Manipur News

KANGPOKPI |Jan10

After thirteen months of efforts and struggles for development of newly created Kangpokpi district under its administrator, the residents of Kangpokpi bade farewell to its first deputy commissioner today and received its second deputy commissioner.

On the afternoon of December 9, 2016, IAS, T. Ranjit Singh, who is popularly known as ‘Man of Work’ took charge as the first deputy commissioner of Kangpokpi District amidst public exuberance over achieving districthood after more than 4 decades of struggles.

 The news of T. Ranjit Singh taking charge as the first DC of Kangpokpi district had set the mood of Kangpokpians who continued the celebration of Districthood on December 9 evening. Young and old, boys and girls, men and women were seen singing, dancing and merry making along the National Highway-2 on that particular night.

Ranjit Singh indeed once again proof his is in fact a ‘Man of Work’ by taking only 3 days casual leaves during his thirteen months in the office of DC Kangpokpi as deputy commissioner apart from streamlining all most all the departments in the district.

His concerned for the public and activeness in his administration has been widely appreciated by the people of Kangpokpi which make them hard to bid farewell today.

A simple farewell function and reception of new DC, Pradeep Chandren, IAS was organised at the Conference Hall of DC Office Kangpokpi by staffs and employees of DC Kangpokpi attended by all District Level Officers and staffs of DC Kangpokpi.

“Streamlining the Arms Licence is my greatest gift to the people of Kangpokpi” said the outgoing DC who will take charge as secretary, revenue department this afternoon while appreciating the people of Kangpokpi and CSOs for their cooperation and support towards the District administration during his tenure as DC Kangpokpi.

He also appreciated the cooperation and support rendered by the district level officers of Kangpokpi District in the administration and functioning of District Administration and appeals everyone to render the same to the new deputy commissioner so as to witness speedy development of Kangpokpi District.

The 2012 IAS batch, IAS, Pradeep Chandren, who works as SDO in various districts including Churachandpur, Chandel and as DC Ukhrul and finally joint secretary, RD and PR, Governtment of Manipur officially, took charge as DC Kangpokpi today.

The 31 years old, young and dynamic IAS officer said that to make more functional the administration of Kangpokpi District will be the biggest challenge and he is looking forward for the cooperation and support of the people and the district level officers.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Jan 10

The sixth round of political talks involving the government of India, government of Manipur, and UPF and KNO chaired today at the National Capital where demand for territorial council has been tabled on the part of UPF and KNO.

In an unprecedented development, the government has appointed former special secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing (R and AW), AB. Mathur to take over as interlocutor for the peace talks and subsequently chaired the political talks today at 11 am.

Prior to the occasion, delegates of governments and UPF and KNO bade adieu to former Interlocutor of the peace negotiation, Dineshwar Sharma.

During the talks, a draft outline of the political demand for formation of Territorial Council in Manipur signed by UPF Spokesperson, Aaron Kipgen and KNO Negotiator Dr. Seilen Haokip was submitted to the government while keeping the demand for statehood in abeyance.

Six delegates from United People’s Front (UPF) and seven delegates from Kuki National Organization (KNO) represented the two umbrella organisations in the peace negotiation.

Speaking over telephone, Aaron Kipgen stated that the peace negotiation is progressing in the right direction and several crucial issues have been discussed to provide constitutional safeguard for the Kukis in Manipur since the beginning of the first political dialogue on June 15, 2016.

“UPF and KNO are thus committed to resolve the age-old political issue with the Government of India and Government of Manipur for peaceful co-existence with all the communities in Manipur”, asserted UPF Spokesperson who is also the General Secretary of Kuki National Front (KNF).

The negotiator for KNO, Dr. Seilen Haokip stated that the historical symbiotic and cordial relations between valley people and the Kukis, which was based on self-determination of each community and respect for each other’s identity and territory, will be renewed and strengthened by Territorial Council for the Kuki people.

Meanwhile, delegates UPF and KNO had a consultation prior to the sixth round of political talks on January 9 at the national Capital and discussed on various crucial issues.

During the consultation meeting, delegates of UPF and KNO, in regards to identity, emphasised the critical need to resolve the issue of identity in view of the common interest to reach a political settlement at the earliest possible date.

The delegates of UPF and KNO also resolved to raise the issue to the top leaders of the two umbrella organisations for a nationwide consultation and following their consent, public meetings be held involving civil society leaders, intellectuals, academics, church leaders etc. as soon as possible in view of their common interest to reach a political settlement at the earliest possible date.  

