Tag: IFP

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 5

The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMIC) Imphal West today remanded the two accused who were arrested in connection with the Oinam Sawombung hooch tragedy, remanded to further police custody for four days.

The accused, mother and son, identified as Apu Kamei alias Kamei Apu, 24 and Bina Kamei, 45, produced before the JMIC.

During their appearance, the IO of the case while pleaded the court for police remand submitted that the accused have confessed that they supplied the liquor which claimed five lives and hospitalized 89 others.

The IO further said that the accused also confessed to have supplied the liquor to one Oinam Shyamkumar and Elangbam Imo from Oinam Sawombung, who are presently in police custody.

The police further submitted that Apu and Bina, although confessed to have manufactured and supplied the liquor, are still concealing fact leading to the death and hospitalization of several others.

Moreover, it further submitted that examination of several prosecution witnesses was yet to be completed during the police custody period.

After having examined the plea, the court remanded the accused mother and son to police custody till August 8.

IMPHAL | Aug 5

Chief minister N. Biren Singh left for Lao People’s Democratic Republic today to attend the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-India dialogue relations celebration on August 7 at Vientiane, which is the capital city.

 He will attend as special guest and will deliver the keynote address at the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-India dialogue relations celebration which is to be held at Muong Thani Hotel. He was accompanied by advisor, Rajat Sethi.

The event is jointly organised by the ASEAN India Business Council (AIBC), Lao PDR chapter and embassy of republic of India in Lao PDR and supported by Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) of Lao PDR.

IMPHAL | Aug 5

Civil bodies urged the state government to review the 105 megawatt Loktak project and to take appropriate steps to decommissioning Ithai barrage at the earliest. The civil bodies are The Loktak Project Affected Area Action Committee, Committee on Human Rights Manipur (COHR), Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur (CRAM) and Irabot Foundation Manipur (IFM).

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal, CRAM secretary, Jiten Yumnam said that the absence of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and state government on the operation of the Loktak project which was commissioned way back in 1984 is a matter of serious concern.

The non-existence of the MoU on the project has been confirmed by the NHPC on May 9, 2017 after filing a RTI application by one Joy Haobijam, whose land was submerged and affected by the project, he added.

The secretary said that, “it is very unfortunate that the NHPC has been given a complete free hand without any monitoring or regulation by the state government.”

He claimed that the project is responsible for the recurrent floods in the state and has destroyed more than 50 thousand hectors of agriculture land. But NHPC refuses to take responsibility for such loss of properties during flood and land submerged, he added.

Moreover the project is responsible for the continued suffering of fishermen by implementing the Manipur Loktak Lake Protection, Act 2006, continued Jiten.

The civil bodies asked the state government to urge upon the NHPC to take responsibility and accountability for the sufferings unleashed and for the environment devastation caused in Loktak lake.

The bodies further asked the state government to repeal Manipur Loktak Lake Protection, Act 2006 to recognise the rights and role of fishing community and to uphold the true spirit of Ramsar conventions.

CM clarifies on hoax Raksha Bandhan letter

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 5

A hoax letter which “notifies” all government employees to attend Raksha Bandhan on August 7, has been doing the rounds in the social media. The matter was further aggravated when a local newspaper carried the news without authenticating the source. The letter had such an impact to the general public that chief minister N. Biren had to clarify in his Facebook post.

The letter supposedly from the department of personnel and administrative reforms (Personnel Division) bearing number 23/120/2017-Misc/DP mentioned that “It has been decided to celebrate the festival of Raksha Bandhan on Monday, the 7th August, 2017. In this connection, all office/departments shall remain open and celebrate the festival collectively at a suitable time wherein all the lady staff shall tie Rakhis to their male colleagues and all are requested to wear traditional attire on that day,” the circular was purportedly signed by undersecretary of DP, Ph. Bhavadanda Sharma.

