Tag: Top Stories

From John K Kaping
UKHRUL, July 2: The people of Ukhrul town showed signs of joy when the road development works of the town were transferred to General Road Engineering Force (GREF) from the state public works department.

The PWD has failed to develop the roads of Ukhrul town for quite a long time thereby causing much inconvenience to the people.

After taking over the responsibility of developing the roads of Ukhrul town, the GREF could show good progress in the work.

The present condition of the dilapidated road has caused immense hardship and inconvenience to the people of all walks of life. The remains of the dug-out earth piled up on either side of the made it difficult for people to walk on the road especially during monsoon season.

The vehicles of all types plying on this one-way-traffic road always get jammed because of the slippery mud and narrow passage.

However, the GREF has been working to improve the condition of this deplorable road by using all its manpower and machineries. The people of Ukhrul town are indeed happy with the work progress of the GREF and they hope that their woes for having bad roads will soon be over.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/zc6C5A9fvNM/

IMPHAL, July 11:  The student bodies of the state including Manipur Student’s Federation, All Manipur Students’ Union and the Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur and the Kangleipak Student Associaiton have today withdrawn the boycott of the education minister, principal secretary, education (s), director education (s), SSA department and the Board of Secondary Education Manipur following a three-tier assurance by the principal secretary education (s) to their demands regarding the non-availability of SSA textbooks in the state.

Representatives of the students’ bodies told IFP that the assurance was provided by the principal secretary during a meeting with representatives of the student bodies today.

During the meeting, the principal secretary education (s) has assured that the government will initiate the process for appointment of new chairman of the BOSEM at the earliest possible time.

The government representatives also assured that the BOSEM has already issued show cause notices to all the printing presses which have failed to print the text-books in time and that the board will blacklist them after a scrutiny.

Furthermore, during the meeting the government representatives also promise to initiate action against the persons responsible for selling text-books printed for SSA outside the state illegally.

The meeting which was attended by the principal secretary education (s), education (s) director, BOSEM secretary and representatives of the students’ bodies was convened with the approval of education minister DD Thaisii.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/i4gM0iDqdFI/

GUWAHATI,July 22(NNN): Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi said United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) military chief Paresh Baruah was bent upon subversion in the state despite the outlawed outfit’s declaration of ceasefire.

Barua and some 150 hardliners have refused to talk to ‘colonial New Delhi’ and have broken off with the majority pro-talks ULFA headed by chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa.

“We’ve received intelligence inputs that Paresh Baruah is planning terror attacks in the state with help from Manipur-based People’s Liberation Army, the Maoists and some other extremist groups of the Northeast,” Gogoi said on Friday. “But we are alive to the situation and taking all precautionary measures to foil his designs.”

Gogoi criticized Baruah for continuing with the armed movement when most of his colleagues gave up arms in the interest of peace. “I urge him to see the writings on the wall and abjure the path of violence. People want peace and not violence,” he said.

The Assam government believes that Baruah is operating from safe hideouts along China-Myanmar border. “He is currently holed up in northern Myanmar but keeps moving around. A number of extremist groups of the Northeast have their bases in that region,” Gogoi said.

Earlier, the ULFA used to operate from Bhutanese territories until being flushed out during ‘Operation All Clear’ (an Indo-Bhutanese joint military offensive of December 2003). Later, the outfit set up bases in adjoing Bangladesh. But the return of Sheikh Hasina to power and a subsequent crackdown on Northeast Indian militants saw ULFA shift to the China-Myanmar border.

Gogoi said peace parleys with the pro-talks faction of ULFA were imminent. “We’ve got green signal from the central government. Peace talks between ULFA and the Central government will begin very soon,” he added.

According to the chief minister, the talks will be held directly between ULFA and central government. Earlier, peace talks between ULFA-appointed People’s Consultative Group and central government hit roadblocks ostensibly after the government had refused to discuss all core issues. The issue of Assam’s sovereignty is one of ULFA’s most contentious demands.

“In the first round of talks, ULFA would submit its charter of demands. Government will then see how far it could go to accommodate the demands. All decisions will be taken by the central government but we’ll be consulted,” he said. The chief minister added that efforts were being made to bring all other militant groups to the negotiating table.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/9v7Ob5CPv2I/

IMPHAL, August 9: The United Naga Council will not accept Bifurcation of Naga Areas without the wishes and consent of the Nagas. The Nagas have been resisting arbitrary encroachment and creation of artificial boundary of their land since colonial period and hence any attempt on the part of the government of Manipur to create SADAR Hills district without consulting the Nagas will be strongly opposed, stated a statement of the United Naga Council.

It has further stated that the Nagas have signed four MOUs with the government of Manipur, wherein the MOU of 1998 stated that “ resolution to the conflict on the issue of SADAR HILLS will be brought about through a concensus of the peoples concerned in the interest of bringing about lasting peace and harmony between the Nagas and Kukis”.  Therefore, the government should not take any hasty decision in this matter.

It has further mentioned that the inept handling of the present crisis and bias attitude demonstrated by the government of Manipur is viewed by the Nagas as an attempt pit one community against the other.

