Manipur News – Page 15866 – www.manipur.org/news

AR celebrates IDay with Samtal villagers

3 Assam Rifles of 28 Sector AR under the aegis of HQ IGAR South celebrated Independence Day with the villagers of Samtal Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=31&src=190814

ILP crisis: Manipur BJP seeks white paper from govt – Times of India

The HinduILP crisis: Manipur BJP seeks white paper from govtTimes of IndiaImphal: Supporting the pro-Inner Line Permit (ILP) movement, BJP demanded that the state government produce a white paper on the number of migrants and foreigners in the state. T…

The Hindu

ILP crisis: Manipur BJP seeks white paper from govt
Times of India
Imphal: Supporting the pro-Inner Line Permit (ILP) movement, BJP demanded that the state government produce a white paper on the number of migrants and foreigners in the state. The party also asked the government to take up measures to check their …
BJP flays Manipur CM over ILP issueThe Hindu
BJP questions Congress' seriousness on ILPS issueKanglaOnline

all 4 news articles »

Talking about suicide and depression

Last week brought the news of the death in a case of suicide of ace comedian and actor Robin Williams. The immediate outpouring of grief over the death of the

Last week brought the news of the death in a case of suicide of ace comedian and actor Robin Williams. The immediate outpouring of grief over the death of the much loved and critically acclaimed artiste was later followed by news and revelations of run in with depression. It was irony at its most tragic twist for the man who had kept the laughs coming was battling a lonely fight that ultimately led him to take his life. The latest in the Robin Williams death is the actor being earlier diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a degenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain, eventually leading to severe movement problems and restricting mobility, speech etc which has no cure. The actor did have earlier bouts of cocaine abuse and alcohol and his battles to stay sober were not only successful but became the gist of his various stand up comic acts and programs. But with Parkinson’s came the weight of depression, which as per the Amerian National Parkinson Foundation study is ‘part of the disease process itself’. It goes on to say that more than half of those with Parkinson’s suffer from clinical depression, which affects the quality of life more than the motor impairments of the disease.

Depression, a state of mind characterized by low self esteem, long spells or continuous bouts of low mood and loss of interest in life can be episodic i.e. based on certain incidences like meeting a failure in career or personal lives but when one cannot cope through the episodes and it becomes a pattern, it ends up affecting the physiological health of a person and becomes dangerous. For many who have to face the aspect of a life long affliction that does not have a cure yet but brings with it prolonged battles, as in the case of Parkinson’s, HIV and AIDS amongst others, suicide is almost like a side effect. Apart from chronic depression, there are various factors that contribute to suicide. We can see around us all too clearly that when major examination results are announced, there are instances of young students committing suicide or when young people are faced with the failure of a relationship. Often, people no matter what their age take the drastic step of taking their own lives at the thought of facing prejudice or social stigma but what probably makes it difficult to recognize suicidal tendencies is very often that we are all uncomfortable to talk about failures and the person is left all the more alone.

Unfortunately, mental health is not an area that is easily understood or accepted by the public at large and the stigma associated with talking of coping with them is such that consulting with mental health experts in itself is laughed upon and judged. The lack of studies notwithstanding, women who face domestic violence or constant verbal abuses in their marital relationships are easy prey to depression and suicide. But the societal pressure on women alone to cope with the demands of marital life mean that they continue to either face domestic abuse or fall prey to suicidal tendencies. Dowry harassment is also another huge factor contributing to suicides amongst married women going by reported cases. Huge financial losses and economic pressure in terms of major debts is another factor that contributes to a substantial number of suicides amongst poor farmers. But in India, the law is not too kind on people who have been driven to suicide as the existing Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code in fact awards a maximum punishment of imprisonment for one year for attempted suicide, thereby adding further on to the amount of baggage that led the person towards suicide. Thankfully, efforts are on to address this bit of Section 309 following recommendations from the Law Commission. But along with the laws, mindsets will have to change to prevent suicides and the first step would be to address depression in its advent.

