Day: July 22, 2017

Khogen Khoibam

IMPHAL | July 22

The Grassy Knoll BMX boys (GBB) today organised the World BMX Day for the first time in Manipur at the Indoor Stadium of Imphal College, Kwakeithel Lamdong, Airport Road.

The BMX riders commenced the day by riding all the way from Kangla to Imphal College and the event was packed with performances by B-Boying dancers, magic show and drama that entertained the students and teachers of the Imphal College and other audiences.

The founder of GBB, Loyanganba Laishram has said that inclusion and recognition of extreme sports in the Olympics has energised the BMX riders to perform more in the world arena. He also said that the contemporary BMX riders are very thankful to their mentors Umananda and Dipen for introducing the wave of BMX and skateboarding in Manipur.

There will be more to come up in a series in the coming years with more events of competitions, he added.

The guest of honour of the function, Umananda Irom has said that the BMX riders of these days are too fleet-footed in their performance. He said that BMX stunt is a form of art which requires a good discipline and synchronisation to make the show complete.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 22

Students of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy today protested in front of the school at Nongmeibung, Imphal demanding roll back of the transfer order of the four teachers of the school.

During the protest which started from around 1.30 pm, vehicles were stopped from passing the road in front of the school gate.

Later at around 4 pm police were able to control the situation after negotiating with the student leaders.

Speaking to media persons, Ananda Singh Higher Academy Students’ Union, general secretary, Oinam Bonny said that the students of the school strongly condemn the transfer of the four teachers from the school as they have already covered half of the syllabus.

The transfer of the teachers during the middle of the academic seems that the government likes to separate the bonds between the teachers and students, he added.

The general secretary urged the government to roll back the transfer of the four teachers with immediate effect as it will give a big blow to students’ career, who are going to appeare in the upcoming council examination.

Bonny further asked the government to fill up the teachers, as the school suffers lack of teachers.

The student association warned that certain forms of agitation will take place if the government failed to draw back the transfer order of the four teachers of the school.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 22

Ukhrul has a new tourist spot from today besides Shirui Hill, as Wuya Kachui village in Kamjong district is officially declared as a tourist site for the presence of a flower called in local name as ‘Wuyawon’.

Wuya Kachui village in Kamjong district is officially declared a tourist site today after inauguration by deputy commissioner of Kamjong district, Kengoo Zuringla along with sub-divisional officer (SDO), L.H. Ngathungsin.

During the function, the chief guest Kengoo Zuringla while expressing his happiness in the inauguration of such a beautiful site also stressed that the thing of beauty in the district to be preserved especially the local people. 

The opening function organised by Shingcha Katamnao Long was attended by surrounding villages’ headmen including Maku village, Puching, Changa, Yeda, Khangkhui Khullen, Langkhe and leaders of Tangkhul Katamnao Long among others.

Chairman of Shingcha village, Raiyo Zimik said that the during time of war in ancient times, villagers used to camp at the mount of Wuya Kachui, and whenever they do, the people resting there experienced sleep paralysis. Therefore the name Wuya Kachui is given.

Wuyawon flower is a ground orchid, pink in colour and blooms during the peak monsoon season of July month.

Newmmai News Network

KOHIMA | July 22

The present political crisis in the party is a blessing in disguise and this is a God-given opportunity to screen out the grain from the chaff, said Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu, President of Naga People’s Front (NPF) and former Chief Minister.

Addressing party functionaries at his private residence in Kohima this afternoon, Liezietsu said, “We have identified the polluted leaders and had filtered them from the party for good. Only the faithful leaders are now in the party. The party can work peacefully and conveniently for the welfare of the party and the Naga people since corrupt and polluted leaders have been removed from the party.”

He called the 11 MLAs who stood firm with the party as the “seeds of NPF party”.

Urging party leaders and workers to stand firm on their conviction and principles, Dr. Shürhozelie said that NPF will grow taller and stronger with only the faithful and dedicated leaders to lead the party.

Coming down heavily on the BJP-RSS ideology and principles, the former Chief Minister said that NPF has severed all ties with the BJP to protect the identity and the rights of the Nagas. He said that earlier, due to its alliance with the BJP, the party on many occasion could not speak out the truth. However, he said now the NPF does not have any hesitation to speak the truth for the Naga people.

Further, NPF president said that the NPF is not against Hinduism but stated that it will not allow the saffron party to create disturbance to Naga politics and went on to add that Governor PB Acharya, “who is also a hardcore RSS pracharak”, violated all the constitutional provisions and established laws to bring down his government but that he will never achieve his dream to install a BJP government in Nagaland.

He also said that though the NPF party detached its alliance with the BJP he appreciates Prime Minster Narendra Modi for courageously supporting and strengthening the ongoing Naga Peace process and on curbing corruption.

