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BOOK RELEASE FUNCTION – Tattooed with Taboos

INVITATION BOOK RELEASE FUNCTION We cordially request for your kind presence at the book release function on 9th September 2011 (Friday) at the conference hall Manipur press club, Major khul,… Read more »

INVITATION

BOOK RELEASE FUNCTION

We cordially request for your kind presence at the book release function on 9^th September 2011 (Friday) at the conference hall Manipur press club, Major khul, Imphal at 1 pm

Name of the book

Tattooed with Taboos, An Anthology of poetry by three women from North-East India

Lokendro Arambam

Retd. Prof MU

Mr Soyam Lokendra

HOD Philosophy, MU

And

Sharatchand Thiyam

Sahitya Academy Awardee

Will grace the function as the Chief Guest, the President and the guest of honour respectively

Your solemn presence is highly solicited

Yours sincerely

Chaoba Phuritshabam

Shreema Ningombam

Soibam Haripriya

PROGRAMME:

12. 30 pm: Arrival of the dignitaries and invitees

1 pm: dignitaries take chair

Formal presentations to the dignitaries

Welcome address

Release of the book by the chief guest

Speech by the poets

Speech by the guest of honour

Speech by the chief guest

Speech by the president

Vote of thanks

The above inivitation was sent to Kanglaonline.com by Chaoba Phuritshabam

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/book-release-function-tattooed-with-taboos/

Some Suggestions to Govt. of India on AFSPA

By: A Bimol Akoijam Going by the dominant views, primarily legalistic and devoid of political basis, on AFSPA amongst those who are protesting against the Act in Manipur, sometimes I… Read more »

By: A Bimol Akoijam

Going by the dominant views, primarily legalistic and devoid of political basis, on AFSPA amongst those who are protesting against the Act in Manipur, sometimes I wonder why the Government of India keeps on complicating the matter for themselves!?

They could have easily repealed AFSPA and introduce a more “humane” one by taking into account some of the criticisms such as the power to shoot has been given to the Non-Commission Officers (NCOs). Well, don’t give the power to shoot to NCOs, but give it to Commission Officers, if not JCOs! And as for the “Right to Life”, repeat the same argument given by the Supreme Court and introduce some safeguards along with Dos and Don’ts of the Supreme Court Judgment of 1997. And also, provide a rationale for the new act, beyond the “bare act” of the new “humane” legislation; Govt. of India must say, unlike what it did while introducing the AFSPA in 1958, that we have “terrorists” who indulge in “extortion” and “intimidate” and “kill” innocent people in Manipur!

But before they repeal AFSPA and introduce a new one as an alternative, make it sure that the Central leaders call people, some of the major players in the state selectively (invitation from the central leaders can instill quite a lot of “self-worth” to people who have been complaining of being “neglected”) and (this is important) Prime Minster must pay a visit to Sharmila in hospital-cum-jail and give a press conference and announce that Govt. of India has taken time to take the decision (insist in English, one cannot take a hasty decision, and that one cannot afford to follow “hou hou laobi” culture or episodic response but requires a “holistic” response etc.) as the AFSPA involves “political” issues, amongst other, issues of “national security and integrity”.

Make it sure that such an admission is followed by a statement (preferably in soft and emotionally laden tone) that “insurgents” are our brothers and sisters followed by an empathic remark starting with a BUT (make it sure that this word is stressed) that Govt of India cannot remain as a mere spectator to the suffering of the people in Manipur and allow the “terrorists” who “extort” and delay “development” to go on with their activities against “the people” of Manipur! (Note: For a cue, whoever says this must watch Indira Gandhi’s expression in an interview with BBC at the time of crisis in the then East Pakistan, why India could not remain a spectator to the human sufferings in East Pakistan in the hands of Pakistani soldiers!)

Lastly but not the least, such an announcement must be ended with wholesome praise for the Manipuris’ contributions to the world of sports, culture (theatre, dance, cinema etc) and announce some financial/development package, including plans to open KFCs and Malls!

After that, the Govt. of India don’t have to worry about a “movement” against AFSPA in Manipur and they can be sure of the moral high ground to watch the confusion and internal bickering amongst those protestors and people in Manipur for a while before it subsides ultimately!

In any case, if we go by what the Manipuris in general have understood about AFSPA as it can be seen from their slogans and articulations that reflect the way they understand AFSPA after all these year, it is unlikely that they will sense the problematic aspects of the fundamental political premise (of AFSPA and its would be substitute) that soon. After all, the alternative Act will take into account their complaints on NCOs and Right to Life etc). By that time, as such, situation would have also changed as various historical and unfolding forces would have shaped the world (including their own) differently.

Government of India must make its move; and they can expect a lovely slogan from Manipur: Jai Ho Manipur, Indian-na Yaifare!

Of course, this doesn’t mean that there will not be fringe elements that will still talk and argue against the New Act for the basic problems inherent in the political premise of AFSPA and the new Act. But Govt. of India does not have to worry about those fringe elements, precisely because they are after all “fringe elements”. In any case, intrigues against each other, pulling down one another, and killing each other IS NOT a WEAKNESS for the people of Manipur. Therefore, those fringe elements will be effectively taken care of by the people of Manipur themselves!

Meaning, accusation of Perpetrating a Colonial Act over the people ends!!!!

QED!

