Manipur News

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 8

The High Court of Manipur directed the chief secretary, R.R. Rashmi and the director general of police, L.M. Khaute to submit their statements in regards to violation of the court’s order on ban on earth excavation work at hillsides and deforestation in reserved forest area.

The matter has been put up by the registry on the basis of the certain newspaper reports that in spite of the court’s order issued on August 30 prohibiting deforestation and quarrying in hills areas, such activities are still taking place.

The division bench of the High Court, acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar viewing that if such violations have been taking place, it becomes a serious concern and the court expects the state authorities to take appropriate steps.

The court observed that it would be appropriate for the chief secretary and DGP be also made respondents in the PIL case.

Earlier on August 30, division bench of the High Court comprising of acting chief justice N. Kotiswar and justice K. Nobin had passed an interim order banning cutting down of trees from the reserved forest areas as well as excavation of hills for any purpose without the permission of the court.

The order was passed in accordance with a PIL filed by the chairman of the Safe Environment Campaign Committee, Heingang, Mutum Inaobi Singh of Heingang Makha Leikai before the High Court of Manipur on August 28 against the State of Manipur and Union of India.

The court has decided the next hearing of the PIL will be on December 18.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 8

MLA of Jiribam, Ashab Uddin said during first districthood day observation of Kangpokpi and Jiribam held today at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul that the state had announced Jiribam and Kangpokpi as new districts but the government has underestimated the need for infrastructure development.

The observation was jointly organised by Joint Observation Committee of Kangpokpi and Jiribam.

He further said, though Jiribam district has been announced as a new district, people are facing problems due to lack of development for the infrastructure. He appreciates the civil society organisations who took the movement for demanding Jiribam as new district and those who were ready to sacrifices their lives in the movement.

But with the coming of new government in the state people can make some progress. The chief minister also assured to bring development at the earliest, he added. He further said the main problem in the district is that there are no government offices though it has achieved districthood. And there is lack of development in the infrastructure of hospital, health centres, education sectors and the people are also facing problems of not having district transport office (DTO).

Ashab said people need to go at Imphal if they want to update their driving licenseand registration of vehicles due to lack of DTO in the district. Due to improper infrastructure, jail criminals are sent to Imphal which is causing the police personnel to face severe problems. Ashab demanded the state to establish a DTO and construct a jail in the district urgently in order to avoid many issues.

He appealed to establish a truck terminus in the district for which Chandrapur would be a right place for the construction. As Jiribam is just next to the neighbouring state, the state will take necessary steps for the welfare of state economy, Ashab added.

Former convenor of Joint Action Committee on Sadar Hills District Demand Committee, Nehkhothang Kipgen said before the announcement of Kangpokpi as new district, people of Sadar hills have been demanding for a new district since 1975. During that movement, people had sacrificed their life and they are now honoured, he added.

The government had announced seven new districts but if the government failed to bring in development, then there is no use for creating new districts, Kipgen claimed.

Former convenor of Joint Action Committee on Jiribam District Demand Committee, Wangkheimayum Dinesh Meitei said the new districts need development and though Jiribam has potential for production of rubber, tea and many fruits, the government failed to bother about the development of infrastructure.

In the district, people are facing hardships regarding transport system and with the lack of District Rural Development Agencies programme there is less welfare for the people. He appealed the state to take necessary steps for the new district to bring development in the infrastructure for the welfare of people, Dinesh added.

IMPHAL | Dec 8

Union Minister for Road, Transport, Highways, Shipping and Water Resources Nitin Gadkari inaugurated today the two day national conference “New Technology for Road Construction” attended by Works Ministers of all States. PWD, Manipur Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh also attended the conference.

During the inaugural function, the Union Minister said Manipur’s connectivity including waterways will be improved using new technologies for road constructions at the earliest.

The Union Minister said construction and development of new roads will not only improve the State’s economy but at the same time bring closer the villages which will eventually encourage the feeling of oneness among the people.

