FC in Manipur, commends achievement in literacy, sports

Imphal: Members of the 13th Finance Commission on Thursday met Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, the Council of Ministers and state officials in Imphal. During the meetings, various features of the State, both achievements and problems, were highlighted by the Chief Minister and also laid down points of considerations for the Finance Commission.

Dr Vijay L Kelkar, Chairman of the Commission, along with members BK Chaturvedi, Prof Atul Sarma and Dr Sanjiv Misra, Secretary Sumit Bose reached Imphal on Wednesday and will leave on Friday.

The Commission also interacted with representatives of political parties, local bodies and trade, commerce and industry associations.

The Commission visited a primary school, an anganwadi centre, a primary health centre and the Jawahar Lal Nehru Hospital.

The Chairman referred to the unprecedented crisis the world economy is presently undergoing and emphasised the need for a collective response by all levels of Union Government to enable the country to rise above these challenges.

He appreciated the achievements of the State in areas of literacy, infant mortality rate, positive sex ratio and the per cent of people living below the poverty line being one-third less than the all India average.

He pointed out that the per capita GSDP is much lower than all India average and particularly the growth performance in recent years has been poor and also volatile in the case of secondary and tertiary sector.

He appreciated the State Government for the spectacular achievements of its sportspersons in the national and international arena.

He further congratulated the State Government for improvement in its own revenue/GSDP ratio from 2000-01 to 2005-06 and also for successful implementation of VAT in 2005.

The Chairman emphasised the benefits of GST and urged the State government to assist in building a national consensus for prompt implementation of GST. He also congratulated the State Government on enacting FRBM legislation and meeting its fiscal targets.

However, the Commission felt that a medium term strategy for accelerating productive public investment in key priority areas is required.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister requested for enhanced support for empowerment of local bodies in the State. (UNI)


Source: SHILLONG TIMES

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PDS rice pilfered for sale in Churachandpur market

Lamka, Jan 23: At a time when people in the interior villages of the district can barely manage a square meal a day, reports of huge pilferage of PDS rice have surfaced yet again with an NGO releasing photos of APL rice being sold off to a businessman and calling for a concerted effort to counter the menace.

“Zomi Economic Planning and Development Agency (ZEPADA) is exasperated to learn that pilferages of PDS items remain unchecked inspite of the hue and cry over food-grain shortages in Churachandpur District,” said a statement issued by the agency today.

Besides the statement, a photo of APL rice being unloaded at New Bazar on January 13 was attached was also released. “On conducting further investigation we have established the fact that it was sold by one APL Agent of a particular Constituency in Churachandpur District,” it added.

The agency identified the shop where the rice was unloaded as ‘Vanda’ at New Bazar, Churachandpur.

ZEPADA had earlier issued warnings on the non-distribution of APL rice in the district and accused the Government of unscrupulously issuing utilisation certificates.

Now with the expose’ of the pilferage, “We wonder why the Vigilant Committee on PDS chose to remain silent under such circumstances,” it questioned.

Maintaining that the hungry public deserve a just and equitable share of the rice allotted to them, ZEPADA urged all concerned, to refrain from creating unwanted situations which can add to the sufferings of the poor and hungry people who have to struggle to meet their daily needs for survival.

This is the second instance that pilferage of PDS rice has cropped-up in the district. An official in the district supply office has already been booked under NSA in the earlier instance.

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Army helps fire ravaged villagers


IMPHAL, Jan 23 : Troops of 15 Madras extended medical help and provided ration to the victims of the fire that broke out in the night of January 20 at around 2 am at Songpekmun village of Churachandpur district. The troops distributed rice, milk, dal, sugar and tea to the affected villagers.

According to a press release of PIB Defence Wing, the only civil Government representative present in the village after the tragedy was a doctor from Thanlon PHC who treated some of the injured villagers.

No Government official even cared to visit the village the whole day, the release added.
The release said that a resident noticed the fire in one of the houses and immediately raised an alarm. In no time the fire spread to the adjoining houses as the houses were made of dry bamboo, the release added. It further said that people however had enough time to save themselves and their children before the fire devoured their homes. The raging inferno reduced nine houses into ashes.

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JAC demands

IMPHAL, Jan 23: Demanding appropriate action against the perpetrators of crimes against Christians, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) against Christian persecution at Chingmeirong Rongmei (Kabui) Village has asserted that the timing of the attack and the way it had been carried out on December 14 last year revealed a dangerous attempt by so-me forces to eliminate Chris- tians from Chingmeirong and to annihilate Christianity. Pointing out that the Constitution of India secures to all its citizens ‘justice, liberty of thought, expression, beliefs, faith and worship and equalities of status and opportunity, the JAC co-convenor G Gaithailung in a statement has also expressed dismayed over the indifference attitude of the policy makers and leaders of the State to the issue.

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Hill districts' council offices shut down

Imphal, Jan 23: The closure of all the six Auto- nomous District Councils (ADCs) carried out by the All Manipur Newly Appointed Autonomous Dist- rict Council Teachers’ Association, 2006 adversely affected the officials functioning of the six ADCs on Friday.

According to L. Seimang, secretary of the association, no official works were done in any of the six ADCs as they were all paralysed due to the closure by the association. The secretary also informed that the teachers’ association will continue with their decision of closure of the ADCs on Saturday too. It may be reminded that the teachers’ association has called for a two day closure of all the six ADCs due to the alleged failure of the State Govern-ment in paying their salaries besides allowances and arrears for the last 19 (nineteen) months. In this regard, the teachers association had also called for a complete Chakka bandh on January 27.


Source: THE SANGAI EXPRESS

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The Royal Government of Cambodia Awarded the ‘Royal Order of Sahametrei’ to Dr Chinkholal Thangsing

Phnom Penh January 21st 2009: The Royal Government of Cambodia awarded the prestigious “Royal Order of Sahametrei ” to Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing, Asia Pacific Bureau Chief of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. The ‘Royal Order of Sahametrei’ is a medal of honour conferred primarily on foreigners who have rendered distinguished services to the King and to the Nation by Royal Decree of His Majesty the King of Cambodia.

This award recognized Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing exemplary contribution and dedication towards humanitarian services rendered by him and the organization for the people living with HIVAIDS and general public in Cambodia. The selfless and passionate mission has saved many lives and restores dignity and hope for many people infected and affected by the HIV epidemic in Cambodia.

The “Royal Order of Sahametrei” was conferred after a citation by His Excellency Professor Mam Bun Heng, The Honorable Minister of Health, on behalf of the Prime Minister, The Royal Government of Cambodia today the 21st January 2009. The Honorable Minister announced “This is a big honor and my proud privilege to hand over the ‘Sahametrei’ to you, to honor and recognized your selfless dedication and contribution to better the lives of our people”.

Accepting the award Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing said “I am deeply honored and humbled for being awarded the prestigious ‘Royal Order of Sahametrei’. My heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the Royal Government of Cambodia – The Ministry of Health, National Center for HIVAIDS, Dermatology and STI (NCHADS) AIDS Healthcare Foundation and to the highly committed wonderful AHF Cambodia Cares team for this tremendous, tremendous honor. This award is a tribute just not for me but to all those who willingly endeavor and risk their lives, energy, strength, wisdom and have the courage to fight for the underserved and unserved and for those who cannot do it themselves.”

Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing, MBBS, FCAMS son of Mr. Paokhosoi Thangsing graduated from North Eastern Regional Medical College and a Postgraduate Fellow of the Christian Academy of Medical Sciences trained in Applied Psychology, HIVAIDS. He has till date dedicatedly work for over twenty years as a physician, HIV specialist, an activist in the fight for HIVAIDS. He is the Asia Pacific Bureau Chief of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, United States of America. AHF Asia Pacific bureau operates in Cambodia, China, India, Thailand, Vietnam and Nepal.

Michael Weinstein, President – AIDS Healthcare Foundation in his congratulatory message said “What a great honor. We are all brimming with pride. We don’t do this work for the glory, but recognition such as this only confirms the importance of what we do. Lal, on behalf of the entire AHF family, please accept my hearty congratulations. May this medal spur you to new heights of achievement - for when you achieve - so many people benefit. I know that this will be the first of many honors that you will receive for your contributions to humanity.”

