Nero Fiddled when Rome Burned: It is for real

  By Amar Yumnam Nero was an Emperor of the Roman Empire in the beginning of Christian era. He is considered by history as one of the most irresponsible, irresponsive,… Read more »

 

By Amar Yumnam
Nero was an Emperor of the Roman Empire in the beginning of Christian era. He is considered by history as one of the most irresponsible, irresponsive, non-transparent and gory ruler. In fact, he symbolises any ruler who rocks and rolls when his empire is in danger.  We never imagined that Nero would ever be a reality in our part of the world. We have had, not very distant in the past, a ruler who sacrificed and risked everything to protect the image, prestige and glory of our kingdom in King Gambhir. It goes beyond our farthest imaginations that in this land of Gambhir and people who still cherish the legacy of him, we would be experiencing a situation similar to the era of Nero. While the people have been longing for a return of the Gambhir era of pride and progression, they have instead been presented with a Nero treatment.

Fire Upon Fire: We have been living, we have been experiencing and we know for sure that the last few decades have not been an era of progression for Manipur, state or non-state. We also know that these years of negative experiences coupled with the lack of responsive and responsible governance have taken a heavy toll on the body polity as well as body society of Manipur. The last few years have been particularly damaging in this respect. Although we still encounter the problem of contestation of state, we now have to face what I have repeatedly called the fractionalisation of the society of Manipur along ethnic lines. So the society and polity of Manipur now faces the biggest challenge of remaining intact and coherent. Manipur is no doubt burning. This longer run burning is now manifested in the most acute crisis of availability of essentials for modern life and livelihood. This being the situation facing the land today, the question naturally arises as to whether Nero should be indulging in rock and roll. Should Nero be leaving his kingdom behind at all at this historically critical juncture of acute multiple crises?

The Issue: Nero leaving his homeland behind in the mercy of an engulfing fire is no problem if he were just a commoner. But here the reality is that he is the ruler. Now this ruler has much larger implications than the original Nero of the first century in the sense that the former is Nero under democracy. Being so, he is head of the people. The moment we talk about the head of the people, the implications get multiplied. Being head of the people and in his capacity as head of the governance machinery, he represents the state and the state speaks through him. This is where the issue begins when Nero leaves his kingdom behind.

The state, which is represented by Nero in socio-politico-economic manifestations, is the highest form of institution evolved by human beings. But the state as prevailing in Manipur yet has not reached the stage of ensuring participation, inclusiveness, stability and growth. While it has yet to attain the stage of naturalness and stability with the masses, it is not even the “composite reality and a mythicized abstraction” of Foucault. Manipur is now at the stage of political evolution and political economic dynamics where the state should rather be seen as “a practice….inseparable from the set of practices by which the state actually became a way of governing, a way of doing things.”  We are now at that very stage where we need to revisit the state again and again in order that it acquires an innate capability to evolve practices of governance adequate enough to ensure participation, inclusiveness and social stability.

This requirement is all the more significant in the case of Manipur and given the post-World War II experiences of civil war. The prevalence of mountainous regions, the existence of multiple ethnic groups and fractionalization among them, and the lack of growth have been given prominence among the most prominent factors facilitating the onset of civil war. The heart shudders to imagine of Manipur in this context of global experience and the messages the fractionalized population might deduce from the absence of Nero at this point in time.

International Dimension: Now let us see if we can somehow justify the leaving behind of his kingdom by Nero. International relations do no doubt constitute a very important element of modern governance. So let us grant our Nero a provisional space of being contemporary in his approach, and endeavouring to attract investment to his kingdom. Well, here we have three reservations. Japan is a country which now symbolises “years of stagnation”. In this age of active pursuance of integration in Asia by both ASEAN and Asian Development Bank, can we justifiably think of leapfrogging over South East Asian brothers and closing on the East Asian ones.

Further, attracting investment is no joke. In other words, it necessarily involves arousing the “animal spirits” of the investors (a phrase coined by the indomitable twentieth century economist, Jon Maynard Keynes). In this something like the birds of the same feather flock together prevails. Once a set of investors enjoy the spell of animal spirits in Manipur context, other investors would as well follow. But here arises the critical reality. No burning Rome can arouse the animal spirits of investors anywhere. Indeed, the Roman civilisation declined.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/nero-fiddled-when-rome-burned-it-is-for-real/

Learning Can Be Fun

  By Bobo Khuraijam Other than petrol, cooking gas and diesel we desperately need something else. A book on ‘how to do it’ series or an educational video showing us… Read more »

 

