Educational Institutions in the Hill

By : T Gouzadou

Will you agree with me if I say that all our actions and interest are pleasing to Satan who is the king of liars. Perhaps we believe that God will not punish us for our sins because He is merciful and gracious, but the Bible clearly tells us in Exodus 34:7 that God will not fail to punish children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation for the sins of their parents.

There was a 24 hours bundh to protest against the order of the Government of Manipur cancelling a number of grant-in-aid schools. The bandh was supported by the Churachandpur Students Union and the Zomi Students Federation. We blame the government for this drastic action because we do not know the reason for it. Do you know how many grant-in-aid school are functioning efficiently in Manipur? I am afraid the number of good grant-in-aid schools are functioning efficiently in Manipur? I am afraid the number of good grant-in-aid schools may not be even 10 (ten). I remember the some years ago a Minister held up the salaries of some teachers of a grant-in-aid school who remained absent for months. The said teachers led by their Pastor brought a domestic animal in the hope of getting mercy of the Minister. The embarrassed Minister said, “I excuse you this time because your Pastor is pleading for you. if I do not excuse you, you will think that I do not obey God. Now you must swear before you Pastor that you should not repeat to absent from duty and that God shall punish you if you neglect your duty in future”. That incident was mentioned by the Minister himself in his speech on the occasion of the Republic Day Celebration.

Is there any good government school in Churachandpur district except the schools located within the town? We have observed with sorrow that the school located in Singngat Assembly Constituency, such as, Singngat high school, Tuaitengphai high School, Saiboh Jr High school, Lungchin Jr High school, Suangdoh Jr High School and Behiang grant-in-aid high school remain defunct. All primary schools are not in better position. Thanks to the generosity of the authority concerned the teachers of the above mentioned schools got their salaries regularly. It is said that the village chiefs used to give attendance certificate in favour of the teachers for which they got 10% of the salaries of the teachers.

Who is responsible for this sorry state of affairs. Shall be blame the local MLA or the Minister or the Students organisations? How long shall the people endure such tragedy which has been created by our own men? Have you ever pondered on the future of youths of today who have been deprived of education? What action has been taken by the NGOs for improvement of the society? Will you hate me if I say that organisations shall share the salaries of teachers who do not perform their duties?

It is said that every year each grant-in-aid school has to submit attendance report of teachers to the authority concerned. Once I wrote an article titled “Sanctity of Students Union” Sad to say, the self-styled leaders utilise the students as their tool and they exploit the people for their benefit. Is it wrong to say that our leaders are not willing to lead the people in a right way? It is mot desirable that the electorate should compel their Ministers and MLAs to perform their duties honestly for the welfare of the people of their respective constituencies.

While the government schools located outside Churachandpur town remain defunct in Churachandpur district the ATSUM has been pressurising the government to appoint teachers for the schools where there is shortage of teachers. We are grateful to the ATSUM for its sincere efforts to improve government schools. In this connection I want to request the members of the ATSUM to prepare a list of all schools of Churachandpur district mentioning staff position of each and every school. Recently the government appointed a number of teachers for schools of hill districts, but God alone knows whether those teachers are presently at their places of posting. ATSUM is the appropriate organisation to ensure that teachers serve in the schools for which they are appointed. Appointment of more teachers will be useless and it will be a way of inviting God’s curse if the teachers do not teach in the schools for which they are appointed. A government school teacher who does not teach in his school is a true enemy of the society. We look forward to the day when we Christians become exemplary loyal citizens to lead others to follow the right path.

WHY ARMED FORCES (SPECIAL POWERS) ACT

By T. Gouzadou, Ex-Minister

Manipur had been a Union Territory from 1956 and a full-fledged state from 1972. The status of Manipur is not inferior to the status of any other states of India. Therefore, there is no reason why we should blame the government of India for our backwardness, As we have our own government, we have to blame the Ministers and MLAs for our backwardness and deterioration of law and orders. We have to blame ourselves too because we have elected them to be our representatives.

While other states are making good progress, Manipur is moving backwards on account of corruption which has gone deep into the hearts of the people including politicians and bureaucrats with a sad result that the State Police alone could no longer maintain law and order, Since maintenance of law and order is the responsibility of a full-fledged state, the Government of Manipur had requested the Central Government to send security forces to Manipur to help the civil Administration. Those many battalions of security forces have been employed in Manipur, They will go back when our Chief Minister can honestly say that their services are no longer required as peace has been restored in Maxiipur. To enable them to perform their duties effectively they have to work under the provisions of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, We know that this Act will cease in Manipur as soon as there is no longer insurgency problem in the state. Attempt to secede from India, rampant abductions and killings in addition to large scale extortion favour imposition of this Act. The only way to get this Act repealed is to create a peaceful atmosphere in Manipur. It is said that when guns are silent, flowers blossom on earth.

Whenever there is economic blockade on the national highways 59 and 53, the people suffer much. This shows our dependence on other states for survival. In olden days each village was self-sufficient because the needs of the villagers were few. In this present age our needs are very many for which we have to depend on other states. We cannot remain isolated. Therefore, we can understand that it is best for Manipur to remain as one of the states of India. Who knows God desires that Manipur should remain as a part of India. That might be the reason why there was *Merger Agreement'. To declare general strike by any organisation when the President of India or the Prime Minister of India visits Manipur is to block the blessings of the Central Government to a great extent; It is only through the wisdom of the Government of India that we may move forward towards prosperity, Let us continue to work for peace because we know that without peace there is no development.

Who to be blamed?

Letter to Manipur News Papers

Subject: Who to be blamed?

Sir,

In the present context of Manipur let us all think about who to be biased for the happenings, past and present:

(i). No salary for the employees,
(ii). crores of rupees overdraft.
(iii). Crores of rupees loan from the central governments
(iv). More than thousand crores of rupees credit to the central government.
(v). More than three lakhs oe un-employee in the state.
(vi). More then ninety thousand employees in the state where there is only fifty thousand above employees in the state of Meghalaya.
(vii). More than four thousand fake appointments in the state,
(viii). Nearly five thousand clubs/association in the state.
(ix). Nearly twenty underground groups in the states,
( x), So many ministers against the representation of people act.

Have you ever think that who is the creator or foundr for all these? Have you ever blame to any specific person or organization for the bund called or bankruptcy ? have you executed - corrupted MLA/Ministers if your organization is named Sana Lei pak ngakgah ? How many fake appointments are terminated or put behind the bar if you are minister in charge or vegilence head or how way you obtain for their escap ? Have you ever approach the insurgency groups for any short of negotiation to come back to the mainstream by ebsorbing them through appointment to IRB/MR/Police if you are CM or Minister i/c Home ? Have you ever take action against those officers (IAS,MCS,MSS} who have involved in corruption cases or like fake appointment if you are in vigilance Department ? have you ever raise any query to the August House against any kind of miss-appropriation of fund by the politcians or beauracrets? Have you ever imagine that crores of rupees cheque issued to the contractor by DC/Churrachandpur against the guide line of PMGSY if you are MLA or Sana Leibak Ngakpah group?

Let us not expect that anything good will come till the State is in Democracy, Because no officers in the state has charisma due to extortion and kidnapping. No laymen feel the charm to be in Manipur because of all these things. Let us not blame to any particular but blame ourselves because we all are equally involved in all these during the election time. Am I right or wrong Sir?

Dated Zoveng, Lamka
The 22nd July 2008

Sd/-
T. Gouzadou
Ex-Minister

Letter to the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Manipur

To,

The Chief Secretary
to the Government of Manipur.
Imphal

Sub: Memorandum of understanding (MoW) between the Government of Manipur and
All Tribal Student Union, Manipur (ATSUM).

Sir,

As everyone is aware, the Economic blockade on both the National Highway Imposed by ATSUM is the result or the failure Or the government to fulfil its promises mentioned in the MoU. I also feel that it shall not be possible for the government to fulfil all the demands of ATSUM and it is also a mistake of the government to sign the MoU fully knowing that the demands are beyong the capacity of the government.

It is desirable that before signing any MoU, the government should examine whether the demands are resonable. If some of the demands are found reasonable, the MoU may be signed. If some of the demands are not reasonable and beyond the capacity of the government, the party concerned shall be told clearly about the legal Implications a MoU shall not be signed to win the confidence of the public. Not to fulfil the MoU invites misunderstanding between the government and the people. Justice should should always be the guide for all concerned.

