Tag: IFP

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 6

Under the department of horticulture and soil conservation and department of agriculture, 24 progressive organic farmers and eight officials of the two departments left for Delhi to participate in the 19th Organic World Congress to be held from November 9-11 at Greater Noida.

In the flagging off ceremony of the farmers, director of department of horticulture and soil conservation, K. Kipgen said that this is the first time for the state farmers to get international exposure in organic farming.

In the world event, the farmers will showcase and promote potentials of organic produce of the state and will be a platform to share experiences, innovations and knowledge about organic world, said Kipgen.

The director also said that this will provide opportunities to attract investments on production and processing aspects and would play instrumental in building future market linkage of organic products of the state. The organic farmers will be benefitted with enhanced knowledge of quality organic products and information on its demand through the exposure, he added.

Ginger and turmeric, Kachai lemon, Chak hou, oranges are some of the state produce to be taken for the world meet, said Kipgen.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 6

The High Court of Manipur today has directed the authorities of Regional Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) to submit reports on the alleged irregularities as complained by one of the PG students of the institute to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) recently.

The single bench of the High Court, acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar has taken up Suo motu PIL case under PIL no. 37 of 2017, based on the recent news report about the same complaint published in the local dailies.

During the hearing of the case, the court has directed to constitute three members committee for the thorough investigation of the case and submit the report to the court and has fixed November 20 for the next hearing.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 6

The second phase of Intensified Mission Indradhanush is set to kick start tomorrow in four hill districts of the state by Family Welfare Department. The districts covered under this mission are Churachandpur, Chandel, Ukhrul and Tamenglong.

In a media sensitisation workshop held today at its B.T. road office, director of health and family welfare, Dr. K. Rajo stated that the mission aims for vaccination of children from 0-2 years to prevent from deadly diseases such as diphtheria, measles, whooping cough and Japanese encephalitis.

He said that the main focus is in the hill districts of the state, which are the lowest immunised districts. The second phase will go on for seven days straight, he added.

He further said that the mission will cover around 3104 children under 0-2 years of age and also targets in giving two doses of Tetanus and Tetanus booster for 936 pregnant women. The previous phase that started on October 18 managed to get 88.8 per cent with total site plan of 369 sessions and achieved 325 sessions. While the second phase aims to complete and cover all the left out of first phase of immunisation in the state, he added.

Dr. K. Rajo said that just like the famous slogan of Manipur chief minister ‘Go to the Hills’, the mission’s motto will be ‘Go to the hills, and work and immunise’.

Responding to a query, state nodal officer of immunisation, Dr. Nandakishore said that the other districts of the state are better immunised than these mentioned districts.

He said that diphtheria is one of the deadliest diseases that kill every 30,000 children every year in the country and also one of the biggest threats to the state. There is an urgent need to wipe out the disease, he added.

Nandakishore also said that the state is already on a plan to eradicate Measles Rubella and the mission will start by February 2018.

IMPHAL | Nov 6

Haomee Research Guild opposes STDCM’s demand for Meitei community’s inclusion or conversion to scheduled tribe (ST) category, said a release from vice-chairman S Robin.  

The release added that the executive committee of the guild feels there might be some hidden agenda behind the demand.

Asking the state government not to entertain the “unacceptable demand”, the guild said STDCM should respect the rights of tribal people and refrain from building any tension with a contentious issue.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 6

The sub-divisional officer, Imphal West has decided to carry out eviction of encroachers who occupied government and public lands around the deputy commissioner office complex.

According to sources, an official team led by SDC, Imphal West (Central) had recently conducted enquiry during which the team has ascertained that a total of 35 unauthorised shops and other establishments were found around the DC office complex, Lamphelpat by encroaching the public land which includes pan shops, grocery shops, office of BJP, Lamsang Mandal, tea stalls, rice hotels and rice mills.

The court of the sub-divisional officer, Lamphel, Imphal West has served notice to all the owners of the shops and establishments to appear before the said court on November 13 to give reasons as to why the standing structures should not be removed as it would be directed by the court.

