| ART | ||
Minakshi Bargohain is one of the very few new generation women artists of Assam who, after her entry into the field of painting in 2004, has honed her creative pursuits in a distinctive style. Her second solo exhibition, Spandan, was held at the State Art Gallery in Rabindra Bhawan from May 18 to 23. The exhibits clearly depicted her sensitivity and command over the genre of cryptic expressionism. Bargohain’s work is more about introspection or exploring the human mind than addressing social agony or ecstasy. She arranges the compositions with human figures in a slightly illegible light, creating enough space for her to throw deep insight into the dark, unseen arena of an individual. Most of her works are a vibrant assembly of colour. It seems she enjoys playing with dark colours, touched with occasional bright strokes. These make her works distinctive and passionate, at least in giving specific treatment to a particular content. The human hand is one of the commonest elements in Bargohain’s works. In one such work, a female figure in white is placed in the foreground while the lower portion of another female figure is shown sunk in a pool of blood. This figure’s face, placed on the right hand corner of the frame, bears a traumatised expression. Its hand is trying to grab the figure in white as if seeking help or sympathy. In another work, two hands aimlessly try to grab something from among fishes moving effortlessly in the water. The aquamarine shade of the water and the fishes, contrasted with the black hands, show the artist’s sensitivity in dealing with the content. Another canvas in acrylic is a complex composition that suggests the cycle of regeneration. Subtle but imaginative use of blue, deep red and white makes the abstract painting striking. All the exhibits in the show were untitled. “Sometimes, the title brings a limitation to the endless dimensions of a painting,” the artist explained. |
Sombre hues delve deep into the mind
Banned genre revived with bull’s tale
 |
| A scene from Kao-Kei. Picture by H. Shatananda Sharma |
A theatre genre that had been banned by a Manipuri king fearing it would hinder the spread of Vaishnavism for its strong Hindu undercurrents is slowly and steadily making a comeback, thanks to a few dedicated shumang leela troupes.
Moirang parva was first staged in the late 19th century and though a non-Hindu genre, it contained a mix of Hindu religious art forms like raas leela, gour leela, sabha parva and virat parva.
After being banned by the Vaishnavite king, it began fading from the Manipuri stage and even from collective memory.
It would have been lost completely but for occasional performances by women in courtyards.
Probably keeping that tradition in mind, Imphal Theatre chose an all-woman cast to stage a Moirang parva at the auditorium of Manipur Dramatic Union on May 20.
The play was Kao-Kei (The Bull and Tiger), written, designed and directed by Loitongbam Dorendra.
The entire play was done in shumang leela style but instead of a courtyard with the audience on all four sides, the director chose a conventional stage.
The experiment worked and helped the cause of the National School of Drama, which organised the show as part of a 45-day workshop-cum-production on the process revitalising Moirang parva.
The story is about a bull which understands the language of human beings, legendary hero Khamba and his sister, Khamnu.
When Khamba and Khamnu are orphaned, the bull comes to their rescue.
On a rainy day, Kao Ngangba Ningthi Pamheiba (the bull) goes to a widow’s house to ask for fire to warm the orphans.
Kao (the bull) finally leaves the two children to their fate and becomes a wild animal.
When Khamba grows up, he fails to recognise the bull.
Legendary villain Angom Nongban, on the pretext of being possessed, makes an oracle to capture the wild bull and sacrifice it before Lord Thangjing.
According to the Moirang king’s order, Khamba captures and sacrifices the bull at the altar of Thangjing.
Being a divine creature, Kao reincarnates as a tiger and kills Angom.
Th. Anandi was perfect for the role of Kao, handling elements of Moirang parva style, Khongjom parva and wari leeba with equal ease.
S.T. Haamacha Devi, as Angom, was superb.
Child artiste A. Lanthoibi, who played the role of little Khamnu, managed to grab attention.
The most interesting aspect of the play was its all-woman cast.
It would have been even more exciting had the backstage artistes, musicians, light technicians also been women.
Shutdown over killing of a professor cripples life in Manipur
Imphal, May 28 : Normal life came to a standstill in Imphal on Tuesday after the students’ union gave a call for a 24-hour shutdown to protest against the killing of a professor of Manipur University.
56 year-old Mohammad Islamudin, a professor of economics and former Dean of Students’ Welfare, was gunned down by unidentified persons on Monday in the university campus at Canchipur.
Earlier, the Pangal Students’ Organisation (PSO) had called for a 24-hour shutdown all over Manipur to protest against the brutal murder of their professor whom they held in high esteem.
Markets, businesses establishments, educational institutions, banks and offices of private enterprises remained closed, while public transport between Manipur and neighbouring states were suspended.
Local supporters came out in large numbers in Imphal and blocked roads restricting the movement of vehicles by setting on fire tyres and wooden logs.
“A professor was killed by unidentified gunmen, so we are protesting on behalf of the students to express our anger and also our grief against the killing,” said Sakhitombi Devi, a protestor.
56 year-old Mohammad Islamudin, a professor of economics and former Dean of Students’ Welfare, was gunned down by unidentified persons on Monday in the university campus at Canchipur.
Earlier, the Pangal Students’ Organisation (PSO) had called for a 24-hour shutdown all over Manipur to protest against the brutal murder of their professor whom they held in high esteem.
Markets, businesses establishments, educational institutions, banks and offices of private enterprises remained closed, while public transport between Manipur and neighbouring states were suspended.
Local supporters came out in large numbers in Imphal and blocked roads restricting the movement of vehicles by setting on fire tyres and wooden logs.
“A professor was killed by unidentified gunmen, so we are protesting on behalf of the students to express our anger and also our grief against the killing,” said Sakhitombi Devi, a protestor.
Manipuri student held for murder
New Delhi, May 27 : A 25-year-old Manipuri youth, Gaijaomei George, was arrested here yesterday for murdering his pregnant girlfriend.
The body of 25-year-old Lily Kamei (name changed), also from Manipur, was recovered from the thick jungles of Banta Hills in North Delhi on May 14 by local police. Three cans of beer lay near the body.
A post-mortem revealed that Lily was four months pregnant. However, since no identification was found on the person or at the site of the murder, the body was kept at the mortuary.
What baffled the police was that no one filed a missing person’s report even days after the murder.
They circulated a picture of the body to surrounding police stations.
They circulated a picture of the body to surrounding police stations.
It was at one of these that Lily’s sister, Easter, with whom she lived, identified the body from the maroon top and black jeans.
Though reports of the murder and a description of the clothes worn by the murdered person had been published in the media the day after the body was found, Easter said she did not suspect foul play as Lily had gone out with Roshan, George’s friend, whom the family knew well.
She started getting worried when Lily did not come home even after five days and neither Roshan nor George answered calls. She then went to the police stations, where she was shown the photo and identified Lily. “After interrogating Easter, we found that Lily had gone out with Roshan and George that day. George, who was arrested, initially tried to wriggle out of it but finally confessed to the crime.
George told the police that Lily was having affairs with other men and that made him angry. “He took her to the park on the pretext of having a drink and they had a heated argument over her dalliances.
He claimed that when she denied his allegations, he slit her throat while Roshan covered her mouth and held her by the hair,” investigating officer Suraj Bhan said.
He claimed that when she denied his allegations, he slit her throat while Roshan covered her mouth and held her by the hair,” investigating officer Suraj Bhan said.
The duo left the body in the park and Roshan left Delhi.
The police recovered the murder weapon, a knife, and the blood-stained clothes of George from his house.
George, the son of a lower-level government official in Manipur, had come to Delhi in 2007 and was preparing for the UPSC exam. Lily was a nurse in a private hospital at Model Town in North Delhi and had quit her job recently.
Shutdown over professor’s killing cripples life in Manipur
IMPHAL - A shutdown called by a students’ body to protest the murder of a Manipur University professor crippled normal life in the state Tuesday.
Most markets, businesses establishments, educational institutions, banks and non government offices remained closed, while traffic was thin.
“The shutdown was total and successful,” said a spokesman of the striking Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU).
Mohammad Islamudin, 56, an economics professor and former dean of students’ welfare of Manipur University was shot dead Monday in the university campus at Canchipur, about 7 km north of here.
Officials said suspected separatists had murdered the academician. However, no individual or group has so far claimed responsibility for the killing.
“After the incident, security forces cordoned off the university and conducted raids. They carried out verification of all those present on campus, but there was no report of any arrests,” an official of the chief minister’s office told reporters.
“This is the most cowardly act of killing a teacher on campus. We will not spare anyone involved in it. Such incidents will not deter the people of Manipur from their efforts to make the state a peaceful place to live in,” Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said in an official release.