Dr Chhim Sarath, AHF Cambodia Cares – Country Program Manager said with pride “ This recognition not only honor the leadership of Dr Chinkholal Thangsing but the entire family of AHF and this is truly an encouraging, inspiring and great motivator. I am very happy and proud for this is a wonderful day for us all in Cambodia. We are highly inspired and we shall do better and be a stronger team”.

In 2005, AHF signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health, National Centre for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STI Control (NCHADS) and Ministry of Defence, Preah Ket Mealea Hospital of the Royal Government of Cambodia to collaborate and provide a comprehensive HIVAIDS treatment, care and support program in Cambodia. Currently, AHF Cambodia Cares operates at 11 sites. The programs focused on technical and financial assistance ensuring the provision of high quality ART treatment and management services and strengthening of continuum of care services, networks and partnership with collaborators and all relevant stakeholders. The sites are Preah Ket Mealea, Kampong Thom, Kampot, Stung Treng, Koh Thom, Romeas Heik, Pear Reang, Kirivong, Ang Roka, Sampov Meas and Oddar Meanchey. Today, this landmark collaborative program provides life saving services to over 6000 patients.

About AHF
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is the US’ largest non-profit HIV/AIDS healthcare, research, prevention and education provider. AHF currently provides medical care and/or services to over 950000 patients 23 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean and Asia Pacific. Additional information is available at www.aidshealth.org

About AHF/Cambodia Cares

AHF Cambodia Cares ART centers provide testing, psycho-social support services and anti-retroviral treatment including both pediatric and second-line treatment. The facilities provide comprehensive HIVAIDS care and treatment and holistic services, and serve as one-stop shops for people living with HIVAIDS (PLWHAs). Currently AHF Cambodia Cares serves the Cambodian people through 11 centers and caters over 5000 people with HIVAIDS working with NCHADS and other local and international stakeholders,

In the Asia/Pacific region, AIDS Healthcare Foundation currently provides free anti-retroviral treatment services to people in need through its clinics in Cambodia, India, Thailand, Viet Nam, China and Nepal.

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A Brief Speech by Royal Order of Sahametrei recepient Dr Chinkholal Thangsing in Phnom Penh.

His Excellency - Dr Mean Chhi Vun and the team from NCHADS, Friends, Cambodia Cares team, Ladies and Gentlemen!!

I stand before you deeply humbled and blessed and I begin with a request that you accept my expressed gratitude and joy for this tremnedous award. I bring with me bundles of gratitude and heartfelt thanks, warm wishes of the Family of AHF in America - the personal greetings of the President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation - Michael Weinstein, the family of AHF globally and the local wonderful and dynamic team headed by Dr Chhim Sarath here in Cambodia.

“I am at a loss for words and deeply humbled by this grand, magnanimous gesture of the Royal Government of Cambodia for bestowing me the ‘Order of the Medal Sahametrei’. This is truly a privilege and I my profuse thanks the Government of Cambodia, the Ministry of Health, NCHADS and our dedicated and wonderful team here in Cambodia for this tremendous, tremendous honor. This is truly gratifying for me as you recognized the unwavering, persistent, persevering and dedication to bring health, healing and hope for people affected infected by HIVAIDS, their families, loved ones in Cambodia. This award is a tribute just not for me but to all those who are willingly endeavored to risk their lives, energy, strength, wisdom and the indomitable courage to fight for those who are under served or un served and for those who cannot do it themselves.” I thank my father who brought me up and mentored me and make me who I am today for he is my hero. I thank Michael Weinstein, AHF President my professional mentor, the Cambodia Cares team for their unwavering support guidance and for being with me 24X7X365 days of the year.

I vividly remember my first visit to Cambodia and felt in love with the people here since early 2000 when I came to conduct a week long ART treatment and management training for KHANA and its partner organizations. I am deeply touched and moved by hospitality of the Cambodian people and understand the needs of people living with HIVAIDS as we travel and visit the homes of the sick and needy with my friends and colleagues. One of them is Dr Chhim Sarath who stands beside me here today, my friend and colleague who heads our operations in Cambodia as its Manager. He is truly and inspiration.In 2005 we signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health, National Centre for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STI Control (NCHADS) and Ministry of Defence, to operate in Preah Ket Mealea Hospital of the Royal Government of Cambodia for collaborative comprehensive HIVAIDS treatment, care and support program. Our programs focused on technical and financial assistance ensuring the provision of high quality ART treatment and management services and strengthening the continuum of care and networks, collaborators, partners with relevant stakeholders at all levels in 11 sites viz. Preah Ket Mealea, Kampong Thom, Kampot, Stung Treng, Koh Thom, Romeas Heik, Pear Reang, Kirivong, Ang Roka, Sampov Meas and Oddar Meanchey.

I am the son of Mr. Paokhosoi Thangsing, I completed medical studies from North Eastern Regional Medical College and a Postgraduate Fellow of the Christian Academy of Medical Sciences and trained also in Applied Psychology. I have work dedicatedly for over twenty years as a physician and as HIV specialist, activist in for HIVAIDS since 1990. I have personally provided my services to over 3000 to 5000 HIVAIDS patients till today. Today, as Asia Pacific Bureau Chief of AHF we provide kind, compassionate and cutting edge medical care services to over 96000 patients in 23 countries globally and work in Cambodia, India, China, Vietnam, Thailand and Nepal in the Asia Pacific. I have help and established AIDS care homes, treatment centers, trained and educates, advocate for human rights, right to access to treatment and availability to easy access of affordable and accessible HIVAIDS services, to reducing stigma and discrimination and for universal access. My mission is to preaches better understanding of the disease and its social impact, tirelessly teaching and promoting prevention and behavioral changes, living positive life for those infected and strongly urging the community to ‘stay negative’ of the virus.

I have dedicated my medical career and my personal life and resources to combat the HIVAIDS epidemic and perseveres to generate a positive, and a basic change in the perception and attitude within societies toward those infected and affected by the devastating epidemic associating with many governments and organizations around the globe.

“There are many greater men and women deserving this award and to be the chosen one is truly a blessing. I accept it with grace, with much joy and satisfaction, aware that a common man as I am can achieve this – making it true that if one truly believes in what we do and does that with our heart set squarely on that belief. I accept this on behalf of father, my family and the family of AHF, friends, colleagues and all those persons that toiled each day to make a difference, extend precious lives, restoring dignity and hope for people with HIVIADS in Cambodia and other parts of the globe.”

Thank you once again from the core of my heart to the King, the Royal Government of Cambodia for this truly tremendous honor. I am overjoyed and it has catapulted me to higher state of motivation and for that I am truly privileged and blessed.

Okun Charn! Okun!

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ABOUT DR. CHINKHOLAL THANGSING

Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing, MBBS, FCAMS son of Mr. Paokhosoi Thangsing a native of Manipur, North East India is graduated from the North Eastern Regional Medical College and a Postgraduate Fellow of the Christian Academy of Medical Sciences, trained also in Applied Psychology and HIVAIDS dedicatedly work for over twenty years as a physician, and HIV specialist and an AIDS activist since the year 1990. Affectionately, known as ‘Lal’ he passionately work providing compassionate care and support, attend to the psychosocial needs of people infected and affected by the epidemic of HIVAIDS. He dedicated his medical career and his personal life and resources to combating the HIVAIDS epidemic and perseveres for a positive and basic change in the perception and attitude within societies toward those infected and affected by the devastating epidemic. He network, collaborated and associated himself with many boards, association, many organizations in India and to many other parts of the globe. He establishes care homes, treatment centers, shelter homes, trained and educates, an ardent advocate the rights to access for PLHAs to receive treatment, and for the availability of affordable and free medications for HIV diseases’ and related infections. He promotes join ventures, comprehensive and integrated HIVAIDS programs and takes the task of reducing stigma and discrimination and for universal access on a war footing. He walk the talk and preaches better and in depth understanding of the disease, its socio economic impact, prevention and the promotion of behavioral changes, the benefits of positive living for those infected and strongly urge the community to stay ‘Negative’ of the virus.

