Tag: IFP

Ima Keithel: A persistent struggle for Imas against odds

Ima Keithel: A persistent struggle for Imas against odds

 By Kuwar Singh

Unlike other roadside vendors, Pratima Devi refuses to wear an air mask. She runs her fingers round her spectacles, explaining that little drops condense on her lenses whenever she puts on a mask.

The 45-year-old vendor has abandoned her coveted stall license in Ima Keithel to sell phaneks and shawls on the main road in Imphal’s cacophonous Khwairamband Bazaar, where trucks, cars, autorickshaws and motrobikes hurtle past her and other vendors who sit in a precarious position on the traffic divider. A thin, dirty smell of smoke hangs around them during peak hours.

 The Bazaar is flanked with buildings of Manipur’s internationally-renowned Ima Keithel, where thousands of women vendors sell every household item from fresh flowers to mosquito nets.

 While Ima market can trace its origins to the sixteenth century, its three present compounds – the old market, the new market and Lakshmi market were built by the state government in 2010. They would prove a short-lived comfort; in January 2016, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake shook the city and severely damaged two of the buildings.

 “It was good that at least the quake came at night, so the rubble didn’t fall on the women,” says Shanti Thoudam, president of Nupi Keithel Sinfam Amadi Saktam Kanba Lup, the Ima market vendors’ association.

 The damaged compounds had been built by private contractor Simplex Infrastructures for National Building Construction Company. The old market building, constructed in the same area by the public works department (PWD), was the only one of the three left standing, albeit with a crack or two.

 Pratima had owned a garment stall in the new market compound. She was now among the two thousand vendors stranded on the footpath. As an aid measure, PWD built a makeshift shed nearby for them to temporarily carry their business before the buildings were repaired.

 When they set up, the vendors saw that unlike the compounds, which were open from all sides, the shed only had two openings at the end of long, narrow lanes with little room or ventilation.

 “Each woman is allotted 22 inches of space here,” association president Shanti says. “In the compound, we had 34 to 36 inches.”

 Vendor RK Thoibi, 72, says she had stayed in the shed for less than two weeks when she fell sick. In time, and there has been an abundance of it, Thoibi and a few others would return to the footpaths. Pratima went with them.

 The women say their main concern is not congestion itself, but the impact it has on their business. The shed’s dizzyingly colourful lanes cannot accommodate enough customers to sell the stocks of two thousand vendors. And most people only approach the handful of stalls at the opening of the lanes. A few steps inside, a fading smell of fresh garments hangs in the air, and vendors outnumber their customers.

Waiting for buyers, the women converse in resigned tones over red tea, boiled potatoes and roti cooked on oil. They kill time playing Ludo or popping foam fruit covers. Some of them fiddle with their stock; tie a knot at the end of a shawl, pull a thread off a pillow cover. Some others use their cloth piles to lounge on. It has been almost two years since the earthquake, and this temporary situation feels more permanent to them every day.

The BJP government in April had announced that the reconstruction of the buildings will be finished before September. “But now they say it will go on until March next year,” Shanti says.

 A delivery in March is also not certain. Private contractor Chandrahas Singh is retrofitting the compounds on a PWD contract. “We have more than 200 men working on the two compounds,” his site supervisor Momo Kh says. “But we could not get any construction material to the site during the blockade.”

The United Naga Council had called for a blockade of the national highways leading to Imphal last November to protest the creation of new districts in what it viewed as Naga-dominated regions. The blockade lasted for over four months.

 “We had managed to successfully procure the construction material but during the blockade it was lying in Dimapur,” says PWD’s executive engineer Randhir Singh. “We had to send it back to Guwahati and hire a warehouse to keep it there.”

 In front of the site, wrapped in her sunflower-print shawl, Pratima sits on a spread out gunny bag. There are few privileges in being on the footpath, but she now gets dozens of customers, even though they tend to walk away too soon amid rushing traffic and blaring horns.

 “Police harass us. Municipal officers harass us.” she says chewing her paan. “They say we don’t have permits.”

 On Tuesday afternoon, police officers again arrived in the market with lathis and rifles to drive vendors out of the street. No reason was given, and no reason was asked for.  The whistling men marched from one side to the other; beating their lathis on the road as the female officials nudged the vendors to pack their merchandise quickly.

Old women turned to pedestrians for help in carrying the stockpiles. Some vendors left for home, others walked around listlessly with their bags. The ice cream carts cycled away.

 The road was cleared within minutes. It now looked broader than usual. One of the policemen, who at this point was speaking into a megaphone, smiled triumphantly to himself. More armed officers and media persons had arrived. Women from the temporary shed were called to the reconstruction site.

 After an hour of waiting, a cavalcade of SUVs stopped by and out emerged the housing and urban development minister Th Shyamkumar. The minister beamed at the crowd, his palms folded in salutation. Among those gathered, Pratima kept craning her neck to see him.

 The minister spoke with the market president and other vendors from the shed, as well as with the contractor and government officials, all readily present at his disposal. He understands their pain, he kept saying to the women.

 Before leaving, the minister announced that he has received assurance from the contractor that the buildings will be completed and handed over to his department on the festival of Phairen Manchami on January 22. The crowd burst into applause. The women’s faces lit up.

 “We wanted the buildings before Diwali. Now we want them before Holi next year,” association president Shanti had said earlier. “Otherwise we will go on a protest.”

 Many vendors of Ima market work their calendars in terms of festivals, when sales spike. Now they have been promised the buildings a festival too early.

 But Pratima and a few others are not holding their breath. Soon after the minister left, they went back to spread their mats and set up their stalls, keeping a cautious eye out for the police.

The history of the market is chequered with threats to its survival. In 2010, the tremors again shook its foundations. But the mothers have been enduring on for centuries. Ima Keithel persists.

Ima Keithel: A persistent struggle for Imas against odds

 By Kuwar Singh

Unlike other roadside vendors, Pratima Devi refuses to wear an air mask. She runs her fingers round her spectacles, explaining that little drops condense on her lenses whenever she puts on a mask.

The 45-year-old vendor has abandoned her coveted stall license in Ima Keithel to sell phaneks and shawls on the main road in Imphal’s cacophonous Khwairamband Bazaar, where trucks, cars, autorickshaws and motrobikes hurtle past her and other vendors who sit in a precarious position on the traffic divider. A thin, dirty smell of smoke hangs around them during peak hours.

 The Bazaar is flanked with buildings of Manipur’s internationally-renowned Ima Keithel, where thousands of women vendors sell every household item from fresh flowers to mosquito nets.

 While Ima market can trace its origins to the sixteenth century, its three present compounds – the old market, the new market and Lakshmi market were built by the state government in 2010. They would prove a short-lived comfort; in January 2016, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake shook the city and severely damaged two of the buildings.

 “It was good that at least the quake came at night, so the rubble didn’t fall on the women,” says Shanti Thoudam, president of Nupi Keithel Sinfam Amadi Saktam Kanba Lup, the Ima market vendors’ association.

 The damaged compounds had been built by private contractor Simplex Infrastructures for National Building Construction Company. The old market building, constructed in the same area by the public works department (PWD), was the only one of the three left standing, albeit with a crack or two.

 Pratima had owned a garment stall in the new market compound. She was now among the two thousand vendors stranded on the footpath. As an aid measure, PWD built a makeshift shed nearby for them to temporarily carry their business before the buildings were repaired.

 When they set up, the vendors saw that unlike the compounds, which were open from all sides, the shed only had two openings at the end of long, narrow lanes with little room or ventilation.

 “Each woman is allotted 22 inches of space here,” association president Shanti says. “In the compound, we had 34 to 36 inches.”

 Vendor RK Thoibi, 72, says she had stayed in the shed for less than two weeks when she fell sick. In time, and there has been an abundance of it, Thoibi and a few others would return to the footpaths. Pratima went with them.

 The women say their main concern is not congestion itself, but the impact it has on their business. The shed’s dizzyingly colourful lanes cannot accommodate enough customers to sell the stocks of two thousand vendors. And most people only approach the handful of stalls at the opening of the lanes. A few steps inside, a fading smell of fresh garments hangs in the air, and vendors outnumber their customers.

Waiting for buyers, the women converse in resigned tones over red tea, boiled potatoes and roti cooked on oil. They kill time playing Ludo or popping foam fruit covers. Some of them fiddle with their stock; tie a knot at the end of a shawl, pull a thread off a pillow cover. Some others use their cloth piles to lounge on. It has been almost two years since the earthquake, and this temporary situation feels more permanent to them every day.

The BJP government in April had announced that the reconstruction of the buildings will be finished before September. “But now they say it will go on until March next year,” Shanti says.

 A delivery in March is also not certain. Private contractor Chandrahas Singh is retrofitting the compounds on a PWD contract. “We have more than 200 men working on the two compounds,” his site supervisor Momo Kh says. “But we could not get any construction material to the site during the blockade.”

The United Naga Council had called for a blockade of the national highways leading to Imphal last November to protest the creation of new districts in what it viewed as Naga-dominated regions. The blockade lasted for over four months.

 “We had managed to successfully procure the construction material but during the blockade it was lying in Dimapur,” says PWD’s executive engineer Randhir Singh. “We had to send it back to Guwahati and hire a warehouse to keep it there.”

 In front of the site, wrapped in her sunflower-print shawl, Pratima sits on a spread out gunny bag. There are few privileges in being on the footpath, but she now gets dozens of customers, even though they tend to walk away too soon amid rushing traffic and blaring horns.

 “Police harass us. Municipal officers harass us.” she says chewing her paan. “They say we don’t have permits.”

 On Tuesday afternoon, police officers again arrived in the market with lathis and rifles to drive vendors out of the street. No reason was given, and no reason was asked for.  The whistling men marched from one side to the other; beating their lathis on the road as the female officials nudged the vendors to pack their merchandise quickly.

Old women turned to pedestrians for help in carrying the stockpiles. Some vendors left for home, others walked around listlessly with their bags. The ice cream carts cycled away.

 The road was cleared within minutes. It now looked broader than usual. One of the policemen, who at this point was speaking into a megaphone, smiled triumphantly to himself. More armed officers and media persons had arrived. Women from the temporary shed were called to the reconstruction site.

