Sunday, August 31, 2008
Position winners of Manipur Pineapple Queen Contest held at Khousabung village of Churachandpur district on August 30.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Shop keepers of Keishampat staging a sit-in-protest against the demand by KYKL
Rights of the Child Commission to study situation in State By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Aug 28 : To get a first hand account of all the issues concerning children in the State as well as the HIV/AIDS scenario, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Dr Santa Sinha along with three other members are scheduled to arrive here on September 3 on a three day visit.
Speaking to The Sangai Express an official source said that the Commission has officially intimated the State Government that the team will be arriving here on September 3 to study the issues confronting children and their rights as well as the issues concerning HIV/AIDS.
The Commission has also intimated the State police DGP Y Joykumar to send a detailed report on stories of children disappearing as well as crimes perpetrated against children. The report is to reach them before they take the journey to Imphal.
During their stay at Imphal the Commission members will interact with members of the NGO dealing with children as well as personally visit the NGO offices to get the needed information.
The team will also study issues concerning HIV/AIDS and the members will also visit JN hospital and RIMS and study the functioning of the ART centres opened there.
The Chairperson of the Commission is also scheduled to convene a meeting with representatives of the Labour Department, Social Welfare Department, Family Welfare Department, MACS and Deputy Commissioners of Thoubal, Churachandpur and Ukhrul and discuss issues related to child rights as well as HIV/AIDS.
The Commission will also interact with the media during their stay here.
Even as the Commission team is set to arrive here to study the issues concerning children and HIV/AIDS, a report has been lodged with the police that a Class VIII student of Imphal Public School has gone missing while going to his school for his examination. The school is located near the 1st Gate of Manipur University.
The student, a 14 year old boy is identified as Ahei-bam Bidyakanta son of A Rajen of Kyamgei Awang Leikai. The student had gone to his school on a bicycle. When he failed to return home, family members went to the school to check and found the attendance register marking him absent.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
A mass rally participated by people from different section taken out to mark the 43rd Hunger Marchers’ Day
1965 heroes remembered fittingly
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Aug 27: Remembering the student leaders who sacrificed their lives during the August 27, 1965 agitation against artificial scarcity of rice in Manipur, the 43rd Hunger Marchers’ Day was observed today along with taking out a mass rally and paying befitting tributes to the martyred student leaders.
After offering floral tributes and paying homage to the martyred student leaders namely Nilamani, Nabakumar, Chaobhal and Pramodini at their Pishum Chinga Macha memorial, the mass rally was taken out till THAU ground at Thangmeiband where a public meeting was held.
Organised under the aegis of All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) as in the past, today’s function was also attended by representatives of Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM).
Presided over by AMSU president Khamba Laishram, the public meeting proceeded with Vice Chancellor of Manipur University Prof C Amuba taking the dais as chief guest and DESAM president H Ashir-jit Luwang, former AMSU presidents Y Priyokumar, RK Itocha, L Gojendra and S Budhichandra as guests of honour.
The meeting also adopted three resolutions. The first resolution stated that AMSU would fight against hike in the prices of essential commodities with the co-operation and support of the people. The second resolution stated that AMSU would continue its anti-drug campaign along with the support and co-operation of the teachers and students and the third resolution said that AMSU would fight against violation of human rights with the support of the people.
Earlier giving the key note address, general secretary of AMSU Premananda Tongbram recalled the events leading to the students’ agitation against artificial scarcity of rice in 1965.
Speaking as chief guest, Prof C Amuba observed that while paying homage to the student leaders who laid down their lives during the course of agitation against artificial scarcity of rice in 1956, attention should also be given to the problems of rise in the price of essential commodities today.
The main message and objective behind observing the Hunger Marchers’ Day should be unmasking the evil forces which are trying to usurp the rightful shares of the people, he added.
In his presidential address, Khamba Laishram pointed that AMSU has been observing Hunger Marchers’ Day every year to remind the people that AMSU is always at the beck and call of the people in taking up social causes
DESAM president Ashirjit Luwang, who also spoke at the occasion noted that the significance of the Hunger Marchers’ Day is not only for AMSU but for all the people of Manipur.
In the light of ever escalating price of essential commodities and people under the control of big businessmen, observance of Hunger Marchers’ Day has become all that more relevant today, he said, while exhorting the people to stand up as one against such evils in society.
Apart from former presidents of AMSU, leaders of civil organisations spoke at the meeting.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Despite the Govt announcement that all petrol pumps would be opened, Tuesday many did not do so until afternoon and a bee line
Panic buying compounding fuel shortage
Despite assurance, many return empty handed
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Aug 26 : Despite the efforts made by the Government to ensure adequate supply of fuel to the people from today, many people had to return home dejected after standing in long queues as the fuel stock in most of the petrol pumps ran out before they could fill their vehicles.
Nonetheless, black marketeers continued to strive compelling the people to spend anywhere between Rs 65 to 70 for one litre of petrol.
Talking to The Sangai Express in connection with the limited stock of fuel in the petrol pumps, staff manning the oil pumps explained that adequate supply of fuel to the people could not be ensured as the Oil Depot at Chingmirong did not provide the fuel quantity required by these petrol pumps.
They informed that the fuel being provided by the Oil Depot to the petrol pumps is on the basis of the fuel lifted by the oil tankers which arrived at Imphal on August 24. After August 24, not more than three/four oil tankers have arrived at Imphal.
Oil pumps have been requesting to issue indent to supply 8 to 12 kilolitres of oil to each of the petrol pumps. But the Oil Depot could not ensure that. This shows that the stock of oil in the Depot too is running low, the staff said, while disclosing that with exception of two-three oil pumps, challans are issued for not more than 4 Kilolitres to other oil pumps.
In such a situation, the stock in the oil pumps which have been issued only 4 kilolitres of fuel run dry within two hours of opening the oil pumps. The culture of panic buying among the people whenever there is an oil crisis in the State has also compounded the matter, they pointed out.
The staff further explained that there are three compartments in an oil tanker of 12 KL capacity. So issuing only 4 KL to an oil pump is like dividing the fuel content from one oil tanker to three oil pumps. Apart from causing some problems in issuing challans for each compartment to three oil pumps, it is also a time consuming process.
Earlier each of the oil pumps was given the whole quantity of the oil from a tanker which is also an all-India norm. However, in case of Manipur, the IOC has given permission to issue challans for parts of the compartment. This creates difficulties to the oil pumps in ensuring timely supply of fuel to the people.
On top of this, there is the problem of scarcity of fuel in the oil pumps even if there is adequate stock in the Depot as adequate quality of the same is not released to the pumps.
On the other hand, to ensure adequate supply of oil to the people from tomorrow, the Oil Depot has reportedly issued 112 KL of petrol to 23 oil pumps till afternoon today.
According to information received by the press, the petrol pumps and the total quantity of fuel issued to them today are Bakliwal Enterprises, North AOC (4 KL); BB & Co, Sangaiprou ( 4 KL); DSLS & Co, Mantripukhri (4 KL); Kanhai & Sons, Thoubal (4 KL); Ksh Beikul Singh, Kakching (4 KL); Manipur Highway Service Station, Khabam (4 KL); Bitesh Gasoline Centre, Bishnupur (4 KL); Ibochou Service Station, Kakwa (4 KL); Imphal Oil Agencies, Chingmeirong (4 KL); Indo-Myanmar Oil Centre, Wangjing (8 KL); Jas Gas Station, Uripok (4 KL); K Nilo Singh, Langjing (8 KL); Khurai Service Station (4 KL); Konsam Oil Services, Langthabal (4 KL); M/s Yumnam Oil Service, Wabagai (4 KL); Nambol Service Centre (4 KL); PCTC, Khuyathong (12 KL); Th Sorojini Devi Filling Station (4 KL); Tiddim Service Station (8 KL); Tuibong Service Station, Churachandpur (4 KL); Tuks & Bons, Hatta (4 KL).
To ensure proper supply of oil to the people tomorrow, six Inspectors of the FCS Department would be deputed to inspect the oil pumps located in and around Imphal. An order has been issued in this regard.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
JAC members setting on fire tree branches during the bandh call before it was eventually suspended following an agreement
Govt opts for NH-53
Rice, fuel to test Jiri route
IMPHAL, Aug 25 : With hundreds of goods laden truck bound for Imphal stranded near Kohima on NH-39 following heavy landslides at Zubza, the State Government has decided to lift essential commodities including rice, sugar and fuel from the FCI godown at Silchar and transport the same through NH-53 on the Imphal -Jiribam route.
On the other hand the State Government has asked the authority of the IOC to make sure that fuel is available to the people at the petrol pumps from tomorrow.
Speaking to The Sangai Express an official source said that following the heavy landslide in neigh-bouring Nagaland and with hundreds of goods laden trucks stranded on the way, the rice and fuel stock is running low in the State.
