Manipur News

IMPHAL, Jan 27: There is no security lapses in the State, deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said while flagging off a team of the Zeliangrong Youth Front (Assam, Nagaland and Manipur) on a North East tour this morning.

The team was flagged off from in front of the Haipou Jadonang Park near Keishampat.

He said the 35 delegates of the youth front will take the message of love, unity and understanding among the Zeliangrong communities spread across the North Eastern States of the Country.

The tour will visit Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya.

Replying to a media query, the deputy Chief Minister who also holds the Home portfolio said there is no security lapses in the public security system of the State although several explosions had occurred amidst the tight security measures undertaken ahead of the 66th Republic Day Celebration.

He said the explosions which occurred around the State were just reminders from the armed groups operating in the State about their existence.

So far there have been no human casualty and al such explosions have been found planted outside of busy areas, he observed.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/no-security-lapses-gaikhangam/

IMPHAL, Jan 27: The absence of the State Governor, Dr. K.K.Paul at the Republic Day parade in Imphal and sparse attendance at the show apart, a lot of dignitaries also missed out the At Home party at the Raj Bhawan in the afternoon of the same day. The GAD or the Deputy Commissioner`s Office however termed it as Reception. The party was hosted by the Hon`ble Chief Minister of Manipur O.Ibobi Singh and his better half, O.Landhoni Devi at Raj Bhavan, Imphal.

There were a lot of important absentees. To start with O.Landhoni Devi herself did not turn up. Perhaps social obligations took precedence over constitutional niceties for the day was marked with numerous weddings across the State. But more important was the fact that the Army brass of the 57th Mountain Division and the BSF and CRPF top brass which are normally seen when the Governor was hosting the At Homes were conspicuous by their absence. Only the Inspector General of the Assam Rifles was seen around.

However there were more prominent and politically important personalities who did not showed up. The list can start with Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro, followed by Govindas Konthoujam Industries Minister and Phunzathang Tonsing Health Minister. The face of the youth in Ibobi`s government Md.Abdul Nasir Agricultural Minister was also not there and so was the lone lady in the Council of Ministers Kum.AK Mirabai Devi.

The Hon`ble Speaker Shri Th.Lokeshwor Singh was also an important absentee both in the morning parade as well as at the Reception. in the afternoon. Ninglun Victor of the NPF and the Deputy Speaker Preshaw Shimray were to be seen.

None of the known dissident MLAs saved for Kshetrimayum Biren were also present. These includes Y.Surchandra ,N.Biren and K.Ranjit.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/manipurs-high-and-mighty-shun-at-home-tea-after-rday/

KANGPOKPI, Jan. 27: The New office building of Kangpokpi Town Committee constructed under 13 Finance Commission by Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council has been inaugurated in a simple function held today here at Kangpokpi Town.

Haokholal Hangshing, chairman, ADC Sadar Hills, who attended the function as chief guest inaugurated the newly constructed KTC office building in the presence of Seikhosat Hangshing, executive member (Adm.&Town), ADC Sadar Hills and Haokholen Guite, local MDC.

Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Kuki Inpi Gunhom Lhang, Kangpokpi Town Committee members, Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organization and Kangpokpi Youth Union also attended the function.

The inaugurated KTC Office building has been dedicated by Rev. Tongjam Haokip, chairman, Kangpokpi Town Churches Fellowship.

Speaking at the simple function Haokholal Hangshing said that the office building was constructed under 13 Finance Commission before lauding all who are involved the successful construction and inauguration of the same.

He urged the Town Committee in particular and the general public to utilize the building to bring peaceful environment and transparent administration in the town.

Chonkam Kipgen, president Kangpokpi Town Committee while lauding the ADC Sadar Hills chairman and his colleagues for constructing the building presented a traditional shawl to the chairman and EM of the town in-charge as a token of gratitude.

He also expressed gratitude to the two contractors Helen and Mangminhao for their good quality maintenance in the construction work.

Kuki Inpi, Sadar Hills secretary, Kuki Inpi Gunhom Lhang president and other leaders also spoke on the function.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/ktc-new-building-inaugurated/

IMPHAL, January 27: The State government has plans to soon introduce State handloom products as uniforms of school students and its employees, Commerce and Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam said while inaugurating a `Buyer`™s and Seller`™s Meet 2015″ today.

The meet was held at the Ningthoukhong Kha Maning Leikai Indoor Stadium organised jointly by the directorate of Commerce and Industries and the Manipur Apex Handloom Weaver and Handicraft Artisan Co-operation Society.

Govindas said the State Education minister will himself announce the introduction of the handloom products as school uniforms.

Stating that similar meets will also be organised in the other districts soon, he said the meet has been organised to help weavers, designers and artisans of Manipuri handloom increase their income.

