Tag: IFP

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 1

A Sainik School student found death inside pond near Pukhao Khabam playground yesterday.

The deceased is identified as Wangkhem Imocha Meitei (16) son of W. Khogen Meitei of Nongren Awang Leikai of Lamlai police station. He is studying in Class 9 at Sainik School, Pangei.

A source said Imocha went for a friendly football match at Pukhao Khabam ground with 18 students including him along with five school teachers and a coach from Pukhao. After the match the students went at a nearby pond to take bath at the time of dusk. When teachers counted the number of students Imocha was missing. After a search he was found dead inside the pond.

It is said that the pond was not deep enough.

After Imocha was taken to the community health centre of Sagolmang, the doctors at the said he was dead when he was taken to the centre. The dead body was referred to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science morgue by CMC, Sagolmang.

Long after the dead body was taken to JNIMS morgue, school teacher informed the victim’s family at around 7.30 pm yesterday.

An uncle of the deceased said death of Imocha is mysterious as the deceased has a wound on his left forearm near the elbow which was bleeding.

A huge number of victim’s family and people from his localities and the school’s parents association came to meet the school authority for clarification of the incident. They were blocked at Biramangol College by police personnel after negotiation they were allowed to meet school authority but they have to reach school by foot.

When they reached Sainik School five of them were allowed to meet the school authority. After a long talk between the victim’s family including parents association and school authority they came out from the school campus.

Speaking to the media persons, M. Ramesh Singh form Nongpok Kakching who was also in the talk said they come to school in order to talk about the suspicious incident happened yesterday.

When victim’s family asked the school authority what initiatives can be taken from the side of school authority. As the response was not satisfied, victim’s family proposed the school authority to suspend or dismiss those teachers who accompanied the students and to investigate jointly on the incident.

They demanded that until the post-mortem report of Imocha is out and during the investigation the teachers who were involved must be in police custody. If the report says it was a murder then the teachers must be punished, Ramesh demanded.

Sources said the football match was held at Pukhao and the teachers accompanying the football team discovered that Imocha was missing from the team when they reached the house of the coach of the football team. The distance between the school and football ground is 14 kms.

The team went to the house of the coach to have dinner.

Relatives of the deceased asked the Sainik School authority whether the authority gave the permission to the team to participate in the match.

The deceased student was to be part of a football team of Sainik School to participate in a football match in Jammu later this month.

IMPHAL | Aug 1

The government has plan for de-silting, dredging and re-sectioning major rivers like Imphal, Nambul and Kongba Rivers. It would be done once the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the same is finalised and fund is made available to the department.

The remaining retaining walls of Nambul River adjoining Sagolband will be implemented as per availability of fund. Later late in the evening of IFC Demand Discussion, Letpao clarified that the state has not sent any DPR to repair river banks to the Centre.

This was stated by IFCD minister, Letpao Haokip while replying to questions during question hours today in the ongoing Assembly session.

Letpao Haokip further said that river embankment work has been taken up by the IFCD to ease flood woes in the State. The Department is also working on to prepare a DPR covering the entire State as a long-term policy to prevent flood.

Responding to a question, Health and Family Welfare minister L. Jayantakumar said that Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal has 100 MBBS seats and 47 PG seats. Out of the total seats in MBBS, 85 per cent of the seats are reserved for the State while the remaining 15 per cent seats would be filled through Central quota. In respect of PG courses, 50 pc of the seats would be filled through State quota while the remaining seats would be filled through the Centre quota.

He further said that the ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Dental Education Section), government of India has issued letter of permission on May 26, 2017 for starting Dental College of JNIMS with 50 admissions from the academic session 2017-18 and admission to BDS course is under process.

Replying to a question, RD & PR Minister Th. Bishwajit said one work has been recommended by the present MLA of 44-Ukhrul AC for construction of playground at Shangshak Phunghon after the constitution of 11th Manipur Assembly for the year 2016-17. He said that there is a balance of Rs. 50 lakh remained unutilised for Ukhrul district for the financial year 2016-17.

In Ukhrul, the fund for 2nd and 3rdinstalment of 2016-17 amounting to Rs. 50 lakh is pending at the level of the Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul due to dispute in status of works between the ex-MLA and the present MLA.

Whereas the ex-MLA claimed that he had already executed the works before his resignation on September 14, 2016, the current MLA has claimed that these works were not executed by the ex-MLA. The RD&PR Minister further said that the DC, Ukhrul was asked for an enquiry report and the matter is still under examination to settle the conflicting claims.

To another question, RD&PR minister Th. Bishwajit replied that there is a road under PMGSY Phase-IX, which is yet to be taken up in Tengnoupal block due to a pending Court case. The work will be taken up once the matter is settled.

Works minister Th. Bishwajit also informed the House that no new work programmes for Ukrhul AC has been finalised yet by the present Government. The budget allocation thereof for financial year 2017-18 has not yet been finalised.

Th. Biswajit, who is also in-charge of IPR, said that newspaper hawkers are not covered under the Manipur State Journalists’ Welfare scheme. He said that the Govt would look into the welfare of the hawkers in consultation with the CM if the hawkers’ union approaches the Govt. for the same.

