Tag: IFP

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Nov 21

Ising Thinbi Lake that lies near Konaitong village under Machi block, Tengnoupal assembly constituency, Chandel district, now exists in an extremely poor state and is under the threat of becoming extinct in a few years.

Ising Thinbi is a natural lake that sits loftily amongst the rolling hills that surrounds Konaitong Village which consists of 130 households and 600 villagers.

Since past many years the greenery and forest that surrounded the lake had been cut down by people, covertly and sometimes at broad day light for making profits. Making the situation even worse, in the last few years, the villagers have started practicing terrace farming which is another cause for rapid deforestation.

All these situations have adversely affected the lake, turning it into a marsh and eventually, there is fear that Ising Thingbi Lake will die out and continue to exist as a mere name.        

Ising Thingbi being a natural wonder, it is time for the government to declare it as a tourist spot. Being secluded, the lake remains unknown like some exotic plant to the people for many years. The site where the lake exists is truly breath-taking and unique.  

The size of the lake consists approximately of 250 meters in length and breath. There has been now designated roadway connecting the lake since many years. This is one of the reasons why it is not known to the public in large. However, by the efforts taken up by the villagers of Konaitong to save the lake, a roadway was paved under the construction works of MGNREGS which had been ongoing since 2011. Two wheelers can reach the lake now through the roadway.

If a tourist would like to visit the place, he can travel down south at the national highway 39 from Imphal towards Imphal – Moreh road for a distance of 36 kilometres to reach Heirok under Thoubal district.

From there, one can reach Inganglok Village at a distance of 4 kilometres towards north. Konatitong village lies 3 kilometres away from Inganglok Village. Inganlok Village marks the end of valley and roadway to Konaitiong Village goes uphill. The roadway as for now is not fully constructed and can become cut off anytime by natural causes.    

Before the new roadway was made, the only means to reach Ising Thingbi was by foot. It could be reached by nine hours of walk from Heirok by passing along many natural canals and paddy fields.  Therefore, the only time of the year when people could visit the place was from November to April or May before Monsoon arrives as the natural canals remain flooded during the rainy seasons.  

Ising Thingbi Lake can be called a natural wonder, as there are no rivers or natural canals flowing into it. However, the lake remains filled with water all throughout the year. Elders of Konaitong village believe that water comes from underground springs that may lie beneath the lake. The lake never dries up and during rainy season, the rising surface of the lake is drawn out by a naturally formed canal.

The people from the surrounding village, considers the place as pristine and holy to them. They believe that leafs from the tress that surrounds the lake never falls into the water.                                                           

Secretary, Ising Thingbi Yaipha Thorang Committe, Maibam Rameshor has expressed in a local daily that representatives of tourist department visited the place some years back for the purpose of declaring the place as a tourist spot.

Unfortunately, the team could not reach the spot. No other planning has been taken up by the government ever since, he said. The lake now faces the threat of extinction and the organisation appeals to the people of Manipur to save the lake, he added.    

Chairman, Konaitong village D.K. Mothung said, the government should declare the place as a tourist site and construct a police outpost there for its protection and appealed to the government to draw its attention to the issue.

From A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 21

Union civil aviation ministry is introducing direct flight service between New Delhi and Imphal from January 1 next year said Union civil aviation minister Jayant Sinha, speaking at the North East Development Summit, City Convention Center Konung Mamang here today. 

The Union minister made the announcement today at the inauguration of the summit. He said the flight will be operated by Air India twice a week and it would gradually be converted into a daily service. 

The minister said Northeast has performed spectacularly in the second round of bidding for Udan, a programme to increase regional air connectivity. As a result, 92 new routes will be introduced in the region, he said. The ministry will build 9 new airports and 7 new heliports in the Northeast, he informed.

Governor of the state, Najma Heptulla thanked the Union minister for approving her request and further demanded for direct flights services to other major cities like Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai as well.

The event was also attended by Union minister of commerce and industry Suresh Prabhu, union tourism minister Alphonso Kannanthanam, chief ministers of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh and first lady of India Savita Kovind.

Connectivity was in special focus at the event. Nagaland’s chief minister TR Zeliang asked the Union government to allow international flights from at least one of the Northeastern airport such as Guwahati.

“To reach Myanmar, we currently have to go via Calcutta,” Zeliang quipped, adding that the three C’s of commerce, connectivity and culture will transform the northeast.

Civil aviation and tourism minister of Bangladesh Rashed Khan Menon, who also spoke during the inaugural event, said his country is willing to partner with India for development projects to connect Northeast region with the ASEAN countries.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 21

The 26 hours general strike imposed by the CorCom, a conglomerate of several militant groups operating in the state against the visit of President of India, affected normal life in the state.

