November 25, 2015 – Page 3

Imbibe an international character to encourage development: Gaikhangam

IMPHAL, November 25: Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam today appealed to the people of the Moreh to consider themselves as from only one community ‘the trading community’ leaving aside all differences

Dy CM Gaikhangam and Commerce secretary of Ministry of Commerce and Industry Rita Teaotia along with others in front of the inaugural plaque of the Market Complex. IFP Photo

Appealing to the people to discard the village mentality and to develop an international character, he emphasised further that although we talk on the international level, our minds are left in the village level.

People need to fully understand that until and unless one doesn’t develop the mind and open up to the others, development and civilisation will not come about, he observed.

The deputy Chief Minister today inaugurated a multi storey market complex at the border town of Moreh constructed under the ASIDE scheme of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

The inaugural function was also attended by Commerce and Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam, 42 Tengnoupal AC MLA D Korungthang and Commerce secretary of Ministry of Commerce and Industry Rita Teaotia as president and guests of honour respectively.

Gaikhangam said this building should be used as effectively as possible with lots of activities going around as it has been constructed not only for a few people but for all.

He observed that Namphalong, the market on the other side of the international border is not a very big or very good market place however the people there are able to take full benefit of it.

Elaborating that the border trade was opened only to enhance trade and benefits of the people on both sides of the border, he lamented in the present scenario, the people on this side of the border is lacking much behind when compared to the other side.

We are mostly draining out our resources, he said observing that we should in fact be able to draw resources as well for which we need to officialise all trades.

Emphasising on the fame of the border town among those who visit the State, Gaikhangam said people come to Manipur with the desire to reach Moreh during their visit.

Moreh has today become an important place not only for the State but for the entire country, he said appealing to the people further to work towards making the place more attractive and be the trading hub it should be.

The North Eastern States including Manipur were once considered liabilities to the country, but now the Indian government has realised the potential of Manipur and that it is a great asset to the nation.

With the coming of the look east policy, India is ready to provide any kind of assistance or help to Manipur and the other NE States, he said, urging the people to grab the opportunity.

Both the State and the Centre are trying to develop Moreh, but there are still many obstacles hindering the process, he observed.

For any development we need space, and if there is no space at all, how are we going to take up the work, he asked?

He said if there was enough land or space, the market inaugurated wouldn’t have been multi-storied.

There are several disadvantages of a multi-storey building, he said observing “We need land banks, this is only the beginning.”

Manipur will be shining in the near future and for all that we need to start preparing from now, Gaikhangam said.

Rita Teaotia said the significance of Moreh in India’s trade scene as the single significant point of contact with Myanmar through land route is going to increase from December onwards.

“I am sure this is the demand of the government of Manipur as well as the people of Manipur as well as the logic of the historical trade that we have had with Myanmar through Moreh,” she said.

But as we enter into increasing the volumes of trade, the formalization of the trade, from next month we have to be ready for the challenges, she said.

She said one of the most important challenges is to have the infrastructure to facilitate trade between Myanmar and Moreh.

This multi storey shopping complex is one of the important elements to that trade, she said.

The reason for Government of India to fund these projects under ASIDE scheme is to create the necessary infrastructure to allow traders to carry on effectively, efficiently and economically the trade between two countries, she informed.

“I hope that this complex will provide the basis for the local trading community as well as the communities from entire Manipur to display the goods for purchase by the Myanmar traders and industries,” she added.

Minister Govindas speaking at the function informed that there are 82 shops, conference hall with 50 people seating capacity, car parking at the basement, food court, VIP suites and rooms for the caretakers in this multi storey market complex.

It was constructed with a cost of around Rs 21.71 crore, he said.

IO deposes in inquiry over Robinhood’s killing

IMPHAL, November 25: Investigation Officer of the high-profile case registered in connection with the death of Sapam Robinhood, 16 son of S Romesh Singh of Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai, who was

IMPHAL, November 25: Investigation Officer of the high-profile case registered in connection with the death of Sapam Robinhood, 16 son of S Romesh Singh of Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai, who was killed in police action during a protest demonstration staged demanding introduction of Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) in the State, deposed before the Inquiry Commission constituted by the government.