Responding to a question, Education Minister Shri Th. Radheshyam said there is no plan for construction of main building of Sagolmang Higher Secondary School as of now. He further said that there is no provision as of now for construction of infrastructure of aided high schools.

Th. Radheshyam further said that the Government for the appointment of teaching gives no approval and non-teaching staff to five private colleges, which were upgraded to Govt, aided college by the previous government.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 1

Education minister, Th Radhesyam Singh today informed the House that he is ready to quit if allegation levelled against him, of issuing DO letter for admission of student was found true.

Th. Radhesyam was replying to cut motion moved by the Opposition bench during the voting and discussion hour for education department during the ongoing budget session.

He said there are altogether 16,780 sanctioned post of teachers in the department out of which presently 12,373 are filled leaving vacancies of 4407 post.

Clarifying on the prevailing controversy arising out of recent mass transfer and posting of graduate teachers, he claimed that the transfer was carried out as per requirement and not politically motivated.

He pointed out that altogether 447 graduate teachers were promoted to lecturer by the previous government without any proper assessment.

In addition to that, over 278 teachers were transferred within the period of two months by the end of 2016, he said.

Accordingly, after painstaking assessment teachers from 202 different schools were taken out and posted in 51 higher secondary schools.

With regards to framing of transfer policy, he opined that framing a transfer policy at the present juncture was almost impossible unless a comprehensive approached it adopted.

Nevertheless, the department is doing its best to review the criteria of recruitment of teachers to able to comprehend with the prevailing situation to some extent, said Radhesyam.

In response to the introduction of private school bills, he clarified that it was not to abolish the private schools but to regulate and control private schools particularly from turning into commercial.

Consumer affairs, food and public distribution (CAF&PD), Karam Shyam said that department received several complaints on National Food Security Act (NFSA).

On April 25, 2016 the targeted public distribution system (TPDS) was introduced in the state with a target to avail benefit to 87 percent beneficiaries (24, 84,540). But, the department could avail the benefit to 74.6 percent beneficiaries including AAY, priority households, with monthly quota of 11,786.56 metric tons of rice.

He said that since the formation of the new government, the rice quota of the state has been increased to 22, 54,681 metric tons. Strong instruction was also issued to concerned officials to entire district to expedite all the necessary process including issuance of beneficiary cards in order to achieve its 87 percent target, he added.

Karam Syham further pointed out that the monthly quota of Kerosene is 1456 KL since March last against the previous quota of 1168 KL and added that accordingly the monthly quota for AAY and priority households beneficiaries have decreased.

Maintaining that there was a backlog of 5542 KL of SK oil, he said the state have requested the GOI to give permission to lift the backlog however only 1000 KL could be lifted due to disturbances on the highway.

He said the responsibility of loading and unloading of food grains is the responsibility of the labour contractor and that Rs. 25 crores has been sanctioned by the government to clear the pending dues of the fair price shop agents.

The House unanimously passed four demands amounting to Rs. 1934, 61, 33,000 after the cut motions were withdrawn by the Opposition bench. Motion for disapproval for policy cut was moved by the Opposition in education, Consumer affairs, food and food, and IFCD.

The demands passed by the House are demand No.10 education Rs.1464,68,01,000, demand No.15 consumer affairs, food and public distribution Rs. 57,93,65,000, demand No.38 panchayat Rs. 77,33,42,000 and demand No.40 Rs. Irrigation and flood control.

The MLAs who participated in the cut motions and discussions were AK Mirabai, K. Ranjit, N. Loken, Kh. Joykishan, RK. Imo, Alfred Kanngam Arthur, Surjakumar Okram, Th. Lokeshwar, Dr. Chaltonlien Amo, Md. Abdul Nasir, K. Meghachandra and Okram Henry, S. Bira, Sapam Ranjan.

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | Aug 1

The Union ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has allocated Ra 32.20 crore to the state for the year 2017-18. However fund will be released to the state after requisite utilisation of funds already available, which is Rs 29.61 crore.

This was stated by minister of state for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ramesh Chandappa replying to a query raised by Rajya Sabha MP of the state, Ksh. Bhabananda during question hour in the Upper House yesterday.

The Union minister continued that as reported by the state on the online portal of the ministry, there is no water quality issue in the state, and till date 86.19 percent of the rural population of Manipur are covered by water supply schemes. The state has also reported through the portal that there are 3,788 rural habitations in the state, out of which 2,227 habitations are fully partially covered, the minister said.

Ramesh Chandappa also pointed out that rural drinking water supply is a state subject. For improving the coverage of clean drinking water to rural population, the ministry supplements the efforts of the state by providing technical and financial assistance through the centrally sponsored National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP).

However, it is the state government who plans, design, execute and operate schemes for providing clean drinking water, he added.

Replying to another query raised by Ksh. Bhabananda, minister of state for Panchayati Raj, Parshottam Rupala said Manipur has utilised Rs 4.81 crore out of the total amount released, which is Rs 9.82 crore for the year 2016-17, under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) activities including e-enablement.

