Manipur News

IMPHAL | Sept 27  

Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South), major general Virendra Singh donated three post-mortem kits to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, said a release.

It said that the event was attended by Medical Superintendent RIMS Hospital, Professor Ch. Arun Kumar Singh, HoD of Forensic Medicine, RIMS, Professor Th. Bijoy Singh, and Medico Legal Advisor to Government of Manipur, Professor H. Nabachandra Singh besides other distinguished officers from Assam Rifles.

It further said that on the occasion, Prof Th. Singh told the gathering that although the department of Forensic Medicine is self-sufficient yet at the times of many casualties a large number of post-mortem kits are required.

He acknowledged the positive role being played by the Assam Rifles in Manipur and expressed gratitude for providing such useful kits to the RIMS, it added.

IMPHAL | Sept 27

All Manipur Cheibi Association (AMCA) has alleged that the Lamphel SDPO, O. Wangkhomba Meetei, son of O. Meino threated to kill its player O. Thonglenngamba Meitei and its president and publicity secretary along with their family members in a telephonic conversation.

A release said that family members are not staying at their home due to fear of the threat and added that the tournaments organised by AMCA every year and other various works are affected which is a great loss for the state.

It said that AMCA will not able to organise North East Cheibi Championship which has been scheduled to be organise in October and various works to be done at the national and international level are also affected.

The preparations of “Yelhou Masana Cheibi” and “Indeginous Games and Traditional Martial Arts” which are to be showcased in Sangai Festival are also affected, it added.

It further demanded the state government to look into the matter and punish Lamphel SDPO at the earliest, otherwise the association along with like-minded organisation is ready to launch severe agitation.

IMPHAL | Sept 27

The governor of Manipur, Najma Heptulla has conveyed her heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja and Dussehra.

In her message, she stated that the festival is one of the biggest festivals of Hindus and is celebrated with full gaiety and signifies triumph of the good over evil.

The governor has prayed for peace and prosperity in the state by the coming of the Durga Puja and Dussehra.

IMPHAL | Sept 27

Many international organisations including Amnesty International, International Commission of Jurist, FORUM-ASIA, WGHR, etc., strongly denounced government of India’s continued refusal to accept the recommendation for the repeal/review of AFSPA.

Manipur based Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights (CSCHR) said that during the session for the adoption of the outcome document on India’s 3rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to improve its human rights situation, on September 21, the government of India formally accepted 152 recommendations out of the 250 recommendations given by 112 member states of the United Nations.

According to a release a delegation of CSCHR attended the 36th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). During the session for the adoption of the outcome document on India’s 3rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to improve its human rights situation, on 21st September 2017, government of India formally accepted 152 recommendations out of the 250 recommendations given by 112 member states of the United Nations.

The remaining 98 recommendations were simply noted. However, most of the human rights issues critical to the situation in Manipur including the repeal/review of AFSPA, ratification of Convention on Protection of All Persons Against Enforced Disappearances (CED), moratorium on death penalty, ratification of the Rome Statute on International Criminal Court, etc., are only noted without indicating a follow up plan and not accepted, it said.

CSCHR strongly deplores India’s refusal to repeal AFSPA, 1958 despite persistent recommendations from the UN and international community. In the first cycle of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2008 Germany, UK and Canada made recommendation regarding AFSPA, it maintained.

Similarly in the second cycle in 2012, Switzerland, France and Slovakia made similar recommendations. In this third cycle too government of Switzerland and Pakistan raised the issue, the release said, adding but in all the three cycles India has persistently refused to accept the recommendation.

CSCHR also condemns the failure of India to ratify the Convention against Torture (CAT) despite its signing the treaty 20 years ago in 1997 and strongly urges government of India to urgently ratify CAT by adopting an Act of Parliament for the prevention of torture that is consistent with the provisions of CAT, it added.

Further the release continued in the side event entitled “UPR Outcome Document”, held on  September 21 in the Palais des Nations, Jiten Yumnam of CSCHR stated “The continued enforcement of AFSPA, 1958 mean the unleashing of more inhumanity, extreme forms of violations, genocidal practices and a culture of impunity, targeting the most marginalized communities and national minorities”.