From Our Correspondent

MOREH | Jan 10

The Manipuri Muslims (meitei pangals) residing in Moreh border town has drew the attention of the government to look into the plight of the community.

The Manipuri Muslims Council Moreh (MMCM), president Md. Husssain has claimed that there are about 3000 Manipuri Muslims spreading over four leikais (colonies) in Moreh ward No. 5. But, the minority Muslims are over the years being neglected and deprived of basic amenities like safe drinking waters, good roads etc.

Hussain said that none of the roads that runs through the four leikais has got black topping giving a hard time for the residents commute during rainy season.

He continued that with no safe drinking water the residents have been depending on Khujairok and Lairok rivers as their main water source.

However, both the water sources (rivers) becoming polluted with increasing human activities the residents are at risk of contracting contagious or water diseases, he further said.

Taking into consideration the plight of the minority community, he appealed the state government to intervene into the matter.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Jan 10

Chief minister, Nongthombam Biren has assured to announce various health schemes for the welfare of the people during the first Hill’s Leaders Day of this year held at chief minister’s secretariat today.

He said people are facing problems on health sector, as with the lack of technical assistance people are consulting the illness outside the state which cost high. A re-reimbursement scheme was already implemented under the ministry of health and people have starting its benefit, added the chief minister. 

Processing for the health schemes to be announced on statehood day has started processing by enrolling a health benefit card at different parts of the state, he added.

Biren Singh was speaking to reporters at the Durbar Hall of the chief minister’s secretariat today.

To remove the grievances faced by disabled and mentally retarded for enrolling AADHAR card the process has been started by separating at block level, he said.

He appealed the people to file a petition to the government to take necessary action for pension plan of old aged and disabled persons. It helped solving the problems complained during the last year’s Hill’s People Day and People’s Day.

For the current year, developmental priority will be given to employed or unemployed youths to promote the skill development. This will be followed by road connectivity, education, fisheries and others, Biren added.

Around eighty percent of state population consume fish but the state production for fish is around thirty thousand metric tons with the requirement of forty thousand metric tons. To meet the requirement the state will start up fish rearing at Loktak lake.

The weeds of the lake will be diverted at Keibul Lamjao so that the ecosystem of the park remains stable and also it will help in cleaning the lake, he added.

CM further said for connectivity the state will make improvement in information technology sector, electronic connectivity through internet, road and air connectivity. Air connectivity of direct flight Imphal-Delhi has started with Indian Airlines and from first week of April AirAsia flight service will also started for the convenience of the people.

Regarding the proposed visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March this year, the chief minister said that though official confirmation is yet to be received, Prime Minister’s visit to the state is almost certain as the state government’s first anniversary celebration falls on March 15.

Modi would also open the 105th Indian Science Congress which will begin from March 16, the Chief Minister said, while adding that the Prime Minister is also likely to inaugurate mega projects like Thoubal Dam, Dolaithabi Project, Civil Secretariat Complex and Women’s Markets of hill districts apart from laying the foundation stone of National Sports University during his visit.

He also said the state budget for the fiscal year 2018-19 would give thrust to key areas like employment through skill development, connectivity (including internet and media, road, railways and air services), education, health, fisheries, agriculture and horticulture and others.

Replying on a question CM said a joint meeting of all the government departments regarding the upcoming State Budget had already been conducted a few days back.

He also said that the state government had also taken up special measures to submit utilisation certificates on time and remove the problem of last minute rush at financial year end.

Stating that the State would have its own helicopter soon, the chief minister informed that it would be procured under 85:25 cost sharing with the union home ministry.

Regarding the complaint made by people of Singda area for construction of market in the area, he has given the assurance to construct market shed in the area at the earliest to solve the problems faced by the people of the area, Biren added.

Acting on a request of orange growers from a village in Ukhrul district, the chief minister also instructed the officials of horticulture department to conduct spot visit to take up steps for large scale orange production and detect possible plant diseases.

SENAPATI | Jan 10

Drying up of Yongchak (Tree beans) on a large scale at Ngamju and neighbouring villages in Senapati has worried hundreds of farmers.

Yongchak farmers told The Herald Today that premature death of tree beans has been happening since 2010 and getting worst since 2014 creating fear among farmers and lose of family income.