In order to reduce crisis of confidence it is requested that the government should make the people know the number of government colleges and schools of each hill District, and the number of teachers appointed for each institution. It is said that if there were vacancies in the government schools, there should not have been so many fake appoinments. Before Independence, government schools were the best schools in Manipur. As a proof, let me reproduce below the inspection note written by Mr. F.G.Mengies, S.D.O., West who visited Thanlon school on 22-3-46:

The school is more than flourishing and there were 90 students present. The school has grown so much that it is imperative either a new bulding be put or extensions made to accomodate all classes. Class A and Class I are housed in half of the boys hostel which is not at all desirable, but for lack of space is the only solution at present. Plans are made for enlargement of the school next cold season. class III were not present as they were waiting results of their exam recently held.

I am more than pleased with the teaching staff and the results so far obtained by pupils of this school is sufficient proof of their ability and interest in the work. The usual drawback is the lack of text books, stationery, etc of which I have a list and will see that they are supplied at the earliest. The keen interest also shown by the masters in organising games for the childrens is very commendable

There is no doubt whatsoever, but that the U.P. & L.P. schools here af Thanlon are progressing so rapidly that they will soon be in a position to have an M.E. School here.

Sd/- R.G. Mengies
S.D.O., West
22-3-46

It may be mentioned in thios connection that Thanlon was within the east while Tamenglong sub division which was known as west sub division. Now that we have our own responsible government and teachers of government schools. It is said that Science graduate teachers who were appointed for schools of hill districts were transferred to the schools of valley districts. Whom to blame for this tragedy? Until and unless each local M.L.A. takes interest for improvement of schools located within his constituency, there shall not be any improvement.

It is also requested that the government should make rules/laws to the effect that all members of student organizations such as AMSU, ATSUM, ANSUM and all other student organisations must be students reading in the universities, colleges and schools. Ex- students shall not be allowed by the government to bve members of any student organisations.

In view of the seriousness of the present situation. I beg to you kindly to move the government to inform ATSUM about the reasons why their demands could be fulfilled inspite of the MoU and legal action may be taken against those who violate the law of the land to end any blockade.

Your's faithfully,


T. Gouzadou
Ex- Minister.
Churachandpur, Manipur

TIPAIMUKH DAM AND ANTI-DAM LOBBYISTS

By T. Gouzadou, Ex-Minister

It is hoped that Tip« makh dam will be a great boon to the people of Manipur. About 20 years have passed since the beginning of this project. However.consteruction works works had not been started till this may, 3 : appears that NEEPCO has completed all the formalities required for commencement of the work except a little complexity. It is not possible to believe that Tipaimukh dam, when completed, what will be the curse of misfortune for the peoples of Ukrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and valley districts of Manipur. It is believable that the dam will not submerge more than 1 percent of the total, Area of Manipur The anti-dam lobbyists may kindly tell us how the dam could be the cause of misfortune for the people, of Manipur, The people of Churachandpur district would like to know it,the reason why the people who do not know the toporaphy of the area and have not seen even Tipaimukh are very much against the damn .If the Hmars who are living in Tipaimukh subdivision are again the dam, it is understandable.

Truly speaking, I have visited-Tipaimukh twice. Witli the Estimate committee I went to Tipaimukh in 1986, and in 1994 when I accompanied Shri P.P.Srivastav, Advisor to Governor of Manipur, We went up to Sipuikon ard visited the site for construction of the dam The villages to be affected are few, and there is no wet rice field to be submerged. The fact that Tipaimukh dam will never submerge any part of valley districts of Manipur is crystal clear, Instead of giving co-operation to the government for success of the Tipaimukh project, some big organisations of the people living in valley districts are deadly against the dam. The reason of their objection is not understandable. Is there any hidden agenda for it? " the anti-dam lobbyists have given us the impression, rightly or wrongly, that they are against the interest of the people of Churachandpur district and against the interest of the Hmar community inv particul.tr. It may not be wrong to say that the objection are nothing but envy-on the part of objectors who do not want to see development in the area. They should look upon the people of the area as their own people. We were happy to hear the slogan CHINGTAM AMATANI. The opportune time has come for all of us to show this beautiful slogan in action. Let us say that our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.

In Churachandpur district, there are a number of. organisations-having their respective representatives. I believe that the main reason why the people. of other districts have poor opinion of the people of Churachandpur district is The fact that the leaders have failed to do what they should do. Whenever we have any problem to be solved by the government, we have to appraoch our MLA's for help because they are our representatives. Instead of approaching them we are eager to take law into our hands by means of bandh, strikes, economic-Blocades and so on. Such kind of agitations give us only misery and immense hardships. Khuga dam is a different case, In 1974, it was taken up. The commencement of the work was started only after 10(ten) years, In fact, it would have been better if this Khuga Multi Purpose Project had not been taken up at all because about 100 wet rice cultivation fields and thousands of acre of village lands are now submerged. About 30 villages are affected. It is a pity that those who were in favour of Khuga dam are now against Tipaimukh dam, Fors and againsts are many, and I want to say that as long as we, the people of Manipur envy one another and try to harm one another we shall continue to move backwards till doomsday.

The Editor,
for favour of publication in public interest

THE SANCTITY OF STUDENT UNIONS

T.Gouzadou,
Ex-Minister.

The main aim of student unions ought to be to get good education for Improvement morally, intellectually and physically to enable students to become good citizens of the country. To demand Sixth schedule, Union Territory, Removal of AFSPA, interference in the district administration and so on are all for the politicians and Involvement of student unions in politics reduces the sanctity of student unions. In like manner, negligence of duty on the part of teachers of government schools and colleges is a big crime against humanity and a moral sin - against God.

Before Independent, there were a few government schools in Manipur, and every government school, was good. Students of government schools were proud of their school s, and the general public also had high opinion of them. By that time the name of student unions was not heard. After Independence, the number of government schools was increasing gradually, but most unfortunately the quality of government schools in hill districts has gone down to such extent even poor people prefer private schools to government schools. Before 1947, there was a government Upper Primary school at Thanlon. This school was one of the best school in Manipur, Mr. R.G. Mengies, the last European S.D.O, of TamengIong, who visited Thanlon School on 22-3-46, mentioned the following words in his inspection note: "I am more than pleased with the teaching staff and examination results so far obtained by pupils of this school is sufficient proof of their ability and interest in the work. After 1947, Thanlon School was upgraded gradually and in course of time it become a full-fledged high school. Today the teaching staff of Thanlon Government school may not be traceable at Thanlon The same is with most of government schools, and schools under district council in hill districts of Manipur. We have not seen any student union to raise their prayer for revival of government schools or action against the teaching staff who are not traceable at schools.

Any man of good will asks these questions why do the government schools in Manipur remain in such pitiable condition ? Are Ministers and M.L.A's happy with the poor standard of govererment schools? Do student unions forget that their main aim is to acquire good education ? Have the student unions been engaged in activities other than activities for welfare of students ? Who has the courage to say that it is not desireable that students will be influenced by the political parties. Actual, in other states students are used to welcome the high dignitary who visit the state capital. But here in Manipur studentss,are becoming the tool of tainted politicians It will always be our,consolation if the students of our state could maintain sanctity of student unions for success in life.

T.Gouzadou,
Ex- Minister

SENIOR CITIZENS WELFARE ASSOCIATION, CHURACHANDPUR,

Zouveng, Churachandpur,
Manipur.

1st August 2003

To,

Shri O Ibobi Singh,
Hon;ble chief Minister,
Government of Manipur.
Imphal.

Sub: Means to save Manipur

Sir,

Most respectfully I, onbehalf of the Senior Citizens Welfare Association of Churachandpur, beg to state the following for favour of your kind consideration:-

(1) Since Manipur is also a full-fledged state of India having the powers enumerated in List II - State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, we feel that it is not proper on the part of the people of Manipur to accuse the Government of India for the internal troubles of the state. As far as economic-blockades are concerned, the State government can deal with them firmly and tactfully under the Law of the country.

(2) We also believe that the genesis of the ongoing economic blockade is not declaration of 18 June as holiday, as is made to appear. The real problem is dismemberment of Manipur, with NSCN(IM) as the fountainhead of this cult. The only person Who can save Manipur from the designs of NSCN(IM) is the Prime Minister of India. therefore all sections of the people of Manipur including the insurgent groups have to remain faithful to the Government of India in order to win, the favour of the Prime Minister of India.

