K-Featured – Page 68 – Manipur News

Manipur State police observes 123rd raising day

IMPHAL, October 19: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today called upon the people to co-operate with the government and its law enforcing agencies to improve the State`™s law and order

IMPHAL, October 19: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today called upon the people to co-operate with the government and its law enforcing agencies to improve the State`™s law and order situation.

Addressing the 123rd Manipur Police Raising Day Parade ceremony at the 1st Manipur Rifle Parade Ground today, the Chief Minister said once the law and order situation improves, people from outside the State will come to invest and help in improving the financial condition of the State.

He continued as the State`™s law enforcing agencies have been giving full priority to protect the lives and properties of the people, the State government is also giving priority to their welfare.

He further appealed to the men in uniform to carry out their duties with dedication, sincerity and integrity.

At the same time, the police cannot maintain law and order without the support of the general public, he said before adding that they should maintain a good relation with the public.

The State Chief Minister said that during a recent conference at Shillong, it was acknowledged that Manipur had the highest number of tourists in the entire region, which could mean that the law and order situation in the State has improved.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who is also the State Home minister said people should not consider the policemen as outsiders, but should understand that they are there only for the safety of the public.

The Home minister also lauded the State force for a commendable job in controlling the recent Ukhrul issue.

During the raising day celebration, 31 personnel including ranking officers and non-ranking personnel received the DGP Commendation Certificates on behalf of their officers/ men of their respective districts/ units. Several other ranking officers and non-ranking personnel also received the DGP Commedation Certificate/ Disc.

The Chief Minister also inspected a 17 contingent strong march past parade which was led by commanding officer 8th IRB (Cdo) Ningshen Vashum as parade commander.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/state-police-observes-123rd-raising-day/

Record 94.92 percent voter turnout at 38-Hiyanglam bye-election

Imphal, October 17: A total 94.92 percent of the electorate cast their votes at the Hiyanglam bye-poll which concluded peacefully today. Despite reports of some minor skirmishes in a few

Imphal, October 17: A total 94.92 percent of the electorate cast their votes at the Hiyanglam bye-poll which concluded peacefully today.

Despite reports of some minor skirmishes in a few polling stations, the bye-election went without any cases of violent incidents.

Polling began at 7 am and continued till 4 pm but the polling duration was extended in 38/13 Lamjao Girl`™s LP School, the polling station with the maximum number of voters, as a result of the sloppiness of polling personnel and the large number of voters.

In all the 34 polling stations, people turned out in large numbers and waited in long queues to cast their ballots.

Polling station number 38/13 Lamjao Girl`™s LP School with a total number of 1150 voters, making it the the biggest in Hiyanglam, registered a turnout of a total 96.26 percent.

Despite having more female voters, the polling station witnessed a higher male voter turnout as 96.63 percent of the 564 male voters cast their ballot as compared to the 95.90 percent turnout witnessed among the 586 female voters.

However, 38/32 Arong Nongmaikhong P/S at 97.09 percent witnessed the highest voter turnout. The polling station which recorded the lowest turnout was 38/24 Thongjao Primary School at 92.37 percent.

An analysis of the male-female ratio has revealed that men turned out in greater numbers only in seven polling stations, while 27 polling stations witnessed a higher female turnout, as per the statistics released today by the returning officer of 38-Hiyanglam AC. The polling stations that recorded more male voters than female voters were 38/1 Sekmaijing P/S( East Wing), 38/2 Sekmaijing P/S (West Wing), 38/5 Hiyanglam Ibotombi P/S, 38/6 Hiyanglam Makha P/S, 38/13 Lamjao Girl`™s LP School, 38/21 Lamjao Tejpur LP School and 38/31 Arong Junior High School.

The final tally for male voters stood at 93.73 percent whereas for the female voters it stood at 96.05 percent as per the statistics released this evening by the RO of Hiyanglam AC.

Polling station number 38/34 Thounaojam Primary School (South Wing) with only an electorate of 411 voters, the smallest in the constituency, witnessed a turnout of 93.67 percent.

The State police and BSF personnel deployed for the bye-poll provided tight security in all the polling stations preventing any untoward incidents during the polling hours.

In some of the polling stations with less number of voters, polling ended as early as 3 pm. Overall, the poll percentage in all polling stations during 7 am to 1 pm was high as per the records of the presiding officers of the polling stations.

All the candidates rushed to the largest polling station as polling continued even after 4pm at 38/13 Lamjao Girl`™s LP School. Talking to media persons at the sidelines, BJP candidate M Dhanabir exuded confidence of winning the bye-poll.

It is good that polling has concluded peacefully but polling at the largest polling station is going at a snail`™s pace in comparison to other polling stations. The main reason being that it has the largest electorate which is further compounded by inexperience of the polling personnel, he observed.

Meanwhile, BJP general secretary M. Asnikumar Singh said this election will witness a political game change in Manipur. Now, people have changed and no money power or muscle power can decide the result of the elections in Hiyanglam anymore, he added.

MPP candidate Mayengbam Amutombi expressed disappointment with the people of Hiyanglam for not understanding the current state of affairs in the constituency.

This election will reveal to the people of Hiyanglam how unaware they were of the future. National political parties have spread a dangerous disease of bribery to the people. They treated the election as a big festival by buying voters with money, he rued.

AITC candidate Dr Yumnam Radheshyam observed that the poll was conducted peacefully without any signs of violence in all the polling stations. The huge turnout of voters shows that AITC is close to winning the bye-poll, he adds.

Meanwhile, MPTCC vice president M Thoiba said AITC will lead in 16 polling stations and records suggest that the chances of success for AITC is increasing in all the polling stations.

CorCom general strike concludes peacefully

IMPHAL, October 15: The 18 hour general strike imposed by the Coordination Committee, CorCom a conglomeration of six outfits namely KCP, KYKL, PREEPAK, PREEPAK (Pro), RPF and UNLF hugely affected

Keisampat Juction on Black Day

IMPHAL, October 15: The 18 hour general strike imposed by the Coordination Committee, CorCom a conglomeration of six outfits namely KCP, KYKL, PREEPAK, PREEPAK (Pro), RPF and UNLF hugely affected normal life in the State today.

The general strike was called as part of the CorCom`™s observation of the National Black Day against the signing of the merger agreement on September 21, 1949 at Shillong following which Manipur merged with India.

It commenced from midnight yesterday and concluded this evening at 6.

Market places remained closed for the day at most places including in the State capital and elsewhere.

Both the main bazaars of the State capital remained empty and deserted.

Government offices also witness thin attendance. Schools, colleges remained closed.

Both inter-district and inter-State passenger services remained off the roads. Roads wore deserted looks.

However, no untoward incidents were reported during the general strike.

Medical emergencies, religious rituals and the media were exempted from the purview of today`™s bandh.

THOUBAL (correspondent): The 18-hour general strike concluded peacefully in the district this evening. Most roads in the district remained deserted, while most government and private institutes remained closed for the day in the district.

Important offices in the district as well as the otherwise busy market places in the district, Thoubal market and Kakching market also remained closed for the day.

JIRIBAM (correspondent): The general strike also affected normal life of Jiribam. Vehicles coming from Imphal towards Nungba, Tamenglong and Silchar,

Cachar Assam were also held up at several areas. Educational institutes, government offices, banks and oil pumps as well as markets and shops remained closed.

However, no incidents occurred during the strike.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/corcom-general-strike-concludes-peacefully/

Frustrated Congress is Howling at Hiyanglam

Cartoon Credit to http://www.cartoonistsandeep.com/ A article by Sumatibala Ningthoujam Volcanic MPCC going to erupt soon. Earlier under the protection of UPA-1 and UPA-2, MPCC has successfully practiced the techniques of

Cartoon Credit to http://www.cartoonistsandeep.com/

A article by Sumatibala Ningthoujam

Volcanic MPCC going to erupt soon. Earlier under the protection of UPA-1 and UPA-2, MPCC has successfully practiced the techniques of hypocrisy and had fooled the public for quite a long time. However, of late, Congress has been gradually rooted out from various prominent states viz M.P., U.P., A.P.,Bihar, Bengal, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Punjab etc. In the recent Parliamentary Election, Congress has been routed so badly that they could not get the post of the opposition Leader even though they had tried their best. No doubt with the formation of Modi-led Congress free NDA govt at Delhi, Manipur BJP has been displacing Congress in the political Arena of Manipur.

