November 2015 – Page 5

Jyotin unfazed by defeat

Unfazed by the recent defeat at the hands of BJP candidate Kh Joykishan, Jyotin Waikhom has decided to fight for the Thangmeiband seat once again on Congress ticket in the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly election which is due in 2017 Source The Sa…

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=4&src=301115

Eimi Times daily celebrates 3 years of publication

Eimi Times, a Thadou Kuki and English Bilingual daily organised a thanks giving program at its office building located at New Lambulane, Imphal on Saturday to celebrate the completion of 3 years of publication Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=20&src=301115

Entry tickets sold in the grey market

With this year’s edition of the Manipur Sangai coming to an end tomorrow, Hapta Kangjeibung, the main venue of the festival and surrounding areas were virtually transformed into a sea of humanity today Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=3&src=301115

Curtains down for Sangai festival today Ticket Worth Of Rs 20 Sold At Rs 100 At The Festival Venue Visitors Taken For A Ride

The ten day Sangai Festival which commenced from November 21 last will conclude on Monday Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=24&src=301115

Suggestions pour in from public

Following Government’s appeal to the public to give suggestions regarding upgradation of Imphal as a smart city, The Sangai Express has also started seeking opinion from its readers and general public and carrying the same on this daily from today So…

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=2&src=301115

Lainingthou Sanamahi Sanapung celebrates Ningol Chakouba

Lainingthou Sanamahi Sanapung on Sunday celebrated Ningol Chakouba at Leimayon Arts Centre, Chingamakha Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=32&src=301115

Asnikumar tears into Cong govt over Sangai Festival

IMPHAL, November 29: The Congress government is doing business in the Sangai Festival in the name of State festival. Ironically, it does not have any action plan for protection of

IMPHAL, November 29: The Congress government is doing business in the Sangai Festival in the name of State festival. Ironically, it does not have any action plan for protection of Sangai and Keibul Lamjao since 2003, alleged Moirangthem Asnikumar, general secretary of BJP Manipur Pradesh.

Addressing media persons at his office chamber here today, Asnikumar pointed out that the Congress government only showcased commercial items, indigenous games and sports adventures in the Sangai Festival to be included in the map of world tourism but do nothing to popularize and promote Sangai through the festival.

Referring to the wrong logo of Sangai portrayed on hoardings put up along the road medians showing Sangai in different manner, he said that the wrong portrayal of Sangai on the hoardings is a clear indication that there is an utter miscommunication between the Forest Department and Tourism Department.

Maintaining that Sangai is inhabited at Keibul Lamjao covering around 40 sq km of phumdi areas which is the only habitat areas in the world, he said that the State government has not taken up any comprehensive action plan to conserve wetland areas and species of Sangai.

There is an imminent threat to the ecology and bio-diversity of Keibul Lamjao. Above all, there have been disturbing changes in and around Keibul Lamjao threatening the existence of Sangai, Asnikumar said.

He also said that Keibul Lamjao National Park has been affected due to the existence of Ethai Barrage and Loktak Hydel Power Project.

Loktak Hydel Power Project can be replaced by an alternative means for generating power but Sangai and Keibul Lamjao cannot be replaced by any other means once they went extinct, he said.

Stating that Chief Minister O Ibobi, Forest & Environment Minister Th Devendro and other concerned government officials have not visited the Keibul Lamjao in the last 13 years, Asnikumar said that the government made tall claims and expressed concern on Keibul Lamjao only at the time of elections just to gain political mileage.

Though the Central Government sanctioned one post of IFS Officer, Deputy Conservator of Forest Park and Century for posting at Keibul Lamjao in 1997 for the protection of Sangai, the IFS Officer was posted at Sanjenthong and operated Keibul Lamjao on remote control, he claimed.

He demanded redesign of the posts and make the IFS Officer work from Keibul Lamjao National Park directly

Sanction of funds from the Central Government for conservation of Keibul Lamjao National Park will prove worthless as the State government never give priority on protection of Sangai species, he said.

Urging the government to provide revival package for rehabilitation of surrounding villages in and around Keibul Lamjao, Asnikumar viewed that LDA only cannot protect and conserve Keibul Lamjao

SoO groups UPF and KNO warn against divisive policy

IMPHAL, November 29: The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) issuing strong warning against any divisive police divulged to jointly counter floating of new militant groups in

In a joint statement issued by the convenor and co-covenor of the joint conglomerate, it reiterated that the two constituent groups being committed to the political survival of their people entered the suspension of operation (SoO) with the Government to initiate a peaceful political process.

