Day: December 13, 2017

By Pradip Phanjoubam

NEW DELHI | Dec 13

I am constrained to write this note because of the number of anxious inquiries I have been receiving throughout the day from different sections of the people in Manipur as well as media, including some based in New Delhi, about a meeting a group of people from Manipur, including me, who met with R.N. Ravi, the interlocutor of the Naga Peace talks, in New Delhi, today. This interest has been provoked, I understand, by reports in some sections of the media.

I do this so that people are not led to have an inflated opinion of the importance of the meeting, or unwarranted optimism or pessimism on the possible influence today’s meeting may have on the outcome of the peace process. IFP readers will notice I did not even disclose the information in my own newspaper because I did not think it was so newsworthy or deserving of attention, but from whatever their sources, the information apparently became available to some other newspapers.

We were indeed called upon for suggestions and feedbacks on how things should be taken forward on a matter which is sensitive but important. As in any such meetings, we were simply tasked to listen to each other in the hope that our mutual knowledge of the issue would enriched the general understanding of the problem and that there may come to be some illuminating light shed on the vexed issue in the course of these exchanges.

The interlocutor has been doing such consultations with many other groups routinely in Manipur and Nagaland ever since the Framework Agreement was signed more than two years ago, either whenever he visited these two states, and sometimes in Delhi when this was more convenient.

Our group happens to be just one in this exchange of ideas mechanism.

As to how this group came about, the late respected Prof. Gangmumei Kamei, is to be thanked for. According to Prof. Gangumei, when he approached me, he was asked by the interlocutor to recommend some names from the Meitei community whom he had confidence in to be part of this consultative process.

Prof. Gangmumei listed six names, but according to what he told me, one of them Dr. R.K. Nimai expressed his inability to be part of the group as he was then the advisor to the then government headed by chief minister Okram Ibobi.

Prof. Gangmumei then approached the rest in his list, which included Prof (retd) R.K. Ranjan, Prof. (retd) N. Joykumar, Prof. (retd) Ksh. Bimola and Prof. Amar Yumnam and me. It will be noticed that the late professor was either a close colleague or else the mentor of the names in this list.

The status of the Framework Agreement now seemingly is nothing more or less than what is already in the public domain – which is, it is still being worked on and nothing final has been reached yet.

These meetings are nothing close to recommendatory, and are more like people concerned with the issue opening up their minds to each other so that some way forward not detrimental to the interest of any of the stakeholders may result.

From the impression we have after today’s meeting, there has still not been any real breakthrough on how this matter should be resolved. We do hope there will be one someday soon which is acceptable to every stakeholder.

As readers of IFP will know, I have been writing on this issue consistently from my own assessment of the developments from time to time, and my opinions in these columns were also my feedback forwarded to the interlocutor, and the feedbacks from the other members of the group were all on similar lines.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Dec 13

Under the aegis of Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL-Tangkhul Youth Council) a ‘human chain’ was organised today at Ukhrul.

The human chain was started from Mini Secretariat Complex to UBI Bank, Viewland, Ukhrul and it was organised in support of Framework Agreement 2015 and to expedite the long awaited Indo-Naga Political settlement.

The Tangkhul Longnao also submitted a memorandum addressing to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, through the deputy commissioner of Ukhrul. It mentioned the gratitude to the BJP government for recognising the unique history and situation of the Naga. The memorandum urged the government of India and the Naga leaders to work out for a solution at the earliest which will be mutually acceptable to both the parties. It also mentioned that the framework agreement is the only way for bringing lasting peace between government of India and NSCN (IM). It also strongly objected the outside interference in the process of bringing honourable solution and viewed such interference as an unhealthy development which could only complicate the problems. The memorandum also appealed the Centre not to delay the solution and prolong the peace process.

The memorandum was jointly signed by presidents of Tangkhul Naga Long,  Tangkhul Shanao Long (Tangkhul Women’s League) and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long. The copy of memorandum was also forwarded to interlocutor of the Naga Peace Talk, RN. Ravi and Home minister, government of India, Rajnath Singh.

President of Tangkhul Naga Long, Weapon Zimik urged the two parties to arrive a solution at the earliest and also thanked the government of India for recognising the unique history and identity of the Nagas. Tangkhul Naga Long will extend full support to the framework agreement and urged neighbours civil society to extend support for bringing a peaceful and lasting solution. He also mentioned that the peace process has dragged for too long and called upon expediting the talks for early and lasting solution.

President of Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long, Thanmi LM. Shimray asserted that the Nagas from time immemorial has been independent and living a dignified life. The culture, food habits and way of life are distinct from other culture and the unique identity has been duly recognised by the government of India, he added.

The human chain was taken part by thousands of young and old people.

