Day: September 10, 2017

IMPHAL | Sept 10

The Kakching District Headquarter Demand Committee of Waikhong Thongjao after joining hands with Kakching District Headquarter Demand Committee of Wabagai demanded that Waikhong Thongjao be selected as the district headquarters of the newly created Kakching district.

Chairman of demand committee Waikhong Thongjao, Ng. Joykumar Singh said that Waikhong Thongjao is centrally located and it will not affect much in the construction of new infrastructure because of state reserved land.

President of demand committee Wabagai, M. Lalit Singh stated that the selection of district headquarters should be done after taking into consideration administrative conveniences and agricultural land.

Both the heads of the demand committee suggested that Waikhong Thongjao is the perfect place to be the district headquarters. They lamented that there is no use of urbanising the already urbanised areas. Instead rural areas should be urbanised, they said.

Lalit Singh also pointed out that Hiyanglam, Sugnu and Wabagai constituencies are underdeveloped and these need to be developed. He demanded that the same mistakes committed while assigning Thoubal district headquarter should not be repeated.

A memorandum was submitted to the chief minister N. Biren Singh on May 5. They also met the CM, deputy CM and revenue minister on July 25 pleading their demand.

IMPHAL | Sept 10

A one-day public awareness programme in memory of the contribution of (L) Dr. Huirongbam Atulchandra Singh in establishing public library in Manipur was organised at the Conference Hall of Manipur University library today.

The function was attended by minister of CAF & PD, W & M, Revenue, Karam Shyam, vice-chancellor of MU, Professor Adya Prasad Pandey, Librarian, Manipur University of Culture, Thounaojam Khomdon Singh and Librarian (i/c), Manipur University, Professor Th. Madhuri Devi as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

Highlighting the role of library as a significant part of education and human civilisation, minister Karam Shyam assured that the state will develop only with adequate knowledge, brainstorming and analysing in all possible areas. He further said that a leader must be committed to his words and implement it irrespective of all the hustle and bustle of error-stricken everyday life of Manipur and added that he will try his level best to build a Manipur Public Library and extend all possible help to start a library movement with a holistic approach.

Karam Shyam also convinced that talks are on with the chief minister regarding the issue of shifting army settlement from the university campus to some other appropriate locations. “The university is a centre of high educational excellence and it should not be controlled by the army”, he also said.

Delivering his presidential address, Professor Adya Prasad Pandey said that it is our overall societal responsibility to develop academic institutions for a better society and all suggestions to develop MU and its welfare are most welcome.

Highlighting that a library is the centre of knowledge where we can learn a lot of things, he stressed on the need of each and every industry to contribute  a bit for the social cause. “The people of Manipur are generous and can do a lot for the development of MU and the state”, he said.

Giving a brief biographical picture of Dr. Huirongbam Atulchandra, assistant professor of  Library Science department, MU, Ch. Ibohal said that Manipur is today celebrating 80 years of public library movement in connection with his 120th birth anniversary as a mark of commemorating his contribution in establishing a public library in Manipur and honouring his noble efforts in setting up educational technical institutions in the early era of the 19th century that are indeed a source of  inspiration for the human generations.

“Born on 10th September, 1897 at Kakwa Nameirakpam Leikai to H. Tunal Singh and Laishram Chaobi Chanu, Atulchandra studied stenography, accountancy and homeopathy at Banarus Hindu University during 1926-1930, then he started free homeopathic treatment when he returned home. He established the Canchipur Polytechnic School, Manipur Book Club and even contested in the Second Manipur Territorial Council Election in 1957 apart from other contributions in the field of art and culture like Ranga Mandir, Mainu Pemcha, Jaidev and embroidery works”, he also said.

Advocate Khaidem Sanjoy, vice-president of UCM, Sunil Karam, grand daughter of (L) Huirongbam Atulchandra, Ch Shantibala, former MUSU president, Ksh. Narayan along with faculties, staff and students of MU took part in the function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 10

Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) and All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) appealed to the government to look into the schools and colleges located in the interior part of the state as many of them are in worse condition.