The minister also informed the House that as per information provided by the government of Manipur, out of the 161 Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the state, 65 GPs have computers. The Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) application adopted by the states includes Local Government Directory, Area Profiler, PlanPlus, National Asset Directory, National Panchayat Portal and Service Plus, he said.

The minister also divulged that the ministry is implementing e-Panchayat Mission Mode (MMP) that seeks to transform the functioning of all Panchayati Raj Institions (PRIs), amking them more transparent, accountable and effective as organs of decentralised self-governing institutions.

Further Parshottam Rupala said under e-Panchayat, a suit of core software applications has been developed to address various aspects of Panchayats’ functioning including planning, budgeting, implementation, accounting, monitoring, social audit and delivery of citizen services like issue of certificates, license, tax collection etc.

IMPHAL | Aug 1

The ongoing budget session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly saw a very explosive moment on the 11th day today when heated argument exchanged between the treasury and Opposition bench.

The Speaker of the House had to intervene and pacify the situation to the heated argument between a minister and MLAs of Opposition bench around 11 pm.

The session started from 11 am but discussion on voting and discussion for demands for grants lasted till late in the night.

However, the situation turned uneasy when both the treasury and Opposition benches exchanged heated argument that the Speaker had to stand up from his chair.

The argument was exchanged during the discussion on demand No.15 consumer affairs, food and public distribution.

Later, the proceeding continued peacefully and the House unanimously passed four demands after the Opposition withdrew the cut mot.

Ningthoujam Prasant & Elangbam Nikita

IMPHAL | Aug 1

Kangla, a historical site of the state, has seen an increase in footfalls. As indicated by information accessible from the Kangla Fort Board, the revenue earned from footfalls was Rs. 12, 46,500 approximately in 2016 and in the present year till June, it has earned Rs. 7, 67,500. The historical site has attracted more visitors—local, national, foreigner and student—than at any other time.

An authority of the Kangla Fort Board, stated, “Allowing the visitors to enter from the western gate of Kangla has prompted the increase in the number of footfalls.” According to the board, the number of guests is most elevated on Sunday, but when there is no rain, and auspicious days of the state. Higher numbers of foreign tourists are seen during Sangai festival, asserted the board.

The ticket rates for Indian, foreign tourist and student are Rs. 10, Rs. 50 and Rs. 5 respectively and the western gate remains open on all days of the week, except Wednesday, from 9 am to 5 pm in summer and 4 pm in winter.

Manipur Cycle Club also introduced bicycle rental service inside the fort for Rs 20 per bicycle for an hour.

There are six tour guides accessible which are outsourced by JCRE skill solutions however, the number can increase as per request, said the authority of the board. The charge for tour guides varies according to the number of guests.

For students up to 60 in number, the charge is Rs. 1000 only. For Indians and local people, Rs. 750 for 1-5 individuals, Rs. 900 for 6-10 individuals and Rs. 1,200 for 10 and above. Also, for foreign visitors, the charge for the tour guide is Rs. 1,500 for 1-5 individuals, Rs. 2500 for 6-10 individuals and Rs. 4500 for individuals more than 10 in numbers.

The board said that students in school uniforms are not allowed to enter during school hours. However, they can visit if the school authority gives the permission. The reason for the restriction is to keep students from investing their time and energy inside Kangla by bunking classes, said the authority.

“Kangla is the green lung of Imphal city with 2-3 degree Celsius cooler in temperature than the rest part of the city. It is likewise home to migratory birds particularly egret.” claimed the authority.

 The indigenous-food-serving cafeteria inside the fort is fabricated with locally accessible material, for example, mud, wood, bamboo and thatch keeping in mind the end goal to make the right ambience and supplement the value of culture and heritage of the then royal residence of Manipur.

Other than indigenous foods, other vegan fast foods are also available just on Sundays in view of customer’s request, said the owner of the cafeteria. One among the many visitors said that this antiquated fortress holds archeological, religious and historical importance and it is well-kept, spacious and brimming with trees and flowers.

The expert of the Kangla Fort Board said that they are making their best level to fulfill the needs of the visitors, and in the meantime protecting the cultural heritage for the coming generations.

In 1891, Kangla was taken over by the British after the Anglo-Manipur War. Afterwards, the Assam Rifles took control of it, until 2004. On November 20, 2004, the Kangla Fort was handed over by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Manipur government.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Aug 1

 The Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu faction of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has given a “last and final call” to all those NPF legislators supporting TR Zeliang to withdraw their support to the latter by August 5 midnight and “come back to the party fold”.

 In a “calling notice” to those legislators, the Dr Shurhozelie faction of the NPF, cautioned that “noncompliance of this calling notice would compel the party to file disqualification petition against the erring NPF legislators” on the expiry of the time frame i.e. August 5.

This development has come a day after the TR Zeliang faction had “selected” Neiphiu Rio as “interim President of NPF”. The TR Zeliang/Neiphiu Rio faction of NPF had also asked Dr Shurhozelie to step down as NPF President within 15 days.

