Sunday, July 1, 2007
Of criticism, media ethics and rejoinders
By Donn Morgan Kipgen
‘A little knowledge is a dangerous thing’
— Alexander Pope
To err is human, to forgive divine, so it is said. Not to make any mistake would be a computerised extra-terrestial being of Godly state. A person who works makes mistakes and a person who does not, doesn’t. This is the realm where critics and experts play their own colourful games; sometimes at the expense of someone’s reputation. In literal world, critics and criticisms are not and ever meant to be a personal attack on others works nor a one-sided comment with malicious intent. Real criticism dwells on merits and demerits of others works or writings- a critical appreciation, articulate and balanced review by qualified scholars. One should refrain from making open criticism on any subject-matter without having full authority over it. On the other hand, a writer or columnist should write an article or essay with solid materials and circumstantial evidences to back up all columnist to protect their flanks while on offensive or tactical defensive mode. An article on any issue is much more than just a string of sentences, written just for the sake of it. It takes lots of politically-correct thoughts, minute (pr. mai-nuit) research and analysis, laced with general knowledges and hard facts to be written in simple English. However, the style, diction, presentation and the flow of the article or essay must not be compromised since all readers ought to gain more than just an interesting story.
The Editorial page of any newspaper is a treasure house of varied knowledge with a free-for-all shadow-boxing room. The Editor’s column is the sanctitus sanctum, the holy ground, the writers’ columns’ being the goldmines, and “Letter to Editor’s box” being the Readers’ world, used as the ‘idiot box’ and the killing field in this part of the world. In both national and international newspapers and news-magazines, all letters to the Editors are carefully edited, shortened for space and clarity. One seldom comes across full-length rejoinders, personal attacks, baseless allegations, unedited hyper-sensitive views, irrelevant local issues, etc are certainly not lengthy war of words, nor direct attacks on the columnists, news-reporters and editorials without factual truth. Of course, not all ridiculous and sarcastic comments and negative feedbacks, unrelated to the quality and news presentations are freely printed. That’s the Rules of Engagement of the print media all over the world, otherwise, other vivid readers would be unethically given (a wrong) impression that all those baseless points and twisting of facts as a ‘recognised truth’ even though the unedited letters were technically and grammatically unacceptable or mischievously full of faulty facts. A complete silence for one or two days due lack of time period to draft, deliver and listing into ordinary Letter to Editor could and surely would take the adventurous hostile forays of the rampaging reader-cum-critic personal observations as legitimate coup d’etat (pr. Koo-di-ta) upon “readers’ friendly” writer’s realm. Any random ambush on regular columnist or guest-columnist by highly opinionated reader with malicious intent is an outright attack upon the very newspaper concerned. Such unfortunate blatant attack is bound to cause ‘collateral damage of media war’, down-grading its reputation and credibility. There has to be an esprit d’ corps (pr. espri-di-core) amongst media fraternity, like the chivalrous, time-tested absolute camaraderie of the international media corps’ ethics. The highly ‘watched’ and ‘bi-censored’ media fraternity dearly needs an all-encompassing media institution and a well-represented journalist-cum-writer’s forum independently with a motto like the one inscripted on the reverse side of the US dollar coin and dime: ‘E Pluribus Unum’, i.e One Amongst All. The hardcarging US Media audiciously brought down the world’s most powerful Administration, the super secret Nixon’s White House regime, courtesy: the ‘Paper General NY Times”, showing media power without compromising the ageless professional media work ethics of highest degree, with just one stroke of a writer’s pen.
Discretion is a better part of Valour.
Well, the other day, a certain reader of the TSE seemed to have made on optimistic attempt to distort the marching song of H&T Column: Notes on English Language”. Since the “Grammar-ammunition” was not of high quality and the argument strictly personal, it is rather hard to make a serious comment. Unfortunately, the unprovoked random firings also hurt the over all reputation of the Sangai Express and the state’s print-media. Yes, many letters to the editor from this part of the world seldom get printed in reputed national daily English, the Language, newspapers since there are no deciphering sections in any newspaper or newsmagazine office. The state media fraternity is very accommodating and hence, the full length Letters to the Editor where one could bare one’s true colours. That this quixotic Reader’s opening bombardment started with a quaint : “Apropos of”, instead of the standard munition “Apropos to ” revealed the true nature of his experience. The of “Apropos of” actually refers to a third person/party; hence, the more understandable “to” which refers to second person. In a tense situation, the enterprising reader used a present tense “does not” in an indirect speech instead of “did not”. Moreover, a cocksure judgement...” it (the article) is flawed” was passed. Since a particular article is not circulated on daily basis, the past tense of the verb “is”, i.e., “was”, ought to be used. Then the adjective “flawed” was used as intransitive verb! The word ‘Flaw’ is actually a noun which can also be used as transitive verb. Our smart friend also told us thus....... “nor do we write poetries”. Well the orignal term ‘Poetries’ means ‘a collection of poems’ written by poet(s). As for the self-searching question on the phrase ‘Greco-Roman Latin’ being clubbed together, nothing is wrong since Latin was derived from Greek and was fine-tuned and used as a common language by the mighty Roman Empire. Just because one single person ‘seldom come across’ a word or term or idiom, one cannot simply say it does not exist. And the application of the idiom ‘to go through with’ i.e. ‘not to leave unfinished’ was grammatically acceptable.
In order to enjoy the rich knowledge of other’s literary works, one has to go through the whole content completely. The articles on ‘English Language’ written by William Safire of the New York Times have been regularly published in one of the nation’s premier monthly news-magazines i.e. The Frontline. Since Mr Safire’s article have been printed and published over the past 15 years or so, in the popular Frontline magazine, his name and works are very much well-known in this part of the world. Ironically, the Naipauls, Roys and Rushdies have also contributed essays and articles in pompous, stylish, very complicated at times, and in regal English on socio-political issues and certainly not on finer points of English language like Mr Safire. Our friend reminded us thus: ‘S.T. Coleridge and W. Wordsworth are contemporaries’. Since, both the writers/ poets had been dead longtime ago, the use of the verb ‘are’, instead of ‘were’ was incorrect. Besides, the term ‘contemporary’ is an adjective and not a noun; hence, it cannot have a plural form i.e ‘contemporaries’. The grammatically correct sentence ought to be thus : ‘S.T. Coleridge and W. Wordsworth were contemporary writers/ poets’.
It should be noted that the name of King George I nor Hanoverian Dynasty and its relation to the growth of English language were mentioned in that particular H&T article. Who said King George I and Prince consort, Albert, were related? Not, me, Senor Quixote. Signing off with malice to none and charity and goodwill to all.
-------------------------
Political scenario in Manipur
— Political prostitution and administration slavery to New Delhi —
By Lt Col. H Bhuban Singh (Retd)
Contd from previous issue
The above views are Western concept of ‘We versus They’ as propoun-ded by Dr. Charles Darwin in his theory of “Survival of the fittest”, which implies the fit to subjugate, enslave and if necessary, kill the weak. In the United States of America, white settlers almost extermina-ted Red Indians, who were the original inhabitants of America. They are now preserved as human specimen in ‘protected/reserved areas’. Black peoples were caught and brought from Africa to America to work as slave.
The most humiliating part of slavery is that if ‘my two man and wife slaves have children, the children are also mine. They were like my dog and bitch having puppies and the puppies, in turn belonging to me as my property’.
President Abraham Lincoln freed the blacks. In a book titled ‘The Roots’ written by a Black American, the author lost his family history in the jungles of West Africa.
Amartya Sen, Nobel Laureate in his book ‘Identity and Violence - The Illusion of Destiny’ criticized ‘the herd behaviour’ of the West. He poin-ted out that Pandit Ravi Shankar, the great Sitarist or Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, the great Sarod player were not identified as Hindu Sitarist and Muslim Sarod player but were identified as Indian Sitarist and Indian Sarod player. He opi-ned that ‘our right is their wrong and their right is our wrong’ idea is politically highly combustible.
Writer Benedict Ander-son in his book ‘Imagined Communities’ wrote that no one should attempt to Magyarise the Slovaks or Anglicize the Indians, or to Russify the Ukranians. He pointed out that the Barons, who forced King John to sign the Magna Carta in May 1215, could not speak English. The concept of the Barons being Englishmen was wrong. In sum, he is against imagined communities.
Nelson Mandela, the black African leader of South Africa who fought against apartheid for forty years refusing release from jail, won and became President of Republic of South Africa. But he treated his former tormentors with love in true Gandhian style. The world recogni-zed him by awarding Nobel Prize for Peace.
Coming back to Darwin, Indians have modified the Darwinian concept of ‘survival of the fittest and destruction of the weakest’ to ‘survival of all and existence of all’.
Journalist Thomas Friedman in his book ‘The World is Flat’ wrote: “AI Qaeda has attracted Muslims from all Islamic countries; but its influence on the second largest Muslim country of the world, namely India has been very little... Also, there are no Indian Muslims that we know of in America’s Guantanamo Bay’ (prison)”
The above speaks volumes of Indian maturity and the desire for conflict resolution in a peaceful manner.
