Manipur News

IMPHAL, June 12: Perpetrators of violence against women whether it be rape or molestation must be severely punished under the due process of law. This was stated by Social Welfare minister AK Mirabai while inaugurating the newly constructed building of the Anouba Lower Primary School at Sadokpham Leikai in Patsoi.

Mirabai said that the Chowkidar of Takyel Blind School Hem Bahadur Thapa alias Khan who allegedly raped a visually impaired girl on April 13 has been arrested and now is under police custody for further investigation, adding, “The accused will be awarded a befitting punishment matching the crime committed.”

She further stated that it was only because of the media that the incident came to light.

“The accused was suspended from the school after the school levelled molestation charges against him. Recently, the news appeared in the local dailies that the culprit has been arrested by a team from the Lamphal Police station.”

Stating that a rape action committee consisting of four persons has been formed regarding the incident and investigations are going on, she said if anybody is found involved in the incident he or she will be rewarded befitting punishment.

Veering her speech to the developmental programmes in Patsoi, she said illiterate people can’t succeed in any field or work, so people need to be literate as well as true spirited to realise their ambitions.

She said as an elected representative from Patsoi she found many gaping holes in the development programmes in the constituency.

The last two and half years are not enough to fill those holes in the constituency. An MLA is just a guide to show people the way for their own welfare and they are solely responsible for the tasks they have done, she added.

The Social Welfare minister said that after she had come to power five primary schools has been upgraded to the High School level and the only college in the area i.e. Oriental Collage has been transformed into an autonomous college.

From last many years, not a single developmental work was done by the previous MLAs, she added.

“Even the Anouba LP School which was established in 1962 was not developed till today. It was only when the people of the area informed me that the school was in a pitiable condition that I sanctioned an amount of Rupees eight lakhs from my local area development fund for the reconstruction of the school building,” Mirabai said.

Further appealing the people to help her in the developmental works in the constituency, she said that with their help she will be able to continue many development projects in next coming years.

In the inaugural function of the Anouba Lower Primary School, Sadokpam Ibochouba, G Anita, Joint Director Education (S), RK Gunisana, Pradhan, Lamjaotomba Gram Panchayat, Kh Gunamani, Chairman, School Management Committee and Lakhikanta ,ADC Tamenglong were also present.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/violence-against-women-must-be-severely-punished/

IMPHAL, June 12: The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences Nursing Association has resumed its strike after the hospital authority came out with a fresh order regarding the promotion of six assistant nursing superintendents, paralysing the hospital since 10am today.

The order for the promotion had been put on hold since some days back following an uproar from the nurses association.

On May 26, the nurses association had launched an indefinite cease work strike at the hospital alleging irregularity in their promotion to the post of assistant nursing superintendent.

Demanding review of the promotion orders, the agitating nurses met with the medical superintended the same afternoon, but failed to come to any conclusive agreement.

Their main contention being that the promotion was affected on the basis of minority reservation as per the authority after overlooking 13 staff nurses in the seniority list.

The strike was called off on May 27, after the agitating nurses was assured of positive action by the hospital authorities.

The recalled strike created many grievances for the patients admitted at the hospital today.

Speaking to the media, one of the agitating nurses said following assurances from the hospital authorities on their demands, they had suspended their earlier agitation.

During a meeting on the issue, the authorities had assured that the demand for promotion of schedule castes, schedule tribes, minorities and OBCs will be placed before the concerned union ministry, and to she said.

However, in contrary to the assurance, the authorities issued the official order for the promotions, she lamented.

Now the association has also decided to continue with the agitation unless they receive a positive response from the authorities.

At present only 22 nurses on contract basis are looking after the whole hospital, said a source.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/nurses-strike-resumes-paralysing-rims-once-again/

IMPHAL, June 12: The Sericulture department has completed the recruitment process of 170 staffs in different categories which will solve the lack of manpower enabling the department to provide help to farmers.

Speaking as the chief guest in the inaugural function of a five-day beneficiary empowerment training programme under Bivoltine cluster promotion programme of Ukhrul district at Youth Hostel, Khuman Lampak, H Ginjamang Simte said that the recruitment process was conducted under the guidance of Sericulture minister Govindas Konthoujam and the result will be announced shortly.

Further mentioning that Manipur is the largest producer of Oak Tussar Silk in India and the second largest mulberry silk producing state in North East India, he said: “ The raw silk production in the state was not as per targeted. It is due to the fact that the fund earmarked in the plan budget was cut down by rupees 150 lakhs and an earmarked fund of rupees 500 lakhs for EAP was also not released by the planning department. Beside, the target of raw silk under NERTPS was not achieved as the ministry didn’t release any funds till the end of March this year.”

“We have to get a lion’s share of NERTPS fund based on the performance of Manipur Sericulture Project Phase-I financed by JICA. The target of raw silk production under MSP-I is 85 metric tons but we could achieve only 63.75 MT as confirmed by the CSB scientist on the evaluation of the programme of implementation,” Ginjamang said.