It is to make up for the shortage of the essential commodities that the Government has decided to transport the essential commodities through NH-53, explained the source.
To lift the essential commodities from the godown at Silchar, FCI authority has deputed its trucks for the said purpose, said the source and added that at the moment, the stock of PDS rice in the State is 60,000 quintal.
The State Government has also asked the IOC authority to make sure that fuel is available to the people through the oil pumps without any hindrances from tomorrow.
There will be no bar on the quantity of fuel that a vehicle owner may want, said the source but added that the police has been instructed not to let anyone buy fuel in large quantity in jerry cans.
Two FCS Inspectors have also been deployed to check how many tankers have arrived in the State, how many tankers have unloaded their fuel at the Oil Depot and at the petrol pumps as well as to study whether the fuel have been spiked or not, added the source further.
Following the landslides near Kohima the petrol pumps in Imphal have been closed for most of the time.
Meanwhile the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima SA Sachopra Vero has sent a message to the State FCS Commissioner S Buddha-chandra to inform the people concerned not to carry more than 14/15 tonnes of goods to Manipur through NH-39 until the condition of the highway improves.
Trucks loaded with more than 14/15 tonnes are facing a lot of difficulties in passing through the sunken zones due to the landslides.
A number of stranded trucks including 51 tankers and 23 goods laden trucks including two trucks carrying fertilisers have reached Imphal.
On the other hand anticipating that trucks carrying fertilisers may be heading towards Imphal a large number of farmers from Lam- shang and Sekmai thronged Sekmai post today from early morning to check if any of the trucks were carrying fertilisers.
The farmers explained that they were constrained to check the incoming trucks as they are badly in need of fertilisers and they do not want it to fall into the wrong hands.
On hearing that the farmers were checking vehicles at Sekmai, Assistant Fertiliser Officer Ksh Gopen accompanied by his staff rushed to Sekmai to talk to the farmers.
By the time the official team reached Sekmai the farmers had dispersed and the Agriculture officer asked the OC of Sekmai police not to let the farmers disrupt the flow of trucks carrying fertilisers, said a source.
Rice, fuel to test Jiri route
IMPHAL, Aug 25 : With hundreds of goods laden truck bound for Imphal stranded near Kohima on NH-39 following heavy landslides at Zubza, the State Government has decided to lift essential commodities including rice, sugar and fuel from the FCI godown at Silchar and transport the same through NH-53 on the Imphal -Jiribam route.
On the other hand the State Government has asked the authority of the IOC to make sure that fuel is available to the people at the petrol pumps from tomorrow.
Speaking to The Sangai Express an official source said that following the heavy landslide in neigh-bouring Nagaland and with hundreds of goods laden trucks stranded on the way, the rice and fuel stock is running low in the State.
It is to make up for the shortage of the essential commodities that the Government has decided to transport the essential commodities through NH-53, explained the source.
To lift the essential commodities from the godown at Silchar, FCI authority has deputed its trucks for the said purpose, said the source and added that at the moment, the stock of PDS rice in the State is 60,000 quintal.
The State Government has also asked the IOC authority to make sure that fuel is available to the people through the oil pumps without any hindrances from tomorrow.
There will be no bar on the quantity of fuel that a vehicle owner may want, said the source but added that the police has been instructed not to let anyone buy fuel in large quantity in jerry cans.
Two FCS Inspectors have also been deployed to check how many tankers have arrived in the State, how many tankers have unloaded their fuel at the Oil Depot and at the petrol pumps as well as to study whether the fuel have been spiked or not, added the source further.
Following the landslides near Kohima the petrol pumps in Imphal have been closed for most of the time.
Meanwhile the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima SA Sachopra Vero has sent a message to the State FCS Commissioner S Buddha-chandra to inform the people concerned not to carry more than 14/15 tonnes of goods to Manipur through NH-39 until the condition of the highway improves.
Trucks loaded with more than 14/15 tonnes are facing a lot of difficulties in passing through the sunken zones due to the landslides.
A number of stranded trucks including 51 tankers and 23 goods laden trucks including two trucks carrying fertilisers have reached Imphal.
On the other hand anticipating that trucks carrying fertilisers may be heading towards Imphal a large number of farmers from Lam- shang and Sekmai thronged Sekmai post today from early morning to check if any of the trucks were carrying fertilisers.
The farmers explained that they were constrained to check the incoming trucks as they are badly in need of fertilisers and they do not want it to fall into the wrong hands.
On hearing that the farmers were checking vehicles at Sekmai, Assistant Fertiliser Officer Ksh Gopen accompanied by his staff rushed to Sekmai to talk to the farmers.
By the time the official team reached Sekmai the farmers had dispersed and the Agriculture officer asked the OC of Sekmai police not to let the farmers disrupt the flow of trucks carrying fertilisers, said a source.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Farmers staging a rally to protest the non-availability as well as the inflated price of fertilisers in the State
Shortage of fertilisers
Farmers protest, face grim prospect
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Aug 21 : Protesting the non-availability of fertilisers or selling them at inflated prices if at all it is available, a large number of farmers from Patsoi Assembly Constituency today took out a protest rally from Patsoi Bazar to Moidang-pok.
On the other hand, Assistant Fertiliser Officer of the State Government N Gopen has clarified that the problem of fertiliser shortage in the State has come about as a result of frequent bandh and blockade in the State, occurrence of landslides in Nagaland and some technical problem in the factory of Brahmaputra Valley Fertiliser Corporation Limited at Namrup in Assam.
Organised under the aegis of Nongchup Imphal Loumee Shinmee Chaokhat Thourang Lup, the protest rally attended by a large number of farmers was taken out to highlight the problems being faced by the farmers in view of non-availability of fertilisers in the market even though this is the time of the season to use the fertilisers as well as against the inflated rate even if it is available.
Talking to The Sangai Express, Assistant Ferti-liser Officer N Gopen clarified that the problem of fertiliser shortage in the State has come about due to various factors like frequent imposition of bandh and blockade in Manipur, landslides along the Natio-nal Highway in Nagaland besides some technical problem in the factory of Brahmaputra Valley Fertiliser Corporation Limited located in Namrup of Assam.
While informing that subsequent to the proposal of the State Government to the Government of India to provide 34,000 matric tonne of urea for this year a target is being kept for lifting 3996 matric tonne of urea within the current month, Gopen said and added that out of the total quantity to be lifted, 3312 matric tonne had already been loaded in 184 trucks.
However, out of these loaded trucks, only 71 have arrived at Imphal while the rest have been stranded along the National Highway following landslides in Nagaland.
Once the stranded trucks arrive, there would be no shortage of fertiliser in Manipur, Gopen assured.
The Fertiliser Officer further informed that the remaining load of urea lying in the factory would loaded onto the trucks from tomorrow.
Earlier during the rally the farmers raised slogans demanding adequate supply of fertilisers and fixing its price and carried placards inscribed with words like ‘Respect the farmers’, ‘Don’t bleed the blood of the farmers’, ‘Government should provide fertiliser at a cheaper rate’, ‘Agriculture Minister who cannot ensure adequate supply of fertiliser to the farmers should resign.’
After the rally, a joint meeting was held at the Sanglen of Ibudhou Korou-hanba at Moidangpok with president of Nongchup Imphal Loumee Shinmee Chaokhat Thourang Lup RS Khuraijam, social worker Joy Nongmaithem, NIMPAL president Th Rashileima, NIPCO secretary Sunil Karam, UPF secretary O Bikramjit and social worker S Tomba as presidium members.
After a serious deliberation on the issue, the meeting unanimously resolved that the Government should take up necessary measures at the earliest possible to ensure adequate supply of fertiliser along with fixing a reasonable rate in consideration of the difficulties being faced by the farmers.
In case the Government fails to act, the meeting decided that the farmers would launch intense agitation with the support of the people.
In order to solve the problem of non-availability of fertiliser being faced by the farmers every year, the meeting also mooted that a stock policy of the fertiliser should be maintained in the State.
Furthermore, the meeting resolved that the Government should ensure supply of PDS items to the people at the rate fixed by it as well as the full quantity.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Where merit comes last
Why is a troubled corner of India not basking in Olympic glory?
By Patricia Mukhim
While the country of one billion is in celebration mode, the people of Northeast India are feeling left out and wronged. Manipur’s L. Monika Devi, a medal hope for India in weightlifting, lost the opportunity to prove herself because of a dope test that was tweaked. Monika Devi was first declared to have tested positive. For a moment, Manipuris hang their heads in shame, even as the picture of an anguished Monika tearfully pleading her innocence before TV cameras wrenched at our heartstrings. And then, just after the Beijing contingent was finalized, came the announcement from the Sports Authority of India that the dope test was not, after all, positive. Monika was cleared of the charges, but not soon enough for her to board the Beijing-bound plane.
