A Rousing Welcome For Tripura’s Star

By Syed Sajjad Ali

HOMECOMING: Commonwealth Games 2014 bronze medalist Dipa Karmakar being given a grand welcome in Agartala on Monday.

Dipa Karmakar who became first Indian woman gymnast to win a medal in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games has set an eye on the forthcoming Asian Games. Her coach for 14 years Biswasar Nandi said he has a dream to see her winning Gold in next Olympic.

Ms. Dipa and Mr. Biswasar were given a rousing welcome in Agartala to mark their homecoming on Monday.

The greetings started from the Airport where hundreds of sports enthusiasts, officials and common people assembled in the morning.

Tripura government organised a reception for Ms. Dipa who won bronze in women’s vault. From airport she was taken for a road show in an open jeep escorted by a few hundred motorbikes.

School children, traders and people of all sections lined up on both sides of her show route in the city.

She was taken to Umakata Mini Stadium for an official felicitation function.

Delighted over the welcome and affection of people she thanked everyone concerned for the support she received as a gymnast. Convincingly she said she has set an eye on the Asiad to do better and make Tripura as well as India proud.

A tearful Biswasar Nandi who took charge as a Coach when she was just 6 said Ms. Dipa would fulfil his dream by winning Gold Medal in next Olympic. Mr. Nandi was also a national Gymnast and winner of Arjuna award.

Waiting For The Governor

By Tungshang Ningreichon

Manipur Governor visiting Shirui village in Ukhrul

Our house in the village is like a train with a gap, like a bogey derailed. The gap is the living room that was never built and now it stands as the self styled mud room. The gap speaks of hope that one day the house will be completed. The hope has lasted for more than 15 years!

Our home is simple but aesthetically challenged. It reflects a lack of architectural input and resources. People often mistake it for the village primary school a few meters away, or sometimes for the pastor’s quarter, traditionally built in an ‘L’ shape with many rooms to accommodate guests.

Every time I come home there is new “technology” installed. My father loves to experiment with tools, electronics and machines, turning every room into a store room with wires running all over the house; plug points are dictated by his preference for sitting arrangement while typing. He is, by the way, the best typist I have ever known. When he first tried his hands on the computer, I thought the keyboard would break into pieces with the force he is used to, on old typewriters.

This time there were fancy lights installed in and around the house that took me by surprise when I went to use the washroom. I was not expecting tiny bright diodes to light up my night activity. These fascinating patch-like diodes were fixed on the wall, taped on each end like it was hurriedly done for temporary use. Yet again they reminded me how the genes of style and utility are so far away from each other with men in general, and especially my father, for most houses in Ukhrul have wires and plug points hanging messily over the wall or from one corner, speaking of men and designs.

Every house however has a number of interesting lamps, torch and light tools which are mostly made in China or Burma. For those who can afford it, the inverter is placed somewhere shabbily but owned like the most prized possession. The district, you see, has acute power shortage. These days the power supply is for an hour and a half during the day, and tactically from 10 pm onwards when the town is asleep so that mosquitoes, insects and animals can find their prey and their way home.

In Tamenglong, local organizations had to shut the electricity department to register their protest of the dancing truant lights. People of the district have found better use for the electric wires—they take it home. This is legally called “stealing” and is so rampant that the DC of the town had to convene a meeting to take stock of the situation. Why blame the people for making use of resources around them I say with a smirk.

One of the latest reasons cited for the shortage of electricity is the poor rainfall. By that logic, the God of rain is pleased with selective places in the State where people have been holy enough to receive rain and be lighted while the remaining can compensate with candlelight dinners!

I don’t know if any of the reasons we have been hearing past many years is justified anymore but, in the words of Apou, my “memory bank” does not have any data of ever experiencing 24 hours power supply ever since we lived in the village.

The last time people in Ukhrul had two days of uninterrupted power supply was when the Governor of the State was in town as the chief guest for Shirui Lily week. His visit was such a hit that the Facebook status of my town newsfeeders; Yoyo, Tennoson, Kahorpam and Khanthing, expressed “joy” like receiving rare grace that comes home like the uninvited guest.