In response to the strike, major business establishments and streets in Imphal including the two main markets in the city, Thangal and Paona bazaar, remained closed.

All forms of transports like the inter-state and district transports services suspended their services due to the strike.

Educational institutes both government and private also remained closed during the general strike. Although government offices were opened employees turned out was apparently very low.

Heavy security measures including state forces, para military forces and army were seen deployed in different places of Imphal to prevent any unwanted incident during the President’s visit.

But later in the evening the roads surrounding BOAT, Palace compound, the main venue of Sangai Festival remained crowded with visitors having turned up in several hundreds to witness the inaugural function of the festival.

Amidst the bandh, the visiting President of India, Ram Nath Kovindh, today inaugurated Manipur biggest festival “Sangai Festival” at the BOAT and Northeast Develop Summit at city convention centre both located within the Palace Compound.

The CorCom imposed the general strike from 5 am today to boycott the visit of the President of the India as a part of its ongoing ‘war of independence’ of Manipur against the Indian Union. The strike will come to an end 8 am tomorrow.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 21

The 26 hours general strike imposed by the CorCom, a conglomerate of several militant groups operating in the state against the visit of President of India, affected normal life in the state.

In response to the strike, major business establishments and streets in Imphal including the two main markets in the city, Thangal and Paona bazaar, remained closed.

All forms of transports like the inter-state and district transports services suspended their services due to the strike.

Educational institutes both government and private also remained closed during the general strike. Although government offices were opened employees turned out was apparently very low.

Heavy security measures including state forces, para military forces and army were seen deployed in different places of Imphal to prevent any unwanted incident during the President’s visit.

But later in the evening the roads surrounding BOAT, Palace compound, the main venue of Sangai Festival remained crowded with visitors having turned up in several hundreds to witness the inaugural function of the festival.

Amidst the bandh, the visiting President of India, Ram Nath Kovindh, today inaugurated Manipur biggest festival “Sangai Festival” at the BOAT and Northeast Develop Summit at city convention centre both located within the Palace Compound.

The CorCom imposed the general strike from 5 am today to boycott the visit of the President of the India as a part of its ongoing ‘war of independence’ of Manipur against the Indian Union. The strike will come to an end 8 am tomorrow.

IMPHAL | Nov 21

The locals of Awang Wangbangai, Mayang Imphal have urged the government to arrest and punish the culprits behind the alleged killing of one Yumnam Basanta Singh, a resident of Mayang Imphal.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, one of the locals, Sagolshem Sushil Kumar claimed that Y. Basanta, 37, son of late Yumnam Gandhar Singh of Mayang Imphal was found throat slit to death on the midnight of November 19 at a stone crusher owned by one Ashanbam Suresh at Awang Wangbangai Leikai.

The victim has been working at the stone crusher since the past five years, he added.

In connection with the case Sekmai police have arrested two individuals identified as Ksh. Bungo, 37, son of Ksh. Ibomcha and Khanyenbam Anand, 30, son of Khanyenbam Thoiba as they are suspected to be behind the alleged murder, he contimued.

Sushil said that according to Sekmai police’s statement given to court, a knife and three blades covered with blood were found at the crime scene and the door of the victim’s room was found locked from inside.

He said that the local along with the Leimarel Singdam Lup, Mayang Imphal Thongkhong strongly condemn the alleged cold blooded murder of Basanta.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 20

UNESCO in its report under ‘List of Endangered Languages in the Online Version of the World Atlas of Endangered Language (vis-a-vis census) 2009’ had classified the Tarao dialect as one of the extinct languages suggesting either dilution or nonexistence of the tribe.

In a move to save and revive the tribe, Relief Centre for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Manipur under the coordination of Thokcom Chandramani, took a survey recently and found that the tribe has not actually gone extinct.

He told IFP that the population growth rate of the Tarao community is slow and is far short of 1000.

Chandramani said that he had started his survey since 2010 and through his survey he managed to get Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India (SPPEL) implemented for the Tarao tribe under HRD department.

Factors such as geography, social practices, low fertility, genetic defect leading to low fertility, disability, nutritional habit among others make the tribe almost extinct, said spokesperson of the relief centre, Chandramani.  

Tarao is a minority community in Chandel district speaking Taraotrong. It is said that Maharaja of Manipur, Ching-Thang Khomba had an orchard at a place near Pallel and his orange trees were looked after by the Taraos at Komlathabi.

They are concentrated at four villages, Tarao Laimanai, Leisokching, Khuringmol and Heikakpokpi. As per Cheitharol Kumbaba (The Royal Chronicle of Manipur) the Taraos had been in existence since AD 1263-1467.

Tarao tribe leaders had complained to the government in the past of having no MLA and ADC members in its populace.