Most markets, businesses establishments, educational institutions, banks and non government offices remained closed, while traffic was thin.
“The shutdown was total and successful,” said a spokesman of the striking Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU).
Mohammad Islamudin, 56, an economics professor and former dean of students’ welfare of Manipur University was shot dead Monday in the university campus at Canchipur, about 7 km north of here.
Officials said suspected separatists had murdered the academician. However, no individual or group has so far claimed responsibility for the killing.
“After the incident, security forces cordoned off the university and conducted raids. They carried out verification of all those present on campus, but there was no report of any arrests,” an official of the chief minister’s office told reporters.
“This is the most cowardly act of killing a teacher on campus. We will not spare anyone involved in it. Such incidents will not deter the people of Manipur from their efforts to make the state a peaceful place to live in,” Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said in an official release.
Beautiful skies of Manipur
If there is one thing I have observed and fell in love with in my hometown, it is the skies of Manipur. I am fond of watching the skies of Manipur and its different moods, much akin to human moods. Since childhood, this has been one of my favourite passtime I have indulged in shamelessly, taking small pleasures in watching varied cloud formations which I always imagined to be of different shapes and forms. Today, I dedicate my space to this love of my life in few lines and the photographs I have taken in the past few years...
"Our skies are still blue when the sun shines bright,
Still Fills with glittering stars when nightime comes,
The silver moon still bright even on full moon nights,
And the glorious clouds still has the freedom to move,
Painting the skies with an artist passion,
It is indeed a rare gift to us mere mortals,
A pity, we have spoilt many a skies like ours
With greed and hands that has destroyed many a natures gift."
Andy .
Manipur University professor shot dead
Imphal , May 25 A professor of Manipur University was today gunned down by some unidentified men in a broad day light inside the institute premises in Imphal West district, police said.
However, the assailants managed to escape from the university campus after killing Dean of Economics department, professor Md Islamudin.
He died on the spot, police said.
The body has been taken to Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital here for the post-mortem, they said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and his cabinet colleagues visited the hospital and condemned the professor&aposs killing.
Even though no group or individual has taken the responsibility for the crime, the investigation into it is on.
However, the assailants managed to escape from the university campus after killing Dean of Economics department, professor Md Islamudin.
He died on the spot, police said.
The body has been taken to Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital here for the post-mortem, they said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and his cabinet colleagues visited the hospital and condemned the professor&aposs killing.
Even though no group or individual has taken the responsibility for the crime, the investigation into it is on.
CPI presses Ibobi for meeting
Imphal, May 25 : The CPI, a partner in the Congress-led Secular Progressive Front (SPF) ministry, today urged Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh to convene a meeting of the SPF steering committee “immediately” to decide on the fate of the coalition.
The executive committee, the highest decision-making body of the CPI, took the decision after a four-hour meeting held at Iraba Bhavan, the party’s head office here today. State secretary Langol Iboyaima and health and family welfare minister Pheiroijam Parijat Singh, among others, attended the meeting.
Iboyaima Singh handed over the written request, addressed to the chief minister, to the convenor of the steering committee and CPI leader Moirangthem Nara Singh. Ibobi Singh is the chairman of the committee.
The CPI demand came in the wake of the reported decision by Ibobi Singh to sever ties with the CPI and form a Congress ministry during a meeting held at Manipur Bhavan in Delhi last Friday.
Manipur PCC president Gaikhangam, three Congress MPs from Manipur, Rishang Keishing, Thokchom Meinya Singh and Thangso Baite, along with Ibobi Singh’s aides, ministers and Congress MLAs attended the meeting. Ibobi Singh has been facing pressure from his own party to end ties with the CPI in view of the party’s majority in the House. Sources said Ibobi Singh has agreed.
The move, according to a source, was also prompted by the CPI’s attempt to “tarnish” the image of the party by complaining to the Election Commission that the Congress had resorted to mass rigging and malpractice during the recent Lok Sabha elections in the Manipur Inner constituency.
“The CPI extended support to the Congress seven years ago to help maintain stability, tackle the problem of insurgency, accelerate the pace of development and face the threat to Manipur’s integrity. The coalition completed the full term and following an agreement, the alliance continues in the second. We think it is time to let the people know what the Congress and the CPI want. So we are demanding a meeting of the steering committee,” Iboyaima said.
The CPI leaders, during the meeting, will ask the chief minister his views regarding the future of the coalition.
“We are prepared to ask the chief minister what his next move would be. He should decide whether the alliance is necessary or not. It is the duty of the steering committee to decide the future of the alliance. Neither the Congress nor the CPI can decide the fate of the SPF on its own,” Nara Singh said.
Nara Singh said the CPI would not hesitate to quit the ministry if the Congress wanted to form a ministry on its own. CPI leaders said the chief minister had not convened even a single meeting of the steering committee after the SPF returned to power in March 2007, despite repeated requests from the CPI.
Manipur bandh in protest against‘encounter’ killing
IMPHAL, May 25 : Traffic on the Indo-Myanmar section of the NH-39 in Imphal was paralysed on Sunday owing to a dawn-to-dusk bandh imposed by Committee on the killing of L Satish allegedly in a fake encounter by the security forces.
Satish, a 34-year-old man hailing from Singjamei locality in Imphal was killed by security forces in an alleged encounter.
Police fired several rounds of tea r gas shells and also used other mob ammunition shells in the bid to disperse the protestors and allow the normal flow of traffic.
Two men, Gunindro and Satish were reportedly abducted by the police commandos when the duo were on their way back after having had paid a visit to Manipur Central Jail, Shajiwa in Imphal East district on May 16.
Satish was gunned down by a combined force of police commandos and troops of Assam Rifles in what they said was an encounter on the night of May 18 while Gunindro was handed over to Lamlai police by the Assam Rifles stating that he is a Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) advisor and was rounded up during the encounter.
Gunindro was then put in the custody by the police for four days. He was released on bail on Saturday by the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate.
As soon as he was released, he recounted the ordeal of how he and Satish were treated by the security forces after they were picked up.
Satish, a 34-year-old man hailing from Singjamei locality in Imphal was killed by security forces in an alleged encounter.
Police fired several rounds of tea r gas shells and also used other mob ammunition shells in the bid to disperse the protestors and allow the normal flow of traffic.
Two men, Gunindro and Satish were reportedly abducted by the police commandos when the duo were on their way back after having had paid a visit to Manipur Central Jail, Shajiwa in Imphal East district on May 16.
Satish was gunned down by a combined force of police commandos and troops of Assam Rifles in what they said was an encounter on the night of May 18 while Gunindro was handed over to Lamlai police by the Assam Rifles stating that he is a Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) advisor and was rounded up during the encounter.
Gunindro was then put in the custody by the police for four days. He was released on bail on Saturday by the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate.
As soon as he was released, he recounted the ordeal of how he and Satish were treated by the security forces after they were picked up.
Congress, CPI fall out in Manipur
Imphal, May 23 : The seven-year-long honeymoon between the Congress and CPI in Manipur is now over -- a direct fallout of the Lok Sabha polls.
In a swift but not entirely unexpected move, chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh today decided to part ways with the CPI, which has been sharing power with the Congress in the Secular Progressive Front (SPF) ministry since 2002.
Ibobi Singh took the decision to drop the CPI during a party meeting held at Manipur Bhavan in Delhi this morning.
Three Congress MPs from Manipur, Rishang Keishing, Thokchom Meinya Singh and Thangso Baite, along with Ibobi Singh’s aides, ministers, Congress MLAs and top leaders of the PCC, including party president Gaikhangam, attended the meeting.
“Yes, the chief minister has agreed to sever ties with the CPI. The decision is now final and henceforth we will go our separate ways,” an aide of Ibobi Singh told The Telegraph over phone from Delhi. Ibobi has also reportedly agreed to “implement” the decision once he returns to Imphal after the formation of the UPA ministry.
The chief minister said the CPI had attempted to “tarnish” the image of the party by complaining to the Election Commission that the Congress had resorted to mass rigging during the recent Lok Sabha elections.
“The other reason is the changed political scenario in the country,” the source added.
Immediately after the polls to the Inner Manipur constituency on April 22, the CPI had demanded that repolling be held in 16 booths in Thoubal, Andro, Khundrakpam and Patsoi Assembly constituencies alleging that the Congress had rigged the polls.
Losing four CPI members will not destabilise the Ibobi Singh government, the source said.
The Congress alone has a simple majority of 31 in a House of 60 members. One Independent and the RJD, with three members, provide outside support to the government.
