Manipur News

JIRIBAM, November 11: Owing to not having enough space for keeping the Eri and Muga silks, the Jiribam Sericulture Office which is well known for producing these silks in the State has been converted into an egg preparation hall.

Concerned authorities have been providing a means of livelihood to several households by successfully undertaking various Eri and Muga silk cultivation projects in the State.

However, the poor infrastructure of the sericulture office in Jiribam subdivision poses a threat to the very survival of these projects.

T Sanjit, an official who is looking after the sericulture office, said there are more than 300 farmers who are cultivating Muga and Eri silks.

The total area of the Sericulture office used to be 13 acres but now it has been reduced to just about three acres after the remaining lands were claimed for the construction of a Sports Complex and PHED, he added.

The worms being kept in the Sericulture office are of Muga and Eri silks. The Muga worms are bought from farmers at Rs 1.50 apiece and the Eri worms at Rs 90 a kilo, he informed.

There are around 9000 Muga silk worms which are being kept for grainage and more than 350 Kgs of Eri silk worms, he said, adding the Muga and Eri silk worms are being stored at the same place as there are inadequate space for storing them separately.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/lack-of-space-puts-muga-and-eri-silk-cultivation-in-peril/

IMPHAL, November 11: “NK Sanajaoba was a person, who untiringly fought for the cause he believed in, and when we come to think of him; what stand out is his sincerity and honesty”, said, Dr L Chandramani.

This was stated by the former deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, during the observation of the 10th Lamyanba NK Sanajaoba Memorial Observation, which was held today at the Lamyanba Sanglen, Palace Compound Imphal, organised by the Lamyanba NK Sanajaoba Memorial Observation Committee.

Floral tributes and trumpet salute were paid, and a two minutes silence in honour of the departed leader was also observed on the occasion. A monthly journal “Lamyanba” which was started in the year 1972 under the editorship of Sanajaoba was also newly released today during the observation.

RV Mingthing, a former minister, who was also among the host of dignitaries, especially those who have been close with Sanajaoba, observed that during his life time, the departed leader was a good friend of many leaders of the hills in Manipur.

Prof Gangmumei Kamei, who was also one of the guests pointed out that Sanjaoba was a man who had great concerns for the welfare of the State.

He said Sanajaoba’s fight against corruption in the State has been exemplary, adding that Sanajaoba had worked tirelessly to bring unity and integrity among different communities of the State.

Dr Lokendro Arambam, president of the observation asserted that it is the duty and responsibility of the people of the State to follow his footsteps to bring equality, peace and unity among all.

The Lamyanba NK Sanajaoba Memorial Observation Committee presented a shawl and citation to all close associates of the former editor and crusader who were present during the function.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/late-sanajaoba-hailed-as-corruption-crusader/

IMPHAL, November 11: With the aim of creating mass awareness about the programs and policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government, a five-day photo exhibition on the theme ‘Ek Bharat – Shreshtha Bharat’ kick-started today at Keinou High School in Bishnupur District.

According to a release, the exhibition which would continue till November 15 is being organised by the Field Exhibition Office, Directorate of Advertising & Visual Publicity (DAVP), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, Imphal.

Rolling the campaign into motion, W Homeshwore Singh, Pradhan of Keinou Gram Panchayat, who attended the inauguration program as chief guest, welcomed the various developmental initiatives undertaken by Narendra Modi led NDA government, the release said.

Appreciating the steps taken by Modi, W Homeshwore Singh said that India could well be a developed country even before 2020. He highlighted the various developmental projects initiated by Modi with the slogan ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’. The Pradhan, along with other dignitaries later inspected the exhibition hall, it added.

Earlier, delivering the key-note address, Dr Gin Gangte, IIS, Field Exhibition Officer, DAVP, Imphal outlined the aims and purposes of the exhibition, the release further said.

Dr Gangte, in his speech said that the exhibition is a mass awareness campaign to let know the public about the programs and policies of Modi led government, it said.

Amongst the various initiatives undertaken by Modi, the Field Exhibition Officer specifically mentioned the upcoming Sports University in Manipur. He also appealed to the public to visit the exhibition so as to have a deeper understand about the programs and policies of the central government, the release said.

The inaugural program was presided by Smt Kh Leirentombi Devi, headmistress, Keinou High School, while N Somendro Singh, Up-Pradhan, Keinou Gram Panchayat and Smt L Sunitibala Devi, Member, Ward No 10, Keinou Gram Panchayat attended the program as guests of honour.

In the campaign, 37 exhibition panels were put on displayed. The exhibition hall will be opened for public from 10 am till 3 pm during the exhibition, added the release.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/ek-bharat-shreshtha-bharat-campaign-begins-at-keinou/

IMPHAL, November 11: The smaller committee on ILP which was formed from the delegates of all political parties will likely to submit their recommendation regarding the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System in the State on November 20.

