Day: November 25, 2017

IMPHAL | Nov 25

As a part of the ongoing annual tourism festival- Manipur Sangai Festival, 2017, the first match of 2nd Thailand- Manipur Sepak Takraw Exhibition Match was played today at the Indoor Hall of Khuman Lampak Sports Complex. Deputy Chief Minister  Yumnam Joykumar Singh , Forest Minister  Th. Shyamkumar, Minister Counsellor (Commercial) Royal Thai Embassy  Tharadol Thongruang along with others officials from the Embassy and  Kh. Dorendra, President All Manipur Sepak Takraw Association  graced the Exhibition Match.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said, Manipur and South East Asian Countries especially with Thailand have so many common ways as in terms of the way people are living and food habits. He said, medium of sports and culture are the means to assimilate each other and therefore, these are the areas where Government is trying to work out plans. It will help to enhance people to people contact among the neighbours, knowing each other and extending co-operation in the days to come. While asserting that students from Manipur and Thailand can exchange knowledge in various fields,  Joykumar Singh said, Government will definitely work out plans to enable exchange of students between Manipur and Thailand.

Forest and Environment Minister  Th. Shyamkumar while welcoming the players from Thailand and other foreign delegates said, organising such events will help us to know each other heralding the bond of friendship and love among ourselves.

 Tharadol Thongruang said, Thailand has so many resemblances with Manipur. He said, peoples have almost the same in terms of living, food habits and other ways. As Manipur is in the gateway to the South East Asia, it can play an important role in bringing a cordial relationship among the neighbours in the region. Connectivity has to be increased to enable free flow traffic between the countries. He lauded the contribution made by players of Manipur in the field of sports even in the international level.

A group of students from Thailand will show Classical Dance tomorrow in the concluding match of the Exhibition Match. A colourful Khamba Thoibi Jagoi was also shown today before the match.

IMPHAL | Nov 25

Education Minister  Thokchom Radheshyam Shyam Singh congratulating the passing out young and dedicated 33 Nurse Graduates said that “the first line actors” to take care of the sick, injured, and the needy irrespective of their caste, creed, colour and religion serving all with love and affection are the Nurses.

He added that they are like the sun or the candles that give light to everyone and everywhere. The Minister was speaking at the 2nd Convocation Cum Graduation Day Ceremony at CMC College of Nursing, Koirengei.

Th. Radheshyam described the profession of Nurse as one of the noblest and holiest devoted for the well being of the humanity. If the aspects of doctors and nurse could be combined it would create wonders. He advised the young graduates that if they dream and focused in their goals with the faith in God they all are bound to achieve.

He explained to the young graduates gearing to serve the needy that it is not the completion of their work as professional nurse that matters. But, their duty to one and all, how much love and care they have been able to render and receive, the satisfaction they would get and how many smile and laughter they have been able to bring on someone’s face and had given and received love while serving is the most important, he described.

Vice Chancellor, Manipur University, Prof. Adya Prasad Pandey said that the profession of nurse is neither simple nor very hard. He said to be in this profession is like getting a heavenly opportunity to serve the mankind and must be carried out with devotion. No matter how difficult the situation may be, he advised the students to bear a smile and be polite while carrying out their duty.

Most Rev. Dominic Lumon DD Archbishop Imphal told the newly graduated nurses that they all must bring a difference with their service in someone’s life through love and care.

The convocation was attended by Management, staffs, Students and parents. Certificates and medals were also distributed to the toppers and the graduates.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 25

The 3rd Sangai International Film Festival was today inaugurated by art and culture minister, L. Jayantakumar Singh at MSFDS auditorium, Palace gate. It was organised by Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) in association with Film Forum Manipur.

Inaugurating the function, Jayantakumar said that state Cine Policy, which is an awaited policy for the film fraternity, will be released after Sangai Festival.

A draft policy was earlier uploaded in the art and culture website called The Manipur State Cine Policy, 2016. It stated cinema as a creative economy which would be a combination of industry and business with culture.

He also said that to make proper use of MSFDS Hall, movies or other film related things will be held every Saturdays and Sundays. He stressed that earlier there were Usha Cinema Hall, Imphal Talkies and other places where people used to go for recreation and leisure. Such lifestyle can be revived again as the situation in the state is better state now, he stated.

