Manipur News

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Oct 11

The Student’s Union of Pettigrew College (SUPC) Ukhrul has stated in a press statement that the union has called off its agitation and resumed normal classes from today as the demand has been fulfilled.

SUPC has expressed its gratitude to the chief minister and education minister of Manipur, local MLAs, leaders of CVOs and well-wishers for their timely intervention to the prolonged issue.

General secretary of SUPC, Phuiya Shimrah also lauded the teachers of Pettigrew college for bearing with the student’s union during the course of agitation.

It may be mentioned that SUPC has demanded for immediate removal of principal Dr.  Ninghorla Zimik due to administration failure and submitted a memorandum to the education minister, government of Manipur for kind intervention. Accordingly, the governor of Manipur issued an order on October 9, after which, K. A. S. Soreingam has been appointed as principal in-charge of the college.

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI |Oct 11

United Naga Council (UNC) urged Naga politicians in Manipur to shed differences and exhibit their “collective position” towards the ‘Naga cause’. Towards this end, a ‘One-Day Conclave of Naga Autonomous District Council (ADC) Members’ was held at Thangal General ecological park, Mayangkhang in Senapati yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, UNC president Gaidon Kamei said that “it is time” for Naga politicians, Naga village chiefs, church leaders, different Naga outfits and different organizations to exhibit “our collective position” regarding the Naga political issue.

He said that the peace talks are in “advanced stage and we cannot afford to lose this finest opportunity.”  Gaidon Kamei also said that “if we do not take a right decision at this crucial juncture we will not have future.”  He said that the Nagas’ assertion for the settlement of the Naga issue is not a “privilege but it is our political right.”

Markson, Senapati ADC chairman, Namsinrei Panmei, Tamenlong ADC chairman, K. Dickson, Ukhrul ADC chairman, members of ADC from various districts, S. Milan, general secretary of UNC and its executives, W. Asha, president of Naga Women Union, NPO executives, ANSAM executives, tribe presidents, village chiefs and church leaders attended the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, ML. Markson said that though Naga ADC members hail from different political parties they will co-operate each other when it comes to the Naga political issue.

The ADC chairman of Senapati rued that Naga politicians have been facing various difficulties. He alleged that empowering of ADCs has been denied by the State government right from the beginning.

He continued that they are ready to vacate their positions for the Naga political solution if the need arises and appealed to the UNC to continue “strengthening the movement”.

Namsinrei Panmei, Tamenglong ADC chairman, expressed his gratitude to UNC for organising such conclave and also for bringing all the Naga ADC members together. “It is time to open our eyes and strengthen the political position leaving aside all the differences,” said Namsinrei Panmei. He also said that ADC members should stand firmly “for the Naga solution at all cost.”

IMPHAL | Oct 11

Come October and thousands of Amur Falcons, also known as Akhuaipuina by the locals of Tamenglong, start arriving in this hill district of the state and Wokha district in Nagaland.

Amur Falcon (Falco Amurensis) is a small bird weighing just about 100 to 150 grams and measuring 25 to 30cm in length, the male mostly grey in colour and the female having dark teak cream or orange underpants. The eye ring and legs are orange in colour.

Amur falcons are absolutely stunning in the wild and sought after by birders and wildlife photographers. To these people their value cannot be measured by money and materialistic thing. 

The Amur falcon species inhabit in open woods and marshes during the breeding season, migrating birds roost and stay near open forest. These falcon species feed on insects, capturing them in the air on the ground. They are known to feed on small birds and frogs. During their migration, it is believed that their diet mainly consists of migrating dragonflies.

Its breeding season is between May and June. Abandoned nest platforms belonging to other birds and tree hollows are used for nesting. The clutch may contain three to four eggs. Both the parents take part in incubating eggs and feeding chicks.

The bird breeds in Northeastern Asia, the species flies non-stop from Mongolia to Northeast India covering 5,600km in five days and nights. The birds halt briefly in Myanmar and after a month or so they reach central and western India en route to South Africa. This raptor has one of the longest migration routes of all birds, doing up to 22,000 km in year. And the birds are expected to stay in Tamenglong till November.

