Tag: IFP

Ningthoujam Prasant & Elangbam Nikita

IMPHAL | Aug 12

Vishal Kumar, from Delhi, father of a lone child, and owner of a stall at the ongoing fair at Mapal Kangjeibung, is having a hard time trying selling his books—used and unused.

He claims he brought along 15,000 books from Delhi and he is now forced to price every one of his books at only Rs. 100.

“The books were sold at Rs 200 and Rs. 100 initially. However, because of an a constant drop in the volume of sale, I had to resort to offering them for only Rs. 100 per book.” said Vishal who came to Imphal with high expectations.

With a heavy heart, he said he has spent more than Rs. 40,000 travelling and transporting he wares. He said  carriage charge to Imphal is expensive.

“I expected good response from purchasers, especially students, however visitors were very few,” said Vishal disappointment writ large on his face.

He asserted he has travelled across India to partake in various book fairs and got great responses in different states. He guessed the reason for slowing down of sales might have to do with the less appropriate setting of the book stall inside the trade fair.

Vishal is a partner of Mehta Book Company, Delhi. He said though many now prefer enjoy e-books and other electronic formats he trusts that these can’t be compared with paper books. Life is in books and books will prevail, he said. Though sale is poor, he is confident he will not lose money.

Vishal said he will once more, return to Imphal in future to partake in book fairs. His stall has books basically of fiction, non-fiction and children books. The trade fair will continue till August 20.

IMPHAL | Aug 12

The state government will observe Patriots’ Daytomorrow at Kangla. Najma Heptulla, governor  and N. Biren Singh, chief minister will grace the function as chief guest and president respectively.

The prabhat phery will  be observed at 4:00 am and will be followed by floral tributes at Hicham Yaicham Pat, Moirangkhom at 8:00 am and at the Thangal General Temple, Palace Compound.

The main observance will start at 3:30 pm with the governor and the chief minister leading the dignitaries and the public in wreath laying ceremony in Kangla. It will be followed by floral tributes at Shaheed Minar, BT Park.  Contingents of Manipur Rifles will offer a guard of honour/general salute to the martyrs of the state.

IMPHAL| Aug 12

Fraternal revolutionary organizations have called upon the entire peoples of the Western South East Asia region to boycott and prevent the imposed celebration, in any manner, of India’s Independence Day in the region on August 15.

A general strike is called on August 15 throughout the WESEA region from 1 am to 6.30 pm as a strong voice of resistance against Indian colonial occupation as well as repression of the region, said a joint release of CORCOM, GNLA, ULFA, UPLA signed by media co ordinator, CorCom, Ksh. Yoiheiba.

This year, India under the premiership of Narendra Modi who boasted that he confronts the world “Eye to Eye”, is getting ready for the 70th Independence Day Celebration with a grand display of its’ military power and hardware, perhaps attempting to outdo the Chinese PLA’s 90th Anniversary Celebration on July 30, said a release.  It is also a sign of nervousness or apprehension of the Indian government at the border fracas at Drok La or Drong Lam, the tri junction of our close international border with China; and hence to hide the same, it said adding India’s policy towards neighbour China is now wide open as the facts of the Drong Lam (Drok La) impasse is vivisected by the experts exposing her weakness and helplessness of the situation to the full view of the world to see.

In the occupied WESEA region bordering China, especially in Assam and Manipur, the Indian administration is celebrating the event with an unprecedented 3 to 5 days fanfare with road shows, motor cycle rallies etc. called Tiranga rally to colour-coat our people with Indian nationalism, it further said.

Obviously, it is to hoodwink the world that the region is an integral part of India, and quite contented; despite keeping our peoples subjugated under colonial hegemonic rule with repressive and draconian laws, it continued adding it is to saffronise the region by the new Modi government at Delhi with its slogan of “One Country, One people, One culture” ie. the hidden agenda to obliterate and assimilate all the indigenous peoples of WESEA region who are racially, culturally, and in every aspects quite distinct from India; with unchecked and deliberated heavy influx from the Indian mainland.

Keeping faith in the collective strength of our region, the fraternal revolutionary organisations appeal to all the people to once again display their solidarity against India, the common enemy, by making the boycott and general ctrike a complete success and to remain indoors throughout the day, it said.

During the protest hours of 1 am to 6.30 pm the fraternal revolutionary organisations are calling for total shutdown of educational institutions and other training facilities, shops, business establishments, factories and all forms of transport, it said adding however all the emergency services including media and religious activities will remain as usual.

IMPHAL| Aug 11

Deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh said, Government is planning to establish a Science City in Imphal very soon. He was speaking at a Lecture Programme held at Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) at Takyelpat in Imphal today.

