Tag: IFP

IMPHAL | Oct 26

A co-operative team work of Karnataka Police, Manipur Police and Women Helpline rescued three Manipuri girls of Senapati and Churchandpur district from the hands of fraudsters in Karnataka, said the manager of Helpline (Manipur), G. Ravi Shama in a press statement.

Ravi Sharma said that they will be arriving lmphal on October 2017 and will be handed over to their respected families after due process.

The statement said that a rescue operation was jointly conducted by Karnataka Police (Shimoga district), Manipur Police of lmphal West district and Women Helpline 181, Manipur where a young girl from Churachandpur called up Women Helpline Manipur 181, to enquire the authenticity of a job being offered to her in Bangalore in a beauty parlour as beautician along with two other girls (total three girls of which second girl is her sister-in-law who is a minor and third from Senapati) without any prior work experience. Though she was suspicious about the job, but she was enticed by the lucrative job offer as she had to support her ailing father and six young siblings, it added.

It said that all the three girls departed for Bangalore the next day before proper investigation about the offered job could be initiated with the help of Anti Human Trafficking Unit, Imphal West.

On the second day of their reaching Bangalore, Women Helpline received a distress call from her mother requesting them to rescue the girls as they had asked her for help. After contacting the girl, she informed us that instead of joining a beauty parlour, their agents have now asked to work in Spa as masseuse, giving body massages to the male walk-in customers and had put restriction to the use of mobile phone and now wanted them, that is, Women Helpline 181, Manipur to rescue them at the earliest, said the statement.

Further it said that she also managed to inform us that from her current location they were going to be taken to an unknown location towards Shivamogga district which was around 300 kms away.

Minute observations on the way and with presence of mind, key information such as their traveling bus number plates, milestones, roadside signage, etc. were passed on secretly by the brave girl to Women Helpline 181, Manipur and Imphal West Police, which was again further shared with Karnataka police of Shivamogga police station and finally managed to intercept the bus by getting in touch with the bus driver and the bus conductor and all three were thus rescued safely in time, it continued.

Until the rescued girls were repatriated to Manipur, they will be kept at a place of safety for women at Ujjawala Home run by the Ministry of Women and Child and government of Karnataka, it maintained.

Deputy Director (WP), Biobala Nongmeikapam, Hepline manager, Gurumayum Ravi Sharma and the entire team of Women Helpline 181 appealed to the public especially young girls from the Hill districts to remain vigilant against such lucrative job offerings and incentives outside the state.

They also urged the guardians to keep their wards against such fraudulent advertisement over the internet and job placement centres. Verification and confirmation of authenticity of jobs should be carefully carried out before sending them outside the state.

It further appealed to the public to contact Women Helpline on its toll free number #181 for any kind of women in distress situation and look forward for cooperation from community leaders, tribe apex bodies, village leaders, religious leaders and media to curb the menace of human trafficking.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Oct 26

The 50 bedded district hospital at Duigailong village of Tamenglong district has begun its service from today.

The programme was attended by all doctors and nurses including executive engineer of DRDA, Tamenglong, Dirang Gangmei and chief medical officer of Tamenglong, Dr Chambo Gonmei at Duigailong village, which is some three kilometres from the district headquarter. The hospital has been upgraded into 100 bedded hospital but construction works are yet to be completed till date. All required equipment and sick patients were shifted to the new hospital.

Much awaited 50 bedded new district hospital at Duigailong village of Tamenglong district has not been formally inaugurated and handed over to health department, Tamenglong. The government had planned to inaugurate the hospital during Manipur chief minister’s visit to Tamenglong on October 24.

Earlier, the district administration Tamenglong had aimed for functioning of the hospital before August 15, however it was delayed for another two months. The work order was issued to a special contractor Keibamdi Panmei in the year 2009 but reportedly construction work was executed by many sub- contractors as well.

According to a reliable source, the revised estimated cost for project is Rs 21.26 crores. After deduction for various agencies Rs. 18.04 crores was deposited at DRDA Tamenglong account. The first deadline for completion of the envisaged project was fixed for December 2012 but it was extended for completion to March 2016. A noticed was issued by the district administration on October 13, 2016 as there was no sign of work being resumed.

Concerning the incompletion of building despite of huge public demand, several memorandums were submitted by various civil bodies.

It may be mentioned here that the new deputy commissioner of Tamenglong has cancelled all contractors and work agency working in multiple crores of 50 bedded hospital of Tamenglong district and the work is handled by DRDA Tamenglong now.

