MESMERIZING BUNGKHAWPUI

~Muona Infimate



At first sight, the  mist-clad village can be mistaken for Ooty, if not Shimla,or it can be mistaken to somewhere in the Kashmir Valley.Bungkhawpui is a unique village unmatched by another in the entire region.The village has its own brand of beauty and mesmerizes you every time you set foot in it. It’s a village of great scenic beauty with undulating river, gurgling mountain streams and picturesque mountains. It is said that Mother Nature has been extra generous in her. It is indeed a village of exquisite natural beauty and splendour.

Parbung

The village is believed to have been first inhabitated by Langrongs,Darlong,chiru,Keipeng and Anals in circa 1400 A.D. Pu Ngamneisang set up the village in 1987.Literally, the name of the village has been derived from the two words-PAR(flower) and BUNG(base). Parbung, one of the cleanest villages in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, is situated in the south western corner of the state, bound by Vangai range in the west, Pherzawl and Talan on the east, and Taithu on the north, and shares a boundary with Lungthulien in the south. The village is also the sub-divisional headquarter of Tipaimukh.This beautiful village is located about 226 kms away from Manipur’s capital Imphal and the national highway 150 runs through it.

Parbung, popularly known as Bungkhawpui is skirted by mosaic landscape and majestic hills like Lunglen tlang, Sabutlang, Sangharkhawthlir-tlang and Parbung sip-tlang.Being bounded by important rivers Barrak and Suorkawi on the west, and Tuibum in the east, you can take an introspective walk to the river and forest beyond. You can also study the flora and fauna and go fishing using the village’s traditional kit. And if I am to chose one among those rivers.I would chose Suorkawi because;Suorkawi is a seductive,playful,romantic and sensous river. She is also moody and tempestuous. But you have to persue her with passion and persistence to know her better.

The village also host a variety of natural waterfalls. Several places in Bungkhawpui resonate with the sound of thundering waterfalls spraying its surrounding with a delicate mist of water. In Bungkhawpui, you can’t miss the Vawmpate falls or the Sumrisang falls. It’s a must for all.

If you yearn for some peace amidst the hills and caves. Then, Bungkhawpui should be your next destination. Bat killing has always been a source of merriment for the villagers.Hundred of villagers with burning torches, bamboo poles in their hands swarm into a natural cave at Bakkuo-muol to kill over a thousand bats. They hunt bats mainly for their meat. The cave is located near the left bank of the Barrak River. It’s about 5 kms away from the village and has two holes. The upper hole measures about 7 metres in height and around 5 kms in breadth and is about 70 kms in depth.”There’s no word that can describe how beautiful it is.It’s another world.It’s truly amazing”,gushes R.Thangvel.But till today, the height, breadth and depth of the lower hole remains unknown.”The lower hole is shrouded in mystrery.No one dared to go inside.It is endless and it’s very challenging”, R.Thangvel said.So, step out of your comfort zone and discover the secrets of the wild at Parbung village.For a bat meat lovers,a trip to Bungkhawpui is a must.

Before we set off to explore the surrounding areas.Pu Hmingsang and Pu R.Thangvel meet me here at the middle of the village and they straightaway whisked me off on an hour long trek towards the long bursting Parbung Sip-tlang. It’s a walk filled with sweats, wheezing sounds, breathtaking views and quaint anecdotes. From the multitude of points, one can see different facets of nature coexisting with the village. We could hear the cries of exotic birds echoing over the vast expenses of forest. The route is scenic and as we move on we were greeted by a host of chirpy birds flying majestically around us. We just could not stop mid-way. What a magnificent view await us at the end of the climb! We were simply mesmerized. Pu R.Thangvel told me how the village came to be called Parbung.”Parbung Sip-tlang was once blessed with many known and unknown orchids. When they bloom the entire hillock looks reddish, and it was so charming that it captivates the eyes of the distant viewers and, the villagers called the flowering of the beautiful red orchids as ‘Parsenbung’ which then morphed into Parbung”, says R.Thangvel. But on the way down it started raining but we were full of the enchanting view that we did not mind the stormy wind and the lashing rain.

Blessed with the undulating lush green landscape, the land of beautiful hills has made a number of achievements in the field of education. It has produced civil servants like John B Tlangtinkhuma IAS, Challienkhum IRS, Darzakhum IRS, Best Educationist Awardees, Prof.L.Fimate and toppers in various Universities.

“The village is a heavenly place and a veritable paradise on earth.There is no power cut in the village, the home stay is powered by solar lamp. But I had no complaint, it was pretty comfortable.The villagers are vibrant, sociable and kind”, says a visitor from Churachandpur.” The villagers welcome complete strangers into their home, ready to share their stories and meals with a heartfelt generosity. Every family made us feel welcome as we toured the village’’, John Lalramthang of Pherzawl vllage said.

Bungkhawpui is also a perfect fruit and nut village,if ever there was one. The forest here are deep and dark .”If you are looking for comfort luxery. Parbung is not your scene. There’s no glamour here. But a sense of space and serenity will always greet you in Bungkhawpui”, Pu.Lura, a village elder said . “I have been to Bungkhawpui for several times and each time I had the privilege of enjoying warm hospitality offered by the Bungkhawpuians. My heart leaped when I got the chance to roam in the street,” says a visitor from Churachandpur’s Saidan village.

Life in this mountainous village is delightfully simple and the inhabitants are entirely self supporting, independent and self-reliant.  The  village is a  heavently place and a veritable paradise on earth. And  because of the hospitable homestay,guests have left the village to come visiting again and again . The natural beauty and pleasant weather makes it an ideal place to live in. And   for those who crave for adventure and excitement , there are charisma and saga  in exploring  its natural beauty . Summon one who needs to lighten up and relax in this pristine village.

Hmar Youth Association (HYA) congratulates

Imphal, September 25 2012: The Hmar Youth Association (HYA), Joint Headquarters, Imphal has congratulated all seven candidates belonging to the Hmar community who scaled the MCSCC Exam, 2010 conducted by the MPSC.

A statement issued by the HYA, Imphal Jt Hqtrs, Lalvulthang has also extended best wishes to all the successful candidates while also wishing the successful candidates render best services towards the development and welfare of the general public and the Hmars in particular.