Deputy chief minister said, to infuse basic knowledge of science to younger generation in the State, Government is planning to establish a Science City in Imphal. Consultations with experts are on and will try to conceptualize it at the earliest. Besides this, Science Centres have been established in some of the districts in the State. He said, with the advancement of Science and Technology, all aspects of life is changing and therefore, we should try to expedite ways for a better living through its application.

Joykumar Singh further said, the State has a number of Institutes and Universities like IBSD, ICAR, Central Agricultural University that have been dwelt upon the application of science and technology, agriculture, agronomy, horticulture etc. for human benefits. Lots of research work should be done to generate new ideas which will be helpful in increasing productivity and overall growth in the State. He appealed for coordination among such institutes for the beneficial of the people as a whole.

Dr. Manju Sharma, former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India who delivered on “Biotechnology for Human Welfare” said, Biotechnology though it came late in India, has now become an important field through which societal benefit can be made. Biotechnology Industry may become the single largest sector in the years to come for employment of skilled human resource. She said, North Eastern states are bestowed with enormity of bio resources which can be used in sustainable manner for the future generation.

 Director IBSD, Dr. Dinabandhu Sahoo said, IBSD has been trying to expand its facilities with the development of state-of -art infrastructures in the campus. 11.5 acres of land have been acquired and development of infrastructures will be taken up soon, he added.

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI | Aug 11

The third round of the ongoing tripartite talks between Government of India, Government of Manipur and United Naga Council (UNC) was held today at the DRDA Conference Hall, Senapati Distict Headquarters with Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary (NE), Minister of Home Affairs, Govt. of India in the chair, witnessed “fiery expressions” from the United Naga Council (UNC) team before they signed a 4-point agreed term. The talks which started at 11 am were chaired by Satyendra Garg, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, and went on for about 4 hours.

One of the points said, “In terms of the agreement of the March 19, 2017 talks to redress the grievances of the United Naga Council (UNC) in respect of the creation of the new districts, the Government of Manipur will initiate appropriate steps in right earnest in this regard”. The agreed point of the March 19, 2017 states that “the grievances of the United Naga Council which led to the imposition of the economic blockade by them was recognized as there was non-adherence to the four Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the Government of India’s assurance on the matter. The Government of Manipur agrees to start consultation with all stakeholders to redress the same”.

UNC sources informed Newmai News Network this afternoon that, in the course of the talks today the UNC team almost walked out of the hall as they demanded from the Manipur Government representatives to “nullify” all the measures including official procedures on the new districts and the various comments of Chief Minister N Biren Singh on the issue in recent times.

The UNC sources also said that the spirit of the tripartite talks was undermined by the measures taken up by the Manipur Government on the new districts. “We have pointedly told the Manipur Government representatives about all these things,” further stated the UNC sources. The UNC leaders also told the Manipur Government representatives that they have been made a hostage of the tripartite talks and victimised by the measures taken up by the latter such as constitution of ‘Boundary Commission/Committee’, ‘assertion of the Chief Minister not to roll back the new district creation’ followed by certain official proceedings on the new districts. “We told the Manipur Government’s ministerial team that the Nagas are all prepared to resume the agitation and we have already taken the position to do so,” said the UNC sources.

Responding to the charges of the UNC, the three ministers of Manipur State Government told the UNC team that “they are participating the tripartite talks for the first time, and that, they will go back and convey things to the Chief Minister”, according to the UNC sources. The UNC team then cautioned the Manipur Government team that there will not be “any next tripartite talks” if the Manipur Government continues to have the “same attitude” as it has been doing things in the past months.

Meanwhile, the other three points of the agreement signed today are that, the “UNC appreciates the Government of Manipur for complying with the May 19, 2017 agreement of conducting the talks at the political level, while expressing resentment on some recent developments”. The next round of talks will be held in the month of September, 2017, and then, “both the State Government and the UNC agreed upon to mutually respect the agreements signed in the previous talks to avoid any provocative action till the dialogue process is taken to its logical end”.

Unlike the earlier round of talks, today’s talks were brought up to the political level with the participation of three cabinet ministers of Manipur, which includes Agriculture & Veterinary Minister V. Hangkhanlian, Tribal Affairs & Hills Minister N. Kayisii and Education & Labour and Employment Minister Th. Radheshyam. Apart from the three cabinet ministers, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr .J. Suresh Babu and Commissioner (Works & IPR) K. Radhakumar Singh also participated the talk from the side of the Government of Manipur. The UNC team was represented by Gaidon Kamei, President of UNC, S. Milan, General Secretary of UNC, UNC Advisor L Adani, former UNC president Paul Leo, another former UNC president Samson Remmei, UNC executive Kaikho, UNC Information Secretary Stephen, Seth Shatsang, President of All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) and Asha Wungnam, President Naga Women Union (NWU) and few others.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Aug 11

People of Kangpokpi district organised a lighting rally against the UNC’s decision of roll back of recently created seven new districts in Manipur ahead of the tripartite talks involving government of India, government of Manipur and United Naga Council (UNC) today at Senapati district.

