Tag: State

Imphal, July 20 NNN: Four people, including two women were killed and five others wounded when the packed Tata Sumo van they were travelling in skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge near Khongsang area under Nungba Police Station in Tamenglong district this morning.
The dead are identified as Wuimachungliu, 41, wife of Weni of Tharon village, Rangjailiu Daimai, wife of Wiriangbou, Philip Gonmei of Khoupum Namkaolong Part-I and Anand, driver of the jeep from Thoubal district.
Reports said Gonmei and Anand died on the spot while Wuimachungliu and Daimei succumbed to their injuries on the way to hospital.
The injured have been identified as Gaishingam Remei, 24, a resident of Khoupum Namkaolong Part-I, Gaingangmei of Deithanjang Khoupum, Lungningang Gangmei of Khoupum Satndai. Their condition is stated to be critical. Gaishingam is now undertaking treatment at RIMS while Gaingangmei and Lungningang have been admitted to Shija Hospitals here.
However, two of them have been admitted to Noney Community Health Centre and that their condition is not serious, sources said. The road mishap occurred around 9:30 am when the Tata Sumo van with 11 passengers on board skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge near Khonsang area, killing two on the spot and injuring another five. The van was heading towards Imphal from Tamenglong.
Khongsang is located about 45 km from Tamenglong district headquarters but the incident took place about 15 km from Khongsang.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/four-killed-five-wounded-in-khongsang-accident/

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 20: Normalcy was restored at JNIMS today. Prof Ng Indra, Chairman and Dr G Angam, convenor have clarified that It was reported in some of the newspapers that JNIMS staff nurse on duty had slapped two attendants of a patient admitted in the Ante Natal Ward of JNIMS on the night of 18th July 2012.
In this connection, a detailed investigation including statement of said staff nurse on duty , eye witness account of patient and relatives of adjacent beds in the Ante Natal Ward of Obst. & Gynae Deptt JNIMS has been carried out by a team of Doctors of the JNIMS/J.N.Hospital Staff Co-ordination Committee on the above allegations and it was found that at any point of time the said staff nurse on duty did not commit any such act.
Further, the ongoing cease work strike by the JNIMS/J.N.Hospital Staff Coordination Committee has been suspended w.e.f 2:00 P.M. of 20th July 2012 in Public Interest. The OPD, Emergency Services & Routine OT started functioning normally.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/jnims-strike-called-off/

