Tag: State

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 29 : Manipur Police personnel today stopped students from protesting in front of the Raj Bhawan. Students of the state had launched the stir as part of a stir taken out today in all parts of the north eastern states under the aegis of North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) . Imphal City Police today halted a group of students from the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) who tried to stage a sit-in protest in front of Raj Bhavan here.
AMSU attempted to organize the sit-in as part of the agitation launched by North East Students’ Organization (NESO) across the region pushing various demands.
A group of AMSU members including its secretary and president made a sudden appearance near the Raj Bhavan gate and tried to protest there when a team of the City Police arrived at the scene and quelled them foiling the attempt.
The police team led by Tejbir, Officer-in-Charge, City Police and L Madhunimai, SDPO Imphal West district Police also tore down the banner and placards held by the students which resulted in a melee.
The act of the police was unfortunate, Th Suresh, president, AMSU told reporters near Raj Bhavan after the AMSU protesters were barred from staging a sit-in.
He alleged that India has treated the people of the Northeast as second class citizens and that a resolution even at the level of the UN on this issue is sought by student bodies in the region.
The serious of demands made by NESO include enactment of education and human resource
Thokchom Suresh, President of All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) said the government was treating people of north east as second class citizens and repeated requests to the PMO to help the people of the region had been turned down the AMSU President said.
NESO had also submitted a seven-point charter of demands in this connection to the PM earlier .
The NESO is demanding Special Education Commission for North East, repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, re-implementation of Inner Line Permit, resolve boundary problems, prevent Bangladesh from encroaching into the land of North East region, institution of a Special Constitution of NE , separate time zone for the NE, etc.
The protest however went off smoothly in other parts of the region. Students staged protest at Guwahati in front of Raj Bhawan. The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), staged a protest demonstration at Raj Bhavan
Addressing the gathering student demonstrators outside the Raj Bhavan, NSF President Kelhouneizo Yhome this morning demanded the Union Government to create separate Constitutional provision for the North Eastern Region so that the people of the region can enjoy equal status as the mainland, as the students of the region studying in the metros and other cities of the country are being treated as the ‘second class citizens’, frequently facing atrocities, molestation, assault, harassment and discrimination and neglect, even killings and rapes, from the people of the mainland.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/police-stop-students-from-protesting-in-front-of-raj-bhawan/

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 29 : A team of BJP, Manipur Pradesh led by Sh. Shantikumar met Gurbachan Jagat, Governor today at Raj Bhavan, Imphal. The team submitted a memorandum to Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President through the Governor on the issue of “ A new compact with the people of Jammu & Kashmir” submitted by a group of Interlocutors for J&K, Dileep Padgaonkar (Chairman), Radha Kumar M.M. Ansari. During the interaction with the Governor Sharma mentioned that the report is incomplete and conceals the hard realties in Jammu & Kashmir. The report does not address the safety and security of Kashmiri Hindus and Sikhs who have fled the State. Suggestion of POK as PAK (Pak-administered Kashmir) and substitution of the word ‘temporary’ with ‘special’ in relation to Article 370 is not tenable at all. So, the report be rejected immediately. The BJP, Manipur Pradesh has objected every aspects of these reports and strongly condemns most of the suggestions by the three interlocutors. The team drew the attention of the Governor regarding the bill ready to be passed by the House in respect of appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries which may be considered nothing but to loss the treasury of the State.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bjp-opposes-appointment-of-parliamentary-secy/

