Category: News

IMPHAL, July 9: A division bench comprising of acting chief justice LK Mohapatra and justice N Kotishwar, High Court of Manipur granted two weeks time to respondents to filed their affidavit in the PIL filed at the Court against the state Government and Union of India for felling of trees in the name of execution of development projects violating the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

The PIL was today listed at the cause list item no. 4. Earlier the matter was placed before the court of Justice N Kotiswar Singh as an unlisted matter on mention due to non-availability of the division bench.

The bench granted the returnable time following the plea of the respondent’s counsel.

Appearing on behalf of the respondents (Union of India) Amarjit Naorem, Central Government Standing Counsel (CGSC) and Additional AG, Ch Nobin, on behalf of the (State) pleaded before the bench.

The counsels of the petitioner are N Kumarjit Singh, Sr advocate assisted by advocate P Tamphamani Singh.

The court also reportedly advised the respondents to abstain from felling trees or need be to take prior clearance from the authority concerned.

The respondents of the petition are Principal Secretary (Works), representing on behalf of state of Manipur, Chief Engineer, PWD and Union of India represented by the Ministry of Transport.

The PIL (no. 13 of 2014) was lodged by Karam Hemchandra Singh, 38 years, son of K Khelen Singh of Wangkhei Lourembam Leikai before the court of Justice N Kotiswar Singh.

In the petition Hemchandra pointed out that the Government of Manipur under the assistance of the central Government executed many development projects in the state. As a part of the project the process for widening of NH-150 (Keishampat to Malom bazaar) is actively going on. In executing this project the Government of Manipur is felling/cutting of growing trees standing alongside of Keishampat to Malom.

Moreover, the Government is also executing another project construction of Sanjenthong Bridge and presently preparing for cutting of trees growing at the road side of Imphal to Pureilomba Khongnang Makhong as well as trees growing inside the Mahaballi forest for a diversion bridge.

Contending that no environmental clearance was obtained under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 in the course of execution of the projects, it drew the attention of the Court to retrain the respondents or to make an alternative for transplantation of the Growing trees to another place for the ends of justice.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/hc-grants-govt-two-more-weeks-to-submit-counter-affidavit-in-tree-felling-case/

IMPHAL, July 9: Former minister, M Hemanta, of the Congress party, who has represented Wangjing Tentha Assembly Constituency in the past has stated that the Congress party will soon become an extinct party in the State.

Hemanta who was also a member of the AICC said the defeat of the party in the recent Lok Sabha election at the national level will have an effect in the State as well.

Hemanta was speaking to the media on his joining in ceremony to the BJP today at its Nityaipat Chuthek office, Imphal.

The former minister said he has decided to join BJP after considering the political development that has been taking place at the national level, and after Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the BJP to power.

There is hope for Manipur with the BJP in power said the former minister who has been MLA of the Congress party three times.

Dr Dwijamani, an ex-candidate who contested election as an independent candidate in the 10th Assembly election of Uripok Assembly Constituency has also joined BJP today.

Dwijamani said he has decided to join BJP because of its ideology and principle.

The leadership of Th Chaoba of BJP has given a new hope for Manipur, he said, adding that he believes in the commitment of Narendra Modi and the kind of development the Prime Minister has promised to bring.

Speaking at the function, the State BJP president Th Chaoba expressed his happiness on Amit Shah becoming the national president of the party.

He said more people would be joining the BJP soon, demonstrating the Modi wave is very much a reality here too.

Welcoming the Pradhans and ex-Pradhans who have also joined the BJP, Chaoba alleged the Government of neglecting the Panchayati Raj system in Manipur. The rights of the Panchayat representatives have been deprived by the MLAs and Ministers of the State, he said.

The fundamental rights of the Panchayat representatives must not be violated, Chaoba maintained. He alleged that the CM along with the Ministers and MLAs, in cohorts with the DCs have misused 25 percent of the MNREGS fund in the name of line departments. He said the matter will be highlighted to the government in the Center.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/congress-soon-to-become-extinct-says-deserting-ex-minister/

IMPHAL, July 9: Chief Minister O Ibobi while unveiling the statue of Dr Lamabam Kamal today at Langthabal Kunja Mayai Leikai has stated that art and culture along with literature are the mirrors of the society. The CM was speaking at a function organised by the Naharol Sahitya Premee Samiti to dedicate a statue to Kaviratna, Dr Kamal who was a pioneering figure of modern Manipuri literature.

The CM said it is the responsibility of the artists and the writers to bring out the ills of the society in their works of art.

Today, the State of Manipur is going through a critical time, with reports of violence and many unwanted events happening, the CM said. This kind of ills in the society must be reflected in the work of the writers and other artistic expressions such as cinemas and theatres etc. Artists and writers have a major responsibility in bringing peace and prosperity in the State, he added.

The CM told the local MLA and the organiser Naharol Sahitya Premee Samiti that the government will suggest a suitable site for building an office of the Samiti.

Langthabal Assembly Constituency MLA Karam Shyam while appreciating the effort of the Samiti for observing the anniversary of Dr Kamal, he felt the need of constructing an appropriate memorial site of Dr Kamal some time back. He also thanked Dr Kamal’s son, L Brojendro for donating the land of the site.

