Author: Imphal Free Press

Super special incentive for the state FIFA players, if team victorious

IMPHAL | Sept 29

Conveying heartiest congratulations to the eight footballers from the state who made the cut in the Indian squad for FIFA U-17 World Cup, youth affairs and sports minister Letpao Haokip wished them and the Indian team all success in their campaign.

“Really it is very heartening that eight boys from Manipur are representing the country in the U-17 FIFA world cup. I wish them the best of luck. I also thank the players for their hard-works which earned them a place in the Indian football squad. We, the people of Manipur are with them. They are the face of Manipur,” Letpao said in a press meet held at the secretariat conference hall today.

Letpao, who himself was a professional footballer, announced Rs. 10,000 each to the eight players from his personal end as a token of encouragement.

The minister said that the government has a policy for awarding special incentives to international players from the state. He said every sports person who represented the state or the country in international arenas are given Rs. 5 lakh cash incentive. The same will be applied to the eight footballers selected to represent India in the U-17 World Cup, Letpao said.

“A super special incentive for the players are planned by the government if the players win gold medal,” he said while refusing to disclose what ‘this super special incentive’ would be.

The eight players from Manipur who are in the Indian U-17 FIFA World Cup squad are Dheeraj S. Moirangthem (GK), Boris Singh Thangjam (Defender), Suresh Singh Wahengbam (MF), Nongdamba Naorem (MF), Mohammad Shahjahan (MF), Khumanthem Ningthounganba (MF), Jackson Singh Thounaojam (MF) and Amarjit Singh Kiyam (MF).

The minister also congratulated referee Thumli Joysing Monsang of Chandel on being selected by Professional Games Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) for a programme in collaboration with All India Football Federation (AIFF) and IMG.

“I feel proud of him,” he said adding that it is a matter of pride for Manipur as well as India to see a young referee got selected to undergo such course. The minister also promised possible financial assistance from his side before he leaves for the course.

The Minister said that incentives would be given to all players in recognised disciplines who participated in national/international events through proper channel.

There is five percent job reservations for sports persons in every recruitment. In some cases,

outstanding sportspersons are given government jobs immediately by creating suitable posts in commensuration with their qualification.

Letpao also said that playground development in the grassroots level will be taken up under Khelo India project.

Replying to a query, the minister said sports infrastructure construction which are left unfinished in every district of the state would be completed by the present government at the earliest.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 29

Works minister, Th. Bishwajit Singh strongly refuted the allegations made by an editor of a local daily during morning news analysis programme of All India Radio (AIR) Thursday, against the works department, terming it as unfortunate.

The editor of the local daily during the talk show reportedly criticized the present government particularly works department for its alleged failure to repair roads in Imphal dotted with potholes.

Addressing a press conference at his office, the minister regretted the editor’s allegations for being ignorant and unbecoming for a senior journalist.

Bishwajit claimed the editor has entirely neglected the fact that Manipur this time has come under unpredictable onslaught of inclement weather at an unprecedented scale.

Incessant rains has brought floods in the state for the fifth time besides triggering widespread landslides in the hills leaving trails of destruction, he said.

Nevertheless, the government has been doing its best in responding to the prevailing situation and taking necessary measures, he asserted.

The minister pointed out that even before the recently concluded budget session the department has taken up repairing works to fill potholes in Imphal taking into consideration the immediate need.

However, constant rains and floodings have reduced the repairs worthless, he added.

To avoid wasting of unnecessary time and funds taking up frequent temporary repairs citing unpredictable weather the department has made plans to give a proper facelift of the entire state, maintained the minister.

Stating that necessary planning is almost complete, he assured to bring about a substantial change of the entire structure including road conditions, drainage system of the state by March.  He appealed to the public to bear with the department.

Further countering the criticism, the works minister dared the critic to take the responsibility of taking up works during rainy season.

Bishwajit, who is also holding the portfolio of power, further gave his best shot to provide uninterrupted electricity during the upcoming under 17-FIFA football world cup due to begin from October.

