Tag: IFP

IMPHAL | Aug 23

Consumer affairs, food and public distribution and revenue minister Karam Shyam today extended his condolence over the demise of former chief minister and parliamentarian Rishang Keishing.

Calling the demise of Keishing as a big loss to the state, Karam Shyam said that Manipur politics has lost a bright star.

Shyam met the family members of late Rishang Keishing at the residence of the late leader at Mantripukhri, Imphal West and offered his deepest condolence. The minister said, “We have lost an ideal leader and a great son of Manipur who dedicated his entire life for the welfare of the state and the people. Keishing was a source of inspiration for the entire state, particularly to the youth”.

 He also said Keishing was a fine human being who believed in humanity and social harmony. His public service that took a span of almost 70 years which include being the member of India’s first Parliament will be hard to replicate, he added.

Former minister, chairman, Bharat Sevak Samaj Manipur state branch, Haobijam Kangjamba Singh, acknowledging his noble deeds in a release, said that the departed leader was once arrested during the massive protest, which was held in demand for the statehood of Manipur, and was put to Manipur jail.

He was later transferred to Nagao Special Jail Assam, it said adding Keishing was very energetic and never touched alcohol or any other form of intoxicants during his lifetime. The branch organised a condolence meeting at 3 pm today at the conference hall of Hotel Mass where his life works were discussed, it further said. A two minute silence was observed in prayer for the peace of the departed, it added.    

The staff of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal has also condoled the demise of the former CM. A condolence meeting was held today at the administration block of the institute under the chairmanship of Prof. H. Nabachandra, director in-charge.

The All Manipur Gorkha Students’ Union (AMGSU) has deeply condoled on the sudden demise of the former chief minister of Manipur, Rishang Keishing.

A release said, AMGSU has observed one minute silence at its office at Kanglatongbi, as a mark of respect to the departed soul. President of AMGSU, L.B. Adhikari stated that Manipur has lost an eminent personality and a great leader who had always worked for the development and welfare of the state during his tenure.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Committee of Recognised Private Schools expressed today deep condolences over the sudden demise of the former chief minister of Manipur, Rishang Keishing.

Addressing the departed as a true born leader of Manipur, the committee acknowledged him as a patriot who loved his people dearly without keeping prejudices to any particular section of the society, said a release. The committee shares the grief of the bereaved family, it said.

Tarahei Youth Development Organisation (TYDO) have also organised a condolence meeting over the loss. At the meeting, his life works and noble deeds were acknowledged and lamented over the fact the huge hole he had left will be never be filled by the people, said a release. The organisation pray for the peace of the departed soul and shares the grief of the bereaved family, it added.

IMPHAL | Aug 23

The governor of Odisha, S.C. Jamir has expressed heartfelt condolence on the sudden demise of former chief minister and Parliamentarian, Rishang Keishing yesterday.

In his message, he said, “Having imprisoned during the student days for participating in country’s freedom struggle and later drawn to politics from teaching profession Keishing has the distinction of not only being the member of the first Lok Sabha from Manipur but also represented the state in both Houses of Parliament for the longest period in the history of the state”.  “As the chief minister of Manipur, he served the state with great passion and commitment. Keshing, the tallest figure in North East has vast contribution to the development of North East in general and Manipur in particular”, it said.

It further said, “Besides being a leader of great stature he had been personally been an excellent sportsman and specialised in Javelin throw. Both of us shared intimate relation both in personal as well as political life”.

“Late Keishing will always be remembered for his value based politics and as a popular leader of the masses. His passing away is an irreparable loss to the state and a great personal loss to me”, it added.

IMPHAL | Aug 23

The governor of Manipur, Najma Heptulla expressed heartfelt condolences on the sudden demise of former chief minister and Parliamentarian, Rishang Keishing yesterday.

In her message, she said, “He dedicated his whole life for the development of the people of the state. He served the State and the person tirelessly throughout his life and his passing away is an irreparable loss which is difficult to fill up.” 

It further said that she shared the loss and sorrow and prayed that family members and the people of Manipur may have the strength to bear his loss and for his soul to rest in peace.

IMPHAL | Aug 23

The 12 artistes’ team of the Rhythms of Manipur has returned home on August 22 after successful presentation of folk music performance at Vientiane the capital of Loas People’s Democratic Republic.

