manipurmail – Page 224

Know your state

Manipur Mountaineering & Trekking Association is going to organise camps at Valley Districts of Manipur including MMI Complex Lamdan as a Part of “Know Your State- Part -IV” project from 19th to 26th February 2012. Interested persons age between 15 to 22 could collect & submit application forms 0*1 or before 18th February 2012 from tirie Office of Manipur Mountaineering & Trekking Association during the office hrs. This camp is specially organised with the following objectives that every youths need to know their friends living in different corner of the state with their natural surroundings, cultures, historical backgrounds, heritage sites, natural resources and every positive aspects what they needs in their future life through this journey of adventure activities.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/know-your-state/

One killed, 11 injured in accident

Mail News Service
Imphal, Feb 16: One person was killed and 11 others received injuries when a Tata Magic carrying passengers collided with a track at Ushoipokpi chaobok Lamkhai under Lilong PS this morning around 6.30 a.m.
The Tata magic carrying passengers was preceding from Sangaiyumpham towards Imphal when the accident took place.
The victim was identified as Thangjam Pishak (34) Samram. He died on the way to hospital.
These injured were identified as Thangjam Paka (40) Langdum, Khogen (31), Md. Sattar (35), Sangaiyumpham, Md. Jakir Hussain (24), Sekmaijin Khunou, Wahengbam (o) Beena (45), Tangjing Heibung , Akoijam Ajit (40), Thoubal Achouba Mayai Leikai, Kh. Ibomcha (50), Thoubal Kiyam Litan Bok, Md. Fajal (40), Md. Salem (45) Md. Ibdula (40), SangaiYumpham Dam. As the Conditions of the injures were in a critical situation, they were referred to private hospitals.
A case was registered in this connection.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/one-killed-11-injured-in-accident/

Bandh called on 28

Imphal, Feb 16: The Coordinating Body of Trade Unions, Manipur (CBTU) has called a 12-hour bandh from 6 am of February 28 to protest over ‘indifferent attitude’ of the State and Central Governments, to which the conglomerate of Central and State level trade unions and federations blamed for various sufferings of the people.
All the labourers and employees of banks, insurance companies, State and Central Governments offices, airport, transport, railway offices will stay away from their normal works and all the passenger vehicles, rickshaws will remain off the roads, markets will shut down and all the casual, master roll and contract workers including workers at un-organized sector will participate in mass picketing on the strike day, Coordinating Body of trade Unions, a conglomerate body of seven trade unions—AITUC, CITU, UTUC, TUCC, INTUUC, BMS and HMS, informed in a release today.
CBTU has also urged the UPA Government at the Centre and State government to implement various demands like severe punishment for the corrupt people, bring back the black money stashed away in foreign countries, regularize the labourers who are working under the Central -sponsored flagship programme and pay them regular wages and honorarium on the minimum wage rate, remove Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, complete the ongoing repairing works on National Highways within this year and set up highway protection force, pay unemployment allowance to the unemployed youths of the State and establish industries which can provide jobs, etc.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bandh-called-on-28/

Committee formed to look into prize chit ban

Mail News Service
Imphal, Feb 16: Complaints have been received of ‘get-rich-quick’ or ‘earn-huge-return1 schemes offered by money swindlers in the recent past. The State Finance Department had issued a Public Notice on 16-05-2011 warning the people that these multilevel marking companies come under the Prize Chit and Money Circulation Scheme (Banning) Act, 1978 and, therefore, their operation and enrollment of member or participation therein is banned and provides for punishment and fine.
A representation was submitted by the representatives of Indian Direct Selling Association on behalf of some companies operating in the State against the Public Notice issued on 16-05-2011 requesting the State Government for distinguishing between the companies dealing with activities coming under the purview of Prize Chit and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) (Manipur) Rules, 1978 and those such as direct/ Network/Multilevel Marketing dealing in the distribution of goods in order to avoid harassment and commercial losses to bona fide investors.
A Committee is constituted to distinguish the companies under the purview of Prize Chit and Money Circulation (Banning) (Manipur) Rules, 1978 and those direct selling companies. The committee will also examine the guideline to regulate the sale of goods and services outside of retail establishments known as Direct Selling and to provide for protection of the consumers who purchase goods and services from direct sellers. The following members will constitute the Committee:-
Commissioner(Finance), Govt. of Manipur-Chairman, Secretary(Law), Govt. of Manipur – Member, Director (Treasuries & Accounts), Manipur – Member, Superintendent of Police, CID(CB) – Member, Director(lnstitutional Finance), Manipur – Member Secretary.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/committee-formed-to-look-into-prize-chit-ban/

