Manipur News

IMPHAL, April 10: Amidst tight deployment of security forces including commando personnel at Paona Bazar under City Police Station to foil any unwanted activities including theft, three shops protected with iron shutters at the market were burgled by unidentified persons on the intervening night of April 9 and 10. The thieves took away money and goods from the shops.

Reports said the stunning incident became known only this early morning. The three shops which were looted are Unique Mobiles owned by Sanjoy Chourasia, Brother Mobiles own by Tongbram Koireng Singh of Uripok Gopalji Leirak and Kiranbala Enterprises own by Sarangthem Ibomcha Singh of Malom Awang Leikai.

The goods which were looted by the unidentified persons included mobile handsets, accessories and electronic items apart from huge amount of money.

However, the exact worth of the properties looted could not be ascertained.

On hearing the news, top officials of Imphal West District Police came in to take stock of the incident. A case has been registered at City Police Station and investigation is going on.

Experts of Forensic Science Laboratory also arrived at the area and conducted investigation to establish identity of the stealers, the reports stated.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/money-goods-looted-from-three-stores-at-paona-bazar/

IMPHAL, April 10: The High Court of Manipur directed the State Government to allow the relatives, bonafide well wishers, friends, family members of slain PLA members to enter the memorial the memorial constructed on the hillock of Cheiraoching on April 13, to pay floral tribute.

This was stated by the counsel for the petitioners P Tamphamani Singh at a press conference held at Manipur Press Club today.

The counsel continued that the ruling came in the wake of an appeal made by the family members of nine deceased persons who were killed by Army personnel at Kodompokpi on April 13, 1982 to the Manipur High Court seeking permission to pay floral tributes as in the previous years and praying that no restrictions be imposed.

However, it so happened that the State Government authorities from time to time restrained the petitioners, relatives, friends and other well wishers from performing such ritual ceremony by issuing prohibitory orders.

Each time, the competent courts, including High Court were approached for quashing these prohibitory orders and for allowing ritual ceremony of floral tribute to be performed at the said complex.

He further said that for this year the petitioners submitted representations dated 25-11-2014 and 10-3-2015 to the respondent number one (Principal Secretary, Home, Government of Manipur) praying for allowing to perform the ritual ceremony on the day. The High Court of Manipur disposed an order date 7-4-2015 in W.P (C) No. 330 of 2015 to allow on the day without any hindrance w.e.f. 6 am to 4 pm.

A relative of decease person appealed to all section of society, volunteers of clubs, meira paibis, student to attend the floral tribute ceremony to commemorate the deceased person, and also appealed to all against calling bandhs, general strikes, blockades etc, on this said day and not to give any hindrances or disturbances to the well-wishers who come for the floral tribute.

On the same day a ceremony will also be held at Kodompoki the place where the PLA men were killed.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/hc-orders-govt-to-allow-floral-tribute-at-pla-memorial-site-on-april-13/

IMPHAL, April 10: Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Phungzathang Tonsing inaugurated the two day seminar on the theme `Homoepathy in the Service of Mankind`™ at The Centenary Hall of Manipur University.

`Manipur is inherently rich in medicinal plants and we have been practicing this knowledge until the allopathic medicinal practice boomed in our markets. We need to tap this legacy,` he acclaimed and added `There is no side affect in using traditional medicines and we have a huge medicinal resource for all kinds of ailments.`

Dr M. Nara Singh, Prof. N. Deva Singh and Dr N. Birkumar Singh were also present in the inaugural function.

National Service Scheme(NSS) Cell, MU, Regional Research Institute (H), Imphal and Homoeopathic Medical Association, Manipur jointly organized this two days seminar.

