Tag: IFP

From A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 28

The 2-day inter regional media interaction programme between Myanmar and India which began yesterday at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal ended today with seven recommendations unanimously adopted by the delegates and participants of the meet.

The recommendations includes further stronger relationship between India and Myanmar: to support the implementation of Act East Policy, visa-free regime between the two countries, particularly for media fraternity, to conduct more media exchange programmes in the future, to vouch for better transport facilities between Myanmar and India, to utilize all possible media resources for free flow of news, and to boost tourist circuit between the two nations.   

Prior to the adoption of the said recommendations, three sessions were held.

In the first session, director, ISBD, ministry of science & technology, Dinabandhu Sahoo, dwelt on the importance of cautious implementation of Act East Policy, taking into consideration the unique biodiversity of the region.

He urged the media fraternity to focus on environmental issues and science & technology and also remarked that without a state of the art infrastructure in the area, Act East Policy cannot be implemented successfully.

In the same session, news editor, AIR Imphal, A.Ibomcha Sharma deplored the lack of attention on NE India by the national media and also stressed the need for a change in policy outlook towards the states in the Northeast. He also pitched for joint media ventures and intercultural communication amongst India and the Asian nations.

In another session, on capacity building of media personnel in Myanmar and India, San Muang Than highlighted the power of media in sensitising the world of the 2007 uprising in Burma calling for an end to military rule. He also mooted for further support from India in equipping the journalists in Myanmar.

Concerning the Act East Policy, secretary general, Editors’ Guild Manipur, Rupachandra Yumnam explicated the need for media personnel in both Myanmar and India to gauge the dynamics of trade and the political changes sweeping across not just between the two countries, but in the entire Asian region.

Throughout the entire meet that was held since yesterday, all the panellists vouched for more people to people and media to media interactions between the two countries. Noted media personnel, Kosuri Amarnath, even mooted a necessity of creating an Indo-Burmese news agency to facilitate communications in the region.

Lastly, member of Myanmar Journalists Network, Zaw Khan Hein, remarked, “Journalists don’t need to wait for government’s push. They themselves have to take initiatives.”

The said recommendations which were adopted today was read out by the general secretary, Editors Guild of India, Prakash Dubey, in the presence of the delegates from Myanmar, Press Council of India, Editors’ Guild of India, students from Mass Communication department, MU, & State Institute of Journalism, DIPR, along with the media fraternity of the state.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Nov 28

Locals residing at the downstream of Thoubal Multipurpose project dam, which is built at the source of Thoubal River, went into panic when they were notified by the authorities concerned that the water being held up by the dam will be released in a few days.

In this regard, advisor of Moirangpurel Panthoibi Youth Club, Sobha Hijam who lives at Moirangpurel village located at the downstream said the people who had been residing at villages like Moirangpurel, Tumukhong and Itham used to earn their livelihood by collecting sand from the river before the multipurpose project dam was built.

The work at the river used to give support to many poor families, and help the education of their children. The sand collected from Moirangpurel village, was quite popular as “Moirangpurel gi leingoi.” However, the black sand ran out in the last two years after the dam blocked the river and it was no longer found in Moirangpurel and Tumukong villages, he said.

It may be mentioned that the people who were facing the odds, having no other means of living, turned to collecting the red sand from the hills to go on with their lives. But unfortunately, the forest department put a ban to their work. Since, they have no other means of living they are now struggling very hard to make both ends meet.  

 She further said what came out of the blue, is the notification being given to the villagers by the workers of IFCD department, that the water on the other side of the dam will be release towards the downstream in a few days.

Leaflets that warned the villagers to remain alert were handed out. Upon asking the workers of the department as to why the water was going to be released, they were told that some of the pipes had been blocked up and they needed to release the water for cleaning the pipes.

The reason why the villagers are getting panicked at the notification is that the released water from the dam will submerge most of the paddy fields and destroy it. The villagers are losing their sleep as the water will not allow the fields to grow any vegetables after the harvesting is done.  All their dreams of earning some extra money in the winter season are put at peril.

Making the situation even worse, if the water is released the villagers of Moirangpurel will no longer be able to cross the river as there are no bridges and this will directly cut off all means of earning to a lot of people.  