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/some-suggestions-to-govt-of-india-on-afspa/

NAGAS STANCE ON SADAR HILLS : A CHRISTIANITY PERSPECTIVE

By: Songthu Raymond Chongloi When Sadar Hills districthood issue begins to catch the headlines of … … some regional dailies I felt the need of understanding some of my Naga… Read more »

By: Songthu Raymond Chongloi

When Sadar Hills districthood issue begins to catch the headlines of … … some regional dailies I felt the need of understanding some of my Naga colleagues mindsets on the deadlock. The reason : several Naga organisation came in chorus warning another communal flare up in the state; like the one witnessed some two decades ago. So, without disclosing my identity in detail I approach a Naga student leader if I am new to the issue. Before going deeper on the topic we briefly chatted. In the meantime I came to know that he was an active member of the church during his stay in Imphal, and did not hide being consulted often on every subject of the Nagas there in Manipur.

Then we proceeded. He spoke a lot about the Nagas love for independence,the rich cultural and traditional heritage,the extend of territories ,the historical records. etc.etc. which I find more to do with the Angamis ,Semas ,Lothas and Konyaks. On being enquired anything worth mentioning about the Manipur Nagas contribution towards the movement,he begins with the breakup of the NSCN in the 1980s,and keep on glorifying every action taken up by Sir Th Muivah. He continued,and blame the the Indian government for the Nagas ethnic cleansing drive on the Kukis in 1993.He also fired several accusations against the intelligence agencies for fueling the war. At some point of the interaction he was almost willing to admit that the government agencies collude with the Naga outfits.

Taking advantage of his statement I went deeper referring to the involvement of intelligent agencies in 1993 clash; the license issuance of about 600 single barrel guns by the then Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul just before the outbreak of the clash,the accusation made against Chief Minister, Shri Rishang Keishing, as on the governor’s report that time,and some more. Interestingly as expected, he strongly disapproved .Instead he blamed the media for maligning the image of the Nagas. Then without a pause, he jumped over to the Sadar Hills issue which I too find more worthy to be discussed than the bygone years. As in the case of the war,he put a heavy load on the media. Also criticize the state government attitude against the Nagas. He continued,”there are nine districts in Manipur of which five are hill districts ,and the remaining four districs are dominated by the Meiteis. Out of the five hill districts one belongs to the Kukis and the other four belongs to the Nagas. This is not a propaganda but If you need datas its with me,”he assures.

While he was totally lost on the topic I calmly opened my bag;took out a map of Manipur indicating the proposed map of Greater Nagaland, and showed to him with a wink on my eyes. With that he exclaimed:’ that’s our long cherished dream…., “he took the map and have a surprise look on it.

And next –a map of Manipur indicating Senapati district and Sadar Hills in different shades. I showed at him. As expected his mood totally change all of a sudden. He was so disappointed, yet maintains his calm. “From where did you get that,” is his query on the map to me. He continued,”we believe in respecting others sentiment. So people ought to respect ours . In the event of declaration of Sadar Hills as a full fledge revenue district without Nagas consent …bloodshed is inevitable. All to be borne by the state government there. This is all we need to understand.,”he warned. Now I put some of my queries and his replies:

Query:If Sadar Hills has been included in the proposed map of Greater Nagaland,it could still be a Naga district even if it is declared a full fledged district?Am I right?
Reply:Not so. Sadar Hills , off course ,is dominated by the Kukis . I don’t think people favour merging it with the proposed Nagaland. The Kukis have been in the forefront opposing the Nagas movement now and then. For your knowledge Sadar Hills has been much apart of our ancestral land. This is a fact.

Query: Respecting other sentiment is one that Nagas believe. So if the Nagas continue this hell-bend attitude over the district hood status,would not it amount to disrespecting ones right ,especially the Kukis?
Reply: No. Respecting others right in no way mean giving away our land to somebody. We have the right to protect our land. We must not be divide by inimical forces.

Query: Then how far would you agree and prove that Sadar Hills is the land of the Nagas? Can you point me some fact or more importantly of its history on defence against foreign invaders-the British?

With this question,it seems,he was blown out of the cold. To my surprise he smiles at his cellphone that never rings; and inquired me to repeat the question complaining the language jargon. In doing so he pleaded,”such questions need an elaborate understanding on history. He keep on with little stumbling ,”those questions are to be asked to our leaders. Its out of my knowledge”. That was how we end the discussion,which perhaps,begins lively but ended without much to appreciate on the claims and stance of the Nagas. Well. As we go through the above interaction,I believe,one may be confused over a Naga leader attitude toward their Christian brethren. Surprisingly,if a leader who claims to be so God-fearing have a warlike attitude to someone then one can easily guess the perception the general Naga population ought to posses? The reason I penned this. Now from the Christianity perspective. Some years back we have celebrated the joy of attaining a centenary-100th year of the arrival of Christianity in Manipur. It was expected that Christianity attains much maturity than before. However much against our expectation things seems to be murkier with the advancing years. The relationship one community maintains over the other is not going to wane easily. This is evident from the present crisis we face and the press statements issued against the other targeting the lesser privileged. To be little persuasive over the present demand I would like to set some record straight in the interest of all. The Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Act, 1971 has a provision for creation of six autonomous districts of which Sadar Hills autonomous council was one among them. Therefore, the question of bifurcating Senapati of carving parts of the district to form Sadar Hills never arise. The provision was made for administrative convenience; the same case that Senapati have. Under such circumstances Nagas communal tone over the issue is something hard to digest. Reason in defense may vary,but one may be pointed out. The sanctioned district has a mix population. No particular community could claim suzerainty over it. Off course the Kuki groups maintains the majority status with Nepali,Naga and Meitei community filling the leftover composition. But there is nothing to be so much to be alarmed off. Implanting fear to the general public is never to be encouraged. One assumption may be, Naga leader fear of similar repercussions of what they did to the minority Kukis in the areas where they hold majority two decades back! If so,the Kukis stance on Sadar hills issue till date is clear-there is no communal tone from Kuki civil organisation like Kuki Inpi , KSO etc, except KPF statement rebuking Naga civil society stance on the issue. Such is a clear indication that there is no hidden political agenda from the side of Kukis. Instead it is the general populace who wholly back the move. To keep in mind, the trend of one community dominating a district is a normal trend we have in the present day administration,yet we don’t find any ill consequences a result of such demarcation. Instead a mixed population is believe to have provided a better social environment due to intermingling of different colours. This also have proved to broadens one’s mindset to a large extend. 0

