Tag: IFP

IMPHAL | Sept 27

Many international organisations including Amnesty International, International Commission of Jurist, FORUM-ASIA, WGHR, etc., strongly denounced government of India’s continued refusal to accept the recommendation for the repeal/review of AFSPA.

Manipur based Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights (CSCHR) said that during the session for the adoption of the outcome document on India’s 3rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to improve its human rights situation, on September 21, the government of India formally accepted 152 recommendations out of the 250 recommendations given by 112 member states of the United Nations.

According to a release a delegation of CSCHR attended the 36th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). During the session for the adoption of the outcome document on India’s 3rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to improve its human rights situation, on 21st September 2017, government of India formally accepted 152 recommendations out of the 250 recommendations given by 112 member states of the United Nations.

The remaining 98 recommendations were simply noted. However, most of the human rights issues critical to the situation in Manipur including the repeal/review of AFSPA, ratification of Convention on Protection of All Persons Against Enforced Disappearances (CED), moratorium on death penalty, ratification of the Rome Statute on International Criminal Court, etc., are only noted without indicating a follow up plan and not accepted, it said.

CSCHR strongly deplores India’s refusal to repeal AFSPA, 1958 despite persistent recommendations from the UN and international community. In the first cycle of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2008 Germany, UK and Canada made recommendation regarding AFSPA, it maintained.

Similarly in the second cycle in 2012, Switzerland, France and Slovakia made similar recommendations. In this third cycle too government of Switzerland and Pakistan raised the issue, the release said, adding but in all the three cycles India has persistently refused to accept the recommendation.

CSCHR also condemns the failure of India to ratify the Convention against Torture (CAT) despite its signing the treaty 20 years ago in 1997 and strongly urges government of India to urgently ratify CAT by adopting an Act of Parliament for the prevention of torture that is consistent with the provisions of CAT, it added.

Further the release continued in the side event entitled “UPR Outcome Document”, held on  September 21 in the Palais des Nations, Jiten Yumnam of CSCHR stated “The continued enforcement of AFSPA, 1958 mean the unleashing of more inhumanity, extreme forms of violations, genocidal practices and a culture of impunity, targeting the most marginalized communities and national minorities”.

Babloo Loitongbam of WGHR/CSCHR, who moderated the event, questioned the true meaning of India repeatedly accepting a recommendation to ratify the Convention Against Torture, which was accepted by the government of Inida in the first, second and third UPR, while taking no meaningful action at all, it said.

Renu Takhellambam of EEVFAM drew the attention of the UN Human Rights Council on the issue of extrajudicial executions and AFSPA, added the release.

IMPHAL | Sept 27

The governor of Manipur, Najma Heptulla has conveyed her heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja and Dussehra.

In her message, she stated that the festival is one of the biggest festivals of Hindus and is celebrated with full gaiety and signifies triumph of the good over evil.

The governor has prayed for peace and prosperity in the state by the coming of the Durga Puja and Dussehra.

IMPHAL | Sept 27

All Manipur Cheibi Association (AMCA) has alleged that the Lamphel SDPO, O. Wangkhomba Meetei, son of O. Meino threated to kill its player O. Thonglenngamba Meitei and its president and publicity secretary along with their family members in a telephonic conversation.

A release said that family members are not staying at their home due to fear of the threat and added that the tournaments organised by AMCA every year and other various works are affected which is a great loss for the state.

It said that AMCA will not able to organise North East Cheibi Championship which has been scheduled to be organise in October and various works to be done at the national and international level are also affected.

The preparations of “Yelhou Masana Cheibi” and “Indeginous Games and Traditional Martial Arts” which are to be showcased in Sangai Festival are also affected, it added.

It further demanded the state government to look into the matter and punish Lamphel SDPO at the earliest, otherwise the association along with like-minded organisation is ready to launch severe agitation.

IMPHAL | Sept 26

Bharatiya Janata Party ST Morcha has stated that the people of Tamei block, Tamenglong district are deprived of LPG services.

A release signed by its president, P. Kawidinlubou said that BJP ST Morcha appreciates the launching of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) by chief minister of Manipur on June 5, 2017.

 It said the programme would aim to help woman, which reflects the government’s focus on alleviating condition of marginalised women where the target is to provide 2.43 lakhs new connections in Manipur under the scheme.