The locals appealed to the government to send in an expert team and take a detailed survey before the water is released and its potential dangers.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 28

Lamphel Super Market Development Joint Committee, a committee of vendors at Lamphel market voiced their strong opposition against the recent announcement made by chief minister N. Biren Singh to construct a separate market at Lamphel for the Mao community.

A handful of the agitating women vendors today marched towards the chief minister’s bungalow this morning but police stopped them from further proceeding near Nupi Lal Memorial Complex.

Later selected representatives of the market committee were allowed to table their memorandum to the chief minister’s office.

The memorandum strongly condemned the chief minister’s decision to construct separate Mao Market at Lamphel Super Market in Imphal West.

It said the development joint committee would appreciate if the government takes up step to construct market for every community besides appealing to construct temporary market during the construction of markets of all communities.

It is learnt that about a total of 800 vegetable vendors and business runners are running the Lamphel market under the sky. The development committee has been reportedly urging the government to construct a new market complex in tandem with the planned Mao Market at Lamphel.

The memorandum also urged the chief minister to provide license and necessary documents to the vendors at Lamphel.

The vegetables vendors from Mao come to Nagamapal on Tuesdays and Fridays after their market was shifted earlier following Southern Angamis of Nagaland launched a blockade against their community on June 23, 2015. The Southern Angamis of Nagaland imposed the blockade after the Mao opposed the construction of a road by Nagaland in the Manipur portion of Dzukou Valley along the Manipur-Nagaland border.

Due to traffic congestion at Nagamapal the Mao vendors shifted their market at Lamphel Supermarket and Tera Keithel. Some of them are still selling vegetables and fruits at Nagamapal.

The chief minister made the announcement to construct Mao Market at Lamphel market area at the cost of Rs 1-2 crore soon, at the inaugural function of the 3rd Flower Festival cum Manipur 1st Cherry Blossom Festival held at Kayinu Village, Mao Gate, Senapati on Saturday.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 28

Manipur’s famous traditional water sport ‘Hiyang Tanaba’ (Boat Racing) was held today as part of Sangai festival at Wangkhei Thangapat Imphal East.

Education Minister Thockchom Radheshyam Singh who attended the program as the chief guest said ‘Hiyang Tanaba’ is a traditional sport of the state. He expressed fear that in the coming days the rich tradition and culture of the state might get engulfed by the surge of modernisation.

He urged the organising committee not to stop organising such types of events for the sake of the future generation.  

The education minister asserted that during the ancient times in the state, water transport was one of the most common ways of transport.

While speaking on the occasion as the president of the function, the titular king of Manipur Leisemba Sanajaoba said the game has been played to recall the traditions and culture of the state.

He said that during the reign of King Hiyangloi Ningthou it became a sport. He mentioned that the beginning of the race dates back to the states folklores during the time of Luwang Ningthou Punsiba who crafted the first boat in the land.

He cited that the game fell into oblivion for over a century and during the reign of Maharaja Chandrakriti the game resumed. The game was followed by his son Budhachandra, he added.

He said that in the next year’s Sangai festival there will be no more issues while organising the ‘Hiyang Tanaba’ as the venue has been fixed to be held at the same place. Pointing out that the canoes used in the game were borrowed, he appealed to the government to provide canoe to be used in the game in the next edition of the festival.

The event was attended by chairman directorate of tourism, Rajen Sapam Singh, Mayang Imphal MLA Kongkham Robindro Singh, Sekmai MLA Heikham Dingo Singh, Yaiskul MLA Th. Satyabrata Singh and Thockchom Eliza Singh attended the event as the guest of honour.

The event was organised by Manipur Artist Association with the department of tourism.

Jiri News Network

JIRIBAM | Nov 27

While the BJP-led state government is trying to bring unity, fraternity and equality among the hills and valley people of the state, many government schemes are found to be not properly delivered to the people of Pangkotphai village of Tamenglong district.

The official data record of the number of households of Pangkotphai village under Tousem sub-division of the district was found to be mismatched with the actual number of households, when a media team visited the village and scrutinised the official record.

