Tag: IFP

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Information and Public Relations minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh today said that a Media Park for the journalist fraternity will be opened soon in the state. The Media Park will serve as a meeting place for all the pressmen and also a platform to disseminate information to the media fraternity of the state.

He was making this speech at the observation of the 69th Information and Public Relations (IPR) day at old DIPR complex, Moirangkhom.

The minister said that construction of a press colony is also in the pipeline, and this is besides the Media Park. He acknowledged the efforts of DIPR for doing their duty well and for achieving a milestone that it had never achieved before in getting the most press notes published in local dailies this year.

He also advised the media-persons present at the celebration to work effortlessly to bring accountability and transparency. He also said that the pending road construction and renovation is because of the bad weather conditions, and he appealed the public to understand the situation. He gave an assurance that the work will be completed by the end of this financial year.

Commissioner for IPR, K. Radhakumar Singh who was the president of the function said that the role of DIPR is important and is a two-way traffic. It is not only to inform the public about the activities and achievement of the government but to receive feedback from the public as well, the Commissioner said.

The existing rules of Pension scheme and Advertisement policy of the department needs to be amended so that journalists and media houses would be benefitted, he added.

 He said that manpower in the department is good enough as of now and office building at Keishampat would be completed to some extent within this current financial year for better functioning of the department.

Director of IPR, Meghachandra Kongbam and deputy director of IPR administration, Chongtham Noyon Singh attended the function as presidium members.

As part of the celebration, the dignitaries of the function also inaugurated the three-day photography exhibition on government’s achievement which is to be held at the office complex.

A number of photographs depicting several programmes and activities taken up by the government and press releases issued by the department were also displayed.

Newmai News Network

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Manipur Muslim Welfare Organisation (MMWO) has demanded the disclosure of the Framework Agreement details signed between NSCN-IM and Government of India.

Speaking to media persons today at its office, Hatta in Imphal, MMWO president Abdullah Pathan said that the Muslim community in Manipur will stand against any threat to the territorial integrity of the State. Abdullah Pathan also said that MMWO strongly opposed to the “demand of greater autonomy for the Nagas in Manipur and homeland for the kukis” saying such things will create social unrest in the State. “Since time immemorial different communities in Manipur are living peacefully,” he added.

The MMWO leader however said the Muslims will always welcome any Naga solution as long as it does not affect the territorial integrity of Manipur.

Abdullah Pathan then questioned as to why the Government did not disclose the details of Framework Agreement till today.  “What is their hidden agenda on this Agreement?” he asked. Abdullah Pathan also alleged that instead of showing interest in solving the issues, the Government of India employs the ‘divide and rule policy’ among the different ethnic communities of Manipur.

According to Abdullah Pathan, MMWO has been demanding the disclosure of the Framework Agreement details right from the beginning.

 “Our apprehension persists although the Government of India had given repeated assurances that the Manipur territorial integrity will never be affected and also had clarified that Manipur was not mentioned in the Framework Agreement,” said the MMWO leader. 

Abdulah Pathan then appealed to all political party leaders to stand clear and sincere in protecting the territorial integrity of Manipur instead of “playing blame-game” among themselves.

IMPHAL | Nov 1

A team of district police commando, Imphal West, 45 AR and 5 J and K arrested one person on October 31, for extortion of money from the general public of Ngairangbam and Haorang area by using the name of UNLF, said a release by PRO Police.

It said, the arrested person was identified as Sanjembam  Herojit Singh alias Espi alias Rocky (31), son of (Late) Sanjembam Babuchou Singh of Haorang Khunou. He further admitted to have threatened a family to withdraw the charges of a rape case on him. A case has been registered at Patsoi police station and investigation is going on.

On the same day, a team of district police commando, Bishnupur arrested one drug peddler during frisking and checking at Ningthoukhong near Haokeithel bazzar.

The drug peddler was identified as Najir Ahamad (30), son of Abdul Gani of Lilong Haoreibi Makha Leikai. He was arrested with 200 numbers of WY tablets and 10 strips of Nitrosun-10 tablets. A case has been registered at Bishnupur police station.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | 31 Oct

Workshop on “No Accessibility, No Achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2030” in connection with the closing ceremony of the 10th Fortnight Barrier Free Campaign organised by the Barrier Free Campaign Committee along with Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Manipur was held at the Manipur Press Club.