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 20: The CAG referring to MOBC said there were irregularities in tender processing by ignoring the lowest bidder, non-maintenance of transparency and lack of strict economy led to a loss of Rs 14.80 lakh.
As per Rule 21 of the General Financial Rules, 2005, every officer should enforce financial order and strict economy and exercise the same vigilance in respect of expenditure incurred from public moneys as a person of ordinary prudence would exercise in respect of expenditure of his own money.
To eliminate arbitrariness in procurement process, clause (xiv) of Rule 160 of the Rules ibid stipulates that contract shall ordinarily be awarded to the lowest bidder whose bid has been found to be responsive and who is eligible as per bidding documents.
Test-check of the records (January 2011) of Minorities and Other Backward Classes Department revealed that the Work Advisory Board of the Department approved (June 2009) an expenditure of Rs 1.87 crore for purchase of 585 Irrigation Pumps on a tentative basis.
Accordingly, the Directorate called (October 2009) for a limited tender from five suppliers, calling only for rate quotation for supply of 5 H.P Diesel Engine Irrigation Pump set. However, no specifications in terms of type, quantity etc. of pumps were mentioned in the tender notice. As per Rule 150 of the Rules ibid, procurement of goods of value of Rs 25 lakh and above should be made through open tender and not through limited tender as was done by the Directorate. No reasons for deviating from this procedure were available on record. Further, such notice also needed to be advertised inter alia on the website of the organisation, which was not also done.
Out of the four suppliers who responded to the tender, the rate quoted by M/s Rajesh Associates for “Usha” brand pumps was the lowest one (L-l) at Rs 30,617 per pump sets while that of M/s United Machinery Corporation for “Satyajeet” brand was the second lowest (L-2) at ^ 33,250 per pump sets. However, instead of considering L-l, the Directorate decided (February 2010) to place supply order for 562 pumps to L-2 on the ground that L-l had not mentioned the name of the model under the Usha brand in his quote. The Department stated (August 2011) that L-l was contacted over phone for clarification.
However, no response was obtained. However, no documentary evidence was shown to Audit to substantiate such claims. Therefore, in the absence of appropriate documentation in the file, it could not be ascertained as to why L-l was not considered.
As per the NIT, there was no such requirement of quoting the model of the brand, the ground on which the Department preferred L-2 over L-l. As such, the decision to place orders on L-2 was taken on flimsy ground and without following the established codal procedure. The selection process also indicates that the exercise was devoid of strict vigilance and economy. M/s United Machinery Corporation supplied (March 2010) all 562 pumps and total amount ofRs 1.87 crore was paid (March 2010) to the firm.
Thus, there were many irregularities in the tendering processing, viz. opting for a limited in place of open tender, not placing the tender on the Department’s website, and preferring L-2 over L-l without any justification. These irregularities in the tender process led to extra expenditure amounting to Rs 14.80 lakh {(Rs 33,250-Rs 30617)x562} and consequent loss to the Government to that extent.
The matter was referred to Government (July 2011), the reply has not been received (March 2012).Violation of contractual obligations, undue benefit to contractors, unavoidable/ unfruitful expenditure etc.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/irregularities-in-tender-processes-in-mobc-department-cag/

Imphal, July 20 NNN: As part of the Go-Green Mission 2012, the Maram Students’ Union/ Maralui Karalimei Swijoikang (MKS) Senapati in Manipur in collaboration with the district administration organized a programme under the theme “Environment Interface cum Massive Tree plantation towards Climate Change and Global Warming on Friday.
The event, which was the fourth annual initiative taken up by MKS since 2009, was held at the Multipurpose Hall, Mini Secretariat, Senapati.
PK Jha, Deputy Commissioner, Senapati, Kh Ibohal, DFO, Senapati and K Raisong, president Maram union attended the event as chief guest, guest of honour and honorary guest respectively.
The Go-Green Mission is a part of MKS campaign on tree plantation to combat climate change. For this year, MKS will plant about 4000 saplings in different places of the district under the mission.
A massive tree plantation will be carried out at market and public places along National Highway-2 on July 21. One sapling each will be planted at every business communities in the surrounding areas of town and markets. One July 23, MKS will also plant large scale saplings at Willong Barren Land.MKS said it believes the concern for environment and forests does not ended with the responsibility of the concern Department alone, rather, it stresses the vital role on how one’s action in a corner of the world affects those in another corner and ensure the participation at every level, every individual, family, the community, organizations, businesses, departments, etc as combating climate change goes beyond the ability of one entity.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/go-green-campaign-at-senapati-2/

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 20: The Field Exhibition Office, Directorate of Advertising & Visual Publicity (DAVP), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is organizing five-day Photo Exhibition on the theme ‘Development Initiative in North East at Mayang Imphal Municipality Hall, Imphal West from July 25 – 29, 2012. The exhibition is to be inaugurated by Dr Kh Ratankumar, Minister (Works & Transport), as Chief Guest on 25 July, 2012 at 2:00 pm.
The aims of the Exhibition is to disseminate information about the pace of various developmental projects undertaken by the Government of India in the North East, including Sikkim.
The exhibition will display about 150 photographs depicting the life, culture and development projects that has been seen in the region.
Carrying the campaign forward in reaching to the general public, the Field Exhibition Office, DAVP, Imphal will also hold similar Photo Exhibition at Wangol Higher Secondary School from August 01-05, 2012.
The Field Exhibition Officer, DAVP, Imphal has invited all to witness the Photo Exhibition in order to have better understanding of various developmental schemes taken up by the Government .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/davp-photo-exhibition-at-mayang-imphal/