State artisans have been producing unique designs which are very much popular both in and outside the State, he said.

Imitations of several patterns and designs which are unique to the State like the temple design (Moirang Phee) have been found sold in markets of several other States, the minister lamented.

Owing to such imitations, three patterns the Saphee Lanphee, Moirang Phee and Wangkhei Phee had got Geographical Indication registration from the ministry of Textile, Government of India, the minister said declaring that anyone trying to copy the patterns would have to take prior permission from the State Directorate of Commerce and Industry now.

The directorate is also trying to process the GI registration of the Mapan Naiba, Potloi, Khamenchatpa and Kouna products from the central ministry, Govindas continued.

The Integrated Handlooms Development Scheme (IHDS) was introduced in 2007-08 under the Ministry of Textile and Handloom and the State received sanction for creation of 54 handloom clusters during 2013-14, he continued.

The State is also seeking sanction for 51 handloom clusters for 2014-15 from the ministry, he said.

The minister also said that the department of Commerce and Industries has collaborated with the NIC to monitor every cluster development in all districts by nominating Cluster Development Executive.

Every cluster has to upload the details of their work done every week on the website of the directorate through the Geo Information System, he said.

He said he will also look into the development of sericulture in the State.

Today function was also attended by Nambol MLA, N Loken, Kumbi MLA S Bira and Commerce and Industries director B John Tlantinkhuma as president and guests of honour, respectively.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/govindas-reveals-plans-to-introduce-handloom-products-as-school-uniforms/

IMPHAL, January 27: The proscribed Revolutionary People`™s Front (RPF) has claimed in press statement signed by its secretary publicity Roben Khuman the outfit is responsible for the series of bomb blasts triggered in the State during the period of January 20 to 26.

The explosions were triggered as part of the boycott announced against the celebration of India`™s Republic Day in WESEA by CorCom, Kamatapur Liberation Organization, National Democratic Front of Boroland (S) and United Liberation Front of Asom (I), it said.

In its statement RPF has claimed its hand in the blast occurred on January 20 at 8 am at near Khurai Lamlong Thongkhong; the blast on Jan 21 at 11 am at Nagamapal Singjubung Leirak near Crematorium Complex; the blast on Jan 22 at 6 am at near the gate of 27 Sector Assam Rifles camp, Torbung Bangla under Churachandpur police station.

Further, it has claimed its hand in the blast that occurred on January 23 at 4:30 pm at Nambul River bank opposite Keisamthong Laisom Leirak; on January 24 at 7:30 am at Nambul River bank opposite Sagolband Meino Leirak and at 10 am of the same day at near Yaiskul Firing Range ground at Imphal River bank; again on January at 9:30 am at Keisamthong Moirang Ningthou Leirak Nambul River bank.

Furthermore, it has claimed its hand in the blast that occurred on January 26 at 7 am at Khuyathong Pukhri Achouba near crematorium and Yaiskul Hicham Yaichampat Imphal River bank and also at 8:30 am at Hapta Golapati Imphal River bank under Porompat Police Station.

It also claimed the blast at 9 am at KR Lane Imphal River bank and Wangjing Purana Heitup Pokpi Mamang Leirak paddy field under Thoubal Police Station and Bishnupur DC office.

The statement also claimed that ULFA (I) and RPF jointly planned two bomb blasts at two different places in Digboi Town in Tinsukia District of Assam.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/rpf-claims-hand-in-series-of-bomb-blasts/

IMPHAL, January 27: Altogether six powerful Improvised Explosive Devices exploded on the Repyblic day in different places of the State including an explosion just about 100 metre far from the venue of the State function at 1st Manipur Rifles parade ground.

However, no casualties were reported during the multiple blasts.

The first explosion was reported around 7 am on the Imphal River bank near Moirangkhom Hicham Yaichampat about hundred metres away from the 1st MR parade ground, the starting point of the Republic day parade. Seconds after the first explosion, another IED exploded at Khoyathong Pukhri Achouba Mapan.

The two explosions were reported before the commencement of the Republic day parade.

Meanwhile, two powerful explosions were reported during the Republic day parade around 8.30 am at the Imphal river bank near KR Lane and 9.10 at Golapati.

On the other hand, both Thoubal and Bishnupur districts also reported one each IED explosions on the same day.

The first explosion was reported around 9.05 am at Wangjing Purana Heitupokpi Mamang Leikai under the jurisdiction of Thoubal Police station while the second IED was exploded 9.30 am at Loukoipat junction under Bishnupur police station.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/six-ied-explosions-mark-rday-celebration-in-state/

IMPHAL, January 27: The bandh imposed by the Lilong Political Unified Link (LIPUL) on January 23 to January 25 leading to the death of a teenage boy and injuring several others was illegitimate, the Lilong United Political Forum (LUPF) declared today.

