Manipur Mail – Page 40

VC Shukla still remains critical: Medanta Doctors

Gurgaon/New Delhi, May 30 (ANI): Doctors treating Vidya Charan Shukla at the Medanta Medicity Hospital in Gurgaon on Thursday said that the veteran Congress leader is still in a very serious condition.
“As compared to yesterday, his condition remains steady. In fact, there has been a slight response to the supportive care, the antibiotics and the other treatment being given to him.
Let me clarify that Mr. Shukla still remains critical and not out of danger,” said Dr. A.K. Dubey, the spokesperson of Medanta Hospital.
Meanwhile, Shukla’s nephew Amitesh hoped for his speedy recovery.
“I believe he is much better now. He has no fever and his organs are functioning properly. His health has improved. I hope that he is out of danger soon,” he told the media in New Delhi.
The 84-year-old former union minister sustained three bullet wounds after he was caught in the middle of an ambush by Maoists on a Congress convoy in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar District on Saturday.
Prior to being moved to Gurgaon, Shukla underwent an operation at a Jagdalpur hospital for removal of the bullets.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi visited Shukla at the Medanta Hospital on Sunday, and inquired about his health from the hospital staff and his family members.
BJP leader L K Advani, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit have also visited Shukla at the hospital.
Heavily-armed Maoists had on Saturday ambushed a convoy of Congress leaders in the state’s Bastar district, killing 27 people including PCC chief Nand Kumar Patel, his son Dinesh, Congress leader Mahendra Karma and ex-MLA Uday Mudliyar and injuring 37 others.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/vc-shukla-still-remains-critical-medanta-doctors/

Nursing Sick Units Back to Health

Rohit Kapoor
Once blue chip Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) like BSNL, Air India, Hindustan Cables Ltd and Fertiliser Corporation of India today stand testimony as to how not changing with the changing times and technology could change their fate and turn them into sick units.
However, there has been always a silver lining in this regard as the government has been relentlessly making efforts to revive maximum number of sick public sector units (PSUs) to take the country’s growth engine forward. This was possible with the help of revival packages provided by the government to these units.
With this aim, the Government set up the Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises (BRPSE) in December 2004 to advise the government, inter-alia, on the measures to restructure/revive, both industrial and non-industrial CPSEs.
Since then cases of around 67 sick CPSEs have been referred to BRPSE up to October 2012, out of which the Board has made recommendations in respect of 62 cases, while returning five cases to the concerned ministries for further examination.
No wonder, there has been significant improvement in the overall condition of these enterprises since 2004. In comparison to 90 sick CPSEs in March 2005, there were 66 sick PSUs in March 2012. As per the BRPSE recommendations, of these cases, 45 were accepted for revival by the Government.
Most of the remaining cases are awaiting nod for revival while in case of 45 cases accepted for revival, 14 have already turned around including Bharat Pumps and Compressors, Cement Corporation of India, HEC, Andrew Yule and MECON and making profits while others have been infused with revival packages.
The companies for which revival packages have been approved include Hindustan Shipyard, HMT and Scooters India.
As the CPSEs operate under dynamic market conditions, it is quite natural to see ups and downs in their performance.
As far as the reasons for losses and sickness in CPSEs are concerned it varies from enterprise-to-enterprise. While in some cases, the cause is historical. In case of textile companies which were taken over from private sector on socio-economic considerations could not be modernised quickly.
Likewise other enterprises in the engineering and refractories sector too failed to modernise. Still others like some consumer goods companies and the new ones, turned sick over the years on account of inadequate job orders, high man-power cost, lack of finance, technological obsolescence, high input costs and competition from cheap imports.
In addition, other problems common to most sick and loss-making PSUs have been poor debt-equity structure, weak marketing strategies and slow decision-making process.
As one such policy initiative, the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provision) Act, 1985 (SICA) brought the CPSEs under its purview in 1991 (made effective from 1992). Under the provisions of the SICA, CPSEs with at least five years of registration whose accumulated losses are equal to or have exceeded their net worth may be referred to the BIFR. During the last twenty years — between 1992 and 2011, 63 CPSEs have been referred to BIFR.
The government has made several attempts to overcome “sickness” in these CPSEs through various policy initiatives.
The strategies for revival/restructuring of sick CPSEs include financial restructuring involving investment by the government in the form of equity participation, loans, waiver of debt etc and business restructuring which includes change of management, hiving off viable units from CPSEs for formation of separate company and closure of unviable units, besides formation of joint ventures.
The other strategies include manpower rationalisation by shedding excess manpower and introduction of voluntary retirement schemes.
The contribution of each and every company is significant as CPSEs are considered as the backbone of the economy and are equal partners in the nation building.
As on March 31, 2012, there were 260 CPSEs in the country. These companies contributed Rs 1.6 lakh crore to the central exchequer by way of taxes, duties, interest on loans and dividend, amounting to 21.4 per cent of government’s revenue receipts.
(PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nursing-sick-units-back-to-health/

