manipur – Page 1209 – Manipur News

Facilitation training for LS poll candidates and agents on June 9

IMPHAL, May 24: All the contesting candidates and their election agents of the 1-Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency that under Section 78 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, are

IMPHAL, May 24: All the contesting candidates and their election agents of the 1-Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency that under Section 78 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, are required to lodge a true copy of the account of Election expenses with the District Election officer within 30 days of the declaration of the result of the election, informed a DIPR statement.

A one day facilitation training for all the candidates and their election agents and personnel to be engaged for receiving the accounts will be held on June 9 at 11am in Kombirei Hall at the DCs office complex, Lamphelpat, it said.

Further details can be had from the office of the District Election Officer, Imphal West.

Community awareness on Chakpi multipurpose project held

CHANDEL, MAY, 24: A One Day district level community awareness cum consultation on the-would-be impacts due to the proposed construction of the Chakpi multipurpose project was held at the Chandel

CHANDEL, MAY, 24: A One Day district level community awareness cum consultation on the-would-be impacts due to the proposed construction of the Chakpi multipurpose project was held at the Chandel Christian village conference Hall today.

Organised by the Naga Women’s Union in collaboration with Naga Women’s Union Chandel, secretary of Chandel District Core Committee (CDCC) Ht Francis, secretary general of NPMHR Dr Gina Shangkham, convener of Gospel Friends Chandel, St Luckson and convener of NPMHR S Phamhring attended the consultation as the main speakers.

During the daylong program it was resolved and affirmed that the participants of the program would strife to defend and protect the integrity of their land for survival of coming generation.

The consultation also adopted several resolutions including to stop survey work undertaken by GSI and IFCD, call for an immediate revocation of the MoU signed, revocation of the contract etc and to pursue the government to take free, prior and informed consent of all affected people.

A paper on Chakpi Multipurpose Dam Facts was also circulated amongs the participants.

Illegal encroachers will not be spared says Chief Minister

IMPHAL, May 23: The IntraIBSD (e-governance Package) was launched today by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi at the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) at its premises situated at Takyelpat Institutional Area during a function organised by the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, department of Biotechnology, Government of India.

Ak Miraibai, minister Social Welfare and MLA L Nandakumar were also present in the function.

Speaking at the function Chief Minister Ibobi appealed to the people against encroaching upon any government land. He said the Government will not spare illegal encroachers.

The government has acquired land from the private owners for development works and at the same time, the government has also provided adequate amount of compensation, he said.

The Chief Minister further said that e-governance will add efficiency and transparency in the administration, and could be accessed easily by the people from even the far-flung areas.

The setting up of central institutes in the state renders lots of benefits to the students who could not afford to get education outside the state and moreover, it also brings benefits to the State, he said.

He said he is hopeful that IBSD will produce qualified students like RIMS which is also a central institute.

On a surprising note, the Chief Minister claimed his ignorance on the IBSD director’s statement that 30 acres of land have been acquired at Heiraolok for construction of a new building for the IBSD.

Director of IBSD, Narayan Chandra Talukdar stated that in the country there are few IBSDs which have implemented e-governance packages.

He further said that the IBSD in Manipur is one in the North East and there is hope that this institute will improve more and will be one of the best in the country.

It may be mentioned that the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) has been jointly formulated by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DEITY) and Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), together.

The Union Government approved the NeGP, comprising of 27 Mission Mode Projects (MMPs) and 10 components on May 18, 2006. The Government accorded approval to the vision, approach, strategy, key components, implementation methodology, and management structure for the NeGP.

It may also be mentioned that the NeGP aims at improving delivery of Government services to citizens and businesses with the following vision; make all Government services accessible to the common man in his locality through common service delivery outlets and ensure efficiency, transparency & reliability of such services at affordable costs to realise the basic needs of the common man.

E-governance also aims to empower people through giving them access to information.

Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) was established in the year 2000 with the goal on scientific management of bioresources in Indian region of Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspots with mission of development and sustainable utilization of bioresources through biotechnological interventions for socio-economic growth of the North-Eastern region of India.

Kins claim bodies of NH-37 shoot-out victims

AR pays last respect to slain personnel IMPHAL, May 23: Family members of the two Zeliangrong United Front cadres and the 13 Assam Rifles jawan have claimed the bodies today

AR pays last respect to slain personnel

IMPHAL, May 23: Family members of the two Zeliangrong United Front cadres and the 13 Assam Rifles jawan have claimed the bodies today after post mortem was conducted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, this noon.

Rifleman TG Singh of 13 Assam Rifles was cremated with full military honours Friday at his birthplace Akham Mamamg Leikei, Lamshang, informed a PIB (Defence wing) statement.

The AR jawan was identified as Thokchom Gokil alias Nanao, 24, son of Dineshor of Lamshang Akham Mamang Leikai.

Senior officers of the Army and Assam Rifles including Maj Gen PM Bali GOC Red Shield Division, Brigadier Ajai Singh Negi, Commander Senapati Brigade and Brigadier MK Das, Commander 9 Sector Assam Rifles laid floral tributes to the martyr at a brief Wreath Laying Ceremony at the house of the soldier, it said.