Meanwhile, the Dr Shurhozelie group of NPF has convened “an emergency meeting” of the Central Office Bearers (Parent Body) at 5 pm on August 2 at the central office, Kohima.

The NPF also called a separate emergency meeting with the central frontals and Cell at 11 am on August 2 at central office, Kohima. “Both the meetings were called in exercise of the power conferred on the president, Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu vide Article No. V Clause 3 of the party Constitution. Therefore, all members concerned are requested to attend the respective meetings positively without fail.

This was notified by KG Kenye, M.P (RS) & secretary general, Naga People’s Front,” the Dr Shurhozelie group said this evening.

The Dr Shurhozelie group said that its attention has been drawn to a news item which appeared in the local media wherein it was reported that the “expelled and suspended” NPF legislators along with a few NPF legislators have served a 15-day ultimatum to the party President to step down, and selection of Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio as “interim NPF President” empowering him with all sorts of ridiculous so-called prerogatives.

“This is to remind the honourable legislators that the NPF constitution clearly specifies about election of central office bearers including the president of the party. Article IV, section 5 of the Constitution of the party specifies the procedure to be followed and nowhere in the Constitution has it empowered the legislators of the party to act on their whims and fancies.

“Moreover, there is no provision or even mention of any post in the party constitution going by the moniker interim President, and it is quite possible that the legislators are confused with the ephemeral Presidentship held by a respected but misguided party leader during the 2015 crisis.

According to the statement, the MLAs would do well to know where exactly they stand lest they end up in political oblivion when the dusts settle down. “They would also do better to know who started the present crisis in the NPF party: whether it was the party functionaries or the legislators who camped in Kaziranga and staged their coup d’ tat from outside the State in connivance with leaders of the saffron party,” it said.

But if it is any consolation to the legislators, or gives them any comfort, the party organisation is intact and solidly behind the party President barring a few individuals and Constituency units who have not shown their loyalty to the party but to their elected representatives which, it goes without saying, should and would be discarded like rotten potatoes, the statement added.

Again, when the Naga society was facing one of the worst crisis ever when there seemed to be total breakdown of law and order and an almost anarchy-like situation gripped the entire State in January-February this year, these honourable MLAs who are calling Dr Shurhozelie as a “fraud” now, furtively went to Dr Shurhozelie on February 15 night and begged, beseeched, pled and almost sobbed themselves silly asking him to take over as the Chief Minister to save the party and the party-led DAN Government,” the statement further said.

“Juxtaposed with such ignoble behaviour of our honourable legislators, it is most delightful to see that party rank and file of the NPF are steadfast behind the party President and most willing to forego material gains offered by legislators to part ways with the party”, it added.

IMPHAL | Aug 1

The Assam Rifles has clarified that the reports of oil exploration are completely false and baseless. The drilling is presently being undertaken by Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam, Noida solely for water supply scheme and not for oil exploration.

In a release signed by the PRO of the IGAR (S) said the facts have been published without corroborating with the AR. A new camp of AR is currently under construction at Kangvai, and as part of providing water to the occupants of this camp in future, a Water Supply Scheme (WSS) is under preparation at the location.

This scheme uses boring well as the source of water for which drilling is currently underway and not for oil exploration survey as stated in some of the reports published on August 1, it said.

Further the release said a total of only five bore wells have been dug and not eight as reported in the articles. Of these, three had failed to provide the requisite quantity of water, it said, adding one bore well is functional and is being used for drawing water while drilling is under progress for the fifth bore well.

As far as the issue of drawing water from the nearby stream by constructing a reservoir is concerned, the stream being perennial does not have the capacity to provide adequate quantity of water which is required for the strength planned at the camp, it said.

 Also, the content of mud in the water is very high especially during the rainy reason, added the release.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |July 31

Former chief minister and sitting Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio, has been “selected” as interim president of NPF of the TR Zeliang group. The decision was taken at a meeting of the group held at the CM’s residential bungalow in Kohima this evening. 

This group also demanded the immediate resignation of Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu from the office of the president of NPF party within 15 days.

In today’s meeting, 36 NPF MLAs including the chief minister attended. Neiphiu Rio, MP (Lok Sabha) was a special invitee at the meeting.

The meeting empowered the interim president (Neiphiu Rio) to appoint the divisional level office bearers and also to take necessary steps for organising a general convention of the NPF party at the earliest. 

It also empowered the interim president with all the functions and prerogatives of the president of the NPF under the constitution of the party, to take decisions in the overall interests of the Nagas with immediate effect.

The meeting appointed a search committee comprising Tokheho Yepthomi, Y. Patton, Dr. Nicky Kire, E.E. Pangteang and Imkong L. Imchen, to assist the interim president in order to put in place the state level organisational structure of the NPF party to be approved at the general convention of the party.

The meeting also resolved to appeal to all the ranks and files of the NPF to come and join the government and the majority, and that, “all decisions taken by the NPF party under the leadership of Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu after July 13, 2017 shall be rendered null and void”.

