Day: August 11, 2015

NEW DELHI August 11 (MIC): The Press Council of India which has been mandated by an Act of Parliament to improve standards of journalism and maintain Press freedom invites entries for national awards for Excellence in Journalism by 30th September, 2015 from Newspapers/News Agencies/Freelancers to recognize outstanding contribution of journalists/photo-journalists of Indian nationality in print journalism.

To encourage media to pursue their duties, the Press Council of India, will honour the awardees on the occasion of National Press Day on November 16, 2015.

The main Award `Raja Ram Mohan Roy National Award for Excellence in Journalism`™ in honour of one of the greatest reformer journalists of the country, carries a cash award of Rupees One Lakh, and a plaque/citation.

The remaining four awards in the fields of a) Rural Journalism and Developmental Reporting, b). Investigative Journalism c). Photo Journalism ( (i) Single News Picture and (ii) Photo Feature) and d). Best Newspapers Art: covering cartoons, caricatures and illustrations carry cash award Rupees fifty thousand each and a plaque/citation.

The nomination of a journalist employed with a newspaper is to be made by the editor of the newspaper/news agency, who shall declare that the journalist being nominated has been in regular employment of the newspaper/news agency during the preceding calendar year.

He/she should have contributed at least 10-15 bylined reports /photographs in the given year 2014 which should be attached to the entry form. Entries should highlight one specific report/photograph that the nominee desires to be considered for citation.

The nomination must be counter signed by the nominated journalist. Freelancers nominating themselves must also file a self attested declaration with the above documents.

Language Paper articles should be translated in English /Hindi. All photo entries must include a caption either in English or Hindi translation thereof. Each entry must also document journalist`™s/photo-journalist`™s professional status. The Award for `Best Newspapers Art` covering cartoons, caricatures and illustration, relates to the creativity of the art journalist through the medium of newspapers.

Names of Selected Candidates will be announced by last week of October, 2015. Selected candidates will be awarded on National Press Day i.e. 16 November, 2015.

A jury comprising of members of the Council including a Presiding Officer along with three non-members from the fields of journalism will finalise the names of the winners. The Council shall have the right to reproduce the Award winning articles in its publication of the National Press Day.

Other details of Eligibility, Criteria, Entry Form, Declaration Forms and Rules can be seen and downloaded from the Press Council of India`™s website http://presscouncil.nic.in or obtained from the Press Council Secretariat (Deputy Secretary, R. No. 147, Soochna Bhawan, 8-C.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi- 110 003).

All entries addressed to the Secretary, Press Council of India, Soochna Bhawan, 8-C.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi- 110 003 in sealed envelope marked `CONFIDENTIAL` should be sent so as to reach her on or before 5 p.m. on 30th September, 2015. Advance soft copies can be e-mailed at secy-pci@nic.in.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/pci-invites-entries-for-national-awards-for-excellence-in-journalism/

IMPHAL, August 11: The number of foreign tourist visits to North Eastern States has increased from 66302 to 84820 in 2013 and further to 118552 in 2014, according to a PIB statement.

It said in 2014-15, Rs 144.68 crore was released for the North Eastern Region which Rs 34.68 Crore more than the actual sanctioned amount of Rs 110 crore. A total of 10% of the plan allocation of the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India is earmarked for North Eastern States, it said.

The statement continued, the Ministry of Tourism has launched two new plan schemes `SwadeshDarshan for integrated development of circuits around specific themes` and `Prasad for National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive`.

They are Coastal Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, North East India Circuit, Himalayan Circuit and Krishna Circuit identified under SwadeshDarshan Scheme initially, it said and added that seven more circuits viz. Desert Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wild Life Circuit and Rural Circuit have recently been identified under the scheme.

Under PRASAD scheme 12 cities have been identified and Kamakhaya in Assam features under PRASAD scheme, it continued.

