Tag: IFP

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 9

Works minister Thongam Biswajit Singh has assured that the national highways in the state will be improved and made in a never seen avatar in the state. He gave this assurance while talking to reporters on the sideline of 19 th freshers meet of Mount Everest College, Senapati today.

He said upgradation of the highways will start from next month.

The minister said that work order is out and the construction will start from September when the weather is work-friendly. It will be on both national highways which connects Imphal-Jiribam and Imphal-Dimapur.

Contractors of Bhartia Infra Projects Limited will start work in September and try to complete it in December. The works will be implemented on EPC (Engineering Procurement and Construction) mode, he added.

As the minister of works, he urged civil organisations and the local public to bear the brunt of bad road condition for a little longer so that the bad weather also clears out and so that certain norms in the process of maintaining a national highway will be properly furnished.

He also said that the issue of compensation on Imphal–Jiribam road will be sorted out by incorporating with National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHICDL) so that the on-going work is not disturbed by any civil organisation.

The annual fresher’s meet of the college was observed at the college chapel under the theme “Beautifully created”.

Addressing the gathering Biswajit urged the youths to shoulder the responsibility in burying the hatchet and mistrust between two brotherhoods of hills and the valleys. He also urged the people to forgive and forget past mistakes.

He encouraged the students to excel in studies and co-curricular activities.

The minister assured that he would accomplish the terms submitted by the college and the Taphou-Phiami village memorandum. It includes construction of road with drainage in the MEC road, to create a separate transformer for Senapati and to build a new market shed according to the customary model after consulting with the officials.

The function was also attended by the deputy commissioner of Senapati district, Athem Muivah, college president and former MLA Alexander Pao and NPF Senapati president Soni Mathew among others.

MEC has a total strength of around 2,500 students and offers undergraduate and graduate courses. The undergraduate course has three streams, arts, science and commerce.

IMPHAL | Aug 10

Education, labour and employment minister Th. Radheshyam today attended celebration of 7th birthday of children at the Hope Home, Imphal, a home meant only for girls, at Takyel Khongbal Maning Leikai.

The minister said that the birthday is very significant for all, specially, for the girls staying at the home. Born in different houses at different dates, birthdays for all the girls are now celebrated on this special day for all the sisters of this big family living under a single roof, he added.

He said that positive thoughts and ideas need to be practically ‘converted and translated’ into action for betterment of the society. He added that the human values are diminishing day by day in today’s society.

Moral value is the need of the hour that should be imparted in schools and colleges among the youths, the student of today to restore the beautiful tradition of the society. Once these moral values are imbibed to the young minds, then the selfish and unwanted incidents prevailing in the state could be lessened, he reprimanded.

Education does not just mean to be literate, but, to be able to enrich human moral values enabling to stand and face problems. Taking example of the children of the home, who though lacks in many things in their life, he said, are prepared to face the challenges in their life.

Commitment, hard work, sacrifice, discipline, helping attitude and determination are a must to enhance the youths of today to better present day society. Hope is the faith that builds confidence to achieve goals. Thus, the home itself is the hope for all the girls living here for their better future, he added.

Radheshyam also appreciated and thanks those whoever is extending their never ending support. A single word or deed can bring changes to one’s life. He urged to extend the true love and care to all the children and everyone in need of support, to make their life better and to help them become a productive and contributive citizen.

He said that he will try to extend all his helping hand in providing the necessary needs, even books, for better education to the children and will discuss for the support from the social welfare minister and state government.

The home has been home to twenty four girls living together. Six girls had now moved away after attaining eighteen years to pursue higher education in colleges while eighteen girls are still staying at the home. He asked to conduct a follow up action to retract the girls those who had shifted from the home so that further help, if necessary, could be extended to them. The home can also invite them to have interactive session with those presently staying at the home.

Retd. principal Oriental College, Imphal, N. Ibobi Singh, director, The Hope Home, Imphal Ksh. Nilbir Singh, other dignitaries, guardians and children were present at the celebration.