(3) It appears to us that as long as insurgent groups of Manipur are fighting against the Government of Manipur and against the Government of India for independence, the Government of India will net be happy and it will not be possible to win their favour. Lt.Col.H.Bhuban Singh has rightly said that the home made insurgent groups are busy in their own affairs while the kind of Manipur they want to liberate is on the brink of disappearing from the map, The time has come for all lovers of Manipur to stand united to win the favour of the Government of India which alone can protect the territorial integrity of Manipur.

(4) The Sangai Express dated 31-7-05 tells us that from August 1 to 3 all the students from Primary to the University level will hold sit-in-Protest demonstration in front of their respective schools from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. We fear that if the students begin to launch various forms of agitations with effect from 1st August, there will be greater disturbances. Any wrong move by them will prove fatal to Manipur.

(5) We beg to add that Mr, Haokholal Thangjom, Ex- Minister,Lt.Col,H.BhubanSingh(Retd)andCommandant R.S.Jassal (Retd) are men of mature Judgement and their considered opinion may kindly be invited by any Chief Minister at the time of making his decision in important matters relating to the security of Mauipur, The ongoing economic blockade is a very important issue and their opinions may be useful.

We therefore, fervently request you to take up all possible means firmly and tactfully (i) to end the ongoing economic blockade and (ii) to convince the people of Manipur including insurgent groups to remain loyal to the Government of India to win the favour of both the Governor of Manipur and the Prime Minister of India to save Manipur.

Yours faithfully,

T. Gouzadou
President,
Senior Citizens Welfare Association,
Churachandpur, Manipur

SEEK THE TRUTH TO SAVE MANIPUR

By T. Gouzadou, Ex-Minister

In the beginning God created heaven, and earth. He gave our ancestors a part of it which is called Manipur, and we have been living in this beautiful land, We have to believe that God can take away Manipur from us. To enable us to continue to live in it in peace and to maintain territorial integrity of Manipur we the people of Manipur have to show our gratitude to God in obeying His commandments as the Holy Scripture says,"Everyone must obey the State authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered, and anyone who does so will bring judgement on himself"(Romans 13:1-2). Disloyalty to the government is the result of pride. God resists the proud.

We have to examine ourselves to know whether we are proud in the eyes of God, God hates pride, and punishes it severely. He often punishes secret pride by withdrawing His assistance from the proud man. And deprived of God's aid, the proud man falls into grievous sins leading to his humiliation. Thus the proud Roman Empire fell and became nothing. The proud Napoleon, Emperor of France, who had the courage to say" Impossible is a word to be found in the dictionary of fools", lost his power and the British had sent him to St Helena, where he, died.

If we say that Manipur had never been a part of "India before 15 October 1949, Manipur tribals also may like wise say that ''sinc Meiteis have never settled in the hills of Manipur before or after independence, the hills had not been parts of Manipur before the British conquered Manipur. Even after independence Meiteis are reluctant to be posted to hill areas, As for Instance during thee year 1986-87 while, Rishang Keishing was the Chief Minister, there was a special recruitment for science teachers. About 200 teachers were appointed on the condition that they should serve in high schools located in hill districts.I still remember it because at that time I was also a Member, of Legislative Assembly. Perhaps all of them might have been transferred to valley areas leaving behind their schools without science teachers.

"If all the Meitei government employees have the willingness to live with their wives and children in their places of posting in hill-districts there should have been better understanding and cordial relation between hills and plains. Their reluctance to do so has widened the gap between Meiteis and tribals.Thus we have failed to utilise many good years to make relation between Meiteis and tribals. Nowadays due-to insurgency problems even the tribals are reluctant to serve in the hills.

Tradition is very important and it should be given due importance. Meitei tradition says that on the occasion of Meitei marriage a cloth called "Tangkhul Leirumphi" is always included as a compulsory item of gift, though quite small, of the parents to their daughter bride, This particular tradition is a proof of relationship between Meiteis and Tangkhuls. Among the tribals of Manipur it is only the Tangkhuls who have had the chance to become Chief Ministers of Manipur, We remember that Major B,Khathing was the Minister in charge of Hill administration in 1948-49, Thus we may presume that God wants Tangkhul's to play a bigrole for unity and prosperity of Manipur. Therefore it may not be wrong to say that it is best for them to remain united with Meiteis, However, if the Meitei insurgents continue to fight for sovereignty of Manipur, the Nagas of Manipur will naturally like to support the policy of integration of Naga inhabited areas in the North-east India and the Non-Nagas tribes also shall have to think for their future status. Love is the most powerful weapon to win the hearts of the minority groups.

It is the will of God that Manipur be a part of India. If any Manipuri is fit, he can get the highest post of the country. We must be grateful to the Government of India for all the helps Manipur has received so far. The destiny of Manipur greatly depends on all of us. Let any organisation shun any kind of violence to make Manipur a land of peace. As the Government of India and NSCN(IM) talks are going on, the time has come for the people of Manipur to win the goodwill of the Government of India to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur.

OUR FATE AFTER WITHDRAWAL OF ARM FORCES SPECIAL POWER ACT, 1958

By T. Gouzadou Ex-Minister

As we are now in a very critical situation on account of the demand for withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Power Act, I honestly ask the people what shall be our-fate after withdrawal of the said Act, One should know the reason why the government has, decleared Manipur as disturbed area. Is it wrong to say that the Act has been in force in Manipur because murder, kidnaping, extortion and many other crimes comitted by armed insurgents have compelled the government to declare Manipur as disturbed area? Today in view of deterioration of law and order in Manipur any head of department is not seen in his office because of so many demand notices issued to government officers. Now a days any Chief Engineer prefers voluntary retirement. Do you know the reason for it? All government contractors and government employees are given demand notices and due to fear they have to pay the required percent. If they do not comply with such demand, they may get capital punishment,

1) Yangmaso Shaiza, Ex-Chief Minister of Manipur,
2) R,K.'2obin¬dro Singh, IAS,
3) A.Saratchandra Singh, IAS(Retd),
4)Jugeshwar Singh,IPS(Retd) former DGP,
5) M.Ibochouba Singh, Chief Engineer (IFCD),
6) S,Binoy Singh, Chief Engineer(PWD) ,
7) Major(Retd) Pagin Kipgen,
8) Kakai, Divisional Forest Officer,
9)Solomon, Ex-minister,

and Lungshim Shaiza were killed by armed insurgents, that did the people do when these important persons were killed? Were they not important persons of Manipur? Could you not believe that the government has declared Manipur as disturbed area on account of deterioration of law and order in the state? As Manipur is disturbed area, the security forces have the power under the Armed Forces Special Power Act to take appropriate action to maintain peace in the state. This Act, though called black law by many, is not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do evil. But if you do evil, then be afraid of this Act. Today all of us including Ministers and MLA's demand for withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Power Act,1958, Do you think that there is no longer any insurgency problem, in Manipur? If all heads of departments can attend their offices without fear and people avoid public curfew, bandhs, economic blocade and there is peace, then the Act ceases automatically. Am I right? have you ever tried to find out who were responsible for bringing the Act to Manipur? Those who committed the above mentioned crimes were responsible for bringing the Act for our security. Though you may hate the Act today, you will soon realise its utility when you are fed up with lawlessness. Why do politicians, Ministers and MLAs try their best for withdrawal of the Act in spite of the fact that they know well about deterioration of law and order in the state? It has been said that in Manipur from the year 2000 A.D there is no longer election of M.P. and M. L. A and in the name of election, selection was done. For this reason they support agitation for withdrawal of the Act to please those who selected them, If they truly think that Manipur is now peaceful, why do they continue to keep security guards in their respective bungalows and during their tours in their constituencies? To beep their gates open for visitors who want to meet them is a sign of peace, If such time comes, then the act shall cease automatically.

One day I asked a man what would be the sign of the naked Meitei women who appeared at the gate of the Assam Rifles, He told me that such exhibition could be an omen to tell us that Manipur will become naked as all good things will disappear from our loving native state of Manipur. Another man asked me the reason why there are so many underground organisations in Manipur, I politely told him that the members of underground organisations are nationalists who are fighting for self-determination, On hearing my words, he said,"you are wrong. These underground organisations were founded by politicians who want money without work," Do you think that his accusation is true? Ye can foresee unpleasant things which we have to face after withdrawal of the Act.

