Manipur News

IMPHAL | Oct 20

Advance Nongol Chakouba was held today at the office of Smart Security Service (SSS) at Tera Keithel. The programme also included the distribution of the Best performance award of SSS.

Best performance award was given to eight individuals for their outstanding performance in eight fields/categories by chairman of Film Forum Manipur (FFM), S. Mangaljao Singh who attended the function as chief guest.

The function was also attended by president of SSS, Laimajam Shyamo Singh, branch manager of Bank of India-Aizawl, Oinam Khogendro Singh, CEO of Bishnupur Urban Co-operative Bank, Maisnam Korouhandba Luwang, branch manager of Bank of India-Thoubal among others as presidium members of the function.  After the award function, a Ningol Chakouba feast was served.

IMPHAL | Oct 20

Governor of Manipur has conveyed her greetings to the people of the state, especially the beloved sisters on the auspicious occasion of Ningol Chakkouba festival, 2017.

In her message, she said, “The festival originally observed by the Meitei community, has now encompassed other communities in Manipur, a testimony to the increasing unity and integration in the state. This age old tradition of Manipur will reinforce the unique significance and primacy accorded to women in Manipuri society and encourages them to strive for peace and prosperity in the state.”

She further said, “The festival will herald an era of progress and prosperity in the region and promote unity, integrity and peaceful coexistence of all communities in the state. The festival will also reinforce the fraternal and protective bond that exists between brothers and sisters.”   

Chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh has extended his warm greetings to the people of Manipur on the joyous occasion of Ningol Chakkouba festival which will be celebrated tomorrow.

In his message he said, “Ningol Chakkouba is one of the biggest festivals of Manipur which celebrates the unbreakable bond of love between brothers and sisters and which reinforces the care and affection of the parents for their daughters binding and reviving family relations. Though the festival is originally observed by the Meitei community, the celebration now extends to tother communities and tribes in Manipur thereby reinforcing unity amidst diversity in the state.”

“The festival promotes the feeling of peaceful co-existence and harmonies social life by reaffirming our faith in the traditional values of love and protection”, he added.    

He further said, “Let us imbibe the ideals associated with this festival to foster the spirit of amity, harmony and goodwill in our lives.”

Deputy chief minister of Manipur, Yumnam Joykumar Singh has also expressed his greetings and wishes to the people of Manipur on the joyous occasion of Ningol Chakkouba festival.

He said, “Ningol Chakkouba festival symbolises the inherent relationship between the brothers, sisters and parents as well. Let the Ningol Chakkouba festival, the biggest and emotional festival of Manipuris which falls on 21st of this month (Hiyanggei Nini Panba), bring peace, unity and harmony amongst the people of Manipur.”

Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, Yumnam Khemchand Singh has extended his warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba festival to be celebrated tomorrow.

He said, “Ningol Chakkouba signifies that married sisters and daughters are invited on this day, served with specially arranged food and then blessed with gifts for a perpetual happy and prosperous life in the years to come.” 

GOC Red Shield Division has extended his greetings on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba and Kut festivals to the people of the state wishing them happiness and joy.

He urged to strengthen the bond of love and unity among all communities to promote peaceful coexistence and a harmonious social life by reaffirming their faith in the traditional values of Manipur.  

Information Public Relation minister has conveyed his warm greeting and best wishes to the people especially the Ningols of the state on the eve of Ningol Chakkouba which is one of the biggest festivals of the state.

In his message, he said that Ningols should be given a special place in our society and no Ningol should be deprived of their rights and prayed for women’s empowerment on the auspicious occasion.

He also prayed that the coming of this unique festival that celebrates the bond of love between brothers and sisters will strengthen the bond of love among the different communities residing in the state, it said adding that hoped that this festival will lead us to the path of peace, prosperity and happiness.

Social Welfare and Co-operation minister has expressed her heartfelt greetings of love and peace to the people of Manipur especially to all the Ningols of this soil on the auspicious and joyous occasion of Ningol Chakkouba festival.

In her message, she said, “As I represent the womenfolk of the state, this festival is indeed special for me. It is a festival that binds and revives the family relations between the married daughters/sisters and the parental family.”