Currently, known nuclear powers are 1. USA 2. UK 3. France 4. USSR (Russia) 5. India (because of Pokhran-I) 6. China 7. North Korea 8. Pakistan 9. Israel - known but is still unofficial - and 10. Iran (likely soon).
Incidentally, South Africa had nuclear capability but destroyed it before South Africa became a republic under mixed rule of blacks and whites.
Now the world is looking up to India for propagating peace and avoidance of nuclear holocaust. To understand the import we need to read between the lines about the recent 3-day visit to India of Mr. Luiz Inucio Lulu du Sliva, Brazilian President. He suggested expansion of permanent members of UN Security Council to include India, Japan and Brazil.
—to be contd
Salam Ningol Th Sobita
Senior Staff Nurse, Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI)
By Thingnam Anjulika Samom
What is the first thing on our mind after a prolonged illness and stay in a hospital? Besides the furtive hiding of a one rupee coin under the bed murmuring to all possible deities never ever to bring us back to the hospital again -- meaning, never ever to fall to so ill as to warrant a stay in the hospital?
Of course, thank the doctor and tell all our friends and relatives how good he/she is and how effective his/her medicines are.
But how many among us remember to thank those silent souls in white who flitted by our bedside during the days and nights -- fixing the IV line, ensuring that our medicines are taken in time, listening to our groans of pain in the middle of the night, consulting with our doctors and keeping him updated about our health condition?
Despite Florence Nightingale’s repute and her lamp famous which not only lighted up wounded souls during the Crimean War but also the whole nursing profession, the nursing profession is a back-breaking yet thankless job. However thousands of young men and women enter the profession with the ennobling mission of healing and service to humankind. Salam ningol Thokchom ongbi Sobita is one among these sacrificing angels in white.
Sobita was born at Uripok Achom Leikai, Imphal as the only daughter among three children born to Salam Nilakanta, a storekeeper at the Manipur Public Works Department, and Salam ongbi Ibempishak. As her father got employed only after the birth of his three children, the initial years were hard. They also shifted house from one place to another compounding to the problem.
As a result of the family’s economic condition and instability, Sobita’s schooling was very much affected. She studied till Class V at Ibotonsana Girls Higher Secondary School then shifted to Shyamasakhi Girls High School where she studied till Class IX. She passed her matriculation from Tengnoupal in 1990, after which she completed her higher secondary schooling from Regional College, Lilong in 1993.
However after completing her higher secondary, Sobita was unsure of which way to go from there. It was then that her mother came to her aid. When Ibempishak, who liked the profession of caring for people very much herself, learnt that some girls she knew were studying nursing, she also made inquiries for her daughter. Accordingly, Sobita was admitted for a three year General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course at the Alipur Burrows Memorial Christian Hospital Society in Assam.
After completing the course in 1998, she worked as trainee nurse at the Guwahati Neurological Research Centre (GNRC), Guwahati for six months as part of her training. After that Sobita worked as staff nurse in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the GNRC, Guwahati for two and half years.
In December 2000, she along with some friends moved to Delhi in search of a job. She spent the first year enrolling herself in computer and language (both Hindi and English) classes to break the technology and language barrier. After that her services were hired as private nurse in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi for six months, after which she was employed as a regular staff nurse for another six months. She also worked for some time at Jeevan Nagar Hospital in South Delhi.
In 2003, she came back to Imphal and soon got a job in one of North East India’s premier private hospital, Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI) in Langol. “This (SHRI) has been the best place to work. After all this is my own land, my own people,” she says.
“It was also an experience working in Guwahati and Delhi. But the flip side is that the money you earn is used up to pay for your room rent, travel fare and food, etc. So you are somehow too dependent on the money for it pays all your bills. Then the physical and mental stress is also more,” she adds.
Sobita was adjudged the Best Nurse for the year 2007 from among nearly 120 nurses working in Shija Hospitals and Research Institute at present. The Rotary Club of Imphal has also decided to give the Best Nurse award to her this year as part of its programme of honouring members of the society in their professional capacity and whose services helps in motivating others to follow suit.
But what makes Sobita’s caring technique unique? “It is my mission schooling. When we were taught how to care and heal, the emphasis was on service and hard work. That helped me get the award,” she says and adds, “The importance of a loving touch, a prayer, and spiritualism in the healing of a person were also inculcated during my training.”
Sobita got married in January this year. Yet despite the traditional responsibilities and roles that womanhood and marriage heaps upon a Meitei woman she has been diligently ensuring that all her duties and roles are fulfilled. She loves listening to soothing music and dreams to fulfill her fondness for traveling one day.
The selfish Manipuri diaspora
By Ranjan Yumnam
Last week I wrote about how we go on producing assembly-line graduates and degree holders but with little hope of providing them employment. The result: the market is so saturated that it is now easier to find a jobless MA pass-out in a locality than it is to look for a plumber.
This bleak situation notwithstanding, let’s take a look at those luckier, brighter and perhaps more privileged sections of the student community who have managed to fight the odds and went on to join the ranks of global economy workforce. In Delhi, in Bangalore, in Singapore, in the US and many other countries, there is now a substantial Manipuri presence working in MNCs and big Indian companies. In fact, there is a joke doing the rounds that Manipuris are the new Punjabis minus the turbans.
Let’s call them the Manipuri diaspora. Some of you would not approve of this term as it connotes a negative phenomenon of massive human migration forced by persecution in their countries of origin. One good example is the Jews of Israel. But according to popular usage, diaspora as a word has taken on a non-political and neutral meaning. We talk of Indian diaspora in this latter benign sense, associating it with positive pull factor of human migration. Whichever way you look at it, the diaspora term is applicable to the Manipuri expatriates, including in its political, albeit negative, sense.
The persecution factor—the push factor—is very much evident in the outward exodus of the Ma-nipuris. Unlike the previous generation, youths today no longer live under false illusions. Switzerland of the East or the Jewel of India: these are empty slogans that only a lazy ad copy writer of Incredible India campaign will use. Unless we are the ringleaders of the persecuting marauding force, we are refugees in our own homes. Tell me a soul in Manipur who is not harassed by the state and non-state actors? On top of this, our multicultural fabric is under great strain: communities are arraigned against one another. The ‘million mutinies’ of VS Naipaul are coming true in this tiny landlocked state.
So under these circumstances, it’s best to leave the state and go West, East, South and North but for heaven’s sake not rot in Manipur, so goes the thinking of the educated new generation of Manipuris.
Sure enough, Manipuris outside the state are doing well and even outdoing the wildest dreams of their parents—gaining entirely new work experience and attractive financial rewards (even discounting for the fact that many of them are in the BPO industry). But what about the pay-offs to the larger Manipuri society against individual benefits from this Great March of the Manipuri Diaspora?
Almost nil.
There is not yet a recognition among the Manipuris working in foreign shores of the fact that there exists a moral and rational obligation for them to contribute to the growth of their native state and resolution of the perplexing range of issues facing it. For despite the deep-seated cynicism, a large part of the credit for the success of the Manipuri expatriates is due ultimately to their roots. It’s the tiny economy of Manipur that we so despise and pity alternately that sustains and gives them the oxygen in their struggling forays into alien environments. A case in point is: more than a quarter of the income of the Manipuri parents is diverted to outside the state to support the education of their children in metros and increasingly foreign universities hoping it to be a long term investment.
In return, we have not seen any diaspora or alumni organisation doing anything significant to give back to the society. We don’t expect them to be Bill Gates and give millions in charity money. The most we expect from them is some form of concern and activism to help the limping society get up on its feet but we see none.
The Manipuris who are working in the metros are no better: they have a little world of their own in which the stakes are for getting bigger packages and comparing it with those of other Manipuris. In fact, every conversation that I have had with any Manipuri working outside ends inevitably in a discussion of their perks and emoluments. So I have a little trick to put to stop such egotism in an instant. The moment you ask them of any help in getting a job in the company where they are working, they will vanish soon never to be seen again or most likely they will mutter to you some vague explanations of how there is a financial crunch and that the company is hardly getting by and such other non-sense. The most irritating part is when they will somehow hint at their supposed superior talent and that you are not good enough to be in their league. Phew!
Let me tell you the real reason why Manipuris working outside Manipur have become a pretentious lot full of subterfuge to stonewall you away from them. Each of them wants to be the only Manipuri working in that great ABC Company. Each of them wants to boast that they could find employment in such and such blue-chip company that other Manipuris can only dream of. Each of them wants to flaunt that they are the few remarkable Manipuris living in Bay Area in Silicon Valley earning unheard of salary. It’s surprising that they really believe in what they believe. I am left to wonder whether such attitudes are reflection of their insecurity, arrogance or just plain juvenility.