The media team noticed that the actual number of houses in the village is seven with a total population of 30 people. However, according to the government’s census record, there are 23 houses with total population of 87 people in the year 2011. Moreover, according to official records, there are 48 numbers of job card holders under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in the year 2013-14.

The team also found in the official records that each job card holders had received a sum of Rs. 19,808 for five years from 2008 to 2014, whereas, as per official record, the total expenditure amount was Rs. 20,91,482.2 and the total MC and wages was Rs. 25,42,719.2. However, the villagers had not procured the benefits appropriately but extra numbers of people were included in the government record.

To dig out more information regarding the contrasting records, the media team made an effort to meet the village chief but the attempt failed. Later, the team interacted with one of the locals and he revealed that there are only seven houses in the village with a total population of only 50 persons. He continued that fund has already been sanctioned for the month of October this year under MGNREGS but the card holders have received wages only for two days, which is Rs. 500.

It is worth mentioning that there could be irregularities in delivering funds to the deserving villagers by some government officials by teaming up with village chief or authority. A joint survey of government officials, CVOs and media person is highly needed in the particular remote areas to stop the unfair practice and make the state free from the cluster of corruption.

IMPHAL | Nov 28

Members of Press Council of India (PCI), Press Association, Indian Journalist Union (IJU) and Editors Guild of India, who visited the State to take part in the two-day Inter-Regional Media Interaction Programme, called on governor Najma Heptulla at Raj Bhavan here today.

The delegates presented a memento from Press Association to the governor. The team recounted recommendations of the interaction programme between Myanmar and India held from November 27-28 at Hotel Imphal.

Later, the team also met chief minister N. Biren at the CM’s secretariat. The senior journalists not only had a candid interaction with the CM but also presented him a memento. They urged the chief minister to improve road connectivity.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 28

The Imphal east district police commando arrested two cadres of the proscribed RPF/PLA and two women sympathizers along with huge cache of assorted arms and ammunitions in separate counter insurgency operation conducted in different part of Imphal today.

Speaking to media persons during a press conference held at his office, Superintendent of Imphal east district police, Kabib K, disclosed that the militant cadres were arrested during joint operation conducted by the police commando; women police Imphal East and assisted by Singjamei police based on specific information.

The SP said the operation was carried out under his supervision and led by inspection Md. Rajib Khan second OC commandos Imphal East and also jointly coordinated by officers of the district police including B. Lunthang Vaiphei, Wungpam Kasar additional SP (Ops), Robinsun Khamnam, MPS Dy SP (CDO-II) IE, RK. Saklemba Singh, MPS, Dy SP (Ops) IE.

The individuals were arrested reportedly from their respective residence at Thongju Pechu Lampak areas around this afternoon.

In the first incident two active members of the PLA/RPF were arrested around 12:35 pm. The PLA cadres have been identified as Naorem Bhume Meitei, (44) son of (L) N. Ibochou Singh of Pechu Lampak Kha-Naorem and Konsam Joykumar Singh, (47) son of (L) K. Babudhon Singh of Thongju Part-II.

The over ground workers who were reportedly involved in transportation of arms and ammunitions have been identified as Naorem (O) Premila Leima, (37) wife of N. Bhume Meitei of Pechu Lampak Kha-Naorem Leikai and Huidrom (O) Jiballata Devi alias Mounao, (54) wife of (L) H. Ingo Singh of Thongju Pechu Lampak.

The arms and ammunitions recovered from them includes an AK-56 rifle with five magazine and 15 live rounds, one lethod gun, 10 lives lethode shell, two mobiles phones, a 9mm pistol along with magazine and tools used for repairing arms.

The Imphal East SP further informed that the arrested persons along with the recovered items will be handed over to Singjamei police station for necessary legal action.

IMPHAL | Nov 27

Governor Najma Heptulla said that message of brotherhood given by Guru Gobind Singh is very much relevant till today. This was stated at the 350th Prakash Parb of the 10th Guru of the Sikhs Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj which was celebrated at Raj Bhavan, today.

The celebration was carried out with the support of the governor who is also member of the committee formed under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Sikh community.

This was the first celebration organised at Raj Bhavan of Manipur State and will continue across the country.

Heptulla expressed her happiness over the recitation of Gurbani at Raj Bhavan said that she is pleased that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made her a member of the committee of the 350th Birth Anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj.

