Category: Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | Oct 14

Swiss Cooperation has assured to provide technical support in revising the Manipur State Action Plan on Climate Change, 2013. Swiss Cooperation is working in different Himalayan States on their respective State Action Plan on Climate Change.

Head and Counsellor, Swiss Cooperation Office, India, Embassy of Switzerland, Marylaure Crettaz, speaking to the media said she found Manipur as a very natural and green State with a pleasant weather condition.

She said Swiss Cooperation will help the Manipur government in reviewing the State Action Plan on Climate Change, accessing the results of the plans taken up so far and finding ways to improve for making a revision. Plan revision is necessary to combat frequent floods, landslides and variation in weather condition.

Once the State Action Plan is revised there will be list of things which will be taken up as projects and the last step will be to acquire the finance/fund for the project. Swiss Cooperation will support in terms of capacity building and training to assure that many State actors sensitise on the issue.

State officials at national, state and district level will be given training on ways to deal with the issue so that every sector/department is equipped to respond to climate change. Numerous studies like risk and vulnerability assessment will be prepared to make a better plan for which both fund and technical support is needed.

1. Nabachandra Singh, director, directorate of environment, said the department is focused on various plans to conserve wetlands and water bodies in the State. He said the department is checking and monitoring the water quality under the research and development projects apart from water rejuvenation and conserving lakes.

Community participation is encouraged for conserving wetlands like done in Yaral Pat. All together 19 wetlands have been identified for eco-development which will be taken up in phase-wise.

He said, once the Manipur State Action Plan on Climate Change, 2013 is revised this year, State can work on making a state policy on climate change. With support from all corners swift action can be taken to save the ecology, he added.

Ahead of leaving Imphal today, Marylaure Crettazz visited the Panam Ningthou Garden at Andro, Imphal East and Sendra tourist resort, Moirang, Bishnupur district accompanied by the delegates of Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme (IHCAP) and officials of directorate of environment.

IMPHAL | Oct 14

The proscribed umbrella organisation CorCoM, of various UG groups operating in the state has called for a total shut down of entire Manipur on October 15, otherwise known as “National Black Day” when King Bodhachandra was kept captive at Shillong and forced to sign the merger agreement in 1949.

As a part of the “National Black Day” observations, the total shut down will begin at midnight tomorrow and will end at 6 pm, said a release signed by media coordinator, Ksh. Yoihieba.

CorCoM appeals to the people of the State that all business activities, official duties, travelling, sports and games, and all festivities be relieved for the day to join the observation of National Black Day, it said. However, the shutdown will be relaxed for emergency services, media related work and matters related to faith, it added.   

Before India had its own constitution, Manipur already had created one and started implementing it by holding elections in 1948, it further said.

However, without the consent of the elected council of ministers and the people, the leaders of the India, under the pretence of ‘democracy’, kept the king of Manipur as a captive in the least democratic manner at Shillong and forced him to sign the treacherous “Manipur Merger Agreement” on September 21, 1949, it said. And consecutively on the October 15, India forcefully encroached upon Manipur and took it under its shadows, it added.   

Therefore, Manipur, which had been an independent kingdom, with its own unique history at South East Asia, was lowered down to the status of a hill district and turned into a colony of India, it said.

The people of that time were against the forceful merger of Manipur into India, it said. The people had been standing against the merger and ever since, the war to regain the freedom of Manipur had been going on for generations afterwards, it added. 

Massive public meetings were held at every nook and corner of Manipur declaring the merger as a forced annexation and the protest were raised against it in one united voice, it said.

Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947, international laws and other related papers were carefully studied in several meetings and declarations were made that the merger actually was an annexation and cannot be taken as valid, it continued. Above all, several resolutions were made with intellectuals of the State for regaining the sovereign status of Manipur, it added. 

The revolutionary war being waged against Indian colonisers is based on its true intentions to relieve the people from slavery, it continued. The purpose of this war is to bring us in into the global race of development, it said adding freedom is progress and progress itself comes from freedom. The organisation urges the people to join in the struggle to regain independence which was lost on October 15, 1949, it added.

