Category: Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | Oct 12

Manipur University of Culture Teachers Association (MUCTA) has warned of agitation if the funds for ten months of the Manipur University of Culture are not released within October 18.

A release said that MUC which is the first culture university in the Northeastern states of India is in a deplorable state and added that the varsity has no proper infrastructure of its own.

It said that the varsity formed under the Manipur University of Culture Act, 2015, is run in a borrowed building of others where the large number of students is being taught by few teachers for more than a year.

The teachers are facing a lot of problems and has resolved not to take classes from today onwards until the grievances of the teachers are met, it added.

Even though the paper works of issues of the university to produce in the state cabinet has been done long ago but it has not be produced till date, it said adding that no positive response has been made till date although the Art and Culture minister, chief minister and the governor of Manipur, who is also the chancellor of the university has been apprised of the problems faced by the teachers.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 12

The results of the 5th Gram Panchayat election of the state have been declared yesterday and today, and many zilla parishads cried foul in the voting, counting and declaration of the results.

Reports of complaints from Ngaikhong Khullen ward no.8, Khurai ward no.7 and Hiyanglam GP came in today at Manipur Press Club.

Member candidate of Hiyanglam GP, ward no.5/6, Sapam Kumarjit said that unfair means have been used in the counting of ballot papers by presiding officers on duty. He alleged that during the voting day, voters were allowed to do thumb print ballot instead of using allotted stamp method by presiding officer on the late hours.

However, he said that yesterday in the counting, the RO denied thumbprint votes and “we feel that our voting rights have been denied.”

One of the counting agents, urged re-poll and not to let the five yearly rare opportunity of the people exercising their voting rights go waste. He demands re-poll alleging discrepancies and unfair means used by the election official.

Khangembam Rajchandra Singh, social worker of Ngaikhong Khullen, ward no.8 said that voting rights were denied for his zilla parishad. After voting, presiding officers told agents that 378 voted on October 7, but during counting there were only 376 ballots.

He said that applications were given to the DC and the returning officer not to declare the result until the missing two votes were sorted out. But the RO had declared the result anyway and we condemn the neglect, he added.

Another complaint is from 8/20 ward no.7 of Khurai area which also complained two votes were missing but declared result anyway (439 out of 441).

The complainants demanded re-poll and condemned the biased and irresponsible conduct of election officials in the 5th Gram Panchayat election.

IMPHAL | Oct 12

North-East Students Society of Delhi University (NESSDU) demanded revocation of the HRD’s decision making Hindi compulsory in academic courses or introduce a Compulsory Hindi Test (CHT).

Vice president of the society and a representative of the state, V. S. Mungreishing elucidated on the issues faced by Northeastern students in the country’s capital. He said that making Hindi mandatory will be tough on the NE students studying Delhi University as they do not hail a region where Hindi is not their mother tongue.

A student of third semester in DU, Mungreishing told reporters at Manipur Press Club that “many seniors have completed their graduation but have not received their degrees as they flunked Hindi.”

“The result is a social stigma compelling our seniors to go no further than work in call centres or seek part time jobs, feeling ashamed of going back home because they do not have a degree in hand. They cannot even go for competitive exams and other well-paid jobs also,” he added.

Compulsory Hindi Test was imposed from the academic year 2013 in Delhi University for graduation students and is mandatory to get a degree.

He said that representatives of NESSDU started out to cover all NE states to give awareness to public as well as the government about hardships faced by students of NE studying in Delhi. He also said that he would meet the education minister and the chief minister to give recommendations to the central HRD department to remove the said mandate.

A recommendation was also submitted to the vice-chancellor recently but there is no response till date, he said.

The students’ society also demanded the construction of a hostel in the campus of DU especially for students of Manipur as accommodation charges are prohibitive in the campus vicinity.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |Oct 12

The Kohima bench of the Guwahati High Court has deferred the hearing of the ‘Whip issue’ to October 25, according to Dr. Shurhozelie led Naga People’s Front (NPF) today.

The Dr Shurhozelie led NPF, in a release said today’s deferment of the hearing on the ‘Whip issue’ should not be construed as anything negative or positive “for either of the parties since the Judge before whom the matter came up for hearing had excused himself from taking up the case on the ground that two of the respondents to the case are his kith and kin”.

The release continued, “It is a truth universally accepted that it is the president of a political party, or someone authorised by the president, who appoints the chief whip of that political party so as to keep its legislators within the parameters of the party’s principles and ideologies, especially when it comes to voting in either the Parliament or the Legislative Assembly”.

Further it said anyone who deviated from “this universal truth” and practice would be doing so at his own peril, “like what TR. Zeliang and group are doing, since their delinquent behaviour or action cannot stand scrutiny of the law”.