The CPI, on the other hand, will lose one ministerial post. Pheiroijan Parijat Singh, who represents the CPI in the ministry, has the health and family welfare and labour and employment portfolios.
The relationship between the partners had not been good after the CPI became critical of the Ibobi Singh government’s performance even before the Lok Sabha elections, particularly on the issue of law and order.
When the Left pulled out of the UPA on the issue of the nuclear deal, the two parties decided to stay together in Manipur to maintain stability.
Sources said Congress legislators who are aspiring to become ministers have been mounting pressure on Ibobi Singh to drop the CPI from the coalition so that one of the them could become a minister.
No CPI leader was available for comment.
Top
In a swift but not entirely unexpected move, chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh today decided to part ways with the CPI, which has been sharing power with the Congress in the Secular Progressive Front (SPF) ministry since 2002.
Ibobi Singh took the decision to drop the CPI during a party meeting held at Manipur Bhavan in Delhi this morning.
Three Congress MPs from Manipur, Rishang Keishing, Thokchom Meinya Singh and Thangso Baite, along with Ibobi Singh’s aides, ministers, Congress MLAs and top leaders of the PCC, including party president Gaikhangam, attended the meeting.
“Yes, the chief minister has agreed to sever ties with the CPI. The decision is now final and henceforth we will go our separate ways,” an aide of Ibobi Singh told The Telegraph over phone from Delhi. Ibobi has also reportedly agreed to “implement” the decision once he returns to Imphal after the formation of the UPA ministry.
The chief minister said the CPI had attempted to “tarnish” the image of the party by complaining to the Election Commission that the Congress had resorted to mass rigging during the recent Lok Sabha elections.
“The other reason is the changed political scenario in the country,” the source added.
Immediately after the polls to the Inner Manipur constituency on April 22, the CPI had demanded that repolling be held in 16 booths in Thoubal, Andro, Khundrakpam and Patsoi Assembly constituencies alleging that the Congress had rigged the polls.
Losing four CPI members will not destabilise the Ibobi Singh government, the source said.
The Congress alone has a simple majority of 31 in a House of 60 members. One Independent and the RJD, with three members, provide outside support to the government.
The CPI, on the other hand, will lose one ministerial post. Pheiroijan Parijat Singh, who represents the CPI in the ministry, has the health and family welfare and labour and employment portfolios.
The relationship between the partners had not been good after the CPI became critical of the Ibobi Singh government’s performance even before the Lok Sabha elections, particularly on the issue of law and order.
When the Left pulled out of the UPA on the issue of the nuclear deal, the two parties decided to stay together in Manipur to maintain stability.
Sources said Congress legislators who are aspiring to become ministers have been mounting pressure on Ibobi Singh to drop the CPI from the coalition so that one of the them could become a minister.
No CPI leader was available for comment.
Top
Nurse from Tamenglong found murdered in New Delhi
Imphal, May 23 : A 25-year old unmarried staff nurse of Vinayak Hospital, Derawal Nagar Modern Town in Delhi was found killed suspiciously on May 15 at the Ridge area, Rajpur Civil Lines. Due to late verification, the nurse’s dead body was disposed off by the concerned authority on May 19 at Delhi.
The victim was identified as Langailiu Kamei, 25, daughter of Chun Thuilung (Athui) Kamei of Khumji Part II (Lukhambi) near Longmai (Noney) in Tamenglong district who was presently residing at Gandhi Vihar in Delhi.
Zeliangrong organisations including the Zeliangrong Union (Assam,Manipur,Nagaland), Zeliangrong Culture Council, Zeliangrong Youth Front (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland), Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Manipur and Kabui Mothers’ Association today formed a Joint Action Committee at Namdulong Youth Club in Imphal and took several resolutions asking the Delhi Police to book and punish the culprits under the law and also urging the government of Manipur to put pressure on the Centre on the matter of killing of people from the NE region specially students.
The JAC has questioned why proper security was not being provided to the north eastern people. Languilu Kamei was not the first case as many innocent girls and boys had been killed, it said.
The JAC further appealed to the people to protest for security and compensation for the deceased’s family as she was the only bread earner of her family.
Speaking at a media conference, JAC spokesperson Dr. S Xavier Kamei said that information on the death came only on May 21 although she had been missing since May 13.
The spokesperson further disclosed that Langailu was found on May 15 at Ridge area in Delhi with a knife mark on her throat.
Unfortunately, due to the late information from Delhi, the Zeliangrong people were not present on time in Delhi and the body was disposed off as unclaimed body.
However, the her final rites will be performed according to customary norms tomorrow at her birth place.
In the meantime, the Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur has demanded compensation for the bereaved family and also security for the people from the north east staying in New Delhi.
The Zeliangrong Students’ Union strongly condemned the brutal murder of Langailiu and urged upon the concerned authority to book the culprits immediately in order to create an environment where the Zeliangrong people in particular, and people from the north east in general, could stay away from fear and insecurity.
The victim was identified as Langailiu Kamei, 25, daughter of Chun Thuilung (Athui) Kamei of Khumji Part II (Lukhambi) near Longmai (Noney) in Tamenglong district who was presently residing at Gandhi Vihar in Delhi.
Zeliangrong organisations including the Zeliangrong Union (Assam,Manipur,Nagaland), Zeliangrong Culture Council, Zeliangrong Youth Front (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland), Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Manipur and Kabui Mothers’ Association today formed a Joint Action Committee at Namdulong Youth Club in Imphal and took several resolutions asking the Delhi Police to book and punish the culprits under the law and also urging the government of Manipur to put pressure on the Centre on the matter of killing of people from the NE region specially students.
The JAC has questioned why proper security was not being provided to the north eastern people. Languilu Kamei was not the first case as many innocent girls and boys had been killed, it said.
The JAC further appealed to the people to protest for security and compensation for the deceased’s family as she was the only bread earner of her family.
Speaking at a media conference, JAC spokesperson Dr. S Xavier Kamei said that information on the death came only on May 21 although she had been missing since May 13.
The spokesperson further disclosed that Langailu was found on May 15 at Ridge area in Delhi with a knife mark on her throat.
Unfortunately, due to the late information from Delhi, the Zeliangrong people were not present on time in Delhi and the body was disposed off as unclaimed body.
However, the her final rites will be performed according to customary norms tomorrow at her birth place.
In the meantime, the Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur has demanded compensation for the bereaved family and also security for the people from the north east staying in New Delhi.
The Zeliangrong Students’ Union strongly condemned the brutal murder of Langailiu and urged upon the concerned authority to book the culprits immediately in order to create an environment where the Zeliangrong people in particular, and people from the north east in general, could stay away from fear and insecurity.
International Biological Diversity Day observed
Imphal, May 23 : As in other parts of the world, the International Biological Diversity Day was observed under the aegis of Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment Network (BEENET) at Kangla Hall here today under the sponsorship of Environment and Ecology Wing, Government of Manipur.
The observance was graced by MU Pro Vice-Chancellor H Nandakumar Sharma, BEENET Manipur president Dr Kh Shamungou and Senior Scientific Officer of Environment and Ecology Wing Dr M Homeshor as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
As a part of the observance, a one day exhibition cum competition on indigenous foodgrains and medicinal plants was also organised at the same venue.
The competition was attended by a number of students belonging to 17 schools based in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Churachandpur and Chandel districts.
Paradise English School Thoubal, Suraj Real Flower School Kongba and John English School Keishamthong won first, second and third positions of the exhibition cum competition respectively in Indigenous Foodgrains category.
In medicinal plants category, Suraj Real Flower School, BIM Higher Secondary School and City Montessori Higher Secondary School won first, second and third positions respectively.
Speaking at the occasion of International Biological Diversity Day observed under the theme "Invasive Alien Species', Pro VC Prof H Nandakumar ovserved that the environment of Manipur has undergone drastic changes over the last 30 years.
With the disappearance of several wetlands, climatic conditions have also been altered noticeably.
Under such circumstances, many alien species have been invading the land thereby posing a serious threat to the indigenous species of the land, said Prof Nandakumar while noting that the situation called for effective protective measures.
M Homeshor of Environment and Ecology Wing observed that excessive dependence on agriculture for the livelihood of people was also a factor contributing to the invasion of alien species in Manipur.
The changing scenario needs a minute study on the possible effects and implications on the biodiversity of Manipur.
Observing that policies and programmes being pursued by the Government have destroyed a number of wetlands, Homeshor noted the need of a coordinated analysis on the part of the academicians.
Any slackness or delay to tackle the matter would only aggravate the situation in which all hope of conserving biological diversity is lost.
A souvenir based on biological diversity and produced by BEENET was also released on the occasion.
