Manipur News – Page 16596 – www.manipur.org/news

ITI students stage sit in protest

Peeved at the alleged failure of the authority to sanction pending amounts of fund for organising a study tour, students of ITI, Takyelpat today staged a sit in protest within the institute’s premises Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=15&src=220113

Parliamentary Secretary Chotisuh Sazo resigns his MLA seat to join NPF

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Kohima, Jan 21 (NEPS): Parliamentary Secretary for Social Welfare, Child and Women Development, Chotisuh Sazo, who was elected as an Independent candidate from 18 Chozuba Assembly Constituency in 2008 general election, has today resigned from the membership of the 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly to enable him to formally join the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF). So that he would be able to obtain NPF ticket to contest as a NPF candidate at 18 Chozuba Assembly constituency in the ensuing State General election slated for February 23 next.

It may be mentioned that Sazo contested in 2008 general election from 18 Chozuba Assembly constituency as an Independent and won by defeating strong regionalist and veteran politician Thenucho of NPF.

Enlightening his joining the NPF-led DAN Government after being elected as an Independent Candidate from 18 Chozuba Assembly constituency in 2008, Sazo said he had genuine faith and confidence in the leaderships of the NPF that they would deliver goods to the people and with this “understanding and appreciation,” he facilitated his supporters to join the party (NPF) enmass in 2008. “Thereafter I have been closely associated with the NPF party while being in the Government,” he recalled.

Stating that with the firm belief in the able leaderships of NPF Party president Dr Shurhozelie and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Sazo said he had resigned from the membership of the 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly today so as to enable him to formally join the party (NPF) to “ensure development and peace for development.”

In the meantime, it is learnt that his resignation was accepted by the NPF party.

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CISF – Providing Safe and Secure Environment

CISF came into existence in 1969 as a specially trained Force for providing security cover to the Public Sector Undertakings of the country. In a span of four and a half decades, the Force has grown manifold with strength of more than one lakh thirty three thousand. With growing profile and expanding service base, CISF is no longer a PSU-centric Force, instead it has become a premier multi-skilled security agency of the country, mandated to provide security cover to major critical infrastructure and very important persons of the country in diverse areas.
CISF is currently providing security cover to Airports, Sea Ports, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Power Plants, Steel Plants, Oil Refineries, Coal Mines, Delhi Metro, National Monuments, Very Important Persons (VIPs), Sensitive Government Buildings, and Indian Embassy in Nepal. CISF has also deployed a Formed Police Unit (FPU) of the UN at Haiti since 2008 and deployed in private critical industries like Infosys, Electronic City and Reliance Industries . The increased demand for CISF is a testimony of its professionalism and commitment towards the assigned task.
CISF is also providing security cover with the strength of 25 thousand in 51 Naxal Affected Units in Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. CISF has borne the burnt of Naxal attacks in the recent past. On 4th March, 2012 at about 2330 Hrs, 200 armed Naxals carried out multi/pronged attacked at the Ashoka Out Post of CISF Unit CCL North Karanpura & Piparwar in Jharkhand. Naxalites attacked the Out Post with sophisticated weapons, petrol bombs and I.E.D’S in-order to take away weapons and explosives for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) ) to spoil the economic growth of the country as well as to tarnish the image of the Govt. The heavily armed Naxalites started indiscriminate firing from all directions on the duty post. 26 CISF personnel present at the post immediately took position and opened retaliating fire. They thwarted the attempt of Naxalites by holding them with continuous tactical firing and repulsed the attack. On account of that naxals were forced to retreat from the area. During this operation 4 naxals died and many were injured. 2 dead bodies and arms & ammunition of the naxalites were also recovered.
To meet any challenge at Airports, CISF personnel are trained in profiling and behaviour detection in order to detect and neutralize the persons, who could be a potential threat to the security of the airports. This endeavour has resulted in an excellent performance of CISF, where in the cases of smuggling/carrying of drugs and arms & ammunition were detected and recovered at airports. During routine/random checks and profiling of the potential suspects at entry point, CISF personnel have detected a huge quantity of drugs like Opium, Methamphetamine, Heroine, Pseudo-Ephedrine and Methaqualone drug and arms & ammunition at airports. Many Foreign Nationals were also apprehended for carrying contraband items at IGI Airport by the CISF personnel.
During the year 2012, a large number of cases were detected by CISF in airports, details of which in brief are as under:-
i) Detection of Contraband items – 11 cases ii) Detection of wild life – 02 cases iii) Apprehension of touts – 905 cases (Up to November 12) iv) Recovery of unclaimed property – 18.34 Crores (Up to November 12) v) Detection of Arms & Ammns. – 203 nos. (Up to November 12)
Two cases of baggage lifting gangs were also apprehended by the CISF personnel at Kolkata and IGI Airport.
Similar to airports, Metros all over the world are inherently vulnerable to terrorist attack on the basis of their open design and high volume of passengers transported everyday. In India Delhi Metro also provides an attractive target because of its high ridership, expansive infrastructure, economic significance and its potential for its mass casualties. It is therefore imperative that appropriate security measures are to be taken to safeguard Metro. In this regard the Government decided to hand over the security of Delhi Metro to CISF and CISF has taken over the charge of Delhi Metro on 15.04.2007. Since, then CISF is performing their duty with full appreciation of the commuters.
Recently in order to ensure security for female commuters, CISF has launched a special drive “Majnu” on 13-07-2012 to apprehend and de-board the male passengers from the reserve lady coach. CISF Unit DMRC Delhi has constituted six dedicated teams of woman staff to ensure the safety of woman commuters in metro trains especially during late night hours. Each team comprises of a Lady SI/Exe and three woman Constables. Members of the special team travel in lady coach in plain cloths to keep an eye on male commuters, who enter the woman coach or try to misbehave with them.
Upto December-2012 this special team has prosecuted 10814 male commuters and de-boarded them from the lady coach. So far 7014 male commuters have been fined @ Rs. 250/- each, resulting in the recovery of Rs. 17.55 Lac. Initiatives taken by CISF has boost up the morale of the female commuters and now they are travelling in late hours without any hesitation or fear in the Delhi Metro.
CISF as an armed force of the nation is doing its bit to provide safe and secure environment to the national assets and economic activities. As a professional organisation CISF efforts are for constant up-gradation of capacity, technology and manpower which will provide a total crime free climate to our citizens.
PIB Feature).
Inputs from the Ministry of Home Affairs

