Manipur News

IMPHAL | Sept 28

National award film ‘Eibusu Yaohanbiyu’ directed by Haorongbam Maipaksana has been officially selected in the 20th International Children’s Film Festival, India (ICFFI) organised by the Children’s Film Society India (CFSI) under the ministry of information and broadcasting.

The festival will be held in Hyderabad from November 8-14. The film has opened a new chapter in the history of Manipuri cinema on getting selected in the international competition section of the prestigious International Children Festival.

Shravan Kumar, festival director of the International Children’s Film Festival India yesterday sent the official invitation to the film maker Maipaksana for attending the screening in the festival.

The film is about the victory of a differently-abled boy’s attempt to join a football team. The story revolves around a football loving physically challenged school boy and his determination to take part in his school football.

Maipaksana who had completed three years Diploma in film editing from Jyoti Chitraban Regional Film and Television Institute, Guwahati has also contributed towards the promotion of modern and folk theatre of Manipur.

International Children’s Film Festival India popularly known as The Golden Elephant is a biennial festival that strives to bring the most imaginative and delightful international and national children’s cinema to young audiences in India.

The festival presents features, shorts, live action and animation films over seven days of festive celebrations attended by more than one hundred thousand children and hundreds of film professionals and eminent guests from around the world.

This Asian Panorama competition section will present the best of children’s films from Asia and aims to encourage talented Asian filmmakers who are making high quality, sensitive and entertaining films exclusively for children.

The aim of Little Directors competition section is to encourage children and young people to experiment with the moving image, and stimulate pursuit of film-making both as an art as well as a creative expression of their point of view.

IMPHAL | Sept 28

All Jiribam Muslim Socio-Economic and Cultural Development Organisation (AJMSECDO) has submitted a memorandum to the chief minister, N. Biren Singh demanding to arrange a tripartite talk of government of Manipur, JCILPS, KSA and AJMSECDO at Imphal in the larger interest of the minority communities of Jiribam.

The memorandum stated that the foreigners issue including local and non-locals in Manipur has become a burning problem in Jiribam because some Imphal based organisations like JCILPS, KSA and others often targeted the non-Manipuris namely Bengalis (Hindu and Muslim) and other minority communities who have been residing in Jiribam since time immemorial even during the period of maharajas as foreigners/non-local and not indigenous people of Manipur.

It said these Bengali speaking people and other non-manipuri speaking people are the citizen of Manipur and indigenous citizen in category but non-locals because they had settled in Jiribam keeping brotherly relation with the meeteis and maintaining peace and harmony and taking part in all major issues of Manipur.

The sentimental languages like foreigners, non-locals, non-indigenous, etc. against Bengali speaking and other non-Manipur speaking people published in local dailies and broadcasted in electronic media by JCILPS, KSA and other hurt the sentiment of those people and added that there is doubt  and fear that such publication and broadcasting may create communal tension between the major and minority communities in Jiribam.

A statement of the association that an executive committee meeting was held on September 26 at the premises of Al-Ameen School, Sonapur, Jiribam to discuss various agendas including correction of error in Aadhaar ID and Voter ID.

It said that the meeting discussed in length about error entries in voter IDs and aadhaar IDs which does not tally the name and identification of the individuals and added that such error may have been done by the authorities concerned and not by the individuals and unanimously resolved for correction of the errors.

The meeting unanimously resolved to appeal the Jiribam DC to make arrangement for mass correction of the errors in voter and Aadhaar IDs at the earliest and also to appeal Jiribam SP to co-operate with the authority concerned in the correction of the errors, it added.

 Stating that some individuals are using unwanted languages in open markets, roads and streets, hotels, public places and even in camera and public meetings which may affect sentiments of opposite communities, it said that the meeting unanimously resolved to appeal the Jiribam DC and SP to keep a strict vigil on the matter and take appropriate action against those found involved in such matter.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Sept 28

Ukhrul Police arrested Md. Umar Khan (18), son of (Late) Md. Bashiruddin and his associate Bogi MV Hessalullah from Marzah Hotel, Phungreitang, Ukhrul on September 25. Both the arrested persons are reported to be from Mayang Imphal.

A written complaint was filed at Ukhrul police station on September 9 against Umar Khan, who claimed himself to be an expert in healing piles and gave treatment to one lady named S. Achung at Marzah Hotel, Phungreitang Ukhrul.

He also sold medicine (Hemorrhoids ointment) at an unreasonable rate of Rs. 1500 whereas the actual retail price is Rs. 58 only. Moreover, he forged the signature of the lady patient and published in a local newspaper claiming that his treatment has cured Hemorrhoids.