In the function CM O Ibobi Singh was the chief guest, Polem Nabachandra was the president, MLA Karam Shyam, MLA L Nandakumar and Lamabam Brojendro son of Dr Kamal were the guests of honour.

The statue of Dr L Kamal was unveiled by the CM in presence of the dignitaries. He also planted a tree in the campus of Dr L Kamal Literary complex.

As a part of the function the Chief Minister of Manipur also felicitated the workers, architects and the sculptors of Dr L Kamal. A journal called ‘Wakhal’ was released on the occasion.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/artist-and-writers-must-bring-out-the-ills-of-society-cm/

UKHRUL, July 9: In view of the continued absence of the incumbent ZEO, the employees of Ukhrul education office has demanded the State government to immediately intervene and appoint a regular head of the department to salvage the deteriorating functioning of the department.

Speaking to news reporters here at a press conference held at ZEO office Ukhrul, officials of the department said that the functioning of the department is fast deteriorating as the office of the present incumbent PK Khailang has, for the most part, remained shut since the officer attends his office only once or twice in a month.

It may be recalled that Khailang took charge as ZEO of the department on March 13 earlier this year succeeding H Pamreingam following a government order on March 3, 2014.

Informing that in the absence the ZEO, several of his subordinate officers in the capacity of DI and AI are taking turn to run the department on his behalf and currently one M Kuinangla, senior most AI, has been acting as ZEO in charge since June 26 last, the officials further stated that even so, no important decisions could be taken by the in charge.

Consequently, all processes related to financial matters other than normal file works are kept pending, the officials lamented before adding that this has even resulted in irregular payment of salaries to the staffers.

It is also learnt that the prolonged absence of the two heads of the department has resulted in various shortfalls while implementing Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme in the district.

“Considering all these grievances, we demand that the State government immediately intervene and appoint a regular ZEO, preferably a senior officer from the districtwho can run the department effectively” stated the officials.

Expressing displeasure at the indifferent attitude of the State government, the officials questioned “Why the Stater government is not bothered to resolve our problem till date when it is fully aware that the issue of ZEO in the district is a long standing one? Is it because we are tribal?” they asked.

Meanwhile, departmental sources disclosed that ZEO Khailang is unable to attend his office here due to certain family exigency apart from facing threat from certain UG outfit which served him a monetary demand letter recently.

Notably, Khailang who has served for the last 33 years is demanding reversion of his posting to home town Senapati or retirement. As such, Khailang is apparently currently running Ukhrul ZEO department only on a stopgap basis by attending only one or two times in a month.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/zeos-absence-paralyses-ukhrul-education-office/

IMPHAL July 9: The Joint Action Committee formed against the death of Monika, together with Monika’s family have alleged that the hospital authority of JNIMS has manipulated the autopsy report of the deceased which was conducted in the presence of duty magistrate with full video coverage on 19 March.

Speaking to media persons in this regards at the Manipur Press Club, the JAC’s vice president, Nungshithoi stood firm on its version that Monika was murdered before being hanged by her husband and in laws.

Further proving its point, Nungsithoi opined that the statement given by the family members to the IO of the case was different from that of the Women’S commission.

He said that in Basanta’s statement given to the police, he was not present at home during the time of incident as he was somewhere at the locality playing a dice game.

Basanta is the elder brother of the accused Vikram.

But, in the statement given by Basanta’s wife to the Women’s Commission, she mentioned that her husband (Basanta) was at home having lunch at the time.

Despite having assured action against the guilty in the case by the Chief Minister in a meeting with the JAC, no positive result is in sight till date he resented adding that he suspect the JNIMS hospital has become a playground of the powerful.

He informed that the JAC will approach the medical Council of India and Union Minister Health to take appropriate action against the doctors who made the maliciously false report.

It may be recalled that Monika was found dead, hanging naked inside the bathroom of her husband’s residence on March 18 at around 10.30 am at Thoubal Achouba Bamon Leirak, four month after their marriage.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/jac-charges-hospital-of-giving-false-report-in-murder-case/

IMPHAL, July 9: The Indira Gandhi National Tribal University’s Students Union Regional Campus Manipur (IGNTUSU-RCM) has demanded a clarification and unconditional apology from the Vice Chancellor from the university head quarter at Amarkantak, for using ‘inflammatory and defamatory’ remarks against the students leaders.

Speaking to media persons in this regards during a press conference held at Manipur Press Club, Manglien Gangte, president of the student union clarified that are not ‘self sytled leaders’ as branded by the VC in a letter to address to the students.

The leaders of the IGNTUSU-RCM are elected for a one year term through an inclusive and consultative democratic process, it illuminated.

They contended that the VC’s accusation levelled against the students’ body of being a threat to the university was not true.

In fact the students body had assured the Chief Minister during a meeting at his office on June 30 they would abstain from any such activities, they further added.

They said the meeting was also attended by Education Minister, Chief Secretary, Commissioner of Higher Education etc.

It may be noted that in a letter addressed to ‘talented students’ the VC mentioned the students “working against the interest and functioning of academics and administration for more than one month and paralysing the entire atmosphere with a fear to life to staff and property”.

