Month: January 2018

IMPHAL | Jan 9

Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly, Y. Khemchand Singh has sent blessings and well wishes to the theatre groups of Manipur who will be attending the 8th Theatre Olympics, otherwise known as the biggest theatre festival of the world, to be hosted by India from February 17 to March 8.

A release said the festival will be held at various places of India including Manipur. The theatre groups that will be attending the festival are Kalakshetra Manipur, Chorus Repertory Theatre, Kanglei Mime Theatre Repertory, NT Theatre, Blooming Cultural Akademi of Performing Arts, Treasure Art Association, The Umbilical Theatre, Nachom Arts Foundation and Sangai Arts Association. The news is uplifting and makes one feels proud, it said. Let these theatre groups attending the prestigious festival showcase their talents and bring laurels to the state, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Jan 9

An electric vehicle conversion kit developed under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 to convert the fuel car into electric car will be available in the markets soon. 

This kit supported by 48V and 100AH lithium ion battery with appropriate motor will replace the engine of the old vehicle. The fully charged battery can run the distance up to 30 Km with the highest speed of 42Km/hour”, said Robindro Lairenlakpam, senior scientist of council of scientific and industrial research (CSIR) – Indian Institute of Petroleum who is also the production head in-charge of the electronic kit. 

Breaking this news at Manipur Press Club, today, Robindro said the project is still under the process of improving and upgrading the technology that can cover the total distance of 100 Km. “Within few months EV conversion kit would be available in the market”, he added.

He appealed to all the youth who are in the field of electronic and electrical engineering to extend their support so that the project may be fruitful in our state very soon and it would also help in diminishing the unemployment problem.

Robindro said India government under the leadership of Narendra Modi had planned to introduce 6-7 lakhs of electronic and hybrid vehicle by 2020 with the motive of reducing access use of fuel.

This target would help in saving 1.5-2 million tonnes of crude oil. As of now 80% of fuel is importing from other countries and only 20% is generating from our own country. And currently India government aimed at reduction of crude oil import by 10%. In order to achieve this target alternative technologies that can replace the fuel are being developed, added Robindro.

He further continued that production of this electronic kit would also contribute to achieve the target.

Another main advantage of the converter kit is that it can convert fuel vehicle into zero smoke in a cost effective manner, said Robindro.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Jan 9

Despite of boycott by various civil societies of Kabui and Zeliangrong organisations, Rongmei People’s Convention organised by Rongmei Naga People’s Organisation is under good progress.

Excluding Tamenglong town, as many as 700 delegates from 142 villages from nook and corner of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur are attending convention.

The convention resolved 10 important resolutions in the first session chaired by Dichamang Pamei, and Gwangphun Gangmei as session secretary, while Aguangmei Gonmei attended as facilitator in the first session.

The convention reaffirmed and declared that the identity of Rongmei people as enshrined in the constitution of India is Rongmei and nomenclature shall be used as Rongmei. It was declared that Rongmei Naga People Organisation (RNPO) is the apex body to which every Rongmei shall subscribe or recognise and pay all allegiance with obligation.

It was also affirmed that Rongmei people shall no longer be a part of Zeliangrong Union and Zeliangrong Baudi until common platform is consensus constituted by kindred tribes council or organisation.

Having understood and asserted that Zeliangrong is coined composite nomenclature and is not a tribe, Rongmei as a distinct tribe shall represent in all concerned organisation in the regional, national and international arena.

The Rongmei people are sole owners and have the absolute authority over the land and resources, the convention observed.

The convention declared that the history, legacies of legendary personalities, ancestral traditions, arts and cultures of the Rongmei shall be preserved, promoted and archived in well documented forms. Moreover, the original native names of rivers, lakes, mountains, villages, roads and others within the jurisdiction of Rongmei habitat shall be reinstated and also conserve the biodiversity of the land.

It was affirmed and declared that the Rongmei people reiterate its support for early and inclusive settlement of the protracted Indo-Naga political issue. The Rongmei inhabited areas are peace zone and that any sort of factional feuds or violence should be stopped. Henceforth, all parties or groups must come forward for resolving the differences in the interests of the people, maintained the convention.

During the convention today at Tamenglong HQ, it was proclaimed that every Rongmei individual shall strive to promote, propagate and practice the principles with strict adherence and compliance toward realising the vision and aspiration of the people.

In the noon session, former MLAs including Khangthuanang Panmei, Janghemlung and Jangamlung Panmei attended as chief host. It was also attended by ADC executive members including Ramning Pame and Poukinlung.

Various IAS, MCS, advocates and others officers from Rongmei tribe attended the programme.

