Tag: kanglaonline

IMPHAL, February 13: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh during his Manipur visit should apologise for describing the people of North Eastern states as immigrants, stated CPI national secretary Atul Kumar Anjan during his visit to the State for the 21st State Conference of the Manipur State Council, CPI held at the Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang Ta Cultural Association, Irilbung, Keirao. The two-day conference will conclude on February 15.

Speaking as a special guest on the opening day of the convention, Atul Kumar Anjan said Manipur is a land of heroes where a patriot like Hijam Irabot was born. Giving his revolutionary greetings to comrades attending the function, he said the visit of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is an opportunity for him `to smell the dust of the land of a Hero`™.

Welcoming Rajnath, he said, the tagging of people from the North-East as `Immigrants`™ by the BJP was unfortunate, adding that the Union Home Minister on behalf of his party and the Government of India should apologise to the people of Manipur and assure to repeal AFSPA,1958.

He said the BJP is a political party whose president Amit Shah is charged of having committed murder and is out on bail from a court. In such a scenario, how can we trust PM Narendra Modi`™s slogan `Achhe din aa gaye`™ (good time has come), he added.

He lamented that BJP is only promoting corporate houses rather than uplifting the marginalised sections. He said some of the business men have increased their fortunes after the BJP came into power.

Further stating that the assurance of the Prime Minister to allocate Rs 15 lakhs each to all the account holders was a total lie, he said the statement has been termed as a slip of tongue by the party president Amit Shah. He however asked as to how PM Narendra Modi can also make the same promise of allocating the said amount in his speeches at 153 different locations if were a slip of tongue. He said he wonders whether Narendra Modi is a regular liar or habitually makes slips of tongue.

On the other hand, he said, PM Narendra Modi wears a suit worth Rs 28 lakhs with his name embossed in golden fibres, especially made for him in London.

He said the state lacks industries, survives on horticulture products, has no access to potable drinking water and has no proper road connectivity. He said that the State was ruled by the UPA government and now the NDA is in power at the Centre. He mentioned that the failed projects initiated by Congress government must be streamlined by the BJP government.

Atul Kumar said the present government must concentrate on the Loktak project to make adequate drinking water and power supply available to the state.

He further said the day was near for the CPI to shine in the State for bringing development in the State.

The CPI members took part in a rally from Kangla to Irilbung before the convention. The locals of the area also contributed rations for the convention. Secretary of CPI Manipur state Council Dr M Nara hoisted its party flag at the convention spot.

The opening function of 21st State conference was also attended by Member National Council CPI N Mangi, veteran party member Moirangthem Ibohal, Kshetrigao local K Mangi, Padmashree Gourakishore Sharma and other leaders of CPI.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/union-home-minister-rajnath-should-apologise-to-the-people-of-manipur-says-cpi-leader-anjan/

IMPHAL, February 13: The All Manipur Working Journatlists`™ Union (AMWJU), has today resolved to boycott all Assam Rifles related news until fitting disciplinary action is initiated against the colonel and his escort party who harangued a media team at Moreh.

An emergency meeting of the Standing Committee of the AMWJU, was convened today with regards to the horrendous assault on the Bureau Chief of Impact TV, Noren Ningombam and his news camera person, K Bipin Sharma by personnel of the 9th Assam Rifles led by the CO, one Col, Anandi Antare, at the international border town of Moreh on February 12 while they were covering an incident of mob attack on the office of the SDPO, Moreh.

The meeting also vehemently condemned the incident unanimously.

Further, a memorandum, highlighting the latest incident of assault on the press as well as the general high handedness of the Assam Rifles posted along the Imphal-Moreh section on the NH-2, was submitted to the visiting Union Home Minister.

A copy of the memorandum was also submitted to the Chief Minister of Manipur, IGAR(S), Press Council of India and the Indian Journalists Union, New Delhi.

The memorandum, apprised the Union Home Minister with regards to the hazardous of working environment of the journalist in the conflict affected state of Manipur.

It said that even as the situation is steadily improving, occurrence of high handedness of the paramilitary forces, particularly the Assam Rifles which is under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has became an immediate concern of late and drew the urgent attention of the Union Minister.