Further according to the statement, all emergency cases including seriously ill persons should be allowed free passage for medical treatment within 24 hours time starting August 8, in the event of failing to make this humanitarian arrangement the Nagas would blame the government of Manipur for any casualties caused due to lack of medical attention.

It has also warned against forcing the Nagas to contribute money to fund the agitation and asking them to organized rallies and dharnas in support of Sadar Hills district against their will should be immediately stopped, henceforth Nagas will not tolerate those elements and the Government would be held responsible any untoward incidents arising out of it, added the release.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/unc-charges-state-govt-of-bias-handling-of-sadar-hills-issue/

IMPHAL, Aug 18: The Keirao Kendra Fact Finding Committee of Miss Sakina alias Memi of Keirao Makting Mayai Leikai has stated that no evidence on alleged kidnap and gang rape of Sakina has been found by the committee.

Member of fact-finding committee, Sanahanbi stated that Sakina and her family members have framed a story just to create a major scandal. The committee has found out that there was no attempt to kidnap Sakina. She was in proper condition without any dirt on her clothes on the next day of her alleged abduction. There was no evidence of gang rape as per the forensic report and DNA test. She might perhaps spend the night with her boyfriend and cooked up the story just to escape from the wrath of her family.

Sakina’s case has been influenced by some people just to defame MI Khan and his family members. The committee has found out the truth and demanded the authorities concerned to judge the case properly, Sanahanbi asserted.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/no-evidence-found-on-alleged-kidnap-and-gang-rape-of-sakina/

IMPHAL August 24: The whereabouts of assistant publicity secretary of the proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), Gurumayum Jiteshwor Sharma alias G.M. Changjou alias Gypsy, 49, s/o (late) Goshai Sharma of Kwai Nagamapal Singjubung Leirak, who was reportedly arrested by some unidentified security personnel from his residence located at Duncan Basti in Dimapur on the evening of August 18 is still unknown despite of complaints filed by his family members.

A formal letter was submitted on August 19 to the DGP of Manipur by G Radha Devi, mother of Jiteshwor, seeking the help of Manipur Police in finding the whereabouts of Jiteshwor.

In her compliant, she mentioned that no information could be ascertained by whom he was arrested and where he is detained nor are there any information of being handed over to any police station in and around Dimapur.

One of the family members of Jiteshwor is also reported to be stationed at Dimapur to find the whereabouts since August 20 and subsequently a formal complain on missing person was also lodged at Dimapur West Police Station in the afternoon on the same day.

Addressing media persons today, G Sheitabarta Sharma, younger brother of Jiteshwor stated that two Manipuri speaking unidentified persons in civvies came into the residence located at Dimapur where Jiteshwor was staying along with his family. After brief conversation the duo forced Jiteshwor to come along with them wherein an altercation erupted.

Jiteshwor was bashed up by the duo while resisting when one of them tried to tug a pistol on his back. Later the duo dragged him down and was joined by others also dressed in plain clothes that had been waiting outside. After the sudden commotion, another two individuals   burst in one after the suspected to be security forces in full uniform. At the time of his arrest, a personal laptop, a portable play station and some unaccounted personal gold ornaments belonging to his spouse and children were took along by the said individuals, he narrated.

It may be mentioned that in some local dailies it was reported that he was arrested by two Manipuri speaking personnel in civil dress along with some army personnel purportedly Assam rifles.

Further narrating the account, Sheitabarta, asserted that on the morning August 19 at 10.5 am a SMS was received to a cell phone of one the family member in Imphal. On the same day another SMS was also received later in the day at 3.5 pm. Apprehensive on the development, he reasoned initially no attempt was made to contact through the mobile number as they fear for Jiteshwor life, however after the received of the  second text message they were left dumfounded as the phone was shut off since then.  

Addressing media persons Sheitabarta showed the actual text message sent presumably by his brother to one of his close family member and was reportedly forwarded to his number. One of the text messages was read as “I’m arrested by AR & NSCN”.

In this issue,   an emergency meeting was called jointly by the Kwai Singjubung Leirak women’s welfare association and Singjubung Leirak Youth organization yesterday and unanimously resolved to press the government to find out the whereabouts of Jiteshwor Sharma@ G.M. Changjou who has been missing since his arrest on August18 from Dimapur allegedly by security forces or allegedly by a team of Red shied division, Leimakhong within August 25. The meeting also resolved to take up various democratic actions if the government failed to provide information regarding the location of Jiteshwor within the stipulated time.

In the mean time, a sit-in-protest was held at Kwai Singjubung Leirak machin by the local residents of Singjubung Leirak, today, in protest against the alleged concealing of information regarding the whereabouts of Jiteshwor Sharma purportedly arrested by team of security force. Some of the placards were read as “Are we living in a country where rule of law prevails, Inform the whereabouts of Jiteshwor at the earliest’ how many more hours are require even after 24 hours time scale to handed an arrestee”. The today’s protestation demanded that information be provided immediately and condemned the security forces of sidestepping the guidance of handing over arrestee to nearest police station within 24 hrs. The sit-in-protest will also continue tomorrow at the same location.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/08/whereabouts-of-rpf-leader-still-unknown/

IMPHAL Sept 2:  MLA Morung Makunga has clarified his stance regarding the Maring public meeting held on August 30 at Meipou community hall, Chandel.

