Manipur News

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 14

Social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen today on the occasion of children’s day celebration urged every parent to encourage their children for holistic education as they are the key to inclusive development of a society.  

“Children should be guided on the right track to become successful in the future and it can be only done by providing right education, care and peaceful environment to promote their growth and development”, she stated.

She was making this statement as the chief guest at the state level function of children’s day today organised by department of social welfare at GM hall.

The minister drew the attention of all to come forward for children’s rights, care and education so as to empower children to be innovators, scholars, researchers and torch bearers in the road to development.

Keeping the vision of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in mind, minister Nemcha urged everyone to join hands from this moment to work for the well-being of the children.

Social welfare minister assured that all possible assistance for the welfare and development of children’s community will be extended and that their rights will not be curtailed in any way.

Director of social welfare, Jacintha Lazarus and joint director of the department attended the function as presidium members.

Children and students who attended the programme were handed over gifts by the dignitaries.

The programme was enchanted by mime play by the students of Deaf and Mute School Takyel, group dance by children of Bal Bhavan, Imphal and students of Blind School, Takyel.

It may be noted children’s day is celebrated in commemoration of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday since 1965. The profound love for children is the big reason for celebrating this day.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 14

MPCC spokespersons Kh. Joykishan Singh, today urged the BJP and its coalition partner to take a decision in tomorrow’s cabinet meeting scheduled to be held in Tamenglong district, assuring Manipur’s aged old hill and valley ties will not to be allowed to be affected by the ‘Framework Agreement’ signed between the NSCN (IM) and the Centre. 

Speaking to media persons during a press meet held at Congress Bhawan, the MPCC spokesperson said Congress party would intensify its campaign demanding to know the contents of ‘Framework Agreement’, which has created a lot of confusion of late.

He informed that the campaign will be held at Mayang Imphal on November 15 and at Khundrakpam on the following day and at other districts thereof.

The people are wary of the threat the agreement is posing to the peaceful co-existence of hill and valley in the state, he said.

If the present government is sincerely committed about its ‘go to hills’ initiative, aimed at bridging the gap between hills and valley, it must end this confusion conclusively, said Kh. Joykishan.

Joykishan further said the state government should reassure the people by announcing its readiness to take full responsibility for any unwanted consequences arising out of the ongoing Naga-peace talks.

Contending that tomorrow’s Cabinet is a test for the BJP led government, he urged the people to ponder on the policies of the government.

The press conference was attended by Bishnupur MLA, Govindas Konthoujam, MLA Th. Lokeswar, MLA K. Meghachandra and other key members of the party.

IMPHAL | Nov 14

State paid last respect to the two Assam Rifles jawans who were killed in a bomb blast at Chandel district headquarters yesterday Chief Minister, N. Biren led the people in laying wreath on the mortal remains of the two jawans of 18 AR at Imphal international airport today.  

Talking to the media on the sidelines of the ceremony, Biren termed the incident as unfortunate.

He said it is a cowardly act to kill jawans who are here to serve the people and condemned it in the strongest term.

Government will not tolerate such acts and appropriate action will be initiated against those who are responsible for the killing and no one will be spared, he said. Soon after the blast additional forces including police commandos rushed to the area and large scale combing operations has already begun and if required, reinforcement will also be sent, he informed.

1. Biren continued that he has already spoken to the ministry of home affairs and appropriate action will be taken in this regard.

Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Ksh. Bhavananda Singh, director general of police, L. M. Khaute, deputy commissioner of Chandel district, inspector general Assam Rifles (South) Major General Virendra Singh and other top paramilitary officials also laid wreaths to the mortal remains of the two Assam Rifles jawans namely, Sohan Lal and Inder Singh. The two bodies will be sent to their respective native States for the last rites later today.

It may be mentioned that, besides killing two jawans, six others were injured in the blast suspected to be triggered by militants near Chandel district headquarters yesterday morning at around 6 am. One jawan killed on the spot while the other succumbed to his injuries on the way to hospital.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Nov 14

Around 72 bird traps seized by the Kakching range from different wetlands such as Loushipat, Kharungpat, Khoidumpat, Pumlenpat and Moirangkom pat were burnt today at Kakching Lamkhai on the side of National Highways, 102 in front of Kakching Range office in presence of the media fraternity. 

Starting the wildlife conservation drive, a search operation under the guidance of range forest officer, Kakching district, N. Munal Meitei, forest beat officer, Waikhong, N. Brojen Singh, honorary wildlife warden, Thoubal W. Ramchandra Singh, wildlife warden, Kakching districting, M. Opendro Singh, deputy ranger, M. Biran Singh and N. Mangi Singh F.G. took part in the drive.

During the drive, four bird traps were recovered from Komnao village which is very important place for migratory birds at conjuncture of the Khoidum Pat and Pumlen Pat. Taking advantage of the darkness due to fogginess, the offenders were escaped. The members of Youth Organization, Komnao expressed keen enthusiasm to help the forest department to save the wildlife and migratory birds in future.

While checking the Moirangkom Pat later at the Western of Kakching Khunou village, 3 bird traps were again detected and removed without the offenders.

Again from Langmeidong Makha Pat, one trap was also recovered and removed.

Later altogether around 72 bird traps including the ones which were seized last year were burnt at the side of N.H.102 in front of the Kakching Range office. Media fraternity were present during the disposal.

The range forest officer, N. Munal Meitei said that departmental drives to protect the wildlife including the migratory birds will be started in the Kakching district from today onwards in a strict manner.

He appealed to the general public not to kill wildlife by trapping or poisoning. Further, he said that the office will start checking the transportation of birds etc. in market areas including the buses where the trappers make the women fish sellers carry the killed birds in their fish boxes.

The Kakching range office will start checking the hotels as they are suspicious of selling the cooked, fried birds and wildlife products.

The range officer further appealed not to burn hay stalks or start wild fires since they cause harm to our environment and ecology. If all the hay stalks of this district are burnt, then the pollution level of Manipur will be much higher than present Delhi, he said.