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Mail News Service
Imphal, Apr 30: A total of 103 cadres of various underground groups surrendered with arms and ammunitions before Manipur Chief Minister Shri O. Ibobi Singh today.
In a surrender ceremony held at HQ IGAR (South) at Mantripukhri Imphal today, the 103 cadres (UNLF 22, PULF 20, KYKL 9, PREPAK 14, KNLF 8, KCP 10, PLA 9, UNPC 4, NSCN (IM) 2, NSCN (K) 1, UPPK 1, KRPA 1, KRF 2) laid down their arms and decided to return to the main stream.
Altogether 103 numbers of weapons including AK-47s, M-16s, Carbines and pistols were surrendered.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh said, it is extremely unfortunate that many young people have felt compelled to take up arms while society needed them as builders of the nation. The younger generation has been disappointed due to lack of job opportunities and other avenues. These young people have chosen the path of violence out of compulsion than a choice, he added.
While several armed groups have been in peace dialogue with the government, many of the armed groups still choose to remain silent, the Chief Minister said.
Citing that the peaceful democratic movement of Aung San Suu Kyi has met a great success in Myanmar, the Chief Minister said that the wave of democracy has been getting stronger and stronger across the world. People world over have shown growing desire for freedom, democracy and peace. Non-democratic regimes and movements are now symbols of backwardness, he added.
The Chief Minister reiterated that peace and development go hand in hand and peace is rather a pre-requisite for development. Those perpetrating and advocating violence are the biggest hindrance to the path of development. The nations that have embraced progressive ideas are the ones that have developed rapidly, he further said.
He further said that Manipur has a huge social wealth in terms of its population of younger age-group having tremendous potential. But unfortunately we have not been able to harness it, he added.
“My government has remained committed to the cause of peace and development of Manipur,” the Chief Minister said and added that it would focus on certain crucial sectors of public interest like electricity, road infrastructure and water supply and appealed to the people for their support and cooperation.
The Chief Minister lauded the IGAR (South) and his troops for their commendable job in bringing back various UG outfits to the main stream of the society.
The event was one of the largest surrender ceremonies by UGs in the history of Manipur. It is evident from such large numbers of surrenders that the people of the state abhor violence and are desirous of leading a peaceful and prosperous life. While Manipur has been facing the scourge of terrorism for the past several decades, it is the general public who are bearing the burnt of problems due to the presence of such militant outfits who indulge in senseless killings, extortion and anti social activities.
The endless efforts made by Assam Rifles to get misled youths back to mainstream with the support of State govt has shown a remarkable impact in present improved security situation of Manipur state. Conduct of fair and smooth Assembly election in recent past coupled with spurt in surrenders as signified by the second such ceremony in Mantripukhri, is a pointer to fast pace of return of normalcy and disenchantment of the youth with violence. It is believed that this Home coming ceremony would have far reaching implications leading to chartering a new course of peace, prosperity, harmony and would sound death nail of the insurgency.
The militants and specially their family members who were carried away by emotions conveyed their sincere thanks to Assam Rifles for guiding them towards the right path and giving them the opportunity to join the main stream.
Home Minister Shri Gaikhangam, Chief Secretary, Manipur Shri DS Poonia, DGP Manipur Shri R. Baral, Major General U.K. Gurung, IGAR (South) and Jawans of Assam Rifles were also present during the surrender ceremony.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/103-militants-lay-down-arms-to-cm/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Apr 28: : Eight ministers were inducted into the Congress government led by Ibobi Singh today. The second swearing in ceremony of the Ibobi government began at 4 pm at the Raj Bhawan banquet hall. I Hemochandra, former Speaker, K Govindas, M Okendro, Ngamthang Haokip, Francis Ngajokpa, Dr Kh Ratan, Ak Mirabai and Md Abdul Nasir were administered oath of office and secrecy by the Governor Gurbhachan Jagat.