This conclusion was reached in a meeting held at the official quarter of Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam from 2 pm to late evening today, said a source.

According to the source, the committee has work on the issue and will target November 13 to complete a working draft of their report.

The committee has prepared a draft copy on the ILPS issue which it believes can bring about a logistic solution in consultation with various experts. It further mentioned that the committee already has taken comments and opinions from legal experts and Academician in the past, the source said.

The committee will also enclose the finding from various other States, on the matter of how these States handle similar matters. This will include States like Himachal Pradesh and Meghalaya etc, he added.

The source further said that the committee will also seek the ideas of Indian constitutional experts to find out the legitimate means of implementing or enacting a law to prevent the indigenous people of Manipur from being marginalised in the face of unabated illegal influx of migrants into the State.

The committee is hopeful the complete final draft will be ready for submission to the Government by November 20, he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/political-committee-on-ilp-likely-to-submit-report-on-november-20/

IMPHAL, November 11: The president of the All Manipur NGOs Forum Y Surchandra Singh clarified that ignorance of many of the NGO’s operating in the State led to their black listing.

In a press meet held at the office of Self Employment Voluntary Association (SEVA) located at North Babupara, Imphal the president of All Manipur NGOs Forum continued that with the failure to submit utilization certificates, Ministry of Home affairs has intimated 291 NGOs to be put in the black list with notice from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

He said that all the said NGOs are foreign funded organisations under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, FCRA registered to Ministry of Home Affairs.

Y Surchandra Singh elaborated that inclusion of black listed NGOs from Manipur is unfortunate and it tends to lead people to misinterpreting other NGOs working sincerely and diligently.

He further said that with the recent norms of submitting of soft copy documents through internet is not known to many of the NGOs of the State failing timely submission of utilization certificate to their concern funding agencies.

He stated that the NGOs forum will extend technical support to those working NGO firms for their utilisation certification submission.

The press meet was also attended by other executive members of the All Manipur NGOs Forum.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/ignorance-led-to-the-blacklisting-of-some-ngos/

IMPHAL, November 11: At least two personnel of 26 Assam Rifles have been killed and three others critically injured in a fierce encounter between suspected valley-based militants and F Company of the 26 AR that took place today at Behiang Village area under Churachandpur District near Indo-Myanmar border.

In the encounter, warrant officer of Behiang Post, 26 AR, PK Sharma from Silchar and rifleman Ramchandran were killed.

The three critically injured personnel of AR were airlifted to the 57 Mountain Division Military Hospital at Leimakhong.

The identity of two of the injured personnel are known and they are rifleman Sureshkumar, 28, rifleman Anje Neyulu, 32. However, the name of the third injured personnel cannot be ascertained.

At the time of filing this report, the bodies of the deceased personnel were still at the RIMS morgue for post mortem.

According to police source, the incident happened when the AR personnel of Behiang post went to fetch water on their water tanker from a water source known as Sehken. As soon as the AR team reached Zogal Memorial School of Behiang, an IED which was already planted exploded just near the water tanker.

The source continued that the explosion was followed by a volley of gunfire by the suspected UG cadres towards the AR team. Subsequently the AR team returned the gunfire, resulting in a fierce gun battle.

It has been learnt that within a short time the UGs cadres escaped passing through 1 Kanan Village near Border Pillar No: 43.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/two-ar-personnel-killed-3-critically-injured-in-ambush-near-indomyanmar-border/

Imphal, November 11: The failure State Home department has resulted in the sharp increase in cases crime against women and children in the State, alleged Thounaojam Shyamkumar of the Trinamool Congress.

Speaking at a press meet at his official quarter this morning, he said that the State is facing an alarming increase in incidents of crime against women and children. Abduction of minor girls before raping and murdering them is not new to the State anymore.

He further said that if the Home Department had taken appropriate and timely actions, rewarding befitted punishment to the accused persons, these crimes would have been checked in the State.

The failure in delivering justice by the Home department has encouraged such crimes against women and children, he charged.

He said had the Home Department should have exercised full responsibility and charge sheeted the accused rapists and thereafter delivered befitted punishments to them. He also recommended shifting these cases to the fast track court under appropriate provisions of the Indian Penal Code, IPC.

He alleged that though number of cases of rape have been filed not a single one has been rewarded exemplary punishment.

Besides placing rape and murder cases before fast track court, he also recommended a new emphasis on moral education in schools so that the new generation of student have a more said balanced outlook on these matters.

