CM calls for preservation of culture, tradition of tribals

Imphal, November 30 : Manipur Chief Minister, O Ibobi Saturday called for a concerted effort in the preservation of old age cultures and traditions of all communities, irrespective large or small, residing in the state since time immemorial.

Speaking as chief guest at the inauguration function of celebration of Hmar Sikpui Rudi-2009, a winter festival of Hmar community of Manipur, here in Imphal (at the auditorium of the Tribal Research Institute), Ibobi said every indigenous tribes settling in the state whether it may small or big should effort to preserve their own cultures and traditions.

The state is home to various tribes since time immemorial.

Larger tribes should not look down upon the smaller tribes in any way.

Only when people live in harmony without differentiating which one is majority or minority, the passage of development will speed up.

MLA, Ngursanglur and director of RIMS, Dr L Fimate also attended the inaugural function of the festival celebration as guest of honour.

Prof Lal Dena presided over the function.

Presentation of cultural and traditional dances of the Hmar tribe marked the occasion.

From time immemorial the Hmars used to celebrate during winter season an annual festival called Sikpui festival or feast.

This festival is held to mark the successful harvest during mid winter.

The festival also is an occasion when the Hmar community experience sense of love and unity amongst them.

On this day, the poor and the rich, the high and the low all share the festival feast in one common ground.

In one of the songs of this Sikpui Festival, there is a vivid reference to some happenings in the unknown distant past, which bear similarity to the experiences of the Israelites at the time of their liberation from the Egyptian bondage under the leadership of Moses and the events that followed after they crossed the Red Sea.

Security to be deployed at interior Manipur village

Imphal: A police outpost would be opened soon at Thayong Khunou in Manipur's Imphal East district after the former chief of the village L Riyamkhup was killed by suspected Kuki militants, official sources said here today.

The decision to set up a security post was taken by the state government after a delegation of the village leaders called on chief minister O Ibobi Singh yesterday, sources said.

The state government would also give employment to the next kin of Riyamkhup, who was a government school assistant teacher and a leader of Kom community in the area, they said.

Sources said steps had also been taken to prevent any communal clashes particularly between Kuki and Kom communities in the area.

Riyamkhup was shot dead on Wednesday night near his house in the village allegedly by Kuki militants.

Komrem Union Manipur president L Karong had yesterday said that they respect other communities in the state and bigger communities should not impose diktat on them.