Babloo Loitongbam of WGHR/CSCHR, who moderated the event, questioned the true meaning of India repeatedly accepting a recommendation to ratify the Convention Against Torture, which was accepted by the government of Inida in the first, second and third UPR, while taking no meaningful action at all, it said.

Renu Takhellambam of EEVFAM drew the attention of the UN Human Rights Council on the issue of extrajudicial executions and AFSPA, added the release.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 27

“I am so happy receiving the award today. I feel I have been honoured by Jananeta Hijam Irawat himself, an icon who I have deep admiration. There has been no other leader like him”, said theatre personality Lamabam Gojendro.   

He was speaking during the award ceremony jointly organised by Progressive Writer’s Association, Manipur, Indian People’s Theatre Association, Manipur and Manipur Jagoi Marup on the occasion of Jananeta Irawat Literary and Cultural Day, which is part of the 121st birth anniversary of Irawat at the Jubilee hall of Maniour Jagoi Marup, Lamboikhongnangkhong here today.

Gojendro, theatre critic and director, was today honoured with the Irawat Theatre Award by the Irawat Celebration Committee for his contribution to theatre. Speaking to the Imphal Free Press on the sidelines of the programme, L. Gojendro said the legendary leader was a multifaceted personality.

“I consider myself unworthy of getting such award. But to get an award in Irawat’s name is something I will treasure for the whole of my life”, he said, adding we will find his works in literature, theatre, sports, social reformation and what not.

Further L. Gojendro continued, “It is worth recalling that Irawat had designed the emblem of the Manipur Dramatic Union. He acted in some of the plays of MDU and believed that theatre is also an important vehicle for social transformation”.

Recounting and anecdote, L. Gojendro said the then king Churachand, who was among the audience, went up to the stage to hand over a sum of Rs. 200 to Irawat. “This was during a particular scene of the play ‘Areppa Marup’, in which Irawat was playing the role of Chandra Singh. The character Chandra Singh was in need of Rs. 200 and uttering his helplessness”, he said.

Former minister, M. Nara, who is also the president of IPTA, Manipur speaking as a presidium member of the function informed that the popular song ‘Thangol adu maya thangu thouna’ was written by Irawat himself. “He even translated the song into Bengali while he was in jail”, added Nara.

He was clarifying on the claim made by certain sections of scholars that the song was written by Hemango Biswas, a CPI leader, who was also a jail mate of Irawat in Sylhet, Bangladesh.   “The doubt was clarified by daughter of late Hemango Biswas in an Assamese newspaper last year”, Nara maintained.

In the function, Yungkham Chandrakala Devi for her contribution in music, Ayekpam Inakhunba in Shumang Leela, Thiyam Bilasini Devi in dance, Chanambam Shyama Devi in Nat Sankirtan, Hanjabam Nandakeshore Sharma in traditional theatre (Gourleela) and L. Gojendro in theatre were honoured with Irawat Award, respectively.

Thoungamba and Thouyangba Producer of Manipuri feature film, ‘Nangna Kappa Pakchade’, main casts Sorojini, Tonthoi and Danny were also honoured.

The function was attended by Prof T. Tombi Singh, as the chief guest, M. Nara, L. Rameshchandra Singh, president of PWA, L. Iboyaima, advisor PWA and Ng. Amumacha Singh as presidium members besides writers, scholars and artists among others.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 27

Executive member of Manipur Tourism Development Society (MTDS), Khomdram Gyaneshore said ministers, MLA’s and government officials only delivered speech on tourism day celebration but they hardly take actions for development of tourism.

He made this allegation during the opening function of Exploration 2017 which will be organised for four days at ECO Green Park, Santipur, Tinsid road organised by Manipur Tourism Development Society.

Addressing the opening function, Gyaneshore said the day is celebrated globally even in India for the development of tourism. From tourism industries many youths are earning their livelihood and the industry is taking a main role job sector.

He said Manipur is a state that has huge potential in tourism sector but government, civil society organisations and people of the state do not bother to take steps for the development of tourism due to lack of knowledge in tourism sector.

Many countries have been investing in tourism sector since decades, also economic growth can be generated from this sector. United Nations Tourism Organisation was created in 1980 and since establishment the day is organised world-wide, he added.

