Tag: IFP

IMPHAL | Aug 7

Social welfare and cooperation minister Nemcha Kipgen highly condemned the recent rape of a minor school girl who was also attacked and attempted to murder somewhere under Senapati district earlier this month.

The minister while expressing her concern said that the utmost priority as of now is to help the victim regain her consciousness, as she is presently unconscious post the incident. As such, on the supervision of the minister, security personnel have been deployed at the hospital room of the minor girl and have instructed the police not to let anyone directly interrogate the matter to the victim until she regains her normal condition.

“Those involved in this heinous crime will not be spared under any circumstances,” said the minister. The minister had also given assurance for extending maximum assistance in getting justice in time for the victim.

Under the supervision of the SW & Coop. minister, a team of Manipur State Commission for Women led by chairperson K. Sobita Devi have visited the hospital to meet the minor girl and to spot enquire the prevailing condition of the victim.

The team who met the officials concerned of the hospital take accounts of the present condition of the victim. The officials stated that medical examination had already been taken by the RIMS forensic department. As per the doctors of the hospital, there is still very little improvement in the girl’s condition therefore she is being observed under intensive care. 

The team also met Senapati S.P. Faumei Gonglin, to discuss the matter. During the meeting, the S.P. said that an FIR had been taken up in connection with the rape of the minor girl and efforts are being made to find the accused involved in this heinous crime.

In an effort to find out those involved, combing operation had been done in suspected areas, the S.P. added. He urged and appealed to the people of the area to extend cooperation in tracing and finding those culprits involved in this inhuman act.

While condemning this incident, K. Sobita asserted that the commission is alert and gathering time-to-time status of the case from the S.P. in this connection.

The minister also lauded the efficient work carried out by the team of state police led by Senapati S.P. so far in this case and is optimistic that the judiciary will deliver justice to the victim and the family at the earliest.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 7

State government has not notified guidelines for the formation of Village Level Child Protection Committees in Manipur. This is violation of Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS).

State Co-Ordinator Manipur Alliance for Child Rights (MACR), S. Bheiga Sharma said during a meeting held today at MACR office located at Sagolband Moirang Hanuba. And delay in formation of formal VLCPCs in the state has resulted with continued child trafficking and unsafe migrations of children in many villages, he charged.

He said the state is badly affected by scores of issues such as armed conflict, HIV/AIDS epidemic, drugs abuse and others which have fractured the socio-economy of the state thereby putting the lives of thousands of children in highly vulnerable situation.

From November 2013 to October 2016, 80 trafficked children of the state were officially repatriated, while 39 child sexual offences (POCSO) cases were produced before nine child welfare centres during December 2015 to October 2016, he added.

Bheiga said as per recorded by MACR 146 children victims of different child rights violation incidents in the state were reported in the newspapers during the period from January 2016 to July 10, 2017. This year from January to July 10, 23 children became victims of different violent actions such as trafficking, sexual abuse, murder and others.

For protection of vulnerable children in the first place setting up of Child Protection Committees in Village, Block and District level has accepted all over the world.

VLCPCs are primarily responsible for creating a child friendly and safe environment for children, in such an environment, the rights and well-being of all children are ensured. They will be responsible for three core responsibilities such as monitoring, reporting and responding to the issue of child protection in the community, Bheiga asserted.

Considering the emerging needs of VLCPC, MACR with support of Cry-Child Right And You, Kolkata, so far 33 informal VLCPCs in four district of the state since last three years. Nevertheless, since social welfare department has not issued notification for the formation of VLCPS.

VLCPC needs wider supports from NGOs, Corporate bodies and international agencies like UNICEF apart from government. Bheiga demands state government to form VLCPCs in the state for protection of vulnerable children who remained unmapped and unreached.

IMPHAL | Aug 7

Indian Municipal Corporation (IMC) has today clarified that the present BJP team has nothing to do with the auction of eight government vehicles but instead the previous Congress team led by the then mayor, Sunil is responsible.

Addressing media persons at its Kanglapat office, Oinam Romeo Singh, chairperson of Ward No.13, IMC Works said that the auction process was started while the Congress team was still in office of the corporation.