It further said that besides the assault on journalists, the Assam Rifles posted along the Imphal-Moreh section of Asian Highway 2 has been causing a lot of hardship to travellers.

The AR personnel on various occasions have detained journalists on duty for long hours even after identifying them as bona fide journalists.

It further drew the attention of the Union Home Minister to initiate tangible proactive action to curb the atrocious act of the paramilitary forces as well as to initiate strict disciplinary action on the CO and his personnel who were involved in the direct assault on the journalist on February 12 at Moreh.

Meanwhile, the Editors`™ Guild Manipur also convened an emergency meeting with regards to the assault on journalists at Moreh.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/amwju-to-boycott-ar-news-for-assault-on-journalists/

IMPHAL, Feb 13: At least two persons were killed and 11 others injured when a passenger vehicle plunged into a gorge along the National Highway 37 in the Imphal-Jiribam sector under Tamenglong district.

According to reports, the incident occurred around 10 am today when the Imphal bound passengers vehicle (cruiser vehicle AS11/AC-19654) suddenly lost control and plunged into a gorge about 40 metres deep.

The identity of one of the deceased has been identified as one Thokchom Puinabati, 38, wife of Th Joy Sing of Jiribam Babupara.

The 765 BRTF and villagers nearby extended their help in the rescue operation, said the report.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/two-killed-in-road-mishap/

IMPHAL, Feb 13: The Zeliangrong Youth Front (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) has in a press release notified that a public meeting will be held on February 17 at Longmai from 11:30 am onwards regarding the expiry of three days deadline served to Zeliangrong United Front to clarify in connection with the killing of Gaikhuingam alias Angam Gondaimei.

It has informed all the leaders of civil organizations, religious leaders, women`™s leaders, village authority and students to participate the public meeting timely.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/zyf-calls-public-meeting-on-feb-17/

LAMKA, February 13: A team of Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB) led by its Superintendent Robinson Gangte along with BSF personnel raided an illegal heroin mill at Thoubal Moijing yesterday evening.

NCB officials informed that the illegal consignment seized in yesterday’s raid would cost approximately between Rs 50 to 60 lakhs.

The combined team picked up three persons during the raid. Till the filing of this report interrogation was going on.

Speaking to IFP, Robinson Gangte informed that 45 kg of crude morphine, 300 fine morphine along with material, tools and apparatus used in manufacturing heroin were seized in the raid.

Initially three persons were arrested but after interrogation two of them were released from the custody.

One person identified as Muhammad Faridh Khan, 22, son of Md Sarah Ahmad was detained for further interrogation, he informed.

The officer said earlier people assumed that heroin is smuggled from the Golden Triangle via Burma and through Moreh in India, but this discovery of a heroin mill has reveal something more to the story.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/police-discover-heroin-factory-at-thoubal-2/

IMPHAL, Feb 12: Manipur Tourism was awarded the `Most Promising New Destination Award 2015` at the Travel and Tourism Fair 2015, said a release of DIPR.

The Award was announced and conferred to Manipur Team at the concluding function of 3-Day Tourism & Travel Fair held today at Thyagaraj Sports Complex, New Delhi, the main venue of the Fair, it said.

The winner has been adjudged from 2,300 exhibitors from 76 countries and 35 Indian States & Union Territories participating in the fair, it said.

This is for the second time that the award has been conferred to Manipur for its relentless efforts in promoting the state as a `Preferred Tourist Destination`.

The same prize was conferred to Manipur in 2011, it informed.

The Manipur Tourism team was represented by KB Enterprises, Seven Sisters Holiday, Khuibu Tours and Travels, Eastern Tours and Travels, classic tours and Travel, it added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/manipur-tourism-awarded-most-promising-new-destination-award-2015/

IMPHAL, February 12: Imphal East District Minority Forum, Joint Committee on MsDP and Muslim Council, Manipur have jointly condemned the statement of Andro A/C MLA Th Shyamkumar which denied the misuse of Multi-sectoral Development Project funds at Andro Assembly Constituency.

In this regard, a joint press meet was held today at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal.

