Tag: IFP

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 30

Parliamentary secretary for minor irrigation, CADA, agriculture, works and sericulture, Awangbow Newmai today said talks between NSCN-IM and Government of India is a peace talk for the country and not a talk to create conflicts and divisions in the nation.

He said that the recent spate of comments on the ongoing talks between the two parties is unfortunate and he urged all not to create confusion in the minds of the people with apprehensions and presumptions.

He was making this statement in the Chaga Ngee celebration held today at Namraining Tamei headquarters as chief guest of the function.

He said that Manipur has had enough of conflicts because of apprehensions and that it is time now to try to live peacefully with love, respect and understanding to have progress in our society.

He added that Indian government is trying and will bring an amicable and an acceptable solution for the problems facing by the people of the state.

The parliamentary secretary said that Chaga-ngee is one of the most important festivals of Liangmai tribe and he appreciated the efforts of the organising committee for taking forth the important tradition of Liangmai culture.

He also said that he would try his best to make this day a restricted holiday of the state. He said that he had spoken to the chief minister Nongthombam Biren about this and received a positive response.

Chaga-ngee is a celebration to mark the season of reaping which also serves as a time for renewed strength for the future of an individual and a community as a whole.

It is celebrated every year on October 30. Nagaland recognised October 30 as a state holiday for the Liangmai community to celebrate with cultural and religious fervour.

The grand event was organised by Chaga-ngee Organising Committee and was attended by around 1700 people.

IMPHAL | Oct 30

A team of district police, Churachandpur seized one 9mm pistol along with five live rounds from the owner of the house at New Lamka, Churachandpur on October 27, said a release by Pro Police.

It said, the owner was identified as K. Ginzalian (70), son of (Late) Tualzalam of Vengnuam, New Lamka. A case has been registered at Churachandpur police station and investigation is going on.

Meanwhile, the team of district police, Churachandpur arrested one arms dealer from his residence and he was identified as Zamkhanpou alias Apao alias Papau (48), son of (Late) Tualkhanpau of Vengnuam, New Lamka.

Investigation revealed that Zamkhanpou received the arms consignment from Ginlianthang (47), son of Chingkhogin and Nengkhanlun (34), son of (Late) Khamgou of of Suangdoh village, Singngat sub-division, said the release.

Zamkhanpou also revealed that he had transported the arms with the help of Ginsianmuan (27), son of Tualgoupau of Gouchinkhup Veng, New Lamka in Hyundai I10 Magna bearing registration number MN01X-3208 owned by Ginsianmuan. Later, police seized the car along with two magazines of 9mm pistol and cash of Rs. 17,500 and arrested Ginlianthang and Nengkhanlun along with cash of Rs. 15,170 and other incriminating articles.

A case has been registered at Churachandpur police station and investigation is going on.

Moreover, a team of district police commando, Thoubal and district police, Kakching arrested one active member of RPF/PLA from Kakching Chumnang Leikai near bus parking.

It said, the arrested person was identified as Moirangthem Rajkumar Singh (47), son of (Late) M. Mangijao Singh of Kakching Wairi Sabal Leikai Leishangthem Pareng.

A case has been registered at Kakching police station and investigation is going on.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 30

As the water level rises due to the incessant rain in the past 24 hours, the sluice gate number 4 at Itahi Barrage has been opened, but by 2.50 meters. The other four gates still are closed.

The water levels of the major rivers continue to rise. Major rivers namely Nambul, Imphal, Thoubal,Lillong and Irilbung are flowing dangerously above their flash marks. In the last few months, the state has also witnessed floods five time. Weather predictions though point that the rains will stop from Tuesday.

“The Ithai Dam should be reviewed and if necessary be decommissioned to save the Loktak lake and to prevent frequent floods in the valley,” environmental activist RK Ranjan said.

He stated that the sluice gates of the Ithai dam are not controlled by the state government. “Even if the water level rises, the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) has to be requested for the Ithai dam sluice gates to be opened. The request needs to be okayed from their counterparts of the Project at Delhi, and then only the gates can be opened” the activist pointed.

He said it is ridiculous that despite the flood situation, the state cannot open the gates of the Ithai barrage without permission from higher authorities.

It may be mentioned that the chief minister, N Biren had stated that the Ithai dam needs to be reviewed and Works minister Th Bishwajit had also approached the Governor to brief the Central government of the demerits of the Ithai barrage and the need for a revision.

Fisher folks and of the Loktak Project affected families also appeal to the state government to review the Ithai barrage and to preserve the Loktak lake from which the families are earning a living.

According to an IFCD official, the main problem of the flooding in the valley area is the Ithai barrage and is closed sluice gates. The urban and rural areas of the valley get flooded if there is heavy rainfall for 48 hours.

It may be mentioned that the state has witnessed floods five consecutive times in 2017. The worst affected areas are valley districts inclusive of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Chandel.