Imphal, July 20 NNN: Association of School Management and Development Committee (SMDC), Chandel district Under SSA has strongly come out against the state government’s plan to offer works to private contractors for construction of 46 Sarva Sikhsa Abhiyan ( SSA) school buildings in the district.
Saying that 46 SSA school buildings will be constructed in respect of Chandel district and for this purpose the concerned village heads have donated lands, said Trimson Saku, chairman, SMDC, adding that the village authorities will not give the lands if the government engages private contractors for the construction of school buildings.
The list of contractors released by the state Education Minister should be cancelled immediately, he demanded.
According to Right to Education, 2009, the SSA framework implementation says clearly and unequivocally that planning and implementation by the community through school management committee in all school infrastructure development will be mandatory in order to ensure sense of ownership and departure from contractor driven approaches.
It also says engagement of contractors in building constructions will not be allowed under SSA.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/smdc-opposes-construction-of-ssa-buildings-by-private-contractors/

Imphal, July 19 NNN: A seven-year-old girl has gone missing since July 13 after she was reportedly taken away by a woman who had promised the parents to provide her education.
The missing girl, Khagembam Anjeta, also known as Abema, daughter of Kh Amuchao, is a resident of Imphal West’s Iroisemba under Lamphel Police Station.
Her father in a complaint lodged with the Lamphel Police Station said her daughter was taken away by one Chongtham Sorojini, wife of Ch Lukhoi of Imphal East’s Khurai Lairik Yengbam Leikai on July 13 on the pretext of sending her to a school. Whereabouts of her daughter is still unknown since then.
Amuchao went to meet her daughter at the residence of Sorijini on July 16 but found Anjeta missing following which he lodged a missing complaint at the police station the same day.
The complained also mentioned that apart from Sorojini, her husband Lukhoi and another woman named
Lairikyengbam Kabita are involved in the disappearance case of Anjeta.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/7-year-old-girl-caught-up-in-false-promise-traceless/

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 19: The Zeliangrong Youth Front (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) strongly condemned the physical attack carried out by Sports Authority of India (SAI) students who are presently staying at the Khuman Lampak Sports complex upon the 16 students who came from Tamenglong for participation in the ongoing 14 years category ‘Inter School Subroto Football Tournament’ 18th -22nd July 2012. The SAI students numbering more than 50 people at about 9:20 pm reportedly came with deadly weapons to Room No.112 of the new Hostel where the students from Tamenglong are staying, broke the door of the room and started indiscriminate attack without reasons.
In the said incident one Master Tobia Gonmei s/o Lungkhiam Gonmei of Thiulon village suffered injuries and till the time the ZYF team comprising of President and former Advisor conducted enquiry at 3:00 pm today, the injured person complaint of breathing difficulty and paining sensation all over his body due to kicking at his chest. One student namely, Meisibou, also complained of waist-abdomen area paining. During the attacked not a single person including the coach were not spared and they all received different degree of physical pains. It is reported that the students who are seriously injured were taken to JNIMS Hospital at around 9.50 and only to come back at 1.30 am to the hostel.
In spite of this ugly incident, the matter did not widely come out for public information and as such there is doubtful that the authority is trying to conceal the incident. It is reported by the students during inquiry to the ZYF team that the police team came to the hostel had picked up six persons attackers in connection with the incident but learnt to have been released after sometime. The most surprising thing is that the place is considered as highly sensitive zone with security personnel moving round the clock apart from the existent of IRB Camp within the Khuman Lampak Sport complex as such it is a shameful thing to have occurred such incident right under their nose. It is also better for the organizing committee to cancel the tournament if the concern authority cannot provide necessary safety and security measures for the innocent students whose life are already in dangers.
The Zeliangrong Youth Front demanded that the persons who are involved in the incident should be booked under the law of the land within 48 hours counting from 6pm of 19th July. In case of the demand is not fulfill, the ZYF will take up different forms of democratic agitations till the demand is fulfilled in order to safeguard the life of the citizens said David Kamei , Jt. Secy in a statement today.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/zyf-condemns-assault-of-students-by-sai-students/