An official letter written by the MLA to Maring Uparap Assembly, Maring Students’ Union, Maring Napuiya Yinglam and Maring Literature Society stated that he attended the meeting of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) on August 23 since his absence could be misunderstood as unwillingness to object the Khoibu tribe recognition recommendation of the expert committee.

It said that the MLA voiced his apprehension about granting the tribe recognition status at the said deliberations.

He made the members aware that the Khoibu tribe recognition may become cause of simmering tensions for the Maring community and that such recognition may even prove detrimental to the MLAs political career. The other members present also voiced their opinion that the tribe recognition status should not be politicized by anyone. Therefore, the question of appending his signature for the recognition of Khoibu did not arise. However, the overwhelming majority of the Hill Areas Committee concurred with the recommendation of the expert committee and that Morung was the lone dissident.

Furthermore, the memorandum of understanding between the state government and the Maring Uparap Assembly is an important document which was not available to the MLA.

“However, I would like to apprise you that as part of the ongoing Capitol Project, a kaleidoscope of all the communities of Manipur will be depicted in the halls of the new Assembly building. I had immediately raised an objection with the contention that Khoibu is not a recognized tribe. However, the cabinet made the decision on the contrary”, it said.

Therefore the aforementioned facts will hopefully make it clear that any act on the MLAs part did not violate any provisions of the MOU between the state government and the Maring Uparap Assembly, notwithstanding the fact that the MOU was not shared with me, the MLA clarified.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/mla-morung-clarifies-on-maring-public-meeting/

GANGTOK, September 22 (agencies): Three days since the earthquake struck Sikkim, the devastation still unfolding. With 20 more bodies have been recovered on Wednesday, the total death toll climbed to 112, mostly in Sikkim. Several hundreds are still believed to be stranded in the worst affected north districts of Sikkim.

Sikkim has suffered a loss of about Rs 1 lakh crore due to the 6.8 magnitude earthquake, said Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.

Aerial pictures showed that the earthquake ripped apart the landscape in the stretch between Gangtok and Chung Thang, causing cracks, landslides and much destruction. The pictures also showed the destruction at the Teesta Dam site where several people lost their lives.

At Chung Thang in North Sikkim, one of the worst affected sites, a school building one of the worst affected structures. Fortunately, it was a Sunday, so there were no students.

“I had constructed the school by collecting every single penny. Quake has damaged property of around Rs 5 lakh,” said the Principal of the school.

Around 80 per cent of the houses at Chung Thang have suffered damages with major and minor cracks. Several people have lost their lives and many families have been displaced.

Relief and rescue operations have picked up speed on Wednesday and with the weather clearing up, authorities hope to get access to stranded areas.

Meanwhile, electricity has been restored in Gangtok and officials say other towns will have full power supply within the next few days. However, restoration of communication lines still remains a big challenge. National Highway 55, which connects Bagdogra to Darjeeling and National Highway 31, that links Gangtok to Bagdogra, have been restored.

The relief and rescue workers have raced against time to open the arterial National Highway 31 that cut off the state since Sunday evening. By Tuesday evening rescue workers were able to clear the landslides both from Bagdogra to Gangtok and Gangtok to Mangan. In the process, though, two Army jawans were killed.

Nine helicopters were mobilised and 10 doctors airlifted to Chungthang in North Sikkim. The Army has also deployed 10 medical units.

The Army says restoring communication lines beyond Mangan will be the next big challenge.

“The biggest challenge right now is to get the lines of communication through, to supply food to needy people. Road beyond Mangan is very bad and it will take more than 20 days,” said Lt Gen Bikram Singh.

The enormity of the damage is finally emerging, besides the loss to human lives. Over 15,000 houses were razed to the ground and more than 1 lakh were partially damaged.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister`s Office has announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lakh for the family of the deceased in Sunday`s earthquake in West Bengal.

State Disaster Management secretary Indevar Pandey said on Wednesday that the PMO, in a communique to West Bengal chief secretary, also announced an ex-gratia of Rs one lakh to those seriously injured.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2011/09/sikkim-earthquake-death-toll-rises-to-112/

