Tag: Editorial

Too many youths representing different underground organisations laid down arms and surrendered to the Government of Manipur. Consequently memorandum of understanding too was signed. These youths fought for a cause and having realised the futility of waging war against the well established Government they decided to shun gun culture. Now the onus of keeping them happy lies with the Government of Manipur. Policies and programmes need to be framed to entice more of these youths to return to the national mainstream. A country like India, which is going to launch food security bill for poverty stricken people will not find problem in tackling a matter as small as giving rehabilitation package to the surrendered youths. If they are not happy they will return to the jungle life said a leader of an underground organisation, which surrendered to the Government. That was an impressive show. The youths in their prime age decided to enjoy a life different from what they had faced in the past. Surrendered youths will be getting monthly allowance of Rs 4000 plus a fixed deposit of Rs 2.5 lakhs in their name. Thousand and thousand of youths are living in jungle. Whether the amount offered will be able to attract these youths to the mainstream that is a simple question being asked. Moreover the surrendered groups did not consist of major rebel groups. By talking to the surrendered groups the Government will be able to know what is sweeping in the mindset of major rebel groups. NSCN fought for liberation of Nagaland but they are now content fighting for autonomy. Swaraj Kaushal former interlocutor of the NSCN Government of India peace talk said one must wait for the rebel leader to grow old before making initiative to bring them to the negotiating table. NSCN leaders are octogenarians. They need to take rest. Perhaps they wanted to take a good rest. If Swaraj Kaushal argument is to be taken seriously Manipur will not see the return of major rebel groups to the mainstream in the next one and half decade. Because the rebel leaders of these major organisation are still in their fifties. They are very smart and they are moving like other young men in their twenties. Manipur will continue to see pestering insurgency related problems for two decades more. This however should not desist the government of Manipur from making endeavours to bring more and more extremists to the mainstream. Manipur has not seen the return of peace. Nagaland has seen the return of peace; Mizoram too had experimented with peace. It has happened in Manipur insurgency related problems continue to torment the state and its people for the past three and half decades. Bombs would be blasted as and when extremists desire to do so. Large number of youths is at the disposal of the extremists to carry out the task, they want them to carry out. Even security men could be hired to hurl hand grenade even at the oil depot. This is a sorry state of affair, the state has been witnessing. But a change is in offing. Better days are ahead. Manipur will see the return of peace.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/better-days-are-ahead-3/

Where lies the necessity for alternative arrangement when the people in the state of Manipur are living peacefully. The representatives of the Union Government indicated that they did not come for holding talk about implementation of alternative arrangement. Highlanders are peaceful loving people. They are happy with the functioning of the state government. That is indicated by the fact that only a minuscule number of protesters came out to demand alternative arrangement. It is time UNC realises the futility of demanding alternative arrangement. UNC cannot think of taking away the community they represent from the state in which they are living. The people of the state rejoice when Union Government representatives said they do not come to discuss about alternative arrangement. Their statement reveals all that is in the mind set of the Union Government. Time and again the Government of India has been maintaining that nothing that will be detrimental to the well being of the state of Manipur in particular and the NE region as a whole will be done. After all a state like Manipur, which saw landslide victory for Congress party in the 2012 election will not receive drubbing from the Union Government, which too is led by the Congress party. Moreover Nagaland is ruled by NPF led Government. Simple question being asked is should a politically sensitive party like Congress work to harm the interest of the same party? NPF as it attempted to cling to power continuously for three terms threw abusive words against the Congress party. Congress party is different from other parties. It knows who the enemies are? Like any other ruling party it also feels the need for crushing a party that threatens to the smooth running of a party that runs Government. In the past when Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of the country she went to the extent of dislodging non Congress Government if such Government worked against the Congress party. The time has changed. Sonia Gandhi led Congress party has given immense power to the non Congress led Government. In Jharkhand BJP led Government passed resolution for dismissal of the state assembly without giving opportunity to the Congress led opposition parties. Congress party did not say anything to such proposal. Nor it attempted to politicise the issue. It shows Congress party is a sensible party it does not want to rake up issue unnecessarily. But it is really wise party it does not allow the thorn to remain imbedded in the body forever. The the party will make all out endeavours to ensure that NPF is ousted from power in Nagaland. NPF in Nagaland is detrimental to the well being of the country. Because it works to serve the interest of a rebel organisation. NPF cannot maintain equi-distance from rebel organisation like NSCN for minus NSCN the party will be in no position to win even a single a seat in Nagaland assembly. Having identified the enemy the people should work to eject NPF from power. Whatever the case may be the Union Government had made its stand clear, nothing that may hurt the interest of Manipur and its people will be done by the Union Government. Manipur is important.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/manipur-is-important/