He is frequently “A voice crying in the wilderness”, and his dedication knows no bounds. Bursting with love for his fellow beings ‘Lal’ as Roger Dragonnette Editor of City Beat summed up in his article on Dr. Thangsing “He has a face as open and cheerful as the laughing Buddha’s, a personality devoid of airs. Here’s a man who has gone beyond the Hippocratic Oath, and redefined it”

He is the Asia Pacific Bureau Chief of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, United States of America’s largest nonprofit AIDS organization established in 1987 which provides cutting edge medicine, care and support services for over 96000 patients with HIVAIDS in 23 countries globally in the United States, Latin America/Caribbean, Africa, Asia Pacific. AHF operates in Cambodia, China, India, Thailand, Vietnam and Nepal in collaboration with governments and with national and international nongovernmental organization in the Asia Pacific region.

After his medical training at the North Eastern Regional Medical College, Manipur in 1984 he work at Sielmat Christian Hospital and Research Centre, Lamka, Manipur as Chief Medical Officer. In 1990, he started seeing HIV patients thus began the beginning of his fight against the disease and his compassionate treatment services for patients with HIVAIDS and as a clinician activist for the rights to treatment and access of medical care services of people living with HIV and AIDS. In 1995 he completed his post graduate in Family Medicine a post graduate Fellowship from the Christian Academy of Medical Sciences, Vellore in south India. He conducted awareness amongst medical peers, personnel and consults and joined Society for Life Line Operations (SHALOM) in Lamka, Manipur as clinician, HIV specialist setting up innovative patient care services including the first home based care programs in India through the project and immediately scaling up the availability of a team that values kindness, true compassion with common goal of restoration of dignity and hope while immediately combating new infection, setting up prevention measures and the goal to conquering stigma and discrimination against people living with HIVAIDS, their families and loved ones in Manipur. This shaped his inner goal and gave him the vision and mission of his life.

In 1996, acknowledging the dire need of services for the rapidly spreading epidemic and the need to provide care and treatment and to aim to address issues of health, HIVAIDS and development named set up a society called the Agency for Community Care and Development (ACCAD). Through this agency he address crucial care services and tackle stigma and discrimination of people with HIVAIDS which as unavailable.

In 1997, he moved to New Delhi and was confronted by abysmal lack of basic HIV care services and excruciatingly painful status of people infected and affected he began to provide services for people with HIVAIDS wearing various hats as a consultant administrator, HIV specialist, physician, an activist and outreach worker, advocate for the rights of people with HIVAIDS. His presence and dedicated services spread and he gained a legendary status in the fight against HIVAIDS. This gave solace and hope to many infected and affected people by the disease in Delhi. His HIVAIDS pioneering efforts was recognized by various agencies including Richard Gere, a renowned Hollywood actor who honored his contribution for HIVAIDS and rewarded him at a gathering of celebrities in New Delhi in 1998.

He committed his energy, heat and soul, his expertise to various non profit nongovernmental organizations establishing and creating innovative measure to bring care and treatment and support services for the stigmatized HIVAIDSD patients in New Delhi and various parts of the country. He focus also on providing healthcare services for women and children assisted organizations, nurture manpower and resource developments and build skills and capacity of people involved and set up HIV Crisis Care Center Shelter home for IDUS with HIV and specialized IP and OP services constantly striving to better such services. He tirelessly advocate for rights to treatment and care for people with HIVAIDS, universal access to healthcare. He often joined forces with other organizations corporate homes and pharmaceutical companies to promote education and HIVAIDS awareness and organized, conduct numerous training programs on HIVAIDS building a cadre of highly skilled care and treatment providers - doctors, nurses, lawyers, paramedics’ activists groups.

In 1998 he associated with Sahara a nonprofit organization and assumed the duties as Medical Director which is the first center for HIVAIDS care the ‘Michael’s Care Home’ in New Delhi which soon became the symbol of hope for people with HIVAIDS to take refuge, be cared for, be loved, renewal of faith, hope and dignity. As Director he worked closely with various organizations and with the national programmes in India dealing with various issues related to healthcare, access, availability, affordability, human rights, stigma and discrimination, training and education of physicians and partnering with NGOs and the pharmaceutical companies organized treatment education, sensitization of physicians and healthcare workers in New Delhi and other parts of India. He also associated with Sharan, The Naz Foundation India Trust in 1998 a sexual health agency in New Delhi set up the first HIVAIDS specialty clinic dedicated for HIVAIDS and STI treatment as its Medical Director. He also associated with Action India as Director of HIVAIDS Project; As HIVAIDS Program Director for an International Organization Project Concern International in 2003 he headed the HIVAIDS Programs in seven states of India.

He 1999 started an informal network of physicians providing treatment and care services for people with HIVAIDS ‘AIDS Care Physicians Alliance’ (ACPA), ‘The Touch of Hope Foundation’ committed to provide high quality and compassionate services to the unserve and underserved. A strong advocate for HIVAIDS Patients, he is outspoken and his belief that all human beings are equal and that all those living with HIVAIDS have the fundamental right to basic medical services and fights for equality of treatment services for universal access to high quality services, access and availability of free and affordable medicine and care services.

He served on many Boards and Committees related to HIVAIDS, a member of various forums such as Advisory Board Member of Mainline Holland, Member of the Board of Ethical committees of various organization including the LRS Institute of TB and Allied Chest Diseases, Sharan, Sahasee, Asia Pacific NeuroAIDS Consortium, Asia Pacific Pediatric HIVAIDS Consortium.

His clinical expertise has been recognized write and consults on sexual health issues, he promotes preventive medicine, safe sex behavior and sexual health for reputed magazines like Marie Claire, Q&A on HIV and sexual health for some national dailies. He is a keen photographer and document his works of photography was exhibited by the US Embassy American Center in 2006 as the “Photos of Hope” he wrote a song lyric for the 2007 World AIDS day video “ Song of Hope” which was released by the US Embassy in New Delhi. He toured and lectures extensively on HIVAIDS treatment, prevention and represent the face of physician activist at various national and international meetings and workshops.

He continues the crusade of providing cutting edge medicine and advocacy combating the global epidemic with tireless zeal and passion.

He is a life member of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI), International AIDS Society and various other national and international associations.

Source: DR. CHINKHOLAL THANGSING

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‘War-like’ Shiroi standoff ‘diffused’

Dimapur: The ‘war-like’ situation in Shiroi village in Ukhrul, Manipur, has been diffused after a meeting between the DIG of 17th Assam Rifles at Ukhrul and the “CAO” of the NSCN (IM) Tangkhul region. Both the parties have decided to withdraw from the village within the next 72 hours, informed a deputy kilonser of the NSCN (IM), W Shimray, this evening.

The meeting between the DIG of 17th Assam Rifles, Brig Mander Singh and the NSCN (IM), was held in Ukhrul “on the invitation of the Assam Rifles”, according to Shimray. “The tension is already diffused. Both the parties have agreed to shift from the area within the next 72 hours that is three days” he said.

The Assam Rifles and the NSCN (IM) were in a standoff for the past few days since January 18, with the AR personnel putting up electrified barb wires and stopping water supply to Shiroi village areas. As of now, it is reported that water supply has been restored and the tension eased to some extent.

“Brig” Phungting Shimray of the NSCN (IM) Ceasefire Monitoring Group, when contacted, refused to divulge any detail and said they would inform the media at an appropriate time. “We are trying to diffuse the situation and…not to create misunderstanding as much as possible,” Phungting added.

Womenfolk from the Shiroi areas were prepared to intervene in case of any eventuality. They were also joined by other womenfolk of Longpi village, situated 15 km away from Shiroi village, sources informed. However, there is still lingering fear psychosis among the residents of the area, it was informed. The “CAO” of the NSCN (IM) Tangkhul region also reportedly visited Shiroi village and addressed the women who were keeping vigil during the whole time since the standoff started.

Source: MORUNG EXPRESS

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Manipur request for enhanced support from FC

Imphal : Members of the 13th Finance Commission on Thursday met Manipur chief minister, O. Ibobi Singh, the council of ministers and state officials at the Raj Bhavan Banquet Hall in Imphal. During the meetings various features of the state, both achievements and problems, were highlighted by the chief minister and also laid down points of considerations for the finance commission, informed a press note of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).

According to the official press note, the chief minister requested the Finance Commission that topographical profile of the state entailing per unit cost of service be taken into account which deciding upon devolution and that at least 50 percent of the net proceeds of the Central taxes may be devolved to the States out of which 30 percent may be earmarked for the special category states keeping in view the serious cost of disabilities existing in this category of states. The chief minister also requested for enhanced support for empowerment of local bodies, added the press note of the DIPR.

