Month: December 2017

IMPHAL | Dec 13

A team of Narcotic Cell, Imphal East has seized 25 grams of heroin powder today worth around Rs. 3 to 4 lakhs and arrested one individual from 1st Street, New Checkon near Tribal market.

The arrested individual is identified as Thangboy Khongsai (28) son of Jajang Khongsai of Saron Veng, Moreh Ward no. IX, Tengnoupal district.

Briefing media persons today at the office of Imphal east, SP at Porompat, Imphal, SP, K. Kabib said that police were able to seize and make the arrest  while conducting frisking and checking in and around the New Checkon area as a part of drive against drugs under the supervision of DSP (CAR), Roni Mayengbam and inspector, Kh. Devkumar Singh.

The police team arrested the individual by following the formalities and he will be handed over to Porompat police station for further investigation and legal procedures, he added.

Stating that the police department is working at their best level to eradicate drugs and crime from the state, the SP seeks cooperation and support from the public while performing their duties.

Kabib lastly asked the community elders of the state to inform police if any suspected selling of drugs and illegal activities are going on in their respective locality.

IMPHAL | Dec 13

A team of Narcotic Cell, Imphal East has seized 25 grams of heroin powder today worth around Rs. 3 to 4 lakhs and arrested one individual from 1st Street, New Checkon near Tribal market.

The arrested individual is identified as Thangboy Khongsai (28) son of Jajang Khongsai of Saron Veng, Moreh Ward no. IX, Tengnoupal district.

Briefing media persons today at the office of Imphal east, SP at Porompat, Imphal, SP, K. Kabib said that police were able to seize and make the arrest  while conducting frisking and checking in and around the New Checkon area as a part of drive against drugs under the supervision of DSP (CAR), Roni Mayengbam and inspector, Kh. Devkumar Singh.

The police team arrested the individual by following the formalities and he will be handed over to Porompat police station for further investigation and legal procedures, he added.

Stating that the police department is working at their best level to eradicate drugs and crime from the state, the SP seeks cooperation and support from the public while performing their duties.

Kabib lastly asked the community elders of the state to inform police if any suspected selling of drugs and illegal activities are going on in their respective locality.

IMPHAL | Dec 13

Horticulture and Soil Conservation minister, Thounaojam Shyamkumar today gave assurance that he will conduct on the spot inquiry regarding the matter of false allegation on Horticulture department and take stern action against the individual(s) for defaming the department.

Speaking to media persons at his New Secretariat office, the minister said that beneficiaries under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) get their scheme amounts through respective bank accounts under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. He continued that the primary aim of DBT is to bring transparency and terminate pilferage from distribution of funds sponsored by the centre. Clarifying regarding the allegation published in a local daily that some amounts were deducted for payment to the department officials, Shyamkumar said that MIDH scheme is for the previous financial year. He further questioned the timing of the allegation made by the beneficiary.

He instructed the said ‘beneficiary’ to send application to his office along with the evidences like documents, cheque number, name of the bank and the amount. He also welcomed other beneficiaries having similar complaints to send application to his office along with evidences.

The minister also cautioned that any false allegations against the department will attract legal action and similar action may be taken against the department officials if found guilty.

Shyamkumar said that the department under the leadership of chief minister is working hard for the welfare of the farmers of the state. If any person(s) is found trying to defame the department without concrete evidences then stern action will be taken up according to law of the land, he added.

It may be mentioned that a report on local daily published on December 12 stated that a strong suspicion has been raised about deduction of a sum of Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 each from a total number of 3,125 beneficiaries listed under the MIDH 2015-16 schemes for payment to officials. The scheme was implemented in 2016-17 under the Manipur Horticulture Development Society and a sum of Rs 13 crore inclusive of the state’s matching share was sanctioned in March this year.

IMPHAL | Dec 13

Horticulture and Soil Conservation minister, Thounaojam Shyamkumar today gave assurance that he will conduct on the spot inquiry regarding the matter of false allegation on Horticulture department and take stern action against the individual(s) for defaming the department.