The three were killed in a shoot-out between ZUF cadres and a team of the 13 AR at Kambirol under Nungba Police station on May 21 along the National High number 37. Three other ZUF cadres were also arrested.

The two dead ZUF cadres are identified as Makudim Luangmei son of Lungnihai of Thanagong, Khoupum sub-division, Tamenglong district and Major Mathewlan Phaomei son of Poubilung of Rangkhung, Tamenglong.

A PIB defence wing press release had said rifleman TG Singh was part of an area domination patrol along the National Highway 37 near Nungba when the suspected ZUF cadres opened indiscriminate fire from a fleeing vehicle.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/05/kins-claim-bodies-of-nh-37-shoot-out-victims/

A women’s post office at Ima Keithel in the offing

Imphal, May 23: A women’s post office at the Ima keithel could become a reality soon. As an outcome of the Governor VK Duggal’s recent visit to the Ima Keithel

Imphal, May 23: A women’s post office at the Ima keithel could become a reality soon. As an outcome of the Governor VK Duggal’s recent visit to the Ima Keithel on May 7, a reliable source has informed that the Governor’s Secretariat has directed the matter to the government of Manipur.

It said improvement of the Ima Keithel should be taken up on priority basis, necessary maintenance work of rain and sun protection and opening of additional entry points also feature in the list.

The source further added that all development plans should be managed by the women with their participation. The instruction from the Governor gives attention for opening a Post Office for women, run only by women like the one in neighboring state Nagaland.

It may be recalled that Governor VK Duggal had inspected the condition of the three Ima Markets complex and interacted with the women of the market on May 7.

The Governor VK Duggal had also inspected conditions of lighting system, drainage systems, fans, toilets and water leakage problem of the three Ima Keithels.

The Governor had expressed his amazement on the non-repairing of the three Ima market building since its inauguration till now ,and the first floor of the three markets still lying unused till today.

The Governor had assured to the women vendors of the three markets that all lighting systems will be made fully functional within 10 days by replacing the defunct electric blub. He had also instructed the authorities concerned to repair the leaking roof.

BJP refutes Chaoba’s ouster report

Imphal, May 23: The Bharatiya Janata Party Manipur Pradesh has strongly refuted the news report published in local dailies that there is a likelihood of Th Chaoba’s replacement as the

Imphal, May 23: The Bharatiya Janata Party Manipur Pradesh has strongly refuted the news report published in local dailies that there is a likelihood of Th Chaoba’s replacement as the president of the party.

Spokesperson of the party, Sarda Adhikarimayum speaking to the media today at the party’s office said that the report is baseless.

She further claimed that the party’s position has only stregthened and improved under the leadership of Th Chaoba.

The BJP since 1980 could not achieve anything remarkable in the state. The party could garner fewer votes in 2009 LS poll, but the party’s vote count has increased this time under Chaoba’s leadership, she said.

O Mahesh president Bharatiya Yuva Morcha of BJP echoing the same line stated that news report could affect the party’s image. He further said that though the party does not have a single MLA in the state, its popularity is growing in the country.

He urged that such news should be published only after getting confirmed reports. He said the matter will be discussed with the president once he returns from Delhi after attending the swearing in ceremony of the Prime Minister.

N Ibemcha president Mahila Morcha said that now BJP is developing rapidly and in such triumphant moment such baseless reports in the newspaper is very unfortunate.

Nabachandra Kishan Morcha president said there was a time when the media had neglected the party. But now everyone is talking about the party after its election performance, he said and added, the rumour can also be taken as a positive attribute in the development of the party.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/05/bjp-refutes-chaobas-ouster-report/

“Media is the voice of the voiceless”

KANGPOKPI, May 24: A one day career guidance seminar for students of classes IX to XII was organised at Elite Higher Secondary School, Kanngpokpi by the school authority here today.

The seminar witnessed a huge number of students participating in the day-long seminar attended by DK. Thangboi Haokip, addl DC, Kangpokpi Sadar Hills, Md Zakirruddin, addl SP, Kangpokpi, Lalminlen Misao, addl SP i/c SDPO Ukhrul, Dr J Touthang, Dr Ngamkhohao Haokip, Principal Kangpokpi Mission High School and Kaybie Chongloi, journalist as resource persons of the function.

DK Thangboi Haokip, addl DC, Kangpokpi delivered his speech on career in the civil Sservices while Md Zakirruddin, MPS narrated the charms of uniform service with reference to the police and civil society relation.

Dr J Touthang talked on the topic of medical profession while Dr Ngamkhohao Haokip talked on Human Resource Management and Lalminlen Misao, MPS, addl SP i/c SDPO Ukhrul delivered his speech on the topic “Career Guidance.”

In the meantime, Kaybie Chongloi, a journalist discussed the importance and role of media in the society stating that journalism is the pillar of democracy.

While quoting the significant quotation of Thomas Jefferson “If it were left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspaper without government, I shall not hesitate a moment to prefer the later,” Kaybie Chongloi said emphasising the importance of media in the society.

He further asserted that media is the voice of the voiceless and plays the role of ‘watch-dog’ in the society adding that peoples have easy asses with the concerning authority in democracy because media create the bridge between them.