Tree plantation drive

As part of ‘Go Green Drive’ launched by HQ IGAR (South) as an initiative to maintain greenery in the state of Manipur, Headquarters 9 Sector Assam Rifles carried the campaign forward by tree plantation at Keithelmanbi in which a number of fruit and flower bearing tree saplings were planted. Brigadier MK Das, Commander, Headquarters 9 Sector Assam Rifles inaugurated the drive by planting a sapling.
All the officers, troops and their families were present at the occasion and they too participated in the event with great zeal and enthusiasm. As a run up to the celebrations on the ‘World Environment Day’, a series of tree plantations have been planned across the Imphal Valley with an aim to restore the natural balance which has been disturbed due to large scale deforestation.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tree-plantation-drive/

House burnt

Residents of Khongman Akampat burnt down the room of a rented house owned by one Gurumayum (o) Tombi Devi of Chingamathak Nameirakpam Leikai at Khongman Akampat this morning around 11.20 a.m.
The residents noticed dead of those who were in the rented room. An old man died in the room two months back. The cause of the death is yet to be ascertained. After that one Yumnam Mani (33) Thoubal lived in the room along with his family.
The wife of Mani went missing recently from the room. While trying to trace the whereabouts of his wife, some persons assaulted Mani.
After that Mani attempted to end his life by consuming poison this morning around 9 a.m. He was rushed to JNIMS hospital. The residents of the area burnt down the room to avoid further untoward incidents.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/house-burnt/

SBI official sentenced

The Special Judge, Tis Hazari Courts, Delhi, has convicted G.C. Jain, then Officer(Junior Management Grade Scale), State Bank of India and two private persons, Rakesh Kumar & Pramod Kumar in a cheating & forgery case. G.C. Jain was sentenced to undergo five years Rigorous Imprisonment with total fine of Rs. 2.70 lakh and Rakesh Kumar & Pramod Kumar were sentenced to undergo four years RI with fine of Rs. 60,000/- each.
This case was registered on 28.09.1990 on the complaint of State Bank of India, Head Office, Sansad Marg, New Delhi against Shri G.C. Jain, Officer, JMGS, SBI and five private person alleging therein that G.C. Jain in conspiracy, defrauded SBI to the tune of Rs.12,33,162/-(approx) by substituting genuine pay-in-slips submitted by Bank customers for crediting cheques / drafts and other bank instruments with forged ones in favour of accounts opened in the name of his relatives on his introductions.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sbi-official-sentenced/

Hearing on rape case

The final hearing of gangrape rape case of a woman from Tamenglong was held on Tuesday in the Court of District Session Judge, Manipur West here. Government special prosecutor Ngangom Tejkumar talking to reporters on the sidelines of the hearing, said that the verdict of the rape case will be pronounced June 12 in the same court.
So far, 25 persons have given testimonies in the case wherein four accused including two India Reserve Battalion personnel are facing charges of rape. The hearing on the case had been going on for the last seven months with today being the last and final hearing.
A housewife from Khupan Lungli village of Tamenglong district was allegedly gang-raped by four persons including two IRB personnel on the intervening night of March 21 and 22 near Kakyai Primary School in Irom Meijrao.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/hearing-on-rape-case/

