Tag: State

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 29: A public discussion organized by committee on the protection of natural resources in Manipur was held at Jiribam today concerning the Manipur pollution control board’s public hearings for oil exploration in manipur at Jiribam, Parbung and Nungba .
The participants of the public consultation organized at Jiribam on 29th July 2012 to discuss the issues and challenges of Public Hearings on Petroleum Exploration in Manipur scheduled at Jiribam, Parbung and Nungba respectively on 30 July 2012, 7th and 17th August 2012 resolves to:
It expressed concern that the Manipur Pollution Control Board and the Jubiliant Oil and Gas Private Limited has called for public hearings at Jiribam, Parbung and Nungba only after all processes for exploration and drilling of petroleum in Manipur, including surveys and signing of contracts and agreements with the Government of India, Government of Manipur and the oil company has already been completed.
It expressed that public hearings is a limited and flawed process which will only consider the environmental issues and not the issues of land, socio-cultural, rights, and other survival issues of present and coming generations. We highly object the incomplete, misleading portrayal and undermining of the rich natural, cultural and other heritage of Manipur by the draft Environment Impact Assessment prepared by SENES for Jubiliant Oil and Gas Private Limited.Express our concern that there is no process to take the free, prior and informed consent of all indigenous peoples on Oil Exploration in Manipur. Details of Key documents such as Detailed
Project Report, the Production Sharing Contract and Petroleum Exploration Licensing agreements remains concealed from the people. .
Further resolves that the:
Government of India and the Jubiliant Oil and Gas Private Limted should stop all petroleum exploration and drilling in Manipur. And in this regard also to stop all petroleum exploratory survey works of Alpha Geo company and others in Manipur
To oppose Public Hearings on Oil Exploration in Manipur at Jiribam, Parbung and Nungba as public hearings has failed to recognize community’s rights and aspirations as evident by the public hearings processes of proposed Tipaimukh dam and is outcome – The Government of India should suspend all Contracts Awarded to Jubiliant Oil and Gas Private Limited by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on 19th July 2010 for the two oil blocks in Manipur unless and unless all issues are resolved as per the wishes and aspirations of all the indigenous peoples.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/public-discussion-opposes-oil-exploration-works/

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 29: The Red Shield Division organized a Cultural Evening aptly christened “Music for Peace, Harmony And Brotherhood” at Leimakhong on 28 and 29 Jul 12. The colourful and vibrant evening consisted of songs and traditional cultural dances of the diverse ethnic tribes and communities showcasing the rich cultural heritage traditions and history of Manipur. The programme was put together by villagers from the neighbouring areas of Leimakhong Military Garrison as well as children of red Shield Army Pre Primary School, Disha Boys Hostel and soldiers and families of Manipur Terriers. Guru Rewben Mashangva also presented his traditional Hao music blended in the melodious Naga Blues. The programme also included Basanta Ras and Dhol Cholom performed by artists from the Song and Drama Division Manipur, Nepali dances by Dwarika and Premnagar Villages, Kuki dance by Khunku kuki Village, Vaiphei dance by Mission Veng Village, Naga dances by Khunku Naga village, choir performances by Chingmang, Mission Veng and songs by students of Red Shield Army Pre Primary School and Disha Boys.
An exhilarating display by the massed Pipes and Drums of the Army and a Symphony of Brass and Jazz Bands were the highlights of the evening. The Army Brass Band and Pipes and drums added the martial flavor to the evening.
The function was witnessed by Mr Gaikhangam, Home Minister, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, (all ranks and their families of Leimakhong station), Assam Rifles Officers from Mantripukhri and other civil and police dignitaries of the Government of Manipur.
The event was aimed at spreading the message of peace, harmony and brotherhood by showcasing the common culture and history shared by the various communities. The spectators were left enthralled by the mesemerising performances of the artistes and the unique fusion of various cultures made the evening a memorable occasion.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cultural-evening-for-peace/

