Keishing points accusing finger at Erabot

Imphal, January 29: Independent MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing has accused FCS Minister Y Erabot of swindling 6635 quintals of rice meant for the people of Ukhrul district on two occasions in connivance with some officials.

The MLA has also demanded an inquiry into the alleged swindling of PDS rice.

Wungnaoshang alleged that the swindling of PDS rice meant for Ukhrul district by the FCS Minister has led to acute shortage of rice in Ukhrul district, particularly in the interior areas of Phungyar constituency.

In connection with the alleged swindling of such a huge quantity of rice meant for distribution to people at subsidised rate, written complaints have been lodged with the relevant Ministers and the Chief Secretary.

However there has been no positive action from the Government in this regard, the MLA said.

Wungnaoshang said that he was denied any opportunity to meet the Chief Minister to talk about the 'loss' of PDS rice twice.

Demanding a proper enquiry into the matter, he asserted that the SPF Government stands to lose faith of the people if the Government fails to establish the facts and circumstances under which the PDS rice meant for people was swindled.

However FCS Minister Y Erabot maintained that distribution of PDS rice is not done by the FCS Dept but by Deputy Commissioners.

He said that at the moment he could not tell whether there is rice in Ukhrul FCS godown.

Reaction to independent MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing's alleged 'vague allegations' about swindling 6635 quintals of PDS rice in connivance with some officials, Erabot said that the matter may be highlighted to the public.

On the other hand, talking about the persisting stand-off between Assam Rifles and NSCN (IM) at Siroy, Wungnaoshang Keishing observed that because of the lingering impasse, people of the area have been facing a highly insecure situation fearing for the worst to the life and properties.

Asserting that the Government is acting like it does not know about the stand-off although it fully understands the situation, the MLA asked whether the Government wants that the people should die en-masse.

Naga MLAs will call on the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister and the Union Defence Minister and apprise them about the resulting situation filled with high tension from the stand-off between the Assam Rifles and NSCN (IM) .

The Naga MLA will also be urging upon the Government of India to intervene into the impasse, Wungnaoshang said.

Even as the impasse has been continuing for weeks, the Chief Minister never bother to discuss the situation with Naga MLAs as if Ukhrul is not a part of Manipur.

Even when the Naga MLAs sought appointment with the Chief Minister on the issue, the Naga MLAs were not given any opportunity for a meeting, he decried.

Monsang Women's Union celebrates silver jubilee

Imphal, January 11 : Call for respecting the rights of the women and giving their long deprived dues reverberated at the silver jubilee celebration of Sirti Sanuw Ruh (Monsang Women's Union) which began from today under the theme of 'Excel with culture' at Liwa Sarei village in Chandel district.

Speaking as chief guest at the formal inaugural session of the celebration which would go on for four days, MP of Outer Manipuri Parliamentary Constituency Mani Charenamei observed that the role of the women in development of any society is of paramount importance.

However, the women in Manipuri society have never been given their due rights regardless of their immense contribution made to the society throughout the course of the history of the State.

It is because of this that numerous problems have come up today leading to imbalance in development, the MP said.

He further pointed out that the unwillingness of the society as a whole to empower women and allow them to take active part in the formulation of programmes and policies of the State has also led to an economic crisis that would have far reaching impact.

Presiding over the function attended by a large number of leaders of various communities, president of Chandel Naga People's Organisation (CNPO) Ng Gilbert noted that even if the Government has recognised Monsang as a tribe, the real and original nomenclature of the tribe is Sirti.

Inspite of being a small community, the tribe has its own rich culture and tradition.

But there is the apprehension that these cultural elements may be swept away in the wave of globalisation.

So every efforts should be made to preserve these cultural and traditional elements from being lost, he exhorted.

Earlier, delivering the key note address, president of Monsang Women's Union Renie Wanglar said as an apex body of the Monsang women, the Union has played an important role in promotion and development of the arts and culture of the Monsang tribe.

So keeping this in mind, the silver jubilee celebration of the Union is being held under the theme of 'Excel with culture'.

The chief guest also released a souvenir at the occasion which was marked by presentation of cultural dances and songs by various cultural troupes. Keeping with the theme of the celebration, exhibition of traditional dresses of Monsang tribe, demonstration of folk songs and dances and other cultural items would be witnessed over the next three days.

The celebration would also witnessed talks to be delivered by various resource persons.

Among the resource persons, secretary of WSDC K Shangneidar would spoke on the topic of 'Women in development process' and principal of United College, Lambung, Chandel Th Oliver on the topic of 'Preserving our culture and tradition'.