Paying her reverence to Guru Gobind Singh, who sacrificed his whole life and family for defending and respect of the country, she said that we should respect Guru Vani.  The words of the Guru Vani should be followed and bring forth for the sake of the country, she said.

She further added that we should preserve all Religious Books and Guru Granth Sahib with honour and respect. She also said that if we abide by the words written in Guru Granth Sahib, we can say that we have done our part in honouring and respecting the Religion and our Guru.

The message of brotherhood and unity given by Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Nanak to the people is very much needed today and we should remember and follow the path laid down by the profounder of the religions, she added.

1. Khemchand, Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly, said that Manipur is a Mini India and with the celebration of 350th Prakash Parb of Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj, may peace prevail in the State.

The function was attended by the Sikh community of residing in Manipur, staffs and students of Guru Nanak School and invitees from other communities.

 Two-day inter-regional media interaction kicks off

IMPHAL | Nov 27

Through people to people interaction a positive relationship can be developed and nurtured. In spite of the world now being touted as a global village, there had been fewer interactions with neighbour Myanmar. We must seek to mend these gaps.

This was stated by chief minister, N. Biren on the inaugural day of the 2-day inter-regional media interaction programme between Myanmar and India which begun today at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal.

Biren recalled that Myanmar and Manipur haveshared an inseparable relation since ages. In order to retain the ties that were there during in the past, he informed that the process for bus service proposal from Manipur to Yangon via Mandalay will be speed up.

He also credited today’s meet as the result of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s suggestion of developing media interactions between the two nations, in his recent visit to Myanmar.

On the first day of the meet, editor Imphal Free Press, Pradip Phanjoubam, stressed on the need for focusing on interactions at sub-regional level rather than regions, as both these countries are massive and have various dynamics within a country itself.

He also suggested the need for exchange of articles amongst the media outlets in both the countries in order to understand the nuances of each other’s actualities.

On the same theme, a member of News Media Council, Myanmar, mooted the need for training young journalists in Myanmar by their Indian counterparts. He mentioned that freedom of media in Myanmar is improving but not yet entirely independent.

That Myanmar ranks 131 in the world media freedom index. He further remarked that an attempt is being made to launch right to information in Myanmar, to ensure greater freedom of expression for journalists as well as the people of Myanmar.

In the same session, member, Press Council of India, Vivek Saxena also remarked that unfortunately national newspapers in India hardly focus on Northeast India. He also stressed the need for exchange of latest news between the two countries.

Furthermore, in the later sessions, Chit Win MG, Mizzima Media Group, Myanmar, dwelt on the need for educating the general public and organisations about media ethics. That unverified information on social media is one of the most significant issues in Myanmar, he added.

On free and responsible media in India, secretary general, Editor Guilds of India, Prakash Dubey, noted the worrying trend of targeting journalists in the country. He emphasised that there is a need to protect people who are proving news. Further, he remarked that armchair journalism is a stumbling block in striving for responsible journalism. Learning new languages can facilitate better information, he added.

On a similar note, vice president, Kosuri Amarnath, highlighted the rising intolerance towards media personnel. Citing the case of Gauri Lankesh, Sudip Dutta Bhowmik, Sanatanu Bhowmick and many others, he explained that such acts of murdering journalists are an act of censoring and impinging on the rights of freedom of expression.

The 2-day inter-regional media interaction programme is being organised by the department of information and public relations in collaboration with state level committee for Act East policy in Manipur and under the sponsorship of Manipur Tourism.

Tomorrow, there will be more discussions on promoting connectivity & trade, Act East policy, and capacity building of media personnel in Myanmar and India.

Eleven delegates from Myanmar, two representatives from Press Council of India (PCI), one representative each from Indian Journalists Union (IJU) and Editor Guild of India, along with prominent media personnel and media students from the state attended the said programme.

The chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest. While chief secretary R.R. Rashmi, commissioner (IPR) K. Radhakumar and convenor of state level committee for actualisation of Act East Policy, R.K. Shivachandra also attended the function as dignitaries.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 27

The sudden opening of Ithai barrage on July 22, because of the flood caused by Imphal river, led to caving of many land portions with cracks appearing in many places as well in Wabagai and Mayang Imphal areas, said Md Riyazuddin Aribam speaking to reporters during an inspection tour.

