Tag: IFP

IMPHAL | Oct 16

Eight state footballers who represented India in the ongoing FIFA World Cup U-17 tournament were felicitated today by the governor of the state Najma Heptulla at Raj Bhavan here today.

Speaking on the occasion Heptulla said that she would try her best to find ways to promote the game commercially like cricket.  She said talks have already begun to promote Polo commercially, which originated from Manipur.

Speaking on the Sports University, the governor said the Prime Minister of India is keen to establish a Sports University and has assured to lay the foundation. She expressed hope that the university will help sportspersons especially those coming from poor economic background.

During her interaction with the players and the parents the governor expressing her happiness stated that she feels proud that U-17 team has the team captain and 7 other players from the State.

It is heartening to see that maximum number of players from a state like Manipur, which is known, as the powerhouse of Sports, she said. Heptulla congratulated the parents for supporting their children to play the game and expressed her desire that all the players continue to play not only for U-17 but also in the senior national team. 

Expressing happiness at the exemplary performance of the team, the governor said every sporting activity is good as it keeps the mind and body healthy and helps in concentration. Stating that she is happy to promote the game in some way, she said the entire State of Manipur is proud of the players.

She also advised them to continue to build up their body to gain more stamina and agility for future tournaments. If all the Manipuri boys playing for other teams and countries come together as one team, then there will be a strong Manipuri team for the nation, she added.

Goalkeeper M. Dheeraj Singh, Th. Boris Singh, Ninthoinganba Meetei, Nongdamba Naorem, Md. Shahjahan, W. Suresh Singh were present at the felicitation. Team Captain Amarjit Singh Kiyam and Th. Jeakson Singh (the first goal scorer for India in FIFA tournament against Columbia) could not attend the felicitation due to prior engagement.

IMPHAL | Oct 16

A new high powered performance tipper truck has come to town at MGT Motors Showroom, opposite Iskon Temple, airport road and was launched by works minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh today at its showroom.

Speaking at the occasion, Biswajit said that TATA is always a reliable company and had been a part and parcel of the state. It gives employment, good service to contractors and workers and Tata’s vehicles, mostly heavy vehicles are highly compatible with the roads of the state, he pointed out.

He appreciated the efforts of the MGT motors for bringing such a good service for the state. He hoped that the new heavy vehicle will do so much good in the service of the state.

The new tipper price starts from Rs. 14.54 lakhs and some of its attractive features includes fuel tank capacity of 120 litres, with maximum speed at 60kms per hour, is powered by a battery of 12 V.100 Ah, and its dimension is 6.5 M3/230 cubic feet etc.

Regional sales head, Suchindra Mandal and state product manager, Balasubramani attended the function as presidium members.

IMPHAL | Oct 16

National Integration Tour was organised by Tamenglong Battalion under the aegis of Senapati Brigade of Red Shield Division to promote the spirit of national integration among the young generation from September 29 to October 14, said a release.

It said that 20 school students and two teaching staff from Tamenglong district, Manipur visited various cultural and historical places in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

The tour was flagged off from Tamenglong on September 29 and the NIT team reached Agra on October 3 and visited Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Sikandra Tomb, Agra Market, it said adding that the team further moved to Jaipur on October 5 and visited Jaipur Zoo, Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Birla Temple and Jantar Mantar.

The NIT team moved to New Delhi on October 7 where they visited Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India gate Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, said the release.

A visit to Rastrapathi Bhawan was also organised on October 9 and during the visit the students had the opportunity to meet and interact with the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, it added.

Further it said that the NIT Team moved back from Delhi by BG Express on October 10 and reached Dimapur on October 13 and further moved from Dimapur to Imphal on the same day. A flagging in ceremony was also conducted at Imphal by Senapati Brigade on October 13, it continued.