The three anti-tribal bills recently passed by the Manipur State Assembly have awakened the political consciousness of the tribal which also triggered waves of mass movement against the Bills leading to the lost of our nine martyrs, it said.

Saluting the martyrs for their supreme sacrifices and sharing the grief and sorrow of the bereaved family members, it said that the incident has become an opportunity to highlights the inevitable political separation for the tribal of Manipur.

Thus, the KNO and UPF unanimously decided to pursue ‘common political objectives’ which would be nothing less than a “State status”, send joint delegation to Delhi and recently worked out its ‘common political road map’ on November 25, it said.

“As we remain vibrant and committee to our political causes, we also reiterated our support to the Joint Action Committee anti-tribal Bills, Joint Philanthropics Organisation (JPO), Manipur Tribal Forum formed in various cities and towns, Inpis, Church leaders and a host of civil organisations in their movement against the three Bills”, it continued.

The groups further urged the torch bearers to remain focus and not to be misled by the subsidiary issues that can disturb the hard-earned unity, it asserted.

“We understand the sentiments of the people and welcome various opinions expressed for the betterment of the people. However, we are completely against the divisive approaches of some section of the people and warned them to stop their activities henceforth”, it opined.

Moreover, the formation of new outfit from this juncture, under any pretext, shall be countered collectively and effectively as we remain affirmative to the positive outcome of the ongoing peace process, concluded the statement.

CM highlights initiatives to safeguard pony from extinction

IMPHAL, November 29: “Of late, there has been an alarming decrease in the population of the indigenous polo ponies in Manipur”, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said today on the

IMPHAL, November 29: “Of late, there has been an alarming decrease in the population of the indigenous polo ponies in Manipur”, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said today on the concluding day of the 9th Manipur Polo International 2015.

The Chief Minister said to protect the indigenous ponies from the threat of extinction the government of Manipur has initiated the establishment of an exclusive sanctuary for the Manipuri pony.

“I am sure the polo fraternity all over the world will surely appreciate to know of this initiative taken up by the Government of Manipur to protect the Manipuri Pony,” he said.

Further in his speech, he congratulated the officials of the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association for their effort in organising the tournament, the 9th Manipur Polo International 2015 and making it a grand success.

This year the tournament played at the historic Mapal Kangjeibung- the oldest living pologround in the world was participated by teams from only India (Manipur), USA, Thailand, Australia and England.

The Chief Minister also thanked the polo players who had come from different parts of the globe to take part in the tournament and displayed their skills in the true spirit of the game.

Observing that Sagol Kangjei, which is now known as Polo, internationally, has been played in Manipur since time immemorial, he said “We are indebted to our forefathers who have handed down to us this game which has now become a popular game across the world.”

Sagol Kangjei has been played traditionally on the indigenous Manipuri pony, which is one of the five species identified by the Government of India, he added.

He further extended his invitation to all the international Polo fraternity to participate in the next year’s edition of the tournament.

The concluding day function was also attended by Rural Development and panchayati Raj Economic and Statistics minister Francis Ngajokpa as the president and Social Welfare/ Co-operation minister Ak Mirabai, MLAs Nemcha Kipgen and O Landhoni Devi as guests of honour and State Bank of India Guwahati chief general manager PVSLN Murty as special invitee.

Later in an exciting and well deserved final match, team USA defeated the India (Manipur)team by 5-4 in extra chukker.

Fake VIP vehicle pass circulation suspected

IMPHAL, November 29: There have been several complaints from various sections of the public that the Sangai festival is not public friendly and objected more towards pleasing VIP and other

IMPHAL, November 29: There have been several complaints from various sections of the public that the Sangai festival is not public friendly and objected more towards pleasing VIP and other national and international delegates.

More complaints have also cropped up over misuse of VIP and VVIP passes issued specifically for the deserving dignitaries.

It was found that even school vans and diesel auto-rickshaws were driving inside the Sangai venue with ease and none of them were carrying any important dignitaries. Police posted at the main entrance which allows only the VIP card pasted vehicles complained that they are having a hard time managing the crowd and also checking the vehicles.

Some authorities suspect that the passes may have been photocopied, but cannot ascertain the authenticity as there are no bar codes nor any specific vehicle number designated on the VIP passes.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/fake-vip-vehicle-pass-circulation-suspected/

AMUVDA demands fresh recruitment in Vety Dept

IMPHAL, November 29: The All Manipur Unemployed Veterinary Doctors Association (AMUVDA) has demanded fresh recruitment of posts in the Veterinary Department like in other Departments to run efficiently. Speaking to

Speaking to newspersons here at Manipur Press Club, president of AMUVDA Th Chaoba lamented that the Veterinary Department has not conducted any recruitment of posts since the last 18 years, affecting its functioning.