A release said the team led by Rajkumar Sanatomba a panel artiste of the Festival of India Abroad Cell of the Ministry of Culture and founder artiste of the Rhythms of Manipur gave about one and half hour music performance at the Don Chan Palace Hotel on August 20 evening.

The event was organised by the embassy of India, Vientiane in connection with the 70th anniversary of India’s Independence and also to mark the 25th anniversary of India-ASEAN relations, it said.

The performance was witnessed by one deputy minister of the Laos, People’s Democratic Republic, Ravi Shankar Aisola, ambassador, embassy of India, diplomatic Staff of the embassy of India, Indian community and local audience.

All present at the event enjoyed at the fine music performance and expressed their desire to host the event again. The tour was sponsored by ministry of Culture, it added.

IMPHAL | Aug 23

The Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Y. Khemchand today condoled the demised of former chief minister Rishang Keishing who expired yesterday at RIMS ICU.

In a statement the Speaker said, “It is a great sadness to the country to see the loss of such a great and oldest parliamentarian, whose contribution towards the cause of the state would ever remain unforgettable”.

“It is highly commendable that he was elected as member of the parliament to the first Lok Sabha from the outer parliamentary constituency of Manipur under the Indian Socialist Party in 1952 and then sworn in as the 11th chief minister of Manipur on November 27, 1980”, it said.

1. Khemchand also extended his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and prayed that the god give strength to bear the loss.

IMPHAL | Aug 23

The Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Y. Khemchand today condoled the demised of former chief minister Rishang Keishing who expired yesterday at RIMS ICU.

In a statement the Speaker said, “It is a great sadness to the country to see the loss of such a great and oldest parliamentarian, whose contribution towards the cause of the state would ever remain unforgettable”.

“It is highly commendable that he was elected as member of the parliament to the first Lok Sabha from the outer parliamentary constituency of Manipur under the Indian Socialist Party in 1952 and then sworn in as the 11th chief minister of Manipur on November 27, 1980”, it said.

1. Khemchand also extended his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and prayed that the god give strength to bear the loss.

THOUBAL | Aug 23

A sit-in protest was staged today organised by the Joint Action Committee against the killing of Sidharth alias Oupa Moirganthem at the market of Heirok Part II, Thoubal condemning the killing.

Placards saying, “We condemn the Killing of Sidharth alias Oupa Moirganthem”, “Save the students of North East India”, “To provide justice at the earliest” and “Don’t spread rumours” were demonstrated during the protest.

Mention may be made that, Sidharth, the son of former minister M. Okendro died on August 22 after he fell from the terrace of a restaurant at Delhi’s Hauz Khas village in a suspicious manner.

THOUBAL | Aug 23

A sit-in protest was staged today organised by the Joint Action Committee against the killing of Sidharth alias Oupa Moirganthem at the market of Heirok Part II, Thoubal condemning the killing.

Placards saying, “We condemn the Killing of Sidharth alias Oupa Moirganthem”, “Save the students of North East India”, “To provide justice at the earliest” and “Don’t spread rumours” were demonstrated during the protest.

Mention may be made that, Sidharth, the son of former minister M. Okendro died on August 22 after he fell from the terrace of a restaurant at Delhi’s Hauz Khas village in a suspicious manner.

MLA blames former government

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 22

Charges have cropped up from a former councillor of Yaiskul Assembly constituency regarding pilferage of National Food Security Act rice. Allegation is that gross nepotism and manipulation have been conducted in the rice distribution.

Addressing a press conference at Manipur Press Club today, Y. Ratikanta, former councillor of ward number 19 of Yaiskul constituency stated that he sought information regarding the rice distribution through the RTI Act recently.

The reply he received from the consumer affairs, food and pubic distribution department mentioned that rice had been allocated for the constituency till April 2017. But, the signatures of distribution made in the beneficiaries ration books states that rice had been distributed for May, June and July of this year.

The month of January, February, March and April is blank in all the ration books. For evidence, he showed several cards which supported his statement.

He questioned the motive of distributing rice quota sanctioned for the earlier four months as rice quota for the latter three months. “What will happen to the rice of the last four months?” he charged.

Moreover, he alleged that the fair price shops and agents have been neglected as the distribution is done by a committee called Development Welfare Committee through its secretary namely A Joychandra.

