Tag: IFP

Newmai News Network

IMPHAL |Oct 4

Even as campaign for Schedule Tribe status of Meetei/Meitei by Schedule Tribe Demand Committee (STDC) has intensified, All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) said it will fight to the end opposing the inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list.

ATSUM president, Vareiyo Shatsang said today that the apex tribal students’ body has been against any move from any quarter to include Meitei/Meetei in the ST list. The ATSUM president also said that they have apprised the authorities concerned in this regard. 

“The Meiteis have no criteria to be in the ST list,” said Vareiyo Shatsang. The ATSUM chief expressed that the campaign of the STDC for the inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the ST list will bring more inequality in the State in all respects. “The Meiteis are in the General Category but now they want to be in the ST list. There is some hidden agenda behind the campaign of the STDC,” said the ATSUM president. “What is their interest?” asked Vareiyo Shatsang.

He continued ATSUM is seriously observing the development in connection with the campaign for the inclusion of Meiteis in the ST list.

It may be noted that the movement for the inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe list of India intensified with the resolution of the September 24 ‘public convention’ giving October 20 as the deadline to the State government of Manipur to submit its (State Government) recommendation to the Central government.

According to STDC, it had submitted a memorandum each to the then governor of Manipur on November 30, 2012 and to the then chief minister on December 18, 2012.

In response to a memorandum of the STDC, the ministry of tribal affairs, government of India vide letter dated May 29, 2013 informed the government of Manipur to forward specific recommendations along with the ethnographic reports and socio economic survey reports of Meitei/Meitei for consideration for inclusion in the ST list, according to STDC.

The issue was brought up in the budget session of Manipur Assembly on June 29, 2015, and the then chief minister, O Ibobi assured to consult experts and historians to take up necessary action if found reasonable. But there never was any tangible action, STDC rued.

IMPHAL | Oct 4

To intensify the Aadhar enroment drive in the state, the state home department has initiated a special drive particularly in the hill districts from October 3. The drive is to enrol individuals who have been left out in the previous campaign.

A release said the schedule of visit to villages has been notified to deputy commissioner concerned in consultation with local MLAs. The state government has already completed mandatory two rounds of visit to the villages, it said.

The release further said the current drive is an extra round planned by the state government to facilitate enrolment of remaining people. This will be the last round of visit to the villages, it added.

It appealed to the public to utilise this opportunity to get enrolled, adding that Aadhar enrolment is necessary for getting any benefits under the Central and state government schemes.

Further the release pointed out that people who fail to get enrolled will be deprived of the benefit of availing any government schemes. There will be no more village visit after the current final round and the left out persons have to approach the permanent enrolment centres in the office of the deputy commissioners at their own cost, it said.

IMPHAL | Oct 4

A non-local shopkeeper was found shot dead by unknown armed assailants this morning near the second gate of Manipur University at Oinam Leikai under Singjamei police station Imphal West district.

The body was found at around 8 am. The body was blind folded with hands tied behind his back and wore three bullet injuries on the chest and another at his abdomen both on left side and one bullet at the back side of his left thigh.

Police recovered three empty cases and a live ammunitions of 9 mm.

According to the locality of Oinam Leikai, they heard gun shots at around 8 this morning which they assumed to be of fire crackers.

The deceased was identified as Lalbabu Singh (50) son of Rawan Singh of Simraha, Motihari Champharan under Rajpur police station, Bihar. Presently he is staying at a rented house at Mantripukhri Lamlongei opposite to Mother Teresa Home.

Sources close to the deceased revealed that Lalbabu ran a fermented fish shop at Ngari Gulli, Thangal Bazar and he nad been staying in the state for teh last 13 years.

The source further said Lalbabu was last seen at around 7.15 am wherein he had his tea and he went to his shop in an auto.

The body has been deposited at RIMS morgue for post mortem. The body was identified as friends and relatives.

While it is yet to be ascertained the motive behind the killing, a case has been registered by the police in connection with the incident.

IMPHAL | Oct 4

The government of Manipur is all set to celebrate Mera Houchongba tomorrow. This is the first even state level celebration to be jointly organised by the state government and Sanakonung. The main celebration will be at Kangla tomorrow which is the 15th day of the lunar calendar of Mera month.

The village chiefs along with young boys and girls from different hill districts of the State have arrived at Imphal today.