The people of Tamenglong see the falcons as messengers of God, their arrival indicates a good year and bountiful harvest. The birds eat winged termites and other insects that destroy crops.

However the younger generations started decimating them by using nets, slingshots and guns. Since the species is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, western forest division of Tamenglong and Rain Forest Club of Tamenglong organised various campaigns, seminars in different villages to give awareness and the importance of the friendly visitor.

What is encouraging is that of late, people from all walks of life, youths in particular have joined hands for conservation. As a part of the awareness campaign Amur falcon festival is also going to be organised in Tamenglong district headquarters on November 3.  After various campaigns and awareness most bird catchers have turned bird lovers and the species is recognised as friends of the tribal. 

India is signatory to the convention of migratory species and thus have a duty under the international law to ensure that the killing and consumption of migratory bird in our land is strictly prohibited.

The government, NGOs, civil bodies, and the churches need to educate about the amazing journey of this birds so that in return they will pass on the message of conservation to hunters and children.

In Nagaland the government has even threatened to stop grants to villages involved in hunting the falcons. Village councils agreed to make the hunting of the falcon illegal, and levied a fine of Rs. 5000 against any hunters.

It may be noted that the former Union minister for environment, Prakash Javedkar announced that Doyang lake in Wokha district of Nagaland areas would be developed as an eco-tourism spot for bird watchers.

It will be wise if the state government also take initiatives in implementing strict laws in conserving this bird and should also look for an eco-tourism spot in Tamenglong district where the bird lovers and tourists can come and see these beautiful birds.

During the state festivals, like Orange festival, Pineapple festival, Sangai Festival, Shirui Festival, Barak Festival, Lui Ngai-ni, Kut etc., the state government can also campaign and create awareness about the importance of Amur falcons.

Results for members seats declared

 By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 11

Counting of votes for the 5th Manipur general Panchayat election commenced in six districts of Manipur from 8 am today under tight security at the respective deputy commissioner offices.  

The polling of votes was held for six districts namely Imphal West, Imphal East, Jiribam, Bishnupur, Kakching and Thoubal at 1521 polling stations on October 7. But due to reports of electoral malpractices in some polling stations, re-poll was conducted at 29 polling the following day. 

Out of the total 7, 16,813 voters 3, 48,139 are males and 3, 68,691 females. The polling was held to elect 60 zilla parisads, 161 pradhans and 1513 ward members in six districts.

For Imphal West district, votes were counted on ten tables at the Lamshang RO offices, Imphal East district, counting of votes were held on 14 tables.

In Imphal West district commissioner (DC) office thousands of people awaited eagerly for the result at the gate of DC office. Many winning candidate came to take certificate from the office. As the election authority faced difficulty in managing the large number turn out of winning candidates and their supporter, they were instructed to collect certificate tomorrow. 

Till late evening counting results for ward members was declared for all districts and for Imphal West counting for pradhan has started at the time of filing this report. However, counting for zilla parisad will be held on tomorrow.

Since the voting was done through ballot paper, counting process will take time to complete.

Meanwhile, counting is underway for ten tables under Nambol, Bishnupur and Moirang RO at Mini-Secretariat Complex Multi-Purpose Hall. Out of eleven zilla parishad, twenty four pradhan and 219 Ward Members, Seventy six ward members have won the votes.

Mention may be made that 17 zilla parishad, 44 pradhan and 222 ward members are contesting in the election. Bishnupur police has taken up tight security measures at the counting area. CCTV camera is also installed at the area.

Till late evening counting results for ward members has declared for all districts and for Imphal West counting for pradhan has started but counting for polls of zilla parisad will be on tomorrow.

Till now for Sawombung RO the counting was stopped at 10th pradhan, for porompat RO the counting was stop after first pradhan and for Keirao Bitra, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Lilong, Thoubal, Nambol, Bishnupur, Moirang, Kakching, Waikhong and Jiribam the counting will continued tomorrow until the latest report.

Our Thoubal correspondent adds:

After the counting of votes began today for the elections held on October 7 for 5th general Panchayat elections, the results for the post of zilla parishad, pradhan of gram panchayat and members under RO Lilong and under Lilong sub division, Thoubal district have been declared.