Taking advantage of the presence of a fraction of Nagas land with a scattered population of about 10%, Sadar Hills has been included in what is called the homeland of the Nagas thereby forcefully ignoring the rightful claims of the Sadar Hillites. As understood,the idea of gaining control of Sadar Hills is not a recent origin. The first open attempt came in the form of ethnic cleansing drive against the Kukis who constitute the bulk of the area, in 1993. To the disappointment of Naga leaders things could not be materialized as planned. Thank God! The second such attempt came: the present deadlock.

Never mind,our human mindsets are such that we don’t feel being bad as long as things are in our favour; but act harshly on things which deviates slightly against our wish. This type of perception full of egos –me,myself-is never to be found in the principle of the Christian faith. Rather it tells us to love our neighbor as we love thyself. Beloved Naga Christians must sense this. While we tries to grab somebody’s right to make up our dreamland-Nagalim, we don’t want an inch of Nagas land to be included in an already sanctioned district which neither means separation or secession. These are the ills that infest Naga nation. It is a society where give and take,compromise and accommodation have no meaning.

We professed to live a life on the principle of a Christian faith which encompasses brotherhood of all mankind. Often,the verbatim like forgiveness,confession,do good,accommodation,peace loving and mutual understanding became the refrain in the church which is never put into practice. While our lip service are sweet with the word of God,our hearts are filled with nothing but greed;our motives are self drive,our mindsets are preoccupied with war, bloodshed and hatred.
So ,until we develop a sense of sympathy for others we have no reason to tell the world –we are proud to be a children of the Lord. Rising up his name without upholding the principles of the Christian faith will only tantamount to insult on the Savior. The sweet motto like ‘Nagalim for Christ” has been used far and wide these days ,however, the banner has been used only to invite hatred upon the Naga society,and more importantly the church image. Let peace prevail !!

The above article is sent to Kanglaonline.com by Songthu Raymond Chongloi and can be reached at raymond.chongloi[at]gmail.com

Sharmila, Media and Manipuris

By: Sanjib Meitei I am a staunch supporter of Irom Sharmila’s struggle against the draconian law Arm Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA). I too, always feel that mainland Indian media… Read more »

By: Sanjib Meitei

I am a staunch supporter of Irom Sharmila’s struggle against the draconian law Arm Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA). I too, always feel that mainland Indian media houses are biased while handling two Gandhians of modern India – one from a neglected and failed state called Manipur trying to make people and leaders in mainland India hear that people living here are yet to get democratic rights even though India is celebrating its 64th years of independence while the other Gandhian belongs to one of the most prosperous states of India taking up a cause called corruption which most of the people enjoy indulging it personally at various levels but problematic when others indulge it at his cost. The only similarity between the two Gandhian activists is that both of them resorted to indefinite hunger strike to press their demands. Unfortunately, the similarity ends here. Anna Hazare took the nation by storm. Central government had to bow down in front of Mr. Hazare. The whole India got to know the modern era Gandhi, Mr. Anna Hazare, whose struggle lasted for a few months and almost succeeded getting his goals. Not bad and he rightly deserves to get respect for bringing awareness among the ignorant people of the country (I hope so and I would love to live in a corruption free society). One thing is clear. The mighty Indian government is not intimidated by any person but it’s afraid of the mass who can vote
them out of power. The success of his war against corruption would not have been easy had the media houses not covered each of his moves. Credit should go to media also for making the issue reaches to common men and gain their support. For media, it was a win -win situation. They got their expected TRP besides supporting a patriotic cause.

The other Gandhian is more humble and her cause is relevant to only a fraction of Indian population although it is not less important than that of Mr. Hazare by any standard. Most of the people living in AFSPA free states never heard about the Act itself let alone support the cause. Before Mr. Hazare become famous, I came across only a very few editorials of Hindi/English dailies supporting her cause while many retired army officials and other prominent people opposed it openly saying the reasons which sound so theatrics and painful to us. Their reason for supporting AFSPA sounds more hypocrite now a days after hearing the reason for their reluctance to use the same yardstick to treat the people of Naxalite affected areas of India where the condition seem at least similar if not more worse than APSPA implemented states.

