Tag: IFP

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 5

Joint action committee against the killing of one Oinam ongbi Tanu Devi (32) alleged her husband Oinam Chandrababu Singh and his family responsible for her death. Tanu passed away on September 2 under doubtful circumstances. 

The JAC along with the family member today carried out a protest rally from Tanu’s birth place Tera Sadokpam leikai towards the chief minister’s bungalow to submit a memorandum. The rally was blocked by a team of police personnel at near Tera Sayang Pukhri.

After moments of negotiation the rally continued and the agitators staged sit-in-protest at the west side of Kwakeithel bazar community hall.

Speaking to media person co-convenor of the JAC, Khumukcham ningol Langlen Leima recounted that Chandrababu’s elder brother called up Tanu’s mother at around 3.30 am on September 2, informing that Tanu has committed suicide by hanging herself on a Tamarind tree inside the residential premise of her husband.

On hearing the news, Tanu’s elder brother, Taorem Jayenta called back to the residence of Tanu and requested them not to take down the body from the tree until their reach the spot, she said.

When Jayenta reached the residence of Chandrababu, Thanga Karang Mangae Makhong police personnel was already there and the dead body was taken away to Bishnupur police station without the consent of Tanu’s family, Langlen added.

According to police personnel the body was already on the courtyard before they reach the crime scene, she added.

Langlen further said family members and Jayenta demanded for post-mortem as Tanu had died under doubtful circumstances. Consequently, Tanu’s body was taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) morgue for post-mortem.

“Jayenta and family members could sense pungent smell oozing out of Tanu’s body. They became more suspicious of foul play by Chandrababu and his family. During the process of post-mortem three scars were found on her dorsal side; one near the neck, two at the middle and lower back areas”, said Langlen.

Further the JAC co-convenor maintained that Tanu had frequent quarrel between her husband on the matter of dowry.  “The JAC strongly refute the police report of suicide as there are enough evidences that point to foul play by the husband’s family”, she added.

The stories narrated by the in-laws and husband of the deceased are all concocted to cover up their crime, Langlen asserted.

Meanwhile, the JAC submitted a memorandum to the chief minister demanding justice for the death. It demanded that a special investigating team (SIT) be formed to investigate into the matter hand over the findings to a fast-track court.

Investigation should be time bound within September 10 and the government should produce a white paper on this crime against women and should advise the SIT to act in conformity with the justice Verma Committee, Langlen demanded.

The dead body must not be handed without any proper investigation to both the parties, she said.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Sept 5

The JAC of Ukhrul Town Affected Households of NH-102A has expressed its discontentment over the notification given by the deputy commissioner of Ukhrul stating that survey and identifications of owners to be affected in expansion of the road of Hungpung Junction to Hoomi has been completed.

The Ukhrul DC gave its notification on June 20 and the same notifications also invited for submission of claims and objections of correction or omissions within July 20. To address the grievances, the affected household formed the JAC on July 2, consisting of 242 households.

As per the convenor of JAC, A. S. Ningmi, the DC issued the notification without the knowledge and consent of the land owners which amounted to arbitrary use of power with no public hearing.

The JAC submitted a memorandum to Ukhrul DC voicing objection to the notification on July 12. The affected households members also submitted a representation to the regional officer, National Highway Authority of India,  Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, Government of India, including the Ukhrul DC for initiating a new alignment of NH 102A at the eastern side of Ukhrul town. Further, the representation pointed out that the expansion of NH 102A in the heart of Ukhrul town as it is already congested and will be inconvenient to the public in general.

1. S. Ningmi has opined that a new alignment of the NH-102A at the eastern side of Ukhrul from Jail Road to Khaireng Kaphung-Muiyi-Shaokhak-Khararphung and to Talui will be more convenient concerning the future.

Secretary of the JAC, John Phungshok stated that the authority concerned has not responded so far in spite of the representation submitted. The size of the land is not expandable, however the population is increasing day by day and the numbers of vehicles is increasing rapidly which is a risk for pedestrian especially school going children, he added.

The JAC has called for immediate diversion of the NH-102A and immediate intervention of the authority concerned, and will organise campaigns and other democratic agitation if the grievances are not addressed.