Dr. R.K Kumarjit Singh State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Govt. of Manipur,  Jacintha Lazarus Director of Social Welfare Department govt. of Manipur, Th. Saratkumar Singh, Convenor, Barrier Free Campaign Committee, Nongmaithem Noren Singh, Chief Engineering P.W.D. govt. of Manipur, Dr. Ch.Rupachandra Singh, Chairman Handicapped Development (HD) Foundation, Manipur and Prof. N. Mohendro Singh, Former, Steering Committee NER Vision, 2020, DONER, Govt. of India were among the dignitaries present.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 31

Manipur joined the rest of India to observe the 142nd birth anniversary of the “Iron man of India”, Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel, popularly known as Sardar Patel, under the theme Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. Governor Najma Heptulla and chief minister N. Biren Singh flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’, from Khuman Lampak Main Stadium today.

Speaking on the occasion, Najma Heptulla, said India is proud of its different communities and religion, and this diversity came under a united banner because of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He also went to jails many times for the welfare and fighting for freedom, Heptulla said.

She said because of the Iron man of India many princely states of the country were brought together to form a unified country. That is why his birth anniversary deserves to be celebrated as National Unity Day, Heptulla added.

Heptulla further mentioned that she has emotional attachments with many freedom fighters. Due to those freedom fighters the people of the present generations are able to enjoy a free country. She said the people should follow the path of the good deeds done by them.

She urged the public to take a pledge to follow the ideals and path of these freedom fighters.

Chief minister, N. Biren and youth affairs and sports minister, Letpao Haokip were the president and guest of honour on the occasion.

Addressing the function, N. Biren said to bring a unified country people need to have co-operation among all the groups and between the states.

He said Sardar Patel knew the princely states of India would falter if they were not unified as a nation. Just as in India as a whole, Manipur too would falter if the communities or the ethnic groups of the state are not unified, he said.

“The state’s different ethnic groups and the communities need to co-operate with each other in order to save their common integrity”, he added.

Maintaining that raising unity slogan alone would not serve any purpose at this juncture, the chief minister urged the people to not only put in serious efforts in maintaining harmony but also stay from all forms of activities which may disturb unity and integrity of the state.

Biren said people should stop finding negative connotations and implications every time any group or government speak up or try out any initiatives for the betterment of the state as a whole.

Calling for all to join the peace train, Biren said peace negotiation started even in Jammu and Kashmir to resolve the problems of the state. There is no reason why all stakeholders should not also try to resolve their problems through talks, he asserted.

“We should learn to appreciate those who wish to join us, and we should also not forget to ask the reason to those who try to leave us,” he said.

Minister for youth affairs and sports, Letpao Haokip as guest of honour said National Unity Day celebration aims at fostering and reinforcing the country’s dedication to preserve and strengthen its unity, integrity and security.

Around 600 participants took part in the run and the minister expressed hope that through this run, India would reaffirm its inherent strength and resilience to withstand the threats to unity, integrity and security.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 31

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) along with non-BJP opposition political parties in the state are going to organise “Black Day” on November 8 to mark the launch of demonitisation of Rs. 1000 and 500 note, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi led BJP government in 2016.

The proposed “Black Day” in the state is planned as part of a nationwide protest to be organises by Congress and non-BJP opposition parties to denounce the demonitisation carried out by the NDA government which was launched at 8pm of November 8, last year.

Speaking to media persons during a press meet held today at Congress Bhawan, MPCC president, TN. Haokip, said a meeting of the Congress and non-BJP opposition parties was convened at Congress Bhawan today to discuss the mode of protest to be carried on November 8.

Subsequently, the meeting unanimously appointed Govindas Konthoujam, as the chairman of the observation sub-committee, which will oversee the entire operation of the proposed observance, he said adding the day would be marked with sit-in demonstration, rally and other forms of agitation.

Haokip further explained that the sub-committee will also decide on the future course of action to campaign against government policies like GST, which has added to the woes of the common people.

