Tag: Editorial

One pertinent question that is being asked by all to the thinking men is what Manipur will do in the event of union Government agreeing to give away the demand for amalgamation of Naga inhabited areas under one administrative unit after seceding land from Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. While the possibility of meeting with such irresponsibly made demand is remote we have to be extra cautious to scuttle if there be any move by the centre to meet with the demand made by NSCN leaders. NSCN supremo is unrelenting and he continues to maintain that until and unless there is integration of all Naga inhabited areas, solution to the vexed Naga problem will not be final. But Nagaland election is approaching fast. Both Union Government and NSCN are desperate and they want to give something to the Nagas before the start of the electioneering process. What offer they have for the people in Nagaland? This is one million dollar question being asked. They know the demand for amalgamation of all Naga inhabited areas will be buffeted like strong wind blowing away objects that stand in its way. Transparency however is lacking. This has aroused curiosity of all. Everyone is in the dark. The Union Government too might be in the dark. Nevertheless it cannot inflame the angers of other people living in other states as it appeases a section of the people in a state. On the other hand rebel leaders cannot be angered by turning down their demand outright without discussing. Hence the elongation of the prolonged peace talks. Union Government as it engages rebel leaders in the peace talk for more than 14 years sends a message to all the rebels operating in the country that it can extend patient hearing as long as the rebels show the tendency to remain in the national mainstream. The thrust is given to finding lasting peace and also in ending terrorism. Union Government having observed the situation prevailing in Assam and Manipur since the inconclusive peace talk was conducted might have evolved its own strategy to find a way for solution to Naga problem. Assam Chief Minister had boldly declared that not an inch of land would be parted to Nagaland. Similar stand had been taken by Manipur Government also. Civil organisations based in Manipur moved one step ahead. These organisations maintain that Manipur dismemberment will be demanded if the Union Government insists on carving out land from Manipur. All these developments reveal one stark reality the days ahead will be stormy. Better sense should prevail. The situation prevailing now calls for all to make little sacrifice to make Manipur strong and united. Any attempt to divide the people of the state on communal line should be crushed. Hate and hatred campaign unleashed by a section of the society will weaken the unity and integrity of the state. Extra care should be taken to ensure that the words uttered do not provoke communal tension. Win and win situation for all communities need to be created. It can be achieved when we understand the requirements of other people belonging to other communities. If you have a will you will be able to do that.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/understanding-each-other/

Everybody can hope. One has the right to hope. Hope is different from day dreaming. Day dreaming is done by lazy men, who want everything without doing anything. Even then not all hopes can be spoken out. If the hope turns out to be diametric to the popular belief of the masses it should be eliminated. Because there are listeners, who will scoff at if the hope appears to be inclining towards day dreaming. One must think several times before opening mouth. Wise leaders do not speak the ills of others. If they speak openly their leadership quality will be questioned. Do not expose yourself by speaking something, which will never materialise. Naga integration is beautiful, one can hope for achieving it. But integration of all Naga inhabited areas and keeping it under one administrative unit will be impossible. If one hopes for achieving it he or she will be treated as day dreamer. There are areas in Bangladesh where Meiteis are residing and also vast areas of land at Mandalay are inhabited by Meiteis. Can all these land come under one administrative unit? American English, Australian English, Hong Kong English, they all have maintained separate identity. Their separation had become history. Now they do want to live under one umbrella. Even the small family had been divided into nuclear family. But there can be emotional integration. Emotional integration binds all and a nation is kept alive when all the people live peacefully sharing concerns. Nagas living in Manipur can love Nagas in Nagaland. That requires exchange of love and expression of solidarity. What more can you do when even brothers do not cooperate with brothers. There are individual aspiration and ambition that stand in the way of all brothers living under the same roof. Nevertheless brothers love brothers. Living separately does not mean they quarrel. Therefore NSCN supremo is advised to eschew false hope of bringing all Naga inhabited areas under one administrative unit. It is time he realises that not all hopes can be fulfilled. After all what does one gain by causing social restlessness and keeping the states in turmoil with irresponsible demand? Moreover the affected states had pledged not to part away even an inch of land from their respective territories. Decisions of all the political parties of the country to protect territorial integrity also cannot be taken lightly. A party ruling both at the centre and the state cannot not do anything wrong to harm the interest of the people ruled by the same party. Any attempt to bifurcate the states in NE region on communal line will cause colossal loss. This is not a plaything. A toy can be repaired when it is broken. Moreover Manipur is not a creation of the Government at the centre. Manipur is different from other states in NE region, which were carved out of Assam. Future generation will not pardon the present generation if they cannot protect the territory of the state, which was handed down to us by forefathers. This feeling had been sown in the blood of the entire people living in the state. Therefore NSCN is warned against demanding amalgamation of Naga inhabited areas from Manipur into Nagaland.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/day-dreaming-different-from-hope/