IMPHAL | Sept 29

State administrative reforms and training minister Thongam Biswajit Singh has called upon the fresh Manipur Civil Services/ Manipur Police Service/ Manipur Secretariat Service/ Junior Manipur Civil Services/ Election Officers to utilise their acquired knowledge to the best level while performing their newly assigned duties.

The minister was speaking at the closing function of the foundation training course of the newly recruited MCS/MPS/MSS/Jr.MCS/EO. The function was held at the State Academy of Training, Takyelpat.

Biswajit said the young officers should be hard working and to serve the people with dedication. Altogether 84 trainee officers attended the training course.

As part of the closing function, the minister also handed laptops and certificated to the trainee officers. The trainee officers also performed various cultural items as part of the closing function.

IMPHAL | Sept 28

General officer commanding 3 Corps, Lieutenant general Anil Chauhan has arrived in the state on a two day visit from today.

A release said the senior army commander is responsible for ensuring security of the Indian borders as well as for countering insurgency in the south-eastern states of the North East India.

It said that the Army General, accompanied by the Head of Assam Rifles in Manipur -General Virender Singh, called on the chief minister, N. Biren Singh yesterday evening.

General Chauhan conveyed his warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Durga Puja, it said adding that during the meeting the general officer discussed the security and law and order situation in the state with the chief minister and assured him of the Army’s commitment to working towards bringing lasting peace in the region.

It further said that general Virender Singh, while conveying the unstinted support of his forces for ensuring the well being of the state, emphasized on the fact that a vast majority of the Assam Rifles are from in and around Manipur and added that being sons of the soil themselves, they are passionately contributing towards advancement of the state in their own sphere of work.

Besides assisting the civil administration in maintaining peace, they are mainly focussed on empowering the children, women and youth of the state to attain financial sustainability and a secure future, it added.

The Assam Rifles is also making a concerted effort towards harnessing the immense talent available in the state in an array of different sporting activities and in the field of art and literature which is being done by providing them with guidance, counselling, training and suitable platforms to showcase their talent, it said.

Upcoming city’s Night Plaza given “Imphal Evening” tag

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 28

The Manipur State Co-operative Bank Limited (MSCB) has today disbursed loans to 642 persons involving a sum of Rs.2, 25, 08, 500 to credit-starved people of the state in the presence of the chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh.

Addressing the gathering, the chief minister said that a scheme especially for differently abled persons will be launched in the first week of next month.

Biren said that under the scheme, partially disabled people will be given loans to start their own business or employment and totally disabled persons will be given monthly pension of Rs. 2000.

He urged the banks, both private and public banks, to help the poor and differently abled persons by giving customer-friendly procedures and maintaining corpus fund, appreciating MSCB and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development’s (NABARD) initiatives in maintaining a good and stable economy.

The chief minister also announced that President Ram Nath Kovind will be inaugurating this year state’s annual tourism event Sangai Festival on November 21. Ambassadors from 15 countries will come to take part in the event to study potential of investment in the state, he continued.

Biren also announced that the proposed Night Plaza which will be held from October 2 will be called “Imphal Evening”. 

The programme was also attended by social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen and MAHUD minister Th. Shyamkumar Singh as president and guest of honour, respectively.

Giving the keynote address, managing director of MSCB, A. Subhash Singh said as the apex cooperative bank of the state, they are extending credit facilities to the credit-starved people of the state like agriculturists, businessmen, weavers and consumer co-operatives, women vendors and so on.

Four credit facilities were distributed namely Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Ima Credit Card (ICC), Piggery financing and dairy value chain financing under NABARD’s area development scheme.

The bank disbursed KCC loan to 420 farmers from 17 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) ranging from a minimum of Rs.15,000 to a maximum of Rs.30,000 per farmer totalling to Rs.72,16,500.

MSCB donated Rs.1,00,000 to the CM’s Relief Fund during the function. An ATM of the bank was also inaugurated on the ground floor of the bank building.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 28

Chairperson of 17th Manipur Integrity and Solidarity Day observance committee, Ph. Shakhi Leima alleged that India government loves Manipur’s land not the people.