Rules of Game

By: Heigrujam Nabashyam

In the last session of the Parliament during a discussion on the rail budget when a member of the Lok Sabha commented that the rail budget looked like the budget of West Bengal, the rail minister Mamata Banerjee, an MP from West Bengal shot back “What is your problem with West Bengal”. The fact was, the rail budget was obviously lopsided with the interests of West Bengal to which the rail minister belongs. Interestingly the rail minister did not stop with that stunning shot; she also said that she would do whatever she could for the development of West Bengal – a classic statement from an Union minister in the parliament.
The statement of the rail minister certainly smacks of parochialism. But as a Mamata brigade member of the Rajya Sabha wrote in the column of The Telegraph, “India cannot prosper without a prosperous Bengal”, the minister for railways was right in putting Bengal first before the nation. Or should there be a different opinion?
It is the prerogative of the government – and the minister is the government – to focus on whatever programme or whichever area that the government considers priority. Equally it is also the responsibility of every member of the House – ruling or opposition to draw the attention of the government which they consider should be the priority. Though, finally it is the government that prevails. And that was exactly what Mamata Banerjee was doing – doing whatever she could for the development of West Bengal, as the Union minister of railways.
The same is true in all the departments of the government – of the present or of the past. The same will be true in any future government, too. This is not only true for the Union government of India, it is also true for any government in the states and Manipur is no exception.
The same is also true not only for India, but also true for any country in the world irrespective of the form and system of the government including that of the United States of America which stands for individual liberty and freedom and democratic rights for all its people and of the government of the People’s Republic of China whose system is anathema to individual liberty and freedom and having a government of one party dictatorship.
However the beauty of a democratic system – unlike a dictatorial one is that the government may be taken to task by the opposition or by any citizen for any violation of the rules of the game. Orders of the government could also be struck down by the judiciary if the orders are found to be ultra vires with the law of the land. The most important deterrent to the government in a democratic system is, of course, the ire of the people – the voters – who can vote the government out in the next elections, if the government goes against their wishes. Speaking to the media to mark his 20 years in cricket in Bombay – Mumbai the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar provoked the Supreme leader of the Shiv Sena, Bal Thackrey by his “cheeky single” – “Mumbai belongs to all Indians”. Though there was no issue with his other statements that he was a Maharastrian and he was extremely proud of that and he was an Indian first.
The sensitivity of the Shiv Sena or its offshoot Maharastra Navnirman Sena for Mumbai has some sort of a legacy after the formation of Gujarat and Maharashtra on linguistic consideration from the earlier Bombay state. The Marathi speaking people or the Marathi Manoos as the Shiv Sena and its offshoot love to call themselves, - consider that Mumbai belongs to the Marathi Manoos. And that nobody should challenge that.
But the hard fact is Bombay - Mumbai is the financial capital of the country besides being the capital city of Maharashtra. The control of the economic power in this financial capital is in the hands of the corporate people who are non-Marathi Manoos. This, without any doubt, is the basic cause for the sensitivities of the proponents of the Marathi Manoos.
When Tendulkar was scolded for his “cheeky” statement, leaders from across the political spectrum of India showed solidarity with Sachin Tendulkar, not for any cricket but for all reasons of politics. They condemned the Sena Supremo for his parochialism. And if I were somebody I would also have condemned the Supremo as I had a little experience of the ethos of the Manoos in Bombay sometime last winter, despite my being a non-stranger to the Maharashtrian life.
The feeling or sentiment of a lost territory is, I believe, not typical for the Marathi Manoos. The sentiment is common in cities, towns and places where emigrants or people from other parts of the country have marginalized the sons of the soil. This is a phenomenon; even the advanced societies in the world are not free from. Indeed, the most infamous remark in the recent past of reflecting such sentiments was – “Britain would be swamped by the Asians” - made by the then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Unfortunately the spirit of this phenomenon is on the rise in certain areas and in certain sections of society in India and with globalization the phenomenon will become more and more prominent.
When Mamata Banerjee as Union minister put Bengal before the nation in her rail budget, nobody called her parochial, because she knew how to play the game. She was doing it for Bengal – not for the Bengalis – therefore she was not parochial. It is also understandable how she and for that matter any leader would feel in a hypothetical situation where the sons of the soil are marginalized by emigrants in their own home state.
However, this is not to suggest that parochialism may be justified and that attempt should be made to sort the matter out on the streets because the issue is much more important and complicated and needs thorough planning and execution with the sanction of law to deal the matter.
In a similar vein but much at a lower level, it was reported that some civil society organizations in Manipur – FRIENDS, The Inner Line Permit Demand Committee Kangleipak, etc. - held a meeting and voiced serious concern of the indigenous peoples of Manipur for the alleged threats to the sons of the soil by the emigrants from Nepal and Bangladesh. And the fun is the state government does not even consider them as illegal immigrants. According to the reports placed in the meeting the emigrant populations of the Nepalis and the Bangladeshis have far exceeded the population of many of the smaller indigenous communities of Manipur put together.
It may be noted that there are at least 36 indigenous groups or communities in Manipur and many of the communities have populations of few thousands each only. Therefore given the vulnerability of the social demography of Manipur the rise in the migrant population in Manipur is disturbing. This naturally calls the state government to take steps to check this disturbing trend by applying appropriate laws, as it is a tricky situation.
The Manipur government must enact proper land laws to protect the indigenous communities and this will help maintain the demographic balance more than any other measure. At the same time Manipur should not be made difficult to reach by any citizen or by the tourists by imposing any restrictions including the Restricted Area Permit imposed by the Union Government. But the state government must play the game wisely so that the sons of the soil would be placed in a better position while taking on the challenges of globalization.
The writer is a Ex-Candidate Singjamei a/c, Manipur

Manipur sweeps several medals in the Special Olympics National Games 2009

Imphal, Nov 22: The Manipur Team has won several medals at the Special Olympics National Games 2009 held at the cities of Kolkata, Mumbai and Patna.

