Tag: IFP

CHURACHANDPUIR | Dec 12

Social Welfare and Cooperation minister, Nemcha Kipgen today observed Nupi Lal Day as part of the Thanksgiving cum Advent Christmas function with the widows of Churachandpur district and Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district held at Lajangphai, Churachandpur, organised by Widows Welfare Association Asia (WWAA).

Addressing the gatherings as chief guest, minister Nemcha pointed out how the Manipuri women played a significant role in the society since times immemorial. She stated that Nupi Lal Day signifies the importance of Manipuri women in the society.

She further stated that women of the state have excelled in all fields and have a key position in social and economic activities of the state.

She exclaimed, ‘Let us all have the sacrificing spirit and courage which was shown by our ‘Imas’ during the Nupi Lal in 1939’.

Nemcha encouraged all the widows present in the function as well as other widows in the state to actively participate in uplifting the socio-economic conditions of Manipur and their own through various skills they are gifted with.

‘One should be economically independent in order to move forward in this fast developing world’, she encouraged.

Highlighting the various schemes and welfare programmes under her departments, the minister called upon all the women to avail the schemes meant for them at the right time and also urged them to give awareness to other deserving people.

Nemcha lauded WWAA for their selfless service committed for the welfare of the widows and all the women, in general. As part of the event, shawls and blankets were distributed to the poor and needy women.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 12

The charges framed by Laipham Khunou Youth development (LKYD) and meira paibi of Laifam Khunou Soibam Leikai regarding the shifting of the venue for the sit-in protest against framework agreement which was held on December 10, as being held without taking prior permission from LKYD is baseless said member of Manipur Pradesh congress committee P. Saratchandra.

Speaking to media person in the press meet held at Manipur press club, he said that they had fulfilled all the due process of organising the sit in protest such as acquiring permission from district magistrate from Imphal east and committee member of the club.

Mentioning the step undertaken, he said “after taking permission from committee member of LKYD, we have paid Rs. 1000 to Laipham Khunou Soibam Lampak Community Hall Development Committee for hall charges of organising the protest.

But on the day of the protest, an untoward incident happened as some of the workers of BJP led by N. Bhorot, who is brother of chief minister N. Biren and L. Nabachandra, allegedly made threats not to organise any protest related to framework agreement, he said.

“The miscreants had warned us that the community hall was built by chief minister so the protestor cannot organise the protest and cannot conduct anything against the chief minister” he said.

As a part of series of protest held in various part of Manipur demanding the contents of Framework Agreement, we first decided to organise the protest in Laipham Khunou Soibam Leikai Ground.

Due to series of disturbances created by the miscreants the venue has been shifted to Heingang Mayai Leikai at the residence of P. Saratchandra, he added.

He appealed to all that people of Manipur cannot accept with whatever the ruling people said. He further requested all the protestors to subside their anger and remain calm.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 12

Lamana II (daughter of Black Mountain) a Zeliangrong drama in Rongmei dialect was today premiered at M.D.U. Hall, Yaiskul Police Lane.

It is translated, designed and directed by Star Kamei and an original play written by Budha Chingtham.

At the premiere of the show, deputy mayor of Imphal Municipal Council, Sujata Phaomei, president of Theatre Centre Manipur, Wareppa Naba, Ward No.26 corporator, Meibon Phaomei, director of the play, Star Kamei among others attended the function as presidium members.

Wareppa Naba in his presidential address said that this traditional play reflects the rich cultural heritage of Rongmei community and should be carried forward.

He expressed his concern that such indigenous tradition should be preserved and protected from further extinction. He cited examples of how some cultures of the state have slowly vanished with time.

Fearing that Rongmei culture could be next, he ensured that through arts, the culture of Rongmei will be preserved. He also said that though the government does not take notice and recognise the need to protect such cultures till date, it will with the help of arts that will knock the ears of the government.

The play is about a girl called Lamana, who came back to life from her younger sister’s body and took revenge of the family who killed her and her family.

IMPHAL | Dec 12

Acknowledging the significant role taken up by the women in shaping the society, minister of Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD), Thounaojam Shyamkumar said the women of the state are hardworking and courageous and ‘Ima Keithel’ is a testimony of their active role in changing the course of history of Manipur.

