Day: November 23, 2017

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 23

All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters Association (AMPPTA) today staged protest demonstration in front of Malom Oil Depot and subsequently ceased their work against the tender process of the Indian Oil Cooperation Limited.  

The protesters displayed placards bearing slogans like “You are getting 7th pay, and why are we pushing back to 2014 rate”, “IOC tender condition, Hai-Hai”, “Where will the local based transporter, Go”.

Protesters said that unless and until the government rectify the newly floated norms the IOCL to will continue their cease work strike.

Due to their cases work strike most of the petrol pump witnesses panic buying of petrol and diesel.

Yesterday AMPPTA during a press meet had stated that the rate offered in the newly floated tender is much lesser than the rates quoted in the year 2014 and that even after adding maximum price band of 10 percent to it, the amount of transportation rate come much less than what the transporters are getting presently.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Nov 23

Kuki National Front today issued a reminder to the PMGSY contractors over the alleged failure of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) schemes in the hills.

Director, project and planning KNF, Andrew K, in their press communiqué reiterated that owing to the execution of work below scheduled rate, PMGSY has failed to serve its purpose to the hill people who reside in the far-flung remote areas.

That in spite of enormous sanctions made by the government under PMGSY scheme to construct roads in remote areas, owing to poor quality of work, many of the roads built under the scheme are not motorable.

He also pointed out that many of the same roads are blocked due to landslides, but the incumbent contractors have failed to take the responsibility of maintaining these roads after having withdrawn their bills.

He further alleged that apart from the various tremendous hardships faced by the people, many developmental schemes and projects have also been halted owing to the deplorable road conditions in the hills.

Considering all these facts, the department of project and planning, KNF, issued an order in respect of PMGSY Phase XI (Batch 2017-18) within Kangpokpi district that only local contractors shall be given priority to take up the construction works.

Beside quality work, this is being done with the intent to ensure that the maintenance of the constructed roads become the responsibility of local contractors for at least 1-2 years, he added.

He also stated that all these roads should be accessible even during rainy seasons.

In light of all the above-stated actualities, the outfit is compelled to intervene in the interest of the general public and the helpless villagers who are denied even the basic mode of transport, till today, he concluded.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 23

In yet another shocking incident today, the yearlong harvest of two families, Pukhrambam Birachandra Singh and Michael P. alias Sadu Khuroi were burnt to ashes by am alcoholic today morning.

The incident happened at Laipat Loukon, Ningthoukhong Bazar, Bishnupur district. This incident is the third of its kind and in the state. A fire brigade team tried to stop the fire but their efforts went in vain.

The suspect who committed this inhuman act today was identified as Moirangthem Roben Singh, (35) from the same place. He was caught with psychotropic substance and tablets strip at the same spot.

Enraged by his senseless behaviour, eye witnesses around the area attacked him and turned violent. He was rescued from further mob action by a police team of Bishnupur district who came to the spot.

IMPHAL | Nov 23

Commerce and Industry minister Thongam Biswajit singh asserted that we need a mechanism to preserve Manipuri pony. The Minister was speaking as chief guest on the second day of the ongoing 11th Manipur Polo International, which is being played as a part Manipur Sangai Festival at Imphal Pologround.

The minister maintained that polo is well known throughout the world and it is very necessary to preserve the Manipuri Pony. The game of ‘polo’ originated from Manipur and was introduced by King Kangba.

According to the Royal Chronicle, the game is known as Sagol-Kangjei in earlier time and as the game is related with pony, we need a mechanism to preserve the Manipuri pony, he added.

Biswajit further stressed that we need to promote other indigenous game like Yubi Lakpi to showcase our rich cultural heritage through the world. He also assured to extend possible help in preserving pony in the state.

In the match played today, Argentina defeated Morocco by 7 – 3 goals. Both are taking part in the tournament for the first time. In another match USA outplayed India A by 3 – 2 goals.

The tournament is being organised by Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association. Altogether 6 teams are participating in the tournament. On the third day of the tournament, India A will take on India B and England will play with Morocco.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 23

The Liangmaipui Naga Ruangdi along with Namdilong Women development society and Liangmai Naga Katinah Ruangdi (Assam Nagaland Manipur) urged the government and the police to arrest accused Kh. Kashinba in connection with rape and attempt to murder case.

While speaking to the media at Manipur Press Club, Liangmaipui Naga Ruangdi president, Th. Priscilla said that if the culprit is not arrested within 72 hours the civil bodies will impose 12 hours total shutdown on the National Highway No.2 on November 27 from 6am till 6pm.

She said that ‘wanted’ tag for Kh. Kashinba from Karuangmuan village, Nungtek had already been ordered by the Superintendent of police Senapati on September 11. But till now the police have not taken up any issues regarding the case.

