Day: September 30, 2017

IMPHAL | Sept 30

All Manipur Building and Others Construction Workers Welfare Union claimed that some organisations gave false allegation to the Manipur Building Constructions Welfare Board (MBCWB) chairperson and cashier.

Speaking to media persons the union’s spokesperson, M. Sunita said that it has been only four months the S. Preshyojit was appointed as the chairperson of MBCWB and dirty politics has been playing in the labour department since the department was established so blaming him for the unwanted action of the department will be very wrong.

She said a shelter home of the department was constructed at Chingmeirong Khonangani Karak but found out that the land document belong to an individual.

Such action is the dirty work of some employees of the department and some members of the board, she added.

Moreover, the welfare benefits of the labour for the year 2013 till 2016 is still not made available to the labourers, continued the spokesperson.

Earlier labour card was not made in the office and files and records were not proper maintained but since Preshyojit was appointed as the new chairperson labour card is made in the office and started maintaining proper record and is working to computerise the records and files, added Sunita.

Moreover, the new chairperson is working very hard to release the four years pending welfare benefits of labour within three months and to make the labour department a transparency department, continued the spokesperson.

IMPHAL | Sept 30

The 121st birth anniversary of Jananeta Hijam Irawat was observed at Manipur University campus organised by Irawat Celebration Committee Manipur University.

Floral tributes were paid at the statute of the eminent leader installed in front of Manipur University library. Patriotic songs were played during the function. Students paid red salute with raised fist to the pioneer.

Speaking on the occasion, minister L. Jayantakumar Singh disclosed the government decision to dedicate the land next to Manipur State Assembly Complex in honour of freedom fighter and social activist Jananeta Hijam Irawat Singh and named as “Irawat Square”.

He further expressed his disappointment over the fact that few political parties and social organisations has expressed Jananeta Hijam Irawat as their own within their narrow framework and requested the media to convey the wishes of the current government to keep Jananeta Hijam Irawat as a State Icon above every social and political based division.

Minister L. Sushindro Meitei said that Lamyanba Hiajm Irawat is not only a leader of single political party but was the leader of Manipur. He urged the people of Manipur to support the government in their efforts for the installation of the statue of Jananeta Hijam Irawat at plot located opposite to Manipur Legislative Assembly complex. Government is also trying at the maximum level to make aware about Hijam Irawat Singh to the students community, he added.

The observance function was also attended by dean of Social Sciences MU, ProfN. Lokendra Singh, dean, School of Humanities, Manipur University, ProfM.  Mani Meitei, dean, School of Human and Environmental Sciences, Prof Arunkumar, Librarian Manipur University Prof Th. Madhuri Devi, dean of Students Welfare, Manipur University, Prof Kh. Tomba Singh and director of MIMS and CESD Manipur University, Prof Ch. Ibohal Meitei as chief guest, president and guests of honour, respectively among others.

From A Correspondent

BISHNUPUR | Sept 30

As part of the weeklong 62nd wildlife celebration of the state forest department, a bird watching trip in and around Loktak lake for young students from Bishnupur besides Manipur University students was held at Thingungei Patton, about 40 km south of Imphal today.

Divisional forest officer (DFO) L. Debala of Bishnupur district flagged off the bird watching team in presence of state’s bird experts K. Jugeshore who is the principal of Kumbi college, Mangolnganbi college lecturer RK. Birjit who is also managing trustee of Center for Conservation of Nature and Cultivation of Science (CCNCS), Zoology lecturer Ch. Sony of Moirang college and CCNCS functionaries.

The bird watching teams which include around 30 students including students from Manipur University’s environment science department, moved out in five groups using twelve local boats from Thingungei shoreline towards the main lake area for about two hours during the day’s trip before returning back at the starting point to share their feedbacks.

Speaking to reporters on the sideline of the day’s event, DFO Debala said that the main objective of organising such an event is to spread the awareness and importance of birds to the students and public. The department’s major objective is for the conservation of water birds and migratory birds in and around Loktak for a better biodiversity in the region, she added.

There are reports of sudden decline of the population of the migratory birds at the Loktak Lake due to implementation of new techniques of fishing in the lake. Some of the important migratory water birds failed to turn up last year, may be because of it, a bird lover opined.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 30 

Endorsing the pioneering work of Jananeta Hijam Irawat, commissioner (Works, IPR, CAF & PD) Kangjam Radhakumar said the literary works of the legendary leader both published and unpublished are worthy of academic research by students of literature.    