Fatycm opposes eviction works

IMPHAL, May 28 NNN : Calling the recent eviction drive carried out in Kabo Leikai, Naga River here by Manipur Government ‘very destructive’ the FATYCM Tuesday cautioned all the communities in the state that the Government might take up such steps anywhere.
Federation of All Tribal Youth Clubs, Manipur (FATYCM) alleged that Manipur Government used fraud and coercion to take the land of Kabo Leikai and insisted that the residents being valid pattadars have been living there for the last more than four decades paying regular taxes to the Government.
It further condemned the recent statement of Chief Minister O Ibobi that the encroachers in Kabo locality were forced to vacate by a Government order for expansion and modernizatio of Imphal Hotel in the area.
Ibobi had also claimed that the Kabo Leikai was ‘khasland’ and that the residents or encroachers there were not legitimate pattadars.
FATYCM added that the Government should have made proper arrangement prior to what the federation called as ‘forced eviction’ of Kabo residents.
The federation, however, said it welcomes all kinds of development plans by the Government while suggesting it to take up plans such as construction of a 5-star hotel in areas like Mantripukhri where plenty of lands are found.
“But it may not be a right and thoughtful move to plan for construction of a luxurious hotel or modernisation of Hotel Imphal in the Kabo area,” the federation added.
Any infrastructure development must be taken up in suitable areas and not in densely populated areas, it said, adding any Government policy must not be its own choice that disregards the sentiment of the public.
Accusing the state Government of being ‘anti-religious’ it also reiterated that three churches and one temple were demolished during the eviction drive in the Kabo Leikai. FATYCM asked whether the present Government in Manipur is people-friendly’ or anti-people and termed the eviction policy of the Government as ‘aggressive.’

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/fatycm-opposes-eviction-works/

Man seeks permission to commit suicide

SHILLONG, May 28 NNN:A father who has been struggling to ensure his ailing siblings gets the required treatment to survive from a disease for sixteen years long today decided to knock on the door of the Court seeking its permission to commit-suicide.
Running out of resources, Abdul Rahim – a resident of Barapathar of Shillong announced this drastic decision to journalists at a news conference held here.
Rahim is living with his wife and five siblings. But the family has been going through depression and pain when three of their children were declared to have suffered from “Thalesemia” – a blood disorder disease.
Undergoing treatment at a Hospital in Guwahati, Assam, Rahim, a shoe merchant had to spend maximum about Rs 45, 000 a month for the regular blood transfusion for his children.
It is also learnt in order to get a 100 per cent cure for the disease, the family required to spend around 20 – 25 lakh rupees for each child.
The three children included 16 years old Sadik Ahmed, Suheil Ahmed (14) and their nine year old brother Mohamed Samim.
Over the years, Rahim has sold off his shoe factory at Anjalee, his shop at Bara Bazaar and land properties all for the treatment of his children.
Now, the father decided to make an appeal to the State High Court requesting it to grant him permission to commit suicide along with his three children.
“I can no longer see my children suffering. I have nothing left but to seek permission to take his children’s lives and commit suicide,” he told journalists here.
However, Rahim said that he would also make appeal to the government of Meghalaya and Assam to extend medical assistance to his children. According to him, if the government refused assistance then he would have no other option but to take the last resort.
Mentionably, Rahim though originally hails from Assam is a citizen of Meghalaya while his wife and siblings are settling in Nagaon district of Assam.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/man-seeks-permission-to-commit-suicide/

Anti-naxal operations will be intensified sans army: Home Secretary

Raipur, May 28 (ANI): Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh today said anti-Naxal operations will be intensified with more security forces and modern weapons being provided by the Central Government to the affected regions.
“We will coordinate with Naxal-hit states adjoining Chhattisgarh and forces and modern weapons would be provided by the Centre for anti-Naxal operations,” he told mediapersons after holding a meeting of senior officials at the police headquarters here.
“We will not involve the army. There is no need to call the Army. Neither have we asked them. But we will send more (paramilitary) forces,” he said, when asked to comment on the role of the army to tackle the Naxal threat.
Singh further said a judicial inquiry has been set up to find out the error.
“Maoists on Tuesday claimed that the main target of their deadly May 25 attack on a convoy of Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar District was tribal leader Mahendra Karma.
In a four-page letter and an audio clipping sent to the media from an undisclosed location, the Maoists formerly accepted responsibility for the death of 28 people and over 30 injured in the attack. The letter carried the signature of a Maoist spokesperson from Dandakaranya.
As per the letter, a team of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) carried out the attack. It further states that senior Congress leaders Mahendra Karma, Nand Kumar Patel and V C Shukla were the main targets of the attack.
The Maoists claimed that the purpose of their attack was to “punish” Karma for launching the anti-Naxal armed Salwa Judum movement against them.
Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader in Chhattisgarh Nand Kumar Patel was targetted for giving a go ahead to Operation Green Hunt and letting paramilitary forces join anti-Naxal operations when he served as the state’s home minister, the rebels said in their letter.The Maoists, however, regretted the killing of some “innocent” Congress functionaries, but put the blame on Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, the Congress and the BJP for their “anti-people policies”.
The Reds also hit out at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, BJP president Rajnath Singh and CM Raman Singh for choosing to stay mum “when innocent people were being killed by the state”.
The Maoists also made seven demands in the letter, calling for the withdrawal of paramilitary forces from Dandakaranya and an end to Operation Green Hunt.
They also sought the release of arrested Maoists and “innocent” tribals from prison unconditionally.