I think their orientation is all misplaced. If the motive is to compete, wouldn’t be much better if the competition is with non-Manipuris, not with some wide-eyed Manipuri novices. Having worked in some of the most prestigious and biggest media houses in India myself, I can vouch for the fact that other communities like Bengalis are just the opposites of the Manipuris. Instead of defending their imaginary turf (anyway it’s not your company), they would act as the bridges for other Bengalis to infiltrate into the company. That’s why Indian media is dominated by Bengalis who believe in helping their compatriots first and giving loyalty to the organisation second. This attitude is hopelessly absent among the Manipuris who want to bask in being an island, except that there is no glory.
Of course, this is a generalisation and like all stereotypes, it would be dead wrong to presume that all Manipuris are selfish jerks trying to fend off their boundaries from encroaching by another Manipuri. The greater issue is that I think it is payback time for the Manipuri diaspora. They should exercise some of their superior faculty in finding ways—and there are many— of giving back to their birthplace. At the end of the day, there is more to life than chasing some materialistic dreams, netting a trophy wife, building a house, owning a car and procreating some children. Let’s give a thought to repaying the debts we owe to our roots for being what we are, wherever we are. This is a moral responsibility, a question of patriotism. And an obligation if you consider the brain drain that is another name for Manipuri diaspora.
Lest we forget...
By Thangkhanlal Ngaihte
Ten years ago, June 24 was a Tuesday. I still vividly remember what that fateful day was like. I was home on vacation in Lamka after finishing my first year in college. It must be around 6 in the morning when I got awake with a start. I could hear the plip-plop sound of running footsteps and there were some shouting. The air seemed to be suddenly, eerily still. We were yet to know that 10 people had been lined up beside a dirt road and shot dead at Saikul village, about 7 kms to the northeast of Lamka the previous night(there were four others who survived the shooting with injuries). Among those killed was a Class IX reading boy who used to live next to our house at New Lamka.
By the time me and my elder brother reached Lamka College grounds, an enraged mob had already marched off to Phailian locality nearby to give vent to their anger. Soon, columns of smoke emerged from on top of a few houses. We spent the entire day running about–in panic response to rumors of an incursion here, a planned attack there or an unusual sighting in the paddy field. In the afternoon, we gaze up, exhausted, at Mission Compound locality as it burned.
The ethnic conflict that exploded thus between the Kuki and Zomi communities continued intermittently for the next 15 months. After a series of peace initiatives that failed to hold, the conflict formally came to an end with the signing of a MoU between the Zomi Council and Kuki Inpi on October 1, 1998.
According to records compiled by H. Nengsong, then chairman of the Inter-church Peace Committee–whose findings were endorsed by both ZC and KI–the number of people killed during the conflict was in excess of 500 (about 450 confirmed deaths and the rest unaccounted for)and more than 6000 dwelling houses burnt. The value of properties destroyed was put at rupees fifty crores.
These are the immediate costs of the conflict that can be put down in numbers and data. Ten years on, the ethnic conflict of 1997-98 continues to ravage and hobble the entire social, political and economic life of Churachandpur district.
During the conflict, the entire resources and manpower of the warring tribes were mobilized with the sole aim to survive, and win. Nothing else matter. Creativity and innovation were at their height in the form of local-made weapons and guns. With the conflict on, there was a sort of war discipline that came into play automatically. It was after the conflict ends, when people began to relax and tried to pick up their lives, that its cumulative immobilizing impact hit them with a hurricane force.
The first was breakdown of social discipline. The conflict has spawned an army of young men who recognize no authority. They had trained in the use of firearms, took part in village raids, see people shot or knifed to death and houses burnt. Now, the conflict is over and they are on the loose with many of them having nothing to call their home. Is it possible at all that these baptized-in-blood young men will quietly return to the class room and do as the teacher commanded them to do?
Not surprisingly, the immediate aftermath of the conflict saw mass-copying practices in board exam halls. Many students openly came into the hall with books and knives and dared the teachers to interfere with them. It was only from around 2002 that effective checks could be placed at the institutional level to arrest the menace.
It was also during and after the conflict that drugs and substance abuse among the young reached pandemic levels. One easy way to see how it was is to compare the number and population of de-addiction/rehabilitation centres in Lamka town in 1995 and 2005.
There inevitably was also a proliferation of militant groups and gun culture. Apart from the marked increase in violent activities and killings, what is chillingly remarkable is the sheer brutality with which the killings and executions came to be done. A single shot on the head is no longer enough. Tortured to death, eyes gouged out, limbs cut off or bones broken before killed etc. The graphic description of recovered bodies in the newspapers bears testimony to this.
Economically, it was only after the conflict that beggars came to be actually seen in the streets of Lamka.
Ten years have passed since the conflict, and we are still haunted by it in all spheres. Lamka is still a town that shuts down at the fall of dusk, no cinema and recreational houses dare operate, prostitutes, drug addicts and armed men rule the roost after dark and addiction care centres and orphanage homes became the most successful enterprises. And to think that Lamka had been, once upon a time, known as the Abode of Peace in all of Manipur!!
Do we learn anything amidst all this? Maybe someone should go and ask around at Moreh.
By Thangkhanlal Ngaihte
Ten years ago, June 24 was a Tuesday. I still vividly remember what that fateful day was like. I was home on vacation in Lamka after finishing my first year in college. It must be around 6 in the morning when I got awake with a start. I could hear the plip-plop sound of running footsteps and there were some shouting. The air seemed to be suddenly, eerily still. We were yet to know that 10 people had been lined up beside a dirt road and shot dead at Saikul village, about 7 kms to the northeast of Lamka the previous night(there were four others who survived the shooting with injuries). Among those killed was a Class IX reading boy who used to live next to our house at New Lamka.
By the time me and my elder brother reached Lamka College grounds, an enraged mob had already marched off to Phailian locality nearby to give vent to their anger. Soon, columns of smoke emerged from on top of a few houses. We spent the entire day running about–in panic response to rumors of an incursion here, a planned attack there or an unusual sighting in the paddy field. In the afternoon, we gaze up, exhausted, at Mission Compound locality as it burned.
The ethnic conflict that exploded thus between the Kuki and Zomi communities continued intermittently for the next 15 months. After a series of peace initiatives that failed to hold, the conflict formally came to an end with the signing of a MoU between the Zomi Council and Kuki Inpi on October 1, 1998.
According to records compiled by H. Nengsong, then chairman of the Inter-church Peace Committee–whose findings were endorsed by both ZC and KI–the number of people killed during the conflict was in excess of 500 (about 450 confirmed deaths and the rest unaccounted for)and more than 6000 dwelling houses burnt. The value of properties destroyed was put at rupees fifty crores.
These are the immediate costs of the conflict that can be put down in numbers and data. Ten years on, the ethnic conflict of 1997-98 continues to ravage and hobble the entire social, political and economic life of Churachandpur district.
During the conflict, the entire resources and manpower of the warring tribes were mobilized with the sole aim to survive, and win. Nothing else matter. Creativity and innovation were at their height in the form of local-made weapons and guns. With the conflict on, there was a sort of war discipline that came into play automatically. It was after the conflict ends, when people began to relax and tried to pick up their lives, that its cumulative immobilizing impact hit them with a hurricane force.
The first was breakdown of social discipline. The conflict has spawned an army of young men who recognize no authority. They had trained in the use of firearms, took part in village raids, see people shot or knifed to death and houses burnt. Now, the conflict is over and they are on the loose with many of them having nothing to call their home. Is it possible at all that these baptized-in-blood young men will quietly return to the class room and do as the teacher commanded them to do?
Not surprisingly, the immediate aftermath of the conflict saw mass-copying practices in board exam halls. Many students openly came into the hall with books and knives and dared the teachers to interfere with them. It was only from around 2002 that effective checks could be placed at the institutional level to arrest the menace.
It was also during and after the conflict that drugs and substance abuse among the young reached pandemic levels. One easy way to see how it was is to compare the number and population of de-addiction/rehabilitation centres in Lamka town in 1995 and 2005.
There inevitably was also a proliferation of militant groups and gun culture. Apart from the marked increase in violent activities and killings, what is chillingly remarkable is the sheer brutality with which the killings and executions came to be done. A single shot on the head is no longer enough. Tortured to death, eyes gouged out, limbs cut off or bones broken before killed etc. The graphic description of recovered bodies in the newspapers bears testimony to this.
Economically, it was only after the conflict that beggars came to be actually seen in the streets of Lamka.
Ten years have passed since the conflict, and we are still haunted by it in all spheres. Lamka is still a town that shuts down at the fall of dusk, no cinema and recreational houses dare operate, prostitutes, drug addicts and armed men rule the roost after dark and addiction care centres and orphanage homes became the most successful enterprises. And to think that Lamka had been, once upon a time, known as the Abode of Peace in all of Manipur!!
Do we learn anything amidst all this? Maybe someone should go and ask around at Moreh.