Addressing Manipur Integrity and Solidarity Day today at Lamyanba Shanglen, Konung Mamang, Shakhi said Manipur has been protecting by various ethnic groups since time immemorial both in hill and valleys. But in recent years the centre has been trying to destroy the integrity of Manipur by using NSCN(IM) as a main weapon, she charged.

Centre is playing divide and rule policy by destroying the bond between the various ethnic groups, but it has been a failure, she said.

The people of the state are different from other states in looks and in many other qualities. Due to the difference Manipuris people will be discriminated forever and it may not be possible to live together like a family, she claimed.

She charged that centre has been sending homeless people from other states to Manipur.

Shakhi said if the contents of the ‘Framework Agreement’ do not affect Manipur’s integrity, it should be made public.

“The integrity of the state will not be compromised at any cost. If the framework agreement affects the integrity of the state Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) and National Identity Protection Council (NIPCO) will fight against it,” she added.

Advisor of Kuki Women Union Manipur, Rose Manshi Haokip said the contents of the ‘Framework Agreement’ are not known to state government. If the contents are against the state integrity, all ethnic groups must unite to save Manipur, she said.

Reacting to opposition to the creation of new districts, Rose said the new districts are for administrative convenience and not to divide the ethnic groups.

If people of hills and valleys unite as one, it will be impossible for Centre to disintegrate Manipur. Centre should clarify on the contents of ‘Framework Agreement’ at the earliest, she demanded.

Vice-chairman of observance committee, Oinam Premjit told the media that there is apprehension, that the ‘Framework Agreement’ may affect territorial integrity of the state. People must stand united fight for the state, he said.

President of Aimol Tribe Union Manipur (ATUM), Rt. Akhel Aimol, spokesperson of Chiru Union, North east, Angam Zatung Chiru, general secretary of Manipur Muslim Online Forum, Md. Nasir Khan and department of anthropology, Manipur University Prof W. Nabakumar, department of economics, Manipur University, Prof Ch. Priyoranjan also attended the function as presidium members and resource persons.

IMPHAL | Sept 28

There will be a planned power shutdown from 7:30 am to 9:30 am in and around Secretariat and Babupara areas on September 29, due to continuation of repairing of GO Set at Kangla Southern Gate, said a press statement by deputy general manager, IED-1, MSPDCL.

IMPHAL | Sept 28

Karam Shyam, minister, consumer affairs, food and public distribution said the State government is now able to regularly supply kerosene oil to the beneficiaries after oil adulteration was put into check.

Speaking to the media at his official quarter at Sanjenthong, the minister said the allegation levelled by the spokesperson of a political party against the government is incorrect and baseless.

The minister further accused Indian Oil Corporation of creating an artificial scarcity of LPG cylinders in the state. Expressing concern over the inconveniences faced by the consumers due to LPG scarcity, Shyam reiterated the government is committed to solve the problem. 

Further he said that he has given instructions to the officials concerned to ensure adequate supply of LPG in view of Ningol Chakouba. Stating that stern action will be taken up against those persons responsible for scarcity of LPG in the State, the minister said consumers are also losing out on their subsidies as well.

Shaym said if needed, he will consult with the chief minister and take up the matter with the Union minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and IOC. 

The State requires 51, 17.864 MT (Metric Tonne) LPG in a month for the 3, 60,413 consumers of subsidized LPG (14.2 kg). However, the IOC (Indian Oil Corporation) supplied 2791.663 MT in April, 1377.214 MT in May, 2092.76 MT in June, 1398.13 MT in July, 1663.7 MT in August and 1147.98 MT (under process) for September this year.

Shyam refuting the charges regarding Kerosene oil, he said there is no bill passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly entitling kerosene quota to the MLAs. The present government has increased the quantity of kerosene oil for the MLAs provided from the ‘Kerosene Reserve’ of the directorate, he added.

