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

Tribal leaders give peace messages

IMPHAL, Nov 30 NNN: With the starting of December (from first December) the Christmas parties begin with series of advent Christmas programmes.
With this festive month setting in, the tribal organisations who are all busy round the year either blocking the roads or imposing bandhs to draw attention to their cause, have the messages of peace and prosperity for the people.
In a whirlwind touch-of-all-organisation programme initiated by Newmai News Network today, Kuki Inpi, Manipur (KIM) president Thangkhosei Haokip on behalf of KIM has this to say, “Let the coming of Jesus Christ enhance the peaceful co-existence of the communities.
United Naga Council (UNC) president L Adani said, “May the coming of ‘prince of peace’ bring justice to our land through resolution and settlement while Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) president Peter Mate wishes that that love, hope and peace be increased in this coming Christmas.
Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) president Markson wishes this Christmas to bring peace, goodwill and forgiveness to everyone.
All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) general secretary Romeo Bungdon has this to say, “May the prince of peace reign and change the whole people of Manipur miraculously through this Christmas.”
Thangkam Lupheng, general secretary of Committee on Protection of Tribal Areas Manipur (COPTAM)
said that let this Christmas bring mutual understanding amongst the communities and also bring reconciliation.
All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) president Kuko Sha said that through this Christmas the respect for each other’s rights is increased.
Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) leader George Guite has this to say, “We wish that this Christmas means hope, peace and love. We request all the Kukis in India and abroad to pray for an early solution of the Kukis in the form of a Kuki State.”
Zeliangriong Baudi chairman Thomas Kamei also wishes peace and love to all.
“The message of the angels on the night Jesus was born is, “Glory to God and peace among men with whom the Lord is please.’ Let us all try to live a life that pleases the Lord. then only there will be peace in our land,” was Rev Prim Vaiphei of the All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) has to say.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tribal-leaders-give-peace-messages/

KNO responds to NSCN(IM)’s statement

IMPHAL, Nov 30 NNN: The Kuki National Organizatin one of the two umbrella organisations of Kuki militant outfits on Friday responded to the NSCN (IM)’s statement over Kuki demands for Kuki rights and territory to be recognized.
The KNO said the organisation finds it unfortunate that the NSCN-IM should choose to stick to its brand of baseless propagandizing in its pursuit of exclusivist and communal agenda of grabbing land rights of politically less -organized neighbours, including the Kuki community. It stated that the KNO would like to place on record that its claims on traditional Kuki territory is in fact a sacrificial and compromised claim in recognition of present-day demographic distribution aimed at communal harmony and mutually dignified peaceful co-existence.
“In this context, it is pertinent to mention that in the pre-British era present-day Tamenglong, for example, was the chiefdom of Kuki legendary resistance leaders, Pu Tintong, chief of Laijang and Pu Khotinthang, chief of Jampi. At the time, Tamenglong was known as Laijang. The present-day inhabitants, who belong to the Zeliangrong community were vassals and servants in the court of Pu Tintong of Laijang and Jampi. Likewise, the present-day inhabitants of Ukhrul were vassals and servants of Pu Pache, the great Kuki chief of Chassad and Pu Chengjapao, chief of Aisan. However, since the present demographic pattern shows the once vassal community in majority in the existing districts, which originated as Sub-divisions by design of British colonialists to suppress their enemy, the Kukis, today, we find it reasonable and so generously have decided not to claim the entire territory, which do not include 350 villages (such as Joupi), uprooted by NSCN-IM from 1992-1997, but limit it to areas where Kuki villages live in peace,” the KNO recalls.
“The accusation of the NSCN-IM that the Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) circulated a fake Memorandum of Understanding between KNO and NSCN -IM is false. However, KNO would like to place on record the background to the development of the MoU that when Th Muivah, general secretary of NSCN-IM wanted to go to his birth place, Somdal, VS Atem requested TS Haokip, defence secretary of KNO to facilitate the process as from this stage on Nagas and Meiteis were going to be at loggerheads. NSCN-IM also sent members of Naga Students Federation (NSF) to Aizawl to meet members of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) to request Kukis in Manipur, the Mizo people’s brethren’s support. YMA, in response asked the NSF delegation to speak directly to the Kukis. Following this advice, the NSF group met a Kuki gentleman in Aizawl, who in turn spoke to PS Haokip, president KNO. The president replied that should NSCN -IM want mutual support at any given time, a sound basis for a positive and healthy relationship needs to be established. KNO would not ask compensation for the 900 Kukis killed by NSCN-IM from 1992-1997, but would propose a territorial understanding. Hence, only was born the idea of the MoU in question specifically as a proposal. Should the proposal lack acceptance from NSCN-IM, there is no alternative for a mutual relationship,” the KNO stated today.
The proposed MoU has no connection with the stand of KSDC. KSDC’s stand is based on the land of the Kukis for which our chieftains possess pattas, legal land ownership rights. Ownership of traditional lands by Kukis pre-dates 33 AD, when the first Meitei king Chothe Thangvai Pakhangba’s coronation. As stated in the Meitei Pooyas, two Kuki chiefs Kuki Ahongba and Kuki Achouba helped Pakhangba’s mobilisation to the throne, the KNO claimed.
The KNO then stated that the proposed Memorandum had indeed been authored and given to the NSCN-IM leadership for consideration and in the spirit of amicable and mutually dignified settlement of contentious issues between the two neighbouring communities and cooperation in the march towards welfare of the two peoples. That the NSCN-IM, based on irresponsible press reports should accuse the KNO of claiming the Memorandum as having been signed is unfortunate and unexpected from an organization of their stature, it said.
The KNO would also like to place on record that the KNO is never against the aspirations of the Naga people as long as such aspirations do not infringe on the rights of the Kuki people. At the same time, the KNO will not tolerate any attempt by the NSCN (IM) to forcibly include Kuki inhabited traditional areas into any form of Naga administrative entity, primarily because of the antagonistic and ethno-exclusivist chauvinism of the NSCN -IM ideology, which was manifest in the Kuki genocide that the organization orchestrated between 1992 to 1997.
The KNO also hereby offers free advice to the NSCN -IM leadership to refrain from the shallow and shameful manoeuvre of using captive Kukis in the name of Kuki Tribal Union (KTU) to blow the trumpet on their behalf, because the KNO would like to maintain some respectability for the NSCN-IM as a long standing revolutionary organization.
Finally, the KNO appeals to the Naga people not to be led by the NSCN -IM onto the path of hatred, but to bring sense into the leadership of the NSCN -IM to change track and reciprocate KNO’s sincere overtures for dignified mutual relations and cooperation between the two peoples towards protecting our tribal rights and heritage in the face of neo-colonial threats, towards peace and development for our peoples who have been denied and deprived by people who have no right to meddle in our affairs.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/kno-responds-to-nscnims-statement/