Convenor of the Joint Committee on MsDP, Wahidur Rehman said Rs 5 crores have already been sanctioned for the three assembly constituencies of Keirao, Kshetrigao and Andro from the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs for the development programmes and projects for Minority Concentrated Block (MCB) for valley districts of Manipur.

He maintained that for the three constituencies, only two were selected for the grant of Rs 68, 91000 to Kshetrigao and Rs 2,33,11,000 to Andro constituencies respectively.

It may be recalled here that the Andro A/C MLA Th Shyamkumar has always maintained that the Moirangpurel High School was constructed from the MsDP fund and the maximum number of students studying in the school were from a minority community, the Meitei Christians.

Lamenting the statement, Wahidur Rehman said MsDP funds were misused as the said fund is meant for Minority Concentrated Blocks where 25 percent of the population must be from minorities. He further said that the area in which Moirangpurel High School was built has only four families belonging to a minority community as per the 2011 census report.

He said the MsDP is under the supervision of the Imphal East DC, adding that the DC, M Joy is incompetent to execute the project and should be removed from his post. He also said that Andro A/C MLA Shyamkumar has always intervened in minority development projects.

He further stated that MsDP work programmes should not be intervened by any MLA and the action of MLA Shyamkumar is regrettable.

He also lamented that funds are yet to be released for the approved Keirao constituency.

He said a memorandum has already been submitted to Union Ministry of Minority Affairs and the concerned State officials.

On behalf of the participating bodies, he said, he was appealing the authorities to refrain from releasing funds for the construction of Moirangpurel High School until a proper investigation is conducted.

He further said that if the concerned authorities fail to appease the body then a strong form of agitation will be conducted in association with other civil organisations of the State.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/muslim-bodies-condemn-mla-shyamkumars-statement-as-well-as-alleged-fund-misuse/

IMPHAL, February 12: All Manipur United Club`™s Organization celebrates its 22nd Foundation Day at Kwakeithel Mission Compound today.

In his address, AMUCO president Mani Khuman said AMUCO wants to highlight its future vision for the various communities of Manipur and to discuss the problems, which have persisted for several years. It will develop this vision with the help of intellectuals who can share their valuable insights on the problems to help us solve these problems, it said.

AMUCO and the people of the State can gain a lot from the ideas of the state`™s intellectuals which can be immediately implemented to keep our territorial integrity intact, he added.

AMUCO is planning to undertake various activities amongst the 36 communities of Manipur to instill a sense of integrity and unity among all, he informed, adding AMUCO plans to build a strong sense of unity among the communities by bringing about an emotional integrity and a mindset.

He said AMUCO is also of the opinion that if citizens know their responsibilities then problems can be solved easily, adding the organization was planning to overcome the various hurdles along political and cultural lines.

Stressing that we have to find out the problems of our societies and give priority to them to try to solve them, he said the word `immigrant`™ used by BJP to describe the North Eastern people is unfortunate as the people of the NE states are quite sensitive about such issues but the BJP has inadvertently revealed by using the term that it has always considered the people of the North East as immigrants all along.

In his speech as a special invitee, COHR president Phunindro Konsam said even after the British have left Manipur, oppressive laws implemented by them are still being enforced by the Indian government which has practiced a divide and rule policy among the communities and tortured innocent people under draconian laws.

The Government of India is violating human rights under black laws such as the Arm Forces Special Power Act, and is trying to break the unity between the communities, he added.

So, all the communities should know the hidden policies of the Government of India which is trying to break the territorial integrity of the place by creating animosities between the various communities; our only strength is to stay together by helping one another. As a part of the foundation day celebrations, a two minute silence was observed and floral tributes were paid to late members of AMUCO.

In the foundation day observations, besides the AMUCO president who presided over the function, former presidents of AMUCO such as Ito Tongbram, Jagat Thoudam and R Yangsosong Koireng were also present. AMUCO advisor Kt Rahaman, Irabot Foundation Manipur president Th Iboyaima, former general secretaries of AMUCO such as Moirangthem Khogen and K Khagendra were also among the presidium members.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/amuco-observes-22nd-foundation-day/

IMPHAL, February 12: The disrespect shown to a Cabinet minister of the State by an officer of the 24 AR at Khudengthabi is akin to disrespecting the National flag; so, the government has directed its officials to send a written note to AR authorities about the matter, stated deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.

