Tag: IFP

IMPHAL | Oct 19

Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, who attended a peace conference here in Imphal, left the state this morning.

The Dalai Lama who arrived in Imphal on October 17 has been staying at the Raj Bhawan. After having attended a global peace conference yesterday he left Imphal today around 9.30 am by an Indigo flight.

Before leaving, the speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly Y. Khemchand Singh, on whose invitation the spiritual came to Manipur, met with the latter at the Raj Bhawan.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 19

Association for solid waste management, Imphal city, started an agitation today, and workers affiliated to it stopped lifting solid waste from the city.

Speaking to media person, worker of solid waste management for Imphal city, Khoirom Naobi said a dumping site located at Lamdeng, under Lamsang sub-division was set up in 2009 under the project of solid waste management by a firm Ramky of Hyderabad, and since then PDA and MAHUD department have taking care of the project.

Eve since the project started, the workers completed black toppings of approach roads and construction of retaining walls of the dumping site, without any remunerations paid to any worker, they said.

They said the workers had repeatedly demanded clearance of their salaries within the deadline of October 18, however this demand was not met. This has left the workers with workers with no option but to take up the drastic step of cease work strike from today.

They further said the workers stopped many dumping trucks from dumping solid waste at the site. The department concerned should release the due salaries together amounting to Rs. 83,27000 immediately to end the confrontation.

They said they will not withdraw their strike until their demands are fulfilled.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Oct 19

Representatives of Lilong Karampat Loukol Farmer’s Club, Pioneer Farmer’s Club, Leiphrakpam, Chingjao Dolaithabi Loukol Farmer’s Club and Lilong Haoreibi Ngangou Loukol Farmer’s Club jointly inspected the flood affected areas of Lilong, along with media persons today.

Coordinator of Lilong Karampat Loukol Farmer’s Club, Md. Firoz Khan has appealed to the authority concerned to exempt their payments of loan as there has been excessive loss in agriculture due to flood caused by continuous rainfall in the months gone by.

The government should take into account that after the cyclone Mora that occurred from May 8 to June 28, the incessant rain has immensely affected the agricultural lands of the area. The areas of Lilong under Thoubal district were the most affected in the disastrous incident, added Md. Firoz Khan.

He further said that farmers had taken loan under Kishan Credit Card (KCC) but the current situation has made the farmers with no option to pay off the amount of loan taken other than committing suicide.

Firoz also said that farmers had submitted memorandum regarding the issue to the ministerial level however there has been no positive response so far.

If the demand of the farmer’s club to exempt their loans is not fulfilled by the government, there will be a strong agitation by the farmers along with the CVOs.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | Oct 19

A formal reception for the Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) members was organised at the conference hall of Kuki Inpi Churachandpur (KIC).

The members of KSDC were warmly received for their participation at the first national conventions of National Federation of New State (NFNS) held at Nagpur on October 14 and October 15.

During the programme, the general secretary of KSDC, K. Gangte made a brief paper presentation based on the press hand-out from the convention about creation of Kuki state.

The papers were later handed out to the media saying that the demand of Kukis for a separate state is legitimate. It also stated that the Kuki people have been demanding for Kuki state to government of India since Indian independence. It further stated that Kukis must be allotted a separate state under Indian constitution with the fact that the Kukis had fought against the British Empire for many years.

The papers also stated about how the Kukis were forced to take arms after the  political  party, the Kuki National Assembly (KNA) was formed in 1946, demanding for the Kuki state for which repeated appeal was made to the former prime minister of India, JawaharLal  Nehru.

Further, it stated that that Kukis had resorted for armed struggle under the banner of MNF in the 80’s but the Mizo Accord of 1986 belied them. The same struggle is going on under KNA and UPF, which are in a tripartite talk with the centre and state government.

It may be mentioned that the conference NFNS was held at Vasantro Deshpande Memorial Hall at Nagpur, where two representatives from KSDC attended the programme. The press hand-out by the president of NFNS also stated that the convention has resolved to set up a permanent centre of NFNS at Delhi soon, which will be opened to all.

