Month: December 2017

IMPHAL | Dec 11

The governor of Manipur, Najma Heptulla has conveyed her warm greetings to the people of Manipur, especially to the brave mothers on the auspicious occasion of ‘Nupi Lan’ on December 12.

The governor stated that she felt proud of the courage, responsibility and sacrificial spirit of the brave women of Manipur who fought in the ‘Nupi Lan’ against the monopolistic policies of the colonial rule.

Manipuri women hold a key position in the social and economic activities of the state even in the present days, said the governor.

She further urged all the people of the state irrespective of caste, creed and religion to emulate the sacrificial spirit of the brave women and strive collectively to bring the state in the path of peace and development.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 11

The All Manipur DPC Completed Candidate of Police Constable, Male Batch 2013 has suspended the indefinite state width shut-down.

Briefing media persons today at the office of IGP (administration), S. Ibomcha at Manipur Police head quarter, Babupara, the president of the association, A. Binoy said that they have called the total shut down as they were unaware of the case that is currently going on in the High Court of Manipur regarding their recruitment.

On behalf of the association he apologized for calling the bandh without having a knowledge that a case is going on in the court regarding the matter.

He asked all the candidate to immediately stop the agitation of total shut down in the state.

The president requested to the police department to not take up any case against the eight candidates which were arrested yesterday thinking about their career.

Mentioned may be made that the association had called an indefinite shutdown from mid night of December 10 as the government fails to declare their recruitment result.

Eight of the candidates were arrested yesterday by the police after the association announced to call the indefinite shut down.

IMPHAL | Dec 11

Labour and Employment minister, Thokchom Radheshyam Singh said that the financial independence of the women is very much a compulsion for empowering them.

The minister was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 4-Month Tailoring and Cutting Training Programme held at the community hall of KeibiKhullen, organised by the North East Building and Other Construction Workers Union, Khundrakpam assembly constituency, Uyumpok Development Forum under the department of Labour.

Radheshyam said that women can only fulfil the basic needs of the family when they are given a chance to become finically independent.

He further stated that taking in view of the vastness of Khudrakpam assembly constituency, 200 sewing machines have been provided for training programme and allocated to six gram panchayats of the constituency. The training programme will only be successful when the trainee receiving the skills could utilise their skill to make the dream of ‘Make in Manipur’ come true, he added.

The minister also said that labour card holders are the registered labour, and there is a need to increase the number of card holders so that the true labourers could benefit from the schemes implemented for their upliftment. The procedures involved for issuing of the card also need to be made people friendly so that the labourers, both educated and uneducated, could easily access to the benefit, he added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 11

The village authority of Leingangching village under Chandel district and Lamkang Students’ Union (LSU) have alleged that an amount of Rs.35 lakhs meant for construction of Leingangching Junior High School building was illegally withdrawn by the contractor and his accomplices leaving the construction incomplete.

The Leinangching Junior High School was listed to be upgraded to full-fledged High School under RMSA during 2014-15 and was supposed to be the only High School for the Lamkang tribe.

The state education department has issued work order on September 24, 2015 for the construction of Leinagngching High School with an estimated cost of Rs.48,30,359. Unfortunately, the dream of the Lamkang tribe to have a High School, is yet to see the light.

Thamnok, chief of Leingangching village authority, revealed that three contractors namely special contractor Khailum Baite, of Moujang village, Moreh presently residence of Chassad Avenue New Checkon, Thokchom Nimai Singh of Heirok Part-III, N. Marjit Singh of Heirok Part-II, who have been executing the construction works of the said school building allegedly withdrawn Rs.35 lakhs illegally after having forged signature of the School Management Development Committee (SMDC) in collaboration with executive engineer (EE), Kh. Sharat Singh of education engineering wing, Government of Manipur.

He further said, they (contractors) left the school building partially constructed and never returned since for the past one year.

Daniel Leivon Lamkaang, social activist further supplemented that, four organisations LNKK, LKK, DASCO and Leinagngching village authority strongly apprised Governor, chief minister and education minister to look into the matter very seriously and also appeal to lodge an FIR and book the culprits on or before December 15 and produce them before the courts of LNKK, LKK, DASCO and village authority for necessary actions.

He said failing to meet the deadline, the joint organisations shall resort to any form of agitations including bandh, strike, economic blockade etc until the demand is met.

According to Thomas Leivon, president LSU, the irregularities was detected during their routine inspection conducted of their jurisdiction.

It is learnt that students of the Leingangching Junior high School, is being accommodated at the village authority Court.

Owing to the vested interest of the contractor students are being deprived of their right to education, said Robert.