IMPHAL | Oct 26

Education Minister Shri Thokchom Radheshyam Singh said that scientific enquiry and analytical thinking must be inculcated in the minds of young for a positive development. He was speaking as Chief Guest at the second session of concluding the XXXIX State Level Students’ Science Seminar – 2017, at Lamyanba Sanglen on the topic – Swachh Bharat: Role Of Science & Technology Promises and Challenges, organised by the Directorate of Education (Schools), Manipur under the patronage of the National Council Of science Museum, New Delhi.

The State Level Students’ Science Seminar which was held annually from the year 1978 was won by the Km. Laishram Yashmine Devi of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Khumbong, Imphal West District, Zone – I for this year she will participate in the National Science Seminar – 2017 to be held at Birla Industrial and Technological Museum, Kolkata on 9th November, 2017. Overall the seminar was participated by 14 students who were the best performer from each 17 districts/zone of Manipur though three students were absent.

The Minister said that the rise in human population has resulted in excessive exploitation of nature causing ecological imbalance. The science seminar is held to ignite the young minds with scientific enquiry and analytical thinking to enable them to face the challenges arising out of the conflict between man and nature. To remain relevant the knowledge earned must be utilised according to the need, he added.

Former Principal D. M. College of Science Shri G. Tomba Sharma said that to build up a scientific temper such seminar specially for the young students involving their guardians and teachers is very important. He said that the scientific knowledge needs to be imparted to everyone through easy language to develop a rational society.

 The closing of the science seminar was attended by the director Education – S Thokchom Kirankumar, officials of Education Departemnt, teachers, guardians and students.

By Jeijei Newme

IMPHAL | Oct 27

It is good to have some goals but is equally important to have inspired journeys. True to his words, Aribam Uttam Sharma life’s journey is truly inspiring. He is a lecturer by profession but is also a passionate and accomplished professional guitarist. He will be performing in the Shillong leg of Bacardi NH7 Weekender on October 27 and 28, India’s most happening music festival.

Music lovers, especially guitar aficionados, know him and his superlative skills. In Shillong, he will share the stage with well-known blues musician, Rudy Wallang of Soulmate (based in Shillong) fame.

Alongside the Rudy Wallang band, other international and national singers and bands, including Steve Vai, Indian Ocean, The Local Train, Guitar Jamboree, Andrea Tariang and the Band, among others will be performing in the music capital of Northeast India. NH7 Weekender is termed as one of the happiest music festival, and is considered the “Glastonbury Festival” of India.

IFP caught up with Uttam to get some of his views on his journey. He told this report that he has been in love with music since his childhood, but it is practice over the years which made his passion for music deeper and deeper, until he became completely lost in it, especially the infinitely aesthetic possibilities of the classical guitar.

He studied classical guitar with premier guitarist Gareth Koch, from University of Newcastle, Australia where he also earned his B. Music degree. There he was awarded the Frank Hutchens Memorial Award for his exceptional performances.

He also composes music. He has composed music for more than 10 films of which Leipaklei and Manipuri Pony were national award winners. Anther film for which he scored the music, Hundred Zero Zero Seven was awarded the Golden Conch at Mumbai International Film Festival, 2014.

Narrating how he got to be there, he said Rudy Wallang liked his performance in a one Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICC) sponsored programme in Shillong. And then the next day he got a call to be part of the festival. He said he is indeed excited to be part of one of India’s biggest music festival.

He said he probably is the third artist from the state to perform in the festival after Imphal Talkies and The Koi.

He recounted his bad times during his journey and at one point of time, “I had to give up practice and it was hard for me”.

He took a break due to sickness for 5-6 years, but he coped and recuperated from both his fears and his sickness. He credited his father (a film-maker) for being a constant source of inspiration in bad times as much as in good times.

He said that his favourites of guitarists are many but he mentioned David Russell, Stevie Ray Vaughan among others.

Uttam revealed that he is still on medication but hopes to release one album of his own composition in next year and he is working fulltime not to make it happen.

He advised his younger counterparts that they must have goals in mind and work for them, but it is also vitally important to have the courage to step out and be ready to take the leap of faith into one’s calling.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 26

The cyber crime police station Manipur has detected a fraud website collecting money from candidates from the state for job under Gramin Samridhi Yojana.