Hinting political favouritism, he said that the CAF and PD department has turned a blind eye and the SDO concerned signs the utilisation certificate authorising the committee secretary Joychandra to receive the monthly quota. Joychandra is not a registered rice agent, he added.

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Further, he distributes the rice through his committee deriding the authority of the registered local distribution agents, said Ratikanta.

It was alleged that the ward members are also empowered to sign the rice quota utilisation certificate where only councillors concerned are authorised to do so. He mentioned that ward member of 19, Yaiskul a/c , namely T Gobind also signed for Ward number 18 among other discrepancies. Ratikanta stated that the rice quota for November and December were not distributed too.

In the regard, Imphal Free Press called up the concerned MLA Th Satyabrata. He clarified that he became an MLA in March 2017 and anomalies in rice distribution before his tenure is not within his ambit.

“I have started distributing rice from April onwards and there have been no lapses and there will not be any in future also” he added saying that if complaint arises regarding concerned rice agents, then it can be handed over to a welfare organisation in the interest of the public.

Imphal East district supply officer also commented that an agent can be removed if found indulging in any pilferage and another agent or a body can be deputed as an interim arrangement.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL| Aug 22

 Mainam Ningol Chaobi Devi (87), who is blind ever since birth, has been living without getting any pension benefits under government scheme. She hails from Thoubal district which is the assembly constituency O. Ibobi, the former chief minister who held the post for 15 long years.

Chaobi who lives at Wangmataba College Road, Thoubal can still hold conversations well even in her age. However, the family members have expressed disappointments regarding the matter towards the departments concerned.

Representative of social welfare department had visited her residence before and took her photographs, but nothing came from it. Choabi holds her disability certificate; however she has received not a single benefit from any of the departments concerned.

After it was being circulated in the social media regarding her conditions, this reporter went to her residence for an interview.  Brojendro, son of (L) Mainam Kunjo who was the younger brother of Chaobi, expressed that his parents told him that her aunt had lost her eyesight when she reached around four months after birth.

She has turned 87 years of age, and all her siblings have passed away. To make their Aunt’s life a little comfortable, they had been trying and pushing hard to deliver some benefits from social welfare department for the last 15 years, but unfortunately to no avail. 

Brojendro further said that they started requesting for her old age pension 15 years before, during the time when Leitanthem Tomba was the MLA of Thoubal district.  But nothing has been provided so far.

A former chairperson of Thoubal municipal council has also assured help. In this regard they had submitted all the required documents to departments concerned but no results had come out it so far.

Brojen said, “It is not that we are craving for the meagre pension provided by the government. But we wish to see her happy to receive her pensions as she has been left out from the rest.”

He further appealed to the departments concerned of the new government to look into the matter.  

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 22

Joint bodies strongly condemned the daylong detention of a retired Assam Rifles personnel at Khoupum Dithaolong without any reason by the Sikh Light Regiment posted at Namkaolong Part-1, Khoupum, Noney district.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal  Rongmei Lu Phwan(RLP) Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, president, Panti Gonmei said that on August 17 retired Assam Rifles personnel, Aku Panmei son of Gikhongai Panmei of Taolingpung was picked up from his residence by the Sikh Regiment and forced him to hold an AK-47 rifles and took snap to make him look like an UG cadre.

Earlier in July month he was picked up by the same Sikh Regiment while he was working in his paddy field and wrongly accused him as UG cadre and they even refused to entertain his identity card shown to them, she added. The Sikh Regiment even rang him up and threatened that they can even arrest women if they want to, said the Panti.

She continued that such action of the Sikh Regiment created fear among the people of Khoupum. “The sepoys shamelessly disrobed their uniforms when a woman appeared to fetch water,” added the president.

The joint bodies asked the Sikh Regiment to delete the photo of Aku holding the gun and also asked them to apologise for their inhuman act.

Panti appealed to all citizens and civil bodies of the state to condemn and extend solidarity to the fight against human rights abuse.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 22

The Film Forum Manipur (FFM) maintaining that the Manipuri cinema is at the receiving end due to frequent interference, appealed to all concerned to refrain from giving further hindrances to secure the future of the cinema.

Speaking to media persons during a press interaction at the Manipur press club, S. Mangaoljao, FFM chairman, said it is a well-known fact the future of Manipuri cinema hangs in the balance for several reason. But, despite the fact, inference from various pressure groups continues putting the cinema at the receiving end, he said.