Leader Writer: Chitra Ahanthem

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/talking-about-suicide-and-depression/

Remembering Chittaranjan

Ten years ago, student activist Pebam Chittaranjan laid down his life against imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 in the State. Chittaranjan self-immolated on August 15, 2004.

Ten years ago, student activist Pebam Chittaranjan laid down his life against imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 in the State. Chittaranjan self-immolated on August 15, 2004. Internationally acclaimed and national award winning film ‘AFSPA 1958’ directed by H Pabankumar is worth recalling, those familiar with the film cannot forget the last scenes of the 77 minutes long documentary film. Chittaranjan spoke on camera about his strong opposition against the Act, catching his breath in between words. Apparently the shot was taken when Chittaranjan was nearing his end, with burn injuries all over his body. This is not to valorise the act of self-immolation by the young activist, neither to initiate a debate on suicide. But this is to put on record the act of resisting the Act, which is still in imposition in the State today. Chittaranjan’s decision to self-immolate with fire may be extreme. Yet he was firm with his opposition even during the last minutes of his life. Here, it is important to recall that 2004 was a significant year in the protest history of Manipur against the Act. The alleged rape and killing of Thangjam Manorama by paramilitary forces on July 11, 2004 evoked widespread protest against the Act. Women activist disrobed themselves in front of the Western gate of Kangla, which was then occupied by the 17 Assam Rifles, in protest against the atrocities of the securities forces meted out to Manorama. They demanded punishment of the personnel who were involved in the act, and also shouted slogans against the security personnel to come and rape them. This was when Manorama’s body was still lying at the mortuary of the Regional Institute of Medical Science. Her family had refused to accept her body in protest. A few days later, activist of Manipur Forward Youth Front tried to self-immolate in front of the Chief Minister’s bungalow. Protest agitations were seen erupting at different corners of the State; this was in spite of the curfews which were imposed by the authority to control the situation. Chittaranjan’s self-immolation protest was very much part of the chain of events that have occurred. The then Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh had promised to replace the Act with a ‘human Act’. Assam Rifles was shifted away from Kangla as a symbolic gesture towards fulfilling peoples’ wish by the Government of India. A committee to review the Act, known as the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee was instituted. Needless to say, the recommendations of the Committee was not made public, and it could have remained hidden within the confines of the Home ministry had not The Hindu published it for public scrutiny. The Committee has recommended for repealing the Act, no doubt about it. Yet the Government of India, it seems, has been trying to sweep aside the recommendations, which means the Act will stay. This is even more evident from the recent response of the Union Home ministry to the report submitted by Justice Hegde to the apex court, which inquired into alleged fake encounter killings by armed forces and police in Manipur. The ministry has defended the Act that ‘it provides the barest minimum legal protection to the security forces … and defended the protection to security personnel from local police and criminal trial’. It is left to be seen, whether the political parties, except Congress, which promised repeatedly to work towards removal of the Act would have anything to say on the matter. The civil societies, on the other hand should re-prioritise the issues in hand, for justice still eludes Manorama and her family, and many other families.

Leader Writer: Senate Kh

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/remembering-chittaranjan-2/

Grenade threat

IMPHAL, August 18: Miscreant left a Chinese made hand grenade at the residence of a retired Superintending Engineer of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) last night around 10.20 pm under

IMPHAL, August 18: Miscreant left a Chinese made hand grenade at the residence of a retired Superintending Engineer of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) last night around 10.20 pm under Porompat Police station.

The retired engineer has been identified as Bramhacharimayum Khelchandra Sharma, 65, of Nongmeibung Seram Leirak.

Reports said that the bomb was found inside a polythene bag hung outside the gate of the residence.

