Manipur News

IMPHAL, June 26: The People For Animal, Thoubal has said that it will send a report on the adverse effect of the construction of a diversion bridge at Mahabali forest soon to the Union Cabinet Minister for Women & Child Development Maneka Gandhi who is also the chairperson of the PFA.

A press statement of the PFA, Thoubal has said that the cutting of trees and excavation of soil from the Mongba hanba forest/ Mahabali forest for the construction of a diversion bridge has displaced around 10 monkeys from the forest.

It said that the displaced monkeys are invading Imphal, which is a shocking phenomenon.

“This shows that the monkeys are frightened and feeling homeless due to the cutting and excavating work.”

While stating that the PFA helpline has been receiving several calls from people about witnessing monkeys inside the city since early yesterday, it said “Joint actions are being taken up by the state Zoological staff and PFA to handle the situation.”

It said a Kid day care centre at Sagolband area had to close the centre yesterday to avoid any unwanted conflict with the monkeys.

People in the locality have been staying behind closed doors during the night.

The Zoo staff have even set up a trap in the locality for the monkeys, it said.

It has further said that the construction of the diversion bridge inside the forest will only create irritation to the monkeys with the noise and pollution from the vehicles.

“The huge machines used in construction will drive them wild. Then more monkeys will leave the grove and invade the city.”

Calling upon the public not to panic, it said the PFA and the Zoo staff are trying to control the displaced animals.

It also added that the PFA was informed that some of the monkeys were headed towards Takyel side today.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/pfa-to-report-mahabali-forest-disturbance-to-meneka-gandhi/

IMPHAL, June 26: “The defeat of NPF is attributed to the wrong policy decision taken by UNC and NPF leadership and not due to the contest of other Naga candidates,” said Mani Charenamei, independent candidate for the Manipur Outer Constituency of the 16th Lok Sabha Election in a statement made available to IFP through our Churachandpur correspondent.

He was referring to the defeat of the NPF in the recent election which was won by INC candidate Thangsho Baite, while responding to UNC’s social boycott call against him..

The statement said, “This time NPF could muster more than 2,70,000 Naga votes and it was defeated, next time they may be able to muster all the Naga votes but they should remember that it’s opponent will come out even stronger than before to defeat them as long as they refuse to understand the dynamics of a highly polarised tribal politics prevalent in the state of Manipur. In fact, if I had contested from NPF party I would have faced the same fate.”

The UNC had earlier while announcing the boycott said that it takes serious exception to the “anti-Naga activities of Mani Charenamei.”

It had said that the candidate had in a public statement questioned the legitimacy of the AA demand of the Nagas in Manipur which gave very negative reflection to the world.

In his clarification, Mani Charenamei has said that the UNC’s resolution of May 28, 2014 boycotting him contains misleading information and malicious aforethoughts to ruin his political career by levelling unfounded and baseless accusations against him for the defeat of the NPF candidate in the 16th Lok Sabha election, 2014.

He said he had consulted several Naga leaders including NPF, Manipur president and UNC executives before forally and publicly declaring his stand to contest the election as an independent candidate.

“The social boycott call announced only against me while sparing other prominent Naga candidates by the UNC is a bias decision and is aimed at tarnishing my image.”

While stating that the poor performance of NPF in Nungba, Tamenglong and Tamei constituencies compared to other Naga districts was not his doing, he said, “The NPF and it’s volunteers have also levelled baseless and unfounded allegations against me that I have been paid a lot of money to contest against the NPF candidate by the Chief Minister and deputy Chief Minister of Manipur.”

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/mani-charenamei-replies-to-unc-boycott-call/

IMPHAL, June 26: The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illelcit Trafficking was widely observed in the State today.

The Social Welfare department in collaboration with the FINGODAP-Manipur Chapter had organised the day at the Kangsang, Khuman Lampak under the theme “Make health your New High in life not drugs.”