Hundreds of people lined up along the Trans Asian Highway-1 and passed through the district headquarters of Kangpokpi displaying their strong resentment, over the UNC firm stand to roll back the newly created districts.

Braving the scanty downpour along the highway, the lighting rally participants hold giant banners printed with, “No Roll Back of Kangpokpi District, No Alteration of boundaries”, etc. while placards which read, “Kangpokpi District for Administrative Convenience and Justice”, “No Roll-Back of Kangpokpi District”, “No Alteration of Kangpokpi District Boundaries”, “Kangpokpi District is Sadar Hills”, etc. were displayed to the Senapati’s Tripartite Talks.

Men and women from different communities shouted slogan as ‘No Roll Back of Kangpokpi district’, ‘No alteration of its boundaries’ when the delegates were passing through the town. All business establishments in Kangpokpi town were remained closed during the lighting rally which began from 8 am to 1 pm, while movement of traffic continued normally.

President of Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) Sadar Hills, Thangminlen Kipgen handed over a memorandum addressed to the Prime minister of India to be submitted through Joint Secretary, NE, Ministry of Home Affairs, Satyendra Garg and to chief minister of Manipur to be submitted through chief secretary, Government of Manipur, R.R. Rashmi, and to the Agriculture, Veterinary and AH minister, V. Hangkhanlian and TD and Hills minister, N. Kayisii who are going to participate in the tripartite talks.

The memorandum stated that Kangpokpi district was created on December 8, 2016 by the state government on administrative convenience. However, the constant threat of roll back of Kangpokpi district instilled insecurity on the minds of the people. It also said that Kangpokpi district was created after a long suffering and politicisation of the creation of district spearheaded by United Naga Council (UNC) is uncalled and vehemently opposed by the people of the district.

The memorandum which was signed by president of Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi district, Seikhomang Khongsai and president of KSO Sadar Hills imploring the Prime minister of India and chief minister of Manipur to intervene in the matter to safeguard Kangpokpi district and to ensure no roll back of the created districts.

Speaking to the media, Thangminlen Kipgen said that people of Kangpokpi are very much pleased with the government creating the Kangpokpi district for administrative convenience and development and the people will not tolerate on alteration of its existing boundaries.

A giant banner with ‘No Roll Back of Kangpokpi District, No Alteration of Boundaries’ welcomed the delegates and other representatives of the Senapati Tripartite Talks at Gamgiphai, the entry point of Kangpokpi district from the state capital.

IMPHAL | Aug 11

All the affected land owners will call an “Indefinite Bandh” on the 22 bridges constructed between 145 km to 216 km on Phaitol to Barak road of NH-37 from the midnight of August 17 if the state cabinet fails to issue an order for disbursement of compensation, said a release.

The release said that the land owners have no other option except to impose bandh in their portion of land where the bridges had been construction without any payment of compensation till today.

It further said that in connection to the said 22 bridges, an estimate for land acquisition and compensatory payment was submitted by Tamenglong DC vide letter number DC (TML)/11/296(NHDL) 97(Pt-2) dated January 10, 2013 received on January 21, 2013 at 765 BRTF and accordingly DPR for the subject work had been processed for sanction of the competent authority vide letter number 2233/BJ/LA22 bridges/km145-km216/06/E2 dated February 4, 2013.

“It is further intimated that the DC/TML and 765 BRTF that as soon as the DPR gets sanctioned, the payment will be made to DC/TML immediately without any delay for further disbursement to beneficiaries,” it added.

It further said that since the compensation has been sanctioned and deposited in Tamenglong DC bank account, the Social Welfare Forum, Barak to Phaitol (NH-37), Tamenglong demanded its disbursement for several times since 2014 in all concerned offices from DC/LA/Tamenglong to Deputy Commissioner, Revenue office, it continued. However, the DC wrote for the decision of the state cabinet on July 19, 2017.

KOHIMA | Aug 11 (NNN)

Taking a sharp dig on Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya for dismissing Dr. Shürhozelie’s Government and installing TR Zeliang’s unconstitutional Government in the state, the Naga People’s Front under the banner of Youth Wing today began its four-day sit in protest in front of the Raj Bhavan, Kohima.