All the newly inducted ministers are fresh faces in the Ibobi government and were not ministers in the last government. This is the third government led by O Ibobi Singh. Ak Mirabai a woman Congress MLA from Patsoi AC and Md Abdul Nasir from Lilong AC were elected for the first time and became minister for the first time. Dr Kh Ratan was elected for the second time from Mayang Imphal AC and became a minister for the first time. The other five ministers inducted today had earlier served as Cabinet ministers earlier.
O Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister, Congress president and Home Minister Gaikhangam, Congress ministers, MLAs, officials attended the function. Ibobi said the ministerial berths were given after giving lots of thoughts and considering their seniority and area they represented.
The main focus of the present government will be power, communications and health sector he said and full thrust will be given on these three aspects.
After the declarations of the Assembly results on March 6 last in which Congress got 41 seats in the 60 member House, Mr. Ibobi had taken oath as Chief Minister on March 14 and three senior members were inducted as Cabinet ministers on March 17. Congress President Gaikhangam was inducted as Home Minister, Debendra as Forest and Environment Minister and Phungzathang Tonsing as Health Minister.
Those elected and denied ministerial berths were Y Erabot, N Biren, K Ranjit, TN Haokip, N Loken.
Three other former minister, DD Thaisii, Md Alauddin and L Jayentakumar were not elected. The Chief Minister said there is possibility of rotating the ministerial berth and this time it will be different from the previous ministry.
Some of the MLAs who were denied ministerial berths were absent however TN Haokip and K Ranjit were present in the function.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/eight-new-ministers-inducted-into-ibobi-government/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Apr 23: Governor Gurbhachan Jagat said, “Today we are all here to celebrate the Khongjom Day as a mark of respect to those brave sons of Manipur who made supreme sacrifices for the cause of their motherland in the legendary battle of Khongjom in 1 891. Khongjom Day once again rejuvenates our memory about the great patriotism and indomitable courage displayed by Paona Brajabashi and others who laid down their lives in the fight against the British, the then mightiest imperialist power.
We are all aware from the pages of history that British came to India as traders in the name of East India Company. This took U-turn after the Battle of Plassey in 1757 in which the forces of East India Company defeated Siraj-Ud-Daula, the Nawab of Bengal. That signaled the arrival of British as rulers. Then the British taking advantage of the disunity and differences prevailing among the kings and princes of the then small kingdoms and principalities annexed them one after another thereby spreading and consolidating their empire. This was true in the case of Manipur also which led to Anglo-Manipur War of 1 891 . The battle of Khongjom was the bloodiest and the decisive battle of the Anglo-Manipur War after which the British Rule was established in Manipur.
Thus, we have learnt from history that disunity and differences not only weaken a nation but also are the root cause for the foreign intervention. While celebrating the Day, we need to remember this lesson and should renew our pledge to stand unitedly for our strength lies in our unity. It is that Unity which gave us our Independence. It is that Unity that gives us our strength as a nation.
Today, we are all citizens of free India. Much has changed. Now, we have challenges which are truly new. Challenges for which there are no ready made answers. It is unfortunate to mention here that Manipur has been passing through a difficult phase. The long period of turmoil has impacted the lives of its citizens.
Problems of insurgency and its ramifications such as abduction for ransom, extortion and killing continue while calling of frequent bandhs and blockades are taken for granted by various organizations.
On the other hand, it is disheartening to say that in a State which is famous for its Ima Keithel, Nupilal and Meira Paibis the crime against women is on the rise. These dark forces have been not only significantly hampering the pace of development and progress both in social and economic spheres of the State but also consuming the public money and energy of the Government. It is time for us to introspect and commit ourselves to bring the State among the comity of developed and peaceful States of the country.
Chief Minister O. Ibobi who also attended the function, said that the freedom we are enjoying today is not a gift from the British, but the gift of the brave sons of the land who sacrificed their lives for the sake of their motherland. He urged the people to stand united whenever there is threat to the territorial integrity of Manipur and to be ready to fight for its protection.
He appealed to the people of Manipur to maintain peace in the state, and understand that there can be no development without peace. The chief minister also informed the gathering that the state government is planning to made Khongjom an eco-tourism spot, under a mega project which will cost around 20 crore.
