Tag: IFP

IMPHAL | Nov 17

All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) has reiterated their demand to immediately redress the issue concerning the appointment of deputy director of Tribal Research Institute (TRI), said a release.

 The release further mentioned that AMSU is working in the interest of all the communities in the state. That any organisation should refrain from publishing releases tainted with communal tones, it added.

 In view of the absence of any positive response from the government of Manipur regarding the said issue, AMSU has begun their agitations to meet their demands, the release concluded.

IMPHAL | Nov 17

The proscribed umbrella organisation, CORCOM has called for a 26 hour general strike all over Manipur against the president’s arrival at Imphal, starting from 6 am in the morning of November 21, till 8 am of November 22. The general strike will be relaxed for hospitals and media services, emergency services and matters related to faith.

A release signed by media coordinator, Ksh. Yoiheiba said as a part of the ongoing war of independence, the general strike is being called upon the visit of the president of the India, the colonial master, to Manipur on November 21. CORCOM urges the people of all communities to give their full support on the general strike being called, it said.       

Following the steps of other colonisers, India took over Manipur by setting a colonial system, taking control over the economy and establishing overall power through the means of utilising military forces, it continued.  

Since Manipur was under the British rule, non local Marwaris arrived and took control of the economy, it said adding the king of Manipur was forced to hold the pen on October 15, 1949 which made the state to become a colony. Afterwards, the state was put under heavy militarisation and had been keeping under a forced rule, it added.  

The imperialist India, in order to suppress the freedom movements that rose against the coercive rule, a horrendous black law otherwise known as Armed Forces Special Power Act was implemented and started conducting extreme forms of human rights violations against  the innocent civilians of the state under a military rule, the release maintained.  

The underlying implication is “The Manipuris will not be able to do anything whenever the rule of India does whatever it wants, Manipuris must exist as the slaves of Indian rule,” the release alleged. However, upon realising that the war for independence cannot be suppressed by the reign of terror, they have now undertaken new tactics of cajolery and persuasion, it said.     

They are making statements like “Know your friends” by introducing gimmicks such as civic action program, it further alleged. They, the same people who used to burn down forest, now would like to bring greenery everywhere in Manipur, and organising medicals camps, handing out few cloths, embroidery tailoring machines, TVs and computers etc., it said.   

These are attempts to seduce the innocent civilians and to further continue the colonial rule in Manipur, it further alleged. Now is the time the people realise the true faces and the true intentions of the Indian rule, it said. Therefore, the people who have been enslaved by India, must not extend their hands to give welcome to the president when he comes to Manipur; the people must now wake up, the release added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 17

All Manipur Unemployed Veterinary Doctors Association appealed to the government of Manipur to review its the cabinet decision and provide equal opportunity to all eligible veterinary doctors to avail of vacant government posts in the veterinary department.

Dr. Th. Chaoba Devi president AMUVDA while speaking to the media at the Manipur Press Club said that the AMUVDA held a meeting on the November 15 at Tamenglong and also held an emergency meeting on November 17 for the reinstatement of the 37 projects for the contractor veterinary officers (VOs) whose services as well as the project were terminated in the year 2003.

The AMUVDA strongly condemned the decisions of the previous government which allegedly disregarded of the rule of law, she said.

She urged the BJP led government not to follow the same decisions taken up by the previous government.

The decision if implemented will also deprive the equal opportunity rights to more than 200 aspiring veterinary doctors who have been waiting for the lifting of recruitment ban since 1998 she said.

The AMUVDA has submitted several memorandums to the previous government on this matter, she said.

She further said the association has filed a case bearing W.P. (c) No.429&W.P. (c) 520 of 2015 for the direct recruitment of the 59 vacant posts through Manipur Public Service Commissioned and not to engage or re-engage veterinary officers on contract basis after the ban is being lifted.

The High Court had given the directive to the state government for early consideration of the unemployed VOs she said.

She said that the state cabinet gave its approval to lift the direct recruitment ban of Vety. & AH dept. and fill up the 59 vacant posts of VOs directly through MPSC.

She further said that the previous government in violation of this court directive took a cabinet decision to put up only 22 posts instead of 59 posts.

The AMUVDA further filed a case against the impugned advertisement she said.

The High Court stayed the MPSC examination for the posts of 22 VOs she mentioned.

She said that a memorandum has been submitted to the Chief Minister N.Biren in this regards and the Chief Minister has assured that he would look into the matter.

