Tag: Human rights

By: G.S. Oinam
Recently Europe and American social media sites started enquiry, why Journalists are too educated? And, why they are authoritative? I can’t comment for other people; but from my experience, journalist mind are rolling, energetic, and they have commitment and socially responsibility too. I have the habit of studying research paper at an average of 15 research papers per month. I used to read and study about 60 research papers in the current one and half month on the relevant topic, in which I have rejected 20 research papers, I have collected relevant data and information from 30 research papers and I do approved 10 research papers as relevant to the subject matter I want to know. These are my personal extra work. In Manipur, Late Laishram Joychandra, Editor, Prajatantra, local vernacular daily paper does the same in his life time. Well, a child can read the same but how can you capture knowledge from your studying for application is a very difficult task. When you read one research paper, you will be very attractive. When you start comparison from one research paper to another, you will find the weakness of other research paper. If you read hundred research papers you will find many joker research papers. Therefore, Dr. X must be careful while writing and delivering your work—time has changed; you alone can’t be authoritative on the subject matter.

Who are doing media research in Manipur? Mostly, library science students of Manipur University and one –two teachers of Journalism in MU do media research.  But, they are happily settled after getting job. Who contribute articles to local media? Mostly teachers of economics, history and political science departments of Manipur University contribute articles. Why working journalist can’t do media research in the state? Their works are overloaded; their salary is not salary-simply honourarium. They can’t do critical analysis on critical situation because it requires qualification, new skills and financial soundness. But who will get benefit after media research? Publisher of media house—Board of Directors of media house must know this idea if they want to improve your media industry. Work culture in Manipur is vividly found in media house, private schools and private clinics; however, staffs are exploited by so called proprietors of the respective institution.

The same is happening in state administration. As a quasi-federal polity, public policy in India is made at three levels—Central, State and Local. It is true that senior level civil servants in the Government of India /Manipur appear to be constantly overworked. But this is mainly because of the heavy burden of day–to-day administrative (implementation) work, which occupies far more time than thinking on policy issues; and the high degree of centralisation of administrative powers. How many state bureaucrats have found never pulled up to the dock of law court, explanations and disciplinary action by higher authorities in their life time before their service retirement?  State bureaucrats are always in the middle between complicated court cases and cabinet decision. The narrowing of choice for the political executive in bureaucratic appointments at the Centre (to a narrower and exogenously selected pool) may be a potential source of political resistance, though this is not likely to be very strong. The State governments may not comply with central “guidance” on career paths as it would blunt the use of transfer as a weapon to secure obedience. However, non-compliance at the state level would not mean a death blow and implementation of this even in the senior postings at the Central government level would be enough to start with.

More problematically however, the concept of ‘weeding out deadwood” is likely to be judicially challenged. Even if the concept is upheld, individuals who are dropped out of the selections may challenge decisions, obtain stays and or secure re-appointment and even promotion. The approach of the Indian courts on matters of this kind has been strongly pro-employee, and the constitutional “doctrine of pleasure” has been greatly eroded.

The skills required for academic success are not necessarily the same as those required for success in public management and public policy making; the services are replete with academically brilliant officers who are poor managers or policy-makers. There are also a few instances of superb administrators with just a Bachelor’s degree. This limitation can be overcome by ensuring that academic achievement is only one factor in the selection process, but it does mean that the benefit of a ‘transparent basis for career progression’ is diminished to that degree.

All IAS/IPS officers should spend their first 10-12 years in general management, largely in field assignments. This will provide them with a thorough grounding in field realities and in basic managerial skills, which are crucial for making the right policy-choices, O.P. Agarwal, IAS and Dr. T.V. Somanathan, IAS, have  mention on their research paper “Public Policy Making In India: Issues and Remedies”. Further, Policy-making processes and structures should ensure the gathering of information on such inter-sectoral impacts, the analysis of trade-offs, and fully informed choices between alternatives after a proper consideration of effects on different sectors. It requires public opinions especially from NGOs, media and Educationalist. Before submitting for policy approval from the cabinet, policy makers has to discuss for re-examine the matter to Policy Advisory Board/ Council. But, where is the Policy Advisory Board in Manipur? What are the amounts of quality inputs of state media, educationalist and NGOs are providing to state government?

A democratic society cannot function properly if everything in it is left only to the State or even to statutory bodies. In the absence of NGOs/civil society, the State machinery and civil servants become the dominant and the only repository of power. A large number of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are working in the developmental fields. But the number of such NGOs dedicating themselves to preservation of public order is limited. We can perhaps learn from experiences of some of these NGOs and recommend measures to pave the way for their greater involvement. State NGOs has to learn how to prepare innovative projects. Whatever you called projects is nothing but the scheme of government. Problems are already identified; NGOs are simply filled up the format for financial grant for implementation. Your inputs to state government are very important for policy making. Do research work before you prepared for project writing. Only then, NGOs reputation will be recognized.

What is wrong to project implementation? Many research papers have common view, factors for  delaying in project implementation like law and order problem, environmental clearance and land acquisition problem, engineering design and planning problem, work awarding problem, availability of skills and semi skills labour, soil—weather problem, cost and time over-runs problem etc. etc; among this , most serious problem is contract work awarding problem in Manipur. For example- 50 kms long road construction work will be share by about 20 contractors. Half of contract works say 25 km will be done by one contractor and the rest 25 km work will be done by the rest 19 contractors. Because, the same work can’t be done by one contractor due to financial problem/ farms turn over problem. How many contractors having turned over of Rs 50 crore do you find in the state? Contractors often face financial crunch due to work overload beyond their financial resources limit and bills pending. Beside, small contractors want more profit. Therefore, state is facing problem while submitting project report in time. Further, Delays in submitting project detail progress reports and utilisation certificate may causes termination of project because project financers/ investor want Investment of Return (IOR) in time. Many examples of unviable Public private partnership (PPP) projects exist in the national highways sub-sector. Three issues that hamper the viability of projects are: projects that are planned beyond their scope, dated cost estimates that lead to insufficient viability gap funding (VGF), and increased risk to the provider due to several contractual terms such as the possibility of termination of concession, if traffic crosses a threshold level.

If current trends continue over the Eleventh and Twelfth Plan periods (2008 to 2017), McKinsey & Company, Inc. Delhi estimates suggest that India could suffer a GDP loss of USD 200 billion (around 10 per cent of its GDP) in fiscal year 2017.

In terms of GDP growth rate, this would imply a loss of 1.1 percentage points. In addition, India’s economy could lose up to USD 160 billion in 2017, by forgoing the industrial productivity impact of infrastructure. However, there is no conclusive approach for estimating the value of such productivity impact, and hence it is not included in our estimate of the GDP loss, which is pegged at USD 200 billion. Inefficiencies in implementing infrastructure projects in India occur at all stages.

While identifying problem we face two things to remember 1) cause and 2) effect. For a critical complex problem, sometimes cause and effect of a problem are indivisible. It happens this way that the problem we are mentioning is not a problem at all, but is actually an effect of another problem.

The relationship between the three (Effect, Problem and Cause) has to be outlined in the Problem Statement of any proposal. If we have an issue, it will be a good exercise to go a step back and forth to find out its cause and effect relationship. The best way to understand the cause of an issue is to ask “Why” continuously i.e. “the why of why”. This will help reveal the cause of the problem. For example, suppose there is high drug abuse and alcohol addiction in our locality which is deadly affected to our society. Here problem is not the drug and alcohol. Real problem is abusive and addictive habit. Unless s/he were addicted in drugs and alcohol, but he might be addicted in others like eating, women, gambling etc. Here, we fine two effects- 1) environment and moral effect which influence the person to abusive and addiction in drug. 2) Effect and influence to other people after s/he was addicted. Confused? Environment and moral of the person may also be a cause of addiction and abused of drug/ alcohol? But there are many other causes to influence him/her to addiction—plenty availability of drug, his/her personal tragedy- even suicidal tendency, unawareness of the bad consequences—health, moral, friend circle and environment etc. if we know the cause and effect of the problem then we will able to find a solution, for which a strategy is required.

The first decade of the 21st century have changed how Manipur must think about “Social Order and Social Security” To meet the multiple challenges of the complex issues, it is crucial that we develop a system that places the right people in the right places in government at the right moment. Consequently, it requires people who are not only substantively qualified and knowledgeable regarding policy issues but also possess the leadership abilities to direct large complex organizations. There are also obviously growing requirements for those with technical expertise, human resource management, finance/comptroller skills, etc.

Training is concerned with teaching what to think and what the answers ought to be. Education is focused on teaching how to think and what the questions ought to be. Training is most frequently used when the goal is to prepare an individual or an organization to execute specified tasks. It often includes task repetition, not unlike an athletic team learning to execute plays, and normally is the preferred method of learning when the goal is to perform operations in which success, failure, and completion can be clearly measured. Education has more to do with how to think about problems and how to deal with challenges that may not lend themselves to outright solutions. It is a matter of intellect, thought, indirect leadership, advice, and consensus building.

Unfortunately in Manipur, writing, teaching and advocacy is not called “doing” even by state elite, intellects. Do you mean teachers are not doing, writers are not doing or public speakers are not doing? Then, what do you mean by doing? Engineers, doctors, bureaucrats, ministers, contractors, businessmen, NGO workers are doing. Because, you are getting materials support you need or money from them. Right?  So, government is right; now you can get earn money from contract works and 6th pay commission, business is profitable and you can get enjoy in wine, sex with prostitute or affairs with other women because poor people will sell their body—consequently create crime against women and alcohol addiction because you know everything and you do not need for advice, teaching and guidance, right? The same case was happen in developing African countries. Whenever they get some income they are almost spent on enjoyment and entertainment items without considering for saving and investment. They feel that they will get income and will enjoy their live as usual forever. What is the objective of individual(s) after getting rich or good income? Building home, buying TV, Refrigerator, expensive cell phone, laptop/ computer, a car and entertainment. Remember— personal tragedy may change your whole life—friend circle, wealth, health, environment, thinking and life style.

What do you feel when you listen the news reports of crimes and violent of Manipur? According to ‘Crime in India 2010’ produced by National Crimes Record Bureau, Manipur has earned the dubious distinction of recording the highest rate of violent crimes ( 34.5%) in the country followed closely by Jammu and Kashmir. Assam (33.4%) has become the country’s fourth most dangerous place to live in and is followed closely by Delhi (30.4%). However, cognisable crimes are decreasing, from 3,349 in 2008 to 2,852 in 2009 to 2,715 in 2010. The number of policemen has gone up from 8,541 in 2009 to 10,249 in 2010.

Manipur has 188 cases of crime against women in 2007-08. 43.9% crime against women and domestic violence according to NCRB, Delhi. The issue of HIV/AIDS is not only a health issue. The issue is a multifarious one encompassing social, economic, legal, human rights and political aspects. In accordance to the epidemiological analysis report of Manipur State AIDS Control Society, there are 38,016 HIV positive people in Manipur till January, 2011. Among this, 10,109 are woman and 2578 are children, and 9985 HIV positive people are receiving ART facilities. The saddest and shocking news is the sudden increasing numbers of HIV positive children!

However, the problem is not only for Manipur; it is an entire North East problem. A Guwahati-based NGO, the Global Organisation for Life Development, which conducted a study recently, has claimed that about 20 per cent of teenagers of the north-eastern region, between 11-17 years, are being compelled to become sex workers. The GOLD officials also underscored that almost half of the child sex workers were from Assam, followed by Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, while some of the victims were trafficked to brothels in Mumbai Pune and Ahmedabad. Hasina Kharbhih, a team leader of the Meghalaya-based NGO, Impluse, who has been working in this area for many years, said that child prostitution is the immediate result of human trafficking.

Reports of 1000 sex workers working in Mokokchung (Nagaland) envisage possibility of red light area in the town and other towns in NE India. If we add the number of sex workers in Kohima and Dimapur, it may be more than 3000 sex workers in Nagaland writes Dr. R.B. Thohe Pou in www.e-pao.net. A survey conducted by Kristian Thalai Pawl (KTP), youth wing of the Mizoram Presbyterian Church, has revealed that there were more than 1000 commercial sex workers (CSW) operating in Mizoram. Normally, prostitutes, locally referred to as KS (Khawpui Service, or city service) in Aizawl and some cabbie also play important part in their business, highlighted the survey. Ruatfela Nu, as well as other researchers, has disclosed that the number of minors (between 12-13 years of age) among the KS has increased. Mizo sex workers are doing their business widely in Shillong of Meghalaya too. A survey revealed that there are 70 genuine Mizo sex videos currently circulating in and around Mizoram.  62.85% of the people involved in these videos said that they did the films with their own consent while 37.14% of girls in these videos accused their male partners of filming their activities without their knowledge, the survey said.

There are around 1200 female sex workers currently operating this business in Imphal city. Besides, numbers of sex workers in Churachanpur, Moreh of Chandel districts are working.

Clients of Sex Workers in Manipur according to  National Behaviour Surveillance  Survey 2006 is:  Age wise clients in Manipur —age between age between 15-20 is 1.9 % age between 20-25 is 31.5%; age between 26-35 is  45.2%; age between 36-45 is 20.7%   and age above 45 is 0.7%; median age ( age percentage) in a-the years is  29. Among the illiterate cline is 11.5%; grade1-IV is 6.3%; grade V to X is 41.5%; grade XI-XII is 21.1%; above XII is 19.6%. Marital statuses of clients are ever married clients is 44.4 %in 2006 against 55.1% in 2001. Highest clients according to age group are, age group of 20-25 is 46.7% and followed by age group of 26-30 that is 35.8%.  Among them currently married and living with spouse represent 39.6%; Currently married and living with other sexual partner represent 0.4; Currently married and not living with spouse or other sexual partner represent 4.4% Not currently married and living with sexual partner represent 0.4 and Not currently married and not living with sexual partner represent 55.2%. Main Occupation top five of the clients-Local transport worker represents 14.4%; Petty business—16.3; Non agricultural labourer—1.5%; Services—7.8; Truck driver—12.6%; Live in the city/ town—98.9%; Live in the city since birth—67.8%; not staying at regular residence—20.0%;

So, if you know that urban living men both married and unmarried at an average age between 20-40; both educated and uneducated working as labourers, small businessmen, contractors, services are regular clients of sex workers, we have no reason for listening one sided story for increasing sex workers in the state is due to poverty and forced them to do this job from their personal tragedy and now, they can’t change the job. If there is no client there shall be no sex worker in the state; outsider clients is maximum about 30%. Improve your family relationship; know something about spiritual. Spiritual is principles of divine law. It is different from religion. Only legal system, law enforcement and medical advances can’t solve the problem.  Recruit them in security forces if some of them are found fit.