How could the highest sporting body be so callous when dealing with a prospective medalist? A dope test is by all means a complex process. Instances of weightlifters testing positive are common, and not just in India. But only when the tests are positive beyond any reasonable doubt, is action taken against the offender. In Monika’s case, the condemnation came faster than the authenticity of the test. Refuting and challenging the results in a country where even post-mortem reports of highly sensitive cases are fudged is a tall order.
Most shocking, however is the complete lack of remorse over this monumental blunder. Neither SAI nor the IOA consider it appropriate to apologize for the goof-up. That there is complete disregard for the sentiments of the players by the sports ministry mandarins and the creamy layer of sporting associations, is an understatement. For athletes coming from a region that already feels alienated, to be subjected to such ignominy is akin to being treated as children of a lesser god.
The Northeast is a natural talent pool for sports like archery, football and basketball (despite the short physique), boxing, weightlifting and martial arts. Even in the absence of standard training facilities, states of the region, particularly Manipur, continues to produce national champions. With just 0.2 per cent of the country’s population, Manipur has been producing Olympians, even though they have had to work doubly hard to make their mark in the highly competitive sporting arena, Manipur and Assam were placed second and third respectively in the last national games, next only to Services and ahead of all the mainland states.
But sports and politics go hand in hand in India. This dangerous combination ensures that those selected for training under the best coaches at home and abroad may not necessarily be the best athletes.
Anywhere else in the world, a billion-strong human resource would have been a goldmine from which to dig up nuggets of talent. It is important to ask ourselves why this has not happened in the case of India. Our obsession with cricket has made all other sports look like pastimes. We need to bring them to the level of cricket. Our selection process needs to be freed of nepotism and favouritism. It would be wrong to think that the people of the Northeast are deficient in patriotism. If this region has one serious drawback, it is that it has no one to pull the strings in the corridors of power in Delhi.
Unless India establishes a system where raw guts, hard training and fair competition can exist, we will continue to languish in the sporting dumps. But that can only happen when we begin to promote merit above all else.
146 killed as plane swerves off runway
Medical personnel tend to an injured passenger in Barajas Airport on Wednesday.
MADRID: A Spanish airliner bound for the Canary Islands swerved off the runway while departing from Madrid’s Barajas airport on Wednesday and caught fire, killing 146 people, Spanish national radio said.
Earlier, the Interior Ministry said that 45 people were killed.
It said there were 178 people aboard the Spanair flight. It is the height of the summer tourist season in Spain, when families take holidays throughout the country.
At the airport, helicopters and fire trucks dumped water on the plane, which ended up in a wooded area at the end of the runway at Terminal 4. Thick columns of white smoke billowed from the scene. Dozens of ambulances raced to the scene.
An official with the Madrid emergency rescue service SAMUR said crews were removing injured people and bodies from the plane, calling it a “catastrophe.” — AP
The demolition process for the purpose of widening NH-39 and constructing Leishang Hiden underway
Answers sought over DPRs under SPA
Planning Commission quizzes State Govt
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Aug 20 : With the Union Planning Commission breathing down the neck of the State Government over some Detailed Project Reports of works planned under the Special Plan Assistance, Chief Minister O Ibobi today convened a meeting and instructed all the departments concerned to answer the questions sought by the Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission has also questioned the State why it has not been able to submit the utilisation certificates of most of the projects taken up under SPA in the last fiscal.
Talking to The Sangai Express an informed source said that the meeting was attended by the CM’s Cabinet colleagues, Commi- ssioners, Secretaries and HoDs.
With the amount earmarked for the State under the SPA for the fiscal 2008-09 standing at Rs 550 crores, the State Government had submitted the Detailed Project Report for all works to be taken up except for two cases.
As some of the DPRs submitted by the State obviously did not ‘please’ the Planning Commission it has asked the State to explain its stand.
To enhance the power being brought in to Manipur from outside, the Power Department had proposed that the existing 132 KV line which feeds power to the State be increased to a 400 KV line at an estimated cost of Rs 400 crore with Rs 15 crore to come from the SPA.
Commenting on the proposal, the Planning Commission has informed the State Government that since the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited has already worked out a comprehensive master plan for the whole of the North East, Manipur cannot propose a plan alone and advised the State to consult the Central Electrical Authority.
The State had also proposed to modernise the Yurembam sub-division and to instal a sub-station at Kangla.
However since the estimated cost for the two projects were worked out as per the then existing rate in 2006-07, the Planning Commission has advised the State to work out a fresh project cost.
For Science and Technology the Planning Commission has asked the State to bear the cost of Rs 2.8 crores for land acquisition to set up the IT Park at Mantripukhri.
The State Government has also been asked out to work fresh project costs for the Luwangpokpi Sports Complex at Luwangshang-bam, Jiribam Sports Complex and a Tennis Court at Senapati.
All the project costs for the said schemes were worked out at the rate prevalent in 2006-07.
To the proposal of the State to improve the infrastructure of seven Government colleges and to sanction Rs one crore to each of the colleges for the purpose, the Planning has asked the State to justify its proposal.
Taking a serious view of the questions raised by the Planning Commission, the Chief Minister today instructed all the departments to prepare the answers sought and to submit them to the State Planning Department by tomorrow so that the same may be submitted to the Planning Commission by Friday.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
People salvage the remains of the houses destroyed in landslide on August 12 at Thiwa village in Senapati district
Kangla Fort
To give an opportunity to the people to inquire about the renovation work being taken up at Kangla by the State Government, All India Radio, Imphal unit will broadcast a Phone-in interaction programme with the listeners on Kangla Fort development on August 21 with P Bharat Singh, Commissioner Art and Culture from 7 am to 7.30 am on Kangla Channel. Listeners can call 2450098 to interact with P Bharat said a hand out issued by AIR.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Social activist recieving a sobbing Monika at Imphal Airport
Monika in high spirits despite recent reversals; PA Sangma to take up matter with PM
IMPHAL, Aug 18: Although becoming the victim of an apparent conspiracy after she was pulled out from the Beijing Olympic Games on alleged doping charges, weightlifter L Monika of Manipur is far from crestfallen and still has not lost her sportsman’s spirit.
Seemingly having taken all the adversities in her stride, the weightlifter said, "I am planning to participate in the forthcoming sports festivals, national and international championships and have not stopped my practice," while speaking to journalists here in Imphal during a press conference held Monday.
Meanwhile, former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma has thrown his weight behind weightlifter Monica Devi of Manipur.
Sangma, also the NCP leader, said he would personally take up the matter with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when the latter would be on a visit to the North East from August 25. The NCP has also demanded a CBI probe, in this regard.
Monika, who serves in the CRPF, arrived in Imphal yesterday to a rousing welcome from the people of the state even though she was not able to participate in the ongoing Beijing Olympics. A one-man committee has already been deputed by the Centre to look into the charges related to her dropping from the Games.
"I practice at my own gym at home in the morning," she said adding that she had high hopes for the Commonwealth Games, National Games and other departmental events ahead of her.
Monika has started her own gym at her native village, Nachou in Bishnupur, which she was earlier planning to inaugurate after the Beijing Olympics. She has decided to formally open the gym from tomorrow.
The gym was built with a fund of Rs. 5 lakhs, which she received as a token of appreciation from the Central security establishments after having won the silver medal at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006.
On the other hand, she also said that she was aware of the boycott of all international, national sports events to be held under the IOA, declared by the Manipur Olympic Association, MOA with support from other state level sports bodies and said that she would not violate the stand which was taken for her cause.
At the same time, she also informed that authorities at the SAI were still to give a clearance certificate for participating in the competitions after the controversial doping test case.
The inquiry into the Moinka dope test controversy led by retired election commissioner TS Krishnamurthy, which was ordered by Indian sports minister MS Gill on August 13, has commenced its inquiries from today, Monika informed.
A state-wide general strike is being called tomorrow in connection with the alleged discriminatory and manipulative acts of the IOA and SAI authorities in pulling out Monika from the Indian squad for the Beijing Olympic Games.
While replying a question, she said she, like the officials of the MOA and other sports bodies, felt that the truth of the controversy could not be found out by a single-man inquiry committee.
In this regard, the convener of the coordination committee formed to fight the Monika case informed that as they had little confidence in the single-man inquiry committee they were planning to move the Supreme Court of India for handing over of the inquiry to a dedicated investigative body.
As a last resort to highlight the menace unleashed by rats at Lungthui village in CCpur, its Chief displays the tails of rats
Shots fired
IMPHAL, Aug 18 : Gunmen opened 2/3 rounds of fire at the residence of one Nan-deibam Inao of Thang- meiband Yumnam Leikai today at about 7.15 pm.
The KNO/KLA has claimed responsibility for the attack and its self styled publicity secretary Armstrong Kuki informed the press that the attack is a last warning for Inao, a fertiliser dealer to pay up the demand served on him.