Dr. Th. Chaoba Devi mentioned if the government fails to provide equal opportunity to all eligible veterinary doctors, AMUVDA will have to resort to necessary agitation and legal actions.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL| Nov 17

As a part of Sangai festival, 3rd Sangai International Film Festival is scheduled to be held from November 25 to 29 at Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS).

The film festival is being organised jointly by MSFDS and Film Forum Manipur said the secretary MSFDS Dr. Nabachandra Singh in a press meet held at office of MSFDS today.

The organising committee decided to screen selected Manipur features and non-features films along with five feature films from abroad. This is aimed giving our young talented film makers the opportunity to learn something from these movies, said H. Nabachandra.

“We also planned to display all the old shooting equipment in vogue many years back. Apart from that ethnic food court is also going to open inside the campus of MSFDS,” he added.

Commissioner of Art and Culture M. Lakshmiskanta Singh who also spoke at the function, lamented the decline in cinemagoers, in spite the state of producing many Manipur films in a year.

“We cannot only consider film as a medium to promote culture and tradition and social issues. It is also a big industry where we can earn huge money. But unfortunately people hardly go to theatre for watching movie these days,” the commissioner said.

“The present generation in Manipur are missing the opportunity to feel the comfort of watching a movie in a proper theatre as once upon a time the case.  All of us have a great role to play in the restoration and the revival of this culture”, he added

On the inaugural day of 3rd Sangai International Film Festival, a movie directed by Samira Makhmalbaf’s “Two Legged Horse” will be screened. From the following day till November 29, four different movies will be screened in different time slots.

The programme of 3rd international film festival will also expand to other location where Sangai Festival is being conducted said well-known Manipuri film actor S. Mangoljao.

IMPHAL | Nov  17

Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD) and Town Planning Minister  Thounaojam Shyamkumar today said the Centre has released Rs 106 crore for the Imphal Smart City Mission.

Addressing the media persons at his office chamber in New Secretariat, he said that his department targets to complete 90 percent work of the Imphal Smart City Mission within 3 months. Stating that the Chief Minister will be consulted for the work related to the Mission, he appealed for the support of the general public to make the Imphal Smart City Mission successful.

MAHUD Minister further said a year-long cleanliness drive in all the Municipal areas will begin from tomorrow in view of the upcoming Manipur Sangai Festival 2017 scheduled for November 21-30. He said the Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) staffs led by the Mayor will conduct cleanliness drive from early morning tomorrow in different areas of Imphal. He said similar drive will also be conducted in the areas under Municipal Council such as Moirang, Bishnupur, Kakching, Yairipok and Thoubal.

Th. Shyamkumar appealed to the shopkeepers of Imphal core zone area including Thangal Bazar, Paona Bazar, Uripok road, Kwakeithel road, Yairipok road, Keisamthong road, Singjamei road and others to keep dustbins near their respective shops. He said legal action will be taken against those shopkeepers who are found littering the surroundings.

MAHUD and Town Planning Minister said legal action will also be taken against street vendors and mobile hawkers in case found violating the instructions. He appealed to the general public to support the State Government in keeping the Imphal city and the surrounding areas clean.

IMPHAL | Nov 17

Thousands of people turned up on the joint Hill Leaders’ Day and Meeyamgi Numit to highlight their grievances to the Chief Minister  N. Biren Singh at CM’s Secretariat today.

The Chief Minister attended to as many as 500 complaints and personally met nearly 1500 people from 8:00 am to 3:15 pm.

On the occasion, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) screened various documentaries highlighting the achievements of the new government and Chief Minister’s visit to various hill districts of the State.

Speaking to the media persons, Chief Minister said that the government is focusing on action oriented policies and programmes for the welfare of the people and State. He affirmed that the new government is right on track towards bringing development in the State. Seeking people’s support and co-operation, Chief Minister said, “I am doing my level best to serve the people of the State.”

Refuting the allegations made by the Opposition parties,he said that people are witnessing the recent progress and development in the State and what the new government is tirelessly working for its people. He stated that the new government didn’t announce any false promises to the people, everything has been put before the public. He said that since its inception, the government is maintaining complete transparency to achieve good governance in the State. He asserted that the new government is trying its best to resolve the misdeeds/issues done by the previous government. As of now, there hasn’t been a single protest/agitation against the present government by the people of the State, he added.