Thousands of people from different parts of the state turned up at Khongjom War Memorial to pay their respect to the brave sons of Manipur who gave their lives for the sake of their motherland at the battle of Khongjom.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/khongjom-day-celebrated-dark-forces-hampering-pace-of-development-governor/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Apr 6: A State level Convention on UN response AFSPA and related issues organised by the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the UN, held on 06th April 2012 at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul, Imphal, Manipur discussed the recent developments arising from visits to India of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mrs. Margaret Sekaggya and her final report at the 19th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council on 5th March 2012; and the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Mr. Christof Heyns and his general comments, conclusions and preliminary recommendations on 30th March 2012.
The delegates of the Convention welcomed the general comments, conclusions and preliminary recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Mr. Christof Heyns; final report of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mrs. Margaret Sekaggya and her final report.
It took note of the remarks made by the Union Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. P. Chidambaram during his monthly report on 31st March 2012 and strongly reiterated and supported the stand of the people of Manipur for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958.
It applauded the 11 years long struggle of Nura Temsingnabi Irom Chanu Sharmila for the repeal of AFSPA 1958 and to end the summary or arbitrary killings in Manipur;
It concluded that the situation in Manipur arised from the Manipur people’s struggle for their right to self-determination, endorsed by the Human Rights Committee in 1997 and also by the Special Rapporteur of Human Rights Defenders.
It concluded further that a situation of armed conflict existed in Manipur since the 50s, and that international humanitarian law is applicable to this situation, which is also supported by the Special Rapporteur of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions;
It recognised that the Manipur peoples’ movement for self-determination and human rights continues to this day with the inclusion of all the people and this movement needs to be strengthened further;
It resolved to further the Peoples’ Campaign to Repeal the AFSPA 1958 by fully supporting the organisation of a Manipur National Convention to consider the present situation of armed conflict and international human rights and humanitarian law violations in Manipur, and take up necessary steps and actions to Repeal AFSPA 1958 and advance the agenda for a peaceful political solution to the situation according to Dr Debabrata Laifungbam, Convenor. It decided to compile and publish reports related to UN officials’ visit to north east.
The convention followed after US special rapporteur statement regarding the withdrawal of the act from Manipur. Phunindro Konsam and convenor of the collision Debabrata Laiphungbam were the moderator of the discussion. The meeting decided joint effort of organizations operating in valley and hills to repeal the act, to collect crimes, killings under the act and publish as books.
Retd. Judge C. Upendra said, it is shameful on the part of India govt. as the act was forcibly in force although UN special rapporteur and various countries pressurized to repeal the act in a democratic country.
Mani said, withdrawal of AFSPA is closely related to the agitation launched by Sharmila.
The issue should be politicalized. The former member of Manipur Human Rights commission RK Rajendro, Laba, Babloo and legal experts took part in the one day discussion.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/convention-held-to-discuss-un-response-on-afspa/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Mar 27: In a home coming ceremony 52 Military Wing cadres of United Tribal Liberation Army which signed the Tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement laid down arms to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh at Leimakhong military headquarters. Home Minister, Gaikhangam, DGP, RK Baral and General Officer Commanding, Red Shield Division, Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen were present in the function. SS C-in-C, Robert Singson laid the cadres in laying down arms. Earlier 43 cadres had declared suspension of operation on 27 Oct 2011 in a home coming ceremony at the Banquet Hall of 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles in front of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, DGP Y Joykumar and Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Red Shield Division. The 52 remaining cadres laid down arms today. The cadres presented 42 high quality automatic weapons which includes nine weapons which were looted by UTLA during their raid on IRB post (Chekra Cham in South Assam) on 13 Nov 2009.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh described today’s ceremony as another big step towards peace initiative and appealed all the militant groups to abjure the path of violence and join the mainstream. He also said that home coming of these cadres shows that peace and normalcy is not very far from the State. He asserted that the government would be seriously looking into the developmental issues and ensures implementation of necessary works.
Home Minister Gaikhangam said the government has been providing financial assistance and developing infrastructure for resettlement of the militants and expected them to work in the interest of the people.