IMPHAL | Oct 19

The Imphal East police today arrested 20 individuals for organising gambling (lagao) and has seized around 120 lagao dices from different parts of the Imphal East district.

Speaking to media persons, Imphal East superintendent of police, K. Kabib said that police were able to make the arrest after getting several complaints from the public.

He requested the public to not encourage organising such gambling in their localities and appealed to the public and locality leaders to support police in banning lagao.

As organising lagao leads to rise in law and order problem, the police said they will continue to conduct raids and patrolling in localities to prevent such gamblings.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 19

President of United Naga Council, Manipur, Gaidon Kamei today said that the organisation will always stand its ground to protect its land, identity and people from intruders and from those who try to uproot the unity of the people.

He was speaking at the Requital Day at Longmai-3, organised by Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF), a programme to pay homage to the victims of Kuki atrocities from 1991 to 1995.

The theme of the day was “Gone but you live in history binding us all.”

Gaidon Kamei said that Nagas were once under the rule of the British and now are under the Indian government for around 70 years.

Addressing the gathering of prominent Naga leaders and people of Zeliangrong, he said the sacrifice of former martyrs will never be forgotten and that “we should not repeat the same mistakes that our forefathers committed but rather learn from them and take better steps tomorrow.”

He also stated that this is the day and the time to wake up from the slumber of ignorance of the hands of those who suppress Naga’s integration. He added that India’s commitment to bring about solutions for Naga’s integration will come true soon.

Vice president of Naga Hoho, Samson Riamei said that this day is organised not to create any communal clashes but to only remember the sacrifice of the martyrs of Naga’s freedom struggle.

However he noted that October 19, 1994 was the darkest day of Naga’s struggle history and will be remembered always as the day the maximum number of Nagas died in the five-year Kuki–Naga clashes.

He spoke on the importance of documenting history as there is no proper documented history of the Nagas till date.

President of Naga Women Union Manipur (NWUM), Asha Wongnao, education secretary of All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM), AC. Thotso, Tangkhul Naga Long representative, Ngaronmi, president of Zeliangrong Baudi, Poupaklung Kamei and representative of Thangal tribe, Chand Thangmi attended the function as presidium members.

The speakers during the function spoke on the importance of the day and applauded the initiative of ZYF in organising such an event. They all spoke on the need for Naga brethren to come together and stand on one footing and also all the way respecting different community aspirations.

On October 19, 1994, an Imphal–Longmai bound bus “Emanuel Express” was intercepted by a Kuki underground group and pushed down a deep gorge of 500 feet leaving 37 people killed and left many badly injured.

President of ZYF, Titus Kamei noted that during the years from 1991 to 1995 of Kuki-Naga clashes, 123 Zeliangrong people were killed, 201 injured, 940 houses burnt and 5,100 people displaced from their homes.

IMPHAL | Oct 19

All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) has conveyed its greeting to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba festival to be celebrated on October 21. It urged to all the shopkeepers not to sell items in connection to Ningol Chakkouba by rising prices and the same will be look after by the union seriously.  A release of the union expressed hope that the celebration of this festival will bring a sense of brotherhood between different communities, peace, prosperity and development in the state.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Oct 18

A massive car rally was held on October 17 along Imphal-Tamenglong road, the historical route of World War-II in Twilang area to commemorate the worldwide centenary celebration of the Anglo-Kuki War 1917-1919.

The car rally was jointly organised by Kuki Inpi Twilang Lhang, KSO Twilang Block and Twilang Area Chief Association. Thousands of Twilang people congregated at Songjang Pakang village, where the rally was flagged off by local MDC, Seikhosat Kipgen by beating a traditional gong in the presence of his colleague MDC, Seilen Lhoujem and various Kuki chiefs with gun salute during a brief commemoration ceremony.