He said that eight previously used vehicles by the Congress leaders were auctioned and a legal tender was first notified on May 22 and the process ended on May 29 by former mayor Sunil. This case is of when the BJP was in opposition and was in fact on “no confidence motion” to this tender he added.

Indrajit and Gaidon Rongmei (now opposition leaders) were witnesses of that resolution taken regarding the auction, he pointed out.

Romeo reiterated that the new team of the corporation (BJP) assume office on June 9 and the notice tender was out before the present team assume office. There was no signature of any of the present team, he clarified.

The vehicles were delivered during by the BJP team took after taking charge of office according to rule and regulations, he continued.

Romeo was clarifying on the charges of misuse of public fund in works taken up by the IMC where an enquiry team was also set up by the MAHUD minister, Th. Shyamkumar. The enquiry team must submit its report within 15 days’ time from the date of issue of the order.

Govt. to probe misuse of fund in IMC

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 6

MAHUD minister, Th. Shyamkumar today informed that the state government has constituted a committee to conduct an inquiry into the alleged misuse of public funds in works taken up in all the 27 wards of Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) particularly ward No. 3.

Speaking to media persons in a press conference convened today in his office chamber, Shyamkumar revealed the decision to conduct the probe was taken following the allegations raised by the Opposition bench during just concluded budget session of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly.

He further said that the committee will be headed by the special secretary MAHUD as chairman while joint secretary MAHUD and assistant municipal commissione, will be the members.

The committee shall submit its reports within 15 days’ time from the date of issue of the order.

At a time when the BJP led government under the leadership of chief minister, N. Biren Singh, is taking strong initiative to uproot corruption, no individual or official if found guilty during the course of investigation will not be spared. And, stringent action will be taken against the guilty as per the law, he said.

Subsequently, an order released by the under secretary of MAHUD in this regards issued directive to the municipal commissioner to take action against the officers responsible and recover the funds misappropriated in the said works.

The MAHUD minister further informed that the government will also investigate the alleged manipulation conducted during an auctioned recently conducted for eight condemned vehicles of the IMC.

He pointed out that the matter was clarified on the floor of the House following complaints queries raised by Thangmeiband MLA, Kh. Joykishan during the last session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

However, the matter resurfaced today in the local media with the Opposition councillors of the IMC accusing that the auctioned was conducted by overlooking all the norms of the auction, he asserted.

The minister warned that any officials who fed him the wrong reports, which led to the prevailing misunderstanding in connection with the auctioned, will also be dealt with accordingly.

IMPHAL | Aug 6

Education should not only focus on providing literacy, but also help the children to reach their full potential and become productive citizens of the society. To make the young students a better citizen the teachers and the guardians have a big role to play.

 This was stated by consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister, Karam Shyam during the annual school day function of Trinity Public School at Mongshangei, Imphal West, while addressing the function as the chief guest.

He said children must be motivated in learning new knowledge, discipline and to develop their moral character. He urged the teachers of the School to be the perfect role model for the young students so that they are inspired to become fine human being.

Speaking as the guest of honour, Dr. RK. Lenin Singh, department of Psychiatry, RIMS said that, teachers should not only help students in scoring good marks but also identify and nurture their hidden talents. Highlighting the benefits of physical fitness among students, Dr RK. Lenin said it is deplorable that some of the schools do not have enough open space for physical activities.

President of the function, Wangkhemcha Shamjai, president All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) lauded the principal, teachers and the staffs of the School for making the school premises into a plastic free zone and said it is a good way to educate the young children on the harmful effects of plastic in the environment.

He also encouraged the teachers to continue with their effort in moulding the young students to become better citizen.

Speaking as the guest of honour, Khoisnam Sarma Devi, SP traffic control Wing, Imphal City gave the students valuable lessons on traffic safety and said the police and traffic police are friend of the people to enforce laws for safety of the public.

 As part of the function, prizes were given to the meritorious and successful students of the school on HSLC examination 2017. Students, teachers and parents, guardians also attended the function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 6

The family members of Laishram Bedamani of Koutruk Maning Leikai who died under mysterious circumstances on August 4 have urged the authorities concerned to speed up the investigation process to determine how she died. 