In the meantime, to look into the matter the joint organisations has constituted 10 members JAC-SMDC Leingangching with Daniel Leivon Lamkaang as the convenor and the committee have prepare their memorandum which are to be submitted to Prime Minister of India, Union HRD Minister, Home Minister for taking up necessary actions against the said accused persons, he added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 11

Lack of basic amenities and bad infrastructure is allegedly becoming a stumbling block in the studies of ITI (Takyel) students particularly girls section who are pursuing their professional courses in the institute.

The students of the said institution told reporter that the institution offers diploma courses on five different streams such as secretarial practice, computer operating programme assistant (COPA), food preservation, embroidery, hair and skin care and dress making.

However, the institution has failed to give the proper skill development knowledge under these courses due to lack of basic infrastructure, they said.

It has been informed that courses in the institution started from the month of August but the students are yet to appear their first semester examinations.

Moreover, students also alleged that practical classes were hardly conducted due to lack of equipments.

With the examination round the corner, the students were left with choice but to buy the essential requirement like thread, cosmetic items etc from their our own pocket money, the students complained.

Bidyarani, a trainee in dress making also lamented, “There were 32 students in dress making courses and only 18 machines are at our disposal. Unfortunately, only three machines are working effectively. We really wanted the institution to provide latest model of sewing machine.”

Sonia Chingtham, a student of COPA said “There is no upto date softwares require for our entire semester courses. Given the situation, we cannot expect anything but termination the courses after the first semester examination.”

We have apprised about the situation for several times to the joint director but to no avail, she said.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 11

The High Court of Manipur today directed authorities of RIMS to submit in detail of the steps already taken and the steps they proposed to take in order to improve their institute on or before December 15.

Although the RIMS has submitted their reports as directed earlier the division bench of the High Court comprising of acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar and justice, K. Nobin found that some of the report are still yet to be furnished.

It may noted that while complying with the November 7 directives of the court the three members committee constituted by the High Court conducted spot enquiry at RIMS on November 13 and November 14 in connection with alleged irregularities in RIMS.

The suo motu PIL was taken by the High Court on its own motion relying on the recent news report published in local dailies wherein a PG student wrote an open letter to Prime Minister’s Office complaining of irregularities in RIMS including financial mismanagement in the administration.

The complaint highlighted the non-functioning of MRI machine for four months, ceasing of CT scan since about a month, the SICU (Surgical Intensive Care Unit) has no ventilator, no monitor, Neonatal ICU is not available, it has been only one functional ultrasonography (USG) machine. The one installed in the labour room is not working which is one of the most important clinical instrument in the labour room, patient have to purchase all the medicines from outside including iron and folic acid tablets from their own sources, there is no defibrillator in the casualty ward and there are also allegations of financial irregularities etc.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 11

Federation of Farmer Clubs (FFC), Manipur appealed to the authority concerned to waived KCC loan around 800 farmers of the Rural Bank claiming that their crops were destroyed during the recent flood occurred in the state.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal the federation’s president, Kh. Ranjit said that the matter has been taken up to the chief minister, N. Biren taking the opportunity of Meeyamge Numit on July 14 and the chief minister has forwarded the application to Imphal West district commissioner to look into the matter.

Subsequently, on August 17 the deputy commissioner has forwarded the application to the Agriculture department. The department however responded that the matter is not related to them as they have no connection with the bank, he added.

Later on November 16, the FCC again took up the matter to the chief minister, who assured to forward the matter to the finance department from where it was again forwarded to the Industries department, he continued.

With the application going in circle from one department to another without any result, the FCC has raised their concerned on the seriousness of the authority towards the plight of the famers.

Ranjit asserted that the Rural Bank are ready to waive the loan if the state government gives the approval.

The FCC president further pointed out that a district food security mission executive committee comprising of nine members was formed in 2012 to monitor the implementation of National Food Security Mission (NSFM) in Imphal West district where he was also selected as a member of the committee.

The NSFM-Rice of 2012-2013 was implemented with an outlay of Rs.1145.17 lakhs and the committee has to hold meetings on the 10th of every month to submit a progress report to the ministry of Agriculture, he added.

Claiming that not a single meeting of the committee was held, he sought the intervention of the government into this matter.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Dec 11

In the sit in protest organised by Khangabok Block Congress Committee under the supervision of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee at Wangbal bazaar, former chief minister Okram Ibobi said Congress party will not bear with the secrecy that is being kept for more than two year regarding the framework agreement. 

The sit in protest was part of the ongoing campaign of the Congress demanding that the contents of the Framework Agreement signed between the Central Government and NSCN(IM) in 2015 be disclosed to the public. He further said that during the congress rule, when Rajiv Gandhi was holding the post of Prime Minister of India, the Punjab Accord, Assam Accord, and Mizo Accord etc. were signed but they were not processed under any form of secrecy, and they were disclosed to the public along with the media, he said.

However, the details of agreement that was signed between the government of India and NSCN – (IM) on August 3, 2015 had been kept under veil of secrecy, he said. This makes the congress conclude that something suspicious is definitely included in the agreement, he added.

