Tag: IFP

IMPHAL | Dec 15

Today, a combined team of 5 JAK RIF under 9 Sector Assam Rifles and Lilong police, along with the help of local anti-drug organization, All Lilong Anti drug Association (ALADA) and a women based organization Anti Social Prevention Organization (ASPO), launched a search operation in Lilong Haorebi Makha Lekai, said a release.

In the said operation, three male and one female involved in drug dealing were apprehended, namely Md. Erishad, Md. Iliyakat Ali, a lady named Olivia, and the owner of the house Abdul Manan alias Amir Khan (23), the release mentioned.

During the search, one non-prohibited bore Shotgun Modified (DBBL) without license, 25 grams of Heroin, 2014 WY tablets, 19 SP capsules, 8 small containers containing suspected no. 4 drug weighing approximately 16 grams, along with Rs 68,950 were recovered from the apprehenders, the release continued.

All the accused, except Md. Iliyakat Ali being a juvenile (17), along with the seised items have been booked at Lilong police station. While the said juvenile was warned and released, it added.

IMPHAL | Dec 15

A team of Assam police assisted by Manipur police today recovered a missing Mahindra SUV Scorpio from the residence a parliamentary secretary, a reliable source said.

The source stated that the Assam police team came to the state yesterday for investigation of the missing SUV after making a requisition to Porompat police station.

The missing vehicle SUV Mahindra Scorpio (white colour) bearing registration number AS-01-DA -4534 was recovered with the assistance of Porompat police station.

Later the vehicle was brought to the Porompat police station and from there a formal seizure of the vehicle was done by Assam police and vehicle will be taken back to Assam tomorrow, according to source.

Source also stated the recovered Scorpion was reported missing from Assam on April and the owner had lodge a missing complaint to Satgaon police station, Assam in the month of August.

Mentioned may be made that a PIL was filed before the High Court of Manipur seeking direction from High Court for investigation of the large scale registration of missing and stolen vehicle in the state by CBI.

The petitioner filed the PIL on behalf of the people of the state to stop the illegal practice of issuing registration number without proper verification of the vehicle and to punish the offenders involved in issuing such unlawful registration number with appropriate punishment.

The PIL also mentioned that most of the vehicles, being highly priced, are being used by influential persons with contacts.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 15

Huge number of locals from parental side of Sagolsem Ningol Longjam Ongbi Mirnalini, (24), wife of L. Rabichandra of Keishamthong Maning Longjam leikai marched a rally towards chief minister’s secretariat today evening, demanding that the culprit involved in the incident must be brought out.

The rally started from the locality of the deceased, Heirangoithong Maibam Awang Leikai. When the rally was heading towards CM’s secretariat Imphal, Kakwa police personnel put a halt to it at old Thumbuthong Bridge, Moirangkhom.

After long deliberation between the agitators and police personnel took place, seven representatives were allowed to meet chief minister.

Speaking to media persons, uncle of the deceased, Sagolsem Dhanabir said the meeting that took place between the representatives of the rally and CM was also attended DGP, high rank officials including MLA, Karam Shyam.

He said one person identified as Ken Roger reportedly posted a status on Facebook today around 9.27 am according to post-mortem she had committed suicide, but the accused family members found the report from Superintendent of Police, Imphal West at around 2.30 pm today. He further said according to CM, Kem Roger has been arrested and investigation has started against him.

He said CM assured to take necessary action against the culprits involved in the case of Mirnalini and will be punished immediately under law.

IMPHAL | Dec 15

The Citizens Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD) expressed its grave concern over the pursuance of the chairman and managing director, national hydroelectric power corporation (NHPC) with chief minister N. Biren Singh, for early commencement of the construction of 66 MW Loktak Downstream Hydroelectric Project across the Leimatak River, said a release.

CCDD considers the said NHPC’s pursuance as a complete disregard of the longstanding call of the indigenous peoples of Manipur to commission the Ithai Barrage of the 105 Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project, in view of the severe environmental impacts and its detrimental effect on the livelihood of communities living in and around the Loktak wetlands, namely, Laphupat Tera Khordak Nongmaikhong, Arong, Ithai Wakokpi, Kumbi, Thanga, etc., it mentioned.

That, NHPC continues to reap maximum benefit at the cost of destroying the livelihood of several communities and devastating Loktak wetlands. The most notable impact being, the submerging of over 83000 hectares of agricultural land, the release added.