It may be recalled that the rape incident took place on August 1 at Senapati.

Since the incident happened the civil organisations and student bodies have met the chief minister and the director general of police regarding the matter. In the meeting they have given their response to catch the culprit at the earliest but till now the culprit is walking scot free, she added.

Priscilla further questioned why the case has been delayed and why the state police have not taken up swift step to catch the culprit? “Is the government corrupted? It’s been four months since the incident happened and the culprit is still walking scot free,” she asked. 

She said that the Liangmaipui Naga Ruangdi and Namdilong Women Development Society and the Liangmai Naga Katinah Ruangdi will not stop agitating until and unless justice is brought to the victim.

Priscilla also urged for public support during the agitation. She also mentioned that stronger agitations will be taken if the government fails to fulfil their demand.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 23

All Manipur Interstate Taxi Service Welfare Association has appealed to the government to deploy security personnel on National Highway No. 2 for the safety of the passengers and drivers.

While speaking to media here at Manipur Press Club, All Manipur Interstate Taxi Service Welfare Association joint secretary, Laishram Bhonilal appealed to the chief minister to deploy security forces for the safety of the drivers and passengers travelling through NH 2.

He said that the drivers and the passengers travelling on the highway have been facing harassments from unknown miscreants since the beginning of the year.

He continued the drivers have faced much harassment while passing particularly through Taphou village and Keithelmanbi. The unknown miscreants have looted passengers and asked ransom to drivers without informing whether they are from any known UG’s groups, he asserted.

Further he said that on November 1 one passenger of Winger vehicle with registration No. MNO12155 coming from Dimapur was looted Rs.3000 at Keithelmanbi. He said that five more passengers have been looted in the past months by unknown armed men.

Bhonilal lamented that with such harassments and problems faced by the drivers and the passengers cannot be tolerated any more by the association.

He urged the chief minister and other higher authorities to look into the matter within 15 days. He also added that if the government fails to meet their demands, taxi services plying through NH2 will be called off.

IMPHAL | Nov 23

MAHUD minister, Thounaojam Shyamkumar today announced strict prohibition on storage of goods and use of electric appliances at the basement of Ima Market. He also directed the Imphal Municipal Corporation to strictly follow the instructions.

The minister’s announcement came after a minor fire broke out at the basement of the Ima Market No. 1 (Ima Leimaren Sidabi) today at around 3.30 pm. The cause of the fire was electric short circuit from a machine used by an ice cream vendor. State fire tenders reached the spot in time and controlled the fire.

Speaking to media persons after inspecting the fire at Ima Market, MAHUD minister said under the Imphal Smart City Mission, basement areas of Ima Market (all three buildings) will be converted into parking space and foot over bridge will be constructed to connect both the adjacent markets. The underground parking system is expected to start from next month.

He once again stated that the MAHUD department is committed to hand over the Ima Market buildings to the women vendors on February 22, after complete renovation/repairing work which will be completed before the month of February.

Th. Shyamkumar once again appealed to the shopkeepers, vendors including street vendors to keep the market clean throughout the year, stating that they have a major role in keeping the historic Khwaramband Keithel neat and tidy. He also appealed to the shopkeepers to use dustbins in all the shops to avoid inconveniences.

He was accompanied by Prem Singh, MAHUD commissioner, N. Gitkumar, director MAHUD and IMC officials.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL |Nov 23

The case hearing of the Tulihal drug haul case in which Wangkhei MLA, O. Henry who is a close relative of former chief minister, O. Ibobi, and another man L. Tarpon are allegedly involved, has been postponed to December 11.

According to a reliable source the investigating officer of the case, P. Bimol was supposed to give his statement before the special judge Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

It added that since the IO of the case is currently engaged at the ongoing Sangai Festival and cannot be present at the court the CBI has postponed the case.

Mentioned may be made that on January 11, 2013 a team of Special Intelligence Unit seized seven unattended carton boxes suspected to be contain contraband drugs from Tulihal Airport which were transported from Kolkata.  After a few days of the seizure the SIU was abolished after an order passed by a higher authority of Manipur police.

The case was later transferred to CBI on March 6, 2017 following an order passed by the state government.

IMPHAL | Nov 23

Imphal West police commando arrested a vehicle lifter in a frisk and check operation at Kwakeithel Mayai Koibi on November 21, said a release from police PRO.

A case has been registered at Imphal police station against the apprehended individual Md Abeed Khan alias Boy (20), son of Md Abdul Gaffar of Lilong Haoreibi Awang Leikai, the release said.

One white Honda Activa and one Honda Dio of blue and white colour were seized from his possession, it added.

IMPHAL | Nov 23

Two persons suspected to be arms dealers were arrested today from Moreh Super Market, near Sunrise Ground, Ward No. 4 of Moreh.