IMPHAL | Nov 6

Thokchom Sanathoi Singh, son of Th. Shyam Singh, Class XII, JNV Bishnupur, has won the 1st prize of the debating competition held on November 5, at Kangla.

A release said, meanwhile Haobijam Geetanjali, daughter of H. Dhiren, Class XI, MECI and Ningthoukh Nobin, son of N. Lakpati, Class XI, Johnstone Higher Secondary School won the 2nd and 3rd prize, respectively.

Along with the above positions, 5 consolation prizes were also handed out, it said. The debate was organised by All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union under the sponsorship of MAHUD Department, the release continued.  “Imphal Sahaar Lu-nanna Thamnabagi Thoudang (Daita) Ashi Sarkargini” was the topic of the debate competition, it added.

IMPHAL | Nov 6

Biramangol College Teachers’ Association (BCTA) has provided clarifications regarding the allegations made by a proscribed organisation in the local dailies today.

What has been stated about the failure to create a governing body of the college for the last three years is true, said a release. However, it has been the wish of BCTA that a governing body of the college be created, it said. Many appeals have been made before to the directorate of education (U) by BCTA to bring an agreement between the opposing parties and create the governing body, the release further said. Many press releases have been also published regarding the matter, it continued. Unfortunately, the directorate expressed the inability to come to decision due to an existing case, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL| Nov 6

In an agitation against non-declaration of viva voice result, the Joint Action Committee for All Manipur Police Constable Civil Male Viva Voice Completed Candidate 2016 10+2 Fresh Batch today declared to impose bandh on November 10 from 5 am to 5 pm.

Speaking to media at Manipur Press Club today, the general secretary of the committee, Chanambam Manichandra said that the dateline of declaring their result was on November 4 but the authorities concerned did not declare on the said date and remained deaf to the demand. The general strike will be imposed by the JAC to show discontentment with the negligence of the government, he added.

He said that on August 18, the JAC went to CM bungalow in order to take an appointment of meeting with the chief minister, however, the JAC was told to come on August 23 and discuss the matter along with CM, N. Biren Singh and OC, Shubon of Imphal police station. But unfortunately the JAC failed to meet them.

The JAC finally submitted their memorandum on October 22 stating that if the authority concerned did not declare their result before November 4, the JAC will be imposing bandh and blockade for three days continuously, said Manichandra.

IMPHAL | Nov 5

Women play a pivotal role in all spheres of life, be it at home, in religious activities or professional life, said social welfare and cooperation minister, Nemcha Kipgen, who was the chief guest at the evening session of the sixth Northeast India Choral Competition held yesterday in New Delhi.

She said, ‘role of women is very vital in establishment of a stable society. The contribution of women is often like the corner-stone in the foundation of a house’.

Lauding all the contestants, especially the women who took part in this competition, Kipgen said that without women, the church and home will be half-empty.

Highlighting the theme of the competition ‘togetherness’, she urged all the people to come together as one despite the fact that they speak different languages or hail from different tribes, communities and states.

She also expressed optimism that such a competition will not just bring together huge number of talented participants and delegates from various churches to showcase their talent but will exhibit oneness among diverse ethnic groups and spiritually enrich the participants as well as the audiences.

The competition was organised by Tangkhul Christian Charitable Trust, Delhi where nine choir groups from different parts of the northeast competed.

Independent Church of India won the first prize and a cash award of Rs. 3 lakhs, while Poumai Baptist Church, Delhi and Tangkhul Church, Delhi were in second and third positions respectively.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 5

All India Students’ Federation (AISF) today informed that it will take action against schools that does not fulfill the criteria given by the Board of Secondary Education Manipur and Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur.

Speaking to media persons at the federation’s office at Rupmahal tank, Kh. Rameswore state secretary AISF, alleged that many private schools in the state are operating for commercial purpose on the pretext of education.

