Category: Imphal Free Press

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 20

Langban Heisoi (Tarpan) were offered today to the 18 martyrs who had made supreme sacrifice during the June 2001 people’s movement to protect the territorial integrity of the state by the United Committee Manipur (UCM) at Kekrupat memorial complex.

Speaking to media persons, UCM president, Johnson Elangbam said that the indigenous people of the state is at a crucial juncture as the number of non-local is increasing day by day.

Electing a non-local as MLA in the Jiribam district clearly shows that the state is being slowly taken over by the non-local, he added.

Johnson continued that in order to safeguard the indigenous people of the state many civil bodies and student bodies have taken up many forms of agitation and steps.

But a civil body “All Jiribam Linguistic Minority Organisation” standing against the action taken up by civil bodies to safeguard the indigenous people of the state is very unfortunate, said Johnson.

He asked the political leaders of the state to give pressure to the central government to amend the article 371 (C) and  to give special provision to safeguard the indigenous people of the state before it is too late.

The president claimed that steps taken up to safe the indigenous people of the state by civil organisation cannot be termed as “anti-nation” by non-locals.

IMPHAL | Sept 19

Displeased with the sluggish rate of Aadhar enrolment in the hill districts of the state, chief minister N. Biren has given instruction to the officials concerned to intensify the drive. He chaired a review meeting on the progress of enrolment at the cabinet hall today.  

During the meeting, N. Biren instructed the respective MLAs of hill districts and DCs concerned to co-ordinate with MANITRON and In-Media to complete the entire process of biometric capturing by December 31.

Mentioning that the DCs concerned are responsible for the completion of Aadhar enrolment in the State, he informed the DCs to communicate with him when they face any issues or problems so that immediate intervention can be made.

He stated that he would also personally monitor the whole process. There will be procurement of additional Aadhar kits to complete the whole process of biometric enrolment within this year, he added.

Stating that the rate of biometric enumeration in almost all the hill districts is very low when compared with valley districts, the chief minister observed that Aadhar cards/numbers are necessary to get the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of various welfare schemes of different departments.

Biren further directed the DCs to organise awareness campaigns for the enrolment of Aadhar and set up teams and co-ordinate with MANITRON and In-Media for timely completion of Aadhar enrolment in the State. Department of Information Technology should open more CSCs to the hill districts of the State, he added.

He also directed the DCs of hill districts to use satellite imagery maps to verify bogus census data of the hill districts.

1. Biren directed the home department to sanction the required money in the next 3-4 days for the completion of Aadhar enrolment in the State. The meeting decided to provide training for the teachers and staffs of the DCs to equip with the technical know-how to operate the Aadhar machines so that they could pass the test conducted by UIDAI.

Minister for agriculture, V. Hangkhanlian, minister for social welfare, Nemcha Kipgen, minister for IFCD, Letpao Haokip, chairman of HAC, T.T. Haokip, MLA of Thanlon A/C Vungzagin Valte, MLA of Tipaimukh A/C, Dr. Chaltonlien Amo, MLA of Tengnoupal A/C, D. Korungthang, chief secretary, R.R Rashmi, additional CS, Dr. J. Suresh Babu, administrative secretaries of the State government, DCs of hill districts, assistant director general (UIDAI) and officials concerned attended the meeting.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 19

Activist of All Manipur Student Union (AMSU) stormed at Minority and Other Backward Classes (MOBC) department today at around 12.30 pm, where four students got injured during police lathi charge and another four were attested.

Demanding to sanction the pending OBC scholarship for 2015-16 and 2016-17, a large number of students came to meet director of MOBC, Kh. Dineshchandra while staging a silent rally protest. 

However, the security guards at the gate of the building blocked the students. The police tried to negotiate with the students but failed, following which the latter broke into the office premises.

The security guards again shut down the collapsible gate of the building in order to avoid the students from entering MOBC department. Later, more police personnel arrived at the spot to control the outraged students, who were denied to meet the director.

Meanwhile, one of the police personnel started firing mock bomb towards the students and started lathi charge irrespective of girl or boy students. A few students fled out and pelted stones towards the police personnel.

AMSU president Manjit came down heavily against the act of police personnel of indiscriminately firing mock bomb and lathi charge towards the students who were protesting against rightful demands.

Four students were injured during the lathi charge. Bronson, first semester student of Physical Education of DM College and Jeson, Class IX student of CC Higher Secondary School were injured on their heads, while Motion and Island, Class IX students of CC Higher Secondary School were injured on their limbs.

