Author: Imphal Free Press

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 3

Chief minister N. Biren Singh today assured the House to immediately introduce new bye-laws for building construction in the state over the existing bye-laws under the MAHUD department.

The chief minister, who is also holding the portfolio of relief and disaster management, was responding to queries raised by Opposition during budget discussion.

Biren maintained that the relief and disaster management left no stone unturned and is actively involved in relief and rescue operations in the recent flood despite the fact that it has no adequate man-power.

The department has only 37 specially trained personnel, who are expert in flood fighting and rescue operations.

The personnel mainly comprise of different state forces, impart training to police, CVO and NGO volunteers and scouts etc., and mock drills are conducted regularly, said the chief minister.

Despite the challenges, he said the department had opened a 24X7 helpline to attend to complaints of the general public and co-ordinate with various departments regarding relief and rescue works.

While four MCS officers were entrusted to supervise the co-ordination works, 97 relief camps were immediately opened at different localities of flood affected areas, he asserted.

With regards to distribution of relief and assistance, he said it was normally done through the DCs, SDOs who are responsible for preparation of district level assessment for the lost incurred during the time of flood and natural calamities.

The chief minister also cautioned bureaucrats and officials to give utmost respect to the elected representatives by co-operating with the leaders in times of any calamities.

Pointing out that compensation to be distributed to earthquake victims for the year 2015 is pending with the finance department. He assured the House that a sum of Rs. 14 cores would soon be released for the purpose within couple of days. 

Biren further assured the House to explore avenues to compensate flood affected victim without any more delays.

The House passed four demands amounting to Rs. 975,16,40,00 including stationery and printing Rs. 5,77,26,000, relief and disaster management Rs. 50,75,48,000, economics and statistics Rs. 17,32,45,000 and information technology Rs. 23,66,45,000.

Of the four demands cut motion was raised by the Opposition bench only on relief and disaster management.

The cut motion was raised by Opposition MLAs K. Ranjit Singh, Md. Abdul Nasir, Md. Fajur Rahim and Kh Joykisan Singh.

IMPHAL| Aug 3

Oinam Sawombung Youth Development Club (OSYDC) has said that the five people who died recently after consuming adulterated alcohol were victims of poisoning.

The club urged to stop the online shaming of the victims on social media by spreading false rumours about their drinking habits, said a release. None of the deceased were alcoholics and had no records of being treated at hospitals for liver or stomach problems, it said.

The release continued that they have no history of quarrel with anyone. They were victims of poisoning or food poisoning which can be caused by taking any sorts of adulterated food or drinks, it further said.

The adulterated alcohol was brewed by a Kabui family from Kabui Khul, Leisangkhong and sold by two locals from Sawombung, it added. The authorities concerned must sort out the matter to prevent communal misunderstanding that may rise out of the matter.

The club appealed to the government to help the family of the victims who had passed away due to poisoning and those who are undergoing treatments.

IMPHAL | Aug 3

The House passed the Dhanamanjuri University Bill, 2017 today. The Bill was moved by education minister Th. Radheshyam. He said that after having a thorough discussion, the State Cabinet on July 28 decided to introduce the Bill during the ongoing Assembly session.

The minister said that the proposal of the Bill is to set up a Cluster University comprising 5 institutions viz, Dhanamanjuri College of Science, Dhanamanjuri College of Arts, Dhanamanjuri College of Commerce, LMS Law College and GP Women’s College, which occupy common, adjoining or neighbouring physical spaces.

He added that the proposal was put up before the Project Approval Board (PAB) of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) on May 13, 2013 and it was approved in 2014.

The existing assets and liabilities, all properties both movable and immovable including land, buildings thereupon, infrastructure etc. along with the rights of all these institutes shall be transferred to Dhanamanjuri University.

The minister continued that the earlier Dhanamanjuri University Bill, 2016 was approved by the Cabinet in its sitting held on August 26, 2016. The draft Bill was introduced on September 2, 2016 and passed on September 5, 2016 by the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

However, the governor withheld her assent on April 4, 2017 as the Bill needed some additions and corrections, he added.