IMPHAL | July 31

State unit of Janata Dal (United) has today lauded the role of national JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar in the recent Bihar controversy and congratulated him for making an alliance with the NDA government to fight corruption.

State unit president Hangkhanpao Taithul told reporters at its Hatta office that his effort to do away corruption in Bihar is commendable and he had taken the right step.

“Kumar’s leadership will be trusted like before,” he assured. “And we respect and appreciate the decisions he had taken.”

Commenting on the state’s situation, he pointed out that the BJP led government has also gained trust of the people by ending 15 years rule of Congress in the state which is actually not an easy task. He reminded the Biren led government that the trust of the people should not be shattered and it should convert words into actions.

The president pointed out that the education system be rectified first, especially classes from 9 to 12. “These classes are the most important juncture to be looked upon and the recent students’ agitation in the state is the exact example of polluted education system,” he added.

He suggested that transfer and posting of teachers should be done during vacations so that such agitations would not disturb the classes and studies of the students.

He also urged the government to strengthen the education system in hill districts and especially in the remote areas.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | July 31

The Committee for Scarcity of Water in Ukhrul Town (CFSWUT) visited Kacham Kong and Shinguira Kong at Shirui to take stock of the ongoing water pipeline projects, as there has been scarcity of water for the past two months due to cyclone Mora.

The team visited the areas where two intake tanks and one collection chamber are under construction at Kacham Kong and Shinguira Kong and the other at Kokthi Kongrei at Shirui, for which Rs 82 Lakhs have been allotted.

The construction and laying of DI pipes at Kokthi Kongrei a distance of 9 km has been completed and has started functioning since July 17.

The ongoing repairing of roads from Shirui to Zingsui Ngapum village and frequent landslide at various places has continuously hampered the ongoing laying of DI pipes.

According to the contractor, the laying of DI pipes at Kacham Kong and Shinguira is likely to be completed at the second week of August 2017.

The Convenor for CFSWUT, Vaomi has appealed to the authority concerned and contractor to expedite the project at the earliest in interest of Ukhrul populace and asserted that no compromise should be made on quality.

IMPHAL | July 31

Chief minister N. Biren Singh said that the government is taking serious concern on the issue of illegal migrants and would assess and discuss carefully the issue in the state. He said this in the Assembly today.

Replying to the question raised by MLA R.K. Imo on the steps taken up by the government to check the influx of illegal migrants in the state and the agitation by students the chief minister said that the government would look into the provisions given under the Constitution to check the influx of illegal migrants in the state.

He assured the House that the government would identify the number of migrants living in the state, check the electoral rolls and spot verification would be done on the issue. If illegal migrants are detected during the verification process, he/she will be deported instantly, he added.

He appealed the student organizations to call off the current agitation demanding reservation of seats at eight Assembly constituencies for indigenous people of the state.

Replying to another question raised by MLA D. Korungthang, on whether there is any plan for infrastructure development of Tengnoupal police station, Biren said that the government is making assessment of the infrastructure of the existing station. He informed the House that 177 police personnel excluding Superintendent of Police are performing their duty in the district.

Replying to a question from MLA S. Bira Singh on the number of Sangai in Keibul Lamjao and any measures taken up to save Sangai from extinction, minister for forest and environment Th. Shyamkumar said that total number of Sangai in Keibul Lamjao as per the survey conducted in the year 2016 is 260.

The demarcation of the boundary of Keibul Lamjao National Park is still in process and will be completed soon, he added. He maintained that to protect and save Sangai, methods and measures such as electric or solar fencing would be constructed after consultation with NGOs and officials of the department, from illegal poaching of endangered Sangai.

Shyamkumar, who is in-charge of MAHUD, said that 11 wards of Imphal Municipal Corporation and 5 towns of the state have been declared as open defecation free areas by the Centre.

The 5 towns are Kakching Municipal Council, Moirang Municipal Council, Bishnupur Municipal Council, Nambol Municipal Council and Lilong Imphal West Nagar Panchayat. He stressed that 1130 latrines have been constructed in the State so far. This was stated by the minister replying to the query by MLA Nambol N. Loken Singh on the cleanliness measures under the Swachh Bharat Mission in Imphal and other towns of the state.

The minister further said that the ministry of housing and urban development has increased the central share in providing financial assistance to construct the latrines to Rs. 10,800 which was earlier fixed at Rs. 4,000.

During the question and answer session, Shyamkumar said that the Centre under the Mission Organic Farming North East has released an amount of Rs. 8.37 crore for 2015-16, Rs. 7,36,78,500 for 2016-17 and Rs. 8,94,21,000 for the year 2017-18. A total of 230 clusters have been identified for organic farming in the State.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 31

Chief minister N. Biren Singh today urged all the members of the Assembly to stand as one to firmly deal with the liquor business in the state to prevent repeat of the tragedy that struck Oinam Sawombung, claiming five lives and sending scores to hospitals.

“We have only two options. One is to amend the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act to ban brewing completely or legalise it if country business cannot be stopped and drives against distilling and bootlegging cannot check it,” Biren, who is also the leader of the House, said responding to a call attention motion moved by Congress member K. Meghanchadra.