IMPHAL, April 24: A combined force comprising of the Imphal west district police commandos and 28 Assam Rifles has claimed to have arrested at least four cadres of the proscribed PREPAK GS faction from different counter insurgency operations on April 23.
According to a statement issued by the SP Imphal West district Police, the combined forces led by Major Dipankas Basu following credible information launched a counter insurgency operation at around 5 am in the morning yesterday and arrested two cadres of the oufit from Imphal river bank of Samurou Bazaar namely.
The release has identified the arrested individuals as one Sarungbam Thoiba alias Ingocha, 27, s/o S. Shamu of Chajing Karam Mayai Leikai and Haowaibam Somendro Singh, 46, s/o (L) Uriba of Lilong Chajing Karam Mamang Leikai.
It said they joined the outfit through one s/s sgt Binoy alias Tony alias Ahendha of PREPAK and worked under one s/s commander of Imphal West district, Thoi.
Meanwhile in a follow up action another two cadres of the outfit were arrested by the combined force on the same day, said the statement.
They cadres were arrested from the house of one Urikhingbam Chaoba of Chajing Karam Mamang Leikai at about 8:30 in the morning.
The individuals have been identified as one Urikhingbam Chaoba Singh, 47, s/o (L) U. Manihar Singh of Chajing Karam Mamang Leikai and Alungshi Binoy alias Tony, 27, s/o A. Romeo of Irong village Yairipok.
The were assigned to extort money from general public, govt officials laying of ambush and planting of bomb at Lilong area in connection with the visit of VIP’s and security forces on Khongjom day.
One hand grenade with two detonators was seized from the possession of Alungshi Binoy alias Tony, it said.
In yet another incident, troops of 10 Assam Rifles at Kangchup under Logtak Brigade of Red Shield Division apprehended s/s area commander of KNF(P) Haoseh Kipgen, 40, s/o Late Thangkholam and resident of Kangchup Chingkhong, Senapati dist in a joint operation with Imphal West Police Commandos  from the market of Kangchup Chingkhong village.
Accordin to an official release the individual is suspected to be involved in kidnapping of one Karimuddin, 40, r/o Urok Khuman, Thoubal District working at a road construction site between Kangchup and Ireng for a civil contractor of Imphal East.   He had demanded  Rs 50 lakhs as extortion money from the contractor. The apprehendee was handed over to Lamsang Police station, the release added.
Meanwhile, the 10 DOGRA Regiment of 59 Mountain Brigade under Red Shield Division apprehended one UG cadre of Zeliangrong Revolutionary Army (ZRA) on April 23 during a search operation in Harouthil village.
According to a release the arrested cadre was identified as Setsi of ZRA who is a resident of Harouthil village. The individual was involved in masterminding extortion and other illegal activities in the past.
One 7.65 mm pistol, one magazine and two rounds of ammunition were also recovered from the cadre. The apprehended cadre alongwith the recovered items were handed over to the Imphal West police station, it added.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/V7tOQLs2-cE/

IMPHAL May 9: As a part of the ongoing series of awareness campaigns to hold plebiscite in the state organized by social organizations at various places in the state, the Loyalakpa Women Association, Meira Paibi Lup, Leimaram, Bishnupur dist coordinated a meeting today at the community hall, Shantipur bazaar, Leimaram. The meeting was graced by Leichongbam Sanahanbi Devi, secretary, LWAMPL as the chief guest, Ningthoujam Surchand, president, Leimaram Yaipha Lamjing Lup as the president and Ningthoujam Ibenni Devi, president, LWAMPL, as the guest of honour.Advocate Yumnam Ratan and Ningombam Bimol, secretary, MAPI council were also present at the function as the resource persons for the day. The meeting unanimously passed resolutions stating that the India Manipur conflict can be solved by holding plebiscite only which could facilitate people’s participation in the process and to submit the resolution to the UN for its support in solving the issue democratically. Y.Ratan said in his speech that the world over has acknowledged that India is the biggest democratic country, however we should be proud of being a Manipuri that we are the first princely state to get Independence from the British and the first to have an elected form of government. The Manipur constitution act 1948 was formed and implemented from early 1948, which was two years earlier than the Indian constitution. He further added that as a result of the continuing conflicts between India and Manipur from the 60’s, so many innocent lives have been put at stake and left with uncertain futures. Both the resource persons also gave vivid periodic accounts on the various historical episodes that eventually led to conflicts between India and Manipur. More than hundreds of local populace turned up to attend today’s function deviating from their busy daily chores.

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

Leader Writer: Sukham Nanda
The youths have been at the forefront of National Progress in all ages as they play a significant role in the process of social change. They have contributed immensely to fight against economic exploitation, social and political injustice and discrimination based on religion, caste, sex, and are engaged in creative activities to develop their personality and functional capability and thus make them economically productive and socially useful.

Perceiving the versatile role being undertaken by the youths and the imperative need to harness their potential in the national development process, the Government of India framed the National Youth Policy in the year 2003. Further, framing of a State Youth Policy in the line with the National Youth Policy is imperative, keeping in view the varied dimensions of social, economic and political situation of the state. The very policy in the state is to facilitate a multidimensional ad integrated approach towards formulation and implementation of youth programmes in the state and also to give emphasis to greater participation of youth in the process of decision-making and execution of welfare programme of the Government at the local and higher level.

It is also learned that, the State Youth Policy will cover all youth of the state in age group 13-35 years. The number of youth in this age group is about 8,83,795 (37%) out of total population of 23,88,643 as per 2001 census. On the other hand the expert and researchers of the state are of the opinion that Youth development effort in the state have been hampered due to lack adequate information and research facility. The policy therefore suggests establishment of a well organized information and research network concerning various youth related issues to facilitate formulation of and updating development schemes and programmes. The information and research network envisaged by the policy should be extended as far as possible, to the village level so that youth in rural and hill areas could get the full benefit.

