Manipur News

IMPHAL, January 5: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) proposes to set up Investigative Units on Crimes against Women (IUCAW), in 20% of the districts of each State on a 50:50 cost sharing basis with the states, acording to a statement of the ministry.

It said the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has written to the Chief Minister of the States that there is a need to strengthen various elements of the criminal justice system, namely, Investigation, Prosecution and Trials by courts to deal with the issue of rise of crimes against women.

MHA has proposed to set up 150 such IUCAW units initially on pilot basis in most crime prone districts of each state. Elaborating the IUCAW, the Home Minister mentioned that these units may consist of 15 personnel, preferably five of them women, it said adding that the States will have full flexibility on whether to create new posts or to designate from the existing strength.

Each IUCAW will be headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police assisted by two DSPs. Out of the total 2250 personnel required for the 150 IUCAWs, 750 will be women. This will involve a total expenditure of 84 crore rupees annually, out of which 42 crore rupees will be provided by the Centre, the statement added.

Rajnath Singh mentioned that the objective of these units will be to investigate cases referred to them, augment the investigative machinery of the States in relation to the heinous crimes against women, especially Rape, Dowry Death, Acid Attack and Human Trafficking, instill confidence and encourage women to come forward and lodge their complaint and improve the gender ratio in the State Police forces which is adversely impacting effective implementation of the legislations relating to women, it continued.

Besides, these units will have the additional functionality of proactive policing, intelligence gathering, tackling organized crime, monitoring proper implementation of the legislative provisions, helping awareness generation and promotion of social participation in checking crimes against women, the statement said.

Rajnath Singh has also advised the States to set up separate Fast Track Courts to deal with these cases expeditiously.

He has also assured all possible assistance to the States in taming the menace of crimes against women, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/mha-proposes-setting-up-investigative-units-on-crimes-against-women/

KANGPOKPI, January 5: `The youths of Manipur has amazingly move forward in the field of education even in the national level and I am beyond doubt feeling proud of calling the youths of Manipur `my children`™ for their tremendous contribution towards bringing laurels and pride to the nation internationally in various field` asserted MLA Nemcha.

The Kangpokpi Assembly Constituency MLA was speaking during the 3rd Session Glory Day observation of Liyai Kalapahar Liyai Kongpao Youth and Students`™ Organisation under the motto `Learn today and Lead tomorrow` at Liyai Kalapahar Liyai Kongpao village in Sadar Hills, Senapati district today.

Speaking after unveiling the Liyai Kalapahar Liyai Kongpao Youth and students`™ Organization 3rd Session Glory Day stone, the MLA lauded the State youths and continued that the past few years have seen many from the State clear the toughest civil services exam conducted by the UPSC and get selected for the top-posts of IAS and IPS.

Throughout the world, youth are struggling for their respective nation and society and as such the youth of Manipur in general and those of Kangpokpi constituency in particular should give their best in bringing s healthier and more developed Manipur, she added.

The MLA further called for unity among the different communities in the State.

`Respect and take advice from elders while making decision`, suggested the MLA while adding that for healthier and better society youth and students have a big role to play.

In the meantime, the local MLA pointed out that Poumei Nagas are peacemaker in the society particularly between Kuki and Naga before maintaining that Poumei people are faithful, honest and sincere and are committed to what they say.

Extolling the Poumei community the MLA also said that they are broadminded people with a sense of oneness and unity and that is their best weapon in bridging the gap and making peaceful coexistence.

In his exhortation speech Theophilus Rangmathat, President Poumai Students`™ Union said that it is only in our State and district that we have been differentiated in the name of tribe, caste and region but as we move out from the State we are all known as tribal and people of just one race.

It is no time for us even here to differentiate ourselves from one another just because we are from a different tribe or community but it is time for us to come together asserted the Poumei Students Union leader.