Riyazuddin is the chief advisor of Samaj, a social media (Whatsapp) group. He went to allege that the opening of Ithai barrage by Ithai Barrage Committee was done without any consultations with the locals of Wabagai area, he alleged.

He maintained that it had brought total damage to the roads, houses, affected community halls, schools and so on creating problems for the public.

The villages that the team visited were Sekmaijing to Irom passing through Hangul, Santhel, Uchiwa, Heibung Makhong, and Maibam.

Md Razauddin, secretary of the group said that it was all because of Ithai barrage that people have to face such turmoil and difficulties. “We want the Ithai barrage committee working under National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) to leave the soil of Manipur,” he said.

Let the indigenous people, flora and fauna and other natural resources be safeguarded from the hands of NHPC, he asserted. 

“We have voiced many times before about this case but the authority concerned and government have not paid heed,” he pointed out.

Islamuddin, who is one of the residents of the area, said that public are not satisfied with Ithai barrage. Since its commission in 1980, Ithai barrage and its committee have failed the people and disadvantages have outweighed the advantages.

All the promises that were made before the commissioning were not fulfilled and the compensation for 80,000 hectares is not received till today. Besides no proper irrigation system, the promised light bill for 30 paise per unit is never fulfilled, he alleged.

He continued that government not taking any action is condemnable and if the government did not hear their demands, soon there will be people’s movement for removal of Ithai barrage from the state.

On the other hand the road connecting Sekmaijing to Maibam under Imphal West district, which is to be completed by October 2017 under PMGSY scheme, is far from being completed but rather it is in a very bad condition without any sign of betterment.

The project was taken by HVS Construction Private Limited and has withdrawn Rs.1, 35, 00,000 so far but did almost nothing even if the completion dateline is over.

The Samaj team was accompanied by IFCD, PHED and PWD and CSOs, Irong Chesaba Development Forum (ICDF), Youth Developemnt Committee (YDC) and All Manipur Muslim Organisation Co-Ordinating Committee (AMMOCOC).

IMPHAL | Nov 27

Police department of Manipur, Imphal has announced a cash reward of Rs. 1,00,000 (Rupees one lakh) for information leading to the arrest of Ashin alias Kashin alias Kashinba, 50, son of (Late) Mangainanba of Nungtek, Karvangmuang village, Part-II, Noney.

A release by PRO Police has stated that the cash award shall be given to any person(s) who can provide information of the accused person and the identity of the informer(s) will be kept confidential.

Any information about the whereabouts of the accused may be given through the mobile phone numbers of the police personnel of Senapati Police Station, 9436821749 for SP, 9862741784 for additional SP, 8729842498 for SDPO and 9612509638 for OC, it added.

IMPHAL | Nov 27

Chief Minister N. Biren urged the people of the State to uphold the sanctity of the Constitution. He was speaking as the chief guest at Constitution Day celebration held at the conference hall of secretariat south b lock here today.

While laying the foundation stone of B.R. Ambedkar Memorial in Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that from 2015 onwards, November 26 of every year, celebrated earlier as Law Day, would hence forth be celebrated as the Constitution Day, the chief minister said.

Accordingly the government of India issued a Gazette notification declaring November 26 as the Constitution Day, Biren said.

He further said that the Preamble of the Constitution states the nature of Indian State and the objectives are committed to secure justice, liberty and equality for the people and promoting fraternity, dignity of the individual and unity and integrity of the Nation. It declares India to be a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic, he added.

The chief minister contended that the Constitution defines the framework of the country, fundamental political principles, establishes the structures, procedures, powers and duties of government institutions, and sets out the fundamental rights and duties of the citizens. It imparts for the constitutional supremacy not the parliamentary democracy, he added.

On November 26, 1949, the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India after the country gained independence. A Drafting Committee was earlier formed under the chairmanship of B.R. Ambedkar.

In the early part of 1948, B.R. Ambedkar completed the draft of the Constitution and presented in the Constituent Assembly. On November 26, 1949 the draft was adopted with very few amendments and it came into force from January 26, 1950. It is the supreme law of the land made by the people of India acting through duly elected and representative body of the Constituent Assembly.