Source: The Sangai Express

MPSC 2010 final results puong a nih, Hmar mi 7 an tling

Imphal: Manipur Public Service Commission huoihawtna hnuoia Manipur Civil Services Combined Competitive Examination 2010 final results chu puong ani tah. Main exam kha 06/02/12 to 21/02/12 sung khan nei a nia, Manipur ang naw takin Main a hlawtling hai po khan Personality Test 21/08/12 to 18/09/12 sung khan nghal a nih. Manipur Civil services and Allied Services/Posts a ding hin an rengin mi 138 an tlinga, an sin ding hai hi merit dungzuia pek anni ding a nih. Tribal lai a hnam zawnga tiem ding chun Hmar mi a tling rawn tak pawl an nih. Tuchena ei hriet thei hai:

1. Tv. Lalrobul Fimate (5th, ST ah 1st) S/o Dr. L.Fimate, Imphal

2. Emmanuel L Fimate (39th) S/o Biekvel, Rengkai Road.

3. Lalthanzam Fimate (118th) S/o Vanlalsung, Rengkai Road. Churachandpur

4. Zosanglur Joute (122) S/o Mrs. Chawngi, Rengkai Road, Churachandpur.

5. Nk. Lalthazam Songate (125th) D/o Hrangthankhum Songate, Parbung

6. Zorisang Thiek Pangote (127th) S/o Upa Chawngsangvung, Hmarveng/Parbung

7. Solomon Lalneilien Fimate (131st) S/o Fimsanglien Fimate, Khawmawi, Churachandpur.

 

Click Here to view results

3540 candidates for CCpur's first SSC exam

CCpur: As many as 3540 candidates would appear in the Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination 2012 from here when Churachandpur debuts as an examination centre of the Staff Selection Commission on October 28 .

The Combined All India Open Examination for recruitment to the posts of Data Entry Operator and Lower Division Clerk will be held in two shifts, one at forenoon and the other in the afternoon at two venues, according to information available with the district administration.

A total of 1770 candidates each will appear in both the shifts at Churachandpur Government College and Lamka College.

With a sizable number of educated unemployed youths, Churachandpur district has for years felt the need to have an examination centre in its own township and persistent efforts given by student bodies, elected representatives, and bureaucrats here besides the diaspora elsewhere have finally yielded.

The commission has for the first time included Churachandpur among the list of Examination Centres on July 14, 2012 with a code number 5502 in their notice for Combined Higher Secondary

~Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite

HPC (D) cadres held

IMPHAL, Sep 20: Security forces under the Red Shield Division, apprehended three cadres of breakaway faction of HPC (D) (Lalminthang faction) today.

Based on specific intelligence regarding presence of some cadres in general area Khomoi village in Churachandpur district, a joint operation was launched by Security forces and apprehended three cadres of HPC (D) faction.

The cadres have been identified as Ram Chuallo Singson, s/o Lenkhosang Singson, of Rawvakwat, Parbung Sub Division, Kennedy Hmar, s/o (L) Beakval, of Maulean, Parbung sub–division and Ruolaninlal Puralte alias Harman, s/o (L) Tlanseam, of Lungthungling, Parbung sub-division. One 7.65mm pistol with seven live rounds and one 9mm pistol with two live rounds were recovered from their possession. The apprehendees along with the recoveries were later handed over to Imphal West PS, said a PIB (DW).

Source: The Sangai Express / PIB (Defence)

Deprived Parbung look to Mizoram for solace

Imphal: DEPRIVED OF all the developmental works, the villagers of Parbung in Churachandpur district have cursed themselves for being under the government of Manipur and expressed their desire to be associated with the neighbouring state of Mizoram.

Parbung is a small village located at a distance of over 200 kms from New Lamka, Churachandpur along Tipaimukh road (NH 02).Bordering with Mizoram, the village is mainly dominated by Hmar tribe.

There are around 600 households in the village with growing paddy as their main livelihood.

Pouring out their hearts to this Reporter, villagers of Parbung said that "It is a curse to be under the Manipur Government.

If we had been under the administration of Mizoram Government, all development programmes including construction of roads, health centres, educational institutions, drinking water facilities and the likes would have been taken care of years back" .

Basic necessities like drinking water, electricity and excess to halth care services are still a distant dream in Parbung.

Most of the daily requirements of the people in this village are brought in from Mizoram, and this is due to deplorable condition of the road from Churachandpur to Parbung.

In the absence of electricity supply, the villagers have been relying upon their 'self bought' Solar plates.

At the time of organizing some community feasting or celebration, the village is lighted with the help of a generator.

However, on the other side of the border, the people of Mizoram are enjoying uninterrupted power supply throughout the night, much to the chagrin of Parbung villagers.

With less than 10 percent of the entire population getting the light of education, Parbung village still longs for educational institutions to be set up.

At present there is just one Anganwadi Centre and two missionary schools in the village.

Though a Community Health Care centre (CHCC) has been constructed in Parbung with 6 doctors, 4 grade-IV staffs, 1 ANM nurse, 2 senior nurses and two helpers, the CHCC still lacks sufficient medical equipments for providing necessary treatment to patients.

At the same time, the patients also face problems of insufficient supply of medicine.

When this reporter went to inspect the CHCC, a doctor, who was found performing his duty, informed that even though there are no medical equipments and tools to give treatment to the patients, he is doing his level best to give the best services to his patients.

However, shortage of medicines is one big problem encountered while extending health care services to the people of Parbung, the doctor hastened to add.

~Source: Hueiyen News Service / Halley Gurumayum (e-pao.net)

Dhaka starts impact study this month

The joint assessment study about the possible economic and environmental impacts of the proposed Tipaimukh dam in Bangladesh part, especially the Sylhet region, starts this month.

The two-year-long study will be conducted under the supervision of recently-formed minister-level joint sub-group which had its first meeting in New Delhi last month.

India completed the study in their part in 2000 and handed over their report to Bangladeshi delegates during the meeting. Now Bangladeshi experts will initially start work on the assessment report using the Indian data and it will collect both primary and secondary data regarding Bangladesh, a member of joint sub-group on Tipaimukh said.

“If necessary the joint group would conduct fresh field survey in Indian part also. We have signed a memorandum of understanding regarding that,” said the member.

“As it is a joint study, all the outcome of the report would be endorsed by experts fro'm both the countries,” he added.

To this effect, the government has already selected two local research organisations.

Bangladesh Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) and Bangladesh Centre for Environment and Geographical Information System (CEGIS) would work as the consultants for the study.

“We will sign an agreement with two consulting firms in a week,” Mir Sajjad Hossain, member of Joint Research Commission, Bangladesh, told The Daily Star.

The sub-group has been working on an inception report for the study. It wants to complete the report by October when it sits for its second meeting in Dhaka, sources said.