He continued officials from Union Ministries will be sent to Manipur to identify the State’s sinking zones and use new technologies to put Manipur among the developed States of the country.

During the conference, the Union Minister also instructed Manipur Works Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh to identify suitable sites for setting up of cement concrete plants for the National Highways in Manipur.

The first day of the conference was also attended by PWD, Manipur chief engineer Temba and ADB director Y. Joykumar from the State.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 8

The North East Peoples’ Vision 2040 has resolved to pressure the Central government to revoke all MoUs signed during the two days North East Development Submits, 2017 with various companies and countries for the mining of oil, uranium, and other natural resources found in North Eastern states.

The one-day North East Peoples’ Vision 2010 held today at the Classic Hotel, Imphal, was organised by North East Dialogue Forum to reflect and rethink alternative development perspectives in the North East.

The meeting expressed concerns over the recent flood in Manipur and Nagaland that cost the lives of more than 150 villagers and destroyed thousands of hectares of paddy crop, on account of the release of water from Ranganadi Hydro Power Project without warning, and the impounding of flood water by Ithai barrage of the Loktak Project.

The meeting also said the Ithai barrage has caused submergence of more than 83 thousands hectares of paddy land.

The meeting also resolved that the Central government should decommission Ranganadi Hydro Power Project and Loktak Project and revoke all the MoUs signed to build dams in river of North East.

Expressing concerned over the imposition of AFSPA-1958 in North East , where security forces routinely commit gross human rights violation like rape, murder, extrajudicial execution, enforced disappearances of captives and many more, it has decided to urge the Central government to repeal AFSPA immediately.

It stated that many children below five years of South West Khasi Hill area in Meghalaya are reportedly hospitalised every month and more than 100 children were born deformed as a result of uranium mining in their backyard.

The meeting resolved to urge the Central government to form an SIT to conduct a study on Criminal Justice System in North East with regards to criminal cases and violence against women under the climate of impunity introduced by AFSPA.

It further stated that they will demand compensation and psychosocial support for women victims of violence under the AFSPA.

The resolution also strongly urged that India and other nations to ratify the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the UN treaty to prohibit unclear weapons. Nuclear energy programme should be even considered as alternative energy, the meeting said.

Later Anthony Debbarma from Tripura, P.B.M. Busaiucomoit from Meghalaya and U. Nabakishore from Manipur who attended the meeting as presidium members disclosed that the adopted resolutions will be submitted to Prime Ministe, Narendra Modi, Ministries of Mining and Atomic Energy, all the chief ministers of North East states and to the concerned embassies of different countries in New Delhi for appropriate action.

IMPHAL | Dec 8

Chief minister, N. Biren distributed monetary aid worth Rs. 1,10,58,858 to 91 selected beneficiaries under Manipur State Illness Assistance Fund (MSIAF) at a simple ceremony held at Durbar Hall of Chief Minister’s Secretariat today.

The beneficiaries were selected from among the applications received between December 15, 2014 and February 2015.

Speaking on the occasion, the CM said that the government will provide medical re-imbursement up to Rs. 1.5 lakh to BPL families for medical treatment under MSIAF. He also said that the new government is giving prime focus to giving proper healthcare to the masses.

Biren said that large number of people have been visiting him on ‘Meeyamgi Numit’ and Hill ‘Leaders’ Day’ seeking help in meeting their medical expenses despite the existence of the scheme. In fact, the two days have been an eye opener for the new government as it provided vital information regarding people’s woes, he added.

The government has also designed a new scheme known as ‘Hakshelgi Tengbang’ for medical and health care of poor families. The scheme would provide cashless medical treatment to poor families, he added.

For critical diseases like cancer, neuro, kidney, heart, burns, liver and neo-natal, the scheme would provide a cashless medical cover up to Rs 2 lakh per family, said N. Biren.

Informing that the open tender or e-tender for the new scheme had already been floated and implementing agencies have been shortlisted, the CM mentioned that the scheme is likely to be launched in January next year.