He also charged political hands behind many of these crimes, which he explains is the reason behind these crimes therefore they remain unresolved. The MLA from the Andro AC said he had personally taken up many of these cases on the floor of Assembly several times. However, till date there has only been negative responds from the current government, he added.

If the State government continues to fail to listen to the voice of an MLA in the Assembly there will come a time that all in the opposition are forced to resign from he said.

Trinamool Congress will submit a written complaint to the Union Home Minister as a last resort to fight the crime against women as the State government is looking the other way, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/trinamool-flays-govt-for-rising-crime-against-women/

IMPHAL, November 11: Students of the staged a protest rally to condemn quantum increase in rape cases in recent times in the State which has brought about a fear psychosis amongst women, in particular girl students.

The mass protest organised by the All Manipur Students Union, AMSU, was triggered by the recent rape and killing of a minor girl.

Students of DM College, Imphal Public School, Nirmalabas School, Leisemba Maheikol School, Brajalal Institute of Science, Oriental College, Hindi Teacher’s College and those of many other educational institutions of the State took part in the protest condemning the series of crimes against women and children.

Speaking to the media at the head office of the students’ organisation located at DM College premises, AMSU President Naresh Thiyam said it is unfortunate that the State Government has failed to control the worsening law and order situation in regard to crime against women. He questioned the concerned authorities for the delay in booking the culprit.

He said that the student organisation strongly condemns the silence of education Minister M Okendra Singh. He urged education Minister to take up measures for the safety of students in particular girls.

The student union president also warned the State Government to take up action against those involved in crime or else the students would have to resort to stronger forms of agitations.

Meanwhile, another sit-in protest against the alleged rape and brutal murder of a girl last Sunday was held at Wangbal Keithel demanding punitive actions against the culprit and the protection of the lives of students.

Meanwhile, the prime accused in the killing of girl, Thiyam Sureshkumar, 21, son of Th Ingocha who was produced before the court of the CJM, Thoubal Ngaineikim Shoute has been remanded under police custody for seven days after a request by the Investigating Officer to the court for further interrogation.

Sureshkumar was handed over to the Thoubal Police Station after being arrested by a Thoubal Police Commando team at the Sugnu area in the early morning yesterday. He will be produced before the same court on November 17.

Sources said the last rites of the deceased girl was performed after her dead body was taken back with the permission of her family members from the JNIMS morgue today.

A representative of the JAC against the killing has however stated that the JAC would not withdraw its agitations until their various demands are met.

In the sit-in protest organised by the JAC, people displayed various placards reading, “Hang the Killer”, “Respect Women”, “We are against the killing of women”, “Punish the Murderer”, “Save the lives of Students” and “Don’t try to save the Killer” were displayed.

The chairman of the JAC, H Dijen who took part in the sit-in protest, said it is the time for people to collectively make an effort to fight the ever increasing crimes against women in the State.

He also appreciated the protests, and condemnation pouring in, from various clubs and civil organisations against the recent killings of girls on behalf of the JAC.

The JAC has taken several steps to prevent such crimes against women in the State in the future, he said, adding that it wouldn’t relent until severe punishment is meted out to Sureshkumar who is involved in the gruesome murder.

We took the decision of taking back the dead body after considering the distress which the family members of the deceased going through, he maintained.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/students-protest-quantum-increase-in-rape-cases-under-the-banner-of-amsu/

IMPHAL, November 11: The counsel of Konthoujam MLA, K Sarat has today prayed the Speaker to dismiss the disqualification case against him filed by MPTCC president Th Shyamkumar for his alleged anti-party activities. The counsel of the MLA has also submitted an application for withdrawing his earlier written reply in the case as his client has to now change counsel. He also requested the Speaker to re-fix the hearing

According to the counsel who spoke with the media this morning after returning from the Tribunal of Speaker, hearing of case Number 7, filed by the President Th Shyamkumar against him was heard from 10:30 am.

Sarat’s counsel said he requested the Speaker to allow his client to withdraw the written statement the MLA filed earlier as some mistakes are now found in the reply.

The Speaker asked the counsel what provision he thinks would permit such a re-submission of reply?

Replying, the counsel mentioned the provision under Rule 1 of civil procedure of court allows such changes.

He asked the Speaker to fix another sitting of the Speaker’s Tribunal on November 20 to discuss the matter, and November 15 for withdrawal of K Sarat petition file for disqualification against Th Shyamkumar President MPTCC.

The November 15 hearing will discuss the matter of withdrawal of the reply to Shyamkumar’s charges and November 20 will discuss re-submit of a fresh petition.

The tribunal hearing was conducted in camera at the office of the Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly New Secretariat Building.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/mla-facing-disqualification-case-wants-his-reply-changed/