The Ithai barrage project requires Loktak surface to be 768.9 metres above mean sea level throughout the year to produce profitable electricity. RK Ranjan stated that “we are now getting power from the national grid and not from the NHPC, the state authorities need to inquire how much power the Loktak Project is supplying to the state and the information needs to be made public.”

He added that the decision to open the sluice gates is not within the ambit of the state and urged that it should be made so. He stated that the agreement between the state government and the NHPC should be made public.

According to reliable sources, the contract with the state government and the NHPC is not available at present.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 29

In a step to eradicate diabetes which is regarded the ‘mother of all diseases’, a one-day awareness programme on diabetes and its prevention cum free medical detection camp cum for Imphal West district was held today.

The event was organised by SMART Society of Salai Holdings at Neinashang community hall at Sagolband Tera Loukrakpam Leikai.

President of Smart Society and Salai Laithou Shanglen Salai Holdings Private Limited, Narengbam Dhanabati Devi said that this is an initiative to have a diabetes free zone in the colony. “Four doctors, six nurses, four pharmacists and one associate professor have been hired today for the detection camp,” she said.

She also said that the ones who have been detected with any type of diabetes will be given free medical care.

The president announced that it will continue this chain of free medical camp to other areas citing that it will organise at Imphal East on November 14. The medical camp was sponsored by SMART Medicos, she added.

Retired lecturer of Johnstone Higher Secondary School, Potsangbam Mangi Singh attended the function as chief guest. Confessing that he himself was a diabetic patient, he said that the famous saying of “health is wealth” is true and will realise “when you have on your bed with sickness.”

He urged the people of the colony to make the best use of the free medical camp held in the colony.

President of Neinashang club, Naoroibam Phillips Singh who attended as guest of honour said that it is a great opportunity for his area and fortunate enough to get benefits from SALAI and knowledge about one of the most dangerous of diseases.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 29

The Manipur Pradesh Congress Party, MPCC, has demanded a clarification from the ruling BJP on the stand of its coalition partner the Naga People’s Front, NPF, on the territorial integrity of Manipur.

The opposition party came up with the demand following reports of the failure of the NPF to positively respond to the all political party meeting convened by the chief minister, N. Biren, yesterday on the Naga peace talks issue.

The NPF not only stayed away from the all party meeting but came out with a release reiterating its pledge to work for unity and integrity of the Nagas, including by tearing away all the Naga inhabited areas from Manipur.

A press conference was held late in the evening at Congress Bhawan in which former chief minister of Manipur O. Ibobi Singh, maintained that latest development has not only confused but fuelled speculations and uncertainties in the minds of the people on the relationship between BJP and its coalition partner NPF.

The all party meet was intended to strengthen the BJP-led government’s stand in protecting Manipur’s integrity but NPF strayed at this crucial time, he said.

Subsequently, the BJP particularly the chief minister should come out with a “clear cut” clarification on the stand of the NPF in Manipur’s unity issue, he contended.

In the meantime, Ibobi opined that the Congress party can be no part of any all political party meeting in the future which lacks clarity on the interest of the people.

“We cannot be a blind follower of any initiative unless there is a clear cut stand from both the BJP and NPF. By this we don’t mean to abstain from our duty of safeguarding our state but we are apprehensive of backlash from the public if the proceedings remain uncertain as was the case yesterday”, Ibobi said.

Ibobi Singh also demanded the government to summon an emergency special session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly not only to discuss the question of protection of the territorial integrity of Manipur but also administrative integrity of Manipur.

According to Ibobi granting separate administrative unit in hills is more serious than compromises on the territorial integrity of Manipur.

Nevertheless, he maintained that the Congress party is not against development of hills but against any deceptive policy that could be detrimental to the unity of the state adding that his party would continue to support development of hills.

He further demanded the government clarification on the status of the resolution on protecting Manipur’s integrity, taken in the House during the July session.

Even as the NDA government led by Modi has been talking about transparency in governance, it is seen that it has kept the people of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in the dark in the case of “Framework Agreement”, asserted Ibobi.

IMPHAL | Oct 29

United Naga Council (UNC) said the elected representatives from the Naga community working “at this crucial moment“ against “collective history” of the Nagas will not be spared.

The statement came on Sunday against the backdrop of an all political parties meet on the territorial integrity of Manipur with reference to the peace talks between the Government of India and NSCN-IM.

UNC said elected members from Naga community indulging in activities which are detrimental to the Naga movement will invite serious consequences. The body added that it will not remain mute to “all those measures which are against the Naga interest” taken up by different elements, including the Manipur government. 

“We are closely observing the unfolding development in Manipur currently,” UNC said. “We will respond befittingly to all those elements and factors which are hurdles to the Naga peace process.”

“We feel our patience has been taken for our weakness,” UNC added.

The body asked Nagas not to extend cooperation or involve in any programme attached with the names of the “seven new districts”. It further asked the Naga people to remain fully aware of the “designs of our adversaries”.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 29

The state government has made arrangements for a three-dimensional, or 3D, technology light show as a special attraction for the upcoming Sangai festival.