Demanding that the Centre recall back the Governor immediately, hundreds of NPF youths gheraoed the Raj Bhavan and asked for dismissal of the unconstitutional Zeliang government.

The agitators strongly voiced that if the Indian government considers Naga people as its citizen, the right form of Constitution should be made functional to run the Nagaland government.

Angered with the way the Governor “hijacked the mandated Shürhozelie’s Government”, the youths further warned that if the Centre do not recall back the Governor, the youths would be “compelled to seek other ways and means to chase him out.”

“The Governor being the Custodian of the Indian Constitution in the state should protect the state but instead, he is breaking every norm of the precious Constitution”, the youths expressed.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA, Yitachu maintained that the Governor who earlier talked about corruption in various department has “lost his integrity and principle and is indulging himself in the mother of all corruption by installing an unconstitutional government.”

“In no state, we expect a Governor like PB Acharya who is supposed to be the guardian of the law of the state to snatch away the rights of the people in this manner”, Yitachu said.

Yitachu also said that if the Indian Government really has concern for the fate of the Naga people then it should send some better person as the Governor of the state who can abide and function according to the Indian Constitution.

The MLA also reiterated that if the octogenarian Governor thinks Naga people will not raise their rights for his unconstitutional politics then it will be his “biggest mistake and miscalculation.”

Yitachu also maintained that if the Governor thinks the Indian Constitution is not for the Naga people, we can understand him but if the Indian Constitution protects the Naga people then immediately Zeliang’s government should be dislodged.

Therefore, Yitachu strongly urged upon the Centre to recall back the present Governor and appoint a person who is well versed with the constitution and act accordingly for the welfare of the people.

Hitting hard at the Rio’s appointing as Interim President of their so-called NPF party as the biggest blow to the Naga people, he said Naga people were not foolish enough to accept such kind of self-style Interim President.

The recently launched Democratic People’s Party (DPP) is the son of Neiphiu Rio and this cannot be forgotten by any Nagas. Instead of nurturing his infant party, Rio is now trying to hijack and dismantle the whole NPF set up through his money power, Yitachu said and asked, can such kind of leadership quality take the Naga people to any greater heights?

The MLA also maintained that the younger generation cannot be underestimated by such leaders, the Naga people are well aware of the power hungry and the truthful leaders.

However, Yitachu said that no matter how hard they try to play with the NPF, Naga people will raise their voice of the NPF and the party will always speak for the Naga people.

Another NPF MLA, Tohanba also raised in the occasion that the Naga people will never accept the violation of the Indian Constitution by the Governor and the Speaker. NPF will always be there to protect the rights of the Naga people, he added.

Tohanba also pointed out that in NPF constitution there is no Interim President post and only one president is mentioned which is occupied by Dr. Shürhozelie.

The NPF working President, Huskha Yethomi in his speech urged upon the Centre that if the Indian Government wants the Naga people to live under its Constitution, Acharya should be called back. The Naga people is not against a person in the stature of Governor but it will go against any Governor who do not uphold the Constitution and protect the people with the law, Huskha said adding that if there is no law in the state, the Naga people can enter inside the Raj Bhavan and remove Acharya from the office. He also warned that before the whole Naga people run out of patience, the Governor should either dismiss the unconstitutional Zeliang’s Government or retreat himself from the Raj Bhavan.

It may be mentioned that the sit-in-dharna will end on  August 14.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 11

Official at the agriculture “intentionally re-wrote” the subject course of a student and excluded the candidate from the merit list in the recent examination of All India Entrance Examination Admission (AIEEA) 2017 under Indian Council of Agricultural Research held on June 10.

Assistant secretary general, Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur, Sheetal Oinam said during a press meet today at its temporary head office located at Sagolband Moirang Leirak.

Sheetal said after passing AIEEA, students can get admission for studying at five different degree courses in agriculture under state quota. 

He said Sonia Yenkokpam daughter of Y. Somendro form Top Awang Leikai bearing roll number 1601109 who appeared in the recent examination of AIEEA for B.Sc. community science was not in the merit list of the results declared on July 22. From this year the score card of all candidates who appeared the examination were published on its official website, he added.

Sonia said as her mark score was more than the one who was selected in the second position for the course under unreserved seat. Sonia put an application seeking re-check of her results to the director, department of agriculture. When she checked her application form on July 27 the course of study was found changed into B.Sc. agriculture instead of B.Sc. community science after erasing with ink remover.

When a team of DESAM volunteers along with Sonia and her guardians investigated regarding the issue on August 7, there were two committees, one is Merit Preparatory Committee having six members and another is Selection Committee having three members including one from the government.

