Category: Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | Oct 2

Chief minister N. Biren Singh launched ‘Imphal Evenings’, a weekend plaza on Kanglapat road amidst much fanfare and glittering lights tonight.

A brainchild of Biren Singh, the idea behind the plaza is to give recreational space to the people of the state with an aim to improve healthy family life and introduce the culture of night life.

The plaza will be opened on every Saturday and Sunday from 7 pm to 10 pm without any entry fee on the stretch from Khoyathong junction to Raj Bhawan junction (eastern half of NH-2).

On the first day today, a huge crowd turned up at the plaza and all the stalls had brisk business.

Biren and MAHUD minister Th. Shyamkumar graced the launching function as chief guest and president respectively.

Deputy chief minister Y. Joykumar, PHE minister L. Dikho, and Rajya Sabha MP Ksh. Bhabananda also attended the function as guests of honour.

Biren Singh said the new initiative had been introduced to present an opportunity to the people to spend quality time with their families and friends together.

Manipur is being portrayed as a trouble-torn state and most of the people of other states and countries generally have a wrong notion about Manipur that nobody ventures outside after dark in the state, he added.

As such, the new government tried to show to the world that Manipur is no more a trouble-torn place and it can also have a night life, Biren said.

He also expressed hope that the plaza would be able to give self employment to many unemployed youths.

Seeking suggestions from the public, the chief minister said that the government would put in effort to make the plaza better and more beautiful.

The chief minister added that every type of intoxicant is strictly banned at the plaza.

In his presidential speech Shyamkumar said that the brain behind the plaza is the chief minister.

He sought suggestions from the public to make the plaza better and successful.

The government has earmarked space for 102 stalls at the plaza. However, the government received only 92 applications so far.

On the launching day today, only 56 parties turned up to open stalls.

40 stalls have been reserved for indigenous food items, 25 for fast food items, 15 branded restaurants and 30 for general stalls.

One police booth each at Khoyathong and Raj Bhavan junctions and two booths at Kangla western gate were opened to monitor security and guide the visitors.

For safety measures, there were booths for medical and Manipur fire service personnel. Apart from this, every stall has been instructed to mandatorily keep a fire extinguisher each.

Imphal Municipal Corporation also deputed 30 volunteers at the plaza to assist the visitors, stall owners and police.

Manipur police department deputed 30 plains cloth personnel to assist the crowd and ensure security.

Four points have been reserved for the talented persons who wish to present/showcase their skills at the plaza free of cost.

Mobile toilets are kept at two places for the convenience of the public. On the other hand, 10 bio-toilets have been procured for the plaza.

The food stalls were instructed to sell only fresh and healthy items approved by Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) and State Food Safety Authority.

State food safety personnel will regularly monitor the quality of the food items sold at the plaza.

In addition to stalls, boating facility was provided at Kangla moat.

IMPHAL | Oct 2

Among the registered 96 food stalls which range from ‘standard’ food stalls to ‘premium’ food stalls, various eatables ranging from vegetarian to non-vegetarian are sold. The Kabui food stall offers indigenous cuisine like pork and bamboo shoots, snail curry, duck curry etc. The stall also sold canine meat.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 2

Village chief, social activist, public leaders and youth leaders and public of 20 Sagang ADC constituency have decided to support and cooperate to the movement for creation of Sagang sub-division till the demand is granted by the government.

The decision was taken after a public meeting held today at Sagang Youth Club, Sagang Bazar, Churachandpur district on the topic “demand for creation of Sagang sub-division” organised by social activist and Komrem president, Lalkhomang Serto.

Addressing the crowd Serto said that he submitted a memorandum to the chief minister demanding creation of Sagang sub-division and the chief minister referred it to the Churachandpur deputy commissioner for enquiry. 

He said that creating Sagang sub-division will give administrative convenience to all the people of Sagang ADC as it geographically lies in the middle of all the 61 villages of 20 Sagang ADC constituency.

If the government creates the Samulamlan sub-division it will not be able to give administrative convenience to the villagers as it lies in the corner and moreover, the Samulamlan TD Block which was created 30 years ago is still not functional, added the president.

On the other hand the population of Sagang is 1700, and the population of Samulamlan is only 300 and moreover Sagang has many functioning public institutes, continued Serto.