Their work will be based on the hydrological chart, rainfall, flood and other data assessed by India, and they would collect data fro'm sources in Bangladesh.

The IWM would develop a water model, on which the CEGIS would work to examine the long- and short-term economic and environmental impacts on Bangladesh, especially the wetlands in Sylhet region.

A large section of Bangladeshi experts and environmentalists are concerned about the possible negative consequences of the project. They fear the pattern of water flow in the Barak river will change, and therefore, it will consequently affect flows of the Surma and the Kushiara rivers in Bangladesh.

According to an impact assessment on the Surma-Kushiara river systems conducted by Bangladeshi experts in 2005, the Tipaimukh dam would certainly lead to loss of riverine habitats and species and affect agriculture in the region.

The study titled "Hydrological Impact Study of Tipaimukh Dam Project” also says that some effects of the dam will be noticed even after a few hundred years.

When built, the Tipaimukh dam would harm Boro production in Sylhet region, causing a loss of over Tk 1,000 crore a year, other experts assessed earlier.

The project is also facing protests fro'm environmentalists in India's Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Tipaimukh project, involving Rs 9,000 crore, is envisaged to produce 1,500MW power and regulate the flow of around 16.8 lakh cusecs of water that hits the Barak valley and causes flash floods every year, claims India.

India has invited Bangladesh to buy a stake in the project and get electricity.

Without informing Bangladesh, the Indian government has formed a joint venture company to build the dam.

The committee of experts was formed as a confidence-building measure to address the widespread concerns in Bangladesh over the dam project and its possible impact on the ecology and quantum of water in the Surma and the Kushiara rivers, a press statement of Indian High Commission had said before the meeting last month.

Meanwhile, a group of environmentalists, including Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa), are demanding that the study be conducted by an independent experts' group, not by a joint group, as they think that the Bangladeshi experts might not have sound technical knowledge to conduct the study.

~Pinaki Roy (www.thedailystar.net)

Dhaka gets a stake in Tipaimukh

Guwahati, Augus 29, 2012: The Centre has formally agreed to give Bangladesh a stake in the 1,500MW Tipaimukh hydroelectric project. Official sources said this was decided in a two-day meeting of the sub-group on the project under the India-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission in New Delhi on August 27 and 28.

The decision to constitute the sub-group under the Joint River Commission to go into all aspects of the project was taken on May 7 in New Delhi. External affairs minister S.M. Krishna led the Indian delegation, while Bangladesh foreign minister Dipu Moni led that country’s delegation.

Sources said both sides finalised the terms of reference under which a study would be conducted in Bangladesh territory to assess the impact of the project.

During the meeting, India restated its offer to Bangladesh to take a stake in the Tipaimukh project and handed over the detailed project report to their delegation in this context.

A source said, “The Centre has reiterated the assurance, given at the highest level, that it would not take steps on the project that would adversely impact Bangladesh.”

The 1,500MW Tipaimukh Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project in Manipur has been embroiled in controversy, with stern opposition from Bangladesh.

The project, near the Manipur-Mizoram border, 500 metres downstream of the confluence of the river Barak and Tuivai in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, was given environment clearance in 2008.

Its execution, however, will involve felling of more than 78 lakh trees.

Though the forest advisory committee under the ministry of environment and forests had recommended that a sub-committee along with domain experts in the field of ecology, wildlife, hydrology and others might visit the project site to make an on-the-spot assessment of the impacts, there has been no progress in this regard till date.

Source: The Telegraph

Public hearings a complete failure

Imphal, August 29, 2012: The Committee on the Protection of Natural Resources in Manipur (CPNRM) has said that the three public hearings organized by the Manipur Pollution Control Board, government of Manipur at Jiribam, Parbung and Nungba Town on July 30, August 8 and 17, 2012 respectively for petroleum exploration, drilling and allied activities in Jiribam, Churachandpur and Tamenglong have been complete failures as the indigenous communities to be affected by Petroleum Exploration in Manipur have expressed strong objections to exploration and drilling by Jubiliant Oil and Gas Private Limited, (JOGPL) a company based in Netherlands.

A statement of the committee further said that it condemns the efforts of the government of Manipur and its police department for filing the First Information Report against communities objecting Petroleum exploration at Nungba on August 17.

There are serious violations and immense points of condemnations in inviting communities for environmental Public Hearing and later threatening them with arbitrary arrest and detention for expressing their rightful opinions, it said.

It has also called upon the central, state governments and the Jubiliant Energy to stop all Oil and Gas Exploration, Drilling and allied activities in Tamenglong, Churachandpur, Jiribam in Manipur and also to immediately withdraw the FIR and other cases lodged against communities attending the Nungba Public Hearing on August 17, 2012, failing which will invite stern mass communities actions from all communities for which the government of Manipur and India will be solely held responsible for any untoward incidents.

Source: Imphal Free Press

India hands over Tipaimukh DPR to Bangladesh,TOR finalized

New Delhi: Amid controversy over the Tipaimukh dam in Manipur, Bangladesh will conduct a study of the project to assess its impacts on its side to enable the two countries resolve the issue amiciably.

To enable Bangladesh carry out the study, India today handed over a copy of the detailed project report of Tipaimukh hydropower project to Dhaka.

At the end of the two-day meeting of Indo-Bangladesh joint sub group on the proposed Tipaimukh Hydroelectric Project, the two sides also finalised Terms of Reference of the proposed study.

While no timeline has been finalised to complete the study, Bangladesh will examine the DPR and carry out a study on its side of the dam, sources in the government told PTI.

A statement from the Bangladesh High Commission here said India has assured its counterpart to provide additional and supplementary data and information if required for the study.

This was the first meeting of the joint sub-group.

The sub-group will jointly examine and amend, if required, the study before "vetting" it.

Based on the study, the sub-group will recommend measures to their respective governments.

 

~Press Trust of India

Bomb attack at CCpur

IMPHAL, Aug 25: A person was injured in a bomb attack at the residence of DRDA Executive Engineer C Hangsing at Upper Lamka near Churachandpur Public ground this evening at 7.35 pm, according to police reports.

The injured is C Nengpao, brother of C Hangsing. He has been removed to the Churachandpur district Hospital.

It may be recalled here that, on 15 this month a grenade was found wrapped in a cloth with the banner “Warning KNLA/MPLA”.

~Imphal Free Press

ICI Central Choir: From NE to Bengaluru, with music of peace

They came to Bangalore undeterred by the fact that their own ilk was leaving the city in droves. For they knew that their music had a message of harmony, love and peace and be a balm for the troubled times.