What should we do?

The possibility of Nagas getting their demand for amalgamation of all Naga inhabited areas in Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh is remote. They have understood the impracticality of creating land on communal line. Yet they are keeping the issue alive, because they consider it as a big tool for playing larger political game in NE region. Nagaland Chief Minister has widened his political fortune banked on the irresponsibly coined demand. Union Government having felt the stiff and stingy challenge thrown by NE region particularly Manipur will think several times before fulfilling the irresponsible demand. In the event of Union Government succumbing to the pressure unleashed by a section of the Nagas for expansion of Nagaland, what should the civil societies do to protect territorial integrity of the state? Our direct answer will be we have a Government, whose roles cannot be sidelined. When India is attacked by a hostile nation the first reaction that ought to be reflected must come from the Government not from the civil organisations. Naturally when Manipur is attacked by neighbouring state the first duty of the Government is to react. Our Government should show that it is existing for the masses and it will do what is required to keep the state alive. The Union Government understands the complex situation prevailing in Manipur. Moreover almost all the political parties existing in the country have taken the pledge to protect territorial boundary of Manipur in particular and other states in NE region. If they did not understand the complex situation they would have gone out against the decent norms and carry out whatever they felt is right. We had had the Prime Minister, who could talk openly of bringing all the states in NE region under one administrative unit. Such Government did not last long. Naga territory expansion might have remained as non issue if the NSCN and the Union Government peace talk did not come up. The demand though kept at abeyance is kicking as the NSCN is engaged in peace talk. Both national and regional parties functioning in Manipur have a big role to play in making the Union Government realise that territorial issue is not a plaything. Those at the helms of affairs at the centre have understood seriousness of the issue. But these leaders like other mortals have short-lived political career hence the need for making relentless efforts to keep territorial integrity intact. Manipur is a small state and the majority community is Meitei. Majority community should be able to make sacrifices to keep all united. Tribal hospitality is great, which needs to be returned in equal measure. In doing that cultural and emotional integrity of all will be established. However the Union Government stands warned that Manipur and its people will defy all decencies and take side with the extreme elements to protect the integrity of the land. The extreme step includes all that is uttered by civil organisations based in Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/what-should-we-do/