The observance was graced by MU Pro Vice-Chancellor H Nandakumar Sharma, BEENET Manipur president Dr Kh Shamungou and Senior Scientific Officer of Environment and Ecology Wing Dr M Homeshor as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
As a part of the observance, a one day exhibition cum competition on indigenous foodgrains and medicinal plants was also organised at the same venue.
The competition was attended by a number of students belonging to 17 schools based in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Churachandpur and Chandel districts.
Paradise English School Thoubal, Suraj Real Flower School Kongba and John English School Keishamthong won first, second and third positions of the exhibition cum competition respectively in Indigenous Foodgrains category.
In medicinal plants category, Suraj Real Flower School, BIM Higher Secondary School and City Montessori Higher Secondary School won first, second and third positions respectively.
Speaking at the occasion of International Biological Diversity Day observed under the theme "Invasive Alien Species', Pro VC Prof H Nandakumar ovserved that the environment of Manipur has undergone drastic changes over the last 30 years.
With the disappearance of several wetlands, climatic conditions have also been altered noticeably.
Under such circumstances, many alien species have been invading the land thereby posing a serious threat to the indigenous species of the land, said Prof Nandakumar while noting that the situation called for effective protective measures.
M Homeshor of Environment and Ecology Wing observed that excessive dependence on agriculture for the livelihood of people was also a factor contributing to the invasion of alien species in Manipur.
The changing scenario needs a minute study on the possible effects and implications on the biodiversity of Manipur.
Observing that policies and programmes being pursued by the Government have destroyed a number of wetlands, Homeshor noted the need of a coordinated analysis on the part of the academicians.
Any slackness or delay to tackle the matter would only aggravate the situation in which all hope of conserving biological diversity is lost.
A souvenir based on biological diversity and produced by BEENET was also released on the occasion.
Alma Maters & Prides
| Alma Maters & Prides By: RS Jassal Like first love in life, may be described the attraction of a student to his/her institution in true sense. Curiosity driven, for assess – appraisal of surviving rate of saplings planted by our club i.e., Rotary club of Imphal during Jul 08, I landed in Sainik School Imphal at Pangei uninformed to school authorities on 13th May co-incidentally for me at the same time preinformedally, emotion driven Maj. RK Shyam landed with helicopter at his command at the sprawling sports ground of the Sainiks. Pre-planned in the sense, to do so with arranged permission from his control HQs and emotion driven because Pangei Sainik School being his Alma Mater and pride of his own origin from Imphal itself. I was overwhelmed to see the bubbling enthusiasm with which he came down, to see awfully enthused students who all turned out in Khaki drill uniform & school badges giving impression as if all were going to fly in to acceleration with the aisles to soar high in the sky. This enthusiasm apart on students, the visiting guests in the wings, Principal GP Capt Surinder Singh, Headmaster, Lt.Col CJ Singh, Registrar Wg CdrT.Sanil, his staff and neighbouring community over the roofs of high rise buildings across the road overlooking the hepter decked school sports ground was another scene worth gaze including me , who forgot purpose of his visit. It turned just romantic & poetic without a poem in words though. The environment had gone paraxysmally rhythmic. I was told this was so because it was an event first of its nature since the inception of the school 37 years hence. Shyam came out of cockpit by ensuring anestisia to the motion of rotors but without switching off the engine leaving his co-pilot inside, rushed to the mike to say “With all the nostalgia & adolescent memories of school days over here I wish you all the best & I am rushing back since fuel was short & VIP duty connected with the flight was not yet over.” & he was off as fast as camera clicked. It was so in so. Right on the table was half yearly News Bulletin copy of the school with caption ‘THE SANGHAI. The first issue of 2009 which caught my eye. It mentioned that Ho’ble Chief Minister of Manipur Shri. O. Ibobi Singh on schools 37th Raising Day during his visit (7th Oct 08) had announced various projects like water supply, dedicated power line, renovation of dormitories, black topping of campus roads and so on would be sanctioned to improve the quality of living and training infrastructure in the school as a model to bring its standard to the grandeur which the school deserves being a regional and a national institute. It impelled me to move to see certain changes bought about after CM’s visit. It was encouraging to see that the campus roads measuring 3.5 km which were virtually reduced to rubble-rabble rubblings were black topped in Jan- 09 itself with surprise start in Dec 08. at a cost of Rs. 33 lac. The dormitories & Cadet Mess which needed renovation cost Rs.67 lac for replacing of CGI sheeting (roofing) providing false ceiling and cement flooring. All nearing completion except some percentage left on which works were in progress. Under water supply scheme, the Govt. is providing water through PHE Deptt initiative by energizing bore well at Heigang hill to connect it with school through pipeline laying at cost of Rs. 47 lacs. To provide dedicated power line from VIP grid, the Govt. of Manipur has prepared a project costing Rs.30 lac for II KVA power line. Once this comes up the school will get uninterrupted power supply. Extension of one more dormitory to the existing ones with a huge water reservoir coming up at cost of another Rs. One crore, the face lift of the school complex will undergo a major change. Another attractive spot is ‘Sarva Dharam sthal’ where teachings on moral & ethical values from all the leading religious leaders are read to the cadets to inculcate balanced respect for all religions. Next to that a big stand has come up waiting for MIG-21 aeroplane to fetch from Air Force station Tezpur & get installed shortly. Rotary Club tree saplings with full participation of school cadets are showing up in good health. Sixty % survival rate is a good sign. Electronic language lab with automated interaction system costing almost Rs. 5 lac is another attraction. Many organisations including Life Science Departments at various institutes talk about theory on water harvesting including my own club, but fully functional tanks & roof pipes for water channelling are seen in this school campus as auctioned & demonstrated . It always happens , any institute however well intended it may, be will face differing scales in performance at different times due various inhibited factors, Say, for quite some time the State Govt. did not evince that much interest in the affairs of this school may be expecting absolute equal spending by other beneficiary states like Tripura, Arunachal & Nagaland. But since Nagaland now got a separate school & with the revived concern shown by the host state i.e., Manipur , the funds have started flowing in. School authorities also through the initiative & the efforts of Maj. Gen. Shakti Gurung, GOC 57 Mtn Div who happens to be chairman of Local Admin Board, the astonishing upbeat in the condition of the school is seen in exultance . It is not less encouraging to learn that school has produced in the past also many cadets like Major RK Shyam, Prof. Sashikanta is a well known economist in London, Prithivi Raj Singh, a Petroleum explorer with a European company in Switzerland, late Dr. Natung ex-Minister with Govt. of Arunachal, presently Khuzaoulo Minister in Govt. of Nagaland, Col LI Singh YSM as Col(GS) with 21 Division of the Army & so on are some to mention. With huge ground water tank with cement & stones walling measuring 180 x 70 meter coming up, and if smaller ponds are dug within the eastern & northern perimeter too, trees planted over years showing up, green cover the school campus is in for, well laid roads location sufficiently far from the maddening crowds of township cum – capital city sound medicare for cadets, unaffected by local bandhs & strikes with teachers student parental relationship, the area gives look of a blend between a Gurukul & modern equipped laboratories & library. Institute doing well all-round, Group Captain Surinder Singh, the Principal, has all the reasons to say with pride and humility that like all other 23 Sainik Schools in India, RIMC Dehradun, Army, Air Force & Assam Rifles Public Schools , “Our endeavour is to take in young boys gauge their talents, tend them, educate them, train them and transform them into inspiring leaders of men & societies in the real Armed Forces context as to come up as defence warriors and scholar warriors in various fields”. |
Meinya's name in list of CoMs
Imphal, May 22 : The name of Dr Th Meinya, the re-elected Congress MP from Manipur, has been found included in the list of 65-member Council of Ministers to be sworn-in tomorrow, according to a UNI report.
(See box) However, on being contacted, Dr Meinya told the Hueiyen Lanpao that he has not yet got invitation for swear-in as a minister.
Meanwhile, amidst media reports of talks between Congress and DMK over allocation of ministerial berths to the latter breaking down and the DMK announcing its decision to support the UPA government from outside, Manipur's Congress leaders presently camping in New Delhi have also reportedly begun lobbying for a cabinet berth for one of the three Congress MPs of Manipur.
At present president of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), Gaikhangam, Member of Rajya Sabha Rishang Keishing and the two new MPs-elect, Dr Th Meinya and Thangso Baite have been camping in the capital for the past four days.
State Chief Minister O Ibobi has also flown in to Dehi today.
Sources in the MPCC told this newspaper that the Chief Minister along with the other Congress leaders of Manipur will garner support from the national leaders of the party to include one of the three MPs of Manipur in the union cabinet.