Liyai Kalapahar Liyai Kongpao Youth and Students`™ Organization submitted a memorandum to the local MLA for construction of the Youth and Students`™ Office building cum Conference Hall which the MLA assured to materialised.

Apart from different youth clubs from various communities of the area, many CSOs leaders, church leaders and the local populace attended the function.

Solo and group dance performances and cultural songs from Liyai KKYSO and the Glory day feast marked the occasion.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/kangpokpi-mla-praises-state-youth-on-achievements/

Imphal, January 5: BJP Manipur Pradesh will launch three different agitations in the next three months to protest against the state government for not taking up a single project which the Union government has included in its 100 days programme, stated Manipur Pradesh BJP chief Th Chaoba while interacting with media persons today at the residence of O Malesh , president of the Yuva Morch, BJP Manipur Pradesh.

Chaoba said the projects included in the 100 days programme are the repair of the Imphal-Jiribam road which feature in the Union budget, the construction of FCI godowns in all the State`™s districts for which the government has already withdrawn funds and establishment of a National Sport University which is still mired in controversies with the construction site yet to be confirmed.

BJP will launch three agitations to expedite these projects. The present condition of NH 37(Imphal-Jiribam road) road remains deplorable even after it was included in the 100 days programme. BJP will mount pressure on both the Central and the State government to expedite its repair during the agitations, the State BJP chief said.

He said the State government has withdrawn all the funds for the construction of FCI godowns in all the districts of Manipur but there are no signs of any development for the constructions in the districts. During the agitation, BJP will demand to know how many godowns have been completed and how many remains to be completed because the government till date has not mentioned the actual number of godowns to be constructed. But all the funds have been deposited to MDS which is the finest place for covering the trail of the Chief Minister`s corruption, he alleged.

The State government is outwardly showing encouragement to the sports persons of Manipur but haven`™t done anything to establish a world class Sports University. During the agitation, BJP will demand to know the status of the National Spot University and where it will be constructed and whether the site proposed by the government is disputed and whether the government has got the approval of the people, he said.

The government`™s response to the recovery of Skulls and bones from the campus of Tombisana was not immediate. If such case had happened in other States, the CBI might have started its investigations already, he opined, asking why the State government likes to keep matters pending starting from the skulls and recovery case to the construction of the Sanjenthong Bridge.

The case of the skulls and bones need immediate investigation because any further delay would lead to the loss of evidence, he said.

Chaoba said BJP Manipur has made major achievements last years despite suffering electoral defeat in the Hiyanglam bye-polls because politically speaking the party was gaining in popularity among the people of Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/bjp-to-launch-agitations-in-the-next-three-months/

IMPHAL, January 5: The United Committee Manipur today presented quilts and water reservoirs to the Ramji Kabui Village (Kinthanlong), Tera as part of its Gaan Ngai celebration.

The gifts were presented by a UCM team led by its president Yumnamcha Nabachandra Singh.

Speaking on the sidelines of the simple ceremony marking the handing over of the gifts, Nabachandra said that the endeavour was carried out in order to join in the festivities of Gaan Ngai and share the sentiments of the communities celebrating the festival.

This will help in restoring peace and harmony among the different communities of the State, he said.

He further urged upon the people to encourage gift sharing between the different communities, cultural and emotional exchanges to maintain and promote emotional integrity in the State.

It is in the itinerary of the UCM to attend festivals of all communities residing in the State and cement the bond of love and friendship build up by the forefathers of all communities, he continued.

There is no future for the State unless, the communities understand the necessity of helping each other, he said before wishing a grand Gaan Ngai celebration in the State and for the festival to help bring peace and erase any form of violence.

Meanwhile, the Ching-Tam United Women`™s Association (CHITUWA) has said in a press release that members of the association had presented gifts at Namching village, Mahakabui, Senapati on January 3 as part of its Gaan Ngai celebration.

According to the statement, its president Maibam (o) Purnima Leima was the guest of honour in the event.

