Day: November 5, 2014

IMPHAL, November 4: A cease-work strike of Imphal Municipal Council employees demanding revised pay under the Sixth Pay Commission entered the second day today.

The strike has been called by the Imphal Municipal Employees Union, IMEU.

Speaking to IFP in this regard, a spokesperson of the union said their demand was first made in December 2013.

Some months back, an agreement was signed between the IMC chairperson, executive officer and the union assuring to meet the demand, however, the agreement is yet to be turn into action till date, he said.

Now, the union is being told that since there is no money to bear the revised pay under the sixth pay commission for the IMC employees, the authorities will issue an order to provide the revised pay only when there is enough fund, he continued.

However, even the order is yet to be issued, he lamented.

The cease-work strike has been launched against the indifference of the authorities and will be continued until their demand is met, he said before adding that the union has altogether 216 members including sweepers with regular post.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/imc-employees-ceasework-strike-continues/

IMPHAL, November 4: Association of the Tiddim Road Commercial Vehicle Transport Society (ATRCVTS) has sought intervention of the State government regarding the ban of winger service along Tiddim Road.

Speaking to media persons in Imphal, secretary of the society, M Oken said a JAC formed in connection with an accident at Ningthoukhong area occurring on September 30 evening has banned passenger service of the Tata Wingers along the route since October 31.

He said a case was registered regarding the incident with the concerned police, and an investigation is on.

Statements of various individuals including that of the association’s president, secretary and time keeper have also been recorded, he continued.

Owing to the ban, passenger service along the road has been greatly hit, especially the Tata Winger services along the Imphal-CCpur, Imphal-Thanga, Imphal-Moirang, Imphal-Wangoo and Imphal-Kumbi routes, he said.

The government is urged to bring a solution to the issue and end the impasse at the earliest, he said.

The association is ready to support every action of the police in finding the culprit who is still at large, he said.

Unless the government intervenes in the matter as appealed and bring a solution, the association would be compelled to launch its own agitations, he continued.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/passenger-vehicle-body-calls-for-govts-intervention-against-ban-on-service/

IMPHAL, November 4: Manipur Islamic Publication released six books which are translations from Islamic texts into Manipuri, in a function at the Manipur Press Club here today.

While speaking on the occasion, Manipur Advocate’s Legal Services Organisation general secretary Rabi Khan said that Quran is not only for the Muslims but is meant for all of mankind.

He further said that even the Muslim society is not well aware of the importance and value of what is contained in the Quran and that is why a number of crimes and several others issues are prevailing in our society today.

It is high time for the Muslim society to learn the good ideas in the Quran, he adds.

He also appreciated the translator who produced such a book in the service for the society with great dedication and sacrifice.

The names of the books are Sachcha Deen-1 written by Afzal Huissain and translated into Manipuri by Md Abdul Barik, the Purpose and Duty of the Muslim Ummah written by Maulana Sayyid Abul A’le Maududi translated by Muhammad Nurul Islam, the Golden Necklace-1 written by Mateen Tariz Baghpati and translated by Arshad Khan, Islam Calls You written by Abdullah Adiyar and translated by S M Islam, Islam for Children written by Ahmad Von Denffer and translated by Md Abdul Barik and Virtuous Women-1 wriiten by Mateen Tariq Baghpati and translated by Md Abdul Barik.

The book release function was also graced by Professor Janab Khan, retired additional director education (U), United Manipuri Muslim Women Development Organisation president Anwari Nurjahan , Chaoyaima Higher Secondary vice president Nurul Islam, Public Hospital director and Thambal Academy founder Md Wahazuddin.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/manipuri-translation-of-islamic-texts-released/

IMPHAL, November 4: A personnel of the Territorial Army was killed in a grenade attack at the 165th Territorial Army battalion post at the Old Airport, Koirengei last night even as another unexploded grenade was recovered from inside a barrack this morning.

The Old Airport falls under the jurisdiction of Heingang Police and is located opposite to Luwangshangbam Mamang Leikai also known as the Houtabi.

