Tag: Top Stories

IMPHAL, Feb 28: The Department of Education (Schools), Govt of Manipur today organized the celebration of National Science Day 2012 at GM Hall. It was attended by many from the teaching community, staff of Education (S) department as well as students from schools, namely, Keisamthong High School, Temple of Learning, HRD Academy, Wangkhei High School and Lalambung High School.

In his address as the president of the celebration, W Rajen Singh, Director of Education (S), rued the frequent disruptions to normal life through bandhs etc and especially the effect it has on students.. He appealed that students should be left out of the purview of such activities. He also expressed confidence in the abilities of the students from the state.

The day saw quizzes being organized in two categories, written quiz and oral quiz. Ch Sishidha, 9th standard of Keishanthong high school was adjudged the winner of the written quiz. He walked home with a cash prize of Rs. 1,000, a certificate and a memento. In the oral quiz, three teams with three members each had participated and Ch Sishirdhar, H Chingkheinganbi and Kh Geetarani Devi were the winners in an interesting competition. They each walked way with a cash prize of Rs. 1,000, a certificate and memento.

The day was also celebrated across the nation with its common theme ‘Çlean Energy Options & Nuclear Safety’. The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) had asked the Government of India to designate Feb 28 as National Science Day in order to mark the discovery of the Raman effect by Indian physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman on Feb 28, 1928.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/national-science-day-observed/

IMPHAL, Feb 26:  A person suspected to be an underground cadre was shot dead in an encounter with security personnel which took place at Canchipur area near Standard Robert English School, Imphal West today at about 4.48 pm.

According to police sources, two youths fired upon security personnel at Canchipur area and sped away from the spot. They were chased after by Imphal West commandos and 28 AR personnel. Later, the security forces caught up with the escapees and later exchanged several rounds of gunfire. Afterwards, the pillion rider of the two wheeler, a Honda active (MNOI/L-9365) escaped from the spot whereas the driver was shot dead. The vehicle was found riddled with bullets and a 9mm pistol was found in the possession of the deceased. The identity of the slain person is yet to be established and has been kept at RIMS morgue.

In the meantime, four persons having link with proscribed organizations were arrested by security personnel since yesterday and recovered arms and incriminating documents.

Today, a team of 9 AR launched a search operation at Moreh ward no. 9 and apprehended a UNLF cadre, s/s corporal B Murugan, 22, son of CN Balu of Moreh ward no. 2. A US-made 9mm pistol with five live rounds were recovered from him. He had been handed over to Imphal police station.

In a joint operation, a team of 33 AR and Bishenpur district commando today apprehended an overground worked of KYKL, Moirangthem Oken, son of Chaoba, 43, of Kumbi Khuga Wangame from Loktak lake area. He has reportedly been handed over to Bishenpur police station.

In a separate incident, a combined team of 22 Assam Rifles and Imphal East commandos launched a drive after receiving information regarding extortion activities in Monbong village, Jiribam and apprehended two UTLA cadres. The AR release stated that the cadres were in possession of extortion notes, receipts and rubber stamps belong to KTLA. The arrested cadres have been identified as Thenhen Haokip of Lalpani, Joakipunji of Cachar district of Assam and s/s sergeant major Laljui Neihsial, 19, son of Suta of Kaimai of Tamenglong. They have been reportedly handed over to Jiribam police station.

On the other hand, Imphal East district police under the supervision of additional SP (ops) conducted raids at Loushangkhong, Heikak Mapal and Napet Palli since February 24 and arrested two persons involved in the abduction of a non-Manipuri Tej Narayan Yadav of Bihar and at present residing at Singjubung Leirak on February 18. They are the driver who was at the wheel of the runaway car, Salam Kumar, 38, son of late S Nandababu of Loushangkhong Mayai Leikai and Moirangthem Ranajit Meitei alias Abungcha Meitei, 25, son of M Tombi Meitei from Uyumpok Wakhon, says a police source. It added that Ranajit has been absconding after an encounter with a combined police team at Chanung hillock on February 21 where Narayan was rescued. The vehicle used in the abduction has also been seized. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/cops-gun-down-suspected-ultra/

IMPHAL, Feb 26: After a lull in disruptions to the normal life of the people and the state’s economy, the coordinating body of trade unions in Manipur has extended its support to the call for a nationwide dawn to dusk general strike on Feb 28. The announcement was made today at the office of CPI by the convenor of the coordinating body of trade unions, Laishram Sotin, who stated that the general strike will also be carried out in the state from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm.