 After an hour of waiting, a cavalcade of SUVs stopped by and out emerged the housing and urban development minister Th Shyamkumar. The minister beamed at the crowd, his palms folded in salutation. Among those gathered, Pratima kept craning her neck to see him.

 The minister spoke with the market president and other vendors from the shed, as well as with the contractor and government officials, all readily present at his disposal. He understands their pain, he kept saying to the women.

 Before leaving, the minister announced that he has received assurance from the contractor that the buildings will be completed and handed over to his department on the festival of Phairen Manchami on January 22. The crowd burst into applause. The women’s faces lit up.

 “We wanted the buildings before Diwali. Now we want them before Holi next year,” association president Shanti had said earlier. “Otherwise we will go on a protest.”

 Many vendors of Ima market work their calendars in terms of festivals, when sales spike. Now they have been promised the buildings a festival too early.

 But Pratima and a few others are not holding their breath. Soon after the minister left, they went back to spread their mats and set up their stalls, keeping a cautious eye out for the police.

The history of the market is chequered with threats to its survival. In 2010, the tremors again shook its foundations. But the mothers have been enduring on for centuries. Ima Keithel persists.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4988-ima-keithel-a-persistent-struggle-for-imas-against-odds

Jiribam govt hospital in deplorable condition

From Our Correspondent
JIRIBAM | Nov 11
The newly constructed, Jiribam 50 bedded government hospital located at Ningsingkhul, Jiribam is plagued by endless issues. Lack of sufficient doctors has been a major malady even since the hospital was inaugur…

Jiribam govt hospital in deplorable condition

From Our Correspondent

JIRIBAM | Nov 11

The newly constructed, Jiribam 50 bedded government hospital located at Ningsingkhul, Jiribam is plagued by endless issues. Lack of sufficient doctors has been a major malady even since the hospital was inaugurated two years ago.

Besides the dearth of doctors, the beds in the hospital are dirty and the toilet which is attached with the female ward is so untidy that the odour is unbearable to the people.

It may be recalled here that the hospital was shifted before from CHC Jiribam since two years ago by constructing well setup infrastructures at Ningsingkhul.

The people of Jiribam were expecting that this would at least bring some improvement in the situation of health care facilities in Jiribam. On the contrary, the present conditions of the hospital have ruined all the expectation of the people.

Moreover, there are 8 or 9 doctors in the hospital but there are no specialist doctors for gynaecology, Paediatrics and medicine specialist.

Mention may be made that the monitoring committee of CHC, Jiribam submitted several memorandums to the authorities concerned regarding the urgent requirement of Jiribam 50- beded hospital but expectations of the people are not fulfilled. It seemed that the demands of Jiribam people were not considered as important or significant.

At this stage, the fate of Jiribam people are not said to be secured when it comes to healthcare facilities, they are still relying to the neighbouring state of Assam.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4994-jiribam-govt-hospital-in-deplorable-condition

Home Guards meeting turns ugly with group clash

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Nov 11

A meeting organised today by Manipur Home Guards Adhoc Sub Committee at the meeting hall of MMRC Unity Park at Khangabok, Thoubal district for reforming the Home Guards Organisation was disrupted by another group of home guards who tried to stop the meeting from being carried out.   

Severe altercations took place resulting in clashes between the two groups. A team of Thoubal police arrived and tried to take control of the situation. The altercations went on continuously for two hours until the people from MMRC and Unity park, seeing that the situation was getting out of hand, declared that they will not allow the meeting. Afterwards the situation was restored back to normalcy.

It may be mentioned that All Manipur Home Guards Employees Welfare Association is currently taking up several agitations regarding their demands against the government.

Regarding the incident, vice president, AMHGEWA said there is no such an organisation called Manipur Home Guard Adhoc – Commitee and today’s meeting came at the wrong time. The incident came as a result of being influenced by few others in order to divide the home guards. Written letters that prohibited the meeting were forwarded before to the organisers, he said.

A member of those who organised today’s meeting expressed that a meeting of All Manipur Home Guards Employees Association was held in September 2015, where the workers of the organisation who would hold their designations for the term of two years were appointed.

However, even after the completion of their terms, they are still holding their positions, and taking cases and agitations the government without bringing any positive results, he alleged. The employees have not received their salaries since the month of July, the post which are supposed to recalled for every three years have not been recalled, he said adding the meeting was organised so that these issues may be resolved by forming a new organisation.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Nov 11

A meeting organised today by Manipur Home Guards Adhoc Sub Committee at the meeting hall of MMRC Unity Park at Khangabok, Thoubal district for reforming the Home Guards Organisation was disrupted by another group of home guards who tried to stop the meeting from being carried out.   

Severe altercations took place resulting in clashes between the two groups. A team of Thoubal police arrived and tried to take control of the situation. The altercations went on continuously for two hours until the people from MMRC and Unity park, seeing that the situation was getting out of hand, declared that they will not allow the meeting. Afterwards the situation was restored back to normalcy.

It may be mentioned that All Manipur Home Guards Employees Welfare Association is currently taking up several agitations regarding their demands against the government.

Regarding the incident, vice president, AMHGEWA said there is no such an organisation called Manipur Home Guard Adhoc – Commitee and today’s meeting came at the wrong time. The incident came as a result of being influenced by few others in order to divide the home guards. Written letters that prohibited the meeting were forwarded before to the organisers, he said.

A member of those who organised today’s meeting expressed that a meeting of All Manipur Home Guards Employees Association was held in September 2015, where the workers of the organisation who would hold their designations for the term of two years were appointed.

However, even after the completion of their terms, they are still holding their positions, and taking cases and agitations the government without bringing any positive results, he alleged. The employees have not received their salaries since the month of July, the post which are supposed to recalled for every three years have not been recalled, he said adding the meeting was organised so that these issues may be resolved by forming a new organisation.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4991-home-guards-meeting-turns-ugly-with-group-clash

‘Customary laws a hurdle in child protection policy’

By A Staff Report

IMPHAL | Nov 11

The two-day regional conference on Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and POCSO Act, 2012, has highlighted that customary laws, widely practice in the NE region, stands as a major hurdle in effective implementation of legislation giving protection to children.

The regional conference which was inaugurated on Friday concluded today at Hotel Classic with Justice Darmar Murugesan, member of National Human Right Commission (NHRC), on the chair.

As a part of the conference representatives from seven Northeastern states including Manipur presented their initiatives, work progress, failure and challenges that are being face while implementing POCSO Act 2012.

Most of the representatives gave presentations of their works based on children sexual offence that carried out during the past few years, mainly after the implementation of POCSO Act 2012.

“Most of the Northeastern states strictly follow tribal customary laws. This has led to hindrance in bringing any issues related to child rights in legal proceeding”, said by a representative from Mizoram during the presentation.

A representative from Manipur said, “In Manipur apart from tribal customary law, mob justice also contributes in hampering the implementation of POCSO Act effectively.”

In the presentation he further stressed on the negative impact of mob justice which is a common trend in Manipur, adding that it not only victimises the perpetrators. 

Another representative from Mizoram also explained about the lack of reporting on child sexual abuse as result due to failure of police co-operation.

According to a representative from Nagaland, a state being the last to implementation of POCSO Act, the (Act) is in the initial stage and the government is doing its best for the effectively implementing it. “We are doing our best by conducting awareness about POCSO Act in school, colleges and churches”, she added.

In her closing remark, Jyotika Kalra, member of NHRC, asserted that organising such healthy conference is must as it gives a platform of extending and sharing knowledge.

Underscoring the presentation made by the representatives, Darmar Murugesan, observed that in order to have effective mechanism in implementation of POCSO Act, “It is very essential in improving the court’s functioning as the provision of giving bail to the accused person has made the victim’s parent hesitate to take the legal support.”

He said that NHRC has noted the experiences and challenges faced by the northeastern state to be noted down in a draft recommendation to be submitted to central government.

By A Staff Report

IMPHAL | Nov 11

The two-day regional conference on Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and POCSO Act, 2012, has highlighted that customary laws, widely practice in the NE region, stands as a major hurdle in effective implementation of legislation giving protection to children.

The regional conference which was inaugurated on Friday concluded today at Hotel Classic with Justice Darmar Murugesan, member of National Human Right Commission (NHRC), on the chair.

As a part of the conference representatives from seven Northeastern states including Manipur presented their initiatives, work progress, failure and challenges that are being face while implementing POCSO Act 2012.

Most of the representatives gave presentations of their works based on children sexual offence that carried out during the past few years, mainly after the implementation of POCSO Act 2012.

“Most of the Northeastern states strictly follow tribal customary laws. This has led to hindrance in bringing any issues related to child rights in legal proceeding”, said by a representative from Mizoram during the presentation.

A representative from Manipur said, “In Manipur apart from tribal customary law, mob justice also contributes in hampering the implementation of POCSO Act effectively.”

In the presentation he further stressed on the negative impact of mob justice which is a common trend in Manipur, adding that it not only victimises the perpetrators. 

Another representative from Mizoram also explained about the lack of reporting on child sexual abuse as result due to failure of police co-operation.

According to a representative from Nagaland, a state being the last to implementation of POCSO Act, the (Act) is in the initial stage and the government is doing its best for the effectively implementing it. “We are doing our best by conducting awareness about POCSO Act in school, colleges and churches”, she added.

In her closing remark, Jyotika Kalra, member of NHRC, asserted that organising such healthy conference is must as it gives a platform of extending and sharing knowledge.

Underscoring the presentation made by the representatives, Darmar Murugesan, observed that in order to have effective mechanism in implementation of POCSO Act, “It is very essential in improving the court’s functioning as the provision of giving bail to the accused person has made the victim’s parent hesitate to take the legal support.”

He said that NHRC has noted the experiences and challenges faced by the northeastern state to be noted down in a draft recommendation to be submitted to central government.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4993-customary-laws-a-hurdle-in-child-protection-policy

First seed fair cum food festival held at Tousem

First seed fair cum food festival held at Tousem

Jiri News Network

JIRIBAM | Nov 11

The first seed fair cum food festival was organised today at the Bazaar shed of New Kaiphundai under Tousem sub division, Tamenglong district by People’s Endeavour for Social Change (PESCH) and Kaiphundai village authority. The festival was supported by Brot/EED/RNBA. 