Let me quote the following Bible verses for your kind consideration"Everyone must obey the state authorities because no authority exists without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God, Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgement on himself."

God has given us a choice between a blessing and a curse, To be loyal to the Government will be a blessing for us and to revolt against the government will be a curse for us. We want peace, prosperity and territorial integrity. Let us have patience and goodwill so that Manipur may, once again, become the pearly land of peace and joy and then the Act shall cease automatically,

Occupation of Kangla by Assam Riffles

By T. Gouzadou, Ex-Minister

I do not say that it is wrong to request the Government of India to shift the Assam Rifles from Kangla, but as a native of Manipur, I like to say that threatening the government by resorting to general strike may kindly be avoided because we have already so many urgent problems to be solved by the government, The Assam -Rifles has been occupying Kangla for the last many decades and even if they continue to occupy the area, the land continues to be the sacred place and soil of Manipur. It is learnt that the 4th Bn. The Assam Rifles was raised in 1913 and established its cantonment in Imphal. The long service of the Assam Rifles in Manipur has made us feel that the officers and men of the Assam Rifles, past and present, are our own men. They have been in Manipur for our security. We remember with admiration the invaluable services rendered by the Assam Rifles during the Second World War. It will be unfair to blame the whole battalion for the crimes committed by any member of the battalion. He who commits a crime shall have to be punished by a court of law. To launch agitation one after the other to force the Assam Rifles to leave Kangla, which has been occupied by them for the last many decades, may appear to be an act of ingratitude.

Any person, whether he is a politician or a government servant, is corrupted when he has no sense of belonging, Such corrupt man cannot feel that he is serving his own people. He cannot have a sense of belonging because he has a slave mentality. Our failure to pay electric bills, telephone bills, house rent, land revenue, water tax, etc is a clear proof of our disloyalty to God, to our Manipur government and to our own people. Unless we are loyal to God, to the government and to our people, our government is bound to be weak and we shall have to suffer without end. We rightly say that territorial integrity of Manipur must be maintained at any cost. If all sections, of the people of Manipur feel that Manipur is their native land, no one from outside will be able to destroy the territorial integrity of Manipur. He who feels that Manipur is his native land looks upon- anyone living in Manipur as his brother/ sister. Meiteis have the greatest responsibility and the ability to make all sections of the people feel happy to live in Manipur, the most lonely place in India, Let us consider the following words of S.Radhakrisnan spoken in the Constituent Assembly when the National Flag was formally accepted: "The flag tells us, be ever alert, be ever on the move, go forward, work for a free, flexible, compassionate, decent, democratic society in which Christians, Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jains will all find a safe shelter."

HUI NUA DEL

T. Gouzadou
Zouveng, Lamka, Churachandpur

'Tamkhu phatuomlou ahi,hui nua del tawh kibang ahi. Bang aheikhat deigaw tentun jing sanga inei bang bangtoh lungkim ahoizaw hi' Thuhiltu. 6:4.

Manipur vannei singtang mipiin sixth Schedule ngolin ingol ua, buaipi theitop in ibuai pi ua, khenkhat ngel in hou tutung Manipur Assembly sung a bill passed a, Parliament hunsung ngeia, puoh lutman ding huleh Constitution amentment kibawl ding, sixth schedule pen amansa ahita chipawl jong um hi. Manipur AssembIy hakhat sung ving veng kibawl pen hing beitop ta, sixth schedule thu leh la jahdinq - umvawt lou, khuchi ma in Parliament session jonq hing bei kia leu leu ta bill kipawlut som lo. Mipi kinepna pen kichai vawt e, Manipur Assembly session hing kichai phetin Hill Arts Committee Chairman pan Singtang MLA te meeting koupan valuai, meeting ah sixth Schedule noh ding thu passed uh, MLA te Delhi jin uh; thu leh la theiding um tuon lou... kichai vawt hui nua dal toh kibang hi.

Aw le tuni tan in itanu uh Lungnila Elizabeth kimat leh sithu puohnat na leh thuopi na niteng tanchin bu te ah mu ahi nalai hi. Nigiat sung ving veng mantute khuta aum lai in koii tobang organsation in Government of Manipur kungah ultimatum pia aum ei le? Lungnila rescue (hutkhiat) ahi sihleh na ministry uh gin tathuoi lou chia thu pie aum kha ei? Mi nautang to ngaidan in vang Government in chitah tah suoleh khopi sung teng ajan janin imkimkot van potthei sih va uh, Manipur a security te bang ding a um la chite khu mipi kihou na ahi hi. Dih thou na sa sih e, Sum jonq kipie kithat kia nalai. Asi nua in Manipur ministry in cabinet meeting koupan va luoi sam. Damsah thei a aum lai a dam sah leh asi nua a ka khu khoi hoi na sa jawi le? Lungnila thatute kimandoh nan leh jail ah tomkhat koi va un, sum ne va un kiha doh kia pai ta ven chi khu, koulam te kihou na ahi hi. nou lamten bang thu na gen uai le ? akhonung a procession bawl a lamIian juina neite naphat uai ? piI leh siam ikisah leh bang ding a, ahun lai a, pan la ding a government nol lou lah. Phatuom lou hui nua del toh kibang hi.

Tulai tah in ITLC ten Churachandpur sung a siatna ( social evils) teng suh bei ding chi thupi a jang in pan ha lah ma ma uh kipapi huai sang. Nidang lai a Parents Organisation ka lung simah ahing kilang kia hi. Numei kijua te man in, mi inn teng phel sia in thupi tah in hing kipan ua, tun khoilam ah... bang e aphatuom. Ju leh saa a kimawl, numei ki jua, drug tuom tuom bawl chite pen Mangpa Jesu pianma thil umte ahi bou hi. Eima thahatna suh bei thei guol ahisih, Pasian guot asem ding um ahi bou hi. "Pasian theina kichian hilding khu siampute mopuoh na uh ahia; Amauh Manpa bangkim bawlthei thu kitang koupite amauh ahiman in, ama ua kipatin mipiten kadeidan sin uh hen" Malaki 2:7. sathaunu siamputen bang jat vei kijua nu kung ah, drug bawlpa nu kungah lungsiat na taw thupha ahil kha ta uai le? Leader te leh Siamputen thil hoi leh dan bang tah a, nasem ding a mipite hil a pui huai sawm koi a um ei? siamputen election chiangin sum hawm in apang ua, leader te ahi leh miteng si ding kei ma lien ding chi bou a lung sim ua agel uh hilou ama ; Nang leh ken thil hoi leh kilawm bawl som nan lei a bawl ding a Pasian guat ten abawl sih ua Ieh bangma phatuom sih va. "Miten en in, tanah sil tha khat aum hi, achi ua. Hinanlejonq, aumsa eite pien masanq a na umsa ahi bou hi ", Thuhiltu.1:10.

Mipil leh misiam ten khonung a hing tung ding, thilsie leh pha thei ua, mipite kunga agenlawh leng uh ahi siei ma. Khuchiin sithei na mun pansa mipite ahunkhe leng uh hi. Tulai mipil leh misiam ten, mite huhkhiat sang in thil se teng abawl ua, mipi sithei na ding bou agel uh hi."Nou vaiihawmten ngaituona dih na nei ngai uai le? Michin tungah kilawmtahin thu nakhen ngel uai? Naisai lou, giotlouna na bawlthei tan uh na ngaituo ua., leiah gougam tahin tuoltha vai na hawm uh hi" Sam. 58:1-2. Leitungah midih loh hoite dingin mun leh muol, 1(Khat) jong aum non sie, bang teng gel in sai nan lei apha tuom lou hui nua del toh kibang ahi giap hi.

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN MANIPUR

By T. Gouzadou, Ex-Minister

The awkward situation faced by the deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul district during the month of May, 2007 tempted us to say that the well known dictum 'Deputy Commissioner is the backbone of district administration' can hardly be applied to Manipur of the 21st century.

During the British Raj the deputy Commissioners could maintain law and order in their respective districts. The British called the ICS the 'steel framer of their empire and the best bureaucracy in the world. So omnicompetent was the ICS officer that he could be posted in any capacity whether of administratiazr or adjudication. The IAS is the successor to the ICS. It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to maintain the prestige and dignity of the IAS at any cost in the interest of the country.

