Manipur Mail – Page 45

Three years imprisonment for labour commissioner

Mail News Service
New Delhi, May 13: The Special Judge for CBI cases, Visakhaptnam(Andhra Pradesh) has convicted Thodeti Ramesh then Assistant Labour Commissioner (Central), working in the office of Regional Labour Commissioner, Hyderabad and Sri Neelakanti Gunaker, the then Labour Enforcement Officer (C), Rajahmundry, East Godavari District in a bribery case and sentenced them to undergo three years Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs. 10,000/- each.
It was alleged that Sri T. Ramesh, Asst. Labour Commissioner (C), Hyderabad and Sri N. Gunakar, Labour Enforcement Officer (C), Rajahmundry while camping at Visakhapatnam had demanded & collected illegal gratification from contractors who were executing works for Central Government Organizations / Undertakings like Visakhapatnam Port Trust and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. etc. on 24 & 25-08-2006. During the search conducted by CBI on 25-08-2006 at HPCL Transit House, Waltair Park, Visakhapatnam, an amount of Rs.60,000/- was seized from the possession of these two officers. They could not explain source of the cash amount satisfactorily. Investigation revealed that these two officers demanded and received money as bribe from various Contractors. Both the accused were habitually obtaining bribes from various Contractors.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/three-years-imprisonment-for-labour-commissioner/

Stir to protest attack on Chairperson

IMPHAL, May 13: Perturbed at the state Home department’s inaction, several women social organizations today threatened to launch intense agitation against the recent life attempt on Mala Lisham, chairperson, Child Welfare Committee by a police constable attached to Narcotic Cells, Imphal West.
State Home Department is once again urged to take punitive action against constable Md Basir who tried to kill Mala with a licensed gun or intense agitation will be launched, Pati Golmei, president, Rongmei Lu Phuam (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) warned while addressing a press meet at the Press Club here.
Representatives of Association for the Development of Indigenous Women and Child Care, All Manipur Muslim Women Development and Organisation, and Chingtam United Women Association who were also present at the press meet condemned the attack.
Mala was fired upon while driving a car by the accused at Thoubal Haokha in Thoubal district on May 4.
Many civil society bodies in the state have condemned the life attempt on the social activist demanding punitive action against the accused.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/stir-to-protest-attack-on-chairperson/

parliamentary secy prithviraj extends best wishes to manipuri footballers taking part in afc asian cup

Manipur Information Centre
NEW DELHI, May 13: Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism & Sport of Manipur Mairembam Prithviraj here today expressed his overwhelming happiness when the All India Football Federation on Sunday announced eleven women players from Manipur for the Indian team in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers and extended his best wishes to the Manipuri Players along with the Indian team taking part in the Asian Cup for their success.
India will be playing two preparatory matches against Bahrain on May 14 and 16 respectively. India which is in Group ‘D’ will play in the first match against Myanmar on May 21, followed by Chinese Taipei on May 23 and host Palestine on May 25. The Indian team left last evening for Bahrain.
“I would like to wish everyone in general and Manipuri women footballers in particular associated with the Indian team for every success. Their hard work in preparing for the Asian Cup and their determination to achieve their maximum potential is an inspiration to us all. Out of 23-member national squad; eleven players namely Okram Roshini Devi (Goalkeeper), Ashem Romi Devi, Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Gurumayum Radharani Devi (Defenders) , Yumnam Kamala Devi, Yumlembam Premi Devi, Dangmei Grace, Oinam Bembem Devi (Midfielders), Irom Prameshwori Devi, Salam Rinaroy Devi, Ngangom Bala Devi (Forwards) are from Manipur’, says M Prithviraj.
“It is an immense pride for all of us that Manipur has a large part in the Indian team. This has involved a huge amount of preparation at an individual level. We can look forward to their outstanding performances and pray for their success.”
“I would like to wish good luck to each and every member of the Indian team.” he further added.