The MPCC president, opined that the fallouts of demonitisation, GST etc. have taken a heavy toll not only on the lives of people but also the economy of the country which is on a nosedive currently.

About 105 people lost their lives in the country including one from Manipur during the mayhem caused by demonitisation and prices of commodities are skyrocketed due to GST, he asserted.

Stating that demonisation was branded as a “monumental mismanagement” by former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, he said the so called welfare policies implemented by BJP government have turned against the people’s welfare.

Further responding to queries of the confusion surrounding the participation of NPF during the all political party meet, Haokip confirmed that NPF MLA, Awangbou Newmai took part in the meeting.

The press conference was attended by Gonvindas Konthoujam, former minister, AK. Mirabai and ex-MLA, M. Prithiviraj.

IMPHAL | Oct 31

The chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh has conveyed his heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur especially the Kuki-Chin-Mizo on the joyous occasion of Kut festival on November 1.The CM stated that Kut is all about sharing, understanding, harmonious co-existence, co-operation and merriment and the festival has now occupied an important place in the hearts of all the people of Manipur.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 31

Former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi was remembered today on her 33rd death anniversary all over the country. The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), as well as the BJP led Manipur state government paid rich tributes to the Prime Minister assassinated in 1984.

Former Congress Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi Singh told reporters in the side-lines of the MPCC programme at the Congress Bhavan that Indira’s sacrifice for her nation was huge. She strongly believed in protecting and safeguarding national integrity and her ideologies are becoming more relevant in the state’s context.

A famous quote from the departed leader: “I don’t mind if my life goes in the service of the nation. If I die every drop of my blood will invigorate the nation”, was written in bold on the banner of the observance.

Former MLAs, MPs and ministers of the state Congress party including, T. Meinya, R.K. Imo and T.N. Haokip among others came to pay their tributes on commemoration day of the 33th anniversary of the assassination of Indira Gandhi.

DIPR adds: Meanwhile the state government also observed the day as Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas (National Re-dedication Day) at Secretariat South Block today.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Y. Joykumar graced the occasion as chief guest and president respectively.

The Chief Minister said that he has full trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance on Manipur’s territorial integrity issue.

As such, people need to shun all forms of discord, mistrust and blame-game at this juncture, he added.

As Manipur is home to many ethnic communities, people need to learn to sacrifice and share, the Chief Minister said while adding that the State must concentrate more to bringing unity and maintaining harmony, he added.

The Chief Minister informed that different developmental works would commence soon after the retreat of rain. In this regard, he sought co-operation from the bureaucrats and officials.

Observing that the State has very short working season, the Chief Minister asked the officials to work over time when the weather permits.

The Chief Minister exhorted the people of the State to adopt the idea of Nation and State first. He urged them to equip themselves to become the ‘warriors’ of the Nation towards bringing progress, unity and development.

Biren said that the bold decision of storming Golden Temple to drive out militants cost the former Prime Minister her life. However, her decision strengthened India as a Nation, the Chief Minister contended.

As such, no citizen of the country should forget to honour the late leaders, the Chief Minister said while adding that it is because of their sacrifices that India is now standing as a strong Nation.

Speaking at the occasion, Y. Joykumar remembered Indira Gandhi as a strong leader, who had the courage to take a hard decision, when there were possibilities of disturbance to the national integrity.

Had Indira Gandhi not taken the decision of driving out militants from Golden Temple, Punjab could have been separated from India, the Deputy Chief Minister opined.

As such, fitting tribute must be given to the late Prime Minister by the current generation, he added.

Joykumar also urged the people to take the responsibility of protecting the integrity of India and Manipur.

Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary R.R. Rashmi, DGP L.M. Khaute and top civil and police officers also attended the function.

Indira Gandhi was assassinated on this day 1984, by her bodyguards believed to be Sikh nationalists a few months after she ordered the storming of the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar in Punjab.

IMPHAL | Oct 31

The present BJP led government in the State is working for an inclusive development without any differences between the hills and the valley, said Works Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh today. The Minister was speaking at the Chagaa Ngee – Liangmai Cultural Festival at Makui (Liangchi) Village, Senapati District.

Minister Biswajit said it is important to develop every village in the State to develop the State.