From UPA I to UPA II, it took a loan waiving policy and announcement of some schemes to win people’s confidence. The same technique may be used by the UPA II to cling to power. After budget session scheduled to start from the later part of February more schemes for the welfare of the common masses may be announced. That had been indicated by the waiving of loans for weavers. Congress led UPA II will target the youths to emulate the record set by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru led Congress party. The party under Nehru won continuously for three terms starting from 1952 to 1962 elections. He died in 1964 and could not attempt for the straight quadruplet win. Since then no political party has been able to win continuously for three terms. This is a challenge the young leader of the Congress party Rahul Gandhi will face. Ever since he was promoted to vice President of the Congress party he has started talking like the great leader. He has said when he was General Secretary in charge of youth and NSUI his mind was preoccupied with youths only. Now he is the Vice President and he will not sideline senior leaders. A matured view. Rahul will be the next Prime Minister if Congress and its allies sweep the poll. That is a foregone conclusion, but the chinthan shivir of the party held in Rajasthan ended with his promotion to Vice President. There is a reason behind that. What is important in election is winning more seats. The rest will follow naturally. To get more, Congress party has to formulate various schemes and programmes for the youths. Wait for the budget session to start. In the run up to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections the country will see various schemes and programmes being doled out. Congress unlike opposition parties is a responsible party therefore it shows restraint in making election related promises. Those parties, which will never grab power can make irresponsible promises for they will never get the opportunity to translate the promises into action. A political party, which never sit in treasury benches can say if they come to power at the centre all the educated youths will be given Rs 10,000 per month. Can Congress party make such false promises? The answer will be in the negative because implementation of such false claim will not be possible? But a pertinent question is being asked why common masses show propensity towards Congress party? In Manipur too in the recently held state assembly elections Manipuris voted enmasse for the Congress party. Congress party pays the thrust to image building. While the opposition indulges in squabbling over the selection of leader, Congress leaves the choice of leadership to the high command. A disciplined fighter always in the war. The plus point of the Congress party is that it has in its rank and file workers and leaders, who are hell bent to obey the command of the high command. BJP cannot project its leader. But a war is never won without having a well trained general. That is the difference between Congress party and other parties be it regional or national.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/the-art-of-winning-in-election/

In the development starved state like Manipur development news evoke amusement. There had been debate in the past whether development should precede maintenance of law and order or vice versa. The motion itself was proved wrong. Both development and law and order maintenance can go together. Manipur has seen developmental programmes being taken up across the state. At par law and order too improved. Too many developmental programmes could be taken up in the state in the past one decade. The supportive Congress Government at the centre extended helping hand to the Government led by Chief Minister O. Ibobi. Gradually people’s expectation from the Government too changed. This is brought by time. The men in power have realised the areas to be focussed if the continuity of the Government is to be established. Congress party winning for three terms continuously would not have been possible if it neglected the aspirations and expectations of the masses. The newspapers published from Imphal had their front page filled with development news. Engineers returning to duty for completion of railway tract. Of Chief Minister claiming completion of Thoubal project within one year and also of visiting the NIT complex at Langgol. These are interesting stories to read. Then the PWD Minister Ratankumar visited Jiribam to discuss with the engineers in charge of construction of National Highway no, 37 connecting Imphal and Jiribam. It is said the railway tract laying, which was taken up as a national project is to be completed by 2016, which is not far away. If that happens the face of development too will change. The prices of essential commodities will be reduced. Landlocked state will be called train linked state. All these are development news, something we want to hear something we want to read. A massive plan is also underway to give finishing touches to the roads passing through the state capital. Construction season is properly utilised. One notices construction programme coming up on almost all the roads lanes and by-lanes included. It seems the MLAs too have felt the need for repairing roads on war footing. In the recently conducted state assembly elections MLAs, who neglected the duty of repairing roads and construction of drainage faced rejection by voters. The verdict of the people is pay importance to taking up developmental programmes. The rest are secondary. If developmental programmes are taken up public mind too will change and they will go for candidates, who work for their respective constituencies. Elderly leaders will have trouble time facing firebrand young leaders, who focus on development only. What more should the common masses speak if the elected representatives take up what they want them to focus on. It is interesting to watch elected representatives waking up early and making surprise check of the developmental works done in their respective constituencies. Forget everything. Set a mission and attempt to fulfil it within a limited time frame. If you do that common masses will know the difficulties faced in attempting to complete the mission. You will be given a chance to complete the mission. That’s the secret that you can share with your voters.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/set-a-mission-and-get-the-opportunity-to-complete-it/

