Day: November 16, 2017

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Socialist Students’ Union of Manipur and Manipur Proletariat Peoples’ Democratic Union staged fast-unto death protest as a part of agitation demanding to the government to take up necessaries action to amend the Article 3 of the Indian Constitution and to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state.

The protest kicked off today’s afternoon at the office of SSUM at Keishampat and as first batch SSUM convenor, publicity and propaganda, N. Tanoranjan and MPPDU president, Nameirakpam Meghachandra staged the protest.

Speaking to media persons, Tanoranjan said that they have taken up such agitation as the government remains deaf to their demands.

Till today the government has not taken up any measures and initiative to safeguard the indigenous people of the state and action to punish the people who are involved in misusing the PDS items, he added.

The convenor charged that the government focus only on infrastructure development but has not taken up any action for the welfare of the indigenous people of the state.

He warned to take up severe forms of agitation if the government still fails to give positive response to their demands.

Tanoranjan appealed to all the people of the state, civil bodies and students bodies to support them in their agitation to safeguard the state integrity and indigenous people of the state.

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Maoist Communist Party said the people of Manipur are fully determined to start the agitations to save the indigenous people from November 18 onwards and continue till it becomes fruitful. 

On the other hand, the president of India will be attending the Sangai Festival on November 21 while the agitations are on its full swing; the people ought to clearly express the magnitude of the agitations on the said date and show that the State is made up by full of brave and courageous people, said a release signed by Coordinator, Standing Committee, Kyonghan Mangang.    

The people of Manipur will begin the agitations from 5 am in the morning of November 18 by ceasing all forms of work and official duties to undergo the agitations, it said. Ceasing all forms of personal work, mainly driving vehicles, going to work places, opening of markets and vendors, offices, schools, colleges, and all other market places are requested to shut down, it continued. Only the hospitals and media related works, emergency services and matters related to faith will be relaxed, it added. 

For how many days or weeks the movement will continue shall depend on the agitations of the people, it further said. It will not stop as long as people cease their work and move forward with the agitations or until a solution is worked out for the people, it continued. 

The main purpose of the agitations that will begin on November 18 is to save the indigenous people of Manipur who are on the verge of becoming a minority group in their own land, becoming less in numbers as compared to the massive influx of non locals that are coming in like a flood, it said. To fight for the rights of the people is also the purpose of the agitation, it added.

The party also appeal the people of Manipur to stand together as one, it said. The movement is not for Maoist but for the people, it said adding the people must raise their voice for whatever they think is worthy. For example, those who consider the demand of ST is worthy can join in the agitations by holding up banners or the residents of Thoubal who considers number of MPs for Thoubal should be increased, can also take part by holding their own banners, it continued. However, the agitations should be in harmony with the goal of saving the indigenous people and their land, and for the rights of the people, it added.  

The movement will be personally led by president, MAFYF Sapamcha Kangliepal and after his self immolation on November 25, the agitations will be handed over to the public, it continued.    

The party welcomes the requests and advices given to change Sapamcha’s decision for self immolation, it said. However, the decisions will be taken as per the strength of the agitations, it added.  Sapamcha may change his decision if the agitations reach a stage where the people of the world start appreciating the strength of the people’s movement, it continued. Otherwise, there will be no change in his resolution to fire up the agitations if it shows signs being defeated from reaching its goals, the release further continued.  

The success or the failure of the movement now depends on the hands of the people, it said. Maoists are ready to sacrifice everything to the public, and request the people to join in without hesitating to sacrifice all and struggle together, it added.

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Minister of commerce and industries Thongam Biswajit Singh invited investors from across the country to visit and invest in Manipur, terming the state the gateway of India to southeast Asia, said a release from DIPR.

The minister was speaking at the twelfth northeast business summit which was inaugurated in New Delhi today. Themed ‘transforming northeast: the engine for India’s growth’, the two-day summit is organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Manipur is the state partner for the event.

Speaking at the inauguration, union minister of state (independent charge) for development of north eastern region (DoNER) Jitendra Singh said that while developed states such as Gujarat and Maharashtra have achieved their maximum potential, northeast has a lot of unexplored potential which will contribute to the making of ‘new India’ and meeting the aspirations of the youth, who make 70 percent of the Indian population.

Biswajit said Manipur will provide good investment opportunities in various industries because railway connectivity is reaching Imphal by 2019 and the trans-asian highways is expected to connect the ASEAN countries. Look East and Act East policies will connect the northeast states to the southeast Asian countries and boost the economy and relationships in the region, he said.