In the meantime, State Youth Policy is recognised that education, training and employment, health, preservation of environment, ecology and wildlife, recreation and sport, science and technology, arts and culture and civic and good citizenship are the key sector concern for the youth of the state which the state government need to implement properly. Considering the multiple disorders in the implementation of development schemes and programme touches the key sectors of concern for the youths of the state in terms of education training and employment, health etc. resulted failure in reaching the target to deliver full responsibilities of youths in upholding unity and integrity of the Nation and the State, maintain peace and harmony among various communities and ethnic groups of the state, to have respect of law, respect others`™ faiths and beliefs in the religious, cultural and social spheres, uphold the dignity of the individual, and fight against exploitation of fellow citizens, promote good ethical conduct in individual and social life, to maintain honesty and integrity of character and be committed to fight against all forms of corruption and social evils, preserve and protect the environment, aware of the values of democratic and constitutional processes, including conduct of elections and formation of government and most importantly respect for elders and seniors, including teachers and parents, in consonance with each respective culture and traditions.

Over and above, the State Youth Policy need to accord priorities for the development for the group of young people including Rural youths, Out of school youth, Adolescents, particularly female adolescents, youths with disabilities, youth under special difficult circumstances like victims of trafficking, communal riots and conflicts etc.

Besides it is of the general observations that, once the adopted State Youth Policy are implemented properly in the state by the government very sincerely the chronic problems of the state including insurgency, drug abuses, communalism with be eliminated to a great extend, considering how important is the State Youth Policy, state government need to pay special attentions in proper implementations of various schemes and programmes by framing a Plan of Action for the proper implementation of State Youth Policy.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/hHrHru2b3wQ/

From Kaimuanthang
Lamka May 24: The people of Churachandpur district are intelligent, clever and full of understanding due to which the initiatives of SPF government headed by O . Ibobi Singh to signed tripartite Suspension of Operation , SoO , pact with the central government and the various non `“Naga- hill based UG groups had become possible which is a success thus creating a conducive atmosphere for peace and development in the district.

Stating this the MPCC president Gaikhanngam acting as chief guest of the one day seminar training programme on flagship schemes cum general public awareness of different centrally sponsored schemes in the state at the B Vengnuom community Hall, CCpur today disclosed that the state government will play an instrumental role in the settlement of the SoO problem through dialouge and times are not far when there will be lasting peace in the district.

Eulogizing the Congress(I) led state government for its painstaking effort in taking the state towards peace and development Gaikhanngam further pointed out that he cannot understand the philosophy of certain groups in certain pockets of the state why Congress (I) candidates are not allowed to contest and voters not given a chance to vote for them freely.

While maintaining the government will find out an immediate solution to the problems of SoO groups he urged the gatherings to cooperate with the Congress government and vote the party to power in the next general election.

On matters related to the flagship programmes of the government he said it is meant to take the state much ahead of other states in terms of development and for that matter creation of more and more infrastructures and implementing the programmes effectively is needed.

He said the 15 flagship development programmes of the state government are meant to benefit the people living in the most central and peripheral areas of the state abundantly.

Stating the government is meant for the people he said it will be a blunder, if the people remain mute to the government activities and and as such the people need to be vigilant, and then tender correction wherever and whenever required.

He has also appealed to the people to give negative or positive feedbacks on the programmes of the government.

The occassion was also attended by TN Haokip minister IPR/PHED/ Tourism , L Jayenta Kumar Singh minster health , Fw & cooperation , DD Thaisi minister education & YAS, T Manga Vaiphei MLA besides the ADC/ CCpur chairman Langkhanpau Guite who all addressed the gathering.

The programmes which commenced from about 11 am concluded at about 2 pm and the ministerial team left CCpur after lunch.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/EBSD6JSlhJg/

by Soibam Haripriya
Phijigee Mani: Directed by O. Gautam
Produer: Medha Sharmi

Phijigee Mani as the title alludes to, reveals the beauty of subtle sensibilities of the Meiteis anchored on the universal essence of human relationships. The huge billboard in red with silhouette of archers in the background and a woman`™s angst ridden face in the foreground is a prelude to the promise of a different experience. The poster juxtaposed between others which stares at you with blood shot eyes of men and streaming eyes of women beckons yet it was with reluctance that I pulled myself to watch a Manipuri Feature film wary of insensitive dialogues and proclamation and preaching of the ideal Meitei nupi and mou.

Phijigee Mani opens with beginnings born of love and passion with seas of emotion surging within and yet not outpouring onto you. A mother`™s sweet irrationality, a sport person`s struggle amidst the politics behind the glory of the games for a land one traces one`™s belonging to, are all hinted at brief moments.

The movie which breaks stereotypical image of the lead protagonist Bonny must have disappointed many fans. One shouted from the backseat of BOAT at the premiere show `Bonny nang yaamna pharamle ko`, but it could be a good moment for actors, directors and producers to come up with challengingly chiselled out roles. Tonthoi`™s role as Yaifabi was the thread tying the various characters and anchoring moments. The angst of Yaifabi and her parents, when uninvited at the hour of white garlands of their beloved Phijigee Mani `“Sanajaoba (Bonny) `“ the son and brother embedded with the burden of living up to the hopes and dreams of the family, each hide within the safe corner of the infinite within.