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI | Aug 10

The tripartite talks involving the United Naga Council (UNC), the Central Government and the State Government of Manipur on the district creation issue are all set to be held on Friday, August 11, at Senapati headquarters.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Joint Secretary in-charge of Northeast, Satyendra Garg while speaking to Newmai News Network over phone has expressed his hope for a positive outcome. Satyendra Garg also said that the Government of India is very much concerned with the issue. “The engaging parties must resolve the problem the way it can be,” stated the Joint Secretary of MHA while adding, “Let us hope for the best outcome of the talks.”

 Satyendra Garg will be chairing the tripartite talks on Friday.

Meanwhile, UNC president Gaidon Kamei told NNN this evening that “Nagas believe in finding solutions to all problems through dialogues”. He also said that “Nagas do not exhaust in finding logical conclusions” to any issue. “However, if the Government of Manipur takes advantage of our patience and decency, and start working to victimise us then we will know about such dealings in advance,” Gaidon Kamei added. He also said that the Nagas know the “strength” of the Manipur Government. “We have been asking our people to remain prepared to face any eventuality in the event of the break-down of the tripartite talks,” he asserted. Nevertheless, the UNC president expressed optimistic about the Friday’s talks.

Gaidon Kamei then said that “anything that may hurt the future of the Nagas” will be thwarted with all out efforts by the Nagas.

Earlier, the tripartite were scheduled for July 22 at the ‘political level’ but the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had “fervently requested” the UNC leaders to have the talks in the early part of August.

It can be noted here that the tripartite talks on district creation issue which were also scheduled earlier for July 10 at Ukhrul district headquarters were postponed, and the talks were latter fixed for July 22 with Senapati district headquarters as the venue. Apparently reacting to the prolonging of the tripartite talks the UNC had earlier expressed its frustration.

Last month, UNC President Gaidon Kamei had stated that Naga people in Manipur “to remain alert to face any eventuality”. Earlier, the UNC had alleged that a party engaging in the tripartite talks was intentionally trying to sabotage the ongoing dialogue on district creation issue.

On May 19, the representatives of the Manipur Government, the Central Government and the UNC had agreed upon to hold tripartite talks on the district creation issue at the political level within a month’s time. However, it has been more than two months now that the talks on the issue could not be held for various reasons.

It may also be recalled here that the UNC had stated two months ago that “since the new government of Manipur under the leadership of N Biren Singh and the Narendra Modi government at the Centre had assured us to redress the problems created by the communal Ibobi Singh government we are fervently waiting for the justice.”

Things may further be recalled here that, in the last tripartite talks held on May 19 in Senapati headquarters, it was reaffirmed the “focal point No 1 of agreement arrived at in the tripartite talks on March 19, 2017” which 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”.

IMPHAL | Aug 9

A team of Bishnupur district police commandos have arrested an alleged cadre of Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) organisation during frisking and checking at Bishnupur Chiningkon near Iron bridge yesterday at around 9 am, said a release signed by PRO, police department, Manipur.

It further said that the individual has been identified as William Kamei (20) son of K. Guida of Noney Khumji Part-I and added that incriminating articles were seized from his possession.

Investigation revealed that he was involved in serving demand notes and extortion of huge amount of money from the officials of National Project at Noney area as their party fund, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 9

Joint Action Committee on Inner Line Permit Sytem (JCILPS) today set August end as the deadline for the government to constitute a drafting committee for a new bill on the line of ILP.

Addressing International Day of World’s Indigenous People held at Keishampat Keisham Leikai Yumjao Lairembi community hall, JCILPS convener Arjun Tenheiba accused the governemnt of not giving serious attention on framming legislation for safeguarding interet of the indigenous people.

Like other parts of the world the day is celebrated in the state also organised by Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS).

“The government should set up the drafting committee,” he demanded.