All of us know that in the past Manipur was a land of peace and it truly deserved to be called 'Jewel of India" and 'A little paradise on earth'. Deterioration of law and order is the result of poor moral quality of those who run the government, Since Manipur attained statehood in 1972, deterioration of law and order in the state goes on to such an extent that today all government servants are suffering from feeling of insecurity. Unless government servants are able to discharge their duties without fear, they will not be able to discharge their duties honestly and efficiently, Unless government can stop unlawful activities of anti-social elements, it may be a wrong, policy on the part of the government to take legal action against any official who comply with the demand of anti-social elements. Many unlicensed arms which are in possession of the people give us the impression that the Indian Penal Code and the Indian Arms Act are no longer enforced in Manipur.

Maniipur being a full-fledged state the 'Hon'ble Ministers and the Hon'ble MLAs are responsible for good government. It is presumed that many battalions of security forces are deployed in Manipur in order to help the civil administration to maintain law and order. If the Deputy Commissioners are not empowered by the government to engage Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF in their respective districts, the district administration is compelled to be weak and code of the jungle will become predominent. Without the goodwill and cooperation of Ministers and MLAs, bureaucrats cannot do justice for obvious reassons. The inability of the Deputy Commissioners and the SDOs to function effectively in their respective stations is a sign of weakness of civil administration. If the machinery of government cannot improve law and order situation, the Legislative Assembly of Martipur may be likened to a lucrative business.

DEMAND FOR CREATION OF SADAR HILLS DISTRICT

Churachandpur, the 26th December, 2002.

From

Shri T. Gouzadou,
Ex-Minister, Zoveng,
Lamka, Churachandpur, Manipur.

The Chief Minister,
Government of Manipur, Imphal.

Subject:- DEMAND FOR CREATION OF SADAR HILLS DISTRICT

Sir,

With reference to the above-cited subject, I have the honour to draw your kind attention to the following facts for favour of

your kind consideration and immediate action in the interest of Manipur.

1. On 14 November 1969, Manipur was divided into five districts, namely, Manipur Central district, Manipur East district, Manipur West district, Manipur North district, Manipur South district. A few years later, Tengnoupal district (renamed Chandel district) was carved out of Manipur Central district. In 1983, the Manipur Central district was divided into three districts, namely, Imphal district, Thoubal district, Bishnupur district. Recently; Imphal district was di¬vided into Imphal East and Imphal West districts. If Sadar Hills becomes a dis¬trict, the total number of districts in Manipur will be ten. Since the main purpose of creating a district is to achieve better administrative convenience for prosperity of the people, there is no reason why the Government of Manipur shall find it so difficult to upgrade Sadar Hills to the status of a full-fledged revenue district.

2. During the time of Shri Rishang Keishing, the state government had decided to announce the upgradation of Sadar Hills as a revenue district when Imphal was bifurcated into Imphal East and Imphal West districts in 1997. The United Front Government under the stewardship of Shri Nipamacha Singh had agreed that Sadar Hills would be made of three sub-divisions, namely, Kangpokpi sub-division, Saitu-Gamphazol sub-division, Saikul sub-division. The area cov¬ered by the said three sub-divisions will automatically become the area of the district.Unfortunately, the previous governments have failed to create Sadar Hills district in spite of their promises. Therefore, God wills that your government should fulfill the aspirations of the people of Sadar Hills. The government should be firm in its decision, and to keep its decision pending for years for one reason or the other is the result of divide and rule policy which is a most dangerous.

3. The government must be impartial in making any decision. A mistake committed by the State or Central government can become a big tragedy for the nation. As for instance, let us take Pandit Nehru's policy on Jammu and Kashmir. -On 15th August 1947, India stood divided not in two butt many states and the danger ofBalkanisation loomed large on the horizon. It goes to the credit vi Sadar Patel, that he met this challenge with great determination and foresight. He was the real architectt of the unity of truncated India. Jammu and Kashmir State which was not allowed to be handled by him by Pandit Nehru on the plea that being a Kashnv:ri he could be trusted to handle it better is the only princely state whichh continues to be a problem even today. If Pandit Nehru had exercised impartiality and had the courage to acceptt the suggestion of Sadar Patel and Dr. Ambedkar in making decision on Jammu and Kashmir, many problems which India faces today would have been avoided. In like manner, the Sadar Hills problem, if neglected, may become a big problem for Manipur.

4. If we refuse to learn from history and continue to repeat the mistakes committed in the past, the results will be bigger tragedy for us- and for our poster¬ity. The government of Manipur ought to honour its decision and upgrade Sadar Hills to the status of a full-fledged revenue district even if there are people who are against it. Government's sacred duty is tomake all communities of Manipur feel that they are to help one another to make Manipur a land of peace and joy. Sadar Hills is mostly inhabited by Kukis, Nagas and Nepalis who ought to think that Sadar Hills is for all of them. Moreover, Kukis and Nagas are Christians. As long as they follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, they should have the will to live together in peace.

In view of the facts stated above, I most sincerely request you to consider this burning problem and take a bold step to create Sadar "ills district without any further delay for the ends of justice and fair play.

Yours faithfully,

Copy forwarded for favour of information and necessary action to

1. His Excellency the Governor of Manipur, Imphal.
2. The Speaker, Manipur Legislative assembly, Manipur.
3. All the Ministers, Govt. of Manipur, Imphal.
4. All the MLAs, Govt. of Manipur, Imphal.

ARMED FORCES (SPECIAL POWER) ACTS AND ELECTION IN MANIPUR

T. Gouzadou
Ex-Minister

It appears that the majority of the people think that the need of the hour is to repeal the Armed Forces ( Special Dower) Act as if revocation of the act would solved all the problems of Manipur. AMSU, DESAM, MSF, LICM, AMUCO, AKSU, Apunba Lup and Meira Paibi have been trying for repeal of the act. Whenever there was dharna against the act, MLAs and even ex-CMs took part in it to show their solidarity. However, the act is still in force in Manipur because the SPF government headed by alliance Congress and CPM/CPI is not willing to take action for repeal of the act. Therefore, a very important question to be considered by the people seriously is whether the people shall support the Congress party and CPI party in the coming election or not. Do you really want repeal of the act or election under Secular Progressive Front ( SPF) ?

Since so many organisations want the repeal of the act, it has to be repealed in the interest of the people. There are leaders who appear to be against the act but at the same time support the Congress Party. Do you think that time has come to boycott the Congress Ministers and Congress MLAs who are not able to repeal the act? Will you agree with me if I say that their effort for repeal of the act is a shame? We notice that there are dishonest leaders who demands to the government in the hope of getting some pecuniary advantage in return. We have to remember that any demand made to the government must be reasonable and permissible under the law of the land. I do not believe that there will be improvement in Manipur as long as leaders of organisations could be bribed by government or any other agencies. Such dishonest leaders deserve to be disciplined by undergrounds who have the will to reform our decaying society.

If we think that SPF government is no longer desirable to run the government, we must not vote for Congress even if we do not boycott the election. We need strong - government. By the word "government" I mean "Ministers and MLAs". We know that government is not strong to take legal action against anti-social elements resulting in deterioration of law and order in the state. The government has not been able to take appropriate legal action even on fake appointments. As such, its attempt to repeal AFSPA may be compared with the attempt of a man who tries to bring a star from the sky. It is time for the people to wake up to the seriousness of the situation. Hence President Rule is preferable to Popular Ministry for development and prosperity of the people of Manipur.

Letter to Dr.A.P.J Abdul Kalam, President of India

T, Gauzadou
Ex-Minister
President, Senior Citizen Welfare Association,
Churachandpur District, Manipur

To,

Dr.A.P.J Abdul Kalam,
President of India,
New Delhi.

Sub: Prayer for repeal of
1) Member of Parliament Local Area Development Fund and
2) Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development Fund

Your Excellency,

I have the honour to state the following_ facts on the subject cited above favour of your Excellency's kind consideration.