Speaking to media persons today at DESAM office at Sagolband, Imphal DESAM president, Moirangthem Angamba said that last Friday DESAM along with ANSAM and Naga Students Union Chandel have inspected schools and colleges in Chandel district.

During the inspection they found that the United College, Chandel which is the only government college in Chandel district has less number of staff when compare with the sanction post, he added.

Moreover there is no computer laboratory and no proper science practical laboratory, does not even have a separate toilet for boys and girls, shortage of infrastructure and random transfer of teachers took place, continued the president.

On the other hand the college is located far from the district headquarters so the students face difficulties in transportation.

He said that the Maha Union Higher Secondary School has also less number of staff as compare to the sanctioned post, the mid-day meal system is not available and has lack infrastructure. 

ANSAM executive secretary, Ac. Thotso as people living in the exterior part of the state mostly has poor financial condition majority of their children depends on government schools and colleges for education.

Thinking about the problems of the students studying in institutions located in interior part of the state he appealed to the government to look into schools and colleges located in the interior part of the state.

Thotso said that ANSAM and DESAM will tomorrow inspect schools and colleges located at Senapati district.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 10

Education minister, Th. Radheshyam said that in order to let the students used their innovative and creative mind the present trends of pressurising and keeping a student surrounded by books throughout the clock need to be change. 

He was delivering the chief guest speech at the presentation of Governor’s Award, 2017, Rajkumari Sanatombi Devi Award, 2017 and prize distribution at the Asha Jina Complex, Imphal  organised by the managing committee of Rajkumari Sanatombi Devi Vidyalaya, Haotal.

Radheshyam appreciated the committee for presenting such awards to the students and said that such awards will give motivation and inspiration to the awardees and to other students in giving more effort to their studies and sports.

The minister asked the students to not take education just for the sake of degree for their job but to take it as a weapon to bring solution to the problem face by the society and to bring development in the society.

“Let us groom the young and fresh minds with ability to let them become facilitators and mentors by inculcating them with certain principles and values which will never change with the change of time,” he said.

Everyone in the society should think of how they can contribute for the betterment and development of the society through education. Education is not just to get employment but to find solutions of the problems faced by the society, he added.

It is only when the educated and experienced people becomes the solution seekers, finding answers to the problems of the society then only, they will become the source of joy, the minister said. 

Radheshyam asked the parents and teachers not to set limit of a student looking at his or her performance instead he asked to impress the students to do better in the future.

MLA, Dr. Sapam Ranjan said that education has been excelling with development of technologies but the parents should not forget to guide their children in the right direction.

Education is to have skill, knowledge, values, believe and good habits to make one able to make the right choice, he added.

The governor’s award, 2017 for best student of R. K. Sanatombi Devi Vidyalaya was awarded to Kulsum Alisha Khan.

K. Sanatombi Devi award, 2017 for topper HSLC exam, 2017 was awarded to Priyanka Moirangthem of Nirmalabas school and for best teacher was given to Chungkham Indira Devi, lecturer, Johnstone Higher Secondary School.

In sports five awards were awarded to the following sports personality Chungkham Parbati for armwrestling, Khusboorani Laishram for fencing, Irom Matouleibi Devi for cycling, Sulina Ningombam for mountaineering and trekking and Oinam Khumanleima Chanu for taekwondo.

The best traffic police was awarded to Traffic police assistant sub inspector, M. Ninglumla.

IMPHAL | Sept 10

Brother of an allegedly murdered man, Phijam Manikumar Singh of Thangmeiband Hijam Dewan Leikai, Imphal submitted a memorandum to the chief minister, N. Biren Singh last week urging the latter have the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigate the deaths of his younger brother Phijam Naobi and two other Manipuris by the Intelligence Surveillance Unit of the 3-Corps of Indian army at Ranghapahar, Dimapur on March 10, 2010.

A release said that the Supreme Court of India in Writ Petition (CRL) No. 129 of 2012 on July 14, 2017 asking the CBI to probe into 83 cases of Extra Judicial Killings in Manipur. Unfortunately, the case of his younger brother was not included in the list of 1528 cases submitted before the Supreme Court as the place of their murder was outside of Manipur in Nagaland, it added.