In a press meet at Manipur Press Club, Premjit Leishangthem, one of the family members of Bedamani said that her corpse has been kept at RIMS mortuary after the post mortem and that the family will not take the body until her husband Hemanta Thounaojam is produced and given the punishment he deserves.

Laishram Bedamani left three children. Her second child Rinky Thounaojam today recounted that her father came drunk that day with a friend and ordered her to go and buy alcohol from their locality. Her mother refused to let her daughter go out and that was at around 6 pm, then her father hit on her mother’s head and she fell down saying “kok ngaowe” (head spinning).

Rinky continued that when she came back after procuring the alcohol, she could not find her mother. She maintained that her father had locked her mother in one room. She along with her siblings in another room was also locked up, she said. When she woke up, she found her mother not breathing anymore.

One of the members of Khabam Bamdiar Meira Paibis, who does not want to be named, said that they condemned such alleged killing of their sister and should not be repeated in the future.

An FIR has been lodged at Lamsang police and a memorandum was also submitted to the deputy chief minister, Y. Joykishan yesterday. As of now, we have not received any positive response from the minister, said Premjit.

IMPHAL | Aug 6

Committee on Human Rights, Manipur (COHR) today hold a protest rally at Kwakeithel, Imphal as a part of solidarity and fight back conference of International League of People’s Struggle (ILPS) and International Women Alliance, Toronto, Canada.

Civil bodies of the state including AMUCO, AMAWOVA, AMESCO, POIREI, Leimarol Apunba Maira Paibee Manipur and MAPWAK also took part in the protest rally.

Speaking to media persons COHR, chairman, Phulindro Konsam said that the main objective of ILPS is to promote, support and develop anti-imperialist and democratic struggles of the people around the world.

The league aims to stimulate and coordinate common lines of action and undertake action like advocacy, research, publications, conferences, seminars and social and political mobilization, he added.

Phulindro continued that on the other hand the central force as well as the state force have killed many innocent person in fake encounter taking the chances of implementation of black laws “AFSPA, 1958” in the state.

So in order to earn back the rights of the people of the state, the people need to work together as one to remove such Act, added the chairman.

Public meetings and rally decry oil exploration

IMPHAL | Aug 6

Locals of Torbung area resolved to ban oil exploration work and any other related work to exploit any natural resources in the area. They also resolved that no natural resources can be taken out without the free-prior and informed consent of the people of Torbung Area.

The meeting held at Kangvai community hall today also resolved to support and take part in any movement related to oil exploration and exploration of natural resources in Manipur. The public meeting was organised by the villagers of Torbung area, Churachandpur district.

Speaking in the meeting Sapam Ranjan, pradhan of Torbung GP said that the natural resources petroleum, limestone, cobalt chromium, coal, etc which are found in the state must be protected by the people of the land and should not be given to the central government.

It is mentioned in the Indian Oilfield Act 1948 that the ultimate owner of the natural resources found in any area of the country is the property of the central government, he said, and asked if the people are going to sacrifice their land which are kept for them by our ancestor just for the central government in the name of development by depriving the rights over the own land.

It should be made clear that the Indian Oilfield Act 1948 is an out-dated Act as it was passed before Manipur was merged with India; therefore, this Act is needed to be amendment, he urged.

In the public meeting Mr. Sapam Ranjan (Pradhan, Torbung G.P), Mr. K Paul Kapyung (Secretary, Young Vaiphei Association), Ms. K Aruna (Secretary, Nupi Khunai Semgat Lup, Phougakchao Ikhai), Mr. Majabung Gangmei (Speaker, Zalinaglong Baudi) and Mr. N Rajesh (General Secretary, Citizen Initiative Manipur)

Speaking in the meeting Majabung Gangmei, of ZB highlighted some reality of how the oil companies tried to obtain N.O.C from the villagers for the oil exploration work in Tamenglong area.

He recalled the Jubiliant Company had approached most of the villages located in the Tamenglong area without informing the DRP and also without disclosing any documents related to oil exploration work in Manipur.