IMPHAL | Sept 5

Thounaoujam Shyamkumar today raised concern over the rising crime against women in the State, especially on the social media. He encouraged girl students to concentrate in studies for a bright future.

The minister of forests and environment, MAHUD, town planning and horticulture and soil conservation, was speaking as the chief guest at the annual fresher’s meet (2017-2018) of GP Women’s college hostel at the DM college campus, Thangmeiband, Imphal West.

Th. Shyamkumar advised the girl students to study hard and maintain conducive atmosphere so that they can add value to their college. He also asked them to plant flowers and fruit bearing trees around the hostel campus.

As promised during his speech, Th. Shyamkumar kept his word by sending around 70 saplings of orange and lemon from the horticulture department for the hostel students which was appreciated by the teachers and students.

Addressing the gathering as the president of the function, Ksh. Rajeshwar Singh, superintendent, GP Women’s college hostel, said we have to maintain discipline in every sphere of our life to become a successful person.

He also drew the attention of the minister over the bad drainage system surrounding the hostel, established in 1965. B. Lalhari Sharma, principal, GP Women’s college, teaching and non-teaching staffs, and students attended the function. Cultural programmes were also showcased during the function.

THOUBAL | Sept 5

Lamding Educated Welfare Association (LEWA), Lamding Khumanthem Leikai, Thoubal district distributed financial aid today to the differently abled persons living in the locality of Lamding Khumanthem Leikai.

11 differently abled persons were provided with the aid along with motivation and encouragement.

On the occasion, Sajida begum attended as the chief guest while the former pradhan of gram panchayat, Sangaiyumfam, part II, Md. Wahidur Rahman and social worker, Sorokhaibam Haridas attended as president and guest of honour respectively.

President, LEWA club, Sorokhaibam Ojit expressing the purpose of the programme, stated that the club is taking efforts to achieve its four different goals. They are measures against drugs, providing aid to differently abled persons, plantation of tree saplings, and measure to increase human resource.

The club is currently involved in its drive against drugs along with the people. Efforts to give proper directions to drug addicts are currently taken up. Above all, the club organised the programme today, not because it has a sufficient amount of funds but to provide motivation to the differently abled persons. The club will try to organise the programme every year, he said.

He further said that everybody should take off a little time out of their busy schedule to do some social work for the people. The differently abled people should not be looked down with discriminatory eyes, they should be given encouragement, he said. 

It may be mentioned that two members of club Khumanthem Manichandra and Heikham Thomas, who were actively involved in its drive against drugs were felicitated, especially for their heroic act of protecting the life of president of the club, S. Ojit who was recently attacked by a drug addict.    

Teaching system in state needs introspection, says Y. Joykumar

IMPHAL | Sept 5

Deputy chief minister, Y. Joykumar Singh along with education minister, Th. Radheshyam Singh led the people to pay floral tribute to the portrait of departed educationist and Bharat Ratna Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.

 The State level observation was held at the auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) at Konung Mamang in Imphal. Speaking on the occasion, Y. Joykumar said there is a need to introspect the teaching system in the State. A lot of changes have been witnessed over a period of decades, he added.

In olden days, relationship between teachers and students were good enough to infuse knowledge. Competitive examinations were held regularly so that competitions among students increased a lot but in these days, it has been witnessing a change. He said good relationship between teachers and students are the key for an effective teaching and learning system.

Joykumar further said teachers should pay utmost care and love to the students as their children and at the same time students should also respect teachers as their parents so that a pleasant environment can be created for learning.

Teachers should not engage themselves only on formal teaching but to teach informal education like discipline and cleanliness to students. He appreciated the Green School Campaign undertaken by the education department in the State and appealed to take pledge by the teachers and students to teach and learn for a meaningful future.

Education minister Th. Radheshyam while speaking at the function said, teachers are the main contributing force that human resource development can be made possible in society. Keeping in view of the role played by the teachers, government is fully committed for their welfare. Their problems including transfer and posting, quarters in remote schools, service extension to the national and State awardees will soon be sorted out, he added.

On teaching and learning system in government Schools, Th. Radheshyam said there has been lack of extracurricular and co-curricular activities in schools which the government has taken care of and will try to revamp it soon.