It said on March 13, 2010, R.K Singh, brother of R.K. Roshan alias Ronald filed an FIR with the Dipuhar police station, Dimapur stating that his brother Ronald along with his brother Phijam Naobi (Phijam Manikumar) and Thounajam Prem alias Romen were abducted from the Char Mile area of Dimapur by a group of Army personnel led by a Lady Major who spoke non-local language.

On March 17, 2010 the Dimapur police was informed by the Assam police that three bullet ridden bodies have been found in Lakhijan area under Bokajan police station of Karbi Anglong district of Assam. Subsequently, the bodies were identified to be those abducted on March 10 at Char Mile, Dimapur, it added.

The FIR No. 36/2010 registered at Bokajan police station in Karbi Anglong district of Assam was transferred to Dipuhar police station, Dimapur and registered an FIR No. 40/2010 as the report of abduction was first filed at Dimapur and the Dimapur police subsequently approached the Army authorities at the 3-Corps Head Quarters but were denied any co-operation claiming immunity under AFSPA, it maintained.

It reiterated that on March 12, 2010, Major T. Ravi, who belong to the Intelligence unit of 3-Corps, turned whistle blower and wrote to the GOC-in-C, Eastern Command of the Indian Army stating that the three Manipuri persons were abducted in the March 10, 2010 by the Intelligence Surveillance Unit of the 3-Corps and after subjecting them to severe torture were shot dead behind the Unit mess.

When the matter was reported in the local as well as the national media the Army authorities at 3-Corps tried their level best to cover up the entire matter making a sham inquiry into the matter as many top brass of the Army would have been involved, it alleged.

The release stated that Manikumar moved the Gauhati High Court in April, 2014, after seeing no justice coming from the side of the Army, seeking for justice but the Army has been managing to keep the case pending till now on some pretext or the other.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |Sept 10

The government of India is likely to invite the “Working Group of 6 Naga National Political Groups (NNPG)” to hold political dialogues. The 6 NNPGs are GPRN/NSCN, FGN, NNC (parent body), NPGN/NNC (NA), NSCN (R) and NNC/GDRN (NA).

These six groups came together in the latter part of 2016.

Reports are doing the round in Nagaland that New Delhi may invite the Working Group of the 6 NNPGs very soon for the dialogues. However, it is not clear whether the talks will be held at the same table along with the NSCN (IM).

Of late, Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) and Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) and certain leaders are vocally campaigning that the ongoing Naga political dialogues should be made “inclusive,” while also demanding the content of the August 3, 2015 ‘Framework Agreement’ to be revealed.

Meanwhile, Centre’s interlocutor for Naga talks, RN Ravi had stated recently in an interview with a Dimapur based newspaper that “since the solution to Naga issue has to be inclusive there is ample space to accommodate all in the Naga peace process”.

RN Ravi also made it clear that there will be only one peace process and one agreement because we cannot fragment the Naga issue.

In that interview, RN Ravi had stated that “While the formal negotiation has been going on with the NSCN (I-M), I have been reaching out to other stakeholders for their views and cooperation”, adding “Of course we cannot wait indefinitely for those who do not respond positively to our call of inclusiveness. We are working towards signing a final agreement at the earliest”.

IMPHAL | Sept 10

The proscribed Kangliepak Communist Party (Military Council – Progressive) said in order to create an independent Kanglei land and save its people from complete obliteration, all the hilly and valley people must root out corruption from the education sector.

Since the beginning of time, all living things in the world including human beings acquire experience, learn and have a tendency to impart knowledge and skill, said a release signed by chairman, Chingkhei.

Amongst them, human beings have excelled in the field of knowledge and been competing against one another, it said. The research scholars and leaders across the world have undoubtedly agreed that only quality education can enlighten all and head towards progress, it continued.

As a matter of fact, the level of progress made by a country is measured by its quality of education, it said. In the case of Kangliepak, ever since it became dependent under the colonial rule of India, the native language, its traditions and ways of life, religion etc. have all faded out, it continued.            