The release further said that the NIT team reached Tamenglong on October 14 and a grant welcome ceremony was organised at Tamenglong Bn and the students were received by their parents. During the interaction, students expressed their heartiest gratitude to all Army units for their assistance during the tour, especially the Red Shield Divison, Senapati Brigade and the Tamenglong Battalion to arrange such a huge programme that explored the minds of all participants, it concluded.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Oct 15

The annual felicitation programme of the private school, Wisdom Foundation located at Khongjom under Thoubal district was held yesterday at the campus of the school. The occasion was attended by noted theatre personality, Ratan Thiyam as chief guest, DPO of ICDS Imphal, Kh. Barpananda as president, Dhanabir Laishram, manager of Bank of India, Thoubal, Deepak Khaidem and president of KSA Imphal, M. Laxman attended as guests of honour.

Ratan Thiyam lamented that educated people are unable to utilise their education. He expressed that the people have the habit of wasting time and many opportunities have come and gone. He further laid down the advantages of following values of truth by students and stressed that teachers should try to impart education in such a way that creativity is nurtured.

Teachers must be able to carry all the reference of a word on their fingertips, should know a lot and must be voracious readers as everything depends on teachers, he said. He further expressed his belief that students of wisdom foundation will continue in producing good students.

Principal of the school, L. Subha, laid down the achievements of the school. She said it is believed that school will go into a new change in a few years which would be possible with the support of the people.

Afterwards, toppers from the school were felicitated by giving encouraging words and modest rewards.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 15

Normal life was affected in the state today on account of the 18-hour state wide shutdown called by many outlawed armed groups under the CorCoM and separately by KYKL, NLFT and KCP. The shutdown was part of the observation of the “National Black Day”, commemorating the controversial merger of Manipur with India which came into force on October 15, 1947.

Security personnel were heavily deployed at different areas of the valley in anticipation of trouble, however there were no reports of untoward incidents from anywhere. Unlike any other bandh or strike, this time no supporters or protestors were seen on the road although the roads remained largely empty.

Business establishments, educational institutes, petrol pumps, shops and markets remained closed. However hospitals and medical stores remained opened. Some shops started to open late in the afternoon. Inter-district transport services were also affected by the shutdown.

The otherwise busy market places like Paona Keithel, Thangal Keithel, Nagamapal, BT road and Wahengbam Leikai areas wore a deserted look as shop shutters were down and only few pedestrians were seen on the road.

This is in spite of the seasonal rush of shoppers this time of the year generally witness on account of approaching festivals like Ningol Chakouba and Diwali.

A few private vehicles were seen moving in the day time and later in the afternoon. Some passenger auto rickshaw were seen plying on the roads.

Though there was no holiday in the government offices, there were little or no sign of government employees attending their offices.

Interestingly, as soon as evening came, people began thronging the recently launched weekend event nigh plaza, also known as ‘Imphal Evening’. In no time, visitors along the stretch along the Kanglapat road teemed with life, and business went on as usual. 

It may be recalled, Manipur King, Bodhachandra, during a routine visit to Shillong was kept captive there at Redlands, the Manipur royal’s residence in Shillong, by Indian forces and forced him to sign the infamous Merger Agreement on September 21, 1949.

The signed agreement came into force on October 15 the same year and today’s shutdown was in protest of this.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 15

A Manipuri actor turned seri-culturist, complained that he and two other families who worked with him for two and a half years were not paid wages in a row by the sericulture department of the government of Manipur.

The actor who does not want to be identified said that he had been working for sericulture department for the past two and half years now, with an aim to give awareness about the benefits of sericulture and also to earn.

Talking to the IFP, he said that in 2015, he applied for sericulture farming after attending a training programme in sericulture. He took to the fields after getting 1000 mulberry plants from the department. He has his farm in Sawombung Wairi, Imphal East district.

His plantation grew to be the biggest and he said he was the No.1 in the state for best production, the actor claimed.

He even made a nursery of around two lakhs plantation. “The sericulture department used to come and check but never bought the products,” he accused.