After his speech was concluded options and views were given by several chiefs and public leaders regarding the demand for creation of Sagang sub-division.

The meeting resolved to form a demand committee for creation of Sagang sub-division and submit a copy of the meeting resolution to the chief minister, N. Biren and also to Churachandpur deputy commissioner to take necessaries action in favour of creating Sagang sub-division.

All the people attended in the meeting strongly condemned the allegation made by Samulamlan TD Block Chiefs’ Association against Serto for submitting memorandum for creation of Sagang sub-division and further asked the chief’s association not to personalise the issue in future as it is done in public interest.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 2

Thousands thronged the ‘Imphal Evenings’ which officially began today marking the beginning of a weekend night life for the first time in the state. Imphalites came out in droves to witness the beginning of this new chapter initiated by the state government.

“It is a sign that the law and order has improved in the state. Now we have a place to unwind in the evenings” said Saleja Athokpam, headmistress of Imphal Public Higher School to Imphal Free Press. She came with her family to dine out at a food-stall.

The Imphal Evenings was inaugurated by chief minister Nongthombaam Biren Singh at 7 pm today at Khuyathong traffic point. He mentioned that the objective of the event is to create a night life in the state and for people to unwind. Waving to the crowd in a motorboat at the Kangla moat the crowd cheered the chief minister after he announced the ‘Evening’ open.

“This avenue provides us to de-stress. This is a recreational activity for the families and should be continued, it is a positive step of the government,” said L. Santosh, assistant professor of Physical Education (MU).

Among the registered 96 food stalls, many did good business and sold out early. M. Memthoi from Sagolband has a stall selling bora (fritters). She said that she could not meet orders for her deep-fried food and sale is tremendous.

“I can’t fry enough boras to meet the orders. I need a bigger frying pan,” Memthoi said as she fried her fritters.

She deposited Rs. 10,000 for the stall and gave Rs. 500 for each month and has booked her stall till March.The stalls did brisk business till 10 pm and most got sold out as thousands queued up for the foods.

Most of the stalls had fast food as chowmein, burgers, fried chicken items etc and indigenous food stalls sold singju, bora, paknam, tharoi etc.

The roads are blocked at Khuyathong traffic point, another at the governor’s gate and the flyover at Uripok. Entry was not allowed from Khwairamband bazaar side but parking facility was given at Khuyathong, Raj Medicity area at north AOC and the other side at Jail road, Nityaipat Chuthek and along the Kangla moat till the Sanajenthong bridge.

Interacting with some police personnel, they mentioned that approximately 30,000 people must be coming at the entrance at the governor’s gate in an hour’s time. The stretch from governor’s road to Khuyathong traffic point was chock-a-block with visitors.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 2

The three-day festivity of 2nd Manipur Catholic Women Convention concluded today at Christ Jyoti School, Mantripukhri which was organised by Manipur Catholic Women Organisation (MCWO) under the theme “Women in the family, church and society”.

The closing function was attended by minister of forest and environment, Th. Shyamkumar as the chief guest. In his speech he thanked the sacrifice of Roman Catholics in the education field especially for producing promising students from their educational institutions. Their efforts are significant in the state and many trust Catholic schools, he added.

He mentioned that women have extra energy to bring change in the society and he said today’s programme is a proof. He added women have a special gift of patience, tolerance and will power compared to men.

The minister warned that there is an increasing rate of crimes against women in the state because of use of mobile phones. He urged the women present at the gathering to use it wisely and to also spread the word in their families and their loved ones.

He narrated how he became a Catholic Christian and how he became successful by looking unto God. He urged everyone through his speech today to respect and understand other religions and denominations if one wants peace and harmony to flourish in the state.

He donated Rs. 2 lakhs to the organisers for the betterment of their functioning as women organisation.

The closing function was attended by DD Archbishop – Archdiocese of Imphal, most Rev. Dominic Lumon, secretary general of Catholic Bishops’ Council of India, Rt. Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, and chairman of Justice and Peace Commission Catholic Bishops’ Council of India, Rt. Rev. Gerald Almeida as presidium members.

Catholic women from different parts of the state came to participate in the valedictory function of the convention.

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI | OCT 2

Tripartite talks involving the Central government, the State Government and UNC on district creation issue are likely to be held within this week. UNC sources said that there has been communication among the three parties since last Saturday in this regard.

