Tag: IFP

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Governor Najma Heptullah today expressed her desire to make NCC and scouts and guides programmes compulsory for students be it government or non-government schools to build self-discipline and confidence among students.

She was speaking as the chief guest at the 9th Governor Rally (Rajya Puraskar) award distribution function at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan organised by The Manipur State Bharat Scouts and Guides (MSBSG).

Recalling her memories as a guide during her school days and the benefits she got, the governor said that making it compulsory for students will be a good initiative to teach moral values to the upcoming children.

She appreciated the service rendered by the scouts and guides and acknowledged the important role played by the candidates in shaping the youths of the state. The movement is based on “duty to god, duty to others and duty to self”. She pointed out that the scout and guides method is a system of progressive self-education through “Promise and Law, Learning by Doing”.

The state governor distributed the Governor Rally award to 29 scouts and guides from different parts of the state and urged them to continue to do great service for the people, for the state and for the country.

Among them were 16 scouts and 13 guides, from Imphal East, Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Senapati districts. They were the successful participants of Rajya Purashkar testing camp held last year from May 8-13 out of 32 scouts and 29 guides at State Training Centre, Langol.

Education minister, Th. Radheshyam Singh, who also attended the programme as guest of honour, appreciated the effort of the governor in organising children centric programmes in and around Raj Bhavan and said that these efforts of the governor is well-received by the people of the state.

He advised the scouts and guides to be catalyst of change as they are more disciplined and confident. He said, “We need good leaders and good human beings” and there are great expectations from the state scouts and guides.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution minister, Karam Shyam said that media plays the important role of a mediator between the government and the public in bringing development.

He was delivering the chief guest speech during the observation of National Press Day cum One Day Workshop on the topic “challenges before the media” at 1st MR, Banquet Hall, Imphal organised by Department of Information and Public Relation.

The minister continued media which is regarded as the fourth estate of democracy so journalists need to be very accurate in filing their news. People who are truly serving the public should not be victimised due to inaccurate reporting, he added.

Stretching the important roles of media in making a healthy society, he said unless and until media persons are allowed to function independently, development cannot be brought in a society.

Stating that journalists of the state face more professional hazard as Manipur has myriad of conflicts when compared to other states, the minister appreciated the dedication and hard work of the media fraternity.

Shyam also asked the journalists to be more neutral and more active in reporting.

As a part of the observation Manipur State Journalist Award 2017 was awarded to eight journalists. Hueiyen Lanpao editor, Hemanta Kumar  Ningomba bagged the best editor on National Integration and Communal Harmony, Sangai Express senior reporter, Laishram Shamungou Singh for Science and Technology, Sangai Express political chief, Ahongsangbam Dilipkumar Singh  for Parliamentary Reporting, Hueiyen Lanpao reporter, Ashem Babycha for Art and Culture, Poknapham sub-editor, Daniel Chabungbam for Rural Reporting, Sangai Express reporter, Sapam Aruna  on Women and Children, Poknapham reporter, Ibomcha Yumnam for Public Health and Hygiene and Sangai Express reporter, M. Romen for Sports Reporting.

The function was attended by Information and Public Relation commissioner, K. Radhakumar Singh as president.

The workshop on the topic “Challenges before the Media” was attended by AMWJU former president, A.K. Sanaton as moderator, AMWJU member, Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, Editors Guild Manipur secretary, Yumnam Rupachandra, and Sothing Shimray, MHJU former president as resource persons.

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Chief minister, N. Biren Singh today visited Hapta Kangjeibung and Lamboi Khongnangkhong venues to oversee the arrangements for the upcoming 10 day long Manipur Sangai Festival 2017 which is beginning from November 21.

The chief minister inspected the progress of the groundwork at Hapta Kangjeibung, BOAT, Keishampat to Airport road and construction works at Trade and Permanent Exhibition Centre at Lamboi Khongnangkhong, Imphal West.

He directed the officials of various officials to expedite preparations for successful conduct of the festival and further instructed the officials of Environment, PWD and Forest Department to make Imphal Clean and Green during the festival.