Later, around 11.30 pm a team of police safely retrieved the bomb from the area.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/grenade-threat-2/

Rape accused remanded to six days police custody

IMPHAL, August 18: Maisnam Suresh Singh, 22, son of M Lokken Singh, accuse in the alleged rape of a girl at Ghari who was arrested on August 16 has been

IMPHAL, August 18: Maisnam Suresh Singh, 22, son of M Lokken Singh, accuse in the alleged rape of a girl at Ghari who was arrested on August 16 has been remanded to six days police custody by the duty magistrate, Imphal West district.

Meanwhile, both the accused and victim were conducted medical examination at the Forensic Science Medicine, RIMS.

It may be mentioned that the alleged rape had taken place around 1.30 on August 14, when the victim was taking a nap. The report said taking the advantage the accused sneaked into her room.

She was reportedly gagged using a pillow but in her struggle the victim kicked the wall which alerted the attention of the people sitting in the next room.

Soon after the incident, a joint meeting was convened by Ghari Apunba Nupi Lup, Ghari Youth Welfare Association, Ghari Youth Club in connection with the incident, at Ghari Maning Leikai Community Hall.

RK Shitaljit’s yearlong birth centenary ends

IMPHAL, August 18: The yearlong birth centenary celebrations of R K Shitaljit Singh drew to a close today at Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy. The function was graced by Arts

IMPHAL, August 18: The yearlong birth centenary celebrations of R K Shitaljit Singh drew to a close today at Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy. The function was graced by Arts and Culture commissioner Dr RK Nimai Singh as the chief guest and former JNMDA director Longjam Joychandra as the president.

During the function, Yumlembam Gambhini Devi; Padamashri M Ranjit Singh; Retired Lt Colonel Yumlembam Ibomcha Singh and Ksh Bishwamitra spoke about the achievements and contributions of Shitaljit Singh to Manipuri culture. A collection of poems written by Shitaljit published by North East Writers Forum, Manipur was released today at the function.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/rk-shitaljits-yearlong-birth-centenary-ends/

Kanglei Yelhou Inat Loisinggi Lan-kei meeting held

IMPHAL, August 18: Members of Kanglei Yelhou Inat Loisinggi Lan-kei held a joint meeting today at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul. The organisation took a resolution to safeguard the State’s indigenous

IMPHAL, August 18: Members of Kanglei Yelhou Inat Loisinggi Lan-kei held a joint meeting today at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul.

The organisation took a resolution to safeguard the State’s indigenous cultures by strictly adhering to a set of rules and regulations.

The function was attended by Nepram Nungkangba, Yangoi Piba and Elangbam Mitngamba as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively. The meeting also took a resolution to contribute Rs. 10 each month meet the requirements of the organisation.

MEELAL felicitates four writers on eleventh foundation day

IMPHAL, August 18: The 11th MEELAL foundation day cum a book releasing function was held at the GM hall today. The function was graced by Inner Lok Sabha MP Dr

IMPHAL, August 18: The 11th MEELAL foundation day cum a book releasing function was held at the GM hall today. The function was graced by Inner Lok Sabha MP Dr Thokchom Meinya, Amwju president Wangkhemcha Shyamjai, COHSEM chairman Dr Hamom Naba, Advocate Ngangom Premkumar, Advisors to Meelal Tokpam Thawailemba and Sadokpam Tomba Mangang, Thangta Sindum Lup advisor Ibomcha khuman and Zenith Academy founder Manaoton.

In his keynote address, Paonam Thakaba Meitei stated that Meitei Mayek has been made a compulsory subject from class 1 and 2 under an initiative of MEELAL.

Meitei Mayek will be made compulsory in the matriculation exam conducted by the State board from 2015, he added.

The Meitei Mayek Planing and Implementation department was established on August 20 last with Kh Raghumani as the director, Thakaba Meitei said, adding MEELAL also established a State Lexicon Committee this year to find out foreign words in Meitei Mayek.

During the function, four writers were awarded for writing books without including any foreign words – Jamuna Mayengbam for Lamdamsigi Lol Amadi Mayek; Dr Naren Amuba for Kangleigi Ariba Pukok Puwari; Naorem Romina for Mang-gi Mapu Sing and Waikhom Gojen Meeitei for Ho Ima Nungsibi.