Gyaneshore said tourism has a big potential on exploration, economy, communication, co-operation and others. Tourism industries provide jobs to youths.

In connection with World Tourism Day, first day of Exploration 2017 was celebrated with cultural folk songs with dances, second day will witness sporting events, western music shows on the third day and the last day which is September 30, Hijam Irabot will honoured on his birth anniversary, he added.

Manipur Tourism Development Society was established in 1995 and the day has been celebrated every year. But due to lack of funding and support, MTDS could not celebrate the day properly. But MTDS will take up effective steps in order to make development effectively, he asserted.

He further said to promote tourism of the state as it can remove unemployment problems. To make the tourism sector effective people, government and other civil society organisations need to work jointly, Gyaneshore added.

In connection with Exploration 2017 celebration, a cycle rally was taken out from Kangla gate and ended at ECO Green Park. 15 cyclists participated the rally at around 9 am.

President of Manipur Tourism Development Society, Yurembam Iboyaima Singh, vice-president of MTDS, Rk. Kirankumar, advisor MTDS, Kh. Jiten, president of all Manipur Enterpreneures Association, Sougaijam Rishikumar Singh, and chairman of World Social Forum, L. Sotinkumar attended the function as presidium members.

DIMAPUR |Sept 27

Sitting MLA of Nagaland Legislative Assembly and former minister Kiyanilie Peseyie passed away early this morning at a hospital in Dimapur after a brief illness. He was Naga People’s Front (NPF) MLA.

In his condolence message, Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang said he was pained on learning the sudden demise of Kiyanilie Peseyie. TR Zeliang also said that he considered the demise of Kiyanilie Peseyie as “personal loss to me”. The Chief Minister termed Kiyanilie Peseyie as “God fearing, straightforward and a down to earth person.”

 Also sending out his condolence message, NPF president and former chief minister, Dr Shurhozelie termed Kiyanilie Peseyie as a “sincere and dedicated party man”.

A two-time Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (2003 -2013), he was the “embodiment of integrity and dignity” and the august office of Speaker was alleviated to greatest heights during his tenure, Dr Shurhozelie added.

State observes World Tourism Day at Phayeng

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | Sept 27

The chief minister N. Biren after a series of meetings with Union ministers and officials in New Delhi,  and has successfully lobbied for funds to build three rope-ways connect ing Siroi and Ukhrul, Marjing and Pheidinga and Sendra and Karang.

This was stated by Karam Shyam, minister of consumer affairs, food and public distribution and revenue during the observation of World Tourism Day at Phayeng village, Imphal West. The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Sustainable Tourism- a Tool for Development’.

The minister informed that water harvesting facility will soon come up at Lamphel and land encroachers will be evicted after giving suitable notice, following the law of the land.

He also said that the welcome accorded to him following the age old traditions and customs with men and women of the area wearing the traditional dress is in line with the theme of the observation.

The minister applauded the locals for preserving the culture and traditions of our forefathers and said that it is heartening to be sitting along with the chief of Phayeng who is wearing the traditional dress.

Shyam highlighting the contribution of tourism in the economy said the sector accounts for 10 percent of global GDP and has generated 1 in 10 jobs in the global workforce. He said it is unfortunate that the State is unable to tap the full potential of the natural beauty which is blessed with green forest cover and rare species of flora and fauna.

He said to boost tourism, the State should become tourist friendly, provide a secure environment by improving the law and order situation. He called upon the citizens of the State to help the government in making Manipur a favoured tourist destination.

Sapam Ranjan Singh, chairman of the Tourism Corporation of Manipur Limited (TCML) said that marketing in an important constituent needed to boost tourism. Stating that emphasis is being given to promote rural tourism, Ranjan said in the upcoming Sangai Festival homestays will be promoted to unable the tourists to experience the lifestyle of the people.

Heikham Dingo Singh, MLA Sekmai A/C said that the State is rich in arts and culture and tourism can reach its full potential if the locals collaborate with the government. He also said for the State to develop, the villages must be developed first.

As part of world tourism day, the locals of the Phayeng village performed dances of Khou Chongba and Chakpa Phayeng Anoiba jagoi. Mukna demonstration enthralled the spectators along with Waa (bamboo) Chingba.

