Tag: IFP

IMPHAL | Nov 15

In line with the State Government’s popular slogan, ‘Go to the Hills’, a State Cabinet meeting was held at Tamenglong district headquarters today.

Tamenglong became the third hill district which hosted a Cabinet meeting after Churachandpur and Chandel.

The State Cabinet meeting held at Multipurpose Hall, DC Office Complex with Chief Minister Shri N. Biren in the chair, approved the revision of existing terms and conditions of the Advocate General of Manipur. The revision was necessitated as the existing terms and conditions which were fixed about seven years ago do not commensurate with the current price index. The existing terms and conditions of the Advocate General were revised in 2010 vide Law Department’s Order No. 8/1/2007-AG /L dated 24/05/2017.

Among others, the revision of terms and conditions included enhancement of monthly retainer fee payable to the Advocate General of Manipur from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 1,00,000.

The Cabinet also gave its nod to appointment of 37 former Contract Veterinary Officers (VOs), who are still available and willing to work. Their service was reinstated considering their past service, and also to comply with the Court’s directive.

These VOs were inducted into service on Contract basis on May 5, 1999 following a State Cabinet decision taken on March 16, 1999. Their contract engagement was extended from time to time till February 28, 2003.

The Cabinet also approved one-time relaxation of recruitment rules for promotion in the Electricity Department, which has already been unbundled and corporatized into two companies namely, Manipur State Power Company Ltd and Manipur State Power Distribution Company Ltd.

Later, the Cabinet also reviewed different developmental works and projects being taken up Tamenglong district. Tamenglong DC Shri Armstrong Pame presented a PowerPoint presentation before the Cabinet and Administrative Secretaries concerned.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 15

The report on the alleged rape case of a minor by a founder of North eastern Children’s Home Renkhai submitted by the investigating officer of the case, Sandy Lalningsangi Tonsing, was cross examined today by the special judge POCSO, Imphal West.

The accused, Timothy L. Changsan, 55, son of late Thangzakhan of Renkhai village Churachandpur was arrested by police on July 24, 2015 in compliance with the High Court order related with a petition filed by the parent of the victim on alleged charged of molesting and repeated rape of their child at the children home.

On July 6, 2015 the High Court of Manipur had stayed the bail order of the accused passed by the special judge POCSO, Churachandpur stating that the bail order of the accused is null and void and release of accused person during the very stage of trial is likely to hamper the investigation.

Later on January 2016 the trial of the case was transferred to special judge POCSO, Imphal West from special judge POCSO, Churachandpur following an order passed by the High Court of Manipur.

The investigating officer of the case who appeared as prosecution witness before the court submitted that the statement of victim minor girl was recorded by the police during which she disclosed that she had been repeatedly molested and sexually assaulted since December 2014 by the accused person.

Moreover during the investigation they had collected swab samples and other relevant materials from both victim and accused, added the officer.

The statement of the officer was recorded in the presence of the accused person who is still under the judicial custody.

IMPHAL | Nov 15

The construction works for the state’s first ever floating stage is in full swing to attract the visitors at Sendra area of Loktak Lake during the upcoming Manipur Sangai festival 2017.

The 10 day festival which is scheduled to begin from November 21 at Hafta Kangjeibung in Imphal but many cultural shows are expected to be performed over the floating stage during the curtain raiser opening of the festival prior to the main opening show.

The floating stage measuring an areas of about 9600 square foot (120 x 80ft) is being developed by 15 workers including 10 carpenters using 1220 plastic barrels and 3200 kbs of well furnished (wood) ‘upbaks’ since the past 30 days with a target to complete on November 16 to 17,according workers.

So far around 800 kilograms of iron-nails besides other construction materials were used in building up the floating stage under the guidance of chief carpenters Kumam Natum and Laishram Suresh and its main designer Priyojit with financial support from the Manipur Infrastructure Development Authority.

IMPHAL | Nov 15

Manipur celebrated its day at the 37th India International Trade Fair, 2017 at the Hamsadhwani Theatre, Pragati Maidan in the national capital today.

The Manipur Day observation was attended by minister of Textiles, Commerce and Industries, government of Manipur, Thongam Biswajit Singh as chief guest and principal secretary, P. Vaiphei as president.

