Tag: manipur

Manipur Vision

– A wake up call -by Professor N. Mohendro SinghTo-day we are in a new world which respects only strength. A nation is made “great” by its own people, –… Read more »

– A wake up call -by Professor N. Mohendro SinghTo-day we are in a new world which respects only strength. A nation is made “great” by its own people, – people from its own soil. Civilisation and development cannot be imported and imposed. Very unfortunately, hardened by the prolonged failure on all fronts, pessimism has taken deep roots. The fear of failure has constantly crippled the glimpse of any hope. We are, to-day, a victim of blind admiration and imitation. We have very little confidence in our own core competencies. Manipur has, as a result, become a shattered and sad state to be in, after sixty years of national planning. Painfully plagued by a vicious circle of inefficiency, high rate of poverty, unemployment, debt, insecurity of life, insecurity of business, employment, and income, Manipur has become a “captive economy”.
The whole atmosphere has been vitiated by the mounting specter of unjustified risks, unjustified costs and unjustified barriers to competition. The new culture of patron-clientelism has established itself to be a highway to unfair personal aggrandizement at the cost of the wealth and well-being of the state. To-day merit has been buried into oblivion. Efficiency is a closed chapter. We are forced to face uncommonly high hurdles with very little resource*. The very foundation of modern development has been knowingly and unknowingly distorted and destroyed, that too, -in this age of aggressive competition. The greatest loss is loss of self respect, self confidence and spirit of noble sacrifice for the community. We are caught to-day in the crossroads and increasingly weighted down by the heavy burden of Socio-Economic Stagnation.We have many works to be done but very few jobs. Manipur should not welcome both jobless growth and growthless jobs. There is contradiction between growing ambition and abject .poverty.
The challenge is great; but not insurmountable; and so should be our determination and political will. We do not lose confidence. We have to regroup, reorganize and revitalize the progressive forces to launch a frontal attack on the fissiparous tendencies and prepare a new “United Ground” for a development millennium of Manipur in order to realize the dream of our legendary of modern Manipur.
One more challenge is aggressive wave of globalization which is a hard reality; – not an option. Good or bad, knowingly and unknowingly our economy has been made part of global integration in one way or the other. It is a race competition built upon one`s indigenous strength and skills. The sky is the only limit. Competition, efficiency, strength and development go together and do mutual reinforcing. The First Generation Reform of 1990 of the country has now been followed by the Second Generation Reform with a strong thrust on physical connectivity, administrative reform and human capital. We have to answer the key questions which constitute the crux of a Vision of Manipur such as :
* Where do we stand now ?* Where to go ?* How to go ?* How soon ?
If we feel disheartened and go back, we will feel painfully left out. We have to go ahead with a clear-cut vision for which the historical necessity is Change of Guard and Change of gear. Manipur needs a government having strong commitment rooted in domestic institutions and who leaves no stone unturned in the new world of Challenges and threats. We have to get out of the present pitiable state of inaction. The vision Manipur demands the noble spirit of a genuine mission and therefore calls for the indomitable will of the people. We have to break the iceburg of prolonged neglect and imposition of misconception and mismanagement. We are also called upon to reassert the defined position, power and privileges enjoined upon us by the universal norms of democratic country.
The Manipur Vision is both comprehensive and harmonious, and respects the intergenerational equity. It encompasses all the distinctive aspects that constitute the life and people of the state. It seeks to balance and harmonise the divergent forces for the successful pursuit of self-fulfillment. Based on the objective assessment of facts and realistic appraisal of possibilities, it awakens in all of us a new spirit of Service and Sacrifice, Self-Confidence and Complete Reliance on our own capacity. It goes much beyond the limitations of the past trends, immediate preoccupation of local concern and temptations of temporary gain. It is not a static statement of wishful thinking. It is a dynamic reality that emerges in the minds of hearts of all Manipuris in the state. It is an articulation of the `desired end results` in concrete terms. It is not a mere prediction. It is an article of faith inspiring us to face the challenges of time with unshakeable determination. Now we have to act with tireless and ceaseless energy. We have to accept both “pain and patience” with smiling face. What we need at the moment is patient life of active service.
This Vision is not a private property. It is common wealth of everybody in the state ;- politician, administrators, businessmen, engineers, doctors, bankers, teachers, lawyers, social workers, artists and students. The shared vision is the bedrock of national advancement. Vision Manipur is part of our life, a permanent source of inspiration and a guiding framework.
Ahead of us is the uphill task ;- but under any circumstances we can not compromise the historical necessity for acting on a carefully designed blue-print and roadmap of strategic departure to establish a new social and political order in Manipur.
Crux of Manipur Vision  Where we are       Where to go Key Questions How to go?       How soon?
The Manipur Vision 2020 seeks to realize three sets of objectives namely (a) Economic Objective, (b) Social Objectives and (c) Political Objectives.
Economic Objectives
Manipur Vission 2020
Social ObjectivesPolitical Objectives Economic objectives :The Manipur Vision seeks :( a) To reduce economic dependency by rising Manipurfrom the present level of captive economy to that a competitive surplus state by 2020;(b) To tap all available human talents and natural resources as common wealth to double the Gross Domestic      Product      keeping      in      view      the intergenerational equity;(c) To provide wider range of economic opportunities for decent employment       and ensure full employment;(d) To ensure economic security including  all  basic needs to all weaker and vulnerable segments of the Society;(e) To ensure balanced development between valleyand hills through accelerated market-led intervention.(f)     To   take   the   best   advantage   of  the   Look-East-Initiative by expanding commercial connectivity.
Social objectives :The social objectives sought to be realised by the Manipur Vision 2020 are :-1. To   deal   with   firmly   any design for calculated   ethnic division, and promote the communal harmony;2. To strength the historical roots of social harmony and interdependence between valley and hills;3. To prepare a new foundation for larger social capital;4. To inculcate a new article of human appreciation;5. To think globally and act locally.
Political objectives :The Manipur Vision 2020 has also political mandates. They are :-1. To prepare a rising political personality of the state,2. To address all acts of structural & secondary violence and political injustice for fuller development of Manipur.3. To ensure a new political culture of peace, harmony and development;4. To enlarge and enrich the base of meaningful people`s participation in the democratic process with “man” being kept at the centre of all concerns and5. To   put   in   place   a   good   governance   with   standard political inputs and accelerated decentralization.
Phase of Manipur Vision :D evelopment is not a mere act of creation. It is essentially the outcome of a long process of adjustment and adaptation. It evolves. The roots of development should be nourished, strengthened and made mature to respond to any sudden sock. Created development is short-lived. As such Manipur Vision has two phases: Phase I – Self Reliant Manipur by 2017Phase II  – Developed Competitive Manipur by 2020.
Pre-requisites :The realization of the Manipur Vision invariably demands a firm commitment, exceptional courage and sustained spirit of the people and government. Effective partnership of all stakeholders is the backbone while sensitivity of the government the touchstone. To become Self-Reliant by 2017 and Developed Competitive Manipur by 2020, Manipur should, as a matter of historical necessity, have :-1. The Will of the people and their preparedness to make sacrifice for the cause of development,2. Political Maturity and Stability,3. Atmosphere of Peace and Co-operation and, above all.4. Meticulous Planning.