The nationwide general strike is unprecedented in size and reach with almost all registered and unrecognized trade unions in India, cutting across ideological and political affiliations, have come together to press for a charter of demands. The timing of the general strike coincides with the budget session in parliament. In Manipur, the trade unions that have joined hands are AITUC, CITU, UTUC, TUCC, INTUC, BMS and HMS.

The list of demands include reining in price rise, combating corruption, strict enforcement of all basic labour laws without any exception or exemption and stringent punitive measures for violation, government aid for the creation of national social security fund for unorganized sector workers, removal of all ceilings on payment and eligibility of bonus, provident fund, increasing the quantum of gratuity and assured pension for all (including the private sector), workers under the centrally sponsored flagship programs must be given minimum wage and honorarium among others.

The convenor of the trade union body in Manipur, Laishram Sotin stated that the general strike will cover banks, central and state government offices, airport, businesses and market places, all modes of public transportation and railway office. He further stated that all muster roll, casual and contract workers in the state must join the strike. However, he clarified that the on going examinations are precluded from the purview of the general strike.

In a scathing attack on the government, he lamented the death kneel that all government undertakings have faced like MSRTC, cement factory, sugar mills, cycle corporation, drug and pharmaceutical corporation, etc.

The trade union bodies in Manipur have also demanded repeal of AFSPA, completion of all highway projects and instituting highway protection force, providing employment opportunities for the youths and free education to students.

In a related development, the Union Labour and Employment Minister, Mallikarjun Kharge has appealed to the trade unions to desist from the countrywide general strike. Also Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banaerjee as well the Congress party has decided to oppose the general strike.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/state-to-join-feb-28-nationwide-strike/

IMPHAL, Feb 23: Two semi-low floor buses were put into service along Paona and Thangal Bazar on a trial basis from 10 am this morning.

The fare was waived on the inaugural day today but Rs 5 per passenger will be levied from tomorrow.

The bus service was flagged off by commissioner, MAHUD, Sunderlal from GM Hall here. DIG, (Range-I), L Kailun, DSP Traffic, Y Victoria and other top police officials were present at the occasion. The service route culminated at Khoyathong traffic point after passing along BT Road, Paona Bazar and proceeding towards Thangal Bazar after making a turn.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/semilow-floor-bus-service-flagged-off-to-touch-major-points-at-central-market/

BOSTON, USA, Feb 23: A symposium titled “11 Year Hunger Strike: Irony in the world’s largest democracy” was held on February 21 at the John F Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, USA. The event was jointly organized by The Carr Center For Human Rights Policy at Harvard University, the Harvard India Caucus, and the Kashmir Initiative at the Carr Center.

The North American Manipur Association (NAMA), and the European Manipuri Association (EMA) were co-sponsors. Dr Charlie Clements, executive director of the Carr Center For Human Rights Policy, Harvard University, made the welcome remarks and opened the symposium.

The context of the symposium, the very first one held in the United States on AFSPA and Irom Sharmila, was Irom Sharmila’s 11 year long hunger strike to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA, 1958).

Since November 2000, Sharmila, a social activist in Manipur, has been on a hunger strike demanding the repeal of the AFSPA. During this time, the government has kept her in judicial custody, force-feeding her through a nasal tube.

The speakers of the event included Binalakshmi Nepram, founder of Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, Babloo Loitongbam, executive director Human Rights Alert, Manipur, L. Somi Roy of Hun-tré! International Manipur Projects, Angana Chatterji, co-convener of the International People’s Tribunal on Human Rights and Justice, and Pradyot Deb Burman, chairman and editor of The Northeast Today, Shillong.

Leichombam Erendro Singh, the president of The Harvard India Caucus, and a World Bank Fellow at Harvard University who coordinated the event also moderated the symposium.

Researchers and scholars of John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and representatives from the University of California, Berkeley, and several others attended the event, including members of the diaspora from Manipur and India.

Manjarita Laishram, vice-president of The North American Manipur Association (NAMA) also attended the event.