The minister was addressing as the chief guest at the 78th Nupi Lal Ningshing Thouram held at Khwairamband Ima Keithel organised by the different organisations of the Khwairamband Keithel.

Recalling the historic Nupi Lal, Th. Shyamkumar said the bravery, willpower and courage of the Manipuri women are known worldwide, for which each and every Manipuri are proud. Women have been taking major role for the state in times of need, upholding the traditional values and culture, he added.

Addressing the women of Khwairamband Keithel, the minister appealed to stop using tobacco products and shun other harmful habits. He also added that in the age of modernisation, women as well as men of the state are facing various health problems due to less physical activities.

He further appealed to the women to continue to uphold the age old traditional values and culture so that it is passed on to the next generation, adding that women are the guiding force behind every family which will lead to a better society.

As part of the event, prizes were also distributed to the winners of the race conducted from western Kangla Gate to Ima Keithel, which was held for different age groups.

The function was also attended by mayor of Imphal Municipal Corporation, L. Lokeshwor Singh as the president, deputy mayor of Imphal Municipal Corporation, Sujata Phaomei and chairman of Bazar Committee, Imphal Municipal Corporation, L. Tombi Devi as the guests of honour, along with women of Khwairamband Keithel.

IMPHAL | Dec 12

The unions and associations of BSNL, Manipur SSA, will be joining the rest of its fellow comrades in the two-day strike across the country which has been called by its parent organisation, from December 12 to December 13, said a release.

The proposed agitation is to press upon the government of India and the BSNL authority to settle the 3rd pay revision for BSNL employees, with 15 percent fitment benefit and review of all allowances, it mentioned.

Further, to resolve the issues concerning the 2nd pay revision committee and also to drop the union cabinet’s decision for formation of subsidiary tower company, the release maintained.

The release also informed that important BSNL offices, such as CSCs and administrative offices shall remain closed and unmanned on the days of the strike.

IMPHAL | Dec 12

Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Revenue, Karam Shyam inspected FCS godowns in Jiribam district during his two day tour from December 10 to December 11.

The minister was apprised by the concern officials that acquisition process obstacles and pending court cases have prevented the godowns from completion.

According to the officials, two godowns lying adjacent to each other with a storage capacity of 5,000 metric tonnes each were constructed at a cost of Rs 1.98 crore each. Following his inspection, Karam Shyam said a joint survey will be done and the remaining work will be handed over to another agency for completion. Displeased over the dilapidated condition of the godowns, the minister called upon the concern officials and pitched for food grain storage facility in the district.

Speaking to media persons following the meeting, Karam Shyam assured to put up the matter to chief minister as well as the cabinet for their favourable consideration. He also inspected CAF and PD office located within the DC office building.

On the day two of the tour, the minister conducted spot assessment in Borobekra, one of the two sub-divisions in Jiribam district and expressed concern over the deplorable condition of the 35 kms road stretch. Minister Karam Shyam said he will talk to the concern minister over the road condition in Borobekra and to improve the infrastructure of the sub-division.

Karam Shyam further said the peace and harmony prevailing among the various communities in the area is admirable. He maintained that the peaceful and cordial atmosphere of the area is an example of harmony and peace in the state.

He also clarified that ongoing land survey in the district is to identity registered land and illegal land and urged the people not to be swayed by rumours that survey is a ploy to snatch away the land of the people.

The minister was also feted by the students and staff of Borobekra Higher Secondary School in the school premises.

Speaking during the function, Karam Shyam advised the students to have an aim and a proper plan to succeed in life. Acknowledging the important role taken up by the teachers in moulding the future of the students, he encouraged the teachers to continue with their hard work and efforts to produce brilliant students who will one day contribute for the development of the state.

During the two day tour, the minister was accompanied by Jiribam MLA, Ashab Uddin, CAF and PD and Works commissioner, K. Radhakumar Singh, Revenue commissioner, Th. Chittaranjan Singh, CAF and PD, director, DC and SP of Jiribam and concern officials.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 12

Members of North East India, North East Indigenous Peoples’ Parliament (NIPP) who came from several parts of India had passed nine recommendations unanimously for the development, protection and welfare of all the ethnic tribes residing in the North East.