AISF state unit has recently conducted an inspection of many private schools operating in the state and has found that many of them (school) are unregistered and some are attached to government schools, he said.

He further pointed out that some of the private schools attached to government institutions are found conducting their classes at government schools.

The AISF leader asserted that since most of the government schools lacks infrastructure parents prefer to send their children in private schools. Taking advantage of the situation many private schools have come up with the sole intention of earning easy money, he contended.

The secretary appealed to the authority concerned to take necessary action against these schools that does not follow the norms and criteria given by the Board and Council.

He further warned that the student’s body will take matters in their own hand if the authority concerned fails to act to prevent the mushrooming of unauthorized private schools within five days.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 5

Normal life was partially affected in the Imphal area today due to the 12 hours state wide general strike imposed by Maoist Communist Party, Manipur in protest against misuse of PDS items by PDS minister in collusion with several revolutionary groups.

In response to the strike, most of the business establishment, educational institutes, petrol pumps, markets and shops in Imphal area remained closed during the strike period which started from 5am and ended at 5pm.

Few private vehicles were seen plying on the road and the interstate bus services were totally paralysed during the early hour of the bandh. Later in the afternoon, passenger auto rickshaws were seen plying on the streets in large numbers.

Taking the advantage of closure of petrol pumps, black marketer were seen selling petrol and diesel on the road side.

According to Maoist Communist Party, Manipur the general strike will be the first of its kind where one revolutionary organisation has called against other revolutionary organisations.

It said 1,20,327 metric tons of rice has been distributed monthly through PDS and if the rice were actually delivered to every household of the state then there would have been no starving family and the prevailing issues could have been prevented.

The rice meant for the poor is being stolen through the agents of revolutionary organisations in collusion with the PDS minister, alleged the group.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Nov 5

United Bank of India, Viewland, Ukhrul branch was shut down by the irate public on November 3 as the bank has not been functioning properly since many days due to shortage of cash, poor internet connection and lack of staff.

AGM of UBI Manipur visited Ukhrul on November 4 and had a discussion with Tangkhul Naga Long. He assured that a V-Sat will be fixed to solve the internet issue and the shortage of staff and other facilities will be sorted out latest by November 7. The AGM has also submitted a letter addressed to the president of Tangkhul Naga Long yesterday, requesting for normal and regular functioning of the bank from November 6 onwards.

It may be mentioned that due to Manipur government cabinet decision in the past, Ukhrul and Tamenglong remittance was air lifted as surface transport under the protection of state security forces is not possible due to ‘high security zone tag’. The remittance of UBI, Ukhrul is yet to be reached.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 5

The Bharatiya Janata Party Manipur (BJP) is going to organised “Anti-black money” observance in different part of the state starting from tomorrow till November 9.

Speaking to media persons at BJP office today, K. Saratkumar, general secretary administration, said the “Anti-black money” observance is a part of the nationwide campaign initiated by the central government on the theme black money and importance of GST in the country and added that preparation for the same is completed.

As a part of the observance a youth convention of the party would be organised at Khundrakpam from 11 am wherein youth from different part will converged.

In the convention, the gathering would deliberate on the positive outcome of Demonitisation carried out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to curb black money and benefit of the implementation of GST to the country, he informed.

Further informing that the convention will be inaugurated by chief minister N. Biren Singh, Saratkumar stated that experts and resource persons will speak on the positive outcome of Demonitisation and GST.

On November 7, the chief minister would have an interaction with the media persons on the same topics followed by a grand observance of first anniversary of Demonitisation on November 8, he said.

THOUBAL | Nov 5

A stag barking deer was rescued today and later handed over to the Manipur Zoo.

The deer was rescued by Khumukcham Amarjit Meitei, son of Kh. Indramani Meitei of Kakching Khunou Umathen Awang leikai but later taken by the staff of Kakching Range office and Wangoo Lamkhai Beat office along with two honorary wildlife warden of Thoubal and Kakching district to hand it over to the zoo.