The deceased is identified as lance naik (No 15573117-W) of the 107 Engineer Regiment Jagga Singh son of Mithu Singh of Behman Kaur Singh, Talwadi Sabo, Bhatinda Punjab.

Unidentified miscreants hurled the grenades towards the barracks from the highway roadside around 8.15pm, police said before adding that a grenade fell over the tarpolin covering their temporary barrack and exploded.

Jagga was hit by shrapnel on his upper belly and left chest.

He was rushed to the Leimakhong Military Hospital but died at the hospital around 9:10pm.

Meanwhile, Imphal East police commandos led by inspector Vaiphei and a team of the Heingang Police arrived at the spot soon after getting information of the blast along with a State bomb expert team and retrieved another Chinese made hand grenade found from inside the barrack this morning.

The State police team disposed the grenade near the post around 9:30am today, and a case has been registered regarding the attack with the Heingang Police.

Post mortem of the victim has been conducted at the JNIMS morgue today.

It is also learnt that a last salute and a wreath laying ceremony for the slain personnel will be held tomorrow at the Imphal Airport at 11:30am before being flown home.

According to the police, some personnel under the Red Shield Division were attached with the 107 Engineer Regiment since some days back as the 165 Bn TA had some construction works to be undertaken.

The personnel were staying in temporary tarpolin covered barracks along the boundary fencing of the post along the highway, informed the police.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/grenade-attack-on-territorial-army-post-kills-personnel/

JIRIBAM, Nov 4: The SK Thadou group of United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) observed its 5th Reformation Day today at the outfit’s designated camp of Leisangphai, Muktokhal under the sub-division of Tousem, Tamenglong district.

The S.K. group of UTLA is a signatory of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the government and are presently lodged at their designated camp.

During today’s observation, cadres of the outfit paid rich tributes to departed cadres of the outfit namely Haopu alias Maxx, capt. Lulun alias Prem, sgt Paotinlam alias Thender, lt corp Lalgin alias Don, lt corp Kailun alias George, lt corp Seineo alias Yesper during 2010 to 2014.

Speaking to media persons, SK Thadou, chairman of the outfit expressed that the cadres who lost their lives were not killed by anyone but by the rival faction UTLA (Robert).

He also added that such killing and blood bath would not be able to bring peace in the area.

Meanwhile he also shared with the media his desire to declare the surrounding area as a peace zone.

Churches leaders were also present in the commemoration ceremony of departed souls, where the churches leaders worship for the peaceful rest of departed soul in the heaven.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/utla-sk-thadou-observes-reformation-day/

IMPHAL, November 4: The Yaithibi Loukon Land Owners’ Association has called a 48-hour general strike along the NH: 102 of the State from 6 pm of November 5, against the proposed setting up of Sports University at Yaithibi Loukon.

According to a statement signed by its president and secretary, the association is all set for the general strike. It has also warned that the association will take up legal course of action against the government authorities if they fail to withdraw the proposed plan of setting up sports university in the said area.

Expressing condemnation against the hasty and coercive nature of the authorities in setting up the university, it said Village No: 44 of Yaithibi Khunou Loukon under Thoubal District has been a primary agricultural area. Moreover, it has also been a residential area since very long time.

It said the act of setting up a sports university in the area is a human right violation of the people of Yaithibi Loukon.

The statement further said that villagers of Sora, Langthabal Khunou, Koijam and Laiching Minou, under Village No: 44 Yaithibi Khunou are rightful owners of the land having valid documents. The village was approved by the government in 1960, it added.

It alleged that under the leadership of a few people namely: Y Surchandra, MLA of Kakching Assembly constituency, P Brojen, MLA of Wangjing Tentha, DK Korungthang, MLA of Tengnoupal, including the Deputy Commissioner and the Revenue Director of Thoubal District, have covertly reported to the Central government that Yaithibi Loukon is ‘khas land’ (State land) in order to institute a sports university.