The recommendations were passed in a one day interaction and plenary session held at Manipur guest house yesterday.

Speaking to media person in the press meet held at Manipur press club, convenor NIPP, Wangkhem Saratchandra said “The recommendations that were being placing in public domain will concretise in coming session which being planned to be organised in the end of January or in the first week of February in the form of memorandum and will be handed over to central and state government.”

The recommendations were mainly about controlling of persistent influx of illegal migrants, amendment of Indian citizenship act 1955, withdrawal of AFSPA act, control of extraction and exploitation of natural resources from northeast India, increase in border trade between north eastern states and south east Asian countries, promotion of quality education and so on.

Recalling the initiatives taken up by NIPP since 2015, he said that the NIPP had already passed various recommendations at the first NIPP conference held in the year 2015 which was also termed as Imphal declaration. Seven sessions were held in that conference, he added.

Citing the case of ethnic tribes of Tripura becoming a minority group as an example, president of Tripura Peoples’ Front Patal Kanya Jamatia said that “The population of ethnic tribes of Tripura has been reduced to 19 percent of total population of Tripura which was 96 percent right after the merger of Tripura with Indian union.”

Collective effort is needed from the entire north east India in order to protect and preserve all the ethnic tribes of North east India otherwise the chances to become a minority status in their own state like Tripura is very high, she added.

IMPHAL | Dec 12

Education, Labour and Employment minister, Thokchom Radheshyam Singh said that the root cause of every revolution is and has always been against the injustice and exploitation of the rights of the people.

The Minister was speaking at the observation of ‘2nd 1939 Nupi Lal Luchingbi Tongbram Shabi Ningshing Khubam’, organised by the League of Callow Patriots at the Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal. He further stated that the love for motherland can be fulfilled by safeguarding the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the land.

During the observance, he elucidated the contributions of exemplary mother like Tongbram Shabi, who led the revolt of 1939 (Nupi Lal) against discrimination and injustice carried by out by the then colonial government. Because of her courage, the Manipuri of today’s generation could thrive with sense of pride in different part of the world, he added.

He emphasised that there is a need to identify the weaker section of the society to support and uplift them to bring overall equality in the society.

Lamenting on seeing women involved in unsolicited activities like playing gambling on the streets, he said that the unwanted activities need to be brought to an end.

MLA of Yaiskul assembly constituency, Th. Satyabrata Singh said that the sacrifices of mothers will be fruitful only when the people of Manipur unite together for development and growth.

The ceremony was also attended by chief editor of Kangla Pao, P. Ibochouba, corporator of Ward No. 20 IMC, L. Tombi Devi and member No. 1 of Ward No. 20 IMC, A. Boby Devi, along with locals of the area.

IMPHAL | Dec 12

The authority of Raj medicity had confirmed that Takhellambam Jarmanjoy who had admitted in November 13 is still alive and asked the family of the patient, who did not turn up to look after the  patient since last three days, to come and take care of the patient.

Speaking to the media persons, medical superintendent, Raj medicity Dr. A. Ibotombi Sharma said that the patient from Sawombung Awang Leikai was admitted for heart stroke. After putting lot of effort by the nurses and doctor, the life of patient was saved from danger. He is still under treatment and kept at Intensive care unit (ICU).”

“However, the most unfortunate thing is the patient’s party have not shown up to take care of the patient since December 10. I would like to appeal the patient family to communicate with authority of Raj Medicity and support for further treatment otherwise we will hand over to police for trespass” he said.

From Our Correspondent

JIRIBAM | Dec 12

Nupilal Ningshing Numit Observation Committee, Jiribam taking part in the state wide observations of the day, organised the 78th Nupi Lal anniversary at the community centre, Babupara.  

The observation began with the chief guest lighting up the candle and homage were given to the Mothers of Nupi lal who gave their life. Afterwards, opening songs were performed by Khuraijam Ongbi Memcha Devi and her team. Joint secretary, JIMPAL, Sorokkhaibam Ongbi Sorojini Devi, gave the welcome note while the keynote address was given by secretary, JIMWAK, Thingom Ongbi Nirmala Devi.      

