Category: Imphal Free Press

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | Sept 23      

The job card holders of Wangjing Khunou, ward number I under Chairel gram panchayat, Kakching Khunou held a public meeting today in protest against the alleged embezzlement of their labour wages by the member of the ward, R.k. Lakhsmi.

Placards that read, ‘we condemn the withdrawal or our money from our personal accounts without permission’, ‘Find out the person who withdrew the money’ etc. were displayed.

In the meeting, Sagolsem Bise Devi, a job card holder said that the labour wages of job card holders are generally withdrawn after opening accounts at the Manipur Rural Bank, Kakching. The job card holders had also received their ATM cards provided by the bank.

Upon being informed that the labour wage for three days, a total of Rs. 612 each was being deposited to their accounts, they went to the bank to check their balances only to discover that all of them were withdrawn.  

When the matter was inquired, the Bank Mitr (an agent) of Chairel, Mayanglambam Biken disclosed that the money was reportedly withdrawn by the ward member, R. K Lakhsmi. Such an act is condemned and the meeting appealed for the authorities concerned to draw their attention on the issue.

She further said, Lakshmi have refuted these allegations on the public that she would withdraw from the panchayati raj elections if she is found involved in the issue. Therefore, immediate actions should be taken up by the authorities concerned and punish the guilty.

A woman who took part in the meeting said that Lakshmi had earlier collected a sum of Rs. 500 each from the job card holders with the promise to provide gas connections under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Scheme. However, nothing came out of it, she added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 23

Condemning against the BJP led NDA government on price hike in various essential commodities State Youth Congress staged sit-in-protest in front of state Congress office, B.T. road here today.

Speaking to media person on the sidelines of the protest, president of State Youth Congress, Md. Amir Huissen said ever since the central government has come under the rule of BJP led NDA coalition people are facing severe problem due to price hike of various essential commodities. 

He said oil price hike occurred nine times in the last six months. Moreover there has been rise in inflation, hike price in food items, hike in agricultural expenditure, transport charges, with free hand given to oil companies for larger profits by exploiting the poor, and has brought only worries to the common men, he said.

Amir charged the BJP led NDA government as the party which is helping capitalist economic actors in order to pay them back for their support in putting the party into power.

“Before coming to power the BJP had many promises like bringing a new change in social accountability and security. But now the party has been unable to fix the unstable economy of the country”, he said.

He said NDA government do not fix the price of petroleum products as the price is changing on daily basis though price of world crude oil is not hiked.

Due to price hike on petrol and diesel many farmers have committed suicide as their businesses get deteriorating day by day, he alleged. Furthermore the NDA government has failed to provide 13 LPG cylinders for every connection in a year, he added.

“On top of that the consumers of the state are not able to get even one LPG cylinder in five months. If things continue like this we are heading towards darkness”, Amir said, adding that the Centre should reduce taxes on essential commodities including petroleum products.

He asserted that the State Youth Congress sand for a united society and it will in any case not tolerate division in the name of religion, caste and economic status.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 23

Paree Imom Sindam Sang, Langjing, principal, S. Memcha Chanu donated Rs. 50,000 towards the treatment of a child who is living with two holes in her heart.

Six years old, Wairakpam Echan is the third daughter of W. Keshochandra and W. Sangita of Lamlai Mayai Leikai, who was born with two holes in the heart and moreover she is suffering from Down Syndrome.

Her father who is also partially visually impaired is supporting the family with his small income by working as a labourer.

Echan’s mother, Sangita said that since her daughter was born with holes in her heart she has a very poor health and has to take her to hospital frequently.

“Our family has no other source of income except the small income made by her husband so we do not have enough money for the heart operation of our daughter. We are already in debt of Rs. 4 lakhs”, said the mother.

Doctors said that if operation is not conducted within one and a half month, her child will pass away, she added.

Sangita said that they had asked help from the chief minister taking the opportunity of “meeyamgi numit” as a reply the chief minister gave a paper signed by him and asked to visit Sky hospital.

Subsequently they had visited the hospital but the hospital only conducted the “echo test” but did not give further treatment, said the mother.

The mother sought financial support from the kind hearted individuals or organisations of the state to perform her daughter’s heart surgery and save her life.

IMPHAL | Sept 23

In compliance with the directions of Supreme Court committee on road safety, a mega ‘Traffic Adalat’ was organised at various places at Imphal East and West, Bishnupur, Chandel, Churachandpur, Thoubal and Ukhrul.