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 29: The State Vigilance commission recommended eight major penalties during 2011.
Commission vide Letter No. 97/V/SP-V/2007/135 dated 19th Feb.2011 recommend to take up steps for removal of the service of t hree persons namely (1) Md. Kiyamuddin S, Md. Basembuddin of Tarahei Konjil (2) Md. Anwar Khan S/O Late Md. Muruddin of Tui Ahanbi and (3) Md. Ali Ahmad Shah S/O Md. Abdul Matalif of Hiyangthang, who have servi as Vety. Attendants in the office of the District Veterinary Officer, Thoubal District on the streng of fake regularization/appointment Order No. VY/33/HA/87 dated 19/7/89.
2. The Commission vide Letter No. 18/SP-V/2010/3 77 dated 18thMay,2011 recommends for (a) taking disciplinary action against the officials responsible for non-traceability/loss < files/documents in (i) Sectt: RD & PR Department and (ii) Directorate of RD & PR, Manipi and (b) taking necessary steps/action to do away with the system/practice of allowing the sam officer to hold the post of Director (RD & PR) to serve as ex-officio Jt. Secretary (RD & PR Govt. of Manipur.
3. The Commission vide Letter No. 14/V/SP-V/2011/670 dated 24th August, 201 recommended for awarding Major Penalty against Shri Ningombam Tomba Singh, Unde Secretary (GAD), Govt. of Manipur for his failure to give specific of the items in the suppl; order to M/S Monalisa, Paona Bazar and for listing unapproved items and against Shr Takhelchangbam Thoiba Sharma, LDA, GAD for his failure to physically check the deliverec items before making relevant entries in the stock register.
4. The Commission vide Letter No. 15/V/SP-V/2010/174 dated 8th March, 2011 recommended to initiate necessary steps for discharging Home Guard No 291 Md. Tolen, Coy Comdr. Bn-III, Imphal East from Home Guard service for using fake matriculate certificate during the tenure of his service in Home Guard.
5. The Commission vide Letter No. 18/SP-V/201-0/378 dated 18th May, 2011 addressed to the Commissioner (DP), Govt. of Manipur recommended for taking necessary disciplinary action against Shri Y. Neta Singh, MCS (Retd.), Director (RD & PR), Manipur as he had issued (1) order for appointment to various categories of posts and promotions of various post without the approval of the Government (ii) orders for appointment to various posts and promotion of various post in the RD & PR Deptt. in excess to the sanctioned post/vacancy (iii) cancelled their appointment orders and terminated their services within 2/3/4 days in issuance of the appointment but allowed to continue in service till 2006 without initiating any action and (iv) manipulated official records/files and failed to properly maintain the records.
6. The Commission vide Letter No. 21/SP-V/2010/585 dated 11th July, 2011 addressed to the Principal Secretary (RD & PR), Govt. of Manipur recommended to initiate necessary disciplinary action against Shri Th. Biswajit Singh, Progress Assistant in the office of the Block Development Officer, Imphal East-II CD Block, Keirao Bitra for excess income of Rs. 2,65,810.76 than his known source of income.
7. The Commission vide Letter No. 3/SP-V/2011/260 dated 19th April, 2011 recommended for suitable departmental action against S/Shri H. Ibomcha Singh, Commissioner (CAP & PD) and M. Yaiskul Meitei, Addl. Secretary/Director (CAP & PD), Govt. of Manipur for violation of Financial Rules in according Expenditure sanction to an amount of Rs. 20,65,1977- only for purchase of 3 (three) nos. of Mahindra Boleros from the authorized dealer M/S Nilo Motors, Uripok for office use in the Directorate of CAP & PD, Manipur by diverting the amount available in the Margin Money mean for transportation of good grain from PDC to PDSC. ( Issued "Warning" to Shri M. Yaiskul Meitei, MCS vide Order No. 4/17/91-MCS/DP dated 30-7-2011 of Under Secy. (DP), Govt. of Manipur).
8. The Commission vide Letter No. 14/SP-V/2010/5 96 dated 2nd August 2011 addressedto the Commissioner (DP), Govt. of Manipur recommended to take appropriate action against Smt. Ph. Maheshwari Devi, MPS-II under the CCS (Conduct) Rule 1964 for having entered into second marriage while the Matrimonial Declaration Suit No. 1 of 2009 filed by her is still pending.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/major-penalties-recommended-by-state-vigilance-commission/