State fails to reply to petition on appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries as “ministers”

IMPHAL, August 18: Advocate Thoudam Manihar Singh, expressed his disappointment over the failure of the Chief Secretary of Manipur to provide information with regards to a petition submitted to the

IMPHAL, August 18: Advocate Thoudam Manihar Singh, expressed his disappointment over the failure of the Chief Secretary of Manipur to provide information with regards to a petition submitted to the Governor of Manipur.

Talking to IFP, Thoudam Manihar Singh, disclosed that he had recently sent a petition to the Governor of Manipur through the Chief Secretary of Manipur requesting clarification on the definition of the term “Rules of procedures and conduct of Business of Manipur Legislative Assembly” Rule 3 and Section 3 of the Manipur Parliamentary Secretary (appointment, salary and allowances and Miscellaneous Provision) Act, 2012, for appointment of 5 MLAs of Manipur as Minister in the guise of Parliamentary Secretaries.

He pleaded for reply within seven days from the day of the receipt of the petition.

However, despite the written intimation from the RK Nimai Singh secretary of the Governor of Manipur, instructing to take necessary/appropriate action on the matter as “a matter of desire of the Governor of Manipur”, no reply has been received so far, rued Thoubam Manihar Singh.

In his petition underscoring the Rule 3 of the “Rules of Procedure and conduct of the Business of the Manipur Legislative Assembly”, he pointed out that it was clearly defined in the document that “Minister” means a member of the council of Ministers, a Minister of State, a deputy or a Parliamentary Secretary.

Given the fact, he pleaded the Governor to give direction to the Chief Secretary of Manipur to reply to his petition whether the “Parliamentary Secretary” mentioned in the Rules of procedure and conduct of Business is similar to that of the Parliamentary Secretary Act, 2012 or not?

Further he also questioned that according to the definition of the term “Minister” as it is in the Rules of procedure and conduct of Business whether the Parliamentary Secretary is a Minister or not?

If so, he questioned if the appointment of five more Ministers, under the name and style of “Parliamentary Secretary” under the Parliamentary Secretary Act, 2012, did not violate the provisions of Article 164(1A) of Indian Constitution, for after appointing 12 regular Ministers including the Chief Minister of Manipur, by the Governor, five more irregular Ministers have been added to the total clearly exceeding the limit set by the Article, it further posed.

Moreover, he questioned whether the act of appointing of more Minister as Parliamentary Secretary and subsequent administration of oath by the Chief Minister was liable to declared as ultra vires stating that there is no provision in the constitution to take oath of an MLA/Minister by the Chief Minister, except by the Governor of Manipur.

Thoudam Manihar Singh, is also counsel of the PIL filed at the then Guwahati High Court, Imphal bench challenging the appointment of Parliamentary Secretary. The case is still pending at the High Court of Manipur.

The MLAs who were appointed as Parliamentary Secretaries included Keisam Meghachandra Singh-with charge of Minor Irrigation, Mairenbam Prithvi Raj Singh-Tourism and Youth Affaris/Sports, Vungzagin Valte-Horticulture and Soil Conservation and Md Amin Shah-Minorities, OBC & SC and Victor Keishing-Tribal Affairs&Hills.

BJP questions Congress’ seriousness on ILPS issue

IMPHAL, August 18: The BJP, Manipur Pradesh has questioned the Congress government on measures taken up during the last 12 years to check influx of foreigners into the State. Speaking

IMPHAL, August 18: The BJP, Manipur Pradesh has questioned the Congress government on measures taken up during the last 12 years to check influx of foreigners into the State.

Speaking in a press meet held at the party’s Nityaipat Chuthek office today, BJP Manipur Pradesh spokesperson RK Shivachandra also questioned the Chief Minister’s Independence Day speech, when he had said all 60 MLAs are ready to resign if they are unable to meet up to the demand of the people.

