Tag: IFP

IMPHAL | Nov 24

The central committee of the proscribed United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has sent its revolutionary greetings to the people on the party’s 53th birth anniversary which falls today.

As a part of the occasion, the yearly report of the party has been released to the public by the Party Central Committee, said a release by the Central Committee, UNLF. The party request the people to analyse the report, provide suggestions and give their support the steps taken up by the party, it said.

The fabrications made up by of the colonisers: Instead of being able to compete with other developing nations of the 21st century, the indigenous people of Manipur are heading towards backwardness day by day, the release said. What is making it even worse is that in the last 68 years of forceful occupation by India, the indigenous peoples of the State that stood once as a united community now face an overall threat of extinction, it continued.   

The lies told ad nauseum to cover up the truth about the cause of this backwardness in various fields are  “The existence of insurgents and their activity have blocked all forms of developments” and “Manipur does not have any natural resources; the indigenous people of the State are incompetent, idle and lazy to work hard,” at said. 

The message UNLF had been sharing to the people is that the root cause of all the predicaments we are facing today began in the year 1949 when India forcefully took over Manipur and colonised it, and most importantly, due to its resultant “National Contradiction” between Manipur and India, the release alleged.

Ever since then, many movements took birth and had been continuing against at the colonial rule of India, it said.  However, the colonial rulers and its puppet government had been portraying the revolutionary movements of the people as something which only cause chaos and hamper progress, it continued.  

The yearly report of Central Committee is indispensable for the communities of Manipur, as a part of the revolutionary war and something for our survival and self defence against the foreign soldiers who are invading us, it maintained. Therefore, the people have realised that all the oppressions and issues being put against the innocent people of the Sate are caused by the Indian Occupation Forces, it continued. UNLF and other revolutionary organisations fighting together are the “Resistance Forces” who are struggling to save the indigenous peoples of the State, it continued.

This is the universal nature of mankind recorded in history and it is allowed by the international law, it said.

 The resources found in the hills and valley, the potent herbs and plants, the priceless products of agro-hurt and sericulture, are all there to lay the foundations of a solid economy, it said adding there are even cases of exportations carried out secretly by the government. Additionally, the India government is currently undergoing petroleum exploration and extraction in the State, it added. However, the most powerful resource of the State is the human resource, it continued. This is something that runs in the blood of the people, it said adding Mary Kom became the icon of Indian sports and proved the merit of the people to the world. 

The noise of the recent U17 world cup had ended, and the precious souls like Richard Loitam, Nido Tania, Pravish Chanam etc. and many women and daughters still continue to pay the price of racial discriminations of India, it added.

To be continued….

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 24

The recently constituted three members enquiry committee to probe into the alleged irregularities in the administrations of RIMS have today submitted their enquiry reports before the High Court of Manipur.

The division bench of the High Court comprises of acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar and justice K. Nobin have directed the committee members to furnish the copies of their reports to the counsels of both parties.

The court further directed the counsels to submit their view on the enquiry report submitted by the committee during the next hearing of the PIL.

Earlier on November 6, the High Court relying on the recent news report published in local dailies that one of the PG student of the institute wrote an open letter to the PMO complaining existence of multiple irregularities in the administration of the institute, took up a suo motu PIL against the institute.

Regarding the case, the court has appointed a three member committee to conduct a spot enquiry at RIMS on November 14 and November 15 in connection with the case.

During the enquiry the three member committee headed by High Court registrar (administration), N. Rojit surveyed the institute’s administrative block in the presence of RIMS director and medical superintendent.

Later the committee accompanied by RIMS medical superintendent, Dr. Arun entered every block and department of the institute and inspected machineries rooms and recorded present conditions of those machineries.

Mentioned may be made that the open letter to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi by the PG student claimed a series of irregularities in the institute, including non-functioning of MRI machine, ceasing of CT scan, SICU with no ventilator, lack of monitor, NICU unavailability, only one functional USG machine, patients being made to purchase medicines from outside including iron and folic acid tablets, absence of defibrillator in the casualty ward, financial irregularities, etc.

IMPHAL | Nov 24

Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD) and Town Planning Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar today conducted a surprise inspection at various market areas. The inspection comes after his repeated appeal to the shopkeepers to cooperate with the State Government to keep the Imphal city clean.

Speaking to the media persons after the inspection, MAHUD minister Th. Shyamkumar said the inspection will continue in market areas in Imphal city. Similar drive will be also carried out in other Municipal Council areas, he said.