He said India is a unique country, inhabited by people belonging to different communities with different language, culture, tradition, festivals. Likewise there are also more than 40 ethnic groups in Manipur, he said, adding that each and every community has made their contribution towards the betterment of Manipur.

Stressing on the need to bring unity among the different communities, Minister Biswajit said that Manipur is made up of both the hills and the valley. He said that we should encourage the age-old love between the different communities that was there during the times of our forefathers.

The Minister also delved on the importance of the festival and said that the way people from different communities residing in the area were involved in the festival was an example of unity among the people.

He said that it is time for the people to start thinking for the collective good and to work towards a ‘New Manipur’. He continued the people cannot expect the government alone to bring development.

Meanwhile, responding to memorandums submitted by the local village authority regarding improvement of road connectivity in the area, the Minister assured to complete the PMGSY road extension work from Neibet Road to Makui Village via Saramjao at the earliest. He said he will also ensure that other IVRs are also repaired at the earliest.

Stressing that improving road connectivity is of major concern of the government, the Minister urged the local leaders to identify roads connecting the nearby villages and make proposals of the same so that he may look into it.

Replying to another demand for installation of a 33 KVA Power Sub Station at Makui Village, the Minister also assured to look into how to improve power supply in the area although installation of a 33 KVA sub-station in the village may be inappropriate.

Minister Biswajit also assured to change the present 25KVA with a 100 KVA transformer within 3-4 days if the weather allows. He further assured to improve power supply in Langka Part II.

The Minister said he will send a joint team of PWD and the Power department officials to look into the demands of the locals at the earliest.

Minister Biswajit also inaugurated a Football Ground at the village. Other highlights of the festival included a cultural dance competition, cultural dance performances of different communities, etc.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 31

A recent blacktopping within Thanga assembly constituency has been so deplorable that the top layer can be peeled off.

According to residents of Thanga Moirangthem Leikai, the work has been done by a contractor from Bishnupur recently.

The residents complained to the media and according to Oinam Maipakchao, the work is carried out without adherence to any quality control. He said that the top layer can be peeled off by hands easily.

The locality requested the concerned minister and the PWD authorities to take corrective action.

IMPHAL | Oct 31

The governor of Manipur, Najma Heptulla has extended her warm greetings to the people of Manipur, particularly the Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities on the auspicious occasion of Kut festival on November 1. The governor also stated that the festival is celebrated as a post-harvest festival for ‘thanks giving’ to the Almighty and more people of different communities of the state have joined in to spread the message on oneness.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 31

A one-day mega conference on promotion and conservation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, MAPs, in North East states, promotion of community herbal garden, interactive meet on medicinal plants with the government line departments and re-launching of MSMPB was held today at the conference hall of City Convention Centre, Palace Compound.

The mega event was all about sorting out solutions for betterment of MAPs which includes creation of market and employment generation.

The function was attended by minister for health, family welfare and AYUSH, L. Jayantakumar Singh, as chief guest. He said the state can also be a pioneer in culturing different types of species of medicinal plants suitable to the climate of the state.

He said there is no need to copy other states as environment is different from place to place. “Let Assam be Assam and let them produce their own and let us produce our own varieties of plant species suitable with our climate and environment type,” he urged.

Director of AYUSH and member secretary of AYUSH, Dr. A. Guneshwor Sharma, who was one of the guests of honour of the programme, said that MSMPB which was formed in the year 2005 is slow in progress as it is delicate. It is however on the verge of development now with the coming of good ministerial leadership, he said.

The idea of having this conference is to boost the marketization of the state medicinal plants. SYNERGY Technofin from Delhi had come to the state to get more information of the state’s available species and their market potentials, he added.

Guneshwor said that this will make the state’s economy better with more employment generated and economic value raised.

A plan is set to make Imphal East, Imphal West and Chandel establish an organised market of medicinal plants like Lemongrass and Citronella and mapping for this project has already started in Chandel, he said.

The event was organised by Manipur State Medicinal Plants Board (MSMPB) and State AYUSH Society, Manipur.