To mark the 8th anniversary of martyrdom of three AR Jawan, a wreath laying ceremony was conducted by 23 Assam Rifles of 10 Sector under HQ IGAR(S) at the Gorkha Mor War Memorial, Thong Ananbi near Litan on 28 Jul 12. The ceremony was attended by GB’s and Village Authorities of all neighbouring villages alongwith AR troops .Guard of Honour was given as tribute to brave soldiers followed by wreath laying on the war memorial. On the early morning of 28 Jul 2004, while troops of 19 Assam Rifles were on routine patrolling duty in Litan towards Mahadev Camp, unpredictably unknown terrorists supported by heavy weapons started heavy volume of fire on the troops at about 0725 hours near Thong Ananbi near Litan and troops also retaliated with heavy volume of fire and fought with bravery and determination. During the firefight, three brave Jawans of 19 Assam Rifles made their supreme sacrifice for the motherland and attained martyrdom. In honour of their sacrifice and valiant firefight, a War Memorial was constructed at the site.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/salute-to-heroes/

MNS: About 54% of people are consuming tobacco in Manipur. This was claimed by Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, Head and Neck Surgeon, Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), Mumbai at one day meeting in Imphal today. He said,”Every one-fourth of cancer patient who visited TMH is from North East. 3, 43,576 people died prematurely because of tobacco consumption in Manipur so far. Different Ministries like Home, Finance and Education should come hand in hand to propagate and control the use of tobacco”.
Mr. Amal Pusp, Director, National Tobacco Control Programme, Government of India spoke about the brief overview of Anti-Tobacco Laws hi India. He also spoke about”Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Product Act (COTPA), 2003′.
Dr. Suresh Babu Singh, Principal Secy, Government of Manipur also spoke at the meeting. He said that/lndia ranks second next to China in tobacco consumption. Rehabilitation should be given to tobacco farmer to cease tobacco farming”, he added.
The one day meeting was organized by Regional Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, Imphal in collaboration with Dept. of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/54-consuming-tobacco/

MNSThe 120th birth anniversary of Mahakabi Hijam Anganghal organized by Kangleipak Loinasillon Apunba Marup was observed today at Manipur Press Club.
Prof. E. Dinamani president Manipur Sahitya Parishad and I.C. Ashem president KLAM graced the occasion as the chief guest and president. Dr. Rajen Toijamba associate Prof. M.U spoke bout the script and drama of Hijam Anganghgal.
Meanwhile The 10th foundation day observation of Animal Gym will be held at Shanker Talkies, Lamphel on July 30 at 10.30 a.m
Md. Nasir, agriculture minister, N. Maipak, Mr. India (1970) Elangbam Chand, MLA and Jyotin Waikhom, secy. MPCC will grace the function as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
Meanwhile a militant belonging to the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) Noyon faction has been nabbed by Thoubal district police commandos.
The arrested KCP militant is identified as Md Salatur Rahman, 28, son of Md Ajijur Rahman of Lilong Mayai Leikai, Thoubal district. He was arrested by the commando team during a search operation carried out at Pallel Bazaar around 2:55 p.m. yesterday.
One Maruti van black in colour with registered number MN-01K/7865, two demand notes of KCP (Noyon) signed by its self –styled finance secretary, Tomthil Meitei, 15 live rounds of M-16, another five rounds of 9 mm pistol and one mobile handset with Airtel sim card were seized from his possession, the district Superintendant of Police said in a statement Saturday.
The statement said Rahman was working under the command of the outfit’s Thoubal district finance secretary named Bijen alias Wanglen.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/hijam-anganghal-remembered/