Need for Augmentation of three Connectivities :No development of any kind takes place in isolation. Effective and expanding linkages are extremely important. We cannot achieve what we envisage without a sound network of three critical connectivities.    Focussed attention should be paid to :( A) Physical connectivity( good roads, transport services, power supply, water-supply and reliable communication networks )(B) Knowledge connectivity( Professional institutions, vocational training centres, schools with high quality infrastructures and learning resources, production centres and research institutions )(C) Market connectivity( better hierarchy of local, national and global markets, efficient supply-chain, market-sheds and warehouses cold storages, trade centres, export / import houses etc. )On agricultural front:Food security is fundamental to economic Self-Sufficiency and the Manipur Vision notes that the economic strength of Manipur lies only in agriculture. At the moment per head shortage of rice is more than 20 kgs. A year. The “hazard” of the imported rice may tell upon the health of the people in a long run. Once 3rd in India in production of rice, to day Manipur is in the 10th position.  Now to ensure Food Security, the Manipur Vision seeks to irrigate both land and man equally to optimize production of :1.62 lakh hectares of agricultural land. 2.77 lakh hectares of horticultural land and 12.94 lakh hectares of wasteland in the state.
The whole economy should be made agriculture-friendly and policy-intervention should address the twin problems of “increasing at diminishing rate” and “health-hazard” caused by the application of excessive dose of chemical fertilizers. A sound Land Use Policy should receive best attention.We should make agriculture a commercial enterprise by strengthening scientific foundation of modern agricultural development in Manipur for which the following major initiatives should be taken :1. New policy intervention of strengthening the capability ofland;2. Formulation of Long Term Food Vision for developmentwith    strong    focus    on    physical    connectivity,    watermanagement and education.3. Preparation of a roadmap for a new Agricultural Revolutionbased on territorial specialisation.4. Establishment of Knowledge Centres in the villages.5. Provision   for   Urban   Amenities   in   Rural   Areas   (PURA)through creation of Growth Poles.
On industrial front :More disappointing than agricultural is the industrial front. For the last 55 years the state is doing “Something for Nothing” in manufacturing field as status symbol. Blind and primitive interference leads to gross distortion and massive destruction. The greatest loss is the liquidation of entrepreneurial spirit groomed over 2 to 3 decades. The Vision Document takes note of the fact that the industrial units operate in their own momentum in accordance with emerging excitements. What a sensible public authority should do is to indicate the courses of change and provide strong foundation to avoid the possible setbacks. It is fact that Manipur cannot become “Self-Reliant” without perceptible performance of some industrial units having comparative advantage. The mini Special Economic Zone at suitable place may prove rewarding.
To our dismay, all state undertakings have been closed. Eight working government companies fail to submit the statement of accounts for the period ranging 10 – 26 years. The poor state can no longer tolerate the huge loss of resource. The S.S.I, units have been crippled. The sorry state of affairs is substantiated by the fact that the daily average value of one employment of S.S.I, is Rs. 88 only. The contribution of the registered units to the Gross State Domestic Product is less than 1 percent.
The handloom sub-sector, so-called the pride of Manipur, is also facing the same dismal fate. Only 28 percent of the weavers is working as full timer. The production is largely meant for local consumption. Global connectivity is very low. Both Scope and Scale have been weakened. Technology, the soul of production, – is both primitive and highly time-consuming. The least `cost-effective` nature of production has rendered the handloom sub-sector highly traditional and less competitive. Production per loom is hardly 1 meter a year. Monthly income per weaver ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 600. Lack of patenting of our unique design is greatest weakness. Vision Manipur should take care of this institutional weakness. Special Economic zone may be an answer.   The Manipur Vision aims at re-organising the very foundation of core industrial units in the state so that by 2020 Manipur could be a leading state in :A : Land and Forest based Industries, B : Industries based on Bio-Resources, C : Food processing industries, D : Handloom and Handicrafts and E : Human capital industries.
On unemployment front :The employment front is visibly demoralizing. The jobless growth experienced by Manipur has intensified the mounting burden of open unemployment of more than 6 lacs constituting 21 percent of the workforce (15-59 years). This is highly disturbing. Unemployment rate of Republic of Korea was 2.2 percent while that of Japan 3.4 percent.
The question before us is about the range of employability of Manipuris and absorption capacity of the economy. To what extent a Manipuri has alternative uses ? What is the level of technical and vocational knowledge ? What is the range of mobility ? It is a nice paradox that there are many works to be done in Manipur but very few jobs.
Secondly, the absorption capacity depends upon the quality of public expenditure. The capital expenditure on asset creation is hardly 15 percent of the total expenditure while only 26.45 percent is accounted for by plan expenditure. Besides, there were 328 incomplete projects in Manipur on March 31, 2004. The Manipur Vision focuses on a new Plan for Plan Implementation.   Thirdly, physical connectivity is very poor. The road density per 100 sq.km. are is only 49 kms. in Manipur as against 1792 kms. of Delhi and 375 kms of Goa. Per capita power consumption of Manipur is only 70 KWH as against 921 KWH of Punjab and 712 KWH of Goa. Right now, there is load shedding for every 2 days. We hardly get power supply for 4 hours a day. Manipur has become a new land of kerosene and candle although it has hydro-potential of 2000 MWH. We have so far tapped only 5 percent. It is not only discouraging but also disgracing to use candle and kerosene in this age of high-tech.
Self-employment, a wayout, is rendered meaningless in Manipur in the absence of a strong base of supporting system. Self-employment can never materialize in isolation without threshold delivery of public goods and services. As such, the Government of Manipur led by O. Ibobi Singh should play the key role of promoter, facilitator and if necessary, entrepreneur. To improve the performance of self-employment we have to build up a new institutional strength comprising (a) Transparency, (b) Accountability, (c) Good Governance, (d) Professional Spirit and (e) Dedicated Parenting.
The Vision of Manipur looks much beyond the provision of physical connectivities to those areas of social and human capital. Our vision is to produce the world class competitors from our own soil in all fields.   Full Employment by 2020 – “One family one job”should be a highlight of the vision.   Captive economy :Because of poor management of economic resources, to-day. Manipur gets into the deep trap of captive economy. One finds three distinct features of a captive economy namely :( a) High Rate of Debt.(b) High Rate Unemployment(c) Vicious Circle of PovertyNow, the Government led by O. Ibobi Singh, Honourable Chief Minister should adopt four pronged strategy to tackle the deep seated issue of comprehensive deprivations :-A : Democratic EmpowermentB : Conflict – TransformationC : Economic Resurgence andD : Social and Cultural Renaissance
By 2017 Manipur should be made economically self-sufficient, — free from the headache of dependency, shortfall and shortage. People in the state will be better educated, health and more prosperous than at any time in our long history. By 2020 Manipur will be globally competitive with a strong base of modern development and political will. Hunger and deprivation will be a phenomenon of the past. Achievement and glory will be part of our daily life.
Manipur will open a new convincing chapter of development with redefined Social Security, Livelihood Security and better Investment Atmosphere tailored objectively to meet emerging challenges. The directional departure from the demoralizing past should be the sole article of public intervention. Justice should be the sole article of public intervention. Justice in all forms should be the cardinal faith. Productive employment shall be a way of life. Increasing Investment shall also be the new temptation. Manipur shall be a “Cultural Paradise” where all cultures can flourish. The Vision of Manipur seeks to transform the state, from the Vicious Circle to the Virtuous Circle within shortest possible length of time; hopefully by 2020. To-day we have to be all set to undertake this noble mission for a New Manipur. You cannot have mission without vision.
Vision and Mission can never be separated. They go together. But vision comes first. To realise the Vision of Manipur. We need a powerful system with commitment rooted in domestic institutions. The change should come from the top, – the parent. Good Governance with sound and effective system is the need of the hour.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/B3OK8ymSY-E/