Inaugurating the event, minister, Biswajit said Manipur had been making tremendous efforts to come up to the need for ensuring inclusive growth of its people and to become an attractive destination for others. He said some progress has been made but most importantly, a good beginning has been set by now.

Through concerted and coordinated efforts of the state government with the constant support of the people, the state has become a peaceful state after the formation of the new government led by BJP, said Biswajit.

Manipur is a rich organic belt for agro and horticulture products, Biswajit observed adding further that it offers huge opportunities for investment which is mostly untapped so far.

Further promoting the agro and horticulture products of the state, he said pineapples, lemons, oranges, passion fruits, etc of the state are renowned for their high juice contents and sweet tastes as much as the u-morok and other spices like ginger, turmeric and other spices are preferred for their strength and colours.

He continued Manipur today is at the threshold of opening up to a huge horizon, the railways are coming to Imphal by 2019 and with the Trans-Asian Highway expected to connect the state to the South East Asian countries, Manipur will be India’s gateway to South East Asia.

The huge opportunities these openings will throw up will be tremendous and the government is hoping to make the best of it with the active involvement of the people under the inclusive leadership of the state and central governments, he continued.

He also mentioned that Manipur is at the top which is validated in every national games. In 1999, when Manipur hosted the national games, the state was overall champion, he added.

Especially, the girls of Manipur are good in sports and few names can be mentioned like MC Mary Kom, Sarita Chanu, Chanchan, he continued.

Minister Biswajit also said with adequate opportunities, incentives and infrastructures in the state, and the sportspersons of the state will do even better in many more events.

Observing that another area of the state’s strength is its rich culture, he explained that different aspects of Manipur performing arts, Manipuri cinema and theatre are well received not only within the country, but also in international platforms.

He also spoke on the handloom and handicrafts of the state and said that the state’s handlooms and handicrafts are popular among the discerning consumers.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 15

Despite having abundance natural resources and known for rich biodiversity, North Easterner are not utilizing it properly said Dr. K. R. Dhiman, vice chancellor of Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh in One Day National Workshop cum Brainstorming session on Jhum Improvement for Sustaining Farm Livelihood and Natural Resource Conservation: Vistas and Frontier held at Hotel Classic Grande.

Speaking as chief guest in inaugural function, vice chancellor of Central Agricultural University Prof. M. Premjit Singh said, “Discussion on Jhum cultivation started from the past 40 years. Many recommendations have been put forward by many experts; several schemes were launched by state and Central government for the prevention of Jhum cultivation in NE states. However the farmers have always failed to accept it.”

He pointed out the main reason for not being able to comply with the preventive measures is, “this system of cultivation binds with socio-economic status and traditional practice of the farmers. Rice, which is the staple food for the entire North East, is the main crop cultivated in jhum farming. Because of these reasons the farmers are not ready to give up this practice.”

He suggested that if the policy makers give them rice in subsidised rate they may follow the preventive measures.

The programme was organised by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya. The other dignitaries attended in the function are former assistant director general, ICAR, New Delhi and Member of International Commission on Water Quality Dr. U. C. Sharma, principal scientist, NRM Division, ICAR, New Delhi and former director, ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi Dr. S. K. Dhyani, director ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Meghalaya Dr. Narendra Prakash, director Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) (Zone IV), Guwahati Dr. A. K. Tripathi and director ATARI(Zone VII), Meghalaya Dr. B. C. Deka.

Joint directors from all the NEH regions ICAR gave presentation on the status report of Jhum Cultivation of their respective states and followed by discussion and brainstorming session.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 15

Alleging negligence the reason behind the collapsed of a bailey bridge at Nung Dolan along National Highway 37 on Monday, Transporters and Drivers Council (TDC) has demanded the state government to conduct an inquiry to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident.

The TDC also demanded compensation for the ill fated truck that felt under the bridge following the collapsed of the bridge.

Speaking to media persons in this regards, H. Ranjit president TDC, said the bailey falls under the jurisdiction of the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), who gave away the contract for constructing the bridge to private company.