He asked whether the opposition MLAs are okay with the Chief Minister’s announcement and if they are not then why is there no reaction from them?

The lack of any reaction from the other party MLAs shows that there is no opposition in the State, he said.

During the last 12 years of ruling the State, the Congress has never taken any serious step regarding the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System in the State, he continued.

Shivachandra also questioned whether the Congress has made any proper reply to the Union Home Minister’s strong declaration made on June 9, 2012 that the Inner Line Permit System cannot be implemented in Manipur.

If it has then the public should be made aware of the reply, he continued.

The Assam government has prepared a white paper on the problem of foreigners in their State, he said alleging the Manipur government of neglecting the issue.

Coming to the Chief Minister’s reaction against a student disruption during the Independence Day celebration, the BJP Manipur spokesperson said the students were not pressured, but it was a voluntary action on their part as they were aware of the problems that mass influx of outsiders into the State will bring.

He further sought clarification from the deputy Chief Minister on why the government is neglecting the ILPS issue for such a long time.

The all-political parties committee had met on August 9 and decided to send proposal inviting legal experts to submit opinion on the ILPS, he said before adding that although he is a member of the committee, he is unaware of what was written in the proposal sent to the legal experts.

He said as the committee continues to wait for the opinions from the experts, agitations and protests demanding ILPS implementation continue.

Shivachandra continued it is better for the chairman of the committee to interact frequently with the experts and other academicians on the issue.

He said the BJP would like the committee to accelerate its progress so that the party could pressure the Centre on the issue.

If the committee cannot pressure the Centre, the BJP will take its own course of action, he said.

Cracks on Wangjing mini barrage canal worry farmers

THOUBAL, August 18: Farmers of Wangjing area are dejected as 30 feet long cracks have appeared on both sides of the main canal of the yet to be inaugurated Wangjing

THOUBAL, August 18: Farmers of Wangjing area are dejected as 30 feet long cracks have appeared on both sides of the main canal of the yet to be inaugurated Wangjing Mini Barrage in Thoubal district constructed on the Wangjing River.

The mini barrage has been constructed under the Minor Irrigation department.

Representatives of the All Wangjing Development Organisation along with media persons took a tour of the site today.

The cracks are at about 100 meter distance from the dam.

It is also learnt that about a year ago, 15 feet long cracks had appeared just ten feet far from the dam.

During close checking of the damaged portion it was found that quality was not maintained during construction of the canal.

Later, the organisation’s joint secretary Chongtham Suranjoy told the media that the dam is being constructed under the NLCPR by the State Minor Irrigation department.

The construction of the dam had brought much happiness to the farmers of the area, he said and added construction is about 80 percent complete now.

However, the cracks on the main canal visible today have demoralised the farmers, he said.

Now it is clear that the contractors had not maintained quality during its construction, which is really unfortunate, he told the media team.

He further warned that unless the department authorities come and inspect the damaged part and start reconstruction by August 25, the organisation will join hands with local clubs and others to completely dismantle the main canal.

Suranjoy further observed that the authorities should also inspect the side wing of the dam at Heituppokpi.

He said during the initial stages of construction, locals had complained to the local MLA Paonam Brojen that cracks had appeared as the contractors were not following the government permitted proportion rule while mixing concrete.

Following the complaint, the MLA had instructed the then EE, Thoubal division to properly inspect the construction, he said.

The EE had instructed the concerned contractors to reconstruct the portions where cracks had already appeared, he continued.

However, the contractors had continued with the construction without listening to the EE’s directive, he said.

ATSUM announces 24 hr hills bandh

KANGPOKPI, August 18: The All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur today announced its decision of 24 hr total bandh in all hill district of the State from midnight of August 21

KANGPOKPI, August 18: The All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur today announced its decision of 24 hr total bandh in all hill district of the State from midnight of August 21 demanding implementation of Central Educational Institution (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act 2012 from the current academic session the student body .