Sit in protest

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IMPHAL, Nov 30: Contractual staffs of the National Rural Health Mission, Manipur today staged a sit in protest concerning their problems at the Keishampat Lairembi community hall. The sit in protest was participated by contractual staffs under NRHM Manipur posted … Continue reading →

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IMPHAL, Nov 30: Contractual staffs of the National Rural Health Mission, Manipur today staged a sit in protest concerning their problems at the Keishampat Lairembi community hall.

The sit in protest was participated by contractual staffs under NRHM Manipur posted at CHCs, PHCs, UHCs, PHSCs, DMMUs and Office Assistant and Computer operators at district level of all districts.

The contractual staffs have lamented that there is no model terms and conditions (service rules) of contract employment for NHRM contractual employees under NRHM.

They have also said that there are inconsistensies about the designation and monthly consolidated honorarium of finace personnel posted at CHCs and PHCs in every orders of the State Health Society, Manipur since 2007.

The protestors have also placed several other problems.

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UG suspects arrested

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IMPHAL, Nov 30: A team of CDO Imphal West on Thursday arrested three active members of RPF/PLA from Mongsangei near TS Paul College gate, said a police release. According to the release, the three arrested outfits have been identified as … Continue reading →

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IMPHAL, Nov 30: A team of CDO Imphal West on Thursday arrested three active members of RPF/PLA from Mongsangei near TS Paul College gate, said a police release.

According to the release, the three arrested outfits have been identified as Salam Singhajit alias Tamotombi Singh, 33, son of late S Ibohal Singh OF Haobam Marak Kangjam Leikai, Laishram Sunil Singh, 27, son of late L Yajenta Singh of Kakwa Naorem Leikai sofa Leirak and Naorem Nitinkumar alias Maipak alias Mangal, 37, son of late N Ibobi Singh of Kakwa Naorem Leikai Sofa Leirak.

Meanwhile, CDO Thoubal Police arrested one self style secretary of MKL identified as Huidrom Rohit Kumar Singh alias Ngamba,27,son of H Bijoy Singh of Thoubal Bazar Makha during at search operation at Thoubal Wangmataba bus parking on Wednesday at around 11:50 am, said another police release.

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Bomb threat

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IMPHAL, November 30: Unidentified persons placed a hand grenade infront of a hardware shop at Singjamei Chingamakha under Singjamei Police Station today. According to the police, the shopkeeper of the hardware shop which sells cement and iron rod has been … Continue reading →

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IMPHAL, November 30: Unidentified persons placed a hand grenade infront of a hardware shop at Singjamei Chingamakha under Singjamei Police Station today.

According to the police, the shopkeeper of the hardware shop which sells cement and iron rod has been identified as Ningombam Suresh. He has been running the shop for the past only two months.

Police suspect the bomb was placed to threaten the shopkeeper in connection with a monetary demand by an underground organization.

Meanwhile, womenfolk of the area staged a sit-in-protest against the bomb thread at Model Club campus, Chingamakha.

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Help extended to Assam riot victims

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IMPHAL, November 30: A combined team of delegates of All Manipur Intellectual Forum (AMIF) and All Manipur Democratic Women’s Front (AMDWF) visited Kokrajhar, Assam. During their visit, the team presented 12 bundles of blankets as relief package to the affected … Continue reading →

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IMPHAL, November 30: A combined team of delegates of All Manipur Intellectual Forum (AMIF) and All Manipur Democratic Women’s Front (AMDWF) visited Kokrajhar, Assam.

During their visit, the team presented 12 bundles of blankets as relief package to the affected families, who are taking shelter in relief camps, with the help and co-operation from All Bodo Students’ Union as charity on humanitarian ground, said general secretary of AMIF, W Priyokumar at a press conference today at CPI (ML), Manipur office at RIMS Road.

The massage of their visit was “the indigenous people in the south eastern Himalayan region should emotionally be integrated and should fight together to promote and protect indigenous peoples’ rights,” he informed.