The Naga body had recently given the 48-hour deadline to the Central government and the State government to make their ‘clear-cut’ positions on the district creation issue talks.  The deadline had already lapsed on Sunday.

According to sources, formal invitation for talks from the ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), government of India, is likely to be extended to UNC and the state government on October 3. Following this development, UNC has decided not to go ahead with its plan of taking up of its course of action.

Meanwhile, UNC president Gaidon Kamei said that the Naga body will wait and see for few more days. Talking to this reporter this evening, Gaidon Kamei said that they are “extremely serious” with the next tripartite talks on the district creation issue. However, he did not elaborate further on his comment.

According to UNC, on September 15 it had asked the ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), government of India, regarding the latter’s position on the next tripartite talks.

It may be recalled tripartite talks on district creation issue was held at Senapati on August 11. The three parties had agreed upon to hold next round of talks in the month of September.

The August 11 talks were brought up to the ‘political level’ with the participation of three cabinet ministers of Manipur, which included agriculture & veterinary minister V. Hangkhanlian, tribal affairs & hills minister, N. Kayisii and education & labour and employment minister, Th Radheshyam.

Apart from the three cabinet ministers, additional chief secretary (Home) J. Suresh Babu and commissioner (Works & IPR) K. Radhakumar Singh had also participated in the talks. A large number of UNC team had participated in the August 11 talks chaired by Satyendra Garg, the joint secretary of the ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), government of India.

All government initiatives aimed towards human service: CM Biren

IMPHAL | Oct 2

As in other parts of the country, the State government also observed Gandhi Jayanti- the International Day of Non-Violence and National Cleanliness Day today at the Gandhi Memorial Hall, Imphal.

 State function was graced by Hon’ble Governor of Manipur, Dr. Najma A. Heptulla along with Chief Minister Shri Nongthombam Biren Singh, other cabinet ministers and Chief Secretary. The event is celebrated in commemoration of the 148th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation.

Addressing the function, Dr. Heptulla said that the state of cleanliness which is maintained during the observance of the national cleanliness day should be made a regular feature – a way of life. It should not be just a normal observance but a wake – up call for all to maintain high standards of cleanliness in our homes, workplace, roads, streets and public place.

She further said that Mahatma Gandhi – the great soul has always emphasized on cleanliness for a healthy living. Healthy people make a healthy nation. The Mahatma believed in the spiritual purification of body, mind and soul, she observed.

She elaborated that a clean environment is essential for good health which will beget a pure mind. The “Swachh Bharat” initiative taken up by the Central Government is aimed towards this end of keeping the environment clean. All should endeavour to make it a preserving campaign for a good health and mind, she added.

She pointed out that the Swachhta Hi Seva, ‘Cleanliness is Service’, a campaign which  started on 15th September ,2017, concluded today on Gandhi Jayanti. The campaign is an initiative of  Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi .

In his address, Chief Minister Shri Nongthombam Biren Singh said that people should not only focus on cleaning their surroundings, but also aim to free their minds of negativity, hatred, enmity, communalism and corrupt thoughts.

He urged the people to maintain harmony , solidarity and peaceful co-existence amongst each other. He also said, “Good thoughts will pave the way to a better society and lead to progress and development of the nation.”

The Chief Minister explained that the fortnight long Swachta Hi Seva campaign is a way of realising Gandhiji’s vision for a Clean India.       

The Chief Minister also said that the Imphal Evenings which will be launched this evening aims to bring some entertainment avenues for the people. Explaining that the Imphal Evenings is an initiative to provide family- oriented evening life to the public, he sought support and cooperation from the public for the successful implementation of the initiatives and programs of the new government.

On the present United Naga Council issue, the Chief Minister said the government has already held talks with the organisation and further reaffirmed that the government is committed to finding solutions to all issues through talks.

Asserting that several welfare schemes for the people are in the pipeline, Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren also said that his government is mulling to introduce an Old-age Pension Scheme through which beneficiaries will be provided Rs 1500/- per month and a Skill Development Training Course for the differently abled.

Chief Minister Biren also asserted that since his government was formed, several potholes had been mended and repaired however, incessant rain over the past few months has resulted in the washing away of the repaired roads.

As part of the function, the Governor led others in offering floral tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Artistes of Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Government Music College also presented an opening song at the start of the function. Other high ranking officials also attended the function.