My theoretical argument is that actual legal system in reasonable successful society have a clear moral principles behind at lease much of their law. Russel Hardin on his “Law and Social order” argue that there may be many laws within a general legal system that have the other moral bases or that arguably have moral basis at all. The central programme of law to create social order is itself commonly guide by mutual advantage. It would be perverse to say that, if there is a legal system, then it must have been designed to be mutually advantageous. But it not so perverse to say that , if legal system is succeeded in  effecting social order, then it must substantially serve mutual advantage. Mutual advantage, which is simply ordinary utilitarianism, is roughly Paretian. A policy serves mutual advantage if it benefits some and harms none—this is the Pareto Principle in Economics.

At a more nearly systematic level, a legal system serve mutual advantage is, ex -ante, it secure social order and opportunity for prosperity. This is the core claim of Thomas Hobbe in his defense of rule by sovereign with the power to secure order. Hobbes supposed that any sovereign must be supported without any threat of attempting reform against that sovereign’s rule. A particular legal system is right or good, however, is essentially to say that it serve as well.

So, if a legal system roughly meets the Pareto criticism, we can say that the system itself is efficient relative to no system at all, as Hobbe’s argue must be true for virtually any system that secures order. If this is a reason for having a legal system, then we might suppose that the same criterion should often apply to the details of the system, that is, to the actual content of the various laws, Russel Hardin opinioned. Any legal system that is heavily infused with morality will work well only when if its subjects share the morality. We want a greater welfare; we achieve it by creating institutions that regulate behaviour and make it a matter of legal duty. This is what Fuller describes elsewhere as the “coordination function of Law”.

Further, State is deeply concerned about educated unemployment; it has been recorded 7.02 lakh in 2011 in about 25 lakhs population of the state n which Imphal East and Imphal West represent 3.30 lakhs educated unemployed registered in the employment exchange. Numbers of post graduated registered unemployed is above 13 thousands.

National Rural Employment Guaranteed Act (NREGA) had been extended to all the nine districts of Manipur w.e.f 1st April, 2008. 11, 85, 622 nos of household have been provided employment for which 433,082 nos of job cards issued. 706.14 lakh persons/mandays generated. About 130, 00 educated & uneducated youths have been benefited under Special Employment Generation Programme implemented in the State for providing gainful employment. However, In order to translate outlays into outcomes for MGNREGA, there needs to be a proper plan in place to improve the human resource situation. This exercise is not receiving requisite attention.

Manipur government has target of creating employment opportunities of about 1 lakh in various sectors by 2012. The sectors under which these employment opportunities are to be created are under Agriculture, Horti, Vety & AH, MOBC, Sericulture, Commerce & Industries, Fisheries, Social Welfare, and Tourism etc. Action Plan is being formulated by the various line deptts. However, inflow of tourists in the state is possible after improvement of law and order and after giving awareness to the people for tourist friendly guidelines and infra structural facilities are completed for tourist attraction.

Law and order has become a problem in Manipur since 1948. But the problem was not serious as we are facing in Manipur today. Police can control the situation easily. At the time of integration of Manipur with India on 15th October 1949, Manipur had only 5 Police Stations and 7 Outposts. The strength of the Civil Police was 1 SP, 2 DSP, 5 Inspectors 11- SI , 1-SI Arm Branch, 26 ASI, 16 HC , 4-HC in Arm Branch 262 constable,48 constable arm branch . The total strength of police was 310 personals. The total strength of the Manipur Rifles was 133; in which 1 Subedar, 3 Jamadar, 3 Habildar, 9 Naik, 95 sepoys, 5 Buglars and 13 Bandsmen. The Superintendent of Police was also the Commandant of Manipur Rifles.  The law and order situation in the hill areas of Manipur noticeably improved during the later half of 1961-62 as a result of the effective action taken by the security forces. In the same year, Shri L. Gopal Singh, the then SP brought out a booklet on the History of the Manipur Police. The crime and violent has recorded increasing both in valley and hills since 1980-81.

Half of the law and order problem in the state is related to political problem – it must be settled with political dialogue. And, half of the problem comes from social disorder and social insecurity. Mismanagement, lake of skills, wrong decision making, misused of package, and misused of enforcement body like police and security forces for a long period has comes to social insecurity and social disorder in the state. How MSRTC was closed? Manipur must be the only state does not owned state run public transport corporation in India. Manipur must be among the few states does not have highway police.

According Bha’i’s (spiritual) view- The problems of law and order in many countries of the world are multiplying. There are many reasons for this but fundamentally it is because we are in a transition period between the old order of society and the new world civilization which is evolving. Many people no longer have high moral standards based on religious beliefs. There is no common agreement on what is right and wrong. Theft is often not considered to be wrong if the victim is the place of work, the government or a large institution. Respect for the rights of other people is no longer universal. Building more and more prisons, with stricter regimes, does not stem the tide of crime. What is needed is a fundamental change of attitude in the individual and in society as a whole.

“The most essential thing is that the people must be educated in such a way that no crimes will be committed; for it is possible to educate the masses so effectively that they will avoid and shrink from perpetrating crimes, so that the crime itself will appear to them as the greatest chastisement. They…. will refuse, though they are dying of hunger, to stretch their hands and seize unlawfully the property of their neighbour…”

Development and Security are truly mutually inter-related. We need therefore, to evolve a combined strategy to deal simultaneously with the twin challenges of development and security within the framework of a democratic polity committed to respect for all fundamental human freedoms and also committed to upholding the rule of law. Internal conflict management is the key to the success of participative democracy, strengthening national solidarity and cohesion and firming up the nation’s resolve and capability to meet any external threats to its security and territorial integrity. The deficiencies in this vital area need to be plugged through judicial and police reforms, better citizen participation in governance, transparency and more effective and integrated approach to public order maintenance.

One of the effect of prolong social disorder  and insecurity is Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is an anxiety disorder in which a person has an excessive and unreasonable fear of social situations. A person with social anxiety disorder is afraid that he or she will make mistakes and be embarrassed or humiliated in front of others. The fear may be made worse by a lack of social skills or experience in social situations. In addition, people with social anxiety disorder often suffer “anticipatory” anxiety — the fear of a situation before it even happens — for days or weeks before the event. In many cases, the person is aware that the fear is unreasonable, yet is unable to overcome it. People with social anxiety disorder suffer from distorted thinking, including false beliefs about social situations and the negative opinions of others. Without treatment, social anxiety disorder can negatively interfere with the person’s normal daily routine, including school, work, social activities, and relationships.

There is no single known cause of social anxiety disorder, but research suggests that biological, psychological, and environmental factors may play a role in its development.
· Biological: Social anxiety disorder may be related to an imbalance of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Neurotransmitters are special chemical messengers that help move information from nerve cell to nerve cell in the brain. If the neurotransmitters are out of balance, messages cannot get through the brain properly. This can alter the way the brain reacts to stressful situations, leading to anxiety. In addition, social anxiety disorder appears to run in families. This means that the disorder may be passed on in families through genes, the material that contains instructions for the function of each cell in the body. Natural chemicals in your body may play a role in social anxiety disorder. For instance, an imbalance in the brain chemical serotonin (ser-oh-TOE-nin) may be a factor. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and emotions, among other things. People with social anxiety disorder may be extra-sensitive to the effects of serotonin
· Brain structure. A structure in the brain called the amygdala (uh-MIG-duh-luh) may play a role in controlling the fear response. People who have an overactive amygdala may have a heightened fear response, causing increased anxiety in social situations.
· Inherited traits. Anxiety disorders tend to run in families. However, it isn’t entirely clear how much of this may be due to genetics and how much is due to learned behavior.
· Psychological & Negative experiences. Children who experience teasing, bullying, rejection, ridicule or humiliation may be more prone to social anxiety disorder. In addition, other negative events in life, such as family conflict or sexual abuse, may be associated with social anxiety disorder. The development of social anxiety disorder may stem from an embarrassing or humiliating experience at a social event in the past.
· Environmental: People with social anxiety disorder may develop their fear from observing the behavior of others or seeing what happened to someone else as the result of their behavior (such as being laughed at or made fun of). Further, children who are sheltered or overprotected by their parents may not learn good social skills as part of their normal development.

Risk factors
Social anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental disorders. It usually begins in the early to mid-teens, although it can sometimes begin earlier in childhood or in adulthood.

A number of factors can increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:
· Being female. Females are more likely than males to have social anxiety disorder.
· Family history. You’re more likely to develop social anxiety disorder if your biological parents or siblings have the condition.
· Environment. Social anxiety disorder may be a learned behavior. That is, you may develop the condition after witnessing the anxious behavior of others. In addition, there may be an association between social anxiety disorder and parents who are more controlling or protective of their children.
· Temperament. Children who are shy, timid, withdrawn or restrained when facing new situations or people may be at greater risk.
· New social or work demands. Meeting new people, giving a speech in public or making an important work presentation may trigger social anxiety disorder symptoms for the first time. These symptoms usually have their roots in adolescence, however.
· Having a health condition that draws attention. Facial disfigurement, stuttering, Parkinson’s disease and other health conditions can increase feelings of self-consciousness and may trigger social anxiety disorder in some people.

Social anxiety disorder can cause to individual(s):
· Low self-esteem
· Trouble being assertive
· Negative self-talk
· Hypersensitivity to criticism
· Poor social skills

Social anxiety disorder can also result in:
· A poor work record
· Low academic achievement
· Isolation and difficult social relationships
· Substance abuse
· Excessive drinking, particularly in men
· Even, Suicide.

Whose responsibility is to maintain public order?  This is the duty of the institution (government) to maintain public order. There are many important organs in an institution to track the channels to find out images; the clear image has to be identifying for fixing at right point. Social order and social security are closely interrelated because we are living in a system—failure of one organ will stop the whole system.  For example, a car can’t run without wheels; a car can’t run without staring; a car can’t run without fuel. These are small, small parts- we are not even, discussing about engine or body parts of the car.

Enough for now, we have a lengthy discussion about introductory of Manipur problem. The above introductory note is very witty- it gives no clue to prepare project for Manipur and getting fund from the centre. Tell me honestly, what do you expected from a common man like me? I am not NGO worker / entrepreneur to bring you project. I am neither social worker nor political aspirant to be a future politician. I am not a contractor to build your road and building. Or, I am not a farmer to give you plenty of food. Also, I am neither a central government servant nor state government employee to support you. But I have learnt that there is a vacancy for the post of faithful servant of the people, and for the people— political leaders has no vacancy in the state; there are many leaders. Hire Me!! Because tacit knowledge is difficult to transfers. I am not expensive guy; you are the owner and I am your faithful servant. You will not be expensive to befriend with me. But, I am truly professional and also, I will have no problem to change my job profile for 12 times if necessary; I have already changed for 4 times. I can bring Social Order in the state; my work plan is ready; simply I need invitation and approval from the state. I will teach you new skills, innovative idea and innovative project preparation. By the way, the most challenging second wing to bring Social Security in the state will be ready to fly. I will have the opportunity to interact with 7.02 lakhs educated unemployed people to bring them into productivity. I supposed some of unemployed youths must have productive and they must want greater productivity. Without Productivity, there wouldn’t be any economics, or any economic thinking, good or bad, or any pizza, or anything else. How a conflict-ridden, grossly over-populated place with no resources whatsoever gets rich is simple. The British colonial government turned Hong Kong into an economic miracle by doing nothing. Every people of North east, may be Naga, Kuki, Meitei, Pangal, Tripuris, Mizo,Khasi-Garo- Jyenta, Sikkimist, Arunachalist, Assamess etc have talent; simply they are not getting small support when dearly need to climb up the mountain ( I was working for north east for more than 3 years and visited to every corner of north east and learnt its vibrant culture, tradition and habits). If necessary, I will pull dawn the whole global knowledge to fix in Manipur—it is one of the most tough jobs but I have confidence that I will able to win it!

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/where-is-my-job-card-mr-cm/

By Keisam Pradipkumar
Being dismayed by the acute shortage of institutional services and medical treatment facilities, Children Living with HIV/AIDS,  rape victims, orphans, children of broken family and  psychologically traumatized children  in   Ukhrul district are still  living in a  pitiable condition,   despite the state has launched the  mega child welfare scheme such as  “Integrated Child Protection  Scheme” (ICPS),  subsequent upon  the    enactment  of  Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children)2000 Act amended in 2006. Besides, children in this district still pay fees for sports meet, while parents bear honorarium for privately engaged teachers by sacrificing their wages of MGNREGA. Adding to the large scale subletting of government/ ADC appointed teachers, the issue of MGNREA  supported teachers in hill districts  has become another sarcastic paradigm  to  the much talked about   “ The Right of Children  to Free and Compulsory  Education Act, 2009” in Manipur. The question is where has the state government utilized those numerous teachers recently appointed under SSA and RAMSA projects?

In recent times, a minor girl from Ukhrul was raped on 24th June,  while  another girl  was murdered after having rape  on  10th  September  respectively  this year.  Since there was no shelter home in Ukhrul, the rape victim of 24th June incident, baby Angamla (name changed) 11 years old, belonging to an abject poverty stricken family,  is presently taking shelter in one of her  relatives place. She was first kept in a girls’ shelter home in Imphal. Her case was taken up by Manipur State Commission for Women, though the poor victim hasn’t got any compensation till date. The girl deserves institutional care considering her mental status and deprived socio-economic.

Such victim  like baby  Angamla  from Ukhrul, are usually referred  to a girls shelter home  in Imphal  by the Child Welfare Committee, Ukhrul.  Minor girls from Tangkhul  community  felt quite  unsuitable  in Imphal as they were yet to conversant with  Manipuri language.  The diverse  social and cultural background posed as the huge  barriers making interpersonal  counseling  and formal education to the victim children  a hard hitting job to the service providers.

