Tag: IFP

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 18

In a bizarre incident an eleven year old girl, identified as Toijam Ronita got ill after getting free vaccination of Tetanus toxoid (TT) from Yairipok Community Health Centre on September 7.  

Toijam Sobita, aunt of Ronita told reporters at Manipur Press Club today that she along with her nine-month old infant daughter and Ronita went to the said health centre on September 7 to get the infant’s routine check-up. 

She recalled that at the CHC the nurse curiously asked about her niece’s age and when she told the nurse, one Thoithoi that her niece was eleven, the latter suggested getting her niece an injection of TT and iron tablet.

Sobita and the child even hesitated to get the injection, but as the nurse was insisting that it will be beneficial to health in the future, she gave in and was given the injections.

Sobita recalled that her niece has been a very healthy child and never had fallen so sick till date, but the morning after getting the injection, the child cried in pain. “Ronita started developing breathing difficulty and certain uneasiness in her body and could not even eat and sleep”, Sobita added.

She then took her to the CHC and told one Dr. Miranda about the case. She was given medicine to get better. Sobita took Ronita back home but after a while the pain started again, so they admitted her in Thoubal hospital. The Thoubal hospital staff cooled down her pain but only temporarily and Ronita started crying in pain again, Sobita said.

Thereafter Ronita was admitted again in JNIMS, after the pain subsided she was discharged the following day. But after two days Ronita started experiencing the same pain again. Consequently Ronita was taken to RIMS. 

She said that the doctor of RIMS said that the effects of the medicine or vaccination (TT) given by Yairipok CHC hurt Ronita’s stomach and has caused allergy.

Sobita alleged that the nurse (Thoithoi) was a substitute of one Ashalata. She also alleged that 2-3 patients had similar experiences with nurse Thoithoi. Further she urged the authorities concerned to look into the matter and make sure that qualified medical staffs are stationed at the public health care centre.

It is learned that Ronita is feeling better at the time of filing this report.

IMPHAL | Sept 18

Considering the inconvenience being faced by the people due to scarcity of cooking gas, chief minister N. Biren inquired the CAF and PD officials about the cause of the shortage of LPG supply.

He made the inquiry while speaking at a review meeting held at CM’s secretariat to discuss the targets of the developmental projects or schemes undertaken by different government departments to be completed in the current year 2017-18.

After he was briefed on the present situation by the officials concerned, the CM directed the officials to do whatever possible to address the problem immediately.

He also instructed them to convene a meeting at CM’s secretariat if necessary on the matter.

The meeting was conducted in continuation of the earlier meetings held on September 13 and 16 last.

Further in the meeting, he directed the officials concerned to expedite works regarding opening of a police station at Behiang, under Churachandpur district.

He also directed to constitute a committee and conduct a field visit across the State to find out the exact number of condemned vehicles of sate police department. All the repairable vehicles could be auctioned while un-repairable vehicles should be disposed as scraps, he said.

Developmental activities and welfare schemes being taken up by home, finance, MAHUD, MOBC and labour and employment departments were mainly deliberated in today’s meeting.

Chief minister’s cabinet colleagues, chief secretary, DGP, additional DGP, administrative secretaries, HoDs and other top level officials were present in the meeting.

IMPHAL | Sept 18

Manipur is one of the few states in the country where women are highly respected, financially and economically independent, equal partners and sometimes more dominating compared to women in other parts of the country.

This was stated by governor of the state, Najma Heptulla addressing at the 2-day workshop on ‘Gender Sensitive Best Practices, Implementations and Capacity Building of Police Officials’ at Manipur Police Training College, Pangei, today.

The 2-day workshop is being organised by Manipur Police Training College in collaboration with Centre for Social Research, New Delhi, a non-governmental organisation, working on gender issues for the police personnel.

Applauding the work of the NGO, in sensitising crime against women, the governor said gender division is actually in the mindset of the people. Incidents of atrocities on women are being reported in the past 2 -3 months but the state is generally peaceful due to the police, she said, adding those in the police are quite sensitive of the issues not because of any training but because they are born in a society, where women are highly respected and such kind of training is perhaps unnecessary.

She further said the police should also increase their vigilance on drugs smuggled from across the border.