Stating the grievances of differently-abled persons, widows, and old-aged persons, Chief Minister said that the government is conducting assessment camps in various districts for the identification and issue of disability certificate and assessment of nature of disability for providing appropriate aids and appliances for persons with disability living in the State.

Mentioning some of the developmental projects being taken up in the State, he said that the Tamenglong-Haflong road is upgrading to National Highway, construction of Water Supply Scheme estimated cost of Rs 40 crores at Tamenglong etc.

Chief Minister further stated that the health insurance scheme for BPL families which would provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for medical treatment would be launched on 1st January, 2018. He mentioned that to ease the financial burden faced by widows, the application form for the Health Care Insurance Scheme for widows is being issued here today.

Mentioning about hosting the North-East Development Summit during Manipur Sangai Festival 2017, Chief Minister said that preparations are almost complete for the upcoming Sangai festival. Various National and International investors and companies are expected to participate in the North-East Development Summit to be held on 21st-22nd November, 2017, he added. He said that till now, Chief Ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland have confirmed to attend the Festival. A media team from Myanmar would visit the State and interact with the media persons of the State during the festival. An exhibition football match will be played between Women football team from Mandalay and Manipur Women football team under the theme “Connecting through Sports” in the Sangai Festival, he added.

He said that he will inaugurate the Curtain Raiser of the Manipur Sangai Festival 2017 at Keibul Lamjao on 19 November 2017. And the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind will formally inaugurate the Manipur Sangai Festival 2017 and North-East Development Summit on 21st November, 2017.

IMPHAL | Nov 17

Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister  Karam Shyam today urged the SK Oil (Superior Kerosene) dealers to lift the oil stocks. He said oil stocks have piled up in the oil depots and feared that it might lapse.

Speaking to the media persons at his office in Old Secretariat, the Minister urged the dealers to lift SK Oil till November 30, 2017 failing which the SK Oil will be made available to the retail shops through mobile sale. He also said the continuous lapses might result in the Central Government discontinuing SK Oil allocation to the State.

The Minister informed that for the month of September, October and November this year, the State received 1,456 KL (one thousand four hundred and fifty six kilo litre). In September, 708 KL (seven hundred and eight kilo litre) of SK Oil was lifted and in October, 848 KL (eight hundred and forty eight kilo litre). A total of 1,356 KL (one thousand three hundred and fifty six kilo litre) of SK Oil lapsed for the month of September and October, he added.

The State quota for November is 1,456 KL (one thousand four hundred and fifty six kilo litre) and 408 KL (four hundred and eight kilo litre) has been lifted till November 17, 2017. The Minister urged the dealers to lift the remaining SK Oil quota by the end of this month to prevent lapse. SK Oil is now available abundantly as the authorities are strictly keeping a check on adulteration, he added.

CAF & PD Minister Karam Shyam further said since the formation of the new government in March this year, all PDS items have been given to dealers/agents without fail. Speaking on the issue of LPG cylinder, the Minister said black marketing of the LPG cylinder has been under control as the authorities are daily monitoring it.

He added that the irregular supply of LPG to the public is due to pilling up of massive backlog and appealed to the public to cooperate to the State Government.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL| Nov 17

Representing the unity and integrity of Manipur through fashion was the focus of my recent participation, said Robert Naorem, a leading fashion designer of Manipur said in a press meet held at Robert Naorem Studio and Academy.

Robert shared his experience at the India Fashion week London, the largest Asian Exhibition and Fashion Event in Europe, held at Olympia London from Nov 11-12 organised by Platinum Exhibition Europe Limited.

He stated that with the objective of bringing unity in our society, the collection that took to the exhibition was termed Chingtam- Tam Collection. And even in the fashion parades, starting from music to styling we tried using ethnic sounds and colours with modern touches, he added.

Explaining the type of attire he showcased, he asserted that all the outfits had motifs from Kuki, Naga and Meitei traditional fabrics.

“I have also used the Meitei Mayek script on the enaphee to promote the regional script and also to proclaim the advances of the traditional seven clans of the Meitei,” Robert added.

Expectedly, Robert returned home with an award.

“As an appreciation of our collection and designs supporting the state weavers and promoting handloom of the state I was awarded as The Most Inspirational Designer of 2017 by the organising team of India Fashion Week London and JD Institute of Fashion Technology,” Robert explained.

He further showered gratitude to the weavers of Manipur. “I particularly focus on handloom of Manipur. Weaver from Manipur played a crucial role in bringing me to where I am today and making my dream come true.”