A release said, the ‘Traffic Adalat’ was organised under the aegis of Manipur State Legal Services Authority in collaboration  with transport department, government of Manipur, superintendent of police Imphal East and I West and superintendent of traffic, Imphal City.

The drive was mainly concentrated on private non-commercial vehicles to ensure that laws relating to use of helmets, wearing of seat belts, use of mobile phone while driving, drunken driving, driving without valid licence, valid R.C. book, were complied with by the public to ensure road safety and also to spread awareness on traffic rules and regulations, it said.

A total of 1571 cases of traffic offences were settled generating a total amount of Rs. 3, 24,425 only as fine.

Further it continued in the ‘Traffic Adalat’ held from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, commendation certificates were awarded to persons who were found to be complying with the Motor Vehicle Act and Rules. Pamphlets containing traffic rules and regulations were also distributed amongst the general public to generate public awareness, it added.

Media played a valuable role in spreading information, awareness and attracting people to settle their disputes through ‘Lok Adalat’ and the same is highly appreciated, maintained the release.

MLSA expressed hope that media shall continue to render such services in future also. It is also earnestly appealed to all the general public to abide by the traffic rules and regulations in the interest of their own safety as well as the general public, the release said.

MLSA expressed gratitude to all the chairperson of various ‘Traffic Adalat’ benches consisting of judicial officers, advocates, staffs, para legal volunteers, and the officials of police, traffic, motor vehicle departments for their valuable time and contribution in successfully holding this mega ‘Traffic Adalat’, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 23

The 32nd edition of sports meet cum cultural exchange programme of Maram Khullen Circle Students’ and Youths’ Association (MKCSYA) kicks off today at Raisung Ground, Maram Bazar. The event will go on till September 30 under the theme “Unity in Diversity”.

Karaiba Francis, president of MKCSYA said the main objective of this mega event is to get together as brothers and sisters to bring better change in the district and state.

He said that there are total 22 teams participating in the sports event. Shot-put, high jump, long jump and running race are some of individual games and team games are football, volleyball among others. There will be also other cultural programmes of every tribe like dance competition and other culture related games, he added.

The function started with a cultural dance by Unity in Diversity team, Don Bosco College Maram students.

Manjit Sarangthem, president of All Manipur Students’ Union attending the function as special invitee said Manipur is blessed with multi-ethnicity, and this sport cum cultural event is a total proof that Manipur is living with unity in diversity.

He continued saying that as a student activist, he said that as students and youths are the future leaders of the society, “we should take responsibility to make a better Manipur”.

Manjit said that Manipur is also a sports powerhouse and expressed hope that this sports event be also a platform to produce more sportsperson to represent the state in national and international level.

Joint director of Youth Affairs and Sports, Jayenta Kumar attended the function as chief guest and chief of Maram, Sagongnamba, attended the function as honorary guest. Eminent personalities of Maram area also attended the function as presidium members.

The kicking off of the event was done by Manjit Sarangthem. Cultural dance of Maram also enthralled the inaugural function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 23

Spiritual leader of Tibetan people, Dalai Lama, is to visit Manipur on October 17 to attend international peace conference following invitation by Y. Khemchand Singh, Speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Dalai Lama will be in the state for two days and leave Imphal on October 19.

Khemchand met with the spiritual leader during his recent visit to Dharmasala, Himachal Pradesh to attend a workshop on “Tribal of India and social issues”.

Khemchand revealed that during the meeting he personally requested the spiritual leader to visit the state and give message of peace, which according to him, is the need of the hour.

Citing the positive respond, Khemchand earlier informed to organize an international peace conference in the state.

It is learnt that the Speaker has submitted a proposal to the state government with regards to the willingness of the spiritual leader.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 23

Chief minister N. Biren Singh today left Imphal for national capital to attend the national executive meeting of the Bharatya Janata Party (BJP) due to be held on September 25.

The meeting will be chaired by party president Amit Shah and also attended by all senior office bearer of the BJP including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It is learnt that the meeting will mark the closing ceremony of the birth anniversary celebration of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhaya.

Sources said that the agenda of the meeting include reporting of major activities and programmes held since the last meeting, discussion on organizational issues, discussion on current issues, future programme, Pandit Deen Dayal Birth centenary programme etc.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | Sept 22

The rain that started falling heavily for two days since September 19 have caused flood at Wabagai and made many damages in a large scale.