According to a reliable source, the cyber crime police (CCP) received information on October 23 from Bank of Maharastra that two drafts of Rs. 3000 had been made from their bank by aspirant candidates for job under the Gramin Samridhi Yojna, payable at Kolkata which was advertised at the website (www.gys.org.in) and in a local daily newspaper.

Subsequently, on October 24 the day CCP conducted revealed that some of the candidates who have applied for the job under the scheme report the police of the same case, said the source.

It is learnt that about 4200 candidates belonging the state of Manipur, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh were in the merit list and were asked to send bank draft of Rs. 2000 to 3000 as security deposit for verification of certificate.

The CCP further in their investigation reportedly found out that the website was not authorized by the government besides the director, PR&DR, Manipur intimated that there was no such scheme by the name under the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India or any other Ministry or department.

IMPHAL | Oct 26:

Former MLA Z Kikhonbou Newmai, has been appointed as the Vice President of the BJP, Manipur Pradesh, in place of M. Hemanta Singh with immediate effect, an order of the state BJP president, K Bhabananda Singh, dated October 26, said.

IMPHAL | Oct 26

The Chief Judicial Magistrate, (CJM) Imphal West today released on bail the five arrested members of the Manipur Government Services Federation (MGSF) including one woman who were arrested by police yesterday.

The MGSF members were produced before the CJM wherein the Judge granted bail after furnishing PR bond of Rs. 30,000 each with one surety each.

The agitating MGSF members were arrested by the police around 10 am yesterday near north block for obstructing and preventing other government employees from entering the civil secretariat to attend their offices.

The MGSF members were preventing fellow employees from attending duties in the wake of the mass casual leave agitation imposed by the federation demanding implementation of the 7th pay commission in the state.

They were charged with under section 350,342 IPC (for obstruction in discharge of duty by public servant, wrongful restraint).

Yesterday’s mass casual leave agitation crippled normal function of the government offices.

Later in the evening the federation in its press statement called off its agitation temporarily expressing “full confidence” in the fitment committee formed to look into the modalities for the implementation of the demand.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Oct 25

 A day after Nagaland Chief Minister, TR Zeliang claimed that the Cock symbol of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) would be retained by the Neiphiu Rio led group of the NPF to which he is part of the latter group, the rival Dr Shurhozelie led NPF said that the claim is just an attempt to fool and confuse the public.

Interestingly, the Neiphiu Rio-TR Zeliang duo led NPF had also served a one-week deadline on the 9 NPF legislators supporting the Dr Shurhozelie led group to join the former. 

Reacting to the statement of TR Zeliang-Neiphiu Rio led NPF’s latest move, the Dr Shurhozelie led NPF said today, “If he (TR Zeliang) was so confident of getting the symbol Cock, he would not have been hobnobbing with the Nationalist People’s Party (NPP), nor would Neiphiu Rio burn the midnight oil to get his party Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) registered with the Election Commission of India (ECI)”.

The statement of Dr Shurhozelie led NPF then said that the general public can clearly see through their “bluff and it is an open secret that their brief honeymoon shall come to an end” in a matter of weeks as both of them head towards their respective political parties. “But in the meantime, one should not think too harshly of their ridiculous statements since they are under immense pressure to keep their flock together, and they are compelled to make fantastic statements to convince their followers as well as themselves,” it added.

Meanwhile, ridiculing the statement of the NPF group led by Neiphiu Rio and TR Zeliang serving 7 days ultimatum to the Dr Shurhozelie led NPF,  Rajya Sabha MP and Secretary General of NPF of the latter group, KG Kenye on Wednesday said that they have no authority to call the NPF party to reconcile with them, but it is the NPF who have all the authority and liberty if it found the expelled and suspended NPF members fit to be reconciled with and include them into the party fold.

Addressing the party workers during the third day of the NPF Youth Wing sit-in-protest at Civil Secretariat in Kohima today, the MP said that it is for the NPF to decide whether to reconcile with them or not to since they have involved themselves in anti-party activities and hence, were either expelled or suspended from the NPF party. He also rubbished the “rebel” group’s statement on reconciliation stating that the Election Commission of India letter dated October 17 had never mentioned anything on reconciliation but clearly directed the NPF to convene a General Convention and let the active members of the party decide the present political crisis.

Speaking on the chief whip and disqualification issue, the MP said that once the NPF proven its legitimacy after holding its General Convention, the issue would be automatically settled even though the present unconstitutional government might try to run away and escape.

The MP then said the ECI which is the custodian and the guardian of every political party in the country can never be influenced by Rio and TR group.