He said the proposed bill must have the consent of all MLAs including those from the hills, ministers, tribal leaders and civil society organisations (CSO).

“Such a bill should not affect the interest of all the ethnic groups of the state,” he added.

The government must take action before the end of this month. If the state government fails to take action the JCILPS with various CSOs will launch an agitation, Arjun warned.

He said, according to United Nations, indigenous people are those who have unique identity culturally, geographically of the native place. Manipur was once a princely state and it has its own culture, territorial boundary, distinct political system, economic character among others. With these characteristics Manipur can claim as self-determination.

On September 21, 1949 the the Governor General of India and the Maharajah of Manipur signed an agreement. After that restriction of entery by non-local had been removed. After the removal of restriction many non-locals has been entering the state in the name of business, he lamented.

“An appropriate law should be made to stop free entry by non-locals at the earliest, or else in the near future non-locals will dominate the indigenous people of the state,” Arjun asserted.

Chairman of COHR, Pholindro Konsam, president of Aimol Tribe Union, R. T. Akhel Aimol, co-ordinator of ANJUMAN, Alhaj M.V. Muheiyuddin and others attend the function as presidium members.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Aug 9

The third round of Indo-Kuki political talks involving United People’s Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organization (KNO) with the government of India and government of India was successfully held today at Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi.

The almost three hours long meeting attended by 6 delegates on the part of the government of India and government of Manipur was chaired by Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary, NE where the newly appointed Interlocutor was officially announced.

The other delegated on the part of the government were Dr. J. Suresh Babu, principal secretary (Home); Dineshwar Sharma, interlocutor; Pramod Asthana, ADGP, Intelligence (Law & Order), Manipur; Col. Amit Tiwari, DGMI and Dr. Baljit, Ministry of Home Affairs (IB).

While the United People’s Front (UPF) was represented by 10 member delegates led by its spokesperson, Aaron Kipgen and Kuki National Organization (KNO) was represented by 9 member delegates led by its negotiator Seilen Haokip.

Handing over the political dialogue to the newly appointed interlocutor, Dineshwar Sharma and extension of the Suspension of Operation agreement for the next one year was the main important thing discussed in the meeting.

The Suspension of Operation agreement effective upto June 8, 2017 on the part of UPF and upto July 21, 2017 for the KNO is further extended by all the parties in the meeting today for another year till August 31, 2018.

The extension of SoO agreement for another year was signed by Aaron Kipgen, Calvin H, L. Sanga Hmar, Romeo Haokip and David Chongloi on the part of and T.S. Haokip, T. Samuel, David Hangshing, Lalpu Hangshing and L.M. Dimo Zou on the part of KNO while Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary (NE), MHA and Dr. J. Suresh Babu, ACS/Home Department, government of Manipur signed on the part of the Governments.

Speaking over the phone, UPF Spokesperson Aaron Kipgen said that during the meeting the Joint Secretary (NE), Satyendra Garg officially announced the appointment of Interlocutor for the UPF and KNO while introducing him to the august house.

He also said that the political issue of the Kukis shall be henceforth dealt minutely by the newly appointed interlocutor while he will visit the Kuki inhabited areas in Manipur shortly in connection with the Kuki political issue.

“The chief minister of Manipur is keen to resolve the aged old political issue of the Kukis and the SoO groups to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur and it is one of the factor as to why interlocutor have been appointed to expedite the political settlement”, the UPF spokesperson quoted Dr. J. Suresh Babu, chairman of the Joint Monitoring Group as saying.

On query, the UPF spokesperson said that the political demand of the UPF and KNO still remains the same, i.e. statehood and the interlocutor shall call another meeting shortly to discuss the political agenda.

He further said that the delegates of UPF and KNO want the government of India to respond to the demand for statehood that was submitted during the second round of talks held on October 19, 2016 but the government said that the new interlocutor shall have a threadbare discussion on the political agenda in the following rounds of political dialogue.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Aug 9

The Kukis across Manipur from various congregate this morning at Kangpokpi DHQs and held rally in support of the Indo-Kuki political talks prior to the scheduled third round of tripartite talks today at the national capital involving the UPF-KNO, representing the Kukis and government of India and government of Manipur.