Pointing out that the bridge was constructed in year 2012, he contended that the tragedy could have been averted had the authority concerned does the maintenance work regularly.

Alleging negligence the main reason behind the bridge collapsed, the TDC president appealed to the government to constitute a probe into the incident and take action against the concerned authority.

He maintained that the NHIDCL and Government of India should be held responsible for the lost inflicted to the truck.

The president clarified that the collapsed of the bridge was not the fault of the transporter as alleged by some section.

According to him, as per directive of the High Court of Manipur, the Highway Administration, Guwahati, load restriction was put over three bridges namely Irang, Barak an Makru, but not on the ill fated bridge.

He further contended that the 24 MT limit (including weigh of the vehicles) put on bridges along the Barak was in contradiction to the CMV guidelines which says 40 MT.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 15

All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen’s Union Manipur (ALLAFUM), secretary, O. Rajen claimed that Loktak Lake Protection (LLP) Act 2006 is more draconian than Armed Forces Special Power Act 1958.

He was delivering the keynote address of the observation of the 6th Commemoration Loktak Lake Arson Day and public meeting today at Thanga Chinglak Thongkhong Community Hall, organised by ALLAFUM.

The secretary said that the act which lead to the burning down of phumhut homes of innocent fishermen, destruction of fishing equipment and personal belongings including students’ books, uniforms etc, clearly shows that the Act is legally an “anti-social act”.

On the other hand the Loktak Development Authority in the name of safeguarding the fresh water lake has been illegal pocketing money in terms of crores, he charged.

Rajen continued that the LDA banning the public from using any single resource like water, fishing etc by implementing LLP Act is an evil act to wipe out the people who are earning their livelihood from the lake.

“ALLAFUM strongly condemns irresponsible acts of treating the people residing around the lake like animals by the government which has sworn to work for the welfare of the people and in public interest,” said the secretary.

The ALLAFUM and the people residing around Loktak Lake resolved to work together at its best level for the repeal of the LLP Act 2006 and Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 from Loktak Lake.

A 2-minutes silence was observed as part of the observance and “Loktak Protection Act, Muthatkadabane” slogans were shouted.

The public meeting was also attended by AMKIL coordinator, Khagembam Anandi, NIPCO president, O. Premjit, ANULB president, Lourembam Pramo, CORE president, Roy Leipungbam, COHR chairman, Phullendro Konsam, Apunba Lup president, Joy Chingakham, Wade Na Toro Abhiyan convenor, Annie Namala, member, Mashi Singh and Human Rights Alert director, Babloo Loitongbam as presidium members.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Nov 14

Around 72 bird traps seized by the Kakching range from different wetlands such as Loushipat, Kharungpat, Khoidumpat, Pumlenpat and Moirangkom pat were burnt today at Kakching Lamkhai on the side of National Highways, 102 in front of Kakching Range office in presence of the media fraternity. 

Starting the wildlife conservation drive, a search operation under the guidance of range forest officer, Kakching district, N. Munal Meitei, forest beat officer, Waikhong, N. Brojen Singh, honorary wildlife warden, Thoubal W. Ramchandra Singh, wildlife warden, Kakching districting, M. Opendro Singh, deputy ranger, M. Biran Singh and N. Mangi Singh F.G. took part in the drive.

During the drive, four bird traps were recovered from Komnao village which is very important place for migratory birds at conjuncture of the Khoidum Pat and Pumlen Pat. Taking advantage of the darkness due to fogginess, the offenders were escaped. The members of Youth Organization, Komnao expressed keen enthusiasm to help the forest department to save the wildlife and migratory birds in future.

While checking the Moirangkom Pat later at the Western of Kakching Khunou village, 3 bird traps were again detected and removed without the offenders.

Again from Langmeidong Makha Pat, one trap was also recovered and removed.

Later altogether around 72 bird traps including the ones which were seized last year were burnt at the side of N.H.102 in front of the Kakching Range office. Media fraternity were present during the disposal.

The range forest officer, N. Munal Meitei said that departmental drives to protect the wildlife including the migratory birds will be started in the Kakching district from today onwards in a strict manner.

