Manipur News

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 28

The state government today formed a sub-committee consisting of seven members of different political parties to draft a comprehensive memorandum to be submitted to the Prime Minister on the issue pertinent to the Indo-Naga peace talks in the larger interest of the people and the state.

The formation of the sub-committee was a part of the resolutions adopted during the all political party meeting convened today at the CM’s secretariat chaired by chief minister N. Biren Singh.

The all-party meet was called by the chief minister to discuss the issue of territorial integrity of Manipur with reference to the ongoing peace talks between the NSCN-IM and Government of India.

A release of the proceedings was issued to the press in the evening which started at 3pm.

It said the chief minister welcoming all the members present representing the different political parties, informed the gathering of the assurance of the Prime Minister of India for protecting the territorial integrity of Manipur at any cost.

He reportedly assured the gathering that the state government will also take measures to protect the territorial integrity of the state in letter and spirit with the people of Manipur.

The chief minister also welcomed a peaceful conclusion of the ongoing peace talks between Government of India and NSCN-IM without affecting the interest of other states, it said.

It has been informed that further in the meeting the representatives of the political parties shared their views on the issue after threadbare discussions and adopted four resolutions including formation of the sub-committee.

The meeting decided to depute members of the consultative committee formed by the state government on the issue to Delhi and to meet the concerned important stakeholders of Government of India and to know the latest developments and facts at the earliest.

A reliable source revealed that the consultative committee, comprising of former chief minister Radhabind Koijam and Lt. Gen (retd.) Konsam Himalay Singh, chairperson Manipur Public Service Commission, will leave Imphal for the national capital on October 31.

It is reported the meeting agreed that all the political parties present shall pursue the Government of India through their respective Central leaders to preserve and protect the oneness of Manipur under any circumstances and if necessary re-affirmed to send an all political party delegation of the state to Delhi to highlight the issue and its importance to Prime Minister and other Central leaders.

Meanwhile, deputy chief minister, Y. Joykumar, has been appointed as the chairman of the sub-committee while Y. Surchandra Singh (BJP MLA), Ksh. Santa, CPM, Dr. Ng. Bijoy Singh (Ex-MLA INC), Dr S. Manaoton (AITC), S. Indrakumar (Shiv Sena) and N. Samarjit Singh (NIEDP) were the members.

Representatives of all the political parties reportedly attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) Manipur state unit had said the party would not participate in the all political party meeting convened by the chief minister on “Naga peace talk issue” today.

A joint statement signed by W. Morung Makunga president of the NPF and its general secretary Honreikhui Kashung, said that whoever participated in the meeting representing NPF party would not be as an official representative.

It said NPF/MSU re-instated the commitment on its constitution which envisaged in Article II 2(C) “to work for unity and integrity of the people by integrating all contiguous Naga inhabited Area under one administrative roof and also to provide protection to all the ethnic groups who are indigenous inhabitants of all Naga inhabited area”.

Further it expressed that NPF shall work to achieve as published in the party manifesto in the last Manipur general election 2017 which is, “To work and assist any possible manner on any approach for peaceful solution of the Indo-Naga political issue” heavily engaged between Government of India and NSCN-IM in the last 20 years.

The party will not succumb to the pressure of any leader or majority member in the government if the matters are unconstitutional, it added.

IMPHAL | Oct 29

Zeliangrong Students’ Union Manipur has accused the government of not releasing recurring funds for maintenance of EMRS, Tamenglong Headquarters, leading to its shutdown since October 18.

“Disturbing the academic atmosphere of the school by not releasing the funds meant for maaintenance of the school is a shameful act on the part of the government,” a release from ZSUM.

The union has said it will take up “democratic agitation” if the government does not take immediate action to resume classes from October 30.

“If any untoward incident occurs during the protest on this issue, the government shall be held responsible,” the release added.

IMPHAL | Oct 28

Winter vegetable seeds were distributed today to farmers under the “Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), 2017” at the Farmers Training Hall, Khonghampat, organised by the department of horticulture and soil conservation.

Addressing the function, Horticulture Minister Th. Shyamkumar appealed to the department of horticulture and soil conservation and the farmers to work together to make vegetables farming flourish in the state.

He said the farmers should leave aside some seeds for sowing in the next season so that they do not have to buy each sowing season. The department should also distribute vegetable seeds timely so that farmers can sow them at right time to boost  production, Shyamkumar added.