Dhanamanjuri University bill and other two bills regarding regulation control and checking of private schools and private tuition centres will soon be implemented. Lauding the contributions made by private schools in education sector in the State, Th. Radheshyam appealed to all the stakeholders to co-operate with the government in bringing a major change in the sector in days to come.

Yumnam Radheshyam, chairman (MANIDCO & MANITRON) and T.T. Haokip, chairman, Hill Areas Committee of Manipur Legislative Assembly also spoke on the occasion.

Altogether, 10 teachers were awarded with State teachers’ award and teachers selected for their contributions in Green School Campaign were also felicitated in the function.

A book named “Education in Manipur” written by Dr. S. Jamini Devi was also released in the function. Principal secretary education(S) Vineet Joshi, commissioner (Higher & Technical Education) H. Deleep Singh, teachers and students participated in the function.

IMPHAL | Sept 5

All India Tanzeem-e-Insaaf (AITI), Lilong local council expressed strong condemnations against Yumnam Devjit, son of deputy CM, Yumnam Joykumar for posting inflammatory comments on Facebook against the followers of Islam religion. 

AITI strongly condemns the act of looking down upon the religion by portraying the important festival of Islam and its followers as inhuman and something to be dreaded upon, said a release. The organisation appealed the government to take actions against Devjit for hurting the religious sentiments of all Muslims, it said.  If the government plays the silent game on the issue, then AITI, Lilong local council along with civil society organisation of the state will take up extreme measures, it added.    

Meanwhile, All Manipur Muslim Development Committee also expressed condemnations against Devjit saying that his ignorance about secularism and federalism of a democratic country was very unfortunate, in a release. Devjit should not invite public outrage, but rather study how many followers of Islam are there in India, it said. The organisation appealed the government to draw its attention to the matter, it said adding AMMDC headquarters and all its units are prepared to take extreme measures if the state government remains a mute spectator.

A release by Muslim Council Manipur also condemned Devjit for the provocative comments in the social networking site. The deputy CM, Y. Joykumar must urgently give clarifications regarding the incident, it said adding that Devjit must be booked as per the law otherwise communal peace and harmony may become disrupted.

1. Joykumar and his son Y. Devjit must hold responsible if anything as such happens, it added.

TAMENGLONG | Sept 5

Due to the recent excessive rainfall, a massive landslide occurred at New Lambulane, Tamenglong Ward No. III, in the night of September 4. However there was no human casualty in the incident.

The incident occurred at around 10:30 pm and destroyed a kitchen of one person named Ramjonang, whose few kitchen items, a pig sty and pigs were also destroyed, however few piglets were rescued. Some land portion of Mathiubu Panmei was also affected.

Moreover, the short cut road from New Lambulane to Bazaar road has also been completely blocked.

In the meantime, New Lambulane village authority urged the authority concerned to look into the loss of properties caused by the natural calamity and to clear the landslide at the earliest.

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | Sept 4

Women should fight for their rights and get justice. When a man and woman produce a child, it is their responsibility to take care of the child and not leave them. Greed makes a person the way he behaves.

This was stated by governor Najma Heptulla following the screening of Manipuri feature film, ‘Nangna Kappa Pakchadey – Tears of a Woman’ at the Durbar hall, Raj Bhavan, here today.

Appreciating the works of the producers and the actors, she said that she would try to make some shows outside Manipur. The movie gave a message that women should be independent and not beg for anything, she added.  

She continued the movie focuses on the sufferings of a young village woman and her child left by her husband and denied of her rights. In spite of her young age she took the challenge to take the responsibility of the child and lives for the child. This kind of life, seen in all parts of the country, is the problem of the society, she added.

Further the governor said the film is so beautifully produced and so simple. There is no melodrama but a true story, she added. She also said that she had been working, nationally and internationally, for the empowerment of the women and had come across the same condition in other parts of the world.

Remembering a discussion with an African woman, she said that the woman collects firewood, cooks food, feed the children and husband go into the forest for a long walk and do not work. It is the woman who works. The story was the same everywhere. However, today the things are changing and that is the message of the film, she said.

She also expressed her desire to dub the film into Hindi or other languages instead of English as people in other country will have problem with the language and people will see more.