Insurgency now under control : CM

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 13 : A seminar on ‘Changing Contours of Manipur and way Ahead’ was held at Leimakhong by the Red Shield Division today. The seminar was attended by the CM of Manipur O Ibobi Singh, President MPCC, Deputy CM, Minister of Home, Tribal affairs and Hills, Horticulture and Science, Gaikhangam, Ministers and MLA from various constituencies of Manipur, DGP Manipur, S Y Joykumar, Additional Chief Secretary, S Lawmkunga and prominent personalities from the fields of education, administration and leaders of various socio political and youth organisations. The seminar exchanged views on the shift occurring in the society due to the opportunities, economic progress and prosperity in Manipur and suggested ways of ushering in enduring peace and economic progress of the State. The uniqueness of the seminar was that it was organised by the Red Shield Division that is combating insurgency in the State and has become an inseparable part in the ongoing conflict. Lt Gen AK Sahni, SM, VSM, GOC Spear Corps welcomed Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri O Ibobi Singh and officials of State administration, services representatives from Army, Para Military and CPOs, representatives of socio political organisations, HR Organisations, NGOs and all others in attendance.
Addressing the inaugural function of the seminar, Chief Minister Ibobi stated that discussion as such these are very important in the present situation.
The Chief Minister said that insurgency in the state has been curbed significantly adding that the Army, paramilitary forces and the police take major roles in fighting militancy.
“Different communities in the state maintain peace and harmony respecting each other’s differences for a long time. But, individuals who want to sacrifice and work hard with sincerity for the betterment of the society are rare in the state,” he remarked.
Ibobi said that the state Government is focusing more on electricity and transportation and for this, it is taking up necessary steps.
At the same time, the Government is giving special impetus to education sector, the Chief Minister said and admitted that a good Government always pay special attention to such areas.
Ibobi added that his Government is also focusing on bringing equal development both in the valley and hill.
The one-day event was held in two separate sessions. In the morning session Chief Justice (Retd) WA Shishak was the Chairperson in which prominent resource persons Prof Ch Priyoranjan Singh, Prof W Nabhakumar, Prof Amar Yumnam and Prof (Mrs) Salam Irene delivered their views and opinions on the changing contours of Manipur. The way ahead for Manipur was discussed in the second session by Shri PC Lawmkunga, Additional Chief Secretary, Prof L Sadananda, Shri Y Joykumar, DGP Manipur and Prof Amar Yumnam under the chairmanship of Prof N Mohendro Singh, Director College Development Council, Manipur.
The seminar was concluded with a vote of thanks by Maj Gen KK Sinha, SM, GOC, Red Shield Division. In his address, the GOC expressed that the seminar was organised to have a free exchange of views which would help to ensure a peaceful, progressive and vibrant Manipur. While thanking the participants and the audience he further added that although the Army has taken the initiative to organise this Seminar, the idea is not to advocate ‘set-piece’ solutions but rather for all of us to benefit from positive and innovative contributions of the esteemed speakers.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/insurgency-now-under-control-cm/

PM cannot be asked to resign

BJP wants to use the demand for resignation of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohon Singh as election issue. This is one demand, which will never be met for Congress party has decided to fight the forthcoming Lok Sabha election under the leadership of the present incumbent. BJP fought state assembly elections in Karnataka with hyped up propaganda of providing better administration in the southern state. The result tells a different story. At the centre also Congress party will do well. People want nothing but development only. Congress party alone can ensure stable and powerful Government. A weak Government is not respected even by neighbouring countries. It may not be wrong to say regional parties can take care of the regional interest. But these regional parties want to keep safe distance from BJP. In Kashmir National Conference will never move closer to BJP. Even in Bihar JDU, which is a strong ally of BJP in the formation of NDA is considering of looking a different way. It will not be surprising when Biju Janata Dal, which is also an ally of BJP moves closer towards Congress after the lok Sabha elections slated for early part of 2014 is over. Then there is SP and BSP in UP. These two parties fight unto death against each other in the state election, yet at the national level both of them go together with Congress. These two parties will not like to face the fate they fell on Telegu Desam for supporting BJP Government at the centre in the past. Ours is a secular democracy. The party which is tinged with communal forces will always be rejected by voters. BJP now understands it. Therefore it is now on the lookout for an issue to go to voters. Voters know that also. Prime Minister Manmohon had in the past volunteered to resign saying he wants to relinquish the job. But none could take his offer. He had said how long I should continue to offer resignation when none can take it. Dr Manmohon Singh when asked why he lost in the Lok Sabha election from Delhi could say boldly he had no money. Such leader who talks of moneylessness without shame cannot be expected to show propensity to indulge in corrupt practices. If his colleagues were corrupt, they all had resigned. The issue had died with the resignation of tainted ministers and it (the issues) had been buried. In digging out the rotten things nothing will be gained expect getting stinky smell. 2 G spectrum allocation scam had ended with the dismissal of A. Raja former Telecom Minister then Coalgate scandal and railway board appointment scandal too had perished. The two ministers allegedly involved in the scam too had resigned. The chattering political class will feel the tiredness of keeping the mouth wide open. When it closes it will see the party it hates most adorning the mantle of power again at the centre.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pm-cannot-be-asked-to-resign/