Th. Shyamkumar asked the shopkeepers to clear the footpath so that there can be free movement for pedestrians in the market. Legal action will be taken against the shopkeepers violating the instructions, he added.

He said as the rainy season has ended, his department will take up work regarding proper maintenance of footpath, action against illegal constructions, proper diversion of drainage water among others.

MAHUD Minister announced that vendors without valid licence will not be allowed to continue their business.

He asked the shopkeepers and vendors, including mobile vendors not to pollute and choke the rivers by throwing garbage. He said the pollution of Nambul River is further leading to the pollution and choking of Loktak Lake.

During the inspection today, shopkeepers were asked to remove their belongings/goods kept at the footpath and clean the surroundings of their shops. MAHUD Minister once again appealed to the shopkeepers to keep dustbin and clean their respective areas to avoid legal action. He further appealed to the public and vendors to cooperate with the Imphal Municipality Corporation (IMC).

MAHUD and Town Planning Minister Th. Shyamkumar today inspected the shops and the surrounding areas in Majorkhul, Thangal Bazar, Kasturi Bridge, Nagamapal area, Ima Market and Masjid Road.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 24

After being nominated yesterday in the category of Cultural Diversity Award under the patronage of UNESCO of the prestigious 11th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA), Brisbane, Manipuri film ‘Loktak Lairembi’ was announced to be in the Special Mention in the category.

Awards in APSA are considered to be the Academy Awards of the Asia Pacific region. There were 41 films from 21 countries and areas of the Asia Pacific region that have received nominations in 2017, including the first nomination for a film from Bhutan. ‘Loktak Lairembi’ directed by Haobam Paban Kumar was one among the prestigious films to have been recognised and given special mention.

Indian films which have nominations in APSA, included two nominations for Manipuri film ‘Loktak Lairembi’, which also included for Shehnad J Jalal in best cinematography. Filmmaker, Sanal kumar Sasidharan was also nominated for best director for the film ‘Sexy Durga’. However, Amit V Masurkar and Mayank Tewari won the best screenplay award for the film ‘Newton’, along with best actor award by Rajkummar Rao in the same film.

Chairman of Asia Pacific Screen Awards and its Academy, Michael Hawkins said that amongst the nominees there are not only a great number of newer filmmakers, but also a large number of filmmakers who are already a part of the growing Asia Pacific Screen Academy, which was created precisely to encompass and connect the large body of talented filmmakers in the Asia Pacific region.

The nominations were drawn from the 298 films that were in competition for APSA. The nominees were decided by the International Nominations Council from 47 Asia Pacific countries and areas. Across all awards and achievements throughout, the films were judged by two international juries, with films from Australia, Japan and People’s Republic of China in the nomination tally with six each.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 24

Every visitor at the Sangai Festival Hapta Kangjeibung venue is being overwhelmed by a flower show staged there. The site of this show has become a centre of attraction at the venue.

Eco-Tourism Me which is an NGO located at Purul in Senapati district took the responsibility of this flower show.

Most of the flowers are indigenous but there are some exotic varieties too such as hollow log mosses, American grass, banana tree etc. Despite limitation of space earmarked for the show, the décor and landscaping is exceptional, showcasing hillocks, huts, waterfalls, caves, stones, statues etc.

Talking to IFP, one of the members of Eco-Tourism Me Y. Dyaho said, “We have done this flower show before in our district. Tourism Department approached us to participate in Sangai Festival for the first time and here we are.”

He said all the motifs, to the extent possible, are drawn from hill tribal villages.

Explaining further he said “only two statues were made up of plastic, the rest are only natural things.”

Pointing out the statues, he said one depicts western culture and the other traditional. “The traditional one represents Poumei tribe,” he added.

We keep snakes and tigers inside, and a head-hunter at the exit point of caves. This shows that all of them live together without harming or attacking one another, he said. He further said that people wanted to buy everything on display. But for now we are not ready to sell them. On the last day of Sangai Festival we are planning to put them on sale.

“I really like this flower show. In spite of using a smart phone, I have never taken a photograph in my life. But somehow today I felt the urge to take photograph of everything on display in this room,” a woman in her 60s, greatly impressed by the show, said.

Another viewer said that it is for the first time he saw many of the flowers on display. “This is very unique and it really impressed me,” he said.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Nov 24

Around 500-600 tin of ready to harvest paddy was completely set ablaze by unknown miscreants on November 22 evening at Saikul Hill town. The entire ripen paddy was found burnt to ashes on the next day by farmer of the town, Jacob Hmangte in the morning.