Glass windowpane of the building and a rear window glass pane of a Suzuki Alto K10 car were damaged during the clash. Four students were arrested namely Thounaojam Joykisan Singh of DM College of Science, Rimakan Wangkheimayum, vice-president, AMSU Imphal West district committee, Samson Longjam, general secretary of CC Higher Secondary School and Sorokhaibam Venish of CC Higher Secondary School. The four students were released unconditionally later in the evening.

After the incident, a press meet was held at the head office of AMSU, located at DM college campus.

Speaking to media person, president of AMSU, Manjit Sarangthem said that the peace rally was organised to meet the director of MOBC and other concerned officials, to talk about their demands to sanction the pending OBC scholarship.

He said applications have been submitted to the officials concerned many times and AMSU volunteers have also met the nodal officers regarding the issue.

AMSU had earlier fixed date on July 5 for issuing the scholarship but instead of issuing the scholarship, the department made false promises. However, scholarships for schedule caste and schedule tribe under the ministry of Minority Affairs and Ministry of Social Justice are issued every year without any delay, added Manjit.

Manjit also said that it is likely that the director, nodal officers of the department and some ministers concerned are misusing with the scholarship money of OBC and minority for their own benefits.   

The government has been neglecting to take enquiry reports against the director who has been in director post since the MOBC department was established in 1992, stated Manjit.

The president of AMSU demanded the government to take up enquiry reports against the officials who are involved in the scam and punish if found guilty. He also demanded the state government to withdraw the director from his post and find a solution to sanction the pending scholarships to the respective students at the earliest.

IMPHAL | Sept 19

Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) has strongly condemned the recent attack on the United Tribal Liberation Front (UTLA) Peniel camp by heavily armed miscreants on September 17 where three persons, including an innocent pregnant woman were killed.

A release signed by secretary joint of TSA, Thangtinlen Haokip said that the association has submitted a memorandum in this regard to the chief minister, N. Biren Singh yesterday but no positive response has been made till date.

Stating that the association hold the government as solely responsible for the incident, it demanded the government to provide ex-gratia and a government job each to the next of kin of the three deceased and to punish the culprits involved and to initiate an inquiry into the incident.

It further demanded suspension or transfer of superintendent of police, Jirbam and to provide full rehabilitation, safety and protection to all UTLA/UTLF cadres and their families.If the governments fails to fulfil the said demands within 24 hours, TSA will launched an intense agitation and the dead bodies will not be taken, it added.

It said, “Acting on good faith and in full confidence with the government, UTLA/UTLF came forward to join the mainstream, although there was an element of risk to their lives. UTLA/UTLF had surrendered to the government of India and government of Manipur on July 17, 2013 and signed a MoU”.

However, the government has neglected UTLA/UTLF and not taken up any significant steps to rehabilitate and protect them as agreed in the MoU, it said adding that, instead, a team of state police led by superintendent of police, Jiribam raided UTLA/UTLF peace camp and seized all the arms and ammunition issued by the government for self-defence on 27 July this year, dumping them like a rubbish to fall prey to some armed groups or miscreants as it has happened.

The release said that as per point 2 of the MoU, security forces comprising of Army, Para military forces and state police are not supposed to launch any operations against UTLA/UTLF while point 10 envisages that security of the settlement village, that is, Peniel camp, is the state government’s responsibility.

While point 11 states that the security forces shall visit the settlement village from time to time, it added.

The government evidently have not honoured these and other points of the MoU, it alleged.

Stating that UTLA/UTLF is no longer an underground group, it said that if any of the cadres were found involved in unlawful activities like extortion, kidnapping, possessing unauthorised arms etc. then he or she should be dealt as per law of the land (as stated in the MoU).

It further said that if the security forces are claiming that UTLA/UTLF cadres were involved in unlawful activities, the association would like to question if they have been dealt with as per the law or got them attacked and killed by some other armed people.

As stated in the objective of the surrender and rehabilitation scheme, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the militants who have surrendered do not find it attractive to join militancy again, it said. It further questioned, what has the government done with UTLA/UTLF who has been caught in a difficult situation between moving forward or being forced to go back underground due to the non-committal and indifferent attitude of the government authority.

Newmai News Network

SHILLONG |Sep 19

North Eastern Council (NEC), secretary Ram Muivah today said that the Northeast like always was left out of the ‘Green revolution’ and so the NE and the eastern region needs yet another green revolution to transform the lives of the farmers and the populace.

Ram Muivah said this while addressing a national seminar on Smart Farming for Enhancing Input Use Efficiency Income and Environmental Security at ICAR, Umiam in Meghalaya today.