Manipur Vision

– A wake up call -by Professor N. Mohendro SinghTo-day we are in a new world which respects only strength. A nation is made “great” by its own people, –… Read more »

– A wake up call -by Professor N. Mohendro SinghTo-day we are in a new world which respects only strength. A nation is made “great” by its own people, – people from its own soil. Civilisation and development cannot be imported and imposed. Very unfortunately, hardened by the prolonged failure on all fronts, pessimism has taken deep roots. The fear of failure has constantly crippled the glimpse of any hope. We are, to-day, a victim of blind admiration and imitation. We have very little confidence in our own core competencies. Manipur has, as a result, become a shattered and sad state to be in, after sixty years of national planning. Painfully plagued by a vicious circle of inefficiency, high rate of poverty, unemployment, debt, insecurity of life, insecurity of business, employment, and income, Manipur has become a “captive economy”.
The whole atmosphere has been vitiated by the mounting specter of unjustified risks, unjustified costs and unjustified barriers to competition. The new culture of patron-clientelism has established itself to be a highway to unfair personal aggrandizement at the cost of the wealth and well-being of the state. To-day merit has been buried into oblivion. Efficiency is a closed chapter. We are forced to face uncommonly high hurdles with very little resource*. The very foundation of modern development has been knowingly and unknowingly distorted and destroyed, that too, -in this age of aggressive competition. The greatest loss is loss of self respect, self confidence and spirit of noble sacrifice for the community. We are caught to-day in the crossroads and increasingly weighted down by the heavy burden of Socio-Economic Stagnation.We have many works to be done but very few jobs. Manipur should not welcome both jobless growth and growthless jobs. There is contradiction between growing ambition and abject .poverty.
The challenge is great; but not insurmountable; and so should be our determination and political will. We do not lose confidence. We have to regroup, reorganize and revitalize the progressive forces to launch a frontal attack on the fissiparous tendencies and prepare a new “United Ground” for a development millennium of Manipur in order to realize the dream of our legendary of modern Manipur.
One more challenge is aggressive wave of globalization which is a hard reality; – not an option. Good or bad, knowingly and unknowingly our economy has been made part of global integration in one way or the other. It is a race competition built upon one`s indigenous strength and skills. The sky is the only limit. Competition, efficiency, strength and development go together and do mutual reinforcing. The First Generation Reform of 1990 of the country has now been followed by the Second Generation Reform with a strong thrust on physical connectivity, administrative reform and human capital. We have to answer the key questions which constitute the crux of a Vision of Manipur such as :
* Where do we stand now ?* Where to go ?* How to go ?* How soon ?
If we feel disheartened and go back, we will feel painfully left out. We have to go ahead with a clear-cut vision for which the historical necessity is Change of Guard and Change of gear. Manipur needs a government having strong commitment rooted in domestic institutions and who leaves no stone unturned in the new world of Challenges and threats. We have to get out of the present pitiable state of inaction. The vision Manipur demands the noble spirit of a genuine mission and therefore calls for the indomitable will of the people. We have to break the iceburg of prolonged neglect and imposition of misconception and mismanagement. We are also called upon to reassert the defined position, power and privileges enjoined upon us by the universal norms of democratic country.
The Manipur Vision is both comprehensive and harmonious, and respects the intergenerational equity. It encompasses all the distinctive aspects that constitute the life and people of the state. It seeks to balance and harmonise the divergent forces for the successful pursuit of self-fulfillment. Based on the objective assessment of facts and realistic appraisal of possibilities, it awakens in all of us a new spirit of Service and Sacrifice, Self-Confidence and Complete Reliance on our own capacity. It goes much beyond the limitations of the past trends, immediate preoccupation of local concern and temptations of temporary gain. It is not a static statement of wishful thinking. It is a dynamic reality that emerges in the minds of hearts of all Manipuris in the state. It is an articulation of the `desired end results` in concrete terms. It is not a mere prediction. It is an article of faith inspiring us to face the challenges of time with unshakeable determination. Now we have to act with tireless and ceaseless energy. We have to accept both “pain and patience” with smiling face. What we need at the moment is patient life of active service.
This Vision is not a private property. It is common wealth of everybody in the state ;- politician, administrators, businessmen, engineers, doctors, bankers, teachers, lawyers, social workers, artists and students. The shared vision is the bedrock of national advancement. Vision Manipur is part of our life, a permanent source of inspiration and a guiding framework.
Ahead of us is the uphill task ;- but under any circumstances we can not compromise the historical necessity for acting on a carefully designed blue-print and roadmap of strategic departure to establish a new social and political order in Manipur.
Crux of Manipur Vision  Where we are       Where to go Key Questions How to go?       How soon?
The Manipur Vision 2020 seeks to realize three sets of objectives namely (a) Economic Objective, (b) Social Objectives and (c) Political Objectives.
Economic Objectives
Manipur Vission 2020
Social ObjectivesPolitical Objectives Economic objectives :The Manipur Vision seeks :( a) To reduce economic dependency by rising Manipurfrom the present level of captive economy to that a competitive surplus state by 2020;(b) To tap all available human talents and natural resources as common wealth to double the Gross Domestic      Product      keeping      in      view      the intergenerational equity;(c) To provide wider range of economic opportunities for decent employment       and ensure full employment;(d) To ensure economic security including  all  basic needs to all weaker and vulnerable segments of the Society;(e) To ensure balanced development between valleyand hills through accelerated market-led intervention.(f)     To   take   the   best   advantage   of  the   Look-East-Initiative by expanding commercial connectivity.
Social objectives :The social objectives sought to be realised by the Manipur Vision 2020 are :-1. To   deal   with   firmly   any design for calculated   ethnic division, and promote the communal harmony;2. To strength the historical roots of social harmony and interdependence between valley and hills;3. To prepare a new foundation for larger social capital;4. To inculcate a new article of human appreciation;5. To think globally and act locally.
Political objectives :The Manipur Vision 2020 has also political mandates. They are :-1. To prepare a rising political personality of the state,2. To address all acts of structural & secondary violence and political injustice for fuller development of Manipur.3. To ensure a new political culture of peace, harmony and development;4. To enlarge and enrich the base of meaningful people`s participation in the democratic process with “man” being kept at the centre of all concerns and5. To   put   in   place   a   good   governance   with   standard political inputs and accelerated decentralization.
Phase of Manipur Vision :D evelopment is not a mere act of creation. It is essentially the outcome of a long process of adjustment and adaptation. It evolves. The roots of development should be nourished, strengthened and made mature to respond to any sudden sock. Created development is short-lived. As such Manipur Vision has two phases: Phase I – Self Reliant Manipur by 2017Phase II  – Developed Competitive Manipur by 2020.
Pre-requisites :The realization of the Manipur Vision invariably demands a firm commitment, exceptional courage and sustained spirit of the people and government. Effective partnership of all stakeholders is the backbone while sensitivity of the government the touchstone. To become Self-Reliant by 2017 and Developed Competitive Manipur by 2020, Manipur should, as a matter of historical necessity, have :-1. The Will of the people and their preparedness to make sacrifice for the cause of development,2. Political Maturity and Stability,3. Atmosphere of Peace and Co-operation and, above all.4. Meticulous Planning.
Need for Augmentation of three Connectivities :No development of any kind takes place in isolation. Effective and expanding linkages are extremely important. We cannot achieve what we envisage without a sound network of three critical connectivities.    Focussed attention should be paid to :( A) Physical connectivity( good roads, transport services, power supply, water-supply and reliable communication networks )(B) Knowledge connectivity( Professional institutions, vocational training centres, schools with high quality infrastructures and learning resources, production centres and research institutions )(C) Market connectivity( better hierarchy of local, national and global markets, efficient supply-chain, market-sheds and warehouses cold storages, trade centres, export / import houses etc. )On agricultural front:Food security is fundamental to economic Self-Sufficiency and the Manipur Vision notes that the economic strength of Manipur lies only in agriculture. At the moment per head shortage of rice is more than 20 kgs. A year. The “hazard” of the imported rice may tell upon the health of the people in a long run. Once 3rd in India in production of rice, to day Manipur is in the 10th position.  Now to ensure Food Security, the Manipur Vision seeks to irrigate both land and man equally to optimize production of :1.62 lakh hectares of agricultural land. 2.77 lakh hectares of horticultural land and 12.94 lakh hectares of wasteland in the state.
The whole economy should be made agriculture-friendly and policy-intervention should address the twin problems of “increasing at diminishing rate” and “health-hazard” caused by the application of excessive dose of chemical fertilizers. A sound Land Use Policy should receive best attention.We should make agriculture a commercial enterprise by strengthening scientific foundation of modern agricultural development in Manipur for which the following major initiatives should be taken :1. New policy intervention of strengthening the capability ofland;2. Formulation of Long Term Food Vision for developmentwith    strong    focus    on    physical    connectivity,    watermanagement and education.3. Preparation of a roadmap for a new Agricultural Revolutionbased on territorial specialisation.4. Establishment of Knowledge Centres in the villages.5. Provision   for   Urban   Amenities   in   Rural   Areas   (PURA)through creation of Growth Poles.
On industrial front :More disappointing than agricultural is the industrial front. For the last 55 years the state is doing “Something for Nothing” in manufacturing field as status symbol. Blind and primitive interference leads to gross distortion and massive destruction. The greatest loss is the liquidation of entrepreneurial spirit groomed over 2 to 3 decades. The Vision Document takes note of the fact that the industrial units operate in their own momentum in accordance with emerging excitements. What a sensible public authority should do is to indicate the courses of change and provide strong foundation to avoid the possible setbacks. It is fact that Manipur cannot become “Self-Reliant” without perceptible performance of some industrial units having comparative advantage. The mini Special Economic Zone at suitable place may prove rewarding.
To our dismay, all state undertakings have been closed. Eight working government companies fail to submit the statement of accounts for the period ranging 10 – 26 years. The poor state can no longer tolerate the huge loss of resource. The S.S.I, units have been crippled. The sorry state of affairs is substantiated by the fact that the daily average value of one employment of S.S.I, is Rs. 88 only. The contribution of the registered units to the Gross State Domestic Product is less than 1 percent.
The handloom sub-sector, so-called the pride of Manipur, is also facing the same dismal fate. Only 28 percent of the weavers is working as full timer. The production is largely meant for local consumption. Global connectivity is very low. Both Scope and Scale have been weakened. Technology, the soul of production, – is both primitive and highly time-consuming. The least `cost-effective` nature of production has rendered the handloom sub-sector highly traditional and less competitive. Production per loom is hardly 1 meter a year. Monthly income per weaver ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 600. Lack of patenting of our unique design is greatest weakness. Vision Manipur should take care of this institutional weakness. Special Economic zone may be an answer.   The Manipur Vision aims at re-organising the very foundation of core industrial units in the state so that by 2020 Manipur could be a leading state in :A : Land and Forest based Industries, B : Industries based on Bio-Resources, C : Food processing industries, D : Handloom and Handicrafts and E : Human capital industries.
On unemployment front :The employment front is visibly demoralizing. The jobless growth experienced by Manipur has intensified the mounting burden of open unemployment of more than 6 lacs constituting 21 percent of the workforce (15-59 years). This is highly disturbing. Unemployment rate of Republic of Korea was 2.2 percent while that of Japan 3.4 percent.
The question before us is about the range of employability of Manipuris and absorption capacity of the economy. To what extent a Manipuri has alternative uses ? What is the level of technical and vocational knowledge ? What is the range of mobility ? It is a nice paradox that there are many works to be done in Manipur but very few jobs.
Secondly, the absorption capacity depends upon the quality of public expenditure. The capital expenditure on asset creation is hardly 15 percent of the total expenditure while only 26.45 percent is accounted for by plan expenditure. Besides, there were 328 incomplete projects in Manipur on March 31, 2004. The Manipur Vision focuses on a new Plan for Plan Implementation.   Thirdly, physical connectivity is very poor. The road density per 100 sq.km. are is only 49 kms. in Manipur as against 1792 kms. of Delhi and 375 kms of Goa. Per capita power consumption of Manipur is only 70 KWH as against 921 KWH of Punjab and 712 KWH of Goa. Right now, there is load shedding for every 2 days. We hardly get power supply for 4 hours a day. Manipur has become a new land of kerosene and candle although it has hydro-potential of 2000 MWH. We have so far tapped only 5 percent. It is not only discouraging but also disgracing to use candle and kerosene in this age of high-tech.
Self-employment, a wayout, is rendered meaningless in Manipur in the absence of a strong base of supporting system. Self-employment can never materialize in isolation without threshold delivery of public goods and services. As such, the Government of Manipur led by O. Ibobi Singh should play the key role of promoter, facilitator and if necessary, entrepreneur. To improve the performance of self-employment we have to build up a new institutional strength comprising (a) Transparency, (b) Accountability, (c) Good Governance, (d) Professional Spirit and (e) Dedicated Parenting.
The Vision of Manipur looks much beyond the provision of physical connectivities to those areas of social and human capital. Our vision is to produce the world class competitors from our own soil in all fields.   Full Employment by 2020 – “One family one job”should be a highlight of the vision.   Captive economy :Because of poor management of economic resources, to-day. Manipur gets into the deep trap of captive economy. One finds three distinct features of a captive economy namely :( a) High Rate of Debt.(b) High Rate Unemployment(c) Vicious Circle of PovertyNow, the Government led by O. Ibobi Singh, Honourable Chief Minister should adopt four pronged strategy to tackle the deep seated issue of comprehensive deprivations :-A : Democratic EmpowermentB : Conflict – TransformationC : Economic Resurgence andD : Social and Cultural Renaissance
By 2017 Manipur should be made economically self-sufficient, — free from the headache of dependency, shortfall and shortage. People in the state will be better educated, health and more prosperous than at any time in our long history. By 2020 Manipur will be globally competitive with a strong base of modern development and political will. Hunger and deprivation will be a phenomenon of the past. Achievement and glory will be part of our daily life.
Manipur will open a new convincing chapter of development with redefined Social Security, Livelihood Security and better Investment Atmosphere tailored objectively to meet emerging challenges. The directional departure from the demoralizing past should be the sole article of public intervention. Justice should be the sole article of public intervention. Justice in all forms should be the cardinal faith. Productive employment shall be a way of life. Increasing Investment shall also be the new temptation. Manipur shall be a “Cultural Paradise” where all cultures can flourish. The Vision of Manipur seeks to transform the state, from the Vicious Circle to the Virtuous Circle within shortest possible length of time; hopefully by 2020. To-day we have to be all set to undertake this noble mission for a New Manipur. You cannot have mission without vision.
Vision and Mission can never be separated. They go together. But vision comes first. To realise the Vision of Manipur. We need a powerful system with commitment rooted in domestic institutions. The change should come from the top, – the parent. Good Governance with sound and effective system is the need of the hour.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/B3OK8ymSY-E/

