Tag: Top Stories

There is a tendency in Manipur for things to always return to square one. The avenue for a way out of this depressing stagnancy eludes the imagination of one and all, including our leaders, intellectuals and the numerous NGOs in the field of social works. The shared obsession seems to be to analyse, dissect, scrutinize and then either rubbish or glorify the past compulsively and then blame each other or else some external agency or the other for all the misery and misfortune that is everybody’s fate. Maybe there is some truth in this vision but it certainly cannot be the whole truth. To think this is so would be to reduce the social organism that we all are part of, to a simplistic mechanics of stimulus and responses only. And this we know cannot be, for the being and the soul of any society is far more complex, and we would contend, infinitely so. The difficulty in sizing up a society or its mores completely lies in this complexity and not to any attributable flaws of the past, as the current intellectual tradition in social analysis in the state seems to suggest. If social issues were so clear cut, and there were no ambiguities about remedial measures, most social problems ought to have disappeared by now everywhere in the world. The greatest thinkers have discovered, or others discovered after they are long gone, that this has never been the case and cannot ever be so as well.
The linearity of our social analyses has had some very serious consequences. For instance we seem to be a society which sees salvation in the past, at the cost of even ignoring the future. From the point of view of this limited linear vision, this is totally understandable. At least in its structure as a chronological sequence of events, there is a definitiveness about the past and this makes it comparatively simple to grasp, or at least it does not make it seem out of grasping distance. We would not say the same thing about the substance that gave form to this structure, but even here the same definitiveness associated with past events thins out the desperation to get the diagnosis right. The unfortunate thing is, this approach in our effort to come to grip with the past, is often extended to our quest for an understanding of the future. This, we would contend is flawed, for one thing there is nothing linear or definite about the future. In fact, the biggest flaw in historical materialism of the Marxist variety is precisely this linear and deterministic view of history and the future. This modernist outlook it seems is infectious, and hence our problem solving efforts have seldom acknowledged that the future is about discovering previously unknown and unexplored equations. The foundations of our mainstream as well as the numerous prevalent alternate politics today have never been built on any such broad platform, negating in the process the well known, one line definition of politics as “art of the possible”. Unlike the past which is a dead process and circumscribed in time and memory, the field for the future is wide open. We cannot erase the Chahi Taret Khuntakpa chapter in our history, but creative vision of the future can prevent similar historical catastrophes.
While we cannot possibly forget our past, or ignore what we have inherited from it, we do feel there is an urgent need for our society to tone down some of its claustrophobic obsession with the past and develop a vision of the future that is not everything about undoing the past or based on any utopian ideal, but in the light of it as precisely “an art of the possible”. Only when this understanding becomes the standard, realistic terms for resolutions to most of our conflict situations, both internal and external, can begin to dawn. If the question is about past wrongs and their impacts on the present and the future, surely as creative, autonomous beings that all human individuals are, we can overcome these impacts. In structural terms, democracy guarantees this possibility. In spiritual terms too, the prison of “coloniality” of even formerly colonized worlds, cannot contain this same creativity that gives the individual the capability of sizing up his predicament and affect the changes necessary to overcome that state of mind. It is depressing that our public discourses seldom have approached the future without the past as the sole measuring tape. Let our future go beyond the status of being just a response to our past.

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IMPHAL, June 9: A five member representatives of the World Bank Group have arrived in the state capital this morning to assess feasibility of the technical implications to sanction fund in the form of loan to Manipur government meant for improvement of power sector.
According to an official source, the state government while considering the difficulties towards the development aspects to both public and private sectors in terms of development caused by accumulating irregularities of proper power supply in the state, the state government had decided to sought financial assistance from the World Bank in terms of Loan which will be invested for the improvement of power supply in the state.
The visit is in respond the official approach made by Manipur government.
The five membered team of the World Bank group is led by two senior energy specialists Rohit Mutal and Mukul Matindra of the Worl Bank Group. The other members are Kavita Saraswati, senior engineer, Survi Goyal and Mudit Naraian,  operation analysts.
They arrived at the state capital today and attended series of meeting at the conference hall of Old Secretariat Imphal which started from 11 am under the chair of state chief secretary DS Poonia.
The official source further mentioned that the visiting team of the World Bank attended the introductory meeting this morning at 11.am and later analyzed official documentations tabled by the state concerned departments through state government seeking additional monetary assistance from the World Bank for the improvement of the power supply in the state.
The meeting was also attended by head of departments of Power, Planning and Finance.
The joint official meeting was resumed at 3pm this afternoon and reviewed the official presentation of the state government along with the visiting official representatives of World Bank Group and officials of power department on the operational and financial health of power sector, key challenges facing the sector and the department.
It is reported that the high level meeting today also discussed on the current institutional capacity and state power department in technical procurement/ contacting Planning, finance/account, environment, social and personal areas, schemes propose to covered under the project and works already done as well as implementation of RGGVSY and R/APBRP and their linkage with proposed schemes during the late hours this evening and concluded at 6.45 pm.
The source also mentioned that the visiting official representatives of World Bank Group will continue to attend the joint meeting with the Commissioner finance VK Dewangan and Special Secy. Planning Sajjad Hassan tomorrow morning at 10 am at Old Secretariat Imphal and will be followed by D-briefing meeting with the Principal Secy. LP Golmei at the same venue at 11 am and the visiting official representatives will leave Imphal for Delhi at 5 pm after collecting all source of needful documentations and comments made by the series of official level meeting to initiate needful proceedings to allow the state government to get loans from the World bank which meant for the improvement of power supply in the state, the official source added.

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By Professor N. Mohendro Singh
Former Member, Steering Committee, NER Vision, 2020
Well, it is good that the 60th plenary session of the North Eastern Council to be held on 16th and 17th June at New Delhi has been meaningfully designed to give effect to the NER Vision, 2020 signed on 13th May 2008 at Agartala after exhaustive preparation of three years. The development initiative marks a turning point to get down to the ground realities. In fact it is a Bible of Development for the entire North Eastern Region with the Transfer of Development Rights in the wake of challenges of globalization and imperatives of liberalization which was set in motion in 1991. Regional imbalance continued to pose a tantalizing headache for the planners in the country. The performance of economic planning in the country for the last 58 years fails to address the issue of regional imbalance. Curiously, to the dismay and disappointment, the North Eastern Region was found lagging 30 per cent behind the rest of the country. It was therefore essential to prepare the roadmap and guiding framework for a structural
change and responsive trajectory of growth.
In order to catch up with the rest of the country the North Eastern Region should be prepared to achieve annual average growth rate of Gross State Domestic Product of 13.17 per cent and Manipur 13.25 per cent by 2012-2017 as against the national average of 9 per cent. This is a new development challenge.