In the technical plenary sessions, various paper presentations on `Clinical Research Trials of CCRH`™ by Dr P.S.Chakraborty,RRI(H), Kolkata; `Homoeopathic Management in Diabetes`™ by Dr Umakanta Prusty, Scientist-I, RRI(H), Guwahati; `Homoeopathic Management in Hypertension`™ by Dr Tejaswini Patole, RRI(H), Imphal; `Epidemics and Homoeopathy`™ Dr N. Birkumar Singh, Retd. Sc.-IV,RRI(H),Imphal and `Homoeopathy in Psychiatry`™ by Dr S.S. Kochhar, Retd. Prof.(Psychiatry)Gold Medalist are scheduled.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/phungzathang-calls-for-more-attention-to-manipurs-homeopathy-legacy/

IMPHAL, April 10: Infuriated at the decision taken by the government to transfer headmaster of Lamding Model High School which is the lone model school in Thoubal district and subsequently posting of an Assistant Graduate Teacher as its headmaster in-charge, students of the school on Friday ransacked properties of the institute including furnitures.

The irate students also tore different books kept in the library of the school.

Peeved with the government`™s decision, the student protesters took out a rally from the school to the office of DC Thoubal and submitted a memorandum to the DC urging to fulfil their demands at the earliest.

After submitting the memorandum, the students came back to the school and started vandalizing its properties.

The tense situation was finally brought under control after a team of police led by SDPO Thoubal arrived at the spot.

Meanwhile, sources said the enraged students have decided to cease their agitation for three days following assurance given by MLA of Khangabok Constituency O Landhoni that their demands will be fulfilled before April 13.

The students demanded the government to replace the damaged furniture with new ones before April 13. They also cautioned that more intense agitation will be launched if the assurance of the MLA is not put into action before the set deadline.

There is a possibility of guardians of the students and teachers of the school joining in the agitation, the sources said.

It added that All Manipur Students`™ Union (AMSU) Thoubal District Committee has decided to fully endorse the agitation launched by the students of Lamding Model High School.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/irate-students-vandalize-school-properties-over-headmasters-transfer/

IMPHAL, April 10: The Nepali Parishad, Manipur has paid homage and respect to the departed soul of (l) B. Jayantakumar Sharma, a prominent writer and lyricist who had sacrificed his entire life for the society in building moral values.

According to a release of the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, his sudden demise is a great loss to the state and nation. The organisation fully join the bereaved family in their sorrow and grief, it said.

A press release by the Seram Mangi Singh Foundation, Imphal has also deeply mourned the sudden demise of the noted cultural activist and eminent lyricist of Manipur , B. Jayantakumar Sharma. In a meeting of the Foundation held on April 10 at its office at Singjamei Kshetri Leikai, the members recalled the valuable contributions made by Jayantakumar Sharma towards the development of Manipuri music and literature.

The members adorned the late cultural activist as the immortal soul of Manipuri music. B. Jayantakumar Sharma, during his lifetime, served as the advisor of the Seram Mangi Singh Foundation and also took commendable role in the activities of the Foundation. Observing two minutes silence for the peaceful rest of the departed soul, the members of the Foundation also shared the grief of the bereaved family, it said.

The Nongmaithem Pahari Memorial Trust in a press release has also condoled the sudden demise of B. Jayentakumar Sharna on April 9 at 4.30 pm. A condolence meeting was held on April 10 at 9.30 am presided over by A. Birendra at Lamyanba Shanglen. During the meeting, Trust members paid homage on the works taken u by Jayentakumar on Manipuri Matam Eshei and Literature. The members also adorned on Jayantakumar`™s unforgettable work for the Trust. His demise is a big lost for Manipur, it said.

A two minute silence was observed to pray for the soul for its heavenly abode, it said.

A press release by CPI (M-L) Liberation, Manipur State Committee has deeply condoled the sudden demise of B. Jayantakumar Sharma on April 9. The demise of the eminent lyricist has caused great sorrow to all. The emptiness left by demise of the king of lyricist cannot be mended. The party prayed for the soul for its heavenly abode and also share in the grief of the family members, it said.