In his speech as chief guest, at the 121st birth anniversary of Hijam Irawat at Manipur Dramatic Hall, Yaiskul Police Lane here today, organised by Jananeta Hijam Irawat Birthday Celebration committee, Radhakumar, commissioner (Works, IPR, CAF & PD), government of Manipur said he fully endorses Irawat as a pioneer of modern Manipur literature as shown by his numerous works comprising of poetry, prose, drama, travelogue and translation.

In his welcome address, Sarat Salam, secretary of CPI(M) Manipur maintained that Jananeta Hijam Irawat Birthday Celebration Committee which was formed long years back has been pioneering in organising the birth anniversary of Irawat. The present day mass celebration throughout the state by other organisations has been a credit of the committee, he added.

Santa Kshetrimayum, convener, Jananeta Hijam Irawat Birthday Celebration Committee, in his key note address, said that amongst the many facets of Hijam Irawat, his love for theatre was well illustrated by his participation in theatres and also by being one of the founders of Manipur Dramatic Union.

The logo of the union as seen till today as two ploughs crossing each other was also designed by Irawat himself, Santa pointed out.

Member of the presidium, Khumanthem Debabrata Singh, managing director, Cane & Bamboo Allied Industries, Imphal delivered lectures on the economic reforms and political idealism of Hijam Irawat.

The celebration function was also attended by  Meitram Shamu, chairman, Jananeta Hijam Irawat Birthday Celebration Committee, Manihar Goswami, working president, JD(S) Manipur, Akham Khergopal Singh, president, Manipur Dramatic Union, Khomdram Gyaneswor, Secretary, AIFB, Manipur, Ningthoujam Ratan, Secretary, RSP, Manipur, Sapam Samungou Singh, CPI(ML) Liberation, Manipur, Kangjam Chaoba Singh, president, Manipur Library Association, Nongmaithem Thoiba, vice president, Manipur Loumee Marup and Maibam Randhoni, president, All Manipur Democratic Women Association as presidium members.

Earlier floral tributes were paid to the portrait of Jananeta Hijam Irawat as mark of respect to the leader.

The function was concluded with songs of Irawat sung by Takhellambam Dinamani and Thounaojam Maloti and a play entitled ‘Lamyanba Irawat’ played by artistes of Manipur Dramatic Union.

IMPHAL | Sept 30

Students and working people from North East people residing in Delhi today celebrated the 121st birth anniversary of great revolutionary leader Hijam Irawat at North Campus, Delhi University today.

A release said that the programme organised by North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) saw huge participation of students from various colleges of Delhi University and added that the programme saw rendition of revolutionary songs remembering Hijam Irawat, discussion on his revolutionary ideas and other cultural activities.

It said that discussion was organised on the topic ‘Revolutionary legacy of Hijam Irawat and its relevance in our time’ which saw active participation of students, activists and independent researchers.

During the discussion Irawat’s intensive work towards building a truly democratic, progressive people’s movement in the region, and his revolutionary views on the question of creating a just society where different communities coexist with mutual respect for each other were emphasized, it added.

Further it said that the programme highlighted the necessity of Irawat’s ideas amid the present state of discord between different communities and added that Irawat stood for unity among different oppressed communities as a necessary step for people to liberate themselves.

At this crucial juncture, NEFIS took it as a duty to highlight Irawat’s vision to build democratic people’s movements that goes beyond the façade of representative democracy apparatus by exposing all forms of exploitation, oppression and subjugation faced by the toiling masses of the Northeast, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 30

Secretary of Manipur State Council, CPI, N. Nara said Irawat was not only a patriot for the state but also an internationalist. He was speaking at the 121th birth anniversary celebration of the leader today at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound.

Nara said Irawat possessed a rare quality of leadership with intelligence and full of sacrifice. The day is celebrated in many parts including Assam, Tripura and Bangladesh. In the next few years it will also be celebrated at Mandalay as the place has also connections with the life of Irawat.

He said Irawat was a man, who thinks for the welfare of the society.

Nara said, at the time when Manipur was not annexed many wanted to form Purvanchal Pradesh by combining Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and other states of North-east by making Silchar as capital.

But Manipur being an independent kingdom, Irawat opposed the proposal. According to the condition of that government and to solve the problems, Irawat joined CPI, he added.

