Reception ceremony

IMPHAL, Feb 25: Loitongbam Tilotama Devi was recently appointed as the vice-chairperson, Board of Governors,… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 25: Loitongbam Tilotama Devi was recently appointed as the vice-chairperson, Board of Governors, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. of India. In her honor, a reception was organized at Hotel Imphal by the staff of NYKS, Imphal and Kohima zone which was attended by the Zonal Directors of the organization among others

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/reception-ceremony/

Silver jubilee celebration

From John K. Kaping UKHRUL, Feb.24: Pakahao Muivah, wife of NSCN (IM) leader Th Muivah… more »

From John K. Kaping
UKHRUL, Feb.24: Pakahao Muivah, wife of NSCN (IM) leader Th Muivah attended the inaugural function of the three day long silver jubilee celebration of the Ngainga Shanao Long, NSL at Ngaina village as chief guest on February 23.

The celebration was held under the theme ‘preserving women’s dignity’.

Addressing the gathering, Pakahao Muivah encouraged the NSL to be strong and remained united and to take NSL to the global stage with the foundation of ‘justice and truth’ as the Ngaina village has a historical record in the pages of Naga National Movement.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/silver-jubilee-celebration/

Schools locked up in connection with high tuition fees: Maoist

IMPHAL, Feb 25: The Communist Party of Manipur, Maoist, in a press statement has stated… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 25: The Communist Party of Manipur, Maoist, in a press statement has stated that the branch school of Heritage Convent located at Lamphel Sanakeithel and Shishu Nishta Niketan located at Kwakeithel were locked up for charging high tuition fees from the students. The Maoist party had earlier directed the school authorities to avoid lavish school uniforms and high tuition fees, but the authorities of these two schools have neglected the norms and acted against the people of Manipur, it stated. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/schools-locked-up-in-connection-with-high-tuition-fees-maoist/

MPSC(C) thrashes CHPC at the opening match of 1st AMUCO trophy polo tournament

IMPHAL, Feb 25: Manipur Police Sports Club(C) started off theirs campaign with 6-1 goals win… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 25: Manipur Police Sports Club(C) started off theirs campaign with 6-1 goals win against Chingkhei Hunba Polo Club in the inaugural match of the 1st AMUCO Trophy Polo Tournament 2012 which got underway at Imphal Pologround today.

The Manipur Police(C) team, who failed to surface in two earlier Polo meets, seems determined and rode hard for victory today.

Y.Binoy Singh proved to be pathfinder as he struck the opening goal for the police in the first chukker but the momentary rejoice soon got silenced as H.Sanjit Singh proved his mettle for Chingkhei Hunba team to fetch the equaliser, which turn out to be theirs last as well, thus making the sad exit in knock out format.

The Manipur Police spread theirs wings in the second chukker as M Vivekananda hits hard for his team second goals to take 2-1 lead. Chingkhei Hunba tried theirs level best to regain ground but wild swing and misdirected hit cost them the match today.

Manipur Police tightens theirs grip in the match as Kh Nongpoknganba consolidates theirs score to three goals in the third chukker and it was at this stage, police rider M Vivekananda who unleased his prowess to hits home three goals to romp off with 6-1 goals victory as the fourth chukker failed to provide any more goals.

Altogether sixteen teams are participating in the tournament, which is being sponsered by AMUCO and organised by All Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association. Reknowned theatre parsonality Ratan Thiyam graced the inaugural function.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/mpscc-thrashes-chpc-at-the-opening-match-of-1st-amuco-trophy-polo-tournament/

899 players honoured with cash awards on Players` Day

IMPHAL, Feb 25: Altogether 899 players who have won several medal at various national and… more »

IMPHAL, Feb 25: Altogether 899 players who have won several medal at various national and international competitions were given cash prizes during the observation of Players’ Day (Sannaroisingi Numit) held today at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Imphal.

The observation was attended by state information commissioner Ch Birendra, IPR and YAS commissioner L Lakher and former MOA president E Binoykumar and retired commissioner Budhachandra as the chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

Among the awardees, international boxer M Suranjoy received Rs. seven lakh cash prize for his commendable performance at various international competitions.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/899-players-honoured-with-cash-awards-on-players-day/

Proudness Be Thy Name

By Bobo Khuraijam Proud, the Meitei are, of their history, of their culture, of their… more »

By Bobo Khuraijam
Proud, the Meitei are, of their history, of their culture, of their prowess in games and sports etc. There is one thing they seemed to have been ignored. They use it every season and almost every day. It is the English-Manipuri calendar. Communities around the world have different calendars, each according to their needs. Each of them would vouch for the uniqueness of their own calendars. Without beating the jingoistic drum too loud, the Meitei too, can be proud of their calendar. Beliefs which are chiefly guided by religious beacons are kept intact along with the modern version of counting day and date;a harmonious blend of the old and the new. Of course, they cannot claim to be the only community who areconserving it. They might have drawn inspiration from other communities. But those who started it in Manipur for the first time deserves to be mentioned in the GK of Manipur. Or has it been already mentioned? Please let us know as we are not sitting for any competitive examinations. Is not it a wonder that a calendar can predict whether a day is good or bad?