The support rally was jointly organized by various Kuki civil society organizations spearheaded by Kuki Women Union to show their endorsement and support towards the UPF and KNO who represented the 23 cognate tribes of the Kukis in the talks.

The rallyist mostly men and women in good numbers gathered at Brig. Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi DHQs at around 7:30 am in the morning and after a minutes speeches and deliberation marched towards Kangpokpi Bazar via the Trans Asian Highway No.1.

They hold several giant banner and pamphlets written words of support and demand like, “We Support Indo-Kuki Political talks”, “We endorse UPF & KNO”, “Expedite Indo-Kuki Political Talks”, Statehood, the long cherished dream of the Kukis”, “Kuki National Assembly’s memorandum to the PM, 1964-Statehood for the Kukis, Haipi Declaration of the Kukis, 2015-Statehood for the Kukis, UPF&KNO today-Statehood for the Kukis”, “Why not Statehood for the Kukis”, etc.

Traffic flow along the Tans Asian Highway No.1 was disrupted for few minutes during the support rally and a simple ceremony held at the traffic point of the District HQs main bazar.

IMPHAL | Aug 9

An awareness programme on cyber crime was held today at Brilliance School, Uripok Imphal West. The programme was organised by Manipur Cyber Crime unit led by officer-in-charge state cyber crime unit Mohit Kumar Garg along with sub-inspector N. Bhubonchandra and his team under Swachata Abhiyan programme.

The programme was launched on August 7 and will continue till August 14.

During the awareness programme Mohit explained how to handle a social networking site in a safe mode like Facebook, WhatsApp, and bank fraud.

A slide show including fraud demo video was shown to the students of the school.

Speaking on the awareness programme, Mohit said people need to be aware of fraud calls and to avoid surfing in unknown web link. In this technological age many frauds are out to loot easily from the public who have less knowledge on cyber crimes especially from the older people.

Mohit advised that people must aware as many skilled robbers have come to the society so people should not give any bank details to any unknown person. With the opening of cyber crime unit in the state, the unit has able to solve 80 percent of the cyber crimes cases. People can get help from its official website cybercrime.mn@gov.in and can also ask any queries related to cyber crimes, he added.

IMPHAL | Aug 9

Chief minister N. Biren Singh stressed on promoting people to people connectivity between Manipur and Laos during his meetings with different ministers of the country yesterday.

At their capital Vientiane, the chief minister had separate meetings with Prime Minister’s Office Minister Alunkeo, Commerce and Industry Minister Khemmani Pholsena and Information, Culture and Tourism Minister Bosengkham Vongdara during his recent visit to the South East Asian country which began on August 6 and ended yesterday.

Biren had fruitful discussions on myriad issues including culture, tourism and trade potentials with the ministers.

He told the ministers that Manipur and Laos would automatically witness upswing in bilateral trade and co-operations once people to people connectivity is boosted apart from enhancing surface and air connectivity.

The chief minister pointed out that Manipur shares close affinity in terms of culture, customs and food habits not only with Laos but also with most of the ASEAN countries.

The ministers expressed astonishment when Biren mentioned about the similarities of Laos and Manipur in food habits and many other things.

All the ministers expressed their willingness to visit Manipur when the chief minister invited them to this year’s Manipur Sangai Festival.

Biren said that the government of India had transformed its ‘Look East Policy’ into ‘Act East Policy’ with a renewed vigour to enhance ties with ASEAN countries in terms of bilateral relations and trade.

The India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, which would connect Moreh in Manipur with Mae Sot in western Thailand through Mandalay in Myanmar would certainly boost trade between Manipur and ASEAN countries, Biren observed.

During the meeting, the ministers sought investment in IT sector from the government of India.