Further it said the scheme would subsequently improve the health of BPL families and would also reduce landslides issue in hilly areas by reducing deforestation. However, Tamei block has no LPG services till now, it added.

It said it is the only block in the whole state of Manipur without any LPG services or distributors wherein around 42 villages with about 2,598 BPL households and the total population of 22,086 (as per social-economics and caste census 2011) are suffering without any LPG service.

The release further said that it is because of the non-implementing of LPG services, deforestation along the road sides every year causes major landslides and damages the roads and added that this is one reason which causes Tamei block to be the most backward area in Tamenglong district and in the whole state of Manipur.

“In fact, the true story hidden behind is that, in the year 2012, a situation came as such that few applicants for the post of LPG distributing agency for Tamei bloack had to lucky draw to select the right candidate.

After the result was declared and awarded the Licensing Certificate to one applicant, the ex-MLA of during those days (now present MLA) who applied for his lady wife filed a court case against the recipient of the order”, it reiterated.

“It is surprising that such a public leader who ought to understand the pain and sufferings of its citizens and bring developments for the people of his area does not spare even LPG distributing job and turn out to be the stumbling block to such a valuable development programme. The issue seems to be persisted until his wife or any of his relative is awarded with the said job. The poor common people of Tamei block dare not even raise their voice against the dictatorial regime of the area”, it observed.

It further alleged that, “Whoever indulged in such anti-people and anti-development activities would be responsible for the loss of the Tamei LPG services for so many years which is the rightful share of the people.”

The common people of Tamei block appealed the department concerned to look into the matter, to arrange any alternative means for the citizens of Tamei block and resolve the long pending case at the earliest in the larger interests of the public, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 26

President of Revolutionary Democratic Front and “revolutionary” writer Talengana Vara Vara Rao said people should follow the path of Hijam Irabot to bring a good society during 66th death anniversary of Lamyanba Irabot observed today at THAU ground, Thangmeiband along with 2nd state level march past competition.

Addressing the function he said like the famous fake encounter of killing of CPI (Maoist) activist Prabhakar by Indian security forces in the Bejjangi forest in Odisha’s Malkangiri district on October 28 last year, many have also been killed in fake encounters in Manipur.

He said Irabot was responsible in the formation of state CPI in order to bring a good and corruption free society that does not depend on any other state. He narrated when and how Maoist came in Talengana.

President of Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur, Angamba said people seem to have forgotten the contribution of Irabot as people are neglecting the path of the martyr.

People as well as students should follow the path of Irabot to bring a good and well-being, corruption free society, he said.

As a part of the function pung cholom, Manipuri thang-ta and dhol cholom was performed which enthralled the people present in the function.

Former president of All Manipur United Club Organisation, K.T. Rahman, president of Manipur Proletariat Peoples’ Democratic Union (MPPDU), Nameirakpam Meghachandra were also present at the function as presidium members.

For the march past competition of senior category 65 girls NCC and for junior category Royal Education Girls won the competition.

On the other hand, death anniversary of the leader was also observed at his birth place Pishum Oinam Leikai today morning.

People paid floral tributes on the statue of the martyr at Pishum Oinam leikai with prayers.

Speaking on the occasion, revenue minister, Karam Shyam as chief guest said the youth of today should follow the path of Irabot.

In order to know the quality and path of the martyr, his life history and contribution should be included in school text books, which will help the society to be aware of Hijam Irabot in depth, he added.

For a better Manipur a good leader like Irabot is needed which will get free from corruption, violation of human rights and others. He said time has come to work together to bring a good Manipur.

Former member Manipur Human Rights Commission and advisor of Hijam Irabot memorial (HIM) charitable trust, Ng. Nongyai as guest of honour of the function said, like the Indian National Army complex located in Moirang, Irabot complex will be set up at Pishum Oinam Leikai in the memory of the martyr.

With the complex people of the state and tourists will be able to know Irabot’s contribution to the state.

He further appealed to the concerned minister to distribute regularly the PDS items in far-flung places of hill districts.

Former chief town planner and chairman of HIM celebration committee, H. Dilipkumar Singh also attended the function as president.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | Sept 26

The 48 hours bandh at Chandel district called by Naga Chiefs Association, Chandel in association with Kuki Cheifs Association, Chandel started today affecting the normal life in the district.