IMPHAL | Oct 14

A Chinese hand grenade was found this morning at around 6.30 am at the residence of Sekmai assembly constituency’s MLA, Heikham Dingo. Police bomb squad arrived at the spot and retrieved the bomb safely from below a tree inside the premise of the MLA’s residence. No militants’ organisation or individual has claimed responsibility for the act yet.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 13

Former project director and presently officer on special duty of Manipur Development Society (MDS) Yambem Ningthem, was granted anticipatory by Justice Kh. Nobin Singh, High Court of Manipur.

Ningthem filed bail petition (AB/28/2017) on Thursday before the bench of Justice Kh. Nobin Singh, High Court of Manipur.

Ningthem’s bail petition was heard today and the HC granted the plea after furnishing a surety bond of Rs. 50,000. The court passed an interim order not to arrest Ningthem and fixed the next date of hearing on October 25.

On the other hand, the anticipatory bail hearing of former chief minister, Okram Ibobi Singh was deferred till October 25.

A case was lodged against Ningthem and five others including former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh on September 1, alleging huge financial irregularities totalling Rs.185.79 crores had been committed under their watch.

The others in the FIR included former chief secretaries, D.S. Poonia, P.C Lawmkunga, O. Nabikishore Singh and also S. Ranjit Singh (administrative officers, MDS).

The FIR was lodged against them by Dr. Th. Muhindro Singh, joint secretary planning, based on findings of the investigation conducted by the state vigilance commission.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 13

BJP Manipur state unit has today clarified that the party is not related or have any link with Molecule who announced Rs. 5 crore reward for every FIFA under 17, 2017 players of the state, and Rs. 8 crore for any player who scores the first goal.

Speaking to media persons at the BJP party’s office at Imphal, the state unit’s general secretary, K. Sharatkumar Singh said that the statement made by Molecule using the party name does not have anything to do with the BJP or the present BJP-led government.

Touching on another topic, he said BJP will at least get majority in the recently conducted held gram panchayat election.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 13

A function for weavers and artisans was held in anticipation of Hastkala Sahog Shivir which will be organised from October 7 to October 17. The upcoming function is related to the 100th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay.

The programme was jointly organised by development commissioner (H), Ministry of Textile, COHANDS and Manipur Handlooms and Handicrafts Corporation Ltd, at Kangla Hall, Kangla, Imphal West.

Speaking on the occasion, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, minister, Karam Shyam said 80 per cent of family maintenance in the state is in the hands of women, and if the state does not give importance to women, development would be impossible.

He said by and large the term “weaker section” in the context of the state constitute of orphans, widows, old aged people neglected by their children etc.

He also said development is not only vitally dependent on infrastructural advances, but growth of basic humanity in people. Most people think of individual welfare but not public good and this is a problem, Shyam added.

In this regards, he said He said the government led by chief minister N. Biren Singh is giving equal emphasis to human development as well as on infrastructural development. Without human development, there cannot be a strong economic growth.

To abolish corruption from the state, politician and public should understand each other, and people should take the initiatives to remove corruption, he said.

Guest of honour of the function, MLA of Mayang Imphal constituency, K. Robindro said the state is known to world for its handicraft and handloom products. Though these products have high quality, because of lack of knowledge of modern marketing, handloom they are unable to reach the global market.

He said the use of indigenous handloom and handicraft products should be made mandatory in every government and private firms so as to promote them and the artisans behind their production.

Meanwhile, Pehchan card were distributed to 20 artisans. A toll free number 18002084800 where people can seek help in marketing handloom products was also announced.

Member of parliament (Lok Sabha) Th. Meinya, MLA, O. Lukhoi Singh, MLA, H. Dingo Singh and deputy chairman Manipur state planning board, S. Rajen Singh also attend the function as guest of honour and president respectively.

IMPHAL | Oct 13

Bhartiya Janata Party, Manipur Pradesh has notified that Khwairakpam Robin Singh, son of Kh. Sanajoaba Singh of Sekmai A/C, active member of the party, is expelled from the party as per the provision of the party constitution, article XXXV, disciplinary action, breach of discipline clause (f) with immediate effect, said a release signed by president BJP Manipur Pradesh, K. Bhabananda Singh.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 13

The two-day residential awareness programme on Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, came to an end today at Hotel Tampha, North AOC.

Commissioner, R.K. Kumarjit Singh attending the closing day function as chief guest, said that the new charter of rights has many new changes. As for instance, there is reservation from 3 per cent to 4 per cent in employment, 4per cent to 5 per cent in higher education among others, he said.

