Tag: IFP

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 20

Information and public relation minister, Th. Biswajit said that Manipuri language does not belong to only one community but belongs to the whole community of the state.

He was delivering the chief guest speech on the state level celebration function of 26th Manipuri Language Day today at Iboyaima Sumang Leela Shanglen, Imphal organised by the 26th Manipuri Language Day State Level Celebration Committee.

The minister said that the inclusion of the Manipuri language in the 8th scheduled is a big achievement of the state and the credit should be given to all the people who are working very hard to uplift the Manipuri language.

Promoting and preserving Manipur language is necessary in making a bright future of the state with all round development, he added.

Biswajit said that the information and public relation department will help at its best level to uplift the Manipuri language by organising awareness programme and assured to set up a separate directorate of language.

Education minister, Th. Radheshyam speaking on the occasion assured that the government will try at its best level for the inclusion of Manipuri script in Indian currency.

The minister said that organising of debate and essay competition on the topic “Manipuri language” will be very helpful in uplifting and promoting the language.

Moreover shumang leela, Manipuri film, drama and song also play a big role in promoting the language and to make it popular, added Radheshyam.

Consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister, Karam Shyam said that the people can express his thought fully through their mother tongue so it is important to preserve and promote mother tongue. People should not feel hesitant in speaking their mother tongue, he added.

The function was attended by the organising committee’s, chairman, Th. Tombi as president.

The Patriotic Writers Forum, (PAWF) Manipur also celebrated the 26th Manipur Language Day at Manipur Press Club, Imphal.

PAWF literary awards were distributed during the function and a journal and three books were also released.

The  function was attended by SDC, Kakching, L. Ashakumar as chief guest, PAWF president, Raghu Leishangthem as president and retired project officer, A. Meme as guest of honour.

Delivering the key note address, PAWF, secretary, Rakesh Moirangthem said that people started to mixed Sanskrit and other major language like Hindi and English while speaking Manipuri and such action will one day leads to extinction of many Manipuri words.

So it is high time to preserve and promote the Manipur language to make the language alive for the future generation, he added.

He said that PAWF appealed to the government to take up necessaries steps to make the Manipuri script include in the Indian currency.

All Manipur Students Union also celebrated the 26th Manipuri Language Day at its office at DM College campus.

IMPHAL | Aug 20

Socialist Democratic Party of India, Manipur state has organised its get together function today at hotel classic, Imphal.

The get together was held as a part of the ongoing campaign organised by the Socialist Democratic Party of India from August 1 to 25 against the increasing rate of lynching and mob violence towards Muslims and Dalit community in India, said a release.

The organisation alleged that the BJP government and Sangh Parivar have murdered many Muslims and Dalit in the name of protecting cows, it said adding  the prime minster have willingly turned a blind eye to their plights.

Resolutions were made in the meeting that the lynching without trail must be stopped, those who are doing business on cows should be dealt only under the constitutional laws, and must not be discriminated on the basis of race or caste. Those who are breaking the constitutional laws must be investigated, it added. 

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 19

The Manipur Home Guard Employees Welfare Association will be satisfied to accept 90 percent of their share to be given by the central government and forego the state share considering the financial condition of the state in increasing their allowance.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal the association’s president, Y. Mangi said that assurance of increasing the allowance of Home Guard personnel by mere Rs. 2000 to Rs.3000 has been made earlier by the previous government and was rejected.

So assuring of increasing the allowance by Rs. 2000 or Rs. 3000 by the new government is victimising of the Home Guard personnel and denying their rightful claims, he added.

Mangi said the Supreme Court has already given direction to increase the duty allowance of the Home Guard and it is the position that the 90 percent of the allowance will be given by the central government.

He said that it has passed almost two months since the home guards personnel took up agitation demanding to increase their allowance as order passed by the Supreme Court but till today the state government has not taken up the matter to the central government

Such action clearly shows that the government did not concerned about the sufferings of the Home Guard in running their family, added the president.