Food processing workshop
IMPHAL, Jun 30: The valedictory fucntion of the 15-day training on food processing industries for rural women entrepreurs/SHGs being organised by the Directorate of Commerce and Industries would be held at Food Processing Training Hall, Porompat tomorrow.
IMPHAL, Jun 30: The valedictory fucntion of the 15-day training on food processing industries for rural women entrepreurs/SHGs being organised by the Directorate of Commerce and Industries would be held at Food Processing Training Hall, Porompat tomorrow.
Girl hangs self to death
IMPHAL, Jun 30: A 14-year old teenaged girl who was found hanging herself with the help of a rope passed away enroute to RIMS Hospital where she was being rusheed for treatment this afternoon. The incident happened at around 5 pm today. The deceased has been identified as Thingom Niki (14) of Naoremthong Khulem Leikai under Lamphel Police Station.
IMPHAL, Jun 30: A 14-year old teenaged girl who was found hanging herself with the help of a rope passed away enroute to RIMS Hospital where she was being rusheed for treatment this afternoon. The incident happened at around 5 pm today. The deceased has been identified as Thingom Niki (14) of Naoremthong Khulem Leikai under Lamphel Police Station.
AR nabs UG
IMPHAL, Jun 30: Based on specific information, troops of 21 Assam Rifles under HQ IGAR (S) apprehended one KYKL cadre from Wangbal today. The arrested cadre has been identified as Army no. 3126 SS L/Cpl S Ranjit alias Surachandra (24) s.o S Lukhoi of Houkha Thoubal Bazar, PRO Assam Rifles informed in a statement.
The arrested cadre has been handed ocver to Kakching Police Station later during the day.
IMPHAL, Jun 30: Based on specific information, troops of 21 Assam Rifles under HQ IGAR (S) apprehended one KYKL cadre from Wangbal today. The arrested cadre has been identified as Army no. 3126 SS L/Cpl S Ranjit alias Surachandra (24) s.o S Lukhoi of Houkha Thoubal Bazar, PRO Assam Rifles informed in a statement.
The arrested cadre has been handed ocver to Kakching Police Station later during the day.
Workshop ends
IMPHAL, Jun 30: A two-day long workshop on ‘Mass Casualty management and First-AID-GOI- UNDP- Disaster Risk Management programme orga- nised by Relief and Disaster Management, Govern- ment of Manipur in collaboration with the Regi- onal Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal concluded at the mini-stadium hall of RIMS today.
Commissioner of Relief and Disaster Management Dr Suhel Akhtar and Su-perinetendent of RIMS were resource persons of the workshop.
Demonstration on mass casulty management, First Aid treament and rescue oeprations were displayed during the workshop.
The demonstration work was performed by the RIMS doctors along with 100 NCC cadet boys and girls, 25 NSS and Civil Defence staff of Government of Manipur.
IMPHAL, Jun 30: A two-day long workshop on ‘Mass Casualty management and First-AID-GOI- UNDP- Disaster Risk Management programme orga- nised by Relief and Disaster Management, Govern- ment of Manipur in collaboration with the Regi- onal Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal concluded at the mini-stadium hall of RIMS today.
Commissioner of Relief and Disaster Management Dr Suhel Akhtar and Su-perinetendent of RIMS were resource persons of the workshop.
Demonstration on mass casulty management, First Aid treament and rescue oeprations were displayed during the workshop.
The demonstration work was performed by the RIMS doctors along with 100 NCC cadet boys and girls, 25 NSS and Civil Defence staff of Government of Manipur.
TKLI hails
IMPHAL, Jun 30: Congra-tulating Ministers DD Tha- isii, N Biren and Y Erabot on their induction in the SPF Council of Ministers', the Tangkhul Katamnao Long Imphal (TKLI) has conveyed sincere gratitude to Chief Minister O Ibobi for giving ministerial berths to the three MLAs.
In a press release, the TKLI appealed to the Chief Minister to allot fitting portfolios to the three Ministers for N Biren and Y Era- bot have various activities in the field of peace and development to their credit.
In a similar vein, the Thangal Naga Union while conveying gratitude to Chief Minister O Ibobi for inducting N Biren in the SPF Ministry, also congra-tulated MLA Biren on his induction in the Council Ministers. Stating that Biren is a committed leader serving people irrespect-ive of caste, creed or religi- on for many years, the Tha-ngal Naga Union confided that the new Minister will continue to work for the people of the State with genuine and equal con-cern, conveyed a release.
IMPHAL, Jun 30: Congra-tulating Ministers DD Tha- isii, N Biren and Y Erabot on their induction in the SPF Council of Ministers', the Tangkhul Katamnao Long Imphal (TKLI) has conveyed sincere gratitude to Chief Minister O Ibobi for giving ministerial berths to the three MLAs.
In a press release, the TKLI appealed to the Chief Minister to allot fitting portfolios to the three Ministers for N Biren and Y Era- bot have various activities in the field of peace and development to their credit.
In a similar vein, the Thangal Naga Union while conveying gratitude to Chief Minister O Ibobi for inducting N Biren in the SPF Ministry, also congra-tulated MLA Biren on his induction in the Council Ministers. Stating that Biren is a committed leader serving people irrespect-ive of caste, creed or religi- on for many years, the Tha-ngal Naga Union confided that the new Minister will continue to work for the people of the State with genuine and equal con-cern, conveyed a release.
Cabinet decision on NIT ‘Partisan’, says CDSU
By S Singlianmang
Lamka, Jun 30: Chura-chandpur District Stud- ents’ Union, the crusader for allocating the infamous National Information Technology (NIT) to Churacha- ndpur district has categorically deplore the Cabinet decision to zero in on four sites, all located within the valley, as against their appeal.
A press statement sign-ed by Lallawmpuia, General Secy of the Union reasserted that all reputed Central institutes are located within the valley with the most recent being the National Sports Academy. In an attempt to exhibition their frustration the student body went to the extends of terming Government attitude as ‘partisan.’
‘Protecting the territorial integrity of Manipur is not by delivering lectures, holding rallies with placards, but by actual work on the ground’ proclaimed the statement.
Yet again, the statement says, ‘the CDSU once again fervently appeal to the State Government to consider the aspiration of the hill people in the interest of this State.’
By S Singlianmang
Lamka, Jun 30: Chura-chandpur District Stud- ents’ Union, the crusader for allocating the infamous National Information Technology (NIT) to Churacha- ndpur district has categorically deplore the Cabinet decision to zero in on four sites, all located within the valley, as against their appeal.
A press statement sign-ed by Lallawmpuia, General Secy of the Union reasserted that all reputed Central institutes are located within the valley with the most recent being the National Sports Academy. In an attempt to exhibition their frustration the student body went to the extends of terming Government attitude as ‘partisan.’
‘Protecting the territorial integrity of Manipur is not by delivering lectures, holding rallies with placards, but by actual work on the ground’ proclaimed the statement.
Yet again, the statement says, ‘the CDSU once again fervently appeal to the State Government to consider the aspiration of the hill people in the interest of this State.’
Student feted
IMPHAL, Jun 30: The fourth Phandeng Memorial Cash Award was handed over to the highest mark scorer of the Canchipur High School in HSLC Exam 2007 conducted by the Board of Secondary Education Manipur today.
The award was won by Oinam Brojendra of Lilong Arapti. Besides cash, the award included a memento and a citation.
The Award is sponsored by assistant teacher of the High School T Memchoubi.
IMPHAL, Jun 30: The fourth Phandeng Memorial Cash Award was handed over to the highest mark scorer of the Canchipur High School in HSLC Exam 2007 conducted by the Board of Secondary Education Manipur today.
The award was won by Oinam Brojendra of Lilong Arapti. Besides cash, the award included a memento and a citation.
The Award is sponsored by assistant teacher of the High School T Memchoubi.
Reallocation
IMPHAL, Jun 30: Deputy Secretary (Works/GAD) G Joy R Naga, MSS has been re-posted as Deputy Secretary (GAD) only while Under Secretary (MI) Y Raghumani MSS have been assigned the additional charge of Under Secretary (Works) with immediate effect, said a notification issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Personnel Division.
IMPHAL, Jun 30: Deputy Secretary (Works/GAD) G Joy R Naga, MSS has been re-posted as Deputy Secretary (GAD) only while Under Secretary (MI) Y Raghumani MSS have been assigned the additional charge of Under Secretary (Works) with immediate effect, said a notification issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Personnel Division.
Students feted
IMPHAL, Jun 30: Meritorious awards were distr- ibuted to 18 highest mark scorers residing in Lamlai A/C in the HSLC exams 2007 conducted by BSEM and CBSE.
The felicitation ceremony held today at the Irabot Memorial Hall, Lamlai Challou was jointly organised by the AIYF Lamlai Local Council and AISF Lamlai Local Council.
The ceremony was graced by Minister of Agriculture Ph Parijat.