The statement has especially appealed to the civil society organisations and people of the State to give cooperation to the association in their fight for justice.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/land-owners-call-48-hours-general-strike-along-nh-102/

IMPHAL, November 4: The 10th edition of Bhagyachandra National Festival of Classical Dance will showcase the replica of ‘Khunti’, a symbol of recognition to Maharaj Bhagyachandra as ‘Rajarshi’ which will be brought to the State from its original location at Shree Shree Anumahaprabhu Temple, Nabadwip in West Bengal, said programme deputy director L Keshorjit in a press meet held today at the preview theatre of Manipur Film Development Corporation.

He said that the annual festival was being held since 1989 and that the 10th edition had curtain raisers at Murshidabad and Nabadwip, W Bengal from November 3 to 4. From November 6-9, it will continue at Ningthoukhong and Imphal under the strict supervision of the State level organising committee headed by the State CM.

Art & Culture, Manipur jt director Dr K Sushila said six classical dance forms will be showcased in the State during the festival.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/six-indian-classical-dances-to-be-showcased-during-10th-bhagyachandra-fest/

IMPHAL, November 4: The 11 death anniversary of Lungnila Elizabeth was today commemorated at the Little Flower School, where she was studying at the time of her kidnapping and subsequent killing.

“It was on this day in 2003 that Lungnila Elizabeth a blooming flower, sweet heart of her parents and fellow school mates was nipped in the bud leaving the whole Manipur in shock and sorrow,” said Education and CAF and PD minister Moirangthem Okendro during the function organised by the school authorities and family members.

He said it is quite disheartening and disappointing that crimes against woman and children are on the rise today.

This is condemnable in the strongest terms, he said.

Womenfolk of the State are no less than any of their counterparts from elsewhere, he said.

Manipur has daughters like Rani Gaidinliu- a legendary figure, who had fought against the mighty British for which she was given the title Rani by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, he said.

Manipur is also the land of Mary Kom, Kunjarani, Sanamacha Chanu to name a few, he continued.

Father of (L) Lungnila Elizabeth and Rural and Panchayati Raj minister Francis Ngajokpa expressed gratitude on the gesture of the school authorities to observe his daughter’s death anniversary.

He said to ensure that normal classes of the 2230 students of the school are not disturbed by the observation, the family has decided to observe the day in a simpler manner with only the school’s Sisters and family members participating from next year, he said.

He expressed firm belief that the students of the school will come out strongly cultured and civilized in their lives.

The family also donated books, book shelves and Rs 3 lakhs for the maintenance of the school library and a waiting shed inside the school campus.

Today’s observation was also attended by school teachers and students among others. Floral tributes were paid to the young girl and a two minute silence was observed in her remembrance.

(L) Lungnila Elizabeth was also remembered at Kyamgei Heibong Makhong today.

The ‘Taramathoi Suba Leikhidrabi Lungnila Elizabeth Ningsing Thouram’ was jointly organised by NH-53 Truck Owners’ Association and Kanglei Sports Academy, Kyamgei.

Floral tributes were paid to a portrait of (L) Lungnila Elizabeth during the observation.

President of the truck owners’ association, Kh Inaoba who also sponsored the observation said the incident of her death is strongly condemnable.

The day is being observed as Baby Lungnila Elizabeth – a daughter of the State, he said.

He further stressed on the need to promote and encourage unity and peace among the different communities residing in the State.

Inter community marriages should be encouraged and promoted, he said.

Social scientist Dhanabir Laishram regretted the present spate of crimes and violence against women.

He also rued that the meaning of Ningol Chakkouba has been misinterpreted.

While people of the hills consider it to be the festival of only the valley people, the latter has failed to correct this interpretation, he said.

It should be celebrated by all brothers and sisters regardless of community, he said before speaking on the need to encourage inter-community Ningol Chakkouba festival.

Konthoujam MLA K Sarat and Keirao MLA Thamarjit Karam also attended the programme.

As part of the function, warm clothing and two bags of rice were handed to inmates of an Old Age home, while, musical groups of Seishakkon Bedabati Khunung Eshei Seidang Sang and Roop Rag presented devotional songs.