The anxiety for a brother who has cast away yesterday`™s hopes and has begun to forge new ones and the desire to find the nook in his heart was Yaifabi`™s quest. She succeeded and the message at the core `“ of love, forgiveness and reconciliation were arrived at without a surprise. One admits that the film has tedious scenes and the chemistry between Sanajaoba and his wife Jessica could have been better etched to highlight the promise and perils of inter-community marriages. However, Sanajaoba`™s mother did the job- struggling to accept his son`™s beloved, embracing her granddaughter Langlen to her bosom and finally at the time of farewells blessing her daughter-in-law, without reluctance of either feelings or tears. Many used to thundering emotions bordering on the spectacular might take time to revive feeling numbed by the former, yet I believe the time is right for a more mature cinema, the time is right to nurture subtle sensibilities and mature audience. At the end of the film, one understands that everyone dies to be borne anew to beginnings.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/3QKWtom1rlc/

The monsoon has just set in. The state has seen a few days of intermittent but heavy downpours in the past fortnight. Sorry evidences of this are already making their appearances everywhere. The leakages on the roof of the three Khwairamband Keithels, the collapse of the stretch of the retaining wall along the Nambul River near Takyel are two very prominent ones, but there are plenty more, and ones which are much more widespread. In Imphal area alone, during the showers many areas were water-logged, and when these flood waters receded, they left many roads with their black toppings either washed off or else loosened beyond redemption and ready to fall off once heavy traffic resume on them. At the Kongba Road for instance, adjacent to the Andro Parking, a huge and deep pothole has appeared, and its girth is widening slowly but continuously in the absence of any effort by the concerned authorities to repair it. As we had noted before the onset of the rains, the innards of the road at this point was already becoming visible because of the wearing off of the thin bitumen coat over it. The rains are now devastating it, soaking and softening the compact earth and gravel foundation under the road.
Since the rains have started, the repair work now probably have to wait till the dry seasons, but the unfortunate thing is, by then the road at this point would have been cut diagonally by the expanding pothole. There are also other spots on this stretch of road which had been soaked and weakened by logged water and it is anybody’s guess that more potholes would appears at these spots sooner than later during this monsoon. The question is, why were no effort made to repair these weak spots before the onset of monsoon. A stitch in time would have definitely saved nine. Now, at the end of the monsoon, major and expensive repair work would have to be done, unless the government intends keeping the potholes for commuters to tackle as they would. This too is quite likely, for though it calls itself a welfare government, governments in Manipur has had no scruples about causing the ordinary citizens imminently avoidable harangues.
The authorities ought to have noticed too that where the black toppings of the roads are most vulnerable to peeling off during monsoon are those portions where the roads do not have parallel drainage systems running alongside them. When the rains come, the rain water having no drains to run into, take the paths of least resistance, and these, most often than not, become the roads themselves. We wonder how roads came to be built without any accompanying water drainage mechanism. It is inconceivable that the government did not know this is like buying buckets without handles to carry them. But whatever its reasons, ignorance or neglect, the brunt always get being borne by everybody. The government should also worry about the recurring repair cost this neglect is causing the public exchequer. The problem is, not many, not the least those in the government, are worried about exhausting the public exchequer unnecessary, after all, the attitude has always been, public property is nobody’s property.
There is another way the roads get spoilt and potholes appear in them. In the last couple of decades, with the increase of traffic volume on our roads, Imphal roads in particular have had to be widened several times with the result that municipal water pipelines which once upon a time ran parallel to the roads a meter away from them, have now come to buried under the roads. To provide connection to any consumer, the roads would now have to be dug up. After these connections are made, the earth filling is never firm, leaving the roads broken and ready to be destroyed by the next monsoon. The question is, when these roads were being widened, the authorities ought to have also constructed connection points to these pipelines which protruded beyond the breath of the road so that the roads can be left untouched when new connections are made. We wonder again why the government has still not realised that in the conduct of these enterprises, close coordination between its various concerned organs is vital. As of now, many of them continue to work at wasteful cross purposes. When will the citizens ever get to see a sane administration which cares for their welfare and conveniences?

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IMPHAL, June 2: With the motive to encourage economic empowerment among the women folk of Keirao assembly constituency, one of the few constituency left unaffected by the local self governing economic generation system `Self Help Group`™ (SHG), a one day Awareness Programme on Self Help Group for the assembly constituency was held today at the premises of the Langdum community hall.

All together names of 69 newly formed SHGs were submitted to the official of the Institute of Co-operative Management (ICM) during the awareness campaign.

Hundreds of women from different parts of the constituency took part in the awareness programme jointly organized by the NCUI-Women Co-operative Education project, ICM and Keirao Kendra Self Help Group Coordination Committee, formed by social worker and aspiring politician, MI Khan.

Delivering his speech the ICM chairman, Kh. Borkeshor Singh, maintained that there were about 5000 SHGs being distributed by the ICM under the micro finance pilot project funded by the NABARD. However even in the wake of the booming trend of SHGs in the state, Keirao, remained one of the few constituency unaffected by the trend, he said.

He also pointed out that the reason behind the failure was due to lack of awareness among the people and most importantly lack of guidance from a leader.