Around 90 vehicles including 36 two-wheelers, 17 bolero, 19 cars and vans, 13 Tata Sumo and five Shaktiman participated in the rally from Songjang Pakang village to the end of Kuki village called Govajang covering around 22 Km.

The massive rally was greeted in every Kuki village with beating of traditional gongs, folk music and songs by the villagers standing along the roadside while some greeted with gun salute and others by clapping or raising their hands in honour of the unsung Kuki heroes of the Anglo-Kuki War. Students, villagers, church leaders and many others participated in the greeting of rally. Every Kukis were restricted to do any other activities on the day.

The slogan of the rally was sung as ‘Be bold and of good courage’ to commemorate the 100 years of Anglo-Kuki War in the historical route of World War-II presently known as Imphal-Tamenglong road or Galngam road by the local.

The commemoration function was also held at Chalwa village where resources persons including chief of Tujang Vaichong village, Lhunkhohen Kipgen and other prominent civil body leaders of the area and Kuki chiefs were present apart from the two local MDCs.

Seikhosat Kipgen said that Kuki forefathers bravely fought against the British without fear of defeat in all the Kuki dominated areas in the state while Laijang, now Tamenglong is the main war field where many of brave forefathers valiantly defended the lands and sacrificed their lives.

Galngam road in Twilang area was used by the British as the only route for connectivity during the Anglo-Kuki War, he added.

He further said that the commemoration of the centenary celebration will go on till 2019 and the people of Twilang will place a giant monolith in honour of the martyred forefathers.

President, KSO Twilang block, Enock Kipgen said that the rally has been organised to pay rich tribute to the unsung Kuki heroes on the prestigious occasion of its centenary celebration. He also pointed out that the inspection bungalow in between Tujang Vaichong and Chalwa village (already damaged) and other existing bungalow at Tujang Vaichong indicate the significance of Galngam road or Imphal-Tamenglong road.

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | Oct 18

The Coalition for Indigenes’ Rights Campaign in its ‘Manipur National Day’ observation today has demanded that Manipur should be accorded separate membership of the British Commonwealth as it was under the suzerainty of the latter and allow participating in the 2018 Commonwealth Games as a separate entity. 

To commemorate the first session of the then Manipur Legislative Assembly which took place on October 18, 1948, CIRCA organised a public discussion forum on the theme, ‘Rights of the Indigenous People on Education, Natural & Environment, Cultural, Sports and Pre-Merger Status’, with Prof W. Nabakumar in the chair at state guest house Sanjengthong here today.

The public discussion took five resolutions, which includes the demand that India should recognise the distinct history and political status of Manipur as a step towards finding a peaceful political solution to the protracted armed conflict prevalent in Manipur. It also includes restoration of the pre-Merger status to Manipur under the framework of the Instrument of Accession and any such political solution should be on the basis of it.

The exploration of natural resources of Manipur should be stopped until the restoration of pre-Merger political status or until a satisfactory resolution on the prevailing armed conflict in Manipur is achieved, the discussion resolved, adding a free, prior and informed consent of the indigenous people of Manipur as mandated by the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2007 should be taken before initiating any development programme.

Further it also resolved that the United Kingdom has the moral responsibility to intervene in finding a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Manipur since it was partly responsible for the controversies and confusions surrounding the political status of Manipur in the post-empire period.

History of pre-Merger Manipur should be included in the educational syllabus and curriculum from the grass-root level up to university level so as to promote communal harmony among different indigenous communities settled in Manipur and a people’s council be instituted representing all the indigenous ethnic communities of Manipur as the ‘Upper House’ of the State Legislature to ensure peaceful co-existence, also resolved the CIRCA discussion.

1. Sanatomba of MU, O. Kulabidhu, former assistant registrar, MU, advocate S. Sarat, Somorendro Thokchom and Ningthouja Lancha spoke as resource persons during the discussion.

Members of various civil bodies and scholars also took part in the discussion.

IMPHAL | Oct 18

Imphal west district magistrate, Ninthhoujam Geoffrey has prohibited the use of crackers during the celebration of ensuing Diwali festival in the area with immediate effect and until further orders.