Another, Tangkhul  girl  baby Khangamla  13 years  from  Ukhrul,  ran two times from an Imphal based  girls shelter home “ Punya Nawa Yaiphakol”.  For the last 3 years , she ran away more than 5 times from different places. Her drunkard father and poor mother  failed to look after her, and even they are reluctant to take her back. The disobliging  ambiance  in her family  became  rather  detrimental to her psychological well being, which made her  now virtually a  psychologically  distressed  child needing immediate  medical treatment and institutional care. 

It is worth to mention that,  dubious human trafficking net in India is  targeting the north east women for sex trade, spa massage service and of late  for forced marriage as  common wife.  Ukhrul, having the highest rate of migration of young girls to other states  in search of lucrative jobs, there are several trafficked survivors in the district. However, restoration and rehabilitative process for the  trafficked survivors is almost nil. The district does not have either a women shelter home or  girls children home, whereas  ever getting bigger number of  victims  are  intolerantly  searching the  compassionate helping hand of   such temporary institutional care   from pillar to post. 

Child Welfare Committee, Ukhrul’s  Chairperson  Gajendra Prasad Mohanty said, “We are totally helpless here, as such facilities  are not in Ukhrul at all,  many children, such as baby Khangamla   remained untreated. Opening of  girls shelter  home, providing  counseling and rehabilitative support for such marginalized  girls and children  are the desperate needs of Ukhrul district ”.

The  status of the  Juveniles  in conflict with law (JCL) is quite disheartening ,  as such children who are allegedly committed offences, are not getting  appropriate treatment supposed to be given under  the vindicated juvenile  criminal justice system. 

People hardly know who are the appointed social worker  members and  Principal Magistrate of the board and where is its office, though the concerned department has already set up the statutory body years back.  As a result, many delinquent children’s cases ended up only in the hands of un child-friendly  police and  mob trials,   before  reaching   to the juvenile justice procedures. The dignified role of Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) is yet to be seen.   Overriding the legal procedures, recently a rape victim child from Ukhrul was kept in a private hotel in Imphal by Ukhrul police  in lieu of admitting her to the hospital, thereby delaying the medical treatment and foreignsic  test process. 

The plight  of Children Living with HIV/AIDS in the district is really pathetic, when it came to learn that  they are taking  unmeasured random ART doses, since the CD4 machine in Ukhrul remained non-operational since January this year, even though  the  district is one of the highest HIV prevalent districts in Manipur ranking at “A” category.  There are around    85 boys 94 girls ( Pre ART) while   32 girls and 32 boys are On ART, out of cumulative Pre ART 1099 and  On ART 682 of the district. The Ukhrul town is having around 20,000 children population out of 50,000 total population.

Mr. C. Leisan, member, Ukhrul District NGO Alliance for Health (UTNAH)   said “Most regrettably   Ukhrul district hasn’t got its own Community Care Centre till now, though NACO had reportedly sanctioned it in 2007 ”.  He said “ No program from Legislative Forum on HIV/AIDS is ever held in Ukhrul.   There is no blood bank, though in 2000 MACS reported that it was already sanctioned. Since CD4 machine lying defunct lots of people are referred either to RIMS or JNIMS expending lot of money and  resources”.

Mrs Chonjon and Mamlaphi (name changed) both PLHAs shared that stigma and discrimination is still highly  persistent in the community. PLHA widows remained almost aloof and could not even form SHGs. They were yearning for certain economic support to feed their ailing children and themselves.            

The recent public hearing of NCPCR held at Kangla,  Imphal in August, 2011, loudly exposed the proxy teacher or sub letting of teachers in hill districts of Manipur with special reference to Chandel and Ukhrul. More cases of proxy teachers are found   in ADC run schools. Lacking of Hindi, Manipuri, Math, Science  teachers  and poor infrastructures including absence of separate toilets for girls being  the common scenario visible at  all the schools in hill districts. Till now, many AIDS inflicted orphans  are not getting free education under RTE in recognized private schools.

Head master of Shirui Jr High School admitted  that  Glory day’s expenses  is being born by students reading in elementary classes.  A student has to contribute Rs.150 every year for such observation comprising of sports and cultural events.  School authority, meticulously did not issue receipts for such money paid by the students. They termed it as  “ contribution”  not “fee”, thereby trying to run off from the purview of RTE strictures. According to the RTE Act  free education means  no financial constraints can “prevent” a  child from enrolling, attending and completing elementary education. Hence, if glory day is a part of extra curricular activities it should be organized with state’s expenses, and students and their parents must not be liable to pay for it. 

The  ZEO, Ukhrul   Mr Adverest Luikham, who is looking after 137 schools in the district  said “All the fees charged have been refunded as per NCPCR directive, and Glory day is like a community supported event which we cannot stop. Since there is no provision to bear the expense we are helpless but organizing it with contributions of the parents”.  

Contrary to RTE’s high sounding provisions, Ms Shila J Konghay,  president Tangkhul  Shanaolong a popular civil body  said “Recently  I visited certain villages  such as  Chalong Chingthak, Chalong Phalang of Kamjong sub-division, some 90 Km away from Ukhrul town, where not a single school has been  established till today. You could  find neither children nor school in these villages, as  all the children left their native  villages  either for  Ukhrul town or Imphal for study”.

I am still pondering, how long the true accessibility to  RTE Act and welfare schemes for children will  remain  as a far cry from the  towering blue hills of Ukhrul.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/relooking-the-overlooked-plights-of-children-in-ukhrul/

By Dr. Thamsing Lamkang
Sports Resource Center
‘Knowing Jesus was born, died and rose again is just like ‘knowing a history’, but ‘believing and accepting’ His birth, His death and His resurrection in Glory is Salvation’.

‘For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord’ Luke 2: 11. And the Messiah was born 2010 years ago in Bethlehem. His name is ‘Jesus Christ’ the ‘Son of God’. His ‘birthday’ is called ‘Christmas’. The word ‘Christmas’ comes from ‘Cristes Maesse’ early English phrase which means ‘Mass of Christ’ or ‘translated’ ‘Christ for the People’.

The name ‘Jesus’ means ‘The Lord Saves’, because He will save men from their sins. Christ came as Savior for the sinners.

In Matt. 1: 23 & Isaiah 7: 14 Behold, the virgin will be with a child and bear a Son, and they shall call His name ‘Immanuel’ which means ‘God with us’. The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us John 1: 14. Everything that happened is the ‘fulfillment of God’s promises’!

CHRISTMAS LIGHT OF THE WORLD
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a Great Light” Isaiah 9: 2. Jesus is the One who brings you light. Without Jesus, there is only darkness, eternal death and no hope. But in Jesus, there is ‘Hope of Eternal Life’. As long as you follow Jesus there is light and life John 8: 12.

Jesus said, be the light because God came to light the dark world John 9: 5. Give light in darkness Luke 1: 79.

Most people may remember ‘David Livingstone’ for giving up his comfort life in England. His love for Jesus was so real and evident when he responded God’s called to take the gospel to Africa. He accepted the highest call from God. He went and died in Africa. But when his coffin (body) arrived in England, he was given the highest honored for his sacrificed. The lights he lighted in Africa are bright and brighter, because he went as the gospel light in the Dark Continent of Africa.

I remembered when I was a boy during Christmas my Pastor father Rev. Dilbung Wolthung led a “Candle-Light Midnight Service”. They put off all the lights inside the church. It was dark, silent and a bit scary. Then, my father lights a candle and said ‘light represent Jesus, He came to drive away darkness’.

Everyone came one after the other and lights their candle. And the church building was slowly brighter and brighter with so many candle lights. Pronouncing, Jesus came as the light; he wants you to be the light today. Let us shine forth for Jesus as Christmas is celebrated.

‘What Jesus was to the world of His time, He wants us to be in the world of our time’! ‘Christians should be the beam of light in the midst of ‘darkness’ and the ‘ray of hope’ in the midst of ‘despair’.

THE WISEMEN ARE WISE
The wise men are wise because they came for the right reason; they study the scriptures and seekers of the truth. They came to worship Jesus along with their gifts, the most significant gifts for Jesus.

They didn’t forget to take their treasures ‘gold, frankincense and myrrh’;

Gold: It is the gift you give to Kings. In days of old, tribute was paid by bringing gold to the king.  It was the most precious metal of those times and so the wise men are presenting it as a gift to the king.

Frankincense: It was a kind of incense used to worship God in the temple. So the wise men are saying this baby, Jesus, is not only king, he is also God. He is worthy of being worshipped.

Myrrh: It was a spice used to embalm the dead: Now that`s an unusual gift for a baby: the spice put on a dead body before wrapping it in linens. So the wise men, by their gifts, acknowledged that Jesus is God Incarnate, He is king, and He is going to die. Jesus is the Savior of the world and He has come to die for our sins.

So, it is very important to know that you can’t worship without giving, because giving is part of worship. They rejoiced with ‘Great Joy’ after finding Jesus and presented their gifts. ‘The joy of Christmas should always continue in our life not just during the Christmas season’.

THE PROPHET ISAIAH 9: 6
The prophets have portrayed a magnificent picture of the prophet Messiah, but the book Isaiah is more complete, giving details from His birth to the resurrection with Glory. ‘Isaiah’ means ‘The Lord Saves’. Because the prophet Isaiah was specially ‘commission’ to proclaim about the coming Messiah for His people. ‘God desires salvation, instead of condemnation’ for the world. As a matter of fact, the entire book of Isaiah is a testament to God’s salvation. In Isaiah there is no better news than the prophet’s prediction of the future birth of Immanuel, which means God with us Isaiah 7:14.

The Good News of Isaiah is that God will be sending a Messiah to establish His Kingdom on earth. Messiah means ‘God’s Anointed One, to come as King’. He will bring with Him three things every person needs: ‘Peace, Good Tidings and Salvation’ Isaiah 52: 7. It was not just the prophet Isaiah but most of the prophetic books in the Old Testament were some-what connected to tell about the coming Kingdom (Jesus) the future glory of Israel. Jesus is somewhere on every page of the entire Bible.

Isaiah 9: 6 “For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulder; and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father; the Prince of Peace.” 

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR- His virgin birth itself, His incarnation as a person (man) and all His magnificent works are such great wonders. His divine supernatural miracles to heal and save life brought a very special attention. He is a Wonderful Counselor because He has an answer for everything. Whatever He do and say will wonder the world. “He is ‘Wisdom’ sent from God” 1 Cor. 1: 30. “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” Col. 2: 3. All means everything, and nothing left. In one word HE is WOW…!

THE MIGHTY GOD- He is the most powerful and Almighty. This child is ‘ALL mighty God’ in every battle. Nothing is too difficult for Him, because He is the mightiest, greatest, and the strongest. “Looking for the blessed hope to appear in most glorious way” Titus 2: 13. His Mighty presence will help us to fight every battle, for which the Almighty God will be on our side (King of kings and Lord of lords).

THE EVERLASTING FATHER-He will be our Everlasting Father; none can separate us from Him. Father is head of the family and so he rules; so is Jesus who will become the head of His people (church) and so He will rule forever.

In Israel, those who are the rulers such as the kings and the princes, those of magistrates or anything that rule were referred as ‘fathers’. It was a reverential title for those who had been given the responsibility to rule. So Messiah will be known as ‘Everlasting Father’ who will rule without ends. We are waiting for that ruler who also to restore back the broken relationship between men and God; establish His Kingdom on earth and rule forever, and nothing can separate us from Him.

THE PRINCE OF PEACE-The prophet Isaiah called the expected Messiah as the ‘Prince of Peace’. He Himself is the peace, who brought peace for men to reconcile with God; and He accomplishes it and that peace will reign forever.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors” Luke 2: 14.

Rom. 5: 1 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” Heb. 13:20, 2 Cor. 5: 19, Ephe. 2:14.

God had forgiven our sins through His Son Jesus Christ. We ‘must’ also forgive one-another so that, Peace will prevail on earth. Forgiveness is the first step to follow Christ and first step to bring peace among men. No-forgiveness, no peace!

Nothing happened just like that but the fulfillments of past promises for hundreds of years. One such example; Matt. 1: 23 record the fulfillment of Isaiah 7: 14. All this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through His prophets.

Will you come home this Christmas? Do you know that your heavenly Father wants you to come home this Christmas? It doesn`t matter who you are or what you`ve done. God says “I want you to come home and receive my love and my forgiveness.” That’s what Christmas is all about! In our own context Christmas is the time for families to unite together. The children come home for Christmas once every year. Why not, make use of Christmas as a time to reach their heart for Jesus before they go back for another year.

Lastly, Christmas maybe summarize into five words, LOVE, GIVE, JOY, PEACE and HOPE!

For God so ‘LOVED’ the world that He ‘GAVE’ us His only begotten Son… he who believes in Him will see and experience the great ‘JOY’ of salvation. As the world received Him, let the ‘PEACE’ of God prevails forever, and allowed the ‘Prince of Peace’ to rule the world. And never to lose ‘HOPE’ that, God’s Son Jesus will surely come back to take us to His Everlasting Father in new heaven and new earth!

With my wife Ring, we wish all readers a very Happy & Blessed Merry Christmas! May your heart & life be filled with ‘Great Joy of Christmas’ forever & ever Amen.

God bless your spiritual celebration for Jesus!

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/the-birth-of-christmas/

By Dr. Thamsing Lamkang
Sports Resource Center
‘Knowing Jesus was born, died and rose again is just like ‘knowing a history’, but ‘believing and accepting’ His birth, His death and His resurrection in Glory is Salvation’.

‘For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord’ Luke 2: 11. And the Messiah was born 2010 years ago in Bethlehem. His name is ‘Jesus Christ’ the ‘Son of God’. His ‘birthday’ is called ‘Christmas’. The word ‘Christmas’ comes from ‘Cristes Maesse’ early English phrase which means ‘Mass of Christ’ or ‘translated’ ‘Christ for the People’.

The name ‘Jesus’ means ‘The Lord Saves’, because He will save men from their sins. Christ came as Savior for the sinners.

