Category: Imphal Free Press

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 23

In yet another shocking incident today, the yearlong harvest of two families, Pukhrambam Birachandra Singh and Michael P. alias Sadu Khuroi were burnt to ashes by am alcoholic today morning.

The incident happened at Laipat Loukon, Ningthoukhong Bazar, Bishnupur district. This incident is the third of its kind and in the state. A fire brigade team tried to stop the fire but their efforts went in vain.

The suspect who committed this inhuman act today was identified as Moirangthem Roben Singh, (35) from the same place. He was caught with psychotropic substance and tablets strip at the same spot.

Enraged by his senseless behaviour, eye witnesses around the area attacked him and turned violent. He was rescued from further mob action by a police team of Bishnupur district who came to the spot.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 23

The Imphal East police today arrested three active members of RPF/PLA and one active member of UNLF and seized one 9mm pistol with eight live round and magazine from the RPF/PLA cadres and Rs. 22,000 from the UNLF carder, respectively.

The arrested RPF/PLA carders are identified as N. Loken alias R.K (40) son of N. Baruni of Kakwa Naorem Leikai, S. Anil alias Tomjou alias Johnson (50) son of S. Khomei of Thongju and Ph. Ibomcha (40) son of late Ph. Gulap of Thongju. The arrested UNLF carder is identified as K. Premjit (40) son of late K. Kulla of Kongba Leishram Leikai.

Briefing media persons today at Imphal East police SP, K. Kabib said that Imphal East police has searched random house including the house of Loken after getting a reliable information that some members of RPF/PLA are present in and around Kakwa Norem Leikai, who are trying to target non-locals and conduct anti-social activities. But they were not able to arrest anyone, he added.

Based on the available information during the search the Imphal East police rushed to Kakching bazaar and were able to arrest Loken, he said.

During interrogation Loken admitted that he shot one non-local on November 20 at Chanchipur following the direction of Anil, continued the SP.

Kabib said later they were able to arrest Anil and Ibomcha (whom Loken handed over the weapon used in the killing of the non-local) from their respective residences.

All the three arrested persons were handed over to Singjamei police station for further legal action, he added.

The SP continued that one the other hand Premjit was arrested after getting specific information about presence of active member of UNLF at Kongba Leishram Leikai.

He said during interrogation he admitted that he was handed over Rs. 2.5 lakhs for distribution to the family members of their outfit and has already distributed Rs. 2.28 lakhs to 46 families through one Chaoba of UNLF. He has been handed over to Irilbung police station for further legal procedure, added the SP.

Meanwhile, five cadres of underground groups were apprehended over the last five days, said a release from police PRO.

Imphal East police commando arrested two active members of RPF/PLA named Thongam Gyanendro Singh alias Ibomcha (56), son of late Th Yaima Singh of Thangmeiband Polem Leikai and Kabrambam Lele Singh alias Kanta (52), son of late K Gourabidhu Singh of Thangmeiband Kabrambam Leikai in a search operation around Kongpal Top Khongnangkhong area on November 19, it said. A 9 mm pistol loaded with 10 rounds of magazine were seized from their possession. A case has been registered at Porompat police station.

In a search operation around Hapta Kangjeibung area on November 20, Imphal East police commando arrested an active RPF/PLA member named Labuktongbam Tejkumar Sharma alias Ibomcha and Oja (52), son of late L Shyamkishwor Sharma of Yaiskul Hiruhanba Leikai, Imphal West, the release said. A case has been registered at Porompat police station.

Imphal West police commando in a search operation around Tata Magic parking of Mayang Imphal Bazar on November 20 arrested an over-ground worker of KCP-MC (progressive) named Khaidem Bijoy Singh alias Meitei (35), son of Kh Iboyaima Singh of Mayang Imphal Ani Longbi Thana Awang Leikai presently residing in Ngaikhong Khullen Bazar, it added. A case has been registered at Mayang Imphal police station.

A team of Thoubal police commando and 6 Assam Rifles in a frisk and check operation at Lilong Tollen Khul in front of Pinnacle academy on November 21 arrested a UPK gang member named Md Kouser Ali (28), son of late Md Abdul Sattar of Lilong Chandakhong Maning Sanakhong, the release said. Investigation revealed that he was involved in the explosion of a Chinese hand grenade at Lilong Yangbi Leikai, it added. A case has been registered at Lilong police station.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Nov 23

Kuki National Front today issued a reminder to the PMGSY contractors over the alleged failure of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) schemes in the hills.

