Day: October 5, 2017

IMPHAL | Oct 5

Students wing of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System urged to the government to recruit only indigenous people of the state as Kolkata Manipur Bhavan staffs.

Speaking to media persons today at JCILPS office the students wing convenor, S. Manjit said that currently there are 35 staffs in Kolkata Manipur Bhavan but only two are indigenous people of the state. The state’s general administration department (GAD) is giving the salary of the 35 staffs of the bhavan.

Tourists from the state are not allowed to park their vehicles inside the bhavan and on the other hand the chowkidar of the bhavan allows many unauthorised vehicles to be parked in the bhavan, he added.

Moreover, the instrument of the bhavan are not made available to the tourists from the state, continued the convenor.

He said that GAD notified that 20 staffs will be recruited for the bhavan on October 8 at Kolkata.

The convenor asked the GAD to change the location of interview to the state and give priorities to the indigenous people of the state. It demanded that non-locals should be appointed.

Manjit warned that if the government appoints any non-local, the students wing will take up severe agitation.

IMPHAL | Oct 5

Human Rights Initiative (HRI) has expressed its deep concern over the death of Pravish Chanam and the missing of Taorem Bitoo and strongly condemned the act of “racial discrimination” in Delhi and national capital regions.

A release by HRI said that the repeated occurrence of mysterious incidents to the people of Northeast India since last many years has brought a clear example of racial discrimination. As per Bezbaruah Committee Report submitted in 2014, 86 percent of Northeast people have faced discrimination and harassment causing immense psychological and physical impact, it added.

It further stated that the Manipuri boy Pravish was missing since September 8 but later on known that he had been hastily cremated though a missing complaint was filed at the Knowledge Park police station. On the other hand, another Manipuri boy ‘Bitoo’ is missing and still traceless since September 13.

HRI has appreciated the step taken by chief minister N. Biren for his deep concern over the death of Pravish and meeting the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. However, there has been no positive response so far in regard to the steps of state government nor the UP government has followed up for the case, said the release.

HRI reminded the state government to pressure UP government to hand over the case to CBI or form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) with representatives from Manipur, to maintain transparency and update information with the public and to disclose the video footages of the post mortem of Parvish.

HRI also urged the ADGP assigned by the state government to investigate the case and share the findings with the public immediately.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Oct 5

Election observers for six revenue districts were appointed on October 2 for the fifth Manipur state panchayat elections to be held on October 7 under Manipur state election commission.

At every location, come rain or storm, the candidates are visiting every single house to persuade the voters.  Election offices are visible at every existing lanes and streets. Posters of the candidates are splattered everywhere leaving no spaces behind. One can easily notice tell-tale signs that the candidates are expending excessively to get the voters.

An order was also released by the commission in this regard. The officers elected by the commission as election observers are joint secretary, MOBC and SC, Mannuanching for the Imphal East revenue district, director of census M. Harekrishna for the Imphal west revenue district, special secretary, revenue/MAHUD, M. Joy Singh for Thoubal, director TA/HILLS, Ningam chamroy for Bishnupur, joint secretary, finance, A. Radhabinod sharma for Kakching and director, YAS, Naorem Praveen for Jiribam revenue district.

The order mentioned that the appointed observers will stay at their duties of counting votes until the counting is completely done.

On the other hand, at Thoubal and Kakching revenue districts, the elections campaign is being conducted in full swing by the respective candidates. The candidates are doing everything they can in preparation of getting more voters.

According to report, a total of 1, 29,444 voters alone from Thoubal revenue district will be casting votes to their desired candidates. At the panchayat areas of Lilong sub division, there are 17,155 male voters and 18,496 female voters making a total of 35, 651 voters.

For Thoubal sub division, there are 45,421 male voters and 48,372 female voters making a total of 93,793 voters in the panchayat areas.

Under Thoubal revenue district, there are 10 zilla parishad assembly constituencies, 27 gram panchayat pradhan and 310 gram panchayat members. The 10 Zilla parishadassembly constituencies are Lilong Turel Ahanbi Atoukhong, Leisangthem, Maibam Uchiwa, Wangkhem, Charangpat, Khangabok, Heirok, Sangaiyumpham ,tentha  and Langathel Zilla parishad.

The first three zilla parishads comes under Lilong sub division and the remaining 7 comes under Thoubal sub division.

For Lilong sub division, the seat for Turel ahanbi atoukhong  zilla parishad has been reserved for women. For Thoubal sub division, Wangkhem,Tentha and Langatel have been reserved for women.

There are 10 candidates for zilla parishads of Lilong sub division which has 3 seats. 23 candidates are standing for pradhan and 178 candidates for GP member. 23 GP members have already won uncontested for the division.

