‘Chauhan not happy with development progress’, Ibobi’s fate likely to be decided after Dec 19
By : A Staff Reporter 12/13/2007 1:10:49 AM
IMPHAL Dec 12: Considering the prevailing atmosphere in the state Congress in the wake of AICC general secretary north east in-charge’s visit to the state, the retainment of O Ibobi Singh as chief minister, it seems will depend largely on the Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, as the Congress observer is apparently not satisfied with Ibobi’s performance.
The visiting Union state minister Prithivi Raj Chauhan, sources in the rebel camp claimed, is not satisfied with the performance of the Congress led SPF government in the state under the leadership of chief minister O Ibobi Singh.
Chauhan reportedly expressed disappointment over the progress report of implementation of development works taken up in the state with the assistance of the Centre during a meeting with Congress legislature party members at Imphal Hotel today.
During the meeting Chauhan reportedly lamented Ibobi’s slow progress in the development works most importantly the projects under the state reconstruction plan sanctioned under Prime Minister’s package.
Mention may be made that most of the projects and schemes taken up as priority like the Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal railway line, upgradation of NH-39 to four laning upto Imphal from Maram, Tipaimukh hydro electricity project (1500 MW), Loktak down stream project (90 MW), augmentation of petroleum storage capacity, construction of FCI godowns at district headquarters in hill areas, night landing facilities at Imphal airport, construction of capitol project etc. were all in the initial stages as per the report submitted to the Union minister yesterday.
During the meeting Chauhan commented on the findings of yesterday’s plan progress review meeting and showed his displeasure on Ibobi’s failure to bring all round development in the state, the rebels said.
He also reportedly pointed out that the Congress government’s objectives of bringing up backward states in the country were undermined under Ibobi’s leadership.
After the CLP meeting, Chauhan also called on all the 14 district level presidents of the state Congress. 10 out of 14 district level presidents who met Chauhan reportedly gave observations against Ibobi while only four were in favour of the chief minister, according to the rebels.
Chauhan also met the representatives of various civil bodies, mostly women’s bodies.
Among others who got an audience with the visiting Union minister different women’s organizations of the Khwairamband market reportedly complained on the delay in the construction of the multi-storey market complex.
They also urged Chauhan to instruct the state government to speed up the construction works and complete it within a time bound period. The meetings with the representatives of the NGOs continued till late in the evening.
After taking statements of 16 MLAs out of 31 Congress legislatures yesterday, meetings inviting comments from the remaining MLAs were taken up tonight.
In yesterday’s closed door meetings, sources said that 12 MLAs including ministers gave their statements in support of Ibobi’s leadership. It also observed that including Ibobi, only 13 MLAs are on Ibobi’s side.
Interestingly, the interviews with MLAs in the rebel camp were taken up today. The same interviews were reportedly continuing till late night and was being targeted for completion today itself as Chauhan is leaving Imphal tomorrow for the national capital.
During the interviews, Chuahan also reportedly asked the MLAs who their choice would be if they wanted to change the CLP leader.
Chauhan is leaving the state capital concluding his three-day visit in the state tomorrow. He will submit his observation to the Congress high command at the Centre for further course of action.
Whether Ibobi will be retained as chief minister or replaced is to be decided by the Cnogress high command after the AICC general secretary submits his findings on the prevailing situation in the Congress.
However, political observers are of the opinion that the high command may decide on the matter after December 19, after the Gujarat polls end.
The Imphal Free Press
==========================================================
CM asks women to take positive role in bringing peace in state
By : A Staff Reporter 12/13/2007 1:09:31 AM
IMPHAL, Dec 12: On the occasion of Nupilal Numit today, the Manipur chief minister, O Ibobi Singh has exhorted the women of Manipur to take a positive role in bringing peace in the state.
Manipur observed "Nupilal Numit" on a wide scale in the state today to pay homage to the brave women who fought for justice against the British colonial rulers and monopolistic trade interests in the Nupilals of 1904 and 1939.
The chief minister led the public in offering tributes to the Nupilal freedom fighters at the official function this morning at the Nupilal Memorial complex. A number of civil society and women’s bodies also organised their own functions to mark the occasion.
A Nupilal Memorial Run was also organised this morning, where a record 450 plus women of ages ranging from 50 to 75 participated.