Eight killed due to landslide at Mizoram

AIZAWL, May 12NNN : Natural calamities are creating havocs in Mizoram in the last two days.After eight people were killed by landslides in Mizoram, a large number of houses were destroyed by storms in Serchip district.
Report reaching here today informed Newmai News Network that five persons were injured and around 40 houses were damaged in Serchhip district in Mizoram due to pre monsoon rain and storm. Out of the five injured, three persons were discharged after having had administered first aid while two persons are undergoing treatment at the Serchhip district hospital. Among the 40 houses that were damaged, nine of them were swept to the ground which included two residential quarters of the state health department.
Further, it is learnt that six electric poles fell to the ground resulting a power cut in Sechhip town for the whole night. Three houses were destroyed in Tachhip village by the squall while many villages across the state were powerless due to transmission lines being snapped by strong wind and massive landslides, sources said.
Meanwhile, Mizoram Governor VakkomPurushothaman this morning visited the spot of the tragic landslide that occurred yesterday morning at Laipuitlang which killed 8 people following the collapse of more than ten buildings.
The Governor expressed deep mourning and heartfelt grief over the huge loss caused by the catastrophe.
The Governor said, “When I came to know about the tragic landslide incident that occurred yesterday morning at
Laipuitlang, Aizawl which claimed the life of a number of people and left several injured and several others still missing, it really shocked me and grieved me at heart. I want to say that I heartily sympathise the victim families, and while I understand the tragic moment they are undergoing, I am certain that I cannot really console them with any word of mine. It is my prayer that God who owns all peace may live with them and give then strength and courage, and stay with them in time of their trouble. I also pray for the injured victims for their quick recovery.” The Governor then expressed his gratitude to all those who took the pains in carrying out the rescue operations.
Chief Minister LalThanhawla, who rushed to the spot after coming to know the incident, also expressed deep sorrow over the catastrophe, and said he deeply mourned for the loss of precious lives. He said that the government will arrange every possible relief for the victims immediately.
The Chief Minister also on the day itself sent information to the central government officials in written form along with several photographs.
Meanwhile, the body of ZakirHussain, from Assam who was among the missing was recovered on Saturday evening. The landslide that took place in the early hours on Saturday, had swept away nine houses in north Aizawl killing eight and leaving 6 people untraced till filing of this report.
A PWD office building, which had been vacated about a year ago after a crack developed on it, collapsed under the impact of the landslide and fell on nine houses below killing the people, sources said. Mizo National Front (MNF) has demanded the resignation of Chief Minister LalThanhawla, who holds the Public Works Department (PWD) portfolio and his younger brother LalThanzara, Parliamentary Secretary for PWD, owning responsibility for the incident.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/eight-killed-due-to-landslide-at-mizoram/

Chief Minister and Dy. Chief Minister with awardeesduring 78 Annual Award Distribution function of Manipur SahityaParisad held at JN Academy.

chief minister appreciates effort of army

chief minister appreciates
effort of army

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 12 : Chief Minister Shri O Ibobi Singh and Dy CMGaikhangam and several other civil dignitaries attended dinner cum banquet at Red Shield Division, Leimakhong on 11 May 13.
During the visit, Chief Minister and civil dignitaries discussed prevailing security situation in the State with Lt Gen Arun Kumar Sahni, SM, VSM, GOC Spear Corps and Maj Gen KK Sinha, SM, GOC Red Shield Division and thee CM further expressed his appreciation towards the efforts of Security Forces in combating insurgency in the State towards bringing peace and tranquility. iIbobi Singh lauded the co-operation and assistance which Red Shield Division has extended to the civil administration of the State and asserted that the continuous and selfless effort of Army will go a long way in providing a vital fillip to the bonhomie between Army and people of Manipur. He wished good luck to the troops of Indian Army serving the Nation and State.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/chief-minister-appreciates-effort-of-army/

