IMPHAL: In the face of the exodus of northeastern students from cities of South India, the All Manipur Christian Organization (AMCO) has appealed to all communities of the state to remain calm and not to resort to violence.
The AMCO appealed to all churches to pray ceaselessly and restrain their members from resorting to any unwanted steps that could fuel the violence. "We understand the situation and propaganda being played by various elements where there is every possibility of larger violence and destruction. Many have suffered unnecessarily causing more hurt and bitterness," said AMCO president Rev Prim Vaiphei.
AMCO reviewed the mass exodus of the NE people from different cities. "We stand at the threshold of massive changes in times of history and we appeal that much understanding and solution can be brought with forgiveness and prayers to reduce human suffering and pain that has affected various families, indirectly and directly," it said.
Manipur village mourns Assam train victim
Twenty-one-year-old Sharif Ahmed had big dreams. The young man from Manipur’s largest Muslim settlement of Lilong in Thoubal district wanted to appear for the civil services exam and become an IAS officer to help his community. It’s a dream most young people in this minority community have, but few achieve.
Ahmed’s family though will never find out how he would have fared. A student of the masters course in Geography at Guwahati’s Cotton College, Ahmed was one of the four youth who died after being thrown out of a Bangalore-Guwahati special train following a fight with fellow passengers near New Jalpaiguri on Saturday.
The train was one of the many that had been scheduled to bring home people from the Northeast who were fleeing Karnataka’s capital following rumours that they would be attacked by Muslims in retaliation for the clashes between Bodos and migrant Muslims in Assam.
Those who knew Ahmed in Lilong said he was one of the brighter students in his village and the youngest and brightest among the seven siblings in his family. He had stood third in his graduation from Manipur University and wanted to study more to pursue his ambition. Overshadowed by the politics between the tribal Nagas and Kukis and the dominant Meitei Hindu community in the state, the Pangal Meiteis, as the Muslims in Manipur are called, are known to consider education as their only hope.
“He left home on August 14 to join college. He stayed a night in Dimapur, Nagaland. I last talked to him on the evening of the 17th when I told him that he had to come for Eid. He agreed,” said Ahmed’s father Alhaaz Zeinulabuddin, a retired political science teacher. “On the 19th night I received news from the Lilong police station that my son had died. He was my biggest hope. He was the hope of the community. What am I supposed to do now?”
Ahmed’s relatives and friends said that it is a mystery to them how Ahmed was on a train from Bangalore to Guwahati when he was supposed to be in Guwahati and come to Lilong for Eid. “This is the second time Sharif had gone to Guwahati, the first time was for his admission. He had no friends there. He had not traveled to Bangalore as many are saying. Then how is it that he was found pushed off a train in Jalpaiguri? How could this happen?” asked his cousin Amjad Khan.
Top sources in the Manipur government, however, said that their inquiries had found Ahmed had gone to Bangalore even though they are yet to ascertain the reason for the trip. He was returning with the rest of the people from the Northeast who were fleeing the city, they said.
Ahmed’s body was brought to Imphal on Tuesday under tight security. Although the entire Lilong and men from surrounding villages arrived at Zeinulabuddin’s home to show their solidarity, the immediate family did not receive Ahmed’s body until the state government assured them of compensation and a thorough probe into the death.
While Ahmed’s death has shocked Lilong, some local Muslim leaders are wondering why they have been dragged into the conflict in Assam. “We are very confused. This entire situation with the Muslims and Bodos in Assam is horrible. We consider ourselves more Manipuri than Muslims. Why are they dragging us into this? We don’t want to be a part of this issue. We don’t want our lives disrupted,” said All Manipur Muslims Organisation Coordination Committee member Saeed Rahimuddin.
State government officials said that they were on alert and security had been stepped up to prevent any spillover of the trouble in Assam.
Ahmed’s family though will never find out how he would have fared. A student of the masters course in Geography at Guwahati’s Cotton College, Ahmed was one of the four youth who died after being thrown out of a Bangalore-Guwahati special train following a fight with fellow passengers near New Jalpaiguri on Saturday.
