Day: April 8, 2012

IMPHAL, April 8: A press conference was held today at 11 am organized by the Imphal Municipal Council in connection with the Revamped Zero Garbage and introduction of Kangshi Gari for collection of Solid Waste in Imphal area at G.M. hall. The conference was attended by IMC officials, Imphal City Police officials, Traffic Police officials, media persons and individuals.

During the press conference, IMC officials stated that the Imphal Municipal Council (Cleanliness & Sanitation) Bye-Laws has been imposed in the Imphal Municipal area since December 24, 2011 and under these laws the Kangshi Gari will be introduced starting from tomorrow.

IMC chairman L Raghumani stated, that as for the beginning the ‘Kangshi Gari’ will be introduced in the Poana Bazar and Thangal Bazar area only. The Kangshi Gari will come twice a day at 7am in the morning and 5:30pm in the evening and people should come out at that time to deposit their garbage.

There are already 6 sweepers deployed in the Thangal Bazar area and 4 sweepers in the Paona Bazar area, he added.

He further added that any individual can also help in punishing the offenders by handing over to the police or taking a picture while doing the act and upload the picture on the IMC website www.facebook.com/IMCZeroGarbage.   

City Police officials who spoke during the interaction said that the city police have been committed to provide full co-operation. VDF and police constables were also deployed at Numbul Mapal area to check garbage disposition.

OC City Police Inspector Tejbir said that since April 1 drives have been launched and 77 persons have been arrested and produced before the court.

He also said that there were lots of pressures to release the offenders before they are produced before the court and appealed through the media to let the police do their job and give co-operation to punish the offenders.  

On a query from the media on hazardous waste materials and the lack of private urinals in public places, the IMC official replied that there will be certain relaxation for such as of the present, however the IMC is trying hard to find a proper place for dumping hazardous waste materials and to install more public toilets in the state.

The Bye-Laws are farmed in under Section 213 of the Manipur Municipalities Act, 1994. The basic objective of these Bye-laws is to provide proper norms for civic behavior. Under the provisions of this Bye-laws, violation of such norms will attract fines from all types of generators of waste, be it individual or owner of a property or an institution or a commercial or industrial complex. 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/04/strict-penalties-introduced-for-dirtying-imphal/

By Paojel Chaoba
IMPHAL, April 8: Indiscriminate hunting of local and migratory birds has disturbed the ecological balance in the forest areas of the state. One among the worst hit is said to be Tamenglong district.

At present, farmers are facing a tough time as orange trees and Parkia Timoriana, ‘yongchak’ trees which were thriving once at farms in the district have dried up.

“The production has gone down, earlier we used to fetch Rs 5000 from each yongchak tree and even more from oranges”, Ason Panmei, a troubled farmer told IFP. 

Mention may be made that Tamenglong district is blessed with virgin forests, exotic orchids, rare and endangered plants and wildlife. The district occupies a total of 4,391 sq kms and has a population of 86,278.

The forests can be grouped as tropical ever-green forest, sub-tropical forest and bamboo brakes.

The dense tropical evergreen forests are located along both the sides of Irang and Barak rivers flowing in the district, varieties of ground flora, creepers, herbs and grasses are found here. The forests are rich in wildlife including wild pheasants, peafowl, jungle fowls are important birds of this area.

Further, during the month of October, migratory birds arrive at the forest area to feed and  prepare for the next migration. During this time, hunters use fish nets and other wire traps to catch the birds.

Pellet cartridge and air rifles are also used to shoot the birds.

The birds are later sold at various small markets and mainly in Tamenglong headquarter market as live, smoked and fried forms and relished as a delicacy.

Professor Ranjan of Manipur University, a dedicated environmentalist told IFP that the main reason for the death of Yongchak and Orange plants can be attributed to certain factors.

He observed that the disturbance of the ecosystem is a main factor. “Birds from North China migrating to the state are slaughtered indiscriminately along with local birds, the insects which are on the food chain are left to multiply”. He stated that the pests which are eaten by birds are left undisturbed and left to drill the trunk of the trees thus causing death and decay.