The outfit has also asked him to contact them or else the matter will be taken seriously. No one was injured in the firing incident.
Monday, August 18, 2008
A teary eyed Monika being received at the airport acknowledges the goodwill of the people
Monika back, demands justice
‘I am a victim of politics in sports’
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Aug 17 : Describing herself as a victim of politics in Indian sports, Manipuri weightlifter Laishram Monika, whose last minute omission from the Indian Olympic squad for ongoing Beijing Olympics, 2008 on alleged charge of failing a dope test causing wide-spread protest and raising question on the efficiency and sincerity of the officials of the Sports Authority of India, has demanded punishment of all those involved in the dirty politics.
Speaking at a reception function hosted in her honour at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Sanglen at Palace Compound here today, Monika, who arrived at Imphal today said ‘‘I could not take part in the Olympic Games as a result of politics in Indian sports. All those who are responsible for framing false charges against me should be pulled up and given befitting punishment’’.
The reception function was organised by the Co-ordinating Committee Against Monika’s Withdrawal from Beijing Olympic, 2008 after Monika was accorded a hero’s welcome at the airport as well as all along the roads of Imphal by the people of the State.
Monika said ‘I never knew politics in Indian sports would be so dirty to the extent of forcing an innocent player but able who had work hard for the Olympics to be omitted at the last minute by framing false charges’.
‘The stand taken by the people of my State Manipur for a victimised player like me is simply overwhelming’’, she said with tears, while seeking the continued support of the people in finding out the truth and punishment of the guilty persons.
From the side of the Co-ordinating Committee it was made clear that there has been no charge in stand on the various resolutions adopted during a public meeting convened by it on August 11 in connection with the case of Monika. Among the resolutions, the meeting decided to call a general strike in Manipur with effect from 5 am of August 19 to 5 am of the follo- wing day besides launching various intense agita- tions in case the Government of India does not apo-logise to the people of Mani- pur on the issue of Monika by August 17 (today).
Among those who spoke at the reception function, Ibotombi, ex-secretary of ACOAM-Lup said the discriminatory attitude of the Government of India towards the people of Mani- pur should not be condoned. All those who are behind the conspiracy of not allowing Monika to participate in the Beijing Olympic Games should be punished and let the truth be prevailed.
M Memchoubi, president of Poirei Leimarol Mei- ra Paibi Apunba, Manipur demanded to know why the Sports Minister of Manipur has not resigned from his post despite knowing the wrongdoings of the Government of India.
‘‘If the Sports Minister is really concerned about the welfare of the sports-persons of Manipur, then he ought to resign and let the Government of India know about it through action’’, Memchoubi said.
AK Janaki, president of MEEKHOL questioned whether the people of Manipur should continue to remain quite against the discriminatory attitude of the Government of India.
Monika’s case is not the first instance in which the Government of India has discriminated the Manipuri players in sending them to International sporting events where they could compete with their counterparts, she said, adding that it is because of the silence maintained by the people of Manipur in the past against such discrminations that the case of Monika has come about.
‘‘We should not remain quite anymore so that such incidents do not recur in the future’’, she exhorted the gathering.
E Binoykumar, president of Manipur Olympic Association observed that it is the target of every sportspersons who put in years of work hard to participate in the Olympic Games. So belittling the target of Monika and the manner in which she was omitted from the Beijing Olympic by some people should be taken as a insult to the people of Manipur as a whole.
Maintaining that the incident of Monika would discourage many upcoming sportspersons, Binoykumar also demanded that all those who are involved in the case should be given befitting punishment.
Representatives of many civil organisations also spoke at the reception function attended by many sportspersons.
Meanwhile, Co-ordinating Committee has informed that a press conference, which would also be attended by Monika, would be held at Manipur Press Club tomorrow. During the press conference, the Co-ordinating Committee would be announcing its further course of action to be taken up.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Turmoil: Killings and missings
By R Rungsung
Proverbs 14:35 says: “A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant incurs wrath.” Manipur today is full of wrath coupled with weeping and agony. There is no delight in the Government but turmoil. The law of the land speaks as an oracle but its ordinances betray justice by way of evil means — nepotism, favouritism, bribery, secret deals, etc etc. We have intrigues in high places. High places betray the people.
We see no winning out the wickets by driving the threshing wheel over them. Blows and wounds, daily killings on suspicion, kidnapping for ransom, Corruptions and bribing - all this will envelop Manipur today. We are in it and no one can escape from it.
Killed on suspicion. Today Government is armed with a licence to kill any innocent person’s just on suspicion. Trigger happy Jawans and Policemen go hungry for killing spree at any opportune moment and give adverse report(s) to justify the killing on incident(s). Suspicion has no legality to kill (An act, instance or feeling of suspecting, a belief or opinion that is based on very little evidence). Suspicion has become a legal sanction and quite OK trend. A James Bond like drama that kills anyone he dislikes or suspects. A license to kill without qualm and moral turpitude. Government covers them in exchange of money for the unlucky ones.
The rulers have no pure hearts, no good dealings and no sincere dispensations. The rich become richers and the poor become poorer. It is the era of Fenders eating and consuming the garden vegetables (Sambanna manamashing chathokhre). As the silversmith removes dross form silvers the people must remove wicked from the Government so that garden vegetables can grow healthy and well. By justice a Government gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down. It is like a Companion of prostitutes who squanders his wealth. There exist no fairness and no sincerity in our land.
We talk about life and death. Both “wise living and foolish living” have its own face value. The concept of life and death includes much more than physical survival. By life it means “real living may be as good as dead, even though he is still walking around. As one looks at Manipur there is real dying. According to Oscar Wild’s: “In this world there are only two tragedies — one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.” We are not getting but suffering.
Missing Children
From the lips of children and young ones we derive praise and happiness. They are like a crown to the aged and parents are the pride of their children. And yet some young ones now turn to otherwise of life — perceived a change. A change of one’s future role and future life to live with. Receiving a stark future life (like a barren land and a treeless hill) the young ones thought and chose, though hard and tough, the alternative ways and means as the best course of life for him/them. They see no light at the end of the tunnel. Percieved a change in another tunnel.
In old testament society the most hopeless person was the widow. Today poor farmers, landless labourers and jobless families are the most affected sufferers. With no one to protect her/them, she or they could only watch at her late husband’s land that was grabbed by wicked neighbours. Her children grew and percieved for a change to lead a life of self-reliance, though small dignified. This cries echoed back to greedy lots who lead secluded life fearing threat and killing or revenge, etc. Rich but no joy and no peace. For the poor worries and trouble lives with them. The praise and singing of Children and the young ones absent. The hope of parents is gone.
Bribery
Bribery abounds here and there. It speaks volumes. A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it, wherever he turns, he succeeds. A wicked man accepts a bride is secret to pervert the course of justice. We are remarkably clear-eyed about the tangled courses of poverty and about the dangers and benefits of wealth. Think about the richest and poorest people you know. The house of righteous contains treasures, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble. Their righteous treasure means joy and peace and wisdom.
Government is doing its best efforts to curb many evils prevailing here in Manipur using and applying available means and methods. More preventive measures are added to strengthen the operation. The big question is why? What went wrong and who is responsible for all this mess? Administrative inefficiency, injustice and unfair means matter most.
All the ills that have become chronic today point the accusing finger to the yesteryear Governments and thus accusing the present Government alone is quite an absurdity. As of today we have had Plain and Hill leaders who are well ensconced. Sugar Mill, Flour Mill, Paper Mill, Cement factory and so on were on the way to absorbing thousands of workers and employees but had vanished in the thin air due to foul planning and corruptions. All ongoing present projects are meeting with ramshackle condition. Ministers are fighting for day to day livelihood with vested interest.
People are hungry for justice, hungry for fair deals, hungry for sincerity and not to depend and rely on the power of weapons. The rulers can/may physically subdue, but so long the hearts are not conquered the troubles will never end. The power that be lives in the fortified walled quarters, and yet the life is not secured. Uneasy mind rules the roost. It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice. We are living in fools paradise. The Switzerland of the East has turned to the bitterland of the East. Only justice for all and fair deals will save Manipur. Beware of wolves in sheep skins.
Proverbs 14:35 says: “A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant incurs wrath.” Manipur today is full of wrath coupled with weeping and agony. There is no delight in the Government but turmoil. The law of the land speaks as an oracle but its ordinances betray justice by way of evil means — nepotism, favouritism, bribery, secret deals, etc etc. We have intrigues in high places. High places betray the people.
We see no winning out the wickets by driving the threshing wheel over them. Blows and wounds, daily killings on suspicion, kidnapping for ransom, Corruptions and bribing - all this will envelop Manipur today. We are in it and no one can escape from it.