The sources further said that since Congress won both seats of the state in the Lok Sabha, besides already having a Congress Member of the Rajya Sabha, Congress has become stronger in the state.
It is all due to the hard and sincere works done by the state government under the Congress leadership and people's trust in the Congress-led government as well as the leadership of Chief Minister O Ibobi that the party could get both the seats in the recent general elections.
Moreover Dr Th Meinya has been elected for the second consecutive term as MP.
Therefore, it is fair that at least one cabinet berth should be given to Manipur, the sources said adding that Dr Meinya deserves that berth.
Hopes are bright and it is most likely that one cabinet berth will be given to the state, the sources said.
It may not be in the first swear-in but in the following swear-in, one MP from the state is expected to be included, the sources said with confidence.
(See box) However, on being contacted, Dr Meinya told the Hueiyen Lanpao that he has not yet got invitation for swear-in as a minister.
Meanwhile, amidst media reports of talks between Congress and DMK over allocation of ministerial berths to the latter breaking down and the DMK announcing its decision to support the UPA government from outside, Manipur's Congress leaders presently camping in New Delhi have also reportedly begun lobbying for a cabinet berth for one of the three Congress MPs of Manipur.
At present president of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), Gaikhangam, Member of Rajya Sabha Rishang Keishing and the two new MPs-elect, Dr Th Meinya and Thangso Baite have been camping in the capital for the past four days.
State Chief Minister O Ibobi has also flown in to Dehi today.
Sources in the MPCC told this newspaper that the Chief Minister along with the other Congress leaders of Manipur will garner support from the national leaders of the party to include one of the three MPs of Manipur in the union cabinet.
The sources further said that since Congress won both seats of the state in the Lok Sabha, besides already having a Congress Member of the Rajya Sabha, Congress has become stronger in the state.
It is all due to the hard and sincere works done by the state government under the Congress leadership and people's trust in the Congress-led government as well as the leadership of Chief Minister O Ibobi that the party could get both the seats in the recent general elections.
Moreover Dr Th Meinya has been elected for the second consecutive term as MP.
Therefore, it is fair that at least one cabinet berth should be given to Manipur, the sources said adding that Dr Meinya deserves that berth.
Hopes are bright and it is most likely that one cabinet berth will be given to the state, the sources said.
It may not be in the first swear-in but in the following swear-in, one MP from the state is expected to be included, the sources said with confidence.
Nara claims moral victory
Imphal, May 19 : The CPI candidate in the Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency, Moirangthem Nara Singh, today claimed moral victory though he lost at the hands of sitting MP and Congress candidate Thokchom Meinya Singh.
“I had moral victory. The results confirmed our claim that the Congress committed mass rigging in various polling stations. I thank all those who supported me,” Nara Singh told the media at the CPI party office here today.
Meinya Singh won by a margin of more than 30,000 votes.
The CPI and the Manipur Peoples Party had complained to the Election Commission that the Congress rigged the elections in Thoubal, Andro and Khundrakpam Assembly constituencies.
“The Election Commission did not listen to our complaints. Now the results have substantiated our charges. The Congress won the vote through money and muscle power,” Nara Singh said.
He claimed that there were polling booths, which polled a single vote for a candidate and the Congress candidate secured the rest.
Nara Singh said the CPI would continue to campaign against electoral malpractice so that election could be free and fair in the future.
Womenfolk stormed police station over youth abduction
Imphal, May 8 : Family members, relatives and Meira Paibee members today stormed the Singjamei police station demanding production of the police commando personnel involved in the abduction of Khwairakpam Megha (34), whose traces have been not known after he was reportedly arrested by personnel of Imphal East from Khagempalli on May 6 .
However, locals said that one of the three personnel alleged to have involved in the arrest has been interrogated at Singjamei police station.
Kh Megha son of (L) Pishak of Kakwa Naorem Leikai was said to have been arrested from Khagempalli by personnel of Imphal East police commando.
His mother, Kh Bengi is the publicity secretary of Khwairamband Nupee Keithel Sinpham-Saktam Kanba Lup.
However, the police had not mentioned about the reported interrogation of one of the alleged personnel at Singjamei police station.
Family members, on the other hand, revealed that one of the alleged personnel has been at Singjamei police station.
Bengi said that her son has opened an iron and steel workshop on his own.
She said that her son and an employee in the workshop were riding a black colour Activa (MN 01-9658) towards the workshop yesterday morning around 9.30 when they were halted by occupants of a numberless Rakshak car, in civil dress, at Khagempalli and asked them to step inside the vehicle.
Megha then pleaded to leave behind his employee saying that he was a minor.
One of the occupants rode the Activa and he was lodged inside the vehicle, Megha mother said.
Just then they came across a team of Imphal West police commando.
Megha shouted for help to the police commando.
But after the civilian dressed team identified themselves as a team of Imphal East commando, which forced the Imphal West police team let them go, she said.
The 'abductors' in civvies have also told the IW police team that the arrested person is a KCP cadre, she added.
Megha's mother also said that the involved personnel were Mangijao of Thoubal Kshetri Leikai, Haokhomang, and the other one from Churachandpur.
She further said that the one interrogated at Singjamei police could not be identified.
Family members as well as the local Meira Paibee have threatened to launch intense agitation in case the police fail to furnish reasonable response by 8am of tomorrow.
However, locals said that one of the three personnel alleged to have involved in the arrest has been interrogated at Singjamei police station.
Kh Megha son of (L) Pishak of Kakwa Naorem Leikai was said to have been arrested from Khagempalli by personnel of Imphal East police commando.
His mother, Kh Bengi is the publicity secretary of Khwairamband Nupee Keithel Sinpham-Saktam Kanba Lup.
However, the police had not mentioned about the reported interrogation of one of the alleged personnel at Singjamei police station.
Family members, on the other hand, revealed that one of the alleged personnel has been at Singjamei police station.
Bengi said that her son has opened an iron and steel workshop on his own.
She said that her son and an employee in the workshop were riding a black colour Activa (MN 01-9658) towards the workshop yesterday morning around 9.30 when they were halted by occupants of a numberless Rakshak car, in civil dress, at Khagempalli and asked them to step inside the vehicle.
Megha then pleaded to leave behind his employee saying that he was a minor.
One of the occupants rode the Activa and he was lodged inside the vehicle, Megha mother said.
Just then they came across a team of Imphal West police commando.
Megha shouted for help to the police commando.
But after the civilian dressed team identified themselves as a team of Imphal East commando, which forced the Imphal West police team let them go, she said.
The 'abductors' in civvies have also told the IW police team that the arrested person is a KCP cadre, she added.
Megha's mother also said that the involved personnel were Mangijao of Thoubal Kshetri Leikai, Haokhomang, and the other one from Churachandpur.
She further said that the one interrogated at Singjamei police could not be identified.
Family members as well as the local Meira Paibee have threatened to launch intense agitation in case the police fail to furnish reasonable response by 8am of tomorrow.
Job seekers duped by Imphal-based job centre
Imphal, May 8 : An Imphal-based job centre has allegedly duped gullible job seekers by calling them not only to appear in the interview for filling up post vacancies in mobile service providers, Vodafone and Tata Indicom but also making them to deposit money.
Disclosing this while taking to mediapersons at Manipur Press Club here today, the gullible job seekers informed that they have responded to the advertisement published through local newspapers by Brilliant Job Information cum Guidance Centre located at Nagamapal and the interview for the post of manager, accountant and receptionist in the two mobile service providers was held today.
However, much to the surprise of the candidates, there were no officials of the two companies to conduct the interview.
Rather the candidates who have applied for the post of manager were told during the course of the interview that is no post vacancy for manager any more only there is post for field work.
The candidates were also reportedly told by the officials of the job centre to come back along with their parents/guardians on May 9 as they need to deposit a large amount of money and out of the deposited amount, 40 percent is to be paid to the UGs.
The job centre had also alleged charged Rs 300 as the cost of the application forms and another Rs 200 as processing fee from the candidates.
When demanded for refunding the amount, the full amount had not been given, the duped candidates told mediapersons.
Disclosing this while taking to mediapersons at Manipur Press Club here today, the gullible job seekers informed that they have responded to the advertisement published through local newspapers by Brilliant Job Information cum Guidance Centre located at Nagamapal and the interview for the post of manager, accountant and receptionist in the two mobile service providers was held today.
However, much to the surprise of the candidates, there were no officials of the two companies to conduct the interview.
Rather the candidates who have applied for the post of manager were told during the course of the interview that is no post vacancy for manager any more only there is post for field work.