He also said that the ECI, which knows thoroughly the constitution of NPF and understanding that there is a mechanism to resolve the present political happenings in Nagaland, had directed the NPF to convene the General Convention and resolve the issue.

Referring to the appointment of Yitachu as new Chief Whip and Kuzholuzo Nienu as leader of the NPF legislature party, the MP said that their appointments were made by the president of the party and for which it will stand scrutiny of any court of law. Kenye also asked the NLA Speaker, Dr. Imtiwapang Aier to adjudicate justice to all the cases pending in his office at the earliest.

By Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 25

Manipur Pradesh Congress Party (MPCC) today asked five parliamentary secretaries of the state to step down from their posts terming it as unconstitutional according to Article 192 of Indian Constitution.

President of the party, T.N. Haokip, addressing media persons at the Congress Bhavan said that the appointment of 12 parliamentary secretaries is unconstitutional and amounts to holding ‘office of profit’.

“Though eight have left their posts, five are yet to step down and we want them to vacate the posts,” he said.

A representation was given to the Governor of the state, Najma Heptullah today at 12:30 pm urging her interference in the case, he said.

The Supreme Court had clearly given a judgment on July 26 that parliamentary secretaries are unconstitutional, terming the post as ‘office-of-profit’, Haokip pointed out.

Accordingly on August 30, seven parliamentary secretaries from Mizoram resigned from their posts and stopped enjoying the benefits of the office, he added.

The controversy of parliamentary secretaries has been surfacing since 2004 when Sonia Gandhi had to resigned from her post of chairman of National Advisory Council then applied a fresh mandate for her post as parliamentary secretary.

In 2014, Jaya Bachchan was also disqualified from her position as Rajya Sabha MP for simultaneously holding the post of chairperson of Uttar Pradesh Film Corporation.

He asked whether the 12 parliamentary secretaries of the state will remain as it is or be given the same verdict as was given to Jaya Bachchan and Sonia Gandhi under Article 192.

He questioned the power of the Governor in this matter that a Governor is mandated to ensure the spirit of the Indian Constitution is kept in letter and spirit. He urged the Governor to immediately take appropriate actions on this matter.

Chief minister N. Biren Singh had elected 12 parliamentarians namely Sapam Ranjan, Kongkham Robindro Singh, Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, Heikham Dingo Singh, Ashab Uddin among others. 

Parliamentary secretaries are allotted and attached to the concerned ministers to assist them in discharge of their duties and responsibilities. They receive financial benefit such as pay and allowances and the status of a minister of state under the Manipur Parliamentary Secretary (appointment, salary and allowance and the miscellaneous provisions) Act, 2012.

The Congress president also announced that the party will observe one year long observation of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi birth anniversary starting from November 19.

Floral tribute will be paid and those who have adopted the Congress ideology and well-wishers of the party are welcomed to come and take part in the grand event, he said.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 25

Five members of the Manipur Government Services’ Federation, MGSF, including one woman were arrested today at around 10 am for obstructing and preventing other government employees from entering the civil secretariat to attend their offices.

The federation had called for a cease work strike by all state government employees in demand for the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission’s recommendations in the state.

The arrested strikers are: Nandeibam Jugeshwor Singh, 58, son of N. Chaoba of Nongbung Ayangpalli, Imphal East, Pukhrambam Shyamkumar Singh, 57, son of late P. Ibohal of Ningthoukhong Bazar Makha Leikai, ward number 11, Lourembam Deben Singh, 54, son of late L. Mani Singh of Keinou Thongkha, Bishnupur district, Aribam Indubala Devi, 52, daughter of A. Apabi Sharma of Bramapur Nahabam Bishnulatpam Leirak, Imphal East and Moirangthem Iboyaima Singh , 51, son of late M. Phougei Singh of Wangkhei Angom Leikai, Imphal East.

In the meantime the state government has warned all the employees not to take casual leave and to come office as usual.

According to a reliable source it is said that chief minister has given an order to suspend the arrested disobedient members.

The source further said the five arrested MGSF members are still in the custody of Imphal Police station.

On the other hand, a press release from MGSF said the federation has decided to postpone its cease work strike for the time being, expressing “full confidence” in the Fitment Committee formed to look into means and mode of implementing the Seventh Pay Commission’s recommendations. 

General Secretary of MGSF, Purujit Lairikyengbam, announced that the federation will postpone the strike “till a new notice is issued in this regard and subject to the outcome of the government’s positive action within the timeline”.