With an endeavour to save the endangered tribe and its language especially, in a first of its kind, Imphal Hospital has adopted the tribe to extend every possible medical technology to help the tribe from further extinction. 

Managing director of Imphal Hospital, Dr. Salam Maipak Singh said that he does not want any indigenous tribe of the state to be extinct and would do anything to help them in population stabilisation health wise.

Retired HOD of RIMS gynaecology department, and also an advisor of the relief centre, Dr. Chanam Manglem Singh said that population is important for existence of a tribe. The population of Taraos during the time of Ching-Thang Khomba was 700 and that was some 219 years ago.

The population have in a way increased but no so much, and that is a worry for the tribe as well as the state.

According to the official records of Tarao Tribe Union’s member, K. Mila Tarao said for 2016-2017, there are a total of 894 populations concentrating in five villages of the state. Of which Khuringmul at Tengnoupal district, has the largest concentration level at 55 household and a population of 270.

Leisokching which serves as the hub for the tribe is situated at Tengnoupal district and is home to 40 household and a population of 240 persons.

Sanakeithel at Ukhrul district have the least population with 70 and 20 households, respectively.

IMPHAL | Nov 21

The locals of Awang Wangbangai, Mayang Imphal have urged the government to arrest and punish the culprits behind the alleged killing of one Yumnam Basanta Singh, a resident of Mayang Imphal.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, one of the locals, Sagolshem Sushil Kumar claimed that Y. Basanta, 37, son of late Yumnam Gandhar Singh of Mayang Imphal was found throat slit to death on the midnight of November 19 at a stone crusher owned by one Ashanbam Suresh at Awang Wangbangai Leikai.

The victim has been working at the stone crusher since the past five years, he added.

In connection with the case Sekmai police have arrested two individuals identified as Ksh. Bungo, 37, son of Ksh. Ibomcha and Khanyenbam Anand, 30, son of Khanyenbam Thoiba as they are suspected to be behind the alleged murder, he contimued.

Sushil said that according to Sekmai police’s statement given to court, a knife and three blades covered with blood were found at the crime scene and the door of the victim’s room was found locked from inside.

He said that the local along with the Leimarel Singdam Lup, Mayang Imphal Thongkhong strongly condemn the alleged cold blooded murder of Basanta.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 20

UNESCO in its report under ‘List of Endangered Languages in the Online Version of the World Atlas of Endangered Language (vis-a-vis census) 2009’ had classified the Tarao dialect as one of the extinct languages suggesting either dilution or nonexistence of the tribe.

In a move to save and revive the tribe, Relief Centre for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Manipur under the coordination of Thokcom Chandramani, took a survey recently and found that the tribe has not actually gone extinct.

He told IFP that the population growth rate of the Tarao community is slow and is far short of 1000.

Chandramani said that he had started his survey since 2010 and through his survey he managed to get Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India (SPPEL) implemented for the Tarao tribe under HRD department.

Factors such as geography, social practices, low fertility, genetic defect leading to low fertility, disability, nutritional habit among others make the tribe almost extinct, said spokesperson of the relief centre, Chandramani.  

Tarao is a minority community in Chandel district speaking Taraotrong. It is said that Maharaja of Manipur, Ching-Thang Khomba had an orchard at a place near Pallel and his orange trees were looked after by the Taraos at Komlathabi.

They are concentrated at four villages, Tarao Laimanai, Leisokching, Khuringmol and Heikakpokpi. As per Cheitharol Kumbaba (The Royal Chronicle of Manipur) the Taraos had been in existence since AD 1263-1467.

Tarao tribe leaders had complained to the government in the past of having no MLA and ADC members in its populace.

With an endeavour to save the endangered tribe and its language especially, in a first of its kind, Imphal Hospital has adopted the tribe to extend every possible medical technology to help the tribe from further extinction. 

Managing director of Imphal Hospital, Dr. Salam Maipak Singh said that he does not want any indigenous tribe of the state to be extinct and would do anything to help them in population stabilisation health wise.

Retired HOD of RIMS gynaecology department, and also an advisor of the relief centre, Dr. Chanam Manglem Singh said that population is important for existence of a tribe. The population of Taraos during the time of Ching-Thang Khomba was 700 and that was some 219 years ago.

The population have in a way increased but no so much, and that is a worry for the tribe as well as the state.

According to the official records of Tarao Tribe Union’s member, K. Mila Tarao said for 2016-2017, there are a total of 894 populations concentrating in five villages of the state. Of which Khuringmul at Tengnoupal district, has the largest concentration level at 55 household and a population of 270.

Leisokching which serves as the hub for the tribe is situated at Tengnoupal district and is home to 40 household and a population of 240 persons.

