Author: kanglaonline

KANGPOKPI, Jun 24: In yet another disturbing act perpetrated by Southern Angami People`™s Organization (SAPO) and Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO), two clothing shops belonging to Mao community were vandalized and Mao Union Kohima unit president physically assaulted and his mobile phone destroyed today at the crowded Kohima town around 3:15pm.

According to reliable sources, SAPO and SAYO volunteers numbering around 20 to 30 appeared at the crime scene with a pre-meditated motive and identification of the shop and suddenly began to vandalize the two shops run by owners identified as Salew Athikho of Shajouba village and Loli of Kalinamai Village.

The assaulted Union president is identified as Athikho aged 45 years a native of Kalinamai Village, Manipur presently residing at Kohima and was serving as a lecture at Modern College, Kohima.

Kohima police arrived at the scene after the crime and has secured the shops with shop materials kept under the custody of the police. In this regard an FIR has been lodged.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/angami-volunteers-assault-mao-union-kohima-president/

IMPHAL June 24: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today inaugurated several new constructions under the Directorate of Health Services, Manipur, namely the Integrated AYUSH Hospital, Food Testing Laboratory, State Family Welfare Training Centre and the Medical Directorate New Building.

The 50-bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital located at Lamphelpat, near Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) office complex, which comes under the Directorate of AYUSH was formally inaugurated by the Chief Minister in the presence of Health and Family Welfare and AYUSHminister Phungzathang Tonsing, MLA of Uripok A/C L Nandakuamr, principal secretary Health and Family Welfare Dr J Suresh Babu, director of Health Services, Manipur Dr O Ibomcha and director of

AYUSH Dr K Lokendro, former Minister Dr M Nara also attended the inaugural function.

AYUSH an acronym of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy have gain popularity. The Integrated AYUSH Hospital was set up by the State government under the Ministry of Health to enhance the health services provided to the public, stated Phungzathang Tonsing.

The Food Testing Laboratory constructed under the funding of the World Bank and the State Family Welfare Training Centre constructed under the funding of National Rural Health Mission (NHM) both located at RD Wing Complex Lamphelpat were also inaugurated by the Chief Minister.

The new Medical Directorate Building inside the Medical Directorate complex, Lamphelpat, was also inaugurated by the Chief Minister in the presence of Health Minister, Chairman of Hill Area Committee, Uripok MLA, Henglep MLA, Singhat MLA, Director of Health Services, AYUSH and other doctors and staffs.

Construction of the new building was funded under Special Plan Assistance of the Planning

Commission and was started in the year 2007 with an estimated cost of about Rs 6 crores by the Manipur Tribal Development Corporation (MTDC), although the total cost at completion amounted to Rs 9 crores.

After an inspection of the construction, the Chief Minister expressed displeasure for using outdated tiles and plywood doors and windows for such an important building.

Speaking at the inaugural function, the Chief Minister said the completion of the various buildings inaugurated today will greatly enhance the service of the State Health Services.

Earlier after inaugurating the Integrated AYUSH Hospital, the Chief Minister had urged all those working in the medical sector to work with sincerity and dedication.

He continued there is a huge backlog of more than 200 post vacancy for doctors from Scheduled Tribes.

Keeping the shortage of doctors in mind, the two month rotational posting system of all specialist doctors was adopted so that the doctors could provide their services even in the remotest of areas, he added.

However, some specialist doctors are not complying with the system, the Chief Minister added in a disappointing note.

He added that the State Government will soon take up steps to upgrade medical facilities in all the districts of the State.

The existing district hospitals will also be upgraded to 100 bedded hospitals. `A cabinet decision has been taken and fund has also been earmarked for this`™ he informed.

In order to address the shortages of specialist doctors which have hampered in providing medical facilities especially to interior parts of our State, the chief minister said, `To increase the specialist doctors from the State, a medical college will soon be set up in the Churachandpur district`

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/cm-inaugurates-four-health-related-infrastructures/

IMPHAL, June 24: Reacting strongly against the counter blockade imposed against its indefinite economic blockade along the national highways, the All Tribal Students Union Manipur Muan Tombing group has questioned the rationality/ validity of the arguments provided by the Meetei Youth Front South East Asia and the International Meetei Forum for counter blockade call.

Speaking to media persons today, ATSUM president Maun Tombing questioned as to why the groups were referring to indigenous tribes of the State as foreigners in their own land.