Imphal, July 19 MNS NNN: The Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal has been closed imposing a cease work strike following its doctors and staffs were allegedly threatened by some armed security personnel and a patient party but services to the already admitted patients in the hospital will not affect by the strike.
TheJNIMS /JN Hospital Staff Co-ordination Committee said it unanimously resolved to start a cease work strike of the staffs in the OPD, Emergency Services and Routine OT in protest against threatening of doctors and staffs on duty.
It said some armed security personnel, including a patient party of one Mumtaz, wife of Md Saloudin of Keirao, Imphal East had bullied the doctor and staffs at Ante-natal Ward of Obs. and Gyne Department of the hospital at around 9 pm yesterday.
The decision to call the strike was taken during an emergency meeting of all the doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and all supporting staffs of JN Hospital and JNIMS at the Conference Hall of the Medical Superintendant on Thursday.
At the meeting, with Prof Ksh Chourjit, Department of Pediatrics in the chair, the committee named JNIMS/JN Hospital Staff Co-ordination Committee was formed comprising 17 members on Thursday.
The committee also submitted a charter of demands to the Director, JNIMS and Medical Superintendant of the hospital.
Until the culprits are booked and necessary actions are taken up against them, it has been decided to continue the cease work strike, the charter of demands mentioned. The hospital authority must give an assurance to the employees of the hospital and take remedial measures to avoid occurring of such incident in future.
Security arrangement of all the wards, OPDs and casualty should also be beefed up round the clock, it added.
The casualty and OPD of JNIMS were closed dawn following the threat on MLA to the nurses on duty last night around nine p.m.
Patients who came from far flung areas came to the hospital but returned as they didn’t knew the situation earlier.
A pregnant woman, Mamtaz Begum (26) wife of Salauddin of Keirao was admitted in the hospital on July 14 and he has been staying at antenatal ward of Gynae ward. A nurse on duty was trying to replace a drip of the patient however the husband of the patient asked to discharge however the nurse told that discharge should be given by doctors and not nurses. The MLA with his escorts threatened the nurses with gun and asked to discharge immediately.
To protest the threat of the MLA, a committee, the co-ordinating committee of employees of JNIMS, JN Hospital decided in a meeting to take up cease work strike till the culprit is booked and to post adequate security in the hospital. Interestingly, the patient has changed her name and husband when she was admitted to ward. In the ward register the name of the patient was written as Mamtaz Begum (26) wife of Allauddin of Kshetrigao.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/jnims-shut-following-intimidation-from-patient-party/

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 19: On 19 July 2012 Noney and the nearby areas were brimming with excitement and enthusiasm on the occasion of the inauguration of the first branch of State Bank of India in the Longmai Area. The branch was inaugurated by Brigadier Navneet Kumar, Cdr 9 Sect, who dedicated the branch to the civil population and the troops of Assam Rifles.
Amu Kamei the President of Zeliangrong Union also played a key role in establishing liaison and coordinating various issues which resulted in early opening of the State Bank of India Branch at Noney.
This is the first branch in the Longmai Area and will cater to the needs of the civil population, the Assam Rifles and the other agencies deployed in the area. On this occasion, the new Durga Mandir built by troops of 10 Assam Rifles was also inaugurated by Brig Navneet Kumar. The Brass Band and Jazz Band of 10 Assam Rifles along with a dance troupe of young students from the Longmai Area provided a cultural program for all present.
The inauguration was attended by approximately 100 civilians along with the troops of 10 Assam Rifles. Amongst the other dignitaries present were, Mr James Thatlina AGM RBO State Bank of India and Amu Kamei the President of Zeliangrong Union.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sbi-branch-at-noney/

