December 16, 2011 – Page 3

Peasants stage protest rally

Peasants coming from 14 villages of Imphal West district today staged a protest rally followed by a mass meeting demanding an immediate halt to the ongoing negotiation to seal the India European Union Free Trade Agreement Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=12&src=171211

SHDDC defers action plan date

The Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee convened a meeting today but put off any definite decision until December 20 Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=2&src=171211

Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellows and Akademi Awards 2011 announced

Manipuri dance Guru RK Singhajit Singh and eminent theatre personality Heisnam Kanhailal from Manipur were among eleven well known personalities of performing arts of the country selected for the Akademi Fellows for the year 2011 and Priti Patel, the Director and Choreographer of Anjika Manipuri Dance Troupe based in Kolkata was selected for the Akademi Awards 2011 in the field of dance Source The Sangai Express Manipur Info Centre

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=16&src=171211

CLOSING CEREMONY OF 37TH ANNUAL ATHLETIC MEET, SAINIK SCHOOL

The 37th Annual Athletic meet of Sainik School Imphal which was inaugurated on 12 Dec 2011 concluded today on 16 Dec 2011 with Shri Hemochandra Singh, Hon’ble Speaker, Member of Legislative Assembly, Govt of Manipur and Dr N Bijoy Singh, Hon’ble MLA, Khurai Kendra, Imphal being the Chief Guest and President respectively. The programme of the day started with a welcome address by Wing Commander E Srinivas, Offg Principal of the School. Tagore House bagged the trophy of best House in Athletics and Raman House took the trophy of best house in Games and sports. Cadet Nehru of Raman House bagged award for best Athlete for junior category while the duo of Cadet Ajit Kumar and Cadet Imran both from Raman House won the best Athlete Award for senior category.

To mark the closing ceremony, the cadets put up a wonderful display of March past. Hon’ble Chief Guest gave away the prizes to the winners. In his address to the cadets and parents, the Hon’ble Chief Guest appreciated the contribution made by the school to the state of Manipur and the country by providing quality education. He made a special mention about record performance of the school in UPSC exam for NDA every year. Lastly the Hon’ble Chief Guest in consonance with the President Dr N Bijoy Singh, Hon’ble MLA assured of full support from the Govt of Manipur to improve the quality of training and living condition for cades and staff.

CM inaugurates power sub-station, Police Station

IMPHAL Dec., 16, 2011: Chief Minister Shri O. Ibobi Singh today inaugurated a 33/11 KV power sub-station at Yumnam Patlou, Sagolmang and Sagolmang Police Station in Imphal East District. He also laid the foundation stone for construction of District Hospital Imphal East at Sagolmang.
The 33/11 KV power sub-station which would cover 69 villages under Sagolmang and Yumnam Khunou was constructed under NLCPR at a total amount of Rs. 537.13 lakhs.
The Sagolmang Police Station was constructed under SPA at a total cost of Rs. 4, 02, 66, 716 and would cover about 61 villages. The total area of the complex is about 5 acres.
The 100 bedded District Hospital Imphal East at Sagolmang has an area of 10 acres and would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 62 crores. It is targeted to complete within three years.
Speaking at a public meeting held at Ereima Playgound at Sagolmang, the Chief Minister stated that these constructions will go a long way in helping the people of the area and urged upon them to properly utilize the schemes and projects given to them by the government.
He also stated that the Sagolmang police station is an effort of the state government to strengthen the functioning of the Police and also to bring administration closer to the people of the area. He said that the people should extend their cooperation with the police in their efforts to maintain law and order in the area. He also stressed on the need that the police personnel should maintain discipline while on duty and ensures that the people feel protected and secured in their presence.
The Chief Minister also said that the power sub-station which was inaugurated today would lend stability to power supply to the area to a great extent.
Power Minister Shri T. Phungzathang, Health Minister Shri L. Jayentakumar, Deputy Speaker Shri Th. Lokeshwar Singh, Chairman, Manipur Pollution Control Board Shri E. Dijwamani Singh, MLA Shri Prithiviraj Singh and DGP Y. Joykurnar Singh were also present at the functions.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cm-inaugurates-power-sub-station-police-station/