As such, the Bill was introduced afresh after making these necessary additions and corrections, he said.

Further he said that as per RUSA guidelines a Cluster University must consist of three to five colleges in other parts of the country and two to three colleges in the Northeast region.

However, he pressed the Union HRD Ministry under the guidance of chief minister N. Biren to increase the number of cluster colleges for Manipur from three to five as a special case.

The minister cautioned that the time given to the State for establishing the varsity under RUSA scheme would lapse if the Bill is not passed during the ongoing Assembly session as three precious years had already been wasted by the State government in the past.

He said that necessary additions and rectifications can always be made later after the University becomes an asset of the State.

Congress MLAs Kh. Joykisan and Surjakumar Okram also took part in the discussion of the Bill.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG |Aug 3

 With an aim to free tuberculosis (TB) in the district, under TB India Free campaign, TB Active Case Finding (ACF)  has detected new 5 (five) cases of tuberculosis in Tousem sub-division.

 Just barely after 10 days of forming Tuberculosis Active Case Finding at the office chamber of deputy commissioner of Tamenglong, active case finding team has gone to highly suspected villages in Tousem sub-division.

 The team headed by Dr Guidiathiu Kamei, district tuberculosis officer of Tamenglong along with K. Deben Singh, ACSM officer, RNTCP Manipur had detected 4 new cases of tuberculosis from two villages including Rani Gaidinliu village Longkao (Nungkao) Part-I and Part-III and one case was found out under AWARE.

Out of the five new cases two are male and three others are female between the ages of 30 to 50.

 Disclosing this to the media at press meet held at the conference hall of the DC, Dr. Guidiathiu Kamei, said that the team has screened 2522 persons and tested 63 persons on suspicion, and finally five new cases were detected with positive case.

 One ASHA has been appointed as DoTs provider and required medicines has been given, he informed.

 The reasons for highly detected tuberculosis in Rani Gaidinliu village could be old way of dwelling house construction, mal nutrition and etc., he said.

 He said that the active case finding team has found the living standards of the villagers are extremely poor and practicing the old traditional ways of living. Poor water supply, minimal lighting and poor ventilation in their home are main concerned, he added.

Dr Guidiathiu Kamei also informed that the team had conducted awareness at Longkao government school, and poster campaign was also held during their visit in the remote villages of Tousem sub division.

 He went on to say that the road connectivity was so poor that even the team’s vehicle had trouble passing through it.

The officials had to get down and push the vehicles to pass and clear landslide debris, he lamented.

 Armstrong Pame, DC of the district congratulated and appreciated the team and asked the CMO Tamenglong and his team to submit in writing what could be taken to minimise the disease in the district.

 Regarding, bad houses or old way of living, the DC said that during his posting as sub- divisional officer at Tousem he had given IAY scheme to particular village to construct dwelling house but the beneficiary sold away the GI sheets. People had to change their altitude, he added.

S Khupboi Aimol, SDO Tousem, Kachamthai, SDO Tamenglong, Dr Chambo Gonmei, CMO Tamenglong, Namlalung Gangmei, SDC Tamenglong HQs and staffs of district tuberculosis department also attended the press meet.

Doctor clarifies that 3 percent error in testing occurs

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 3

At least three percent of blood tests conducted at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) via the ‘slide’ method are bound to go wrong, it is not a credible report and authentication must be done through the tubing method, a doctor of the institute maintained.

A woman had tested her blood at RIMS on July 27 and the result declared ‘O’ positive. But, she conducted another tests at a private facility as she doubted the RIMS result. The patient named Puspa from Langol Games Village conducted tests at Raj Medicity and Langol View Clinic. The reports of the private hospitals said ‘A’ positive.

Imphal Free Press approached the RIMS head of blood transfusion, Dr A. Birendra Sharma about the result and he stated that the slide method of testing blood is subject to error. Despite the RIMS certification of the blood test signed by the concerned laboratory technician and the medical officer, the certificate is not reliable. This point was stated by Dr Birendra.