He added that while MGSF hopes the committee would submit its report within 10 days as mentioned, the federation is holding off it strike for another 10 days “as grace period for complete finalisation of payment structure, etc.”

In an earlier release, Chief Secretary of Manipur, Rajani Ranjan Rashmi, requested the MGSF not to resort to any form of agitation, assuring that the government is trying to finalise the modalities for implementation of Seventh Pay Commission’s recommendation.

Another report said supporting the agitation most of the government employees of Jiribam district did not attend their respective office.

A release of the Government Employees’ Union Jiribam announced they would support any kind of agitation taken up by MGSF.

IMPHAL | Oct 25

The Nagalim Tours (TNT) has deferred the proposed date of a next-gen festival called “Freedom Festival: Zhophao” to be held from October 27 to 30 at Zhophao, Senapati district, Manipur indefinitely and the necessary advance payment of the customers shall be all refunded within 15 working days.

A release signed by TNT managing director, Veilou Veino said that it is very sad to learn that a particular village/section is against the tourist visiting the festival and the organisers had no clue that the venue is a disputed area.

It said that a team of TNT went to the venue for spot enquiry and there were many people settled in and around the valley, so the team enquired and asked if a festival with the plan can be organised, the settlers in the valley were so warm and welcoming to the plan. Henceforth, the name “Zhophao” as told by the settlers was mentioned in the event’s promos, it added.

According to the notification published in some regional dailies where the Kaibi village triggered a target on the tourist/guests, it said adding that “We are shocked that an advanced Naga village has such ideology of not accepting tourist for nothing else but ‘ism’. We would have mutually come to an understanding where the organisers and the opposing village could promote tourism together but the threat to the tourist and the information came very late at the eleventh hour”.

Stating that TNT and the well-wishers have been promoting vigorously since three months ahead of the event but none came up opposing to it but encouraged, it said, “To our surprise we came across notifications from the village authority opposing to the event only on October 8 and that our customers will be attacked by the said village”.

The publication/notification mentioned that the intention of the organisers is doubted but the intention of the village is in fact also doubted by the organisers on targeting personally as the threat to customers were made and that the discontent on the organisers came only at the last hour, it added.

The release said that they have one objective which is promoting the probable tourist hotspots of Nagas and not any particular sub tribes of Nagas and their operation expands even across the imaginary international border and let the Nagas on the eastern areas be explored and vice versa.

Further it said that one of the customers quoted as saying, “Objection to such initiatives definitely dilutes the creativity of our young minds of their entrepreneurial acumen and discourages them from social engineering.”

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 25

President of Manipur University Students Union, Buchi Mayanglangbam appealed organisation outside the university not to interfere in the internal matters of the Manipur University without taking MUSU into confidence. He said this during a press conference held today at the office of MUSU, Manipur University, Chanchipur.

Speaking to media persons, Buchi said construction of the fifth men’s hostel is a good step taken by Manipur University authority.  But MUSU condemned MU authority for naming the hostel after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose without taking the taking MUSU into confidence.

Buchio said MUSU brought up the matter before the Vice Chancellor, and updated him of the norms and regulations for naming hostels in the campus.

He said by convention, the names of men’s hostels must be after hill ranges of Manipur and girls’ hostels, that of indigenous flowers. The Vice Chancellor agreed with the naming norm and ask suggestions on an appropriate name for the new hostel, he added.

After a thorough discussion, they decided to give the name of “Kheba Ching Men’s Hostel” after the historic Kheba Hillock, Buchi asserted.

He further said under instruction of the Vice Chancellor, university engineers were sent to the building to put down the inaugural stone yesterday.

Meanwhile MUSU condemned DESAM for trying to interfere in what is MUSU’s responsibility exclusively.

Buchi claimed “MUSU is a student union made of highly educated members unlike like DESAM”.

He said the year 2016-17 has been agitation in the university under the stewardship of MUSU which has been managing to resolve all university related issues peacefully. Buildings and the infrastructures of the university have been taken care of under MUSU watch.

Buchi appealed to DESAM and other student organisations not to create any unwanted issue as propaganda for the coming MUSU election which might affect the academic environment.

On the other hand, as a part of the activity of MUSU, a lecture cum interaction programme was organised on October 23 under the topic “Changing Dynamics of Korea-India Relations and Bilateral Relations Between South Korea and Manipur”, he said.

Political Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, New Delhi, Park June Seo gave a talk on the topic, he added.