Irawat organised a public meeting at Manipur Dramatic Union, and to prevent the meeting police resorted to lathi charge, resulting in the death of some people.

From that moment Irawat worked for the welfare of Manipur from hiding, Nara said. Irawat sacrificed his life fighting against the formation of Purvanchal Pradesh and he succeeded.

Nara further said Irawat was an undisputed leader of the state and he wanted to bring equality among people of different class to bring development.

People had lost faith in the present political leaders due to party hopping. To bring good and welfare in the society the political leaders need to be stable, Nara asserted.

As a part of the programme Thiyam Meghachandra Journalist Award was given to editor, Impact TV, Yumnam Rupachandra, Thokchom Achouba Integrity Award to social activist, Amu Kamei, Hijam Achou Shinmee Award to Soibam Ningthem, Nongthombam Iboton Teacher Award to Geeta Phanjoubam, Laishram Ramsing Trade Union Award to Sairem Manglem, Kshetrimayum Ibobi Blood Donor Award to R.K. Dayananda and Khangjrakpam Mani Driver Award to Thoudam Nonganjao Meetei.

The awards include a citation, shawl and cash.

Social activist, Amu Kamei said it is glad to see people from different places of the state to join the function. But he expressed unahppiness at the absence of contingents from the hills. “If there is no unity among the people, development of Manipur is impossible,” he said.

India is a democratic country but political parties sometimes forget the meaning of democracy during election, Amu said, in a democractic system people are the king but on the contrary MLAs and ministers are the king in the state. After being elected the leaders denied the rights of the people and indulged in corruption, he alleged.

Veteran CPI leader, M. Ibohal, chairman of Irawat Celebration Committee (ICC), Th. Tomba, chairman, control commission, MSC/CPI, B. Sharma, patron member, All Manipur Nupi Marup, Yambem Ibeni, veteran leader, All Manipur Nupi Marup, Th. Bhanumati and others attended the function as presidium members.

People paid floral tributes to the portrait of Irawat at the Leela Shanglen.

A state march past completion was held at Palace Compound. It was organised by All India Students’ Federation (AISF), Manipur State Council. Forty-two contingents participated in the competition.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 30

Parliamentary secretary home, L. Sushindro said if all the people of the state follow the ideology of Hijam Irawat there will be a unity among all the people of the state regardless of their community or religion. 

He was addressing as chief guest during the observance of “121st Birth Anniversary of Lamyanba Irawat” today at Keishampat Lairembi community hall, Imphal organised by Socialist Students Union of Manipur, Manipur Proletariat Peoples’ Democratic Union and Struggle Committee Manipur.

As a part of the function awards were given to five journalists and one media house of the state for their dedication to their work.

The people’s choice editor award was given to Hueiyen Lanpao editor, Hemantakumar Ningomba, people’s choice newspaper award to Sanaleibak, investigative journalist award to Imphal Free Press, senior reporter, Paojel Chaoba, reporter award to ISTV video journalist U. Indraraj, people’s choice special category award to Hueiyen Lanpao, reporter, Gyanand Naorem and sports journalist award to Poknapham, reporter H. Sadananda.

Sushindro said that next year the birth anniversary of Hijam Irawat will be conducted at the state level.

“The present government is following his ideology of serving the people with dedication, works for the welfare of the public and bringing emotional integrity among the people of hills and valley,” he added.

Mentioning that the Night Plaza, which is to be open very shortly will be a great venue for recreation and relaxation Sushindro said that it will be very wrong to give negative comment about Night Plaza.

There cannot be total ban on liquor in the state as some tribes and caste have to brew it for their traditional practice but if misused he or she will be punished according to law, added the parliamentary secretary.

He appealed to all the civil bodies and people of the state to be united to bring a “better Manipur” and he said that the government needs supports from the public in bringing a great development in the state.  

The function was attended by MPPDU president, N. Meghachandra as president, MYCY president, Th. Kunjamani, Keishampat Keisham Leikai Meira Paibe president, Keisham Paramoi and Imphal Public School, founder principal, A. Kenedy as guests of honour.

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | Sept 30

Expressing concern over the increasing incidents of sexual harassment and trafficking of women, governor Najma Heptulla said empowering women with a view to emergence of a new society where there is gender equity, peace and justice would help in resolving the problems. 