Sanakeithel at Ukhrul district have the least population with 70 and 20 households, respectively.

Sangai Festival begins with fanfare and gaiety amidst general strike

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL |Nov 21

Despite the general strike called by the CorCom, President of India Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the Manipur Sangai Festival 2017, watched by several hundred delegates and over a thousand spectators at the Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT), Imphal. 

In his address, President Ram Nath Kovind stated that Sangai Festival is the perfect showcase for the cultural diversity and richness of Manipur, comprising various communities and beautiful social fabric. He added that Manipur is a paradise for tourists, a place that needs to be experienced at leisure.

Besides the natural beauty and rich cultural tradition of the state, President Ram Nath Kovind lauded the history of resilience and courage of the people in the state. He greeted the martyrs of Anglo Manipur War 1891, such as Bir Tikendrajit and his comrades, as heroes who will always be remembered for their contribution in the fight against colonialism and for human liberty.

Further, he added that the Second World War relics in Manipur have the potential for attracting international tourists from the West as well from country like Japan.

The President of India also commended the contributions that Manipur has made in the field of sports, in the past as well as in the present. He reiterated his twitter on Mary Kom’s achievement at the Asian Boxing Championship 2017 as such, “You make us prouder with every punch.” Furthermore, he applauded the determined spirit of eight of the 21 members of Indian World Cup team from Manipur.

Underscoring the state’s contribution and potential, he even hailed Manipur as the “capital of Indian sport”—a treasure that must be shared with the world.

On the development sector, President Ram Nath Kovind emphasised that Manipur is India’s window to Southeast Asia and a key player in Indian government’s Act East Policy. In this light, he mentioned that there is a concentrated effort to quickly develop connectivity projects in the state, namely: the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, plan for an air cargo terminal complex at Imphal International Airport, enhancement of rail links, and Union ministry of Civil Aviation’s plan for affordable air links in the region, particularly in Manipur.

The President also extended his greetings to the government of Manipur for the efforts undertaken to promote the tourism potential of Manipur.

The Presidents’ address was greeted with a round of applause by the attending delegates and the crowd. But it was his remark that he will be returning to Delhi with enough quantities of Manipuri black rice that touched the heart of the audience.

Manipur’s governor, Najma Heptullah, speaking at the inaugural function said she was very fortunate to be given the chance to serve as the first woman governor of the state, where women’s right to empowerment is highly regarded.

“World’s largest women market is in Manipur. I feel very proud to be a first women governor in the land of women empowered state, Manipur,” she exclaimed.

Many years back Manipur was known for law and order problem than its beauty, she said adding that with changing scenario people from other part of India and countries start exploring its unknown and hidden qualities.

Manipur’s chief minister, N. Biren said that the Northeast states can work together on the idea of a pan North East Tourism Circuit.

The chief minister thanked minister of state for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha for announcing to start Imphal-Delhi direct flight service twice a week from January next year.

He also expressed confidence that the Udaan scheme would be accorded a high priority to promote the concept of North east Tourist Circuit.

He expressed hope that under the dynamic leader of Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) K Alphons, the State would soon realise its true potential in tourism sector.

He said that the State government would approach the Union Tourism ministry with some projects including overall tourism development of Loktak area, cable car projects and development of wellness centres and strengthening of tourism infrastructure in the hills of the State.

With formation of the new government in the State there is a growing feeling of optimism and heightened expectation in the minds of public, he maintained while adding that the State government, therefore, decided to scale up Manipur Sangai Festival into a mega event for showcasing the tourism potentials of the State.

Another unique feature in this edition of the festival is the showcase of culture, art forms, cuisine, handloom and handicrafts of our partner States of Madhya Pradesh and Nagaland under the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said.

He further asserted that the presence of President Ramnath Kovind would be remembered as a red letter day, for this is the day when the State has witnessed such a large number of luminaries, be it from the field of politics or business, and which will eventually lead to ushering in an era of peace and development in the State.

Colourfult cultural presentations were also showcased before the capacity crowd that included many distinguished dignitaries, foreign delegates and tourists.

The President was joined on the dais by the first lady, Savita Kovind, Union minister for tourism, KJ Alphons, Manipur governor, Najma Heptulla, chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, chief minister of Nagaland, T.R. Zeliang, and chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu.

Sangai Festival begins with fanfare and gaiety amidst general strike

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL |Nov 21

Despite the general strike called by the CorCom, President of India Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the Manipur Sangai Festival 2017, watched by several hundred delegates and over a thousand spectators at the Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT), Imphal. 

In his address, President Ram Nath Kovind stated that Sangai Festival is the perfect showcase for the cultural diversity and richness of Manipur, comprising various communities and beautiful social fabric. He added that Manipur is a paradise for tourists, a place that needs to be experienced at leisure.