It may be mentioned that the then eight-year-old Baby Lungnila Elizabeth daughter of Francis Ngajokpa the then minister of General Administration Department and Taxation was kidnapped by four persons from outside the school gates on November 4, 2003 for a huge ransom and her lifeless and decomposed body was found stuffed inside a sack a few days later on November 12, 2003 from Tera Sadokpam.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/lungnila-remembered-as-unity-symbol-on-11th-death-anniversary/

Says approach roads repairing to be completed well in time

IMPHAL, November 4: There has been no confirmation from the Prime Minister Office to the State government’s invitation for the Prime Minister to inaugurate the Manipur Sangai Festival, 2014 or be present at the closing function, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said this afternoon.

Speaking to media persons on the sideline of an inspection trip to the City Convention Centre, Ibobi said the PMO has however inquired about the merits of the festival.

He elaborated that the PMO seem to be considering the invitation and monitoring the quality and merits of the festival before providing a reply.

Although there is still no confirmation, the State is nevertheless keen to stay prepared, he added.

Replying to a media query about foreign officials’ participation in the festival, Ibobi said a Chief Minister of Myanmar has already confirmed his presence, while some others have given commitments, but are yet to make any official confirmation.

The Chief Minister also said that repairing works of all approach roads to the Sangai festival main venue from Thumbuthong, Minuthong, Dingku Road and the Khurai Road will be completed before the festival.

Now the widening of the Tiddim Road is a big project and work is in progress, he said.

He said all concerned have been informed to complete the road widening process before April, 2015.

He said this year’s edition of the festival will see some changes from the previous editions.

Altogether 60 stalls will be managed by the Manipur Tourism Forum to showcase Manipur’s handloom and handicraft products, he said.

Coming to the matter of Sanjenthong, he said more than 80 percent construction of the bridge has been completed and what remains now is only the hanger portion which is manufactured only in France and Germany.

Now, the company handling the construction has already ordered the hangers from France, he said.

He said the State has been targeting to complete the construction of the bridge ahead of the Sangai Festival, but unfortunately, certain components of the bridge were not in the hands of the State and had to be imported from outside the country, delaying the construction process considerably.

According to the engineers, once the hangers reach the State, assembling them and setting them up will not even take a month, the Chief Minister said.

Now the lower portion of the bridge has been completed, what remains is the upper portion, he continued.

Coming to the construction of the City Convention Centre, the Chief Minister said it was inaugurated just after its main building was completed and as such other work components including wiring, setting up of sound system, seat arrangement and other interior fittings are continuing till date.

Although it may take some more time before it is complete, the involved engineers are careful to make it of international standard, he said.

The City Convention Centre will be used for the 36th Annual Conference of the Association of Radiation on Oncologist of India which will be starting from November 6.

The Chief Minister said the international conference will see participation of more than 600 and above delegates from different South-East Asian countries.

He said the State government is investing enormous effort to complete the City Convention Centre well in time and make it of international standard.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/cm-remains-optimistic-about-sangai-festival-preparation/

IMPHAL, November 4: The BJP Manipur Pradesh will organise a state level workshop on membership year 2015 on November 9 this year.

The BJP is celebrating 2015 as Membership Year for the party which was formally launched by the National President Amit Shah at a press conference in New Delhi on October 27. As part of this programme, a mobile/online membership mission was also initiated on November 1 at a press conference in Delhi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.

The members who enrol between November 1 this year and March 31 next year will receive membership from 2015 to 2020. All State units are asked to start from November 2 to 7 in the presence of central leader at every State BJP head office.

The Manipur Pradesh BJP will also organise a state level workshop on membership year 2015 and formally start the membership mission on November 9 at 10 am at the BJP Head Office at Nityapat Chukhek in the presence of a Union Minister along with a national office bearer of BJP.

This was finalised with the blessings of of Ramlal, national general secretary (organisation) of BJP and Jagat Prakash Nadda national general secretary (Head Office) BJP in eastern and North Eastern region in a meeting held on October 30 at Kolkata.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/bjp-manipur-pradesh-to-organise-a-state-level-workshop-on-membership-year-2015/