Day: October 4, 2017

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | Oct 4

The 62nd Wildlife Week 2017 was observed today at the auditorium of Rayburn College, under the theme ‘Celebrate Right of Wildlife’.

The observance was flagged of by CEO of ADCC, T. Kammuanlal Simte and attended by DC of Churachandpur, Shyam Lal Poonia as chief guest, while SP Rakesh Balwal was the functional president. It was organised and hosted by the divisional forest officer (DFO), Southern Forest Division, Churachandpur, KS Tombing.

The DFO in his key note address said that concerning the killings of wildlife animals during the year 1952, the government has initiated many steps for wildlife protection and declared the Wildlife Week.

The chief guest and functional president told the students present in function about the value, importance and worth of wildlife. They further encouraged the students to spread for the same to others.

The observance also witnessed prize distribution to the winners of the spot painting competition on the theme ‘Wild life around us’ which was held on September 26, under same organiser. A debate competition was also held on the theme ‘Hunting should be banned’.

In painting competition, Joseph Genmuansang, a Class XIII student of Don Bosco High School received a certificate and cash prize for first position, followed by second and third prizes by participants from Hermon English  School and Don  Bosco High  School  respectively. In debate competition, Chinglenmoi, a Class XII student from Don Bosco Higher Secondary School won the first prize. An on the spot article writing competition of 250 words was also held and it was won by a Class X Student of St. Stephen School, Neihpihling.

IMPHAL | Oct 4

Textiles, commerce and industry minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh urged government officials to ensure that benefits of all government schemes reach the intended beneficiaries.

Minister Biswajit was speaking at the inaugural function of a Combined Programme of 10 Handicrafts Cluster Projects (Technical Training Programme, Integrated Design Development Project and Design Development Workshop) at the Classic Hotel today.

Addressing to the local artisans present in the programme, the minister said handicraft and handloom sector helps in employment generation in the State, however, there are certain factors including lack of awareness, capital and exposure to new and modern technologies which are slowing the sector down.

Biswajit further expressed the need to properly educate and mobilise the artisans in order to empower them so that they may increase their productivity. He said the main objective of the training is to achieve socio-economic empowerment of the artisans. The artisans should be sincere in their work for the scheme to succeed, he added.

Minister Biswajit Singh also explained the need to educate the artisans of the various schemes of the government for their welfare.

Explaining the need to create awareness of government schemes among the public, he said it is the responsibility of the government and its officials to educate all artisans and intended beneficiaries about the schemes. He further stated that officials of the department should ensure that the artisans get the full benefits of the training.

Textiles, commerce and industry principal secretary, P.Vaiphei said Manipur has a very rich handloom and handicrafts tradition. He said there is a huge percentage of household involvement in handloom and handicraft sector, particularly in rural areas.

Stating that many of the people involved in these sectors do so as part of their tradition, he continued because of the fact that these are part of our tradition it is extremely important for us to promote it.

Our handloom is our identity; he said adding it tells about who we are before we speak. He continued that from a distance people can recognise us from our dress. He also said that when somebody visits our homes and villages, the handicrafts which are on display at our homes and villages tell a lot about our background, culture, history and tradition, which is extremely important.

Director of handlooms and textiles, Manipur and managing director (Manipur handlooms and handicrafts development corporation Ltd.) K.Lamlee Kamei announced a toll free helpline No. 18002120403 of the department through which anyone can make enquiries regarding handloom and handicrafts delivery scheme.

Today’s inaugural function was also attended by chairman MHHDC Ltd. and deputy. chairman, Manipur state planning board, S Rajen Singh.

IMPHAL| Oct 4

State election commission has notified that the 5th general panchayat election will be held on October 7, covering six revenue districts in the State which are Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching and Jiribam.

A release said the six deputy commissioners (DCs) of the respective districts are the district election officers and six general observers are appointed to look into the smooth functioning of the election process. There are 14 returning officers (ROs) within the six districts; it said adding counting of the votes will take place from October 11 onwards till the completion at their respective districts.

The ballot paper of zilla parishad will be pink colour, the ballot paper for pradhan will be yellow and the ballot paper for GP member will be white, it said. Each voter has to cast his/her vote in secrecy in three different colours, it continued.  The pink colour ballot paper for zila parishad member should be cast in the pink ballot box, the yellow colour ballot paper for pradhan should be cast in yellow ballot box and the white colour ballot paper for G.P member should be cast in white ballot box, it added.

Meanwhile, a control room has been opened in the office of the state election commission at DC Imphal West office complex, Lamphelpat, said a release. All communication related to the 5th general panchayat election may be made at the control room telephone numbers 0385 – 2414983 and 0385 – 2414984, it said.