As a part of their agitation up to August 31, Home Guard personnel will meet their respective constituency MLA, and will request them to urge to the Home department and in the meanwhile the fast-to death protest will carry on, he continued.

The association appealed to the government to once again look into the matter and increase the salary on humanitarian ground following the Supreme Court order.

The last and final agitation will take place if the government failed to give positive response by this month and the government should be responsible for the outcome, warned the association.

The association further appealed to the civil voluntary organisations to support them in their agitation.

Serious efforts are on to solve problems, says Biren

IMPHAL | Aug 19

No organisation or individual should hold the state government at ransom to fulfill any demand.  The present government is fully aware about the issues besieging the State and it has been putting in serious effort to resolve all these issues, said N Biren.

The chief minister was speaking as the chief guest at the State level Sadbhavana Diwas celebration organised by the State Government at the Banquet Hall of 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles today.

Reminding that Nungei violence was reported during the time of the previous government, the chief minister clarified that the file process of providing compensation to the victims was initiated by the then government.

The compensation amount was fixed as per the reports submitted by the DC and SP concerned, and there was no question of supporting a particular community or discriminating any other group, he added.

Asserting that the government is meant for all the communities, the chief minister said that he even requested his Cabinet ministers not to bring any community-based or region-centric matters to the State Cabinet meeting.

The government does not belong to any community or region, and it ought to work towards bringing uniform development across the State, he observed.

Biren further opined that Manipur would not be able to march forward towards progress if people keep on remembering the past mistakes and discussing it repeatedly.

He said, “We need to keep away distrust and give up self-centric and community-centric ideas if we aspire to project Manipur in the global race of development.”

The chief minister expressed hope that the civil voluntary organisations of the State would extend co-operation towards this end.

Stating that Sadbhavana Diwas is celebrated on the birthday of the youngest ever Prime Minister of the country, Rajiv Gandhi every year, the chief minister opined that the celebration assumed lots of significance in a State like Manipur where people of diverse communities have been settling together harmoniously.

During his speech, the chief minister remembered the works and achievements of the late Prime Minister.

 Speaking at the occasion as the president, agriculture and veterinary and animal husbandry minister V. Hangkhanlian remembered Rajiv Gandhi as a leader who dreamt of building a new India.

He had the acumen of noticing all the challenges in advance which could pose threat to the integrity and development of the country.

Maintaining that resolving all the discords on the negotiating table was Rajiv Gandhi’s policy, Hangkhanlian said that he was instrumental in inking Punjab Accord in 1985 and Mizoram Accord in 1986 that brought peace and tranquillity to these two States.

The State also needs to follow his idea of peaceful negotiation in order to restore normalcy, peace and tranquillity, V. Hangkhanlian observed.

Later, the chief minister administered Sadbhavana pledge to the gathering.

Ministers, MLAs, top civil and police officers and government employees also attended the function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 19

The police department today suspended two of its personnel including a head constable of commandos and Havildar of the 5th IRB, for their involvement in ferrying large quantity of local made liquor.

The suspended personnel were travelling on a police gypsy labelled as CDO IW-2 (bearing registration no. MN01X/1245) when it collided with a civilian car (wagon R) at Khonghampat this morning around 10 am.

Reports said that three persons including two police and a civilian (occupant of the car) sustained injuries.

During the course of mishap, a large quantity of local made liquor from the back of the police vehicle tumbled out.

The news about the accident and the subsequent recovery of liquor from police vehicle went viral in social networking sites like Facebook and whatsapp, raising the eyebrows of many.

It is yet to establish why the three police vehicle was carrying the huge quantity of liquor.

However, reacting swiftly the police department suspended three police commandos, occupants of the police gypsy.

An order was issued by the Superintendent of police, Imphal West, Themthing Ngashangva, immediately suspending the head constable identified as Th. Sanjoy Singh, commandos Imphal West, on the ground of misconduct.

It said that departmental proceeding is being contemplated against Th. Sanjoy Singh for his grave misconduct and thus placed under suspension.