Pointing out that the green revolution has brought about a remarkable change in states like Punjab, Haryana, the western regions of the country and Andhra Pradesh, Ram Muivah said, “The Northeast region vitally needs another green revolution”.

Stating that before the green revolution the country had shortage of food grain and depended on imports, Ram Muivah said that with the green revolution the country became food grain surplus, however the region has been left out and it needs such revolution.

The three-day national seminar will highlight on the theme “Smart Farming for Enhancing Input Use Efficiency Income and Environmental Security”. The National Seminar will witness brain storming sessions from more than 300 participants from all over India.

Agricultural diversification, processing and value addition along with entrepreneurship development and smart marketing linkages will play a key role for doubling farmers’ income and to achieve the Prime Ministers vision of food surplus India.

Earlier director of ICAR SV. Ngachan said that technology needs to be upgraded for the hilly region because the topography of the region requires special attention.

“The technical and brain storming sessions will give a new direction towards the agricultural development and enhance farmers’ income,” Ngachan added.

Former vice vhancellor, YSPUH&F, Solan K. R. Dhiman, stressed on the implementation of rain-water harvesting, micro irrigation system, and drip irrigation methods to be adopted in the region.

“Location specific nutrients have to be developed and production using low productivity input should be implemented,” he said.

He further added that the hilly regions are the custodian of “natural resources” and “organic production system.”

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 19

The JAC against the Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) fresh recruitment will tomorrow shut down all the MSPDCL offices across the state demanding to give first priority to the contract employee working in MSPDCL in its fresh recruitment.

Speaking to the media today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal the JAC’s general secretary, Surfaraj said that around 600 employees are working under contract basis from the past 2 to 5 years and have been doing the jobs of the regular employees.

They are working with full dedication and effort and moreover three employees who were working under the contract basis died by electric shock while performing their duties and many have remained paralysed, he added.  

It is learned that MSPDCL will recruit some regular employee without giving any opportunities to the employee working under contract basis, continued the general secretary.

Regarding the matter they have requested to the government and the officials concerned to give priority to them but there is no positive reply from the government, said Surfaraj.

He added that they have taken up agitation by ceasing their work from September 13 and have decided to shut  down the MSPDCL offices by tomorrow as a part of intensifying their agitation.

He announced that the employees working in contract basis will not be fixing any defects in transformer, HT wire, short circuit etc until the government gives positive reply.

The JAC urged to the MSPDCL and officials concerned to intervene and reverse the notification to appoint new employees and to convert their contract into a regular work.

IMPHAL | Sept 19

Education minister Th. Radheshyam, has shared his views on education at the Asian Summit on Education and Skills (ASES) Conference 2017, Mumbai. He spoke as the sole speaker from India at the annual event participated by leaders, experts, educators and policy makers dedicated to education and skills sector in Asia.

In today’s session of ‘The International Education and Skill Summit 2017’, Radheshyam spoke on the agenda ‘Education Policy Priorities on the next 24 months’. In the agenda, views and ideas of policy priorities were discussed focusing the rapid changes affecting technology’s impact, societal changes, balancing knowledge and skill developments and changing economies.

Among the speakers that had come from across Asia including speakers Md. Hadi Hedayati from Afghanistan, Kumari Weerasekara from Sri Lanka, Carl Johan Westring from Education First, and Luis Pinto from Learn Capital.

ASES is a partner event of the Education World Forum in London. The organiser and region partner is India Didactics Association (IDA), the only exclusive membership association in India for the education and training fraternity.

The Asian Summit on Education & Skills (ASES) brings together influential leaders, eminent educationists and other key stakeholders to create an unparalleled platform for exchange of dialogues on policy, implementation of future practices and new growth drivers that are revolutionising the education and training sector in Asia.

ASES recognises the needs and desires of governments (national and state) in the region to develop education at all levels. It also focuses on the ability of major industry players to play key roles in making change happen taking into account the value of a regional summit to build consensus and promote confidence among decision-makers in their routes to successful policies and in the industry partners who can help them.

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | Sept 19

State woman filmmaker, Sonia Nepram’s non-fiction film ‘Bloody Phanek’, is all set for world premiere.

The film will hit the big screen this month during the 9th DMZ international documentary film festival 2017, which will be held at Gyeonggi-do in South Korea from September 20 – 28.

Speaking to the Imphal Free Press over the phone, Sonia expressed her excitement on getting the news of her film being selected for the prestigious international festival. “It has been an arduous journey with full of trials and tribulations.

 Besides the excitement of the festival, I feel so happy to complete the film”, she said, adding it took her three years to complete it.