INVITATION GALORE: As the calendar says that such and such day is good, you have wedding invitations queuing up. The invitation card comes in different hue. Most of them sprinkled with glittering foils with pictorials like Ganesha head or intricate flower designs. Some graphics stands out from the rest, indicating that some creative hands have tried their hands on the card. A computer and a designing geek must have come handy for that. The texts have lifeless similarities in most of the cards. Perhaps the same text that has been in used since the very first time! Or much before photocopying machine came to Manipur. Yet, why do the proud Meitei keeps on copying the same text? The same word, the same format an above all the same error. The art is a spin-off of using ‘their’ and ‘our’ inappropriately. In simple term, the intended meaning is: who is inviting on whose behalf. Honestly, we do not wish to sound like a hardcore grammarian, who can point out grammatical mistakes even from the English newspaper editorial. Like a true Meitei one can also point out grammatical error or any other error from our musing, with the typical, “noidi kayaam heiradana”. The point is that ‘their’ and ‘our’ can create so much difference and confusion if one has to go by the strict sense of invitation. Is not wedding strict or  solemn (the word you love to print) in every sense? Or for that matter the Meitei wedding? There are limitless phei(s) and phatte(s).Solemnity,Cordialityand the Grace cannot be Highly Solicited with the textual error you love to copy and paste. After all the day of marriage is decided following the strictures of good and bad from the calendar. The kind of ‘once in a life time’ elaborate arrangement you made for the D-Day, the resource, energy and time you spent. Should we say your invitation card also deserves some attention in anyway? We know the easiest way to provoke you would be other way round. We could have started with opening statement like: error in invitation card would give only girl child to the would-be couples; or the couple would never become rich, or better; the couple would die young. Cards apart, we have now invitation sent through the text message of cellular phones. Some people are smart enough to deposit a bulk of the cards to a friend. The friend would send text message invitation to other friends far and wide. That electronic ‘beep’ of invitation has an air of freshness instead of the paper card. Though we do not contest that the text message should replace the paper made one.

A NEW CALENDAR: The latest text message took us to Kakching. A friend came down from the National capital to get married. His bride too had come down. Both of them work in the capital. It was a visit after a long time. Not to mention that the road in the Thoubal district is not inferior in quality from the road in the national capital. How we wished to be reborn in the district. If not as a human, we will be contented even if we are born as cattle. How pleasing would it be to sit on the middle of the magnificent road, cud-chewing once in a while, with the tail teasing the flies; eyes shut from the surroundings- the kind of assertiveness that every Thoubalites enjoy. The pleasantness of the journey could not match with the pleasantries we share with our friend’s parents. We were the odd ones: the Lonnou (s). We got undue attention whenever we spoke. Our friend’s elder brother who stays in Beijing had also came with his Chinese wife. Our Chinese eteima got the due attention with her look and the Meitei traditional attire. She looked familiar to us in a sense, like one of those faces in the Olympics doing one of the most difficult routines of gymnastics. Her husband, whenever we meet he used to talk to us in Imphal lon/lonnou. But this time he spoke to us in the same way anybody from Kakching would speak. Perhaps his stay in Beijing has revitalised his proudness of being a Kakching brethren. A Manipuri – Chinese calendar in the offing. You decide where to insert the Kakching part.

FOOTNOTE: Two forms of loneliness have visited recently. Gone are the days of bomb blast sound, also gone are the days of traffic pollution in two main Keithels. Leipung Ningthou calls it, “aki akhang gi makhol na taakhidabada thamoida laiman oihouba”.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/proudness-be-thy-name/

Rewind to 2002, not Fast Forward

By B.G. Verghese February 27 will mark the tenth anniversary of the dreadful Gujarat riots.One… more »

By B.G. Verghese
February 27 will mark the tenth anniversary of the dreadful Gujarat riots.One needs to rewind to that date, not fast forward as the BJP has been strenuously attempting to do to crown NarendraModi as prime minister even though Advani has been patiently queuing for the job. Modi’s PR men talk of Gujarat’s “good governance”, rapid industrial growth and favourable investment climate and plead that healed wounds should not be reopened as Muslims have come to terms with 2002.This is facile and betrays a nervous and guilty mind as the net closes in on the man who presided over that genocide.