Major General Binoy Poonnen, GOC Red Shield Division reiterated that security forces on their part would continue to encourage all such endeavours by all insurgent groups both collectively and individually and shall continue to act as facilitator in their rehabilitation and hence in their emergence as responsible citizens of the state.
The 52 cadres who abjured the path of violence and came forward for homecoming ceremony are identified as SS C-in-C Robert, TS Laden, Seiboi @ TS Ricky, Chungialai @ Boboi, Hellensang @ Mark, Lamhen @ S Lion, Manglengou @ Goupu, Bom Singson @ Bom, Lamminthang @ Min, Thanglenmang @ Mang, Gina Neihsial @ Gin, Lallenmang @ Lal, Bertneo @ Kenedy, Joypu @ Joy, Thanglal @ Thang, Mineo Singson @ Neo, Nehcha @ Iris, Lenna @ Len, Lamsat @ Katu, Lalpu, Lalboi, David, Henlun, John, Laljathang @ Jai, Lunlam, Gogou, Janglal, Mona @ Arjun, Paominlun, Paogoulem, Lalboi @ Lendou, Lentinlal @ Lalboi, Thangjakai @ Hekai, Paogin @ Major Pagin, Lamminthang @ Akbar, Ngulkhohao, Jangneh, Thangkam, Jangthang, Kamsei @ Keipi, Lunminthang @ Tiger, Seitinlal, Semkhomang @ Sanjay, Kailenmang, Seikam, Seithang @ Robin, Helkholal, Kaikholal, Janggoulal @ Mike, Lallenthang @ Jawan, Letsei @ Alex.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/52-utla-cadres-lay-down-arms-to-cm/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Mar 27: In a home coming ceremony 52 Military Wing cadres of United Tribal Liberation Army which signed the Tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement laid down arms to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh at Leimakhong military headquarters. Home Minister, Gaikhangam, DGP, RK Baral and General Officer Commanding, Red Shield Division, Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen were present in the function. SS C-in-C, Robert Singson laid the cadres in laying down arms. Earlier 43 cadres had declared suspension of operation on 27 Oct 2011 in a home coming ceremony at the Banquet Hall of 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles in front of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, DGP Y Joykumar and Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Red Shield Division. The 52 remaining cadres laid down arms today. The cadres presented 42 high quality automatic weapons which includes nine weapons which were looted by UTLA during their raid on IRB post (Chekra Cham in South Assam) on 13 Nov 2009.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh described today’s ceremony as another big step towards peace initiative and appealed all the militant groups to abjure the path of violence and join the mainstream. He also said that home coming of these cadres shows that peace and normalcy is not very far from the State. He asserted that the government would be seriously looking into the developmental issues and ensures implementation of necessary works.
Home Minister Gaikhangam said the government has been providing financial assistance and developing infrastructure for resettlement of the militants and expected them to work in the interest of the people.
Major General Binoy Poonnen, GOC Red Shield Division reiterated that security forces on their part would continue to encourage all such endeavours by all insurgent groups both collectively and individually and shall continue to act as facilitator in their rehabilitation and hence in their emergence as responsible citizens of the state.
The 52 cadres who abjured the path of violence and came forward for homecoming ceremony are identified as SS C-in-C Robert, TS Laden, Seiboi @ TS Ricky, Chungialai @ Boboi, Hellensang @ Mark, Lamhen @ S Lion, Manglengou @ Goupu, Bom Singson @ Bom, Lamminthang @ Min, Thanglenmang @ Mang, Gina Neihsial @ Gin, Lallenmang @ Lal, Bertneo @ Kenedy, Joypu @ Joy, Thanglal @ Thang, Mineo Singson @ Neo, Nehcha @ Iris, Lenna @ Len, Lamsat @ Katu, Lalpu, Lalboi, David, Henlun, John, Laljathang @ Jai, Lunlam, Gogou, Janglal, Mona @ Arjun, Paominlun, Paogoulem, Lalboi @ Lendou, Lentinlal @ Lalboi, Thangjakai @ Hekai, Paogin @ Major Pagin, Lamminthang @ Akbar, Ngulkhohao, Jangneh, Thangkam, Jangthang, Kamsei @ Keipi, Lunminthang @ Tiger, Seitinlal, Semkhomang @ Sanjay, Kailenmang, Seikam, Seithang @ Robin, Helkholal, Kaikholal, Janggoulal @ Mike, Lallenthang @ Jawan, Letsei @ Alex.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/52-utla-cadres-lay-down-arms-to-cm/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Mar 25: A book entitled state, society and governance compiled by Seram Niken was released today at Manipur Press Club. Prof. N. Khogendra, Bhudhachadnra Sanasam, Dr. Dhanabir Laishram M.U. Dr. M. Chinglen M.U, N. Ibungochoubi executive editor Manipur Mail were on the dais.