He said that the department is outsourcing funds from other departments in order to increase the production of silk in Manipur through RKKY implementation, vermin compose culture etc, adding that they are trying to get funds from NREGA scheme which submitted DPR for 50 crore under rural development and Panchayat Raj.

The proposal letter was submitted to the administrative department for approval of the delayed funds for 2013-14 and 2014-15, he continued.

Meanwhile, Dr L Somen Singh, a scientist with E Research Extension Centre said that Manipur got two Bivoltine clusters in Ukhrul and Churachandpur among the eight clusters selected by the Central Silk Board for Northeast region.

“The training will be conducted in eight batches with each batch having 20 trainees each.

Other North eastern states like Assam have three clusters while Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura have one cluster each. The production of silk is less comparing to other states. It was due to the slow work by the cluster so we conduct such training. This training will discuss the basics of plantation of oak trees, rearing of cocoons etc,” he added.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/sericulture-dept-to-recruit-170-staff/

Imphal, June 12: According to statistics, at least 589 children have been recorded as child labour in Manipur, Professor Soinam Jibon, the Nodal Director of Child-Line Imphal said on the occasion of World Day against Child labour on Thursday.

The state also joined hands in observing the Day against Child Labour with the rest of the world by organising a mass rally in Imphal. The rally was flagged off by the Director of Social Welfare department, L Ibobi Singh, from the premises of Mahila Kalyan Samiti Orphanage at Dewlahland and ended at Uripok after passing through North AOC, Khuyathong and Nagamapal.

The International observance of Day against Child Labour and rally was jointly organised by Child-Line Imphal chapter under the guidance of state Social Welfare Department, Labour Department, ZEO Zone-I, SPs Imphal East and West district.

Professor Soibam Jibon of the Department of Anthropology, MU, also the spokesperson of Child-line, said that since 2002, June 12 is observed as World Day against Child Labour and the objective behind it is to eradicate child labour from the surface of earth.

“As per statistics records of Manipur, there are 589 children who are used as child labour. Among them, 155 are girls. Imphal West accounts for 334 of them; and among them, 117 are girls. The overall figure for India stands at 12.6 million,” Jibon said.

He further appealed to the public to call-1098 if they found any children being forced into labour in any areas.

More than 300 people including school going boys and girls took part in the rally. In the rally, people shout slogans against child labour and by covering the important streets in Imphal, the rally finally converged at Lai Khurembi ground in Uripok.

Meanwhile, a rally in connection with “World Day against Child Labour” was organised by the Child Line Imphal on June 12.

The rally was participated by about 100 children, officials of government departments and child activists and was supported by minister of Social Welfare, Sagolband Kendra MLA, Deputy Commissioner of Department of Labour, SP-Imphal East and Imphal West, ZEO of Zone (I) Imphal West, CMO of Imphal West, epidermitologist State TB Cell and Special Category Residential school, Uripok, according to a press release of the city Ccoordiantor of ChildLine Imphal.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/589-children-used-as-child-labour-in-state/

IMPHAL, June 12: Nongyamayum Ruhsdie was released today from the Sajiwa Central Jail this evening around 5.30 after being granted bail by the CJM, Imphal East.

Soon after his release Rushdie was taken to his residence at Kwakta Keithel ward no.8.

Nongyaimayum Rusdy Ahmed Shah, 18, son of Hamid Ali of Kwakta Keithel ward no.8, a class 12 students of Moirang Multipurpose Higher Secondary School, was arrested on April 22 afternoon from near Public hospital on mere suspicion by a team of Imphal east district police commandos led by SI Kh Henry.

Several hours later he was hospitalised with bullet injuries at JNIMS and later taken to Shija as his condition deteriorated.

He was remanded to judicial custody despite being admitted at Shija and later physically sent to Sajiwa jail.

Rushdie’s father Hamid told this reporter that Rushdie will be taken outside the State for treatment as his condition continues to be unstable.

As was arranged earlier, at 6 this evening, the victim’s family along with the JAC, All Manipur Muslim Students’ Organisation (AMMSO), All Manipur Muslim Co-ordination Committee (AMMCC) met the deputy Chief Minister. During the meeting Moirang MLA and parliamentary secretary YAS and Tourism, M Prithiviraj, parliamentary secretary, IPR, K Meghachandra, also took part in the meeting.

During the meeting the police department agreed to bear all the medical expenses until the victim fully recovers.

The police further agreed to hand over the seized Alto car and mobile phone following proper legal procedure.

Moreover, the government also gave strong assurance on the proposal of the victim’s side to give suitable job for the victim.

Decrying the alleged high handedness of the police the AMMSO alongwith the JAC imposed an indefinite bandh in Bishnupur area, demanding the unconditional release of Rushdie.

The bandh was called off following an understanding reached between the bandh organiser and the police.

Police sources had claimed that he was shot in accidental firing while trying to snatch MP5 sub-machine gun from a constable. However, family denied the version terming that Rushdie was innocence.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/victim-of-accidental-police-firing-released-on-bail/

IMPHAL, June 12: The football fever has reached its zenith in the State with football craze fans ready to embrace the biggest sporting event of the world – the FIFA World Cup, 2014, Brazil.