The minister also stated the present government cleared the backlog of previous government for 4 months (December 2016, January – March 2017) by allocating 12 KL (Kilo Litre) of kerosene (3KL for each month). He said kerosene for the period of April-June 2016 was 5561. 8 KL (3 KL allocated for MLAs), July-September 2016 was 5292 KL (2 KL for MLAs), April –June 2017 was 4476 KL (2.5 KL for MLAs) and July- September 2017 is 4476 KL (2.5 KL for MLAs).

He continued despite the fluctuations in the quantity of Kerosene allocated for the State, the MLAs are getting increased quantity of Kerosene as compared to the previous government.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 28

A 17-year-old karateka, Thokchom Roji Chanu will represent India in the world cadet, junior and U21 championships at Santa Cruz, Spain from October 26-29 and for that she urged civil societies and citizens of the state to extend financial assistance for her journey.

Daughter of Thokchom Sonamani Singh and Thokchom Shanti of Patsoi Part-4 brought home a silver medal in the South Asian Karate Championship 2017 which was held on August 3-7 at Colombo, Sri Lanka.

In a press meet conducted at Manipur Press Club, Roji said that it would be a proud moment for her to represent not only Manipur but India in the world championships. “I am preparing myself to go there but my family is having a second thought as we have no money or even the required amount to go,” she said.

She appealed to civil societies, leaders, politicians and any individual of the state to help her with financial assistance for her next bout in Spain. She and her family suggested a fund-drive for her next big participation.

Her former bout was sponsored by editor of local daily (Naharol Thoudang) Khoirom Loyalakpa and received a silver medal in the championship.

She told IFP that she learnt karate from her coach Mutum Bankim Singh and under his guidance she was exposed to such levels. She said her first break was in 2015, getting gold medal in the state level Shito-Ryu Seikokai karate championship.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Sept 28

Ukhrul Police arrested Md. Umar Khan (18), son of (Late) Md. Bashiruddin and his associate Bogi MV Hessalullah from Marzah Hotel, Phungreitang, Ukhrul on September 25. Both the arrested persons are reported to be from Mayang Imphal.

A written complaint was filed at Ukhrul police station on September 9 against Umar Khan, who claimed himself to be an expert in healing piles and gave treatment to one lady named S. Achung at Marzah Hotel, Phungreitang Ukhrul.

He also sold medicine (Hemorrhoids ointment) at an unreasonable rate of Rs. 1500 whereas the actual retail price is Rs. 58 only. Moreover, he forged the signature of the lady patient and published in a local newspaper claiming that his treatment has cured Hemorrhoids.

Umar Khan is registered under FIR No. 19(9)2017 UK PS U/S 419/420/468/471/34 (IPC) for cheating, forgery, impersonation and common intention. He and his assistant are in the custody of Ukhrul Police station.

According to SDPO Ukhrul, the duo was produced before the CJM of Imphal West – II since the CJM of Ukhrul is on leave. It is reported that the duo had been operating at Marzah hotel on every Monday and Tuesday from 7 am to 3 pm.

IMPHAL | Sept 28

All Jiribam Muslim Socio-Economic and Cultural Development Organisation (AJMSECDO) has submitted a memorandum to the chief minister, N. Biren Singh demanding to arrange a tripartite talk of government of Manipur, JCILPS, KSA and AJMSECDO at Imphal in the larger interest of the minority communities of Jiribam.

The memorandum stated that the foreigners issue including local and non-locals in Manipur has become a burning problem in Jiribam because some Imphal based organisations like JCILPS, KSA and others often targeted the non-Manipuris namely Bengalis (Hindu and Muslim) and other minority communities who have been residing in Jiribam since time immemorial even during the period of maharajas as foreigners/non-local and not indigenous people of Manipur.

It said these Bengali speaking people and other non-manipuri speaking people are the citizen of Manipur and indigenous citizen in category but non-locals because they had settled in Jiribam keeping brotherly relation with the meeteis and maintaining peace and harmony and taking part in all major issues of Manipur.