The event started out with a historical and cultural background presentation on Manipur by L Somi Roy. Among other topics, his presentation covered Manipur’s religions, arts, sports, languages, ethnic relations, dance forms, and discussed the current situation in the state.

He presented a perspective from Manipur, including its historical and cultural attributes of its civilization.

His presentation was followed by Angana Chatterji, who spoke about AFSPA from the national perspective as it relates to different parts of India, including Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, and parts of the North East Region. She highlighted the prevailing climate of militarization and its consequences.  She mentioned the killings of 70,000 people because of the imposition of AFSPA in India-Administered Jammu & Kashmir.

Binalakshmi Nepram gave a brief historical timeline on the role and struggles of Manipuri women in fighting injustice and repression, starting from the first recorded Nupilan, the Women’s War of 1904. She kept the focus of her speech on the humanitarian crisis that has occurred as a result of the imposition of AFSPA in Manipur, especially the effect on women and children. Binalakshmi also mentioned that the iconic struggle of Irom Sharmila Chanu constitutes a part of the long history of women’s movement in Manipur such as the Nupilan, the Meira Paibis; a legacy that preceded even the feminist movement in the United States and around the world.

Pradyot Deb Burman spoke about the impact of AFSPA on indigenous population of Tripura, another state in the North East Region of India. He made an argument that supporting the movement for the repeal of AFSPA is not an act against the nation, but considered as an honest dialogue to find a domestic resolution; a process of democratic dialogue in India.

Finally, Babloo Loitongbam shared with the audience how Irom Sharmila started her hunger strike after the massacre in Malom in November of 2000.

Elaborating on the democratic resistance against AFSPA since its conception in the Parliament, he emphasized the racial and regional discriminatory dimension of AFSPA, and its institutional and social ramifications. He maintained that AFSPA violates Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, and challenges the rationale of the Act that sanctions the taking of a human life arbitrarily.  He also drew attention to the fact that AFSPA violates the universal human rights and international humanitarian laws.

A resolution was taken to form an Initiative based at Harvard for future debate and discussion on issues pertaining to Manipur, and the North East Region of India. The Initiative will primarily focus on research and advocacy for peace and prosperity in the region. The Initiative will work with Governments, Civil Society, and other stakeholders.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/harvard-university-wakes-up-to-11year-hunger-strike-by-iron-lady-against-afspa/

IMPHAL, Feb 22 (NNN): Non-Congress parties in Manipur are now “utterly confused” as a scheduled visit of a team of top officials of Election Commission of India (ECI) to Manipur got cancelled suddenly. The leaders of the political parties had expected the ECI team in connection with declaration of re-poll dates for several polling stations, which were reportedly rigged.

“The ECI cancelled the visit of its official team without any prior intimation and this has puzzled all the non-Congress parties of the state,” CPI leader Dr M Nara said while briefing the media after a joint meeting of NCP, CPI, CPI (M), JD (U), Manipur People’s Party (MPP), Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP), Naga People’s Front   (NPF) and All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) here, which was held to discuss various issues relating to widespread malpractices during the January 28 assembly polls.

“All the political parties were officially informed to attend a meeting to be held form 2 pm to 6.30 pm today with the ECI observers to discuss different issues on poll violations, but they (ECI) suddenly cancelled the trip without assigning any reason”, the CPI leader reiterated visibly irritated.

In an angry tone, he related that the office of the state chief election officer (CEO) had also declined to furnished details on the cancellation. State electoral fficials have refused to comment in this regard, claiming they have no knowledge about it, he said.

Today’s joint meeting, which was chaired by Dr Nara, discussed at length the whole issue of proxy voting during the Assembly elections and unanimously adopted three resolutions.

Firstly, it was decided to make a demand to the ECI to invalidate proxy votes which had been already verified; secondly, the ECI should take all political parties into confidence before making any decision on the issue; and lastly, all the returning officers should be directed to furnish postal ballot accounts, including lists of the postal  ballot papers to all the candidates and political parties on or before February 25.

The meeting also authorized Dr Nara to submit a memorandum along with the copies of the resolutions to the ECI.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/noncongress-parties-left-fuming-as-ec-team-pulls-out-of-state-visit/

IMPHAL, Feb 22: Seized red sander wood in the custody of the Range Forest Office, Tengnoupal worth around Rs 90,75,000 has not been publicly auctioned till date despite a court direction.