While encouraging the participating students to have a determination in pursuing journalism as a career option, Kaybie Chongloi pointed out that with the growing importance of the media today, the opportunities in this field are numerous and the job is also very demanding and exhilarating at the same time.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/05/media-is-the-voice-of-the-voiceless/

Discussion on effects of Sanjenthong closing down

IMPHAL, May 23: The Sanjenthong Bridge Diversion Demand Committee will hold a meeting regarding the problems faced by people mostly students due to the closing down of the said bridge

IMPHAL, May 23: The Sanjenthong Bridge Diversion Demand Committee will hold a meeting regarding the problems faced by people mostly students due to the closing down of the said bridge for reconstruction.

The meeting will be held on Churachand Higher Secondary School (CC Hr Sec) on May 25 at 7.30 am and request clubs/organisations and people from both districts to join the meeting said the Sanjenthong Bridge Diversion, Demand Committee.

Dr M Nara to attend national campaign for electoral reforms

IMPHAL, May 23: Communist Party of India, Manipur State Council, secretary Dr Moirangthem Nara Singh has been invited to the All India Core Committee meeting of the Campaign for Electoral

IMPHAL, May 23: Communist Party of India, Manipur State Council, secretary Dr Moirangthem Nara Singh has been invited to the All India Core Committee meeting of the Campaign for Electoral Reforms in India (CERI) to be held at Travenkur in Bangalore city.

Sources from Irawat Bhawan Imphal revealed that Dr Nara who is national coordinator of CERI will attend the meeting to be held from June 7 till 9.

The same source further divulged that the leader of CERI MC Raj has personally met the vice-president of India Hamid Ansari as the former was officially called by the later after the result of the 16th Lok Sabha Election 2014 and the two leaders indept discussed for possible reformation of the Electoral System of the country following which the Core Committee Meeting of CERI has been convened.

Two ZUF cadres, one AR jawan killed in Tamenglong shoot-out

IMPHAL May 22: Two cadres of the underground militant outfit, Zeliangrong United Front, and a jawan of the 13 Assam Rifles were killed in an encounter on Wednesday around 8.30

IMPHAL May 22: Two cadres of the underground militant outfit, Zeliangrong United Front, and a jawan of the 13 Assam Rifles were killed in an encounter on Wednesday around 8.30 pm at Khambirol approximately 13 kilometers off the Nungba Police station in Tamenglong district.

All the three dead bodies have been brought to Imphal and deposited at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences for post mortem.

According to the driver of the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), a Bolero DI, which he was compelled to drive by unidentified ZUF cadres, three ZUF cadres barge into his residence and force him to drive them in his Bolero Di at gun point. But the total ZUF cadres he ferried were five in number with two sitting in the front and three in the back.

“We were proceeding from Nungba towards Jiribam on theNational Highway-37, Imphal Jiribam Road, and came across a team of the 13 Assam Rifles personnel frisking and checking vehicles passing along the road around 8.30pm on Wednesday,” the driver of the allegedly hijacked SUV told IFP.

He said they were signalled to stop by the Assam Rifle personnel and at that instant one of the ZUF cadres pointd a gun at him asking him not to stop and accelerate, adding that he didn’t stop at the check point and sped away from the Assam Rifle personnel.

“After speeding away from the Assam Rifles check point, we came across an Assam Rifles truck parked in the middle of the road blocking the way. I was pulled down by the Assam Rifles personnel and enquired why our vehicle didn’t stop when signalled to do so by the frisking team. I told them that I was being kidnapped and the kidnappers didn’t allow me to stop,” he said.

The driver continued that the Assam Rifles personnel proceeded towards the vehicle when one of the ZUF cadres open fired resulting in the death of a personnel on the spot and leaving two others seriously injured.

In the ensuing gun battle, two ZUF cadres also lost their lives, added the driver of the hijacked SUV.

The two slain cadres of the proscribed ZUF have been identified as Mukudin Luangmei, 32, son of Lungnihai Luangmei of Khoupum Thanagon who, according to his family members, was a cadre of ZUF for past many years and Mathewlan Phaomei, 30, son of Paopilung Paomei of Mukti Khulen,Tamenglong District.

On the other hand, the deceased Assam Rifles personnel is identified as Takellambam Gokil alias Nanao, 25, son of Dineshor of Akham Mamang Leikai.

The other two injured Assam Rifles personnel have been identified as Atwa Ekka and Lalit kumar who were evacuated from the site of the encounter in army helicopters and is presently undergoing treatment at Leimakhong Military Hospital.

The Assam Rifle personnel who arrested the three remaining cadres recover two AK 47 assault rifles with ammunition and hand grenades.

Meanwhile, the proscribed ZUF has offered condolences at the death of its cadres.

“The blood of our fallen brave heroes shall be an inspiration to sustain hope and courage to move forward for the cause of Zeliangrong and kindred tribes in our future ventures. They left an indelible foot print for all of us to follow. The dreams of a healthy Zeliangrong shall inspire our people from generation to generation,” a press statement signed by Dangmei, the secretary of Information & Publicity, ZUF says.

It further says that ZUF mourns the death of cadres who have given their life for people to live in peace and harmony, adding that it also shares the grief of the bereaved families.

The Front acknowledged profound gratitude to people from all walks of life including Zeliangrong Baudi, AZSU, ZSUM, Zonal units and locals people who have showered immense love sympathy towards the lost.