The occasion was attended by principal, Jiri College, Jiribam Dr. N Bijaya Devi, president, JIMWAK, Jiribam, Thangjam ongbi Jini Devi, president, AJMP, Sagapam Ongbi Sushila Devi, president, JIMPAL, Jiribam, Huirem Ongbi Mema Devi, president, WASEDEV, Jiribam, Naorem Ongbi Nivarani Devi, president, WWOK, Jiribam, Haobam ongbi Thoibi Devi, attended as chief guest, president and guests of honours.

Vice President, AMUCO, T. Gandhi Singh, secretary, Porei Leimarol Meira paibee Apunba Manipur,   Th. Apabi Devi and secretary, WWOK, Imphal,  N. Chingkheinganbi gave speeches about the observation. 

Among the invitees advisor, JIMPAL, B Sarat Sharma, president AJUCA, Maipaksana Mangang and advisor, KSA, Jiribam District Council, L. Surendra Kumar Singh gave speeches about the observation.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 12

Women voluntary organisations today filed a recommendation to the chief minister and governor of the state that the maintenance support given to children, be extended so that it will cover 18 to 25 years of age, saying 18 years is too tender to support oneself.

The organisations which filed the recommendation are Women Action for Development (WAD), Rongmei Lu Phuam (RLP), All Tribal Women Organisation (ATWO) and Our Rest House (ORH).

The recommendation also demanded establishment of Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in the state so that the forensic test results process could be faster instead of sending the reports to Kolkata and Hyderabad.

The CVOs with the recommendation urged to speed up court hearings and not to postpone trial dates further. It also demanded to repeal AFSPA from the state and to release the forensic reports sent to different parts of India. They urged state legal authorities to organise awareness programmes on legal procedures so that any common man have the basic idea to go through legal procedures.

The recommendation was filed today at the get together programme of domestic violence victims in relation with International Fortnight Observation protesting Violence against Women. It was held at Youth Hostel, Khuman Lampak and organised by WAD and Youth Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR).

Around 20 women shared their testimonies of violence which included domestic violence, fake encounters, physical violence, rape, sexual harassment and so on. Many complained of slow legal procedures in court trials and expressed their desires to hasten the process.

One victim of domestic violence, Thoinu (name changed) narrated how her then husband mistreated her after having an extra marital affair. She said that her in-laws even mistreated her along with her husband, who is a government employee in electricity department and also said that her husband used to come home drunk at night and beat her and assaulted her for no big reason.

WAD has been observing the International Fortnight Observation protesting the violence against women since 2003.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Dec 11

Tousem Area Students’ Organisation (TASO) along with civil voluntary organisations of Tousem sub-division today shutdown the Tousem SDO camp office which is camping at Tamei-Tousem guest house at Tamenglong district.

President of Tousem Area Students’ Organisation, Nehemiah Daime said that a memorandum and ultimatum has already been given to the state government, demanding for shifting of Tousem sub-divisional offices in Tamenglong district headquarter to its sub-division, however, the voice of the people is left unheard.

He also informed that the ultimatum has expired on December 10 and if any official or individual(s) attempt to open the office, any outcome should be taken on its own. The CVOs of Tousem will launch intense democratic form of agitation which will affect the state, he added.

The indefinite boycott and office shutdown will continue till the demand for shifting of offices including medical and police department is fulfilled, said Nehemiah.

The sub-divisional officer, Khupboi Aimol and other staffs were chased out from the camp office today.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | Dec 11

Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Churachandpur today celebrated its golden jubilee with a motto ‘Ever onward: Celebrating 50 years of Excellence Service’, at Peace ground, Tuibong, Churachandpur.

The celebration was attended by chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh as chief guest, while minister of Agriculture, Vety and AH, V. Hangkhanlian was functional president. The guests of honour were, minister of Social Welfare, Nemcha Kipgen, chairman MANIREDA, GS Haupu and chairman of Hill Areas Committee (HAC), TT Haokip.