During the period of suspension, Sanjoy’s headquarter will be at reserve lines, Imphal West district and barred from leaving the headquarters without prior permission from the SP, it said.

Similar, order was also issued against the 5th IRB havildar, identified as Jangkholal Baite, by the commandant, Ningshen Vashum. Baite is reportedly attached with the Imphal West district police commandos.

From Our Correspondent

BISHNUPUR | Aug 19

Kangleipak Student Association (KSA) has organised a rally at Ningthoukhong today in demand for the introduction of a new law that bars non locals from standing in elections. The rally was held as a part of the ongoing agitations undertaken to save the indigenous peoples of Manipur.

 The rally started from Ningthoukhong Higher Secondary School, and banners which said, ‘Refugees cannot become landlords,’ ‘Non locals must not enter into elections’ etc. were used and many slogans were shouted.   

Demands were also made to release the arrested workers of KSA

Meanwhile in Thoubal in demand for the introduction a new law for the creation of an assembly of indigenous people, and the unconditional release of the arrested workers Kangleipak Students Union, the Thoubal district committe of KSA organised a protest at Thoubal – Yairipok Road.

An effigy of chief minister N. Biren was burnt by the volunteers of KSA in the protest where students of Somorendra Sana Royal Higher Secondary School, Kshetrileikai Thoubal also took part.

The students displayed many placards which read ‘Release the KSA volunteers without any condition’, ‘Make a law that prevents non locals from entering into elections’, ‘Non locals must not stand in elections’, ‘CM’s act of blaming students are having failed to make his works turn into actions is a severe act of misconduct’ and ‘stop playing electoral politics on population influx.’

One worker of KSA expressed that the chief minister must turn into his words spoken on the assembly session of July 29 into actions. KSA condemn his act of tuning towards the students to put the blame after having failed to live up to his words, he said. The arrested workers of KSA must be released without any conditions otherwise extreme measures will be taken, he added.

The officers of Thobal district police arrived at the sport and cleared up the road by pushing away the students but no interaction between KSA and the police took place as they had already left the scene when police arrived.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 19

Social Welfare and co-operation, minister, Nemcha Kipgen today that Centre has agreed to release 17 months backlog for old age pension scheme under the National Social Assistance Programme.

The minister stated this during the release of consolidated annual report of the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR), 2012-16 at new secretariat. She was replying to queries raised by the media persons during the report releasing function.

Nemcha Kipgen contended that the backlog was a result of the failure of the previous government to submit utilisation certificate in time.

However, with the constant effort of the department and its staff within three months span, the Centre has agreed to release the backlog.

Nemcha revealed that during her recent visit to the national capital, she met with the Union minister for Urban Development, Narendra Singh Tomar.

“During the meeting with the Union minister I requested the minister that the old aged people cannot be made to suffer due to past mistake of the government”, she said.

The new forms for the pension scheme will be submitted after the payment of the pending 17, after having collected the death census report, she continued before adding that district social welfare official have been asked to submit the census report by the end of August.

Kipgen further maintained that there will be no room for error this time as the list of beneficiaries will be uploaded online.

Speaking with regards to the annual reports of the MCPCR, she urged the commission to work harder so as the garner the trust of the people.

The annual report of the MCPCR was released by the minister in the presence of the commission’s chairman, S Saratkumar Sharma and its members.

MCPCR was established in the state on November 2, 2012 as per the directive of the Supreme Court, with the aimed to protect, promote and defend child rigts in the state.

The commission is an independent statutory body constituted as per the section 17 of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. It consists of a chairperson, a member secretary and six members.

IMPHAL | Aug 19

The enquiry committee formed to probe into the irregularities on the procurement of Digital Radio Sets and Repeaters for Manipur Police department under the Modernisation of State Police Forces during the period 2013-2014 has submitted its interim enquiry report.

 The report was submitted to the chief minister N. Biren Singh today.