In Matt. 1: 23 & Isaiah 7: 14 Behold, the virgin will be with a child and bear a Son, and they shall call His name ‘Immanuel’ which means ‘God with us’. The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us John 1: 14. Everything that happened is the ‘fulfillment of God’s promises’!

CHRISTMAS LIGHT OF THE WORLD
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a Great Light” Isaiah 9: 2. Jesus is the One who brings you light. Without Jesus, there is only darkness, eternal death and no hope. But in Jesus, there is ‘Hope of Eternal Life’. As long as you follow Jesus there is light and life John 8: 12.

Jesus said, be the light because God came to light the dark world John 9: 5. Give light in darkness Luke 1: 79.

Most people may remember ‘David Livingstone’ for giving up his comfort life in England. His love for Jesus was so real and evident when he responded God’s called to take the gospel to Africa. He accepted the highest call from God. He went and died in Africa. But when his coffin (body) arrived in England, he was given the highest honored for his sacrificed. The lights he lighted in Africa are bright and brighter, because he went as the gospel light in the Dark Continent of Africa.

I remembered when I was a boy during Christmas my Pastor father Rev. Dilbung Wolthung led a “Candle-Light Midnight Service”. They put off all the lights inside the church. It was dark, silent and a bit scary. Then, my father lights a candle and said ‘light represent Jesus, He came to drive away darkness’.

Everyone came one after the other and lights their candle. And the church building was slowly brighter and brighter with so many candle lights. Pronouncing, Jesus came as the light; he wants you to be the light today. Let us shine forth for Jesus as Christmas is celebrated.

‘What Jesus was to the world of His time, He wants us to be in the world of our time’! ‘Christians should be the beam of light in the midst of ‘darkness’ and the ‘ray of hope’ in the midst of ‘despair’.

THE WISEMEN ARE WISE
The wise men are wise because they came for the right reason; they study the scriptures and seekers of the truth. They came to worship Jesus along with their gifts, the most significant gifts for Jesus.

They didn’t forget to take their treasures ‘gold, frankincense and myrrh’;

Gold: It is the gift you give to Kings. In days of old, tribute was paid by bringing gold to the king.  It was the most precious metal of those times and so the wise men are presenting it as a gift to the king.

Frankincense: It was a kind of incense used to worship God in the temple. So the wise men are saying this baby, Jesus, is not only king, he is also God. He is worthy of being worshipped.

Myrrh: It was a spice used to embalm the dead: Now that`s an unusual gift for a baby: the spice put on a dead body before wrapping it in linens. So the wise men, by their gifts, acknowledged that Jesus is God Incarnate, He is king, and He is going to die. Jesus is the Savior of the world and He has come to die for our sins.

So, it is very important to know that you can’t worship without giving, because giving is part of worship. They rejoiced with ‘Great Joy’ after finding Jesus and presented their gifts. ‘The joy of Christmas should always continue in our life not just during the Christmas season’.

THE PROPHET ISAIAH 9: 6
The prophets have portrayed a magnificent picture of the prophet Messiah, but the book Isaiah is more complete, giving details from His birth to the resurrection with Glory. ‘Isaiah’ means ‘The Lord Saves’. Because the prophet Isaiah was specially ‘commission’ to proclaim about the coming Messiah for His people. ‘God desires salvation, instead of condemnation’ for the world. As a matter of fact, the entire book of Isaiah is a testament to God’s salvation. In Isaiah there is no better news than the prophet’s prediction of the future birth of Immanuel, which means God with us Isaiah 7:14.

The Good News of Isaiah is that God will be sending a Messiah to establish His Kingdom on earth. Messiah means ‘God’s Anointed One, to come as King’. He will bring with Him three things every person needs: ‘Peace, Good Tidings and Salvation’ Isaiah 52: 7. It was not just the prophet Isaiah but most of the prophetic books in the Old Testament were some-what connected to tell about the coming Kingdom (Jesus) the future glory of Israel. Jesus is somewhere on every page of the entire Bible.

Isaiah 9: 6 “For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulder; and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father; the Prince of Peace.” 

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR- His virgin birth itself, His incarnation as a person (man) and all His magnificent works are such great wonders. His divine supernatural miracles to heal and save life brought a very special attention. He is a Wonderful Counselor because He has an answer for everything. Whatever He do and say will wonder the world. “He is ‘Wisdom’ sent from God” 1 Cor. 1: 30. “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” Col. 2: 3. All means everything, and nothing left. In one word HE is WOW…!

THE MIGHTY GOD- He is the most powerful and Almighty. This child is ‘ALL mighty God’ in every battle. Nothing is too difficult for Him, because He is the mightiest, greatest, and the strongest. “Looking for the blessed hope to appear in most glorious way” Titus 2: 13. His Mighty presence will help us to fight every battle, for which the Almighty God will be on our side (King of kings and Lord of lords).

THE EVERLASTING FATHER-He will be our Everlasting Father; none can separate us from Him. Father is head of the family and so he rules; so is Jesus who will become the head of His people (church) and so He will rule forever.

In Israel, those who are the rulers such as the kings and the princes, those of magistrates or anything that rule were referred as ‘fathers’. It was a reverential title for those who had been given the responsibility to rule. So Messiah will be known as ‘Everlasting Father’ who will rule without ends. We are waiting for that ruler who also to restore back the broken relationship between men and God; establish His Kingdom on earth and rule forever, and nothing can separate us from Him.

THE PRINCE OF PEACE-The prophet Isaiah called the expected Messiah as the ‘Prince of Peace’. He Himself is the peace, who brought peace for men to reconcile with God; and He accomplishes it and that peace will reign forever.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors” Luke 2: 14.

Rom. 5: 1 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” Heb. 13:20, 2 Cor. 5: 19, Ephe. 2:14.

God had forgiven our sins through His Son Jesus Christ. We ‘must’ also forgive one-another so that, Peace will prevail on earth. Forgiveness is the first step to follow Christ and first step to bring peace among men. No-forgiveness, no peace!

Nothing happened just like that but the fulfillments of past promises for hundreds of years. One such example; Matt. 1: 23 record the fulfillment of Isaiah 7: 14. All this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through His prophets.

Will you come home this Christmas? Do you know that your heavenly Father wants you to come home this Christmas? It doesn`t matter who you are or what you`ve done. God says “I want you to come home and receive my love and my forgiveness.” That’s what Christmas is all about! In our own context Christmas is the time for families to unite together. The children come home for Christmas once every year. Why not, make use of Christmas as a time to reach their heart for Jesus before they go back for another year.

Lastly, Christmas maybe summarize into five words, LOVE, GIVE, JOY, PEACE and HOPE!

For God so ‘LOVED’ the world that He ‘GAVE’ us His only begotten Son… he who believes in Him will see and experience the great ‘JOY’ of salvation. As the world received Him, let the ‘PEACE’ of God prevails forever, and allowed the ‘Prince of Peace’ to rule the world. And never to lose ‘HOPE’ that, God’s Son Jesus will surely come back to take us to His Everlasting Father in new heaven and new earth!

With my wife Ring, we wish all readers a very Happy & Blessed Merry Christmas! May your heart & life be filled with ‘Great Joy of Christmas’ forever & ever Amen.

God bless your spiritual celebration for Jesus!

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/the-birth-of-christmas/

 By Dr. Bijen Meetei
Assam University, Silchar
It won’t be wrong to say that the year 2011’s one of the most talked about man and his movement in India is Kisan Baburao Hazare, popularly known as Anna Hazare, and his crusade against corruption. The man and his movement have been attracting a large number of people and a whole lot of discussion on the issues of civil society, credibility of the government and of course, on corruption which have haunted the country for decades. In fact, enormity of the problems of Indian political and the corresponding administrative systems generated the current Anna movement, which was brought to limelight in April this year when he decided to go for fast against corruption (and subsequent government inaction against criminal offenders). This re-articulates some of the systemic problems inherent in our political system. It also reaffirms that it will take quite some time to cleanse the system and get the confidence of the people back. Some may be quite right when they claim that the credibility of government is lost and this along with many of our problems are popped up due to the failure of the very political system on which we are relying for every aspect of our lives. Hence, there should be some kind of ‘forces’ to fix the problems. And this ‘force’, in a democratic process, should be used to create appropriate corrective measures, and therefore, the idea of Lokpal comes at right time.

The fact is that our democracy provides enough laws and statutes to meet any sort of eventualities or in other words to affront the criminal offenders. Take for example, in addition to various laws and statutes, there are institutions (such as CBI and CVC) that can investigate and even prosecute the persons found guilty in the corruption cases. But, many a times, people (especially those in power and those rich with good political connections) found guilty of crimes could not be prosecuted and punished. The single most important reason for such happenings lies in the problems with the existing system itself. The agencies established to address such issues are not independent off the influences and control of the Government of the day, and therefore, often misused. As a result, unless the autonomy of these institutions are established the problems of corruption and other offences cannot be dealt with properly and due justice cannot be delivered to the people concerned. Further, the slow process of our judicial system denies justice to the victims time and again. That is why even if we have all the system in place, there comes up the need to call for institutions like Lokpal which can provide not only speedy but also least expensive prosecution machinery. Besides attempting to provide special courts for corruption cases and its own investigative arm, the current Lokpal Bill has one more positive aspect in that it also provides for a citizen’s charter and redressal of grievances. It means that every public authority is to prepare a charter outlining its duties to the citizen. Failure to perform such duties will invite punishment, and a direction to so perform. It is not to claim that Lokpal is the panacea of our problems and need to be established at once. There are many issues around the proposed Lokpal including the issue of whether the functions and powers of the PM and MPs are to be brought under the investigative jurisdiction of the Lokpal, or will CBI be put under Lokpal or not.

Moreover, there are many other much worrying concerns highlighted by the recent political phenomena in the country. One such concern is the uncertain political fate of smaller communities in this diverse nation. One can discuss whether this Anna movement against corruption and the big cloud which have been gathered over this movement reemphasis the fact of democracy being a save game for ‘some people’ only. There are a lot of unprecedented events involved in this movement which never happened in any other movement started by ‘some other people’ particularly those belong to the North East. There are serious questions often come out in the discussions on the existing political phenomenon in the country. While Anna Hazare’s fast could forced the government to take a lot of unprecedented moves (unprecedented speed under the ‘Anna Pressure’ to constitute a drafting committee, ‘sense’ of the house to table the draft bill in the winter session of the Parliament, forcing politicians to work overtime, and finally, the extending the session of the Parliament by three days to discuss the Lokpa Bill), how come unprecedented movement of the people of Manipur remained unheard for years?’ Many would agree that many of us are victims of corruption at various levels. However, had it been initiated by a person from the North-East would it gather enough interest and momentum to force the government to initiate so many unprecedented moves? What happened to Iche’s (Irom Sarmila) fast against so much atrocity done to the people of Manipur under the shadow of AFSPA (Arms Forces Special Power Act)? Is government giving enough attention to such movements from the periphery? Is the suffering generated by corruption more severe than the suffering produced by unquestionable power of the armed forces?

One cannot compare these two movements by any methodological yardstick. But, the differential attention meted out to these movements of two different ‘people’ exposes weakness in the existing system of democracy that cares only number than anything else. It is often asked that in the 11 years of Iche’s fast, how many times our Parliament has discussed the issue of AFSPA or sufferings that have been experienced by people in the North East day in and day out. There is a fear that in a diverse country like ours this system of democracy, which emphasizes on quantity rather than quality, certainly puts the fate of minority communities in incertitude. It is in this context that the so called ‘the people’ seems to be divided into two: ‘first people’ who have electoral significance in national politics, and the ‘other people’ which carries negligible connotation in terms of electoral politics. Therefore, when the ‘first people’ raises a socio-political issue, this must be certainly heard and attended to at any cost.

If it happens to be the voice of the ‘other people’, there is no need for any urgency and may remain unheard too. In terms of electoral politics in India it’s the majority which is taken into account. And unequivocally, it is the electoral politics that makes the Executive, and thus, in order to remain as Executive utmost importance should be given to the voice of the ‘First people’ no matter what comes on the way. Consequently, it is high time that we think of reforming our electoral system in such a way that the unheard voices of the ‘other people’ get equal concern in national politics.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/democracy-lokpal-and-afspa-differential-weight-of-peoples-movements/

By Oken Jeet Sandham
After 37 years of serving the State and retiring after reining the topmost position in the hierarchal institution, it is something a blessing. Many used to retire after serving in various Governmental departments for decades but they did not reach the topmost position. It is nice to see that someone serving full to rein the whole institution and retiring gracefully.

Kelhousiethe Kire, IPS, who is retiring as Director General of Police (DGP), Nagaland by 31st December this year after serving long 37 years in the State’s Police Department has many things to be remembered. In his long chequered service history spanning over three decades in this insurgency prone State bordering Myanmar, he would have a many to tell.

In fact, when he joined the Nagaland Police way back in 1974 as DSP, the situation at that point of time in Nagaland was simply horrible. In was a time when the people did not like to join the Police service because of the unprecedented escalation of violence between the Indian security forces and the Naga underground people. It was also a time while many Naga leaders including prominent church workers were working overtime to convince the Naga underground people to come out and have some kind of deal with the Government of India. The following year, the infamous Shillong Accord was signed between the Government of India and the representatives of the Naga underground outfit.  

So, Kire had opted for the service of the State Police and he never turned back from his avowed commitment. He himself rightly pointed out that many had sacrificed their precious lives in the line of duties while some are not. While attending a recent funeral service of a jawan of 10 NAP (IR) who died fighting Maoist militants in West Bengal’s Purulia, he said, “We all will die, but the manner in which you have sacrificed is known by the people far and wide.” “Don’t think it is worthless,” he said.

Since Nagaland got her Statehood in 1963, the State had 17 Police Chiefs and out of which only 5 are Nagas. Mr Kire has served in various capacities and before coming to Police Headquarters, he had served as DSPs and SPs and Commandants of Nagaland Police battalions in various districts of the State. He assumed office of the Director General of Police of Nagaland on March 1, 2009. He took over from J Changkija, IPS.