The state has recently developed four industrial estates in Imphal West, Imphal East, Toubal and Bishnupur districts, with five more in other districts in the pipeline, Biswajit added. The thrust areas of industrial activities in the state would be food-based agro-horti industries, medicinal and herbal aromatic plant industries, bamboo and bamboo products processing industries, coffee, tea and rubber plantations, spices processing and mineral based industries, he continued.

Manipur also has huge potential in the tourism sector, he said citing its natural beauty including the Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao. He continued that people of Manipur are specialised in hospitality and tourism and the state has many English-speaking youth.

Stressing that more than 2000 patients came to Manipur for medical tourism from Myanmar and other neighbouring countries last year, he said the state can also initiate medical tourism.

He invited the investors attending the event to also visit the Manipur Sangai festival and the business development summit both of which begin on November 21.

Union minister Jitendra Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi accords high priority to the peripheral states. If one region of the country is underdeveloped, the country cannot be developed, he said

He also suggested that the thriving business sector of bamboo should be taken out of the purview of the forest sector and every district should have a post office and passport kendra for facilitating business in the region. A northeast industrial promotion policy is also in the pipeline, he added.

DoNER ministry is exploring the introduction of a helicopter-based dispensary or OPD service in remote areas where no doctor or medical facility is available, he said, adding that the first such experiment will be done in Imphal and Shillong.

The event was also attended by Mizoram Governor Lt. Gen. Nirbhay Sharma,  DoNER secretary Naveen Verma,  ministry of external affairs secretary (east) Preeti Saran,  union government’s principal scientific advisor R Chidambaram,  ICC northeast regional committee and tea board chairman PK Bezboruah, additional chief secretary at Assam government’s department of industries and commerce Ravi Capoor, IRS Secretary IWAI Shashi Bhushan Shukla, ICC President Shashwat Goenka and ICC Director General Rajeev Singh, the release added.

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Chief minister, N. Biren Singh today visited Hapta Kangjeibung and Lamboi Khongnangkhong venues to oversee the arrangements for the upcoming 10 day long Manipur Sangai Festival 2017 which is beginning from November 21.

The chief minister inspected the progress of the groundwork at Hapta Kangjeibung, BOAT, Keishampat to Airport road and construction works at Trade and Permanent Exhibition Centre at Lamboi Khongnangkhong, Imphal West.

He directed the officials of various officials to expedite preparations for successful conduct of the festival and further instructed the officials of Environment, PWD and Forest Department to make Imphal Clean and Green during the festival.

Biren further asked the officials to work day and night and deploy adequate number of machinery and work-force to complete various works before the festival.

During the inspection, the CM was accompanied by MP Rajya Sabha, Ksh. Bhabananda Singh, minister for Forest and Environment, Th. Shyamkumar, MLA and chairman of Tourism Corporation Manipur Limited, Sapam Ranjan, principal secretary of Tourism, P.K Singh, special secretary of Tourism, R. Sudhan.

It may be mentioned that the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the 8th Manipur Sangai Festival 2017. The Curtain Raiser of the festival will be inaugurated by chief Mmnister, N. Biren Singh at Keibul Lamjao on November 19.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution minister, Karam Shyam said that media plays the important role of a mediator between the government and the public in bringing development.

He was delivering the chief guest speech during the observation of National Press Day cum One Day Workshop on the topic “challenges before the media” at 1st MR, Banquet Hall, Imphal organised by Department of Information and Public Relation.

The minister continued media which is regarded as the fourth estate of democracy so journalists need to be very accurate in filing their news. People who are truly serving the public should not be victimised due to inaccurate reporting, he added.

Stretching the important roles of media in making a healthy society, he said unless and until media persons are allowed to function independently, development cannot be brought in a society.

Stating that journalists of the state face more professional hazard as Manipur has myriad of conflicts when compared to other states, the minister appreciated the dedication and hard work of the media fraternity.

Shyam also asked the journalists to be more neutral and more active in reporting.

As a part of the observation Manipur State Journalist Award 2017 was awarded to eight journalists. Hueiyen Lanpao editor, Hemanta Kumar  Ningomba bagged the best editor on National Integration and Communal Harmony, Sangai Express senior reporter, Laishram Shamungou Singh for Science and Technology, Sangai Express political chief, Ahongsangbam Dilipkumar Singh  for Parliamentary Reporting, Hueiyen Lanpao reporter, Ashem Babycha for Art and Culture, Poknapham sub-editor, Daniel Chabungbam for Rural Reporting, Sangai Express reporter, Sapam Aruna  on Women and Children, Poknapham reporter, Ibomcha Yumnam for Public Health and Hygiene and Sangai Express reporter, M. Romen for Sports Reporting.