Imphal Free Press called up under-secretary Bhavananda, whose name was wrongly spelt and asked him if he had any knowledge. He clarified that the letter is a hoax and the matter has already been clarified by the CM as he is the concerned minister in-charge of the DP. Regarding the hoax, sources mentioned that a case is to be registered with the cyber-crime department.

Chief minister N. Biren in his Facebook post said a newspaper had carried the hoax report without any authentication and it is a malicious attempt to malign his government, “legal action has been initiated against the newspaper for trying to spread false news without any attempt to verify from the concerned department,… I request users to be careful with such malicious attempts to malign my government,”  Biren posted on his Facebook page this morning. After his clarification, the issue fizzled out in the social media.

It was learnt that a legal notice has been served to a vernacular paper, which carried the report.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Aug 5

Nagaland Chief Minister, TR Zeliang has filed a composite disqualification petition against 10 MLAs to the Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly today. The 10 MLAs are supporters of former chief minister, Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu.

The MLAs are Kiyanilie Peseyie, Y. Vikheho Swu, Chotisuh Sazo, Kuzholuzo Nienu, Yitachu, C.L. John, Thonwang Konyak, P. Longon, R. Tohanba and Torechu. The petition was filed in Form P-2, as prescribed by the Members of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 2003, according to the chief minister’s office.

 In the petition to the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly today, T.R. Zeliang stated that the 10 “NPF MLAs be declared as disqualified under paragraph 2(1) (b) of the Tenth Schedule as all these ten NFP MLAs absented themselves from attending the sitting of the House held on July 19 contrary to the direction issued to them and received by them”.

T.R. Zeliang stated that the ten NPF legislators were fully aware of the sitting of the House and they were to attend the House invariably on the said day as proper communication was rendered to them.

“However, the ten NPF legislators had acted contrary to the direction issued by him on July 18 as the whip of NPF and as well as for acting contrary to the communication allegedly issued by Kiyanilie Peseyie, MLA, on July 18, asking the NPF MLAs to be present in the House on July 19,” the chief minister maintained in the petition.

As such, these ten NPF MLAs had violated the Whip as well as the communication, therefore they are liable for disqualification under paragraph (2)(1)(b) of the Ten Schedule, it stated.

It may be recalled on August 2, the NPF headed by Dr Shurhozelie suspended Neiphiu Rio from the primary and active membership of the Naga People’s Front (NPF). Interestingly, former chief minister and sitting Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio was ‘selected’ by 36 legislators supporting TR Zeliang as the ‘Interim’ president of the NPF on July 31.

The August 2 decision of the DR Shurhozelie group of the NPF came a day after Neiphiu Rio had said he “was humbled by the decision of the NPF Legislature Party led by Chief Minister TR Zeliang for electing him as the interim President of the NPF party”.

IMPHAL | Aug 5

Social welfare director, Jacintha Lazarus along with the officials of the department conducted a spot enquiry to investigate a report regarding finding of cockroaches in a food supplement packet at Ghari, Imphal this morning.

During the investigation, the official team thoroughly checked packets of the supplementary food and interacted with beneficiaries of the area. They were shocked to hear that no one had any idea about this complaint and they expressed they were all satisfied with the food.

Addressing media persons following the inspection, the director said in spite of the positive report, in order to clear all doubts regarding the issue, the samples of the food packets has been sent for testing to the Imphal West Food Safety department.

She also asserted that distribution of the supplementary food in the said area will be stopped for the time being till the report arrives.

She also explained that prior to distribution of the food supplements, the department never fail to send samples to Kolkata for proper testing so as to ensure that there is no adulteration.

The director also said that social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen is also very concerned about the issue. She also said that the Minister herself checks the food products herself before distribution to ensure that the food items are safe for consumption.

During the press meet, the complainant expressed apology that she acted hastily. She said that the food product was used earlier and the cockroach was found only when she opened the packet for the second time and as such, she was not sure whether the insect had entered the packet after it was opened.