The show will be held at the beginning of the festival at Takmu water sports complex in November, and this show will be the first one ever to be held in the state.

The company which will organize the light show has already been awarded the contract and all plans are set to make the event a breath taking one. According to sources, the light show will make a 3 dimensional multi-colour gateway at Takmu, more light shows will encompass of various illusions made by lights like martial arts, dance, sports action etc.

A huge floating stage is also being constructed at Takmu which can accommodate about a 100 people. The floating stage is also set to be another main attraction as the stage will be on the water.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 29

In what is obviously a damage control exercise to pacify irate residents of the Moirang area, official teams led by ministers and high ranking officers have been inspecting the Keibul Lamjao area to ensure the people that Keibul Lamjao will remain as one of the three venues of the upcoming Sangai Festival 2017.

This followed a misunderstanding that the opening ceremony of the festival originally planned at the Keibul Lamjao would be cancelled as the condition of helicopter landing facilities at the spot was in some uncertainty.

In this regard, chief secretary Manipur, RR Rashmi was the first to lead a team to assess the present condition of deplorable roads of Imphal-Moirang-Keibul Lamjao-Thanga-Sendra route today.

He visited all the spots where the upcoming Sangai Festival is going to be held, Keibul Lamjao Makha Leikai Club ground, Keibul Lamjao National Park IB-II, Takmupat. He was accompanied by senior officials from different departments, Forest, Tourism, Power, MIDA, LDA, DC and SP of Bishnupur. Vice-chairman of MIDA, Asnikumar Singh was also present during the visit.

RR Rashmi also interacted with the locals of Keibul Lamjao area and the misunderstanding between the government and locals of Keibul Lamjao on the modalities of organising upcoming Sangai festival was cleared after the interaction. Later the team visited Takmupat, Loktak Lake and reviewed the preparation works over there for the unique Lake View Cultural Show which is going to be a part of the upcoming Sangai festival.

Minister of works, power, commerce and industries, RD and PR, Th.Biswajit Singh also inspected the present conditions of roads from Imphal airport to Sendra via Thanga and he was accompanied by P. MLA of Moirang, P. Sharatchandra, MLA of Thanga, T. Robindro Singh along with other high ranking officials.

It may be noted that the chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren had already held different rounds of meetings at his level for smooth conduct of Manipur Sangai festival 2017, which is going to be organised in a different way in comparison to the earlier.

The state government has already taken decision in principle to organise a ‘Curtain Raising’ function at Keibul Lamjao along with half marathon participated by approximately 2000 athletes which is going to be attended by the chief minister as chief guest along with his cabinet colleagues on November 19.

State forest and wildlife department has been entrusted with the responsibility for organising the event. The programme will continue till November 21 at Keibul Lamjao.

On November 22 and November 23, there will be a unique Lake View mega Cultural Show at Takmupat, Loktak Lake which will be based on traditional cultural ethos of Manipur with preference to cultural diversity of the loktak lake.

Sangai Festival is going to be celebrated from November 19 to November 30, which is three days longer compared to the previous years. Altogether, the festival will be organised at Keibul Lamjao, Takmupat, Hubitek Loktak Pat, BOAT, Hapta Kangjeibung, Pologround, Lamboikhongnangkhong, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Kangla Ford, Sirui hill of Ukhrul, Lamdan, Churachandpur and Zeilad Lake of Tamenglong.

The president of India is likely to inaugurate the festival on the evening of November 21 at BOAT.

DIPR adds: State government spokesperson Thongam Biswajit Singh, today, asserted that the Manipur Sangai Festival 2018 will be held at three venues including at Hatta Kangjeibung, Lamboi Khongnangkhong and Keibul Lamjao.

The government spokesperson, who is also the Works Minister, inspected road conditions in Thanga and Moirang areas ahead of next month’s Sangai Festival.

He also met members and representative of the JAC formed against the reported shifting of opening ceremony of Sangai Festival from Keibul Lamjao. He assured the JAC members that there is no question of shifting the venue from Keibul Lamjao.

Minister Biswajit said that Keibul Lamjao is a historical place and is of utmost importance to the State. Keibul Lamjao will be a venue of the Sangai Festival and 25 stalls including food stalls will be set up there, he said before adding that the stalls will be increased if the need arise.

However, the inaugural function will be held at Hatta Kangjeibung, he said citing the convenience in preparing the inaugural function in Imphal as the function will be attended by several state guests including the President of India.

Stating that Keibul Lamjao venue will host State events till the end of the festival, the Minister also invited the locals and the JAC to share suggestions and ideas if there is any to add to the programs to be held at Keibul Lamjao.

The Minister, who was accompanied by Moirang MLA Shri P Sarat, Thanga MLA Shri T Robindro, Chief Engineers Works Shri Kh Temba, visited and inspected Moirang-Sendra Road, approach road to Takmu Water Front Resort, and roads in Thanga Tongbram Leikai.