3. Biren continued that actions will be taken against any official who delay more than 24 hours in handing over monetary aid to the beneficiaries who had already been selected under the new scheme ‘Chief Ministergi Shotharabasingi Tengbang’, which was launched recently on December 3.

IMPHAL | Dec 8

Chief minister, N. Biren Singh reiterated that the State’s territorial integrity would never be affected at any cost due to the final settlement of Naga issue.

He made the statement while speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a function held to distribute monetary aid under Manipur State Illness Assistance Fund at the Durbar Hall of Chief Minister’s Secretariat today.

It may be mentioned that he returned to Imphal from Kolkata today after meeting union home minister, Rajnath Singh on the issue yesterday.

The chief minister informed that he along with the chief ministers of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh had a discussion with the union home minister regarding the possible settlement of Naga issue.

He said that Rajnath Singh was simply trying to assess the concerns of these three states on the Naga issue.

From his side, the CM said he told Rajnath Singh that neither he nor the people of Manipur and the present state government would agree division of Manipur to bring a solution to the Naga issue.

1. Biren stated that he urged the home minister not to do anything which may disturb the oneness of hill and valley people who have been residing together harmoniously since time immemorial.

Stating that he also clearly conveyed to the home minister that people of Manipur would never accept alteration of territorial boundary of the State, the chief minister said that he also told Rajnath Singh that people’s will is the State Government’s will.

He further said that the chief ministers of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh also told the union minister that they would never endorse an agreement which may infringe on the territorial boundary of their respective States though they are ready to extend full support in settling the issue within the state of Nagaland.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Dec 8

The HDFC Bank Limited, Thoubal branch has successfully organised a one-day voluntary blood donation camp at its Thoubal Athokpam office. The programme was organised in collaboration with Blood Bank and Transfusion Unit, District Hospital, Thoubal.

District programme manager, National Health Mission Thoubal, Ch. Basanta Singh inaugurated the voluntary blood donation camp by cutting ribbon. M.O. i/c Blood Bank and Transfussion Unit, District Hospital Thoubal, Dr. L. Dorendro Singh and branch manager, HDFC Thoubal, Okram Arunkumar Singh also attended the function.

SO, HDFC Thoubal branch, Dinesh Singh stated that the blood donation camp was organised on the theme “They live when you give.” HDFC Thoubal had been organising  voluntary blood donation camp every year on December 8, promoting voluntary blood donation by the staffs and customers of the bank donating blood, to create awareness  to the general public, thereby saving the lives of people.

 There is no replacement of human blood and it is important for all of us to donate our blood so as to save the lives of those who need it. WBO, HDFC Thoubal, Salam Bikramjit Singh thanked the blood bank DH, Thoubal and District Health Society Thoubal for their contribution in making the programme a grand success.

 Altogether 17 (5 female and 12 male) staffs and customers of HDFC Bank Thoubal donated their blood voluntarily during the camp. Blood donor batch and donor cards were distributed to the blood donors by the officials.

IMPHAL | Dec 8

Condemning against the non-declaration of the result for the recruitment of police constable male 2013 batch, Joint action committee against All Manipur D.P.C. completed re-recruitment candidate of police constable, male batch 2013 has decided to start agitations and called for indefinite total shut down of the State since mid-night of December 10.

Speaking to media person chairman of said organisation K. Jayanta Singh said that the chief minister N. Biren had assured them for the declaration of result on December 5. However, they have remain silent till today, he said.

We have been suffering from last five years. Now we are not in a position to bear the troubles any more. So we collectively decided to organise indefinite total shut down since midnight of December 10, he added.

However there is a relaxation to department of water, electricity, matter related to faith, emergency and medical services, he said.

From Our Correspondent

JIRIBAM | Dec 8

1st Jiribam Districthood Day Celebration Committee Jiribam has organised the celebration of the 1st Jiribam Districthood Day Celebration today at the JIMPAL hall of Jiri Ima Meira Paibi Apunba Lup (JIMPAL).