According to Sports Director, Special Olympics Bharat Manipur Chapter, Th. Saratkumar Singh, the Manipur women`s team comprising of Y. Somolata, Y. Ibechaobi, A. Sardaluxmi and Nengneo Neishel won gold medal in bocce team event and Somolata as well as Ibechaobi won silver medals in individual bocce event.

While men`s team comprising of W. Dinesh, Kenjit, A.John and S.Milan won bronze medal in bocce team event and men`s handball team won silver medal.

Further, four football players namely A.Abung, Satjahao Haokip, Kh. Bangkim and Sominlal Kipgen have been selected for the World Summer Special Olympics to be held at Athens in 2011.

GK Pillai assures elections to ADC in Manipur

New Delhi, November 22 2009: Demanding election to the Autonomous District Council, the Manipur Tribal Council, represented by its president HK Joute and the general secretary H Pauzalal submitted a memorandum to the President of India Pratibha Patil today. The MTC leaders also met the Outer Manipur MP Thangso Baite and Home Secretary GK Pillai, besides other political leaders and put forward their grievances.

Speaking to this correspondent the Tribal Council Secretary H Pauzalal said that Home Secretary Pillai had given his assurance that the council election will be held at the earliest.

He assured that he will pressurize the State Government for the same.

Further the Tribal Council secretary questioned why ” the Panchayati Raj in the valley areas are being held regularly and are effectively functioning but why are the elections to the district councils being withheld ? If other North East States could enjoy such provisions, why not in Manipur ? ” .

He further noted that the special provision under the Indian Constitution, Article no 371 (C) has no meaning if the election of the districts is being delayed or withheld.

He said, ” this is injustice and a step motherly treatment by the Centre as well as the State Government to the hill tribals of Manipur”.

In the memorandum submitted to the President which was also addressed to the Prime Minister , the Chairperson of UPA Government, the Opposition leader, the Union Home Minister and the Governor of Manipur, the Tribal Council leaders requested that the State Government be asked to hold the ADC elections on or before 2009 .

Domestic workers and their children observe day of hope

Imphal, Nov 22: A Day of Hope cum Children`s Day was observed today by Manipur Domestic Workers` Movement (MDWM) at Don Bosco Savio Hall, Chingmeirong.

The function was attended by Dr. S Vaiphei, MO, HQ IGAR (South), Rev. Fr. C.C. Jose, Mary Immaculate Parish Priest and Majaguila, councillor of IMC as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Addressing the function, Dr. Vaiphei highlighted the various programmes taken up by Assam Rifles for the welfare of people especially of health and medical services and appealed the domestic workers to work sincerely with deep faith in God.

Fr. C.C. Jose, the President of today`s function, announced for free education to be given to the children of domestic workers at Don Bosco School with the kind support from Bosco Mangal.

A domestic worker also expressed her grievances and hardship faced in her day to day life and urged the government agencies to render certain services that can raise their standard of living.

Later, various songs and dances were presented by the children of domestic workers as a part of children`s day.

Home >> Headlines Ukhrul body condemns kidnap of village chief

Imphal, November 21, 2009: The Tangkhul Naga Wungnoa Long (TNWL) has expressed strong condemnation to the incident of abduction of Mathankhui, headman of Hong Village of Ukhrul district the underground outfit group UKLA (MC) on November even though he had been released on the next day safely.

This act of abducting innocent civilian has created tension insecurity and emotional harassed to the family members as wells the public at large, a statement of the body signed by its president, Kaphungkan Shimray said.

At the same time, the TNWL also expressed gratitude and thanks to UKLA (MC) underground group for releasing him safely on the next day (November 17). A resolution condemning the act of the UKLA (MC) was taken in an executive meeting of the TNWL held on November 17. The meeting also resolved to appeal to all the underground group/factions to stop indulging this kind of abduction of any form of inhumane act that could trigger tension and other unwanted social problems, the TNWL stated.