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cisf-providing-safe-and-secure-environment/

Highlanders fund misused

In the same manner demons devouring helpless living things the rich and famous men in Imphal have misused the fund that belongs to the poor and needy people living in the hills of Manipur. The fund meant for the highlanders have ended up being devoured by the leaders residing in Imphal valley. This is one serious issue, which has been raised by civil organisations. There is truth in this allegation. At the end the losers happen to be those, who live in the far flung areas, who cannot afford to move out to get the essential commodities at Government controlled price. Rice given by the Government through FCS Deptt to the agents for on ward transfer to the highlanders are sold away at the business centres in Imphal at cheap price. They make hefty money out of doing that clandestine business. Nothing can stop them from doing the illegal business. Until realisation dawns in the minds of the wrong doers the highlanders will continue to suffer. Forget rice even the roofing sheets given by the Government to the beneficiaries are also sold away here in Imphal and the beneficiaries return home with their pockets filled with money. Too many road construction prpgrammes were taken up in the hills of the state but the elected leaders in collusion with the contractors would devour the fund without doing anything. The absence of proper mechanism to inspect the works done at the hills has encouraged the wrong doers to commit the crime of their choice again and again. The decision of the Manipur Government to form a committee to look into the fund disbursement of hills and plain areas will be able to suggest ways and means to check misuse of funds by elements detrimental to the well being of the society. Both hills and plain should develop at the same par. It is really amazing the representatives of the hills do not open their mouth despite knowing the fact that the poor men’s funds have been looted by rich and famous men in Imphal. Manipur needs to have properly maintained roads as there is no means other than roads to connect villages across the state. Likewise there should be properly maintained drainage system. All these things can be achieved when developmental programmes are taken up under the strict supervision of people’s representatives. In the valley areas no representative can return to assembly unless he or she can take up roads and drainages construction in their constituency. Similar attitude needs to be shown to the tribal leaders hailing from different constituencies. Do not give votes to the candidates, who cannot repair even the roads in their constituencies. In doing that they will be reminded how people look to the people’s representatives. They enjoy the term enjoying cosy life style in Imphal staying in the spacious Government quarters and then they come to the voters with folded hands to get blessings. You all have been befooled several times do not allow to be deceived again. Scrutinise their activities during the five year term. The Government of India have given you the power for doing that. By using RTI you can know how the funds were used or misused. That will bring a change that will be for the betterment of all.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/highlanders-fund-misused/