35th Veteran National Badminton Championship kicks off in Imphal

IMPHAL, Mar 8: The 35th Senior (Veteran) National Badminton Championship kicked off today at DM Stadium, Imphal. The opening ceremony was graced by health minister L Jayentakumar as the chief… Read more »

IMPHAL, Mar 8: The 35th Senior (Veteran) National Badminton Championship kicked off today at DM Stadium, Imphal.
The opening ceremony was graced by health minister L Jayentakumar as the chief guest and MOA president Bijoy Koijam as the president.
Altoether 301 players are taking part in the championship which will be held in the categories of 35+ for both men and women, 45+ for both men and women and 55+ only for men.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/jq3Q4SAhbDM/

35th Veteran National Badminton Championship kicks off in Imphal

IMPHAL, Mar 8: The 35th Senior (Veteran) National Badminton Championship kicked off today at DM Stadium, Imphal. The opening ceremony was graced by health minister L Jayentakumar as the chief… Read more »

IMPHAL, Mar 8: The 35th Senior (Veteran) National Badminton Championship kicked off today at DM Stadium, Imphal.
The opening ceremony was graced by health minister L Jayentakumar as the chief guest and MOA president Bijoy Koijam as the president.
Altoether 301 players are taking part in the championship which will be held in the categories of 35+ for both men and women, 45+ for both men and women and 55+ only for men.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/jq3Q4SAhbDM/

Why support ‘Nobel Peace Prize for Irom Sharmila’ as part of International Women’s Week’?

By: Shanjoy Mairembam First think ‘Irom Sharmila’ as an Indian, as a woman, as a human; then, acknowledge the fact that she’s been fasting for the last 10yrs in practical… Read more »

By: Shanjoy Mairembam

First think ‘Irom Sharmila’ as an Indian, as a woman, as a human; then, acknowledge the fact that she’s been fasting for the last 10yrs in practical Gandhian style of non-violence asking Indian Govt to treat every Indians same within India and follow the democratic principles what India itself preaches to the whole world; also acknowledge that Iranian Nobel peace prize winner Shirin Ebadi met and supported her during the delhi visit; also, realise that Sharmila is no lesser suitable than Burmese Nobel Peace Prize winner  ‘Aung San Suu Kyi’ as woman role model towards humanity; NOW Reason yourselves – Doesn’t ‘Irom Sharmila’ deserve to be nominated for Nobel Peace Prize; being the only Lady who is in history a living example/follower of Gandhian non-violence approach?

Dear Friends!
As part of celebrating ‘International Women’s Day’, let us share the info about ‘Irom Sharmila’ who is an Indian woman from Manipur State (located at north-eastern border of India, sharing international border with Myanmar/Burma). She has been a strong follower ‘MK Gandhi – Father of Nation in India’ not just theoretically but in practice. She has been on ‘FASTING’ for the last 10yrs (a whole decade) in Gandhian approach. Her simple request is “To remove the unlawful Act named ‘ Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958′ which gives uncontrolled legal rights for army officers/soldiers to shoot/kill anyone without having to go through any form of reasoning/justification in the areas (i.e. North-East Indian states) wherein the ACT is in force since 4-5 decades by now”. Please promote her cause and support her nomination for Nobel Peace Prize.  Please make Indian govt realise its own mistake by the global audience and help the humanity.

What does her request means? –
The Govt of India ought to treat every Indians in the North-East Indian states same as other Indians in other parts of India, because North-East Indians (having mongoloid facial look similar to Chinese, Japanese, Koreans) are not some sort of foreigners who should have a separate set of laws to be followed while within India. It’s worth reminding newly that “India became ‘Republic’ as a country by combining a diverse and numerous kingdoms in the past prior to 1950”. So, the terminologies such as country ‘India’ and the people ‘Indians’ were created / realised practically only form 26th Jan 1950 onwards. Thus, the term ‘Indians’ are similar to the term ‘Americans referring to everyone settled legally within USA (i.e. French, Germans, Chinese, Japanese, Brazilians, Spanish, British etc) ‘.

So, Indian Govt and its constitution is absolutely WRONG to treat Indians in North-East part of India as some sort of aliens/foreigners by enacting/enforcing some unethical/inhumanly laws which should never be used on India’s own people. In fact, the AFSPA is the modified version of the ‘Rawlatt Act’ used by the then British Empire to curve/control the then Indian freedom struggle. So, Isn’t it wrong for Indian govt to treat North-East Indians as if some sort of colonised people in the 21st Century via some ACTs which are not recommended for use in other parts of India, when India claimed itself to be the greatest ‘Democratic & Republic country’ globally’? Either Indian govt should declare publicly/globally that there is a WAR going on in the North-East Indian states for such  radical acts to be justified, or, clarify under the Indian constitutional framework (or International legal framework) how a part of democratic and republic India can have such radical laws in-force for 4-5 decades by now. In fact, such gross mistakes of Indian govt will tear down the whole concept of oneness  ‘the Indian’ and the country ‘India’, since such acts discriminates among Indians and breaks down ‘unity in diversity’.

Being a responsible Indian citizen and being a responsible human being, we ought to open up the closed eyes & ears of Indian Govt to follow the democratic norms/laws which it preaches to the whole world first within India itself. Indian Govt and people of India need to refresh the lessons of ‘what does Diversity actually mean?’ because, ‘diversity’ seems to mean different things to different people and understanding ‘what should Diversity mean to Indians’ will help National Integration and prosperity of India as a country.

Author: Shanjoy Mairembam, London (UK)
shan_mairembam (at) yahoo (dot) co (dot) uk

http://www.causes.com/causes/559021-nobel-peace-prize-for-irom-sharmila

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Restriction on vehicular movement

IMPHAL, Mar 8: In view of the VVIP visit to the state on March 10 and 11, Imphal West Traffic Police has imposed restrictions on the movement of motor-vehicles 10… Read more »

IMPHAL, Mar 8: In view of the VVIP visit to the state on March 10 and 11, Imphal West Traffic Police has imposed restrictions on the movement of motor-vehicles 10 minutes before the VVIP movement.