To provide support and relief to the affected areas, Citizens Association for Rural Development, Wabagai have appealed the authorities concerned and the government to draw attention.

This year, Wabagai had already been suffering from repeated flood which caused loss of many ripening rice and overflowed several fish farms. The breaching took place at a part of Sekmai River for a length of around 70 feet this time and submerged around 100 hectares of paddy fields.  

The same area was breached earlier this year and the people were still recovering from it. However, no relief materials had been provided so far by the government.  

At such a crucial moment to start preparing for the coming harvesting season, around 1000 hectares of paddy field which would provide rice for 70,000 people for a year have been destroyed. This will cause many difficulties in the livelihood of many.  Therefore, the association has appealed the government to draw immediate attention to the prevailing issue and provide necessary help.

IMPHAL | Sept 22

Chandel Naga People’s Organisation (CNPO) has appealed to all its subordinate units of CNPO, government establishments, NGOs to obtain its permission before taking up any form of protest in Chandel district.

A release issued by its president, L. V. Robert said that the CNPO warned of critical consequences if the organisation is undermined or superseded.

It said, “Chandel Naga People’s Organisation is compelled to issue this statement in order to maintain cordial relationship, peace and tranquillity in all walks of life.”

“The CNPO comprises of nine Naga tribes which is formed under the motto, “Unity, Justice, Peace and Progress” renders its selfless services for the welfare of the people, execute its duties and responsibilities in the interest of the people and protect our land and people as enshrine in the construction”, the release added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 22

Lok Sabha MP, Jitendra Choudhury from Tripura said that the NDA government at the Centre is using the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to interfere in political matters for electoral gains and to eliminate all the Opposition parties.

He was speaking to media persons today at Manipur Dramatic Union hall, Imphal.

The MP said that BJP is instigating the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) to press for the creation of a separate new state from Tripura and he charged that BJP is trying to gain control by disturbing the communal harmony of the state.

Jitendra further charged that BJP is also indirectly involved in the killing of a journalist at Tripura on last Wednesday during the IPFT agitation.

Tweenty-eight year old Shantanu Bhowmik was killed while covering an agitation on Thursday, evoking strong condemnations country-wide.

The peasants suicide rate in the country during the three year rule of the NDA government has increased 42 percent when compared to suicide rate during the rule of UPA government, he charged.

The MP said that the formation of the BJP led government in the state is not possible without corruption practices as Congress party got the single largest majority with 28 MLAs and BJP only 21.

He asked the people to not fall in the trap of BJP government which ignores the crisis and issues of the people and diverted their promises.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 22

Demanding various demands All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) staged a sit-in-protest in front of Manipur Baptist Convention, Chingmeirong today.

Speaking to media persons, president of ATSUM, Vareiyo Shantsang said the union demands appointment of adequate number of teaching and non-teaching staffs in hill districts under autonomous district council, education (S), secondary lecturers and assistant professors in government colleges.

He demanded that teachers should be placed at one’s actual posting place. Utilisation of service in other work place is one of the main factors for degradation of education system in the state, Vareiyo added.

Vareiyo said there are confirmed reports that a good number of teachers posted in the hills are being uitilised in various work places to serve the interest of politicians.

All hill districts’ residential schools require highly qualified teachers, well-equipped library and infrastructural amenities. If there is proper provision for establishment of such school under education (S), it is suggested to have residential schools both in hills and valley wherever feasible, Vareiyo asserted.

There are no proper infrastructural facilities for Zonal Education Offices and construction of buildings with proper infrastructural facilities will be a step higher to make the office more vibrant, he said.

Considering the acute shortage of teachers, ATSUM demands regularisation of 333 adhoc teachers who have been verified by a special committee along with teachers or employees who were recommended for regulation by High Court of Manipur.

He further said reservation seats for admission at Manipur University which clearly states that 31 percent for ST, 2 percent for SC and 17 percent for OBC should be implement immediately.

The government should look into the primary health sub-centres, primary health centres, community health centres etc. to make them functional with proper equipment and infrastructure.

Proper quarters should provided for doctors and nurses and the government should formulate a policy for transfer and posting in health department to avoid irregularities, he added.

The government should re-organise and demarcate the police jurisdiction for each district to avoid overlapping.

If the government fails to take necessary action by September 27, ATSUM will call the next day 24 hours total bandh in the state..