The chief host of the function was president of KSO-GHQ, Paotinthang and father of the jubilee was Semjakam Touthang, who is the founding president of KSO, Churachandpur.

During the function, the chief minister expressed his gratitude for KSO as the students’ organisation has turned 50 years and celebrating its golden jubilee. He also urged the people of the state belonging to different communities to forget and forgive the past mistakes and put in collective effort towards upholding the integrity and unity of the nation and the state.

Biren said, ‘Let us work hard collectively for the future of our children and youths, and also for a new Manipur where there is no community difference. Let us create an environment where people would live with mind without fear’.

In regards to the vision of the state government and concerning the people of the district, the CM said that immediate steps will be taken to improve the road condition and added that medical department is also one of the top priorities, which included setting up of a medical school.

He also said that education sector is also a prime concerned and a collective effort is required to explore the hidden talents of Churachandpur.

The CM also lauded the Kukis as brave, hugely talented and high principled people and added that the community has many imminent personalities and high ranking officials in almost all the departments of the state government.

‘In future we expect KSO to excel and be an example in the society apart from the immense contribution they already made in the past’, said N. Biren.

Regarding the signing of framework agreement between the centre and state government with the NSCM (IM), the CM assured that it will not be in anyway a factor for compromising of territorial integrity of Manipur.

‘Let us be clear that the government at the centre will not take any decision without the consent of the people of Manipur’, said N. Biren.

He further said that let KSO, Churachandpur be a frontrunner in bringing development even if there is disruption going on the existing unity. Blame game and politics based on community or religion should be stopped and game, he added.

The CM ended his speech by raising slogans as ‘Long Live KSO’, ‘Long Live Manipur’ and ‘Long Live India’ together with the gathering. A monolith which testifies the glorious achievements of KSO was also unveiled by the CM, along with release of a souvenir. During the function, various cultural programmes were also showcased by students of different schools.

During the programme, KSO submitted a memorandum to the CM, which included requirements of health education and road improvement. It also demanded that the  Kumbi Jr HS and Tuibong Jr HS of the district  to be upgraded to high school and functioning Gandhi Memorial High School to Higher Secondary School, followed by improvisation of PHSC, PHC, CHC in various sub-divisions of Churachandpur district. The memorandum further included setting up of skill development training centres in the different locations of the district and also establish sports complex for the sports enthusiast.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Dec 11

In the sit in protest organised by Khangabok Block Congress Committee under the supervision of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee at Wangbal bazaar, former chief minister Okram Ibobi said Congress party will not bear with the secrecy that is being kept for more than two year regarding the framework agreement. 

The sit in protest was part of the ongoing campaign of the Congress demanding that the contents of the Framework Agreement signed between the Central Government and NSCN(IM) in 2015 be disclosed to the public. He further said that during the congress rule, when Rajiv Gandhi was holding the post of Prime Minister of India, the Punjab Accord, Assam Accord, and Mizo Accord etc. were signed but they were not processed under any form of secrecy, and they were disclosed to the public along with the media, he said.

However, the details of agreement that was signed between the government of India and NSCN – (IM) on August 3, 2015 had been kept under veil of secrecy, he said. This makes the congress conclude that something suspicious is definitely included in the agreement, he added.

Expressing his dissatisfaction over the suggestion made by the centre and the state leader of BJP that there are no such things in the agreement, he further said the question of it affecting territorial boundaries of the state may not be included, but if the agreement grants financial administration and cultural autonomy to NSC – (IM), then it is equivalent to charting out the process of breaking up Manipur. It is akin to keeping two, separate governance at a same region he said inquiring if BJP does not understand its implications.     

He further said the state BJP leaders have been telling frequently that there is nothing in the terms of the framework agreement. This shows that they know what is there in the agreement, he said adding if they know what is included in the agreement, then it is requested that the details be released to the public tomorrow and the sit in protests will be immediately lifted. Otherwise, they should not make irresponsible statements, he added. 