Briefing media persons at Keibul Lamjao after the inspection, Minister Biswajit said that repairing of roads and mending of potholes will be completed ahead of the festival. Preparation of programs for road repairing is already complete and the government is sure of meeting its commitment to complete all repairing of roads at the earliest if the weather permits, he continued.

He said that today’s inspection was part of the BJP led government’s commitment to bring development and improve road connectivity in the entire State including the rural areas.

From Our Correspondent

Kangpokpi | Oct 29

Almost a year after it was granted district status, complete powers and functions remain to be discharged to Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi’s deputy commissioner and superintendent of police, civil society organisations have alleged.

On December 8 last year, then chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh had created seven new districts in the state, including the 45-years-old Sadar Hills, now Kangpokpi district. The next morning its first DC and SP assumed office.

But various civil society organisations in a joint-meeting with the district at Motbung on Sunday alleged the absence of necessary powers and functions, especially District Rural Development Agency, power of district election officer to DC and full powers to SP, adding that their non-implementation by the state government has kept the district administration handicapped.

Participants of the meeting said they want to move ahead like other districts for their development and welfare but are held back by the government. They resolved to serve an ultimatum to the state government regarding the issue.

While briefing media persons on behalf of the district and its CSOs, General Secretary of United Welfare Committee Tonglen Khongsai said that with the BJP government talking much about development of hill districts, the hill people of Manipur have soaring hopes of meaningful development.

But the yet-to-be-formed DRDA, he said,  is a principal organ at district level to manage and oversee the implementation of different anti-poverty programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development, and also serves as a supporting and facilitating organisation with a very effective role as a catalyst in development.

“Apart from DRDA, deputy commissioner who is to be conferred with the powers of district election officer as per section 13 AA of the Representation of People Act, 1950 and the standing instructions of the ECI still remained without designation of the same”, Khongsai said.

He said the non-conferment of DEO powers to deputy commissioner is utter disregard to the very principles in which the new districts were created.

The UWC General Secretary added that despite of having full-fledged superintendent of police, sufficient police force is yet to be delivered and enough police stations are also yet to be opened.

Even transfer and posting powers have not been deferred to the SP, he said.

Considering all such hiccups, Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi and its CSOs have decided to serve an ultimatum to the state government for implementation of all the inevitable necessary powers and functions, especially formation of DRDA, discharge of DEO powers to DC and transfer and posting powers to SP before November 8, UWC general Secretary added.

He said that if the government fails to fulfil the legitimate demand within the stipulated timeframe, the district and its CSOs will lead the public to launch a severe agitation against the government, which will be solely responsible for any untoward incident.

He also asked the state government to implement and disburse the 100 days’ wages of MGNREGA scheme equally in both hills and valley without any bias.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 29

Horticulture and soil conservation minister, Th. Shyamkumar, today assured he would gradually bring about an organic revolution in the state.

Shyamkumar was speaking during the inauguration function of the newly constructed vermicompost farm of Chingtam tam organic producer comanpy limited at Haraorou Imphal East district.

He said the sharp increase in diseases caused by consumption of chemical fertilizers indicates nothing but the failure of the department concerned.

As such, he expressed the urgent need to bring about an organic revolution in the state after consulting experts.

Shyamkumar said that the matter would be consulted with the chief minister and fellow minister adding that a sum of Rs. 14 crore would be included in the next budget for production of vermicompost to ensure that organic fertilizers is available in abundance in the state.

The minister also launched a website of the newly inaugurated farm in the presence of Dr. Vachspat Pandey, scientific officer, R.C.O.F government of India, K. Kipgen, director of horticulture and soil conservation, Dr. P.K Bal, chairman Manipur rural bank and Dr. Naorem Iboton, former Dean CAU.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 29

Manipuri documentary film, ‘Ima Sabitri’ will have its European premiere in London. The film is directed by Bobo Khuraijam and has got official selection to the prestigious ‘Women Of The Lens’ film festival in London.

Among 54 selected films, ‘Ima Sabitri’ has been entitled to be screened under the theme ‘Free Form Artist’. The three day international festival will be launched at the Goldsmiths University of London, and the film will be screened on November 26, 11 am (local time), at The Cinema Museum, Lambeth, London.

Besides, the film has also been officially invited to take part in the competition section of 11th edition of the international film festival, FSA 2017 (Film Southasia). The four day biennial international film festival will begin on November 2 at Yalamaya Kendra, which is at Patan, Lalitpur Kathmandu. ‘Ima Sabitri’ is one among the 45 films selected for the festival and among 300 film entries. It will be screened on November 4.

It may be mentioned that ‘Ima Sabitri’ was the opening film of India Panorama documentary section in the 47th edition of the International Film Festival of India, held in Goa, 2016. The film was also recently declared winner of the 10th Manipur State Film Award in non-feature section.