Nachane appointed Second Chancellor MU

Mail News Service
Imphal, Dec 16: The President of India, in her capacity as the Visitor of Manipur University, has appointed Professor Nachane Dillip Madhukar as the second Chancellor of the university for a period of five years with effect from 4th November 2011.
Professor Nachane Dilip Madhukar, MA (Economics), MA (Mathematics), Ph D, is currently a Professor Emeritus in Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai. He is also (l) Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Fellow, (2) Honorary Fellow Institute of South Asian Studies, University of Singapore, and Honorary Fellow of Indian School of Political Economy.
He was the Professor of Quantitative Economics (1978-2003), Director, Department of Economics (1993-1999) of the University of Mumbai, and Director of Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (2007-10).
He is well renowned and acknowledged for his academic achievements. He has received several awards and distinctions. He has to his credit the publication of six books and ninety four research articles in journals of repute.
He has visited many foreign universities for academic and research interactions. He is a member of various academic bodies and has held concurrently official and honorary appointments.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nachane-appointed-second-chancellor-mu/

NCP, MPP alliance sealed

Imphal, Dec 16 NNN : The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) today strengthened its position as part of its preparations for the ensuing polls to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly, with the party formed a pre-poll alliance with the opposition Manipur People’s Party (MPP) and it also indicated to maximize formation of further alliance with other like-minded political parties in Manipur.
NCP leader and Union minister of state for rural development Agatha Sangma who is here on a three-day visit said NCP always opens its door for formation of pre-poll alliance with any party it considered to be like-minded.
“I am here to forge ahead for making pre-poll alliances in the State as I have been appointed as a NCP observer for the State of Manipur, the Union minister told a joint press conference at the Manipur State NCP office at Thangmeiband here during which MPP president and other leaders were also present.
She once again said she was very much concerned on the issue of military law, the AFSPA and expressed unhappiness over the manner in which the Government remained as a mute spectator to the 11 years of struggle of Irom Chanu Sharmila who has been fasting to remove the controversial Act from Manipur.
Saying that NCP stands for withdrawal of AFSPA and wishes to end the insurgency movements in the State through political dialogue, the party’s Manipur State president Radhabinod Koijam said during his tenure as chief minister his government declared one-month cease-fire during the Holi festivities so that the militants could visit their loved ones and added that the effort was the part of solving insurgency problem.
Discussion for formation of pre-poll alliance with other political parties is still continuing and it is expected that two to three more parties will be in alliance with NCP, Radhabinod who is also a former chief minister said.
MPP president Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, apart from Agatha Sangma, Radhabinod Koijam and other leaders of both the parties were also present at the press conference.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ncp-mpp-alliance-sealed/

PHED employees to stop water supply Kidnapped man, son shot dead, condemnations galore

The Chawkidar of Irilbung water supply Scheme Soram Ibomcha (56) and his son, Yaipu (20) who were kidnapped by suspected KCP(MTF) Kesho Meetei from the quarter of the Scheme on December seven around nine p.m. were shot dead at Lemba Khul Keibi (Keitanbi) under Yairipok PS this morning around five a.m.
The father received bullet injuries near the left ear and it pierced through forehead. Yaipu also received injuries at the back side of the head. Their eyes were blindfolded and hands were tied behind. The bodies were rushed to JNIMS morgue.
Angry residents of the area after hearing the news of their death blocked Bamon Kampu to Irilbung. The mob also burnt dawn the PHED office, Irilbung. In the fire, engine, pump filters and some electronics items were damaged.
They also stormed Irilbung PS demanding to punish the assasins however they were dispersed by police. In order to control the situation, police fired tear gas shells injuring six persons. These injured were identified as Soram Gandhi (22), Pukhrambam Inaobi (40) Keirao Mayai Leikai, L. Beker (18) Irilbung, L. Milan (22) Keirao Awang Leikai, Maibam Mani (30) Irilbung Kalika, Khamnam Basanta (26) of the same village.
They were hospitalized at JNIMS Hospital.
A meeting organized by JAC was held at Irilbung Bazar and a silent rally was taken out and proceeded towards CM bunglow however they were interrupted on the way. Later some representatives of JAC submitted a memorandum to CM tonight.
As the news of the death the employees of Porompat Water Supply held a meeting and decided not to supply drinking water to the public and VIP till an agreement is reached between the govt.
Yaipu was married last year and his wife is eight month pregnant. The Irilbung areas was tense after the incident. After their abduction the KCP(MTF) Kesho Meetei demanded Rs 20 lakhs from the deptt.
Meanwhile All India Students’ Federation, MSC in a press release condemned the brutal killing of a chawkidar and his son. It is very unfortunate as the Manipur police failed to trace them. What is the use of state govt. Manipur police who failed to protect public lives and property. Therefore the CM who is also the holding the Home should resign immediately.
The federation also shared the sorrows of the bereaved family, adds the press release.