Food Safety officer Dinesh Singh, representatives of AISF student body and officials concerned also attended the press meet.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 5

Communist Party of India state secretary, Moirangthem Nara today urged the government to translate the assurances given by it in the recently concluded Assembly session into action.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s head office located at Rup Mahal Tank, Nara appreciated the House for discussing the hardships faced by the public.

He said, according to the Parliamentary procedure and conduct of business of the House, there should be not less than 55 days of session in a year. But Assembly session in the state hardly lasts for 30 days and for good governance frequent Assembly sessions should be held.

Appreciating the ruling party for giving assurances for the welfare of the state the CPI secretary said if the assurances are not going to be converted into action then there is no meaning of the assurances.

He expressed the doubts that the government is not going implement the assurances.

He said scarcity of fertilizers in the state should be addressed. But fertilizers are available in market and some businessmen are selling it at high rates. The concerned authority should take initiatives to remove the hardships faced by farmers, Nara asserted.

He also said National Food Security Act has been implemented and under this act public can get rice at Rs. 3 per kilogram. “In many constituencies the concerned MLAs and ministers do not distribute rice properly but the rice is sold at markets, which is an open secret,” he alleged.

Price of petroleum products are fluctuating every day, this is not a good policy of the central government. This not only affects the poor but also supports the rich and businessmen. The policy must be reviewd at the earliest, Nara demanded.

Issue of Inner Line Permit in the state is not a new issue and CPI state unit also demands to enact appropriate law for protection of the non-locals since years.

On December 18, 2012 Ardhendu Bhushan Bardhan while he was the secretary, Communist Party of India wrote to the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on ILP issue.

In that letter he demanded legislation for the small state of Manipur in the North-East which is threatened with internecine tension and conflicts due to large scale migration from outside the state. This may lead to tremendous instability not only in Manipur but also in the entire North-East, in addition to deaths and other causalities in the coming days.

Corruption in the state must be uprooted and the public must take the initiatives. Electoral system at the time of election should be changed which is taking and giving bribe must be avoided. If the system continues then steps to eradicate corruption would not be possible, Nara said.

CPI appreciated the present government for organising the tripartite talks involving the United Naga Council, the central government and the state government on the district creation issue which will be held on August 11 at Senapati district headquarter. This talk would bring transparency among the various ethnic groups of the state, he added.

IMPHAL | Aug 5

Information and public relations minister, Th. Biswajit today instructed officials to send proposals of all the necessities of the department including strengthening of man-power, infrastructure and equipment so that the government may look into it.

Chairing the monthly review meeting of the department this evening at his new secretariat conference hall, Th. Biswajit expressed the need to strengthen man-power as well as procure more equipment so that the department may carry out its responsibilities properly.

He said the department’s authorities should also send proposals for purchase of required vehicles for the department.

Expressing the need to set up district information offices in all the districts of the State including the newly created ones, he said the department should initiate process to open DIO offices. He added that office buildings should be rented if it is necessary.

He said once the district offices are opened, required number of staffs should be provided for the new offices to function properly.

Further observing that spreading awareness on social issues including the misuse of social media it is the responsibility of the IPR, the minister said, adding the department should consult with the authorities concerned about the do’s and don’ts of social media and erect hoardings in all major towns to spread awareness among the public. 

In response to an observation from the Tamenglong DIO regarding encroachment of the Tamenglong office, Th. Biswajit strongly instructed the department officials to ensure that all land records of the offices and plots are in the name of the department and concerned district offices.

The minister also said the publication section of the department should ensure timely publication of annual calendar and diary. He said the department should also maintain quality in the publication of the calendar and diary.

He further observed that secretariat officials of the department and staffs at the directorate should work in proper coordination for the smooth functioning. He also instructed the authorities to apprise the contractor concerned working at the Keishampat complex of the department to expedite work and complete the ongoing portion of the construction before the set deadline.