A release of DSP (Traffic) Victoria Yengkhom said that on March 3 the restrictions will be enforced from 1:20 pm from Airport to Raj Bhavan till the VVIP arrives at Raj Bhavan and on March 11 the restrictions will be enforced from 10:35 between IT Park, Mantripukhri to Airport.

Further, the students who are appearing the CBSE examination have been requested to reach the examination centres before the enforcement of vehicular movement.

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Editorial – Looming Male Shadow

It is difficult not to relapse into clichés when talking of what has now become a much hyped and thereby worn out issue of gender rights and gender violence. Regardless,… Read more »

It is difficult not to relapse into clichés when talking of what has now become a much hyped and thereby worn out issue of gender rights and gender violence. Regardless, the matter remains relevant, for the social scourges of gender inequality are still very much a reality. However, much as we are concerned with issues of gender parity, we are tempted to begin this discussion with what may appear as a rather unkind caveat. Often, self proclaimed feminists and champions of gender equality, in sheer and shameful opportunism, reverse role to pretend to be the weaker sex in order to take advantage of the stupid chivalry men are supposed to show to the supposedly “weaker sex”. Hence, at the long queues at ATMs in Imphal, women visitors would insist on their right to jump the queue. But once this has been allowed, male visitors would bring along women relatives to have them jump these queues and thereby cheat everybody else in the line. The ATMs are just the most visible example where many would have felt disgusted by such obvious and deceitful role reversals, but it happens everywhere. Gender rights must not speak in two different languages, if the campaign for gender equality must remain respectable beyond questions.

Having said this, we extend full support to the campaign for women’s rights and gender equality. The 33 percent reservation envisaged for women in the various legislative bodies of the Indian democracy, in this sense is welcome. But the usual caution must remain. Reservation should not be for all time, but must be treated as a means to ultimately ensure a level playing field. Once this level playing field has been achieved, it must be back to normal, open competition. Otherwise, there can be no dispute women have been discriminated and subdued for aeons and this has caused deep scars in their self confidence and esteem, therefore almost irredeemably depleting their ability to stand up against men in all competitive fields. In this way it is not merely biology which today determines nearly all handles of state power remains in the hands of men, but prolonged and extreme subjugation. In Manipur for instance, if not for one seat won in a bye election by the chief minister’s wife O Randhoni Devi, the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly would have been totally stag. But even the lone seat won by a woman may not have been won by the personality and charisma of the woman herself, but by that of her husband, therefore this cannot be with justice cited as an example of women in the state coming of age. She was in short, most likely shining from the reflected glory of her husband the chief minister. On her own, in Manipur’s conservative the patriarchal world, she too probably would not have won at all.

This strong male bias is very much Manipur’s reality today. In a marriage that has failed, the woman walking out is frowned upon, but the man walking out is common and seen as natural. While men are allowed to wear anything they please, women are still bound to tradition by standards set by the worse of males. Eves teasing is still an accepted practice regardless of the insult this means to the self dignity of the victims. To top it all, these eves teasers would also likely explain, in what is a show of unparalleled arrogance, that the victims also relish their daylight verbal assaults. This is only an indicator of how deeply embedded this violence is in the very social fabric. In other words, the eves’ teasers were not the only perpetrators. It is also the skewed standards of social norms that inform them that eves teasing is perfectly normal and a practised thing. It is also very much the society which is the violator. The reformation recommended hence cannot just be for the eves teasers alone, but for the society and its accepted practices. Again it is not only in the issue of eves teasing, but practically every other issue of gender equality that similar embedded conditions for structural violence exists. On March 8, the day reserved as the “Woman’s Day” throughout the world, let the resolve be renewed that all structural inhibitory elements that work against the female gender and perpetrate their subjugation, be rooted out totally from our society. Let this resolve be made in partnership between the genders and not, as probably would be subverted sooner than later, in the patronising, feudal protectiveness of the male chauvinists of which specimen Manipur has never been short of.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/6bTJ6TeRuQA/

July 23 charge order hearing fixed on Mar 11 and 12

IMPHAL, Mar 8: The charge-sheet hearing of July 23 BT Road firing incident was held today before the Court of District and Session Judge, Manipur East. The counsels of both… Read more »

IMPHAL, Mar 8: The charge-sheet hearing of July 23 BT Road firing incident was held today before the Court of District and Session Judge, Manipur East.

The counsels of both sides and the accused police personnel were present at the hearing.

However, Judge Ph Surendra fixed the charge order hearing of the case on March 11 and 12.

It may be mentioned that the CBI has framed the charge-sheet of July 23 BT Road firing incident against nine Manipur Police personnel including OC of City Police Y Munal and Inspector H Devendra.Chungkham Sanjit and Thokchom Rabina were killed in the incident in 2009. The charge-sheet of CBI came after the Tehelka Magazine exposed the cold-blooded murder of Sanjit inside the godown of a pharmacy at BT Road.

The PG Agarwal Commission of Inquiry set up by the state government to probe the incident is also in progress.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/CRPVKgYuoqs/

KCP Sunil Meitei’s family members allegedly abducted

IMPHAL, March 8: Eleven persons including nine (six children) family members of the proscribed KCP (Sunil Meitei) who are settled at Mizoram Bongkon village running computer centres and shops have… Read more »

IMPHAL, March 8: Eleven persons including nine (six children) family members of the proscribed KCP (Sunil Meitei) who are settled at Mizoram Bongkon village running computer centres and shops have been abducted by unknown armed persons suspected to be security personnel yesterday night.
Chirom Ibopishak, a relative of Sunil Meitei while briefing media persons today at Manipur press club this afternoon regarding the issue stated that the family members were abducted from their homes late last night by unknown armed persons suspected to be security personnel.
He further identified the abducted family members of the proscribed KCP (Sunil Meitei) leader as Ch Geeta, 37, w/o the leader and their four children identified as Redical, 13, Thoiba, 8, John, 5, and Alangsana a 2 year old infant.
According to the spokesperson, the armed persons have also abducted Ch Sunil Meitei, brother of Sunil Meitei, his wife Ch Indubala and their two children identified as Monalisa, 6 and Tomba, 3. alongwith the family members of the leader, the armed persons have also taken two neighbours of the family identified as  Konsam J.K, 50, s/o K. Lokhon of Wangkei and Ingudum Bipin, 30, s/o Jugindro of Nambol Oinam.
He further maintained that the abduction was reported today morning at around 9 am by the locality of Bongkon village saying they were abducted by armed persons suspected to be security personnel yesterday night at around 9 pm.
In the meantime he has requested to release the children and hand them over to their family members on humanity ground.
Meanwhile an official release of the SSP Imphal West L Kailun have maintained that the Imphal West district polica in co-ordination with the Aizwal Police have arrested four members of the KCP (Sunil Faction) from Bongkawn area of Aizwal late last night at around 11 pm.
It has further identified the arrested cadres as one Konsam Inaocha alias J.K Singh, 35, s/o K. Lokhon alias Lakshaman of Wangkhei Thokpam Leikai, Imphal East district at present Bongkawn, Lunglei road Jari Sean, Chirom Herojit alias Abung, 29, s/o Ch. Shyam of Wahengkhuman Mamang Leikai at present Bongkawn Market, Ingudam Bipen Singh, 32, s/o I. Jugindro of Nambol Oinam Leikai Ingubam Leikai at present Bongkawn Hillar Veng, Thounaojam Ningol Chirom Ongbi Gita alias Gitanjali, 35, w/o Chirom Premkumar alias Tiken alias Sunil of Wahengkhuman Mamang Leikai.
It said they were actively involved in extortion from businessmen, contractors, general public and Government officers through mobile phone for the last 6 months. The individual will be brought to Imphal after obtaining necessary orders from Local court in Aizawl, it said.

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CM presents Business Advisory Committee report

IMPHAL, March 8: Leader of the house, Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh has presented the 7th Report of the Business Advisory Committee, 2011 on the floor of the house and… Read more »

IMPHAL, March 8: Leader of the house, Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh has presented the 7th Report of the Business Advisory Committee, 2011 on the floor of the house and also moved to agrees with the allocation of time proposed by the Committee.
Later on, State Law and Legislative Affairs minister Th Devendra Singh laid a Gazette Copy of the Manipur Municipalities (Fifth Amendment) Ordinance, 2011 (Manipur Ordinance No. 1 of 2011) along with the copy of statement regarding promulgation of the said Ordinance and its replacement by a Bill on the Table of the house on the first of the assembly session today.