Constituting a State Level Mera Houchongba Committee for the first time, the government of Manipur will be celebrating the festival. The chief minister of Manipur is the chairman of the committee and commissioner of art and culture department is the convener.

All the other ministers and members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly are also in the State Level Mera Houchongba committee.

Titular King, Meidingu Leishemba Sanajaoba will lead the village chief of the hills and will march to Kangla at 8 am tomorrow. At Kangla, ‘Men tongba’ and ‘Yelhing thaba’ rituals will be performed as per tradition.

The main function will begin at Kangla at 1 pm. Chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, Meidingu Leishemba Sanajaoba and art and culture minister, L. Jayantakumar will attend the function as the chief guest, president and guest of honour, respectively.

Pot Lannaba (exchange of gifts) and traditional cultural programmes will be the highlight of the function.

Convenor, Mera Houchongba Thousil Lup Sana Konung, Longjam Ratankumar will give welcome address and the keynote address of the function. Convener, State level Mera Houchongba committee, art and culture commissioner, M. Lakshmikumar Singh will give vote of thanks.

State level Mera Houchongba committee is inviting all the people of Manipur to participate at the first joint venture of the government of Manipur and Sana konung for the Mera Houchongba festival.

DIMAPUR |Oct 4 (NNN)

The Dr Shurhozelie led Naga People’s Front (NPF) “unanimously” adopted a resolution to appeal to the NSCN (K) to “renounce violence and come back to the negotiating table with the government of India which is the ardent desire of the Naga people”.

This resolution was taken during the meeting of the Central Office Bearers (COB) of the party was held today at its central office in Kohima.

The meeting also reiterated its support to the ongoing peace process vis-à-vis political talks between the NSCN (IM) and the government of India and appreciated the latter for extending invitation to the Working Committee of the 6 Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) for political negotiation. “It has been the unwavering stand of the NPF that solution should be inclusive of all stakeholders so as to bring permanent peace,” it added.

IMPHAL| Oct 4

State election commission has notified that the 5th general panchayat election will be held on October 7, covering six revenue districts in the State which are Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching and Jiribam.

A release said the six deputy commissioners (DCs) of the respective districts are the district election officers and six general observers are appointed to look into the smooth functioning of the election process. There are 14 returning officers (ROs) within the six districts; it said adding counting of the votes will take place from October 11 onwards till the completion at their respective districts.

The ballot paper of zilla parishad will be pink colour, the ballot paper for pradhan will be yellow and the ballot paper for GP member will be white, it said. Each voter has to cast his/her vote in secrecy in three different colours, it continued.  The pink colour ballot paper for zila parishad member should be cast in the pink ballot box, the yellow colour ballot paper for pradhan should be cast in yellow ballot box and the white colour ballot paper for G.P member should be cast in white ballot box, it added.

Meanwhile, a control room has been opened in the office of the state election commission at DC Imphal West office complex, Lamphelpat, said a release. All communication related to the 5th general panchayat election may be made at the control room telephone numbers 0385 – 2414983 and 0385 – 2414984, it said.

IMPHAL | Oct 4

Textiles, commerce and industry minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh urged government officials to ensure that benefits of all government schemes reach the intended beneficiaries.

Minister Biswajit was speaking at the inaugural function of a Combined Programme of 10 Handicrafts Cluster Projects (Technical Training Programme, Integrated Design Development Project and Design Development Workshop) at the Classic Hotel today.

Addressing to the local artisans present in the programme, the minister said handicraft and handloom sector helps in employment generation in the State, however, there are certain factors including lack of awareness, capital and exposure to new and modern technologies which are slowing the sector down.

Biswajit further expressed the need to properly educate and mobilise the artisans in order to empower them so that they may increase their productivity. He said the main objective of the training is to achieve socio-economic empowerment of the artisans. The artisans should be sincere in their work for the scheme to succeed, he added.

Minister Biswajit Singh also explained the need to educate the artisans of the various schemes of the government for their welfare.

Explaining the need to create awareness of government schemes among the public, he said it is the responsibility of the government and its officials to educate all artisans and intended beneficiaries about the schemes. He further stated that officials of the department should ensure that the artisans get the full benefits of the training.

Textiles, commerce and industry principal secretary, P.Vaiphei said Manipur has a very rich handloom and handicrafts tradition. He said there is a huge percentage of household involvement in handloom and handicraft sector, particularly in rural areas.