The government is also taking up several initiatives to promote tourism in North Eastern Region including provision of complimentary space to the North Eastern States in India Pavilions set up at major International Travel Fairs and Exhibitions, 100% central financial assistance for organizing fairs & festivals is allowed to the North Eastern States, Ministry of Tourism, as part of its on-going activities, annually releases print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaigns in the international and domestic markets, under the Incredible India brand-line, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country, including the lesser known destinations which have tourism potential. The Ministry of Tourism undertakes special campaigns on NE Region on TV channels to promote tourism in the regions.

Other initiatives of the government also include International Tourism Mart (ITM) organized annually with the objective of showcasing the largely untapped tourism potential of North East region in the domestic and international markets, it said.

The project `Integrated Cable-Car and Lakeside Tourism Development Project at Loktak Lake, Manipur` has been sanctioned during 2013-14 for the State Government of Manipur at an amount of Rs.20.35 crore under Large Revenue Generating Scheme. Under this scheme, funds are allocated under Public-Private-Partnership, it continued.

The statement concluded that the information was given by the Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr Mahesh Sharma in reply to an unstarred question yesterday in LokSabha.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/rs-14468-crore-released-for-north-eastern-region-in-201415/

IMPHAL, August 11: The All Manipur Petrol Pumps, Dealers ILP Support Committee today staged a sit in protest showing support to the ongoing demand for implementation of the Inner Line Permit System or a similar act in the State.

The sit in protest was held on the Tiddim roadside.

Speaking to media persons, one of the dealers M Premchand said that the committee will support the ongoing movement until the demand is met by the government.

He said the committee will continue to the support the peoples`™ movement for the welfare of the State.

Premchand also said that the committee is extending a small financial token to the bereaved family of Sapam Robinhood who died in police action during the ongoing movement and to other agitators who have been injured and hospitalised.

Meanwhile, the All Manipur Body Building and Fitness Association, Manipur also staged a sit in protest at the community hall, Keishampat leimajam Leikai Mamang, Sega Road showing support to the ongoing demand.

The protest was led by Nongthongbam Maipak, the 1st Mr India from Manipur and was also joined by students and officials from the four districts Imphal East, West, Thoubal and Bishnupur.

The All Manipur Body Building and Fitness Association (AMBBA), vice president, M Deben appealed to the State government to implement the demand made by JCILPS at the earliest so as to bring peace in the State.

He further appealed to the government to extend assistance to the bereaved family of Robinhood and also to all the people who were seriously injured during the agitation.

The association also strongly condemned the strong action initiated by the police against students during the ongoing movement which had also resulted in the death of Sapam Robinhood.

Expressing strong belief that the government will meet the demands, he said the second meeting between the government and the JCILPS proposed to be held on August 12 will bring the desired results.

The association also appealed to the government to release the students arrested by the police during the agitation.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/oil-pump-dealers-extend-support-to-ilps-movement/

IMPHAL, August 11: Irate mob from Kwakeithel Konjeng Leikai tried to ransack the residential house of Dr Laishram Praneshwori Devi at Heirangoithong Janganath Achouba Leirak, Imphal West today over the death of a woman after giving birth at RIMS .

However, the attempt was thwarted by locals of Heirangoithong Janganath Achouba Leirak and Chingamakha.

The deceased woman has been identified as Thokchom Rupabati Devi, 43 wife of Th Shangit of Kwakeithel Konjeng Leikai. She died just after giving birth to a child.

On hearing the news, a team of Singjamei police came in and tried to bring the situation under control.

Meanwhile, women folk of both the localities convened a meeting at Heirangoithong Multipurpose Hall during which certain resolutions regarding the death of the woman were adopted.

Speaking to media persons following the meeting, social worker Santi Akoijam said that locals of Heirangoithong Janganath Achouba Leirak will assist the JAC formed in connection with the death of the woman in bringing justice to the death case.

She said however, justice will not be brought by vandalising or torching the house of the doctor.

Terming the incident as very unfortunate, she assured that the locals will support any steps taken up by the JAC to get justice.

NNN adds: Rupabati died while going through Caesarian surgery today at RIMS Hospital. The newborn baby survived however, and the disappointed family members blamed the negligence of doctors and staff as the reason of the death.