Besides felicitating the 18 meritorious students with cash prizes and certificates, International English School, Sekta was honoured with the best school award for achieving the highest pass percentage in HSLC Exam 2007 conducted by BSEM among schools located within Lamlai A/C. The school was conferred Rs 60,000 by Minister Parijat from his Local Area Development Fund.
IMPHAL, Jun 30: Meritorious awards were distr- ibuted to 18 highest mark scorers residing in Lamlai A/C in the HSLC exams 2007 conducted by BSEM and CBSE.
The felicitation ceremony held today at the Irabot Memorial Hall, Lamlai Challou was jointly organised by the AIYF Lamlai Local Council and AISF Lamlai Local Council.
The ceremony was graced by Minister of Agriculture Ph Parijat.
Besides felicitating the 18 meritorious students with cash prizes and certificates, International English School, Sekta was honoured with the best school award for achieving the highest pass percentage in HSLC Exam 2007 conducted by BSEM among schools located within Lamlai A/C. The school was conferred Rs 60,000 by Minister Parijat from his Local Area Development Fund.
Workshop on child labour held
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 30: A workshop on child labour under the theme ‘Community Development for Peace’ was held at the conference hall of CVTC yesterday.
The workshop on child labour was addressed by Regional Director Ministry of Labour MN Salam and Education Officer of Central Board for Worker Education S Bijendra as resource persons.
They asserted that a welfare state can never be realised until the existing con- dition of making under aged children work, denying them education and harassing underprivileged children are addressed.
As denying education to these underprivileged children will result in serious social implications in future, it is the responsibility of all the citizens to abolish child labour, the resource persons observed.
Quoting the 2001 census report, they said that there are about 1.26 crores child labourers in the country. Even as official record shows a small figure of child labourers in Manipur, the State has a considerable number of child labourers,.
Stating that the Union Government has sanctioned Rs 602 crores for the five year plan for abolition of child labour, they appealed to the people to inform the State Deputy Labour Commissioner if any child is found being harassed or force to work.
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 30: A workshop on child labour under the theme ‘Community Development for Peace’ was held at the conference hall of CVTC yesterday.
The workshop on child labour was addressed by Regional Director Ministry of Labour MN Salam and Education Officer of Central Board for Worker Education S Bijendra as resource persons.
They asserted that a welfare state can never be realised until the existing con- dition of making under aged children work, denying them education and harassing underprivileged children are addressed.
As denying education to these underprivileged children will result in serious social implications in future, it is the responsibility of all the citizens to abolish child labour, the resource persons observed.
Quoting the 2001 census report, they said that there are about 1.26 crores child labourers in the country. Even as official record shows a small figure of child labourers in Manipur, the State has a considerable number of child labourers,.
Stating that the Union Government has sanctioned Rs 602 crores for the five year plan for abolition of child labour, they appealed to the people to inform the State Deputy Labour Commissioner if any child is found being harassed or force to work.
Drug abusers, robbers pulled up, others warned
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 30: A gang of drug abusers, also involved in robbing cash and mobile phones etc from people was pulled by AMADA yesterday. Further, the Hyatt Restaurant located near Sagolband Thangapat has been sealed following revelation that it was a meeting point of the drug abusers.
The drug abusers who also used to rob people are identified as Akoijam Herojit (22), Priyobrata, Oinam Bishwanath alias Inaoton (24), Lourembam PM alias Boycha (21), Sapam Dikson (22), Loitongbam Amu alias Bijen (22), Salam Nanao alias Ringo, Sanabam Jaysanker alias Naobi (23) Ahongshangbam Gulapi (27). All of them belong to Sagolband and Tera area.
They were involved in confiscating cash and mobiles phones from commuters at Kwakeithel, Sagolband, Tera, Moirang Hanuba, Meino Leirak and Keishamthong Hodam Leirak, said an AMADA acitivists while parading the drug abusers before media persons today.
Herojit, Priyobrata and Bishwanath were pulled by local Meira Paibis and the Moirang Hanuba Youth Development Club yesterday and were handed over to AMADA.
The remaining drug abusers were pulled up acting on the disclosure of the trio.
They also disclosed that they used to meet at Hyatt Restaurant and take drugs there. As such, AMADA has prohibited the restaurant from opening for 20 days.
Further the amada activist warned Paonam Gover alias Nanao, Lourembam Kiran, Mutum Jamesbond, Salam Boboi, Soyam Raja, Soyam Laingam, Soyam Action, Kush Singh of Moirang Hanuba Leirak, Pheiroijam Bomcha and Suresh of Sagolband Khamnam Leirak to surrender to the All Manipur Anti Drug Association by July 2 for drug abuse and peddling.
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 30: A gang of drug abusers, also involved in robbing cash and mobile phones etc from people was pulled by AMADA yesterday. Further, the Hyatt Restaurant located near Sagolband Thangapat has been sealed following revelation that it was a meeting point of the drug abusers.
The drug abusers who also used to rob people are identified as Akoijam Herojit (22), Priyobrata, Oinam Bishwanath alias Inaoton (24), Lourembam PM alias Boycha (21), Sapam Dikson (22), Loitongbam Amu alias Bijen (22), Salam Nanao alias Ringo, Sanabam Jaysanker alias Naobi (23) Ahongshangbam Gulapi (27). All of them belong to Sagolband and Tera area.
They were involved in confiscating cash and mobiles phones from commuters at Kwakeithel, Sagolband, Tera, Moirang Hanuba, Meino Leirak and Keishamthong Hodam Leirak, said an AMADA acitivists while parading the drug abusers before media persons today.
Herojit, Priyobrata and Bishwanath were pulled by local Meira Paibis and the Moirang Hanuba Youth Development Club yesterday and were handed over to AMADA.
The remaining drug abusers were pulled up acting on the disclosure of the trio.
They also disclosed that they used to meet at Hyatt Restaurant and take drugs there. As such, AMADA has prohibited the restaurant from opening for 20 days.
Further the amada activist warned Paonam Gover alias Nanao, Lourembam Kiran, Mutum Jamesbond, Salam Boboi, Soyam Raja, Soyam Laingam, Soyam Action, Kush Singh of Moirang Hanuba Leirak, Pheiroijam Bomcha and Suresh of Sagolband Khamnam Leirak to surrender to the All Manipur Anti Drug Association by July 2 for drug abuse and peddling.
MLA inspects Govt undertakings in Tamei A/C
Newmai News Network
Tamei, Jun 30: Filled with complains, Tamei A/C MLA Awangbow yesterday inspected IT Road, Go- vernment schools and oth-er Departments in Tamei.
Accompanying the local MLA were PWD officials of both Tamenglong district and Sardar Hills Areas and the concerned contractors.
The team inspected the landslide prone Turibari ar-ea of IT Road near Kang- pokpi and discussed as to what should be done to solve the problem.
The MLA and his team of engineers and contractors also inspected the IT Road from Turibari till Tamei and took notes of those pro-ble-matic parts of the road. Awangbow after inspec-tion asked the concerned contractors to complete the work as soon as possible.
After a thorough inspec-tion the MLA and the team were being given a warm wel -come by the Tamei public and school children.
Later, Awangbow ins-pected Langmei High Sch- ool at Tamei run by the Govt.
Interacting with the stu-dents and the teachers of the school, he assured them full co-operation to improve the condition of the Langmei High School.
The inspection then went to the DIET centre at Langmei, some 5 km west of Tamei and checked the structure of the institute which is yet to be used.
Vocational Training Centre inaugurated: A vocational training centre for the women folk of Tamei area under Tamenglong district, was inaugurated jointly by local MLA N Awangbow and Brigadier Raman Dhawan, Com-mander of the 59 Mountain Division on June 29.
The training centre which will concentrate on sewing, stictching and kni- tting, has been taken up un-der the Military Civic Ac- tion (MCA) under the aegis of the 35th Assam Rifles.
The vocational training centre which was opened with the initiative of local MLA Awangbow, is expected to give a big boost in developing the skill of the womenfolk of Tamei area.
While lauding MLA Awangbow to have taken up such a genuine initiative, Brigadier Raman Dhawan on behalf of the Assam Rifles thanked the MLA to have approached in an effort to open such centre in a rural area like Tamei. The Assam Rifles Brigadier said that this time it has been only for the benefit of the women but the Assam Rifles under same scheme will soon do something for the boys and menfolk too.
Newmai News Network
Tamei, Jun 30: Filled with complains, Tamei A/C MLA Awangbow yesterday inspected IT Road, Go- vernment schools and oth-er Departments in Tamei.
Accompanying the local MLA were PWD officials of both Tamenglong district and Sardar Hills Areas and the concerned contractors.
The team inspected the landslide prone Turibari ar-ea of IT Road near Kang- pokpi and discussed as to what should be done to solve the problem.
The MLA and his team of engineers and contractors also inspected the IT Road from Turibari till Tamei and took notes of those pro-ble-matic parts of the road. Awangbow after inspec-tion asked the concerned contractors to complete the work as soon as possible.