The governor continued it would be a good step to send representatives from the State to other parts of the country to train and sensitise about gender sensitisation. Apart from gender sensitisation training, sensitisation on the bad effects of drugs should also be taken up to curb violence as there is rise in consumption of drugs among the youths, she added.

The governor conveying her message to the young police officers said that there should be no discrimination based on caste, creed, religion or gender, as laid down in our Constitution. As a law-enforcing officer, police personnel should abide by the Constitution, and discharge their duties by treating those people in distress with equal respect and they should treat those people in distress with equality, she said R.K. Tutusana Devi, director, Manipur Police Training College, said that like in other parts of the country crime against women in Manipur is definitely on the rise taking a toll on law and order situation in the State.

But inhuman crime such as female foeticide, dowries killing among others are almost non-existent in the State she said, adding that it is the right time to sensitise the police forces specially the mid-level forces, as crime against women is on the rise in Manipur.

The programme will certainly sensitise them on gender issues, not only male officers vis-à-vis female officers, they have to understand themselves, understand the needs of their counterparts male or female and change their behavioural attitude accordingly so that such type of crime are kept under control in the State, said Tutusana.

She also said that there are still areas in the country that women are still apprehensive of approaching the police. In some cases, there are reports of police harassing the victims instead of helping them, she added.

She requested the CSR team to take up sensitisation programmes for these police personnel, which will be very beneficial for the police forces.

Sobita, chairperson, Manipur State Commission for Women, who also spoke on the occasion said that the programme is a very pioneering work rendered for the officials in Police Department.

In Manipur even though we are not having such serious crime that are happening in other parts of the country, of late there was an increasing trend in the crime against women, she added.

And in this regard a sensitization programme for the police personnel and surrounding communities is very much required, she said.

DGP L.M. Khaute, ADGP P. Doungel, head of Gender Training Institute Juthika Bannerjee, Project Coordinator, Centre for Social Research Priyanka Londhe and police personnel of the college attended the function.

Jiri News Network

JIRIBAM | Sept 18

The camp of UTLA/UTLF, which exist under the MoU signed between the state government and Indian government, located at the Peace Panel Camp, Liesahangphai under Tamenglong district, was attacked by heavily armed unidentified assailants. Three people including a woman were killed.    

The attack took place around 12.10 am yesterday at the mentioned location where the three people reportedly died at the spot. They were private Mangminlen (22), son of Kaimang from Buolzol village, Churachandpur, Ngamboi (21), son of Demlun, from Inbung village, Nagaland and Hatshi (25), wife of private Chochon from Buolzol village, Churachandpur.

General secretary, UTLA/UTLF, Robert Singson said in the month of July, the SP Jiribam had taken away their arms which was issued for self-protection by the government. Appeals had been made to the higher authorities regarding the matter. However, no reply was made and this may have led to the advantage of the unknown assailants and made them carry out the attack.

He further expressed that the dead bodies will not be taken unless the government does not turn the signed MoU and all the agreements into concrete actions.

When the incident took place, 37 Assam Rifles was informed though a phone call. The attackers rushed off when the Assam Rifles arrived. More people might have been killed if the AR had not arrived at the spot, he further expressed.

A team led by SDPO, R.K Charles of Jiri police came around 5 am to make a spot enquiry and the dead bodies were taken to Jiri police station for post mortem.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 18

Condemning the alleged killing of Chanam Pravish on September 8 at Noida, and secretly cremating the body without informing the family members, locals of Uripok took out a protest rally today at Uripok Achom Leikai area.

While the locals of Uripok tried to march till the chief minister’s bungalow, police stopped them at Uripok Gopalji Leirak Machin.

Chanam Pravish (22) son of Chanam Jugindro of Uripok Achom Leikai was travelling from Hydrabad to Delhi on September 7 to witness a music concert on September 8 but went missing from the day of concert.

On the same day his brother lodged a missing case to the police. But on September 13 police informed to his brother that Pravish body was cremated as no one came to claim the body.

The locals appealed to the chief minister to let the CBI investigate the case as the dead of Pravish is highly suspected to be a murder.

It may be recalled that Pravish reached Delhi on September 7 and stayed at his friend Ashok Thounaojam’s Safdarjung residence. The following day in the evening, Pravish went to attend a musical concert at Noida.

Pravish and his friends including Ashok along with two others had gone to attend the concert.

Later, around 9.30 pm, Ashok and his friends found that Pravish was missing and accordingly his elder brother Ravikanta Chanam was notified following which a missing report was filed at Knowledge Park police station at Gautam Budh district of Uttar Pradesh on September 9.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 18

In tandem with the celebrations across the globe, the 9th World Bamboo day was celebrated today in the state at Singjamei community hall, Imphal. The theme of the event was E3 – environment, energy and employment.  

While addressing the programme, chief architect of Buddhabir and Association, Th. Buddhabir Singh, speaking as the guest of honour said that bamboo products are taking an important role to promote arts and crafts of the state.

He said that instead of waiting for government jobs, the youths of Manipur should start their own small scale industry of bamboo crafts to make their living. Nowadays bamboo products are replacing other furniture in most of the countries, and the demands are more than the wooden products, he added.    

Member of Bamboo Forum of India, Sukumar Haobam who also spoke on the occasion said that the day is celebrated globally in order to increase awareness of the usefulness of bamboo. The aim of world bamboo organisation is to promote and protect bamboo and to ensure sustainable utilisation of bamboo products throughout the world.

He also said the celebration was first started in 2011 at Singjamei, organised by Bamboo Forum of India under the sponsorship of several department of the state. The main function was plantation of bamboos at different sites, painting competition on the theme of bamboo, bamboo exhibition which included different bamboo cuisines.

Sukumar further said that bamboo is a good substitute of wood and it has carbon sequestration properties which can reduce the global warming.

Deputy director of handloom and textiles, E. Jeeten Singh said bamboo has been in use in the state in different forms since ancient times. Use of bamboo in furniture will be more profitable than wood as they grow faster and get matured in three to four years.

The directorate of textile is planning to give trainings on the uses of bamboo in order to motivate the artisans and entrepreneurs to bring out innovative ideas for the development of state, he added.

The programme was attended by Mayor of IMC, L. Lokeshore Singh as chief guest, advisor of Social Upliftment Organisation, H. Shyamkanhai as president and joint director of University and Higher Education, L. Iboyaima Singh as guest of honour.

A five day bamboo and cane allied craft exhibition was also inaugurated as part of the celebration at Singjamei Community Hall, which will be on till September 22.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 16

As observed and celebrated all over the world decrease depletion of earth’s ozone layer, World Ozone Day was celebrated in the state today at Ghanapriya Women’s College, Old Lambulane.

The state level function was organised jointly by directorate of environment and G.P Women’s College under the theme “Caring for all life under the sun”.

Minister for forests and environment, horticulture and soil conservation, Th. Shyamkumar, attending the function as chief guest said it is the need of the hour to save our earth and its environment.

 He also said that theories of protecting and preserving the mother should be put into practice and not postpone it further. He said that using organic products and planting more trees will be the immediate solution.

In the keynote address, deputy environment director, Th. Bhogen Singh said that the rate of depletion of ozone layer is faster than before. He explained in detail how Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) produced by everyday products like body sprays, industrial smoke among others, creates chemical reaction with ozone layer and leads to depletion of the layer.

He went on to explain when Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987 by all countries with proof from NASA’s satellite mapping, to save the continuous and dangerous depletion of ozone layer.

He said this day is mainly intended to spread awareness of the depletion of the ozone layer and search for solutions to preserve it.

Additional chief secretary (forests and environment), Shambhu Singh, removing Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) costs India Rs 1,500 crore and removing Hydro Fluoro Carbon (HFC) costs India Rs 3,500 crore.

He also mentioned the harms that the western world has inflicted on the environment and by letting the poorer countries pay for their comfort. Shambhu further said that we need to find better solutions and work on it to save the earth before it gets exhausted of its own.

Chief secretary for forests and environment, Shambhu Singh, principal of G.P. Women’s College, B. Lalhari Sharma and director of environment, Y. Nabachandra Singh attended the function as presidium members.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 16

As observed and celebrated all over the world decrease depletion of earth’s ozone layer, World Ozone Day was celebrated in the state today at Ghanapriya Women’s College, Old Lambulane.

The state level function was organised jointly by directorate of environment and G.P Women’s College under the theme “Caring for all life under the sun”.

Minister for forests and environment, horticulture and soil conservation, Th. Shyamkumar, attending the function as chief guest said it is the need of the hour to save our earth and its environment.

 He also said that theories of protecting and preserving the mother should be put into practice and not postpone it further. He said that using organic products and planting more trees will be the immediate solution.

In the keynote address, deputy environment director, Th. Bhogen Singh said that the rate of depletion of ozone layer is faster than before. He explained in detail how Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) produced by everyday products like body sprays, industrial smoke among others, creates chemical reaction with ozone layer and leads to depletion of the layer.

He went on to explain when Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987 by all countries with proof from NASA’s satellite mapping, to save the continuous and dangerous depletion of ozone layer.

He said this day is mainly intended to spread awareness of the depletion of the ozone layer and search for solutions to preserve it.

Additional chief secretary (forests and environment), Shambhu Singh, removing Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) costs India Rs 1,500 crore and removing Hydro Fluoro Carbon (HFC) costs India Rs 3,500 crore.

He also mentioned the harms that the western world has inflicted on the environment and by letting the poorer countries pay for their comfort. Shambhu further said that we need to find better solutions and work on it to save the earth before it gets exhausted of its own.

Chief secretary for forests and environment, Shambhu Singh, principal of G.P. Women’s College, B. Lalhari Sharma and director of environment, Y. Nabachandra Singh attended the function as presidium members.

State gears up for Mera Houchongba celebration

IMPHAL | Sept 16

In continuation to the review meeting to assess the projects being taken up by various departments, chief minister, N. Biren today chaired the review meeting of 14 departments to discuss the targets of the developmental to be completed in the current year 2017-18.

The review meeting was held at the cabinet hall.

During the meeting, N. Biren asserted that the need of the hour is to give priority on the public oriented developmental works for the growth and progress of the State. He stated that if the government cannot provide or deliver good governance and benefits to the poorest of the poor of the State then there is no significance of the having a government. 

While discussing the schemes under IT department, He said that IT is one such area which is in the priority list of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, without Information Technology we cannot bring a digital revolution in the State.

Further he said that the Common Service Centres (CSCs) operating in the State should act as service points for various welfare schemes of different departments. He said that any Nationalised bank that are willing to provide assistance to the people would be given advantage to open up their branches in the hilly areas of the State.

The review meeting continued for around four hours which include IT, TA and hills, tourism, higher and technical education, school education, YAS, SCERT, health, revenue etc. setting up of digital village, digitisation of cadastral maps and integration with records of rights, decentralised recruitment of teachers, transparent and automated transfer policy etc. were discussed during the meeting.

Cabinet ministers, chief secretary, administrative secretaries, commissioners and directors of various departments attended the meeting.

Houchongba preparation:

Chief minister, N. Biren Singh also chaired the first State level organising committee meeting for the celebration of Mera Houchongba on October 5

During the meeting, N. Biren mentioned the significance of organising State level Mera Houchongba, one of the oldest living festivals in the world, in bringing unity and solidarity among different communities living in the State.

He said that celebrating such festival would build and revive the unity and integrity of the State by sharing and reconnecting the traditional values of various communities of the State.

Chief Minister further directed the all the deputy commissioners to organise, mobilise and to make proper transportation of the people from various districts to make a successful participation in the festival.

A State Level Mera Houchongba committee was also constituted during the meeting with chief minister as chairman, minister for art and culture as vice chairman, commissioner art and culture as member secretary, all cabinet ministers, all MLAs, all DCs, director (Art and Culture, TA & Hills, IPR), 7 representatives of Sana Konung Thousillup, 2 representatives of Sanamahi Temple Board and 2 representatives of Kangla Fort Board as members of the Committee.

Minister for art and culture, L. Jayantakumar Singh, chief secretary, R.R Rashmi, commissioner art and culture, M. Lakshmikumar, deputy commissioners, director art and culture, K Sushila, director IPR, K. Meghachandra, representatives of Sana Konung Thousillup and Sanamahi Temple Board attended the meeting.

State gears up for Mera Houchongba celebration

IMPHAL | Sept 16

In continuation to the review meeting to assess the projects being taken up by various departments, chief minister, N. Biren today chaired the review meeting of 14 departments to discuss the targets of the developmental to be completed in the current year 2017-18.

The review meeting was held at the cabinet hall.

During the meeting, N. Biren asserted that the need of the hour is to give priority on the public oriented developmental works for the growth and progress of the State. He stated that if the government cannot provide or deliver good governance and benefits to the poorest of the poor of the State then there is no significance of the having a government. 

While discussing the schemes under IT department, He said that IT is one such area which is in the priority list of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, without Information Technology we cannot bring a digital revolution in the State.

Further he said that the Common Service Centres (CSCs) operating in the State should act as service points for various welfare schemes of different departments. He said that any Nationalised bank that are willing to provide assistance to the people would be given advantage to open up their branches in the hilly areas of the State.

The review meeting continued for around four hours which include IT, TA and hills, tourism, higher and technical education, school education, YAS, SCERT, health, revenue etc. setting up of digital village, digitisation of cadastral maps and integration with records of rights, decentralised recruitment of teachers, transparent and automated transfer policy etc. were discussed during the meeting.

Cabinet ministers, chief secretary, administrative secretaries, commissioners and directors of various departments attended the meeting.

Houchongba preparation:

Chief minister, N. Biren Singh also chaired the first State level organising committee meeting for the celebration of Mera Houchongba on October 5

During the meeting, N. Biren mentioned the significance of organising State level Mera Houchongba, one of the oldest living festivals in the world, in bringing unity and solidarity among different communities living in the State.

He said that celebrating such festival would build and revive the unity and integrity of the State by sharing and reconnecting the traditional values of various communities of the State.

Chief Minister further directed the all the deputy commissioners to organise, mobilise and to make proper transportation of the people from various districts to make a successful participation in the festival.

A State Level Mera Houchongba committee was also constituted during the meeting with chief minister as chairman, minister for art and culture as vice chairman, commissioner art and culture as member secretary, all cabinet ministers, all MLAs, all DCs, director (Art and Culture, TA & Hills, IPR), 7 representatives of Sana Konung Thousillup, 2 representatives of Sanamahi Temple Board and 2 representatives of Kangla Fort Board as members of the Committee.

Minister for art and culture, L. Jayantakumar Singh, chief secretary, R.R Rashmi, commissioner art and culture, M. Lakshmikumar, deputy commissioners, director art and culture, K Sushila, director IPR, K. Meghachandra, representatives of Sana Konung Thousillup and Sanamahi Temple Board attended the meeting.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 16

At least four people sustained injuries when unknown miscreant exploded a hand grenade this evening inside a building at Mantripukhri, Imphal East district.

Reports said the grenade was exploded around 5 pm targeting the office of Hindustan Construction Company which is inside the five storey building belonging to one Mukesh Sharma.

The building is situated just opposite to 69 CRPF battalion Mantripukhri.

Altogether four persons, all of them staffs of Hindustan Construction Company, sustained splinter injuries and were evacuated to Rajmedicity. However, all of them are said to be out of danger.

Later in the evening, chief minister, N. Biren was accompanied by MAHUD minister, Th. Shyamkumar, additional chief secretary Suresh Babu and MLAs of the ruling party visited the injured at the hospital.

Speaking to the media chief minister, N. Biren said that it is fortunate that there are no major casualties. Condemning the act of exploding bomb in residential area the chief minister said that such action is an act of uncivilised attitude.

According to reports there were cases of monitory demand by an outlawed group and regarding the matter the Imphal East, S.P, K. Kabib is investigating to make arrest of the culprits involved in the blast, added Biren.

He further gave assurance that the culprits will be arrested very soon.

The injured have been identified as one Japhar Sekh, (44) of West Bengal, Bijay Kumar Gogo, (49) of Tejpur Assam, Chun Chund Prasad Mandal, (41) Jhakhand and Tapan Bardhan, (50) West Bengal.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 16

The regional directorate of Dattopant Thengadi National Board for Workers Education and Development (DTNBWED), ministry of labour and employment today organised the state level 59th Workers Education Day at Kuki Inn.

The function was attended by parliamentary secretary for health and family welfare, Soibam Subhaschandra Singh as chief guest. In his speech, he said that NGOs, trade unions and social activists have a big role to play in bridging the gap between the rich and the poor in the society.

Briefing media persons on the sideline of the programme, regional director of DTNBWED, Wangkhem Iboyaima Singh said that this day is like a training day for the workers, to be a smart and better worker, to sensitise workers’ rights, labour laws among others.

He said that DTNBWED was earlier known as Central Board for Workers Education till last year August. CBWE was established on September 16, 1958 and this foundation day is celebrated since then as Workers’ Education Day.

DTNBWED have workers of organised, unorganised and rural sectors and some of its objectives are to empower the workers as employees of the organisation and to develop sense and belongingness as effective instruments of amicable industrial relations and maintaining industrial peace and to meet the needs of workers to have access to ways of acquiring and continuous upgradation of knowledge and skills that they require to find a job among others.

Highlighting the three main challenges that workers of Manipur have to face, economist N. Mohendro stressed that collecting, counselling and contribution as the immediate concern and thorough revision by the present government.

Emphasising on the total contribution of the unorganised sector is 90 percent and that of organised sector is just 10 percent, director of ICM- Lamphelpat, Ranjana said that there is a need to organise more awareness programmes for skill development and educate them about various schemes and related to their welfare activities concerning health and human rights.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI |Sep 16 

Following the alleged failure of the Manipur University authority in fulfilling their assurance over the reservation issue on August 31 meeting, the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur has decided to re-intensify agitation over the issue.  

Earlier, the student body had suspended its 48 hours ultimatum over the issue following the assurance of the vice chancellor and heads of department in a joint meeting held on August 31 at the vice chancellor’s office chamber.

The apex body of the tribal students of the state, ATSUM and Manipur University Tribal Students’ Union (MUTSU) have been demanding 31 percent reservations for ST students in admission to various courses in the university and the MU authority to follow the High Court directives and the Central Educational Institution Reservation Act, 2012 in the admission process.

Vice chancellor of the varsity, Prof. Adya Prasad Pandey had promised to fulfil the tribal students’ demands and also assured to strictly follow the High Court directives and CEIR act, 2012 rules from the next session during the August 31 meeting to the student body representatives.

Seiboi Haokip, general secretary, ATSUM while speaking to media persons this afternoon at Kangpokpi said that keeping faith once again upon the MU authority; the student body had suspended its 48 hours ultimatum on August 31 following the assurance of the authority concerned. 

“However, the assurances have turned out to be MU authority’s display of disloyalty and unreliable attitude”, visibly disappointed Seiboi asserted before adding that the repeated duplicity of the MU authority have totally tested the tolerance of the tribal students.  

He continued, “We have now decided to take extreme form of agitation if the MU fails to convert its assurances into action within a short period apart from resolving to begin mobilisation for the cause of tribal student’s rights.”

In connection with the mode of agitation, Seiboi Haokip said that it will be make known to the public after due consultation with its units and hill districts based civil bodies on Monday.

He recalled that ATSUM had demanded the MU authority to put in abeyance the admission process until such time and the results declared for the academic season 2017-2018 are rectified to the guidelines and reservation norms of the government.

He further recalled that despite the MoU signed between ATSUM and MU authority on November 7, 2016 where both party agreed to adhere central education institution (reservation in admission) act, the recent announced admission lists in the various departmental entrance test results explicitly indicates that most of the departments has overtly defied the central act as well as failed to honour the spirit of MoU.

The ATSUM leader expressed the student body’s displeasure over the state government under the leadership of chief minister, N. Biren Singh for keeping mum on the issue till today.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 16

Chairman of the Committee on Human Rights (COHR), Phulindro Konsam charged that the endangered animal Sangai and floating hut of Loktak lake were displayed in Sangai festival as replica but the government and LDA are destroying the eco-system of Loktak.

Addressing a protest meet held yesterday at Phoubakchao Awang leikai, Sekmaijin community hall under the topic “Decommission Ithai barrage of 105 MW Loktak project” Phulindro said “keeping replica of Sangai and its habitat during Sangai festival is like a big joke”.

He said government claimed Sangai deer and Loktak lake as natural heritage but in reallity Loktak Development Authority (LDA) and government are destroying its eco-system.

On April 10, 2008 under Operation Summer Storm joint operation by the state police and 57 Mountain Division bombarded at Keibul Lamjao national park in the name of flushing insurgents.

During the operation the natural habitat of Sangai was affected and villagers and fishermen came on streets. Instead of chasing the insurgents the forces bombarded and destroyed the environment of the lake, he charged.

He said in the name of development state along with LDA burned down the huts on phumdis. The homeless people were scattered at different places of Ningthoukhong, Kwakeithel and others. These acts are crime against humanity and it was not for the welfare of the people but only to get profit from Loktak project, Phulindro added.

Before the commission of Ithai barrage and Loktak project many migratory birds and fish were found in Loktak. Since the commissioning of the barrage and Loktak project the water of Loktak becomes almost stagnant. The phumdis which are shuppoed to flow down Manipur river remain still at the lake.

Because of this the phumdis got rotten which contaminates the water. Migratory fish and birds stop feeding at the lake due to the contamination, Phulindro asserted.

 “The artificial flood which is occurring frequently in the state can be stop if Ithai barrage is removed,” Phulindro said.

Member of North East Youth Dialogue Forum, U. Jenision spoke on the impact of Ithai barrage and Loktak project and oil exploration in the state by various multi-national companies.

Central government is also planning to extract natural resources from the state without concerning the people of the state. If the process of extracting natural resources has started, the state might be in doom, he added.

The meet resolved that the government must decommission Ithai barrage and Loktak project immediately, compensate the affected people and organise rehabilitation programme. It also urged the Assembly to discuss these issues.

As a part of the meet, people of the area marched rally by chanting slogans “go back NHPC”, “decommission Ithai barrage and Loktak project immediately” in Sekmaijin, Phoubakchao area.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 16

Information and public relation minister, Th. Biswajit said that media plays a big role in the society and is acting as a moderator between the public and policy makers.

He was delivering the chief guest’s speech on the observation of the 43rd foundation day of All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) today at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal.

Stating that a real journalist should follow the journalistic principle the minister asked journalists to maintain accuracy of the news as sometimes a faulty news can misguide the whole public.

Mentioning that media plays an important role in bringing society towards development Biswajit appealed to the media persons to take initiative is spreading the newly launched schemes to the public so that the public are aware about the schemes and can take benefits from them.

The minister said that the present BJP led government is working very hard at its best level to complete all the development projects within 10 months which could not be completed by the previous government in 15 years.

Claiming that a great positive change has been brought in the state during a short period of five months rule of the new BJP led government, he asked the people to know the difference between the new and the previous governments.

Biswajit assured that the government will take up initiative to make pension schemes available to all the veteran journalists.

The guest of honour, law minister, L. Jayenta asked media persons to have the idea about the restriction in the freedom of speech so that they do not face any legal action.

In order to have the legal knowledge in writing news he suggested to organise legal awareness programme for media persons. AMWJU president W. Shmjai and MLA S. Ranjan also attended the programme.

IMPHAL | Sept 16

An emergency public meeting was held at Lalpani High School ground yesterday organised by All Jiribam Linguistic Minority Peoples’ Organisation (AJLMPO) in connection with the demand of withdrawal of candidature of non-Manipur in the ensuing Gram Panchayat elections raised by the KSA and JCILPS.

A release singed by AJLMPO vice-president, Sushil Namasudra said the meeting strongly condemned the statement of KSA saying, “The KSA has threatened to ban movement of non-local people in all localities, if the non-local candidate contesting in the forthcoming ‘Panchayat election’ do not withdraw their candidature by September 20” and also the statement of JCILPS, “No non-local people should contest the forthcoming Panchayat election”.

Stating that KSA and JCILPS are not the authorities to establish someone’s identity and they have not been empowered to publish unconstitutional and undemocratic statements which hamper one’s fundamental rights, it said KSA and JCILPS should withdraw their unconstitutional and undemocratic statements immediately.

The meeting unanimously resolved that all contesting candidates in the forthcoming ‘Panchayat election’ will not withdraw their candidature but in association with other organisations, clubs, civil bodies, students organisations etc. will face any consequences if needed against the threat of KSA and JCILPS. 

It further said that if any untoward incident including communal tension arise in this connection in Jiribam district, the Manipur state government should be held responsible.

“The KSA and JCILPS which have no knowledge about the history of Jiribam and human habitation and settlement of Jiribam should not try to create communal tension among different communities living in Jiribam peacefully and communal harmony since time immemorial through their provocative statements”, it added.

The meeting also resolved to submit a memorandum to the chief minister, local MLA and other concerned for taking appropriate action, it said.

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI |Sept 16

United Naga Council (UNC) said today that it will continue to oppose former chief minister O. Ibobi and the Congress party. The Naga body said it will not allow the former CM and the Congress party to hold the ongoing district level political workers’ conference in Naga areas.

Information and publicity wing of the UNC said that many Nagas or tribal people were killed in the state during the time of O. Ibobi led Congress government. “We cannot forget that soon about the atrocities meted out to the Nagas or tribal by the Ibobi Singh led communal government of Manipur,” said the UNC.  

The Naga body further said, “Because of the state sponsored terrorism under the O. Ibobi led Congress government many people were killed or traumatised”. The UNC further said that so many acts or bills were passed by the “O. Ibobi led Congress government to suppress the Nagas or the tribal people.”

According to UNC information and publicity wing, O. Ibobi had told in a programme recently that the seven district creation was his “bold step.” The UNC took this comment of O. Ibobi as “continuing challenge” to the Naga people. “The tripartite talks are going on because of the mess he and his government had created but he is still vocal on the seven district creation,” said UNC.   “If this is not a big challenge to our people then what is?” asked UNC.

Further the Naga body said the Congress party will not be allowed to “use the soil of the Nagas to suppress the Nagas”.

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI |Sept 16

United Naga Council (UNC) said today that it will continue to oppose former chief minister O. Ibobi and the Congress party. The Naga body said it will not allow the former CM and the Congress party to hold the ongoing district level political workers’ conference in Naga areas.

Information and publicity wing of the UNC said that many Nagas or tribal people were killed in the state during the time of O. Ibobi led Congress government. “We cannot forget that soon about the atrocities meted out to the Nagas or tribal by the Ibobi Singh led communal government of Manipur,” said the UNC.  

The Naga body further said, “Because of the state sponsored terrorism under the O. Ibobi led Congress government many people were killed or traumatised”. The UNC further said that so many acts or bills were passed by the “O. Ibobi led Congress government to suppress the Nagas or the tribal people.”

According to UNC information and publicity wing, O. Ibobi had told in a programme recently that the seven district creation was his “bold step.” The UNC took this comment of O. Ibobi as “continuing challenge” to the Naga people. “The tripartite talks are going on because of the mess he and his government had created but he is still vocal on the seven district creation,” said UNC.   “If this is not a big challenge to our people then what is?” asked UNC.

Further the Naga body said the Congress party will not be allowed to “use the soil of the Nagas to suppress the Nagas”.

IMPHAL | Sept 16

The North-East Forum for International Solidarity today petitioned the Union ministry of Home Affairs seeking an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the death of state youth, Pravish Chanam, who was found secretly cremated at Noida recently.

A release said a memorandum submitted to the ministry maintained that since the UP police’s inquiry is bound to be heavily biased since its own personnel are implicated in the case, the apex agency CBI should be rope in.

It also demanded that the inquiry should especially probe the alleged connivance of police personnel with the criminals and hospital authorities. NEFIS has also intensified its efforts to seek the state government’s intervention in the case, it added.

Meantime, an FIR was reportedly lodged by the victim family regarding the case at the Sector 20 police station, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Noida demanding further investigation citing lapses on the part of the police.

IMPHAL | Sept 16

The North-East Forum for International Solidarity today petitioned the Union ministry of Home Affairs seeking an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the death of state youth, Pravish Chanam, who was found secretly cremated at Noida recently.

A release said a memorandum submitted to the ministry maintained that since the UP police’s inquiry is bound to be heavily biased since its own personnel are implicated in the case, the apex agency CBI should be rope in.

It also demanded that the inquiry should especially probe the alleged connivance of police personnel with the criminals and hospital authorities. NEFIS has also intensified its efforts to seek the state government’s intervention in the case, it added.

Meantime, an FIR was reportedly lodged by the victim family regarding the case at the Sector 20 police station, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Noida demanding further investigation citing lapses on the part of the police.