A notification said no person, persons of entity, firm by whatever name known, shall engage in possession and sale of crackers and explosives without valid licence issued in this behalf by the district magistrate under the section 84 of the explosive rules, 2008.

SP, Imphal West and SP, Bishnupur are also informed that no temporary licence for possession and sale of crackers and others have been issued by the district magistrate and any case of possession and sale of such items are in violation of the explosives act, 1884,  it said. Action as per law will be taken against such violators, it added.

IMPHAL | Oct 18

Communist Party of India (CPI) state secretary, M. Nara said that reviewing the history of the Manipur Legislative Assembly Day will help in realising past mistakes and will be very helpful in bringing a better future for the state.

He was speaking as presidium member during the observation of the First Manipur State Assembly, 1948 today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal organised by CPI.

October 18, 1948 is one of the most important days in the history of the state as it marks the first move of the state to fight against social injustice, bring unity and development by the people’s representatives of both the hills and the valley of the state, he added. Nara said it is very unfortunate that the history of the state legislative assembly is not reviewed and discussed by those in power or the people by and large.

In making Manipur a successful and progressive state, it is necessary to review history of the state assembly, continued the state secretary.

He appealed to all the people of the state to contribute their best in making a better future for the future generation.

The function was attended by CPI secretariat member, Langol Iboyaima and social scientist Dhanabir Laishram as presidium members.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 18

“No one religion is greater than the others. Everyone should respect every religion for they all have the potential to bring peace”, said Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama while addressing a global peace conference at the city convention centre Imphal.

A public convention was held for the visiting spiritual leader by the state government at the City Convention Centre where he addressed the media followed by a public convention on the topic “On peace and harmony”.

Responding to queries on the growing right wing religious intolerance in India, he said “India historically is a multi-religious country and everyone has their own belief and they have right to preserve it but no one religious group has right to forcibly convert or propagate their religion,” he said.

He did not directly answered queries on his opinion on the struggle in the Northeast region, but indirectly indicated how a European Union model can resolve many of these issues in a multi-cultural country like India. “People should have a broader prospective on what constitute greater common interest just as is the case with the European Union. Otherwise, it will only result in prolonging confrontation.

The formation of European Union has guaranteed peace between the conflicting Europeans countries and since the entire region has marched ahead towards development. Similarly the Indian union has also much better potential for development of all within the Union as a truly democratic nation, said the Dalai Lama.

He said there could also be union of the Asian countries, African countries and eventually of the world. This is his dream, he added.

The Dalai Lama further said that India has great potential to contribute in bringing world peace, provided it revives its rich ancient values.

The visiting Tibetan spiritual leader said that his visit is focused on bringing oneness and religious harmony in times when conflicts between different religious faiths are widespread.

He said that compassion is the ultimate source of inner peace and happiness. Every individual has different techniques and ways to achieve inner peace. Compassion is an important one among them. In the same breath he said violence is wrong and is against human nature.

Media also has responsibility to promote the sense of oneness of seven billion human beings and promote a sense of concern for wellbeing of the human race, asserted the spiritual leader.

In response to a query on the prospect of the 15th Dalai Lama, he said that the decision rests on the Tibetan people adding that his 1969 statement clearly mentioned that the very institution of Dalai Lama is the concerned of the Tibetan people.

With regards to the bitter relationship between Tibet and China, he said Tibet has stopped raising its issue in the UN since 1974 and rather focus on preserving tradition. Nevertheless, the only complain remains the suppression by not granting the autonomous status as mentioned in their (China) constitution.

He attributed his retirement from politic to attainment of Tibet’s democratic status which has always been his childhood dream.

The global conference was attended by people from many different place and from different walks of life. They included the Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Y. Khemchand Singh and other politicians, school students, religious leaders, scholars and journalists.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 18

Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Yumnam Joykumar Singh today said that productive economic activities are important for development. He was speaking at the launch of “Uripok Green City” project of Panthoibi Housing Finance Company Limited (PHFCL).

