Thangkhals Trek to Kulhvum for Fasting Prayer and Blessings

 On the winter morning of 28 December 2013, members of the Thangkhal community trekked and climbed up to Kulhvum for a Fasting Prayer. The prayer was led by Church elder Laanghaulian. People came together with one heart to pray to God, seeking blessings and guidance for the Thangkhal people.

Kulhvum is a sacred place for the Thangkhals. In earlier times, it was an important hunting ground. Today, this hillock has become a place of prayer and reflection. Many worshippers shed tears as they prayed sincerely to God. 

While returning, the group reached S. Belbing, where villagers kindly arranged dinner. After sharing the meal, everyone returned peacefully to their respective homes.

People of all ages can be seen gathered closely together, carrying bags and belongings. The cold weather is evident from their warm clothing, and the village houses in the background reflect a simple rural life. Everyone appears tired but calm after the long walk.

The most difficult part of the return journey was crossing the water from S. Belbing to S. Geltui. People stood patiently on the bank, waiting their turn to board a small wooden boat. One by one, we crossed together, helping children and elders. The calm lake, surrounding hills and evening light made the journey peaceful. On the other side, at S. Geltui, our truck (Shaktiman) was waiting to take us safely home.

PHOTO ALBUM

By:-

BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

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Manipur economy growing at 9 per cent: Governor

A session of the Manipur Assembly began with Governor VK Duggal addressing the house of 60 members today. The session will have six sittings till March 3. Governor Duggal in his hour-long address said that the State economy is continuing to grow at a reasonably good pace. The growth rate was about nine per cent during the 2012-13 financial year which is higher than the average of 6.5 per cent registered during the 11th Five Year Plan. He also said the State’s finances are showing signs of improvement.
Manipur has been awarded “Krishi Kramman Award” by the Government of India in small State category for the second consecutive year for foodgrain production, Duggal added. He informed a Manipur Bhavan will be constructed in Bengaluru while a Ima (ladies) market will be set up at Imphal to accommodate 2,000 women vendors at a cost of Rs 49.34 crores.

Source: e-pao

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Manipur CM tables Budget estimate for next fiscal

February 24 2014 : Chief Minister Okram Ibobi who is also in charge of Finance Department today tabled a tentative budget estimate for the financial year 2014-15 .
As a new Government would be set up at the Centre after the 16th Lok Sabha election, a definite plan outlay for the next financial year could not be fixed as yet.
The tentative budget estimate was tabled for taking Vote of Accounts so that the State Government can make necessary expenditures for the months of April to July this year with due approval of the House.
Tabling the tentative budget estimate, leader of the House O Ibobi stated that the Government is expecting Rs 7993.65 crore including Rs 7447.43 crore from revenue receipt and another Rs 456.22 crore from public account receipt during the financial year 2014-15.Figures for revenue and capital receipts under Plan are still tentative.
The estimated annual receipt will undergo some changes when the annual plan outlay is fixed, Ibobi stated.
It is estimated that the Government would get Rs 560.73 crore from the State's own taxes and another Rs 284.08 crore from non-tax receipt during the next financial year.
Revenue expected from value added tax is Rs 439.90 crore.
Tax share receipt estimated according to the central budget for 2014-15 is Rs 1753.36 crore.
The State would get Rs 1428.65 crore from the 13th Finance Commission and this include revenue deficit.
Expenditure estimates for 2014-15 are Rs 2643 from Plan sector, Rs 4975 from non-Plan head and Rs 622.39 crore from the remaining balance of central plan schemes and NEC schemes.
The total figure of estimated expenditures is Rs 8240.39 crore.
Even as the Chief Minister proposed a tentative plan outlay of Rs 2643 for 2014-15, he maintained that the figure would change after consulting the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.
Fiscal deficit during the year 2014-15, as calculated based on the tentative estimates, would be Rs 514.48 crore which is 3.43 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) .
Later, the leader of the House moved a Vote of Accounts for the four months (April-July) .

The Chief Minister then tabled the supplementary demand for grants for 2014-15 .

Source: e-pao

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Manipur mother’s 5.9kg baby India’s heaviest

IMPHAL: A woman from Manipur's Thoubal district has given birth to a girl weighing 5.9 kg at the state-run Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) hospital in Imphal East, setting a record for delivering the country's heaviest baby.
M Shenu Devi (37) gave birth to the baby, her fourth child, on Friday night around 7.25 pm through caesarean section. The team that helped her deliver the baby was headed by Kh Paikhomba Singh, assistant professor at the department of obstetrics and gynecology.
"Considering the extraordinary size of the baby, our team, including the anesthetist, another gynecologist and nurses, performed the caesarean section with utmost care. We were successful," Paikhomba said.