Sonia continued, “The subject of the film is very close to me being a woman. Also I have to mention that it is a collective story telling of a team, and I wish the film is screen in more and more places.”

On being asked about the funding of the film, Sonia said Docedge Kolkata has been very helpful for building the much needed network through the pitching session in Imphal. “It is a very good opportunity for documentary filmmakers who are resource starved”, she added.  

Organised under the theme of ‘Peace, Life, Communication’, the festival features 114 films from 42 countries. The 52-minute ‘Bloody Phanek’ has been selected in the Global Vision Section (World Premiere category) of the festival.

Sonia will also be attending the premieres at Gyeonggi-do. It will be screened on September 26 and 28 at the festival.

Produced and directed by Sonia under the banner of Yelhoumee Pictures, ‘Bloody Phanek’ started with a pitching programme in 2014 at the Manipur State Film Development Society held under the aegis of the Docedge Kolkata and the Television and Cine Foundation, Manipur.

It was further pitched at the Docedge Kolkata, Asian Forum for Documentary, where the Mumbai-based Filament Pictures offered the Chandy Mathew Grant for outreach support for the film.  Then, in 2015, it was invited to pitch at the DMZ Docs Fund South Korea where ‘Bloody Phanek’ received the support grants.

The film explores the inherent concept of impurity in a phanek while examining how it is used as a medium of protest and challenges masculinity. It is Sonia second film.

Her debut film ‘Gun and a God’ that was released online in 2013 had won the Jury’s Choice Award at the Mumbai Women’s International Film Festival (MWIFF).

IMPHAL | Sept 19

Department of personnel and administrative reforms (Personnel Division), government of Manipur has promoted MCS (JAG) officers as ‘joint secretaries’ to the government of Manipur.

A release said the selection has been made on recommendation of the selection committee in a meeting held on September 11.

The officers and their respective departments are, L. Darsino Aimol in CADA/labour and employment, Rangitabali Waikhom in transport/power, Yumnam Robita in finance, Arambam Valentina in health and PD, MACS, Nivedita Lairenlakpam in finance, Lourembam Bikram in finance/DP and director of MIS, L. Nandakumar Singh in ASPD/RMSA and Education (S), Rachel N. Guite in finance/DP, A. Subhash Singh in science and technology, ND, MSCB, Laltanpuii Vachhong in commerce and industry/Vety and AH, Anna Arambam in DP/ACR/CADA and in-charge director of printing stationery, Ranjan Yumnam in CAF and PD and In-charge director, Rangnamei Rang Peter in vety/health and FW, Kimjalhai Kipgen in YAS/Higher Technical Education and OSD (RUSA), Mercina R. Panmei in Tourism, CM’s monitoring cell and director of MIDA and Hannah Kahmei in PHE.

IMPHAL | Sept 19

North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) activists along with a several Northeast students from Satyawati college (Evening) submitted a memorandum to the principal of the college demanding exemption from the Compulsory Hindi Test.

A release terming the move of Satyawati college as administrative overreach, it said such a measure is in contravention with resolution number 10 passed by the University’s Academic Council on July 19, 2016. NEFIS submitted the evidence of the Academic Council resolution following which the principal assured that the decision to impose the test on Northeast students will be withdrawn. 

It maintained that students from the Northeast should not be forced to give Hindi proficiency test, who are not from the Hindi-speaking belt. The said notice was served on September 14 by the college authorities.

From Our Correspondent

JIRIBAM | Sept 19

Womenfolk of Tousem sub-division blocked the NH- 37 at Tatbung today from 5 am, condemning the recent attack by heavily armed unknown miscreants at the camp of UTLA/UTLF.

The outfit which has been under suspension of operation with MoU signed between the state government and Indian government has its base camp located at the Peace Panel Camp, Liesahangphai under Moktokkhal, Tousem sub-division, Tamenglong district.

In the attack two cadres of UTLA/UTLF along with a pregnant woman were killed on September 17.

Speaking to this reporter at the protest site, protesters Kimlhinng and Kimkho said that the incident was heart breaking and they strongly condemn the incident where three persons including a pregnant woman were killed.

They further said that the state government must look into the matter and arrest the culprits involved in the killing, otherwise the National Highway 37 will be block indefinitely.

Meanwhile, the president, M. Tombabu Singh and general secretary, Sanasam Pratap of All Jiribam Road Transport Drivers’ Union, Jiribam visited the protest and appealed to the women folks not to treat harshly to the drivers of Tata trucks as they may not know of the protest and not to pelt stones to trucks and damage them.