Further, the construction and operation of the proposed project on Leimatak River would mean the continued operation of Ithai Barrage for another 40-50 years, which will result in the complete devastation of Loktak wetlands due to the increased sedimentation aggravated by forest loss in the catchment areas of rivers flowing into Loktak wetlands, the release informed.

Lastly, CCDD urged the NHPC, the state government, as well as the central government, to decommission Ithai Barrage as demanded by the people of Manipur, and as recommended by the chief minister and governor of Manipur. That, the destruction of Manipur’s land and resources for the multinational companies should be stopped at the earliest, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 15

State president of National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), P. Bangkimchandra said the chief minister has reassured to investigate the mysterious death of Pravish Chanam (22), son of Ch. Jugindro of Uripok Achom Leikai who went missing for five days at Noida from September 22 and later found cremated by the authorities of Dr. BR Ambedkar hospital in Noida.

Speaking to media persons during a press meet held today at state office of NSUI, at Congress Bhavan, Bangkimchandra said on September 22, people had staged protest against the death of Pravish, to bring out the truth behind the mysterious death.

On September 25, brother of the deceased, Chandam Rabikanta appealed that CBI should investigate the incident. Later on September 27, after the national executive meet, the chief minister assured that the incident will be investigated with the CBI to find out the truth behind the mystery, he added.

After the assurance was made by CM, no action had been taken up to find out the solution of the case. Instead of bringing out a permanent solution, it seems the present government is playing a technique to find out temporary solutions in order to stop any form of agitation, he added.

NSUI condemns concerned authorities as protests were conducted since September but CM reassured to bring out the truth behind for the mysterious death only now. He appealed the state to find out the culprits involved in the mysterious death and to give punishments under the law. The government should be concerned that many people from the state are settling and studying outside the state and for their safeguard, necessary steps must be taken at the earliest, Bangkimchandra appealed.

Bangkimchandra also said the pending stipend of second batch RIMS BDS student should be given immediately in order not to affect the normal routine of dental OPD of RIMS. He appealed the concerned authority to give proper and actual amount of stipend for the BDS interns.

Besides, he said exams conducted by Manipur Public Service Commission should be conducted under transparency, as issues came up against exams conducted by the commission. The issue of Tribal Research Institute (TRI), deputy director has been under process since years. The post of deputy director for TRI was appointed under the examination held on January 8, 2015 by MPSC. But it is said that the person is not qualified for the post by AMSU. NSUI appealed the concerned authority to conduct examination by maintaining its quality.

IMPHAL | Dec 15

The Minorities Development Forum, Manipur (MDFM), appealed to all the CSOs and the general public in the state to refrain from any agitations on December 18, in view of Minorities Right Day which will be observed throughout the country.

As per National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Zoroastrians (Parsis), and Jains are notified as minorities in the country, and as such given protection by the Indian government, said a release.

That, Manipur state minorities commission in honour of the minority communities in the state, will also be observing Minorities Right Day with forest and environment minister, Th. Shyamkumar, a the chief guest, the release mentioned.

Lastly, MDFM reiterated its appeal to the people of Manipur for their cooperation and to refrain from any agitation, such as general strike, bandh, etc., for the successful observance of the said day.

IMPHAL | Dec 15

The Handicapped Development Foundation, Manipur, will be distributing kits and appliances, such as smart cane, smartphone, braille kit etc., to visually impaired persons on December 17, from 9:30 am till 2 pm, at the office premise of the foundation, located at Sagolband Tera Pukhri Mapal, Sayang Road, Imphal West, said a release.

All the concerned beneficiaries who had undergone an assessment on Feb 23, 2016, at Takyel Blind School are requested to collect one’s appropriate kits by showing one identity proof, namely, Aadhaar card, disability certificate, etc., the release informed.

Detailed information could be obtained from the office of the said foundation, it added.

IMPHAL | Dec 14

Chairman and managing director (CMD) of NHPC Limited, Balraj Joshi called on chief minister, N. Biren Singh at the CM’s Secretariat today. Joshi was accompanied by director of Ministry of Power, Renuka Kumar and executive director (Planning), Arun Kumar Misra.

During the meeting, they discussed on the expeditious commencement of Loktak Downstream Project. Other issues related to Loktak Power Station were also discussed during the meeting. Earlier, the team also met chief secretary, R.R. Rashmi.