Remarkably, many new things like strengthening security apparatus took place during Kire’s tenure as DGP. The raising of more Mahila Battalions and Commando Units, etc, also took place. It may be mentioned that the service of 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Battalion was sought during the last Commonwealth Games at nation’s capital. The services of the personnel and officials of the Battalion were lauded by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram. The Naga women personnel were deployed in various markets in the national capital besides Delhi Metro Stations. “The Mahila battalion performed as effectively as any other force, proving that they are in no way less than their male counterparts,” said Chidambaram while addressing the 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Unit in New Delhi.

Kire continued motivating and boosting morale of jawans by personally spending his 2009 Christmas with personnel, officials and their families of 9th NAP (IR) Battalion at Delhi. He again spent his 2010 Christmas with the jawans, officials and their families of 10th NAP (IR) Battalion at Purulia, West Bengal.

Many crucial elections like 14th Lok Sabha, five by-elections including the most crucial 29 Aonglenden one took place during his tenure as State’s Police Chief. He closely monitored various security apparatuses during these elections to make sure that no untoward incidents occurred. He also wisely saved situation from erupting violence when the unprecedented impeachment of NSCN (K) Chairman SS Khaplang from the organization and its follow-up developments. His sagacious and bold decision forced the Center to come their clear stand on ceasefires with various factions.

Kire was also not only an avid sport lover but also an outstanding sportsperson. He was a great footballer. In fact, before joining Nagaland Police in 1974, he played number of football tournaments including Subroto Cup in 1967. In the same year when he joined Nagaland Police in 1974, he played historic CC Meet at Imphal and lifted the Trophy. In fact, till today, he plays football besides holding prestigious positions in various sporting Associations in the State.

He also always thinks that sports can play major role in bringing peace among the various sections of the people. There is no barrier for him when sports come to his mind. He simply doesn’t want to politicize any sporting activities in his life. In a rare manner as a Police Chief of Nagaland, he kept going to Manipur to play himself football tournaments. In one such occasion, which I would never forget in my life was his joining Nagaland Police veteran football team when they entered final of the prestigious 13th Challenger Cup 2011 held at the historic Imphal Polo Ground. They had to play against Football Club Imphal (FCI) on May 10, 2011.

It was a surprise one day that Kire just called me up asking whether I had any program on Tuesday (May 10, 2011). I simply replied, “No,” and asking him anything what I could do for him. He told me that he was going to Imphal on Tuesday (May 10, 2011) to play final football match against Manipur football team (Football Club Imphal) in the 13th Challenger Cup 2011 at the Polo Ground, Imphal. I was wondering what he was talking but he told me that Nagaland Police veteran football team entered final in the 13th Challenger Cup 2011 at Imphal and would play against FCI. “So I want to join them,” he told me. I was very happy and told him that I would be meeting him next day in his office to organize for the journey to Imphal.

I met the DGP in his office the next day. From his office we both started chalking out for our journey program. He was so simple that we would just go to Imphal. I told him to communicate with his counterpart in Manipur for proper security arrangement along the National Highway 2 – Kohima-Imphal Road (previously NH 39). I was actually worried because if anything happened while going to Imphal, it would be simply a hell. I started contacting Manipur police officials at Imphal informing that Nagaland DGP was coming to Imphal to play football final match. So, I too engaged in working out DGP’s comfortable journey to Imphal and back to Kohima. In a way, he was so simple and tension-free-type man.

So the next day, we left for Imphal. Some senior Nagaland police officials too accompanied the DGP to Imphal. We were received in 1st MR Battalion by some high ranking Manipur Rifles (MR) officials. Then hurriedly we had our lunch and the DGP, without taking any rest, changed his dress for the match. We then headed to the Polo Ground where we met Nagaland police veteran football players. They were actually thrilled seeing their DGP there not only to support them but to join them in the match. The match started at 3 PM.

On the other side, since the Nagaland DGP’s taking part in the final match already appeared in Manipur local dailies, many sports and football lovers of Imphal thronged the Polo Ground to have a glance on the Nagaland Police Chief’s skills in football. In fact, the crowd cheered when the Nagaland Police Chief entered the ground and frankly speaking, the crowd in the Polo Ground sided with the Nagaland team. Surprisingly, DGP Kire wasn’t a new person in Imphal. He had many childhood friends and many of them were also holding high positions in various Governmental establishments and institutions in Manipur. Many of them came and wished him good luck before the start of the match and in fact didn’t leave him throughout. Many Manipuris who retired from the Nagaland Police came and gave their happiest salutes to him. It was a scene of something extra-ordinary bonding between the Nagaland DGP and his past friends in Nagaland uniform service from Manipur. They didn’t speak English or even Hindi, they only started speaking “Nagamese” – a sign of true “love.” There is no sign of loss in the disciplines that maintained between the subordinates and their boss. Unfortunately, his counterpart, Manipur DGP Joykumar Singh could not turn up as he was reportedly had some mild stroke while we were reaching Imphal. We were so sorry for the news any way and Kire personally conveyed his wishes for his speedy recovery.

The first half went off without Kire. He joined the team in the second half. When he entered the field, the crowd cheered and gave him a standing ovation. The main attraction of the final match, without doubt, was Nagaland DGP’s joining the Nagaland team in the 2nd half. Although he could not score any goal, his dribbling confused many opponents. His participating in the match also boosted morale of the players of the Nagaland team.

Nagaland team played dominance in the first half too and definitely when the DGP joined them in the second half, it was really free-will match for Nagaland players. Manipur team had a tough time defending all along. Finally, in the second half, Nagaland gave one solidarity goal emerging Champion of the 13th Challenger Cup 2011.

This is the second time Nagaland police veteran football team lifted the prestigious Challenger Cup Trophy. Earlier in 2009, they lifted the trophy and in 2010, they could not take place in the Cup.

Kire was so kind that he donated Rs 1 lakh to the organizer and also while receiving the cash award along with the trophy, he took the trophy and returned the cash back to the organizers.

His simplicity and no barrier in sports and more importantly going to a place where lot of issue having, his playing football there at Imphal had not only sent a clear message to the people who were also fed-up of insurgency that “sports can bring a lot to them.” He had shown en example that political activities should not come in the way of sports and in fact the people in Imphal had shown unprecedented love and care for the Nagaland DGP. His plays in Manipur in 2009 and this year were simply “heroic.” I salute him. He played his part. He became a hero in Manipur and I am thinking if the Manipur DGP too comes and plays in Nagaland, it will be a wonderful chemistry in the relationship of these two trouble-torn neighboring States in the region. I wish a Merry Christmas to DGP Kire and his family members and to have a very happy retired life in years to come.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/dgp-k-kire-surprises-manipur-with-his-football-magic/

By C Amuba Singh
The appearance of Cheiraoba on two different dates in the same year in the MANIPUR calendar issued by the DIPR is a display of intellectual bankruptcy of the Government of Manipur. While the people, in a secular democracy, should be free to observe the festival on a date of their choice, based on belief and custom, a Government who values its authority has only one choice to make and hence the Government`s decision to have two one-day holidays on two different dates for the same occasion—the beginning of the new year—only reflects its inability to exercise its moral authority. At no time in the history of Manipur, at least in the period covered by the recordings in the royal chronicle Cheitharol Kumbaba, the Cheiraoba was observed on two different dates in the same year. It has always been on one date—either the Shajibu-Nongma-Panba, the first day of the month of Shajibu, or the day of Shajibu-Palok—but never on both. The following narrative will put this observation on a clearer perspective.

Nowhere in the Cheitharol Kumbaba, the term `Cheiraoba` finds a mention. Going by the significance traditionally attributed to it, Cheiraoba marks the beginning of the new year and not the end of a year. It is commonly accepted that the practice of `Cheithapa` was formally introduced by Meidingu Kyamba in the year Saka 1407 with one scholar named Hiyangloi appointed as the royal scribe. This is corroborated by a corresponding entry in the Cheitharol Kumbaba. However, over the period of 203 years beginning with this landmark year, there is no indication in the records of the date or day on which the new year began, although there are ample indications that this particular date comes after the month of Lamda. It was only in the year Saka 1610 (1688 CE), during the reign of Meidingu Paikhomba, that a clear evidence of the new year beginning on the first day of Shajibu could be found.

From this particular year of the scribe (Cheithaba) Wangkheirakpam Khongchomba – Saka 1610- onwards, the new year began on the first day of the month of Shajibu until  a new system of marking the beginning of the new year was introduced  56 years later  in the year Saka 1666 (1744 CE) during the reign of Meidingu Pamheiba (1709 – 1748 CE). The new year-mark was called `Shajibu-Palok`, and it corresponds initially to the Vishnu Sankranti in the Hindu calendar. (Later, from 1786 CE onwards, the correspondence was to the day following the Vishnu Sankranti as discussed later.)

For the year Saka 1666 (1744-45 CE), the day of Sajibu-Palok was the 28th day of Shajibu which is 10 April 1744 CE. Significantly, the preceding year Saka 1665 consisted of 365 days. This probably marks a transition from the lunar calendar to the luni-solar calendar system.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/cheiraoba-and-the-cheitharol-kumbaba/

By Nava Thakuria
As India is uprising against corruption, the Nobel laureate Burmese pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has extended her support to the movement. The largest democracy in the globe has witnessed a second Freedom Movement (against corruption in high places) under the leadership of Gandhian Anna Hazare. Hundred thousands citizens of the huge country have marched to the streets for a specific anti-corruption law by the government.

The Union government led by Indian National Congress party initially overlooked the issue and submitted a seemingly week anti-graft law in the Parliament. Some of Congress leaders even made ridiculous statement that Anna himself was a corrupt person and so he does not have right to speak against corruption. Anna Hazare was also put in Tihar jail for some time, but soon the government faced the hit and retreated.

Meanwhile the civil society groups under the banner of India Against Corruption have poured their supports for a powerful Jana Lokpal that may even question the Prime Minister’s Office in need. Emerged as a living legend for over one billion Indians, Anna Hazare continues the protest in the form of hunger strike in the capital city, New Delhi.

Hundreds of Indian cities have witnessed various demonstrations to showcase their solidarity to Anna Hazare’s initiative. A follower of Bapu (India’s father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi), Anna Hazare declared that his fasting will continue until the parliament enacts the Jana Lokpal by August 30, 2011. If it is not entertained his supporters are advised to go for Jail Bharo (courting arrest) programme nationwide.

Suu Kyi, who also preaches Gandhian philosophy, expressed her heartiest solidarity to the present uprising of civilians for a corruption free India and commented that corruption is in fact rampant in Burma too. Appreciating Anna Hazare for his mission, the Burmese icon  expects more people would come forward to raise voices against socio-political evils in the coming days.

Talking to a journalist (representing an Indian media group) in Rangoon recently, the National League for Democracy chief argues that the fight against  corruption and injustice will ‘go on for generation after generation’.

Meanwhile, Suu Kyi met the Burmese President Thein Sein on August 19 and it was their first meeting. In fact, after her release from house arrest in last November, the Lady was invited to the new capital in Nay Pie Taw, which is around 330 km north of Rangoon, for the first time. The Burmese media reported that after meeting the President for about a hour, Suu Kyi also met Thein Sein `s wife, Khin Khin Win and other government officials.

The Burmese exiles have seen this development as a positive gesture from the military controlled authority to Suu Kyi. Even some of them believe that the Burmese regime is still apprehensive of another uprising in Burma for a real democracy and the Indian experience may ignite the people of Burma for such movement.

“We are optimistic about the people’s movement against corruption in India and expecting that it will make definite impact on Burmese people for their long standing movement for a democratic regime in Burma,” said Dr Tint Swe, a senior Burmese political leader associated with Suu Kyi’s NLD.

Speaking to this writer in a telephonic conversation, Dr Swe also added that the uprising in India will definitely make an impact on Burma as Suu Kyi had already extended her support to the movement. He, of course, admits that the military controlled government will never allow mass protest in Burma, but even then an under current may influence the aspiring people inside Burma for another  upsurge for democracy and justice in the Southeast Asian country.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/nobel-support-for-a-noble-cause/

By Bijen Meetei
Asstt. Professor
Dept. of Political Science, Assam University, Silchar.

Now election is round the corner. In fact, most of us will be exciting with all what is going to come about: campaign, banquet, money and of course politicians, who seldom meet public, will be certainly visiting each one of us at our own doorstep. It is the time one can be sure of getting “anything” if quest for. Even if one remains confining at home definitely something will come to him too. But, should we forget to evaluate what had happened during the last 5 years? Elections comes only once in five years and it will be fallacious on our part to let it pass silently. Instead, we need to retrospect what have been changed in the last term, and what need to be done in order to improve the condition in the coming years.

In a sense, we are fortunate that election in Manipur is going to happen in a time when a lot of issues and scandals have been exposed and become focus of the media. The year 2011 was quite an important year in the recent history of Indian political system. A parliamentary procedure was initiated to impeach a judge of a High Court. There is Anna Movement against corruption; a Chief Minister of a state openly spoke in support of removing AFSPA, and charge sheeted many politicians and men in high positions for corruption and other criminal offenses. All this highlights problems of bad governance and misuse of people’s trust. In my mind, election is an opportune time to cleanse the political atmosphere that has been begrimed by personal ambitions of politicians.

The central concern of the state, or in simpler term our representatives, is to improve the conditions of people’s lives by ameliorating systems of communication, transport, public distribution, welfare schemes, law and order etc. Citizens have the right and necessity to ask the state and the representative of the people to address these basic aspects of our lives. As Lord Bryce said the test of government is the welfare of the people. If they don’t and cannot perform basic functions such as protection of lives, securing justice, providing efficient administration of common affairs and bestowal of aid to citizens in their several occupations, what is the need of placing the authority and trust in their hands?

The existing problems in Manipur are enormous too. To mention the least, every year there are economic blockades along its only two national highways which are in fact lifelines of the people of the state. Has any one of us witnessed any politicians promising with hundred per cent commitment to end this impasse? Pradip Phanjoubam recently exposed the insensitivity of the government which “continues to do little to either resolve the crisis or break the blockade by force, and seems only content to wait and watch till the agitators tire out”. It is not only in this issue of economic blockade but in all other issues that the so called people’s representatives remain hushed. For how many hours can we make use of electricity in a day? Why does government need to divide the people into VIPs (those who can pay some amount in order to have VIP connection) and non-VIPs. What about the water problem and awful conditions of roads? These are very basic existential issues forget about social unrest, unemployment, political and legitimacy crisis with which we are living today. I know most of us are familiar with these problems which have become a part of our normal life. However, how many of us really care about all this and raise these issues at the time of elections? During elections we are often swayed by money and personal loyalty, and in the process we forget to ask the basic question of our own life and living. Most of us remain oblivious to such questions like why there is a democratic process called election?