Biren said drive against liquor is not going to check the menace.

Meghachandra urged the chief minister to investigate the Oinam Sawombung liquor tragedy, punish guilty persons and pay compensation to the kins of the victims.

The member charged that the government has failed in enforcing Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act, 1991.

Deputy chief minister Y. Joykumar said till today five people have died and 81 treated at hospitals. While 24 are still undergoing treatment in critical condition in two hospitals, the rest were discharged.

He said Mayang Imphal police registered a case and arrested two distillers. Liquor samples were collected and sent for laboratory test.

Joykumar did not rule out possibility of mixing of methyl alcohol, which is very poisonous in the liquor that caused the tragedy.

Responding to the motion Biren said after his government came, drives against liquor and drug by the police with helps from communities have been intensified. During the past four months 11,000 bottles of IMFL and 8000 litres of country liquor have been seized.

Brewers and bootleggers take advantage of the provision in the act that allows brewing for use during religious and customary rituals with prior permission from the excise commissioner and produce huge quantity of liquor, leading to such tragedy. Many died due to liquor and many women become widows, he said.

“The government takes the matter very seriously. Drives are not going check brewing and bootlegging. For the interest of some sections all the people should not be made to suffer. There should not be two laws for a state,” Biren said referring to the provision that allows brewing.

The chief minister further said a meeting of all political parties can be convened after the Assembly session. “All the members should be united and unanimous. If necessary an ordinance can be issued. If enforcing the act is not going to be successful we can consider legalising it so that quality liquor can be produced,” he said.

The chief minister appealed to distillers and bootleggers to stop their business and opt for government schemes for livelihood.

The Congress member urged the chief minister to take initiative as soon as possible, if possible even during the current session.

IMPHAL | July 31

 Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has demanded that the candidate Neha Jain who cleared the NEET examination in 4th rank must not be allowed to be listed under state quota reserved for Manipur.

DESAM seeks to find out how the student from Rajasthan managed to get a domicile of Manipur state and allowed to be included in the list for the state quota, said a release. The student body has demanded for immediate action against those who are involved in allowing a non-local to own a false domicile certificate in order to study MBBS.

 It said the candidate must not be enrolled amongst the 105 candidates of RIMS and JNIMS in regards to the admission for MBBS.

The government and authorities concerned must initiate an enquiry into the issue and cancel the candidate within 5 days, or extreme measures will be taken up, it added. The demands stated by DESAM are also backed up by other student bodies like Imphal College Students’ Union and Oriental College Student’s Union.

In another matter, DESAM has expressed that the exclusion of DM College of Teachers Education amongst the list of institutions to be included under a cluster university, is a wrong decision made by the government.

DESAM urged that the state cabinet must include the teacher training college in the Dhanamanjuri University Bill – 2017, which is to be produced at the house.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 31

Karam Shyam, minister in-charge of rehabilitation today informed that House that the state government has decided to increase the monthly stipends of surrendered militants to Rs. 8000 and 4 lakhs one time grant.

Karam Shyam was replying to cut motion moved by Opposition bench on demand No.34 rehabilitation during the ongoing budget session.

He revealed that the decision to increase the stipends was taken by the cabinet during a meeting convened on May 21 and to implement it the state is waiting for the approval from the ministry of Home Affairs.

The surrendered militants have been getting a stipend of Rs. 4000 monthly and a 2.5 lakhs one-time payment, which is deposited after three years from the date of surrender into their bank accounts as fixed deposit.

The minister further informed that altogether 584 cadres have surrendered individually to the government out of which 396 cadres have completed their vocational trainings.

Stating that 407 cadres surrendered after signing Memorandum of Understanding, he said that a total Rs. 26,36,5549 have been expended for building of designated camps, incentives for surrendering arms etc. Similarly, an amount of Rs. 6.85,3829 was also used for the expenditure of rehabilitation for individually surrendered cadres, he added.

Karam Shyam pointed out that the rehabilitation package particularly security related expenditure is fully funded by the Centre government.

He further pointed out that under the rehabilitation policy a total 40 surrendered cadres have been absorbed as riflemen in state force in 2005 and 15 cadres are under process to give employment (as linemen) in MSPDCL.

Informing that the present government has plans to further enhance the rehabilitation policy, the minister claimed that some of the cadres have come back to mainstream and leading a normal life.

With regards to clarification on numbers of Burmese refugees in the state, the minister in-charge of the rehabilitation, said on April 1, 1980 initially 67 numbers of refugees were given shelter by the Indian government at Leikun, who fled their country from the military regime.

In 1990 for their maintenance the ministry of Home Affairs sanctioned Rs. 2, 89,226 after which another sanctioned of Rs. 2, 84,982 was made by the state government in February 2016.

He said that of the total 54 refugees at present, four refugees are in Leikun, 13 in Moreh, two in Imphal, 25 at Churachandpur, one in MU and five in Delhi, two each in Komlathabi and Chandel.

