Manipur News

IMPHAL, May 10: Appreciating the induction of indigenous game like the `Mukna`™, an indigenous form of wrestling, during the celebration of Mayang Imphal `Lai Haraoba`™ into the sports arena, Works and Transport Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh said that it is high time to showcase the indigenous game of Mukna to the world.

He was speaking as the president of the Ibudhou Pana vs Ibendhou Pana Muktna Tournament held as part of the celebration of Ibudhou Awangba Sorarel Haraoba, Mayang Imphal Konchak. The function was organised by Ibudhou Awang Sorarel Seva Committee.

After the first round of Mukna between the two `pana`™, chief guest of the function, Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Th Lokeshwar Singh said that the indigenous game like `Mukna`™ needs to be kept alive in view of its sporting values.

The Minister said that celebration of `Lai Haraoba`™ is about seeking of blessings from the deities and added that there is a close relationship between the indigenous games and the celebration.

He said that `Lai Haraoba`™ is observed for five days and or more according to places of observance and added that it is observed not only in Manipur but also in Assam, Myanmar, Bangladesh and several other foreign countries.

Noting that observance of Lai Haraoba has been done with the inclusion of entertainment items like musical dance and sports, the Minister asserted that induction of indigenous games like Mukna in the main sports events will help in showcasing identity of the state.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/high-time-to-showcase-state-indigenous-sport-before-the-world-ratankumar/

IMPHAL, April 10: Escort party of the Speaker of the Manipur Assembly, Th Lokeswar Singh attacked occupants of a Maruti Gypsy today at around 10.45 in front of Kangla gate. The driver of the Gypsy is also a sub-inspector of Imphal West police station, namely Arambam Amitabh.

He was travelling back home with his wife and two children when the escort party blared sirens and flashed lights behind his vehicle. Amitabh took a few seconds to let the vehicles pass, but the first escort party vehicle pulled up in front of him and another blocked at the back. The armed guards rushed up to his vehicle and pulled him out. Amitabh had identified himself as a sub-inspector and asked the reason for holding him up. But, the armed personnel from all four escort parties manhandled him and first butted him with a service rifle, he was struck with sticks and beaten up black and blue in front of his wife and children. Amitabh`™s wife also tried to intervene and stop the assault, but the armed guards also threatened her with a stick.

The sub-inspector who is also a Police Gallantry awardee and represented the Manipur Police in shooting competitions received a deep cut in his head. He also received injuries on his face, chest, back and arms.

The incident happened near the corner of Johnstone Higher Secondary School and in front of police personnel posted at the spot. After assaulting him severely, the gypsies MNIK-4020, MNIK-4019, MN01K-2475, the white CRV Honda make car carrying the VIP, drove off from the spot.

The sub-inspector was treated for his injuries at RIMS. His wife decried the brutality of the VIP and his security escort team stating that the persons holding power have no compulsions of attacking a family without any reason. Police has taken up a case in the regard.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/speakers-escorts-attack-family-subinspector-beaten-up-in-front-of-wife-and-kids/

CHANDEL, May 10: The 2nd federal assembly of the Chandel Naga People`™s Organisation (CNPO) held at district`™s Amity conference hall yesterday resolved to urge contractors to expedite black topping work along Pallel and Chandel road.

Several tribe leaders including women, chiefs, members of Naga Women Union Chandel and Naga Students`™ Union Chandel, intellectuals and well wishers attended the assembly which was presided by speaker of the assembly Sh Manglem Monsang.

Dignitaries in the assembly lamented the hardships and difficulties caused by the pathetic condition of the deplorable road which is yet to be repaired for the last many years and observed that the black topping work along the road which was started three months back is making no headway.

It resolved that the CNPO led development monitoring cell which was formed to look into the all round developmental works implemented in the district, be strengthened to monitor the road construction work for ensuring quality and time-bound completion by engaging maximum labour by the entrusted contractors.

During the assembly, serious note of the absence of DLOs even after the completion of district mini secretariat was taken and further resolved to urge the DLOs to work in the interest of the general public.

It also deliberated on the issue of the Maring-Khoibu tribes; however no concrete resolution was adopted in this regard.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/cnpo-assembly-wants-black-topping-along-pallelcdl-road-expedited/

IMPHAL, May 10: Many Congress insiders are reportedly unhappy that two of the prominent ministers of the party were unable to ensure candidates from their Assembly Constituencies file nominations to the forthcoming Autonomous District Council, ADC, elections, alleging this was a total surrender of the ministers to the militants and their demands.

The two ministers in question are, Francis Ngajokpa and Phungzathang Tonsing.

Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam, had announced Congress would be fighting all 130 seats of the ADC, but a day later changed his statement that only 90 would be in contest, on the plea of threats from the NSCN(IM) made the candidates withdraw candidatures.

Dissidents within the ruling Congress are now demanding that Ngajokpa and Phungzathang be dropped as minister for their alleged abject inability and incompetence, even suggesting complicity with the militants and their demands of vivification of Manipur.

These dissident said if this demand of theirs is not complied, there will be serious divisions within the Congress party.

They said in Senapati district, only four candidates of the total of 24 ADCs in the district filed nominations. Three of these are from the Senapati district president, Arhai`™s constituency and the remaining from former minister DD Thaisii.

Surprisingly, there were none from Rural Development minister, Ngajokpa`™s constituency.

In Churachandpur district too, of the district`™s total of 24 seats only seven filed nominations and surprisingly again there was not even one candidate from the Health Minister, Phungzathang`™s constituency.

Three of the seven candidates from Churchandpur districts are MLA T.N. Haokip`™s constituency, three more from MLA Manga Waiphei`™s constituency and one from Outer Manipur Lok Sabha MP, Thangso Baite`™s Assembly constituency.

The dissidents also said the explanation given by the MPCC president, Gaikhangam, that this was due to threats from NSCN(IM) and other underground groups, is an admission of incompetence, for when the ADC elections were first held after 23 years in 2010, though the NSCN(IM) prohibited the ADC elections, the local Congress leaders ensured Congressmen came out to file nominations and won majority in every ADC.

The fact that one Congress ADC candidate was killed and that the residence of the then Congress minister, DD Thaisii was burned down, did not deter the Congress victory, they said.

They said however things changed after the 2013 with the swearing in of a Congress government in the State for the third term.

Suddenly, the ADC`™s started complaining of their wings being clipped and their legitimate powers taken away, the dissidents said. The ADC members had even gone to Delhi to agitate on this matter, they reminded.

They demanded that those Congress leaders who could not ensure that Congress candidates filed nomination from their constituencies, should resign on their own for their have hurt the party`™s interest grieviously.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/cong-dissidents-demand-dropping-of-two-ministers-for-failure-to-field-adc-candidates-from-their-constituencies/

IMPHAL, May 10: In view of the impending indefinite highway bandh in Sadar Hills from midnight of May 11, the KSO General Headquarters has urged the government to resolve the impasse with the KSO Sadar Hills in the public interests.

In a statement, the organization said the public discontentment and uproar resulted from the life attempt on the chief of Lalloiphai and the van driver on May 2 by a mob at Moidangpok. Even after a 24 hours general strike in Sadar Hills, the government does not bother to look into the demands of the KSO Sadar Hills. This attitude of the government is risky and dangerous as it could further worsen the present situation.

The KSO General Headquarters desires an amicable solution to the issue and does not want to paint communal tinge to it and also does not wish to plunge the land and people into a state of chaos. The state of affairs where two helpless men are dragged out of their vehicle and beaten to near death in full view of policemen is unacceptable. The vehicle was allowed to be burnt down beyond repair while the police watched without batting an eyelid. The fact that the police force had remained mute spectators while a criminal act was on, and that the government has not yet done anything to allay the anger of the public is highly objectionable, it said.

Lamenting that the van driver who was beaten to near death is still in a hospital bed fighting for his life and the van he was using to earn his livelihood is now gone, the statement cautioned that if the government remains indifferent and fails to initiate any action towards fulfilling the demands of the KSO Sadar Hills, the KSO General Headquarters will be forced to take the matter into its own hands.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/kso-ghq-urges-for-resolution-to-impasse-with-kso-sadar-hills/

IMPHAL, May 10: Maintaining that assent of the Governor for setting up of Manipur Cultural University had already been received in line with the bill passed by the House, Chief Minister O Ibobi asserted that the government is putting earnest efforts to set up the university at the earliest to further develop art and culture of the state.

The CM was gracing an annual presentation of gold medal, citation and cash reward for writers and artistes in connection with the 80th Foundation Day of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad at the auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy today.

Speaking as chief guest, Ibobi acknowledged that cultural organizations have been working towards bringing in development and peace in the strife-torn state and said that their valuable contribution in the society is commendable.

Lauding the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad for tirelessly working for further consolidation of the rich culture of the state since its inception, he assured that the government will try to increase the recurring grant amount sought by the parishad to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 1 lakh.

Efforts will also be made to complete the ongoing construction of the parishad`™s office building at Sangaipat within the current financial year, he said.

Ibobi stated that it is due to the hard work put in by those deceased who had worked persistently and present dedicated writers that the Manipuri language was included in the Eighth Schedule.