He appealed to the general public not to kill wildlife by trapping or poisoning. Further, he said that the office will start checking the transportation of birds etc. in market areas including the buses where the trappers make the women fish sellers carry the killed birds in their fish boxes.

The Kakching range office will start checking the hotels as they are suspicious of selling the cooked, fried birds and wildlife products.

The range officer further appealed not to burn hay stalks or start wild fires since they cause harm to our environment and ecology. If all the hay stalks of this district are burnt, then the pollution level of Manipur will be much higher than present Delhi, he said.

IMPHAL | Nov 14

State paid last respect to the two Assam Rifles jawans who were killed in a bomb blast at Chandel district headquarters yesterday Chief Minister, N. Biren led the people in laying wreath on the mortal remains of the two jawans of 18 AR at Imphal international airport today.  

Talking to the media on the sidelines of the ceremony, Biren termed the incident as unfortunate.

He said it is a cowardly act to kill jawans who are here to serve the people and condemned it in the strongest term.

Government will not tolerate such acts and appropriate action will be initiated against those who are responsible for the killing and no one will be spared, he said. Soon after the blast additional forces including police commandos rushed to the area and large scale combing operations has already begun and if required, reinforcement will also be sent, he informed.

1. Biren continued that he has already spoken to the ministry of home affairs and appropriate action will be taken in this regard.

Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Ksh. Bhavananda Singh, director general of police, L. M. Khaute, deputy commissioner of Chandel district, inspector general Assam Rifles (South) Major General Virendra Singh and other top paramilitary officials also laid wreaths to the mortal remains of the two Assam Rifles jawans namely, Sohan Lal and Inder Singh. The two bodies will be sent to their respective native States for the last rites later today.

It may be mentioned that, besides killing two jawans, six others were injured in the blast suspected to be triggered by militants near Chandel district headquarters yesterday morning at around 6 am. One jawan killed on the spot while the other succumbed to his injuries on the way to hospital.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 14

MPCC spokespersons Kh. Joykishan Singh, today urged the BJP and its coalition partner to take a decision in tomorrow’s cabinet meeting scheduled to be held in Tamenglong district, assuring Manipur’s aged old hill and valley ties will not to be allowed to be affected by the ‘Framework Agreement’ signed between the NSCN (IM) and the Centre. 

Speaking to media persons during a press meet held at Congress Bhawan, the MPCC spokesperson said Congress party would intensify its campaign demanding to know the contents of ‘Framework Agreement’, which has created a lot of confusion of late.

He informed that the campaign will be held at Mayang Imphal on November 15 and at Khundrakpam on the following day and at other districts thereof.

The people are wary of the threat the agreement is posing to the peaceful co-existence of hill and valley in the state, he said.

If the present government is sincerely committed about its ‘go to hills’ initiative, aimed at bridging the gap between hills and valley, it must end this confusion conclusively, said Kh. Joykishan.

Joykishan further said the state government should reassure the people by announcing its readiness to take full responsibility for any unwanted consequences arising out of the ongoing Naga-peace talks.

Contending that tomorrow’s Cabinet is a test for the BJP led government, he urged the people to ponder on the policies of the government.

The press conference was attended by Bishnupur MLA, Govindas Konthoujam, MLA Th. Lokeswar, MLA K. Meghachandra and other key members of the party.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 14

Social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen today on the occasion of children’s day celebration urged every parent to encourage their children for holistic education as they are the key to inclusive development of a society.  

“Children should be guided on the right track to become successful in the future and it can be only done by providing right education, care and peaceful environment to promote their growth and development”, she stated.

She was making this statement as the chief guest at the state level function of children’s day today organised by department of social welfare at GM hall.

The minister drew the attention of all to come forward for children’s rights, care and education so as to empower children to be innovators, scholars, researchers and torch bearers in the road to development.

Keeping the vision of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in mind, minister Nemcha urged everyone to join hands from this moment to work for the well-being of the children.

Social welfare minister assured that all possible assistance for the welfare and development of children’s community will be extended and that their rights will not be curtailed in any way.

Director of social welfare, Jacintha Lazarus and joint director of the department attended the function as presidium members.

Children and students who attended the programme were handed over gifts by the dignitaries.