Director, project and planning KNF, Andrew K, in their press communiqué reiterated that owing to the execution of work below scheduled rate, PMGSY has failed to serve its purpose to the hill people who reside in the far-flung remote areas.

That in spite of enormous sanctions made by the government under PMGSY scheme to construct roads in remote areas, owing to poor quality of work, many of the roads built under the scheme are not motorable.

He also pointed out that many of the same roads are blocked due to landslides, but the incumbent contractors have failed to take the responsibility of maintaining these roads after having withdrawn their bills.

He further alleged that apart from the various tremendous hardships faced by the people, many developmental schemes and projects have also been halted owing to the deplorable road conditions in the hills.

Considering all these facts, the department of project and planning, KNF, issued an order in respect of PMGSY Phase XI (Batch 2017-18) within Kangpokpi district that only local contractors shall be given priority to take up the construction works.

Beside quality work, this is being done with the intent to ensure that the maintenance of the constructed roads become the responsibility of local contractors for at least 1-2 years, he added.

He also stated that all these roads should be accessible even during rainy seasons.

In light of all the above-stated actualities, the outfit is compelled to intervene in the interest of the general public and the helpless villagers who are denied even the basic mode of transport, till today, he concluded.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Nov 23

Minister social welfare & cooperation, Nemcha Kipgen today attended the inaugural function of the 2nd Kuki Christian Upate, Manipur Synod Seminar cum cultural meet, 2017, at K. Songtun village in Kangpokpi district.

In the said programme, social welfare minister also unveiled the monoliths of KCU Kangpokpi Gambih 2nd cultural meet, under the theme, “Good Deeds” and (L) Jamkhokai Kipgen Memorial Playground.

While executive member ADC Sadar Hills, Lamkholen Kipgen as the functional president led the inaugural flag hoisting, and social worker Jangboi Kipgen inaugurated the opening ceremony of games and sports of the meet.

Later, Pr. Lalkhosei Chongloi dedicated the two monoliths after the inauguration by minister Nemcha Kipgen.

In her inaugural address, minister social welfare & cooperation, Nemcha Kipgen relied on the wisdom of the Bible and emphasised the value of trust, hope and love. She said love is the greatest of all these values, “Of all things in the world, love is the greatest of all and the highest influential element of good deeds for a human being. With love, even impossible things can be made possible, and it serves as a unifying force in the society.”

The minister also pointed out that it is out of love towards one’s country and its people that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is launching various schemes and projects in the entire country, including the state of Manipur.

She further stated that unlike the previous government, the present government would ensure that all the beneficial and developmental schemes reach to all the people of the state, even in the remotest area, as instructed by the country’s Prime Minister.

Further, she urged the people to make the best uses of the schemes and developmental projects in bringing changes in the society.

The cultural meet which will conclude on November 27, wherein various traditional games, as well as cultural items, will be held.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 23

All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters Association (AMPPTA) today staged protest demonstration in front of Malom Oil Depot and subsequently ceased their work against the tender process of the Indian Oil Cooperation Limited.  

The protesters displayed placards bearing slogans like “You are getting 7th pay, and why are we pushing back to 2014 rate”, “IOC tender condition, Hai-Hai”, “Where will the local based transporter, Go”.

Protesters said that unless and until the government rectify the newly floated norms the IOCL to will continue their cease work strike.

Due to their cases work strike most of the petrol pump witnesses panic buying of petrol and diesel.

Yesterday AMPPTA during a press meet had stated that the rate offered in the newly floated tender is much lesser than the rates quoted in the year 2014 and that even after adding maximum price band of 10 percent to it, the amount of transportation rate come much less than what the transporters are getting presently.

IMPHAL | Nov 23

All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen’s Union has appealed to the state government to repeal the Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) Act 2006 in the interest of the Loktak Lake Phumshang dwellers and the people of Manipur, said a release. 

 Further, the MLAs from the eight assembly constituencies in and around Loktak Lake are urged to work for the repealing of the said act, it said.  This act has resulted in the loss of several household materials, rations, essential documents, fishing gears, money, etc., of the Phumshang dwellers, it added.