The first performance of the Independent Church of India's central choir outside the northeast may not have been perfectly timed, keeping the recent incidents in mind, but the choir decided to go ahead shrugging off security concerns.

"We are not afraid of staying in Bangalore though many of our brothers and sisters have left the city scared for their lives," said Rev Jothanghrim Joute, youth coordinator for the choir. "Though we look like foreigners because of our Mongoloid features, we are very march a part of India. We bring the message of love and pray for peace and harmony to prevail in Bangalore and different parts of the country marred by communal tensions," he said.



The choir comprises members mostly Mizo Hmar tribals from Churachandpur district in Manipur. Hundreds attended the show by the Manipuri choir at Richmond Town's Methodist Church, which was highlighted by an extraordinary performance on Sunday evening. While the group of 25, accompanied by their conductor, sang church songs and hymns praising the Lord, their performance was infused with vibrant rock, jazz and blues influences that had the audience in thrall.

The choir, which has 12 albums to their credit, sang a set list of 20 songs, consisting of hits like Hallelujah, The Lord's Prayer, Longing for heaven and The Glory of the Lord, in English, and local North Eastern languages like Hmar and Dulian. "Amidst the prevailing tensions, the choir arrived at the right time to rejoice life. We all are children of God and we celebrate our oneness with the music," said Pastor Jonathan Bangera. (TNN)

 

PASSING THROUGH

Dr Micky Morton,who spoke to BTon behalf of the Independent Church of India Central Choir,says choral music is popular in the city
~Taniya Talukdar 

How many cities has the ICI (Independent Church of India) Central Choir toured outside the northeast 
The choir is performing for the first time outside the northeast.Church budgets are low and they cannot afford too many tours.

Is gospel music popular in Bangalore 
Yes,gospel music is very popular among the youth in Bangalore,irrespective of religious beliefs.For example,Ernie Hasses show was a sell-out last Sunday.The older audience is also very appreciative of classical choral church music.

The Shillong Chamber Choir which won a reality show last year went on to perform at the White House for Obama.Do you see the ICI Central Choir doing the same in the near future 
No,chamber music with intricate musical arrangements and full orchestral backing is out of their budget.

The Shillong Chamber Choir is very experimental in terms of singing non gospel music.Have they tried experimenting too 
No,they are a church choir,so contemporary popular nonreligious music is not in their agenda.

The choir has 12 albums to its credit,how popular have they been 
The 12 music albums released are all hits,but restricted only to the northeast region.Almost everyone in the northeast,especially from the Christian community,is aware of these songs.

Mizos are known to have good voices but do you think their talent is explored enough 
Yes,they have immense vocal talent.This tour is to expose them to the rest of India,starting from Bangalore.More exposure will definitely create a greater awareness in mainland India,as you can see from the story of Mary Kom.I want to clarify that Mizo people are broadly clubbed together,but there are different sub-tribes among them.This choir is from the Hmar tribe.

What languages does the choir sing in 
They are singing in English,Hmar and Dulian for the concerts in Bangalore.

How do you intend to make gospel music and the choir popular 
Based on the feedback we receive from the audience,we plan to bring them back during Christmas.They might produce an English album and take it forward from there.

Pic:SinlengNews

Oil le Gas Exploration thua SIPHRO Thusuok

Vawisun, August 15, 2012, sun dar 2:00pm khan Vangai Centre, Nehru Marg Churachandpur-ah SIPHRO le Vangai, Tuiruongdung Village Authority (VA) le Lal hai Oil le Gas Exploration chungchang a thil um dan hriltlangna le hmalak dan ding chipchier deuin an hriltlang a.

Vangai le Tuiruong dung a hin Oil le Gas Exploration chu an tan hmasatakna hmun ani lai zingin tuta “Public Hearing” a ding khawm hin iengkhawm inhriettirna, fielna an dawng naw thu VA le Lal haiin an hril. Jubilant Oil and Gas Pvt Ltd hai le Asian Oil Fields haiin hi lai biela VA le Lal hai chu inthi thaina chi hrang hrang hmangin an lo sirde hlak. Mandatory process, hieng – “free, prior, and informed consent of the affected people” ti lem chu van a ra a nih. “Institutional injustice” chu nasatakin hmalatu haiin an chelek a nih.

Tuta exploration hi Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas , Government of India haiin Jubilant Oil and Gas Private Limited (JOGPL) hai chu “exploration and drilling works” sin thaw dingin license an lo pek a nih. JOGPL hai hi India a Noida (UP) a office nei an ni el baka, Nehru Place (New Delhi) a khawm office an nei. An headquarters ruok chu Netherlands a innghat a nih. Anni hi London Stock Exchange (LSE) a chen in register an nih. Exploration le drilling sin hi Jiribam (Imphal East), Tamenglong le Churachandpur a thaw ding a license nei an nih. India sawrkar leh “Production Sharing Contract” (PSC) chu July 19, 2010 khan an inrem siem a; Manipur sawrkar le ruok chu “Petroleum Exploration Licence” (PEL) November 15, 2010 khan an lo ziek ve thung. Exploration le drilling le inzawm hin Manipur-ah 2950 sq kms them a tih.

Nikum 2011 a inthawk khan satellite le aerial survey an lo thawna le inzawmin Manipur a hin 5000 Billion Cubic Feet (BCF) petroleum um dinga an hmu ta sa a nih. A hming mawina dingin “exploration” chu an inbuk ve chauh a nih. Hi sin, exploration le drilling, le inzawm hin tuta company haiin an sum seng ding zat a an riruong chu 240 Million USD a nih. Manipur a hin oil well 30 an tinzawn phawt a, oil well pakhat peia USD 8 Million an invest pei ding a nih. Hmarbiel (Vangai, Tuiruongdung le Hmarbiel) a hin oil well 13 um dinga riruong a nih.

Chu lai chun, “free, prior and informed consent”, mandatory process ding ni ve bawk chu zui ani thak nawh. August 8 khan Parbung a Public Hearing a um a chu Vangai le Tuiruong dung hai chu inhriettirna iengkhawm an pek nawh. Public Hearing um ding khawmin programme a um naw bawk. Parbung a public hearing a khawm khan SIPHRO Hmarram Cell thuoitu, Pu Lalchunghnung chun, tuta sin an thaw naa ava thang ve leiin “Ui ang chauhin an mi sawisak a nih” ti chu Public Hearing-ah a hril. Sin rum intang le risk involve hrim hrim chu Hmar hai an inthawtir vawng. Vai kut sinthawhai le khawm an hlaw an ang thei nawh. Sin harsa po po an thaw lai zingin, CCPur DC chun Public Hearing an nei naa SIPHRO hai hi ti in um ngei, sawrkar hmalakna po po in dodal vawnga a ti nghe nghe. SIPHRO Chairman (Manipur) Pu Buonga chun, “Kan rights sirde a a um phat kan tawng suok chauh ani lem” ati pek.