ATSUM stir from Feb 3

: In continuation of the long pending demands for conceding demands of the tribal peoples of Manipur, the All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur (ATSUM) in its emergency meeting has unanimously resolved to intensify the agitation from the midnight of February 3.
However, ATSUM did not disclose the nature of agitation.
All national projects being undertaken by the Central government in the tribal inhabited areas in Manipur state will be closed down for an indefinite period of time, ATSUM threatened.
The ATSUM reiterates its stance that until the legitimate rights of the tribal of Manipur are fulfilled, the union will leave no stone unturned to achieve the rightful demands.Further, the union appeals to all the tribal associations, frontal organizations and all the federating units of ATSUM to extend maximum cooperation during the course of the agitation.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/atsum-stir-from-feb-3/

LNC condemns encroachment

SENAPATI, Jan 21NNN: The Liangmai Naga Council, Senapati Zone has condemned the alleged unauthorized encroachments of land through house construction activities by some vested individuals within the domain of the Nsak (Leikhanpokpi) village a Liangmai Naga village near Makhan village.
Claiming responsibilities for demolishing of illegal houses constructed in the jurisdiction of the said village, the LNC, Senapati Zone said that, through the intervention of the Liangmai Naga Council, Senapati Zone and Nsak (Leikhanpokpi) village youths, those houses were dismantled with strong warnings to cease any encroachment. Warning against any attempt to disturb peaceful communal harmony among different communities maintained till date, the LNC has warned that, no efforts will be spared against any perpetrator who attempts to claim the ownership of the Nsak (Leikhanpokpi) village.
Further, the LNC Senapati Zone added that, it recognizes only the existing villages of Khenjang, Kontam, Leikot, Heiken and Phaijang and not any other new settlements. Calling upon the district administration and concerned authorities to prevent the illegal activities, it also warned that, if any attempts to re-construct the demolished house within the encroached areas, the LNC will not hesitate to react effectively and that it will not be responsible for any untoward incidents

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/lnc-condemns-encroachment/

Interaction with meira paibis

Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 21: 30 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR(S) organized an interaction between Commandant 30 AR and local populace of villages in and around of Chingmeirong on Jan 20. A total of 30 Meira Paibis were present during the interaction. Officers of 30 Assam Rifles exhorted the Meira Paibis to come ahead and take proactive steps for the development of the state and to ensure peace and prosperity in the region.
There was an active discussion between the two sides on IED Awareness, General Hygiene, Control of Drug menace as well as other Social issues raised by Meira Paibis and assistance through MCA in the terms of Solar Lights.
30 Assam Rifles thanked them for coming forward and assisting in the effort strengthening the bond between the Security Forces and the Meira Paibis.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/interaction-with-meira-paibis/

FACTYM demands full autonomy for ADCs

IMPHAL, Jan 21 NNN: Federation of All Tribal Youth Club, Manipur (FATYCM) has apprised the Prime Minister of India demanding that full autonomy should be given to the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Manipur.
In a memorandum submitted to Dr Manmohan Singh today signed by its president R Asing and its secretary Letthang, the FATYCM demanded for the decentralise the Autonomous District Councils at the earliest. “The ADC has been reduced to a limbo having no power given to the elected members. There is no administrative power leave alone
the financial power. In the eyes of the public, the present state of affairs of the ADCs has become a mockery in Manipur,” the FATYCM pointed out.
The tribal youth body further demanded for the immediate shifting of ADC administrative officers from the state capital Imphal to the respective District Council. It alleged that currently the administrative functionaries are done from Imphal. “This certainly is against the letter and spirit of the ADCs enshrined in the Act of 1971 of the Indian Constitution. We, therefore, in order to diffuse the no-ending problem, the administrative centers be shifted to the respective district headquarters immediately,” FATYCM memorandum to the Prime Minister mentioned.
Meanwhile, terming it as another ploy of hoodwinking the tribal people, the FATYCM said that chief minister Ibobi Singh’s declaration that the state would form a committee led by a retired judge to look after the welfare and developmental aspects for the tribals is a bluff and an eye-wash.
The tribal youth body advised that the chief minister must realize that such kind arrangement can and will never serve the purpose. “Such committee has to be passed in the assembly and the Parliament to make it effective. In short, his utterances were either due to his ignorance to legal aspect or the will-full exploitative motive. We, therefore, reject such meaningless promises. Promises are glore but never fulfilled,” FATYCM further pointed out.
“We, the undersigned, for the interest and a deep concern for Manipur, are submitting this memorandum for your immediate intervention. Needless to remind you that Manipur is in deep trouble with regard to social and economic aspects but the government looks the other way as if nothing is happening in the state. If no positive step is taken, the problems faced by the hill people can grow out of proportion. We, therefore, need your immediate intervention in the interest of the state and the country .
“Sir, our tribal people’s patience is running out. We, therefore, appeal you to rescue us from this exploitation. We would like to add here that among all the tribal of the north easter region, Manipur tribals are the most suffered and unfortunate people .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/factym-demands-full-autonomy-for-adcs/