Today’s meeting was also attended by IPR commissioner, K Radhakumar Singh, director Meghachandra Kongbam, deputy secretary Maibam Kamala, deputy secretary Ch.Sachi Devi, APO (P), DIOs of all districts among others.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 4

The Imphal West special judge POCSO today convicted a man under section 8 of POCSO Act for sexual assault of a minor girl. The court fixed Monday for sentence hearing to decide the quantum of punishment.

Under this section a convict can be imprisoned not less than three years which may extend up to five years with fine.

The convict is identified as Chanambam Brojen (42) son of Ch. Bihari of Ngairangbam Makha Leikai. The court today announced the conviction after it was reserved till today after the final argument hearing.

The conviction came one year after the death of the victim girl.

During the final argument hearing of the special POCSO trial case number 4 of 2014 on July 20 the prosecution witness, who is the wife of the convict clearly deposed in her statement that while she along with the victim were sitting together eating pan near the kitichen of her house her husband suddenly embraced the victim from behind.

She also mentioned that her husband tried to pull the victim to the bed. She hit her husband by a vessel and she along with the victim escaped from the house.

The additional public prosecutor stated before the court that after the incident the psychiatric problem of the victim increased so they were not able to examine the victim’s statement properly.

However, the victim gave her statement before the investigation officer and the chief judicial magistrate, Imphal West and the victim expired on July 28 last year when the trial was in progress.

The defence counsel during final argument submitted to the court said the convict’s wife as prosecution witness falsely implicated her husband for not allowing her to go to her parental house and added that that there was no incident of sexual assault.

After hearing both the counsel the court convicted the accused under section 8 of POCSO Act.

It may be mention that the written complaint against the accused was filed by the father of the victim on April 5, 2012 that on April 4, 2012 at around 2.30 pm his daughter was sexually assaulted by the accused when she went to the house of the accused to take money.

Hunt for Senapati rapist on

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 4

Chief minister N. Biren Singh today informing the House on the serious concern of the government on crimes against women, said police is putting full effort to hunt down the culprits involved in the rape and attempted murder of a minor girl in Senapati district.

The chief minister was replying to a calling attention motion moved by Opposition MLA Ak. Mirabai Devi.

He divulged that the government has sent high ranking police officers including IGP and DIG in the district to expedite investigation of the case.

The police in co-operation with local NGOs and public are putting all efforts to solve the case and book the culprits at the earliest, he added.

Biren claimed that the establishment of separate fast track court women speaks for itself the seriousness of the government on crimes committed against women and children.

Against this backdrop, police are under strong instruction to frame charge-sheet against culprits in crime against women at the earliest, he asserted.

The immediately suspension of four police personnel including two women police in the recent suicide case of a woman inside Andro police station, is another glaring example of the seriousness of the government, Biren further added.

He informed that the more than 90 percent of accused in crimes against women have been arrested.

The chief minister also expressed concerned on the degrading moral of the people and said the State seems to witness an increasing trend in the number of crimes against women cases.

He further informed the House that representatives of the government had visited the victim girl at the hospital where she is presently undergoing treatment and provided assistance to the family.

The government will continue to provide all possible assistance to the girl and her family and even take her outside the state for treatment if the need arises, he assured.

Biren taking seriousness note of the suggestion for separate legislation to protect women from crime, informed the House to explore on the feasibility to do so.

Mirabai moving her motion maintained the crime against women in the state has increased at an alarming rate.

She said 25 rape cases were reported during this year.

Subsequently, Mirabai suggested setting up of fast-track courts in all districts to deal with crimes against women and also separate legislation to protect women.

Four demands passed

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 4

 A total of Rs 371,831,800 was passed by the House today in four demands for grants. The demands include the public health engineering, minor irrigation, state academy for training and science and technology.

The demands for grants were met with policy cuts from N. Loken, D. Korungthang, K. Meghachandra, Fajur Rahim, Kh. Joykisan, Rk. Imo, K. Arthur and Okram Henry.