He was referring to statements made by the organisations to media persons.

Tombing said instead of supporting and endorsing the demands of ATSUM, the two bodies have called a counter blockade.

The `Chingmi Tammi Amatani`™ is today reduced to a façade, he asserted.

He further claimed that the statements of the two organisations reported by local newspapers alleging ATSUM of supporting foreigners are completely illogical and unfounded.

Tombing said, ATSUM`™s charter of demands includes demands which are inalienable rights of tribes enshrined in the Constitution of India and for which the State government has been holding talks with the student body for decades now.

He further advice the MYF and IMF to abstain from dragging tribal issues into communal tones and to respect the sentiments of the other.

He continued that the student body will only intensify its agitations following consultation with ATSUM units.

Zeliangrong Students Union, Assam Nagaland Manipur president John Pamei said the economic blockade is continuing successfully in the hill districts.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/atsum-mt-reacts-against-counter-blockade-call/

IMPHAL, June 24: On the first day of the ensuing 11th Session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly to be started from June 26 at 11 am, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh who also holds the portfolio of Finance will table the Budget Estimates, 2015-16 in the House.

Obituary Reference will be made as the first agenda on the first day of the Assembly session to be followed by presentation of Budget Estimates, 2015-16. There will also be agendas for Other Government Business, Introduction of Government Bill (if any) and Discussion on Governor`™s Address.

The second sitting of the House which falls on June 29 will be started with General Discussion on the Budget Estimates, 2015-16 as the first agenda to be followed by taking up of `Other Government Business`™ as the second agenda.

Discussion and Voting on Demands for Grants, 2015-16 will begin from the third sitting on June 30. Demands for State Legislature, Council of Ministers, Secretariat, Finance, Art & Culture and Economics & Statistics Department will be passed on the day in the House after threadbare discussion.

On the fourth sitting of the House on July 1, Discussion and Voting on Demands for Grants, 2015-16 for Police, Vigilance, Fire Protection and Control, Jails, Home Guards and Rehabilitation Department will be deliberated while on the fifth sitting to be held on July 2, there will be agenda for Discussion and Voting on Demands for Grants, 2015-16 for Land Revenue, Stamps & Registration and District Administration, Environment & Forest, Youth Affairs & Sports, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Minorities, Other Backward Classes and Scheduled Caste Department.

There will be agenda for Discussion on Voting on Demands for Grants, 2015-16 for Education, Agriculture, Community Development and ANP, IRDP & NREP, Public Health Engineering, Minor Irrigation and State Academy of Training on the sixth sitting on July 3 while on the seventh sitting on July 6, there will be agenda for Discussion on Voting on Demands for Grants, 2015-16 for Transport, Public Works Department, Commerce & Industries, State Excise, Sales Tax, other Taxes/Duties on Commodities & Services and General Economics Services & Planning.

Whereas on the eight sitting of the House on July 7, there will be Discussion and Voting on Demands for Grants, 2015-16 for Medical, Health & Family Welfare Service, Municipal Administration, Housing & Urban Development, Co-operation, Administration of Justice, Stationary and Printing, Science & Technology and Information Technology while there will be Discussion and Voting on Demands for Grants, 2015-16 for Labour & Employment, Animal Husbandry & veterinary including Dairy Farming, Power, Social Welfare, Tourism and Relief and Disaster Management on the ninth sitting.

Discussion and Voting on Demands for Grants, 2015-16 for Information & Publicity, Tribal Affairs & Hills, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Election Fisheries, Panchayat and Sericulture will be deliberated on the tenth sitting.

While on the eleventh sitting which is the last sitting of the 11th Session of the House on July 10, there will be Consideration and Passing of Appropriation Bills.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/budget-estimates-201516-to-be-tabled-during-first-day-of-assembly-session/

LAMKA, June 24: The second phase distribution of the Indira Gandhi Old Age pension Scheme was held today at the District Social Welfare office, Churachandpur at Chengkonpang.

The pension distribution function was conducted by the SDO, CCPur Thienlaljoy Gangte amid a chaotic crowd of pensioners.

A police team led by Ccpur OC Inspector N Thangzamuan and Ccpur women police station OC sub inspector Sandy Tonsing managed to control the crowd and averted a stampede like situation.