“The case before the Court of law is very simple: Is it the political party or the Legislature Wing which appoints the Chief Whip for the Party?” the statement of Dr Shurhozelie led NPF asked.

According to the release, the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution does not mention that the legislature wing should appoint the chief whip of the party, but makes it abundantly clear that it is the political party which appoints the chief whip so as to enable it to keep its flock together.

The idea behind amendment of the Constitution is to prevent instances such as that of one legislator, Ram Lal of Haryana who defected three times in a single day, giving rise to the phrase “Aya-Ram-Gaya-Ram”, it added.

The statement maintained that a direct bearing to this argument is the fact that Mmhonlumo Kikon, the chief whip of the BJP in Nagaland was not appointed by Paiwang Konyak, the leader of the BJP legislature party in Nagaland Legislative Assembly, but through the direction of the National BJP general secretary, Ram Madhav.

“This ‘Whip Issue’ in the Court is hanging over the TR Zeliang-led government like the proverbial Damocles’ Sword, and sooner or later, the law will catch up with the wrong-doers and rectify the gross injustices they have perpetrated,” the statement added.

‘Leisaa Latpa’ ceremony performed for Barak & Maku bridge 

IMPHAL | Oct 12

First and foremost priority of the new government is to bring development in the hill areas of the State for without the progress in the hill districts, there would be no inclusive development in the State, reiterated N. Biren. 

This was stated by him today at the Leisaa Latpa (Bhoomi Puja) for the construction of Barak and Makru bridge on the NH-37 held near Barak bridge, Tamenglong.

Seeking love and support of the people, the chief minister continued without the support of the people and government, the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) would not be able to complete the project under the stipulated time.

He maintained that the government has kept its door open 24X7 and everyone is invited for to knock the door so that the issues/grievances of the people could be solved as soon as possible.

He further said that the purpose of the today’s visit was not just for Bhoomi Pujah of the two bridges but also to observe how the people of the living in hill areas of the State. The NHIDCL has committed to complete the construction of these bridges by December, 2017.

On the occasion, chief minister said that the construction of the Barak and Makru bridge will definitely improve the flow of traffic in the Imphal-Jiri Road. Apart from the construction of Bridge, the government would be preparing a detailed project report within 6 months for the construction of Irang Bridge, he added.

During his maiden visit to Barak, Tamenglong, large number of people warmly welcomed and felicitated N. Biren Singh, his council of ministers and MLAs at various places such as Tupul, Noney, Khongshang, Nungba, Rengpang, Kambiron etc.

He said he would be visiting Tamenglong district on October 24 of this month and would be announcing some developmental programmes for the district. During his visit to the district, he said that he would announce a Rs. 35crore water supply scheme to provide potable water supply to the people of the district.

Mentioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative of ‘Saab ka Sath Saab ka Vikas’, he stated that the objective of the new government is to render human service for the welfare of the people of the State.

Further he said that new medical insurance schemes to provide better healthcare to the poor and BPL families of the State would be announce soon. The scheme would provide free medical treatment to BPL/poor families. Under this scheme, the beneficiaries will be entitled to medical treatment coverage up to Rs. 2 lakhs per family per year.

Biren also pointed out that the State government is planning to launch a special scheme for differently-abled persons of the State. Under the new scheme, skilled differently-abled persons would be given soft loans to help start their own business.

The scheme would also have a provision to provide monthly pension to fully disabled persons and the said scheme would be implemented from December 3 on the occasion of ‘International Day of People with Disability’, he added.

The team also inspected the construction and progress of Jiri-Tupul-Imphal Railway line at Noney.  He also inspected and reviewed the progress of the world’s tallest girder rail bridge located at Noney.

Speaking on the occasion, executive director of NHIDCL, Ajay Ahluwalia said the total estimated cost for the construction of Barak and Makru bridge is 110 crores.  He further said that NHIDCL act as an instrument for infrastructure development to improve road connectivity and efficiency of the international trade corridor to enable efficient and safe transport.

The company is working for the road construction of 1500km in Manipur, he added. In the first phase, the company would be engaging in the repair and restoring of various roads of the State.

 The Barak and Makru bridge would be having a 154 meter span and 122 meter span respectively on the Jiribam-Barak Road (NH-37) and will be constructed by Bharatia Infra Project Limited.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 12

The Special Judge, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Imphal West today sentenced a 62 year old man to rigorous imprisonment for a period of 12 years and imposed a fine of Rs. 20,000 on him for sexually assaulting a 9 year old minor girl.

The man identified as Huidrom Bheigya Singh, 62, son of late H. Anagangyaima Singh of Komlakhong, Ereima Maning Leikai, was convicted under section 4 of the POCSO Act for committing penetrative sexual on minor.