Addressing the gathering at the official function held at the Nupilal memorial complex, chief minister Ibobi made an earnest appeal to the present generation to emulate the Nupilal freedom fighters and come forward to help restore peace in the state.
Ibobi also spoke on the problems and issues confronting the state, and stressed the need to resolve all in a peaceful manner with the active participation of womenfolk and taking positive role while tackling the problems.
“Womenfolk should openly come out and criticized any wrong deed of the government as well as that of the insurgents in a positive way,” he said.
The function was presided over by state education minister L Jayentakumar.
In the meantime, the 16th edition of the Nupilal Ningshing Lamjel (Nupilal Memorial Run), was also held today. Participated by around 450 women aged 50 years and above, the run was flagged off at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex around 7:30 am and ended at the Singjamei supermarket complex.
The Jananeta Irawat Charitable Trust, Lokchao, marked Nupilal Day with a function at the Irawat People’s Museum, Lokchao Santipur, Tinsid Road, the highlight of which was the unveiling of a statue of Nupi lal participant Tongbram Sabi Devi.
In the observations, which will continue till December 29, a Nupilal gallery will also be opened, a Nupilal souvenir released, a book exhibition held and eco-campaign rickshow launched.
The BJP Mahila Morcha, Manipur Pradesh, observed Nupi Lal today with a function at the BJP state headquarters at Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal. Th Promila, Mahila president, BJP Manipur Pradesh, presided over the meeting, while Dr H Borbabu, state president BJP was the chief guest.
The day was also observed by the All Manipur Women’s Social Reformation and Development Samaj, All Manipur Tammi Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup, and Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup as Nupigee Numit.
While the main function, which focussed on the theme, ‘role of women in resolving the conflict situation in Manipur’ was held at the Kuki Inn, Imphal, subsidiary observations were held at as many as 18 different places inside and outside the state in association with local organisations and meira paibi groups.
The main function at the Kuki Inn, Imphal was attended by Nupi Samaj president Keisam ongbi Taruni, Tammi Chingmi president Soibam ongbi Momon, AMKIL vice presidentLourembam ongbi Nganbi, Kabui Mothers Association president Kakomlunglu Kamei, Kuki Women’s Union president Rose Mangshi Haokip and United Manipur Muslim Women’s Association president Sitara Begum. MACHA LEIMA founder general secretary Kh Ibetombi, and senior citizen Dr Arambam Loken also attended as resource persons.
During the meet, several speakers observed that the people of Manipur were suffering immensely being caught in the armed conflict between security forces and underground groups, and mooted holding a plebiscite for bringing a resolution and restoring peace and normalcy.
Nupigi numit was also observed at Wabagai bazar, Bishnupur bazar, Jiribam, Moreh bazar, Pungdongbam, Khundrakpam, Khabam Lamkhai, Mayanglangjing, Nambol, Mayang Imphal Wangoo, Waithou Chiru, Charangpat Keithel Macha, Khuga Tampak Churachandpur, Motbung Meitei Leikai, and at Yaroltola Chingya Leikai, Cachar and Hojai in Assam.
The Imphal Free Press
==================================================================
Bombs intended to attack security men detected, tragedy averted
By : A Staff Reporter 12/13/2007 1:08:47 AM
IMPHAL, Dec 12: Foiling a possible bid by underground militant groups to launch a massive attack upon security forces, as many as 17 improvised emplosive devices, IEDs, were detected and destroyed by alert security personnel at two different places today.
A total of 14 IEDs were found planted at a spot along the Imphal-Ukhrul road between Mahadeva and Litan by a ROP party of 19 Assam Rifles this morning, official sources said.
Another three IEDs were found planted at Wangjing along the Imphal-Moreh section of the NH-39 by personnel of another Assam Rifles unit, also this morning.
As per police sources, and the PRO, HQ, IGAR (South), all the IEDs found on the Imphal-Ukhrul road were found planted together at one spot.
After the discovery of the IEDs, the troops blocked the road at Gwaltabi and Litan Bazar, which disturbed movement of all kinds of vehicles on this highway till around 10 am. Normal traffic resumed only after the bomb experts of the Assam Rifles defused all the IEDs one by one, police said.