A press statement of the PIB (Defence Wing) has said “Rifleman TG Singh of 13 Assam Rifles deployed in Counter Insurgency Operations under Red Shield Division was martyred while countering terrorist action in the general area of Nungba on 21 May 14.”

It said rifleman TG Singh was part of an Area Domination patrol along the NH-37 near Nungba when suspected ZUF cadres opened indiscriminate fire from a fleeing vehicle.

With utter disregard to his personal safety, displaying admirable courage and determination, Rifleman TG Singh returned fire from his personal weapon and killed a suspected ZUF cadre, it said.

The statement further stated that his gallant action resulted in apprehension of three cadres of ZUF alongwith recovery of arms and ammunitions.

The last rites of the martyr will be undertaken from his residence at Akham Magan Leikei near Lamson with full military honour, it said.

IFP correspondent barred from taking picture of empty office

BISHNUPUR, May 22: Receiving reports about the irregularity of the staff of the Computerised Land Records Centre, SDC Oinam/ Nambol working under the supervision of the National Informatics Centre, this correspondent visited the office on Thursday around 11.09am only to find the door locked.

However as this correspondent was trying to take pictures of the closed door, an individual identifying himself as the technical officer of the NIC approach from the opposite corridor and interfered.

He questioned the correspondent as with whose permission he was taking the pictures and asked him to delete the pictures already taken.

However, as the correspondent tried to take the pictures, the man blocked the camera with his face and denied taking any picture of the locked door. In the process, the correspondent ended taking picture of the man’s face with the door in the background.

Soon, the official asked the correspondent to come to his room where in the presence of other staff, he asked the correspondent to delete the pictures and threatened that he would face dire consequences if the photographs are published in the newspaper.

There is no relation between the NIC and CLRC, but the NIC works only as a technical support to the latter, the official told the correspondent.

The NIC team comes early to the office and work diligently, he said and further observed that his team would be made a scapegoat if there is any report of the irregularity of the CLRC in the news.

When asked why there was no staff of the SDC Nambol/ Oinam present at the moment even though it was about to be noon, he told the IFP correspondent that it could have been by sheer chance that they were absent today.

Speaking to a visitor of the office, later on, the IF correspondent found out that the visitor had been to the office three times without getting his work done.

He said he came first on May 20 around 12:45 pm, but was told that the staff of the SDC Nambol/ Oinam had gone out to attend something.

I waited till 2 pm that day but they never came back, he said.

He continued he went to the SDC office Nambol to get a patta of his homestead, but was informed there that hand written patta is outdated and advised him to get a computerised one from the Bishnupur NIC office.

His third visit ended in a similar futile effort, the villager told the correspondent.

Furthermore, another villager expressed that he had demanded a computerised Patta from the CLRC and accordingly was issued but it turned out to be in the name of his neighbour with the Patta number of his homestead.

When enquired with the office concerned, he was told that it might have been a copy error, but would need permission for rectification, which has created issues with his neighbour, the villager lamented.

On checking the original patta, he found his name against the homestead, he continued.

When the correspondent approached the DC office to apprise him of the issue, the PA to the official denied him the permission on the ground that the DC may not know anything on the matter.

News of my resignation is a fabricated lie: Kim Gangte

IMPHAL, May 22: In what could be a big blow to the show of unity that certain leaders of the All India Trinamool Congress, Manipur State Unit had put up

IMPHAL, May 22: In what could be a big blow to the show of unity that certain leaders of the All India Trinamool Congress, Manipur State Unit had put up on Wednesday, Kim Gangte has reacted harshly over her reported resignation from being the party’s president and Khumuckcham Joykishan’s replacing her.

Kim Gangte said the report that she had tendered her resignation from the party’s top post as a total lie.

“Why should I tender my resignation?” she asked and added exasperatedly, “there has been no such order from the party high command for the conduct of any fresh election for the post till now.”

She continued, “The reports of all the developments reported in the newspapers have been submitted to the party high command today, and we are waiting for the high command’s decision on the development.”

The group who had made the announcement yesterday should be treated as anti-party, as they had acted while fully aware that all such decisions as conduct of election to the party’s post are taken by the high command, she asserted.

Now, it is for the AITC high command to decide on the next step, she observed further.

The political crisis which has come to the fore only recently had been brewing in the party for the past few years, she said.

The problem was kept away from the public, said Kim Gangte who lost out against Congress candidate in the LS election recently.

This time, the limits of tolerance have been crossed, she fumed adding that she was hopeful of the problem getting solved inside the party only, but it has only developed into favouritism and nepotism.

While, there was another group in the party led by an MLA who had recently lobbied for the post of the president with the high command, another group in the party has come out with a new elected president all without her knowledge, she said.

She continued there is no e-mail sent or any letter submitted tendering my resignation to the party high command till now.

She said she has been trying to form a strong party against the ruling Congress government for the last many years, and was handed the charge of the post of president by Mamta Banerjee herself.

Every office bearer has been appointed randomly till date, she continued.

I will not resign as there is no appropriate reason, she asserted.

All reports of certain party MLAs merging with the BJP are false, she continued.

The Manipur State Unit of the All India Trinamool Congress is passing though some rough weather but it will emerge stronger and return to become one of the most powerful party in the state, she said.