Woman beaten to death by relative

Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 21: A woman was beaten to death with a stick at Poirou Khongjin Mayai Leikai under Yairipok PS last night around 8 p.m
The victim was identified as Laishram Sakhitombi (58).
The accused is the son of the victim’s brother-in-law and a relative.
He was identified as Laishram Raj (28). A public meeting was held at Yairipok Poirou Khongjil Mayai Torban Leikai vety. Lampak. The angry crowds also damaged the house of Laishram Ramo, father of the accused.
Police rounded up Ramo today and the accused Raj also surrendered to concerned PS.
Shantikumar son of the victim and his wife Anuradha came out to eat paan last night around 8 p.m. Laishram Raj had an altercation with Shantikumar as Raj used obscene words. Meinya younger brother of Raj also supported his elder brother. When Sakhitobi went to pacify them, the accused hit her with a stick in the head.
She was rushed to community health centre but succumbed to her injuries.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/woman-beaten-to-death-by-relative/

Statehood day observed

IMPHAL, Jan 21 MNS NNN: Manipur Government today celebrated ‘Statehood Day’ 2013 at the Manipur Secretariat, South Block here with PHED minister I Hemochandra gracing the function as chief guest.
Addressing the function, Hemochandra said that January 21 is a landmark day in the history of Manipur.
He said Manipur attained statehood on January 21, 1972 and became a full-fledged state of Indian union and since then, January 21 is observed every year as Statehood Day to commemorate this day.
All the great individuals who had made selfless contributions to bring the day are greatly honoured, he said.
Hemochandra commented that the state has joined the pace of development as it enters 41 years of statehood, adding Manipur has now seen a speedy development in the fields of education, agriculture, art and culture, sports, health care and others.
The minister, however, acknowledged the fact that there are a whole lot of things to be done in order to incorporate the state among developed states in the country by the year 2020.
Hemochandra said, “To achieve the target, every individuals who are in different professions need to work hard with concerted efforts.”
The minister also said everybody has the responsibility to shape the future of the state and ueged for giving impetus to bring a prosperous Manipur. He said, on January 21, 1972 Manipur became a full fledged state of India. To remember the day, January 21 is observing as statehood day. We should honour those who played vital role to bring the important day.
During the short span of 41 year, the state has advanced in the field of development.
We have to do more so that Manipur can became one of the developed states till 2020. To get the objective the people in different professions should try.
The present generation should decide the future of the state. He appealed all to be came Manipur a prosperous state.The PHED minister I. Hemochandra said, January 21 is a remarkable day in the history of Manipur. The state has became a powerful state in the field of education, agriculture, art and culture, sports, health care and others.
Addl CS PC Lawmkunga, DGP Y Joykumar and other top officials of both civil and police also attended the event.
Artistes from Shri Balmukund Dev Government Music College, Imphal also presented patriotic songs.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/statehood-day-observed-2/

Final electoral roll released

IMPHAL, Jan 21 MNS NNN: Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur, O Nabakishore Singh has released the Final Electoral Rolls Special Revision, 2013 of all the 60 assembly constituencies of the state on Monday.
Announcing this to the media at his office, Manipur Secretariat, West Block here, Nabakishore said the Final Electoral Rolls, 2013 must have been published on January 14 as did in other states of the country, but bandh and blockades had deterred the process.
The Final Electoral Rolls, 2013 has been rolled out on Monday as per the approval of the Election Commission of India, said the Chief Electoral Officer.
He said the electoral rolls have contained certain positive features as compared to previous year’s electoral rolls as the Photo Electoral Rolls (PER) coverage of 2012 was 95.54 percent, while this year’s coverage is cent per cent.
The age group 18-19 years, which the ECI has laid emphasis, has been enrolled 47143 in the latest electoral rolls, he said. The gender ratio in respect of registrants this year is 1029 per 1000, added Nabakishore. He also informed that the Final Electoral Rolls, 2013 of all the 60 assembly constituencies have been uploaded in CEO’s official website www.ceomanipur.nic.in and the same has also been linked up to ECI’s website www.eci.gov.in and is also made available for public view by all interested persons.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/final-electoral-roll-released/