Recalling illegal eviction and arson of Ramsar site’s Phumshang (phumhuts), at Loktak Lake, in November 2011, the release said in the condemnable act, Loktak development authority (LDA) along with its agencies burned down 777 Phumshangs out of the 1147 Phumshangs located inside the Loktak Lake, without the prior and informed consent of the Loktak Phumshang dwellers.

The release further mentioned that section 20, 21 & 33 of Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) Act 2006 (MLLPA) which empowers LDA to destruct Phumshangs, is in contravention with Guwahati High Court, Imphal Bench’s order on January 25, 2012.

The inhabitants of Loktak Phumshangs live by Gandhian philosophy of non-violence and are awaiting justice till date, it said.

IMPHAL | Nov 23

Thoubal district magistrate has passed an order prohibiting assembly of more than four persons or carrying of lethal weapons such as lathis, stones and firearms within 100 metres of Manipur university’s examination centres from November 23 to January 11.

The order, issued under section 144 of CrPC, shall be enforced from 9 am to 4 pm every day till the exams are over, said a release from district magistrate L. Nabakishwar Singh.

The university is holding first, third and fifth semester exams in bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of commerce, bachelors of food technology, social work and biotechnology courses from November 23 to January 11. It had requested the district magistrate for ensuring their smooth conduct, the release said.

IMPHAL | Nov 23

Four officers of the Manipur Civil Service (MCS) have been promoted to the rank of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) by an order issued by the ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions (Department of Personnel and Training), government of India. The officers have been identified as Neeta Arambam, W. Malemngaba Chenglei, Somorjit Salam and Rangitabali Waikhom.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 22

The All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters Association (AMPPTA) has announced they will go on an indefinite strike with immediate effect from late in the evening today demanding the Indian Oil Cooperation Limited (IOCL) cancel its newly floated tender for the transporters.

Speaking to media persons late in the evening at Nirmala hotel, secretary AMPPTA, A Tamphayai, contended that the rate offered in the newly floated tender is much lesser than the rates quoted in the year 2014 and that even after adding maximum price band of 10 percent to it, the amount of transportation rate come much less than what they (transporters) are getting presently.

He said that despite repeated appeals and meetings between both sides, with the latest meeting held just recently, to rectify the newly floated norms the IOCL remained deaf ear.

“Much before the tender was floated, our association has highlighted various concerns which if not addressed properly would bring a tussle. This was reminded to all the officials of the IOC since February 2016 and also it was conveyed in the presence of the concerned minister,” he said.

The transporter leader said that the newly floated tender will go online from 3pm tomorrow amounting to adding salt to the wounds.

Contending that the new rate was fixed only for the transporters based in Imphal, he said the aggrieved transporters are left with no choice to go on agitation to save the jobs of 1200 drivers and handymen under the association.

It has been informed that all oil tankers currently outside the state and also in the state ferrying petroleum products from Malom depot will stay off roads during the strike.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 22

The two-day business summit of Northeast India and Association for South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries concluded today at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound signing 39 agreements worth Rs. 4000-5000 crores.

Chief minister N. Biren in the valedictory function said that the summit was an effort to showcase and explore the potential of North East India in establishing itself as a hub of India’s Act East Policy.

He contended that the summit also marked the beginning of the government as well as the private companies’ commitment towards collective efforts of building partnerships to address the aspirations of the people by unlocking the full potential of the State.

The positive outcomes from this summit would transform the business and development environment of the Northeast region in general and Manipur in particular, he added.

Out of the 39 memorandum of understandings (MoUs) signed today; the state forest department signed four MoUs – two with HSMM Group for Agarwood plantation and production of essential oil, commercial production of orchids and essential oils.

The department also signed MoU with NRL for production of biofuels from bamboo and with TRIFED for minimum support prices for minor forest produces.

Higher education department signed MoU with M/s UNESCO Center (UK) for setting up a private university in Manipur. Finance department signed MoU with INDO SWISS Centre (Switzerland) for facilitating attracting investment, trade, tourism.

Agriculture department signed MoU with MSTC for e-marketing of agricultural produces from Manipur. Tourism department signed MoU with Lao PDR for development of tourism. Tourism department also signed MoU with M/s Star Track Business House Pvt Ltd Mumbai for infrastructure development project for Rs. 50 crore.

Manipur Police Housing Corporation (MPHC) signed MoU with M/s Fitzroy Salai Holdings, Kolkata for Cable Car Project.