Why should a man arrested or picked up from his home be found killed elsewhere? Such type of killing reveals absence of effective law to deal with the perpetrators of the crime of such nature. The state had seen too many crimes of this nature in the past and the latest one happened only yesterday when the hardcore member of PLA arrested from his home was found killed in other place. Fake encounter or extra judicial killing is used by the law enforcing agencies as a means to shoo away the extremists from the soil of the land. Counter insurgency operation launched in Manipur it seems is directionless. It has failed to control insurgency movement in the state. Public discontentment is on the rise and extremists of all hues can strike the target of their choice at their own will. A concrete policy needs to be framed to attract the warring groups to the negotiating table. The manner with which bombs are planted by extremists at vulnerable areas where security forces patrol also reveal that the underground organisations are not willing to stop the war against the Indian regime. But killing cannot control the movement. One dies today, someone will die tomorrow. Hundreds and thousands of youths will be dying. Realisation is yet to dawn. Who has gained, who has lost? We must ask this question to ourselves. Are we community born to die? Even in the state like Kashmir where Pakistan based mujahedeens are operating such type of killing is not heard of quite often as is happening in our state. It is time we analyse how security forces or security personnel operate in other states having similar problem. Punjab had seen the return to peace. Mizoram too had reaped the fruit of peace. Nagaland is also on the threshold of finding peace. Peace loving people of Manipur have not got its share of peace. Elusive peace may not be seen in our life time. That is sad. But extra judicial killing cannot be used as a means for controlling insurgency in Manipur. The wailing of the victims’ dear and near ones and widows crying for their departed husband all these are happening in the vicinity. Normal life has been seriously affected. When will Manipur see the return of peace? Who will be able to say to which direction Manipur and its people should go. Something can be done after knowing what is sweeping in the minds of the rebel leaders. Messengers can be sent out to know the mood of the rebels. Will declaration of unilateral cease fire against all the rebels operating in Manipur be catalytic in finding lasting peace in the state? The need of the hour is for all to come together and evolve strategy to find lasting pace in Manipur. Hate and hatred campaign flare up tension and at the end it creates turmoil and social unrest. But the simple question remains and it is being asked to the concerned authority what it can to do to stop extra judicial killing for it has dragged down the image of the state and lawlessness has been exposed.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/extra-judicial-killing/

Those who are blessed by the God die young, someone said it. This however does not mean that young men and women to make it appear as if they have been blessed by the God should attempt to die young. Noted singer Khun Joykumar heart throb of lakhs of Manipuri fans died young as he was only 62 when he died. He sang more than one thousand songs, all melodious and well tuned. He was really talented as a composer and singer. He is different from others. He used accompanying music perfectly in all his songs either sung or composed by him. There is a story about how saxophone became a part of the orchestra group in live concert. He met Dhana band master at a recording centre while setting tune for a film. He heard saxophone blown by Dhana and then invited him to join the orchestra group. Prior to that saxophone though popular in Hindi film songs was not part of the modern Manipuri song. When he is on stage he looks around to see if all the musicians are ready to go with him. He starts his presentation by counting one, two, three, four. Music comes out profusely and he then jumps into the well set tune. Such type of song is a treat to the ears. He is one such composer, who thinks sentimental song should not be sung slowly with accompanying music almost nil. His “Nugshiba Hooni” was sung to the pulsating beat of tabla and accompanying music blaring loud. Music organ players reflect their upbeat mood when they see Khuna Joykumar around them on stage. “Sibu thoina haraobabau leibara” composed by him, which is sung to the beat of dholop in the film Ingallei is purely original and it reveals intrinsic beauty of Manipuri song. Such a great man, such a big singer, actor and composer all combined died penniless. That is sad. Shumang leela Ishei singers say, Khun Joykumar does not take much time in composing songs. They rush to him whenever a new production is launched. The songs composed by him are in demand and he composes song after grasping the theme and situation of the play. Wonderful thing about this great man is that when he was too young he had composed songs for the singers senior to him. He was a big soul. If a singer starts singing his song as his own he will stop singing the same song. He has given it to him without telling. He was a wizard in his own field. It will be difficult to trace a song, sung or composed by him, that is boring. All are sweet to hear. Forever Joykumar will remain forever. All his songs will remain green forever. Unfortunately he was not an approved singer of the AIR Imphal. When he was asked to sit for audition he refused to do so. A great singer requires no test. He had passed away. It will be difficult to fill up the vacuum caused by his death. Let him rest in peace.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/forever-joykumar/

The distribution system of LPG is something amazing. When the government announced restriction on the numbers of cylinders a customer is entitled in a year all in Manipur were quite surprised. People in Manipur get about four cylinders in a year. They have to buy the rest in black market. The distributors expressed inability to increase the quota as they are not getting adequate stock. But how come cylinders are available plenty in the black market. This is one question no one is able to answer . As the query remains unreplied those affected by it are the people and those benefitted by it are those involved in black marketing. Whose responsibility is it to rein in the bad men ? The government agencies have to be activated and compelled to work for the people and search for the answers to the various queries raised by the people specially the poor. Issuance of new connection is something never done in the open. If one applies through normal process one will never get the opportunity but if someone applies through back door, he will get it. There are two many problems to be ironed out. The consumers are forced to pay a huge amount of money without receipt and should buy a gas stove sold by the distributor. If one says no then one will never get a new connection. We sometimes wonder if the Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Veerapa Moily is aware of the problem. Moily had already stated that the decisions on the issue is not a political one, it is an administrative move. Government had raised the price of heavily subsidised diesel to rein in its fiscal deficit and counter the threat of becoming the first of the big emerging economies to be downgraded to junk.
It also decided to limit the number of subsidised cooking gas cylinders per household to six per year, a move seen as hitting the poor hard. Any cylinder bought over this ceiling will be at market rates, which could almost double the price. Whatever be the politics behind the system at least ensure that whatever is doled out reaches the beneficiaries.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/lpg-distribution-system/