For RO Thoubal under Thoubal sub division, the votes for 221 members have been completed while the votes for 27 pradhans of gram panchayat are still counting.

As the votes for GP members were counted, three candidates came out as tie. Draw of lots were conducted for them and results were declared.

Two rooms at Thoubal DC complex were divided as room A and B where 12 tables were placed for each. At the total 24 tables, the counting was conducted and by 3pm, the results for 89 members were declared. The certificates were also handed out to the candidates who won.

The results for the pradhans of gram panchayat were declared by 6 pm and certificates were also given.

The elected pradhans for 7gram panchayats under RO Lilong are Idris Ali for Turel  Ahanbi Atoukhong GP, Khumanthem Ranjit for Oinam Sawombung GP, RK Krishnachandra for Leisangthem GP,  Sanahanbi for khekman GP, Md.Abdul Warish for Moijing GP, Islaur Rahman for Irong chesaba GP and Wangjam Premapati for Maibam Uchiwa GP.

For Lilong sub division, votes were counted for zilla parishad members and elected three candidates were handed out certificates.

On the other hand, for 20 gram panchayat members of Thoubal sub division, the results for 221 panchayat members were declared. The counting for the pradhans of 20 gram panchayats is still going on. However, the counting for the seven zilla parishad members is yet to begin.   

However, it is believed the counting for Thoubal sub-division will be completed soon as the counting for Lilong sub division is over and the empty counting tables are taken over for Thoubal sub division.

Our Jiribam Correspondent adds:

The counting of votes of 5th Panchayat election of Jiribam panchayat areas is underway.

The counting was started from 8 am today at the deputy commissioner’s campus, Jiribam district. The counting was held on six tables under supervision of RO, Jiribam, A. Shivadas Sharma and DEO, Jiribam, Robert Singh Kshetrimayum.

Till the time of filling this report, votes of 57 ward members have been counted. The counting of six pradhan seat is in underway, among which 2/6 – Jakuradhor Gram panchayat was declared in which Sadana Das won by 155 votes from her nearest rival Prativa Das.

The remaining five seats of Pradhan as well as two Zilla parishad constituencies are still awaited. After the completion of Pradhan seats, votes of Zilla parishad members will be counted.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 11

R.K. Maipaksana Journalist Fellowship was awarded to Ningombam Gunachandra  a well known columnist who has contributed for many different newspapers and journals for the last 28 years on different topics.

The award distribution function, celebrating the  93rd birth anniversary of R.K. Maipaksana was held today at Lamyanba Shanglen, Konung Mamang.

Gunachandra wrote 28 articles based on communal harmony for the welfare of the ethnic groups in the state.

In his address he assured to contribute more after researching the history of the ethnic groups of the state to bring a good and healthy society, Gunachandra added.

 The fellowship carries a citation and cash award for Rs. 3,000 per month for one year.

Chief guest of the function, Prof. N Tombi in his speech said history is incomplete without journalism. Journalism and literature are like friends, siblings, which complement each other.

One classic example would be of Dr. Kamal’s poem ‘Meitei Chanu’, which drew inspiration from Hijam Irawat’s journal with the same title published in 1922, he said.

This was stated by Prof N. Tombi, delivering his speech at the He was delivering a lecture on the topic, “Journalism ga Manipuri sahitya amasung sanskriti ga leinaba mare.”

Continuing his speech, Prof Tombi said the role of journalism is not only to disseminate news but it also plays a dynamic role of giving knowledge through magazines and journals.

Nowadays people spread useful information and opinions on social media, and media being considered the fourth estate of democracy, it can shape the society in a dynamic way, he added. 

Meanwhile, people paid floral tribute on the portrait of R.K. Maipaksana. It was followed by releasing of a souvenir “93rd Birth Anniversary of R.K. Maipaksana” by R.K. Maipaksana memorial trust.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 11

The acting Chief Justice, N. Kotiswar, High Court of Manipur today adjourned the anticipatory bail hearing of three former chief secretaries (CSs) of the state till October 25, in connection with the case of multi-crore scam of Manipur Development Society (MDS).

With the state having submitted their bail objection report before the judge the petitioner’s counsels in today’s hearing reportedly sought that the report be furnished to the respective counsels of the CSs.