This was stated by HK Vaiphei, chairman, Manipur Hill Area Bamboo Entrepreneur Association (MAHABEA) at a press conference held today at Manipur Press Club. He raised fear that the load of red sander wood may have already been sold off on the sly and replaced with ordinary wood.

The red sander wood was allegedly brought into the state from Andhra Pradesh with China as the probable destination. However, the 42 Assam Rifles posted at Pallel in Chandel district, intercepted two trucks smuggling the wood, weighing 3630 kgs in total, on April 4, 2011 and handed over the consignment of red sander wood to the Range Forest Officer, Tengnoupal. While taking up the matter, the CJM, Chandel, issued an order on April 6, 2011 directing the divisional forest officer, Tengnoupal to publicly auction the confiscated wood. Almost a year since, the court order as well as summons has not been complied with, he stated.

In the interest of over 100 entrepreneurs in the state who may require red sander wood for craft and production of furniture, HK Vaiphei petitioned the minister for forest and environment as well as the principal Chief Conservator of Forest to auction the wood at government rates but to no avail. He has demanded that a white paper on the case be furnished by the government. He has also warned that an FIR will be filed and take the matter to court.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/clamour-raised-over-sander-wood-auction/

By Kaveree Bamzai 
NEW DELHI, Feb 22: Congress may well win in Manipur but their Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, 63, is unlikely to retain his chair. Sonia Gandhi has asked for the bio-data of Y. Erabot Singh, the 73-year-old seniormost minister in Ibobi`s Cabinet. The high command holds Ibobi responsible for ground lost during the threemonth-long blockade in 2011. Ibobi did nothing, even planning a tour of Europe which he later cancelled due to widespread criticism. Erabot became a hero in 2009 when he defied a road blockade and escorted 300 trucks carrying essentials to Imphal without police protection.
(Courtesy: India Today)

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/ibobi-singh-unlikely-to-retain-chair/

IMPHAL, Feb 22: The Manipuri Students Federation (MSF) spokesperson and general secretary, Aheibam Boinao has demanded that the court case filed by guardians and principals acting on behalf of the students who have been bared by MSF from appearing in the forthcoming HSLC Examination, 2012 should be withdrawn immediately.

In a press conference today, the spokesperson allegedly identified the main instigator behind their move as N Tomba of Jain Mahavir Higher Secondary School who is also the adviser to a students-guardian body and the All Manipur Recognised Private Schools Welfare Association (AMPSWA). He demanded that Tomba should clarify his stand to the MSF and the public immediately, failing which he will be banned from involvement in any matter related with education. The spokersperson also asked the students-guardians body and AMPSWA to remove Tomba from his positions as adviser immediately.

MSF had imposed restrictions on 4300 students who had been preparing to appear for the this year’s HSLC examination in 27 schools located in hill districts by flouting registration norms. The spokesperson declared that 21 teachers and agents who had facilitated the illegal registration of the students have approached the MSF with an assurance that there will be no repetition of the violations. The remaining teachers and agents involved in racket should do the same immediately before the announced deadline, he stated.

It was found that the alleged agents prepared the registration of these students for 8th, 9th and 10th classes right up to the issue of Admit Cards for the HSLC Examination by charging money ranging from Rs. 7,000-10,000 per student. Over and above this, the spokesperson also alleged that the results of such students can be pre-determined by shelling out another Rs. 1,000-3,000 per subject depending on the whether the student chooses to sit for the examination or in absentia.

He appealed to BOSEM not to buckle under any pressure from individuals or organizations on behalf of such students and declared that MSF was ready to the Board should it require any help.

The spokesperson further warned of appropriate action should CBSE schools register students who are already registered under BOSEM.  

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/withdraw-case-filed-on-behalf-of-ineligible-hslce-candidates-msf/

From  Asem Lalit
MOREH, Feb 22: The inter-ministerial team which reached Myanmar today to participate in a preliminary round talk between the two nations on beginning of Imphal-Mandalay bus services returned empty handed after their Myanmarese counterparts did not turn up.