The candidates were also reportedly told by the officials of the job centre to come back along with their parents/guardians on May 9 as they need to deposit a large amount of money and out of the deposited amount, 40 percent is to be paid to the UGs.
The job centre had also alleged charged Rs 300 as the cost of the application forms and another Rs 200 as processing fee from the candidates.
When demanded for refunding the amount, the full amount had not been given, the duped candidates told mediapersons.
No Malaria carriers, but host of JE aplenty
Imphal, May 8 Though the mosquitoes which make life hell for the people, especially in the valley areas, are not Malaria carriers, this no cause for comfort as there is a species of Mosquito, known as Culex which hosts Japanese Encephalitis.
Speaking to The Sangai Express today, State Malaria Officer, Dr H Nimaichand said that though there are no Malaria carrier mosquitoes in the valley areas of the State, there is a breed known as Culex which carries Japanese Encephallitis.
The Culex breed prey on not only humans but also on cattle, pigs and birds which can help spread Japanese Encephalitis, said Dr Nimaichand and added that to neutralise this breed as well as other breed of mosquitoes, the Malaria Department is set to launch a series of spraying and fogging exercises across the valley areas.
In Imphal, the spraying and fogging exercise will be carried out in crowded places as well as on still water bodies, nullahs and clogged drains under the Urban Malaria Scheme, said the doctor further.
Preventive measures against Malaria are also being taken up in the hill districts, he added.
When The Sangai Express contacted State Epidemiologist Dr Bhubonsana said that mosquitoes have become rampant in Imphal and added that fogging is necessary to bring the situation under control.
With the onset of Summer and Monsoon, complaints of cold coupled with cold fever have increased, he said and added that a sharp vigil has been mounted to see whether there is any outbreak of Dengue in Moreh.
Speaking to The Sangai Express today, State Malaria Officer, Dr H Nimaichand said that though there are no Malaria carrier mosquitoes in the valley areas of the State, there is a breed known as Culex which carries Japanese Encephallitis.
The Culex breed prey on not only humans but also on cattle, pigs and birds which can help spread Japanese Encephalitis, said Dr Nimaichand and added that to neutralise this breed as well as other breed of mosquitoes, the Malaria Department is set to launch a series of spraying and fogging exercises across the valley areas.
In Imphal, the spraying and fogging exercise will be carried out in crowded places as well as on still water bodies, nullahs and clogged drains under the Urban Malaria Scheme, said the doctor further.
Preventive measures against Malaria are also being taken up in the hill districts, he added.
When The Sangai Express contacted State Epidemiologist Dr Bhubonsana said that mosquitoes have become rampant in Imphal and added that fogging is necessary to bring the situation under control.
With the onset of Summer and Monsoon, complaints of cold coupled with cold fever have increased, he said and added that a sharp vigil has been mounted to see whether there is any outbreak of Dengue in Moreh.
Sadar Hills bandh suspended
IMPHAL, May 7 – The 48-hour bandh in Sadar Hills in Manipur’s Senapati district has been suspended till May 7 evening following an agreement with the State Government.
Kuki Students’ Organisation Sadar Hills had called the bandh in protest against the firing incident in Saikul where a 17 year-old student Lalsanglen Mangte was killed on the night of May 3.
The decision to suspend the bandh was taken after a joint meeting between Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and representatives of apex bodies of the Kuki communities – Kuki Inpi, Kuki Women Union, KSO and the Joint Action Committee formed in connection with the firing incident and subsequent burning down of a police barrack.
The Chief Minister has given an assurance of looking into the demands of the JAC during the meeting, sources here said. The demands of the JAC include settling of the issue in accordance with Kuki customary laws, termination of the IRB personnel involved in the incident, removal of the IRB post attached with the Saikul Police Station, payment of compensation for the damages caused and ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the family of the student killed in the firing.
President of KSO Saikul Block Thangjalun Mate informed that the Chief Minister has given his assurance of looking into these demands. “On May 7, another round of meeting would be held and in case no conclusion is arrived at, we may be compelled to resume the suspended agitation, Mate warned”, adding that the body of Lalsanglen would not be claimed until the matter was resolved satisfactorily.
Kuki Students’ Organisation Sadar Hills had called the bandh in protest against the firing incident in Saikul where a 17 year-old student Lalsanglen Mangte was killed on the night of May 3.
The decision to suspend the bandh was taken after a joint meeting between Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and representatives of apex bodies of the Kuki communities – Kuki Inpi, Kuki Women Union, KSO and the Joint Action Committee formed in connection with the firing incident and subsequent burning down of a police barrack.
The Chief Minister has given an assurance of looking into the demands of the JAC during the meeting, sources here said. The demands of the JAC include settling of the issue in accordance with Kuki customary laws, termination of the IRB personnel involved in the incident, removal of the IRB post attached with the Saikul Police Station, payment of compensation for the damages caused and ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the family of the student killed in the firing.
President of KSO Saikul Block Thangjalun Mate informed that the Chief Minister has given his assurance of looking into these demands. “On May 7, another round of meeting would be held and in case no conclusion is arrived at, we may be compelled to resume the suspended agitation, Mate warned”, adding that the body of Lalsanglen would not be claimed until the matter was resolved satisfactorily.
New Naga outfit vows to protect Manipur’s territory
IMPHAL, May 6 : Claiming to be an autonomous revolutionary group which was formed in the year 2008 to save the territorial integrity of Manipur, the Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front, MNRF, has made known its stand against anyone big or small who challenges and tries to bring disunity among the people of Manipur, while threatening to strike against such enemies of the party.
A release from the group’s publicity secretary, C Rocky said the outfit was formed under the leadership of Allen Siro and unlike the NSCN(IM) does not claim to be a government, but is a revolutionary group working for the welfare of the people of Manipur.
The MNRF has said it does not collect house tax, ration tax but helps the people in the areas it operates, although it has also said that it will collect 3 percent as party funds from any development work, contract, scheme and employees of the government offices etc.
Flaying the NSCN(IM) for its arbitrary policies it has said the NSCN(IM) considers itself a government, imposes taxes, exempt and give order to award contract or supply schemes to a few hand-picked contractors along with projecting election candidates by depriving the rights of the people under the behest of the gun.
Asking if the NSCN(IM) thinks it can solve the Naga problem by sending a lone MP from the Outer Manipur seat, the MNRF questioned why NSCN(IM) leader Th Muivah does not fight the elections himself instead of capturing votes for Mani Cheranamei by harassing other candidates.
It further asked the NSCN(IM) what it had done for the Naga people as a government as also for the welfare of their cadres who had sacrificed their lives for their cause.
It also questioned how the ordinary people who joined the NSCN(IM) and became officers suddenly started living opulent lives, wondeing if the NSCN(IM) had a system of salary for its members.
The MNRF also appealed in its release to all armed organisations of the region to work and go hand in hand by reasoning together for their cause, stating that they would only become laughing stocks if they could not cooperate among themselves.
A release from the group’s publicity secretary, C Rocky said the outfit was formed under the leadership of Allen Siro and unlike the NSCN(IM) does not claim to be a government, but is a revolutionary group working for the welfare of the people of Manipur.
The MNRF has said it does not collect house tax, ration tax but helps the people in the areas it operates, although it has also said that it will collect 3 percent as party funds from any development work, contract, scheme and employees of the government offices etc.
Flaying the NSCN(IM) for its arbitrary policies it has said the NSCN(IM) considers itself a government, imposes taxes, exempt and give order to award contract or supply schemes to a few hand-picked contractors along with projecting election candidates by depriving the rights of the people under the behest of the gun.
Asking if the NSCN(IM) thinks it can solve the Naga problem by sending a lone MP from the Outer Manipur seat, the MNRF questioned why NSCN(IM) leader Th Muivah does not fight the elections himself instead of capturing votes for Mani Cheranamei by harassing other candidates.
It further asked the NSCN(IM) what it had done for the Naga people as a government as also for the welfare of their cadres who had sacrificed their lives for their cause.
It also questioned how the ordinary people who joined the NSCN(IM) and became officers suddenly started living opulent lives, wondeing if the NSCN(IM) had a system of salary for its members.
The MNRF also appealed in its release to all armed organisations of the region to work and go hand in hand by reasoning together for their cause, stating that they would only become laughing stocks if they could not cooperate among themselves.
High Court stays SP’s order making helmets compulsory
Imphal, May 6 : The Gauhati High Court today stayed the enforcement by the Senior SP, Imphal West on two wheeler drivers and pillion riders to wear helmets with immediate effect. The court further said the general public cannot be detained and punished for not wearing helmets or protective gears until further orders from the court.
