Month: December 2017

From Our Correspondent

JIRIBAM | Dec 12

Nupilal Ningshing Numit Observation Committee, Jiribam taking part in the state wide observations of the day, organised the 78th Nupi Lal anniversary at the community centre, Babupara.  

The observation began with the chief guest lighting up the candle and homage were given to the Mothers of Nupi lal who gave their life. Afterwards, opening songs were performed by Khuraijam Ongbi Memcha Devi and her team. Joint secretary, JIMPAL, Sorokkhaibam Ongbi Sorojini Devi, gave the welcome note while the keynote address was given by secretary, JIMWAK, Thingom Ongbi Nirmala Devi.      

The occasion was attended by principal, Jiri College, Jiribam Dr. N Bijaya Devi, president, JIMWAK, Jiribam, Thangjam ongbi Jini Devi, president, AJMP, Sagapam Ongbi Sushila Devi, president, JIMPAL, Jiribam, Huirem Ongbi Mema Devi, president, WASEDEV, Jiribam, Naorem Ongbi Nivarani Devi, president, WWOK, Jiribam, Haobam ongbi Thoibi Devi, attended as chief guest, president and guests of honours.

Vice President, AMUCO, T. Gandhi Singh, secretary, Porei Leimarol Meira paibee Apunba Manipur,   Th. Apabi Devi and secretary, WWOK, Imphal,  N. Chingkheinganbi gave speeches about the observation. 

Among the invitees advisor, JIMPAL, B Sarat Sharma, president AJUCA, Maipaksana Mangang and advisor, KSA, Jiribam District Council, L. Surendra Kumar Singh gave speeches about the observation.

IMPHAL | Dec 12

Education, Labour and Employment minister, Thokchom Radheshyam Singh said that the root cause of every revolution is and has always been against the injustice and exploitation of the rights of the people.

The Minister was speaking at the observation of ‘2nd 1939 Nupi Lal Luchingbi Tongbram Shabi Ningshing Khubam’, organised by the League of Callow Patriots at the Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal. He further stated that the love for motherland can be fulfilled by safeguarding the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the land.

During the observance, he elucidated the contributions of exemplary mother like Tongbram Shabi, who led the revolt of 1939 (Nupi Lal) against discrimination and injustice carried by out by the then colonial government. Because of her courage, the Manipuri of today’s generation could thrive with sense of pride in different part of the world, he added.

He emphasised that there is a need to identify the weaker section of the society to support and uplift them to bring overall equality in the society.

Lamenting on seeing women involved in unsolicited activities like playing gambling on the streets, he said that the unwanted activities need to be brought to an end.

MLA of Yaiskul assembly constituency, Th. Satyabrata Singh said that the sacrifices of mothers will be fruitful only when the people of Manipur unite together for development and growth.

The ceremony was also attended by chief editor of Kangla Pao, P. Ibochouba, corporator of Ward No. 20 IMC, L. Tombi Devi and member No. 1 of Ward No. 20 IMC, A. Boby Devi, along with locals of the area.

IMPHAL | Dec 12

Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Revenue, Karam Shyam inspected FCS godowns in Jiribam district during his two day tour from December 10 to December 11.

The minister was apprised by the concern officials that acquisition process obstacles and pending court cases have prevented the godowns from completion.

According to the officials, two godowns lying adjacent to each other with a storage capacity of 5,000 metric tonnes each were constructed at a cost of Rs 1.98 crore each. Following his inspection, Karam Shyam said a joint survey will be done and the remaining work will be handed over to another agency for completion. Displeased over the dilapidated condition of the godowns, the minister called upon the concern officials and pitched for food grain storage facility in the district.

Speaking to media persons following the meeting, Karam Shyam assured to put up the matter to chief minister as well as the cabinet for their favourable consideration. He also inspected CAF and PD office located within the DC office building.

On the day two of the tour, the minister conducted spot assessment in Borobekra, one of the two sub-divisions in Jiribam district and expressed concern over the deplorable condition of the 35 kms road stretch. Minister Karam Shyam said he will talk to the concern minister over the road condition in Borobekra and to improve the infrastructure of the sub-division.

Karam Shyam further said the peace and harmony prevailing among the various communities in the area is admirable. He maintained that the peaceful and cordial atmosphere of the area is an example of harmony and peace in the state.