Moreover, with the state practically bearing all the expenditure of the state security, Singh also requested that the situation be considered by the commission while assessing the State’s NPRE during the forecast period, stated the press note adding that the chief minister also requested that full impact of the pay commission may be taken into account while assessing the NPRE during the said period. Further, the chief minister also requested that adequate funds be provided for maintenance of capital assets and filling of essential posts through fresh recruitment besides requesting special grant for the upgradation of the sports complex, stated the press note.

In reply to these requests, the members of the Finance Commission observed that in view of the unprecedented crisis in the world economy, there was a need for collective response by all levels of government of India to enable the country to rise above these challenges. While appreciating and congratulating the state for its achievements in various fields- literature, health or sports, the commission also emphasised on the benefits of GST and urged the state government to assist in building a nation consensus for prompt implementation of GST, informed the press note of the DIPR.

While congratulating the state government on enacting FRBM legislation and meeting its fiscal targets, the commission also felt that a medium term strategy for accelerating productive public investment in key priority areas was required, stated the press note. The commission also observed that the trend growth rate of revenue expenditure for the period of 1999-2007 was lower than the average for the same period for all special category states partially reflecting good expenditure control. The commission also appreciated the declining expenditure on salaries, pension and interest payment over the last four years and observed further that these expenditures still account for over two-third of total revenue expenditure, added the press note.
As per the press note of the DIPR, the commission also requested the state to expedite development of hydro power potential of the state involving the private sector wherever possible. During the meeting the chief minister also highlighted the achievements of the state such as the rich heritage and culture, outstanding sport personalities, health and literary.

Besides these highs the O. Ibobi Singh also highlighted the lows of the state where insurgencies for over the last decade had been hampering the development of the state. The chief minister also highlighted the problems of unemployment, marginalisation, structure weakness in finances and economy and a narrow scope for the state to raise its revenue, informed the press note.
On behalf of the state government presentations were also made by secretary (finance) on the state finances and on security related issues by the director general of police (DGP), Manipur.
Dr. Vijay L. Kelkar, chairman, B.K. Chaturvedi, prof. Atul Sharma and Dr. Sanjiv Misra, members of the 13th Finance Com mission and Sumit Bose, Secretary are on a three day, January 21-23, 2009, visit to the state of Manipur as a part of consultations with the state government and key stake holders. According of the information of the DIPR, the commission will finalise its recommendations by October 2009 after completing its discussions with all the state governments, the government of India and relevant stake holders.

Source: NEW MAI NEWS NETWORK

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GAZA STRIP leh Leitung khovel

-Ginshanglian, Delhi

Gaza strip, tulai leh malai a pat a na minthang sa, tunai a Palestine mi 2000 ding vel mualliamna gam tung taang a thei kha nailou te a ding in thei khamkham ki houvai izaww…. Ka thei mama hi kachi na vang hisam lou ahi. Gaza Strip ahileh Mediterranean Coast dung a um gam beh neunou khat ahi. Upate gen daan hileh thangkhit suphang chia ding vela hi giap hi. Km 40 vel a sau, Km 5-10 ding vel a lian, Isreal leh Egypt tetuo kal a um ahihi. A suah leh mal lam ah (Est&North) lam ah Isreal a um a, asimlam (South) ah Egypt a um hi. Tam gamkai a akhopi lianpen min kila a Gaza Strip kichi ahi. Tam gambeh neunou sung ah Palestine mi 1.4 Billion vel a um phit phet hi.


A Histori

Kum Zaabi 16 na laikim lai (Mid 16th Century) apat in Galpi khatna(WW -I) tan Ottoman Empire neiy ah a um hi. Galpi jou in Palestine a British thunei khumna nuai ah a um a, Israel in 1948 a a zalenna a puon nuo in Egypt in la/luo in Israel-Arab gal(1948) a pian law hi. 1949 in Israel leh Egypt ki thukima ki houlem in Egypt thunei khum in Egypt gam daan in a um hi. Tam ahileh 1949 apat in 1967 tan ahia,(1956 a Israel in ha 5 ding vel a opkhum sung tellou in ahi). Hinanleh Egypt in tam strip pen ama gam daan in akoi ngai sih a, a gam sung a tengte jong Egypt in Mi-leh-Sa hina (citizenship) ngel jong a pe sih a, tam gamkai pen Sepai Lubawh(Governor) etkolna nuai ah a koi giap hi. Israel in agam apat Palestine mi a naw khiat te tam strip a kibube in a gam ah mi a pung sah mama hi. 1967 in Egypt leh Israel hing kidou kia in Israel in 1994 tan a thunei khum(laa) hi.

1993 in Israel leh Palestine kal a lemna thuhun Oslo, Norway ah abawl ua, tuomi thuhun(Accord) dungjui in tam gamkai a Solkal pen Palestine khut a s/tuan ahi. Hinanleh tam Accord dung jui in Israel in Gaza gam, avan li lai, tuitung, tuipi piau, tuigalsat theina leh gamtuam apat lah lut leh Puah khiat (Inport & Export) chite ah a thunei khum nalailai hi.1994 in Israel sepai ten Gaza nuosie in Palestinian thunei tu Yasser Arafat vaihawmna nuai a ki vaihawm uhi. Ahin, Israel solkal in 2005 in a sepaite ala khe pan giap a, September ha 2005 in Israel in sepia thuneina tawh a vaihawm khum na a lakhe pan giap hi.

Israel in Gaza Strip nuosie nanleh sildangdang a agam khantou thei na diingte a khah sah jiah in tam gamkai pen a khang diing bang in a khang thei tahtah sih a, gam jawng leh khovel theipi phah gam ahi sih hi. Gaza a ding a khovel dang tawh a ki jawp theina um sun Rafah Crossing pen kenglam mai dingin Israel in a hon sah giap hi. Tam mai hilou in tam gamkai a ding a niteng pawimaw te len van mawngmawng lahlut phal ahi sih a, puoh khiat mai phalpiah ahi. Official tah a tam gam a ding a panpi na a lut theina sunsun Sufa leh Karmi Crossing te pen Israel sepaite thunei khum ahi nalai hi. Israel in tam gam a ding a niteng pawimaw sil leh teen, neh leh taah te luang lut leh luang khia/pawt ding te a control hoimama a, a changchang chiang in niteng vanjahte nasan kisam in a koi jel vanuh hi.

Tambangte pawna leh thangpai suo in ballot tungtawn a gam mi ten January 2006 in Hamas kichi pawlkhat a tawsawn ua a lawching sah mama uhi. Tam jiah ma in Isreal –USA- leh European Union te a subuai mama mai a, atou muang sah thei sih uhi. Tuochiin upai/lampi dang um nonlou in Hamas pen Terrorist Organization chiin a pom ua , a puang jah uhi. Tuochiin Gaza a lut ding panpina (Aid) tengteng khah sah in a nehsuina uh a suhsiat sah ua, a Economy uh a phuo kei uhi

Hamas in Israel kichi gam um ahi lam a theipi kha sih a a pom sih hi. Tamte jiah in Hamas ten thangpai suo in Gaza Strip a pat a gamlalou lou a um Israel gam leh khua te Local Made Rocket, Thauvui chite in a gal suong sese uhi. Gaza a pat a suangsephah a gam laa (a nai) Israel mite teen tamna khua Serdot chivel khut thah haunan a jang maimai uhi.

Laisiangthou in a geen bang in Isack hah leh suante leh Ismail hah leh suonte Thukhenna ni tan in a kituoh malmal sih ding uhi. Tambang buaina pen a patna ahisih a atawpna jong ahing hinai sih diinghi. Maban a dingte tawh te in tam bang a ki bei maimai n ate pen a keb ding in jong a ching sih ding hi. Ki gaal gin ngai chi daan a ve maw guaiiiii.

Source: ZABELLEI VANGKHUA

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Religious rites & Ceremonies - A case study of the Thadou-Kukis

By Hethang Haokip

Most of the tribal in the pre-Christian days believed in their primeval religion. It rested on the foundation of fears for unknown forces, spirits who could harm them. They believed that these were forces alive in nature of spirit which were hostile to man, had power to harm people by way of sickness. To appease these spirits, people chose to offer sacrifice through the instrumentality of priests appointed and approved by a particular village authority or the chief.