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Youth camp on social integration held

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IMPHAL,November 30: A three days residential youth camp on social integration was organised by the Kasturba Gandhi Seva Ashram under the aegis of Gandhi Smitri and Darshan Samiti,New Delhi from 28-30 November at youth hostel, Khuman Lampak. According to its … Continue reading →

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According to its press release, Additional Register Manao Singh attended the function as the chief guest while District Youth Cordinator, S Gourakishwor Singh and Advocate S Rupachandra Singh were also present as the president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking to IFP, secretary of the Kasturba Gandhi Seva Ashram, N Medhapati Devi said, purpose of the youth camp integration was to bring social harmony, to promote peaceful coexistence and brotherhood in Manipur. She said that there was interchanging of customs amongst the youth at the camp to improve their knowledge, skills and leadership quality with moral values. The main idea of the camp was to make the youths aware of Gandhain thoughts and his ideals to bring peace and harmony, she added.

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No Alternate Voice . . .

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By Ananya S Guha
The crackdown on FDI was a very good opportunity for the opposition parties to unite against the UPA on a matter which could have become a significant national debate. The Trinamool Congress as usual threw tantrums, which seems to be its usual positioning and ended matters with a whimper and a bit of a noise at the end. The BJP said it would not supprt the former in a no confidence motion, and held its parleys, only to have the Party`s Chief Whip making admonitory noises of recalcitrance. The BSP and the SP backed out in a typical Indian stance of political whimsicality. Finally it was left to the Congress and the UPA to have the last laugh and call shots.

The issue of FDI could have become an important point of national debate in Parliament. Instead of first initiating the debate in a healthy manner, the Oppostion parties threw caution to the winds by simply trying to upstage the present government, a tactic which they have been employing ever since the formation of the present government. The BJP has its own agenda, which is obfuscating to say the least, and the Left Parties can at best whimper, especially after the indignity it suffered in the last Assembly elections.

The entire question of the FDI is a conflict of interests, between the local and the global, so much so that even if we talk of the world being a global unity, the antinomy between what is indigeneous and what is global in the form of the rising market, international production of goods, the multi nationals cannot be ignored and designated as something which will be happily resolved, especially in contexts of third world countries like India, trying desperately to have rising economies of scale. The matter is one of national concern, and although many have pooh poohed Gandhi`s economic philosophy, we are now talking with bated breath of everything that is indigeneous. The local and the global in an economic context do not appear to have blended into a happy marriage. On the other hand foreign investors are more than keen to invest in foreign soil, especially in India because of the burgeoning of a middle class which has commodified everything in terms of procurement of material goods: televisions, mobile phones, fast food, junk food and what have you. The matter of concern is with the lower middle classes and the abjectly poor. The former somehow manages to eke out a living, and the latter cannot afford two square meals a day. The question is: why has this been raised now? When the left parties severed themselves from the ruling elite, it was on a similar issue. Why was the question not raised then? The Left was virtually ostrasicized and is of course now trying to desperately resusicate it self. But in fairness to them they backed out under the condition of a staunch principle, namely not allowing political brokerage to the US.

The whole issue has simply been politicized for short term gains, and not for any long standing vision. If it is the latter the same concern should have been shown when foreign investment was percolating the Indian Economy. To stir the hornet`s nest now is simply political mileage and not any show of empathy or feeling for local artisans who live on a day to day basis or local productions which goes to the small time retailer, or for that matter the indigeneous production of goods.

So, long live the politics of chimera, the politics of expediency and oblivious to ground realities, including market realities.

The opposition unites to finally disunite. This has been the history of Indian Politics, speaking purely from political perspectives; and that is why there is no alternate voice in the Indian Polity.

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Archery championship concludes

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IMPHAL, November 30: ARAC wins men’s team event of the Indian round and compound division, in the 23rd Senior State Archery Championship 2012 at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex organized by Manipur Archery Association. The ARAC team, H Bijendranath, Bimal Tete, … Continue reading →

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The ARAC team, H Bijendranath, Bimal Tete, Y Bishorjit and M Chittaranjan took the first position in the 50 metre Olympic round team event men’s Indian Round with a score of 212.

The ARAC team, M Anupam, G Robert, T Michael and I Ritesh took the first position in the 50 metre Olympic round team event men compound division with a score of 217.

O Naobi Chanu of SICA took the first position in the 50 metre Olympic round women’s Indian round.

H Bijendranath Singh of ARAC took the first position in the 50 metre Olympic round men’s Indian round.

RK Satyapriya Devi of VAA took the first position in the 50 m Olympic round compound women.

Sh Ramakanta Sharma of SAI took the first position in the 50 metre Olympic round compound men.