Besides the natural beauty and rich cultural tradition of the state, President Ram Nath Kovind lauded the history of resilience and courage of the people in the state. He greeted the martyrs of Anglo Manipur War 1891, such as Bir Tikendrajit and his comrades, as heroes who will always be remembered for their contribution in the fight against colonialism and for human liberty.

Further, he added that the Second World War relics in Manipur have the potential for attracting international tourists from the West as well from country like Japan.

The President of India also commended the contributions that Manipur has made in the field of sports, in the past as well as in the present. He reiterated his twitter on Mary Kom’s achievement at the Asian Boxing Championship 2017 as such, “You make us prouder with every punch.” Furthermore, he applauded the determined spirit of eight of the 21 members of Indian World Cup team from Manipur.

Underscoring the state’s contribution and potential, he even hailed Manipur as the “capital of Indian sport”—a treasure that must be shared with the world.

On the development sector, President Ram Nath Kovind emphasised that Manipur is India’s window to Southeast Asia and a key player in Indian government’s Act East Policy. In this light, he mentioned that there is a concentrated effort to quickly develop connectivity projects in the state, namely: the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, plan for an air cargo terminal complex at Imphal International Airport, enhancement of rail links, and Union ministry of Civil Aviation’s plan for affordable air links in the region, particularly in Manipur.

The President also extended his greetings to the government of Manipur for the efforts undertaken to promote the tourism potential of Manipur.

The Presidents’ address was greeted with a round of applause by the attending delegates and the crowd. But it was his remark that he will be returning to Delhi with enough quantities of Manipuri black rice that touched the heart of the audience.

Manipur’s governor, Najma Heptullah, speaking at the inaugural function said she was very fortunate to be given the chance to serve as the first woman governor of the state, where women’s right to empowerment is highly regarded.

“World’s largest women market is in Manipur. I feel very proud to be a first women governor in the land of women empowered state, Manipur,” she exclaimed.

Many years back Manipur was known for law and order problem than its beauty, she said adding that with changing scenario people from other part of India and countries start exploring its unknown and hidden qualities.

Manipur’s chief minister, N. Biren said that the Northeast states can work together on the idea of a pan North East Tourism Circuit.

The chief minister thanked minister of state for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha for announcing to start Imphal-Delhi direct flight service twice a week from January next year.

He also expressed confidence that the Udaan scheme would be accorded a high priority to promote the concept of North east Tourist Circuit.

He expressed hope that under the dynamic leader of Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) K Alphons, the State would soon realise its true potential in tourism sector.

He said that the State government would approach the Union Tourism ministry with some projects including overall tourism development of Loktak area, cable car projects and development of wellness centres and strengthening of tourism infrastructure in the hills of the State.

With formation of the new government in the State there is a growing feeling of optimism and heightened expectation in the minds of public, he maintained while adding that the State government, therefore, decided to scale up Manipur Sangai Festival into a mega event for showcasing the tourism potentials of the State.

Another unique feature in this edition of the festival is the showcase of culture, art forms, cuisine, handloom and handicrafts of our partner States of Madhya Pradesh and Nagaland under the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said.

He further asserted that the presence of President Ramnath Kovind would be remembered as a red letter day, for this is the day when the State has witnessed such a large number of luminaries, be it from the field of politics or business, and which will eventually lead to ushering in an era of peace and development in the State.

Colourfult cultural presentations were also showcased before the capacity crowd that included many distinguished dignitaries, foreign delegates and tourists.

The President was joined on the dais by the first lady, Savita Kovind, Union minister for tourism, KJ Alphons, Manipur governor, Najma Heptulla, chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, chief minister of Nagaland, T.R. Zeliang, and chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 21

Making his maiden visit more significant, President of Inida, Ramnath Kovind Singh today inaugurated the North East Development Summit at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound.

Speaking at the summit, he said that development of Northeast region is development of the nation and the true measure of India’s partnership with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and hence is important.

He said though there has been a misconception in ‘short period of history’ that Northeast is considered as frontier of India. “But far from being a frontier, Northeast has been at the heart of Indian imagination. And in the South Asia and Southeast Asia continuum Northeast is right in the middle,” he added.

Reiterating his interest in the region, the President said the rich potential of the Northeastern states cannot be ignored and that “few regions of the world have such a wealth of cultural, ethnic and religious diversity packed into a small area.”

Ramnath expressed his ambition to place the region into the most developed region of the country saying that with the coming of railways three years ago; extensive development of railway links in the Northeast is under way, with investments totalling Rs 90,000 crore.

Further he said road building in the region is busier than it has ever been. Border roads, National Highways and state roads are all being built or improved. Incorporated in July 2014, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation is working with special focus on the Northeast, he said, adding it is engaged in about 100 road projects in the region.

