May 23, 2014 – Page 3

Lessons from Auschwitz

Svoboda Kangleicha The recent incident of some young boys setting ablaze a popular centrally-run school and the subsequent trial in a juvenile court should not be reduced to an arbitrary

Svoboda Kangleicha

The recent incident of some young boys setting ablaze a popular centrally-run school and the subsequent trial in a juvenile court should not be reduced to an arbitrary aberration or as an occasional exhibition of perverse behaviour by juvenile delinquents. Locating such incidents as one-off affairs would tantamount to missing the woods for the trees as they expose a larger social malaise.
The debilitating effect of growing up in conflict-prone areas to the collective psyche of young people needs to be analysed with renewed vigour. We can’t wish away the fact that gradually being introduced to the grim realities of living in a place where the security forces possess extra constitutional powers indeed takes a toll on impressionable young minds. This is not to suggest that the spectre of goose-stepping men in uniform directly compelled the young offenders to carry out that infamous arson. But it does open the proverbial Pandora’s Box leaving us benumbed and with many unanswered questions.
Personnel of central armed forces can get away with blue murder under some archaic provisions of the law that should not be named. As a result, the state security forces emboldened by some residual powers vie with one another to have their moments of some unchallenged glory.
These semi-literate armed personnel empowered to do as they pleased are most likely to exercise those powers at any given opportunity proving absolutely right Alexander Solzenitsyn’s assertion in his ‘Gulag Archipelago’ that unlimited power in the hands of limited people always leads to cruelty.
One needs to cast a mere glance at any of the check points adorning many places in Imphal. One is most likely to come across security personnel harassing youngsters for no apparent reason. On some occasions, one may encounter cases of police brutality against them when they were certainly not in the wrong.
The ramifications of such cavalier displays of power by those wielding it is that the most sought after job in the state is that of Sub- Inspectors/Jemadars for those who could afford to bid for the limited number of such jobs on offer whenever the government issues such a notice to this effect and police constables for the not so lucky ones but who insist that they must also possess a fraction of that power.
Victor Frankl, one of the great psychotherapists of the last century and a Holocaust survivor who developed a revolutionary approach to psychotherapy known as logotherapy while describing his ordeals in four Nazi concentration camps including the notorious Auschwitz concentration camp had posited that all the camp inmates faced what befell them in three stages: first, they were all shocked; second, they developed an apathy towards the attendant horrors of anticipating death; and drawing upon Heidegger’s Will to Power theory, he said, thirdly, the survival of the inmates depended on what they were living for.
Frankl observed that those who didn’t have any meaning or greater purpose to live were the first to perish in the concentration camps.
Youngsters in Manipur who have to confront the bitter reality, one way or the other, of living under the shadows of those wielding the baton and bayonets must evolve ways to relish life and live it to the fullest. Every dark cloud has a silver lining and Frankl did survive the bestial conditions of the concentration camps by clinging to the memories of his wife without being aware whether she was alive or not.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/05/lessons-from-auschwitz/

Illegal encroachers will not be spared says Chief Minister

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kins claim bodies of NH-37 shoot-out victims

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

AR pays last respect to slain personnel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BJP refutes Chaoba’s ouster report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Media is the voice of the voiceless”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discussion on effects of Sanjenthong closing down

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

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

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

Dr M Nara to attend national campaign for electoral reforms

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

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

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

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

Manipur TMC replaces president – The Hindu

Manipur TMC replaces presidentThe HinduThe Trinamool Congress, which has 7 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly in Manipur, is faction ridden with a majority of MLAs and executive members “removing” Kim Gangte, president and elected Jaikishan Khumukcham,…

Manipur TMC replaces president
The Hindu
The Trinamool Congress, which has 7 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly in Manipur, is faction ridden with a majority of MLAs and executive members “removing” Kim Gangte, president and elected Jaikishan Khumukcham, MLA, the new president. However …

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Assam Rifles jawan, militants killed in Manipur – Times of India

Assam Rifles jawan, militants killed in ManipurTimes of IndiaIMPHAL: An Assam Rifles jawan and two Naga militants, suspected to be Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) cadres, were killed in a fierce encounter in the remote Kambiron area in Tamenglong distri…

Assam Rifles jawan, militants killed in Manipur
Times of India
IMPHAL: An Assam Rifles jawan and two Naga militants, suspected to be Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) cadres, were killed in a fierce encounter in the remote Kambiron area in Tamenglong district on Wednesday night. Another jawan was also injured in the …