The film is the 5th production of PK films directed by Makhonmani Mongsaba, produced by Thouyangba and Thoungamba and story by Late Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi. The film, produced in the year 2013, has been screened in many international film festivals and has recently received the special judge award with the title ‘Epic Mirror of the Century’ from Kinshasa International Film Festival (KIFF).

Tonthoi, Denny, Leibakshemba are the lead actors with Sorojini, and Pishak supporting the movie. Many well-known women working in the field of women empowerment and other art lovers attended the screening.

Court rejects Ningthem’s bail application; several files seized

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 4

A police team led by sub-divisional police officer A. Ghanashyam Sharma today raided the plush home of former project director and presently officer on special duty of Manipur Development Society (MDS) Yambem Ningthem at Lamlongei Maning Leikai, Mantripukhri today.

The raid began at 6 am in the morning and was still continued at the time of filing this report.

The police team was seen talking to Ningthem in the presence of his wife. The police seized several files of MDS projects which were kept at his residence. The police also checked his laptops and searched the contents.

The state vigilance commission had in its inquiry report stated that Ningthem had kept several files pertaining to MDS projects at his residence.

Earlier today the district and sessions judge, Imphal West today issued house search warrant against Ningthem in connection with multi-crore MDS scam.

A case was lodged against Ningthem and five others including former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh on September 1, alleging huge financial irregularities totalling Rs.185.79 crores were committed.

The others in the FIR included former chief secretaries, D.S. Poonia, P.C Lawmkunga, O. Nabikishore Singh and also S. Ranjit Singh (administrative officers, MDS).

The FIR was lodged against them by Dr. Th. Muhindro Singh, joint secretary planning, government based on findings of the investigation conducted by the state vigilance commission.

Ghanashyam filed a plea seeking search warrant under section 93 Cr.P.C.

In his plea the SDPO submitted before the court that as per the inquiry report it has been indicated that the official and staff of MDS had not observed prescribed procedures, established norms and extant rules scrupulously, thereby facilitating the misappropriation of government funds of total liabilities of Rs.185.79 crores and prayed for issuing house search warrant.

Having examined the report submitted by the I.O report, the court found “sufficient grounds” for issuing house reach warrant and issued the same.

The same court also today rejected anticipatory bail plea of Ranjit Singh, administrative officers, MDS.

In his bail plea, the accused’s counsel submitted that the petitioner is working as an administrative officer in MDS and that the allegations made against Ranjit were “vague and baseless.”

However, the court observed that charges levelled against the accused are of criminal breach of trust, cheating, conspiracy and criminal misconduct by public servant, which are of serious offences and as such this court is not inclined to entertain the prayers of the accused and thereby rejected the bail plea.

Biren promises to enact acceptable law

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 4

Coming out of its hiatus, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permitt System JCILPS launched its fresh agitation today by taking out a peace rally in Imphal city area demanding a bill to regulate entry by outsiders.

On the other hand chief minister N. Biren Singh today said his government would soon start working on a bill that can safeguard the indigenous people of the state.

“As we are busy with 100 days programme of the government, Budget session and frequent floods in the state the government found little time to look into the bill issue. We will consult all stakeholders and experts so that a bill acceptable to all can be drafted and introduced in the Assembly,” Biren told reporters.

The rally started from the office of JCILPS located at Sega road Konjeng Hajari Leikai with around 120 volunteers. The rally headed to Wahengbam Leikai junction, Khoyathong point, Minuthong bridge, Hatta road, Wangkhei road, Advanced Hospital road and after passing through old Thumbuthong bridge, it passes Keishamthong bridge and culminated at JCILPS office.

Speaking to media persons, convenor of JCILPS, Arjun Telheiba said number of non-locals is becoming equivalent with the population of indigenous people of the state. Markets are becoming captive market by non-locals especially in the city area. Due to the increasing number of non-local population they are becoming majority in some places of the state. As impact of this, it affects the state economically and socially, he added.

He said due to increases population of non-locals, they got the courage to become candidates in elections. Due to their position of majority level they have elected one in the Assembly elections.

To protect the rights of indigenous people government must pass the ILP law at the earliest.