Law and legislative affairs minister L. Jayantakumar, who attended the occasion as the functional president, said that the Constitution of India is one of the best constitutions in the word. Every Section and Articles of the Indian Constitution has humane touch, he added.

Ministers, MLAs top civil and police officers also attended the function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 27

The central committee of Manipur People’s Party (MPP) has appointed Laishram Krishnadas Singh from of Wangjing Tentha Assembly constituency as its ‘vacancy president’ on November 25.

Speaking to media person at the Manipur Press Club, the newly appointed ‘vacancy president’ clarified the claim made by Oinam Jugindro Singh, former ‘vacancy president’, in the media as baseless.

“Whatever he claimed so far is not acceptable. We had selected him as ‘vacancy president’ on May 16 last year for a period of six months term. His actual period is expired,” said Krishnadas.

However Judindro wrongfully considers himself as party president and even sent letter to the Election Commission of India declaring that he is the party president, he added.

Krishnadas further continued that the self-styled ‘vacancy president’ Oinam Jugindro Singh was disqualified by the State Returning Officer (SRO) for forging election certificates.

Highlighting the present situation of MPP, he said the regional party of Manipur is almost in the verge of downfall. In order to revive the party we formed a development committee of MPP, he added.

“Our party is always ready to welcome each and every person. But we cannot accept someone who tries to defame the party,” he asserted.

It may be mentioned that the ‘vacancy president’ term will last for six months only. The full term president is going to be appointed by next year April. And the tenure of full term president is of three years.

Newmai News Network

IMPHAL |Nov 27

National Highway No. 2 was blocked for several hours today at Kanglatongbi area, some 20 km north of Imphal, as protestors imposed bandh demanding the arrest of Kh. Kashinba who has gone into hiding after “raping” and attempted to murder of a school girl.

On August 1 evening this year, the girl studying in Class 9 was found in an unconscious state in a place in Senapati district headquarters. The victim is now surviving with multiple stitches in her head and hands after a month0long treatment in a hospital in Imphal. The victim is carrying eight scars in her head and hands.

Spearheaded by Liangmaipui Naga Ruangdi, Manipur (Liangmai women union), Namdilong Women Development Society, Kanglatongbi and Liangmai Naga Katina Ruangdi (Liangmai student body), protestors blocked vehicles passing the Kanglatongbi area.

As a large number of protestors blocked the national highway by piling logs and burning them, police had to resort to tear gas shelling.

In the process there were incidents of scuffle between the security force personnel and the protestors. By around 9 am the size of the number of protestors grew double.

The police personnel had a hard time handling the situation. The traffic along the national highway was completely blocked. By 11 am there was a communication from the State government to the protestors for negotiation.

Some leaders of the protesting organisations met the deputy commissioner of Kangpokpi and the director general of police of Manipur. According to the Liangmai organizations, they met the DGP at 3:30 pm. The police chief assured to arrest the culprit within one month’s time.

The DGP also told the Liangmai organizations that the cash reward of Rs 50,000 for any information leading to the capture Kh. Kashinba will be increased to 1 lakh effective from November 28. Following this assurance the agitation was called off by around 4 pm.

On November 23, the Liangmai organisations had demanded that the culprit should be arrested within 72 hours or else they would go ahead with the 12-hour total shutdown of National Highway-2 from 6 am of November 27 followed by different forms of agitation.

According to the Liangmai organisations, earlier they had planned to start agitation but owing to the requests from the chief minister and other authorities of the State government they did not go ahead with their agitation.

They said the State government had assured them the arrest of the culprit within a short period but till date nothing had happened. “Now it is almost four months but the State government could not arrest the culprit,” rued the Liangmai organisations. “It is a shame that such a high authority talking very big thing taking too long to arrest a rapist,” they maintained.

“We will wait till December 27 for the arrest of Kh. Kashinba. In the event of the failure from the State government side to arrest the culprit we will not listen to anyone but to go on with our agitation till the culprit is arrested,” asserted an LNKR leader.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 27

The Joint Action Committee against the brutal killing of late Yumnam Basanta Singh of Mayang Imphal has temporarily called off the 72 hours bandh giving the government a deadline till December 2 to arrest and punish the main culprit. 