Any exercise has, therefore, to be made keeping this reality in view not merely the routine exercise of a few projects not carefully worked out to ascertain the accurate multiplier effect on the growth acceleration and stimuli released by way of externalities. In this connection we have to identify four major issues:
1 Where do we stand now i.e. by 2011-12?
2 Where to go (economic destination)?
3 How to go (potentials/priorities/strategy)?
4 How soon (time frame/time line)?

In the course of preparation of the Vision Document we suggested six components of strategy
a. Empowerment of people
b. Creation of Development Opportunities
c. Developing sectors with comparative advantage
d. Capacity Development of people and institution
e. Creating hospitable investment climate
f. Investment by both public and private sectors

It could be fair and equally convincing if the projects prepared by the Government of Manipur for the plenary session touch on and are derived from the components of the strategy. Of course, one should not ignore the abject ground realities in the state.

Well, it could be necessary to reiterate the fact that any major development initiative neither preceded nor accompanied by sufficient social empowerment invites inequality, imbalance and instability in due course. The very purpose of inclusive growth gets defeated. A sound strategy demands that Development and Empowerment should go together. Look at the impact of heavy projects of high capital intensity. The lion’s share of the intervention goes to the wealth-to-do rich contractors, companies and suppliers. The poor and unorganized sector remains a mere marginal beneficiary with a spill-over of daily wages.

Secondly we also identified crucial roles of social capital and social entrepreneurs to implement, run and maintain the economic projects. In this connection, once in a meeting of the Steering Committee, SHREE MANI SHANKAR AIYAR, former Honourable Minister, DoNER, in reply to my strong argument on Investment Gap in Manipur said “Professor Mohendro, please don’t worry about money. I will give you enough money for any project but who will look after the project? I know maintenance remains an unsolved problem in Manipur”. Even today plan for plan maintenance remains criminally ignored as a result of which many assets to-day remain half-completed, idle or underutilized. We suggested Administrative Reforms before any policy initiative. What we need in Manipur today is bureaucratic machinery with commitment rooted in domestic institutions not merely so-called refresher programmes.

One should not expect good governance without a fair knowledge on what to do and not to do. In fact confusion begins withjack of fair knowledge and firm commitment. Right now the bureaucratic apparatus in the state, by and large, fails to appreciate the historical necessity of Plan Culture not merely the so-called work culture. The compendium of a few schemes cannot substitute the planned works born out of a series of economic relationships.

It is really surprising that we are harbouring the false notion of inefficiency of District Planning while the whole world has accepted the principle of decentralization of planning and development as cornerstone of inclusive growth. Even to-day we do not have District Resource Inventory, District Perspective Plan and District Annual Plan. We have schemes but not plans. The Hill Development Strategy should necessary be part of the long term District Perspective Plan based on District Resource Potentials. To-day the development process in the hill areas gets distorted and remains visibly insensitive.

Lastly, yes, participation in the 60th plenary session is important;— but more important is the WAY the preparation is made and much more important is the SPIRIT with which you participate. The burden of heavy involvement in the gigantic task of the production of Vision Document remains a reminder of seriousness and thoroughness with which the action plans have to be prepared in order to initiate a directional departure.

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IMPHAL June 17: The week long observance of the 13th foundation day of the Nationalist Congress Party observed by the Manipur Pradesh NCP concluded today at Ima Khunthoknganbi Sanglen today.

The anniversary observance was attended by state NCP president MLA Radhabinod Kiojam,MLAs Th Nandakishore, Salam Joy and Doukhomang Khonsai among other party officials.

Taking digs at the Congress led SPF government, opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam said that the Congress has become unscrupulous and is leading the people on a wrong path. Stating that the insurgent issue needs to be addressed at the foremost and that necessary initiatives has to be taken to bring the misguided youths back to the mainstream. He said that talks must be held between the state and non state actors so as to bring about a congenial atmosphere in the State as there can be no development without peace.

He further said that the NCP believes in upholding the territorial integrity of the State and will never compromise on the issue, he also reminded the fact that Irom Sharmila has been fasting for more than a decade for removal of AFSPA from the State, yet her endeavor has been largely ignored by the state government. He added that if she expires then the State will burn in protest.

MLA Doukhomang in his speech stated that NCP will contest for 25 assembly constituencies in the upcoming elections and will win at least 15 seats. He also said that the next government will have a coalition with the NCP.

MLA Salam Joy also stated that the State is going backwards in development as the Congress believes in doing politics by using money, muscle power and sheer gundaism. Such attitude of the Congress will never be successful in bringing development to the State. He added that the NCP believes in bringing communal harmony and acts with a sacrificing and sincere outlook.

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In Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner” a novel which traces the fortune of a Pashtoon family in the backdrop of war ravaged Afghanistan, the protagonist Amir Jan whose talent as a creative writer began showing early in his boyhood, in his first attempt at writing a story as a schoolboy, thinks of a situation in which a man who was blessed that his tears would become pearls, kills his beloved wife so that his sadness would make him weep endlessly and thus reap a harvest of pearls. In the end the man is indeed found sitting on a mound of pearls, obviously richer than he imagined he could ever be, with wealth he cannot hope to use in a lifetime, but profoundly sad and lonely than he ever was. The budding sense of irony, a vital ingredient of any good story teller was unmistakable, and the boy after the war at home made him a refugee in America is to become a successful writer. He would also then return to Afghanistan to atone for a deep sense of guilt at having betrayed his boyhood friend, someone who never ever failed to stand by him through thick and thin, and who eventually turned out to be a half brother, born of a servant’s wife his father had a sexual relations with.