He urged the film makers of the state to learn as much as they can from the international film festival. “There are many ideas that can be learnt such as common cultural ingredient, their outlook, and their viewpoints and so on,” he pointed out. 

Commissioner of art and culture, M. Lakshmikumar presided over the inaugural function which was also attended by film fraternity and movie lovers.

An Iran film “Two legged Horse” directed by Samira Makhmalbaf opened the film festival. The movie is a 2009 film and revolves around a poor boy that was hired by a wealthy father to carry around his son. The relationship with the two boys and the poor boys’ skills of running was the attracting points of the film.

IMPHAL | Nov 25

 Manipur is culturally a very rich State, Works Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh said today, adding that we also have tremendous talent and potential in every field, but we haven’t fully explored our strengths and potential.

Speaking at the inaugural function of DeltaTech Skill Institute in Senapati district, Minister Biswajit said that this is the time to explore our talents. He said Manipur will be developed when we fully utilise our talents and resources.

Apprising the youth to develop a positive attitude, the Minister said we can achieve our goal only if we work hard. He apprised the youth not to be afraid of failure. We should all understand that our prosperity and development lie in ourselves, he said.

He said hospitality is the fastest growing industry in the entire world. With the upgradation of the Look East Policy to Act East Policy under the initiative of the Prime Minister coupled with the fact that Manipur will be the gateway of India to South East Asia, skill development has become an important aspect, he said.

The Minister said today we are witnessing our talented youth leaving the State in search of jobs and employment elsewhere. He added that if we manage to create more jobs, we would be able to call them back which will not only improve their income but also the State’s economy.

Minister Biswajit said those getting trainings in the aviation sector will certainly be able to receive benefits of the Udey Deshka Aam Nagrik, UDAN scheme which is set to introduce several new flight routes.

Explaining the importance of skill development training, the Minister said that a skilled worker will never be found lying idle or unemployed.

He said we don’t lack in talent, we are the best among the North Eastern States. We have so much potential in tourism, but it is unfortunate that we are unable to showcase our beauty to the outside world.

Minister Biswajit further delved at length on the importance to encourage unity among the people. A single individual or only one section of the society cannot bring development, he said, and added, that every individual has their responsibility towards the development of the society.

Encouraging local entrepreneurs in the State, the Minister also said that if we create more entrepreneur and skilled people we will be able to solve the unemployment problem in the State.

Minister Biswajit further assured to look into the different proposals made by local organisations through separate memorandums.

Later in the evening, Minister Biswajit also laid the foundation stone of the Royal Football Academy at Jamning Katomei, Senapati.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 25

The duty magistrate, Imphal West today remanded an arrested carder of NSCN-K identified as Ajangmei Golmei, 34, son of late Sangambung Gaolmei of Kakulong, Paona Bazar to four days police custody.

The alleged NSCN-K carder was arrested yesterday afternoon by troops of the 8 Assam Rifle posted at Kangchup and was handed over to Lamsang police station.

Regarding the matter the Lamsang police station has taken up an FIR against Ajangmei under FIR no. 4 (11) 2017 Lamsang police under section 20 UA (P) Act.

During interrogation police learned that the arrested NSCN-K carder was enrolled in the party on January 2010 under the influenced of one Angam Kamei who is the town commander of Khoupum.

The investigation officer (IO) of the case prayed before the court to remand the accused person to police custody for further investigation of the case and the court has granted the prayer of the IO.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Nov 25

Principal of Manipur Baptist Convention Higher Secondary School, Kangpokpi, Lenkholal Chongloi, was found dead in a mysterious condition at a forest this morning with several bullet marks on his chest and below his armpit.

Lenkholal Chongloi, commonly known as Sir Helen, a resident of Haijang village near Kangpokpi district headquarters was survived by his wife and five children. He was currently serving as the principal of the recently shifted MBC Higher Secondary School, Kangpokpi from Imphal.

According to sources, the deceased principal, apart from his profession, was an active and enthusiastic hunter. He set out for hunting yesterday afternoon at around 3 pm but he did not returned back till the morning today unlike other days when he used to return at night.