Range officer, Kakching, N. Mural Meitei has appreciated the villager for rescuing the wild animal and said that the person has obeyed the law under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, under which killing of wild animals is punishable with imprisonment up to three years with a fine up to Rs. 25000 or with both. He further requested the general public not to kill animals but to save and inform immediately to the nearest Forest office for rescue.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Nov 5

In a rare attempt that has been seen rarely in the world, Md Jabir Khan (24) son of (L) Haji Salaoddin from Lilong Khunou under Thoubal district today pulled an Alto and a Gypsy together by using his teeth only.    

Jabir Khan pulled the Alto and Gypsy which was tied together one after another, in front of the Lilong police station today. The baffled onlookers watched the unfolding action as if it was in a dream. 

Jabir khan expressed to the media person that some months before, being unable to find a knife to peel open a coconut, he attempted to peel it by his teeth and realised that he was able to do it easily. Afterwards, he had peeled open more than 10 coconuts by his teeth. He once uploaded a post at Facebook in which he peeled open a coconut in front of the camera. The post received more than 700 likes and also received many encouragements.  

After that experience, he started practicing by lifting up cycles with his teeth. Some of his friends repeatedly expressed their curiosity if he could pull a vehicle by his teeth. When he tried it out yesterday, he discovered that he could do it very easily. When he again tried to practice today if he could pull two vehicles together, he was able to do it by the grace of God, he said.

Expressing that he would try to set of genius world record, he said he had never consumed paan that may affect his teeth or taken any other abusive substances like alcohol and drugs in his life. As per the advice of the elders that eating bamboo shoots makes the teeth become stronger, he eats them thrice a week, he said. He further expressed that his wish that the youths should give up the habit consuming paan and gutkhas like talab before taking breakfast and take healthy food instead.

It may be mentioned that the Alto car Jabir Khan pulled today weighed 802Kgs and the Gypsy vehicle weighed 1020Kgs amounting to a total weight of 1822Kgs (4056 pounds).  He also holds the post of the secretary of Lilong Khunou Anti Drug Association currently. His videos are available at Youtube under the channel titled Eramdam vlogs.

IMPHAL | Nov 5

Chief minister said that the new government’s vision and sole objective is to bring positive change and development in the State. This was stated by him at the inauguration function of Rev. Fr. NV Jose Memorial Multipurpose Auditorium at Don Bosco College, Maram today.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief minister said that the government is trying to reduce the misunderstandings and communication gap between various communities so as to bring emotional integration in the State. He assured that the government would never hurt the sentiments of any communities living in the State. We should respect, help and share feelings of each other only then peace and tranquillity will prevail in the State, he added.

Biren Singh said that the new government is planning to introduce new welfare schemes for the poor and needy people to bring inclusive development in the State.

Mentioning that around 2.62 lakh people are living under BPL in the State, Chief minister said that the Government would introduce a health insurance scheme to provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to those who cannot afford medical treatment. He assured that such scheme would be launched from 1st January, 2018 and every member of those BPL families can avail the benefits of such scheme.

He further pointed out that the State government will launch a special scheme for differently-abled persons of the State. Under the special scheme, the government would provide a monthly stipend of Rs 1,500 to those who are permanently disabled persons. The Government will also provide free education to the differently abled students in the State. No fare would be charged for persons with disabilities travelling in State public transportation, he assured.

Biren mentioned that the primary objective of Prime minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ is to bring an inclusive development with a collective effort towards the improvement of the most deprived and downtrodden sections of the society. Under his leadership, each and every person of the country would have a house of their own by 2022 under PMAY and every household would have LPG connection under Ujwala Yojana, he added.

Chief minister said that education is a means to end violence which can lead to the path of peace and prosperity in the State.

He stated that imparting good and quality education to the students can root out the prevailing corruption in the State. Stating that if education collapses everything will collapse in the society, he appealed the students not to use any unfair methods/means and study well so that every student would have a bright future. Lauding the efforts and contribution of Don Bosco in imparting education in the State, Chief minister said that it is indeed happy to learn that Don Bosco is imparting education to more than 70,000 students in the region.