Speaking to media persons at his New Secretariat office, the minister said that beneficiaries under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) get their scheme amounts through respective bank accounts under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. He continued that the primary aim of DBT is to bring transparency and terminate pilferage from distribution of funds sponsored by the centre. Clarifying regarding the allegation published in a local daily that some amounts were deducted for payment to the department officials, Shyamkumar said that MIDH scheme is for the previous financial year. He further questioned the timing of the allegation made by the beneficiary.

He instructed the said ‘beneficiary’ to send application to his office along with the evidences like documents, cheque number, name of the bank and the amount. He also welcomed other beneficiaries having similar complaints to send application to his office along with evidences.

The minister also cautioned that any false allegations against the department will attract legal action and similar action may be taken against the department officials if found guilty.

Shyamkumar said that the department under the leadership of chief minister is working hard for the welfare of the farmers of the state. If any person(s) is found trying to defame the department without concrete evidences then stern action will be taken up according to law of the land, he added.

It may be mentioned that a report on local daily published on December 12 stated that a strong suspicion has been raised about deduction of a sum of Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 each from a total number of 3,125 beneficiaries listed under the MIDH 2015-16 schemes for payment to officials. The scheme was implemented in 2016-17 under the Manipur Horticulture Development Society and a sum of Rs 13 crore inclusive of the state’s matching share was sanctioned in March this year.

By The Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 13

A team of Japanese delegates who are here in the state for a three day visit for the purpose of giving tributes and solidarity to the departed souls, who had sacrificed their life during World War II, had met governor of Manipur Najma Heptulla at Raj Bhawan today.

In the informal meeting that was attended by the Japanese delegates and the governor, the strengthening of Indo-Japanese relation specifically with Manipur was discussed.

The governor welcomed all the delegates and extended her views of having a good relation between India and Japan. “Culturally there is a close connection between India and Japan because India also follows all the three religion such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism which are widely accepted in South East” she said.

Not only in terms of cultural relation, a never ending relation was built up between Japan and Manipur ever since the Second World War which occurred from 1939 to 1945, she added.

As road connectivity is one of the essential requirements in building a good relationship between countries, she said “Japan should help build roads in Manipur for connectivity with the entire South East Asian countries for which she is also pursuing the matter with the government, to construct good road connections that reach the entire South East Asian countries.”

Showing her keen interest in creating a close connection between Indo-Japanese and Manipur –Japan relation, she recalled “I had discussed with the Ambassador of Japan regarding the bi- lateral relation between Indo-Japan and Manipur-Japan and cleansing of Loktak Lake as well in the previous year.”

Recently at the Sangai festival business summit she invited Japanese delegates and asked them to invest in Manipur in building roadways, she added.

The governor suggested the Japanese team to visit the Manipur state museum where the artefacts of the world war were displayed.

Gyomyo Nakamaru who led the 11 delegates said the main purpose of their visit was to pray at Japan War Memorial Complex at Maibam Lokpa Ching, for the war victims of the Japanese army, the Indian army and the civilians who had died in World War II, particularly in Japanese-Imphal-Ladakh war.

He requested the governor to make the state government improve the road connectivity of Manipur so that Japanese tourist can visit the state and promote Manipur tourism.

As a token of love, the Japanese delegates gifted items to the governor that included a scarf which was printed with symbol of coming Olympic Games. The governor of Manipur also presented a book about World War II to the Japanese delegates.

By The Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 13

A team of Japanese delegates who are here in the state for a three day visit for the purpose of giving tributes and solidarity to the departed souls, who had sacrificed their life during World War II, had met governor of Manipur Najma Heptulla at Raj Bhawan today.

In the informal meeting that was attended by the Japanese delegates and the governor, the strengthening of Indo-Japanese relation specifically with Manipur was discussed.

The governor welcomed all the delegates and extended her views of having a good relation between India and Japan. “Culturally there is a close connection between India and Japan because India also follows all the three religion such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism which are widely accepted in South East” she said.

Not only in terms of cultural relation, a never ending relation was built up between Japan and Manipur ever since the Second World War which occurred from 1939 to 1945, she added.

As road connectivity is one of the essential requirements in building a good relationship between countries, she said “Japan should help build roads in Manipur for connectivity with the entire South East Asian countries for which she is also pursuing the matter with the government, to construct good road connections that reach the entire South East Asian countries.”