Imphal, July 18 MNS NNN: One self-styled sergeant of the proscribed PLA has been nabbed by a combined team of Thoubal district police commandos and 27 Assam Rifles, the district Superintendant of Police said today.
Anoubam Monoranjan Sharma, also known as Rix, 29, son of A Debadash Sharma, a resident of Wabagai Bamon Leirak of Thoubal district of Manipur was apprehended by the combined security team in a search operation carried out in the Wabagai area at about 1:30 pm yesterday, the SPinformed in a statement.
The statement claimed that one 9 mm pistol loaded with two live rounds was also seized from his possession.The PLA sergeant got basic military training in Myanmar and his army number is 2541, it further added.
Imphal east commandos arrested four cadres of KNF from Minuthong last night.
These arrested were identified as Mangkhulun Haokip (42) Tuibong, Churachandpur, Thangtilian Vaite alias Halen (26) B. Phoichou Villages, Churachandpur, Thangsei Vaite (45), Chongkhupi Village and Jamkhogim Guite alias, Guijen (18) Chongkhupi Village.
Discovering the movement of militants at Yaingangpokpi, troops of 23 Assam Rifles of 10 Sector under HQ IGAR (South) launched operation in the area and apprehended one KCP(MC) cadre on 17 Jul 2012. The apprehendee was identified as Md Azad Ali, 29 yrs, s/o Liyaqat Ali, r/o Lilong Haoreibi Mayai Leikai, Lilong, Thoubal dist. Eight Demand letters of KCP (MC) Group, one Mobile Phone and one Activa Scooter were recovered .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/militants-nabbed-14/

Imphal, July 18 NNN: An emergency meeting of the JAC on implementation of MGNREGS, Sadar Hills was held at Kuki Inpi here on Wednesday and condemned the state government’s policy to pay 50 per cent of wages of the job card holders through Zilla Parishads/District Council and Line Departments.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the meeting, Paolen Kipgen, general secretary, JAC on implementation of MGNREGS, Sadar Hills, said the JAC condemned the government’s official instruction to pay half of the scheme’s wages to job card holders in Sadar Hills through Zilla Parishads/District Councils and Line Departments.
He said if the policy is put into effect in the hill villages it will violate their administrative practice and cultures, appealing that the government should withdraw the decision in the interest of the hill people and that 100 per cent of the MGNREGS fund meant for hill areas should be made available through the concerned village heads only.
The JAC is all prepared to launch agitations in case the state government tries to implement the policy in the hills, Kipgen threatened.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mgnregs-scheme-at-sadar-hills-deplored/

Imphal, July 18 NNN: A Village Defence Force (VDF) jawan was wounded when one of his colleagues accidentally shot him in the thigh after the latter tried to gun down three unidentified motorcycle borne men suspected to be Assam Rifles personnel.
The injured has been identified as Usham Bungbung, 28, son of U Pukchao of Pukhao Ahallup. Now he is undertaking medical treatment at Raj Polyclinic. One bullet pierced through his left thigh.
The incident took place in front of Sagolmang Police Station, Imphal East around 9:30 pm yesterday when Konsam Hemjit, 28, a VDF jawan, hailing from Uyumpok Mamang Leikai opened fire at three unidentified motorcycle borne men who reportedly teased a group of VDF personnel who were in sentry duty in front of the police station, according to a police source.
The trio suspected to be Assam Rifles personnel allegedly made fun of the VDF personnel by asking whether their service SLR rifles were in working condition. Infuriated by the trio’s teasing remarks, Hemjit opened fire at them when Bungbung was hit by a bullet.
A case has been registered with Sagolmang Police station in connection with the firing incident.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/vdf-injured-in-firing/