The simplicity of a man should be decided by the life style he adopts. If you feel ashamed of doing something like manual work that you consider does not fit you stature your simplicity is pretentitious. Politicians must adopt simplicity as a way of life. The Indian democracy demands it. In the sovereign democratic country representatives of people must attempt to uphold people’s sovereignty. Simple men, who elected representatives, rejoice on seeing their representatives outclassing bureaucrats. When the West Bengal Finance Minister sat by the side of the TATA company chairman Ratan with the head inclining towards him he was ridiculed for reflecting an image, lower than the chairman. But behind the scene when they nobody see them they can do whatever they like it. At the public place people’s representatives when they are seen by all our Ministers and MLAs or MPs must behave as if there is none none above them. At the same par they must look and treat common people with love and care. After all why one casts vote. He wants to see his representative outclassing rivals in any field. They express jubilation when their representatives speak mesmerising the crowd. When a young MLA spoke an elderly person looks to him in the same manner parents looking to their young son playing the role of Lord Krishna in Ras Reela. When the young MLA performs superbly well in making speech the elderly crowd appreciate each other for making the right choice. They scurry their face with shame when the elected representatives are ridiculed by police officials or bureaucrats. But it happens in Manipur many of these elected representatives have started playing secondary role to the bureaucrats. We have heard bureaucrats openly ridiculing elected representatives. This is a sad phenomenon something we hate to see in a democratic country. Our elected leaders must assert and attempt to carry out all that they had promised on the eve of elections. In Delhi when a Union cabinet Minister addresses a press conference bureaucrat officers would flank and note down whatever uttered by the Minister. Ministerial assurance is a serious matter, but unless somebody notes it down and translates the assurances into action all assurances will go to vain. What happens in the state is that even the assurances given by the top executive is not strictly followed up by the bureaucrats. There are also other people who think their representative should focus on giving direct benefit to the common masses. They lament their representatives have forgotten to strengthen public distribution system. They want more outlets to come up to compete with the business sharks. Their simple complaint is they are very poor they cannot buy costly items sold by these malls. The state Government will have a long way to go to convince the masses. The common masses should be told what their representatives can do and what stands between the people’s expectation and the men at the helms of affairs. Until that happens our representative should continue to show simplicity. Learn to love lowliest guys. Only then you will shine in electoral politics.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/what-makes-a-successful-man/

An executive engineer of IFCD, who refused to oblige with the directive of the higher up to deduct 10 percent of the bill amount released for the work done under the Brahmaputra project across the state was transferred. But the EE was a clean man. He never demands money from the contractors. Every contractor, who was closely associated with him knows that. He is different from other EEs of other engineering departments. The EEs of other departments openly demand bribe money. The palatial buildings they have constructed testify the claim made by all that they are corrupt. Pay, perk and perquisites only cannot ensure the growth of such buildings. After all how can the EE in question meet the demand of the higher up when the contractors have said they would rather languish without drawing the bill amount than meeting the demand of 10 percent made by the higher up. The problem with our higher up is that they consider money as if it can be plucked from the branches of trees. A former Minister once said one should not feel envy of possession of wealth by political leaders. Because the money will come out flowing at the time of election. He quipped he has seen even the one time cabinet Minister leading a life of pauper after they have retired from electoral politics. Manipur style of election is very costly, he added. Those having more money are considered advantageous in the Manipur style of election. Bureaucrats, top police officers, who have amassed wealth during their service career, tried their luck in electoral politics, unfortunately many of them failed. The reason is not far to seek. They had kept themselves aloof when they were in service and during the short period of time available they could not get closer to the voters. Next time if they try they may turn out to be victorious. Plus their spending spree must also increase. It is a sad phenomenon. During the election time all major issues are brushed aside and voters go for the candidates, who offer higher bribe money. Democratic values have nosedived. Election Commission should change its dos and don’ts code of conduct in the Manipur context. Political parties and candidates should be given enormous freedom in conducting public meetings. For fear of being caught on election related expenditure charge public meetings were not conducted. Voters could not know get the ample opportunity of weighing the merit and demerit of candidate. In the past when there were no hindrance in the conduct of election related meeting even the poor men could try luck in electoral luck. Many of the victorious candidates in the past claimed they scaled the ladder of victory by speaking. They considered their mouth as their weapon. Now the candidate having the best oratory skill stands nowhere near the rich candidate. We will continue to hear the news of higher up demanding 10 percent cut until we reform electoral politics. Sorry, clean and efficient officers have to follow the path abhorred by masses but adored by wrong doers.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/the-product-of-ailing-society/