The 48 hours bandh was called against the misappropriation of job card holders’ MG-NREGs wages, 2016 -2017, 1st phase by the former government of Manipur.

Areas under Imphal- Moreh road including Thamnapokpi and places around Pallel – Chandel roadway including Komlathabi were blocked by putting roadblocks using tree branches and bamboos etc by the bandh supporters. However, there are no reports of an unwanted incidents happening during the bandh.

 The Chandel district headquarters market, bazaar areas looked completely deserted and shops remained closed down. The public came out to the streets to support the bandh.

President of Naga Chiefs Association, Chandel, T.S. Rungwar expressed that on September 14, a sit in protest was held by the organisation along with several village chiefs. A memorandum was submitted to the chief minister of Manipur through deputy commissioner Chandel requesting that the wages of the job card holders be handed out.

The bandh was called as the government have not made any response so far regarding the demands. The organisations have prepared to take more extreme measure and agitations. The organisations have also inquired if the government’s ‘go to the hills’ slogans does not include Chandel.

IMPHAL | Sept 26

Labour and employment minister, Thokchom Radheshyam Singh attended the launching of the web portal PENCIL – Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour – to fight against child labour at the national conference on child labour.

The PENCIL web portal was launched and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on Child and Adolescent Labour was released by the home minister, government of India, Rajnath Singh at the national conference on child labour held at Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra, Chanakya Puri, New Delhi, today.

Developed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the portal PENCIL is an electronic device to effectively implement the National Child Labour Project, (NCLP) to work against child labour for no child labour in the country. PENCIL portal has five components: Child Tracking System, Complaint Corner, State Government, National Child Labour Project and Convergence.

Th. Radheshyam, speaking in the conference, said that due to bad road conditions in Manipur and other places in the Northeastern States, it is hard to implement certain centrally sponsored schemes. He urged the central government to extend more support and help towards Manipur and Northeastern States as the state still needs to develop in terms of infrastructure and many more. 

He added, the PENCIL portal and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on Child and Adolescent Labour would give an extra hand in fighting against and monitoring child abuse as it is an online portal even the Project Societies can access from anywhere.

The Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) aims for Child Labour Free India by creating a platform for trainers, practitioners and monitoring agencies, ensuring prohibition and protection of children and adolescents from hazardous labour.

The PENCIL portal is to provide effective implementation and monitoring mechanism for both enforcement of the legislative and NCLP. It is also an online mechanism for connecting the Central government to state government, district and to all project societies.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 26

A hardworking yet humble, a woman full of compassion who lives a life of complexities Arambam Renu Devi received her second National award for Cooperative Excellence during a function on September 21 in New Delhi.

The function was to mark the 100th birth centenary of Laxmanrao Inamdar, commonly known as Vakil Sahab, a co-operator and also a known mentor of PM Modi. Co-operators of the nation gathered and on that function, Renu was honoured with the award handed over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

She was selected for Laxmanrao Inamdar National Award for Co-operative Excellence 2017 from 400 contenders. The function was attended by social welfare and cooperation minister Nemcha Kipgen. Seven co-operators were also given certificates and mementoes.

In an exclusive chat with the Imphal Free Press, Renu said she never thought that she would reach such height, as she studied only till class III.

Narrating her childhood, Renu said she do not know her father’s face and grew up under the care of her widowed mother. She said it was hard for her and had many a time slept without full satisfying meal. Learning from her life experience, she decided to render love and support to those who do not have.

Married to Maisnam Gogoi, she has five children and also nurtured 21 orphans at her Mantripukhri Mercy Lane home.

Renu first enrolled herself for District Industries Centres (DIC) training in embroidery when she was 16 years old, to help her mother in seeking livelihood. She secured first position in the training and was awarded with a flora machine and Rs.18, 000. She bought another two flora machines from the prize money.

She took a loan from Imphal Urban Cooperative Bank and bought five flying shuttle weaving machines, and set up her own company producing handloom and embroidery items at her Mantripukhri home with 110 staffs, made up of widows, orphans and other destitute women.

She had no knowledge of co-operatives and her cooperative was set up by Lokhogen Haokip in 1992, the then commissioner who was touched by her work and mission to help her.

