Tag: IFP

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 24

Tomthin Event Management and Solution Services today announced that the company will organise a reality based beauty pageant in the state soon called Manipur Calendar Girl.

Managing director of the company, R.K Reuben said that this is the first ever MCG contest to be held by the company. The contest will be conducted in 12 different zones namely Imphal East and West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching, Moirang, Maram, Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Churachandpur, Chandel, and Senapati.

From each zone, two best contestants will be selected and then they will undergo the “boot camp” where the contestants will be judged through a series of tasks and challenges such as games and sports, talent hunt, show promotion programme punctuality and media interaction among others.

The points scored by the contestants at these activities will later be added to the points scored at the gala, he added.

The main event will be the last segment of the journey of the MCG 2017-18 where the title of the MCG will be crowned and it would be probably in the month of December, the MD said.

The final stage will consist of a normal beauty pageant contest with first traditional round, and then designers’ round and then evening gown.

Reuben said the theme of the beauty contest is “a beauty with a purpose” and that the winner will be awarded with Rs.1 lakh cash and another Rs.1 lakh in the form of services and merchandise.

The first audition will start from October 26 in Thoubal, he notified.

Tomthin Event Management and Solution Services was established and registered in 2015 and have been managing events such as weddings, concerts, birthday parties, fashion shows, seminars and so on since then.

IMPHAL | Oct 24

The Manipur Ex-MLAs Welfare Association held a meeting at Ex-MLAs chamber, Assembly Secretariat today afternoon and condoled the demise of former minister Thoudam Krishna Singh, who expired on October 22 at JNIMS.

A release said, the meeting was attended by president of the association, B.D. Behring along with its members and former ministers, R.B. Koijam, M. Nara, Kashim Ruivah, W. Jagor, M. Mang and P. Achou. The members stood in silence for two minutes as a mark of respect and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

 They also expressed deep sorrow in the demise of Thoudam Krishna and shared the grief of his family members and friends.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Oct 24

To impart awareness on the schemes to weavers of Senapati district, a one day awareness programme on handlooms and handicrafts delivery scheme and Mudra scheme was conducted at Indoor Stadium, Senapati district. Around 250 weavers of Senapati district attended the programme.

Deputy chairman of ADC Senapati, K. Holison Raomai, who also hold the portfolio of District Planning and Town Affairs attended the occasion as chief guest, while the project manager of District Handloom and Textile, Senapati, N. Nilabantajit Singh was the president.

The guests of the honour of the programme were lead district manager of SBI, LBO Senapati, Z. Tholi Paul, assistant manager of Commerce, National Handloom Development Corporation, Imphal, Y. Shantikumar Singh, assistant director of Weaving, Weaving Service Centre, Imphal, M. Ibohal Singh and board director of Manipur Apex Handloom Weaver and Handicrafts Artisan, CS Ltd. Imphal, Bhubon Singh.

Holison Raomai said that handlooms and handicrafts is not a new culture to the people rather it had been practising ever since people had learned how to put on clothes.

‘People have become educated and civilised with the introduction of various new things in life but have abandoned the ancient culture of handlooms and handicrafts’, added Raomai.

He also said that every educated person is not guaranteed of government jobs but every skilled and talented person will definitely find reliable means to sustain lives. He continued that among many other skill development programme, handlooms and handicrafts is the best and most reliable sector for sustainable livelihood.

Raomai further said that availing loans without any repayment is no less than a broad daylight robbery and urged all weavers of Senapati district to adopt the culture of repayment of loans.

1200. Nilabantajit Singh said some individuals who are luring uneducated innocent weavers of the district by assuring to get them weaver card, Yarn Passbook and Mudra loan with a payment of Rs.1200. He informed that for enrolment of weavers, issuance of weaver card, yarn passbook and availing Mudra loan requires no money.

Nilabantajit further emphasised on the available schemes for handloom and textiles workers and enlightened on handlooms and handicrafts delivery scheme, Mudra scheme as well as handlooms and handicrafts development programme among others.

1. Tholi Paul, Y. Shantikumar Singh and M. Ibohal Singh also gave awareness related to handlooms and handicrafts in terms of their respective departments while Bhubon Singh gave the keynote address.