Biren further asked the officials to work day and night and deploy adequate number of machinery and work-force to complete various works before the festival.

During the inspection, the CM was accompanied by MP Rajya Sabha, Ksh. Bhabananda Singh, minister for Forest and Environment, Th. Shyamkumar, MLA and chairman of Tourism Corporation Manipur Limited, Sapam Ranjan, principal secretary of Tourism, P.K Singh, special secretary of Tourism, R. Sudhan.

It may be mentioned that the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the 8th Manipur Sangai Festival 2017. The Curtain Raiser of the festival will be inaugurated by chief Mmnister, N. Biren Singh at Keibul Lamjao on November 19.

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Curtain raiser of Sangai Festival will be organised by state forest and tourism departments at Keibul Lamjao in Bishnupur on November 19, said a release by forest department.

It said, chief minister N. Biren Singh will be the chief guest of the event, which will be followed by cultural and musical programmes on November 20 and 21 and an exhibition of local craftworks till November 30. A fashion show on local handlooms and cuisine will also be part of the celebration.

The forest department has also produced a short film titled ‘Manipur: A Paradise Unexplored’ to publicise the event and provide a glimpse into the culture and biodiversity of Manipur, said the release.

The curtain raiser is significant as it is being organised for the first time in the original single habitat of Sangai in the world, it added. 

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Minister of commerce and industries Thongam Biswajit Singh invited investors from across the country to visit and invest in Manipur, terming the state the gateway of India to southeast Asia, said a release from DIPR.

The minister was speaking at the twelfth northeast business summit which was inaugurated in New Delhi today. Themed ‘transforming northeast: the engine for India’s growth’, the two-day summit is organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Manipur is the state partner for the event.

Speaking at the inauguration, union minister of state (independent charge) for development of north eastern region (DoNER) Jitendra Singh said that while developed states such as Gujarat and Maharashtra have achieved their maximum potential, northeast has a lot of unexplored potential which will contribute to the making of ‘new India’ and meeting the aspirations of the youth, who make 70 percent of the Indian population.

Biswajit said Manipur will provide good investment opportunities in various industries because railway connectivity is reaching Imphal by 2019 and the trans-asian highways is expected to connect the ASEAN countries. Look East and Act East policies will connect the northeast states to the southeast Asian countries and boost the economy and relationships in the region, he said.

The state has recently developed four industrial estates in Imphal West, Imphal East, Toubal and Bishnupur districts, with five more in other districts in the pipeline, Biswajit added. The thrust areas of industrial activities in the state would be food-based agro-horti industries, medicinal and herbal aromatic plant industries, bamboo and bamboo products processing industries, coffee, tea and rubber plantations, spices processing and mineral based industries, he continued.

Manipur also has huge potential in the tourism sector, he said citing its natural beauty including the Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao. He continued that people of Manipur are specialised in hospitality and tourism and the state has many English-speaking youth.

Stressing that more than 2000 patients came to Manipur for medical tourism from Myanmar and other neighbouring countries last year, he said the state can also initiate medical tourism.

He invited the investors attending the event to also visit the Manipur Sangai festival and the business development summit both of which begin on November 21.

Union minister Jitendra Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi accords high priority to the peripheral states. If one region of the country is underdeveloped, the country cannot be developed, he said

He also suggested that the thriving business sector of bamboo should be taken out of the purview of the forest sector and every district should have a post office and passport kendra for facilitating business in the region. A northeast industrial promotion policy is also in the pipeline, he added.

DoNER ministry is exploring the introduction of a helicopter-based dispensary or OPD service in remote areas where no doctor or medical facility is available, he said, adding that the first such experiment will be done in Imphal and Shillong.