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 29 : Lieutenant General AK Sahani,SM,VSM, General Officer Commanding 3 Corps after taking over command of 3 Corps arrived at Leimakong on 28 Jun 2012, on a two days maiden visit to the State of Manipur.
The General Officer Commanding was received by Major General Binoy Poonnen,GOC Red Shield Division and briefed on various emerging security/insurgency related issues.
The General Officer also visited IGAR(South) and was received by Major General UK Gurung,YSM, IGAR(South) at Mantripukhri on 29 Jun 12.The GOC was briefed by IGAR(S) on the prevailing security situation in Manipur. The General Officer alongwith the IGAR (South) and GOC Red Shield Division called on Gurubachan Jagat, Governor and Okram Ibobi Singh, Chief
Minister o 2. They discussed security environment of the State.
The GOC 3 Corps lauded the efforts of the soldiers and asked them to continue with the good work in a professional manner.
Lt Gen AK Sahni, SM, VSM, GOC of Spear Corps visited Disha Boys Home at Leimakhong today. Disha is a Military Civic Action project of Red Shield Division, run by Manipur Terriers, which houses 25 bright children from the economically backward families of Manipur Lt Gen AK Sahni, SM, VSM during his visit to Disha remarked that Disha is a pioneering noble venture in Manipur by the Army which caters for upliftment of bright children from the weaker sections of the society. He expressed his confidence that this endeavour will be a remarkable milestone in the annals of Manipur’s history and the Army’s efforts towards putting smiles on the faces of children who pass through the portals of this lofty institute.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/goc-3-corps-interacts-with-troops/

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 28 : All India Christian Council condemned the recommendation by Indigenous People Forum to introduce the Manipur Freedom of Religion, the anti conversion law. Various national and international human rights forums have termed that Anti Conversion Bills are draconian laws that violate fundamental and constitutional rights of fellow citizens.
The anti conversion law was recommended during one day workshop on Lure and Proselytization and Constitutional Interpretation of Freedom of Religion organised by Indigenous People’s Forum at Imphal on June 24.
All India Christian Council will oppose any forces attempting to turn Manipur into any other state where Hindutva forces operate.
The Anti Conversion Laws in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh have been misused by Hindutva forces to harassed minorities. The innocent members of minority religions have been harassed under the draconian laws. The religious fanatic groups in the state of Manipur are targeting to harass the innocent members of minorities it was alleged.
All India Christian Council believes that hidden tactic of Hindutva forces could be behind the ideology of Indigenous People’s Forum attempting to bring the anti conversion law. The Christian Council cautions the people of Manipur to be alert the tactic of Hindutva forces that attempt to destroy the peace and harmony of the community. The Hindutva forces have poisoned the social fabrics of community peace and harmony within the states of Gujarat and Orissa.
The freedom of religion is the fundamental and constitutional rights of every Indian citizen, which is also guaranteed by Universal Declaration of United Nation on fundamental rights. Everybody has rights to choose and reject the religion he or she likes. The Christian Council condemns any individual or groups involved in lure, force, and fraudulent conversion.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/christian-council-against-anti-conversion-law/

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 28 : Loktak brigade under the aegis of Red Shield Division conducted a Harmony Meet at Longmai (Noney) on 27 Jun 2012. Village Heads, Secretaries, religious leaders, student organisations and Nishaband members of area of Haochong, Ijerong, Longmai (Noney) Rongkhong, Tupul, Marangching and Nungtek attended the same.
The meeting was conducted to review the situation which has been caused by inter factional clashes in Haochong area in the recent past and the propaganda being done by some proscribed outfits.
Village heads of Tupul, Marangching, Longmai, Ijerong, Rongkhong and Haochong expressed their views and their problems . They also requested that the presence of Security Forces in Haochong village should continue till the situation is peaceful.
Speaking at the end the Commander Loktak Brigade stated that all communities should remain united and not get involved in the tribal differences as these differences are exploited by various armed groups. The sufferers are the common man and the future generations as these unlawful activities by UGs is impending the progress and economic development of the area which has great potential. He further stated that the Red Shield Division is committed to peace in the area and is totally apolitical, against all armed groups and for peace and prosperity of the people of Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/harmony-meet-held-at-noney/