Manipur sawrkar le Company hai MoU a chun a ram hlu tu hai phalna thang thak loin an ram del, an thing-le-ruo, an huon le an in hai an phalna thang loin suksiet lo ding le pawi themlo ding an ti lai zingin huon, lo, thing-le-ruo chu nasatakin an suksiet der tah. Complain an siem phat leh sipai (Assam rifles) hai le thang khawmin VA le khaw mipui hai chu an inthi thai hlak.

Insirdena karah Lal a ei lo zawn haiin an chan ding nasa takin an zawng zing. “Compensation” ringawt khawm ei chan ding um lo khawpin an mi hnawde zing. Ei thangruola ei ram humhalin ei rights ei chawisang phawt naw chun “development” chu ei ta ding a ninaw ding a nih, ti chu a chieng hle. Tuta, company haiin “Benefits to local people” tia an ziek thlar thei po hai chu hieng hai hi a nih:

* Improvement in roads conditions
* Some temporary direct employment
* Other indirect opportunities through:
- Contract workmen for construction,material handling, etc
- Selling and trading of goods for daily needs
- Fooding and transportation for local workforce
- Vehicle workshops,tyre repair
- Mobile SIMS, telephone booths
* Community activities
* Future opportunities for support/ ancillary industries

Vawisun hin ei ram, ei hnamin thutlukna det deu leh thang ei khaw ta naw chun Centenary dar ei lo vuok ta kha ei bo na dar vuok ding ani el thei an tah. “Development” hmaikawr hi ngainep el ding chi an ta nawh.

Thawro ngaituo tlang ei tiu, an hnu hma hin.

Peaceful political solution is needed: Sanga Hmar

Imphal, August 14, 2012: Convener of UPF, the Joint Monitoring Group of Kuki underground organisations under Suspension of Operation (SoO), Sanga Hmar on Tuesday said that Kuki revolutionary organisations under SoO want a peaceful and political solution to the current conflict with the government.

Addressing a press meet at its Ebenezer Camp at Saparmeina, Sanga Hmar said that the agreement on Suspension of Operation signed between UPF and India Government will expire on August 22 and it would be extended further very soon.

This would be the fifth time that SoO is to be extended since UPF entered the agreement with the India government, Sanga, who is also the Deputy Secretary of HPC (D), added.

Informing that UPF has submitted its Charter of Demands to both the Centre and state governments; Sanga disclosed that the main point in the Charter of Demands is a State within the State.

The demand is within the purview of Indian Constitution.

It is for a separate administration from the current administration of the government of Manipur.

In this regard, UPF wants a peaceful and political solution, which is the best option, he said.

Secretary Organisation of UKLF, Jacob; External Affairs Secretary of ZRA, Calvin; Rohan Kuki of KNF and GS Aaron of KNF were also present during the press meet.

Source: Hueiyen News Service

Proceedings of Public Hearing At Parbung (Exploratory Drilling & Allied Activities)

Proceedings/minutes Of The Public Hearing For The Proposed Exploratory Drilling And Allied Activities In Block A-ONN 2009/1 Covering Churachandpur District; Manipur

Date:- 8th August, 2012  Venue:-  Parbung Community Hall, Time:- 12.30pm

List of Panel Members present in the Public Hearing is given below:-

1. Ms Jacintha Lazarus IAS (Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur):Chairperson
2. Shri H.D. Gangte (Divisional Forest Officer, Churachandpur, Manipur):Member
3. Shri N. Minaketan Singh (Senior Environmental Engineer, Manipur Pollution Control Board: Member
4. Shri Apoorva Ranjan (Vice- President Projects Jubilant Oil & Gas Pvt. Ltd., NOIDA (UP)): Member
5. Shri K. Jagadishwor Singh IFS (Member Secretary, Manipur Pollution Control Board): Convener
6. Shri W. Ibohal Singh (SDO (Parbung), Churachandpur, Manipur):Special Invitee

At the outset Shri W. Roshan Singh, AEE/MPCB requested the panel members to take their respective seats on the dais. He then requested Shri K. Jagadishwor Singh, IFS, Member Secretary, Manipur Pollution Control Board to convene the Public Hearing.

Shri K. Jagadishwor Singh, Member Secretary, Manipur Pollution Control Board welcomed all the panel members and the public present at the Parbung Community Hall for the Public Hearing. He expressed his gratitude to the public for attending the Public Hearing. He informed the public that the Public Hearing is started at 12.30 hrs respecting the local customary traditions/practices. He further said that it is the mandatory requirement for the MPCB to conduct the Public Hearing for the proposed Exploratory Drilling and Allied Activities by the Jubilant Oil and Gas Pvt. Ltd., NOIDA (UP) to ascertain the concerns, views, etc of the local people likely to be affected by the exploratory drilling and allied activities. He also informed the gathering that wide publicity was given for the Public Hearing by inserting notification for 10 consecutive days in local as well as national dailies. The Executive Summary of the draft EIA reports are available in English, Manipuri, Rongmei, Hmar and Paite languages and they can obtain copies of the report. The reports can also be downloaded from the website www.pcbmanipur.org and www.jubilantenergy.com. He also read out the list of wells and their locations falling only in Churachandpur district that are to be covered under the exploratory activities.

The Member Secretary requested the gathering to express their views, concerns, suggestions, etc. regarding the proposed activities so that the same may be forwarded for consideration by the concerned authority of the government.  He then asked the project proponent to give a power point presentation on the proposed activity.