He revealed that there were times when the ICM officials could not find a competent authority to approach, adding that the forming of the Keirao Kendra Self Help Group Co-ordinating Committee will mark the beginning of economic empowerment in the constituency.

Borkeshor also assured that 100 SHG would be provided with the loan from the ICM along with a 9 months training course very shortly.

Former militant leader turned social worker, MI Khan, while addressing his chief guest speech, maintained that women plays a vital role in shaping up the society adding it is with the motive that he observed the need to empower women.

The boost in SHGs will emancipate the conditions of the women from doing odd jobs besides upgrading their knowledge of economic generation programme, MI Khan observed.

He claimed that respecting, developing and upholding women rights, is the key to build a society and a nation. And, asserted that the people especially has been deprived of the basic rights and assured to expedite the process of availing with the loans by July.

While giving a wake up call to leave behind all the misery and worry, he urged the gathering to move forward and work with unity, sincerity and conviction.

In the meantime time, the former militant leader also announced that a SHG will also soon be introduced for men folk including jobless youths at the earliest.

The programme was also attended by D.K Sagolsem Singh. chairman, Manipur Fruit Processing and Cold Storage Co-operative Soceity Limited, H. Suresh Singh, Pradhan, Chanam Sandrok, members of local clubs etc.

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IMPHAL, June 4: The commerce and industry minister, Y. Irabot Singh stated that the department of handloom and handicraft is likely to introduce modern mechanized system of production in order to meet the growing demand of handloom and handicraft products of the state all over the world.The minister who was attending an award distribution function of outstanding craftpersons and subsidies under the schemes of modernization of handicrafts and assistance to individual artisans held today at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen also stated that despite huge demands of quality products of handloom and handicrafts products of the state, the massive global demand could not be met owing to the slow hand woven process.But the department is likely to introduce modern mechanized forms of production to assist the present demand for surplus production, said the minister adding the handloom and handicraft products of the state are in high demand all over the world and that handllom products of the state are regarded as No.1 in the country.Further speaking as the chief guest of the function, he also stated that lack of raw material in abundance is another factor which has is a hindrance to massive production of the handicrafts and handloom products, for which the minister has observed the need of coordination among the different related departments to overcome the bottleneck of getting raw materials, which could be beneficial to the state economy too, the minister added.Further touching upon the silk found in the state, the minister maintained that the state sericulture department, in collaboration with a Japanese firm had implemented various projects in the state to develop the silk production in the state, however due to the law and order situation in the state, the Japanese firm had to leave the project mid-way.He further added that recognizing the importance and quality of the Manipuri silk, the government of India under the Special Plan Assistant (SPA) fund has earmarked a sum of Rs. 61.11 crores to develop the sericulture project including the new variety of silk.He also added that the kind of silk which is golden in colour and which is in high demand around the world is found in the state. However he also added that both the golden colour silk and the local simple silk are both in high demand globally. The minister further added that the government is planning to established a silkyard at Loitang khunou.Sukumar Haobam a senior design consultant, while speaking as guest of honour stressed the need to encourage self employment programme among unemployed youths in the absence of employment opportunities.Further S Birendra Singh, functional manager, Handicrafs, commerce and Industry deft, stated that once a craftsman wins state award, he/she is eligible to implement the scheme of Guru Sishya parampara under office of the dv. Com (H) govt of India.He also stated that As many as 188 numbers of outstanding Crafts persons have won the state Awards in the state while 17 crafts-persons could get the National Awards and 13 Crafts-persons got National Merit Awards till date.The state awards have been implemented in the state since 1979-80, in order to promote and push the morals of the Craftspersons.During the function 10 artisans were awarded as outstanding artisans of 2009-10 while another 10 artisans were awarded as outstanding artisans of 2010-11. the award for the 2009-10 carried a citation and Rs 10,000 each while that of the 2010-11 carried as citation and a sum of Rs. 15, 000 each.

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IMPHAL, June 5: The Self Support Group and All Manipur Positive Women Network, Imphal East, Christian Net of Positive Women Manipur Branch, has strongly condemned the killing of 4 year old Thiyam Roberoy and the bomb blast at ADC office Khuman Lampak, wherein a mother and her two daughters were injured.A press conference was held in this connection at Hatta, Imphal East district. Speaking to media persons the representatives of the organizations urged the government to produce the culprit involved in the killing of the minor boy within June 10 failing which it warned to endorse any course of action taken by the JAC formed against the killing. The groups further condemned the act of a police officer who used his service pistol to threaten protestors yesterday who were staging a protest against the killing of the minor at Ningthoukhong.At the same time, the groups while condemning the blast at the ADC office which injured three women folk of a family has urged the perpetrator to avoid similar incidents in the future.Menawhile, the Poumai Students’ Union in a press release signed by its publicity secretary has decried the bomb blast which at the ADC complex, Khuman Lampak on May 28, which had left three members of a fmily injured. The release has stated that the responsible group behind the attack should come forward and claim responsibility of the incident. The Union also condoled the injured victims and their family members while mentioning that the public should joined in to condemn the barbaric act.