The three member committee headed by principal secretary J.C. Ramthanga along with additional director-general of police (AP) Anand Prakash and inspector-general of police (Admn) S. Ibocha Singh handed over the interim report to the Chief Minister in the presence of additional chief secretary (Home) J. Suresh Babu.

It may be recalled that the terms and conditions of the committee was to examine whether the procurement is as per the approval of the state government, whether the equipment supplied are in conformity with the brand as per the supply order or not.

The committee was also assigned to check whether the quantity of material received is as per the supply orders or not, and that if any lapses or irregularities are found, it has to identify the officers responsible for such lapses.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 10

Deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar along with commerce and industries minister Thongam Biswajit Singh, inaugurated North East Centre for Ethno Medicinal Research at Hengbung village in Kangpokpi district today.

The research centre was opened within the campus of Foundation for Environment & Economic Development Services (FEEDS) near Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Hengbung.

Inaugurating the centre Joykumar said opening of such a centre will be a milestone in North-East especially to Manipur as the state has abundant medicinal plants. We have so many traditional ways of healing ailments by using various medicinal plants, he said.

He maintained that proper codifications for treatment of diseases by using medicinal plants are yet to be done. If we have the knowledge of its medicinal values by analysing its ingredients and chemicals, it will be more helpful to undergo treatments. The newly opened research centre would play an important role in this regard, he added.

Joykumar further said lots of research work needs to be done to utilize ethno-medicinal plants in treatment of diseases. He said, besides confining on some of the medicinal plants, researchers should also pay their attention to other plants that have some medicinal values which are abundant to our environment.

Speaking on the occasion Th. Bishwajit said ethno-medicinal treatments have been a long tradition in healing ailments in our society. Out of 12,000 medicinal plant species which are reported in the world, 430 species are found in the Northeast of which 108 species have been identified in Manipur, he added.

Th. Boswajit also pointed out that the state government with the help of the Centre will also try to take steps for felicitation of traditional medicinal treatments. If the research centre works out ways to identify medicinal aspects of various plants in the state, investors from within and outside the country will come, he said, adding it can generate employment to the local populace thereby enhancing their sustainability for livelihood and developing entrepreneurship.

H.B. Singh, senior scientist, ministry of science & technology also spoke on the importance of utilising local resources and manpower to create certain products as a part of Prime Minister’s Make in India Campaign.

Deputy Commissioner Kangpokpi T. Ranjit Singh and Haokholet Kipgen, president FEEDS also spoke on the occasion.

It may be mentioned that the centre has four scientists and 13 other staffs. It will cultivate plants with medicinal value across 100 hactres of farm. The centre will also establish a production unit which will collect such plants grown by farmers. The extracts will be sold to pharmaceutical companies.

The centre will conduct research on traditional method of healing using herbs. These plants having medicinal, aromatic and health improving properties will form the basis for the growth of pharmaceutical industry.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi during one of his visits in the state claimed that the Northeast has the potential of multi-million dollar herbal medicine market.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 19

The High Court of Manipur, acting chief justice, N. Kotiswor Singh today flagged off the multi utility van of the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASALSA) from the High Court of Manipur, Imphal.

The flagging off ceremony was attended by justice, Kh. Nobin, advocate general, N. Kumarjit Singh, Bar Council of Manipur, chairman, O. Modhuchandra Singh, High Court Bar Association, president, Kh. Binoykumar, AMBA president, H. Chandramani Sharma and senior advocate, R.S. Reisang.

As directed by National Legal Service Authority, the multi-utility vehicles should be used for carrying out statutory duties with regard to publicity campaign for propagation of Legal Aid scheme and programme in the state.

Some of the activities which may be conducted using the multi-utility van are conducting of Mobile Lok Adalats, legal awareness camps, screening of publicity films using LCD projectors at different parts of the state.

Later the District Legal Service Authority, Imphal West under the aegis of MASALSA organised a one day legal awareness programme at Ima Keithel, Imphal.

During the programme, acting chief justice, N. Kotiswore asked the people to change the ideology that law is just advocate, judge and the court.