Record attendance for SSC examination

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 12 : Employment opportunities are abundant in our country, but due to the lack of awareness and guidance the deserving students of North East in general and Manipur in particular are unable to make use of these opportunities. In its quest to educate and empower the youth of this region, units of Senapati Brigade under the aegis of Red Shied Division had taken the initiative to provide awareness, guidance and actively facilitate registration of candidates from Senapati and Tamenglong Districts for vacancies of constables in the Central Armed Police Forces being subscribed through Staff Services Commission of India (SSC).
The personal visits of Maj Gen KK Sinha, SM, GOC, Red Shield Division to the remote and inaccessible areas of these districts further motivated the youth and over 3500 candidates including over 1000 girls had registered for the SSC exam. This is the first time ever, that such a large number of girls have shown their willingness to don the uniform.
Staff Service Commission is a combined entrance for all Central Armed Police Forces to include Border Security Forces, Assam Rifles, CRPF, CISF, SSB etc. The pay package starts from Rs 7200/- to 20200/- and additional allowances such as travel allowances, outfit allowances, children education allowance are also entitled.
With its commitment to the cause of development, the Red Shield Division also took initiative in coaching the registered children to excel in the screening tests before the written tests. It is heartening to note that more than 1000 candidates including over 300 girls have cleared the initial screening and appeared for the written exams of the SSC from Senapati and Tamenglong Districts.
Major General KK Sinha, GOC, Red Shield Division has complimented the Parents, Socio-Political Organizations and units of the Senapati Brigade for achieving this rare feat. He appreciated the girls for taking initiative and to come forward in such large numbers to serve the Nation. He expressed confidence in the youth of Manipur and their ability to make the nation proud. While conveying his best wishes, the GOC reiterated the commitment of the Red Shield Division in making difference in the lives of these youngsters.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/record-attendance-for-ssc-examination/

President Gives Away National Florence Nightingale Award

Mail News Service
New Delhi, May 12: On the occasion of International Nurses Day, the President of India Pranab Mukherjee presented National Florence Nightingale Award 2013 to 35 nursing professionals for their services with devotion, sincerity, dedication and compassion in New Delhi today.
In his welcome address, GhulamNabi Azad, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare said Nurses are the most crucial link between the patients and doctors in hospitals. The Florence Nightingale Award was instituted by the Health Ministry to appreciate the selfless services rendered by Nurses with devotion, sincerity, dedication and compassion. He hoped that this award would inspire nursing professionals all over India to encourage them to join this noble profession and provide better healthcare service to the people.
It may be mentioned that the National Florence Nightingale Award is given to the outstanding nursing personnel employed in Central, State/UTs. Nurses working in Government, Voluntary Organizations, Mission institutions and private institutions can apply with due recommendation of concerned State Government. The Award carries Rs.50,000/- cash, a certificate, a citation certificate and a Medal.
Altogether 272 nurses have been decorated with this award by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare so far. ThongamMemchaDevi ,HoikhochinHaokip of Manipur were also among the recipients.

BJP, TC attack Congress led UPA

IMPHAL, May 12NNN : The BJP, Manipur unit and the Trinamool Congress, Manipur unit have launched scathing attacks on the Congress led government of Manipur for all the ails in the state. The BJP has called Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh as the weakest Prime Minister ever India had after the Independence. The BJP said scams have ruled the day and the Prime Minister has failed to address it.
In separate press conferences today, BJP, Manipur unit president Th. Chaoba said all the development works in the hill districts have been halted for a long time now while Trinamool Congress, Manipur unit president Kim Gangte asked as to where have all the funds meant for taking up development works in the hill districts have gone.
Both ThChaoba and Kim Gangte are former Members of Parliament (MPs). The former had even become the Union Minister of State for Food Processing.
On Sunday, both the BJP and the Trinamool Congress, Manipur units have pointed out that there is no governance in Manipur. Both the parties said the increasing cases of violence, rampant drug trafficking and corruption have become the orders of the day.
“There are no roads, bridges and doctors in the hill districts,” alleged the BJP leader while the Trinamook Congress leader said, “Development work in the hill districts have been almost to nothing.” Kim Gangte then said that whenever serious patients are brought to the government hospitals in the state capital the doctors refer the patients to private hospitals like Shija Hospitals. “Where have all the machines and other facilities provided by the government gone,” asked Kim Gangte.
BJP leader ThChaoba then alleged that there are speculations that the state government had sold Manipur’s lands to outsiders in Jiribam sub-division (Manipur-Assam border). “We will find out if these are true,” vows the BJP leader.
These allegations have come three days after the BJP in Manipur had demanded for the declaration of the assets of the ministers.
On Friday last, Manipur unit BJP spokesperson Y Nilamani Singh had told reporters at the party’s office here that as per a Supreme Court ruling, all the food like rice and sugar which are about to run out of their expiry dates must be distributed to the poor instead of freeing them to go waste.
He had alleged that the Manipur Government lets large quantity of food worth croes of rupees to go waste in the state despite the apex court ruling.
About 1114 metric tonne of rice and sugar which can be consumed by the poor for more than one year goes waste every year under this Government against the Supreme Court judgement, he had accused.
Asking what exactly the CAF & PD Director, Commissioner and minister have been doing in the last 12 years of Congress rule in the state, Nilamani said that the food specialist/inspector never looks into the matter seriously.
He had said BJP wanted an independent body like the CBI to carry out a thorough investigation into the activities of these director, commissioner and minister and punish them, asking the real motive of the Congress behind the throwing away of food meant for the underprivileged citizens of the state during the last 17 years.
The people voted the 42 Congress MLAs, but it was not that they wanted them to loot their stomach, the BJP leader had said.
“Flagship programme does nothing here in the state. The deprived section of the society under the AAY and BPL never get the benefits,” the Manipur unit of BJP spokesperson had further alleged.
He also had said that the BJP wanted the Chief Minister and his council of ministers and MLAs declare their assets at the earliest and asked the reason for not declaring their assets till now even after the formation of a sub-committee which has been entrusted with the task.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bjp-tc-attack-congress-led-upa/