Biren presented shawls having Sangai prints and Pakhangba mementoes to the ministers and top officials, whom he met during the tour.

The chief minister was accompanied by parliamentary secretary (Tourism) Dr. S. Ranjan, parliamentary secretary (Home) L. Susindro, advisor to CM Rajat Sethi and Personal Secretary to CM S. Rajen during his visit. The team returned Imphal today.

IMPHAL | Aug 9

On the second day of the student’s agitation demanding withdrawal of the order for admission of 120 extra students in Dhanamanjuri College of Arts, students boycotted their classes and staged sit-in-protest at its college campus today.

Speaking to the media persons, Oinam Gandhi pursuing 5th semester in B.A. political science honours said, as a part of agitation administration block of DM Arts has been shut and in continuation of the agitation students staged the protest.

He said admission of first semester has already been started with one thousand students since July 4. But the government has released an order on last Sunday for re-admission of 120 more students.

The government must withdraw the order at the earliest. If the government fails to take action till tomorrow noon then intense agitation will be launched, Gandhi warned.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 9

The Imphal East police today arrested one drug peddler at around 1.25 pm and seized 20,890 spasmo proxivon (SP) capsule worth around Rs. 5,22,000 from his residence.

The arrested drug peddler is identified as Sangomshungbam Mujibur Rahaman alias Ango (27) son of S. Amu Shah of Khurai Khumidok Kongba Turel Mapan.

Police said that the team lead by Imphal East commando officer in charge, L. Vaiphei were able to arrest the drug peddler after the Imphal East police got a specific information about the presence of drug smuggler at Khurai Khumidok Kongba Turel Mapan area.

Earlier the team arrested two drug peddlers from Bishnupur district by giving prior information to the Bishnupur police control room.

Police said that they arrested Talkhellambam Shashikanta Singh alias Sashi alias Atomba (36) son of T. Thambalngou from Nambol Kabowakching at around 11.35 am and seized one mobile phone from his residence.

Following his disclosure the team arrested Ningthoujam Angangtomba Singh alias Tomba (52) son of late N. Nilachandra Singh from Leimaram Waroiching at around 12.20 pm and seized 25 grams of heroine (no. 4) powder and one mobile phone.

Police said that they were able to make the arrest after getting a reliable information of presence of drug peddler at Nambol Kabowakching area and the two arrested peddlers are partners in their peddling business.

IMPHAL| Aug 9

The proscribed United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has informed that Sandam Bhogen (37) son of S. Bheigya from Sairemkhul Mayai Leikai was given punishment for raping a three and a half year old girl.

Bhogen was shot at yesterday near SAI complex at Takyel Khongban around 1.40 pm by UNLF, said a release signed by M. Sakhen, department of publicity.  Bhogen had raped the three and a half year old child, who was from the same locality where he resided, in the noon of December 3, 2013 when her family had gone to harvest paddies leaving the girl behind, it said. Bhogen committed the crime to the helpless child by taking advantage of the situation, it added

UNLF will continue to give stringent punishment against such criminals who are terrorising the women community by committing rape etc, it further said. The front has urged the people not to provide protection to theses criminals and requested to support the steps being taken by UNLF, it added.

IMPHAL | Aug 9

The Tribal Fish Farmers Committee, Manipur has expressed dissatisfaction over the implementation of Paddy cum Pisciculture (NEC) 2013-14 for manipulating the tribal fish farmers by not releasing the final payment.

A release signed by general secretary of Tribal Fish Farmers Committee, Machungailung Gangmei said that the committee also condemned the action of the department of Fisheries, government of Manipur for carrying out inspection on implementation of Paddy cum Pisciculture in the month of July-August, 2017 without releasing the final fund which was already implemented in 2013-14.

It further said that as the government fails to redress the grievances of the farmers, the committee in an emergency meeting of executives observed that different schemes implemented in hill districts have totally failed and further resolved to call 12 hour bandh in all tribal inhabited areas from the midnight of August 10.