With the signing of these MoUs, the chief minister expressed hope that both the state as well as the investors will be benefited with great return. 

The valedictory function was also attended by health minister, L. Jayantakumar, DoNER secretary Naveen Verma, Union tourism secretary, Rashmi Verma, Keirao A/C MLA, L. Rameshwor, Manipur Infrastructure and Development Agency (MIDA) vice-chairman, M. Asnikumar and additional chief secretary (home) and MIDA chief executive officer, J. Suresh Babu attended the function as presidium members.

The historic event for the state and the region as a whole was held as part of Sangai festival for business development of the state. It had five sessions focusing on areas of trade and investment, connectivity and infrastructure development, tourism development in the region, skill development, capacity building and entrepreneurship.

The summit was organised by India Foundation in collaboration with the government of Manipur. It was inaugurated yesterday by the President of the nation, Ramnath Kovind Singh.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 22

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) today submitted a memorandum to the President of India, seeking the latter’s intervention in pressuring the NDA government to disclose the contents of the ‘Framework Agreement’ signed between the Centre and the NSCN (IM).

Speaking to media persons in connection with the meeting with the President, MPCC President TN. Haokip, said he along with former chief minister of Manipur, Okram Ibobi Singh and senior Congress legislator, Gaikhangam, met with the President at 8.30 am wherein the memorandum was submitted.

The President was apprised of the uncertainty and apprehension surrounding in the state with the NDA government adamant to keep the contents of the agreement a closely guarded secret for too long, he added.

Subsequently, TN. Haokip said the three Congress leaders requested the President to press the NDA government to disclose the contents of the agreement. 

He revealed that the outcome of the meeting was satisfactory as expected with the President reportedly assuring the Congress leader to look into the matter.

Former chief minister, Okram Ibobi Singh, reiterated that the Congress government welcomes any initiatives to resolve a problem peacefully but not at the cost of territorial integrity of Manipur.

He said that the Congress will not be part of the drafting committee of common memorandum to be submitted to the Prime Minister and delegates to visit to Delhi until the government come out with a clear explanation on the NPF’s stand on Manipur’s territory.

Of the five point memorandum, the Congress mentioned that the so-called “conspiracy of silence” may tell heavily upon the peace process and may even invite an uneasy beginning of the end.

It further said, “One fact is reaffirmed and made categorically clear that the threat to the integrity of Manipur; territorial, administrative, financial, cultural political, can never be tolerated under any design of settlement. Manipur should remain “Manipur” as it is today”.

Any attempt to destabilize the status-quo of political and economic structure rooted in the history of Manipur, should be construed as negation of political maturity and ideals of human civilization fraught with grave consequences, it said before adding that it will create a catastrophic for Manipur and devastating for the region.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 22

Titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba has said that shumang leela plays crucial role in shaping the society in the right direction, speaking at the inaugural function of Sangai International Shumang Leela Festival 2017 which begin today at the Shumang Leela Sanglen, Imphal. 

Speaking as the chief guest, he elaborated the importance of shumang leela in shaping our society and its historical background. “Shumang leela begin from time immemorial. And day by day the value and importance of Shumang leela is increasing. Let us not forget that our unique performing art form helps in representing our state in other parts of India and even at international level,” he pointed out.

We should take care that the value of the unique art form is not diminished, he said, adding if possible proper documentation of any Shumang leela that have been performed so far should be maintained. 

Chairman of festival committee of Manipur State Shumang Leela Council (MSSLC) Wareppa Naba clarifying on the non-attendance of any foreign delegate in the festival said, “This year we regret that we are not able to invite any delegates from outside the country. But from next year we will surely have friends from abroad to take part in the festival.”   

President MSSLC M. Purnimashi Leima among others also attended the inaugural function of the festival. It may be mentioned that this is the third Sangai International Shumang Leela Festival organised by the council.

On the inaugural day Shumang leela ‘Nungsirabi Abem’ was performed by Sangai Artistes Association group. The festival will continue for eight days.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 22

Special Judge Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substance (NDandPS) Manipur today recorded statement of the investigating officer of CBI who appeared as CBI witness in connection with the absconding of two accused person involved in the infamous Pallel drug hauled case involving former PRO, PIB Defence Wing, Imphal Ajay Choudhury.