Bhutan parliamentarians begin study tour of AP

Itanagar, Feb 16 (ANI): Gross National Happiness (GNH) or happiness interwoven with balanced economic development was a concept introduced by Bhutan’s King in 1972, as an alternative to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), said Bhutan’s National Assembly member Dupthob at the start of four-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh as the leader of a five-member team.
Dupthob, the chairman of the National Assembly’s Poverty Reduction Committee, conveyed this message to Arunachal Pradesh State Assembly Speaker Wanglin Lowangdong, Deputy Speaker Jomde Kena and other assembly officials on Thursday.
The 33-year-old first timer parliamentarian, said GNH is one of the Million Development Goals (MDGs) of Asia’s happiest nation that graduated to parliamentary democracy in 2008 on the insistence of Bhutan ‘s fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
The GNH is based on four pillars – 1) sustainable socio-economic development by taping hydropower and setting up of industries to enrich national coffer; 2) protect environment, forests and rivers (Constitution prescribes 60 percent of nation’s total 38,394 square kilometre area to be under forests); 3) cultural protection and promotion of the religious-rich people of the world’s last Buddhist kingdom by protecting monasteries, promoting festivals and 4) good governance.
Agreeing with his view, Speaker Lowangdong said: “There is no denying the fact that every human being wants happiness. We, the nature and peace loving Arunchalees were much happier before materialism invaded tribal society. Many Arunchalees of late are suffering from blood pressure, diabetes and chronic disease is the best indicator.”
Both exchanged views on the parliamentary system of governance in Bhutan and in Arunachal Pradesh.
Lowangdong lauded Bhutan for its spirit to protect its rich culture and environment, saying Arunachal Pradesh, particularly Tawang and West Kameng districts, have lot of cultural affinity with Bhutan .
Disclosing that after visiting Bihar, the team is here to study the democratic process and steps taken for poverty alleviation, Dupthb extended an invitation to Speaker Lowangdong to visit Bhutan soon.
Accepting the invitation, Lowangdong said: “The 60-member young Arunachal Assembly is a symbol of true democracy where decisions are taken in greater welfare of the people that too with the unanimous voice of the opposition.”
The tribal-dominated state has made rapid development strides, particularly after Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh visited it on January 31, 2008 and announced a huge economic package, including the 1,554-km Trans-Arunachal Highway, being developed as an inter-district double-lane highway to speed up the process of socio-economic development of the land-locked state that had graduated to parliamentary democracy in 1975, Lowangdong added.
The Bhutan team visited the assembly house, which includes Members Kinley Dorji, Ugen Tenzin and Choeki Wangmo (one of the four women of a total 47 members), besides officer Tenzing Namgey.
The team, accompanied by state protocol officer Bandhana Deori and Papumpare Deputy Commissioner Pige Ligu visited Chimpu, and attended an official dinner hosted by Finance, Planning and PWD Minister Chowna Mein in the evening.
They are scheduled to visit Ziro tomorrow.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bhutan-parliamentarians-begin-study-tour-of-ap/