Private Mangminlen (22), son of Kaimang from Buolzol village, Churachandpur, Ngamboi (21), son of Demlun, from Inbung village, Nagaland and Hatshi (25), wife of private Chochon from Buolzol village, Churachandpur were killed in the attack.

IMPHAL | Sept 19

MLA and director of Tourism Corporation of Manipur Limited (TCML), Sapam Ranjan Singh has been appointed as the chairman of the Tourism Corporation of Manipur Limited with immediate effect, in pursuance of the general body meeting of the board of directors of TCML held on June 3, 2017 at the office chamber of the chief secretary, government of Manipur. This is in accordance to a government order issued today.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Sept 19

Three days Entrepreneurship Development Training on Orchids for Women and Youths was kicked off on September 18 at FEEDS, KVK Hengbung to inculcate awareness and knowledge of orchids and its importance of preservation for livelihood among the hills people.

The training programme was jointly organised by Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Government of India, Guwahati and Foundation for Environment and Economic Development Services (FEEDS), Hengbung. It was formally inaugurated by DC of Kangpokpi, T. Ranjit Singh at FEEDS, KVK Campus, Hengbung in the presence of former minister and president of FEEDS/KVK Hengbung, Haokholet Kipgen and other officials. Altogether, around 100 women and youths from across the district of Kangpokpi and Senapati participated in the training programme.

1. Ranjit Singh appreciated the encouraging activities of FEEDS and its establishment of Orchid Research and development Centre (ORDC) at FEEDS Hengbung while stressing the immense potential of natural resources that bestowed the state and the opportunity to explore with economic benefits.

Project organiser of FEEDS Hengbung, Lallenmang Singsit said that importance on preservation of orchids for livelihood of the people will be stressed out through awareness programme, training and workshops.

The orchids are unique recourses of Manipur which has become an economically important plant for the hill people in the state which could also serve as a source of income, he added.

Singsit also stated that the plant has been much harassed and pushed to extinction owing to the ignorance of the people. He further said that ORDC has been established by president of FEEDS, Hengbung, H. Kipgen with an aim to identify such plant and preserves to promote its essence.

IIE is the only official body which can impart entrepreneurial skills for the young farmers of the hill communities. The participants will be trained by faculties from IIE, Guwahati and IIE Manipur state coordinator as resource persons and all the trainees shall be given a certificate from Indian Institute of Entrepreneur, Guwahati, Government of India, said Singsit.

Many rivers flowing above danger level

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 19

With incessant rains in the last few days, Thoubal river, Nambol river and Ithai barrage have crossed danger level and Nambul river has crossed warning level. Many paddy fields in valley areas are inundated with farmers fearing heavy loss of crop. 

According to the control room of Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD), today’s rainfall was recorded at 6 am as Raj Bhavan – 10mm, Lamphel – 12mm, Kangpokpi – 13 mm, Saikul – 7mm, Litan – 10mm and Jiribam – 2mm. At around 1:30 pm, all the gates of the barrage were opened up due to rise in water level.

Rainfall recorded yesterday at Raj Bhavan – 12mm, Lamphel – 14mm, Kangpokpi – 21 mm, Saikul – 18mm, Litan – 20mm and Jiribam – 4mm, and only Gate No.  3 of Ithai barrage was opened.

Today’s rainfall was less as compared with yesterday but some parts of the state were overflowed with water. The National Highway 37 has blocked due to landslide in between Kotlein and Senam village. Some parts of Thoubal Mela ground and the road of Sagolband Thangapat, Impahl West have also inundated with water.

IFCD control room further reported that the water levels of most of the rivers have been increasing. For assistance people can get help from control room of the department at 0385-2451550.

Our Thoubal correspondent adds:

Areas under Kakching and Thoubal district are facing flood like situations due to the heavy rainfall since yesterday, the Chakpikarong Bridge broke apart, Thoubal and Wangjing Rivers are running at warning levels. Farmers fear loss of harvest as many paddy fields are waterlogged. 

The rain has heavily affected the Sugnu assembly constituency under Kakching district. The flood caused by water being overflowed from Chakpi River has severely affected the ward number I including Awang Leikai under Sugnu municipal council and also at other areas under ward number II, III, IV, and V including Wapoki under ward number IX.

At Wapokpi, the water has submerged the Imphal – Sugnu roadway at waist level, vehicles and passenger services have stopped passing it. The water has started flowing into the houses. The villagers have started building relief camps at Sugnu Higher Secondary School and already moved in also.