Due process has been unconscionably delayed. Victims have been hounded and jailed while the guilty walk free. Evidence has been destroyed, sometimes through fake encounters as dead men tell no tales. Attempts to frustrate or prematurely close cases have compelled the High Court and Supreme Court to intervene and order special investigations, monitoring committees and periodic progress reports. These orders are being foughtsystematically, and as honest officials and former collaborators turn approvers pressures are mounted on them.

It is in this situation that Modi has completed his so-called sadbhavana or “reconciliation” fasts in all district headquarters, flamboyant shows allegedly staged at state expense to muster political support. The fact is that Modi’s record constitutes a most flagrant defiance of Justice in keeping with his sinister warning broadcast to the people of Gujarat over Doordarshanwithin days of the holocaust.In sum, the distilled message was that those who want peace must not seek justice. (See “Rights and Wrongs: Ordeal by Fire in the Killing Fields of Gujarat”, the Editors Guild of India Fact-Finding Mission Report, May 3, 2002).

How can anybody pit Peace against Justice, least of all a chief minister bound by his oath of office to uphold the cherished values of the Constitution and human rights? What is this if not ambushing the Constitution in a fake encounter! And how can there be reconciliation without admission or establishment of the truth? Recall how the National Human Rights Commission under its then Chairman, former chief justice J.S. Verma, had furiously to battle the lies and subterfuges of the Gujarat administration against Modi’s stoic denials and his stubborn defence by the NDA Government, particularly through the Home Minister L.K. Advani whose utterances were replete with rich encomiums for the swift and firm manner in which Modi had controlled the riots. (See “Rights and Wrongs”).

There was no expression of remorse either by Modi or Advani. Indeed, the only regret from anyone associated with the NDA, BJP or SanghParivar, came from AtalBihari Vajpayee. The then prime minister expressed his pain and shock and called on Modi to observe “raj dharma”. He wished Modi to resign, but was openly overruled, sidelined and shushed into silence by his Parivar colleagues. That episode in itself told a story of defiance, unrepentance and conspiracy.

As for Modi, his grim boast was telecast over Ahmedabad’s Doordarshan station on February 28, 2002: “I want to assure the people that Gujarat shall not tolerate any such incident (the Godhra train burning). The culprits will get full punishment for their sins. Not only this, we will set an example that nobody, not even in his dreams, thinks of committing a serious crime like this. The Gujarat Government …. shall not allow those who want to take law into their hands  to destroy the peace of innocent citizens. Such culprits cannot have any place in a civilised society”.  He did however call on the “innocents” to observe peace and restraint and promised that the government that would punish the culprits”. He was later to expound his “action-reaction” thesis”.

The “reaction” was inflamed by an official decision to take the bodies of those burnt to death in the Sabarmati Express at Godhra to Ahmedabad. The stops on the way attracted emotional crowds. There was a state-sponsored bandh on February 28. The verdict had been pronounced. Everybody knew who the “culprits” were and who must be taught a lesson. 

Five weeks later, this writer was part of the Editors Guild Fact Finding Mission to Gujarat.He was rudely interrupted while preparing to take evidence at the Circuit Hose in Ahmedabad. A mob of Parivar supporters burst into the room shouting “Hindu haiyaMussalman”? No surprise, when Modihad himself been openly spiting venom against Muslims in general and not at proven “culprits”. 

The Guild team met Modi in Gandhinagar. Present in his room at the Sachivalaya were all relevant senior civil and police officials. He was not batting alone. Yet he was virtually unable to provide a coherent answer to our questions.

Why were certain ministers and strangers present in the police control room during the riots; why were certain police officers who stood their ground and threatened to fire on rampaging mobs immediately “promoted” andtransferred; why was there no action following the daylight attack on the office of the State Wakf Board and State Minorities Commission in the Old Secretariat; why was no action was taken against Ahmedabad dailies that spread inflammatory canards; why was nothing done to save Gulberg  Society despite repeated calls by EhsanJafri spread over several hours; why was no action taken following an attack on two Muslim High Court Judges; how were a large number of Muslim shrines and graves razed without any action, including the Dargah of Wali Gujarati, a prominent landmark that was demolished and overnight paved over ostensibly to permit a better flow of traffic! The indifference and evasion was astonishing.