While speaking to the media at Manipur Press Club, JAC secretary, Y. Naocha said the JAC has postponed its proposed 72 hours bandh folowing government’s assurance to catch the culprit at the earliest.

He further said that on November 23 a memorandum was submitted to the chief minister regarding the matter and on November 25 a sit in protest was held at Mayang Imphal in protest against the brutal killing.

The JAC secretary claimed that Y. Basanta (37) son of late Yumnam Gandhar Singh was found throat slit to death on the midnight of November 19 at a stone crusher owned by one Ashanbam Suresh alias Kaka at Awang Wabagai Leikai under Thoubal district.

Naocha further said that the Sekmai police have already arrested two individuals identified as Ksh. Bungo (37) son of Ksh. Ibomcha and Khangenbam Anand (30) son of Khangenbam Thoiba as they are the main suspects behind the alleged murder.

The JAC urged to the government to take up necessary actions to help the only child of the victim who is seven years of age and since the child has also lost his mother in a delivery case 3 years back and there is no other to look after him.

The JAC has given deadline till December 2 to arrest the main culprit and to find out the main reasons behind the killing. Failing to fulfil their demands the JAC will take up strong agitations starting from December 3.

IMPHAL | Nov 27

Social welfare and cooperation minister, Nemcha Kipgen wants the people residing in different corners of the state, even the remotest part will not be denied of their rights when it comes to any schemes and benefits that they deserve to get.

For this, they should get in touch with the concerned District Social Welfare Officers (DSWO) and District Cooperation Officers (DCO) to get timely updates about all the various schemes and benefits so that their rights are not curtailed by any anyone or any force.

Addressing the gatherings as a chief guest at the golden jubilee (50th Years) Celebration of the Molhoi Baptist Church (TBA-I) Women and Youth Fellowship, Nemcha informed the gathering about the various state and centrally sponsored schemes offered under the Social Welfare and Cooperation departments.

She felt the need for developmental change in Manipur by reviving cooperative movement which is also the vision of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. 

Nemcha, stressing on the importance of the skill development, claimed that government job are not the only option for our well-to-do lifestyle but would encourage considering skill development to be of utmost importance.

There are various options where one can enhance one’s lifestyle and also contribute towards the growth of the society through proper utilisation of skill development, she added.

On this occasion, she called upon all the people gathered to stand in unity so that all of them can successfully march towards spiritual and societal development as a whole. Though we speak different dialects or languages and belongs to different ethnic group, she urged the public to spread the language of love as we all have common faith and destiny.

As a lone woman minister in the state government, she believed that a woman plays a most important role in moulding the children in the right path to become a good leader in future. She also asserts that women should be a part of constructive discussions.

The celebration was also attended by executive secretary, TBA-I, Rev. Vumthang Sitlhou, deputy manager, SBI, Kangpokpi, Thanglensei Kipgen and administrative secretary, Omega School, Motbung, Rev. Khupthang Sitlhou as dedicating minister, guest of honour and president, respectively.

IMPHAL | Nov 27

 Manipur Baptist Convention strongly condemned the alleged assassination of Lenkholal Chongloi, a release said.

 The deceased who was a principal of  MBC higher secondary school, Kangpokpi, was a soft-spoken and kind person who would not harm anyone, the release mentioned.

Further, he was a hardworking teacher who worked tirelessly for the upliftment of his students, and his dedication could be witnessed in more than 20 years of his service, the release added.

 MBC extended its condolences to the bereaved family, and their prayers for God’s comfort and peace at this difficult time, said the release.

 Lastly, MBC urged the state government to book the culprits at the earliest, the release added.

IMPHAL | Nov 26

Today, at the flagging off ceremony of ‘Cyclothon’ from Malom depot IOCL, minister consumer affairs, food and public distribution, Karam Shyam announced that he will be riding a bicycle to his office every Thursday.

In his address, minister Karam Shyam stated that his intent to ride cycle, is to send out a message to all the citizens, about the importance of fuel conservation. As a political leader and as a citizen of the state, he seeks to encourage and promote cycling, he added.