“Garbage cleaned only during VVIPS visit”

IMPHAL, May 22: The International Day for Biological Diversity, organised by Directorate of Environment, Government of Manipur, under the theme “Island Biodiversity” was observed today at Maharaja Chandrakirti Auditorium Hall.

At the outset of the function, the objective of observing May 22 as the “International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB)” the world over was highlighted because it was on this day that the United Nations proclaimed in December 2000 its aim to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.

The theme is chosen this year because the islands and their surrounding near-shore marine areas constitute unique ecosystems often comprising many plant and animal species that are endemic on earth. The legacy of a unique evolutionary history these ecosystems are irreplaceable treasures.

During the function, Surchandra who work for the preservation of endangered indigenous fishes, P Devkanta, working for the cultivation of indigenous paddy, and T Nandababu, an organic farmer were felicitated.

The sanction letters for National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC) 2013-14 was also distributed to 328 applicants from nine district of the state, selected by Ministry of Environment and Forest out of 600 applicants from various NGOs, schools, colleges and other organisations of the state to organise awareness campaign in various place of the state.

Speaking at the observance, chief secretary, PC Lawmukunga said that many talks and awareness drives are carried out for the safeguard and protection of nature but we could achieve what we wanted due to some difficulties.

Nowadays, a lot of changes occur such as climatic change, depletion of ozone layer, depletion of drinkable water which is making it harder for human beings to survive and human beings are responsible for it, he said, adding that the depletion of ozone layer is due to reliance of human beings to various electronic appliances such as AC, refrigerator etc, which need to be reduced of.

He continued that the fluctuation of water levels in dams are due to cutting of trees and other plants especially in the hills, adding that if no preventive steps are taken we will be facing various problems in the future.

Various areas are dirty and stink to the high heavens in Imphal due to dumping of garbage. However, such garbage is not clean up properly and clean up only during the time of the visits of President, Prime Minister or VVIP from outside the state. It is our duty to preserve nature and there is a need to go in hand for the preservation and safeguard of nature, he stated.

Director, Department of Environment, Dr M Homeshwore Singh said that people have witnessed the gradual vanishing of endangered or extinct species which need to be discussed to save and preserved them.

For the preservation of endangered biodiversity, there is a need to conduct field studies which will give more benefits in preserving it. The biodiversity which got threatened by having relations with humans needs to be preserved by work hard of humans and we should fight to preserve and save biodiversity at any cost, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/05/garbage-cleaned-only-during-vvips-visit/

International Day of Biological Diversity observes at Lamka

LAMKA, May 22: The International Day of Biological Diversity was observed at Synod Hall, IBB Road, Lamka today. The day was organised by the Southern Forest Division, Forest department under

LAMKA, May 22: The International Day of Biological Diversity was observed at Synod Hall, IBB Road, Lamka today.

The day was organised by the Southern Forest Division, Forest department under the theme, ‘Island Bio-diversity’

Parliamentary secretary Vungzagin Valte attended as the chief guest, Principal chief conservator AK Rana as the president and CAU director (Research) Rohinikumar as the guest of honour.

Speaking at the function, Rohinikumar said the number of bio-diversity hot-spots has increased from 25 to 34 in the past few years.

AK Rana said they had selected the district for the observation, as he think it is the need of the hour and that the district has the potential for transformation.

“We need to give a thought as to what we will leave behind for our young generation, will we leave only barren land/ forest, animals, insects, etc,”

“As all religious books say, we should respect nature.”

The earth has enough resources for all of us, and we are the only custodians of the earth, and bear the moral authority to act against deforestation, he said.

Forest in the state has been vanishing at the rate of 190 sq km during the last three to four years, he said.

Speaking on the theme of the day, he said “We are an island not surrounded by water but by ignorance.”

V Valte expressed happiness on seeing presence of many village chiefs at the program.

He said the observation would have little meaning in the absence of the village chiefs.

The chief guest further urged the forest dept to look for viable solutions as the people depend on the forest for their livelihood.

“Judicious use of forest product is the best option,” he said.

He said that the forest dept should see to it that the forest products are used in such a way that it helps the people and at the same time stresses on the importance of forest and biodiversity.

The program was also attended by officials of Forest Dept, Vunglunmang Jt Secy, SP of CCpur Kabib, Dr Khaizalian chief conservator of forest and others.

Award distribution for a on the spot essay competition organized by the forest Dept, for state and district level were handed out by the chief guest and other dignitaries.

Ukhrul public brainstorms issues confronting society

By R Lester Makang UKHRUL, May 22: Deeply concerned over the prevailing social problems in Ukhrul district, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) today organised a day-long consultative meeting at its

By R Lester Makang

UKHRUL, May 22: Deeply concerned over the prevailing social problems in Ukhrul district, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) today organised a day-long consultative meeting at its campus which was attended by church leaders, social leaders, legal experts, NGOs, public members and representatives from different villages of the district.

The meeting that commenced from 10 am on Thursday at TNL campus brainstormed a myriad of problems pertaining to social injustice, disparity in economy and employment opportunities, political crisis, religious and moral integrity.