Aya Ram, gaya Ram culture has become a thing of the past in the Indian political culture. Since the amendment of the 10th schedule of the constitution those in electoral politics have felt the long teeth of the law. Now politicians have got attached to the party of his or her choice like adhesive. But when the election time approaches politicians expose their true colour they change the parties like chameleons. It is true those, who have the habit of changing political parties like coats show the tendency to indulge in the activities not befitting their stature. Commitment is thrown in the wind and whatever little they did while they were in the former party before they switched side is belittled by themselves. It is amazing those who had worked for strengthening a political party after changing colour ridicule the policies and programmes of the same party which he held high earlier. Do not change colour of the party quite often. If you do that you will land in trouble in defending your own action. Imagine the plight of a CPI or CPM leader joining BJP. All that he learnt as Left front cadre will be of no use in BJP. Similarly a Congress man joining a regional party, he will be a square peg into a round hole. His ideas will go awry. Too many politicians, who profess the skill of speaking talent, who could carry the masses with their debating capability lay like spent force, for they have landed in a party which he had scoffed at earlier. The lack of patience put them a in a precarious situation. Smt Sonia Gandhi said “those in electoral politics understand that political life is very short”. But these politicians are quickening their own death by indulging in the activities not befitting their stature. To be a good politician the qualities one should posses is the commitment to do something for the society. If you had done something for the society you will have lots of materials to speak. If you speak for the sake of speaking without doing anything you will be exposed. There is a difference between class room and political training session. A politician cannot behave like a teacher while speaking at the political training session. Listeners have the right to reject all your views without saying anything. You must address them with respect. You cannot treat the listeners as your students. The deep understanding of the prevailing political culture and when it is spoken with style will make you not only a successful speaker but also a good leader. But if you wield power that is a different thing. Sycophants and chamchas will show readiness to clap even when you say something that is not at all relevant with the occasion. The crowd will excuse him. Until you reach that stage all that you have to do is concentrate on what you will have to speak at a gathering. When you speak something that is irrelevant the anger of the masses will be showered on the party that put him or her in the higher echelon of the party. You cannot be a liability to the party of your choice. Rather you must endeavour to become indispensable in the party of your choice. Such leaders are on demand by the political parties. You can achieve such enviable status if you show respect to the listeners.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/grab-the-opportunity/

Not all politicians are born to be great orators. Like his father Rishang Keishing, who could carry the masses according to his sway with his oratory skill Victor Keishing is also going to be a good orator. The speech made by him at the youth leadership training camp of the Manipur Pradesh Youth Congress Committee held at the Congress Bhavan coinciding with the national rededication day held to observe the death anniversary of Indira Gandhi was really enjoyable to hear. He smiled while speaking. When the situation demanded to establish eye contact with the crowd he did it albeit by raising the right hand. The leaders, who look directly to the crowd without body movement expose themselves. No listener can establish eye contact with the speaker. When the listeners look to the speaker what they see will be only the eyes of the speaker. The manner with which Keishing addressed the crowd was interesting to see. He will be star speaker in the years to come. My simple thinking is he will draw crowd as his father did when he made electioneering speech. He can also be groomed up to lead Congress party in Manipur. In just two sentences he could describe the importance of being a Congressman. He said, none others get the opportunity to shoulder the nation building responsibility just as a Congress man is doing. Appealing to the participants of the training camp he also said whatever you are doing will have telling effect on the leadership of Chief Minister O. Ibobi in Manipur and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohon at the centre. If you are doing something good for the society it will boost up image of the Congress Government, which may turn around if you indulge in irresponsible thing. His speech reflected the party discipline which he has intended to carry as long as in he is in the electoral politics. The other young leaders in Congress party have one or two lessons to learn from him. But to be a good speaker is not an easy task. One must read lots of book and newspapers and current topics should be on the finger tips. When Vivekananda addressed Chicago conference when he was 23 years old he could speak of the enormous responsibility one upholds in making world peace. Victor Keishing has inherited a big legacy from his big father. He has benefited from being born in a big political family. The speech made by other leaders at the camp was boring. Some ridiculed even the youth congress workers. Some others ridiculed the tendency to enter Congress party. As the speeches made by the leaders were telecast live via ISTV one could hear all that had been uttered. Some revealed the frustrations. Some others gave lots of advices without knowing who would take it. One speaker directly appealed to the workers to criticise the policies and programmes of the Congress party. They shouted as if they were confronting with enemies when lowly uttered words could be heard loudly. The time has come for giving training to the speakers of the Congress party. They speak without knowing Congress philosophies mean to them.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/oratory-skill/