The statuses seemed to say that the town is beaming with life and energy and also lack of direction; of not knowing what to do with the suddenness of being lighted!

The celebration however had to end the moment the Governor left. The set up, as I imagine it, is like the lineman was watching from a tower and as soon as he saw the dust and smog off the line of vehicles, he pulled the plug puffing a cigarette, much like how the curtains are drawn after a movie ends...ah, how dramatically he must have switched it off, and for the next two days the town was ‘powerless’. Perhaps the electricity department had to reclaim or make up for its generosity and the quota of the two days of lighting the Governor.

We wait for the Governor and his entourage to visit the town again or, even better, if Narendra Modi comes to see Shirui Lily and tour the villages in Ukhrul... yawn yawn...while my father and families acquire newer tools to light homes and the companies and dealers lick their fingers counting the profits!

**Tungshang Ningreichon is a happy mother from Langdang and writes occasionally for the love of stories, histories and memories.

Manipur Power Pact With Myanmar

Imphal, Aug 6 : India and Myanmar have decided to shape up the proposed joint-venture thermal power project in Myanmar's Sagaing region, boosting the bilateral ties of the two neighboring countries.

A joint meeting to this effect was held on Monday in the office of Tamu township military headquarters in Myanmar, about 5 Km from Manipur's border town Moreh, a source said.

The gateway to southeast Asia and a focal point of India's ambitious 'Look East Policy', Moreh has witnessed rapid progress of the economic development projects since the past few years. If the power project is successfully implemented, India would provide financial assistance and the required equipment for it, while Myanmar would offer the required land, the source added.

Manipur commerce and industry minister Govindas Konthoujam and Indian consulate general in Mandalay, N Nandakumar represented India, while union minister U Khin Maung Soe of the ministry of electric power, Sagaing region, led the Myanmar delegation at the meeting.

U Khin Maung, who was enthusiastic in setting up the power project, said he would discuss the matter with his country's top leaders and inform the same to India. Minister Govindas urged the Myanmarese delegates to extend support to the construction of the proposed Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Moreh aimed at boosting the ongoing commercial activities in Myanmar. On Govindas' appeal to release six Manipuris, who were apprehended by Myanmar Army, the neighboring country's delegates dropped positive hints, stating that the issue of releasing the captives would be considered.

Power officials, trade and chamber of commerce unit leaders both the countries attended the meeting. Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, who addressed the meeting titled "Region Investment and Business Conclave" in the Sagaing region in May this year, had called upon Indian investors not to think for India alone but also Myanmar so that the two countries could co-exist.

Ibobi Singh suggested that investment in the Sagaing region is very much possible in power sector by generating power in the thermal power plants, agro-industries. He suggested setting up of educational institutions and hospitals during the conclave attended by hordes of Indian businessmen.

Northeast India Sees Spike in Foreign Tourist Visits

By Yuthika Bhargava

A view of the Sela Lake surrounded by snow-clad hills in Arunachal Pradesh. Sela Lake attracts large number of tourists. File photo: Ritu Raj Konwar

In positive news for tourism sector in the north-eastern states of the country, foreign tourist visits in the region grew by 27.9 per cent in 2013 over the previous year.

The number of foreign tourist visits (FTVs) stood at 84,820 in 2013, as compared to 66,302 in 2012, according to official data released on Tuesday.

The states had seen 12.5 percent growth in 2012 over 2011 when the number stood at 58,920.

Sikkim saw maximum FTVs at 31,698, followed by Assam (17,738), Tripura (11,853), Arunachal Pradesh (10,846) and Meghalaya (6,773).

Among the eight north eastern states, highest growth in FTVs during 2013 over 2012 was observed in Manipur (154.7 per cent) followed by Arunachal Pradesh (111.2 per cent), Tripura (51.2 per cent), Nagaland (32.7 per cent), Meghalaya (27.5 per cent), Sikkim (19.7 per cent), Mizoram (7.5 per cent) and Assam (0.5 per cent).