Showing her keen interest in creating a close connection between Indo-Japanese and Manipur –Japan relation, she recalled “I had discussed with the Ambassador of Japan regarding the bi- lateral relation between Indo-Japan and Manipur-Japan and cleansing of Loktak Lake as well in the previous year.”

Recently at the Sangai festival business summit she invited Japanese delegates and asked them to invest in Manipur in building roadways, she added.

The governor suggested the Japanese team to visit the Manipur state museum where the artefacts of the world war were displayed.

Gyomyo Nakamaru who led the 11 delegates said the main purpose of their visit was to pray at Japan War Memorial Complex at Maibam Lokpa Ching, for the war victims of the Japanese army, the Indian army and the civilians who had died in World War II, particularly in Japanese-Imphal-Ladakh war.

He requested the governor to make the state government improve the road connectivity of Manipur so that Japanese tourist can visit the state and promote Manipur tourism.

As a token of love, the Japanese delegates gifted items to the governor that included a scarf which was printed with symbol of coming Olympic Games. The governor of Manipur also presented a book about World War II to the Japanese delegates.

By Pradip Phanjoubam

NEW DELHI | Dec 13

I am constrained to write this note because of the number of anxious inquiries I have been receiving throughout the day from different sections of the people in Manipur as well as media, including some based in New Delhi, about a meeting a group of people from Manipur, including me, who met with R.N. Ravi, the interlocutor of the Naga Peace talks, in New Delhi, today. This interest has been provoked, I understand, by reports in some sections of the media.

I do this so that people are not led to have an inflated opinion of the importance of the meeting, or unwarranted optimism or pessimism on the possible influence today’s meeting may have on the outcome of the peace process. IFP readers will notice I did not even disclose the information in my own newspaper because I did not think it was so newsworthy or deserving of attention, but from whatever their sources, the information apparently became available to some other newspapers.

We were indeed called upon for suggestions and feedbacks on how things should be taken forward on a matter which is sensitive but important. As in any such meetings, we were simply tasked to listen to each other in the hope that our mutual knowledge of the issue would enriched the general understanding of the problem and that there may come to be some illuminating light shed on the vexed issue in the course of these exchanges.

The interlocutor has been doing such consultations with many other groups routinely in Manipur and Nagaland ever since the Framework Agreement was signed more than two years ago, either whenever he visited these two states, and sometimes in Delhi when this was more convenient.

Our group happens to be just one in this exchange of ideas mechanism.

As to how this group came about, the late respected Prof. Gangmumei Kamei, is to be thanked for. According to Prof. Gangumei, when he approached me, he was asked by the interlocutor to recommend some names from the Meitei community whom he had confidence in to be part of this consultative process.

Prof. Gangmumei listed six names, but according to what he told me, one of them Dr. R.K. Nimai expressed his inability to be part of the group as he was then the advisor to the then government headed by chief minister Okram Ibobi.

Prof. Gangmumei then approached the rest in his list, which included Prof (retd) R.K. Ranjan, Prof. (retd) N. Joykumar, Prof. (retd) Ksh. Bimola and Prof. Amar Yumnam and me. It will be noticed that the late professor was either a close colleague or else the mentor of the names in this list.

The status of the Framework Agreement now seemingly is nothing more or less than what is already in the public domain – which is, it is still being worked on and nothing final has been reached yet.

These meetings are nothing close to recommendatory, and are more like people concerned with the issue opening up their minds to each other so that some way forward not detrimental to the interest of any of the stakeholders may result.

From the impression we have after today’s meeting, there has still not been any real breakthrough on how this matter should be resolved. We do hope there will be one someday soon which is acceptable to every stakeholder.

As readers of IFP will know, I have been writing on this issue consistently from my own assessment of the developments from time to time, and my opinions in these columns were also my feedback forwarded to the interlocutor, and the feedbacks from the other members of the group were all on similar lines.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Dec 13

Under the aegis of Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL-Tangkhul Youth Council) a ‘human chain’ was organised today at Ukhrul.