She won a cluster of Rs. 63 lakhs from centrally sponsored scheme but received only Rs. three lakhs so far and do not know where her Rs. 60 lakhs has gone. She did not complain to the state government but since then she lost her trust with the state government. She made the achievement without a single help from the state government.

Under her co-operative called Renu Handloom and Handicraft Co-operative Pvt. Ltd., 1750 employees from 28 branches produced bed-sheets, mosquito nets, cushion covers, pillow covers, bags, phanek (wraparound) of different communities and tribes, cotton saris, half saris and even Mora.

Talking about her skills in designing, she said her designs are materialisation of her dreams.

Her co-operative earns approximately Rs. 20 lakhs per month and has received two state awards, two national awards and one international award.

She plans to do more humanitarian works in future by opening a green-house to shelter both old age and orphans and destitute people and also giving them employment.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | Sept 26

Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), Churachandpur organised ‘Ma-Beti Mela cum Awareness Programme’ today under the theme ‘Save the Girl Child’ at District Training Centre, Tuibong. The programme was attended by around 500 persons comprising of mothers, girl students and teachers.

Deputy commissioner of Churachandpur, Shyam Lal Poonia, who attended the programme as chief guest touched upon the importance of women in the society. He expressed his deep concern over recent incidents of girl child trafficking in the town and appealed the people to take on Prime Minister’s campaign ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’.

He also stressed upon the need to provide equal opportunities for girls in the society.

During the programme, resource persons from various fields also interacted with the students and parents. Advocate, Margret Traite highlighted the rights and entitlements of women and appealed to all the mothers and girl students to be more vocal and have self-respect.

In-charge of Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of Churadrandpur Police, T. Tualsonmung explained the gathering about various aspects of human trafficking and stressed the need for collective social responsibility in curbing the menace.

Highlighting the importance of girl child, chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, Churachandpur, Florence Lamlrhongat urged upon the parent to give due importance in education, health and hygiene of girl child for a healthy society.

As many as 17 girl students from different schools of the district were facilitated for securing first division in Class X and Class XII examinations. The mothers of the students were also facilitated in recognition of their efforts towards education of girls.

IMPHAL | Sept 26

Renowned theatre critic and director, Lamabam Gojendro will be given the Irawat Theatre Award by Irawat Celebration Committee at the upcoming Jananeta Irawat Literary and Cultural Programme to be held on September 27 at the jubilee hall of Manipuri Jagoi Marup, Lamboikhongnang Makhong Uripok.

A release said that the programme is organised by Progressive Writer’s Association in association with Indian Peoples Theatre and Manipuri Jagoi Marup as a part of the month long celebration of Jananeta Irawat’s birth anniversary.

The award is a contributed by Khoisnam Ranbir in memory of his father, Khoisnam Kullachandra, it said. The award will comprise of a citation, customary shawl and a cash reward, it added.

IMPHAL | Sept 26

A two-day national seminar on “Democracy: Social Political Exclusion in Tribal Areas of North East India” kicked off today at the conference hall of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Regional Campus, Manipur at Makhan, Kangpokpi district.

A release said that the seminar was organised by the department of Political Science, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Regional Campus, Manipur under the sponsorship of the North Eastern Council (NEC) Shillong.

It said that the inaugural function was attended by vice-chancellor of Manipur University, Professor Adya Prasad Pandey, Associate Professor, department of Political Science Modern College, Imphal, Dr Ringkahao Horam and HoD, department of Political Science and Human Rights, IGNTU-RC, Manipur, Dr. Ngalengnam as chief guest, guest of honour and keynote speaker respectively while director of IGNTU RCM, Professor Ramjeevam Singh Thakur attended as the president of the inaugural function.

In his chief guest speech, Professor Pandey appreciated the location and establishment of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, regional campus Manipur and added that the environment and surrounding of the campus is quite appropriate for research and academic activities, it looks like the ancient Ashram where students used to learn lot of things by taking the advantage of the situation and location, said the release.

He stated that rural people are not aware of the electoral process of the country and it is the duty and responsibility of the teachers, scholars and students to take initiative for creating awareness so as to participate by the rural people in the democratic electoral process of the country, it said.