As a part of the programme, the minister distributes five varieties of vegetables for Rabi crops to the farmers of twelve districts.

The five vegetable seeds are cabbage (Varun Plus), tomato (F1-Indam 3001), onion (Prema), watermelon (NS-295), and garden pea (Arkel).

The department of horticulture and soil conservation put a target area of 500 hectares for plantation of vegetables.

The function was also attended by director of horticulture and soil conservation, K. Kipgen including officials of the department.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | Oct 28

St. Paul’s Institute, New Lamka has inaugurated Atal Tinkering Lab at the institute’s auditorium today. The lab was formally inaugurated by Nenglianlal, principal of St. Peters School.

Principal of St. Paul’s Institute, DL. Muona said that under Atal Innovation Mission flagship programme, the Atal Tinkering Lab technology was applied in their school since October last year.

He continued that two of the students from the school also attended a programme on NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog at Guwahati where they successfully demonstrated two projects in All India Science Exhibition. The impression made by students has led to the sanction of Rs.20 lakhs for installation of Atal Tinkering Lab under NITI Aayog, which will be paid in instalment basis.

Nenglianlal expressed his contentment that the school will be first in the state to install the lab. He said that the laboratory of St. Paul is advancing for the benefit of the students. Through the laboratory, different technological products like robot, remote control  and others can be made, he added.

IMPHAL | Oct 27

As a part of Imphal evening All Manipur Working Journalist Working Union (AMWJU) organised a spot painting competition under the theme “Clean Imphal City”.

The competition was conducted for school children in Classes 5 to 6.

The competition was attended by president of AMWJU, W. Samjai, general secretary S. Nanda and other AMWJU members including MAHUD minister N. Gitkumar.

Speaking to media person, Gitkumar said the competition is not only based on the idea to clean Imphal city but also to clean the minds of the public of the state.

The competition was participated by more than 40 children and the duration of the competition was two hours.

The top three will be awarded with a cash prize of Rs.15,000, Rs.10,000 and Rs. 5,000 with a certificate later.

The 10 consolation prize will also be given out to 10 participants with certificates and cash award of Rs.1,000 each.

THOUBAL | Oct 28

A one- day district level sensitization programme on different schemes of agriculture was held at Thoubal Melaground today.

Inaugurating the sensitization programme, Education minister,  Th. Radheshyam Singh said that there are various schemes of the Agriculture department. The farmers should try to know about the schemes and take benefits of it. He further said that it is necessary to set up cold storage facilities so that farmers can store their produce and sell at any time especially during lean seasons.

The minister said that it is necessary to implement the schemes with sincerity so that the farmers can avail the benefits. He also urgerd the department’s officials to organize  such sensitisation programmes in the far flung areas so that the benefits of the schemes reaches the grass root level.

The programme was attended by Dr. Suhel Akhtar, Additional Chief Secretary,  Ph. Rajendra Singh, Director Agriculture and  Th. Shyamo Singh, Chairperson, Thoubal Municipal Council.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 28

One day students’ career promotion programme was held today at Government Dance College open air auditorium, Palace Compound.

Dharmadas Sharma, head of office (in-charge in the stead of principal) of the GDC, while briefing media-persons said that this is a programme to groom confidence of the students and a platform to enhance their dance skills.

Normally students are shy and they cannot cope up with the pressures of keeping pace with the professionalism of dance forms. He said it is therefore essential for the students to first familiarise themselves with the exacting commitments demanded in being a professional dancer.

The programme kicked off with the special guests and other important members of the dignitaries lighting the ceremonial lamp.

There were four solo performances and one group performance. Solo performance was given by Konjengbam Valentina Devi on Manglacharan and pure dance mentored by K. Binapani Devi. It was also given by Laikhuram Sanaton Singh on Pamhai Jagoi.

The group dance was presented by the bisarat students of the university on the dance called Tandap Parenglaktagee.

Director of art and culture, K. Sushila and director of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, L. Upendro Sharma attended the function as special guests.

IMPHAL | Oct 28

Chairman and chief cardiologist of SKY Hospital, Dr. Shyamkishore stated that many children or grown up patients with various holes in the heart, who are advised for surgical closure may have the advantage of non-surgical device closure at SKY.