It is stated by experts that the long horn beetle is one major pest for the fruit trees.

He further mentioned that the microwave frequency transmitted by mobile towers also influence bats. The bats which have temporary habitats on the Yongchak trees and feeds on insects and fruits are thus scattered.

Overall climate change due to deforestation is another main factor, he said.

He stated that for a sound eco system, people should have the nobility to stop over hunting of birds.

The district which boasted of having the highest concentration of bamboo growth has also been compromised due to the bamboo flowering (Mautam) in 2008 having an adverse effect to the economy of the district. As per records available, 13,879 families were affected by the bamboo flowering and the district is yet to fully recover.

It was also found out that the district Horticulture, Agriculture and Veterinary offices are presently lying in a state of defunct.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/04/bird-hunting-threatens-ecological-balance/

IMPHAL, April 8: The militant outfit United Revolutionary Front, (URF) would start taking up steps to impose a stringent ban on selling of all agricultural and horticultural products including tobacco manufactured or produced in other states of India in Manipur.

The decision has been taken by the Central Committee of URF as it considers it quite necessary to emphasize on the development of a self-reliant economy of Manipur in view of the ongoing revolutionary movement, URF said in a statement signed by its secretary, information and publicity, AK Pibarel.

URF also appealed to the people to accept the stance of the outfit as a gift to concentrate on self- toiling and further urged the people to maintain a work culture for the future.

It further stressed on self-reliance and double-cropping and urged the peasants of Manipur to cultivate other varieties of crops which are suitable to the soil of the land and fields that are left unused after harvesting season of crops like rice.

The time has come for the people to come forward and join in the new movement of the farmers and save the large amount of money from being wasted outside, URF added.

It also said apart from sharing their expertise, all the experts/scientists of agriculture and horticulture in the state should provide remote-sensing data to the farmers of the land so as to enable them to produce more quality food products.

The agriculture department should not wait for the outside products and instead carry out its necessary duty to facilitate sufficient agricultural products with a strenuous attempt in the state, it further mentioned.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/04/urp-announces-ban-on-import-of-potatoes-onions/

IMPHAL, April 8: Post Mark, one of the pioneer heavy metal rock bands of Manipur is reuniting after a void of 18 years and is all set to rock Imphal on April 14 though there is a slight change from the original line up with Uttam a popular Manipuri artiste coming in as vocalist of the band.

Briefing mediapersons at Press Club today, the singer said that he was exalted to be chosen as a vocalist for the band. “I have been a fan of Post Mark, it’s indeed a dream come true for me”, he said.

Post Mark, the first Manipuri band credited with releasing the first metal album “Stamp on you” at Imphal in1989 will be playing at the YAC (Range) with other heavy metal rock groups including Yonsamble from Kolkotta, Azure Delusion from Nagaland and other state bands like Cleave, Sandrembee, Dead Mobster, Chem Weed.

The event is being co-organized by Sandrembee, The Greens and being managed by River Boat Events Management.

Eroz Laishram, lead vocals of Sandrembee said the event organized under the banner “1st Imphal Metal Convention” is an attempt to propagate the Heavy Metal genre and further to bring together music lovers.

He emphasized that artists are given ample opportunities to showcase their talents in the neighboring North east states of Nagaland, Assam and Shillong by hosting state sponsored musical events.

“We are planning to make the convention an annual event to gather the metal bands from outside the state and make Manipur a major rocking hotspot in the north east”, he said.

URF further said Indian products like all kinds of betel, cigarette, Bidi, Kheini, Talab, Zarda and other tobacco products will be banned from June 18 in Manipur, which are being brought from other outside states of India.

The URF has also identified certain individuals who are bringing in these items into the state.

URF further said potato, onion, garlic, chilly and other vegetable items transported from Indian states would also be banned from August 13 and warned that those who fail to abide by the ban imposed by the outfit would be awarded capital punishment without issuing warning.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/04/heavy-metal-pioneers-reunite-to-rock-imphal/

MPHAL, April 8: A 20-day workshop on “Moirang Prava” organised by the Repertory for Performing Arts of Manipur under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture (CFC), government of India, New Delhi has begun on Monday at Manipur Dramatic Union here.