Nine militants nabbed by police and troops

Mail News Service
Imphal, Feb 15: Discovering the movement of UG cadre in Keibi of Ukhrul district, troops of 23 Assam Rifles of 10 Sector under HQ IGAR (South) launched operation in the area and apprehended two KCP(Noyon) cadres on 15 Feb 2012. The apprehendees were identified as Thangjam Naocha,20 yrs,s/o Th Sanaton and Moirangthem Iton Singh,18 yrs,s/o Ratan singh. Both r/o Keibi Awang Leikai,Lamlai,Imphal East.One hand grenade was recovered from the apprehendees.
In yet another incident, troops of 15 Assam Rifles and 36 Assam Rifles under HQ IGAR (South) launched joint operation in Khoirom Makha Leikai and apprehended one KYKL cadre on 15 Feb 2012. The apprehendee was identified as SS Central Committee Audit(Finance) Advisor, Bastimayum Tomba Sharma alias B Sharma,56 yrs,s/o Late B Manjasana Sharma,r/o Khoirom Makha Leikai and was handed over to Yairipok Police station.
On 14/2/2012 at about 10:30 am, a combined team of CDO/lmphal East and 30 Assam Rifles arrested 2 PLA cadres namely, (1) Elangbam Surchandra @ Khanganba Singh (32) s/o E. Nitai Singh of Pukhao Naharup Makha Leikai and (2) Ngangom Premkumar @ Lemba Singh (29) s/o Ng. Chaoba Singh of Keikon Maning Leikai from Nilakuthi area and one mobile phone (BYOND), 3(three) Nos. of M-16 live ammn., l(one) Mobile phone (Nokia) and 3(three) Nos. of live ammn. were recovered from their possession. On verification, Elangbam Surchandra @ Khanganha Singh (sl. No.l) disclosed that he joined PLA organization in the month of August 2008 through one Mr. LeiJangba and trained at Burma under army No. is 3153 and he is now holding the rank of S/S Lance Corporal and Ngangom Premkumar @ Lemba Singh (sl. No.2) disclosed that he joined PLA organization in the year 2007 through one S/S Maj. Temba and trained at Burma under army No. is 2925 and presently holding the rank of S/S Lance Corporal of PLA and they were working under the command of S/S 2nd Lt. Jayanta of PLA organization. Further, on the same day at about 12:30 pm, 2(two) more PLA cadres namely, (1) Maibani Dhanabir Singh s/o M. Nipamacha Singh of Mayang Imphal Thana Mamang and (2) Sanjenbam Sunita @ Lemchang Chanu (27) d/o S. Bomcha @ Danabir of Soto Dumai Bangladesh were arrested from Paona Bazar and Uripok Tourangbam Leikai respectively at the instance of Klangbam Surchandra ‘’ Khanganba Singh (sl. No.l) and l(one) mobile phone (Samsung). 4(four) Nos. of press release notes. 2(two) Diaries, 3(three) Nos. of M-16 live ammn and l(one) hand bag were recovered from their possession. On verification. Maibam Dhanabir Singh (sl. No. 1) disclosed that he is an active member of PLA organization and Sanjenbam Sunita @ Lemchang Chanu (sl. No.2) disclosed that she joined PLA organization in the year 2003 through one S/S Capt. Chaothoi and trained at Burma under army No. is 2717 and she is now holding the rank of S/S Sgt. and they were involved in the attacking by lobbing grenades and firing to the houses of Congress Workers and Congress Candidates and also extorted huge amount of money from genera! public, govt. officials, businessmen etc.
Again, on the same day at about 4:20 pm, a combined team of CDO/lmphal East and 28 Assam Rifles arrested 2(two) KCP (K.K. Nganba) cadres namely, (1) Phijam Rainson @ Amutombi @ Tayai Meitei (18) s/o Ph. Ibungobi of Pungdongbam Makha Leikai and (2) Sapam Thoinaoba @ Surendra Singh (20) s/o S. Ibohanbi of Sekta Makha Leikai from Kongpal Iranpham area and l(one) Chinese hand grenade was recovered from their possession. On verification, they disclosed that they joined KCP (K.K. Nganba) organization in the year 2011 through one Koktang of Sekta and presently working under the command of one Lairenlakpa of KCP organization and they were involved in extortion of money from general public, govt. officials . businessmen etc and transportation of ammunitions and ammunition from one place to another.
Further, on the same day at about 1:00 pm. a team of CDO/Imphal East arrested l(one) kidnaper namely. Md. Ajmal Shah (36) s/o Md. Amjad Shah of Kshetrigao Keikhu Mamang Leikai and rescued one Non-Manipuri namely , Pankaj Janardhan Salian (26) s/o Janardhah Khongapa Salin of Hemade Chol. Bhimnagar, VirtakaNagar, Thane. Mumbai from Keikhu Khetrigao area.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nine-militants-nabbed-by-police-and-troops/

GOC 57 mountain division flags in national integration tour

MNS: A National Integration Tour, organized by 6/8 Gorkha Rifles of Loktak Brigade under the aegis of Red Shield Division, was flagged in on 15 Feb 2012 in a grand welcome ceremony by Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen, VSM, GOC 57 Mountain Division at Leimakhong.
The tour was initially flagged off on 30 Jan 2012 from Ningthoukhong, Bishnupur.
Speaking on the occasion, Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen, welcomed the children whom he termed as ‘Ambassadors’ of Manipur.
He expressed hope that the children would have imbibed the spirit of the vast, diverse and magnificent country that India is. He urged the children to strive hard for the development and progress of the beautiful and talented state of Manipur and make it occupy its rightful place of pride in the hearts and minds of every Indian. The GOC also remarked that this tour has achieved ‘Integration’ in the real sense by comprising of all major ethnicities of Manipur.

Six Militants surrender

Imphal, Feb 15: Six cadres of three different militant outfits today laid down arms before BSF DIG, Manipur and Cachar, Manoharlal Batham during a “home coming ceremony” held at 116 battalion of BSF Ningthoukhong Loktak Sector. The militants also handed a huge cache of arms and ammunition to the DIG.
The surrendered militants are self-styled lance corporal Solendro @ Inaoton, 26, Amarjit @ Mangaljao,17, Thangcha @ Lupheng,28, self-styled corporal Tungdim Jangam @ Mangboi Zou,46, all from UNLF, and L Naobi,28 of RPF/PLA and Hamish, publicity secretary of People’s United Liberation front (PULF).
The arms and ammunition they handed over to the border guarding force DIG during the home coming ceremony included four 9 mm pistols with 10 live rounds, one 7.65 mm pistol with five rounds, one country made 9 mm gun with two rounds and two Chinese hand grenades.
DIG BSF Sector Manipur, Angom Shamu, CRPF officials, Bishnupur district Additional Superintendant of Police LM Haokip among others attended at the surrender ceremony.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/six-militants-surrender/