Umar Khan is registered under FIR No. 19(9)2017 UK PS U/S 419/420/468/471/34 (IPC) for cheating, forgery, impersonation and common intention. He and his assistant are in the custody of Ukhrul Police station.

According to SDPO Ukhrul, the duo was produced before the CJM of Imphal West – II since the CJM of Ukhrul is on leave. It is reported that the duo had been operating at Marzah hotel on every Monday and Tuesday from 7 am to 3 pm.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 28

A 17-year-old karateka, Thokchom Roji Chanu will represent India in the world cadet, junior and U21 championships at Santa Cruz, Spain from October 26-29 and for that she urged civil societies and citizens of the state to extend financial assistance for her journey.

Daughter of Thokchom Sonamani Singh and Thokchom Shanti of Patsoi Part-4 brought home a silver medal in the South Asian Karate Championship 2017 which was held on August 3-7 at Colombo, Sri Lanka.

In a press meet conducted at Manipur Press Club, Roji said that it would be a proud moment for her to represent not only Manipur but India in the world championships. “I am preparing myself to go there but my family is having a second thought as we have no money or even the required amount to go,” she said.

She appealed to civil societies, leaders, politicians and any individual of the state to help her with financial assistance for her next bout in Spain. She and her family suggested a fund-drive for her next big participation.

Her former bout was sponsored by editor of local daily (Naharol Thoudang) Khoirom Loyalakpa and received a silver medal in the championship.

She told IFP that she learnt karate from her coach Mutum Bankim Singh and under his guidance she was exposed to such levels. She said her first break was in 2015, getting gold medal in the state level Shito-Ryu Seikokai karate championship.

IMPHAL | Sept 28

Karam Shyam, minister, consumer affairs, food and public distribution said the State government is now able to regularly supply kerosene oil to the beneficiaries after oil adulteration was put into check.

Speaking to the media at his official quarter at Sanjenthong, the minister said the allegation levelled by the spokesperson of a political party against the government is incorrect and baseless.

The minister further accused Indian Oil Corporation of creating an artificial scarcity of LPG cylinders in the state. Expressing concern over the inconveniences faced by the consumers due to LPG scarcity, Shyam reiterated the government is committed to solve the problem. 

Further he said that he has given instructions to the officials concerned to ensure adequate supply of LPG in view of Ningol Chakouba. Stating that stern action will be taken up against those persons responsible for scarcity of LPG in the State, the minister said consumers are also losing out on their subsidies as well.

Shaym said if needed, he will consult with the chief minister and take up the matter with the Union minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and IOC. 

The State requires 51, 17.864 MT (Metric Tonne) LPG in a month for the 3, 60,413 consumers of subsidized LPG (14.2 kg). However, the IOC (Indian Oil Corporation) supplied 2791.663 MT in April, 1377.214 MT in May, 2092.76 MT in June, 1398.13 MT in July, 1663.7 MT in August and 1147.98 MT (under process) for September this year.

Shyam refuting the charges regarding Kerosene oil, he said there is no bill passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly entitling kerosene quota to the MLAs. The present government has increased the quantity of kerosene oil for the MLAs provided from the ‘Kerosene Reserve’ of the directorate, he added.

The minister also stated the present government cleared the backlog of previous government for 4 months (December 2016, January – March 2017) by allocating 12 KL (Kilo Litre) of kerosene (3KL for each month). He said kerosene for the period of April-June 2016 was 5561. 8 KL (3 KL allocated for MLAs), July-September 2016 was 5292 KL (2 KL for MLAs), April –June 2017 was 4476 KL (2.5 KL for MLAs) and July- September 2017 is 4476 KL (2.5 KL for MLAs).

He continued despite the fluctuations in the quantity of Kerosene allocated for the State, the MLAs are getting increased quantity of Kerosene as compared to the previous government.

IMPHAL | Sept 28

There will be a planned power shutdown from 7:30 am to 9:30 am in and around Secretariat and Babupara areas on September 29, due to continuation of repairing of GO Set at Kangla Southern Gate, said a press statement by deputy general manager, IED-1, MSPDCL.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 28

Chairperson of 17th Manipur Integrity and Solidarity Day observance committee, Ph. Shakhi Leima alleged that India government loves Manipur’s land not the people.

Addressing Manipur Integrity and Solidarity Day today at Lamyanba Shanglen, Konung Mamang, Shakhi said Manipur has been protecting by various ethnic groups since time immemorial both in hill and valleys. But in recent years the centre has been trying to destroy the integrity of Manipur by using NSCN(IM) as a main weapon, she charged.

Centre is playing divide and rule policy by destroying the bond between the various ethnic groups, but it has been a failure, she said.

The people of the state are different from other states in looks and in many other qualities. Due to the difference Manipuris people will be discriminated forever and it may not be possible to live together like a family, she claimed.