The function was also attended by additional director and member secretary of state AYUSH society Dr. Y. Lukhoi Singh who attended the function as guests of honour and secretary of H,FW and AYUSH, Sumant Singh presided over the function. It was also attended by farmers, potential marketers and government officials of the H, FW and AYUSH department took part in the function.

Regional co-ordinator of Synergy Technofin Private Limited, Pinaki Ranjan delivered a speech on “purchase of pharmaceutical companies on raw materials from Manipur”.

He said that India is one of the biggest exporters of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) but Manipur which has a great potential of MAPs, has not marketed a single plant. He said this is so unfortunate. He pointed out that the cosmetic market and consumer market are the two biggest sectors for MAPs in India.

IMPHAL | Oct 31

Minister of social welfare and co-operation, government of Manipur, Nemcha Kipgen, minister of works, RD and PR, T, C and I, power, IPR, A, R and Trg, government of Manipur, Th. Biswajit Singh, minister of CAF and PD, revenue, relief and rehabilitation, government of Manipur, Karam Shyam and minister of MAHUD, town planning, forest and environment, horticulture, soil conservation, Th. Shyamkumar have extended their heartiest wishes to the people of Manipur especially the Kuki-Chin-Mizo on the auspicious occasion of Kut on November 1.

The ministers have also wished that the festival may bring joy and happiness in the hearts of the people and spread the message of peace, love, harmony, friendship and brotherhood amongst different community of Manipur.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 30

Spokesperson of Lok Janashakti Party (LJP), N. Ibohal Meitei said immediate remedial measures must be taken in the increasing cases of racial discriminations against the people of the Northeast in Delhi and rest of mainland India.

Ibohal said the statement during a press conference held today at its state party office located at Babupara. He said since decades the Northeast people end up humiliated in most of the state and the government has never taken up necessary action for violating their rights.

He said in relation with such discrimination LJP had submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister and home minister elaborating the grievances faced by the people of Northeast on October 28. The people of the region are living in great fear of being attacked just because they look different from other Indian.

He said the worst sufferer are the women as they have been abused physically, molested and even raped to death in many cases and police reports will substantiate all the facts.

Ibohal claimed no perpetrators have been punished for decades and because of the alarming rate of hate crimes committed against the Northeast people in the recent years LJP state unit has decided to send a delegation to Delhi to bring up the issues.

If the recommendation implement in Bezbaruah committee is not satisfactory to the present government then a new committee must be set up immediately by the Supreme Court. LJP demands to investigate all the cases of hate crimes pending in different police stations and courts across the nation to ensure justice at the earliest, Ibohal added.

Ibohal further claimed when Bollywood actor Salman Khan killed a deer police took cognizance of the case immediately and punished him under law. But the case of mystery death of Pravish Chanam recently in Noida is still pending though many civil organisations brought the issue on national wide.

LJP further demanded the inclusion of Northeast in NCERT syllabus, to set up a first track court for protection of Northeast people, to set up a scout and to create a Facebook page to bring up the issues faced by the Northeast people in other parts of the country.

On the other hand, Ibohal said the framework agreement between NSCN-IM and Central government has remained a mystery for the last twenty years and till date the contents of the agreement are kept hidden. He said LJP welcomes the framework agreement if it is does not affect in any state boundaries but is designed for the welfare of Nagaland.

Ibohal charged Naga People Front (NPF) is irresponsible and untrustworthy to handle the welfare of the state. The reason for NPF failing to turn up at the all-political party meet on Naga peace talks on October 28 at chief minister’s secretariat office is a proof of this. 

IMPHAL | Oct 30

Governor Dr Najma Heptulla addressed the silver jubilee celebration of Council of Higher Education Manipur as chief guest on October 30 at MSFDC auditorium, Imphal.

The Governor recalled from her experience in education and politics that there were many things she had not known, and there are also many things nobody is expected to know. While imparting education we should ask how much the child knows, not how much the child does not know, she said.

“Students today are more independent as compared to our time as they can get every answer that we want and now the world is in our palm today,” she said. “Because of the availability of the facilities, research in science and technology is important.”

Dr Heptulla also emphasised the importance of preserving traditional knowledge. Students who do not want to go for higher studies but have skills in traditional arts and crafts should be educated through distance learning, she said.