Dwelling into this aspect IFP learnt that the biggest concerned amongst the football enthusiasts so far is the erratic power supply in the State.

Even as the pre-paid system is catered to only limited consumers within some areas of Imphal the football craze people of the state are undeterred and readied themselves to prepare for the worst.

Ratan Athokpam, proprietor of Eastern Sporting Shop (dealing with sports items), revealed that he had purchased a generator exclusively for the football’s biggest event.

The eagerness was very apparently when he told IFP that he also purchased a TATA Sky set top box as back-up plan with no intention to miss a single moment.

Unlike, Ratan, others who cannot afford the luxury of generation or satellite channels, and have to be content with only the local cable networks have chart out plans by forming groups in their locality to watch the extravaganza at a friend’s house or at a neighbour’s.

Y Ranjit, a government employee from Singjamei Heirangoithong, suggested that the government should atleast provide electricity during the world cup matches.

“Manipur is a home to hordes of noted football players representing the country even in the international arena, so it would be wise for the Government to give full access to view the matches”, he continued.

More interesting is that these groupies, which have become a common phenomenon during world cup event, would host a feast or party, in wait of the game.

The degree of the fever apparently is quite high with local football tournaments taking place in every pocket of the State and fans in some places putting up posters of their favourite teams.

To be précised one can see such posters in the heart of Imphal, at Kakhulong kabui locality.

Coming to fans choice, Brazil still remains the top choice of the people.

8 out of ten fans prefer Brazil and are confident that the host would lift the coveted trophy.

Some choose the team for being the spiritual home of the beautiful game while some expected a lot from their star players like 22 year old Neymar (striker) and Oscar (mid-fielder or the so called game maker).

Others still merely believe in the good old Brazilian squad and all time favourite of the world.

Chaoba, panel coach of All Manipur Football Association (AMFA), is of the opinion that Brazilian squad are full of young players and lot to offer. The second favourite is the defending champion team Spain.

While many expressed their opinions based on their favourite and strategies of the particular team, but it remains to be seen as anything can happen.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/football-fans-all-prepared-for-world-biggest-competition-kick-off/

KANGPOKPI, Jun.12: With the spirit and enthusiasm of people around Kangpokpi and Saikul, the powerhouse of football in Sadar Hills intensely growing high, Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai and Kangpokpi Youth Union today urged the deputy general manager (Power), Kangpokpi sub-division to ensure regular power supply during the Brazil FIFA World Cup, 2014 mega event.

Thangkam Lupheng, president Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai appealed to the State power department and the DGM (Power), Kangpokpi sub-division to ensure that the football lovers and the general public could watch the live telecast of the World Cup without interruption.

Not only football lovers, but people from all section of the society including the young, old, men, women, boys, girls, jhum cultivators, office goers are waiting for the start of the mega event, said the KISG chief.

Saikul being home ground of a noted football club of the State FC Khanglai, there are several youngsters who would like to make their career in the field of football from this remote area and the FIFA World Cup is the biggest opportunity for such youngsters to watch world class football players and learn new skill and tactics, he said.

In the meantime, Kangpokpi Youth Union earnestly appeals the deputy general manager (Power) in particular and the State Power department for regular supply of power in the town to ensure the biggest competition in the world is watched and enjoyed live by the people.

Hechon Singson, president Kangpokpi Youth Union said that our appeals to the concern power authority has become necessary to enable the general public particularly youngsters of Kangpokpi and its adjoining areas to enjoy the live telecast of the most lucrative sporting event.

“We have been experiencing epileptic power supply in the town occasionally, we appeal to the concerned authority to help us with electricity to enjoy and watch the Brazil FIFA World Cup,” added Singson.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/kisg-kyu-urge-against-power-cuts-during-fifa-world-cup-2014/

LAMKA, June 12 (JNN): The Churachandpur Government College has submitted a memorandum to the Education minister M Okendro on Thursday through Dr Chaltonlien Amo, chairman of Hill Areas Committee during the minister’s visit to Churachandpur.

The college has highlighted in the memorandum, that the college is facing acute shortage of lecturers in the Chemistry department as only a lecturer is managing the department despite UGC norms mandating a minimum of six or seven lecturers per department.

It said the Sociology department has only two lecturers.

The memorandum also mentioned that the Botany department has only three lecturers including a part-timer, the Anthropology department has two lecturers including a part-timer, Economics department has three lecturers including a part-timer and the Geography department has only 3 lecturers.

Principal, Vanlallawm said the new session (2014-2015) will commence from July 2 and if immediate appointments or arrangements are not made before that the students community especially the science students will face inexplicable hardships.

Vanlallawm said, Churachandpur Government College is one of the premiere colleges in the hill areas of Manipur where tribal students can study both Arts and Science at the degree level with honours.

Many parents of the district don’t like to send their wards to study BA/B Sc outside the state anymore as Churachandpur Government College has made enormous stride in bringing quality education.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/ccpur-college-facing-acute-shortage-of-lecturers/