In his presidential address at the noon session, president of RNPO, Namgai Gonmei said that as human being, it is necessary to have an identity. He said that Haipou Jadonang was killed for raising his voice against the British ruler for indigenous rights. Many other Rongmei intellectuals were killed on account of demanding indigenous rights, however people have now seen that Rongmei’s struggled is for Naga cause as a whole. Rongmei Naga People’s Organisation have targeted that Rongmei tribe should live at international status by 2050, he added.

IMPHAL | Jan 9

Launching the brand name ‘Organic Manipur’, horticulture and soil conservation minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar said the organic products of the farmers working under the department will be sold under the brand name.

Shyamkumar launched the brand name and released the 2018 yearly calendar of Organic Manipur at his residential office at Kangla Park. Addressing media persons, he said the Centre has been providing livelihood to the organic farmers of the state under various schemes. The farmers need not worry as their produces will be sold under the brand name.

As concerned to the rising cases of health issues and diseases Shyamkumar stressed on the need for switching to organic cultivation and usage of vermicompost instead of chemical fertilisers. He also informed that the department is working hard to provide loan to make vermicompost to the farmers of the state in collaboration with the banks soon. Appreciating the farmers for cooperating with the department, he expressed his hope that farmers in collaboration with the departments of horticulture and agriculture can take up more developmental work including increasing the yield and exploring other areas.

Debadutta Sharma, project officer, Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) said in the first year of organic cultivation the agency covered an area of 5,000 hectares of land out of which 2,000 hectares of land was used for cultivating black rice or aromatic rice (chak-hao) in the valley districts. Meanwhile 3,000 hectares of land was used for cultivation of ginger, turmeric, orange, lemon, pineapple and king chilli (u-morok) in an area of 500 hectares of land equally in 6 hill districts.

He said the state this year will get the C2 certificate (organic certification) which is given after 3 years of continuous organic cultivation. Once the certification is procured the organically certified products of the state can be sold under the brand name ‘Organic Manipur’ worldwide.  The organic products of the farmers will be processed in an integrated processing unit (which will be established later) that is where brand name is needed so that the products of the state can be packaged and marketed. The organic products of the state can be recognised with the brand name ‘Organic Manipur’. For promotion of organic products Shyamkumar has approved to open more organic outlets in the state, he added.

In order to promote healthy lifestyle among the citizens of the State, ‘Organic Outlet’ was opened at Sanjenthong by Shyamkumar on November 20 last year, which is the first organic outlet in the north east India selling organic produces/products of the farmers under MOMA. The organic outlet was opened under the Mission Organic Chain Development for North East Region (MOCD-NER).

Instituted as the nodal agency for the central scheme MOCD-NER of the union ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare, MOMA functions under the aegis of the horticulture and soil conservation department.

1. Radhakishore Singh, MLA Oinam A/C who is also the chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB) and Parul Mehta, junior marketing officer, union ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare were also present at the event.

IMPHAL | Jan 9

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Indian Science Congress in Imphal said Governor of Manipur Dr. Najma Heptulla during a press conference held at Raj Bhavan today.

The Governor informed that the Prime Minister would be inaugurating the Indian Science Congress (ISC) in Imphal which will be held from March 16 to 20. She said that she have been associated with the science congress since long time back and said it is a good institution indeed. Eminent scientists will visit Manipur on two aspects, to see biodiversity and doing more research work in natural resources. Huge number of delegates and scientists would visit the state during the science congress, the Governor said. Besides, Nobel laureates are expected to attend the Congress too.

The Governor said she had requested ministry of civil aviation for introducing direct flight from Delhi to Imphal. Finally, Air India has introduced Delhi- Imphal direct flight service from January 2 considering the public demand. There would be two flights in a week on Sunday and Tuesday as of now. Governor said, Union minister of Civil Aviation has made this announcement during Sangai Festival in Imphal.  Governor said, she took the flight from Delhi to Imphal today and it took only two and half hour. Direct flight has made Manipur closer to Delhi and flying time has been reduced. We should have more direct flights from other states specially from Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai as well so that more tourist will come to Manipur and it would promote tourism in the state. She opined that other airlines will also introduce more direct flights from other states to Imphal in due course of time.

The Governor also said she is working for Flying dispensaries, if this has started, people living in far flung areas will be benefited.  Livelihood mission will start shortly in Manipur. Ours boys who are good entrepreneurs should be trained properly.  Sankritan is a tangible art which been accepted by UNESCO in 2013. We are going to have a lecture shortly in connection with Sankritan.  It also practises in the far east Asian countries. On cultural background we can unite moreover, it would be a point of unity.