May I be permitted to say that the first and primary duty of any government is to preserve law and order in society, protect the innocent and punish the guilty. However, the Government of India has made a big mistake and miscalculation by giving priority to development over the preservation of law and order with a sad result that muscle power is ascendant and violence rules everywhere. The peaceful, law-abiding and quiet citizen is at a loss to understand how he should cope with the problems. To give priority to development over the preservation of law and order is to put the cart before the horse.Before Independence,British rule allowed commerce and industry to flourish and men of moderate wealth to feed secure in theirpossessions. Nowadays we do not feel secure in our possessions and everyone knows that progress of any development works in Manipur is far from satisfactory due to deterioration of law and order in the state.

I beg to add that the Government of India has made another mistake in creating 1)Member of Parliament Local Area Development Fund and 2) Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development Fund to enable the Hon'ble Members to taske up development works in their respective constituencies. The amount of the fund is Rs. 2 crores per year for each Member of Parliament and Rs. 20 lakhs per year for each Member of Legislative Assembly of Manipur. The policy is ideal but in practice it has encouraged corruption and the fund seems to be bonus for the Hon'ble Members as there are instances where the said was not utilised for the local area development. Money drawn without work. This is an open secret.

I beg to add that except one community hall at Sugnu and one girls' hostel at Kamjong, which were constructed with Local Area Development Fund of the Hon 'ble Member of Parliament Shri Rishang Keishing, we have. not heard about any other projects taken up by the . Members of Parliament in Manipur. Shri Holkhomang Haokip,Ex -MP in his book entitled
"My Activities in 13th Lok Sabha " has mentioned that he was to sanction Rs. IO.lakhs from his M.P.Fund for construction of one swimming pool at Tamenglong distrcit head quarters. He has not mentioned any other schemes taken up by him while he was a Member of Parliament.

Member of Parliament. I do not know the schemes taken un by the M.L.A.s of Churachandpur distrcit with their Local Area Development Fund in spite of the fact that they have been receiving this fund each Year-from 2002.

Since the introduction of the said fund, money power of the Hon'ble Members has gone upvery much. As time went by. M.P election and M.L.A. election have become a sham election for obvious reasons. One has to spend 50 to 100 lakhs of rupees to win election to become an M.L.A. As such, it may not be wrong to say that any honest social worker who wants to win election by lawful means has no more chance of becoming an M.L.A. Businessmen have become M.L.A.s because they have money power to get anything. To be an M.P. or an M.L.A. has become the most lucrative business of today.

543 Members of Parliament @ Rs. 2 crones per Member receive Rs. 1086 crones in a year, for their Local Area Development Fund and in five years they get 5430 crones of rupees. In Manipur, each M.L.A. gets Rs. 20 lakhs in a year for his Local Area Development Fund. The 60 M.L.A.s get Rs. 6000 lakhs in five years. If this amount could be utilised for purchase of electric power, the people will get enough electric power I am sorry to say that our Hon'ble Members degrade themselves by misutilising the so-called Local Area Development Fund. We pray that they should always be instruments for peace and prosperity of our country.

In view of the facts stated above, I fervently pray Your Excellency to kindly consider for repeal of:

1) Member of Parliament Local Area Development Fund, and
2) Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development Fund for sanctity of the administration.

2001 CENSUS REVEALS MANIPUR

By T.Gouzadou

The highly abnormal population growth in 2001 Census in respect of the four subdivisions, viz, , Mao-Karam (143.12 p.c.), Paomata (122.64 p.c.). Purul (168,78 p,c,), Chakpikarong (117.78 p'c,), revealed that all the government employees who took part in census operations in the subdivisions mentioned above were not reliable. Their performance was against the interest of the state, and it will be injustice an the part of the government to take up delimitation process on the basis of 2001 Census. The Government should have taken stern action against anyone. Who was responsible for abnormal population growth, but it has not done so far, Unless the Government takes necessary action to prevent this kind of dishonesty with firm determination without further delay,

the 2011 Census will not have value as it should have because there may be highly abnormal population growth not only in the four sub-divisions but also in other subdivisions, and this abnormal business will make the people of Manipur the laughing stock of the people of other states of India, As the saying goes, when character is lost, everything is lost, Justice is what makes a government strong. We must remember that it is only the righteousness of the people, and not corruption, which will enable Manipur to go forward, As long as we practice corruption, our statehood shall never bring peace and prosperity to Manipur.

Let us recall the words of Governor Ved Marwah which he had said in the year 2000: "If the insurgents are fighting for the people of Manipur, then they must take into account the hardships they are causing them. Manipur, instead of going forward, is going backward in almost every respect. All social and economic indicators are negetive. This process - needs to be reversed, But insurgency cannot be tackled without close involvement of the people. Government and security forces alone cannot fight it. It is the people who suffer and they cannot afford to the mute spectators to what is going on in Manipur today. They must raise their voice against blatant violation of the rule of law. No civil society can survive without the rule of law. The Government and security forces cannot enforce it without the cooperation of the people."

Before independence, in Manipur, the Sub-Divisional Officers were Europeans or Anglo Indians. They were able to maintain law and order in their respective subdivisions, The people could live in peace, The Sub-Divisional Officers of today are our own men. They are also expected to perform the duties efficiently. Nowadays, they are not up to the expectation of the people because they are no longer in a position to function in their respective headquarters. The State Government must find out the cause of this sad situation and rectify it at any cost to enable the officers to function in their respective headquarters. The people will feel that there is Government when the Deputy Commissioners and the Sub-Divisional Officers function efficiently and effectively within their respective Jurisdictions.

Let us ponder over the following Bible verses: "We may make our plans, but God has the last word. You may think everything you do is right, but the Lord judges your motives. Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out, Everything the Lord has made has its destiny and the destiny of the wicked is destruction, The Lord hates everyone who is arrogant; he will never let them escape punishment, Be loyal and faithful, and God will forgive your sin. Obey the Lord and nothing evil will happen to you. When you please the Lord, you can make your enemies into friends" (proverbs 16:1-7).

Let every man minds his own business

By: T. Gouzadou

We are proud of our Ministers and MLAs. They are presumed to be men of mature judgement and a great spirit of responsibility. They are experienced MLAs. They have intelligent supporters to give them healthy advice. Before and during election they knew the problems of the people; and after they have become MLAs, they are expected to fulfil the promises they had made during election. Fortunately, we have not herd anyone who says, “The MLAs were not elected by us and we cannot consider them to be our representatives to work for us.”

There are times when people did not approach their MLAs for redress of their grievances and started agitations without the knowledge of the MLAs in matters of public interest, many unfortunate incidents would have been avoided. Do we not have confidence in them or are we unwilling to engage them? If MLAs do not want to work in public interest, it is necessary on the part of the public to tell them that they will be condemned by the people. There is corruption not only in FCS department but also in other departments. Crores of rupees were drawn without executing works. Do you know any contract works under the government where UGs have not demanded percent? We have to know that Ministers/MLAs are the government who solve the problems of the people. To launch any kind of agitation without their knowledge is an insult to them. We have to consult them in all matters of public interest before we start bundh, strike etc.

If any Minister/MLA fails to function efficiently and honestly, the public may condemn him for his inefficiency and they will move the government to redress their grievances. It appears that the public leaders do not want to condemn MLAs and at the same time they want to work as representatives of the people as if they were MLAs thereby putting the Ministers/MLAs in awkward position occasionally. If MLAs of other constituencies could get PDS rice directly from FCI godown, your MLA also will be able to do the same. If your MLA cannot do what other MLAs can do, you have the right to blame him because you supported him at the time of election wholeheartedly at the risk your life. His inefficiency may be made known to the public for their opinion.

If you think that our Ministers/MLAs are not up to your expectation, they will surrended before the public when you have the courage to find out the amount of money drawn under PMGSY without work, the works executed under MLA Local Area Development Fund, all fake appointments, teachers who drawn their salaries without attending schools under District Council, medicines supplied by the government but not reached district hospitals, primary health centres, primary health sub centres, doctors and nurses who are not at the places of their posting, etc. It is necessary to make them understand to what extent they have failed to serve the people of their respective constituencies. What shall we say when we have no courage to tell the truth?

Truely speaking, the tragedy is that after every election there are many persons who think that they are more capable than the elected MLAs and such people have given so much hardship to poor people. Another tragedy is that unemploy graduate and postgraduate degree holders of the society underestimate MLAs and they do not want to approach them before they move the government in any matter of public interest. If such things go on, some day both the so-called leaders and the public will fall into a pit.