Floods wreak havoc in state five times this year

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 24

Heavy rainfall in the state has led to a breach in an embankment of the Imphal river at Uchiwa Wangma near SK Cinema hall last night. At least, a 50 feet wide breach in the embankment occurred at around 8 pm as the water level rose following the rains.

The rain on October 21 night led to a sudden swelling of the rivers and the rainfall was measured at 28 mm at Kangpokpi and Saikhul hill areas.

The state has witnessed a flooding five times this year beginning May last when cyclone Mora hit the north eastern region. As of present, many of areas which have had to bear the worst damages wrought by this cyclonic storm are still recover fully, and now the fresh flood has literally been the proverbial last straw for them. Many of them are in ruins because they have lost their paddy crops or fish farms.

Nambul river too overflowed again this time and inundated households from Uripok Cheirap till Uripok Babu thong.

A resident of Uripok Ningthoukhongjam Leikai, N Haraba said that the local MLA and the concerned department never bother about the plight of the residents of the constituency. “We have been flooded at least five times in this year, we want to know if the government has any plans to mitigate this flood situation and if so, how many years it will take, we want a responsible government,” he said.

The state government in July had announced the floods as a state calamity as a total of 14,000 households were affected in Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching and Imphal West.

The state government had initiated relief measures and opened 39 camps for the evicted families and announced compensation for the damages. The state agriculture department had also announced free distribution of a paddy variety called RCM-12 which matures fast and can be harvested in three months.

According to an IFCD official incessant rains even for 18 hours can lead to floods in the state. If rains recorded in the meteorological department and its sensors at the hill areas measure 30 mm, the water discharged cannot be handled by the rivers and flooding occurs in the valley districts.

He stated that detention bridging in the rivers needs to be built to control the flow of water and artificial water bodies need to be created to act as reservoirs. The Ministry of Water Resources has also directed the state government to develop water bodies to control the flood situation.

Further, it was pointed out that the Manipur Flood Plain Zoning Act 1978 is not implemented in the state and this act needs to be reviewed and given more teeth to mitigate floods.

The Bill provides clauses about flood zoning authorities in surveys and delineation of flood plain area, notification of limits of flood plains, prohibition of the use of the flood plains, compensation and most importantly removal of obstructions to ensure free flow of water.

Newmai News Network

IMPHAL | Oct 24

Campaigns to “guard the lands of the Nagas” initiated by United Naga Council (UNC) have intensified as more and more Naga organisations turned out to join the campaigns with UNC. These campaigns were prompted after the creation of new districts by the Manipur Government “without consulting the Naga people”, according to United Naga Council (UNC) leaders.

Another such campaign was carried out today at Kamjong headquarters (it was in Ukhrul district before the new districts were created last year). Leaders of UNC spoke on the occasion organised  Tangkhul Naga Zingsho Longphang. Over 300 leaders from church organizations, student bodies and village authorities participated in today’s campaign. The occasion was moderated by UNC General Secretary, S Milan.

Addressing the public leaders, UNC President, Gaidon Kamei said that land and identity together made the unique history of the Nagas. “Therefore, the Naga people must guard our land and identity with utmost alertness,” the UNC President urged. Gaidon Kamei specifically stated that the Naga people must be “fully aware of the cunning and shrewd policies of the successive Manipur Governments”. He also said that “our lands have been done away without consulting us”. He was referring to the new districts created by the previous government of Manipur.

The UNC President then told the gathering that “rolling back of the new districts created by the Manipur Government is what we want and nothing less than that”. He also said that “no one should be allowed to decide upon our land”. Gaidon Kamei asserted that the Government must roll back the new districts created last year. “Unless the new districts are rolled back we are not going to rest,” the UNC President affirmed.

Gaidon Kamei then urged the public leaders to wholeheartedly support the ongoing Naga peace process.

It can be noted here that such campaigns have been carried out in other “Naga areas” in Manipur. The UNC leaders said they will be carrying out the campaigns wherever “we are yet to touch” with more vigour.