 The forum chairman appealed to all concerned to stop asking for donations and monetary demands of any forms.

Mangaolja further appealed to all concerned to avoid the trend of imposing frequent ban on Manipuri cinema for unintended error committee by film makers.

“As a human being we make mistakes. There may be loopholes while making a film but instead of targeting the film by banning it. We request any concerned groups to approach the forum and settle any issue amicably”, said Mangoljao.

The FFM chairman informed that the forum has reviewed its norm with regards to screening and producing Manipuri cinema.

Spelling of some of the new norms, he said that the forum will start conducting preview of film and music video weekly basis, every Saturday.

To do so film maker or producers are asked to approach the forum for the preview with relevant document on Friday, he said before adding that fine would be imposed if any of the film makers crosses the stipulated timeline.

He further informed that fine will also be imposed on producers or film makers, to seek registration of the title prior to filming.

To put up advertisement for films, to screen Manipuri cinema and music video through cable TV outside Imphal etc, permission should be sought from the forum failing which action would be taken against the producers, warned Mangoljao.

IMPHAL | Aug 22

Kangliepak Student’s Association (KSA) called off the 48 hours general strike which was scheduled from August 23 to 27 after coming to terms with the minister of CAF and PD, Karam Shayam and DGP L. M. Khaute, this evening.

Sources said that it was agreed between the two parties that a further meeting will be held along with the chief minister at 3 pm on August 25. It was resolved that the arrested students will be released without any conditions within the next 3 days, it said.

It was also agreed upon that the ongoing search and arrest of students is to be stopped altogether, the source continued.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 22

The JN Hospital Pharmacy Association today appealed to all concerned to approach the association in the event of misconduct meted out by anyone members of the association.

Speaking to media persons during a press conference held today, the general secretary of the association, N Jhalajit, said that pharmacist operating in and around the JNIMS hospital has been often given bad image by miscreants in several occasions.

The pharmacists have been implicated for wrong reasons for mischief and anti-social activities perpetrator by miscreants, who identified themselves as the member of the association many times, he said.

He said that they (association) have rounded up five youths were engaged in a brawl with patient parties recently in the premises of the hospital.

The youths who were drunk identified themselves as members of the association before leaving the place, he said.

The youths have been reportedly handed over to their family after counselling and have been identified as one K. Ajaydeva Meitei, 22, son of K. Tomba of Phabakchao, N. Boby Singh, 23, son of N. Joykumar Singh of Thanga Karang Konsam Leikai, M. Bidyananda Singh, 24, of Khoujuman Mayai Leikai, Chinglemba Longjam, 23, son of Yairipok Kekru and N. Premchand, 22, son of Bishnupur Khoijuman.

IMPHAL | Aug 22

With an aim to create mass awareness and to pledge for eyes donation after death, Saksham, Manipur Prant is organising the ‘Eye Donation Campaign Fortnight’ programme on August 25, at Iboyaima Sumang Lila Shanglen, Konung, Imphal. The campaign will continue till September 8.

Speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly, Y. Khemchand Singh and chairman MPCB & KVIB, government of Manipur L. Radhakishore Singh will attend as chief guest and president respectively, in the inaugural function of the campaign.

It is worth recalling that the National Eye Donation Fortnight is observed every year from August 25 to September 8.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |Aug 22

The ‘watershed meeting’ of the first Naga People’s Front (NPF) central executive council (CEC) headed by Neiphiu Rio which was held today in Kohima adopted six resolutions.

 The first resolution said that, the “NPF welcomes the good progress and achievements made thus far” in the government of India and NSCN (IM) peace process and the NPF is content that the political dialogue has reached the final stage.

“While appreciating the fact that the negotiating  parties understands the difficulties and limitations of both the entities, the NPF urge upon the negotiating parties to expedite the peace process with more zeal in order to bring  about an amicable and honourable solution respecting the unique Naga history at the earliest,” it added.

 The second resolution stated that, “for too long, the presidential decisions and actions of Dr. Shürhozelie  Liezietsu was engulfed  within the perimeter of four deleterious  tenets .i.e autocratic, dictatorial, undemocratic and unconstitutional”. While suspensions and expulsions of the party legislators became the order of the day, Dr. Shürho abusively converted the NPF party into a family fiefdom, it alleged.