Four militants shot dead at border areas

Mail News Service
Imphal, Jan 21: Based on reliable reports about intentions of insurgent groups based in Myanmar to infiltrate into India to carry out Improvised Explosive Device attacks against the Security Forces and the local population, troops of the Red Shield Division launched an extensive operation on 21 Jan 13 in the border area of Churachandpur District. At about 3 AM in the morning, a group of UNLF/PLA group attempted to infiltrate into Manipur across the International Border. The group was intercepted by the Security Forces and in a fierce firefight, the soldiers of Red Shield Division shot dead four militants. Two AK-47 Rifles, two Pistols and large quantity of arms, ammunition and other stores were recovered from the site. Incriminating documents found amongst the personal belongings revealed a dastardly plan to carry out extensive Improvised Explosive Device blasts in the area of Imphal, Bishenpur and Churachandpur in the days preceding the Republic Day Celebrations.
The nefarious intentions of the groups to spread mayhem and bloodshed in the state of Manipur stands exposed. Major General K K Sinha, Sena Medal, General Officer Commanding, Red Shield Division and Brigadier Advitya Madan, Commander Churachandpur visited the encounter site to meet the Commanding Officer Colonel Vineet Sharma and his team of gallant officers and men who under took these operations. He also took hold of situation on ground to further strengthen the security apparatus in the Districts. The operation is an excellent example of the professionalism and dedication of the Red Shield Division and goes to prove that the Indian Army is committed to effectively neutralise all threats to the nation and restore peace and normalcy in the state of Manipur said a PIB(DW ) press hand out issued today.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/four-militants-shot-dead-at-border-areas/

Manipur win at National School Games – E-Pao.net

Manipur win at National School GamesE-Pao.netImphal, January 21 2013: Manipur girls have lifted the 58th National School Games 2012-13 Champions trophy hosted by Pune, Maharastra. In the final match played today, Manipur hammered Nagaland 5-0 . Rajniba…

Manipur win at National School Games
E-Pao.net
Imphal, January 21 2013: Manipur girls have lifted the 58th National School Games 2012-13 Champions trophy hosted by Pune, Maharastra. In the final match played today, Manipur hammered Nagaland 5-0 . Rajnibala and Sunita scored a brace a each as …

Manipur, Haryana women U-17 and U-19 champs – Mizo News

Manipur, Haryana women U-17 and U-19 champsMizo NewsPune: Manipur and Haryana eves emerged champions in the Pune Football Club 58th National School Under-17 and Under-19 Football Girls Championship here at the Balewadi Sports Complex Monday. In the mor…

Manipur, Haryana women U-17 and U-19 champs
Mizo News
Pune: Manipur and Haryana eves emerged champions in the Pune Football Club 58th National School Under-17 and Under-19 Football Girls Championship here at the Balewadi Sports Complex Monday. In the morning session, Manipur dominated …

Gun attack

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IMPHAL, January 20: Unidentified armed person(s) allegedly carried out a gun attack at the residence of Dr Palin, Managing Director of the Shija Hospital & Research Institute last night at around 10.20 pm at Langol Lai Manai in Imphal West … Continue reading →

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Dr Palin’s dosmestic dog was killed in the attack.

Police have conducted a spot inquiry today at the surrounding areas of Dr Palin’s house.

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Rotary aid

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IMPHAL, January 20: Rotary Club of Polocity, Imphal donated items to Yaibilen Children Home at Keibi Sanapat in Imphal East district at a simple function held today at the children home. Dr Somorjit Ningombam, President of Rotary Club of Polocity, Imphal; Jayenta Singh, Commander of 16 Assam Rifles, Sagolmang who is also a member of the club; and Yangoi Piba, President of Yaibilen children home were present at the function. The club donated 15 blankets and stationery items to the home.