Boycott Of NH – 39

By T. Gouzadou

During the days when Manipur was a Union Territory, our political leaders joined hands demanding Statehood for Manipur. There were frequent hartals, relay-hunger strikes, arrests, lathi-charges, firings, and normal activities remained paralyzed most of the time. Their demand for responsible Government was granted on the 21st January, 1972 when Manipur became a full-fledged State headed by a Governor. The aspirations of the people were fulfilled one after the other: from Part C State (1949-56) to Union Territory (1957-71) and from Union Territory to Statehood (1972 onwards). We have to be grateful to the Government of India for it.

It is a sad fact that even after thirty years of Statehood we have not been able to make Manipur a land of peace and joy because most of us cannot feel that Manipur is our native land and the people living in Manipur are our brothers and sisters. Deterioration of law and order in our State has compelled us to request the Central Government for protection of our National Highways. Is it wrong to say that we are not able to exercise the power given to a full-fledged State?

From Article 246(3) and Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, it is seen that the Legislature of any State has exclusive power to make laws for such State or any part thereof with respect to any of the matters enumerated in List II in the Seventh Schedule referred to as State List. Serial No. 1 and 2 of the State List are reproduced below to show that maintenance law and order is the responsibility of the State Government:

1. Public order (but not including the use of naval, military or air force or any other armed forces of the Union, or of any other force subject to the control of the Union or of any contingent or unit thereof in aid of civil power).

2. Police, including railway and village police.

The AMUCO has rightly said that it is wrong to assume that sufferings of the people will be cured by not taking the route passing through Nagaland (vide The Sangai Express, 7-10-02 issue). The immediate effect of the boycott of NH-39 is that prices of essential commodities are rising rapidly. The poor suffer the most. LPG distributors are no longer in a position to supply LPG to their consumers. Those who want to go to any place outside Manipur are in trouble. It is true that our forefathers could live without depending on others. That age has gone. Today we cannot remain isolated for many reasons.

The decision of the UCM to stop plying vehicles through Nagaland does not affect the people of Nagaland but it affects the people of Manipur. If the boycott of NH-39 goes on, the miseries of the people will create hatred amongst the different communities of Manipur which shall weaken the territorial integrity of Manipur. We have to create peace to strengthen the territorial integrity of our beautiful State. It is requested that this important issue may kindly be considered again carefully by all those who advocate boycott of NH-39.

Demanding immediate creation of a National Highway Protection Force is necessary, but it will take time for the Government to create such a force. To open many security posts along the NH-39 must be useful, but it must be remembered that the armed miscreants can move to any place to loot trucks and buses. Therefore the people have to be united to stop looting and harassing the passengers on the National Highways. The All Manipur Christian Organization (AMCO) and the NGOs can play a very important role in extending cooperation to the Government to ensure that the National Highways are safe for everyone. The Chief Minister and the Director General of Police may kindly contact their counterparts in Nagaland as often as necessary to prevent the miscreants from committing crimes on the NH-39.

Nagaland is our neighbor, and we have to maintain good relation with the people and the Government of Nagaland. It is the will of God that we have to pass through Nagaland to go to other States. He who does not want to maintain good relation with his neighbor is a proud man. The following Bible verses are quoted to show that God is against anyone who is proud, ‘Behold I come against thee, O proud one, saith the Lord, the God of hosts: for thy day is come, the time of thy visitation. And the proud one shall fall, he shall fall down and there shall be none to lift him up; and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him’ (Jeremiah 50:31-32).

Who Owns Manipur?

By T. Gouzadou

Love of money begets corruption which ruins the people. Manipur's statehood is now more than 30 years old. With the passage of time the Government has become weaker, gradually resulting in deterioration of law and order. There is no faithfulness or love in Manipur, our native land, and we do not acknowledge God. We make promises and break them. We lie, murder, steal, and commit adultery. Crimes increases. There is one murder after another. Government is no longer able to even pay salaries to government servants regularly.

Rishang Keishing, MP and former Chief Minister has rightly said, "No Chief Minister of the past and the present have lived up to the people’s expectation. Instead, all of them have built houses in New Delhi, Calcutta etc." The words quoted above reveal that the main target of our politicians of the past and the present is to become MLAs and Ministers by any means to enable them to amass wealth at the cost of the people whom they represent because they do not consider Manipur as their own.
Legislators are lawmakers but the performances of our legislators prove that they are lawbreakers as well. Due to their failure to enforce rule of law and impartial administration they have to bow to underground organization from time to time. In a family, eating by one member does not fill the stomach of another. In like manner, the wealth amassed by politicians and Government employees through corruption cannot develop Manipur. Anyone who takes bribe is an enemy of the society and such corrupt person is worse than a drug addict.

Before Independence, the Indian Civil Service (ICS) was called the steel frame of the British Empire and the best bureaucracy in the world. It is said that the ICS officers had no interest in making money for themselves and they were content with their pay. It was their incorruptibility which had enabled the British nation to build the British Empire where the sun never sets. We have to imitate the noble qualities of the British to save Manipur.

When Rajagopalachari, the first and the last Indian Governor-General of India (1948-50), succeeded Mountbatten the latter said to his Indian successor that he did not think that East and West Pakistan would remain united for 25 years. Rajaji agreed. As predicted, within 25 years of Pakistan Independence, the East Pakistan became Bangladesh on December 15, 1971. This had happened because the people of West Pakistan could not consider the people of East Pakistan as their own people. We must learn from the mistakes of the people of West Pakistan.

Hospitals, dispensaries, schools, colleges, offices of different departments show that the number of Government employees who work honestly with missionary zeal is too small. There is no longer a bus service on Tipaimukh Road from Churachandpur to Tipaimukh. Government schools located in the interior villages are no longer schools in the true sense of the word. Development schemes appear to have been kept in abeyance. Instead of trying to improve the present state of affairs, the political classes are crying for Sixth Schedule or UT for hill areas of Manipur. Unless the people improve their moral quality, Sixth Schedule or UT, if granted, will bring greater misery to the people.

A few centuries ago, Negroes were slaves of the white people in the United States. Negroes are no longer slaves, and they consider the America as their homeland. In like manner, it will be a wise policy for us to extend full co-operation to the Government and consider Manipur as our homeland instead of fighting the Government for independence. God has given Manipur for all of us who live in Manipur, and He can disown us if we do not want to amend our mentality. The word ‘Manipuri’ means inhabitants of Manipur. What holds a society together is not force or even laws but moral persuasion? Love is the only means for our unity. If we hate one another and if we cannot consider Manipur as our own, how can we maintain emotional and territorial integrity of Manipur?

A patriot is a person who loves his country. Mother India wants us to be patriots. A patriot must earn his livelihood by honest means, he must content with his pay, he must be loyal to his profession, and he must be a loyal citizen.

Duties towards State authorities as written in the Holy Bible are reproduced below for compliance: "Everyone must obey State authorities, because no authority exists without God’s permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgment on himself. For rulers are not to be feared by those who do good but by those who do evil.

Would you like to be unafraid of the man in authority? Then do what is good, and he will praise you, because he is God’s servant working for your good. But if you do evil, then be afraid of him, because his power to punish you is real. He is God’s servant and carries out God’s punishment on those who do evil. For this reason you must obey the authorities – not just because of God’s punishment, but also as a matter of conscience" (Romans 13:1-5). Let us worship God in loving Manipur and the people of Manipur.

Who Can Bail Out Manipur?

By T Gougin

In the interest of younger generation ad more so for those blind politicians, I hereby attempt o highlight something about Manipur, the so called Sanaleibak by the aged people long time back. As per Hinduism Year Book edited by SC Sarkar in the 27th Year issue, Manipur area is 8,629 sq miles and population was 5,77,635, literacy percentage 11.41, density of population 67 per sq miles. But now it is almost double.

I remembered Captain PB Singh was the first and last Chief Minister under the regime of Sir Churachand Singh, the Maharaja of Manipur. Later on, late Pu Koireng Singh was the first pilot of Manipur who became the first Chief Minister of Manipur.

As time and tide rolled by Manipur administration changed as per the tempo of political moorings in the whole of India. I remembered a retired army major Sunderam who was the lone Deputy Commissioner ruled over the entire Manipur. I got interview before him with my discharge certificate and with Indian army special class certificate equivalent to All India matriculation. He appointed me as a LDC for the newly established Tribal Development Office headed by N Modoli Mao Naga as Tribal De3velopmetn Officer. During my tenure as Clerk in TDO’s office, I could include Zou in the All India Scheduled Tribe list numbering 29th in the list.