The sentimental languages like foreigners, non-locals, non-indigenous, etc. against Bengali speaking and other non-Manipur speaking people published in local dailies and broadcasted in electronic media by JCILPS, KSA and other hurt the sentiment of those people and added that there is doubt  and fear that such publication and broadcasting may create communal tension between the major and minority communities in Jiribam.

A statement of the association that an executive committee meeting was held on September 26 at the premises of Al-Ameen School, Sonapur, Jiribam to discuss various agendas including correction of error in Aadhaar ID and Voter ID.

It said that the meeting discussed in length about error entries in voter IDs and aadhaar IDs which does not tally the name and identification of the individuals and added that such error may have been done by the authorities concerned and not by the individuals and unanimously resolved for correction of the errors.

The meeting unanimously resolved to appeal the Jiribam DC to make arrangement for mass correction of the errors in voter and Aadhaar IDs at the earliest and also to appeal Jiribam SP to co-operate with the authority concerned in the correction of the errors, it added.

 Stating that some individuals are using unwanted languages in open markets, roads and streets, hotels, public places and even in camera and public meetings which may affect sentiments of opposite communities, it said that the meeting unanimously resolved to appeal the Jiribam DC and SP to keep a strict vigil on the matter and take appropriate action against those found involved in such matter.

IMPHAL | Sept 28

National award film ‘Eibusu Yaohanbiyu’ directed by Haorongbam Maipaksana has been officially selected in the 20th International Children’s Film Festival, India (ICFFI) organised by the Children’s Film Society India (CFSI) under the ministry of information and broadcasting.

The festival will be held in Hyderabad from November 8-14. The film has opened a new chapter in the history of Manipuri cinema on getting selected in the international competition section of the prestigious International Children Festival.

Shravan Kumar, festival director of the International Children’s Film Festival India yesterday sent the official invitation to the film maker Maipaksana for attending the screening in the festival.

The film is about the victory of a differently-abled boy’s attempt to join a football team. The story revolves around a football loving physically challenged school boy and his determination to take part in his school football.

Maipaksana who had completed three years Diploma in film editing from Jyoti Chitraban Regional Film and Television Institute, Guwahati has also contributed towards the promotion of modern and folk theatre of Manipur.

International Children’s Film Festival India popularly known as The Golden Elephant is a biennial festival that strives to bring the most imaginative and delightful international and national children’s cinema to young audiences in India.

The festival presents features, shorts, live action and animation films over seven days of festive celebrations attended by more than one hundred thousand children and hundreds of film professionals and eminent guests from around the world.

This Asian Panorama competition section will present the best of children’s films from Asia and aims to encourage talented Asian filmmakers who are making high quality, sensitive and entertaining films exclusively for children.

The aim of Little Directors competition section is to encourage children and young people to experiment with the moving image, and stimulate pursuit of film-making both as an art as well as a creative expression of their point of view.

IMPHAL | Sept 27

The outlawed Maoist Communist Party Manipur said in order to protect the indigenous people, the outsiders from the western region must be filtered out first under the Inner Line Permit System, while the eastern outsiders should be blocked using other means.

The movement to save the indigenous people will be divided into two phases, said a release signed by coordinator, standing committee, Kyonghan Mangang. The western outsiders will have to be dealt first by giving utmost importance while those coming from the east will be pushed back, it said.

The types of people living in the State have to be categorised first into Indigenous people, Settler, Manipuri natives and Migrants, it added.

To save the indigenous land, the migrants who arrived after 1951 must not be allowed to buy land in Manipur; it said adding the land which was sold to them must be sold again to the indigenous people under the price decided by the government.

Further the land which was not sold to anyone should be turned to public property by the government, it continued. The previously existing electoral roll should be updated twice by cutting it down as per the mandate of the people before the parliament election of 2019, it said.

There should be a business permit, labour permit and a visiting permit divided under the permit system of ILPS, it said further. There will be maximum tax for business permit and it will have validity for six months, it said. The permit must be made to renew after every six months, it further continued. Duration of 15 days to a month must be granted under the visiting permit and 3 month for labour permit, the release maintained.