Ever since Manipur Government resorted to appointment of VDF on large scale work force in the state had been reduced drastically. Finding a mason has become a difficult task. Similarly youths, who were skilled in carpentry works had all joined VDF. The youths, who could make a living by doing piggery and poultry business too had gone for the job of their choice. Now they lament. Because paltry sum of Rs 3000 per month was not something they expected. When they were working as mason they could earn to the tune of Rs 9000 per month as they were skilled labours. A piggery farmer laughed out when he narrated the story of his younger brother whom he groomed up as a mason opted for VDF. They even dug the pond of higher up officials to get the job, he said. He said he can earn that amount of Rs 3000 in two days. When asked how, he said he gets Rs 1000 when a male pig is hired for insemination. Cannot they earn money as I do, he asked. The Government understands that the pay given to the VDF employees is too small. But the personnel resorted to agitation without giving much time for discussion, said the Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh the other day while addressing a press conference at the Chief Minister’s conference hall. It is likely their demand for increased pay may be considered by the Government. But the void created by these youths as they opted for Government job is enormous, which needs to be filled up. It might be for these reasons that the construction work of Government buildings, schools and bridges moved a snail pace. Contractors have felt shortage of work force. In the past a head mason had under his command not less than 100 workers now he cannot manage even 20. Reduction in work force has given a blow to all. The cost of building construction had increased as the little few available workers have demanded more. Earlier a helper demanded only Rs 100 per day now they have demanded Rs 250. Similarly expert and skilled worker has demanded Rs 350 per day. Fish production, poultry and piggery production too might have suffered dismal blow. Stop this madness called appointing large number of employees without having any work to do. Not a single police man with arm is to be seen at Tamu the border town of Myanmar while at Moreh the border town of Manipur hundreds of security men with arms wearing different uniforms of different colours are seen moving day and night. Why cannot we live without security personnel? Those who had travelled up to Mandalay in Myanmar said they do not see the kind of security cover provided all along Imphal Moreh road in Mynamar. Are the numbers of thugs in Manipur larger than the common people? Or are we all cowards, who flee on seeing thugs? Because it seems people rejoice on seeing men with uniform patrolling on the national highway. The Government had committed a mistake in appointing large number of VDF personnel. This mistake must not be repeated.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/work-force-reduced/

Vinas kale biparita budhi, which literally means the approach of downfall, makes a man senile. Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphieu Rio has seen the approach of downfall in his political career. His mind is befuddled so he dared challenge Chief Minister of Manipur O. Ibobi, who led Congress party to victory continuously for three terms. Such type of victory is not a mean achievement; no party will be able to perform this feat in the years to come. In the manner the frog of a well that has never seen the world bluffing the inmates Rio thinks of challenging with Manipur Chief Minister. What he does not know is that Manipuris consider Ibobi as hero in real life. Ibobi’s steadfast stand not to succumb to pressure was hailed by all. He could say boldly in solving the problem of a community no fresh problem should be created for other community. Manipur is different from other states in NE region. It nurtures up pan Manipuri culture for all people living in this state. The state of Manipur belongs to all people living in this state. Can Nagaland Government say that the state belongs to all communities? Nagaland is a failed state. It has no future. Manipur is far ahead of all the neighbouring states let alone Nagaland. The state is the reigning champion of National Games. If services do not join this National Games sports meet, there is no state in the country, which can beat Manipur in medal tally. What more we have Olympic medallist and gold medallist in Asian Games. Manipuris are moving with their head held high. In politics too the people of the state have felt the need for producing political heavy weight. In the recently held state assembly election Congress party won 45 candidates under the leadership of Ibobi. That message is loud and clear. The people of the state have put confidence in the ability of the Congress Government to protect territorial integrity of the state. Shaky and unstable Government which knuckles at the slightest pressure will not be able to take the kind of stand he has taken in the face of stiff challenge thrown against the state from all angles. Chief Minister O. Ibobi can face challenge. This was known when he lifted Armed Forces Special Powers act from seven assembly segments in the state capital despite warning against doing so by the top executive of the country. Omar Abdullah of Kashmir cannot do what Ibobi has done in Manipur. Centre does not count Neiphieu Rio seriously. He knows that so he banked on the NSCN Government of India peace talk and reflected the views of NSCN. He will continue to murmur for minus NSCN his party NPF stands nowhere in electoral politics. After the end of February 23 Nagaland election NPF will be exposed. His future in Nagaland politics is grim so he started biting the Chief Minister of a neighbouring state like the mad dog biting even the owner. Manipur will remain intact; because we have committed leaders, who are ready to sacrifice even the posts they are holding to protect territorial integrity of Manipur. Rio is a villain and Ibobi is a hero.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nagaland-cm-not-manipur-cm-is-a-villain/