To the Thadou-Kukis, the world is the land they live in and the surrounding country, for the peoples of which they have names and there it ends. To them, universe has three levels—the Sub-terranean world (under world or Nouigam), the middle world or Chungdam and Heaven or Vangam. To them thunder and lightning is an exhibition of the powers and anger of Pathen, and earthquakes take place whenever Pu Chongja shakes the earth from his underworld home just to see if Chongthu's party is still alive. For this reason the Thadou always shout out "Kahing'e, Kahing'e" meaning, "We are alive, we are alive," while an earthquake is on.

The Thadou believe that life is given by Pathen ('Pa' means Father, and 'then' means Holy, literally it means 'Holy Father'), who rules the universe. He has the power to subdue the evil influences of the 'Thilhas' (Bad spirits) and it is to Him that they do their sacrifices in order to regain health or escape any adversity that may happened to them. He is supposed to have made the heavens and the earth and is all powerful. Inn-doi or Doi-bom is the house of god of the Thadou-Kukis. Each house holder has his own Inn-doi. It serves the whole family so long as the members, all live in one house. There is no fixed time for making the Indoi, and it is usually done when a separate household feels that they suffered from lack of health or of wealth.

In making a new inn-doi, the Thempu (Priest) plays an important part. And for making inn­doi, the following things are to be collected. Apiece each of the Shething and Thinglie tree, small bits of Gopi (a garden bamboo), Umgui (Creeper), goat, pig, fowl and egg, small portions of a gourd, Khaopi (a tree, the bark of which makes excellent rope), hailhi (a particular species of gourd), sword, spear and a woman's brass wristlet called Chao.

Then the Thempu taking a very small bit of each of the above with spear, dao and wristlet in his hand, says ­"Pathen bless so and so" (the person whose Indoi is being made). And the ceremonies continued. Then the bits of articles are put into a small gourd and hung up on the outside wall usually above the door out of the way of children. So, the ceremony ends and there is much ju drinking eating. The Thempu is just praying for the householders so that they may have many sons and daughters, riches and power and a long life." Among the Thadou-Kukis, birth is given by the woman kneeling on some clothes, while in front, her husband, sitting on a stool, holds her round the chest. She in turn puts her arms around him.

In case of normal delivery, the priest is not required to perform any rite, the elderly woman manages the task of delivering the baby. If any complication arises, the priest (Thempu) performs a rite called, "Thihdam thoi" by sliding a small piece of iron hoe downward over the back of the woman. It connotes that the hoe, as an implement for loosening the soil, would also loosen the passage through which the baby is expected to come out. Addressing the hoe, the priest recites as follows:

''Nang kasim thihnu, kasim thihpa, chung pathen in nahinsim in. Vanthamjol lah nahung lhan, niso mun ah nahung chun, lhaso munah na hung chun, leiduppi leithopi chungah nahung chun, Leiho thosagi noija nahung lut in, Leilompia Lhominun nahinjap doh in, Nang kason ngai nahi, katil ngai nahi. Hiche chunga hin, Nupi kot hin hongin, pasal kot hin hong in, Nupi kot akikhah ngaipoi, Pasal kot akikhah ngaipoi".

Free translation­:

O! my south she-hoe of iron and south he-hoe of iron, god in above had created you. You descended from the heaven and fall at the place where the sun and the moon rise. You fell on the grey earth and the soil of earth. You then entered the seven layers of the earth. You had the mass of earth in the form of a tiger-man, Lhomi. You are the one whom I trust and you are the one whom I need. At this situation, open the door of a woman and open the door of a man. it is not natural to close the door of a woman and also the door of a man.

As soon as the child is born, a piece of cotton cloth is tied on the child's navel and then the umbilical cord is cut with the edge of a piece of split bamboo. Then the placenta and the umbilical cord are placed inside a gourd and hung up somwhere on the wall of the house. Immediately, after a child is born, thingsa (a mixture of boil­egg or any roasted meat with ginger usually prepared by the mother of the new born child's mother) is given to the mother of the child to eat, in which, the Thadou believes that eating thingsa is the best way of regaining strength. The following day, 'Naodop An' is performed. Here, all the women of the neighbour who were present at the time of delivery were called. On this occasion, they serve ju to drink as 'Naodop ju' and a food to eat as 'Naodop Ann'. Then comes the 'Naolaichan' .

The mother of the child is not supposed to go out of the house for 5 days in the case of a son and 3 days in the case of a daughter from the day of birth. This is called 'Naolaichan' . After this, 'Naobilvu' is performed. When these periods have expired, she goes to her father's house and take a fowl or a pig, according to her means. Then her father and mother, after making a hole on the child's ear, put an earring, gave a new name and bless the child. This is also called "Naolhalho". Then a fowl on a pig is killed in honour of the occasion. As soon as the child is born, while cutting the navel cord of the child, it is customary on the part of the Thadou-Kukis to name the new born child as 'ai-eh' or 'sa-eh' (usually a filthy name or words), before the Thilhas came and do the same.

This name is changed at the time of Naobilvu. Regarding the naming of the new born child, the Thadous have an interesting story. Once upon a time there was a man who went out for hunting and as it became night, he took up a place under a tree for the night. About a midnight he was awoken by all the Thilhas calling to the Thilha of that tree saying "Let us go to the village of the human being and cut the navel cord of the child who is to be born this night." The Thilha of the tree replied "I cannot go with you as I have a stranger in my house". So the other Thilhas went and after a very short time, returned. The Thilha of the tree asked who cut the cord and the other told him it had already been cut by a tiger. The Thilha of the tree then asked where the tiger would kill the child and the other replied, saying "When the child grows up he will marry two wives.

These wives after sometime will quarrel over a paddy mortar. So the husband, in order to make peace between them will go to the jungle and make another mortar so that the two wives may have one each. It is then that the tiger will kill him." The hunter in the morning went back to the village and found that his wife had given a birth to a son, so he was determined to remember what he had heard the Thilhas say. When the son grew up he married two wives and they quarrelled over a mortar and so the son went to make another in the jungle. His father secretly followed him and while the son was making the mortar, a tiger came, but the father killed it with his bow and arrow. The son was much pleased and going up to the tiger got hold of its whiskers and said "If my father had not killed you I would have".

When drawing away his hand the tiger's whiskers cut him and he died almost at once. So in spite of the father's care, what the Thilhas said came true. Consequently when cutting the umbilical cord of a new born child, the Thadou usually says "I will cut the cord and no one else."
After the child is strong enough to be carried distances, it is taken to the house of the father-in-law, who performes 'Naopui' by killing a pig or a fowl which is merely feasted on. Sometimes the father-in-law gives the child his blessing by performing 'Kilhalho' to ward off the evil eye and any future illness.

Death is classifid into three categories:

i). Thipha—natural death.
ii). Thise or Tolthi (un-natural death), and
iii). Senlutthi (Childhood death).

Traditionally, the Kukis bury their death bodies outside the house after performing the needful death rites and ceremonies. When a person died of old age, such death was considered as natural death. Immediately after the death of a person, a ritual of lamentation was performed. The male relatives expressed their grief by observing the 'Kitom', which signifies challenges to 'Killer death' through expressions of defiance. The male members stamped on the floor with great force and with loud exclamation.

They then jumped vigorously holding their daos and other weapons including fire arms in their hands. A man becomes so furious that he would start boasting loudly about how many wild animals he had killed and how he could now kill the foe that had caused death to his relative. He then would challenge the invisible killer to come and fight with him.

The corpse is then washed and wrapped in a cloth and placed in a log of wood, which has been hollowed out to make a rough coffin. It is covered with a rough plank at time of burial. The relatives dig the grave and are helped by the young men and friends. On the grave of a man bamboo is erected which is noticed to show the number of animals he has killed in his time. In case of a woman, some of her favourite things are hung up and left. At time of death of a man or woman 'Khunsum' is performed by those men or women who have performed sa-ai or chang-ai in their life time. This consists of killing a mithun and recitation by the Thempu of all the good deeds of the person who has died, and blessed the spirit on its journey to 'Mithikho' (the hillog of the death).