Two injured in clashes

IMPHAL, May 28 MNS NNN: Cadres of Kuki National Front (KNF-P) and KNF (N), both signatories to Suspension of Operation (SoO) involving both the Central and Manipur Governments, reportedly engaged in a heavy gunfight for several hours at Bongbal Khullen under Sadar Hills in Senapati district of Manipur, injuring one cadre belonging to KNF (N).
The encounter took place at Kuki majority Bongbal village under Yairipok Police Station between the heavily armed cadres of Kuki National Front (F) and Kuki National Front (N), reports said. The gunbattle took place close to Thoubal Multipurpose Dam at Nongpok Keithelmanbi in Imphal East district.
The gunbattle ensued around 10 pm Monday and continued till 4:30 am Tuesday, the reports added. One KNF (N) cadre was reportedly wounded after a bullet hit in the leg in the fighting. He was identified as Douthang Kipgen alias Naocha, 30.
Notably, KNF (P) commander, sergeant HS Sapao Kuki was shot dead by unidentified armed persons on May 23.Sources said the area was dominated by KNF(N) for 10 years however cadres of KNF(P) numbering about 50 cordoned off the area and attacked them.
One of the injured was identified as Touthang Kipgen (30). He received injuries in the right foot. The villagers ran and took shelter in safer areas.
Meanwhile a combined force of Bishnupur police commandos and 5/9 GR nabbed two cadres of PREPAK (Pro) from their houses yesterday.Two hand grenade were found from their possession. They were identified as H. Sanahanba (44) Thinungei Lamkhai, Thokchom Iboyaima (40) Ngaikhong Siphai.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/two-injured-in-clashes/

ATSUM partners have opposing views

IMPHAL, May 28 NNN : The very existence of All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Kuki Students Organisation-General Headquarters (KSO-GHQ) is not going to be the same again. However, it is still pre-mature to write them off altogether. Today, the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) or Tangkhul Students Union, Zeliangrong Students Union, Manipur (ZSUM), Thadou Students Association-General Headquarters (TSA-GHQ) and Churachandpur District Students Union (CDSU) have warned to those people participating in the third consultative meeting of the ‘Interim Body’ of All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) on May 30 at Senapati endorsed by Senapati District Students Association (SDSA), Kuki Students Organisation-General Headquarters (KSO-GHQ) and others.
“We seriously note this so called ‘Interim Body’ of ATSUM. This is to mislead and confuse the public. We will initiate stern action against those persons paticipate in the said
meeting of May 30. It is totally a misleading propaganda played by some vested interest individuals who are engaging in destructive role which is detrimental to the society,” warn the joint statement of TKS, ZSUM, TSA-GHQ and CDSU, adding, “The time has come to detect those vested interest individuals and take action against them.”
(ATSUM) is formed by KSO-GHQ and ANSAM.
Again, TKS and ZSUM are the constituent units of ANSAM while TSA-GHQ and CDSU are the units of Kuki Students Organisation-General Headquarters.
ZSUM, TKS, CDSU and TSA-GHQ have jointly revived ATSUM. And again, Senapati District Students Association (SDSA) and Naga Students Union, Chandel (NSUC) are units of ANSAM who are endorsing the ‘Interim Body’. But souces said NSUC is yet to take concrete decision in this regard.
TSA-GHQ iand CDSU are important constituents of KSO-GHQ and again these two units are against the ATSUM’s ‘Interim Body’. TSA-GHQ, CDSU, ZSUM and TKS are now with the ATSUM while KSO-GHQ, SDSA and others are with the ‘ATSUM’s Interim Body. Given this picture, the erstwhile ATSUM where all the tribal students’ bodies fell under its ambit is no more. With this the apex Naga students’ body and that of the Kuki students are now in an uncomfortable situation.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/atsum-partners-have-opposing-views/

