Day: November 5, 2014

IMPHAL, November 5: A minor girl around 10 years of age was found dead this evening at around 8:30 pm at Tharoijam Maning Leikai under Patsoi Police Station, Imphal West District.

According to sources, the girl left her home at around 3:30 this afternoon to serve tea to her family members who were engaged in harvesting work at the paddy field, around 500 m away from home.

The sources continued that frantic attempts were made by the locals when the girl did not turned up either at the field or at home. Searches were taken out using PA system and traditional methods of playing Pung, Jhal and Moibung by the locals, until the lifeless body of the girl was found at the western periphery of the village.

The face of the girl was found covered with her own phanek, stained with blood, sources added.

At the time of filing this report, a team of Patsoi Police Station led by its officer in-charge had arrived at the location where the body was found.

The body has not been collected waiting for forensic experts, added the sources.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/minor-found-dead-at-tharoijam/

IMPHAL, November 5: A witness in the Lungnila Elizabeth kidnapping and killing case was today crossed examined before the court of the District and Session Judge Manipur West K Brajakumar Sharma today.

The prosecution witness who deposed before the court has been identified as Tongbram Gunadhaja Singh, 56, a farmer and son of (L) T Mohan Singh of Naoremthong Laishram Leikai and presently staying at Lamphel Yaipha Leikai.

He submitted a four-page statement on main accused Th Nando Singh alias Nanao to the court.

Today’s deposition is Gunadhaja’s second as he had earlier deposed before the same court regarding the case on October 31, 2014.

It may be mentioned that the Lamphel Police had registered an FIR no 181 (11) 2003 LPL PS U/S 364 A/ 368/ 400 on November 12, 2003 regarding the incident.

However, the State government had handed over the case to a Special Investigation Team on November 12, 2003 for investigation.

On January 27, 2004, the State Home department issued a notification stating that the investigation of the case has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

According to the order, the CBI had registered a case (FIR no RC 5/ S/ 04-Kol-2004.)

The ongoing court case is a follow up to a charge-sheet filed by the CBI in accordance to its investigation.

The CBI was represented by special public prosecutor H Chandrajit Sharma.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/witness-deposes-before-court-in-lungnila-elizabeth-case/

IMPHAL, November 5: The Hills and Plain Contractors’ Association along with the All Tribal Contractors Association have decided against making e-tender bids in reduced rates from the government schedule rates in the 10th phase of PMGSY.

After a meeting of the contractors at Manipur Press Club, Hills and Plain Contractors’ Association general secretary Ksh Rajen told media persons that the contractors of Manipur have applied for tenders at the minimal rate even deducting 20-30 percent to get work contracts in the recent 9th phase of PMGSY.

Now, the contractors are facing problems after undertaking contracts in reduced rates from the schedule rates. Contractors are unable to maintain quality control after undertaking contract works in deducted rates and are working randomly which has resulted in the return of more than Rs 80 crores to the Central government without utilisation, he said, adding that not only this, the Central government has reduced the sanction amount this year due to the work tenders being won in deducted rates the previous year.

He further said that the joint association convened a meeting for all the first class contractors or special contractors, and other contractors to consult on whether the bids for e-tenders of the PMGSY tenth phase should be made at the schedule rate or at reduced rates.

The PMGSY is a policy initiated for the welfare of Indian people through development of better roads in various states but when this project reaches Manipur, it changes its contours, he added. In the context of Manipur, there are three different types of contractors. The first being those backed by gangs, the second being those supported by politicians and the last being normal contractors, Rajen said.

The funds allocated for the tenth phase of PMGSY is huge and there are around 208 contracts works which need to be done but we have only 100 contractors in Manipur and some are new comers, Rajen said, adding If we work together with unity, each contractor will get a contract work and they all can maintain quality control.

The association asked the contractors to co-operate with the association in the tenth phase on the decision taken by the joint association. There should not be district works for the district contractors and if any individual make bids at reduced rates, the joint association will take action against them, he warns.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/contractors-association-decides-to-bit-etender-on-schedule-rate-of-government/

Jiribam, November 5: Locals of Babukhal which is situated north of Jiribam have expressed their dismay at the deplorable condition of the bamboo bridge which connects the area to the National Highway 37 even after repeated appeals by the Jiri Development Organisation through the media. The Babukhal locals have asked the government whether this is the way how elected representative of the State should deal with their citizens.