Former deputy, CM, Gaikhangam said it was unfortunate that agitations taken up by the congress had been portrayed as something aimless and unworthy. The statements made by the chief minister about the demands are irresponsible, he alleged. He being the leader of the people, must consider the long terms before making statements, he added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 11

Federation of Farmer Clubs (FFC), Manipur appealed to the authority concerned to waived KCC loan around 800 farmers of the Rural Bank claiming that their crops were destroyed during the recent flood occurred in the state.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal the federation’s president, Kh. Ranjit said that the matter has been taken up to the chief minister, N. Biren taking the opportunity of Meeyamge Numit on July 14 and the chief minister has forwarded the application to Imphal West district commissioner to look into the matter.

Subsequently, on August 17 the deputy commissioner has forwarded the application to the Agriculture department. The department however responded that the matter is not related to them as they have no connection with the bank, he added.

Later on November 16, the FCC again took up the matter to the chief minister, who assured to forward the matter to the finance department from where it was again forwarded to the Industries department, he continued.

With the application going in circle from one department to another without any result, the FCC has raised their concerned on the seriousness of the authority towards the plight of the famers.

Ranjit asserted that the Rural Bank are ready to waive the loan if the state government gives the approval.

The FCC president further pointed out that a district food security mission executive committee comprising of nine members was formed in 2012 to monitor the implementation of National Food Security Mission (NSFM) in Imphal West district where he was also selected as a member of the committee.

The NSFM-Rice of 2012-2013 was implemented with an outlay of Rs.1145.17 lakhs and the committee has to hold meetings on the 10th of every month to submit a progress report to the ministry of Agriculture, he added.

Claiming that not a single meeting of the committee was held, he sought the intervention of the government into this matter.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 11

The High Court of Manipur today directed authorities of RIMS to submit in detail of the steps already taken and the steps they proposed to take in order to improve their institute on or before December 15.

Although the RIMS has submitted their reports as directed earlier the division bench of the High Court comprising of acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar and justice, K. Nobin found that some of the report are still yet to be furnished.

It may noted that while complying with the November 7 directives of the court the three members committee constituted by the High Court conducted spot enquiry at RIMS on November 13 and November 14 in connection with alleged irregularities in RIMS.

The suo motu PIL was taken by the High Court on its own motion relying on the recent news report published in local dailies wherein a PG student wrote an open letter to Prime Minister’s Office complaining of irregularities in RIMS including financial mismanagement in the administration.

The complaint highlighted the non-functioning of MRI machine for four months, ceasing of CT scan since about a month, the SICU (Surgical Intensive Care Unit) has no ventilator, no monitor, Neonatal ICU is not available, it has been only one functional ultrasonography (USG) machine. The one installed in the labour room is not working which is one of the most important clinical instrument in the labour room, patient have to purchase all the medicines from outside including iron and folic acid tablets from their own sources, there is no defibrillator in the casualty ward and there are also allegations of financial irregularities etc.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 11

Lack of basic amenities and bad infrastructure is allegedly becoming a stumbling block in the studies of ITI (Takyel) students particularly girls section who are pursuing their professional courses in the institute.

The students of the said institution told reporter that the institution offers diploma courses on five different streams such as secretarial practice, computer operating programme assistant (COPA), food preservation, embroidery, hair and skin care and dress making.

However, the institution has failed to give the proper skill development knowledge under these courses due to lack of basic infrastructure, they said.

It has been informed that courses in the institution started from the month of August but the students are yet to appear their first semester examinations.

Moreover, students also alleged that practical classes were hardly conducted due to lack of equipments.

With the examination round the corner, the students were left with choice but to buy the essential requirement like thread, cosmetic items etc from their our own pocket money, the students complained.

Bidyarani, a trainee in dress making also lamented, “There were 32 students in dress making courses and only 18 machines are at our disposal. Unfortunately, only three machines are working effectively. We really wanted the institution to provide latest model of sewing machine.”

Sonia Chingtham, a student of COPA said “There is no upto date softwares require for our entire semester courses. Given the situation, we cannot expect anything but termination the courses after the first semester examination.”

We have apprised about the situation for several times to the joint director but to no avail, she said.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 11

The village authority of Leingangching village under Chandel district and Lamkang Students’ Union (LSU) have alleged that an amount of Rs.35 lakhs meant for construction of Leingangching Junior High School building was illegally withdrawn by the contractor and his accomplices leaving the construction incomplete.