In the investigation DESAM also found the course that she had selected was rewritten into B.Sc. Agriculture by erasing with ink remover.

DESAM warned, the culprits must clarify within three days which has over yesterday. Sheetal said an enquiring committee must form to investigate the matter at the earliest and Sonia must put in the selection list as she is qualified according to her marks. Enquiry committee must find out the culprits at the earliest and must take legal action against the culprits, Sheetal claimed.

From Daniel Kamei

TAMENGLONG | Aug 11

Inclement weather in Tamenglong is playing spoilsport as the district is gearing up to celebrate the 71st Indian Independence day celebration of the country in the district headquarters on August 15, 2017.

While the district administration making hectic preparation amidst the weather condition, those who are taking part in the rehearsal of the march past parade particularly students are experiencing untold hardship.

According to Zonal Education Office (ZEO) Tamenglong, as many as 35 contingents including students, police, ASHA, band party, Manipur Rifles and VDF are taking part in the rehearsal at the lower ground of Tamenglong district head quarter.

The contingents particularly students are made to participate in the rehearsal in the muddy lower ground and amidst rain.

On seeing the ground reality of Lower ground (Apollo Ground) Tamenglong, many have raised their eyebrows on the district administration on social media.

Nevertheless, it is learnt that the district administration has no other options to organise such a big event in Tamenglong district headquarter.

Despite the weather condition the joint rehearsal will continue till Saturday and all participants are asked to come with full uniform, it has been informed.

Meanwhile, parents of the students who are taking part in the parade rehearsal have expressed their strong concern on the safety of the children.

A parent, under condition of anonymity, told Imphal Free Press that her son returned home with torn shoes after participating in the rehearsal at muddy ground.

Another parent further informed that his son has fallen sick after practicing in the rehearsal in muddy ground and amidst rain.

It has been witnessed that most of the children had to rehear with their bare feet due to the dilapidated condition of the ground.

The children cannot escape rehearsal as they fear that they might get punishment in the school.

As a result, parents have asked the concerned authority to cancel or omit the students from participating in the rehearsal.

One of the teachers, who are supervising the rehearsal, alleged that they were not getting refreshment of any kind.

The teacher further disclosed that in the previous years the district administration gave Rs. 10 per students daily for tea refreshment excluding teachers guiding the contingents.

Armstrong Pame, IAS, Deputy Commissioner Tamenglong is going to unfurl the tricolours national flag of the country as chief guest during the Independence celebration.

With the construction work of the sport complex in district headquarter is yet to be completed, the ground is left isolated.

Recently the district administration has repaired the ground for football tournament, which made the condition of the ground worse.

IMPHAL| Aug 11

Health minister  L. Jayantakumar Singh inaugurated “Interactive Meet on Medicinal Plants With District Level Farmers/Collectors” , Innovation of Mainstreaming of AYUSH & “365 days Activities at School Level”, today at Chandel Indoor Studium, Chandel. 

As Chief Guest of the function, minister explained about the importance of   Medicinal Plants found in the state. He said that growing of medicinal plants will help to generate income of the farmers. Different types of medicinal plants of high value are found in Chandel District, which is not found in the rest of the state. He advocated that the traditional methods of treatment using the medicinal plants during the past were of immense significance.

Minister stated that such programme is launched under the National Ayush Mission.  He also informed that AYUSH has become a supplementary and complimentary to Allopathy. It has reduced the cost of medicine, he added. He also appealed the people to be aware about the value and usefulness of the traditional medicinal plants.

Presiding the function, Parliamentary Secretary Shri S. Subhachandra Singh said that the Government has introduced many schemes to bring a better Health Caring Society. YOGA is also one of such examples, which is recognized by the World Health Organisation, he added.

Prizes were also distributed to the winners who participated in the competitions of various disciplines organised by the Manipur Medicinal Plant Board.

The function was attended by MLA Mayang Imphal A/C K. Robindro Singh, MLA Sekmai A/C H. Dingo Singh, DC Chandel Krishna Kumar, Director AYUSH,Manipur A Gunesor Sharma as Guest of Honours. Staff and Officials of Health and Family Welfare, AYUSH, students from different schools and others were also present at the function.

Later the ministerial team inspected the work progress of the new building of District Hospital, Chaldel that is under construction. Ministerial team also visited the District Hospital and interacted with the staff.

The Programme was jointly organised by Manipur State Medicinal Plant Board, National AYUSH Mission, Directorate of AYUSH & Organisation for Tribal Benefit Programme(OTBP), chandel.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 11

The chief judicial magistrate, Imphal West remanded a foreigner to police custody for six days for illegally entering Manipur and trying to flite to Kolkata via Guwahati by using fake driving license.