She wished and hoped that this festival embodied the true essence of love and herald an era of progress and prosperity in the region to promote unity, integrity and peaceful coexistence of all communities in the state.

MAHUD minister, Th. Shyamkumar has greeted and conveyed his best wishes to the people of the state especially the women folk on the auspicious festival of Ningol Chakkouba.

In his message, he said, “Let the festival further tighten the bond of love between brothers and sisters of the state.”

He wished that the binds of love and peace among various communities will be revived with the festival of Ningol Chakkouba and also imbibe the ideals to foster the spirit of harmony, amity and goodwill.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Oct 20

Autonomous District Council Sadar Hills has given its opinion that District Council Act, 2008 Amendment as the backbone of ‘Go to Hills’ Mission.

During a press conference today morning at Gamnom-Sapormeina, the residence of executive member ADC Sadar Hills, Lunthang Haokip extolled the BJP government for its initiative in bringing equal and transparent development both in the hills and valley for collective growth of all sections.

He said that the launching of ‘Go to Hills’ or ‘Ching Challo’ Mission by chief minister of Manipur right after the introduction of Tribal Leader’s Day and Meeyamgi Numit, has given financial assistance to persons with disability and poor people who could not access to proper medical treatment.

“The Hills people are extremely happy for introducing such initiatives more particularly the Go to Hills or Ching Challo Mission launched with a motive to bring new development and changes in the hills districts keeping in mind for the development of the hills, which means development of Manipur”, asserted Haokip.

However, Lunthang Haokip underlined the obligatory of fully implementation of District Council Act, 2008 Amendment for meaningful and success of ‘Go to Hills’ or ‘Ching Challo’ Mission as District Councils is the backbone having a vital roles for grassroots level development of the hill districts.

He also recalled that 26 departments had already been devolved powers as per the District Councils Act, 2008 Amendment but never implemented in letter.

Meanwhile, executive member of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, ADC Sadar Hills, Lunthang Haokip also have taken the issue of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), a social welfare flagship programme, created by the government of India, to provide housing for the rural poor in India.

He highlighted that most of the eligible beneficiaries for PMAY-G have been left out in the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), 2011 and questioned that when the census was executed with transparency of the authority concerned during the survey.

He pointed out that in 10-Gamnom Sapormeina District Council Constituency, 21 villages out of 53 villages have been left out in the SECC 2011 survey. Even if large numbers of villages nearby the Trans Asian Highway-1 could be left out during the survey it is impossible for the scheme to covered villages and eligible beneficiaries in the interior parts, he added.

While considering the alleged unfair survey during the SECC 2011, Haokip demanded for re-survey of Socio-Economic and Caste Census in all hill districts of the state so as to ensure that the scheme reach all the eligible beneficiaries accordingly.

Haokip, who is also the executive member of Tribal Affairs and Hills allegedly said that almost all the developmental files has always been neglected and keep on pending at the table of the concerned authority and drawn for the immediate intervention of the chief minister of Manipur to look into the matter at the earliest.

He further appealed the CM to include at least three Autonomous District Council chairman so as to streamline the Tribal Affairs and Hills Department and also to ensure smooth maintenance of hills developmental files in the interest of the hills people.

The ADC Sadar Hills also wished the people of Manipur on the occasion of Ningol Chakouba.

Lunthang Haokip conveyed the happiness of the ADC Sadar Hills for the grand festival to all the communities of Manipur.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Oct 20

The Dr Shurhozelie led Naga People’s Front (NPF) in its Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting held today in Kohima while “reiterating” its support to the ongoing peace process between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India, the CEC expressed its appreciation to the Government of India for inviting the Working Committee of the “Naga National Political Groups” (NNPGs) for negotiation. “It has been the consistent stand of the NPF that solution to the Naga political problem should be inclusive of all stakeholders and this solution should be expedited by all concerned so as to bring about normalcy, peace and prosperity to our land,” one of the meeting resolutions said.

The meeting also “reiterate our appeal to the NSCN (K)” to renounce violence and return to the negotiating table with the Government of India as desired by the Naga people.