The train was one of the many that had been scheduled to bring home people from the Northeast who were fleeing Karnataka’s capital following rumours that they would be attacked by Muslims in retaliation for the clashes between Bodos and migrant Muslims in Assam.
Those who knew Ahmed in Lilong said he was one of the brighter students in his village and the youngest and brightest among the seven siblings in his family. He had stood third in his graduation from Manipur University and wanted to study more to pursue his ambition. Overshadowed by the politics between the tribal Nagas and Kukis and the dominant Meitei Hindu community in the state, the Pangal Meiteis, as the Muslims in Manipur are called, are known to consider education as their only hope.
“He left home on August 14 to join college. He stayed a night in Dimapur, Nagaland. I last talked to him on the evening of the 17th when I told him that he had to come for Eid. He agreed,” said Ahmed’s father Alhaaz Zeinulabuddin, a retired political science teacher. “On the 19th night I received news from the Lilong police station that my son had died. He was my biggest hope. He was the hope of the community. What am I supposed to do now?”
Ahmed’s relatives and friends said that it is a mystery to them how Ahmed was on a train from Bangalore to Guwahati when he was supposed to be in Guwahati and come to Lilong for Eid. “This is the second time Sharif had gone to Guwahati, the first time was for his admission. He had no friends there. He had not traveled to Bangalore as many are saying. Then how is it that he was found pushed off a train in Jalpaiguri? How could this happen?” asked his cousin Amjad Khan.
Top sources in the Manipur government, however, said that their inquiries had found Ahmed had gone to Bangalore even though they are yet to ascertain the reason for the trip. He was returning with the rest of the people from the Northeast who were fleeing the city, they said.
Ahmed’s body was brought to Imphal on Tuesday under tight security. Although the entire Lilong and men from surrounding villages arrived at Zeinulabuddin’s home to show their solidarity, the immediate family did not receive Ahmed’s body until the state government assured them of compensation and a thorough probe into the death.
While Ahmed’s death has shocked Lilong, some local Muslim leaders are wondering why they have been dragged into the conflict in Assam. “We are very confused. This entire situation with the Muslims and Bodos in Assam is horrible. We consider ourselves more Manipuri than Muslims. Why are they dragging us into this? We don’t want to be a part of this issue. We don’t want our lives disrupted,” said All Manipur Muslims Organisation Coordination Committee member Saeed Rahimuddin.
State government officials said that they were on alert and security had been stepped up to prevent any spillover of the trouble in Assam.
Inclusion of Manipur language in 8th Schedule recalled
IMPHAL, Aug 20 : The All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) today observed the 21st Manipuri Language Day at its head-office.Addressing the gathering as chief guest, former AMSU president Leihaothabam Sharatchandra pointed out that it has been 20 years since the Manipuri Language was put in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Highlighting the need to work harder for development of Manipuri language, Sharatchandra recalled that the movement for Manipuri language gained momentum after attaining statehood in 1971.
In course of the movement, H Banikanta of Sega Road, Jailor Leirak and P Inao of Khabam were killed in police action but their sacrifice was never acknowledged.
Before a separate directorate is set up for Manipuri language, it is necessary to have an open discussion on the works and responsibilities which should be handled by the Directorate.
There is also a need on the part of Manipuri scholars not to work only for Manipuri literature but also for development of Manipuri language, said Sharatchandra.
In the efforts for development of Manipuri language, one cannot afford go astray. As for the existing Language cell, it is unlikely that it would ever come alive, he observed.
Underscoring the importance of compiling a dictionary of Manipuri language, he asserted that it is the duty of the Union Government to include Manipuri scripts among the different scripts inscribed on Indian rupee notes. Sahitya Akademi Awardee Thiyam Saratchand observed that less and less people are speaking complete Manipuri sentences as it has become a popular trend to mix English words in every sentence.
This practice is a serious obstacle to development of Manipuri language. Among the five directorates set up in Tripura for different languages, there is one for Manipuri language, and as a result, Manipur language is making remarkable progress in Tripura. But not a single directorate can be opened in Manipur, despite being the home State of Manipuri language.
