Day: December 7, 2017

IMPHAL | Dec 7

The proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (Military Council-Progressive) said the Standing Committee of the party has decided in a meeting that the organisation will put a ban on Sawombung Biramangol College under Imphal East district.  

A release signed by chairman Chingkhei said until the college and the party come to terms under a proper understanding, the ban will stay.  The party has been undertaking measure to root out corruption in Manipur, especially in the education sector as a part of the party’s Operation Mangal (OM), Kangliepak, it said. The party said that the mentioned college was found to be existing under a truly deplorable condition, and discovered that the place has been allegedly turned into a den of corruption by some of the teachers going hand in hand with few MLA’s, the release alleged. 

The party has previously given stern orders that the bribe money collected from the teachers must be returned back, it said adding the incident of collecting such bribe money had happened before during the rule of congress government.

The party has not yet come to any terms with the principal of the college, contrary to what has been claimed by the principal, it continued. Upon meeting the principal on December 4, she allegedly called in the Indian army and Manipur police commando by sending of some people and the area and the commander of Operation Mangal (OM), Moirangthem Paikhomba Meitei alias Prem, who was sitting beside the principal, was allegedly turned over to the police, it said. This has been confirmed by the party, it added. 

The party has not only has put a ban on the college but decided to take actions regardless of any place of time, against the corrupted teachers and the principal of the college, the release further said.  The release appealed that no obstructions are given to the decisions of the party and give united efforts to root out corruption. If any challenges are made to the party by ignoring the provided statements, then they will be solely responsible for the outcome, it added.  The government must also stop taking bribes from educational institutions, it said adding the party is fully prepared to take up intense measures. 

From Our Correspondent

JIRIBAM | Dec 7

The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Jiri – Tamenglong branch vehemently condemned the activities of 37 Assam rifles personnel in which they allegedly arrested innocent villagers, including mentally challenged person from Longphailum under the sub-division of Nungba, Tamenglong.

A statement released by president, Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Jiri-Tamenglong branch, Haokhosiem Singson said the villagers Kapminthang, Nemneihat and Baby Thangpilun was allegedly arrested by personnel of  37 Assam rifles.

The organisation has called for the attention of the concerned authorities against such inhuman act of arresting and detaining a child of one and half month old, along with the parents while on their way to vaccinating their child, it said. The KSO will be compelled to take necessary steps in case of responsible authorities failing to take proper action, it added.

IMPHAL | Dec 7

The eastern army commander, lieutenant general, Abhay Krishna arrived in Manipur on a two days visit from December 7-8, said a release.

He was accompanied by general officer commanding 3 corps, lieutenant general, Anil Chauhan, AVSM, SM, and VSM, it added.

During his visit, the army commander was briefed on the prevailing security situation in the state by the head of Assam rifles in Manipur, major general, Virendra Singh, the release mentioned.

Further, lieutenant general, Abhay Krishna reviewed the operational preparedness of the formations and appreciated the endeavours of security forces in ensuring peace and tranquillity in the state and also urged them to continue their good work in the true spirit of the “Friends of the Manipur”, the release continued.

The release also mentioned that the army commander accompanied by lieutenant general, Anil Chauhan also called on the governor of Manipur, Najama Heptulla, and conveyed his warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Manipur, besides congratulating the state on the successful conduct of the Sangai Festival.

During the said interaction, the close coordination between the state government and security forces with regard to the security of the state was highlighted and well appreciated, the release maintained.

Lastly, general Chauhan, while conveying the unstinted support of his forces for ensuring the well-being of the state, he also emphasised that both the army and the Assam rifles are focused on empowering the children, women and youth of Manipur, the release concluded.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Dec 7

The Nagaland Legislators Forum (NLF) comprising the sitting MLAs of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in its ‘consultative meeting’ held today resolved to urge the Government of India and other “stake holders” to resolve the Naga political problem well before the next assembly election of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. The NLF also resolved to “request” the Election Commission of India to conduct the Nagaland Assembly election only after “an honourable and acceptable solution is reached in regard to the Naga political problem”. Today’s consultative meeting also resolved to “request” the legislators to pass a resolution on similar lines in forthcoming Nagaland Assembly Session to be held on December 14 and 15. 

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in a statement said that the issue dominating every political discourse since Statehood has been settlement of the Naga political issue and till date, it continues to be the main focus of the Government, past and present, and every political party in Nagaland.