The function was attended by Information and Public Relation commissioner, K. Radhakumar Singh as president.

The workshop on the topic “Challenges before the Media” was attended by AMWJU former president, A.K. Sanaton as moderator, AMWJU member, Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, Editors Guild Manipur secretary, Yumnam Rupachandra, and Sothing Shimray, MHJU former president as resource persons.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Governor Najma Heptullah today expressed her desire to make NCC and scouts and guides programmes compulsory for students be it government or non-government schools to build self-discipline and confidence among students.

She was speaking as the chief guest at the 9th Governor Rally (Rajya Puraskar) award distribution function at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan organised by The Manipur State Bharat Scouts and Guides (MSBSG).

Recalling her memories as a guide during her school days and the benefits she got, the governor said that making it compulsory for students will be a good initiative to teach moral values to the upcoming children.

She appreciated the service rendered by the scouts and guides and acknowledged the important role played by the candidates in shaping the youths of the state. The movement is based on “duty to god, duty to others and duty to self”. She pointed out that the scout and guides method is a system of progressive self-education through “Promise and Law, Learning by Doing”.

The state governor distributed the Governor Rally award to 29 scouts and guides from different parts of the state and urged them to continue to do great service for the people, for the state and for the country.

Among them were 16 scouts and 13 guides, from Imphal East, Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Senapati districts. They were the successful participants of Rajya Purashkar testing camp held last year from May 8-13 out of 32 scouts and 29 guides at State Training Centre, Langol.

Education minister, Th. Radheshyam Singh, who also attended the programme as guest of honour, appreciated the effort of the governor in organising children centric programmes in and around Raj Bhavan and said that these efforts of the governor is well-received by the people of the state.

He advised the scouts and guides to be catalyst of change as they are more disciplined and confident. He said, “We need good leaders and good human beings” and there are great expectations from the state scouts and guides.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Former deputy chief minister, Gaikhangam today called on the people to amplify their voices urging the state government to disclose the contents of “Framework Agreement” before things get out of hands.

Gaikhangam was speaking on the sideline of a sit in protest demonstration held today at Pangei bazaar, demanding contents of “Framework Agreement”. The protest was organised by the Khundrakpam Block Congress Committee.

Branding the BJP as harbinger of trouble for Manipur, he said as another uprising worse than the June 18 is on the anvil while referring to the “Framework Agreement”.

The senior Congress MLA, urged the people, irrespective of which tribe they belong, to sent a clear message to the government that Manipur’s interest should not be affected by the “Framework Agreement” signed between the NSCN-IM and Government of India at any cost.

There will be no two opinions when it comes to resolving any problems with Naga, Kuki or Meitei militants, peacefully, he asserted.

Okram Ibobi Singh, former chief minister of Manipur, said the objective of Congress campaign is to prevent any policies that could turn detrimental for Manipur’s unity in the future.

Contending that BJP’s intention with regards to Indo-Naga peace talks has never been clear, he said Congress will not to accept any form of separate policy including financial package bypassing state administration.

Referring to “unpredictable impulse” of Narendra Modi, he cautioned the people not to take any chances to avert any unwanted consequences like that of June 18 uprising.

Ibobi also questioned whether the Rs. 320 crores package announced by chief minister N. Biren Singh for Tamenglong reflected on the state budget or the government taking the people for a ride?

The level of hypocrisy between Modi and Biren is at par, he added.

MPCC president TN. Haokip, also appealed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop instigating hatred amongst the Northeastern state.

The protest demonstration was also attended by MLA, Govindas Konthoujam, Th. Lokeswar, Okram Henry, K. Ranjit and key members of Congress and party workers.

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Chief minister, N. Biren Singh met the family members of the three deceased Manipur Rifles personnel at JNIMS morgue today and announced that the government would provide Rs. 20 lakh financial assistance to the next of kin of the deceased.

The MR personnel were killed when the escort vehicle fell into a gorge in the Tamenglong-Khongsang road near Khongsang yesterday.

Speaking to media, N. Biren said that the security personnel had died in the line of duty on a special mission of the government ‘Go to the Hills’, so the government has taken the matter seriously.

The government would also provide financial support of Rs 5 lakh each to those injured personnel and the proposal for providing financial aid would be placed before the cabinet, he added. Expressing deepest condolences, the chief minister has extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families.

Replying to a query about the recent ambush that killed 2 AR jawans in Chandel district recently, N. Biren said that violence will not bring any solution and it hampers in bringing peace and prosperity in the state. Political dialogue is very much needed to resolve any issues, he added.

He further stated that the state government is planning to have political dialogue with the insurgent groups if the centre gives their approval for the talks.