The two arrested persons were identified as Liansuan Maung Ngaihte, son of Girenthang Ngaihte, (22) from Tualkhiang, Chikha district, Chin State, Myanmar and Jamkheng Maung Ngaihte, son of Dong Khanpao (25) a resident of Buangmaual, Chandel district.

According to a reliable source, the two were found with one HK rifle, one magazine, one Kenbo bike and one mobile handset.  They were arrested by a combined team of Moreh Police station and 11 AR led by OC Moreh inspector H. Chaoba Singh under the command of SDPO Moreh, Lawrence K. Munluo and under the supervision of SP Tengnoupal, S. Ibomcha Singh.

IMPHAL | Nov 23

A two-day communal harmony programme was organised by the state branch of Bharat Sewak Samaj under the aegis of union home ministry’s national foundation for communal harmony at Thanga in Bishnupur from November 21.

A release from the Samaj said 200 individuals attended the event. The chief guests for November 21 and 22 were PHED minister L. Dikho and national awardee head master H Mangijao Singh respectively.

India is one country with one constitution and there is no difference between Hindus, Muslims and Christians of India, Dikho said.

Former speaker of Manipur legislative assembly and NFCH national governing member H Borobabu, president of the function on the first day, said blockades of highways have become a stumbling block to development and burning of houses and vehicles without any reason causes untold misery.

The programme was held to in observation of communal harmony week organised by the union home ministry from November 19 to 25 for national integration, the release added.

IMPHAL | Nov 23

Sushila Chanu, former captain of Indian National Hockey team who led the Indian Women Hockey Team in the 2016 Olympics today called on chief minister, N. Biren Singh at his office chamber.

During the meeting, Sushila urged the chief minister to open a hockey academy to promote and nurture young hockey players of the State. Chief minister assured that the government will take up the proposal and discuss with the ministry/departments concerned. He said the government is planning to open a football academy in the State soon.  

CM gave his best wishes Sushila and the Indian hockey team for future endeavour.

IMPHAL | Nov 23

Entrance exam for pre-PhD programme at Manipur university’s political science department will be held at the department premises on November 19 at 1 pm, said a release. Candidates can collect their admit cards from November 25, it added.

IMPHAL | Nov 23

Four officers of the Manipur Civil Service (MCS) have been promoted to the rank of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) by an order issued by the ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions (Department of Personnel and Training), government of India. The officers have been identified as Neeta Arambam, W. Malemngaba Chenglei, Somorjit Salam and Rangitabali Waikhom.

IMPHAL | Nov 23

Thoubal district magistrate has passed an order prohibiting assembly of more than four persons or carrying of lethal weapons such as lathis, stones and firearms within 100 metres of Manipur university’s examination centres from November 23 to January 11.

The order, issued under section 144 of CrPC, shall be enforced from 9 am to 4 pm every day till the exams are over, said a release from district magistrate L. Nabakishwar Singh.

The university is holding first, third and fifth semester exams in bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of commerce, bachelors of food technology, social work and biotechnology courses from November 23 to January 11. It had requested the district magistrate for ensuring their smooth conduct, the release said.

IMPHAL | Nov 23

All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen’s Union has appealed to the state government to repeal the Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) Act 2006 in the interest of the Loktak Lake Phumshang dwellers and the people of Manipur, said a release. 

 Further, the MLAs from the eight assembly constituencies in and around Loktak Lake are urged to work for the repealing of the said act, it said.  This act has resulted in the loss of several household materials, rations, essential documents, fishing gears, money, etc., of the Phumshang dwellers, it added.

Recalling illegal eviction and arson of Ramsar site’s Phumshang (phumhuts), at Loktak Lake, in November 2011, the release said in the condemnable act, Loktak development authority (LDA) along with its agencies burned down 777 Phumshangs out of the 1147 Phumshangs located inside the Loktak Lake, without the prior and informed consent of the Loktak Phumshang dwellers.

The release further mentioned that section 20, 21 & 33 of Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) Act 2006 (MLLPA) which empowers LDA to destruct Phumshangs, is in contravention with Guwahati High Court, Imphal Bench’s order on January 25, 2012.

The inhabitants of Loktak Phumshangs live by Gandhian philosophy of non-violence and are awaiting justice till date, it said.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Nov 23

Minister social welfare & cooperation, Nemcha Kipgen today attended the inaugural function of the 2nd Kuki Christian Upate, Manipur Synod Seminar cum cultural meet, 2017, at K. Songtun village in Kangpokpi district.

In the said programme, social welfare minister also unveiled the monoliths of KCU Kangpokpi Gambih 2nd cultural meet, under the theme, “Good Deeds” and (L) Jamkhokai Kipgen Memorial Playground.