Law is something that is for all the people and the weapon to fight for the rightful rights of a person or community, he added.

If a citizen is not aware of his or her fundamental rights and has less basic knowledge of law and order of the country the person has a high chance to face unwanted problems, continued N. Kotiswor. 

The legal service authority provide free services and competent advocate for the needy person in fighting their rights so he asked the people not to hesitate to approach to the legal service authority in fighting for their rights.

1. Kotiswor said that legal service authority will be available in all the court and added that the Indian Constitution gave rights to everyone to fight for their rights. The legal awareness programme was also conducted at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai community hall.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | Aug 19

A seven year old child was rescued by locals at Heirok after she was abducted by an auto driver identified as Moirangthem Lukhoi (20) son of Ibomcha from Umang Laikon, Heirok part I.

The incident happened around 11.30 am at Heirok Part II under Heirok police station when the child was returning from school. She was abducted by the auto driver at the time when there was no one around.

However, the auto being driven by Lukhoi was intercepted by the farmers on the road as it was coming in a suspicious manner along with the crying child.

The locals rescued the child and took hold of the keys of the auto. However, Lukhoi managed to start the auto by hot wiring it and escaped from the scene.  He was later arrested at Thoubal Tangjeng by the police. A kidnapping case has been registered by Heirok police station.

IMPHAL | Aug 19

Social welfare and cooperation minister, Nemcha Kipgen today released the first ‘Consolidated Annual Report – 2012-16’ of Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) at her office chamber, New Secretariat, Imphal.

On this occasion, minister expressed that every child is precious and as such fundamental rights of all the children will be protected through the commission. She also seeks cooperation from all the stakeholders.

Nemcha urged the chairperson and members of the commission to work efficiently so that justice is not denied to any child.

While addressing the gatherings, chairperson (MCPCR), S. Saratkumar Sharma highlighted the various roles taken up by the commission for the welfare children in the state.

The function was attended by S. Saratkumar Sharma, chairperson (MCPCR), Manipur, K. Sobita Devi, Chairperson, Manipur State Commission for Women and officials of MCPCR.

Newmai News Network

IMPHAL | Aug 18

The Zeliangrong Baudi Manipur (ZB-M) in a statement alleged that a combined team of 23 Assam Rifles and 14 Sikh Regiment Tamenglong raided the ‘region camp’ of the NSCN (IM) Zeilad Zeliangrong Region in the wee hours of August 14, 2017 at Inrianglong village of Tamenglong district headquarters. While condemning the incident, the ZB-M termed the alleged act of the security forces as “unwarranted actions”.

“In the said raid by the said combined team 9 cadres of the NSCN (IM) were arrested and an AK-47 rifle was also seized from the region camp,” the Zeliangrong Baudi-Manipur further alleged. “When Naga people led by the Collective Leadership of the NSCN (IM) has been engaging in a peaceful dialogue with the Government of India which is nearing to its logical conclusion this kind of act of raid by the security forces is uncalled for and highly condemnable by all right thinking citizens of the land”, it added.

Narrating the turn of event the ZB-M said that, in quick reaction to that “unwarranted raiding” and subsequent arrest of 9 cadres of the NSCN (IM) of Zeilad Zeliangrong region camp a lightning bandh was called in Zeliangrong areas and the vehicular movements on the NH-37 (Imphal – Jiribam Road) came to a grinding halt in the afternoon of the same day. “On the pressure of the Zeliangrong public including several civil society organisations led by Zeliangrong Baudi, women folks, students, youths front etc. those 9 arrested cadres of the NSCN (IM) were allowed safe release to the public,” it claimed.

Accordingly, 8 cadres were handed over to the public in the morning of August 15, 2017, it also said.