Stating that many of the people involved in these sectors do so as part of their tradition, he continued because of the fact that these are part of our tradition it is extremely important for us to promote it.

Our handloom is our identity; he said adding it tells about who we are before we speak. He continued that from a distance people can recognise us from our dress. He also said that when somebody visits our homes and villages, the handicrafts which are on display at our homes and villages tell a lot about our background, culture, history and tradition, which is extremely important.

Director of handlooms and textiles, Manipur and managing director (Manipur handlooms and handicrafts development corporation Ltd.) K.Lamlee Kamei announced a toll free helpline No. 18002120403 of the department through which anyone can make enquiries regarding handloom and handicrafts delivery scheme.

Today’s inaugural function was also attended by chairman MHHDC Ltd. and deputy. chairman, Manipur state planning board, S Rajen Singh.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | Oct 4

The 62nd Wildlife Week 2017 was observed today at the auditorium of Rayburn College, under the theme ‘Celebrate Right of Wildlife’.

The observance was flagged of by CEO of ADCC, T. Kammuanlal Simte and attended by DC of Churachandpur, Shyam Lal Poonia as chief guest, while SP Rakesh Balwal was the functional president. It was organised and hosted by the divisional forest officer (DFO), Southern Forest Division, Churachandpur, KS Tombing.

The DFO in his key note address said that concerning the killings of wildlife animals during the year 1952, the government has initiated many steps for wildlife protection and declared the Wildlife Week.

The chief guest and functional president told the students present in function about the value, importance and worth of wildlife. They further encouraged the students to spread for the same to others.

The observance also witnessed prize distribution to the winners of the spot painting competition on the theme ‘Wild life around us’ which was held on September 26, under same organiser. A debate competition was also held on the theme ‘Hunting should be banned’.

In painting competition, Joseph Genmuansang, a Class XIII student of Don Bosco High School received a certificate and cash prize for first position, followed by second and third prizes by participants from Hermon English  School and Don  Bosco High  School  respectively. In debate competition, Chinglenmoi, a Class XII student from Don Bosco Higher Secondary School won the first prize. An on the spot article writing competition of 250 words was also held and it was won by a Class X Student of St. Stephen School, Neihpihling.

Our Bureau 

IMPHAL | Oct 3

Education is not only about getting good marks. It is a kind of training which will equip an individual to face obstacles in life. Besides parents and guardians should mould young minds to become good leaders of the society, said Th. Radheshyam.

The education made the statement as chief guest during the inauguration of Atal Tinkering Lab & LEGO carnival of Herbert School at Changangei, here today. 

Radheshyam continued Atal Tinkering Lab & LEGO carnival in itself is to train and innovate the next generation to be a solution giver rather than become part of the problem.

He explained to the students that they are now in a very important stage of life being in the higher secondary. He said the future lies in their hands and they have to learn to make the right choice through right decisions.

The world is moving at a very fast pace today, and while learning new things one must try to grasp knowledge that could be relevant to the society and life, he added.

National Institute of Electronics Informations Technolohgy, Imphal, executive director, Th. Prameshor Singh who attended the function as the guest of honour said students need to learn to identify their dream and goal to achieve it.

He also warned the students to be careful while using internet and told them to make the best use of library, radio and newspaper.

Atal Tinkering Laboratories is a scheme with a vision to ‘Cultivate one Million children in India as Neoteric Innovators’, under Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) including Self-Employment and Talent Utilization (SETU) of NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India), government of India’s endeavour to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Various schools of Manipur from both government and private schools are being selected for the scheme.

Principal of the School, K. Nabachandra Singh, invitees, teachers, students and parents attended the inaugural function.

IMPHAL | Oct 3

The Manipur Home Guard Employees Welfare Association postponed their intensifed agitation planned to be launched today in view of the panchayat, zilla parishad elections.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal the association’s general secretary, Kh. Inaobi said that the association appreciates the steps taken by the chief minister to release their pending salary in the interest to Ningol Chakouba festival.

She hoped that the DGP and the home guard CO will release the four to five months pending salary as directed by the chief minister.

A delegation association will visit the Prime Minister and the Union home minister to submit memorandum to increase the monthly allowance as directed by the Supreme Court.

The association once again appealed to the government to increase their monthly allowance as per the order of Supreme Court as a salary of only Rs. 5,000 is very small to support a family.