“It will do away social stigma of shame and inferiority complex among PWD”, he added.

He highlighted one of the main difference is that the previous Act had only eight classifications and the new has a total of 21 categories of disability. Special disabilities like dwarfism, learning disorder, acid attack victims are added in this new category.

The commissioner hoped that the situation of PWDs will be better in the state as the head of the government, chief minister N. Biren Singh, is really concerned about people with disabilities and he has also declared some good initiatives.

President of State Platform of Disabled People’s Organisation Manipur (SPDPO), Md. Yunus Khan said that the awareness programme was organised by SPDPO and funded by Manipur North Economic Development Association (MANEDA), Shishu Sarothi, Guwahati and Light for the World of Christoffel Development Cooperation.

The function was also attended by director of Shishu Sarothi, Arman Ali, legal advisor to Shishu Sarothi, Ambalika Senapati, advisor to SPDPO, Sapam Jasobanta and chairman of MANEDA, Peter Hongnamei attended the function as presidium members.

Child welfare officer, department of social welfare, L. Dhaneshwor, in his presentation yesterday said that the new Act provides for setting up a special court and a special prosecutor for differently abled persons when any one needs legal service in seeking justice.

He also said that under section 25 of the Act, free health care and special provision are reserved for people from rural areas.

He mentioned Section 47 which provides equal pay for equal work, non-discrimination in government employments and to dodge promotion denial.

Director of social welfare, Jacintha Lazarus inaugurated the workshop as chief guest yesterday and advisor to SPDPO, Dr. Sapam Jasobanta was guest of honour.

The workshop was attended by five representatives from each district and organisation of PWD. Manipur has a total number of 54,100 persons with disabilities on record.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 13

In a grenade attack at mela ground of Sagolband, Lukram Leirak Youth Club (LLYC) at around 7.15 pm, 10 people were injured, including two minors. One boy of around 10 was injured critically and is now fighting for his life at RIMS hospital.

The mela is scheduled to begin from October 15.

Speaking to media, secretary of LLYC Library, Lukram Prem said two unknown person came on a two wheeler and threw the bomb inside the mela ground. After the blast, when the local rush inside the premises of mela, some stalls were found totally destroyed.

He said Nameirakpam Jenhill son of N. Naoba of Tera Lukram Leirak was found lying beside the roller coaster in daze. The blast caused a grievous wound to the right abdomen of Jenhill. Locals immediately rushed the boy to RIMS causality for first aid.

Names of the injured in the blast are Md. Jafair Ali (25) son of Md. Nadir Ali of Tera Lukram Leirak original from Assam, Th. Iboyaima (60) son of late Th. Goluchnadra of Tera Lukram Leirak, Laishram Ibomcha (48) son of late L. Ibobi Takyel Wangbal Moirang Ningthou, A. Thoi (37) daughter of A. Nila of Game Village, L. Sushil (29) son of late L. Inoucha of Laipham Khounou, N. Nongurou (45) son of late N. Bihari of Tera Lukram Leirak, Th. Basanta (48) son of late Th. Babu of Tera Lukram Leirak, N. Bedajit (38) son of late N. Suranjit of Tera Lukram Leirak and Soubam Sunder (15) son of S (O) Sangita of Moirang Hanuba.

From the blast site police personnel of Lamphel were able to find a grenade lever.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 13

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today reportedly submitted two FIR cases related with fake encounter involving Manipur Police commandos before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Imphal East for initiation of hearing.

According to highly placed reliable sources, these fake encounter cases were submitted by the CBI Special Crime-III, New Delhi based on reports submitted to the bureau by the recently constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT), CBI Imphal branch in compliance with a directive of the Supreme Court of India.

The Supreme Court vide its order passed on July 14 in the case of Extra judicial Execution Victim Families Association, Manipur and the Union of India, ordered the CBI, New Delhi to form an SIT team for inquiring into fake encounter killings in the state.

Subsequently, a five members Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by one SP, an additional SP, a SDP and two inspectors was formed to investigate different cases of fake encounters in the state involving police personnel and security forces.