The project was launched today at Classic Grande, Chingmeirong.

The deputy chief minister speaking as the chief guest of the function said that this project by PHFCL is a way of fostering economic activities of our state. He appreciated and congratulated the efforts and initiatives of PHFCL for starting such an urban project in the state. He lauded the managing director, Th. Hemo Singh, saying he is taking a risk for working in a no-income generating field.

As the finance minister of the state, he also said that the present financial status is not healthy and added that he welcomes any income generating projects for improvement of the economy.

Education minister, Th. Radheshyam Singh also attended the function as guest of honour. He stressed on the importance of town planning. He cited the example of ancient cities like Mohenjodaro, Harappa and others asserting that drainage system were good because they are prioritised while planning towns.

He said that Manipur economy is poor and therefore offers little income generating avnues. The efforts of PHFCL is not only helping the state to grow but also giving employment to the more than lakhs educated unemployed youths.

Chairman and managing director of PHFCL, Th. Hemo Singh said that in “work more, talk less” is the thrust of his plans in his keynote speech. He said he has chosen Uripok as his first target in urban category.

“I am only converting the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modiji’s PMAY project and have given loans of up to Rs.3 crores till date,” he said.

The chairman added that there are also other projects such as Panthoibi Construction and Panthoibi Foundation, which are educational institutions. He has so far helped five to six students and kept them under his supervision.

During the function, loans amounting to Rs. 10 lakhs and Rs. 8 lakhs respectively were distributed by the chief guest to three selected loan applicants.

IMPHAL | Oct 18

Chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh has extended his warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Manipur on the auspicious and joyous occasion of Diwali festival.

In his message, he said, “Diwali is a festival of lights which marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after completing 14 years if exile and killing Ravana. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil of virtue over vice and light over darkness.”

“As the light dispels darkness, may the light that we celebrate at Diwali, dispelling all the dark forces of mistrust and enmity, show us the way and lead us together on the path of peace and social harmony for a stronger and prosperous Manipur”, it added.

Deputy CM, Yumnam Joykumar Singh has also expressed his greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Diwali festival.

Stating that Diwali symbolises return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile marking good over evil, he said, “Let the Diwali light dispel all the dark and evil forces, mistrust and enmity amongst us and bring peace and harmony to our society.”

Speaker, Manipur legislative assembly, Y. Khemchand Singh has sent Diwali greetings to the public. “On the auspicious day of Diwali, I am sending my warm greetings to the people of the State for peace and prosperity as well as social harmony,” said a release signed by the speaker.

Consumer affairs and food public distribution minister, Karam Shyam has sent greetings and wishes to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Diwali.

The greeting mentioned, “May the festival of lights dispel darkness and gloom and bring joy, happiness and prosperity to the people of Manipur.” The essence of the festival is to kindle the light of wisdom in every heart, the light of life in every home, and bring a smile on the face of the people, it said. Diwali is no just about the illumination, but it promotes the awareness of the inner light that is the core of every human being, it continued. The festival is a restatement of the belief that the good ultimately trumps over evil, it said adding may this festival bring peace, harmony and prosperity in Manipur.

Textiles, commerce and industries minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh has sent Diwali greetings and wishes to the people of the State.

The message read, Diwali, the day of lights, is celebrated to enjoy the victory over injustice. Let the lights of the festival strengthen the bond of brotherhood and togetherness among the people of the state, it said. May the warmth and splendour that are part of the auspicious occasion fill the lives of the people of the State with joy, prosperity and happiness.

Manipur Pradesh congress committee sent Diwali greetings to the people especially those who follow Hindu faith, expressing joy and happiness. A release signed by the president, T.N. Haokip said let the day usher in progress, love, peace and harmony in Manipur.

The committee has also sent greeting for Ningol Chakouba festival. The festival puts the daughters and women to a lofty position in the society as well as give reverence and affection which is the overall purpose of the celebration, it said.