Photo comparison not done properly : MSCP

Mail News Service
Imphal, Feb 15: The president of Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) Y. Mani said, the process of photo comparison might not be done properly as responsible officials of the state did not take part in the process. The party does not like re-poll for the state assembly election as it will lose time and money.
A meet the press organized by MSCP was held at Hotel Imphal this afternoon.
The party has no objection if ECI takes a decision in this connection. The ruling govt. remains a silent spectator in this context whether re-poll is a loss or gain to the govt, he has no knowledge supplementing the comment of Y. Mani the working president Kh. Debabratta said apart from re-poll, legal actions should be taken up and arrest the concerned PO and other officials for the polling stations if irregularities were found in the PS.
Most candidates of the party who faced election in the recently held poll also attended the press meet.
Awangbou Newmai of Tamei A/C said, out of 63 polling stations, complaints of 45 PS were made to ECI. No photos were found in some polling stations. If re-poll is necessary in this A/C, there will be another election in the same A/C.
Shri Thamarjit, a candidate of Keirao A/C said, out of 31 polling stations, complaints were found in five PS. There is no need for re-poll as it seems lack of authority.
Sumatibal Ningthoujam of Heirok A/C said, the SPo personnel cast their votes twice. The postal ballot papers were issued through SP and not through post. She was of the view that those votes of postal ballot should not be counted during counting of votes. The N. Syamananda of Uripok A/C also said, there is no question of re-poll but he asked how to identify bogies elector.
The candidate of 30-Lilong A/C Md. Azizur Rahman Shah said, according to electoral roll, he filed his nomination as Md. Azizur Rahman Shah but he expressed his dissatisfaction as his name was found as Md. Azizur Shah in the EVM. It is a sign of lack of transparency.
The spokesperson of the party Vivek Raj Wangkhem also attended the press meet.
Meanwhile, An Indian National Congress (INC) candidate’s photograph taken just before casting his vote in a polling booth was just disappeared and instead came out as a photograph of a different person in place during the recent Manipur polls.
Yamthong Haokip, an INC candidate from Saikul constituency was completely amazed when his photograph was found removed and put in a wrong photograph of another person in the voters’ photograph list. He said this while talking to the media here on Wednesday.
Haokip said his name was in the serial no. 1 in the electoral roll and that he cast his vote in first place in polling station 46/15 under Saikul constituency of Senapati district on the polling day on January 28.
He, however, said his own photograph which was taken by a polling officer was found displaced by another person photo. The matter came to light when photo comparison of electors was carried out two days ago.
The Election Commission has not yet taken up any step though the evidence of poll violation by means of photo mismanagement was found out by the Central observers, Haokip lamented.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/photo-comparison-not-done-properly-mscp/