The two cases submitted to the CJM were FIR No. 18(1) 2012, Irilbung PS, u/s 307, 400, 34 IPC, 25 (I-C) Arms Act relating to killing of one Md. Jamir Khan at Kyamgei Shantipur on January 20, 2012 by the personnel of Imphal East district police commandos and another case is that of FIR No. 41(2)2008 Porompat PS, u/s 307, 34 IPC and 25(I-B) Arms Act in connection with the killing of one Soram Ranjit Singh at Hatta Minuthong on February 15, 2008 by the personnel of Imphal East district police commandos.

The concerned police IOs of respective police station were advised to maintain case files intake for proper holding of the hearing at the court.

The Supreme Court in its final judgement of writ petition (Cril) No.129 of 2012 and Writ Peition (Civil) No.445 of 2012 passed an order to hand over the investigations of different fake encounters that occurred in the state of Manipur involving police personnel and personnel in uniforms.

CBI’s SIT have started gathering information relating with the FIRs registered at different police stations in connection with the fake encounter cases besides the investigating agencies have already received reports of the three commissions of inquiries and 16 case records of judicial inquirires in connection with the fake encounter cases that took place in the state involving security forces.

IMPHAL | Oct 13

The Jnanpith Jury Board, at a meeting, unanimously decided to confer the Jnanarima Manad Alankaran 2017 to Elangbam Sonamani Singh, noted Manipuri litterateur, according to a press release by the board.

It said Sonamani has enriched Manipuri language with his adept multifaceted creations through novels, short stories, poetry, translation and Khand Kavyas.

It further said Sonamani’s creations reflect the socio-cultural milieu and capture the changing times thorugh the prism or our rich traditional values.

The release further said Sonamani has authored more than forty books and is a doyen of the Manipuri literary and socio-cultural fraternity.

He is also the receipient of many prestigious awards that include Manipur State Kala Academy, Centray Sahitya Akademi, Translation Award of Central Sahitya Akademi, Thoibi Award and more, it said, adding “Sonamani is a writer of unique excellence.”

The board meeting was chaired by Jnanpith Laureat Prof. Dedarnath Singh.

The winning author, under this scheme will receive a monthly honorarium for next one year and will also be felicitated by Jnanpith with a Saraswati Murti, citation and shawl, it said.

IMPHAL | Oct 13

Chief minister N. Biren Singh said that people’s involvement, co-operation and awareness campaigns on the impact of climate change is very much important for conserving and preserving the ecology and environment. This was stated by him at the Orientation Programme for Legislatures and Administrative Secretaries on Climate Change Adaptation held at Hotel Classic Grande, Imphal.

The programme was organised by Directorate of Environment, Government of Manipur in association with Department of Science and Technology, Government of India and Swiss Agency for Development and Co-Operation SDC.

Addressing the gathering, chief minister said that the State government is targeting to achieve the National commitments on climate change mitigation and adaptation like generation of 105 MW of on-grid solar roof top facilities by 2022, enhancing of water accessibility and rejuvenation of water resources including stream head management, protection of wetlands and other natural resources. The government would promote organic farming along with modern and scientific agriculture in the State, he added.

Biren mentioned that as an impact of climate change in the state is the incessant rains which have caused floods everywhere in the last six months which have cause immense misery for the people.

He complimented the initiatives taken up by NABARD to counter climate change and expressed his belief that more action oriented programmes will be taken up such as conservation and preservation of wetlands and natural resources. He said that in the meantime, the State government is preparing a Detailed Project Report for the conservation and restoration of Lamphelpat area

Minister for Forest and Environment Th. Shyamkumar said that climate change is not just a threat to the environment but also to growth and development of the nation.

He further said that considering the impacts of Climate Change, the State government and various departments and stakeholders has been implementing identified strategies and action under State Action Plan on Climate Change. The ongoing Climate Change Adaptation Project at Phayeng is one of the integrated model projects undertaken by the eight line departments with the support of the people, he added.

Speaking at the orientation programme, Head and Counsellor, Swiss Cooperation Office India, Embassy of Switzerland Ms. Marylaure Crettaz said that the impact of climate change has been manifested in all the regions of the world including mountainous regions like Manipur and other north-eastern states of the country in the form of water related threats like frequent floods and increase of temperature etc.

Ms. Marylaure Crettaz informed that the Indo-Swiss Bilateral Cooperation on Climate Change has taken up various projects and activities such as to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities, capacity building, risk assessment and raise public awareness on the impact of climate change. Such orientation Programme for Legislatures and Administrative Secretaries on Climate Change adaptation is a part of training programme conducted with the help of NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS) in various States, she said that training programmes of State Level officials of various departments are also being organised for better implementation and dissemination of information on effects of climate change to the people.