Nungba MLA, Gaikhagam has greeted the people of Manipur on the occasion of Diwali and Ningol Chakkouba festival, which is to be celebrated tomorrow and October 21 respectively.

In his message, he said that Diwali is a festival which symbolises the victory of good over the evils and wished that the celebration of this festival would usher in peace, prosperity and development in the state.  

In his greeting, he observed that Ningol Chakkouba is a festival that symbolises the sacred bond between the brothers and the sisters.

In this festival, the brothers invite their sisters for a feasting and seek blessing from them and the brothers presents gifts which they can afford to their sisters, he said.

Further he said that the scope of celebrating the festival has been expanded along with inclusion of sisters from other communities, thereby bringing together all the communities as one.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 18

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj minister Thongam Biswajit Singh today asked the officials of the MSRLM to provide a platform for grievances to be redressed by opening a toll free number in the office.

The minister was speaking on the occasion of valedictory function of the 10-day regional SARAS fair, 2017 at Iboyaima Sumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound.

He said this toll free number will solve much of the problems faced by self-help groups (SHG) of the state. This will be also a platform to redress grievances and to know more about schemes and beneficiaries and so on. It will improve the livelihood earning activities of the SHGs, he reiterated.

The minister noted that the central National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) is already implemented in Sawombung and Keirao Bitra blocks in Imphal East, Tengnoupal, and Machi blocks in Chandel district. He said that there are plans to implement this mission in another 12 blocks this year and subsequently spread to all blocks by 2019-20.

NRLM is poverty alleviation project which poor women form themselves into SHGs tomake themselves capable for self-employment. It was implemented in the country in the year 2009.

Biswajit said that the department requires at least 276 more staff for the implementation of the mission and is preparing to seek approval of the State Cabinet for recruitment of the necessary man-power at the earliest.

He also acknowledged the importance of women in State’s society and spoke at length on women empowerment citing instances from his recent European tour.

The fair was organised by Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), a registered society under the department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana- NRLM.

The fair which started from October 9, showcased different products of handloom and handicrafts, decorative items, plant nurseries, food items, vegetables, carpets, jewellery and so on produced by different self-help groups from all districts of the state.

Five participants from Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu also took part in the fair. Altogether 149 SHGs participated in the regional SARAS fair.

The closing function was also attended by principal secretary (RD&PR), M.H. Khan and chairman of Manipur Rural Bank, Prasanna Kumar Bal.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 18

President of Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK), Arjun Telheiba ask how long the state will run under two administrations during 2nd observation of Manipurgee Puwarida Meeyamgee Leingak Leiba Numit today at Manipur State Film Development Society, Konungmamang.

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun said the main objective for observing the day is to lift the awareness of the history of Manipur amongst the people. He said Manipur came to be in British India during 1891-1947, and thereafter Manipur was annex by independent India on October 15, 1949. Since then people have been led to ignore the real history of the place.

He said CCSK wants to bring awareness of the real history of Manipur especially of the event that led to its annexation by India in 1949.

He further said, during the instrument of accession other than controlling the economy, administration was run from the Centre. He said Manipur did not handover absolute sovereignty to India and during that time the rulers hardly know English or Hindi language fluently.

The programme began with the presentation of Lengyan Phi and gifts to the presidium members of the function followed by watering flowers. The presidium members released a book name “political status of Manipur before merger” and the editors of the book are H. Indrakumar and Rakesh Moirangthem.

General secretary CCSK, Rakesh Moirangthem said for the last two thousand years Manipur was a kingdom. The kingdom was ruled under seven yek salai under a single administration and there were no differences between hills and valleys.

He said during those days people had high skills, creative minds, were brave and the kingdom was peaceful. “Since October 18, 1948 after the first assembly session in Manipur the history had change to something else,” Rakesh added.

People need to study the history of Manipur in depth and not to stay ignorant by, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Haobam Indrakumar said Manipur was a divine kingdom with brave and skilful people. The people then were experts in warfare as well as in administrative strategy.