Dr. Shürhozelie cautioned the party leaders that TR Zeliang and group have destroyed the government and now they will try to destabilise even the party. However, he reminded that if the party leaders stand committed and firm, no force of money or power can destroy the party.

He asserted that since rotten potatoes were removed from the sack, the NPF party shall rule beyond 2018.

On MKR Pillai case, the former Chief Minister questioned why so many legislators have reservation to hand over the case to CBI for inquiry.

NPF legislator CL John is his short speech termed the present crisis as “vitamin” for the party stating that filtering the corrupted MLA from the party will now make the party stronger. He also said that the crisis as revival period for the party to go stronger.

NPF MLA, Yitachu in his speech said that NPF party is growing from strength to strength and even expanding its wings to other Naga-inhabited areas that the BJP Government at the Centre got scared and brought all mechanisms at its disposal  to bring down Dr. Shürhozelie NPF government.

Therefore, Yitachu asserted that those who uphold the NPF party principles are upholding the future of the Nagas.

MLA, Vikheho Swu admitted that crisis after crisis within the NPF party occurred due to some disgruntlement and power mongering among MLAs themselves that “quality time for the development of the state could not be availed sincerely.”  He therefore, called upon the people to elect only sincere and dedicated leaders in the future.

MLA Chotisu Sazo who also spoke on the occasion appreciated the party leaders for standing firm despite crisis within the party legislature. He went on to warn that many dissident MLAs may come to lure party leaders with lucrative offers but urged to uphold the true spirit of the party.

During the programme, NPF working president, Huska Yepthomi, Women Wing President, Tonlih Wangsa, Youth Wing President, Vihoshe Swu, Farmers Wing President, Lanukaba Ao and Minority Wing President, Bishnu Bhattacharjee also spoke on the occasion.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 22

Under the rules of procedure of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, the motion to elect seven members each to the committee on public accounts, committee on estimates and committee on public undertakings was put up by deputy chief minister, Y. Joykumar today.

The Speaker announced that the election will be held on July 26. It may be mentioned that six parliamentary secretaries had resigned from their post earlier to facilitate their entry into the various committees of the House.

 Teacher transfer is state policy :  N. Biren

Regarding the clash which occurred on Friday among students of CC Higher Secondary School and Imphal East police personnel in which injuries were caused to three policemen including commando officer–in-charge Vaiphei, police have registered an FIR.

Mentioning that the protest occurred due to the transfer of teaching staff of the school, leader of the House, Biren Singh today clarified on the floor of the House that the transfers were done under state government policy.

He said, “It is very unfortunate that there were reports of protest against the transfer of teachers. The transfer is done, following promotion of teachers. This will benefit both the students and teachers. The public should cooperate with the policies adopted by the government as it is meant for the welfare of the students and teaching community.”

Biren said police registered a case in connection with yesterday’s clash between the police and students to find out how the violence broke out.

Reports said there were stone pelting by the agitating students and the police had to use tear gas shells to bring the situation under control.

Biren said some students and three police personnel sustained injuries. “When a police team was negotiating with the students demonstrating on an Imphal street some unknown persons pelted stones at the police. The injured persons were hospitalised,” the chief minister said.

IMPHAL | July 22

The Manipur Legistaltive Assembly today unanimously passed five demands for grants amounting to 502,85,21,00 crores for the year 2017-2018.

The demands passed by the House includes demand No. 1 state Legislature for a sum not exceeding Rs 80,35,08,000, demand No. 2 council of ministers for a sum not exceeding Rs 8,62,00,000, demand No. 3 secretariat for a sum not exceeding Rs 77,85,04,000, demand No. 12 municipal administration, housing and urban development for a sum not exceeding Rs 324,37,01,000 and demand No. 27 election for a sum not exceeding Rs 11,66,08,000.

The House also unanimously passed the Manipur Appropriation (No.3) Bill, 2017.

As soon as the House convened, the leader of the House, chief minister N. Biren Singh said that the clash between students and police on Friday was an unfortunate incident. During the clash the police had to fire tear gas shells to control the mob during which three persons were injured including a police personnel. The chief minister also said an FIR was registered in Imphal East Police Station for unlawful activities and disturbance in government movement. 

Clarifying on the transfer issue, the chief minister said, the higher secondary lecturers were given promotion and transfer for the benefit of schools. He said, the incident could have been avoided by proper communication with the concern authorities.

N Biren further informed the house that he invited the students for talks over the issue and gave assurance that the matter can be reviewed if error was found in the transfer process.