For the last 11 years, Irom Sharmila has been fighting a lone battle against the law enforcers of the biggest democratic country in the world begging our basic democratic rights other than right to vote. No media house is interested in highlighting the plight of the people of India living without democratic rights. Their reluctance may be partly due to lack of response from their audience regarding the issue and simple arithmetic is that in this big bad competitive world, money matters. For them, money is directly linked to the number of audience for each news article. I think I could understand (at least I tried to convince myself that) the reluctance of media houses to put Ms. Sharmila on headlines is nothing discriminatory but simply business related issue. During Mr. Hazare’s fast, she has been compared with Anna Hazare and as a result many people got to know her even though most of them are not interested in knowing her cause for the indefinite fast. Ignorant people even hurled insults to hercause. Some prominent columnists and so called social commentators like Mr. Santosh Desai questioned the legitimacy of her demand without trying to understand the illegitimacy of the Act. Well, it’s unfortunate to say the least. Many people seem to hate people getting basic democratic rights even though they are fully enjoying it.

As for people like Mr. Dersai, had you ever been slapped across your face just because your name sound like a name of an outlawed person by a jawan frisking you in a cold late evening when returning home after a long day at work or had one of your sisters or your wife had to go to labor in the middle of the street just because there was a combing operation going on to identify some suspected terrorists by security personals, then I think, your comments would have been
different

. It’s very hard to explain the importance of basic democratic rights which you never had to struggle for in your life. Let me give you an example. I came across the love and hate relationship between Mahatama Gandhi and then British Prime Minister Mr. Winston Churchill who is considered as one of the greatest statesman and war time leader in UK. Despite the latter’s statesmanship and leadership quality for leading UK during hard times, he was against Indian independence movement.
There were reports that he favored letting Mahatama Gandhi die as a result o f indefinite hunger strike so that British rule could be continued in India. It’s very easy to Churchill than being Gandhi. I think same is happening in India now. It is very easy to deny basic democratic rights but very difficult to acknowledge and support it for the sake of others. While trying very hard to convince myself the logical reason behind Sharmila’s cause not being on headlines with its deserved importance, there came the news regarding Ms. Sharmila’s confession for her love of a person who she believes that he is the one. My wife called me up and informed me that she just came across the news of Sharmila’s romantic tryst. I told her that it’s good thing to happen to our beloved Gandhian. After all, love makes life beautiful and in fact the world is beautiful when you are in love. I pray that the two beautiful people in this world live happily for the rest of their life. When I read the news, I was saddened by the fact that Sharmila is not happy with the way her close associates treated the man whom she loves. I feel that if AFSPA is draconian, then objecting to Sharmila’s choice of partner is much more draconian. As usual, the chaos begins the next day in Manipur. Some
people are demanding the editor of newspaper in question to come down to Manipur and apologies to the people of Manipur. Isn’t it too much?

There are two big problems

(i) the way telegraph India sensationalized the news which sounded rather insulting to the people who are suffering under AFSPA than any show of sympathy on Sharmila’s struggle per se and

(ii) the way on how people reacted to the situation by directly resorting to violence. Violent reaction on this issue demeans Sharmila’s genuine sacrifice and struggle.

It simply accelerates the deviation of the focus from the genuine issue and making it a romantic comedy. I think, our political leaders (if they genuinely felt for the plight of the people of Manipur), social activists and organizations can express their displeasure regarding the news which sounded like making a joke of Sharmila’s personal life instead of appreciating her struggle. If the news is baseless, I would appeal to social groups to sue the media house to teach them a lesson. Even if it is genuine news, we can still make our displeasure known to the media house on the way how they handled it. It should be made clear that even if the mainland media houses could not appreciate or help the genuine cause of our beloved lady’s sacrifice, they should not try to malign it by sensationalizing it by giving a negative light. The editors and reported should remember the old saying that “If you cannot help someone, then at least don’t do bad for the person”. You people have a big role to play in maintaining cultural harmony and national integrity. Instead of making the people of Manipur out of place by sensationalizing the news in a different light other than the people of Manipur expect, you can help the genuine cause of our Iron lady.

To me, I respect Mahatama Gandhi much more than Mr. Winston Churchill for the formers ideology of non violence and equality of rights even though the latter won a big war against non democratic groups. In the land of Gandhi, let us not follow Churchill’s footsteps.

The above article was sent to Kanglaonline.com by Sanjib Meitei, sanjibmeiteicha[at]rediffmail.com

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/sharmila-media-and-manipuris/

Devil’s Advocate: Deranged Man and Protestors (PART 2)

By: A Bimol Akoijam The deranged man reads the leaflet again and scratches his head, and looks up at the leader of the protestors, and says, “So, she has been… Read more »

By: A Bimol Akoijam

Previously on Devil’s Advocate: Deranged Man and Protestors

LP: What do you mean?

DM: If she decides to call off the fast or something happens to her, what will you do?

The leader shots back, “Then, you will see a civil war if anything happens to her! Government of India will be solely responsible …God forbid, if something bad happens to her!

DM: And Armed Forces Special Powers Act?

The leader and protestors look at each others.

Read Part 1

The deranged man reads the leaflet again and scratches his head, and looks up at the leader of the protestors, and says, “So, she has been fighting against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, uummm…I see”

“Yes, she has been fighting against this draconian Act”, replies the leader of the protestors.

DM: I know

LP: How do you know?

As their leader asks the question, looking at the clothing and disheveled hair of the deranged man who keeps on scratching his head, the other protestors smile.