He mentioned that this ‘slide’ test is conducted by at least 50 persons on a daily basis for various reasons including application of driving license, school admission etc at the Out Patients Department.

He mentioned that the error is due to the chemical used in testing the blood being exposed to room temperature for hours or due to manual fault. The potency of the reagent may decrease and affect the outcome of the result, he said.

Further, he owned up the fact that during blood donation drives, similar errors occurred because the test is done for quick disposal and the report has to be given fast. He, however, maintained that the slide test cannot be official for any operations involving blood transfusion and a valid test will be done before the patient is operated upon. And if there is no means to verify the blood group,  ‘O’ positive can be given to any individual as an emergency procedure, Birendra said.

He clarified that the certificate may cause confusion to patients and a disclaimer will be added to the certificate in future stating that the test result, conducted at the OPD is subject to error.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 3

The Manipur State Disaster Management Authority will start inspecting of weak and old buildings as a preventive measure to minimise damages during earthquakes.

A mock drill of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was conducted today at the 1st MR ground today to make the SDRF team more effective in their duties.

Speaking to media persons State Disaster Management, vice-chairman, Adim Pamei said that as the state is an earthquake prone zone, it is highly required to check the weak buildings so that they can warn the owners that their buildings need reconstruction as a preventive measure.

He blamed the previous government for not making SRDF fully functional though they are one of the important departments and take a big roles in fighting man-made and natural disasters.

As SRDF has lacked of manpower, vehicles, accommodation, equipment and vehicles he hopes that the chief minister N. Biren who is the chairman of State Disaster Management will take appropriate actions to meet the needs of SRDF.

Adim said, “We should not concentrate only on relief, but should also concentrate on management to prevent from the disaster.”

As a part of preventive measures the state disaster management team will inspect weak spots in the river banks in order to prevent from breaching of the banks, added Adim.

The vice-chairman asked the SRDF team to work with dedication and team spirit in helping the people during man-made and natural disaster.

The untrained personal of SRDF will be sent to NCDC, Nagpur or to NEPA, Shillong for training, he added.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | Aug 3

Police remand was extended for 15 days to Waikhom Sobhachandra, his father W. Ibungcha and mother W. Laskhmi, over the alleged suicide of Waikhom Ongbi Bina Devi (30), wife of Sobhachandra, who was found dead in a suspicious manner on July 27.

The suspects were brought to CJM Thoubal court for the second time today, where police remand was extended for 15 days in order to continue further investigations. Bina was found dead after allegedly consuming poison at the residence of her husband, Sobhachandra at Thoubal Achouba Pakhangkhong Leirak, Thoubal.

Upon getting information that the suspects will be brought to court, meira paibis and club members from the parental residence of the victim, Yairpok Bishnunaha Mayai Leikai stormed the gate of the court shouting slogans that justice must be delivered and the guilty must be punished.

A huge ruckus followed with the police and the mob.

An angry protester expressed that the suspects cannot be released without trial, and the request made by the meira paibis of Thoubal Achouba Pakhangkhong Leirak to release the 3 suspects must be denied. The alleged suicide by the victim is baseless and her murderers must be immediately punished, added the protester.

It may be mentioned that the three suspects were arrested on July 29, to carry out investigations after the father of the victim filled a report, suspecting of murder.

IMPHAL | Aug 3

Several individuals and organisations have been donating funds to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for the flood victims in the State.    

 Today as well, education (S) department, SSA and RMSA and The Manipur Women’s Co-Operative Bank Limited donated Rs. 9, 07,105 and Rs. 50,000 respectively to the relief fund.

The amounts were handed over to the chief minister, N. Biren Singh in a simple ceremony held at the CM’s secretariat. The chief minister expressed gratitude to all the organisations and individuals who had contributed generous donations to CMRF for flood victims so far.

By Daniel Kamei

TAMENGLONG | Aug 2

 With an aim to preserve and keep alive the beautiful tradition and culture of the Zeliangrong community the Zeliangrongpui Naga Customary Arts & Culture Research Society Tamenglong organised the 5th ‘Pukpha’ festival at Shekinuh Inn, Tamenglong district headquarters.