Sl. No.	Name of the village	Well	Sub-Division	District
1	Kamkeilon, Aina, Santing	Well No 1	Churachandpur North	Churachandpur
2	Buolmuol, Muikot	Well No 2	Thanlon	Churachandpur
3	Dailon	Well No. 3	Thanlon	Churachandpur
4	Patpuihmun	Well No. 6	Tipaimukh	Churachandpur
5	Talan	Well No. 7	Thanlon	Churachandpur
6	Tinsuong, Damdei	Well No 8	Tipaimukh	Churachandpur
7	Talan	Well No.9	Thanlon	Churachandpur
8	Parvachawm	Well No 10	Tipaimukh	Churachandpur
9	Parvachawm	Well No 11	Tipaimukh	Churachandpur
10	Tithu	Well No 12	Tipaimukh	Churachandpur
11	Tithu, Sartuinek	Well No 13	Tipaimukh	Churachandpur
12	Parbung, Lungthulien	Well No 14	Tipaimukh	Churachandpur
13	Sipuikon/Tipaimukh	Well No. 15	Tipaimukh	Churachandpur
14	Lower Kharkhuplien	Well No 16	Tipaimukh	Churachandpur
15	Kangreng	Well No 17	Tipaimukh	Churachandpur

Shri Ajay Bisen on behalf of Jubilant Oil and Gas Pvt. Ltd., NOIDA, made a power point presentation in English about the salient features of the proposed project. This presentation was also explained in Hmar by Shri Sangremsiama, SDC (Parbung). The following salient features were covered in the presentation:-

•    Brief Information about Jubilant Oil & Gas Pvt Ltd.
•    Overview of hydrocarbon exploration and present reserves in the country and North East area
•    Block details of AA-ONN-2009/1
•    Features of typical drilling activities
•    Details of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Study done
•    Possible source of pollution and control measures
•    Proposed Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
•    Social activities done and proposed in the block

[A hard copy of the presentation is enclosed as Annexure-I.]

After the presentation, the convener of the Public Hearing requested the gathering to give their views and concerns regarding the proposed Exploratory Drilling and allied activities.

The Deputy Commissioner Churachandpur appealed to the public to maintain a peaceful atmosphere during the Public Hearing. She informed the public that the proposed activity is only an exploratory activity. There will be another public hearing if the project proponents decide to extract oil or gas from a particular region on commercial basis.

Mr. Lalvulthang of Parbung village, Mr. Remruotlien of Parbung village, Mr. Lalthangsang Songate of Lungthulien village, Mr. Lalmakthang of Parbung village, Mr. L Tlanthang of Parbung village, Mr Slsinga of Parbung village, Mr. John Pulante and Lalchunghungn of Senvon village raised questions and expressed their concerns during the Public hearing.

Following questions/queries and answers were discussed:

Objections, Concerns and Queries raised by people:

1. Prior informed consent of the people was not taken before the seismic activity was started and in future no activity should be carried out without consent of local authorities.
2. Benefits offered to the local people by the proposed activity.
3. Up-liftment of the local people and concern for outsiders coming to the work place.
4. Effect on wildlife and organisms by the exploratory drilling and allied activities.
5.Local people not getting the benefits and compensation offered for the damage caused due to survey works
6. Harmful effects due to radiation, pollution, etc caused by the exploratory activity
7. Loss of fertility of land due to the proposed activity.
8. Authenticity of the land lease agreement signed by the company
9. Dangerous condition for the workforce during the seismic survey
10. Suggestion on more public awareness through NGOs working in this area
11. The issue of land ownership and request for recognition of local villages and the village authorities as the rightful body to decide on the fate of their people

Replies/clarifications made by DC:

1. DC clarified that JOGPL has not purchased land but taken it on lease and they have signed agreement with village authority duly authenticated by district administration. They shall follow the same practice in future and district administration shall monitor  them.
2. On a question about royalty DC replied that JOGPL is yet to ascertain the existence of oil or gas. Once they start producing oil or gas, district administration will take this matter to state government in consultation with district council. Royalty is the state level matter and Jubilant has no role to play.
3. On a question of company not seeking prior permission from people or giving poor compensation during seismic survey, DC assured to look into all matters in consultation with concerned village authorities, SDOs and discuss them separately.
4. DC mentioned that this PH is not the last consultation with people. We can have several public consultations in future.
5. Regarding authenticity of the lease agreement, there will be field verification.
6. The company will contact the village authority for recruiting local workforce.

Replies/clarification made by JOGPL:

1. The Company is in investment mode for the proposed exploratory activity and is yet to ascertain the presence of oil or gas and generate revenue.

2. The Company will decide on long term contracts during production stage. At present the company is focusing on exploratory drilling which is for very limited duration. For production, the company will conduct another round of Public Hearing.

3. Drilling requires very limited land of 4-5 ha (effective area) and has miniscule environmental impacts due to adopting international level control measures. If people do not want to share large amount of their land, the land can be split in two parts and make separate lease agreements.

4. The company intends to drill only 2-4 exploratory wells in coming approx 2-4 years to understand the underground geology. However, in case of discovery of oil or gas, the company may have to drill some appraisal wells for which it will seek permission from legitimate land owners/community and proceed.

5. As per current government norms the royalty on gas is 10% and on oil is 12.5 % of production revenues, which goes to the state government.

6. Worldwide, there is no evidence of significant environmental damage during seismic work. There is no radiation or emission coming out to surface as the explosives is used down below in the hole. Nevertheless company takes utmost care in safety from these explosives.

7. Company always prefer to hire local manpower as they know local area much better than anybody else. However the exploration requires skilled manpower and people having several years of relevant experience are deployed depending on their availability including this block, Manipur or the entire country.

8. Our contractor has always taken prior permissions and will continue to do so. However if there is a case where permission was not taken from the legitimate person, we can look into it. Company has done only seismic survey so far and it does not require acquiring land temporarily or permanently except for material/equipment storage and temporary accommodation. The company requires land only for exploratory drilling.

9. So far company has not undertaken any exploratory drilling activity. It is currently doing only seismic survey work for which the current law does not require to do any public hearing. Drilling will be done only after doing this public hearing and obtaining the Environmental Clearance from MoEF, GOI.

Upto the time of commencement of the Public Hearing, the following 5 (five) new written responses about the proposed drilling and allied activities have been received at the venue of the P/H and they are enclosed as Annexure II.

1. General Secretary, Hmar Student’s Association, Parbung, Churachandpur
2. Secretary General, Zomi Human right Foundation
3. President, Sinlung Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Organisation Hmaram Cell
4. Chairman, Tipaimukh Area Village Authority Union, Parbung
5. President, Zomi Students’ Federation, New Lamka, Churachandpur.

The proceedings of the Meeting were finalized in consultation with the public and read over duly. The copy of the proceedings will be displayed in the office of the SDO Parbung for information to public.

The Chairman then thanked the public for their active participation and all those responsible for conduct of Public Hearing. A copy of the list of members/public attending the P/H is also appended as Annexure- III.

A vote of thanks was offered to all the participants in the Public Hearing by the Sr.Env.Engineer/MPCB. The chairperson declared thereafter public hearing to be over.