The child imagination, undoubtedly informed by the turmoil at home and fanatical insistence with which the Taliban were self-inflicting endless and meaningless injuries on Afghanistan, in what they called would ultimate be the deliverance of Afghanistan through “the path of God”, was telling in many ways. It spoke of skewed values and aspirations, ones that have slowly but surely been divested from essential humanity by consistent abuse of individual dignity by the fanaticism all around, and the impossible living conditions in the country at the time. What is important for us is the question, is Manipur heading the same direction? From evidences all around us, it does seem to be so. The all pervading violence has gone far beyond sane limits. Even when there is no overt mayhem, the undercurrents still spell nothing but violence. Nobody is free to be himself or herself. The uneasy and uncanny sense of being watched and monitored has come to intimidate practically everybody into not just silence, but also to be zombies with no independent will. They act as they believe they are expected to only. They also are increasingly, though unconsciously, being forced into shrinking into their individual shells. Look at the current state of home architecture for instance. Walk into any middleclass home in Imphal and what would be noticed is a disturbing sense of insecurity the ordinary citizenry are suffering from. With the exception of a few, most live in homes that resemble a jail, with iron gratings on the portico and every other possible places intruders could barge in from; windows are fortified with sturdy iron bars etc. As a thumb rule, the richer the owner of the house, the more would be the unflattering resemblance his house has to a jail. Those who can afford it would for instance gift themselves with 12-feet or more high retaining walls all around their homesteads. Steel fortified gates which are always kept tightly shut would also greet visitors to these homes. Probably most would say this is the need of the hour for the times are bad. But what most far too often fail to question is, what would be the psychology of children growing up in such an oppressive atmosphere. Undoubtedly their minds and aspirations would also have been skewed as Amir Jan’s. Redemption from such a state of mind would also undoubtedly not be easy. Amir Jan found his, but the unasked question is how many other of his peers would not have.

When will Manipur ever become an open society “where the mind is without fear and the head is held high”? A lot of commitment from all sane thinkers of our society is essential for this to come about, and it is time they all began thinking the situation is desperate. Otherwise, the spiral of insanity that the society is plunging into would touch a critical point of no return. The values of our society are already distorted monstrously and nothing absolutely nothing remains as sacrosanct space revered by all. It is not a surprise at all that recent news report in local dailies announced there has been a sharp rise in mental illness in the state in recent years. The situation must not be allowed to sink any further, lest whatever sanity which managed to survive too would be gone, and like in Amir Jan’s story, in the hunt for false notions of achievements and success, people begin to sell even their own souls as well as those of their near and dear ones.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/BKAABf0q7Ys/

IMPHAL July 1: Women society of Ekou bazaar under Khundrakpam A/C, Imphal east consisting of various communities today protested against the imposition of heavy monetary demands and threats met out to them by an alleged hill based proscribed outfit.

A sit in protest was held in this connection at the Ekou bazaar from 9 am to 4 pm today, demanding the alleged proscribed outfit to rethink and revoke their demands and refrain from any activities that may compromise the peaceful co-existence of different communities in Ekou area.

Agitated at the heavy monetary demands and the accompanying threats, one of the villagers, L. Leibakleima, ex-secretary, Meira Paibi Lup (women society) Ekou bazaar lamented that the demand is unreasonable and is beyond their meager source of income, who survive predominantly from petty agricultural activities.

It may be mentioned that a heavy monetary demand of Rs 2 lakhs was imposed on one S. Ibochouba with dire consequences if he failed to meet within July 3.

Initially, it was said that the demand was for 1 lakh. However it was increased with another one lakh as a consequence of one of the alleged outfit’s associate being apprehended by a commando team during frisking on his way to a place at Sapermeina.

The arrested individual was accompanying S. Ibochouba and a relative for a meeting called by the alleged outfit.

S. Angoubi devi, secretary, Meira Paibi Lup Ekou bazaar said that the 1-2 lakhs demand is impossible for them to manage. She added that they condemned imposition of the monetary demands and other threats that may endanger the very foundation of communal harmony in the area.

The women society further lamented that the said outfit is also imposing illegal tax from shops and other small commercial establishment in Ekou bazaar.

Further, they alleged that previously on many occasion, the said outfit was involved in many unlawful activities that created apprehension and concern to different communities living in Ekou.

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IMPHAL, July 5: One person was stabbed to death by his companion today at New Checkon Maring Lane, Imphal East.

The deceased person has been identified as one Nachomi Chiro, 41, s/o Puei of Chongdan Village of Kasom Khullen sub-division, Ukhrul district, now residing at Mantripukhri.

The incident happened today at around 3 pm when one of Nachomi’s companions stabbed him several times at a tea stall located at Maring Lane. He was immediately rushed to JNIMS, Porompat, but later succumbed to his injuries.

The owner of the tea stall, Ram Dayal stated that Nachomi and some seven of his companions had tea and snacks at his tea stall. After one of them paid the bill, he (owner) went outside for sometime. But when he returned to the stall, he saw Naochomi lying injured on the floor.

The police have recovered some documents of MGNREGS along with the knife used in the crime. However, the culprits have not been arrested so far.

According to a reliable source, the murder could have been related with MGNREGS. The SDO of Kasom Khullen sub-division is also reported resident at Maring Lane. 

The body of the deceased person has been kept at JNIMS mortuary for post-mortem examination.

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IMPHAL, Aug 21: One man was found dead in Kongba River at Kongpal Chanam Leikai in Imphal East district today morning.

The deceased person has been identified as Kshetrimayum Gobin, 25, s/o Kameshwar of Kongpal Chanam Leikai.

According to family sources, Gobin went out from home along with some of his friends yesterday evening. He did not return till late night. However, at around 2 am today one Kshetrimayum Aupa informed the family members that Gobin had jumped into the river after having altercation with some people.

The family members along with some other people from the locality searched for the body of Gobin and found the body at around 6 am today.

Both hands of Gobin were found tied and there were also many injury marks on his body.

Meanwhile, the police have arrested four persons for interrogation in connection with the murder of Gobin.

The irate mob also ransacked the house of one Kshetrimayum Rameshwar who is one of the accused in the case. However, the police controlled the mob timely. 

The body of deceased Gobin was later handed over to the family members after conducting post-mortem examination at JNIMS.

In another incident, one youth was found dead near Lilong Ataokhong Dam today afternoon. The deceased is yet to be identified.

The dead body has been deposited at JNIMS mortuary for post-mortem examination. Some capsules of spasmo proxy and N-10 were also found near the body.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/two-found-dead-house-of-accused-ransacked/

IMPHAL, Sept 8 (NNN): The Manipur State unit of Naga People’s Front (NPF) has expressed concern over the current impasse in connection with the Sadar Hills and said that the total bandh had been lifted but there is no end in sight to the economic blockade while suggesting that United Naga Council (UNC) and its allied organizations should call for a proper consultation among the different Naga tribes and districts for serious introspection. The NPF also advised the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) members to acknowledge the lack of consensus and first find remedial measures for elimination of apprehension among the different communities in the area.

The NPF then came down on the state government of Manipur saying the latter now apparently seems helpless as it is caught in the vicious web of its own programme and policies. The NPF, Manipur unit accused that the state government`s attempt to appease and placate the innocent public with wishful ideas of creating new districts without properly assessing the ground realities, such as Tonjei Maril (Jiribam), Tengnoupal, Phungyar etc. and the controversial Sadar Hills district is most unfortunate at the fag end of its term. “If creation of Sadar Hills district is really meant for administrative convenience, first why not absorb Jiribam which is under Imphal East but lays 220 kms away west from it, into Tamenglong or Churachandpur districts,” suggested the NPF.