The meeting then observed that infrastructural constraints lie at the core of the prevailing scenario wherein the rights of the people to lead a respectable life is being put at risk.

Observing that migration of huge number of local youth to bigger cities and abroad has made them vulnerable to discrimination, exploitation, violence and immorality, the gathering unanimously resolved that civil societies, villages and churches monitor migration of youth and students through strengthening of networking, sharing authentic information.

It further called for bolstering the role of parents/guardians to inculcate the values of social, moral, work culture, religious and economic integrity among youngsters.

The day long discussion then in conclusion, recommended to take up frequent training on capacity building, professional skin development and employment opportunities apart from taking up various precautionary measures at the grassroots level.

AMWJU urges government to look into the development works in Jiribam

IMPHAL, May 22: The All Manipur Working Journalists Union today urged the government to look into certain problems confronting Jiribam and development works undertaken in the sub-division. Speaking to media

IMPHAL, May 22: The All Manipur Working Journalists Union today urged the government to look into certain problems confronting Jiribam and development works undertaken in the sub-division.

Speaking to media persons at the Manipur Press Club today, president Wangkhemcha Shyamjai said a team of the union led by himself had conducted a tour of the sub-division from May 15 to 17.

The three member team had inspected several development works undertaken in the sub-division to check whether the government is properly managing the resources available, he said.

He said completion of the ongoing construction of the railway line from Silchar to Lamding would take another few years, which could only heighten the problems of the transporters of essential commodities.

During the tour, the team was also told by locals that on November 26, 2013, an IED was recovered from under a bridge over the Chiru River after some suspected tribal youth were seen around under the bridge, he continued.

In another incident a tribal couple were arrested by a combined team of SDPO and the Assam Rifles while trying to fit an IED under the Lakhipur Koilapur Bridge, he said.

All such issues have only created a fear psychosis among the people of the area, he said before urging the government to look into the security concerns of the people at the earliest.

The government has an ambitious project in Jiribam which is 425 hectare of A Class tea plantation, however, complete ignorance and negligence of the government has reduced the plant to be used for personal gain by a few individuals, he lamented.

During the tour, locals complained that some workers at the plantation, while complaining of not getting regular salaries from the government are pocketing the money earned from the plantation, he said.

In North Jiribam, Vidhyanagar, according to sources, it is learn that there was once a big horticulture project, however without proper consent of the locals and no proper order, the government all of a sudden constructed a sports complex by removing the horticulture project, he said.

The team was also told that even though the complex is yet to be inaugurated, the sports complex has already develop signs of crumbling, the AMWJU president said.

He further appealed to the government to look into the issues at the earliest.

JD(U) respects the parliament but not the MP elect

IMPHAL, May 22: Janata Dal (United) doesn’t honour the electd Member of Parliaments (MP) of Manipur but does honour their certificates because every section of people in Manipur knows that

IMPHAL, May 22: Janata Dal (United) doesn’t honour the electd Member of Parliaments (MP) of Manipur but does honour their certificates because every section of people in Manipur knows that the Congress Party manipulate the elections to win the recent Lok Sabha polls. This was stated by Moiranthem Tombi President JD (U).

“JD(U)) will support Irom Chanu Sharmila on her wish to meet Prime Minister elect Narendra Modi during her Delhi visit for appearing in the Delhi Metropolitan Patiala House Court who has sent her a summon in a case,” the JD(U) president said in a press meet in the JD(U) office at Babupara on Thursday afternoon.

“A team of JD (U) members will go to Delhi on May 25,” he said. Sharmila has been fasting for more than 13 years demanding repeal of Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958 from Manipur and entire Northeast region. Unfortunately, the government has confined her in judicial custody under the charge for committing suicide till now.”

He added that AFSPA violates the rights of innocent civilians of Manipur by including provisions that act as licence to kill instead of helping people in insurgency prone areas.

Congratulating the BJP on its historic landslide victory in the recent LS polls, he said that the new NDA government led by Narendra Modi will govern well in the future, taking up positive actions on various burning issues of Manipur like controversial Indo-Myanmar boarder fencing, removal of AFSPA, forming a National Highway Protection Force to control the illegal collection of tax from people of Manipur on NH-2, formulating a long term education policy and addressing that unemployment problem in the state.

He appealed to the state government to take not much time in repairing the Hanging Bridge on NH-37 that BRO has set a deadline of 5 days for its completion.

On NH-2 at Mao Gate, NSCN-IM which is under a cease fire agreement with the Central government is collecting illegal taxes. The two national highways are the lifelines of 32 lakhs people of Manipur. If both are blocked or the driver who ferry goods for people go on strike, businessmen will benefit a lot by hiking prices of essential commodities. On such situation, the government in the state should not stay as a silent spectator, he said.

Alleging the two Congress MPs of not doing anything during the ten years in which their party was in power, he said the duo should be ashamed of themselves as they didn’t speak even for half an hour in Parliament, asking what can be expected of them now that they are in the Opposition.

LS Election Manipur: Yes or No to NOTA, what voters are saying?

LS Election Manipur: Yes or no to NOTA, what voters are saying? Democracy is all about choices and election in majoritarian electoral system is a game of numbers. For the

Electronic Voting Machine (Credit: Election Commission of India)

LS Election Manipur: Yes or no to NOTA, what voters are saying?