Confronting with a surge of BJP’s popularity in Manipur, frustrated MPCC led by CM and Deputy CM is helplessly howling at Hiyanglam. This is nothing but the proverbial Crocodie Tear. As their inherent quality they are always concerned for the public just before the election and forget after the election. Their deep rooted political gimmick should be totally rejected this time. Their muscle/ money power is also not going to help them this time as they can not fool the public all the time. At Hiyanglam our desperate CM said “If Congress candidate is elected in the remaining two and half years, development work would be taken up in Hiyanglam”, implying no development would take place if no Congress Candidate is elected. Being a CM, Mr. O.Ibobi is not expected to have said such an ambiguous and discriminate statement. CM is also infamous for not respecting the assurances/promises he had given to one or the other so called JAC. Even his own party legislatures are highly demoralized since he has not respected the assurances he had given to them. Even if the Congress candidate is unfortunately elected from Hiyanglam, he has to join the Club of Frustrated Congress legislatures as he has no other choice. If we can recognize the signals emitted by MPCC, it will not be an exaggeration to say that the volcanic (Due to the strong repulsive forces interacting among the various sub-groups of MPCC) MPCC will erupt provably sometime in 2016.

Indomitable BJP. Today world’s leaders are queuing up to work/collaborate with Mr. Modi. With a world class competent leader, BJP’s surging popularity is causing headache for MPCC. It is unfortunate that Deputy CM Mr. Gaikhangam has taunted BJP candidate Mr. M. Dhanabir for not associating with Trinamool congress for which his late father was an MLA. It is well known that in India there are many families from where father and son, mother and son, brother and brother have been affiliated to different Political parties as the Indian Polity/Constitution allows it. For Mr. Gaikhangam’s perusal a few prominent examples are: Vijaya Raje Scindia was BJP while son Madhav Rao Scindia was congress, Mr.Varul Gandhi is BJP and Mr. Rahul Gandhi is INC etc. He has also mocked BJP President Mr. Th. Chaoba Singh as a party hopper who had been admitted twice in BJP in a short time. But there are plenty of leaders getting admitted twice in a particular Party. Prominent example is our Honourable President Pranab Mukherjee. In fact after observing Manipuri film industry openly supporting the BJP candidate at Hiyanglam, Mr.Gaikhangam became nervous and started throwing baseless allegations against BJP which were nothing but a bunch of unconnected hoaxes. Mr. Gaikhangam should better keep in mind the proverb that while staying in a glass house one should not throw stones at others. If someone digs out his antecedent like how he had taken the initiative of realizing the Dream of Nagalim, his political career in Manipur would be at peril. Recalling the alleged EVM manipulations with the tacit consent from UPA-2 during the State Assembly election 2012, his bossism of having 47 legislatures is nothing but the symptom of him losing his ethics.

Regional Party. Trinamool congress is a Bengal based regional party. Simply because of the uncompromising attitude of their leadership, they could not manage to play a role in National Politics and is unlikely to do so in the near future. Presently their so called High-Command in Kolkata is in a big trouble because of their alleged association with Saradah ponzi scam. So they have left MPTC in the lurch. Their low profile MP Dr. Anupam Hazra while campaigning at Hiyanglam after being briefed by MPTC has declared to get AFSPA-1958 revoked if the Trinamool candidate would be elected. However while The Trinamool Congress was a component of the central Govt, the positive approach to their supremo for rising the issue of AFSPA and The Iron-Lady Irom Sharmila had been overlooked. In the same context, their Rajya Sabha MP Md Nadimun Huq during a Trinamool Election Campaign at Langmeidong gave assurance to the public that if Trinamool Candidate is elected, ILPS would be discussed on the floor of the House. Hope the Hiyanglam Electorate will not take this Trinamool Election gimmick seriously. After all, the lack of leadership and severe fighting among local leaders of MPTC are well known to everybody in Manipur.

MPP & MSCP : Instead of campaigning to get their candidate elected, the regional party MPP is concentrating in their cherished strategy for fighting 2017 State Assembly Election in alliance with BJP for their political survival. And MSCP is complacent with just fielding a candidate for the By-Election justifying their political existence.

Result: Hence analyzing the pros and cons for all the stake holders of Hiyanglam By-Election, it is obvious that only the BJP candidate can bring about development to Hiyanglam at least by reminding the Development Assurances given by the Central Ministers. So this is the right time for Hiyanglam electorate to do everything possible for getting their only Lotus blooming in Manipur State Assembly.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/frustrated-congress-is-howling-at-hiyanglam/

Chief Minister acknowledges plights of ex-servicemen in State

IMPHAL, October 14: `I am aware of the plight of the ex-servicemen in our State and I would like to re-assure all that the government is looking into their various

IMPHAL, October 14: `I am aware of the plight of the ex-servicemen in our State and I would like to re-assure all that the government is looking into their various problems. These problems will be resolved in the near future,` State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said today during an ex-servicemen rally.

The rally was organised by the Red Shield Division of the 57th Mountain Division at Leimakhong.

Today`™s rally is a platform, which provides has us with an opportunity to interact with the ex-servicemen and their families and help in identifying their problems, he said.

The Chief Minister also said that the State government has taken measures to pay Rs 1200 per head per month as financial assistance to the 18 surviving veterans of the World War II.

It may be mentioned that the State cabinet, during a meeting on October 9, had approved a pension scheme for the surviving WW II veterans which was announced the same evening by government spokesperson M Okendro.

Chief Minister Ibobi said Manipur has experienced a sea change and is trying to emerge out of decades of conflict and economic stagnation.

`There has been a visible transformation all around. I see a silver lining in the cloud for all of us.`

He said Manipur has been a part of the Indian Military history for many years and is proud to be associated with the likes of Netaji Subhash and the martyrs who had made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

It was here in Manipur that we stalled the attacking troops during the second Second World War, he said.

The Chief Minister also expressed appreciation of the hard work done by the Red Shield Division in getting together the ex-servicemen fraternity under one umbrella during the ceremony.

Meanwhile, the deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said it is for these men in `olive green`™ that we all sleep peacefully in our homes.

The morale of the ex-servicemen and veer naris are inspiring to all of us, since they have acted as a strong foundation during tough times, he said.

During the ceremony, Chief Minister Ibobi also distributed gifts to WW II heroes, while deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam distributed gifts to widows of servicemen.

The rally was also attended by Social Welfare minister Ak Mirabai, GOC 3 Corps Lt General Bipin Rawat GOC 57th Mountain Division; Major General PM Bali, IGAR (S) Major General Rajeev Chopra as the functional members of the rally.

Lt General Bipin Rawat briefing media persons said that the rally is being organised for ex servicemen, war widows and disabled ex servicemen of Manipur.

He stressed on the wide publicity of various central/ State/ army welfare schemes for the ex-servicemen and also spoke about the inaugural edition of the bi-annual news letter for ex-servicemen.

Battle for Hiyanglam AC: Deputy CM puts Th Chaoba in the crosshairs

IMPHAL, October 12: `People are amused when the State BJP president Thounaojam Chaoba who deserted the Congress after accumulating the best possible benefits criticises the party. He is ill-equipped to criticise the party. Truth be told, he is yet to become the person who can criticise against the party and the words of an unqualified person can be summed up by the proverb that empty vessels make more noise`, stated Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaikhangam who is also the State deputy Chief Minister.

He was addressing a public meeting as a part of the election campaign for Congress candidate Elangbam Dwijamani who is contesting the bye-poll to the 38-Hiyanglam assembly constituency at the Ireima ground in Sekmaijin Khunou today.

Assuming the people of Hiyanglam to be naÃ¯ve, the BJP president is making a lot of untenable promises, he continued.

However, people are acutely aware of what kind of a person the BJP president is and with which party he began his political career. Thounaojam Chaoba, an unscrupulous opportunist who have duped people on many occasions and is now acting as holy as a Tulsi leaf, must know that he will be taught a befitting lesson, the deputy Chief Minister said.