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 18: As per norms, the actual cost incurred in transportation of foodgrains nearest FCI godown to the school will be reimbursed by Gol subject to ceiling of Rs 100 per quintal w.e.f. 16 June 2006. In September 2007, the ceiling raised to Rs 125 per quintal. In November 2009, GoM fixed new rate different districts ranging from Rs 72 per quintal to Rs 250 per quintal effective from April 2009. Thereafter, Gol directed that transport; assistance from December 2009 would be admissible at the rate prevalent under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in the State in place of flat rate.
Test-check of records at the Directorate revealed that an amount Rs 1.91 was paid for transportation of 16,707.757 MT of foodgrains during 2006-10 according to maximum ceiling without restricting the same to the actual cost incurred.
The rate at which transportation cost was paid is applicable only when foodgrains was lifted from FCI godown and delivered at schools. Details of transportation cost for foodgrains lifted during 2010-11 though called for was not furnished.
During test-check of records at district level, it was seen that foodgrains first lifted from FCI godown to the MDM godown maintained by respective ZEOs. Further, headmasters of the schools visited by Audit in the three sampled districts stated that they make their own arrangements to lift MDM foodgrains from the godown maintained by respective ZEOs. In view of these, the expenditure incurred as transports cost of foodgrains was not justified.
Based on quantity of foodgrains lifted by each district during 2006-1073 and the distance between each Zonal MDM godown and the nearest FCI godown as recorded by the Department, audit worked out the admissible cost of transportation of foodgrains between FCI godown and the Zonal godown. Thus, benchmarking on PDS rate prevailing in February 2011 , the admissible cost for transporting foodgrains worked out to Rs 30.55 lakh only. Even if the transportation cost was paid at FCI’s contract rate of Rs 6.82/MT/Km prevailing as on February 2011, admissible transportation cost should have been only Rs 52.79 lakh. Thus, there was an excess payment of not less than Rs 1.39 crore75 on transportation of foodgrains.
The Department (January 2012) stated that steps would be initiated to ensure delivery to schools in coordination with the concerned Deputy Commissioners as they have been entrusted with lifting of foodgrains under the scheme from 2009-10 onwards. The reply is silent about the huge leakage of public fund which severely hampered the scheme implementation as some headmasters had to resort to selling part of their allotted foodgrains to meet the cost of transportation.
More than sufficient foodgrains for buffer stock was lifted during 2010-11. It was also seen from records of the Directorate that foodgrains for first quarter of 2011-12 was also lifted as on date of audit (July 2011). Thus at the end of first quarter of 2011-12, foodgrains stock equivalent to the buffer stock should have been available as balance. However, scrutiny of records at the Directorate and districts revealed huge quantity of unaccounted foodgrains .
-check of records of the ZEO Ukhrul revealed that 849.165 MT of foodgrains was lifted from FCI, Ukhrul during April 2010 to June 2011. Foodgrains allocated for July-September 2011 was yet to be lifted.
This was distributed between the ZEO and the Autonomous District Council (ADC) based on the enrolment as recorded by DISE in the schools under their respective administrative control. Out of their share of foodgrains, the ADC, Ukhrul had issued 231.884 MT of foodgrains to 159 schools76 under their administrative control between April 1, 2010 to September 18, 2011.
Further, audit calculated77 that approximately 389.408 MT of foodgrains was issued to 120 schools78 under the administrative control of ZEO Ukhrul during the same period. Thus there should have been balance stock of 227.873 MT (849.165 MT-231.884 MT-389.408 MT). However, on joint verification with the concerned officers, the actual foodgrains stock was found to be only 68.40 MT79 as on date of an (September 2011). Therefore, 159.473 MT (227.873 MT-68.40 MT) foodgrains lifted for implementing MDM in Ukhrul District could not accounted for.
-check of records ZEO Zone-IV, Bishnupur revealed that against 580.685 MT of foodgra lifted from the period April 2010 to June 2011, only 502.657 MT was repor as utilised as of June 2011. As such, there should be 78.028 MT (580.685 N 502.657 MT) in stock as on June 2011. However, stock balance as per the for the quarter ending June 2011 was nil. The ZEO confirmed this stating 1 they do not have any foodgrains stock as they were yet to lift the allotment the second quarter of 2011-12. Thus, 78.028 MT of foodgrains could not accounted for.
The remaining seven districts had reported utilization of 2,887.393 MT during October 2010 to June 2i out of 4,249.656 MT lifted by them during the period. Thus, there should stock balance of 1,362.263 MT. However, the stock balance reported in UCs was only 798.170 MT leaving 564.093 MT (1,362.263 MT-798.170 of foodgrains unaccounted.
Test-check of records of ZEO Zone-II, Imphal East revealed that M/S Jai Hanuman Carrier (contractor) was authorized by the Deputy Commissioner of the district transport MDM foodgrains from FCI godown to the beneficiary schools, contract agreement forbids the contractor from transhipment or offloading midway from the loading point to the stores identified by the department without prior permission and approval of the Deputy Commissioner. Howe it was seen that 142.802 MT of foodgrains for July to December 2009 kept in the contractor’s godown based on an undertaking signed (Septem October 2009) between the contractor and an official of the Zonal Office.
Neither approval of higher authority for this arrangement was obtained there were records to prove that it was eventually given to the schools couL shown to audit.
Thus, altogether whereabouts of 944.396 MT81 of foodgrains valued at Rs 53 lakh could not be vouched. This situation is fraught with the risk of pilferage of unaccounted stock of foodgrains and/or misappropriation of funds repo to be spent on procurement.
The Department (January 2012) did not give specific reply to a observation on suspected misappropriation of foodgrains as highlighted .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/foodgrains-misappropriated-in-edn-deptt-cag/