However, annual selection of doctor as government nominee in the Department still continues, she said.

She reminded that that last recruitment conducted in the Department was way back in 1998 that also only for doctor but after the government issued an order in 1999 banning recruitment of posts in all the Departments; there had been no fresh recruitment in the Veterinary Department till date.

Though the ban on recruitment of posts in all the Departments was lifted in 2005, the Veterinary Department has not conducted any single recruitment, creating vacancy of various posts, she said.

Regretting that many doctors passed in Veterinary have been facing grievances mainly of age bar due to non-recruitment in the Department for the last many years, Th Chaobi reiterated that AMUVDA had submitted memorandum to the Chief Minister and the concerned authority on two occasions urging to conduct fresh recruitment in the Department through MPSC.

There are more than 50 posts lying vacant in the Veterinary Department, she claimed, appealing the government to conduct direct recruitment of the posts not on adhoc and contract basis.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/amuvda-demands-fresh-recruitment-in-vety-dept/

Hornbill Music fest to kick off on December 1

IMPHAL, Nov 29: The Hornbill International Music Festival 2015, one of the biggest music festivals of the country will be kicked-off on December 1 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Hockey

IMPHAL, Nov 29: The Hornbill International Music Festival 2015, one of the biggest music festivals of the country will be kicked-off on December 1 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Hockey Ground, Kohima, Nagaland.

The participation of internationally renowned bands such as Helloween, one of the most influential metal bands and official tribute band of ABBA from Sweden has been confirmed apart from live performances of musicians across the globe.

It is learnt that organisers also will make a surprised announcement on the first week of December for the special appearances of other internationally renowned musicians.

As per the sequence of the Hornbill International Music festival, the music fest will begin on the first night of the festival. On December 1 evening, the stage will be shared by Joshua and the Note Ninja, Cadence, Infuse, Purple Fusion and other local artistes.

On December 2 the official tribute band of ABBA will take the stage followed by performances by Colored Keys, Mengu Suokhrie and Viriezhunuo Solo on the same night.

On December 3 to 6, the Stadium will be all set to welcome the selected 25 bands to compete for the Hornbill International Rock Contest (HIRC).

Close to hundreds bands were auditioned for this year’s edition, however, only 25 bands have made the cut to compete for the ultimate title of HRIC 2015 including five local bands, one international band and 19 national bands (seven from North East region).

The prize money for the top three winners has been fixed at Rs 10 lakhs, Rs 5 lakhs and Rs 2.5 lakhs respectively.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/hornbill-music-fest-to-kick-off-on-december-1/

Moderating Ethnicity

The question of ethnic identity has been a preoccupation of the Northeast for quite some time now. The issue is sensitive and it does need to be addressed but those

The question of ethnic identity has been a preoccupation of the Northeast for quite some time now. The issue is sensitive and it does need to be addressed but those of us in the Northeast, and others who have been close watchers of the region know very well how very dangerous it can become should it come to be articulated in political terms. The danger is compounded in ethnically diverse milieu such as in Manipur where the numerous new identities begin reducing the entire identity question to one of setting each’s terms for power. The reality has also been, ethnic identity is articulated by an assertion of differences and uniqueness, making the evolution of a common framework for governance next to impossible. It is for these reasons that there is a need to treat ethnicity, like religion, a private affair and politics restricted to the realm of a pure science and art of governing to the extent possible. Only such an approach can make discourses on governance in the Northeast meaningful, for then there will be room for exploring the applicability and benefits of established and tested political systems of government: Democracy being the most relevant. This is to say, in the ethic situation, the definition of secularism must not mean just separation of Church and State, but also ethnicity and State. It is not by coincidence that the scourge of communal violence, so much a feature of other regions of India, is virtually absent in the Northeast, but in its place it sees an ever increasing tendency of deadly ethnic conflicts. The recent gruesome killing of Adivasi settlers by Bodo militants in Assam is only the latest reminder of this.

The proposition then is to prepare the democratic governance mechanism as a common denominator on which the foundation for peaceful resolution of problems can rest. This common denominator has indeed been what is missing, say for instance in Manipur, so that the various politically awakened ethnic groups have been pulling the politics of the land in all conceivable directions, paralysing governance and throwing up dangerous situations with extreme violence potential at every turn. In an ideal situation, the Naga ceasefire extension question, the Sixth Schedule tussle, the Sadar Hills district creation, etc, should have been sought to be settled purely as ethnicity neutral, administrative mechanisms, and equally important projected as such publicly. If such an approach was successful, the outcomes would have been much more in the nature of a win-win situation for all, and not one in which for every win by any ethnic group there is also necessarily a losing group. This cannot be a recipe for peace.