The decibel level of the noise in Imphal without measuring can be told it is deafening. All these auto rickshaws, generators which are operated daily as there is no regular power supply and other vehicles of all hues have not only caused noise pollution but also spoilt the environment. After some decades Imphal will be unsafe for habitation by human beings. Above two lakh people enter Imphal daily. A system needs to be introduced to check inundation of the state capital by human heads. This however is easier said than done. If the market centre is decentralised the inflow of large number of citizens for buying items can be checked. This can be done by refusing licence for starting fresh business either at Thangal Bazar or Paona bazaar. Of late we have seen steel traders moving out of the crowded twin bazaars. Similarly banks cloistered at the busy market areas can be shifted elsewhere. All these big banks can be opened at other spacious areas where there will be enough space for parking. Senior citizens in the seventies and eighties standing in long queue in the crowded areas to get their monthly pension is a pathetic scene. The increasing number of children falling ill in Imphal should be attributed to the deteriorating quality of air sweeping in the state. Those living near the Khwairamband bazaar areas that too at the road side might be feeling proud of their land and building as they command more land value giving more opportunity for carrying out business. But those dwelling at the interior areas little farther away from the main road boastfully say they get peace of mind and the sound of moving vehicles does not disturb serene calm of the night. They can get sound sleep. Quality of air too might be different. One can get pure air by moving to the places where there is vast greenery space. There is Oxygen Park in Thailand. There is also an island in Greek where people live without knowing they will die. Impure air has weakened human body. As the concerned authority envisages to take steps to reduce decibel level of the noise it must also check the deteriorating quality of air sweeping across the town areas. Those who can wake up early are lucky and they inhale lots of pure air while walking in the morning. They know once the vehicles start coming out the air will become impure. Then there is dust, which makes one difficult to inhale air effortlessly. It is a pitiable scene small babies inhaling slowly while walking in the Imphal street. One cannot drive two wheeler without wearing mask. This is the situation in which the people of the state capital have been thrown in. The need of the hour is giving the thrust to decentralisation of commercial centres. If that is done the number of vehicles coming to Imphal bazaar will be reduced. That will check decibel level of the noise. That in turn will improve the quality of air sweeping in the state capital.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/noise-and-air-pollution/

Will Chief Minister O. Ibobi and his team be able to take on the Union Government if the later insist on accepting the conditions laid down by it in keeping with the expectations of the NSCN, which is now holding peace talk with the Government of India? The answer will be the Union Government will not do anything to harm the interest of the people of the state. But not all people can be convinced. It seems there is hidden agenda. The Union Government has not stated openly what contained in the agreement between the Union Government and the NSCN. Even when Manipur Chief Minister met Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde it was not clearly mentioned to which direction the talk is going on. Hence the need for giving a straight reply to the Union Government that Manipur and its people will not remain as silent spectator if the Union Government takes a stand that is diametric and diabolic to the expectations and aspirations of the people living in Manipur. Our understanding is that the centre had felt how seriously Manipur and its people look to the boundary issue. Both Ibobi and Tarun Gogoi Assam Chief Minister had ruled their respective states for more than 10 years as Chief Ministers and they have known how the threat to territorial integrity can be challenged. Putting them in the seat of power continuously for two terms followed by another term has a meaning. In US George Bush was re-elected as President for the second term by the people to deal with Al Qaeda effectively. But his term expired before he could completely wipe out the terrorist organisation from the face of the earth. The two leaders Ibobi and Gogoi have the bounded duty to perform the task assigned to them. Having the ruled the state for more than 10 years they might have known how the situation can be turned favourable to them. Our boundary is safe. The collective will of the people stand behind them. Moreover the Union Government will not go against the wishes of the political parties, which have taken the decision to keep intact the boundary of the state of Manipur. Ours is democracy, the voice of people is supreme. The aspiration and expectations of the masses cannot be crushed. Having seen all that is happening one opines that worrying over secession of land is wastage of time. Why should we common men remain worrying about our territorial integrity if the Government had shown commitment to protect the boundary of the state? Manipur Chief Minister is going to meet the Union Home Minister in Delhi in the very near future. We are confident he will tell the Union Government the later cannot go against the wishes of the masses for any attempt to bifurcate Manipur on communal line will back fire. This will flare up communal tension and Manipur will burn. That will be very costly. None should think of playing with fire. Only the ignorant babies can play with fire. They too do not think of playing with fire again once they have known hotness of fire. June 18 had told that fire is hot.

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

Minuthong bridge connecting Imphal East and West constructed over Imphal river near North AOC has shown its aging status. Iron rods have protruded in the middle of the bridge and if it is kept neglected without filling up the broken portion the bridge may collapse after a few years. It is time the concerned authority sends out somebody to see for themselves what has happened at the said bridge. Exposed iron rod gathers rust. And rusted iron cannot withstand the pressure given by heavy vehicles. By spending a few hundreds of rupees and using a bag of cement four bags of sand and eight bags of crushed stones the bridge can be repaired. If kept neglected the concerned department will spend to the tune of crores of rupees in the construction of another bridge of the same length and breadth. According to the CPWD estimation the Surface and Transport Ministry Government of India spends about Rs 100 crore in the construction of one kilometre long fly over bridge. Minuthong Bridge is a very important bridge. It cannot be kept neglected as is being done by not repairing the broken portion. Similarly too many bridges of culvert size, which were constructed in the past at different areas of the state have also showed iron rods as the layer has been eroded after prolonged use. These culverts too need to be repaired. Construction is really costly. Repairing is less expensive. Our Government is very poor, everyone knows that. So it should think of taking up smaller projects instead of taking up giant sized projects, which stand like big rocks without being used. Public money cannot be wasted by taking up useless projects. All these roads passing through the state capital can be kept in tip top condition by filling up the pot holes. Amazingly the concerned department has one habbit of adding WBM in repairing roads. In whose interest WBM is added to the already high road. Stop this WBM culture. It is wastage of money. The money spent in taking up WBM can be used in buying bitumen and proper application of bitumen will improve quality of road repairing done here and there. When lesser quantity of bitumen is used the added portions like sand and stones can be rolled up like mat. We had seen that on TV and newspapers. If you have little amount use it in taking up small work. Cut the coat out of cloth. Construction season needs to be used but not in taking up useless projects. The thrust should be given in the completion of the ongoing work. It is time the concerned department flank out its engineers to survey the area, which can be repaired by spending little amount. The roads which require major repairing also needs to be identified. Having seen the condition of the roads passing through various parts of the state one can make the conclusion that almost all these roads can be put in tip top condition by spending some crores of rupees. Fill up the pot holes and feel the delightment of presenting usable roads to the people of the state.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/the-need-of-the-hour-is-repairing/