Money had been sanctioned and released for the retaining wall construction under the Brahmaputra project. But the sanctioned amount cannot be handed over to the contractors. A higher up has demanded 10 percent cut of the total amount being given to the contractors. But the poor contractors, who took up construction work after mortgaging the little they have, are not ready to follow the dictate handed down by the higher up through the engineers of the IFCD. The contractors even held meeting and a decision was taken not to withdraw the sanctioned money. But the Government is desperate the released money must reach the hand of the contractors before the end of the financial year for without sending utilisation certificate no fresh funds can be obtained from the centre. According to a source close to IFCD about 500 contractors were engaged in the construction of retaining walls across the state. These contractors are putting their hands on head when they think of parting away 10 percent of the amount being released. Frankly speaking they will never be able to meet the demand. Big shots and higher up cannot feel the plight of the poor contractors. As if money can be plucked from branches of the trees they openly say if you cannot pay my percentage demand no file movement and passing of bill is impossible. It happens in every Government department. Contract work is for the unemployed youths. Unemployed youths, who cannot get the benefit extended by the Government to the employed class, survive by doing small contract. This is a good policy taken up by the Government. After all a Government exists to serve the interest of all citizens. Does the higher up think of collecting 10 percent cut from the employees pay? If not why it looks differently to the contractors. Such attitude shown to the poor contractors will make the Government unpopular in the eyes of poor unemployed sections. The matter should receive the attention of the highest authority of the land. These contractors are nominees of other higher ups. Manipur is now ruined. Restlessness has permeated everywhere. This is caused by higher section of the society. They have played the role of tormentors when they should be in the foot step of saviour. Youths have taken up arms and many others have resorted to drugs as they see not bright future in this corrupt society. Corruption goes unchecked. Higher up demanding 10 percent of the fund released for the work already done is unacceptable. Inspection if any of the work done and the quality of the wall could have been checked when the construction was on. Moreover two years and above had elapsed since the completion of the wall construction. The concerned engineers are in dilemma whether to obey the instruction from the higher to cut 10 percent or issue cheque before the expiry of the financial year. Delay will be dangerous for the contractors have taken a hardened decision not to part away their hard earned money. The matter is serious. The attention of the highest authority of the land is drawn to look into the matter.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cheque-cannot-be-issued/

When there is light or energy people work. People sleep when there is no light. Such is the law of nature. Nature has bestowed us adequate means to harness energy which we are not able to do. We entirely depend on government to provide us energy. The flop show will continue. We have to look for other sources. Big projects are not feasible as we can not afford to waste other resources and land. Even if we hate our neighbour China fo many reasons we are thankful to the great nation for illegally supplying cheap power sources like battery, recharegeable lamps etc. Sale of candle have climbed down in Manipur after the heavy import of the illegal alternate source. The government of India should seriously start working on this line. The solar panels issued through some agencies in the state adorn residences of government officials while it is doubted if the beneficiaries include the common masses forget about the poor. Energy has become a global concern and hence the government should ensure that people have easy access to the schemes to provide alternative source of energy. Inverter and other products in our country are costly compared to products coming from neighbouring countries. Researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology, international semiconductor consortium SEMATECH and Texas State University have suggested that use of new methods and materials for building integrated circuits can reduce power—extending battery life to 10 times longer for mobile applications compared to conventional
transistors.The key to the breakthrough is a tunneling field effect transistor. Transistors are switches that control the movement of electrons through material to conduct the electrical currents needed to run circuits.Unlike standard transistors, which are like driving a car over a hill, the tunneling field effect transistor is more like tunneling through a hill, said Sean Rommel, associate professor of electrical and microelectronic engineering.“The tunneling field effect transistors have not yet demonstrated a sufficiently large drive current to make it a practical replacement for current transistor technology,” Rommel
sserted, “but this work conclusively established the largest tunneling current ever experimentally demonstrated, answering a key question about the viability of tunneling field effect transistor technology.”Such methods can be used in our energy starved state . Whatever the government takes up we have to ensure that people get the benefit.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/energy-crisis-in-manipur/

National highway road connecting Imphal and Moreh is dangerously narrow. Driving along this road is not safe. Vehicles drive in full speed as long distance is to be covered. There is no space for swerving the vehicle. Drivers show the tendency to overtake the vehicles ahead. Two wheelers are not safe on this road because the roadside is depressed by around one foot. The two wheelers as they attempt to allow the fast moving four wheelers move ahead of them the vehicles skid on the road. Something needs to be done immediately to widen the road from Kakwa to Thoubal where large number of vehicles ply. Top executive of the state must pay immediate attention and take steps for expansion of the national highway. There is a plan for introduction of Imphal Mandalay bus service as a part of strengthening the relation between India and Myanmar. Which means buses from Myanmar side too will be coming to Imphal. Manipur roads are not presentable to the foreigners. After all roads are the faces of the state. These tiny roads are not worthy of showing. Top priority must be given in upgrading the condition of all national highway particularly Moreh Imphal road. In the past 10 years the number of vehicles in the state had increased manifold. This is indicated by the frequent occurrence of traffic jam, which has happened in town areas. Even in the rural areas traffic jam has occurred. Why it happens? The question is being asked though we know the answer. The state Government’s inability to widen the existing roads has attributed to making traffic congestion. Our Government must know that the state has no means to connect with the outside world except by road. This means that road must receive top priority. If the Government do not have fund for expansion of the road mentioned above it should find some fund for raising the depressed roadside, so that two wheeler drivers will not find handicap in driving on the national highway connecting Moreh and Imphal. The roadside dwellers also must understand the problems facing the vehicle drivers on this road so they should not stand near the road. There is likelihood of vehicles knocking them down while negotiating the narrow road. It happens at Lilong area almost all the people come out from home and stand near the road. What they are doing on the roadside. This question is raised by vehicle drivers. At some areas near Khumbong on the NH 37 connecting Imphal and Jirbam local people sit on the roadside unmindful of the fast moving running just behind them? Are they not afraid of dying? Then youngsters in town areas move stretching horizontally. They almost block the fast moving vehicles. They wait for the vehicles to give blaring sound and move sideways in the same manner cows running away when they are beaten with stick. Such unruly youngsters need to be thrashed because they have no respect for the fast moving vehicle. But the duty of the Government is to focus on the area where there is problem. All these national highway roads have become a problem, they need immediate attention.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/national-highway-roads-too-narrow/