The same letter had been published in some of the local dailies which the students alleged was done before the concerned recipients got the letters.

The very act of disclosing documents meant for others before the intended recipients is a serious violation of official communication protocol amounting to gross indiscretion, it opined.

It further held that the IGNTU head quarter is solely responsible for the June 21 incident prompted due to failure of the University to respect and abide by the memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the IGNTUSU-RCM and the IGNTU headquarters in two occasions.

Pointing out that the while signing the Prof. Tripathy, dean of social sciences represented on behalf of the IGNTU, where it was resolved that the matter regarding action against the officials is to be taken within ten days on or before June 20 by the VC failing which it was suggested the students are free to take their own decision.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/tribal-univ-students-demand-clarification-from-vc/

IMPHAL, July 8: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) today celebrated its 65th foundation day at the Manipur Press Club.

The occasion was attended by Okram Joy Singh, Ex MLA as the chief guest and Ng Gopal Dutta Singh, Associate Professor, Imphal College as the function president.

Delivering his speech, Narendra Sapam Secretary ABVP, Imphal unit divulged that for the last four years it has been running anti-corruption movement under the banner of ‘youth against Curruption’ (YAC) from town to villages besides contribution in strengthening democracy by initiating awareness to woo new voters, youths campaign and registration.

He opined that a large number of students studying in the state universities are deprived of quality education owing to which they (students) are unable to utilise their full abilities and talents. At the same time, it also contributes in gradual decline of standard research work in the Universities.

He attributed the sorry state of affairs due to lack of adequate funding.

The ABVP secretary maintained that it had also organised huge protests and public awareness campaigns for the security and respect of women highlighting their consistent effort in favour of development of education in North East India.

ABVP has been successful in contributing to national integration by establishing a mutual bond of goodwill among students from NE and rest of India through the project of Student Exchange in Inter State Living (SEIL) in the last 50, he said.

He further called upon the intellectuals, social and religious organisation, youths’ organisations along with the central and state governments to take effective steps to curb drug addiction among the youth i.e the India’s real strength.

Addressing his chief guest speech, O Joy Singh said that though a person is well educated or successful but without a good character one is worthless for the society.

He further said that to bring a good quality education one should try to compete with the students of other states.

During the function the ABVP also declare its National Executive council resolutions such as felicitation to the people of the country for strengthening democracy, funding to state universities in the same proportion as central universities terming it the need of the hour.

It also highlighted that the Central legislation required to check commercialization of education, students’ union must be compulsory in all higher education institutions in the country.

The three toppers of the recently conducted HSLC examination, were also felicitated as a part of the function.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/akhil-bharatiya-vidyarthi-parishad-celebrates-foundation-day/

JIRIBAM, July 9: Four students organisations – AMSU District Committee, Jiribam, Manipur Students Front, Special Branch, DESAM Local Council and KSA Jiribam Unit – which asked all the Government offices and both Private and Government Schools to remain closed and imposed an indefinite bandh along National Highway number 37 from July 5 have agreed to allow the schools to resume classes.

They relented after the Government gave an assurance to fulfil their demands and after civil societies and guardians urged them to allow the schools to resume classes. They have been demanding the Government to recruit more teachers to fill the vacant posts from the lower primary level to the higher secondary level in various schools at Jiribam sub-division. The four student organisations informed the people about the decision through loud hailers in Jiribam today.

The leader of the four students’ organisation stated: “Our demand is in the interest of the students community of the future. We didn’t start the agitation by thinking about the gains to be made by undergoing hardships for a few moments. But we can’t allow a situation to persist in which students are encouraged to go to schools without teachers: in some cases without any schools at all.”

He urged people to cooperate as they know better the ground realities.

All the schools which remained closed will resume classes from tomorrow. But, the ban on Government offices and the indefinite bandh along the NH 37 will continue until the Government delivers on its promise, he said.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/school-in-jiribam-to-resume-classes-today-bandh-on-nh-37-still-on/

IMPHAL, July 9: All nine district Superintendents of Police have been instructed to look into the genuineness of certificate of the saw mills which are mushrooming in the state, particularly in nearby forest areas. The decision was taken by the Congress Legislative Party in a meeting held today.

According to a source, the CLP meeting was held at the Chief Minister’s Office bungalow this evening at around 4 pm today. The meeting discussed on the vast deforestation of forest in the hill areas of Manipur.

It also took note of the mushrooming saw mills pursuing timber business. There has been a rapid increase in the rate of forest depletion in recent times. For instance the forest in the Koubru range needs to be protected from human encroacher in order to preserve it, the meeting noted according to the source.

The CLP has instructed the SP of all districts to conduct a verification of the existing saw mills presently operating nearby the forest areas, to chedked whether the mill owners have proper documents, the source added.

It was observed that villages should not be allowed to be set up in fertile agricultural lands.

The meeting has elected Th Devendro, Forest and Environment Minister as the Chief Whip for the Congress Party for the upcoming Assembly Session. The meeting has decided to hold a review meeting for the discussion today on July 12 2014.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/07/congress-clp-concerned-with-depleting-forest/