"No congenital anomaly has been detected in the baby girl whose body length (height) is 56 cms. Both mother and child are in sound health," Paikhomba said, adding that the previous national record was set in 2010 by a Surat-born baby girl weighing 5.7 kg.
The normal weight of a newborn baby in the country is around 3 kg, Paikhomba said. He added that the formalities to officially declare the Manipuri baby as the heaviest are being processed.
The mother, a housewife, will be discharged within the next few days. Her husband Maipakchao (45) of Kakching Khunou village teaches at a private school. The parents expressed heartfelt gratitude to the team of doctors for successfully performing the surgery. A large number of people, mostly hospital staff and people visiting other patients, assembled to get a glimpse of the record-holding baby.
The heaviest baby ever born in the world weighed 10.8 kg (23 Ib 12 oz) in Canada in 1879, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Sadly, the baby died eleven hours later.

Source: TOI

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Northeast Girl Goes Missing from Delhi Airport

AN ASSAMESE WOMAN, Dr. Gitanjali, has gone missing after arriving at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Dr. Gitanjali, who flew in from New York, USA, landed between 11:00 PM and 11:30 PM on February 22.

According to police reports, she made a call from a PCO booth at the airport at 11:38 PM on the same night, informing her family that she would be taking a taxi to the Delhi University guest house. Since then, there has been no contact with her, and her whereabouts remain unknown.

Her family has shared her US phone number, 14435278963, in the hope that it may help trace her. Authorities are investigating the matter, but no significant leads have been reported so far.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of travelers, particularly women, arriving in the capital. Dr. Gitanjali’s family and friends are appealing for any information that could help locate her.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal

Media Incharge

North East Support Centre & Helpline, Delhi

 

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I-League Round 18: United Sports Club vs Shillong Lajong FC

UNITED SPORTS CLUB will host SHILLONG LAJONG FC at the Kalyani Stadium on Sunday at 2:30 PM, marking the Reds’ first match since the I-League break.

Shillong Lajong was originally scheduled to face Mohammedan Sporting Club on 16th February, but the fixture was postponed to a later date, yet to be confirmed by the AIFF. Determined to secure their first win post-break, Lajong will go all out in tomorrow’s clash. Their last I-League outing was on 21st December, when they registered a 2-1 victory over Dempo SC.

Although the Reds did not qualify for the semi-finals of the Federation Cup, they put up an impressive performance, suffering just one defeat in their three group-stage matches. Heading into this fixture in solid form, Shillong Lajong has won three and lost two of their last five games. Meanwhile, United SC has struggled, managing only one victory, one draw, and three defeats in their last five matches.

United SC’s previous game ended in a 1-1 draw against Mumbai FC after conceding a last-minute goal from Nicholas Rodrigues. Given United’s recent struggles and the departure of their key striker Ranti Martins to Rangdajied United, Thangboi Singto’s men will view this as the perfect opportunity to capitalise on their opponents’ poor form.

Lajong, however, will be without Taisuke Matsugae and Milan Singh, both sidelined due to injury. On a positive note, Uilliams is expected to return after months of absence, and the team may feature their sole signing from the second transfer window, prolific Assamese striker Durga Boro.

Shillong Lajong FC coach Thangboi Singto said, “We need a strong and positive start after the break, and securing three points will be crucial.”

He added, “United play a good brand of football with experienced players. It will be a tough match, but we must perform as a team to win. The absence of Taisuke and Milan is a setback, but this provides an opportunity for others to step up and prove themselves.”

With Lajong in fine form and United SC aiming to improve their position in the I-League table, tomorrow’s encounter promises to be an exciting and closely contested battle.

 

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Zomi Nam Ni Football Tournament Held in Delhi

New Delhi, 23 Feb 2014: The two-day 4th Zomi Nam Ni Football Tournament, organised by the Zomi Premier League (ZPL), concluded on Saturday (22 Feb) evening with the Jamlal Memorial Team securing a 1-0 victory over Forever Young FC in the final match.

The final day of the tournament took place at DDA Sports Complex, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, while the first day's matches were held at SDG Ground, Old JNU Campus. The tournament officially commenced on 21 February with an inaugural prayer by Rev. Nenglian Vualnam, pastor of EBC Dwarka.

Among the 16 competing teams, the following awards were presented:

• Fair Play Award: Gimnei FC
• Best Goalkeeper Award: Mr Koko (Forever Young FC)
• Top Scorer: Mr Lulun (Jamlal Memorial Team)
• Man of the Tournament: Mr Zara (Forever Young FC)

The organisers also awarded the Best Fans Award to ZLPM, Gimnei FC, Dosti FC, and Sungji FC. The Best Match Award was given to the thrilling encounter between Zomi Warriors and BJP, who battled fiercely for victory.

Several generous individuals sponsored awards and gift vouchers for the tournament, including:

• Mr Stephen P. Doukhanlun, IDES, who sponsored the Rolling Trophy for both winners and runners-up in memory of his beloved parents, Mr P. Chinsuanhang and Mrs P. Neilam.
• Mr & Mrs Johnlal Guite, who sponsored the Winner’s Medals.
• Mr Khamthianmung, who sponsored the Top Scorer Award in memory of the late B. Engkhanhau.
• Mr Lalpi Sektak, who sponsored the Man of the Tournament Award.
• Mr & Mrs Kaizalian, who sponsored the Best Goalkeeper Award.
• Mr Biaklun Shoute, who provided Gift Vouchers from Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

The tournament was graced by Mr Siamkhanmang (James Hauzel) and Mr Khamkhanpau Guite, who attended as the chief guests for the opening and closing ceremonies, respectively. Mr Seiboi officiated as the tournament referee throughout the matches.