IMPHAL | Oct 2

Government of Manipur will take appropriate action as soon as a report is received from the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribe (MSCST) as the government of India has sought for socio-economic survey and ethnographic report.

A release issued by home department said, the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) has demanded the government of Manipur to include ethnic Meitei community in the scheduled tribe (ST) list.

The committee has been demanding for the same since December, 2012 and submitted a memorandum to the state government and the government of India.

However, in reply to the representation of the committee on May 3, 2013, the ministry of tribal affairs had responded that the

Centre had sought for specific recommendations regarding the demand along with latest socio-economic survey and ethnographic report by an organisation of repute so that the proposal could be considered.

After being communicated by the central government, the state government has requested the MSCST on September 19 to examine the matter and make appropriate recommendations, said the release.

It said, STDCM is a statutory body formed on March 27, 2014 under Manipur State Commission for the Scheduled Tribes Act, 2014 and the state government constituted the MSCST on August 8, 2016 with S.H. Gonmei as chairman and Simpson Sareo and John H. Pulamte as members.

The action of state government will be taken as per New Delhi’s pursuance for which MSCST would be examining the matter from the relevant angle to conduct the studies and submit a recommendation, it added.

IMPHAL | Oct 1

Customs Division personnel in Manipur on Sunday confiscated 12 pieces of gold bars weighing nearly 20 kg — and worth Rs 9 crore — along National Highway 37, officials said.

“We got a tip-off that gold smuggled from Myanmar would be taken along the national highway and, accordingly, we laid a trap,” N. Meiraba, Superintendent of Customs Division said. The seizure was made at Yurembam.

“At 6 a.m., one jeep came along and, on checking it, we found the gold bars concealed in it,” the official said.

He said two persons — Mohammad Yakub and Mohammad Nizamuddin, both from Manipur — have been arrested in this connection.

Meiraba said both are being questioned to establish where they were taking the bars and to trace the kingpin.

Myanmarese gold, which is comparatively cheaper, has heavy demand in many states.

Despite seizures and arrests, there have been increasing instances of smuggling of gold bars by road and by air.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Oct 1

Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) today felicitated the ambassador of India to Zimbabwe, Masakui Rungsung at TNL Hall, Ukhrul.

Taking of advantage of his four day visit to his home, TNL organised a blessing and felicitation programme along with other Tangkhul organisations and ADC-Ukhrul.

Masakui Rungsung while thanking the organiser stated that every successful Tangkhul person should be felicitated to encourage for their hard work, success and achievement. He also conveyed his gratitude to the government of Manipur for allowing him to visit home and to take part in the programme.

Masakui Rungsung was born on August 15, 1967. He hails from Lamlang village, Ukhrul district. He is from IFS batch 2001 and had been posted as second secretary in Jakarta, Indonesia, under-secretary, UNES, New Delhi, consul in Johannesburg, South Africa, counsellor in Dhaka, Bangladesh, director in the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi and he became the ambassador of India to Zimbabwe on May 12, 2016.

During the function, welcome address was delivered by vice-president Tangkhul Naga Long, P. Peimi. Vice-chairman ADC Ukhrul, Thanmi Kashung, president of Tangkhul Shanao Long, Grace Shatsang, vice-chairman, Tangkhul Naga Zingtun Longphang, Wungmakhok V. Zimik and president of Tangkhul Naga Long, Weapon Zimik also gave exhortation in the programme.

Another felicitation programme will be organised on October 2 at his village by the village authority.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 1

Speaker Y. Khemchand said a new revolution in the electoral process is needed to change the system in the state during the 29th foundation day celebration of National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) held here today at Akampat.

Speaking on the occasion, as chief guest Khemchand said the country has many educated people but only 45 percent is employable. If youth are given skill development training they will be employed easily in any avenue, he added.

He lamented that public in their heart do not have respect for those people who are into electoral politics. “On the other hand, people give priority to wealthy people at the time of electing representatives. Electors do not give importance to educational qualification or integrity of the person”, observed Khemchand.

The speaker also pointed out that to bring about a corruption-free Manipur, a revolution in electoral system is needed.

As a part of the programme prize were distributed to the toppers of master in computer application including annual sports of NIELIT.