After a thorough inspec-tion the MLA and the team were being given a warm wel -come by the Tamei public and school children.
Later, Awangbow ins-pected Langmei High Sch- ool at Tamei run by the Govt.
Interacting with the stu-dents and the teachers of the school, he assured them full co-operation to improve the condition of the Langmei High School.
The inspection then went to the DIET centre at Langmei, some 5 km west of Tamei and checked the structure of the institute which is yet to be used.
Vocational Training Centre inaugurated: A vocational training centre for the women folk of Tamei area under Tamenglong district, was inaugurated jointly by local MLA N Awangbow and Brigadier Raman Dhawan, Com-mander of the 59 Mountain Division on June 29.
The training centre which will concentrate on sewing, stictching and kni- tting, has been taken up un-der the Military Civic Ac- tion (MCA) under the aegis of the 35th Assam Rifles.
The vocational training centre which was opened with the initiative of local MLA Awangbow, is expected to give a big boost in developing the skill of the womenfolk of Tamei area.
While lauding MLA Awangbow to have taken up such a genuine initiative, Brigadier Raman Dhawan on behalf of the Assam Rifles thanked the MLA to have approached in an effort to open such centre in a rural area like Tamei. The Assam Rifles Brigadier said that this time it has been only for the benefit of the women but the Assam Rifles under same scheme will soon do something for the boys and menfolk too.
UCM decries assault
IMPHAL, Jun 30: Asserting that the act of security forces assaulting innocent civilians recently at Phoubakchao resulting in hospitalisation of many people was a clear case of security forces trampling upon the ruling of the Supreme Court, the UCM reminded the dos and don'ts laid down by the apex Court while arresting a citizen.
Referring to the case of BK Basu against the Government of West Bengal fought in 1997, the UCM recalled that the Supreme Court had issued strict instruction then to make all security forces abiding to its ruling.
However, the Supreme Court's ruling has no bearing to the State of Manipur as its rulings are never complied with here where the security forces have become a symbol of oppression and an instrument of human rights violation.
The people of Phoubakchao were thrashed for their appeal to the security forces to abide by the law of the land. As such the State Government must take due cognizance of the matter and act accordingly rather than overlooking all such excesses of security forces, UCM urged.
Meanwhile, taking strong exception to the act of assaulting women and girls by troops of 22 Maratha Light Infantry on June 27 at Phoubakchao for demanding arrest memo, the Tarahei Muslim Women Welfare Association has strongly condemned the incident.
Saying that it was a blatant act of human rights violation, it appealed to the security forces not to target innocent civilians in future.
Sports Academy session deferred
By Our Sports Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 30: Commencement of session of the ambitious sports development project - National Sports Academy being established within the sprawling Khuman Lampak Sports Complex has been put on hold for the time being with the Youth Affairs and Sports Dept citing non-completion of ‘certain for- malities’ for the deferment.
Contrary to previous announcement setting July 2 as the day of the Academy’s inauguration, a statement circulated by the Department has re-fixed the com- mencement date to July 24.
When contacted Director (YAS) Bobby Waikhom explained time constraints in the development of infrastructure of the Academy and slack response from candidates of other States as the main factor in delaying the session’s inauguration.
the academy is to accommodate student sports persons from atleast three other States of the country besides the host Manipur but till date response from States concerned had been very lukewarm, according to the official who further contended that prior intimations had already been aired to States in the eastern and North Eastern region.
Despite the initial hiccup, the YAS department is informed to have chalked out a plan for deputing one representative each of the Department and functionaries of sports bodies of five disciplines to visit/contact their counterparts in the States of Sikkim, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Assam.
The disciplines listed for the Academy’s curriculum beginning July 24 concerns judo, archery, taekwondo, wrestling and boxing.
With a total intake capacity of 60 students out of which 50 percent would be from Manipur, enrolment processes like fitness, skill and medical tests had already been conducted regarding the host State but declaration of the final result scheduled to be ann- ounced today had been withheld owing to non-completion of tabulation.
Within July 2 the result could be confirmed, expressed the Director.
I-M makes its stand clear on oil exploration
IMPHAL, Jun 30: Making its stand clear on the oil exploration, NSCN (I-M) has stated that it was in the year 1994 when NSCN stopped ONGC operation in Nagalim to drive home the point that NSCN’s level of tolerance did not cover economic exploitation of any form and that economic exploitation under the garb of economic development will not be allowed to take place.
In a statement, ministry of information and publicity of the outfit asserted that when Nagas’s political right has been suppressed and denied for nearly 60 years further provocation and exploitation will have to be questioned from the Nagas’ historical perspective. Anything of exploration of Nagas’ natural resources before the political settlement of Indo-Naga issues is to be interpreted as ‘economic exploitation’.
Politics and economics are two subjects very dear to the Nagas and these two cannot be separated, the NSCN (I-M) said adding that political development when not moving ahead at the expected speed should not be preceded by exploitation of the mineral resou- rces under the pretext of economic development.
The statement pointed out that the GPRN under the ministry of forest, environment and mineral has alrea- dy clarified that as far as economic resources is concern what is on the ground ,above the ground and under the ground belongs to the people. In this context, article 371 (A) of the Indian Constitution should not be interpreted to go again the Nagas’ economic right. Nagas’ economic right shall be exploited by Naga people’s full consent but only after getting the deserved treatment on the Nagas’ political right under the domi- nant Government of India.
GPRN fully agrees that the Canada-based company CANORO Resources Limited’s argument that oil exploration in Nagalim will bring economic development. But the undeniable reality is that the Canadian company has come to Nagalim at the wrong time, Our message is ‘Please come back when the right time comes’. This is to defend CANORO’s reputa- tion and not to be a part of the exploitative mindset of the Government of India’s oil giant ONGC. Under the present political scenario when Indo-Naga political negotiation is going on, the Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio should have exercise the courtesy of inviting NSCN in the meeting participated by ONGC, CANORO Resources Limited, Geology and Mining. Where is his respect for the NSCN that enjoys Naga people’s mandate to settle the Nagas’ political issues ?, it questioned.
The statement categorically stated that there will come a time, provided a correct political situation is created when GPRN will invite ONGC and other foreign companies for oil exploration in the interest of Nagalim’s economic development.
But till such time comes ONGC and CANORO should keep their hands off Nagalim. One nation’s economic interest should not be the basis to make roughshod of Naga’s God given over its natural resources, the statement said.
PREPAK men arrested with sympathisers
IMPHAL, Jun 30: Commandos of Imphal West District have arrested two PREPAK activists along with two sympathisers from Sagolband Meino Leirak at around 9.15 am today.
According to a statement issued by the SP of Imphal West District Clay Khongsai, they were arrested following credible information.
The SP identified the two arrested PREPAK activists as Huidrom Premkumar Singh alias Roshan alias Prem (23) s/o H Nimai Singh of Ning-thoukhong Bazar and Chanam Ingocha Meitei alias Imo alias Ibai alias Kaka (44) s/o Ch Leiren Meitei of Bishnupur Ward No. 1 and the two sympathisers as Potsangbam Ingocha Singh (37) s/o P Nabakumar Singh of Bishnupur Ward No. 8 and Keisham Somen-dro Singh alias Tombi (27) s/o K Yaima Singh of Bishnu-pur Ward No. 4 Forest Gate.
On preliminary interrogation, Huidrom Premkumar and Potsangbam Ingocha disclosed that they joined PREPAK in April 2007 and Ist week of June 2007 respective through one Monish, a self style lance corporal of the outfit.
Further the two arrested PREPAK activists disclosed that they are working in the finance section of the outfit under the command of its self-styled district commander of Bishnupur identified as Erei.
One Sony Ericsson mobile hand set with Aircel SIM card and one Motorola mobile handset with Aircel SIM card were respectively seized from possession of the two arrested sympathi-sers. Besides, one Maruti car bearing registration no. MN-05A/1493 which was used by all four of them has also been recovered from the possession of Chanam Ingocha Meitei alias Imo alias Ibai alias Kaka.
On the other hand, a com-bined force of Bishnu-pur Police Commandos and per-sonnel of 15 Jammu & Kash- mir Light Infantry reported-ly arrested an acti-vist of the proscribed outfit PREPAK along with arms from Ning-thoukhong at around 8.15 pm yesterday. The arrested PREPAK activist has been identified as Laishram Bijon alias Amubi (23) of Thinu-ngei Mamang Leikai. One 9 mm pistol along with a maga-zine loaded with four rou- nds of ammunition have be-en seized from the poss- ession of the arrested UG.
Dr Nara muses over benefit from Cuba tie
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 30: Musing over the possibility of bilateral relationship between Manipur and Cuba, State unit president of Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA) Dr M Nara has observed that there is lot of scope for exchange not only in the field of culture but al-so in biotechnology and other related areas between the two.