“Many brave hearts, Zeliangrong women, youth fronts, students, individuals, civil society leaders had spent sleepless night on that very night that resulted in the safe release of the 8 cadres except one detained with an assurance from the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary to release him after 3 days in police custody as per law,” the ZB-M further said. It was further assured that the detained cadre will not be harassed or tortured in police custody, according to the ZB-M. “Therefore, both the civil society leaders and the public were allowed to receive the 8 cadres of the NSCN (IM) Zeiled Zeliangrong Region as a reciprocal gesture to the appeal from the authorities of Government of Manipur. We would like to remind the Government to translate its assurance in letter and spirit,” it demanded.

Zeliangrong Baudi Manipur then extended its gratitude to the Zeliangrong public particularly women folks of Tamenglong headquarters, Longmei area, Nungba area and leaders of various civil societies who had participated and contributed “their might” and mite in securing the safe release of those cadres of the NSCN (IM). It also extended its gratitude to the district administration particularly Armstrong Pamei, deputy commissioner Tamenglong and the SP of Tamenglong etc. for their intervention in bringing the “chaotic situation” to an amicable solution. This organisation also extended its gratitude to the Government of Manipur, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, the Chief Secretary and many others for allowing the said problem into peaceful settlement in the larger interest of peace and tranquility in the district in particular and state in general.

“Zeliangrong Baudi Manipur and Zeliangrong public in general will not leave the stone unturned in maintaining peace and social harmony with government, every section of society in the days to come,” it affirmed.

By Jeijei Newme

IMPHAL | Aug 17

Promoting Manipur’s disparate indigenous cultures at the national and international level is her main aim, said 18-year old Lansana Thokchom Chanu, a singer, dancer and an artist par excellence.

Growing up in a family deeply rooted in art and culture, Lansana has learnt a good deal of art and culture from her elders including, grandfather, uncle and her father. Her father was a state level and national awardee for film and performing arts and Bal Sahitya Puraskar.

She said that she does this not just to upkeep her family’s traditional occupation or because she is a daughter of a well-known artist. Instead it is her own passion and interests which is driving her.

The first daughter of Thokchom Thouyanba Meetei and Thokchom Manileima, she start performing since the age of four on AIR Imphal and by the age of six, she had already sung 40 songs at the radio station.

She has participated in various school, state and even national level competitions and won many first positions and in these.

She got the best dancer award in the year 2010 organised by Allahabad Natya Sangha, Allahabad. She is a recipient of Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) scholarship since the age of six.

Lansana juggled studies and her interest in art and culture since her school days and she confessed it has been hard keeping up her excellence in both. She even managed to get first division in both Class 10 and 12 exams and is now pursuing her further studies in Maharaja Bodhchandra College, Palace Compound.

She has also completed her Bisarat level which is equivalent to diploma level for dance from JN Dance Academy.

The 18-year-old artist said that one of her proudest moments is representing India in the ABU Radio music festival held at Beijing, China in 2016. She said that she had stiff competition and got selected in all national level to represent India. “I felt proud at that moment showcasing my culture, my identity as Manipuri to the whole world, and let my culture’s presence felt in the stage”.

She got interviewed in various international media but felt despondent coming back home in Manipur as her fame and her work was not encouraged by the government as well as the media.

Her most recent big gig was participating in Bangladesh during Yaoshang festival, 2017.

In an exclusive chat with Imphal Free Press, she revealed that it has been a wonderful journey. She knows how to sing, and dance different dance forms, not only of Manipuri, but of Odissi and Kathak.

When asked if she has any interest in contemporary music and dance, she says she respects the different art forms but she rather prefer her own culture and said that it can’t be found in other place else and it should be well preserved.

“My pupu is my role model and he has has taught me a lot of things, I admire him not just because he is my grandfather but because of his achievements and his interest and his passion that taught me a lot”, she said.

She would like to give a message to her generations and younger ones that “we should follow our hearts, I did and I am on my way to conquer the world with my talents. It is not that I am successful already but doing what you want to do gives the fullest dedication and you could achieve the highest”.

By Jeijei Newme

IMPHAL | Aug 17

Promoting Manipur’s disparate indigenous cultures at the national and international level is her main aim, said 18-year old Lansana Thokchom Chanu, a singer, dancer and an artist par excellence.