On the occasion, Former Secretary, Government of India Shri Hem Pande delivered a talk on “Climate Policy and Climate Finance: its Opportunities”.

Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs, Administrative Secretaries, delegates from outside the State participated in the orientation programme.

IMPHAL | Oct 13

Textiles, Commerce and Industries minister Thongam Biswajit Singh met Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India Suresh Prabhu at the Make In India Conclave at Stockholm, Sweden on Friday, and discussed ways to develop the industry sector in Manipur.

The two-day Make In India Conclave at Stockholm, Sweden held on October 12 and 13, 2017 is organised by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Government of India, in partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry.

On Friday, Minister Biswajit also attended a round table of delegations of India and Sweden at the Sheraton Hotel, Stockholm. The delegates of the two countries discussed four agendas namely:digitisation, innovation, smart cities and new investment opportunities in all States of the country.

The minister is part of the Indian delegation participating in the two-day conclave which was chaired by Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven. The Indian delegates include Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Suresh Prabhu, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devender Fadnavis, India’s Ambassador to Sweden & Latvia Monika Kapil Mohta and Manipur Textiles, Commerce and Industries Minister Shri Thongam Biswajit Singh.

Earlier on October 11, minister Biswajit had a long discussion with the Indian Ambassador to Sweden & Latvia Monika Kapil Mohta for development of the industry sector in the State and on ways to attract more investors to the State under the Make in India initiative.

Minister Biswajit led a delegation of the state to the conclave with the aim to bring to international knowledge the investment opportunities Manipur has to offer in food processing, handloom/handicraft and textiles especially in ethnic designs and motifs.

The state team had also participated in the ANUGA-2017 at Cologne, Germany. It may be mentioned that ANUGA is an international food and beverage fair and offers an opportunity to exhibitors to showcase their products, services and technologies.

IMPHAL | Oct 12

Child welfare officer, department of social welfare, L. Dhaneshwor said that the new disabilities act of 2016 is better and has more benefits than the previous act of 1995. He made this statement on the opening day of a two-day residential awareness programme of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, held today at Hotel Tampha, North AOC.

Dhaneshwor said that the new Act provides special court and a special prosecutor for any differently abled person who needs legal assistance in seeking justice. He also said that under section 25 of the Act, free health care is also guaranteed and special provision for people from rural areas.

He further mentioned Section 47 which provides equal pay for equal work, non-discrimination in government employments and to dodge promotion denial.

Dhaneshwor also lectured on many other new features and new benefits of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Head member of State Platform of Disabled People’s Organisation Manipur (SPDPO), Md. Yunus Khan said that the awareness programme was organised by SPDPO and funded by Manipur North Economic Development Association (MANEDA), Shishu Sarothi, Guwahati and Light for the World of Christoffel Development Cooperation.

Director of social welfare, Jacintha Lazarus attended the function as chief guest of the function and advisor to SPDPO, Dr. Sapam Jasobanta as guest of honour.

The workshop was attended by five representatives from each district and organisation of PWD. State has a total number of 54,100 persons with disabilities.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 12

Former project director and presently officer on special duty of Manipur Development Society (MDS) Yambem Ningthem, has filed a pre-arrested bail (anticipatory) at the High Court of Manipur.

The bail petition (AB/28/2017) has been listed for hearing on October 13 by the bench of Justice Kh. Nobin Singh.

Advocate Sheela Khumukcham, M. Gunedhor will represent the petitioner while Government advocate Shyam Sharma, represent the respondent (state of Manipur).

A case was lodged against Ningthem and five others including former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh on September 1, alleging huge financial irregularities totalling Rs.185.79 crores were committed.

The others in the FIR included former chief secretaries, D.S. Poonia, P.C Lawmkunga, O. Nabikishore Singh and also S. Ranjit Singh (administrative officers, MDS).

The FIR was lodged against them by Dr. Th. Muhindro Singh, joint secretary planning, government based on findings of the investigation conducted by the state vigilance commission.

The state vigilance commission had in its inquiry report stated that Ningthem had kept several files pertaining to MDS projects at his residence.