State observes World Tourism Day at Phayeng

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | Sept 27

The chief minister N. Biren after a series of meetings with Union ministers and officials in New Delhi,  and has successfully lobbied for funds to build three rope-ways connect ing Siroi and Ukhrul, Marjing and Pheidinga and Sendra and Karang.

This was stated by Karam Shyam, minister of consumer affairs, food and public distribution and revenue during the observation of World Tourism Day at Phayeng village, Imphal West. The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Sustainable Tourism- a Tool for Development’.

The minister informed that water harvesting facility will soon come up at Lamphel and land encroachers will be evicted after giving suitable notice, following the law of the land.

He also said that the welcome accorded to him following the age old traditions and customs with men and women of the area wearing the traditional dress is in line with the theme of the observation.

The minister applauded the locals for preserving the culture and traditions of our forefathers and said that it is heartening to be sitting along with the chief of Phayeng who is wearing the traditional dress.

Shyam highlighting the contribution of tourism in the economy said the sector accounts for 10 percent of global GDP and has generated 1 in 10 jobs in the global workforce. He said it is unfortunate that the State is unable to tap the full potential of the natural beauty which is blessed with green forest cover and rare species of flora and fauna.

He said to boost tourism, the State should become tourist friendly, provide a secure environment by improving the law and order situation. He called upon the citizens of the State to help the government in making Manipur a favoured tourist destination.

Sapam Ranjan Singh, chairman of the Tourism Corporation of Manipur Limited (TCML) said that marketing in an important constituent needed to boost tourism. Stating that emphasis is being given to promote rural tourism, Ranjan said in the upcoming Sangai Festival homestays will be promoted to unable the tourists to experience the lifestyle of the people.

Heikham Dingo Singh, MLA Sekmai A/C said that the State is rich in arts and culture and tourism can reach its full potential if the locals collaborate with the government. He also said for the State to develop, the villages must be developed first.

As part of world tourism day, the locals of the Phayeng village performed dances of Khou Chongba and Chakpa Phayeng Anoiba jagoi. Mukna demonstration enthralled the spectators along with Waa (bamboo) Chingba.

The locals of Phayeng also submitted memorandum to the chief guest Karam Shyam which was addressed to the chief minister.

The observation is organised by tourism department, government of Manipur. Attending the function were P.K. Singh, principal secretary, tourism, government of Manipur, R. Sudhan, director, tourism, government of Manipur, among other invitees.

DIMAPUR |Sept 27

Sitting MLA of Nagaland Legislative Assembly and former minister Kiyanilie Peseyie passed away early this morning at a hospital in Dimapur after a brief illness. He was Naga People’s Front (NPF) MLA.

In his condolence message, Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang said he was pained on learning the sudden demise of Kiyanilie Peseyie. TR Zeliang also said that he considered the demise of Kiyanilie Peseyie as “personal loss to me”. The Chief Minister termed Kiyanilie Peseyie as “God fearing, straightforward and a down to earth person.”

 Also sending out his condolence message, NPF president and former chief minister, Dr Shurhozelie termed Kiyanilie Peseyie as a “sincere and dedicated party man”.

A two-time Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (2003 -2013), he was the “embodiment of integrity and dignity” and the august office of Speaker was alleviated to greatest heights during his tenure, Dr Shurhozelie added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 27

Executive member of Manipur Tourism Development Society (MTDS), Khomdram Gyaneshore said ministers, MLA’s and government officials only delivered speech on tourism day celebration but they hardly take actions for development of tourism.

He made this allegation during the opening function of Exploration 2017 which will be organised for four days at ECO Green Park, Santipur, Tinsid road organised by Manipur Tourism Development Society.

Addressing the opening function, Gyaneshore said the day is celebrated globally even in India for the development of tourism. From tourism industries many youths are earning their livelihood and the industry is taking a main role job sector.

He said Manipur is a state that has huge potential in tourism sector but government, civil society organisations and people of the state do not bother to take steps for the development of tourism due to lack of knowledge in tourism sector.

Many countries have been investing in tourism sector since decades, also economic growth can be generated from this sector. United Nations Tourism Organisation was created in 1980 and since establishment the day is organised world-wide, he added.