At such a crucial juncture, what makes it really disconcerting is that at many education sectors in Kangliepak, corruption is rampant and it has turned quality education into ‘money education’, it further said.

A special team of the party ‘Operation Mangal (OM) Kangliepak’ have found out after investigation that scheme to earn money through corruption is being planned and implemented by a group of miscreants in order to abolish the future generations, it added.  

Some particular student organisation, teacher association, guardian association have been found providing assistance to these corrupt groups and collected funds to compromise the reserved quotas for teachers post, it said. The party will soon give out their names of these organisations to the public. It added.  

Their punishments will be reduced if they surrender themselves to the public and the party, accept the wrong doings they had committed, and request to relieve them of their crime, it continued.

If they turned against the party, then KCP (MC- Progressive) will give them appropriate punishments and it will be acknowledged to the public, it said.  Additionally, let the people and revolutionary parties who are going against corruption move forward together in regards to the initiative taken by Operation Mangal (OM) Kangliepak by KCP (MC –Progressive), it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 10

Senior advocate, Khaidem Mani said that in order to uphold the values of democracy the government of India should acknowledged that until and unless AFSPA, 1958 is repealed, India cannot be a member of the security council of the United Nation.

Briefing to media persons today at his residence at Loklaobung, Imphal, Mani said that as per common Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ECOSOC) each and every political community has a right to determine and follow political system of its own choice and to follow and practice its own socio, economic and cultural lives.

Though the Indian constitution is the largest and greatest constitution of the world, it inadvertently left out the right of the indigenous peoples of the Northeastern states, he added.

The senior advocate claimed that thousands of people of Northeast (including Manipuri Meitei) are still not considered as either belonging to general, scheduled caste or scheduled tribe though they are all indigenous people and have their distinct way of life.

He appealed to the central government to amend the Article 3 of the constitution as to protect the indigenous people’s right to land and territories.

Mani asked the central government to stop militarisation in the state in the name of national security by using the draconian law like AFSPA, 1958 which is a racial law and appealed to repeal the AFSPA from the state.

He further asked the central government to stop centralism and follow the federalism system.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 10

The chief minister, N. Biren met 400 people from different parts of hill districts and attended to 172 cases on Hill Leaders’ Day, which fell today.

It may be recalled the 10th of every month is reserved exclusively for an interface between hill people and the CM.

Speaking to media persons, chief minister N. Biren said the 10th of every month is reserved exclusively for village chiefs, leaders of civil voluntary organisations of hill districts only and 15 of every month is for common people of both hills and valleys.

But common people of hill district also came to put their grievances and to present gifts. Most of the complaints are based on poverty, he added. Almost all the complaints made by hill people have been fulfilled and till now most of the problems have solved, Biren claimed. But I cannot assure to solve the problems completely as it is “human problem”, he added.

In response with a query from the media in relation with the statement of former chief minister, Okram Ibobi during a press conference held yesterday on MDS scam, N. Biren said the statement of O. Ibobi is appreciated as a responsible leader.

It may be mentioned that Ibobi said that he will co-operate to root out the corruption system from the state.

He said to root out the corruption system from the state people and leaders of the state need to walk together in a same pace.

For air ambulance facilities it will start functioning in the state as central government has made an earmarked of 24 cores as already mentioned by governor of the state Najma Heptulla, N. Biren added.

The chief minister further said today one Meitei woman came along with a boy who was severely injured in the landslide that occurred recently near Shirui village. The boy was totally helpless as he has a poor financial background. “I have instructed the respective district commissioner of Ukhrul to give all the necessary assistance under the regulation of government”, he informed.

Biren also directed Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science authority to continue treatment from today at free of cost for the rape victim of Senapati district. She was mentally disturbed from the incident and directed the hospital authority to continue treatment until she is completely well.

Biren said usual complaint for repairing of roads, construction of market-sheds, bus-stop for school going children and others came up, he made assurance to solve the problems at the earliest.

People from Tamei came and requested for repairing of Tamei government school toilet along with photographs. N. Biren said he was shocked to see the condition of toilet, and he directed the parliamentary secretary (education) concerned to construct two toilets separately for boys and girls and to take necessary steps immediately. 