IMPHAL | Oct 24

The state government is trying to finalise the modalities for implementation of 7th Pay Commission’s recommendation, for which the fitment committee formed by the government is working out on modalities and revised pay scales for its implementation in the state, said a release by chief secretary, government of Manipur.

It further said that the state government has requested the Manipur Government Services’ Federation not to take mass casual leave or resort to any form of agitation in the interest of all government employees.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 24

Genome India Project in North East India was launched today at Dr. Manju Sharma Hall, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (ISBD), Takyelpat.

Speaking on the launching ceremony, Indian neuroscientist, currently professor, Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore Vijayalakshmi Ravindranath said with the coming of changes in eating habits the rate of diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and other have been increasing enormously. The problem could be eliminated if instead of taking medications people begin performing physical exercises regularly young.

She said the main objective of the genome project is to make people aware on how to remain genetically healthy thus be free from lifelong medications.

The project will implement in ISBD in the state in collaboration with the Centre for Brain Research Indian Neuroscientist, Bangalore, she added.

To make the result of the project optimal, the research will have to be done at different infrastructures specialised according to the social problem and the types of diversity of ethnic groups in northeast India, she said.

Till now the treatment for cancer, hypertension, diabetics and others have been doing with different kinds of drugs in which animals have been used as testing models therefore not accurate enough.

Under this project, the testing model will be done on human models. With the changing trends in eating habits and constant mutation in different kinds of diseases, drugs tested on animals are falling short of standard, she added.

Vijayalakshmi further said most common diseases in the modern times are cardio-vascular and kidney failures in middle aged people. These diseases can be eliminated if people from their early thirties start physical workouts regularly. Smoking and excessive consumption of alcohols and drugs also augment the problem, she said.

With this project, experts will do analysis on different ethnic groups of entire northeast in order to find out the diseases they are prone to, or the causes of the diseases they already have, she added.

In analyses being carried out in southern Indian states like Karnataka and Kerala, most of these diseases are found to be caused by nutritional deficiencies and aberrations, rather than genetics or viral mutations, Vijayalakshmi stated.

People can volunteer to become human model under this project she said assuring thier identities will be kept unanimous and the model will be given a twelve digit code. The analysis will be done by testing genes and immune system response to the antigens, she added.

Director of IBDS, Professor Dinabandhu Sahoo also attended the launching function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 23

Superintendent of police, Imphal East, K. Kabib said people and police should cooperate jointly to bring peace in Manipur during Ningol Chakouba celebration held today at Porompat Police station.

Speaking on the occasion, Kabib said he is glad to see the hundreds of ningols coming to join the celebration organised by Porompat Police station. He said the police also needs support from the public as only police cannot bring peace.

He appreciated all the ningols who came to participate in the ceremony from different parts of Imphal East district including different ethnic groups including non-locals. He said the huge gathering shows that a good relationship between police and public can be built. Kabib exuded confidence that the bond shared today will remain intact in the future as well. 

One of the ningol also stated that there is a fear of police among the general public. But with the interaction and hospitality of police personnel, the public has realised that police are not brutal, they are performing the duty for the welfare of the people, she added.

Later, the ningols were presented with gifts as a token of love.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 23

President of United Committee Manipur (UCM), E. Johnson said Manipur is not for one ethnic group alone. There can be no compromise on the matter of territorial integrity of the state, and if in case it is compromised another ‘June Uprising’ is in the offing, he added.

Johnson was speaking at a press meet held today at the head office of UCM located at Lamphel. He said content of the ‘Framework Agreement’ which was signed between the Central government and Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim, NSCN- IM on August 3, 2015, still remains a mystery.

Johnson said according to a reliable source it is said that the content of the agreement will be released by the end of this year. Before the conclusion is made chief minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal has already taken precaution and had claimed a single inch of Assam will not be compromised, he said.

Likewise the state government of Manipur had also assured that it will not compromise a single inch of land and a consultative committee has also been made regarding the issue of state integrity, he added.

Johnson asserted that the agreement must not include a single internal issue of Manipur. He recalled that the famous June 18 occurred due to the cease fire agreement signed between NSCN-IM and central government on Naga inhabited area without the consent of state government.