The Directorate of Adult Education, State Literacy Mission Authority (SLMA), Manipur has organised a condolence meeting on April 10 at 10.30mam at its conference hall in connection with the sudden and untimely demise of B. Jayantakumar Sharma who was a non official executive member and Resource Person/Writer of SLAM, Manipur/DAE.

According to a release of SLMA, the meeting chaired by Joint Secretary of Adult Education and Additional Director (AE)/ Member Secretary, SLMA, Abdus Salam recalled with gratitude various contributions made by the late multi faceted personality in the field of Adult Literacy in the state. As a member of executive committee of the SLMA, Jayantakumar contributed invaluable advice and good suggestions which were taken into consideration for successful implementation of Saakshar Bharat Programme in the state. He authored many supplementary primers for neo literates in Manipuri and wrote slogans, lyrics for radio jingles, etc, it said.

In honour of the beloved scholar, the Officers and staff of the Adult Education Department and State Literacy Mission Authority (SLMA) deeply condoled the untimely and prayed to the Almighty to make his soul rest in eternal peace by observing two minutes silence. The Department and SLMA, also shared the grief and sorrow of the bereaved family, it said.

A press release by Lalit Kala Sangam has stated that a condolence meeting was held at its head office on April 10 to mourn the demise of eminent lyricist and writer, Bachaspatimayum Jayantakumar on April 9.

The meeting was attended by its members and paid homage to the eminent artist and also prayed for the soul to rest in peace at its heavenly abode. The members also share in the grief of the family members, it said.

A condolence meeting on the sudden demise of B. Jayantakumar Sharma was organised by the Naharol Sahitya Premee Samiti on April 10 at Dev Literature Centre with its President, Dr. P. Nabachandra as president.

According to a release of the organisation, Jayantakumar was a distinguished eminent lyricist and writer. He was a member of the organisation and co-founder of Rup Rag, Sangeet Mandal, All Manipur Music Association and AMMIK, etc. He won Manipur Statehood Award for Culture, Akashvani Award for Exemplary Service, Life Time Achievement Award presented by AMMIK, Manipur State Kala Academy Music Award-2011, etc, it said.

The Samiti members observed a two minute silence to pay homage to Jayantakumar. The members also share in the grief of the bereaved family members, it said.

In another press release by Cine Artistes and Technicians Association, Manipur, the association was deeply shocked to hear the sudden and untimely demise of lyricist par excellence, B. Jayentakumar Sharma.

His contribution as a lyricist for Manipuri Cinema in particular and modern Manipuri music in general is immeasurable and his lyrics will forever be treasure in the hearts and minds of one and all for all times to come. Jayantakumar was honoured with the B. Basantakumar Lifetime Achievement Award by CATA for his contribution as a lyricist. The association deeply condoled his demise and pray for his soul, it said.

In another press release by the Manipur Sahitya Pracharak Seva, the members of the Seva has observed a two minute silence on April 10 on the sudden demise of B. Jayantakumar Sharma who passed away on April 9.

The members also pray for peace for the soul to rest in the heavenly abode. Jayantakumar was an eminent writer and lyricist of the state, it said.

A press release of the teachers and students from Manipur in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has stated that a condolence meeting on the unfortunate demise of the noted writer and lyricist B. Jayantakumar Sharma was held at the Lawn of residence of Dr. A. Bimol Akoijam of JNU. The meeting recalled the contribution of B. Jayantakumar Sharma to the modern Manipuri songs and socio political consciousness that came about in mid-twentieth century in Manipur. The meeting then observed a one minute silence to condole the departed soul, it said.

In another press release by the Educational Guide Centre (EGC), a two minutes silence was observed on April 10 at 4 pm at the office to mourn the sudden demise of B. Jayantakumar Sharma and also shared in the grief of the bereaved family members. He was also an Advisor Committee member of EGC, it said.