Addressing a press conference at Irabot Bhavan here today in connection with his recent visit to Havana, the capital of Cuba where he had gone participated in the 5th Interna- tional Congress on Culture and Development, Dr Nara informed that he has receiv-ed positive feedback from the side of Cuba on conduc-ting research on the varie- ties of rice produced in Ma-nipur for cultivation of the same in that country.
Dr Nara said the rice is the main staple food of the Cuban. Yet the quantity of the rice produced in Cuba is only 30 percent of the total requirement. So remaining 70 percent of the required rice has to be imported.
In such a condition, Cuban officials expressed their desire for conducting research on the rice variety of Manipur and adopted the same for cultivation in their country. Besides this, the Cuban officials have expressed their willingness for exchanging the fruit variety which are being grown as the main resource of that country with Manipur, Dr Nara said.
While informing that Cuban scientists have recently detected the protein which can be used in treatment of cancer from the pineapples grown in that country, Dr Nara said the Cuban officials had also given the approval for sending the sample for detection of such protein from the pine apples found in Manipur too.
Other areas where Cuba has expressed keen interest are Orchid variety found in Manipur, culture and spor-ts, he disclosed, while hop- ing that the State Govt would taking up necessary measures to reap the benefit from such bilateral ties.
Renewable energy to light up dist hospitals
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 30: As part of the measures being taken up for proper utilisation of the renewable energy sour-ces in the State, Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANI- REDA) plans to instal one dedicated solar power plant in each of the district hospitals apart from setting up energy parks in all the institutions having boarding facilities.
Conveying this to The Sangai Express, an official source informed that a joint meeting chaired by MANI-REDA chairman PL Thanga and attended by Chief Engineer (Power), Director (Planning) and DCs on June 27 had decided to instal dedicated solar power plants in all the district hospitals.
The project report for installation of the plant has to be prepared by MANIRE-DA in consultation with the DCs and CMOs/Medical Superintendents concern-ed, the source disclosed.
The meeting had also decided to set up energy parks in all the institutions having boarding facilities so as to ensure that the benefits of the renewable energy reach out to the people, the official source said.
According to the official source, the institutions where the energy parks have been proposed to set up are Don Bosco High School in Tamenglong district, Don Bosco College, Maram in Senapati,; JNV Lambui and Patkai Christian Academy, Shangshak in Ukhrul district and Children Home, Saikot in Chura-chandpur district.
The location for setting up energy parks in remaining districts have to be fina- lised in consultation with the district authorities concerned, the source added.
Along with having entrusted the Deputy Commissioners of the districts concerned for identifying the remote areas with no proper means of road communication for electrifica- tion with solar energy and submitting the report of the same within July 7, the meeting had also decided for setting up renewable district advisory committees , the official course informed.
The meeting has also asked the DCs for identifying the sites for setting up mini/micro/small hydel projects and taking up necessary measures for implementation of the same, the source added.
State legislators pledge to combat AIDS
By Our Staff Reporter
Imphal, jun 30: Notwithstanding the political divide and different ideological affiliations, legislators of the Manipur Legislative Assembly have joined hands to combat the menacing HIV/AIDS epidemic in Manipur. The State legislators have resolved to fight the disease collectively with all available resources.
During a conclave held today at the Assembly Hall, the legislators also adopted a 15 point declaration to effectively counter the epidemic’s challenges.
The conclave, among others, was also addressed by Union MoS Labour and convener of Parliamentary Forum on AIDS Dennis Brown, Coordinator of UNAIDS – India and Assembly speaker Sapam Budhichandra.
According to Manipur AIDS Control Society (MACS) Manipur is one of the six high HIV/AIDS prevalence States in the country having 25, 905 HIV positives as recorded till March this year.
Of the total figure, 45 .57 percent are infected through multiple needle sharing by Intravenous Drug Users (IDUs), while unprotected sexual and mother to child transmissions accounted for the rest.
The State's long porous boundary with Myanmar has been providing a safe route to smugglers for smuggling in drugs particularly heroin from the infamous Golden Triangle resulting in its easy availability to the youths of the State.
The conclave also resolved to constitute a State Legislators' Forum on HIV/AIDS to facilitate, review and monitor the State’s response to the epidemic and consolidate actions.
The elected representatives declared that they would adopt special measures to protect youth and children and address the vulnerability of women to the epidemic through gender sensitive empowerment programmes.
Union Minister Oscar Fernandez said “Today is a happy day for me as all the State’s legislators have come out to put a stop on HIV/AIDS”.
Stating that the country has received tremendous support from the various international funding agencies to combat the epidemic, Fernandez said the political leaders should take their collective decision to make a headway in the fight.
Governor Dr SS Sidhu observed that AIDS has become as a serious public health emergency in Mani-pur.
Since the epidemic has percolated down to the into general population from IDUs through sexual route, special attention should be given to women and children who have become victims of the dreaded disease, unwittingly in most cases.
He said “ We are seeing increasing incidence of HIV epidemic among women and children”.
The campaign aimed at redressing stigma and discrimination and rights violations which are often associated with HIV infection needs to be strengthened, asserted the Governor.
Chief Minister O Ibobi said the State Government has been on a war footing in combating the epidemic.
MACS was established way back in 1998 and the State AIDS policy has been adopted after which AIDS committee has also been set up in all districts and that five Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) centres have also been opened, mentioned Ibobi
Various other issues related with the global pandemic were also discussed during the conclave organized by Constella Future Group and MACS under the sponsorship of Manipur Legislative Assembly.
CM fumes at SPA failure
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 30: Following instructions from the Union Planning Commission to submit the utilisation certificates for Rs 490 crores released as Special Plan Assistance (SPA) during 2006-07 and the progress report of the works being implemented, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh convened an emergency meeting of all the Departments concerned this evening.
The Chief Minister has also given strict instructions to all the officials concerned for early completion of the works and compulsory field inspections.
According to information received by the press, the Chief Minister expressed serious concern over the slow progress of the works being taken up under the funding of SPA.
Accordingly, without waiting for reviewing of the projects at the Chief Minister’s level, the Departments concerned have been instructed to monitor the progress of the works themselves and go for field visits along with the work agencies concerned so that the projects being taken up under SPA can be completed at the earliest possible.
Law and order reviewed: The law and order condition of the State has been reviewed during a meeting of the Unified Command with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh in the chair at his office chamber this afternoon.
Top officials of the Police, CRPF, BSF, Assam Rifles and Army attended the meeting of the Unified Command.
IFP's Sunita wins award
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 30 : The 4th RK Sanatomba Journalist Award, 2007 has been presented to Akoijam Sunita of Imphal Free Press during a function function held at GM Hall here today.
Instituted by the RK Sanatomba Memorial Trust in 2004 in memory of late RK Sanatomba, who was a pioneering figure in the field of journalism in Manipur and dedicated his life for bringing about social changes, the award is given to selected journalist in recognition of their distinguished work in the field.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and a certificate.
Sunita was selected from among nine journalists nominated for the award.
Former Minister Prof Gangmumei Kamei and advisor of AMUCO Thou- naojam Iboyaima graced the award presentation function as chief guest and president respectively.
A special issue of Kangla Lanpung, of which RK Sanatomba was the editor was released by the chief guest at the occasion.
Along with the award presentation, a panel discussion on the theme ‘Contemporary trends in Manipur journalism’ was held.
The Imphal correspondent of Statesman Rupa- chandra Yumnam moderated the discussion partici- pated by Imphal correspondent of Times of India and senior reporter of The Sangai Express K Saroj-kumar Sharma, editor of Sanathong Journal Manin-dra Konsam, editor of Kangleipakki Meira Wangkhemcha Shyamjai, Associate Editor of Poknapham Bijoy Kakchingtabam and N Ibochoubi of Manipur Mail as resource persons.
IRB protest dubbed ‘Mutiny’
MOREH, Jun 30 : Strongly condemning the action of the IRB personnel at Moreh, a number of social organisations, including the Hill Tribal Council, Moreh; Kuki Women Union and Human Rights, Moreh and KSO (Moreh Block) in a joint statement today accused the IRB personnel of creating fear psychosis ‘by their random shootings.’
Giving an account of the day the joint statement said that at ‘exactly 6.15 pm’ a shot was heard, fired by an IRB man. Soon the people took to their heels out of fear and the whole town wore a deserted look.
Shots after shots were heard and the people had to spend a sleepless night, said the statement and added that this led to huge sufferings of the public. The bodies levelled a series of charges such as that one IRB personnel, Jamkholen Haokip was allegedly shot dead by another colleague on June 11 and that the house of one elderly woman (Mrs Saroja Tamil) was burnt down in which she sustained injuries.
Given the circumstances, a disciplined security force is needed, said the statement and added that the lands earmarked for stationing the IRB Bn will not be given.