The occasion was attended by president, AJUCA, former convenor, Jiribam District Demand Committee (JDDC), Jirbam, Mutum Maipaksana Mangang and president, JDO, Jiribam, Lamabam Romen Khuman as presidium members. 

The programme began with the lighting up of the candles by the presidium members. The welcome note and keynote address was given by general secretary, AJUCA N. Dharmendra Meetei.  He laid out the details regarding the purpose of the programme.

The resource person and the invitees gave their speeches about the programme. The speakers were assistant professor, Jiri College Jiribam, Dr. Arun Kumar Mangang, former advisor, Jiribam District Demand Committee, assistant professor, Jiri College Jiribam, L. Jaminikanta Singh, former advisor Jiribam District Demand Committee, assistant professor, Jiri College Jiribam, Th. Somorendra Singh, president, All Jiribam Meitei Panggal Progressive Society, Md. Badain, and chairman, Borobekra Sub-Division Development Organisation, P. Giten Singh. 

The speakers stressed about the struggles and hardships faced to make Jiribam become a district. President, JDO Jirbam, Lamabam Romen Khuman said the people of Jiribam faced many difficulties to make Jiribam achieve the status of a district, but it was worth it and now they are happy as their efforts have become fruitful. 

This day of Jirirbam achieving districthood makes us really happy and the people shall not ever forget it, he said. Today we are able to celebrate the day as a result of the efforts made by the people of Jiri and their leaders who came out, ready to sacrifice everything at the public meeting that took place on September 9, 2011, and the subsequent turn of events that led to granting of districthood, he added.   

One must never forget the struggles and hardships faced to achieve this, he said. Many slogans were raised, many who took to fasting went to jail. After a meeting held with the government on November 9, 2016, the prisoners were released from jail, he added.    

President, AJUCA and former convenor, Jiribam District Demand Committee said he was truly happy that Jiribam had achieved the status of districthood and today marks the arrival of its first anniversary.

The goal of becoming a district has been achieved but the facilities needed to a district have not provided at all, he said.  Even if all the requirements are not met, it is requested that Hosptial of Jiribam be made into a well equipped and better place at least, he added.

The former leaders of JDDC were honoured by presenting modest gifts.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 8

Governor of Manipur, Najma Heptulla today addressed at 4th annual convocation of NIT Manipur and urged the young, dynamic and talented graduated student to contribute to the society with the ideas and knowledge they earn in their life.

Speaking as chief guest, the governor congratulated to all the graduated students and their parents and said that convocation is necessary as it would acknowledge the hard work and perspiration made by the students during the course of their study.

She lauded the role of teachers in shaping a society and stated that without endless effort and dedication of teachers it would not be possible to bring out good students. Convocation is not just to honour the degree of the student but also reflect the sacrifices made by teachers in shaping student’s life, she added.

She also pointed out the interdependence between human mind and technology.

‘It is not the technology that transforms the society but the human mind which operates behind it. Development of a society is not decided by the number of industries and factories but by the quality of human thought’, said Heptulla.

She further advised all the students to have a sharp ambition so that success may triumph in their life and quoted that ‘If there is a will, there is a way’.

MD and CEO of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), chairperson of Board of governors (BOG), NIT Manipur, Ashishkumar Chauhan gave the presidential speech in the function. While praising the beauty of Manipur, he said that the students of NIT Manipur are very fortunate as they got the opportunity to educate themselves with the help of highly qualified teachers and professors by staying in a wonderful place like Manipur.

He advised all the students not to leave any curiosity in the campus and asked them to learn more once they leave the campus.

The guest of honour of the ceremony, faculty in Finance, SJM School of Management, IIT, Bombay, Varadraj Bapat said that since time immemorial India has scientific knowledge, however there are more to explore, which it can be successfully done by young, talented and energetic students of present days.