DM: Oh, it’s written here…this leaflet that you have given me.

LP: Oh!….So?

The deranged man scratches his head again as he continues to read the leaflet all over again. Then he looks at the protestors and their leader.

DM: So? Ummm…do you support Sharmila because she is fighting against the Act?

LP: Yes, we support her because she is fighting against AFSPA

DM: You should have told me that. Instead, you said, you are supporting Sharmila because she is ON A FAST!

And the protestors again look at each others.

“Why is she against this Act?” asks the deranged man.

LP: It deprives us of our basic human rights like the “Right to Life”

DM: You mean, AFSPA deprives you of your “Right to Life”?

LP: yes

DM: How?

LP: It allows the army to shoot, even causing death, on the basis of mere suspicion! It’s there in the leaflet.

DM: yeah…I see that but this is wrong…

LP: That’s it…we have been wronged…

DM: No, I mean what you are writing here is wrong. You write here and also say that AFSPA deprives you of the “Right to Life”, but it does not!

LP: What!?

DM: Yes, AFSPA does not deny “Right to Life”!

LP: How can you say that? This Act gives power to security forces to shoot to kill even on the basis of suspicion, it’s unconstitutional…

DM: But that was what those who fought against the Act have said in the Supreme Court and the Court has given its judgment that says that the Act is constitutional and the soldier cannot shoot and take the life of a citizen arbitrarily. He must have reasonable ground to justify the suspicion because the Constitution still protects the citizen’s “Right to life” as the Constitution is not suspended while the Act is in operation.

The leader and protestors seem to get puzzled by this observation of the deranged man. And they look at each other. Looking at the leader, the deranged man continues, “Have you read the Supreme Court Judgment?”

The leader stares at the deranged man for while and then uneasily looks at his followers. Slowly turning towards the deranged man, he says, “Errr ahh err…well…errr…yes…long time back!”

As they hear their leader, the followers look at each other. There is an element of disbelief in their glances on what their leader has just said and their own experssions also seem to indicate that they haven’t probably read the judgment even though they have been protesting against this Act for years, repeatedly shouting all these while, the same slogans as they did before their challenge against the Act in Court was rejected by the Supreme Court in 1997.

DM: Then, why are you saying that AFSPA denies “Right to Life”?

The leader keeps quite for a while and looks at his followers, then says, “Well…I don’t agree…you know it is democracy, people have the right to disagree”!

DM: True, but under the democratic system, Judiciary is important, and the Highest Court has given its Judgment which has rejected the view that the Act denies “Right to Life”. Anyway, you must have a reason to disagree? Why do you disagree? What are your reasons behind your diagreement?

LP: Ummm err…leave the Judgment…reasons and all that…it’s all talks…those are all “theories”. We have to understand the “ground reality”!

One of the protestors says, “Yes, yes, “theories” are not important, we must know the “ground reality”!

DM: “Theories”? All talks? Aren’t you also only talking, your slogans and this leaflet?

LP: What!?

DM: Anyway, is “Right to Life” a theory or ground reality? Is there such a real thing called “Right to Life”, people do get killed in reality anyway, not only in Manipur. So is “Right to Life” a reality or a theory?

The leader seems to be taken aback by this question of the deranged man. Just as he seems to ponder over it, one of the protestors says in Meiteilon, “Tok-o yaare..angaobasiga waari touranu…kari kanndoino” (it’s ok, stop it, there is no point in talking with this mad man). Another chips in, “Masi mee-se ngaosinnaba oiramganee…Govt ki agent oiramgani…intelligence agency-sing-gee mee soidana oiramgani…ngaoragabu kamaina maana mee-gee judgment-kado paramdoi-no” (this man must be impersonating as a mad man…he must be an agent of the govt…a member of the intelligence agencies…how can a mad man read judgment and all that)!

Masi nupa-se moi-gee atoppa group-ki mee oiramgani…Iche Sharmila-da support touganu, AFSPA-ki fight-ta oina support tou kai-na ngashai haikhrido

Still another protestor looks at the deranged man suspiciously, then turns to his other colleagues and says, “Masi nupa-se moi-gee atoppa group-ki mee oiramgani…Iche Sharmila-da support touganu, AFSPA-ki fight-ta oina support tou kai-na ngashai haikhrido” (This guy must be from the other group, that’s why he was saying that we should fight against AFSPA, not support Sharmila)!

Then the deranged man interrupts them, looking at them and then at their leader, he says, “What are they saying?”

Looking at the deranged man, the leader replies, “Nothing”!

DM: They are saying something though?

Saying this he smiles at the leader. The leader also looks at him.

LP: It’s not important!

DM: Really? What they are saying is not important?

The leader seems to be flummoxed by this pointed question from the deranged man and he seems to ponder on the remarks of the other protestors for a while. Then looking at the deranged man, he continues.

LP: well…err…anyway…what were you asking?

DM: I was asking as to what your friends were saying just now?

LP: Leave that…before that, what were you asking?

DM: Oh that! Well, I was asking, is the “Right to Life” a theory or what you called a ground reality?

LP: Ummm errr..errr…

One of the protestors intervenes, “You must know ground reality”!

LP: Yes…you must know “ground reality”!

DM: That’s ok but you haven’t answered my question and you are trying to avoid…

Before the deranged man could complete, the leader says, “see, people have been killed…you know extra-judicial killings…you must know…”

Just as the leader was saying this, a protestor interrupts, “call Engel-lei, she is there…her husband was also killed in a fake encounter”. And he sends someone to call Engel-lei.