IMPHAL | Dec 13

Health and Family Welfare minister, L. Jayantakumar Singh has said that society needs ideal mothers to nurture the children for a bright future and for a healthy nation.

The minister was addressing the gatherings as chief guest on the occasion of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matriva Abhiyan (PMSMA) Award Ceremony, at JNIMS auditorium, Porompat today. It was organised by State Health Society, National Health Mission, Manipur.

Jayantakumar further asserted that the government has launched many welfare schemes for the women and children. Officers and Staff of the concerned departments should be sincere enough so that the schemes can reach to the deserving beneficiaries, he added. He also advised all the concerned for judicious use of the sanctioned fund by the government for making the schemes fruitful.

He further stated that giving medical attention with free medical service to the pregnant women will not serve the purpose of the scheme if women are not given education so that they can fully understand the schemes. In fact, the mothers are needed to be intellectually and spiritually sound, he added.

Delivering a presidential speech, director of Health Services, government of Manipur, Dr. K. Rajo Singh said that PMSMA was launched on July 9, 2016 by the Prime Minister of India and it will benefit the women of the country, particularly the pregnant women. In the state, the scheme was launched on August 8, 2016, he added.

As part of the function, awards were distributed to the doctors and health volunteers including nurses in recognition for their services in helping and giving free treatment to the pregnant women in the state.

The function was also attended by director of JNIMS, Dr. Th. Bhimo Singh as guest of honour, along with deputy commissioners, medical experts, doctors, health services staff, staff from NHM and health volunteers.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 13

The High Court of Manipur today disposed and rejected MC (EL Pet) of 2017 filed by Sagolband A.C MLA, RK. Imo against the election petition filed by BJP candidate of Sagolband A.C, Kh. Lokendro.

Imo had filed the counter election petition during April, challenging the election petition filed against him by Lokendro, stating that the petition filed against him is not maintainable to be heard by the court.

The single bench of the high court justice, Kh. Nobin Singh today heard the matter and later disposed and rejected the election petition filed by Imo as the court found merit of the election petition filed by Lokendro.

Mentioned may be made that Lokendro, who was defeated by Imo during the last general election of the state at the margin of only 19 votes, have filed his election petition before the high court.

His petition stated that the numbers of votes which got by the Imo from postal ballots papers have not followed proper election procedure and declaring and Imo being elected as MLA of Sagolband A.C is illegal.

In the meantime the court has fixed the hearing of the election petition filed by Lokendro on December 10.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 13

The construction of three minor irrigation (MI) dams have been found to be completed at paper only for which  44.48 lakhs had been withdrawn as expenditure for construction in Khoupum area, Noney district.

This was found during a field inspection held by Nungba Kendra Citizen Forum with a team of media persons yesterday. The team visited five MI dams in the area and fond that thee three of them have not been constructed at all.

The first is MI dam at Luwanglong Khullen Village under Langthaophai meant to be built under the agency, Achungpao Raimei, for which total tender amount is Rs. 26.14 lakhs and the withdrawn amount is Rs. 8.45 lakhs.

Second is MI dam at Duigumpang river under Khoupum Gaidingjang  meant to be built under the agency, K. Brajeshwor Sharma for which the total tender amount is Rs 26.14 lakhs and withdrawn amount is Rs. 19.02 lakhs, and lastly, MI dam at Lamreithok river under Riangpang.

Not a single trace of construction was found at these three dams though the agencies had withdrawn a total amount of 44.48 lacs.

The dams which have been found actually constructed and functioning since last two years, are MI dam at Longkhuailong Village on Meingchollok river built under the agency Achungpao Raimei, for which total tender amount is Rs. 26.14 lakhs and withdrawn amount is Rs. 10.60 lakhs and MI dam at Lumbanglong village on Khunupu river built under the agency, Achungpao Raimei, total tender amount is Rs. 21.78 lakhs and the withdrawn amount is Rs. 11.51 lakhs.

Speaking to media person on the work site, chairman, Nungba Kendra Citizen Forum (NKDF), Aphuna Gangmei said the forum had urged for a joint field inspection with the department but they refused to co-operate with the forum. He said the data was found on the vide letter numbered CE/MID/RTI/2015-16 dated October 31, of section 6 (I) of the RTI act 2015.

As the department had refused to co-operate, the forum including the media team inspected the work. He condemned the agencies for not constructing MI dams after expenditure amount had been withdrawn from the department.

He appealed the concerned department to take necessary steps against those who had embezzled the funds and complete the construction urgently for the welfare of the people who are settling in the area. If timely steps are not taken NKDF will take necessary actions, Aphuna asserted.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 13

The High Court of Manipur today rejected the prayers of the petitioners counsel to file petitions against the bail objection reports that were submitted by the state government against the former chief minister, Okram Ibobi, MDS former project director, Y. Ningthem, MDS former chairman, DS. Poonia, former chief secretary, O. Nabakishore Singh, MDS former chairman, P.C. Lawmkunga, IAS and MDS administrative officer, S. Ranjit.