DD Bharati to Telecast Shows on Northeast India

New Delhi, Aug 5 : Doordarshan will telecast some exclusive programmes aimed at familiarising people with the art and culture of the north eastern states.

The programmes on DD Bharati will capture culture, history and introduce viewers to the ‘Seven Sisters’. The scheduled programmes have been picked up to bring out the essence of these states which have an enigmatic attraction during the monsoon.]

The series commenced yesterday with North-East-Poorvotar Pratibimb - Monoliths of Meghalaya. The other show is on the Manipuri theatre, Poorvotar Pratibimb -MoirangParva, to be telecast on 9 August at 4 pm. The programmes will have repeat telecast on the very next day at 12 am and 8 am.

Another remarkable programme which reflects the beauty of these states and their inherent charisma is the 18 episode North-East-Poorvotar Pratibimb - Glimpses of the Misty East to be telecast from 8 August at 6 pm on DD Bharati.

Dr Arshiya Sethi, who is the curator of the shows on North East for DD Bharati tells indiantelevision.com, “Glimpses of the Misty East is a travelogue on the seven north-eastern states of India which was produced by the late maestro Dr Bhupen Hazarika, who was an undisputed ambassador of DD Bharati.”

There is another show on the theatre directors from North East, Lokendra Arambam and Ratan Thiyam being telecast on 4 August and 11 August at 11 pm and repeat again at 7 am and 3 pm. Ratan thiyam had also served as director of the National School of Drama earlier.

Tripura Shows Way To Regulate E-rickshaws

By Biswendu Bhattacharjee

Agartala, Aug 5 : While the Delhi high court on Monday agreed to review its decision to ban e-rickshaws in the capital, Tripura has long brought these vehicles within the ambit of legislation and is probably the first state to do so.

Replicating the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the state framed the 'Tripura Battery Operated Rickshaws Rules 2014' to regulate the movement of battery-operated rickshaws in urban areas of the state.

The rules, notified in January, state that a driving licence is mandatory for e-rickshaw drivers, who must not be less than 20 years of age. It will be valid for three years, unless cancelled or suspended if the driver flouts rules.

The licence fee of the battery-operated rickshaws is Rs 300, renewal fee Rs 100, registration fee Rs 1,000 and trade certificate fee Rs 1,000. The operator has to pay Rs 100 as annual road tax.

The rules say engineers of urban local bodies of the rank of executive engineers must issue fitness certificates for the vehicles after a technical assessment.

Each battery-operated rickshaw will have to provide insurance cover to protect the riders. An e-rickshaw can seat four people at the most and can ply only within the jurisdiction of urban local bodies. Registration numbers will be provided once the applications are screened.

"We have notified 55 routes in which these rickshaws can operate. All fall within the Agartala Municipal Area. So far, we have received 531 applications from operators," said Agartala mayor Prafullajit Sinha.

For six months, these rickshaws had operated in Tripura cities without any registration and licence.

Strategizing Political Demands of the Kukis in Northeastern India

By Nehginpao Kipgen


       














The leaders of the two Kuki armed groups — the United Peoples' Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organization (KNO) — are again heading to New Delhi with the hope of materializing a political dialogue with representatives of the central government.

A meeting with officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is likely to take place within the next few days. The meeting will be the first high-level engagement between the two sides under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

The issue of holding political talk has been dragging on for years. The Indian Army and the Kuki armed groups have observed Suspension of Operations (SoO) since Aug. 1, 2005. A tripartite agreement, involving the UPF and KNO, the central government and the Manipur state government, was formally signed on Aug. 22, 2008. The current one-year-term ends on Aug. 22.

The SoO was possible after the Kuki armed groups accepted former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's appeal for resolving armed conflicts through dialogue. The Congress government agreed, in principle, to initiate political dialogue within the framework of the Indian constitution.