Park had said Manipur and South Korea have similar eating habits, cultural activities and almost identical indigenous sports. He also said to make this relationship between Manipur University and South Korea better, cultural exchange programmes will be organised soon.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Oct 25

The United Welfare Committee (UWC) and various other civil voluntary organisations of Kangpokpi district have come up with a stern warning of launching intense agitation over Koubru Laikha-Tengdonjang section of NH-2 and the alleged unattended Saikul-Sapormeina bridge.

The decision was made after its emergency meeting today at the district, following the MoU with Bhartia Infra Project Limited (BIPL) in quest for finer road along National Highway-2.

The emergency meeting reviewed the CVOs’ commitment towards the safety and protection of BIPL, the agency responsible for construction of NH-2 after it inked a MoU with the agency.

It minutely deliberated on the deteriorating pavement on NH-2, Koubru Laikha-Tengdonjang section from Koubru Laikha-Kanglatongbi bazaar. The inspection report of KSO Sadar Hills on the situation of Sapormeina-Saikul bridge was also highlighted in which it was mentioned that the damaged in the aftermath of cyclone Mora has remained unattended till today rendering untold suffering to the people.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, general secretary of UWC, Tonglen Khongsai reiterated the earlier commitment of CSOs of Kangpokpi towards extending maximum cooperation and all possible help for the safety and protection of BIPL workers during the construction period. He said that BIPL agency is the first road construction agency seeking for CVOs and public assistance.

The CVOs have reaffirmed its commitment to extent all possible help and cooperation to the BIPL workers in between Gamgiphai to Taphou Kuki village during the construction period of National Highway-2, he added.

It may be mentioned that in the MoU signed by the CVOs and BIPL on October 6, the latter agreed to maintain finest quality in the construction of the NH-2 and not to compromise with quality whereas the former decided to provide maximum cooperation and extent all possible help to the workers between the stretch of Gamgiphai and Taphou Kuki.

The Kuki UGs more particularly under UPF also provided their written acknowledgement to provide full cooperation to avoid unnecessary disturbances in their respective areas of operation throughout the construction period and provided security and protection to all machineries and labourers.

However, Khongsai expressed the CVOs’ discontentment and said that the construction work of Koubru Laikha-Tengdonjang section had started almost three years ago but culminated in the midway which could hardly reached only upto Kanglatongbi bazaar. The remaining Koubru Laikha to Kanglatongbi section has been left unattended which gradually deteriorate the road condition and now it become the worst pavement along the NH-2, he added.

He continued that the KSO Sadar Hills also had inspected the condition of road earlier and drawn the immediate attention of the state government and the authority concerned but no positive response has been received so far. The appeal made by CWC to the government four months ago has also become useless, he added.

Considering the negligence and rigidity on the part of the state government, the emergency meeting of UWC and CVOs has decided to give two weeks ultimatum for construction of Koubru Laikha-Kanglatongbi section and Saikul-Sapormeina bridge, said Khongsai. If the government fails to deliver satisfactory action within the stipulated time, there will be an intense form agitation which the government shall be solely responsible for any untoward incident.

IMPHAL | Oct 25

The state Transport department has allegedly issued fake registration and other relevant documents to vehicles which have been procured clandestinely from outside the state. 

In a public interest litigation suit filed by Prasanta Oinam, Manipur High Court has issued show cause notices to the state transport department. The PIL alleges that cars stolen from other parts of the country are being sold with new registration numbers in Manipur, and the state transport department is registering them without proper verification.

The petition cites information obtained throught Right To Information (RTI) applications filed to the transport department claim that large-scale registration of illegally procured vehicles is taking place in the state.

A white Hyundai car registered in Imphal on October 25, 2016, has the same chassis number and engine number as a vehicle reported stolen from New Delhi on December 8, 2016, first information report (FIR) filed with the Delhi Police shows.

The petition claims that stolen cars are backdated when registered in Manipur. In one  example, a Hyundai Creta registered at District Transport Office, Imphal West, has the date of purchase in August 2014 even though the vehicle was launched in India in July 2015.

Information provided by the transport department shows one Toyota Fortuner was transferred from Lucknow to Imphal. But the car was registered in Imphal on March 13, 2014, even earlier than its registeration in Lucknow on March 24, 2014.

Another Toyota Fortuner transferred from Assam as per records of the transport department has its chassis number changed. Vahan, a website under Ministry of Raod Transport and Highways, still shows that the vehicle is active in Assam.