RTI activist harassed

Guwahati, Dec 16 NNN : Cases of harassment meted out to the applicants of the Right To Information (RTI) Act in Assam has been increased in recent past which worried activists of RTI. Pn Friday, Assam RTI Forum (ARTIF), the leading forum of RTI activists in thestate alleged that the nexus between corrupt bureaucrats, contractors which enjoyed blessings from state ministers and MLAs are responsible for the increase in the harassment cases meted out to the RTI activists.
“The number of cases of harassment to RTI applicants are fast rising in Assam in recent times. We have got large number of complaints and these cases are mainly from rural areas. We are tracking several such cases and disseminate these informations to concerned authorities”, said Manisha Behal, chairperson of ARTIF. Manisha Behal said that it was high time for the state to have a full bench in the state RTI commission as it would help in tracking different kind of cases relating to the Act in the state.
Citing an instance the ARTIF alleged that one Hiteswar Lahkar hails from Nalbari district of the state sought information under RTI Act on spending of NREGA funds meant for two village panchayats of his district. Lahkar alleged that after filing an RTI application, he received threatening calls several times from unknown callers who pressurized him to withdraw the application. “I finally lodged an FIR at Ghagrapar police station. Initially the police hesitated to register the case but later registered it when State Information Commission took up the matter”, said Lahkar.
Debajit Goswami , secretary of ARTIF said that transparency of RTI machinery in the state is very important as almost everyday in the state there have been reports about misuse of government funds in many government departments but in most cases.

, PIO (Public Information Officer)s of these departments failed to provide information to RTI applicants.
IH Borbora, another RTI activist alleged that the government of Assam’s tendency to appoint retired bureaucrats as information commissioners had diluted the very spirit of the Act.
ARTIF has decided to start awareness campaign in rural areas about the use of RTI Act.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/rti-activist-harassed/

Developmental Programmes for Tribals

Mail News Service
Imphal, Dec 16: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing Central Sector, Centrally Sponsored and Special Area Programme for the integrated socio-economic development of all Scheduled Tribes in the country. These schemes/programmes are meant for welfare of the tribal people, including those living in Maoist affected areas The Integrated Action Plan (IAP) was approved on 25.11.2010 for 60 selected tribal and backward districts of nine States with a block grant of Rs. 25 crore and Rs. 30 crore per district during 2010-11 and 2011-12 respectively. This grant is utilized by the implementing agencies for a plan drawn up by District Level Committee which includes activities for public infrastructure and services such as school Building, Angwanwadi Centres, Primary Health Centres, Drinking Water, Electric lights in public places etc.
Implementation of the Integrated Action Plan (IAP) in Selected Tribal and Backward Districts has commenced and Rs. 25 crore per district for 2010-11 has been released. For the year 2011-12 an amount of Rs. 10 crore per district has also been released to all the districts and the next tranche of Rs. 10 crore to 40 district i.e. an amount of Rs. 1000 crore has been released. The expenditure reported by the districts is Rs. 1421 crore i.e. about 56.84% of the total amount of Rs. 2500 crore released so far. Planning Commission has also developed a Management Information System (MIS) to monitor the progress of implementation of the major schemes in these Selected Tribal and Backward Districts covered under the Integrated Action Plan (IAP).
The above information was given by the Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri V. Kishore Chandra Deo in the Lok Sabha today.
Central Sector Schemes
1. Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Orgainzations (under which residential, non-residential schools, computer training centrers and knitting, weaving & handloom training centres run by NGOs for Scheduled Tribes students are supported, apart from hospitals, mobile dispensaries etc.).
2. Vocational Training in Tribal Areas. The Schemes of Vocational Training in tribal Areas a self-employment or employment oriented scheme aimed at benefiting ST boys and girls equally.
3. Scheme of Strengthening Education among Schedules Tribes (ST) Girls in Low Literacy Pockets.
4. Development of Primitive Tribal Groups
5. Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for STs.
6. Top Class Education for ST students.
7. Scheme of National Overseas Scholarships for STs.
Centrally Sponsored Schemes
8. Schemes of Post Matric Scholarship for ST students.
9. Upgradation of Merit of ST Students.
10. Scheme of construction of hostel for ST Girls and Boys.
11. Scheme of Establishment of Ashram Schools in Tribal Sub Plan Areas
Special Area Programme
12. Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan for employment-cum-income generation activities.
13. Grant-in-Aid under Article 275(1) of the Constitution for promotion of Welfare of Scheduled Tribes and upgradation of the levels of administration of Scheudled Areas. A part of grant under Article 275(1) of the Constitution is used for setting up of “Ekalavya Model Residential Schools” for providing quality education of ST students (both grils and boys) from Class VI to XII.
This Ministry is also implementing the Schduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 which seeks to recognize and vest forest rights over forest land in forest dwelling STs and other traditional forest dwellers.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/developmental-programmes-for-tribals/