The Serou River also being inundated, several areas at Serou are under the threat of facing flood. Many paddy fields at Chirel Khunou under Sugnu district are waterlogged. The Tarang river overflowed at Kakching khunou and waterlogged many paddy fields including the ones where the rice is at their ripening stage.

Similar situations are also being faced at Wangoo as Imphal River (Manipur River) got breached.

The MLA of Sugnu assembly constituency, K. Ranjit and deputy commissioner Telen Neiminthang Kom took an inspection drive today to assess the situation at affected areas under Sugnu district.

In the meantime, Sekmai river breached near Keirak dam under Keirak ward number IV/VIII, Wabagai assembly constituency, Kakching district. It has caused waterlogging at many paddy fields including houses.  The area at Wabagai Thingel Leikai which was breached before during the previous flood breached again today around 10 am at a length of 30 feet, making the villagers face flood like situation again.   

Since the Sekmai River is still increasing its water level, several areas are under the possibility of facing flood.  It has already overflowed at Pallel area causing waterlogging at many places. A police team led by the SDPO of Kakching district police, Th. Deshorjeet provided help in a large scale while trying to build barrages at Keirak and transporting the household properties of many villagers affected by flood.

At Sora, the water which flowed in from the hills waterlogged the Sora Market, halting all activities in the area. Several paddy fields at Yaithibi Loukon under Lousi Pat are also submerged. Similar situations are also being faced Langathel as Lagathel river breached.

 Meantime, flood like situations are also being faced at Thoubal district. The Wangjing river overflowed at Sangaiyumfam area under Khangabok assembly constituency, causing flood at houses and properties. The MLA of the assembly constituency, O. Surjakumar came to assess the situation and took part in trying to construct barrages.

The house of one Moirangthem Ibohal at Tentha Marongbandh was badly damaged by a landslide that occurred due to the rain. At Wangjing, the villagers of Wangjing Awang Leikai are currently facing fear of flood as the water level of Wangjing River is rising at an alarming rate. Meanwhile, the water level of Thoubal River is also flowing at warning level; people residing near the banks of the river are taking precautions for any incoming flood.

The RCC bridge built above Chakpi river under Chandel district was broken apart along with the south bank of the river. It may be mentioned that the half of the bridge was carried away by the river in 2015. The broken part was being fixed with mud and stones. However, the incessant rain washed away the half-repaired portion of the bridge again.         

Our Ukhrul correspondent adds

The incessant rain for the past few days has caused massive landslides at various places. Localities and villages have been cut off, supply of ration and other commodities in far flung area are facing immense problems.

Today at around 3 pm landslides occurred at various intersections at viewland zone IV, Ukhrul. Vehicles are unable to pass through their locality.

Kaphungkan K. Shimray, headman of Chingai informed that landslide between Ngahui and Chingai block headquarter has cut off the movement of vehicle and people from the area are facing problems in transporting basic commodities and ration stock.  He also added that landslides at various intersections between Chingai-Poi-Huishu area have occurred due to the heavy rainfall in the past three four days.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Sept 19

While construction works along Imphal-Tamenglong road are yet to be fully completed under North Eastern Council programme, the road is already beginning to crumble.

Construction work along the road, commonly known as I.T. Road, started in 2014 with an estimated budget of Rs. 78 crore, passing through the greenery of Twilang area covering more than 70 villages within a stretch of 70 Km from Kangpokpi to Tamei. Altogether, the road passes through three assembly constituencies, Kangpokpi, Tadubi and Tamei where two of the elected MLAs from the constituencies hold ministerial portfolio in the present state government.

The sub-standard quality construction of the road and absence of proper drainage had been badly affected by Cyclone Mora and incessant heavy rainfall which disappointed many people. The I.T. Road Joint Monitoring Development Committee, a conglomeration of all communities including Kuki, Naga and Nepalese have condemned the poor construction of the road on behalf of the Twilang people.

Chairman of I.T. Road Joint Monitoring Development Committee, Thangminlen Kipgen led a team of local civil bodies including media personnel to inspect the deplorable condition of I.T. Road today.

He said that in spite of covering two districts and three assembly constituencies, I.T. Road is one of the most neglected state highways in the state even if it has been looked after by the two ministers and one MLA under the state ruling party.

He also said that nothing much has been done so far though the construction of the road is funded by the North Eastern Council after being neglected by the state government for many years.

He further urged the state government to rebuild the trust deficit by repairing the road immediately before all the electorates who have voted the party to power have completely loss faith upon them.

Expressing his discontentment, an aged local, Thonglang Atongba said “during election campaign they promised to make the road vibrant for the people but when they are elected we never see them again compelling us to live under such harsh condition owing to the deplorable road”.