We should realize the importance of election. It intends to ensure that the government will exercise its power with consent of the people. Put it differently, election lends legitimacy to the authority of the government. It is the only time when people can exercise power over the politicians and subject latter’s actions to people’s wishes. And this chance comes only once in five years. Then, why should we let it easily slipped away. If we keep selling the our invaluable votes just for few hundred will we be able to get what we are entitled to? In fact, we, the people are very weak. We are being whammed by dirty ideals and tricks of the candidates. As a matter of fact, our minds are being colonized not in the sense of physical occupation by any external force but in the sense of being unable to rise above the corrupt system. The idea that we will collect as many 100 notes as possible and let the election passed silently makes ourselves a dependent and put into a fetter. We need to ask ourselves what kinds of leaders are being produced at the end of the day. Are they the ones who understand our problems? Are they the ones who foresee our future? Are they the ones who are committed to sacrifice their personal interest for common good? I doubt many of them even have the idea of “common good” forget about putting effort to achieve that.

It is high time that we sit back and review our own mentality towards election and our representatives. One should sense the necessity of selecting the right men as our leaders so that the authority we give them in trust is used with responsibility and care. Many of our problems would be resolved once we entrust our trust upon men of utmost personnel integrity, who know how to address our problems and have guts to materialize their election promises.

If we don’t think for the common cause and remain overwhelmed by narrow interests, we will never be able to shatter our dependency. The world has changed and we need to change too. Until and unless we, the people wake up and make ourselves politically conscious we will remain colonized and exploited.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/public-issues-and-elections-exercising-political-rights-consciously/

By Dr. Thamsing Lamkang
Pastor, LFD & Sports Resource Center

‘If you haven’t discovered something you are willing to die for, then you haven’t yet found anything worth living for’ Revelation 3:2-3.

Another year of Christmas is at hand, while the secular worlds are into hefty business in the name of Christmas. Christians will spend all they have to shop, decorate homes, buying cakes, cards and gifts for others in the name of Merry making Christmas. Whatsoever, it is only for seasonal and then it’ll be gone. But have you ever thought about the divine purpose of life? Have you ever thought about the significance of Jesus birth for your life and others close to you?

In life, we almost and always consider important on the things money can buy, and neglect on the spiritual thing which money cannot buy? I would suggest Christmas is the right time to search your heart, just as the wise men and the shepherds who search and find Jesus. They were filled with joy to find baby Jesus in the manger. Christmas is the spiritual celebrations we must celebrate Jesus by renewing our hearts and mind to fulfill the purpose of Jesus birth in our life!

I have been observing Christmas celebration since my childhood, but it is more like celebrating the day i.e. 25th Dec. without celebrating Jesus at all. We’re doing the same thing every year like a traditional program rather then celebrating the divine Son of God. I am referring to the applications of the word ‘Gospel or Good News’ in our world today.

The Good News (Jesus) is not meant to keep in us alone but pass it on to others and to do that Christmas is the right season to bring souls to Jesus. The Gospel has no meaning, no purpose and no power unless we bring it in our heart first (be born again) before telling to others. How will you give to others what you haven’t got for yourself first?

As our spiritual celebration, in everything we do it can’t be done without Jesus because it is His birthday. Jesus will be happy if you can bring souls on His birthday. It is men’s duty to proclaim Jesus and it is God’s business to bring conviction to the hearts of people. Have you done your part yet? ‘Every heart with Jesus is missionary and every heart without Jesus is the mission field’. If you cannot tell others about Christ tell Christ about others and you’ll soon tell others about Jesus.

God gave man the power to create creativity for the sake of His purpose. It is sin if we didn’t utilize what God had given to us and make life more meaningful! In Luke 5: 18-20, we know the story of some friends how they create means to meet Jesus from the roof top, “Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. Out of desperation and bold belief, they create opportunity out of no way from the roof top right in front of Jesus. Jesus was so impressed, and He said, friend I forgive your sins”. Discover the purpose and the meaning of Christmas so that, the ‘Great Joy’ of Christmas enters your family first before telling to others!

GIVE YOUR HEART & LIFE TO JESUS
‘Can you give your heart and your life to Jesus this Christmas?

Christmas: God born on earth. Christmas: God born into your own life. “Jesus’ special place and favorite gifts are your heart and your life”! Once, your life is given you are now prepared to celebrate a ‘Meaningful Christmas’. God sent Jesus to redeem your life. You must tell the ‘Good News’ to others to believe in Jesus. Then after, they too can tell others! “Christ in You” is now “Christ in Others” Heb. 10:24.

* A boy wanted to be with his Papa. But busy Pa gave chocolates, not his time. The boy stood quite besides the door. Pa gave money and sent his staff along with his son to buy anything his boy wants. But the boy come back again and stood at the same place. Pa asked him what else he need. The boy said “Pa, I want nothing, I just want to be with you.” Pa was so touched with his son’s longing ness.

The character of the boy simply reflects God’s character of love relationship, while the father’s character tells about men trying to love God by their wealth alone.

GIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO OTHERS
‘Pure and undefiled religion before our God and the Father is this; to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world’ James 1: 27.

Christmas is the birthday of Jesus. If you see in the eyes of God, you’ll find people (poor, needy, sick, and orphans etc.) their need is your attention. Whatsoever it is, when you give gifts it will be a ‘Christmas joy’ for them. Jesus will be happy to make somebody smile on His birthday!

* Tale of a Richman; one day a poor old man went to beg at the rich man’s house, but the rich man said ‘no money’. The beggar again asked for any old warm cloths, but no cloths. Then any leftover food, no food either. The beggar can’t believe to notice such a selfish rich man having no money, no cloths and not even food. The beggar asks if you have nothing to offer me, please come with me together we can beg. There are many rich people who live nothing more than the beggars.

“Why people didn’t give? Because they didn’t have. Why they didn’t have? Because they didn’t give” (repeat thrice)!

God gave you health, wealth, position and families etc. In return, can you be a blessing this Christmas? Let’s remind ourselves that “Jesus never keeps a thing of this physical world because it is useless when you leave sooner or later” But why men fights to gain what they cannot keep!

Jesus teaches us that money invested in helping others is the best investment ever. It’s like storing heavenly treasures. If you want to keep or waste your money and not willing to help others, fine! However, remember that you’ll also reap the consequences.

WHAT & WHO TO GIVE
As you give, never forget the principles of biblical giving: “You shouldn’t expect back when giving. And also, never forget to include the Good News of Great Joy in your giving”. Let us not give Christmas gifts or cakes only to rich people so that, they may give in return. There are many desperate (needy) people, who can’t afford to have what they need. “Give to others what they need, not what they want”! We shouldn’t make mistakes who to give and what to give?

The Christmas-cake which is commonly given to the non-Christians must be given with its meaning. We give out of Christmas joy and to be joyful is because of the Good News of Jesus who came to save the sinners. Can you include the ‘Good News of Jesus’ with your gifts this Christmas, especially to unbelievers?

If you are ashamed to include the good news, remember that you’re yet to know the true meaning of Christmas!!

Wishing all readers to celebrate a meaningful Christmas in the Spirit, filled with joy and happiness from above! Have a Blessed Merry Christmas!! Ring & Thamsing, the Authors!

(The article is the re-edition of “WHY CHRISTMAS???” Author by Dr. Thamsing Lamkang, Published by V. Sakhrie Kohima!

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/celebrate-the-meaningful-christmas/

By R S Jassal
Introduction
A soldier on joining any stream of Armed Forces gives undertaking on completion of his basic training, by oath or allegiance to the Constitution, “I pledge to obey the command of the President under national flag as ordered by my superiors on land, air and sea even at the risk of my life”. This is for the security and territorial integrity of our nation. There is no other service where one has to sign such an undertaking. On joining the allotted Regt, his Battalion commander popularly called as CO takes upon him all his cares from toe to head, pocket to bread and home to thread. Same is the case with officers on commissioning and he/she undergoes the same drill. Govt of India (MOD) takes care for sacrifices made and privations suffered at the IBs, But when called upon to perform duties like to fight the undergrounds/Terrorists/Insurgents/ anti nationals, the Armed Forces have to face them, most of the times, with bullets and IED blasts both in urban/towns/built up areas and in ravines, hills and dense jungle. At times some security personnel encounter their relatives/friends too from other side but they have to continue to perform their duties even if he has to be apprehended/Killed. Hence parliament has enacted one civil Act called AFSPA 58 to cover the activities of Armed Forces to obviate any harassment to them in civil court (s).

2. Aiding the Civil Administration
(a) If civil administration requisitions services of Armed Forces for assisting them to restore miserably strewn law and order by fighting out the insurgents/terrorists till the time their lethal power is blunted or the civil administration gets confident to contain/fight them out with their Police Forces, the areas, zones or the entire state is declared disturbed and Disturbed Area Act is promulgated which means Armed Forces are moved in with cover of AFSPA. The AFSPA provides Armed Forces ‘enabling power’ to carry out their tasks in good faith and without fear of unnecessary drags in the court(s).

(b) The other occasion when Armed Forces can be called in other than counter insurgency are: if civil riots erupt out on any grounds in any part of India or if civil Police revolts and refuses to perform their duties as had happened in UP under NDA rule and Punjab Police had refused to face armed Khalistani Kharkoos (Kharkoos in Panjabi term is for a terrorist). This service called ‘Aid to civil power’ is requisitioned at the highest level and Magistrate (normally class one) accompanies Army troops on all occasions. Absolutely controlled situation is restored to the DC who takes over and relieves Army with clearance certificate indicating time & date such service dispensed with. No criminal case is registered in any court even on occurrence of collateral damages, injuries/deaths.

3. Territorial Integrity Saved
Important Internal security operations carried out successfully by Armed Forces against Naxalites were in Andra Pradesh and Orissa in a distance past and in Punjab against Khalistani insurgents in recent past when Punjab continued to be placed under PR for 08 (eight) years and above. At occasions, Army troops had to operate wearing Khaki uniforms too, to boost the sagging morale of civil Police who used to almost refuse to confront Kharkoos (Terrorists)/their sympathizers and to avoid media eye. Ultimately net result, the Army had assisted the civil administration to achieve a win win position. During most disgusting and trying times when Golden Temple the highest venerated seat of the Sikhs faith was held by Sikh Terrorists under late Sant Bhindrawale control and advance of Infantry was stalled inch by inch in extricating terrorists out of Golden Temple was made a difficult task, Lt Gen R S Dayal was ordered to rid
Golden Temple of terrorist’s control. He was to take care of the sanctity of sanctro-sanctrum. A tough task indeed!  He moved the troops in and taking shelter of armoured tanks had silenced the heavy automatic gun fire from directions Akal Takhat & Darbar Sahib World eyes and ears were fixed on the ongoing operation (Op Blue Star). Had the AFSPA not been in favour of Armed Forces, such Generals and other officers would have been facing the courts like some other SSP(s) and other Police Officials faced after democratic Govt was placed in position. CrPC was also not found protective enough. No Army officer was harassed after their withdrawal other than allegations put forwarded about removal of Gurudwara Sahib properties/precious possessions but no case was allowed to be made Allegations whether correct or otherwise were difficult  to prove but Panjab was put back on democratic rails.  Presently Army is operating a Chhattisgarh in a different manner since Central Police were getting devastated by the Maoists there.

4. Situation special to Manipur
In the past three decades, specially since 2004, many military operations against insurgents/terrorists were launched. It was experienced no where any pitched battle was heard to have been fought by any group of UGs, holding to the ground. Their strike power stands blunted as in 2011. Govt of Manipur has relaxed AFSPA by removal from municipal limits. Picketing by UGs in State Secretariat and other corporate houses to monitor the annual budget for percentage cuts has been neutralized. Important UG leaders have been arrested. Inter State operations to nab UG leaders have picked up momentum and leaders from cosmopolitan cities and from foreign soils are being nabbed and some are facing trial. Many UG organizations have signed SoO. Yet the major and threatening activity creating Psycho fear is on i,e EXTORTION.
Coercive threats are given to some politicians not to contest elections. Wresting of supply orders and contracts from the Govt are still on. The state cabinet is therefore not only hesitant to lift AFSPA from other areas but sometimes thunder out to re-impose it in city areas too on occurrence IED blasts and killings. However its prolonged imposition is also not a healthy sign.

5. Factors affecting L/O causing insurgency environs in Manipur:
(a) Myanmar (upper North-West) has Kachin Independent Army Controlled Areas.  It is further closer to Kumning and Yunnan (Tibet now China). It is central home to all Insurgents groups of NE and nodal communication point for move of arms, narcotics needed for the terrorists/insurgents to keep insurgency pot boiling. It influences activation of Ledo road for ULFA & NSCN (K) through Sadiya- Tinsukia –Dibrugarh to all directions.

(b) Other than this, entire IB with Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Eastern wing of ArP (Chinglang and Tirrap), are stimulated for negotiated shelter to UG groups as and when Army operations take place on Indian side, Porous nature of IB and availability of miles together similar ethnic asylums from North to south along IB with Myanmar are other factors affecting military operations.

(c) Bangladesh’s hop-changing political hands between BNP and Awami league; BNP generally goes into hands of fundamentalists and thus eroding our border peace giving upper hand to ISI – Chinese forays which  juvenates our UG groups whose socio-political and economic demands are difficult to be met Continuous ISI efforts to circulate fake currency into NE and converting ethnic  Muslims of Manipur (Pangal Meities) and of Assam  to work for larger Islamic Agenda is another ever increasing threat as it can make second base for separatist Islamic fundamentalists of South Asians  specially Thailand (Aceh Province) Survival  of PULF in Manipur is a warning bell for the combined command in Manipur and Assam. It can also keep communal tensions on the high.

(d) On socio economic front illegal arms and drugs trafficking through Myanmar i.e. White Mafia will keep on adding to the health of insurgency and it suites many with different comotations.