Growing up in a family deeply rooted in art and culture, Lansana has learnt a good deal of art and culture from her elders including, grandfather, uncle and her father. Her father was a state level and national awardee for film and performing arts and Bal Sahitya Puraskar.

She said that she does this not just to upkeep her family’s traditional occupation or because she is a daughter of a well-known artist. Instead it is her own passion and interests which is driving her.

The first daughter of Thokchom Thouyanba Meetei and Thokchom Manileima, she start performing since the age of four on AIR Imphal and by the age of six, she had already sung 40 songs at the radio station.

She has participated in various school, state and even national level competitions and won many first positions and in these.

She got the best dancer award in the year 2010 organised by Allahabad Natya Sangha, Allahabad. She is a recipient of Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) scholarship since the age of six.

Lansana juggled studies and her interest in art and culture since her school days and she confessed it has been hard keeping up her excellence in both. She even managed to get first division in both Class 10 and 12 exams and is now pursuing her further studies in Maharaja Bodhchandra College, Palace Compound.

She has also completed her Bisarat level which is equivalent to diploma level for dance from JN Dance Academy.

The 18-year-old artist said that one of her proudest moments is representing India in the ABU Radio music festival held at Beijing, China in 2016. She said that she had stiff competition and got selected in all national level to represent India. “I felt proud at that moment showcasing my culture, my identity as Manipuri to the whole world, and let my culture’s presence felt in the stage”.

She got interviewed in various international media but felt despondent coming back home in Manipur as her fame and her work was not encouraged by the government as well as the media.

Her most recent big gig was participating in Bangladesh during Yaoshang festival, 2017.

In an exclusive chat with Imphal Free Press, she revealed that it has been a wonderful journey. She knows how to sing, and dance different dance forms, not only of Manipuri, but of Odissi and Kathak.

When asked if she has any interest in contemporary music and dance, she says she respects the different art forms but she rather prefer her own culture and said that it can’t be found in other place else and it should be well preserved.

“My pupu is my role model and he has has taught me a lot of things, I admire him not just because he is my grandfather but because of his achievements and his interest and his passion that taught me a lot”, she said.

She would like to give a message to her generations and younger ones that “we should follow our hearts, I did and I am on my way to conquer the world with my talents. It is not that I am successful already but doing what you want to do gives the fullest dedication and you could achieve the highest”.

From Our Correspondent

MOREH | Aug 18

A combined team of 12 Assam Rifles and Moreh Custom Preventive force reportedly arrested a gold smuggler carrying 140 gold bars weighing approximately 23.230 kgs worth Rs 6.969 crores at vehicle check post, Tengnoupal yesterday.

During a press briefing, superintendent of Moreh Customs Preventive force, Whk. Luwang said that following an intelligence input, a combined team of 12 AR and officials of Moreh Customs intercepted a bus bearing Registration Number MN 04 7351 carrying wooden planks and stopped at motor vehicle check post (MVCP), Tengnoupal for checking.

He further said that during checking, some suspicious modification was noticed near radiator of the bus above the driver side head light and on further checking some suspicious packets were recovered from the modified compartment which came out to be the gold bars.

The driver of the bus has been identified as Md. Kamal Hassan son of Late Hazi Salim of Kwakta Sevla Ward Number 3, Bishnupur district, he added.

BISHNUPUR | Aug 18

Two shops at Ningthoukhong Bazar, Bishnupur district were gutted by fire last night at around 11:30 pm.

The owners of the shop were identified as RK. Ranjit and L. Surjit. The adjoining shops were saved by the timely arrival of the firemen of Bishnupur Fire Service and Moirang Fire Service.

According to sources, Bishnupur police nabbed a woman who was suspected to have set the shops on fire.

BISHNUPUR | Aug 18

Two shops at Ningthoukhong Bazar, Bishnupur district were gutted by fire last night at around 11:30 pm.

The owners of the shop were identified as RK. Ranjit and L. Surjit. The adjoining shops were saved by the timely arrival of the firemen of Bishnupur Fire Service and Moirang Fire Service.