A release said that hole in the heart is a type of Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in which a child is born with a hole or several holes in the heart. The reported incidence of CHD is approximately 1000 per 100000 live births.

Traditionally, a big hole in the heart is closed with open heart surgery which involves opening of the chest and heart and closure of the hole by direct suturing or suturing using a patch od a part of the heart called pericardium or a material called Dacron patch, it added.

For the first time in Manipur, the big hole in the heart called Atrial Septal DEFECT (ASD) measuring 26mm in its diameter was closed without open heart surgery using an umbrella like material called ‘36mm Septal Occuluder Device’. Recently, a 16 years old girl with a large heart defect was successfully closed at SKY Hospital on October 14 and she will now grow up as a normal person, said the release.

An interview with the man who transformed heart care in Manipur

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 28

Included in world famous American based Marques Who’s Who Millennium Edition as one of the World’s eminent doctors, Dr. Shyamkishore Lairikyengbam, the only Heart Specialist of Manipur with F.R.C.P (London) and British Clinical Excellence Award Winner came back from a successful practice at London to start a full-fledged heart hospital in Manipur. Imphal Free Press (IFP) asked the doctor what made him come back? “I felt as if I was being constantly called by my motherland to serve my own people” he replied musingly.

The following is a brief interview with Dr. Shyamkishore.

IFP: Heart Attack is said to be the number one killer in the world. What are common symptoms?

Dr.: There are many symptoms. Common ones are sudden onset chest pain, breathlessness, pain in upper abdomen, nausea or vomiting, sudden onset sweating, rapid heart beat, feeling faint or collapse, heaviness of chest or sudden onset pain in left arm.

IFP: Please explain how Heart Attack can cause pain in left arm?

Dr.: The nerves that supply the heart and the left arm are from the same spinal segment. Hence pain due to heart attack may be radiated to left arm.

IFP: What is the main cause of heart attack and who are at risk?

Dr.: There are four major risk factors. These are smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension (high BP) and high cholesterol level of the body. Men are more prone to heart attack than women but after menopause women have similar risk as men. Other factors namely lack of exercise, eating fatty food, obesity may contribute to heart attack. I have come across a 21 years old man who suffered a heart attack. He was a chain smoker from a very young age. So heart attack can affect any age group due to personal habit, life style and presence of risk factors.

IFP: You pointed out that food habit may play a role in causing heart attack but what about food that the people here eat?

Dr.: Basically Manipur’s traditional diet can be termed as “super food”. We eat lots of vegetables, either raw or boiled, few examples Singju, various leafy vegetables, champhut, and kangsoi. These are very good for health. Moreover, eromba with banana stem, bamboo shoots, leafy vegetables are good for bowel motion, and also will help reduce overall fat intake. I encourage “Singju Festival”. It is a good initiative to promote a healthy diet. Cutting down on consumption of oil, salt, sugar, red meat may help in preventing Heart Attack. In our local feasts / community lunch, we have a culinary tradition of using too much oil and salt (probably to make the preparations more tasty), these may be regulated, if possible.

IFP: What about alcohol and Heart Attack? We have many alcohol manufacturing communities and consumers too?

Dr.: First of all, there is no need of alcohol to keep you healthy. So, it’s better to avoid it. Nevertheless alcohol is permitted in moderation in many western countries. Maximum alcohol allowance for a healthy man is 21 units per week. 14 units for woman. One unit is taken as equivalent to 28 ml of whiskey. Excessive use of alcohol can cause alcoholic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Binge drinking is particularly harmful. Alcohol can affect other vital organs, to mention a few, liver (cirrhosis liver), brain (encephalopathy). I have treated a few young patients in their 25 – 35 years of age, with alcohol related heart failure.

IFP: We use medication to control high BP (hypertension). Can medication be stopped if one’s conditions improve? How do we improve heart functioning?

Dr.: There are now a number of drugs available in the market which can help improve the condition of the heart while controlling hypertension. Stopping medication suddenly without doctor’s advice is harmful. Such practice may cause “rebound” hypertension (sudden shoot up of BP) causing heart attack or stroke. However, upto 25% of people on medication for high BP may come off drugs gradually under doctors supervision. This may be possible with reduction of salt intake, reduction of weight, regular exercise, stopping/moderation of alcohol intake etc.

IFP: You had a successful career in London. What made you come back to Manipur?