The Thadous believe that, after death, every soul goes to Mithikho. They believe that the bad spirit stops the soul of the person in the way to Mithikho. One Kulsamnu, the bad spirit is sitting in the way to Mithikho. She engages the dead person in catching her hair-lice. But the persons leading a virtous life by performing Chon festival, are given free access. The way to Mithikho must be made clear. Here bravery, strength and ability are expressed and the song is sung to open the way to Mithikho for a smooth journey to it. The song goes—

"I appear in the world before sunrise. I stop all the people as darkness stops the rivers. And take the fire, enter all caves of the valley and take the fire."

There are many kinds of unnatural death. These include death, as a result of accident, quarrelling, suicide, death by drowing away by water, falling from high tree, murder, battle, fire, etc. In the case of an adult, the corpse of an unnatural death is buried outside the village, while the corpse is buried below the house without ceremony in the case of an infant. The death body of a person who died by committing suicide by hanging was not allowed to be touched by others, because such a death was considered as a bad death. A sufficiently big hole was dug out first below the place where the person hanged.

The hanging rope was cut so that the body by itself dropped into the hole below. If it was necessary to handle the body at the time of the burial a few elderly persons including the priest did the job. When death occurs in a family, a funeral rite called 'Kosa' is performed by the next of kins of the deceased as an expression of grief and love.

After the corpse of an unnatural death has been buried, 'Inn-theh,' a rit for the purification of a house is performed, by the 'Kho-thempu, ' a village priest. Similarly, if a stranger died in a particular house, his next of kins man must perform the 'House purification rite' in the house where the stranger died. If he fails to do so, the matter is taken to the village court and one Mithun may be claimed as fine. This tradition is called 'Innbohman'. Likewise, the son-in-law of the deceased used to cover the corpse with a traditional shawl (called Tomse-in Thadou-Kuki) , where a Mithun is claimable by the next of kin's man of the decease, if he failed to do so.

'Longman' is another important customary practice of the Kukis. It is a payment made to the nearest male kin of a deceased person on the mother's side if the deceased is a male, on the father's side if the deceased is a female. Before longman can be claimed the claimant has to kill a pig for the person from whom he claims a Mithun as Longman and this is called 'Longman bepna'. Otherwise the claim is riot admissible according to custom. In the case of an unnatural death, if a woman dies without any male issue, Longman is not claimable.

Kukis have their own distinctive cultural identity from time immemorial. All festivals and ceremonies they performed on naming occasions are all connected with this socio-economic and religious life. According to the Thadou Legend, there was a time when their Mythical ancestors and the Thilhas lived together in peace. But one night, a man named Changkhatpu, while playing with a Thilha, lost his temper and wounded the Thilha with a dao in his hand. The Thilha went off to the jungle after warning the man. From the occurance of this incident onward, there was persistant enmity between mankind and the Thilhas.

Finally, after the defeat of the Thilhas by man, the farmer went to the sky and asked for God's help, who gave' 'Chol1aivom' to be placed in the water consumed by man so that they (men) would not be able to see the Thilhas in future. As a result of this, man cannot see the Thilhas, where on the other hand, the hostility between them continued. It is because of this persistant hostility that the Kukis, in order to ward off any misfortune by this spirit, or sometimes, to appease them, performed certain rites and sacrifies for the well being of their lives and properties. They (Kukis) believed that natural objects such as mountains, caves, rivers, trees stones and especially 'Sis' —a place where bad spirits dwelt, are the abode of all these Thilhas. These spirits and demons bring sorrow and death to the human beings.

In connection with cultivation, a ceremony called 'Daiphu' is performed after the burning of the jhums. It is nothing but an offering to the Thilhas of a particular field to avoid failure of the Crops. Similarly, after Sattong (son of Pu Chongthu) cut off the hand of Santhuh Kaoshe ie Santhuh Vampire, the former became ill with pain in his throat who nearly died. At this time his faithful dog having compassion on his master licked his master's hand. At that, Sattong became enraged with the dog and killed him instantly with his sword. The blood of the dog spurted out on Sattong's mouth and he became miraculously cured at once. So in cases of serious illness, a dog is usually sacrified by the Kukis. In the month of June, the Kukis performed 'Molsatha' to ward off any misfortunes posed by the evil spirits. On this occasions the whole villages came out in large number and on their behalf the village Thempu performed the rites (known as 'Aikam'), on the outskirt of the village. Here, the villagers were saved from illness, sorrow and death, etc.

If a woman is not blessed with offspring (called 'Aching' in Thadou-Kuki) within the usual time of the marriage, there are three methods of procedures, according to Shakespeare, in his "The Lushei-Kuki clan". First, the woman may go to her father's house, and he will kill a cock and they will drink ju together, after which he ties a string round the child's neck. lf this is not successful she may go to her husband's eldest brother or cousin. If there is still of no use, the Thempu is called in and kills a black hen inside the house, and its flesh, mixed with stones and other ingredients, is compunded by him into a medicine which the poor woman desirous of offspring has to eat. For the Thadou-Kukis, childlessness is considered as a curse. But when a son is born, it is an occasion for festivity of which drinking and dancing form an intrinsic part. To perform 'chon' festival, two types of sacrifies— Chang-ai and Sa-ai are needed. The former is offered by women and the latter by men.

In performing the Chang-ai, the woman has to feed the whole village for one day and she puts up a platform of earth about 6 inches above the ground level which is held in position by a border of small stones placed upright. Within this border small upright stones are placed and represent the number of 'bengs' (woman's basket, usually made of bamboo) of paddy which is being consumed on that day. In the centre are two stones also upright with one larger than the other known as 'Shongmol'. It is a sign for Pathen to know where chang-ai has been performed before he selects a good place at Mithikho for that person. This is done three times and with much singing, eating and drinking goes on the whole day and night in the house of the person performing it. The 'Sheltoldel' , 'Boncho' and 'Lholhil' dances were performed on the third occasions, when the person is said to have assured himself a safe entrance and a special place at Mithikho.

In case of the Sa-ai, the Thempu appears with ju in his hand, calls upon the Pathen to permit the Y-shaped post to be erected. The Thempu spills some of the ju on the earth where it is to be erected and digs a small piece of the earth out, and the actual erection is done by the youngman of the village. After this, the Mithun to be slaughtered is tied to this post which must be of the Shething tree and not other. It is then killed by piercing it with a spear or sharp bamboo. Generally, the Thempu does the killing after blessing the man who is performing the Sha-ai, after the geneological tree from Thadou has been repeated down to this person. Then there is the usual orgy during which Saipikhupsuh, Sagol Kongkhai and Theiphit dances were performed three times each. On both the occasions, they used to sing a song, which goes—(In case of chang-ai):

"Please come the paddy, Please come the paddy, (Which) my grandmother brought out of the khul. I'll make a good offering to god. Please come to paddy."

In case of the Sa-ai, it goes—

"Please come the Mithun,
Pleae come the Mithun (which) my grandfather brought out of the cave.
I'll make a good fence. Please come the Mithun."

Among the Thadou-Kukis, after death, a man and a woman who have performed the Sa-ai and Chang-ai are honoured with a special gift.

Originally done by the Thadou himself, 'Chon' is performed by those who have done the Sa-ai three times, in which everything has to be done seven times. Seven mithuns are to be killed and everything else must be in multiples of seven. On this occasion, animals, specially the mithun is killed by 'Chontul', the only weapon used in killing the animal. Even the songs and geneological trees had to be repeated seven times.

The whole ceremony takes days to complete and the expense incurred is enormous. Even after the death of such persons the corpse had to be carried round seven times and verything pertaining to burial had to be done seven times, so that they resorted to smoking the bodies of such persons to avoid decomposition before the entire rites were completed.

Among the Haokip clan, 'Chon' is performed after celebrating thrice the 'ai's of one of the followings—Tiger, Bear, Elephant or Hornbil. 'Langla' is the only song sung by the Thadous at the burial of those who have performed the Chon festival. The Thadous believe that performance of chon gave the soul of a person a paramount seat in Mithikho and ensured eternal happiness.

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The author is a research scholar at Manipur University, India.

Source: KUKIFORUM DISCUSSION

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Seven Reasons to have a Web Site

01. Website makes a global village

Needless to say, having a web site to promote your activities or ideas is imperative nowadays. The earth is no longer a vast planet. It has become a global village. You can instantly talk to your buddy who is in different parts of the world. Communication and instant intimation is one of the most powerful tools to the road of civilization. The more you intimate, the stronger is your bonding.