“I want to tell teachers that the mind of the child is always questioning so the teacher should never mind the questions of the students as education is not just learning to read and write but knowing your surroundings, observing, questioning etc.” she said. Students should spend several numbers of hours on extracurricular activities as most of the time they are inside the four walls glued to their gadgets, she added.

The Governor lauded the council for its initiatives, particularly digitisation. “We have to work harder to make Manipur at par with other states of the country and will try to solve the problems that students of this state are facing in mainland India,” she said.

Remembering Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Dr Heptulla added that quality of mind is important to bring development and progress in the country.

The Governor said her office is planning a weekly interaction programme with students from next year. Students selected from all levels will be invited to the Raj Bhavan to discuss various issues concerning their studies, she said.

Minister of education, labour and employment Th Radheshyam Singh, who was also president of the function, said young minds have to bring solutions to the problems facing the state and that has to be the goal of education.

A souvenir and annual report of the council was released at the celebration. COSHEM chairman L Mahendra Singh and secretary Dr M Bidyasagar were also present at the event with academicians, teachers and students.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 30

Social Welfare and Cooperation Minister Nemcha Kipgen said the shortage in infrastructure of the deaf and mute school will be look into by department. She stated this on the 33rd foundation day of The Government Deaf and Mute School held today at premises of the school, Takyel, Imphal West today.

Nemcha further said to ensure the welfare and development of the school the authorities concerned will take necessary steps to address all the grievances faced by the students and the school authority.

Citing the life history of Helen Keller, she encouraged the students to think positive in order to face the struggle of life. She also mentioned the great dancer of the country, Sudha Chandran who has become a celebrity today even though she is on artificial legs.

There are many people in the world with extra-ordinary skills and talents who are differently-abled people, she said.

Nemcha encouraged all to come forward and exemplify their hidden talents and be recognised by the world.

She appreciated the teachers for imparting extracurricular knowledge apart from classroom academics, teaching the students the value of the indomitable sacrificing spirit so that the students can ultimately stand on their feet with self-confidence, as good citizens of the country.

“As a Nodal Department, Social Welfare department is taking all efforts in coordination with other departments to convert the various provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 into real practice” she asserted.

As a part of the programme, students who successfully passed out in the high school leaving certificate 2016 and 2017 and also the best teacher for the year 2017 were facilitated with gifts and cash awards.

State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, R.K. Kumarjit Singh, Joint Director, Social Welfare, Surrender A. Shishak, Headmistress, The Government Deaf and Mute School N. Kalpana Devi, attended the function as president and guests of honour respectively.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 30

Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress (MPTC) today said that the party is firm on their stand in protecting the state’s territorial integrity and boundary.  The party reiterated its stand in reference to the development in the talk between the Government of India and NSCN(IM) in Dimapur on October 24.

In a press meet held at the party’s office at Mekola Kodompokpi Maning Leikai today, president of the party, Soraisam Manaoton said that the central leaders also will stand together with the state unit of the party on the issue.

“Safeguarding the state’s territorial boundary and territorial integrity is part of party’s manifesto and we will stand by it,” Manaoton added.

The party’s president also appreciated the Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren’s initiatives of organising an all-political party meet on October 28 to protect the state from disintegrating to give way to the Greater Nagalim cause of the NSCN(IM).

A consultative committee was formed on that day itself comprising all political parties of the state except for Naga People’s Front (NPF) to “preserve and protect the oneness of Manipur”.

Manaoton also added that people should raise their voice against any possible decision by the Government of India which may compromise Manipur territory. He also termed the framework agreement signed on 2015 suspicious as nothing about it is revealed till now.

He said that this is a big public issue and all political parties should sink their difference and fight together on the issue.

He also assured that the party would extent every possible help to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state.

The Dimapur talk between R.N. Ravi, India’s interlocutor and Working Committee of 6 Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) indicated that the almost two decades long peace-talks may get a positive result soon.

KANGPOKPI | Oct 30

As observed in different government offices, departments and public sectors across the state, the Vigilance Awareness Week was observed today with the theme ‘My Vision-Corruption Free India’ at the conference hall of the DC, Kangpokpi.