Relief and rehabilitation was largely left to private initiative, with the State at best playing a grudging or negative role. Certain areas were barred as relief camp sites on the ground that this would provoke trouble. The rehabilitation grants sent from the Centre were not speedily utilised. Compensation was discriminatory and tardy. In many cases FIRs were not registered and a boycott of Muslim economic activity was allowed to be mounted. Earlier, Muslim shops had been systematically looted. Muslims were openly scorned for producing babies. Modi’s own provocative phrase was “Hum panch, wohpachees”.

The State Information Directorate’s press releases (See “Rights and Wrongs”) were a travesty. Modi was hailed as ChhoteSardar and Hindu traders assured of every support to ensure their continued progress. Godhra was described as “inhuman genocide” and in one press note as “a pre-planned inhuman collective violent act of terrorism” (by whom and on what evidence or finding?).On the other hand, the ensuing pogrom incidentswereinvariably labelled as “disturbances” or, occasionally, as “violent disturbances”. The subsequent transcript of phone taps and the Tehelka sting tapes of boastful confessions by prominent killers make chilling reading.

And now, as Modi finds the truth closing in on him, the BJP points to the 1984 riots, another utterly disgraceful blot on India. But two wrongs do not make a right. The Truth about Gujarat must come out and Justice must be done.
www.bgverghese .com

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/rewind-to-2002-not-fast-forward/

MPSC(C) thrashes CHPC at the opening match of 1st AMUCO trophy polo tournament – KanglaOnline

MPSC(C) thrashes CHPC at the opening match of 1st AMUCO trophy polo tournamentKanglaOnlineIMPHAL, Feb 25: Manipur Police Sports Club(C) started off theirs campaign with 6-1 goals win against Chingkhei Hunba Polo Club in the inaugural match of the 1st A…

MPSC(C) thrashes CHPC at the opening match of 1st AMUCO trophy polo tournament
KanglaOnline
IMPHAL, Feb 25: Manipur Police Sports Club(C) started off theirs campaign with 6-1 goals win against Chingkhei Hunba Polo Club in the inaugural match of the 1st AMUCO Trophy Polo Tournament 2012 which got underway at Imphal Pologround today.

and more »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNF3nX_9hsoNuS1_D3MoV96uGgmo2w&url=http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/mpscc-thrashes-chpc-at-the-opening-match-of-1st-amuco-trophy-polo-tournament/

Pilot loan scheme for HIV-patients in Manipur – Indian Express

Pilot loan scheme for HIV-patients in ManipurIndian ExpressIt will then be extended to the rest of Manipur and other parts of the country. The scheme was announced at an outreach programme of the RBI in Imphal East on Saturday, attended by a high-level…

Pilot loan scheme for HIV-patients in Manipur
Indian Express
It will then be extended to the rest of Manipur and other parts of the country. The scheme was announced at an outreach programme of the RBI in Imphal East on Saturday, attended by a high-level team from Guwahati and RBI executive director R Gandhi.

and more »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNERNs-KnxqrIbaBivfLLnrUiqfZ0Q&url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pilot-loan-scheme-for-hivpatients-in-manipur/916797/

Symposium on AFSPA held at Harvard – Assam Tribune

Symposium on AFSPA held at HarvardAssam TribuneAccording to a statement by Just Peace Foundation, a foundation which supports human rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila's struggle against AFSPA, the North American Manipur Association (NAMA) and the …

Symposium on AFSPA held at Harvard
Assam Tribune
According to a statement by Just Peace Foundation, a foundation which supports human rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila's struggle against AFSPA, the North American Manipur Association (NAMA) and the European Manipuri Association (EMA) were the

and more »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGYoy22ZWvt6XKPxCNeYbMbTvLVIQ&url=http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=feb2612/oth06

RPF Chief’s message to people

Mail News Service Imphal, Feb 24: RPF Chief Irengbam Chaoram issued a statement on the eve of independence demand day. It said, “First of all, I would like to convey my deepest respect to all our people. I would also like to salute all the valiant sons and daughters of the soil who have sacrificed […]