During the function, the Social Welfare minister Ak Mirabai had assured a State Drug policy to fight drug abuse in the State.

There are around 20 NGOs dealing with the issue in the State, she said.

She further appealed to the organisation to help fight the issue and make the State a drug free society while assuring all possible help from her department in this regard.

The department alone cannot eradicate drug abuse and need to fight together with the public under a proper policy, she added.

Use of drugs by woman which is prevalent these days is unfortunate, the minister lamented before adding that only observing the day will not help in rooting out the ill.

Around 60 students from different schools attended the function and many took part in the State level ex-tempo speech competition, she said.

Meanwhile, according to a DIPR press release, the day was also observed at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal organised by the All Manipur Anti Drug Association (AMADA).

The function was attended by deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as chief guest while Heingang MLA N Biren and Naoriya Pakhanglakpa MLA RK Anand, attended as presidium members.

President, AMADA Mayai Loisang M Padamini Leima, SP Narcotics

Control Bureau, Imphal KV Robinson Gangte and Ph Gunachandra Sharma, president, MSSLC were also present as guests of honour, it said.

Addressing at the function Gaikhangam appreciated AMADA and other civil organizations in the state for their role in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

He termed their movement as very encouraging, it said.

According to the statement, the deputy Chief Minister also appealed to the people not to take up law in their own hands while fighting against such social evils and to refrain from any form of mob justice.

He stated that it is high time that people should do away with the culture of mob justice.

He further asked the people to rise together to eliminate all kinds of social evils, it said.

Earlier in the morning, the deputy Chief Minister had flagged off a rally in connection with the observance from Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen. The rally was participated by volunteers of AMADA along with members of several other civil organizations of the state including students and meira paibis, it said.

A Sumang Khumhei 11 Mangluraba Lalli was also presented in the afternoon in connection with the observation at the Iboyaima Sumang Leela Shanglen.

Meanwhile, the Coalition against Drugs and Alcohol has stated that it has organised International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Lamsang Bazaar Community hall under the theme ‘Make health your new high in life, not drugs’ on June 26 at 11.30 am.

The program was attended by Adv. Ngangbam Nongyai, Former Member of Manipur Human Rights Commission, Ningthoujam Doren, President (in

Charge), Ksh. (o) Rashi. President of Nupi Khunai Lamsang, Irungbam Birjit, President of Progressive Youth Association, Lamsang Bazaar and Koijam Modhu, Social Worker were chief guest, president and guest of honours respectively. Students of Praja High School Lamsang also attended the program.

During the program, the Chief Guest stated that it is necessary to promote drugs policy to fight the rising drug problems in the State.

Also, Guest of Honour, Modhu also stated that it is necessary for parents to be aware of the problems caused by drugs.

President of the program further expressed that drugs must be stop in order and support is needed from the society in order to build a better future said a release of the Secretary of Information and Publicity, CADA.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/social-welfare-minister-assures-state-drug-policy/

IMPHAL, June 26: The Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association warmly received Scott Furrsedonn-Wood, Deputy High Commissioner to Eastern India, British High Commission at Manipuri Pony Breeding Farm (Veterinary Fodder Farm), at Lamphelpat today.

Speaking to the media, Scott said that he and his friends came to attend the commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of ‘Battle of Imphal’ and this was his first visit to Manipur.

He also said that the game of Polo belongs to history of the Manipur, and a gift of the state to the world.

Scott said he love to see the game and also want to learn more about the Manipuri Pony.

He congratulated the association for their effort towards the welfare of the Pony and also their endevour of augmenting the game.

The association presented a picture of Polo pioneers of Manipur, with a Kangjei, a ball and a tie of Khamen Chatpa to Scott.

On the sidelines of his visit, Scott will discuss on the commemoration of 150th year of Manipuri Sagolkangjei, along with the 8th Manipur Polo International.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/06/british-dy-high-commissioner-to-attend-battle-of-imphal/