02. Identity & Point of Contact Information

Let people know who you are, where you are, and what you do. With a web site you can provide names, numbers, addresses, and directions to allow people to get in touch with you. Without it, people may not know that you even exist.

You can make information available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No matter what time of day or night, anyone can find basic information about you, your purposes, or your organization. activities often comes from people who know you. The Web gives you a chance to pass your identity out to thousands.

03. Today's Yellow Pages

The WWW (world wide web) is the new yellow pages. There are enough activities, organizations, and people now on the web that many people use it as one of their first sources for information. How can the public list you in search directories to be accessible when you don't even have a web page?

Think of the Internet as a huge Yellow Pages with no limitation on the size of your activities/identities. You can supply an unlimited amount of information at your site, such as: store hours, location, etc.

04. Broader Reader Base - One site reaches many audiences.

The world is now global identity awareness and the same site will reach visitors from all over. Your Internet presence exposes you to a greater number of information seekers whether you want it to be locally, regional, nationwide, or worldwide.

05. Valuable Input & Reader’s Feedback

Unlike most forms of advertising or promotional material, the web is not a one-way street. Your web site can allow quick feedback from readers or information seekers. Comments and suggestions are valuable forms of input to improve both your activities and member relations and you can provide forms and an email address to get this input.

06. Valuable Library

Website has become a very important mode of archiving our valuable works. You can archive as many data as possible as per you hosting disk space. Displaying activities or organization pictures greatly impress the readers’ mind. This is one of the powerful tools in pulling people from different world.

07. Expose to the outside world

The world is conscious of identity. People want to expose to the world. There are different mode of exposing, website is one of the best way of exposing who we are and what we are doing. Where we come from and how we conquered the world.

Source: ZAMLUNMANG

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Germany to help uplift economic status of Tripura’s rural people

Agartala: An ambitious project, signed between Tripura Government and Germany to uplift the living standard and socio-economic status of the people, is all set to begin from next month. An amount of Rs 140 crore will be pumped up to carry out the programme in Tripura's two most backward districts - Dhalai and North. Altogether, eight blocks - Salema, Ambassa, Dumburnagar, Manu, Chawmanu, Damchara and Jumpui Hills - will be beneficial from the project.

The project targets about 104 villages, 48,608 households, of which more than 75 per cent are ST, 70 per cent are jhum cultivators and 67 per cent families belonging to BPL group.

The project will cover a total area of 3,43,100 hectare.

The project include rubber plantation over an area of 1000 hectare, capacity building of 600 self help groups, bamboo plantation, farm forestry on 7500 hectare and afforestation on 30,000 hectare.

The project was initiated with the main objective of alleviating poverty among the poor through natural management, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests AK Gupta said here on Wednesday.

"This would also help in reducing the intensity of shifting cultivation and increase bio-diversity," he said.

The memorandum with the Germany was signed last year and the work will start from the next financial year, he assured.

"We have not included the plantation of Sal and Teak as these plantations take years to grow. The beneficiaries have to wait to realize the fruits. We have included fast income generating schemes this time," Gupta said.

"Another aspect is phasing out of the project assistance-for example - in the first two years there will be 75-25 per cent funding, and in the third-fourth phasing will be 50-55 per cent and the later will be 25-75 per cent," he said.

Talking about a strategy to control nepotism in selecting beneficiaries, Gupta added, "It is basically a need-based project with the involvement of rural people right from the planning stage."

Source: http://www.theshillongtimes.com/

Reang refugees threaten strike

Agartala: The Reang refugees of Mizoram, living in six different camps of North Tripura, have threatened to launch hunger strike from January 30 to protest the suspension of cash dole distribution since November.

In a letter to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today, Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum (MBDPF) general secretary Elvis Chorkhy alleged that Tripura administration had suspended cash dole for past two months and recently they stopped rationing of food.

The copy of the letter was marked to Chief Ministers of Tripura and Mizoram - Manik Sarkar and Lalthanhawala respectively - besides Joint Secretary of Union Home Ministry and in-charge of Northeast Navin Chawla and sought their intervention to restore normalcy in the camps.

Mr Chorkhy alleged that the administration had stopped distribution of rice among the refugees since January 15, which led to a starvation-like situation in all six camps and affected more than 35,000 inmates. (UNI)

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Goodwill Strengthens Naga Reconciliation

Dimapur : In a significant gesture seen as a token of seriousness and sincere commitment to the Naga reconciliation process, the “GPRN/NSCN” in a goodwill gesture today “unconditionally” released six NSCN (IM) functionaries who were earlier held captive by the former. Befitting to the gesture, the NSCN (IM) reciprocated with a hope-giving and heartening response of gratitude to the “GPRN/NSCN.”

The six NSCN (IM) members, earlier detained at its rivals’ designated camp at Kehoi for more than a month, were released in the presence of representatives of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and Naga civil society organizations.

Speaking at the release “function”, “GPRN/NSCN” kilo kilonser Azheto Chophy maintained that Kehoi camp does not belong to the NSCN (K) or the NSCN (IM) or any other faction. Rather, he asserted, ‘it was built as a place for Naga reconciliation, peace and unity’. Azheto also affirmed against discrimination of any Naga tribe as all Naga tribes are equal.


Members of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and Naga civil society organizations along with the released cadres of the NSCN (IM), stand outside the CHQ Church of Kehoi Camp. The GPRN/NSCN today released six NSCN (IM) cadres ‘unconditionally’ in the interest of genuine Naga reconciliation. (Morung Photos)

Peace and reconciliation are the desires of all Naga leaders and also of ‘Jehovah’, he said. “And what Nagas want, we must do and stop bloodshed” he emphasized. Handing over the captives to the members of Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Azheto appealed to civil society to pray that Nagas would one day find peace.

MIP kilonser, Alezo, also assured the gathering that the “GPRN/NSCN” had ‘no hidden agenda’ but that it wanted to ‘show their earnestness through action and not by shouting’. “This is not our weakness but our strength” he declared adding that the Nagas want a bright future and “enough is enough”.

On behalf of the released captives, Imcha Longkumer, “MIP secretary” of the NSCN (IM), expressed deep gratitude to the “GPRN/NSCN” for their “unconditional release” and also to the members of the reconciliation forum for their tireless effort in obtaining their freedom.

Longkumer, along with Tatar Hutovi were in confinement for 37 days. He testified that the captives were all treated very well during the entire time of their captivity and also assured to convey all the ‘good things’ they had heard and seen during their ‘stay’ at Kehoi.

“GPRN/NSCN” releases cadres; NSCN (IM) grateful Chairperson of National Socialist Women Organization of Nagalim (NSWON), YS Salem also assured the gathered civil society organizations that they had been treated well and nothing ‘bad’ happened during the 35 days of her confinement.
The 53 years old functionary, who is in her 29th year of “national service”, also wondered why it is ‘so difficult for Nagas to get together’. She assured the gathering that ‘from now on, wherever they might be, they would strive for the common good’.

Describing the occasion at Kehoi camp as an act in “defiance of the notion of the impossible”, convener of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier said the people’s attitude towards reconciliation and peace had been limited so far. “We think reconciliation and peace cannot be the sane approach in our context. We make reconciliation and peace difficult” he lamented. “Our problems are created by us. And therefore these can be solved by us”, he reminded. Through God and the people’s reason and right spirit, Nagas can solve the seemingly unsolvable problems, the convener said and conveyed gratitude to the “GPRN/NSCN” on behalf of the forum for paving that way for reconciliation and peace. Nagas are looking at the events and drawing hope from it, he added.

On receiving news of the release of its functionaries from Kehoi camp, the NSCN (IM) arranged a small prayer program at its CHQ church in Hebron to welcome its comrades. Steering Committee Convener and kilo kilonser conveyed gratitude to the “GPRN/NSCN” for the unconditional release of the activists. Forum for Naga Reconciliation Convener, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier read the same message he had earlier read at Kehoi camp while members of Naga civil society organizations also spoke at the prayer. The brief function was concluded with a mass prayer for the officials from Hebron who finally returned home safely.