Mail News Service
Imphal, Feb 24: RPF Chief Irengbam Chaoram issued a statement on the eve of independence demand day. It said, “First of all, I would like to convey my deepest respect to all our people. I would also like to salute all the valiant sons and daughters of the soil who have sacrificed their invaluable lives at the altar of the revolutionary movement.
We don’t think one needs any reminder to conclude that the armed revolutionary movement being witnessed in Manipur has its roots in the political conflict between Manipur and India. However, following Government of India’s tactful employment of local elements against the revolutionary movement, the existing political conflict which is basically between India and Manipur is being steadily transformed into an internal conflict within the nation state of Manipur. To complete this transformation of the political conflict from being a conflict between two separate political entities into internal conflict of Manipur, GoI has recruited a large number of our people into their security establishments and related units taking advantage of the sheer large volume of unemployment in the State. As a result, the politico-military conflict is slowly taking new characteristics of internecine killings and communal polarisation. To save our society from this predicament and the possible setback to the revolutionary movement, it is our foremost responsibility to check all activities of collaborators along with fighting the colonial regime.
Whatever initiatives taken up by the puppet Manipur Government in the name of bringing a solution to the revolutionary movement have been only adding fuel to the fire of turmoil which is fast engulfing the whole society instead of heralding any chance of peace. While the people have been facing extra burden due to the overwhelming number of revolutionary groups, GoI has been nurturing many new pseudo revolutionary groups which are directly straining the inseparable bond between our people and revolutionaries. All kinds of activities not compatible to revolutionary ethics perpetrated by pseudo revolutionary groups, all the plots to keep revolutionary groups divided, conspiracies to ignite internecine killings, goading youngsters into surrender dramas, giving free hand to some armed groups in the name of ceasefire pacts to challenge the integrity of Manipur and divide the people on communal lines so as to give a false meaning to the revolutionary movement are all GoI’s schemes.
All those activities which give undue harassment to people in the name of revolutionary groups are actually perpetrated by security forces and they are included within the schemes of things planned by GoI and executed at their command. Moreover, the rogue security personnel drawn from our own society are given extra perks for harassing people. It’s time for our people to persuade the political class to retract from their misplaced policies and stop them from doing anything that has potential to muddy the revolutionary movement.
Rather they should be made to focus on development of Manipur. Revolutionary groups would assume it their duty to exert strong pressure to strip political power off those political classes who refuse to mend their ways. Only when this campaign fructifies and the ruling class taught a befitting lesson, future rulers would learn to respect the revolutionary movement. This would also reduce intra- conflicts and ultimately enable our people to focus full attention in fighting imperialist India.
RPF never sees our ruling political class, bureaucrats and Manipuri people working in security forces as its enemy, and there is no question of attacking them deliberately.
To RPF, all these sections of people are also suffering under the Indian colonial rule together with the mass, and we are hopeful that they would one day join the mass and fight against India. When we see them as our own blood brothers and avoiding all possible situations of confrontation, they have been siding with imperialist India and directly challenging the revolutionary movement. Their deliberate act of overlooking the fraternal bond and choosing the path which goes against the movement often create situations of animosity amongst us. Before this sense of animosity aggravates and a disastrous internecine war breaks out, it is a bounden duty for all of us to correct their malicious thoughts and bring them back to the right path.
All the repressive measures perpetrated by thoughtless Indian security personnel including custodial killings are no longer a secret to the international community. As per a report of the Human Rights Commission, 1,500 people died in police custody every year in India.
On account of such notorious record, there were cases when many Indian security men, both working and retired were denied entry in some countries. In Manipur, to avoid harsh criticisms against custodial deaths, security forces have devised a sinister mechanism called Fake Encounter to eliminate people in cold blood without any sort of trial. Summary killings in the guise of fake encounters cannot be concealed for good and there would come a time when all those accused in such killings must stand in the dock. For this reason,
Manipuri people working in Manipur Police and other security establishments should not emulate rogue Indian security personnel or stand against humanity.
In the meantime, the incessant influx of non-Manipuris has severely affected demography of Manipur. Our people now face a grave threat from these immigrants. Already, it has been reported that immigrants now constitute almost one-third of the total population of Manipur. Given their high birth rate, it is most probable that the immigrants would outnumber indigenous population of Manipur after some years. This would bring about drastic changes in the socio-political set up of Manipur. Political power would fall in the hands of immigrants and they would attain over lordship over the indigenous communities. Out of the 700 crore (approximately) population of Earth, Indians constitute the overwhelming bulk of 121 crore. A few years hence, India would overtake all other countries as the most populous country in the world. Such a situation evokes one inevitable question. It’s only natural for a populous country to spread their population to other countries in accordance to their own convenience. Given the salubrious climate and plenty of self employment avenues available in Manipur, the influx of Indians into