He also emphasised saying that the Northeastern region is the true driver of Act East Policy, and added that “India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway and the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project are critical for many of our countries and for the Northeast.”

The Northeast is also the corridor for so many trade and connectivity projects on the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) and the Bay of  Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) platforms, he also mentioned.

The summit co-organised by India Foundation was also attended by Bangladesh civil aviation minister, Rashid Khan, union minister for commerce and industry, Suresh Prabhu, union minister for civil avaiation, Jayant Sinha, union minister for tourism, K. J. Alphons, chief minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal, CM of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu, CM of Nagaland, T. R. Zeliang as special guests.

NITI Aayog vice chairman, Rajiv Kumar Sharma, managing director of Patanjali Ayurved Limited, Acharya Balkrishna and UN resident coordinator Yuri Afanaslev also attended the function as presidium members.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 21

Making his maiden visit more significant, President of Inida, Ramnath Kovind Singh today inaugurated the North East Development Summit at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound.

Speaking at the summit, he said that development of Northeast region is development of the nation and the true measure of India’s partnership with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and hence is important.

He said though there has been a misconception in ‘short period of history’ that Northeast is considered as frontier of India. “But far from being a frontier, Northeast has been at the heart of Indian imagination. And in the South Asia and Southeast Asia continuum Northeast is right in the middle,” he added.

Reiterating his interest in the region, the President said the rich potential of the Northeastern states cannot be ignored and that “few regions of the world have such a wealth of cultural, ethnic and religious diversity packed into a small area.”

Ramnath expressed his ambition to place the region into the most developed region of the country saying that with the coming of railways three years ago; extensive development of railway links in the Northeast is under way, with investments totalling Rs 90,000 crore.

Further he said road building in the region is busier than it has ever been. Border roads, National Highways and state roads are all being built or improved. Incorporated in July 2014, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation is working with special focus on the Northeast, he said, adding it is engaged in about 100 road projects in the region.

He also emphasised saying that the Northeastern region is the true driver of Act East Policy, and added that “India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway and the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project are critical for many of our countries and for the Northeast.”

The Northeast is also the corridor for so many trade and connectivity projects on the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) and the Bay of  Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) platforms, he also mentioned.

The summit co-organised by India Foundation was also attended by Bangladesh civil aviation minister, Rashid Khan, union minister for commerce and industry, Suresh Prabhu, union minister for civil avaiation, Jayant Sinha, union minister for tourism, K. J. Alphons, chief minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal, CM of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu, CM of Nagaland, T. R. Zeliang as special guests.

NITI Aayog vice chairman, Rajiv Kumar Sharma, managing director of Patanjali Ayurved Limited, Acharya Balkrishna and UN resident coordinator Yuri Afanaslev also attended the function as presidium members.

IMPHAL | Nov 21

The Editor Guild Manipur has condemned the killing of yet another journalist in Tripura, this time allegedly by the Tripura State Rifle (TSR) Jawan. It appealed to the Tripura state government and the Centre to ensure safe working environment for the journalist.

A release said EGM also join the journalist fraternity of the Tripura in mourning the loss of their colleague. Our moral support is with all the journalists’ organisations of Tripura in whatever means of protest they undertake to secure a safe working environment, it said.

Our sympathy is also with the family members of Sudeep Dutta Bhaumik who gave up his life in the line of his duties, it added.

Sudeep Dutta Bhaumik was reportedly shot dead by TSR Jawan identified as Nandu Riyang at RK Nagar near Secind battalion headquarters area in Agartala. Sudeep was a senior reporter with a Bengali daily and was out on reporting duty when the incident took place. Reports said the culprit has been arrested.

IMPHAL | Nov 21

The Editor Guild Manipur has condemned the killing of yet another journalist in Tripura, this time allegedly by the Tripura State Rifle (TSR) Jawan. It appealed to the Tripura state government and the Centre to ensure safe working environment for the journalist.

A release said EGM also join the journalist fraternity of the Tripura in mourning the loss of their colleague. Our moral support is with all the journalists’ organisations of Tripura in whatever means of protest they undertake to secure a safe working environment, it said.

Our sympathy is also with the family members of Sudeep Dutta Bhaumik who gave up his life in the line of his duties, it added.

Sudeep Dutta Bhaumik was reportedly shot dead by TSR Jawan identified as Nandu Riyang at RK Nagar near Secind battalion headquarters area in Agartala. Sudeep was a senior reporter with a Bengali daily and was out on reporting duty when the incident took place. Reports said the culprit has been arrested.