CM appeals to Indian investors to think for Myanmar also

Manipur Information Centre
MONYWA(Capital of Sagaing Region, Myanmar), May 28: The Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh appealed to Indian investors not to think for India but also for Myanmar so that the two countries could co-exist. He said Imphal Airport would become an international airport in July this year and he proposed for introducing flights between Imphal and Monywa, Imphal and Mandalay, Imphal and Yangon and Imphal and Kalemyo to promote trade, tourism, business and investment. He added that the flights would facilitate movement of people round the year.
Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh was graced as Special Guest of Honour in the opening ceremony of the 2-Day Region Investment and Business Conclave organised by Sagaing Region Government, Union of Myanmar Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries (UMFCCI) and Indian Chamber of Commerce at Mya Sandar Hall here. He recalled that Manipur is the gateway of South East Asian countries as mentioned in the Look East Policy.
He also stated that Imphal Airport would become an international airport in July this year and he proposed for introducing flights between Imphal and Monywa, Imphal and
Mandalay, Imphal and Yangon and Imphal and Kalemyo to promote trade, tourism, business and investment. He added that the flights would facilitate movement of people round the year.
Highlighting the importance of Imphal- Mandalay bus service in the promotion of economy, tourism and trade between the countries, he urged the Myanmar authorities to agree the proposed bus service as early as possible.
Indicating that a number of Indian businessmen had come in the Conclave, Manipur Chief Minister suggested that investment could take place in Sagaing Region in Myanmar in different areas like generation of power in hydroelectricity, thermal power plants, agro-industries, setting up of educational institutions and hospitals with the support and cooperation from Mynamar authorities.
He proposed exchanges between Saigaing Region and Manipur in areas like education, culture and sports; and offered education facilities to the students of Sagaing Region for studies in medicine, engineering, higher studies in colleges and university in Manipur. Highlighting that Manipur was the power house of sports in the country, he invited the Myanmarese sportspersons for study at National Sports Academy in Imphal.
Manipur Chief Minister said, “People living on both sides of the border of Myanmar and Manipur have been sharing the goods and essential commodities produced by both countries for a long time. Formal border trade between India and Myanmar started only in the year 1995 through Moreh- Tamu sector after signing an agreement in 1994. Number of items allowed under the border trade has been increased to 62. And normal trade between the two countries though Moreh-Tamu sector is also allowed. However, for various regions like lack of banking facilities and good infrastructure on both sides of the border, normal trade has not started.” He emphasized the need for strengthening the banking network on both sides of the border. Myanmar Economic Bank in Myanmar and United Bank of India which were the designated banks for the trade should have the facility of foreign exchange and opening of Letter of Credit by the traders. It would grow the volume of trade between Manipur and Sagaing Region and help in the growth of economy of both Manipur and Sagaing Region.
He said, “The Government of India is setting up an Integrated Check Post at Moreh for promotion of trade and tourism between India and Myanmar through Moreh- Tamu Sector. It will be ready by 2015.” “Two Bordar Haats between Manipur and Sagaing Region at Behiang and New Somtal in Manipur have been approved. We would like to open two more
Haats at Konkan Thana and Tusom in Ukhrul District of Manipur.” he futher stated.
Manipur Chief Minister also proposed for import of precious stones,coaland pulses from Myanmar to Manipur through Moreh- Tamu border. He also urged the Myanmar authorities
for import of teak from Sagaing Region to Manipur for industrial purposes. Manipur Government has earmarked 500 acres of land for teamber park. This would enhance the economic condition of the Sangaing Region from iexporting the teak to Manipur: besides providing job opportunities to the people of India , particularly of Manipur.
Refering to visa facility for visit to Myanmar by land route, Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh proposed for opening a Visa Office of Myanmar in Imphal , which would facilitate in the promotion of tourism in Myanmar. Manipur Government was willing to provide necessary space for opening of Visa Office at Imphal.
He stated that every year from 21st to 30 November, a tourism festival of Manipur namely Sangai festival was held at Imphal, capital of Manipur. The festival showcased the cultural
heritage of different communities of Manipur along with handloom and handicraft products of Manipur. Informing that Thailand had been participating at the festival for the last four years, Manipur Chief Minister invited the traders of Myanmar to take part in the Sangai festival along with the beautiful cultural programmes of Myanmar in the forthcoming Sangai Festival. He drew the attention of the Sagaing Region authorities to become a partner in the Sangai Festival to be held in November 2013. The Manipur Government would provide free stalls for the participants of Sagaing Region.
Refering to medical care facilities for Myanmarese nationals in Myanmar, Manipur Chief Minister said, “Manipur has excellent medical care facilities. Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, private hospitals like Shija Hospital, Sky Hospital for heart, Raj Polyclinic, Imphal Hospital, City Hospital in Imphal are well equipped to provide excellent medical care at very reasonable rates. Some of the Myanmarese nationals are coming to Imphal for treatment. Government of India is considering to provde visa-on arrival for the Myanmarese nationals at Moreh for medical treament. With these facilitiies, it will be very convinent for Myanmarese nationals to visit
to Manipur to get medical care. “Chief Minister of sagaing Region U Thar Aye who made welcome address requested the Indian authorities to invest for socio-economic development of Sangaing Region.
Commerce and Industries Minister of Nagaland Pangnyu Phom and Minister of trade and Commerce of Mizoram Lalrinliana Sailo also addressed to the gatherings highlighting their respective business opportunities.
Prior to the Business Conclave, the Chief Minister of Manipur Okram ibobi Singh and the Chief Minister of Sagaing region U Thar Aye jointly inaugurated the Myanmar- India Trade Fair at Town Hall here.