What next?

In spite of the ban imposed on the smuggling of drugs from Manipur to Myanmar or vice versa still the fools are attempting to take chance on the road. Who are these people, who continue to dance in the false dream of becoming millionaires over night either by transferring contraband drugs to Myanmar or bringing heroin no 4 to Manipur? The arrest made so far reveals that all those involved in the illegal trade, be it those belonging to security forces or Manipur police or simple women, were used by unknown smugglers, whose whereabouts cannot be traced. These porters acted foolishly, tempted by money offered for transferring the banned items. They were all caught. They will not be able to escape easily. The law is also going to be made stricter to deal with the smugglers. What these fools do not know is that they have been scanned right from the place where they packed the items up to the place of delivery. Perhaps the women smugglers took security personnel lightly that they felt they could tuck the heroin no. 4 inside the sock. Law enforcing agencies outsmarted the smugglers by deploying women police personnel on the road. Lady police officials can check women smugglers unhindered. This message is loud and clear. The arrest of two women heroin porters on the Imphal-Moreh road has indicated the dexterity of the police personnel in arresting drug smugglers. Imphal, Moreh road has ceased to provide lackadaisical route to the smugglers of contraband items. The fools are advised to abandon the illegal trade of transferring contraband drugs using the strictly supervised road leading up to Myanmar. How long these smugglers will continue to rot in the jail? For life time or for a few months. Will they think of resorting to the same illegal trade after coming out from jail? If they do again they can be branded as one of the greatest fools. Manipur jails will be flooded with smugglers at this rate of arrest of drug smugglers. Two women and a man were arrested for carrying drugs and heroin no.4 yesterday. God knows how many of them will be arrested tomorrow. Drug seizure reports continue to decorate the top line of the newspapers. There is reason behind that. It fulfils the appetite of the news hungry readers. It also exposes the state of mind of desperate money hunters. They are out to grab every single opportunity to deliver their items to the destination by using all means available under the sun. They had used army officer, commando officials and lady porters. The next step God knows may be children. The smart police personnel on the road supervising the movement of all on the national highway must have to remain alert. Smugglers should not be allowed to outwit the expert men on the road.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/what-next/

Motivational talk to defence services officer aspirants

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 12 : Red Shield Division organised a talk on motivation and personality development at Leimakhong on 12th May 13 for aspirants who want to join the defence forces as officers. The talk was given by VineetaSahni, Regional President of Army Wives Welfare Association, Red Spear Corps. Red Shield Division has taken up the noble task of training and extending all assistance to not just officer cadre aspirants from within the Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Other Ranks (ORs) of the Division, but also the children of various schools of Manipur. The Division has over the past few months, painstakingly selected NCOs and ORs from it folds and has been training them to join the Army in the officer cadre through the Army Cadet College (ACC) as also Special Commission Officer (SCO) and Permanent Commission Special List (PC SL) Commission. The training has been focused on preparing them for the Services Selection Board which is considered amongst the best and wholesome selection procedure in the Country. A total of 79 candidates were present in the talk that was delivered today.
Similarly, a total of 103 children from varied schools like Sainik School Imphal, KendriyaVidhyalaLeimakhong, Don Bosco School, MaramChilChil School attended the same. The talk cum interactive session by Vineeta Sahni lasted for over an hour and saw keen participation by all the attendees, For the soldiers aspiring to be officers as also children from varied schools it was a first time experience. Issues related to Social behaviour, art of communication, appearance and attitude, Maslow’s hierachy of Needs, SWOT analysis, Johari Window were discussed at length.