Imphal, June 28 NNN: A combined team of Thoubal district Police Commandos and personnel of 15 Assam Rifles today arrested an activist of the proscribed PREPAK along with weapons from Sangaiyumpham Palli Bazar in the district.
The arrested is identified as Bhatacharjamayum Dinesh Sharma alias Dine, 38, son of Bh Dijamani, a resident of Khangabok Cherapur Khunou Leikai Part-III in the district, a statement from the district Superintendant of Police, Dr Ak Jhalajit said.
One 9 mm pistol with four rounds, two .36 hand grenades, one mobile handset with two SIMs were seized from him, the police statement added.
The PREPAK activist was involved in hurling a hand grenade inside a grocery shop owned by one
Khangembam Kulabi of Khongjom Baaar, Thoubal district on May 7 last. He was also involved in another two incidents of lobbing hand grenades at another grocery shop belongs to one Thokchom Bhama of Khongjom Bazar on May 21 and June 20, police said.
Dinesh was also involved in serving demand notes to Kakching Lamkhai oil pump, Kakching Bazar oil pump and Wangjiong oil pump, the statement further added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/prepak-cadre-held/

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 28 : The Members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly today discussed the address of Governor Gurbhachan Jagat delivered on March 19 last and passed it unanimously.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi the state government is trying to improve health, communications, health, water supply . He went to other states to see the power projects he added. He said he monitored the power reforms taken up in the national capital with three private companies. Recently few persons came to him to ask for a transformer but when he asked if any of the villager can produce a receipt of power bill they were not able to produce it.
There is massive loss of power as there are large numbers of unauthorised connections he added.
Manipur government will start a joint venture by protecting all the employees of the state electricity department he added. About two lakhs power meters will be purchased . Solar power will be used on priority areas in far flung areas, hospitals, government institutes where power is required he added.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal will be provided about Rs 40 cr to purchase equipments and the third batch of students will be admitted this year. The Planning commission has provided fund under Special Plan Assistance to the new hospital he said. He further said there is shortage of about 250 specialists in the state and only about 50 to 60 students complete their Post graduate .
He said he was surprised that officials were giving MGNREGS cards to four or more persons from the same family. Only a person can be given card. The MGNREGS was taken up successfully and Rs 468 cr was spent last year.
Earlier, I Hemochandra, Minister moved a motion to thank the Governor for addressing the House. He said the budget of the government was Rs 9 crore in the first State Assembly in 1972 and now in the tenth Assembly it has increased to Rs 3500 cr. He said about 148 projects at a cost of Rs 1,207 cr were obtained from Ministry of Doner . The state has taken up the right to free education .
The government is planning upgradation of NH 53 by 2013 and support completion of Jiribam Imphal railway line by 2016. Talks are going on with KCP MC Lallumba group, Kuki militants and about 1500 militants have shifted to eleven designated camps . He said railway project was taken up in 2003 and in 2005 it was taken as national project.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana 19 habitations were added in 2011 – 12. About 50 percent of allocations for tribal affairs have been transferred to District Councils. The government has decided to take part in the north east transmission company for construction of 400 kv DC Pallatana Silchar Bongaigaon thermal power project and the state will receive 82 MW of power once the project is completed.
State wide area network which connects state HQ to district and block headquarters was inaugurated by President Pratibha Devi Singh in Mar 2011.The government is conscious that integrity and communal harmony are two critical challenges.
Dr Kh Ratan, Minister seconding the motion said the Governor’s address reflects the works taken up by the government.
He said government is taking up socially productive works. Expansion of airport and improvement in law and order are some key important issues he said. Opposition MLA, L Ibomcha of NCP said water supply scheme should be augmented. Water resources policy should be framed otherwise there is no point in constructing water schemes.
Dr L Ibohalbi of the Trinamul Congress said the address of the Governor does not reflect the failure of the government to implement the acts passed by the House. What is the point of passing Acts if it is not implemented he said. No action has been taken up under the Liability Act and other Acts. There are so many Acts but not implemented he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mci-gives-green-signal-for-jnims-third-batch-people-demanding-power-without-paying-tax-cm/