The stay order was granted by the High Court after a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by the Centre for Legal Advancement, Manipur. The hearing was held at the Gauhati High Court, Imphal Bench today by a division bench comprising Justice Maibam Binoy Kumar Singh and Justice AC Upadhyay.
The High Court after hearing the counsel for the writ petitioner and the government advocate stayed the operation of the press note dated 29th April, 2009 and the case is fixed for further hearing.
According to a SP Imphal West press note wearing of helmets or headgears by the two wheelers riders as well as pillion riders are compulsory under section 129 of Motor Vehicle Act, 1958. Therefore, it was informed to all two wheelers riders and pillion riders to wear helmets and headgears and any one found not wearing helmets or headgears was to be fined and challaned.
In the meantime, the Vision Foundation Manipur maintained that the recent order by Senior SP Imphal West for two wheelers riders and pillion riders to wear helmets within the jurisdiction of Imphal West District is mandatory traffic rule and no one is above the law.
Vision Foundation further noted that the public witnessed that the Manipur police commandos on mobile duty on two wheelers are roaming the city streets without wearing helmets. The commandos are under the command of law enforcing authority and they are the guardians of the law. Why have they become law breakers, it asked.
If the authorities want to implement the rule in a successful way in the whole of Manipur the first priority is to discipline the men and women of Manipur traffic police who also need to follow the traffic rules.
In the eyes of the general public there are three traffic systems in Manipur. The first one is for VIPs, the second one is for the security personnel and the third one is for the common people. This kind of traffic system doesn’t exist anywhere in the world except in Manipur, the organisation further stated.
Such implemention of rules remind one of the ban on plastics a few years back in the state which has proved to be a big failure. So let us not make the rules for wearing helmets compulsory immediately or it will face the same fate as that of ban on plastic, it said.
The stay order was granted by the High Court after a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by the Centre for Legal Advancement, Manipur. The hearing was held at the Gauhati High Court, Imphal Bench today by a division bench comprising Justice Maibam Binoy Kumar Singh and Justice AC Upadhyay.
The High Court after hearing the counsel for the writ petitioner and the government advocate stayed the operation of the press note dated 29th April, 2009 and the case is fixed for further hearing.
According to a SP Imphal West press note wearing of helmets or headgears by the two wheelers riders as well as pillion riders are compulsory under section 129 of Motor Vehicle Act, 1958. Therefore, it was informed to all two wheelers riders and pillion riders to wear helmets and headgears and any one found not wearing helmets or headgears was to be fined and challaned.
In the meantime, the Vision Foundation Manipur maintained that the recent order by Senior SP Imphal West for two wheelers riders and pillion riders to wear helmets within the jurisdiction of Imphal West District is mandatory traffic rule and no one is above the law.
Vision Foundation further noted that the public witnessed that the Manipur police commandos on mobile duty on two wheelers are roaming the city streets without wearing helmets. The commandos are under the command of law enforcing authority and they are the guardians of the law. Why have they become law breakers, it asked.
If the authorities want to implement the rule in a successful way in the whole of Manipur the first priority is to discipline the men and women of Manipur traffic police who also need to follow the traffic rules.
In the eyes of the general public there are three traffic systems in Manipur. The first one is for VIPs, the second one is for the security personnel and the third one is for the common people. This kind of traffic system doesn’t exist anywhere in the world except in Manipur, the organisation further stated.
Such implemention of rules remind one of the ban on plastics a few years back in the state which has proved to be a big failure. So let us not make the rules for wearing helmets compulsory immediately or it will face the same fate as that of ban on plastic, it said.
Left remembers Marx
Imphal, May 6 : The CPI Manipur State Council commemorated the 191st birth anniversary of Karl Marx with a solemn function organised at Irabot Bhavan here under the theme "Marxism and Contemporary World".
Among others, the function was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Ph Parijat, secretary of CPI Manipur State Council L Iboyaima, MLA Dr H Borajao, MLA Dr U Deben and Dr M Nara as presidium members.
Speaking at the occasion, Ph Parijat said that Marxism has been gaining more relevance in the contemporary world, particularly in the backdrop of the global economic crisis.
Observing that "we need to study and dissect the thoughts of Karl Marx and his theories", he alleged that the capitalist economy which favours capitalist class and promotes social discrimination lacks a viable plan.
Only socialism can ensure an egalitarian society where there is no crisis and every one is equal, Parijat asserted.
Dr M Nara said that Marxism and its thoughts would never die.
"Because Marxism is based on truth.
Marxism is crucial to bring an egalitarian society where there is no exploitation of men by men" he asserted.
There may be differences in the interpretation of Marxism while implementing its theories in different States but is should be based on socialism everywhere.
Speaking on the topic "Marxism and Global Financial Crisis", Political Science Associate Professor in MU, Dhanabir Laishram interpreted the current financial crisis as something like lack of consumers/customers for the goods manufactured and stockpiled by capitalists with high hopes of big profit.
The crises was marked by closure of companies, banks and sacking of employees.
He remarked that socialism was the only way out of the crisis.
Chinglen Maisnam of Economics Department, MU, claimed that all those who espoused Marxism knew the answer to all the social and economic woes besetting the people of Manipur such as power shortage, non-availability of drinking water, escalating prices of essential commodities.
Even though political parties working on the ideology of Marxism also knew the answer to all these issues, leaders of these political parties seemed to have lesser degree of interaction with the people.
They could not propagate the ideas and principles of Marxism to the mass.
Even as the people wish to live in an egalitarian society, the political parties could not win the people.
Chinglen further appealed to all such political parties to shed the practice of propagating Marxist thoughts at the time of elections and taking leave from the people soon after the elections were over.
Comrade B Sharma spoke on the theme "Marxism and Contemporary World" as comrade L Thoiren spoke on "Marxism and Social Transformations".
On the other hand, in commemoration of Karl Marx 191st birth anniversary, a statue of Jananeta Irabot was unveiled at Ishikha today.
The commemorative function at Ishikha was organised by the Jananeta Irabot Charitable Trust.
Among others, the function was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Ph Parijat, secretary of CPI Manipur State Council L Iboyaima, MLA Dr H Borajao, MLA Dr U Deben and Dr M Nara as presidium members.
Speaking at the occasion, Ph Parijat said that Marxism has been gaining more relevance in the contemporary world, particularly in the backdrop of the global economic crisis.
Observing that "we need to study and dissect the thoughts of Karl Marx and his theories", he alleged that the capitalist economy which favours capitalist class and promotes social discrimination lacks a viable plan.
Only socialism can ensure an egalitarian society where there is no crisis and every one is equal, Parijat asserted.
Dr M Nara said that Marxism and its thoughts would never die.
"Because Marxism is based on truth.
Marxism is crucial to bring an egalitarian society where there is no exploitation of men by men" he asserted.
There may be differences in the interpretation of Marxism while implementing its theories in different States but is should be based on socialism everywhere.
Speaking on the topic "Marxism and Global Financial Crisis", Political Science Associate Professor in MU, Dhanabir Laishram interpreted the current financial crisis as something like lack of consumers/customers for the goods manufactured and stockpiled by capitalists with high hopes of big profit.
The crises was marked by closure of companies, banks and sacking of employees.
He remarked that socialism was the only way out of the crisis.
Chinglen Maisnam of Economics Department, MU, claimed that all those who espoused Marxism knew the answer to all the social and economic woes besetting the people of Manipur such as power shortage, non-availability of drinking water, escalating prices of essential commodities.
Even though political parties working on the ideology of Marxism also knew the answer to all these issues, leaders of these political parties seemed to have lesser degree of interaction with the people.
They could not propagate the ideas and principles of Marxism to the mass.
Even as the people wish to live in an egalitarian society, the political parties could not win the people.
Chinglen further appealed to all such political parties to shed the practice of propagating Marxist thoughts at the time of elections and taking leave from the people soon after the elections were over.
Comrade B Sharma spoke on the theme "Marxism and Contemporary World" as comrade L Thoiren spoke on "Marxism and Social Transformations".
On the other hand, in commemoration of Karl Marx 191st birth anniversary, a statue of Jananeta Irabot was unveiled at Ishikha today.
The commemorative function at Ishikha was organised by the Jananeta Irabot Charitable Trust.
Manipur scribes body elected
IMPHAL, May 4 – S Hemant, Editor of Eikhoigi Panthung, a monthly vernacular, has been re-elected as president of All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), the apex body of the jounalists community in the State.
In its election held at the premises of the Manipur Press Club on Friday, Hemant defeated his rival candidate Ratan Luwangcha, Editor of Hueiyen Lanpao, a popular veracular daily.