Executive director NIELIT (Imphal, Kohima, Agartala) as guest of honour said people not only need to be educated but also should have skills. “It is not necessary to be highly qualified in respective fields if one wants to do a job. And people need to utilise their skills to become a successful”, he added.

Works minister, Thongam Biswajit as president of the function said the state need transformation not reformation. He assured to repair the road that reached NIELIT, Akampat immediately.

State informatics officer of National Informatics Centre, Kh. Rajen also attended the function as guest of honour.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 1

Social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen stressed on the importance of women in the present modern society at the second day of the 2nd Manipur Catholic Women Convention organised by Manipur Catholic Women Organisation (MCWO).

The three-day event was held at Christ Jyoti School, Mantripukhri under the theme “Women in the family, church and society”.

The minister said that as a lone woman representative of the state government, she felt associated with the women delegates of today’s function. She said the role of women in the establishment of a strong stable home, society and Church is vital and the contribution of women can be referred to as the cornerstone of the house.

She also said that there is a strong need to acknowledge the pivotal role played by women in the society in the formation, upbringing and establishment of the family and the society and as much as in Church.

Retired Reverend Gerald Almeida, chairman of Justice and Peace Commission, Catholic Bishops’ Council of India also attended the second session of the day as guest of honour. In his speech, he stressed on the role of a Christian woman that fearing and trusting God is the foremost liability.

He also said that men and women are equal in the eyes of God as women are created neither from the head nor feet but from his side so that both are equal and walk together. He said that women are the hope of the society and appealed to the gathering of women to cultivate good manners and characters in their children and family, society and the church.

Most Reverend Dominic Lumon, D.D. Archbishop – Archdiocese of Imphal, Father Loius Pallikunnel, general convener of the event, Ms Ts. Shelvi Monsang, president of MCWO as presidium members.

MCWO was established in the year 2006 with its motto as “empowerment of women” and goal as “building the church based on culture and tradition within the doctrine of the Church”.

Catholic women delegates from over the state took part in this mega convention. Mao Catholic Women Association (MCWA) was the main choir of the function, St. Peter’s Parish of Monsang Pantha, St. Joseph’s Cathedral Parish of Mantripukhri and Maram Catholic Women Association gave choreographies during the function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 1

Secretary of Women Welfare Association, Hiyanglam Sorokhaibam Bijenti claimed one Elangbam Sulendro founder member and administrator of Elangbam Sulochana Academy, Hiyanglam must be punished for alleged sexual assault against two minor girls.

 Bijenti was addressing the media during a press meet held at Indigenous People’s Association of Kangleipak (IPAK) Keishampat office this evening.

Bijenti recalled on September 20, Elangbam Sulendro (45) of Hiyanglam Lai Panganba, Wabgai Kakching district punished the two minors for not performing well in the class. The two minors who are sisters of same parents were detained at the time of school break and were instructed to stay at a class room of KG-II.

“Sulendro instructed the two minors to lie on the desk without facing each other. And he tried to touch the private parts of the minors”, she alleged.

Bijenti continued that the matter came to light when the two minors refused to attend parents meet of the school on September 24. “The elder sister revealed to her mother about the incident that their teacher Sulendro tried to touch her private part and she feel hesitant to attend the school”, she said.

Consequently when the parents tried to file a complaint against the teacher at Hiyanglam police station on September 29 late night, officer of the station refused to take the complaint due to late office hour and told them to come the following day to file the complaint.

However when the parents went to file the case on the following day the police officer of Hiyanglam police station allegedly told them to shorten the case through negotiations between the two parties, said Bijenti.

Meantime in the late evening the grandmother of the minor called Sulendro on the matter and asked him to apologise to the family but on the following day, instead he charged the former of defaming him with sexual assault charges, she added. 

As the police allegedly shrugged off from its responsibilities, the parents of the two minors discussed the matter with local club, Youth Pioneer Club, Hiyanglam. Accordingly the parents called Sulendro and asked him to apologise but on the contrary the latter threatened the former not to inform about the matter to anyone, Bijenti continued.

Bijenti demanded that Sulendro must leave his profession under moral ground and to surrender within three days. If Sulendro fails to surrender himself within the deadline intense action will be taken by joining hands with civil voluntary organisation of the state, she warned.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 1

Defence secretary, Government of India, Ashok Kumar Gupta arrived today in the state on official visit.