BJP wants ministers to declare assets

IMPHAL, May 9 MNS NNN : The Bharatiya Janata Party, Manipur Pradesh today launched scathing attacks on ruling Congress accusing the O Ibobi led Government of letting large amount of food going waste in Manipur and then the party demanded that the Chief Minister and his council of ministers and MLAs declare their assets.
State unit BJP spokesperson Y Nilamani Singh told reporters at the party’s office here that as per a Supreme Court ruling, all the food like rice and sugar which are about to run out of their expiry dates must be distributed to the poor instead of freeing them to go waste.
He alleged that the Manipur Government lets large quantity of food worth croes of rupees to go waste in the state despite the apex court ruling.
About 1114 metric tonne of rice and sugar which can be consumed by the poor for more than one year goes waste every year under this Government against the Supreme Court judgement, he accused.
Asking what exactly the CAF & PD Director, Commissioner and minister have been doing in the last 12 years of Congress rule in the state, Nilamani said that the food specialist/inspector never looks into the matter seriously.
He said BJP wants an independent body like the CBI to carry out a thorough investigation into the activities of these director, commissioner and minister and punish them, asking the real motive of the Congress behind the throwing away of food meant for the underprivileged citizens of the state during the last 17 years.
The people voted the 42 Congress MLAs, but it was not that they wanted them to loot their stomach, the BJP leader said.
“Flagship programme does nothing here in the state. The deprived section of the society under the AAY and BPL never get the benefits,” the Manipur unit of BJP spokesperson further alleged.
He also said that the BJP wants the Chief Minister and his council of ministers and MLAs declare their assets at the earliest and asked the reason for not declaring their assets till now even after the formation of a sub-committee which has been entrusted with the task.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bjp-wants-ministers-to-declare-assets/

Indefinite bandh called in protest against killing of two persons

Imphal May 9 UNA : An indefinite bandh has been called in Manipur protesting against the murder of two villagers of Nongpok Keithelmanbi, which death bodies were retrieved from the hillock of Ngaren Pat yesterday (Wednesday).
The Joint Action committee against the murder of Seitinlal Kipgen and Tongsat Haokip today announced that the indefinite bandh would commence from 4pm of Friday and the and it would continue until the culprits were brought to book.
Speaking at a press conference held at Kuki Inn, Imphal, co-convener of the JAC, M Apanbi said that the bandh will be imposed in protest against government’s in action regarding the murder of two villagers after kidnapped by unknown persons on April 29 last.
Seitinlal Kipgen (50) of Bongbal village of Saikul sub-division of Sadar hills and Tongsat Haokip (35) of Masemjang village of Churachandpur district were found murder at a hillock of Ngaren Pat on Wednesday. They were missing after they went in search of a missing buffalo belonging to Seitinlal to the nearby hills.
The co-convenor of the JAC alleged that government has failed to initiate action despite a missing report was lodge with the police soon after the two went missing. Various civil organisations of Nongpok Keithelmanbi have also submitted memoranda to the chief minister, pressing him to help in tracing out the missing innocent villagers.
If the government happened to initiate action, their whereabouts could have been known earlier, she said, alleging that even after the recovery of the dead bodies, police has failed to take up action to book the culprits.
The indefinite bandh would be supported by Nongpok Keithelmanbi Chingmi-Tammi Apunba Lup comprising of 25 villages of Nongpok Keithelmanbi area and Sadar hill based Kuki Students’ organisation (KSO) and Kuki Innpi, asserted the co-convener.
Asking whether there was no governance in Manipur, Convener Hengah Kipgen who also took part in the press conference strongly condemned the inaction on the part of the state authority even as two innocent people were kidnapped and killed by miscreants.
The attitude of the state government remaining silent unheeding to the hue and cry of the people for safeguarding the life and properties of innocent people was strongly condemnable, he said, adding that the indefinite bandh would continue until and unless authority book the culprits involved in the murder of the two innocent villagers.