Considering the present moment as the most opportune time for the Nagas and the Government of India to resolve the seven decades old Naga political issue, Chief Minister TR Zeliang today called for ‘one vision, one mission and one goal’ in finding a lasting solution to the vexed Naga political problem at the earliest,” the CMO added.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the Consultative Meet of the Nagaland Legislators Forum with Ex-Parliamentarians on Naga Political Issue today at RCEMPA-Jotsoma, Kohima.

Lauding the efforts of the Church, civil societies and the NGOs in facilitating the resolution of the Naga political issue, the Chief Minister recalled that with their contribution and co-operation, the DAN Govt since its installation to office in March 2003, had accorded highest priority to the Naga Political Issue and continues to do so.

“Efforts at bringing about better understanding between the different NNPGs and drawing them closer to each other has been made while numerous resolutions were passed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and other forums to give the right impetus to the Peace Process from time to time,” he said.

Terming the approach of the six Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) that had recently entered into dialogue with the Government of India as ‘truly encouraging’, Zeliang said that the credit for bringing the various factions together on a common platform went to ‘the tribal hohos and its apex bodies, the Church, Civil societies, NGOs and the NNPGs.’

To bolster efforts in facilitation of the peace process, mention may be made that an all Member Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Cabinet led by the Chief Minister had gone to Delhi to urge for an early settlement of the Naga Political issue especially in view of the upcoming Assembly Elections.

Though the delegation could not meet the Prime Minister owing to his busy engagements and tour programs in connection with Assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat, the Team met Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh; Minister DONER, Jitendra Singh; National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval; Deputy NSA & Interlocutor for Naga peace talks, R N Ravi; Secretary to Prime Minister, Bhaskar Khulbe; 6 Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) and NSCN (IM) Leader, Th. Muivah.

Soon after returning from Delhi, the State Cabinet, in its meeting on November 11 took a decision to submit a Memorandum to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on the political issue. This was followed by a meeting of the Parliamentary Working Committee (PWC) in which a 5 Point resolution was adopted.

During the recent visit of the President, Ram Nath Kovind, a representation was submitted portraying the imperative need for resolving the protracted Naga political problem before the ensuing State Assembly Elections. A similar representation is to be submitted to the Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh who will be arriving at Kisama for the Hornbill Festival 2017 on December 8.

IMPHAL | Dec 7

Minister of forests and environment and horticulture and soil conservation, Thounaojam Shyamkumar, today expressed satisfaction at the work of the officials and staff of forest department in nurturing saplings in Tamei, Tamenglong district.

During his visit to Sonpram village, which is located 24 km from Tamenglong district headquarters, the minister along with MLA Tamei assembly constituency, Awangbow Newmai, checked 22,000 saplings and plants which were planted in July, under the state compensatory afforestation fund management and planning authority (CAMPA), and under the supervision of DFO, Tamenglong forest division.

Speaking to media persons, Th. Shyamkumar stated that boosting bamboo harvesting will not only aid the economy of the Tamenglong district but also provide sustainable livelihood to the farmers and help in reducing the practice of Jhoom cultivation.

In this effort, with the consultation of the chief minister, his department intends to send a project plan to the North Eastern Council (NEC), he added.

Further, he mentioned that the state government has already sent a proposal to the Wildlife Sanctuary of India to declare ‘Bunning’, which is located 14 km from Tamei headquarters, as a wildlife sanctuary. To achieve this vision, in consultation with the chief minister, local MLAs and concerned authorities, the forest department will be taking up necessary measures, he continued.

During this visit, minister Th. Shyamkumar also inspected the status of the trees which were planted at Palong, during the Vanamahotsava 2017, by the concerned department under the western forest division, Tamenglong.

On the occasion, MLA Awangbow Newmai expressed his gratitude to minister Th Shyamkumar for visiting Bunning, and also mentioned that as per survey records and reports from the locals, the Bunning area is abundant with a variety of wildlife, such as Black Monkey, Hornbill and other rare animals and birds.

In the two-day visit at the Tamenglong district, besides inaugurating the 5-day long 14th State Level Orange Festival 2014 at the Lower Ground, Tamenglong yesterday, along with MLA Tamei, Awangbow Newmai, the minister also visited several areas under Tamei Assembly Constituency, Tamenglong district.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 7

General secretary of Lilong Haoreibi College Students’ Union, Md. Sabir Ahamed alleged principal of Lilong Haoreibi College, Ushoipokpi, Thoubal district, Md. Sahidur Rahaman of pocketing college funds.