He was talking to the media after attending the inaugural function of the three-day Umanglai Haraoba (Kanglei) festival at Iboyaima Shumanglila Shanglen today. He further stated that he and the State DGP will not let the matter go unaccounted for.

After the incident, the matter has been discussed at the Chief Minister`™s level and the government considers that the AR personnel in showing disrespect to the Cabinet Minister have only dishonoured the National Flag. In this regard, the Principal Secretary (Home) has been instructed to write to high ranking AR officials to not repeat such incidents in the future, the deputy CM said.

Later, the deputy Chief Minister has instructed top officials of the Assam Rifles to refrain from checking or frisking vehicles which has the national flag posted in front, anywhere in the State. In this regard, the State government will take up the necessary measures.

The deputy Chief Minister also requested State ministers or MLAs to give prior information about their destination with full detailed reports to the State home department for any official tour or other matters, further stating the concerned ministers or MLAs should check the number of vehicles and persons accompanying them in their tours.

The Home department has received reports that some individuals are always trying to follow the escort teams of elected representatives and ministers to take the advantage of the unrestricted passage accorded to them, the deputy CM said, adding the elected persons, therefore, must check the number of people accompanying them in their official tours, to not let these people take advantage. Dishonouring an elected representative, he said, was akin to disrespecting the State of Manipur.

The prevailing law and order situation in the State has made checking or frisking inevitable but it must not cause inconveniences to the public, the deputy CM said.

Veering to the subject about the physical assault of a Hotel manager, reportedly, by security personnel, he said he has discussed the matter with the State DGP and has called for detailed reports of the incident from the DGP who has initiated an investigation on the incident. If any police personnel are found guilty, befitting punishment will be awarded to them, he promised.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/disrespecting-a-minister-of-the-state-is-akin-to-disrespecting-the-state-says-gaikhangam/

IMPHAL, February 12: Food Corporation India continues to harass transporters from Manipur from the last week of August last year in a big way, stated Transporters and Drivers Council president Ranjit at a press meet at his office today.

He further said that the State government and the concerned minister has kept on neglecting the issue of the harassment being given to State transporters even after the TDC has reported and written about the problems to the government. If the government doesn`™t take any steps to help address the problems faced by the transporters, they will surrender their trucks to the FCI from April 1 until the government finds a solution for the problems, he added.

A team from the Drivers union is also going to give a written complaint to the Union Consumers Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan about the problems faced by the transporters, he said.

He also added that the State government should withdraw the tax for six months from the transporters plying on the Imphal-Jiribam route starting from October last year to March this year because the transporters have suffered a lot from various problems despite continuing with their work.

The concern minister and the Government should think about the transporters because they are the ones who bring in the essential items to the State, facing numerous hurdles for many years, he pleaded.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/state-transporters-lament-governments-apathy/

By R Lester Makang

UKHRUL, Februar 12: Amidst the 24-hour total bandh called by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) protesting against the alleged lackadaisical attitude of the State government toward Ukhrul district, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today laid the foundation stone for the construction of the upcoming District and Session judge court at the old SDO office complex at Rayotang in the district headquarters.

Speaking as chief guest at the foundation stone laying ceremony CM Ibobi appealed to the people to extend co-operation in completing the court building and other developmental activities to be taken up in the District.

The standing old SDO office building and other structures including the old Treasury office and the present Post office buildings are all set for demolition to give way to the construction of the upcoming court building which is slated for completion by 2017. Consequently, Bank and Post office would be attached to the District and Session Court building.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Dy. Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Parliamentary Secretary Victor Keishing, PDA Chairman and Thanga a/c MLA Mangi Babu, Hill Area Committee Vice Chairman and Tamei a/c MLA Z. Kikhonpou Newmai, Tamenglong MLA Janghemlung Panmei, Ukhrul MLA Samuel Risom and a host of Judiciary officers led by the Chief Justice of High Court of Manipur Shri. Lakshmikant Mahopatra, Justice N. Nobin singh and Justice Koteshwar Singh.