The association also presented gifts to members of the Zeliangrong community on the occasion of Gaan-Ngai celebrated at Heikrujam Kabui village, Imphal West on January 4 at 3 pm, it said. The association gifted blankets to the village chief, Punshi Kabui and other villagers, it said.

From Our Bishnupur Correspondent: The Gaan Ngai festival of the Rongmei community was celebrated today at the Maibam Kabui Village Community Hall with a simple gift exchange function.

Maheikhol Ideal training Institute Nambol chief functionary Wahengbam Suni gifted Meitei traditional dresses to six members of the village authority including the village head Lungthaungam.

Suni also handed eatable items to other villagers as part of the function.

Other highlights of the function include cultural shows presented by villagers and the village head offering prayers.

Speaking as the chief guest, Suni said the participation of other communities in the festival of others will improve the relation between the communities.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/ucm-distributes-gifts-to-mark-gaan-ngai-festivities/

IMPHAL, January 5: A written complaint has been submitted to the Governor demanding stern actions against `wrongdoers` of the Directorate of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry by investigating the `illegal actions and misuse of power` within the department which is among the major departments of the State government.

Sources informed IFP that the written complaint was submitted to the Governor today. The complaint was submitted by S Indra Singh, a resident of Hawreibi Mayai Leikai in Imphal West district.

The three-pages long written complaint contains allegations suggesting that the government rules & OM(s) have been `rendered futile and otiose` as the Secretariat : Vety & AH department, is functioning under the influence of the Directorate of Vety & AH and that arbitrary promotion orders of the department officials have been issued.

The complaint further mentions payment of `excess salaries` to demoted officers, paying pensions commensurate with that of grade-III employees to retired veterinary officers and that a culture of officers misusing their official powers prevails in the department. It also mentions in great detail the pending Vigilance case no. 5/SP-V/2014 against the incumbent director, Dr S Joute.

Sources said copies of the written complaint have been submitted to the Chief Minister, chief secretary and the commissioner of Department of Personnel.

Official documents which are in IFP`™s possession reveal that there is an ongoing controversy within the Directorate after an order was issued proclaiming a joint director who was officially engaged by the Directorate as absent on Extra-ordinary leave(EOL) during the period of his engagement.

Sources said Dr K Gopal Singh was promoted as a joint director (MVS grade `“II) by L Lakher, commissioner (Vety & AH) after issuing an order (order no. 4/4/99-Vety/part-1) on July 2, 2012. The order promoted nine veterinary officers to the posts of joint directors. Dr Gopal was listed on serial no 8 in the promotion order.

With the issuing of the order, Dr Gopal was transferred as joint director of Veterinary department in Chandel district. But he was engaged in the headquarters of the Directorate by director Dr S Joute from September 13, 2012 to January 14, 2013 after officially summoning him back into the Directorate headquarters. He received his due allowance and salary as a Joint Director during this period.

However, an order issued by under secretary (Vety & AH), Saichchingpuii on December 22 which proclaimed that the joint director was on extra ordinary leave during this period, which means his absence from duty was unauthorised. This has left many bewildered.

Dr K Gopal, joint director of District Veterinary Office, Chandel has written to the director, Vety & AH opposing the order and demanding the order to be revoked which proclaims him to be absent on EOL and threatening to move the High Court of Manipur if the order is not revoked.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/directorate-of-vety-ah-charged-of-arbitrary-exercise-of-financial-powers/

IMPHAL, January 5: The first phase of the three-day Youth`™s Leadership Residential Camp 2014-15 of the All Manipur United Clubs`™ Organisation, AMUCO was conducted from December 28-30, 2014 at the Khuman Lampak Kang Shang organised by the Imphal East United Clubs Organisation, IEUCO.

According to a press release of the AMUCO, several intellects attended and spoke on diverse topics during the three-day long camp.

The participating campers also raised several questions for the intellects and resource persons to elaborate, it said.