Jayentakumar was honoured by the Centre in 1995 with the Ngarangbam Ibopishak Memorial Award. His demise is a great loss to Manipur. The void left by his demise will be difficult to fill in by today`™s generation, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/many-pay-homage-to-lyricist-jayantakumar-sharma/

BISHNUPUR, April 10: Admitting that the demand for compensation for land acquired by the government is much more in the hills than the valley, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam called upon the people to be development oriented not compensation oriented as demand for land acquisition could have adverse affect in smooth functioning of government departments.

The Dy CM was speaking during the 1st Thangting Sub-Division Cultural Festival, 2015 organized by Khousabung Area Youth Development Forum (KAYDF) under the theme `Peace through Culture`™ at Khousabung DCC headquarters, Churachandpur district today.

The festival was held to express appreciation to the Cabinet`™s decision recognizing Thangtin as a full-fledged sub-division on August 7, 2014. Thangting sub-division is comprised of 125 villages with a total population 27,730. Of the 125 villages, 66 are presently under Churachandpur sub-division and another 59 under Henglep sub-division.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Gaikhangam said that the government set up offices in different parts of the hills by acquiring lands only to ensure development not for other purposes.

However, there are several offices unable to run following huge amount of land acquisition compensation demanded from the concerned, he said.

Asserting that the government has been working for equal development in the hills and valley, the Dy CM maintained that the number of sub-division in different districts has been increased to ease administrative works.

Actually, creation of sub-division is based on size of area and population of the particular area. Thangtin does not fulfil the criteria for granting as a sub-division. However, the Cabinet decided to recognize Thangtin as a full-fledged sub-division to soothe administrative works and in the interest of the people, Gaikhangam said.

Assuring that the Chief Minister will be apprised of the memorandum submitted by KAYDF urging to construct a state level playground and SDPO office in the sub-division, he appealed to the forum to make available adequate land for fulfilling the demand.

To mark the occasion, performance of cultural programmes by different nine tribes of Khousabung area and exchange of gifts were held.

Prizes were presented to 20 men`™s volleyball teams, four women`™s volleyball teams and four women`™s football teams who participated in the Sports Meet held at Khousabung from March 23 to 24.

Besides MLA of Henglep Constituency Manga Vaiphei who graced the occasion as functional president, the function was also attended by Members of ADC Churachandpur and village authorities of Khousabung.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/demand-for-land-compensation-much-more-in-hills-than-valley-gaikhangam/

IMPHAL, April 10: At least 213 ADC candidatures form have been issued from BJP Manipur Pradesh office and more than 37 of them have already filled and submitted to the BJP office said Th Chaoba President BJP Manipur Pradesh.

Interacting with media persons at his office chamber, he said that till today candidates are continuing to demand ADC ticket as BJP candidates. This is a sign of strengthen of the BJP in the hill districts, he added.

The BJP candidates for the 144 ADC seats will be announced after State election commission notifies the poll, he said. He said April 15 is the last date for issue of ADC candidature forms for the BJP. After the notification from SEC, the BJP campaign for the ADC election will be launched in earnest and a strategy will be prepared for maximum result in all sic ADCs he said.

Chaoba said the BJP national president is schedule to visit Manipur on April 18. He was earlier supposed to come on April 15 but the date has been changed. He said that by 10:30 am Amit Shah will reach Imphal by Chopper from Nagaland along with Ramlal, national general secretary and Northeast in-charge of BJP and Tapir Gao national executive member of BJP.

After reaching the state he will meet various leaders of the state BJP unit. He will then discuss plans for the upcoming ADC election with BJP leaders in the hills.

During his visit the BJP will discuss strategies for boosting the party strength, and for reaping the maximum result from the ADC and Municipal Council elections, as well as the g 2017 Manipur Legislative Assembly election.