Ukhrul DC Hrisheekesh Modak led the team of the district administration in extending warm welcome to the Chief Minister`™s visit, while the people of Ukhrul led by the Headman Wungnaoyo Shimzingwo also attended the programme.

Meanwhile, the total bandh has severely disrupted normal life in the district with all the inter-village taxi and bus passenger services including that of Ukhrul-Imphal came to a grinding halt. Though a few private vehicles and sparse padestrians could be seen on the town`™s main road, all shops and business establishments remained shut during the bandh. However, no untoward incidents were reported.

TNL had called the total shut down begining from midnight of February 11 till midnight of February 12 in protest against the alleged insensitivity of the State government to the recent turn of violent incidents in the southern part of the district.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/ibobi-lays-ukhrul-dist-court-foundation-stone-amid-tnls-24hour-total-bandh/

IMPHAL, Feb 12: District Police of Imphal West yesterday arrested seven miscreants who were involved in assaulting and robbing valuable items including mobile phone, laptop and cash of Rs 7000 from three staffs of SBI posted at Sapermeina Branch on Feb 4 from near Sekmai Patrol Pump along NH-39 (AH-1), said a Police release.

The release identified the arrested persons as Salam Deepak Singh, 25, son of S Gourakishore Singh of Iroisemba Mamang Leikai; Loitongbam Alex Singh, 25, son of L Lokendro Singh of Porompat Soibam Leikai; Toijam Rupachandra Singh, 27, son of T Raghumani Singh of Thambalkhong Sabal Leikai.

Thangjam Premjit Singh, 26, son of Th Rajdhani Singh of Kongba Laishram Leikai; Nongmaithem Johny Singh, 26, son of N Herojit Singh of Wangkhei Soibam Leikai; Keisham Ringo Raj Singh, 25, son of K Romeo Singh of Kongpal Kongkham Leikai; and Khwairakpam Suraj Singh, 26, son (L) Kh Somo Singh of Khurai Yungkham Leikai.

Two Hyundai i10 cars used in the crime along with the robbed valuable items were recovered and seized from their possession, it said.

Further investigation of the case is going on at Sekmai PS, it added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/police-claims-arrest-of-sbi-staff-assaulters/

CM lays foundation stones of District and Sessions Courts, Tamenglong, Ukhrul

IMPHAL, February 12: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today laid the foundation stone for the building construction of District and Sessions court, today at the Tamenglong court complex.

Speaking during the occasion the Chief Minister said that construction work was taken up in line with High Court of Manipur.

He expressed his confident that the presence of court within district will minimize the rate of crime to some extent adding that it will not only save money but also valuable time.

Appealing the people to co-operate with the Government, the Chief Minister informed the gathering that he has personally instructed the local MLA of Tamenglong to repair the pot holes on the ring roads while also acknowledging the deplorable condition of the ring roads within the district.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, underscored that the state Government radar is not limited with development of judiciary but also all round development of the district.

He divulged that preparation are all made to create more sub-divisional head quarters within the district and added that state Government was waiting for a right moment.

In terms of connectivity development of roads and bridges are under full swing, he said while cautioning the people of some element orchestrating anti-Government activities.

The foundation laying event was also attended by Laxmi Kanta Mahapatra, chief justice, High Court of Manipur, and justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh and Justice Khwairakpam Nobin Singh, High Court of Manipur.

At the same time, Janghemlung Panmei, MLA, Tamenglong AC, Z. Kikhonbou, MLA Tamei AC and three MLAs from Ukhrul, RH. Gonmei, Deputy Commissioner, Tamenglong, Joseph Pauline, ADM, Tamenglong, A. Noutunesawari ,Secretary District Legal Services and others district level officers also attended the function.

The Chief Minister and his entourage left Tamenglong for Ukhrul District around 11 am.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/i-have-personally-instructed-local-mla-to-repair-ring-roads-cm-to-tamenglong-people/

IMPHAL, February 12: A two-day national seminar on Democratic Decentralisation and the Tribals in North East India has begun today at the lecture hall of the Economics department, Manipur University which is being organised by the Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Manipur University under the sponsorship of Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi.