Opposition member Thangmeiband MLA Kh. Joykishan expressing his concern over the injury of students and police personnel said that, the Speaker had denied the rights of the Opposition by not giving time for question hour and zero hour during the full budget session.

Deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar (in-charge of Finance) moved for discussion and voting for five demands for grants, 2017-2018 on the floor of the House. Opposition MLAs Kh. Joykishan Singh, Okram Henry Singh, RK Imo Singh, K. Meghachandra Singh and Md. Abdul Nasir cut motion for demand No. 12 – Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development. The policy cut motion was moved on account of inability to increase honorarium of the ward members, failure to check work executed by work development committee of Imphal Municipal Corporation and misuse of fund, inability to communicate with the ward development committee and local MLAs, failure to run IMC as corporation properly, Inability to implement PMAY scheme properly, Absence of proper policy to control flash floods in municipal areas, Absence of proper policy for functioning of Imphal Municipal Corporation and lack of proper policy for development of municipal area.

Th. Lokeshwar Singh, N. Loken Singh, AK Mirabai and P. Saratchandra Singh also gave their observations on the five demands for grants. MLA Lokeshwar Singh said that, vehicles carrying raw materials for construction are polluting the city and that the waste materials should be collected on time by the concerned authority.

MLA Loken Singh appealed to the House to revive the Nambol water supply scheme (Khoriphaba water supply) and asked on the status of the repairing of the Nambol Bazar, damaged during the Jan 4, 2016 earthquake.  MLA P Sharatchandra Singh said demand No. 12 – Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development is deserving. He also spoke on strengthening of local urban bodies and said there is a need for satellite towns to ease the high population density in Urban areas.  He also opined that, the Liaison offices (Manipur Bhavan) in other states could help in promoting art and culture, tourism, and health services. It can also serve as information centres for students and people from other states.

Replying to queries of the Opposition MLAs Joykishan over low ranking of Imphal in the list of Smart cities, MAHUD Minister Shyamkumar said, the concerned department were unable to send the necessary documents in January, due to election code of conduct. He said, 90 percent of the works have been streamlined and continuous cleaning is taken up in the core areas of Imphal city after he took up the charge as MAHUD Minister. He was hopeful that Imphal city could become number 1 city in cleanliness in the coming years.

With regards to querires on the Imphal Smart City Mission, Shyamkumar said, Imphal Smart City Limited (ISCL) was incorporated on November 25, 2016. He said that, Rs 109 crore has been released by the Centre while a sum of Rs 17 crore has been earmarked as part of the State matching share. The Central Government and State Government will share 50 percent each of the total expenditure, he added. He said, the Board of Directors of ISCL comprises 8 directors including the nominee Director of the Central Government. The chief secretary of Manipur is the chairman of the Board of ISCL and the municipal corporation is the chief executive officer (CEO) of ISCL, he added.

Replying to the query of MLA N. Loken Singh, Shyamkumar said, the beneficiaries for PMAY were selected based on Socio-Economic Caste Census. He said, 1,330 beneficiaries were selected from the Nambol Constituency, the Minister explained that the scheme is yet to gain momentum as most of the land deeds (patta) are not in the name of women/housewives.

In response to MLAs K. Meghachandra and Abdul Nasir on AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation), Shyamkumar said, under AMRUT a minimum of 2.5 percent of the total cost is earmarked for development of parks and green spaces with children/ elderly citizen friendly facilities. He said, the total Government allocation for Manipur under AMRUT is Rs 180.32 crore out of which Rs 175.81 crore for water supply and Rs 4.41 crore for parks. The funding pattern is 90:10 (Centre/State). The State Government has submitted 3 State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) to the Ministry of Urban Development.

Regarding the query of MLA Okram Henry Singh on Solid Waste Management Plant at Lamdeng, Shyamkumar said, the yet to be inaugurated plant is fully functional. Replying to AK Mirabai during discussion over present status of renovation/reconstruction of Ima Keithel, the Minister said, as the damage incurred during the earthquake was intense so the renovation/reconstruction will be finished in due course of time.

During cut motion put up by MLA Joykishan on lack of communication between the Ward Development Committee and local MLAs, Shyamkumar said, there is no provision for involvement of local MLAs in ward development activities. He however, said that, he would try to involve local MLAs for overall development. Over the misappropriation of funds for ward development, Chief Minister said, as the investigation is still in progress, the details of the report can not be tabled in the House. He said, the status would be made available to the MLA as per his request.

After the discussion, deputy chief minister Y Joykumar (in-charge of Finance) moved the five demands to be passed by the House. All the demands were unanimously passed by the House. The House will meet again on Monday.

IMPHAL | July 22

By A Staff Reporter

Shija Hospital and Research Institute is going to launch “Shija subsidized OPD scheme” in its nine departments with a consultation fee of Rs. 50 only per visit every Thursday, 2.00-4.00 p.m. from July 27.