Noting many young students are unable to read texts written in Manipuri language, Sharatchandra warned that Manipuri language would become an obsolete language if this trend continues any longer. UCM president Y Nabachandra emphasised the need for preserving and promoting Manipuri language. Promotion of Manipur language as lingua franca for the whole State would go a long way in consolidating integrity of the State.
He also expressed his preference of the term ‘Manipuri language’ in place of Meiteilon as the former can encompass all the communities of Manipur. Among others, the function was also attended by AMSU advisor Khomdram Ratan and AMSU president Thokchom Suresh.
Four arrested for robbing Manipuri youth of cellphone
PUNE: The Pune crime branch on Sunday arrested four people and detained two minors for attacking and robbing a 23-year-old Manipuri youth of his cellphone. The incident took place on Shankarsheth Road on Saturday afternoon.
Kamajoel Dongal, a resident of B T Kawade Road in Ghorpadi, has lodged a complaint with the Khadak police.
The four arrested are Sagar Thorat (21), Sagar Mohite (20), both of Lohiyanagar, Shabbir Shaikh (19) of Hadapsar and Nitin Misal (21) of Indirangar. The police have recovered Dongal's cell phone from them.
The crime branch (unit-I) team led by inspector Sunil Deshmukh made the arrests.
Deshmukh said Dongal was on his way home when the six suspects accosted him. They asked Dongal where he was from. When Dongal told them he was from Manipur, they attacked him and snatched his cellphone worth Rs 3,000 and fled.
"Following a tip-off that criminals on record Sagar Thorat and Sagar Mohite were involved in the attack on Dongal, we nabbed the two on Sunday afternoon," Deshmukh said adding, "During interrogation, the two revealed the names of the other four suspects."
The suspects have been handed over to the Khadak police.
Kamajoel Dongal, a resident of B T Kawade Road in Ghorpadi, has lodged a complaint with the Khadak police.
The four arrested are Sagar Thorat (21), Sagar Mohite (20), both of Lohiyanagar, Shabbir Shaikh (19) of Hadapsar and Nitin Misal (21) of Indirangar. The police have recovered Dongal's cell phone from them.
The crime branch (unit-I) team led by inspector Sunil Deshmukh made the arrests.
Deshmukh said Dongal was on his way home when the six suspects accosted him. They asked Dongal where he was from. When Dongal told them he was from Manipur, they attacked him and snatched his cellphone worth Rs 3,000 and fled.
"Following a tip-off that criminals on record Sagar Thorat and Sagar Mohite were involved in the attack on Dongal, we nabbed the two on Sunday afternoon," Deshmukh said adding, "During interrogation, the two revealed the names of the other four suspects."
The suspects have been handed over to the Khadak police.
Manipur officials to study exodus situation
Imphal, Aug 19 : The Manipur government will send senior officials to Karnataka and Maharashtra to look into the exodus of northeast people from these states in the wake of the recent Assam violence.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh late last night, an official spokesman said today, adding the government took "seriously" the reported attack on Manipuris in Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The official spokesman said the state government was in touch with the offices of the Prime Minister and union Home Minister and also with the governments of Karnataka and Maharashtra to take whatever steps possible to protect the people from the north eastern states including, the "sensitive" state of Manipur.
He said as per the cabinet decision, senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (range one) Clay Khongsai would go to Bengaluru and Mysore in Karnataka.
Additional Home Secretary M.Yaiskul and the Additional Director of Education (School) Ranjan Yumnam would visit Guwahati while Superintendent of Police (Chandel district) Elangbam Priyokumar would go to Pune to study the situation.
The Manipur officials in consultation with their counterparts in these states would work for protection of Manipuris residing there and would advise them according to the situation prevailing there.
The spokesman said the cabinet meeting also discussed the plight of Manipuri students and workers who were returning en masee from the southern states.