By Bobo Khuraijam
Other than petrol, cooking gas and diesel we desperately need something else. A book on ‘how to do it’ series or an educational video showing us the same is urgently needed. Sure, we can also teach to the world of doing so many things with perfection. Those of us who resides along the highway can teach to the world about how a blockade is carried out; on how to pelt stones to the vehicles plying on the highway, how to aim only to the driver so that maximum damage is done to him, how to burn down a vehicle and push it down to the gorge without getting your fingers burned, how to collect tax like the man in uniform without wearing any uniform, how to choke the vital supplies of almost the whole populace by staying alive. We can also teach about enacting theatrics of scarcity. The teachers would be none other than our business fat cats who resides in Paona Bazar. They can teach you how a fake sense of helplessness is acted out to the customers. Maan laaktre eikhoisu upai leitre – we are helpless, the goods hasn’t arrived. But one thing is not. The water taps may run dry; the gas stations may smell dry but colorful liquors ‘made in everywhere’ are available in abundance. There is open sale in festive seasons. Bottle of any brands are sold on the pavements like vegetables. No Nisa Band or Meirapaibi worth their salt dare to enter this zone. This place is guarded by the statue of Rashtra Pita Mahatma Gandhi, and by those whose duty is to bag notes printed with the Mahatma from the fat cats. Those running this can teach what a BOLD business is and how it should be run. Reputed business schools with all kinds of names are invited to get admitted. Admission forms are available at MG Avenue. Last date of form submission is till the economic blockade last.

SOME MORE LESSONS: which no other human species on earth can teach. That is discipline and spirit of perseverance. We are the best in that field. The place of learning is time and space specific. Best season would be when there are economic blockade along the highways. We can teach how vehicles of all kinds are to be parked in a queue, in a row. One has to be informative of whether fuels will be issued by the stations or not. First come-first position, to be followed by the next vehicle and the next; nobody jumps the queue. No traffic control police on this earth could enforce that kind of discipline. The vehicles are parked one night ahead before the faithful morning. Each and every owner has to surrender their sense of security of the vehicles by leaving it behind. The poor vehicles happily spent the night together – A vehicular orgy of one night stand. When morning falls, the owners return to the spot where they had left their vehicles; waiting for one’s turn, without taking over the other needs perseverance of a strange kind. We do not know how many of them actually follow traffic rules on regular days. But for the miraculous act displayed at the gas station during the time of economic blockade is certainly a lesson to be imparted to the world.

WHY WE NEED: the ‘how to do it’ lessons? To demand for something rightful or to protest against something unacceptable to our collective self, as expert commentators put it, is an epitome of a modern democratic society. But there are pitfalls when we try to picture on the ‘how to’ part. We may claim ourselves to be a nation rich with the heritage of powerful revolts and uprisings. The last century saw two uprising where women took to forefront. There was also the revolt against the mighty English colonisers. We lost some and won some as well. They are engraved for posterity so that the present generation and the generations to come could revisit the events, if possible, reinterpret them and place them across the board for a better comprehension, and make a new meaning out of it. That would help us envisage a future free from the present maladies. the means of getting a rightful demand, or means of championing it, always ask for an imaginative exercise for the structure of the  then social order have changed now, the nature of the one who is going to give the demand have changed. No wonder, the air is much more polluted now. In recent times, we have seen many groups demanding their rights. Protests are taken out in different forms when the demands are not met. On the other hand the ‘right giver’ would use coercive force in the name of maintaining peace and order. At times they would engage in systematic witch hunt of those who are at the helms. This kind of action destroys the moral fabric of the agitating side. Moreover the ‘right giver’ is over-equipped to man any group or individual who dare to assert their right. We have many a times seen the ‘right giver’ maintaining a solemn silence; as if they are the kings and kin of the mythological Hindu epic Ramayana, where everyone is happy and prosperous, and nobody have a complaint of any sort. However, having said that, at this critical juncture would it be an exaggeration to plead to our brothers who are presently taking out agitations on the highway to use their imagination a bit to champion their cause. If they think that strangulating someone is a rightful means of asserting a demand, then there is a serious crisis of error of judgment, thereby defecating on their own sense of wisdom, and trampling the rightful cause by their own insensible boots. There are lessons which we can always learn and unlearn together.