IMPHAL | Oct 3

Works minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh has instructed engineers of the department to take up repairing and beautification works of certain roads in view of next month’s Manipur Sangai Festival.

Chairing the monthly review meeting of the works department today at the conference hall of his New Secretariat office, the minister firmly instructed the engineers to take up the works with all seriousness.

Today’s meeting mainly discussed road repairing works in connection with the Sangai Festival.   Biswajit also asked the engineers about the conditions of the roads leading to the venues of the festival.

Instructing the engineers to submit estimates for repairing of all important roads in and around Sangai Festival venues, the minister said once the whole estimate is finalised, the officials may start work on a priority basis.

In Bishnupur district, the minister and the engineers identified the repairing of the peripheral roads of Sendra, Keibul Lamjao, and beautification work of Moirang and the surrounding areas as the major works needed to be taken up.

During the meeting, the minister and the engineers identified certain roads in Imphal East district which needed repairing works. The roads identified include RDS Crossing to Yairipok, interior road of New Checkon, Soibam Leikai Wangkhei Khunou road, Ayangpalli road, Hatta to JNIMS, Dingku road, Imphal-Saikul road, etc.

In Imphal West roads identified include DM college campus, approach road to DM College Indoor Stadium, Naoremthong to Langol Games Village to Lamphel police station, Nagamapal Kangjabi Leirak, ICAR Lamphel Road, Iroishemba to Zoo (via CAU) road.

Observing that the border town of Moreh will attract many tourists during the festival, Biswajit instructed that the roads including the one approaching gate No 1 and 2 and IVRs in the town should also be repaired and mended.

The minister also highlighted the deplorable road conditions in most of the hill district headquarters, and instructed the chief engineer and his team to visit Ukhrul and identify roads which need repairing on priority basis.

He also said that repairing work of roads in Tamenglong district headquarter should be completed at the earliest.

Biswajit also asked the divisional heads of the department to prepare roadmaps of their projects undertaken.

Today’s meeting was also attended by commissioner works, K. Radhakumar Singh the chief engineer and other engineers of the department.

In another meeting, minister Biswajit asked officials of rural development and panchayati Raj to prepare a blueprint of the department to ensure successful implementation of development schemes under the department.

He instructed the officials to prepare a complete roadmap of the department which would provide detailed charts outlining implementation of the schemes, and said this will help in achieving goals.

The minister further enquired the officials of the implementation of various schemes including PMAY, MNREGS, NRLM, etc. He asked the officials to increase the number of workdays under the NREGA Scheme.

To a query of the minister regarding implementation of the National Rural Livelihood Mission, the official replied that most quarterly targets have been achieved so far, however due to lack of funding training could not be continued.

Officials also apprised the minister about the lack of manpower for implementation of PMAY.

Today’s meeting was also attended by officials and staff of RD&PR, and engineers of rural engineering department.

Half marathon to be curtain raiser to Sangai fest

IMPHAL | Oct 3

Chief minister, N. Biren Singh said that the new government is on the mission mode to showcase the uniqueness of Sangai (Brow-Antlered Deer) and promote the peculiarity of Loktak lake to the entire world.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the website launch of Sangai Run half marathon at the CM’s secretariat today. The Sangai International Half Marathon which will be held on November 19 is being organised by OOREP Sports and sponsored by Manipur Tourism, Government of Manipur.

The event is supported by Athletic Association of Manipur. The marathon would cover areas of Sendra, Thanga, Keibul Lamjao and Moirang in the route map covering 21 kilometers Sangai Run will feature as a curtain raiser to the Manipur Sangai Festival, 2017.

Seeking the love and support of the people of the State, N. Biren said that ministers, MLAs and people of the State should support such mega event so as to promote the importance of Loktak lake and Manipur as a potential tourist destination in the country.

He further stated that we should strive to include the Sangai half marathon in the half marathon destination calendar/list of the world from next year.

On the occasion, chief minister also launched a promotional video for the upcoming Sangai half marathon. Those who are willing to participate in the Half Marathon can register themselves through the website (sangairun.com), he added. Registration opens from October 4 to November 4.

Mentioning about the recently launched ‘Imphal Evenings’ in the State, N. Biren said that it is the initiative of the new government to show the world that Manipur is no more a trouble-torn place and night life exist in the State.