He also clarified that ongoing land survey in the district is to identity registered land and illegal land and urged the people not to be swayed by rumours that survey is a ploy to snatch away the land of the people.

The minister was also feted by the students and staff of Borobekra Higher Secondary School in the school premises.

Speaking during the function, Karam Shyam advised the students to have an aim and a proper plan to succeed in life. Acknowledging the important role taken up by the teachers in moulding the future of the students, he encouraged the teachers to continue with their hard work and efforts to produce brilliant students who will one day contribute for the development of the state.

During the two day tour, the minister was accompanied by Jiribam MLA, Ashab Uddin, CAF and PD and Works commissioner, K. Radhakumar Singh, Revenue commissioner, Th. Chittaranjan Singh, CAF and PD, director, DC and SP of Jiribam and concern officials.

IMPHAL | Dec 12

Acknowledging the significant role taken up by the women in shaping the society, minister of Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD), Thounaojam Shyamkumar said the women of the state are hardworking and courageous and ‘Ima Keithel’ is a testimony of their active role in changing the course of history of Manipur.

The minister was addressing as the chief guest at the 78th Nupi Lal Ningshing Thouram held at Khwairamband Ima Keithel organised by the different organisations of the Khwairamband Keithel.

Recalling the historic Nupi Lal, Th. Shyamkumar said the bravery, willpower and courage of the Manipuri women are known worldwide, for which each and every Manipuri are proud. Women have been taking major role for the state in times of need, upholding the traditional values and culture, he added.

Addressing the women of Khwairamband Keithel, the minister appealed to stop using tobacco products and shun other harmful habits. He also added that in the age of modernisation, women as well as men of the state are facing various health problems due to less physical activities.

He further appealed to the women to continue to uphold the age old traditional values and culture so that it is passed on to the next generation, adding that women are the guiding force behind every family which will lead to a better society.

As part of the event, prizes were also distributed to the winners of the race conducted from western Kangla Gate to Ima Keithel, which was held for different age groups.

The function was also attended by mayor of Imphal Municipal Corporation, L. Lokeshwor Singh as the president, deputy mayor of Imphal Municipal Corporation, Sujata Phaomei and chairman of Bazar Committee, Imphal Municipal Corporation, L. Tombi Devi as the guests of honour, along with women of Khwairamband Keithel.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 12

The charges framed by Laipham Khunou Youth development (LKYD) and meira paibi of Laifam Khunou Soibam Leikai regarding the shifting of the venue for the sit-in protest against framework agreement which was held on December 10, as being held without taking prior permission from LKYD is baseless said member of Manipur Pradesh congress committee P. Saratchandra.

Speaking to media person in the press meet held at Manipur press club, he said that they had fulfilled all the due process of organising the sit in protest such as acquiring permission from district magistrate from Imphal east and committee member of the club.

Mentioning the step undertaken, he said “after taking permission from committee member of LKYD, we have paid Rs. 1000 to Laipham Khunou Soibam Lampak Community Hall Development Committee for hall charges of organising the protest.

But on the day of the protest, an untoward incident happened as some of the workers of BJP led by N. Bhorot, who is brother of chief minister N. Biren and L. Nabachandra, allegedly made threats not to organise any protest related to framework agreement, he said.

“The miscreants had warned us that the community hall was built by chief minister so the protestor cannot organise the protest and cannot conduct anything against the chief minister” he said.

As a part of series of protest held in various part of Manipur demanding the contents of Framework Agreement, we first decided to organise the protest in Laipham Khunou Soibam Leikai Ground.

Due to series of disturbances created by the miscreants the venue has been shifted to Heingang Mayai Leikai at the residence of P. Saratchandra, he added.

He appealed to all that people of Manipur cannot accept with whatever the ruling people said. He further requested all the protestors to subside their anger and remain calm.

CHURACHANDPUIR | Dec 12

Social Welfare and Cooperation minister, Nemcha Kipgen today observed Nupi Lal Day as part of the Thanksgiving cum Advent Christmas function with the widows of Churachandpur district and Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district held at Lajangphai, Churachandpur, organised by Widows Welfare Association Asia (WWAA).

Addressing the gatherings as chief guest, minister Nemcha pointed out how the Manipuri women played a significant role in the society since times immemorial. She stated that Nupi Lal Day signifies the importance of Manipuri women in the society.