23 candidates are standing for the zilla parishads of Thoubal sub division which has seven seats, 56 for the post of pradhan and 346 for GP member. 64 members have won uncontested for the division.

The report further said six polling personnel and 10 police personnel will be stationed at each polling station. Out of the 10, six will be armed while four will be unarmed. 

To avoid unwanted incidents during the election, Thoubal district, deputy commissioner, L. Nabakishor have released an order that those under the district, who possess licence guns should bring them to the nearest police station.

Section 144 under Cr PC, have been also implemented under the district from September 6.

There are six zilla parishads constituency for Kakching revenue district and 15 gram panchayats.  Three assembly constituencies namely Pallel, Wabagai and Sekmai come under SDO/RO Kakching. There are seven gram panchayats, Pallel, Irengband, Keirak, Wabagai, Sekmaijin, Hayel Hangoon, and Arong Nongmaikhong.  

16 candidates at 6 zilla parishads, 41 pradhan candidates at 15 gram panchayats and 68 out of 168 sets for ward member have won uncontested.  212 candidates are fighting for the remaining 104 seats. There are a total of 61,170 voters under the district.

It may be mentioned that the votes will be counted on October 11 and the overall election will be completed on October 16.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 5

Superintendent of police Imphal West Themthing Ngashangva said people need awareness against mob-justice and public should not take law of their own, ten persons arrested regarding the incident.

The statement was said during a press conference held today evening at conference hall of SP Imphal west, Babupura, Imphal.

Speaking to media persons, Themthing said a video was uploaded on facebook, watsappp and other social media from one account skumarinstitute offilmindustry on October 3 at 11.49 pm. In the video some unknown people were forcefully cutting the hair of a man and a woman using harsh abusive words along with the physical assault on the victims.

He said after examining the video and after detail investigation by cyber crime unit and Kakching district police the incident was occurred at Sugnu Awang leikai about 11 PM on October 2. Themthing further said persons who were involved in the crime have been identified and subsequently some of the identified person have been picked up and arrested which have been handed over to cyber crime police station to take necessary legal action.

According to police report ten person have arrested in connection with the FIR number 42(10)2017 CCPS under section 147/323/342/506/509/354/34 IPC.

Among the ten, four persons were arrested on cotober 4 namely Khaidem Sunny Kumar Singh son of Kh. Amusana Singh, Thangjam Prem alias Yaimabi Meitei son of Th (L) Ingocha Meitei of Sugnu Awang Leikai, Laishram Reevence Singh son of L. Sanajaoba Singh of Sugnu Mamang leikai, Khaidem Abung Singh son of Kh. (L) Hemanta Singh of Sugnu Thong Makha Napet.

Later the other remaining six were arrested on October 5 namely Khaidem Abem Devi wife of Kh. Sunny Kumar Singh of Sugnu Awang leikai, Thounaojam Ibemcha Devi wife of Th. Inaocha Singh of Sugnu Awang leikai, Wahengbam Lakhsmi Devi daughter of W. Bijoy Singh of Sugnu Awang leikai, Yengkhkom Romita Devi wife of Y. Naocha of Sugnu Awang leikai Khaidem Sabitri Devi wife of Kh. Ibungcha Singh of Sugnu Awang leikai and Thangjam Thoibi Devi wife of Th. Naotombi Singh of Sugnu Awang leikai.

Recalling the incident on mob justice in Lamsang on 1997 in connection with FIR number 15(3)1997 LSG PS under section 148/149/307/323/336/436/353/354/427 IPC Themthing said the accused person in the case prevented the police personnel of Lamshang police station and fire servicemen from entering into the house of the complainant forcefully. Some of the accused person burnt down the house and outhouse of the victims.

He said the incident was occurred on March 29, 1997 at around 9.30 am. The charge sheet of the case was submitted on July 1, 1997 vide charge sheet number 5/1997. After twenty years Session court Imphal west give judgement on July 25, 2017 and during investigation twenty eight persons were convicted which included nineteen females and nine male.

“Mob-justice gives bad impact to the public and if one cannot catch at young, he will catch when old, and people should have fear of law” Themthing added.

Additional SP L/O, Priyadarshini Laishram and Superintendent of police, cyber crime unit, Sarda Laishram also attends the press conference.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Oct 5

A consultative meeting of Kuki chiefs across the state was held today at Imphal under the aegis of Kuki Inpi in connection with the prevailing political and land issues.

Altogether, more than 230 Kuki chiefs from across the state attended the consultative meeting at Kuki Inn, Imphal. The meeting unanimously resolved that any solution arrived in the ‘tripartite talks’ involving the Centre, state government and the United Naga Council (UNC) over the creation of seven new districts in Manipur should not in any way negate the interest and sentiments of other communities.

It was also discussed in the meeting that the tripartite talk may be an initiative for finding a solution but at the same time its decision could also have an adverse effect on peaceful co-existence and mutual understanding among different communities in the state.