 “Therefore, in order to save the party from further destructions and mutilations, the more then 2/3rd absolute majority of NPF Legislature Party selected Neiphiu Rio three times chief minister and MP (Lok Sabha) and the tallest Naga Leader as the interim president, consequently a grace period of 15 days was served to Dr. Shürho to repent and resign from the president,” it added. The NPF CEC then supported and endorsed the decision of NPF Legislature Party taken on July 31, 2017.

 It also adopted another resolution that, with the expiry of the 15 days deadline on August 13,  for Dr. Shürhozelie to step down as the president, the NPF CEC unanimously agreed that Neiphiu Rio shall no longer be the “interim president” but will become the full-fledged president of NPF.

 The NPF CEC then fully endorsed the decision of the president to convene the NPF General Convention on September 20, 2017 at Dimapur and extended its supports and endorsed the constitution of Search Committee for the selection of President and Central Office Bearers (COB).

 “While the ongoing leadership dispute and the crisis in the party is unfortunate, the NPF CEC sincerely appeals the general public not to Panic but to remain steadfast with the leadership of Neiphiu Rio, president NPF and TR Zeliang chief minister as to ensure peace and tranquillity. Meanwhile, the NPF CEC is confident that the leadership dispute shall be settled soon by the ECI”, another resolution added.

The Neiphiu Rio led NPF CEC extended its “unwavering and unflinching support to the leadership of Neiphiu Rio, President and T.R Zeliang, Chief Minister and further appeals to the party men and women to come and join the majority group and support the NPF led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government”.

Meanwhile, the Dr Shurhozelie led NPF has announced today convene “an emergency Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting” on August 25.

“In exercise of the powers conferred on me vide Article No IV Clause c (ii) of the Constitution, I, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, President Naga People’s Front do hereby convene an emergency Central Executive Council (CEC) Meeting on the 25th of August 2017 (Friday) at 11 am in the Central Office headquarters in Kohima. Therefore, all the Central Executive Council (CEC) members are directed to attend the meeting without fail,” said Dr Shurhozelie in his notification issued today.

IMPHAL | Aug 22

The National Federation of Postal Employees (NFPE), New Delhi has called for one day strike on August 23, demanding 10 points charter of demands. A release by divisional secretary of All India Postal Employees Union, Group-C, Manipur has stated that employees of Manipur Postal Division will join the strike on the particular day in support of NFPE.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 22

Lamphel police pick up the five protesters of 13th batch, fast-to death protest of the Home Guard’s Association and the 14th batch of the fast-to death protest started from today’s afternoon.

It has been two weeks the home guards personnel took up agitation demanding to increase their monthly allowance as directed by the Supreme Court.

During a recent meeting with the home guard representatives with the chief minister and other officials, the chief minister told them that the government can increase only Rs 2000 in their allowance as the state has less resource. On the other hand the home guard personnel had claimed that 90 percent of their allowance is to be given by the central government.

As the government cannot fulfill the home guard’s demand during the meeting, the association had decided to wait for a positive response from the government till the last day of the month by continuing the fast-to death protest.

IMPHAL | Aug 22

The head of department of Radiodiagnosis, RIMS, Imphal has informed that MRI test will not be conducted in RIMS for a few days until further order as the MRI machine installed in the department is going through some technical problem, said a release by medical superintendent of RIMS.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 22

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) today imposed a nation width strike for all the banks across the country as protest against against privatisation of banks and writing off of corporate Non-performing Assets (unpaid loan).

As a part of the strike UFBU, Manipur state committee staged a sit-in protest today in front of State Bank of India, M.G. Avenue.

Speaking to media persons, UFBU, Manipur state co-convenor, Soibam Indrakumar said that in the last 27 years, hard earned peoples savings have been exposed to unscrupulous loot by big corporate houses and has created an astronomical figure of Rs. 15,00,000 crores of unpaid loan.

He added instead of stringent measures for recovery of the bad loan, the government is planning to privatise banks and propose the merge of weak banks with stronger one to enable them make bigger banks which can finance bigger loans.

Pivatisation of banks will not be able to give priority for the poor and it will only give benefits to the rich and big corporate houses, said the co-convenor.

Indrakumar said that the strike is not for the bank employee but it is for the welfare of the whole public.

The top management of the bank should be held accountable for the mounting bad loans in banks, he added.

UFBU Manipur state appealed to the government to not privatise banks thinking for the welfare of the general public.