Hundreds of spectators were waiting for the international polo tournament to start the other day at the historic Imphal Pologround. The shade caused by the setting of the sun was extending eastward yet the match could not be started. Amidst the rapturous clapping of the crowd came the announcement “no matter whether the chief guest watches this game or not the match will be started because the game cannot be played when the sun had set in”. The chief guest came but after the game had ended the first chukker (a chukker lasts seven minutes). The functional president, who attended the function in time and had witnessed the uproar and anger of the crowd, might have asked him why he came late. Yesterday three day Bharat Nirman campaign organised by PIB in collaboration with other sister organisations began at mini conference hall at Thoubal DC complex. The invitation card indicated the starting time of the programme as 10.30 am but it started at 12. 30. Reason being the chief guest was not available and her deputy was assigned the task of gracing the occasion. Imagine the plight of the common people, who came at 10. They had wasted time sitting idle in the echo filled hall. The time wasted could have been used either in attending on ailing parents or in digging pond or nullah. Precious time was wasted without doing anything. When will our leaders realise that every function state level or village level is important. If they cannot attend a function in time question will arise where lies the necessity for these VIPs to light the candle to mark the inauguration of a function. A function can be held without lighting the candle and also without any VIP adoring the dais. If they will not be able to attend the function in time a culture will need to be evolved so that organiser can start a function by just reserving a seat or two for the VIP and the latter can occupy the seat when they come. Then the speaking style of the VIPs also needs to be reformed. They cannot waste time while speaking. They start their speech by mentioning the names of all present in the crowd and on the dais. Cannot they start the speech by addressing the crowd as ladies and gentlemen in the same manner English speaking people are doing? Imitating the VIPs the mediocre speakers also mention the names of the dignitaries present at the function. These verbose are wastage of time. Vivekananda was hailed when he started his speech addressing the Americans as brothers and sisters of America. He received unending claps for the opening words. If he mentioned the names of the religious leaders present on the occasion he would not have been remembered. Nevertheless the top executive and head of the state always keep time. They attend function at the right time. This is known to all organisers. Therefore any function attended by them starts in time. A lesson must be learnt from them. But who cares attitude is shown. This needs to be checked. The question arises who will do that? It is to be done by you and I. Do not attend the function, which does not start in time.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bad-habit-infiltrates-every-where/

It is pleasant news. Soothing to the ears and balm to the body. Why cannot Manipur live without the agitation launched on national highway? Why cannot we think roads are constructed for movement not for blocking? Kukis’ agitation on the national highway has been suspended after the agitationists were locked in dialogue with the Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh yesterday. They heard the appeal made by the Chief Minister to suspend the agitation considering the hardship it has caused to the people of the state. Demands can be made. That’s the democratic right of the people living in India. But one must weigh the practicability aspect of the demand. We have built castle in the air in the dream. Dream is different. You can do anything you can fly like superman. But in real life it happens nothing much can be done and we have to accept the reality of life where we are and where we are born. We must not attempt to bring heaven on earth. We cannot compare our state with Singapore. The strategic location of a state should be considered. Tiny state like Goa and Pondicherry in the south can survive on their own without taking much help from the Union Government. Their economy shaped by income from tourism is thriving. Development must take place. But not at the cost of the interest of the state. The state interest will never be sacrificed. Chief Minister has rightly said that he will oppose anything that is detrimental to the well being of the state. Recently when he met the top leaders of the Union Government he took a stand that is quite convincing. He exists to serve the state and he will even sacrifice the post he is holding in the event of Union Government taking a decision to bifurcate the state to appease a section of the people. Similar stand that he took will be reflected as and when situation calls. Therefore protagonists of the homeland are advised not to indulge in wild dreaming. We are citizens ofManipur. Let us think of contributing something to the growth of the state. Let us ask our representatives not to waste time without doing anything. Our representatives can be asked to supervise the developmental programmes launched in different constituencies for early completion and also for maintaining quality. It happens construction programmes launched at the hills and remote villages are not properly supervised so they crumble even before inauguration. At the end the Government is blamed for all that is done at the remote areas. To save the Government from landing in embarrassing situation a mechanism needs to be evolved to see to it that the construction programmes launched at the remote areas are properly supervised. Having talked to the Chief Minister the leaders of the Kuki state demand committee might have realised what needs to be done and what should not be done. Nevertheless the leaders of the committee are to be appreciated for taking a stand that will go long way in nurturing the relation among different communities living in the state. Better sense prevails.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/better-sense-prevails/