The Kuki chiefs have been observing the tripartite talks on UNC’s demand for roll back of district creation and any decision to roll back would not be a wise decision.

The Kuki chiefs also maintained in the meeting that the government must understand that the hill areas of Manipur is not inhabited by the Nagas alone. It further said that there is the need to consult all the communities as the tripartite talks involve matter of land and the government should not stay ignorant about it.

The Kuki chiefs also resolved that the land issue cannot be discussed and fixed with UNC alone as every community has their stake in it.

 The chiefs have asked the central and the state governments to accommodate the sentiment of all communities.

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI | Oct 5

United Naga Council (UNC) is all prepared for the tripartite talks on district creation issue on Friday. According to sources, an 11-member delegation of UNC will participate in the talks.

As part of their preparations for the event, UNC leaders had a “very serious” discussion in its office at Senapati today convened by UNC president Gaidon Kamei, according to UNC sources. It is, however, not known what transpired in the discussion.

As usual, Satyendra Garg, joint secretary of the ministry of home affairs (MHA), in-charge of Northeast, will chair the talks. From the State government’s side, three Cabinet ministers: agriculture and veterinary minister, V. Hangkhanlian, tribal affairs and hills, minister N. Kayisii and education and labour and employment minister, Th. Radheshyam will lead the delegation. 

Additional chief secretary (Home) of Manipur J. Suresh Babu and commissioner (Works & IPR) K. Radhakumar Singh will also be part of the State government delegation, the sources added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 5

Regional conference of state labour and employment ministers and secretaries of the Northeast states was held today at Imperial Hall, Classic Grande, Chingmeirong. It was organised by the ministry of labour and employment and is the first time ever held in the NE region itself.

Santosh Kumar Gangwar, minister of state labour and employment (independent charge) chaired the function and was inaugurated by chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh as chief guest.

The review meeting discussed the implementation and enhancement of schemes for child labour, plantation workers, Employees State Insurance Corporation workers, social security schemes, building and other construction workers’ cess fund among others.

Biren said the state government has taken up various programmes for employment generation in both domestic and global labour markets through job-oriented skill development training programmes in health, IT, agriculture, sericulture, technical education and others are in place to formulate prospective plans for skill development in the state.

He further a state mission on employment, housing and drinking water for each household by 2022 was launched by the state government. “There is a target to generate 7.50 lakh employment by 2022 at the rate of 1,50,000 employment every year starting from this year and not necessarily white collar jobs,” he added.

Santosh Kumar, in his speech, said that he chose to have his first ever review meeting in North Eastern states after taking charge last year to strengthen ties between the Centre and the states.

He said mainstreaming the NE region is the priority of the Centre and that they are on the plan to scrutinise and make better plans for the development of the region.

He said that he would extend every possible help to the region and requested the states to utilise the funds for the available schemes for the welfare of labourers.

Secretary of labour and employment of central government, M. Sathiyavathy said that overall performance of the NE region is not up to the mark and urged the regional officials to fair better in the next review meeting.

The function was also attended by state’s labour minister, Th. Radheshyam, minister for labour and employment, Assam, Pallab Lochan Das, parliamentary secretary, labour and employment, Nagaland, Neiphrezo Keditsu, financial advisor and additional secretary, ministry of labour and employment Arun Goel and officials from other North East states.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 5

Ten persons were arrested in connection with a video uploaded on social media on October 2 featuring mob violence.

Giving this information today at a press conference at his office conference hall today Imphal West SP Themthing Ngashangva said a video was uploaded on Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media from one account skumarinstitute offilmindustry on October 3 at 11.49 pm. The video shows some unknown people were forcefully cutting the hair of a man and a woman using abusive languages and physically assaulted the duo.

He said after examining the video and after investigation cyber crime unit and Kakching district police learnt that incident occurred at Sugnu Awang Leikai at about 11 PM on October 2.

Themthing further said the individuals who were involved in the crime have been identified and subsequently some of them have been arrested. They were handed over to cyber crime police station for further action.

An FIR number 42(10)2017 cyber crime police station under Section 147/323/342/506/509/354/34 IPC was registered against the ten accused.

Among the ten, four persons were arrested on October 4. They are identified as Khaidem Sunny Kumar Singh, 35, son of Kh. Amusana Singh, Thangjam Prem alias Yaimabi Meitei, 20, son of Th. (L) Ingocha Meitei of Sugnu Awang Leikai, Laishram Reevence Singh, 26, son of L. Sanajaoba Singh of Sugnu Mamang Leikai, Khaidem Abung Singh, 25, son of Kh. (L) Hemanta Singh of Sugnu Thong Makha Napet.