Answering questions, Telheiba said bandh, blockade, strike will not be resorted to as a part of agitation for the implementation of ILP. Agitation from now will not harm any student and public. Agitations like poster campaign, public meeting will be organised at different parts of the state to strengthen the movement of ILP issue, Telheiba asserted.

But, ILP being a public issue which touches the sentiments of public the agitation might become volatile. The bill should be passed during the winter session, he added. 

He further said to strengthen the movement mass public meeting will be organised within this month for all the ethnic groups of the state. The bill on land law does not affect the hill people who are settling in the state since 1951 as base year. The bill is to stop buying and selling of land by non-locals, Telheiba added.

As a movement of inner line permit a public meeting will be organised on September 20 as first step, it will include all the ethnic groups with other civil society organisation, Telheiba claimed.

IMPHAL | Sept 4

The governor Najma Heptulla has extended warm greetings to the people of Manipur, especially the members of the teaching community on the occasion of teachers’ day.

In her message Heptulla said September 5 is celebrated across the country in memory of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan a renowned educationist, scholar and a former President of India on his birth anniversary. Dr. Radhakrishnan recognised the importance of teachers who are the guides and mentors of the youth who are the future pillars of the society.

Every human being has to go through a learning phase and his mentor’s ability will determine the performance of his pupils, the message read, adding the traditional Guru-Shishya parampara has yielded to the present system of schools, colleges and universities with the basic principle of imparting knowledge remaining the same.

The teachers are therefore, the shapers of our future and hence their services need to be acknowledged and I have no doubt that they will continue to strive to provide their services with utmost dedication and devotion, said Heptulla.

Arrest Yumnam Devjit within 48 hours: MMWO

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 4

The Manipur Muslim Welfare Organisation (MMWO) has submitted a complaint against Yumnam Devjit Singh, son of deputy chief minister, Yumnam Joykumar Singh at the cyber crime police station today.

The report stated that Devjit on his Facebook wall had posted a “communal statement” and hurt the sentiments of the minority Muslims. The report prayed that necessary action be taken and arrest Devjit under section 153-A, 295 and 295-A of the IPC for insulting religious beliefs.

Devjit had uploaded a post stating “Kurbani Kaina, sha hatpa, mi hatpa heinaba practice touhanbani ni. Atei keim nte” (killing of animals at Qurbani is a practice to be able to kill animal, men and nothing else). This post met with severe criticism in the social media.

President of MMWO Abdullah Pathan said ‘Qurbani is our religious practice. We have submitted a report to the police and seek necessary action within 48 hours for his communal statement,” Pathan said adding that he requests the Muslim people not to retort to his hate post and avoid any communal statements.

“His mental frame is questionable. The deputy chief minister needs to reprimand his son. How can he serve the public when he cannot even bring his own son under control? He should resign on moral grounds,” Pathan added.

He mentioned that the state BJP has not imposed any form of religious dictate in the state like the beef ban and the Muslim community is proud of N. Biren and his political will. But such statement from the son of a political figure is an attempt to spread communal tension which is a crime.

The MMWO has complained to the cyber-crime police today and necessary co-operation is promised from the police, he said adding that the Muslim civil organisations are prepared to commence agitations if action is not taken up.

IMPHAL | Sept 4

Commerce, industry and textiles minister Thongam Biswajit Singh has strongly instructed handlooms and textiles department officials to follow guidelines of the central sponsored schemes during implementation.

Chairing a monthly review meeting of the department this evening at the conference hall of his new secretariat office, Biswajit explained that decrease in fund flow from the Centre is due to failure of the departments concerned to submit their utilisation certificates in time. He continued if the officials follow the scheme guidelines properly there will be no problem during preparation of utilisation certificate.               

Instructing the officials to ensure proper implementation of the handloom and handicrafts delivery scheme, Biswajit said the government has a stock of 50,000 yarn for distribution to the weavers and Rs 1 crore to buy back of the finished products from the weavers.

According to the officials, as on August 7, a total of 2236 weavers have registered and enrolled under the scheme, whereas the target of the department is to enroll and register 5000 weavers.

The minister also instructed the officials to distribute the remaining solar lamps to the beneficiaries under the solar home lighting system.