Manipur is understandable. Our indigenous people must not give any undue advantage to the immigrants to make permanent settlement in the State. Our indigenous people must not rent out rooms to immigrants, sell land/plots, hire them as labourers, buy things from them, associate with them in business ventures nor encourage inter-marriage with the immigrants. It is another inescapable duty of the revolutionary groups to send back all those immigrants together with those impostor labourers sent into the State to serve as compradors of the colonial rule if they try to make their settlement in Manipur permanently in spite of all the measures our indigenous people must take up against Indian influx.
Whereas all the indigenous economic institutions and commercial patterns prevalent when Manipur was a sovereign nation have been systematically uprooted in the last 60 years since Manipur was annexed into India, there is no sign of replacing the old economic institutions with a modern, viable economic. The present situation of economic dependence and the subsequent concept “Manipur cannot survive without aid from India” inculcated among the indigenous people are results of the colonial captive market economy nurtured over the years. The fundamental objectives of this economic system is to destroy all indigenous economic institutions, develop a culture of dependence and groom a class of people who believe in the colonial regime. This is exactly what is being witnessed in our society today. The prevailing economic system based on construction of roads, bridges, drains and Government offices only benefits these class of people but there is no scope for collective well being and development. The economic model being put into practice today in the name of development, and its objectives are not for welfare for the indigenous people. The same model is aimed at benefitting only the Indians. In fact, Loktak Hydro Electric Project, Ithai Barrage Project, et al. were also envisaged and taken up by keeping benefits to Indians in mind. The same is true for the controversial Tipaimukh Project.
Yes, huge amounts are being pumped into the State in the name of development but any worthwhile development still eludes the mass and our people are yet to enjoy any meaningful benefits of development.
The fact is, in the name of development, our society has been only degraded. There is no point in reminding about the suffering and losses caused by Loktak Project to our people. The same thing will happen with Tipaimukh Project. They would not bring any significant benefit to our people. Moreover, our people do not have the right to own these projects.
There is no doubt that Tipaimukh Dam will submerge hundreds of villages, displaced thousands of people, 78 lakh matured tress of different species and 27,000 bamboo groves will be destroyed. But the colonial regime has been working hard to execute the dam project without ever listening to the repeated appeals and outcries of the indigenous people. Such attitude undeniably proves that the colonial regime always stand against the wishes and aspirations of our people. In addition, GoI, in the name of development has been actively engaged in destroying several sources of our people’s livelihoods and is instrumental in recklessly disturbing ecology and environment of the land. It is crucial to fight for independence to save our land and our people from the scourges of Indian colonial rule.
We are of the firm belief that only perseverance and unyielding struggle can propel the ongoing revolutionary movement to a higher level. When the revolutionary movement has attained such a level, the movement would go beyond the suppressive capacity of the enemy forces. Though India appears to have grown rich, it is, in fact, full of impoverished peasants and homeless people. Again, India appears to have grown strong because it has received blessing of some powerful countries. It is only a matter of time that India will meet the same fate as Indonesia. During its war with East Timor, Indonesia, apart from the heavy casualty suffered by its military, had to spend 360 million dollars every year. Indonesia’s expenditure to such magnitude resulted in serious economic crisis within the country and it earned infamy from all over the world compelling it to free East Timor. India would face similar situation in its war with Manipur and it would be ultimately constrained to vacate Manipur.
RPF has full faith in the activities of CorCom which was set up by seven revolutionary groups having similar principles and objectives and this landmark event of forming CorCom would elevate the revolutionary movement to a heightened trajectory. CorCom would enable a collective struggle not only with revolutionary groups based in neighbouring States but alsowith all friendly revolutionary groups opposed to the Indian regime against the common enemy under a new strategy.
My dear compatriots, it has been universally accepted that a country can embark on a path of development and progress only when it is independent and there is an elected, responsible Government. We have seen many colonised countries marching on the path of progress and socio-economic security after achieving independence and establishment of elected Governments of their own. But in
Manipur, it has become a matter of serious concern that some people seemingly have no grudges to live under foreign occupation. They seemed to have adopted a bizarre notion that there can be freedom even under foreign occupation. Notwithstanding the fact that Manipur was a sovereign nation for more than 2000 years, there have been drastic changes in the ethos and social character of Manipuri people during the relatively short period of Manipur’s association with India. Given the degree of changes witnessed during the last 60 years or so, it is possible that Manipuri society may transform to such an extent that nobody would ever recognise there once existed a distinctive nation called Manipur a few years hence.
The so-called popular Government formed by elected representatives of the State is not a popular Government in the real sense of the term.
This is, in fact, a Government formed by GoI in collaboration with a small minority of people so as to keep Manipur under their occupation for many more years. The so-called representatives are only proxies of imperialist India who are only managing the colonial regime under strict instruction from New Delhi.
The puppet Government of Manipur has no authority of its own and it cannot act outside the instructions given by New Delhi. There is nothing our people can expect from the puppet Government. For all these reasons, it is our inescapable duty to build a sovereign Manipur where we are governed by our own representatives without any diktat or interference from external forces.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/rpf-chiefs-message-to-people/