The film is an intimate portrayal of Sabitri, a household name among theatre enthusiasts in India and abroad.  She is addressed as ‘Ima’, which means mother. The figure of the mother, who is a teacher, a partner, a daughter…a woman, weaves a range of events, on and off the stage. Shot over a period of three years, the film explores inspirations behind a vibrant and original theatre company.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 29

Women activists under the banner “Stop oppressing women and transgender of Manipur , we are entitled to equal human rights and fundamental freedom” held a sit in protest at Keisampat Leimajam Leikai today.

The main objective of the protest according to associate professor of Nambol Sanoi College, Shreema Ningomam is showing solidarity to the transgenders who have recently been dictated from certain elements, and at the same time standing up for women’s rights.

She said that there has been certain instances in the social media where women have been slandered for the dress they wear.

She said that if the way a woman dress is not doing any harm to the society, then the people needs not be vindictive and their outlook needs to change.

“People need to be more sensitive about regarding gender justice and gender awareness, transgenders are also a part of society, we need to stand up for them too,” she said.

In humiliating women and transgengers the society is humiliating everybody. The protest is also is for all the public who are humiliated by the society, she added.

She recalled that in the last few days a picture of a women participating in a Thabal Chongba in Delhi went viral on social media for her dress. She condemned the authorities for not taking up any action on the matter. “State Cybercrime unit and even the media are not taking any initiative on matters of violation of individual rights”, she added.

Dress code diktats are shameful, she said. “Nobody should impose dress codes. Instead they should stop people misinterpreting and cyber harassing others. Dress codes cannot contribute anything towards making a society progressive”, she added.

The protest was joined by EEVFAM, WAD and HRA.

IMPHAL | Oct 29

Manipur state unit of Naga People’s Front reiterates that Awangbow Newmai will continue to serve as its president, said a release from working president Robert T Maram and Secretary Kh Armstrong Charang.

A meeting of all office bearers, legislatures, state executive committee members including all divisional presidents and NPF-led council chairmen held on September 13 unanimously resolved that Newmai will serve out his full term till 2020 as per the approval of the general convention of the party in November 2014, the release said.

The release also said that though this stand was made clear to public immediately after the meeting, “there are some people who are trying to mislead the public”.

It added that the appointment of Morung Makunga as president of the NPF Manipur unit, reported in some dailies, is “null and void” since it came after a crisis within the party had already been registered with the Election Commission of India on August 17.

IMPHAL | Oct 29

Manipur Technical University conducted a daylong cyber security awareness workshop for its students on October 28 at Government Polytechnic Auditorium, Imphal.

Held in collaboration with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), Kolkata, the workshop formed part of the national awareness campaign on information security, which is sponsored by the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

About 100 students from computer science, electrical and civil engineering branches attended the workshop.

“Our university encourages upload and download of study material online,” MTU Vice-Chancellor Dr Laiphrakpam Tombi Singh said while inaugurating the event. “It is important to not be on the wrong side of the law. There are many legal issues that our students and faculty may not be aware of. This workshop is for them.”

The sessions addressed information technology from technical, legal and security sources. Resource persons were CDAC’s senior technology officer Koushik Maiti, LMS Law College professor Sapam Dilip Singh and deputy superintendent of police (cybercrime) John.

Maiti explained the basics of computer science and the need to learn operating systems other than Windows, such as Linux.

“Most servers and supercomputers are running on Linux,” he said. “Even your Android smartphones are built on Linux.”

He also spoke about the challenges in forensic science, such as huge volumes of data and recovery of deleted evidence. The multi-jurisdictional nature of cyber security requires collaboration between industry, academia and law enforcement, since “the industry keeps coming up with new technology but investigation tools are not updated,” he said.

Professor Sapam Dilip Singh covered the history of legal frameworks around cyber security. “Cybercrime has no national boundaries,” Singh said, adding that international conventions are crucial to fight cybercrime.

He explained various sections of Information Technology Act, 2000, and the tussle between the Act—which allows for surveillance, interception and decryption of messages—and the right to freedom of expression and privacy. “The Supreme Court has ruled that restrictions on freedom of expression must not be arbitrary or excessive and can only be made in public interest,” he said.

“There is a feeling of cyber insecurity among people,” Singh added. “Since the present central government has made a push to digitise India, it will increase.”

DSP John spoke from his experience at the police cybercrime cell. He said the internet of things, which allows us to digitally control our appliances, endangers our privacy. “Someone sitting somewhere can have access to all your data,” the DSP said.

He also warned of dangers of ransomware attacks. Traffic systems as well as electricity and gas supplies in many cities have been computerised, which exposes them to attacks such as the one that shut down a shipping corporation in Mumbai this year, he said.

“This is the first time such a workshop has been held for students in Manipur,” said chief workshop organiser and head of MTU’s computer science and engineering department Jimmy Lishram.

Second-year electrical engineering student Aditya Mutum said he found the sessions interesting and helpful. “What we have been taught can be used in several applications,” he said. “But the technical points were not sufficiently explained.”

First-year civil engineering student Sundary Monsang said, “The workshop was very fast, but we managed to catch up.” 