The objective of organising the seminar is to realise the vital importance of a balanced and healthy socio-economic and political development in the region. The seminar would critically discuss, deliberate, explore, dissect and reflect upon whether local self-government and Democratic Decentralization in the North Eastern states especially Manipur have been effective and have served the intending purpose and objective, stated a press handout issued at the seminar.

It further said whether the socio-economic and political development processes in the State excludes the tribes. It would also analyse the root cause of such disparities if there is any trace of it. An attempt will also be made to provide concrete recommendation to bring about balanced socio-economic and political development and thereby reducing and eliminating regional disparities and bringing about true democratic and egalitarian States, it said.

The central aim of this seminar is to review and discuss the literature of Indian decentralization and to assess the extent to which the Indian States in the North East have devolved political, administrative and fiscal authority to the Autonomous District Councils, the statement said.

It will also analytically examine the implementation, functioning, problems and prospects of ADC. In so doing, it aims to inform all stakeholders and the concerned authority, the relevance of democratic decentralization in the North-East, it said.

The seminar would also set out to trace in brief the origin of the ADC council, and would also offers to look into some historical examples of the Traditional Tribal administration system with special reference to the Tribal Administrative system of Kuki, Mizo, Khasi, Garo,Karbi, Bodo, Naga tribes etc in the North East, it further said.

It will also examine the relevance and stability of ADCs to the tribal population and make a comparative study of traditional tribal administrative systems of ADC and should try to explain about the minds of politicians, NGOs and administrators.

Vice chancellor of MU, HNK Sarma said the organisers are very vibrant and most of the times bring out new data which when collected are made available in monographs. The Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Manipur University was established in 2008.

He said the seminar should also analyse the water, electricity, medical and communication facilities in the tribal areas which must be highlighted to the government to bring about development. It is very important to consider the relationship between ADCs and chiefs.

He alleged that most of the ADC members are settling in valleys. They need to settle in their own areas and analyse the problems faced by the people.

MU registrar Prof N Lokendra Singh said some positive outcome is expected from this seminar.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/seminar-on-democratic-decentralisation-and-tribals-in-ne-india-kicks-off/

By R Lester Makang

UKHRUL, February 11: At a time when the rate of prevalence of Hep C infection cases remains alarmingly high in Ukhrul district, the emergence of growing cases of coinfection of Hep C with HIV has become a greater concern to health workers here.

In an interaction with this IFP correspondent at his office today, nodal officer, ART Centre, Ukhrul District Hospital Dr. Diamond Sharma said that cases of Hep C infection in the district are continuing to be alarming and so are HIV cases but the more worrying aspect is the growing rate at which patients are found infected with both diseases at the same time.

He continued that with the introduction of ART treatment, chance of prolonged survival of HIV patients is much improved today but despite this many such patients have died not due to HIV but because of coinfection with Hep C.

“Which is why we at the ART centre here have come to focus on coinfection of the two diseases which is responsible for the continued cases of death among the patients, ” he disclosed adding that while the accurate data is yet to be worked out, it is believed that the percentage of coinfection among patients might be somewhere in between 35 to 40 in the district.

Expressing apprehension, he maintained that injection drug use remains largely responsible for transmission of the disease in the district or elsewhere.

On being asked about the best way to prevent mass transmission of the viral illness, he advocated that adequate awareness be created among the general public because in the absence of vaccine for Hep C, it is the only available mechanism to protect people from the disease.

He further informed that in view of the alarming situation here, an Ukhrul based NGO DOULOS under the guise of the State Epitimology department and Imphal based CONE, conducted a five-day Hep C screening camp here in October last year where 41 persons tested positive out of a total of 88 screened.

“Even then it is still upto the individual to go treatment of the illness since the cost of treatment is very high and only very few can afford the charge. ”

Dr. Diamond then bemoaned the lack of any initiative from the government side toward containing the cureless viral disease, while also informing that CONE is currently pressing the government for introduction of reimbursement policy for all such patients irrespective of their categories.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/coinfection-of-hiv-and-hep-c-a-graver-concern-to-health-workers-in-ukhrul/

IMPHAL, February 11: Some of the State ministers haven`t slept properly since the schedule for the visits of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister of State for Home, Kiran Rijiju were fixed for February 13 and 14, said State BJP president Th Chaoba.