In response to another complaint for construction of bus-shed at Kasom-Khullen, he asked the deputy commissioner concerned of Kason-Khullen to construct the bus-shed which is especially meant for the convenience of school going students and old-aged people.

Repairing and maintaining of potholes has been continuing and it has completed more than 80 percent for National Highway number 2. But due to rainy season construction of major roads at hill are still under progress, with the end of rainy season construction of major roads will be completed without delay, N. Biren assured.

The chief minister further said that genuine entrepreneurs who came to meet him for assistance on Hill Leaders’ day and Meeyamgi Numit had been provided assistance in the form of loans with reasonable sum from Manipur state cooperative bank.

Further he continued for lack of medical facilities in hill districts a 50 bedded hospital at Tamenglong district is ready to inaugurate. However, the main problem for the health sector in hill districts is due to the lack of manpower and lack of equipment.

 In order to solve the problem 300 doctors will be recruited through Manipur public service commission along with other medical staffs and adequate accommodation and quarter facility will be fulfilled within a short period of time.

By Jimmy Leivon

GANGTOK | Sept 10

The two-day ‘2nd North East Healthcare Summit’ which concluded on September 9 in Gangtok stressed on collaborative strengthening health care systems amongst all Northeastern States to achieve the sustainable development goals.   

The summit was organised by the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) in partnership with the ministry of MDoNER, the government of Sikkim and the Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital (STNM), Gangtok, Sikkim.

In his address the Arjun Kumar congratulated the organisers – PHFI, STNM Hospital and DoNER for organising the second edition of the Summit in Sikkim that highlights key issues in today’s evolving healthcare scenario pertinent to Northeastern parts of India.

“Poor healthcare services in the Northeast and the need to enhance manpower, including setting up of more medical colleges in the region is the requirement of the day. There is an urgent need to review the progress of schemes sanctioned by centre or the NEC towards the improvement of healthcare services in the region, especially infrastructure, in addition to finding out better ways and means to remove health problems and inaccessibility to quality healthcare especially in rural areas of the region”, he said.

In her video address Dr Soumya Swaminathan, director general ICMR, said, “Northeast is one of the most vibrant regions in India, but its health indicators have unfortunately lagged behind from the rest of India on many counts. With so much technological and infrastructure advancements, it is time to bring about a rapid improvement in the public health indicators, especially in light of the renewed commitment by the central government towards the entire Northeast region.”

This year’s 2nd Northeast Healthcare summit concentrated on emerging health concerns in the region with a special emphasis on the current scenario in Northeast and the sustainable development goals (SDG). The themes for this year’s summit were: mental health and substance abuse, non-communicable diseases, health policy, service delivery and health systems strengthening and environmental health. 

The summit falls under the umbrella of Project Swasth Uttar Purv, under the aegis of DoNER ministy that is committed to address the identified and felt needs of the eight states of the Northeast by promoting policy and programme relevant research, by filling critical information gaps, conducting health summits and Health Conclaves, conducting impact assessments and cancer awareness programs, evaluating innovations for improving the outreach and effectiveness of health systems, ultimately developing a robust public health cadre in the Northeast.

The summit saw representation from the respective Northeastern states from secretary, health Meghalaya Shangpliang and mission director of NHM, Mizoram Lalrozama, RRC, MoHFW, Bamin Tada amongst other high end officials from the states and representatives from WHO,UNICEF and experts and academia from across the country.

The summit was inaugurated by Arjun Kumar Ghatani, minister, healthcare, human services and family welfare, Sikkim along with PD Rai, member of parliament from Sikkim.

 Also present on the occasion were Alok Kumar Srivastav, chief secretary, Sikkim, Dr K Bhandari, director-general-cum secretary health, Sikkim, Jayanto Narayan Choudhury, vice president PHFI, Dr KB Gurung, medical superintendent STNM Hospital, Dr. Priscilla C Ngaihte, in-charge, Northeast Region (Special Projects)  along with a host of senior government health officials from all the Northeastern states of India.