Construction season has started which needs to be utilised properly. The dry spell which will last till February next year can be used in black topping roads and also in filling up pot holes. The dusts, which have engulfed the entire Imphal areas, are unbearable. Large number of young kids has fallen ill. Parents and guardians of the young kids are spending lots of money in providing medical treatment to the ailing children. A visit to a paediatrician’s house will make one realise the nature of ailment, which have affected small children. Doctors say the ailment is viral fever, which literally means air born disease. Infectitious air is sweeping everywhere. Clean atmosphere is vanishing. These dusty roads have spoilt our environment. Hence the call for giving a massive thrust to bettering condition of the roads in the crowded areas. Without a mask a two wheeler driver feels handicapped in driving the small vehicle. But Imphal is the face of the state. At least the face lift needs to be provided to the capital city. By controlling the dusts, which have engulfed every part of the capital city a change will be seen. The roads, which are covered by dusts, are the ones passing through Lamphel areas and Sagolband. The thought of moving in these areas makes one flabbergasted. Precious water is used in controlling the dust. This defies the policy of water harvesting. At some areas road construction programme was taken up but it was abandoned mid way. Who are these contractors, who cannot even construct a road properly? They may say the fund flow from the concerned department to work done is irregular. This questions the methodology of granting work order and the manner with which a work programme is framed. Do not take up any construction programme if there is no fund for such work. Now an engineering department is in disarray. Engineers cannot sit at the office, simply for the reason that they cannot clear the bills of the work done by the contractors. Penniless contractors are on the lookout for the engineers, who deal directly with the construction programme. Ningol chakkouba festival is approaching and just on the eve of the festival a small amount or a fraction of the total cost is always released. The poor contractors expecting that little bit of benefit will come to them have started looking for the engineer to know whether they will get some money? Engineers, who are clueless about the paying capacity of the Government for that matter the concerned department have scurried for cover by fleeing to either friends or relatives house. These engineers say boldly funds for the works done had been released by the centre. This means there is a missing link between what is being done and what is being included in the work programme. If not for that reason why should one not get paid for the work done? Show sympathetic treatment to the educated unemployed youths, who took up contract work as the means for survival. If the pending bills are cleared why not they will surely come out and repair the dusty roads. Travelling on the dusty roads is suffocating. You are not alien you too might be suffocating.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/travelling-on-dusty-road-is-suffocating/

India Against Corruption led by Kejriwal is beginning to receive threat from different political parties. Every political party has taken lightly his threat to expose high and big political families. There is missing link between the movement that was launched and the manner which the attack is carried out. The movement is in the dark and it cannot decide whose confidence it should seek in attacking political parties left and right. It attacked both ruling and opposition parties alike in the relentless fight to correct the wrongs done at the higher level. But it never attempted to focus on the wrongs carried out in the Government offices by the employees. If the leaders of the political parties are corrupt there are thousands among the top level who are equally corrupt. Kejriwal and his movement could achieve instant popularity for it attacked number one political family in the country. Consistency is lacking with his movement. His fight against Vadra and BJP President Gadkari all for land dealing scandal, have lost the momentum and he is short of ammunition.  From Congress to BJP the journey had ended there. Even if he threatens to expose more it will lack the sting. Within weeks of starting the movement it is beginning to fade out. The political parties are giving damn to the exposures by IAC. Had he focussed on the functioning of the Government employees a change may be brought about.  Government employees in the smaller state like Manipur inculcate the habit of demanding bribe money from the visitors. Will he or his followers be able to act  boldly and fearlessly in taking up the cudgel against corruption done in Manipur? The present system prevailing in Manipur where gun and bombs are as cheap as toys cannot afford to have the movement of this type. Even the CBI is tooth less in Manipur. It cannot make conclusive finding to the various cases assigned to the agency for carrying out investigation. But corruption is rampant in Manipur. Even for entering the file number in the record book employees charge ranging from Rs 500 to 2000. The file movement is also labyrinthine nearly 10 tables have to be touched. The amount varies according to the official status of the employee. They are shameless too. They openly say give me something for the work done. If the visitor gives Rs 500 note they will say make it two. Is it Rs 200, the visitor asks ignorantly, the employee says shamelessly two notes of Rs 500 denomination. The higher ranked officer when they are given Rs 1000 retorts, add some after getting the bill cleared. What he means by some, the visitor asks to himself. Now these visitors have known everything by heart who demands what and how much? But the question remains who will correct all these wrongs carried out openly in the Government offices? If you go to Government office without anything in the pocket the file will not move it will remain at the same table from where it originated. Why wait for a movement to be started and when the wrongs can be corrected by ourselves. What is required the initiative.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/the-movement-is-beginning-to-fade-out/