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Humanitarian gestures by 69 Bn, CRPF

IMPHAL, March 8: During bi-annual inspection of 69 BN, CRPF R.C. Tayal, IPS, 1GP M&N Sector, CRPF, Imphai a programme was organized at 69 BN, CRPF, Mantripukhrl, Imphal in which… Read more »

IMPHAL, March 8: During bi-annual inspection of 69 BN, CRPF R.C. Tayal, IPS, 1GP M&N Sector, CRPF, Imphai a programme was organized at 69 BN, CRPF, Mantripukhrl, Imphal in which water purifier, nutrition food items and personal sanitary articles have been distributed to children/staff of Mother Teresa Orphanage Home, Mantripukhri, Imphal today. Among the orphans 07 boys and 07 girls were below the age of 04 year.

The sister in charge of the orphans home requested to donate solar light for the use of orphans as there is no electricity in the home. The IGP has assured to donate it and also desired to adopt the home by the 69 BN, CRPF. U.B. Mishra, commandant expressed his happiness for adopting the orphans home, he informed that he had conducted such programmes earlier also for Mother Teresa Home, Imphal, Children Home, Lethngkhol, Chtngmelrong, Imphal and Stepping Stone Home, National Games village, Langol will continue in future also. It was followed by interaction with jawans over tea and snacks said the released.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/1zzESZEQHAA/

Free Medical Camp

IMPHAL, March 8: 13 Bn BSF organised free medical checkup camp in remote vilalges of Imphal. During the medical checkup, medinices were distributed to the sick/needy villagers of Village Island… Read more »

IMPHAL, March 8: 13 Bn BSF organised free medical checkup camp in remote vilalges of Imphal. During the medical checkup, medinices were distributed to the sick/needy villagers of Village Island on 4th March, Thanging Popi on 5th March and Nangran on 7th March. About 600 patients were benefited said the released.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/APAQR9JuOEU/

State observes International Womens’ Day

IMPHAL, March 8: As observed in different parts of the globe, the International Women’s Days was also widely observed in the State today.The women’s day was observed at Nupi Keithel,… Read more »

IMPHAL, March 8: As observed in different parts of the globe, the International Women’s Days was also widely observed in the State today.The women’s day was observed at Nupi Keithel, Imphal jointly organized by the All Manipur Nupi Marup, Kwairamband Nupi Keithel Semgatpa Sagatpa and Kanba Lup, and the centre for organization Research and Education (CORE) with the support of the Manipur State Commission for Women with a simple ceremony of thanksgiving prayer and offerings to the Keithel Lairembi.

The women of the unique Nupi Keithel have always believed that the future of Manipur lies in the preservation and strengthening of women’s economic power. It is significant that this International Women’s Day 2011 also marks the successful occupation of the newly constructed Nupi Keithel complex in Imphal by women vendors.

The day was also observed by the Kanglei Chaokhat Lamching Lup (KANGLEICHAL), at the Manipur press club, Imphal. The programme was attended by Dr. U. Deben Singh, MLA Wabagai Assembly constituency, Th. Ayangleima Chanu president Kangleichal, Y. Leirik Leima president KAGNLAMEI, Kakom Lunglu Kamei president Kabui Mother’s Association and AK. Janaki Leima, president Meekhol.

A seminar session was also organized marking the day on the theme “Manipur Khunaida Meira Paibi” (the role of Meira Paibi in Manipur Society).

The United NGOs Mission-Manipur, (UNM-U) in collaboration with the District Women’s Committee of Tamenglong district, also observed the day at the Indoor stadium, Tamenglong under the theme “Equal access to Education, Training and Science and Technology: Pathway to decent work for Women”.

The observation was graced by RK. Ragaisin ceo, TADC, as the chief guest, Rev. Kaiba Riamei, advisor DNC as functional president. Apart from them many other public leaders, religious leader official of the UNM-U including the co-convener, M. Sobita etc attended the observation.

M Sobita in her key-note addressed maintained that the International women’s Day has been observed worldwide since the early 1900, a time of great unrest and critical debate occurring amongst women, and when women’s oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change.

She further added that the as in various other parts of the world, the people were also gathered in the Indoor Stadium in celebration of women’s contributions to the society, communities and to the whole human race, the advancement that women have made in improving her condition and status, and also as a reminder that a lot more needs to be done to remove the shackles of oppression, suppression and inequality that still continue to imprison women and prevents her from reaching her full potential.

Giving an account of the start of the day, she maintained that it was tabled for the first time by Clara Zetkin, leader of the “Women’s Office” for the social Democratic Party in German in 1910 at the second International Conference of Working Women held in Copenhagen. She had proposed that every year in every country there should be a celebration on the same day, a Women’s Day, to press for their demands.

She further added that today, the day is an official holiday in China, Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The United Nations which observed International Women’s Day for the first time in 1975 has adopted the theme – Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent works for women this year.

She ended by appealing to all to acknowledge the truth in the statement ‘women Rights are Human rights as stated by Hillary Rodham Clinton, present secretary of state of Amirica in Beijing.

The observation also saw a Zeme dance troupe presenting a cultural dance.

The day also observed by The Naga Women’s Union (NWU) and Indigenous Women’s Forum of North East India (IWFNEI).In an emailed statement the union said that it had observed the International Women’s Day with the theme “Equal Access to Education, Training, and Science and Technology: Pathway to Decent Work for Women”, at the Tangkhul Avenue Community Hall, Imphal.

The observation was attended by representatives of different tribal women’s organisations including the Zomi Mothers’ Association and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights.

Explicating on the theme, speakers reiterated that education is a basic human rights in itself, and key to the enjoyment of human rights also, it said. And pointing out that in the knowledge driven society of today, access to education itself is not enough but it has to be meaningful and relevant, speakers called attention to the need for science education and formal training of women as an economic imperative as well as an ingredient towards social progress and political stability. Pointing out stumbling blocks in the achievement of equal access to education, speakers mentioned the need for gender equality in every levels of decision-making, the need for ensuring access to other basic necessities such as gender specific healthcare and sanitation etc.

It informed that the celebration of International Women’s Day will continue for the fortnight with further focus on issues of discrimination & violence against women. NWU in collaboration with other organisations will undertake programs for education and awareness building of women’s rights at the community level, and networking and mobilization to strengthen relationships among different communities.

The day was also observed by the All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA) under the theme “Let us carry the Struggle Forward” at the Manipur Dramatic Union (MDU) Hall.

The observation was graced Th. Iboyaima president Irabot Foundation Manipur, L. Memchoubi president Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibee Apunba, Manipur and Chongtham (O) Usharani president AMAWOVA as the chief guest, guest of hounour and functional president respectively. The All Manipur Nupi Marup and Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup Kwairamband Nupi Keithel also observed the day at the Irawat Memorail hall.

NEW DELHI, March 8:Marking the observation a painting Exhibition on the spirit of Sharmila was launched at the Art Gallery of Department of Arts and Aesthetic, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi organized by Manipur Research Forum Delhi (MRFD).

The exhibition was inaugurated by Prof. Parul Dave Mukherji, Dean, School, JNU. Bishnupriya Dutt, Prof. H.S Shivpraka and Dr. Oinam Bhagat, Department of Philosophy, JNU.

Fourteen painting on canvas was painted by NEOGENE, a group of young Manipuri artist on the occasion of the festival of hope, Justice and Peace to commemorate the completion of one decade of hunger strike. The exhibition will continue till March 14.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/FhwX0Pb2V-I/

Goc 3 corps on farewell visits to Manipur

IMPHAL, March 8: Lieutenant General N K Singh, GOC 3 Corps has arrived on a visit to Manipur on today. He visited HQ IGAR(S) and HQ 57 Mountain Division. The… Read more »

IMPHAL, March 8: Lieutenant General N K Singh, GOC 3 Corps has arrived on a visit to Manipur on today. He visited HQ IGAR(S) and HQ 57 Mountain Division. The GOC 3 Corps was received by major general CA Krishnan, AVSM, IGAR (South) and briefed on the prevailing security situation in Manipur.

The General Officer while interacting with senior commanders of Assam Rifles appreciated the efforts being put in by the troops in a very professional manner to curb down insurgency in the state. He also lauded the various civic action programme and development work undertaken by the Assam Rifles and Army.

Later in the day the General Officer’s alongwith the IGAR(S) called on his Excellency Shri Gurubachan Jagat, Governor of Manipur.

This is also the General Officer farewell visit who is moving out on posting to the Head Quarters Integrated Defence Staff, Ministry of Defence.

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K Sarat takes oath

IMPHAL, March 8: The tenth session of the ninth Assembly in Manipur started today with the formal induction of K Sharat, who was elected from the recent Konthoujam Assembly constituency… Read more »

IMPHAL, March 8: The tenth session of the ninth Assembly in Manipur started today with the formal induction of K Sharat, who was elected from the recent Konthoujam Assembly constituency bye poll with a Trinamool Congress ticket as a Member of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

K Sarat took his oath as member of the assembly at the office chamber of the speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly I. Hemochandra Singh.