In the Wangjing incident, an ROP party of 34 Assam Rifles found three IEDs planted in between Wangjing and Khongjom under Thoubal police station.
The IEDs were found planted at the road side along the Imphal Moreh road NH-39 at intervals of about 10 meters each, connected by dual wires.
The Thoubal SP was informed by the Assam Rifles authority this morning soon after the detection of the IEDs. A police bomb squad from Imphal rushed to the spot and destroyed the IEDs safely at around 10.15 am.
The Assam Rifles prevented movement of civilian vehicles on the route till the bombs were destroyed the sources added.
Grenade attack: Unidentified persons hurled a hand grenade at the home of the state commissioner, transport, H Devshekhar Sharma, at Khongman Part-II this evening at around 6 pm, causing some damage to the house, according to a report.
The grenade fell on the verandah of the house, and the explosion damaged the front of the house, said the report. No one was however hurt.
Reports also said only one of Devshekhar Sharma’s sons was in the house at the time. Devshekhar himself has been staying at government quarters since long in view of repeated threats from underground groups.
The Imphal Free Press
==================================================================
End of corruption will stop violence on women, says Dr. Nara
By : A Staff Reporter 12/13/2007 1:07:19 AM
IMPHAL, Dec 12: It is impossible to prevent violence against women in Manipur until the problem of corruption is solved. This was asserted by the former arts and culture minister Dr. M. Nara Singh while attending the first anniversary celebrations of the Manipur State Commission for Women held this afternoon at the commission complex at Lamphel.
Dr Nara, who was the chief guest at the function, observed that wide scale practice of corruption in the state was the main root cause of all forms of social injustice.
The women’s commission, in this context, must assign priority to fight against corruption in the society, Dr Nara said.
Dr. M. Nara further said, MSCW is not alone in its efforts to empower women and prevent violence against them, as many public leaders, intellectuals and politicians and social workers are extending their support to it.
He said it was very fortunate for the women of Manipur that a women’s commission has been set up in the state, but it would be wrong to assume that males are only ones exploiting women in our society.
He said, the courage and sacrificial spirit of the women of the state is well known, and considering this, the women of the state have an equal share with men of the task of bringing peace, prosperous and violence free society in the state.
Dr. Ch. Jamini Devi, chairperson, MSCW, in her address, lamented that continuing changes in Manipuri society has resulted in increase in violence and crimes, particularly crimes against women.
She said, since the inception of Manipur State Commission for Women, a total of 30 cases related to violence and crime committed against women have been registered and out of which 10 cases have been resolved.
She went on to observe that as per records, Manipur state is now in the 2nd position in the country in terms of occurence of crime and violence against women.
In view of this, the commission has conducted several public hearings by visiting many interior parts of the state and organised awareness programmes at 20 villages on legal, health and education issues for the women in those areas, she said, adding that the commissioner will pursue various other activities to prevent the crime against women and injustice and for women’s empowerment.
The first issue of the MSCW’s half yearly journal ‘Voice of Women’ was also released by the chief guest Dr. M. Nara Singh.
The observation this afternoon was attended by director arts and culture Manipur Dr, Th. Sorojini Devi, former vice chancellor MU, IS Khaidem and meira paibi leaders and social activists.
The Imphal Free Press
====================================================================
Women’s Day observed all over
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 12: Under the theme, “The Role of Women in Resolving the Armed Conflict in Manipur”, Women’s Day was observed at different places today.
The main function of Women’s Day was held at Kuki Inn, Imphal under the joint aegis of the All Manipur Women’s Social Reformation and Development Samaj, All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup and the Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL).
Speaking on the occasion, AMKIL vice-president L Nganbi observed that the people of Manipur have been enduring the brunt of the persisting armed conflict between security forces and insurgents.
Notwithstanding the claim of the Union Government that there is no armed conflict in the State, the ongoing military offensive against insurgents in Dingpi and Khengjoi areas of Chandel district has been causing untold miseries to the civilians, Nganbi noted while asserting that it’s time hold a plebiscite on the issue so as to ascertain the stance of the public.
Stating that everybody see and hear about the presence of an armed conflict in Manipur, Rose Mangshi of Kuki Women Union Manipur observed that the Kuki villagers are suffering the most due to the current armed confrontation between security forces and insurgents at Somtal, Dingpi and Khengjoi areas of Chandel district.