Imphal June 27: A cadre of KCP (Lalumba) group, a signatory to Suspension of Operation (SoO), involved in extortion has been nabbed by Imphal East police commandos with weapon.
The arrested has been identified as Potsangbam Laibakchao Meitei, 43, son of late p Amuyaima, a resident of Pukhao Terapur.
He has been staying at the camp of 7th Manipur Rifles as a member of the KCP (Lalumba) group which is now under SoO involving both the state and Central governments, Superintendant of Police, Imphal East said in a statement Wednesday.
He was arrested near an LP School at Pukhao Terapur by a commando team led by Inspector A Achouba Meitei on June 25, the statement said.
Laibakchao was involved in extortion from various private firms and individuals. According to his statement given to the police, he has been working under the command of one Johny since May 27 last.
One 9 mm pistol with two rounds and one mobile handset were recovered from his possession, the Statement added.
In another incident, three cadres of another KCP group of Taibangnganba including two women were arrested by a combined team of Imphal East police commandos and 18th Sikh Regiment.
The arrested are Haobam Ibomcha alias Inaocha, a resident of Yairipok Khoirom Mamang, presently staying at Kabo Wakching Khunou, Laishram Anjali, wife of Thangjam Rajendro of Khurai Thangjam Leikai and Sanasam Ibethoi, wife of Th Thangcha of Thoubal Wangkhem, now staying at Nambol Kabo Wakching Khunou, the statement said.
One copy of Work Order and two mobile handsets were seized from them, it further added.
Discovering the present of UG cadres in Ward No.4,Moreh town, troops of 9 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector under HQ IGAR (South) launched operation in the area and apprehended one KCP and one UNLF cadres on 26 Jun 2012. The apprehendees were identified as SS Pvt Lalboy of KCP (36) s/o Lian Muang, r/o Ward No.4, Moreh and SS Capt Laishram Leichind N Singh of UNLF (23) s/o Laishram Punpi Singh, r/o Ward No.7, Moreh. One Pt 32mm Pistol with Magazine, one 9 mm Pistol with magazine and four live rounds were recovered from the apprehendees who alongwith recoveries were handed over to Imphal West Police station.

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

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 26 : The international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking was held in different parts of the state.
The main function was held at Balbhaban Bidyalaya, Khuman Lampak, AMADA also organized the day at Manipur Press Club. Dr. L. Surchandra, director, family welfare services, M. Padmini Leima, president, AMADA graced the function as chief guest and president respectively.
The day was also held at the auditorium of New Public Higher Secondary School, Khangabok. Kh. Kumari, member Zilla Parishad Thoubal graced the occasion as chief guest. Prior to the function a rally was taken out in Thoubal. The NYK, Thoubal organized the function.
The CMO, Thoubal, Kh. RAdhesyam, Smt. Kh. Manitombi, Pradhan, Khangabok II and principal of the school, Kh. Rajmohon also attended as president and guest of honours respectively.
The dignitaries gave away prized to those students who stood positions in the essay and slogan competition which was held yesterday.
Public leaders, NGOs jointly and students took part in the function.
Narcotic Control Bureau, Police, Customs, Medical & Educational Institutions and NGOs joined hands with Assam Rifles on the occasion of “International Day against Drug abuse and Illicit Trafficking “ to raise the awareness on the key issue of drug abuse in the state of Manipur. HQ 26 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of IGAR(S) made a noble venture by organising a seminar with the theme “Think Health – Not Drugs”. The aim of organsing the seminar was to impress upon the youth the extremely detrimental effect that prolonged usage of substance has on the physical and mental well-being. The function was presided over by Major General U K Gurung, YSM, IGAR(S) who in his keynote address highlighted that Assam Rifles in collaboration with fellow anti-drug warriors’ remains committed to the well being of the people of the Manipur and through this effort hope to see a better drug free society. The seminar was attended by SP Vandana from Crime Branch, Prof Ch Priyoranjan and Prof Rajan from MU, medical institutes, educationalists and renowned NGOs working in the field of drug de-addiction and rehabilitation.
Eminent speakers brought to light the role of various agencies in combating the menace and curtailing its spread in younger generation and were unanimous about the complexities of drug addiction, engulfing our young generations. Gangadhar from Community in Network Empowerment (CONE), who earlier was drug dependent said he fought the menace in search for a brighter and drug free future. The most engrossing and interesting session was the panel discussion where the youth came out freely to interact with intelligentsia such as Mr Amar, Dr AK Brojen, Mr Bikramjeet.
Manipur one of the largest supplier and consumer of illicit opium products rank third in India based on the percentage of drug users and with 28 present of the population under the influence of drug has one of the highest cases of injecting drug users (IDU) in India. The trend of drug abuse is on the rise with IDU accounting for 80.7% HIV cases in the state of Manipur in 2007. Detrimental to physical and mental health of the society, drugs are the highest single cause of domestic violence and mortality rate amongst youth in the age bracket of 25 to 35 years as per a survey conducted in 2010.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/international-day-against-drug-abuse-observed/