Nongpok Chingkhei Kanba Development Committee president M Harikumar Singh said the bamboo bridge is the only bridge that connects to the main road for both the villagers of Babukhal and Sabhughat. The concerned authorities of Jiribam have turned a blind eye to all our woes even as we suffer a lot as the condition of the bridge is worsening, he said, adding that all their appeals have fallen into deaf ears.

He further stated that the pradhan of Hilghat Gram Panchayat, M Bina Devi, after being urged by the locals had the bamboo bridge constructed and paid for its construction. But as the bridge is frequently used by the locals, it needs repair and the locals are facing a lot of difficulties in using the bridge, he added.

Speaking to media persons, Hilghat GP pradhan M Bina Devi said she has rendering help to the villagers within her capacity but has not been able to meet their needs.

However, the concerned MLA will be urged to help construct a bridge for meeting the demands of the villagers soon, she added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/babukhal-locals-still-await-a-proper-bridge/

By R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, November 5: Even as health care services in Ukhrul District have seen considerable improvement with the recent establishment of District Health Mission under the National Health Mission, the culture of dereliction of duty by medical officers and staff continues to put constraints on various objects of the mission.

Disclosing this to Imphal Free Press, an official of the District Health Mission, Ukhrul said that since District Health Mission (DHM) was set up in the district on July 10 this year, various spheres of health care here including Immunisation, organisation of health camps under different DHM projects have been streamlined by bringing rural populace under its major targets.

The official, however, rued that the prolonged absence of doctors and staff nurses who could not be immediately identified has severely constrained the unit from achieving its potentiality.

Alleging that these doctors and staff nurses attend/report only once in a while, the official said that “no matter how hard other staff try, continued absence of the concerned medical officers and nurses affect the overall functioning of the department.

“The Chief Medical Officer, Ukhrul already apprised the State Health Directorate of the matter umpteem times, but so far there has been no response”, the DHM official lamented.

Meanwhile, DHM, Ukhrul has expressed its desire for the government to designate local medical officers in all important positions so as to prevent dereliction of duty by doctors and also in the interest of provision of universal health service to the public of the district.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/prolonged-absence-of-doctors-staff-affects-dhm-service-in-ukhrul/

IMPHAL, November 5: A wreath laying ceremony for lance naik Jagga Singh of the 107 Engineer Regiment of the 165 Territorial Army who was killed in a grenade attack at the Old Airport, Koirengei TA post on the night of November 3 was organised today at the Imphal Airport.

The body of the lance naik deployed at the Territorial Army under the Red Shield Division was today flown to his native place in Bhatinda, Punjab.

The State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam led other civil and military dignitaries including director general of police Shahid Ahmed and General Officer Commanding, Red Shield Division major general P M Bali in offering homage to the soldier with full military honour.

Speaking on the sideline of the ceremony, the Chief Minister said the incident is unfortunate and should be condemned in the strongest term by all sections of the society.

It is too soon to point any finger on a single terrorist group, but it is a matter of time before it will be ascertain, he said.

Violence will not bring any peace or development instead it will only create unnecessary disturbances, asserted the Chief Minister.

Strongly voicing his disapproval of the incident, the Chief Minister said such anti-social activities will never succeed.

He appealed to all not to repeat such anti-people activities in the future.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/lance-naik-killed-in-grenade-attack-flown-home/

IMPHAL, November 5: The Akaba Memorial Journalist Award will be presented on the first foundation day of the eveninger “Pandam” and the 70th birth anniversary of the late MEELAL leader on November 9 at Hongmang Tankhul village in Saikul, Senapati district at 11 am.

While speaking to media persons at a press conference at the Pandam office, organising committee convenor and Pandam executive editor N Tomba said that the award will be divided into two categories: Editorial Award and Reporter Award.

The Editorial Award for promotion of Manipuri language and script will be conferred on Huieyen Lanpao editor Hemanta Nigombam and the Reporter Award for promotion of Manipur Integration and communal Harmony will be conferred on Sangai Express reporter Sapam Aruna.

A sum of Rs 20,000 for Editorial Award and Rs 15,000 for Reporter’s Award along with a citation and memento would be presented.