There is no justification in always shifting the blame for the ethnic turmoil in the Northeast to extraneous factors either, for the potential for the conflicts was always there and it only needed to be awakened. Sparks can light up only dry cinders. And if it is to be assumed that this turmoil is an inevitable part of formerly closed worlds of ethnic communities opening up to the world outside, there should be no need to lament the lost innocence. The approach then should instead be to face the challenges of this opening up, and seek to resolve the issues causing the turmoil. To ignore this would amount to advocating that ethnic communities should never grow up and remain trapped in their time warps. True, experience will throw up many previously unforeseen problems. True the new world order will require major overhauls of worldviews and this can be painful, but this must be treated as the challenges of the brave new world before the ethnic communities. English eccentric poet William Blake wrote of this thin line that divides innocence and experience, didn’t he? Such pains were also witnessed during other epochal changes, such as at the onset of the industrial age in Europe, which Charles Dickens described famously as the best of times and the worst of times. Who knows the Northeast may be also passing through such a period, and if we are prepared for it, our worst times may yet prove to be the threshold of our best times?

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/moderating-ethnicity/

Manipuri Sahitya Akademi Meghalaya hosts ‘Trend of Manipuri Literature Outside Manipur’ forum

IMPHAL, November 29: A literary forum on “Trend of Manipuri Literature Outside Manipur” & Literary Meet was organised by Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Meghalaya in Shillong,

H. Behari Singh, convenor of Manipuri Language Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi; Yengkhom K. B., president of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Meghalaya and Gopal Chandra Barman, Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Regional Office, Kolkata graced the occasion as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

During the programme, Dr. Chirom Rajketan Singh, Assistant Professor, Manipuri Department, Kha Manipur College, Kakching, Manipur gave a talk on the topic, “Novels and Short Stories outside Manipur with special reference to Meghalaya.”

The second paper reader was Shri. Ashangbam Netrajit. His topic was: “Poetry writing outside Manipur with special reference to Meghalaya.”

In his speech, H. Behari Singh gave a background on the function that is being held today. He also addressed some of the comments and questions raised by the delegates during the interaction session.

He then urged all the lovers of Manipuri literature to work hard for the development of Manipuri language and Manipuri literature.

Yengkhom K. B. expressed happiness on the success of the programme and showed his gratitude towards all the delegates in making the programme a grand success.

His said that more actions should be taken on recognising the various literature bodies of Manipuri language so that more activities can be taken up.

A poetry reading session was also held during the session.

Rajamani Nongthomba, Kavi Ratna awardee, and advisor of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Meghalaya was the moderator of the function.

The poets who read poems during the meet are K. Nilakanta, Shantikumari Nongthombi, Kh. Japan, M. Bhagat, Dr. Kshetrimayum Dedrilkumar, Ningombam Rojit, and Raju Maibam.

UNLF refutes police claim

IMPHAL, Nov 29: The proscribed UNLF has said that Yaikhom Premkumar alias Ratan who was arrested by a combined team of police commandos and 12 Bihar regiment on November 26

IMPHAL, Nov 29: The proscribed UNLF has said that Yaikhom Premkumar alias Ratan who was arrested by a combined team of police commandos and 12 Bihar regiment on November 26 at Lilong Chajing, is not related with the UNLF in any ways.

A statement issued by M Sak-hen, Director Department of Publicity of the outfit, said that the claim made by the security forces that Premkumar helped in recording a song called “Chingkhei Phidup” of the UNLF was unfortunate adding that the outfit has nothing to do with “Chingkhei Phidup”.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/unlf-refutes-police-claim/

Manipuri Sahitya Akademi Meghalaya hosts ‘Trend of Manipuri Literature Outside … – KanglaOnline

Manipuri Sahitya Akademi Meghalaya hosts ‘Trend of Manipuri Literature Outside …
KanglaOnline
IMPHAL, November 29: A literary forum on “Trend of Manipuri Literature Outside Manipur” & Literary Meet was organised by Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Meghalaya in Shillong, Meghalaya today. H. Behari Singh …
Meet on Manipuri literature heldE-Pao.net

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Manipuri Sahitya Akademi Meghalaya hosts 'Trend of Manipuri Literature Outside …
KanglaOnline
IMPHAL, November 29: A literary forum on “Trend of Manipuri Literature Outside Manipur” & Literary Meet was organised by Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Meghalaya in Shillong, Meghalaya today. H. Behari Singh …
Meet on Manipuri literature heldE-Pao.net

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Dr Jitendra lauds BJP’s historic victory in Manipur – Daily Excelsior

Daily Excelsior

Dr Jitendra lauds BJP’s historic victory in Manipur
Daily Excelsior
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh felicitating former Minister, four-time MLA and BJP State Vice President, Valte Hangkhanlian for the party’s historic breakthrough victory on two seats in Manipur State Assembly by-election, at New Delhi on Sunday.