The book contains 50 articles and costs Rs. 250. The Ashangba communication is the publisher of the book. N Ibungochoubi said, “Having scanned through all the articles written by Seram Neken and thereafter intensively reading some with keen interest, I am a better and an enlightened reader. The subjects and issues he has taken up undoubtedly invite a serious rethinking from all as they profoundly reflect the socio-political and contemporary challenges facing us. Every article ought to be critically examined, the outcomes discussed and policies suggested. I would be grossly committing an impropriety by summing the contents and the values of the articles he has written in a single session. Some of the articles will continue to be a constant reminder to us to reconsider our inactive faculties to be more attentive and understand the nature of urgency, the grave and imminent future that awaits us, if not attended to with a concern. This aspect reinforces the reasons why we need to accommodate a greater space for people who write and speak on issues of concern, especially when our own state is confronted with the most abnormal and unheard of events. On the other hand, I am reminded of the cliché, ‘Reporters’ Paradise’, a title unceremoniously crowned, while referring to Manipur, all the reasons and happenings we live with.
Although a reader will experience and feel the trends we are adapting to with a complete lack of interest or helplessness, the impression I get, which is purely personal, leads to an inconclusive thought with a question: Have we resigned? The involvement and the expertise of a great civilization supported by people of strong characters and strength have been questioned by the articles.
Neken has successfully made an attempt to reach out to the readers and offer a common platform, first writing at regular intervals and ultimately compiling it in the form of a book. I would like to recognize two significant values of this book. First, he has candidly portrayed the symptoms of known and unknown chronic ailments that have found fertile soil within our own social fabric, which we consciously or unwittingly live with. Let me take the example of the “Home To The Thousand Garbage”. The psyche of the people of Manipur is reflected as we throw our wastes anywhere and everywhere. Heaps of garbage in the middle of the road and every corner in our localities represent what we are supposed to perceive as Governance. The second is the subsequent and compounding catalogue of explanations in response to the first and the example. I honestly feel that the dialogues on every piece that he has written can be a topic for our focussed group discussions after the formal launch or release of this book.
The book ‘State, Society and Governance’, a reproduction of fifty articles written published by I am sure and all will agree, has served the basic and fundamental purpose of expressing one’s thought premised on knowledge and most importantly conviction. We have two eminent scholars who have been witnessing and commenting on the affairs of our day-to-day lives with a vision today on the occasion of releasing of the book. I look forward to the subjective and objective perspectives from Dr. Dhanabir Laishram and Dr. Chinglen Maisnam, who are also prolific writers. As a reader, my observations are impulsive reactions.
The central point I wish to bring forth today is that Neken’s articles have generated a thought process.
The book also offers, among others, a moment for pleasure while reading: the book adds a fervor that enlivens our level of thinking. While congratulating Neken for his efforts to write on a wide range of subjects, we all should encourage more writers like Neken to inform and inspire us.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/book-on-governance-society-released/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Mar 24: To commemorate the 177th Raising Day of Assam Rifles, a wreath laying ceremony was held at Assam Rifles War Memorial at Kangla on 24 Mar 2012 to pay homage to the brave martyrs. Maj Gen U K Gurung,YSM, IGAR (S) led all ranks of AR and ex-servicemen in laying wreath at the historic Kangla War Memorial.