Wind Energy: a Nature’s Bonanza for Eternity

Shri Dilip Nigam, Director, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.
Smt. Gargi Malik, Assistant Director (Media & Communication), PIB, New Delhi.
Nature has provided ample resources for lives on earth to survive and grow. The quest of survival and growth enabled human beings to find and use new and renewable sources of energy. One such source is wind, which is a clean, renewable and sustainable form of energy. Wind is free and with modern technology can be captured efficiently for generating power. It has no green house gases emissions.
Throughout history, wind energy has been harnessed in many ways. Centuries ago, wind power was used to sail ships and windmills were used to grind the grains, pump water and cut wood. Initially, in India wind power was used for irrigation and grinding purposes but later on development of wind power got a boost. Now, it is being used to provide electricity to grid along with its use for distribution generation mode.
Today, India is the fifth largest producer of wind energy globally after China, the U.S.A., Germany and Spain with a cumulative installed capacity of over 16000 MW till the end of January 2012. The total potential for wind power in India was first estimated by the Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET), Chennai at 45 GW and has been recently increased to 49.13GW. In fact, in the twelfth five year plan the Government proposes to add 15000 MW of capacity through new wind energy projects.
Currently, wind technology is being primarily used in three ways: (i) Wind pumps, which use mechanical energy from wind mainly for water-pumping purposes (used for drinking and irrigation). (ii) Wind energy generators (WEGS’s), connected to turbines, which are used to produce electricity, to be distributed on electricity grids and are meant for rural and/or urban use. (iii) Wind-electric battery chargers which produce electricity and store it in batteries
To promote the use of wind energy in the country the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is promoting two programmes: (i) Wind Energy Programme and (ii) Small Wind Energy & Hybrid Systems Programme.
Wind Energy Programme
The programme aims at large scale commercialization of cost effective generation of grid quality wind power. Wind energy programme covers surveys and assessment of wind resource, facilitation and implementation of demonstration and private sector projects through various fiscal and promotional policies.
Wind Resource Assessment is done for deciding the potential sites. Wind energy is site specific; therefore, data needs to be collected before starting a project. A total of 627 wind monitoring stations covering 13 States and Union Territories have been established. Handbooks on ‘Wind Energy Resource Survey in India’ have been published giving details of wind data. In fact, a numerical Wind Atlas for India has been prepared and launched. It is to help the stake holders in getting better micrositing leading to higher generation from wind power projects. Micrositing is necessary for the optimization of wind farm layout and locating new turbines as per the norms specified by respective state regulatory authorities.
Demonstration Wind Power Projects are taken up to create necessary infrastructure to open up the sites for commercial deployment by demonstrating the success so that private sector gets confidence to invest. The first demonstration project in the country was set up near Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu in 1986. Subsequently, more demonstration projects have been established at different locations in the country.
The Government is supporting the Wind Power Programme through fiscal and promotional incentives. These include 80% accelerated depreciation, concession on custom duties on critical components, tax holiday on income and excise duties exemption. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy implements the scheme on Generation Based Incentive (GBI) for Wind Power Projects. Under the Scheme, an incentive of Rs 0.50 per unit of electricity fed into the grid by wind power projects is being provided over and above the tariff given by the state utilities, with an overall cap of Rs 62 lakh per MW to be availed in a period not less than four years and maximum period of 10 years. GBI scheme is available for the projects which do not claim the accelerated depreciation benefit. Loans for installing windmills are available from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and other Financial Institutions. An investment of around Rs. 5.5 crore is made per MW installation of wind power projects.
A total capacity of around 16000 MW has been established up to January, 2012, mainly in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan. Wind electric generators of unit sizes between 225 kW and 2.5 MW have been deployed across the country.
Small Wind Energy & Hybrid Systems Programme
The aim of the programme is to develop technology and promote applications of water pumping windmills and aero-generators/wind-solar hybrid systems useful for meeting water pumping and small power requirements in rural/semi urban/urban windy areas of the country. It also undertakes research & development for improvement of designs and efficiency of these systems. The users mainly involve individuals, farmers, NGOs, Central/State Government agencies, local bodies and Panchayats, Autonomous Institutions, Research Organizations, Cooperative Societies, Corporate Bodies, Small Business Establishments, Banks, etc .
Under the scheme, financial support is provided to the beneficiaries installing the aero-generators, wind-solar hybrid systems and water pumping wind mills. India can exploit the potential of micro-generation technologies and meet the energy needs under the distributed generation mode. An aero-generator is a small wind electric generator having a capacity
of upto 50 kW and is suitable for unelectrified areas having adequate wind speeds.
It produces optimum power at the rated wind speed of 30 km per hour. The wind-solar hybrid system mainly consists of one or two aero generators along with SPV panels connected with battery bank to supply AC power. The power generated from both wind and solar components is stored in a battery bank for use whenever required. Water pumping wind mills pump water from wells, ponds etc. and can lift water when wind speed approaches 8-10 Km per hour. They are capable of pumping water in the range of 1000 to 8000 litres per hour.
In view of the overall objective of creating a minimum power availability to feed the engine of qualitative growth of nation, wind energy will play a pivotal role in the future energy mix.(PIB Feature.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/wind-energy-a-natures-bonanza-for-eternity/

Indians are largest depositors of black money, claims CBI

New Delhi , Feb 15 (ANI): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has claimed that Indians are the largest depositors of illegal money in banks abroad amounting to an estimated 500 billion US dollars.
CBI Director A.P. Singh, while speaking at the inauguration of first Interpol global programme on anti-corruption and asset recovery, on Monday said: “It is estimated that around $500 billion of illegal money belonging to Indians is deposited in tax havens abroad. Largest depositors in Swiss Banks are also reported to be Indians.”
The CBI Director said the probe by the investigating agency into the recent scandals have been pointing to transfer of large amounts of money to tax havens.
“In some of the recent important cases being investigated by CBI, such as 2G, CWG and Madhu Koda cases, we find that money is taken to Dubai, Singapore, Mauritius, from where it goes to Switzerland and other such tax havens,” said Singh.
“For criminals, all it involves is setting up of a few shell companies and then making layered transfers from account to another in a matter of hours as there are no boundaries in banking transactions,” he added.
Singh said accessing information about illegal transactions was a time-consuming process.
“53 percent of the countries said to be least corrupt by the Transparency International Index are offshore tax havens, where most of the corrupt money goes. The tax havens include New Zealand which is ranked as the least corrupt country, Singapore ranked number five and Switzerland number seven,” he said.
Singh further said managing the asset recovery investigation is complex, time-consuming, costly and most importantly requires expertise and political will
“ There are many obstacles to asset recovery. Not only is it a specialised legal process filled with delays and uncertainty, but there are also language barriers and a lack of trust when working with other countries,” he said.