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Oct 28

The unattended Saikul-Sapormeina bridge which connects the venue of ‘Chavang Kut’ festival at Saikul Hill town has been repaired by a WhatsApp group named GUDUP.

Saikul sub-division including Konghom area is connected with the district headquarters of Kangpokpi through Saikul-Sapormeina bridge. Approximately 15 Km road is connected with National Highway 2 and Saikul-Imphal road through the bridge.

The base of the Bailey bridge had been badly damaged in the aftermath of cyclone mora and heavy flood triggered by incessant rainfall along Gundung river in the month of May. Since then, heavy vehicles, passenger service and any four wheelers were restricted to cross the bridge and despite repeated appeal made by various CVOs of Kangpokpi, it remained unattended.

Recently, the United Welfare Committee (UWC) and various other CVOs of Kangpokpi gave ultimatum to the state government in connection with the deplorable Koubru Laikha-Tengdonjang pavement on NH-2 and Saikul-Sapormeina bridge.

The initiative of repairing was taken by GUDUP, concerning Chavang Kut festival to be widely organised only at Saikul Hill town in the whole district of Kangpokpi on November 1. However, the group also cautioned that no heavy or passenger vehicles can use the bridge. The repairing works is temporarily and only for use of Chavang Kut goers, which will be restricted as usual after the festival as per the instructions by district administration and authority concerned, added the group.

Secretary of Saikul Block Level Kut Committee, Thongjalun Mate said that the service rendered by GUDUP will be unforgettable and words are not enough to thank the esteemed members of GUDUP.

It may be mentioned that GUDUP had helped a fire victim family of Jangmol by availing financial assistance from the district administration, distributed clothes to the poor and needy people on the occasion of Christmas and also contributed to the society in various activities apart from helping various departments and district administration. The WhatsApp group has 23 members, comprising of various professions including social workers, bureaucrats, journalist and others. They called themselves as ‘Guldus’.

IMPHAL | Oct 28

Following the discussion of Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September14 this year in India; an Indian team from Manipur and Nagaland comprising of 23 members today landed in Tokyo on invitation by the Japanese government under ‘IRIS program’.

The team was led by Haobam Joyremba from Manipur.

Other members are R.K. Miranda, Ksh. Pinky, Ph. Momocha, Chanakya Thounaojam, Maibam Chingkheinganba, Yurri AS, Chinhoinuam, Nambram Rocky, Dr. Linda Kongbam, Zhokusheyi Rhakho, Khyulano Ezung, R. Zanthun Patton, Atila Jamir, Shanisha Kent, Lusano Sophie, Narsang Jamir, Wangkhem Gokulchandra, Santosh Shekhar,Arambam Angamba and Yumnam Rajeshwar.

Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan paid an official visit to India from 13 to 14 September, 2017 at the invitation of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India. On 14 September, the two Prime Ministers held strategic discussions on a wide range of issues under the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two countries.

The two Prime Ministers welcomed the India-Japan cooperation on development of India’s North Eastern Region (NER) as a concrete symbol of developing synergies between India’s Act East policy and Japan’s Free and Open Indo Pacific Strategy.

In this context, they noted with satisfaction the setting up of the India-Japan Act East Forum. They appreciated the cooperation between Japan and North Eastern Region of India, ranging from key infrastructure such as road connectivity, electricity, water supply and sewage, to social and environmental sustainability such as afforestation and community empowerment, as well as people-to-people exchanges including the “IRIS Program” inviting youth from the NER to Japan.

During the visit to Japan by Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, in November 2016, the two Prime Ministers agreed to mark the year 2017 as the year of Japan-India friendly exchanges, to further enhance people-to-people exchanges between Japan and India.

The year 2017 also marks the 60th anniversary since the Japan-India Cultural Agreement came into force in 1957.

 On this occasion, various commemorating events are being held in both countries. The Japan Festival 2017 is a part of this initiative, which includes a series of film screenings, dance and music performances, food, sports, etc., scheduled in Delhi, from 27th October to 16th December.

 On the inaugural day of the Japan festival held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi last evening, the delegation of 23 members, 17 from Manipur and 6 from Nagaland took part and were introduced to the audience.

The  Ambassador of Japan to India H.E Kenji Hiramatsu on the inaugural day of Japan Festival 2017 at India Habitat Centre flagged off the delegation of IRIS Program.

Later a dinner was hosted at the residence of the Embassy of Japan by the Ambassador. The delegation presented the gifts in the form of “Firuk” to the ambassadors, minister and Political Advisor along with other staffs of the embassy.

Later late in the night at 10:00 PM, the delegation was sent off to the airport by the Ambassador.

IRIS Program is a youth invitation program by the Government of Japan, which invites promising young talents from the North East Region of India.

This year, 23 people recommended by organizations in the States of Manipur and Nagaland, which have long contributed to strengthening Japan-India ties at community level, will be traveling to Japan from 28 October to 4 November.

 During the visit, the members will visit Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba and Hiroshima, having wide-ranging experiences such as participating in environmental and disaster prevention programs, visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Shibuya/ Harajuku area, as well as meeting with Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and learning a local government’s effort to boost eco-tourism.