Democracy is all about choices and election in majoritarian electoral system is a game of numbers. For the first time in India’s more than 6-decade-long history of democracy, voters have been empowered with None Of The Above (NOTA) option or popularly known as the right to reject candidates. Unlike previous polls in Manipur, the runup 16^th Lok Sabha election is fused with a strange air of NOTA, frustration of voters and their anger against the legislators, who failed keep pre-poll promises.

Following a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court of India ordered to apply NOTA button on voting machines on 27^th September, 2013. The discussion for NOTA is doing the round and youths from the state have dared even to initiate a campaign- “Vote-for-NOTA-in-Manipur-Kangleipak” (NOTACACom). The humming buzz evidently signals that a chunk of voters largely youths are likely to use NOTA option to show their rejection of contestants for the election scheduled to be held on 17^th April, 2014.

When asked about his view, Laiphrakpam Herojit (25) of Hingthang, Imphal West, who is going to vote for the first time opines, “the right to reject and privacy is what the voters needs. NOTA will be very helpful.”

In a recent interview conducted by Kanglaonline, voters especially youngsters hail the verdict of the apex court and said that it is a boon to the citizens of India.

While stating that NOTA has no sense till now and has no power, Goutam Ningombam, UGC-JRF, PhD Scholar, Department of Chemistry, Manipur University said, “I think we should vote for the one we trust and waste no votes. If want a change, we should exercise our right instead of bargaining the rate of vote. If the elected person fails to maintain our aspirations, we can simply stop cooperating in future.”

The crux is that decision of the voters is what that will shape the future. The unity and honesty of the citizens should be built instead of pressing NOTA. When the voters create positive perspectives things will turn out to be positive, the 29-year-old research scholar from Moirang, Bishnupur district added.

Emphasizing that exercising franchise is the right and duty of every eligible citizen of India, Pramod Ningombam (35), senior journalist said it is one way to make choices about how we want our life to be. Though we understand the candidates to be ‘devils’ in different forms, we have no choice but to choose the ‘lesser devil’.

He also suggests that we all should go for the candidate with the lesser devil in himself/herself.

Hrishikesh Angomcha (28), Sub-Editor, Hueiyen Lanpao (English Edition) also believes that the option is good, but not purposeful. “The candidates will be elected based on the highest number of votes secured no matter how many voted for NOTA.”

Dr. K Chandra (identity changed on condition of anonymity) said that since we are the ones, who made politicians corrupt, the only option to make them uncorrupt is NOTA because if elected, they will become corrupt again.

“Many responsible citizens will be opting for NOTA this time because there is none who deserves. The past decades speak it and all of a sudden, we can’t find an honest and responsible candidate just a few days ahead of elections. Before claiming as honest to the people, one needs to be honest to oneself first,” the 32-year old young AIMS medical post graduate said.

Salam Herojit (34) of Nambol, Bishnupur district welcomes the provision and at the same time he appeals the Election Commission of India and NGOs to create awareness about the power and adverse effect of this button across the country.

“It won’t be exaggerating to say that an effective use of NOTA to the extend that it creates an impact on Indian election is a far-fetch dream,” Herojit said.

Women in South Asia to Strengthen Efforts for Peace, Security and Disarmament

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Women in South Asia to Strengthen Efforts for Peace, Security and Disarmament Delhi, 3 April 2014: The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Women in South Asia to Strengthen Efforts for Peace, Security and Disarmament

Delhi, 3 April 2014: The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global policy-making body dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women. Every year, representatives of Member States gather at United Nations Headquarters in New York to evaluate progress on gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards and formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide. The Commission met from 9-21March 2014 in New York this year. Team of Control Arms Foundation of India and Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network were present there and hosted a parallel event under the theme “Engaging Women for Resolving Conflicts, Usher in Peace, Disarmament, & Development in South Asia”.

Ms.-Binalakshmi-Nepram-Founder-Manipur-Women-Gun-Survivors-Network-and-Secretary-General-CAFI-at-UN-Side-Event-in-New-York-13-March-2014

It was supported by an ongoing project “Empowering Women for Peace and Development in South Asia, including Myanmar”in collaboration with Deutsch Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and supported by European Commission.

Women’s role remains weak and insecure in all social, political and economic activities in South Asia. In India, 22 girls get kidnapped every day. Out of the number of children who were kidnapped, 66% (10,938) are girls. Child mortality and maternal mortality levels in South Asia are among the highest globally. 46% of women aged 20-24 in South Asia married before the age of 18; 3.3% of women in South Asia (India and Bangladesh) face non-partner sexual violence.

Ms-Binalakshmi-Nepram-Founder-Manipur-Women-Gun-Survivors-Network-and-Secretary-General-CAFI-presenting-at-UN-Side-event-in-New-York-13-March-2014

The session commenced with an introductory speech by Ms. Binalakshmi Nepram, Founder, Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, and Secretary General, Control Arms Foundation of India welcoming all the panelists at the event. She gave an overview of the disturbing situation and status of women in South Asia, against the background of the region’s prolonged inter and intra-state conflicts and patriarchal nature. She described how in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Nepal, women are the victims of rape, abduction, child marriages, female infanticide, acid attacks, dowry-related murders, honor killing and enslavement. She furthermore criticized that many South Asian conflicts, such as that in Northeast India, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh, are left unreported by mass media. She also mentioned the ongoing armed violence caused by small arms, light weapons within the Northeast India region. More than 50,000 lives have been lost in the violence. The conflict in Manipur turns 300 women into widows annually. She called on international communities for the help to combat the problem and ensure countries that India implement UNSCR 1325.