“Therefore the Manipur unit of NPF advises the state government to be truthful to itself and to the people so that any undesirable consequence is avoided in the sate like Manipur. The party then said all parties concerned including the state government must give due importance and respect to the traditional boundaries of any communities, areas and villages while making major decisions such as creation of new districts. The state government must also initiate dialogue with the parties concerned and involve them in such issues with total transparency or altogether shelve the issue temporarily so that time will take its own course, it advised.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/npf-expresses-deep-concern-over-sadar-hills-issue/

The drive to clean up Imphal after the initial fanfare has receded into the background once again. But even the little extra consciousness of the need for keeping the city clean seems to have left its mark. Thangal Bazar for instance looks a lot more orderly today. For long, this stretch of one of the oldest and busiest commercial streets of Imphal city was almost buried in its own waste. Moreover, the prolonged isolation caused by the construction of the BT Flyover and then the three modern Keithel complexes, had left it almost dead as a commercial centre, as it was increasingly becoming difficult for customers to enter the area. Now that these constructions are finally drawing to a completion and the virtual marooning of the Thangal Bazar finally over, the market is slowly but surely regaining its old vitality. Quite noticeable, for the moment at least, is a new effort to keep the place clean by all those who are doing business here. The place in short is now wearing a somewhat swept look and this is welcome. Whether this is only a salvo to cheer the end of the long isolation and business strangulation it was condemned to and that things would be back to its messy past sooner than later, or else there has been a dawn of a new found collective desire to live and trade in clean environment, remains to be seen.
Imphal would have been such a beautiful mid-sized city if it was clean and not as dusty as it is now. Its climate is amazingly temperate, with mild summers and not too bitter winters. It does not have too much noise pollution or for that matter motorcar fumes as in almost all other cities of the country. What it does have in abundance is dusts. In the dry season especially, it is next to impossible to be travelling on its roads in anything but a sealed, air-conditioned car. As not everybody can afford this luxury, it is imaginable how much this condition is responsible for respiratory tract ailments amongst numerous Imphal residents. It is not surprising that face masks and other air filter devices to breathe with have become such a hit in the city. Practically every two wheeler rider and pedestrian today wears such a device. Perhaps schools should also make it part of their school uniform for the safety of the children in their schools. Why is the government not thinking of combating this menace on a war footing? It once began with a campaign to make Imphal a plastic-free city, but abandoned it sooner than it started it. Why this lack of will power? Gangtok, the capital of the latest state to join the Northeast, Sikkim, managed it so well and today this small but exquisitely clean hill station can boast of being totally plastic bag free. It is also one of those Indian cities where outdoor, open restaurants are possible, because it is also virtually dust free.
Some MLAs, including the Yaiskul legislator, have begun using their local area funds to black-top all dirt lanes in their constituencies, and this is a good beginning, for most of the dust on the tarmac roads are brought on it from the muddy approach lanes to them. This is, we must say, one way of spending this public fund in the hands of MLAs and MPs meaningfully. Most of the time, it is not really known how this money is spent, and as it emerged during the last Assembly election, a lot of it ended up spent only on paper with little or nothing to show on the ground. The government should also hasten up its construction works in Imphal city. For whatever its reason, it has not taken up these works in batches, but virtually all in one go making Imphal all the more dusty, and not only this, inconveniencing commuters on these roads. It must realise, keeping Imphal clean is not just about beautification but more importantly of public health as well. For all these reasons, we are of the opinion the government must take up this issue on a priority basis. It must resolve that in the next one year, Imphal would be a dust free city. This would be a boon for all the residents of Imphal apart from making it much more attractive for tourists. Come to think of it, unlike say the question of bringing the insurgency situation under control, or boosting the economy of the state, this one is imminently achievable. For all we know, perhaps this is the trigger to start the chain reaction of problem solutions in the state, after all, what is needed for creativity to result is an all-round conducive atmosphere, and this cannot happen under the endless clouds of dust that Imphal today is shrouded in.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/jYZsI3nWhW4/

IMPHAL May 12: A foundation laying ceremony of a new school building for Moirangpural High school was held today at the proposed site at Moirangpural under Andro constituency. Moirangpural high school is among the four schools in Andro constituency that were recently upgraded to high school status from junior high school.

The school has 650 students studying from class III to class IX at present.

Th. Shyamkumar Singh, MLA, Andro constituency, today laid the ceremonial foundation of the new school building. A function was held at the school campus to mark the foundation laying ceremony.

Speaking at the occasion, Th Shyamkumar encouraged the students to be aware of the environment and the issues resulting from deforestation.

He assured the students of the newly upgraded Moirangpural High School of a sum of Rs 5000 to each student who can successfully plant five fruit tree saplings. He informed that he has already acquired several varieties of tree saplings from the concerned department, which will be distributed to the students within two days time, he added.

He also assured an award of Rs 10 lakhs to any student from his constituency who can bag the first position in the State High School Leaving examination and senior secondary examination and another Rs 10 lakhs for the teachers of any school which could produce student with the first position.

He also promised Rs One lakh award for any student from his constituency who could come among the first ten toppers in the state in both the examinations.

He said that the government has been extending its full corporation on many spheres. The government has been helping in developing the infrastructure of the schools, providing free books and other essential items to the schools from time to time.

`Yesterday, 150 pairs of desk and benches were provided to the school from the concerned government department`, he said. He further added that another 150 pairs of desk and benches were provided to Poroukhongjil High school that has 710 students.

The four schools of the constituency that were upgraded to high school status from junior high school recently are Andro High school, Hueikap High school, Moirangpural High school and Poroukhongjil High school.

He further stated that many local teachers as well as others from outside the constituency are engaged in the schools. Shyamkumar added that the teachers of these schools were paid from his own expense every month.

He appealed the invitees, teachers and students gathered in the function to act sincerely and responsibly, as the developmental and welfare initiatives were taken up in accordance with the objectives of free and compulsory education.

The ceremonial function was attended by staffs and students of the school as well as many guardians of the students from the locality.