Following the FIR Ningthem’s house was raided by the police on September 4.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 12

Former project director and presently officer on special duty of Manipur Development Society (MDS) Yambem Ningthem, has filed a pre-arrested bail (anticipatory) at the High Court of Manipur.

The bail petition (AB/28/2017) has been listed for hearing on October 13 by the bench of Justice Kh. Nobin Singh.

Advocate Sheela Khumukcham, M. Gunedhor will represent the petitioner while Government advocate Shyam Sharma, represent the respondent (state of Manipur).

A case was lodged against Ningthem and five others including former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh on September 1, alleging huge financial irregularities totalling Rs.185.79 crores were committed.

The others in the FIR included former chief secretaries, D.S. Poonia, P.C Lawmkunga, O. Nabikishore Singh and also S. Ranjit Singh (administrative officers, MDS).

The FIR was lodged against them by Dr. Th. Muhindro Singh, joint secretary planning, government based on findings of the investigation conducted by the state vigilance commission.

The state vigilance commission had in its inquiry report stated that Ningthem had kept several files pertaining to MDS projects at his residence.

Following the FIR Ningthem’s house was raided by the police on September 4.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 12

Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution minister, Karam Shyam said the quality and value of handloom and handicraft products will be virtually impossible to be replace by any increased in technology. The minister said this as chief guest during the inaugural function of 3rd Ningol Mela 2017 today at Gandhi Memorial Hall.

He said if qualified youths cooperate with the weavers, the economy of the state can be augmented easily.

People all over the world know the state’s famous handloom and handicraft but our own people fail to take advantage of this brand value to expand their businesses on these products, he lamented.

Our people need to know the value of time and should use it cautiously or else it will be impossible to bring a good society, Shyam further added.

He said the weavers are also facing a big problem in the marketing sector. The handloom and handicraft products continue to sell mostly within the state, though the products have the potential to compete at the global level. Because of the lack of marketing strategies and infrastructures, handloom and handicraft industry continue to remain paralysed and stunted, he added.

The minister said the most important thing in business is to be honest and sincere, and people need to work together and exchange constructive ideas.

Department of handlooms and textiles needs to do a close survey aimed at uplifting the weavers and the department should give awareness to the weavers regarding the schemes available for handlooms and handicraft, Shyam added.

Deputy director (handicrafts) of the directorate of handlooms and textiles, E. Jiten who also spoke at the function, said handloom and handicraft products have great potential for export in the global market, but due to lack of awareness many quality products fail to cross the state boundary.

He further said if the government offers schemes for promoting handloom and handicraft products, it will be easy to export them in the global market. Next to agriculture, handloom and handicraft products are taking a big role in giving valuable contribution to the state’s economy and identity, Jiten added.

Chairman of the Manipur handlooms and handicrafts development corporation, S. Rajen Singh, president of handloom promoters council, Chingtam Luwang also attend the function.

The 3rd Ningol Khudol Mela 2017 opened with 75 stalls of handloom and handicraft but due to sudden rain in the city, costumers were sparse on the first day.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 12

Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution minister, Karam Shyam said the quality and value of handloom and handicraft products will be virtually impossible to be replace by any increased in technology. The minister said this as chief guest during the inaugural function of 3rd Ningol Mela 2017 today at Gandhi Memorial Hall.

He said if qualified youths cooperate with the weavers, the economy of the state can be augmented easily.

People all over the world know the state’s famous handloom and handicraft but our own people fail to take advantage of this brand value to expand their businesses on these products, he lamented.

Our people need to know the value of time and should use it cautiously or else it will be impossible to bring a good society, Shyam further added.

He said the weavers are also facing a big problem in the marketing sector. The handloom and handicraft products continue to sell mostly within the state, though the products have the potential to compete at the global level. Because of the lack of marketing strategies and infrastructures, handloom and handicraft industry continue to remain paralysed and stunted, he added.

The minister said the most important thing in business is to be honest and sincere, and people need to work together and exchange constructive ideas.

Department of handlooms and textiles needs to do a close survey aimed at uplifting the weavers and the department should give awareness to the weavers regarding the schemes available for handlooms and handicraft, Shyam added.

Deputy director (handicrafts) of the directorate of handlooms and textiles, E. Jiten who also spoke at the function, said handloom and handicraft products have great potential for export in the global market, but due to lack of awareness many quality products fail to cross the state boundary.