K Sarat was elected from the Konthoujam bye poll in February this year after he defeated Congress Candidate Sapam Ranjan with a 655 vote margin. He secured a total of 9592 votes out of 22360 polled votes while Ranjan and independent candidate Kh. Ranjit secured 8937 and 3831 votes respectively.

During the oath taking ceremony, leader of the house Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh, Dy. Speaker Th. Lokeshore, Opposition leader MLA Radha Binod Koijam, MLA O. Joy, state cabinet ministers and MLA were also attended.

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SOAS, London in Solidarity with Irom Chanu Sharmila

Source: Kanglaonline Reporter LONDON, 07 March: The School of Oriental and African Studies, London (SOAS) is observing the centenary of the International Women Day in a week long celebration at the… Read more »

Source: Kanglaonline Reporter

LONDON, 07 March:

The School of Oriental and African Studies, London (SOAS) is observing the centenary of the International Women Day in a week long celebration at the student’s lounge. As a part of this observation a public meeting was held in honour of Irom Sharmila Chanu on 04-March 2011.

Babloo Loitongbam – noted human right activist and Director of the Human Rights Alert

Jo Baker, a human right academician and activist and a keen follower of Sharmila’s struggle led the meeting and noted human right activist and Director of the Human Rights Alert, Mr Babloo Loitongbam shared the genesis of the woman’s struggle in Manipur and place Irom Sharmila Chanu’s extraordinary struggle against the Armed Forces Special Power Act in perspective. The meeting attended by British and international students, scholars, activist etc was also attended by a strong Manipuri crowd settling in and around London. It was a unique opportunity to talk about the unprecedented struggle of Sharmila and the highly repressive situation in Manipur.


Leaflets highlighting the non-violent protest of Sharmila Chanu were distributed. Jo Baker, also took the initiative of taking many hand written personalize message from the participating individuals and handed over to Iron Chanu Sharmila.

Click here to check the photo gallery of the event
The meeting concluded with a request to sign up the ongoing signature campaign for Sharmila to be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize.
http://www.causes.com/causes/559021-nobel-peace-prize-for-irom-sharmila?m=88fc20a0

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Heavy security measures made for smooth conduct of assembly session

IMPHAL, March 7: In order to maintain law and order and provide adequate security measures for smooth conduct of the 10th session of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly which will… Read more »

IMPHAL, March 7: In order to maintain law and order and provide adequate security measures for smooth conduct of the 10th session of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly which will start from tomorrow, the state government has taken up tight security arrangement at four different security zones.
Besides, all set of preparation has been completed for the ensuing first session of the year tomorrow as all forms of sitting arrangement inside the assembly hall have also been made completed this evening.
According to a highly placed official source, the entire surroundings of the Assembly secretariat will be under the tight security vigils during the session is going as a heavy team of state forces led by one SI, one ASI, one Head Constable, one armed section of Manipur Police Reserve Line Imphal west and 10 Recruited constables from MPTS Pangei along with anti riot equipments will be made station along the Assembly Road in the Northern Flank, on inspector, one SI and three police constables each will be guards at gate N0-. 3 of the Assembly hall and they shall frisk the visitors  before entering  inside the Assembly Compound, the same strength of the state police forces will also be deployed at Eastern Flank along Indira Park, and Southern Flank covering the areas of outside boundary wall including Congress Bhavan, Roop Mahal Tank and Building area adjoining Assembly Complex, road crossing of BT Road and Family Welfare road near transformer. Besides the at the Western flank outside boundary wall covering Uraban Family Welfare road, Assembly road crossing near Hao Keithel and Mayur Hotel the same strength of the state forces will also be deployed.
The official source further mentioned that, during the session hours, enough security will be also deployed at the building tops of GM, Hall, Imphal, building top of L Dayamoi near Mangang Lodge, building top of Mass Hotel and building top of Manipur State Cooperative Bank, Imphal.
Further heavy security deployment led by one SI one Head Constable 10 Recruited Constables from MPTS with anti riot equipments, three Women Home Guards, one Armed Sections from MR ad nine armed personnel from IRB shall also be made the selected outer core zone of Imphal City during the session at Krishnapremi Oil City, Moirangkhom and similar strength of the state forces will also be deployed at the areas of  Keishamthgong Bridge, Nityaipat Chuthek near Souther gate of Raj Bhavan Imphal,  Western bridge of Sanjenthong and in the front of Cm Bungalow, Maharani Bridge and Hathi Chowk, Kasturi Bridge,  Bridge near SS Hotel, road crossing near Jajal Provision, near Sani Mandir, Thangal bazaar,  Khoyathong Turning, in the front of LIC office, Imphal, in the front of Old Power House Keishampat.
The source further mentioned that two anti riot squads equipped with anti-riots equipments will also stationed in the front of GM Hall and at Alu Gali during the session is going on.
On the other hand in view of the smooth and successful conduct of the Assembly session, certain traffic regulation in and around the Assembly Secretariat has been made which will be implemented during the session.
As per the new traffic regulation, the vehicles of Chief minister and Ministers shall enter through gate No. 1 and exit through Gate No. 2 of the Assembly complex and vehicles of  Speaker and opposition leaders/Deputy Sepaker, Chairman of HAC, Vice Chairman HAC and Chairman of three financial Committee of the assembly shall parked inside the Assembly compound.
The vehicles  of MLAs shall enter through Gate No. 3 and exit through the same gate and park at the western side of the Family Welfare Department, the vehicles of Government Secretariat, Deptts, press shall not enter the Assembly compound and shall park at the western side of the Family Welfare Department, the private vehicles of the Assembly Secretariat staff and employees shall not be allowed to park inside the Assembly compound and shall park at the Eastern side of Indira Park. Further the official vehicles of the Assembly secretariat, Medical Team, Fire Tender of Manipur Fire Service shall be allowed to park inside the Assembly Compound and the vehicles of the visitors  shall not enter beyond the crossing points of NH-39 the Eastern side and Assembly road at the western side and all the Assembly secretariat staffs to invariably display their Photo ID cards.
In the meantime, it is also further ordered that no vehicle other than the VIP, minister and MLAs, security forces deployed maintaining law and order in connection with the Assembly session shall be allowed to pass through the Assembly road either from the Eastern side of the road crossing NH-39 or Assembly and Family Welfare road from 9 am of March 8. Further, the Assembly road will be closed from the evening of March 7 till the Assembly session is over.
Jeep Taxis, Auto’s, vans etc. which parked in front of GM Hall, Imphal shall move at the Eastern side of the NH-39 opposite Adarsh Laboratory, Imphal, the official order added.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/okZz9bM-dCk/

Heavy security measures made for smooth conduct of assembly session

IMPHAL, March 7: In order to maintain law and order and provide adequate security measures for smooth conduct of the 10th session of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly which will… Read more »

IMPHAL, March 7: In order to maintain law and order and provide adequate security measures for smooth conduct of the 10th session of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly which will start from tomorrow, the state government has taken up tight security arrangement at four different security zones.
Besides, all set of preparation has been completed for the ensuing first session of the year tomorrow as all forms of sitting arrangement inside the assembly hall have also been made completed this evening.
According to a highly placed official source, the entire surroundings of the Assembly secretariat will be under the tight security vigils during the session is going as a heavy team of state forces led by one SI, one ASI, one Head Constable, one armed section of Manipur Police Reserve Line Imphal west and 10 Recruited constables from MPTS Pangei along with anti riot equipments will be made station along the Assembly Road in the Northern Flank, on inspector, one SI and three police constables each will be guards at gate N0-. 3 of the Assembly hall and they shall frisk the visitors  before entering  inside the Assembly Compound, the same strength of the state police forces will also be deployed at Eastern Flank along Indira Park, and Southern Flank covering the areas of outside boundary wall including Congress Bhavan, Roop Mahal Tank and Building area adjoining Assembly Complex, road crossing of BT Road and Family Welfare road near transformer. Besides the at the Western flank outside boundary wall covering Uraban Family Welfare road, Assembly road crossing near Hao Keithel and Mayur Hotel the same strength of the state forces will also be deployed.
The official source further mentioned that, during the session hours, enough security will be also deployed at the building tops of GM, Hall, Imphal, building top of L Dayamoi near Mangang Lodge, building top of Mass Hotel and building top of Manipur State Cooperative Bank, Imphal.
Further heavy security deployment led by one SI one Head Constable 10 Recruited Constables from MPTS with anti riot equipments, three Women Home Guards, one Armed Sections from MR ad nine armed personnel from IRB shall also be made the selected outer core zone of Imphal City during the session at Krishnapremi Oil City, Moirangkhom and similar strength of the state forces will also be deployed at the areas of  Keishamthgong Bridge, Nityaipat Chuthek near Souther gate of Raj Bhavan Imphal,  Western bridge of Sanjenthong and in the front of Cm Bungalow, Maharani Bridge and Hathi Chowk, Kasturi Bridge,  Bridge near SS Hotel, road crossing near Jajal Provision, near Sani Mandir, Thangal bazaar,  Khoyathong Turning, in the front of LIC office, Imphal, in the front of Old Power House Keishampat.
The source further mentioned that two anti riot squads equipped with anti-riots equipments will also stationed in the front of GM Hall and at Alu Gali during the session is going on.
On the other hand in view of the smooth and successful conduct of the Assembly session, certain traffic regulation in and around the Assembly Secretariat has been made which will be implemented during the session.
As per the new traffic regulation, the vehicles of Chief minister and Ministers shall enter through gate No. 1 and exit through Gate No. 2 of the Assembly complex and vehicles of  Speaker and opposition leaders/Deputy Sepaker, Chairman of HAC, Vice Chairman HAC and Chairman of three financial Committee of the assembly shall parked inside the Assembly compound.
The vehicles  of MLAs shall enter through Gate No. 3 and exit through the same gate and park at the western side of the Family Welfare Department, the vehicles of Government Secretariat, Deptts, press shall not enter the Assembly compound and shall park at the western side of the Family Welfare Department, the private vehicles of the Assembly Secretariat staff and employees shall not be allowed to park inside the Assembly compound and shall park at the Eastern side of Indira Park. Further the official vehicles of the Assembly secretariat, Medical Team, Fire Tender of Manipur Fire Service shall be allowed to park inside the Assembly Compound and the vehicles of the visitors  shall not enter beyond the crossing points of NH-39 the Eastern side and Assembly road at the western side and all the Assembly secretariat staffs to invariably display their Photo ID cards.
In the meantime, it is also further ordered that no vehicle other than the VIP, minister and MLAs, security forces deployed maintaining law and order in connection with the Assembly session shall be allowed to pass through the Assembly road either from the Eastern side of the road crossing NH-39 or Assembly and Family Welfare road from 9 am of March 8. Further, the Assembly road will be closed from the evening of March 7 till the Assembly session is over.
Jeep Taxis, Auto’s, vans etc. which parked in front of GM Hall, Imphal shall move at the Eastern side of the NH-39 opposite Adarsh Laboratory, Imphal, the official order added.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/okZz9bM-dCk/