“The two and a half years was a round of plantation of mulberry in bulks with good results, but the sericulture department neither bought our products nor paid our wages,” he said.

He pointed out that he is ready to expose further wrongdoings of the sericulture department.  He said he and other colleagues in the business have worked so hard to get to this phase, but the government has not acknowledged their work.

CCPUR | Oct 15

A two-year-old boy identified as Lunmuanlal, son of H. Goukhanmung of Friendship Road, Vengnuam, New Lamka died after falling into a well at V. Munhoih this morning at around 11.20 am, where his family  went to have lunch at their maternal  grandparents’ place.

Sources said that Lunmuanlal accidentally fell into the well, which was only three feet deep. The minor was taken out from the well and rushed to the district hospital but he succumbed before being administered any medical treatment, it added.

Mentioned may be made that last Sunday, a minor from Lailam Veng died under similar circumstances at Canaan Veng, New Lamka.

IMPHAL | Oct 15

Hundreds of people turned up to highlight their grievances to the chief minister on the sixth edition of ‘Meeyamgi Numit’. As usual the Chief Minister, N. Biren attended to the grievances of the people at the CM’s secretariat today. 

Biren gave first preference to differently-abled persons, widows, and old-aged people to hear and resolve their grievances and issues. He personally attended to around 200 complaints and met nearly 1000 people from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Among different issues, demands like difficulties faced by the transporters, issues of die-in-harness appointment, assistance to earthquake victims etc. were common. 

Unlike the previous Meeyamgi Numit, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) organised public screening of film/documentaries highlighting the achievements and new developments in the State including the achievements within 100 days of the new government in the past seven months.

Health department officials had been deputed at CM’s secretariat for the day to attend to the people, who seek medical assistance, reimbursement and health care in government medical hospitals.

Officials of Manipur State Co-operative Bank Ltd, education (S), youth affairs and sports, minority and other backward classes, social welfare and police departments and Manipur State Illness Assistance Fund related staff were also deputed to attend to the grievances of the public.

The chief minister’s secretariat made elaborate arrangements for the convenience of the general public. Light refreshments including water, tea and snacks were provided to the visitors. A medical team along with an ambulance and a team of Manipur Fire Service were kept on stand-by at the complex for any unforeseen emergencies.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 15

Premjit Thokchom, President of and NGO called Sangai Youth Tobacco Free and Educational Association today claimed the he has been duped by a fake online company, Amazon Prime Express Courier, after he had been cheated into depositing Rs. 20, 000 into the bank account of the company, under Allahabad Bank.    

Premjit, told reporters at Manipur Press Club that they applied for opening a franchise of Amazon Prime Express Courier in Manipur, which was allegedly advertised by Guwahati branch of the fake organisation.

The advertisement for this was published in a one local paper on May 26, he said.

“The advertisement seemed genuine at first, so we applied for it on June 10, and after a gap of three months, on October 3, the fake company’s agent one Raman Tanuli sent a mail and even called saying that our company has been selected for that franchise”, Premjit said.

“He told us to deposit a cash amount of Rs.20,000 on October 5-6 if not we will not get a chance. So we deposited the said amount on October 6, in the account number they have sent which is in the name of one Rituparna Hazarika under Allahabad bank”, he continued.

But as soon as the money was deposited, the said fake company had stopped taking calls from them and does not even reply to mails and Whatsapp messages till now, Premjit said.

He continued further that they have all the details of the company that contacted them. They were Sanjeeb Hazarika, Rituparna Hazarika, Raman Tanuli and Sangita Hazarika.

Later they confirmed it from Amazon head office, Bangalore that they have no agent from Guwahati with those names and also informed that there is no such company as ‘Amazon Prime Express Courier’ under its operation.

They have filed a complaint case in CID crime branch, cybercrime branch and also in Assam, Guwahati regarding the fraud case.

He urged the public to be aware of such fraud cases and not to fall into trap of the fraudsters in the future.