The baby that she gave birth today was her fourth child.

her husband Sanjit said that his wife had been a patient of Dr Prameshwori from the very beginning of the pregnancy. Today at around 7.30 am, Rupabati was taken into the operation theatre by Dr Prameshwori and her team.

At 11 am, the team informed the family members that a girl child was born but the life of the mother could not be save as she suffered heart fail during the operation.

On hearing the shocking news, one son of Gunapati who is a class IX student fainted and is currently under treatment at Shija Hospital.

The deceased`™s husband Sanjit blamed the negligence on the part of doctor and staff and demanded proper legal action to those who are responsible. He told the media persons that the surgery was done after all the test results were found be normal and out of danger.

On the other hand, RIMS Superintendent Dr Amuba assured that a department inquiry will be started and the finding of the inquiry will be out to the public within two weeks.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/woman-dies-post-delivery-rims-doctor-blamed-for-death/

IMPHAL, August 11: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit (JCILPS) in a press meet held late this evening categorically clarified that there is no question of taking back the body of late Sapam Robinhood.

Convenor of the JCILPS, Khomdram Ratan told mediapersons at Sagolband Meino Leirak that there was a prior notice sent to the JCILPS from the State government`™s side to talk over the position of the ILP Bill which was consequently held on Monday.

He said that the government also wanted members of the Robinhood JAC to be present in the talks.

This was communicated by the JCILPS to top members of the JAC Robinhood, that they should send two representatives to join the JCILPS talks with the government, he said.

Ratan asserted that they had waited for the members to communicate with them, but till the very last instance, there was no response from the JAC side.

Having left with no option, the 14 member JCILPS team went to meet the Chief Minister and the other State representatives, he continued.

In the meeting, the issues of the Bill along with other priorities were discussed including releasing of the arrested students.

`We had agreed in principal, to take back the body of late Robinhood, however there was no timeframe fixed for that, we said that the family members of Robinhood, the JAC and the opinion of the public will be sought before finalizing anything,` he said.

Clarifying again to the media regarding the confusion of this issue of taking Robinhood`™s body, Ratan further mentioned that the decision was not taken in totality as consent will be taken from concerned quarters still.

But, it was just a primary step during the talks, he added.

Regarding the scheduled second round of consultation with the government over the pending Bill, he said unless the government fulfills the primary objective of releasing the imprisoned students, there is no chance of the JCILPS members meeting the government on Wednesday afternoon.

He also mentioned that the JCILPS was not able to proceed to the Robinhood JAC call as there was a slight miscommunication.

The JCILPS had intimated to the JAC that they should come and share their thoughts with them, he said.

However, after some time, the JAC had responded that the JCILPS should come to Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai instead.

As the proposed talks with the government are scheduled for tomorrow, the JCILPS were also mulling over the 5-point demands to be put in the ILP bill and technical experts were also being consulted, he said.

As the matter was a serious one with limited timingin hand, the JCILPS could not proceed to Khurai immediately, he clarified.

But, some leaders had went to Khurai afterwards. As they arrived, there were no sign of a proper discussion and the JAC members were not present, he said.

The situation was also flared up as the JCILPS team arrived and the womenfolk had already started blocking the road, he informed.

Due to this situation and some from the crowd telling the JCILPS members to come in the morning, they took heed of the suggestion and left.

He assured that talks will be held tomorrow with members of the JAC to facilitate transparency and clear the doubts.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/no-time-frame-set-for-taking-back-body-jcilps-clarifies/

BISHNUPUR, August 11: Due to general strike imposed in Nambol, Bishnupur district by its denizens in support of the collective demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit System or similar law in the State to regulate the unchecked entry of outsiders, normal life in the area was paralyzed.

A large number of youths and women folk came out at Nambol Bazar early in the morning around 5 and asked shops to shut down. Movement of vehicles and commuters passing the area was restricted. Several passenger and private vehicles plying along Nambol Bazar were damaged by the protestors.

Several roads in different areas were also blocked by burning tyres and placing wood logs disrupting passage of vehicles.