It then “vehemently” condemned the “arbitrary dismissal of the Constitutionally-installed Government headed by Dr Shurhozelie by Governor PB Acharya and unconstitutionally installing the TR Zeliang Government saying the tussle for NPF leadership was not an internal party problem”. The meeting said the within a month or so, the Governor had the “temerity to state in a press interview that it is an internal party problem and that the party must reconcile”. The meeting of the Dr Shurhozelie led NPF then cited a case of of Tamil Nadu where Governor C Vidyasagar Rao told the four Opposition leaders today that he could not intervene in the issue of 19 AIADMK “rebels” as they “continue to be AIADMK party members”, but here in Nagaland, the Governor had done just the opposite.

 The meeting then welcomed the decision of the Election Commission  of India (ECI) dated October 17, 2017, in referring back the matter to the party to put to rest the present crisis once and for all, and placed on record its “sincere appreciation to the ECI for the just and transparent order issued as per the provisions of Article XV of the NPF Constitution; and towards this, endorses the Party President Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu to summon the General Convention of the party, as desired by the ECI, on November 22, 2017 at 11 am either at Khuochiezie or IG Stadium”.

The meeting then reaffirmed the party’s commitment to remain with the National Democratic Alliance since NPF is one of its founding members in 1977. “However, severance of ties with the BJP, as decided by the CEC on July 18, 2017, shall continue,” it added.

Finally, the meeting resolved that, to “ensure clarity and avoid duplicity in the Constitution of the party, the CEC authorizes the party President Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu to set up a Constitution Review Committee so that the proposed amendments/ changes in the Constitution can be put up of adoption in the scheduled November 22, 2017 General Convention of the party as required by Article XVI of the Constitution of the party”.

IMPHAL | Oct 20 (NNN)

The loss worth incurred by the rodent attack on standing crops and granaries in Tengnoupal district is estimated at Rs 1.5 crore, according to Morung who is the chairman of Kampang Khullen village.

Speaking to Newmai News Network today in Imphal, the chairman of Kampang Khullen village said that 19 villages in Tengnoupal district have been affected by rodent menace.

The affected villages are Kampang Khullen, Kampang Khunou, Leibi village, Langkhongching, Lamlong Khunou, Waksu, Choktong, N Satang, Kharou Khunou, Kharou Khullen, Rilram Centre, Khudei Laipham, Khudei Loikong, Khudei Khullen, Narum, Yongkhul, Morengthel, Saibol and Langkhongching B.

Meanwhile, a one-day farmers’ awareness programme on rodent control in Tengnoupal district was held at Training Hall, Agriculture department, Senjenthong in Imphal today.

The programme was jointly organised by District Agriculture Officer (DAO), Chandel and Central Integrated Pest Management, Imphal. Director of Agriculture department, Ph Rajendro and officers of Chandel District Agriculture department, Y Shyam and O Tarunkumar attended as resource persons. Pesticides were distributed to the farmers during today’s programme. Ph Rajendro appealed the farmers to consult with the experts before using the pesticides.

On October 14, officials from the Agriculture department of Manipur had rushed to the affected areas and carried out a thorough survey work along with the Village Level Extension Workers/Field Assistant (VLEW/FA) and villagers. The team had conducted a field survey as directed by the higher authority.

Rodent menace has become a big issue in Tengnoupal district as the creatures attack standing crops and granaries.

Few days ago, Leibi village chairman, Th Angkha had informed NNN that “uncontrollable rodents destroyed paddy and maize” in the district. According to Th Angkha, bamboo flowering could have been the reasons for the rodent menace.

It is believed that rats feed on bamboo seeds and reproduce at high rate to increase their population size.

IMPHAL | Oct 20

Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh handed over loans worth Rs. 46,50,000 to nine skilled self-employed persons of different districts at Chief Minister’s Secretariat today.

The assistance ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 10 lakh was provided under Manipur State Co-operative Bank Ltd.

It may be mentioned that the bank authority identified these enterprising persons for providing loan after they pleaded for assistance to the Chief Minister on different Meeyamgi Numits.

Out of these nine persons, three are from Imphal West, two from Imphal East and one each from Ukhrul, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Tengnoupal districts.

National awardee in Pottery, Machihan Sasa of Longpi Kajui village, Ukhrul district and mobile phone mechanic Nongmeikapam Suvangko of Samurou Mayai Leikai, who is a differently-abled person, were also included among the beneficiaries.