Killed on suspicion. Today Government is armed with a licence to kill any innocent person’s just on suspicion. Trigger happy Jawans and Policemen go hungry for killing spree at any opportune moment and give adverse report(s) to justify the killing on incident(s). Suspicion has no legality to kill (An act, instance or feeling of suspecting, a belief or opinion that is based on very little evidence). Suspicion has become a legal sanction and quite OK trend. A James Bond like drama that kills anyone he dislikes or suspects. A license to kill without qualm and moral turpitude. Government covers them in exchange of money for the unlucky ones.
The rulers have no pure hearts, no good dealings and no sincere dispensations. The rich become richers and the poor become poorer. It is the era of Fenders eating and consuming the garden vegetables (Sambanna manamashing chathokhre). As the silversmith removes dross form silvers the people must remove wicked from the Government so that garden vegetables can grow healthy and well. By justice a Government gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down. It is like a Companion of prostitutes who squanders his wealth. There exist no fairness and no sincerity in our land.
We talk about life and death. Both “wise living and foolish living” have its own face value. The concept of life and death includes much more than physical survival. By life it means “real living may be as good as dead, even though he is still walking around. As one looks at Manipur there is real dying. According to Oscar Wild’s: “In this world there are only two tragedies — one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.” We are not getting but suffering.
Missing Children
From the lips of children and young ones we derive praise and happiness. They are like a crown to the aged and parents are the pride of their children. And yet some young ones now turn to otherwise of life — perceived a change. A change of one’s future role and future life to live with. Receiving a stark future life (like a barren land and a treeless hill) the young ones thought and chose, though hard and tough, the alternative ways and means as the best course of life for him/them. They see no light at the end of the tunnel. Percieved a change in another tunnel.
In old testament society the most hopeless person was the widow. Today poor farmers, landless labourers and jobless families are the most affected sufferers. With no one to protect her/them, she or they could only watch at her late husband’s land that was grabbed by wicked neighbours. Her children grew and percieved for a change to lead a life of self-reliance, though small dignified. This cries echoed back to greedy lots who lead secluded life fearing threat and killing or revenge, etc. Rich but no joy and no peace. For the poor worries and trouble lives with them. The praise and singing of Children and the young ones absent. The hope of parents is gone.
Bribery
Bribery abounds here and there. It speaks volumes. A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it, wherever he turns, he succeeds. A wicked man accepts a bride is secret to pervert the course of justice. We are remarkably clear-eyed about the tangled courses of poverty and about the dangers and benefits of wealth. Think about the richest and poorest people you know. The house of righteous contains treasures, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble. Their righteous treasure means joy and peace and wisdom.
Government is doing its best efforts to curb many evils prevailing here in Manipur using and applying available means and methods. More preventive measures are added to strengthen the operation. The big question is why? What went wrong and who is responsible for all this mess? Administrative inefficiency, injustice and unfair means matter most.
All the ills that have become chronic today point the accusing finger to the yesteryear Governments and thus accusing the present Government alone is quite an absurdity. As of today we have had Plain and Hill leaders who are well ensconced. Sugar Mill, Flour Mill, Paper Mill, Cement factory and so on were on the way to absorbing thousands of workers and employees but had vanished in the thin air due to foul planning and corruptions. All ongoing present projects are meeting with ramshackle condition. Ministers are fighting for day to day livelihood with vested interest.
People are hungry for justice, hungry for fair deals, hungry for sincerity and not to depend and rely on the power of weapons. The rulers can/may physically subdue, but so long the hearts are not conquered the troubles will never end. The power that be lives in the fortified walled quarters, and yet the life is not secured. Uneasy mind rules the roost. It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice. We are living in fools paradise. The Switzerland of the East has turned to the bitterland of the East. Only justice for all and fair deals will save Manipur. Beware of wolves in sheep skins.
State joins Nation in celebrating I-Day
Contingent staging a march past on Aug 15 at 1st MR ground
IMPHAL, Aug 16 : Even as normal life was paralysed yesterday due to the general strike imposed by rebel organisations in the State, the Congress led SPF Government held functions across the State in every district to celebrate the Nation’s 62nd Independence Day.
In connection with the day, Chief Minister O Ibobi hoisted the tri-colour at the ground of the 1st Manipur Rifles yesterday to kick off the official celebration of the day.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that during the last 62 years, India has made rapid progress in all fields and is today one of the stronger Nations in the world.
However there is still a lot to be done to be counted as one of the most developed countries in the world, the Chief Minister admitted. To achieve this it is imperative that every citizen put in their best effort in their chosen field of profession.
As the Centre is aware that the States in the North East region are lagging behind the other States of the country, it has taken up a number of measures for the region to bring it at par with the rest, said the Chief Minister.
The Vision Document, 2020 is primarily aimed at making the North East region a peaceful region and to make it a developed place by the year 2020, said the Chief Minister and added that the Vision Document was prepared under the initiative of the North Eastern Council.
The Document was released by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on July 2.
The Chief Minister further said that a special Ministry, DONER, has been formed to accelerate the pace of growth in the North East region.
With the SPF Government coming to power, the financial help of the State has improved tremendously, the Chief Minister claimed and added that the team from the Planning Commission which recently visited the State had expressed satisfaction over the pace of works taken up by the SPF Government.
The Plan size has also been increased appreciably, the Chief Minister informed the gathering and added that for the fiscal 2008-09, the Plan size has been fixed at Rs 1660 crores. This will greatly help the State in taking up developmental works.
Talking of other projects in the pipeline, the Chief Minister said that plans are underway to expand and develop Tulihal airport and added that DONER is also trying to open a Dedicated Airline only for the North East.
The upgradation of the airport as well as the opening of the new air service will help to connect Imphal to Rangoon, Dhaka and Bangkok and promote trading activities.
The Union Urban Development Ministry has given the nod to the Imphal City Development Plan, said Ibobi further. As part of the project, the Centre has agreed to the setting up of a Solid Waste Management unit.
Stating that Jawarharlal Nehru hospital would be upgraded to a 300 bedded hospital, the Chief Minister said that it would also be rechristened Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences after setting up a medical institute there.
The National Rural Health Mission has also been launched in the State, said the Chief.
The State Government is leaving no stones unturned to ensure quality education to the students, said the Chief Minister and added that some innovative ideas will be worked out.
Admitting that despite the advancements made in the last couple of years there are still many issues to be tackled, the Chief Minister called upon all to contribute their mite in taking the State forward.
On the law and order front, the Chief Minister said that
the movement launched by the different armed outfits has posed a hurdle to development. All issues can be settled only through negotiations, said the Chief Minister and appealed to the armed outfits to come to the negotiating table and solve the issue once and for all.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister gave the salute to the 24 contingent who staged a march past under the command of 2 IRB CO Koijam Radhashyam.
Our correspondents add: At Jiribam the Independence Day was celebrated with hoisting of the tricolour flag by ADC Y Iboyaima at ADC’s office complex. Outstanding students of the sub-division in 2008 examination of BSEM. CHSEM and BA were felicitated at the occasion. Dignitaries who attended the function included Commandant of 5 AR Col P Choudhury and CO of 133 Bn BSF RK Singh.
At Moreh, the celebration was held at ADC Office. with Moreh ACD TH Chothe unfurling the tricolour flag. Contingents of Moreh Police Station and Eastern Shine English School took part in a colourful march pass in the celebration which was attended by leaders of various communities, meira paibees and Government officials.
At Churachsndpur, more than 33 contingents with five traditional dance troopers participated in the colourful Independence Day that witnessed a huge turn-out despite incessant downpour. The celebration started off with Deputy Commissioner of the district Sumant Singh unfurling the tri-colour flag. SDPO CCpur K Kabib, IPS, commands the contingents during parade.
Benches being taken out from a school and relief camp set up for villagers at Bishnupur District
Bpr dist reels under heavy deluge
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Aug 16 : With several parts of the State continuing to be lashed by heavy downpour for the last many days flooding have been reported with the severest hit being fish farms located in the periphery of Loktak lake in Bishnupur district.
in addition to residential areas close to the Loktak inundated and the steadily rising water level of the lake flowing into fish farms, a relief camp set up at Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou is facing acute shortage of drinking water.
During a whirlwind tour of inundated areas in Bishnupur district today it came to light that health and hygiene of the affected people particularly access to clean drinking water is the most serious off all problems.
drawing immediate attention of State authorities and district administration to provide drinking water, the distraught residents were of the view that silts filling river beds coupled with non-existent plan to dredge river beds on a regular basis had been causing massive inundation every year.
In Nambol area, Nambol Kongkham and Naorem villages are the hardest hit with flood water gushing into houses and fish farmers staring at inevitable loss as their fish farms have been turned into a mass of water.