However, before the arrival of the police team, there was only chaos as more than 3000 pensioners rushing in to stand ahead in line inside the DSWO office. Old and firm people holding Red and Blue cards had started arriving at the campus since 7am although the distribution of pension started only from 10 am.

It was sheer luck and chance that no casualty was reported in the tussle among the pensioners. With only three policemen on duty in the early hours, the media persons who had come to cover the event had to step in and help the weaker pensioners from getting crushed and restore normalcy.

With all the jostling among the pensioners, some falling from the corridor, some pushed against the wall, many could have been choked to death considering the fact that many of the pensioners were quite old and in fragile health.

A woman who had arrived from a faraway village who was found helping herself using her card to fan herself said she was more than 70 years old and had been standing in queue since 7:30 am.

She complained the much stronger card holders have all forced themselves in the line ahead with brute force.

She said little strength was left in her and she could not hold any longer as she had came without having lunch.

Many of the pensioners also complained that a little more spacious venue could have been selected and pensions distributed serial wise which could have been flashed through the local media.

Proper sitting and resting places could have also been arranged, they complained.

Interestingly, there are also allegations that being old is no guarantee to get the old age pension amount and one needs political patronage to get listed for the pension scheme.

Meanwhile, a local social worker John neihsial asked as why the department forced the Old people to open bank accounts if they were going to distribute the pension in cash.

He continued the DSWO could have taken help of local organisations so that there were more man-power to accelerate the process.

The DSWO and the SDO however asserted that it was a direct order from the director to deliver the pension amount in cash.

There are altogether 6187 Red card holders in Ccpur who are between the age of 60-79 years and 386 Blue card holders who are aged 80 years and above.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/stampede-like-situation-averted-during-pension-distribution-in-ccpur/

IMPHAL, June 24: Despite the ongoing indefinite economic blockade imposed by All Tribal Students`™ Union (ATSUM) – Muan Tombing Group along the National Highways in protest against the failure of the government to fulfil its long pending demands entering its fourth day, the government has not made any specific arrangement to bring back the loaded oil tankers stranded outside the State due to the blockade.

As stated by a leader of one of the oil tanker`™s associations, around 300 oil tankers are stranded outside the State unable to proceed due to the ongoing economic blockade.

Out of the total 300 tankers, 100 are loaded with fuel while the remaining 200 are empty tankers.

Once the indefinite economic blockade is lifted, the empty oil tankers will be heading for Imphal after fetching fuels from various supply points.

He lamented that the government has not come up with any arrangement to bring back the tankers being stranded outside the state despite passing of three days of the blockade.

Normally, the oil tankers are escorted by CRPF personnel. However, additional escort is required by the tankers whenever sudden economic blockade is imposed along the National Highways, he said.

He further said that the concerned authority will be urged to make special arrangement to bring back the tankers here in the capital at the earliest.

Asserting that there will be no shortage of fuel for the people at present as there is enough stock of fuels for 20 days in the depot of Indian Oil Corporation, he said that drivers and handymen of the oil tankers stranded outside the state would face immense hardship if they the tankers are not brought here at the earliest.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/stranded-oil-tankers-plea-for-escort-arrangement/

IMPHAL, June 24: The central and state government should consider the irrigation problem in the state and revive various irrigation projects taken up earlier to avail adequate supply of water to famers of the state, demanded president of Manipur Loumi Lup N Mangi Singh during a press meet at Irabat Bhawan here today.

He alleged that various schemes and projects taken up by Minor Irrigation Department have failed to function accordingly posing a threat to crops sown by farmers in vast agricultural fields.

Although Irrigation and Flood Control Department is in the belief that farmers are availed with adequate supply of water in most of the parts but the truth is that water is yet to reach many of the agricultural fields. The government should discuss the matter in the Assembly and Cabinet to revive the schemes and projects at the earliest in the interest of the farmers, he said.

Stating that the NDA Government sent Minister to the state to inspect various problems including irrigation but their assurances remain only in words, he demanded investigation by CBI into the failure of the irrigation schemes and projects in the state to function despite its completion.

He reiterated that Manipur Loumi Lup submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister on November 29, 2014 urging to address various issues for development including irrigation of the state.

Taking the memorandum into consideration, the NITI Aayog (State Plans Division) sent a reply back to the organization on May 1, 2015 explaining about the issues mentioned in the memorandum. The matter was referred to NITI Aayog by PMO, he said.