Students meet Kalam

A team of twenty children and three teachers who were part of National Integration Tour from Sita Village, Chandel District (Manipur) to Delhi organized by 24 Assam Rifles met Dr APJ Abdul Kalam former President of India,on Feb 12 at his residence in New Delhi
The children presented a traditional Manipuri shawl to Kalam and interacted with him for about 45 minutes and also shared his experiences. The Ex President of India encouraged the children to work towards the prosperity of Manipur and India.
A team of National Integration Tour conducted by 1/11 Gorkha Rifles reached Mumbai yesterday and visited National Defence Academy (NDA ).
43 Assam Rifles of the Red Shield Division organized a National Integration Tour for school children of Motbung , Hengbung and Lairouching .
The tour comprising of 23 children and 04 teachers will be visiting Delhi, Dehradun ,Mossurrie from 13 Feb 12 to 25 Feb 12.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/students-meet-kalam/

Lui Ngai Ni to be celebrated today

Mail News Service
Imphal, Feb 14: Lui Ngai Ni will be celebrated tomorrow. Governor Gurbhachan Jagat said in a message, “I extend my heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur, especially to our Naga brethren, on the happy and auspicious occasion of Lui-Ngai-Ni, 2012.Lui-Ngai-Ni, in which the blessings of the Almighty God are sought for a bountiful and bumper harvest for the well being of mankind, is thecommon festival of the Nagas. Since it is also a Tourist Festival it occupies a unique position not only among the Nagas but also amongother communities of the North-East and the country. It also appeals for peace, harmony and humanism. The common objective of all religious and social systems is to ensure peace and achieve progress in the society. I am confident that the festival will be celebrated in its true spirit
and the sense of oneness gets strengthened as well as the bonds of brotherhood and friendship get ensured in celebrating the festival.
Let all of us join our Naga brethren in the celebration of the festival and also pray for peace and prosperity for the State of Manipur.Chief Minister, O Ibobi said in a message, “I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Manipur especially our Naga brethren on the occasion of Lui-Ngai-Ni festival, 2012.
Lui-Ngai-Ni is the seed sowing festival and the main festival of the Nagas. I hope that the festival will strengthen the bond of friendship and oneness among our people. May this seed sowing festival be celebrated in its true spirit and promote love, peace and unity amongst us and bring happiness and prosperity to all sections of people in the state. I convey my greetings to the people of Manipur and wish the celebration of Lui-Ngai-Ni festival a great success.The RPF also greeted the people on the occasion.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/lui-ngai-ni-to-be-celebrated-today/

PDF looking for more allies

Imphal, Feb 14: NNN The People Democratic Front (PDF) today welcomed ‘any political party’ to join in the event of the front forming the next government in Manipur whose polls held recently.
“We do not mind any party tying up with the PDF as the four-political party alliance may not obtain absolute majority though it would become the single largest alliance to win in the recent Manipur polls, Manipur Pradesh NCP president and Opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam said in a press conference at the party’s office in Thangmeiband here. He added, the election commission and the State Chief Election Officer (CEO) have been urged by NCP that further re-poll was not necessary where photographs of voters were not corresponding to another in the process of comparisons, but instead he demanded those votes should be invalidated.
The NCP president added, expenditure of candidates should also be reviewed in case re-poll is needed in the rigged-booths.
Radhabinod added, thousands of photos were found mismatched in respect of Saikul constituency and the more surprising was that photograph of a candidate from the constituency was turned out to be a photograph of a Nepalese.
The Opposition leader added, around 2500 electors were subjected to proxy voting in Wabagai constituency of Thoubal district under which 13 polling stations were rigged by mismanaging photographs.
Meanwhile, BJP Manipur Pradesh acting president professor S. Tiken told the media here that the recent crucial Manipur polls were not conducted in a free and fair manner, saying mass proxy voting was committed during the polling due to “inadequate security arrangements.”
Tiken added, the finding of the two days of photo comparisons has come up with a lot of proxy voters and the decision of the ECI is awaited by the people and said rigged-votes should be invalidated and that they should not be included in the counting of votes slated for March 6.
“BJP Central leaders, including some leaders from Manipur recently met with the Chief Election Commissioner of India and submitted a letter to him regarding illegal voting in the State,” Tiken informed.
It has become certain that there are a number of malpractices such as proxy voting, impersonation, mass rigging, booth capturing, etc. were committed during the January 28 polls based on the result found out by the Central observers in crossed checking of voters’ photo captured on the poll day with that of electoral roll, the BJP stated in the letter.
It also requested the Chief Election Commissioner to look into the matter and issue an order to take up the counting of vote on the basis of genuineness of the votes found in the crossed-checking and declare the other rigged-votes as invalid.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pdf-looking-for-more-allies/