Gyaneshore said tourism has a big potential on exploration, economy, communication, co-operation and others. Tourism industries provide jobs to youths.

In connection with World Tourism Day, first day of Exploration 2017 was celebrated with cultural folk songs with dances, second day will witness sporting events, western music shows on the third day and the last day which is September 30, Hijam Irabot will honoured on his birth anniversary, he added.

Manipur Tourism Development Society was established in 1995 and the day has been celebrated every year. But due to lack of funding and support, MTDS could not celebrate the day properly. But MTDS will take up effective steps in order to make development effectively, he asserted.

He further said to promote tourism of the state as it can remove unemployment problems. To make the tourism sector effective people, government and other civil society organisations need to work jointly, Gyaneshore added.

In connection with Exploration 2017 celebration, a cycle rally was taken out from Kangla gate and ended at ECO Green Park. 15 cyclists participated the rally at around 9 am.

President of Manipur Tourism Development Society, Yurembam Iboyaima Singh, vice-president of MTDS, Rk. Kirankumar, advisor MTDS, Kh. Jiten, president of all Manipur Enterpreneures Association, Sougaijam Rishikumar Singh, and chairman of World Social Forum, L. Sotinkumar attended the function as presidium members.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 27

“I am so happy receiving the award today. I feel I have been honoured by Jananeta Hijam Irawat himself, an icon who I have deep admiration. There has been no other leader like him”, said theatre personality Lamabam Gojendro.   

He was speaking during the award ceremony jointly organised by Progressive Writer’s Association, Manipur, Indian People’s Theatre Association, Manipur and Manipur Jagoi Marup on the occasion of Jananeta Irawat Literary and Cultural Day, which is part of the 121st birth anniversary of Irawat at the Jubilee hall of Maniour Jagoi Marup, Lamboikhongnangkhong here today.

Gojendro, theatre critic and director, was today honoured with the Irawat Theatre Award by the Irawat Celebration Committee for his contribution to theatre. Speaking to the Imphal Free Press on the sidelines of the programme, L. Gojendro said the legendary leader was a multifaceted personality.

“I consider myself unworthy of getting such award. But to get an award in Irawat’s name is something I will treasure for the whole of my life”, he said, adding we will find his works in literature, theatre, sports, social reformation and what not.

Further L. Gojendro continued, “It is worth recalling that Irawat had designed the emblem of the Manipur Dramatic Union. He acted in some of the plays of MDU and believed that theatre is also an important vehicle for social transformation”.

Recounting and anecdote, L. Gojendro said the then king Churachand, who was among the audience, went up to the stage to hand over a sum of Rs. 200 to Irawat. “This was during a particular scene of the play ‘Areppa Marup’, in which Irawat was playing the role of Chandra Singh. The character Chandra Singh was in need of Rs. 200 and uttering his helplessness”, he said.

Former minister, M. Nara, who is also the president of IPTA, Manipur speaking as a presidium member of the function informed that the popular song ‘Thangol adu maya thangu thouna’ was written by Irawat himself. “He even translated the song into Bengali while he was in jail”, added Nara.

He was clarifying on the claim made by certain sections of scholars that the song was written by Hemango Biswas, a CPI leader, who was also a jail mate of Irawat in Sylhet, Bangladesh.   “The doubt was clarified by daughter of late Hemango Biswas in an Assamese newspaper last year”, Nara maintained.

In the function, Yungkham Chandrakala Devi for her contribution in music, Ayekpam Inakhunba in Shumang Leela, Thiyam Bilasini Devi in dance, Chanambam Shyama Devi in Nat Sankirtan, Hanjabam Nandakeshore Sharma in traditional theatre (Gourleela) and L. Gojendro in theatre were honoured with Irawat Award, respectively.

Thoungamba and Thouyangba Producer of Manipuri feature film, ‘Nangna Kappa Pakchade’, main casts Sorojini, Tonthoi and Danny were also honoured.