The backbone of ZPL includes Mr Goulian Guite, Mr Dada Tonsing, Mr Lalboi Haokip, and Mr Thang Thangsing, who played key roles in organising the event.

Zomi Nam Ni, meaning ‘Zomi National Day’, is observed worldwide by the Zomi people on 20 February each year.

The Zomi Premier League aspires to organise an even grander tournament next year, featuring more fanfare, increased competitiveness, additional teams, a larger crowd, and greater sponsorships.

The ZPL motto, “Less Me, More We”, reflects the spirit of community and teamwork. Founded in 2011 by passionate young football enthusiasts from the Zomi community, the league continues to grow in popularity.

~ Bruce K Thangkhal
Special Correspondent

THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | THE NORTHEAST TODAY | ZOGAM TODAY

 

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Another RACIAL ATTACK on North-Easterner in South Delhi

A YOUNG MAN man from Manipur, employed at a call centre, was allegedly assaulted by a group of three to five miscreants in Ber Sarai, South Delhi, on Saturday (Feb 21) night.

According to sources, the incident took place at around 11:30 pm when the victim got out of an auto-rickshaw near his home. He was suddenly attacked by the assailants, leaving him with minor injuries, a friend of the victim stated. The attackers also robbed him, snatching his ATM card and some cash from his wallet.

The matter was reported to the police, who arrived at the scene and took the victim to Safdarjung Hospital for medical treatment.

The police have recorded the victim’s statement, and some suspects have been arrested, according to police sources.

 ~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
Media  Incharge
North East Support Centre & Helpline
Delhi

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hillong Lajong DEFEAT Royal Wahingdoh FC 1-0 in U-19 I-League

SHILLONG LAJONG secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Royal Wahingdoh FC in a lively Under-19 (North East Zone Qualifiers) I-League encounter at the JN Stadium, Shillong, on Tuesday (Feb 18). Captain Redeem Tlang netted the decisive goal, ensuring his team claimed all three points.

Lajong's Shaiborlang Kharpan, who scored twice in their opening match against Rangdajied United, was forced off early due to injury and was replaced by Shanbor Jyrwa. Coach Alison Kharsyntiew made just one change to his starting lineup, introducing Zodingliana.

The opening minutes saw both teams struggle for dominance, but the game sprang to life in the 20th minute when Lajong gained possession and began applying intense pressure. The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Redeem Tlang skillfully chested a cross from Bipin Singh into the net, giving Lajong a well-deserved lead.

The Junior Reds nearly doubled their advantage in the 35th minute when Rupert Nongrum made an excellent run down the left flank and delivered a well-timed pass to Zodingliana, whose shot narrowly missed the target.

Royal Wahingdoh found their rhythm in the second half, creating a few opportunities, but Lajong's defense stood firm, repelling every attempt. Determined to find an equalizer, Wahingdoh pressed forward, increasing their presence in the box. Their best chance came in the 80th minute when goalkeeper Nitin Meel was tested, but the experienced U-19 custodian made a crucial save to preserve Lajong’s lead.

The Junior Reds held firm until the final whistle, maintaining their position at the top of the group table with six points. Royal Wahingdoh, with three points from two matches, sits in second place.

Shillong Lajong will next face Rangdajied United on February 26 at the JN Stadium, Shillong.

 

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‘Khap Panchayat’ Bans North East Tenants in Munirka

New Delhi, 17 Feb 2014 --  Social activists Binalakshmi Nepram, founder of the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, and Dr Alana Golmei, founder and general secretary of the North East Helpline (NESCH), visited Vasant Vihar Police Station on Monday (Feb 16) morning to discuss reports alleging that a Khap Panchayat had held a meeting on Sunday, during which they resolved to evict all tenants from the Northeastern states within three months. The matter has been reported to the police and the relevant authorities.

“DCP South Bhola Shankar has checked and confirmed to me that these are merely rumours,” said Robin Hibu, IPS, Joint CP (Delhi Police) and Nodal Officer for the North East.

Hibu urged people not to panic over these rumours. “Please inform others accordingly. The police have increased night patrols under ACP Vasant Vihar.” He added that the police are currently investigating the matter and working to trace the source of these ‘rumours’, assuring that legal action will be taken against those responsible.

Social activist Nepram tweeted that members of the Khap Panchayat who held the meeting were related to the accused in the recent alleged rape of a minor Manipuri girl in Munirka. A source indicated that people from the Northeast were scheduled to meet at Vasant Vihar Police Station on Monday evening at around 4 pm.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

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