Apparently, the goof-up happened due to the slackness of ADC, Lumingthang Haokip, who was in charge of the arrangement of the meeting but failed to dispense his responsibilities properly leading to a miscommunication. The Indian team made use of the sudden relaxation in the schedule with an extended shopping session at Tamu.

The team after gathering at Moreh Trade Centre did spend time conducting an inspection of the condition of roadways and bus parking facilities at Tamu. The team was led by S Narendra, joint secretary, ministry of road transport and highways and comprised of DS Poonia, chief secretary, Jayashree Mukherjee, joint secretary DONER ministry, V krishnaswamy, deputy secretary MoRTH,  UD Bhargava, director MoRTH, Smriti, under secretary (BSM) MEA, Ranbir Singh, director (BM-II) MHA, Ram Lakhan, under secretary department of commerce, Rajendra Kumar Meena, director revenue, NK Nayak, executive engineer (SG), RO MoRTH, Abhijit Phukon, deputy director, PPP cell economic affairs, Lunminthang Haokip  ADC Moreh,Y Ashok Kumar, ASP Moreh police, RK.Sunita, GIS/expert, SLNA, O Dijamani Singh, OSD, commerce and industries, Ak Bowjit Singh.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/adcs-laxity-cited-for-messing-up-imphalmandalay-bus-link-talks/

IMPHAL, Feb 23: The All Zeliangrong Students’ Union and Zeliangrong Youth Front have condemned the irresponsible behaviors shown by Major Avinash of 13 AR yesterday.

A joint press release stated that the army officer barged in with an intention to disrupt during a meeting at a community hall in Nungba to discuss the deplorable condition of NH-37 and other developmental work in the areas which was participated by Zeliangrong Baudi, village chairmen and representatives, students leaders and youth.

According to the organizations, Major Avinash who is posted at Khongshang created nuisances trying to video tape the meeting and acting authoritatively and later engaged in a strong argument with the students and youths.     

The officer harassed the students and youths, the note stated, by detaining them unnecessarily for about half and hour and ordering his men to search their vehicles. He also allegedly tried to obtain their signatures on blank papers which were consequently met with rejection.

The organization stated that his undesirable acts have exposed the lack of discipline and lack of proper instructions from his higher authorities. They demanded that the concerned authority take proper action against him and issue strict instructions to avoid recurrence of such condemnable acts in the future.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/ar-major-slammed-for-misconduct/

NEW DELHI, Feb 21 (IANS): The government Tuesday went out of its way to deny reports that its group of ministers on corruption was considering a proposal to take the poll model code of conduct out of the Election Commission`s purview and providing the rules statutory status.

The first government representative to deny the proposal was Law Minister Salman Khurshid, who told reporters that such an agenda was not before the group of ministers.

“To my knowledge, there is no such thing on the agenda. As far as I understand, it was agreed that once the elections are over, there will be an all-party consultation on the issue about electoral reforms which are being pushed by the EC,” Khurshid said here.

“I can`t talk about what is on the agenda of the poll reform meeting as we will come to know it once we get closer to that meeting. If the matter is raised by any political party or any leader, then we will take it as and when during the course of meeting,” he said.

Khurshid also wondered what the group of ministers on corruption had to do with the code of conduct.

“I am a little bit surprised what (group of ministers on) corruption has to do with the code of conduct. The code of conduct is about a larger area of election procedures and processes. Maybe, it has some connection with governance or corruption, but there is no core link with corruption,” he said.

According to the law minister, corruption largely has to do with government decisions and how can they be influenced and manipulated and where there should be clarity or objectivity. That is what the GoM on corruption is looking at, he said.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Communications Minister Kapil Sibal too echoed the sentiments of Khurshid on the matter.

“It has come up for the first time and there is nothing on the GoM agenda,” Mukherjee said, while Sibal said: “I am on the GoM and have not dealt with the issue and that meeting has not taken place and there is no such proposal.”

Corporate Affairs Minister M. Veerappa Moily, however, said the UPA government`s decision will be a considered one, as it has always supported the autonomy of the Election Commission.

“Whatever decision is taken, it will be a considered decision. You should know it is the Congress Party and the UPA, which always supports the autonomy of the Election Commission of India,” Moily said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/centre-says-it-has-no-plan-to-take-away-election-commissions-poll-code-powers/

IMPHAL, Feb 21 (ANI): School students recently enjoyed films that conveyed a social message at the 3rd Children`s Film Festival being held here.