Gupta who arrived this afternoon at the Imphal international airport said that he is on a personal visit and declined to give further comments.

Although the visiting defence secretary declined to revealed the purpose of his visit, sources said that it could be related with the ongoing Rongiya refugee crisis in the neighbouring state of Myanmar.

He will be staying at the hotel Imphal today at leave for an official visit to Moreh border town tomorrow.

After returning from Moreh he will leave Imphal for Nagaland tomorrow.

From Our Correspondent

CCPUR | Oct 1

The SP of Churachandpur, Rakesh Balwal briefed about the recent rescue of eight girls including four minors in a press conference today held at his office chamber, in presence of additional SP (l/O), SDPO and town commander of 25 AR, Thanlon.

Elaborating on the arrest of one, T. Vumthianlal alias Romeo (39) son of Tunzakap of Dorcas Veng, New Lamka, he said the arrest was made by a combine team of Assam Rifles led by Major Narinder Sharma and SDPO of Churachandpur, Jonny Sharma, which was made around 8:30 pm of last night.

Rakesh Balwal stated that police received reliable information on September 30 around 7 pm about Romeo hiding at Vengnuam area, New Lamka. The combine Churachandpur police comprising of three teams of SDPO Churachandpur, SDPO Thanlon, sub-inspector T. Seikhotinlal Haokip and a team of 25 AR apprehended Romeo from the house of Vumkhansuan from Vengnom South, New Lamka.

Meanwhile, another person named Lunkholal Haokip (50), son of (Late) Thangpu of Tuibong, Bazaar Veng was also arrested at 9:20 pm from his residence at Tuibong, Bazaar Veng in a follow up action by the joint team.

Moreover, T. Chingzaniang (36), wife of T. Paubiaklun of Salem Veng, Central Lamka Churachandpur, who has been helping Romeo in arranging all logistic requyirements for the last few weeks was also arrested today at 2:30 pm.

It may be mentioned that Romeo has been absconded after he was alleged of killing of Thangkhanlun Taitom on July 27. The incident occurred in one electrical goods store located at Teddim Road where he was captured by CCTV that was installed at the shop. He was a town commander of ZRO/ZRA.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 1

Health and family welfare minister, L. Jayantakumar Singh today said that blood is equal to life. It should be handled carefully which should not be misused for it would be equivalent to spoiling life, he added.  

Jayentakumar was making the statement as the chief guest at the observance of National Voluntary Blood Donation day at G.P. Women’s college hall.

It was organised jointly by national health mission, Manipur, health department Manipur and Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS), in association with G.P. Women’s college.

Jayentakumar announced that blood storage facilities in the state will be upgraded and the existing capacity of blood banks will also be increased. He said that the government will look into the requirements to maintain quality blood bank in the state.

Parliamentary secretary of H&FW, S. Suchandra Singh in his presidential speech of the function said that a policy should be made to motivate more potential blood donors in the state.

In appreciation to a visually impaired donor who donated blood 56 times, he announced an incentive of Rs.1000 per month from his salary till his office last. He also donated a cash award of Rs.5000 to a donor who has donated blood 54 times for this year.

State mission director and director of Health Dr. K. Rajo Singh, project director of MACS, Valentina Arambam and principal of G.P. Women’s College, Lalhari Singh attended the function as guests of honour.

Ten donor organisations having organised at least three blood camps or have collected more than 100 units of blood during the period of April 1 till September 30 were recognised at the function with mementos and citations presented to them by the presidium members.

All the speakers at the function encouraged voluntary blood donations as it has many health benefits. A person who weighs 45 kgs and more, with 12.5 g of blood and of age 18 to 65 without any health problems are eligible to donate blood.

A public rally was conducted to give awareness about voluntary blood donation.

 From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Oct 1

Tamenglong district has been under total blackout for five consecutive days, with no electricity and tele-communications service.

One of the officials at the control of power sub- station at Tamenglong has revealed that there has been no of electricity in the district since 132 KV power line was cut off on September 27. However, the power line from Laimatak to Rengpang station was checked and the line was repaired, but still the problem was with the 20MVA power transformer, he added.

He further said that enquiry has been made to the officials concerned but it was replied that it may take two-three months to restore the transformer at Rengpang sub-station. For temporary adjustment the department is trying its level best to get power from Jiribam and power might supply within few days.