ASSAM RIFLES over the period have been relentlessly pursuing to bring in visible changes in overall development of Manipur State. The legacy of the good work done by the Assam Rifles in Manipur over the ages is being coordinated by HQ IGAR (S) and its contribution towards the development in Manipur has gone much beyond the realms of just operations against the militant groups. Projects useful to the local population, at all levels in fields like education, training, public work, agriculture, transportation, communication, health, sanitation and others contributing to economic and social development, go much beyond simply improving the standing of the military forces with the local population.
Kangla War Memorial is of great importance since 4 Assam Rifles represented the AR Force in entirety with participation in two great World Wars. This war memorial has assumed the importance of a Central memorial to the Force. It is a matter of honour and pride that IGAR (South) with vast expansion of the Force has organized wreath laying ceremony and remembered the martyrs at this Historical Memorial.
The ceremony also marked the significance that the ASSAM RIFLES has completed 177 years of dedicated service to the nation and North East in particular. Maj Gen U K Gurung,YSM took special care and interest to perform the ceremony in a most befitting way & to the best traditions of the Force. The Memorial aesthetically bedecked with flowers added to its glory and its shine & glitter resented an
impressive show amidst buglers sounding the last post and smartly turned out ASSAM RIFLES Contingent offering national salute to the departed souls.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/wreath-laying-ceremony-on-ar-day/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Mar 24: Rajeev Memorial Park was inaugurated today.
The park has been named as “ Rajeev Park” as a tribute to Late 2 Lt Rajeev Sandhu, Maha Vir Chakra, the gallant martyr of the Assam Regiment who made the supreme sacrifice in Sri Lanka in July 1988 while serving as part of Red Shield Division.
The skillful terriers of Manipur under the leadership of their Commanding Officer, Col K Biswas toiled hard and left no stone unturned to create the beautiful park next to a pond, which was once an undulating and rocky wasteland. On 19 Jul 1988, 2 Lt Rajeev Sandhu of 7 ASSAM under 57 Mountain Division was leading a convoy from Madurang Keni Kolam to Mangani in Sri Lanka. On the way, his jeep was suddenly fired upon by the militants with rockets, AK- 47s and 7.62mm rifles. He was seriously wounded and a direct hit of a rocket completely mutilated both his legs. Totally crippled and bleeding profusely, he tumbled out of the jeep with his 9mm carbine and crawled to a firing position. Presuming that everyone in the veh had been killed, one of the militants came out of hiding and approached the jeep to pick up the weapons and ammunition. Despite the fact that his legs were totally smashed and his body was perforated with bullets, 2 Lt Rajeev Sandhu, in an act that defies description and goes beyond the realms of imagination, lifted his carbine with his blood soaked hands, sprayed the militant with bullets and killed him. He blunted every effort of the militants to come anywhere near his fallen comrades or their weapons.
For displaying conspicuous courage and making the supreme sacrifice, 2 Lt Rajeev Sandhu was honoured with the Maha Vir Chakra, posthumously.
The Rajeev Memorial Park was inaugurated by Mr & Mrs D S Sandhu, the proud parents of the martyr. The statue of the Martyr was unveiled by Maj Gen RN Singh, AVSM, SM, VSM Colonel of the Assam Regt and Arunachal Scouts. The Ngongin Hut was inaugurated by Mrs Annie Poonnen and Siroy Lily Hut was inaugurated by Mrs Raka Singh while Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen, VSM, inaugurated the fountain along the pond and the lighting system. During the impressive inauguration ceremony, the Brass Band of Assam Regimental Centre from Shillong and the Pipe Band and Jazz Band of Manipur Terriers presented some heart rendering Patriotic tunes and songs which touched the souls of everyone present.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/martyrs-park-at-leimakhong/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Mar 24: Naga Women’s Union (NWU) , All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) today said in a joint statement,
The Government of India has initiated peace negotiations and peace talks with many insurgent groups in the northeast and currently has formal ceasefire and suspension of operations with as many as 31 groups in the region but we are very concerned about the outcome of these processes as we have every reason to doubt the sincerity of the Government of India to resolve the issue of political unrest with the groups they are engaged with.
