Manipur News

IMPHAL | Nov 30  

Ganja (cannabis) worth around Rs. 4.5 lakhs was disposed today by the Imphal East Police at Pungdongbam Kangla Hairabi hills, Lamlai.

On August 13, 2014 and on 5 May, 2015, a load of ganja (cannabis) 275 kg and 30 kg was caught respectively and vicinity by Litan police station in Ukhrul district.

After apprehending the said items the Ukhrul chief judicial magistrate (CJM) gave an order on November 13 to consign all the ceased items to flame and to carry out within December 30.

Carrying out the CJM’s order, the ceased items were consigned to flames today at around 11 am under the supervision of narcotics and affairs of borders (NAB) superintendent of police W. Basudeva Singh.

IMPHAL | Nov 30

 Chief minister N. Biren Singh has congratulated Saikhom Mirabai Chanu on winning a gold medal at the World Weightlifting Championships in Anaheim, United States.

In his congratulatory message, the chief minister stated that the whole state feels proud of her as she has become the second Indian weightlifter, who has won a gold medal in World Weightlifting Championship after Karnam Malleswari.

This feat has once again proved to the world that Manipur is the sports powerhouse of India, he added.

Expressing hope that the star weightlifter would bring more laurels to the country and the state, chief minister conveyed his best wishes in all her future competitions.

IMPHAL | Nov 30

Forests and Environment minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar today said Manipur could have been an unknown place for the world if there was no Sangai in Keibul Lamjao. Lauding the locals for the successful and peaceful celebration of the festival at the Keibul Lamjao, he said it is the right place to celebrate the festival.

Minister Th. Shyamkumar was speaking at the closing function of the Manipur Sangai Festival 2017 held at the YICCL ground, Keibul Lamjao, Bishnupur district organised by the Forest Department and Tourism Department.

He said he was happy and satisfied that the Manipur Sangai Festival 2017 was successfully organised at various locations, including at the Keibul Lamjao, which is the habitat of Sangai. Large numbers of tourists from outside the State were attracted to the festival just because of the Sangai, he added.

Giving assurance to the local people, Th. Shyamkumar said in future the festival will be celebrated on a larger platform, as celebrated in other areas of Imphal. Observing that there is need for 5-star hotel in the area to accommodate visitors during the festival, he also stressed upon the need for promotion of rural tourism.

He said that Chief minister N. Biren Singh has been working for the welfare of the people understanding their sentiments. That is why he gave permission to Forest Department to extend the Curtain Raiser to another 10 days for the people of Keibul Lamjao, he added.

Stating that the people of Manipur are proud of Bishnupur district due to its historical background, he said it should be immense pride for the locals that the President of the country visited the district.

 He said it is unfortunate that a Kharsha (Hog deer) was killed during the time of the festival and when people are working to save the wildlife. Stating that the locals of Keibul Lamjao and the surrounding areas have major responsibility to protect the Sangai, he called upon the citizens to contribute in saving the wildlife of the State.

Th. Shyamkumar also lauded the locals of Keibul Lamjao and the leaders for their contribution in saving the wildlife. He also appreciated the locals for the peaceful celebration of the festival.

1. Robindro Singh, MLA Thanga A/C and chairman of PDA, M. Ashinikumar Singh, vice chairman, MIDA Manipur, K. Angami, PCCF and HoFF and other dignitaries attended the function.

From Our Correspondent

MOREH | Nov 30

To make a more close friendship and relationship between India and Myanmar, government of India has provided 300 tons of Bailey Bridge structure to the government of Myanmar.

A handing over ceremony of 300 tons of Bailey Bridge’s structure was held today at Tamu, where an agreement was signed between the government of India and Myanmar government. On the occasion, deputy chief of Mission – Indian Ambassy, Myanmar, Bshyam represented the government of India and the major general of Myanmar Army represented the Myanmar government.

On the occasion was also attended by Col. Naveen Mahajan of DOGRA from Indian embassy to Myanmar, DIG of 26 Sector AR, A.S. Chauhan and commandant of 11 AR, R.S. Rawat as the representatives of government of India.

After the handing over 300 tons of the bridge’s structure, all the officials of Myanmar and India inspected the structure of Bailey Bridge, followed by visiting the Indo-Myanmar Friendship Gate No. 2 and the Namphalong Market. They also securitised the Menal river which is between the two countries.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Nov 30

The first edition of the Tangkhul Leadership Summit has begun today with active participation of leaders from across the social spectrum of the district at Town Hall, Ukhrul, under the theme ‘Explore Your Possibilities’.

In his keynote address, TBCA youth union, executive secretary, Ramnganing Ruivah highlighted that the summit is the first of its kind in the history of the district. It is being initiated with the aim of exploring possibilities in strengthening the capabilities of leaders through result-oriented discussion and sharing of innovative ideas, he added.

43-Phungyar MLA, Leishiyo Keishing as a panellist, shared his views on why he turned to politics to serve the community as a people’s representative.

Leishiyo Keishing, who is an engineer by profession, observed that there is a world of difference between technical professions and politics. He opined that technology works like a robot propelled by inputs, while the politics is all about evolving the best policy and decision making strategies to serve the people.