Even as the harvesting season is already in, the villagers are unable to harvest their crops or to engage themselves in other works, she said.
Just as the women of the past fought valiantly against the British rulers, the Manipuri women of today should wage a strong movement in order to redress the plight of Dingpi and other troubled areas, Rose Mangshi said.
The function was attended by All Manipur Women’s Social Reformation and Development Samaj president Keisham Taruni, All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup president Soibam Momon, AMKIL vice-president Lourembam Nganbi, Kuki Women Union Manipur president Rose Mangshi, Kabui Mothers’ Association president Kakomlunglu Kamei, United Manipuri Muslim Women’s Association president Sitara Begum, Macha Leima general secretary Kh Ibetombi and Dr Arambam Lokendro as presidium members.
At Yangoiningthou community hall, Women’s Day was observed under Apunba Nupi Lup Bishnupur district, at Sangeet Natak hall under Chaokhat Khongthang Apunba Nupi Lamjing Lup Nambol, at Wangoo Laipham Makha Leikai under 35th Nupigi Numit Observation Committee and at Wabagai Lamkhai Bazar under Thoubal District United Women’s Development Organisation.
The Women’s Day was also observed at Pungdongbam under Women’s Development Society, Motbung Meitei ground under Advance Society Awang Sekmai and Motbung Meira Paibis, at Mayang Imphal Marriage Hall under Mayang Imphal Apunba Nupi Lup and at Charangpat Maisnam Kangjeibung under Thoubal District United Women’s Development Organisation.
The Waithou Chiru Meira Paibi Association also observed Women’s Day at Waithou Chiru village and Waithou Tangkhul Women’s Society and Apunba Meira Paibi Lup at Kiyam Siphai, Kiyam Haokha, Waithou and Thoubal.
The Women’s Day was also observed at Khundrakpam and Mayang Langjing community under the aegis of Northern Students’ Cub Khundrakpam and Mayang Langjing Nupi Semgat Shagat Lup respectively.
Other places where Women’s Day was observed today include Jiribam, Moreh, Yaroltala Chingya Leikai Cachar, Hojai, Khabam Maning Leikai and Huikap.
The Sangai Express
By : A Staff Reporter 12/13/2007 1:10:49 AM
IMPHAL Dec 12: Considering the prevailing atmosphere in the state Congress in the wake of AICC general secretary north east in-charge’s visit to the state, the retainment of O Ibobi Singh as chief minister, it seems will depend largely on the Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, as the Congress observer is apparently not satisfied with Ibobi’s performance.
The visiting Union state minister Prithivi Raj Chauhan, sources in the rebel camp claimed, is not satisfied with the performance of the Congress led SPF government in the state under the leadership of chief minister O Ibobi Singh.
Chauhan reportedly expressed disappointment over the progress report of implementation of development works taken up in the state with the assistance of the Centre during a meeting with Congress legislature party members at Imphal Hotel today.
During the meeting Chauhan reportedly lamented Ibobi’s slow progress in the development works most importantly the projects under the state reconstruction plan sanctioned under Prime Minister’s package.
Mention may be made that most of the projects and schemes taken up as priority like the Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal railway line, upgradation of NH-39 to four laning upto Imphal from Maram, Tipaimukh hydro electricity project (1500 MW), Loktak down stream project (90 MW), augmentation of petroleum storage capacity, construction of FCI godowns at district headquarters in hill areas, night landing facilities at Imphal airport, construction of capitol project etc. were all in the initial stages as per the report submitted to the Union minister yesterday.
During the meeting Chauhan commented on the findings of yesterday’s plan progress review meeting and showed his displeasure on Ibobi’s failure to bring all round development in the state, the rebels said.
He also reportedly pointed out that the Congress government’s objectives of bringing up backward states in the country were undermined under Ibobi’s leadership.
After the CLP meeting, Chauhan also called on all the 14 district level presidents of the state Congress. 10 out of 14 district level presidents who met Chauhan reportedly gave observations against Ibobi while only four were in favour of the chief minister, according to the rebels.
Chauhan also met the representatives of various civil bodies, mostly women’s bodies.
Among others who got an audience with the visiting Union minister different women’s organizations of the Khwairamband market reportedly complained on the delay in the construction of the multi-storey market complex.