The function was attended by Prof T. Tombi Singh, as the chief guest, M. Nara, L. Rameshchandra Singh, president of PWA, L. Iboyaima, advisor PWA and Ng. Amumacha Singh as presidium members besides writers, scholars and artists among others.

IMPHAL | Sept 27

Many international organisations including Amnesty International, International Commission of Jurist, FORUM-ASIA, WGHR, etc., strongly denounced government of India’s continued refusal to accept the recommendation for the repeal/review of AFSPA.

Manipur based Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights (CSCHR) said that during the session for the adoption of the outcome document on India’s 3rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to improve its human rights situation, on September 21, the government of India formally accepted 152 recommendations out of the 250 recommendations given by 112 member states of the United Nations.

According to a release a delegation of CSCHR attended the 36th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). During the session for the adoption of the outcome document on India’s 3rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to improve its human rights situation, on 21st September 2017, government of India formally accepted 152 recommendations out of the 250 recommendations given by 112 member states of the United Nations.

The remaining 98 recommendations were simply noted. However, most of the human rights issues critical to the situation in Manipur including the repeal/review of AFSPA, ratification of Convention on Protection of All Persons Against Enforced Disappearances (CED), moratorium on death penalty, ratification of the Rome Statute on International Criminal Court, etc., are only noted without indicating a follow up plan and not accepted, it said.

CSCHR strongly deplores India’s refusal to repeal AFSPA, 1958 despite persistent recommendations from the UN and international community. In the first cycle of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2008 Germany, UK and Canada made recommendation regarding AFSPA, it maintained.

Similarly in the second cycle in 2012, Switzerland, France and Slovakia made similar recommendations. In this third cycle too government of Switzerland and Pakistan raised the issue, the release said, adding but in all the three cycles India has persistently refused to accept the recommendation.

CSCHR also condemns the failure of India to ratify the Convention against Torture (CAT) despite its signing the treaty 20 years ago in 1997 and strongly urges government of India to urgently ratify CAT by adopting an Act of Parliament for the prevention of torture that is consistent with the provisions of CAT, it added.

Further the release continued in the side event entitled “UPR Outcome Document”, held on  September 21 in the Palais des Nations, Jiten Yumnam of CSCHR stated “The continued enforcement of AFSPA, 1958 mean the unleashing of more inhumanity, extreme forms of violations, genocidal practices and a culture of impunity, targeting the most marginalized communities and national minorities”.

Babloo Loitongbam of WGHR/CSCHR, who moderated the event, questioned the true meaning of India repeatedly accepting a recommendation to ratify the Convention Against Torture, which was accepted by the government of Inida in the first, second and third UPR, while taking no meaningful action at all, it said.

Renu Takhellambam of EEVFAM drew the attention of the UN Human Rights Council on the issue of extrajudicial executions and AFSPA, added the release.

IMPHAL | Sept 27

The governor of Manipur, Najma Heptulla has conveyed her heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja and Dussehra.

In her message, she stated that the festival is one of the biggest festivals of Hindus and is celebrated with full gaiety and signifies triumph of the good over evil.

The governor has prayed for peace and prosperity in the state by the coming of the Durga Puja and Dussehra.

IMPHAL | Sept 27

All Manipur Cheibi Association (AMCA) has alleged that the Lamphel SDPO, O. Wangkhomba Meetei, son of O. Meino threated to kill its player O. Thonglenngamba Meitei and its president and publicity secretary along with their family members in a telephonic conversation.

A release said that family members are not staying at their home due to fear of the threat and added that the tournaments organised by AMCA every year and other various works are affected which is a great loss for the state.

It said that AMCA will not able to organise North East Cheibi Championship which has been scheduled to be organise in October and various works to be done at the national and international level are also affected.

The preparations of “Yelhou Masana Cheibi” and “Indeginous Games and Traditional Martial Arts” which are to be showcased in Sangai Festival are also affected, it added.

It further demanded the state government to look into the matter and punish Lamphel SDPO at the earliest, otherwise the association along with like-minded organisation is ready to launch severe agitation.