The accused foreigner, Sai Tun Win (34) son of Uyi Sar of Muse, Myanmar was arrested yesterday from Imphal airport, after airport security staff lodged a complaint that during a checking of ticket and IDs of passenger in departure entrance gate, one person arrived at the departure gate with a valid e-ticket.

According to the submission of the investigative officer (IO) of the case, airport security found some difference in his driving license and during checking the airport security staff found one driving license issued by Myanmar government in the name of Sai Tun Win and one passport of republic of the union of Myanmar in the same name from the detained person.

Though Sai tun Win possess passport of republic of the union of Myanmar his VISA was found already expired on April 22, 2017 and he could not produced any documents regarding the extension of his VISA, he added.

The IO state that during further interrogation the accused person disclosed that the fake driving license was issued by DTO, Churachanpur on August 20, 2015 and was given to him by one of his local friend at Myanmar.

On investigation the IO was found that photograph affixed on the fake license is tallied with the accused as well as the photographs affixed on the seized passport and Myanmar driving license.

The IO of the case prayed to the court to remanded the accused person to police custody for further investigation of the case and the court has granted the prayer of the IO for smooth investigation.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 11

The divisional bench of the High Court of Manipur, comprising of acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar Singh and justice Kh. Nobin Singh are going inspect work being executed on the National Highway-37 tomorrow.

The proposed inspection tour of the Highway was in response to the PIL filed by Rajkumar Joysana Singh against the Union of India and nine others, on frequent economic blockade imposed along the National Highways.

Acting on the PIL the bench earlier, asked the respondents to repair the National Highways in addition to declaring imposition of blockades or bandhs on Highways as illegal, to ensure free passengers of supply trucks.

The hearing of the PIL continued today, wherein the respective counsels for the state respondents as well as for the Union produced certain reports about the progress of work for maintenance of both the highways of the state.

The divisional bench from the submission observed that the progress of the repairing work is slow owing to rain.

In an affidavit submitted by the state government, it stated that state government has requested the Centre to release Rs. 13.64 crores for repairing the NH-2 in terms of order passed by the court but the ministry has expressed their inability to enhance allocation of funder under O.R.

The counsel of the Union requested before the court to give more time to take necessary and specific instructions in this regards to whether the ministry has declined the additional fund requested by the state government.

Considering the submission made both the counsels, the division bench has decided to make an inspection of the work being executed in Highway-37 tomorrow. Some of the counsels have also volunteered to join in the said inspection. 

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 10

The Supreme Court directive to the Central Bureau of Investigation to form a special investigating team for inquiring into fake encounter killings has been complied with. The CBI has instituted a five-men team headed by the SP of CBI, New Delhi on July 27 last.

An office order by deputy director (Personnel) of CBI headquarter, New Delhi has posted SP of CBI, Daljeet Singh, additional SP of CBI, Lelkholan Hangshing, deputy SP of CBI, P Shadang, inspector of CBI, BR Roy and inspector PK Roy of the New Delhi CBI.

They have been ordered by the Supreme Court vide its order passed on July 14 in the case of Extra judicial Execution Victim Families Association, Manipur and the Union of India.

The team will scrutinized various cases which have already been investigated by the higher and lower courts, commissions and Manipur Human Rights Commission and chargesheeted. The team is to submit their report to the Supreme Court by December 31, 2017.

KANGPOKPI | Aug 10

 Civil Society Organizations of Kangpokpi District have decided to launch lighting rally tomorrow against the UNC decision of District Roll back.

According to the CSOs Kangpokpi, the lighting rally will begin from 10 am at Gamgiphai to Taphou Kuki in Kangpokpi District.

It also said that the lighting rally will continue till the the tripartite talks at Senapati end.

The main rally will be organized at District Headquarters, Kangpokpi.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 10

The Tengnoupal district police led by its superintendent of police, S. Ibomcha Singh today conducted traffic awareness drive at Indo-Myanmar gate number one at Moreh under the theme “Obey Indian traffic rules.”

During the drive the police stopped and briefed commuters particularly coming from Myanmar to follow the Indian traffic rule, to drive on the left side of the road, when in Indian territory.

The police team also erected billboard saying “Obey Indian traffic rules”.

The SP also issued ordered for the deployment of police officer and personnel of Moreh police at the Indo-Myanmar Friendship Gate number one, on Indian side from 6 am to 6 pm.

In the meantime, the deputy commissioner of Tengnoupal also wrote a protest note to the DC of Tamu, Myanmar against traffic rule violation by Myanmarese vehicles on Indian sides near gate number one.