The IO submitted before the court that the official team of CBI have conducted search for two accused person identified as Zaminthang Tuboi and Letminlal Haokip both from Moreh at their residences but they have been found absconding till today.

He added that more over their missing reports are also already published in both local and national dailies and prayed to declare them as proclaimed absconder. 

Meantime following the completion of submitting all the relevant papers in connection with the case before the court, the case is now under process of charge consideration.

Earlier the trial of the case was going at a snail’s pace due the failure of CBI to submit the relevant documents related with the investigation of the case. However with the submission of all relevant documents there will be possibilities of speedy disposal of the case by the court, said a source. 

Mentioned may be made that a huge amount of Pseudoephedrine tablets were seized by a team of Manipur police commandos from Pallel police check post on October 3, 2013 from the possession of former PRO, PIB Defence Wing, Imphal Ajay Choudhury and other 16 co-accused.

Later CBI took over the case and submitted charge sheet against the 17 accused persons including former PRO, PIB Defence Wing, Imphal Ajay Choudhury, Dhrubajyoti Das, Madho Das, Utpal debnath, Banamali Talukdar, Tiken Deka and Ajay Kumar Bhartia, Rajneesh Kumar, Ng. Brojen, Lhunkhohao Haokip, RK. Babloo, Diskant Goel, K. Ananda, Saikholen Haokip.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 22

The High Court of Manipur on its own motion has taken up a PIL for the effective implementation of Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960 and its rules in the state.

The PIL is also incorporating a presentation submitted by People for Animal (PFA) to acting chief justice through registrar general of the High Court praying to give directives to authorities concerned in the connection with Cil. (P) case No.224 of 2017 in reference to FIR No.243(8) 2017, IPS u/s 11(a)(d)(k) of PCA Act in the court of chief judicial magistrate, Imphal West.

The presentation furnished by PFA maintained that on August 30 one L. Bishwajeet Meitei lodged a complaint stating that one eco van with registration No. MN04 A/9991 was carrying seven dogs in a very cruel manner.

The dogs limbs were found tied up by binding wires and all the dogs were adult and it is cleared that they were being transported for consumption, added the complaint.

Following the case the chief judicial magistrate, Imphal West on August 31 convicted the accused persons and imposed a fine of Rs.50 each and directed the accused to deposit a sum of Rs. 5000 as expenses towards maintenance of the seized dogs.

The PIL also mentioned that Pony is one of the five recognised equine breeds of India is very important and critical for the state as well the country as part of the national gene pool.

It mentioned that the population of this highly valued pony breed is dwindling rapidly in recent times, from 1898 in the 17th Quinquennial Livestock Census 2003 to only 1101 in the 19th Quinquennial Livestock Census 2012.

Such situation now calls for immediate implementation of conservation programmes through formulation of a holistic policy on conservation and development of Manipur Pony and the state government has also declared Manipur Pony as an endangered breed in 2013.

The PIL also mentioned that most of the ponies were abandoned by their owners and they do not provide proper shelter, feeds and medical attention to their ponies.

The owner collect the horses whenever they need for polo matches or race etc and in the other time the abandoned horses wandered on streets and roads in search of food and shelter, added the PIL.

The PIL further prayed to the High Court to direct the state government especially veterinary and animal services of Manipur to construct proper animal shelters in all the districts at the earliest as stipulated in PCA Act 1960 and rules framed under it.

It also prayed for directing the SPCA of Imphal West or veterinary & animnal husbandry services, Manipur to take over the six numbers of dogs sheltering at the animal shelter of PFA which is at Thoubal Wangmataba as well as compensate the cost, effort of caring six dogs beyond 7 days as directed by CJM, Imphal West to PFA Manipur.

On being heard of the submission of PIL, advocate general has sought time for submitting relevant reports in connection with the PIL filed before the acting chief justice and he has fixed the matter to be heard on December 4.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 22

An enraged passenger who missed her connecting flight from Kolkata to Patna due to delay of all flights at Imphal Airport with VVIP arrival at the airport, engaged tourism Union minister, Alphons Joseph Kannanthanam in an angry exchange upon the latter’s arrival yesterday.

The passenger identified as Dr. Nirala Singh who is currently a PG final year student in department of Obst and Gynae at RIMS booked a connecting flight from Imphal to Kolkata and from Kolkata to Patna to join the funeral ceremony of her brother.