From A Correspondent

IMPHAL | Oct 15

Indian U-17 world cup goalkeeper Dheeraj Moirangthem landed to a grand reception by well-wishers when he touched down at Imphal Tulihal International Airport today.

Despite the total shutdown call by underground outfits, challenging the forced merger of Manipur into Indian Union in 1949 this day and observing it as National Black Day, the young goalkeeper was mobbed by well-wishers, garlanding him with flowers and showered with money.

Dheeraj’s parents also accompanied him from Delhi. Dheeraj hails from Moirang which is about 40 kilometer from Imphal.

Dheeraj who has earned rare appreciations, from including USA coach and expert commentators for his daring display under the bar, was lost for words at the welcome he received despite the fact that India lost all theirs three matches and made a sad exit from the tournament.

Dheeraj acknowledging the support of the people said, “I am really happy to be accorded a warm welcome and I will keep working hard until my goals are achieved.”

He further said, “There is U-19 AFC qualifiers coming at Saudi Arabia and I am really looking forward to it. The team will be picked up from among the U-13 as well as U-17 players for the meet.”

Though refusing to divulge on offers by clubs in the aftermath of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, he said, ‘”I am not mature enough to speak about the offers.”

It may be mentioned that seven players including Indian skipper Amarjit Kiyam, Borish Thangjam, Jackson Thounaojam, Md.Shah Jahan, Nongdamba Naorem, Suresh Wangjam and Ninthoingamba Meitei had already arrived yesterday.

Except for Borish and Ningthoingamba who are from Imphal, all the other players reside in far flung villages of Manipur.

The state government has promised an incentive of Rs. 5 lakhs each to the eight players while Manipur sports minister Letpao Haokip has provided Rs 10,000 each to the eight players from his personal ends.

Meanwhile it is reported that several players of U-17 squad had received job offers, including from AIFF, but some are reluctant to put their signature to the dotted line because of the nature of contracts.

Some I-League as well as ISL teams are trying their best to rope in some of the leading players, including Dheeraj and Jeakson Singh.

Meantime, the All Manipur United Veteran Football Association will be felicitating the eight state footballers who donned Indian colour in FIFA U-17 World Cup at a simple function at Malom tomorrow at 10.30am.

By Ashem Lalit

MOREH| Oct 15

The Kwatha village being a part of the history of Manipur, though small in size, is a very important village. It is located at a distance of 109 kilometres from Imphal and 20 kilometres from the border town Moreh.

The village has been in existing since 1469 AD, now has a population of 410 villagers consisting 74 households under different surnames. According to history, it is also believed that original settlers of the village were of Manipuri refugees who were fleeing the State during the period of Seven Years Devastation.

The village still maintains the tradition of the feudal days therefore courtiers and attendants still are in vogue even today. Villagers also follow the old Meetei faith.  The shrine of Nongpok Ninghtou Nongpok Panthoibi is located at a little distance from the village.

Even though the village takes an important place in the history of Manipur, it is being neglected by the State due to its geographical location. As for instance, the connecting roads to the village have never been black-topped.

This has caused the villagers to face challenges and difficulties in matters of economy, health care, education, roadway connectivity, and other basic necessities of life. The sole means of livelihood for the villagers are agriculture, fermenting of bamboo shoots and other allied activates.

It may be mentioned that the per capita income of the villagers is a meager Rs. 27.20, making a total of Rs. 9928 in a year.     

Though the per capita income is low, the village has many potential for developments. If the mineral resources, forest, flora and fauna, and its natural beauty are preserved and utilised, it will bring in a speedy development.

The fermented bamboo shoots, which are the biggest source of income to the village, are a delicacy of Manipuris in general. Unfortunately, the bamboo flowering that occurred in the previous year, 2016 has dwindled the production of bamboo shoots for the next ten years. This will give a huge blow to the economy of the village.   

Regarding this matter, the State and central government have not taken up any measures to provide a solution. The residents of the village have appealed to the government to draw attention to the prevailing issue.