He said, ‘132 KV power lines from Jiribam has been not functional for quite long time, it need jungle clearance, line check-up, it may take days but we are trying our level best to supply electricity’.

He also appealed all the people of Tamenglong to bear with the inconveniences.

When enquired about the installation of prepaid system in the district, he said that the department is yet to complete the installation of prepaid meter even in headquarter.

Meanwhile, when contacted BSNL Tamenglong, the officials disclosed that due to lack of power for continuous five days, the company is facing problems. Apart from lack of electricity, lack of fuel for generator has compounded the issues and could not supply its services. The issue is faced by AIRTEL Company Tamenglong and in other official works due to lack of electricity in the district.

IMPHAL | Oct 1

As observed in different part of the world, international day for older persons, was held today at the premises of Regional Rural Training Center office, Wangbal Thoubal, under the theme ‘Stepping into the Future; Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Person in Society’.

Education, labour and employment minister, Th. Radheshyam Singh said elders are the mentor; a teacher for the young and their guidance are must for the future. He said that their presence is very important for they guide the children to the right path.

This day is observed to focus on their importance and emphasise on the responsibilities towards the elder to make their lives happier by the younger generation.

He further added that in the past the elders would sat at fire side telling stories imbibed with moral lessons that were the treasures gifted by them to the generations to come.

 The folktales, he said, becomes lifetime lesson of morals which is very must required today.

 Lack of such instances has been one of the main reasons for deteriorating condition of the society due to lack of bonding among the youths and elders, he observed. Radheshyam urged the NGOs to treat the elders as their own parents to provide the best support they could.

The older persons day was organised by the district social welfare office, Thoubal in collaboration with NGOs implementing aged welfare programmes in Thoubal and Kakching districts, Manipur.

Deputy commissioner, Thoubal L. Nabakishwar Singh speaking at the observation highlighted the impact and efforts made for the implementation of the national policy for senior citizens.

The observation was attended by MLA, Hiyanglam A/C, chairman, MANIDCO Dr. Y. Radheshyam, Singh, district supervisors, and older persons from different places.

IMPHAL | Oct 1

On State level observation of international day of older persons, social welfare and cooperation minister, Nemcha Kipgen called upon the attention of all the NGOs and stakeholders to lend necessary assistance to those older persons in distress and open doors for them.

The minister also assured that she will urge the government to open hospital specially meant for old-aged people. This was stated by Nemcha attending the occasion as chief guest at the function held today at Khunthokhanbi Sanglen, Thangmeiband, Imphal.

Stressing on this year’s theme “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society”, Nemcha highlighted the major contributions of the older persons in moulding our society. Wherever we, as a society stand today, major credit goes to them, she pointed out. 

On the occasion, social welfare department presented gifts as a token of appreciation to the older persons present at the function today.

The event was also attended by commissioner, social welfare, H. Deleep Singh, director of social welfare Jacintha Lazarus, and joint director, social welfare surrender A. Shishak as president and guests of honour, respectively.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 1

The Manipur Muslim Welfare Organisation (MMWO) informed that it will boycott deputy chief minister, Y. Joykumar until the latter tender apology and arrest his son, Y. Devjit for allegedly disrespecting Islamic religion.    

Speaking to media persons today, MMWO president, Pangal Abdul Pathan said that deputy chief minister’s son, Devjit posting on Facebook post stating that ‘Quarbani is a practice to kill man on the day of Id-ul-Adha’ on September 2 is an insult to Islamic religion.  

Regarding the matter complaint had made to the police and several forms of agitation had took place but still today not a single action has been taken up against Devjit as he is the son of the deputy chief minister, Pathan added.

A leader who cannot even control his son is not fit to be a leader of a state so they have boycotted the deputy chief minister, continued the president.

Moreover the chief minister keeping quiet regarding the matter shows that the government see the minority as second class citizens, added Pathan.

He said on the other hand more than 80 percent of the minority are not getting their rightful MOBC welfare schemes and projects but the government has not taken up any action to make the scheme available to them.

Till today the new BJP led government has not taken up any developmental steps for the welfare of the minority people, he claimed.

If the government continues such action the minority people will stop supporting BJP like in the other states, he warned.

The organisation appealed to all the minority people of the state not to invite the deputy chief minister in any function and not to support NPP in election.