Universal News Agency
Imphal July 28: To promote, acquired more quality and development in Manipuri films the Sahitya Seva Samiti kakching and Film Forum, Manipur announced that from September 2012 onwards the joint body is going to give Awards to the best Director, best male and female actor, best writer and best lyrics.
This was announced by the Sahitya Seva Samiti kakching (SSSK) and Film Forum Manipur (FFM), in a press conference held at Manipur Press Club today.
Speaking to the media persons Y.Nilachandra secretary SSS kakching said awards for the Director, actors and writer will be sponsor by the Azad cinema owner Moirangthem Ratan Singh, and for best lyric will be sponsor by a social worker Yambem Sheita Singh.
During the conference Y. Nilachandra stated that Samiti first started giving awards only to the Lifetime achievement of the cinema and Shumang Leela actor under the banner “Neta Irawat Lifetime Achievement Awards”. As part of prop up the Manipuri film another five awards is being added by the Samiti.
He further said that the awards distribution ceremony will kick off from Kakching in the month of September under the two banners “Sahitya Seva Samiti Film Awards” and “Neta Irawat Lifetime Achievement Awards” in connection with the birth anniversary observation of the Jananeta Hijam Irawat.
The awards will carry a sum of Rs 10000e each and it will also included a memento statue of Moirang Thoibi,
R.K Jnanranjan, Director, Screening committee for the Awards, also said that, uncensored films are not allowed for these awards.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sssk-and-film-forum-join-hands-to-promote-manipuri-films/

Imphal, July 28 NNN : The United Naga Council (UNC) has said it endorses the decision of the one day Convention on Petroleum Extraction held at Manipur Press Club, Imphal on July 16 to oppose oil extraction. The UNC assures the Committee on the Protection of Natural Resources that the Naga body will support and extend solidarity in the noble mission.
On Saturday, in a press communique, the UNC said that the ‘surreptitious activities’ of the Government of India and the Government of Manipur in licensing a multinational Company for oil exploration in Tamenglong, Churachandpur and Jiribam sub-division in Manipur without the free prior and informed consent of the people is highly objectionable.
Itt said innocent villagers of Tamenglong district, who have no technical knowledge of the far reaching impacts of oil drilling on the environment and habitation and the hazards of the activity are duped into signing agreement for seismic surveys by Alpha Geo company. It has also come to light that a leave and licence agreement has been signed by the Jubilant Offshore Drilling Company on perpetual use of 15 acres of land under Nungkhao(Luangkao) village in Tamenglong district for drilling purpose for a consideration of Rs 12 lakhs only, added the Naga body.
It states, “No environmental impact assessment on the activity has been carried out when it is obvious that oil spills during testing and drilling, accidents and bursting of pipelines will lead to severe contamination of water bodies and rivers. Also no assessment of the impact of influx of immigrants and increase in militarization that would arise out of oil exploration in the area. The terms and conditions of the licensing to the Jubiliant Oil and Gas private Limited nor the benefit that would accrue to the indigenous people from the oil exploration have not been made known to the public. The manner in which the whole process had been put into place reflects the lack of respect of the people and their right to decide how use, to control and manage their own resources. There is total lack of concern of how their lives will be drastically impacted upon by the activity. It is clearly driven by profit motive devoid of any human approach”.It stated that given the sharp social divide obtaining in the state of Manipur on communal lines, the grim situation will be aggravated as the land and resource on which the people depend for survival are taken away and contaminated.
The Naga body said the Hill Area Committee (HAC) which is constitutionally instituted under 371 C of the constitution has also not been approached for concurrence and approval of the exploration activity. Instead of according priority to settlement of issues that have raised, registered and recognized, sneaky attempts are being made to tap and take away our natural resources.
“In view of the above we endorse the decision of the one day Convention on Petroleum Extraction held at Manipur Press Club, Imphal on July 16, 2012 to oppose oil extraction and assure the Committee on the protection of Natural Resources instituted therefrom of our support and solidarity in their noble mission,” the UNC affirmed.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/unc-opposes-oil-extraction/