Newmai News Network

AIZAWL | SEP 22

The lone woman legislator in Mizoram Vanlalawmpuii Chawngthu has become Mizoram’s first woman minister since the 1987 state assembly elections, after she was inducted to Lal Thanhawla’s cabinet on Friday .

Chawngthu was sworn in as a minister by Mizoram governor Lt. Gen. Nirbhay Sharma (Rtd) during a searing-in-ceremony held at Raj Bhavan. She is the second woman in Mizoram to hold ministerial post after Lalhlimpuii Hmar, who was made a minister in 1987.

Chawngthu will hold the rank of Minister of State in Lal Thanhawla’s government.

With Chawngthu, Mizoram now has 12 ministers.

 Earlier on September 20, senior Congress leader and Aizawl South III assembly constituency MLA, K S Thanga was sworn in as minister in the Congress government.

Meanwhile, the 38-year-old Mizoram Pradesh Youth Congress Committee (MPYCC) president, Chawngthu joined the Congress party and won the Hrangturzo by-poll with a margin of 2503 votes to retain the seat for the ruling Congress in May 2014 as Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla vacated the seat after winning it along with Serchhip in 2013 assembly polls.

Chawngthu, better known as O.P-i, is the daughter of senior Congress leader and former minister C Chawngkunga and she is presently the chairperson of Mizoram state commission for women. In Mizoram’s political history, Chawngthu became the fourth woman legislator.

Speaking to media persons after the swearing-in-ceremony today, Chawngthu said she would try her best for the welfare of the women.

She then thanked Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla for his concern for the empowerment of women and inducting a woman minister in his government after a gap of about 30 years.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 22

State government is going to effectively implement the Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2014 by putting a total ban on sale, purchase and use of agricultural land for commercial purposes, announced chief minister N. Biren Singh.

The chief minister stated this evening during a press conference convened at CM’s secretariat conference hall.

He further informed that anyone found violating the ban would be penalized as per the provisions of the Act.

According to Biren, the move was initiated by the state government in order to uphold the primary objective of the Act to conserve wetland and agriculture land, which came into force on September 10, 2014.

A Cabinet meeting was held with regards to the subject, he said, wherein the gradual diminishing of agricultural land was discussed deliberately.

As per the decision of the Cabinet an order was passed on September 19 and reaffirming to effectively implement the Conservation Act 2014, he asserted.

The chief minister also informed that a data bank would be set up to keep the records of paddy lands by conducting proper identification of the status of the existing paddy land through digitized cadastral maps on the basis of satellite images at the time of the commencement of the Act (in September 10, 2014).

Although no reclamation of paddy land shall take place without the reference to the data-bank,  the Act allows conversion or reclamation of paddy land of an area measuring 0.10 acre in urban area and 0.20 in rural area for construction of residential building for the owner of the paddy land for his own purpose if he has none, he further illuminated.

Spelling out the steps taken along the border in the wake of the Rongiyas refugees crisis, chief minister Biren said all possible measure are set into motion to check influx of illegal immigrant.

Terming Assam-Jiribam, as the most vulnerable point citing the influx of Bangladeshi immigrant, he said additional force has been stationed at the border.

It has been informed that besides the existing check post, another police check post will be set up at Jiribam Mukh and also strengthened the foreigner check post.

Moreover, house to house drive have been started by the Jiribam police with help of the paramilitary forces since September 13, added Biren.

In the drive, he claimed that 1,211 houses were covered wherein 265 suspicious immigrant have been rounded up and 107 have been pushed back.

Similarly, drive against illegal immigrant have been strengthen at Indo-Myanmar border at Moreh by deputing officers, he said.

Biren further said that that the Indo-Myanmar border at Beihang in Churachandpur district would be developed as second corridor in the wake of the Act East Policy adding that a permanent police station would soon be established at Beihang.

IMPHAL | Sept 22

Dr. Rajiv Kumar, the vice-chairman of NITI Aayog visited Manipur today and had a high level meeting with chief minister N. Biren Singh.

Ministers, deputy chairman of the State Planning Board, chief secretary, other high ranking officials and heads of different central government institutes attended the meeting. This was Dr Kumar’s first visit to any state since he assumed charge as the vice-chairman of NITI Aayog on September 1.

During the meeting, the state government sought attention and intervention from NITI Aayog for speedy socio-economic development of the state.