Professor Pandey urged the student community to create a platform so that poor, downtrodden and underprivileged people can participate in the central and state welfare schemes, it added.

It further said Professor Ringkahao in his guest of honour speech expressed that democracy has many facets, there are lot of thrust areas which are untouched in research and the scholars in this field should identify and do extensive research for the benefit of the society and nation.

Singhat-Behiang road to be declared National Highway

IMPHAL | Sept 26

The union minister for road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari has agreed to release some funds immediately for repair of flood damaged National Highways in the State.

This was the conveyed to chief minister, N. Biren Singh when he called on the union minister at New Delhi.

Gadkar also assured that he would come for Bhumi Pujah for Imphal-Moreh National Highway once the land acquisition is finished.

During the meeting, Gadkari also agreed in principle to declare the Singhat-Behiang road as National Highway and Behiang would be developed as another border trade point of Manipur.  The Union minister also advised the State government to send suitable proposals for upgradation of roads to National Highway.

Meanwhile, N. Biren Singh also met union minister of State for tourism, KJ Alphons to discuss the issues for promotion of tourism sector in the State.

During the meeting, proposals for cable cars at Sendra, Shirui and Marjing were discussed. The minister gave assurance for speedy consideration of the proposals.

KJ Alphons also agreed to visit Imphal for the upcoming Sangai festival on November 22.

Later, N. Biren Singh also spoke to MOS (Civil Aviation) Jayant Sinha for introducing direct fight between Delhi and Imphal as currently the officials and passengers have to stay for a minimum of three days outside the State, when their work take hardly a day in the capital.

Jayant Sinha assured that the ministry would look into the matter and immediate steps will be taken to ease out such inconveniences to the officials and passengers of the State. The chief minister also spoke to CMD, Air India, Rajeev Bansal for introduction of direct Air India flight between Delhi and Imphal.

Rajeev Bansal also promised to take up immediate action into the matter.

Chief minister N. Biren Singh is scheduled to meet Ravishankar Prasad, union minister (IT) for speedy laying of optical fibre network in Manipur so that digital payments could become a reality in the State.

CM N. Biren Singh will also be meeting Dharmendra Pradhan, minister for petroleum and natural gas to discuss about the laying of gas pipeline from Tripura to Imphal.

DIMAPUR |Sept 26 (NNN)

Leaders of Working Committee (WC) of six other Naga outfits (Six Naga National Political Groups or NNPGs) have left Dimapur for New Delhi today to begin political talks with the government of India.

GPRN/NSCN, FGN, NNC (Parent Body), NPGN/NNC (NA), NSCN (R) and the NNC/GDRN (NA) comprised the six NNPGs.

According to sources, 16 leaders from the six NNPGs have gone to Guwahati from Dimapur by road this morning. From Guwahati airport they caught a flight. They reached the national capital this evening.

According to the sources, the 6 NNPGs will start engaging in political talks with Centre’s interlocutor for Naga peace talks, RN Ravi on Wednesday, September 27, at Le Meridian Hotel in New Delhi.

Some of the leaders who left Dimapur for talks today are Kitovi Zhimomi of GPRN/NSCN Wangtin Naga and P Tikhak of NSCN-R, V Nogi of NNC, Hozeto of NNC/NPGN and Hetoi Chophy of NNC/GDRN.

Few days back, New Dehi’s interlocutor for Naga peace talks, RN Ravi had ‘formally’ invited the Working Committee of the 6 Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) “to be part of the peace process.”

Expressing its happiness on the development, Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) appealed to all concerned to “take up the matter with all seriousness and be a part of the process for an honourable solution”.

Meanwhile, sources indicated that the leaders of six NNPGs will also meet various Central government representatives during their stay in the national capital. When asked on whether the six NNPG leaders will also meet NSCN (IM) leaders, the sources did not confirm it.

IMPHAL | Sept 25

Directorate of transport has expressed serious concern upon finding that a good number of e-rickshaws are operating randomly in various roadways connecting Imphal city centre etc. without registration and requisite route permits besides other relevant documents which are a serious violation of MV Act/ rules.

All stake holders concerned, owners and drivers are appealed to abide the rules strictly and ensure proper registration of the e-rickshaws, E-carts in the office of the district transport officers concerned and also obtain requisite contract carriage permits from the office of the secretary/STA, Manipur c/o directorate of transport, Babapura, Imphal without any further delay, said a release.