21 C 37th Assam Riffles, Nayab Subedar Shyam Singh attended the occasion as chief guest and inaugurated the festival. Chairman, New Kaiphundaigi Village Authority, Angam Gangmei attended as the president and Agro-ecology coordinator, PESH, D. Phuanthanlung, attended as the moderator.

The students of Kids Academy Kaiphundai performed a welcome song and staff of NABARD, Dr. Namkhinlung Pamei gave the welcome address.

President, Hymdai Self Help Groups (SHGs) Kaiphundai, Pougakliu said the SHGs not only have provided help to the families but also provided self-employment to many individuals so that they may be able to support their families and bring development to the society. Therefore we urge the different CSOs and associations to give cooperation to Self Help Groups (SHGs), he said.

Afterwards, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Kaiphundai performed many cultural shows, adding variety to the festival.

Angam Gangmei expressed his thankfulness to those who made the festival successful and prayed that the festival should provide support to the SHGs. He further expressed his wish that the festival should be organised on the state level next time.

Nayab Subedar Shyam Singh said New Kaiphundai may be small but the people are hard working. Without hard work, it would not have been possible to organise such a festival. He prayed that the people are able to organise bigger festivals in the future and commended the organiser committee.

It may be mentioned that a total of 20 Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the Seed Fair Cum Food Festival; four from Nungkao,  three from Oinamlong, two from Kaimai, 5 from Sibilong, one from Aben and five from Kaiphundai. The main attractions of the festival were Chilly, Handicraft, traditional attires and many items made by the locality.

First seed fair cum food festival held at Tousem

Jiri News Network

JIRIBAM | Nov 11

The first seed fair cum food festival was organised today at the Bazaar shed of New Kaiphundai under Tousem sub division, Tamenglong district by People’s Endeavour for Social Change (PESCH) and Kaiphundai village authority. The festival was supported by Brot/EED/RNBA. 

21 C 37th Assam Riffles, Nayab Subedar Shyam Singh attended the occasion as chief guest and inaugurated the festival. Chairman, New Kaiphundaigi Village Authority, Angam Gangmei attended as the president and Agro-ecology coordinator, PESH, D. Phuanthanlung, attended as the moderator.

The students of Kids Academy Kaiphundai performed a welcome song and staff of NABARD, Dr. Namkhinlung Pamei gave the welcome address.

President, Hymdai Self Help Groups (SHGs) Kaiphundai, Pougakliu said the SHGs not only have provided help to the families but also provided self-employment to many individuals so that they may be able to support their families and bring development to the society. Therefore we urge the different CSOs and associations to give cooperation to Self Help Groups (SHGs), he said.

Afterwards, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Kaiphundai performed many cultural shows, adding variety to the festival.

Angam Gangmei expressed his thankfulness to those who made the festival successful and prayed that the festival should provide support to the SHGs. He further expressed his wish that the festival should be organised on the state level next time.

Nayab Subedar Shyam Singh said New Kaiphundai may be small but the people are hard working. Without hard work, it would not have been possible to organise such a festival. He prayed that the people are able to organise bigger festivals in the future and commended the organiser committee.

It may be mentioned that a total of 20 Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the Seed Fair Cum Food Festival; four from Nungkao,  three from Oinamlong, two from Kaimai, 5 from Sibilong, one from Aben and five from Kaiphundai. The main attractions of the festival were Chilly, Handicraft, traditional attires and many items made by the locality.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4989-first-seed-fair-cum-food-festival-held-at-tousem

Tamenglong MLA censures bandh threat

IMPHAL | Nov 11 

Tamenglong MLA Samuel Jendai has criticised the JAC of All Manipur DPC completed recruitment candidate of police constable male 2013 batch, Tamenglong for threatening to impose a national highway blockade on November 15, the day of the chief minister’s scheduled visit to the district.

In a release, Jendai said the JAC is playing a destructive role and needs to immediately recall its call of bandh.

The release said the recruitment matter is in the court and under government consideration, adding that it pertains to the whole state batch of 2013 and not to Tamenglong alone.

IMPHAL | Nov 11 

Tamenglong MLA Samuel Jendai has criticised the JAC of All Manipur DPC completed recruitment candidate of police constable male 2013 batch, Tamenglong for threatening to impose a national highway blockade on November 15, the day of the chief minister’s scheduled visit to the district.

In a release, Jendai said the JAC is playing a destructive role and needs to immediately recall its call of bandh.

The release said the recruitment matter is in the court and under government consideration, adding that it pertains to the whole state batch of 2013 and not to Tamenglong alone.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4992-tamenglong-mla-censures-bandh-threat

Ramkung Pamei is MHJU president

Ramkung Pamei is MHJU president

IMPHAL |Nov 11 (NNN)

Ramkung Pamei, editor of The Cham, a Tamenglong based daily newspaper has been elected as the president of Manipur Hills Journalists Union (MHJU) in Imphal today for the tenure of 2017-2020.

The election which was held at ADC Bhavan, Chingmeirong in Imphal has also elected other executives of the union.

Outgoing president of MHJU, Sothing Shimray in his speech while welcoming the new executives stressed the importance of unity and co-operation among the MHJU members.

Speaking after the election, newly elected president of the union, Ramkung Pamei called for the collective efforts in pursuing the objectives of MHJU especially issues related to the welfare of the hill journalists. He also batted for affiliation of MHJU to national level media bodies to enhance the welfare of the journalists in Manipur.

Lalmalsawm Sellate editor of Hmasawnna Thar (Churachandpur) is the new vice president of MHJU, S. Nengkhanlun,  Editor Zogam Today (Churachanpur) is general secretary and K. Kopham, reporter of Newmai News Network is assistant secretary, Timothy Z. Zote, Editor Manmasi Digest (Churachandpur) is finance secretary cum treasurer while Peter Adani, editor of The Hornbill Express (Senapati) is information and publicity secretary of MHJU.

Ramkung Pamei is MHJU president

IMPHAL |Nov 11 (NNN)

Ramkung Pamei, editor of The Cham, a Tamenglong based daily newspaper has been elected as the president of Manipur Hills Journalists Union (MHJU) in Imphal today for the tenure of 2017-2020.

The election which was held at ADC Bhavan, Chingmeirong in Imphal has also elected other executives of the union.

Outgoing president of MHJU, Sothing Shimray in his speech while welcoming the new executives stressed the importance of unity and co-operation among the MHJU members.

Speaking after the election, newly elected president of the union, Ramkung Pamei called for the collective efforts in pursuing the objectives of MHJU especially issues related to the welfare of the hill journalists. He also batted for affiliation of MHJU to national level media bodies to enhance the welfare of the journalists in Manipur.

Lalmalsawm Sellate editor of Hmasawnna Thar (Churachandpur) is the new vice president of MHJU, S. Nengkhanlun,  Editor Zogam Today (Churachanpur) is general secretary and K. Kopham, reporter of Newmai News Network is assistant secretary, Timothy Z. Zote, Editor Manmasi Digest (Churachandpur) is finance secretary cum treasurer while Peter Adani, editor of The Hornbill Express (Senapati) is information and publicity secretary of MHJU.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4987-ramkung-pamei-is-mhju-president

Crop residue must never be burned: Thoithoi

Crop residue must never be burned: Thoithoi

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Nov 10

The burning away of crop residue like rice straws and hay which can serve many useful purpose, is like throwing away gems into a river, said subject matter specialist, KVK Thoubal, Dr. M Thoithoi.    

When asked about the practice of burning crop residue immediately after harvesting season by farmers, Dr. Thoithoi expressed his views in a special meeting.  

He further expressed that crop residue if used properly, can turn into a profiting business and help develop the economy of the state in a big way. 

North East India is known for being a hot spot for organic farming. However, in Manipur, people seem to think that the meaning of agriculture is only harvesting of rice paddy, farming of vegetable and fruits.

Farming of seasonal vegetables during winter after the harvesting of crops is a very profitable. Keeping the crop residue scattered at the paddy fields is very useful.  

Modern day farming which relies on chemicals not only is a costly business but can cause in the birth of many diseases. A resourceful alternative is to keep the organic crop residue scattered on the paddy fields and make them decompose naturally.   

As the rice straws and hay decomposes, they make the soil rich and highly fertile. Not only this, the excrement left by the animals coming to graze on the crop residue makes the soil even more fertile. The crop residue also makes the ground soft, thus making farmer easier to work. The dried and hard ground is blamed for discouraging the people to work on it.     

Dr. Thoithoi said the belief that burning of crop residue prevents the infestation of “wahik” in the next harvest is entirely false.  There is no any relation between burning of crops and the infestation of “wahik.” Some insects that might be present during the burning may be killed, however. 

Science has proven that fire can burn only where oxygen is found and the heat affects only the surface area. If the fire is very strong, it will be able to kill some insects hiding below the surface of the ground. However, it can also destroy the richness of the soil and its fertility. The appearance of “wahik” is due to its migrating from other places afterwards or due to the usage of wrong insecticides.  

The wrong use of insecticides like Synthetic Pyrethroid (cypermethril, alphamethril, deltamethril etc.) is to be blamed. 

Some of the insects, who had managed to survive after continuous exposure to these insecticides, have the potential the reproduces themselves rapidly. This is the main reason behind the infestation of “wahik” and the cause behind all the problems associated with it. Therefore, the crop residue must never be burned down and make it go to waste.  

Mentioning the benefits or rice straws and hay, he explained that during the farming of seasonal vegetables during winter (onions and others), if the rice straw is cut in the length of two inches and thrown above the saplings during their budding state, there will be no need water the saplings every day. Daily watering can also affect the saplings in a negative way. 

The belief that cattle do not like to eat rice straws after being processed by machines is also false. Cattle actually love to eat them. The rice straws which are not processed by machines takes time to decompose and cannot be used immediately for mushroom farming. 