This was informed by L Hemchand Singh, president of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed against the killing of Robinhood who was studying at Ananda Singh Higher Secondary School, to this daily today.

He said that the Investigation Officer of Porompat Police Station, Imphal East deposed before the government constituted Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice M Binoykumar Singh on November 23.

He is the IO of the suo-moto case registered with the Porompat Police Station in connection with Robinhood’s killing, the JAC president elaborated.

Though the Commission claimed that a learned counsel was informed about the IO’s deposition, representatives of the JAC have not able to take part in the deposition due to miscommunication with the counsel, he continued.

A total of 12 affidavits including from the six police personnel, who are facing suspension over involvement in the killing, had been submitted to the Commission.

Deposition of the IO before the Commission was held based on the affidavit submitted by him.

The JAC had urged Director General of Police (DGP) to register a fresh case as sections related to the Robinhood’s killing were not included into the suo-moto case registered by the police.

However, no response was given by the DGP to the JAC despite passing four months, compelling to file a writ petition in the High Court of Manipur.

Mention may be made that Sapam Robinhood was killed in police action on July 8 around 1.20 pm in a place around 2 km away from Porompat Police Station.

The suo-moto case was registered by the police under FIR No 205 (7) 2015 PRT PS U/S 147/148/149/353 IPC and 7 Criminal Law Amendment Act.

Following uproar from many sections of the public over the killing of the student, a State Cabinet meeting had decided to institute a judicial inquiry into the killing.

As per an order issued by the Principal Secretary (Home), Government of Manipur on November 17 last, the time for submission of report by the Commission to the government was extended by three months starting from October 25 last.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/io-deposes-in-inquiry-over-robinhoods-killing/

Red Carpet rolled out for Syam Sharma at IFFI

GOA, November 25: Celebrated Manipuri filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma, who is also the Chairman of the Feature Jury of the Indian Panorama section, received a “Red Carpet” reception while coming

GOA, November 25: Celebrated Manipuri filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma, who is also the Chairman of the Feature Jury of the Indian Panorama section, received a “Red Carpet” reception while coming to attend the screening of the “Imagi Ningthem” at the Maquinez Palace theatre, INOX, Goa on Monday last.

The film was being screened as a part of IFFI’s Focus on North East Cinema presently going on at Panjim, Goa.

Sharma was accompanied by renowned veteran actor of Manipur Yengkhom Roma, Ksh. Rashi and T. Leikhendra Singh, who acted as a child artiste in “Imagi Ningthem”.

“I am delighted and feel honoured. It is a long journey from 1972 onwards to this stage,” said Syam Sharma while addressing the audience.

Earlier on the day, during the interactive session of the Open Forum floated by the Federation of Film Societies of India, Syam Sharma spoke about what really makes an Indian director.

“Are Indian film only the films made in Hindi or Bollywood? What is after all an Indian Film?”, said Syam Sharma. Sharma continued, “When I represent the country in many international film festivals, I am called an Indian Filmmaker, but here in India I am called a Regional Filmmaker. Sometimes we get offended.” “We are small but seriously and honestly film makers.”

IFFI’s Focus on North East cinema includes fourteen of Syam Sharma’s restrospective films and other films of seven new directors from the north east region.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/red-carpet-rolled-out-for-syam-sharma-at-iffi/

Hotels in Moreh turning into liquor shops

IMPHAL, November 25: Almost all hotels in the border town of Moreh which is one of the main centres of the Indo-Myanmar Border Trade have been visibly reduced to Indian

IMPHAL, November 25: Almost all hotels in the border town of Moreh which is one of the main centres of the Indo-Myanmar Border Trade have been visibly reduced to Indian Made Foreign Liquor shops.

What is interesting is that Manipur was official declared to be a “Dry State” since 1991 when (L) RK Ranbir was the Chief Minister of the State and ever since than all sale of IMFL and local liquor have been banned in the State.