On the issue of providing irrigation facilities in Manipur, demand for renovation and revival of all the completed and defunct irrigation projects and thorough investigation into the implementation affairs of the irrigation projects in Manipur to find out the cause of their failures, the NITI Aayog clarified that this is entirely and issue of implementation of the programme and lies in the domain of the state government.

Irrigation as per the constitution being a state subjects, it`™s planning, funding implementation and completion in time is primarily rest with the state government. The central government is already providing assistance under accelerated irrigation benefits programme to Thoubal and Dolaithabi Projects. The assistance provided till 31.03.2015 for these two projects are Rs 800.34 crore (Since 1997-1998) and Rs 230.77 crore (Since 2002-03) respectively, it said.

Regarding the demand for dredging and deepening of the Loktak Lake intensively and taking up of extensive a forestation works on a war footing in the catchment areas, the NITI Aayog in its reply explained that the peripheral area of the Loktak Lake, is in the process of dredging to clear the siltation including the removal of floating Bio-Mass (Phumdi) in order to increase the depth of the Loktak Lake towards Fisheries enhancement process including the adopting of integrated fish farming along the peripheral region of the lake.

The welfare of affected Fishing Communities who are dependent on Loktak Lake may be taken up with the department of animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries (DAH, D&F/NFDB) for fisheries/aquaculture programme oriented supports in a projectisation mode, subject to its admissibility under the terms and conditions laid down norms and availability of fund under the DAH, D&F and NFDB. In this connection, the scope available under other social sector schemes may also be explored, it further clarified.

Whereas on the issue of reintroduction of the Inner Line Permit System which was in force in Manipur till 1950 with suitable modification, it answered that that since this particular issue is dealt by MHA, the same may be taken up with MHA.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/manipur-loumi-lup-bats-for-cbi-probe-into-failed-irrigation-projects-in-state/

KANGPOKPI, June 24: In an unexpected incident an iron rod-loaded truck was burnt partially by suspected volunteers of ATSUM (Tombing) group in between Koubru Laikha and Sapormeina this afternoon at around 1:50 along the Asian Highway 1.

The Kuki Students`™ Organisation, Sadar Hills condemned the incident stating that no civil organisations in Sadar Hills endorse and support the ongoing economic blockade.

The truck bearing regd no MN07C-3611 was loaded with the iron rods from Satyam Industries, Taphou Kuki and was heading towards a godown in Mantripukhri, Imphal when the incident occured.

The driver of the ill-feted vehicle has been identified by the police as Md Hallal, 55, son of (L) Md Shirajuddin from Singa Yairipok. The handyman of the truck has been identified as the driver`™s son SM. Shajad, 18.

Md Hallal speaking to media persons said that some unidentified miscreants numbering around four stopped us in between Koubru Laikha and Sapormeina and shouted, `Aren`™t you aware of the Economic Blockade?`

He continued that before we could say anything one of them took us away a few distance from the spot and the remaining three set the truck on fire using some petrol which they seem to have bought in a water bottle.`™

The one who took us away freed us only after his friends burnt the vehicle continued the driver.

Immediate intervention and praiseworthy action of Sapormeina Police, AR and locals of Sapormeina managed to doused the fire and save the truck from completely burning.

However, the front part of the vehicle had already been totally damaged by the fire when the police, AR and the locals swung into action.

Interestingly, while the police personnel including AR and the locals of Sapormeina were busy fetching water and struggling hard in dousing the blazing fire, Fire Service, Kangpokpi reached the spot only after 2/3 hours of the incident said one local of Sapormeina.

Hectic efforts are on to nab the culprits said the Second Officer-in-charge of Sapormeina PS.

In the meantime, Kuki Students`™ Organization Sadar Hills intensely condemned the incident and term it as an act of `trepidation`.

No civil organizations in Sadar Hills endorse or support the ongoing ATSUM (Tombing) economic blockade in Sadar Hills and they ATSUM (Tombing) have no right to carry out such unnecessary activities within the jurisdiction of KSO Sadar Hills lamented Kuki Students`™ Organization Sadar Hills president Thangminlen Kipgen.

He continued that Maun Tombing`™s term had already ended last April and it is very much unjustifiable on the part of the ATSUM (Tombing) to call and impose such kind of agitation(economic blockade) even after expiry of the tenure.