All the chief ministers of the Northeast need to cooperate and time has come to pressure the Central government on the issue of revealing the content of the Framework Agreement and an assurance that it will not affect the boundary of any of the states. 

He said people of the state and civil bodies have to cooperate immediately, in order to take precautionary measures against any possible compromises on the territorial integrity of Manipur.

Johnson also pointed out that it is not time for the political parties to lie dormant. The civil bodies, political leaders need to stand together firmly and must give pressure to the Central government and demand the content of the agreement, he continued.

On the issue of bifurcation of the state, UCM strongly condemned the demand of United People’s Front and Kuki National Organisation for demanding a hill state apart from Manipur. The two groups have been under suspension of operation since 2013 and they are demanding to dismantle the beautiful ethnic groups of Manipur, he lamented.

He said Kuki organisation civil bodies should not to take any unwanted steps against the state integrity. To bring peace and welfare for the state all the ethnic groups must work jointly, Johnson added.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |Oct 23

The second round of “political negotiation” between the Working Committee of 6 Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) and Centre’s interlocutor for Naga peace talks, RN Ravi was held today in Dimapur.

Since it was a closed door talks, what transpired in the talks was not known. Sources said that the talks began at 3 pm at Chumukedima Police Complex in Dimapur. N. Kitotovi, convenor of the Working Committee of 6 NNPGs who is also general secretary of GRPN/NSCN, also known by the media earlier as Unification group, led the team.

Earlier in the day at 2 pm, several organisations including Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC), ENPO, NGBF, CNTC met RN. Ravi at Chumukedima police complex. They apprised the Centre’s interlocutor for Naga Peace talks to make “stake holders” to be part of the ongoing peace talks. They also submitted memorandums to RN Ravi. The meeting lasted for about an hour.

Ravi arrived in Dimapur today from New Delhi. He was given ‘Public Reception’ near Dimapur Airport organised by NTC and other organisations based in the State of Nagaland at 12:30 pm. RN. Ravi told the gathering that he was here to take the views of the people. He also said that he was not in Nagaland to give “lecture but to listen to the people”.

Further other delegates of the Working Committee of 6 NNPGs who participated in today’s talks were Wangtin Naga, president of NSCN-Reformation who is also co-convenor of the Working Committee of 6 NNPGs, Zhopra Vero, president of NNC/FGN who is also another Co-convenor of the Working Committee of 6 NNPGs, V. Nagi, general secretary of NNC (Parent Body) and another co-convenor of the Working Committee of 6 NNPGs, Kiumukum, President of NNC/GDRN who is also one of the Co-convenors of the Working Committee of 6 NNPGs, Hozheto Chophi, general secretary of NNC/NPGN and another co-convenor of the Working Committee of 6 NNPGs, P Tikhal, General Secretary of NSCN-Reformation, Alezo Venuh, Envoy of GPRN/NSCN. Ghikiho Zhimomi of GPRN/NSCN and four other leaders.

Last month, Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) had expressed its gratitude to Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India “who has acknowledged the indispensability of the rest of NNPGsoutside the ongoing dialogue and has become pivotal in giving rational treatment to every stake-holder”.

It may be noted that last month, New Delhi had ‘formally’ invited the Working Committee of the 6 Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) “to be part of the peace process.”

The 6 NNPGs are GPRN/NSCN, FGN, NNC (Parent Body), NPGN/NNC (NA), NSCN (R) and the NNC/GDRN (NA).

IMHAL | Oct 23

The JAC against unreasonable death of Naorem Premila Leima and the people of Toubul have claimed the lifeless body of Premila today from the morgue of RIMS to perform her last rite.

A release said the body was taken back after a negotiation between the state government and locals of Toubul on October 22 in presence of MLA of Oinam assembly constituency, L. Radhakishore.

The JAC had submitted a memorandum to the chief minister of Manipur and minister of health and family welfare on October 6, demanding for stringent action against the doctors and nurses, whose sheer negligence had caused the death of Premila on the fateful night of October 5 at Bishnupur District Hospital, said the release.

The state government had been ignoring the issue, despite of reminding repeatedly through the MLA of Oinam assembly constituency. However, after an assurance was given by the MLA, the doctors were suspended by the government, it added.