The programme was enchanted by mime play by the students of Deaf and Mute School Takyel, group dance by children of Bal Bhavan, Imphal and students of Blind School, Takyel.

It may be noted children’s day is celebrated in commemoration of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday since 1965. The profound love for children is the big reason for celebrating this day.

IMPHAL | Nov 14

Najma Heptullah, governor of Manipur inaugurated a State level painting competition on Energy Conservation at Raj Bhawan today. The painting competition was jointly organised by ministry of power, government of India, NHPC Limited, government of Manipur and MSPDCL.

Addressing the audience at the prize distribution function later in the day, Heptullah expressed her admiration on the talents of children of Manipur. Exuding her excitement on today’s event, she expressed her desire to see more programmes for children at the Raj Bhawan.

While citing her wish to see children’s imagination being ignited, she wished to see   different theme-based events conducted each year where children could paint on themes like Swachh Bharat Mission or Tree Plantation, etc.

Drawing a comparison between an artist and a camera, she said that a camera cannot see and capture what an artist does. Expressing her observation on children as being innovative, she said that children are like plain papers where you can paint anything or that of a computer which can be fed with any information.

She congratulated the prize winners while consoling the rest by saying all the paintings she saw today were all good.

Also speaking on the occasion, the guest of honour of the ceremony, Th. Kiran Kumar, director of education (S) lauded the initiative of NHPC for boosting the participation by 60 percent over that of last year. He also echoed appreciation on the chief guest’s suggestion for more events for children from next year onwards.

Altogether one hundred participants took part in the competition in two categories for a coveted cash prize of Rs. 20000, Rs.15000 and Rs.10000 as the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes alongwith a certificate in each category.

In the first category out of the 50 participants from classes IV-VI, Doulas Lambamayum of St. George High School bagged the 1st prize while Martin Tongbram of Pitambara English High School and Y. Sameer Singh of Little Birds School were adjudged as the 2nd and 3rd prize winners respectively.

In the second category for classes VII-IX, Oinam Catherin of Maria Montessori Sr. Sec. School, Ningthoujam Narmada Devi of Heritage Convent School and Yumlembam Udoynanda Singh of Tiny Tots Unique School won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively. Ten participants in each category were also awarded with certificates and a cash prize of Rs.5000 each.

The prize distribution ceremony was also attended by P. Chitaranjan, chief engineer, NHPC Ltd, Rajesh Kumar, Nodal Officer NHPC, NHPC staff, competitors and their guardians.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 14

Acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar said that it is the responsibility of every parents and citizen of the society to properly guide their children as children cannot decide what is right or wrong.

He was speaking as presidium member during the observation of children’s day today at the Observation Home, Takyelpat organised by Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA).

The acting chief justice said that in order to make a better society people need to give importance and care to children as they are the future of the society.

Stating that children have much potential to learn many things, however they may get influence by bad things, he said adding it is very much necessary to give good guidance to children. Kotiswar wishes the children good luck in making a bright future.

As a part of the observance children Observation Home and Blind School students performed cultural programme and gifts were presented to the children present in the function.

The function was attended by MASLSA member secretary, R.K. Memcha, district and session judge, Imphal West, M. Manojkumar, district and session judge, Imphal East, Gaiphuishillu Golmei and All Manipur Bar Association president, H. Chandrajit as presidium members.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 14

Socialist Students’ Union of Manipur and Manipur Proletariat Peoples’ Democratic Union will stage fast-to death protest if the government fails to take up necessary action to amend Article-3 of the Indian Constitution to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state by tomorrow. 

Addressing a press meet today at SSUM office at Keishampat, SSUM convenor, publicity and propaganda, N. Tanoranjan said that they had placed great expectations that the new BJP led government will take up action in the interest of the indigenous people of the state. But till today the government has not taken up any action in this regard, he lamented.

He said moreover some of the individuals are misusing the PDS items for their own benefits as a result many of the poor have to buy rice at higher price from the retailer. Such action of misusing PDS items is ruining the lives of the poor”, he added.

The convenor continued that the government not taking up any measures and initiatives to safeguard the indigenous people of the state is very unfortunate.