However, the Kwatha festival which started last year has provided an opportunity for the villagers to reach out to the public as well as take initiatives to better the economy by using available resources.

 The second Kwatha festival will be held for three days from October 27 to 29.  As a part of the festival, medical camp, trekking and moonlight camping, music, folk dance, matam eshei, Mangka live state, thang ta, Nokphade, jumba dance, Manipuri bruce lee show, photography competition, tree plantation, flute music, Cajon Dairies, rock show and thabal chongba will be featured.

Above all this, stalls that highlights the resources of the villages will be opened. The public have started giving opinions that the village, which has roots in the history, must be protected by the people and the government.

To make the festival successful, the roadway connecting the village is currently being repaired and camping sites along with parking areas are being constructed.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 15

At least one killed and 12 sustained injuries when a passenger vehicle coming from Jiribam plunged into a gorge near Awangkhul along National Highway 37 Imphal-Jiribam road in the wee hour today.

According to reports the road mishap occurred around 3 am in between Awangkhul and Tamlok about 75 km away from Imphal.

The passenger vehicle (Tata winger) bearing registration number MNOIS-2338 reportedly felt into a gorge about 200 feet deep killing a passenger and injuring all the occupants.

The deceased has been identified as P. Kadinglungbou, 40, son of P. Hengsongbou of Tamei.

As the report of the mishap spread, a team of the 14 Sikh regiment rushed to the incident site and rescued the injured victims.

The victims initially were evacuated to Noney PHC and unit hospital of 8 Assam Rifles where they were given with first aid and later shifted to hospital in Imphal.

Further Newmai News Networks adds that former vice president of Liangmai Naga Council (LNC), P. Kadinlungbou, was killed in the accident.

In its condolence message, Liangmai Naga Council (LNC) said that Kadinlungbou had served as VP and speaker of the council on different tenures. The Liangmai body maintained that Kadinlungbou was sincere and had rendered his best of service for the people as an LNC leader.

He was the President of Liangmai Naga Katina Ruangdi (LNKR), the apex student body of Liangmai tribe, before he joined LNC.

His sudden demise is a great loss for the Liangmai community, and “the vacuum he left behind will be difficult to be filled”, the release said, and shared the grief of the bereaved family members during this difficult moment.

Meantime a release of the PIB (Defence) said a quick reaction team of 40 men of Tamei Battalion deployed at Awangkhul Company Operating Base undertook the rescue operation in the wee hours.

The TATA Winger had fallen approximately 200 meters down the road and needed major effort to rescue the survivors. The team without losing any time tied ropes and other ancillaries to reach the victims who were injured, unconscious and fallen along the course of the vehicle, it said.

After three hours of rescue operation along with Noney Police, 12 passengers were saved, it added.

IMPHAL | Oct 15

An emergency special general body meeting of Manipur Government Services Federation was held on October 12 where the verbal status report of principal secretary (Finance) on the Fitment Committee and their appeal to extend sometime to complete its working was minutely, elaborately and precisely discussed.

A release issued by general secretary of the federation, Purujit Lairikyengbam said that the meeting unanimously decided and re-affirmed the schedule of strike as already notified, that is, mass casual leave on October 25 and cease work strike on November 2 since the state government does not take up the matter very seriously, timely and concrete result is not found till date.

It asked all the heads of the departments to furnish the information relating to existing posts in their respective departments to the Fitment Committee immediately and their respective employees associations should also follow up the issue.

IMPHAL | Oct 14

The proscribed NLFT, KCP and KYKL have jointly called for a total shut down in the entire region of Manipur and Tripura from the midnight of October 14 to 6 pm of October 15, as a resistance to the Indian colonial rule “imposed” on October 15, 1949.

This shut down will not cover essential services such as medical, water supply and religious activities.