There is an instance in which the BJP president has requested to join the Congress again, Gaikhangam said, but his request was turned down as his interminable disposition of defecting from one party to another was well known.

He left with dejection after he was categorically told that the Congress was not an inspection bungalow and there was no place for people like Thounaojam Chaoba who speaks without considering the pros and cons, Gaikhangam added.

The deputy CM said he has lost count of the number of parties the State BJP president has defected from adding that he has re-entered the BJP twice in a short period of time.

Emphasising that the upcoming bye-election is crucial, he urged the people to teach a lesson to the political party which is remorselessly spreading canards by making it suffer a heavy electoral defeat to discourage it from contesting in any polls ever again.

The Congress party will teach a lesson to this political party by making it stay away from the elections forever for casting aspersions on the Congress by alleging that it hasn`™t done anything for the people in the State discounting the various developmental projects it has done in this short period of 12 years, he warned.

It is perplexing how the State BJP president has not noticed the various development works which is obvious even to small kids, he added.

Pointing out that the Congress candidate if elected will be able to take up many development projects during the remaining two years for Hiyanglam Kendra, he urged the people to help elect the party`™s candidate.

The BJP candidate is a wayward individual who doesn`™t know to respect his elders. His late father must be turning in his grave after coming to know that his son has joined another party by deserting the party that he has joined so enthusiastically, Gaikhangam said.

By considering all these factors, the BJP candidate might come third in the bye-poll, he added.

Mentioning that the AITC candidate has also become quite adept at defecting from one party to another even before entering the stage, the deputy CM asked the people to refrain from trusting other political parties and appealed to vote for the Congress.

Hiyanglam By-Poll, the would be Waterloo for MPCC

A article by: Sumatibala Ningthoujam Gradual sinking of Congress in Manipur. The Pseudo Secular Congress has been ruling Manipur uninterruptedly for the last thirteen years promoting corruption and scam like the

A article by: Sumatibala Ningthoujam

Gradual sinking of Congress in Manipur. The Pseudo Secular Congress has been ruling Manipur uninterruptedly for the last thirteen years promoting corruption and scam like the Loktak Fumdi scam. World’s Longest Highway Blockade snapping the life line of Manipur had occurred in Manipur under the Congress rule. Severe man-made artificial fuel crisis recurs on and off in Manipur. At times petrol price would go up to more than Rs.200 per litre. Never did the puppet govt at Imphal raise a question against the imposition of inhuman AFSPA-1958 in Manipur. On the contrary, they had worked in tandem with Delhi to suppress the genuine Gandhian protest of Miss Irom Sharmila against the AFSPA. Rubbing salt to the mental injuries of Manipuries, Ibobi led Congress govt had chosen to ignore sexual assaults and fake encounters committed by armed force personals. If the congress govt wanted to respect the sentiments of the common people they could have amended the constitution and re-implement the ILPS in Manipur. It seems they are intentionally allowing deterioration of law and order for reasons best known to them. It is strange, even the Home-Minister Mr.Gaikhangam has been alleged to have provided a safe escape route to the sexual assaulter of a Manipuri film actress. Many prominent citizens have been killed or kidnapped and then killed. However Manipur police could not identify the killers to date. Yet Manipur Police under the dubious Home-Minister are excellent in fabricating fake FIR against any person who dares challenge the congress legislatures. No doubt they are quite notorious because they have been very often caught red handed while committing sexual assaults and other crimes to helpless civilians passing through lonely isolated areas. When the protectors have turned out to be the attackers, what else could we expect from the irresponsible Ibobi govt? They are superb for creating situations such that even the bureaucrats in Secretariat have been compelled to work as the hand-in-globs for implementing their nefarious personal interest schemes. The most unfortunate tragedy for general public is that Police is functioning as Congress’ Political agents. It is worth to be quoted here that during the State Assembly Election, 2012 the then Thoubal Top-Cop was acting directly as political agent of a ruling Congress Legislature who used to get his opponents jailed taking the biased service of the Top-Cop.

Many projects/schemes like Mini-Hydel Projects sanctioned by the centre could not be accomplished till today because the allocated funds have been swindled by the corrupted ministers. Even the minimum required power is not made available in Manipur. In the modern computerized machine age development is just next to impossible without power. This is the main reason for why development is still eluding Manipur. It is ridiculous that there is no power at home but our CM had assured Myanmar for supplying power to Tamu town and setting up a Thermal Power Project at Sagaing region of Myanmar.

Degrading Education. Proper education is indispensable for a better future. No country/State can afford to neglect education. But look at Manipur, our Education Minister is dragging Education Department to its Doom. Being a minister he presumes nepotism is his perquisite and hence got his brother-in-law appointed Head Master bypassing other senior and more qualified teachers. He had announced from a social forum that he would relinquish the ministerial post in case he could not give education a positive change within six months. Since then four times the six months has lapsed and education has gone from Bad to worse. However he has not yet kept his words. Being a megalomaniac he had boasted for getting TED question papers by a chartered Flight. Look at the contrary! In spite of his repeated assurances there are many schools/colleges without Head Masters/Principals and the basic infrastructures. Yet from time to time whenever a public forum was available he used to announce one or the other Utopian projects/programs like opening Amity University in Manipur, construction of Hostel for retired teachers etc etc. In Mahabharath Drishtarastra had always approved Duriyodhan’s actions. Exactly in the same manner CM O. Ibobi endorses all his nefarious activities. CM has recently expressed his inability of controlling bureaucrats and said it is hundred times better to die rather then not respecting one’s own statement/promise. But he is famous for not implementing what he had said/promised. Even what he had assured to his own party legislatures is not respected.

Industry with no output. With respect to Industry there are plenty of loopholes in the functioning/implementing system of the Department due to which no common people have got the subsidized marginal loan under the PMEGP scheme for the last four years. In Manipur, unfortunately, all the prospective PMEGP candidates presumed challenging the concerned minister or the scheme implementing officials is meaningless. This is justifying to a certain extent. We came across hundreds of the so called JAC. Each one of them came with a Big Bang and vanished after issuing an ultimatum “if all the demands of JAC are not satisfied/accepted by this date stern action would be taken up and the authority will be responsible in case of any untoward incident happens”. After all what is the use of flogging a dead horse? Nothing. Simply we can say Ibobi led Congress Govt is the mirror image of the Historic Kansh Raj in Mathura. Now the proper time has come for the Hiyanglam electorate to play the role of Bagavan Shri Krishna for defeating the Demon congress.

Abuse of State force. It is highly regretted that abusing State forces and money power congress has congregated all its MPs, MLAs, Councilors and workers from outside Hiyanglam A/C at Langmeidong playground adjacent to the residence of Trinamool candidate Dr. Radheshyam and conducted its political campaign. At the end congress had been humiliated as the frustrated locals booed away the CM while exiting from the most unethical campaign. Nowadays at night, congress legislatures with money bags and official armed escorts are zig zagging across Hiyanglam A/C and distributing money to the targeted electors. Under the prevailing handicapped atmosphere MPTC could ensure the defeat of congress by supporting the BJP candidate. At present MSCP is also in the same Boat with MPTC and so their winning probability is zero. However by contesting the Hiyanglam By-Election MSCP has vindicated its existence causing a severe headache for Home Minister Gaikhangam. If somehow all the non-congress parties are united against the congress (as happened at Konthoujam), then congress’ muscle and money power would be of no use.

MPP, the Regional Party. Well! We wish a reliable and competent regional party in Manipur promoting our State’s interest. However unlike Shiv Sena, Akali Dal, Telegu Desham etc MPP is continuously loosing ground. Past is past. Today there is not even a single popular leader for leading the party from the front. All their influential leaders have migrated to other parties or retired from active politics. What a pity that there was no one to take the responsibility for party president. Ultimately having no other alternatives the party has managed Mr. Sovakiran as an ad hoc president. During his tenure ECI has derecognized MPP as a regional party. Various ambiguous statements of the inconsistent president have misled the common man. Publicly he has attacked all the National parties. However during the Parliamentary election, 2014 he had come forward to support BJP candidates. Now he says MPP and BJP would have a friendly fight at Hiyanglam By-Election. Is he suggesting to support the BJP candidate at the last moment? He can’t fool the public all the time. His hidden strategy is crystal clear today. That is if MPP goes to fight the State Assembly election 2017 on its own, as present situation indicates, they will not get even a single candidate elected. However if MPP allies with BJP the Ad Hoc president and some other candidates have some probability of being elected. The Ad Hoc president is day dreaming the Mogli’s Hashin Sapna that could turn out to be a nightmare.