Expressing his dissatisfaction over the suggestion made by the centre and the state leader of BJP that there are no such things in the agreement, he further said the question of it affecting territorial boundaries of the state may not be included, but if the agreement grants financial administration and cultural autonomy to NSC – (IM), then it is equivalent to charting out the process of breaking up Manipur. It is akin to keeping two, separate governance at a same region he said inquiring if BJP does not understand its implications.     

He further said the state BJP leaders have been telling frequently that there is nothing in the terms of the framework agreement. This shows that they know what is there in the agreement, he said adding if they know what is included in the agreement, then it is requested that the details be released to the public tomorrow and the sit in protests will be immediately lifted. Otherwise, they should not make irresponsible statements, he added. 

Former deputy, CM, Gaikhangam said it was unfortunate that agitations taken up by the congress had been portrayed as something aimless and unworthy. The statements made by the chief minister about the demands are irresponsible, he alleged. He being the leader of the people, must consider the long terms before making statements, he added.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | Dec 11

Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Churachandpur today celebrated its golden jubilee with a motto ‘Ever onward: Celebrating 50 years of Excellence Service’, at Peace ground, Tuibong, Churachandpur.

The celebration was attended by chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh as chief guest, while minister of Agriculture, Vety and AH, V. Hangkhanlian was functional president. The guests of honour were, minister of Social Welfare, Nemcha Kipgen, chairman MANIREDA, GS Haupu and chairman of Hill Areas Committee (HAC), TT Haokip.

The chief host of the function was president of KSO-GHQ, Paotinthang and father of the jubilee was Semjakam Touthang, who is the founding president of KSO, Churachandpur.

During the function, the chief minister expressed his gratitude for KSO as the students’ organisation has turned 50 years and celebrating its golden jubilee. He also urged the people of the state belonging to different communities to forget and forgive the past mistakes and put in collective effort towards upholding the integrity and unity of the nation and the state.

Biren said, ‘Let us work hard collectively for the future of our children and youths, and also for a new Manipur where there is no community difference. Let us create an environment where people would live with mind without fear’.

In regards to the vision of the state government and concerning the people of the district, the CM said that immediate steps will be taken to improve the road condition and added that medical department is also one of the top priorities, which included setting up of a medical school.

He also said that education sector is also a prime concerned and a collective effort is required to explore the hidden talents of Churachandpur.

The CM also lauded the Kukis as brave, hugely talented and high principled people and added that the community has many imminent personalities and high ranking officials in almost all the departments of the state government.

‘In future we expect KSO to excel and be an example in the society apart from the immense contribution they already made in the past’, said N. Biren.

Regarding the signing of framework agreement between the centre and state government with the NSCM (IM), the CM assured that it will not be in anyway a factor for compromising of territorial integrity of Manipur.

‘Let us be clear that the government at the centre will not take any decision without the consent of the people of Manipur’, said N. Biren.

He further said that let KSO, Churachandpur be a frontrunner in bringing development even if there is disruption going on the existing unity. Blame game and politics based on community or religion should be stopped and game, he added.

The CM ended his speech by raising slogans as ‘Long Live KSO’, ‘Long Live Manipur’ and ‘Long Live India’ together with the gathering. A monolith which testifies the glorious achievements of KSO was also unveiled by the CM, along with release of a souvenir. During the function, various cultural programmes were also showcased by students of different schools.

During the programme, KSO submitted a memorandum to the CM, which included requirements of health education and road improvement. It also demanded that the  Kumbi Jr HS and Tuibong Jr HS of the district  to be upgraded to high school and functioning Gandhi Memorial High School to Higher Secondary School, followed by improvisation of PHSC, PHC, CHC in various sub-divisions of Churachandpur district. The memorandum further included setting up of skill development training centres in the different locations of the district and also establish sports complex for the sports enthusiast.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Dec 11

Tousem Area Students’ Organisation (TASO) along with civil voluntary organisations of Tousem sub-division today shutdown the Tousem SDO camp office which is camping at Tamei-Tousem guest house at Tamenglong district.

President of Tousem Area Students’ Organisation, Nehemiah Daime said that a memorandum and ultimatum has already been given to the state government, demanding for shifting of Tousem sub-divisional offices in Tamenglong district headquarter to its sub-division, however, the voice of the people is left unheard.

He also informed that the ultimatum has expired on December 10 and if any official or individual(s) attempt to open the office, any outcome should be taken on its own. The CVOs of Tousem will launch intense democratic form of agitation which will affect the state, he added.

The indefinite boycott and office shutdown will continue till the demand for shifting of offices including medical and police department is fulfilled, said Nehemiah.

The sub-divisional officer, Khupboi Aimol and other staffs were chased out from the camp office today.