The observance was commenced from today till November 4, focusing on the preventive measures to fight corruption, bring transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government and also to sensitise citizens on the ill effects of corruption.

Speaking on the occasion, deputy commissioner of Kangpokpi, T. Ranjit Singh stated that corruption is a deep rooted disease prevailing in the society and its eradication of corruption is much needed. He further stated that though it is difficult to eradicate corruption completely but to stand together against it is the need of the hour. Moreover, awareness of the ill effects of corruption should be effectively given to the people at grass-root level and the fight against it must start from home, he added.

The week-long observance was kicked off today with a pledge taking ceremony under the supervision of the DC, followed by reading out the message given by the honourable President of India against corruption. The programme was taken part by officials and staff of various government departments in the district.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Oct 30

With Hornbill Festival just a month away, a meeting to discuss and improvise activities for the upcoming ‘Festival of Festivals’ was convened today at State Banquet Hall chaired by Chief Minister, TR Zeliang.

The 10 day festivity celebrated from December 1 every year, is likely to be cut-down to a 7-day event from 2018. From this year the Hornbill Festival will be a plastic-free event where only the use of paper bags and recyclable materials will be permitted. While the dates of VVIPs’ attendance, including the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, is yet to be ascertained; the popular Music Rock events may be shifted to Agri-Expo, Dimapur considering the flagrant traffic problems and security related matters in the State Capital during such events.

Tourism Department, the Nodal Department which has been overseeing the conduct of the festival so far has been assigned to start arrangements for the much awaited festival which attracts several international and domestic tourists every year. Considering the number of unfortunate vehicle accidents and unruly incidents that occur during this period, the use of IMFL will be restricted as per the State Liquor Prohibition Act although Naga local brew would be exempted. The assistance of youth and public organisations would be sought for volunteering works in controlling illegal activities including the sale of IMFL and other illegal substance.

On the presence of uniformed armed personnel within the venue during the festival which is considered as an unpleasant sight for visiting tourists, the district administration would ensure that armed forces conduct their drills and patrols outside the periphery of the festival venue. While the quality of sound system at the venue would be up-graded, all media personnel possessing proper identity cards would be allowed free access to the venue unlike in the past where purchase of access-tickets were mandatory.

While priority on catering services would be given to local entrepreneurs for income generation and as a means to enhance their business skills, uninterrupted power supply during the entire period of the Festival would be looked into with field staffs of Power Department posted on duty round the clock. The Government would be inviting all North-Eastern States to be part of this year Hornbill Festival, intended to be among the best so far, before it is privatised in the near future to save time and resources of the State Government.

Apart from the much favored cultural dances, wrestling, racing and eating competitions which have gained wide popularity since its inception, this year’s International Rock Contest is likely to be the best one held so far with around 26 Rock Bands, including one each from Singapore and Bhutan, slated to perform.

IMPHAL | Oct 30

Chief Minister N Biren Singh said on October 30 that it is the state’s collective responsibility to root out any form of corruption so as to bring inclusive development.

Observing ‘Vigilance Awareness Week’ which began today and will conclude on November 4, the chief minister said corruption is a contagious disease adversely affecting the socio-economy of Manipur and widening the disparity among the rich and poor in the country.

He said the new BJP-led state government has taken certain steps since coming to power to tackle the issue of corruption, such as setting up of the anti-corruption cell, grievance cell and monitoring cell in the CM secretariat. Appropriate actions have been taken against corrupt officials, he added.

To make Manipur free of corruption, anti-corruption drives are being conducted against people responsible for misuse or misappropriation of public funds, Biren said. Complaints related to corruption cases can be filed through grievance cell and the website of anti-corruption cell, he added.

He said to hear the grievances faced by the common people and minimise corruption in the state, Meeyamgi Numit and hill leaders’ day is being held every month.

On such occasions, Biren said, officials of various departments such as medical, education (S), youth affairs and sports, minority and other backward classes, social welfare, police, Manipur State Co-operative Bank Ltd and Manipur State Illness Assistance Fund are deputed to provide immediate assistance such as medical aid, loans, scholarships etc. to citizens.

Vigilance Awareness Week is being observed throughout the country. This year’s theme given by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is “My Vision – Corruption Free India”.