LP: Yes, you must know the “ground reality”…we have amongst us a victim of extra-judicial killing, a young girl in her early 20s whose husband was shot dead right in front of her by Manipur Police Commandos”!

DM: Oh..my God! That’s terrible!

The deranged man seems to be disturbed by this information of a young widow.

LP: See, you must know “ground reality” to understand AFSPA!

DM: But to the best of my knowledge, Manipur Police and its Commandos are not covered by AFSPA; they do not operate under the AFSPA!

The leader looks at the deranged man and then to his followers who also look at each other, as if the remark of the deranged man seems to have unsettled their “ground reality”!

TO BE CONTINUED…

Manipur Civil Services Examination Prelims Commences On September 11

IMPHAL Sept 7: The ensuing preliminary examination of Manipur Civil Service Examination, 2010 will be conducted by the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) on September 11 (Sunday) at 29…

Read the full article and articles like this at manipurh…

IMPHAL Sept 7: The ensuing preliminary examination of Manipur Civil Service Examination, 2010 will be conducted by the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) on September 11 (Sunday) at 29…

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AMTU Advises Highway Strikers To Go To Court

Imphal, Sep 7 : All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) today said a constitutional and amicable solution for-and-against the ongoing political wrangling over Sadar Hills district demand is located in the…

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Imphal, Sep 7 : All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) today said a constitutional and amicable solution for-and-against the ongoing political wrangling over Sadar Hills district demand is located in the…

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Mr. Chidambaram, Time to revisit the strategy in Manipur

By: Bibhu Prasad Routray Barely 43 deaths of civilians, security forces and militants have been registered in Manipur in the first eight months of 2011. If these trends continue… Read more »

Source: Bibhu Prasad Routray

By: Bibhu Prasad Routray

Barely 43 deaths of civilians, security forces and militants have been registered in Manipur in the first eight months of 2011. If these trends continue for another four months, this State in India’s northeast would register less than 100 deaths in a year, for the first time since 1992. In fact, it would better last year’s total fatalities of 138, which was the lowest for the last 20 years. Home Minister P Chidambaram’s September 2009 statement that “Manipur remains resistant to counter-insurgency interventions”, is no longer valid.

Return to near normalcy is not because of a sudden dip in violence liable to be interpreted as a tactical retreat by the militants, much like what happened in theatres that are affected by Left-wing extremists. It is rather a progressive decline since 2008. The diminishing numbers (485 in 2008, 416 in 2009 and 138 in 2010) is a clear indication towards a decline in militant capacities, which has not only been imposed by the suspension of operations (SoO) agreements with over a dozen of militant formations, but also by the neutralisation of top ranking leaders of outfits including chairman of United National Liberation Front (UNLF), R K Meghen. Meghen led UNLF, the largest and the most powerful militant group of Manipur for last 35 years and was arrested in December 2010. Commander-in-chief of Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) Malengba was arrested on 5 May from Bangalore. Security forces operating in the State agree that such recurrent neutralisation has taken wind out of the sails of these armed groups.

Home Minister P Chidambaram’s September 2009 statement that “Manipur remains resistant to counter-insurgency interventions”, is no longer valid.

Manipur remains in the category of ‘problem areas’ for the Indian government. However, an analysis of the problems that have confronted the state and its population in recent times are mostly administrative and political in nature. The protracted Naga conflict in neighbouring Nagaland subjects the state to recurrent shutdowns. But shutdown also happens internally as well. The ongoing blockade of Highway No. 39 and No. 53 is the result of the unfulfilled demand for the establishment of the Sadar hills district, an internal issue between the Kukis and Nagas in Manipur. There isn’t much role for the Army personnel in such issues. Even problems like rampant militant extortion are better tackled by the Manipur police.

I would argue the same way I did in an article on activist Irom Sharmila in 2010. If militant violence created raison d’etre for the Army to move into Manipur and promulgation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act [AFSPA] in the State, the lack of violence necessitates that New Delhi reviews its position. The onset of relative peace in Manipur throws up an opportunity to embark upon much needed task of assigning the state police the lead role in counter-insurgency duties. It also opens up the possibility of withdrawing AFSPA from few other areas in the State, where the Army’s role can be tactically downgraded. Reassigning primacy to the Army and bringing back the AFSPA, in case the situation worsens, would not be too difficult a task. Opportunities certainly exist to make a new beginning for the State, instead of condemning it to hopelessness in perpetuity.

Bibhu Prasad Routray, a former deputy director in the National Security Council Secretariat, is a Singapore-based independent analyst. E-mail him at bibhuroutray[at]gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @BibhuRoutray

The above article was sent to Kanglaonline.com by Bibhu Prasad Routray.