Public money cannot be spent recklessly

Carpets can be bought and laid on the floor of the office of the VIPs if required. But buying it for use during the visit of VVIPs to the state is not a sensible advice. If it is not stolen it will be eaten up by rodents. Extra care needs to be taken to protect the woollen carpets. A care taker has to be employed to clean regularly the carpets and kanats. In the past some of the Government departments resorted to buying spree of Shamiyans and Kanats for use during the function held at the office complexes. What happened after one year? The items disappeared having landed at the houses of the officials and none returned it. Public money is not for wasting. These employees, who refuse to sweep even the floor office building, will not lend hand for stretching the clothes when the sun shines. But these items unless dried up regularly will end up being eaten up by moth. Fungus will appear and insects will damage the woollen carpets and kanats. Woolen jackets worn by male and female are kept under the sun during autumn season to kill the invisible insects resting on the yarn. Will these Government employees in charge of carpets and kanats do that? Public money is really valuable. It cannot be wasted by doing useless things. There are hundreds of tent houses in Manipur. All these items can be hired from these tent houses. By spending below Rs 10,000 a VVIP can be extended red carpet welcome at the airport. A 28 meter long carpet having two meters in width cost as low as Rs 14,000. Two rolls of carpet, which works out to 56 meters will be required for a VVIP to inspect the guard of honour. A tent house will happily lend the carpets for such grandeur function by charging only Rs 5000. Rs 30,00000 for buying carpets and kanats is too big. By spending the same amount a school building can repaired or a medium sized bridge can be constructed. Similarly wooden barricades used to separate crowd from VVIPs can be replaced by ropes. These wooden barricades stand for name sake. It will fall when a child push it. The rope will serve better purpose. If GAD wants to buy anything for use during the visit by the VVIPs the right choice is iron stand, which can be used for straightening ropes. Because iron stand cannot be eaten by rodents and insects. None will like it for it will be of no use to others. Assembly committee members having done the inspection might have made up their mind. The members of the committee, we are confident, will give perfect advice to the men in power to take extra care to cut down unnecessary expenditure. Let us see what comes out.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/public-money-cannot-be-spent-recklessly/

Respect the verdict

The outcome of the polls in Karnataka reveals political blabbering cannot influence the minds of the voters. Voters want development, nothing but development. BJP reduced Karnataka to a farce when its leaders squabbled for power among themselves. The party dug its own grave in the state. It will take several years for the party in the state to come out from where it had been laid. India is a vast country. Narendra Modi rhetoric could not dent the aspirations and expectations of the masses. BJP leaders must learn a lesson from Karnataka elections. Hindi heartland issue cannot be applied in the South, the East and the North. The party had faced similar onslaught in the hands of rivals when elections were held in Himachal Pradesh and Manipur in particular and other states in NE region as a whole. Karnataka results forecast what is in store for the Congress party. It is likely Congress party may emulate the record set by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, when the party led by him stormed to power continuously for three terms since 1952 until his death. Since then no political party had been able to win continuously for three terms at the centre. Congress party is now in upbeat mood. Therefore the question being asked now is will the ruling party think of advancing the time for holding general elections. The answer is may be, may not be. Some more states are also going to polls this year. The think tank of the party might be applying their mind on the forthcoming assembly elections in some of the states including Delhi. Better side of the Congress party is its ability to remain in power against all odds. Common masses confide to the party’s ability to steer the country out of mess. That had been shown in the past. The country survived by mortgaging gold during the third front regime at the centre. That was the most unfortunate saga. From scratch the country is now poised to become super power. Foreign investors have shown willingness to invest in our country. This is not a mean achievement. It requires a herculean task. That was carried out. India had experimented non Congress Government at the centre. Situation prevailing now does not warrant further experimentation. Manipur, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka had shown the road ahead. Should we dread the unknown path? No matter whether election time is advanced or not, Congress party as usual will see smooth sailing to power. Modi factor will not play important role in the general elections. Rather BJP, which has suffered dismal defeat in Karnataka, will think of keeping Modi out of leadership race of the party. Karnataka election results must influence the mindset of the blabbering class. Learn to respect the verdict of the voters.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/respect-the-verdict/

Missing duo found dead , KSO threatens stir

Imphal May 8 MNS/Agencies: Missing duo from Nongpok Keithelmanbi was found dead after 10 days, in an Ngarel pat hill lock near Kamuching village, Sadar Hills said a police on Wednesday.
The two persons Seitinlal Kipgen of Bongbal Village and Tongsat Haokip of Masemjang Village under Chyrachandpur district were missing since April 29.
The two death bodies were found by nearby villagers in the morning and inform to Yairipok police station added the police source.
Police source further said one of the bodies has been totally decomposed with only skeletal remains and the other is in highly decomposed stage.
Mention may be made here that a sit in protest was held at Nongpok Keithelmanbi by the family members as well by the villagers demanding the safe release of the duo last week, and many Kuki organization has also threaten of democratic agitation if they are not release it safely.
The Kuki Students Organisation-Sadar Hills (KSO-SH) has threatened to call indefinite bandh in Sadar Hills including the national highways if the state government fail to find out and book the culprits involved in the kidnapping and the subsequent murder of the two Kukis.
The two Kukis who had gone missing since April 29 were found dead at Kamu Ching, a hillock near Nongpok Sekmai under Yairipok Police Station in Imphal East district early hours Wednesday. The corpses were highly decomposed.
Seitinlal Kipgen, 50, hailed from Bongbal Khullen in Saikul sub-division in Sadar Hills, Senapati district and Tongkhosal Haokip, 35, a native of Masenjang village in Churachandpur district had been reportedly kidnapped by unidentified persons from Nongpok Keithelmanbi near Kamu Ching on April 29 around 8 am and since then their whereabouts remained unknown.
Some locals spotted the highly decomposed bodies on the top of the small hill around 7 am, reports said. The police are still clueless about the nature of the dead. But they have started probing it.
Their bodies had been found amidst protest by several civil society organizations demanding their safe release.
Seitinlal owned a pharmacy at Nongpok Keithelmanbi before while Haokip had been working at Bongbal village as a carpenter.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/missing-duo-found-dead-kso-threatens-stir/