Daily Excelsior

Dr Jitendra lauds BJP's historic victory in Manipur
Daily Excelsior
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh felicitating former Minister, four-time MLA and BJP State Vice President, Valte Hangkhanlian for the party's historic breakthrough victory on two seats in Manipur State Assembly by-election, at New Delhi on Sunday.

Dr Jitendra lauds BJP’s historic victory in Manipur – Daily Excelsior

Daily Excelsior

Early closure of ticket counters leads to pandemonium at Sangai Festival entrance

IMPHAL, November 28: Complete mayhem broke out at the entrance of the Sangai Festival at Palace Compound Pureiromba area this afternoon. Visitors mainly women and children jam-packed the entrance as

Sangai visitors especially womenfolk and children jostling with security personnel at the entrance of the Sangai Festival main venue. Photo by: Deepak Shijagurumayum

IMPHAL, November 28: Complete mayhem broke out at the entrance of the Sangai Festival at Palace Compound Pureiromba area this afternoon.

Visitors mainly women and children jam-packed the entrance as there was complete disorder as tickets had already ran out by 2:30 pm. However, the VIPs had no problem as they drove in amongst the crowd with complete ease and it was only the public which was left to fend for themselves to gain entry.

Unlike other days, thousands were seen lined up for tickets at the Pureiromba Khongnang area as the ticket counters had closed down by 2:30 pm approximately. The visitors had stood in queues for more than an hour when it was ultimately announced that the tickets had sold out.

The irate crowd tore down the banner of the Globiz ticketing agency and mobbed the entrance of the Sangai festival.

As a result, the queue broke and the police had to let in the visitors without tickets. There was no proper checking done, resulting to a complete breakdown of security measures.

A Globiz ticket usher told this reporter that they were ordered by a DIG of the Police department to close down the sales when the tickets sale reaches 30,000.

It may be mentioned that the ticket counter closed down by 2.30 pm and one has to assume that the said capacity was reached by the time.

However, there was no dearth of tickets at the peripheral areas, as black marketers sold tickets worth Rs 20 at a rate of Rs 100 and going upto Rs 250.

The tickets which were sold in black were the genuine bar coded ones. Police had even nabbed a person selling tickets and express suspicion that the source may be from the Globiz ticketing agency itself.

The Globiz agency shares the revenue of the ticket sale with the State government: Globiz takes 60 percent and the remaining goes to the government, according to an official of the agency.

It is also learnt that only 10 tickets were sold online today.

This is a clear example that the major chunk of revenue generated from the public goes to a private firm and the State government cannot even handle the task of selling festival tickets.

From around 4 pm onwards, there were huge traffic congestions and the visitors kept piling up on both the Southern and Northern entrances to the main venue of the festival. Despite the tickets running out at around 2.30 pm, thousands came bearing tickets still. When asked where the tickets were from, many of them said that they bought it from the black marketers. As such, the swamping of visitors gave a tough time to the police and both sides faced harassment.

A senior police officer at the gate told this reporter that it is a must for the Sangai venue to be changed from next year.

It may be mentioned that the Shillong Choir also voiced similar sentiments and said that BOAT amphitheatre is too small for musical shows.

Many sections from the public also exclaimed that the venue is overcrowded and there is no feeling of comfort when one goes for a festival seeking healthy entertainment.

“We are coming from Thoubal with our families, our small children to witness the festival. The way we are being treated by the security, and risking life and limb to gain entrance to the Sangai festival is a big insult to the public. It is a simple harassment and incompetency of the State administration” said, Sunita, a visitor.

It was witnessed that many vehicles including commercial vehicles inclusive of diesel autos were found flaunting ‘VIP’’ passes and gaining easy access while the public had to literally risk injury to get in.

Proposals to develop Manipur cricket – Business Standard

Proposals to develop Manipur cricket
Business Standard
Pressing for full membership, Manipur Cricket Association members have called on BCCI’s New Area Development Committee chairman Avishek Dalmiya to highlight lack of infrastructure and problems faced by the state, currently an associate member.

Proposals to develop Manipur cricket
Business Standard
Pressing for full membership, Manipur Cricket Association members have called on BCCI's New Area Development Committee chairman Avishek Dalmiya to highlight lack of infrastructure and problems faced by the state, currently an associate member.