Even though, problem of drinking water is slightly better off in these two locationsas distribution of drinking water could be observed today, the affected people expressed strong resentment that there is no flood- prevention mechanism put in place inspite of the fact that flooding had been wrecking havoc annually.
large tract of paddy fields and residential places in Nambol area have also been inundated which can be gauged from the fact that regular classes and mid-term examination of Special Regular English had to be cancelled as the classrooms have been filled with flood water. There is palpable fear the condition may worsen in case rainfall continues.
people of Ningthoukho-ng, particularly Kha Khu- nou villagers have been enduring flood-related hard- ships since August 14 night as they were caught unaw-are and are currently taking shelter at relief camps open-ed at religious buildings (mandops) and Ningthou-khong High School.
Even though there is no report of human casualty till date many houses are on the verge of collapsing as they could be observed leaning sideways.
The flooded places in the district includes Moirang Thoiya, Oinam, keinou, Ngaikhong, Toubul, Khoi-juman and Nachou which was situated in the periphery of the Loktak lake.
Meanwhile, MLA of Oinam assembly constituency Dr I Ibohalbi Singh in a statement said 58 houses in Toubul, 15 in Ngaikhong Siphai, 51 in Ngaikhong Khunou and several more in Yumnam Khunou have been flooded and staying at Anganwadi buildings and local clubs.
Informing that some relief materials and financial assistance had been extended to more severely hit areas such as Toubul through youth organisations of the locality, Dr Ibohalbi said based on information provided by effected fish farmers a report has been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner (Bishnupur) for necessary measures to extend relief materials to the marooned people.
On the other hand, volunteers of Youths Foun- dation for Fitness & Service, manipur surveyed flood affected areas of Ningthoukhong and has appealed to the State authorities for urgent relief measures.
Friday, August 15, 2008
The Monika episode
The Monika episode
- Reflections on the sorry state of Indian Sports -
Robert J Baite *
That the ace weightlifter L Monica has been cleared from the controversial doping test which led to dis-qualification for the Beijing Olympics, is an ample testi moriy of how the authorities concerned have miserably bungled.
It is also noteworthy that Monika is one of the hopeful athlete for a medal for the country given her sterling record. However, it was unfortunate she had to be chucked out at the eleventh hour for having failed a dope test.
Obviously, she fought back and demanded to know the truth and she even went to the extend of saying that one can shoot her if she fails the dope test. One can understand the harassment and mental agony she must have faced. After all she had been practicing and honing her skills to bring laurels for the country.
Now the question is why was she denied the berth for the Olympics at the first place and then why was she declared cleared later.
This has brought to fore the question that whether the dope test was an alibi for denying her the chance to represent the country.
If she has cleared the dope test, then who is responsible for bungling up at the first place? Is the method of the dope test unscientific and not up to the standard? Or was it purely a conspiracy to defame Monika and let her miss the bus to the Olympics?
It has been commented again and again that the Indian Sports scenario needs immediate overhaul. The case of Monika is a living testimony that something is wrong with our Sports policy.
A country with more than a billion population could only win a silver medal in the last Olympics where as smaller countries like Japan could produce a dozen medalists. India which was once the powerhouse of the game Hockey could not even qualify for the Beijing Olympics Hockey.
If India has to produce world standard athletes and players, then the people responsible for the growth of Sports should put on their thinking caps and strategies should be chalked out now. It should be a long term a policy because it requires years of grooming promising players and build and develop new infrastructure to in ternational standard.
The problem with us is that we have no dearth for good players. The only thing is that everything in India is politicised and this includes even sports. This is indeed very unfortunate and is one of the main reasons why India has failed miserably in Sports.
Coming back to Monika, it is highly felt that such irresponsible attitude of the authorities behind the dope test should be pulled up. It liad always been suspected right from time the result of the dope test was announced that there must have been a serious lepse.
The authorities concerned refused to name the salt which was found to be positive nor it does reveal the test to the public or to Monika herself. Monika had even challenged the dope test crying foul over her exclusion from the Indian squad.
It was only due to intense pressure from the Chief Minister of the State himself beside Sports Minister and the Manipur Olympic Association. Had there been no such pressure and Monika accepting her fate she might not have been cleared with the issue buried inside the files to gather dust.
Above all kudos to our CM 0 Ibobi Singh for calling a press before the national media explaining succinctly the circumstances that led to the disqualification of Monika.
Such kind of faux pas should not be condoned be cause it concerns tarnishing the image of a promising player. The Centre should take up immediate steps so that such mistakes do not repeat again.
If necessary the case should be handed over to the CBI for a thorough investigation. The results of the investigation should be made public and anyone found guilty should be immediately prosecuted. This should not be only the interest of the player concerned but also for the development of sports in the country.
- Reflections on the sorry state of Indian Sports -
Robert J Baite *
That the ace weightlifter L Monica has been cleared from the controversial doping test which led to dis-qualification for the Beijing Olympics, is an ample testi moriy of how the authorities concerned have miserably bungled.
It is also noteworthy that Monika is one of the hopeful athlete for a medal for the country given her sterling record. However, it was unfortunate she had to be chucked out at the eleventh hour for having failed a dope test.
Obviously, she fought back and demanded to know the truth and she even went to the extend of saying that one can shoot her if she fails the dope test. One can understand the harassment and mental agony she must have faced. After all she had been practicing and honing her skills to bring laurels for the country.
Now the question is why was she denied the berth for the Olympics at the first place and then why was she declared cleared later.
This has brought to fore the question that whether the dope test was an alibi for denying her the chance to represent the country.
If she has cleared the dope test, then who is responsible for bungling up at the first place? Is the method of the dope test unscientific and not up to the standard? Or was it purely a conspiracy to defame Monika and let her miss the bus to the Olympics?
It has been commented again and again that the Indian Sports scenario needs immediate overhaul. The case of Monika is a living testimony that something is wrong with our Sports policy.
A country with more than a billion population could only win a silver medal in the last Olympics where as smaller countries like Japan could produce a dozen medalists. India which was once the powerhouse of the game Hockey could not even qualify for the Beijing Olympics Hockey.
If India has to produce world standard athletes and players, then the people responsible for the growth of Sports should put on their thinking caps and strategies should be chalked out now. It should be a long term a policy because it requires years of grooming promising players and build and develop new infrastructure to in ternational standard.
The problem with us is that we have no dearth for good players. The only thing is that everything in India is politicised and this includes even sports. This is indeed very unfortunate and is one of the main reasons why India has failed miserably in Sports.
Coming back to Monika, it is highly felt that such irresponsible attitude of the authorities behind the dope test should be pulled up. It liad always been suspected right from time the result of the dope test was announced that there must have been a serious lepse.
The authorities concerned refused to name the salt which was found to be positive nor it does reveal the test to the public or to Monika herself. Monika had even challenged the dope test crying foul over her exclusion from the Indian squad.
It was only due to intense pressure from the Chief Minister of the State himself beside Sports Minister and the Manipur Olympic Association. Had there been no such pressure and Monika accepting her fate she might not have been cleared with the issue buried inside the files to gather dust.
Above all kudos to our CM 0 Ibobi Singh for calling a press before the national media explaining succinctly the circumstances that led to the disqualification of Monika.
Such kind of faux pas should not be condoned be cause it concerns tarnishing the image of a promising player. The Centre should take up immediate steps so that such mistakes do not repeat again.
If necessary the case should be handed over to the CBI for a thorough investigation. The results of the investigation should be made public and anyone found guilty should be immediately prosecuted. This should not be only the interest of the player concerned but also for the development of sports in the country.
Khousabung gears up to host Manipur Pineapple Fest, 2008
The Imphal Free Press
Moirang, Aug 13: Pineapple carnival fever has, for the first time in more than six decades of pineapple cultivation, gripped the entire populace of Khousabung District Council Constituency (DCC) area in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, as the area gears up for the first ever state-level pineapple festival, slated to be held in the last week of August. For the poor pineapple farming community, the initiative of pineapple festival to be held in the area meant another form of recognition from the power that be, and the ambience prevailing in the area summarily sums up the pulse of the farming community.
The agrarian community of the area has been cultivating pineapple as a major source of income since six decades back, though the authority that be might have been blind about the existence of large tract of land being occupied by pineapple cultivation. Says Khamzathang, 85, Second World War soldier and the chief of Bunglon village, “The cultivation of pineapple in Manipur was first started by Pu Songpu Gangte at Khousabung area in Churachandpur district, incidentally in the year India won her independence in 1947.”
As per a survey conducted by NNN, the Kew variety of pineapple is predominantly found in Churachandpur district, particularly within the jurisdiction of Khousabung DCC, including Khousabung, Bunglon, Ningthiching, New Ningthiching, Harmontlang, Muolhoih, S Nabil, Songdo and Phunchongjang villages. In this compact area, over 700 acres of land sweep pineapple cultivation, commanding over 70 lakhs production of pineapples. According to pineapple cultivators of the area, about 10 thousand pineapple suckers could be planted in an acre of land.