Bi-Polar By-Election. As D-Day is approaching Hiyanglam By-Election has turned out to be Bi-Polar (BJP-INC). During the MP election, 2014 the Modi wave could not penetrate into Manipur. But with the formation of congress free Modi Govt in Delhi, BJP wave is gaining momentum in Manipur. Modi led NDA Govt has allocated Rs.100 crore for establishing a Sport University in Manipur acknowledging Manipuries’ valuable contribution in the field of Sport. Transport Minister Mr. Nitin Gadkari has given the assurance for initiating all the required works for the National High-Ways across Manipur. During the Flag-Hoisting ceremony of BJP at Hiyanglam, Mr. Modi’s representative and Union Home Minister(State) Mr. K. Rijiju has promised a Big Project for Hiyanglam. Not only this, if elected he would take Mr. Dhanabir straight to Modiji and would get Modi sanctioned more development projects for Hiyanglam. It is very important to note that Modi has personally nominated Dhanabir as a BJP candidate for Hiyanglam By-Election. This shows NDA Govt, unlike the previous congress govt, gives due importance to minor states like Manipur. World leaders are queuing up now for collaborating with Modi. For a resurgent Manipur we must move with Modiji.

Just after the formation of NDA Govt in Delhi, BJP Manipur had become the most credible political party in Manipur and randomly admitted many people without cross checking their credentials. Spineless congress legislatures (as they have approached the party functionaries to get admitted in BJP) should never be admitted as a few of them could be liability for the party. Unfortunately during the last few days we have come across a certain allegation of corruption involving the President of BJP Manipur dampening the momentum of BJP. In due course if any one was found to be acting against the interest/principle of the party he/she would be eliminated. Hence for the time being in the bigger interest of the State we all should do our best to get a Lotus Blooming in Manipur Assembly by keeping the unsubstantiated allegation in Deep Fridge.

Vigilance team raids BOSEM office, staff interrogated

IMPHAL, October 10: State Vigilance Commission sleuths today seized financial documents and interrogated staff of the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur in connection with a complaint of financial irregularities.

A team of the State vigilance led by an additional SP raided the BOSEM office at Babupara today around 11:30am.

Financial documents of the Board of the period from 2003 to 2014 were seized and staff of the Accounts section questioned, sources said.

It is also learnt that the raid was conducted with permission from the board chairman following complaints from a committee of the board against the failure of some Accounts section staff to rectify financial irregularities.

Prior to the complaint lodged with the State Vigilance, the committee had provided the staff of the Accounts section to rectify the irregularities within a month`™s time.

The same source informed that account procedure and daily cashbook closing including local fund audit and audited statements were not properly maintained before the arrival of the new chairman.

Calls to save Loktak Lake reverberate

Saving Loktak bouden duty of the people, says Chief Minister BISHNUPUR, October 8: Loktak Lake is nature`™s invaluable gift to the people of Manipur. Trying to save the lake from

Saving Loktak bouden duty of the people, says Chief Minister

BISHNUPUR, October 8: Loktak Lake is nature`™s invaluable gift to the people of Manipur. Trying to save the lake from further pollution and degradation is our bounden duty, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said today.

The Chief Minister was attending the 25th Loktak Day observation as the chief guest at the Sendra Tourist Ground.

Safeguarding the Loktak Lake from further pollution will not only be beneficial to the environment but will also help in attracting more tourists, he continued.

Developing the lake is a common issue for all of us, Ibobi told the gathering.

He said the government is trying hard to tackle the issue by properly seeking out the vulnerable areas which are leading to its pollution.

Elaborating further, he said siltation is one problem which is leading to the degradation of the lake. Cutting down of trees in the hills is leading to silting in the rivers which feed the lake, Ibobi observed.

He said rivers like the Nambol River are feeding polluted water into the lake leading to its further degradation.

The government is also finding ways to treat the polluted river water before it reaches the lake, he continued.

According to the Chief Minister, other steps taken up to check siltation include planting of trees in the catchment areas, cleaning and digging up the lake using new technologies.

The government needs cooperation from the people inhabiting the surrounding areas of Sendra in its effort to conserve the lake, he asserted.

He continued that the locals will not be forced out like animals as rehabilitation or resettlement arrangements will be made for them. He also appealed against construction of huts on the phumdis in the name of fishing.

The Chief Minister also observed that the Takmu Regional Sports Complex would be a more suitable location for the Canoeing and Kayaking complex than Komlakhong.

He further appealed to all against politicising sports and said the National Academy of Sports Manipur was not brought to the State by the Congress or the BJP, but due to the hard-work of the sportspersons.

He continued that all political parties are invited to attend the October 11 felicitation of the sportspersons and team officials from the State who had participated in the Incheon Asian Games.

Today`™s observation was also attended by Thanga MLA T Mangibabu as president, parliamentary secretary Mairembam Prithiviraj, Kumbi MLA S Bira, Bishnupur adhyaksha zilla parishad Th Ithoibi Devi, Indian Canoeing and Kayaking Association national vice president Jotin Waikhom and ex-minister and Loktak Festival Celebration Committee president Heisnam Sanayaima as guests of honour. The observation was organised by the Loktak Lake Development Organisation.

Meanwhile, the day was also observed at the Loktak Lairembi Ground, Thanga under the theme `Save Loktak Save Environment and Save Life`™ organised by the Loktak Festival Celebration Committee, Thanga.

The observation was attended by Thanga zilla parishad member Ningthoujam Dinesh as chief guest, Thanga Part I pradhan Haobijam Tharongou Devi as president and Bishnupur adhyaksha Th Ithoibi Devi, upa-adhyaksha A Brojen and Thanga part II pradhan kh Binarani as guests of honour.

Environmentalist Dr RK Ranjan, (retd) lecturer O Tomba, prof N Joykumar, sr asst professor Dr H Nilakanta also spoke as resource persons.

The main highlights of the day were cultural shows, Tapta musical night, etc.

Meanwhile, it is also learnt that there was a brief commotion at the Sendra Tourist ground venue of the day, when certain individuals believed to be representatives of the Moirang Municipal Council came on stage and complained against identifying the venue as Sendra Thanga while stating that it should be Thanga Moirang.

The observation was disrupted for sometime after the candle lighting programme. At the same time a bandh was called at Moirang Bazar against putting the venue as Thanga.

The commotion ended after the Thanga written on the banner of the observation was covered up.

At the same time, the suspected Moirang Municipal Council representatives asked the media persons to report the venue as Moirang, representatives of the Thanga panchayat representatives came and asked the media persons to report it as Thanga.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/calls-to-save-loktak-lake-reverberate/

Japanese tourist with suspected Ebola symptoms kept in JNIMS isolation ward

Blood samples of patient sent to Pune lab, results awaited IMPHAL, October 5: A Japanese national who recently entered the State from Myanmar and having Ebola-like symptoms is being kept

Blood samples of patient sent to Pune lab, results awaited

IMPHAL, October 5: A Japanese national who recently entered the State from Myanmar and having Ebola-like symptoms is being kept in an isolation ward at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) with tests results awaited, said hospital officials.

The patient is identified as Kawakubo Yuko, 27 and is now kept at the female medicine ward special ward unit 3 bed no 7 of JNIMS (having patient number 1415011125).

Although nothing could be confirmed at this stage, epidemiologists had sent her blood samples to the National Institute of Virology, Pune yesterday.

The reports are expected to be delivered within 48 hours of sending the samples.

Several tests conducted on her including Kidney Function Test, Liver Function Test, Malaria MP OptiMAL, scrub typhoid anti-body, optimal rapid malaria, complete hemogram have turned out to be negative so far, said JNIMS medical superintendent Dr W Gopimohon.

However, as a precautionary measure, doctors and nurses attending the patient were seen wearing bio hazard suits.