The convict was produced before the special judge of POCSO, M. Manjokumar Singh today and the sentence hearing was conducted.

During the hearing the special public prosecutor submitted that the accused is convicted under section 4 protection of POCSO for committing penetrative sexual assault on a minor girl, which is very serious offence particularly because the accused is a matured person, having full knowledge of the situation and prayed to award the sentence to maximum like life imprisonment.

The counsel of the accused in his submission however contended that the accused is now an aged person of 62 year and has a wife with an unsound. He also said the accused has no antecedent of criminal activities.

It also further mentioned that on that day of the offence the accused was drunk and the act was done under the influence of alcohol. Moreover, the counsel submitted that his client has also been in judicial custody since the day of the incident and prayed for awarding minimum sentence by considering these mitigating factors.

The court after hearing submissions of both the counsels and considering the materials on record, observed that the act committed by the accused to a victim, who was a minor of 9 years and who also used to call him “pupu” (Grandfather) is a very much an inhuman act.

The Special judge therefore ordered that the convict Huidrom Bheigya Singh be sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for a period of 12 years and fine of Rs. 20,000 under the section 4 of POCSO Act and in default of payment of fine, the accused has to undergo another six months simple imprisonment.

It is also further ordered that the said fine of Rs. 20,000 shall be deposited to the court and the said amount be given to the victim as compensation. The period which the victim has already undergone in judicial custody during the period of investigation as well as during the trial will be set off from the sentence awarded, the order said.

The court has also recommended for providing compensation of Rs. 2 lakhs from the scheme “Financial Assistance and Support Service to Victim of Rape” a scheme for retrospective justice launched by the Ministry of Women and Children Development, Government of India.

The convict Bheigya Singh was apprehended by the police following a written complaint lodged by the mother of the victim girl on September 2, 2015 stating that on September 1, 2014 at about 4.30 pm her two minor daughters went to their nearby shop to buy some eatables.

On their way home, the accused who is their neighbour and also the so-called grandfather of the said kids, called them inside his house.

The report further stated that the accused sent the younger sister of the victim to play outside his room but he accompanied the victim insides his room and on the pretext of scratching the skin itches, he raped the victim on his bed.

The incident came to light when the victim girl disclosed the same to her aunty on September 2, 2015 thereupon a regular case FIR No. 45(9) 2015 WPS, IW,u/s 4 POCSO Act was filed.

Following the completion of the investigation by the women PS, Imphal West submitted charge sheet against the accused on February 23, 2016 before the special judge POCSO, Imphal West and continued trail during which statement of 13 witnesses have recorded and examined by the court.

The accused was convicted by the judge on October 9 and sentence was issued today.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 12

The Special Judge, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Imphal West today sentenced a 62 year old man to rigorous imprisonment for a period of 12 years and imposed a fine of Rs. 20,000 on him for sexually assaulting a 9 year old minor girl.

The man identified as Huidrom Bheigya Singh, 62, son of late H. Anagangyaima Singh of Komlakhong, Ereima Maning Leikai, was convicted under section 4 of the POCSO Act for committing penetrative sexual on minor.

The convict was produced before the special judge of POCSO, M. Manjokumar Singh today and the sentence hearing was conducted.

During the hearing the special public prosecutor submitted that the accused is convicted under section 4 protection of POCSO for committing penetrative sexual assault on a minor girl, which is very serious offence particularly because the accused is a matured person, having full knowledge of the situation and prayed to award the sentence to maximum like life imprisonment.

The counsel of the accused in his submission however contended that the accused is now an aged person of 62 year and has a wife with an unsound. He also said the accused has no antecedent of criminal activities.

It also further mentioned that on that day of the offence the accused was drunk and the act was done under the influence of alcohol. Moreover, the counsel submitted that his client has also been in judicial custody since the day of the incident and prayed for awarding minimum sentence by considering these mitigating factors.

The court after hearing submissions of both the counsels and considering the materials on record, observed that the act committed by the accused to a victim, who was a minor of 9 years and who also used to call him “pupu” (Grandfather) is a very much an inhuman act.

The Special judge therefore ordered that the convict Huidrom Bheigya Singh be sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for a period of 12 years and fine of Rs. 20,000 under the section 4 of POCSO Act and in default of payment of fine, the accused has to undergo another six months simple imprisonment.

It is also further ordered that the said fine of Rs. 20,000 shall be deposited to the court and the said amount be given to the victim as compensation. The period which the victim has already undergone in judicial custody during the period of investigation as well as during the trial will be set off from the sentence awarded, the order said.

The court has also recommended for providing compensation of Rs. 2 lakhs from the scheme “Financial Assistance and Support Service to Victim of Rape” a scheme for retrospective justice launched by the Ministry of Women and Children Development, Government of India.