ZSUBV flays 11 Assam Rifles

Imphal, November 14 2009: The Zeliangrong Students' UNion, Barak Valey has strongly condemned the alleged high handedness of 11 Assam Rifles, reports our Jiribam correspondent.

The Union lamented that troops of 11 Assam Rifles posted at Azuran in Tousem sub-division of Tamenglong district burnt down barns of the villagers of Longchai in Tousem terming them as hideouts of UGs.

Besides burning down the barns of the villagers, the AR men also terrorised the people of Longchai on the pretext of counter insurgency operations.

The Union has appealed to the higher authority of Assam Rifles to refrain its jawans from terrorising the innocent civilians on the pretext of counter insurgency operations.

Bodies raise repeal AFSPA pitch

Imphal, November 14 2009: Eighteen different civil organisations based in the Northeastern States, Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi have demanded immediate repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura as well as the Jammu and Kashmir Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1990 from Jammu and Kashmir.

A resolution was adopted in this regard after deliberating on the issues of AFSPA from November 12 to 14 at New Delhi.

The three day long meeting was attended by representatives of Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP), Boro Women Justice Forum (BWJF), Borok People's Human Rights Organisation (BPHRO), Borok Women's Forum (BWF), Campaign For Peace & Democracy Manipur (CPDM), Centre for Law Development (CLD) Srinagar, Human Rights Alert (HRA), Indian Social Action Forum (INSAF), Jammu & Kashmir Trade Union Centre (JKTUC), Karbi Nimso Chingthur Asong (KNCA), Manipur Students' Association Delhi (MSAD), Muslim Khawateen Markaz (MKM), Naga Women's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Naga Women Union Manipur (NWUM), New Trade Union Initiatives (NTUI), Saheli Women's Group (NWG), Samindar Karbi Anime (SKA) and The Other Media (TOM).

The meeting noted that AFSPA continues to be the most important repressive tool of the Indian state that empowers even a non commissioned officer of the armed forces of the Union to kill on mere suspicion while also providing legal immunity from prosecution, thereby causing untold misery and agony among the peoples of the affected regions.

The civil organisations shared deep concern over the importance being given to AFSPA by the State in the context of the increasing militarization of the society in the sub-continent especially after 9/11 and the growing communalization of the polity in India as a whole.

They also expressed concern over the way the media is reporting incidents of violence in J&K and the North-East by and large ignoring the assault on human rights by the guardians of law and order and broadly endorsing those policies of the state that militate against democratic norms and humanitarian principles.

Noting that this Act has led to gross civil and political rights violations including enforced disappearances, extra-judicial execution, torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, rape and other forms of sexual violence against women, arbitrary arrest and detention, the meeting urged upon New Delhi to refrain from inserting any part of the Acts into any other legislation granting unbridled powers to the armed forces of the union or the State police.

Further noting that the imposition of AFSPA also has severe economic, social and cultural cost including erosion of civil administration, lack of access to education, basic health care, destruction of properties and sources of livelihood, and environmental destruction, they called upon the people of India to support the ongoing campaign for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and resist the increasing militarization of democratic spaces.

The meeting agreed that continuation of the 'disturbed area' status under the AFSPA in many parts of the country is illegal in view of the violation of the mandatory six monthly periodic directed by Supreme Court in its 1997 judgement.

They noted that the climate of impunity entrenched in these areas have led to the complete failure of the rule of law including non-registration of cases against the armed forces, and even if the few cases where investigations are completed the criminal prosecution is pending for want of sanction from the Central Govt on the application sent by the State Governments.

It reminded that the Government of India's own BP Jeevan Reddy Committee (2005), Administrative Reforms Commission headed by Veerappan Moily (2007) and Working Group on Confidence-Building Measures in Jammu and Kashmir headed by Mohammad Hamid Ansari (2007) have consistently recommended the repeal of AFSPA, The civil organisations unanimously agreed that the regions where AFSPA has been imposed, there exist suppressed democratic aspiration of people and the prolonged imposition of AFSPA has resulted in deepening the cycle of violence.