The kingdom was under British rule due to lack of diplomacy, the history will repeat again now if the leaders of the state fails in diplomacy, Indrakumar added.

Civil society organisation needs to be cautious, he added.

President of Human Rights Defender Manipur (HRDM), Joy Chingakham, president of United All Communities Social Uplifters (UNACSU), Jeetendra Ningomba, president of Kangleipak Women’s Welfare Association (KAWWA), Ema A.K. Memcha Leima and others attended the function as presidium members including retired professor, Manipur University, Naorem Joykumar, assistant professor Manipur College, Nameirakpam Somorendro, doctoral fello, Manipur University, K. Muktasana as resource persons.

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI |Oct 18

Rovienai Paotei, the first Naga woman pilot from Manipur gave credits for her success to God and her parents. The young woman pilot said this during the ‘thanks giving’ programme was organised for her at Poumai Baptist Church in Senapati today.

Rovienai Paotei, daughter of PD Sele of Purul Atongpa Rosofii, Senapati district, came home few days ago where she was accorded warm welcome at Imphal airport by a large number of people.

Sharing at the ‘thanks giving’ programme, the young woman pilot said that she dreamt of becoming a medical doctor but she changed her mind later. Sele Rovienai also shared about her initial struggle.

Citing an instance, the young woman pilot said during her preparation for the final examination in Australia she learnt of her father’s health condition which was serious. She said, though it disturbed immensely on her preparation for the examination the “testing and trying times” did not last long.

Rovienai Paotei graduated from Basiar Aviation College in New South Wales, Australia, where she studied the commercial pilot course. The woman pilot is currently employed at the Jet Airways.

Meanwhile, today’s programme was attended by Losii Dikho, minister, PHED, Alexander Pao, ex-MLA, ML Markson, chairmen, ADC, Senapati, R.K Thekho, ex-Minister, president Naga Mother’s Association, president, Naga Women Union, SDWA,SDS, PNU, PNTM, SKABU pastors, Fr, Sisou John, family, friends and well-wishers congregated to the service.

Minister L. Dikho said he saluted the pilot “who has achieved such thing” through her determination. He also added that Rovienai Paotei has become a “prominent woman” in the Naga community. “It is a proud moment for every one of us for her achievement and she has served as a role model in breaking the shackles of tough profession”, L. Dikho added.

IMPHAL | Oct 17

Newly Regularised Staff Association categorically stated the allegations that 38 employees were wrongly appointed and regularised at Council of Higher Secondary Education beyond the rules, are false and baseless.

A release said the 38 staffs were appointed as per the order of high court that came out in 2015 and they were regularised on December 31, 2016 after making resolution in the year 2015 and 2016.

Their regularisation was not related to election code of conduct, it said. As for the employees regularised recently, they were regularised after the resolutions that were made in the year 2013 – 2014, it added.

IMPHAL | Oct 17

Union minister of State for external affairs, M.J. Akbar along with deputy chief minister, Manipur, Yumnam Joykumar Singh today launched promotion campaign of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna in Imphal.

In a mega event held at the Multipurpose Hall in DM college campus, the union minister along with deputy chief minister launched the campaign.

Speaking at the Campaign, M. J. Akbar said, various financial inclusion and social security schemes have been launched in the country to improve the quality of life of people, making them economically independent for a better living.

He said the government is committed to ensure a better living for those who have been deprived for years in the country. Women are the important stakeholders who have been contributing a lot in all aspects of development and therefore their decisiveness will be the main driving force to contribute further for economic development in the country, he added.

Stating that 70 to 80 percent of women have been benefitted under MUDRA Yojna in the country, M. J. Akbar said, there has been denial of credit to women and children before Jan Dhan Yojna was launched.

That is why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done something that was not in the past 70 years. Under social security schemes, all can avail opportunities in different forms in the country, he continued.

Further he appealed the people to co-operate with the various initiatives taken up by the government for the welfare of the people to make India a prosperous and economically developed nation.