The convict Bheigya Singh was apprehended by the police following a written complaint lodged by the mother of the victim girl on September 2, 2015 stating that on September 1, 2014 at about 4.30 pm her two minor daughters went to their nearby shop to buy some eatables.

On their way home, the accused who is their neighbour and also the so-called grandfather of the said kids, called them inside his house.

The report further stated that the accused sent the younger sister of the victim to play outside his room but he accompanied the victim insides his room and on the pretext of scratching the skin itches, he raped the victim on his bed.

The incident came to light when the victim girl disclosed the same to her aunty on September 2, 2015 thereupon a regular case FIR No. 45(9) 2015 WPS, IW,u/s 4 POCSO Act was filed.

Following the completion of the investigation by the women PS, Imphal West submitted charge sheet against the accused on February 23, 2016 before the special judge POCSO, Imphal West and continued trail during which statement of 13 witnesses have recorded and examined by the court.

The accused was convicted by the judge on October 9 and sentence was issued today.

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.

IMPHAL | Oct 11

With an aim to build the skill set of physicians to treat viral Hepatitis-C using direct acting antiviral (DAAs) Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE) in consultation with directorate of health service, organised a one-day orientation for medical officers on Hep-C screening, diagnostics and treatment Hotel Classic today.

A statement issued by the R.K. Nalinikanta (Kanta) president CoNE, said the network has been undertaking various activities and efforts to improve access to screening, diagnosis and treatment of people for viral hepatitis B and C.

Specifically on viral hepatitis C, with the newer medications also known as Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs), patients can be now cured with less than 20,000 Rupees for a 12 weeks therapy with minimal to nil side effects, it said. 

To further expand the access to treatment, CoNE has been organising a series of training for medical doctors from different districts of Manipur including rural and hills areas, on how to use these DAAs for the treatment of hepatitis C, the first training of which has been held on August 28, 2016 in association with the directorate of health services and the Babina Diagnostics.

As a continuation, CoNE in consultation with directorate of health service, government of Manipur organised the training programme today, it added.

RIMS associate professor and Gastroenterologist, Dr Karam Romeo Singh and associate professor department of medicine JNIMS Dr. Kh. Lokeshwar Singh attended the programme as resource persons during the training session.

It said altogether, 21 medical practitioners from different districts of the state including Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Senapati and Ukhrul participated at the training programme.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 11

Chief minister, N. Biren Singh today announced that Rs.32 crores have been released by the Union minister for road transport & highways Nitin Gadkari for restoring flood damaged national highways in the state.

He also said that a proposal was submitted to the ministry for construction of 12 new roads connecting the state with other states.

He made this announcement while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function of police and press workshop at 1st MR Banquet hall. The function was organised by Manipur Police department in connection with its 125th anniversary celebration.

Biren said that the government is on a mission to bring better relations between the public, police and the press of the state.

He appreciated the efforts of the police and said that people have started trusting the police for their trustworthy activities done recently, which is a good sign of governance.

Stating that media is the fourth pillar in a democratic state, Biren said that media invariably plays an important role to uphold the rule of law in the region. Professional ethics should be maintained by the journalists while reporting sensitive news so that police could control the crimes happening in the State, he continued.

Further he continued the sole responsibility of the police is to maintain and control the law and order situation of the State. If police do not know the ground realities such as complexities of social and political nature at grassroots level, then police cannot prevent from deteriorating law and order situation, he added.

He stated that the cybercrime unit of the police department has solved many cases and thus preventing various crimes and mob justice in the State.

Topics like redressal of grievances, media management, safety of journalists, mob justice and ethical reporting were lectured by eminent personalities during the workshop.

Inspector general of police (Zone-I), Clay Khongsai lectured on “media management” and said that media should work with professional working integrity. He said that public relation officer (PRO) has an important role in media management and that the information he gives out should be correct, factual and fair.

Associate professor of LMS Law College, N. Pramod Singh talked on “mob justice”. He said that mob justice are crime and offences of state and is directly related to police.

CrPc 44 of IPC is applicable in a state if the mob gathered turns violent and does not abide by the law, he added.

IGP (administration) Manipur, S. Ibocha Singh, SP of Tengnoupal, S. Ibomcha Singh and Times of India correspondent, K. Sarojkumar Sharma also gave lectures on redressal of grievances, safety of journalists and ethical reporting respectively.

Around 100 police and media fraternity attended the workshop.

Meanwhile, Biren Singh along with commissioner YAS H. Deelep, director of YAS N. Praveen Singh and other officials of the department today inspected the ongoing repairing work being taken up at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Imphal.