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IMPHAL, May 22: The secretary of Manipur Legislature’s Forum on HIV and AIDS (MLFA) and MLA of Oinam Assembly Constituency Dr. I Ibohanbi  expressed that HIV/AIDS policy of the state which was instituted in 1996 has become outdated.
The MLA was speaking at a One- day Constituency Covention on HIV and AIDS held at Namdunlong Baptist Church near Khuman Lampak today.
The convention was attended by MPCC president G. Gaikhangam and MTDC chairman and the MLA of Henglep constituency T. Manga Vaiphei and UNAIDS state coordinator Sushil Huidrom. Ibohanbi further stated that there are many programmes which are aimed at the benefits of persons living with HIV/AIDS.
To revised the HIV State Policy, a draft review has been prepared with consultation of Manipur Aids Control Society. The draft review will be brought to the attention of the state assembly and hopefully a new state policy will be passed. He also mentioned that to facilitate detection of HIV syndrome, the state govt. has also plans to purchase machinery to installed in all the district hospitals of the state. This will save, afford and facilitate the affected persons in the far flung districts.
Speaking as chief guest G. Gaikhangam stated that the means to control the HIV pandemic lies within the public and how informed they are about the virus. In the globalized world one has to refrain from stigmatizing the affected persons as HIV positive status can be compared with a person having diabetics or high blood pressure.
He said that with proper care and medication one need not die due to the affection of HIV prematurely.  He mantains such awareness programme as higly beneficial to the public in spreading awareness, and such through programme the public thus can understand the means of protecting oneself from being affected.

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What Irish song writer and singer Paul Brady sang 20 years ago in his song titled “The Island”, tormented by the increasingly mindless violence with no seeming hope for a conclusion in his homeland at the time, rings loud in considering the situation in Manipur today. Amidst the sombre mood of the song comes the stabbing line which should make everybody sit up and rethink: “Up here, we sacrifice our children for worn out dreams of yesteryears.” So much water has flowed down the rivers of Manipur in the half century of conflict, it is time now to reassess and re-evaluate the dreams of yesteryears so that they are not out of sync with the needs as well as aspirations of the changed times. Needless to remind anyone that times keep changing, and it is imperative for all to also change with it and remain relevant.
The half century of conflict however has not been of any waste. It served its purpose. The resistance had a driving logic that is why it came up. Had it not been there, it is quite imaginable that Manipur would have lost its will and inner fire long ago, and become content to simply surviving and not living. To all the sacrifices that have gone into this struggle, we all owe our gratitude for making us what we are today, or more relevantly, sustaining in all of us the will to live and be independent in spirit. Nothing, not a single life lost in the revolution that has been raging has gone waste. They all served a grand purpose of saving the soul of the place. Yet, the times have changed, and changed dramatically too. The fight is no longer the same, the fighters are no longer the same and so indeed the enemies are no longer the same. All these dramatis personae, and the valour or villainy associated with them, were determined by circumstance and circumstance alone. Nobody is born hero or villain, it is the given situation that categorises them in their respective moulds. Today’s enemies can be tomorrow’s friends and today’s friends can be tomorrow’s enemies. We have all seen this happen right before our very eyes in so many conflict theatres. It would be sheer obduracy and linearity of vision which would make anybody believe our situation is any different from this.
It is therefore vital for all the various political dramatis personae in our own conflict theatre to be open to self assessment and consequently self renewal. This is the only way to remain relevant. For this to happen, a constant dialogue and vigilance to be in touch with the pulse as well as the aspiration of the public at large, and with this knowledge as the lode star seek to understand the self better, is absolutely essential. Leaders of the people, both underground as well as those in the establishment must be willing to accept this onerous challenge, for this is of vital importance to the future and current welfare of the public they serve. This can happen best if communication channels are always open between these leaders and the public. Manipur is at a very crucial juncture now. It can either chose to be condemned to another one hundred years of solitude or else decide to integrate with the world and give itself a new and modern soul. This is also a crucial juncture because of the proposal from one of the most powerful underground organisations, the UNLF, for a settlement either through a UN supervised plebiscite or else by any other honourable means. We hope similar proposals for a just resolution also come forth from other groups so that a synthesis can be looked forward to and a common programme for a lasting solution to Manipur’s problems can come into sight. For a start, at least the UNLF chairman, who is now in custody, must be facilitated to be in closer touch with the people. This could be by arrangement with the state government. There have been models by which this has been done, some of which seem applicable in the current situation in the state in a realistic way. The ULFA model in which arrested ULFA leaders were released on bail is one. This one seems a little farfetched. The Dima Halong model seems a little more suitable. Here the state declares a house as jail and keeps the organisation leaders under house arrest there. In the case of the arrested UNLF leader too, such an arrangement could be made so that he can be in closer touch with representatives of the people on the ground. This model is also being played out in the case of Irom Sharmila, whereby the state government declares a section of the JN Hospital as jail premises and keeps the hunger striking, gritty, lady there. If it is for the sake of arriving at a solution to Manipur’s vexed problems, there is no reason why the state government cannot think of doing the same again.

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By RS Jassal
1. In this conflict ridden situation, the announcement by Shri RK Meghen @ Sanayaima UNLF Chief to hold a plebiscite to end Indo `“ Manipur confrontation has been construed by various individuals and organizations in divergent ways. Mostly civil society orgs (CSOs) are taking it as a means to ascertain whether merger was legal or illegal, people be given liberty for self determination , full sovereignty & so on has echoed out of it. Day by day, media is puffing it up whatever big or small meetings are taking place with no analysis. No doubt, at certain occasions and under differing situations or difficult circumstances, communities or even nations were forced to take recourse to plebiscite on matters like applicability of one law for people of those particular communities or nations though such cases have been very far and few to count . That is valid only if 100 or so percent participation of the people is there. Here in Manipur `it`™ assumes special importance because of multi- ethnicals. Without touching constitutionality or sentimentality of a good number of people, I wish to offer my views being a citizen of Manipur.

2. Meghen has not spelt out terms of reference to be contested by people in private since it has to affect all the people mainly — Meities, Nagas, Kukis, Hmars, Pangals and non `“ Manipuri`™s (now Manipuri`™s). One wonders if all adults & above out of the 22.5 million will participate in the plebiscite even if Govt of India wish to give a trial . Will there be some significant outcome in the wake of demand of NSCN (IM) `“ UNC for Nagalim, and UNLF pledge to ensure integrity of Manipur. The political demands and social agenda of various UG groups differ, contradict and imbalance the scales to match with solution thus leaving no room for single point agenda for the plebiscite to achieve.