During the meeting, the officials apprised the minister that the state level project committee constituted will recommend 80 numbers of cluster development projects under NERTPS, 20 block level cluster under NHDP, one consolidation of 27 clusters under NHDP, two each of mega handloom clusters and handloom parks and 20 numbers of handloom cluster under MSME to the Centre for the year 2017-18 in the Handloom Sector.

Officials also informed that the directorate of handlooms and textiles will propose 20 projects each of handicrafts cluster projects under AVHY, setting up of Common Facility Centres (ITDS), handicraft clusters under MSME and two for mega handicraft clusters under NERTPS and 16 for Technical Training on Handicrafts for SC Artisans.

Biswajit also strongly instructed the officials concerned to submit the list of beneficiaries who have already received the amount sanctioned for procurement of looms but yet to procure the looms.

During the meeting, the minister also discussed the issues of developing hill Haats and Crafts Centre in each districts of the State, setting up of textile workers hostels, establishment of district handlooms and textiles offices, etc.

Today’s meeting was attended by principal secretary (Textiles, Commerce & Industries) L. Lakher, director Lamlee Kamei, project manager of all districts and other officials of the department.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 4

Spiritual leader of Tibetan people, Dalai Lama, is likely to visit Manipur to attend international peace conference in October, said Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker, Y. Khemchand Singh.

Speaking to media persons at his office chamber, the Speaker said he met with the spiritual leader during his recent visit to Dharmasala, Himachal Pradesh to attend a workshop on “Tribal of India and social issues” following an invitation by Kuldeep Agnihotri, vice-chancellor, Himachal University.

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 need of the hour.

The Dalai Lama positively responded to my proposal, said Khemchand adding that an international peace conference would be organised in the state.

Khemchand further said that he had talked to Dalai Lama’s secretary and soon an official invitation would be sent to organise the conference in the last week of October.

The Speaker informed that he presided over the workshop which was organised by Himachal University and participated by dignitaries from across the North east.

Citing the land law of Himachal Pradesh which gives protection from non-locals, he expressed the need to carefully digest such laws taking into the issue of protecting indigenous population confronting the state.

From Our Correspondent

LAMKA | Sept 4

An alleged cadre of UG involving in a crime of killing his commander in-chief was detained today under National security Act (NSA), 1980 by order of Churachandpur District Magistrate which came after a dossier prepared by SP of Churachandpur.

The alleged cadre of KNLF identified as Ngamminlien Haokip alias Diamond (23), who is involved in four FIR cases, including killing of its commander in-chief, (L) Lalmoi Haokip last months at Tuibong, Churachandpur, was ordered to be detained today under NSA, 1980 by District Magistrate Churachandpur after his police remand period was over.

It may be worth mentioning that any detainee under NSA has to spend one year in jail at a stretch without any bail and the order of NSA can only be challenged in front of advisory board of high court after expiry of six weeks.

In another related news from the police department of Churachandpur district under its SP, Rakesh Balwal of Drug Cell, a team of Drug Cell, Ccpur and Ccpur police station led by SI Thanglianmang Paite seized liquors during a raid conducted at New Bazar area and picked up one shopkeeper in the process from whom they seized Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) this morning.

One hotelier identified as Ibemcha Monalisa of OK Hotel was arrested for selling liquor and was produced before SDM of Ccpur. She was released for good behaviour bond after her signing a bond under 107 of CrPC that she will not repeat the acts in future.

From Our Correspondent

MOREH | Sept 4

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day visit to Myanmar, two diesel tankers carrying 40 thousand litres altogether were delivered to Myanmar for the first time.

In a programme held today at the Land customs office, Moreh gate no. 1, the oil tankers provided by Numaligrah Refinery Limited (NRL) were handed over to Parami energy services co. Ltd Myanmar. 

The programme was attended by CGM (HR) NRL, AK. Bhattadharya, director (T) NRL, BJ. Phukan, director (F) NRL, SK Barna from India and finance manager, U kyaw htay, senior manager, U win myint, manager of projects, U khin Mg Myint and management head of services, U Soe Win.     

SK Barna told the media on the simple ceremony of handling over of oil, that the diesel provided today was the first consignment. In the future, India and Myanmar will work together regarding matters related to oil.