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 25 : A swearing in ceremony of the newly elected office bearers of KSA was held at its office at Keishampat today.
H. Ibotombi, advisor, IPSA, Leirik Leima, president Kanglamei and ex-president of the assn. Y. Pradeepkumar graced the occasion as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.
H. Ibotombi said, students orgn are the pillar of of future generation. Therefore students orgn. While doing a programme should think of the future. There are lot of changes in Manipur. Although there are qualified teachers, good buildings, infrastructure in govt. schools however the said school can’t produce good students. To know the reason he was of the view that seminars should be held. Students entering hotels, restaurants in uniform and misuse of mobile phones in school campus is not good result for students and the nation. He said and added that those who secured high marks in moral science should try to enhance their moral.
The newly elected office bearers were Th. Premananda, president, Manao, VP, Surchand Ningthoujam, general secy, Th. Riganchandra, finance and Anganton, publicity secy.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/swearing-in-ceremony-of-ksa/

Imphal, June 25 (NNN): Healthcare services in Manipur was disrupted on Monday as doctors in both government and private hospitals in the state observed a daylong strike to protest the National Council for Human Resources in Health Bill, 2011.
Manipur chapter of the medical association responding to the call of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), observed the strike. They staged a sit-in at the gate of the state Health Directorate here to protest the Bill whom they said would forbid a private doctor from practicing individually. The Medical professionals from all over the country took part in the strike.
Kh. Palin, president of Indian Medical Association (IMA) Manipur branch and General Manager of Shija Hospitals, had said the bill proposes that the powers of the Medical Council of India, Dental Council, Pharmacist Council and Nursing Council would be governed by the proposed commission.
As declared earlier by the medical association, only emergency services were available in all the hospitals during the strike. The out patient departments also remained closed till 1:30 pm.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/doctors-protest-new-health-bill/

Imphal, June 25 NNN: Imphal Urban Co-operative Bank (IUCB) is on the verge of abolition as its Board of Directors (BDOs) who are taking the responsibility of management of the bank are now indulging in rampant corruption and mismanagement, IUCB Share Holders’ Welfare and Development Association (IUCBSWDA) accused on Monday.
The bank had brought its reputation after it received the status of ‘A’ class as well as significant improvement in financial position which in turn enabled it to distribute dividend to 23, 000 share holders, Th Bimol, secretary of IUCBSWDA told reporters at the Manipur Press Club here Monday.
Bimol alleged that notwithstanding the ban imposed by the RBI, some individuals have been appointed as employees of this bank after a DPC held under the chairmanship of P Khogendro, General Manager of the bank. This move was taken up following a meeting of the BDOs held on May 5 last.
Drawing the attention of the state Chief Minister, the secretary of IUCBSHWDA said, he, on behalf of all the share holders of the bank, urges the Chief Minister to instruct the concerned minister to take up necessary action for approval for initiating an inquiry into the matter.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/iucb-facing-internal-crisis/