Earlier in the morning, the chief minister visited the injured victims of the road mishap to enquire about their health conditions who are undergoing treatment at Shija Hospitals, Langol. He assured that the medical expenses during the treatment will be borne by the government and directed the doctors and paramedical staffs of the hospital to extend best-possible treatment to those injured in the accident.

The chief minister was accompanied by MP of Rajya Sabha, Ksh. Bhabananda Singh, minister for Forest and Environment, Th. Shyamkumar, minister for Agriculture, V. Hangkhanlian, parliamentary secretaries, MLAs, and DGP.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Locals of Changangei Mayai Leikai today blocked the exit gate of the Imphal Airport for around half hour as police stopped them from meeting the chief minister, N. Biren regarding the suspicious death of L. (0) Ibemcha Devi wife of L. Nabakanta Singh of Khangmong Meisnam Leikai.

Earlier before blocking the gate the locals staged a sit-in protest near the Imphal Airport exit gate demanding justice for the deceased woman organised by the JAC Against the Brutal Killing of Ibemcha Devi.

At around 2.30 pm the locals opened the road block as representatives of the JAC were given the permission to meet the chief minister.

Speaking to media persons the JAC’s convenor, Ng. Chaoba said that in the late evening of Monday last, family members of the deceased’s husband informed to Ibemcha’s parents that she passed away after getting burnt from a rice cooker blast.

He added that when family members of the deceased visited the spot of the said blast they found that noting in the room were burnt or affected. So it is highly possible that she was probably burnt alive by her husband and his family members, added the convenor. 

Earlier there were several cases of torture by the husband and his family members as she was unable to give birth to a child, said Chaoba.

The husband of the deceased surrendered to the police on the next day but he has not admitted that he burnt his wife.

The JAC appealed to the chief minister, N. Biren and to the authority concerned to investigate the matter and punish the culprits.

From Our Correspondent

JIRIBAM | Nov 16

Youth president, Darkhumlien and ward member, Vanlalcham of Zarolpokpi village have stated in a press conference held today that the people of the village have been facing various hardships due to interruption of electricity supply by Manipur State Power Company Limited (MSPCL), Jiribam district.

Vanlalcham has stated that the load shedding in power supply has disturbed the study routine of school students in hilly areas, who will be writing examinations in the coming few months.

Darkhumlien also stated in the press conference that the load shedding for duration of four hours starting from 5 pm to 9 pm everyday has brought many inconvenience to the locals of the village. He further appealed the authority concerned to take care of the ongoing issue faced by the villagers at the earliest.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 16

The 41st Indian Folklore Congress Manipur University (MU) begins its three-day national seminar on Folklore of Northeast India at the conference hall of Manipur Institute of Management Studies, MU here today.

Speaking as a chief guest in today’s inaugural function, vice chancellor MU, Prof. Adhya Prasad Pandey said, “Folklore can stimulate our thought, relax our mind and represent our culture and tradition. It is not an easy task to preserve our oral discourse but our people are still following their ancestral tradition.”

He further assured of opening a folk study department, which is rarely offered in Indian higher studies Institutions, in MU in near future.

“Although India have large number of folklore, only a few number of institutions provide course of folk study”, said Prof. Jawaharlal Handoo in his presidential speech. He stressed the need of preserving our folklore in archival form.

The present generation should learn the folklore which was gifted by our ancestor and convert it into printed form so that our folklore becomes more vibrant to be passed it on to

The inaugural function was attended by vice chancellor Manipur MU Prof. Adhya Prasad Pandey, director Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysore Prof DG Rao and Indian Folk Congress (IFC) and president Prof. Jawaharlal Handoo among others. Several delegates and research scholars from different parts of India attended the seminar programme as well.

The programme was sponsored by North Eastern Council (NEC) Shillong, CIIL Mysore, Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) Shillong and Manipur University.

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Narcotics and affairs of border PS made three arrests in drug-related offences today, said a release by PRO police.

Drug peddler Mansuanching Paite (66), wife of late Sianlianmuang from Ngathal, Churachandpur sub-division was arrested from Yaingangpokpi Magic parking, Nagamapal in Imphal with 30 grams of heroine powder. A case has been registered at narcotics and affairs of border police station.

Drug seller RL Horthingla alias Athing (42), daughter of RL Ningkhalem of Teinem village, Tuinem, Ukhrul, was arrested from her current residence in Thangmeiband Leirenhanjaba Leikai in Imphal West with six grams of heroine powder. On her disclosure, her associate Leiyachon RB (37), wife of Ramyathing TN Torachangta from Ukhrul was arrested from Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai. A case has been registered at narcotics and affairs of border police station.