Manipur News

IMPHAL, December 24: Dr Sarbjit Singh Nagra, Director of Instruction, Central Agricultural University, Imphal has been conferred the Life Time Achievement Award `“ 2014, by the Indian Poultry Science Association on December 18, 2014 at Namakkal, Tamil Nadu.

According to a release, the award has been given in recognition of his contributions in the field of Poultry Science Education. Born on February 3, 1952 in a remote village of Punjab, Dr Nagra did his B.Sc. Agriculture Honours in Animal Science in 1975, M.Sc. 1978 and Ph.D. 1982 from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.

It said he was recipients of Junior and Senior Research Fellowships of ICAR for M.Sc. and Ph.D. Programme. He began his service as a Research Fellow in 1982 in the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Continuing his journey through different positions in PAU and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences Universities, Ludhiana, he became the Director of Instruction in Central Agricultural University, Imphal in 2013.

The statement continued that during his career, Dr Nagra made significant contributions in the field of Animal Husbandry, particularly to Poultry Nutrition, Housing and Management. He has more than 165 national and international Publications, one patent, authored two books and contributed chapters in another 5 books.

As Director of Instruction, Dr Nagra has brought several reforms to improve the academic activities of Central Agricultural University, Imphal (Manipur) and its constituent colleges. He introduced the programmes for holding sports and cultural competitions in the Central Agricultural University after his joining as Director of Instruction through Inter Collegiate Athletic Meet of the constituent colleges of CAU and ensured the participation of CAU students in the Inter-versity, Zonal and National Games and Cultural Events, the release added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/cau-faculty-offered-lifetime-achievement-award-for-academic-excellence/

IMPHAL, December 24: The United Naga Council (UNC) has strongly condemned the blast that killed three civilians at a tea stall at Khoyathong.

A statement issued by its president Gaidon Kamei, sharing the grief and pains of the families and dear ones of those who had lost their precious lives and also to all those who had been injured by the bomb, prayed that their souls rest in peace and also pray speedy recovery for the injured persons.

UNC condemned all forms of violence and those involved in planting and to explode bombs in public places, it said.

All right thinking person should raise their voices together so that such incidences are not repeated again. We appeal all group(s) and individual(s) to refrain from such inhuman acts in future, it continued.

In spite of deploying thousands of state security forces at the state capital Imphal, kidnapping, rape, murder and criminal activities are the routine of the day, it said.

`Right under O Ibobi`s nose, series of bomb blast had occurred but he cannot check and prevented them. There is no security in the valley. It has become the hotspot of chaos and disorder`.

Moreover, the UNC stating that the Nagas and tribals and innocent life of the mainland Indians are unsafe and insecure under his government, it criticised that Manipur Government of Manipur under O Ibobi by using all available resources and also, while opposing and attempting to derail

Hard-earned peace and its Naga political solution, his Kangleipak has been transformed into a pond of blood.

It had been proven to one and all that many of such criminal activities are being managed and carried out craftily in collusion with all available state machineries and non state actors just to create law and order situation for his chair but the Government of India is glorifying him, statement further held.

`Chief Ministers` bungalow was attacked four times and also several times at Raj Bhavan by undergrounds in connivance with state machineries`.

Claiming that the Nagas are peace loving people can longer live safely and peacefully under Ibobi`™s rule, it drew the attention of the Government of India to take political action upon Ibobi`™s government.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/unc-condemns-khoyathong-blast-flays-ibobis-policy/

IMPHAL, December 24: The Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) has expressed gratitude towards the government for the withdrawal of the Govindajee Temple (3rd Amendment) Bill, 2014.

According to a release of UKAL, it also expressed gratitude towards Ministers, MLAs, members of UKAL, experts of Sana Konung and Sanamahi Temple, leaders, teaches of Manipur University and colleges, Legal experts and members of parliament, scholars of Umang Lai, Amaibas and

Amaibis, Penas, Officials of the Prime Ministers, volunteers of Naat, leaders of Tangkhul, Kabui, Maring, Kom, etc., staffs of print and electronic media, columnists, artists of Sumang Leela and films, retired employees, various Umanglai lup members, Manipuri communities of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Myanmar, UK, Australia and Canada, Nupi lups for their support to boycott the Bill, it said.