The other six were arrested today. They are identified as Khaidem Abem Devi, 37, wife of Kh. Sunny Kumar Singh of Sugnu Awang Leikai, Thounaojam Ibemcha Devi, 44, wife of Th. Inaocha Singh of Sugnu Awang Leikai, Wahengbam Lakhsmi Devi, 21, daughter of W. Bijoy Singh of Sugnu Awang Leikai, Yengkhkom Romita Devi, 22, wife of Y. Naocha of Sugnu Awang Leikai Khaidem Sabitri Devi, 22, wife of Kh. Ibungcha Singh of Sugnu Awang Leikai and Thangjam Thoibi Devi, 32, wife of Th. Naotombi Singh of Sugnu Awang Leikai.

Recalling another incident of mob violebnce in Lamsang in 1997 in connection with FIR number 15(3)1997 Lamsang police station PS under Section 148/149/307/323/336/436/353/354/427 IPC Themthing said the accused persons in the case prevented the police personnel of Lamshang police station and fire servicemen from entering the house of the complainant. Some of the accused persons burnt the house and outhouse of the victims.

Th SP said the incident took place on March 29, 1997 at around 9.30 am. The charge-sheet of the case was submitted on July 1, 1997. After twenty years sessions court Imphal West delivered its judgement on July 25, 2017 convicting 28 accused persons including 19 females.

“Mob-justice gives bad impact to the public and if one cannot catch at young, he will catch when old. People need awareness about mob justice and public should not take law into their own hands,” Themthing said.

For the first time Kangla is venue for state level Mera Houchongba

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 5

Chief minister, N. Biren said that no external forces can break the integrity of the state if all the people of the state stand together as one and safeguard the integrity of the state. He was delivering the chief guest’s speech at the Mera Houchongba festival, 2017 today at Kangla, Imphal. The vent was organised by the state level Mera Houchongba Committee.

The festival was attended by many people from both the hill and valley and gifts were exchanged between the brothers and sisters of the hill and valley.

The chief minister appreciated the titular king of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba for his efforts to keep the tradition of celebrating Mera Houchongba festival every year, which maintains the bond of brotherhood between the people of hill and valley.

As bringing unity among all the people of the state is the desire of the new government, the government have joined hands with the team of Sana Konung headed by the titular king and organised the festival at the state level, he added.

Biren claimed that in the past few years there were gaps between the people of the hill and valley made by some people for political gains but the present government has brought back the close bond.

He appealed to all the people of hill and valley “to forgive and forget” the past mistakes and start loving and helping one other to make a bright future of the state.

The chief minister assured all the people of the state that there will be enormous positive changes in the state within two to three years and asked the people to cooperate and support in taking up developmental works by the government.

Mentioning yesterday’s unfortunate incident of mob violence at Sugnu, which was uploaded in social media he said that the government will not tolerate any kind of mob violence and asked the people not to take the law into their hand.

Biren said that “Imphal Evenings” was introduced in the interest of the public for public recreation and to show that the state is a peaceful state. So it will be very wrong to give negative comment, he added.

Regarding the traffic jam caused by the Imphal Evening on the first day the government has made proper planning for swift flow of the traffic in the next Imphal Evenings, he added.

The chief minister said that the working hours of the works department will be increased from 8 hours to 14 hours by giving extra wages in order to complete the developmental projects timely.

Stating that the government wants to remove the two rods from the mouth of the two Kanglas statues inside the Kangla he sought opinions of the people.

Earlier in the morning many people from both the hill marched from Sana Konung to Kangla.

The function was attended by Leishemba Sanajaoba as president and arts and culture minister, L. Jayentakumar as guest of honour, council of ministers, MLAs, village chiefs attended the programme special invitees.

Cultural dances were performed by people from different communities as a part of the festival.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Oct 5

An earth fissure presumably triggered by a gradual landslide appeared at Maram Centre village in Senapati district has appeared, foreboding a catastrophic natural calamity in the district.

After the fearful Kalikhola earth crack in Kangpokpi district, a similar earth fissure has appeared in the southern part of the village, near the carwash point area above Don Bosco College and Assisi Girls Hostel area which has a boundary with NH-2.

Around 30 to 40 houses have already been affected so far while 10 houses including three concrete buildings were badly damaged. One of the concrete buildings was completely destroyed and many properties were torn apart and cracks developed inside many houses which forced five households to evacuate to safer places. So far, no casualty or injury has been reported. However, about 50 to 80 more houses are on the verge of destruction if the landslide continues.

Both National Highway-2 and Maram Peren road has been affected by the earth fissure like situation triggered by the gradual landslide.

It may be mentioned that Maram Centre village is under 49-Tadubi Assembly constituency with approximately 160 households and located about 14 km away from Senapati district. The landslide occurred owing to the heavy incessant downpours since September 25.