 The programme was attended by K Sushila, director arts and cultures government of Manipur as the chief guest of the celebration.

 In her speech as chief guest, K Sushila said that the customs and tradition practiced by forefathers were same in hills and valley.

 She also mentioned that with the coming of Christianity the beautiful culture of forefathers has been at the verge of extinction in hills. She also thanked the Zeliangrongpui Naga Customary Arts & Culture Research Society Tamenglong for keeping alive such beautiful culture.

 She pointed out the importance of preserving custom and tradition and arts practiced by our forefathers. Ones must have a heart to preserves the culture, custom, tradition and identity despite following different types of religion, she said.

Highlighting the importance of ‘Pukpha Ngai’, KC Ramkhundiyang, member of Zeliangrongpui Naga Customary Arts & Culture Research Society Tamenglong said that Pukpha Ngai” is a pre-harvest thanks-giving festival practiced by forefathers of the Zeliangrong and Npui tribes.

 He said that even if we became Christian, our old culture should be kept alive. Ramkhundiyang further said that festival is an occasion for the farmers to unwind themselves.

 “As farmers, we begin the year with many activities such as collecting firewood, seed-sowing, nurturing young paddy plants, removing weeds from paddy. But now we have paddy. It is time to celebrate and thank god for guiding us throughout the year”, he said. 

A customary practice rice beer was served to all the participants of the colourful festival. Folk songs, sharing of folk tales were the main highlights of the festival. Elders coming from different villages of the district and cultural troupes took part with pomp and gaiety in the celebration.

IMPHAL | Aug 2

Chief minister, N. Biren assured in the House today during Zero hour that the government will examine the feasibilities of removing AFSPA from the state. He was answering to a query raised by the Opposition MLA, K. Ranjit.

The House on the 12th day of the ongoing session of the Manipur legislative Assembly unanimously passed four Demands for Grant amounting to Rs. 7,670,878,000 after thorough discussion and voting.

The demand passed today were Demand no.17 – Agriculture (Rs.215,96,89,000), Demand no. 26 – Administration of Justice (Rs.98,78,06,000), Demand no.30 – Planning (Rs.426,93,08,000) and Demand no.39 – Sericulture (Rs.25,40,75,000) respectively. 

Replying to a motion for disapproval of policy cut raised by the Opposition, agricuture minister, V. Hangkhanlian clarified that the agricultural land is still protected by the Manipur Conservation of Paddy land and Wetland Act, 2014.

He said in order to protect the agricultural land coordination between revenue department and agriculture department is a must. On the inability of the government to ensure availability of paddy seeds and saplings to flood affected farmers, the agriculture minister further clarified that the government has already taken up steps to distribute high yielding varieties of paddy seeds to the recent flood affected farmers.

Further Hangkhanlian assured the house that an alternative measure will be taken up if the inundated areas of the recent flood do not recede by August. He also assured to adopt a separate policy of the agricultural land of the hill areas at the earliest.

The motion was raised by MLA Khundrakpam A/C, Th. Lokeshwar Singh, MLA Wangkhem A/C, K. Meghachandra Singh, MLA Sugnu A/C, K. Ranjit Singh, MLA Tipaimukh A/C, Chaltonlien Amo and MLA Khangabok A/C, Surjakumar Okram on Demand no.17-Agriculture.

The minister further said that the Rice Research Station at Wangbal will be looked into for improvement of infrastructure and staff strength, adding that the government is considering implementing a suitable policy to start double cropping method.

To a query raised by MLA Khangabok A/C Surjakumar Okram, chief minister, N. Biren Singh assured the house that cold storage project will be taken up to check wastage of agricultural products.

During the demand discussion on Demand No. 39 Sericulture, the CM said that small schemes and projects have been implemented to developed sericulture in the state.

The Chief Minister clarified that the constitutional obligation will be looked into especially for equal developments of hills and the valley to a query raised by MLA Ukhrul A/C Alfred Kanngam Arthur.