 

Parbung hearing peaceful, but public object oil exploration

Parbung, Aug 09: A public hearing in connection with the proposed oil exploration and other allied activities in Churachandpur's Parbung under Tipaimukh Sub-division of Churachandpur District, which falls under Block AA-ONN-2009/1, was held on August 8.

The oil exploratory drilling and other allied activities were to be undertaken by the Noida (UP)  based Jubilant Oil & Gas Pvt. Ltd following inking of a Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) with the Government of Manipur on November 15, 2010.

Jubilant Oil and Gas Private Limited (JOGPL) has its headquarters at Netherlands and is registered with the London Stock Exchange for exploration and drilling works in two blocks in Manipur. It is said that the contracts was awarded to JOGPL under the eighth round of New Exploration Licensing Policy Eighth Round (NELP-VIII). The Government of India has signed the "Production Sharing Contract" (PSC) on 19th July 2010 at New Delhi. The total area granted for oil exploration is 3957 sq kms in the two blocks, which is almost one sixth of the total area of Manipur.

Despite failing to secure free and prior informed consent of the people in whose land the project is targeted, the Oil and Gas Company has already stepped into the project targeted areas since the beginning of 2012. The uninformed villagers in Tipaimukh were taken by surprise with the pace of urgency that the oil and gas company has been exerting in the absence of any mandatory information. In the absence of the required prior information the conducted public hearing took the villagers by surprise as they were already left out by the mandatory processes.

The visiting team for the public hearing headed by Ms Jacintha Lazarus, Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur also comprises HD Gangte, DFO, Churachandpur, N.Minaketan Singh, Senior Environmental Engineer, Manipur Pollution Control Board, Apoorva Ranjan, Vice President (Projects), Jubilant Oil and Gas Pvt Ltd, K. Jagadishwor Singh, Member Secretary, Manipur Pollution Control Board, W. Ibohal Singh, SDO (Parbung), Churachandpur.

The public hearing began with Apoorva Ranjan explaining about the proposed public hearing for the proposed exploratory drilling and allied activities in block AA-ONN2009/1 covering Churachanpur District, Manipur. After introducing the company he told the people of Parbung that the company is an experienced one in such work for over 15 years and currently operating in 7 oil & gas blocks and that its operations follows the international standards.

The unaware villagers raised innumerable questions, pushing the panel of the State to the wall without any convincing answers. The DC of Churachandpur tried its best to fill the gaps left unanswered by the Jubilant representative, but the attempt is far from delivering the right answer. The marginalised villagers' apprehension were visible from the various questions that was posed to the visiting State as well as Jubilant panel;  In the absence of any information how do we participate in the public hearing and know anything about the positive aspects of the project; how will the project impact our livelihood system; how will the project improve our basic infrastructure; how will the project sustain and conserve our environment; what measures does the company have in case of accidents with the project.

Not convinced with the manner the haste and insensitive project is being carried out, the already invisible villagers failed to romanticize about the imposed project in the same way that the distant stakeholders are imagining. The Tipaimukh villagers strongly felt that they should be the biggest stakeholders in the project while it has severely failed to count them in. Tipaimukh Village Authority are concerned with the manner in which the No Objection Certificate was issued to the project implementors. Their neglected plights sees no end as the ongoing project failed to take them into concern in any of the processes regarding their land rights and other traditional rights. Leaders of the Village Authority told this reporter about the outbreak of fire in the course of the exploration process that involves detonating loads of explosives, which destroy a good part of their reserve jhum land. The villagers' apprehension with the ongoing exploration  was further heightened as the exploration works threaten not only their sustainable livelihood prospects but actually disturb and destroy their jhum cycle also, leaving behind no alternative for their resort. "We are towards towards a famine as the inhumane project has destroyed our crops and farm in the name of development".

Majority of the daily wagers of Tipaimukh complained about the ongoing discrimination as they experienced that they were paid a much lower wages than the outside laborers while they were made to risk everything that they have never experienced before. It was a disgrace as this reporter was told that the wages of the Tipaimukh workers were raised with an amount of Rs. 2500 a couple of day before the public hearing, which was seen as a face saving exercise to everyone. In the face of all this, all the Hmar community based organisations have expressed their serious concern with the ongoing discrimination and marginalisation even when the project is still in its initial stage. The Hmar community is also at the brink of suspicion as they have totally lost their trust and confidence with the ongoing imposed project.  Five most powerful Hmar community based organisations submitted their protest as they were never involved in any of the mandatory decision making process.

 

Source:Hueiyen News Service

Mary Kom loses in semis, settles for bronze at London Olympics

LONDON (PTI) : Great Britain's Nicola Adams dashed MC Mary Kom's hopes of making it to finals as she outclassed iconic Indian pugilist 11-6 in the women's flyweight (51kg) semifinal on Wednesday, leaving her to settle for a bronze.

The five-time world champion was no match for her British opponent who was egged on by a vociferous home crowd that included Prime Minister David Cameron and last edition's silver medallist Aamir Khan.

It was Mary's 5ft 2 inches frame that became her undoing as Nicola used her big body and greater reach to a good effect, landing punches from a distance and then also staying out of her opponent's reach.

The first round was 3-1 in favour of Nicola better known as "Babyface" in the boxing fraternity. The second round saw Nicola land a lethal right hook followed by a powerful straight left which caught Mary off-guard. Three more points and consolidating the lead at 5-2, it became very difficult for the Indian to come back.

The penultimate round saw a desperate Mary trying to make a comeback but Nicola evaded the 'pint-sized' Indian dynamo as she couldn't land a few decisive blows that could have turned the tide. The round was 3-2 in favour of the British and decisive lead of 8-4.

The final round was all about how the British boxer would keep Mary Kom at bay and she did that effectively tiring the Manipuri girl, who out of frustration landed a couple of blows at the back of her opponent's head.

An 11-6 result may depict that there was some fight but it was crystal clear that the two-time World Championship runner-up was an emphatic winner.

However, a bronze is certainly a great effort from 'Magnificent Mary', whose name would be etched in the history of Indian sports as she will certainly remain the first among equals as far as women's boxing is concerned.~(PTI)

Sorry I couldn't win Gold or Silver: Mary Kom after winning Bronze

London: "Sorry, I couldn't win Gold or Silver but I gave my best," said MC Mary Kom after her 6-11 loss against Britain's Nicola Adams in the semi-final of the 51-kg category event. But she clearly doesn't need to be apologetic; she has made the country proud with her valiant effort.