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 17: Acting on specific input 5 Assam Rifles under the aegis of Red Shield Division alongwith 28 Assam Rifles in a joint operation apprehended a PULF cadre near Keirao Awang Leikai, Imphal East Dist on 17 Jul 2012. The apprehendee has been identified as MD Babool @ Akhtar, son of MD Nasif Ali, resident of Keirao Awang Leikai, Imphal East District. He is a trained cadre of the underground outfit, PULF and was involved in extortion related activities. The apprehendee was handed over to Irilbung Police Station.
In another operation based on specific information, Tamenglong Battalion of the Division recovered arms & ammunition from the house of David Loverson, a NSCN (K) cadre. One .38 Smith & Wilson Revolver (American Made) with twenty four rounds and one 9mm Auto Pistol with 14 rounds were recovered from the site. The cadre was absconding during the time of search.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pulf-militant-held/

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 17: With regard to the news report published in this paper on 17 July under the headline ‘ Man held from home handed over in combat gear by troops’ the ASSAM RIFLES strongly refutes all the allegations.
The allegations are baseless and an unsuccessful attempt by the PLA to defame the Security Forces. SS Cpl Thokchom Yumjaoba (38) of Sekmaijin Maning Leikai was apprehended from a bridge in Sekmaijin bazaar, and not from his house as stated. No arrest memo was given as the individual was not at home but in Sekmaijin Bazaar when he was apprehended. The allegation that the individual was nude while he was picked up, holds no truth, as the individual was in Sekmaijin Bazaar when he was apprehended.
These facts have also been supported by the FIR lodged against the individual at Mayang Imphal Police Station. S/S Cpl Thokchom Yumjaoba is an active member of the banned outfit PLA. The weapon recovered from the individual is from the same area as revealed by him to Security Forces during preliminary questioning.
Such futile attempts to defame the armed forces who are continuously striving to eradicate the insurgency from the state of Manipur are unlikely to succeed or slow down the resolve of security forces in combating insurgency.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/assam-rifles-denies-allegations/