While discussing on Demand no. 26 – Administration of Justice, Law & Legislative Affairs minister L. Jayantakumar Singh clarified that at present there are altogether 12 vacant judicial post and all the courts in the state are computerised except for the newly established four courts in Thoubal, Bishnupur, Imphal East amd Impphal West districts to a policy cut raised by MLA Sugnu A/C K. Ranjit Singh.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Aug 2

The mudslinging between the TR Zeliang camp and that of the Dr Shurhozelie intensifies even as the latter group suspended Neiphiu Rio again from the primary and active membership of the Naga People’s Front (NPF).

Interestingly, former chief minister and sitting Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio was ‘selected’ by 36 legislators supporting TR Zeliang as the ‘interim’ president of the NPF on July 31.

Today’s decision of the DR Shurhozelie group of the NPF came a day after Neiphiu Rio had said he “was humbled by the decision of the NPF Legislature Party led by chief minister TR Zeliang for electing him as the interim president of the NPF party”.

Meanwhile, in an emergent meeting of the central office bearers of NPF led by Dr Shurhozelie said that the actions of the governor in installing the TR Zeliang government “without proper application of mind and by violating all norms and parliamentary procedures such as his hasty summoning of the House without giving reasonable time for Dr Shurhozelie to prove his majority”.

The meeting also observed that the Speaker in accepting the whip of the legislators and ignoring the legitimate whip issued by NPF chief whip Kiyanilie Peseyie whose appointment as the party’s chief whip on November 14, 2014 is still valid; and acting like he is the leader of the new dispensation led by expelled NPF member TR Zeliang, are unbecoming on the part of the governor who is expected and regarded as the custodian of the Constitution of India.

The Dr Shurhozelie led NPF meeting “vehemently condemned the biased” manner of the Speaker who “violated” all Constitutional norms to “ensure” that his brother-in-law sailed through the floor test on July 21 by accepting an “expelled” member of the NPF as the official whip of the party from which he is expelled, “and demands that he clearly explain to the people since when the appointment of the chief whip of the NPF party had been rescinded/ cancelled by the NPF party”.

He should also explain to the people as to when the chief whip of a political party is appointed by the legislators, and not by the political party as required by the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India, the NPF said.

The meeting then resolved to stand steadfast behind the leadership of ”party president” Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu and his team of office bearers as decided in the general convention of the NPF party on November 26, 2014 and reiterated at the special general convention of the party held on April 30, 2015 through the directive of the Election Commission of India.

It also “vehelently condemned the expelled/ suspended and few NPF legislators” in appointing Neiphiu Rio as the “so-called” Interim President of the NPF party and serving an ultimatum to the NPF party President Dr Shurhozelie to step down, and reminded these legislators that as per Constitutional provisions of the NPF Party, they, the legislators are not authorised to make any appointment including any active or primary member of the NPF party, least of all, an office bearer, leave alone the party President, Interim, ad hoc or work charged.

The meeting also resolved to endorse the decision of the party leadership in expelling 20 NPF legislators from the party and to place 12 members in suspension including suspension of Neiphiu Rio as recommended by the Disciplinary Action Committee, and further authorise the party leadership to take all measures required to maintain discipline, unity and integrity of the NPF party in the days to come.

 “In this connection, considering that all the NPF MLAs in the present camp of expelled TR Zeliang had violated the Whip issued by the NPF chief whip Kiyanilie Peseyie on the floor of the Assembly on July 21, the central office bearers recommend to the DAC to expel/ suspend the remaining dissident MLAs who have not been covered/ touched till date, as deemed fit”, the Dr Shurhozelie group said.

IMPHAL | Aug 2

General secretary of Kuki National Liberation Front (KNLF), Tonglenlal alias Lalmawi Haokip was shot dead today by unknown person around 7 pm at Tuibong Bazar.

A bomb was thrown at him first and later he was shot. Police took the dead body of the KNLF leader at the district hospital morgue. Sources said post mortem of the deceased will be done tomorrow.