IMPHAL | Aug 9

Deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh said it is time to tap renewable energy as alternate sources of energy at maximum level in view of growing concern about exhausting fossil fuel. He was speaking at the inaugural function of state level painting competition held today at Lamyanba Shanglen in Imphal.

The competition is organised as a part of the observance of World Bio-Fuel Day which is to be held tomorrow.

Deputy chief minister said, as the fossil fuel deposits in the world have been exhausting at a faster rate, now is the time to tap alternate sources of energy mostly renewable energy and bio-fuels to meet the growing demand of energy in the world. He said, bio-fuels have a major role and therefore, attention have to be drawn for all the concerns in the area. Although, there have been adequate sources of alternate energy in the State, tapping it still becomes a question to all.

Observing that, the state has maximum potential to generate renewable energy, deputy chief minister said, adequate solar energy can be generated to sustain its uses as an alternate source of energy. Wind energy can also be generated in large scale, he added.

Joykumar further said, younger generations should also be taught to know the potentials and possibilities to generate renewable energy as an alternate source of energy in the state in view of the exhausting non-renewable energy especially for fossil fuel.

Professor Ph. Ranjit Singh of Central Agricultural University, Imphal said, Manipur is one of the bio-diversity hotspots in the world and it has a huge potential to develop bio-fuels. Non-edible oil producing plants should be grown in the state so that bio-fuel can be developed as an alternate source of energy.

Ministry of petroleum and natural gas in association with National Yuva Cooperative Society (NYCS) Limited is organising a series of nationwide events to create awareness about non-fossil fuels (Green Fuels) and it aims to bring into focus the various initiatives that the ministry is undertaking in the country in the field of bio energy. A cycle rally will also be organised tomorrow in Imphal.

100 students in category A (VIII-X) and 11 students in category B (XI-XII) participated in the painting competition.

IMPHAL| Aug 9

The outlawed United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA/UTLF) has informed today that the organisation is not involved in the killing of an innocent person (L) Ranjen Das, and in the kidnapping of a NFR Engineer who were abducted in the Vangai range for a ransom.

(UTLA/UTLF) has appealed to all underground outfits that kidnapping, killing of innocent people, ransom and other such as keeping in hostage are strictly unwanted, said a release signed by T.   Robert Singson, general secretary, UTLA/UTLF. The organisation has appealed not to indulge in such a crime against humanity in the Vangai range, it said.

The organisation has requested the cadres of UTLA/UTLF who have gone to their villages to report on August 20 at the peace camp, it further said. Otherwise, the monthly stipend and the other income organised by the government would not be pro

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 9

Health minister L. Jayantakumar asked the people to focus and give special provision to children to make a strong nation as they are the future of the society.

He was delivering the chief guest speech during the launching function of National Deworming Day to be started from tomorrow till August 17 at Ramlal Paul Higher Secondary School, Keishamthong today.

The minister said that the duties of a government is to make a strong and healthy nation so all the departments give special focus to children in different ways as they are the foundation of making a healthy nation.

Many beneficiaries schemes and package are made available for the children, and it started from the pregnancy of the mother, added Jayantakumar.

Jayantakumar said as a result of environment changes many new disease arise and it becomes very challenging for the health sector to fight against such disease so the minister asked the people give cooperation in fighting against such diseases by following the do and don’t given by the health department.

He said that many doctors and nurses do not want to be posted in hill districts but there are many people in hills who need their help so he asked the doctors and nurses not not hesitate to work in hills districts and appealed to work with dedication.

The president of the function, health parliamentary secretary, S. Subhaschandra appealed to all the parents to make sure to deworm their children to make them healthy.

The function was attended by health services director, K. Lokendro Singh, family welfare director, K. Rajo Singh, health services, additional director, H. Ranjit Singh and education (S) additional director R.K. Tennedy Singh as guests of honour.