According to Dr Gopimohan, Yuko was admitted in JNIMS around 3pm yesterday.

She was brought in from Raj Medicity, North AOC.

He said the patient was brought to Raj Medicity from Classic Hotel with complaints of high fever recorded to be above 100 degree Celsius.

The patient was examined by a doctor identified as Dr Digen at Raj Medicity and underwent Typhoid test, which however turned negative, he continued.

Further according to the JNIMS MS, the patient`™s body temperature was recorded at 99.4 degree Celsius and blood pressure at 11/70 at the time of her admission to the hospital.

Dr Gopimohan said she was on her way to Nagaland from Myanmar and Manipur was only a stopover.

She had left Tokyo in June for Singapore by air and travelled to five countries in the region including Malaysia and Myanmar. From Myanmar, she crossed over to Manipur on her way to Nagaland, he said.

Her itinerary also included travelling on trains and she had also spent 20 days at Tamu waiting for her visa to enter Indian Territory, he said.

However, the three other countries where she had travelled to from Malaysia couldn`™t be confirmed, Dr Gopimohon continued.

After acquiring her visa she entered into India and checked in at Classic Hotel, however her date of arrival at the hotel cannot be confirmed, he said.

Dr Gopimohon also informed that the Director of Health Services, Manipur had officially intimated JNIMS to prepare for an isolation ward.

However, since isolation ward was not available at JNIMS, two senior doctors Dr Lokeshwar and Dr Biren suggested referring the patient to RIMS which has the appropriate facility, but due to strong instruction from the director, she is being kept at JNIMS.

MSAD Press Release – Delhi: Demonstration against injustice to boxer Sarita and felicitation to medal winner in the boxing event at the 17th Asian Games

Manipur Students’ Association Delhi (MSAD) Press statement 3rd October 2014 A demonstration expressing solidarity to the courageous stand of the international boxer Laishram Sarita against injustice and condemning bribery and favouritism

Manipur Students’ Association Delhi (MSAD) Press statement

3rd October 2014

A demonstration expressing solidarity to the courageous stand of the international boxer Laishram Sarita against injustice and condemning bribery and favouritism in sports was held today, 3rd October 2014, in front of the office of the Indian Olympic Association in New Delhi. In fact Sarita had dominated the semi-final bout against her South Korean opponent Jina Park, at the recently held 17th Asian Games, at Incheon in South Korea. But the judges had favoured the host country and had awarded the bout to her opponent. Sarita had applied for a protest but it was rejected on certain alleged technical grounds. The Indian officials had failed to help in her fight for justice. But Sarita continued with the protest and refused to accept the bronze medal awarded to her. During the medal ceremony she took the medal by the hands and hung it around the neck of Jina who have been awarded silver medal. The organisers took a dim view of Sarita’s action and initiated for a disciplinary action. Finally Sarita was forced to either accept the medal or face the consequence of some harsh disciplinary action. The issue of injustice, bribery or favouritism in the sports in general and irresponsible attitude of the Indian officials have been covered up.

MSAD Delhi: Demonstration against injustice to boxer Sarita and felicitation to medal winner in the boxing event at the 17th Asian Games

Today’s demonstration was organised at a short notice by the Manipur Students Association Delhi. It was attended by about hundred persons, mostly students from Manipur. The demonstration raised the banner demanding ‘Justice to boxer Laishram Sarita: down with bribery and favouritism in sports’. Several placards were raised condemning bribery and favouritism during the boxing boutand lack of responsibility by the Indian officials.At the same time, two joint memorandums were submitted via the internet to the President of the Indian Olympic AssociationMr. N. Ramachandranand the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Youth Affairs and Sports Shri SarbanandaSonowal. Hard copies of the same memorandums will be submitted to the respective offices tomorrow.

MSAD Delhi: Demonstration against injustice to boxer Sarita and felicitation to medal winner in the boxing event at the 17th Asian Games 7

The joint memorandums demanded the Indian Olympic Association: (1) To tender an apology to the Indian contingents in general and Sarita in particular for having failed to assist her in the time of need; (2) To immediately institute an official inquiry to investigate the matter and to take up disciplinary action against those guilty Indian officials; (3) To take up immediate appropriate initiatives to defend Sarita from any disciplinary action by AIBA or OCA or any other organisations; (4) To take up immediate appropriate initiatives to internationally expose the injustice that was done to the Indian boxers at Incheon and to take up disciplinary action against those guilty officials.

MSAD Delhi: Demonstration against injustice to boxer Sarita and felicitation to medal winner in the boxing event at the 17th Asian Games

The joint memorandums were endorsed by: Alana Golmei, General Secretary, Northeast Support Centre & Helpline; AngambaMoirangthem, President, Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur; Anthony Moiranthem, President, Manipur Students Association, Pune; Dr. George T Haokip, General Secretary, Institute Alternative India; Dr.LaifungbamDebabrata Roy, President, Centre for Organisation Research & Education Manipur); Dr.MalemNingthouja, Chairperson, Campaign for Peace & Democracy (Manipur); IsanChandam, Secretary General, Students League Manipur; JitenYumnam, Secretary, Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur; Mr.Lc. Jinine, North East Human Rights Defenders Committee; OinamBijendro Singh, UCAL Badminton Association Delhi; Raju, Advisor, Manipuri Young Mind Association Delhi; SapamBanipraksh, Vice-President, Manipur Students Association Delhi; Sarajuddin,President, Manipuri Students’ Federation; SomorendroKhangembam, General Secretary, European Manipuri Association, and; TabaDoni, President, Arunachal Students’ Union Delhi.

After the demonstration, MSAD organised a felicitation programme for Sarita and Mary Kom. While Sarita attended the programme, Mary Kom could not respond to the short notice, as she have been engaged with prior appointments elsewhere. The whole programmes of the day was successful because of the active role of the volunteers, sympathisers and the financial donations by Bhakta Kumar, Campaign for Peace & Democracy (Manipur), Jiten Yumnam, Johnny Irengbam, Rahul L, Manipur Young Mind Association Delhi, Somorendro Khangembam and Students League Manipur.

Manipur Students’ Association Delhi
3rd October 2014

MSAD Delhi: Demonstration against injustice to boxer Sarita and felicitation to medal winner in the boxing event at the 17th Asian Games

Irom Sharmila comes out strongly against violence

IMPHAL, October 3: Anti-Armed Forces Special Powers Act crusader Irom Chanu Sharmila today condemned violence in crowded places and said usurping the feeling of freedom from the general populace is

IMPHAL, October 3: Anti-Armed Forces Special Powers Act crusader Irom Chanu Sharmila today condemned violence in crowded places and said usurping the feeling of freedom from the general populace is highly condemnable.

Speaking to media persons as she was being taken out of court of the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Imphal East, after a hearing today, she said revolutionaries had come out to bring a change or a revolution in the society for the welfare of the people.

However, if one wants to bring changes or raise a revolution, one need to first cleanse their character, thoughts and themselves, she observed.

Sharmila said exploding bombs in the middle of the city as if a volcano erupted all of a sudden is unfortunate and questionable.

She said she is fighting for the whole people against use of violence in governance and violation of the people`™s rights.

Sharmila was today remanded to further judicial custody till October 18.

IIK rewards Sarita with National Pride Award

IMPHAL, October 2: The Indian community in Korea has honoured pugilist Laishram Sarita with the IIK National Pride Award, which include a cash award of USD 1710, contributed by Indians

IMPHAL, October 2: The Indian community in Korea has honoured pugilist Laishram Sarita with the IIK National Pride Award, which include a cash award of USD 1710, contributed by Indians in Korea.

According to a release of the Indians In Korea, the honour has been conferred to Sarita in recognition of her brave act and her performance in the ongoing Asian Games 2014 at Incheon.

It said the citation of the award mentioned that: `Indians In Korea (IIK) community is proud of you for giving best performance at Incheon Asian Games 2014. You are the real winner for us and will always be.

As a token of appreciation, IIK is pleased to award you “IIK National Pride Award” with a cash value of USD 1710 contributed by Indians In Korea (IIK) members as a respect for your performance.`

The statement recalled that following the controversial loss in the semi-final bout against South Korean boxer Jina Park despite the fact that Sarita was clearly the better of the two pugilists, Sarita on Wednesday stunned officials and spectators by refusing to accept the bronze medal.