An Eye Opener on Alternative Systems of Medicine

Dr K Parameswaran
Assistant Director, PIB,Madurai
There is a legend in Kerala about the famous family of Vaidyas (Ayurveda physicians) called Alathur Nambis. The traditional house of the Alathur Nambis is part of the modern district of Palakkad. They form part of the group of Eight Physician families – each family reputed for their exceptional ability in each branch of medicine.
It seems that once the heavenly twins called Aswini Devas – they are the guardian deities of Health and Medicine – appeared on the form of crows and used to sit on a tree beside a temple pond repeating the sounds “korukku”.
One day, the then head of the family of Alathur Nambi came to worship at the temple and hearing the noise produced by the crows stood their and recited a Sanskrit couplet, the meaning of which, was as follows: he who eats only that amount of food that he needs at the proper times and only when he needs them, he who passes urine and stools without with holding them for long periods of time and he who drinks adequate amount of water will be one who will not be plagued by illnesses of any sort! It seems that what the crows were doing was to ask the question ‘who is he who does not have illnesses?” Don’t you think the answer given by the Ayurvedic physician is modern by all standards?
It is against this back ground that the Union Government is giving due importance to alternative systems of medicines like Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Tribal Medicine etc. Besides being more eco friendly, these systems of medicine also have the advantage that they stress more on the preventive aspect of medicine.
AYUSH
At the recently concluded Bharat Nirman Public Information campaign (PIC) at Karur in Tamilnadu, an experiment was made where in the free medical camp conducted as part of the PICwas organized by the Department of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Unani and Homeopathy) working under the Union Ministry of health and Family Welfare. Besides attracting a large number of patients, the camp was also successful as a platform from which the availability and advantages of the alternative systems of medicine were made known.
Doctors and a team of paramedical staff attended the three day campaign from the various institutions in Chennai. The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine, Research Centre for Ayurveda and the Clinical Research Unit for Homeopathy were the institutes that organized the medical camp. They were led respectively by Dr Hafiz Md Salam, Dr P Srinivas and Dr K Raju.
Besides a medical camp of one day, the units had also set up stalls in the Campaign where they distributed informative pamphlets and dispensed low cost medicines for various common ailments.
Feedback from Patients.
Venkteswaran, a resident of the Thanthndrimalai agraharam near the PIC exhibition site, had been suffering from pain in the forelegs and heels for quite some time. He consulted the Ayurveda doctors at the camp who suggested a daily oil bath with medicated oil and a powder to be mixed in water and drunk early morning before food. By the time the camp ended itself Venkateswaran was all smiles.
He said that there was perceptible relief from pain!
Jagadamma, a daily wage earner from Karuppatti near Karur had come to see the exhibition. The medicine prescribed by the Homeopathy doctors was able to give her big relief from eye reddening and dryness.
Unani doctors also attracted a large number of patients. The Unani doctors said that they were able to distribute a record number of almost 1000 book lets on “Tips for Healthy Living” produced in Tamil.
In short, the camp was eye opener on the efficacy and effectiveness of the alternative systems of medicine. It helped in giving an impetus to the popularity of the cost effective and eco friendly systems of medicine that can easily be accessed by the common people in rural areas also.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/an-eye-opener-on-alternative-systems-of-medicine/

vijay divas observed

The Vijay Divas celebration organized by state govt. was observed at Secretariat South Block today.
Gracing the occasion as chief guest, The law minister Thoudam Debendra said, the day has been observed to remember the victory of India over Pakistan in Indo-Pak war held in 1971. The nation won the war due to effort of Indian armies. As a result of war, Pakistan freed Bangladesh on December 16.
DS Poonia, Cs of Manipur and top officials took part in the function.
In an effort to reach out to veterans of the Army and Assam Rifles on the occasion of Vijay Divas, an Ex-servicemen Meet was oragnised by 42 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector under the aegis of Headquarter Inspector General Assam Rifles (South). The meet was also organised with a view to address the problems of veterans of the region and also to seek their involvement in establishing cordial relationship between the Assam Rifles and local populace. In an encouraging response, approx 42 veterans and 10 dependents of Ex-servicemen participated in the Meet. The gathering was also briefed on filling up of application forms for recruitment rally of Rfn/GD in Assam Rifles which will be held in Feb 2012. The Battalion will run a training capsule of one month for all the applicants in the month of Jan 2012.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/vijay-divas-observed/