The team which is on a visit to Manipur from today were given warm welcome by chief engineer (in-charge) of Loktak Power Station Head, Bedi Ram.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 14

Demanding justice for late Pravish Chanam, who died in mysterious circumstances in Uttar Pradesh ,irate locals of Naoremthong and Uripok blocked the Uripok Kangchup road for around one hour today at  Naoremthong area.

The road remained blocked from around 2.30 pm near Naoremthong bridge crossing after staging a sit-in protest. A public meeting was held simultanously at Naoremthong community hall. The protest was jointly organised by a People Action Committee (PAC) against the brutal killing of Chanam Pravish, along with AMSU, MSF, DESAM, KSA  and other civil bodies of the state.

During the meeting, it was resolved to urge the state government to take a cabinet decision and for the case of Pravish to be handed over to the CBI within 24 hours.

They further resolved to block the Uripok Kangchup road indefinitely after 24 hours if the government fails to hand over the case to the CBI.Later in the evening some of the representatives of the PAC and leaders of others civil bodies met the chief minister and submitted their demands.

During the meeting, the chief minister assured the representatives of the PAC that he will send a draft by tomorrow to the UP government from the state government side asking to hand over the case to the CBI.  

It may be mentioned that Chanam Pravish , 22, son of Chanam Jugindro of Uripok Achom Leikai was travelling from Hydrabad to Delhi on September 7 and stayed at his friend, Ashok Thounaojam’s Safdarjung residence to witness a music concert on September 8 at Noida but went missing from the day of the concert.

On the same day, his brother had lodged a missing case report to the police, but on September 13 police informed back that Pravish’s body was cremated as no one came forward to claim the body.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Dec 14

Sangita Thiyam has been crowned ‘Orange Queen 2017’. She was contestant no.2 in the beauty pageant held last night at the main venue of Orange Festival, Lower Ground, Tamenglong district. She is a daughter of (Late) Thiyam Ibotombi Singh of Irom Meijarao, Imphal West.

Contestant no.5, Lumgailiu Panmei was crowned as first runner-up, while contestant no.22, Keipila Lovety Maram was crowned in second runner-up.  Lumgailiu is a daughter of Pastor Guiphanang Panmei of Tamenglong ward No. IV and Keipila is a daughter of TS Talong of T. Khullen of Senapati.

Best design was bagged by Blendina who designed the dresses for Lumgailiu Panmei.

Other eight sub-titles won by the contestants included, Miss Congeniality by contestant no.5, Lumgailiu Panmei, Miss Beautiful Eyes by contestant no. 16, Alicia Sagolsem, Miss Beautiful Skin by contestant no. 22, Keipila Lovely Maram, Miss Beautiful Hair by contestant no.9, Achong Haokip, Best Catwalk by contestant no.2, Sangita Thiyam, Face of Tamenglong by contestant no.12, Christina Thiumai, Miss Beautiful Smile by contestant no.1, Agenes Zeliangrong and Miss Photogenic by contestant no.17, Ketuni Phre-e Qwiree.

All the 23 contestants of the beauty pageant were trained by a photographer and choreographer based in New Delhi, J. Robert Rouveio Pao. 

Prizes of the Orange Queen carried Rs. 1,50,000, Rs. 75,000 and Rs. 50,000 for winner and runners-up and Rs. 15,000 for the sub-titles.

During the event, two minutes silent was observed to show respect to Lt Guru Jiangam.

The event was also attended by CO 23 AR Tamenglong, Col. Chinmaya Verma, former Miss North East, Soma Laishram, deputy commissioner of Tamenglong, Armstrong Pame and Dr manish of 2nd IC 23 AR as special guests.

As part of the event, Best Photographer was awarded to ISTV and IFP correspondent, Daniel Kamei, followed by Gailuanlung Riamei and Gaichuimei Pamei in second and third respectively. They were honoured and given prizes during the orange queen contest.

Meanwhile, Armstrong Pame has announced that winner of ‘Face of Tamenglong’, Christina Thiumai will be representing the district in Tamenglong calendar of the coming year.

It may be mentioned that Orange Queen Contest was supposed to be held on December 10, which was the closing day of State Level Orange Festival but it was postponed to December 13 due to bad weather condition.