Stating that the indigenous people of the state are in a precarious condition, Tanoranjan asked the government to take up necessary steps to safeguard the indigenous people of the state. 

SSUM and MPPDU demanded to the government to punish all the individuals who are misusing the PDS items.

They appealed to all the public, civil bodies and student bodies of the state to support them in their protest to safeguard the territorial integrity and indigenous people of the state.

IMPHAL | Nov 14

The second meeting of memorandum drafting subcommittee of all political parties in connection with the Centre’s talk with NSCN (IM) was held today at the office of the deputy chief minister, Yumnam Joykumar Singh at Manipur Secretariat (North Block) in Imphal.

The meeting which was chaired by Y. Joykumar who is also the chairman of the subcommittee discussed thoroughly the draft proposals submitted by the members representing different political parties in the State. Various points mentioned in the proposals brought out by the members present were discussed and noted.

Chairman of the subcommittee expressed that the memorandum drafting process is in good progress and it will be finalised soon. The first meeting was held on November 2 at the official chamber of the deputy CM. The next meeting of the subcommittee will be held on November 17 at the same office.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 14

CAF and PD minister Karam Shyam today said that the role of students is not merely to earn degrees but also to learn moral values, good manners and discipline from their teachers and environment and indulge in social and extra-curricular activities.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the 4th annual day cum Children’s day celebration at S.I. School, Canchipur.

Sinam Rezia, a class X student got ‘Student of the year’ award and Urikhimbam Chittaranjan Singh and Maibam Babita were awarded best teachers award for the academic year 2017.

Shyam appreciated the efforts of the teachers in private schools for producing brilliant students despite low salaries as compared to teachers of government schools.

The minister advised the students to take part in movements for the development of the society and the state. He said that student phase is the most crucial stage in one’s life, and that students should go by disciplines, obey their parents and teachers and also to show earnest interest in learning to succeed in life.

Secretary of school managing committee, Ch. Jotin Singh said that the school was instituted four years ago and have produced cent per cent pass percentage in the first two years and in the third year had 24 students in the top list.

He said that the whole administration of the school will be computerised in the next session and there will be two new subjects, art and craft, and music in the next session.

Talking about the annual event of S.I. Fest, he said this time Red house is the overall champion in competitions such as sports, literature and cultural.

The function was also attended by headmaster of Canchipur High School, N. Ibohal Singh and principal in-charge of the school, S. Chaoba attended the function as presidium members.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL| Nov 14

 National Library week celebration began today at the lecture hall of department of library science and information science, Manipur University (MU). The programme was organised by the said department.

Speaking as the chief guest in the inaugural function, vice chancellor of Manipur University, Prof. Adhya Prasad Pandey said, “Library is a right place where everyone can purify their thought and ideas. With the development of information technologies in the past few years, the mode of accessing library is shifting from conventional means to modern technology.”

Comparing library with the heart in a human body, he said we still need library as the habit of reading in library with physical text book is better than acquiring knowledge from e-books.

Prof. Th. Purnima, head of department of library and information sciences, MU, who also spoke on the occasion, pointed out the affirmative steps taken up by the librarian of MU. “Innumerable number of authentic as well as fraud information are exploring in websites. The librarian of this university is wholeheartedly engaging in filtration of authentic information”, she added.

Dr. Kirti Singh delivered a lecture on “American Presidential Library Past and Present”.

In the inaugural function, vice chancellor of MU, prof. Adhya Prasad Pandey, retired director Education (U), Padmashree awardee Dr. M. Kirti Singh, dean school of social sciences Prof. N. Lokendro Singh, head of department of library and information sciences MU, Th. Purnima attended as chief guest, special guest, guest of honour and president, respectively.

With the purpose of disseminating the importance of library, the weeklong celebration is going to be conducted in seven different places of Manipur. The program will conclude on November 20.

IMPHAL | Nov

The proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangliepak (PREPEAK) has observed Athouba Singgi Ningsing Numit successfully along with the hill and valley people of the State.

The party has been observing the day annually since 1979, said a release signed by secretary in charge, publicity and propaganda, Leibaak Ngaakpa Luwang. The day was observed at the General Head Quarter (GHQ), 707 Battalion and other base areas, it said.