Railway Projects in North-East

Gauge conversion of Rangiya-Murkongselek (510.33 kms) section is a sanctioned National Project. On this project, land acquisition, earthwork, bridges and track work have been taken up on entire stretch and the works are in various stages of progress. Rangiya –Rangpara North (123.6 kms) section of this project is targeted for completion by March 2012. An expenditure of Rs. 565.27 crore has been incurred upto March, 2011 and outlay of Rs. 283.00 crore has been provided for this project for the year 2011-12.
A dedicated non lapsable fund namely “North Eastern Region Rail Development Fund” (NERRDF) has been created for providing assured fund flows to National Projects of Northeast Region. Besides, efforts are being made for early completion of these projects by close monitoring of progress of the works, follow up with revenue department and forest department for handing over of remaining revenue and forest land, deployment of security forces in the areas affected by law and order problems by coordinating Ministry of Home Affairs, etc.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Bharatsinh Solanki in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/railway-projects-in-north-east/

Priti Patel to receive Akademi Singhajit, Kanhailal to receive Akademi fellow

Manipur Information Centre
New Delhi, Dec 16: Manipuri dance Guru R. K. Singhajit Singh and eminent theatre personality Heisnam Kanhailal from Manipur were among eleven well known personalities of performing arts of the country selected for the Akademi Fellows for the year 2011. Priti Patel, the Director and Choreographer of Anjika Manipuri Dance Troupe based in Kolkata was selected for the Akademi Awards 2011 in the field of dance.
The General Council of Sangeet Natak Akademi, the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama, New Delhi at its meeting held on December 13 and 14 this year in New Delhi selected eleven eminent personalities namely Mukund Lath, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Shivkumar Sharma, Amjad Ali Khan, Umayalapuram Sivaraman, M. Chandrasekharan, R K Singhajit Singh, Kalamandalarn Gopi, Padma Subrahmanyam, Chandrasekhar Kambarand and Heisnam Kanhailal for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellows (Akademi Ratna) for the year 2011 in recognition of their contribution in their respective fields of performing arts. The Fellowship of the Akademi is the most prestigious and rare honour, which is restricted to a very limited number at a given time. Presently there are only 40 Fellows of the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
The General Council of the Akademi also selected thirty six persons from the fields of Music, Dance, Theatre and Puppetry for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for the year 2011.
In the field of Music; nine eminent artists namely Shruti Sadolikar Katkar and M Venkatesh Kumar for Hindustani vocal music, Totaram Sharma (Pakhawaj) and Pushparaj Koshti (Surbahar) for Hindustani instrumental music, Venkataraman for Carnatic vocal music, E M Subramaniam (Ghatam), Ayyagari Symasundaram (Veena) and Seshampatti T Sivalingam (Nagaswaram) for Carnatic instrumental music, and Gopal Chandra Panda (Odissi Music) for Other Major Traditions of Music were selected for the Akademi Award 2011.
In the field of Dance; nine eminent practitioners, namely Narthaki Natraj (Bharatanatyam), Manjushree Chatterjee (Kathak), Thonnakkal Peethambaram (Kathakali), Priti Pate1 (Manipuri), Alekhya Punjala (Kuchipudi), Ramli Ibrahim (Odissi), V K Mymavathy (Mohiniattam), Tanusree Shankar (Creative & experimental dance) and Karaikudi Krishnamurthi (Music for dance) were selected for the Akademi Award 2011.
In the field of Theatre; eight eminent persons were selected for Akademi Awards 2011. They were Alakhnandan and Kirti Jain for Direction, Amitabh Shrivastav, Vikram Gokhale, Neena Tiwana and A R Srinivasan for Acting, R Nageswara Rao (Babji) for Major Traditions of Theatre – Company Theatre, Andhra Pmdesh and Kamal Jain for Allied Theatre Arts (Lighting).
For their contribution to Other Traditional/ Folk/ Tribal Music/ Dance/ Theatre and Puppetry; eight artistes were selected for the Akademi Awards 2011. They were Trippekulam Achuta Marar for Traditional Music (Kerala), Hemant Chauhan for Folk Music (Gujarat), Gurmeet Bawa for Folk Music (Punjab), Kashiram Sabu for Folk Theatre (Chhatisgarh), Mipham Otsal for Traditional Theatre (Jammu & Kashmir), Bellagallu Veeranna for Togalu Gombeyatta, Puppetry (Karnataka), Gopal Chandra Das for Putul Nach (Tripura) and Kasmi Khan Niyazi for making of musical Instruments (DeIhi).
Sundari Sridharani and Shrivats Goswami will receive the Akademi Award 2011 for Overall Contribution/Scholarship to Performing Arts .
The honour of Akademi Fellow had been conferred since 1954 and Akademi Award since 1952. They not only symbolized the highest standard of excellence and achievements on a national basis, but also recognized sustained individual work and contribution to the practice and appreciation of the arts through performance, teaching and scholarship. The honour of Akademi Fellow carries a purse money of Rs 3,00,000/- (Rupees three lacs) and Akademi Awards carry Rs 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lac), besides Tamrapatra and Angavastram.