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Telegraph Banned In Manipur For Sharmila Report

Imphal, Sep 6 : The Telegraph daily newspaper has been banned in Manipur for an indefinite period by civil society organisations under the aegis of Apunba Lup from today. Copies of The Telegraph…

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Imphal, Sep 6 : The Telegraph daily newspaper has been banned in Manipur for an indefinite period by civil society organisations under the aegis of Apunba Lup from today. Copies of The Telegraph…

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DOEACC Imphal Staff And Students Stage Sit In Protest

IMPHAL, Sep 6: Staff and students of DOEACC, Imphal today staged a sit-in-protest at its Akampat complex today decrying monetary demand of various UG groups. It is said that over the last couple of…

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BJP Spokesperson Prakash Javekar In Imphal

IMPHAL, Sep 6 : BJP National spokesperson and election in-charge of Manipur Prakash Javekar is scheduled to arrive here on September 9 on a two day visit to take a first hand account of the…

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IMPHAL, Sep 6 : BJP National spokesperson and election in-charge of Manipur Prakash Javekar is scheduled to arrive here on September 9 on a two day visit to take a first hand account of the…

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Sadar Hills District Demand: Gen Strike off, Blockade on

IMPHAL, Sep 6 : The Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) has decided to suspend the ongoing general strike on the National Highways from this midnight. The blockade however will…

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IMPHAL, Sep 6 : The Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) has decided to suspend the ongoing general strike on the National Highways from this midnight. The blockade however will…

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DM College Arts And Manipur University Reach Inter-College Final

IMPHAL, Sep 6: DM College of Arts will clash against Manipur University for the title of the A Pratap Singh Memorial Inter College Football Tournament on September 8 at 1 pm. In seminal matches…

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IMPHAL, Sep 6: DM College of Arts will clash against Manipur University for the title of the A Pratap Singh Memorial Inter College Football Tournament on September 8 at 1 pm. In seminal matches…

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IGNTU Manipur Students Demand VC’s Resignation

IMPHAL, Sep 6 : Alleging that the incumbent Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University-Regional Campus Manipur (IGNTU-RC Manipur) Prof CD Singh, a non-tribal, has been doing very…

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IMPHAL, Sep 6 : Alleging that the incumbent Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University-Regional Campus Manipur (IGNTU-RC Manipur) Prof CD Singh, a non-tribal, has been doing very…

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Manipur Rural Bank Employees Stage Dharna

IMPHAL, Sep 6 : Officers and employees of Manipur Rural Bank staged a dharna in front of Manipur Rural Bank head office at Keishampat today. The protest demonstration was staged demanding parity of…

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Devil’s Advocate: Deranged Man and Protestors

Amidst the sultry tropical weather, a group of protestors repeatedly shout, “Save Sharmila!!!! One of the protestors passes on the leaflet that they have been distributing to people to a… Read more »

Amidst the sultry tropical weather, a group of protestors repeatedly shout, “Save Sharmila!!!!

One of the protestors passes on the leaflet that they have been distributing to people to a deranged man who happens to pass by. Shaken by what is written on the leaflet, the deranged man seeks to strike a conversation with the protestors. Initially, seeing the odd looks of the man, some of them laugh at him and teasingly calls out one guy, who happens to be one of the leaders of those protestors, to entertain the deranged man. He, along with a few, decides to take a break from the protracted protest, and have a conversation with the deranged man. As such, they need some rest as they have been shouting for a while and it will be some time before those who have gone in a police vehicle to summit a memorandum to the PM or his office, something that they have never failed to do so each time they organized such a protest during the last decade, return to the protest site.

As they sit down, one of them asks the deranged man, “So, what do you want to know”?

Deranged Man (Henceforth, DM): Why are you supporting Sharmila?

Leader of the protestors (Henceforth, LP): Because Iche Sharmila has been on a fast!

DM: Oh, you support her because she’s been fasting?

Yes, yes! Some of the protestors answer almost in unison!

The leader continues in all seriousness, “Yes, Iche Sharmila has been fasting for the last 11 years!”

DM: Oh I see! So you are supporting her because she is on a fast?

LP: Yes

DM: Why don’t you ask her to eat; In fact, still better, since you seem to love her so much, why don’t you offer her food, instead of protesting like this?

LP: You mad!? She’s on fast for 11 years!!!!

DM: That’s what…you shouldn’t have allowed her to go hungry for so long?

The deranged man continues, scratching his head as he glances at the leaflet and looks at those protestors.

LP: She has been forced-fed all these years… She won’t eat!

DM: Too bad!

LP: What!!!!?

Taken by surprise, the leader retorts back; the deranged man continues again.

DM: You people love her so much and protesting all these while in this weather and she refuses to eat! I don’t understand. Doesn’t she love you? If she loves you, I think she will start eating food!

The deranged man continues.

Hearing his remark, the protestors look at each other and some of them become visibly perturbed by the remark. One of them says in Meteilon (a dominant language which consists of a group of Manipuri dialects spoken by people in the valley of Manipur as their mother-tongue…like the Mandarin amongst the Chinese), “Masi angaobashi…mathong maram khangdaba…kaothatlu…fujillaga fadouni…mee ushittaba…makok yaodaba” (this mad man has no sense, kick him, it’s better to beat him up…brainless fellow)!

The leader looks at them and says, “Ngaikho… tapthakho…angaobaga maanaraga kei kandoino” (Wait…what you will get if we do that with a mad man”)!

DM: You angry?

LP: Of course not

Being a seasoned leader, with a touch of diplomacy, he smiles as he answers. Then, he looks at his followers with another smile.

DM: So, does she love you people?

LP: Yes, she loves us, why would she fast if she does not love us, the people of Manipur!?

DM: That’s all the more reason for her to call off the fast so that you don’t protest like this in such weather!

One among the protestors menacingly walks towards the deranged man and says, “Shut up!”

LP: Wait!