A neglected road

As if there is none to take care of Uripok road, which is filled with pot holes, the users of the road lament what has happened with our Government particularly the concerned department that it is continuing to provide step motherly treatment to the road. Whose advice the department is waiting for before giving go ahead signal for repairing the damaged road. Star studded cars, cars decorated with the designation plate are seen moving on the road frequently at least twice by each vehicle in a single day one for moving to office and another for returning to quarter and home. Then we have MLAs also. Question is directed to the engineers. What are those concerned engineers doing? Stomach turns and the users feel vomiting on seeing the damaged part of the road. The potholes are scattered in a systematic manner not allowing vehicles to move freely. PWD has flopped at least at Uripok. Whoever in the department, who is in charge of the road owes an explanation for keeping the road neglected for prolonged period of time. In UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav’s uncle, who is in charge of PWD declared that he would bury engineers wherever pot holes have appeared? His statement reflects his concern for enhancing quality of road. The worst affected part of Uripok road is near Sorobon Thingel, which sees inundation with flood water as and when there is a few minutes’ drizzle. The problem with this particular area is that the level of the road is lower than the nullah. Water flows on the road. Solution lies in raising the level of the road. Even a small child knows that. Vehicles move at snail pace at the area. Frankly speaking, who will take care of this neglected area? Application of mind is called for. Is there any other state highway in the state, which is as deplorable as Uripok road? Very recently the Uripok Kangchup starting from Naoremthong upto Kangchup foothill was improved albeit after a hue and cry by the general public. Everyone is happy. The quality of the work is also superb. But when the road improvement programme was taken up the pot holes lying scattered within the stretch of Fly over to Naoremthong were not filled up. A simple survey will make the engineers of the concerned department realise what is causing hindrances to the users of the road. Think over the matter. The attention of the highest authority of the land is drawn to look into the matter.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/a-neglected-road/

Who should be our representative?

Lok Sabha election is still one year far away. But political bickering between rivals has started. This will hijack the main issue. Elections should be fought on issue. The candidates being put up by political parties to try luck in the election must be someone, who has a mission or two. Man with mission does something for the state and the society in particular. Before throwing the candidates to the voters for grilling the leaders of the political parties must try to know the locus standi, where they stand vis a vis corruption at higher level and the relation between the haves and have-nots. They must know what an MP can do for the state. The candidates must be self consistent. They should be able to speak on any given topic. A good orator can take up Manipur issue in the parliament even while discussing about the international space programme. What is required is the willingness to take part in the parliamentary debate. The candidate being elected must be able to feel to which direction the wind is flowing. No attempt should be made to go against the current. All these policies and programmes are framed to meet the requirements of the masses. Food security Bill is for the lowest rung of the society. When this bill is passed there will be no hunger and those who have nothing to eat will be taken care of by the Government. Is it not amazing hindrances stand in the way of passing this bill. The men in power cannot take credit for passing this bill. Minus opposition this bill cannot be passed. The credit for introducing and passing the bill can be shared by both ruling and opposition side. Political blabbering will fade out when the common masses are taught what the better side is and what the wrong side is. Barak Obama could cling to power as the head of US by shouting Change. By shouting the same slogan he could return to power. What changes he has brought in US. This tells a message, a candidate can consider half of the journey is completed if he can get hold of one issue that is impressive. At the moment both ruling side and opposition are in search of one issue with which they can go to the voters. Leadership has ceased to be non issue. Just as Congress party keeps at abeyance the leadership issue, BJP has also closed the leadership issue of the party. Election will be conducted surely next year. If Congress returns to power it will emulate the record set by the party under the leadership of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. If BJP can grab power at the centre it will shatter the political calculation of all the thinking men.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/who-should-be-our-representative/