In his welcome address, Prof. S. Birendra gave a brief report on the activities and achievement of the institution during 2016-17 and pointed out that NIT of Manipur has ranked in 7th position, out of the

172 students were conferred degree, in which 101 were Bachelor of Technology, 41 were Master of technology, 28 were Master of Science and two were Doctor of philosophy.

IMPHAL | Dec 8

Teachers and students of Birmangol College, Sawombung today staged a sit-in protest against threat to the college principal by a militant group at the college premise.

Speaking to media persons, former secretary of the college student’s union, Y. Ajitkumar said that the students of the college are feeling unsecured due to the threat by militant group, KCP Chingkhei Progressive. The militant group ordered for indefinite shutdown of the college and also warned that the teachers and students should be responsible for any outcome if they attend the college, he added.

He appealed the militant group to withdraw the shutdown concerning the career of the students and innocent teachers.

IMPHAL | Dec 8

State paid homage to Rajarshi Bhagyachandra Maharaja on his 219th Death Anniversary today. The closing function of his Death Anniversary was held today at the Auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) at Palace Compound in Imphal. Deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh along with Arts & Culture Minister led the people to pay floral tribute to the portrait of the Maharaja. The closing function was organised by Nabadwip Shri Shri Anumahaprabhu Sebait Samity.

Speaking at the function, Deputy chief minister said, the political, religious and cultural thinking of Maharaja has to be remembered as it has the relevance and importance in the present day society. It is because of his contribution that Manipuri culture can occupy a place in the world.

He said, Hinduism is not only a religion but also a way of life. Being one of the oldest religions in the world, it survives for so long as it can absorb new things from time to time. Recalling the contributions made by the Maharaja in the field of culture, Joykumar said, we should appreciate his work in the development of Manipuri Culture especially in Ras Leela and Sankritan.  Being a good ruler and also a good follower of God, he built many temples in the State and even in the State of West Bengal i.e in Nabadwip, he added.

Art & Culture Minister L. Jayantakumar Singh said, Rajarshi Bhagyachandra may be considered as the Guru of all time with respect to Manipuri cultural activities. He said, to recollect and to revive his cultural activities would be true tribute to the departed soul. We are proud of his contribution nowadays, he added. Jayantakumar also appealed the members of Nabadwip Shri Shri Anumahaprabhu Sebait Samity to co-operate with the Government in the development of Maharaja’s Cultural Contributions.

1. Subhaschandra Singh, MLA also spoke on the importance of Maharaja’s contribution in the development of Manipuri Culture. H. Guneshwore Sharma, former Chairperson of Imphal Municipal Council also attended the closing function as Special Guest. Office bearers of the Samity and peoples from different backgrounds also attended the function.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Dec 8

BJP Heirok Mandal under the supervision of Bharatiya Janata Party, Thoubal district, organised a one- day political conference at the community hall of Umang Laikol at Heriok Part I today.

MLA, Wangjing-Tentha assembly constituency, Paonam Brojendro said the ideas of the Prime Minster, Narendra Modi is worth following. He is one of the world leaders now, he said. The reception of the prime minister held at Isarel with a red carpet is something the former prime ministers have never received, he added.  

He has introduced many schemes and projects for providing employment to the educated youths of India. When taken from the perspective of the context of Manipur, the works and deeds taken up by the chief minister, N. Biren is truly satisfying, he said.  The relation between and hill and valley is now closer, he said adding the government run by CM Biren is heading towards progress and development.

Stating that a politician must be able to adapt to the changing times, he expressed his finding satisfaction while working under the chief minister. He also praised the residents of Heirok for choosing the better candidate in the election.

The speakers in the conference, mainly the leaders of BJP state unit, especially Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, professor Tiken, Saratkumar Sharma, Sarda Devi and the former president, BJP state unit, Santikumar Sharma expressed that the congress party’s making up an issue out the framework agreement  in order to make political gains was unfortunate. Allegations were also made in the conference that congress party was the one that actually challenged the territorial integrity of Manipur.

The leaders in the conference also spoke in details about the various schemes and projects of the Prime Minister and laid down several rules and regulations of the party.  