T.Shangpo from Ngamju village pointed out that Yongchak, a cash crop has now become the main source of family income. With suitable climatic condition and fertility of land, Yongchak from Ngamju are healthier with better taste and has high market demand at Imphal, Kachai in Ukhrul and Senapati. Almost all the villagers now grow not less than 30 to 40 Yongchak trees as it helps them support their children’s education and meet other daily requirements.

He further said he has planted about 500 trees and expecting a good harvest this year valuing not less than Rs.3 Lakhs. However, 70 percent of fruits bearing trees have already dried up. Beside, other farmers doing Yongchak plantation on a large scale have also been badly affected, he said.

 On being asked whether the villagers are getting any support from the government on Yongchak plantation, K.V.Longni, a retired Govt teacher and Yongchak farmer, said villagers took up plantation, without any assistance from Government, be it supply of saplings, training or financial help.

He also said that trees started drying up from the top with leaves turning yellow during flowering season from the month of September till December when fruits are too young to be reaped. Villagers couldn’t ascertain the cause of death of trees. As every household cultivates Yongchak, the villagers have decided to organise Yongchak festival in the near future but failed due to wide-spread withering of trees, he lamented.

He therefore wished the concerned department take up a proper survey and find out the cause of withering of Yongchak tree and assist the villagers for a sustainable livelihood through Yongchak.

Robinson, another farmer also shared how Yongchak sale has made some farmers rich apart from supporting their children’s education and family basic needs. As climatic condition is suitable at Ngamju, Yongchak trees bear plenty of fruits. 5 years ago, L.Paul has bought a plot of land at Senapati District Headquarter with the money he got from sale of fruits from two big trees planted in front of his house. While, D.Lah has also bought another plot of land at Senapati town with the help of four fruits bearing trees yielding him Rs.80,000 some years back, Robinson added.

Ngamju village with 346 households under Purul Block is 64 Kms away from Senapati District headquarter.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Jan 10

Parliamentary secretary to PHED and MLA of Phungyar assembly constituency, K. Leishiyo said a person must never forget his origin or background and the moment he forgets, he is a lost person.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function of 33rd Shungri Ramhao Phanit Nitrei, (cultural festival) at Sorde village, Kamjong district.

Leishiyo said everyone has its own beginning or origin and for the Tangkhuls, it is Sorde village. Its custom, tradition, culture, clothing and even religion revolves around forest, he pointed out. He went on to say that if there is no forest there will be no culture for the hill tribes in general.

But modernisation has corrupted the cultural process of the Tangkhuls and the situation is too bad that it needs to be revived before it actually fades away completely, he said.

He appreciated the villagers for preserving the culture and originality of the Tangkhuls, and advised that such tradition of cultural goodness should be carried on to the next generation.

He cited that the main reason for underdevelopment of hill areas is because of unaccountability of the locals which are given development projects. He said many people feel that hill areas are neglected, but he said the main negligence is from the people or the locals. 

Based on the theme, the festival is celebrated with all indigenous cultural ingredients such as guys were seen with traditional haircut, the badges were made from bamboo, and the hall was made from real rice straws and people not speaking their traditional language were fined Rs.500 per person during the festival.

The village headman, A. Masuwang Awungba in his presidential speech said the main objective of the festival is asking for blessings to God before any work starts for the year.

He said that until the ritual of the Ramhao (first-phase of jhum cultivation) Phanit (festival) is performed, the villagers are not allowed to do any manual work.

This year, the festival is made grander by inviting women who were married outside the village in the festival, which serves as home visit for them. Out of 80 married women, around 20-25 women came for the festival.

The festival is also attended by vice chairman of ADC Ukhrul, M. Isaac, member of ADC Ukhrul, S.Thothaishang and deputy commandant of 17 Assam Rifles D. Coy of Sorde village, Ganga Singh as guests of honour.

It was organised by the Sorde village authority and is celebrated for three days. It is a festival marked with all traditional ingredients and this festival also marked the beginning of harvesting season. The theme of the festival is ‘Ngashan mathuk-khalui’ translated as culture revival.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Jan 10

A mother of three children, Kshetrimayum Ongbi Rashi (41), wife of Ranjan, had allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself at her husband’s house at Kiyam Awang Leikai, under Thoubal police station. Her parental residence is also from near the mentioned locality.

Sources said her dead body was discovered by her husband around 11. 30 am when he returned to his house after some work. She was found being hung at hook in a room without walls by using a piece of cloth.   