The departments include under the scheme are Breast & Thyroid Clinic, Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgery, Shija Dental White, ENT (Shija ENT Hospital, Sanakeithel, Lamphel), General Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Palin Khundongbam, chairman and managing director, said 10 per cent discount on investigations, surgeries and room rent will be applicable to all the subsidized OPD patients if performed within 30 days from the date of advice by the consultant.

“The main objective of introducing this scheme is to implement new technologies and maintain world-class quality service in affordable price.” said Dr. Palin. He also announced that new medical equipment will be installed and the equipment will start functioning from next month in order to remove the inconvenience of patients in travelling to other states for treatment.

Palin claimed that the hospital has achieved several milestones in the field of surgery. Shija hospital has performed numerous cataract surgeries in Manipur. Its doctors can operate more than 80 patients per day through Phacoemulsification, a modern cataract surgery, he claimed further.

Dr. Palin said he is disappointed with the allegation of keeping dead body of patients inside the ICU to charge extra money and also disallowing the families to enter the ICU. “Due to hygienic, psychological and other factors, such restrictions are imposed.” said Dr. Palin, adding that the patients and their parties need to be counseled and educated for such matters, which they have begun.

IMPHAL | July 22

Bangladeshi woman who had been arrested from Churachandpur district died at RIMS hospital on July 19 after she was hospitalised for two days.

The woman was identified as Sakala Bibi(45) wife of late Muabi alias Abumunsi from Gabtoli, Bangladesh. She was arrested under the foreigners act 1946 on February 25, 2015 under FIR number 1(2)2015 and under section 14(A) where she was kept at central jail, Sajiwa.

According to official source, she was admitted at JNIMS after suffering BP stroke on July 18. Later on the same day she was referred at RIMS for further treatment but Sakala passed away on July 19, 7.15 pm. The dead body has been transferred to RIMS morgue for post mortem. Nobody has claimed the body till then.

IMPHAL | July 22

Regarding the question number 734 put up by the state BJP president, K Bhabananda at Rajya Sabha on the online services in Manipur, the minister of state for electronics and information technology, PP Chaudhary provided the answers today as per the date scheduled.

A release said, the Manipur State Wide Area Networks (SWANs) has been made operational since March 2011, State Data Centres (SDCs) are operational since January 2013, Common Service Centres (CSCs) 646 centres have been reserved, e- districts along with State Service Delivery Gateways (SSDGs) have been launched and gone live in Manipur.

Further, the minister of state in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Rajavardhan Rathore gave answers to the questions put up by Bhabananda about the inclusion of news about North East in the national news, that the government has not come across any trend indicating that the news from NCR and Jammu and Kashmir are overemphasised and those of the North East are ignored.

The government makes all efforts to encourage print and electronic media of the entire country including North East region, however, it does not set up news agencies on its own, it added.

Regarding the questions asked to the Prime Minister about the inclusion of Ningol Chakouba and other festivals of Manipur amongst the national holidays in the calendar, the answers were provided by the minister of state in the Prime Minister’s office, Jitendra Singh that in view of the ceiling on the total number of holidays that can be declared in a year by the government, it has not been found possible to declare additional Restricted Holiday for the above occasions.

The minister of state in the Ministry of Railways, Rajen Gohain gave answers to questions regarding rail connectivity with the capital of Manipur that a statement is laid on the table of the house and the completion of projects depends on many factors which are not within the control of Railways. Therefore, it is not feasible to fix the timelines for all the projects and the Imphal to Jiribam railway line is part of the Trans-Asian railway network, he added.

CCPUR | July 22

The two children who were reported missing on July 19 around 9 pm were recovered by SI Shoiminthang Kipgen under the supervision of SI James Vaiphei  of Churachandpur Police Station and they were handed over to their parents today.

The lost and found children were identified as Tinsubam Amarjit (14) and Rishikumar (12), both from Thingkangphai, Churachandpur

A feast  was organised by the police under its SP Rakesh Balwal with the media and police personnel at the office complex of the SP. The gathering was attended by as special guest by the deputy commissioner of Churachandpur and treasury officer.

IMPHAL | July 22

The ongoing question and answer sessions at the Manipur Assembly are made available from yesterday to the public through a mobile application called ‘DIPR Manipur App’ created by the film section of Directorate of Information and Public Relations.   

A release said, the DIPR Manipur App was launched on July 29 and it provides information about latest news, photos, films about important events and relevant schemes regarding various departments.

Moreover, it will provide information about the activities of the state government to the people in Manipur and outside the state. The app can be downloaded from Google play store by typing DIPR Manipur, it added.