(e) Political administrative discrimination, divide between hills, valleys, unequal land laws, integrity –cum- disintegrity struggle of valleys and  hill people, monetary loot through proliferation of UG organizations with protection from important politicians and influential suits the insurgents to carry on.

(f) Impartial Police Force is always the unifying force for any State/Nation. In Manipur it is visibly doubtful. Hence perforce bureaucracy and No one(s) of the State (Governor and CM) also look to Central Forces (CISF) to take care of their protection. One does not have to have a bigger proof than this.

(g) Merger agreement 1949 for Manipur UGs on one side, unfulfilled point 13 of Sixteen point Agreement NNC/FGN (now NSCNs) for Nagaland on the other side  is good enough for insurgent causes as reasons never to close.

(h) Lastly, though not the least, UG groups in Manipur getting proliferated as many as big and small almost 36, Manipur State strategically located on easy route to Golden triangle boosts wishes of many to get rich quick and to the Kachins of Mytkiyana State (Myanmar) which has attained the Status of NE UGs brooding and recouping centre will keep on dictating law and order inside Manipur. KCP from valley openly admitting as Maoists linkage, ULFA and NSCN too with them is another wheep wheep of the times.

6. Permanent Irritant
Some UG groups have taken upon themselves the cleansing of politics task too during local self, State and general elections. All above factors amalgam are responsible for causing continuous serious law and order disturbed blaming insurgency as the root cause on one side and deplorable law and order situation blaming administration for causing insurgency on the other hand. It is a vicious circle.

7.  Twin situations and AFSPA: Two regions are inviting AFSPA to be imposed and also to be removed partially as well as to be repealed totally in one case. Kashmir as is known mercenary insurgents and terrorists in support from various Islamic Countries are active there just to keep the tag of international issue tag hanging. Conventional fight at IBs is not possible for them and every time they tried they got beatings badly.

8.  Inventing Argument in favour of AFSPA
(a) AFSPA is a Civil Act enacted by the Parliament of India for deployment of Armed Forces to meet violent internal situations created by underground militant outfits to further their illegal and unconstitutional causes. The law provides necessary powers and legal support to the Armed Forces for carrying out proactive operations against the militants in a higher hostile environment.

(b) The AFSPA in general and of Sections 3, 4 and 6 in particular, came up for scrutiny before Constitution Bench of the Apex Court in a case titled ‘Naga People’s Movements of Human Rights Vs UOI’.  The five judges Constitution Bench elaborately dealt with the challenge to the legality of deployment of the Armed Forces in aid to civil power.  The court unambiguously ruled that AFSPA cannot be regarded as a colourable legislation or a fraud on the Constitution.  The Apex Court considered and opined that the conferring of powers vide Sec 4 of AFSPA could not be held arbitrary or violative of Art 14, 19 or 21 of the Constitution. In fact having considered the role and circumstances under which the Armed forces have to operate, the Hon’ble Court extended the scope of powers vested vide 4 and 6 of AFSPA so as to include by implication, the power to interrogate the person arrested.  It also allowed the Armed Forces to retain the weapons seized during the operations in their own custody rather than to hand over to police authorities.

(c) Indian Army has well established operational doctrines and have earned the reputation of best Army in duties abroad as well within the Nation. Its secular role in nation building activities stands aloftly upright. Campaign of various organizations/individuals against AFSPA without analyzing the implications if AFSPA is removed is to seek weakening of the ultimate law enforcing authority left with Govt. of India once it goes beyond capabilities of civil police to handle. This anti campaign assists external forces who are hell bent for dampening morale of Armed Forces in achieving their heinous aim. The antecedents of such campaigners need probity and investigation since situation in Manipur is known to them as well which is highly volatile and explosive.   

(d) Constitutional Government decides whether a situation warrants Army deployment or otherwise.  AFSPA automatically rolls back once Army returns to barracks. Moreover unified central commands with Police – Armed Forces and civil administration under Chief Secretary are paying good dividends and situations in both Kashmir and NE regions are being brought under control.

(e) Partial withdrawal may not prove good. It must be either invoked or completely revoked. How proportionate withdrawal can help? Insurgent is unlawful. Armed Forces trooper is bound by law. If he is chasing some unlawful in his area covered by AFSPA & that UG enters in zone declared ‘not covered under AFSPA’ will he have to abandon the chase. It puts him to questions of inefficiency, hobnobbing with UGs, blame of assisting insurgents to escape and putting life of his informer(s) in danger at the hands of UGs.

(f) Unified Central Command   is the right authority to recommend for withdrawal of Army/AFSPA or otherwise. However period of engagement of Armed Forces on IS duties needs examination and reduced by workable viable. 

(g) Critics should not forget Army is moved in only to deal with extra-ordinary situations which definitely needs extra ordinary legislation and AFSPA meets both military as well civil prescriptions.

Conclusion
9. How can India’s fresh LE policy options for changing South East Asian region can fructify  if its domestic foundations go weak with functioning of groups of people from within its soil  inimical to India are  allowed  to function  openly and unopposed  within its International Border States like Manipur and Kashmir. I feel particularly sad about the confusion on AFSPA shot open without capitulating that its invokement and withdrawal is   a political expediency to be decided by PMO Secretariat particularly in view of 16th amendment of the Constitution in 1963 which makes it clear that no activity can be allowed or even advocacy of secession will not have the protection of the freedom of expression. And what happens when terrorist activity starts bang with loud slogan of secession as in case of Kashmir & Manipur! Will you not deploy Army and if so why Army should not have cover of AFSPA in the same name or similar powers under changed name?  Please compare now percentage of people it does good to, percentage who face it, barring aside collateral damage done- where-so-ever is punishable even under AFSPA as it is, read its clause carefully.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/an-argument-in-favour-of-afspa/

By Keisam Pradipkumar
Miss Boinu Haokip 15 years (name changed) from Churachandpur district, never dreamed that she would be sexually abused many times, when she reached Mizoram. She left home with a high hope of getting some training cum job in a beauty parlour, however she was forced to enter in the flesh trade. They did not give food, harassed and kept her inside a locked room and threatened that she would be killed.  When she was rescued after many weeks from Mizoram, she was so traumatized that she even could not narrate the ordeal she went through, before  the Child Welfare Committee, in Imphal.  

In recent times,  Manipur has become a fertile source for Child Trafficking, with  many children including young girls, have been trafficked to other Indian states and foreign countries like Malaysia, Indonesia  and Thailand. In October 2008 five girls from Tamenglong district narrated their nightmarish experience suffered in Malaysia and Singapore breaking the deafening silence of all concerned stake holders.  Around 350 trafficked children from the state have been rescued and repatriated to Manipur under the supervision of Child Welfare Committees and Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Manipur during the last three years.

However, a number of  cases of child trafficking still remained unresolved, either unreported or untraceable. The absence of a comprehensive legislation for combating child trafficking results in lack of  speedy investigation, charging, prosecution and sentencing of traffickers. Besides,  providing adequate support services for the rescue, counseling, care, repatriation, rehabilitation and healing of children who have been trafficked are the need of the hour. 

International Campaign against Child Trafficking (ICACT) report  reveals that children are trafficked into forced labour, illegal adoptions, forced marriages, for begging and criminal activities, to transport and sell narcotics, into gangs, conflict and armies, for their organs and body parts or cult rituals; and for sexual exploitation, this includes child prostitution and child pornography.

As more vulnerable they are, women and children bear the brunt of human trafficking at the most. The ever spiraling down economy, widening gaps between haves and have-nots, degrading  social values, conflict and hostile environment  are impacting largely upon gender equity; resulting in   growing number of violence against women in our society, irrespective of domestic and outside, marked  with series of torture,  rape, murder, fake suicide etc. Misusing of mobile phones, opening of restaurants with dark and secluded rooms, easy accessibility to pornographic films have also encouraged pre marital sex and  sexual violence against women.

Another perceptible social index showing an enduring gender violence agonizing  our mothers, sisters and daughters would be, the sharp declining sex ratio among the children.  Manipur state’s alarmingly declining trend in sex ratio i.e. falling down to 934 in the year 2011 from 957 in the year 2001 ( in the age group 0-6) is a matter of great concern. It is evident that existing legislations failed  the prohibition of sex selection, before or after conception thereby killing many girls before getting birth in this land, where people are proud of   Sharmila, Mary Kom, Kunjarani and many lady luminaries.

We are lamenting that number of conflict widows and PLHA widows are increasing day by day  as Manipur, being a armed conflict zone and a state gravely afflicted by HIV/AIDS menace. Obviously, females ought to be outnumbered the male population.  However, in contrast to the aforesaid backdrop, population of women ever remains low comparatively to males. The latest sex ratio of Manipur state as per 2011 census stands as 987, means there is 987 female for every 1000 male.

Here, a relatable question is where have gone those women? Leaving aside the female feticides issue, the unreported and clandestine trafficking of women and girls would be another prime reason for diminishing of women population in our society.

It is reported that state like Punjab, is presently facing a sheer  decline of female population due to varied  reasons. It is opined that certain repressive measures used for countering insurgency movement in Punjab during emergency period had badly affected the fertility rate in Punjab. Punjab  has total population sex ratio of  893,  and 846 in the age group of 0-6 yrs  as per 2011census. Further, Punjab is said to be having certain villages recorded  “ Almost without  female population” .  In order to fill up such a shocking low declining sex ratio and large human void, trafficking of women from other states is highly needed. Because, such trafficked women are forced to marry as common wife for many brothers, and would be treated as sex slave.  Keeping a common wife for many husbands or brothers saves monitory expenses.

Ms Ranjana MM, State Programme officer, ICDS Manipur, also an imminent social thinker opined “ The drastic  sex ratio is testimony of various social dynamics implicating  the women and womanhood, it should be timely resolved.”  Emphasizing the need of further research and study on the linkages of trafficking  vis-à-vis declining  sex ratio, she said “ We must be  vigilant about the emerging trafficking trends,  otherwise  many girls would be fallen in the tricky hands of  traffickers and chances  of being trafficked for  common wife or sex slaves are  very high”.

Considering aforesaid and other similar  thriving pull factors, the most recent reason for Trafficking of North Eastern women, among others, is arguably for forced marriage and  common wife.

Therefore, in a society like Manipur, having various overriding diverse push factors, such as unemployment, conflict, displacement, globalization, HIV/AIDS epidemic, hostile environment; the frequent reports of missing of young married women, girls, huge migration of young girls to outside states in search of jobs  must be observed from a redefined perpective . 

It is high time that civil societies and states of  north eastern region, and particularly the Manipur state  to be alert and well equipped in order to shield  their children, daughters and sisters  from the clandestine ways  of Children  and Women trafficking.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/sos-call-on-girls-and-women-trafficking/

By B.G. Verghese
A visit to Pakistan lays bare the uncertain future facing this troubled country despite much bravado and whistling in the dark. The economy is in parlous condition with growth no more than three per cent, 12% inflation, falling FDI, IMF support withdrawn and repayments due next March, public enterprises bleeding, power cuts, a gas shortage, unemployment, a continuing low HDI performance resulting in failure to meet several millennium development goals. With implementation of the 18th Amendment, a structural problem has arisen with increased revenues going to the provinces and “inflexible” expenditures remaining with the federal government. The “War on Terror”, howsoever calculated, is said to have cost the country $60-70 bn whereas US aid has been no more than $18 bn.

The saving grace has been buoyancy in the rural economy with bumper production of wheat, cotton, sugar and milk and a transfer of income from the towns to the countryside.  Defence expenditure accounts for 18 % of the revenue budget and internal security an additional 10 %. The tax to GDP ratio is low and collections lower. Poor governance, mismanagement and corruption are held responsible for this sorry state of affairs.  The extensive 2010 and more limited 2011 floods devastated large swathes of the Indus basin. Independent surveys attribute this not merely to aberrant rainfall, deforestation and consequent heavy erosion in the upper catchments, but poor maintenance of barrage and canal infrastructure that gave way and have yet to be fully repaired.  Despite all of this, opulent (urban) and feudal life styles have not been affected.

Pakistan continues to be afflicted by political turbulence and military assertiveness in governance. The Memogate crisis (following an alleged missive drafted by the former Pakistan ambassador in Washington, Hussain Haqqani, at the instance of President Zardari and handed over to the US military by a controversial Pakistan- born US  businessman, Mansoor Ijaz, pleading for US pressure on Gen Kayani to avert a coup after the inglorious and incomprehensible Osama bin Laden episode, in return for a more zealous Pakistani  role in the War on Terror), incensed the Army and has given it greater ascendancy over the civil government. The Foreign Minister, Ms Hina Rabbani Khar, admitted that Memogate had provoked questions. The Army had “played a larger-than-life role in the history of Pakistan” and the assertion of civil power in the existing democratic set up had to be an “evolutionary process”.

It was at this delicate moment that US-NATO forces bombed a border post, killing 24 Pakistan military personnel in the fog of war. Outrage and fury marked nationwide demonstrations denouncing the Americans for deliberately and repeatedly violating Pakistan’s sovereignty with drone attacks along the AfPak border. The engagement lasted two hours with ascending ferocity despite US-ISAF commands being informed. The Americans aver they were given permission by to engage a Taliban riding party but the Pakistanis assert they were provided the wrong coordinates. The other theory is that the Taliban decoyed the US into action by firing on its aircraft. Both sides have ordered inquiries, pending which Obama has refused to apologise, though senior US officials have regretted the loss of life. 

Many issues arise. US forces have not infrequently been responsible for “collateral damage”. while Pakistan has a long record of violating  Indian (and Afghan) sovereignty through well-established cross-border strikes. Despite its protestations of innocence about the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden, the Pakistan Army had sheltered him under its eye in Abbottabad. Since the Army does not admit to singular incompetence, complicity alone explains what happened.

As in Abbottabad, so in the Mohmand border post strike, the Pakistan Air Force or ground forces did not engage the intruders? Why not? In both cases the Pak military presumably thought discretion the better part of valour as it feared escalation would cost it dear. However, Pakistan has closed all US supply routes to Afghanistan and ordered the US to vacate the Shamsi air base in Bolochistan from where it has mounted drone attacks on targets in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Curiously, but typically, the Shamsi based was leased to the UAE (for what ??) which had in turn sub-leased it to the US. So much for sovereignty!