With military regime over in Myanmar due process is under way in consultation with the Centre for their deportation, added the minister.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh who is in-charge of tourism, responding to queries raised during the cut motion moved with regards to department said that the state is taking up all the possible steps to boost tourism sector in the state.

He maintained that the government is sending project reports for approval to DoNER ministry and North Eastern Council (NEC) and other source like Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) 

“We are trying our best to complete the projects which was left incomplete with funds from NEC, NLCPR and DoNER for this we have made a special proposal of Rs. 193 cores”, he said.

The chief minister further revealed that the government has also taken up new projects to further develop tourism spot in the state.

Proposal for development of Tharon cave, Tamenglong, Khangkhui cave in Ukhrul, etc. have been sent, he said adding that Rs. 5 crore have been sanctioned for Khangkhui initially. Another Rs. 15 crore has been sanctioned under NLCPR for the construction of Imphal view tower at Chingmeirong that overlook Imphal valley Loktak, further added Biren.

He claimed that numbers of foreign tourist have increased during the past few months, which are a sign of improving law and order situation in the state before adding even investors from Singapore, Malaysia and Macau, have shown their interest in the state.

Horticulture minister, Th Shyamkumar Singh, replying to policy cut motion on horticulture, noting the meagre amount of fund reflected in the budget for the current year assured the House to increase in the next fiscal year.

He further assured that the department will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that schemes and projects are availed to genuine beneficiaries particularly in the hills. To do so, he said the officials have been also instructed for monitoring various schemes through Geo-mapping.

Altogether, four demands amounting to Rs. 146, 75, 82,000 was passed by the House unanimously after the cut motions were withdrawn by the Opposition bench.

The demands passed by the House includes demand No.34 rehabilitation Rs. 4,24,14,000, demand No.41 arts and culture Rs. 23,82,41,000, demand No.43 horticulture and soil conservation Rs. 81,63,35,000 and demand No.45 tourism Rs.37,05,92,000.

The MLAs who participated in the cut motion and discussion were Kh Joykishan, D Korungthan, Alfred Kanngam Arthur, Surjakumar Okram, K Meghachandra, Dr Chaltonlien Amo.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 31

A cordon and search operation for drugs was conducted by Imphal East district police comprising of 28 police personnel including women police under the supervision of SP, Kabib K at around 4.20 pm.

The operation was condducted at Khergao Makha Leikai.

During the operation 15 suspects have lifted for further verification.

Among the suspects three of them were found involved in the case of assaulting and obstructing some police personnel from performing their duties on July 29.

According to the police three persons are identified as Md. Alfash (22) son of Md. Babu of Khergao Makha leikai, Md. Najakat (19) son of Md. Liyakat Ali of Khergao Makha leikai and the third person was identified as minor.

As per the legal provision the juvenile was handed over to the juvenile police officer for producing before principal magistrate JJB/IE for further formalities. The other two accused were arrested in connection with the case.

The remaining 12 persons were released on PR and bail bond after proper verification and handed over to their respective guardians.

It may be recalled that as a part of a drive against drugs, on July 29 at 4 pm, while a team of Imphal East police was conducting a drug raid at the residence of one Abir Khan (35) son of Md. Pishak of Khergao Yumkhaibam leirak, and found 50 Spasmo Proxyvon capsules and 11 WY tablets.

The team also recovered one gram of number 4 heroine powder from the house of one Md. Khomei (42) son of Md. Mangi Khan of Khergao Yumkhaibam leikai.

While the team was trying to arrest the drug peddlers, they were physically prevented by a local mob with sticks and stones, according to the police.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 31

North East Dialogue Forum today discovered holes believed to be made during oil exploration survey inside 42 Assam Rifle camp at Kangvai village, Churachandpur during a visit by.

More than eight holes were found in the area with one was fitted with underground pipes surrounded with barbed wires and some of them were covered with soil.

According to a villager, no one knows why the holes were drilled and when they asked the reason for drilling of many holes in the nearby area, they were answered as it is for construction of water pump.

According to one of the officials of 42 Assam Rifles, it is for construction of water pump. While drilling they did not found water, so more holes were drilled in order to find water. One hole has been found from where water can be extracted, official said.

The official further said after fixing a turbine beneath the hole, water is to be extracted. After filling at a reservoir the water will be supplied at nearby areas.

Speaking to the media persons, U. Jenison, member of the North East Dialogue Forum said if the holes are meant for water pumps then why they drilled eight holes in nearby places. If they want to construct water reservoir then they can pump water from the stream which is near the holes they drilled.

He said Kangvai village is included in the map of crude oil found in the state and the process of drilling for water pump is also suspicious. “We have a suspicion that Armed Forces Special Power Act 1957 is not to contain insurgency but to extract the natural resources easily,” he said.

Experts and authority concerned should investigate into the matter and find the real reason at the earliest as drilling could be for exploration on oil, he demanded.

By Steffi Soibam

IMPHAL | July 31

One of the biggest lift irrigation projects in Northeast the Loktak Lift Irrigation Project located in Bishnupur district and Imphal West district stands defunct since 1990 due to state government’s negligence.