A team of police including SDPO Bishnupur Rameshwar; OC Nambol Police Station O Iboton and OC CDO Bishnupur Sadananda arrived at the areas to foil any untoward incident.

The police team resorted to firing tear gas shells and mock bombs at Nambol Naorem to disperse the public curfew supporters.

Additional police forces were called in different areas and the road blocks were cleared at around 2 pm.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/general-strike-hits-normal-life-in-nambol/

IMPHAL, August 11: Following strong dissent regarding the decision to take back late Robinhood`™s body, agitators gathered at Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai today evening and blocked the Khurai `“Lamlong bridge.

The road has also been blocked again indefinitely.

The JAC formed against the death of Sapam Robinhood in a press release has stated that the decision arrived yesterday at the Chief Minister`™s bungalow to take back the body of late Robinhood is not endorsed by the public.

It said that unless the ILP Bill is tabled at the Manipur Legislative Assembly, or a time comes when the public feels that the last rites of the late student needs to be carried out; until then, his body will not be taken back.

It may be mentioned that the JCILPS and the State government had held a meeting on Monday to discuss the ILP imbroglio and had agreed upon certain points.

Despite there being no representatives of the Robinhood JAC at the mentioned meeting with the government, the JCILPS had announced that it was agreed during the meeting to take back Robinhood`™s body.

This decision which was flashed widely in the media irked residents of Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai last night.

Mobs had started to gather demanding how the decision was taken.

In this regard, a public meeting was to be conducted today commencing from 8am at the Lairikyengbam Leikai community hall.

The crucial meeting was to be attended by members of JCILPS.

However, as they failed to turn up, the irate public waited till 5 pm.

In the evening, a team of civil organizations arrived at the spot but not the JCILPS members.

The team consisted of elderly women activists and other known individual.

But, the heated public of the area did not speak to them and asked them to leave.

There were harsh exchanges of words between the protestors and the organization members.

Further, the key members of JAC Robinhood stated that the body will not be claimed until there is an assent from the side of the public.

Is is learnt that the JAC is demanding how the decision to take back Robinhood`™s body was taken since the government is yet to be clear on introducing the bill.

It was a premature decision, the JAC has called it.

In this regard, the JAC announced that the Lamlong bridge will be blocked indefinitely from today as a sign of protest.

They also demanded that beside the constables who were suspended for their involvement in the death of Sapam Robinhood, the officers who ordered the firing on Robinhood should also be kept under suspension.

It may be mentioned that the JCILPS will be holding talks with the State government at 3pm of Wednesday to discuss the ILP Bill further.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/jac-overrules-jcilps-decision-says-will-accept-robinhoods-body-only-after-ilp-bill-is-passed/

KANGPOKPI, Aug. 11: A joint press statement of the Purul Union, Purul Youth and Students, Purul Women society, Purul youth clubs of Atongba/Akutpa & Rosofii and Purul Atongba Council has vocally condemned the killing of three youths at Vahki near Purul by some unknown gunmen.

The bodies in a strong language expressed its resentment of killing the youths in its jurisdiction which has created insecurity among the innocent citizens of Purul villages.

Such an act and attempt to tarnish the images of Purul people by any armed group or organization will not be acceptable, they expressed.

The villages of Purul are extremely saddened by such barbaric act perpetrated by unknown persons some days ago.

It has demanded those responsible to come out clean and claim their responsibilities for the killing.

We encourage no violence and killing when we are investing all efforts to usher peace and development in our society, it added.

Meanwhile, coming out strongly against killing of three youths at Vahki near Purul under Purul sub-division by unidentified gunmen, the Senapati District Women`™s Association (SDWA) in a press statement has condemned the act and also demanded those responsible to claim at the earliest.

The apex women`™s body questioned the right of those armed persons to take some one`™s life.

Only the creator has the right and not human added the statement.

The culprit must be booked and punished as per the law of the land the statement said while adding that such inhuman and unacceptable crime should not be repeated in the future by any organization or group.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/senapati-civil-bodies-condemn-killing-at-vahki/