He further said if the government offers schemes for promoting handloom and handicraft products, it will be easy to export them in the global market. Next to agriculture, handloom and handicraft products are taking a big role in giving valuable contribution to the state’s economy and identity, Jiten added.

Chairman of the Manipur handlooms and handicrafts development corporation, S. Rajen Singh, president of handloom promoters council, Chingtam Luwang also attend the function.

The 3rd Ningol Khudol Mela 2017 opened with 75 stalls of handloom and handicraft but due to sudden rain in the city, costumers were sparse on the first day.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 12

The acting Chief Justice High Court of Manipur, N. Kotiswar Singh, has awarded a compensation of Rs.5 lakhs as compensation to the father of Ngangbam Naoba alias Phulchand Singh of Uripok Polem Leikai, Imphal West district, Manipur who was killed by the personnel of Manipur police commando 2009.

A statement issued by the Human Rights Law Networks (HRLN), said in 2009 on the intervening night of May 6 and 7, personnel of the Manipur police commando of Imphal West had intruded into the house of the deceased and apprehended him.

Thereafter he was dragged out towards the south-west corner of their homestead and killed in a stage-managed encounter.

Subsequently, L. Bedajit Singh, the then sub-inspector of police (CDO-IW) reportedly lodged a written report with the officer in-charge of Imphal police station to the effect that the petitioner’s son was a member of a proscribed organization and was allegedly killed in an encounter.

In this regard, on March 31, 2010, the mother of the deceased Ngangbam Kamalini Devi filed a writ petition before the High Court, it said.

Consequently, the High Court instituted an enquiry through the district Judge Manipur East to ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the death of the petitioner’s son.

It is learnt that after having conducted an extensive enquiry, the Judge submitted its finding by ascertaining that the petitioner’s son was killed by the personnel of Manipur police commando of Imphal West on the intervening night of May 6 and 7, 2009 by firing indiscriminately from their service weapons without any admissible reason and without any attempt to arrest the deceased by following the rule of law prevailing.

The matter was finally heard today and the HC directed the state of Manipur and the Union of India to pay Rs. 5 lakhs as compensation to the petitioner within four months considering the clear cut case of violation of the human rights guaranteed under article 21 of the Constitution of India.

Meihoubam Rakesh, advocate, appeared on behalf of the petitioner and R.S. Reishang senior advocate and senior Government advocate appeared on behalf of the state of Manipur.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 12

The acting Chief Justice High Court of Manipur, N. Kotiswar Singh, has awarded a compensation of Rs.5 lakhs as compensation to the father of Ngangbam Naoba alias Phulchand Singh of Uripok Polem Leikai, Imphal West district, Manipur who was killed by the personnel of Manipur police commando 2009.

A statement issued by the Human Rights Law Networks (HRLN), said in 2009 on the intervening night of May 6 and 7, personnel of the Manipur police commando of Imphal West had intruded into the house of the deceased and apprehended him.

Thereafter he was dragged out towards the south-west corner of their homestead and killed in a stage-managed encounter.

Subsequently, L. Bedajit Singh, the then sub-inspector of police (CDO-IW) reportedly lodged a written report with the officer in-charge of Imphal police station to the effect that the petitioner’s son was a member of a proscribed organization and was allegedly killed in an encounter.

In this regard, on March 31, 2010, the mother of the deceased Ngangbam Kamalini Devi filed a writ petition before the High Court, it said.

Consequently, the High Court instituted an enquiry through the district Judge Manipur East to ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the death of the petitioner’s son.

It is learnt that after having conducted an extensive enquiry, the Judge submitted its finding by ascertaining that the petitioner’s son was killed by the personnel of Manipur police commando of Imphal West on the intervening night of May 6 and 7, 2009 by firing indiscriminately from their service weapons without any admissible reason and without any attempt to arrest the deceased by following the rule of law prevailing.

The matter was finally heard today and the HC directed the state of Manipur and the Union of India to pay Rs. 5 lakhs as compensation to the petitioner within four months considering the clear cut case of violation of the human rights guaranteed under article 21 of the Constitution of India.

Meihoubam Rakesh, advocate, appeared on behalf of the petitioner and R.S. Reishang senior advocate and senior Government advocate appeared on behalf of the state of Manipur.