When he did not return till morning, the villagers set out in search of him and much to their sadness, they found the dead body of the principal in the jungle approximately 3 Kilometres away from the village with bullet injuries on his body.

The villagers suspected that his death was not accidental but intentional. However, they have no clue on who could have such intention to kill him.

The dead body was brought into the village this afternoon at around 3:30 pm by the search team and the family immediately lodged an FIR at Kangpokpi Police Station. Later, his dead body was taken to RIMS for post mortem by Kangpokpi Police in the evening.

The dead body bore bullet injury mark on his chest, below his armpit, and few exit mark were there on his head and backside. The bullets were suspected to be of LG bullet, commonly used for hunting purpose by hunters.

Meanwhile, Kangpokpi Mission High School condemned the suspected killing of the principal in the strongest terms and expressed their deepest condolence over his death while conveying their share of pain and grief to the bereave family.

Haijang Village Authority also condemned the incident while sharing the pain and grief of the bereaved family. SHIPS also paid their tributes and condolence to the departed principal while sharing the pain and grief of the family member.

Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) strongly condemned the suspected killing of Lenkholal asked the person(s) involved in the suspected brutal killing to come out openly at the earliest.

Simte, information and publicity secretary of the outfit said that Lenkholal Chongloi aka Sir Helen is a respectable and very responsible person in the Kuki society particularly in the education sector while conveying the organization deepest condolence to the bereave family.

He also said that accidental casualty and unintentional death has occurred amongst the hunters in some occasions. When such unfortunate incident happens, the responsible individual according to the customary law, seek clemency to the victim family and the matter could be settle according to the customary law.

“It is unfortunate on the part of Lenkholal aka Sir Helen that the individual or persons involved in the incident, intentional or accidental, did not come out with clemency till today”, he added.

He further said that if the person(s) involved in the incident of killing of Helen do not come out at the earliest, KRA will investigate the matter and anyone found guilty will be punished accordingly, while the organization will not be held responsible for any action.

The deceased principal burial ceremony will be decided after the post mortem said the family source.

IMPHAL | Nov 25

Chief Minister  N. Biren graced the exhibition match played between the women football teams of Mandalay and Manipur as the chief guest at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium today.

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister  Letpao Haokip, Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution Minister  Karam Shyam, ISPE-MYDA Director Principal  U. Myo Myint Aung and State Level Committee for Actualisation of Act East Policy Convenor  RK Shivachandra, MLAs, top civil and police officers were also present.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister  N. Biren said that the exhibition match was organised to enhance people-to-people contact between the two neighbouring countries on the backdrop of Government of India’s Act East Policy.

Expressing his resentment over harassing some North East youths during an ISL match at Chennai some days back, the Chief Minister said that he had written to the authority concerned to look into the matter.

He said that the Government is trying to promote Manipur’s hospitality, culture and scenic beauty to the world through Manipur Sangai Festival.

The Chief Minister also expressed pleasure on receiving good and positive responses/comments from the visitors who had visited the State during the festival, and also from the delegates who had taken part in the recently concluded North East Development Summit.

Biren further said that an interaction between the journalists of Myanmar and Manipur would be held on November 27 and 28.

28. Myo Myint Aung while speaking at the friendly match said that such initiatives would bring better relation between Manipur and Mandalay.

On behalf of Mandalay people and Government,  U. Myo Myint Aung invited Chief Minister  N. Biren and the people of Manipur to visit Mandalay to attend similar friendly matches to be played between Manipur and Mandalay on January 26 and 27 next year.

In his speech, YAS Minister  Letpao Haokip said that as many as 75 top players of the State are currently taking part in different National and International tournaments, Manipur team appeared weaker when compared with the Mandalay team in today’s match.

However, the Government would try to send maximum number of top players of the State for the friendly matches to be organised next month in Mandalay.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 25

The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System, JCILPS, today said that there will be a public convention on December 1 to discuss the current status of the ILP demand in the state and to deliberate on strategies for future projects.

Convener of the committee, Arjun Telheiba said in a press meet at its office that they have submitted a memorandum to the chief minister on November 8 to create a common solution for ILPS issue in the state and set a dateline of today.