The government of India has granted the Asian Oilfiled Service Limited to conduct the oil exploration work in Manipur but without being informed to the general masses, which is of very unfortunate, he lamented.

Meanwhile a public meeting on similar issue was jointly organised by villages such as Charoi, Ponrinjuang, Taokomjeag, Ranginag, Thingou, Okoklong and Namduwnjang at Taokomjeag village community hall, Noney.

A rally was alsoorganised to spread the mass awareness to the villagers of Noney area and also to the villagers of the neighbouring villages with regard to the negative impact of oil exploration work and other mining of resources in the state of Manipur.

The meeting also resolved to stop all kind of extraction of natural resources including the ongoing 2D seismic survey by the Asian Oilfiled Service Limited, and to protect the natural resources for the future generation.

The program was attended by Thonchaling Kamei, chairman Charoi Pandongba, Senapati district, Ka Phunsingpao Kamei, Baorei Kamsuan (elder of Namdonjang village) and Benjamin Rongmei, convenor YFPHR, Noney district.

IMPHAL | Aug 6

Education minister Th. Radheshyam said to improve the dilapidated condition of the government schools, the locals, those who are the guardians and citizens should take up the responsibility to ensure and improve the requirements from every possible aspect in order to bring qualitative development.

He was speaking at the 8th meritorious award 2017, at Heingang.

He continued schools have been provided for educating young children who will be the future of tomorrow. With Right to Education Act (RTE), free and compulsory is provided by the government for children of age group six to fourteen.

There are officials who have been tasked to implement this but the success of implementing this RTE will be achieved only when everyone from all walks of life come together to work for the upliftment of the education, he said.

The minister maintained that awards to the students would encourage them to chase their goals. Cheering up the children for their achievements, it will also inspire the other young minds who could not receive the award today due to some drawback.

 He also said that encouraging the children in the face of failure is more important and necessary than success.

“Guardians of every child should take the task to motivate and support them going the right path in the making of a good human being. It is more important that children are taught to be caring and loving, a person when grows up, who will be able to sacrifice for the welfare of the society”, he said.

The contribution towards the society by all with the capability to love and sacrifice for other is more important than being a successful person, the minister stressed.

Joint director MAHUD, Ng. Uttam, said that though everyone wants to be successful having satisfaction of what is being achieved, contribution for the betterment of the society is more important.

He advised the children present in the function that it is better to compete with oneself than to compete with others so that with every step there can be holistic development.

Commandant 1st MR N. Herojit Singh, said that the young children should learn to absorb only the good things and ventilate the negative ones.

Gifts were presented to the elders, with awards being given to the meritorious students. The function was organised by the Heingang United Clubs Organisation (HUCO).

Dr. Th. Bijoy Singh, HOD of Forensic medicine RIMS, explained in detail on the topic “Role of Forensic expert in aid of delivery of justice”. He said that there are lots of methods to identify the causes of death.

Editor of Imphal Free Press, Pradip Phanjoubam spoke on the topic “Challenges and lacuna faced by the media in following a case with special reference to investigative journalism”. The role of presiding judge and counsel of the victim were presented by Th. Surbala, retired district and session judge and L. Sevananda Sharma, practicing advocate in High Court, Manipur respectively.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 6

Joint action committee against unnatural dead of Sapam Ningol Thaonaojam Ongbi Sumati alias Ichal Devi, Wangkhei Ayangpalli, Leima Keithel alleged Th. Jiban and his family for the death of Sumati.

Convenor of JAC, Yumlembam Memma Devi charged the family of Jiban who is the husband of the deceased as the death is unnatural, during a press meet held today at Manipur Press Club.

According to Memma, Sumati when she was alive was constantly tortured by the husband and his family as she was not able to give birth for three years after she got married with Jiban.

After she got In Vitro Fertilization (IVR) treatment of for two times she got pregnant, she added.

Further Memma said Sumati was taken to Nambol dispensary last Friday following food poisoning. Due to her serious condition Sumati was referred to RIMS for further treatment. Subsequently RIMS hospital referred Sumati to Shija hospital for treatment. But when she reached Shija hospital she was declared brought dead by the hospital authorities.