The two-day festival was jointly organised by Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC) and the Children`s Film Society of India.

Creative Head of Children`s Film Society of India, Monica Wahi, said that only six films would be showcased, and all those films are in English language.

“The idea is to show films to children, which are away from the Bollywood and Hollywood films, which are often violent, those are not appropriate for children and are consumorous and superficial. The idea is to show films which make them into humane citizens, make them into non-violent beings and help them also get exposed to different cultures, different ways of beings, so that they are able to understand people across borders, across divides,” said Wahi.

Wahi further said the mandate of their organisation is to make films exclusively for children, as they have made around 250 films till now, which makes the largest number of films made so far by any government organisation across the world.

On the first day of the festival, Danish animation flick `Sunshine Barry and the Disco Worms`, Iranian film `Hayat`, Tamil movie `Malli` and Assamese flick `Tora` were screened.

School children appreciated the enlightening and inspiring movies.

“I feel very glad and it inspires me and it has many messages in these films,” said Mrinalini Devi, a schoolgirl.

The festival, which concludes today, will feature the English film `The Prince and the Crown` and Tamil flick `Dost Magarmach` would be screened.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/film-festival-with-social-message-for-children-concludes/

IMPHAL, Feb 21: The International Mother Language Day was observed at the Manipur Press Club today organized by the Research Forum Manipur (REFORM), the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), government of Manipur and the Manipuri department, Manipur University.

In his keynote address, secretary of REFORM, N. Indramani highlighted that UNESCO had declared February 21 as the International Mother Language Day during its 30th Conference in the year 1999 and that this was the third time REFORM is observing the said day.

He further dwelt on the significance of the struggle to oppose the imposition of Urdu as the National Language in the erstwhile East Pakistan and its relevance to the preservation of the Manipuri language.

Among the distinguished speakers, Prof N Rajmohan, Chemistry department, MU, articulated the importance of language in tracing every community’s roots and its impact on interpersonal relations. While he emphasized the role of language in the compilation, distillation and dissemination of knowledge, he rued the lack of reference materials like science dictionaries and encyclopedias in Manipuri language.

RK Tarunjit, jt editor, Marup Chaphung, based in Agartala, Tripura, offered a unique perspective to the state of Meitei language as a minority community in the state of Tripura. He expressed his apprehensions about the rapid decline in the number of native Meitei speakers who have increasingly turned to Bangla as a means of communication. However, efforts are being made to preserve and protect the Meitei language by teaching the language in three schools since 1998 which has now increased to 23 schools. He went on to state that more efforts were needed from the Meitei community in Tripura as well as from the state of Manipur.

An academic pertinent to the event, Prof. Gunendo Singh, Head of the Manipuri Department, MU, traced the influences of other languages, especially Sanskrit and Bangla, in the growth of Meitei language since early 1700s. He also appealed for continuing the efforts to protect, preserve and develop the Meitei language.

Speaking as the chief guest of the occasion, Registrar, MU, Prof N Lokendro Singh highlighted recent efforts being made for the development of Manipuri language such as the recent digitization of Meitei Puyas as well as the activities under the Special Assistance Plan from UGC to Manipur University.

He opined that the Meitei language has witnessed a positive growth in the last few decades in the form of literature, sports and the arts. He illustrated the growth of Meitei language as multi-dimensional using the introduction of Manipuri as an MIL in Delhi and Assam Universities as well as the use of Meitei language in the economic activities in the trade centers of Moreh and Namphalong as examples.

Several speakers lamented that the use of English is inevitable in the globalised world, however, the continued protection and preservation of Manipuri language is as much important. The event was also attended by several people from the literary circle as well as students among others.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/experts-mull-over-ways-to-preserve-and-protect-local-languages/

IMPHAL, Feb 21: The Naga Students’ Union, Chandel has brought out a list of officials and charged them with dereliction of duties and of being responsible for the deteriorating conditions of various departments in the district. The student body has further charged that the said officials have been caught with misuse of funds meant for the development of funds meant for the development of Chandel district.

In a press release, the students’ union has elaborated that it has brought out the list of officers only after rounds of physical enquiry and warning through explanation call.