The main policy cut motion raised mainly for the PHE was failure to complete water supply schemes in time, lack of water supply in hill areas, failure of effective implementation of existing schemes, lack of administration in the PHE department, failure of the government to complete water supply schemes, no clear cut policy to ensure water for Ukhrul district among others.

PHE minister Loshii Dikho stated that the problems are not created overnight and the new government is just four months old. However, he maintained that inability to provide drinking water is a shame and it is a big issue.

He said that the main problems for water scarcity were caused by rampant deforestation, uncontrolled quarrying and siltation in major rivers. The problem of drinking water will be over in Imphal valley once the Toubal Multipurpose Project is completed.

He said that at least 45 million litres can be supplied from the dam. A plan is also being suggested to source water from the Barak river.

Dikho said that Ukhrul faces water crisis as it is a hill district primarily and village chiefs asks for royalty for the water source from the Shirui hills. He said that focus will be given in implementing rain water harvesting to mitigate the drinking water problems.

He stated that for the Bishnupur district, potable water will be sourced from Sanapat lake. Problems are there for laying pipes due to scarcity of funds. Water will be available at Mantripukri area after completion of the Koirengei water supply scheme in 2018 March. The minister added that all tenders pertaining to the PHE department are conducted through e-tenders only.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 4

A team of the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) conducted a spot inquiry yesterday at Sainik School, Pangei, in connection with the unnatural death of a minor student who was found dead in a pond near the school campus.

A statement issued by the SK. Sharma, chairman MCPCR, stated that the spot inquiry was conducted with an objective to ascertain the facts behind the unnatural death of a minor student namely master Wangkhem Imocha Meitei, 16, son of W. Khogen Meitei, a student of sainik school Imphal, reading in class IX.

The team met the principal and staffs of sainik school Imphal and took the stock of the progress of inquiries and other actions taken up by the school authority so far, it said.

The team also repotedly went to Nongren village, Imphal East and met the parents and guardians of the deceased student and heard their statements.

The five official team of the MCPCR was led by its chairperson, S. Saratkumar Sharma, while three other members were S. Shyamcharan Singh, Keisam Pradipkumar and Ch. Nabachandra Singh.

In the light of such an unfortunate incident the MCPCR reiterated to all the authorities of both government and private run educational institutions, and persons who look after the students’ hostels and boarding to take all precautionary measures strictly to avoid such untoward incidents.

Further it is appealed to the respective authorities to provide all the school going students with age appropriate basic life skills including swimming, sports climbing, horse riding, self defense, adventure sports and first aid technique as a part of co-curricular activities.

31. Khogen was found dead in a pond situated near the school campus July 31. He death sparked controversy following the delay of the school authority to inform the death of the school boy to family.

IMPHAL | Aug 4

 The Manipur Appropriation Bill, number 4 has been moved in the House today by deputy chief minister Y Joykumar and 15 members from the opposition bench participated in the proceeding. The bill has been passed unanimously.

During the motion , various queries related to many government departments and programs were asked from the opposition bench.

The Chief Minister replying to the queries mentioned that the government is trying to restore flight to Silchar and also to other states of Mizoram and Dimapur.

He also added that the Pawan Hans is being approached to make operational helicopter services.

The Manipur Committee for schedule tribes is already in operation with a three member team and the ministry of tribal affairs has replied back to the state in 2013 regarding the SC/ST demand status.

The recommendations are being sought also from the state then, Biren added that the last bill for the protection of indigenous people will be discussed and rectified.

For the case of missing rice quota, he said that a 3 member team led by a commissioner is being set up to investigate the case.

The government is also to set up four grievance centres for any law and order related problems and the public can avail any emergency help.

He said that the government has already purchased land for building a bhawan at Mumbai, and a deputy resident commissioner, a localite is being deputed to look after the Delhi Manipur bhawan.