Sumati’s body have scar mark in her back from shoulder to hip, which indicates that she was beaten blue and black, Memma said. In this regard the JAC demands the authority concerned to investigate the case at the earliest and to punish the culprit involved in the case, Memma added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 6

The present Indian judicial service is lethargic and consumes a lot of time to process a case and even lacks quality justice, said N. Pramod, lecturer of LMS Law College.

He was speaking at a one-day consultation programme to improve ‘Criminal justice delivery system’ which was held today at regency hall, Classic Hotel. The conference was organised by Women Action for Development (WAD).

He was speaking on the topic “Academic inputs of the evolving trend of criminal justice delivery system from gender perspective”. He further said that the legal fraternity considers ‘evidence’ as commodity and has even commercialised available evidence.

Pramod further noted that high courts should also give provision to trial courts in handling a case instead of giving a free hand and criticising later.

Giving the keynote address, secretary of WAD, Sobita Mangsatabam said that this conference is held because of the raising number of cases of crime cases especially of violence against women. Fast track courts had been set up in the state but even after a month “we do not see any progress in delivering justice for the victims and family”, she pointed out.

Superintendent of Police (SP) of Imphal East, K. Kabib said that there are many hurdles faced by investigating agency during the course of investigation. He explained that the main hurdles are delay in lodging an FIR by the victims and family, customary system of a community, lack of forensic science laboratories and shortage of manpower in the police force.

Dr. Th. Bijoy Singh, HOD of Forensic medicine RIMS, explained in detail on the topic “Role of Forensic expert in aid of delivery of justice”. He said that there are lots of methods to identify the causes of death.

Editor of Imphal Free Press, Pradip Phanjoubam spoke on the topic “Challenges and lacuna faced by the media in following a case with special reference to investigative journalism”. The role of presiding judge and counsel of the victim were presented by Th. Surbala, retired district and session judge and L. Sevananda Sharma, practicing advocate in High Court, Manipur respectively.

IMPHAL | Aug 6

One-day discussion on the Manipur Private School (Registration and Regulation) Bill, 2017 was held yesterday at GM Hall, Imphal organised by All Manipur Recognised Private Schools’ Welfare Association.

A release said the discussion unanimously resolved to form a high power committee with members selected from among all the concerned stake holders of the state for the execution of all the follow-up steps and to submit a memorandum to the governor of Manipur, chief minister and Education minister for the compulsory exclusion of all the recognised private schools of the bill by highlighting the ground realities of the recognised private schools of the state.

It also resolved to submit a representation to the Director of Education (S) with the plea for the compulsory exclusion of all the existing recognised private schools of the state from the purview of the bill, it added.

The discussion also resolved to declare holiday on August 8 jointly by all the recognised private schools of the state as a mark of protest against the passing of such half-baked, irrational bill by the government of Manipur, it said adding that legal option will be taken up against the bill if all the measures fail.

THOUBAL | Aug 6

A public meeting was organised today by the women folk and elders of Nongpok Lourembam at Arong Ningthou ground Nongpok Sekmai, Thoubal district, in protest against the act of planting and exploding a bomb yesterday at the residence of the pradhan of Lourembam GP, Yambem Shyamo.

The bomb that exploded around 7.45 pm yesterday was planted in the tractor that was parked in the garage of Yambem Shyamo’s brother at Nongpok Lourembam.

It was resolved in the meeting that the people who are behind the explosion must claim responsibility within 5 days and clarify the reasons behind the act otherwise, the development committees of north and south Nongpok Lourambam will take up extreme measures.

A woman who attended the meeting said that exploding a bomb at the residence of the pradhan who is working for welfare of the people, is an act of terrorism. The public cannot accept it; the people want peace and request not to repeat again such act of exploding bombs at places where people are residing.

It may be mentioned that the bomb was placed under the seat of the tractor and the explosion caused damaged to the tractor and a car that was parked in a nearby shed. It also broke the glass windows and doors.

A case has been registered by the police of Nongpok Sekmai and investigations have started. 

THOUBAL | Aug 6

The five-day training on life skills, leadership and personality development organised by National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell, Manipur University was concluded today in the court hall of Manipur University.