The event was also attended by Mizoram Governor Lt. Gen. Nirbhay Sharma,  DoNER secretary Naveen Verma,  ministry of external affairs secretary (east) Preeti Saran,  union government’s principal scientific advisor R Chidambaram,  ICC northeast regional committee and tea board chairman PK Bezboruah, additional chief secretary at Assam government’s department of industries and commerce Ravi Capoor, IRS Secretary IWAI Shashi Bhushan Shukla, ICC President Shashwat Goenka and ICC Director General Rajeev Singh, the release added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 16

The governor Najma Heptulla congratulated the members of the High Court Bar Association Manipur for their service to the society while speaking as the chief guest at the 27th foundation day held at the auditorium of Manipur high court.

The governor said that since 1990 the association has been putting in different efforts to establishing a high court in Manipur. As a result in the year 2013 Manipur high court came to existence, she said.

She continued that the country has seen many great lawyers and encouraged the association to produce lawyers who could join the league of outstanding lawyers. She also advised the legal community to work earnestly towards bringing justice and to take utmost care to avoid ‘miscarriage of justice’. 

In bringing about justice, it is important to note that one’s duty must come first, she added.

Minister Law and legislative affairs, L. Jayanta Kumar, delivering the guest of honour speech said the government is ready to bring judicial academy in the state. “But the government is facing problem in acquiring 50 acre land. And to give compensation to the land holders is not an easy task”, he said.

However the government will take up all necessary steps to set up the judicial academy at the earliest possible time, he added.

The 27th foundation day was attended by acting chief justice of Manipur high court N. Kotiswar Singh as special guest and senior advocate and president, high court bar association Manipur S. Paonam as the president of the function and Judge high court Justice Kh. Nobin Singh, senior advocate N. Kumarjit Singh, chairman, Bar council Manipur O. Madhuchandra Singh and president all Manipur bar association H. Chandrajit Sharma as the guests of honour, respectively.

As part of the foundation day a legal seminar at the auditorium was organise by high court bar association Manipur. The speakers of the seminar were senior advocate high court Manipur, Kh. Mani Singh, advocate high court Manipur A. Romenkumar Singh and advocate Supreme Court of India D.B. Goswami.

They spoke on the topic role of advocates in the society and administration of justice, legal excerpts of apex court and best advice to young lawyers and art of cross examination in criminal trials.

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Maoist Communist Party said the people of Manipur are fully determined to start the agitations to save the indigenous people from November 18 onwards and continue till it becomes fruitful. 

On the other hand, the president of India will be attending the Sangai Festival on November 21 while the agitations are on its full swing; the people ought to clearly express the magnitude of the agitations on the said date and show that the State is made up by full of brave and courageous people, said a release signed by Coordinator, Standing Committee, Kyonghan Mangang.    

The people of Manipur will begin the agitations from 5 am in the morning of November 18 by ceasing all forms of work and official duties to undergo the agitations, it said. Ceasing all forms of personal work, mainly driving vehicles, going to work places, opening of markets and vendors, offices, schools, colleges, and all other market places are requested to shut down, it continued. Only the hospitals and media related works, emergency services and matters related to faith will be relaxed, it added. 

For how many days or weeks the movement will continue shall depend on the agitations of the people, it further said. It will not stop as long as people cease their work and move forward with the agitations or until a solution is worked out for the people, it continued. 

The main purpose of the agitations that will begin on November 18 is to save the indigenous people of Manipur who are on the verge of becoming a minority group in their own land, becoming less in numbers as compared to the massive influx of non locals that are coming in like a flood, it said. To fight for the rights of the people is also the purpose of the agitation, it added.

The party also appeal the people of Manipur to stand together as one, it said. The movement is not for Maoist but for the people, it said adding the people must raise their voice for whatever they think is worthy. For example, those who consider the demand of ST is worthy can join in the agitations by holding up banners or the residents of Thoubal who considers number of MPs for Thoubal should be increased, can also take part by holding their own banners, it continued. However, the agitations should be in harmony with the goal of saving the indigenous people and their land, and for the rights of the people, it added.  

The movement will be personally led by president, MAFYF Sapamcha Kangliepal and after his self immolation on November 25, the agitations will be handed over to the public, it continued.    

