khongsai further blamed the government for not taking up appropriate action for the security of the leaders of the militant groups.
The group has been waiting for initiating political dialogue with the government. So, it is the responsibility of the government to provide security protection to them, he added.
The Kuki Students’ Organisation, General Headquarters (KSO-GHQ) has vehemently condemned the July 13 Champhai arbitrarily firing incident in which, a Saikul bound vehicle of the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) Home Secretary and his family members were heavily attacked by unknown assailants resulting to the instant death of Mr Seikhohao Khongsain alias Marwin, the Home Secretary of KLA and the subsequent death of his daughter Zoukim Khongsai who succumbed to her bullet injury later today at Shija Hospital in Imphal while causing serious injuries to two of the family members.
The KSO said it condemns in the strongest term whosoever may be the assailants, the enmity they have with the deceased KLA functionary is not much a matter of concern.
“However, indiscriminately firing upon civilians, women and children just to terminate their subject is of great concern to the student organization. Such barbaric and inhuman act of the assailants has no place in today’s civilized world. It is a universal conventional practice that in every arm forces group engaged in combat whether state or non-state actor civilian safety is always set the top most priority,” the Kuki students’ body said.
It then added, “As a matter of fact, if they were a true revolutionary group they could have chosen for another suitable day seeing the innocent family members boarding the same vehicle with the subject in order to avoid the lost of innocent life of a little girl and casualties to other family members. If this unfortunate incident happens to be a factional fight amongst the armed groups, the KSO earnestly appeals to all the Kuki underground groups notwithstanding to their different political ideologies or demands to shun violence henceforth. The civil organizations, the public and the Kuki populace have witnessed enough bloodshed amongst the brothers in arms and in between many innocent civilian lives had also gone in vain since the inception of Kuki revolutionary groups”.
The KSO then appeals to the persons/ group involved to clarify the reasons behind their act in public interest and urges not to repeat such acts in the future.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/baby-girl-dies-of-bullet-wounds/