The jobless farmer, Jacob cultivated the paddy field of around one Pari (2.5 Acre), harvesting 500-600 tin of paddy annually on lend system. He has no source of income and solely depend on the paddy cultivation while the annual harvest of their yearlong cultivation is their only hope and survival.

While speaking to media, Jacob said that he had spent lots of money and man power apart from other miscellaneous labour throughout the year in cultivating the paddy. However, despite all such suffering, harvesting was carried on but all his is hope has gone now along with the paddy which was burnt down, he added.

He said that he went to his paddy field only to witness his ripen paddy but found burnt down to ashe, which made him completely lost consciousness. Later, women of Saijang poured him and he regained his unconsciousness.

He also said that he is a poor farmer who lives with his wife and four daughters apart from his mother and he has no clue as to why such inhumane act has been done to him.

Jacob also said that the miscreants who have committed the heinous crime should be punished according to the law of the land and further appealed the authority concerned and state government to take care of the current situation.

Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai and CVOs Saikul incuding KSO Saikul Block visited the paddy field of Jacob and consoled him while motivating him to strong enough to bear the unfortunate incident.

The Kuki Inpi and CVOs Saikul also sought for immediate attention of the state government to help the poor farmer in providing immediate relief over the unfortunate tragedy while condemning the incident in the strongest term.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Nov 24

Ukhrul District has been without power supply since the death of one villager from New Canaan yesterday, who was electrocuted while picking parkia (yongchak) at Shokvao village.

The deceased Likeson, a labourer at Shokvao village, was electrocuted while climbing a parkia tree at early morning of November 23. District administration of Ukhrul reportedly held a meeting with family members of the deceased and the authorities of Shokvao.

The power supply in Ukhrul was cut off since yesterday morning after the incident. Complaint reports are pouring in, especially from parents whose wards are giving their final school examinations, an official informed on condition of anonymity.

Kasom Tang, Hunphun chairman Chonmi Raleng, expressing sadness at the sudden demise of Likeson by electrocution appealed to the concerned department to make necessary clearance of line for immediate supply of power in the district. He added that the negligence of duty by the department in clearing the line led to this incident. He also blamed the department for shutting down the power supply continuously for two days.

Unconfirmed reports say that a transmission team from Imphal reached Ukhrul late in the evening today and will take the necessary actions.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 24

The fourth day of cultural evening of the on-going Sangai festival was held in a grand manner at Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre today.

Artistes from other countries came to take part and witness the programme. Troupes from Laos and Zimbabwe also performed cultural dances at the event. Other interesting cultural performances were showcased by artistes from Assam and Odisha.

Artistes from Tangkhul community of Ukhrul, Hmar community from Churachandpur, Thangta by artistes of The Divine Universe Human Unit Cultural Academy and others enthralled the evening cultural programme. MAHUD minister Th. Shyamkumar, chairman of Hill Areas Committee, Thangzalam Haokip, Sagolband MLA, R.K. Imo Singh, Tipaimukh MLA, Chaltonlien Amo among others, attended the function as special guests.

It can be mentioned that cultural evenings are held at BOAT everyday with important officials of the state attending as special guests. Yesterday, on the 3rd day, works minister Thongam Biswajit, MP of Lok Sabha, T. Meinya and others attended.

It will be held till the last day of the festival and various cultural events will be performed by artistes from the state and from outside the state too.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 24

The Joint Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations appealed to the chief minister, N. Biren, to sign the contractual agreement with regards to the appointment of a joint director of tribal research institute (TRI) before November 28.

While speaking to media persons here at Manipur Press Club, the Committee’s convenor, R. Asing, said that eight tribal organisations of Manipur have submitted a representation to the government for securing proper functioning of the TRI with a 5-day deadline.

He said despite 14 days having passed since the submission of the representation, they haven’t received any official positive response form the government.

Asing mentioned that due to this the department has remained paralyse and defunct, and the tribal public have been facing immense difficulties.

Dr. Gaikhamsin Riamei was appointed as the joint director in the office of Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Chingmeirong, Imphal on December 2016 he asserted. He was given the appointment in accordance with recommendation of DPC/Selection Committee he added.

The convenor said his appointment on competitive merit is statutory and cannot be deviated.