Universal News Agency
Imphal July 28: For the last three decades Manipur PWD has failed to maintain 95 km from Tamenglong- Tousem via Haflong, Assam said Dikham Gonmei, chairmen Development Committee Tousem Block-52 Tamei A/C on Saturday.
According to the chairmen that the Tamenglong-Tousem-Haflong Road (95 Kms) funded by North Eastern Council (NEC) and which was included in the sixth five year plan was executed during 1980-1993 by PWD Manipur.
But the PWD Manipur failed to complete the work despite its construction for long 13 years and handed over to BRO in 1994 during a President rule imposed in Manipur added Dikham.
The work kept pending over the controversy arise on alignment and sub-standard of work. Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) seriously agitation were launch immediately for resumption of work by BRTF.
Following to this effect MOU were signed on 1st April 1997. But the work cannot be carry out in full-swing due to controversial funding.
Therefore, BRO dropped the work on 7th July 2000 when the advisor (Transport and Communication) NEC issued an order to the Director General of Border Road Organization to stop the construction of Tamenglong-Tousem-Haflong road further said Dikham.
Subsequently, special Development Seminar wewe held on 10th & 11th November 2000 at Tamenglong Head Quarter with the MHA and the Government of Manipur.
During the seminar a sum of Rs. 42.71 crores was earmark for this project and WAPCOS were engaged by NEC to prove the survey and analyzed the Proposed Alignment of BRTF.
It was done during 9th January to last part of February 2001. The report of its finding and recommendation was submitted to NEC for allowing the BRO to go ahead with the work. But the Government is reluctant to the term imposed by NEC.
Meanwhile, the secretary of the Development Committee Tousem block Mr.Haimasuang also added that on this issue, public pressures were made repeatedly through memorandum, representation/ultimatum to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Ministers of Disinvestment in NEI and Minister of DoNERs etc,
And also protest in democratically by none participation in the Independence Day on 15th August 2002 and worn the black badge on the 53rd Indian Republic Day 2003, which was launched to protest against the non fulfillment of this road.
Secretary of the Development Committee further mentioned that contrary to the interest of the public, the government of Manipur has taken back from BRO-BRTF out of the revised estimated sanction order from NEC for resumption of the balance work. Then the NEC has released Rs.2 crore on 6th January 2004. But the condition of the road remains the same without making any sign of improvement and progress.
He further added that during the visit of PR Kyndiah Tribal Welfare minister to Tamenglong Hqtr on 3rd October 2006, while addressing the gathering he had openly declared to primarily take up the work for the construction of the Tamenglong-Tousem-Haflong road.
Following to his assurance on February 21, 2007 a team of union minister government of India and all Indian Congress Committee visited Tousem sub-division HQ led by O. Ibobi Singh chief minister of Manipur and they also make assurance in the public meeting to expedite construction of the 95 km long road under the direct initiative of UPA government.
The Union Minister of Home Affair P.Chidambaram also visited to Tousem Sub Division on 3rd November 2011 and further reassured to the general public of Tousem for immediate construction of the Roads on priority basis. But so far nothing concrete step has been not taken-up till date.
Over and above to make the matter worse due to recent incessant rainfall and subsequent flooding the Baily bridge over Makru river between Tousem and Azuram has been totally cut off on July first week, he added.
The Development Committee Tousem block secretary Mr.Haimasuang appeal the concern authority to kindly review the outstanding promises and fulfill the long aspiration of the poor people of Tousem sub-division challenging to historic failure of 30th years of long construction of the said roads.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tamenglong-tousem-road-in-pathetic-conditions/

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 28: Shakuntala Gamlin, joint secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, underlined the urgent need to erect a boundary wall of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal . She also called for a master plan for the construction of high rise buildings which will last in future generation also.
She was interacting with Prof S. Sekharjit, Director, RIMS and other high officials in the conference Hall of RIMS last evening in course of her visit to Imphal. The other official was G. R. Khetarpali iDeputy Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India.
Stating that RIMS is one of the centres of excellence she said that efforts should be made to check the brain drain and the tendency among some patients to go elsewhere for treatment. Apart from prohibitive expenses the patients face many practical difficulties elsewhere. Appreciating the College of’Nursing which is providing nursing education at nominal expenses to the students of this region she also said that demands for technicians and paramedics are growing. She praised the nurses from this region for their excellent services elsewhere.
She was concerned over the sinking buildings in the 300 acre RIMS campus and said that a second campus should be searched. The total absence of water supply and unreliable power position had. surprised her. She underlined the need to address these issues since a modern hospital cannot be run without the same. Being a central institute there is no dearth of fund, she said.
Some post graduate .students informed her about the shortage of hostel rooms. She was of the opinion that it Will take about one year to complete the construction of hostels. She added that alternative! temporary hostel accommodations for the students are being considered for urgent implementation.
After a graphic presentation of the RIMS backgrounder Prof Sekharjit tabled many issues. These include the pay disparity between faculties of RIMS and other central institutes.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/boundary-wall-for-rims/