3. Compare to the differences caused with shift of stand each major UG group has undergone from start of revolution to current period from secession to reconciliation but with conditions India became independent on 15th Aug, 1947. There was no political demand as on that day. Naga Hills was an out district of Assam & out of NEFA admin box. Manipur was single district administration unit even up to 1960`™s and there was only one IGP for entire Assam. So roughly speaking, it was treated as part of Assam (erstwhile greater Assam) for national policies & social percepts. In 1964 open skirmishes ended with 6 Sep signing of SoO in Nagaland after expansion of Naga Hills to Nagaland by clubbing adjacent areas up to permissible extends. UNLF (1964) started its basic operations of mobilizing awareness against apprehensions of Manipur breaking into three parts like Naga areas going to Nagaland as per then action plan of UNIC under Rishang`™s leadership. Manipur however retained its supreme, serene & pristine form as self with dissolution of UNIC in 1972, UNIC mergering with Congress & Manipur gaining statehood status i.e., nine years later than Nagaland.

4. After six decades of up & down wading through muddy waters of insurgency, Naga UGs have been persuaded to agree to appreciate the typical constitutional position & obligation of India towards its people & has made them almost agree to not to break Manipur. Fat economic packages are under way. UNLF Chief may also have the idea that plebiscite is to regularize the merger to assuage the hurt feelings of a section of hard thinking people so that confrontation may be called off honourably and with dignity. IT MAY NOT BE FOR SECESSION, who knows, but the way discussions are going on & political pundits who are acknowledged nationalists also titling in their thinking to plebiscite, it is feared current discussion in the valley may go astray. It may prompt Nagas- Kukis – Zous Hmars – and Sadar Hills occupants (where Gorkhas are also in countable numbers) may isolate themselves from plebiscite . As early as recommendation of State Re Organization Commission during the Premiership of late Jawaharlal Nehru, Manipur was threatened to be stripped of hill areas & valley was to be left as a district of Assam, which was out rightly turned down by him & Manipur remained as it is today. So Manipur tided over that unsuspected threat and moved on & on .

5. Going a bit century back, in 1891 uprising of Manipur Kingdom against British Power & devastation of Kangla Fort, dismembering of Manipuri armed strength, the recommendation was made to the Queen at London by the British Viceroy, Delhi after a Military Court of Inquiry, that Manipur to be merged into British Indian State. It is on record. Her Excellency Queen refused to do so. It was ordered Manipur – be kept as a native kingdom & King from right lineage be selected & taken to Mayo College, Ajmer for education & princely upbringing. Young boy of 5 years age Churachand was identified. Manipur territories thus remained intact and tutor of young prince Mr. Johnstone also moved to Manipur as Political Officer latter when same Churachand took over as Maharaja. Coronation was held with appropriate gun salute. Manipur retained its status as it is today when there was nobody to take care other than the Regent. Manipur had faced similar situation of forced hibernation during 1825 `“ 1832 known as Seven Years of Devastation caused by Awa men of Burma( recall Chahi Taret Khuntakpa period) but Manipur emerged phoenix like out of Yandaboo treaty ending conflict with Ava permanently.

6. Negotiation table is also lying without activity because what UNLF wants PREPAK, RPF and KCP may not agree to. It is suspected . It is therefore suggested Civil Society Organisations, Frontal organizations, influential intellectuals be organized into pressure groups to contact important UG leaders and suggest solid measures to uphold the spirit of Manipur so that its body culture is not disturbed . I humbly ask, is Spirit of Plebiscite conducive to the body culture of Manipur ? What is expected out of it by UNLF from plebiscite without participation from Hills. And Hills firing repeated salvos of various sorts for changing directions can not be under scored. If plebiscite is intended for secession (ism), one wonders how public meetings are being allowed to hold discussions on plebiscite in light of constitutional amendment No 16 of 1963 under sub head right to secession which clearly says ` even discussion of secessionism will invite no protection to freedom of speech`. which is guaranteed to all Indians under Fundamental Right in the Preamble of Constitution.However it can be a negotiation instrument for UNLF chief/ as & when his team sits with Govt. of India on the table to discuss.

7. For final and close to acceptable solution `“ three(Tarun Gogoi, Ibobi & Rio) political hat scorer including two in line up need to sit together with Hon`™ble HM Shri. P. Chidambaram, at Guwahati with Rajkhowa (ULFA) , Muivah (NSCN IM) and Meghen (UNLF) as special invitees and chart out key map for peaceful solution. Other are all wasteful efforts.

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IMPHAL, May 31: The Mapithel Dam Affected Villages Organization has appealed to the chairperson, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes to intervened into the plight of tribals affected by the Maphithel Dam.

In a letter sent to the national commission signed by its chairman, the organization has appealed for the commission to intervened and suspend the construction of the dam until the rehabilitation and resettlement programmes of the affected villagers are implemented.

The letter has stated that the Mapithel Dam (Thoubal Multipurpose Project) was approved by the planning commission in 1980 and construction of the dam commenced in the 1990s. However the letter further maintained that the dam will affect as many as 11 tribal villages directly`”with some of them completely submerged.

It has also stated that a Memorandum of Agreement was signed on June 19, 1993 between some of the affected villages and the government of Manipur (GOM) wherein the GOM agreed to pay certain amounts of compensation to the affected villagers within a stipulated time. However, the GOM reneged on the agreement by not paying the compensation within the stipulated timeframe.

It has further stated that the state government had prepared a series of rehabilitation and resentment programmes for the oustees without consulting the affected villagers which had resulted the various rehabilitation and resettlement plans suffered from various defects and limitations.

It also maintained that the affected villagers had submitted several representations to the concerned authorities, to constitute an Expert Review Committee (ERC) tasked with the responsibilities of reviewing the rehabilitation and resettlement programmes for those affected by the construction of the dam.

According to the letter sent to the chairperson, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, the demand for constitution of the ERC had been taken up at the Chief Minister level as early as 2004. This fact is borne out by the letter of Wungnaoshang Keishing, MLA dated 26 March 2006 to the Chief Minister wherein it is clearly stated that the `Chief Minister had assured the delegation of the affected area that all possible assistance would be provided by constituting an Expert Review Committee.

However despite of the assurance, the ERC was not constituted, it stated and added that it was only after numerous reminders and democratic forms of protest that the GOM came out with a notification in January 2008 to the affect that it is constituting an ERC to `examine the rehabilitation and resettlement programmes of the affected villagers as a result of the construction of the Thoubal Multipurpose Project.`

In this regard, the Mapithel Dam Affected Villages Organisation (MDAVO), in the 1st Meeting of the ERC on January 18, 2008, had submitted a document proposing Terms of Reference (TOR) for consideration by the ERC within which the ERC should function. The same document was also forwarded to the Chief Secretary, GOM for consideration and information.

In this regard, the GOM responded on 11 April 2008 that the State Cabinet has decided to refer the matter to the ERC for detailed examination of TOR.