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 17: Former Chief Minister of Manipur Wahengbam Nipamacha breathed his last at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) at 10:45 am.
W Nipamacha was born on March 1, 1930 at Wangoi Wahengbam Leikai, Wangoi in Imphal West. He passed MA in History from Gauhati University in 1963. He served as an Assistant Teacher at Johnstone Higher Secondary School. He also served as Head Master of Wangoi High School from 1964 to 1971.
He joined Indian National Congress and entered into active politics in 1971.He was elected to second, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh Manipur Legislative assembly respectively. He became Minister for PHED, Planning and Fisheries in the fifth Manipur Legislative Assembly.
Nipamacha was elected Speaker of Manipur assembly on March 22, 1995. He held the post of Chief Minister from December 16, 1997 to February 14, 2001 in the United Front government led by Manipur State Congress party (MSCP).
Nipamacha left Rishang Government with 23 MLAs on December 5, 1997 and formed MSCP. He became the first President of MSCP. Later, he also founded a political party called Manipur National Conference (MNC) on October 5, 2001 and he became its president.
However, MNC merged with RJD on June 21, 2005 and Nipamacha became President of RJD, Manipur unit. Then he became even National Vice-President of RJD.
In the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly Election of 2007, he contested from Wangoi constituency on RJD ticket but defeated by S Joy Singh of NCP. He again left RJD on December 3, 2008 and joined BJP. Nipamacha also contested from the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Seat as a BJP candidate. He had travelled over 10 foreign countries.
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and his Cabinet colleagues attended the last rites of W Nipamacha at Wangoi.
Gurbachan Jagat, said he was deeply shocked by the passing away of Nipamacha . Governor said that late Nipamacha was a straightforward and outspoken leader whose contribution during a critical phase of the State
He will be remembered and his demise is a loss for the State of Manipur. The Governor and his wife conveyed their condolences to the bereaved members of the family praying that the soul of the departed leader rest in peace in the heavenly abode and also to give strength to the family to bear the irreparable loss.
Chief Minister, O ibobi said he was deeply grieved to learn about the sad demise of W. Nipamacha Singh,.He said Nipamacha had a significant record of service to the State of Manipur. He was a rare leader who earned the love and admiration of the people for his straightforwardness, sense of public service; innate simplicity and honesty. In his death, the State has lost an eminent political leader and an excellent human being.
A condolence meeting on the sudden demise of W. Nipamacha Singh, was held at BJP Party Office, with Prof. S. Tikendra Singh, State VP in the Chair.
The meeting expressed sorrow and grief on the sudden demise of Nipamacha Singh who dedicated and sacrificed for the Society. The meeting took share the shock and grief of his bereaved family, relatives and well wishers. He was Party candidate in the last Lok Sabha Election from Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency. Nipamacha was Chief Minister of Manipur twice and held Cabinet Minister in-charge of various Ministries. He was also Speaker of the State Assembly. During his tenure as Chief Minister, 5th National Game was held at the State. He implemented the recommendation of 5th Pay Commission to the State employees.
Th. Lokeshwar, speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly deeply condoled the death of former CM of Manipur W. Nipamacha today.
The speaker shared the sorrows and sufferings of the bereaved family.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/former-cm-nipamacha-no-more/

Imphal, July 16 NNN: Twelve NGOs on Monday jointly organized a state level convention on petroleum exploration during which leaders of the civil bodies expressed stiff opposition against the proposed oil exploration plan to be taken up in three districts of Manipur.
The convention was held in the backdrop of the completion of official process to license the oil drilling project to Jubilant Oil and gas Pvt. Ltd, a Netherlands based company.
At the convention, they discussed in detail about the possible environment effects to be caused by the oil exploration project in Churachandpur district, Tamenglong district and Jiribam subdivision in Imphal East.
Human Rights activist, Phulindro Konsam said every development should stand for everyone and not for a few people, adding that if the oil and gas company has to acquire vast land area for the exploration project, people residing in the areas are likely to lose their habitats.
He also said the government and concerned authorities have not yet made known anything about the oil exploration plan to the people. He alleged the project is totally illegal as it is against the wishes of the people.
Taking part at the discussion, Aram Pammei, president Naga Women’s Union said the act of the Indian government which is aiming for a few commercial gain from the project that has been tendered to the Netherlands based company is condemnable.
Every citizen of the state has now well understood about the clandestine project of the Indian government which has no any consideration of the people of the state as well as the possible bad outcome of the oil project.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/oil-exploration-opposed/