It continued that the Indian subsequently also lost an appeal against the judges` decision and on Wednesday tearfully made her way to the medal ceremony. Crying bitterly on the podium, Sarita first refused to wear the medal before handing it over to Park after sharing an emotional hug with the home boxer.

The statement added that Sarita`™s brave act has united the Indian community and made Indians in Korea feel proud of their nation, hence IIK award entitled as `IIK National Pride Award`™ has been conferred to her.

Further it said that AIBA in its statement indicated that its supervisor and Technical Delegate David B Francis have submitted a report to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) concerning the case.

IIK strongly believe that the brave act of Sarita will persuade the AIBA to look into the case more positively and seriously, in terms of changing rules of judging rather than taking actions against Sarita and Boxing India Team, added the release.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/iik-rewards-sarita-with-national-pride-award/

Injustice to Indian boxer Sarita tarnishes images of boxing world & 17th Incheon Asian Games

By Oken Jeet Sandham In my 36 years of sports careers particularly in the field of martials arts – Karate, Kick-Boxing and later 25 years in Muaythai – I have

By Oken Jeet Sandham

In my 36 years of sports careers particularly in the field of martials arts – Karate, Kick-Boxing and later 25 years in Muaythai – I have never come across such a humiliating sporting incidents like the one where India’s boxing star Sarita Devi’s semifinal fight against her South Korean opponent Jina Park on September 30, 2014 on the ongoing 17^th Asian Games at Incheon, South Korea.

I was having food while Sarita’s boxing match with her South Korean opponent Park came in on live TV. I just shoved my plate aside and started gluing to the live TV showing her dominating fight against her opponent. The first round was somewhat neck to neck though she was slightly ahead of her opponent. But the rest of the rounds, she gave her ferocious punches to her opponent with her fantastic footwork. Even at following rounds, Park simply could not defend herself Sarita’s ferocious attacks and was off-balanced at many times.

Being in sports for 36 years and also having judged on many world kick Boxing and Muaythai tournaments including 13^th Asian Games at Bangkok in 1998 and also 24^th SEA Games at Korat, Thailand in 2007, I was banging my dining table as soon as the Sarita’s fight against Park was over, shouting, “Oh, Sarita wins.” But in no time, all hell broke loose when the referee lifted Park’s hand as winner. I was still speechless and remained as stupor unbelieving the judging over this match, because it was so hugely different the boxing skills and prowess between the two boxers. Sarita’s boxing skills and prowess dominated during the fight. This greatest injustice sent instant shock waves across the world.

I would not have much thinking even if Park was declared winner if their fight was somehow neck-to-neck or near neck-to-neck. But in the case of Sarita’s semifinal fight against Park on September 30 at Seonhak Gymnasium was something no judges could manipulate for the simple fact that Sarita had far exceeded than her opponent in attacks and punches with excellent footwork.

Then seeing the points given by the judges on their match becoming more ridiculous because the entire judges came in favor of Park and not even one judge came in favor of Sarita. This incident has simply tarnished the image of the technical officials of AIBA besides creating massive question mark on their activities.

In any game, the standard of the match depends on the quality of judging and not the match. Even for any new game to get Olympic recognition it’s judging and refereeing needs first examining. And if the judging and refereeing are not up to the mark, no game can be qualified to enter into Olympic Games or Asian Games.

Whatever the explanations or arguments that might come after this highly questionable and controversial match, the simple and plain truth is this historic match has been video recorded and telecast worldwide. The match has been in YouTube and other social media networking sites and it can never be misinterpreted.

In fact, the whole country was overjoyed when legendary India boxer Mary Kom won Gold Medal in 51kg category in the Asian Games a day after Sarita’s final berth in the 60kg category was deliberately robbed off. But Sarita’s controversial match was prominently splashed in all the front pages of newspapers in India and the country’s media had done remarkable justice by openly defying the controversial results given by the judges on Sarita’s fight against Park. They said she lost out due to “unfair” decisions during her bout. They all agreed that Sarita was the real winner in her historic semifinal match against Park. Even for the first time, international media had given coverage prominently around the world on the controversial boxing match between Sarita and Park.

Some papers feel Sarita Devi was a “clear winner” in her lightweight (57-60kg) semifinal bout against South Korean Ji-Na Park on Wednesday.

The Indian Express says” “Sarita appears to be a clear winner in the bout… dominating the proceedings with such ferocity that Park barely managed to stand the assault. But much to the shock of the Indian contingent and the spectators, the judges awarded the bout to Park.”

A report on the Mint website says the controversial result has been “widely condemned as unfair and biased towards the host country.”

Sarita’s refusal to accept her bronze medal and her outburst of emotions on the podium dimmed the celebration of Mary Kom’s victory. But the Mint website adds that “it was a day of tears in the boxing arena at the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea. Some happy, some sad.”

The follow up developments have exposed a very shoddy affairs of the boxing officials from India as well as the officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). I have agreed that a grave injustice was meted out to Sarita by the judges but it was a double whammy that no officials either from Indian Boxing or Indian Olympic came forward to formally lodge complaints forget about consoling her. It was simply unimaginable that Sarita had to borrow money from the Indian media persons for protest fees. But she as a player could not lodge any complaint whatsoever with the Judging Committee. Where were the officials be it Indian Boxing officials or Olympic Officials. Are they aware of the rules of the games that in the event of any controversial results given by judges, officials were the ones authorized to formally lodge complaints along with whatever protest fees prescribed as per the rules and regulation framed by that respective International Federations.

Although some including deputy general of Incheon’s organizing committee (IAGOC) say that Sarita’s refusal to accept her bronze medal on the podium went against the values of sportsmanship, no one at home takes it that way. Everyone in India appreciated her actions rather, though it happened with her unprecedented emotional outburst. But the mistake was not Park’s but the judges who should be suspended from judging any future boxing tournaments.

At the same time, the injustice meted out to Sarita tarnishes the beautiful image of the 17^th Asian Games at Incheon. It also exposes shoddy attitudes of Indian Boxing officials as well as Indian Olympic officials.

MSAD Invitation: Demonstration on Laishram Sarita issue in front of Indian Olympic Association

INVITATION Join demonstration before the Indian Olympic Association To demand justice to the boxer Laishram Sarita Venue: In front of the office of the Indian Olympic Association, Olympic Bhawan,

Laishram Sarita refusing to accept Asian Bronze Medal in protest against dubious judging.

INVITATION

Join demonstration before the Indian Olympic Association

To demand justice to the boxer Laishram Sarita

Venue: In front of the office of the Indian Olympic Association, Olympic Bhawan, B-29, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110 016

Time: 11 am

Date: 3^rd October 2014

Contact: +918376889477 / +917503397558

Dear friends,

Sports loving peoples across the globe have been disappointed when there was injustice to the boxer Laishram Sarita, who had represented India at the 17^th Asian Games 2014, held at Incheon in South Korea. Despite her dominance in the semi-final bout on 30^th September, the judges have favoured her opponent, who was representing the host country South Korea. According to the Indian coach BI Fernandes, as reported in the media, “It (the judgment) was pre-decided, … Sarita was a clear-cut winner but money (bribery) has talked here … The fact that all the three judges gave it to the Korean clearly shows the result of the bout was decided before the start” Sarita’s fellow boxer MC Mary Kom have also expressed disappointment, “I am shocked and disappointed. Sarita was the clear winner. This (Sarita’s defeat) should not have happened.”

Sarita’s formal protest have been disqualified on alleged technical reasons, as cited by the organisers. What had added to the disappointment have been the lack of timely response and support by the Indian officials, unlike the Mongolian counterparts, who had responded immediately to fight against the similar controversial judgment. Sarita had to borrow money from a journalist in order to lodge a protest. Sarita and her supporters were left alone without adequate support, as if they were not representing the republic of India.