Responding to a query from the audience, the MLA lamented that one of the hurdles in fulfilling the wish of the people has been the lack of accurate data on the population of the district. He said that people from the community are scattered in various places out of the region, and thus many have been left out from the previous census data.

Meanwhile, president Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), Grace Shatshang stated that women leaders should strive to empower women folk, by striving for equal representation in the decision making process of the society.

Furthermore, as panellist in the second session, executive secretary TBCA, Mathotmi Vasha, director TTA, YL Mingthing and president TBPA, Remember Rimai exhorted on how both the church and social leaders should work together to strengthen the relationship between the church and the state.

The two-day summit was organized by TBCA youth union under the sponsorship of the Northeast India Youth Advanced Mission (NIYAM), Ukhrul.

The summit will be bringing leaders from different areas and walks of life, including CVOs, churches, politics, entertainment and others. The second day will also feature 45-Chingai MLA, Khashim Vashum and other prominent Tangkhul leaders who have made a positive impact on the community.

IMPHAL | Nov 30

Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Shri Karam Shyam today arrived at his office riding a bicycle.

He also rode bicycle till the Chief Minster’s Bungalow for the Cabinet meet held in the afternoon today. As announced on November 26, 2017 during Cyclothon at Malom Oil Depot, the Minister began his cycle ride from his official residence at Sanjenthong till his office at Old Secretariat, Babupara.

Speaking to media persons at his office at Old Secretariat, the Minister said the objective of the cycle ride is to spread awareness about fuel conservation. The future generation must take active part in fuel conservation, he added.

The Minister also said the mindset among the general public is that riding a bicycle lowers the status and that the mindset needs to be changed. He said youths of the State must not feel ashamed riding bicycle to school/college and coaching classes.

Minister Karam Shyam also stated that one should set a challenge to bring a change and not wait for others to initiate the change. Every individual must lead a practical life to bring a positive change taking ownership in leadership.

He said one should live with determination to bring a positive change for the welfare of the future generation. The Minister said that chief minister N. Biren Singh encouraged and appreciated his decision to cycle to work.

He hoped that other Cabinet ministers will also follow suit. He also stated that elected members must practice austerity to bring a new positive wave in the political system.

Minister Karam Shyam also said that his decision to cycle to work is generating mixed response among the public. Stating that he will stand by his decision, he assured that he will continue to cycle to work every Thursday as announced earlier.

IMPHAL | Nov 30

Sport minister, Letpao Haokip today congratulated Mirabai Chanu for getting gold medal in the World Weightlifting Championship held in Anaheim, USA.

The minister was speaking to media persons during the launch of lottery (housie) tickets in aid of of Kuki Sporting Club (KSC) at Khuman Lampak indoor stadium.

Letpao said Mirabai has become the only India to win a gold medal at the World Weightlifting Championship in over two decades and on behalf of the state congratulated the weightlifter.

Manipur is not only known as the power house of sports in the country but also hailed as the sports capital of India by President Ram Nath Kovind during the inaugural function of the Sangai festival, he said.

Subsequently, the performance of Manipur youths in U-17 FIFA World Cup, Mary Kom’s victory in Asian Championship and Mirabai latest achievement, lived up to the expectation of the nation and Manipur in particular state, asserted Letpao.

The ticket launching ceremony was also attended by P. Doungel, IPS ADGP, vice president KSC and general secretary KSC, C. Kipgen retd. MSC.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 30

The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) has strongly condemned the Information and Public Relation (IPR) department for having failed to invite the union during the 2-days inter-regional media interaction programme between Myanmar and India which ended last Tuesday.

Briefing media persons today at Manipur Press Club, the AMWJU president, W. Shamjai, termed the act of IPR as an act of insult to journalist fraternity of the state.

According to Shamjai, a meeting was convened by the IPR minister, Th. Biswajit, days before the interaction was organised. During the meeting representatives of AMWJU, Editor’s Guild and Manipur Hill Journalists Union had a threadbare discussion with the minister for smooth conduct of the event, he said.

However, the IPR allegedly sidelined AMWJU by not inviting the journalist body during the 2 days event.

 Disappointed over IPR’s action, the AMWJU president said “overlooking AMWJU on the day of event is like an insult by the IPR department who is organizing the event. As a result the programme was also turned out to be ineffective”.

Nevertheless, he lauded chief minister, N. Biren for taking up such initiatives of conducting the media interaction. 

Shamjai informed that a memorandum will be submitted to the chief minister tomorrow with regards to the incident demanding action against the irresponsible officials. At the same time, a copy of the memorandum will also be sent to Press Council of India, added the president.

The president also informed that AMWJU has deposited Rs. 60 lakhs for union fund (generated from the lottery organised last year) with the State Bank of India and that an annual interest of Rs. 4 lakhs is expected from it.

The interest will be used as financial assistance for AMWJU members in case of medical emergencies besides providing financial help even for the nominee, he added.

Further spelling out steps taken up by the union with regards to the welfare of journalists, he said AMWJU is in the process to construct “Manipur Journalist Housing Colony (with a seven storey building)” at Lamphel.