Moreover, the JAC had also included its demand in the memorandum for adequate compensation and ex-gratia to the next kin of the victim. The memorandum stated that government should take serious steps in this regard, as the MLA had publicly promised for compensation to deliver justice to the victim’s family, said the release.

No action contrary to the demands of JAC should be taken without consulting the JAC in the future, it added.

IMPHAL | Oct 23

Tangkhul Katamnao Long Imphal (TKLI) has demanded immediate overhauling of all transport contractors and ration agents in the hills with consultation to all the elected representatives, the frontal organisations and public leaders of the respective hill areas in Manipur.

A release issued by TKLI president, R. Wortam alleged that the widespread complaints of fraudulent and haphazard functioning in the Public Distribution System (PDS) under CAF and PD during the present ministry are simply anti-people and disgraceful.   

Stating that National Food Security Act (NFSA) has become a farce especially in the Hill areas of Manipur, it said that even as the state rued under various natural calamities, 75 percent of the hill villagers of Manipur have not received a single food grains since last 6/7 months and added that most villages report of not getting rice supply since July 2016.

It said, “Especially in the hill areas, transport contractors were appointed without a single voice of the hill people and their representatives and leaders. Only valley based firms were appointed as transport contractors. The minister concerned is just acting on impulse and dictates of a few pressure groups.”

“Even as the hill people are aptly represented the voice of the elected representatives and other leaders representing the hill people were totally ignored”, it alleged.

Stating that the fair price shop and ration agents were appointed on the whims of the respective deputy commissioners who are just stages of a few leaders, it questioned how the government can serve the public and how there will be no divide between the valley and hill people when even the ministers are having such high attitudes.

IMPHAL | Oct 23

Tamah (Piulekluang) Students’ Union has clarified to the public that the union is not against the opening of SBI bank, Tamei branch and wishes the bank to be opened permanently at the designated centre for all section of community in Tamei block.

A release said that if there is any issue in opening the bank at its designated centre, the union wants the issue to be solved first in mutual understanding between government and the people of Tamei.

It said that as there is an issue regarding the shifting of bank from its designated site, when the apex body of Liangmai, Laingmai Naga Council and the people of Tamah is engaged in bringing mutual understanding on the issue, Tamgenlong DC, Armstrong Pame superseded it and called an emergency meeting on October 17 at Tamei SDO Bungalow to have discussion on the said issue.

Further it said that during the meeting, the union and some other present members failed to understand why the DC was dictating in the meeting and boastfully claim the shifting of bank from the designated centre to Tamei guest house.

The union also failed to understand why such a qualified IAS officer was making tall claim threatening to cancel some beneficial schemes if the bank is not installed at the earliest, it added.

It further said that the union has received intimation letter from RBI on July 24 to open the Bank branch at the designated site and SBI also clearly stated that even if the bank has to be shifted, it will at least take 10 to 15 years as opening a branch involves huge investment for making racks, strong room, electric wiring and LAN cablings. Hence, shifting of the branch will cost the bank heavily as the same investment has to be made in the process, it added.  

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 23

Organised by Council of Tribal Languages and Literature Societies, Manipur (CTLLSM), Tribal Languages day was observed today at the conference hall of Tribal Research Institute (TRI).

MLA of Phungyar constituency, K. Leishiyo attended the function as chief guest. He put forward the importance of language and said that there is not enough financial allocation made by the state government to develop tribal languages beyond a certain level.     

He noted that there are more than 36 tribes in the state and each tribe speaks different language. He also noted that within a language itself there are also variations. For instance, there are variations of accent in the same language spoken every 10-20 km, he pointed out.

“There are 29 recognised languages and out of which 18 languages are recognised by the state government to be taught in schools. And these are not even properly developed to a ‘literary’ level”, Leishiyo said.

Though there is a separate budget for tribal languages development in the present state government, this is inadequate to develop them to a ‘literary’ level, he reiterated.

He gave assurance that he himself as a tribal will give his best effort to develop tribal languages of the state. 

He also lamented that language development should not be only from government’s side but advised that young generation should especially give interest for their betterment and preservation of their language.

The observation was attended by representatives from every tribe speaking different languages in the state.