Last year, the Indian government made the assurance that political talk would begin immediately following the winter session of the national parliament. Mr. Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary (North East), MHA, briefed representatives of the UPF and KNO on the modalities of holding dialogue. However, eight years have lapsed since the start of the SoO, but no political dialogue has materialized yet.

Because of the government's alleged indifferent attitude, the UPF had last year warned not to allow the inspection of its designated camps by government officials if no political dialogue began by Aug. 22. The group also threatened to boycott the Congress party in the 16th Lok Sabha election.

How is the situation of the armed groups and the political atmosphere in New Delhi different from the previous years? Is there any sight of solution to the Kukis political demand under the new administration?

In anticipation of political dialogue with the central government, the armed groups discussed among themselves with the hope of finding a common strategy. However, it appears that they have not been able to reach a consensus on presenting one single political demand.

The UPF and KNO, constituted by over 20 armed groups, have two different political objectives. The UPF demands an autonomous hill state, or a state within a state under Article 244-A of the Indian constitution. The KNO demands the creation of a separate Kuki state.

Another challenge to the solution of Kukis political demand is on the question of competing demands. The Nagas, who form another major ethnic group in Manipur state, also claim the same geographical areas in four hill districts. The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) claims Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul as their own territories in their quest for greater or southern Nagaland.

New Delhi has had several rounds of political dialogue with the Nagas, particularly the NSCN-IM. These competing demands of overlapping areas have given rise to severe insurgency problems for the past many years.

Knowing the potential consequences of political dialogue between the Kuki armed groups and the central government, the Manipur state government inserted a clause in the initial tripartite agreement, that is, the territorial integrity of Manipur cannot be disturbed.

In light of the recent creation of Telangana state out of Andhra Pradesh despite a strong opposition from the state government, many begin to think that it is not an impossible task to carve out a Kuki state from Manipur.

However, it is important to understand that the Kukis and the Nagas have to reach some sort of understanding, if not agreement, on the question of competing demands in overlapping territories.

Whatever the outcome it might be, it is important that the central government keeps its earlier promises and begin political dialogue with the Kuki armed groups. There has been enough frustration of extending SoO for the past eight years, without achieving any substantive result.

A leader of the UPF in a recent statement said, “There is no point keeping on extending the Suspension of Operation (SoO) every year without engaging in political dialogue...the cadres will get frustrated if this thing continues for longer.”

There is a general feeling among the people of Manipur, including the Kuki armed groups, that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance coalition government would take a pro-active approach to address insurgency problems through political means.

The demand for a Kuki state comprising all the Kuki inhabited areas of Manipur was first submitted to then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on March 24, 1960 by the Kuki National Assembly, a political body formed in 1946.

However, history would not do justice unless the present leaders of the Kuki armed groups formulate a practical strategy by setting aside personal and ideological differences.

Nehginpao Kipgen is a political scientist whose works have been widely published in five continents — Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, and North America. He is the author of “Politics Of Ethnic Conflict In Manipur” published by SAGE from the United Kingdom.

A Conversation and ‘Burma’

By Tungshang Ningreichon

My friend Seth Shatsang is a dynamic young man in his early 30’s but looks older and pretends to belong to the ‘wise’ age generation. He is a student activist, an aggressive campaigner and sometimes comes across as a country bumpkin and a shrewd politician. He has an accent that he seems to have acquired while his scholarly time spent down the South of India so for “we” you would hear “ve”. But he is a good conversationalist and his charm lies in his ability to converse about politics in simple language, drawing examples and relevance from his day-to-day interactions with people from different walks of life. He is conversant about anything and everything under the sky of Ukhrul- Senapati-Kohima. He knows a bit about Bangalore too but he does not know too much about Delhi and that is one area I can boast to have over him.

Here, I am not interested to talk about his life, his bad romance and his failed love life. He will not want me to talk about such matters either. One rainy day he happened to come over to my place. Since he came without a vehicle or an umbrella he stayed on and the conversationalist that he is he went on tonramble over endless cups of black tea. His story about his trip to Somrah village in Burma fascinated me and I know I am killing half the fun of the story by attempting to write about it.