Sahitya Akademi Awards 2011 Presented to Bira

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Feb 14: Sahitya Akademi Awards for the year 2011were presented here today. Among 22 authors, famous poets honoured with the Award are (late) Kabin Phukan (Assamese), Manindra Gupta (Bengali), Premananda Mosahari (Bodo), Naseem Shafaie (Kashmiri), Melvyn Rodrigues (Konkani), Harekrishna Satapathy (Sanskrit), Aditya Kumar Mandi (Santali) and Khaleel Mamoon (Urdu).
The well-known novelists Kashinath Singh (Hindi), Gopalakrishna Pai (Kannada), Kshetri Bira (Manipuri), Kalpanakumari Devi (Odia),
Baldev Singh (Punjabi), Atul Kanakk (Rajasthani) and S. Venkatesan (Tamil) also received the awards. Lalit Magotra (Dogri), Grace (Marathi) and Samala Sadasiva (Telugu) got the Award for their books of essays.
Ramachandra Guha (English) for his book of Narrative History, Mohan Parmar (Gujarati) for his book of short stories, M. K. Sanu (Malayalam) for his book of biography and Mohan Gehani (Sindhi) for his book of plays have been honoured. Award in Maithili yet to be declared.
The Awards in the form of a casket containing an engraved copper-plaque, a shawl and a cheque of Rs. 1,00,000/- was presented to the authors of these books at a special function held here today during the Festival of Letters organized by Sahitya Akademi. Eminent Hindi critic Prof. Namwar Singh was the chief guest of the function and Sumathy Sivamohan, Sahitya Akademi Premchand fellow was the guest of honour.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sahitya-akademi-awards-2011-presented-to-bira/

Release of Anthony demanded

Imphal, Feb 14 NNN: The protests demanding the unconditional release of jailed NSCN-IM leader Anthony Shimray from Tihar jail were carried out in Ukhrul and Chandel today.
More protest programmes have been lined up demanding the release of the NSCN leader.
Meanwhile, the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and Naga Women Union under the aegis of ‘Campaign for the unconditional release of Anthony‘ affirmed today that they will continue to protest as long as Anthony Shimray is not released from Tihar Jail.
Anthony Ningkhan Shimray is the head of ‘foreign affairs’, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), reportedly a key person in the Indo-Naga peace talk.
“Anthony Ningkhan Shimray had participated in the peace talks as part of the negotiating team at least seven times in the past, including meetings in India and it is unacceptable that despite all these he was arrested while on his way to attend another round of peace talk at New Delhi,” said Dr Gina Sangkham and Aram Pamei who are respectively secretary general of NPMHR and president of Naga Women Union.
The two Naga leaders said they have been carrying out various forms of demonstration protesting his abduction and subsequent imprisonment as they believe that isolating him from the peace process is a pressure tactic of the Government of India to derail the peace talks.
“We ask the Government of India under such an atmosphere of suspicion and veiled penal threats how can we expect a solution to the Naga issue which would be mutually acceptable, honourable and long lasting?” the NPMHR and Naga Women Union questioned.
They reaffirmed their support for Anthony Ningkhan Shimray and said they will continue to protest till he is unconditionally released. A sit in protest organized by Tangkhul women Assn. was held at Gandhi Chowk Phuleithang, Ukhrul today.
The protesters are demanding safe release of NSCN (I/M) foreign secy, Anthoni Ningkhal Simray. The NSCN (I/M) leader was arrested from Bangkok in the year 2010 and since then his whereabouts are not known.The people of the area took part in the sit in protest.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/release-of-anthony-demanded/

Fish business boom in the state

Imphal, Feb 14 NNN: Fish farming, a business which is yielding financial gain in the village of Heingang in Imphal East now can double up your income without great effort and by that means unemployment problem can also be easily solved if the Government provides necessary loans to farmers for investment.
Heingang Pat, also known as Pourel Loukol (paddy field) can produce substantial quantity of fish if the State Government turns its centre of interest on the Heingang fish farmers, Khunaijam Konthounganba, a fish farmer of the village told Newmai News Network during an interview on Tuesday.
To do fish farming required intensive labour and money, and that a minimum of Rs 1, 40,000 has to be invested in a common fish pond covering an area of about 0.83 sq feet where fish for Rs 60, 000 can be reared, he said.
The business of fish farming in Heingang Pat was all started by Paonam Santa, one of the pioneers in this field, back in 2008. He took up the initiative by toiling himself in a small hut in the Pat where he raised a small amount of fish, Konthounganba remembered, telling that following the example, from that year onwards most of the residents too started fish farming in Heingang paddy field.
Small fish ponds are made in the paddy field by digging the ground where enough fresh water body is available for fish breeding. However, the level of water in the field is usually low round th year and rice production is therefore low, leading the paddy field owners to lend their respective land to others.
Fish like Rou, grass carp, silver carp, common carp and different local fish too are reared in the Pat.
“If help by the Government by providing loan to the fish farmers of Heingang Pat, more fish can be produced which in turn make it easy for them to return the money to the banks or Government and in the meantime creating jobs to many unemployed youths of the State through the process of loaning,” Konthounganba insisted.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/fish-business-boom-in-the-state/