Mushroom farming is huge business which is very profitable. Not only it is profitable, Mushroom is a very healthy food. One of the favourite mustard oil consumed in the state, Tagore Oil is produced in Rajasthan, a place where most it its land consists of desert areas.  

On the other hand, Manipur state being properly irrigated and having plenty of water resources, is not able to produce mustard oil. The reason behind this is that the people do not have proper knowledge of agriculture.

He further said that those who are willing to acquire information in the field of agriculture can take consultations from KVK Thoubal at Khangabok.

Crop residue must never be burned: Thoithoi

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Nov 10

The burning away of crop residue like rice straws and hay which can serve many useful purpose, is like throwing away gems into a river, said subject matter specialist, KVK Thoubal, Dr. M Thoithoi.    

When asked about the practice of burning crop residue immediately after harvesting season by farmers, Dr. Thoithoi expressed his views in a special meeting.  

He further expressed that crop residue if used properly, can turn into a profiting business and help develop the economy of the state in a big way. 

North East India is known for being a hot spot for organic farming. However, in Manipur, people seem to think that the meaning of agriculture is only harvesting of rice paddy, farming of vegetable and fruits.

Farming of seasonal vegetables during winter after the harvesting of crops is a very profitable. Keeping the crop residue scattered at the paddy fields is very useful.  

Modern day farming which relies on chemicals not only is a costly business but can cause in the birth of many diseases. A resourceful alternative is to keep the organic crop residue scattered on the paddy fields and make them decompose naturally.   

As the rice straws and hay decomposes, they make the soil rich and highly fertile. Not only this, the excrement left by the animals coming to graze on the crop residue makes the soil even more fertile. The crop residue also makes the ground soft, thus making farmer easier to work. The dried and hard ground is blamed for discouraging the people to work on it.     

Dr. Thoithoi said the belief that burning of crop residue prevents the infestation of “wahik” in the next harvest is entirely false.  There is no any relation between burning of crops and the infestation of “wahik.” Some insects that might be present during the burning may be killed, however. 

Science has proven that fire can burn only where oxygen is found and the heat affects only the surface area. If the fire is very strong, it will be able to kill some insects hiding below the surface of the ground. However, it can also destroy the richness of the soil and its fertility. The appearance of “wahik” is due to its migrating from other places afterwards or due to the usage of wrong insecticides.  

The wrong use of insecticides like Synthetic Pyrethroid (cypermethril, alphamethril, deltamethril etc.) is to be blamed. 

Some of the insects, who had managed to survive after continuous exposure to these insecticides, have the potential the reproduces themselves rapidly. This is the main reason behind the infestation of “wahik” and the cause behind all the problems associated with it. Therefore, the crop residue must never be burned down and make it go to waste.  

Mentioning the benefits or rice straws and hay, he explained that during the farming of seasonal vegetables during winter (onions and others), if the rice straw is cut in the length of two inches and thrown above the saplings during their budding state, there will be no need water the saplings every day. Daily watering can also affect the saplings in a negative way. 

The belief that cattle do not like to eat rice straws after being processed by machines is also false. Cattle actually love to eat them. The rice straws which are not processed by machines takes time to decompose and cannot be used immediately for mushroom farming. 

Mushroom farming is huge business which is very profitable. Not only it is profitable, Mushroom is a very healthy food. One of the favourite mustard oil consumed in the state, Tagore Oil is produced in Rajasthan, a place where most it its land consists of desert areas.  

On the other hand, Manipur state being properly irrigated and having plenty of water resources, is not able to produce mustard oil. The reason behind this is that the people do not have proper knowledge of agriculture.

He further said that those who are willing to acquire information in the field of agriculture can take consultations from KVK Thoubal at Khangabok.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4957-crop-residue-must-never-be-burned-thoithoi

HC directs state govt to explain scarcity of cooking gas

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 10

The High court of Manipur has today directed the state government, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and gas agencies of the state to submit a report within six week for the hearing after a PIL case was filed against them by one Prasanta Oinam.

The petitioner’s counsel submitted before the division bench of the High Court comprising of acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar and justice Kh. Nobin that in the state the supply and distribution of the domestic LPG cylinder at present is controlled and managed by IOCL which is a government oil company under section 2 (g) of the LPG (regulation of supply and distribution) according to an order passed in the year 2000.  

In 2014 in a relief to the consumer the government of India, Ministry of Petroleum and natural gas revised the limit of subsidized LPG to 11 numbers for the year ending March 31, 2014 and further with 12 number of subsidised LPG Gas cylinder per annum with effect from April 1, 2014, added the counsel.

The counsel further submitted that the subsidized LPG cylinders for the domestic cooking purpose is available in 14.2 kg capacity cylinders and is distributed only through authorised LPG distributors of IOCL.

But the decision of  the government of India never came into reality in the state of Manipur as the respondents who are responsible for shorting out the scarcity of LPG gas by providing minimum numbers of LPG gas through authorised LPG distributors are playing a blame game and remain idle without taking any responsibilities on their parts, continued the counsel.

While on the other hand, the LPG gas are readily available in black markets at a relatively higher price throughout the year as the price of the subsidized LPG gas is Rs 483.50 and the non-subsidized LPG Gas is 862, and the same are sold at a price range of Rs. 1,500 to 3,000 in black market, maintained the counsel.

It is further submitted that non supply of minimum required LPG gas cylinders for the household has also directly affected the economy of the family and it is shocking that the subsidised domestic LPG cylinders of IOCL are abundantly available in the black markets.

It clearly shows that the domestic LPGs which are entitled to the consumers have been diverted to black markets by the respondents, said the counsel.

The counsel prayed before the court to institute a CBI inquiry regarding the matter for taking up action against those responsible for the scarcity as well as black marketing.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 10

The High court of Manipur has today directed the state government, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and gas agencies of the state to submit a report within six week for the hearing after a PIL case was filed against them by one Prasanta Oinam.

The petitioner’s counsel submitted before the division bench of the High Court comprising of acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar and justice Kh. Nobin that in the state the supply and distribution of the domestic LPG cylinder at present is controlled and managed by IOCL which is a government oil company under section 2 (g) of the LPG (regulation of supply and distribution) according to an order passed in the year 2000.  

In 2014 in a relief to the consumer the government of India, Ministry of Petroleum and natural gas revised the limit of subsidized LPG to 11 numbers for the year ending March 31, 2014 and further with 12 number of subsidised LPG Gas cylinder per annum with effect from April 1, 2014, added the counsel.

The counsel further submitted that the subsidized LPG cylinders for the domestic cooking purpose is available in 14.2 kg capacity cylinders and is distributed only through authorised LPG distributors of IOCL.

But the decision of  the government of India never came into reality in the state of Manipur as the respondents who are responsible for shorting out the scarcity of LPG gas by providing minimum numbers of LPG gas through authorised LPG distributors are playing a blame game and remain idle without taking any responsibilities on their parts, continued the counsel.

While on the other hand, the LPG gas are readily available in black markets at a relatively higher price throughout the year as the price of the subsidized LPG gas is Rs 483.50 and the non-subsidized LPG Gas is 862, and the same are sold at a price range of Rs. 1,500 to 3,000 in black market, maintained the counsel.

It is further submitted that non supply of minimum required LPG gas cylinders for the household has also directly affected the economy of the family and it is shocking that the subsidised domestic LPG cylinders of IOCL are abundantly available in the black markets.

It clearly shows that the domestic LPGs which are entitled to the consumers have been diverted to black markets by the respondents, said the counsel.

The counsel prayed before the court to institute a CBI inquiry regarding the matter for taking up action against those responsible for the scarcity as well as black marketing.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4960-hc-directs-state-govt-to-explain-scarcity-of-cooking-gas

‘Peoples’ unity vital to bring development’

IMPHAL | Nov 10

One must unite to bring development in the state said former minister O. Joy Singh while speaking as the president on the occasion of people’s conference organised by the state road task force demand committee.

He said that the state road task force demand committee is there to bring awareness on road safety. It is also a part of a mission to employ the youths and he believes that the new government will bring job opportunities to the youths in the coming days he further mentioned.

He said that the Naga issue that is going on is a crucial issue that one must be aware of. If there is unity among the hills and the valley than there will be much development in the state whether in roads or infrastructure, he said.

He further claimed that the night plaza has brought a huge development in the state. He said that it is for amusement and to bring mental peace to the people of the state.

The people’s conference was also attended by Prof. N. Mohendro Singh Dr. T. Hemo Singh and H. Sanajaoba Singh and other delegates at the Manipur press club.

IMPHAL | Nov 10

One must unite to bring development in the state said former minister O. Joy Singh while speaking as the president on the occasion of people’s conference organised by the state road task force demand committee.

He said that the state road task force demand committee is there to bring awareness on road safety. It is also a part of a mission to employ the youths and he believes that the new government will bring job opportunities to the youths in the coming days he further mentioned.

He said that the Naga issue that is going on is a crucial issue that one must be aware of. If there is unity among the hills and the valley than there will be much development in the state whether in roads or infrastructure, he said.

He further claimed that the night plaza has brought a huge development in the state. He said that it is for amusement and to bring mental peace to the people of the state.

The people’s conference was also attended by Prof. N. Mohendro Singh Dr. T. Hemo Singh and H. Sanajaoba Singh and other delegates at the Manipur press club.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4955-peoples-unity-vital-to-bring-development

‘Framework Agreement highway for complete independence of the Nagas’

‘Framework Agreement highway for complete independence of the Nagas’

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Nov 10

NSCN-IM leaders including the outfit’s home minister said that the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and the outfit “is the highway for complete independence of the Nagas”. The NSCN-IM leaders also said that “the unique history and the legitimate rights of the Nagas have been firmly asserted and recognized to be the basis for political solution” in the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015.

The NSCN-IM leaders disclosed this information to Naga leaders from Rengma Naga Hills and Karbi Anglong of Assam today during a consultative meeting held at Camp Hebron, off Dimapur.