On Loktak lake, the Governor said it should be clean first, than a lot can be done like water skating, boat race, para sailing etc. She has requested ministry of DoNER for cleaning the water and water resources ministry should take care of it.  Treatment plant should be there to enable the Loktak lake clean, added the Governor.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Jan 8

Demanding justice in Pravish Chanam’s unnatural death, hundreds of demonstrators took out a mass torch rally at Khurai area in Imphal East today even as home minister Rajnath assured six women leaders of Manipur to take up necessary steps at his best.

The six leaders of different women organisations, who left for Delhi on January 1, today met home minister Rajnath. The women team urged the home minister to find out the fact behind the death of Pravish. They reminded Pravish was cremated unannounced even though a missing report had been filed to the police. They urged the home minister to hand over the case to CBI.

The women team also highlighted such cases faced by many north easterners in Delhi.

Rajnath assured them that he would do whatever he can regard the case of the incident happened four months ago and expressed that he understands the sentiment of the people of Manipur. He also assured to discuss the case with the UP chief minister.  

The demonstrators at Khurai raised slogans “stop racial discrimination”, “we want justice”, “we condemned the dead of Pravish”, “handover the case to CBI”.

Pravish was found missing from a musical concert site on September 8 and found cremated by authority of Dr. BR Ambedkar hospital in Noida as unclaimed body.

People have been complaining that the government fails to bring justice to the mysterious dead of Pravish since September last year. Many organisations have raised equal voice on justice for Pravish and to stop racial discrimination but the governments still failed to bring out impactful response to the public.

Other than Pravish there are many such missing and found death cases which are still under mystery.

The mass rally at Khurai was jointly organised by Public Affairs and Reformation Centre, Paragon Club, Meira Paibi Mother’s Association, Khurai Sajor Leikai and Chingangbam Leikai, Tinsid Road, Nongpok Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Lup (Nonglampan) and Netaji memorial Club.

The rally was set out from Paragon Club Khurai Chingangbam Leikai headed towards JNIMS road but a team of Imphal East police stopped the rally at Porompat from proceeding.

President of state BJP unit, K. Bhavananda, union minister of state for home affairs, Kiren Rijiju helped the six women leaders to meet Rajnath.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Jan 9

State Platform for Disabled People’s Organisation (SPDPO) has appealed the social welfare department not to reject the grant-in-aid schemes for the differently abled persons.

Yunus Khan president of the organisation made the appeal during a press meet held at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul today. The social welfare department used to give grant-in-aid as a scheme given to the disabled person to run non-governmental organisation (NGO). Due to coming up of skill development programme social welfare department has decided to reject the schemes, said Yunus Khan.

He appealed not to reject such schemes as there are remote areas where the department fails to reach. The NGOs are working intensely for the welfare of disabled in such areas, said Yunus Khan.

Saying that scholarship amounts for the year 2016-17 which should be released before the end of March 2017 is being released in this year only Yunus Khan  appealed to release the scholarship for 2017-18 before the financial year ends.

During International Disabled day observation SPDPO submitted a memorandum which consists of eighteen demands for the welfare of disabled person. Yunus appealed chief minister to take necessary action to fulfil the demands.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Jan 9

Extra-judicial Execution Victim Families Association, Manipur (EEVFAM) president Takhellembam Renu appreciated the stance of head constable Thounaojam Herojit to divulge insider information which point to systematic institutionalization of fake encounters in the state.

Addressing a press conference at EEVFAM office at Kwaikeithel today, the activist pointed out that the hearing held by the Supreme Court yesterday is a positive direction in bringing justice to the families of the fake encounter victims. She, however, lamented that the CBI is not taking up the investigation process in its entirety.

Renu said that only a fraction of the 92 cases inquired by the CBI special investigation team are being investigated. “First investigation reports have been registered in only 11 cases. This is not exactly what we had expected. The investigation seems lethargic,” she lamented.

She further stated that the families of the victims of fake encounter killings are awaiting the verdict of the Supreme Court in the hope that justice will be delivered.

She said that the status report of the other remaining cases will be given on Jan 15 and further that the CBI director has been directed to make a personal appearance the next day. “We hope that some positive developments will come up,” she said.

Pointing to Herojit and his affidavit submitted, Renu contended that the stance of the head constable is much appreciated and he may not be the only one involved in such fake encounter killings. We know that he will also be punished but he acted under orders given by his superiors. We want the other higher authorities to also be held accountable. We still have no justice yet,” Renu asserted.

