A TINY CHEIRAOBA

Lai Chakluk

          On 13th April, we celebrated this year's Cheiraoba by preparing an all-vegetarian Meitei meal of 13 contemporary dishes. We offered prayers and spent a lovely day with family and some new friends.

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RIOTS TO A SHRINE – RAM MANDIR OF AYODHYA

The main gate of Ram Mandir

          We were at the recently inaugurated Ram Mandir of Ayodhya on 25th March, 2024. Public transports like low floor buses and electric powered rickshaws were easily available from the highway. Though there were multiple parking spots for private vehicles, we chose the one on the bank of Sarayu River under the rail bridge. We took a rickshaw till Ram Path, the road that leads to the main entry point of Ram Mandir. It's a two way street decorated with ornamental street lamps inspired from Lord Rama's Sharanga. The road remained crowded the whole time we were around. There were plenty of small worship houses and shops selling religious souvenirs on both sides of the road and Ayodhya as a whole.

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RIDE AGAINST NARCO CONSPIRACY

 

RIDE AGAINST NARCO CONSPIRACY 

Marjing Polo Complex

(Written by Mr. Lukhendro Keisham)

 

RIDE AGAINST NARCO CONSPIRACY is a one day voluntary motorcycle ride campaign against narco terrorism in Manipur on 12th November, 2023. It is a well known fact that one major reason for the ongoing conflict in Manipur is due to drug cartels and on the topping by illegal immigrants. Since the conflict broke out on 3rd May, 2023 Manipur witnessed more than 150 people death, missing, displaced, burning of properties, hundreds injured, mass protest and violence. Apart from social disorder the economic and infrastructural development in the state is also badly hit.

          The 12th November, 2023 marked the 194th day of Manipur conflict. People want the Government of India to fix its home (Manipur) first rather than lament on other conflicts of the world. Cross border narcotic drugs will not only hampers Manipur and the North Eastern states but the whole country. It voiced the whole country to step forward and fight this narco conspiracy together. Indo -Myanmar border region is fast shaping up to be a safe haven for illegal immigrants and drug traffickers. The arrest of Myanmar nationals with fake Indian documents (Aadhaar Card) is the factual prove that illegal immigrants indeed crossed the border. Many are currently stationed at Foreigners Detention Centre set up at Manipur Central Jail (Sajiwa - Imphal).

          Funded by drug cartels they burn down forests, poison the soil with chemical fertilizers, plant poppy, manufacture narcotic substances, buy arms from drug money and wage war against the host country (India) for separation. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in its 2022-23 annual report published that an advanced smart fencing system of 100 km along the Myanmar border is in the pipeline. But the question is India shares 1,643 km. border with Myanmar which passes through Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km) and Mizoram (510 km). If these borders are not completely sealed and monitored the border fencing will make no sense. Out of 1,643 km., demarcation of 1,472 km. has been completed, says a media report.

          In order to control the threats India should comb and flush out foreign militia and find environment friendly solutions to replace poppy cultivation in the hills of Manipur and North East India. The motorcycle campaign started from Kangla Gate and ended at Kakching Lamkhai after travelling through Sana Konung, Marjing Polo Complex and Khongjam War Memorial Complex. Participants used handheld placards, stickers, flags and banners to voice against narco conspiracy. The one day campaign was participated by 18 riders and 5 pillions.

          Special thanks to Manipur Police and Traffic Control Police for escorting the ride through busy Imphal City traffic and possible security measures. The campaign was initiated by The Cardinals, a touring community based in Manipur.

 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS 

1. Lukhendro Keisham

2. Bijoy Ningthoujam

3. Mangal Thongam

4. Ashok Adhikarimayum

5. Tondon Oinam

6. Samson Ningthoujam

7. Sahil Oinam

8. Bishorjit Mutum

9. Surjachandra Yumnam

10. Tenison Irom

11. Jiten Phairembam

12. Somorendro Rajkumar

13. Sanjoy Lourembam

14. Alex Khwairakpam

15. Rohan Tuesday

16. L. Ningthem Meitei

17. Vishal K Singh

18. Khel Sharma

19. Sashikanta Sharma

20. Jeevan Phairembam

21. Ithoiba Potshangbam

22. Dibvijay Thoudam

23. Mukta Tajenjam

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32nd Death Anniversary of Keisham Bira Singh

          Observed the 32nd Death Anniversary of my father Keisham Bira Singh today at home. Apart from my family members we were joined by our relatives, neighbors, few elders and a handful of seniors who associated with or knew Him while He was alive. The day also marked the commemoration of the tragic crash of Boeing 737 at Thangjing Ching on 16th August, 1991 where all 63 passengers including my father and 6 crew members on board lost their lives including my father.

          The day began with a two - minute silence in honor of my father. Mr. Nongthombam Sushindro Singh of Oinam Awang Leikai presented a song titled “Bharat’ta Poklaba, Bharat’ta Chaoraba” which my father wrote during His days at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. It was followed by memorial speeches. Mr. Oinam Dibeshore Singh of Oinam Keithel, Dr. Khangjrakpam Kunjo Singh of Oinam Mamang Leikai, Mr. Laishram Gokulchandra Singh of Sunushiphai, Mr. Laishram Jatra Singh of Khangabok, Mr. Nameirakpam Indubhusan Singh of Oinam Mamang Leikai and Mr. Laishram Radhakishore Singh of Keinou spoke on the life and experiences with Keisham Bira Singh. Later a religious “Lai Chakluk Chanba” and a floral tribute were paid to the deceased. The day ended with a traditional Meitei lunch for 170 people prepared by Meitei Brahmins.

          Thanks to all who made it possible especially the invitees. The then 16^th August, 1991 thirty-two years back was a rainy day and so does this 16^th August, 2023.

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REUNION GROUP 2022

          After two years of pandemic break we had the annual gathering of ReUnion Group for the year 2022 on 17th July at Munpi Park located near Sadu Chiru Village from Tiddim Road. The day began with a tree plantation activity at the venue itself. All participating members planted atleast one  sapling each.

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JIRIBAM THE WESTERN FRONTIER

 

Over Irang Bridge

JIRIBAM THE WESTERN FRONTIER

Written by Lukhendro Keisham

          Jiribam Town is regarded as the western frontier of Manipur. In pursue to experience major roads and places in Manipur we set out for Jiribam and drove till Silcher Town at Cacher District of Assam.

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