 The occasion attended by the workers of BJP from several areas of Thoubal was attended by president, BJP Thoubal district, L. Deben as president. The presidents of the other mandals and candidates of the previous election also took part in the conference.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 17

The department of veterinary and animal husbandry has allegedly conducted the DPC for the recruitment of 22 veterinary officers (VO) (Grave-IV) in the wake of a standing order of the High Court not to declare the result of the said examination conducted by the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC).

It is learnt that the DPC was conducted on the night of December 4 last, just five days after a legal notice was served to the principal secretary and director of the concerned department not to go ahead with the decisions of the state cabinet with regards to the regularization and reinstatnement of then 37 contract employees who were engaged on contract basis during the year 199 to 2002. It has been informed that the contract of the 37 individuals was terminated in the year 2003.

In 2015, the All Manipur Unemployed Veterinary Doctors Association (AMUVDA) filed a case with the High Court (HC) for the direct recruitment of the 59 vacant posts through Manipur Public Service Commissioned and not to engage or re-engage veterinary officers on contract basis after the ban is being lifted.

The High Court had given the directive to the state government for early consideration of the unemployed VOs she said.

Subsequently, the state cabinet gave its approval to lift the direct recruitment ban of Vety. & AH dept. and fill up the 59 vacant posts of VOs directly through MPSC.

But to the surprised of the association the previous government in violation of HC directive took a cabinet decision to put up only 22 posts instead of 59 posts.

Left with no choice the AMUVDA further filed a case challenging the advertisement (dated July 5, 2017) inviting application for recruitment to 22 VOs.

While the HC reportedly stayed the MPSC examination result in response to the said petition, the veterinary department allegedly conducted the DPC for the recruitment of 22 VO clandestinely on the night of December 4. The matter was also listed for further hearing on December 4 but later deferred to another date.

The move has raised concern amongst the aggrieved petitioners who has been relentlessly fighting for their demands. AMUVDA had also submitted several memorandums to the successive governments in connection with their demands.

IMPHAL | Dec 8

Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution minister, Karam Shyam expressed the need for exploring an alternative mode of transportation of LPG and POL products in to Manipur and made functional.

He was speaking during the review meeting on marketing Infrastructure and Availability of Petroleum Products in North Eastern Region at Guwahati.

He further said the state government is keen to invite exploration of petroleum products and natural gas so that revenue may be generated and shared employment opportunities are being tapped as envisioned in the Vision Document. He also said as outlined in the vision document, doubling oil and gas by 2030, making clean fuels accessible, fast tracking projects, generating employment opportunities and promoting cooperation with neighbouring countries are commendable goals.

Stating that North Eastern Region is blessed with hydrocarbons resources, hydropower besides being a biodiversity hotspot, he said the only major hurdle stopping the economic growth of the region is the inability to translate the potential into corresponding realities.

He also said it is high time that the natural resources of the North Eastern Region are harnessed in a concerted manner under the framework of Hydrocarbon Vision 2030. With the expected completion of railway project by 2019, the Malom depot will be fed by rail and the transportation infrastructure bottlenecks due to bad road conditions will be over, he said.  Seeking attention of the Union Govt to complete the Railway Project in a time bound manner, the Minister said completion of the project on time is highly critical, he added.

The state government has taken initiative to acquire 26 acres of land for development of railway siding including Tank Truck parking at Malom Depot of IOC, he continued. He said for transportation of LPG and POL there is a need for establishing pipeline connectivity. Stating that the state government will provide adequate support, he urged the Union Govt to expedite a) Guwahati – Lumding – Imphal Product Pipeline b) Numaligarh – Dimapur – Imphal – Moreh Product Pipeline c) Numaligarh – Dimapur – Imphal Product Pipeline.

Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, all Consumers Affairs and Public Distribution ministers of NE states and other officials attended the Review Meeting on Marketing Infrastructure and Availability of Petroleum Products in North Eastern Region.