Therefore, it will be a wise step on the part of the law enforcement agency to nap the culprits under NSA so as to ensure a good exemplary to such civil organizations and the people as a whole who have no reputable administration and functioning, KSO Sadar Hills supremo added.

He further said the unexpected and perhaps an astonishing act of Maun Tombing and his so called volunteers engaged in the vile incident today is also an indirect tackle towards the CSOs of Sadar Hills. Sadar Hills CSOs including KSO Sadar Hills will no longer endure if repeated in future without maintaining its

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/atsum-volunteers-set-truck-ablaze-ksosadar-hills-condemns-economic-blockade/

IMPHAL, June 24: The North East Dialogue Forum conducted a survey of paddy fields in three districts today and talked to farmers about water scarcity.

The NEDF team accompanied by media persons visited Sagang in Churachandpur district, Langmeidong in Thoubal district and Litan in Chandel district.

Farmers claimed drought like situation and shared their grievances with the team.

At Sagang Village, M Abum a farmer said the farmers are all set to sow paddy in their fields, however, due to the scarcity of rain, the fields are all parched.

He said agriculture is their only source of income and if it fails the people will suffer.

Farmers have been facing scarcity of water due to little rain for the past five-six years, he continued.

Any delay in the sowing process will only lead to decrease in yield, he continued.

The villages where the NEDF team visited today lacks water pumping facilities as there is no River Lift Irrigation schemes in the area, according to locals. Locals at the three villages also complained that they have to buy potable water at Rs 30 per 100 litre from private water tankers.

The NEDF team held meeting at the residence of Sagang Bazar board secretary M Asong in Sagang Village and at the Common Vision Coaching Centre in Langmeidon Village.

At Langmeidon, Thounaojam Angoubi Singh a farmer said the canal from the Sekmai River Barrage is constructed at a much higher level from the ground hindering proper flow of water from the river to the fields.

Distribution of water pumps and seeds to farmers are only heard of, but never seen in reality, complained Yumnam Lashmon, a farmer from Hiyanglam Maning Mayai Leikai.

He continued the local representatives like the pradhans, members, MLAs neglect the grievances of the people especially the farmers.

A farmer from Litan, Nelson said neither local leaders nor the concern authorities have visited them and considered their grievances.

He said last year the paddy yield in Litan area was next to nil due to water scarcity.

However, farmers were also hopeful of receiving help from the government though a little late.

A farmer at Sagang suggested lifting water from the Imphal River at Wangoo and feeding the Sangang Canal which is only 2 kms far which could help the farmers.

Another at Langmeidon the farmers also suggested that feeding the Sekmai Barrage with water from the Sekmai River and providing diesel to the farmers to use pumps could help them.

Farmers in all three villages lamented that the government has failed to look into the grievances of the farmers and provide any long term planning to fight the water scarcity issue.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/farmers-claim-drought-like-situation/

KANGPOKPI, June 23: Calling upon the people to enjoy their constitutional rights by discharging their duties and obligations Chief Executive Officer of Senapati ADC Rang Peter inaugurated a five-day photo exhibition cum one day interpersonal communication campaign/seminar on developmental schemes of the government at Indoor stadium, DHQ yesterday.

The young local MCS officer, who attended the inaugural function as the chief guest appreciated the efforts of the District Information Officer and DIPR to organize such programmes which are rare but very important to the ignorant masses for creating awareness about Government projects and developmental funds sanctioned.

Encouraging such developmental awareness campaign/seminar in the District, the MCS officer suggested that by creating platform for people to know their rights of development and awareness of government funds, we can empower the people to learn and bring more development and projects in the District.

He continued that Interpersonal programmes create opportunity of the stakeholders and village leaders to come forward before the Government heads and agencies to learn and know more about the implementation of projects and inflow of funds to develop our village or District.

The occasion was also attended by David Kashungnao, Sub-Deputy Officer Paomata as president.

Speaking at the function the SDO emphasized on the need to educate the people about Government flagship programmes like MGNREGS, NRHM, SSA/RTE, Health Policies and other mega projects.

Village leaders must take the responsibilities of reaching out to the people on implementation of any government initiative or policies said David Kashungnao while adding that sometime due to illiteracy and ignorance and false propaganda, health benefits like immunization projects faces difficulties which will affect the children.

Dignitaries drawn from different section of the community also witness the photo exhibition displayed by the DIO and DIPR as part of the campaign to inform the people on government initiatives in different spread across the State of Manipur.