The Program was announced by Ambassador Kenji Hiramatsu at the commemoration of the 73rd Anniversary of Battle of Imphal in May 2017. The name “IRIS Program” was taken from a mysterious link between Japan and the North East Region of India, i.e., one species of iris called KOMBIREI that grows mainly around Loktak Lake near Imphal and commonly used in festivals was found to be a new species in India and identical with KAKITSUBATA which was known as “Japanese iris” and considered an indigenous species of Japan for more than one thousand years.

An interview with the man who transformed heart care in Manipur

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 28

Included in world famous American based Marques Who’s Who Millennium Edition as one of the World’s eminent doctors, Dr. Shyamkishore Lairikyengbam, the only Heart Specialist of Manipur with F.R.C.P (London) and British Clinical Excellence Award Winner came back from a successful practice at London to start a full-fledged heart hospital in Manipur. Imphal Free Press (IFP) asked the doctor what made him come back? “I felt as if I was being constantly called by my motherland to serve my own people” he replied musingly.

The following is a brief interview with Dr. Shyamkishore.

IFP: Heart Attack is said to be the number one killer in the world. What are common symptoms?

Dr.: There are many symptoms. Common ones are sudden onset chest pain, breathlessness, pain in upper abdomen, nausea or vomiting, sudden onset sweating, rapid heart beat, feeling faint or collapse, heaviness of chest or sudden onset pain in left arm.

IFP: Please explain how Heart Attack can cause pain in left arm?

Dr.: The nerves that supply the heart and the left arm are from the same spinal segment. Hence pain due to heart attack may be radiated to left arm.

IFP: What is the main cause of heart attack and who are at risk?

Dr.: There are four major risk factors. These are smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension (high BP) and high cholesterol level of the body. Men are more prone to heart attack than women but after menopause women have similar risk as men. Other factors namely lack of exercise, eating fatty food, obesity may contribute to heart attack. I have come across a 21 years old man who suffered a heart attack. He was a chain smoker from a very young age. So heart attack can affect any age group due to personal habit, life style and presence of risk factors.

IFP: You pointed out that food habit may play a role in causing heart attack but what about food that the people here eat?

Dr.: Basically Manipur’s traditional diet can be termed as “super food”. We eat lots of vegetables, either raw or boiled, few examples Singju, various leafy vegetables, champhut, and kangsoi. These are very good for health. Moreover, eromba with banana stem, bamboo shoots, leafy vegetables are good for bowel motion, and also will help reduce overall fat intake. I encourage “Singju Festival”. It is a good initiative to promote a healthy diet. Cutting down on consumption of oil, salt, sugar, red meat may help in preventing Heart Attack. In our local feasts / community lunch, we have a culinary tradition of using too much oil and salt (probably to make the preparations more tasty), these may be regulated, if possible.

IFP: What about alcohol and Heart Attack? We have many alcohol manufacturing communities and consumers too?

Dr.: First of all, there is no need of alcohol to keep you healthy. So, it’s better to avoid it. Nevertheless alcohol is permitted in moderation in many western countries. Maximum alcohol allowance for a healthy man is 21 units per week. 14 units for woman. One unit is taken as equivalent to 28 ml of whiskey. Excessive use of alcohol can cause alcoholic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Binge drinking is particularly harmful. Alcohol can affect other vital organs, to mention a few, liver (cirrhosis liver), brain (encephalopathy). I have treated a few young patients in their 25 – 35 years of age, with alcohol related heart failure.

IFP: We use medication to control high BP (hypertension). Can medication be stopped if one’s conditions improve? How do we improve heart functioning?

Dr.: There are now a number of drugs available in the market which can help improve the condition of the heart while controlling hypertension. Stopping medication suddenly without doctor’s advice is harmful. Such practice may cause “rebound” hypertension (sudden shoot up of BP) causing heart attack or stroke. However, upto 25% of people on medication for high BP may come off drugs gradually under doctors supervision. This may be possible with reduction of salt intake, reduction of weight, regular exercise, stopping/moderation of alcohol intake etc.

IFP: You had a successful career in London. What made you come back to Manipur?

Dr.: I had many debates on this topic with my family members while in London. (Smiling). I have discussed my stance to come back to my home state with my better half, L. Surbala Devi, of the pros and cons. She has been my main support. She too decided to give up her comfortable and luxurious life of London to risk a new venture here with me. While in London, always I felt as if I was required in Manipur, I felt a “calling” from my motherland. So, I came back to Manipur after practicing for more than 15 long years in the U.K. with a mission to start a Full-fledged heart hospital in Manipur. With the support from family and friends I started Manipur’s First Full –Fledged Heart Hospital called SKY Hospital.

IFP: So, how do you feel about your decision? Do you have any regret or are you happy with it?

Dr.: Personally, I am immensely happy and satisfied mainly because I gave Manipur and people of Manipur the first Open Heart Surgery in the state on 18th November, 2015 and other complex cardiac procedures as listed below.