KNLF is one of the arm wings under KNO, based in Chandel district.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 2

“My son said that he was tortured by the police and forced to confesse that he is the murderer of the Soram (O) Lakhipriyari and Soram Monica” charged Hitler’s mother Kh. Dhaneshwori.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal Dhaneshwori said that the government used his son as a scapegoat to prevent public outrage against the killing of the mother and the daughter.

She said Monica and her mother were once threatened by one Naoba from Ghari who eloped with Monica’s sister as they married the sister to another person.

Framing of Hitler as a murderer by Monica’s father S. Tomba just for seeing him passing their gate is not fair, said Hitler’s mother.

The real murder will be known after investigating the fingerprint, footprint, knife, long hair found in the murder scene, she added.

Dhaneshwori asked, “Why the police did not take Hitler to court for taking his statement? What is the agenda behind?”

In order to give justice she asked the authority concerned to investigate the scene using technology of forensic science and to produce his son before the court for hearing his statement.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | Aug 2

The total shutdown called by JAC against the killing of Thangkhanlun Taitom passed off today with no untoward incident in Churachandpur town. Shops and markets were closed in the area from Kangvai to New Lamka with vehicles staying off the road.

The bandh was collectively called by different organisations from different tribes in the district in protest against the excess of some UG cadres, who are in SoO with the government.

ZRO/ZRA has stated in an official notification last week that the political dialogue with the government has nothing to do with the incident of killing. The outfit stated that they have ordered the five cadres to appear in person to the organisation’s director (OPS).

In the afternoon, the SP and DC of Churachandpur called a press conference at the DC’s residence where the SP clarified on the rumour in social media that the combined team of police and AR had raided Songtal village, HQ of ZRO/ZRA.

The SP further said that there is no reason to conduct a raid and AR is not involved in the investigation of the crime but were called for operations when the need arises.

ZRO/ZRA is not involved in the crime but their cadre, a town commander and other four had been involved individually, added the SP.

ZRO summon

The defence director (OPS), Zomi Re-Unification Organisation/Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRO/ZRA), TK Zomi said in a press release that Romeo and other four ZRA cadres who are absconding after allegedly killing Thangkhanlun Taitom, must report to the defence director in person between August 2 to 6. The decision was taken as per the cabinet meeting held on August 1, it added.

IMPHAL | Aug 2

A team of Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) led by its chairperson K. Sobita Devi conducted a spot enquiry at Andro police station today regarding the death of Mutum (O) Indira Devi, who was found hanging inside the toilet of the police station.

A release said, the visiting team met IO of the case, Amarjit Singh of Andro police station, where the IO stated that Lokhi of Andro Khuman Leikai filed a missing report of his wife Sunibala on July 24.

Suspecting involvement in the missing person, the police team picked up Indira Devi, wife of M. Ibohanbi Singh of Andro Khuman Leikai for questioning on July 31.

Indira was found hanging from the window bar of the women police toilet using a piece of cloth around 4:50 am of August 1, it added.

The commission team visited the residence of Thiyam Rajen Singh of Lilong Nungei Mayai Leikai to ascertain the death of her daughter Thiyam Ichan Devi, who was found dead hanging at her residence on July 27.

The team further went to residence of Waikhom Sobhachandra Singh of Thoubal Pakhang Khong Leirak to enquire about the death of his wife Waikhom (O) Bina Devi, who was found dead by consuming acid at her residence on July 27.

According to the IO of the case, the husband of the deceased along with in-laws lodged an FIR for further investigation at Thoubal police station. The commission team advised the respective IOs to submit a status report in connection with the death.

IMPHAL | Aug 2

All Club, Organisation, Association and Meira Paibi-Lup (ACOAML) slammed the state government for failing to implement Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991 effectively.

A release said the act had never been implemented properly since the day it was instituted. The release further maintained that the prohibition of alcohol in the state has been never effective.

An Amendment Bill of the act was passed by the state government in 2002, which lifted the Act from five hill districts of Manipur.

Moreover, the prohibition of liquor has never been done for some communities which claimed that brewing of liquor is their traditional practice. These communities both in hills and valleys are making money out of it, the release said.