They also urged Chauhan to instruct the state government to speed up the construction works and complete it within a time bound period. The meetings with the representatives of the NGOs continued till late in the evening.
After taking statements of 16 MLAs out of 31 Congress legislatures yesterday, meetings inviting comments from the remaining MLAs were taken up tonight.
In yesterday’s closed door meetings, sources said that 12 MLAs including ministers gave their statements in support of Ibobi’s leadership. It also observed that including Ibobi, only 13 MLAs are on Ibobi’s side.
Interestingly, the interviews with MLAs in the rebel camp were taken up today. The same interviews were reportedly continuing till late night and was being targeted for completion today itself as Chauhan is leaving Imphal tomorrow for the national capital.
During the interviews, Chuahan also reportedly asked the MLAs who their choice would be if they wanted to change the CLP leader.
Chauhan is leaving the state capital concluding his three-day visit in the state tomorrow. He will submit his observation to the Congress high command at the Centre for further course of action.
Whether Ibobi will be retained as chief minister or replaced is to be decided by the Cnogress high command after the AICC general secretary submits his findings on the prevailing situation in the Congress.
However, political observers are of the opinion that the high command may decide on the matter after December 19, after the Gujarat polls end.
The Imphal Free Press
==========================================================
CM asks women to take positive role in bringing peace in state
By : A Staff Reporter 12/13/2007 1:09:31 AM
IMPHAL, Dec 12: On the occasion of Nupilal Numit today, the Manipur chief minister, O Ibobi Singh has exhorted the women of Manipur to take a positive role in bringing peace in the state.
Manipur observed "Nupilal Numit" on a wide scale in the state today to pay homage to the brave women who fought for justice against the British colonial rulers and monopolistic trade interests in the Nupilals of 1904 and 1939.
The chief minister led the public in offering tributes to the Nupilal freedom fighters at the official function this morning at the Nupilal Memorial complex. A number of civil society and women’s bodies also organised their own functions to mark the occasion.
A Nupilal Memorial Run was also organised this morning, where a record 450 plus women of ages ranging from 50 to 75 participated.
Addressing the gathering at the official function held at the Nupilal memorial complex, chief minister Ibobi made an earnest appeal to the present generation to emulate the Nupilal freedom fighters and come forward to help restore peace in the state.
Ibobi also spoke on the problems and issues confronting the state, and stressed the need to resolve all in a peaceful manner with the active participation of womenfolk and taking positive role while tackling the problems.
“Womenfolk should openly come out and criticized any wrong deed of the government as well as that of the insurgents in a positive way,” he said.
The function was presided over by state education minister L Jayentakumar.
In the meantime, the 16th edition of the Nupilal Ningshing Lamjel (Nupilal Memorial Run), was also held today. Participated by around 450 women aged 50 years and above, the run was flagged off at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex around 7:30 am and ended at the Singjamei supermarket complex.
The Jananeta Irawat Charitable Trust, Lokchao, marked Nupilal Day with a function at the Irawat People’s Museum, Lokchao Santipur, Tinsid Road, the highlight of which was the unveiling of a statue of Nupi lal participant Tongbram Sabi Devi.
In the observations, which will continue till December 29, a Nupilal gallery will also be opened, a Nupilal souvenir released, a book exhibition held and eco-campaign rickshow launched.
The BJP Mahila Morcha, Manipur Pradesh, observed Nupi Lal today with a function at the BJP state headquarters at Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal. Th Promila, Mahila president, BJP Manipur Pradesh, presided over the meeting, while Dr H Borbabu, state president BJP was the chief guest.
The day was also observed by the All Manipur Women’s Social Reformation and Development Samaj, All Manipur Tammi Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup, and Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup as Nupigee Numit.
While the main function, which focussed on the theme, ‘role of women in resolving the conflict situation in Manipur’ was held at the Kuki Inn, Imphal, subsidiary observations were held at as many as 18 different places inside and outside the state in association with local organisations and meira paibi groups.
The main function at the Kuki Inn, Imphal was attended by Nupi Samaj president Keisam ongbi Taruni, Tammi Chingmi president Soibam ongbi Momon, AMKIL vice presidentLourembam ongbi Nganbi, Kabui Mothers Association president Kakomlunglu Kamei, Kuki Women’s Union president Rose Mangshi Haokip and United Manipur Muslim Women’s Association president Sitara Begum. MACHA LEIMA founder general secretary Kh Ibetombi, and senior citizen Dr Arambam Loken also attended as resource persons.