The human chain was started from Mini Secretariat Complex to UBI Bank, Viewland, Ukhrul and it was organised in support of Framework Agreement 2015 and to expedite the long awaited Indo-Naga Political settlement.

The Tangkhul Longnao also submitted a memorandum addressing to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, through the deputy commissioner of Ukhrul. It mentioned the gratitude to the BJP government for recognising the unique history and situation of the Naga. The memorandum urged the government of India and the Naga leaders to work out for a solution at the earliest which will be mutually acceptable to both the parties. It also mentioned that the framework agreement is the only way for bringing lasting peace between government of India and NSCN (IM). It also strongly objected the outside interference in the process of bringing honourable solution and viewed such interference as an unhealthy development which could only complicate the problems. The memorandum also appealed the Centre not to delay the solution and prolong the peace process.

The memorandum was jointly signed by presidents of Tangkhul Naga Long,  Tangkhul Shanao Long (Tangkhul Women’s League) and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long. The copy of memorandum was also forwarded to interlocutor of the Naga Peace Talk, RN. Ravi and Home minister, government of India, Rajnath Singh.

President of Tangkhul Naga Long, Weapon Zimik urged the two parties to arrive a solution at the earliest and also thanked the government of India for recognising the unique history and identity of the Nagas. Tangkhul Naga Long will extend full support to the framework agreement and urged neighbours civil society to extend support for bringing a peaceful and lasting solution. He also mentioned that the peace process has dragged for too long and called upon expediting the talks for early and lasting solution.

President of Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long, Thanmi LM. Shimray asserted that the Nagas from time immemorial has been independent and living a dignified life. The culture, food habits and way of life are distinct from other culture and the unique identity has been duly recognised by the government of India, he added.

The human chain was taken part by thousands of young and old people.

IMPHAL | Dec 13

Health and Family Welfare minister, L. Jayantakumar Singh has said that society needs ideal mothers to nurture the children for a bright future and for a healthy nation.

The minister was addressing the gatherings as chief guest on the occasion of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matriva Abhiyan (PMSMA) Award Ceremony, at JNIMS auditorium, Porompat today. It was organised by State Health Society, National Health Mission, Manipur.

Jayantakumar further asserted that the government has launched many welfare schemes for the women and children. Officers and Staff of the concerned departments should be sincere enough so that the schemes can reach to the deserving beneficiaries, he added. He also advised all the concerned for judicious use of the sanctioned fund by the government for making the schemes fruitful.

He further stated that giving medical attention with free medical service to the pregnant women will not serve the purpose of the scheme if women are not given education so that they can fully understand the schemes. In fact, the mothers are needed to be intellectually and spiritually sound, he added.

Delivering a presidential speech, director of Health Services, government of Manipur, Dr. K. Rajo Singh said that PMSMA was launched on July 9, 2016 by the Prime Minister of India and it will benefit the women of the country, particularly the pregnant women. In the state, the scheme was launched on August 8, 2016, he added.

As part of the function, awards were distributed to the doctors and health volunteers including nurses in recognition for their services in helping and giving free treatment to the pregnant women in the state.

The function was also attended by director of JNIMS, Dr. Th. Bhimo Singh as guest of honour, along with deputy commissioners, medical experts, doctors, health services staff, staff from NHM and health volunteers.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 13

The High Court of Manipur today disposed and rejected MC (EL Pet) of 2017 filed by Sagolband A.C MLA, RK. Imo against the election petition filed by BJP candidate of Sagolband A.C, Kh. Lokendro.

Imo had filed the counter election petition during April, challenging the election petition filed against him by Lokendro, stating that the petition filed against him is not maintainable to be heard by the court.

The single bench of the high court justice, Kh. Nobin Singh today heard the matter and later disposed and rejected the election petition filed by Imo as the court found merit of the election petition filed by Lokendro.

Mentioned may be made that Lokendro, who was defeated by Imo during the last general election of the state at the margin of only 19 votes, have filed his election petition before the high court.

His petition stated that the numbers of votes which got by the Imo from postal ballots papers have not followed proper election procedure and declaring and Imo being elected as MLA of Sagolband A.C is illegal.

In the meantime the court has fixed the hearing of the election petition filed by Lokendro on December 10.