Ousted BJP President Nitin Gadkari has the habit of uttering the words that do not fit his stature. As if he belonged to chattering class he threatened IT employees while speaking in Nagpur saying Congress will be out of power and who will be able to protect IT officials. The impending cases against the firm owned by him acted against his continuation as BJP president. He lost the post but BJP has gained. Because if he continued to speak in the manner as he is doing the party will fare badly in 2014 Lok Sabha election. When he was in Manipur as BJP president some time back he made the false promise of reclaiming Kabow valley now in Myanmar after BJP returns to power at the centre. Either he considered Manipuris are foolish or he knew BJP will never return to power at the centre that he could think of making such irresponsible promises in front of a huge crowd. Did he ever say if BJP returns to power at the centre the Government of India will try to retain Pak occupied Kashmir. He tried to kick up a dead issue by making false claim. Perhaps he desired India to lock in a brutal war with the neighbouring country. Because without engaging in bloody war no land can be reclaimed. At a time when the Government of india is focussing on look east policy with a view to better economic conditions of the people living in North East India such irresponsibly made statement that too by leader of a big political party will create misunderstanding between the two neighbouring countries. After India opened its heart and mind the neighbouring country too have shown similar gesture to us. Fortunately Myanmar did not take his statement seriously and the matter ended there only where he spoke. India is making all out efforts to nurture better relation with all the neighbouring countries. Indian endeavour has borne fruit. All the neighbouring countries except hostile Pakistan have stated that it will not indulge in any form of activities that will be detrimental to the well being of India. India since its independence has been projecting itself to the rest of the world as the upholder of peace. US know that. It observed Indian relation with Myanmar before it re-established diplomatic relation with Myanmar. Indian military might is known all over the world. Yet it does not use the might in creating turmoil in the neighbouring countries. Had it not been for the strong support extended by India, Sri Lanka would have remained embroiled locked in bloody war with LTTE. The country has seen the return of peace. Bangladesh is also happy to be India’s neighbour and it sees India as a big brother. Then there is Bhutan, the king of which country was honoured by inviting as the chief guest of the 64th Republic Day celebration held in the capital. Ousted BJP President might have learnt a lesson or two after making blah blah. He must control his mouth. He should think twice before opening his mouth. The true duty of a leader should be to usher in peace and tranquillity. He failed as BJP President.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/gadkari-failed-as-bjp-president/

The people of the state have landed in quagmire not knowing what to do. While the people living in the hills are demanding separate homeland the valley area is traumatised by ceaseless rocking caused by bomb blast. Where should we hide for cover? The manner with which bombs were blasted today in different areas of the state capital reveals the ability of the armed elements to strike at will the target of their choice. It seems the bombs were planted to discourage participation of general public in the Republic day celebration in the state capital, where the main function takes place. Despite series of combing operations launched at different areas of the state capital to shoo away armed elements from the state capital in view of the Republic Day celebration the armed elements could carry out what it wanted to do. Bombs were laid even in the heavily cordoned off area. How it happened? That is for the investigating agencies to study. As Republic Day celebration is banned by all armed elements of all hues something of this nature that we witnessed this morning was expected. They carry out similar bomb attacks every year. This will continue until the Government makes serious endeavour to bring all the UG elements over the negotiating table. Peace had returned to other parts of the country except in Manipur, which continues to see what it has have been seeing. Elusive peace is not made for us. Does it happen elsewhere? The restlessness of this nature we are seeing in Manipur, is horrendous? There is no such demand of homeland in Kashmir, which is even bordering with the hostile country Pakistan. We have to blame the Union Government, which leaves the solution of law and order in the hands of the state Government only. When Punjab was rocked by Khalistan movement it left no stone unturned to find solution. Punjab had seen the return of peace. Similar efforts need to be made to bring Manipur back to normalcy. Even those very few elements, who have surrendered to the Government, are not properly rehabilitated. Who else will think of following them when the Government invites them to return to the mainstream? A lot of hard work needs to be done to restore peace and communal harmony in the state. But the general public are peace loving people. What they want is nothing but development. They want to see our state moving forward. The state is lagging behind in all fields. Villages in remote areas are not getting even the basic amenities. It is time we all think what we should do for them. Republic Day celebration will pass. But the restlessness that threw life out of gear will remain. Manipur cannot move out of this sad phase. Brothers are killing brothers. The sufferers happen to be the lowliest guys. When will peace return to Manipur? When will brothers realise the futility of demanding separate homeland. We must live and fight for ushering peace and tranquillity in this trouble torn state. It should be the endeavour of all people in Manipur to keep the state intact. Let this sad phase pass way. Let us all fight for giving peace a chance.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/its-a-sad-phase/