‘Fire in the Blood’ – an Inspiration

There are many barriers that the developing nations face while accessing vital medications. Despite the efforts of NGOs, governments and health professionals there are emerging problems which have no immediate solutions. One of the crucial issues is the fight against HIV/AIDS. Trade laws under the agreements of World Trade Organisation compounds the problem. WTO regulates international trade amongst its member nations. It has tremendous influence over international trade policy. Under the WTO the introduction of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Agreement (TRIPS) in 1994, the less developed countries face huge problem in getting medical needs. Under TRIPS it is obligatory for the member countries to accept the patent law of the Western countries. The Best of MIFF (Mumbai International Film Festival) which was jointly organised by the Films Division of India and Manipur Film Development Corporation in Imphal winded up with some of the best documentaries and short films. One documentary that truly addresses the issue of HIV/AIDS is ‘Fire in the Blood’, directed by Dylan Mohan Grey. Shot across four continents, the film depicts the mass devastation brought about in Africa, Asia and other parts of the global south owing to premeditated barrier of low-cost antiretroviral drugs used for treatment of HIV/AIDS from reaching people in these countries. This barrier was erected by Western pharmaceutical companies equipped with patent monopolies. ‘Fire in the Blood’ documents the battle against the monopolistic blockade, how it was fought and won. It is very rare for a documentary to feature some of the best known figures of the world from former US President Bill Clinton, intellectual property activist James Love, journalist Donald McNeil of the New York Times, HIV/AIDS treatment activist Zackie Ashmat, Nobel Prize winners Desmond Tutu and Joseph Stiglitz. No wonder, Australian journalist and documentary film maker, John Pilger wrote “Fire in the Blood is one of the most powerful, important and humane documentaries I have ever seen. It’s the story of ordinary people standing up to unaccountable power. The struggle to save millions from the ravages of untreated HIV is revealed as a struggle against the new lords of the world, transnational corporations, their greed and lies. Genuine hope is rare these days – you’ll find it in this film.” Besides the contemporariness of the subject that the film has dealt with, the documentary underscores the joint effort of activist, journalist, health workers, and policy experts in their coordinated fight against giant pharmaceutical companies of the Western countries. We should mention Indian scientist Yusuf Hamied, Chairman of Cipla; who supplied a combination of AIDS drugs to developing countries for less than one Dollar a day, perhaps the best – known advocate of affordable drugs. Activist Zackie Achmat, whose activism for access to essential medicine is well known, and journalist Donald McNeil who broke the story of Cipla’s groundbreaking offer to sell a combination of AIDS drugs for patient just below one Dollar a day on the front pages of the New York Times and the International Herald Tribune; their works are all put into a single strand to be narrated into a 75 minutes film. We should also mention Khundrakpam Pradipkumar, who also appeared in the film briefly, but specially because of his fight against HIV/AIDS, overcoming limitations to become a reputed body builder. The film is an inspiration in our struggle against HIV/AIDS. It certainly rekindles the hope that there are people who with conviction and a right approach can bring about a positive change. The picture of HIV/AIDS and its related works in Manipur is not in a good shape. Its nodal agencies are often in the news for wrong reasons. It would not be an exaggeration to point out that many individuals or group have profited largely in the name of fighting HIV/AIDS in the state of Manipur. The crime these people have committed is no less than the one committed by the giant pharmaceutical companies by depriving the right to life of so many people. At the same time, the media needs to walk extra mile to highlight the fraudulent practices in health sector, especially in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/05/fire-in-the-blood-an-inspiration/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IFP correspondent barred from taking picture of empty office

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News of my resignation is a fabricated lie: Kim Gangte

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Garbage cleaned only during VVIPS visit”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

International Day of Biological Diversity observes at Lamka

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consumer club voices concern over traders misconduct

IMPHAL, May 22: The Consumer Protection Act 1986 makes provision for the right to safety, right of information, right to choose, right to be heard and right to be redressed

IMPHAL, May 22: The Consumer Protection Act 1986 makes provision for the right to safety, right of information, right to choose, right to be heard and right to be redressed for the consumers, said secretary general Consumer’s Club Manipur, N Purnachandra Meitei today.

Nevertheless, in Manipur there are several cases of unfair trade practices, deplorable service provision, defective goods and many other problems, he told the media during a press conference at the Manipur Press Club.

He further stated that without a proper functioning state commission, the district forum alone can’t solve the problems.

The club had received a complaint recently from a consumer who identified himself as Konjengbam Hemchandra Singh alleging that on May 17, he had brough some household items from a Thangal Bazar shop and found out later that the shop had excessively charged from him as compared to other shops.

The consumer had also pointed out that the shop had erased all the printed MRPs and pasted a sticker label on every items, he said.

Purnachandra asserted that although there are nine districts, there are only three presidents with each president taking over three districts.

Purnachadra also lamented that the president who has the jurisdiction of Imphal, Ukhrul and Senapati is unfit and should be changed at the earliest.

The club further appealed to the Union Minister of CAF and PD to take up necessary action on these issues at the earliest.

Ukhrul public brainstorms issues confronting society

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

By R Lester Makang

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

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

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

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

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

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

AMWJU urges government to look into the development works in Jiribam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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