During the meet, several speakers observed that the people of Manipur were suffering immensely being caught in the armed conflict between security forces and underground groups, and mooted holding a plebiscite for bringing a resolution and restoring peace and normalcy.
Nupigi numit was also observed at Wabagai bazar, Bishnupur bazar, Jiribam, Moreh bazar, Pungdongbam, Khundrakpam, Khabam Lamkhai, Mayanglangjing, Nambol, Mayang Imphal Wangoo, Waithou Chiru, Charangpat Keithel Macha, Khuga Tampak Churachandpur, Motbung Meitei Leikai, and at Yaroltola Chingya Leikai, Cachar and Hojai in Assam.
The Imphal Free Press
==================================================================
Bombs intended to attack security men detected, tragedy averted
By : A Staff Reporter 12/13/2007 1:08:47 AM
IMPHAL, Dec 12: Foiling a possible bid by underground militant groups to launch a massive attack upon security forces, as many as 17 improvised emplosive devices, IEDs, were detected and destroyed by alert security personnel at two different places today.
A total of 14 IEDs were found planted at a spot along the Imphal-Ukhrul road between Mahadeva and Litan by a ROP party of 19 Assam Rifles this morning, official sources said.
Another three IEDs were found planted at Wangjing along the Imphal-Moreh section of the NH-39 by personnel of another Assam Rifles unit, also this morning.
As per police sources, and the PRO, HQ, IGAR (South), all the IEDs found on the Imphal-Ukhrul road were found planted together at one spot.
After the discovery of the IEDs, the troops blocked the road at Gwaltabi and Litan Bazar, which disturbed movement of all kinds of vehicles on this highway till around 10 am. Normal traffic resumed only after the bomb experts of the Assam Rifles defused all the IEDs one by one, police said.
In the Wangjing incident, an ROP party of 34 Assam Rifles found three IEDs planted in between Wangjing and Khongjom under Thoubal police station.
The IEDs were found planted at the road side along the Imphal Moreh road NH-39 at intervals of about 10 meters each, connected by dual wires.
The Thoubal SP was informed by the Assam Rifles authority this morning soon after the detection of the IEDs. A police bomb squad from Imphal rushed to the spot and destroyed the IEDs safely at around 10.15 am.
The Assam Rifles prevented movement of civilian vehicles on the route till the bombs were destroyed the sources added.
Grenade attack: Unidentified persons hurled a hand grenade at the home of the state commissioner, transport, H Devshekhar Sharma, at Khongman Part-II this evening at around 6 pm, causing some damage to the house, according to a report.
The grenade fell on the verandah of the house, and the explosion damaged the front of the house, said the report. No one was however hurt.
Reports also said only one of Devshekhar Sharma’s sons was in the house at the time. Devshekhar himself has been staying at government quarters since long in view of repeated threats from underground groups.
The Imphal Free Press
==================================================================
End of corruption will stop violence on women, says Dr. Nara
By : A Staff Reporter 12/13/2007 1:07:19 AM
IMPHAL, Dec 12: It is impossible to prevent violence against women in Manipur until the problem of corruption is solved. This was asserted by the former arts and culture minister Dr. M. Nara Singh while attending the first anniversary celebrations of the Manipur State Commission for Women held this afternoon at the commission complex at Lamphel.
Dr Nara, who was the chief guest at the function, observed that wide scale practice of corruption in the state was the main root cause of all forms of social injustice.
The women’s commission, in this context, must assign priority to fight against corruption in the society, Dr Nara said.
Dr. M. Nara further said, MSCW is not alone in its efforts to empower women and prevent violence against them, as many public leaders, intellectuals and politicians and social workers are extending their support to it.
He said it was very fortunate for the women of Manipur that a women’s commission has been set up in the state, but it would be wrong to assume that males are only ones exploiting women in our society.
He said, the courage and sacrificial spirit of the women of the state is well known, and considering this, the women of the state have an equal share with men of the task of bringing peace, prosperous and violence free society in the state.