According to a press note of the NSCN-IM, an intensive consultative meeting led by Hukavi Yepthomi, home minister of the outfit and Lieutenant General Ningkhan Shimray, ‘political commissar’, NSCN was held with various Naga public leaders including gaonburas from the Rengma Naga Hills and Karbi Anglong, Assam. The meeting was also attended by a host of senior NSCN-IM leaders including its highest decision making body, the Steering Committee, the outfit’s ministers and deputy ministers, cabinet secretary, the NSCN-IM home secretary staff from the “GPRN Secretariats”.

The meeting was conducted by M. Daniel Lotha, the the outfit’s home secretary and invocation was pronounced by James Rengma (pastor). The outfit’s home minister and the NSCN-IM’s ‘political commissar’ thoroughly briefed the members present on the ongoing political talk which is in advanced stage. The NSCN-IM leaders also stressed on the need for active participation of the public leaders; as it is the need of the hour.

“The public leaders acknowledged the dynamic political leadership of the NSCN in signing the Framework Agreement with the Government of India on the 3rd of August, 2015”, the NSCN-IM said. The public leaders further strongly reiterated the urgent need for the land of the Nagas in Assam which has been snatched away arbitrarily by the greedy land encroachers to be restored to the rightful Naga owners in the event of the final solution, the NSCN-IM press statement added. The NSCN-IM claimed that the public leaders also affirmed their support to the Framework Agreement and the leadership of the NSCN-IM. “The meeting successfully concluded with a vote of thanks by Tennyson Rengma, Tatar, and benediction pronounced by Kesenga Rengma, President of Western Rengma Baptist Association and followed by a love feast,” the NSCN-IM said.

‘Framework Agreement highway for complete independence of the Nagas’

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Nov 10

NSCN-IM leaders including the outfit’s home minister said that the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and the outfit “is the highway for complete independence of the Nagas”. The NSCN-IM leaders also said that “the unique history and the legitimate rights of the Nagas have been firmly asserted and recognized to be the basis for political solution” in the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015.

The NSCN-IM leaders disclosed this information to Naga leaders from Rengma Naga Hills and Karbi Anglong of Assam today during a consultative meeting held at Camp Hebron, off Dimapur.

According to a press note of the NSCN-IM, an intensive consultative meeting led by Hukavi Yepthomi, home minister of the outfit and Lieutenant General Ningkhan Shimray, ‘political commissar’, NSCN was held with various Naga public leaders including gaonburas from the Rengma Naga Hills and Karbi Anglong, Assam. The meeting was also attended by a host of senior NSCN-IM leaders including its highest decision making body, the Steering Committee, the outfit’s ministers and deputy ministers, cabinet secretary, the NSCN-IM home secretary staff from the “GPRN Secretariats”.

The meeting was conducted by M. Daniel Lotha, the the outfit’s home secretary and invocation was pronounced by James Rengma (pastor). The outfit’s home minister and the NSCN-IM’s ‘political commissar’ thoroughly briefed the members present on the ongoing political talk which is in advanced stage. The NSCN-IM leaders also stressed on the need for active participation of the public leaders; as it is the need of the hour.

“The public leaders acknowledged the dynamic political leadership of the NSCN in signing the Framework Agreement with the Government of India on the 3rd of August, 2015”, the NSCN-IM said. The public leaders further strongly reiterated the urgent need for the land of the Nagas in Assam which has been snatched away arbitrarily by the greedy land encroachers to be restored to the rightful Naga owners in the event of the final solution, the NSCN-IM press statement added. The NSCN-IM claimed that the public leaders also affirmed their support to the Framework Agreement and the leadership of the NSCN-IM. “The meeting successfully concluded with a vote of thanks by Tennyson Rengma, Tatar, and benediction pronounced by Kesenga Rengma, President of Western Rengma Baptist Association and followed by a love feast,” the NSCN-IM said.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4958-framework-agreement-highway-for-complete-independence-of-the-nagas

HC quashes suspension order of Dr. Ibomcha

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 10

The High Court of Manipur has today quashed the suspension order of Dr. Okram Ibomcha Singh, ex-director of Medical and Health Services, and state mission director, State Health Society government of Manipur, who was placed under suspension for allegedly misusing his powers.

The suspension order was quashed and set aside by an order of the single bench of Justice KH. Nobin Singh, after invalidating it (suspension order) for the failure of the government to conduct a review of its decision (order) within ninety days as required under the provision of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965.

It is learnt that the respondents in its counter affidavit submitted that the department of personnel, government of Manipur, has issued an order on August 28 last directing that the petitioner shall continue to be under suspension.

However the bench was of the view that the suspension order has become invalid since it has not been expended within 90 days “under the provisions of sub-rule (6) in terms of the law settled by the honourable Supreme Court” such an order of suspension which has become invalid cannot be revived by the subsequent review cannot be allowed to be continued by the competent authority.

Moreover, bench mentioned that any other disciplinary proceeding has not been commenced against the petitioner while he was under suspension in connection with a memorandum dated 17-06-2017.

Dr. Okram Ibomcha Singh, was suspended by an order issued by the deputy secretary (DP), government of Manipur on April 13 last as a disciplinary action for allegedly misusing his official status, power and acted in a manner of unbecoming of a government servant under rule 10(1)(a) of the CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965.

The suspension order sparked controversy as the Health minister, L. Jayentakumar, tendered his resignation three days after the suspension order was issued, for alleged interference from many quarters.

Senior Advocate, B.P Sabu, represented the petitioner while N. Kumarjit, Advocate general appeared on behalf of the respondents which included the state of Manipur represented by the principal secretary (DP), commissioner, department of Health and Family Welfare and under secretary (DP), government of Manipur.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 10

The High Court of Manipur has today quashed the suspension order of Dr. Okram Ibomcha Singh, ex-director of Medical and Health Services, and state mission director, State Health Society government of Manipur, who was placed under suspension for allegedly misusing his powers.

The suspension order was quashed and set aside by an order of the single bench of Justice KH. Nobin Singh, after invalidating it (suspension order) for the failure of the government to conduct a review of its decision (order) within ninety days as required under the provision of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965.

It is learnt that the respondents in its counter affidavit submitted that the department of personnel, government of Manipur, has issued an order on August 28 last directing that the petitioner shall continue to be under suspension.

However the bench was of the view that the suspension order has become invalid since it has not been expended within 90 days “under the provisions of sub-rule (6) in terms of the law settled by the honourable Supreme Court” such an order of suspension which has become invalid cannot be revived by the subsequent review cannot be allowed to be continued by the competent authority.

Moreover, bench mentioned that any other disciplinary proceeding has not been commenced against the petitioner while he was under suspension in connection with a memorandum dated 17-06-2017.

Dr. Okram Ibomcha Singh, was suspended by an order issued by the deputy secretary (DP), government of Manipur on April 13 last as a disciplinary action for allegedly misusing his official status, power and acted in a manner of unbecoming of a government servant under rule 10(1)(a) of the CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965.

The suspension order sparked controversy as the Health minister, L. Jayentakumar, tendered his resignation three days after the suspension order was issued, for alleged interference from many quarters.

Senior Advocate, B.P Sabu, represented the petitioner while N. Kumarjit, Advocate general appeared on behalf of the respondents which included the state of Manipur represented by the principal secretary (DP), commissioner, department of Health and Family Welfare and under secretary (DP), government of Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4964-hc-quashes-suspension-order-of-dr-ibomcha

CM moots better relations with Myanmar

CM moots better relations with Myanmar

IMPHAL | Nov 10

Chief minister N. Biren Singh said that Government of Manipur is planning to construct guest houses for Buddhist pilgrims from Myanmar as well as tourists and patients in the State.

He was speaking at the inaugural session of International Conference ‘Looking Forward: India Myanmar Relations’ held at Yangon during his four-day visit to Myanmar today.

The conference was jointly organised by Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, India (ISCS) and Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies (MISIS) with supports from Embassy of India, Yangon, RIS, India, MIBC and Mizzima Media Group.

Speaking as the chief guest, Chief minister said that a regional language study centre would be set up in Manipur for developing foreign languages, especially Myanmar and Thai languages. The Manipur Government would set up Buddhist religious teaching institution(s) in alliance with Nalanda University through the Ministry of Culture, Government of India in Manipur.

Mentioning the glorious past of Indo-Myanmar relations, Chief minister said that India and Myanmar are not simply good neighbours but inseparable nations that have together stood the test of time for centuries now.

Highlighting the border area development plan for Moreh and surrounding areas, Chief minister said that the Government is planning to develop a new cosmopolitan township with all the requisite facilities for international trade to be established near the border.

Stating the importance of Act East Policy in the region, Chief minister stated that Manipur Government has constituted a State Level Committee to aid and advice in effective operationalisation of Act East Policy in the State. With an aim to promote and implement the Act East Policy of the Government of India effectively, he said, the Committee shall advise and guide the departments and agencies of the Government in carrying out various activities in Manipur and the neighbouring region. He further mentioned the vast potential resources in terms of natural resources of the North East India. The region has the highest hydro power potential producing roughly above 40 thousand Mega Watts.

Chief minister stated that the State Government has identified several potential projects for investment under the sectors of Power, Tourism, Horticulture, Agro based industries, Food Processing, Handloom and Handicrafts etc. and Manipur is ready to provide incentives to potential investors who are willing to invest in the State. He said that marketing infrastructure need to be developed in terms of storage and processing facilities, adequate marketing system, road infrastructure and market centres in the region.

On the occasion, Chief minister invited the media fraternity from Myanmar to be the guests in Manipur during the ‘Manipur Sangai Festival 2017’. He said that there will be a media interaction where one can share the views and ideas on Act East Policy, to deepen the relationships between both the countries and above all the growth of economies. He further mentioned that there will be an exhibition football match between the Myanmar Women Football Team and Manipur Women Football Team in the upcoming Manipur Sangai Festival under the theme “Connecting through Sports”.

Among others, Retired Ambassador and MISIS Chairman Shri U Nyunt Maung Shein, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shri U Kyaw Zeya, Ambassador of India to Myanmar Shri Vikram Misri and Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, India (ISCS), Secretary Shri Arindam Mukherjee also attended the conference.

Principal Secretary to Chief minister Shri Vineet Joshi, State Level Committee for Operationalisation of Act East Policy Convenor Shri RK Shivachandra and Personal Secretary to Chief minister Shri Salam Rajen are accompanying the Chief minister.