Meanwhile, media reports said three persons had been arrested by Karnataka Police for allegedly beating Manipuris in that state.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh late last night, an official spokesman said today, adding the government took "seriously" the reported attack on Manipuris in Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The official spokesman said the state government was in touch with the offices of the Prime Minister and union Home Minister and also with the governments of Karnataka and Maharashtra to take whatever steps possible to protect the people from the north eastern states including, the "sensitive" state of Manipur.
He said as per the cabinet decision, senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (range one) Clay Khongsai would go to Bengaluru and Mysore in Karnataka.
Additional Home Secretary M.Yaiskul and the Additional Director of Education (School) Ranjan Yumnam would visit Guwahati while Superintendent of Police (Chandel district) Elangbam Priyokumar would go to Pune to study the situation.
The Manipur officials in consultation with their counterparts in these states would work for protection of Manipuris residing there and would advise them according to the situation prevailing there.
The spokesman said the cabinet meeting also discussed the plight of Manipuri students and workers who were returning en masee from the southern states.
Meanwhile, media reports said three persons had been arrested by Karnataka Police for allegedly beating Manipuris in that state.
Manipuris observe Patriots Day in Delhi
Manipuris from all walks of life living in Delhi observed Patriots` Day in New Delhi on Monday
The celebration was held at the Manipur Tikendrajit House, in Delhi’s Chanakyapuri area.
Three photographs of Paona Brajabasi, Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were decorated at the base of the statue of Bir Tikendrajit where a large number of Manipuris from the National Capital Region paid their homage to the great patriots of Manipur who fought against the mighty Britishers and sacrificed their lives for the cause of their motherland.
The Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh led the VIPs and public while paying tribute to the great patriots.
A two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the departed souls.
Sitting Lok Sabha members Dr Thokchom Meinya and Thangso Baite. Rajya Sabha member Rishang Keishing, Manipur Legislative Assembly member from Naoria Pakhanglakpa Constituency RKAnand and former Ministers V.Hangkhalian and Vivek Raj Wangkhem were among those dignitaries who paid tribute to the martyrs.
August 13th is a red-letter day in the history of Manipur, as on this fateful day in 1891, two great patriots, namely Bir Tikendrajit, the prince of Manipur, and General Thangal, were hanged in broad daylight by the British in the presence of thousands of men and women at Pheidapung, Imphal Outer Pologround for defending the freedom of Manipur.
Subedar Niranjan, Kajao Singh Jamadar alias Pukhramba Phingang and Charai Thangal of Mayangkhang were also hanged till death on June 8, May 25 and October 15 in the same year inside the Imphal jail on similar charge of waging war against the British Crown.
Death sentences were passed on Regent Kulachandra and Angousana, but the Governor General commuted the death sentence passed on the Maharaja and the Prince Angousana who were sent in exile for life to Kalapani (Andaman) along with 20 martyrs for waging war against the British empress,
The British action in Manipur culminating in the occupation of the kingdom and the execution of 35-year old Tikendrajit and 80-year old General Thangal created a great sensation in Bengal.
Barrister Monomohon Ghosh fought like a lion in the case against Tikendrajit and Kulachandra.
The people of Bengal in particular had great sympathy for the unfortunate princes of Manipur who were the victims of British conspiracy
The stand taken by Tikendrajit and his martyrdom continued to be a source of inspiration to the revolutionaries of India`s freedom movement.
Years later, the government of free India, as suggested by Arun Chandra Guha, included the portrait of Bir Tikendrajit in the National Portrait Gallery inside the House of the People in New Delhi.
The celebration was held at the Manipur Tikendrajit House, in Delhi’s Chanakyapuri area.
Three photographs of Paona Brajabasi, Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were decorated at the base of the statue of Bir Tikendrajit where a large number of Manipuris from the National Capital Region paid their homage to the great patriots of Manipur who fought against the mighty Britishers and sacrificed their lives for the cause of their motherland.
The Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh led the VIPs and public while paying tribute to the great patriots.
A two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the departed souls.