However, in order to prevent any problems in the future to rise against Umanglai, it has appealed to dismiss the Govindajee Temple 3rd Amendment Bill, 2014 entirely. The Joint Committee on Umanglai (JCU) which is formed by 43 different lups situated in Manipur and outside has discussed on various steps to be taken up to develop Umanglai and Lai Haraoba. The lup once again conveyed gratitude towards the people and the government in withdrawing the Bill. It further stated that it will also support the government in the development works taken up for the benefit of Umanglai, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/umang-lai-lup-happy-bill-is-dropped/

IMPHAL, December 24: Lui Ngai Ni traditionally celebrated as the Naga Seed Sowing Festival has been observed in a more organised and formal manner for the last 28 years. A decision to make it formal and by its current name `Lui Ngai Ni` was taken in December 24, 1987 by the organising committee of Naga Seed Sowing Festival, Ex-chairman of Hills Area Committee, RV Mingthing stated in a press meet today at his quarter in Lamphel.

The name was changed because elder people of our community want the English name to be changed into an alternative name in the language of the Naga communities which was achieved by the great effort of Imphal Municipal Council ex-chairman G Moirangjao and his deputy Phaomei Thambaljao, and ex-councillor of ward number 26 of IMC, M Maringa.

They were able to change the name by combining `Lui`™ a word borrowed from the Tangkhul community and `Ngai`™ which is borrowed from the Zeliangrong community and `Ni`™, a word of the Mao community, he added.

The festival, which heralds New Year and in its wake is expected to bring joy and happiness, celebrated on February 15 every year was declared as a state holiday by former Chief Minister Rishang Keishing on February 28, 1988, he said.

Mingthing said we should not forget that the foundation for converting the Naga Seed Sowing Festival into Lui Ngai Ni was laid on December 24.

Ex-chairman of IMC, G Moirangjao said the festival which is recognised by the government should be organised as a state festival in a proper place where all the Naga communities can gather and participate thereby turning it into a beautiful festival.

The spokesman of Tangkhul Welfare Association at Lamphel, RV John said the Lui Ngai Ni festival includes many events such as a beauty pageant, cultural dance, demonstration of sports and ancients war tactics etc but the festival is slowly losing its relevance as the current generation is indifferent to the real meaning and symbolism of Lui Ngai Ni. Only the older people are excited about the festival nowadays, he adds.

In the press meet, former Vice-chairman of IMC, Phaomei Thambaljao and former councillor of ward number 26, M Mainga also participated.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/lui-ngai-ni-architects-call-for-adding-vigour-to-the-fest-to-keep-up-its-relevance/

IMPHAL, December 24: The Governor of Manipur, Dr. KK Paul has conveyed his heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur and particularly to the Christian brethren on the joyous and auspicious occasion of Christmas.

According to a release of the Governor`™s secretariat, Dr. Paul said Christmas celebrates the birth of Lord Jesus Christ and it is the most important festival in the life of a Christian anywhere in the world. The Lord was born to save mankind from sin and the festival is now celebrated by more people cutting across caste, creed or religion.

He was the apostle of peace who preached forgiveness, compassion and love and sacrificed His life for the good for mankind, it said.

The Governor wish the people to remember the sacrifice made by the Lord for the sins of mankind and follow His principles so that peace and harmony prevail the world. He once again wished the people of Manipur a very Merry Christmas, it said.

In a separate message, the Chief Minister of Manipur, O. Ibobi Singh greeted the people of Manipur and especially the Christian brethrens on the joyous occasion of Christmas, the birthday of Lord Jesus Christ.

In a release of the CM`™s secretariat, the CM said Christmas is the time for recommitment of each life to the finest ideals and to remind the profound message of the Lord to promote peace, unity and harmony in the society and amongst one another.

The Chief Minister wished the people to rededicate them on the occasion of the festival to imbibe the life and teachings of Christ for the welfare of humankind. He also prayed that the spirit of Christmas fill the lives of the people with peace, love and prosperity, it said.

Meanwhile the chairman of Hill Areas Committee, Manipur Legislative Assembly has conveyed his warmest greetings to all the citizens of Manipur on the occasion of Christmas.

According to a release of the Chairman, he prayed that the festival bring love, peace, communal harmony, cohesion and unity among the people of the state of Manipur, it said.

The Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) has also conveyed greetings on the occasion of Christmas to the Christian brethrens of the state.

According to a release of HERICOUN, with the coming of Christmas, HERICOUN wishes for peace between all caste, creeds and religions and to live in unity. It also wished that the festival is held in the state peacefully and appeal to all the people in the state irrespective of their religion to take part in the celebration. HERICOUN once again wish for a joyous Christmas to all, it said.

