Imphal, Nov 20 (ANI): With militants targeting educational institutions in Manipur, the frustrated student fraternity has decided to take their protests to the streets.

There is a growing dissatisfaction among students, who see these militant groups as working only for selfish motives, and not for the future of Manipur.

The attacks on educational institutions is being seen as a direct attempt at hampering the future of the student community.

The premier educational centre of Manipur the Institute of Cooperative Management (ICM) wears a deserted look. Built with Central Government aid, this imposing institute was meant to prepare students for future opportunities and challenges.

Academicians too are frustrated with the militants' extortionist demands

"The academic institute is not for an individual, but for the society, the future generation. My appeal is not only to the government, but to all the groups, whoever is operating in Manipur. At least, please make ourselves free from these types of demands. We are not a profit-making organization; we don't do business with education," said ICM Principal Piyush Chattopadhay.

Students are of the unanimous view that the rebels should not be pressurising institutes of education.

"They shouldn't put such type of pressure and disturbance on any institute, because institute is the place, where the future pillars of society are created," said K.Ricky, a student.   

"The operation of such groups psychologically affects students. This may not help offer a well-prepared society for the future," said Samuel Haokip, another ICM student.

Even schools meant for toddlers have not been spared. Kids are scared.

"Manipur will be a trouble land and can't stand so long as a state. There will be no peace and harmony in our state," said Kanjobala, a student of the Azad English School.

"Their demands would spoil a student's life. They aren't able to read freely and can't even complete their syllabus on time," said Rashmi, a teacher at the Azad English School. 

A few months ago militants burnt a school near Imphal. 

Manipur today presents a study in contrast. Two forces namely--Progress and Regressive-- are vying with each other to take the lead to rule. Progressive force represented by people want the State to develop fast, while the regressive force represented by the insurgent and underground groups, want to try holding the State back.

People have understood the real design of the militants groups, which want to hold back the progress and rule by creating terror. (ANI)
--MP

Labels: Manipur

Chhipadohar (Jharkhand), Nov.18 (ANI): Perhaps not all master craftsmen or artists find their due place in life. Despite having a huge potential to astonish art lovers at national galleries, Jeetu Mistri of Jharkhand's Palamu District is living nobody's life.

Despite being an impressive woodwork artist of animals and idols that have won him countless accolades and a gold medal at the national level exhibition, the sexagenarian is leading a pitiable life at his Chhipadohar Village near Betla National Park.

A wood sculptor of extraordinary excellence, Jeetu has mastered the art of sculpting animals and idols. But for lacking the quintessential patronage for his artworks, the sculptor finding it hard to even survive with the dignity of an artist of his perfection.

Earlier, he used to do the work of patching and decorating the bones of snakes in the Nature's Museum of Betla National Park. This art of sculpting with bones motivated him to try the same on wood.

"I got this inspiration from Betla National Park where I, along with my father, used to join the snake bones for display in the museum. We always thought of making it from wood and we finally started this work," said Jeetu Mistri.

With wood, Jeetu has made several attractive sculptures of animals like snakes, buffaloes, deer and idols of God.

He claims to have been once invited to display his work abroad, but refused while contending that he didn't wish to barter country's art for money with foreigners. But little did this artist thought, that he was refusing a lifetime offer.

Today, Jeetu eagerly awaits support from the State government or District administration to survive his special art in woodwork.

"I make it with so much of labour but we don't earn even half of the amount we spend on its material. So we have slowed down the speed of our work because we have to educate children too. If the Government provides us some support, we can create a better work," he added.

Neighbours and friends are also disappointed to see such an artist of great potential living such a miserable life.

"He crafts the sculptures of wild animals like snakes, elephants but he doesn't get the enough money for his art. He is doing this work for many years just to save his art," said Kamta Prasad, a neighbour. (ANI)
--MP

Labels: Business, International, Jharkhand, Manipur

Chatra (Jharkhand), Nov.18 (ANI): In what is being seen as taking inspiration from "Lok Adalat" (or, the people's court) being run in various parts of the country, Maoist organisations in Jharkhand are adopting the move to promote a positive image among locals.

Tritiya Prastuti Committee, a Maoist organisation that holds People's Court at Chatra, is just one of them. It claims to put a check on crime in the areas under its influence through "Jan Adalat."

The Maoist organisation has conducted a series of people's courts at and around Chatra, Latehar and Ranchi districts of the State.

At one such "Jan Adalat" held recently, three persons were presented for allegedly trying to waylay some vendors of diesel and lubricants.