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 27: A function to mark the reception of the newly elected office bearers of the Manipur Pradesh Youth Congress Committee was held today at the Congress Bhavan with the Chief Minister O. Ibobi as the chief guest. MPCC President Gaikhangam, who is also Home Minister presided at the function.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister said, the state Government is working in a very responsible manner weighing the pros and cons before making any major announcement. A Government is different from a civil organisation, which can utter irresponsible words without indicating where it stands. As a member of the oldest and the largest political party in the world a Congress man cannot act in an irresponsible manner. The men in power think several times before opening the mouth, he added. He was referring to the demand made by various organisations for declaration of Manipur a drought hit state.
The Government is bound by rule of laws, he said adding unlike the irresponsible organisations the Government cannot work in haste. Haste is good for catching the flies only. The Government have analysed the quantity of rains received by the state since January till date. The state received 63 percent rainfall. We must be reasonable. The Union Government will question the wisdom of the state Government if drought is declared now. We do not want to take a decision that may turn out to be a farce, he also said.
Ibobi said nothing is permanent in this fast moving world. The responsibility of running the state administration will fall in the hands of the youths. He appealed to the youths to work honestly and sincerely.
Gaikhangam said youth congress workers should play a vigorous role to uplift the image of the party in the particular and the state as a whole.
T. Mangibabu MPCC Vice President said heavy down pour which almost coincided with the beginning of the function had heralded the arrival of better days. He stressed the role of youths in shaping the future of the society.
M. Prithiviraj MLA appealed to congress workers to maintain party discipline.
Earlier the Chief Minister and the Congress President presented shawls and garlands to the newly appointed office bearers of the youth congress workers.
Later speaking at the sideline of the function Congress President Gaikhangam said, the state Government has the power to send police commandos to any place wherever is required. If commandos can be posted at Jiribam, which is also a border town why not at Moreh, he questioned. If the commandos committed excess while carrying out their activities they can be disciplined, he said. There is no change in the stand of the Government on this matter. Asked whether the movement of commandos to Moreh was leaked by police themselves to sabotage the plan, he replied in the negative. The journey was prolonged, which might have arisent the curiosity of all.
The function ended with a photo session of the elected office bearers with the dignitaries on the dais.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ibobi-questions-wisdom-of-demanding-declaration-of-drought/

Imphal, July 27 NNN: The Kuki civil organizations and the state Home Department on Friday agreed to set up a unit of Manipur Police commandos at Moreh town, Chandel district, sources said.
Moreh is situated in the Indo-Myanmar border
.On Friday morning, the agreement was reached during a meeting which was attended by several state police officials and representatives of Kuki NGOs based in the commercial hub Moreh town, bordering Myanmar.
At the meeting, which was held at the office premises of Hill Tribal Council (HTC), Moreh, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Kothe, Chandel Superintendant of Police, Priyokumar, SDPO, Balram and leaders of HTC, Moreh, Kuki Women and Human Rights Organization, Kuki Chiefs’ Association, Moreh, Kuki Students’ Organisation, Moreh and Moreh Youth’s Club.
However, no media persons were invited at the meeting as it was a closed door meeting.
Reports said the two sides reached an agreement to set up a police commando unit at Moreh town with certain condition after a painstaking discussion at the meeting.
Earlier, a large number of agitating residents of Moreh town under the aegis of different Kuki civil organizations yesterday strongly protested against the state Home Department’s plan to deploy police commandos at the newly established commando post at the town. A convoy of police commandos numbering about hundred heading towards the town was blocked by them near Tengnoupal Police Station, triggering a standoff last evening.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/commando-unit-to-be-set-up-at-moreh/