The party welcomes the requests and advices given to change Sapamcha’s decision for self immolation, it said. However, the decisions will be taken as per the strength of the agitations, it added.  Sapamcha may change his decision if the agitations reach a stage where the people of the world start appreciating the strength of the people’s movement, it continued. Otherwise, there will be no change in his resolution to fire up the agitations if it shows signs being defeated from reaching its goals, the release further continued.  

The success or the failure of the movement now depends on the hands of the people, it said. Maoists are ready to sacrifice everything to the public, and request the people to join in without hesitating to sacrifice all and struggle together, it added.

IMPHAL | Nov 16

The chief minister’s secretariat , government of Manipur has notified that the proposed visit of chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh to New Delhi on November 16 has been cancelled, and so the Hill Leader’s Day and Meeyamgi Numit will be held on November 17.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Socialist Students’ Union of Manipur and Manipur Proletariat Peoples’ Democratic Union staged fast-unto death protest as a part of agitation demanding to the government to take up necessaries action to amend the Article 3 of the Indian Constitution and to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state.

The protest kicked off today’s afternoon at the office of SSUM at Keishampat and as first batch SSUM convenor, publicity and propaganda, N. Tanoranjan and MPPDU president, Nameirakpam Meghachandra staged the protest.

Speaking to media persons, Tanoranjan said that they have taken up such agitation as the government remains deaf to their demands.

Till today the government has not taken up any measures and initiative to safeguard the indigenous people of the state and action to punish the people who are involved in misusing the PDS items, he added.

The convenor charged that the government focus only on infrastructure development but has not taken up any action for the welfare of the indigenous people of the state.

He warned to take up severe forms of agitation if the government still fails to give positive response to their demands.

Tanoranjan appealed to all the people of the state, civil bodies and students bodies to support them in their agitation to safeguard the state integrity and indigenous people of the state.

IMPHAL | Nov 16

Upper Primary Teacher (SSA) 2016 Tribal Fraternity has appealed for immediate issuance of posting order in respect of the SSA-UPT appointed in 2016, said a release.

The release has mentioned that the teachers were selected by then government of Manipur following due process of selection. But the posting order of the said post was halted due to election code of conduct, in view of the Manipur Legislative Assembly election 2017, it added.

The present government instituting a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate any alleged misconduct by the recruiting authority and delaying the issuance of posting order, has only aggravated the plight of the selected individuals for no fault of their own, said the release.

It further stated that if the grievances are not taken care by November 20, there will be a severe agitations and the state government will be held responsible for any untoward incidents.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 16

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU), an apex body of higher education in the country is organising its “East Zone Vice Chancellors Meet” from November 17 to 18.

In this regard a meet a press conference was held at the committee room of the vice chancellors secretariat, Manipur University, Canchipur.

 P.B. Sharma, president of AIU, speaking to the media said the east zone vice chancellors meet will be hosted by Manipur University. The state governor, Najma Heptulla will inaugurate the meet and release the special issue of the universities news, a weekly journal brought out by the association of Indian universities, he informed.

 Around 40 vice chancellors of the east zone comprising the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and the states of the Northeast region are expected to attend the meet, he added.

The theme of the deliberation of the meet is, ‘Future universities: challenges and opportunities for relevance and excellence’, he pointed out.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 16

A one-day legal awareness programme was held today at Legal Aid Clinic, Manipur Central Jail, Imphal with an aim to give education about legal rights to jail inmates. It is being held in connection with the observation of Legal Services Campaign – ‘Connecting to serve’ from November 9 to 18.

The awareness programme was organised by Legal Aid Clinic, Manipur Central Jail, Imphal West and sponsored by District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Imphal West.

District and sessions judge, Imphal West cum chairman of DLSA-IW, Maibam Manojkumar, chief judicial magistrate, IW cum secretary of DLSA IW, Lamkhanpou Tonsing, superintendent of Manipur Central Jail, Ch. Subhaschandra Singh and additional superintendent of MCJ, S. Touthang attended the programme as presidium members.