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6th Loktak tourney

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IMPHAL, November 30: Host AMOFA Moirang defeated DMRAO Awang Sekmai by 2-0 in today’s match of the ongoing 6th Loktak Trophy Football Tournament organized by All Moirang football Association at Moirang Multipurpose Higher Secondary School play ground. Herojit (31st) and … Continue reading →

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Herojit (31st) and Johnson (42nd) scored for AMOFA.

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The System

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Leader writer: Paojel Chaoba Adversity only makes a man stronger, they say. But who amongst us wants to face hardships. The human nature only wants the best for oneself, the materialistic needs of the modern individual encompasses a myriad of … Continue reading →

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Leader writer: Paojel Chaoba
Adversity only makes a man stronger, they say. But who amongst us wants to face hardships. The human nature only wants the best for oneself, the materialistic needs of the modern individual encompasses a myriad of materialistic things and none wants to be outside the comfort zone.

To work with all sincerity and with the best of interest for an own business initiation or being employed in the public or private sectors has its own rewards. But sometimes sweat and tears do not cut it in the Manipuri system. The State has its own distinctive roadmap of success and it may be said that many undeserving persons are termed as successful from the Manipuri perspective.

It other cities, when a person alights from a flashy car and when the question is asked whom the person is? The answer comes, “This person is a successful man”. But, when the same question is asked here, the reply most of the times is, “ He must be a Government official getting a lot of bribes, an unscrupulous contractor or someone close to the ministers”. The point is that the public has a preconceived mindset and that corruption has become an acceptable model in our lives. Those who stay clean are marked as gullible and not in tune with the system and are ostracized by the corrupt.

A seminar on “Corruption Issues” was held at the Manipur University recently, but it can be asked how such seminars will aid in addressing the murkiness in the system. Will a select crowd of intellectuals, students and representatives of some civil bodies deliberating on the meaning of corruption have the desired effect and will the system improve.

It may or it may not. It is not up to one to give a conclusive remark on such matters. To wish for the better and development of oneself and the society as a whole is not futile especially if one acts on it.

Mother Theresa once said that ‘The hands that serve are holier than those that pray’. To provide a service for the fellow human beings with all sincerity as the Mother did does not demand further detail in appreciation. But, how many have that selfless attitude? One feels that it may be countable as there has not been another Mother Theresa.

There are though other unsung heroes who have not made it to the limelight or been awarded recognition, their efforts have been in similar service and with the same passion. They have faded with time and their efforts have been recognized only by a negligible section. Yet, they did their duty and worked on without want of praise and award.

The duty of an individual differs. The social hierarchy demands diverse states of work occupation wise. The rickshaw puller has his duty so does the minister. The employer to the employees and vice- versa. It is felt that adherence to one’s occupation and to work in that particular expertise with sincerity serves best. However, to augment one’s skill and look for greener pastures is just the normal flow. To achieve more is another basic human trait.

The present scenario of the State, the corruption, may have arisen due the individual not sticking to work with a disciplined stance. The proprietor may not have been fair to the employees. The officials or ministers who have the main responsibility of working out the administrative cruxes may not be discharging their work properly while trying to maintain the bank balances . The filling of the accounts also are based on a give and take objectivity as filling up of purses also require doling out certain amounts to the concerned superiors. Manipur has a system of also having to be in good with politicians and ‘other forces’ for the making of a successful individual.

This trend flows presently unabated and the much needed change is awaited. However, it is not a false hope that the winds of change will blow in the favour of our society and the present appalling state will one day come down to an acceptable level in the future. Till then, let us all bring down our egos and work on heartedly and believe that work is indeed worship.

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Mangboi Memorial Cup

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KANGPOKPI, Nov 30: FC. Sahei cruised HEAT, National Game Village 5-3 while KYU and SMT, Sapormeina were locked by 1-1 draw in their first and second match of 5th Mangboi Memorial Cup Open Football Tournament 2012 respectively at Thomas Ground, … Continue reading →

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Boipu (10th, 18th, 24th, 59th) and Mang (36th) scored for FC. Sahei while Boilen (16th, 70th) and Thangtinlen (30th) scored for HEAT, NGV in the first match while Seiminlal (13th) scored for KYU and Hahao (69th) scored SMT, Sapormeina side in the second match.

At LS Lunneh playground, Chikim FC, Langol routed LAYO 2-1 in the first match while Molsang YC defeated FC. Ninou 3-1 in the second match.