Speaking to media persons during a press conference held at Manipur Press Club, LUPF advisor Dr Abdul Salam said LIPUL has been boycotted from the Lilong area forever.

He demanded a white paper on the understanding brought between the government and LIPUL which led to the suspension of the agitation.

Salam said the people of Lilong are raising questions on whether LIPUL`™s agitation was politically influence.

He further said the LIPUL has failed to acknowledge the step initiated by the local MLA, Abdul Nasir, who had relentlessly done his best with regards to the demand of widening the road.

He alleged that the particular bandh has caused huge inconveniences and loss to the people and that no relaxation was given to anybody during the bandh.

It was unfortunate to learn that LIPUL has failed to render any help physically or mentally to the families of the deceased minor and injured persons who had supported the bandh, and added that the agitation is opposed by the people of Lilong.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/lipul-bandh-illegitimate-lilong-body-declares/

IMPHAL, January 27: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh presented blankets to 12 selected village chiefs from the five hill districts including two from Sadar Hills during the beating the retreat ceremony today at the 1st Manipur Rifles ground.

The Chief Minister also distributed prizes to the winners of the Republic Day march past parade.

In the uniformed category, the Manipur Jail contingent bagged the first position, the Civil Police Imphal West (Female) contingent came second and the BSF Manipur bagged the third position.

Among the NCC groups, Sainik School, Imphal secured the first position, NCC senior Air Wing came in second with the 11th Manipur Battalion NCC Senior Boys coming in the third position.

The National Sports Academy (NSA) boys and girls begged the first and second spots respectively in the school category with Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy and Ibotonsana Girls Higher Secondary School sharing the third spot.

The GP Women`™s College team begged the first position in the college category, while the DM College of Arts (girls) came in the second position while the contingents of DM College of Science (boys) and Imphal College shared the third position.

The Pipe Band of the 40 Assam Rifles of 9 Sect AR of Hq IGAR (S) came in first in the Bands category, while 2nd Manipur Rifles and the MPTC contingents shared the second position. The band of the Forest department begged the third position in the category.

The IFCD department tableau was adjudged the best tableau with the National Rural health Mission display bagging the second spot while the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj tableau and Sarva Siksha Abhiyan tableau sharing the third spot.

The Manipur State Aids Control Society, MACS bagged the first position for the best gate, while the Commerce and Industries department bagged the second spot. The Forest department bagged the third position.

For the cultural presentation, the Khuringmul Cultural Dance Troupe, Chandel bagged the first position, the Star Musical Centre, Khurai came in second while, the dance troupe from Ukhrul, Sikhai Khullen Dance Troupe came in third.

Meanwhile, special prizes were also presented to the chief engineer (PWD) Manipur, chief engineer (PHED), chief engineer (IFCD), commandant 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles, managing director Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited, MSPDCL, secretary All Manipur Band Parties Association, 9th Indian Reserve Battalion (Mahila) Band, PG Singsit CO 8th Indian Reserve Battalion, Wheel Chair Platoon (differently able person), ex-servicemen contingent and president of the All Manipur Women`™s and Girls Arts and State Committee.

The department of Tribal Affairs and Hills Manipur also presented Rs 20000 each to the cultural troupes participating in the 66th Republic Day celebration.

Meanwhile, a combination band including the Manipur Female Police Band, Manipur Police Band and the Assam Rifles Band also displayed a band performance during today`™s ceremony.

Another highlight of the day was a dance troupe competition which was participated by one each troupes from each of the districts of the State and one from Sadar Hills.

The troupes are M Ningthoupham Cultural Dance Troop from Senapati, Institute of Contemporary Art, Thoubal, Khoirok Cultural Troop of Khoirok Village, Sadar Hills; Chingu Thangjing Women`™s Cultural Artists Association, Bishnupur; Khuringmul Tarao Dance Troop, Chandel; Sri Sri Radha Govindo Seva Dol, Imphal West; Mandeu Youth Club, Tamenglong; Star Musical Centre, Imphal East; Kom Cultural Dance and Research Centre, Churachanpur and Sihai Khullen Dance Troop, Ukhrul.

The Imphal West troupe bagged the first position, Kom Cultural Dance and Research Centre bagged the second position while the Sihai Khullen Dance Troupe bagged the third position.

The first, second and third position holders were awarded with Rs 25000, Rs 20000 and Rs 15000 with mementos.

Today`™s beating the retreat ceremony was also attended by deputy Chief Minister, ministers and higher ranking officials of the State.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/village-chiefs-from-hill-districts-presented-shawls-during-beating-retreat-ceremony/