Dr. Ch. Jamini Devi, chairperson, MSCW, in her address, lamented that continuing changes in Manipuri society has resulted in increase in violence and crimes, particularly crimes against women.
She said, since the inception of Manipur State Commission for Women, a total of 30 cases related to violence and crime committed against women have been registered and out of which 10 cases have been resolved.
She went on to observe that as per records, Manipur state is now in the 2nd position in the country in terms of occurence of crime and violence against women.
In view of this, the commission has conducted several public hearings by visiting many interior parts of the state and organised awareness programmes at 20 villages on legal, health and education issues for the women in those areas, she said, adding that the commissioner will pursue various other activities to prevent the crime against women and injustice and for women’s empowerment.
The first issue of the MSCW’s half yearly journal ‘Voice of Women’ was also released by the chief guest Dr. M. Nara Singh.
The observation this afternoon was attended by director arts and culture Manipur Dr, Th. Sorojini Devi, former vice chancellor MU, IS Khaidem and meira paibi leaders and social activists.
The Imphal Free Press
====================================================================
Women’s Day observed all over
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 12: Under the theme, “The Role of Women in Resolving the Armed Conflict in Manipur”, Women’s Day was observed at different places today.
The main function of Women’s Day was held at Kuki Inn, Imphal under the joint aegis of the All Manipur Women’s Social Reformation and Development Samaj, All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup and the Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL).
Speaking on the occasion, AMKIL vice-president L Nganbi observed that the people of Manipur have been enduring the brunt of the persisting armed conflict between security forces and insurgents.
Notwithstanding the claim of the Union Government that there is no armed conflict in the State, the ongoing military offensive against insurgents in Dingpi and Khengjoi areas of Chandel district has been causing untold miseries to the civilians, Nganbi noted while asserting that it’s time hold a plebiscite on the issue so as to ascertain the stance of the public.
Stating that everybody see and hear about the presence of an armed conflict in Manipur, Rose Mangshi of Kuki Women Union Manipur observed that the Kuki villagers are suffering the most due to the current armed confrontation between security forces and insurgents at Somtal, Dingpi and Khengjoi areas of Chandel district.
Even as the harvesting season is already in, the villagers are unable to harvest their crops or to engage themselves in other works, she said.
Just as the women of the past fought valiantly against the British rulers, the Manipuri women of today should wage a strong movement in order to redress the plight of Dingpi and other troubled areas, Rose Mangshi said.
The function was attended by All Manipur Women’s Social Reformation and Development Samaj president Keisham Taruni, All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup president Soibam Momon, AMKIL vice-president Lourembam Nganbi, Kuki Women Union Manipur president Rose Mangshi, Kabui Mothers’ Association president Kakomlunglu Kamei, United Manipuri Muslim Women’s Association president Sitara Begum, Macha Leima general secretary Kh Ibetombi and Dr Arambam Lokendro as presidium members.
At Yangoiningthou community hall, Women’s Day was observed under Apunba Nupi Lup Bishnupur district, at Sangeet Natak hall under Chaokhat Khongthang Apunba Nupi Lamjing Lup Nambol, at Wangoo Laipham Makha Leikai under 35th Nupigi Numit Observation Committee and at Wabagai Lamkhai Bazar under Thoubal District United Women’s Development Organisation.
The Women’s Day was also observed at Pungdongbam under Women’s Development Society, Motbung Meitei ground under Advance Society Awang Sekmai and Motbung Meira Paibis, at Mayang Imphal Marriage Hall under Mayang Imphal Apunba Nupi Lup and at Charangpat Maisnam Kangjeibung under Thoubal District United Women’s Development Organisation.
The Waithou Chiru Meira Paibi Association also observed Women’s Day at Waithou Chiru village and Waithou Tangkhul Women’s Society and Apunba Meira Paibi Lup at Kiyam Siphai, Kiyam Haokha, Waithou and Thoubal.
The Women’s Day was also observed at Khundrakpam and Mayang Langjing community under the aegis of Northern Students’ Cub Khundrakpam and Mayang Langjing Nupi Semgat Shagat Lup respectively.
Other places where Women’s Day was observed today include Jiribam, Moreh, Yaroltala Chingya Leikai Cachar, Hojai, Khabam Maning Leikai and Huikap.
The Sangai Express
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