By a Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 14

Appreciating the effort and the key role played by N. Biren Singh in procuring funds from the Central government to solve flood related issues, Federation of Farmers Club Manipur, Langthabal has lauded the efforts of the chief minister. The farmers club in appreciation will felicitate the chief minister on December 26.

Speaking to media persons at a press meet held at Manipur press club today, president of Federation of Farmers Club ,Manipur Kh. Ranjit Singh said that farmers  needs a lump sum amount of money during the harvesting period and they avail a loan from Manipur Rural Bank using their Kishan Credit Card ( KCC is a card that is issued only to farmers and can take a loan of Rs 15000 up to Rs 50000)

He stated that the fields have been flooded for numerous times in the recent past and the crops have been destroyed. This has been a disaster for the farmers and followingly, the government had also declared the situation as a natural disaster. At present, the farmers are not in a position to pay off the loans procured, he said.

He continued that they had requested to the concerned authorities about the predicament being faced by farmers and appealed to waive off their loans. Fortunately, the request has been translated into action as the centre has sanctioned funds on perusal from the state government. He stated that through the chief ministers effort, the finance committee of central government had accepted to sanction a sum of Rs 130, 650,00,00  only for the flood related issue. “This has assured us that our problem will be solved to some extent, this gives a new hope to the farmers ,”he mentioned.

He further urged the agriculture department to take up some initiative of distributing rabi crops after the harvesting season so that the farmland be utilised timely. This would user in a green revolution in the state, he said.

IMPHAL | Dec 14

The proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) said that after categorising KM Blooming Higher Secondary School, Khangabok as an “Educational Trader,” the bomb was placed at the gate of the said school on December 11, as a warning by the People’s War Group-Marxist Center without the intent of causing any physical harm to anyone.

A release signed by secretary, central media coordinator, Lenin Meitei alleged that KM Blooming Higher Secondary School has been instrumental in creating a diluted educational atmosphere in this region while Kanglei nationalism is being diminished by the onslaught of education system based on colonial design under Neo-colonial India’s diluted education policy.       

The party does not recognise KM Blooming Higher Secondary School as an educational institute because the place has been an a breeding ground for money making capitalists who use students as business commodity, it said.

Multiple warnings had been earlier served to the school, not to turn it into a business hub, it continued.  After conducting investigations, it has been revealed that the education sector has been turned into a business trade by Jibon, Madhop, Nobin and controller of examination, BOSEM, Laisharm Phulachand from Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai, led by educational tycoon of KM Blooming, Menjor, the release alleged.    

There was an alleged case of question papers of class X being leaked all over the state from the boarding (coaching home) privately opened by Jibon, who is a teacher of the school, it continued. 

A month before the exams, the questions were made available to the school, it said adding the evidence is that the questions and marks of Civics subject under Social Science came out exactly the same in the exams, the release further alleged. The teachers of KM blooming school have opened coaching and boarding centres telling that whoever comes to study or stay there will definitely clear the exams and will get ‘sure shot’ questions, with the calculation that Rs. 80, 000 to 1 lakh will be collected from each student, it further said.     

It is the purpose of an educational BOARD to make the curriculum, and it is the responsibility of the controller of exam to keep it confidential, it said adding one ought to ask how those question papers got leaked out. There is no absolute guarantee that the questions of the forthcoming exam will not be leaked, it continued. Not only the questions of Civics subject came out exactly the same, but the questions for Maths subject starting from question number 6, came out exactly how they were provided beforehand by the teachers of KM Blooming Higher Secondary School, the release further alleged.   

The party will start monitoring Menjor, who is running KM Blooming and teachers of the school, and educational tycoons, the release said.  Laishram Phulachand must give resignation from his work and activities at BOSEM, it said adding the party may resort to giving punishments if the given statements are ignored. 

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 14

All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) today burnt an effigy of chief minister, N. Biren in front of D.M. College western gate, near Thangmeiband NCC gate today. The protest was against rejecting an MPSC selected candidate of Tribal Research Institute (TRI) for the post of deputy director.

Speaking to media persons, AMSU coordinating networking secretary, L. Athouba said that the government is not taking up any tangible action against corrupted officials. He said that some officers in the department works for their own interest and rejecting a MPSC selected candidate who has already finished police verification and medical fitness test has been left high and dry.

He claimed that the chief minister announcing that “action will be taken up against anybody including MLAs and IAS officers, if found to be corrupted and work for their private interest” is turning out to be a hollow statement and perhaps just made to impress the public.