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IMPHAL, June 9: The arrested UNLF chairmen RK Meghen, who is in the custody of NIA, has called for stopping all form of extortions in the name of revolution.
The UNLF leader also appeal revolutionaries to give more emphasis on improving work culture rather than engaging in extortions so that peoples could regain faith in revolutionary movement.
The UNLF chairmen made the appeal through mediaperson while he was produced before the special NIA Court in Guwahati today.
Reacting to the recent statement made by Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh during a function held at Ukhrul district on the matter of holding election to determine whether people supported revolutionary movement or not,  the arrested UNLF leader said outfit’s desire for holding ‘Plebiscite’ and Manipur CM’s observation of holding election to determine fate of the revolutinary movement in Manipur have the same meaning.
While accepting the concept of determining people’s choice on the issue, the UNLF chairmen maintained that the outfit will honour and abide by the people’s mandate provided such Vote is held under the supervision of the United Nations and the people are free not terrorised or threatened.
As long as people remained in tragic state due to heavy deployment of security forces in Manipur, such a Vote would never be free and fair, the UNLF leader asserted.
To a query relating to governance of a revolutionary group fighting for regaining freedom of the people, the UNLF chairmen expressed that the outfit believe in democracy.
Based on culture, tradition and geographical similarities of the hill and valley dwellers in Manipur, the UNLF has been working towards bringing equal economic development of the society  so that it is not dependable to others, Meghen said and expressed hope that revolutionary movement could move forward if people have faith in such a governance.
If the people of Manipur want alternative form of governance other than the India’s capitalist system of governance, a collective effort is needed right from the grass root level, Meghen maintained and called for bringing unity of all the revolutionary groups operating in Manipur.
The UNLF chairmen also called upon revolutionaries who have taken to the wrong path for mere monetary gains to return to the mainstream and work for betterment of the society.
The UNLF chairmen also stressed the need for forming a proactive democratic movement  to challenge undemocratic means of force being utilized by the government to suppress people who are looking for a means to end India-Manipur conflict.
While lauding role played by media in Manipur in every aspect of life, the UNLF chairmen said press-media should be given free hand and no disturbance should be given to them in executing their duty.
RK Meghen was produced before the NIA court this afternoon along with outfit’s organisation secretary and other arrested cadres of the outfit. They would be produced in the same court on June 23 again.

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IMPHAL, June 12: A community hall cum bazaar shed at Waikhong bazaar, which was constructed under the Manipur Development Society (MDS) with a total cost of Rs. 9 lakhs was inaugurated by the works minister K Ranjit Singh. 

The inaugural function was also attended by Heiyanglam assembly constituency MLA E. Dwijamani who is also the chairman of Manipur state pollution control board, and Dy. Speaker Th Lokeshore and MLA E. Suraj Singh.

Speaking at the function, works minister K Ranjit Singh said that the Congress led government will bring only peace and development in the state and the country.

He maintained that regular payment of state employees’ salaries is one of the main achievements of the Congress led government during its last nine years of rule.

Taking up where the Chief Minister left yesterday during a reception ceremony, the works minister further added that in order to bring an equal development in both the hill and the valley districts of the state, the SPF government is taking up a series of developmental works in the state.

Further speaking at the function, he declared that a congressman will not follow nepotism regarding developmental works in the state.

Citing the recent ban of Th Muivah from entering the state as an example he stated that the congress is not interested only in power but in the general welfare of the state and its people.

With the general elections stated to be held early next year in the state, the works minister also stated that he hoped that the general public will bring back the party which has brought development and peace in the state.

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by PWD engineers, block congress committee officials and pradhans of the area.

In the meantime works minister K. Ranjit further started the 3rd Tampha Lairembi State Level Mukna Tournament 2011 organized by the Wangoo Tampha Lairembi Mukna Association under the supervision of All Manipur Mukna Association at Wangoo this evening.

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IMPHAL, June 15: Three cadres of the Khaplang faction of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K), including a Myanmarese national, have been apprehended yesterday (Tuesday) by 29 Assam Rifles in a frisking and checking operation at Sita junction about 75 km from Imphal on Indo-Myanmar section of NH 39, said a police source. 

The arrested NSCN (K) cadres have been identified as “second lieutenant” Atho, 28, s/o Yaba of Somra village in Myanmar, H Lightson, 46, s/o Ngazekwung and Khampankhul, 20, s/o Yinmin, both of whom from Chingai village in Ukhrul district of Manipur.

The three were arrested yesterday at about 11:30 am. However, it could not be ascertained if they were traveling to or coming back from Moreh.

They were handed over to Imphal police station Wednesday by 29 Assam Rifles but the police station transfered the case to Tengnoupal police station as the arrest spot falls under the jurisdiction of Tengnoupal police station in Chandel district.

Mention may be made that on June 11 two NSCN (IM) cadres were arrested by 17 Assam Rifles along with five assault rifles in Ukhrul district.

In unrelated news today, a Tata Winger bought on loan has been set afire at Patsoi by a person who identified himself as a member of People’s Liberation Army/Revolutionary People’s Front.

The 45-year old owner of the vehicle Khundrakpam Loken of Uyal Makha Leikai in Thoubal district said that he has not received any threat or extortion demand from any organization and has asked for explanation why his vehicle was targeted.

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