He said that Hill Area Development scheme under DoNER is taken up to look after the development of the hills districts.

Three districts have been recommended for taking up the projects.

The Chief Minister mentioned that some government officials are not sincere nor have a sense of nationalism, it is a main problem of the state, he said and pointed that there will be no doubling of records in the electoral roll. 

The leader of the opposition, O Ibobi Singh on the floor of the House said that his previous government had given maximum funds in bringing about development in the hills.

He said that there have been problems in acquiring funds by the state and there is not much revenue collection. He maintained that there is only the ministry of DoNER and the North East Council from which funds are sought for development for the state, the state also faces immense problems in sanctioning the state share monetarily to match the central funding’s.

From Our Correspondent

MOREH | Aug 4

The 64th Indo-Myanmar field level officers meeting on drug control was held today at the conference hall of Trade Centre, Moreh, organised by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Imphal.

During the meeting, the zonal director of NE division NCB, Guwahati, Rakesh Chandra Shukla spoke on the topic ‘Exchange of information on drug law enforcement’. Various ideas and suggestions were also shared among the delegates and the meeting was resolved with an objective to end the menace of cross border drug trafficking.

The same kind of meeting was earlier organised at Tamu, Myanmar on December 31, 2016.

Nine Indian delegates and five Myanmar delegates took part in the meeting and it was conducted safe and sound under tight security.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 4

Demanding review of the DM University Bill 2017 students and Dhanamanjuri College of Teacher Education stormed at directorate of university and higher education, Nityaipat Chuthek near Raj Bhavan at around 1.30 pm today.

The bill was passed by the Assembly session yesterday.

Speaking to the media persons, a trainee of DMCTE, Ranita Pangambam said in the cluster college for the formation of DM University, DMCTE was included. But when the bill was passed yesterday DMCTE was excluded from the cluster, she said.

“The decision of the House is totally meaningless and should be re-considered before it turns into act,” she demanded. DMCTE is a NACC accredited college and one of the oldest teachers training colleges in the state.

DMCTE is a part and partial of Dhanamanjuri College and DMCTE will never accept if the government proposed DMCTE to convert into a private college.

Ranita appealed to the state government, ministers and governor to re-consider the university bill before it turns into an act at the earliest. If necessary actions are not taken in time, then several democratic forms of agitation will continue till the re-consideration of the university bill.

During yesterday’s session chief minister N. Biren had urged members of the House to give approval to the Bill in the interest of the state. He also stated that certain desirable clauses could be inserted in the Bill from time to time after converting it into an Act.

Students staged the protest by holding placards “no divide and rule policy must not be applied in education system”, “include DMCTE in DM University” and others.

A police team led by additional SP (L/O) Priyadarshini Laishram brought the situation under control.

Ningthoujam Prasant & Elangbam Nikita

IMPHAL | Aug 4

A two-day festival of music and art on “environment”— Where have all the flowers gone?— beginning from Saturday (today) is creating excitement and immense interest among music enthusiasts. The fest is organised by Imphal Talkies, an Imphal based folk-rock band that deals with contemporary issues of the state and Folksy Triumph, a non-profit event management organisation based in Imphal.

The fourth edition of the festival will be held at Khurkhul(Makha Leikai Maning Sabal Lampak) from tomorrow. Its previous editions took place in Chingnungkhok, Andro and Phayeng.

“Where Have All the Flowers Gone is not just a festival to celebrate the work of American folk singer late Pete Seeger but also to bring awareness of the environment to the people. The festival focuses on bridging the gap between rural and urban life, community involvement, providing platforms to youth, supporting indigenous culture and tradition, bringing together various communities under one platform, exploring unexplored rural areas,” said Akhu Chingangbam, vocalist of Imphal Talkies who breathes music, politics, and physics.

Every year the festival takes place in a chosen rural area of the state and the venue is changed every year, he said.