India Against Corruption led by Kejriwal is beginning to receive threat from different political parties. Every political party has taken lightly his threat to expose high and big political families. There is missing link between the movement that was launched and the manner which the attack is carried out. The movement is in the dark and it cannot decide whose confidence it should seek in attacking political parties left and right. It attacked both ruling and opposition parties alike in the relentless fight to correct the wrongs done at the higher level. But it never attempted to focus on the wrongs carried out in the Government offices by the employees. If the leaders of the political parties are corrupt there are thousands among the top level who are equally corrupt. Kejriwal and his movement could achieve instant popularity for it attacked number one political family in the country. Consistency is lacking with his movement. His fight against Vadra and BJP President Gadkari all for land dealing scandal, have lost the momentum and he is short of ammunition.  From Congress to BJP the journey had ended there. Even if he threatens to expose more it will lack the sting. Within weeks of starting the movement it is beginning to fade out. The political parties are giving damn to the exposures by IAC. Had he focussed on the functioning of the Government employees a change may be brought about.  Government employees in the smaller state like Manipur inculcate the habit of demanding bribe money from the visitors. Will he or his followers be able to act  boldly and fearlessly in taking up the cudgel against corruption done in Manipur? The present system prevailing in Manipur where gun and bombs are as cheap as toys cannot afford to have the movement of this type. Even the CBI is tooth less in Manipur. It cannot make conclusive finding to the various cases assigned to the agency for carrying out investigation. But corruption is rampant in Manipur. Even for entering the file number in the record book employees charge ranging from Rs 500 to 2000. The file movement is also labyrinthine nearly 10 tables have to be touched. The amount varies according to the official status of the employee. They are shameless too. They openly say give me something for the work done. If the visitor gives Rs 500 note they will say make it two. Is it Rs 200, the visitor asks ignorantly, the employee says shamelessly two notes of Rs 500 denomination. The higher ranked officer when they are given Rs 1000 retorts, add some after getting the bill cleared. What he means by some, the visitor asks to himself. Now these visitors have known everything by heart who demands what and how much? But the question remains who will correct all these wrongs carried out openly in the Government offices? If you go to Government office without anything in the pocket the file will not move it will remain at the same table from where it originated. Why wait for a movement to be started and when the wrongs can be corrected by ourselves. What is required the initiative.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/the-movement-is-beginning-to-fade-out/

One issue that was considered gone long time back, forgotten by all has bounced back hitting hard the Government where it hurts most. Someone, who knows too much about the manner with which the contract was assigned to K Pro in clearing phumdis, bio mass, from Loktak Lake took the initiative to expose it. But for him none would have taken it as a serious issue. Involvement of dissident group within Congress party in exposing the deal between the Government of Manipur and K Pro cannot be ruled out. The dissident within Congress party are feeling handicapped in demanding change of leadership. Because the high command of the Congress party had declared in the past that the change of leadership in the states including Manipur will be considered after 2014 elections. Lok Sabha election is getting closer and the dissident is looking for ammunition to fire at the Government. The war within the party is out on the street and the matter had fallen in the hands of the opposition parties and civil organisations, which have demanded a probe into the whole episode of allocation of work order and the work done by the agency in clearing phumdis. It remains to be seen how the state Government reacts to all these mudslinging. Congress Party is remaining silent as if it has no clue as to how the Government can be protected on the issue. The task of clarifying the matter was left to the Loktak Development Authority. But the clarification made by LDA was not convincing rather the disclosure made by the LDA was used as ammunition and directed against the same authority. The matter is being discussed at various level wherever some persons sit together. But public memory is short lived, too many issues vanished. Will the Government wait for the issue to face natural death or order enquiry to pacify the angers of the masses. This will be known when the Government declares how it will tackle the matter. Chief Minister O. Ibobi is busy meeting central leaders to counter NSCN demand for giving autonomy as a part of implementation of alternative arrangement. At a time when the entire people should stand united to face head on the attempt if any made by NSCN to disintegrate the territorial integrity of the state the people of the state have been left in a quagmire not knowing which one should be taken up as a major issue the fight against corruption or the fight for protection of Manipur’s boundary issue. Both are important. The only solution to control the public outcry raised against what they call misdeeds of the state Government lies in telling the truth what really happened. All these exposures and subsequent unrest, which are part of the larger political game to dislodge the democratically elected Government may not subside in the near future. The exposure has threatened top level leaders. But our state is different. No Government is changed on the basis of corruption charge. Ibobi Government will sail smoothly. This however does not mean Chief Minister O. Ibobi should give damn to all these exposure made by Tehelka. He must attempt to come out clean.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/come-out-clean/