Regarding the matter, several memorandums has been submitted to the chief minister earlier and to the department concerned but till today, the government has not taken up any positive action, added the secretary.

AMSU warned to intensify their agitation if the government fails to appoint the selected MPSC candidate to the deputy director post of TRI and also appealed to take up action against the errant officials.

Mentioned may be made that earlier on October 6, AMSU has shut down the director’s room and museum of the TRI, Imphal as a part of the agitation.

IMPHAL | Dec 14 (NNN)

The Chandel Naga People’s Organisation (CNPO) said that it will impose an indefinite“total bandh” along Pallel-Chandel and Pallel-Moreh roads from the midnight of December 15 as the State Government of Manipur has failed to address its (CNPO) demand.

On December 11, the CNPO in its “presidential meeting” with regard to the ultimatum served to the state Government for withdrawal of commandos from Chandel district by December 14, had adopted a resolution to impose the indefinite bandh in the event of the failure from the State Government side to address the demand.

All shops, business establishments, Government offices etc will be closed, the CNPO said. However, medical, PHED, schools and programs already planned before the announcement of the bandh will be exempted from the purview of the bandh.

“Therefore, the CNPO appealed to all to extend their fullest cooperation. Further, the CNPO will convene Presidential meeting on December 15 at its of?ce premise at 11 am on this issue.

Shumang Leela is another form of education: Jayantakumar

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 14

The 14th edition of the  Ningtham Kumhei Shumang Leela Festival 2017 commenced today at Iboyaima Shumang ,Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound. The festival is organised by Manipur State Shumang Leela Council(MSSLC),

Arts and culture minister, L. Jayantakumar inaugurated the festival and said that Shumang Leela is an unique art form which educates the masses in many aspects.

Expressing his fondness for Shumang Leela and the performing arts, he said the performances by the artists and the messages that it carried  was relished and such plays had always been an integral part of his childhood days. He however lamented that there is meagre funds for development of art and culture department especially for the Shumang Leela. He assured that all possible help will be given from his side for the further development of the dramatic union in their future endeavours.

 The 14-day Shumang Leela festival will be participated by 14 organisations .The first day of the festival was opened by Nongin Shumang Leela Artistes Association with their play called ‘Nungshibi Hu’. On the second day Apunba Artistes Association will play ‘Thamoi Ama’.

MLA of,Naoriya Pakhanglakpa constituency, Soibam Subhaschandra Singh and president of MSCU, L. Tompishak Singh attended the programme as president and guest of honour respectively. A souvenir of the 14-day Shumang Leela festival was released as part of the inaugural function.

From our correspondent

THOUBAL | Dec 14

The state Congress party has never remained idle; we always acted in public interest, said opposition leader and former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh at a sit in protest held at Thoubal Mela ground today. The protest organised by the Thoubal Congress Block Committee demanded that the framework agreement between the government of India and NSCN (IM) be made public.

Speaking at the meeting, Ibobi Singh said that after the Centre and the NSCN (IM) signed the framework agreement in 2015, the state ruling Congress government urged the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and interlocutor RN Ravi that the frame work agreement be disclosed in the interest of the public of the state.

He said further that BJP-led government and N Biren criticising the sit in protests organised by the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee urging for the framework disclosure is most unfortunate. “Is it because of us being the opposition now that Biren is speaking in such a manner at public places criticising the Congress party, we never remained idle in this NSCN (IM) framework issue,” Ibobi Singh said.  “Biren said that the Congress is taking political mileage in this issue, I urge him and the BJP to take all the credit and let him disclose the framework agreement and we will stop the protest from tomorrow” he said.  

He said further that Th Muivah’s bid to enter Manipur was halted by the Congress party then and Biren himself was a minister of the ruling party at that time. He seemed to have forgotten that he was part and parcel of the party which put its foot down with the Centre in the issue of the NSCN (IM) which compromised the territorial integrity of the state.

Mentioning reasons why the Congress party did not join the drafting committee, Ibobi said that certain conditions put up to the state BJP and the NPF have not been attended to. He questioned if the NPF has given a statement that the territorial boundary of the state will not be compromised and will they be part of the delegate team which will submit a memorandum to the Centre in the regard. If the BJP and the NPF clarify these questions, then the Congress will join the drafting committee.