Once again petrol and diesel have become scarce item. Oil depots at many places had the rope straightened in front of the depots indicating the items are not available. More unfortunate is the fact that the Kuki state demand committee has threatened to call indefinite blockade on the national highway in pursuit of their demand for creation of Kuki land, which means Manipuris will land in the pit of sorrow for some time more. What should we do now? We have not learnt anything from all that we have seen and heard. Despite 15 year long peace talk between NSCN and the Government of India Nagas’s demand for expansion of boundary cannot be fulfilled. Time and again the Government of India is telling territorial boundary of Manipur will not be affected. Then how come Kukis think their demand for creation of Kuki homeland will be heard by the Government of India. Laldenga too fought for greater Mizoram. What did he get? He and his lieutenants ruled Mizoram. That’s all. The protagonists of Kuki homeland are advised to drop their demand and focus on other things. Nagas too have realised the futility of demanding territory expansion so they are shifting their demand to alternative arrangement. Manipur must move forward. It can happen when we all work unitedly understanding each other’s problems. Manipur has changed a lot in the past 30 years. All the district head quarters have seen massive infrastructure coming up. Indoor stadiums conference halls have been constructed in all the district head quarters. Road connectivity has increased. Massive plan is underway to electrify all the villages. However drinking water scarcity is a serious problem, which needs to be solved. Our energy and time must be used in improving our surrounding. Do not waste time in making irrational and unreasonable demand for which there will be no taker. The Government of India will not find time to hear such irresponsibly made demand. We must ask ourselves what are our immediate requirements. Why do we need land in the name of a community? Here again the protagonists of the Kuki state are reminded no land will be created in the name of community. Why cannot we accept the fact that the state of Manipur belongs to all people. Our forefathers fought for creation of this land called Manipur. Nobody will be able to break our land. Chief Minister O. Ibobi when he met the central leadership had made the stand of the state Government clear. It will not allow parting of even an inch of land. Then where lies the possibility of Kukis getting separate state within Manipur. It is time they too realise the futility of fighting over the demand, which will never be fulfilled. Take this word. Manipuris will protect territorial boundary even if the union Government decides to break Manipur. Manipuris fought valiantly against the mighty forces to protect its land. That had been recorded in the history. The recent great June uprising was also a reminder of how Manipuris hold dearly their land. Thousands and thousands will sacrifice their lives for protection of the Manipur’s boundary. Therefore the agitationists are advised to stop the agitation over homeland and allow movement of vehicles on the national to ensure availability of petrol, diesel and other essential items.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/irresponsible-agitation-creates-problem/

Trucks are lying scattered here and there as if there is no space for parking giant sized vehicles. You will find everywhere on the main roads of Imphal trucks standing still and drivers looking for the space to park the vehicles. Why it happens? The roads at Sangaiparou area where the FCS godown is located have not been properly repaired for the last several years. Locals have not allowed entry of big vehicles at the area. A pathetic scene is seen here every day. Of dusts filling the area and the locals not finding enough space even for movement as vehicles continue to occupy the area longer than necessary. Local people do not have any complain as long as the road is properly maintained. What is happening here is vehicles are dumped without maintaining the roads. It is time concerned authority pay serious attention and take steps for early repairing of the road. The road requires special treatment as trucks loaded with tons of items ply on this road daily for loading and unloading at the FCS godown. The matter should receive the attention of the highest authority of the land. Delay in taking action will cause lots of problem. Similarly too many roads in Imphal need inspection by the competent authority. Tera Loukrakpam Leikai at Sagolband side is also another road which has been kept neglected by the Government. If traffic congestion at the bazaar areas like Kanglapat roads is to be reduced the ring roads at the outskirt areas need to be developed. New Chekkon area in Imphal East can be developed as main market centre to reduce traffic congestion at Khwairamband bazaar areas. But there is nothing at this area. Roads are too narrow. Even for photo enlargement one has to go to Khwairamband bazaar. The thrust must be paid to expansion of road at this area so that VIPs can be asked to use this road instead of driving on the busy Kanglapat road. We have hump raisings in the middle of the road. The real purpose of this raising is to bifurcate the road to avoid head on collision between two incoming vehicles. But frequent cutting at different areas have rendered the real purpose meaningless. Frequent accidents have occurred at the areas where there is gaping holes. At Uripok near Polem Leikai every day one or two accidents happen and many had died at this area. The culprit is the wide opening of median allowing vehicles from all sides to move to any direction. This median in the middle must be connected. Accidents that occur every day will be checked by connecting the median. At Mantripukhri side the median stretches far as a result no accident happens at this side. But at Uripok median is cut at the head of every Leikai. It is said a VIP used his escort personnel in cutting the median when he found that his Leikai missed the privilege of having entry point. What he did not know is that the median road is for avoiding accident at the area. There should be enough funds for development of roads in the state capital. These dusts are suffocating. Don’t you see it?

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sangaiparou-roads/