Contending that there are handful of non-journalists possessing press ID cards, he appealed all the media houses to extend their co-operation in AMWJU’s process for segregation.

The president also informed that AMWJU will conduct random drive against individuals misusing “PRESS” sticker.

New policy makes posting duration 2 yrs min and 5 yrs max

IMPHAL | Nov 30

The state Cabinet has approved the extension of the Disturbed Area status in Manipur excluding Imphal Municipal Area for a period of one year with effect from December 1.

It may be recalled, DAA is the precondition for promulgation of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act, AFSPA.

A DIPR statement said that the extension of DAA status was approved in a Cabinet meeting held today at chief minister’s secretariat with the CM, N. Biren in the chair, said. However, the details of the circumstances of the extension DA status were not mentioned.

The meeting has also reportedly approved the much awaited fresh Transfer and Posting Policy for Government servants today.

It said as per the new policy, normal tenure of posting of employees (including officers) in a post will be a minimum of two years and maximum of five years in a place of posting.

Any Government servant who brings or attempts to bring any political or other external influence to bear upon any authority to further his/her interest in respect of matters pertaining to services under the Government, including transfers, shall be liable for punitive action against him/her for violation of Rule 20 of the Civil Services Conduct Rules.          

The total period of posting in difficult places/areas/hills shall not be less than nine years. At least one posting in hills will be mandatory for the next promotion after completion of 10 years of service.

All recruitment rules will be deemed to have been modified to this extent after notification of this policy.

Transfer of teachers/lecturers of schools/higher secondary schools/colleges and other institutions shall normally be effected between the academic sessions i.e. just after the closing of sessions, so that disruption of teaching/learning activities is avoided.

The Cabinet also decided to recommend the Governor to summon the third session of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly as the Winter Session from December 20.

The Cabinet also gave its nod to appointment of pending applications/proposals received on or before November 11, 2016 by the department of Personnel under 20 per cent norm under the die-in-harness scheme.

It also endorsed the proposal for creating two ex-cadre posts of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) in Police Department temporarily.

The Cabinet also approved the ex-gratia payment of Rs. 20 lakhs each to next of kin of all three Manipur Rifles personnel killed in a tragic accident on November 15 between Kaikao village and Khongshang Tri-junction on Tamenglong-Khongshang road.

It also decided to provide Rs 5 lakh each to two MR personnel and one civilian driver, who were injured in the same incident.

The State Cabinet also gave its nod to creation of 31 posts for the High Court of Manipur.

It also decided to acquire land under Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 for expansion/construction of NH-102 (Imphal-Moreh) in Thoubal and Kakching districts.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 30

The ten days festival of celebrating culture unity, peace and diversity has come to a hesitating end today and the grand valedictory function was held at Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT), Palace Compound.

The function was attended by governor of Manipur, Najma Heptullah, governor of Meghalaya, Ganga Prasad, chief minister of Manipur, Nongthombam Biren Singh and deputy chief minister, Y. Joykumar Singh as presidium members.

Speaking as chief guest, Najma Heptullah said that this year’s Sangai festival saw a lot that the state has never witnessed and said that this is the beginning of a new era for the state in becoming a new tourist hub.

Dressed in a traditional attire of Rongmei tribal community, the governor said that the state with its bountiful share of beauty has a great tourism potential. The Act East Policy powered by the central government is also poised to open up new avenues for tourism, she added.

She also maintained that the state government and people are equally responsible in taking the state forward. If the tourism potential is tapped successfully, the state can also maintain a vibrant economy, she added.

This festival is successful as crowded and served its purpose of peace progress and prosperity, she lamented.

Highlighting that the festival is a rare platform where the artistes of the state have a chance to show their talents, she urged them to continue their efforts for improving their performance so that the rich cultural heritage of the state is displayed in its true spirit to entice the tourists.

Chief minister in his presidential speech, congratulated Mirabai Chanu for setting a new world record by lifting 85kg in snatch and 109kg in clean and jerk to total an impressive 194kg in the women’s 48kg, in the World Weightlifting Championship at USA by Saikhom Mirabai Chanu.

He said that the participation of the President, Ram Nath Kovind on the inaugural day of the North East Development Summit is one of the most successful initiatives of the festival. 39 MoUs that were signed with different investors from within the country as well as from abroad for development of the state in connection with food processing, tourism, IT sectors and others are important signs that tourists are interested to invest in our state, he added.

The CM stressed that the participation of countries like Bhutan, Cambodia, Egypt, Haiti, Japan, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Russia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey, U.A.E. and Zimbabwe has been a huge crowd puller this year.

Administrative secretaries and officials who have taken responsibilities for the success of the festival were felicitated by the chief minister at the function. The valedictory function was attended by thousands and concluded with a good note by mesmerising choreography on the theme of Sangai festival, ‘Celebrating Unity, Culture and Diversity’ by noted choreographer, Amusana Devi.

People thronged to the festival venues to have a moment at the eleventh hour. Traffic jam decorated the streets with lights and horns.