General secretary of KSO Sadar Hills, Ngamkhohao Haokip said that lackadaisical attitude of the state government towards the people of Twilang areas is condemnable and urged the chief minister to personally intervene into the matter and monitor the hardships of the people.

CSIR aroma mission launched

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 18

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – North East Industrial Scientific Technology (CSIR-NEIST) today launched its first aroma mission at its Lamphelpat office. It was launched by the state governor Najma Heptullah.

During the launching function, Heptulla said that the state has rich biodiversity and she would extend whatever help needed to strengthen the mission. She urged the gathering not to destroy nature in the name of modernisation.  

 Heptulla continued that eucalyptus plant is brought from Australia during the British period and does no good to the rich biodiversity of the state instead it helps in soil degradation, decreases water level and also harms other plants. She appealed to the scientists and researchers of the state to start a movement to stop eucalyptus (Nasik) plantation especially near the Loktak basin.

Stating that the government is working hard for removal of Ithai barrage, Heptullah told that in this regard, she had met the ministry of environment at the centre. “Because of the barrage, the largest lake in the Northeast, Loktak lake is shrinking.  Water cannot flow to downstream and many rare species are vanishing”, she added. 

Along with Aroma Mission, Anthropogenic impact and their management options in the different ecosystems of the Indian Himalayan region (with special reference to Imphal/Manipur river basin) was also launched by the governor.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed and exchanged between the CSIR-NEIST, BLM Imphal and farmers of the state and distributed quality planting variety of lemongrass and citronella plant developed by CSIR-NEIST.

After this launching programme, the farmers will cultivate lemongrass and citronella plant in 500 hectares of the state and in every 50 hectares, CSIR-NEIST will install one oil extract machine.

The launching function was also attended by chief scientist of CSIR-NEIST Jorhat, P. Sengupta and former member of Steering Committee NER Vision 2020, DoNer as guests of honour. Director of CSIR-NEIST, D. Ramaiah presided over the function.

CSIR-NEIST has been since long trying to turn the rich aromatic and medicinal herbs and plants of the state to usable and marketable products.

Jiri News Network

JIRIBAM | Sept 18

The camp of UTLA/UTLF, which exist under the MoU signed between the state government and Indian government, located at the Peace Panel Camp, Liesahangphai under Tamenglong district, was attacked by heavily armed unidentified assailants. Three people including a woman were killed.    

The attack took place around 12.10 am yesterday at the mentioned location where the three people reportedly died at the spot. They were private Mangminlen (22), son of Kaimang from Buolzol village, Churachandpur, Ngamboi (21), son of Demlun, from Inbung village, Nagaland and Hatshi (25), wife of private Chochon from Buolzol village, Churachandpur.

General secretary, UTLA/UTLF, Robert Singson said in the month of July, the SP Jiribam had taken away their arms which was issued for self-protection by the government. Appeals had been made to the higher authorities regarding the matter. However, no reply was made and this may have led to the advantage of the unknown assailants and made them carry out the attack.

He further expressed that the dead bodies will not be taken unless the government does not turn the signed MoU and all the agreements into concrete actions.

When the incident took place, 37 Assam Rifles was informed though a phone call. The attackers rushed off when the Assam Rifles arrived. More people might have been killed if the AR had not arrived at the spot, he further expressed.

A team led by SDPO, R.K Charles of Jiri police came around 5 am to make a spot enquiry and the dead bodies were taken to Jiri police station for post mortem.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 18

Condemning the alleged killing of Chanam Pravish on September 8 at Noida, and secretly cremating the body without informing the family members, locals of Uripok took out a protest rally today at Uripok Achom Leikai area.

While the locals of Uripok tried to march till the chief minister’s bungalow, police stopped them at Uripok Gopalji Leirak Machin.

Chanam Pravish (22) son of Chanam Jugindro of Uripok Achom Leikai was travelling from Hydrabad to Delhi on September 7 to witness a music concert on September 8 but went missing from the day of concert.

On the same day his brother lodged a missing case to the police. But on September 13 police informed to his brother that Pravish body was cremated as no one came to claim the body.

The locals appealed to the chief minister to let the CBI investigate the case as the dead of Pravish is highly suspected to be a murder.

It may be recalled that Pravish reached Delhi on September 7 and stayed at his friend Ashok Thounaojam’s Safdarjung residence. The following day in the evening, Pravish went to attend a musical concert at Noida.

Pravish and his friends including Ashok along with two others had gone to attend the concert.