However, it may be mentioned that the Chief Minister had even acknowledged during the Winter Session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly earlier this year that despite the dry State status of the State, liquor is available and consumed in almost all parts of the State including in the interior areas. Other members of the House had also expressed that the State exchequer could gain more revenue if liquor brewed in the State are exported outside.

Even then the Dry State status has never been lifted from the State till date.

However, Foreign Made Liquor as well as Indian Made Foreign Liquor are not only easily available in most hotels in the Moreh border town but are also fully displayed in front of the hotels.

Liquor bottles are also easily available in the makeshift roadside stalls.

It may be mentioned that all these are happening even in the presence of Manipur Police led by an Additional SP and SDPO and a post of the Excise Department in the border town.

The liquor business in the border town is continuing without any fear of the State authorities deployed in the town.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/hotels-in-moreh-turning-into-liquor-shops/

Food stall ousted from Sangai Festival for selling sub-standard items

IMPHAL, November 25: A team of the Food Safety checking food stalls at the Manipur Sangai Festival today expelled a stall for selling below-standard food items. The team consisting of

IMPHAL, November 25: A team of the Food Safety checking food stalls at the Manipur Sangai Festival today expelled a stall for selling below-standard food items.

The team consisting of 10 officials was set up under the aegis of the State Health department with the aim to ensure that the stalls maintain proper hygiene in their cooking and service.

Speaking to media persons, the in-charge of the team Th Sunilkumar Singh said that the team under his supervision is conducting regular and routine inspections of the food stalls.

He said that the Sangai Festival is one of the biggest festivals of the State drawing not just domestic but foreign visitors as well and the stalls need to maintain proper hygiene in their service.

He said we will continue to conduct the inspection till the end of the festival.

During an inspection round of the stalls today, the team also distributed food gloves, caps, and rendered awareness on food hygiene to the stall owners and chefs.

Compared to the previous editions, the Sangai Festival 2015 has less food stalls numbering just 63 which are all registered and allotted the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) certificates, Sunil said.

BNHS announces Sálim Ali Bird Count Results

Sálim Ali Bird Count records 15,638 observations, One Critically Endangered and four Endangered species spotted across India MUMBAI, November 25: Sálim Ali Bird Count, an initiative recently re-launched by BNHS-India

Sálim Ali Bird Count records 15,638 observations, One Critically Endangered and four Endangered species spotted across India

Photo: Asif N Khan

MUMBAI, November 25: Sálim Ali Bird Count, an initiative recently re-launched by BNHS-India in association with Bird Count India, was successful, with active participation by people from across India. The activity was conducted on 15^th November, to commemorate the birth anniversary (12^th September) of Late Dr Sálim Ali. Enthusiastic bird watchers uploaded their observations on the eBird website. A total of 15,638 observations were recorded by over 280 people from 22 states covering a total of 514 species during the day. The observations were collated from 549 lists, since each individual was required to prepare different lists for different locations covered.

Highlights of the bird count

Among the various lists, 383 were unique lists, since they were uploaded by single individuals; whereas the rest had multiple contributors in each list. A total effort of 805 person-hours was utilized in bird watching. Since early morning is the best time for birding, maximum number of people (284) ventured out in the early hours between 6.00 am to 9.00 am, with the enthusiasm holding strong till noon when 104 people continued their bird watching. Though evenings are also said to be good for bird watching, enthusiasm faded through the day with only 73 bird watchers participating in the count during the fag end of the day.

Photo: Asif N Khan

Out of the 514 species of birds spotted during the bird count, 30 species were from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Birds 2015. White-rumped Vulture was the only bird spotted from the ‘Critically Endangered’ category, whereas four birds from the ‘Endangered’ category were spotted, viz. Black-bellied Tern, Egyptian Vulture, Great Knot and Steppe Eagle. The latter two were recently uplisted (increase in threat level) to ‘Endangered’ category from ‘Vulnerable’ and ‘Least Concerned’ respectively.

Commenting on this initiative, Dr Deepak Apte, Director, BNHS said, “Sálim Ali Bird Count is one initiative which connects every common man walking on the street to the world of birds. This presents an opportunity to not only involve common people in bird watching, but also make them ambassadors for bird watching. We are very happy to revive Sálim Ali Bird Count and aim to scale it up further on the pan-India level through our existing network.”