He also felicitated three weavers namely Khundongbam Sophia, Bidhyalakshmi Athokpam, Omita Ashem, who particularly supported him in his choice of fabric from the fashion week.

He also thanked Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, MLA R.K. Imo Singh and Joybi Sinam of Eastern Motors for the financial help and support extended to him.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 17

In an intensified campaign to pressurise the BJP government to disclose the contents of Framework Agreement, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) today staged a sit-in-protest for the sixth day at Bishnupur Bazar, Bishnupur district headquarter.

The protest was held under the theme “Disclose the contents of Framework Agreement” and was organised by Bishnupur Block Congress Committee.

Former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh giving his speech during the event said that Congress party had and will never compromise the state’s territorial boundary and integrity and urged the BJP government to also do the same.

He said during his tenure, he met many interlocutors and they said Naga’s demands were too great a risk when they don’t have any marked territorial boundary, flag and other essentials.

He also said that Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur will be affected by the demands of Greater Nagaland but the losses of the other two states are much less as compared to Manipur, which stands to lose about 70-80 per cent of its land area.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and the present Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh had promised before the election that there is nothing secretive in the FA and would do all it can to settle and respect the integrity of the state, but after the election, their speeches and colours have changed, he alleged.

NPF is a political wing of NSCN-IM and BJP taking them under their wing is a promise breaker, he said.

Ibobi asked what the stands of the BJP and NPF are on the issue of fighting to safeguard the state’s territorial boundary and integrity.

On recent announcement of special packages to the hill districts, the former Chief Minister also commented that there is a thing called budget and questioned how he could declare such amounts without the consent of the central government and the RBI.

He reiterated that the Look East Policy is now converted to Act East Policy but no actions have been taken by the government so far.

Former Deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam, in his turn said that the public has the right and power to know the contents of Framework Agreement and have been demanding since two years back, but is not disclosed till date. He said the contents must not be good if it is kept secret even after two years of signing the agreement.

Gaikhangam also asked why actions are not taken when Biren is welcomed in the hill districts with a board saying “Welcome to Nagaland” in the state itself. He asked as to why Biren who has state power in his hands now, is he not using this power while he can.

He also asked the name of the government in the state, “it cannot be called BJP party as it is made up of 3-4 parties, it also cannot be called just coalition party, it does not even have a name”, he said.

The MLA of Sugnu constituency, K. Ranjit said that if only the BJP government consulted Congress government of the state in 2001, the incident of July 18 would have never happened. But sadly that day is remembered as one of the blackest days in the history of Manipur, he said.

He also asked the stand of NPP, LJP and even NPF in dealing with the state at this important juncture. He also said that the government should have a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) being a coalition government, but has none. He asked the government to not only speak, but also to work.  

MPCC president T.N. Haokip, Thangmeiband constituency MLA, Th. Joykishan among others also spoke during the function. The leaders of the party notified that their campaign will continue and cover the remaining 54 constituencies of the state.

IMPHAL | Nov 17

The proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) said sergeant Koko Ningsheng worked under the apunba force of PLA and MNPF, as A – 129 sergeant Koko, real name Themriyo Ningsheng, son of Peter Ningsheng and Florence Ningsheng from Nongman Village under Kamjong district.

A joint release signed by assistant publicity secretary, MNPF, Thomas Numai and assistant secretary publicity, RPF, Bangkim said the brave friend, after killing one army jawan and maiming another in the battle at Sajik Tampak under Chandel district on November 15, laid down his life in the battle field.

MNPF and RPF pay revolutionary homage to the brave friend who gave his life for the motherland, it said. Sergeant Koko Ningseng joined apunba force of MNPF and PLA in 2013; he was a freedom fighter who fought bravely in many battles against the soldiers of Indian colonial force, the release continued. Sergeant Koko was a freedom fighter who loved the motherland dearly without any discrimination against the hilly and valley people and strived for a united Manipur, the release informed. He was gentle and honest friend who had good manners and was a brave solider who wanted to live a life of independence, it continued.   

A condolence meet was observed to honour his sacrifice for the motherland at every unit, department and station of MNPF and RPF, the release informed. Additionally, MNPF and RPF along with its military wing PLA share the grief of the bereaved family and friends, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 17

Vice chancellors play an important role in shaping universities said president Association of Indian Universities, Prof. P.B. Sharma while giving his inaugural speech as the chief guest at the east zone vice chancellors’ meet.