Chief minister further appealed the students to educate the people about the effects of deforestation which have negative impact on environment and humankind. We should never fight with nature, we need nature and nature doesn’t need us, he mentioned.

On the occasion, Chief minister announced that under RUSA scheme Don Bosco College, Maram would get a total amount of Rs. 1.5 crore as a grant-in aid. Rs. 25 lakhs has already been given to the College and another Rs. 50 lakhs would be sanctioned by the end of next year.

He further said that a proposal of Rs. 6-7 crores would be sent to NEC for the construction of Library cum Science Laboratory of the College. He directed the DC Senapati to co-ordinate with Planning Department and PWD for the black topping of the approach road to the College.

Chief minister said that a total of Rs. 10 crore has been allocated for the construction of various office buildings in the hill areas in the State and PWD has been asked to include the construction of SDO office at Maram Lairouching under the scheme. The up gradation of Maram bazaar PHC to CHC and Maram Khullen PHSC to PHC will be considered in the next Cabinet meeting, he added.

minister for PHED Shri Losii Dikho, Ex-minister Shri Francis Ngajokpa, Principal Secretary(Planning) Shri Vineet Joshi, Secretary to CM Shri M. Ashok Kumar, IGP Shri Lupheng Kailun, DC Senapati Athem Muivah, SP Senapati Shri M. Pradip Singh, Commanding Officer 34 Assam Rifles, ADC members, Principal, Maram College, Rev. Fr. Dr. Sebastian KO, Archbishop of Imphal, Rev. Dominic Lumon DD,  Vice-Principal, Maram College, Sr. Rose Mary Adaphro, teaching, non-teaching staffs and students of the College attended the function.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Nov 5

The State Government of Nagaland headed by Chief Minister TR Zeliang and Neiphiu Rio has intensified its campaign on Naga political issue in New Delhi by meeting various Central leaders.  TR Zeliang and his team also met leaders of six Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) in New Delhi yesterday.

After meeting Union Home minister, Rajnath Singh few days ago, the Nagaland Government team headed by Chief Minister TR Zeliang met Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region and MoS (Prime Minister’s Office) yesterday. Bhaskar Khulbe, IAS, Secretary to Prime Minister was also present in the meeting. The Nagaland team also met Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor (NSA) with regard to the early resolution of the Naga political Issue.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office of Nagaland, TR Zeliang appreciated the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi “for having ensured that we are very near to the final settlement of the Naga political issue”.

Further, the Chief Minister emphasized that it is essential that the process for finalizing the final solution to its logical end is expedited. The Chief Minister mentioned that it has been 20 years of negotiations and with the State scheduled to have Assembly polls early next year, it is important that settlement of  Naga political issue is done before the elections.

Lo Sabha MP from Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio also highlighted that this is the most opportune time for a final settlement with BJP Governments in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh and it will be in the interest of all if the settlement is done before Christmas. In the same time, the Nagaland Chief Minister and his colleagues also apprised Dr Jitendra Singh of their interactions with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and R N Ravi, Interlocutor for Naga peace talks. Dr Jitendra Singh appreciated the initiative of the Chief Minister Nagaland and his colleagues for highlighting the need for an early solution and hoped that settlement of Naga Political Issue will be done soon, the Nagaland Chief Minister’s Office said today.