The project was launched in 1972-73 after it was approved by Planning Commission in 1972 with an estimated cost of Rs. 462 lakhs.

It consists of three pump houses and five canal systems.

According to a source, the proposed net irrigation area of the project is 24,000 hectares which was commissioned in 1979 by the then Union minister Bhanu Pratap Singh along with Y. Yaima Singh, the then state irrigation minister at pump house number one Ningthoukhong.

The canals are Imphal Main Canal, Imphal Low level Canal, Imphal High Level Canal, Moirang High Level Canal and Moirang Low Level Canal and the pump number one and three are located at Ningthoukhong and number two at Bishnupur.

But pump number two and three have not been commissioned till today.

When the project was commissioned irrigation water was supplied to the paddy fields from Ningthoukhong to Hiyangthang and also from Ningthoukhong to Kumbi areas both for kharif or rabi and double or triple cropping.

All the farmers in these areas benefitted till the year 1990.

In an exclusive interview to IFP, a former executive engineer who doesn’t want to be named disclosed that the project has been totally defunct after 1990. “Since the Loktak Lift Irrigation Project has been in total limbo for the last 27 years, many farmers have not been able to benefit in terms of double or triple cropping,” he said.

Those hectares of land were acquired forcibly by the government at low rates compared to the local market rates.

Recalling the launch of the project, the former engineer said, “I remember many farmers were literally weeping when we had to destroy ripen standing crops in the name of the irrigation programme. We had to assure them of the benefits and regained their confidence.”

“However, our assurance has not been fulfilled except for a decade or so since the launch of LLI project,” he stated.

According to him, the canal bed silted continuously due to local rivers and theft of super passage pipes. The canals were used for other purposes by unknown local persons.

The project was abandoned by the state government and left unchecked since then. No comprehensive benefits have given to farmers till date, he alleged.

If the project is revived and implemented properly it will benefit Assembly constituencies of Kumbi, Moirang, Bishnupur, Oinam, Nambol, Konthoujam, Wangoi, Naoriya, Lamsang and Patsoi, he said.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 30

Death rate of consuming intoxicants like alcohol and drugs is 10 percent more than the rate of encounter deaths under Armed Forces Special Power Act in the state, said president of Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA), Yumnam Ratankumar during a press conference held today at conference hall, CADA head office Pureiromba Khongnang Makhong, Konung Mamang.

Ratankumar blamed the government for the deaths on July 27 due to consuming distilled indigenous country (DIC) liquor at Oinam Sawombung, Thoubal district. He said incident happened due to freely availability of liquor though Manipur is a dry state.

Those who were involved must be punished at the earliest and compensation must be given to the victim’s family, he demanded.

The government must take a resolution in the ensuing Assembly session to strengthen Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991 in the state firmly.

Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991 was implemented in the state on April 1, 1991. Under this act no one is allowed to distil, carry or sell alcohol in any part of the state. But alcohol is freely and abundantly available so there is suspicion that high level officers and representatives of the state are involved in the liquor business.

As under Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991 DIC liquor can be produced for customary and religious purpoises. By taking advantage of this relaxation they are producing liquor in huge quantity which is punishable under the act, he added.

Ratankumar said the incident which occurred on July 27 must be investigated thoroughly and the culprit must be punished.

He said there is no reason for announcing Manipur as dry state, as the state is ignoring the alcohol business. The authority concerned which is making the act ineffective must also be punished under the law.

CADA and Nupi Samaj visited the victims who were hospitalised at RIMS, Shija Hospitals and Research Institute and Raj Medicity today.

Speaking to the media persons, president of Nupi Samaj, Th. Ramani said the victims who were hospitalised at RIMS were facing a big problem as the treatment was not properly given as today being Sunday by the hospital. It is because of this reasons many victims have gone to private hospitals by paying huge amount of money.

She said no government official visited the victims though the condition of the victims is critical. Government and authority concerned must visit the victims at the earliest and appropriate help should be given by government, she demanded.

Medical department should also take proper care for the victims as most of them are from poor families. In order to stop such incident in the near future respective localities must take initiatives to stop selling and buying of alcohol and other intoxicants, she cautioned.

IMPHAL | July 30

JAC Against Discriminatory and Unceremonious Removal of Chief Secretary O. Nabakishore Singh IAS has today demanded the reasons for the removal of Nabakishore Singh from the post of chief secretary before July 31.

Convener of the Joint Action Committee, R.K. Tombisana Devi said that the chief minister N. Biren Singh had given positive response and assured that he would do his level best to sort out the problems and reasons for the removal of the former chief secretary Nabakishore Singh.

“But till date he has failed to stand by his promises, and even after we had approached him and gave several memoranda there is no response. We condemn the negligence of the chief minister and the responsible authorities for not acting on their words”, she said.

Tombisana warned that if the chief minister’s office and the concerned authorities do not act on their words till tomorrow i.e July 31, the committee will take up different kinds of agitations. “We have made the necessary arrangements for the agitation and urged CSOs also to take part in the agitation”, she continued.