She further stated that women of the state have excelled in all fields and have a key position in social and economic activities of the state.

She exclaimed, ‘Let us all have the sacrificing spirit and courage which was shown by our ‘Imas’ during the Nupi Lal in 1939’.

Nemcha encouraged all the widows present in the function as well as other widows in the state to actively participate in uplifting the socio-economic conditions of Manipur and their own through various skills they are gifted with.

‘One should be economically independent in order to move forward in this fast developing world’, she encouraged.

Highlighting the various schemes and welfare programmes under her departments, the minister called upon all the women to avail the schemes meant for them at the right time and also urged them to give awareness to other deserving people.

Nemcha lauded WWAA for their selfless service committed for the welfare of the widows and all the women, in general. As part of the event, shawls and blankets were distributed to the poor and needy women.

IMPHAL | Dec 12

The proscribed Kangliepak Communist Party (People’s War Group) has banned all sorts of artificial fairs and festivals including melas from being organised in the state. 

While a war of independence is currently being fought against the neo-imperialist India, one can observe that there is an incoming flood of fairs and festivals in this state, said a release signed by secretary, central media coordinator, Lenin Meitei. Many oppressed people of the world are raising their voices for self independence, it said. However, at a crucial moment in time when we cannot determine if our communities are still surviving or heading towards extinction, there is an ongoing trend of holding fairs and festivals as if there is no tomorrow, it maintained. It is most unfortunate that the people seem to be encouraging such activities, it added.  

People’s War Group-Marxist Center has observed that there is an agenda to distract the people’s revolutionary war for independence, it said. These artificial festivities like Melas take a key role in fulfilling the said agenda, it added.  People’s War Group-Marxist Center considers them as war tactics of Indian cultural colonialism; it said adding melas encourages gambing, and other illicit and immoral activities. There are reports of Mela owners sexually exploiting young girls and married women and 70 percent of the income from melas is taken outside the state, it further said. This exploits the economic –socio culture of the community, it added. 

Therefore the party appeals to those who are organising such melas to put an end to it immediately, it said. The party has banned All Manipur Mela Lup and the organising committee of Singju Festival, the release informed. The release warned that if any information about the people’s militia is shared to the machinery forces of Neo imperialist India, causing harm by going against the given warnings, then they will not be spared, it added.

IMPHAL | Dec 12

Today is an important day in the history of Manipur, said minster of Information and Public Relations, Thongam Biswajit Singh while attending ‘Nupi Lal Ningshing Thouram’, held at the MMRC and Unity Park, Khangabok.

Addressing the function, the minister stressed on the importance of the Nupi Lal movement and the Manipuri women’s role in bringing political and economic reforms in Manipur.

Observing that the Manipuri women has never shied away from standing up against any form of injustice, the minister added that even today the womenfolk of Manipur continue to be at the forefront against social injustice.

Minister Biswajit also deliberated on the importance of women’s active participation in development of a society and also stated about women’s active participation in many aspects of today’s society.

‘We call our country, our motherland, and the mother is the beginning of everything’, said Biswajit.

He further said people have seen the past and live in the present, now it is time make the future. The young students gathered today should understand that they are the future of the society, and they will replace the older generation one day, he added.

He also advised the students to understand the difference between their dreams and aim. He said that dreams require effortless sleep, while to achieve one’s aim it requires sleepless effort. Without hard work and patience we cannot achieve success, he continued.

The minister also said that Manipur has a rich cultural heritage as well as talent in sports, and understanding the sporting talent of the state, the Prime Minister had assured for setting up of a sports university in the state.

The observance was also attended by minister of Education, Labour and Employment, Thokchom Radhesyam Singh as president, MLA of Wangjing Tentha assembly constituency, P. Brojen Singh, deputy commissioner of Thoubal, L. Nabakeshwor, Zilla Parishad, Khangabok, Kh. Rajmohan Singh and Zilla Parishad, Sangaiyumpham, Md. Hibjur Rahaman as guests of honour.

Earlier in the day, minister Biswajit along with minister Radheshyam unveiled a Nupi Lal Statue.

IMPHAL | Dec 12

No power or force in the world can disintegrate Manipur if the people of the state stand united, said chief minister, N. Biren Singh at the observation of Nupi Lal Day, held at Nupi Lal Memorial Complex, Imphal today.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, the CM stated that people of the state should never allow any chance to divide the state and make sure to stay away from divide and rule politics. He continued that there should be no differences among the various communities towards bringing unity and integrity of the state.