During the inspection, chief minister visited the temporary office of Sports University situated at the office building of Manipur Olympic Association, Khuman Lampak. Stating that he is satisfied with the ongoing work for the Sports University, he said that everything is almost ready for the inauguration of the first Sports University of the country.

The State government is waiting for the confirmation of Prime Minister’s schedule for the inauguration, he added.

Chief minister said that the Main Stadium Ground is being developed into the football field of International Standard with natural grass turf fields and would be completed before the commencement of I-League tournament next month.

IMPHAL | Oct 11

The State Cabinet has approved the proposal of implementing Chief Ministergi Sottharabasingi Tengbang (CMST) and Hakshelgi Tengbang in its meeting held with chief minister, N. Biren Singh in the chair today.

CMST will provide: allowance/maintenance grant to persons registered as having high degree of disabilities, self-employment loan with subsidy/grants to those who can receive skill training, scholarship to students with disabilities, free travel concession to differently-abled persons and maintenance grant to homeless older persons.

The scheme will be notified under Section 24 (3) (i) of the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 in order to give a strong legal footing.

Hakshelgi Tengbang (Manipur Health Protection Scheme) will provide free medical treatment in the event of hospitalisation to BPL/poor families. Under this scheme, the beneficiaries will be entitled to medical treatment coverage up to Rs. 2 lakhs per family per year on floater basis.

Around 800 different diseases along with six critical ailments of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, kidney diseases, neonatal diseases, neurological conditions and burns will be covered under the scheme.

The Cabinet also approved partial exemption of premium in respect of the land allotted to All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) for the establishment of a Press Colony.

The State Cabinet also resolved to issue no objection certificate (NOC) to four schools for affiliation to Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The schools are Imphal Valley School, Mantripukhri, Imphal East, Shishu Nishtha Niketan, Moirang Kampu Sajeb, Imphal East, Tolchou Ibeton Memorial Academy, Hiyangthang, Imphal West and Bethel English School, Nambol.

The Cabinet also decided to restructure the Manipur Infrastructure Development Agency (MIDA) by appointing a senior minister or government official as the chairman of the governing body of the agency in place of the chief minister.

It also approved the creation of one ex-cadre post of principal chief conservator of forest (Wild Life) for Indian Forest Service in the IFS HAG + scale.

The Cabinet also gave its approval to allotment of land already in possession of CAF & PD, Manipur measuring an area of 14 acres covered by C.S. Dag No. 565/756 of Village No. 83 – Lamjaotongba, Imphal West in favour of CAF & PD department, Manipur.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | Oct 11

Health minister of Manipur, L. Jayantakumar visited Churachandpur district hospital along with minister V. Hangkhanlian today and took stock of the shortages in the hospital.

The minister was given a formal reception at the district hospital superintendent conference room. He said that bad road connectivity is creating major issue in transportation of medicines, specialists and other requirements for the hospital use.

He continued that there must be more than 700 doctors in the state and their transfer has become necessary to balance the requirement of doctor area wise.

The ministerial team visited different departments of the hospital and witnessed various shortages. The team also noticed the unused CT scan machine in the hospital. According to one of the officials of the hospital, the CT scan machine is outdated. The hospital is waiting for a latest machine to be installed, which would cost around Rs. 1.6 crore, he added.

The team also witnessed the deserted nursing school, where it was found that many students had left last month due to improper food facility and leaking of water in their rooms. The minister told media that the government will make arrangements to repair the training centre and medicines will be supplied free in the hospital.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 11

The acting Chief Justice, N. Kotiswar, High Court of Manipur today adjourned the anticipatory bail hearing of three former chief secretaries (CSs) of the state till October 25, in connection with the case of multi-crore scam of Manipur Development Society (MDS).

With the state having submitted their bail objection report before the judge the petitioner’s counsels in today’s hearing reportedly sought that the report be furnished to the respective counsels of the CSs.

However, the prosecution raised objection to the plea made by the petitioner’s counsels.

Having heard both the argument of the counsels, the court fixed October 25 for hearing on the feasibility to furnish the objection reports to petitioner’s counsels.

The three former CSs, O. Nabakishore, PC. Lawmkunga and DS. Poonia, filed their petitions for anticipatory bail separately before the court of acting Chief Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, in early part of September and the bail petitions were clubbed as one.

The bail application was filed after planning joint secretary, Th. Muhindro lodged an FIR on September 1, against the former chief minister, O. Ibobi, former MDS project director, Y. Ningthem, MDS administration officer, S Ranjit and also against the three former CSs to Imphal police station alleging huge financial irregularities of Rs. 185.79 crores of Manipur Development Society.

The bail petition of the CSs was heard on September 18 before the court of acting chief justice who fixed October 11 as the next date for the bail hearing following plea of the state to give more time to file bail objection report.