The two day meet was organised by the Association of Indian Universities and was held at the court hall, Vice Chancellor’s secretariat Manipur University.

Prof. Sharma while giving his chief guest speech said that Indian universities have made a major breakthrough in science and technology and other countries want to see India rise again in various field of education and researches.

In his first visit to the state, Sharma said he is struck by the beauty of the state and its heritage.

He encouraged the Manipur University to push for higher education standards in the state so as to be ahead of other parts of the country. He also said that universities should work for the betterment of the society and humanity.

Prof. Sharma also urged the vice chancellors to serve the needs of the locals.

“We need to compete with universities in other countries and to compete with them we need to be courageous and have the strength to empower ourselves and to prepare ourselves for the future. Indian universities should have collaboration and cooperation with the government to bring more development in the field of education” he said.

Giving the presidential speech Vice Chancellor Manipur University Prof. Adya Prasad Pandey said that the sun rises earlier in the state than any other states in the country so Mnipur should have the potential to do something great. He mentioned that the famous Raas Leela dance is evidence of this potential for greatness gifted to the state.

General secretary AIU Prof. Furqan Qamar while giving the overview speech said that the Association of Indian Universities is one of the premier institutions of the country working for the cause of higher education.

He explained that since its inception in 1925, AIU has been playing a vital role in shaping Indian higher education by being an integral part of all major decision making committees and commissions he said.

“AIU has been playing as a unique role in bringing about an equivalence of degrees of Indian and foreign universities research and training. AIU acts as flagship for Indian higher education,” he explained.

He mentioned that all the universities benefit out of the AIU’s contribution and at present it has a membership of about 700 universities and 11 universities from other countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Malaysia, Nepal, UAE and UK as its associate members.

The meet was attended by vice chancellors from different parts of Northeast.

During the function AIU newsletter was also released by the chief guest of the function.

IMPHAL | Nov 17

Education Minister  Thokchom Radheshyam Singh stressed that education is a need for every person to grow and develop. For an organisation to grow, the human resource needs to be updated. For this, training of Education Department Personnel, specially the teacher is a must and the most important is to implement the knowledge received by them to improve the quality of education, he added.

Th. Radheshyam made the statement inaugurating 10 Day Training on School Leadership organised by the Directorate of State Council of Educational and Research Training (SCERT) in collaboration with SSA, RMSA, Directorate of Education (S) and National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA) at Multipurpose Hall, SCERT, Lamphelpat.

He said whatever is being received in the training programme should be used to transform the existing educational system in a positive direction. To bring such transformation, he appealed the school heads to utilise the best of training for the development and betterment of the education of Manipur instead of keeping it to oneself. He also requested the teachers to love and regard their profession. Calling upon the teachers, he asked them to regard as their own belonging and the students as their own children.

Stressing the importance of training, he said, that the vision of the training is to develop leaders and new generations to enable transform schools so that every child receives a quality education and every school excel in imparting education. He added that the vision is to enhance leadership capability at school level for institutional building to deliver quality education.

Elaborating the essence of leaders and leadership, he said that it differs according to space, time and situation. However the best leaders are those who utilise the best out of what is available on the limited resource, he added. The teachers were also requested by the Minister to set target and identify the students who are bright and weak to make them better and achieve higher goals in their life. He also expressed the need to introduce feedback into the education system. He said that the students’ feedback on teachers can better the teaching – learning process between the student and teacher. He added that the feedback will enable one to identify the weakness and strength, giving a chance to improve and develop.

Director Education – S,  Th. Kirankumar Singh said that the main focus of the Education Department is the students pursuing education and how to improve the education system. He said teachers should have details of their respective schools and regulate the guidelines honestly. The teachers participating in the Training on School Leadership will be made the ambassadors to other schools in expanding the knowledge received in the training, he added.

Asst. Professor, NUEPA, Dr. N. Mythili said six key areas Perspective on School Leadership, Developing Self, Transforming Teaching – Learning Process, Building and Leading Teams, leading innovations and Leading Partnerships will be the main topic for the training session.

Director, SCERT Dr. M. Meenakumari Devi, Additional State Project Director SSA Manipur T. Phullen Meetei, Principals, Heads of schools and teachers attended the function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 17

The sub-committee formed to draft memorandum regarding the peace talk with the Central government and the NSCN-IM has drafted the final memorandum today. This was announced at a press meet today by Deputy Chief Minister, Y. Joykumar at his office at Manipur Secretariat (North Block), Imphal Joykumar.