IMPHAL | Sept 4

The Manipur University Teachers’ Association (MUTA) has extended supports the nation-wide movement of ‘Court Arrest Programme’ on the day of teachers’ day celebration to protest against the apathetic attitude of Central government. 

A release by the general secretary of the association, L. Bishwanath Sharma said it strongly support the movement launched by demands by Federation of Central University Teachers Associations and All India Federation of University & College Teachers’ Organisations and their demands.

MUTA had already expressed solidarity to the movement by observing ‘Black Day’ on August 22, it said.

In continuation of our journey towards the standing goal, the secretary on behalf of the MUTA humbly appealed to all the members for their co-operation and solidarity by abstaining from the nation-wide observation of teachers’ day celebration on September 5. 2017.

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | Sept 3

State filmmaker Oinam Doren’s ‘My name is Eeooow’ has won its second International award at the recently concluded 23rd film festival della Lessinia held in Bosco Chiesanuova in Italy from August 19 to 27. 

The film won the prize from the Curatorium Cimbricum Veronense in memory of Piero Piazzola and Mario Pigozzi for the best film by a young director. Piero Piazzola and Mario Pigozzi are founders of the 23 years old festival. The film is produced by CCRT.

It may be noted that the film already won the ‘Intangible culture prize’ in UK in April this year.  The governor of Meghalaya, Banwarilal Purohit had also arranged for the screening of the film twice in Raj Bhavan, Shillong.

In the two screenings, the filmmaker was felicitated. Further in October, the film will be screened in Estonian national museum in Tartu, Estonia and Rajasthan International folk music festival, Jodhpur.

The film is set in Kongthong village, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. Kongthong is a quaint little village about 60 Km away from Shillong. The inhabitants there practice a unique tradition called the Jyngwrai Iawbei.

The Jyngwrai Iawbei is the practice of having musical tunes as names in honour of the clan ancestress. The song names come as an expression of the mother’s love for her new born. The film follows the families of two married sisters; Shidiap Khongsit and Shithoh Khongsit whose children have to stay in Shillong for higher studies as the village school has provision for only up to class seven.

The sisters’ families depend mostly on broom and betel nuts cultivation as a source of income. Two years back, a rocky road reached Kongthong village making trading and connectivity to Shillong easier. But as the kids leave the village one by one for higher studies, the filmmaker tries to question what happens to the Jyngwrai Iawbei, the eternal symbol of mother’s love.

Beautifully shot and augmented with melodious music by khasi folk singer Bah Kerios Wahlang, the filmmaker Doren pays rich tribute to Meghalaya’s beautiful landscape and the young khasi boys, the inheritance of its rich culture.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 3

Newly formed JAC Against the Brutal Killing of Oinam Tanu Devi has decided not to allow last rites of Tanu until the post mortem report is issued by the forensic department.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, the JAC convenor Kh. Langlen that the JAC disagreed with the claim made by the deceased’s husband and his family that Tanu committed suicide by hanging herself at her house.

The visible signs bruise all over the deceased’s body are caused by brutal torture and it is suspected that Tanu was hanged after she was killed by her husband as her husband frequently torture Tanu in the past, she added.

The convenor said the JAC will organise a public meeting tomorrow at Khamnam Leirak Sadokpam community hall to discouse the next course of action and invited the civil bodies to take part in the meeting to bring justice for late Tanu.

IMPHAL | Sept 3

A division bench of the High Court of Manipur has passed an order on August 30 banning cutting down of tress from the reserved forest areas as well as excavation process for any purpose without the permission of the high court.

The order was passed in accordance with the PIL filed by Save Environment Campaign Committee, Heingang, chairman, Mutum Inaobi on August 28.

The petitioner in his PIL raised the issue about the unhindered and indiscriminate excavation especially in reserved forest area in the valley.

It also pointed out that illegal activities of deforestation and excavation are going on in various reserved forest in valley area.

Speaking to media persons, Inaobi expressed gratitude and appreciation with the order passed by the high court.

He said that the judgment of the high court will enlighten courageous of many people who want to save the degraded conditions of forest and environment of the state.

Inaobi appealed to the people of the state to follow the court order to save the environment from degradation.