Dr.: I had many debates on this topic with my family members while in London. (Smiling). I have discussed my stance to come back to my home state with my better half, L. Surbala Devi, of the pros and cons. She has been my main support. She too decided to give up her comfortable and luxurious life of London to risk a new venture here with me. While in London, always I felt as if I was required in Manipur, I felt a “calling” from my motherland. So, I came back to Manipur after practicing for more than 15 long years in the U.K. with a mission to start a Full-fledged heart hospital in Manipur. With the support from family and friends I started Manipur’s First Full –Fledged Heart Hospital called SKY Hospital.

IFP: So, how do you feel about your decision? Do you have any regret or are you happy with it?

Dr.: Personally, I am immensely happy and satisfied mainly because I gave Manipur and people of Manipur the first Open Heart Surgery in the state on 18th November, 2015 and other complex cardiac procedures as listed below.

First I.C.D. implant operation (12th February, 2015).

First Non-operative (Device) closure of holes in the heart (4th July, 2015).

First RF Ablation for cardiac arrhythmia (palpitation)(11th July, 2015).

First complex coronary interventional procedures namely Primary PCI

(1st August, 2015).

First Mitral Valve Balloon Dilatation (blocked heart valve)(22nd August 2015).

First CTO Coronary Angioplasty (27th October, 2015).

First Double Kissing Crush Stenting (DKCS) Coronary Angioplasty (22nd December, 2015).

First Abdominal Aorta Senting (18th March, 2017).

First Left Main Stem Coronary Angioplasty (6th July, 2017).

First RSOV Device closure (10th September, 2017).

Presently, SKY is providing world class sophisticated diagnostic cardiac procedures, complex interventional cardiac procedures namely, coronary angioplasty (PCI) and stent, any peripheral vascular stenting, renal angioplasty, ICD/Pacemaker/Bi-ventricular pacing, device closure of various holes in the heart, RF Ablation treatment for cardiac arrhythmia (palpitation) and various open heart and lung surgery and last but not the least Coronary Artery By-pass Graft (CABG) surgery.

Until recently, heart patients of Manipur had to go outside Manipur for treatment. Now they need not go to other states, thereby their suffering to travel to distant places, from adverse climate, extra expenditure for additional patient’s attendants will be lessened. Further, going for check-up to such distant places is another hardship to patient and patient’s party. I feel that I have been able to lessen the burden to the patients of the state and at the same time provide the treatment and procedure at par with other interventional medical centres.

IFP: Any message you wish to give to our readers?

Dr.: Life is precious. Life stops when heart stops. Let’s live with a healthy heart by avoiding smoking, alcohol or at least controlling alcohol use as per physiological allowance, keeping diabetes, BP, cholesterol levels under control, avoiding fatty foods, red meat, regular exercise etc. In case you think you suffer from a heart attack, go to the nearest doctor or clinic for first aid and then to a heart hospital as soon as possible for accurate and appropriate treatment which will help increase your chance of survival.

IMPHAL | Oct 28

Following the discussion of Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September14 this year in India; an Indian team from Manipur and Nagaland comprising of 23 members today landed in Tokyo on invitation by the Japanese government under ‘IRIS program’.

The team was led by Haobam Joyremba from Manipur.

Other members are R.K. Miranda, Ksh. Pinky, Ph. Momocha, Chanakya Thounaojam, Maibam Chingkheinganba, Yurri AS, Chinhoinuam, Nambram Rocky, Dr. Linda Kongbam, Zhokusheyi Rhakho, Khyulano Ezung, R. Zanthun Patton, Atila Jamir, Shanisha Kent, Lusano Sophie, Narsang Jamir, Wangkhem Gokulchandra, Santosh Shekhar,Arambam Angamba and Yumnam Rajeshwar.

Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan paid an official visit to India from 13 to 14 September, 2017 at the invitation of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India. On 14 September, the two Prime Ministers held strategic discussions on a wide range of issues under the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two countries.

The two Prime Ministers welcomed the India-Japan cooperation on development of India’s North Eastern Region (NER) as a concrete symbol of developing synergies between India’s Act East policy and Japan’s Free and Open Indo Pacific Strategy.