During the medal ceremony on 1^st October Sarita stood for justice and continued the protest by refusing to wear the bronze medal. She took the medal by the hands and later on hung it around the neck of Jina Park, who have won the silver medal in the final bout. Sarita’s action was aimed at defending the integrity of sportsmanship and a free and fair world of sports. However the organisers at Incheon had taken a dim view of Sarita’s action. The Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) had begun certain Disciplinary Action Process to review the case, to take up some actions against Sarita in order to cover up the unfair and injustice that have been done to the Indian boxers at Incheon.

We, therefore, appeal everyone to join the demonstration, to express solidarity to Sarita and place before the Indian Olympic Association the following demands:

(1) To tender an apology to the Indian contingents in general and Sarita in particular for having failed to assist her in the time of need.

(2) To immediately institute an official inquiry to investigate the matter and to take up disciplinary action against those guilty Indian officials.

(3) To take up immediate appropriate initiatives to defend Sarita from any disciplinary action by AIBA or OCA or any other organisations.

(4) To take up immediate appropriate initiatives to internationally expose the injustice that was done to the Indian boxers at Incheon and to take up disciplinary action against those guilty officials.

Contact

+918376889477

+917503397558

Also Check: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/moa-dissatisfied-with-jurys-decision-in-sarita-bout/

MSAD Invitation: Demonstration on Laishram Sarita issue in front of Indian Olympic Association

INVITATION Join demonstration before the Indian Olympic Association To demand justice to the boxer Laishram Sarita Venue: In front of the office of the Indian Olympic Association, Olympic Bhawan,

Laishram Sarita refusing to accept Asian Bronze Medal in protest against dubious judging.

INVITATION

Join demonstration before the Indian Olympic Association

To demand justice to the boxer Laishram Sarita

Venue: In front of the office of the Indian Olympic Association, Olympic Bhawan, B-29, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110 016

Time: 11 am

Date: 3^rd October 2014

Contact: +918376889477 / +917503397558

Dear friends,

We, therefore, appeal everyone to join the demonstration, to express solidarity to Sarita and place before the Indian Olympic Association the following demands:

(1) To tender an apology to the Indian contingents in general and Sarita in particular for having failed to assist her in the time of need.

(2) To immediately institute an official inquiry to investigate the matter and to take up disciplinary action against those guilty Indian officials.

(3) To take up immediate appropriate initiatives to defend Sarita from any disciplinary action by AIBA or OCA or any other organisations.

Contact

+918376889477

+917503397558

Also Check: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/moa-dissatisfied-with-jurys-decision-in-sarita-bout/

Policeman killed, civilians injured in IED explosion at busy Puja pandal

IMPHAL, October 1: A policeman was killed and over 20 civilians injured when a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded at a crowded place at Mahatma Gandhi Avenue late this

IMPHAL, October 1: A policeman was killed and over 20 civilians injured when a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded at a crowded place at Mahatma Gandhi Avenue late this evening.

The incident site is just about a stone`™s throw from the City Police Station.

Reports said that the explosion occurred around 7.55 pm when people were thronging a Durga Puja pandal in the area.

The deceased policemen has been identified M Ibotomba from Lilong Arapti an escort of the additional SP Ops Meghachandra. The police team were reportedly on foot patrolling in the area.

Another constable of the escort team was also said to be injured identified as A Milan, 30, of Bishnupur Kwasiphai. He sustained multiple splinter injuries and is presently hospitalised at Shija Hospital.

The bomb was planted at the gate of the entrance leading to the pandal set up in the area by blocking the road between the shop of Jagatmal Ajitkumar and Delhi motors.

Hundreds of devotees including women and children had converged at the pandal, when the bomb exploded.

According to bomb expert, the IED was detonated using a remote device.

The intensity of the blast was so powerful that it inflicted injuries to over 20 persons most of them non-locals besides destroying sections of the arrangement of the pandal.

The exact figure of the injured could not be confirmed till the filing of this report as the injured were evacuated to different hospitals in Imphal.

Sources claimed that the death toll may rise with the condition of around five persons said to be critical.

Soon after the incident a team of police led by IG (LO-I) rushed to the area and took stock of the situation.

Meanwhile speaking to media persons, a member of the organising committee of the Durga Puja Pandal denouncing the attack informed that they will go ahead with their pooja ceremony.

Who is behind the attack is yet to be known as no individuals or militant groups has claim responsibility till the filing of this report.

Meanwhile, miscreant exploded a hand grenade at the residence of a Pradhan of the Phayeng Gram Pachayat leaving one person injured today at Phayeng Paragon under Lamsang Police station.

Reports said that the incident occurred around 5.50 pm. The bomb exploded at the premises of the residence.

The Pradhan has been identified as Angom Gojendro Singh, 38, son of late A Tonu Singh of Phayeng Paragon while the injured is said to be the mother of the Pradhan identified as Angom ongbi Thanil Devi, 68.

She sustained splinter injuries on her belly and left leg and being hospitalised at RIMS.

The Lamsang Police team investigated the explosion and registered a case.

New Momentum on Climate Must Generate Action in Asia and the Pacific: Op-Ed by Dr. Shamshad Akhtar

New Momentum on Climate Must Generate Action in Asia and the Pacific: Op-Ed by Dr. Shamshad Akhtar Op-Ed by Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations The landmark Climate

New Momentum on Climate Must Generate Action in Asia and the Pacific: Op-Ed by Dr. Shamshad Akhtar

Op-Ed by Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations

Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations

The landmark Climate Summit convened by the United Nations Secretary-General last week in New York was unprecedented in terms of the participation of leaders,the private sector and a range of other stakeholders. The level and scale of enthusiasm it generated augurs well for global climate action and for future generations.This new momentum must now translate into real action in Asia and the Pacific.

Leaders at the Summit offered commitments that will feed into the UN Climate Change Conference to be held in Paris next year. Some categorically committed to cut emissions, and called for greater action to limit the rise in global temperaturesto less than 2 degrees Celsius. Initial commitments at the Summitfor the capitalization of the Green Climate Fund amounted to more than $2.3 billion, with new multi-stakeholder partnerships registered for low carbon and climate resilient development finance, amounting to almost $200 billion. It’s a good start, but much more is needed. To support the public commitments, calls have been made for greater engagement byfinancial institutions, the insurance sector and institutional investors,who hold enormous global and regional savings which can service the risk and long-term capital requirements of climate adaptation and mitigation projects.

The Summit also overwhelmingly supported carbon pricing as a tool to reduce emissions and to improve sustainability,as well as economic growth prospects. Equally hearteningwere the cross-sectoral, multi-stakeholder coalitions which emerged, from the Global Agricultural Alliance to secure food for rapidly growing populations, to the dozens of Governments, businesses, civil society groups and indigenous peoples who pledged to end deforestation by 2030.

The clearest and most pertinent message from the Summitwas thatclimate change is a global threat and must be tackled by global partnerships for a more sustainable future.

The UN Secretary General reminded us that “the human, environmental and financial cost of climate change is fast becoming unbearable.” President Obama emphasizedthat thecost of inaction is far greater than the cost of action.No region of the world knows this better than Asia and the Pacific, where there is a compelling case for urgent climate action.

Between 1980 and 2009 the people of Asia and the Pacific shouldered the burden of 85 per cent of global deaths and 38 per cent of global economic losses due to natural disasters. Just weeks ago, heavy monsoon rains and floods across Pakistan caused more than 300 deaths and impacted more than 1.8 million people. Typhoon Haiyan caused the death of more than 8000 people in the central Philippines last year, with an estimated $15 billion in damages.We are witnessing some of the worstnatural disasters in recorded history, and they are destroying the lives and livelihoods of millions across our region.

Resource and carbon-intensive economies are also economically vulnerable. The Asia-Pacific region uses three times more resources to produce one unit of GDP than the rest of the world. We are not only the region most vulnerable to climate-related disasters, but also to resource-price volatility.As resource costs rise, the economic impacts are most severe onthe poorest and vulnerable in our region.More than 42 million people in Asia and the Pacific were pushed back into poverty due to rising energy and food prices in 2011 alone.

Innovative climate action to improve our region’s energy and resource efficiency not only reduces emissions, butwillalso drivesustainable economic growth in the face of rising resource prices, generating jobs and reducingpoverty while increasing long-term resilience to natural disasters and the impacts of rising resource costs.