CM moots better relations with Myanmar

IMPHAL | Nov 10

Chief minister N. Biren Singh said that Government of Manipur is planning to construct guest houses for Buddhist pilgrims from Myanmar as well as tourists and patients in the State.

He was speaking at the inaugural session of International Conference ‘Looking Forward: India Myanmar Relations’ held at Yangon during his four-day visit to Myanmar today.

The conference was jointly organised by Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, India (ISCS) and Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies (MISIS) with supports from Embassy of India, Yangon, RIS, India, MIBC and Mizzima Media Group.

Speaking as the chief guest, Chief minister said that a regional language study centre would be set up in Manipur for developing foreign languages, especially Myanmar and Thai languages. The Manipur Government would set up Buddhist religious teaching institution(s) in alliance with Nalanda University through the Ministry of Culture, Government of India in Manipur.

Mentioning the glorious past of Indo-Myanmar relations, Chief minister said that India and Myanmar are not simply good neighbours but inseparable nations that have together stood the test of time for centuries now.

Highlighting the border area development plan for Moreh and surrounding areas, Chief minister said that the Government is planning to develop a new cosmopolitan township with all the requisite facilities for international trade to be established near the border.

Stating the importance of Act East Policy in the region, Chief minister stated that Manipur Government has constituted a State Level Committee to aid and advice in effective operationalisation of Act East Policy in the State. With an aim to promote and implement the Act East Policy of the Government of India effectively, he said, the Committee shall advise and guide the departments and agencies of the Government in carrying out various activities in Manipur and the neighbouring region. He further mentioned the vast potential resources in terms of natural resources of the North East India. The region has the highest hydro power potential producing roughly above 40 thousand Mega Watts.

Chief minister stated that the State Government has identified several potential projects for investment under the sectors of Power, Tourism, Horticulture, Agro based industries, Food Processing, Handloom and Handicrafts etc. and Manipur is ready to provide incentives to potential investors who are willing to invest in the State. He said that marketing infrastructure need to be developed in terms of storage and processing facilities, adequate marketing system, road infrastructure and market centres in the region.

On the occasion, Chief minister invited the media fraternity from Myanmar to be the guests in Manipur during the ‘Manipur Sangai Festival 2017’. He said that there will be a media interaction where one can share the views and ideas on Act East Policy, to deepen the relationships between both the countries and above all the growth of economies. He further mentioned that there will be an exhibition football match between the Myanmar Women Football Team and Manipur Women Football Team in the upcoming Manipur Sangai Festival under the theme “Connecting through Sports”.

Among others, Retired Ambassador and MISIS Chairman Shri U Nyunt Maung Shein, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shri U Kyaw Zeya, Ambassador of India to Myanmar Shri Vikram Misri and Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, India (ISCS), Secretary Shri Arindam Mukherjee also attended the conference.

Principal Secretary to Chief minister Shri Vineet Joshi, State Level Committee for Operationalisation of Act East Policy Convenor Shri RK Shivachandra and Personal Secretary to Chief minister Shri Salam Rajen are accompanying the Chief minister.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4963-cm-moots-better-relations-with-myanmar

President of India to inaugurate the Sangai Fest

President of India to inaugurate the Sangai Fest

IMPHAL | Nov 10

The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the 8th Manipur Sangai Festival 2017. Addressing media persons at the Conference Hall of Old Secretariat, MLA Dr. Sapam Ranjan, Chairman, Tourism Corporation Manipur Limited said that the people of Manipur will witness a grand festival in the 8th edition of Manipur Sangai Festival to be held from November 21 to 30.

He said that the goal of the festival is to double the number of attendees compared to previous festivals held since inception.

This year the festival will be held at different venues with main venues at Hatta Kangjeibung, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal East District and Lamboi Khongnangkhong in Imphal West District and at Sendra, Takmu water Sports Complex and Keibul in Bishnupur District.

The festival expects to welcome 50,000 attendees this year including national leaders, policy makers, industry experts, business delegates and exhibitors from over 20 countries.

To make the festival a success and to promote Manipur tourism, marketing and publicity campaign for the festival have been expanded in different cities all over India through multiple platforms which include print and digital, social media, radio, television, billboards and other on-site publicity activities engaging airports and metro trains etc. he added.

He further said that before the inauguration of the festival, a half marathon and other races will be conducted in the morning followed by a Curtain Raiser at Keibul Lamjao by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh in the afternoon on November 19.

The inaugural function will take place at Hatta Kangjeibung on November 21, 2017, where cultural activities of the different communities of the State and other States of India as well as International artists and cultural troupe will take place throughout the festival at the Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT). Besides photography exhibition, MTF World War II exhibition, flower show, theme parks, food stall and other entertainment programmes will also be a part of the showcase at the main venue.

Indigenous sports and fun activities for children will be conducted at the Khuman Lampak sports complex. The venue at Lamboi Khongnangkhong will host biggest number of commercial stalls from Manipur, different states of the country and abroad in addition to tethered Hot Air Balloons which will be the main attraction. Mapal Kangjeibung will host exciting polo matches between teams from Manipur representing India and other countries.

On November 26, a boat race (Hiyang Tannaba) will be held at the South-Western part of the Kangla Moat where boat racers dressed in indigenous attires will compete at the race, the Chairman added. To showcase the immense tourism potential of Loktak Lake and its adjoining areas, cultural event with a theme centred on the culture of Loktak Lake, modern polo and the endangered brow-antlered deer (Sangai) will be held on the evening of 22nd and 23rd November at Takmu Water Sports Complex at Loktak Lake along with several water activities in Bishnupur District.

He also said that for the first time, the state is going to host the North East Development Summit during the Manipur Sangai Festival to develop the North East Region with special focus on Manipur by inviting investors and other stakeholders from across India and other countries to explore business opportunities in Manipur. The summit will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind on 21st November, 2017. 

Keeping in view of the large traffic volume expected during the festival, the State Police Department has charted out routes to ease the traffic movement. To ensure safety, visitors can access the 24×7 helpline numbers (SP, Imphal East – 9436033471; SSP, Imphal West – 9436279997; SP Bishnupur – 9862067893; Lamboikhongnangkhong; Khuman Lampak, Control Room– 0385-2450214; Hatta Kangjeibung, Control Room  – 0385-2452669 and Bishnupur Control Room – 03879-222339). CCTV cameras will be installed at all the main venues. In view of the multiple venues at this edition of the festival, the Tourism Department has organised a free shuttle service, comprising 40 Tata Wingers fitted with GPS devices to shuttle between the four main venues – Hatta Kangjeibung, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal East district and Mapal Kangjeibung, Lamboi Khongnangkhong in Imphal West District. The Tourism Department will also be offering Free Wi-Fi services in and around the main venue at Hatta Kangjeibung through Reliance Jio to cater the needs of the participants.

The Tourism Department will issue identity cards for those media persons without DIPR identity card. However, media persons having DIPR Identity cards will be given free entry to the venues this year as a step towards giving increases media coverage to the festivals, he added.

Entry tickets for Hatta Kangjeibung will be priced at Rs. 30/- (Adult) and Rs. 20/- (Uniformed Students) and for Khuman Lampak and Lamboi Khongnangkhong at Rs. 20/-(Adult) and Rs. 10/- (Uniformed Students). Tickets will be available at all venues of the event and at various counters at Kongba, Singjamei, Lilong, Kwakeithel, Keishampat, Uripok, Lalambung, Khuyathong and Lamlong. Online tickets will also be available at www.sangaiticket.com.

  1. Sudhan, IAS, Director (Tourism), Government of Manipur, Clay Khongsai, IGP (Zone -1) and officials of Tourism Department and Police Department also attended the press briefing.
President of India to inaugurate the Sangai Fest

IMPHAL | Nov 10

The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the 8th Manipur Sangai Festival 2017. Addressing media persons at the Conference Hall of Old Secretariat, MLA Dr. Sapam Ranjan, Chairman, Tourism Corporation Manipur Limited said that the people of Manipur will witness a grand festival in the 8th edition of Manipur Sangai Festival to be held from November 21 to 30.

He said that the goal of the festival is to double the number of attendees compared to previous festivals held since inception.

This year the festival will be held at different venues with main venues at Hatta Kangjeibung, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal East District and Lamboi Khongnangkhong in Imphal West District and at Sendra, Takmu water Sports Complex and Keibul in Bishnupur District.

The festival expects to welcome 50,000 attendees this year including national leaders, policy makers, industry experts, business delegates and exhibitors from over 20 countries.

To make the festival a success and to promote Manipur tourism, marketing and publicity campaign for the festival have been expanded in different cities all over India through multiple platforms which include print and digital, social media, radio, television, billboards and other on-site publicity activities engaging airports and metro trains etc. he added.

He further said that before the inauguration of the festival, a half marathon and other races will be conducted in the morning followed by a Curtain Raiser at Keibul Lamjao by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh in the afternoon on November 19.

The inaugural function will take place at Hatta Kangjeibung on November 21, 2017, where cultural activities of the different communities of the State and other States of India as well as International artists and cultural troupe will take place throughout the festival at the Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT). Besides photography exhibition, MTF World War II exhibition, flower show, theme parks, food stall and other entertainment programmes will also be a part of the showcase at the main venue.

Indigenous sports and fun activities for children will be conducted at the Khuman Lampak sports complex. The venue at Lamboi Khongnangkhong will host biggest number of commercial stalls from Manipur, different states of the country and abroad in addition to tethered Hot Air Balloons which will be the main attraction. Mapal Kangjeibung will host exciting polo matches between teams from Manipur representing India and other countries.

On November 26, a boat race (Hiyang Tannaba) will be held at the South-Western part of the Kangla Moat where boat racers dressed in indigenous attires will compete at the race, the Chairman added. To showcase the immense tourism potential of Loktak Lake and its adjoining areas, cultural event with a theme centred on the culture of Loktak Lake, modern polo and the endangered brow-antlered deer (Sangai) will be held on the evening of 22nd and 23rd November at Takmu Water Sports Complex at Loktak Lake along with several water activities in Bishnupur District.