Mary Kom, the diminutive Indian woman boxer who carried into the Olympic semi-finals the weight of an entire nation's expectations, will bring home a Bronze medal. She lost a closely fought bout against World number 2 Nicola Adams today. The score in each round, 1-3, 1-2, 2-3, 2-3. As former boxer Poonam Beniwal, a friend of Mary's said, "Mary fought and lost like a champion. She shouldn't be sorry."

British Adams held all the cards. A home advantage and a height and reach advantage against the 5 feet 2 inches tall Manipuri. Mary praised her opponent and said, "She was better in 1st and 2nd rounds".

Mary Kom is also new to the 51 kg category - she used to fight in the 48 kg category earlier. But the focused 29-year-old Indian mother of twins put up a gritty fight in every round.

Hours before her semi-final bout, Mary Kom had tweeted: "Ready for my match. Thanks all for your wishes. Hope to make my country proud. Jai Hind!" She did India proud with her effort.

In her last two bouts Olympic bouts before the semi-final, she had looked unbeatable, winning both convincingly to reach the semis. She beat Karolina Michalczuk, a much taller and bigger boxer from Poland, to enter the quarterfinals. And later she won her quarter-final bout against Maroua Rahali of Tunisia by 15-6 margin.

A mother of two, Mary Kom started her career as an athlete but later switched to boxing following the success of fellow Manipuri boxer Dingko Singh. She started her boxing career in 2000 after which there was no stopping her.

In 2001, she lost in the final and had to settle for a silver medal. In 2002, she started her domination at the AIBA World Championships where she won her first gold. She continued to dominate women's boxing till 2006 after which she took a 2-year sabbatical due to the birth of her twins. She returned with a bang in 2008 winning her 4th successive World Championship.

Her feat earned her the title of 'Magnificent Mary' from the AIBA. In 2010, she had the honour of bearing the Queen's Baton in the opening ceremony run at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in the stadium. She has also been awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2004, Padma Shri Award in 2006 and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2009 for her achievements in Boxing.

In 2010, she was voted India's Sportswoman of the Year. Mary Kom also became the International Boxing Association's Ambassador for Women's Boxing in 2009.

~NDTVSports

 

 

Parbung meet opposes oil drilling

Imphal, August 07: A public meeting was held today at Parbung Community Hall in Churachandpur to discuss the proposed Public Hearing to be conducted by Manipur Pollution Control Board with regard to the Oil Exploration and Drilling Activities done under the Jubilant Oil & Gas Pvt Ltd.

According to a press release of Hmar Students' Association (HSA) signed by its Secretary (Internal) Joseph L Infimate, more than 200 persons including chairmen and members of Village Authorities, village elders and public representatives attended the meeting which unanimously objected drilling and exploration of petroleum product from the state.

The meeting contended that the MoU signed by the company with Manipur Government was without the consent and approval of the indigenous villagers, the ADC or the Manipur Hill Areas Committee. The meeting further entrusted Tipaimukh Area Village Authority Union to make known resolution adopted in another bigger Public Meeting which scheduled to be held at Parbung tomorrow.

Source:Hueiyen News Service

HSA Freshers' Meet le Sports neina hun ding hai

Tukuma HSA hmun dang danga  Freshers' Meet le Sports neina hun ding hai ei hriet thei chin hai hang tarlang ei tih:

DELHI:
27th HSA Freshers' Cum Social Meet: 25th August, 2012@ RK Puram, Sector 4

SHILLONG:
Annual Games & Sports: 22-25 August, 2012 @Jingkieng Sports Complex (Nongthymai)

55th Freshers' Cum Social Meet : 1st September, 2012 @ U SoSo Tham Auditorium (Central Library)

BANGALORE:
Freshers' Meet : 15th August, 2012
GUWAHATI:
Freshers' Meet: 20th August, 2012@Sipagram

AHMEDNAGAR BRANCH:
Rising Day -Cum- Branch Thar Lawmna
Date : 11th August, 2012
Place : Fariabagh
Time : 13:00 IST

PROGRAMME

Conductor : Chawnglianzuala ,Editor Rohlu.
Opening Prayer : Thangzairem, Chairman H.C.F.
Opening Song : “Aw kan hmar Ram”
President Speech: Japheth Songate, President.
Brief History Of H.S.A-
Ahmednagar Branch : Jeffrey Joute, Secretary.
Silent Prayer : Lalenkawl Inbuon, Asst.Editor Rohlu.
Short Speech : If any
Vote of thanks : Lalrosang, Asst.Secretary.
Closing Song : “Aw Lalpa I malsawmna hlu.”
Closing Prayer : Kimi Pulamte, Tresurer.

Tucha Leader : Anthony Thangsuolien, Tresurer
Lalsiemthar , Asst.Sports Secy.
John Banyan
Lalkiemlo
Joseph

 

CSOs object oil exploration hearing at Parbung

CCpur: Five CSOs have raised their objection to the proposed Public Hearing of Manipur Pollution Control Board over oil exploration exercise at Parbung village in Churachandpur district.

A joint resolution of the Hmar Student Association GHQ, Zomi Students' Federation GHQ, Sinlung Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Organisation, Zomi Human Rights Foundation, and Zeliangrong Student Union said they had decided to object the hearing in toto as the people were not informed or have no knowledge about the pros and cons of Oil exploration and extraction; and that the Oil exploration would affect the cultures, traditional livelihood, socio-political life of the Indigenous people and the flora and fauna of the region.

The resolution which is said to have transpire following a detail deliberation on the Oil Exploration without free, prior and informed consent by Jubilant Oil and Natural Gas Pvt Ltd also dubbed the agreements for Oil Exploration between M/s Jubilant Oil and Natural Resources Private Limited and the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources, Government of India as discreet and incomprehensible.

It also condemned the state government for given a permission to use an area of 4000 square kilometers which includes the Tipaimukh Project area for the exploration work without any consultation of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC).

The Manipur Hills Regulation Act, 1947; Indian Constitution Article 371 (C ); which protects, promote the existing traditional tribal Chieftainship institution and tribal right over land have been undermine by the governments as well as by Jubilant Oil and Natural Resources Private Limited, they charged.

The resolution states further their resolve that the Government provide a constitutional Protection and safeguard to Tribal land, culture, customs, values and traditional institutions such as Chieftainship; International Labor Organization 107 Article 11 be protected; and that the States should promote and defend the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR), Vienna Conference Declaration, 1993 and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

~The Sangai Express