A joint release signed by chairman, KYKL, N. Oken, president, KCP, Laba Meitie, president, NLFT, D. Yamrok said, the refusal of Tripura Merger Agreement (TMA) and Manipur Merger Agreement (MMA) signed respectively on September 9 and September 21, 1949 have been at the very heart of people’s struggle for freedom and change, which we have witnessed in the last 5/6 decades in Tripura and Manipur.

This is also more than clear that we have consistently invoked the same to politically mobilise the people against Indian occupation and to charge them with the spirit of freedom, it said.

It is a fact that the king of Manipur refused to sign the pre-drafted Manipur Merger agreement being supplied to him by the agents of the dominion of India without consulting the council of ministers in whom the real sovereign power lies, for Manipur, at that time, have had a democratically elected government with a written constitution adopted under the Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947 thereby reducing the king of Manipur to the status of a mere constitutional head of the state, it continued.

If a treaty is concluded by using threats or force, it will be taken as void and null as it has violated the principles of international law enshrined in the charter of the United 2 Nations, it said.  This is what the Article 52 of the Vienna convention on the law of treaties, 1969 precisely puts down, it continued.  Cutting into the Manipur merger Agreement, 1949 through the lens of Vienna convention, one will never find a reason not to say MMA, 1949 invalid, it added.

Here what can be observed crystal clear are the plain facts that all they did were nothing but making things invisible whichever they considered obstacle to their elephantine venture of constructing India, where the mainland will imprison the periphery, particularly the people of WESEA, it continued.

What is more, the Manipur merger agreement through which India has been riding roughshod over us for more than 6 decades had never been subject to a plebiscite under the supervision of a neutral party like the United Nation, which has been a universally democratic norms to ascertain whether the people in a particular territory want to remain 3 independent or join another country, it said.

On the same page, the regent queen Kanchan Prava was taken for a ride by the newly born fascist India to sign the Tripura Merger Agreement in the name of protecting her state on September 9, 1949 to come into effect from October 15, 1949, the same day on which Manipur’s administration was handed over to India, it continued.

The independent-minded people of Tripura, however, stood against the merger, it said adding tens of thousands Borok people took to the street protesting the perfidious agreement, raising their voice that spoke the Borok spirit of independence and justice.

Understanding the truth that the two independent states of Manipur and Tripura were annexed into India through a treaty without binding characters when viewed from different aspects, we have to stand up as a single entity to break the chains of slavery and throw off the shackles which India put us on, it said.

It is worth remembering that these princely states were not even annexed to British India, but the merger agreements they were forced to sign had pushed both of them to the lowest status of Part C state within India disrespecting their sovereign political status they enjoyed before being merged with India, it added.

The fate of national extinction is not exclusively for the Borok and the people residing in Kangleipak, but all the struggling communities inhabiting WESEA region, it continued. To face this juggernaut of Indian colonialism that has slowly rubbed out all the Mongoloid people living in the region using both the soft and hard tools, unification of all the oppressed people of the region is highly called for, it said.

 Therefore, we, the KCP, KYKL and NLFT appeal to all the subjugated people of Manipur and Tripura to show the unity and solidarity to our struggle for national emancipation against Indian colonial occupation, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 14

Revenue and CAF & PD minister, Karam Shyam Singh today said that school students transporters are another set of guardians beside the real parents and the teachers, and can impart moral lessons to the students outside the classroom.

He was speaking at the function of 2nd observation of All Manipur School Students Transporters’ Association (AMSSTA) day at Naharol Sintha Kanglup community hall in Wangkhei Keithel Ashangbi, Imphal East as chief guest.

The minister appreciated the efforts of the transporters as they are lessening the rate of unemployment in the state. He advised them to take pride in their profession and work sincerely by inculcating civic sense in their job.

He stressed on the association’s motto “Children are the pillars of the future generation and AMSSTA are the carriers of the pillars,” saying that they have a big contribution in the society and development of students. “You are grooming the real future leaders and sowing humanity,” he said.