Turning resource constraints and the climate crisis into opportunities for economic growth and poverty reduction, Asia-Pacific countries have adopted pioneering strategies to promotegreen growthand environmentally sustainable approaches, while strengthening regional integration and cooperation to address risks and vulnerabilities, which include disasters, climate change and resource constraints, alongside improving trade, finance and investments, as well as physical infrastructure connectivity.

At the Summit, China affirmed its aim to reduce carbon emissions per unit of GDP by 45% compared to 2005. Fiji spoke of their green growth strategy,already in place, and ambitions to generate all electricity from renewable resources by 2030.Malaysia andIndonesia are reforming fossil fuel subsidies to encourage a shift to cleaner energy. Mongolia plans to reach 20-25% of total energy production from renewables by 2020. These are but some examples of the already strong regional climate actions taking place.

But change is not happening fast enough. We need to massively scale up these actions,not only to match the magnitude and urgency of climate impacts, but also to harness the economic growth and opportunities whichclimate action entails.

The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific will continue to urge leaders in the region to seize the opportunity to intensify national climate actions and commitments, and to work even more closely together to make our vision of the sustainable, prosperous and resilient future we want a reality.Moving the climate frontier from negotiations and commitmentto realaction is not only urgent but also opens a new window of sustainable development opportunity for all in Asia and the Pacific.

The author is an Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). She is also the UN’s Sherpa for the G20 and previously served as Governor of the Central Bank of Pakistan and Vice President of the MENA Region of the World Bank.

Posted: September 30, 2014

Shillong Blues & Jazz Festival sets a new benchmark for next generation musicians in Shillong

PRESS RELEASE: September 27, 2014; Shillong: IMAGENATION took the musical spirit of Shillong to a whole new level today as they organized Shillong Blues & Jazz Festival at the

PRESS RELEASE:

September 27, 2014; Shillong: IMAGENATION took the musical spirit of Shillong to a whole new level today as they organized Shillong Blues & Jazz Festival at the U Soso Tham Auditorium in the city. Supported by the Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya, the Shillong Blues & Jazz Festival brought together 30 renowned musicians from across the country on a single platform to sing about peace, hope and reconciliation, providing wholesome entertainment and bringing everyone together through music. Other associates for the event are Asian Confluence, Hotel Polo Towers, NIIT, etc.

The performance line-up for the Shillong Blues & Jazz Festival included some of the most celebrated music bands in the Blues and Jazz scenario. The festival opened with the performance of Shillong’s very own Lou Majaw and his friends, who entertained the audience with their best known hits. This performance was followed by Guwahati’s three-piece band M-Trio, blues experimental band Fringes, celebrated jazz pianist Ronojit Chaliha with Cello player Adiel Massar, funk jazz and blues band 4^th Element, Shillong based Blues icon Rudy Wallang and Andrea, Parvati La Cantante from Delhi and came to an end with Plan B’s jazz-pop, blues and country-rock compositions.

Ian Khongmen, Imagenation, said, “The Shillong Blues & Jazz Festival is just a drop in the ocean of music, but it brings together extraordinary musicians who are committed to and have made this art form a way of life. They come in all shades and colours, from the metros Delhi, Kolkata and mainland India to collaborate and run in the same groove with their brethren from the Northeast.”

“Blues & Jazz is but an evolution of the music culture. It is symbolic of our times and indeed breathes life into the music industry and still remains the foundation of a tradition that has evolved for many years”, he adds.

On the occasion Lou Majaw said, “Music has no boundaries. My vision is to promote peace, harmony and brotherhood through my songs and music. We musicians treat our musical instrument as our arms and amenities to combat terrorism. This is our way of contributing towards peace as a musician.”

“I fail to understand the madness behind terrorism. My song – ‘Well well well’ speaks my feelings when I see no sun on waking up in this world of terror. But life must go on”, added Lou Majaw.

Haraba, the vocalist of Imphal based Blues band – ‘Fringes’ is very excited with the initiative of Imagenation. Explaining about the nature of ‘Blues’, he said, “Through this form of music we can express our life’s experience and feelings. This form of the music is all about story telling of things happening in your surroundings.”

‘Such initiatives by government give platform and meaning to our band and culture.” he added speaking on the initiative of Imagenation.

Delhi based singer, Parvati La Cantante, was very excited to be part of the Blues & Jazz Festival. On her maiden visit to Shillong she said, “We have never been in a town where music is so important, it is like the life blood of Shillong. The air is all about music, there is a rhythm in the air that I love. These musicians Lou, AJ and Rudy have huge influences on my life, I have grown up listening to them perform. I have never imagined coming to Shillong as a musician, I feel really honoured to be invited to perform at the SB&J.”

About her performance, Parvati adds, “The set that we performed is a mix of all the songs that we enjoyed doing. There are influences of Jazz, R&B and little bit of side trance to make it a little peppy. We did not want to limit our scope to just guitar and vocals, so we have tried to broaden up our horizon with these additions.”

Besides the performances, there will be various other surprises in store for the audience. Among them will be the SB&J Festival’s food court, which will tickle the taste buds of the audience by dishing out Indonesian, Chinese, Naga and authentic Khasi food.

There was also an amazing art installation at the venue as a part of a contest, where the visitors can take selfies with the installation and upload it on the festival’s Facebook page. The person uploading the best selfie will get a special gift autographed by all the performers of SB&J Festival.

The SB&J Festival endeavours to drive local change, promote self confidence, create economic value, generate positive thinking and promote reconciliation through quality music. The festival aims at being a catalyst of positive change for one and all. Briefly, it seeks to spread the message of peace through music.

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`Manipuri Ponies are critically endangered`

IMPHAL, September 28: Polo and equestrian players including both young boys and girls along with 150 Manipuri ponies took out a rally across some areas of Imphal East and Imphal

Polo and equestrian players taking out ponies’ rally.
Photo IFP

IMPHAL, September 28: Polo and equestrian players including both young boys and girls along with 150 Manipuri ponies took out a rally across some areas of Imphal East and Imphal West with the message of saving the Manipuri Pony and to spread awareness about it today.

The rally jointly organised by the Manipuri Pony Society and Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association was flagged off by the Manipuri Pony Society president Ksh Chourajit. It began at the Pony Breeding Farm and passed through Lamphalpat, Thangmeiband, Lamlong Road, Telipati, Soibam Leikai, Kushum Petrol Pump, Thangapat Road, Thumbuthong, Keishamthong, Keshampat, Wahengbam Leikai, Polo Ground, Uripok Kangchup Road, RIMS Road via Canteen and concluded after coming back at the Pony Farm.

Speaking to media persons after the rally, International Polo player and captain of the Manipur Polo team, S Bimol Singh said the rally was carried out to save the Manipuri pony from extinction because it has given an identity to Manipur through Shagol Kangjei and Polo.

It is disheartening because if the pony vanishes than our traditional games will also vanish and that`™s why we took out the rally to spread awareness to the people to help save the Manipuri pony, he said urging the government also to take necessary steps to save the pony.

Manipuri Pony Society secretary N Ibungochoubi said the procession rally was taken out under a specific theme to spread awareness about the dwindling number of ponies in Manipur.

`In 2003, the number of Manipuri ponies was 1893 and in 2007 the number of ponies was 1218. After that an unofficial random survey conducted by the Manipuri Pony Society and various Polo clubs have found that less than 500 pony exist in Manipur now. According to international norms, any species found to be lesser than 2000 is considered `endangered` and a species is considered to be critically endangered if the number of fertile females which have given birth is less than 400`, he said.

He further said that they took out the rally to spread awareness about the Manipuri pony as its fate was in a precarious situation and so that people can help save our ponies which belong to the whole State.

Yaileima Yumnam, a young women polo player taking part in rally said that we ought to save our culture and should save the Manipuri pony from extinction.

The Manipuri Pony Society also submitted a memorandum to the Commerce and Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam who also holds the Sericulture and Vet nary and Animal Husbandry portfolio. The memorandum contains three major demands such as the declaration of the Manipuri pony as critically endangered, the framing of a special Manipuri Pony and Polo policy and reserving grazing and natural habitat s for the ponies by some act.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/manipuri-ponies-are-critically-endangered/