Pakistan has declared it is reviewing its entire relationship with the US. It will huff and puff but is unlikely to break its military-strategic alliance with Washington. China is not willing, nor militarily able just yet, to take on the US role of playing military godfather and banker to Pakistan. It is already getting all it wants strategically from Islamabad by providing it military supplies, nuclear reactors and assistance to upgrade and extend the Karakoram Highway, build the Neelum-Jhelum and Diamer-Bhasha dams and undertake mining projects in Gilgit-Baltistan. It has also proposed a trans-Karakoram rail link from Tibet and Xinjiang to Gwadar and an oil/gas pipeline along a similar alignment.  

With its economy on drip, Islamabad needs US aid as much as the US needs Pakistan’s cooperation to sustain an effective presence in Afghanistan. Therefore, the current stand-off is likely to be followed by a rapprochement, continuing US aid and more elbow room for Islamabad to position itself as top-dog in Afghanistan when US-IASF militarily pull out in 2014. Pakistan is talking to its own Taliban as a first step. Its formal boycott of the Bonn conference on Afghanistan will not necessarily detract from that meet. The fact is that the US is part of the problem rather than of the solution in Afghanistan. The best option would be to secure a truce in Afghanistan, regionalise a reconciliation and reconstruction programme for it (with Pakistan, Iran, India, China, Russia, Turkmenistan, Tadjikistan and others), with US-European and World Bank backing. The object should be to rebuild its infrastructure and economy and restore to a neutral Afghanistan its traditional role as a thriving crossroads and international commercial hub.

Unfortunately, Pakistan is still caught in a hate-India identity crisis, reflected in its uncorrected school text books, and the fetishism it has developed about J&K. The last week of November saw the Jamaat-ud-Dawa take school children from Faisalabad to Lahore to protest the US/NATO Mohmand air strike. The speeches spoke of plans to Talibanise Pakistan, wreak vengeance on “Christains and Americans” and wage jihad against the US and India.

The decision to extend most-favoured nation treatment to India and promote trade and investment is greatly to be welcomed. But, tolerance for JuD hate rallies suggest that, for some, this could be no more than a tactical move to tide over a difficult time. Hopefully, the opening of trade and investment it will be truly transforming. Some weeks ago, the widow of Moshe Dayan, the Israeli hero of the 1967 war, wrote “Zionism has run its course”. The same is true of the “Ideology of Pakistan”, born of a hollow and divisive two-nation theory. A recent article in Friday Times, Islamabad, commented, “By now everyone in Pakistan should at least suspect that being ‘not Indian’ isn’t a strong enough foundation on which to build a country”.  How true.
www.bgverghese .com

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/troubled-pakistans-uncertain-future/

By Subir Ghosh
The rise of the Hollywood system started with companies which developed a way of manufacturing films on a large scale. It went on to be so successful that European companies sent over people to study and, if possible copy, it. Among these American companies was Adolph Zukor’s Famous Players-Lasky Corporation, created in 1916 after the merger of Adolph Zukor’s Famous Players Film Company — originally formed by Zukor as Famous Players in Famous Plays — and Jesse L Lasky’s Feature Play Company.

Eventually eight production companies were incorporated into this giant, which went on to become one of the biggest players of the silent film era. Famous Players-Lasky is best remembered for its vertical integration of the film industry and illegal block booking practices. Famous Players-Lasky reoriented itself as Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation in 1927, later becoming the Paramount Pictures Corporation (now a division of Viacom).

Zukor, who was born to a Jewish family in Ricse, Hungary, and migrated to the United States at the age of 16, was not satisfied with consolidation. The cost of producing films was rising – screenplays cost more to purchase and the rise of the star system meant that celebrities were demanding higher salaries. Zukor needed to increase revenue, and he would do so over the next ten years by integrating film production, distribution and exhibition into one corporation.

The Famous Players-Lasky Corporation defined the system. At the centre of the product package was the featue film – usually about 90 minutes long. Ten-minute newsrools or animated subjects would often complement the feature film, which in turn had to be a story of unusual interest, produced at an average cost of $ 100,000. The success of Italian blockbusters like Dante’s Inferno (1911) in the US market had proved that longer films drew audiences.

This film enlarged the audience: while the average two-reel Motion Pictures Patent Company films would be played for two days, Dante’s Inferno ran for two weeks. The former would be shown in 200-seater Odeons for 10 cents, but the Italian hit was screen to audiences for $1 in a 1000-seat rented theatres. The rules of the game had changed, the industry gave in.

If the length of the film increased, you also needed someone to hold the audience. The Hollywood producers understood this well, and the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation better than anyone else. In fact, to quite an extent the success of the corporation went to Zukor’s deft handling of the star system. Stars like Mary Pickford, Rudolph Valentino, and Gloria Swanson, among others, helped define the Famous Player-Lasky brand.

All promotional efforts of the Hollywood producers centred around the star cast. Publicists had to acquire the art of manipulating the new techniques of mass advertising and mass communication to create a recall value in the minds of the audiences. Stars were also the differentiating factor between one feature film and another. Zukor integrated the star system into his vertical integration plans. He not only bought off stars from other corporations, he also put in place a system to develop his own stars. The plan worked and the salaries of stars rose too. Pickford, who earned $100 a week in 1909 went on to command $ 10,000.

The vertical intergration system had come with its share of problems. In 1919, Famous Players-Lasky faced a boycott from the First National Exhibitions Circuit, a group that controlled 600 theatres in the US. At the core of the Corporation’s bullying tactics was the distribution policy, which required theatres to purchase large blocks of feature films. they were also offered options such as “program distribution”, in which the exhibitor booked a single evening’s worth of entertainment, and “star series” in which the exhibitor signed up for a given number of pictures per year featuring a particular star. This made Famous Players-Lasky go in for its own theatres. By the mid-1920s, it was one of the largest theatre owning concerns in the world.

Most actors, however, remained chained to the big film corporations. The first to break away from the Hollywood system were big names, legends by any standards: Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford joined hands with filmmaker DW Griffith to form United Artists in 1919. UA had it successes but could not match up to the demand. Theatre owners wanted three Chaplin, Fairbanks and Pickford films in a year, but the group was able to deliver only one every two years. UA provided refuge to filmmakers and actors fleeing from the clutches of their Hollywood bosses, but could not provide assembly-line products.

Within the system producers realised that shooting a story out of order rather than chronologically record it was less expensive. Planned scenes would be filmed, an editor would reassemble them, following the dictates of the script. This pre-arranged plan came to be known as the shooting script. The shooting script would soon become the paper based on which everything would be decided – from whether it would be filmed at all, to how the producer would eventually plan the promotion, based on the stars who would be cast.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/the-hollywood-production-system-and-stars/

By Joshy Joseph
The moment you are struck with an idea, the search for an ‘adda’ also starts somewhere within you, although the gestation period can vary from person to person. While I  was in my village, Kadamakudy, which happens to be an island in the backwaters of Kochi, the village poet Josekuttan was my lone patient listener.  When I look back, I realize that I was not being fair to him whenever his turn came.  I played the role of my later years’ comrade and critic Vidyarthy Chatterjee in the formative years back in the backwaters.  I was a judgmental listener.

The nearby cinema theatre ‘Sri Durga’ was one and half  hours away by a  country boat ride.  Once in a while my mother with her  gossip gang of friends used to take me along with my younger sisters  for a first show .  At around 4 ‘O’ clock we had to start from Kadamakudy with packed  eatables and drinking water etc.  The  person who used to row  the country boat was known as ‘pottan’ in the village.  He was deaf and  semi-dump.  He  couldn’t speak but used to make some  sounds and was still able to communicate well with my mother .  He was always available for the hard work of rowing for almost  three hours to and fro, for a free film ticket and  some refreshments  .

My mother was a dramatic narrator of stories.  While we row back at night in the lit up backdrop of the Chinese nets which  would be going up and coming down with a creak sound  in the  saline waters and with each rowing of boatman the saline water glows  making  glaaw-glaaaw sounds.  My mother  with her attentive  audience would be re-telling the story of cinema which all of us had seen just half an hour ago.  This  narrative sessions are embedded in my memory like  carvings in a cave,  although I have  no distinct memory  of the original experience of viewing the cinema .  In the midst of  this post-screening  oral cinema sessions, unexpected interventions of ‘pottan’ with a laughter  or an exaggerated facial or hand gesture, stopping  his mechanical action of rowing for a while, slowed down the movement  of the country boat momentarily.  But it added a multi-dimensional   performative  edge to this unique  experience of oral cinema.  My mother would improvise and interpret even pottan’s interventions with enviable creative energy. 

Yes sir, the moment you are struck with an idea, and the moment you feel that compulsion of trying your idea on someone else,  the  definite signs of birth pain of a cinema happens. Later, you might have expanded the original spark into a hardbound or spiral  bound script, but still with each incident of knocking at the doors of an actor or  producer, you might have to still practice some form of oral cinema. Some  may call it, ‘one liner’, or  ‘the thread’ or ‘story line’.  My friend  M. Ravi Kumar, who is a gifted Tamil writer was the executive producer of a Kamal Hassan film- ABHAY – which was shot bilingually both in Tamil and Hindi.  I had accompanied  Ravi  with a show reel of this Kamal Hassan film, to en-number  of distributors’ meetings .  They will be treating you with a cup of tea or soft drinks  and speaking with a Gujarathi or Punjabi accented  Hindi. Ravi first hypes  his film  with its special features .  Then he plays the DVD.   The dance sequences with Manisha Koirala are titillating.  The action scenes are terrific. The technique used is trendy and heady.  The distributor agrees with Ravi on everything .  Now comes the  monetary part.  The accented Hindi suddenly comes out with an observation – “Ravi Sir, everything is fine.  But Kamal Hasanji is not tall enough for Hindi cinema. !”

Poor Ravi was stuck. He could have argued out on any aspects of cinema and convinced  the distributors .  But what  can he do about the height of an actor ! The end result of these comments were obvious.  It    brought down the height of the prices on the negotiating table.

Another city .  Another aura.  Catherine breillat is a popular and controversial figure in both modern French literature and cinema .  She deals with  sexuality  in both her writings and cinema without  any hang ups.  As Vidyarthy Chatterjee is an authority  on Latin  American and European cinemas, I rang him up to get the correct spelling of  Catherine’s surname .  The conversation didn’t  end there.  He said  that Catherine shoots her own novels into films.  The rest of the story is known to me as I had seen her important works, some years ago at Kolkata Film Festival.  Ansu Sur was the Director of the festival then.

At the packed Rabindra Sadan auditorium, Ansu Sur introduced  Catherine to the audience. The mike was handed over to Catherine.  Since you are going to see the film, I should not speak before  it and as the film is being  screened , I  should not speak and  disturb you, and once the screening is over, I need  not  speak at all!  This is how another French director introduced  his film.  But Catherine is Catherine .  She spoke at length.  She did not tell the story.  She did not try to explain the sub-conscious or sub-text.  She spoke about her  way  of making films. Her  cast is unconventional.  She deals  with sexuality as it is done in pornographic films.  She uses experienced  porn-stars.    Ansu Sur was wriggling a bhadralok  wriggle .  Such things are not discussed at a forum like this.  He gave her a sign of ‘time out’,  which did not work. Catherine kept on telling the Rabindra Sadan mob  about  the stark realities of the medium of cinema  which most of us tuck under the carpet.  How difficult it is for an actor to be natural and aroused for an intimate scene in front of the camera.  A male actor turns off when the camera turns on.  So she uses   porn-actors, who could behave naturally and keep it up too! The audience were with Catherine  for her baring of soul without any inhibitions.  She added that, the best cinematographer in the world wouldn’t  be able to  lit up a scene, if the actor doesn’t glow from within.  I have never experienced such testing times for a festival programmer. I could understand the festival director’s discomfort but enjoyed it more,  as an action/reaction shot, live on the stage.  Oral cinema became full blown oral, on that day in Kolkata.

But  oral  tradition is not all about trivia. When a fellow film-maker becomes vocal about his feelings on a work of art and puts it down in some form, somewhere, it attains an inspirational level for any debate on cinema.  It happens in literature without an effort all the time.  In cinema these are rarities.  At the best cinema could be an external expression of an internal  universe and at the worst it is just external and external only. It takes birth in the market .  And the market only knows sales talk. In yesteryears’ Bengali cinema, existed universal artistes, not  just Globalised Manufacturers .  Let me quote : “No one before  Ritwik had made  a film of this kind.  Apparently, it is a dull picture.  The Hero is a driver and the heroine, we can say, is a Car.  The boldness was in the attempt to impose something human on the vehicle which could be termed  as a kind of anthropomorphism.  I do not say that this attempt  to humanize the  car clicked successfully in all the sequences.  But having in mind the Bengali audience, it is simply amazing  that Ritwik had the courage to make such an experiment  .  Besides, in ‘Ajantrik’  what I think really worth noticing, apart from the subject matter, are the cinematic qualities that make a film really meaningful.  Let me give some examples.  There are some particular shots where nothing special is happening and there is very little subject matter.  Yet, in a particular context the shot reaches a lyrical depth and a bold dimension  which is possible only for a very powerful director, such as Ritwik, to create.  A lot of things have been done with the motor-car.  Just the car, quietly standing on the edge of a lake in the evening.  The angle, the composition, is so striking that the car seems  to be talking to us.  Then, in another scene, we see only the bonnet of the car.  On the bonnet is the cap.  Bimal removes the cap, pours water into it and then gives two or three turns  to the cap with his hand and in order to close it properly he gives three gentle strokes with his rough hand.  And that is all. We see against the background of the sky the front of the bonnet and Bimal’s hand.  This is something wonderful.”   Thus spoke Satyajit Ray

Yes, cinema starts with a spark,  organically grows into cinema and finally gets seen.  The circle of oral cinema hits you very badly, in ‘Meet the Press’ programmes of film festivals, where you have  to narrate your own cinema orally and on the basis of your oral rendering, questions are asked.  Thereby  cinema  returns to just an idea again ! What an idea, Sirji.
Is  cinema oral or temporal ?

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/oral-cinema/