Asem Bhakta, a photo journalist, Bijoy Laishram of Matamgi Yakairol, a vernacular, Brown Nongmaithem of Sunday Indian, Wangkhemcha Dhamendro of Kangleipakki Meira, an eveninger, Yambem Henary of Poknapham, Nongmaithem Jonish, photo journalist and Naoroibam Phillip of ISTV were also elected standing committee members.
In its election held at the premises of the Manipur Press Club on Friday, Hemant defeated his rival candidate Ratan Luwangcha, Editor of Hueiyen Lanpao, a popular veracular daily.
Asem Bhakta, a photo journalist, Bijoy Laishram of Matamgi Yakairol, a vernacular, Brown Nongmaithem of Sunday Indian, Wangkhemcha Dhamendro of Kangleipakki Meira, an eveninger, Yambem Henary of Poknapham, Nongmaithem Jonish, photo journalist and Naoroibam Phillip of ISTV were also elected standing committee members.
Medical Assistance Camp by Army
IMPHAL, May 2 : A medical assistance camp for the disabled was conducted by Troops of Red Shied Division at Monginganbi College at Ningthoukhong on April 29, 2009. The camp was first of its kind to be conducted in the region.
It also aimed at assessing the number of disabled and providing assistance to these differently abled persons. People belonging to various villages of Bishenpur, Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Senapati districts have attended.
4/8 Gorkha Rifles alongwith doctors of State Medical Board for differently abled persons conducted the camp which commenced on April 29, 2009. As a part of the camp team of doctors belonging to Army, JN Hospital and District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC), Porompat, Imphal examined the differently abled persons of the region. The team consisted of an eye specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) doctor, clinicla psychologist, physiotherapist and prosthetic and orthotics. The team also had an audiologist and ear mould technician.
A total of 320 people turned up for the camp out of which 108 patients had problem related to loco motor. Hearing and visual impairment and mental retardation. These patients were screened and registered for follow up action. As a follow up to the camp, these differently abled people would be provided free wheelchairs, tricycle crutches, hearing aid, and artificial limbs on a case to case basis as part of social welfare scheme of government of Manipur. During the camp, medical aid was also provided by the army doctor for patients complaining of general ailments.
The local of the region turned out in large number and were educated by the assistant commissioner (disabilities) M Angau Singh about various welfare schemes being offered by government of Manipur to these differently abled persons which also includes benefits in education and employment. The locals also expressed their gratitude and happiness ever this event which has helped them immensely. The service at the door step was appreciated, a release of the Press Information Bureau (Defence With) said.
It also aimed at assessing the number of disabled and providing assistance to these differently abled persons. People belonging to various villages of Bishenpur, Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Senapati districts have attended.
4/8 Gorkha Rifles alongwith doctors of State Medical Board for differently abled persons conducted the camp which commenced on April 29, 2009. As a part of the camp team of doctors belonging to Army, JN Hospital and District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC), Porompat, Imphal examined the differently abled persons of the region. The team consisted of an eye specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) doctor, clinicla psychologist, physiotherapist and prosthetic and orthotics. The team also had an audiologist and ear mould technician.
A total of 320 people turned up for the camp out of which 108 patients had problem related to loco motor. Hearing and visual impairment and mental retardation. These patients were screened and registered for follow up action. As a follow up to the camp, these differently abled people would be provided free wheelchairs, tricycle crutches, hearing aid, and artificial limbs on a case to case basis as part of social welfare scheme of government of Manipur. During the camp, medical aid was also provided by the army doctor for patients complaining of general ailments.
The local of the region turned out in large number and were educated by the assistant commissioner (disabilities) M Angau Singh about various welfare schemes being offered by government of Manipur to these differently abled persons which also includes benefits in education and employment. The locals also expressed their gratitude and happiness ever this event which has helped them immensely. The service at the door step was appreciated, a release of the Press Information Bureau (Defence With) said.
Counting venues for Outer Manipur polls announced
IMPHAL, May 1 : The date, time and place for counting for the different Assembly segments of the Outer Manipur (ST) Parliamentary constituency have been announced by the office of the returning officer of the constituency.
The counting for Heirok, Wangjing Tentha, Khangabok, Wabagai, Kakching, Hiyanglam and Sugnu Assembly constituencies will be held at the counting hall of the DC/DEO office complex at Thoubal on May 16 at 8 am.
For Jiribam the counting will be held at the same time and day at the ADC office Jiribam.
For Chandel and Tengnoupal the counting will be held at the same time and day at the DRDA Training Hall at the DC Office Complex at Chandel.
For Phungyar, Ukhrul and Chingai the counting will be held at Mini Secretariat building, DC office Ukhrul at the same time and day.
For Saikul the counting will be held at the district council hall, Kangpokpi at 8 am on May 16.
For Karong, Mao and Tadubi the counting will be held at the Community Hall, Senapati at 8 am on May 16.
For Kangpokpi and Saitu the counting will be done at District Council Hall, Kangpokpi at the same time and day.
For Tamei, Tamenglong, Nungba the counting will be held at the Indoor Stadium Hall, Lower Ground, Tamenglong on the same day and time.
For Tipaimukh, Thanlon, Henglep, Churachandpur, Saikot and Singhat the counting will be held at the IRB Barrack Hall (Adjoining New DRDA building), Mini Secretariat Complex, Churachandpur at 8 am on May 16.
The postal ballots of the entire constituency will be counted and the results of the poll at all the polling stations will be consolidated at the Counting Hall of the DC/DEO`s office complex at Thoubal on May 16 at 8 am.
The counting for Heirok, Wangjing Tentha, Khangabok, Wabagai, Kakching, Hiyanglam and Sugnu Assembly constituencies will be held at the counting hall of the DC/DEO office complex at Thoubal on May 16 at 8 am.
For Jiribam the counting will be held at the same time and day at the ADC office Jiribam.
For Chandel and Tengnoupal the counting will be held at the same time and day at the DRDA Training Hall at the DC Office Complex at Chandel.
For Phungyar, Ukhrul and Chingai the counting will be held at Mini Secretariat building, DC office Ukhrul at the same time and day.
For Saikul the counting will be held at the district council hall, Kangpokpi at 8 am on May 16.
For Karong, Mao and Tadubi the counting will be held at the Community Hall, Senapati at 8 am on May 16.
For Kangpokpi and Saitu the counting will be done at District Council Hall, Kangpokpi at the same time and day.
For Tamei, Tamenglong, Nungba the counting will be held at the Indoor Stadium Hall, Lower Ground, Tamenglong on the same day and time.
For Tipaimukh, Thanlon, Henglep, Churachandpur, Saikot and Singhat the counting will be held at the IRB Barrack Hall (Adjoining New DRDA building), Mini Secretariat Complex, Churachandpur at 8 am on May 16.
The postal ballots of the entire constituency will be counted and the results of the poll at all the polling stations will be consolidated at the Counting Hall of the DC/DEO`s office complex at Thoubal on May 16 at 8 am.
CPI demands re-polling in 16 polling booths in Manipur
New Delhi CPI has demanded re-polling in 16 polling stations in the Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency for"irregularities" allegedly committed at the behest of Congress.
In a memorandum to the Election Commission, CPI candidate from the seat, M Nara, alleged that workers of Congress have committed"mass scale rigging and proxy voting" in 16 polling stations where percentage of turn out was above 90 per cent.
"In one polling station, 100 per cent female and 96 per cent male voters exercised their franchise though the turn out of electors was very small," Nara claimed.
also claimed that the 16 polling stations had been categorised as hyper-sensitive but the same was changed to normal by the government just a day before the polling to"facilitate large scale rigging".
" Evidence is that the entire mass rigging was planned by the Congress workers in connivance with the presiding officers," Nara claimed in the memorandum.
Another regional party from the state, MPP, has also demanded repoll in the 16 stations spread across Andro and Thoubal assembly segments.
In a memorandum to the Election Commission, CPI candidate from the seat, M Nara, alleged that workers of Congress have committed"mass scale rigging and proxy voting" in 16 polling stations where percentage of turn out was above 90 per cent.
"In one polling station, 100 per cent female and 96 per cent male voters exercised their franchise though the turn out of electors was very small," Nara claimed.
also claimed that the 16 polling stations had been categorised as hyper-sensitive but the same was changed to normal by the government just a day before the polling to"facilitate large scale rigging".
" Evidence is that the entire mass rigging was planned by the Congress workers in connivance with the presiding officers," Nara claimed in the memorandum.
Another regional party from the state, MPP, has also demanded repoll in the 16 stations spread across Andro and Thoubal assembly segments.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)