They also shared the view that repealing AFSPA would open up the necessary democratic space for addressing the root causes of the political instability, conveyed a joint statement.

Two kidnapped engineers yet to be traced in Manipur

Imphal: Security personnel combed different parts of Imphal East district to trace the two kidnapped engineers of Manipur power department as several organizations today appealed to the abductors not to extort money from government departments and release the duo unharmed.

A police team, supported by other security personnel, searched Khurai, Kongpal and other places in Imphal East district in past few days following report that the kidnapped officials were being kept somewhere in the district, a senior police official said.

The newly-formed United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) earlier claimed responsibility for the abduction of Executive engineer TH Tomalchan and section officer of the department L Mangi, who were taken away at gun-point from near their houses at Kongpal and Khurai area in Imphal East on November 6 and demanded a payment of Rs. 15 crore by the department for their safe release.

While various social organisations called upon the ultras to ensure safe release of the officials and not to indulge in extortion from government departments, a power department official confirmed attempts were being made to rescue the officials "by using various means."

CIC verdict on RTI fees

By SUBHASH CHANDRA

Public-authorities spend valuable man-hours and much more postal-expenses to send demand-letter of even rupees two for one page. The petitioner has to spend on postal and bank charges to remit petty amount like rupees two.

IT REFERS to full-bench CIC-verdict clarifying that public-authorities cannot charge more than rupees two per page of copied documents to be supplied in response to RTI petitions. But Union government should make some petty amendments towards RTI fees to make it economical both for public-authorities and RTI petitioners.

Public-authorities spend valuable man-hours and much more postal-expenses to send demand-letter of even rupees two for one page. The petitioner has to spend on postal and bank charges to remit petty amount like rupees two. Rule should be to provide first few pages say five free-of-charge, while full copying charges may be charged if number of pages exceed five meaning thereby that rupees twelve (and not rupees two) may be charged for six pages. System will save money and man-hours both for petitioners and public-authorities.

Public-authorities like Supreme Court spend extra by responding through costly Registered Post, while others like Prime Minister’s Office use unreliable ordinary mail even despite being informed about wrong-delivery of letters. Public-authorities should be directed to use reliable and economical Speed Post only for all destinations covered by Speed Post service.

Army honours for state police officers

IMPHAL, Nov 7: A special Army Awards Investiture Ceremony was conducted at the Red Shield Auditorium of HQ 57 Mtn Div today in honour of six brave police officers of Manipur and New Delhi who have been awarded the Eastern Army Commander`s Commendation Card, presided by Maj Gen Shakti Gurung, VSM, GOC, 57 Mtn Div in the presence of senior Police and Army officials.

In his welcome address, Maj Gen Shakti Gurung, VSM highlighted the tremendous potential of the people of Manipur, its rich heritage and natural resources. He highlighted the need for peace and security to prevail for the development of the State and thanked the Police and Civil administration for all the assistance and support provided.

Tracing the precise, well coordinated and surgical operations conducted by 57 Mtn Div over the last year, Maj Gen Shakti Gurung, VSM highlighted the fact that numerous UG hideouts were destroyed in and around Loktak Lake with zero collateral damage, or casualties to innocent civilians. This, the GOC mentioned, was an outcome of the excellent rapport and synergy shared by the Army and Police in Manipur. In fact, this cooperation has been often cited as an example for other states to emulate.

Maj Gen Shakti Gurung, VSM reached out to the misguided youth who had been forced to join UG cadres at tender ages while their leaders lived luxurious lives in foreign countries and big Metro cities. He exhorted these misguided youth to accept the Govt`s excellent and honourable surrender policy. This would give them a second chance to live a normal life with their parents and children.

The seven awards conferred on police officials from Bishenpur District and New Delhi is perhaps the first time that so many Army awards have been given in a single year to a different organisation.