Churachandpur bodies oppose quit notice

IMPHAL, May 8 NNN: Pamphlets containing ‘Quit Notice’ to a particular community from Churachandpur have been released and a hotel burnt down.
The pamphlets found in certain locality in Churachandpur by miscreants had asked Meitei to quit the Kuki-land in two days’ time or else they will face drastic consequences.
Prompted by this development, the Zomi Council (ZC) and Zomi Students Federation (ZSF) have strongly condemned the ‘quit notice’ .
“The Zomi Council is aghast at the distribution of pamphlets on the fateful night by some miscreants. It is learnt that the pamphlets contain a provocative, communal and hatred message directed against a particular community,” the Zomi Council said”, adding, “Such hate campaign is medievalist in nature and has no place in this post modern world. The campaign is nothing but only a sinister design to pitch one community against another community.
The Zomi Council and ZSF then put on record that it believes in peaceful co-existence of different communities and would spare no effort to maintain peace and harmony in Churachandpur. The ZC and ZSF appeal all ethnic brethren to remain calm and exercise restraint.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Kuki Inpi, Churachandpur and Meitei organisations in Churachandpur during a joint press conference condemned the ‘quit-notice’ and such such notice should not be considered seriously as it could be the handi-work of some immature people.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/churachandpur-bodies-oppose-quit-notice/

Congress will give stable, Govt. in Karnataka: Chidambaram

New Delhi, May 8 (ANI): Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Wednesday expressed his delight with the Congress Party getting absolute majority in Karnataka, saying the state will now get a stable, progressive and hard-working government for the next five years.
“We are happy. I have seen different numbers in different channels, but it appears that all channels are agreeing that Congress will have an absolute majority in the house. We are very happy that people of Karnataka have voted the Congress Party with an absolute majority,” Chidambaram told mediapersons outside the Parliament here.
“Voting the Congress party is one thing, but voting it with an absolute majority means that there will be a stable government for five years. And we can now promise the people of Karnataka that we will give a stable government, a progressive government and a hard-working government for the next five years,” he added.
Taking on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Chidambaram said there is a need to repair the financial position of the state.
“The financial position of Karnataka is quite bad that is the way they have left it. So, we need to repair the financial position of Karnataka,” he added.
Chidambaram also played down the fact that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was a factor in Karnataka.
“I don’t think ever Mr. Modi will say that he was a factor in Karnataka,” he said.
Modi, touted by many to be the BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate in 2014, campaigned for the party in Karnataka in an effort that it is re-elected to power.
Modi, who secured an electoral hat-trick in Gujarat, left no stone unturned in targetting the Gandhi family and the ruling Congress Party at the Centre during his election campaigns in Karnataka. The Finance Minister further said result of the Karnataka polls gives a clear message to all political parties that the people watches very closely and very carefully.
“And we have to deliver. A government that does not deliver, lives on rhetoric is not going to be re-elected and the government in Karnataka was such a government. So, this is a lesson to whoever forms the government must deliver on the ground,” he added.
As per the latest trends, the Congress was set to return to power in Karnataka, with its candidates winning 40 seats and leading in 79 seats.
While the ruling BJP has been pushed to the third spot, leading only in 35 seats. The Janata Dal-Secular is leading in 42 seats.
The Karnataka Janatha Party (KJP), which is led by former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, is leading in eight seats.
Counting of votes for the Karnataka Assembly elections, which witnessed a 70.23 per cent voter turnout on May 5, began this morning at 8 a.m. amidst tight security.
In the 2008 elections, BJP secured 110 seats, three short of majority and formed the government with the help of five independents who were made ministers. Congress bagged 80 seats and JD-S 28. The overall voter turnout then was 64.91 per cent.