The Kew variety of pineapple is now found in almost the whole of Manipur, thanks to the easy availability of pineapple suckers in Khousabung area. Interacting with NNN, Thangtinpau Gangte, registered pineapple supplier, said that the Kew variety of pineapple are found in Ichum Keirap, Daili, Singda Dam area, Kangpokpi area of Senapati district. In Ukhrul district, it is found in Lai village (Nagaland border), Kachai etc.
He said further that the pineapple variety is found in Chakpikarong of Chandel district, Leingang area in Bishnupur, Thayong area in Imphal West, and Ngariyan
Hills in Imphal East. In Tamenglong district, it is found in Leison Luangluak Khunou, Joujangtek, Nungsai, etc. The Kew variety of pineapple is harvested from July till September.
On the other hand, the Queen variety of pineapple is mostly found in Thoubal district.
According to Gin Gangte, secretary of the Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee, the celebration of pineapple festival aims to bring all the pineapple farmers of Manipur under a common platform, a promotional campaign to reach out to all the people of the state and elsewhere, to find out the problems and difficulties, as well as success stories of the farmers, and more importantly, to look out for a viable market and to encourage the farmers for a better harvest.
When asked what would the programme be like, Soizalal Thangjom, chairman of Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee said the programme would be three-fold - Pineapple show, Pineapple musical concert for peace, and Pineapple Queen contest. Besides, the festival is to feature open market as well as free eating joints. He adds that Khousabung village has been carefully chosen for the first ever Manipur Pineapple Festival as it is the first place where pineapple was grown in Manipur.
Welcoming the festival, an enthusiastic progressive farmer K David said hopefully that the festival would be an eye-opener and the government should come out with a definite farmers’ policy of the state to elevate the pathetic condition of the poor farmers.
Hesieh, another progressive pineapple farmer said that the festival will be a high point of the year for the poor farmers who are toiling and sweating in rain and sun.
Definitely, a new chapter in the annals of pineapple cultivation in Manipur is waiting to happen with the celebration of the first ever state level pineapple festival.
Moirang, Aug 13: Pineapple carnival fever has, for the first time in more than six decades of pineapple cultivation, gripped the entire populace of Khousabung District Council Constituency (DCC) area in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, as the area gears up for the first ever state-level pineapple festival, slated to be held in the last week of August. For the poor pineapple farming community, the initiative of pineapple festival to be held in the area meant another form of recognition from the power that be, and the ambience prevailing in the area summarily sums up the pulse of the farming community.
The agrarian community of the area has been cultivating pineapple as a major source of income since six decades back, though the authority that be might have been blind about the existence of large tract of land being occupied by pineapple cultivation. Says Khamzathang, 85, Second World War soldier and the chief of Bunglon village, “The cultivation of pineapple in Manipur was first started by Pu Songpu Gangte at Khousabung area in Churachandpur district, incidentally in the year India won her independence in 1947.”
As per a survey conducted by NNN, the Kew variety of pineapple is predominantly found in Churachandpur district, particularly within the jurisdiction of Khousabung DCC, including Khousabung, Bunglon, Ningthiching, New Ningthiching, Harmontlang, Muolhoih, S Nabil, Songdo and Phunchongjang villages. In this compact area, over 700 acres of land sweep pineapple cultivation, commanding over 70 lakhs production of pineapples. According to pineapple cultivators of the area, about 10 thousand pineapple suckers could be planted in an acre of land.
The Kew variety of pineapple is now found in almost the whole of Manipur, thanks to the easy availability of pineapple suckers in Khousabung area. Interacting with NNN, Thangtinpau Gangte, registered pineapple supplier, said that the Kew variety of pineapple are found in Ichum Keirap, Daili, Singda Dam area, Kangpokpi area of Senapati district. In Ukhrul district, it is found in Lai village (Nagaland border), Kachai etc.
He said further that the pineapple variety is found in Chakpikarong of Chandel district, Leingang area in Bishnupur, Thayong area in Imphal West, and Ngariyan
Hills in Imphal East. In Tamenglong district, it is found in Leison Luangluak Khunou, Joujangtek, Nungsai, etc. The Kew variety of pineapple is harvested from July till September.
On the other hand, the Queen variety of pineapple is mostly found in Thoubal district.
According to Gin Gangte, secretary of the Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee, the celebration of pineapple festival aims to bring all the pineapple farmers of Manipur under a common platform, a promotional campaign to reach out to all the people of the state and elsewhere, to find out the problems and difficulties, as well as success stories of the farmers, and more importantly, to look out for a viable market and to encourage the farmers for a better harvest.
When asked what would the programme be like, Soizalal Thangjom, chairman of Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee said the programme would be three-fold - Pineapple show, Pineapple musical concert for peace, and Pineapple Queen contest. Besides, the festival is to feature open market as well as free eating joints. He adds that Khousabung village has been carefully chosen for the first ever Manipur Pineapple Festival as it is the first place where pineapple was grown in Manipur.
Welcoming the festival, an enthusiastic progressive farmer K David said hopefully that the festival would be an eye-opener and the government should come out with a definite farmers’ policy of the state to elevate the pathetic condition of the poor farmers.
Hesieh, another progressive pineapple farmer said that the festival will be a high point of the year for the poor farmers who are toiling and sweating in rain and sun.
Definitely, a new chapter in the annals of pineapple cultivation in Manipur is waiting to happen with the celebration of the first ever state level pineapple festival.
1891 war heroes remembered on 117th Patriots’ Day
The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Aug 13: On the occasion of Patriots’ Day today the state paid homage to the valiant warriors who laid down their lives for the cause of their motherland in 1891.
The Patriots’ Day celebration was held throughout the state in commemoration of the supreme sacrifice made by the Manipuri heroes on the gallows 117 years ago on August 13, 1891.
The day is observed every year to commemorate the day five Manipuri heroes namely Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Niranjan Subedar, Kajao and Cherai Naga, who waged war against the powerful British empire, were hanged to death.
While Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hanged till death in front of the public at Pheidabung in the heart of Imphal city, which is now known as the Shahid Minar, the other martyrs namely Kajao, Niranjan Subedar and Cherai Naga were hanged inside a jail in Imphal.
Apart from the main observation at the Shahid Minar in Imphal, the day was observed at every district headquarter and at several other venues by different political, students and civil society organizations.
The main observation of this year`s Patriots’ Day was held at the Shahid Minar in which the state Governor Gurbachan Jagat and chief minister O Ibobi Singh led the people in laying wreaths at the site of the martyrdom.
Earlier in the morning, the chief minister along with his cabinet colleagues and MLAs and the public paid rich floral tributes at Hicham Yaichampat, the samadhi of Tikendrajit, and later at the samadhi of Thangal General located at Palace Compound.
The heads of the state also observed two minutes silence at both the places followed by a gun salute by contingents of the Manipur Rifles.
Before the main observation began at the Shahid Minar, the Governor and the chief minister also led the people in paying homage at the Bir Tikendrajit temple located inside the Kangla.
The chief minister while addressing a gathering at the observation function at BT Park said that the Union minister for sports had informed him today that the ministry would do justice in the Monika’s drop out case.
He said he received a telephone call today from the Union sports minister telling him that the ministry was taking the matter seriously and would find out the truth behind the controversial case.
"It is a well planned conspiracy to kick out L Monika from the Beijing Olympics,” said the chief minister while elaborately revealing the manipulative tactics in the last hour of her departure till her clearance from the charges.
The act of the sports authorities towards Monika is an insult to not only Monika but to the players of the state as well as to the people of the state. “So, at any cost we will not leave it without getting justice,” Ibobi announced.
‘The people of Manipur want justice and if the country wants to bring up sports and earn international fame, then there must be justice in this case,’ he said.
Ibobi also condemned IOA president Suresh Kalmadi’s light response while refusing inclusion of Monika.
Speaking on the observation of the day, the chief minister said, "The observation of the day revives the vivid memories of the brave sons of Manipur. To safeguard the territorial integrity within the independent Indian Union will be the true tribute to our forefathers who made the supreme sacrifice."
He also said disunity amongst princes in the then powerful Manipuri kingdom led to the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 after which the state became a part of the British Empire.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor also agreeing with Ibobi’s concern over the Monika case observed the need for a serious enquiry into the matter for taking a corrective measures without delay.
The apparent conspiracy has hurt not only the player and the people of the state but also sportspersons and sport lovers of the country, he said.
With regard to the observation of the Patriots’ Day, the Governor said, “We are observing the day to pay our homage and tributes to the heroic forefathers who sacrificed their lives in the service of the motherland 117 years ago on August 13, 1891.”
The memory of both known and unknown heroes will remain etched in the minds of the people of the state, he said adding that their sacrifice belongs not only to the history of Manipur but also to the history of freedom lovers of India and aborad.