The union has identified the Zonal Education Officer, Chandel for not attending office, while the whole district has been putting in all required efforts to bring quality education in the district.

The list has also alleged the Chief Medical Officer and accountant Medical Office, Chandel of being unable to control the doctors and staffs leading to numerous difficult situations at the district hospital. It has further alleged the executive engineer, PHED, Chandel for not attending office.

The student body has further alleged that the executivce engineer, electricity Chandel has failed to installed a 32 KV transformer, even though the NSUC had demanded it through the then DC Chandel.

Further in the release, the student body has also alleged the executive engineer, PWD and minor irrigation department Chandel of dereliction of duties.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/student-body-alleges-district-officials-of-duty-dereliction/

IMPHAL, Feb 21:  A three-day long youth festival was recently held in Imphal, youth from various tribes and communities gathered to showcase their rich culture and traditions.

The event was organized by the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan under the aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs with an aim to provide a platform to talented youth.

Some 160 artists participated at the event presenting folk songs and dances of their communities.

“Through interacting, sharing with one and another and having such program will surely help us to bring peace, harmony in the communities,” said R. Tabitha, a participant.

Crafts persons from hill districts and the valley also exhibited various items during the festival.

Youth from Meitei, Kuki and Naga communities performed on one platform to send out a clear message of unity for prosperity and development.

“Such cultural events help in national integration. We get the opportunity to perform together with different communities and showcase our rich culture, folk dances and songs,” said Nirmala Devi, a participant.

The youth in Manipur are aware of the fact that militant led violence has created instability and affected the growth and development of the state.

They want unity, peace and harmony to once again reign in Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/state-holds-youth-festival/

KOLKATA, Feb 19 (IANS): The efforts of the West Bengal administration, led by the state`s first woman Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, to play down an Anglo-Indian woman`s complaint of being “raped at gun point” after late night partying on fashionable Park Street have raised the hackles of rights bodies and eminent people.

After a series of twists and turns, police claimed to have cracked the case by arresting three youths Saturday, throwing egg on the face of top government functionaries who had doubted the veracity of the woman`s complaint.

A manhunt has also been launched for the prime suspect, who is said to have fled the state.

The incident has raised serious questions on law and order, as it is the latest in a chain of murders as well as shootings and snatchings – many of them in broad daylight – in Kolkata and adjacent areas. There has even been several incidents of packets containing body parts being unearthed.

The alleged rape victim, who is a mother of two and a call centre employee, claimed that while coming out of a posh night club in the wee hours of Feb 6 she was offered a lift by an acquaintance in car.

As the car was about to start, some more people entered it, and she was later raped inside the moving vehicle and then thrown out into the streets.

However, the woman`s claim that the acquaintance was one Lavi Gidwani created confusion as immigration records showed he was in Canada from Jan 2. Later, the woman told a television channel that the man had first introduced himself as Rahman Khan and then gave his name as Lavi Gidwani.

Besides, police mobile call records of two other alleged culprits – Sharafat Ali and Azhar Ali – showed they were far from the spot at the time of occurrence of the alleged crime.

Deputy Commissioner of City Police (Crime) Damayanti Sen Thursday said the “victim” seemed “confused” and “certain technical discrepancies” had to be sorted out before police could come to a conclusion.

Police finally took the erased video footage of the night club on the day of the alleged incident to a cyber lab and nailed the alleged culprits, who were the not the ones originally identified by the woman. It was found that the arrested trio were Ruman Khan, Sumit Bajaj and Nasir.

“One person in the presence of others raped the woman. All of them used fake names while introducing themselves to the woman. So she got confused. The people whose names they took and who were mentioned by the victim initially were not present at the time of the crime,” said Sen.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had claimed Thursday that the incident was “cooked up” to “malign the government”.

Trinamool Congress leader and Sports Minister Madan Mitra went further. While talking to a TV channel, he not only did he question the morality of the woman but went on to say that the complaint was fabricated to extort money.

“She has two children and so far as I know she is separated from her husband. What was she doing at a night club so late in the night?” he asked.

At the state secretariat, a government spokesman even asked whether she was involved with an escort service and referred to an old case of cheating against her father.

What was also shocking is that some police officers had mocked the woman when she went to file her complaint at the Park Street police station. An inquiry has been ordered into the alleged indecent behaviour of the policemen.