In this context, they noted with satisfaction the setting up of the India-Japan Act East Forum. They appreciated the cooperation between Japan and North Eastern Region of India, ranging from key infrastructure such as road connectivity, electricity, water supply and sewage, to social and environmental sustainability such as afforestation and community empowerment, as well as people-to-people exchanges including the “IRIS Program” inviting youth from the NER to Japan.

During the visit to Japan by Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, in November 2016, the two Prime Ministers agreed to mark the year 2017 as the year of Japan-India friendly exchanges, to further enhance people-to-people exchanges between Japan and India.

The year 2017 also marks the 60th anniversary since the Japan-India Cultural Agreement came into force in 1957.

 On this occasion, various commemorating events are being held in both countries. The Japan Festival 2017 is a part of this initiative, which includes a series of film screenings, dance and music performances, food, sports, etc., scheduled in Delhi, from 27th October to 16th December.

 On the inaugural day of the Japan festival held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi last evening, the delegation of 23 members, 17 from Manipur and 6 from Nagaland took part and were introduced to the audience.

The  Ambassador of Japan to India H.E Kenji Hiramatsu on the inaugural day of Japan Festival 2017 at India Habitat Centre flagged off the delegation of IRIS Program.

Later a dinner was hosted at the residence of the Embassy of Japan by the Ambassador. The delegation presented the gifts in the form of “Firuk” to the ambassadors, minister and Political Advisor along with other staffs of the embassy.

Later late in the night at 10:00 PM, the delegation was sent off to the airport by the Ambassador.

IRIS Program is a youth invitation program by the Government of Japan, which invites promising young talents from the North East Region of India.

This year, 23 people recommended by organizations in the States of Manipur and Nagaland, which have long contributed to strengthening Japan-India ties at community level, will be traveling to Japan from 28 October to 4 November.

 During the visit, the members will visit Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba and Hiroshima, having wide-ranging experiences such as participating in environmental and disaster prevention programs, visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Shibuya/ Harajuku area, as well as meeting with Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and learning a local government’s effort to boost eco-tourism.

The Program was announced by Ambassador Kenji Hiramatsu at the commemoration of the 73rd Anniversary of Battle of Imphal in May 2017. The name “IRIS Program” was taken from a mysterious link between Japan and the North East Region of India, i.e., one species of iris called KOMBIREI that grows mainly around Loktak Lake near Imphal and commonly used in festivals was found to be a new species in India and identical with KAKITSUBATA which was known as “Japanese iris” and considered an indigenous species of Japan for more than one thousand years.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Oct 28

The unattended Saikul-Sapormeina bridge which connects the venue of ‘Chavang Kut’ festival at Saikul Hill town has been repaired by a WhatsApp group named GUDUP.

Saikul sub-division including Konghom area is connected with the district headquarters of Kangpokpi through Saikul-Sapormeina bridge. Approximately 15 Km road is connected with National Highway 2 and Saikul-Imphal road through the bridge.

The base of the Bailey bridge had been badly damaged in the aftermath of cyclone mora and heavy flood triggered by incessant rainfall along Gundung river in the month of May. Since then, heavy vehicles, passenger service and any four wheelers were restricted to cross the bridge and despite repeated appeal made by various CVOs of Kangpokpi, it remained unattended.

Recently, the United Welfare Committee (UWC) and various other CVOs of Kangpokpi gave ultimatum to the state government in connection with the deplorable Koubru Laikha-Tengdonjang pavement on NH-2 and Saikul-Sapormeina bridge.

The initiative of repairing was taken by GUDUP, concerning Chavang Kut festival to be widely organised only at Saikul Hill town in the whole district of Kangpokpi on November 1. However, the group also cautioned that no heavy or passenger vehicles can use the bridge. The repairing works is temporarily and only for use of Chavang Kut goers, which will be restricted as usual after the festival as per the instructions by district administration and authority concerned, added the group.

Secretary of Saikul Block Level Kut Committee, Thongjalun Mate said that the service rendered by GUDUP will be unforgettable and words are not enough to thank the esteemed members of GUDUP.

It may be mentioned that GUDUP had helped a fire victim family of Jangmol by availing financial assistance from the district administration, distributed clothes to the poor and needy people on the occasion of Christmas and also contributed to the society in various activities apart from helping various departments and district administration. The WhatsApp group has 23 members, comprising of various professions including social workers, bureaucrats, journalist and others. They called themselves as ‘Guldus’.