Advocate Ch. Momon Singh delivered a lecture on “Prisoners Right”. He observed that jail inmates face problems such as not getting trial, bail not being granted, inhuman treatment, lack of medical treatment and so on. He also highlighted on Prisoners Act, 1894, Model Manual Prison India and its beneficial provisions.

The Prisoners Act, 1894 sanctioned a medical doctor for jail inmates to maintain good health conditions, he cited.

IMPHAL | Nov 15

President Ram Nath Kovind will visit Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur from November 19 to November 22.

A release said Kovind will inaugurate the northeast development summit in Imphal on November 21 at 2 pm. He will also inaugurate Manipur Sangai festival at 4:30 pm in the city on the same day, it said adding the President will visit INA war memorial in Moirang on November 22.

Before his visit to Manipur, Kovind will address the valedictory function upon completion of 40 years of Vivekananda Kendra in Itanagar on November 19, it said. Later in the day, he will later attend the dedication of the new state legislative assembly to the people of Arunachal Pradesh, it continued.

Kovind will spend November 20 in Assam, attending the closing ceremony of Namamim Barak Festival in Silchar at 2 pm and a civic reception at Guwahati University at 5:30 pm, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 15

A militant suspect and an AR jawan were killed in an encounter early morning today in Chandel district.

According to report the incident took place around 5.20 am in between Sajik Tampak and Chamol village under Chakpikarong police station.

The report further said troops of 4 AR launched multiple counter insurgency operations to flush out militants from the area following information regarding presence of heavily armed attempting to plant IEDs and ambush security forces.

In the process, a column of the AR reportedly came under attack from the militants following which the AR team retaliated.

Heavy exchanged of fire ensued between the militant and the AR for hours resulting in the death of a militant and an AR jawan, said the report.

 Two AR personnel also reportedly sustained injuries, the report adds.

It has been informed that one AK rifle and three unexploded IEDs have been recovered by the AR troops.

Even as the identity of the slain militant is yet to be established, the AR jawan has been identified Jai Prakash Oran of Raghunathpur village, Ranchi district, Jharkhand.

A statement issued by the office of the PRO Assam Rifles, the AR jawan was survived by his wife and one daughter.

It said his (deceased) valiant efforts and sacrifice in the service of nation will not go in vain.

Prakash was part of the operation column of 4 AR launched on specific information about presence of some armed insurgents in the area when his party came under fire from militants hiding in the bushes at around 5.20, it said.

“In this incident, the jawan got martyred and another jawan suffered minor injuries. Rifleman Jai Prakash Oran displayed tremendous courage and without concern for his personal safety engaged the enemy and played a crucial role in foiling the enemy sabotage action”, asserted the released.

IMPHAL | Nov 15

Atleast three personnel of the 5th Manipur Rifles were killed when the vehicle carrying them plunged into a gorge along Imphal-Tamenglong road near Keikou, Tamenglong district.

According to reports the incident occurred around 5.30 pm in between Keikou part one and two which is about 30 km from Tamenglong district headquarter.

The ill fated vehicle, an escort team of BJP vice president, Adim Pamei, was returning from Tamenglong after attending CM’s visit in the district.

It is learnt that of the six occupants three have been confirmed dead due to the crash and severely injuring the others.

The deceased have been identified as one Havildar Somorjit, riflemen Dominic and riflemen Kh. Bungo Singh.

A medical team along with police reportedly rushed to the accident site till the time of filing this report.

IMPHAL | Nov 15

The proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front said a combined team of PLA’s 252 Mobile battalion and MNPF soldiers launched an attack today against 4 AR jawans who had been residing at Sajik Tampak. 

While fighting against a large number of army jawans, who came advancing from the three sides, the brave friend, sergeant Loko alias Themreiyo Ningsheng gave his life in the battlefield while brave friend, private Pheiroijamba alias Thokchom Ningthem was caught by the hands of the enemy, said a joint release signed by assistant secretary, publicity, RPF, Bangkim and assistant publicity secretary, MNPF, Thomas Numai.   