The inequality in the region wise ban of liquor in the state has also made the black marketers more convenient in doing their business, it said, adding the regulation is counter-productive and it could further polarise the ethnic communities.

The useless act which brings division among the people in the state should rather be removed, said ACOAM in the release.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 2

All Liangmai Students Union Assam, Manipur and Nagaland demanded justice to the victim of alleged 14 –year-old rape victim of Senapati within two days.

In a press meet held at Manipur Press Club’s execution and statistics secretary, Th. Masanbou urged all the student associations of hill and valley to join them in their demand for justice. He informed that the union is all set to agitate in a various ways if government fails to deliver justice.

That minor was found half naked in an unconscious state of mind in the evening at a river bank. She went out to fetch the water in the evening.

She is in critical condition and is now undergoing treatment at Raj Medicity.

 The Zeliangrong Student’s Union (ZSU), Senapati zone also strongly condemned the rape and attempt to murder of one girl in Senapati by unknown person on August 1.

A release said, an executive council meeting was held at Senapati district headquarter, where the union decided to take its own course of drastic action if the authority concerned and law enforcing agency of Manipur government fail to arrest the culprit.

The arrest should be made within the stipulated time from the day and time of FIR lodged to the police station by one of the victim’s brother, it added.

The ZSU, Senapati zone also appealed to all the right thinking people particularly in Senapati district and Manipur as a whole to join hands with the victim’s family to fight punish the culprit.

IMPHAL | Aug 2

President of Kangleipak Students’ Association, M. Luxman today demanded passing of the reservation bill for eight Assembly constituencies. Addressing a press conference he said if the chief minister is committed to protect the indigenous people as he had told the Assembly the bill should be passed. He threatened to continue the agitation till the demands of KSA are not fulfilled.

Ningthoujam Prasant & Elangbam Nikita

IMPHAL | Aug 1

Kangla, a historical site of the state, has seen an increase in footfalls. As indicated by information accessible from the Kangla Fort Board, the revenue earned from footfalls was Rs. 12, 46,500 approximately in 2016 and in the present year till June, it has earned Rs. 7, 67,500. The historical site has attracted more visitors—local, national, foreigner and student—than at any other time.

An authority of the Kangla Fort Board, stated, “Allowing the visitors to enter from the western gate of Kangla has prompted the increase in the number of footfalls.” According to the board, the number of guests is most elevated on Sunday, but when there is no rain, and auspicious days of the state. Higher numbers of foreign tourists are seen during Sangai festival, asserted the board.

The ticket rates for Indian, foreign tourist and student are Rs. 10, Rs. 50 and Rs. 5 respectively and the western gate remains open on all days of the week, except Wednesday, from 9 am to 5 pm in summer and 4 pm in winter.

Manipur Cycle Club also introduced bicycle rental service inside the fort for Rs 20 per bicycle for an hour.

There are six tour guides accessible which are outsourced by JCRE skill solutions however, the number can increase as per request, said the authority of the board. The charge for tour guides varies according to the number of guests.

For students up to 60 in number, the charge is Rs. 1000 only. For Indians and local people, Rs. 750 for 1-5 individuals, Rs. 900 for 6-10 individuals and Rs. 1,200 for 10 and above. Also, for foreign visitors, the charge for the tour guide is Rs. 1,500 for 1-5 individuals, Rs. 2500 for 6-10 individuals and Rs. 4500 for individuals more than 10 in numbers.

The board said that students in school uniforms are not allowed to enter during school hours. However, they can visit if the school authority gives the permission. The reason for the restriction is to keep students from investing their time and energy inside Kangla by bunking classes, said the authority.

“Kangla is the green lung of Imphal city with 2-3 degree Celsius cooler in temperature than the rest part of the city. It is likewise home to migratory birds particularly egret.” claimed the authority.

 The indigenous-food-serving cafeteria inside the fort is fabricated with locally accessible material, for example, mud, wood, bamboo and thatch keeping in mind the end goal to make the right ambience and supplement the value of culture and heritage of the then royal residence of Manipur.