FOOTNOTE: a journalist who went to cover the Anna episode took an autorikshaw for the return journey. The driver charged unreasonably, he said he will drive with the meter when the Lokpal Bill is passed. Leipung Ningthou calls it, “Chinese na Olympic ta gold medal louraroi haiduna washakpa”.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/learning-can-be-fun/

The colorful Id-ul-Fitr of Manipur – TwoCircles.net

The colorful Id-ul-Fitr of ManipurTwoCircles.netImphal: Id-ul-Fitr was celebrated on 31st August in the north-eastern state of Manipur. The auspicious occasion was celebrated in all the Muslim inhabited areas of the state with full religious fervor, po…

The colorful Id-ul-Fitr of Manipur
TwoCircles.net
Imphal: Id-ul-Fitr was celebrated on 31st August in the north-eastern state of Manipur. The auspicious occasion was celebrated in all the Muslim inhabited areas of the state with full religious fervor, pomp and gaiety.

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEgpseGL8nOXvOEBRRby1fuE-Xjyw&url=http://twocircles.net/2011sep04/colorful_idulfitr_manipur.html

New district demand booms in Manipur – MorungExpress

New district demand booms in ManipurMorungExpressImphal, September 3 (NNN): There have been new districts demand boom in Manipur. The latest has been the Tongjei Marin District Demand Committee (TMDDC) reviving its latent demand for creation of separat…

New district demand booms in Manipur
MorungExpress
Imphal, September 3 (NNN): There have been new districts demand boom in Manipur. The latest has been the Tongjei Marin District Demand Committee (TMDDC) reviving its latent demand for creation of separate district by bi-furcating the existing districts
New district demand booms in Manipur, Tongjei Marin district demand revivesKanglaOnline

all 6 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNG1B74y5DgQ4Zx75sFwuobwVylNIg&url=http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/70266.html

Support for Sharmila’s AFSPA fight from Nagaland – MorungExpress

The HinduSupport for Sharmila's AFSPA fight from NagalandMorungExpressDimapur, September 3 (MExN): Iron Lady of Manipur Irom Sharmila receives support from Nagaland in her fight against the black law the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. A number …


The Hindu

Support for Sharmila's AFSPA fight from Nagaland
MorungExpress
Dimapur, September 3 (MExN): Iron Lady of Manipur Irom Sharmila receives support from Nagaland in her fight against the black law the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. A number of citizens from Nagaland today wrote a letter encouraging the marathon
'Trying for consensus on lifting spl powers act'Hindustan Times
Sunday Magazine Mail BagThe Hindu
I share activist Irom Sharmila's disappointment: P ChidambaramEconomic Times
Times of India –Assam Tribune –Daily News & Analysis
all 55 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEof_G1RuaDFB1luO38ryoLEKyigA&url=http://www.morungexpress.com/frontpage/70263.html

Sunday Magazine Mail Bag – The Hindu

The HinduSunday Magazine Mail BagThe HinduIt is high time that her 11-year struggle is recognised and discussed in the rest of the country Divya SP Kannur It was a well articulated article on the perils of the AFSPA and how a lot more needs to be done …


The Hindu

Sunday Magazine Mail Bag
The Hindu
It is high time that her 11-year struggle is recognised and discussed in the rest of the country Divya SP Kannur It was a well articulated article on the perils of the AFSPA and how a lot more needs to be done if the people of Manipur are to walk

and more »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEJnzopG9trfF1yUPYZ9Tra87L59g&url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/magazine/article2421004.ece

Manipur Police SI Radio Technician Written Test 2011

Imphal, Sept 02: The written test for appointment of Sub-Inspector (Radio Technician) in the Manipur Police Department will be held on September 8, 2011 at Manipur Public Service Commission…

Read the full article and articles like this at manipurhu…


Imphal, Sept 02: The written test for appointment of Sub-Inspector (Radio Technician) in the Manipur Police Department will be held on September 8, 2011 at Manipur Public Service Commission…

Read the full article and articles like this at manipurhub.com

Read more / Original news source: http://manipurhub.com/jobs/manipur-police-si-radio-technician-written-test-2011/

Manipur Team At Travel And Tourism Fair 2011, Mumbai

Imphal, September 02: The Travel and Tourism Fair 2011 was inaugurated today at Nehru Centre, Mumbai by KK Chettry, Commissioner cum-Director (Tourism) as chief guest along with Director, Tourism…

Read the full article and articles like this at man…


Imphal, September 02: The Travel and Tourism Fair 2011 was inaugurated today at Nehru Centre, Mumbai by KK Chettry, Commissioner cum-Director (Tourism) as chief guest along with Director, Tourism…

Read the full article and articles like this at manipurhub.com

Read more / Original news source: http://manipurhub.com/news-manipur/manipur-team-at-travel-and-tourism-fair-2011-mumbai/

Written test for SI Radio Technician

The written test for appointment of Sub Inspector Radio Technician in the Manipur Police Department will be held on September 8, 2011 at Manipur Public Service Commission examination hall, North AOC at 9 am Source Hueiyen News Service