RPF and its military wing PLA bows their head in utmost reverence for the relentless battle that was undertaken against the enemy for the sake of delivering independence to the motherland, it said.

The bravery they have shown today ignited a new strength to the ongoing revolutionary movement, it continued.  

Ever since the army started settling at Sajik Tampak in 2004 as a part of their colonial expansion, they have been giving disturbance to the peaceful lives of the people who had been residing there, it said. The army had become a hindrance to the people who struggle to earn their daily bread and involved in terrorism by instilling fear upon innocent civilians of the state, the release alleged.   

Amongst the potentially harmful incidents the soldiers of PLA and MNPF witnessed while conducting operations at the surrounding areas of Sajik Tampak, it was discovered that the opium has been planted in a massive scale under army’s protection; the release alleged adding the Army is waging an opium war in the region.     

Such activities are being ignored by the puppet government, it said. This is a typical behaviour of a puppet government under a colonial rule, it continued. Unless the people become united and fight against the imposed military warfare, drugs warfare and the war undertaken to destroy the culture and traditions of the society, the Manipuri society will become completely obliterated, it added.    

A united force of PLA and other like-minded organisations are undergoing the war of independence relentlessly and will continue to do so, it said. Regarding this, it is requested to the public that support be given by considering it as a responsibility of the people who had been oppressed, it continued. Lastly, the War Office of PLA and MNPF commend the soldiers who were in the battlefield today and those who helped in the mission, it added.

IMPHAL | Nov 15

Narcotics and Affairs of Borders police arrested drug sellers from Kiyamgei Imphal East district, along with 820 numbers of Spasmo Proxyvon on November 14, said release by PRO Police

The arrested persons were identified as Md.Mustakim (23), son of Allaudin, Lilong Turel Ahanbi, Thoubal district and Md. Imtiyas (21), son of Md.Ibungo, Wangoi, Imphal West district.

On the same day, another team of Narcotics and Affairs of Borders police arrested Md.Abir khan (22), son of Md.Abdul Gaffar, Irom Chesaba Bazar, Mantripukhri, from North AOC Imphal, along with 1 gram of Heroin powder, 26 numbers of Spasmo Proxyvon capsule worth about Rs.2260 in the local market and other incriminating articles, said the release.

It further said that in a special drive conducted today by a team of Narcotics and Affairs of Borders police, along with the volunteers of Awang Chaokhong Development Club, North AOC Imphal, drug seller Md. Hafi alias Akash (27), son of Md.Jabar of Komlakhong Mayai Leikai was arrested. 18 small paper packages containing Heroin powder weighing 500 gram, worth about Rs.2000 was seized from his possession, it added.

In all the arrests, cases have been registered at Narcotics and Affairs of Borders Police Station, said the release.

Moreover, Cyber Crime police arrested and registered a case against one Ningthoujam Amitkumar Singh alias Danao (23), son of (L) N. Shamabi singh of Arong Nongmaikhong Makha Leikai, Kakching district, on November 13. The said person has been arrested for sexually harassing several women through social networking media, it added.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Nov 15

The chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh overwhelmed the public during his visit at Tamenglong district. A large crowd gathered at the Mini Stadium waiting for him under the hot sun.

The chief minister assured gathering that Tamenglong-Khongsang road will be blacktopped by February 2018. He said that he was not happy at the present work progress. However, temporary restoration works of Tamenglong- Khongsang road has been improved after state assembly election and it has been given to NHIDCL with high hopes of speeding up the works, he added.

Numerous of memorandums were passed on to the chief minister, while he appealed all the government officials who are posted in Tamenglong to station at respective work place without fail.

‘If there is no place to stay, stay in rented house. The state government will pay back your rent’, said N. Biren.

He also assured that the state government will soon launch free treatment and financial aid of upto Rs. 2 lakhs will be provided to the BPL family. Another scheme for disabled person and widow scheme will also be launched very soon, he added.

The CM inaugurated the new building of 50 bedded District Hospital, in the presence of cabinet ministers and other dignitaries at Duigailong village. He also visited the patients.