Joykumar is the chairman of the committee formed on October 28 after a meeting of all the political parties of the state.

The final draft of the memorandum was drafted today after a third meeting of the sub-committee that took place today, he added.

The drafted memorandum will be submitted to the Chief Minister, N. Biren within one or two days and after that all political parties meeting will take place to discuss and finalised the memorandum, continued the deputy chief minister.

Though Joykumar did not disclose the contents of the memorandum, he said all the political parties of the state will never agree to a compromise of the territorial integrity of the state.

Mentioning that proposals and suggestions made by the members of the sub-committee representing different political parties were noted in the meetings before drafting the memorandum concerning the issue, he claimed the representative of the Congress party never attended in any of the sub-committee’s meeting to give any suggestion.

The first meeting of the sub-committee took place on November 2, second meeting on November 15 and the last and final meeting was held today.

IMPHAL |Nov 16 (NNN)

All Tribal Contractors’ Association of Manipur (ATCAM) has informed that it will not go ahead with its proposed bandh scheduled to begin from November 20 midnight following an assurance from the chief minister to look into its grievances.

According to ATCAM, its decision not to go ahead with the agitation was taken today after the assurance from the chief minister to review and consider the issue of concessional deposit of 50 percent of the standard amount of security or earnest money deposit extended to SC/ST for the purpose of any contract works.

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Narcotics and affairs of border PS made three arrests in drug-related offences today, said a release by PRO police.

Drug peddler Mansuanching Paite (66), wife of late Sianlianmuang from Ngathal, Churachandpur sub-division was arrested from Yaingangpokpi Magic parking, Nagamapal in Imphal with 30 grams of heroine powder. A case has been registered at narcotics and affairs of border police station.

Drug seller RL Horthingla alias Athing (42), daughter of RL Ningkhalem of Teinem village, Tuinem, Ukhrul, was arrested from her current residence in Thangmeiband Leirenhanjaba Leikai in Imphal West with six grams of heroine powder. On her disclosure, her associate Leiyachon RB (37), wife of Ramyathing TN Torachangta from Ukhrul was arrested from Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai. A case has been registered at narcotics and affairs of border police station.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 16

The 41st Indian Folklore Congress Manipur University (MU) begins its three-day national seminar on Folklore of Northeast India at the conference hall of Manipur Institute of Management Studies, MU here today.

Speaking as a chief guest in today’s inaugural function, vice chancellor MU, Prof. Adhya Prasad Pandey said, “Folklore can stimulate our thought, relax our mind and represent our culture and tradition. It is not an easy task to preserve our oral discourse but our people are still following their ancestral tradition.”

He further assured of opening a folk study department, which is rarely offered in Indian higher studies Institutions, in MU in near future.

“Although India have large number of folklore, only a few number of institutions provide course of folk study”, said Prof. Jawaharlal Handoo in his presidential speech. He stressed the need of preserving our folklore in archival form.

The present generation should learn the folklore which was gifted by our ancestor and convert it into printed form so that our folklore becomes more vibrant to be passed it on to

The inaugural function was attended by vice chancellor Manipur MU Prof. Adhya Prasad Pandey, director Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysore Prof DG Rao and Indian Folk Congress (IFC) and president Prof. Jawaharlal Handoo among others. Several delegates and research scholars from different parts of India attended the seminar programme as well.

The programme was sponsored by North Eastern Council (NEC) Shillong, CIIL Mysore, Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) Shillong and Manipur University.

From Our Correspondent

JIRIBAM | Nov 16

Youth president, Darkhumlien and ward member, Vanlalcham of Zarolpokpi village have stated in a press conference held today that the people of the village have been facing various hardships due to interruption of electricity supply by Manipur State Power Company Limited (MSPCL), Jiribam district.

Vanlalcham has stated that the load shedding in power supply has disturbed the study routine of school students in hilly areas, who will be writing examinations in the coming few months.

Darkhumlien also stated in the press conference that the load shedding for duration of four hours starting from 5 pm to 9 pm everyday has brought many inconvenience to the locals of the village. He further appealed the authority concerned to take care of the ongoing issue faced by the villagers at the earliest.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Locals of Changangei Mayai Leikai today blocked the exit gate of the Imphal Airport for around half hour as police stopped them from meeting the chief minister, N. Biren regarding the suspicious death of L. (0) Ibemcha Devi wife of L. Nabakanta Singh of Khangmong Meisnam Leikai.