Sitting Lok Sabha members Dr Thokchom Meinya and Thangso Baite. Rajya Sabha member Rishang Keishing, Manipur Legislative Assembly member from Naoria Pakhanglakpa Constituency RKAnand and former Ministers V.Hangkhalian and Vivek Raj Wangkhem were among those dignitaries who paid tribute to the martyrs.
August 13th is a red-letter day in the history of Manipur, as on this fateful day in 1891, two great patriots, namely Bir Tikendrajit, the prince of Manipur, and General Thangal, were hanged in broad daylight by the British in the presence of thousands of men and women at Pheidapung, Imphal Outer Pologround for defending the freedom of Manipur.
Subedar Niranjan, Kajao Singh Jamadar alias Pukhramba Phingang and Charai Thangal of Mayangkhang were also hanged till death on June 8, May 25 and October 15 in the same year inside the Imphal jail on similar charge of waging war against the British Crown.
Death sentences were passed on Regent Kulachandra and Angousana, but the Governor General commuted the death sentence passed on the Maharaja and the Prince Angousana who were sent in exile for life to Kalapani (Andaman) along with 20 martyrs for waging war against the British empress,
The British action in Manipur culminating in the occupation of the kingdom and the execution of 35-year old Tikendrajit and 80-year old General Thangal created a great sensation in Bengal.
Barrister Monomohon Ghosh fought like a lion in the case against Tikendrajit and Kulachandra.
The people of Bengal in particular had great sympathy for the unfortunate princes of Manipur who were the victims of British conspiracy
The stand taken by Tikendrajit and his martyrdom continued to be a source of inspiration to the revolutionaries of India`s freedom movement.
Years later, the government of free India, as suggested by Arun Chandra Guha, included the portrait of Bir Tikendrajit in the National Portrait Gallery inside the House of the People in New Delhi.
Delhi, Manipur approve FDI in multi-brand retail
Last year, after the government approved 51 percent FDI in multi-brand retail, the Opposition and many other political parties including UPA’s own allies Trinmool Congress put the government’s efforts to open the multi-brand retail sector to foreign investment, in the cold-storage.
Later it was decided that the policy would be put on hold till it reaches a mutual consensus by all parties and states. Post it, the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Government of India wrote to all the state governments on June 19, 2012 asking for support. Till date, the governments of NCT of Delhi, Manipur, and the union territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli have sent a written communication indicating support for FDI in multi-brand retail trade.
As per extant policy, FDI, up to 100 per cent is permitted, with prior government approval, for single brand product retail trading. FDI is not permitted in multi brand retail. Data relating to single brand retail trade operations in the states is not centrally maintained. This information was given by the minister of state for commerce and industry, Jyotiraditya Scindia in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Meanwhile the Congress leadership is planning to take another shy at opening multibrand retail to foreign chains. The UPA coordination committee is likely to be convened towards the end of the month specifically to smoothen the way for the long-pending liberalization move. The meeting is expected to be attended by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee who has been a big hurdle in the government’s plans to let in foreign retailers. The coordination committee,comprising UPA constituents which are part of the government,is expected to meet once a month on the first Friday.
Later it was decided that the policy would be put on hold till it reaches a mutual consensus by all parties and states. Post it, the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Government of India wrote to all the state governments on June 19, 2012 asking for support. Till date, the governments of NCT of Delhi, Manipur, and the union territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli have sent a written communication indicating support for FDI in multi-brand retail trade.
As per extant policy, FDI, up to 100 per cent is permitted, with prior government approval, for single brand product retail trading. FDI is not permitted in multi brand retail. Data relating to single brand retail trade operations in the states is not centrally maintained. This information was given by the minister of state for commerce and industry, Jyotiraditya Scindia in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Meanwhile the Congress leadership is planning to take another shy at opening multibrand retail to foreign chains. The UPA coordination committee is likely to be convened towards the end of the month specifically to smoothen the way for the long-pending liberalization move. The meeting is expected to be attended by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee who has been a big hurdle in the government’s plans to let in foreign retailers. The coordination committee,comprising UPA constituents which are part of the government,is expected to meet once a month on the first Friday.
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