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Thang Ta Instructor refresher course

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IMPHAL, January 20: The Kangla Indigenous Martial Arts and Cultural Society (KIMACS) organized the second 10-day Thang-ta Instructor refresher course in collaboration with BOSEM and SCERT. Speaking at the opening function today L Rajmohon, Secretary BOSEM said that though common syllabuses for classes I – VIII (SCERT ) and IX – X (BOSEM) have been introduced since 2007, it cannot be implemented completely. The syllabus cannot be covered due to the shortage of teachers though it has been introduced in the private schools. Stating that efforts are on to make physical health education subject a compulsory one by introducing indigenous game and culture in the subject, he added that Martial Arts is an indigenous game of Manipur which has existed since the earliest times and it been been used as a skill for self defenc.

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Accident victim succumbs

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IMPHAL, January 20: The victim who was injured after being struck by a Tata Truck at Lilong Tairenpokpi on Dcember 17 under Lilong Police Station has succumbed to his injuries at Shija Hospital. The deceased has been identified as Md. Wahidur (33) son of (L) Hesamudin of Lilong Makha Leikai, Lairakhong. The dead body was handed over to the family following the post mortem at JNMS, informed a source.

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Free Diabetes Detection camp

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IMPHAL, January 20: A free diabetes camp was held at Diabetes and Endrocine Clinic, Public Hospital and research Institute from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hatta Minuthong. Free blood glucose, glycocated HB and thyroid tests were done during the … Continue reading →

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State of the State

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This day in 1972, Manipur attained its statehood after a checkered political history, which saw a sovereign kingdom since 33 AD till 1890 when the British defeated the then King, appointing a Political Agent to rule the state in his place. The journey from then on till its merger, which is seen as a ‘forced annexation’ in some quarters is too well known to be repeated. Once the state became a part of the Indian Union, it’s status was downgraded to a ‘Part C’ dominion which meant that it was ruled by a Chief Commissioner without an Assembly or a Council of Ministers, becoming the only princely state to be do so. In fact, when Sikkim merged into India in 1975, it got a direct statehood status. In comparison, Manipur became only a Union Territory in November 1956, but the then 30-member elected council only had an advisory role to play, with real powers resting with the Chief Commissioner. Mass movements calling for statehood gained momentum from1953, but the Central leadership paid little heed. The demand for statehood of Manipur became violent during 1969-70 with black flag demonstrations being staged before the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi on 23rd September 1969 when she visited Imphal. Many people taking part in the agitations were thrown into jails, the public resorted to stone pelting and curfews clamped.

There lies the irony when one looks at the day in the present time: the very movement for which people struggled all those years no remains a mere ‘observation day’, marked by formal functions to be attended by the Government machineries and its officials. The common man seems to be totally removed from being in any way connected to the significance of this day and look hardly capable of acknowledging the history of struggle that went towards Manipur becoming a state. Many who were in the forefront of the demand for statehood have become political leaders over the years with a few becoming Ministers and MLAs but for the common man, the state is fast becoming an authoritarian police state with incidents of violence involving state agencies leaving the highest court of the country to remark whether there was a war going on in Manipur.

Prophetic words indeed, for Manipur today looks like a land with a war just waiting to happen around the corner. The specter of heavily armed state and central forces zipping in heavily fortified vehicles and blaring sirens or with red flags giving the danger call is hardly any confidence measure of a vibrant democratic sphere but calls attention to the ‘fragile state’ that Manipur is becoming. The civil rights sphere and what citizens are entitled to says it all for the nature of a state. But when a journalist gets fired while covering a public protest when the state police is not issued any ‘fire’ orders, when a crime of violence against a woman is let to escalate into a near to the brink communal divide all because the state has to hammer it to the Center to apprehend the accused then the state of the State is at best shaky.

This is not to shy away from taking a relook at what has been achieved in Manipur, which has rallied from a phase when even Government employees had their salaries tied up for years. There is a semblance of infrastructures being built up and more roads opened up. Yet, for every development package being implemented, for every piece of infrastructure being built up, there needs to be an additional area of planning and effective implementation. The signs of urbanization in the state should not be at the cost of aesthetics being compromised or the green cover being depleted. The sight of young entrepreneurs starting their enterprises is a message of hope but is an area that has not been tapped into. As Manipur observes yet another statehood day, may we also see a day when its citizens will be able to realize their potentials and their rights protected and not trampled upon.

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