Earlier before blocking the gate the locals staged a sit-in protest near the Imphal Airport exit gate demanding justice for the deceased woman organised by the JAC Against the Brutal Killing of Ibemcha Devi.

At around 2.30 pm the locals opened the road block as representatives of the JAC were given the permission to meet the chief minister.

Speaking to media persons the JAC’s convenor, Ng. Chaoba said that in the late evening of Monday last, family members of the deceased’s husband informed to Ibemcha’s parents that she passed away after getting burnt from a rice cooker blast.

He added that when family members of the deceased visited the spot of the said blast they found that noting in the room were burnt or affected. So it is highly possible that she was probably burnt alive by her husband and his family members, added the convenor. 

Earlier there were several cases of torture by the husband and his family members as she was unable to give birth to a child, said Chaoba.

The husband of the deceased surrendered to the police on the next day but he has not admitted that he burnt his wife.

The JAC appealed to the chief minister, N. Biren and to the authority concerned to investigate the matter and punish the culprits.

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Chief minister, N. Biren Singh met the family members of the three deceased Manipur Rifles personnel at JNIMS morgue today and announced that the government would provide Rs. 20 lakh financial assistance to the next of kin of the deceased.

The MR personnel were killed when the escort vehicle fell into a gorge in the Tamenglong-Khongsang road near Khongsang yesterday.

Speaking to media, N. Biren said that the security personnel had died in the line of duty on a special mission of the government ‘Go to the Hills’, so the government has taken the matter seriously.

The government would also provide financial support of Rs 5 lakh each to those injured personnel and the proposal for providing financial aid would be placed before the cabinet, he added. Expressing deepest condolences, the chief minister has extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families.

Replying to a query about the recent ambush that killed 2 AR jawans in Chandel district recently, N. Biren said that violence will not bring any solution and it hampers in bringing peace and prosperity in the state. Political dialogue is very much needed to resolve any issues, he added.

He further stated that the state government is planning to have political dialogue with the insurgent groups if the centre gives their approval for the talks.

Earlier in the morning, the chief minister visited the injured victims of the road mishap to enquire about their health conditions who are undergoing treatment at Shija Hospitals, Langol. He assured that the medical expenses during the treatment will be borne by the government and directed the doctors and paramedical staffs of the hospital to extend best-possible treatment to those injured in the accident.

The chief minister was accompanied by MP of Rajya Sabha, Ksh. Bhabananda Singh, minister for Forest and Environment, Th. Shyamkumar, minister for Agriculture, V. Hangkhanlian, parliamentary secretaries, MLAs, and DGP.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Former deputy chief minister, Gaikhangam today called on the people to amplify their voices urging the state government to disclose the contents of “Framework Agreement” before things get out of hands.

Gaikhangam was speaking on the sideline of a sit in protest demonstration held today at Pangei bazaar, demanding contents of “Framework Agreement”. The protest was organised by the Khundrakpam Block Congress Committee.

Branding the BJP as harbinger of trouble for Manipur, he said as another uprising worse than the June 18 is on the anvil while referring to the “Framework Agreement”.

The senior Congress MLA, urged the people, irrespective of which tribe they belong, to sent a clear message to the government that Manipur’s interest should not be affected by the “Framework Agreement” signed between the NSCN-IM and Government of India at any cost.

There will be no two opinions when it comes to resolving any problems with Naga, Kuki or Meitei militants, peacefully, he asserted.

Okram Ibobi Singh, former chief minister of Manipur, said the objective of Congress campaign is to prevent any policies that could turn detrimental for Manipur’s unity in the future.

Contending that BJP’s intention with regards to Indo-Naga peace talks has never been clear, he said Congress will not to accept any form of separate policy including financial package bypassing state administration.

Referring to “unpredictable impulse” of Narendra Modi, he cautioned the people not to take any chances to avert any unwanted consequences like that of June 18 uprising.

Ibobi also questioned whether the Rs. 320 crores package announced by chief minister N. Biren Singh for Tamenglong reflected on the state budget or the government taking the people for a ride?

The level of hypocrisy between Modi and Biren is at par, he added.

MPCC president TN. Haokip, also appealed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop instigating hatred amongst the Northeastern state.

The protest demonstration was also attended by MLA, Govindas Konthoujam, Th. Lokeswar, Okram Henry, K. Ranjit and key members of Congress and party workers.