In the north of Ukhrul district the last village to mark the India- Burma border is Tusom, which has about 400 households. As you go further a Naga village in Burma called Somrah greets you. Somrah is also a sub-township with roughly 300 households. It is about 13Kms and a little more than an hour bike ride from Tusom village. The road to Somrah from Tusom is jeep-able, but monsoon will spell disaster. The people of Somrah are dominantly Christians but wave of Buddhism is subtlety felt and slowly children are joining monasteries.

As a child who spent considerable time in my mother’s native place, Chingai; a sub-divisional village that serves as a convergence point for many neighbouring villages including Tusom and Somrah, it is not new or strange to see travelers from Burma. They pass by Chingai to go to the district headquarter, Ukhrul for education, medical care and for basic things like clothes, kerosene, candle, salt and other daily requirements. They bring fowls, dogs and piglets in exchange for clothes or money. Interestingly both Rupee and Kyat are accepted in many of the border towns and villages. People from the two countries at the borders are not strangers to each other as they share similar if not the same culture as Naga people and trace their origin to common ancestors. The consciousness as natives of two separate nations is prominent when soldiers in uniform are seen patrolling along the border. The Burma side seemingly is more strictly manned and it requires creativity to cross the border.

As for Seth, he went to attend the youth festival; ‘Ho-Se Krenbu Twei’. Since he went on the invitation of the youth group at Somrah villages who had asked him to come and celebrate with them he did not require a permit to enter the village. In fact he and his friend enjoyed special immunity and received a royal treatment. According to Seth the popular “gifts” to carry from India are cigarettes (preferably Wills Flake), soap and salt. These are the entry tickets and can absolve you from army interference. If lucky it can also earn you an uninhibited tour of the local places. Truly, these items earned Seth some recognition and he got to pillion ride a motorcycle to few places he wanted to see. Motorcycle by the way happens to be the most popular mode of transport in villages on the Burma-side and only few can afford the same.

Seth had also carried few bars of soap. He had ensured that it was not too heavy for his ‘activist’ budget and he was lucky to have found ‘buy three get one free’ offer on, in one of the shops in Ukhrul town. He carefully separated the set lest it leaves signs and marks of the packet being tampered with, and got each bar wrapped nicely. The ‘inexpensive’ soap bar was a hit and those whom he gifted got to smell soap ‘made in India’ and those who did not get, atleast liked the idea of receiving one the next time round and enjoyed the whiff of it anyway. Seth had also carried sachets of table salt which he apparently must have collected from his travel or his visits to some restaurants. He generously gifted

some of these to the army officer posted at Somrah. It acted like magic and roused the curiosity of the officer and even days after he left, Seth got profuse messages of thanks from him. The officer either did not get the time to open the packet or was shy to ask what it contained. Later he got curious and wanted to know what was in the sachets. The message was relayed to Seth through the phone and the climax of Seth’s narration lies in his response. His message to the officer was that “it is special salt to be used for special occasions when special friends and guests come over to dine”. What a great gift! He is being invited to Somrah again and next time everything would be on the house.

I asked Seth how he communicated with the people there. He said many of them speak and understand Tangkhul or Nagamese. Some of the students who have the opportunity to study in places like Delhi and Bangalore can speak in English (Oh yes they go to these places for higher education). As for the elders whom he cannot communicate with, his friends interpreted for them. However, many a times communication was also without language but they could understand each other. ‘Without the use of words?’ I asked. ‘Yes, without words. So long as there is love and bonding people understand’, Seth stated beautifully.

Truly, communication has no barriers. It does not recognize borders and boundaries and our hearts must follow suit. And like Seth said, ‘so long there is love and bonding a connection is established’. No words!

**Tungshang Ningreichon is a happy mother from Langdang and writes occasionally for the love of stories, histories and memories.