Cong crisis may be redefined after Presidential poll
New development likely after Jul 19
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 30 : The earlier reading that the internal differences within the Congress party have been settled with the latest expansion of the Ministry has been proven to a big dud, with indications that some major developments may occur after the Presidential poll scheduled for July 19.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, a prominent member of the MPCC (I), on condition of anonymity said that after MPCC president Gaikhangam voluntarily stepped down from the Council of Ministers, AICC leaders had tried to calm him down and even offered the post of Deputy Chief Minister as well as the Home portfolio.
However Gaikhangam stuck to his gun and refused to accept the offer from the AICC. The offer was made at New Delhi as well as at Imphal, said the source. The firm stand of Gaikhangam intensified the internal crisis of the Congress.
Though the general perception was that Gaikhangam would soften his stand once he is offered the post of Deputy Chief Minister as well as an important portfolio such as Home, things did unfold as expected.
On June 18, AICC leader Sanjoy Bhavan during his short visit to the State offered the post of Deputy Chief Minister as well as the Home portfolio. The same offer was made during a joint meeting called by AICC leaders and attended by both Gaikhangam and the Chief Minister at Delhi, said the source and added that the efforts to placate Gaikhangam did not bear fruit. This in effect means that the differences within the State Congress unit still persist, observed the source.
On the other hand the decision of Gaikhangam to devote his time to strengthening the party organisa- tion of the MPCC (I) as its president is a blessing for the party as a whole, added the source.
Since discipline and loyalty are the keys word for all Congressmen, the decision of Gaikhangam is an explicit demonstration of the point that the party organisation is more important than the CLP, opined the source.
The RJD factor, which has made its intention clear that one of its three MLAs, should be inducted in the Council of Ministers is also a serious matter, said the source.
At the moment, leaders of the State unit RJD are at Delhi discussing the matter with its National president and Union Railways Minister, Lalu Prasad Yadav.
The RJD has put up its case on the merit that it is a partner of the UPA Government in the Centre and hence one of its MLAs too should be inducted in the Ministry.
If the RJD manages to have its way then the only option left to the Chief Minister would be to drop one of the Congress MLAs who have been named in the Council of Ministers, predicted the source.
In case such a situation arises then the Chief Minister may be constrained to drop one of the Ministers from Imphal East, which already has five Ministers in the 12 member Ministry.
Either way, the path ahead is certainly going to be rough for the Chief Minister, added the source.
The RJD had earlier rejected the post of the Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Board which is a Cabinet rank.
Though AICC general secretary in charge of North East Oscar Fernandes arrived at Imphal today in connection with a program pursued in connection with HIV/AIDS, the fact that Sanjoy Bhavna also accompanied him on the tour is pregnant with meaning for Bhavna is not here in connection with the said program.
Adding credence to the speculation is the fact that straight on their arrival today, Fernandes and Bhavna met MPCC (I) president Gaikhangam at Congress Bhawan. K Ranjit, N Biren and TN Haokip were also present at the meeting.
Later Chief Minister O Ibobi also arrived at Congress Bhawan and a closed door meeting between the AICC leaders and the CM and Gaikhangam was held, said the source.
As the AICC controls the strings of all State unit Congress, the differences brewing within the party may see a few new developments after the Presidential poll slated to be held on July 19.
Lull on the Eastern front breaks down
IRB men lay down arms to protest ‘victimisation’
Our Correspondent
MOREH, Jun 30 : It was the proverbial lull before the storm at the border town as after a few days of seeming normalcy, as fresh trouble broke out Moreh last night.
Trouble started when the CO of the IRB newly posted at Moreh reportedly suggested the suspension of a jawan after the latter opened fire in the air to disperse armed persons seen moving around during curfew hours last night.
Taking strong exception against the action of their superior, the IRB men opened fire in the air through out the night yesterday and surrendered their weapons before the Moreh police station today morning.
Trouble started when a team of IRB men pressed into service during curfew hours last night allegedly spotted three persons moving openly with arms.
When asked to stop, the armed persons, instead of heeding the call mocked at the IRB men, said sources.
Peeved with the nonchalant attitude of the armed persons, one of the IRB men, identified AS Laishram Nabakumar, opened fire in the air to stop them.
On hearing the gun fire, the officiating IRB CO Laxmi Prasad came to the spot and allegedly pulled up the jawan and threatened that a suspension order would be issued against the jawan.
Speaking to the press, the IRB personnal alleged that not only was their colleague threatened with the suspension order but was also physically assaulted.
This was despite furnishing the required explanations to the superior, said the peeved jawans.
The matter was however resolved later in the evening today after the IG (LO-I) S Dinokumar, DIG Range (II) C Doungel and another officer of the rank of DIG and SP of Chandel police arrived at the border town.
Speaking to the press later at Hawa Mahal the IG said that as per the demands put up by the IRB personnel, the jawan L Nabakumar will not be suspended, the bullets fired in the air last night will not be replaced and not to post CO Laxmi Prasad at Moreh again.
The IRB personnel acknowledged the assurances given by the IG.
However as news spread that the IRB personnel would be replaced by the Manipur Rifles, women folk of Moreh came out to the street and blocked the road.
Late in the evening, MR personnel who were sent to replace the IRB personnel were stopped by the womenfolk but ultimately the State prevailed and the IRB men were moved out for the MR men.
Earlier yesterday, the angst of the IRB personnel was fuelled after the CO and the AC disappeared after a meeting with the personnel at the Moreh Trade Centre, during which the IRB men demanded that the suspension order be revoked.
Good power news
IMPHAL, Jun 30 :
Consequent upon the improvement in the availability of power from the North Eas-tern Regional Grid, the current load shedding programme from 5 am to 5 pm and 10 pm to 1 am of the next day has been withdrawn with imme-diate effect, informed a press release issued by the SE , Transmission Circle, Department of Electricity. According to a revised load shedding programme, there will be no load shedding between 5 am to 5 pm except for areas where sub-stations have capacity constraints. However, there will be load shedding during 5 pm to 10 pm as per the existing roster system. From 10 pm to 1 am of the next day, there will be no load shedding except for areas covered by sub-sta-tions having capacity constraints. Further, there will be no load shedding in Imphal areas from 1 am to 5 am except under sub-stations with capacity constraints. But for other districts and outskirts of Imphal, the existing load shedding programme will remain uncha-nged. The revised load shedding pro-gramme will be reviewed after 2 months.
Rain havoc
At least seven bridges constructed across the Barak river in the area of Tungjoy, Saranamai, Tunggam and Kaibi villages in Senapati district were washed away by heavy rain and landslide in the midnight of June 22, informed a press release issued by the Saranamai Village Authority Council. In addition to cutting off the area from other parts of the State, vast tracts of standing paddy plants have been des-troyed by the land-slide and incessant rain. Stating that the villagers do not have the capacity to rebuild the destroyed bridges and reclaim the damaged paddy fields, it sought immediate assistance from the Government.
At least seven bridges constructed across the Barak river in the area of Tungjoy, Saranamai, Tunggam and Kaibi villages in Senapati district were washed away by heavy rain and landslide in the midnight of June 22, informed a press release issued by the Saranamai Village Authority Council. In addition to cutting off the area from other parts of the State, vast tracts of standing paddy plants have been des-troyed by the land-slide and incessant rain. Stating that the villagers do not have the capacity to rebuild the destroyed bridges and reclaim the damaged paddy fields, it sought immediate assistance from the Government.
MUTA threatens
Subsequent to its ultimatum to the MU Vice-Chancellor to withdraw the procee-dings of the MU author-ities taken on June 8 and the press state-ment issued on June 16 by June 28 concerning non-supply of goods worths Rs 8 lakhs to four Departments of the University even as the same amount was withdrawn, the Manipur University Teachers' Assn (MUTA) has decided to launch a non-cooperation stir from July 2. Talking to The Sangai Express MUTA president Prof M Ranjit disclosed that MUTA has been cons-trained to launch the stir as the VC has failed to reciprocate positively to its ultimatum. How-ever, the proposed stir will not affect academic activities, he assured.
Subsequent to its ultimatum to the MU Vice-Chancellor to withdraw the procee-dings of the MU author-ities taken on June 8 and the press state-ment issued on June 16 by June 28 concerning non-supply of goods worths Rs 8 lakhs to four Departments of the University even as the same amount was withdrawn, the Manipur University Teachers' Assn (MUTA) has decided to launch a non-cooperation stir from July 2. Talking to The Sangai Express MUTA president Prof M Ranjit disclosed that MUTA has been cons-trained to launch the stir as the VC has failed to reciprocate positively to its ultimatum. How-ever, the proposed stir will not affect academic activities, he assured.
Fired upon
Two unidentified youths who came in a red Maruti car fired several rounds at the residence of Keisham Ongbi Leihao at Kwakeithel Thounaojam Leikai under Lamphel Police Station at around 11 pm yesterday. Leihao is the secretary of a Meira Paibi body. There were five bullet marks at the gate of her house which is made of corrugated iron sheet. There is no report of any casualty in the attack.