Emboi Serto, the tribal student apex body chief asserted that the body has already appealed to the government and the authority concern to rectify and resolved the issue before August 20 with a cautioned of launching any form of agitation but the State government as well as the MU authority has paid no attention to the appeal.

He continued that it is a matter of great concern to learn that the Manipur University Administrative Council has decided to follow the Central Educational Institution (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act 2012- an Act passed by an Act of Parliament to be followed strictly-from the next academic session only while totally ignoring intentionally just because some section of the people object to it.

The state Government and the MU authority should know that there must be no excuses and grounds for postponing the implementation of the Amendment Act, Emboi said before adding that the Government and the concerned authority should not play with the Amendment Act which was passed by the Parliament.

Striking a chord Emboi further lamented that we must not forget that Manipur is inhabited by the Scheduled tribal which constituted around 43% of the total population. The Scheduled Caste had about 2.5%. For the past many years Meeteis have enjoyed maximum seats due to following the central reservation norms whether they are General, OBC or SC. The tribals which constituted some 43% are left with just 7.5%.

The student body also had earlier request the agitating students not to misinterprets the contends of the Clause 2 of the Amendment Act 2012 and appeals for understanding the reality while allow the 43% tribals of the state to enjoy at least 31% in admission as per the Amendment Act 2012 but that too bears no positive fruit.

As appeals earlier to all the tribal organization to be ready for any eventualities if at all our rights are being denied by the Manipur University ATSUM urged all tribal organization to stand united and put heads together in the agitation, Emboi appealed.

When our rights are infringed upon whenever others become beneficiaries out of our share and rights we can no longer be timid or silent, asserted Emboi while holding responsibility to the state Government as well as the MU authority and all tribal elected representatives if any negative thing comes out of agitation.

While appealing to all transporters, businessmen, educationist, Govt. employees and others to adhere with the student body decision and refrain from their works ATSUM said that only Medical and Media will be relaxed from the purview of the 24 hr total bandh to be effective in all hill district of the state.

If the state Government and MU authority still remain silent over the issue after the total bandh ATSUM will announced its further course of agitation said Emboi.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/08/atsum-announces-24-hr-hills-bandh/

Stop neglecting differently abled: AMJWU president

IMPHAL, August 18: Imploring people to support differently-abled people not just in words but also in deeds, All Manipur Disabled and Physically Handicapped Development Association (AMDAPHDA) secretary Junus Khan said that many individuals made promises of offering funds to support them but refused to to keep their promises when the funds are actually sought.

Junus was speaking on the occasion of the Eighth Foundation Day celebrations of AMDAPHDA at the Samurou Awang Leikai community hall today.

Citing the incident of a politician promising to offer monetary help in support of a differently abled team’s participation in a cricket tournament for the disabled held outside the State, he said the promise eventually turned out to be a lie.

When we tried to contact the politician through his mobile number, we discovered that he had switched off his phone, Junus said.

The politician cared about the votes of differently abled people without having any concerns about their welfare, he added.

Speaking during the celebrations, All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) president Wangkhemcha Shamjai said that the culture of neglecting differently abled people needs to be eradicated by working together with them by treating them as you would any other person.

AMWJU has always urged the State government to work for the welfare of differently abled people and will render any possible help for their welfare and development, he added.

Meanwhile, disability commissioner L Ibomcha Singh stated that an independent disability commissioner was appointed in the State after an act for the welfare of differently abled people was passed on February 7, 1996.

He said he was appointed the independent disability commissioner on July 1 this year and promised to take up various steps for the well being of differently abled people.

Stating that he visited many places in the country to discuss the welfare of the differently abled people with various intellectual, he said people will see the results of his effort soon.

There are stigmas around being differently-abled which must be removed because until and unless every human being is treated equally, they will be perceived in a different way, Ibomcha said.

He also expressed regret at some individuals lodging a case against him for initiating new welfare schemes for the differently abled people.