Flowers were offered at the memorial site of the martyrs, who sacrificed their lives in the war of independence, and gun salutes were given after lighting up torches, it continued. At the evening time, torches were lit up at every household and this marked the completion of the observance, it added.

Finance secretary of the party attended the occasion as chief guest and G2 of the red army attended as the president of the observation programme, it said. After the programme was inaugurated by the chief guest by lighting up a torch, the programme began with the performance of 13 discipline song of the party, it continued. The chief guest said bravery and sacrifice, being able to wholly commit to the cause of revolutionary war by the revolutionaries is far more important the utilisation of advanced modern weapons, it said.

The day was also observed at 707 battalion in which CAS of the red army attended as the chief guest and G1 as president, the release said. The CAS expressed that the codes and 13 disciplines of the Red Army along with patience and sacrifice should be kept in the forefront, then the goals of the party to bring and independent and egalitarian society must be pursued, it further said.

The party expresses gratitude to the people who took part in the observance and made the programme successful, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 13

Deputy chief minister, Y. Joykumar said that the duties assigned to security personnel can be carried out fully only when they have a good rapport with the public. He was speaking at the flagging-off ceremony of the Assam Rifle tri-nation motorcycle expedition from the IGAR-South campus, Mantripukhri.

The expedition which started from October 30 by 33 AR personnel will be covering Myanmar and Bangladesh and the Northeastern states (approximate 2150 kilometers) promoting the message of peace, prosperity and brotherhood will end on November 17 at Shillong.

The deputy chief minister continued that it is a must to have a good understanding and mutual cooperation with the neighbouring countries especially Bangladesh and Myanmar in order to control the illegal immigrants.

Stretching that Northeast based militants groups are taking shelter in Myanmar and Bangladesh, and it is easy for them to come to India as many areas of the border does not have a good proper fencing, he said the security personnel need to be very alert and have a good cooperation in order to stop them from crossing borders.

Joykumar appreciated AR for taking up such initiatives with the objectives of national integration, cultural exchange, social and development initiatives and wishes good luck to the expedition team.

As a part of the function children performed various cultural activities before the flag off. 

Royal Riders Manipur accompanied them till Mao, Senapati district.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 13

At least two jawans of the 18 Assam Rifles were killed and six other sustained injuries in a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion suspected to be triggered by militants early morning today in Mahamani village of Chandel district headquarter.

According to reports, the IED exploded around 6.10 am when the AR team was on routine patrol duty.

The bomb ripped off from a roadside near the district veterinary office, just a stone throw away from the 18 AR battalion gate and about a kilometer away east of the Chandel police station.

It is learnt that the explosion killed one jawan on the spot and injured seven others.

One of the injured jawans however also succumbed to his injuries on the way to hospital. All the other injured have been reportedly evacuated to Leimakhong military hospital.

The deceased jawans have been identified as one Indira Singh and Sohanlal while the injured are identified as S. Sarkar, N. Shyam Kumar, Tirendra Nath Das, Ram Govind Singh, Nirmal Roy and Lalnunpuia.

Soon after the blast additional forces including police commandos rushed to the blast site to take stock of the situation.

Denouncing the bomb attack locals of Mahamani village and surrounding areas in association with Naga Chief’s Association Chandel staged a sit in protest demonstration at DC Lamkhai.

Many civil bodies of Chandel district led by the apex Chandel Naga People’s Organiastion (CNPO) also strongly condemned the IED blast.

In a statement the CNPO said the Naga people of Chandel have been living in peace, tranquility and harmony for many years.

We consider it as an act of cowardice and a plot to disrupt peace talks between the Centre and NSCN (IM) which is at the threshold to its logical conclusion, it contended.   

Demanding a clarification from the perpetrator the motive behind the attack by midnight of November 15, it threatened to impose 24-hour total bandh from midnight of November 15 to 16 on Pallel to Chandel and Moreh road if the perpetrator failes to comply with the demand. 

The Naga Chief Association, Chandel, Anal Naga Tangpi, BJP Chandel also in a release strongly condemned the blast.