But due to the delay of all the flights in connection with the VVIP arrival at Imphal Airport, she had already missed the flight from Kolkata to Patna before even boarding the flight from Imphal.

The video of the incident has gone viral in the social media. In the video clip the lady doctor was seen shouting at the Union minister Alphons on his arrival at the Imphal airport.

“I was waiting and crying so I approached the minister thinking a minister can do everything,” Dr Nirala said. Meantime the minister was seen trying to calm down the lady stating that all flights will take off once the President’s flight touches down at the airport.

In a statement, Indigo airlines said that her flight “was delayed for more than two hours for airspace closure due to the VVIP movement at Imphal.”

“3 scheduled flights were delayed by around 2 hours due to the President of India’s flight movement. We heard that one passenger who was travelling from Imphal to Patna argued with Union Minister KJ Alphons,” said an airport official.

IMPHAL | Nov 22

The President of India Ram Nath Kovind today visited the Indian National Army Memorial Complex, Moirang, the place where the Indian Tricolour flag was hoisted for the first time on the Indian soil on April, 14, 1944.

 On the occasion, the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind paid floral tributes at the statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at INA complex. The President was accompanied by first lady of the country Savita Kovind and an entourage that included officials of Rashtrapati Bhawan, governor of Manipur Najma Heptulla, chief miniser N. Biren Singh, cabinet ministers and MLAs.

The President also visited the INA museum located within the INA Memorial Complex. The President was briefed by the officials of the department of art and culture, government of Manipur about history of the INA soldiers and the Battles of Imphal that happened during Second World War.

The President wrote on the visitor’s book of the Museum, “I offer my humble tribute to the brave soldiers of the Indian National Army who made supreme sacrifices to liberate Mother India under exemplary leadership of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose. This monument reminds us of the valour of the INA and makes us commit ourselves to the service of the Nation.”

It may be mentioned that President Ram Nath Kovind is the second President of India to visit INA Memorial Complex, Moirang after President V.V. Giri who visited the INA Complex on 21st October, 1972.

The President Ram Nath Kovind who arrived in Imphal yesterday to inaugurate the NEDS 2017 and Manipur Sangai Festival 2017 reached Moirang by helicopter and visited INA Memorial Complex to pay floral tributes to Netaji Subash Chandra Bose and martyrs of INA.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 22

“It’s a pity that I had to change my costume at a balcony near the venue for the performance. This is not the first time. Most of the time artists are treated as mere pieces of entertainment and nothing more.”

This was stated by a dejected woman artist, talking to the IFP, who performed on the inaugural night of the ongoing Sangai Festival at the Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre, Palace Compound.

She continued that the organiser paid no attention to the requirements of the artists who were cramped inside the two small green rooms at the backstage with their musical instruments. “They didn’t offer us even a glass of water, forget about refreshments,” she added. 

Head of the production unit JN Manipur Dance Academy Imphal W. Loken, who was the choreographer of the dance item displayed on the inaugural night sharing his plight, said the artists have performed overcoming many inconveniences.

 “I understand that there are security protocols to be followed when the President of our country is the guest at the function. But I am truly saddened by the way the security personnel mistreated the artistes,” he lamented.  

Moreover the organiser had informed us to prepare the item just one month before the festival which is a very limited period but somehow we have managed to present it well, he added. “Apparently there is clear lack of coordination among the authorities which was very much evident from the way they have treated the artist on the inaugural night,” he said.

One of the artist Amang H. said, “There were no adequate dressing room and despite waiting the delegates for long hours they don’t even provide refreshment. The manner in which the organising committee treated us shows lack of dignity, respect and value for artist.”

Another artist Subash Ksh. said, “I felt very proud because as an artist from Manipur I got an opportunity to stand on the stage of Sangai Festival for five times.” But the remuneration paid to the artists is very low, and it has been the same every year, he added. 

Another artist T. Naotomba, airing his displeasure said, “The kind of restriction imposed on us by Manipuri security forces was bizarre. There were too many restrictions. We felt like we were kept inside a jail.”

Further he said, “The honourable president of India in his speech acknowledged the rich cultural heritage of Manipur. However, it is unfortunate that the organiser have failed to recognise the value of our artists who are contributing in whatever way they can.”