He mentioned that Dr.Gaikhamsin Diamei has submitted two petitions for signing of contract agreement with the department and joined the office but the department has failed to give him any positive response and this is unconstitutional and discriminatory.

Asing said the joint coordinating committee has demanded the government for decentralisation of power and funds to develop the tribal areas. He lamented that as of now various schemes have been allotted by the Centre only to the districts in the valley.

The coordinating committee said the government is also disinclined to make e-payment that the government of India has made mandatory in all welfare and subsidy schemes, so that the leakages can be plugged.

The joint coordinating committee also appealed to the government to intervene in the end of justice. If the government fails to meet their demand, the joint committee will resort to a 48-hour bandh in all the hill districts from the midnight of November 28.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 24

The 3rd state level open debating competition was held today at L.M.S. Law College, Chingmeirong on the motion “The forthcoming final agreement between NSCN-IM and Government of India will bring prosperity to the Naga people.”

The debate was won by against motion through voice vote. Leishangthem Lamyanba, student of LMS College got the first position arguing against motion.

Khelen Thokchom, special correspondent of The Telegraph attended the function as chief guest and jury member of the competition. Giving his chief guest speech he said that this topic is one of the most critical and debatable. The political trend and social standing among other factors, have been changing the scenario of the state, he said.

He also encouraged students to take active part in such competitions, as these are platforms essential for students to grow and learn outside the four walls of the classrooms.

Lecturer of L.M.S. Law College, Ch. Narendra and principal of the college, Md. Salatur Rahaman attended the function as guests of honour and president respectively.

The competition was participated by students from Thoubal College, Manipur University, DM College of Arts and T.G. Higher Secondary School among others.

The 2nd state level debating competition was also won by Leishangthem Lamyanba, on the motion ‘Indian government use AFSPA to distance Manipur and J&K from mainland India.’

IMPHAL | Nov 23

Commerce and Industry minister Thongam Biswajit singh asserted that we need a mechanism to preserve Manipuri pony. The Minister was speaking as chief guest on the second day of the ongoing 11th Manipur Polo International, which is being played as a part Manipur Sangai Festival at Imphal Pologround.

The minister maintained that polo is well known throughout the world and it is very necessary to preserve the Manipuri Pony. The game of ‘polo’ originated from Manipur and was introduced by King Kangba.

According to the Royal Chronicle, the game is known as Sagol-Kangjei in earlier time and as the game is related with pony, we need a mechanism to preserve the Manipuri pony, he added.

Biswajit further stressed that we need to promote other indigenous game like Yubi Lakpi to showcase our rich cultural heritage through the world. He also assured to extend possible help in preserving pony in the state.

In the match played today, Argentina defeated Morocco by 7 – 3 goals. Both are taking part in the tournament for the first time. In another match USA outplayed India A by 3 – 2 goals.

The tournament is being organised by Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association. Altogether 6 teams are participating in the tournament. On the third day of the tournament, India A will take on India B and England will play with Morocco.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 23

In yet another shocking incident today, the yearlong harvest of two families, Pukhrambam Birachandra Singh and Michael P. alias Sadu Khuroi were burnt to ashes by am alcoholic today morning.

The incident happened at Laipat Loukon, Ningthoukhong Bazar, Bishnupur district. This incident is the third of its kind and in the state. A fire brigade team tried to stop the fire but their efforts went in vain.

The suspect who committed this inhuman act today was identified as Moirangthem Roben Singh, (35) from the same place. He was caught with psychotropic substance and tablets strip at the same spot.

Enraged by his senseless behaviour, eye witnesses around the area attacked him and turned violent. He was rescued from further mob action by a police team of Bishnupur district who came to the spot.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 23

The Imphal East police today arrested three active members of RPF/PLA and one active member of UNLF and seized one 9mm pistol with eight live round and magazine from the RPF/PLA cadres and Rs. 22,000 from the UNLF carder, respectively.

The arrested RPF/PLA carders are identified as N. Loken alias R.K (40) son of N. Baruni of Kakwa Naorem Leikai, S. Anil alias Tomjou alias Johnson (50) son of S. Khomei of Thongju and Ph. Ibomcha (40) son of late Ph. Gulap of Thongju. The arrested UNLF carder is identified as K. Premjit (40) son of late K. Kulla of Kongba Leishram Leikai.

Briefing media persons today at Imphal East police SP, K. Kabib said that Imphal East police has searched random house including the house of Loken after getting a reliable information that some members of RPF/PLA are present in and around Kakwa Norem Leikai, who are trying to target non-locals and conduct anti-social activities. But they were not able to arrest anyone, he added.