 Interacting with the beneficiaries, the Chief Minister expressed pleasure that the Government has been able to identify the needs of the public and actual concerns through Meeyamgi Numit and Hill Leaders’ Day.

Shri N. Biren said that he met all these persons, who received loan today, on different Meeyamgi Numits.

He asked the loanees to repay loans regularly and maintain good relation with the bank so that they may avail bigger loans in future.

Stating that some of the banks deny loans to deserving persons, the Chief Minister said that the new Government has started withdrawing money from such banks.

He opined that banks should give loans to needy but deserving persons instead of helping the well-to-do section alone.

JIRIBAM | Oct 20 (JNN)

A 14-year old boy was critically inquired after allegedly being pushed out from the moving train by unidentified person at Bidyanagar, Jiribam train track while the train was proceeding toward Dollakhal from Jiribam train station.

Nongthombam Gunajit (14) s/o Bidamohan Singh a residence of Sivtilla, Cachar, he was travelling with his fellow friends.

As the train service was started freely on the new track upto Dollakhal train station for the test drive on the project of Jiribam – Tupul broad Guage line.

At around 3:30 pm the local of Bidyanagar village spotted the boy on the train track and reported to Jiribam police station. Later the police personnel took the injured boy and admitted to Jiribam hospital.

IMPHAL | Oct 20

Chief minister N. Biren Singh today announced a new scheme called “CMgi Laiyeng Shen” under the MOBC Department for all the widows belonging to the under privileged sections of society, as Ningol Chakouba gifts.

A statement issued by the CM’s secretariat, said under the new scheme each widow will receive an amount up to Rs. 15,000 as reimbursement towards medical expenses every year.

All the widows belonging to the minorities, other backward classes and schedule castes will be covered under the new scheme, it said.

“On the auspicious occasion of Ningol Chakouba I extend warm wishes to all the sisters of my state. I also take this opportunity to announce a new scheme ‘CM gi Laiyeng Shen’ under MOBC department for my sisters belonging to the lesser privileged sections of society. This scheme will cover all the widows belonging to minorities, other backward classes and scheduled caste. It is a small gift from the new government to the beloved sisters and mothers of the State on the occasion of first Ningol Chakouba after the formation of new government”, it said quoting the CM.

It said the government has also initiated the process for a health insurance scheme for all widows belonging to minorities, other backward classes and schedule castes of the state before adding that the premium for the health insurance will be paid by the government.

It is further informed that the chief minister mentioned that the objective of such scheme is to ensure that none of the widow sisters and mothers faces distress at the time of acute need.

Moreover, he also assured the people that the new women’s markets in the Hill districts which are under construction will be dedicated and inaugurated in January, 2018 as New Year gift to mothers and sisters of Hill districts of the State.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 20

Deputy chief minister, Yumnam Joykumar said the budget reserved for fisheries is not adequate to meet the needs of the state, and therefore urged the people to tap Central government schemes to augment the investment in this vital sector. He said the government would extend all help in this effort.

He said this while addressing this year’s Ningol Chakouba Fish Fair cum Fish Crop Competition, 2017, organised by the Fisheries Department today at Hapta Kangjeibung.

For a great majority of the people of the state fish is an important protein food item, he said, appreciating the Fisheries Department and private fish farmers for organising the mela, and making fish available at affordable prices.

He also praised the commendable effort to make rare indigenous fishes available for Ningol Chakouba buyers.

He also spoke with concern about the unseasonal rain the state received this year. This change in ecological balance will affect production of fish and called on people to be cautious.

One of the challenges in promoting and developing fisheries is to ensure water availability throughout the year, and this can be done by effective rain harvesting techniques, he said. The Fisheries Department must think of ways to help the people in meeting this challenge too, he added.

If in the dry season the state is faced with scarcity of water, during the monsoon it is flooding that become the menace. In the face of increase in flood problems in recent years, the government is working out a plan to to create water bodies at Lamphel to act as reservoirs that can absorb the flood waters. This will have a double purpose and these water bodies can be leased out to fishermen so they can farm fish.

Joykumar said, the Fisheries Department should take necessary steps to conserve the indigenous fishes which are getting endangered. These include fish species like Pengba, Ngaton, Ngatin and others, he said.