While executive member ADC Sadar Hills, Lamkholen Kipgen as the functional president led the inaugural flag hoisting, and social worker Jangboi Kipgen inaugurated the opening ceremony of games and sports of the meet.

Later, Pr. Lalkhosei Chongloi dedicated the two monoliths after the inauguration by minister Nemcha Kipgen.

In her inaugural address, minister social welfare & cooperation, Nemcha Kipgen relied on the wisdom of the Bible and emphasised the value of trust, hope and love. She said love is the greatest of all these values, “Of all things in the world, love is the greatest of all and the highest influential element of good deeds for a human being. With love, even impossible things can be made possible, and it serves as a unifying force in the society.”

The minister also pointed out that it is out of love towards one’s country and its people that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is launching various schemes and projects in the entire country, including the state of Manipur.

She further stated that unlike the previous government, the present government would ensure that all the beneficial and developmental schemes reach to all the people of the state, even in the remotest area, as instructed by the country’s Prime Minister.

Further, she urged the people to make the best uses of the schemes and developmental projects in bringing changes in the society.

The cultural meet which will conclude on November 27, wherein various traditional games, as well as cultural items, will be held.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 23

The Imphal East police today arrested three active members of RPF/PLA and one active member of UNLF and seized one 9mm pistol with eight live round and magazine from the RPF/PLA cadres and Rs. 22,000 from the UNLF carder, respectively.

The arrested RPF/PLA carders are identified as N. Loken alias R.K (40) son of N. Baruni of Kakwa Naorem Leikai, S. Anil alias Tomjou alias Johnson (50) son of S. Khomei of Thongju and Ph. Ibomcha (40) son of late Ph. Gulap of Thongju. The arrested UNLF carder is identified as K. Premjit (40) son of late K. Kulla of Kongba Leishram Leikai.

Briefing media persons today at Imphal East police SP, K. Kabib said that Imphal East police has searched random house including the house of Loken after getting a reliable information that some members of RPF/PLA are present in and around Kakwa Norem Leikai, who are trying to target non-locals and conduct anti-social activities. But they were not able to arrest anyone, he added.

Based on the available information during the search the Imphal East police rushed to Kakching bazaar and were able to arrest Loken, he said.

During interrogation Loken admitted that he shot one non-local on November 20 at Chanchipur following the direction of Anil, continued the SP.

Kabib said later they were able to arrest Anil and Ibomcha (whom Loken handed over the weapon used in the killing of the non-local) from their respective residences.

All the three arrested persons were handed over to Singjamei police station for further legal action, he added.

The SP continued that one the other hand Premjit was arrested after getting specific information about presence of active member of UNLF at Kongba Leishram Leikai.

He said during interrogation he admitted that he was handed over Rs. 2.5 lakhs for distribution to the family members of their outfit and has already distributed Rs. 2.28 lakhs to 46 families through one Chaoba of UNLF. He has been handed over to Irilbung police station for further legal procedure, added the SP.

Meanwhile, five cadres of underground groups were apprehended over the last five days, said a release from police PRO.

Imphal East police commando arrested two active members of RPF/PLA named Thongam Gyanendro Singh alias Ibomcha (56), son of late Th Yaima Singh of Thangmeiband Polem Leikai and Kabrambam Lele Singh alias Kanta (52), son of late K Gourabidhu Singh of Thangmeiband Kabrambam Leikai in a search operation around Kongpal Top Khongnangkhong area on November 19, it said. A 9 mm pistol loaded with 10 rounds of magazine were seized from their possession. A case has been registered at Porompat police station.

In a search operation around Hapta Kangjeibung area on November 20, Imphal East police commando arrested an active RPF/PLA member named Labuktongbam Tejkumar Sharma alias Ibomcha and Oja (52), son of late L Shyamkishwor Sharma of Yaiskul Hiruhanba Leikai, Imphal West, the release said. A case has been registered at Porompat police station.

Imphal West police commando in a search operation around Tata Magic parking of Mayang Imphal Bazar on November 20 arrested an over-ground worker of KCP-MC (progressive) named Khaidem Bijoy Singh alias Meitei (35), son of Kh Iboyaima Singh of Mayang Imphal Ani Longbi Thana Awang Leikai presently residing in Ngaikhong Khullen Bazar, it added. A case has been registered at Mayang Imphal police station.

A team of Thoubal police commando and 6 Assam Rifles in a frisk and check operation at Lilong Tollen Khul in front of Pinnacle academy on November 21 arrested a UPK gang member named Md Kouser Ali (28), son of late Md Abdul Sattar of Lilong Chandakhong Maning Sanakhong, the release said. Investigation revealed that he was involved in the explosion of a Chinese hand grenade at Lilong Yangbi Leikai, it added. A case has been registered at Lilong police station.