Other than indigenous foods, other vegan fast foods are also available just on Sundays in view of customer’s request, said the owner of the cafeteria. One among the many visitors said that this antiquated fortress holds archeological, religious and historical importance and it is well-kept, spacious and brimming with trees and flowers.

The expert of the Kangla Fort Board said that they are making their best level to fulfill the needs of the visitors, and in the meantime protecting the cultural heritage for the coming generations.

In 1891, Kangla was taken over by the British after the Anglo-Manipur War. Afterwards, the Assam Rifles took control of it, until 2004. On November 20, 2004, the Kangla Fort was handed over by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Manipur government.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Aug 1

 The Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu faction of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has given a “last and final call” to all those NPF legislators supporting TR Zeliang to withdraw their support to the latter by August 5 midnight and “come back to the party fold”.

 In a “calling notice” to those legislators, the Dr Shurhozelie faction of the NPF, cautioned that “noncompliance of this calling notice would compel the party to file disqualification petition against the erring NPF legislators” on the expiry of the time frame i.e. August 5.

This development has come a day after the TR Zeliang faction had “selected” Neiphiu Rio as “interim President of NPF”. The TR Zeliang/Neiphiu Rio faction of NPF had also asked Dr Shurhozelie to step down as NPF President within 15 days.

Meanwhile, the Dr Shurhozelie group of NPF has convened “an emergency meeting” of the Central Office Bearers (Parent Body) at 5 pm on August 2 at the central office, Kohima.

The NPF also called a separate emergency meeting with the central frontals and Cell at 11 am on August 2 at central office, Kohima. “Both the meetings were called in exercise of the power conferred on the president, Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu vide Article No. V Clause 3 of the party Constitution. Therefore, all members concerned are requested to attend the respective meetings positively without fail.

This was notified by KG Kenye, M.P (RS) & secretary general, Naga People’s Front,” the Dr Shurhozelie group said this evening.

The Dr Shurhozelie group said that its attention has been drawn to a news item which appeared in the local media wherein it was reported that the “expelled and suspended” NPF legislators along with a few NPF legislators have served a 15-day ultimatum to the party President to step down, and selection of Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio as “interim NPF President” empowering him with all sorts of ridiculous so-called prerogatives.

“This is to remind the honourable legislators that the NPF constitution clearly specifies about election of central office bearers including the president of the party. Article IV, section 5 of the Constitution of the party specifies the procedure to be followed and nowhere in the Constitution has it empowered the legislators of the party to act on their whims and fancies.

“Moreover, there is no provision or even mention of any post in the party constitution going by the moniker interim President, and it is quite possible that the legislators are confused with the ephemeral Presidentship held by a respected but misguided party leader during the 2015 crisis.

According to the statement, the MLAs would do well to know where exactly they stand lest they end up in political oblivion when the dusts settle down. “They would also do better to know who started the present crisis in the NPF party: whether it was the party functionaries or the legislators who camped in Kaziranga and staged their coup d’ tat from outside the State in connivance with leaders of the saffron party,” it said.

But if it is any consolation to the legislators, or gives them any comfort, the party organisation is intact and solidly behind the party President barring a few individuals and Constituency units who have not shown their loyalty to the party but to their elected representatives which, it goes without saying, should and would be discarded like rotten potatoes, the statement added.

Again, when the Naga society was facing one of the worst crisis ever when there seemed to be total breakdown of law and order and an almost anarchy-like situation gripped the entire State in January-February this year, these honourable MLAs who are calling Dr Shurhozelie as a “fraud” now, furtively went to Dr Shurhozelie on February 15 night and begged, beseeched, pled and almost sobbed themselves silly asking him to take over as the Chief Minister to save the party and the party-led DAN Government,” the statement further said.

“Juxtaposed with such ignoble behaviour of our honourable legislators, it is most delightful to see that party rank and file of the NPF are steadfast behind the party President and most willing to forego material gains offered by legislators to part ways with the party”, it added.