Three public servants sentenced in separate cases of bribery

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Feb 14: The Special Judge, Mirzapur, Ahmedabad has convicted Shri Dev Dutt Sharma, the then Asstt. Development Officer (Leather), Khadi & Village Industries Commission, Ahmedabad U/s 7 & 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of PC Act, 1988 in a bribery case and sentenced him to undergo three years imprisonment with a fine of Rs.10,000/-.
The investigation revealed that accused Dev Dutt Sharma, Asstt. Development Officer (Leather), Khadi & Village Industries Commission, Ahmedabad was caught red handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 2,000/- from the complainant for showing official favour to complainant.
In another case, the Special Judge for CBI cases, Chennai has sentenced Sh. P.K. Chandrasekaran, the then Income Tax Officer, ward I (3), Tambaram, Chennai to undergo two years Rigorous Imprisonment with a fine of Rs.1,000/- in a bribery case. The accused was caught red handed while demanding & accepting a bribe of Rs.1500/- from the complainant for releasing his refund of Rs.20,346/- for the Assessment Year 2007-2008.
In other case, the Special Judge for CBI cases, Jabalpur (MP) has sentenced Sh. P.L. Bhor, the then Branch Manager, LIC of India Damoh (MP) to undergo two years Rigorous Imprisonment with a total fine of Rs.10,000/- in a bribery case.
The accused was caught red handed while demanding & accepting a bribe of Rs.5,000/- from the complainant for showing official favour in the settlement of the Death Claim in respect of Life Insurance Policies in favour of complainant’s nephew. The nephew of the complainant was the nominee and legal heir to the insurance benefits of his father who died.

Executive decisions should not be on experimental basis

Decisions have to be taken in the best interest of the state and the people. Officials should learn to take good executive decisions. They should not take decisions which create more confusion. A decision was taken making it mandatory for vehicle owners to take pollution certificate. How many vehicles are there in our state ? In how many places pollution tests can be done. Every family has one or two vehicles now and in the city areas almost every person owns a vehicle. It is not possible to conduct tests for lakhs of vehicles in one or two testing places. If a decision has to be taken proper arrangements should be done first. Start with the transport vehicles, give them some time and start taking fines. If anybody lets them away by taking money which enriches ourselves not the state then problem will start. Extend to the old and diesel engines and then start concentration on new vehicles. Similar decision was taken earlier however it failed as few testing centres in the pollution office and oil depots could not conduct tests for the vehicles. Administration has to be strengthened in the district, block levels otherwise it would provide an opportunity to make some resort to corrupt practices. Another decision was taken to restrict vehicles at Thangal and Paona keithel. Ban is not a solution. So many things banned nowadays are flourishing. One way traffic is good but the problem is traffic regulation. Those who create problems should be asked to pay fine. Fine is not taken. Some are let away. Take fine from all of us. One will be shocked at the numbers of trucks and transport vehicles parked at Allu Gali, Thangal bazaar when even two wheelers are stopped. Honesty is something we desire. The onus of imposing the rules and regulations and implementing it lies with the state and the executive should learn taking decisions and implementing it.

Girl raped

Aizawl, Feb 13 NNN: A police personnel had raped a physically challenged girl in Mizoram, according to a delayed report received today.
The report said that a police constable posted at Lunglei Police Station identified as K.Lalrova (42), resident of Aizawl raped a physically challenged girl on the night of February 9 near Saikutihall in Lunglei, southern capital city of Mizoram. The police however, did not disclose the details of the victim. On learning about the incident, the accused K.Lalrova had been suspended and sent to Lunglei district jail, according to Lunglei Superintendent of Police (SP), Lallianmawia.
Meanwhile, as per the data available, from 2008 to October 2011, the Mizoram police have registered 639 cases of which 303 are rape cases.
In another incident, Kapmawia, a resident of Thingsul Tlangnuam, 16 kms from Aizawl on Sunday (February 12) stabbed his wife Vanlalthuami (42) to death. The accused had also tried to kill himself by stabbing himself with knife, but was stopped by the police.
Fumed with the incident, angry locality beat the accused black and blue because of which the latter was admitted to the hospital but succumbed to his injury.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/girl-raped/