Later, around 9.30 pm, Ashok and his friends found that Pravish was missing and accordingly his elder brother Ravikanta Chanam was notified following which a missing report was filed at Knowledge Park police station at Gautam Budh district of Uttar Pradesh on September 9.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 18

In tandem with the celebrations across the globe, the 9th World Bamboo day was celebrated today in the state at Singjamei community hall, Imphal. The theme of the event was E3 – environment, energy and employment.  

While addressing the programme, chief architect of Buddhabir and Association, Th. Buddhabir Singh, speaking as the guest of honour said that bamboo products are taking an important role to promote arts and crafts of the state.

He said that instead of waiting for government jobs, the youths of Manipur should start their own small scale industry of bamboo crafts to make their living. Nowadays bamboo products are replacing other furniture in most of the countries, and the demands are more than the wooden products, he added.    

Member of Bamboo Forum of India, Sukumar Haobam who also spoke on the occasion said that the day is celebrated globally in order to increase awareness of the usefulness of bamboo. The aim of world bamboo organisation is to promote and protect bamboo and to ensure sustainable utilisation of bamboo products throughout the world.

He also said the celebration was first started in 2011 at Singjamei, organised by Bamboo Forum of India under the sponsorship of several department of the state. The main function was plantation of bamboos at different sites, painting competition on the theme of bamboo, bamboo exhibition which included different bamboo cuisines.

Sukumar further said that bamboo is a good substitute of wood and it has carbon sequestration properties which can reduce the global warming.

Deputy director of handloom and textiles, E. Jeeten Singh said bamboo has been in use in the state in different forms since ancient times. Use of bamboo in furniture will be more profitable than wood as they grow faster and get matured in three to four years.

The directorate of textile is planning to give trainings on the uses of bamboo in order to motivate the artisans and entrepreneurs to bring out innovative ideas for the development of state, he added.

The programme was attended by Mayor of IMC, L. Lokeshore Singh as chief guest, advisor of Social Upliftment Organisation, H. Shyamkanhai as president and joint director of University and Higher Education, L. Iboyaima Singh as guest of honour.

A five day bamboo and cane allied craft exhibition was also inaugurated as part of the celebration at Singjamei Community Hall, which will be on till September 22.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | Sept 18

Charged mob attacked a team of Kakching police on September 16 at Sora Awang Leikai, while trying to rescue an Amaibi (Shaman), who had been kept detained by some villagers of Sora on charge of involvement in black magic.

Some police personnel sustained injuries in the attack and three police vehicles (Gypsy) were badly damaged. Police fired anti-riot shells and some blank rounds in the air to disperse the mob.

According police report, the police vehicles were blocked by an unruly mob of about 100 to 200 person including women, when they were coming towards Sora Bazaar on the way to Kakching police station.  The mob put boulders, wooden planks fixed with nails, etc. and they attacked the police team with deadly weapons including sticks, stones, spades, knives and slings etc.

It was charged that the rescued woman, an Amaibi (Shaman), was trying to harm Md. Nijamuddin son of Md. Najir Ali of Sora Awang Langejihoubi Leikai, A ZP candidate of Pallel GP, by using black magic.  

The amaibi, namely Sauba Bibi (38), wife of Zakir was allegedly moving around with her face covered while taking part in the election campaign of Md. Nijamuddin who was a candidate in the upcoming 5th Panchayati Raj elections, and later caught by his supporters for being acting in a suspicious manner. She was being detained by the villagers for questioning.  

Upon receiving the information, a combined team of Kakching police Station and CDO unit, Thoubal under the command of SDPO Kakching, Th. Deshorjit Singh rushed to Sora Awang Leikai and rescued her with the help of some villagers.

In the follow up action, combined team of Thoubal and Kakching distirct including CDO Unit Thobal and CDO teams of Imphal west and Imphal east let by SP Kakching and SP Thoubal conducted cordon and search operations at Sora Mamang Leikai on September 18 twice and arrested the accused persons Md. Rameezuddin (37), son of (L) Md. Babuthem of Sora Mamang Leikai, Thoibi alias Mumtaz Begum (44) wife of Badur Rahman of Sora Awang Leikai and Md. Aslam khan (22) son of Md. Nazir Ali of Sora Mamang Leikai.

Upon interrogation, it was revealed that they were involved in the attack on the police on September 16. The police informed that they will take up stringent actions against all the culprits who take law into their own hands, cause damage to government properties, give obstruction to the public servants and indulge in riot and mob violence.

The police further appealed to cooperate in delivering justice to the people and not to take law into their own hands.