Minister for forest and environment, Th. Shyamkumar, advisor (HR & economic affairs) to CM and MLA Moirang A/C P. Sharatchandra Singh, chairman, Manipur tourism Development corporation, Dr. S. Ranjan Singh, chairman, PDA T. Robindro Singh, MLA Kumbi A/C, S. Bira Singh, MLA Mayang Imphal A/C K. Robindro Singh, vice-chairman, Manipur Infrastructure Development Agency, M. Asnikumar Singh, special secretary (Tourism) R. Sudhan, Commissioner (Tourism) P.K Singh, football stars, P.Renedy and M. Gouramangi Singh attended the function.

IMPHAL | Oct 3

Consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister, Karam Shyam today said that the government under the leadership of chief minister, N. Biren Singh is firm in its stand to work for the development of the State.

Speaking to the media at his official residence at Sanjenthong, Shyam said that constructive criticism on the policies and programmes undertaken by the government is always welcomed.

The minister said it is unfortunate that baseless allegations were levelled by a spokesperson of a political party stating that he has swindled SK Oil quota allotted to the MLAs. The false allegations have misled the general public about the clear intentions of the government which is working for the welfare of the people of the State, he added.

Stating that, SK Oil is one of the PDS items provided at subsidised rate to selected beneficiaries, the minister said the State government cannot allocate any of the PDS items except to the beneficiaries.

The present government which took charge in March 2017 cleared the backlog (SK Oil for the MLAs) by the previous government for 4 months (December 2016, January till March 2017). In June 2017, the backlogs were cleared by allotting 12 KL (Kilo Litre) of kerosene (3KL for each month).

He said acknowledgment paper stating the salaries and allowances of MLAs including other facilities, which was shown by the spokesperson of a political party, has been misinterpreted as an Order passed by the State Assembly.

In the acknowledgment paper titled “Entitlement of a Member/Ex-Member under the provisions of the salaries & allowances of Members of the Legislative Assembly (Manipur) Act, 1972 (As Amended upto 20th Amendment Act, 2014), in the other facilities column it is stated that ‘SK Oil of 3000 litres per month was provided by the government’.

Clarifying that the acknowledgment paper is merely a statement and not an Order, he said quantity of SK Oil for the MLAs cannot be fixed as it depends on availability/stock.

He said the Central government is responsible for procurement, storage, transportation and bulk allocation of all PDS items including SK Oil. The State Government is also responsible for distributing the same to the consumers through the established network of Fair Price Shops (FPSs).

Further he said the State government is also responsible for operational responsibilities including allocation and identification of beneficiaries, he added.

The minister maintained that the SK Oil is provided by the government from the ‘Reserve Pool’ of the directorate kept for emergency purpose and the availability of SK Oil depends on the allocation by the Centre to the State.

In previous press meet called by the minister, he had stated that, SK Oil for the period of April-June 2016 was 5561.8 KL (3 KL allocated for MLAs), July-September 2016 was 5292 KL (2 KL for MLAs), April –June 2017 was 4476 KL (2.5 KL for MLAs) and July- September 2017 is 4476 KL (2.5 KL for MLAs).

He said despite the fluctuations in the quantity of SK Oil allocated for the State, the MLAs are getting increased quantity (2.5 KL) as compared to the allotments made by the previous government.

Shyam reiterated that allotment of SK Oil to the MLAs depends on the Centre’s allocation to the State. He also reiterated that no Bill was passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly regarding allocation of SK Oil to MLAs.

Minister also said that in the State, wheat is not distributed as PDS item. Regarding the scarcity of LPG cylinders in the State, the Minister said responsibilities have been fixed to solve the issue and urged the public to cooperate with the government.

The minister said that the press meet conducted today is a clarification to the general public of Manipur and not to any particular individual or organisation.

MOREH | Oct 3

As part of the NE Manipur visit, the defence secretary of India, Ashokumar Gupta arrived today at border town of Manipur, Moreh and inspected different places of the town.

The defence secretary was accompanied by Tengnoupal SP, S. Ibomcha and Moreh ADC, N. Gojendro.

He inspected the Tamil Temple of gate number two, ICP of gate number one and border pillar number 78 and 79 along with the territorial boundaries.  