The statement said the second phase of the camp will be held from January 7 to 9 at the Yairipok Universal Collage organised by the All Thoubal District United Clubs Organisation, ATDUCO.

The inaugural function will be attended by member of 10-Langathel zilla parishad, Thoubal Sh Budhi Singh, retd Veterinary director and ATDUCO advisor Dr M Rajendro Singh, president AMUCO Dr Y Mani Khuman, DDC president T Rameshor Meitei, KHUKAMPAL president W Maipak Devi, AMPKLP president M Tathot Devi as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively, it said.

The evening session of the inaugural day will start at 2pm with principal IRE, N Rajivkumar speaking on the topic`Moral education for a better society` and State Shumang Lilla Cuncil president Th Gunachandra Sharma speaking on `People perspective on Arts, Culture and Sports.`

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/amucos-3day-youth-leadership-camp-held-in-imphal-east/

IMPHAL, January 5: The All Zeliangrong Students`™ Union, Manipur which sent a team to inspect some of the sites of the railway project in the State has discovered that quality is not being maintained in the construction of railway tunnels from Tupul to Jiribam. This was alleged by AZSU president Pamei Tingenlung.

A team of All Zeliagrong Students Union (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) along with members of Zeliangrong Students Union, Manipur inspected the construction sites of railways tunnels and bridges from Jiribam to Tupul from December 26 to 30 last year.

The team found irregularities while maintaining quality control in the construction of tunnels and bridges, said Pamei Tingenlung in a press meet at the AZSU office in Namdulong today.

He said the team inspected the sites after AZSU started receiving several request from people to inspect the irregularities of the private companies working in the North Eastern Frontier Railway project in maintaining quality control during the construction of the tunnels and bridges.

He has asked the concerned authorities of the Railways project to dismantle these completed works for not maintaining quality control by using proportionate amount of sand and irons bar as per NEFR norms and not heeding to its recommendation of using only the finest sand and materials in construction.

Those companies which have not maintained quality control must dismantle their works within 10 days and if any of the companies don`™t comply with that, AZSU and ZSUM will impose a ban on their construction works in the future, he said.

A full detail report on the irregularities in maintaining quality control by these private firms will be sent to the Union Ministry of Railways, Pamei informed.

He said the team also inspected the construction site of the world`™s highest bridges, Bridge No.1164, which is constructed between Lukhambi and Nungtek. The Simplex Company is constructing the bridge but unfortunately it was found using inferior raw materials for the construction of the world`™s highest bridge, he added.

Highlighting that other companies were also found to be using low-quality sand in the construction of tunnels and bridges when the team inspection other sites, he informed that the Onycon engaged in the construction of Tunnel Point 27 at Marangjing area and Tunnel Point 21 at Rangkhung, Sushee engaged in construction of Tunnel Points 19, 1 and 2, ECI engaged in the construction of Tunnel Point-2A at the Thingou area and NAYAK which is constructing bridges and retaining walls at Noney areas were some of the companies not maintain quality control.

Pamei said a proper inspection of the construction sites is needed because after the completion of the National Railways project the companies will leave but the dangers of not maintaining quality control during the construction will remain. The victims will be Manipuris, he cautioned.

The North Eastern Frontier Railways officials are reportedly inspecting the construction sites regularly but our findings have revealed that officials are inspecting the sites only for namesake, he alleged.

Meanwhile, the state government is not taking any initiative on the construction of the Railways project and because of this negligence; the target set by the government for its completion can`™t be achieved. The team which asked officials of the NEFR whether it was possible for the completion of project within 2020 received a negative response, the AZSU president said.

He also said that both the students union will continue monitoring the construction because the construction companies feel that the state of Manipur doesn`™t have any monitoring officials that can conduct random checks on whether they were maintaining quality control or not.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/quality-not-maintain-in-states-railway-project-construction-alleges-azsu/