A release issued by PRO, MU, Ganesh Sethi said that as the chief guest of the valedictory function, vice- chancellor of Manipur University, Professor Adya Prasad Pandey expressed that the NSS organisation is quite different from other organisation and no organisation is as vast as NSS.

He further said that there should not be any boundary for offering voluntary welfare activities for the society and he is very happy that the NSS volunteers are taking advantages of it, the release said.

It further said that Professor Pandey asked the NSS Cell of Manipur University to adopt and maintain a park of the University Campus and added that he will render all administrative support and co-operation in this regard.

Attending as guest of honour, regional director of NSS, Guwahati, H.K Sharma appreciated Professor Pandey for his initiative, cooperation and support towards NSS Cell of Manipur University while urging the volunteers to work with full spirit and enthusiast throughout the year to make the environment clean and green, it added.

IMPHAL | Aug 6

Directorate of Social Welfare Department, government of Manipur has notified that the state rules for persons with disabilities are to be framed with regard to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Comments, objection, suggestions and ideas are invited from organisations, individuals, persons with disabilities or any other interested persons on or before August 11 for effective implementation of the act, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 6

The Manipur Students Federation (MSF) and Pangal Students Organisation (PSO) strongly condemned the alleged thrashing of a VI standard student by a teacher, Kh. Menon of DSAC Academic Centre, Irelbung yesterday which caused the student unconscious.    

Speaking to the media today at MSF head office, Keishampat MSF president, N. Muktangamba said that the student got unconscious by the teacher’s action and was taken to JNIMS for treatment. The said student has been taken away to Guwahati for further treatment as the health condition of the student did not improved, he said.

Muktangamba said that such unwanted action by the teacher shows that he is against the moral awareness programme which was conducted by MSF as a part of their academic campaign.

He continued that MSF and PSO are ready to give full support to the JAC which was formed against the unwanted conduct of the teacher. Muktangamba appealed to the government and to the police station concerned to take up legal action against the said teacher.

Talks on with Centre for helicopter service

Our Bureau

IMPHAL |Aug 6

Manipur is likely to start employing helicopter services so as to address the “miseries of the people” living in far flung areas regarding health related matters, said governor Najma Heptulla.

She was speaking at the prize distribution ceremony for the dedicated staffs of Japanese Hospital Manipur at the conference hall of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Porompat here today.

The event was sponsored by Japanese Second World War Victims Memorial Hospital Trust, Manipur.

The governor continued that talks are on with the Civil Aviation minister at the Centre to allocate Rs 25 crores to get helicopter services in the state very soon in order to provide necessary equipment to meet the needs of those not only in the city but also those in far-flung remote parts of the State.

Drawing serious concern over the present health scenario in Manipur, Najma Heptulla said that not much attention has been given to remove the miseries of the people regarding health related matters in spite of the State being endowed with a beautiful climate and great biodiversity.

Giving a brief insight of the old relation between Manipur and Japan the governor said, “There is already a Peace Memorial Hospital known as Peace Park at Maibam Lokpa Ching (Red Hill) in Bishnupur district constructed by the Japanese War veterans in memory of Japanese soldiers killed here in the Second World War. The hospital is another step to foster further friendship and cooperation between Manipur and Japan.”

The governor appealed to the authorities of the hospital to go to the far-flung rural areas where medical facilities are almost nill to provide the much needed health services apart from establishing good rapport with their patients who are poor and needy.

Focussing on health as a quintessential part of life, she also said, “Investment for eradication of diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, cholera etc. and also for prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and H1N1 especially in the context of Manipur is of great economic value. Right now, the State is also facing the challenge posed by a bout of dengue and Japanese Encephalitis. But we have great hope that we shall overcome such viruses/diseases.”

Here, the selfless services endered by the staffs of the Japanese Hospital is of immense value, she added.

Member of the Japanese Hospital, Yumnam(o) Jamuna Devi presented the governor a bouquet and a hand product comprising of phanek and lily (tharo).

The prize distribution ceremony began with an opening song titled “Ho ima nungshibi, poknapham lamdam paamubi, ima nangi natambaakshe, yengbagi penba naideda” from the artists of Khonjel Artist Union. The song was scripted by.W .Gojen Meitei.