The CM also exhorted the writers to come up with intrinsic stories and poems based on women issues and influential role being played by women in building a good society.

President of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Prof Th Tombi Singh who presided over the function underlined the need for conversion of books written in Bengali script into Meitei Mayek considering the coming generation and said that there is a need for government and civil society organizations to work together in this regard.

Altogether 29 people were presented with gold medal, citation and cash reward during the function. Amongst them, 19 were presented with citation, one with gold medal while 19 were honoured with cash reward.

MLA T Mangibabu who is also the Chairman of PDA was also present at the occasion which was marked by performance of cultural programmes by troupes of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/earnest-efforts-on-to-set-up-manipur-cultural-university-soon-cm/

IMPHAL, May 10: Imphal-Sagolmang route will be widened by100 feet to become a six-lane highway by 2015-16, Th Lokeshwar Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly said while inaugurating Lamboi Khul Tiger Camp Ereima Suspension Bridge at Lamboikhul Imphal East District under Khundrakpam Constitution today.

Dr Kh Ratankumar Minister Work who was also present said that the newly inaugurated suspension bridge is 90 metres long.

The construction of the bridge began under the 2011-12 non-plan budget sanctioned in two phases, he said.

He further said that in the first phase in 2011-12 Rs. 30 lakhs was sanctioned and in the second phase in 2014-15 Rs. 50 lakh sanctioned. The total estimated cost for the bridge is Rs. 80 lakhs, he added.

This bridge can give big benefits to Lamboikhul and Tiger Camp people which remove the problem of communication gaps between the two villagers, he said.

While Th Lokeshwar Speaker who is also the local MLA of Khundrakpam, said that the bridge was planned by Lamboikhul grandpa Lala and his beloved late father Nandakumar then MLA of Khundrakpam Constituency.

Accordingly, the duo had recommended and pressured for construction of this suspension bridge to Chief Minister Okram Ibobi.

But after his father`™s demise gave a jolt to the dream of the two elders. However, with the help Work Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar the dream of the two elders became a reality.

Though there was no money available for construction, sub-contractor Herobi contributed maximum financial help for the completion of the bridge today, he said.

There are seven bridges planned in Khundrakpam constituency and it is reported that all the bridges will start construction work soon under the PMGSY schemes and NLCPR funds, he said.

The road expansion is also another step towards development of road connectivity`™s everything, he added.

The widening of the road is important because of the100-bedded Imphal East District Hospital being newly constructed in the Sagolmang area.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/lokeshwar-promises-sixlane-highway-to-khundrakpam-by-2016/

IMPHAL, May 10: Around 2500 youth from Keirao Constituency who ARE already enrolled with the MPYCC have resigned today to join the BJYM under Md Nasirudding Khan and brother Antas Khan from Keirao Assembly Constituency.

The Youths from Keirao joined the BJYM during a one day youth Political conference cum reception ceremony of Md Nasiruddin Khan and Dr Y Antas Khan sons of late ex Minister Md Alauddin Khan at their resident Kiyangei Muslim Awang Leikai, a spokesman said.

While delivering his speech at the function M Asnikumar General Secretary Administration said that BJP is became the biggest political party in the world under the leadership of Narendra Modi and President Amit Shah. Many political parties alleged that BJP is communal party but how would it be possible then for the party to win in Uttar Pradesh with the votes of the Muslim community, he said.

He said that BJP has many Muslim leaders in the centre and many even holds high portfolios in NDA government.

He said the Congress government is like a patient on artificial ventilation waiting to die and the BJP led NDA government is monitoring its every pulse.

In such a situation, the state`™s current financial constraint will become even more grim if people of Manipur again vote the Congress back to power.

He called upon all to join hands with the BJP in rooting out the Congress from the State.

While Md Nasiruddin Khan Alias Boiboi son of Late Alauddin Khan said that Keirao was on track of development during his late father ex-Minister Alauddin Khan but after his demise there has been no sign of change in Keirao.

Keirao has now become an MLA less constituency, he said adding that in the general election of 2017 the people must bring the BJP to power in the State.

His younger brother Dr Y Antas Khan said that the sitting Congress MLA has stolen the rights of Keirao people and Keirao has become backward.

This is why 2500 youths who had already enrolled with Congress party, resigned from Manipur Pradesh Youth Congress Committee and decided to join BJP Yuva Morcha today he said.

Congress government is looting public money from every section he further charged. He further said the Muslim people in the State today do not even know if there is any Muslim MLA in the ruling Congress government.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/around-2500-youth-congress-from-keirao-resign-to-join-bjym-bjp/