According to sources, Bishnupur police nabbed a woman who was suspected to have set the shops on fire.

IMPHAL | Aug 18

The Manipur Naga People’s Front (MNPF) has alleged that developmental works implemented by the government, NGOS and companies in the past decades all over Manipur’s hill areas particularly in Naga areas have never achieved the targets because of “malicious intervention” and “misappropriation” by the NSCN (IM).

The Naga areas of Tamenlong, Chandel, Senapati and Ukhrul districts are all in pathetic condition as road condition and various other institutions are in deplorable situation due to NSCN (IM), alleged a release signed by assistant publicity secretary MNPF, Thomas Numai.

People are suffering as resources and funds for developmental programmes are snatched away, it charged.

The front further wondered why NSCN (IM) is still continuing with extortion, robbery and kidnapping to “loot” developmental fund.

The release said the MNPF strongly opposed and condemned Thuingaleng Muivah led-NSCN (IM) for “forcibly” grabbing the four-packaged PMGSY work programmess in Ukhrul district, Phase-XI,Batch-1,2017-1018, to be implemented at four different sides and locations.

The locations are Chatric to Gambal,  Phungyar to Tusom , Siroi to Hamlang  and Tuinem to Champhung, it added.

The release said MNPF will appreciate all contractors who execute works for the welfare of the people while cautioning that if any contractor is found toeing NSCN (IM) line the front will never tolerate it and NSCN (IM) will be held responsible for any unwanted development.

Rights defenders and relatives of victims renew repeal call

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 18

Rights defenders and relatives of victims of fake encounter killings renewed their demand for repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act on the completion of 59 years existence of the Act.

It was on this day in 1958 that the parliament passed this Act.

To renew the demand a one-day public meeting was organised under the theme “59 th year of AFSPA and state of impunity” today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal.

The function was jointly organised by Extra-judicial Execution Victim Families Association Manipur (EEVFAM), Human Rights Alert (HRA), Just Peace Foundation (JPF) and United NGOs Mission Manipur (UNMM).

The meeting adopted four resolutions. The resolutions urged the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to repeal the AFSPA and chief minister N. Biren Singh to revoke the disturb area status under the AFSPA from Manipur at the earliest.

The resolution appealed to the families of victims, witnesses, the civil society, government of Manipur and all concerned to extend full cooperation to the CBI constituted Special Investigation Team, which is investigating the case of extra-judicial executions under the “draconian law.”

The meeting also decided to submit the evidences of 23rd July 2009 killing of Sanjit and Rabina at Khwairamband Bazaar to the CBI for prompting necessary actions.

After the meeting, a procession was taken out by the relatives and human rights activists to submit a memorandum to CM but they were stopped by police halfway. Only selected representatives of around ten people went to CM’s office and submitted the memorandum. The chief minister diid not meet the delegation as he was preoccupied. However, Biren sent assurances to the delegation that he would respond to their concerns very soon.

Addressing the gathering, Babloo Loitongjam, executive director of HRA said that he welcomes the decision made by Union government to give authority to the state governments of both Assam and Manipur to decide on the status of ‘disturbed areas’ for the their states.

He, however, said he is concerned that the on-going investigation by the CBI in the 23rd July 2009 killing of Sanjit and Rabina at Khwairamband Bazaar has not been able to establish the commander responsibile for the killings and charge-sheet against those responsible for the killings despite hard and substantive evidences exising in public domain.

Social activist and former MPS officer Brinda Thounaojam and Malem Ningthouja, scholar and social activist strongly condemned the enactment and implementation of AFSPA in the state and that it should be removed immediately.

One of the victims’ mother emotionally said that her son was allegedly terminated by the order of the former chief minister O. Ibobi Singh in 2009 and has not received justice till now. She complained that she wants to get justice immediately.

“When I met the chief minister he told me that he had instructed to bump off all the suspects,” the mother claimed. Her son was a kick-boxer and he won four gold medals.