Mirage 2000 Aircraft Crash

One MIRAGE-2000 aircraft of IAF crashed near Bhind, Madhya Pradesh on 24 Feb 2012 at about 1210 hrs. The aircraft had got airborne from Gwalior airbase and was on a routine training-flying mission. The Pilot Air Marshal Anil Chopra and Wing Commander Ram Kumar ejected safely. There was no damage to civil property and no […]

One MIRAGE-2000 aircraft of IAF crashed near Bhind, Madhya Pradesh on 24 Feb 2012 at about 1210 hrs. The aircraft had got airborne
from Gwalior airbase and was on a routine training-flying mission. The Pilot Air Marshal Anil Chopra and Wing Commander Ram Kumar ejected safely. There was no damage to civil property and no individual was injured/killed as a result of air crash. An inquiry has been ordered to investigate the re

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mirage-2000-aircraft-crash/

Govt has no intention to control media : Ambika Soni

Mail News Service New Delhi, Feb 24: Ambika Soni, Minister for Information and Broadcasting today conferred the Excellence in Journalism Awards. The awards were given to Shri Tarun Tejpal of “Tehelka” and Ms. Gunjan Sharma of “The Week” for their investigative work. The awards have been instituted by the India Chapter of the International Press […]

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Feb 24: Ambika Soni, Minister for Information and Broadcasting today conferred the Excellence in Journalism Awards. The awards were given to Shri Tarun Tejpal of “Tehelka” and Ms. Gunjan Sharma of “The Week” for their investigative work. The awards have been instituted by the India Chapter of the International Press Institute.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said though the concept of content regulation had been debated for a long time. It was necessary to give the process, time and space to establish its credibility and acceptance. Highlighting the efforts made in this direction, the Minister said that NBSA, IBF and ASCI had provided a roadmap for the process to move forward and that the Government was committed to facilitate the various mechanisms taken in this regard.
Elaborating further, the Minister dispelled all doubts regarding the intention of the Government in controlling tools of mass communication. The Minister reiterated, Hon’ble Prime Minister’s stand on the issue of media autonomy as stated during the speech given by him in January 2012 at a media function.
Outlining the potential of the print media in the country, Smt. Soni said, that with more than 107 million copies of newspapers circulated daily, and over 80,000 registered publications, including magazines in several languages being published weekly, fortnightly, and monthly in this country, India had become one of the major hubs for the print media across the world. Availability of Indian editions of foreign scientific, technical and speciality periodicals at an affordable cost had further increased access of the people to a wider choice in content. The untapped potential of 300 million literate individuals offered an opportunity to the industry to carve out the next stage of growth for the print industry. At the same time, despite the impact of social media and 24×7 channels, the print media in India had stood its ground as compared to the situation in the West.
Regarding the relevance of such awards, the Minister said the institution of such awards was a result of the debate in the media. The awards by various entities and media houses recognized the courage and conviction of individuals, acknowledged the achievers in different walks of life and showcased the triumph of the human spirit against all adversities.
Regarding the tools of the media deployed today, Smt. Soni drew the attention to the growing debate, both in the public arena and also from within the media about the manner in which media covered events. Coverage of events in which media played a crucial role was also subject of intense debate.
Various kinds of views emerged which touched upon issues such as pre-screening, banning, regulating, etc.
As a consequence, the Minister mentioned that she was confident that something positive would emerge.The Minister also called upon the media to reinforce the positive spirit of India. There was an ‘Incredible India’ waiting to be reported, she stated.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/govt-has-no-intention-to-control-media-ambika-soni/

Walk with the kings – The Hindu

The HinduWalk with the kingsThe HinduHe has just completed translating Cheitharol Kumbaba, the royal chronicle of Manipur, into English. An effort that took 17 years. It was worth it. What nobody knows is that unlike other royalty, the Manipuri kings h…


The Hindu

Walk with the kings
The Hindu
He has just completed translating Cheitharol Kumbaba, the royal chronicle of Manipur, into English. An effort that took 17 years. It was worth it. What nobody knows is that unlike other royalty, the Manipuri kings had a strong tradition of writing

and more »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHcOdLRhEJ-_wgEpAG41JjNyrxwkA&url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/books/article2931958.ece