Nungba MLA, Gaikhangam speaking at the protest said that Chief Minister Biren criticising the party on the Nupi Lal observance is unbecoming of a chief minister. “Why is Biren so angry? Is not this issue for all and in the interest of Manipur, he said that the framework agreement will not be harmful and takes it lightly, the Congress party cannot take it lightly,” he added that if administrative, cultural and financial autonomy is mentioned in the framework agreement, it will compromise Manipur, he said.  All the state BJP MLAs reportedly attended the meeting.

IMPHAL | Dec 14

Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) said High Court of Manipur has awarded 7 lakhs as compensation in a case of fake encounter killing.

A release said division bench of the high court of Manipur comprising of acting justice, N. Kotiswar Singh and Justice Kh. Nobin Singh has awarded Rs. 7 Lakhs to the petitioner today whose son namely, Hawaibam Amujao Metei of Sekmaijin Mamang Leikai, Thoubal district, Manipur was killed by the personnel of 28 Assam Rifles on March 18, 2010.

High court of Manipur consistently awarded five lakh rupees in such cases earlier, it said. However, in view of the peculiar facts and circumstances of the state, the high court awarded the mentioned amount as compensation, added.

 According to the case dossier, on the fateful day i.e. March 18, 2010, the petitioner’s son was on the way to do his usual course of work for plying a passenger bus from Wabagai to Imphal, it said. On reaching Andro parking located at Imphal, near AIR station, three unknown men in civil dress came and interrogated the petitioner’s son after the driver and owner of the bus were asked to sit at the rear seat of the bus, it continued. After about 5 -10 minutes of conversation, the petitioner’s son was whisked away by the three unknown persons in an auto riskhaw, it said.  On the same night, the petitioner’s son was killed in a fake encounter by the personnel of 28 Assam Rifles; the release continued adding a false report was lodged at Irilbung Police Station by one JC No. 2850502 NB/Sub. Kumar Chettri, B- Coy, 28 Assam Rifles stating that a reliable information about the movement of armed militant in an around the Takhok Mapan village and they laid an ambush in the area. During the said ambush, an encounter ensued between the 28 Assam Rifles personnel and the unknown militants and in that encounter, one unknown individual was killed.

In this regard, on November 27, 2013, the petitioner filled a Writ Petition before the high court, the release said. The high court instituted an enquiry through the district judge, Manipur east to ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the death of the petitioner’s son, the release continued.

The district judge, Imphal east conducted an enquiry and submitted his report by ascertaining that the petitioner’s son was killed by the personnel of 28 Assam Rifles in the intervening night of March 18, 2010 by firing and that there is no substantive evidence of an armed encounter between the Assam Rifles personnel and the deceased. After the matter was finally heard today, high court of Manipur has directed the Union of India to pay the amount as compensation to the petitioner within 5 months and the same is to be deposited to the registry of the high court of Manipur in as much as the same is a clear cut case of violation of the human rights guaranteed under article 21 of the constitution of India, the release further said. Advocate, Meihoubam Rakesh, appeared on behalf of the petitioner, CGSC, S. Samarjeet appeared on the behalf of the Union of India, it continued. The present writ petitions has been filed with the active initiation of HRLN, Manipur, it added.  

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 13

A programme under the theme “Women’s Voice” was organised today by Women Action for Development in collaboration with United NGOs Mission Manipur, Centre for Social Development and Youth Forum for Protection of Human Rights at Imphal Hotel.

Head of English department, DM College, Ch. Sheelaramani, who attended the programme, said that in a patriarchal society such as Manipur, women need to be more vocal and work smarter to have equal status in the society.

She said that women need to stand up and empower themselves to be equal with men, and should become capable workers to acquire total women empowerment.

Sheelaramani also pointed out that gender based violence is still an ultimate outcome of patriarchal society of the state. Women have no identity and no name is a patriarchal society, she also pointed out.

She further said that AFSPA is a male dominated law which show masculinity, she said, it also criminalised day to day life and leads to feminisation of poverty, which is a phenomenon in which women represent disproportionate percentages of the world’s poor. 

Priyadarshini Gangte, lecturer at Christian Damdei College, delivering her speech said that in the context of Manipur’s history, women are allegedly regarded as a sex symbol. Starting with the dress code of women, she said that women are judged with every flaws and this needs to be changed.

She proposed that a syllabus dedicating wholly to women studies should be introduced in universities. Giving her justification, she said that most syllabuses are made of stories about men and, thoughts and justifications of men, but not of women.