Heptulla was speaking as chief guest in the 2nd Manipur Catholic Women Convention, organised by Manipur Catholic Women Organisation (MCWO), which begin today at Christ Jyoti School, Mantripukhri, Imphal under the theme “Women in the family, church and society.”  The convention will conclude on October 3.

Continuing her speech, Heptulla said there is no religion higher than truth and we should work towards universal brotherhood. The theme, “Women in family, church & society”, under which the convention is being held, is remarkable, she said, and congratulated the Manipur Catholic Women Organisation for organizing such an event.

Wishing a grand success of the event, Heptulla expressed her desire to have a copy of resolutions passed during the convention and also said that she would extend all possible help.

Speaking on the inaugural function, Archbishop of Imphal, Rev. Dominic Lumon D.D. said, the presence of the governor at the function shows the concrete love and appreciation for MCWO and the women of Manipur. It will surely boost their thoughts, he added.

He said, women are honoured and have dignity in Manipur. Education is the key to justice and development. It helps us related to one another he added.

Reverend wished the celebration honours womanhood. Ts. Shelvi Monsang, President, MCWO was also present at the function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 30

Altogether eight girls including some minors from Churachandpur district who were trafficked to Yangon have been rescued and brought back to the state today.

The girls were rescued from Yangon and brought back to Kolkata yesterday.

The rescued girls were brought to Imphal by officials of social welfare department, child line Bishnupur and district administration (DC) Churachandpur this afternoon around 2 pm.

From the airport the girls were taken to Churachandpur by a team of the DC and superintendent of police of the concerned district after they were formally handed over by the officials of the social welfare department at the airport.

Speaking to IFP, the Churachandpur DC, disclosed that the girls were rescued by Impulse NGO with the help of Myanmar police during a raid from a hostel in Yangon a week back.

He said the girls will be handed over to their families or given rehabilitation after necessary formalities are carried out.

According to state pogramme officer (SPO)-integrated child protection scheme (ICPS), Sandhya, one of the officials who escorted back the rescued girls from Kolkata, said the girls were brought back to Kolkata yesterday by a team of Impulse NGO with the help of Myanmar embassy and kept at Manipur Bhawan Kolkata.

Nothing could be ascertained about the movements of the girls at the moment as they apparently are confused, said the social welfare officer adding that proper counseling would be given.

Nevertheless, citing preliminary reports she revealed that most of the girls were to be taken to Singapore to be engaged as house maids.

She lauded the Impulse NGO and Myanmar government in making the rescue operation and return journey of the girls successful. And, also the home department Manipur and Churachandpur DC for their strong support.

It is learnt that the Chuarachandpur district administration sent the assistant commissioner (AC) to assist in the operation to bring back the girls in the state.

Shandya further informed that all necessary rehabilitation or other requirements will be initiated by the child welfare committee (ICPS) Churachandpur.

Child line Bishnupur, director L. Pishak, citing the increasing rate of trafficking cases in the entire NE region particularly Manipur drew the attention of the government to beef up security after and take tough stand on human trafficking.

He said many of the trafficking cases remained unreported and that there are children out there waiting to be rescued.

The child line director further observed that inability of the government concerned to give befitting punishment to human traffickers is also another factor resulting in failure to curb the growing human trafficking cases.

From Our Correspondent

CCPUR | Sept 30

 Lamyanba Hijam Irawat Ningshing Numit was observed today at the office of Churachandpur United Club Organisations (CUCO) Tuibong, B. Vengnom organised by CUCO and Ladies United  Development Organization (LUDO).

The programme was attended by the president of the COCU, S. Kulla Mangan as functional president, the president of LUDO, Y. Anandini Devi, secretary, LUDO, Nengjalam, organisation secretary, CUCO, Ngamzathang Khongsai and secretary, CUCO, Dousei Vaiphei attended as guests of honours.

A two minute silence in remembrance of the leader was held at the gathering. During the observation, the members present held a mass cleanliness drive at the roadside of KBC Church at village approach road of B. Vengnom.

President of COCU talked about the cosmopolitan ideology of the late leader, his sympathy for the down trodden and his fight for the unity of all community and his struggles, arrest and the imprisonment for the 7 time for the cause he believed.

President of LUDO also echoed the speech of Kulla Mangan and thanked her fellow ladies from LUDO and others from CUCO who gathered today and took part in the cleanliness drive.