Director JNIMS, Dr. Th Bhimo Singh, medical superintendent JNIMS, Prof. L Ranbir Singh; nursing superintendent JNIMS, P. Landhoni Devi, president of Japanese Hospital Manipur, T.M. Rajen Ayangba,  national secretary, All India Dalit Development Association, Yumnam Mahendrakumar Singh and treasurer of Japanese Hospital Manipur, H. Suraj Sharma shared the dais with the governor in the function.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |Aug 6

The Naga People’s Front headed by Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu said that “legality is with Dr Shurhozelie and TR Zeliang continues to be the chief minister by blatant aberration of the laws“. 

In a hard hitting press release issued today, the NPF headed by Dr Shurhozelie blamed TR Zeliang for the expulsion of Neiphiu Rio from the party in 2015. The statement also said that Neiphiu Rio’s ministry was reduced to a minority as there was a revolt within the party in 2004 but it was Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu who came to the rescue of the former.

Neiphiu Rio and TR Zeliang are now joining hands against Dr Shurhozelie. Rio is the “Interim President” of one of the two NPF factions which supports TR Zeliang.

According to the statement, Neiphiu Rio, during Jamir’s Congress ministry, found it “suffocating to remain under his leadership when his ego and ambition ballooned into the size of several football fields and his colleagues found it obnoxious and began to avoid him as best as they could”.

It also stated, “By the fag end of the Congress ministry, Rio found he had landed himself in a not-so-enviable position of possibly being denied even the party ticket for the ensuing elections in 2003. And so, he orchestrated a grand political manoeuvre, hollow though it was to those who were in the know, by resigning from the ministry in September 2002. It was a huge political development at that point of time because he was the then Home minister; and to his erstwhile colleagues, a huge relief as they considered his departure as a very good riddance”.

Further the release said, Rio was reduced to a minority when in the later part of 2004, Z Obed mustered the support of 17 NPF legislators and demanded that Rio be replaced. “But party president Dr Shurhozelie, who was elected to the post at the General Convention of the party in Dimapur in the later part of 2003 replacing Vizol even though he, Dr Shurhozelie was an elected member, extended full support to the then minority chief minister and Rio could overcome the revolt within the NPF party.

It continued Rio is the “disrespected and dejected” President. “Dejected because he is the “interim President” and according to the NPF Constitution, there is no such post as interim, Ad Hoc or work charged president; dis-reputed because Rio will go down the annals of Naga history in infamy as the successor of Noke whose flash-in-the-pan tenure as president of the dissident NPF camp lasted only till the crisis lasted and had to attend the Special General Convention of the NPF on April 30, 2015 donning a skin thicker than that of a rhino, the Mascot of Kaziranga,” it also stated.

The statement then said that, it is “astounding how the expelled NPF legislators” could console themselves with a make-believe “amnesty period” of fifteen days when the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India clearly mentions that the political party can condone defiance of the Whip within fifteen days. “This period is in no way an Amnesty as the erring legislators seem to think. Anyhow, defiance of the Whip issued by NPF chief whip Kiyanilie Peseyie occurred on July 21 and the fifteen day period to condone the travesty had already expired and there is no turning back,” it added.

According to the statement, the “ill-advice” that the chief minister TR Zeliang seems to be receiving has been made conspicuous when he filed disqualification petition against the ten NPF legislators.

“He is not the ticket-issuing authority for the NPF party and he never was. To begin with, he is not the Chief Whip of the NPF party and he would do well to keep in mind that if it was not for the queer action of the Speaker to support him. The whip issued by him ought to have been rejected outright,” maintained the release.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI |Aug 5

A day ahead of attaining 8 months, newly created Kangpokpi district is likely to experience the first ever collective stir after on August 7 and a total shutdown on its 8 months anniversary over the controversial National Sports University at the so called Koutruk in Imphal West.

Earlier, the civil voluntary organisations of the district have decided to severe its commitment of pioneering a bandh-free district and begin its first ever intense form of agitation from 6 am of August 7 if their demand over the issue of the university is not addressed positively within the stipulated time.