DIMAPUR |Oct 4 (NNN)

The Dr Shurhozelie led Naga People’s Front (NPF) “unanimously” adopted a resolution to appeal to the NSCN (K) to “renounce violence and come back to the negotiating table with the government of India which is the ardent desire of the Naga people”.

This resolution was taken during the meeting of the Central Office Bearers (COB) of the party was held today at its central office in Kohima.

The meeting also reiterated its support to the ongoing peace process vis-à-vis political talks between the NSCN (IM) and the government of India and appreciated the latter for extending invitation to the Working Committee of the 6 Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) for political negotiation. “It has been the unwavering stand of the NPF that solution should be inclusive of all stakeholders so as to bring permanent peace,” it added.

IMPHAL | Oct 4

The government of Manipur is all set to celebrate Mera Houchongba tomorrow. This is the first even state level celebration to be jointly organised by the state government and Sanakonung. The main celebration will be at Kangla tomorrow which is the 15th day of the lunar calendar of Mera month.

The village chiefs along with young boys and girls from different hill districts of the State have arrived at Imphal today.

Constituting a State Level Mera Houchongba Committee for the first time, the government of Manipur will be celebrating the festival. The chief minister of Manipur is the chairman of the committee and commissioner of art and culture department is the convener.

All the other ministers and members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly are also in the State Level Mera Houchongba committee.

Titular King, Meidingu Leishemba Sanajaoba will lead the village chief of the hills and will march to Kangla at 8 am tomorrow. At Kangla, ‘Men tongba’ and ‘Yelhing thaba’ rituals will be performed as per tradition.

The main function will begin at Kangla at 1 pm. Chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, Meidingu Leishemba Sanajaoba and art and culture minister, L. Jayantakumar will attend the function as the chief guest, president and guest of honour, respectively.

Pot Lannaba (exchange of gifts) and traditional cultural programmes will be the highlight of the function.

Convenor, Mera Houchongba Thousil Lup Sana Konung, Longjam Ratankumar will give welcome address and the keynote address of the function. Convener, State level Mera Houchongba committee, art and culture commissioner, M. Lakshmikumar Singh will give vote of thanks.

State level Mera Houchongba committee is inviting all the people of Manipur to participate at the first joint venture of the government of Manipur and Sana konung for the Mera Houchongba festival.

IMPHAL | Oct 4

A non-local shopkeeper was found shot dead by unknown armed assailants this morning near the second gate of Manipur University at Oinam Leikai under Singjamei police station Imphal West district.

The body was found at around 8 am. The body was blind folded with hands tied behind his back and wore three bullet injuries on the chest and another at his abdomen both on left side and one bullet at the back side of his left thigh.

Police recovered three empty cases and a live ammunitions of 9 mm.

According to the locality of Oinam Leikai, they heard gun shots at around 8 this morning which they assumed to be of fire crackers.

The deceased was identified as Lalbabu Singh (50) son of Rawan Singh of Simraha, Motihari Champharan under Rajpur police station, Bihar. Presently he is staying at a rented house at Mantripukhri Lamlongei opposite to Mother Teresa Home.

Sources close to the deceased revealed that Lalbabu ran a fermented fish shop at Ngari Gulli, Thangal Bazar and he nad been staying in the state for teh last 13 years.

The source further said Lalbabu was last seen at around 7.15 am wherein he had his tea and he went to his shop in an auto.

The body has been deposited at RIMS morgue for post mortem. The body was identified as friends and relatives.

While it is yet to be ascertained the motive behind the killing, a case has been registered by the police in connection with the incident.

IMPHAL | Oct 4

To intensify the Aadhar enroment drive in the state, the state home department has initiated a special drive particularly in the hill districts from October 3. The drive is to enrol individuals who have been left out in the previous campaign.

A release said the schedule of visit to villages has been notified to deputy commissioner concerned in consultation with local MLAs. The state government has already completed mandatory two rounds of visit to the villages, it said.

The release further said the current drive is an extra round planned by the state government to facilitate enrolment of remaining people. This will be the last round of visit to the villages, it added.

It appealed to the public to utilise this opportunity to get enrolled, adding that Aadhar enrolment is necessary for getting any benefits under the Central and state government schemes.

Further the release pointed out that people who fail to get enrolled will be deprived of the benefit of availing any government schemes. There will be no more village visit after the current final round and the left out persons have to approach the permanent enrolment centres in the office of the deputy commissioners at their own cost, it said.

Newmai News Network

IMPHAL |Oct 4

Even as campaign for Schedule Tribe status of Meetei/Meitei by Schedule Tribe Demand Committee (STDC) has intensified, All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) said it will fight to the end opposing the inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST list.