He also appreciated Tengnoupal SP, S. Ibomcha for imposing the Indian traffic rule in Indian Territory from Indo-Myanmar Friendship Bridge of gate number one to Land Customs which previously followed the Myanmar traffic rules.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 3

President of Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Moirangthem Angamba Meitei today demanded that a ministerial team should sent to urge Uttar Pradesh government for investigation into Pravish Chanam’s mystery death.

Speaking to media persons at the head office of Samaj Tengbang Lup, Uripok Achom Leikai

Angamba said killing and loss of Manipuri students and employees outside the state has been occurring frequently in the last few months. The cases of Moirangthem Sidharth, who was found dead after falling from the second floor of a restaurant in Delhi, mysterious death of Pravish Chanam in Noida, Uttar Pradesh and Taorem Bitoo of Khuyathong, who went missing from Masti Park, Delhi under mysterious circumstances are cause for concern.

Angamba condemned the state government for not bringing a solution to the incidents. He also condemned all political parties for not taking initiatives. The case of Pravish is suspicious and instead of assigning a police officer for investigating the case a ministerial team should be assigned to conduct proper investigation, Angamba said.

He claimed the state government should give pressure to the Uttar Pradesh government to solve the case of Pravish immediately to give a clear result of the case.

Convenor of Peoples Action Committee against the brutal killing Pravish Chanam of Uripok Achom Leikai at UP, Ahongsangbam Pholen said the mysterious killing of Pravish and his body’s cremation as unclaimed body despite filing missing report at Noida police is unacceptable.

The government should take steps to prevent such incident in future. If the state government fails to find a reasonable report within five days from today, intense agitation will start, Pholen warned.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Oct 3

“In recent years, Indian women including the women community of Manipur are extensively and steadily empowering through the present BJP government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”, claimed minister Nemcha Kipgen.

The social welfare and cooperation minister, said this during L.P.G. safety clinic cum distribution of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) today at community hall, Kangpokpi.

The social welfare minister also said that the government has launched several schemes catering to every section of the society and it is now the responsibility of the public to take these schemes to the genuine beneficiaries in a transparent and judicious manner while reiterating her call for change of mind-set and work culture.

Stressing the Prime Minister’s concerned and care for the women community of the Nation, Nemcha said that it is hard to define the love and concerned of our PM towards women community of India while adding that he has taken several big decisions to empower women by increasing and improving the socio-economic, political and legal strength of the women and to ensure equal-right.

The minister while emphasising on the Centre’s commitment on development of the poorest sections of the society also said that PMUY is the people-oriented scheme which seeks to empower women and protect their health by shifting them from traditional cooking based on unclean cooking fuels or on fossil fuels to clean cooking gas and it is a part of the Prime Minister’s dream of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ with the tagline of ‘Swachh Indhan, Behtar Jeevan’.

Under PMUY women belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families would be provided clean cooking fuel. The scheme aims to provide LPG connections to 5 crore BPL households by 2019 across the country and offers assistance of Rs 1600 for one connection.

Expressing gratitude to M/S JS. Indane, Kangpokpi for their judicious service, Nemcha said that she is extremely happy to learn the former has been delivering service even to the remote and un-motorable areas by foot.

Nemcha further urged all village chiefs, chairman, heads, Khullakpa, Gaon Bura and concerned responsible persons to take initiative in the enrolment process of their respective villagers to avail all the government schemes mean for them.

The minister also called for unity irrespective of communities so as to ensure grassroots level development in the district.

As a symbolic launch of PMUY in the district, Nemcha handed over LPG connections to 51 beneficiaries on the occasion in the presence of other dignitaries.

The occasion was also attended by T.C. Token, F.O. I.O.C, Kangpokpi town committee chairman, Chonkam Kipgen, Mother’s Union President, Themlhing Lhouvum, KYU president Tolminthang Kipgen and Nenem Misao, proprietor, M/S JS. Indane, Kangpokpi.

From Our Correspondent

JIRIBAM | Oct 3

Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Jiribam has organised a reception ceremony today at the Raja Ram Mohan Library Hall, Babapura, Jiribam for the newly elected, local MLA of Jiribam assembly constituency,  Md. Ashab Uddin who attended the reception as the chief guest.

Md. Ashab Uddin speaking on the occasion said he would like to request the intellectuals of Jiribam to write a true history of place. If any Bangladeshis are traced in it, he would gladly assist himself in pushing them out of Jiribam, he said.

Otherwise, confusions are created amongst the people and this has disturbed the communal harmony, he said expressing his desire to stop creating confusions.