Basanta Wareppa, a human lights lawyer assisting the EEVFAM petitioner said that the case taken up by the Supreme Court in regard to accepting Herojit’s affidavit is a positive sign. “We have given footages to the court which supports Herojit’s claim in regard to the BT fake encounter incident. His affidavit stating that he maintained dairies of fake encounters brings another new light to the case. We have also submitted video-graphic evidence to the court too,” Basanta said.

EEVFAM members maintained in the conference that they expect justice to be done by the Supreme Court and appeals to the public to co-operate with the proceedings of the case in the future.  

Rich tributes paid to Maharaj Gambhir Singh on death anniversary

IMPHAL | Jan 9 (DIPR)

Chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh today promised to develop the Samadhi of Maharaja Gambhir Singh, located at Langthabal as a historical site. He made the promise during the 184th death anniversary observance of Maharaja Gambhir Singh held at the Samadhi.

The observance was organised by state archaeology, department of art and culture.

Speaking as chief guest, Biren Singh said a museum would also be developed inside the premises of the Samadhi to enlighten the youths and present generation about the supreme sacrifices made by our forefathers during the Seven Years Devastation (1819-1826) to liberate Manipur.

He asked the concerned minister and officials of the art and culture department to discuss with a reputed international firm or consultant for the development and beautification of the place.

He also urged the department to install the statues of Nara Singh and Herachandra as well inside the Samadi of Maharaja Gambhir Singh.

The chief minister directed the department to consult historians and subject experts and to prepare a blue print and detailed project report for the development of the Samadhi.

“The prepared project report should be submitted to the planning department. If the project needs more money, then the government would approach NEC or NLCPR,” added the chief minister.

Biren said we should feel proud about the supreme sacrifices and valour made by Maharaja Gambhir Singh, Nara Singh and Herachandra for the liberation of Manipur from the clutches of the Burmese following the Seven Years Devastation.

He mentioned that history is a fact which can be neither manipulated nor distorted by us. “History taught us a lesson that disunity among ourselves was the main reason for the invasion by the foreign powers. If we want a united Manipur then we should leave aside the greed and selfish desires,” he added.

The chief minister said politicians would never succeed if they do not possess the nationalistic characteristics. If they possess such quality then there would be visible changes in the state, he added.

He further maintained that they should be able to make sacrifice and commitment for the welfare, development and prosperity of the state. Those who don’t have patriotic feeling and love for the country wouldn’t do anything good for the people and society at large, he added.

He appealed to the people of the state to leave aside the idea of self-interest but rather think for inclusive growth and development. He urged them to do some productive work together to bring some positive changes in the state rather wasting precious time.

The chief minister led others in paying floral tributes to the portraits of Maharaja Gambhir Singh and Nara Singh. A contingent of Manipur Rifles offered guard of honour and observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to Gambhir Singh, Nara Singh and others.

Minister for art and culture L. Jayantakumar Singh in his presidential speech said the role of the government is to protect the territorial integrity and to uphold the sovereignty of the state. It is the responsibility of the government to work for the welfare of the people of the state.

The government needs love, support and participation of the people to bring inclusive development in the state. Every issue can be resolved through dialogues, he added.

Minister for CAF and PD Karam Shyam, minister for education Th. Radheshyam, chairman MANIDCO Dr. Y. Radheshyam, MLAs S. Subhaschandra, P. Brojen, S. Bira Singh, Y. Surchandra, L. Susindro Meitei, top civil and police officials and others attended the function.

IMPHAL | Jan 9

The Kangleipak Student’s Association (KSA) has vehemently condemned Bishnupur police’s alleged atrocity on January 8, in which three college students were reportedly arrested, beaten and harassed at the police station, the family members threatened and money taken from the students.    

A release said two students studying at Imphal College and one studying at Thambal Marik College had come for a haircut at Bishnupur Bazar around 12. 30 when they were picked up by a team of Bishnupur police. They were beaten and threatened by allegedly by making several false charges by the police, it said. The senior members of the family were also threatened and the students were later released after taking money from them, the release alleged.

It is appealed to the CM to draw his attention to the issue and suspend the police officials namely SDPO, Binoy and SI Devjit who are allegedly involved in violating the students who are workers of KSA Bishnupur District Council, it said. It is most unfortunate that the workers of the organisation which is working hard for the betterment of students, were threatened and arrested under false charges, the release maintained. Even if Anti Corruption cells are opened, Bishnupur police have arrested students under false charges and released later after allegedly extorting money out of them. Therefore, the chief minister is appealed to suspend the mentioned officials and take appropriate actions against them, it added.