“Even the state tourism department and other event management teams have started doing events in Andro after Where Have All The Flowers Gone took place at Andro in 2015.” claimed Akhu.

He said the festival tries to provide a platform for the local people to get exposed to various forms of art and ideas during the festival and in the process, they can think of generating new ideas on how to promote their own arts, tradition and culture to the outside world.

The festival incorporates a various array of how it will flow keeping in its centre reason—awareness about the importance of the environment. The celebration which additionally gives a chance to explore the life of different indigenous individuals of the state and features their specialities and artworks including different sorts of activities running from tree plantation, photo exhibition, painting competition to music concert to film screening.

The festival will kick off with a cycle rally from Palace compound to Khurkhul on its first day. The celebration will likewise integrate programmes such as children’s painting competition, art/photography exhibition, an introduction to Khurkhul by Khulakpa Phuritsabam Somorjit and an account of Khurkhul: its tradition and culture by Dr Shantani Louriyam.

The day will end with music concert which will be performed by Uday Benegal (Indus Creed), Nassif Ahmed, Guru Rewben, Mangka, Sh@ne and Anungla. The womenfolk of Khurkhul will also perform Khunung Eshei.

The second day (Sunday) will follow with tree plantation, film screening and music concert featured by Tapta including Pebet, Eyoom and Cajon Diaries.

One artist among the performing bands said that such festival of art and music is a good platform to showcase the talents of artists and will integrate the people from different communities through music.

Around 25 food stalls selling indigenous food particularly of Khurkhul will be opened. “It’s a treat for me. Music plus indigenous foods is a great combination,” said one music enthusiast looking forward to the festival.

IMPHAL | Aug 4

A total of 40 projects have been completed under Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources scheme in Manipur during the last three years. The total expenditure incurred on these schemes is Rs. 256.62 crore.

This was stated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, minister of state (independent charge) on the floor of the Rajya Sabha yesterday. He was replying to a query raised by state MP Ksh. Bhabananda Singh pertaining to infrastructure projects in Manipur.

The minister continued that during 2014-15 three projects have been completed, during 2015-16 a total of 29 projects has been completed and 8 projects completed in 2016-17.

In replying to another question, the minister stated that there are 48 ongoing projects in the state of Manipur. The projects are in various stages for implementation.

The project includes 9 in education with approved cost Rs. 5309.09 lakh, 4 project of health with approved cost Rs. 3857.56 lakh, 3 projects under miscellaneous with approved cost Rs. 2700.04 lakh, 13 projects of Power with approved cost of Rs. 53174.14 lakh, 6 projects in road and bridges with approved cost Rs. 20578.62 lakh, 4 project under sports with approved cost Rs. 3470.9 lakh and 8 projects are under water supply with approved cost of Rs. 4075.14 lakh.

Total entitlement of three times normative allocation for the state of Manipur in the financial year 2016-17 is Rs. 208.08 crore and the state has submitted 19 (nineteen) project proposals amounting to a sum of  Rs. 293.11 crore, out of which 4 (four) projects costing Rs 27.09 crore, have been sanctioned.

In addition, 11 projects costing Rs. 155.25 crores pertaining to financial year 2016-17 have also been retained. The state government is in the process of preparing projects for the balance entitlement amount. This was stated by by minister of state (independent charge) of the ministry of development of north eastern region (DoNER) Dr. Jitendra Singh in response to a question raised by Shri K. Bhabananda Singh.

IMPHAL | Aug 4

All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) observed The 20th Manipur Integrity Day  at MDU Hall, Yaiskul police lane, Imphal today. Floral tributes were paid to the Integrity Pillar, near Pologround, Imphal.

Two minutes silence was observed to honour the martyrs who sacrificed their life to safeguard the integrity of the state.

The function was attended by Ph. Deban Sharma, president, AMUCO, and several community leaders as presidium members. Deban Sharma said, “Every community living together should co-exist together leaving aside personal interest and stand firmly as one to safeguard the integrity of the state.”