First I.C.D. implant operation (12th February, 2015).

First Non-operative (Device) closure of holes in the heart (4th July, 2015).

First RF Ablation for cardiac arrhythmia (palpitation)(11th July, 2015).

First complex coronary interventional procedures namely Primary PCI

(1st August, 2015).

First Mitral Valve Balloon Dilatation (blocked heart valve)(22nd August 2015).

First CTO Coronary Angioplasty (27th October, 2015).

First Double Kissing Crush Stenting (DKCS) Coronary Angioplasty (22nd December, 2015).

First Abdominal Aorta Senting (18th March, 2017).

First Left Main Stem Coronary Angioplasty (6th July, 2017).

First RSOV Device closure (10th September, 2017).

Presently, SKY is providing world class sophisticated diagnostic cardiac procedures, complex interventional cardiac procedures namely, coronary angioplasty (PCI) and stent, any peripheral vascular stenting, renal angioplasty, ICD/Pacemaker/Bi-ventricular pacing, device closure of various holes in the heart, RF Ablation treatment for cardiac arrhythmia (palpitation) and various open heart and lung surgery and last but not the least Coronary Artery By-pass Graft (CABG) surgery.

Until recently, heart patients of Manipur had to go outside Manipur for treatment. Now they need not go to other states, thereby their suffering to travel to distant places, from adverse climate, extra expenditure for additional patient’s attendants will be lessened. Further, going for check-up to such distant places is another hardship to patient and patient’s party. I feel that I have been able to lessen the burden to the patients of the state and at the same time provide the treatment and procedure at par with other interventional medical centres.

IFP: Any message you wish to give to our readers?

Dr.: Life is precious. Life stops when heart stops. Let’s live with a healthy heart by avoiding smoking, alcohol or at least controlling alcohol use as per physiological allowance, keeping diabetes, BP, cholesterol levels under control, avoiding fatty foods, red meat, regular exercise etc. In case you think you suffer from a heart attack, go to the nearest doctor or clinic for first aid and then to a heart hospital as soon as possible for accurate and appropriate treatment which will help increase your chance of survival.

IMPHAL | Oct 28

Chairman and chief cardiologist of SKY Hospital, Dr. Shyamkishore stated that many children or grown up patients with various holes in the heart, who are advised for surgical closure may have the advantage of non-surgical device closure at SKY.

A release said that hole in the heart is a type of Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in which a child is born with a hole or several holes in the heart. The reported incidence of CHD is approximately 1000 per 100000 live births.

Traditionally, a big hole in the heart is closed with open heart surgery which involves opening of the chest and heart and closure of the hole by direct suturing or suturing using a patch od a part of the heart called pericardium or a material called Dacron patch, it added.

For the first time in Manipur, the big hole in the heart called Atrial Septal DEFECT (ASD) measuring 26mm in its diameter was closed without open heart surgery using an umbrella like material called ‘36mm Septal Occuluder Device’. Recently, a 16 years old girl with a large heart defect was successfully closed at SKY Hospital on October 14 and she will now grow up as a normal person, said the release.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 28

One day students’ career promotion programme was held today at Government Dance College open air auditorium, Palace Compound.

Dharmadas Sharma, head of office (in-charge in the stead of principal) of the GDC, while briefing media-persons said that this is a programme to groom confidence of the students and a platform to enhance their dance skills.

Normally students are shy and they cannot cope up with the pressures of keeping pace with the professionalism of dance forms. He said it is therefore essential for the students to first familiarise themselves with the exacting commitments demanded in being a professional dancer.

The programme kicked off with the special guests and other important members of the dignitaries lighting the ceremonial lamp.

There were four solo performances and one group performance. Solo performance was given by Konjengbam Valentina Devi on Manglacharan and pure dance mentored by K. Binapani Devi. It was also given by Laikhuram Sanaton Singh on Pamhai Jagoi.

The group dance was presented by the bisarat students of the university on the dance called Tandap Parenglaktagee.

Director of art and culture, K. Sushila and director of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, L. Upendro Sharma attended the function as special guests.

THOUBAL | Oct 28

A one- day district level sensitization programme on different schemes of agriculture was held at Thoubal Melaground today.

Inaugurating the sensitization programme, Education minister,  Th. Radheshyam Singh said that there are various schemes of the Agriculture department. The farmers should try to know about the schemes and take benefits of it. He further said that it is necessary to set up cold storage facilities so that farmers can store their produce and sell at any time especially during lean seasons.

The minister said that it is necessary to implement the schemes with sincerity so that the farmers can avail the benefits. He also urgerd the department’s officials to organize  such sensitisation programmes in the far flung areas so that the benefits of the schemes reaches the grass root level.

The programme was attended by Dr. Suhel Akhtar, Additional Chief Secretary,  Ph. Rajendra Singh, Director Agriculture and  Th. Shyamo Singh, Chairperson, Thoubal Municipal Council.