The state was represented by senior government advocate, RS. Reishang while Ahanthem Romen Kumar represented for PC. Lawmkunga, advocate Th. Ibohal for O. Nabakishore Singh and advocate Kh. Binoy Kumar for DS. Poonia.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 11

R.K. Maipaksana Journalist Fellowship was awarded to Ningombam Gunachandra  a well known columnist who has contributed for many different newspapers and journals for the last 28 years on different topics.

The award distribution function, celebrating the  93rd birth anniversary of R.K. Maipaksana was held today at Lamyanba Shanglen, Konung Mamang.

Gunachandra wrote 28 articles based on communal harmony for the welfare of the ethnic groups in the state.

In his address he assured to contribute more after researching the history of the ethnic groups of the state to bring a good and healthy society, Gunachandra added.

 The fellowship carries a citation and cash award for Rs. 3,000 per month for one year.

Chief guest of the function, Prof. N Tombi in his speech said history is incomplete without journalism. Journalism and literature are like friends, siblings, which complement each other.

One classic example would be of Dr. Kamal’s poem ‘Meitei Chanu’, which drew inspiration from Hijam Irawat’s journal with the same title published in 1922, he said.

This was stated by Prof N. Tombi, delivering his speech at the He was delivering a lecture on the topic, “Journalism ga Manipuri sahitya amasung sanskriti ga leinaba mare.”

Continuing his speech, Prof Tombi said the role of journalism is not only to disseminate news but it also plays a dynamic role of giving knowledge through magazines and journals.

Nowadays people spread useful information and opinions on social media, and media being considered the fourth estate of democracy, it can shape the society in a dynamic way, he added. 

Meanwhile, people paid floral tribute on the portrait of R.K. Maipaksana. It was followed by releasing of a souvenir “93rd Birth Anniversary of R.K. Maipaksana” by R.K. Maipaksana memorial trust.

Results for members seats declared

 By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 11

Counting of votes for the 5th Manipur general Panchayat election commenced in six districts of Manipur from 8 am today under tight security at the respective deputy commissioner offices.  

The polling of votes was held for six districts namely Imphal West, Imphal East, Jiribam, Bishnupur, Kakching and Thoubal at 1521 polling stations on October 7. But due to reports of electoral malpractices in some polling stations, re-poll was conducted at 29 polling the following day. 

Out of the total 7, 16,813 voters 3, 48,139 are males and 3, 68,691 females. The polling was held to elect 60 zilla parisads, 161 pradhans and 1513 ward members in six districts.

For Imphal West district, votes were counted on ten tables at the Lamshang RO offices, Imphal East district, counting of votes were held on 14 tables.

In Imphal West district commissioner (DC) office thousands of people awaited eagerly for the result at the gate of DC office. Many winning candidate came to take certificate from the office. As the election authority faced difficulty in managing the large number turn out of winning candidates and their supporter, they were instructed to collect certificate tomorrow. 

Till late evening counting results for ward members was declared for all districts and for Imphal West counting for pradhan has started at the time of filing this report. However, counting for zilla parisad will be held on tomorrow.

Since the voting was done through ballot paper, counting process will take time to complete.

Meanwhile, counting is underway for ten tables under Nambol, Bishnupur and Moirang RO at Mini-Secretariat Complex Multi-Purpose Hall. Out of eleven zilla parishad, twenty four pradhan and 219 Ward Members, Seventy six ward members have won the votes.

Mention may be made that 17 zilla parishad, 44 pradhan and 222 ward members are contesting in the election. Bishnupur police has taken up tight security measures at the counting area. CCTV camera is also installed at the area.

Till late evening counting results for ward members has declared for all districts and for Imphal West counting for pradhan has started but counting for polls of zilla parisad will be on tomorrow.

Till now for Sawombung RO the counting was stopped at 10th pradhan, for porompat RO the counting was stop after first pradhan and for Keirao Bitra, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Lilong, Thoubal, Nambol, Bishnupur, Moirang, Kakching, Waikhong and Jiribam the counting will continued tomorrow until the latest report.

Our Thoubal correspondent adds:

After the counting of votes began today for the elections held on October 7 for 5th general Panchayat elections, the results for the post of zilla parishad, pradhan of gram panchayat and members under RO Lilong and under Lilong sub division, Thoubal district have been declared.

For RO Thoubal under Thoubal sub division, the votes for 221 members have been completed while the votes for 27 pradhans of gram panchayat are still counting.

As the votes for GP members were counted, three candidates came out as tie. Draw of lots were conducted for them and results were declared.

Two rooms at Thoubal DC complex were divided as room A and B where 12 tables were placed for each. At the total 24 tables, the counting was conducted and by 3pm, the results for 89 members were declared. The certificates were also handed out to the candidates who won.