The need is to preserve their natural habitats properly, he said. Streams have to be developed properly as fish culture can be done along them, especially in the hilly areas, he added. 

On fund allocation, Joykumar said the state will try to re-appropriate fisheries budget to meet the expenditures so that scheme can be successfully implemented.  He said as the state has limited resources, people should approach the Centre and also the North Eastern Council (NEC) with viable projects to get necessary loans and grants. He assured to extend help in their effort to get financial support from Ministry of Agriculture and NEC to develop fisheries in the State.

Commissioner (Fisheries) Thaithuilung Panmei who also spoke said with the effort of fish farmers the production of fish has been increasing gradually. The department is planning to develop fisheries to make to even have a surplus to be exported to neighbouring states thus help the state economy.

Director of Fisheries, David K. Shimray in his turn said the mela and competition are organised in order to encourage the fish farmers. The state has an annual production of 32,000 metric tonnes of fish but the total requirement of fish is 42,000 metric tonnes and the state is getting the deficit tonnage of 10,000 metric tonnes from other fish farming states, he added.

Shimray said to mend the supply gap fish production will have to increase, and for this various projects are being implemented under NEC and National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). Eight schemes have been implemented to increase fish crop production already he added.

He further said for welfare of fish farmers,120 fish farmers have been given homes under National Welfare Fund for Fisherman (NWFF) and in the current fiscal year, 180 more fish farmers will be given homes under the same fund.

Life Insurance cover of fish farmers has also been introduced and as of now 12,500 fish farmers have been enrolled, he said. NEC has sanctioned a total of Rs. 3.2 crores for the development of fisheries in the hills, he added.

He said training and technical knowledge should be encouraged and department has approached NEC to convert the state fisheries training centre up to the level of regional fisheries training centre and NEC has accepted the proposal and soon it can be implemented.

Shimray said a total of 85,000 kilograms of fish are expected to be brought to the fair-cum-competition. Cash awards of Rs. 1 lakh to the highest producer of fish, and Rs.75,000 and Rs.50,000 respectively will be given away to the second and third highest producers of fish crop in the competition.

Another award of Rs. 20,000 will be given to the highest producer of indigenous fishes, he added.

In all 60 fish stalls from different districts and fish farms have been opened and varieties of fishes such as Catla, Rohu, Mrigal, Common Carp, Grass Carp, Silver Carp, Pengba/Khabak and Ngaton were sold at the fair.

Thousands of people thronged the mela to buy fishes for Ningol Chakouba tomorrow.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 20

A one-day awareness programme on handlooms and handicrafts delivery scheme, Mudra scheme and handlooms and handicrafts development programme was held today at Tamei community hall, Tamei, Tamenglong district.

Parliamentary secretary of Works and Agriculture, Awangbow Newmai attended the function as chief guest. In his speech he recognised that Tamei and Tousem are the most disadvantaged area of Manipur with bad connectivity, lacks behind in education, no good health facilities, and even banking facilities are not up to the mark.

But he gave an assurance as the local MLA that he will be always there for his constituency, and will extend help in whatever way he can for the development of his constituency. He also said road connecting Kangpokpi to Tamenglong to Tamei will soon be repaired for better communication in the area.

He acknowledged that women shoulder great responsibilities in this area, taking care of children and doing household chores, yet they have always managed to earn a livelihood for the family without depending on their husbands.

Commenting on the on-going bank issue in Tamei, he said that it will be sorted out soon and he has spoken to the chief minister. “Because of no bank facilities, Tamei and Tousem are facing difficulties in delivering government’s schemes like Anganwadi, Mid-day meal programme, and Handloom schemes and so on,” he added.

District Project Manager (handloom) M. Ibeyaima Devi and assistant manager Y. Shantikumar Singh also attended the programme as presidium members.

Ibeyaima lectured on the available schemes for handloom and textiles workers. She further elucidated on handlooms and handicrafts delivery scheme, Mudra scheme as well as handlooms and handicrafts development programme among others.

In all 175 women attended the awareness programme organised by District Handloom and Textiles Office, Tamenglong and sponsored by directorate of handloom and textiles, Manipur.