IMPHAL | Nov 21

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated Manipur Trade and Expo Centre at Lamboi Khongnangkhong, Imphal today. The inauguration ceremony was organised under the supervision of department of Textiles, Commerce and Industries, government of Manipur.

Speaking on the occasion, minister for Commerce and Industries, RD & PR, Power and IPR, Th. Biswajit Singh said it is a dream come true to host the first ever North East Development Summit and to inaugurate Trade and Expo Centre within such a short time in the State.

It is the biggest achievement of the new government, he added. Th. Biswajit mentioned that the essence of organising such summit is to explore our potential in various aspects such as human resource, natural resource and tourism.

Stating the importance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of Act East Policy and to bring inclusive development in the country, the minister said that such development summit would be a platform to exchange the ideas and opportunities between the business delegates, investors, entrepreneurs and the educated youths of the State for better opportunities and to bring all round economic development in the State.

Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha Ksh. Bhabananda Singh, chairman of MANIDCO, Dr. Y. Radheshyam, chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board, L. Radhakishore Singh, MLA Keirao AC, L. Rameshwor Meetei, chief secretary, R.R. Rashmi, additional chief secretary, Dr. Suhel Akhtar, officials of Commerce and Industry attended the inauguration function.

IMPHAL | Nov 20

The canteen owner of Catholic School, Canchipur was shot dead by armed miscreants late in the evening in near the school campus.

According to reports the incident occurred around 7 pm under Singjamei police Imphal West district.

The deceased has been identified as one Murali Thakur, 49, son of Bidesh Bari Thakur of Bhirganj, Bihar.

It is learnt that the deceased has been running a canteen inside the Catholic School, Canchipur and staying at a rented house near the school campus.

He sustained a bullet injury on his fore head which according to police could have been shot at point blank range.

The body of the deceased has been deposited at RIMS mortuary for further verification.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 20

The government has not sanction any fund from April for the functioning of the Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa and Imphal Central Jail, Old Lambulane claimed Manipur Central Jail superintendent, W. Phanilphang.

Speaking to media persons during a visit today to both the jails organised by All Manipur Working Journalist Union, the superintendent said as the fund is not released from April the construction of the two new blocks which has already completed almost 75 percent has been halted.

The prisoner capacity of the jail is 720 but currently a total of 807 inmates are in the jail so construction works of the two block need to be finished very soon, he added.

Phanilphang said as the fund is not released for almost eight months the jail authority has been facing a lot of difficulties in maintenance. “As there is no option we have to manage on credit system and sometimes we have to spend from our own pocket,” he added.       

The Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa has a total strength of 222 staffs and currently there are 807 inmates.

Among the 807 inmates 62 are convicted prisoners, 49 National Security Act prisoners, 454 under trial prisoners (non-extremist), 137 under trail prisoners (extremist) and 105 under trial prisoners (drug addict).

There are a total of 22 foreigners inmates serving in the jail, among them 16 are convicted prisoners and six are under trail prisoners.

Interacting with the media team, some of the prisoners said they are satisfied with the kind of food served to them by the jail authorities. However the water supplied to the inmates is unhygienic, they said, adding the inmates have raised demand for more vocational training programme to the authority concerned.

The prisoners who were convicted as life-imprisonment appealed to the government to give them opportunity of premature release like in the past. On the other hand some of the foreigner prisoners who claimed themselves as ‘Rohingya Muslim’ said that they were convicted for only six months but they have been serving in the prison for almost six years.

They appealed to the government to take up necessaries action so as to release them and to keep them in a refugee camp as their families have all shifted from Myanmar owing to the recent mass exodus.

And for the Imphal Central Jail, Old Lambulane there are currently only 37 inmates out of them five are convicted male prisoners, two convicted female prisoners and the remaining 30 are female under trial prisoners.

All the prisoners are satisfied with the treatment given to them and they also appealed to add more vocational programmes.

The buildings of both the jails are in dilapidated condition.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 20

Expressing serious concern over the raising health problem among the public, MAHUD minister Th. Shyamkumar observed that it could be due to intake of harmful food and unhealthy agricultural practices.  

He was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function of organic outlet at the directorate of horticulture and soil conservation, government of Manipur Sajenthong here today.

Shyamkumar said, “Though we have a small population comparatively with other states, the growing number of private hospitals is a worrisome health indicator. It seems there is something wrong in our agricultural sector.”

The prices of organic products are costlier than chemically fertilized agricultural product, however, the risk of causing health hazard is minimal, he said.

Expressing a deep concern about the challenges that are being faced by farmers, he continued that any welfare schemes that are only meant for farmers should be farmer-friendly otherwise it is of no use. And to make the product available easily he advised the department to plan for home delivery service and open a website for the online shopping.