Being a lesson from the disunity among the kings of the princely states and among the princes of the then India, “We should resolve on this day to stand united to face all the internal and external enemies,” he said.
Elsewhere in the state, the 117th Patriots’ Day observation was held at every district headquarter and at several other places organised by civil society organizations and political parties as well as students organizations.
At Senapati, the celebration was held at the Thangal General Ecological Park located at Mayangkhang in which people paid rich floral tributes at the statue of Thangal General.
CPI, Manipur state council observed the day at the Irawat Bhavan with Moirangthem Ibohal Singh, chairman, controlling commission, MSC/CPI, state health minister, Ph Parijat Singh and L Iboyaima, secretarty MSC, CPI as members of the presidium and ex-MLA Dr. M Nara Singh, sitting MLA Dr. U Deben and Dr. Borajao as speakers of the function.
The Manipur People’s Party, MPP, also organized the observation at Kakwa community hall in collaboration with local MLA O Joy Singh.
The function was attended by its president Dr. L Chandramani, MLA RK Anand, Dr. I Ibohanbi, Ng Bijoy, Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, ex-MP Th Chaoba, P Achou and professor N Mohendro Singh.
The All Manipur Students Union, AMSU, and Democratic Students' Alliance, DESAM also organized an observation at the CC Higher Secondary School in Imphal.
During the function, those who attended paid tributes to the freedom fighters of the 1891 Anglo-Manipur war by offering flowers before a blank portrait frame, symbolizing all who, regardless of status or community, made the supreme sacrifice in the war, rather than a few specific heroes.
The Manipur Standard English School, Singjamei also observed the day at the school premises.
IMPHAL, Aug 13: On the occasion of Patriots’ Day today the state paid homage to the valiant warriors who laid down their lives for the cause of their motherland in 1891.
The Patriots’ Day celebration was held throughout the state in commemoration of the supreme sacrifice made by the Manipuri heroes on the gallows 117 years ago on August 13, 1891.
The day is observed every year to commemorate the day five Manipuri heroes namely Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Niranjan Subedar, Kajao and Cherai Naga, who waged war against the powerful British empire, were hanged to death.
While Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hanged till death in front of the public at Pheidabung in the heart of Imphal city, which is now known as the Shahid Minar, the other martyrs namely Kajao, Niranjan Subedar and Cherai Naga were hanged inside a jail in Imphal.
Apart from the main observation at the Shahid Minar in Imphal, the day was observed at every district headquarter and at several other venues by different political, students and civil society organizations.
The main observation of this year`s Patriots’ Day was held at the Shahid Minar in which the state Governor Gurbachan Jagat and chief minister O Ibobi Singh led the people in laying wreaths at the site of the martyrdom.
Earlier in the morning, the chief minister along with his cabinet colleagues and MLAs and the public paid rich floral tributes at Hicham Yaichampat, the samadhi of Tikendrajit, and later at the samadhi of Thangal General located at Palace Compound.
The heads of the state also observed two minutes silence at both the places followed by a gun salute by contingents of the Manipur Rifles.
Before the main observation began at the Shahid Minar, the Governor and the chief minister also led the people in paying homage at the Bir Tikendrajit temple located inside the Kangla.
The chief minister while addressing a gathering at the observation function at BT Park said that the Union minister for sports had informed him today that the ministry would do justice in the Monika’s drop out case.
He said he received a telephone call today from the Union sports minister telling him that the ministry was taking the matter seriously and would find out the truth behind the controversial case.
"It is a well planned conspiracy to kick out L Monika from the Beijing Olympics,” said the chief minister while elaborately revealing the manipulative tactics in the last hour of her departure till her clearance from the charges.
The act of the sports authorities towards Monika is an insult to not only Monika but to the players of the state as well as to the people of the state. “So, at any cost we will not leave it without getting justice,” Ibobi announced.
‘The people of Manipur want justice and if the country wants to bring up sports and earn international fame, then there must be justice in this case,’ he said.
Ibobi also condemned IOA president Suresh Kalmadi’s light response while refusing inclusion of Monika.
Speaking on the observation of the day, the chief minister said, "The observation of the day revives the vivid memories of the brave sons of Manipur. To safeguard the territorial integrity within the independent Indian Union will be the true tribute to our forefathers who made the supreme sacrifice."
He also said disunity amongst princes in the then powerful Manipuri kingdom led to the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 after which the state became a part of the British Empire.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor also agreeing with Ibobi’s concern over the Monika case observed the need for a serious enquiry into the matter for taking a corrective measures without delay.
The apparent conspiracy has hurt not only the player and the people of the state but also sportspersons and sport lovers of the country, he said.
With regard to the observation of the Patriots’ Day, the Governor said, “We are observing the day to pay our homage and tributes to the heroic forefathers who sacrificed their lives in the service of the motherland 117 years ago on August 13, 1891.”
The memory of both known and unknown heroes will remain etched in the minds of the people of the state, he said adding that their sacrifice belongs not only to the history of Manipur but also to the history of freedom lovers of India and aborad.
Being a lesson from the disunity among the kings of the princely states and among the princes of the then India, “We should resolve on this day to stand united to face all the internal and external enemies,” he said.
Elsewhere in the state, the 117th Patriots’ Day observation was held at every district headquarter and at several other places organised by civil society organizations and political parties as well as students organizations.
At Senapati, the celebration was held at the Thangal General Ecological Park located at Mayangkhang in which people paid rich floral tributes at the statue of Thangal General.
CPI, Manipur state council observed the day at the Irawat Bhavan with Moirangthem Ibohal Singh, chairman, controlling commission, MSC/CPI, state health minister, Ph Parijat Singh and L Iboyaima, secretarty MSC, CPI as members of the presidium and ex-MLA Dr. M Nara Singh, sitting MLA Dr. U Deben and Dr. Borajao as speakers of the function.
The Manipur People’s Party, MPP, also organized the observation at Kakwa community hall in collaboration with local MLA O Joy Singh.
The function was attended by its president Dr. L Chandramani, MLA RK Anand, Dr. I Ibohanbi, Ng Bijoy, Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, ex-MP Th Chaoba, P Achou and professor N Mohendro Singh.
The All Manipur Students Union, AMSU, and Democratic Students' Alliance, DESAM also organized an observation at the CC Higher Secondary School in Imphal.
During the function, those who attended paid tributes to the freedom fighters of the 1891 Anglo-Manipur war by offering flowers before a blank portrait frame, symbolizing all who, regardless of status or community, made the supreme sacrifice in the war, rather than a few specific heroes.
The Manipur Standard English School, Singjamei also observed the day at the school premises.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
A road touching Chandel and Khulmi on lying in all its glory for everyone to see
MSAD to protest
IMPHAL, Aug 11 : Maintaining that it is a matter of shock that L Monika had been pulled out from the Indian squad of Beijing Olym- pics in the very last minute on false allegations, Mani-pur Students’ Association, Delhi (MSAD) asserted that the entire episode appears to be a manipulative game played by Sports Authority of India, National Doping Test Laboratory and Indian Olympic Association against the sportsperson. MSAD will organise a sit-in-protest against such dama- ging action of the sports authorities on August 12 at ITO Junction, says an information received from the students’ body. MSAD also requested the Mani-puri residents of Delhi to join the said protest.
AIR programme
IMPHAL, Aug 11 : With the National Rural Employment Generation Scheme gaining momentum in Imphal West, its Deputy Commissioner A Ibocha has disclosed in the AIR, Imphal unit programme ‘Khangminnasi Eikhoi’ (Let Us Know Together) that about 42,000 job cards in 43 Gram Panchayats have already been issued. On criteria taken into consideration while issuing the job card is to study the willingness of the people to work given under the said scheme. Priority is given to construction of minor irrigation works in the district. The first part of the full programme will be aired on August 13 a 7 am on Kangla Channel in Khonjel Nachom while the second part will be broadcast on August 20 through the same channel at the same time, said AIR in a statement today.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
Students, activists and sportspersons taking out a rally to protest the last minute exclusion of L Monika from the squad
Monika’s omission continues to rankle, 24 hr general strikes called
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Aug 7 :The shock omission of L Monika from the Olympic squad bound for Beijing at the 11th hour on the ground that her sample had tested positive during a test by SAI continues to rankle the collec-tive conscience of the people of Manipur, with many protesting the ‘unfair’ treatment meted out to the weight lifter.
To give vent to their anger the United Committee Manipur and ACOAM Lup have imposed general strikes separately, while DESAM, AMSU and others took out a protest rally forcing the police to fire tear gas shells to disperse them.
On the other hand YAS Minister N Biren left for Delhi today to present the case of the people before the Centre.
Speaking to the media at the airport, Biren said that the Govt will fight for justice and urged the people to remain calm until the case is cracked.