"We were searching for Communist Party of India (CPI) Maoists in their area. While preparing to get inside their vicinity, I noticed these three guys on motorbikes. On questioning, it was learnt that one of them, Santosh Oraon, was the brother of Roshan Oraon, a CPI Maoist's sub zone commander," said Bheekamjee, Area Commander of Tritiya Prastuti Committee.

"Later, one of them from Gonda village, Puri, started running. That's when I doubted that all of them belong to CPI Maoist group, and asked my cadre to fire them", he added.

It was claimed that the Tritya Prasuti Committee cadre workers recovered arms from the nabbed persons and this included two .315 guns, one mobile phone, and a dagger.

"We have been beaten up by them. They freed us, when we told them the truth. But next time, if we are caught, they will surely shoot us," said Santosh Oraon, one of the three persons tried by "Janata Adalat".

Though these public courts are claimed to be held for various reasons, but the purpose of creating a positive image among the locals cannot be denied.

Culprits found involved in crimes like dowry, theft and others are punished. At times, even police officials also fall prey to them.

Meanwhile, the overall Maoist movement in the region has also suffered due to splits and formation of umpteen factions.

In fact, CPI Maoists have suffered a major setback in Districts like Palmaon, Latehan, Gumla, Lohardaga and Chhtava, which at one time used to be the stronghold of their cadres.

It is said that in these districts, the organisation suffered a vertical split in the name of caste.

Also at same places, cadres revolted for the demand of "levy", which is basically extortion from the mine owners and transporters of minerals and other ores. It is said that the huge amount raised through extortion was usually cornered by the top brass among the Maoists.

Presently, besides Tritya Prasuti Committee, organisations like Jharkhand Prastuti Committee (JPC) and others are also holding Jan Adalats. They generally pick cases related to the rival cadre persons and punishing them on some criminal charge. (ANI)
--MP

Labels: Business, International, Jharkhand, Manipur

AA: New Delhi, Nov 8 (ANI): Manipuri students, currently on a national integration tour, met the Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil here today.

Patil interacted with the students for about half an hour on various issues, including the prevailing situation in Manipur.

The purpose of the tour is to acquaint the students with how various parts of the country are benefiting from India's economic boom.

"Basically the aim of the tour is to get the exposure to the youths of Manipur to know the culture and heritage of India and interact with people of other state," said Captain Mahesh Karki, officer in charge.

"We want a change the situation that is prevailing here. The tour has made me realise the difference in situation in these two places," said Nirai Kshetermagum, a student.

The students, studying in higher secondary standards, come from far-flung areas of the Manipur and being in a totally different ambience of the national capital is providing them a very unique experience. They are quite upbeat and enthusiastic about their tour to know about the people and culture of north India. (ANI)

Labels: Manipur

MP: New Delhi, Oct 24 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil today bestowed Manipur Governor Dr. Shivinder Singh Sidhu with additional duty of Meghalaya.

Labels: Manipur

Imphal, Oct 22 (ANI): Upset with the constant extortion demands, sports officials and players want to root out nefarious elements from Manipur society. When Marykom of Manipur won the gold medal in the World Women's Boxing Championship in Delhi last year, she brought laurels for the country and Manipur in particular.

But the militants who claim to fight for Manipur's pride are actually killing the honour of the state by stifling the sports' authorities. These officials went on strike against the extortion demands served on them by an underground group. "We have told them that we don't have money. We are scarifying for our job only and for the achievement of our player. We are giving our effort to bring up our player to national and international level. Besides, they are demanding high amount," said, a sports official.

Sport stadiums and playgrounds, were empty. At a time, when the state players are preparing for next year's Asian games and Commonwealth Game, the sudden break in practice has been a big blow not only to the players but also for the state. "We are fighting for the future. We want to do some good for our state and for the country. We are practicing day and night. We don't have any option," said one of the players.

Another player added, "We have been affected a lot. Our daily playing session has been disturbed due to the demand by some groups." Last month, sports person and officials in Manipur also came out on the streets to protest against the harassment meted out by the underground groups. In the absence of large scale industries and adequate employment avenues, sports are the only area where talented youngsters find a living.

For Manipuris, sports are a means to socio economic upliftment, but the act as brakes on the ambitions and growth of the young generation. "If I don't pay the demand, I am not secure. As long as I pay the demand, I am secure," a player, said.

Manipur is a hub of sporting talents. Take any football club in the country and you will find five or six players who are Manipuris. The state today has the largest number of medal holders as the last two National games have proved. This strength in sports has come despite a lack of proper infrastructure. It's the sheer zest for the game and a desire to change their socio economic lives, that drive Manipuris but the underground groups want to put an end to this march to progress. (ANI)

Labels: Manipur, Sports