In the glittering and solemn ceremony, the Police Officials awarded the Eastern Army Commander`s Commendation Card were, Mr Jayanta Singh, Superintendent of Police, Bishenpur, Mr Sudhir Kumar Metei, Inspector, Bishenpur Police Cdos (Two Awards), Mr S Chandra Kumar, Inspector, Bishenpur Police Cdos, Mr P Sanjoy Singh, Sub-Inspector, Bishenpur Police Cdos, Mr BL Vaiphei, Sub-Inspector, Bishenpur Police Cdos, Mr Krishan Giri, Encounter Specialist, Delhi Police.

The GOC requested the DGP Manipur to recognise these awards as being equivalent, if not more superior, than Police awards. Due weightage should be given to the individuals who have won these awards in their overall career profile.

UBI scam: More money recovered

Imphal, November 06 2009: Out of the total amount of Rs 4.54 crores fraudulently withdrawn from UBI Churachandpur Branch by a UG group, a sum of another Rs 1.71 crore has been reportedly handed over today.

The balance amount is also likely to be handed over tomorrow.

The new development has come about even as the State Government is discussing to hand over the case to the CBI for inquiry following strong pressure from the Army authorities.

A signatory of the Suspension of Operation (SoO), the UG group had fraudulently withdrawn the amount which is actually meant for the Multi-Sectoral Development Programme.

At around noon today, members of the UG group handed over Rs 1.71 crores in the presence of Brig Rajiv Pant of 27 Sector, Churachandpur; Deputy Commissioner of the district Jacinta Lazarus and SP G Bimol.

Earlier, the UG group had handed over Rs 2.27 crores.

According to information received by the press, the UG group in question has so far handed over Rs 3.98 crores out of the total Rs 4.54 withdrawn.

The remaining balance amount is also expected to be handed over tomorrow.

The amount which was handed over today has been seized by the police after the same was produced before the court of CJM Churachandpur.

It may be recalled here that the police have already arrested some staff of the bank in connection with this case.

On the other hand, police have taken up another case in connection with the attempt to avail loan for purchasing truck from MGT Motors (Tata Motors) with fake certificates and patta as well as land valuation worked out by forging the signatures of SDC and Sub-Registrar of Keirao Bitra, Imphal East district.

The matter came to light when officials of the company visited the office of the SDO, Keirao Bitra today for verification of the application submitted by one Puyam Boby of Ucheckon Takhok Mapal for taking loan to purchase a truck, SDO Ng Roben disclosed.

On checking the official record, the patta submitted in the name of Puyam Inao who is supposed to be the guarantor of the person taking the loan was not only found to be in the name of one Puyam Hera but the signature of Supervisory Kanungo (SK) too had been forged.

Apart from forging the signature of the SDC and working out the land valuation as Rs 15 lakhs, the land valuation certificate has also been detected to be fake and encumbered certificate which was re-prepared after forging the signature of the Sub-Registrar.