While replying question from the media about the AFSPA recommendation made by Jeevan Raddy Commission which was rejected recently by the Union Home Minister of India, he said the BJP Manipur Pradesh has taken a clear stand that AFSPA 1958 must be repealed from the state. It is also determined to save the life of Irom Chanu Sharmila.

Whether the Central government rejects the recommendation or not the Manipur unit will always pressure for the repeal of the draconian law from the state. This was included in the manifesto of BJP during recent LS Poll 2014.

He also threw back the ball into the Congress court saying the AFSPA will automatically go if the disturb area status in teh state is revoked by the Congress government by a cabinet decision. Till today none of the Congress ministers or MLAs have asked for the withdrawal of the disturb area status, apart from the seven Assembly segments of Imphal area on a trial basis. What is keeping the Congress government from extending the experiment to the rest of the state, Chaoba asked.

He further said that if the BJP comes to power in state after 2017 election, we will use alternative ways for withdrawal of the disturb area status after getting the consent of the public on the issue.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/atleast-213-adc-candidature-forms-issued-so-far-from-bjp-chaoba/

NEW DELHI, April 10 (MIC): Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh stated that the allocation of funds and actual release of funds to the NEC was grossly inadequate to take up meaningful development of inter-state infrastructure or human development of the North Eastern Region.

He was attending in the two-day 64th Plenary Session of the North East Council here at SCOPE Auditorium, SCOPE Complex, Lodi Road here which began yesterday. In his speech Ibobi said, `It is a matter of concern that there has been a budget cut to the tune of Rs 191 crores during 2014-15. NEC is statutorily mandated to act as a Regional Planning Body and has identified core areas for regional planning of the NE Region based on Vision 2020 of NER. However, with meager plan funds provided to NEC it will be difficult to provide fund for core areas like establishment of SLCD projects in the NER`.

Emphasizing special conditions and fund requirements of special category states, he urged the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) to take up with the Ministry of Finance for enhancement of allocation for NEC and NLCPR.

Referring to Restructuring of Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Change in Funding Pattern; Manipur Chief Minister said, `Under the 14th Finance Commission Award, there has been an increase in devolution of central tax share to the States from 32% to 42%. However, no provision is made in the Union Budget for the Financial Year 2015-16 for 31 CSS schemes under category D. Special Category States also lose out on NCA, SCA, SPA on which the NE states and Manipur in particular, heavily depend on the meet the fiscal deficit and finance state matching share. State will also be burdened with more state share on CSS schemes under Category B, where the funding pattern is to be changed. State also loses out on schemes under Category C, which have been delinked from Central funding`.

He stressed the need for immediate restoration of special category status to the NE states along with other financial allocation of fund. He requested for providing financial gap and state matching share for CSS, which was earlier provided from flexible fund and NCA, SCA, SPA by the Finance Ministry or from NLCPR pool of GBS. He further requested for retaining existing funding pattern of 90:10 or 100% for CSS programmes for all Special Category States. He appealed to the Union Minister of DoNER Dr. Jitendra Singh to take the matter seriously with the Ministry of Finance on top priority so that fiscally poor NE States and Manipur in particular might not deviate from the path of development.

In regards to the Equitable Distribution of the NEC Funds and Enhancement of Allocation of Fund for Manipur; Ibobi said, ` In the last Plenary Session of NEC I have raised the issue of equitable distribution of funds to member States. Overall fund released to Manipur still continues to be the lowest after Sikkim; around 4% of the total releases made so far by NEC. During 2014-15 Rs. 48.90 crores was released, which is not sufficient to clear liabilities of ongoing projects and implement new projects sanctioned`. He urged the Central Government to enhance the percentage allocation for Manipur to be at least at par with Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, which was more than 6% of the total releases.