The petition accuses the District Transport Officers of aiding and abetting car theft gangs by registering vehicles which are either stolen or bought without authorisation. The petitioner had also requested for copies of documents required for vehicular registration under Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. However, RK Jayantakumar Singh, District Transport Officer, Imphal West, refused to provide these papers, citing an “acute shortage of staff”.

“They refused to show the necessary documents because these cannot possibly exist since the cars have been stolen,” the advocate for the petitioner, Deepak Singh said.

A High Court bench comprising acting Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice Kh Nobin Singh is hearing the case. The bench has given the respondents, who also include the Manipur government and police department, six weeks to file their respective response. The next hearing has been listed on December 13.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 25

The Manipur State Film Development Society, MSFDS, today declared the winners of 9th and 10th Manipur State Film Awards at its office at Palace Compound. The 9th edition was for the year 2013-2014 and the 10th was for 2015-16.

Commissioner of art and culture department and chairman of the organising committee of the state film awards, M. Lakshmikumar released and declared the results during a press conference.

The Best film critic award of the 9th and 10th edition of the state film award was awarded to Herojit Nongmaithem and Bobby Wahengbam respectively.

In the category of feature film, best film award was conferred to Nangna Kappa Pakchade for 9th edition which is directed by Makhonmani Mongsaba and produced by Th. Thouyangba Meetei and Th. Thoungamba Meetei. For the 10th edition, Loktak Lairembi won the award, produced and directed by Haobam Paban Kumar.

In the non-feature category, Phum Sang directed by Haobam Paban Kumar and produced by Films Division got the best non-feature film for 9th edition. Ima Sabitri, directed by Bobo Khuraijam and produced by Gurumayum Ranita got the best non-feature film for 10th Manipur State Film award.

Best actor for feature film category for 2013-2014 goes to R.K. Kaiku Singh for the role of Oja Chinglensana for the Nongmatang and for 2015-16, Th. Khelemba Meetei got the best actor award for his role as Leirik for the movie Khujinda Yotpi.

In best direction, Makhonmani Mongsaba won the award for his film Nangna Kappa Packchade for 9th edition and Maipaksana Haorongbam for Eibusu Yaohanbiyu for 10th edition.

Lakshmikumar said that the award function will be held soon on or before the Sangai festival of November 21. The chairman also announced that state film society will take part in the 48th International Film Festival at Goa for regional movies category.

He said this will be the first time for the state to take part in such international level of cinema and hope that better things will come for the state film fraternity.

IMPHAL | Oct 25 (NNN)

All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) alleged that Manipur police attempted to raid its office located at Adimjati Complex, Chingmeirong in Imphal on the charge of kidnapping a student. ATSUM said that the incident happened around 1:30 pm today. The apex tribal students’ body then strongly condemned the “attempted raid” by the police.

“This kind of intimidation and aggressive act are unwarranted and uncalled for,” said ATSUM in a statement. It also said that, as an apex tribal students’ organisation, the “ATSUM office is a home to every tribal especially the students”. ATSUM also said that it “has every right” to invite any tribal student for discussion on any student’s or tribal issue.

The ATSUM statement then said, “At the backdrop of government colleges/higher secondary schools election related violence occurring annually in the heart of the state capital, ATSUM has been working on to minimize such incident by calling on the tribal students of government colleges/higher secondary schools particularly the candidates at its office and ask to refrain from such ugly incidence”. It then added, “In the course of sensitizing the students, the state police under the persuade of some students’ organization attempted to raid the ATSUM office on the alleged charge of kidnapping a student at around 1.30 pm”.

The All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur then demanded the concerned authority to resolve the charge of kidnapping of a student at the earliest by booking the culprits who made “the false allegation” on ATSUM and also for “misleading” the police.

IMPHAL | Oct 25

A team of Imphal West district police commandos arrested an alleged sympathizer of RPF/PLA organisation while conducting and frisking at Chingmeirong and its adjoining areas yesterday at around 5.30 pm, said a statement issued by PRO, Manipur police department.

According to the statement, the individual has been identified as Gurumayum Dhanaraj Sharma (47) son of (L) Daoji Sharma of Khurai Soibam Leikai a/p M.B.  Car workshop, Khabam Leikai and incriminating articles were seized from his possession.