Despite this assurance, the ERC had not arrived at any decision regarding the TOR submitted by MDAVO. The ERC in its last meeting on February 11, 2011 resolved that after re-examining the TOR submitted by MDAVO, it would submit its findings to the Government for obtaining approval, it maintained.

The letter further reminded that the GOM has announced, in response to a starred question (Starred Question No. 577 dated March 11, 2011) during a Manipur legislative assembly session that the Mapithel Dam would be commissioned on March 31, 2012. As one of the legitimate demands of MDAVO is that all processes and implementation of rehabilitation and resettlement programme should be completed a year before the commissioning of the dam to ensure that the needs and requirements of affected villagers are taken care of, this attempt of the GOM to commission the dam before the completion of the rehabilitation and resettlement programme would adversely impact the affected villagers. And particularly in light of the fact that the ERC, which was constituted to review the rehabilitation and resettlement programmes for those affected by the construction of the dam, is yet to submit its report, it maintained.

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Leader Writer Leivon Jimmy
The powerful blast that was triggered on May 28 at the temporary office of the Autonomous District Council (ADC) at Khuman Lampak sports complex is not only a crime against humanity but a disregard to the sanctified sports complex, a training ground for many promising sports players bringing laurel for the state.

The mindless act has inflicted injuries to three innocent members of a family including a mother and her two minor daughters of which one is still battling for her life. Besides it has prevails a fear psychosis among the enthusiastic sports players, a symbol of Manipur`™s pride and glory.

The mentality of the people involved in triggering the blast needless to say that it would be creepy enough for a common man from the nature of the blast and most prominently where it was planted. As per reports a guy before leaving a car behind inside the campus asked the father of the victim girls about a meeting taking place at the ADC office. Knowing the presence inside the campus and nearby, the car bomb was left revealing the cold-blooded nature.

Had it not been for the general strike imposed by a civil body in connection with the visit of Nagaland`™s Chief Ministers at Senapati that has resulted in low turnout of people, the loss and tragedy could have been worst. The blast was so powerful that the fragments of the bomb were sent hundreds of meters away from the epicenter and completely wrecked the car into pieces.

In the meantime, the Government can be blamed equally for the incident for its ignorant. Even as the Chief Minister of Manipur speaking during a meet at his official bungalow ruled out security lapses. The clarification is somehow reckless comparing to the situation of stiff opposition while conducting the election of the ADC.

In addition to that the Chief Minister`™s clarification was contradictory when compared with the statement of a senior police officer was quoted by newspapers that ADC office has been enduring intense intimidation from a group.

The message was loud and clear that someone is not happy with the ADC office.

In the wake of such intimidation there was no sign or words of the presence of security forces in an around the office building. It is a well known fact to everyone how often lobbing of bomb or bomb blast, and firing incident took place in the state. The perpetrators dare to attack even in the presence of security forces and Singjamei blast at the residence of an engineer is a glaring example. What then if there is no security arrangement at all? It can be accounted to as inviting troubles or encouraging the propaganda of the opposition side.

Every section of the society should condemned the act at a strongest term for it had risk several lives. And, demoralized the spirit of promising sports persons by creating a sense of insecurity in an around the area. Demoralizing the players means a huge blow to the status it enjoys as the `Powerhouse of sport for India`.

People in this region have paid enough prices for no foul of theirs. History is the grim reminder. They have been caught in a murky conflict that has been waging and renewed generation after generation.
There is nothing but loss for the people here and has always been.

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At its crux, there are only two known ways of resolving a conflict of interest. One is to crush the weaker of the two with brute force and the other to reach a democratic consensus. The civilized norm of the modern world being the latter option, the need is to explore its possibilities, wherever conflict has come to stay, at least until a more perfected mechanism is evolved. For the moment, we can only foresee all putative future conflict resolution mechanisms as derivatives of the democratic system, the latter being known for its resilience and almost infinite accommodative capacity. But it must be acknowledged that often the most vocal advocates of democracy have regressed into the logic of an atavistic past where only force mattered. The objectionable interventions in the Middle East and West Asian have said this eloquently. It is a matter of pessimism that war still seems unavoidable even in the days of democracy. A qualification needs however to be added here. In the UNDP Human Development Report, HDR, 2002 with the theme “deepening democracy in a fragmented world”, one of the many interesting patterns of national behaviors that evolved from empirical data on wars in the second half of the 20th Century is, no two democracies have ever gone to war with each other. Quite obviously, these nations have discovered an alternative ground on which to thrash out vexed issues. The indication is also, democracy is a versatile medium for this meeting of minds and resolution of conflicts.Even in our situation, there have been very strong tendencies on very many occasions to return to the former method of conflict resolution, which basically has a one-line philosophy made famous by Joseph Conrad’s fictional character, Kurtz in Heart of Darkness – exterminate the brute. But, as in this story, the scale to decide which is the “civilized” and which the “brute” between the exterminator and exterminated, becomes extremely blurred. But the values of democracy, with its insistence on giving each and every one a say, regardless of numerical or physical strength, have generally managed to keep this tendency in check. There have been occasions when this inner moderation snapped, as in the case of the Naga-Kuki feud, Meitei-Meitei Pangal mayhem, and Kuki-Paite fratricide, but it would be reasonable to presume that many more would have been prevented by this inner cord. For indeed although our society seemed at certain junctures to have reached points of explosive of ethnic violence, nothing so catastrophic have happened so far. This however does not mean the dark forces of violence have been successfully subdued for all times. We still continue to sit on a dormant volcano which can with provocation come alive again. And provocations there have been and there will be by those who either do not understand or believe in the healing power of accommodation and mutual respect that democracy recommends.There have also been plenty of talks of a dialogue between the civil societies of the different communities that are at loggerheads. This is welcome, but a dialogue devoid of a willingness to accommodate can possibly lead nowhere. A dialogue or a discourse is not simply about convincing the opposing party to surrender to the will of the other party, but of discovering, or rediscovering as the case may be, of common grounds on which to build the foundation of the future together. This spirit has never been conspicuous in all the vociferous claims for the need for understanding and good neighbourliness. By democracy we do not necessarily mean only the number game. This is a necessary ingredient, but it is far from being a sufficient condition. Equally important, it is also about justice, and in evolving this understanding of justice, the premium must be on reason and creative insights into what is common good. Here concept of freedom is also important. Without individual freedom, the aggregate of which is what constitutes freedom of larger social grouping, including the nation, there can be no democracy. But again, as philosopher Isaiah Berlin said, freedom cannot be without any conditions. Absolute freedom for the wolves translates into death for the lambs. Freedom then can make meaning only if it is moderated by reason and a commonly legislated rational law.