He further said the people would not like to keep outsiders amongst them and there are many reports in the newspapers which said there is an influx of outsiders. However, it is not clear from what source they are relying on, he said. “If there really is an influx of outsiders, should not the authorities concerned try to find out where they are?” he demanded.

“Jiribam is a place that has concerns for Manipur and therefore, it is requested that instead of observing looks and appearances, please write the history of Manipur. I am ready to bear all the costs of the process,” he stressed.

He further expressed that the people living in Imphal have negative views about them. The Bengalis residing at Jiribam are wrongly taken as Bangladeshis. Being a Manipuri born at Jiribam, they sometimes face difficulties while visiting Imphal, he said.  Even at Jiribam they are detained often in the name of verification, he said.

On the occasion, president, Manipuri Sahitya parishad, Jiribam, S. Khogendro, local MLA, Md. Ashab uddin and retired C.O. 5th M.R. , Y. Ashok kumar singh attended as chief guest, president and guest of honour, respectively.

A poetry recitation programme was held as a part of the reception. Around 20 poets read out poems. Writer, Tha-Panthoi attended as the felicitator, former president, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Kh.Kanta singh from Mizoram also took part.

Local MLA, Md. Ashab Uddin donated Rs. 10,000 to Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Jiribam.

IMPHAL | Oct 3 

The Kuki civil societies and students’ organisations of Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district has expressed their disappointment over the decision of the State Level Kut Committee (SLKC) Manipur to organise state level Kut program of this year in Imphal instead of Kangpokpi due to certain communication gap.

A joint statement of United Welfare Committee, KSO and Kuki Inpi of Kangpokpi district said that they express deep regret that due to certain misinformation only that they could not make it to the meeting called by SLKC to finalise the Kut venue yesterday.

“However, we had a meeting the same day in Kangpokpi where we did not welcomed the idea of not holding state level Kut in Kangpokpi this time but also expressed our readiness to extend full cooperation in this regard”, it said.

Further it said, “After all, it is more than ten years that the state level Kut has been organised in the hills but continuously done in Imphal on ground of bad law and order situation in the hill” and added that “Now the situation in the hills has improved and we also would do our best to ensure that the Kut programs are done without any disturbances”.

It appealed the SLKC to review their decision regarding the state level Kut venue of this year.

IMPHAL | Oct 2

Among the registered 96 food stalls which range from ‘standard’ food stalls to ‘premium’ food stalls, various eatables ranging from vegetarian to non-vegetarian are sold. The Kabui food stall offers indigenous cuisine like pork and bamboo shoots, snail curry, duck curry etc. The stall also sold canine meat.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 2

Village chief, social activist, public leaders and youth leaders and public of 20 Sagang ADC constituency have decided to support and cooperate to the movement for creation of Sagang sub-division till the demand is granted by the government.

The decision was taken after a public meeting held today at Sagang Youth Club, Sagang Bazar, Churachandpur district on the topic “demand for creation of Sagang sub-division” organised by social activist and Komrem president, Lalkhomang Serto.

Addressing the crowd Serto said that he submitted a memorandum to the chief minister demanding creation of Sagang sub-division and the chief minister referred it to the Churachandpur deputy commissioner for enquiry. 

He said that creating Sagang sub-division will give administrative convenience to all the people of Sagang ADC as it geographically lies in the middle of all the 61 villages of 20 Sagang ADC constituency.

If the government creates the Samulamlan sub-division it will not be able to give administrative convenience to the villagers as it lies in the corner and moreover, the Samulamlan TD Block which was created 30 years ago is still not functional, added the president.

On the other hand the population of Sagang is 1700, and the population of Samulamlan is only 300 and moreover Sagang has many functioning public institutes, continued Serto.

After his speech was concluded options and views were given by several chiefs and public leaders regarding the demand for creation of Sagang sub-division.

The meeting resolved to form a demand committee for creation of Sagang sub-division and submit a copy of the meeting resolution to the chief minister, N. Biren and also to Churachandpur deputy commissioner to take necessaries action in favour of creating Sagang sub-division.

All the people attended in the meeting strongly condemned the allegation made by Samulamlan TD Block Chiefs’ Association against Serto for submitting memorandum for creation of Sagang sub-division and further asked the chief’s association not to personalise the issue in future as it is done in public interest.