Themreisang (43th, 60th) scored for Chikim FC while the consolation goal of LAYO was scored by Paocha in 7th min. in the first match.

In the second match, Lamkholen (4th,36th) and Lengoulal (69th) scored for Molsang side while Lenjamang (26th) scored the solitary goal of FC.Ninou.

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Manipur Sangai Festival, 2012 concludes – KanglaOnline

Manipur Sangai Festival, 2012 concludesKanglaOnlineSpeaking on the occasion, Governor Gurbachan Jagat said Manipur is known more for its law and order problem rather than its beauty and the tremendous human resources and added that it is a fact of life…

Manipur Sangai Festival, 2012 concludes
KanglaOnline
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Gurbachan Jagat said Manipur is known more for its law and order problem rather than its beauty and the tremendous human resources and added that it is a fact of life that negative reports travel much faster than …
Sangai fest ends in Manipur with governor's regretE-Pao.net

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Student bodies recommend appointment of Dir Edu (U) – KanglaOnline

Student bodies recommend appointment of Dir Edu (U)KanglaOnlineIMPHAL, November 30: Representatives of Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur and Co-ordination Committee of Colleges' Students' Union of Manipur came out in full strength this af…

Student bodies recommend appointment of Dir Edu (U)
KanglaOnline
IMPHAL, November 30: Representatives of Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur and Co-ordination Committee of Colleges' Students' Union of Manipur came out in full strength this afternoon to resubmit a memorandum on the issue of quality Higher …

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Blockade not an option yet in pursuance of Alternative Arrangement, says UNC – E-Pao.net

Blockade not an option yet in pursuance of Alternative Arrangement, says UNCE-Pao.netImphal, November 30 2012: As of now highway blockade is not an option in pursuit of the demand for an Alternative Arrangement for Nagas of Manipur outside the purview …

Blockade not an option yet in pursuance of Alternative Arrangement, says UNC
E-Pao.net
Imphal, November 30 2012: As of now highway blockade is not an option in pursuit of the demand for an Alternative Arrangement for Nagas of Manipur outside the purview of the Government of Manipur. Talking over telephone with The Sangai Express, …
`Centre planning on pan Naga council`KanglaOnline
NPF urges negotiating parties to bring an end to Naga conflictBusiness Standard

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AIDS cases on the rise in Manipur – Times of India

AIDS cases on the rise in ManipurTimes of IndiaManipur is one of the six high AIDS prevalence states in the county and it does not encompass as a mere health issue as it covers all aspects of life economically, socially and politically. As per the epid…

AIDS cases on the rise in Manipur
Times of India
Manipur is one of the six high AIDS prevalence states in the county and it does not encompass as a mere health issue as it covers all aspects of life economically, socially and politically. As per the epidemiological report published by the Manipur …

One-handed cricketer to lead team for disabled at Manipur – Daily Pioneer

One-handed cricketer to lead team for disabled at ManipurDaily PioneerHe is known for his fast bowling and swashbuckling batting, but what makes him completely different from others is he has only one hand and now with his exceptional talent and comman…

One-handed cricketer to lead team for disabled at Manipur
Daily Pioneer
He is known for his fast bowling and swashbuckling batting, but what makes him completely different from others is he has only one hand and now with his exceptional talent and command in Cricket Govind will lead Jharkhand Cricket Team for disabled as …