He was speaking during a BJP mass enrolment drive at the Sora village of Kakching Assembly Constituency in Thoubal today. Speaking as the chief guest, Chaoba said the Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman has inspected the various centrally funded development projects. Just after the inspection visit of the Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and the Minister of State for Home, Kiran Rijiju both have fixed their schedules for visiting Manipur.

There are some reports that some Cabinet ministers of the State are spending sleepless nights as they are having nightmares about what would befall them if their corrupt past records come back to haunt them.

The visits of Union Ministers to the NE states, especially to Manipur, are not simple visits but a means of conducting a thorough inquiry on the developmental works of centrally sponsors schemes under the instruction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the State BJP chief said.

Assuring the people of Sora that no National Sport University would be allowed to be built in the 44-Yaithibi Loukon without any genuine reason and the consent of the local people, he said the Chief Minister or the MLA of Kakching couldn`™t establish a world class Sports University in a polluted area, as it can have an adverse affect on the energetic sportspersons of India.

The random actions of the Chief Minister can`t succeed because the adjacent areas are occupied by hundreds of brickfields which have polluted the area with smoke emitted from their chimneys. If the State government truly intends to establish the university at Yaithibi Loukon then its intention is to kill the budding players with the polluted air, he observed.

During the visit of Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, she asked the concerned minister to take consent from the public while developing any infrastructure in the area, Chaoba said, adding he will apprise Rajnath Singh and Kiran Rijiju during their visits about the controversy surrounding the Sports University, which construction is yet to start due to an ongoing land dispute

Chaoba said the enrolment forms of the BJP taken by the minority Muslims have crossed one lakh and the hills people have also taken more than one lakh forms, The total number of forms which have been issued by the State BJP have approximately reached three lakhs till date, he said, adding the total number of BJP Manipur members would cross four lakhs by the end of March 31 when the nationwide enrolment drive draws to a close.

The State BJP chief said the results of the Delhi general elections have made Congress irrelevant with the party failing to win even a single seat. Instead of regretting about its defeat in the hands of APP, the BJP is happy that the corrupt Congress party has been eradicated from the political scene in Delhi, he maintained.

Now, that the Congress has fizzled out in the National capital, how long the State Congress would be able to stand, he asked, adding the AAP and BJP have similar ideologies of eradicating corruption from the country. He was quick to put that the BJP was still a political force to reckon with in Delhi and hasn`™t lost its potency.

Assuring the people of Sora that if the BJP comes to power in the 2017 general elections in the State that their desire for proper irrigation in their paddy fields will be fulfilled, and potable drinking water will also be provided, he said the 13 years long Congress government led by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has neglected the people of Sora. Making amends to the people of Sora by fulfilling their demands would be one of the main objectives of Manipur BJP, he promised.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/state-ministers-having-nightmares-about-union-home-ministers-visit-to-state-claims-chaoba/

THOUBAL, Feb 11: A public meeting was held today at Thoubal Kiyam Tangjem in connection with the death of Geetarani organized by the JAC formed in connection with her death.

The meeting was attended by representatives of various civil society and students`™ organizations including UCM, ICHAL, UPF, NUPI Samaj, KWWA, TBL district united women development association, KHUKANPAL, Tami-chingmi Apunba Nupi lup, AMKIL, NIPKO, WiNG, DESAM and KSO etc.

The meeting resolved to submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister with a charter of demands.

The demands include, arrest of Getarani`™s in-laws family members for thorough investigation, submit charge sheet as soon as possible, punish the accused persons immediately and issue one copy of post-mortem report to the Getarani`™s parental side.

The JAC has also given a deadline for the government to take some positive actions in the case on or before February 13 failing which various forms of agitation will be launched, meeting resolved.

It may be mentioned here that 28-year-old Geetarani was found hung to death at her own house at Tosen Tampak under Sugnu PS on February 7 by her husband Telen Ashok Kom, a rifleman of 4th IRB Battalion, at around 6:30 am. She is survived by two children.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/public-meeting-on-geetaranis-death-demands-action-from-govt/