Based on the available information during the search the Imphal East police rushed to Kakching bazaar and were able to arrest Loken, he said.

During interrogation Loken admitted that he shot one non-local on November 20 at Chanchipur following the direction of Anil, continued the SP.

Kabib said later they were able to arrest Anil and Ibomcha (whom Loken handed over the weapon used in the killing of the non-local) from their respective residences.

All the three arrested persons were handed over to Singjamei police station for further legal action, he added.

The SP continued that one the other hand Premjit was arrested after getting specific information about presence of active member of UNLF at Kongba Leishram Leikai.

He said during interrogation he admitted that he was handed over Rs. 2.5 lakhs for distribution to the family members of their outfit and has already distributed Rs. 2.28 lakhs to 46 families through one Chaoba of UNLF. He has been handed over to Irilbung police station for further legal procedure, added the SP.

Meanwhile, five cadres of underground groups were apprehended over the last five days, said a release from police PRO.

Imphal East police commando arrested two active members of RPF/PLA named Thongam Gyanendro Singh alias Ibomcha (56), son of late Th Yaima Singh of Thangmeiband Polem Leikai and Kabrambam Lele Singh alias Kanta (52), son of late K Gourabidhu Singh of Thangmeiband Kabrambam Leikai in a search operation around Kongpal Top Khongnangkhong area on November 19, it said. A 9 mm pistol loaded with 10 rounds of magazine were seized from their possession. A case has been registered at Porompat police station.

In a search operation around Hapta Kangjeibung area on November 20, Imphal East police commando arrested an active RPF/PLA member named Labuktongbam Tejkumar Sharma alias Ibomcha and Oja (52), son of late L Shyamkishwor Sharma of Yaiskul Hiruhanba Leikai, Imphal West, the release said. A case has been registered at Porompat police station.

Imphal West police commando in a search operation around Tata Magic parking of Mayang Imphal Bazar on November 20 arrested an over-ground worker of KCP-MC (progressive) named Khaidem Bijoy Singh alias Meitei (35), son of Kh Iboyaima Singh of Mayang Imphal Ani Longbi Thana Awang Leikai presently residing in Ngaikhong Khullen Bazar, it added. A case has been registered at Mayang Imphal police station.

A team of Thoubal police commando and 6 Assam Rifles in a frisk and check operation at Lilong Tollen Khul in front of Pinnacle academy on November 21 arrested a UPK gang member named Md Kouser Ali (28), son of late Md Abdul Sattar of Lilong Chandakhong Maning Sanakhong, the release said. Investigation revealed that he was involved in the explosion of a Chinese hand grenade at Lilong Yangbi Leikai, it added. A case has been registered at Lilong police station.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Nov 23

Kuki National Front today issued a reminder to the PMGSY contractors over the alleged failure of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) schemes in the hills.

Director, project and planning KNF, Andrew K, in their press communiqué reiterated that owing to the execution of work below scheduled rate, PMGSY has failed to serve its purpose to the hill people who reside in the far-flung remote areas.

That in spite of enormous sanctions made by the government under PMGSY scheme to construct roads in remote areas, owing to poor quality of work, many of the roads built under the scheme are not motorable.

He also pointed out that many of the same roads are blocked due to landslides, but the incumbent contractors have failed to take the responsibility of maintaining these roads after having withdrawn their bills.

He further alleged that apart from the various tremendous hardships faced by the people, many developmental schemes and projects have also been halted owing to the deplorable road conditions in the hills.

Considering all these facts, the department of project and planning, KNF, issued an order in respect of PMGSY Phase XI (Batch 2017-18) within Kangpokpi district that only local contractors shall be given priority to take up the construction works.

Beside quality work, this is being done with the intent to ensure that the maintenance of the constructed roads become the responsibility of local contractors for at least 1-2 years, he added.

He also stated that all these roads should be accessible even during rainy seasons.

In light of all the above-stated actualities, the outfit is compelled to intervene in the interest of the general public and the helpless villagers who are denied even the basic mode of transport, till today, he concluded.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Nov 23

Minister social welfare & cooperation, Nemcha Kipgen today attended the inaugural function of the 2nd Kuki Christian Upate, Manipur Synod Seminar cum cultural meet, 2017, at K. Songtun village in Kangpokpi district.