West Bengal Women`s Commission chairperson Sunanda Mukherjee, who was handpicked for the post by the chief minister, took exception to the comments made by government functionaries.

“If any woman claims she has been raped then the rule is it has to be looked into with utmost seriousness. None of us have the right to say the allegation is right or wrong when investigation is on,” she said.

Writer Suchitra Bhattacharya said: “No woman will falsely claim that she has been raped. And the character of a woman should not be dragged into the issue. There is a Supreme Court ruling on this.”

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/rape-case-shows-mamata-in-bad-light/

FARRUKHABAD, Feb 19 (IANS): Louis Khursheed, Congress leader and wife of union Law Minister Salman Khursheed, had a narrow escape Sunday evening as a group of people pelted stones at a polling booth here, from where she is contesting the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, for allegedly promoting bogus voting.

The protesters charged her with `facilitating voting by her supporters` inside a booth at a primary school in Bibiganj after the 5 p.m. deadline.

As the gates were closed for voting and the people who had queued up were taken in, a group of Bharatiya Janata Party and Bahujan Samaj Party workers gathered near the booth and started shouting slogans.

The protesters even pelted stones at the polling booth where Louis Khursheed was standing. They accused her of trying to influence voters and promoting bogus voting.

Farrukhabad Superintendent of Police Mohit Gupta said that an incident had been reported from Bibiganj and he had asked officials to investigate the matter.

`Such reports have come to me and I have asked Louis Khursheed to send me a formal complaint so that the matter may be looked into,` Gupta said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/khursheeds-wife-attacked/

IMPHAL, Feb 19: As in other parts of the country, polio was administered at various parts of the state today.

The central security forces also provided assistance to various civil departments in administering pulse polio in the state today.

According to a PIB release 5/9 Gorkha Rifles under the aegis of Red Shied Division assisted the state health department to carry out pulse polio immunisation in Gothal, Kwakta and Saiton villages.

Further according to the statement approximately 250 children were given the polio drops.

In Ningthoukhong area 6/8 Gorkha Rifles under the aegis of Red Shield Division and local PHC, jointly organised a Pulse Polio

camp where around 145 children from were administered with polio drops.

The statement has stated that this is the first such jointly organised camp by Army and civil authorities in the area.

Meanwhile, in Maram 5 Assam Rifles also organised the Pulse polio immunisation drive, the statement added.

The pulse polio program was organised by SMO 5 AR deputy comdt T NK Ching who was assisted by Nb/Sub P K Choudhary of the Battalion alongwith a team of nursing assistants.

The statement has also added that the vaccination drive had commenced from 6:30 am and continued till 3pm in the evening during which a total of 449 children were administered with the polio drops.

Meanwhile, the commandant 69 BN CRPF in a press statement has informed that his battalion had also organized a pulse polio immunization programme at Mantripukhri during which hundreds of children below 5 years of age were administered polio drops.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/pulse-polio-immunization-camps/

IMPHAL, Feb 19: A special master class on psycho-physical aspects of acting conducted by Lin Pei Ann and Chongtham Jayanta Meetei of EX-Theatre Asia, Taiwan concluded today at Kay Pee Studio Complex, Kwakeithel Thokchom Leikai, Imphal.

The master class was organized by Mamikon Academy, Manipur and EX-Theatre Asia, Taiwan as an extension programme of the participatory project on film production, 2012 under the sponsorship of Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC).

The closing ceremony was graced by Dr RK Nimai, commissioner of art and culture, Dr K Sobita Devi, managing director of MFDC and Wareppa Naba, president of Theatre Centre, Manipur as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Nimai stressed on the need of “professionalism” in every field of work, which may be in art, culture, sports or academics.

He maintained that the state is rich in art and culture, however lack of professionals is a major drawback in bringing up the indigenous art forms to the international arena.

Nimai said that a Russian ambassador once appreciated the Manipuri dance as the best classical dance of India. He also appealed to the young actors to work dedicatedly in their field to uplift the standard of Manipuri theatre and cinema.

Wareppa Naba stated that theatre is the mirror of the society. Acting is a specialized field which needs both expertise in both academics and aesthetics.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/02/master-class-on-psychophysical-acting-by-taiwanese-director-concludes/