While supporting the continuous thrust given by NEC to the Transport & Communication, Power, Agri & Allied Sectors, Human Resource and Health Sectors; Manipur Chief Minister said, `I understand that the approval of the Council is solicited for Budget allocation of Rs. 773.00 crores for the year 2015-16. I am aware that the allocation is meager to meet committed liabilities and sector wise proposed outlay for new programmes aspired by NEC and member states. My state has already submitted priority list of projects for the year 2015-16`. He requested the NEC to consider the priority list of projects in core thrust areas of NEC.

He highlighted a few of the priority sector projects under NEC namely, Installation of 2×5 MVA, 33 KV Sub-station along with associated 33 KV line & related works at MAO amounting to Rs. 9.12 crores; Installation of 2×5 MVA, 33 KV Sub-station along with the associated 33 KV LI-LO line & related works at Mayangkhang- Rs. 8.97 crores; Construction of Yatri Niwas and Bus Parking at Dimapur under Tourist Sector `“ Rs.14.48 crore; and Construction of Manipur State Yatri Niwas at Shillong under Tourism Sector `“ Rs.14.54 crore for early sanction

Chief Minister applauded the NEC for detailing comprehensive detailed Revised General Guidelines and Revised Sectoral schemes guidelines of NEC. He remarked, `This will bring in transparency in the working of NEC. My government supports constitution of Executive Committee of NEC chaired by the Chairman, NEC, Composition and function of Sectoral Empowered Committee, framing of procedures to be followed by the Standing Committee, for retaining of projects in NEC and procedure for NEC-Project Appraisal Committee (NEC-PAC)`.

However, he made some specific suggestions on the revised guidelines for consideration. He suggested, `Flexibility may be given to the State to identify priority areas for distribution of funds sector wise and ensure equitable fund distribution to member states within the ambit of the regional ramification`.

`Change in the order of priority of projects given by State may be done in consultation with the State Government`, he suggested.

He said, `We do not support part-release of first installment of fund of 5% of project cost upon sanction of the project. Existing pattern on release of fund 40%, 40% and 20% may continue`.

He opined, `Second installment of fund may be released on submission of UC of 80% of NEC funds and equivalent state share instead of 100% utilization. This is to ensure that fund flow continues for ongoing works`.

He endorsed NEC`™s proposal for construction of State Guest House at Shillong. He said, `My state does not have a proper State Guest House at Shillong. Shillong is the hub of tourist and centre for higher education, regional meetings like NEC Plenary meetings, REC, etc. Regular NEC review meetings are also held at Shillong`. He requested for construction of a Manipur Guest House at Shillong to facilitate tourist, students and officials coming to Shillong.

On power transmission front, Chief Minister said, `We suffer from both inter-state and intra-state transmission constraints. In Manipur, the inter-state power transmission is operated at 132 KV voltage system through the existing Dimapur `“ Imphal and Leimatak `“ Jiribam 132 KV lines of PGCIL. State cannot draw more than 100 MW even in peak monsoon though our allocation is 150 MW. Fortunately, with the coming up of Pallatana and Bongaigaon Power Plants, PGCIL has taken up a 400 KV Double Circuit line from Silchar to Imphal initially chargeable to 132 KV system voltage as an associated transmission system of the above projects. This line, once completed will definitely remove the inter-state transmission constraints for the State`.

But for better system reliability and benefit of all NER States, Ibobi expressed, `It is necessary that the 400KV line be extended up to Misa in Assam to have a 400 KV ring main consisting of Misa `“ Balipara `“ Bongaigaon `“ Azara `“ Byrnihat `“ Silchar `“ Imphal `“ New Kohima `“ Misa. The Empowered Committee of Government of India has agreed to implement Imphal (PG) `“ New Kohima (Nagaland) 400 KV Double Circuit (D/C) line, to be initially operated at 132 KV, through Tariff Based Competitive Bidding. The same needs to be extended up to Misa. This will give benefit to Assam, Manipur and Nagaland`. He reminded that the proposal was also placed in the last plenary meeting at Shillong.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/04/cm-ibobi-demands-adequate-funds-for-meaningful-development-of-ne-region/