A press release of the United Committee Manipur (UCM) has also conveyed greetings and good wishes on the joyous occasion of Christmas to the Christians of Manipur.

UCM has prayed for unity between the various castes and creeds receding in the state. It also wished for unity and prayed for protection of integrity of the state. The committee also appealed that no bandhs or blockades must be imposed during the celebration of the festival. UCM once again wished for a Merry Christmas to the people of Manipur, it said.

Major General Rajeev Chopra, IGAR (South) and All Ranks of Assam Rifles also extended warm greeting and sincere goodwill to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Christmas.

According to a release of the PRO, IGAR (South) has said that Christmas is a time of great joy, cheer, hope and happiness. It proclaims Lord Jesus Christ`™s message of love, sacrifice and forgiveness, compassion and service, courage and humility, peace and harmony. Assam Rifles also prayed to the Almighty to keep a benevolent eye on the people of Manipur to bring peace, prosperity and tranquillity in the days ahead, it said.

Meanwhile, the United Naga Council (UNC) has extending its greetings wishing the people of Manipur a joyous Christmas, 2014.

In a statement it said `Let all observed the birth day of Lord Jesus Christ on 25th December with prayer in true spirit of humanity as being taught by Him`.

The UNC further wishes Happy New Year, 2015 to each and every individual adding that the coming be peaceful, successful and prosperous year. May the Almighty bless all with good health to enjoy the bliss of life, bestow upon all, it said.

The NSCN-K Zeliangrong region also has extended its warm greetings to the people of Manipur on occasion of Christmas and wished for a prosperous New Year, 2015. In statement the outfit stated that `Birth of Christ`™ usher the message of peace and prosperity in the region.

It further prayed that the Christmas`™s healing touch shall put to an end to the conspiracy, killings and sorrows thereby bringing peace and consolidation amongst the people.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/governor-cm-others-send-out-xmas-wishes/

IMPHAL, December 24: The 23rd Imphal Book Fair jointly organised by the State Central Library, Department of Art & Culture and Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata concluded today.

The book fair was held at the Thangmeiband Athletic Union (THAU) ground. During the ten days book fair, 50 book agencies from the state as well as outside the state took part.

Speaking as the chief guest at the closing function, Manipur University Vice-chancellor Dr H Nanadakumar Sharma said the book fair was being held to inculcate the habit of reading books as well as to promote the libraries.

Reading books not only give us a lot of benefits but also enlighten our minds, he added while expressing concern at the dwindling number of people who visit libraries.

Observing that the small number of visitors might have resulted from the advent of e-books, he said even though a reading habit can be developed by procuring e-books which may be more attractive to people; however, there will always be a difference between the experience of reading e-books and printed books.

The experience of reading hard copies of a book will always have a greater impact on the readers, he opined.

Books provide a link between the civilization of the past, present and future and it would have been extremely difficult to identify a civilization if there were no books, he said.

Lauding the organisers for organising the book fair with a great effort for the benefit of people, the Vice-chancellor further appealed the people to inculcate a reading habit.

Consultant to the State government, RK Nimai Singh said the reading habit of the people of Manipur has been revived but the number of people visiting libraries is quite small and it`™s disgraceful. The government also give less emphasis on the improvement of libraries but there are signs of an encouraging development when the Cabinet has taken a resolution for the improvement of libraries.

The decision of the Cabinet for establishing a Cultural University is commendable but establishing it will not be an easy task as there is only one Cultural University in the world which is in Moscow, he opined.

He further stated that many books are published in the state but the print quality is poor. Nowadays, buyers want books which have a good print quality and a fine finish, he added.

The book fair is providing opportunities to people and also students by availing various kinds of book which is not easily available in our market, RK Nimai said.

Retired Art & Culture commissioner P Bharat Singh said there is a need to make fully functional all the libraries of Manipur and making them fully functional require an adequate number of employees for their maintenance.

The President of India had given his assent for the implementation of the Library Act in the State in 1993 but it still remained unimplemented which is due to the insufficient funds for the libraries, he added.

Bharat Singh later appealed organisers to organise the Imphal Book Fair at a bigger scale in the coming years for the benefit of the people.