CM gives clarion call to restrict farming of phumdis; hovercraft formally inducted in Manipur Police

IMPHAL, March 7: Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh has given a clarion call to the fishermen and local people surrounding the Loktak Lake, that farming of Phumdis (floating bio mass)… Read more »

Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh launches the use of hovercrafts in Loktak Lake of Manipur on Monday. The purpose of using the hovercrafts by the security forces personnel in Loktak Lake has been to flush out militants who are reportedly sheltering the 'phumdis', the floating biomass.

Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh launches the use of hovercrafts in Loktak Lake of Manipur on Monday. The purpose of using the hovercrafts by the security forces personnel in Loktak Lake has been to flush out militants who are reportedly sheltering the 'phumdis', the floating biomass.

IMPHAL, March 7: Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh has given a clarion call to the fishermen and local people surrounding the Loktak Lake, that farming of Phumdis (floating bio mass) will be held accountable as restricted activities under provision of the act for protecting the Lake.

The Chief Minister stated this during the official launching function of the hover crafts issued to the Loktak protection force to flush out militant in and around the Lake, held at the Takmu Water Sports Complex.
The Loktak Protection Force with over 200 security personnel which included a DSP, Inspector and Sub-Inspector will be initially deployed and starts their operation in three strategic places from today to flush out militant. The forces will conduct daily patrolling using the crafts.

While appealing the local people of the surrounding area to extend their co-operation without which the operation would not be fruitful, the Chief Minister said additional forces will be provided from the state force if required.Further addressing the gathering the Chief Minister assured that the Phumdis clearance works under taken by a private company will soon be over. He said that project was under taken with the motive to preserve the Loktak Lake, the largest fresh water lake in the NE region, under the integrated Management of Lotak Lake with the GOI sanctioning a sum of 224 crores for clearance work.

Comparing the Loktak with lakes in other parts of the country the Chief Minister lamented that unlike Manipur people of other states try to maintain the lake as clean as possible with frequent cleaning however in Manipur fishermen are growing Phumdis and built huts on it and has become a way of livelihood.

There is no restriction in any kind of fishing but planting Phumdis and building huts gives advantage for under ground and antisocial groups to take refuge and shelter who carry out various anti social activities like kidnapping, extortion etc, said Chief Minister Ibobi adding it hinted the people that Government would be compelled to construed this as a sign of showing their endorsing the anti social activities. As a part of protecting the Loktak Lake a proper demarcation would soon be conducted under the “Protection of Lotak Lake Act”. Besides that a dragging machine (water master) has been purchased by the Government from Finland for 3.5 crore rupees. The machine will soon reach in the state from Kolkata by March, informed that Chief Minister.

If necessary more hover crafts will be purchased not only to flush out militants but also to use in task of protecting and preserving the Lake, he further said.

In the meantime, the chief minister further informed that adequate compensation amounting to over 10 crores have been given to farmers for the Phumdis. Besides the amounts also covers a part for alternative livelihood for the fishermen like taking up dairy farming, vegetation farming, paddy cum Pisci culture etc.  

While noting the initiative taken by concerned Governments and NGOs to save Lake, Chief Minister Ibobi further appealed not to continue Phumdi farming and warned that it is highly restricted.

The function was attended by Social Welfare minister, N. Loken, DGP Manipur Y. Joykumar, Thanga MLA Mangi Babu, Loktak Brigade and other concerned officials.

A trial run of the hover craft (Hoverguard-1000) was displayed in front of the gathering after its official launch.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/8x12xZFEnKU/

CM gives clarion call to restrict farming of phumdis; hovercraft formally inducted in Manipur Police

IMPHAL, March 7: Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh has given a clarion call to the fishermen and local people surrounding the Loktak Lake, that farming of Phumdis (floating bio mass)… Read more »

Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh launches the use of hovercrafts in Loktak Lake of Manipur on Monday. The purpose of using the hovercrafts by the security forces personnel in Loktak Lake has been to flush out militants who are reportedly sheltering the 'phumdis', the floating biomass.

Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh launches the use of hovercrafts in Loktak Lake of Manipur on Monday. The purpose of using the hovercrafts by the security forces personnel in Loktak Lake has been to flush out militants who are reportedly sheltering the 'phumdis', the floating biomass.

IMPHAL, March 7: Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh has given a clarion call to the fishermen and local people surrounding the Loktak Lake, that farming of Phumdis (floating bio mass) will be held accountable as restricted activities under provision of the act for protecting the Lake.

The Chief Minister stated this during the official launching function of the hover crafts issued to the Loktak protection force to flush out militant in and around the Lake, held at the Takmu Water Sports Complex.
The Loktak Protection Force with over 200 security personnel which included a DSP, Inspector and Sub-Inspector will be initially deployed and starts their operation in three strategic places from today to flush out militant. The forces will conduct daily patrolling using the crafts.

While appealing the local people of the surrounding area to extend their co-operation without which the operation would not be fruitful, the Chief Minister said additional forces will be provided from the state force if required.Further addressing the gathering the Chief Minister assured that the Phumdis clearance works under taken by a private company will soon be over. He said that project was under taken with the motive to preserve the Loktak Lake, the largest fresh water lake in the NE region, under the integrated Management of Lotak Lake with the GOI sanctioning a sum of 224 crores for clearance work.

Comparing the Loktak with lakes in other parts of the country the Chief Minister lamented that unlike Manipur people of other states try to maintain the lake as clean as possible with frequent cleaning however in Manipur fishermen are growing Phumdis and built huts on it and has become a way of livelihood.

There is no restriction in any kind of fishing but planting Phumdis and building huts gives advantage for under ground and antisocial groups to take refuge and shelter who carry out various anti social activities like kidnapping, extortion etc, said Chief Minister Ibobi adding it hinted the people that Government would be compelled to construed this as a sign of showing their endorsing the anti social activities. As a part of protecting the Loktak Lake a proper demarcation would soon be conducted under the “Protection of Lotak Lake Act”. Besides that a dragging machine (water master) has been purchased by the Government from Finland for 3.5 crore rupees. The machine will soon reach in the state from Kolkata by March, informed that Chief Minister.

If necessary more hover crafts will be purchased not only to flush out militants but also to use in task of protecting and preserving the Lake, he further said.

In the meantime, the chief minister further informed that adequate compensation amounting to over 10 crores have been given to farmers for the Phumdis. Besides the amounts also covers a part for alternative livelihood for the fishermen like taking up dairy farming, vegetation farming, paddy cum Pisci culture etc.  

While noting the initiative taken by concerned Governments and NGOs to save Lake, Chief Minister Ibobi further appealed not to continue Phumdi farming and warned that it is highly restricted.

The function was attended by Social Welfare minister, N. Loken, DGP Manipur Y. Joykumar, Thanga MLA Mangi Babu, Loktak Brigade and other concerned officials.

A trial run of the hover craft (Hoverguard-1000) was displayed in front of the gathering after its official launch.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/8x12xZFEnKU/