N Tomba during the press meet narrated that Akaba was born in a poor family and he accompanied his father to the hill to extend help and most of his life was spend with the hill people.

Akaba was the head general contractor while building the Hongmang Tankhul village and in his memory the observation will be held in the village, he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/akaba-journalist-award-to-be-presented-soon/

IMPHAL, November 5: Work for setting up new nursing institutes in both the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences and in Churachandpur District Hospital will soon begin as it has become the need of the hour, said Health minister Phungzathang Tonsing.

Speaking at the foundation day celebration of the College of Nursing, Medical Directorate, Lamphel, as the chief guest, the minister said there is only one nursing institute under the Indian Nursing Council in the State.

As there are many candidates willing and desiring to pursue the profession in the State, it is highly needed that more nursing institutes are established under the State, he observed.

Speaking as the guest of honour, Health Services, Manipur director Dr O Ibomcha Singh said a nurse should be sincere, honest, ready to help all and always work with a smile to bring a positive impact on the patients.

Professor M Kumudini Devi said that present College of Nursing was upgraded from a School of GNM in the year 2012 and is the first and only nursing college under the State government at present.

The upgrading of the school has been possible only due to the goodwill of the Health department and the endless dedication and tireless efforts of the faculty members and students, she said.

She also said that with the approval of the Indian Nursing Council, New Delhi, Manipur Nursing Council, Imphal and Manipur University, Canchipur, classes for 3rd year B.Sc. nursing classes have been started in the college.

Kumudini also said that the college will try to open M Sc Nursing classes from the year 2016, if situation permits she added.

M Kumudini also appealed to the concerned department to appoint the required teaching and non-teaching staff of the college and for timely payment of the honorarium of the guest lecturers.

She further appealed that the department to purchase a 50-seated bus for smooth conduct of clinical teaching programme and also to arrange the VIP water supply connection at the earliest.

Lastly she appealed to complete and inaugurate the administrative building to complete at the earliest.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/phungzathang-wants-new-nursing-schools-at-jnims-and-ccpur/

IMPHAL, November 5: Irom Chanu Sharmila entering her 15th year of fasting demanding repeal of the (Armed Forces Special Powers) Act, 1958 received wide solidarity with supporters including schools students staging mass hunger strikes in different part of the State.

Four Gwangju Award recipients also participated in a hunger strike at Lamyanba Shanglen and later called a press conference in the evening today.

The Just Peace Foundation in partnership with the Forum Asia, Thailand, May 18 Memorial Foundation, Korea and Human Rights Alert, Manipur organised a one day hunger strike as part of the Asian solidarity and Manipur People’s Struggle for Democracy program showing solidarity to the Iron lady of Manipur.

Students also staged mass hunger strikes in front of their respective schools of CC Higher Secondary School, Ibotosana Higher Secondary School, Johnstone higher Secondary School, Manipur University, Ram Lal Paul Higher Secondary School and Ananda Singh Higher Secondary School.

Members of the Film Forum, Manipur and Sharmila Kanba Lup also staged hunger strikes in front of their offices.

Four Gwangju laureates Dr Binayak Sen from Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) and Public Health Physician (India), People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights PVCHR (India) secretary general and executive director Lenin Raghuvanshi, Informal Sector Service Center INSEC (Nepal) founder and chairperson Sushil Raj Pyakurel and coordinator of Urban Poor Consortium (Indonesia) Wardah Hafidz also called a press conference at Lamyanba Shanglen.

Speaking on behalf of the present laureates, Dr Binayak said the fellow awardees of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights and other civil societies as well as other individuals both from India as well as abroad have expressed solidarity to Sharmila’s movement.

They have also expressed admiration and love for the brave lady, he said.

Dr Binayak continued that they join her supporting her cause for the repeal of AFSPA, 1958. He said the Act destroys the very essence of democracy and obstructs the progress of justice.

More than two generations of Manipuris have grown up without knowing the meaning the freedom, he observed before demanding that the findings of the Jeevan Reddy Committee be released before the public and demanded the implement its recommendations forthwith.

He further demanded the Supreme Court of India to expedite the adjudication and investigation in the 1528 reported fake encounters.

Sushil Raj Pyakurel said credit should be given to the Human Rights Defenders for supporting and promoting the movement of Sharmila.