The results for the pradhans of gram panchayat were declared by 6 pm and certificates were also given.

The elected pradhans for 7gram panchayats under RO Lilong are Idris Ali for Turel  Ahanbi Atoukhong GP, Khumanthem Ranjit for Oinam Sawombung GP, RK Krishnachandra for Leisangthem GP,  Sanahanbi for khekman GP, Md.Abdul Warish for Moijing GP, Islaur Rahman for Irong chesaba GP and Wangjam Premapati for Maibam Uchiwa GP.

For Lilong sub division, votes were counted for zilla parishad members and elected three candidates were handed out certificates.

On the other hand, for 20 gram panchayat members of Thoubal sub division, the results for 221 panchayat members were declared. The counting for the pradhans of 20 gram panchayats is still going on. However, the counting for the seven zilla parishad members is yet to begin.   

However, it is believed the counting for Thoubal sub-division will be completed soon as the counting for Lilong sub division is over and the empty counting tables are taken over for Thoubal sub division.

Our Jiribam Correspondent adds:

The counting of votes of 5th Panchayat election of Jiribam panchayat areas is underway.

The counting was started from 8 am today at the deputy commissioner’s campus, Jiribam district. The counting was held on six tables under supervision of RO, Jiribam, A. Shivadas Sharma and DEO, Jiribam, Robert Singh Kshetrimayum.

Till the time of filling this report, votes of 57 ward members have been counted. The counting of six pradhan seat is in underway, among which 2/6 – Jakuradhor Gram panchayat was declared in which Sadana Das won by 155 votes from her nearest rival Prativa Das.

The remaining five seats of Pradhan as well as two Zilla parishad constituencies are still awaited. After the completion of Pradhan seats, votes of Zilla parishad members will be counted.

IMPHAL | Oct 11

Come October and thousands of Amur Falcons, also known as Akhuaipuina by the locals of Tamenglong, start arriving in this hill district of the state and Wokha district in Nagaland.

Amur Falcon (Falco Amurensis) is a small bird weighing just about 100 to 150 grams and measuring 25 to 30cm in length, the male mostly grey in colour and the female having dark teak cream or orange underpants. The eye ring and legs are orange in colour.

Amur falcons are absolutely stunning in the wild and sought after by birders and wildlife photographers. To these people their value cannot be measured by money and materialistic thing. 

The Amur falcon species inhabit in open woods and marshes during the breeding season, migrating birds roost and stay near open forest. These falcon species feed on insects, capturing them in the air on the ground. They are known to feed on small birds and frogs. During their migration, it is believed that their diet mainly consists of migrating dragonflies.

Its breeding season is between May and June. Abandoned nest platforms belonging to other birds and tree hollows are used for nesting. The clutch may contain three to four eggs. Both the parents take part in incubating eggs and feeding chicks.

The bird breeds in Northeastern Asia, the species flies non-stop from Mongolia to Northeast India covering 5,600km in five days and nights. The birds halt briefly in Myanmar and after a month or so they reach central and western India en route to South Africa. This raptor has one of the longest migration routes of all birds, doing up to 22,000 km in year. And the birds are expected to stay in Tamenglong till November.

The people of Tamenglong see the falcons as messengers of God, their arrival indicates a good year and bountiful harvest. The birds eat winged termites and other insects that destroy crops.

However the younger generations started decimating them by using nets, slingshots and guns. Since the species is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, western forest division of Tamenglong and Rain Forest Club of Tamenglong organised various campaigns, seminars in different villages to give awareness and the importance of the friendly visitor.

What is encouraging is that of late, people from all walks of life, youths in particular have joined hands for conservation. As a part of the awareness campaign Amur falcon festival is also going to be organised in Tamenglong district headquarters on November 3.  After various campaigns and awareness most bird catchers have turned bird lovers and the species is recognised as friends of the tribal. 

India is signatory to the convention of migratory species and thus have a duty under the international law to ensure that the killing and consumption of migratory bird in our land is strictly prohibited.

The government, NGOs, civil bodies, and the churches need to educate about the amazing journey of this birds so that in return they will pass on the message of conservation to hunters and children.

In Nagaland the government has even threatened to stop grants to villages involved in hunting the falcons. Village councils agreed to make the hunting of the falcon illegal, and levied a fine of Rs. 5000 against any hunters.

It may be noted that the former Union minister for environment, Prakash Javedkar announced that Doyang lake in Wokha district of Nagaland areas would be developed as an eco-tourism spot for bird watchers.

It will be wise if the state government also take initiatives in implementing strict laws in conserving this bird and should also look for an eco-tourism spot in Tamenglong district where the bird lovers and tourists can come and see these beautiful birds.