GR provides assistance

IMPHAL, Dec 15: In continuation of its various welfare measures, 6/8 Gorkha Rifles of Logtak… more »

IMPHAL, Dec 15: In continuation of its various welfare measures, 6/8 Gorkha Rifles of Logtak Brigade under the aegis of Red Shield Division distributed much needed clothing and rations to People’s Resource Development Community Care Centre in Bishenpur today. The institute looks after HIV infected individuals. L Suranjoy, secretary of the centre was thankful to the Army for the assistance, stated a release of PRO PIB (Defence Wing).

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/gr-provides-assistance/

Pensioners hold protest

IMPHAL, Dec 15: Members of Manipur State Pensioners’ Union held sit-in-protest at Singjamei Chingamakhong today… more »

IMPHAL, Dec 15: Members of Manipur State Pensioners’ Union held sit-in-protest at Singjamei Chingamakhong today demanding immediate payment of due arrears and allowances for the pensioners, stated a release.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/pensioners-hold-protest/

JAC cease-work strike completes 53 days

IMPHAL, Dec 15: The indefinite cease-work strike launched by the JAC of AMTUC and AMGEO… more »

IMPHAL, Dec 15: The indefinite cease-work strike launched by the JAC of AMTUC and AMGEO has completed 53 days with full support from the employees of Manipur Secretariat Services. It would continue the strike till their demands are fulfilled by the state government, stated a release.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/jac-ceasework-strike-completes-53-days/

57th National School Games

IMPHAL, Dec 15: Manipur girls’ U-17 and U-14 teams won their respective matches against Tamil… more »

IMPHAL, Dec 15: Manipur girls’ U-17 and U-14 teams won their respective matches against Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh at the ongoing 57th National School Games today.

The U-17 Manipuri girls’ team defeated Tamil Nadu by 3-0 goals which were scored by L Victoria (two goals) and Jinnia (one goal).

While the U-14 Manipuri girls’ team defeated Chandigarh by 9-0 goals which were scored by N Ratanbala (four goals), A Roja (two goals), Y Hemolata (one goal), H Sunita (one goal) and U Sanjana (one goal).

In another match, Manipur defeated Tamil Nadu by 12-0.

In other U-17 matches, Maharashtra defeated Delhi by 1-0, Chandigarh defeated Orissa by 2-1, Goa defeated Chandigarh by 2-0, Mizoram defeated Karnataka by 1-0, Haryana defeated Andhra Pradesh by 7-0, Chhatishgarh defeated Gujarat by 5-0, Madhya Pradesh defeated Gujarat by 8-0 and Nagaland defeated Bihar by 2-0.

In today’s U-14 matches, Mizoram defeated Haryana by 4-0,Haryana defeated Gujarat by 22-0, Goa defeated Punjab by 3-2 and Chhatisgarh defeated Nagaland by 8-0 goals.

In the Thang-ta competition, Bikas of Delhi, W Brushli of Manipur and Degala Mahesh of Andhra Pradesh bagged gold, silver and bronze medals in 42 kg boys’ category.

Manjit Kaur of J& K, Vikash Duggal of Delhi and Barad Ashvinbhai secured gold, silver and bronze medals respectively in 46 kg boys’ category.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/57th-national-school-games/

Looming Social Dementia

Periodic news report that the psychiatry wards in the hospitals in Manipur are showing a… more »

Periodic news report that the psychiatry wards in the hospitals in Manipur are showing a general upswing of cases should be enough to ring the alarm bells for everybody, in particular the government. Surely there is every reason to believe that this has greatly to do with the inevitable breakdown of institutions, traditional and modern, consequent upon the prolonged state of mindless violence and spiralling lawlessness the people are exposed to. We even suspect that the conditions for dementia everybody has come to be subjected to have taken a much wider toll. This may be a little beyond the scope of journalists, constrained constantly by the pressures of extremely short deadlines, and work volume in the case of the provincial media which are generally not staffed or moneyed enough to spare reporters or sponsor researches that may take months, but definitely a meaningful pursuit for academics and academic NGOs to establish a correlation between the rising cases of psychiatric cases and the uncertain and unsafe social environment in the state. There perhaps is also a correlation between this chaotic and intimidating state of affairs and the rising cases of stress related disorders, such as hypertension, migraine, stomach ulcers etc. In all likelihood, the perennial state of mayhem, overbearing decrees and threats of physical injury and elimination are cumulatively becoming a cause for chronic and extremely alarming health issues.