However, the prosecution raised objection to the plea made by the petitioner’s counsels.

Having heard both the argument of the counsels, the court fixed October 25 for hearing on the feasibility to furnish the objection reports to petitioner’s counsels.

The three former CSs, O. Nabakishore, PC. Lawmkunga and DS. Poonia, filed their petitions for anticipatory bail separately before the court of acting Chief Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, in early part of September and the bail petitions were clubbed as one.

The bail application was filed after planning joint secretary, Th. Muhindro lodged an FIR on September 1, against the former chief minister, O. Ibobi, former MDS project director, Y. Ningthem, MDS administration officer, S Ranjit and also against the three former CSs to Imphal police station alleging huge financial irregularities of Rs. 185.79 crores of Manipur Development Society.

The bail petition of the CSs was heard on September 18 before the court of acting chief justice who fixed October 11 as the next date for the bail hearing following plea of the state to give more time to file bail objection report.

The state was represented by senior government advocate, RS. Reishang while Ahanthem Romen Kumar represented for PC. Lawmkunga, advocate Th. Ibohal for O. Nabakishore Singh and advocate Kh. Binoy Kumar for DS. Poonia.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | Oct 11

Health minister of Manipur, L. Jayantakumar visited Churachandpur district hospital along with minister V. Hangkhanlian today and took stock of the shortages in the hospital.

The minister was given a formal reception at the district hospital superintendent conference room. He said that bad road connectivity is creating major issue in transportation of medicines, specialists and other requirements for the hospital use.

He continued that there must be more than 700 doctors in the state and their transfer has become necessary to balance the requirement of doctor area wise.

The ministerial team visited different departments of the hospital and witnessed various shortages. The team also noticed the unused CT scan machine in the hospital. According to one of the officials of the hospital, the CT scan machine is outdated. The hospital is waiting for a latest machine to be installed, which would cost around Rs. 1.6 crore, he added.

The team also witnessed the deserted nursing school, where it was found that many students had left last month due to improper food facility and leaking of water in their rooms. The minister told media that the government will make arrangements to repair the training centre and medicines will be supplied free in the hospital.

IMPHAL | Oct 11

The State Cabinet has approved the proposal of implementing Chief Ministergi Sottharabasingi Tengbang (CMST) and Hakshelgi Tengbang in its meeting held with chief minister, N. Biren Singh in the chair today.

CMST will provide: allowance/maintenance grant to persons registered as having high degree of disabilities, self-employment loan with subsidy/grants to those who can receive skill training, scholarship to students with disabilities, free travel concession to differently-abled persons and maintenance grant to homeless older persons.

The scheme will be notified under Section 24 (3) (i) of the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 in order to give a strong legal footing.

Hakshelgi Tengbang (Manipur Health Protection Scheme) will provide free medical treatment in the event of hospitalisation to BPL/poor families. Under this scheme, the beneficiaries will be entitled to medical treatment coverage up to Rs. 2 lakhs per family per year on floater basis.

Around 800 different diseases along with six critical ailments of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, kidney diseases, neonatal diseases, neurological conditions and burns will be covered under the scheme.

The Cabinet also approved partial exemption of premium in respect of the land allotted to All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) for the establishment of a Press Colony.

The State Cabinet also resolved to issue no objection certificate (NOC) to four schools for affiliation to Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The schools are Imphal Valley School, Mantripukhri, Imphal East, Shishu Nishtha Niketan, Moirang Kampu Sajeb, Imphal East, Tolchou Ibeton Memorial Academy, Hiyangthang, Imphal West and Bethel English School, Nambol.

The Cabinet also decided to restructure the Manipur Infrastructure Development Agency (MIDA) by appointing a senior minister or government official as the chairman of the governing body of the agency in place of the chief minister.

It also approved the creation of one ex-cadre post of principal chief conservator of forest (Wild Life) for Indian Forest Service in the IFS HAG + scale.