During the state festivals, like Orange festival, Pineapple festival, Sangai Festival, Shirui Festival, Barak Festival, Lui Ngai-ni, Kut etc., the state government can also campaign and create awareness about the importance of Amur falcons.

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI |Oct 11

United Naga Council (UNC) urged Naga politicians in Manipur to shed differences and exhibit their “collective position” towards the ‘Naga cause’. Towards this end, a ‘One-Day Conclave of Naga Autonomous District Council (ADC) Members’ was held at Thangal General ecological park, Mayangkhang in Senapati yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, UNC president Gaidon Kamei said that “it is time” for Naga politicians, Naga village chiefs, church leaders, different Naga outfits and different organizations to exhibit “our collective position” regarding the Naga political issue.

He said that the peace talks are in “advanced stage and we cannot afford to lose this finest opportunity.”  Gaidon Kamei also said that “if we do not take a right decision at this crucial juncture we will not have future.”  He said that the Nagas’ assertion for the settlement of the Naga issue is not a “privilege but it is our political right.”

Markson, Senapati ADC chairman, Namsinrei Panmei, Tamenlong ADC chairman, K. Dickson, Ukhrul ADC chairman, members of ADC from various districts, S. Milan, general secretary of UNC and its executives, W. Asha, president of Naga Women Union, NPO executives, ANSAM executives, tribe presidents, village chiefs and church leaders attended the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, ML. Markson said that though Naga ADC members hail from different political parties they will co-operate each other when it comes to the Naga political issue.

The ADC chairman of Senapati rued that Naga politicians have been facing various difficulties. He alleged that empowering of ADCs has been denied by the State government right from the beginning.

He continued that they are ready to vacate their positions for the Naga political solution if the need arises and appealed to the UNC to continue “strengthening the movement”.

Namsinrei Panmei, Tamenglong ADC chairman, expressed his gratitude to UNC for organising such conclave and also for bringing all the Naga ADC members together. “It is time to open our eyes and strengthen the political position leaving aside all the differences,” said Namsinrei Panmei. He also said that ADC members should stand firmly “for the Naga solution at all cost.”

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Oct 11

The Student’s Union of Pettigrew College (SUPC) Ukhrul has stated in a press statement that the union has called off its agitation and resumed normal classes from today as the demand has been fulfilled.

SUPC has expressed its gratitude to the chief minister and education minister of Manipur, local MLAs, leaders of CVOs and well-wishers for their timely intervention to the prolonged issue.

General secretary of SUPC, Phuiya Shimrah also lauded the teachers of Pettigrew college for bearing with the student’s union during the course of agitation.

It may be mentioned that SUPC has demanded for immediate removal of principal Dr.  Ninghorla Zimik due to administration failure and submitted a memorandum to the education minister, government of Manipur for kind intervention. Accordingly, the governor of Manipur issued an order on October 9, after which, K. A. S. Soreingam has been appointed as principal in-charge of the college.

IMPHAL | Oct 10

All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union has expressed strong condemnations against the act of mistreating journalists who went to take coverage for 5th General Panchayat elections.

A release said the manhandling of journalists who went to take coverage for Manipur Sate League match played between Neroca FC and Sagolband United today is strongly condemned as well by the union.

 The reporters were not only mistreated but attempts were made to snatch their cameras, it said. The union appeals no to repeat such acts in the future, it added. 

By A Staff Reporter 

IMPHAL | Oct 10

Revenue and CAF&PD minister, Karam Shyam Singh today said that there will be no development and accountability if there is no transparency in a state or society. He was making this statement at the closing function of Right to Information (RTI) week celebration at Lamyanba Shanglen, Kunung Lampak.

Shyam said that RTI is playing a big role in democratic India and appreciated RTI activists for their efforts to bring transparency and accountability in the governance in the state. He also said that there will be no need of RTI if there is good governance and transparency between the government and the governed.

He advised the activists and people to use the Act sensibly as there have been many cases in the past of misusing this particular Act.

RTI Act got enforced in the country in 2005 and in the state the Act was enforced on September 12, 2006. The Act is “to provide for setting out the practical regime of right to information for citizens and replaces the erstwhile Freedom of information Act, 2002.”

The week-long celebration started from October 5, inaugurated by minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh at Manipur Press Club. During this week, awareness was given on how the Act is useful and how to use it in a correct way and so on. 

In connection to the observance of this week, a quiz competition was held at LMS Law College on October 8 and was participated by students and RTI activists. The winners were awarded today at the closing function by the dignitaries.

The function was also attended by chairman of Manipur Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. and Manipur Electronics Development Corporation Ltd., Radheshyam Yumnam as guest of honour and state chief commissioner, Th. Ibobi Singh presided over the function.

The event was organised by Manipur Information Commission and sponsored by department of personnel and training, ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions.