Tag: IFP

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 23

Spiritual leader of Tibetan people, Dalai Lama, is to visit Manipur on October 17 to attend international peace conference following invitation by Y. Khemchand Singh, Speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Dalai Lama will be in the state for two days and leave Imphal on October 19.

Khemchand met with the spiritual leader during his recent visit to Dharmasala, Himachal Pradesh to attend a workshop on “Tribal of India and social issues”.

Khemchand revealed that during the meeting he personally requested the spiritual leader to visit the state and give message of peace, which according to him, is the need of the hour.

Citing the positive respond, Khemchand earlier informed to organize an international peace conference in the state.

It is learnt that the Speaker has submitted a proposal to the state government with regards to the willingness of the spiritual leader.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 23

Chief minister N. Biren Singh today left Imphal for national capital to attend the national executive meeting of the Bharatya Janata Party (BJP) due to be held on September 25.

The meeting will be chaired by party president Amit Shah and also attended by all senior office bearer of the BJP including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It is learnt that the meeting will mark the closing ceremony of the birth anniversary celebration of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhaya.

Sources said that the agenda of the meeting include reporting of major activities and programmes held since the last meeting, discussion on organizational issues, discussion on current issues, future programme, Pandit Deen Dayal Birth centenary programme etc.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 23

With the ushering in of a scientific era rapid advancement has been made in many aspects of our lives. But on the other hand there has been degradation of our culture. It is a matter which must be seriously pondered upon by all sections of the society.

This was stated by chairman, Manipur pollution control board, Khadi and village industries board, L. Radhakishore Singh, speaking as the chief guest on the 219th death anniversary of Rajarshi Bhagyachnadra and inauguration of five-day Rass Leela festival held today at J.N. Manipur dance academy (JNMDA).

Further Radhakishore continued culture plays an important role in building a healthy society and in this regard the present generation particularly the youth must take a proactive role in safeguarding and promoting our culture.

“Being a democratic country, the people are free to follow any religion. At the same time there should not be divisions between the religions as their teachings lead to tolerance, peace and kindness”, he said.

Delivering the keynote address, director of JNMDA, L. Upendro Sharma said Rass Leela depicts the story of Lord Krishna’s divine sports with the Gopis of Vindraban and the yearning of the Gopis for communion with their beloved. The symbolism of Raas Leela is the essence of Hindu philosophy, he added.

Vice chairman of JNMDA, Professor H. Tombi speaking as the president of the function said culture has played a pivotal role in showcasing the unique identity of the state to the world. “There are many forms of Rass Leela performance in the country, but Manipuri Raas Leela is the best one”, he said, adding everyone should contribute in promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage.

Later, artists of JNMDA enthralled the audience with Rass Leela performance.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Sept 23

Rich or poor, every mother’s love for her  child is all equal but will it be wrong to say that it is much painful for a poor mother who could not provide the needs of her children when she came to know only her love is not enough for them despite having the matchless love.

This is the case of a below poverty line mother Chongpi (48), w/o Mulmu (49), who hails from T. Lhangnomphai village, located around 2 Km. from the border town of Moreh in Tengnoupal district, whose little girl was born with Sacrococcygeal Teratoma Type-1 on September 3, 2017.

Going through the story one would definitely find the unconditional love and selfless sacrifice among many other qualities of a mother who would also definitely draw many attention of love, emotion, honour, contribution, etc. to the mother who is not hesitate to become a “slave” for her daughter’s treatment.

Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is an unusual tumor that, in the newborn, is located at the base of the tailbone (coccyx). This birth defect is more common in female than in male babies.

It has been categorized as Type I – Primarily external or has a minimal presacral component; Type II – Predominantly external but has a significant intrapelvic component; Type III – Predominantly intrapelvic with abdominal extension, with a small external component and Type IV – Entirely within the pelvis and abdomen.

The world turns upside down when the impoverished couple, who mainly depend on the daily earning of the husband, had a girl with such a misfortune. She is the tenth child in the big family. But the wife still willingly affirmed even to become a slave to anybody who will treat her tenth child.

Chongpi delivered her youngest daughter Nengneithem at their residence on September 3 morning at around 5 am and found her daughter with a swelling buttock which prompted them immediately to bring her at the nearest PHC Moreh and later to the CHC Moreh where the child was referred to RIMS hospital, Imphal considering her terrific condition on September 13 after providing some treatment.

With the assistance of KSO Imphal and relatives residing at the state capital they brought the child to RIMS where doctors advised them to take her to JNIMS as there is no ICU facility for infant even if surgery can be done. Later, the family as per the advice brought the child to JNIMS hospital but they met with similar condition.

However, JNIMS doctors keep the child under observation and fixed for her surgery on September 28.

“I saw my daughter swelling buttock after her birth and it [the swelling portion] becomes reddish and started growing which worried me a lot”, said Chongpi, the mother said before adding that seeing my child in such a condition is the most painful thing she has experienced in her life.

Chongpi who delivered her other children normally said that she has never even imagined such a delivery since all the other children were born normal.

The distress mother also said that everyone is repulsive when they see the terrible condition of the daughter and she knows her condition is critical and if proper treatment is not given she has no chance of being normal.

“I am even ready to become a slave to anyone who helps me in my child’s treatment”, said Chongpi, wife of the daily laborer, Mulmu, who earns hardly Rs. 200/- per day.

She also said that except the travelling charge of Rs. 1500/- provided by the PHC Moreh, there is no assistance from the government till today while seeking help from the government for the treatment which is likely to cost more than Rs. 20 lakhs.

“No words can explain my feeling seeing her in such condition which is most painful thing on earth”, said Chongpi while conveying her wish to her daughter as normal human being.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 23

Manipur People’s Party, interim president, O. Jugindro was terminated from the post of interim president today after the party’s state returning officer, Somorendro Khwairakpam passed the disqualification order.

Speaking to the media today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal Somorendro said that the selection of interim president for the party during the central committee meeting held on May 16 has been found unconstitutional as there is no provision in the constitution of the party for either selecting or electing an ‘interim president’.

He said on the other hand ‘working president’ can be selected more than one if situation demands according to the constitution of the party. Consequently on the same day (May 16) the central committee had selected two working president, he added. 

The unconstitutionally selected interim president had misled MPP’s office bearers and also tried to misuse the autonomous office of the party’s returning officer, added Somorendro.

Moreover he has submitted fake certificates of election to the Election Commission of India and has misused the party’s fund, added the returning officer.

For the welfare and to save the party from further damage made by Jugindro, he has decided to terminate him from the post, continued Somorendro.

The returning officer has filed an FIR to the City police station stating that the terminated interim president allegedly forged certificate as elected interim president and submitted it the Election Commission of India.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | Sept 23      

The job card holders of Wangjing Khunou, ward number I under Chairel gram panchayat, Kakching Khunou held a public meeting today in protest against the alleged embezzlement of their labour wages by the member of the ward, R.k. Lakhsmi.

Placards that read, ‘we condemn the withdrawal or our money from our personal accounts without permission’, ‘Find out the person who withdrew the money’ etc. were displayed.

In the meeting, Sagolsem Bise Devi, a job card holder said that the labour wages of job card holders are generally withdrawn after opening accounts at the Manipur Rural Bank, Kakching. The job card holders had also received their ATM cards provided by the bank.

Upon being informed that the labour wage for three days, a total of Rs. 612 each was being deposited to their accounts, they went to the bank to check their balances only to discover that all of them were withdrawn.  

When the matter was inquired, the Bank Mitr (an agent) of Chairel, Mayanglambam Biken disclosed that the money was reportedly withdrawn by the ward member, R. K Lakhsmi. Such an act is condemned and the meeting appealed for the authorities concerned to draw their attention on the issue.

She further said, Lakshmi have refuted these allegations on the public that she would withdraw from the panchayati raj elections if she is found involved in the issue. Therefore, immediate actions should be taken up by the authorities concerned and punish the guilty.

A woman who took part in the meeting said that Lakshmi had earlier collected a sum of Rs. 500 each from the job card holders with the promise to provide gas connections under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Scheme. However, nothing came out of it, she added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 23

Condemning against the BJP led NDA government on price hike in various essential commodities State Youth Congress staged sit-in-protest in front of state Congress office, B.T. road here today.

Speaking to media person on the sidelines of the protest, president of State Youth Congress, Md. Amir Huissen said ever since the central government has come under the rule of BJP led NDA coalition people are facing severe problem due to price hike of various essential commodities. 

He said oil price hike occurred nine times in the last six months. Moreover there has been rise in inflation, hike price in food items, hike in agricultural expenditure, transport charges, with free hand given to oil companies for larger profits by exploiting the poor, and has brought only worries to the common men, he said.

Amir charged the BJP led NDA government as the party which is helping capitalist economic actors in order to pay them back for their support in putting the party into power.

“Before coming to power the BJP had many promises like bringing a new change in social accountability and security. But now the party has been unable to fix the unstable economy of the country”, he said.

He said NDA government do not fix the price of petroleum products as the price is changing on daily basis though price of world crude oil is not hiked.

Due to price hike on petrol and diesel many farmers have committed suicide as their businesses get deteriorating day by day, he alleged. Furthermore the NDA government has failed to provide 13 LPG cylinders for every connection in a year, he added.

“On top of that the consumers of the state are not able to get even one LPG cylinder in five months. If things continue like this we are heading towards darkness”, Amir said, adding that the Centre should reduce taxes on essential commodities including petroleum products.

He asserted that the State Youth Congress sand for a united society and it will in any case not tolerate division in the name of religion, caste and economic status.

Newmai News Network

AIZAWL | SEP 22

The lone woman legislator in Mizoram Vanlalawmpuii Chawngthu has become Mizoram’s first woman minister since the 1987 state assembly elections, after she was inducted to Lal Thanhawla’s cabinet on Friday .

Chawngthu was sworn in as a minister by Mizoram governor Lt. Gen. Nirbhay Sharma (Rtd) during a searing-in-ceremony held at Raj Bhavan. She is the second woman in Mizoram to hold ministerial post after Lalhlimpuii Hmar, who was made a minister in 1987.

Chawngthu will hold the rank of Minister of State in Lal Thanhawla’s government.

With Chawngthu, Mizoram now has 12 ministers.

 Earlier on September 20, senior Congress leader and Aizawl South III assembly constituency MLA, K S Thanga was sworn in as minister in the Congress government.

Meanwhile, the 38-year-old Mizoram Pradesh Youth Congress Committee (MPYCC) president, Chawngthu joined the Congress party and won the Hrangturzo by-poll with a margin of 2503 votes to retain the seat for the ruling Congress in May 2014 as Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla vacated the seat after winning it along with Serchhip in 2013 assembly polls.

Chawngthu, better known as O.P-i, is the daughter of senior Congress leader and former minister C Chawngkunga and she is presently the chairperson of Mizoram state commission for women. In Mizoram’s political history, Chawngthu became the fourth woman legislator.

Speaking to media persons after the swearing-in-ceremony today, Chawngthu said she would try her best for the welfare of the women.

She then thanked Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla for his concern for the empowerment of women and inducting a woman minister in his government after a gap of about 30 years.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 22

State government is going to effectively implement the Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2014 by putting a total ban on sale, purchase and use of agricultural land for commercial purposes, announced chief minister N. Biren Singh.

The chief minister stated this evening during a press conference convened at CM’s secretariat conference hall.

He further informed that anyone found violating the ban would be penalized as per the provisions of the Act.

According to Biren, the move was initiated by the state government in order to uphold the primary objective of the Act to conserve wetland and agriculture land, which came into force on September 10, 2014.

A Cabinet meeting was held with regards to the subject, he said, wherein the gradual diminishing of agricultural land was discussed deliberately.

As per the decision of the Cabinet an order was passed on September 19 and reaffirming to effectively implement the Conservation Act 2014, he asserted.

The chief minister also informed that a data bank would be set up to keep the records of paddy lands by conducting proper identification of the status of the existing paddy land through digitized cadastral maps on the basis of satellite images at the time of the commencement of the Act (in September 10, 2014).

Although no reclamation of paddy land shall take place without the reference to the data-bank,  the Act allows 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 he has none, he further illuminated.

Spelling out the steps taken along the border in the wake of the Rongiyas refugees crisis, chief minister Biren said all possible measure are set into motion to check influx of illegal immigrant.

Terming Assam-Jiribam, as the most vulnerable point citing the influx of Bangladeshi immigrant, he said additional force has been stationed at the border.

It has been informed that besides the existing check post, another police check post will be set up at Jiribam Mukh and also strengthened the foreigner check post.

Moreover, house to house drive have been started by the Jiribam police with help of the paramilitary forces since September 13, added Biren.

In the drive, he claimed that 1,211 houses were covered wherein 265 suspicious immigrant have been rounded up and 107 have been pushed back.

Similarly, drive against illegal immigrant have been strengthen at Indo-Myanmar border at Moreh by deputing officers, he said.

Biren further said that that the Indo-Myanmar border at Beihang in Churachandpur district would be developed as second corridor in the wake of the Act East Policy adding that a permanent police station would soon be established at Beihang.

IMPHAL | Sept 22

Dr. Rajiv Kumar, the vice-chairman of NITI Aayog visited Manipur today and had a high level meeting with chief minister N. Biren Singh.

Ministers, deputy chairman of the State Planning Board, chief secretary, other high ranking officials and heads of different central government institutes attended the meeting. This was Dr Kumar’s first visit to any state since he assumed charge as the vice-chairman of NITI Aayog on September 1.

During the meeting, the state government sought attention and intervention from NITI Aayog for speedy socio-economic development of the state.

Biren said that the new government is trying hard to accelerate development in the state in order to match with the progress of other states. He expressed hope that NITI Aayog would extend all possible assistance to the state government.

The developmental challenges, opportunities and several proposals of the state were presented to the visiting vice-chairman through a PowerPoint presentation.

The state government highlighted the urgency of provision of piped water supply to people in rural and urban areas, road connectivity to districts and block headquarters. With 4% coverage of state population in term of household water supply, the NITI Aayog vice-chairman agreed to support state government’s proposal for a major project in this area for external funding.

Other proposals mentioned were introduction of ropeway from Ukhrul to Shirui, from Marjing Hill to Langol and Chaoba Ching to Sendra, upgradation of national highways, construction of flyover and underpasses for Imphal city and surrounding areas, circular railways for connecting district headquarters and development programme in hill areas.

The state government drew Dr. Rajiv Kumar’s attention to the poor condition of NH-37 and NH-2 and urged him to request the ministry of road transport and highways to grant adequate maintenance funds in time.

The state government also proposed that the Barauni-Guwahati gas pipeline be extended up to Imphal along the main axis or its spur. An alternative pipeline to transport surplus natural gas from Tripura to Imphal may also be considered, the state government suggested.

Introduction of air ambulance service in the state was a felt need and urgent steps in this regard were requested.

Speaking at the meeting, the vice-chairman emphasised on formulating a better accountability mechanism regarding usage of funds.

The vice-chairman said that NITI Aayog intends to assist the states in bringing development through ideas, co-ordination and contacts sharing.

Dr. Rajiv Kumar observed that the government needs to create a condition to attract more and more private investments.

He stressed the need of better co-ordination between the state planning departments and NITI-Aayog to carry forward the proposals.

IMPHAL |  Sept 22

 Keeping in view the seriousness of fatal accidents in many cases, the Transport Department, Government of Manipur initiated a drive of checking fake / duplicate licenses being used by the drivers in the State in April this year and verified 1852 Licenses. The drive was in close coordination with the Traffic Police. 

Realizing the magnitude of the matter, a special cell has also been created in the Directorate of Transport under the Asst. Director of Transport, on 5th June 2017. Earlier 1773 Licenses have been submitted for verification and 400 fake licenses have been detected. FIRs are being lodged by the DTOs concerned and documents have been submitted to SP (CID/CB) for necessary enquiry.

The Department is also concerned with the frequent complaints received from the public regarding unscrupulous and corrupt practices by its officials. Under the aegis of the Anti-Corruption Cell, action has been initiated against an ASI (Taxation), DTO/Bishnupur and the concerned official has been placed under suspension.

Another achievement of the Department is the launching of VAHAN and SARATHI at DTO/ Ukhrul by the Chief Minster, Shri N. Biren Singh on the11th April 2017. This will facilitate issue for SMART Cards for registration of Vehicles and issue of Driving Licenses for the citizens of Ukhrul District.

It is worth to recall that the Department of Transport under the mandate of the present Government has taken up the initiative of reviving the public transport system. After a gap of 15 years, the Department launched the public transport system christened as MANIPUR STATE TRANSPORT on 25.6.17.

It is conceived with the objective of providing an economical, efficient, sustainable, affordable and well-coordinated transport system for the State of Manipur. This will also bridge the gap between the demand for good public transport system and its poor supply by the private transport operators that is further compounded by the lack of standard and reliability in the private transport system and at the same time, it breeds unhealthy competition and factional disputes.

It is proposed that the fleet size will be around 150 buses (mixed) to be achieved in three phases. Initially, the Government has approved five buses (Marco-Polo) for procurement. Initially, combined with the 10 (ten) Semi Low Floored (SLF) buses, the fleet size will be 15 buses (mixed). These buses will be used for inter-district and city bus services. The routes being covered are—- City-Bus Service from ISBT and MST Complex, Moirangkhom in clockwise and counter clockwise direction passing through the Ima Market complex; for Imphal- Thobal- Yairipok, SLF; Imphal- Moirang;  Imphal- Mayailambi-Kakching; Imphal-Noney; Imphal- Moreh and Imphal- Pherzawl will operate from MST, Complex Moirangkhom.

The fares for the city bus are charging at a flat rate of Rs. 10, whereas, for the inter-district buses, rate of Rs.1 per Km for valley section of the route and Rs. 1.20 for the hill section of the route is being charged. The initial response has been very positive and steps for consolidating the system by increasing the no. of routes and fleet size are being taken up.

The Transport Department is also appraised and conscious of the various concerns regarding road safety and awareness. Keeping the need for public safety and awareness, signages indicating intersection points, cross roads, speed limit, pedestrian crossing and school ahead have also been affixed.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 22

Manipur Peoples Party is in grip of a crisis today after the party’s interim president, O. Jugindro suspended its working president, S.K. Maimon and locked up his room at the party office, Polo ground, Imphal.

Heated exchanges took place between the supporters of the interim president and working president from 11.30 am and a half hour later police came and controlled the situation.

Regarding locking of the working president’s room, Maimon lodged a complaint with the City police station. The complaint claimed that his personal and office documents were not found on his office table when observed from the window of his office, which was already locked.

Earlier on September 20 the working president has issued an order expelling the interim president from the party for alleged embezzlement of party fund and for involving in alleged anti-party activities.

On the other hand on the same day the interim president also issued an order suspending Maimon from the part for six years for involving in alleged anti-party activities.

Speaking to media persons, Maimon today said that as there is no permanent president of the party the central committee had appointed O. Jugindro as interim president, himself and M. Amutombi, both as working presidents.

As Jugindro is not the full time president he does not have the power to suspend him but a working president has the power to suspend an interim president, he claimed.

On the other hand Jugindro said that an interim president has the full power of a president but the working president does not have the same power.

Jugindro said that he can suspend the working president by exercising powers under article no. 28 of the party’s constitution but working president cannot take decisions without consulting him.

Sources said in view of the conflict between the interim president and the working president the central committee of the party is likely meet tomorrow at the party office to discuss the development.

IMPHAL | Sept 22

National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Manipur unit today organised a protest at B.T. Road, lmphal demanding justice for Pravish Chanam and whereabouts of the missing Manipuri student, Bitto Taorem.

A release said that NSUl, Manipur state demands an immediate CBl enquiry to bring the concrete answers of the incidents and to book the culprits at the earliest.It demanded through the chief minister and deputy CM of Manipur to react in time into this matter to bring justice by contacting through their counterparts of U.P.

“Why the state leaders still remain silent on this issue. They could have done a lot to make the investigation faster and more transparent, if at least they made a telephonic conversation to U.P CM or Home Minister”, it asserted.

It further questioned how Pravish Chanarn went missing, who killed him and why and added that why the details of how Pravish reached the hospital from the venue of the concert is still unclear.

“Why the Hospital authority and the police did cremated the body of Pravish without even informing their parents / relations, why they are in such a hurry when there is a special cell for Northeast in Delhi and NCR and why they did not inform the Nodal Officer of Northeast Cell”, said the release.

There is a great loophole inside the investigation process and it smells a rat is within the police and hospital authorities, it added.

“We demand the officials, each and every one who is involved in this case and also demands the strictest punishment to be delivered to the murderers, only the mere suspension of some Police personals will not do and no one should go scott-free and no one should try to cover up the evidences”, it said.

It further said that leaders of the state should not remain silent in this crucial time of sorrows when their own citizens lost their life.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | Sept 22

The rain that started falling heavily for two days since September 19 have caused flood at Wabagai and made many damages in a large scale.

To provide support and relief to the affected areas, Citizens Association for Rural Development, Wabagai have appealed the authorities concerned and the government to draw attention.

This year, Wabagai had already been suffering from repeated flood which caused loss of many ripening rice and overflowed several fish farms. The breaching took place at a part of Sekmai River for a length of around 70 feet this time and submerged around 100 hectares of paddy fields.  

The same area was breached earlier this year and the people were still recovering from it. However, no relief materials had been provided so far by the government.  

At such a crucial moment to start preparing for the coming harvesting season, around 1000 hectares of paddy field which would provide rice for 70,000 people for a year have been destroyed. This will cause many difficulties in the livelihood of many.  Therefore, the association has appealed the government to draw immediate attention to the prevailing issue and provide necessary help.

IMPHAL | Sept 22

Chandel Naga People’s Organisation (CNPO) has appealed to all its subordinate units of CNPO, government establishments, NGOs to obtain its permission before taking up any form of protest in Chandel district.

A release issued by its president, L. V. Robert said that the CNPO warned of critical consequences if the organisation is undermined or superseded.

It said, “Chandel Naga People’s Organisation is compelled to issue this statement in order to maintain cordial relationship, peace and tranquillity in all walks of life.”

“The CNPO comprises of nine Naga tribes which is formed under the motto, “Unity, Justice, Peace and Progress” renders its selfless services for the welfare of the people, execute its duties and responsibilities in the interest of the people and protect our land and people as enshrine in the construction”, the release added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 22

Lok Sabha MP, Jitendra Choudhury from Tripura said that the NDA government at the Centre is using the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to interfere in political matters for electoral gains and to eliminate all the Opposition parties.

He was speaking to media persons today at Manipur Dramatic Union hall, Imphal.

The MP said that BJP is instigating the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) to press for the creation of a separate new state from Tripura and he charged that BJP is trying to gain control by disturbing the communal harmony of the state.

Jitendra further charged that BJP is also indirectly involved in the killing of a journalist at Tripura on last Wednesday during the IPFT agitation.

Tweenty-eight year old Shantanu Bhowmik was killed while covering an agitation on Thursday, evoking strong condemnations country-wide.