Come to think of it, what would be a day in the life of an average man or woman or even child in the state like? From dawn to dusk, information which get registered in their consciousness are those of violence, tragic aftermaths of murderous aggressions, faces of laments and protests, threats and diktats. They literally go to sleep with news and images of kidnaps, abductions and bloody encounters on the local cable TV channel, and then wake up the next morning to be greeted by pictures and news of blood, gore and deaths, staring back at them from the pages of their morning newspapers. All these are over and above the myriad, normal and awesome challenges of life everybody everywhere has to face. So average parents of school-going children for instance have not only to fight the clock to pack off their children to school in time and in order, but also desperately scan the pages of the local newspapers to find out whether the day is clear of any bandh or blockade call, lest their children get caught in senseless trouble and danger. Not just adults and government officers, children also get kidnapped. Sometimes they are sexually abused and murdered these days. Almost as if by rule, so many meet violent deaths almost on a daily basis, for reasons that seldom become open. Frustratingly, the culprits also most of the time are unofficially known to everybody, but officially ignored totally.

Twenty years ago, such crimes would have elicited the bewildered response from anybody that these are unthinkable and impossible in Manipur. Today even the most naive and trusting grandmothers would accept these as Manipur’s beastly new reality. Once upon a time, the moderating influences of a belief in a benign divine order, as well as those of a deeply institutionalised traditional value system was strong. Back then, it did not always take the law to convince people the basics of what are wrong and right, or what are acceptable behaviours and what are not. Law keeping then was not so impossibly arduous. The venerated space in society that elders once enjoyed, the respect reserved for women and the universal protective instinct for children, have all waned away. It is not just the law which has been turned on its head, but the intuitive values built over aeons as well. Something went wrong somewhere down the line and there was nobody to arrest the trend. A lot of it probably had to do with the wayward ways of those in charge of the establishment. Official corruption must have been the first blow to shake up faith in social values painstakingly nurtured over generations. The law too soon was to lose its moral authority over the people, leading them to take it into their own hands. There was also, in certain quarters, an intellectual eagerness to destroy established institutions on the pretext that they were degenerate, before new ones were built. The fact sheet at this moment shows values of traditional and instinctual jurisprudence, as well as the moral hold of legal institutions of the establishment, have been effectively decimated, but their replacements are stillborn. If not, they are overbearingly authoritarian, undemocratic, hate-driven and obdurately hegemonic.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/looming-social-dementia/

Celebrate The Meaningful Christmas

By Dr. Thamsing Lamkang Pastor, LFD & Sports Resource Center ‘If you haven’t discovered something… more »

By Dr. Thamsing Lamkang
Pastor, LFD & Sports Resource Center

‘If you haven’t discovered something you are willing to die for, then you haven’t yet found anything worth living for’ Revelation 3:2-3.

Another year of Christmas is at hand, while the secular worlds are into hefty business in the name of Christmas. Christians will spend all they have to shop, decorate homes, buying cakes, cards and gifts for others in the name of Merry making Christmas. Whatsoever, it is only for seasonal and then it’ll be gone. But have you ever thought about the divine purpose of life? Have you ever thought about the significance of Jesus birth for your life and others close to you?

In life, we almost and always consider important on the things money can buy, and neglect on the spiritual thing which money cannot buy? I would suggest Christmas is the right time to search your heart, just as the wise men and the shepherds who search and find Jesus. They were filled with joy to find baby Jesus in the manger. Christmas is the spiritual celebrations we must celebrate Jesus by renewing our hearts and mind to fulfill the purpose of Jesus birth in our life!

I have been observing Christmas celebration since my childhood, but it is more like celebrating the day i.e. 25th Dec. without celebrating Jesus at all. We’re doing the same thing every year like a traditional program rather then celebrating the divine Son of God. I am referring to the applications of the word ‘Gospel or Good News’ in our world today.