Cabinet condoles the passing away of Gujral

MNS: The Cabinet met today to condole the passing away of former Prime Minister Shri Inder Kumar Gujral.
Inder Kumar Gujral will be given State Funeral. The Cabinet also declared State mourning of seven days as mark of respect to the departed leader and passed the following resolution:
“The Cabinet expresses profound sorrow at the sad demise of Shri Inder Kumar Gujral, the former Prime Minister of India, on 30th November, 2012. In his death, India has lost a great patriot, a visionary leader and a freedom fighter. Shri Gujral actively participated in the freedom struggle and was imprisoned during the Quit India Movement. As a distinguished diplomat, he served as Ambassador of India to the erstwhile U.S.S.R. and Special Envoy of India to a number of countries. Shri Gujral was an esteemed Member of Parliament in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Before assuming the office of the Prime Minister of India on the 21st April, 1997, Shri Gujral held various Ministerial positions as Minister of External Affairs; Minister of Water Resources; Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs & Communications and Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Communications.
Born on 4th December, 1919, at Jhelum in undivided Punjab into a family of freedom fighters, Shri Gujral was an erudite scholar, an eminent intellectual and a well respected commentator on national and international affairs.
The Cabinet places on record its deep sense of grief at the passing away of Shri Inder Kumar Gujral and extends its sincere condolences on behalf of the entire nation to the bereaved family.”
The Vice President of India M. Hamid Ansari has deeply condoled the passing away of of Shri Inder Kumar Gujral, former Prime Minister of India. In his condolence message, he has said that Shri Gujral was a distinguished leader and an outstanding public figure who served our country in various capacities, including as External Affairs Minister and Ambassador to the USSR, with dedication, honesty and patriotism, in a long and illustrious career spanning over many decades. He is fondly remembered by all who knew him as a warm, compassionate and friendly human being.
The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has offered his condolences at the passing away of Gujral here today.
He said, “Shri IK Gujral was a seasoned and astute politician who dedicated his entire life for the cause of the nation spanning over a period of over seventy years. He not only took part in the country’s freedom struggle but also contributed significantly to nation building. Never afraid of speaking his mind he was instrumental in coming out with bold ideas for conflict resolution in our immediate and extended neighbourhood.