He also said that for the first time, the state is going to host the North East Development Summit during the Manipur Sangai Festival to develop the North East Region with special focus on Manipur by inviting investors and other stakeholders from across India and other countries to explore business opportunities in Manipur. The summit will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind on 21st November, 2017. 

Keeping in view of the large traffic volume expected during the festival, the State Police Department has charted out routes to ease the traffic movement. To ensure safety, visitors can access the 24×7 helpline numbers (SP, Imphal East – 9436033471; SSP, Imphal West – 9436279997; SP Bishnupur – 9862067893; Lamboikhongnangkhong; Khuman Lampak, Control Room– 0385-2450214; Hatta Kangjeibung, Control Room  – 0385-2452669 and Bishnupur Control Room – 03879-222339). CCTV cameras will be installed at all the main venues. In view of the multiple venues at this edition of the festival, the Tourism Department has organised a free shuttle service, comprising 40 Tata Wingers fitted with GPS devices to shuttle between the four main venues – Hatta Kangjeibung, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal East district and Mapal Kangjeibung, Lamboi Khongnangkhong in Imphal West District. The Tourism Department will also be offering Free Wi-Fi services in and around the main venue at Hatta Kangjeibung through Reliance Jio to cater the needs of the participants.

The Tourism Department will issue identity cards for those media persons without DIPR identity card. However, media persons having DIPR Identity cards will be given free entry to the venues this year as a step towards giving increases media coverage to the festivals, he added.

Entry tickets for Hatta Kangjeibung will be priced at Rs. 30/- (Adult) and Rs. 20/- (Uniformed Students) and for Khuman Lampak and Lamboi Khongnangkhong at Rs. 20/-(Adult) and Rs. 10/- (Uniformed Students). Tickets will be available at all venues of the event and at various counters at Kongba, Singjamei, Lilong, Kwakeithel, Keishampat, Uripok, Lalambung, Khuyathong and Lamlong. Online tickets will also be available at www.sangaiticket.com.

  1. Sudhan, IAS, Director (Tourism), Government of Manipur, Clay Khongsai, IGP (Zone -1) and officials of Tourism Department and Police Department also attended the press briefing.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4956-president-of-india-to-inaugurate-the-sangai-fest

UNC demands ‘concrete proposal’ on district creation issue

UNC demands ‘concrete proposal’ on district creation issue

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI | Nov 10

In today’s round of tripartite talks, the UNC has urged the state government to come with a “concrete proposal” on the district creation issue by the next round of talks which has been scheduled for February 23, 2018.  

Another notable development in today’s talks on the district creation issue is that the state government “will issue advisory to concerned authorities to ease out problems faced by the general public subsequent” after the new districts were created. However, the parties involved in the talks did not divulge the precise point of the latter line.

Sources said that today’s tripartite talks were marred by charges from the UNC leaders on the state government representatives as the Naga leaders even threatened to quit the talks altogether. The UNC leaders demanded from the State government to roll back the new districts before December 8, 2017.

It may be recalled that then Ibobi Singh government declared the creation of seven new districts on December 8, 2016.

The Sources continued that today’s talks which began at 12:30 pm at DRDA conference hall, Senapati headquarters. During the talk the UNC representatives questioned as to why the state government took too long to roll back the new district created a year ago.

The UNC team was determined that the state government must rolls back the new districts by December 8, 2017. Following this fiery attacks from the Naga leaders, the State government representatives requested the former to give them some time so that they could prepare a “concrete proposal” after holding consultation with stakeholders.

Hangkhanlian, minister, agriculture, veterinary and animal husbandry, government of Manipur, N. Kayisii, minister, tribal and hill areas development and fisheries, Manipur and Thokchom Radheshyam Singh, minister, education and labour and employment, Manipur, J Suresh Babu, additional chief secretary, government of Manipur, K. Radhakumar Singh, Commissioner (Works) government of Manipur represented the State government.

The sources also said that the UNC leaders asked the state government representatives whether they have mistaken the talks for a ‘departmental meeting’. “We told the state government representatives to understand that this is a political talk”, said the UNC leaders. The UNC leaders also told the state government representatives not to come to tell their difficulties in the tripartite talks. “We told them that we are not here to listen to their difficulties. If they have no political will then there is no point continuing the talks,” added the UNC leader.

Gaidon Kamei, President, United Naga Council (UNC), S. Milan, general secretary, UNC, James Inka, general secretary, All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM), Asha Wungnam, president, Naga Women’s Union, L Adani, advisor, UNC, KS Paul Leo, former president of UNC, Samson Remei, former president, UNC, Weapon Zimik, president, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), Poupoklung Kamei, president, Zeliangrong Badi (M), Robert Lamkang, president, Chandel Naga Peoples Organisation (CNPO), Rockson Shimray (UNC), AC Thotso (ANSAM), SK Stephen (UNC), Gabriel Chinir (UNC), T Moses Kamba, president, Naga Peoples’ Organisation (NPO) represented the UNC team.

As usual, today’s event was chaired by Satyendra Garg, joint secretary, ministry of home affairs, government of India.

It is worth mentioning here that today’s event was the fifth one. The first one was held on March 19, and the second one on May 19, the third talks on August 11 and the fourth one on October 6.

UNC demands ‘concrete proposal’ on district creation issue

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI | Nov 10

In today’s round of tripartite talks, the UNC has urged the state government to come with a “concrete proposal” on the district creation issue by the next round of talks which has been scheduled for February 23, 2018.  

Another notable development in today’s talks on the district creation issue is that the state government “will issue advisory to concerned authorities to ease out problems faced by the general public subsequent” after the new districts were created. However, the parties involved in the talks did not divulge the precise point of the latter line.

Sources said that today’s tripartite talks were marred by charges from the UNC leaders on the state government representatives as the Naga leaders even threatened to quit the talks altogether. The UNC leaders demanded from the State government to roll back the new districts before December 8, 2017.

It may be recalled that then Ibobi Singh government declared the creation of seven new districts on December 8, 2016.

The Sources continued that today’s talks which began at 12:30 pm at DRDA conference hall, Senapati headquarters. During the talk the UNC representatives questioned as to why the state government took too long to roll back the new district created a year ago.

The UNC team was determined that the state government must rolls back the new districts by December 8, 2017. Following this fiery attacks from the Naga leaders, the State government representatives requested the former to give them some time so that they could prepare a “concrete proposal” after holding consultation with stakeholders.

Hangkhanlian, minister, agriculture, veterinary and animal husbandry, government of Manipur, N. Kayisii, minister, tribal and hill areas development and fisheries, Manipur and Thokchom Radheshyam Singh, minister, education and labour and employment, Manipur, J Suresh Babu, additional chief secretary, government of Manipur, K. Radhakumar Singh, Commissioner (Works) government of Manipur represented the State government.

The sources also said that the UNC leaders asked the state government representatives whether they have mistaken the talks for a ‘departmental meeting’. “We told the state government representatives to understand that this is a political talk”, said the UNC leaders. The UNC leaders also told the state government representatives not to come to tell their difficulties in the tripartite talks. “We told them that we are not here to listen to their difficulties. If they have no political will then there is no point continuing the talks,” added the UNC leader.

Gaidon Kamei, President, United Naga Council (UNC), S. Milan, general secretary, UNC, James Inka, general secretary, All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM), Asha Wungnam, president, Naga Women’s Union, L Adani, advisor, UNC, KS Paul Leo, former president of UNC, Samson Remei, former president, UNC, Weapon Zimik, president, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), Poupoklung Kamei, president, Zeliangrong Badi (M), Robert Lamkang, president, Chandel Naga Peoples Organisation (CNPO), Rockson Shimray (UNC), AC Thotso (ANSAM), SK Stephen (UNC), Gabriel Chinir (UNC), T Moses Kamba, president, Naga Peoples’ Organisation (NPO) represented the UNC team.

As usual, today’s event was chaired by Satyendra Garg, joint secretary, ministry of home affairs, government of India.

It is worth mentioning here that today’s event was the fifth one. The first one was held on March 19, and the second one on May 19, the third talks on August 11 and the fourth one on October 6.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4962-unc-demands-concrete-proposal-on-district-creation-issue

Biswajit inspects highways, says still committed to improve surface connectivity

Biswajit inspects highways, says still committed to improve surface connectivity

IMPHAL | Nov 10

Public Works Minister Shri Thongam Biswajit Singh today inspected road repairing and pot hole mending works along Imphal –Dimapur National Highway No. 39 and Tiddim Road ahead of the President of India’s visit to the Manipur Sangai Festival 2017.

Speaking to media persons on the sideline of the inspection tour at Ningthoukhong, the Minister said that road repairing works of the highways and the Keibul Lamjao approach road have been initiated ahead of the Sangai Festival. He asserted that this is not the end of road repairing works.

The government, he said, is still committed to improve surface connectivity by improving road conditions including national and state highways and lane. He said that officials have also been instructed to undertake proper road repairing work after the Sangai Festival. 

He continued in accordance to its earlier commitment to improve road conditions ahead of the Sangai Festival once the weather allows, the government has already started repairing of roads around Palace Compound, the Kongba Road among others.

Regarding the approach road leading to Lamboikhongnangkhong, the minister stated that considering the importance of the road in connection with the Sangai Festival, repairing works have been initiated.

The Minister, accompanied by engineers of the Works department including Executive Engineers and others, inspected the black topping and pothole mending works along the National Highway 39 at Koirengei Area and at Ningthoukhong along the Tiddim Road.

Biswajit inspects highways, says still committed to improve surface connectivity

IMPHAL | Nov 10

Public Works Minister Shri Thongam Biswajit Singh today inspected road repairing and pot hole mending works along Imphal –Dimapur National Highway No. 39 and Tiddim Road ahead of the President of India’s visit to the Manipur Sangai Festival 2017.

Speaking to media persons on the sideline of the inspection tour at Ningthoukhong, the Minister said that road repairing works of the highways and the Keibul Lamjao approach road have been initiated ahead of the Sangai Festival. He asserted that this is not the end of road repairing works.

The government, he said, is still committed to improve surface connectivity by improving road conditions including national and state highways and lane. He said that officials have also been instructed to undertake proper road repairing work after the Sangai Festival. 