Union Ministry of Home Affairs confirms Maoists` entry into NE – KanglaOnline

KanglaOnlineUnion Ministry of Home Affairs confirms Maoists` entry into NEKanglaOnlineGUWAHATI, Feb 24 (agencies): The Union ministry of home affairs has confirmed the entry of Maoists into the northeast and their association with several militant outf…


KanglaOnline

Union Ministry of Home Affairs confirms Maoists` entry into NE
KanglaOnline
GUWAHATI, Feb 24 (agencies): The Union ministry of home affairs has confirmed the entry of Maoists into the northeast and their association with several militant outfits of the region, mainly the PLA of Manipur. The MHA document released as `FAQ on
Growing Maoist Activism In Assam: Sinister And Calculated Moves – AnalysisEurasia Review
Secret Maoist plan to form confederacyDeccan Chronicle
Maoists' mega plan for North East comes to lightAssam Tribune

all 9 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGRPnFEC6-eFLJoSpldshhpjxsosQ&url=http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/union-ministry-of-home-affairs-confirms-maoists-entry-into-ne/

ZSUM demands action against OC, ASO – E-Pao.net

ZSUM demands action against OC, ASOE-Pao.netImphal, February 24 2012: Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur (ZSUM) has urged the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur(BSEM) and Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur (COHSEM)to initiate actio…

ZSUM demands action against OC, ASO
E-Pao.net
Imphal, February 24 2012: Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur (ZSUM) has urged the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur(BSEM) and Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur (COHSEM)to initiate action against OC Ramananda Singh and ASO Sharat

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHeFkdQg3buGCg4nVH8jmUA_t4NVg&url=http://www.e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=26&src=250212

RPF chief calls for united struggle – E-Pao.net

RPF chief calls for united struggleE-Pao.netImphal, February 24 2012: President of the proscribed Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) Irengbam Chaoren has observed that the armed revolutionary movement being witnessed in Manipur has its roots in the…

RPF chief calls for united struggle
E-Pao.net
Imphal, February 24 2012: President of the proscribed Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) Irengbam Chaoren has observed that the armed revolutionary movement being witnessed in Manipur has its roots in the political conflict between Manipur and India.
`RPF endorses Corcom in the fight against Indian government`KanglaOnline

all 3 news articles »

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AMUCO polo tournament – E-Pao.net

AMUCO polo tournamentE-Pao.netImphal, February 24 2012: Under the aegis of Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation will be organising the 1st AMUCO Trophy polo tournament from February 25 till March 5 at Im…

AMUCO polo tournament
E-Pao.net
Imphal, February 24 2012: Under the aegis of Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation will be organising the 1st AMUCO Trophy polo tournament from February 25 till March 5 at Imphal Pologround, informed AMUCO

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGjNdRZ13kA0LpTgvs0w1sjXnz6bA&url=http://www.e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=Sport1&src=250212

RPF chief speaks out against fake encounters – E-Pao.net

RPF chief speaks out against fake encountersE-Pao.netImphal, February 24 2012: While greeting the people of Manipur on Independence Demand Day which is observed on February 25 every year, President of the proscribed Revolutionary People's Front (RP…

RPF chief speaks out against fake encounters
E-Pao.net
Imphal, February 24 2012: While greeting the people of Manipur on Independence Demand Day which is observed on February 25 every year, President of the proscribed Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) Irengbam Chaoren has categorically stated that all

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFqE4-11A4lHBYD_5D4kOU_IE8x5w&url=http://www.e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=3&src=250212

EC ‘silence’ worries parties – Calcutta Telegraph

Calcutta TelegraphEC 'silence' worries partiesCalcutta Telegraph24: Ten non-Congress political parties of Manipur will meet here tomorrow to urge the Election Commission, which has so far maintained “silence” over proxy votes, to take a dec…


Calcutta Telegraph

EC 'silence' worries parties
Calcutta Telegraph
24: Ten non-Congress political parties of Manipur will meet here tomorrow to urge the Election Commission, which has so far maintained “silence” over proxy votes, to take a decision. The commission is yet to declare its next step on the largescale
AMTU welcomes electorate photo comparisonKanglaOnline

all 5 news articles »

Read more / Original news source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHglbsSJRhrk_MWU7QFPxU51EM_Ug&url=http://telegraphindia.com/1120225/jsp/northeast/story_15175494.jsp