In a statement during a press meet held today Manipur Press Club Sabir said a total of 1760 students who took admission in the college for the session 2017-18. The fees for admission forms forms along is Rs. 92,42,815, and this has been withdrawn by the principal without the consent of college cashier, the student leader claimed.

He said this became known when the students’ union checked the details of official accounts of the college the banks.

“These kind of corrupt practices have become the tradition of the college since long back,” he proclaimed.

Most of the former principals of this college also follow the same corrupt tradition that  Sahidur has embraced, he also charged.

Past students’ union of the college had also made several complaints to the state authority to take action but all to no avail, he further claimed.

At the time of form submission for admission for 2017-18 session, Sahidur brought his own private person to do the official works instead of relying on the college’s own clerical staffs, Sabir alleged.

He further said the principal not only failed to take action against irregular staffs but he himself does not attend college regularly.

“At the time for submission of scholarships forms sponsored by University Grants Commission, UGC, he charged Rs. 50, and then for form verification he charged another Rs. 500 from the students,” Sabir charged.

“Most of the non-government funds of the college are not deposited into the college bank accounts. These instead are diverted to the principal’s personal account,” Sabir further claimed.

Sabir said most of the students studying in the college are of minority community but instead of extending the subsidies minorities are constitutionally entitled to, he charged Rs. 350 more for admission, and this extra went into the principal’s pocket.

If these rampant corrupt practices are not taken note of and stopped by the authority concerned, the careers of students of the college face total elimination, he lamented.

Sabir claimed students have decided to boycott Sahidur from today, and also warned the principal to return the college fund of Rs. 92,04,815 on or before December 9.

He also urged the government to appoint a regular principal soon, and this must be a clean man interested in the welfare of the college and its students. “If our complaint is not heard, we will resort to intense agitation,” Sabir warned.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Dec 7

As part of the ongoing 14th State Level Orange Festival 2017, a seminar was held for orange growers at Indoor Stadium Tamenglong today. As many as 285 orange growers attended the seminar.

The seminar was attended by executive member of ADC Tamenglong, Pouhotlung Panmei as chief guest. It was also attended by deputy commissioner of Tamenglong, Armstrong Pame, SDO of Tamei, Robertsem, SDO of Tamenglong, Kachamthai Pheiga Gangmei along with other dignitaries.

As the resource persons, assistant agriculture officer of Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA), Horticulture and soil Conservator Department, S. Donal Singh spoke on ‘Organic farming and value chain’ while district development manager of NABARD, Tamenglong, P Boicha Meitei spoke on ‘Role of NABARD in rural development with the special reference to horticulture’.

Assistant professor of Department of Soil Science, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Herojit Singh also spoke on soil management for sustainable production of Tamenglong orange. While, associate professor, Department of Horticulture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, RK Dilip Singh, spoke on ‘Cultural practices for sustainable production of Tamenglong Orange and chief technical officer (Plant protection), KVK Thoubal, M Thoithoi Singh spoke on ‘Plant protection for sustainable production of Tamenglong orange’.

In his speech as chief guest, Pouhotlung Panmei said that he planted oranges in his farm but all his efforts went in vain as he could not control the plant disease.

He urged all the participants to listen carefully while attending the seminar and produce more oranges in the next orange festival.

Armstrong Pame and chairman of Village Authority Chairmen Council, Tousem sub-division, Ringthengning also spoke during the occasion.

In the meantime as part of the orange festival, various traditional games were conducted for men and women of Tamenglong.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 7

MLA, Kh. Joykishan said that the main fear of the people of the state is that the framework agreement may bring two administrations in the state which will break the relationship between the people of hills and valley.

He was addressing protesters today during a sit-in protest organised by Thangmeiband United Club demanding the government to assure with proof that  framework agreement will not affect the interest of the state today at D.M. College gate, Imphal.

The MLA said that he believed the framework agreement might not break the territorial integrity of the state but have the fear that it might affect the administration of the state.

He said that union minister of state for home affairs, Kiren Rijiju saying that the agreement is not disclosed as it is a sensitive issue gave more panic to the people of the state as it contains the word “sensitive issue”.

The people of the state support the framework agreement between the NSCN-IM and central government but will not compromise if it affects any single interest of the state, he added.