Eviction of Kabo Leikai opposed

IMPHAL, May 27 NNN :A rally was held in Deulaklane-Chingmeirong area under the banner of the Joint Action Committee against the forced eviction of Naga river lane and later held a meeting to register a protest against Manipur Government for alleged expulsion of Kabo Leikai residents here.
Wungshim Zv, chairman, Naga River Lane, Aram Pamei, president, Naga Women Union, R Daniel, advocate, Y Nabachandra, president, United Committee Manipur, M Tolkhom, president, Tribal Youth Council Manipur spoke during the public meeting.
Later, the JAC submitted a memorandum to Governor Gurbachan Jagat and the same copy was also furnished to the Chief Minister and other ministers, and NGOs contending that the state Government has acquired the Kabo Leikai land for construction of a 5-star hotel without formal Cabinet resolution and without due compliance of mandatory provisions of law.
It further urged the Governor to intervene into the matter and treat the eviction as null and void so as to restore the position in favour of the evicted residents.
The Government evicted the Kabo Leikai residents on May 20 after serving notice to them.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/eviction-of-kabo-leikai-opposed/

BJP counters Congress statement

Imphal May 27 MNS UNA : The BJP Manipur Pradesh countered deputy chief minister statement that in Manipur opposition parties were working for the name sake only on Monday.
Deputy CM and the President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) G. Gaikhangam in the O. Ibobi Singh led Congress government in the state criticized other political parties in the state asserting that “some parties having their offices in Manipur but drew blank in the Assembly election for a decades.”
In a one-day political conference held in Imphal, the dy. CM had said that these political parties were not working for the people. They were as good as dead asserting that whatever opposition parties speak about Congress party was their duty.
Spokesperson Y. Nilamani said that two chief ministers from the Congress party, Rishang Keishing from hills constituency and O Ibobi Singh from the valley have ruled the state for eleven years each, without any significant achievements particularly in the hills district of the state.
Because of indifference in governing in hill and valley the integrity between hill and valley people started to disintegrate allege BJP.
They have done nothing other than the routine development works as being directed by the government at the Centre from time to time.
The BJP spokesperson asked what step has been taken up by the state government to check the state being converting into a drug transit route. Except announcing that befitting punishment would be given to the drug smugglers, no step which would satisfied the people was seen taken up sp far.
Y. Nilamani demands to let know the public what concrete steps being taken up till date on these issues, further putting up suggestions on the issues of the protracted sewerage project, saying that technical experts from abroad were consulted to make the project feasible and practical, but still failed project.
He further demanded the vice president of MPCC T Mangibabu to provide details court case number of the allegations regarding the dispute on a piece of land involving the BJP rather than to indulge in rhetoric. Though the congress has form a sub-committee to declare the assets of the ruling MLAs and ministers under the chairmanship of state revenue minister Th. Devendro but till no assents are declares.
The spokesperson further announced that the planned Jail Bharo agitation of the party has been differed till June 5.
Sharda Devi another spokesperson who was also present in the press conference condemns the attack on congress leader of Chhattisgarh by the Maoists.
Bharatiya Janata Party, Manipur Pradesh today condemned in the strongest manner the recent Naxalite-strike in Chhattisgarh. Th Chaoba Singh, Party President said the party condoles for the 27 departed souls who had lost their lives in the attack. It shared the sorrow of the bereaved families . BJP prayed that the injured persons to have a quick recovery. Mr Chaoba described the attack as one of the most unfortunate incident in the soil of nhe Nation particularly attacking directly to the democratic institute of the country in the most coward manner. Forgetting party line, we should stand up unitedly to fight against such undemocratic act of the Naxalite in future he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bjp-counters-congress-statement/

Statue of Gen Tintong unveiled

IMPHAL, May 27: The statue of Kuki Rising of 1917-19 hero ‘Gen.’ Tintong was unveiled today at Songpi village in Churachandpur district of Manipur.
Kuki National Organisation (KNO) president PS Haokip while delivering a speech in the programme said that Gen. Tintong, in defiance of the British imperialists famously declared in March 17 that ‘defending our sovereignty is all’.
According to the KNO leader, Gen. Tintong had firmly established the path for future generations to pursue until self determination for the Kuki people is achieved. “The foundation of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO)’s political ideology is the goal of self determination for the Kuki people, which was also Gen. Tintong’s dream,” PS Haokip added. The cry for Zale’n-gam or Kuki homeland was strongly echoed in today’s event at Songpi village where Kuki leaders exhorted on the issue.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/statue-of-gen-tintong-unveiled/