Later in the evening, the Nagaland Chief Minister and his Cabinet along with Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio had a meeting with the Working Committee (WC) for the six NNPGs who has been invited by the Government of India to be a part of the talks. The leaders of the NNPGs present in the meeting included N. Kitovi Zhimomi,  Convener of the Working  Committee (NNPGs),  and Co- Conveners  Zhopra Vero,  Hozheto Chophy,  V.  Nagi,   Kiumukam and  Wangtin Naga and  Alezo Venuh. The meeting was held at Nagaland House, 29 Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister appreciated the initiative of involving the six NNPGs in the talks “as it is essential for an inclusive and durable solution to the long standing Naga political issue that all groups and sections of society are involved and taken on board”, according to the Chief Minister’s Office TR Zeliang complimented the leaders of the NNPGs for their vision and maturity in joining the talks and hoped that with the sincerity being shown by the Government of India, “the final settlement seems to be very near”. The Chief Minister mentioned that it has been 20 years of negotiations and with the State scheduled to have Assembly polls early next year, it is important that settlement of  Naga political issue is done before the elections.

Neiphiu Rio also highlighted that this is the most opportune time for a final settlement with BJP Governments in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh and it will be in the interest of all if the settlement is done before Christmas. The Chief Minister and his colleagues also told the leaders of NNPGs of their interactions with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, R N Ravi, Interlocutor for Naga peace talks and Dr Jitendra Singh , MoS, PMO earlier.

N Kitovi, Convenor of the Working Committee of the six NNPGs appreciated the efforts made by the Chief Minister of Nagaland and his colleagues in ensuring that the Government of India involves the six NNPGs in the talks. He further highlighted the need for an early solution and hoped that settlement of Naga political Issue will be done before elections.

Wangtin and other leaders also impressed upon the Chief Minister and all leaders to continue working towards ensuring a final settlement of Naga political Issue that is inclusive, honourable and acceptable to all for long standing peace in the State.

During the meeting with Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor (NSA), the Chief Minister, TR Zeliang along with his Cabinet ministers mentioned that it has been 20 years of negotiations on the 70 year old Naga political issue. “This has been the mother of all unresolved challenges in the North East and it is imperative that the same is settled for long standing peace in the region”, the Nagaland team told Ajit Doval. Given the progress made and especially with the involvement of the six NNPGs along with NSCN IM in the talks, this is the most opportune time for a solution, they mentioned. Further, given that the State is scheduled to have Assembly polls early next year, it is important that settlement of  Naga political issue is done before the elections. It was also highlighted that this is the most opportune time for a final settlement with BJP Governments in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh and it will be in the interest of all if the settlement is done before Christmas.  Imkong Imchen, one of the Nagaland Ministers in the team mentioned that in the interest of a solution, State elections can be deferred also.

Ajit Doval appreciated the initiative of the Chief Minister Nagaland and his colleagues for highlighting the need for an early solution and hoped that settlement of Naga political issue will be done soon. He mentioned that everyone wishes for an early solution and it is important to look at what one can do towards achieving that objective. Ajit Doval also asked the State Ministers to suggest what the Government of India can do for a solution before Christmas. He emphasized that once the agreement is reached it will be essential for all concerned to build the right socio political environment to make all stakeholders join hand for successful implementation of the agreement. Ajit Doval mentioned that the advice of the State Government will be fully considered by the Government of India. It has to be a win-win situation for all.

Finally, the Nagaland Chief Minister assured that State Government of Nagaland will do everything possible for facilitating the solution.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Nov 5

The ‘Lifetime Service Award’ by Balipara Foundation was conferred to the former cabinet minister, Haokholet Kipgen on November 3, during the 4th edition of Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics Forum 2017 at Vivanta By Taj, Khanapara, Guwahati.

Haokholet Kipgen is the president of Foundation for Environment and Economic Service (FEEDS) and the award was given to him for embodying the core values of sustainable development through FEEDS. He received the award from the Tibetan President in exile, Lobsang Sangay in the presence of founder trustee of Balipara Foundation, Ranjit Barthakur along with various other leaders of the South East Asian countries.

The forum was attended by more than 1200 participants and around 270 eminent invitees across the world.

While honouring the former minister, Ranjit Barthakur said that FEEDS have adopted many innovative and unique community inclusive projects under the leadership of Haokholet Kipgen. He made the best uses of the natural resources and brought into complementary relationship of the needs of economic development with the living environment, he added.