It said that vehicles entering India through Indo-Myanmar Friendship Bridge at gate number one have been violating Indian traffic rules and regulation while proceeding towards Namphalong market.

As a result, frequent accidents have been occurred in the past and there is risk of traffic accidents taking place in the future again, it observed.

It maintained that no Myanmar vehicles would be allowed to violate Indian traffic rules and regulation on Indian side with immediate effect.

The statement further requested the Myanmar authority to instruct all Myanmar vehicles to abide by Indian traffic rules and regulation while entering Indian territory without fail immediately.

IMPHAL | Aug 10

BB Singh, CMD of MSTC (Metal Scrap Trade Corporation) Ltd, a mini ratna category-I PSU under ministry of steel, Govt. of India met chief minister N. Biren Singh at CM secretariat today to discuss the thrust areas wherein MSTC’s expertise and experience would be utilised to execute various e-commerce projects in the state of Manipur.

A release issued by Bashanta Sharma, media co-ordinator to CM, Singh apprised CM about MSTC’s e-commerce services which are being utilised in many flagship projects of the Centre viz. Deen Dayal Upadhayay Gram Jyoti Yojana, Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme, e-auction of mining lease and composite licence.

MSTC is already conducting e-auctions to sell various agro-forest products of Northeast like ginger, pineapple, hill grass, black pepper etc, the release said.

It further said recently in collaboration with CRWC (Central Railside Warehouse Company Ltd), MSTC launched e- Rashtriya Kisan Agri Mandi (e-RAKAM) in New Delhi which will help farmers/FPOs of Manipur to auction their agri-produce in advance of harvesting season enabling them to receive appropriate remuneration for their produce.

In association with NAFED, MSTC has successfully conducted e-auction of 1000MT of moong dal within one week.

The chief minister is looking forward to utilize MSTC’s platform and start e-auctioning of agri products and other materials of various departments at the earliest. MSTC has already gained success in auctioning of timber, coffee, pepper, sandalwood etc. for Kerala forest department and red sanders wood for Andhra Pradesh forest department bringing transparency to the whole process, it said.

Apart from a-auction MSTC is also providing e-procurement services to various govt. departments, PSUs and private entities all over India.

IMPHAL | Aug 10

Various insurgents of WESEA have called for a total ban of Independence Day in the region and called for total shut-down of the entire region for 12 hours from 6 am to 6 pm on the day, the August 15.

Observance of Indian Independence Day is one of the symbolic instruments, sacred for mainland Indians, but malicious to the colonized peripheral non-Indians and celebration of such occasions can create a false consciousness of enjoying political freedom in the minds of subjugated people, said a joint press release signed by secretary publicity and research, KYKL, A. Yaiphaba, publicity secretary, HNLC, Sainkupar Nongtraw, president, KCP, Ksh. Laba Meitei, Chairman, KLO, Jiban Singh Koch, chairman, KYKL N. Oken, general secretary, NDFB, B. R. Ferengga, organizing secretary,NLFT, Sengphui Borok, and chairman, PDCK, J. K. Lijang.

With the departure of the British colonial masters, the new country embarked upon an ambitious project of occupation of the rim-lands. Thus a new India was forged as an unnatural union or as an expansionist freak and it became a “prison-house of nations,” it added.

The present-day descendants of Gandhi have no qualms in using the ultimate forms of violence – like annexation of new territories, state-terrorism under AFSPA, collective fine, rape with immunity etc, it further charged.

To reinforce their hegemony over the peripheral non-Indians, in addition to the hard violent tools, they use soft ones like education, mass media, films, literature, arts and culture, and symbolic instruments like the national flag, national anthems, observation of national days, celebration of national festivals, and ritual obeisance to national heroes etc, it alleged.

The objective is to manufacture consent of the subjugated peoples in an easier way, in order to facilitate assimilation, or in reality, ethnocide of the rim-land nations, it further said. Using uncivilized and sometimes, inhuman tools, the entire WESEA region have been subjected to forceful occupation of the mainland Indian regime, it added.

To resist Indian occupation and hegemony, almost all communities of this WESEA region have risen up in arms and armed struggle is still going on, it further said. In order to successfully materialize the total ban, the mentioned organisations have called upon all peoples of this subjugated region to do the needful to make it a success, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 10

The Special Court POCSO, Imphal West, Maibam Manojkumar, today sentenced 42 years old Chanambam Brojen, rape convict to five years’ rigorous imprisonment.

The court also recommended for providing compensation of Rs. 50 thousands from “financial assistance and support scheme to the victim of rape, A scheme for retrospective Justice” launched by the ministry of women and child development government of India to the dependent of deceased victim.