A member of the Manipur Sahitiya Parisad, Rajen Khumukcham, who is participating in the Imphal Book Fair said the number of visitors is very less when compare with the number of visitors in a Mela or the Sangai Festival which is embarrassing because people are avoiding to visit such fairs which will them lots of benefits.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/imphal-book-fair-concludes-satisfactorily-despite-drop-in-number-of-visitors/

IMPHAL, December 24: Students of Delhi University who arrived in the State as part of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated project Gyanodaya-V were accorded a warm welcomed by the Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal, a national institute under Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India.

One of the visiting students stated that altogether 900 students, 10 each from nine different colleges and their mentors participated in the Gyanodaya-V and 130 students among them were sent to Manipur with the remaining others sent to other states across the North East region.

IBSD director Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo while welcoming the students said that their experience should be shared with as many people as possible to promote the State and its assets.

Participants of Gyanodaya-V who commenced their journey on December 18 will conclude it on December 29 this year. Today, the visiting students toured Manipur University, Tribal Research Institute, Sports Authority of India complex and IBSD.

During an experience sharing session, a history student from DU said that it was his first visit to the North Eastern part of India and the rumours of a war like situation existing in the state was proven wrong after coming to Manipur.

He continued that the magnificent landscape was a big asset for Manipur and added that his memory about the visit to the State will always be cherished throughout his life. His comment was well received by his fellow students present at the IBSD.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/du-students-participating-in-pms-gyanodaya-project-arrives-in-state-to-warm-welcome/

IMPHAL, December 24: The Sajiwa Central Jail authority is going to strengthen security arrangement in and around JNIMS security wards as Desmond Countinho is due to meet Irom Sharmila tomorrow morning.

The meeting is to take place against the backdrop of strong opposition by Sharmila supporters who claimed Desmond as a spy trying to sabotage Sharmila`™s movement.

It may be recalled the Desmond who claimed to be lover of Sharmila was thrashed by her supporter on December 22 when she was produced before the court complex.

However, the Jail Authority to avoid recurrence of similar incident made necessary preparation.

Sources disclosed that in addition security arrangement made by the Jail authority, it has sent official intimation to the concerned Imphal East police station to provide additional forces. Moreover, authority has also written to the SP CID (SB) about the meet.

The meeting is scheduled to start from 11 am till 12.30 pm, as granted by Judicial Magistrate first class Imphal East, Wisdom Kamodang, on December 22.

It is learnt that usually the security ward is guarded by three police personnel led by one ASI JNIMS security ward and another three jail staffs.

But, taking into consideration of the sensitivity of the situation the Jail authority decided to deploy additional jail staffs led by one assistant jailor.

The sources further confided that Desmond will be barred from stepping into the security ward like in his previous visit however meeting would be allow from outside the gate of the security ward.

Any gifts or items from Desmond would be first carefully checked before handing it over to Sharmila.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/security-to-be-tightened-around-jnims-ahead-of-desmonds-meeting-with-sharmila/

THOUBAL, December 24: A one day sensitizing programme on `Child Rights Issues in Manipur`™ was jointly organised by Arsalan Afifah Islamic Cultural Society (AAICS) and Diamond Youth Welfare Association Sangaiyumpham (DYWAS) at the multipurpose hall of Cooperative Society at Sangaiyumpham part-1 today.

The programme was sponsored by Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR). The opening programme was attended by MCPCR Chairman, A. Nabachandra Singh as chief guest, ex Up-Pramukh, Md Abdul Rahaman as president and Project Director of MOBEDS, Md Sallaoddin Khan, members of MCPCR, Ch. Nabachandra Singh, Ms. Haseen Chisthi and K. Maharabi Singh as guests of honour.

The function was divided into two sessions. During the convention session, MCPCR Chairman, Nabachandra gave speech on the topic `An overview of Child Rights Act, 2005`™, MCPCR member, Maharabi on `Child Trafficking`™, Ms. Haseen Chishti on `Child Rights Issues in Manipur`™.

Additional Director at Family Welfare Department, Shyamsunder Singh on `Child Marriage Consequence, Pre and Post natal Complications`™, `Child Rights Act`™, `Protect Child Rights`™, Assistant Professor at RIMS, Dr. Gojendro Singh on `Protection of children from sexual offense`™, AAICS, Senior Pediatrician Dr. Rupa on `Protection of Basic Right of the Child`™, To live physically healthy life, help the child to be confident self protector`™ and MACS Joint Director on `Problems of HIV/AIDS in Manipur, Efforts of MACS to prevent and control it`™.

During the closing of the programme, a discussion programme was held between the experts.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/child-rights-issues-discussed/