The hospital has been constructed with a budget of Rs. 21 crores by DRDA Tamenglong under NLCPR fund. Construction works was begun in 2009 and completed in 2017. The hospital has already been occupied and atleast 54 patients have been operated successfully few days ago.

Later, the CM and cabinet ministers laid the foundation stone for construction of Transit Hostel for doctors, nurses and teachers. The estimated cost for construction of Transit Hostel is Rs. 10 crores and construction works will be done by Manipur Housing Corporation.

Foundation stone was also laid by the CM for construction of Rani Gaidinliu’s market with a budget of Rs. 10 crores and works will executed by Police Housing Corporation.

Moreover, the CM laid the foundation stone for Water Supply Scheme and 5000 metric tonne FCI Godown at Mini stadium, where the public meeting was held today.

The CM also stated that construction of FCI Godown will be executed by CPWD with total estimated budget of Rs. 27 crores while water supply scheme of Rs. 39 crores.

Biren Singh also said that development package for Tamenglong of Rs. 50 crores has already been sanctioned. He further announced another Rs. 325 crores for Tamenglong and Noney district including Khoupum block, Tamai, Nungba and Tousem for road and connectivity, water supply, electricity and others.

Meanwhile, the Zeliangrong Baudi in press statement appreciated the chief minister and cabinet ministers for visiting Tamenglong district despite of deplorable condition of the road.

The statement signed by chairman of Zeliangrong Baudi Tamenglong zone, Agipou Pamei said that the meeting was supposed to be held at Mini secretariat but due to incomplete construction of the building, it was held at DC Bungalow and the Zeliangrong Baudi has deeply regretted for it.

He further mentioned that PWD minister, Biswajeet had assured that the mini secretariat will be completed by 2018 and the general public is eagerly waiting for it.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 15

Former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh today came out to join the chorus of charges in the present times that whatever the BJP government is claiming to be their achievements are all works that the Congress government initiated.

“The BJP government is merely continuing with what the Congress government began, but are making loud noises now that it was they who conceived of, and pushed for initiatives for the development of the economy of the country”, he said.

It may be recalled that another central Congress leader, Shashi Tharoor, had mockingly pointed out that most of the development initiatives claimed by the new BJP government are actually schemes designed by the Congress government, but given a new name.

He said that BJP has come to power only very recently, even the Central government has only 3-4 years of governance behind it, and that all their achievements are made easy because of the painstaking foundations laid by the Congress government for decades beginning from Jawaharlal Nehru time.

He challenged both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state Chief Minister N. Biren, to not only take credits for the development work, but also to work for peace and harmony of all people and not to fragments the country and the state for their political gains.

Ibobi was speaking at the sit-in-protest today held at Mayang Imphal demanding the BJP government to disclose the contents of the Framework Agreement that was signed between NSCN-IM and BJP government in August 3, 2015.

The sit-in-protest was organised by Mayang Imphal Block Congress Committee and was attended by big names of state Congress party including MPCC president T.N. Haokip and former deputy chief minister Gaikhangam and MLA of Khundrakpam constituency Thokchom Lokeshwor Singh

He urged the government to disclose the contents of the Framework Agreement to all public so as to allay fear, curiousness and confusion among them.

The former chief minister also said that the BJP government have been talking about transparency in governance all along. He urged the BJP government to show transparency by disclosing the Framework Agreement.

He also said that “he respect the brotherhood with Nagaland, but asserted that peace and harmony of the state should not be disturbed by demands of their ‘Greater Nagaland’ and disintegrate this small state.” The indigenous people of the state and the territorial integrity of the state should always be preserved by the government, he added.

The boundaries of all North-eastern states were set after independence, but for places like Manipur and Assam the histories of their boundaries go back much longer, he said.

He urged the Biren led BJP government in the state and Modi led BJP government in the Centre to understand this and not to affect the territorial integrity of the state.