She charged that centre has been sending homeless people from other states to Manipur.

Shakhi said if the contents of the ‘Framework Agreement’ do not affect Manipur’s integrity, it should be made public.

“The integrity of the state will not be compromised at any cost. If the framework agreement affects the integrity of the state Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) and National Identity Protection Council (NIPCO) will fight against it,” she added.

Advisor of Kuki Women Union Manipur, Rose Manshi Haokip said the contents of the ‘Framework Agreement’ are not known to state government. If the contents are against the state integrity, all ethnic groups must unite to save Manipur, she said.

Reacting to opposition to the creation of new districts, Rose said the new districts are for administrative convenience and not to divide the ethnic groups.

If people of hills and valleys unite as one, it will be impossible for Centre to disintegrate Manipur. Centre should clarify on the contents of ‘Framework Agreement’ at the earliest, she demanded.

Vice-chairman of observance committee, Oinam Premjit told the media that there is apprehension, that the ‘Framework Agreement’ may affect territorial integrity of the state. People must stand united fight for the state, he said.

President of Aimol Tribe Union Manipur (ATUM), Rt. Akhel Aimol, spokesperson of Chiru Union, North east, Angam Zatung Chiru, general secretary of Manipur Muslim Online Forum, Md. Nasir Khan and department of anthropology, Manipur University Prof W. Nabakumar, department of economics, Manipur University, Prof Ch. Priyoranjan also attended the function as presidium members and resource persons.

Upcoming city’s Night Plaza given “Imphal Evening” tag

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 28

The Manipur State Co-operative Bank Limited (MSCB) has today disbursed loans to 642 persons involving a sum of Rs.2, 25, 08, 500 to credit-starved people of the state in the presence of the chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh.

Addressing the gathering, the chief minister said that a scheme especially for differently abled persons will be launched in the first week of next month.

Biren said that under the scheme, partially disabled people will be given loans to start their own business or employment and totally disabled persons will be given monthly pension of Rs. 2000.

He urged the banks, both private and public banks, to help the poor and differently abled persons by giving customer-friendly procedures and maintaining corpus fund, appreciating MSCB and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development’s (NABARD) initiatives in maintaining a good and stable economy.

The chief minister also announced that President Ram Nath Kovind will be inaugurating this year state’s annual tourism event Sangai Festival on November 21. Ambassadors from 15 countries will come to take part in the event to study potential of investment in the state, he continued.

Biren also announced that the proposed Night Plaza which will be held from October 2 will be called “Imphal Evening”. 

The programme was also attended by social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen and MAHUD minister Th. Shyamkumar Singh as president and guest of honour, respectively.

Giving the keynote address, managing director of MSCB, A. Subhash Singh said as the apex cooperative bank of the state, they are extending credit facilities to the credit-starved people of the state like agriculturists, businessmen, weavers and consumer co-operatives, women vendors and so on.

Four credit facilities were distributed namely Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Ima Credit Card (ICC), Piggery financing and dairy value chain financing under NABARD’s area development scheme.

The bank disbursed KCC loan to 420 farmers from 17 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) ranging from a minimum of Rs.15,000 to a maximum of Rs.30,000 per farmer totalling to Rs.72,16,500.

MSCB donated Rs.1,00,000 to the CM’s Relief Fund during the function. An ATM of the bank was also inaugurated on the ground floor of the bank building.

IMPHAL | Sept 28

General officer commanding 3 Corps, Lieutenant general Anil Chauhan has arrived in the state on a two day visit from today.

A release said the senior army commander is responsible for ensuring security of the Indian borders as well as for countering insurgency in the south-eastern states of the North East India.

It said that the Army General, accompanied by the Head of Assam Rifles in Manipur -General Virender Singh, called on the chief minister, N. Biren Singh yesterday evening.

General Chauhan conveyed his warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Durga Puja, it said adding that during the meeting the general officer discussed the security and law and order situation in the state with the chief minister and assured him of the Army’s commitment to working towards bringing lasting peace in the region.

It further said that general Virender Singh, while conveying the unstinted support of his forces for ensuring the well being of the state, emphasized on the fact that a vast majority of the Assam Rifles are from in and around Manipur and added that being sons of the soil themselves, they are passionately contributing towards advancement of the state in their own sphere of work.

Besides assisting the civil administration in maintaining peace, they are mainly focussed on empowering the children, women and youth of the state to attain financial sustainability and a secure future, it added.

The Assam Rifles is also making a concerted effort towards harnessing the immense talent available in the state in an array of different sporting activities and in the field of art and literature which is being done by providing them with guidance, counselling, training and suitable platforms to showcase their talent, it said.