After the inauguration of the campaign/seminar along with five days photo exhibition, a two hours technical session were also held with paper presentation from SBI and PHED Senapati Division.

Chief manager, SBI Senapati H. Bismarck presented a paper on financial inclusion and Prime Minister Social Security Scheme.

Assistant Engineer R Joel presented a paper on Flagship programme on Swachh Bharat Mission and National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP).

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/enjoy-constitutional-rights-with-responsibilities-says-ceo-rang-peter/

IMPHAL, June 23: Social Welfare minister Ak Mirabai today announced that the second phase of the Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension Scheme will be distributed on June 24 decentralised at the block levels in consideration of the convenience of the pensioners.

She was speaking to media persons at her office chamber today.

Mirabai said during the second phase, pensioners between the age of 60-79 years will receive pension amount of Rs 2,800 for 14 months (January 2014 to February 2015) where as those above the age of 80 years will receive a pension amount of Rs 5,500 for the period January 2014 to November 2014.

The minister also said that pensioners who are yet to get their original pension cards should bring their Aadhar card, bank pass book, voter ID card and two passport photos.

She continued the Indira Ghandhi National Widow Pension scheme and Indira Ghandhi National Disabled Pension Scheme will soon be deposited in the accounts of the beneficiaries at the rate of Rs 300 per month.

Transaction of the same will be for the period of March 2014 to January 2015 for the Indira Ghandhi National Widow Pension Scheme and February 2014 to March 2015 for Indira Gandhi National Disable Pension Scheme.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/second-phase-distribution-of-indira-gandhi-old-age-pension-from-today/

KANGPOKPI, June 23: One Associate Pastor and a student were physically assaulted by suspected two KRF cadres this evening at around 5:30 at Motbung bazar.

The Pastor identified as Th. Sho Ramai (35), s/o Thaikho, an Associate Pastor of Poumai Baptist Church, Senapati and his nephew R. Th. Hrangao (25), s/o Thohrii, a student both from Phuba Khuman Village were heading towards Senapati from Imphal when they meted the unfortunate incident.

The Associate Pastor speaking to media person said that when we reached Motbung bazar they

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/associate-pastor-charges-krf-cadres-of-assualt/

IMPHAL, June 23: Declaring that the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015 which was passed during the 10th session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly cannot be implemented in the State, a huge public rally was taken out in Thoubal district today.

Another demand of the demonstrators was a new Bill which could safeguard the existence of the indigenous people of Manipur.

The rally organised by the students and women wings of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System with support of the meira paibis, local youth clubs and other organisation of Thoubal district commenced at 11:30am from the campus of the Paradise English School near Waikhom Girls`™ College.

Around 5000 persons including students from schools of the district participated in the rally which commenced from Paradise English School and after passing through Thoubal Keithel continued towards the Deputy Commissioner`™s Office.

The demonstrators also raised slogans demanding withdrawal of the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015 and for the government to table and pass a Bill which could safeguard the existence of the indigenous population of the State.

Police personnel on guard at the DC office gate followed the rally for some time and prohibited the demonstrators to enter the DC office campus.

The rally then returned to Thoubal Mela ground where a mass public meeting was convened.

The meeting was attended by JCILPS co-convenors Bk Moirangcha, Ratan Khomdram, Somendro Thokchom, Arjun Telheiba and Kheiruddin Shah as presidium members.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/rally-taken-out-against-manipur-regulation-of-visitors-tenants-and-migrant-workers-bill-2015/

IMPHAL, June 23: A sit in protest cum public meeting was convened today at the Tokpa Ching Khuman Pokpa community hall raising strong protest against the decision of the State Forest department to translocate the endangered Sangai to Pumlen Pat.

The protest demonstration was jointly organised by the Pumlen Lake Development Organisation and Educational Guide Centre Tokpa Ching, under Hiyanglam Constituency Thoubal District and was attended by around 100 local residents from the surrounding areas.

The demonstrators also shouted slogans demanding protection of the Pumlen Pat and that the people should not be evicted for the sake of Sangai.

Pumlen Lake Development Organisation, general secretary Salam Sunil said the decision of the Manipur Forest department will not safeguard Sangai but will kill it.

The decision is also a threat to people inhabiting the surrounding areas of the lake, he continued.