IMPHAL | Aug 9

The Manipur Committee for Parliament has appealed the department of Fisheries, government of Manipur to look into the grievances of Hill district fish farmers of Paddy cum Pisciculture (NEC) 2013-14 which has been demanding for release of final payment.

A release signed by vice-president of the committee, S. Ningshen said that the committee also condemned the action of the department of Fisheries, government of Manipur for carrying out inspection on implementation of Paddy cum Pisciculture in the month of July-August, 2017 which should have been conducted in 2013-14.

The Manipur Committee for Parliament appealed to all the fish farmers and the government for earliest solution, it added.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Aug 9

To safeguard the deteriorating habitat and environment of Shirui Kashong, the Shirui Kashong Area Forest Land Owners Conservancy (SKAFLOC) was formed on July 30.

The chairman SKAFLOC, Mayopam Shangh has stated that the body has been formed with a strong concern over the drastic ecological changes in the past 20 years, which has resulted in the extinction of valuable medicinal plants in the vicinity of Shirui Kashong. The survival of Manipur state flower Shirui Lily, state bird Nongyin and state tree Uningthou has now become endangered, he added.

During an interaction with the IFP correspondent, secretary of SKAFLOC, Khamshon Luirei has said that 40 local landowners in Shirui Kashong have come together to protect and preserve the forest area with due consent and knowledge of the Shirui village authority.

The members agreed to stop felling of trees, hunting of animals and check forest fire. They also have decided to prevent other resources from being extracted and promised to enhance the bio-diversity by taking up re-forestation programme in the days to come. The members of the body further appealed to the public to extend support in preserving Shirui Kashong.

Meanwhile, construction of PMGSY road from Shirui to Ngapum Zingsui and Sambu area has caused landslide at numerous places at the abode of Shirui Lily, and the source of water of Kokthi Kongrei and Namra Kong has also been disturbed. Shirui village is the main source of water supply for Ukhrul town and neighbouring villages.

However, due to rampant felling of trees and frequent landslide caused by the construction of PMGSY road at the foothills of Shirui Kashing has led to change in the level of water. Maiharam area which is a habitat and a home to Nongyin and Tragopan birds is also facing problems due to occurrence of frequent landslide.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Aug 9

National Rural Health Mission Society, Tamenglong launched National Deworming Day at OPD, Tamenglong District Hospital Complex today.

The launching programme was attended by SDO of Tamenglong, Kachamthai Pheiga Gangmei as chief guest along with chief medical officer, Dr Chambo Gonmei, Dr Namjupou, Dr Guidiathiu Kamei and other doctors.

The chief guest urged for compulsory medication for children from 1 year to 19 years of age. The deworming medicine is free of cost and it should cover all the children of Tamenglong district so as to build a healthy society, he added.

Dr Chambo Gonmei said that covering all the children requires deworming medication in all the schools of Tamenglong district. He also advised the parents to wash their children’s hands properly before meal and after toilet.

Dr Chambo Gonmei also said that the government of Manipur and district administration are trying to complete a new OPD in Tamenglong at the earliest as the present one is small and congested. He further informed that the district hospital of Tamenglong has launched Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi where one can buy medicines at lowest rate under doctor’s prescription.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | Aug 9

The National Deworming Day was inaugurated at Vimala Raina High School Churachandpur today. The programme was launched by DC of Churachandpur, Shyam Lal Poonia and it was attended by more than 700 students apart from health officials, parents and teachers.

DPM, NHM demonstrated hand washing techniques to the students and requested them to be aware of healthy habits. Knowledge of treatment by Albendazole tablet was given during the programme.

The DC stressed on the importance of deworming towards achieving internal hygiene among children. He also appealed everyone to ensure hygienic environment for the students and to maintain a Swachh Bharat. The CEO of ADC, Churachandpur, Kamuanlal Simte also appealed to the gathering to work towards cleaning the locality and town for healthy living.

The National Deworming campaign will be undertaken in all the schools and Aanganwadi centres across the district on August 10.