Lien from Gwanju, Korea said that with support from the public, Korea finally achieved democracy after 34 years of struggle.

She expressed that the people of the State must support Sharmila’s movement and voice ‘No to AFSPA-1958’ collectively.

She said that people of Gwangju will keep supporting and will show solidarity to Sharmila till her goal is achieved.

The conference was also attended by Mukul from Forum Asia, Ravi Nitish from Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign and Managing Trustee, Just Peace Foundation Kh Anandi.

Meanwhile, the Thoubal District United Women’s Development Organisation also organised hunger strikes at five different locations of Thoubal district showing solidarity to Sharmila.

The hunger strikes were staged at Khongjom Keithel, Tentha Thongkhong Keithel, Charangpat Mamang Leikai Keithel macha, waiting shed of Yairipok Khoirom Makha Leikai and Wabagai-Lamkhai Keithel.

The demonstration at Khongjom Keithel was attended by womenfolk of Langathel, Sapam, Papal, Tekcham, Chingtham, etc.

Bishnupur correspondent adds: The Apunba Nupi Lup, Bishnupur also staged hunger strikes at five places of the district showing solidarity to Sharmila and her movement.

Hunger strikes were held at the bazaars of Nambol, Bishnupur, Ningthoukhong, Moirang, Kumbi, under the banner “Save Sharmila, Repeal AFSPA” which were attended by womenfolk and members of ANUL.

Meanwhile, the Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign has also issued a press release stating that AFSPA does not have the mandate of the people.

It has further demanded immediate steps to repeal AFSPA from Manipur on the basis of ‘promise of BJP that is presently in power at the Centre but the more than that on the consideration of universal justice and humanity.

It also called for the immediate repeal AFSPA from other regions of North East and Jammu and Kashmir.

It said the SSSC also demanded the government to immediately take back the charge of attempt to commit suicide slapped against Sharmila and set her free.

The Government of India must set up a parliamentary panel immediately to start talk with Irom Sharmila and to study human rights violations in AFSPA imposed areas, it said before adding that recommendations of the Justice Verma committee regarding the sexual violence cases under AFSPA should be implemented.

It further said that it is also submitting letters to MPs to raise the issue within their party as well as before the government and that it is staging a one-day solidarity fast and gathering in support of Irom Sharmila at Jantar Mantar (Delhi) from 11 am onwards November 6.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/four-gwangju-award-recipients-join-state-in-showing-solidarity-to-sharmila/

IMPHAL, November 5: Today there is a huge economic disparity between the rich and the poor as the rich are getting richer beyond imagination, while the poor remain poorer said Information and Public Relation director Wangkheimayum Rajen Singh.

He was speaking at the inaugural of a ‘One day workshop on the roles of media to strengthen cooperative movement in Manipur’ at the ICM, Cooperative complex Lamphelpat here today.

The workshop was organised jointly by the Institute of Cooperation Management, Imphal, NCUI-Cooperation Education Field Project, Thoubal, NCUI-Women Cooperation Education Project, Imphal under the sponsorship of National Cooperative Union of India, New Delhi.

Speaking as the chief guest of the function Rajen further said that cooperative movement can strengthen, give power and growth to the society and provide employment to many.

Elaborating on the roles of the media, he said in a democratic set-up, the media plays an important role.

Dr Kh Somorendro Singh director, ICM, Imphal speaking as the guest of honour said that to uplift cooperative societies in the State, the people need to encourage team work.

He also said that it is the role of the media to focus on all activities.

The media not only inform and educate others but also motivate the people, he said.

The media can play an important role in developing cooperative societies, he said.

Dr Kh Somorendro also highlighted various programmes for cooperative development offered in the ICM and also added that throughout the year, ICM conducts seminars, workshops on various topics including on youths, health, HIV/AIDS etc.

In her presidential speech, NCUI-Project Coordination Committee, Manipur chairpersons Jeena Potsangbam stated that media is a ‘temple of learning.

She said media helps in spreading information and educating people on various issues.

The media should help in the development of cooperative societies by giving constructive news report and success stories to motivate others, she said.

Kh Khamba Singh, president, Manipur State Cooperative Bank also attended the workshop as the guest of honour.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/media-role-in-strengthening-cooperative-movement-reflected-upon/