President of today’s function, additional chief secretary of agriculture and adult education government of Manipur, Suhel Akhtar pointed out that farmers who practice organic farming usually face many hurdles as the input cost is higher than the selling price.

“People have to spend more money in buying organic product. Hence most of the people opt for cheaper product. This led to reduction in production of organic produces,” he said.

Further Suhel continued creating awareness about the health and environment benefit of organic farming, maintaining fine balance of demand and supply of produces and to give training to farmers are the mandatory steps to be taken up by the department concerned and government. Unless these steps are taken up the mission for organic cultivation will not be successful, he maintained.

Initially this organic outlet will run by the Garden Care, a service provider engaged for implementation of Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) schemes under the supervision of Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA). It is the first shop of organic products in Northeast India.

Both fresh and processed organic products of vegetables, fruit, spices etc are available in the outlet. So far 5000 organic farmers are registered under MOMA.

Other dignitaries who attended the function are additional chief secretary (horticulture and soil conservation and home) J. Suresh Babu and director directorate of horticulture and soil conservation AK Kipgen.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 20

Social welfare and cooperation minister Nemcha Kipgen today urged the cooperatives of the state to identify and use suitable skill development programmes and schemes of government for improving the quality of services and products.

She said that facilities such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and other flagship skill development programmes being implemented by the government of India and State government and other counterparts should be explored and used by the cooperatives.

Nemcha was speaking as the chief guest at the valedictory function of 64th All India Cooperative Week Celebration 2017 held at Institute of Cooperative Management, Cooperative Complex, Lamphelpat.

The cooperative week kick started on November 14 and was held under the theme ‘Empowering people through digitalisation of cooperatives’ and topic on ‘Cooperatives as key partner for skill development.’ The minister said that the topic is very appropriate to be addressed in the current scenario of modern technologies.

She stressed that skills should serve as an integral part of employment and economic growth. She added that cooperatives are the right choice for self-employment, income generation for all walks of life to develop their socio-economic development.

Till date, there are 9148 cooperative societies are registered with the total membership of 7,26,671 members in our State. These societies include different sectors such as agriculture, dairy, fisheries, livestock, urban and rural credit, housing, consumers, transport, labour, handloom & handicrafts, fruit processing, etc.

As a part of the programme, various meritorious awards were distributed by the dignitaries. The Nongpok Musti Cooperative Thrift Society Limited, Nongmeibung was awarded Shri Kangjam Lukhoi Best Management Cooperative award.

Sukham Surajkumar Singh was awarded 1st best meritorious award (HDCM), Shijagurumayum Olisriani was awarded 1st best meritorious award for BBA.

MLA of Phungyar assembly constituency, K. Leishiyo who also attended the programme as guest of honour, said that there are many varieties of vegetables in the state which cannot be found in other states. Manipur has a great potential especially the hills, therefore he urged the cooperatives to make the best use of resources in the state. He assured that he and his government will be always there to help the cooperatives building a self-sufficient economy.

Principal secretary of cooperation, J. C. Ramthanga and principal scientist of CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, H. Birkumar Singh also attended the event as presidium members.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 20

With favourable climatic conditions and growing prospects of floriculture and horticulture, Mao district synonymous with rich horticultural produces is once again gearing up to be a centre for rich variety of flowers, fruits and vegetables this year.

Adding to the beauty is the picturesque cherry blossom that covers the hills of Mao each year and it calls for a celebration of its own. The northern most hill station of Manipur, Mao is a transit point for travellers and visitors.

It is also a home to the ancestral Makhel village, a belief in the Naga history that the Tenyimei Naga tribes lived there together before departing to the present settlements.

Come November 25 one will witness the grand celebration of the 3rd Flower festival cum Manipur 1st Cherry Blossom Festival at Mao Gate. To the delight of trekkers, cyclist, participants and visitors, lying against the silhouette of Mt. Esii, the state highest peak, the beautiful white waters of Elei waterfall and the undulating green hills with cherry blossom is the site for the 3rd Flower Festival cum Manipur 1st  cherry Blossom Festival.

Mention may be made that it was professor Dinabandhu Sahoo, director of Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBDS), Imphal who initiated the celebration for cherry Blossom Festival at Mao.

The Flower Festival was first held in 2015 organsied by Song Song Youth and Students Organisation under the guidance and initiation of Hopeson Chiplang, the then officer incharge of Mao Police Station with a purpose to celebrate the rich flora and fauna of the district.

In 2016, the festival took a big leap with the dedicated effort of Jacintha Lazarus the then deputy commissioner of Senapati District and the department of horticulture. With the theme ‘Celebrating Natures’ Abundance’ the festival this year will have flower, fruits and vegetable exhibition cum competition, trekking to Mt Esii, cycling expedition to the foothill of Mt.Esii, a musical night  and much more.