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 25 : The Association of guardians Thambal Marik College, Oinam urged the authority to constitute the governing body of the college. The association had submitted memorandum to the concerned minister to constitute the governing body. The association demanded a new governing body by 29th June. If fails, total general strike will be launched in Bishnupur district.
The president of the association, N. Indubhuson told reporters that Thambal Marik College is a govt. aided college. As per rule of Manipur education code 1982, it is governed by a governing body. The term of the last governing body has expired on 31 Oct 2011 after two extensions for six months each. In the govt. order for the last extension of the governing body for six months, it is clearly stipulated that the next governing body should be constituted within this period of six months. This has to issued one order directing the principal of the college to call the first meeting of the newly constituted governing body. The College is running without the governing body for the last six months. Therefore, the association has decided to take other courses like general strike, bandhs etc. if govt. fails to constitute the governing body on or before 29th June.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/thambal-marik-college-guardians-to-call-strike/

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 25 : CORE and its Human to Humane Transcultural Centre for Trauma and Torture (H2H), Human Rights Alert (HRA) and the Department of Clinical Psychology of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) concluded today a four-day training workshop for practitioners “Road To Psychosocial Support And Rehabilitation In Conflict Situations”.
The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (United Nations Convention against Torture) is an international human rights instrument, under the review of the United Nations, that aims to prevent torture around the world. On 26 June 1987, the United Nations Convention Against Torture came into effect.
India, a signatory of this treaty since 1997 is yet to ratify it in Parliament and incorporate into the national legal framework. Fifteen years after expressing its intention to ratify this treaty, it is a shame that this so-called great democracy has yet to absolutely prohibit this inhuman and barbaric practice of torture by its police and armed forces. On 26 June 1945, the United Nations Charter was signed and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights was adopted soon after on 10 December 1948.
Since then the decision to annually observe the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture was taken by the UN General Assembly at the proposal of Denmark, which is home to the world-renowned International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT). “The United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture – 26 June” is thence held annually on 26 June to speak out against the crime of torture and to honour and support victims and survivors throughout the world; dozens of organisations in dozens of countries mark the day each year with events, celebrations and campaigns
Rehabilitation is the theme for the 26 June 2012 campaign. Rehabilitation empowers torture victims to resume as full a life as possible. However, rebuilding the life of someone whose dignity has been destroyed takes time and is the result of long-term material, medical, psychological and social support.Rehabilitation works…and is a torture survivor’s right.
“This is the first time I ever danced wholeheartedly and it seems to bring me an inner joy I have never experienced and that has been my mainstay ever since” said Bijeta, a 13 year-old girl victim who underwent Dance Movement Psychotherapy while attended a Treatment and Rehabilitation Programme (TRP) organized by Human to Humane Transcultural Centre for Trauma and Torture (H2H) in 2010 during a recent interaction.
Another case in point is CORE and H2H’s role in the rehabilitation support given to the family of one extra-judicial execution victim, a child, who was allegedly severely tortured before being killed. His mother, Ahanthem Tampha said, “After the fateful incident when I lost my son, I have been going through a hard time.
I get flashbacks of good times I had with my son, and I still do hear his voice calling out my name when I’m alone…I am haunted by my son’s absence and really miss him now. I am preoccupied most of the time by my son’s memories and what happened to him and this has badly affected my daily activities. I started neglecting my other children and do regret about this too. I know I have also been affected mentally by my son’s unnatural death.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/international-day-in-support-of-victims-of-torture/