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 27: Some persons wearing uniforms suspected to be police commandos kidnapped a newspaper hawker and snatched Rs. 16,550, one mobile handset and his Honda Activa last night around 8.30 p.m.
The victim hawker who received injuries when he was hit with the butt of the gun was identified as Ningthoujam Ranbir (34) Heirok Bazar Maning Part II at present staying at Elangbam Leikai.
The injured hawker now at RIMS Hospital said, after selling different magazines at Heirok, Wangjing, Thoubal he drove towards Imphal along with Rs 16,550. He was stopped by the persons at Langthabal Pal Ahanbi Meetei Lamkhai and kidnapped in a maruti 800 and drove towards Lilong. His Activa was driven by one of the security personnel.
He was blind folded and asked whose party be belonged to and when did he get the money. He said that he is a hawker and the amount was collected for selling papers and magazines and he even produced the distributor card issued by the editor of the Paojel. The kidnappers besides assaulting him, they also snatched his two wheeler, mobile phone and the said amount. Later he was rescued by villagers at Lilong Urup around 2.30 a.m.
The incident was reported to president, AMWJU, Hawker assn. and edn. Minister M. Okendra.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/money-snatched-away-from-hawker/

Imphal, July 26 NNN: Movement for Tribal People’s Rights Manipur (MTPRM) has on Thursday urged the state Home
Minister to intervene in the matter pertaining to non-implementation of the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Post and Services (for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Act, 1976 in the Manipur Police Housing Corporation Ltd.
In a representation to Home Minister Gaikhangam, MTPRM said that there are only 11 regular employees belonging to ST category instead of 34 out of 109 employees in MPHC Ltd.
Till November 19, 2011, in 21 regular posts of Junior Engineers in MPHC Ltd, not a single post was reserved for STs, but now two posts have been reserved for STs with a backlog of five more posts.
The MPHC Ltd is a government of Manipur undertaking corporation and is controlled by itself and it comes within the meaning of the state under Section 2 (g) of the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Post and Services (for SCs & STs) Act, 1976, hence all appointments to post and services in the corporation are to be made by applying the Act, including the relevant rules, MTPRM maintained.
The present percentage of reservation in the state or STs in post and services is 31.
In view of the settled position of law of reservation, the Gauhati High Court (Imphal Bench) by an order had held that the provisions of the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Post and Services (for SCs & STs) Act, 1976 will be followed in filling up the post of Junior Engineers (civil) and Assistant Engineers in MPHC Ltd, MTPRM mentioned in the representation .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mtprm-unhappy-with-reservation-policy/

Imphal, July 26 NNN : Zeliangrong Students’ Union Manipur (ZSUM) has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demanding him for setting up of a 5000 ton capacity godown for Food Corporation of India (FCI) at Tamenglong headquarters.
The memorandum recently submitted to the Prime Minister said that the people of Tamenglong district are suffering due to sky-rocketed prices of essential commodities like rice, wheat, pulse, edible oil, K Oils etc at the common markets. The businessmen are charging high prices for these staple food items hence the majority of people living under poverty line could not afford to buy them.
Saying that the transport scenario in terms of connectivity in Tamenglong is also in shamble, ZSUM informed the Prime Minister that the local agriculture products are sold at high prices by the time they reach the nearest markets.
Acknowledging the fact that the socio-economic status of the district is based on per capita income and availability of essential commodities to the consumers at an affordable price, the student body said both these are in a pathetic situation. It also stressed that a healthy society depends only on good income, good food and education.
The memorandum also said the district markets depend on supplies of items from the feeding market, Imphal and because of frequent bandhs the business class makes quick money.
There are buffer stocks of rice in the government godowns but the question is whether this rice is reaching to the people, it said, alleging that the rice instead reaches the shopkeepers’ godowns through the nexus involving the concerned department workers.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/fci-godown-at-tamenglong/