Representatives of other Naga civil society organizations also spoke at the occasion, conveying gratitude for the gesture of releasing the NSCN (IM) functionaries unconditionally and expressing hope that this act would lead to greater understanding among the Naga groups. Some of those who spoke at the occasion were representatives of the Naga Mothers’ Association, Naga Women Hoho of Dimapur, Naga Students’ Federation, Ao Union of Dimapur, Naga Women Hoho of Manipur, Sumi Totomi Hoho, , Tangkhul Hoho of Dimapur, Western Sumi Hoho, Eastern Naga People’s Organization, and DBs & GBs Joint Forum.

DECLARATION

The GPRN/NSCN, in presence of representatives from FNR, Hohos, women associations, NSF, and civil societies, hereby, releases the detained officials of Hebron camp unconditionally. This decision is taken so that Nagas could come together through genuine reconciliation and unity. The detained officials are released with all their belongings intact, in sound mind and health.

DETAINED OFFICIALS:

1. Imcha Longkumer, 2. Y.S.Salem, 3. Hutovi, 4. Aphi, 5. Aren, 6. Kuvei

REPRESENTATIVES OF CIVIL SOCIETIES

1. GBs & DBs, 2. Naga Women Union, Manipur, 3.Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, 4.Naga Mothers Association, 5. Ao Union, Dimapur, 6. Tangkhul Long representative, 7. Western Sumi Hoho, 8. Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organization, 9. Naga Students Federation, 10. Forum for Naga Reconciliation


Source: Morung Express

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13th Finance Commission team in Manipur, Insurgency, infrastructure issues highlighted

IMPHAL, Jan 22 : Decades of insurgency has been adversely affecting the socio-economic fabric of Manipur and has been bearing heavily upon the State’s finances, stated Chief Minister O Ibobi during a meeting with the visiting 13th Finance Commission team at Raj Bhavan here today. The Chief Minister also pointed out that Manipur has been suffering from serious infrastructural bottlenecks and locational disadvantages which are preventing the State from harnessing its full potential.

The 13th Finance Commission team who attended the meeting included Chairman Dr Vijay L Kelkar, BK Chaturvedi, Prof Atul Sarma, Dr Sanjiv Misra and Sumit Bose and other members.

The State Government was represented by Chief Minister O Ibobi, Minister for Revenue and Forest Th Debendra, Power and Horticulture Minister Phungza- thang, Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ph Parijat, other Cabinet Ministers and the DGP.

While pointing out the infrastructural bottlenecks, Ibobi noted the historical route between Manipur and South East Asia which provided comparative advantage for further growth and development.

He also spoke about the rich cultural heritage, outstanding sporting talent of Manipuri people and high entrepreneurial drive among Manipuri women.

The Chief Minister urged the Finance Commission team to set aside at least 50 percent of the net proceeds of the Central taxes out of which 30 percent may be earmarked for the Special Category States in view of the serious cost disabilities existing in this category of States.

Huge security expenditure borne by the State and full impact of the pay commission may be taken into account while assessing the State’s NPRE during the forecast period.

He also sought adequate funds for maintenance of capital assets and filling of essential posts through fresh recruitment.

The scope of DCRF may be expanded by including exempt categories of loans such as non-plan loans, loa-ns for central plan schemes, loans for CSS and loans for NEC and NSSF which are presently outside the purview of the scheme.

The Chief Minister also asked the Finance Commission for special grant for upgradation of the sports complex. Ibobi also talked about the improvement in the financial position of the State during the 12th Finance Commission period due to higher central devolution, improvement in the State’s Own Revenue Receipts following introduc- tion of VAT and reduced interest payments.
Talking about the State’s achievements in the field of human development, the Chief Minister asserted that Infant Mortality Rate in the State is one of the lowest in the country. Rise in female literacy and enrolment ratio at the primary level are also one of the highest in the country, Ibobi stated.

In response to the Chief Minister, 13th Finance Commission Chairman Vijay Kelkar referred to the present economic crisis across the world and emphasised on the need for a collective response to enable the country rise above these challenges.

Pointing out that the per capita GSDP of Manipur is much lower than the national average, the Chair- man stressed on the importance of accelerating gro- wth for the State to overcome its many challenges, including that of insurgency. Nevertheless, Vijay Kelkar appreciated the achievements of the State in areas of literacy, infant mortality rate, positive sex ratio and low percentage of the people living below poverty line. He also noted the spectacular performances of the sports persons of Manipur in national and international arena.

While congratulating the State Government on enacting FRBM legislating and meeting its fiscal targets, the Chairman urged the State Government to assist in building a national consensus for prompt implementation of GST.

He also appealed to the State Government to put in place efficient appraisal and monitoring so as to gain maximum returns from the projects funded under capital expenditure. He also appealed to the State Govt to expedite development of hydro power potential of the State involving private sector wherever possible. The Commission will finalise its recommendations by October this year. In the afternoon session of the meeting, the Finance Commission team interacted with leaders of different political parties, local bodies and officials of Trade, Commerce and Industry. The team will visit Singda Dam and the State Museum before leaving for Kolkata in the afternoon tomorrow.

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Killing of 6 AR men Army Court of Inquiry ordered

IMPHAL, Jan 22 : The Assam Rifles authority has ordered a Court of Inquiry to probe the killing of six AR personnel by one of their colleagues at Awang Kasom in Chingai sub-division of Ukhrul district on January 21 evening.

Contrary to our earlier report, the jawan who opened fire and killed the six personnel including a JCO is Rifleman Sheneyi Medio of Nagaland and not TS Tangkhul.

After gunning down his colleagues, Medio fled along with his service AK-47 rifle along with a magazine and ammunition, last evening.

When contacted, PRO of Assam Rifles said that a massive manhunt has been launched in the jungles of the sub-division and beyond and added that a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to establish the circumstances leading to the incident. All necessary arrangements have been made towards this, added the PRO. The picture will become clear after the inquiry is conducted.

The inquiry will be headed by a senior officer of the Assam Rifles and it would be conducted at the headquarters of the 17 Assam Rifles, to which the rogue jawan as well as the six slain personnel were attached to.

The six slain personnel have been identified as Naib Subedar Baldev Singh, Havildar Samsujama and Riflemen W Islam, Biswas Singh, Vikas Kumar and Nitish Kumar. All six died at the spot.
SP of Ukhrul police, Lhari Dorjee, Lhatoo said that the police have registered an FIR in connection with the incident and investigation is one. The bodies have been brought to the Ukhrul district hospital where post mortem will be conducted, said the SP and added that a high alert has been sounded to track down the rogue jawan. Sources said that the embalming of the bodies will be done at RIMS.

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AR extends aid to blast victim

IMPHAL, Jan 22: One IED blast victim has been sent to Artificial Limb Centre, Pune by Hqs 27 Sector AR located at Churachandpur.

A press release issued by the PRO of Hqs IG AR (S) conveyed that the victim identified as Thangkhanlun of Sinjol village of Thanlon sub-division left for Dimapur today. They will be moving to Pune by train from Dimapur.

Thangkhanlun lost his left leg in an IED blast planted by UG in 2005 in Churachandpur district during operation conducted by security forces against UG outfits.

He will remain in Pune for two months for complete treatment and fitting of the limb, the whole expenditure for which will be borne by Assam Rifles.

Earlier 27 Sector sent another IED victim, Lungthalun Haokip to Pune where he got his leg fitted.
He is being trained in operating computers at the Sector Hqs and is hopeful that he will be self-reliant soon, added the release.

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KSO condemns, appeals

IMPHAL, Jan 22: The KSO Sadar Hills has condemned the attempt to hijack a reserved bus on NH 39 between Maram and Tadubi at about 7 pm yesterday by some unidentified persons who came in a Tata Sumo (NL-01C 3328).

The bus hired by a Kuki Gospel concert team also carried a Gospel Concert banner. The bus was taking Kuki Gospel singers to Saijang village, Karbi Anglong district of Assam where they would perform in aid of Saijang Christian School, informed a press release issued by the student body.

As the miscreants attempted to take the bus to an unknown place paying no heed to the passengers’ plea for mercy, a security team of 2nd MR escorting oil tankers reached the spot.

However, the escort party reportedly left the spot immediately leaving the passengers at the mercy of the miscreants saying their assignment is only to escort the oil tankers. Luckily, the passengers were given safe release with the help of some people of the nearby village.

The KSO Sadar Hills also appealed to the concerned district administration and the Government to initiate necessary action against the security team and to enhance security measures along NH 39.

Source: The Sangai Express

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