In this regard all the necessary instructions were already passed to all DTOs, it said. Defaulting e-rickshaws operating without registration/proper display of registration plates and route permits etc. shall be booked under Section 39 and 66 of the MV Act 1988 which is punishable with the penalty of Rs. 2000 plus Rs. 2000 under Section 192 and 192, respectively for the first offence with immediate effect from October 1 without any further notice, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 25

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) spokesperson, Kh. Joykishan taking a jibe on the ruling BJP at the Centre opined that in India cows are much safer than people of the Northeastern region of the country.

Joykishan was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a sit-in-demonstration staged today at the market shed of Thangmeiband Pukhriachouba Mapal in connection with the missing case of Taorem Bitoo, who went missing in New Delhi.

Taorem Bitoo, 32, son of Taorem Tomcha of Thangmeiband Polem Leikai, went missing on September 13 evening. He went to Delhi for medical treatment of his ailing mother. On September 13 evening around 4.45 pm Bitoo went out for evening walk at Kishan Ghar, Vashant Kunj, New Delhi and has never returned since.

Although a missing complaint was reportedly lodged with the police station concerned by his family the next day (on September 14) there has been no breakthrough in the case.

It has been informed that the Thangmeiband Youth Organisation (TYO) also submitted a memorandum to the chief minister N. Biren Singh drawing his attention to trace the missing person but no positive result has been yielded till date.

Frustrated over the failure of the government to trace the whereabouts of Bitoo, residents of Thangmeiband including its MLA Kh. Joykishan Singh, staged a sit-in-demonstration drawing the attention of the state government to take necessary steps in the missing case.

Taking serious note of the series of incidents involving casualties of Manipuris in mainland India recently, Joykishan termed it a clear example of the discriminatory outlook of the Central government towards the people of the region.

He maintained that it is high time for the Northeast people to start dwelling into the aspect of being frequent targets in the mainland.

Against this backdrop, the silence of both the state and Central governments further amplified their true commitment towards the people, Joykishan maintained.

“Had the series of incident been meted out to cows the entire nation would come to a boil. This clearly indicates that cows are more valuable than lives of the NE people and we can safely assume that cows are much safer than our people”, charged Kishan.

He questioned whether atrocities against the NE people is what the “acche din” meant by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

The Thangmeiband MLA appealed to all the “indigenous” people in the state to stand as one in the fight against discrimination meted out against the people of the region.

The MLA also announced to extend his full co-operation to the concerned organisations of Thangmeiband in the fight for justice in the Bitoo case.

In the meantime, locals clubs of Thangmeiband also announced to organize a mass torch rally on September 29 evening.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 25

Chief minister N. Biren Singh today met Uttar Pradesh chief minister, Adityanath Yogi and discussed about the controversial death of Pravish Chanam on September 9 in Noida.

During the meeting Biren reportedly submitted findings of the investigation into Pravish’s death conducted by ADG Manipur police, Pramod Asthana, to Yogi before urging him to take necessary action accordingly.

In response, the UP CM reportedly assured Biren that his (Yogi’s) government will take up possible measure at the earliest to ensure justice is delivered in the case.

It has been informed that Biren also suggested Yogi to hand over the case to an independent body if necessary.

Pravish Chanam, (22) went missing from a concert in Noida on the night of September 8 and his family lodged a missing person’s report the next day (September 9) at Knowledge Park police station.

Despite the police complaint Pravish body was cremated on September 13 after it was recovered from Nitihari allegedly without informing the family.

On September 18, Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh sent the state’s additional director-general of police (intelligence) Pramod Asthana to Noida to get “factual information” on the case.

IMPHAL | Sept 25

Department of personnel and training, ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions, government of India has extended service of Rajani Ranjan Rashmi in the post of chief secretary, and government of Manipur has approved the same. 

A release signed by the under secretary,  government of Manipur said the extension of his service as chief secretary will be for three months with effect from October 1 to December 31 by invocation of the third proviso of Rule 16 (1) of All India Services (Death Cum Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 25

National Student’s Union of India (NSUI), state president P. Bangkimchandra slammed BJP led government in the state for putting the photo of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya on government letters, saying it is politically motivated.