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By A Staff ReporterIMPHAL, June 6: The proposed sitting of the State Advisory Board on NSA under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd) SP Rakhkowa along with two members of the board Dr. Yamini Kanta Pukan, Sr. Advocate and Jodginder Singh Sr. Advocatewhich is scheduled to be held from June 7 at the board office located at Sajiwa Jail, Manipur.
The proposed sitting will examine the cases of the detention of the 17 under trials mainly members belonging to separate under ground outfits who were apprehended by the security forces during the counter insurgency operations.
According to an official source, the official scheduled of the first round of sittings will be convened following and official intimations from the state Home department seeking the official approval of the board for the detentions of 17 under trials identified as Konsam Laxman Singh alias Anil alias Angamba, 42, s/o late K Manihar Singh of Khuyathong Polem Leikai,  Salam Keshorjit Meitei alias Boy alias Jila, 32, s/o S Shamungou Singh of Slanthong Nandiebam Leikai,  Thokchom Nanao Singh alias, 34 s/o late Th. Birjit Singh of Thameiband Hijam Dewan Leikai,  Chingakham John Singh alias Chingkhuba, 35, s/o Ch Bira Singh of Andro Bazar, Yuman Domen Singh alias Tayai, 29 s/o Y Labango Singh of Nambol Moijing, Sanabam Samananda Singh alias Bung alias Bungcha, 20, s/o S Tarapn Singh of Nambol Kabowakching Mayai Leikai.
Other undertrials are identified as Longjam Thoithoi Singh alias Lukhoi alias Naocha alias Samson, 29 s/o L Itobi Singh of Akham Mayai Leikai,  Ninghtoujam Idom Singh alias Chamba, 35, s/o later N. Tomba Singh of Leimaram Awang Leikai,  Wahengbam Dilip Singh alias Pomel alias Ibomcha alias Tomba, 30, s/o W Thambal Singh of Toubul Maning Leikai,  Mayanglangbam Ibomcha Singh alias Sarkar, 32, s/o late M Soba Singh of Heirangoithong Maibam Leikai,  Ahiebam Ningol Thingujam Ongbi Sorojini Devi alias Soro alias Iteima, 39, w/o Th Subhash Singh of Heierangoithong Maibam Leikai presently residing at Uripok Tourangbam Leikai, RK Manisan Singh, 32, s/o RK Khedasana Singh of Wangjing Heitupokpi, Yumnam Surjit Singh alias Abung alias Amit, 27, s/o Y Mani Singh of Motbung Meitei Leikai, Sagolsem Ibochou Singh alias Rojen alias Mani, 51, s/o S Changou Singhy of Sekmaijin Khunou,  Thoudam Sanjit Singh, 31, s/o Th Manihar Singh of Uchiwa Awang Leikai,Arambam Deva Singh, 46, s/o late A Lairen Singh of Sakmaijin Bazar and SalamAmuba Singh, 35, s/o S Isheihanba Singh of Hiyanglam Awang Leikai.
The official source further mentioned that, the state home department has already recommended the detentions of these 17 under trials soon after they were apprehended by the security forces and following official proceedings of concerned district magistrates under Section 3(2) of the NSA Act 1980.
The source also mentioned that finalization for the detention of the said 17 undertrials will be finalized only after three rounds of sitting of the board which are scheduled on June 7, 8 and 13, the source added.

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From Kaimuanthang
Lamka, Jun 10 : The Zomi Council, ZC, an apex body of nine tribes inaugurated its administrative office at Siam Mansion building located at Nehru Marg in churachandpur today in a simple but very impressive function held from 11 :am

The office was inaugurated by LB Sona President of the Zomi Council and was dedicated to God by Pastor Lamkhanpau soonafter

The occassion have been attended by frontal organisation leaders like the ZHRF , ZYA , ZEPADA , ZMA , ZSF , ZOYCA as well as the the nine tribes under its ambit who all gave a short speeches over the present tribal condition in the state giving ways
to improve their lot

Representative from the ZRO Calvin H during his speech said it is good to understand and tolerate each others viewpoint as none of the tribes will be able to survive alone

Pointing out the importance of working in tandem he said the focus of attention should be on their future political goals /status and not the name they are being called

The Tedim Chin Union president while adrressing the occassion suggested having been live in a democratic country where the people are free to elicit their point of view true leaders should not use the public as they like and instead make themselve as the tools of the masses thereby not devoiding benefits to them

The inauguration of administrative office have been term by one and all as the culmination of their long cherish wishes and expectation was expressed that it be a hub for idea evolution for their development and progress as they march ahead.

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IMPHAL, June 13 (Newmai News Network): Communist Party of India (CPI) Manipur unit will exert pressure on Central and state governments to initiate political dialogue without any precondition with underground outfits of the state to resolve the insurgency problem, said the party’s outgoing general secretary Langol Iboyaima. 

Speaking at a press conference at Irawati Bhawan Monday, the CPI Manipur outgoing general secretary said that the party has unanimously resolved on five resolutions during the 20th state conference in the presence of its national general secretary AB Bardhan. The three-day-long state conference that started on June 10 concluded Sunday.

The state unit of the party will exert pressure on Central and state government for the repeal of AFSPA from the soil of Manipur, according to the resolutions adopted at the conference, while also resolving that the party will attempt at forming a left and democratic alternative government in the forthcoming general assembly election due early next year, said Mr Iboyaima.

CPI Manipur has been fighting to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state since its inception in 1948 and will continue to do so into the future, inform the outgoing state general secretary about the other resolutions.

The nature of distribution of power between Centre and state as informed by the Constitution of India is unitary in character, and CPI has resolved that the Constitution should be amended to usher in federal polity, he said, while adding that Manipur should be given a special status by the Central government.

Besides the resolutions, the conference also demanded from the Central government the fast tracking of process for the establishment of separate High Court for Manipur and the raising of highway protection force.

It also demanded the handing over of maintenance work of National Highway 53 and 39 to state Public Work Department from BRTF as also public declaration of assets of ministers and MLAs.

During the conference, the state CPI elected Dr M Nara as its new general secretary while L Koireng and Th Nabakumar as its assistant secretaries.

At the press conference, Dr M Nara said that the era of coalition politics is here to stay and the party needed to change its paradigm and strengthen its stand.

A very strong coalition government is indispensable in Manipur in order to solve the problems besetting the state, he said.

Touching on the formation of the state unit of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), the ex-minister said that the party does not agree with the “divisive ideology” propounded by NPF which, he said, is bound to have adverse political ramification for the state. CPI national general secretary AB Bardhan had also publicly articulated his reservation on the formation of NPF in Manipur few weeks ago.

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