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HIV Estimations 2012 Report

Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare released HIV Estimations 2012 at New Delhi today.
The main features of the estimations are as follows:
(1) 57% REDUCTION IN NEW HIV INFECTIONS DURING LAST DECADE
(2) 1.5 LAKH LIVES SAVED DUE TO SCALE UP OF FREE ART SERVICES SINCE 2004
(3) SUSTAINING THE INTENSITY OF INTERVENTIONS TO CONSOLIDATE GAINS
(4) EMERGING EPIDEMICS GIVEN THE HIGHEST PRIORITY IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
(5) BALANCING PREVENTION AND TREATMENT IS A KEY CHALLENGE
National AIDS Control Programme in India has been recognised globally as a success story. This programme rests on two key pillars – prevention for those who are not infected and care, support & treatment for those who have been infected. Since large proportion of the population are not infected with HIV, prevention remains the cornerstone of the programme. The strategies for prevention include targeted interventions for high risk groups, condom promotion and strong IEC campaigns for general population. Care, support and treatment aim at increasing access to testing and treatment services.
In order to refine these strategies and to evaluate the impacts of the interventions, National AIDS Control Organisation conducts HIV Sentinel Surveillance and HIV Estimations at regular intervals. The latest round of HIV Sentinel Surveillance was completed in 2011. The data generated there has been used for estimation of HIV burden and projection of HIV epidemic trends in the country. The HIV estimations 2012 indicate an overall continuing reduction in adult HIV prevalence, new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths in India.
Improved methodology & customised models to generate HIV estimates
The India HIV estimates 2012 utilised improved methodology and updated epidemiological data from the latest round of HIV Sentinel Surveillance, Census 2011 and other information on High Risk Groups for more accurate understanding of the Indian epidemic. Spectrum model has been customised with Indian data to allow robust projections for each state. The entire process is supported by national and international experts, epidemiologists and demographers from National Institute of Medical Statistics, UNAIDS, WHO, CDC and other public health institutes of India.
Adult HIV Prevalence
India is estimated to have an adult (15-49 years) HIV prevalence of 0.27% in 2011. Adult HIV prevalence among males and females is estimated at 0.32% and 0.22% respectively.
In 2011, among the states, Manipur has shown the highest estimated adult HIV prevalence of 1.22%, followed by Andhra Pradesh (0.75%), Mizoram (0.74%), Nagaland (0.73%), Karnataka (0.52%), Goa (0.43%) and Maharashtra (0.42%). Besides these, Odisha, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Chandigarh have shown estimated adult HIV prevalence greater than national prevalence (0.27%).
Trends of Adult HIV Prevalence
The adult HIV prevalence at national level has continued its steady decline from estimated level of 0.41% in 2001 through 0.35% in 2006 to 0.27% in 2011. Similar consistent declines are noted among both males and females at national level. Declining trends in adult HIV prevalence are sustained in all the high prevalence states (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur & Nagaland).
Annual New HIV Infections
It is estimated that around 1.16 lakh new HIV infections among adults and around 14,500 new infections among children occurred during 2011. Of the 1.16 lakh estimated new infections in 2011 among adults, the six high prevalence states account for 31% of new infections.
Trends of HIV Incidence (New Infections)
India has demonstrated an overall reduction of 57% in estimated annual new HIV infections (among adult population) during the last decade from 2.74 lakhs in 2000 to 1.16 lakhs in 2011. This is one of the most important evidence on the impact of the various interventions under National AIDS Control Programme and scaled-up prevention strategies. Major contribution to this reduction comes from the high prevalence states where a reduction of 76% has been noted during the same period. However, rising trends of new infections are noted in the some of the low prevalence states. Programme has evolved focused prevention strategies to address these emerging vulnerabilities.
Vulnerabilities due to high risk groups and bridge population
Considerable declines in HIV prevalence have been recorded among Female Sex Workers at national level (5.06% in 2007 to 2.67%) and in most of the states, where long-standing targeted interventions have focussed on behaviour change and increasing condom use. Declines have been achieved among Men who have sex with Men (7.41% in 2007 to 4.43% in 2011) also, though several pockets in the country show higher HIV prevalence among them with mixed trends.
Stable trends have been recorded among Injecting Drug Users at national level (7.23% in 2007 to 7.14% in 2011). Besides North Eastern states where declines have been achieved, newer pockets of high HIV prevalence among IDU have emerged over the last few years, in the states of Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi, Mumbai, Kerala, Odisha, MP, Uttar Pradesh & Bihar. Prevention strategies for IDU in the newer areas have been initiated recently and are prioritised for further scale up during the next five years.(contd next col)
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HIV Estimations 2012 Report
In certain North Indian states, evidence indicates the possible role of migration in fueling HIV epidemics. Besides high risk migrants, long distance truckers also show high levels of vulnerability and form an important part of bridge population.
People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV)
The total number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in India is estimated at 21 lakh in 2011. Children (<15 yrs) account for 7% of all infections, while 86% are in the age –group of 15-49 years. Of all HIV infections, 39% (8.16 lakh) are among women.
AIDS-related Deaths
Using globally accepted methodologies and updated evidence on survival to HIV with and without treatment, it is estimated that about 1.48 lakh people died of AIDS related causes in 2011 in India. Deaths among HIV infected children account for 7% of all AIDS-related deaths. Wider access to ART has led to 29% reduction in estimated annual AIDS-related deaths during NACP-III period (2007-2011). Greater declines in estimated annual deaths are noted in states where significant scale up of ART services has been achieved.
Lives Saved Due to ART
It is estimated that the scale up of free ART since 2004 has saved over 1.5 lakh lives in the country till 2011 by averting deaths due to AIDS-related causes. At the current pace of scale up of ART services, it is estimated to avert around 50,000 – 60,000 deaths annually in the next five years.
Sustained action needed for ‘Getting to Zero’
Above evidence shows that India is on track to achieve the global targets of ‘Zero New Infections, Zero AIDS-related deaths & Zero discrimination’. However, sustaining prevention focus and intensity in the areas where significant declines have been achieved, is highly critical to consolidate the gains, while effectively addressing the emerging epidemics. With increasing coverage of treatment & decreasing AIDS-related mortality, a significant number of people are likely to require first and second line ART treatment in the coming years. Major challenge for the programme will be to ensure that the treatment requirements are fully met without sacrificing the needs of prevention.
NACO has taken cognisance of these emerging challenges and have focussed on region specific prevention strategies and evidence-based scale up.
1. Scale up of Opioid Substitution Therapy and other harm reduction strategies are given focus in the North Western states where injecting drug use is identified as the major driver of the epidemic.
2. On the other hand, in the eight states of North India, where migration is increasingly being identified as playing role in HIV transmission, revised migrant strategy is being implemented with focus at source, transit as well as destination points.
3. In certain pockets of high prevalence states where HIV prevalence among FSW and MSM continues to be high, emphasis is given to sustain the higher coverage of targeted interventions and improve the quality of outreach.
4. Interventions to provide HIV prevention services to long distance truckers are being scaled up at the trans-shipment locations and truck halt points across the country.
5. More efficacious PPTCT regimen has been rolled out in high prevalence areas where number of HIV positive pregnancies is higher and where the impact on reducing new child infections will be maximum.
6. In the states that account for a larger share of HIV burden, treatment services are being scaled up through expansion of ART and Link ART centres. Second line ART and paediatric ART are being provided at greater number of centres across the country.
7. IEC campaigns have been strengthened through multi-media approach involving TV, Radio and innovative strategies such as Red Ribbon Express, National folk media campaign and North East campaign involving music and sports.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/hiv-estimations-2012-report/