He reiterated that various rumours, observations, speculations have brought tension among the people of the entire northeast and Manipur in particular these days. In such a situation, womenfolk have a crucial role and responsibility to stabilise the situation, he added.

‘We have been living with certain imagination, speculation and mistrust among us for a long period of time. We need to stand together irrespective of political and community affiliation for better and prosperous Manipur’, said N. Biren.

Calling out to the people especially the womenfolk of the state, the CM said that every person of the state should urge the centre and present the standpoint and opinion for a stable, peaceful and better Manipur. He said that the government cannot do it all alone and needs love and support of the people. All the stakeholders whether it is armed rebel groups or any group should take part in bringing a permanent solution in entire northeast and Manipur, he added.

Biren also stated that the new government has already started working towards bringing a ‘new Manipur’. With the love and support of the people, the state is also experiencing no bandh in the last 7-8 months, he added.

Lauding the role and sacrifices of Manipuri women, the CM said that people should always remember the courage and selfless sacrifices of the brave women who fought against the mighty British Empire in 1904 and 1939.

He also appealed the women of Manipur to come out and lend their support in bringing peace and tranquillity in the state. Manipuri women’s role in the removal of the Assam Rifles from the sacred Kangla in 2004, against Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1957 and withdrawing of AFSPA from IMC areas of the state is commendable and would always be remembered, he added.

The CM led the people in offering floral tributes to the memorial statues. A drama on ‘Nupi Lal’ was also staged by Nupi Lal Memorial Association and Nupi Lal and Khongjom War Memorial Society to mark the occasion.

Minister for Agriculture, V. Hangkhanlian, minister for Power, PWD, Th. Biswajit, minister for Forest and Environment, Th. Shyamkumar, minister for Education, Th. Radheshyam, minister for Social Welfare, Nemcha Kipgen, chairman of Hill Area Committee, T.T. Haokip, chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board, L. Radhakishore, chairman of MANIDCO, Dr. Y. Radheshyam, chairman of Tourism Corporation of Manipur Limited, Dr. Sapam Ranjan, former Union Minister, Th. Chaoba and other top civil and police officials attended the function.

IMPHAL | Dec 12

Education minister, Thokchom Radheshyam Singh said that the Kala Utsav is a platform especially for the students to promote and showcase the artistic talent along with education to inscribe in them the quality of completeness of being a good human.

The minister was speaking at the Closing Function cum Prize Distribution Function of State Level Kala Utsav 2017 organised by the State Implementation Society of Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), Manipur under the national theme ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat (One India, Great India)’ at MFSDS hall, Palace Compound.

The Utsav witnessed huge participation by students from districts of Manipur. Students who had been qualified in the district level competed at the state level today in different categories of music, dance, theatre and visual arts to qualify for the National Level Kala Utsav 2017 to be held at Bhopal.

Lauding the students and the teachers for the hard work and dedication, the minister said that it gave him immense pleasure to witness the students’ beautiful and lively performance. It is very important that one learns to focus and concentrate in life to achieve their goal, he added.

Further he stated that the Kala Utsav is a big opportunity for the students to learn many new things of working in teams, sacrificial spirit and hard work enhancing the various skills to bring an overall development, and also a chance to meet each other.

The Function was also attended by principal secretary of Education (S), Vineet Joshi, director of Education (S), Thokchom Kirankumar Singh and E/O additional state project director of RMSA, Manipur, L. Nandakumar Singh, along with officials of the Education department, teacher and students.

It may be mentioned that Kala Utsav is an initiative of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) under RMSA started in the year 2015, to promote arts in education to let the students recognises the importance of aesthetics and artistic experiences. The festival plays a major role in creating awareness of India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. The initiative is guided by the recommendations of the National Curriculum Framework 2005 (NCF 2005).

CCPUR | Dec 12

The Assam Rifles of Churachandpur town distributed essential commodities to the inmates of the Blessed Home for Aged People located at Lajangphai, Churachandpur. The team not only interacted with old aged women at the Centre but also assured them to fulfil their needs in future. The old aged women also conveyed their blessings and wishes for Christmas to all the troops of AR.