The function was also attended by L. Memchoubi Devi, president Poirei Leimarol Meirapaibi Apunba, D.P. Shahid Ahamed, president, All Manipuri Muslims’ Development Organisation and joint secretary, All Manipur Bar Association, Amu Kamei, president, Zeiliangrong Union (Assam-Nagaland-Manipur), Lalkhomang Serto, president, Komrem Union, Shokholun Mate, finance secretary, Kuki Inpi, Manipur and several other people from valley and hill areas.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 3

The charge handover programme of the apex body of film fraternity, Film Forum Manipur’s executives was held today at Shankar Talkies, Lamphel and Samjetsabam Mangoljao took charge as the new chairman of the forum.

In a brief chat with the Imphal Free Press, the newly elected chairman, Mangaljao said that as the new chairman he would first of all correct the affiliation in art and culture department to Department of Information and Public Relation (DIPR). He said that film department is supposed to be affiliated to DIPR and instead is affiliated to art and culture department.

He maintained that he would try his best to implement the cine policy in the state, which has not yet been materialised till date.

The forum had many times requested the state government to implement this policy but the government had never given a positive response, he said.

If this policy is implemented in the state, the actors, directors, cameramen and those who are working in the film fraternity will be better placed, he said.

The forum is made up of 12 guilds including the guilds of actors, singers, directors and others. As a new chairman, he said he will try to expand the market of Manipuri films in the country and also to the neighbouring countries of the state including Myanmar, Thailand and Bangladesh with English subtitles.

He also mulled over the idea of installing cinema theatre in major shopping centres of the state. When asked about the Manipuri films not winning any national award this year in feature film category, he said most of the films are produced for commercial turn over.

He said under his chairmanship  he would try to make good films as much as possible.

Mangoljao, who started his film career in 1978, in a light mood shared that one of his best films would be ‘Lalasi Pal’. His next movie due to be released is “Korounganba Part-2” in which he is casted as the father-in-law of his real daughter.

The general election to the executive body of the forum was held on July 31. Along with Mangoljao, Khwairakpam Bishwamitra was elected as vice chairman-I, R.K. Homen as vice chairman-II, Ngangbam Ghanashaym as secretary general, Waikhom Gojen Meitei as finance secretary, Rakesh Naorem as secretary information and publicity, Laishram Premananda as joint secretary-I, Oinam Gautam as joint secretary-II and Thounaojam Mahes as joint secretary-II, respectively.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 3

Chief minister N. Biren Singh, today informed the House that the police department has suspended three police personnel of Andro police station besides transferring the officer-in-charge of the station following the death of a woman inside the police station.

Biren Singh was replying to a call attention motion moved by Opposition MLA, Kh. Joykisan Singh during the ongoing budget session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Further in his clarification with regards to the arrest of the deceased woman, identified as Mutum (O) Indira, Biren revealed that she was arrested for her alleged involvement in the missing of one Sunibala Devi.

Sunibala’s husband lodged a complaint with the police on July 27 and after thorough investigation into the case by the investigation officer (IO) Indira was arrested on August 31.

Unfortunately, Indira was found hung to death inside the toilet of the police station, he said.

The chief minister maintained that taking serious note of the incident which amounts to “custodial death,” swift action was taken by the home department by suspending the police personnel for their incompetency.  

He further informed the House that a magisterial inquiry has been constituted into the incident.

The suspended police personnel include an SI identified as L. Heramani, ASI H. Prakash and women police constable Kh. Soniya Devi.

They were reportedly suspended for misconduct and dereliction of duty on August 1 by an order of the superintendent of police Imphal East, Kabib K.

The officer-in-charge of the Andro police station, inspector Soram Khomba, has been transferred to MPTC while A. Khelendro, inspector MPTC has been posted as new officer-in-charge of Andro police station.