Deputy chief minister, Yumnam Joykumar said, mass economic activities are needed to improve financial health and overall economic growth in the State. He said there have been a lot of financial inclusion schemes through which various economic activities can be taken up.

On MUDRA, he said, altogether 12,646 people have been covered and they have been given loan under the scheme in the State. Productive small business like handloom & handicrafts, poultry and piggery etc. can easily be taken up with the loan amount. Rate of women participation has been increased a lot and it is a good sign of financial inclusion in the State, he added.

J. Akbar with Y. Joykumar Singh distributed sanction letters to the selected loan beneficiaries in the campaign. Altogether, 35 Stalls from nationalised and private banks, Co-operative banks, and insurance companies were opened in the campaign to facilitate people to apply for loans through MUDRA Yojna.

Anjana Dubey, deputy director general, department of financial services, government of India, Digmanu Gupta, general manager, State Bank of India also spoke on MUDRA Yojna. Principal secretary (Commerce & Indusrty) P. Vaiphei and a large number of women participated among others in the campaign.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 17

Anglo-Kuki War 1917-1919’s hundredth commemoration was held today at Longpi village, Chandel district, organised by Anglo-Kuki War Centenary Commemoration Committee (AKWCCC) under the theme “In defence of our ancestral land and freedom.”

Speaking on the occasion, education, labour and employment minister Th. Radheshyam, said the government will consider making October 17 an official holiday in honour of the martyrs of the war.

He said the martyrs who had sacrificed their lives defending the land, should inspire all to continue to wage a collective war against poverty, illiteracy and underdevelopment in order to make the commemoration a meaningful one.

Radheshyam said hatred can be conquered by love and urged all the concerned to promote love and peaceful coexistence by emulating the patriotic spirit of the forefathers.

He said different communities living in the state have their own weaknesses and strengths, and weaknesses can be overcome by the strengths so that a common good for Manipur can be achieved.

The education minister further promised to do the needful after consulting with the chief minister for the inclusion of the ‘Anglo-Kuki War’ in state school curricula. He also assured possible assistance to fulfil the proposal for declaration of October 17 as State Holiday.

Also speaking at the function, water resources and YAS minister Letpao Haokip said the valour of the forefathers in defending the land should not be let to go in vain. He urged all concerned to stop pursuing narrow agendas and rather work for the common good of all. He also distributed red blankets to a number of chiefs to mark the centenary celebration.

He assured to bring up the matter of electrification of all remote villages of Chandel district by 2018 and construction of houses for all under the central scheme for consideration by the state cabinet.

Other speakers urged all concerned to follow the footsteps of the brave forefathers by promoting unity among brothers and forgiving each other mistakes. They also called upon the gatherings to shun pursuing clan-centric agendas and show goodness instead for the larger good of the people.

They added the celebration will help to establish the rightful place of the iconic leaders of the Kuki War of Independence.

Radheshyam unveiled a centenary commemoration monument and inaugurated the foundation stone for construction of Anglo-Kuki War Museum cum Kuki Heritage Centre while Lhukhosei Zou, Chairman, ADC Chandel inaugurated the Anglo-Kuki War Memorial Park.

Chairman of Anglo-Kuki War Centenary Commemoration Committee, Khaimang Chongloi said there are two major wars fought against the British in the soil of Manipur. The state has given due recognition to the Khongjom War by observing it every year. He requested the government to accomplish the hope and aspirations of declaring October 17 as state holiday in recognition of the longest war fought against the British in Manipur, i.e. Anglo-Kuki War.

The programme was attended by Kumpipa, Kuki Inpi, Thangkhosei Haokip, DC Chandel; Krishna Kumar, Kamei, SP Chandel, Angam Romanus, Brigadier Rajesh Kumar, DIG, 28 Sector, AR along with village chiefs and CSO leaders.

As a part of the programme dignitaries and villagers of the function paid floral tribute on the commemoration stone and villagers gave gun salute to the martyrs during anglo-kuki war.