He announced that he will even leave his MLA seat if required to fight for safeguarding the territorial and emotional integrity of the state.

It is a must for all the people of the state to join hands and stand together as one leaving parties aside to save the integrity of the state, added the MLA.

He said that President Ram Nath Kovind’s statement during the Horn Bill festival “the solution for lasting peace is very near” gave more fear to the people of the state as no one knows the contents of the framework agreement.

As a ruling party, the BJP-led government is responsible to pressure the central government to disclose the contents of the agreement so that steps to modify the agreement can be taken before it is finalised, Joykishan added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 7

In a heroic public gesture, several firms and organisations extended a financial assistance to Chandoi Shanoi, a Tarao boy who sustains severe burn injuries when he came in contact with a high tension, HT, electric wire accidentally on October 20, in his rented house at Poumei colony.

The crowd funding effort was initiated by Nimol Ningombam, chief editor of Phijigi Mani Laktagi: A hidden Treasure, a bi-lingual half yearly journal especially published for differently-abled person.

Nimol partnered with former chief resource person of the Centre for Tribal and Endangered Languages under ministry of Human Resource Development Th. Chandramani in this noble project.

Speaking as a chief guest in today’s informal simple meeting held at conference hall of Raj Medicity, managing director of Imphal Hospital and Research Institution Salam Maipak Singh who donated one lakh from his own pocket said “We organised this meeting with a commitment to humanity. We felt saving the life of Chandoi Shanoiwho belongs to one of the endangering tribe Tarao is the appropriate beginning.”

Recalling the history of Manipur, he pointed out that the Tarao mainly confined in the Chandel district of Manipur was recognised as a distinct tribe of Manipur by the then Maharaja Ching-Thang  Khomba.

But today unfortunately the population of Tarao tribe has dropped to less than 800 and classified, and has been classified as an extinct tribe by UNESCO in the year 2009.

“Since that day various concerned sections in Manipur have been trying to identify the cause for this dwindling population in order to prevent any further shrinkage,” he added.

As this minority community belongs to our state it is our prime duty to protect and safeguard the Tarao tribe at any cost, he emphasised.

Managing director of Raj Medicity acknowledged the commitment of doctors, nurses and staff of Raj Medicity in saving the life of Chandoi Shanoi in his presidential speech said “the blessings of almighty God along and the tireless effort by doctors and nurses of Raj Medicity, the critically injured boy is now safe and will be ready for discharge soon.”

“We had to do everything in our power to save the life of this young Tarao boy”, he added proudly.

The MD of Raj Medicity also declared he would contribute Rs 50000 towards the post hospital recovery of the injured boy.

The lists of other contributors are Relief Centre for the Welfare of Differently- abled Person Manipur Singjamei Chingamathak, Imphal Hospital and Research Institution, RIMS Road, Information Centre for Hill Areas of Manipur (ICHAM), Care Financial Institute Sagolband Tera Lukram Leirak, Salai Holdings Private Limited Sagolband Tera Loukrakpam Leikai, UNESCO Club Manipur Chapter and Maichou Taret and Birdharjh Memorial Charitable Trust, Chennai.

The total cost of the treatment is six lakhs and there is an outstanding due of Rs 4 lakhs still to be cleared.

IMPHAL | Dec 7

Union minister for Power, RK. Singh today hailed Saubhagya (Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana) model launched in Manipur recently under the initiative of power minister of Manipur, Th. Bishwajit as the best model so far.

The Union minister stated this during the conference for Power and Renewable Energy of Ministers of states and UTs held today at New Delhi organised by the Ministries of Power and NRE, Government of India.

The new policy introduced by the Manipur Government, which aimed at maintaining quality has able to bring down the loss from 44.5 percent to 28.6 considerably contributing in the power sector, he said.

Singh further assured the gathering to sanction maximum funds for Manipur besides deputing REC officials to expedite pending paper work to ensure that the state gets 24×7 power supply before claiming that the power system in Manipur is the finest in the country.

Th. Bishwajit, said that the DDUGJY, IPDS and Saubhagya scheme would be completed by 2018.

The conference was also attended by managing directors MSPCL N. Sarat and MSPDCL, Priyokumar Singh.

Chief engineer, PWD and ADB Director Y. Jokumar will also take part in the “New Technology for road construction” due to be held tomorrow at Lucknow.