Chanambam Brojen 42, son of Ch. Bihari of Ngairangam Makha Leikai was convicted by the court on August 4 under Section 8 of POCSO Act 2012 for sexual assault on minor a girl and the sentenced hearing was fixed today.

During the hearing today, A. Nilachandra additional public prosecutor (APP) submitted before the court that the accused was convicted under Section 8 of POCSO Act 2012 for committing sexual assault upon the victim girl and the victim expired during the course of trial.

As a result, the crime committed by the convicted accused is a serious offence and prayed to sentence the convict to the maximum sentence of five years imprisonment with fine for committing the offence, said the APP.

Advocate Kanta, defense counsel of convict, on the other hand contended that the convicted accused is a person having a wife and two minor children and that there is no bad moral character of the convict in the past.

He pleaded the court to sentence the Borjen to the period he had undergone in Sajiwa jail. Brojen has been lodged in the Judicial custody for about three years and three months. 

After hearing the submissions of both the counsels, the court sentenced Borej to rigorous imprisonment for a period of five years and fine of 10 thousand rupees under the section 8 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act 2012 and in default of payment of fine the convict has to undergo 3 months simple imprisonment.

As per the court order the fine has to be deposited to the court and the said amount of Rs. 10,000 be given to the father of the victim as compensation since the victim has already expired.

The period which has already undergone by the convict in the judicial custody, during the period of investigation as well as during the trial, if any, will be set off from the sentence awarded, it said.

The court recommended for providing victim compensation scheme under Section 357 A of Cr PC to the victim and forwarded an order copy to the member secretary of Manipur State Legal Service Authority for doing the needful.

A written complaint against the convict was filed by the father of the victim on April 5, 2012.

In his complaint the victim’s father said that on April 4, 2012 at around 2.30 pm his daughter went Brojen’s house to take money from him. While eating pan with the convict’s wife at their home, Brojen assaultd the girl.

After a regular FIR was lodged the investigation of the case was carried out by G. Ketty Sharma women sub-inspector of Patsoi police station and arrested Brojen.

After the completion of the investigation the IO submitted charge sheet against the accused Brojen under Section 4 and 8 of POCSO Act before the then Special Judge POCSO Manipur East and the charge was framed against the accused on January 23, 2013 under Section 4 and 8 of POCSO Act by Special Judge POCSO Manipur east.

The case was then transferred during the stage of examination of prosecution witnesses from Special Judge POCSO Manipur east after bifurcation of district and session Judge Manipur east as district and session Judge Imphal west and Imphal east.

All together 13 prosecution witnesses were recorded and cross-examined during the four year long trial of the case.

DC informs anti-corruption cell, asks CAF & PD director to trace missing rice

By Paojel Chaoba

IMPHAL | Aug 10

In a clear cut case of rampant corruption perpetrated by some officers of the consumer affairs, food and public distribution department, rice quota of Lillong Assembly constituency for six months has gone missing.

Signatures of fair price shop agents have been forged. The anti-corruption cell has also been intimated in this regard by the deputy commissioner of Thoubal, L. Nabakishwar Singh today.

A five-member district level inquiry committee was set up headed by the additional deputy commissioner of Thoubal regarding a complaint received that the rice quota for the constituency has not been distributed for some time.

The investigating team found hidden facts about the rice based on the statements of district supply officer, civil supply officer, fair price shop agents of Lillong constituency and from inspection of the monthly issue register.

It was observed that signatures of fair price shop agents have been forged for some months in the register. The forgery was to avail the monthly honorarium. Further, for the months of April 2016 to September 2016, it was found that the fair price shops had distributed allocations for the first 4 months to the AAY households and to every voter at Rs 3 per kilogram.

For the remaining two months, the rice provided under National Food Security Act was given to two persons namely Babu and Haji Riyaj. The duo later distributed the rice free of cost to voters and not to the entitled beneficiaries.

Further, it was found that rice for six months beginning October 2016 to March 2017 were not distributed at all and the quota has gone missing.

Further, the deputy commissioner of Thoubal requested the anti-corruption cell to move the CAF and PD department to request the director of the department to trace the missing rice for six months and to also initiate a departmental inquiry against district supply officer of Thoubal, namely P. Virdhwaja and civil supply inspector K. Dhananjoy Singh.

It was also prayed for issuing strict instructions to all district supply officers that the NAFSA rice should be given to the identified beneficiaries and not to electors.

The district administration too has taken up corrective measures to ensure fair distribution in future by assigning a specific jurisdiction to the civil supply inspectors, instead of the system of assigning work to a single person.