IMPHAL | Nov 22

Condemning the killing of a journalist yesterday at Tripura by allegedly by Tripura State Rifle, All Manipur Working Journalists Union today staged a sit-in protest today at Manipur Press Club Imphal.

The deceased journalist, Sudeep Dutta Bhaumik who was working as a senior reporter at Bengali Daily was allegedly shot dead by TSR rifleman, Nandu Riyang at RK Nagar near TSR 2nd battalion headquarter during his line of duty.

Speaking to media persons, AMWJU vice-president, K. Sarojkumar Sharma said such act of killing a journalist in the line of duty by security personnel is a challenge to the freedom of press.

AMWJU demanded to the state government to re-open and further investigation the cases related with the murder of the state journalists in the past.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 20

UNESCO in its report under ‘List of Endangered Languages in the Online Version of the World Atlas of Endangered Language (vis-a-vis census) 2009’ had classified the Tarao dialect as one of the extinct languages suggesting either dilution or nonexistence of the tribe.

In a move to save and revive the tribe, Relief Centre for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Manipur under the coordination of Thokcom Chandramani, took a survey recently and found that the tribe has not actually gone extinct.

He told IFP that the population growth rate of the Tarao community is slow and is far short of 1000.

Chandramani said that he had started his survey since 2010 and through his survey he managed to get Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India (SPPEL) implemented for the Tarao tribe under HRD department.

Factors such as geography, social practices, low fertility, genetic defect leading to low fertility, disability, nutritional habit among others make the tribe almost extinct, said spokesperson of the relief centre, Chandramani.  

Tarao is a minority community in Chandel district speaking Taraotrong. It is said that Maharaja of Manipur, Ching-Thang Khomba had an orchard at a place near Pallel and his orange trees were looked after by the Taraos at Komlathabi.

They are concentrated at four villages, Tarao Laimanai, Leisokching, Khuringmol and Heikakpokpi. As per Cheitharol Kumbaba (The Royal Chronicle of Manipur) the Taraos had been in existence since AD 1263-1467.

Tarao tribe leaders had complained to the government in the past of having no MLA and ADC members in its populace.

With an endeavour to save the endangered tribe and its language especially, in a first of its kind, Imphal Hospital has adopted the tribe to extend every possible medical technology to help the tribe from further extinction. 

Managing director of Imphal Hospital, Dr. Salam Maipak Singh said that he does not want any indigenous tribe of the state to be extinct and would do anything to help them in population stabilisation health wise.

Retired HOD of RIMS gynaecology department, and also an advisor of the relief centre, Dr. Chanam Manglem Singh said that population is important for existence of a tribe. The population of Taraos during the time of Ching-Thang Khomba was 700 and that was some 219 years ago.

The population have in a way increased but no so much, and that is a worry for the tribe as well as the state.

According to the official records of Tarao Tribe Union’s member, K. Mila Tarao said for 2016-2017, there are a total of 894 populations concentrating in five villages of the state. Of which Khuringmul at Tengnoupal district, has the largest concentration level at 55 household and a population of 270.

Leisokching which serves as the hub for the tribe is situated at Tengnoupal district and is home to 40 household and a population of 240 persons.

Sanakeithel at Ukhrul district have the least population with 70 and 20 households, respectively.

IMPHAL | Nov 21

The locals of Awang Wangbangai, Mayang Imphal have urged the government to arrest and punish the culprits behind the alleged killing of one Yumnam Basanta Singh, a resident of Mayang Imphal.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, one of the locals, Sagolshem Sushil Kumar claimed that Y. Basanta, 37, son of late Yumnam Gandhar Singh of Mayang Imphal was found throat slit to death on the midnight of November 19 at a stone crusher owned by one Ashanbam Suresh at Awang Wangbangai Leikai.

The victim has been working at the stone crusher since the past five years, he added.

In connection with the case Sekmai police have arrested two individuals identified as Ksh. Bungo, 37, son of Ksh. Ibomcha and Khanyenbam Anand, 30, son of Khanyenbam Thoiba as they are suspected to be behind the alleged murder, he contimued.

Sushil said that according to Sekmai police’s statement given to court, a knife and three blades covered with blood were found at the crime scene and the door of the victim’s room was found locked from inside.

He said that the local along with the Leimarel Singdam Lup, Mayang Imphal Thongkhong strongly condemn the alleged cold blooded murder of Basanta.