The government however has not given any response till today, he said and for that reason, the committee is organising a public convention.

He said that hill areas civil society organisations have also been consulted for a common demand of ILPS in the state. He said that they have even talked to UNC president four times and are also in consultations with Kuki leaders and both have given positive responses to the idea of working together on the matter.

To get all peoples’ views, a public convention will be held on December 1 at Lamyanba Shanglen and will take important decisions and accordingly will take up steps to pressurise government.

They will decide on whether to start agitation or other awareness campaign accordingly, he added.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL| Nov 25

In a tragic accident, a bridegroom returning from mangani chakouba function died along with five of his friends today in a roadway accident where their vehicle crashed headlong with a 407 Tata mini freight vehicle, both at full speed.

One amongst them who survived the accident is under critical condition at Shija Hospital.

The tragedy occurred today around 2 pm at the roadway connecting to Yairipok from Thoubal near Somendrosana Higher Secondary School, Thoubal Kshetri Leiakai Moirangpali under Thoubla police station.  

The bridegroom who passed away today was Maibam Meghachandra, (18) son of Sanatomba from Khekman Maning Leikai and the remaining people who were also killed in the accident were      Thongam Jupiter, (17) son of Ingocha, Asem Amujao, (17) son of Ibopishak, Maibam Prabin, (17) son of Kumar; three of them hailed from khekman, and  Mutum Malemnganba,(17) son of Bulando, Thoubal who was from Ningombam and lastly, Md. Apik,(17) from Keibung.

Maibam Parbin and Makemnganba succumbed to their injuries after being admitted to Shija Hospital while rest of the four died at the spot. The driver of the car, Okram Premkumar (18), son of Noren from Thoubal Okram is now fighting for his life under critical condition.

Reports from the site said today being the fifth day after his marriage; it was the Mapam Chakouba day for the deceased Meghachandra.

The bride hails from Yairipok Wangkhem Huidrom Leikai. After the ‘Chakouba’ ceremony ended, the bridegroom and his friends were returning to his home at Khekman.

The Chevrolet UVA car (MN05-A-7065), they were riding from Thoubal towards Yairpok crashed at full speed with the Tata 407 (MN04-9801) that was coming towards Yairipok.     

After the accident occurred, Thoubal police along with the people dragged out the dead bodies and the survivor from the car, and they were brought to district hospital, Thoubal. The doctor declared and certified that four of them including the bridegroom as brought dead. The remaining three were further referred to Imphal. Amongst them, M. Prabin and M. Malemgnanba later succumbed to their injuries at Shija Hospital. The drive of the car, Okram premkmar is the last of the survivor.

A case has been taken up by Thoubal police. The driver of the 407 is still absconding and the police are now working on the case.

It may be mentioned here that Mangani chakkouba, is part of the extended Meitei marriage ritual, where the bride and groom are invited to the bride’s parental home for a feast on the fifth day of their marriage.

IMPHAL | Nov 25

The central committee of the proscribed United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has sent its revolutionary greetings to the people on the party’s 53th birth anniversary which falls yesterday.

As a part of the occasion, the yearly report of the party has been released to the public by the Party Central Committee, said a release by the Central Committee, UNLF. The party request the people to analyse the report, provide suggestions and give their support the steps taken up by the party, it said.

In India’s secret war against Manipur and WESEA region, the people have realised the truth that Indian government is waging a war of financial and cultural imperialism in order to permanently subdue the people, it continued.

The massive influx of non-locals and immigrants has caused alarm not only to Manipur but also to the rest of the indigenous people of Western South East Asia, it said. The people should raise the question ‘Who is making these immigrants arrive like flood to WESEA and Manipur?’ it added.

The people must realise that these immigrants are sent in under an agenda of population engineering, it alleged. UNLF firmly believes that the war of independence waged by the people can bring back the sovereignty and independence, resulting in a peaceful and progressive life, it said.   

UNLF Central Committee sends its revolutionary greetings to the member parties of CorCom and other revolutionary organisations which are fighting the war of independence, on its 53th birth anniversary, it added.