Ms-Binalakshmi-Nepram-left-Ms-Maria-Butler-center-Programme-DirectorWILPF-PeaceWomen-USA-at-UN-CSW-event-13-March-2014

Ms. Maria Butler, Programme Director, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, PeaceWomen Project, USA,focused on the need for a shift in CSW from military to human security and the links between development and militarism, identifying however a huge resistance as to imbedding disarmament in the development agenda. She accentuated how the post-2015 development agenda cannot keep silent on militarism if we want human rights abuses to be truly addressed. She also referred to the earlier-mentioned India’s resistance to apply Resolution 1325, calling this ‘the core of the challenge’ of their work, calling for voices that acknowledge that aforesaid resolution is in fact applicable everywhere.

Panelists-and-participants-at-UN-58th-CSW-event-in-New-York-13-March-2014

Ms. Sarah Boyd, Founder, The Gender Agency, Australia, underlined the importance of women’s voices going from the private to the public sphere, merging private and public spheres to raise women’s consciousness, collective investment in ensuring that CSW nor the post-2015 agenda remain silent on critical issues of gender equality, peace (keeping), development, disarmament and their intersections, and the importance of CSO’s as the ties that bind the foregoing elements.

Ms. Fiona McAlpine, Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network/Young WILPF Network, Australia, addressed the issues of murder and forced disappearance of women and girls in India and the lack of access to justice, forged evidence and post-mortem reports, and impunity (as a consequence of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act) in that context. She accentuated that without including disarmament and demilitarization, the CSW is moot, as there can be no development without disarmament, which is also a prerequisite for access to justice.

Also a short film titled, “We Shall Find Our Peace” was screened at the event that depicts the hardships and sufferings happening due to the ongoing conflict situation in the state of Manipur, India and eagerness of the population to promote peaceful environment in the region. The film showed the strength and hope among the Manipuri Women to overcome the hardships and violence in their state.

There were valuable discussions among the panelists and other participants across India, USA, Brazil, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and many others on Women, Peace and Security, types of violence and discrimination they are facing across the globe. Further discussions were on the possible steps that could be taken for the empowerment of women, their role in conflict transformation, disarmament, and decision-making processes. The event was ended successfully with valuable inputs and suggestions from esteemed Panelists.

Please, find the attachment of few photos of the event.

For more information, please contact:

Office of Control Arms Foundation of India and Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network

B 5 / 146, First Floor, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi – 110029, India

Phone: +91-11-46018541, Fax +91-11-26166234

Email: Cafi.communique@gmail.com, Website: www.cafi-online.org

Nongmaithem Nandaraj Honored with Lalit Kala Academy Award

Works of 168 artists at Lalit Kala Akademi exhibition New Delhi, March 19 (DIM News) :Art works of 168 artists from different parts of India are to be displayed in

Nongmaithem Nandaraj

Works of 168 artists at Lalit Kala Akademi exhibition New Delhi, March 19 (DIM News) :Art works of 168 artists from different parts of India are to be displayed in an exhibition here that begins March 20, the organisers said Wednesday. The 55th edition of Lalit Kala Akademi’s annual exhibition “National exhibition of Art “has put together works of different medium: oil and acrylic on canvas, stone and bronze sculptures, charcoal paints, etchings and ceramic artwork. The exhibition ends April 10. Apart from this, the Akademi, a government institution that promotes and develops Indian fine art ,has also chosen works of 10 artists for their prestigious National Award for2013. These awards will be conferred Thursday. Among others, artist Manoj Kumar Mohanty for “Dust Cleaner”, Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel for Bijapur Heritage”, Nongmaithem Nandaraj Singh for “Great Dictator”, Rajesh Kumar Singh for “Struggle in Life” and Sumana Som for “Dramatic Dream” will each receive Rs.100,000 cash prize, a plaque and a certificate. All these works were chosen by a screening committee. “The works in the current exhibition merit attention on account of their challenging content ,epitomizing creative features, individual commitment, discriminating quality of methods, materials used and more, so that the exhibition becomes a true representation of the dimensions of contemporary art thinking nationally, “Ramakrishna Vedala, secretary, Lalit Kala Akademi, said in a statement.

55th National Exhibition of Art, National Academy Award – 2014, Presented to Nongmaithem Nandaraj Singh by Sayed Haider Raza (S.H Raza ) eminent Artist, Organised by Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi

According to K.K. Chakravarty, chairperson, Lalit Kala Akademi said: “The exhibition lends extraordinary meaning to ordinary objects by associating them in unforeseen permutations and combinations, in simultaneity and fusion.” “It builds bridges between the corporeal and incorporeal, figurative and non-figurative, to express the inexpressible, and to communicate a sense of urgency for diagnosing and curing the radically fractured human condition,” he added.

At the felicitation ceremony with students and faculty of Delhi University

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/03/state-boy-honored/