The locals of Phayeng also submitted memorandum to the chief guest Karam Shyam which was addressed to the chief minister.

The observation is organised by tourism department, government of Manipur. Attending the function were P.K. Singh, principal secretary, tourism, government of Manipur, R. Sudhan, director, tourism, government of Manipur, among other invitees.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Sept 27

The government of India and the Working Committee (WC) of six Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) “officially began a political dialogue to resolve the protracted Naga political issue”, according to the Working Committee of the six NNPGs.

The maiden round was held at New Delhi where R N Ravi, the interlocutor of the peace talks met the 18-member delegation led by NNPGs’ convener, N Kitovi Zhimomi.

According to NNPGs’ Working Committee, R N Ravi welcomed its delegates and pointed out that the moment was a historic one as the effort was aimed towards resolving a seventy year old political problem through dialogue.

RN Ravi stressed on the principle of equality, mutual respect and trust for resolving the issue, according to NNPGs. He then urged the Naga delegation to be realistic and not to dwell on “rhetoric”.

Pointing out that neither side can fool the other, being frank and brutally honest on all contentious issues would be in the interest of both entities. Despite the differences, he hoped that the government of India and the Working Committee (WC) would work as partners and deliver the best political solution for both the government and the Naga people.

The N Kitovi Zhimomi, appreciated the government of India for officially extending invitation to NNPGs to start a political dialogue, the NNPGs’ statement said. He acknowledged the commitment and desire of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to settle the Naga issue.

The Working Committee (WC) convener also acknowledged the wisdom and determination of R.N. Ravi in recognising that the Naga political issue requires a comprehensive political solution through dialogue with all stakeholders as opposed to factional solution.

Co-conveners of Working Committee namely, V. Nagi, Wangtin Naga, Zhopra Vero, Kiumukam Yimchunger, Hozheto Chophy also supplemented the convener in appreciating the Prime Minister of India and the interlocutor for understanding the Nagas and the ground reality of present times.”

Desirous of the next round of political dialogue to be held in Nagaland, the Naga delegation extended invitation to the interlocutor R.N. Ravi to Nagaland, which would enable the Naga people to understand the seriousness and commitment of the government to resolve the vexed issue,” it added. 

“The next round of talks will be held in Nagaland next month i.e. in October and is expected to touch serious and substantive issues. At this crucial stage in our turbulent history, the Working Committee (WC) of six NNPGs appealed for prayer support and solidarity of our people,” the NNPGs statement appealed.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 27

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) spokesperson Kh. Joykishan Singh, has accused consumer affairs, food and public distribution (CAF&PD) minister Karam Shyam of misappropriating Opposition MLAs’ quota under public distribution system.

Addressing a press conference at the Congress Bhawan today, Joykishan termed the act of the minister as “daylight robbery” and a “total disregard” to the anti-corruption campaign of the state government.

According to Joykishan, in 2004 the Manipur Legislative Assembly passed Salaries and Allowances of Members of the Legislature Assembly Bill under which an MLA is entitled with 3000 litres of kerosene oil among other incentives.

However, Shyam has allegedly violated the norms and allotted only 2500 litres for an Assembly constituency particularly the Opposition bench.

Demanding a clarification from the minister concerned, Joykishan observed that the government must concede to the “highhandedness” and existence of rampant corruption in its governance if it fails to clarify.

He also appealed to the people to be cautious of “highhandedness” of the government which had even dared to openly rob elected representatives.

The spokesperson also strongly reacted to the decision of the state government to open a Night Plaza in Imphal.

Although lauding the initiative which gurantees a platform for recreation, he termed it as a challenging task citing the situation of the state.

He suggested that the government should reconsider its decision to ponder on the merits and demerits before implementing the same.

He questioned the government whether the law and order situation of the state is conducive enough to launch “Night Plaza” when it hesitated to consider the demand to repeal AFSPA citing bad law and order.

He further questioned whether the state government will take the responsibility in the event of any untoward incident as a result of its initiative.

If the government is insisting on launching the Night Plaza, Joykishan said it would be wise for the government to announce a package for the flood affected people in the valley during the launch programme.