Biren said that the new government is trying hard to accelerate development in the state in order to match with the progress of other states. He expressed hope that NITI Aayog would extend all possible assistance to the state government.

The developmental challenges, opportunities and several proposals of the state were presented to the visiting vice-chairman through a PowerPoint presentation.

The state government highlighted the urgency of provision of piped water supply to people in rural and urban areas, road connectivity to districts and block headquarters. With 4% coverage of state population in term of household water supply, the NITI Aayog vice-chairman agreed to support state government’s proposal for a major project in this area for external funding.

Other proposals mentioned were introduction of ropeway from Ukhrul to Shirui, from Marjing Hill to Langol and Chaoba Ching to Sendra, upgradation of national highways, construction of flyover and underpasses for Imphal city and surrounding areas, circular railways for connecting district headquarters and development programme in hill areas.

The state government drew Dr. Rajiv Kumar’s attention to the poor condition of NH-37 and NH-2 and urged him to request the ministry of road transport and highways to grant adequate maintenance funds in time.

The state government also proposed that the Barauni-Guwahati gas pipeline be extended up to Imphal along the main axis or its spur. An alternative pipeline to transport surplus natural gas from Tripura to Imphal may also be considered, the state government suggested.

Introduction of air ambulance service in the state was a felt need and urgent steps in this regard were requested.

Speaking at the meeting, the vice-chairman emphasised on formulating a better accountability mechanism regarding usage of funds.

The vice-chairman said that NITI Aayog intends to assist the states in bringing development through ideas, co-ordination and contacts sharing.

Dr. Rajiv Kumar observed that the government needs to create a condition to attract more and more private investments.

He stressed the need of better co-ordination between the state planning departments and NITI-Aayog to carry forward the proposals.

IMPHAL |  Sept 22

 Keeping in view the seriousness of fatal accidents in many cases, the Transport Department, Government of Manipur initiated a drive of checking fake / duplicate licenses being used by the drivers in the State in April this year and verified 1852 Licenses. The drive was in close coordination with the Traffic Police. 

Realizing the magnitude of the matter, a special cell has also been created in the Directorate of Transport under the Asst. Director of Transport, on 5th June 2017. Earlier 1773 Licenses have been submitted for verification and 400 fake licenses have been detected. FIRs are being lodged by the DTOs concerned and documents have been submitted to SP (CID/CB) for necessary enquiry.

The Department is also concerned with the frequent complaints received from the public regarding unscrupulous and corrupt practices by its officials. Under the aegis of the Anti-Corruption Cell, action has been initiated against an ASI (Taxation), DTO/Bishnupur and the concerned official has been placed under suspension.

Another achievement of the Department is the launching of VAHAN and SARATHI at DTO/ Ukhrul by the Chief Minster, Shri N. Biren Singh on the11th April 2017. This will facilitate issue for SMART Cards for registration of Vehicles and issue of Driving Licenses for the citizens of Ukhrul District.

It is worth to recall that the Department of Transport under the mandate of the present Government has taken up the initiative of reviving the public transport system. After a gap of 15 years, the Department launched the public transport system christened as MANIPUR STATE TRANSPORT on 25.6.17.

It is conceived with the objective of providing an economical, efficient, sustainable, affordable and well-coordinated transport system for the State of Manipur. This will also bridge the gap between the demand for good public transport system and its poor supply by the private transport operators that is further compounded by the lack of standard and reliability in the private transport system and at the same time, it breeds unhealthy competition and factional disputes.

It is proposed that the fleet size will be around 150 buses (mixed) to be achieved in three phases. Initially, the Government has approved five buses (Marco-Polo) for procurement. Initially, combined with the 10 (ten) Semi Low Floored (SLF) buses, the fleet size will be 15 buses (mixed). These buses will be used for inter-district and city bus services. The routes being covered are—- City-Bus Service from ISBT and MST Complex, Moirangkhom in clockwise and counter clockwise direction passing through the Ima Market complex; for Imphal- Thobal- Yairipok, SLF; Imphal- Moirang;  Imphal- Mayailambi-Kakching; Imphal-Noney; Imphal- Moreh and Imphal- Pherzawl will operate from MST, Complex Moirangkhom.

The fares for the city bus are charging at a flat rate of Rs. 10, whereas, for the inter-district buses, rate of Rs.1 per Km for valley section of the route and Rs. 1.20 for the hill section of the route is being charged. The initial response has been very positive and steps for consolidating the system by increasing the no. of routes and fleet size are being taken up.