The Leinangching Junior High School was listed to be upgraded to full-fledged High School under RMSA during 2014-15 and was supposed to be the only High School for the Lamkang tribe.

The state education department has issued work order on September 24, 2015 for the construction of Leinagngching High School with an estimated cost of Rs.48,30,359. Unfortunately, the dream of the Lamkang tribe to have a High School, is yet to see the light.

Thamnok, chief of Leingangching village authority, revealed that three contractors namely special contractor Khailum Baite, of Moujang village, Moreh presently residence of Chassad Avenue New Checkon, Thokchom Nimai Singh of Heirok Part-III, N. Marjit Singh of Heirok Part-II, who have been executing the construction works of the said school building allegedly withdrawn Rs.35 lakhs illegally after having forged signature of the School Management Development Committee (SMDC) in collaboration with executive engineer (EE), Kh. Sharat Singh of education engineering wing, Government of Manipur.

He further said, they (contractors) left the school building partially constructed and never returned since for the past one year.

Daniel Leivon Lamkaang, social activist further supplemented that, four organisations LNKK, LKK, DASCO and Leinagngching village authority strongly apprised Governor, chief minister and education minister to look into the matter very seriously and also appeal to lodge an FIR and book the culprits on or before December 15 and produce them before the courts of LNKK, LKK, DASCO and village authority for necessary actions.

He said failing to meet the deadline, the joint organisations shall resort to any form of agitations including bandh, strike, economic blockade etc until the demand is met.

According to Thomas Leivon, president LSU, the irregularities was detected during their routine inspection conducted of their jurisdiction.

It is learnt that students of the Leingangching Junior high School, is being accommodated at the village authority Court.

Owing to the vested interest of the contractor students are being deprived of their right to education, said Robert.

In the meantime, to look into the matter the joint organisations has constituted 10 members JAC-SMDC Leingangching with Daniel Leivon Lamkaang as the convenor and the committee have prepare their memorandum which are to be submitted to Prime Minister of India, Union HRD Minister, Home Minister for taking up necessary actions against the said accused persons, he added.

IMPHAL | Dec 11

Labour and Employment minister, Thokchom Radheshyam Singh said that the financial independence of the women is very much a compulsion for empowering them.

The minister was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 4-Month Tailoring and Cutting Training Programme held at the community hall of KeibiKhullen, organised by the North East Building and Other Construction Workers Union, Khundrakpam assembly constituency, Uyumpok Development Forum under the department of Labour.

Radheshyam said that women can only fulfil the basic needs of the family when they are given a chance to become finically independent.

He further stated that taking in view of the vastness of Khudrakpam assembly constituency, 200 sewing machines have been provided for training programme and allocated to six gram panchayats of the constituency. The training programme will only be successful when the trainee receiving the skills could utilise their skill to make the dream of ‘Make in Manipur’ come true, he added.

The minister also said that labour card holders are the registered labour, and there is a need to increase the number of card holders so that the true labourers could benefit from the schemes implemented for their upliftment. The procedures involved for issuing of the card also need to be made people friendly so that the labourers, both educated and uneducated, could easily access to the benefit, he added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 11

The All Manipur DPC Completed Candidate of Police Constable, Male Batch 2013 has suspended the indefinite state width shut-down.

Briefing media persons today at the office of IGP (administration), S. Ibomcha at Manipur Police head quarter, Babupara, the president of the association, A. Binoy said that they have called the total shut down as they were unaware of the case that is currently going on in the High Court of Manipur regarding their recruitment.

On behalf of the association he apologized for calling the bandh without having a knowledge that a case is going on in the court regarding the matter.

He asked all the candidate to immediately stop the agitation of total shut down in the state.

The president requested to the police department to not take up any case against the eight candidates which were arrested yesterday thinking about their career.

Mentioned may be made that the association had called an indefinite shutdown from mid night of December 10 as the government fails to declare their recruitment result.

Eight of the candidates were arrested yesterday by the police after the association announced to call the indefinite shut down.