Further, he appealed to all parents and guardians to promote bicycle among students and youth. He added that it is necessary to opt for alternative modes of transportation, in order to conserve oil, which is a non-renewable source of energy. Highlighting the scarcity of oil, he said that 80 percent of crude oil requirement of India is imported and only the remaining 20 percent (37.46 million metric tonnes) is produced in India.

Appreciating Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a visionary, minister Karam Shyam also urged the people to follow his suggestion of not using petrol or diesel once a week. That, it is the collective responsibility of every citizen in this country to use fuel judiciously and make fuel conservation an integral part of one’s lifestyle, he added.

Furthermore, minister Karam Shyam also mentioned that if cycling becomes popular among the citizens, the government can consider providing special lanes for cyclists.

In the said Cyclothon, along with minister Karam Shyam, former VC, Manipur University, prof. H. Tombi Singh, IOC officials and around 100 cyclist enthusiasts, rode bicycle from Malom till Keishampat oil pump.

The Cyclothon is being held across the country from November 12 till December 31, 2017. And it is organised by public sector oil companies in Manipur, in association with Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), under the aegis of ministry of petroleum & natural gas, government of India.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Nov 26

Executive member of ADC Sadar Hills, Lunthang Haokip has drawn the attention of government of Manipur for early redressal of the people’s aspiration, regarding immediate devolution of complete powers and functions to deputy commissioner, Kangpokpi.

Lunthang also sought the attention of the government, more particularly the works minister to revamp the stretch of Asian Highway-1 between Koubru Laikha and Kanglatongbi before Christmas.

Speaking to media at his Sapormeina residence on the sidelines of distributing LED lamp under Science and Technology department, Lunthang, who is also the executive member of Science and Technology, ADC Sadar Hills said that the initiative of deputy chief minister in providing LED lamps is indeed laudable and it will boost the relationship with the public.

He further conveyed his anticipation from other concerned ministers in taking up initiatives that would help people in the near future.

Underlining the necessity of complete devolution of powers and functions to Kangpokpi DC, Lunthang said that state government has already given the full-fledge district status to Kangpokpi and it is obligatory that all powers and functions of DC and SP be devolved instantly.

However, it has been almost a year that the DC haws remained without the powers of DEO and DRDA which is the backbone of the district development and electioneering in the district, he added.

He urged the current state government to seriously consider the issue and devolve the powers and functions of DEO and DRDA apart from others to DC Kangpokpi so as to march forward faster and in equivalent with other districts in the larger interest of the people.

From Our Correspondent 

KANGPOKPI | Nov 26

Many more organisations have condemned the alleged murder of principal of MBC Higher Secondary School, Kangpokpi by unknown miscreants inside the forest area of Tumuyon Khullen, which is also locally known as Haijang Hills near Kangpokpi district.

Condemning the alleged murder, Lenkholal Chongloi, also commonly known as Sir Helen, Sadar Hills Private Schools’ Association (SHIPS) has termed the killing as ‘Senseless act of violence’ and expressed deepest condolence over the untimely demise.

President SHIPS, Hemang Singsit said that Helen was a dedicated, sincere, honest, disciplined and gentle school leader. He was a gem of a person, an exemplary figure amongst his contemporaries, and is dearly loved by each and every member of the teaching fraternity, he added.

He also said that his untimely demise in such a tragic manner is a great loss to the entire student community and the public at large and appealed to the authority concerned to bring justice at the earliest.

He further said that as a mark of respect and honour to the departed soul, all the schools in Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district shall remain closed on November 27.

Meanwhile, Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) also condemned the alleged brutal murder of the school principal in the strongest term while terming it as ‘against human rights’. The organisation also conveyed its deepest condolence and shared the pain and grief of the bereaved family.

President of KWOHR, Hahat Touthang has entreated the person(s) responsible in the elimination of the school principal to come out openly at the earliest and further sought for immediate intervention of the authority concerned to book the culprits and take appropriate action according to the law of the land at the earliest.

Kangpokpi Town Committee, Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organisation and Kanggui Youth Union also have condemned the killing of Lenkholal Chongloi and expressed its deepest condolence while sharing the pain and grief of the bereaved family.