I entered politics and contested Assembly election in 1974 and become a Deputy Minister with Independent Charge. To my credit and during my tenure the Co- Operative Bank in Churachandpur and High School at Singhat was established and played a pivotal role in Khuga Multi-Purpose project.

Today, Manipur is trailing behind all States within the Indian Union. There is nothing new to see in Imphal town, nor is there any promotion for the city. Manipur has a University that could not even produce a Central Service Cadre say IAS, IPS. The former Governors like BK Nehru and LP Singh never allowed the size of Ministry to be more than 15 but now we have 34 Minister, two Speaker and Hill Area Chairman. The resultant product is that the governed are snoring high in the bliss of ignorance. Nothing more nothing less!

The present Ministry headed by O. Ibobi Singh frequently visited New Delhi asking money for the State that bored the Centre leaders. It seems that the State Government forgot the saying, ‘Cut your coat according to the cloth’. It appears that the resources of the State is exhausted resulting in non clearance of public dues within stipulated times especially to contractors.

Hill House Tax enchantment Bill from Rs 3 to Rs 10 was mooted during our time 1974-79 for which I spearheaded to reduce it to Rs 6/- and passed unanimously. But now Hill House Tax has been enhanced to Rs 15 for which no hill MLA dare to argue and thus passed the Bill without enhancing the income of poor tribals.

The next potent has before the Government is to enhance the status of Churachandpur district named after the late Churachand Maharaja having 6 MLAs, the biggest in Manipur Hills. Now, all roads in the district have become rotten for which their representatives (MLAs) dare not to point out genuine issues. Water supply, power supply, road repairing etc have become the forlorn hope of the governed, the tax payers.

The Government institutions like schools, hospital have come a distant dream of the people. The SDC Centre at Sangaikot and PWD road linked upto Khuanghai village during my tenure is another great setback for the affected people who are still deprived of sharing their birth rights until now as successive Government failed to take up follow up action.

The Government institutions like schools, hospital have become a distant dream of the people. The SDC Centre at Sangaikot and PWD road linked upto Khuanghai village during my tenure is another great setback for the affected people who are still deprived of sharing their birth rights until now as successive Government failed to take up follow up action

All these potent issues mentioned above deserves serious attention of the Government failed to take up follow up action.

All these potent issues mentioned above deserve serious attention of the Government through the concerned representatives of the area.

The present head of the Government O Ibobi Singh must take follow-up action strictly in the interest of equity and justice, lest in due course of time unseen power may take action upon the Government, we fear. The CM must take serious action against the concerned MLA of the affected areas mentioned above, if not, unseen power may take vengeance, we fear so. Are we the tax payers deprived of facilities from the Government? We fear almighty God will take vengeance in due course of time on those tardy representatives.

If Ukhrul can have CM in Manipur, why not Churachandpur named after a Manipur Maharaja?

How to mend the wrongs in Manipur?

Manipur is in a sorry state of affairs simply because the public opinion is dull – no worth calling public opinion is flashed in the daily or weekly papers. This is the first drawback of the governed but in reality the public is the master in a democratic form of Government. The Government who rule upon the people is equally drowsy in that they do not care to sharpen public opinion obviously because they cannot enjoy the booty of the State.

In well-ordered State, public opinion is very sharp, the main engine that helped to move Government machineries. For this, newspapers play the main role to sharpen public opinion Napoleon Bonaparte fear newspaper more than a battalion of the army whereas in India and particularly in Manipur State, public opinion is very dull like something like toilet papers so is the Government today. If we like to enjoy the fruits of genuine democracy we must first sharpen public opinion then the task is half done. Churachandpur claims leadership in Manipur, the earlier the better.

Territorial Integrity Of Manipur

By T. Gouzadou

Manipur has been a part of India for centuries and to say that Manipur was not a part of India is like to say that Hyderabad was not a part of India. The boundary of Manipur has been in existence for hundreds of years even before the British conquered Manipur in 1891. We cannot deny the fact that Meities and tribals have been living together in Manipur since time immemorial. As the Meiteis community is the biggest community in Manipur their relation with the tribals may be compared to that of eldest brother with his younger brothers.

The Meitei community may be regarded as the natural eldest brother amongst the communities of Manipur, and the other communities as the younger brother of Meitei community. As the love of a natural parent is greater than the love of an adopted parent, the love of Meitei community must be greater than the love of other communities elsewhere. As long as our 'eldest brother' desire to live in peace with his 'younger brothers', it will not be healthy policy on the part of any of his brothers (tribes) to attempt to 'adopted eldest brother' in place of natural eldest brother.

When the eldest brother in a family is wise enough to take care of his younger brothers, all of them can live happily loving one another even after each of the brothers had his own family. As the biggest brothers have the biggest responsibility to maintain integrity in the family, the Meitei community has the biggest responsibility to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur. Before the birth of insurgency in the valley there was peace in the valley areas. As the eldest brother sometimes neglects to make amicable settlement among his younger brothers, the Meitei community failed to play the part of eldest brother when the Naga and the Kukis were fighting in 1990s.

After the birth of insurgency in the valley Manipur has been moving backwards every year. The inability of the Government to pay salaries of Government employees regularly proves that the Government is on the way of bankruptcy. The fear for disintegration of Manipur is a proof that the unity of the people is not strong. The deterioration of law and order situation in the State has brought a sense of insecurity in the hearts of the people. Educational institutions and Government offices are no longer up to expectation on account of insurgency problems.

Since our leaders, namely, Naki Ahmed Chowdhury, Koireng Singh and many others, who are sons of Manipur, had taken part in the freedom struggle of India during World War II, it will be wise policy for Manipur not to secede from India for obvious reasons. Being Indians any one of us can become the President or the Prime Minister of India provided he/she has the capacity to hold such post. It will be better for all of us to live together in Manipur without any thought of secession from Manipur or from India.

The government and the people should get the most qualified person to hold responsible post sin the State. In Manipur University, Professors from outside Manipur could not stay long in Manipur because they thought Manipur was not safe for them. If we really desire to have a good university, we must be ready to accept a highly qualified competent person from any part of India to be the Vice Chancellor of Manipur University.

The general belief is that the post of Vice Chancellor is reserved for highly talented professors of universities. Even if the most qualified person is appointed Vice Chancellor of Manipur University, the University will not improve if he is dictated or threatened by student organizations or political organizations because he will have to satisfy them at the cost of the university. Dr Ng. Bijoy Singh, Director of RIMS becomes the Vice Chancellor. May God help him to improve the Manipur University. Till this time the general public has the impression that Manipur means Meitei. A tribal does not think that he is a Manipuri. If someone asks him whether he is a Manipuri, his reply will be, "I am not a Manipuri, I am so and so…" Such feeling has weakened the unity of Manipur. Therefore it is necessary that the Government of Manipur means any permanent resident of Manipur irrespective of caste or creed and the word Manipuri language means the language spoken by the Meitei community.

A Tangkhul may say that Nagas of Nagaland are his kith and kin. There is no doubt about it. However, Meitei tradition says that on the occasion of the Meiteis' marriage a cloth called 'Tangkhul Leirum phi' is always included as a compulsory item of gift., though quite small, of the parents to their daughter bride.

It may not be wrong to say that this particular tradition is a proof of blood relationship of Meiteis with Tangkhuls. It may be presumed that Tangkhul are closer to Meiteis than to any other Naga tribe though they are under Naga nomenclature. On the other hand, a Kuki may say that he has his relatives in Myanmar. Since his so-called relatives of Myanmar are citizens of foreign country his relations with Meiteis ought to be more cordial than his relation with those who live in another country. Therefore the best thing for us is to make Manipur a land of peace so that the bond of unity amongst all the communities of Manipur can be strengthened.

Leaders of United Committee Manipur (UCM) and All Manipur United Clubs Organization (AMUCO) should visit the hill district headquarters to hold meetings with the public leaders, church leaders, social workers and the district administration. They may please explain the necessity of emotional and territorial integrity of Manipur. Such meetings will be a way to strengthen brotherhood of hills and plains.