The inaugural function of the workshop was attended by S Videshshwor Sharma, secretary, Manipur State Kala Akademi, Imphal as chief guest, Kshetri Jugindro, director, Manipur Ensemble as president and S Jati Singh as guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Videshwor said it is the task of all the artistes and directors to promote Moirang Prava and other art forms of the state.

He also said he was thankful to the organizer of the 20-day workshop and underlined the need of joint efforts and cooperation in promoting Moirang Prava.

Videshwor also said only practice can lead an artiste ahead and that success is impossible without proper practice, and appealed the people of Manipur to contribute in promoting and saving the Moirang Prava form of art.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/04/workshop-on-moirang-prava-begins/

IMPHAL, April 8: A recent sitting of the Advisory Board on National Security Act has approved the detention of 20 under-trials under the act.

According to a source, the 20 UTs include Maibam Ratan Meitei, 42, son of M Ibohal Singh of Hiyanglam Makha Leikai, Arambam Bisheshwor Meitei alias Abung Singh alias Nanao Singh alias Chaoba 30 son of A Isheihanba Meitei alias Chaoba of Langdum Maning Leikai, Yensembam Romeo Singh, 29 son of (L) Y Thoiba Singh of Langdum Awang Leikai who have been detained since February 16, 2012.

Others include Asem Momon Singh, 41 son of Matum Singh of Langdum Makha Leikai who has been detained since February 20, 2012, Kangabam Bor Singh, 43 son of K Ibobi Singh of Langdum Lairembi Leikai detained since February 16, 2012, Takhellambam Nobo Singh, 34 son of T Iboton Singh of Sandrok Mayai Leikai detained since February 20, 2012.

Further according to the source, others also include Shijaurumayum Mocha Sharma alias Momocha alias Manglim, 32 son of (L) Sh Ramkrishna Sharma of Branhapur Aribam Leikai, detained since February 18, Okram Arbind alias Herachandra alias Yaiphaba Meitei, 31 son of O Shamungou Singh of Lilong Chajing Mairenkhun detained since February 20, 2012.

Further according to the source, the others also include Keithelakpam Tiken Singh alias Jiten, 44 son of (L) K Anganghal Singh of Naoremthong Khullen Leikai detained since February 23 and Thono Poumei, 29 son of Lono Poumei of Liyai Khullen village, Tadubi and Athisei Mao, 30 son of Lohrii Mao of Chawainamei Khunou village, Tadubi both detained since February 24.

Others include Elangbam Surchandra Singh, 32 alias Khanganba son of E Nityai Singh of Pukhao Naharup Makha Leikai and Snajembam Sunita Chanu alias Lemchang, 27 daughter of Bomcha Singh of Khhotodamei, Bangladesh a/p Uripok Tourangbam Leikai both detained since February 23, 2012.

The remaining are Gurumayum Inao Sharma alias Nanao alias Khugamani alias Bamon, 32 son of G Ibomcha Sharma of Wangkhei Pukhrambam Leirak, Seram Sanatomba Singh alias Seraba, 42 son of Khellendro Singh of Chajing Karam Makha Leikai, Paonam Santa Singh, 42 son of (L) P Gandhar Singh of Lilong Chajing Karam Makha Leikai, Koijam Jeeten Singh alias Jiten, 41 son of (L) K Koireng Singh of Kiyamgei Mayai Leikai, Chongtham Bobbycha Singh alias Bobicha, 40 son of (L) Ch Manglem Singh of Singjamei Chingamathak all detained since February 28, Asem Thoiba Singh, 47 son of A Tomei Singh of Liwa Lambi Oinam Leikai and Khaidem Indrakumar Singh alias Indra, 36 son of (L) Kh Manihar Singh of Yumnam Leikai Lairembi Maning Awang Leikai both detained since, February 29, added the source.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/04/20-uts-approved-for-detention-under-nsa/