Two years back around this time Khongman Bashikhong road was in tip top condition after filling up the pot holes. Today too many potholes have appeared. These potholes should be filled up without delay. Time and again we have been telling that there should be a different section in PWD Government of Manipur, which should be assigned the task of finding the road, which can be made okay by filling up the potholes. The agency should not wait for the road to deteriorate to such level that it can be made okay only after WBM is added. It is true that no contractor is willing to repair a road unless WBM is added to the work programme. But WBM is wastage of money for it never raises the ground level of the road nor it strengthens the road. The roads passing through the low lying areas can be raised, nobody will protest against it, but WBM is added to the roads already high. Addition of WBM at the already high road raises curiosity of the onlookers. The potholes that have appeared at the Khongman Basikhong road are small, which can be filled up by spending Rs 50 per hole. If there are 10,000 holes it can be made alright by spending Rs five lakh. But if the Government wait for further deterioration of the road the PWD will spend to the tune of Rs one crore on repairing this tiny road. The pot holes appearing on the road lied adjacent to the ones filled up recently. Similarly the lanes and by lanes in Imphal town can be made a good one by filling up the pot holes. The state of Manipur had had one Minister who talked of potholes only. Such Ministers are the need of the hour. They know by spending little much can be achieved. Public money cannot be wasted in doing unnecessary things. In a particular constituency represented by a powerful MLA a road was repeatedly repaired while neglecting the other roads in his constituency. Could he win in the election? The answer is in the negative. His voters knew he concentrated more on his Leikai than the other areas of his constituency. Had he applied the wisdom he would have been loved by his voters and he would have sailed smoothly in the election. Then in other constituencies also the MLAs who could not repair the roads in his constituency could not return. If he was wise he could win the election by filling up the pot holes. The general public understands the limitation of the penniless state Government so they do not seek heaven on earth. What they want is a small road which is smooth. Khongman Basikhong road though tiny is important road. One finds solace riding on this road. The moat on one side and tall bamboos on other side one feels real pleasure of travelling on this road. The road cannot be kept neglected. Fill up the potholes without delay and show to the masses we have a Government that pays attention even to the minor matter like potholes.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pot-holes-on-bashikhong-road/

All of sudden opposition parties in the state have realised the role they should play in the state. At a joint press conference held at the Manipur Press club they have declared what they will do to fight against corruption. They have threatened to take up Loktak cleaning scam at the Parliament. There are too many issues which cannot escape from the prying eyes of the opposition parties. The onslaught of the opposition in the recently held state assembly election could be attributed to the fact that these non Congress parties did not play the role they have been assigned to do. Just by criticising the policies and programmes of the ruling parties opposition can gain foothold. In every state anti-incumbency factor weighs heavily during the conduct of elections. Here in Manipur a ruling party is in advantageous position at the time of election and opposition invectives cannot change the already conceived mind of the voters. The absence of charismatic leader on the side of opposition acts as handicap in drawing the voters on their side. Confidence building is a must that can play a pivotal role in instilling in the minds of the voters what election means to them. But the hindrances that stand in the way will scuttle the ambitious task of changing the face of the state. There is no revenue of our own. We are passing through a very critical phase where the Government cannot pay even the employees pay let alone taking up welfare programmes for the common people. All these pestering problems affecting the state will be solved when the centre pays attention to the state. Our thinking however is very simple if the centre is ruled by Congress our state must also be ruled by Congress and if BJP returns to power at the centre nothing wrong with the people of the state opting for BJP. But BJP which is dragged into leadership crisis is far from clinging to power at the centre as of now. This however does not mean that one must not investigate the wrongs done by the men in power. All these corrupt practices perpetrated by the ruling class must be investigated and the wrongs doers be booked only then a change will be brought in the state. Here again rises the question are the opposition parties really committed to end the corruption at the high level in Manipur. It happens in Manipur too many major issues are always eliminated as it sprouts out. A leader of the opposition when he was asked why the opposition members do not attempt to find a logical conclusion to all the scam and crises afflicting Manipur came the reply you ask the question to yourself. He added when we attempt to crush the wrong doers even the relatives would come to my residence pleading to stop playing the role of tormenting member. Everyone in Manipur is practically related to each other. Nevertheless we hope something will come out of the fight unleashed by the opposition parties. However it remains to be seen how far they will go and will it be unrelenting?

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/oppositions-role-in-manipur/

All of sudden opposition parties in the state have realised the role they should play in the state. At a joint press conference held at the Manipur Press club they have declared what they will do to fight against corruption. They have threatened to take up Loktak cleaning scam at the Parliament. There are too many issues which cannot escape from the prying eyes of the opposition parties. The onslaught of the opposition in the recently held state assembly election could be attributed to the fact that these non Congress parties did not play the role they have been assigned to do. Just by criticising the policies and programmes of the ruling parties opposition can gain foothold. In every state anti-incumbency factor weighs heavily during the conduct of elections. Here in Manipur a ruling party is in advantageous position at the time of election and opposition invectives cannot change the already conceived mind of the voters. The absence of charismatic leader on the side of opposition acts as handicap in drawing the voters on their side. Confidence building is a must that can play a pivotal role in instilling in the minds of the voters what election means to them. But the hindrances that stand in the way will scuttle the ambitious task of changing the face of the state. There is no revenue of our own. We are passing through a very critical phase where the Government cannot pay even the employees pay let alone taking up welfare programmes for the common people. All these pestering problems affecting the state will be solved when the centre pays attention to the state. Our thinking however is very simple if the centre is ruled by Congress our state must also be ruled by Congress and if BJP returns to power at the centre nothing wrong with the people of the state opting for BJP. But BJP which is dragged into leadership crisis is far from clinging to power at the centre as of now. This however does not mean that one must not investigate the wrongs done by the men in power. All these corrupt practices perpetrated by the ruling class must be investigated and the wrongs doers be booked only then a change will be brought in the state. Here again rises the question are the opposition parties really committed to end the corruption at the high level in Manipur. It happens in Manipur too many major issues are always eliminated as it sprouts out. A leader of the opposition when he was asked why the opposition members do not attempt to find a logical conclusion to all the scam and crises afflicting Manipur came the reply you ask the question to yourself. He added when we attempt to crush the wrong doers even the relatives would come to my residence pleading to stop playing the role of tormenting member. Everyone in Manipur is practically related to each other. Nevertheless we hope something will come out of the fight unleashed by the opposition parties. However it remains to be seen how far they will go and will it be unrelenting?