Speaking to media persons, Bangkimchandra said the state government should not put photo of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya on official letter head or invitations though he was the leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh from 1953 to 1968.

He said Congress had ruled the state for the last 15 years but president of the party never used to mention for including photo of Congress leaders. “Instead of putting Deendayal’s photo they can put photo of Mahatama Gandhi. Such an act is never expected from the BJP government,” Bangkimchandra asserted.

On the other hand, Bangkimchandra condemned non-sanctioning of OBC scholarship amount which has been pending for the last three years. Most of the students in the state are from lower middle class family, the small scholarship amount of money is of great help to them, he said.

The money is not sanction from the state government but from the Centre for the welfare of the students and for simple financial support, he said.

It is said that for this year last date for the submission of OBC scholarship form is September 30, which means Centre has already allocated funds but the department and some ministers are playing delaying tactics to get benefit from the fund, he alleged.

Bangkimchandra further said dismissal of MOBC director will not bring solution but the authority concerned should sanction the fund to the respective students without any delay.

Further NSUI condemned the attack on AMSU volunteers on September 19 inside the campus of secured office building by state police personnel.

Police personnel in-charge of the incident should allow a representative to meet and interact with the director concerned instead of baton-charging inhumanly against the students and volunteers of AMSU, Bangkimchandra added.

THOUBAL | Sept 25

A computer room, including a computer set of the private school, Vishal Academy School at Sabal Leikai, Sapam under Khongjom police station, Thoubal district was burnt down by unknown miscreants on the intervening night of September 24 and 25.

The founder of the school, Sapam Dina said that the incident took place around 12. 30 am where the room which was made of wood and other items in it amounting to approximately Rs. 1 Lakh was burnt to cinders.

The incident was discovered by a student who, after returning from a fair, was coming back towards the direction of the school after realising he had dropped his phone on the way.  

He immediately raised the alarm by calling out the students who were staying at the boarding of the school and they were able to rescue whatever was left of the room by putting out the fire. There was a possibility of the fire spreading out and making damages in a larger scale if the boy had not discovered it.

 He further said it is suspected that the unknown miscreants may have climbed the school gate to make the entrance. The fire was allegedly started by using kerosene. An empty bottle used for carrying kerosene was found dropped on the floor as well as footprints of the miscreants who had jumped off near the door were also found. The room lied adjacent to a pathway.

In the fire, one computer set, a printing machine, one laser printer, furniture set, laboratory items amounting to total of Rs. 1 Lakh approximately was lost. Subsequently a written report was submitted to Khongjom police station, a case was filled by the police and investigations have started.

It may be mentioned that students ranging from nursery class to tenth are studying at present in the school.

IMPHAL | Sept 25

The state government has notified that no process of conversion or reclamation of paddy land shall take place without reference to the data bank referred to in Section 4(3)(a) of the Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2014.

A release by the commissioner of revenue said according to the Act conversion or reclamation of paddy land in violation of the provision shall attract penalty as provided in the said Act.

All deputy commissioners of the districts where the Act is applicable are directed to comply strictly with the Act and ensure that no such conversion and reclamation of paddy land and wetland takes place until further instructions, it said. The restrictions however shall not apply to cases of public purpose with approval of the state government, it added.

Further it continued that there are reports of conversion or reclamation of paddy land in violation of the Act, accordingly it is felt necessary to take immediate steps to check such violations.

It is now considered necessary and expedite in public interest to cause proper identification of the status of the paddy land through digitised cadastral maps on the basis of satellite images of paddy lands existing at the time of the commencement of the Act i.e. September 10, 2014 and preparation of such data bank to be completed in a month’s time with the help of MARSAC, the release said.

The data and the maps prepared are to be put in the public domain on the websites of the departments of revenue and agriculture in order to facilitate examination of applications for conversion of the paddy land and wetland, it added.

The release further informed that the Act extends the whole of the state of Manipur where the Manipur Land Revenue Act, 1960 is extended. And the Act provides for conversion or reclamation of paddy land of an area measuring 0.10 acre in urban area and 0.20 in rural area for construction of residential building for the owner of the paddy land for his own purpose if the owner of the paddy land or his family does not own a suitable land, it said.