He appreciated how AMSSTA is a refined association in the way that they pay respect to their former workers who have expired. He encouraged the widows of expired members to be strong and not lose heart but rather work for a bright future of their children.

The minister citing his own life as an example said even he was raised by his widowed mother.

The minister also said that policies and programmes are approved and implemented keeping the welfare of the people as the primary focus. He asked the association to submit names for recommendation to be included in the Social Security Scheme, Chief Minister gi Sottharabasingi Tengbang (CMST) which was recently passed by the State Cabinet.

Gifts were presented to the families of the expired by the present working members during the function led by chief guest.

Speaking as guest of honour, B.K. Sharma, joint director of transport department said the department is re-examining the Transport Policy passed by the cabinet in 2015. He urged the association to send in with their proposals which can be included if feasible.

President of AMSSTA, Maibam Kennedy Singh, joint director of transport department, B.K. Sharma, president of AMWJU, Wangkhemcha Shyamjai and secretary of All Manipur Students’ Guardian Association, Sougrakpam Sumati attended the function as presidium members.

IMPHAL | Oct 14

Swiss Cooperation has assured to provide technical support in revising the Manipur State Action Plan on Climate Change, 2013. Swiss Cooperation is working in different Himalayan States on their respective State Action Plan on Climate Change.

Head and Counsellor, Swiss Cooperation Office, India, Embassy of Switzerland, Marylaure Crettaz, speaking to the media said she found Manipur as a very natural and green State with a pleasant weather condition.

She said Swiss Cooperation will help the Manipur government in reviewing the State Action Plan on Climate Change, accessing the results of the plans taken up so far and finding ways to improve for making a revision. Plan revision is necessary to combat frequent floods, landslides and variation in weather condition.

Once the State Action Plan is revised there will be list of things which will be taken up as projects and the last step will be to acquire the finance/fund for the project. Swiss Cooperation will support in terms of capacity building and training to assure that many State actors sensitise on the issue.

State officials at national, state and district level will be given training on ways to deal with the issue so that every sector/department is equipped to respond to climate change. Numerous studies like risk and vulnerability assessment will be prepared to make a better plan for which both fund and technical support is needed.

1. Nabachandra Singh, director, directorate of environment, said the department is focused on various plans to conserve wetlands and water bodies in the State. He said the department is checking and monitoring the water quality under the research and development projects apart from water rejuvenation and conserving lakes.

Community participation is encouraged for conserving wetlands like done in Yaral Pat. All together 19 wetlands have been identified for eco-development which will be taken up in phase-wise.

He said, once the Manipur State Action Plan on Climate Change, 2013 is revised this year, State can work on making a state policy on climate change. With support from all corners swift action can be taken to save the ecology, he added.

Ahead of leaving Imphal today, Marylaure Crettazz visited the Panam Ningthou Garden at Andro, Imphal East and Sendra tourist resort, Moirang, Bishnupur district accompanied by the delegates of Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme (IHCAP) and officials of directorate of environment.

IMPHAL | Oct 14

The proscribed umbrella organisation CorCoM, of various UG groups operating in the state has called for a total shut down of entire Manipur on October 15, otherwise known as “National Black Day” when King Bodhachandra was kept captive at Shillong and forced to sign the merger agreement in 1949.

As a part of the “National Black Day” observations, the total shut down will begin at midnight tomorrow and will end at 6 pm, said a release signed by media coordinator, Ksh. Yoihieba.

CorCoM appeals to the people of the State that all business activities, official duties, travelling, sports and games, and all festivities be relieved for the day to join the observation of National Black Day, it said. However, the shutdown will be relaxed for emergency services, media related work and matters related to faith, it added.   

Before India had its own constitution, Manipur already had created one and started implementing it by holding elections in 1948, it further said.