The Transport Department is also appraised and conscious of the various concerns regarding road safety and awareness. Keeping the need for public safety and awareness, signages indicating intersection points, cross roads, speed limit, pedestrian crossing and school ahead have also been affixed.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 22

Manipur Peoples Party is in grip of a crisis today after the party’s interim president, O. Jugindro suspended its working president, S.K. Maimon and locked up his room at the party office, Polo ground, Imphal.

Heated exchanges took place between the supporters of the interim president and working president from 11.30 am and a half hour later police came and controlled the situation.

Regarding locking of the working president’s room, Maimon lodged a complaint with the City police station. The complaint claimed that his personal and office documents were not found on his office table when observed from the window of his office, which was already locked.

Earlier on September 20 the working president has issued an order expelling the interim president from the party for alleged embezzlement of party fund and for involving in alleged anti-party activities.

On the other hand on the same day the interim president also issued an order suspending Maimon from the part for six years for involving in alleged anti-party activities.

Speaking to media persons, Maimon today said that as there is no permanent president of the party the central committee had appointed O. Jugindro as interim president, himself and M. Amutombi, both as working presidents.

As Jugindro is not the full time president he does not have the power to suspend him but a working president has the power to suspend an interim president, he claimed.

On the other hand Jugindro said that an interim president has the full power of a president but the working president does not have the same power.

Jugindro said that he can suspend the working president by exercising powers under article no. 28 of the party’s constitution but working president cannot take decisions without consulting him.

Sources said in view of the conflict between the interim president and the working president the central committee of the party is likely meet tomorrow at the party office to discuss the development.

IMPHAL | Sept 22

National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Manipur unit today organised a protest at B.T. Road, lmphal demanding justice for Pravish Chanam and whereabouts of the missing Manipuri student, Bitto Taorem.

A release said that NSUl, Manipur state demands an immediate CBl enquiry to bring the concrete answers of the incidents and to book the culprits at the earliest.It demanded through the chief minister and deputy CM of Manipur to react in time into this matter to bring justice by contacting through their counterparts of U.P.

“Why the state leaders still remain silent on this issue. They could have done a lot to make the investigation faster and more transparent, if at least they made a telephonic conversation to U.P CM or Home Minister”, it asserted.

It further questioned how Pravish Chanarn went missing, who killed him and why and added that why the details of how Pravish reached the hospital from the venue of the concert is still unclear.

“Why the Hospital authority and the police did cremated the body of Pravish without even informing their parents / relations, why they are in such a hurry when there is a special cell for Northeast in Delhi and NCR and why they did not inform the Nodal Officer of Northeast Cell”, said the release.

There is a great loophole inside the investigation process and it smells a rat is within the police and hospital authorities, it added.

“We demand the officials, each and every one who is involved in this case and also demands the strictest punishment to be delivered to the murderers, only the mere suspension of some Police personals will not do and no one should go scott-free and no one should try to cover up the evidences”, it said.

It further said that leaders of the state should not remain silent in this crucial time of sorrows when their own citizens lost their life.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Sept 21

Landslide at various intersections has completely cut off Tusom Christian village and Tusom Khullen village from the rest of the state.

According to former president of Northern Raphei Student’s Union (NRSU), Agar Horam, the landslide occurred on September 15 and has left the two villages completely cut off from the rest of the state.

Villagers are facing intense hardship in transporting basic commodities for day-to-day needs as the landslide are yet to be cleared. He also informed that the local playground has also been carried away by the landslide.

Agar Horam also stated that as the construction of Bailey Bridge on Tusom river has been left behind without completion, the villagers are facing difficulties to commute especially during rainy season.

He added that the NRSU has apprised the minister of rural development, government of Manipur for immediate intervention into the matter, however, till today the bridge is yet to be constructed. The said work was awarded under PMGSY package No. MNO 955, Phase XIII, Part II and the same work order was issued on September 7, 2014, he added.

Tusom Christian village and Tusom Khullen come under Jessami Block and they share international boundary with Myanmar. The villages are situated 120 km from Ukhrul and just 5 km from Indo-Myanmar border passing through Border Pillar No. 130.

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | Sept 21

Community radio serves as powerful tool for community empowerment and social development, especially in regions that are hard to reach, have low levels of development and social parameters. 