The peasants suicide rate in the country during the three year rule of the NDA government has increased 42 percent when compared to suicide rate during the rule of UPA government, he charged.

The MP said that the formation of the BJP led government in the state is not possible without corruption practices as Congress party got the single largest majority with 28 MLAs and BJP only 21.

He asked the people to not fall in the trap of BJP government which ignores the crisis and issues of the people and diverted their promises.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 22

Demanding various demands All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) staged a sit-in-protest in front of Manipur Baptist Convention, Chingmeirong today.

Speaking to media persons, president of ATSUM, Vareiyo Shantsang said the union demands appointment of adequate number of teaching and non-teaching staffs in hill districts under autonomous district council, education (S), secondary lecturers and assistant professors in government colleges.

He demanded that teachers should be placed at one’s actual posting place. Utilisation of service in other work place is one of the main factors for degradation of education system in the state, Vareiyo added.

Vareiyo said there are confirmed reports that a good number of teachers posted in the hills are being uitilised in various work places to serve the interest of politicians.

All hill districts’ residential schools require highly qualified teachers, well-equipped library and infrastructural amenities. If there is proper provision for establishment of such school under education (S), it is suggested to have residential schools both in hills and valley wherever feasible, Vareiyo asserted.

There are no proper infrastructural facilities for Zonal Education Offices and construction of buildings with proper infrastructural facilities will be a step higher to make the office more vibrant, he said.

Considering the acute shortage of teachers, ATSUM demands regularisation of 333 adhoc teachers who have been verified by a special committee along with teachers or employees who were recommended for regulation by High Court of Manipur.

He further said reservation seats for admission at Manipur University which clearly states that 31 percent for ST, 2 percent for SC and 17 percent for OBC should be implement immediately.

The government should look into the primary health sub-centres, primary health centres, community health centres etc. to make them functional with proper equipment and infrastructure.

Proper quarters should provided for doctors and nurses and the government should formulate a policy for transfer and posting in health department to avoid irregularities, he added.

The government should re-organise and demarcate the police jurisdiction for each district to avoid overlapping.

If the government fails to take necessary action by September 27, ATSUM will call the next day 24 hours total bandh in the state..

IMPHAL | Sept 21

The Editors Guild Manipur strongly condemned killing of Shantanu Bhowmik, a reporter of Dinraat Channel, of Tripura by a mob on  September 20. Bhowmik was killed when he was doing his duty of collecting news of a class between two groups in Tripura.

A release said EGN stand by Tripura Journalists Union, the Agartala Press Club and Tripura Working journalists Association as they mourn the death of one of their fellow journalist. We here in Manipur too know the pressure under which journalist world over work and hence extend our solidarity, it said.

EGM supports the demand of the various journalist organisation of Tripura and appealed to Tripura government to book the culprits under the law of the land, it said, adding EFM also support the demand for handing over the case to CBI.

EGM considers any attack on any journalist weather in Manipur, Tripura or anywhere in the world as attack on the freedom speech essential for functioning of the media, it added.

IMPHAL | Sept 21

With the dateline coming to an end for the non-local candidates to withdraw their candidature in the ensuing Panchayat election scheduled to be held next month, KSA has informed that it will impose ban on movement of the former in public places. 

A release said the dateline ends on September 20, and this regard the student body urged all the clubs, organisations, associations and meira paibis to support the ban in their respective areas.

On the other hand, the 71 non-locals have not paid heed to the demands made by KSA to withdraw their candidature and a few have already won the election uncontested, it added.

IMPHAL | Sept 21

With the dateline coming to an end for the non-local candidates to withdraw their candidature in the ensuing Panchayat election scheduled to be held next month, KSA has informed that it will impose ban on movement of the former in public places. 

A release said the dateline ends on September 20, and this regard the student body urged all the clubs, organisations, associations and meira paibis to support the ban in their respective areas.

On the other hand, the 71 non-locals have not paid heed to the demands made by KSA to withdraw their candidature and a few have already won the election uncontested, it added.