The Good News (Jesus) is not meant to keep in us alone but pass it on to others and to do that Christmas is the right season to bring souls to Jesus. The Gospel has no meaning, no purpose and no power unless we bring it in our heart first (be born again) before telling to others. How will you give to others what you haven’t got for yourself first?

As our spiritual celebration, in everything we do it can’t be done without Jesus because it is His birthday. Jesus will be happy if you can bring souls on His birthday. It is men’s duty to proclaim Jesus and it is God’s business to bring conviction to the hearts of people. Have you done your part yet? ‘Every heart with Jesus is missionary and every heart without Jesus is the mission field’. If you cannot tell others about Christ tell Christ about others and you’ll soon tell others about Jesus.

God gave man the power to create creativity for the sake of His purpose. It is sin if we didn’t utilize what God had given to us and make life more meaningful! In Luke 5: 18-20, we know the story of some friends how they create means to meet Jesus from the roof top, “Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. Out of desperation and bold belief, they create opportunity out of no way from the roof top right in front of Jesus. Jesus was so impressed, and He said, friend I forgive your sins”. Discover the purpose and the meaning of Christmas so that, the ‘Great Joy’ of Christmas enters your family first before telling to others!

GIVE YOUR HEART & LIFE TO JESUS
‘Can you give your heart and your life to Jesus this Christmas?

Christmas: God born on earth. Christmas: God born into your own life. “Jesus’ special place and favorite gifts are your heart and your life”! Once, your life is given you are now prepared to celebrate a ‘Meaningful Christmas’. God sent Jesus to redeem your life. You must tell the ‘Good News’ to others to believe in Jesus. Then after, they too can tell others! “Christ in You” is now “Christ in Others” Heb. 10:24.

* A boy wanted to be with his Papa. But busy Pa gave chocolates, not his time. The boy stood quite besides the door. Pa gave money and sent his staff along with his son to buy anything his boy wants. But the boy come back again and stood at the same place. Pa asked him what else he need. The boy said “Pa, I want nothing, I just want to be with you.” Pa was so touched with his son’s longing ness.

The character of the boy simply reflects God’s character of love relationship, while the father’s character tells about men trying to love God by their wealth alone.

GIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO OTHERS
‘Pure and undefiled religion before our God and the Father is this; to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world’ James 1: 27.

Christmas is the birthday of Jesus. If you see in the eyes of God, you’ll find people (poor, needy, sick, and orphans etc.) their need is your attention. Whatsoever it is, when you give gifts it will be a ‘Christmas joy’ for them. Jesus will be happy to make somebody smile on His birthday!

* Tale of a Richman; one day a poor old man went to beg at the rich man’s house, but the rich man said ‘no money’. The beggar again asked for any old warm cloths, but no cloths. Then any leftover food, no food either. The beggar can’t believe to notice such a selfish rich man having no money, no cloths and not even food. The beggar asks if you have nothing to offer me, please come with me together we can beg. There are many rich people who live nothing more than the beggars.

“Why people didn’t give? Because they didn’t have. Why they didn’t have? Because they didn’t give” (repeat thrice)!

God gave you health, wealth, position and families etc. In return, can you be a blessing this Christmas? Let’s remind ourselves that “Jesus never keeps a thing of this physical world because it is useless when you leave sooner or later” But why men fights to gain what they cannot keep!

Jesus teaches us that money invested in helping others is the best investment ever. It’s like storing heavenly treasures. If you want to keep or waste your money and not willing to help others, fine! However, remember that you’ll also reap the consequences.

WHAT & WHO TO GIVE
As you give, never forget the principles of biblical giving: “You shouldn’t expect back when giving. And also, never forget to include the Good News of Great Joy in your giving”. Let us not give Christmas gifts or cakes only to rich people so that, they may give in return. There are many desperate (needy) people, who can’t afford to have what they need. “Give to others what they need, not what they want”! We shouldn’t make mistakes who to give and what to give?

The Christmas-cake which is commonly given to the non-Christians must be given with its meaning. We give out of Christmas joy and to be joyful is because of the Good News of Jesus who came to save the sinners. Can you include the ‘Good News of Jesus’ with your gifts this Christmas, especially to unbelievers?

If you are ashamed to include the good news, remember that you’re yet to know the true meaning of Christmas!!

Wishing all readers to celebrate a meaningful Christmas in the Spirit, filled with joy and happiness from above! Have a Blessed Merry Christmas!! Ring & Thamsing, the Authors!

(The article is the re-edition of “WHY CHRISTMAS???” Author by Dr. Thamsing Lamkang, Published by V. Sakhrie Kohima!

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/12/celebrate-the-meaningful-christmas/