This was stated by governor, Najma Heptulla, speaking on the opening day of the first community radio awareness workshop, organised by the ministry of information and broadcasting, government of India in collaboration with SMART (Steering Modern Applications For Real Transformation) at Classic Grande Hotel, Chingmeirong here today.

Governor Najma Heptulla and P.D. Sharma, deputy director of ministry of information and broadcasting, attended the 3- day long workshop as distinguished guests.

Continuing her speech, Heptulla said she first familiarised with the concept of community radio in Australia and Canada which are huge land areas and where physical communication is a big problem.

She assured the participants that she will write to the minister of information and broadcasting, Smriti Irani to promote community radio in a big way in Manipur.

“Let’s see if we can have a community radio at Raj Bhavan so that the public can share their grievances, happiness and experiences with me,” she said.

In her welcome address, Archana Kapoor, Founder, SMART said, “The presence of governor is an endorsement of her commitment to empower marginalised and vulnerable women. This is the first community radio awareness workshop being organised in Manipur though the government of India.”

The purpose of community radio is to provide access, control and ownership of a media platform that helps them to share, talk and discuss their issues of importance which are largely ignored by mainstream media, she added.

Paying thrust on the role of community radio for community development and bonding, preservation of local culture, and local identity, Archana explained that the main idea behind the workshop is to sensitise the participants about the potential of the community radio.

Concerning the Northeast region, P.D. Sharma said, the total Letter Of Intent (LOI) issued is 35, GOPA signed is 8, the total CR stations that became operational is 4 while new applications in process is 7. Stating that the ministry has recently introduced grants for content creation by CRSs, he hoped that the participants of the workshop would apply for a CR license very soon.

Pinky Chandran of Radio Active-90.4 MHz, Bengaluru, said that community radio stations are increasingly becoming core linked civic institutions by reflecting and engaging with different communities.

Further she said community radio is recognition of the diversity in our country and is a clear reflection of the heterogeneity of communities and the multiplicity of dialects.

Amit Dwivedi, assistant project manager, PMU, ministry of information and broadcasting and Khuswinder Singh Bhatia, manager, Broadcast Engineers Consultants India Ltd (BECIL) gave a detailed presentation on the key areas relating to CR policy guidelines, eligibility criteria and the elements of demystifying the process-application, Lol, SACFA & GoPA as resource persons

Fifty participants from all the different districts of the State took part in the workshop.

IMPHAL | Sept 21

Demanding justice against the suspicious death of Pravish Chanam, activists of North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS), along with civil voluntary groups and student organisations protested outside the U.P. Bhawan in Delhi today.

A release said NEFIS petitioned the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh decrying the failure of the U.P. government and Union ministry of home affairs, government of India to constitute a CBI inquiry into the death of Pravish. At the same time Manipur chief minister, N. Biren deputing an ADGP for collection of information on the ongoing Noida Police’s investigation is inadequate, it said.

NEFIS has in a separate the memorandum submitted to Union home ministry demanded a CBI inquiry into the case should be conducted, since the UP Police’s inquiry is bound to be heavily biased since its own personnel are implicated in the case, the release continued.

 NEFIS also demanded that the inquiry should especially probe the connivance of police personnel with the criminals and hospital authorities, it added.

The release recalled that Pravish had come to Delhi on a visit and had been residing in Safdarjung, Delhi with his friends. On September 8, he went to Knowledge Park in Noida to attend a music concert with his friends and went missing after the concert.

It has been reported that he was taken in an injured condition to Bhim Rao Ambedkar Hopspital around 10:30 pm, where he was given first-aid by a doctor. It is not known that whether after the first-aid he was discharged or forcibly taken away, said the release.

On September 9, at 6:30 am Pravish left the hospital’s emergency ward, the release claimed, adding the following day a call was received by the PCR of an injured person in Sector-31 Market.

The PCR personnel took the injured youth, Pravish to Bhim Rao Ambedkar hospital around 5:30 pm, where he subsequently died, it maintained. His postmortem was done on September 11 and after waiting for 72 hours, the hospital authorities disposed (cremated) the body as there was no one to claim the body, it added.

The release also recalled that a complaint in connection to his disappearance had already been lodged at Knowledge Park Police Station, Gautam Budh Nagar on September 9. The laxity on behalf of the Noida Police and civic authorities is shameful and reeks of conspiracy, it claimed.