The leader stops the guy and then looks at the deranged man and continues,

See, she won’t eat until the Armed Forces Special Power Act is repealed by the Govt. Of India

DM: Oh, then you should be fighting against that Act, rather than SUPPORTING HER BECAUSE SHE IS ON FAST!

The leader thinks for a while and answers, “That’s what we are doing”!

DM: But you said, you people are SUPPORTING SHARMILA BECAUSE SHE IS ON A FAST! Didn’t you say that?

The leader looks at the deranged man and his followers. Then he continues.

LP: Yeah…err…but it’s the same thing!
DM: No! How can it be?

LP: What do you mean?

DM: If she decides to call off the fast or something happens to her, what will you do?

The leader shots back, “Then, you will see a civil war if anything happens to her! Government of India will be solely responsible …God forbid, if something bad happens to her!

DM: And Armed Forces Special Powers Act?

The leader and protestors look at each others.

TO BE CONTINUED…

JPF Takes Exception to ‘Romance’ Report in The Telegraph

IMPHAL, Sep 5 : While appreciating the words of support and solidarity extended by the Nagas, Assamese and other North Eastern people, the Just Peace Foundation (JPF) has flayed the Telegraph for its…

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European Manipuri Association – Annual Social Gathering 26th – 28th August, 2011

EMA Annual Social Gathering 26th – 28th August, 2011 European Manipuri Association (EMA), UK London, UK: The Annual General Meeting and Social Gathering of the European Manipur Association (EMA) was recently held from the 26th to 28th of August at Margate,… Read more »

EMA Annual Social Gathering 26th – 28th August, 2011

European Manipuri Association (EMA), UK

London, UK: The Annual General Meeting and Social Gathering of the European Manipur Association (EMA) was recently held from the 26th to 28th of August at Margate, one of the most popular seaside holiday resorts on the eastern coast of Kent, United Kingdom. Many individuals and families of Manipur origin who are currently staying in Europe attended the annual social gathering, the event has become one of the most significant yearly event of the EMA members to come together on a common platform and share a memorable weekend of discussing current issues, enjoying cultural activities, savouring traditional culinary thereby creating a sense of togetherness.

EMA Group-Photo

Continuing EMA’s effort to share and promote authentic local dishes from various parts of Manipur, the attending members brought homemade delicacies of different varieties on the first evening of the get-together. Members also shared authentic traditional Manipuri herbs and vegetables grown lovingly at their gardens in Europe. The evening came to an end after a series of mini meetings and gatherings of members, exchanging greeting, views and ideas on different issues ranging from personal to current burning topics of Manipur.

EMA Ladies Group Photo

The General body meeting of the association was inaugurated by the out-going Chairperson, Dr. Shamurailatpam Krishnananda Sharma on the morning of 27th August, followed by organisational reporting from the outgoing General Secretary, Mr. Santosh Sougrakpam, Treasurer, Mr. Guneshwar Mayanglambam and Information Secreatry, Mr. Shanjoy Mairembam respectively, to update members on the various projects, activities and achievements of EMA during the previous year.

Beach Football in action

A heart-warming farewell was given to the outgoing committee, followed by the election of new committee members for the period 2011-2013.

The unanimously elected new members are:

1) Chairperson: Mr. Okram Bishwajit

2) General Secretary: Mr. Khangembam Somorendro

3) Treasurer: Mrs. Leichombam Ongbi Hijam Pinky

4) Information Secretary: Mr. Laishram Tiken

5) Executive Member: Ms. Gurumayum Jaishree

Thouri-Chingbi Contest

As part of promoting cultural activities especially among the young members, Marina Yaiphabi Mayanglambam, the beautiful five-years-old daughter of Guneshwar Mayanglambam and Mayanglambam Ongbi Sougaijam Nalita performed a mesmerising “Thoibi Jagoi” in full traditional attire, followed by brief information on the symbols and meaning behind the Meitei Jagoi. The spirit of culture was followed by the indispensable Manipuri sports spirit – Football, Thouri-Chingnabi and Chaphu-Thugaibi. Finally the day was concluded with an intellectual and thought provoking book exhibition hosted by Elangbam Bishwajeet, displaying rare collections of medieval Meitei-lon literature and books related to World War II in Manipur.

Book Exhibition

On behalf of the Association, the new EMA committee request all the people of Manipur origin living across Europe, of any belief, ideology and ethnicity, to be part of the EMA family and support EMA in achieving its goal. Commending the exhibition of books of immense importance, the new committee, would continue to work and promote the beauty of the various ethnicities of Manipur by organising exhibitions and presentations through the EMA platform.

Sd/-

Laishram Tiken

Information Secretary, EMA

On behalf of

European Manipuri Association, UK

30th National Nutrition Week Observed

IMPHAL, Sep 5 : The 30th National Nutrition Week was observed today at Mayang Imphal mini stadium under the aegis of the ICDS Project Imphal West II, Wangoi with Manitron Chairman Dr Kh Ratankumar as…

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Distance Learning For Jail Inmates

IMPHAL, Sep 5: Inmates of Sajiwa Central Jail may get the facility of distance learning soon as IGNOU is planning to open a special centre at the jail premises. It was informed by IGNOU Regional…

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IMPHAL, Sep 5: Inmates of Sajiwa Central Jail may get the facility of distance learning soon as IGNOU is planning to open a special centre at the jail premises. It was informed by IGNOU Regional…

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