Beware of Government’s agents, caution student organisations

IMPHAL, Nov 1 : In case anyone commits the blunder of colluding with the State Government against the three months old people’s movement including the class boycott agitation, in the course of which there have been many casualties, sufferings and arrests, they would be taught befitting lessons, cautioned the AMSU, MSF and KSA.
However, guardians’ bodies, teachers’ associations, private individuals and other organisations organising any meeting to find out the root cause for students’ staying away from schools and any agitation they may launch towards enabling students attend class would be appreciated and supported, the three student bodies said in a joint statement.
Even after the July 23 Khwairamband killing has been proven to be a clear case of fake encounter with photographic evidence by Tehelka magazine, the State Government has not taken up any action commensurate to the crime till date.
Rather, the Government has been scheming to reduce the people’s movement by using both secret and open agents.
The Government has been making invitations for negotiation on one side while at the same time plotting to terminate the people’s movement using different organisations including student bodies who have allegedly thrown away their principles and also involved in different criminal activities.
The issue can be settled only when the Government start acting in line with wish and aspirations of the people, the student bodies iterated.
Though a round of talk was held with the State Government, the Government is still unable to give a definite assurance to fulfil the main demands of the people. As such, the ongoing class boycott movement would remain, they declared.
Any individual or group putting up obstacles or jeopardising the people’s movement would amount to putting their heads between grindstones, the student bodies warned.
The AMSU, MSF and KSA reiterated that they do not have any third ear to listen to appeals for lifting the class boycott until and unless the people’s goal is achieved.
Reacting to the call to make educational institutions a free zone, the student bodies asked the advocates of ‘free zone’ if they remembered their slogan only at the time when collective strength of the people should be mustered in the fight against the incumbent Government.
Noting that some agents of the Government including a students’ body are organising a public meeting at BOAT on November 2 in connection with the ongoing class boycott movement, the AMSU, MSF and KSA asserted that the movement being spearheaded by the Apunba Lup cannot be affected by whatever decision adopted in the meeting.
Questioning whether the ‘education free zone’ campaign did not cover GP Women’s College and Manipur University, the student bodies asked as to why GP Women’s College Principal Karam Manimohan was assaulted most brutally.
They further asserted that Karam Manimohan was hospitalised because of the assault by the particular students’ body and later succumbed to the injuries.
The student bodies went on to ask whether making educational institutions a free zone meant summoning teachers at their office and thrashing them.
It would be very unfortunate if those organisations decide to challenge the people’s movement openly instead of consulting and highlighting their opinions and views to the AMSU, MSF and KSA.
Calling upon guardians and teachers, who are deeply worried over the inability of students to attend class to introspect and tread in the right path towards bringing a justified solution to the issue, the student bodies appealed to the guardians and teachers to stay away from those taking side with the Government and plotting to nullify the people’s movement. They asserted that the Government has been using some student bodies to make the class boycott movement ineffective after it failed to do so by using police commandos. They further called upon all sections of the society to launch a renewed and forceful movement against the ruling leaders of the State to take the movement to its logical end.

CM calls for peace and harmony on Kut day

IMPHAL, Nov 1: The post harvest festival of Kuki-Chin Mizo group, `Kut` was celebrated in various parts of the state today.

The main celebration of the day was observed by the State Level Kut Committee at the 1st MR ground Imphal this morning with chief minister O Ibobi Singh as chief guest of the function.

Cultural dances and folk songs by the artists from different communities of Kuki-Chin Mizo group marked the observation.

Chief minister O Ibobi Singh while inaugurating festival this morning at 1st MR ground Imphal said the celebration is not for the Kuki-Chin Mizo alone.

Such festivals can bring peace and communal harmony in the state he said.

The chief minister further said Kut was once celebrated by the communities of Kuki Chin Mizo at their respective villages during this season choosing a convenient time, but considering the value and impact of the festival the state government brought it up to a state level festival and November 1 has been recognized as Kut day.

The festival is today recognised by the Union ministry of tourism.

The chief minister also extended his greetings to the people of the state on the occasion and mentioned that as a post harvest festival of Kuki-Chin-Mizo group of people, `Kut" symbolizes compassion, gaiety and gratefulness.

It is also a thanks giving to God for a bountiful harvest, he said.

Setting aside the barriers of all castes, creeds and religions, the festival provides a good platform to every human being to introspect on his own thoughts and values he added.

There is confident that the Kut festival will be celebrated in its true spirit and reaffirm our resolve to strengthen peaceful coexistence among various ethnic groups, which is an age-old glorious tradition of the people of Manipur, the chief minster said.

MP, Manipur Outer Parliamentary Constituency, Thangso Baite and power minister T Phungzathang attended the function as president and guest of honour made their wishes to the people of the state for bringing peace and harmony with the celebrations of Kut festival.

The chief minister also released the Kut souvenir.

The inaugural function this morning was enlightened by the performances of cultural dances and folk music performed by various artists from different communities.

On the other hand, the second session of the Kut festival organized by the state Level Kut committee this afternoon attracted large crowds from different parts of the state to witnessed the Miss Kut, 2009 contest.

The show was enlived further by a music bonanza and other cultural items.

Kut celebration was also conducted today at Henglep, Churachandpur, Sita in Chandel district and other interior parts of the state where Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities are settled.