He also said that FEEDS is of relevance not only to the Himalayan region and India but the world as a whole for its contribution towards development of rural upland agro-forestry, family base tea plantation, commercial flower cultivation, conservation of orchids and extension service.

He further said that FEEDS is the first in India to grow Emu in cold regions and the first to introduce it in northeast.

‘The major focus of the organisation is to impart education and facilitate rural livelihoods, skill training and capacity building for the millennials’, said Ranjit Barthakur.

Speaking to media persons at his Hengbung residence this evening, Haokholet Kipgen conveyed his gratitude to Balipara Foundation and its founder trustee for conferring him the award. He also thanked the Tibetan President in exile for impressive conferment and all the jury of the award.

Kipgen said that it is indeed a proud moment for Manipur to achieve such award among many other South East Asian Countries and across the globe while I feel privilege personally for being conferring such an important award.

He also said that God has given us such a beautiful environment and nature but manmade disaster have annihilated them without much concerning of its importance and necessity which has become a serious concern worldwide. He continued that the menace towards the environment and nature should be immediately redressed from the concerned department as well as the people itself.

He also said that since dry paddy cultivation is a common practice in the hill districts of Manipur as wet paddy cultivation is not that common, the authority concerned and the state government should initiate various measures to improve the cultivation without affecting the environment.

Kipgen also thanked all the staffs of FEEDS for their sincerity and dedication for which the achievement could be made.

It may be mentioned that Balipara Foundation Lifetime Service Award is given to an individual of legendary proportions. A personality, whose life has been devoted to the ecological of the people of the Eastern Himalayas and whose philosophy and purpose has been guided by the need to protect, restore and care for nature.

IMPHAL | Nov 4

All India Trade Union Congress, Manipur State Committee will be participating in the three-day nation-wide dharna to be held at New Delhi from November 9-12 to bring to government’s notice their set of demands.

Chairman of Coordinating Body of Trade Union Manipur, L. Sotinkumar said this in a press meet at its Irawat Bhawan office, that more than 100 workers from organised and unorganised sectors will be taking part in the event. He said that 70 persons have left for leaving Delhi today and the remaining will be going tomorrow.

The three-day country-wide dharna will highlight problems and difficulties faced by the workers of all sectors in the country.

The state delegates will address the current salary package of the workers to be increased and other certain schemes and facilities that the state has not enjoyed yet, he said.

Implementation of 7th Pay Commission for the government employees, to demand atleast 18,000 pay package for the workers, to enforce Highway Protection Force which is to keep a check on illegal tax collection are the main demands of the state unit, he said.

Altogether 12 agencies of trade unions will be participating in the dharna representing the around 80,000 workforce of the state.

The dharna was planned since August 8 at Talkotara stadium at the national level meeting of trade unions. The union is against the “pro-corporate, anti-national and anti-people policies introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi government” calling it affect the Indian economy as a whole.

IMPHAL | Nov 4

 Thousands of people accorded a grand reception to the chief minister, N. Biren Singh during his maiden visit at Chandel district today. Chief minister was warmly received by a large number of people at various places on his way to Chandel district.

Large number of people comprising men, women, children and students gathered on road sides to welcome the chief minister since morning holding placards that read ‘Welcome Hon’ble CM N. Biren Singh’ and ‘Long Live N. Biren’.

Chief minister and his council of ministers were felicitated at different places including Thamlakhuren Village, Damjol Village, Leishokching Village, Liwachangning Village, Purumchumbang Village, Ziontlang Village, Chandonpokpi Village, P.Raalrinekhu Village. Giant gates were erected to greet the chief minister and his council of ministers at various points. These gates are especially arranged for the occasion imprinted with ‘Welcome Shri Biren Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur’. Local leaders and clubs submitted memoranda to the chief minister.

Cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, MLAs, chief secretary, DGP, top civil and police officers of the state government also accompanied chief minister during the visit.

Thousands of people from different parts of the district converged at the Maha Union ground to felicitate the chief minister and his council of ministers and a public meeting was held at the Ground.