Imphal, June 24 NNN : Things related with Prophet Mohammad’s pictures or cartoons are continuing to stir up hornet’s nest and it has now Manipur’s turn to bear the brunt.
If a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammad in a Danish newspaper had the potential to bring up the furor to international level few years ago, the Manipur text book impasse over the Prophet Mohammad’s picture is equally going to be catastrophic if not guarded well.
On Sunday in Imphal, Muslim students burnt large number of text books collected by them that contain the picture of Prophet Mohammad.
A General Knowledge (GK) book called Prime General Knowledge Book meant for Kindergarten students carries a man with a beard and a turban. The man in the picture holds an object resembles a book. The book was published by Prime Publications and printed at Sangai Offset Printers in Imphal. The book in question was written by S Babylal Jassal. The book was prescribe by the Manipur
Of the many gods’ pictures in the GK book the students are to enter the correct names of the gods that are given below the page that should match the pictures.
According to the Muslim students, the picture of Prophet Mohammad printed in books is against the Islam.
The Pangal (Muslim) Students Organisation (PSO) on Sunday asked the government to ban the book.
Speaking to the media at the spot where the books were burnt today, Jagir Hussain, advisor of the students’ body said that anywhere in the world no pictures of Prophet Mohammad has been printed in books.
Warning to take up series of intense agitations in the days to come, the Pangal Students Organisation said many Muslim organisations not only in Manipur but from outside the state will endorse in banning the book and the follow up agitation against the book.
Earlier, Popular Front of India, Manipur unit had collected and burnt large number of the GK books in Imphal. It had also banned the book.
Few years ago, Denmark’s leading newspaper Jyllands-Posten carried a cartoon which depicts the Prophet Muhammad wearing a bomb-shaped turban and the controversy had catapult into the worldwide level in few days time of the publication.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/muslim-students-burn-book-for-publishing-mohammad-prophets-picture/

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 24 : Assam Rifles, Narcotics Control Bureau, Manipur University and eminent personalities of many government, non-government and private organizations have joined hands together to raise the awareness on the key issue of drug abuse in the state of Manipur.
To commemorate the ‘International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’, one day seminar is being organised by Headquarters 26 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of IGAR(S) on 26 June 2012 at Sangai Auditorium, Pallel. The seminar themed “Think Health – Not Drugs” is an earnest endeavour by the Assam Rifles in their commitment to the well being of the people of Manipur and their drive against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Chandel district. The function will be presided over by Major General UK Gurung, YSM, IGAR(S).
The seminar not only seeks to generate awareness amongst the society but also arrive at concrete measures through the participation of NGOs like CoNE, SASO, CSD, ASHA working in the fields of de-addiction and rehabilitation of drug use; students from educational institutions of Chandel, Youth Clubs, Women Organisations, media personalities and the enforcement agencies. The seminar proceedings include talk on a wide range of informative and relevant topics by eminent speakers, as also sharing of real life experiences by those brave ones who have shunned drugs for their love for dear ones.
The objective of this healthy interaction is aimed at the establishment of sustainable, community-driven initiatives to address youth substance abuse; provide thrust to initiatives in the field of prevention, intervention, treatment programs and best practices that can be replicated in the region.
The state of Manipur being in proximity with the Golden Triangle is a major transit route for illicit illegal substances into India. The problem of drug abuse is widespread in Manipur and the society is still to reckon with the debilitating face of it. According to the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) report of 2005, 28 percent of the population of Manipur are drug addicts, of who nearly half are injecting drug users (IDU). Cases of drug abuse is fast rising with 12 per cent of drug addicts in the age group till 15 years, 32 per cent in the age group of 16-25 years and 56 percent in the age group of 25-35 years. Manipur is considered as one of the most affected state in terms of drug related violence and crime. Hence, there is an urgent need to change the course of the present trends in drug use in the state and motivate the youth to join the main stream.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ar-drive-against-drug-abuse-and-illicit-trafficking/