The Cabinet also gave its approval to allotment of land already in possession of CAF & PD, Manipur measuring an area of 14 acres covered by C.S. Dag No. 565/756 of Village No. 83 – Lamjaotongba, Imphal West in favour of CAF & PD department, Manipur.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 11

Chief minister, N. Biren Singh today announced that Rs.32 crores have been released by the Union minister for road transport & highways Nitin Gadkari for restoring flood damaged national highways in the state.

He also said that a proposal was submitted to the ministry for construction of 12 new roads connecting the state with other states.

He made this announcement while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function of police and press workshop at 1st MR Banquet hall. The function was organised by Manipur Police department in connection with its 125th anniversary celebration.

Biren said that the government is on a mission to bring better relations between the public, police and the press of the state.

He appreciated the efforts of the police and said that people have started trusting the police for their trustworthy activities done recently, which is a good sign of governance.

Stating that media is the fourth pillar in a democratic state, Biren said that media invariably plays an important role to uphold the rule of law in the region. Professional ethics should be maintained by the journalists while reporting sensitive news so that police could control the crimes happening in the State, he continued.

Further he continued the sole responsibility of the police is to maintain and control the law and order situation of the State. If police do not know the ground realities such as complexities of social and political nature at grassroots level, then police cannot prevent from deteriorating law and order situation, he added.

He stated that the cybercrime unit of the police department has solved many cases and thus preventing various crimes and mob justice in the State.

Topics like redressal of grievances, media management, safety of journalists, mob justice and ethical reporting were lectured by eminent personalities during the workshop.

Inspector general of police (Zone-I), Clay Khongsai lectured on “media management” and said that media should work with professional working integrity. He said that public relation officer (PRO) has an important role in media management and that the information he gives out should be correct, factual and fair.

Associate professor of LMS Law College, N. Pramod Singh talked on “mob justice”. He said that mob justice are crime and offences of state and is directly related to police.

CrPc 44 of IPC is applicable in a state if the mob gathered turns violent and does not abide by the law, he added.

IGP (administration) Manipur, S. Ibocha Singh, SP of Tengnoupal, S. Ibomcha Singh and Times of India correspondent, K. Sarojkumar Sharma also gave lectures on redressal of grievances, safety of journalists and ethical reporting respectively.

Around 100 police and media fraternity attended the workshop.

Meanwhile, Biren Singh along with commissioner YAS H. Deelep, director of YAS N. Praveen Singh and other officials of the department today inspected the ongoing repairing work being taken up at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Imphal.

During the inspection, chief minister visited the temporary office of Sports University situated at the office building of Manipur Olympic Association, Khuman Lampak. Stating that he is satisfied with the ongoing work for the Sports University, he said that everything is almost ready for the inauguration of the first Sports University of the country.

The State government is waiting for the confirmation of Prime Minister’s schedule for the inauguration, he added.

Chief minister said that the Main Stadium Ground is being developed into the football field of International Standard with natural grass turf fields and would be completed before the commencement of I-League tournament next month.

IMPHAL | Oct 11

With an aim to build the skill set of physicians to treat viral Hepatitis-C using direct acting antiviral (DAAs) Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE) in consultation with directorate of health service, organised a one-day orientation for medical officers on Hep-C screening, diagnostics and treatment Hotel Classic today.

A statement issued by the R.K. Nalinikanta (Kanta) president CoNE, said the network has been undertaking various activities and efforts to improve access to screening, diagnosis and treatment of people for viral hepatitis B and C.

Specifically on viral hepatitis C, with the newer medications also known as Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs), patients can be now cured with less than 20,000 Rupees for a 12 weeks therapy with minimal to nil side effects, it said. 

To further expand the access to treatment, CoNE has been organising a series of training for medical doctors from different districts of Manipur including rural and hills areas, on how to use these DAAs for the treatment of hepatitis C, the first training of which has been held on August 28, 2016 in association with the directorate of health services and the Babina Diagnostics.

As a continuation, CoNE in consultation with directorate of health service, government of Manipur organised the training programme today, it added.

RIMS associate professor and Gastroenterologist, Dr Karam Romeo Singh and associate professor department of medicine JNIMS Dr. Kh. Lokeshwar Singh attended the programme as resource persons during the training session.

It said altogether, 21 medical practitioners from different districts of the state including Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Senapati and Ukhrul participated at the training programme.