President of Rongmei Lu Phuam, Panti Golmei also spoke during the function as resource person.

The function is about empowering women and held in connection with 16 days activism protesting violence against women, she said.

Women from all walks of life, be it academics, health professionals, filmmakers, media and others attended the function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 13

The High Court of Manipur today rejected the prayers of the petitioners counsel to file petitions against the bail objection reports that were submitted by the state government against the former chief minister, Okram Ibobi, MDS former project director, Y. Ningthem, MDS former chairman, DS. Poonia, former chief secretary, O. Nabakishore Singh, MDS former chairman, P.C. Lawmkunga, IAS and MDS administrative officer, S. Ranjit.

In the meantime, as per the directives of the high court, the state government furnished the bail objection reports to the counsels of the petitioners, through the advocate general.

The single bench of the high court, acting chief justice, N. Kotiswor on being heard of the submission made by the counsels of petitioners, fixed December 21 as the day for final hearing of their anticipatory bails.

Later, the court has extended their interim bails till December 21.

Mentioned may be made that on September 5, the high court had granted interim bail for former chief minister till September 20 after he filed his anticipatory bail petition before the court on apprehension of possible arrest by the police in connection the MDS scam case which was registered under FIR No.244 (9)2017 IPS u/s 420/406/120-B/409/34 IPC and 13(2) Prevention of Corruption (PC) against him and five other persons relating to mismanagement of MDS funds.

Moreover, the court has directed the former chief minister not to have any communication with the five other persons and not to leave the country.

The FIR was registered on September 1, after under joint secretary, state planning department, Th. Muhindro directed the SP Imphal West, Themgthing Ngashanva to register an FIR for investigation on the basis of the findings of an inquiry conducted by the State Vigilance Commission into alleged financial irregularities of Rs. 185.79 crores in MDS.

In connection with the case police has raided the house of Ningthem at Lamlongei Maning Leikai, Mantripukhri from September 4 till 7.

On September 4, the district and session judge, Imphal west rejected the anticipatory bail application filed by S. Ranjit as the charged level against him is considered as criminal breach of trust, cheating, conspiracy and criminal conduct by a public servant, which are of serious offences.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 13

The construction of three minor irrigation (MI) dams have been found to be completed at paper only for which  44.48 lakhs had been withdrawn as expenditure for construction in Khoupum area, Noney district.

This was found during a field inspection held by Nungba Kendra Citizen Forum with a team of media persons yesterday. The team visited five MI dams in the area and fond that thee three of them have not been constructed at all.

The first is MI dam at Luwanglong Khullen Village under Langthaophai meant to be built under the agency, Achungpao Raimei, for which total tender amount is Rs. 26.14 lakhs and the withdrawn amount is Rs. 8.45 lakhs.

Second is MI dam at Duigumpang river under Khoupum Gaidingjang  meant to be built under the agency, K. Brajeshwor Sharma for which the total tender amount is Rs 26.14 lakhs and withdrawn amount is Rs. 19.02 lakhs, and lastly, MI dam at Lamreithok river under Riangpang.

Not a single trace of construction was found at these three dams though the agencies had withdrawn a total amount of 44.48 lacs.

The dams which have been found actually constructed and functioning since last two years, are MI dam at Longkhuailong Village on Meingchollok river built under the agency Achungpao Raimei, for which total tender amount is Rs. 26.14 lakhs and withdrawn amount is Rs. 10.60 lakhs and MI dam at Lumbanglong village on Khunupu river built under the agency, Achungpao Raimei, total tender amount is Rs. 21.78 lakhs and the withdrawn amount is Rs. 11.51 lakhs.

Speaking to media person on the work site, chairman, Nungba Kendra Citizen Forum (NKDF), Aphuna Gangmei said the forum had urged for a joint field inspection with the department but they refused to co-operate with the forum. He said the data was found on the vide letter numbered CE/MID/RTI/2015-16 dated October 31, of section 6 (I) of the RTI act 2015.

As the department had refused to co-operate, the forum including the media team inspected the work. He condemned the agencies for not constructing MI dams after expenditure amount had been withdrawn from the department.

He appealed the concerned department to take necessary steps against those who had embezzled the funds and complete the construction urgently for the welfare of the people who are settling in the area. If timely steps are not taken NKDF will take necessary actions, Aphuna asserted.