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 24 : The speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Th. Lokeshwar said, nowadays distribution of meritorious awards to students have been organized in all 60 A/C of Manipur. It is a good sign for the future generation. In order to improve education and human resource, we have to find out these necessary ways.
He was speaking as chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony of Late Okram Lukhoi and Saratlata meritorious awards 2012 organised by 15- Wangkhei Kendra Development Forum at Citizens’ Club ground today.
During student life, time is most important. In order to improve human resource, law and order, supply of power and conditions of road are necessary and for this there should be co-ordination between govt. and public. Thinking for the future generation, there should be peace among various communities. Althogh there are different casts and creed, we should have the feeling of oneness.
The speaker also donated Rs. 10 thousands to the organizing committee.
Francis Ngajokpa, RD and PR minister who graced the prize distribution function as guest of honour mentioned the qualities of Manipuries in the field of sports, academic. Although there are many differences, we should try to solve it by ourselves. As we need future leader, we should improve the students as our future lies in all young students.
Moirangthem Okendro Edn. Minister presided over the function and Smt. Nemcha Kipgen, MLA, Kangpokpi A/C, Janghemlung Panmei, MLA, Tamenglong A/C and W. Rajen, director, Education(s) attended the function as special invitees.
The dignitaries gave away prizes 454 first divisioners and two position holders of class X and XII examinations of BOSEM, COHSEM and CBSE.
Moirangthem Sinorita Devi, Nongmeibung of Herbert School got a cash prize of Rs. 5000, citation, memento. She stood nine position in XII (Science) exam while RK Ishorchand of Soibam Leikai Meri Leirak stood 20th position in HSLC examination. He is a student of Ghani English School, Hatta. He was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 3000, citation and memento.
Last year, 420 studetns of Wangkhei Assembly constituency were distributed awards.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/speaker-felicitates-students/

Imphal, June 23 MNS NNN: Selected teachers of Sarva Sikhsha Abhiyan numbering around 50 on Saturday staged a protest rally here to push their demand for issuance of appointment orders.
The protesters, who were heading towards the state Chief Minister’s bungalow, were stopped by police midway at Yaiskul near Kalimai temple. Later, the police selected five representatives of SSA teachers’ Association to meet with the Chief Minister around 1: 30 PM.
They submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister O Ibobi and the same copy of the memorandum was also submitted to the Project Director, SSA, Education Minister, Principal Secretary and Chief Secretary.
Rishi, secretary, SSA selected Teachers’ Association told the media that most of them were working with private schools but they had left their jobs since they have been selected as SSA teachers, However, the state government is yet to issue appointment orders to them till today, he added.
The interview for the selection of SSA teachers was held last year.
The state government should take up necessary action so that the appointment orders are issued at the earliest, Rishi further appealed.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ssa-selected-teachers-stage-protest/

Imphal, June 23 NNN: As part of the drive against the vehicle lifters in Imphal East district, the district police have seized one Bolero jeep and another car.
On June 20 at about 3 pm during a search operation under the supervision of Additional Superintendant of Police, Imphal East, a police commando team seized an unattended Bolero jeep white in colour with bearing registration number MN-01W/8874 which was found at Wangkheirakpam, Nongmeibung in the district.
It has been revealed that the Bolero jeep belongs to the Spastic Society of Manipur and that it was stolen away by unknown miscreants, M Rajen, Additional Superintendant of Police (Operations), Imphal East told newspersons while briefing at the office here Saturday.
In yet another development, yesterday, a team of Imphal East police commando under the supervision of Deputy Superintendant of Police (Commando) recovered one Honda-Jazz IVTEC car in silver colour along with its driver near Yaima Garage, an automobile workshop run by one Mutum Yaima of Keirao in the district. The driver of the car is identified as Imran Khan, 30, a resident of Kiyamgei Mayai Leikai in the district.
On spot verification, it has been established that the car with registration number MN-04A/6786 was purchased on February 2 last from Bas Engg Pvt Ltd and registered in the name of M/S Besteck India Pvt Ltd, DSP Rajen said.
Further investigation has revealed that the car was a stolen vehicle, the DSP added. Imran Khan was arrested along with the vehicle and handed over to Porompat Police Station, the police officer further added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/vehicle-racket-busted/

The Home minister Shri Gaikhangam said, police head quarter will be constructed at a suitable place. To have confidence among the people, the uniforms should be dutiful and work sincerely. There are also talented personnel and they should be encouraged.
Shri GAikhangam was inspecting PHCs, CID office, NAB, barrack of Manipur Rifles and MPR offices today. The necessary staffs of Traffic police will also be filled up, he also informed the media.
He was accompanied by top officials of Manipur Police.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/police-headquarter-to-be-constructed-hm/