In the said programme, social welfare minister also unveiled the monoliths of KCU Kangpokpi Gambih 2nd cultural meet, under the theme, “Good Deeds” and (L) Jamkhokai Kipgen Memorial Playground.

While executive member ADC Sadar Hills, Lamkholen Kipgen as the functional president led the inaugural flag hoisting, and social worker Jangboi Kipgen inaugurated the opening ceremony of games and sports of the meet.

Later, Pr. Lalkhosei Chongloi dedicated the two monoliths after the inauguration by minister Nemcha Kipgen.

In her inaugural address, minister social welfare & cooperation, Nemcha Kipgen relied on the wisdom of the Bible and emphasised the value of trust, hope and love. She said love is the greatest of all these values, “Of all things in the world, love is the greatest of all and the highest influential element of good deeds for a human being. With love, even impossible things can be made possible, and it serves as a unifying force in the society.”

The minister also pointed out that it is out of love towards one’s country and its people that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is launching various schemes and projects in the entire country, including the state of Manipur.

She further stated that unlike the previous government, the present government would ensure that all the beneficial and developmental schemes reach to all the people of the state, even in the remotest area, as instructed by the country’s Prime Minister.

Further, she urged the people to make the best uses of the schemes and developmental projects in bringing changes in the society.

The cultural meet which will conclude on November 27, wherein various traditional games, as well as cultural items, will be held.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 23

All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters Association (AMPPTA) today staged protest demonstration in front of Malom Oil Depot and subsequently ceased their work against the tender process of the Indian Oil Cooperation Limited.  

The protesters displayed placards bearing slogans like “You are getting 7th pay, and why are we pushing back to 2014 rate”, “IOC tender condition, Hai-Hai”, “Where will the local based transporter, Go”.

Protesters said that unless and until the government rectify the newly floated norms the IOCL to will continue their cease work strike.

Due to their cases work strike most of the petrol pump witnesses panic buying of petrol and diesel.

Yesterday AMPPTA during a press meet had stated that the rate offered in the newly floated tender is much lesser than the rates quoted in the year 2014 and that even after adding maximum price band of 10 percent to it, the amount of transportation rate come much less than what the transporters are getting presently.

IMPHAL | Nov 23

All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen’s Union has appealed to the state government to repeal the Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) Act 2006 in the interest of the Loktak Lake Phumshang dwellers and the people of Manipur, said a release. 

 Further, the MLAs from the eight assembly constituencies in and around Loktak Lake are urged to work for the repealing of the said act, it said.  This act has resulted in the loss of several household materials, rations, essential documents, fishing gears, money, etc., of the Phumshang dwellers, it added.

Recalling illegal eviction and arson of Ramsar site’s Phumshang (phumhuts), at Loktak Lake, in November 2011, the release said in the condemnable act, Loktak development authority (LDA) along with its agencies burned down 777 Phumshangs out of the 1147 Phumshangs located inside the Loktak Lake, without the prior and informed consent of the Loktak Phumshang dwellers.

The release further mentioned that section 20, 21 & 33 of Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) Act 2006 (MLLPA) which empowers LDA to destruct Phumshangs, is in contravention with Guwahati High Court, Imphal Bench’s order on January 25, 2012.

The inhabitants of Loktak Phumshangs live by Gandhian philosophy of non-violence and are awaiting justice till date, it said.

IMPHAL | Nov 23

Thoubal district magistrate has passed an order prohibiting assembly of more than four persons or carrying of lethal weapons such as lathis, stones and firearms within 100 metres of Manipur university’s examination centres from November 23 to January 11.

The order, issued under section 144 of CrPC, shall be enforced from 9 am to 4 pm every day till the exams are over, said a release from district magistrate L. Nabakishwar Singh.

The university is holding first, third and fifth semester exams in bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of commerce, bachelors of food technology, social work and biotechnology courses from November 23 to January 11. It had requested the district magistrate for ensuring their smooth conduct, the release said.

IMPHAL | Nov 23

Four officers of the Manipur Civil Service (MCS) have been promoted to the rank of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) by an order issued by the ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions (Department of Personnel and Training), government of India. The officers have been identified as Neeta Arambam, W. Malemngaba Chenglei, Somorjit Salam and Rangitabali Waikhom.

IMPHAL | Nov 23

Entrance exam for pre-PhD programme at Manipur university’s political science department will be held at the department premises on November 19 at 1 pm, said a release. Candidates can collect their admit cards from November 25, it added.