He continued in accordance to its earlier commitment to improve road conditions ahead of the Sangai Festival once the weather allows, the government has already started repairing of roads around Palace Compound, the Kongba Road among others.

Regarding the approach road leading to Lamboikhongnangkhong, the minister stated that considering the importance of the road in connection with the Sangai Festival, repairing works have been initiated.

The Minister, accompanied by engineers of the Works department including Executive Engineers and others, inspected the black topping and pothole mending works along the National Highway 39 at Koirengei Area and at Ningthoukhong along the Tiddim Road.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4959-biswajit-inspects-highways-says-still-committed-to-improve-surface-connectivity

‘Our mission is to transform the state and stop the brain drain of talented youth’

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 10

Birla, Bajaj, Reliance, Maruti Suzuki,Ashok Leyland are among the names of the 150 delegates whom have been invited by the state government to attend the first North East business summit. The two-day summit will be held at the City Convention hall at Palace compound on November 21 and 22.

Convenor of the summit and vice-president of Manipur Infrastructure Development Authority (MIDA), M Ashwini Kumar told Imphal Free Press that the objective of the summit is to highlight and explore the opportunities and investment potential of the northeast with preference to Manipur state. “The summit is a part of the act-east policy of the Prime Minister, the PM had mentioned that northeast will be known as a new economy, new energy, new empowerment and will become a new engine for the growth of the nation,” he added that the dream will be realized under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the initiative of the chief minister N Biren Singh.

The summit will focus on the main agendas of trade and investment, connectivity and infrastructure development, tourism, skill development, capacity building and entrepreneurship and including sports, bio-economy, health, IT. The MNCs and the investors will be shown the potential of the resources of the state and local entrepreneurs will also be given opportunity to interact and give their proposals to the companies.

There will be delegates from 15 embassies including Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar etc. and chief ministers of Assam, Arunachal and Nagaland will also attend the summit. Ashwini stated that there is possibility of many union ministers attending the summit which the President of India will inaugurate.

He stated that Manipur is lagging behind from other states of the mainland and has remained neglected for many decades. “There are 8 lac unemployed youths, many talented individuals have left the state and work in other states and abroad, this is a brain drain for our state, such business summits will help empower the economy in a sustainable manner and plug the brain drain and at the same time provide myriad employment opportunities’ for the youths. We need this outside investment,” he said.

Even ahead of the summit, there has been preliminary contracts signed with a Singapore firm for development of real estate at Matai village, the Indian Coffee Board has started work for coffee plantation at Ukhrul, Chandel and Imphal East encompassing 300 hectares, Spice Board of India has initiated a Rs100 crore project for the fiscal year, projects are underway also to produce ethanol as a bio-fuel. “These are new ventures, new concepts objected at providing sustainable development, it is but a new beginning, our mission is to transform Manipur” Ashwini said.

The officials of Manipur Chamber of Commerce and All Manipur Entrepreneurs Association will be taking part as delegates at the summit.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 10

Birla, Bajaj, Reliance, Maruti Suzuki,Ashok Leyland are among the names of the 150 delegates whom have been invited by the state government to attend the first North East business summit. The two-day summit will be held at the City Convention hall at Palace compound on November 21 and 22.

Convenor of the summit and vice-president of Manipur Infrastructure Development Authority (MIDA), M Ashwini Kumar told Imphal Free Press that the objective of the summit is to highlight and explore the opportunities and investment potential of the northeast with preference to Manipur state. “The summit is a part of the act-east policy of the Prime Minister, the PM had mentioned that northeast will be known as a new economy, new energy, new empowerment and will become a new engine for the growth of the nation,” he added that the dream will be realized under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the initiative of the chief minister N Biren Singh.

The summit will focus on the main agendas of trade and investment, connectivity and infrastructure development, tourism, skill development, capacity building and entrepreneurship and including sports, bio-economy, health, IT. The MNCs and the investors will be shown the potential of the resources of the state and local entrepreneurs will also be given opportunity to interact and give their proposals to the companies.

There will be delegates from 15 embassies including Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar etc. and chief ministers of Assam, Arunachal and Nagaland will also attend the summit. Ashwini stated that there is possibility of many union ministers attending the summit which the President of India will inaugurate.

He stated that Manipur is lagging behind from other states of the mainland and has remained neglected for many decades. “There are 8 lac unemployed youths, many talented individuals have left the state and work in other states and abroad, this is a brain drain for our state, such business summits will help empower the economy in a sustainable manner and plug the brain drain and at the same time provide myriad employment opportunities’ for the youths. We need this outside investment,” he said.

Even ahead of the summit, there has been preliminary contracts signed with a Singapore firm for development of real estate at Matai village, the Indian Coffee Board has started work for coffee plantation at Ukhrul, Chandel and Imphal East encompassing 300 hectares, Spice Board of India has initiated a Rs100 crore project for the fiscal year, projects are underway also to produce ethanol as a bio-fuel. “These are new ventures, new concepts objected at providing sustainable development, it is but a new beginning, our mission is to transform Manipur” Ashwini said.

The officials of Manipur Chamber of Commerce and All Manipur Entrepreneurs Association will be taking part as delegates at the summit.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4961-our-mission-is-to-transform-the-state-and-stop-the-brain-drain-of-talented-youth

Only Congress affected by Demonetization, not the poor charges Bhabananda

Only Congress affected by Demonetization, not the poor charges Bhabananda

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 9

If the poor people were affected by demonetisation, they would have come out on the streets and taken up certain agitation. It is certain that the Congress party was greatly affected by it, said Rajya Sabha MP, Ksh. Bhabananda.

The MP, who is also the state unit president of the BJP was addressing a gathering at Niytaipat Chuthek party office following a rally which was conducted in connection with the four-day observation of national wide “Anti-Black Money Day (Kala Dhan Virodhi Diwas)” which ends today.   

The rally was flagged off from Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound Imphal and culminated at the BJP state office, Nitaipat Chuthek. 

Bhabananda who also took part in the rally said demonetisation does not give any affect to the poor it only affected the rich people who are using black money. The president said that according to expert economist the country’s economy will grow by the year 2018.  

Works minister, Th. Biswajit who was also present in the gathering lambasted the previous Congress government stating that it was a regime of scam and not for the people.  

The minister said that demonetisation of Rs. 500 and 1,000 notes last year was a risky and a bold step taken up the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to eradicate black money and black business from the country.

There are a lot of advantages of demonitisation and the disadvantages are only standing in a long queue in bank to deposit money and expenditure in printing the new currency, added Biswajit.

The minister claimed that the previous Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh did not take up any action to investigate the black money circulating in the country as it was bound to give a negative impact to the Congress party. 

Stating that there are many resources in the state which can bring about economical developmental in the state, the minister asked, “Why the previous government had not taken up any process to utilise the resources in rightful ways?”

He said that the current government under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is working at its best level to uplift the poor with the ideology of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”.

Only Congress affected by Demonetization, not the poor charges Bhabananda

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 9

If the poor people were affected by demonetisation, they would have come out on the streets and taken up certain agitation. It is certain that the Congress party was greatly affected by it, said Rajya Sabha MP, Ksh. Bhabananda.

The MP, who is also the state unit president of the BJP was addressing a gathering at Niytaipat Chuthek party office following a rally which was conducted in connection with the four-day observation of national wide “Anti-Black Money Day (Kala Dhan Virodhi Diwas)” which ends today.   

The rally was flagged off from Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound Imphal and culminated at the BJP state office, Nitaipat Chuthek. 

Bhabananda who also took part in the rally said demonetisation does not give any affect to the poor it only affected the rich people who are using black money. The president said that according to expert economist the country’s economy will grow by the year 2018.  

Works minister, Th. Biswajit who was also present in the gathering lambasted the previous Congress government stating that it was a regime of scam and not for the people.  

The minister said that demonetisation of Rs. 500 and 1,000 notes last year was a risky and a bold step taken up the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to eradicate black money and black business from the country.

There are a lot of advantages of demonitisation and the disadvantages are only standing in a long queue in bank to deposit money and expenditure in printing the new currency, added Biswajit.

The minister claimed that the previous Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh did not take up any action to investigate the black money circulating in the country as it was bound to give a negative impact to the Congress party. 

Stating that there are many resources in the state which can bring about economical developmental in the state, the minister asked, “Why the previous government had not taken up any process to utilise the resources in rightful ways?”

He said that the current government under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is working at its best level to uplift the poor with the ideology of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4938-only-congress-affected-by-demonetization-not-the-poor-charges-bhabananda

ITI students protest turns violent

By A Staff Reporter
IMPHAL | Nov 9
Students of Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Takyelpat burnt down two unused cars and some infrastructures of the institute at its campus today as a protest against the authorities not fulfilling their demands.
…

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 9

Students of Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Takyelpat burnt down two unused cars and some infrastructures of the institute at its campus today as a protest against the authorities not fulfilling their demands.

The protesting students stopped fire-fighters who had come to the spot to douse the fire. The state police force were also not able to stop the students from burning down of the vehicles and the infrastructures.

Speaking to the media, All Manipur ITI Students Union general secretary, L. Parker said that several memorandums have been submitted to the chief minister, N. Biren, education minister, Th. Radheshyam and to the authority concerned asking for infrastructure development and to review the whole administrative system of the ITIs.

But till today the government has not given any positive reply to their demands so they have taken up the agitation, he added.

The infrastructure in all the ITIs does not match the present day needs and moreover there are many unqualified staffs, he continued.

The general secretary warned that if the government still fails to take up positive action to their demands more intense forms of agitation will also take place in the future.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4937-iti-students-protest-turns-violent

Minister lauds Mary

IMPHAL | Nov 9
Kayisii, minister of tribal affairs and hills and fisheries, government of Manipur has extended heartiest congratulations to Mary Kom on her wining the Asian Boxing Championship Gold Medal recently held at Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

IMPHAL | Nov 9

Kayisii, minister of tribal affairs and hills and fisheries, government of Manipur has extended heartiest congratulations to Mary Kom on her wining the Asian Boxing Championship Gold Medal recently held at Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4930-minister-lauds-mary