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/oppositions-role-in-manipur/

India Against Corruption led by Kejriwal has attacked both ruling and opposition parties alike in the relentless fight to correct the wrongs done at the higher level. As it attacked political parties it forgot to focus on the wrongs carried out in the Government offices. The system prevailing in the country has provided ammunition to anybody to shine politically if they come out to fight against corruption. Every state in the country is beginning to be felt the need for creation more Kejriwals. The recent happenings in the capital when Kejriwal fought against Vadra and also another against BJP President Gadkari all for land dealing scandal, which were prominently highlighted by national daily papers gave sleepless night to the political fraternity. From Congress to BJP who knows he may land anywhere without warning. The political class of people are beginning to feel the sting unleashed by Kejriwal. But the Government employees are giving damn to the series of exposures by a man like him. They are not changing their style of working. They do not change their habit of demanding bribe money from the visitors. Therefore we say someone must come out and begin speaking like Kejriwal against the illegal practices done by the Government employees? But in Manipur the person taking up the cudgel against corruption must be bold and fearless. The present system prevailing in Manipur where gun and bombs are as cheap as toys cannot afford to have Kejriwal of this type. He may face instant death. It is said even CBI is tooth less in Manipur. It cannot make conclusive finding to the various cases assigned to the agency for carrying investigation. But corruption is rampant in Manipur. Even for entering the file number in the record book employees charge ranging from Rs 500 to 2000. The file movement is also labyrinthine nearly 10 tables have to be touched. The amount varies according to the official status of the employee. They are shameless too. They openly say give me something for the work done. If the visitor gives Rs 500 note they will say make it two. Is it Rs 200, the visitor asks ignorantly, the employee says shamelessly two notes of Rs 500 denomination. The higher ranked officer when they are given Rs 1000 retorts, add some after getting the bill cleared. What he means by some, the visitor asks to himself. Now these visitors have known everything by heart who demands what and how much? But the question remains who will correct all these wrongs carried out openly in the Government offices? If you go to Government office without anything in the pocket the file will not move it will remain at the same table from where it originated. Frankly speaking Manipur requires a Kejriwal. Because the present Kejriwal in Delhi will not be able to come Manipur. Like other mortals he said he considered the utterance made by the Union Minister Khurshid “let him come to Farrukhabad and let him also return from there” as a threat to his life. Perhaps he thinks he is not carrying the entire masses with his fight against corruption. Perhaps Delhi is safe for such fight. Hence the call for creation of a leader who can fight against corruption.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/every-state-must-have-one-kejriwal/

When will Imphal airport become international airport? This question was raised to the Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh. There was no straight reply. Too many facilities had been added was the reply given by the Minister. But he was reminded of the need for having one international airport at the border state like Manipur, which is neighbouring with the prosperous south East Asian nations that in a way will increase spiritual tourism. The people living in these prosperous nations most of them following Budhism have expressed their desire to visit Gaya, the birth place of Budha. If Imphal airport is upgraded to international status the journey to the neighbouring countries on the eastern side will be very short. By spending as low as Rs 13,000 (to and fro) one will be able to visit Bangkok and other places of interest. Our demand for up gradation of the Imphal airport is supported by the ground work done at the Imphal airport. We have land, which has been acquired after eviction of original settlers. There will be passengers also. As the price of ticket for the flight originating from Manipur will be low passengers from neighbouring states like Nagaland and Mizoram will also come for catching international flight. Too many people from Nagaland come to Manipur for catching a flight from Imphal to Delhi because there is no direct flight from Dimapur to Delhi. A scribe from Mizoram demanded at the economic editors’ conference held in Delhi a direct flight between Delhi and Aizawl, but it was rejected on the ground that there will be no passengers for such flight. Manipur is a wonderful land it has too many passengers for boarding the flight from Imphal to Delhi. Instead of rotting on the national highway, which is not properly maintained citizens opt for flight even for visiting to Vrindavan for offering pujah. In the past students used to go by bus and train now they insist on travelling by flight. Will the addition of rail services change the concept of travelling? Railways Board chairman declared that the construction of rail way tract Jiri to Imphal via Tupul would be completed by 2016. Did he make the declaration after seeing the progress of the work or without seeing it is not known? Imphal or Tupul getting connected by rail within 2016 however will be impossible. Because the progress of the work is tardy. If the construction is done in war footing a change may be seen in the near future. Until that happens the change may not take place at all. It all will depend on how our Government take up the issue with the union Government. Railway ministry, which is busy constructing railway tract in Kashmir need to be told again and again that Manipur requires extension of railway service up to Imphal as it will go a long way in bringing down the prices of essential commodities. Cement is available in Bihar at the rate of Rs 180 per bag here it is sold at Rs 400. The prices of cement and other construction materials will also come down when we have train services. The question will continue to be asked when Manipur will get all these facilities.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/too-many-questions-and-elusive-answer/