In connection with the ultimatum due to expire tomorrow, the CSVOs of Kangpokpi held a joint meeting today at Saitu-Gamphazol sub divisional headquarters at Gamnom Sapormeina where it decided to go ahead first with a peaceful but massive sit-in-protest on August 7 to be followed by a total shutdown the following day.

The joint meeting of the CVOs Kangpokpi was hosted by Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi district and also chaired the meeting while having a threadbare discussion and exchange of views and ideas over the university and the course of agitations.

Speaking to media persons, Lamminlun Singsit, general secretary, Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi district said that the Kuki Inpi of the district consider the issue of the proposed university at the so called Koutruk in Imphal West and the laid-back attitude of the state government.

He continued that Kuki Students’ Organisation has been entrusted to deal with the national Sports University issue in collaboration with all civil voluntary organisations of the district while fully endorsing and supporting the KSO Sadar Hills.

On behalf of the CVOs, Thangminlen Kipgen, president, KSO said that in view of the neglected and lackadaisical attitude of the state government under the leadership of chief minister N. Biren Singh towards the public concern and disagreement over the proposed university they are going to launch the agitation.

He said that the CVOs Kangpokpi had earlier placed an objection before the chief minister regarding allotment of 137.62 acres of Haraothel, now L.Tangnaum village land as under C.S. Dag.No.1 of 47-Koutruk and demanded immediate ceasing of all ongoing construction works at the dispute site while inviting for an amicable and peaceful solution.

While stressing the serious discontentment of the CSOs Kangpokpi over the state Government, KSO Sadar Hills supremo, Thangminlen Kipgen said that Chief Minister N. Biren Singh must stop lying to himself and to his councils and instead admit that no rule of law was followed in passing of the allotment under No.21/167/2016-R, dated 28th December, 2016.

He further said that emergency services, including medical, media fraternity, religious ceremony, electricity, water supply, etc. will be exempted from the purview of the 24 hours total shutdown on August 8.

By Pheiray Tenno

UKHRUL | Aug 5

The name Sivathei comes from the word ‘Siva’ which means Mithun in Chatric dialect and ‘Thei’ means fruit in Tangkhul dialect. Literally, it means Mithun fruit.

Chatric also known as Siyang is a Tangkhul Naga village located southeast of Ukhrul in Ukhrul district, of the state. The village is about 123 kilometers from Ukhrul Headquarter and is partially connected by Ukhrul-Kamjong state highway.

This ‘hidden paradise’ along the international border will attract a large number of tourists if the road connectivity leading to the village is maintained by the authority concerned.

The village is flanked by Chamu Tangkul village in the north, Chahong Tangkhul village in the south, the Chindwin River (Myanmar) in the east and Langli Tangkhul village in the west. Chatric is an Indian border village with Myanmar, passing through international border pillar No 117 and 118.

Mt. Chawki, the highest peak of Angoching mountain range (Indo-Myanmar Border) and the beautiful Chindwin river valley of Myanmar could be seen from this place. Liabi/Liabee the exotic waterfall and the majestic Sanalok and Nambalok rivers are a home to fresh water fish. Chatric is one place which can become a hot spot for tourism.

The village is also well known in the district for the supply of fresh water fish abundantly made available in the local market. It is also famous for Sivathei (King Chilly).The villagers depends mostly on forest resources.

The village is home to people of Tangkhul Naga tribe. All of the inhabitants are Christians. Agriculture is the primary occupation of the inhabitants. This place is well known in the district for its scenic natural beauty and rich flora and fauna. The village has a large span of natural forest stretching till the international border with Myanmar.

The locals speak Chatric dialect which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family. The village is divided into two major parts with separate settlements; Chatric Khullen and Chatric Khunou.

According to 2011 census, Chatric has 142 households with the total of 854 people of which 445 are male and 405 are female. Of the total population, 117 were in the age group of 0–6 years. The average sex ratio of the village is 919 female to 1000 male which is lower than the state average of 985.

The literacy rate of the village stands at 74.22 percent which is lower than the state average 76.94 percent. Male literacy rate stands at 80.72 percent while female literacy rate was 66.95 percent.