IMPHAL | Nov 15

Governor of Manipur Dr. Najma Heptulla said that the land of Manipur is very fertile not only in biodiversity but for future development of the youths which is why she is totally involved with the young children and youths of the state. She stated this while inaugurating the 2-Day National Conference on ‘Promoting Business Opportunities in North Eastern India and India’s Act East Policy’, to be held on 15th and 16th November, 2017, today, at the Centenary Hall of Manipur University organized by the Manipur Institute of Management Studies, Manipur University in collaboration with Centre for Global Management and Responsible Leadership, XLRI, Jamshedpur.

Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla addressing the gathering said that the  Prime Minister of India is sincerely concerned about the issue of backwardness in the NE region. His look east policy also includes work east policy. Clarifying on the notion that the government has never been bothered about the NE Region, she said the problem is the distance (accessibility) from the rest of the country.

Dr. Najma Heptulla said after taking charge of the State her first suggestion was to improve the conditions in the hill region as many areas lack basic infrastructures including medical facilities. Due to difficult terrains, doctors and medical staffs are unable to provide even the basic medical facilities.

Villagers residing in remote areas are also unable to reach to the nearest medical facility due to lack of transport facilities including bad road conditions. Deeply concerned about the issue, the Governor requested the Prime Minister for ‘flying doctors’ to treat the people. The Prime Minister and NE council accepted the allocation of fund for flying doctors.

She said that she is pleased to learn that since its inception in the year 1995, the Manipur Institute of Management Studies has been imparting management education in the region and striving for growth with quality.

She said that she is happy to learn that the Institute is focussing on the quality of the young minds, reminding of her late grandfather, the first Education Minister who laid the foundation of quality education in the country. She said the Manipur Institute of Management Studies is a fast growing Institute with a mission to instill potential and practicing managers with analytical skills, leadership qualities, achievement motives and a vision, all so crucial to the steering of enterprises.

She expressed her belief that policy makers, researchers and practitioners from different parts of the country participating in the Conference will explore ways and means to promote business opportunities in the North Eastern States. The abundance of natural resources in the region presents a huge investment opportunities and growth of enterprise in the region.

However, the region is facing innumerable challenges like sustained conflicts, geographical isolation, militarization and migration, lack of economic and social development which has led to a drying up of industries and investments in the region.

The Act East Policy of the Government of India is opening up many opportunities in this part of the country. Apart from the commitment of the Central and State Government, the capacity building needs of the people in the region have to be acknowledged and addressed.

After discussion with  Prime Minister on skill development called the Livelihood Programme, Workshop on skill development has been organized at the Raj Bhavan, Imphal in collaboration with the Central Ministry.

She also announced that a livelihood mission project has been approved by the State Government which will be launched soon. Manipur is a powerhouse of energy and have enough people to be developed and trained in small scale industries in organic farming. We can really develop a large scale of export of the products. Of late, great initiatives have also been taken up by the Government of India with regard to the Act East Policy which includes tri-lateral highways passing through Imphal and connecting to ASEAN countries, railway lines up to the border town of Manipur, bilateral and multilateral agreements with the ASEAN member countries, trade negotiations and many more.

However, few issues and challenges too need to be focused and they are law and order, political will, internal conflicts, physical infrastructure like road, telecommunication, banking and so on, she added.

Terming the conference as a platform for policy makers, researchers and practitioners to present their understanding on how business opportunities can be promoted in the region she said she is fully confident that the practitioners and experts will present papers for deliberation on how business opportunities could be promoted in the region. She also said that she would like to look up the recommendations of the conference which could be beneficial for the development of the state.

Prof. Adya Prasad Pandey, Vice Chancellor, Manipur University; Prof. N. Lokendra Singh, Dean, School of Social Sciences, Manipur University; Prof. P. Venugopal, Chairperson, CGMRL, XLRI, Jamshedpur; Mr. Nakib Ahmed, Advisor, NE Initiative, Indian Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata; Prof. Ch. Ibohal Meitei, Director, MIMS, Manipur University, delegates, entrepreneurs of the state and students attended the inaugural ceremony.