Questioning how, the department will transport the endangered deer from Keibul Lamjao their natural habitat to Pumlen Pat, he said it will only killed the Sangai.

At the same time, the people living in the surrounding area depends on products from the lake and their evacuation will only mean more hardship for them, he added.

He said instead of wasting huge amount of money in the translocation process, it would be better to develop Sangai`™s natural habitat at Keibul Lamjao.

The government should not compare humans to Sangai, he said.

Speaking on the sideline of the meeting former BJP candidate from Hiyanglam Assembly Constituency, Maibam Dhanabir said he has submitted a proposal note for the Union Minister of Forest and Environment Prakash Javedkar for restoration and conservation of Pumlen Pat in Thoubal district under the National Lake Conservation Plan on March 27, 2014.

He said the note was submitted through BJP Manipur Pradesh general secretary Laimayum Bashanta Sharma.

And after a long gap on May 20 this year, he said he received a reply from the National River Conservation Directorate under Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, in which it was stated that the ministry has not received any project proposal for restoration and conservation of Pumlen Lake in Manipur under NWCP from Manipur government during the faceable year 2015-16 and as such the budget of the NPCA has been reduced from Rs 75 crores (proposed) to Rs 35 crores. He said the amount is not even sufficient for the ongoing sanctioned works and so the proposal of Pumlen Lake will be included in next budget, Dhanabir claimed.

BJP Vision Document chairman Prof Dr RK Ranjan who is also an environmentalist said that all grievances said all these grievances faced by the public is due to the Loktak Project.

He continued the expert team seeking a second home for Sangai in the 1990`™s, had never considered the Pumlen Lake. The team had targeted Moirang Kom, but found it entitled under some associations and had to be discarded, he said.

Pumlen Pat was considered for setting up a Bird Sanctuary Park, but during a survey of the hill in the middle of the lake found human settlement and the project had to be cancelled, he continued.

He continued the phumdis found in Pumlem Pat is not the same variety as those found in Keibul Lamjao and is not suitable for Sangai`™s habitation.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/protest-against-proposed-sangai-translocation-to-pumlen-pat-continues/

LAMKA, June 23: Local residents have been repairing a collapsed stretch of the much neglected right side canal of the Khuga Dam since the past one week or so with support from their district council member.

The dam was inaugurated in 2003 by Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Saikot ADC member Lalhriliana accompanied by a media team inspected the site where the locals led by the Khuga Right Side Canal Farmers Association are repairing the collapsed stretch of the canal.

The association had also collected Rs 200 per hectare of the 2000 hectare field running along the canal for the repairing work. They were also financially helped by the local ADC member.

Lalhrinliana said he had been championing the cause of the canal for the last five years as a gift to the farmers of his constituency.

He said over the last tenure, he had been meeting ministers, MLAs and others for repairing of the canal though there has been no positive action from the concerned authorities.

However, with support and co-operation from the locals, he said he will continue to urge the government to see reason.

The local MLA had asked him to start work with money from his own pocket, he said.

He said since the crops cultivated in the fields are seasonal, the farmers`™ productivity in the past years had been badly affected due to the yearly collapse of the canal.

Chairman of the Khuga Right Side Canal Farmers Association Vanlalrem of Saikot Village said the problem has become an annual ritual.

He continued the Singat MLA GS Haupu had asked them to gather money on their own and work which has already cost the farmers around Rs 3 lakhs. However, we have never been repaid, he added.

Vice chairman Zammang of Tuaitengphai village also lamented that they had already spent more than Rs 2 lakhs this year alone in the repairing works.

Now we are working on the 100 meter stretch which collapse recently with financial help from the MDC, he contiued.

He further complained that the collapse occur every year due to the sub standard work of the government contractor involved in the initial construction of the canal.

The farmers and the MDC have already approach the Minor Irrigation, IFCD and the concern chief engineers who have all given positive responses but no action till date.

Volunteers working on the repair work were villagers from Daizang Ngurte, Thenmual, Tuibul, Tuaitenngpha, Dumsau, Mualben Khopoibung, Valpakot, Khuangnung Saikot, Mualvaiphei and Rengkai.

A 100 meter stretch of the canal near Daizang Village and Ngurte Village had collapsed recently and the villagers have been working in rotation of 50 villagers a day for about a week, said the secretary of the association.