Addressing the mammoth gathering at Maha Union Ground, the chief minister assured that the construction of Women Market of the district would be completed by January 1, 2018.

After successfully reviving the public transport under the Manipur State Transport in 100 days programme of the government, the Imphal-Chandel Bus service would be introduced by January 1, 2018 under the MST Inter-District Bus Service.

He promised that the government has sanctioned an amount of Rs. 2 crore for the construction of Town Hall, Panchai and will be completed as soon as possible.

Mentioning that management of rainwater is needed to resolve the problem of water scarcity in the district, chief minister said that the government would take up rain water harvesting schemes in all the hill districts to resolve the water scarcity issues. The government has sanctioned Rs 4 crore for Chandel district for the said project and PHED would be co-ordinating with other departments to execute the work.

Expressing concern over the drinking water supply in the district, N. Biren Singh said that immediate steps would be taken up soon for re-commissioning of the water supply scheme, which is currently non-functional and damaged by flood at Chandel district headquarters. He said that a sum of Rs. 80 lakhs would be sanctioned for the said purpose.

Under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) a total length of 171 km of roads worth Rs 60 crore would be constructed in the district, he added.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), 779 houses would be constructed in the Chandel district, he assured. The chief minister also said that necessary steps would be taken up to develop the sacred site of Ibudhou Wangbren at Anal Khullen.

Highlighting that people would get better healthcare services with the inauguration of the district hospital, chief minister said that an ambulance would be provided to the hospital as a News Year’s gift to the people of the Chandel soon.

The government would construct transit quarters for government employees in all the hill districts including Chandel at the earliest, N. Biren said.

Mentioning about the memoranda which was submitted by various CSOs, clubs and other organisations, chief minister promised that his office would scan through all the points mentioned in the memoranda and the government would take up necessary action.

Speaking on the occasion, deputy chief minister, Y. Joykumar said that the real meaning of the ‘Go to the Hills’ slogan is not to occupy the land of the hill people but to work collectively for the welfare of the people of the hills and to bring emotional integration among the people of both hills and valley of the State. He appealed to the people of the State to share each other feelings and exchange thoughts for bringing development and prosperity in the State.

Minister of PWD, Th. Biswajit said that under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, each and every household of the country would be electrified by 2019.

However, the new BJP-led state government has decided to achieve this target by December, 2018 in the State, he assured.

Th. Biswajit said that despite financial constraints, the government is trying to make up people’s needs one by one. A bridge would be constructed over Chakpi River to connect United College, Lambung and ADC Office Complex, Monsang Pantha as per wish of the Chandel public, he assured.

Regarding connectivity, Th. Biswajit said that people would get to see tangible changes in terms of road connectivity in the State by February/March, 2018.

Mentioning that Chandel district is one of the most backward districts in terms of development, Minister for YAS and Water Resource, Letpao Haokip urged the chief minister and other ministers to give priority to bring progress and development of the Chandel district.

Earlier, the chief minister inaugurated Liwachangning Girls’ Hostel at Komlathabi, 50 bedded District Hospital at Chandel Christian, ADC Office Complex at Monsang Pantha, Science Laboratory at United College, Lambung and Maha Union Girls’ Hostel. The chief minister also laid the foundation stones for Women Market near SDO office and Town Hall, Panchai.

Booklets on ‘Chief Ministergi Shotharabasingi Tengbang (CMST)’, ‘Hakshelgi Tengbang’ (Manipur Health Protection Scheme) and Highlights of Achievements during 100 Days and Projects and Activities for Completion in 2017-18 were released at the occasion.

Mention may be made that the 50-bedded District Hospital, Chandel was constructed by PDA under NLCPR. The Town Hall, Panchai would be constructed under planning department. The Science Laboratory at United College was constructed under NEC. And Women’s market of the district would be constructed by Manipur Police Housing Corporation.

Colourful cultural programmes were also presented at the reception function.