The first Tribal Languages day was observed in November 4, 2014, also funded by TRI. The day commemorates the importance of mother tongue.

Ragongning Gangmei, chairman of CTLLSM giving keynote address said that the main aim of organising this day is to maintain an equal footing of every language of the state, be it tribal or Manipuri and to preserve, promote and develop mother tongue of every languages.

He asserted that language is a community’s soul, identity, pride, future and unity.

Director of language planning and implementation department, M. Mahavir Singh also attended the function as special guest of the function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 23

The closing function of a three-month certificate course in Computer Application (Border Area Development Programme) was held today at Institute of Co-Operative Management (ICM), Lamphel.

Parliamentary secretary, transport and planning, Manipur, Khasim Vashum speaking as the chief guest said in today’s information technology era, computer literacy is becoming a must to perform any task and face challenges.

Expressing his satisfaction on maintenance of good relationship among the teachers, staffs and students of ICM, he said he would be happier if the institute caters and provides the required training to the students living in the remote areas of the state who are still deprived of the facilities of computer literacy.

He said Manipur is home for famous doctors and scientists who mostly have studied and practised outside the state. He also stressed on the need to create awareness to the people and students residing in the hilly border areas who still have no idea about computer.

The three-month residential certificate course which started from July 24 was availed by 50 students from the border areas of Ukhrul district. Training was given on word processing, excel spread sheet, power point, image editing using Photoshop and various aspects of internet.

The course was organised by the Institute of Cooperative Management, Imphal under the sponsorship of planning department, government of Manipur. Out of the 50 trainees, one SP. Khankhami was adjudged as an all-rounder student and presented with a citation in today’s function.

Apart from the computer course, an Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) of ten days as well as a three-day orientation on Health and Nutrition and Fruit and Vegetable Preservation was also incorporated in the course in collaboration with MSME-DI.

Attending the function as the president, director of Planning department, Manipur, Th. Munindro Singh also exhorted the trainees while imparting them with some take home messages. He also distributed course completion certificates to the trainees.

The function was also attended by ICM director, N. Ranjana Devi, deputy director of MSME-Development Institute, Debrabrata Mitra, course co-ordinator/ senior faculty, ICM, K. Joychandra Singh and faculties and students of ICM.

IMPHAL | Oct 23

The Editors Guild of India is deeply concerned by the Rajasthan government’s decision to make the Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Ordinance 2017 into an Act in the current legislative session.

A release said the ordinance promulgated by the State government last month was ostensibly done to protect the judiciary and the bureaucracy against false FIRs. But in reality it is a pernicious instrument to harass the media, hide wrongful acts by government servants and drastically curb the freedom of the press guaranteed by the Constitution of India.

The Editors Guild wants the Rajasthan government to immediately withdraw the ordinance and desist from making it into law.

Rather than taking stern measures to prevent and punish those who indulge in frivolous or false litigation, the Rajasthan government has passed an ordinance that is bent on bludgeoning the messenger, it said.

While the Guild has always stood for fair, balanced and responsible reporting of FIRs filed in courts of law, it believes that the remedy being employed by the Rajasthan government is draconian and gives it unrestrained power to even imprison journalists for reporting matters of public interest, it added.

Further the Guild appeals to the chief minister, Vasundhara Raje to withdraw the harmful ordinance and prevent any Act from being passed that would endanger the freedom of the press.

IMPHAL | Oct 23

Renowned Manipuri theatre personality, Ratan Thiyam will be inaugurating the Eastern Regional Writer’s Meet at Lamyanba Sanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal tomorrow.

A release said that the writers’ meet jointly organised by Sahitya Akademi and Ashangba Communication will be held till October 25.

It said that the writer’s meet will have altogether four session and eminent writer’s like Santanu Kausik Baruah (Assamese), Tamal Bandyopadhyay (Bengali), Deva Kanta Ramchiary (Bodo), Ramnaresh Singh (Maithili), Kalusingh Ranapaheli (Nepali), Subhendu Mund (Odia), Badal Hembram (Santali), Reeta Baruah (Assamese), Nalini Bera (Bengali), Shyam Darihare (Maithili), Rajendra Dhakal (Nepali), Uthrisar Basumatary (Bodo), Anandini Devi (Manipuri), Jyoti Nanda (Odia), Madan Mohan Soren (Santali) will present their papers.