On the same day at around 2 pm, a team of Narcotics and Affairs of Border have arrested two drug peddlers from Irom Wangkhei Ninghtem Pukhri areas along with 69 Spasmo Proxyvon capsules identified as Phurailakpam Tichan Sharma (32) son of Ph. Yaima Sharma of Kwai Bharmapur Aribam Leikai and Heirkrujam Jyko Sharma (32) son of H. Dilip Singh of Tharoijam Mamang Leikai, said the statement.

While on October 23, Bank of Maharastra informed Cyber Crime police station, Manipur telephonically that two drafts of Rs. 3000 has been made from their bank by aspirant candidates for job under the Gramin Samridhi Yojana, payable at Kolkata which was advertised at the website: www.gsy.org.in and as well as on Poknapham newspaper on July 31, it added.

Further it said that on October 24, some candidates who also applied for the job under the scheme also reported to Cyber Crime Police station regarding the website of Gramin Samridhi Yojana and added that 4200 candidates belonging to the state of Manipur, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh were informed to be on Merit list and were asked to send bank draft of Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3000 to an address given in the said website as security deposit for verification of certificate.

It said that the website was checked and found to be fraud and hence an enquiry in this regard was conducted by SP (CB) and found the website not an authorised government website, Moreover, director of RD and PR, Manipur also intimated that there is no such scheme called Gramin Samridhi Yojana under the ministry of Rural Development, government of India or any ministry or department.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 24

A dead body of a man was found today around 4:30 pm at Cheirao Ching under Lamphel Police Station. The man has been identified as Tonthang Maring, 38, son of Tonthang Dalmei Maring from Tarung Grace Colony.

According to people at the spot, a red colour Honda Activa bearing registration number MN-01-V-3064 was seen parked on the roadside since yesterday. While suspicious residents today looked around the area they found the dead body.

According to police report, family of the deceased yesterday lodged a missing complaint at Lamphel Police. The deceased was identified from the registration number of the Honda Activa which matched the registration number mentioned in the complaint.

Additional SP Priyadarshani and SDPO, Lamphel Police rushed to the spot and investigated the case for further details. The dead body was taken to RIMS morgue for post-mortem.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 24

Secretary general of Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur, Nameirakpam Edison Meitei said important institutions and infrastructures must be given indigenous names and not borrowed ones, during a press meet held today at the DESAM head office, Sagolband Moirang Leirak.

Speaking to media persons, Edison said since the establishment of DESAM the organisation has been promoting indigenous cultures of Manipur. While naming a public place, monument, hills, lakes, schools or colleges the authority must use indigenous name.

DESAM strongly condemned for naming of the fifth men’s hostel of Manipur University as “Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Boys Hostel”. Edison further said the state has many national hero, international figures the authority could find a name among the hero of Manipur.

DESAM condemned the Manipur University for taking the name of Subhash Chandra Bose who is not related from the state.

He appealed to the concerned authorities to change the names of buildings, markets, streets and others which have already been named with indigenous ones.

If the authority of Manipur University forcibly names the fifth hostel as “Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Boys Hostel,” DESAM will take necessary action at appropriate time and situation, Edison warned.

IMPHAL | Oct 24

United Nations human rights expert, Mr. Léo Heller, will visit India from 27 October to 10 November 2017 to examine the extent to which people’s rights to safe drinking water and sanitation are being realized.

“I will look at how human rights to water and sanitation are legally recognized and implemented in India at the national, state and local level, and how the provision of water and sanitation services adheres to human rights standards and principles,” said Léo Heller, the independent expert charged by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor, report and advise on the realization of the human rights to water and sanitation worldwide.

The Special Rapporteur will gather information and testimony on the availability, accessibility, affordability, acceptability and safety of drinking water and sanitation, with a particular focus on groups such as women and girls, persons with disabilities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and those living in informal settlements and rural areas.

The human rights expert, who will visit the country at the invitation of the Government of India, will meet government representatives at national and local level as well as civil society and community organizations, residents in urban and rural areas, and UN officials.

He will visit the cities of Imphal, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and New Delhi, as well as urban peripheries and rural areas.

“I want to explore what still needs to be undertaken to ensure the human rights to water and sanitation are enjoyed by all in India,” Mr. Heller noted.

At the end of his two-week visit, the Special Rapporteur will share his preliminary observations at a press conference on Friday 10 November 2017 at 10:00 local time in the UN Conference Hall, UN House, 55 Lodi Estate, New Delhi-110003. Access will be strictly limited to members of the press.

Mr. Heller will submit a full report of his findings and recommendations to the 39th session of the Human Rights Council in September 2018.