State-wise break up

Birders from 22 states covering 99 districts of India participated in the count. Maharashtra ranked first with a total of 123 lists, followed by Kerala with 59 lists and Karnataka and Tamil Nadu with 40 lists each. The observations were divided across four regions in order to understand the region-wise distribution. The table below documents the number of lists uploaded from various states in the different regions.

Dr. Raju Kasambe, IBA Programme Manager, BNHS-India, said “Indian ornithology needs help of each and every bird watcher based in the remotest locations of the country. If everyone contributes their observations on citizen science forums like eBird, in coming years we will have good understanding about the temporal and spatial distribution of birds found in India. Slowly, we will get an idea of the impact of climate change and other factors on the birds in India. So, we request every bird watcher to encourage bird watching among the general public and share data for the benefit of science”. The count will now be organized every year on the Sunday succeeding 12^th September to encourage bird watching and spread awareness.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/bnhs-announces-salim-ali-bird-count-results/

Manipur post poll violence: Eight injured – thenortheasttoday.com

thenortheasttoday.com

Manipur post poll violence: Eight injured
thenortheasttoday.com
IMPHAL: At least eight casualties at Khongman, Manipur were accounted when some gunmen opened fire in the course of a post poll violence at around 3:30 pm. Subsequently, an office of a private firm and a house of the firm’s proprietor were set blaze by …
Eight Injured in Post Poll Violence in ManipurNorthEast Today

all 3 news articles »

thenortheasttoday.com

Manipur post poll violence: Eight injured
thenortheasttoday.com
IMPHAL: At least eight casualties at Khongman, Manipur were accounted when some gunmen opened fire in the course of a post poll violence at around 3:30 pm. Subsequently, an office of a private firm and a house of the firm's proprietor were set blaze by …
Eight Injured in Post Poll Violence in ManipurNorthEast Today

all 3 news articles »

MANIPUR REACHES CRISIS POINT, … CHANDRANI BANERJEE – Google (press release)

MANIPUR REACHES CRISIS POINT, … CHANDRANI BANERJEE
Google (press release)
NEW DELHI/IMPHAL: Manipur, where the hill tribals have been protesting for 75 days against three controversial land bills, is boiling with anger. In a new development the tribal groups Joint Action Committee has decided to give a “respectful” funeral …

and more »

MANIPUR REACHES CRISIS POINT, – The Citizen

MANIPUR REACHES CRISIS POINT,
The Citizen
NEW DELHI/IMPHAL: Manipur, where the hill tribals have been protesting for 75 days against three controversial land bills, is boiling with anger. In a new development the tribal groups Joint Action Committee has decided to give a “respectful” funeral …

and more »

OMG Manipur! – Moneycontrol.com

Moneycontrol.com

OMG Manipur!
Moneycontrol.com
Another thing that makes Manipur unique is the” Ima Keithel” which means Mother’s Market in Manipuri. It’s the only market in the world where all the stalls are run just by the women. This humungous market is operated by around 3500 women and is more …

Moneycontrol.com

OMG Manipur!
Moneycontrol.com
Another thing that makes Manipur unique is the” Ima Keithel” which means Mother's Market in Manipuri. It's the only market in the world where all the stalls are run just by the women. This humungous market is operated by around 3500 women and is more …

Manipur Bills, Indefinite Protest Touches 21 Days – NorthEast Today

NorthEast Today

Manipur Bills, Indefinite Protest Touches 21 Days
NorthEast Today
Beginning from November 4, tribals from Manipur who are residing in Delhi have been gathering at Jantar Mantar every evening to pay homage to the ‘martyrs’ and stand in solidarity against the three Bills passed in the Manipur Assembly on August 31.

and more »

NorthEast Today

Manipur Bills, Indefinite Protest Touches 21 Days
NorthEast Today
Beginning from November 4, tribals from Manipur who are residing in Delhi have been gathering at Jantar Mantar every evening to pay homage to the 'martyrs' and stand in solidarity against the three Bills passed in the Manipur Assembly on August 31.

and more »