The written test for appointment of Sub Inspector Radio Technician in the Manipur Police Department will be held on September 8, 2011 at Manipur Public Service Commission examination hall, North AOC at 9 am Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=23&src=030911

Bailed out insurgent used as commando Three constables involved in act sent to jail

In a rare case of its kind, a PULF cadre who was released on bail has been used as a proxy to do the duty of a police commando on August 14 near Sainik School in Pangei Source Hueiyen News Service

In a rare case of its kind, a PULF cadre who was released on bail has been used as a proxy to do the duty of a police commando on August 14 near Sainik School in Pangei Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=21&src=030911

UNC condemns imposition of Section 144 CrPC along NH 53

The UNC sternly condemns the imposition of Sec 144 Cr PC along NH 53 saying that it is the government’s evil motive against peaceful bandh supporters Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

The UNC sternly condemns the imposition of Sec 144 Cr PC along NH 53 saying that it is the government’s evil motive against peaceful bandh supporters Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=19&src=030911

Modern tech in Sirarakhong village can solve shortage of agri product of the state Villagers

Sirarakhong villagers have boldly claimed that the village can solve the entire shortage of agricultural products faced by the state if the government provides modern technology to the villagers Source Hueiyen News Service Mangolchand Chingakham

Sirarakhong villagers have boldly claimed that the village can solve the entire shortage of agricultural products faced by the state if the government provides modern technology to the villagers Source Hueiyen News Service Mangolchand Chingakham

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=17&src=030911

24 hour general strike paralyzes normal life in valley districts

A 24 hour statewide general strike demanding the revelation of the whereabouts of the ‘Assistant Publicity Officer’ of the Revolutionary People’s Front RPF completely paralyzed normal life in the valley Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Ne…

A 24 hour statewide general strike demanding the revelation of the whereabouts of the ‘Assistant Publicity Officer’ of the Revolutionary People’s Front RPF completely paralyzed normal life in the valley Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=15&src=030911

Naga workers union distributes relief materials to drivers of Manipur

Land Surface Transport Kohima District Motor Workers Union has been distributing relief materials to drivers of Manipur bound goods vehicles stranded in Nagaland Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

Land Surface Transport Kohima District Motor Workers Union has been distributing relief materials to drivers of Manipur bound goods vehicles stranded in Nagaland Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=22&src=030911

Travel Tourism Fair 2011, Mumbai begins

The Travel and Tourism Fair 2011 was inaugurated today at Nehru Centre, Mumbai by KK Chettry, Commissioner cum Director Tourism as chief guest along with Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand Source Hueiyen News Service

The Travel and Tourism Fair 2011 was inaugurated today at Nehru Centre, Mumbai by KK Chettry, Commissioner cum Director Tourism as chief guest along with Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=18&src=030911

ZUF remembers Jadonang, pays befitting tribute

Zeliangrong United Front ZUF observed the 80th death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang Malangmei on August 29 by paying a befitting tribute to the freedom fighter Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

Zeliangrong United Front ZUF observed the 80th death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang Malangmei on August 29 by paying a befitting tribute to the freedom fighter Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=20&src=030911

Manipur Police distributes DTH to Clubs and NGOs

Works to improve the relationship between the police and the general public taken up by the Union Ministry of Home in the insurgency inflicted areas of Jammu and Kashmir and the North East states is in process and progressing, said DGP Y Joykumar Sou…

Works to improve the relationship between the police and the general public taken up by the Union Ministry of Home in the insurgency inflicted areas of Jammu and Kashmir and the North East states is in process and progressing, said DGP Y Joykumar Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=16&src=030911

General strike paralyses normal life

Normal life in Manipur came to a grinding halt today following the 24 hour general strike called over alleged disappearance of assistant publicity secretary of the proscribed RPF GM Changjou after his arrest by suspected Army men from Dimapur in the ni…

Normal life in Manipur came to a grinding halt today following the 24 hour general strike called over alleged disappearance of assistant publicity secretary of the proscribed RPF GM Changjou after his arrest by suspected Army men from Dimapur in the night of August 18 Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=7&src=030911

Mishap at Sangaiprou area kills

Amid negligible vehicular movement due to the 24 general strike observed today, a seven year old girl has been killed after being hit by a car at Sangaiprou area of Imphal Churachandpur road at around 8 Source The Sangai Express

Amid negligible vehicular movement due to the 24 general strike observed today, a seven year old girl has been killed after being hit by a car at Sangaiprou area of Imphal Churachandpur road at around 8 Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=12&src=030911