THOUBAL | Oct 22

Former minister of medical, forest and revenue departments of government of Manipur, Thoudam Krishna Singh expired today at around 11:50 am at JNIMS. He was 86. He had five sons and seven daughters.

Thoudam Krishna Singh became MLA from Thoubal A/C in the year 1980 and later became cabinet minister for medical and animal husbandry. He won election for the second time in 1990 and became cabinet minister for forest and revenue. The former minister’s last rite was done to day evening at his birthplace Thoudam Maning Leikai.

Newmai News Network 

DIMAPUR | Oct 21

The second round of peace talks between the working committee of 6 Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) and the Centre will be held on October 23 in Dimapur.  Interlocutor, RN Ravi will be arriving on the day itself in Dimapur from New Delhi. 

The first round of talk was held in New Delhi on September 27 to resolve the protracted Indo-Naga political issue. The 6 NNPGs are GPRN/NSCN, FGN, NNC (Parent Body), NPGN/NNC (NA), NSCN (R) and the NNC/GDRN (NA).

Meanwhile, Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) along with ENPO, NGBF, CNTC and other civil bodies will be organising a ‘public reception’ for RN. Ravi at Dimapur airport on October 23. “The central government has graciously responded to the popular demand of the people to officially invite the NNPGs working committee for a political dialogue to bring out a lasting solution to the protracted Naga political problem,” said NTC today.

It added this positive development is leading the political process to a higher level with an objective to have “inclusive talk on equal footing with a hope to provide a sustainable peace in our land”.

“We sincerely appreciate the gesture of the Central government for bringing the talk to Naga soil with a renewed spirit to connect with the people and to rebuild the trust which has been missing for a long time. This level playing field of taking everyone together will usher in a new hope for a new future,” NTC added.

Further, the reception committee has requested the general public and all citizens concerned to gather at the Dimapur airport for a grand public reception on October 23, at 12:30 pm.

After the reception programme at the airport, the civil bodies representing mass-based civil organisations and tribal bodies will hold facilitation programme with RN. Ravi at Rhododendron hall, Police Officer’s Mess, Chumoukedima in Dimapur.

The reception committee has appealed to all the village councils along NH-29 to mobilise its members and receive the interlocutor as he makes his way to Chumoukedima at respective localities along NH-29.

“For the facilitation programme and the ensuing peace talks, all the Churches in Nagaland are requested to pray for the programme disseminate information for public attendance as well,” it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 22

Cybercrime Unit (CCU) Imphal West this morning arrested a 34 year old man for allegedly uploading a photo captioned provocatively as “Dancer Anouba Singdune Dewali numit ki”, on Diwali day, police sources said.

The picture shows a man in the midst of many lady friends, and vigilante action by locals caused an unseemly controversy on the day.

According to the sources, a 21 year old youth from Heirangoithong Jaganath Leirak Achouba, lodged a written complaint with the Singjamei Police stating that a photo of him and some friends were uploaded with derogatory and defamatory remarks from a Facebook account belonging to somebody called Nic Ningthouja on Deepawali day. In the picture, his face was marked in red ink.

The complainant further charged that his photo was uploaded with a caption “Dancer Anouba Singdune Diwali numit ki” which tarnish his and his friends’ image before the public.

The Singjamei Police took up the case and forwarded the details of the complaint to the Cybercrime Unit of the Imphal West Police for further investigation.

During the course of the investigation police discovered that the Facebook account by the name Nic Ningthouja was created by a man named Irengbam Phalguni alias Abung, 34, son of L. Keba of Bamon Kampu Mayai leikai.

Phalguni thereafter was arrested from his residence by Cybercrime unit of the police this morning. The police also seized the mobile phone and SIM card used for the commission of the cybercrime, the sources said.

The sources further said that during preliminary interrogation Phalguni disclosed that he had uploaded the photos on his Facebook on October 21.

The arrested person has been handed over to the Singjamei Police Station for taking up further necessary legal action against him under the relevant laws.