In the meantime, as per the directives of the high court, the state government furnished the bail objection reports to the counsels of the petitioners, through the advocate general.

The single bench of the high court, acting chief justice, N. Kotiswor on being heard of the submission made by the counsels of petitioners, fixed December 21 as the day for final hearing of their anticipatory bails.

Later, the court has extended their interim bails till December 21.

Mentioned may be made that on September 5, the high court had granted interim bail for former chief minister till September 20 after he filed his anticipatory bail petition before the court on apprehension of possible arrest by the police in connection the MDS scam case which was registered under FIR No.244 (9)2017 IPS u/s 420/406/120-B/409/34 IPC and 13(2) Prevention of Corruption (PC) against him and five other persons relating to mismanagement of MDS funds.

Moreover, the court has directed the former chief minister not to have any communication with the five other persons and not to leave the country.

The FIR was registered on September 1, after under joint secretary, state planning department, Th. Muhindro directed the SP Imphal West, Themgthing Ngashanva to register an FIR for investigation on the basis of the findings of an inquiry conducted by the State Vigilance Commission into alleged financial irregularities of Rs. 185.79 crores in MDS.

In connection with the case police has raided the house of Ningthem at Lamlongei Maning Leikai, Mantripukhri from September 4 till 7.

On September 4, the district and session judge, Imphal west rejected the anticipatory bail application filed by S. Ranjit as the charged level against him is considered as criminal breach of trust, cheating, conspiracy and criminal conduct by a public servant, which are of serious offences.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 13

A programme under the theme “Women’s Voice” was organised today by Women Action for Development in collaboration with United NGOs Mission Manipur, Centre for Social Development and Youth Forum for Protection of Human Rights at Imphal Hotel.

Head of English department, DM College, Ch. Sheelaramani, who attended the programme, said that in a patriarchal society such as Manipur, women need to be more vocal and work smarter to have equal status in the society.

She said that women need to stand up and empower themselves to be equal with men, and should become capable workers to acquire total women empowerment.

Sheelaramani also pointed out that gender based violence is still an ultimate outcome of patriarchal society of the state. Women have no identity and no name is a patriarchal society, she also pointed out.

She further said that AFSPA is a male dominated law which show masculinity, she said, it also criminalised day to day life and leads to feminisation of poverty, which is a phenomenon in which women represent disproportionate percentages of the world’s poor. 

Priyadarshini Gangte, lecturer at Christian Damdei College, delivering her speech said that in the context of Manipur’s history, women are allegedly regarded as a sex symbol. Starting with the dress code of women, she said that women are judged with every flaws and this needs to be changed.

She proposed that a syllabus dedicating wholly to women studies should be introduced in universities. Giving her justification, she said that most syllabuses are made of stories about men and, thoughts and justifications of men, but not of women.

President of Rongmei Lu Phuam, Panti Golmei also spoke during the function as resource person.

The function is about empowering women and held in connection with 16 days activism protesting violence against women, she said.

Women from all walks of life, be it academics, health professionals, filmmakers, media and others attended the function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 13

A programme under the theme “Women’s Voice” was organised today by Women Action for Development in collaboration with United NGOs Mission Manipur, Centre for Social Development and Youth Forum for Protection of Human Rights at Imphal Hotel.

Head of English department, DM College, Ch. Sheelaramani, who attended the programme, said that in a patriarchal society such as Manipur, women need to be more vocal and work smarter to have equal status in the society.

She said that women need to stand up and empower themselves to be equal with men, and should become capable workers to acquire total women empowerment.

Sheelaramani also pointed out that gender based violence is still an ultimate outcome of patriarchal society of the state. Women have no identity and no name is a patriarchal society, she also pointed out.

She further said that AFSPA is a male dominated law which show masculinity, she said, it also criminalised day to day life and leads to feminisation of poverty, which is a phenomenon in which women represent disproportionate percentages of the world’s poor. 

Priyadarshini Gangte, lecturer at Christian Damdei College, delivering her speech said that in the context of Manipur’s history, women are allegedly regarded as a sex symbol. Starting with the dress code of women, she said that women are judged with every flaws and this needs to be changed.

She proposed that a syllabus dedicating wholly to women studies should be introduced in universities. Giving her justification, she said that most syllabuses are made of stories about men and, thoughts and justifications of men, but not of women.

President of Rongmei Lu Phuam, Panti Golmei also spoke during the function as resource person.

The function is about empowering women and held in connection with 16 days activism protesting violence against women, she said.

Women from all walks of life, be it academics, health professionals, filmmakers, media and others attended the function.