Tough anti drug law soon : Dy CM

IMPHAL, May 27 NNN: The Government of Manipur is mulling formulating a new tough law against drug smugglers.
This was revealed by Manipur deputy chief minister Gaikhangamwhile talking to reporters on the sidelines of observing the country’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his 49th death anniversary in a glittering function in Imphal on Monday by (MPCC).He said this new law could confiscate all the properties of a drug trafficker if he or she was found guilty.
Gaikhangam also assured that the state Government would rehabilitate all the surrendered militants in the state and an area measuring about 100 acre would be acquired to lodge them in a peaceful environment.
He also maintained that these militants had surrendered to the Government on their own volition as they wanted to rejoin the mainstream. Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, senior Congress leaders and workers attended the function organized at the Congress Bhavan. Gaikhangam led the Congressmen in paying floral tributes to the photo of the late Prime Minister.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tough-anti-drug-law-soon-dy-cm/

Rape victim grilled for hours

IMPHAL, May 27 NNN: Th Tarun and Y William, the co-accused in the rape case of a class XII student of TG Higher Secondary School student were produced before the court of District and Session Judge, Manipur East, M Manoranjan on Monday and the court recorded statements of five persons including the victim in the case. In the case, Tarun of Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai and William of Khagempalli Panthak, are being sued on the charges of raping the minor girl on October 20, 2012. The duo allegedly sexually assaulted Kabita in a restaurant at Tiddim road near Imphal Airport. Government Special Prosecutor Ngangom Tejkumar told the media that the court recorded the statement of the victim for several hours and another four persons gave their testimonies in connection with the case in the court. He said almost 70 percent of the case’s proceedings had been finished and that the trial was expected to close in July this year. In a self-assurance, Tejkumar said that the case ‘The State Versus Tarun and William’ would be the first ever rape case in Manipur to be delivered ‘speedy judgment.’ The police had filed the chargesheets of the rape case in the court in December 2012 and its trial began March 13, 2013.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/rape-victim-grilled-for-hours/

Assam, Nagaland bodies launch blockades against each other

DIMAPUR, May 27 NNN : Adivasis and Nagas in the Nagaland-Assam border of Mariani are on loggerhead and hence blockade and counter blockade from both the sides.
Under the banner of the All Assam Tea Tribes’ Students Association (AATTSA), the Adivasis have imposed blockade to Nagaland at Mariani area of Assam-Nagaland border accusing the Nagas of assaulting the some Adivasis. On the other hand, the Nagas alleged that the Adivasis are encroaching into Nagas’ land and had destroyed the standing crops in the fields of the Nagas at Mariani area.
“Unable to restrain further, the villagers waylaid the encroachers on May 23 and caught two encroachers red-handed in the act of destroying plantation and cultivated land within the village ancestral land near the Assam border. The encroachers culprits were handed over to the Police Station of Longchem Hq for necessary action,” the Naga villages of Nokpu Village Council and Saring Nokpu B Village Council.
Vehicles from Nagaland and travelers at Mariani have been blocked since last Friday with a 24-hour demanding that the government of Assam arrest those Naga villagers involved in Thursday’s abduction and assault on two Adivasis failing,which indefinite road blockade will be imposed on Nagaland.
Countering to the act of the Adivasi community, the apex body of the Ao Nagas under the banner of Ao Senden will impose counter-blockade from 6 am of May 28.
The Nokpu Village Council and Saring Nokpu ‘B’ village Council of Nagaland alleged that activities of the ‘encroachers’ from Assam side, comprising of armed Adivasis and illegal immigrants under the instigation of some individual with selfish vested interest from the area are still continuing.
The village councils then said there are historical facts and evidence that tells us about having very good Ahoms – Naga relationship which exist till today; and even closer relationship between the communities living border areas, both village council re-iterates that people of Nokpu village still maintained the age old close relationship with the people of Ahoms. And there is no misunderstanding with the people of Assamese people except that we are against illegal immigrants who are encroaching our ancestral land, it added.
“Therefore, the action of the villagers in apprehending the encroachers/culprit and approaching authorities for taking action as per law should not be construed as kidnapping case, and further, both the council appeal to the local residence of Naganijan/Nakachari/Mariani section; not to resort to false allegation which would result disturbing peace in the area, And also pointed out that if any encroachers are caught in future the village will deal with them as per customary law of the land,” the Village Councils stated.There are around 80 lakhs population of Adivasis in Assam alone and a couple of Adivasi based militant outfits are existing demanding a Adivasi statehood by carving out a portion of Assam state.