The people from the surrounding locality said that Ranjan was always seen drunk and expressed their suspicion that he may have been involved in his wife’s death.   

A team of police lead by OC, Thoubal Police Station, H. Rishikesh Sharma arrived at the spot and took investigations regarding the incident. A case had been registered and Ranjan was taken in for investigations.

The dead body was collected with the assistance of forensic experts and being kept at JNIMS morgue to conduct post mortem.

Newmai News Network

KOHIMA | Jan 10

Thousands of Nagas from Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and elsewhere gathered at Kohima Local Ground in Kohima today to participate in the Naga Day observation under the banner of “Nagas Without Borders” organized by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR). Naga patriotic songs and cultural programs were displayed on the occasion. 

Marking the day a declaration “On this first Naga Day, 10 January, 2018, we affirm and uphold the Naga Hills Memorandum to the Simon Commission on 10 January, 1929, on behalf of the Naga people by the Naga Club, and we celebrate that Nagas are a people and a nation without borders.”

According to the Naga Day declaration, Nagas are a people comprised of many “nations (tribes)” living in their ancestral lands spread across the present state of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Burma (Myanmar). “By coming together in solidarity under the theme ‘Nagas Without Borders’ we demonstrate our collective desire to live as one people,” stated the declaration.

It also said that, at this point in the Naga history the Nagas come together to celebrate the journey taken so far and to examine themselves so that the path to a shared future is undertaken with responsibility, accountability and a sense of belonging with each other.

“On this historic Naga Day, we the people who have gathered together in one accord adopt this declaration,” it added.

On the Naga reconciliation process, the Naga Day declaration said that, “as Nagas we say ‘Sorry’ to each other for the hurts we have caused to one another in words, attitudes and actions thus provoking the worst in each other and damaging ourselves”. It added that, “We admit our failure for always demanding others to change, without first realizing the need to change ourselves”.

According to the Naga Day declaration, the Naga reconciliation process is a basic necessity to nurture and defend the right of the Nagas as one people. “As individuals and as Naga Nations (tribes), we agree to engage in a process of self-examination and to undertake a shared journey to wholeness through love, forgiveness, mutual understanding, compassion and healing so that Naga Reconciliation becomes a reality,” it added.

According to the declaration, to overcome the trust deficit and to strengthen the journey of healing, the Naga national groups, the State, the Churches, tribe organizations and civil society groups are encouraged to admit their failures and apologize to the people for the wrongs they have committed and to conduct themselves with honor, dignity and responsibility.

“The journey to wholeness involves ‘truth-telling’ which can be initiated at the public-level throughout Naga-Land. Churches across Naga-Land are invited to create safe and non-judgmental spaces for stories to be told without any fear whatsoever so that healing will be made possible,” it added.

On the Naga political struggle, the Naga Day declaration said that Naga Sovereignty lies with the people and on the basis of the right to self-determination freely determine our political status so that we can fully develop socially, economically, culturally and spiritually as a dignified nation.

“We impress upon the Government of India to honor its commitment to engage the Naga political rights that stem from the facts of our history with honesty, sincerity and through peaceful means. The Naga political struggle being one of the oldest running conflicts in the world, must be addressed with openness, political maturity and statesmanship, for bringing about an inclusive, just and lasting resolution without borders. This must be given paramount priority above all other issues and should be reached at the earliest,” it stated.

The Naga Day declaration also said that the Naga national groups, the Governments of India and Burma must truthfully engage the Naga political rights with utmost transparency, accountability and respect for peoples’ aspirations.

“In order to build confidence with the people and address collective trauma the Governments of India and Burma now need to go beyond militarization. In this spirit the Government of India should repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (1958) and all other anti-democratic legislations not worthy of a great democratic nation like India,” it stated.

For rebuilding relationships and peaceful co-existence, we encourage the Governments of India and Burma to admit to the gross human rights violations and to apologize for their wrong doings to the Naga people, the declaration also said.

On the ‘nation building’, the Naga Day declaration said, “We affirm that every Naga has a role to contribute in the process of nation building”.

“We pledge to work day by day towards recovering values of common good, nurturing indigenous wisdom, cultivating practices of honesty and integrity, dialogue, respect, sharing and giving, so that everyone benefits and lives with dignity today and in the future,” it also said.

“We commit ourselves towards intentionally upholding gender justice and creating space for young people to lead us in this 21st century,” it added.