The continuing fratricidal violence and killings, the splintering of groups and the formation of many new groups not only demonstrates how incapable are these processes but it also clearly shows the lack of political will and the absence of clarity and direction to resolve conflicts in the northeast.
We have instead, been witnessing a surge of arrests and detention of key leaders who matter in the success of these process of negotiation and peace talks. Many leaders have been arrested, jailed and made immobile.
On September 27, 2010, Anthony Ningkhan Shimray, Head of Foreign Affairs, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) disappeared after he landed at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International(Nepal). He was on his way to attend the peace talks between Government of India (GOI) and NSCN.
Five days later India admitted to arresting him. Subsequently, he has been languishing in Tihar Central Jail, New Delhi, on charges of procuring arms and waging war against the State (India).It is important to point out that the Government of India by arresting Anthony Ningkhan Shimray in such a manner not only violated its own laws and the national sovereignty and the law in Nepal with its unlawful abduction/arrest of Anthony on Nepalese soil, but has also violated the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, to which India is a signatory.
The arrest was made despite the fact that Anthony Ningkhan Shimray had actively participated in the peace talks as part of the NSCN’s negotiating team. Government of India cannot deny that he is one of the prominent leaders in the peace talk and jailing him bears testament of their insincerity and their complete disregard for all the effort that has gone in to initiate peace talk with NSCN. His arrest also strongly suggests that there is no honour in the numerous ceasefire agreements that the Government of India has entered into and peace talks do not hold any value.
If this is the way key leaders in the peace talks are treated how do we expect solutions and results out of the many ceasefire agreements and peace talks.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/naga-organisations-sceptical-of-peace-parleys/

Imphal, March 21:NNN Noted folk singer Guru Rewben Mashangva and women ace boxer Mary Kom were awarded with the National Tribal Award in New Delhi last evening by Ministry of Tribal Affairs, government of India. The awards were handed over by V Kishore Chandra Deo. Each of the awards carries a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, a citation and a trophy.
“This is to acknowledge that the commendable contribution of Shri Guru Rewben Mashangva in the field of tribal art and culture. As a recognition, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India hereby confers the National Tribal Award for the year 2011-12,” said the citation for Guru Rewben Mashangva.
As for Mary Kom, her husband received the award on her behalf since the boxer is in Mongolia participating in the Asian Women Boxing Championship event.
Guru Rewben Mashangva said he feels delighted for being recognised. But added with a lamentation, “However, back home in a state like Manipur it is sad that the people are not giving much value to the folk music.”
Started taking up flute and guitar in the late 1980s, Rewben Mashangva has come a long way. He had struggle a lot and is still struggling to make both ends meet while most of his time he devote to the folk music promotion. He said it is because of his wife who works in a private school as a teacher, he can engross to this profession. Most of the domestic chores, his wife looks after.
There is an interesting anecdote of Guru Rewben Mashangba. Many years ago during a hearty concert, the crowd applauded him with clapping and other ovations shown to him, Guru Rewben had said, “I’m a hero here tonight but once at home, I will sit down for my dinner with just a plate of rice and Eromba, a chilly filled Manipuri vegetable mashed with a fermented fish.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/rewben-mary-kom-given-tribal-awards/

MNS: The Students of Manipur University interacted with Maj Gen U K Gurung, YSM,IGAR(S) on 19 Mar 12 and invited him to be the chief guest during the opening ceremony of the MANFETE-12. 28 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR(S) is providing assistance in their forthcoming Management festival MANFETE -12 with effect from 26 – 28 March 2012.
This interaction between the students body and the IGAR(S) marks an Era of bonding between youth of Manipur and the uniformed forces. The IGAR(S) has promised all assistance to the students.
Assam Rifles will be the main sponsor for the event and has provided a handsome amount for the festival.
During the festival Assam Rifles will also establish a Assam Rifles pavilion to encourage interaction with students and increase awareness about the organisation.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/manfete-2012/