The work has been conducted with the collection from the villagers and Rs 40000 from the MDC and as of today 90 percent of the work is finished, said the secretary.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/local-farmers-repair-collapsed-canal-of-khuga-dam/

By Grace Jajo

IMPHAL June 23: It is imperative to safeguard the sole source of livelihood and green environment not just for the present generation but also for the future generations, replied the wise chief of Haolenphai, Lalkhohun Haokip when a team of women journalist visited his village on June 21 and counter his position against the proposed Smart City in his village.

The apathy of the State government is apparent from the lack of any visible governance in the village which does not even have a Government Primary School despite an official household numbering 82 with a population of above 300.

We have submitted memorandum to the Chief Minister, the Governor and the chief secretary last year, against the proposal which threatens to forcefully acquire a huge area of 3000 acres from our Jhum farms. We are Jhumias and this is the sole livelihood that sustains the people of the village. We have repeatedly appealed to the Government to explore an alternative site instead, he said.

Compensation and Rehabilitation packages cannot ensure the livelihood of the people who would be denied access to this farm lands. If the State government is insensitive to the plight of the people it will be an imposition since this was not our proposal for development, he said with anticipatory apprehension.

He also informed about the support to his position from both Kuki Inpi and Kuki Student Organisation. `How would a `Smart city`™ benefit illiterate villagers who live as farmers by toiling this land? How would we participate in such modernity?` he asked reteriating that land is a more lasting asset for the villagers.

He further explained the misconceptions against Jhum, of adhering strictly to Jhumia norms and the whole regeneration process which has sustained the green environment through the generations.

He continued relating the woes, In this remote periphery international border area, our rights are infringed on various aspects. The Burmese fencing has intruded more than a kilometer within the Indian side, but till date the State Government has not been able to restore our traditional boundary.

It might be mention that following series of report on the encroachment, all Manipur political parties along with several Civil society organizations had surveyed the fencing and accordingly submitted a complaint to the centre. Yet nothing much has followed beyond that and at the ground, Burmese armies has built a bunker and station in the disputed territory on the Indian side.

The chief shares the need to involve the villagers on both side of the border to demarcate the actual traditional boundary and relocate the pillar at the original place.

Haolenphai village inhabited by Kuki community in Chandel is one of the two proposals for Smart cities site in Manipur. Out of the total 100 proposed Smart Cities, only Assam, Sikkim and Manipur were listed.

`Smart City`™ is an initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take the pressure off Indian metros and build 100 new Smart Cities by 2022 that will have supposedly better facilities, better connectivity and better environment. The Smart City vision was announced by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the first Union Budget of NDA government in July last year. Accordingly the Union Cabinet has approved 100 Smart City Projects.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/smart-decision-against-the-proposed-smart-city/

IMPHAL, June 23: The Schedule Tribe Demand Committee (STDC) has asserted that it would launch democratic form of agitation if the State government fails to materialise the demand of the committee during the ensuing monsoon session due to be held on June 26.

Speaking to media persons at the Manipur Press Club, retired Colonel L Lokendro, general secretary of STDC stated that as a first phase of their agitation it would organised a mass sit in protest at Keishampat Community hall followed by other forms of agitation thereof.

However, this protest will be peaceful, he said.

It may be recalled that the committee claimed that Meitei are tribal by birth but they are not included in the ST list and categorised under the General category and do not enjoy any constitutional safe guards as indigenous people.

Over 10 lakh odd Meiteis are apprehensive of going extinct from their land over the next 5 to 6 decades due to unabated influx from outside, he said.

Once Meiteis are included in the ST list, their land will have constitutional protection under the fifth schedule which will ally the fear of extinction, he continued.

Substantiating its demand, the committee said that Meiteis are recorded as the main tribe of Manipur under the Province of Assam by the Government of British India as per their 1901 census.

At the same, in Bangladesh Meiteis are included in the list of tribes of the country.

The STDC sees the modalities adopted in Assam and Nagaland as viable solution to their demand.

In Assam there are plains tribes and hills tribe while in Nagaland ST is divided into advance tribe and backward tribe with different quotas besides Article 16(4) empowers State for creation of quota within quota.

It mitigated that the ST quota of 33 percent being enjoyed by the STs in Manipur will continue to be protected under the Article 16(4) even after Manipur becomes a tribal state we are demanding our birth right and protection of our land, it held.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/stdc-announces-phasewise-agitation-demanding-st-status-for-meiteis/