According to the declaration, from this day forward we commit ourselves to working together and shouldering the responsibilities to overcome social, “systematic developmental aggression” and systemic corruption that are destroying the Naga way of life and undermining the ability of our institutions to nurture and fulfil our aspirations.

“In this time of difficult challenges, Nagas need to be led by women and men who are led by God. We pray that God will provide such leaders who will inspire us to walk in the path of justice and mercy,” it added.

On the Naga Day, the declaration paper said, as part of the Naga Day celebration we resolve to explore and evolve creative ways of educating and empowering ourselves about our history, our culture, our land, our rights and our responsibilities.

“On this day we agree to strive towards rapprochement with our neighbors in building better relationships based on mutual trust and respect.  We urge all Nagas to celebrate Naga Day on the 10th day of January every year where ever Nagas may be in a manner that will deepen our relationships and enrich our understanding of each other as one people. Naga Day belongs to all Nagas and not to any organization,” the Naga Day declaration added.

Outrage over delivery sans medical staff on hospital bed rocks JNIMS

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Jan 10

The director of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) Th. Bhimo constituted an inquiry committee to probe the case of child delivery on hospital bed after alleged negligence by her doctor.

“We have constituted a committee to inquire into the incident. We asked the committee to submit its findings by 4 pm today,” the director of the institute Th. Bhimo told reporters during an interaction programme between the health minister L. Jayentakumar Singh and senior journalists at the former’s office today.

The committee is comprised of doctors from gynae, medicine and forensic departments.

“We will take the next step according to the findings of the committee,” the director said.

It is not known whether the report has been submitted by the deadline.

An Imphal based vernacular daily reported in its January 8 edition that an expecting mother delivered her child on her bed of the institute at 7 am of January 7. The report alleged that the delivery took place without the help of any medical staff, five minutes after the patient’s lady doctor had told her that the delivery would be delayed.

The 32-year-old woman, who hails from Ukhrul district, was admitted to the hospital on January 4. After the delivery on the bed the hospital staff including nurses “forced” the relatives of the patient to clean up the post delivery mess.

Responding to the issue of alleged “indifference” by doctors and nurses leading to frequent confrontations between the relatives of patients and hospital staff the JNIMS director said he has convened a meeting of all the head of departments of the institute tomorrow to discuss problems of the institute and also on measures to maintain a cordial relationship between the hospital and staff and patients’ parties.

The director said because of absence of about 20 junior doctors at the institute after they have gone for appearing examinations for post graduate studies the institute has been facing problems.

Jayentakumar interacted with the journalists on many health related issues including the functions and responsibilities of food safety department of the state.

Answering to the questions on problems of untested food items imported from outside the state, particularly fish coming from outside the minister asserted that construction of the administrative building of the food safety office at Moreh will be completed soon. The process to procure new machines for testing different food items is on the pipeline, he added.

Suggestions from media persons were also heard by the minister. He also assured that all possible steps will be taken up to curb health and food safety related issues.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Jan 10

The proscribed Kuki National Front (Nehlun) in a meeting held under its president, Dr. Napoleon Kremlin on January 7 discussed the activities taken up and administrative functioning of all departments under Island Sub Division of Kangpokpi District in the past 2017 while adopting two important resolutions.

The press communiqué of the outfit signed by its information and publicity secretary, Gogou Vaiphei stated that the resolutions adopted in the meeting included that felling of trees and fresh jhum cultivation will be restricted in dense forest area within Island block of Kangpokpi District for three consecutive three years with immediate effect.

He said that the forest in hilly region of the area should not be burnt down under any circumstances for any purpose and hunters should only hunt within their own respective village jurisdictions while cautioning that any violators will be treated accordingly and the organisation shall not be blamed for the same.

In order to rejuvenate and strengthen the outfit positions, the president approved the recommendations put up by the commander in chief of the outfit, James Kuki and reshuffled the responsibilities of its civil, finance and arms wings.

The press statement said that in the arms wing, Alex Kuki have been appointed as CO general head quarters while in the civil department, Kennedy Kuki have been appointed as organising secretary and Justin Kuki, David Kuki and Brandon Kuki were appointed public relation officer respectively.

It further said that in the finance department of the outfit, Nelson Kuki will look after the general headquarters, Max Kuki (Saikul and New Keithelmanbi), Amos Kuki (Kangpokpi), Ricky Kuki (Imphal), Tyson Kuki (Chandel and Tengnoupal district) and Samson (Churachandpur and Pherzawl district.