However, without the consent of the elected council of ministers and the people, the leaders of the India, under the pretence of ‘democracy’, kept the king of Manipur as a captive in the least democratic manner at Shillong and forced him to sign the treacherous “Manipur Merger Agreement” on September 21, 1949, it said. And consecutively on the October 15, India forcefully encroached upon Manipur and took it under its shadows, it added.   

Therefore, Manipur, which had been an independent kingdom, with its own unique history at South East Asia, was lowered down to the status of a hill district and turned into a colony of India, it said.

The people of that time were against the forceful merger of Manipur into India, it said. The people had been standing against the merger and ever since, the war to regain the freedom of Manipur had been going on for generations afterwards, it added. 

Massive public meetings were held at every nook and corner of Manipur declaring the merger as a forced annexation and the protest were raised against it in one united voice, it said.

Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947, international laws and other related papers were carefully studied in several meetings and declarations were made that the merger actually was an annexation and cannot be taken as valid, it continued. Above all, several resolutions were made with intellectuals of the State for regaining the sovereign status of Manipur, it added. 

The revolutionary war being waged against Indian colonisers is based on its true intentions to relieve the people from slavery, it continued. The purpose of this war is to bring us in into the global race of development, it said adding freedom is progress and progress itself comes from freedom. The organisation urges the people to join in the struggle to regain independence which was lost on October 15, 1949, it added.

IMPHAL | Oct 14

A Chinese hand grenade was found this morning at around 6.30 am at the residence of Sekmai assembly constituency’s MLA, Heikham Dingo. Police bomb squad arrived at the spot and retrieved the bomb safely from below a tree inside the premise of the MLA’s residence. No militants’ organisation or individual has claimed responsibility for the act yet.

IMPHAL | Oct 14

The proscribed Kangliepak Communist Party, People’s War Group has claimed responsibility for the mela blast, calling it as an attack against a mela run by ‘foreigners’.

A release signed by secretary, central media co-ordinator, Lenin Meitei said the attack was carried out as a first of its kind against fairs which are now run on pratically every street with the intent of making money through gambling games.

The party said it had put restrictions to Apunba Manipur Mela Lup (AMML) against such fairs which include gambling, it said.

When the party had put forth the restrictions to Mukta Leima, who runs North East Mela Association against holding such fairs that include gambling and suggested an alternative that is based on the indigenous community, she rebuked the leader of the party, chairman Lamyanba Khuman alias Pibarel through a phone call, and invited the organisation to come out in the field instead, it added.

The party expresses heartfelt sorrow for those who were hurt in the blast and said all responsibility should be taken by Mukta Leima and Lukram Leirak Youth Club, adding they should acknowledge their mistakes in the public.

The party is putting restrictions on such melas which include gambling until Apunba Manipur Mela Lup (AMML) creates strict rules and regulations for conducting these fairs.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Oct 14

U-17 FIFA World Cup players of Manipur who attended the cup hosted by India, which began on October 6 at New Delhi arrived back at Imphal today.

When the players arrived at Imphal at 11 am by an Air India Flight, they were warmly received by their families and members of several clubs, organisation. They were garlanded by supporters and well-wishers.

However, the goal keeper of the Indian team, Dheeraj was not amongst them as he and his family would be coming from another flight.

After the players were received by the crowd, they were escorted back to their respected homes by the people.

Meantime when the Indian team captain, Amarjit Kiyam and Jeakson arrived at Thoubal Hoakha, they were warmly welcomed by the residents.

In a ceremony held at the community hall of Thoubal Hoakha, organised by well-wishers, Thoubal district, captain Amarjit and Jeakson expressed their disbelief at the unexpected hospitality, saying it was like a dream.    

They expressed that they will cherish the moment forever, and said they will not let the love and affection shown to them, go to waste. They also expressed unhappiness over the fact that there is not decent play ground in the State for the players.

The welcoming ceremony was attended by MLA, Wangkhem Assembly constituency, K. Meghachandra, president, District Football Association, Thoubal, L. Chandrakshwor, vice president, Shyamo, M. Mani and A. Kesho Kumar.