ATSUM president, Vareiyo Shatsang said today that the apex tribal students’ body has been against any move from any quarter to include Meitei/Meetei in the ST list. The ATSUM president also said that they have apprised the authorities concerned in this regard. 

“The Meiteis have no criteria to be in the ST list,” said Vareiyo Shatsang. The ATSUM chief expressed that the campaign of the STDC for the inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the ST list will bring more inequality in the State in all respects. “The Meiteis are in the General Category but now they want to be in the ST list. There is some hidden agenda behind the campaign of the STDC,” said the ATSUM president. “What is their interest?” asked Vareiyo Shatsang.

He continued ATSUM is seriously observing the development in connection with the campaign for the inclusion of Meiteis in the ST list.

It may be noted that the movement for the inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe list of India intensified with the resolution of the September 24 ‘public convention’ giving October 20 as the deadline to the State government of Manipur to submit its (State Government) recommendation to the Central government.

According to STDC, it had submitted a memorandum each to the then governor of Manipur on November 30, 2012 and to the then chief minister on December 18, 2012.

In response to a memorandum of the STDC, the ministry of tribal affairs, government of India vide letter dated May 29, 2013 informed the government of Manipur to forward specific recommendations along with the ethnographic reports and socio economic survey reports of Meitei/Meitei for consideration for inclusion in the ST list, according to STDC.

The issue was brought up in the budget session of Manipur Assembly on June 29, 2015, and the then chief minister, O Ibobi assured to consult experts and historians to take up necessary action if found reasonable. But there never was any tangible action, STDC rued.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 4

The state Cabinet today resolved to create a land bank of the state by acquiring huge track of land over 1000 acres to be used for any future projects. Chief minister chaired the meeting at his secretariat.

Briefing media persons at his official quarter at Sanjenthong late in the evening, works minister Th. Bishwajit Singh, said the objective of creating a land bank is to avoid usual difficulties encountered by the state to acquire land any ambitious project in the state.

The Cabinet resolved to acquire a total of 1048 acre at N. Khallong village under Imphal East district and 530 acres at Phungrei village under Saikul sub-division, he informed.

The meeting also approved acquisition of land for the construction of a new State Guest House and residential complex of ministers and officials at Chingmeirong east and 10-Meitei Keirang in Imphal East district.

The minister further revealed that the Cabinet also approved payment of compensation to 409 victims whose properties were damaged in a mob violence which occurred at Khurai Heikru Makhong in Imphal East district on December 18, 2016.

It has been informed that a committee comprising of Imphal East DC, SP, director fire service and executive engineer of PWD would be constituted to conduct enquiry into the incident.

As per the recommendation of the committee the compensation will be paid and the Cabinet meeting agreed to earmark a total of Rs. 1,98,27,246 for the same.

The Cabinet also decided to launch a sub-mission under the name and style of mission for economic empowerment of traditional artisans/craftsmen (MEETAC) to support traditional artisans/craftsmen of the state.

The proposed sub-mission will aim at developing the traditional crafts/arts sector of Manipur as per global standards to make it an important spoke in the wheel of economic activities.

It will be implemented under the state mission on employment, housing and drinking water for households by 2022 constituted by a Cabinet decision on May 3, 2017.

Textiles (handicrafts/handlooms), pottery, cane and bamboo crafts, jewellery (gold and non-gold), reed craft, stone carving, wood carving, dolls and toys, block printing, terracotta, hand embroidery (Zari etc) and tribal arts/crafts etc. are the some of the listed items which are to be covered under the sub-mission.

The Cabinet also gave its nod to the proposal for identification of 393.64 acres of land in revenue village 91-A Lamphelpat for development of water body by the department of water resources, Manipur.

The Cabinet also gave its nod to direct purchase of 5 acres of land for establishment of a police station at Behiang.

The Cabinet decided to adopt a general guideline for direct purchase of land through Direct Purchase Committee.

The guideline has been framed to do away with unreasonable variation and abnormally high cost in the rate of land for acquisition/purchase in different districts.

The Cabinet approved 24 days as General Holidays and 17 days as Public Holidays for the year 2018. It also endorsed framing of Manipur Waqf Regulation, 2017.

The Cabinet gave its nod to the re-designation of some posts of MHS Grade-II (Allopathy) as MHS Grade-II (AYUSH).

It also approved renaming of the post of Additional Public Prosecutor-cum-Additional Government Advocate (High Court), Manipur as Additional Government Advocate (High Court), Manipur with restrospective effect from 25-10-2016.

The Cabinet decided to appoint necessary staff for proper implementation of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) in the state.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 4

A 14-year-old student of Elangbam Sulochana Academy, Hiyanglam was allegedly sexually abused by her school principal on September 20, leaving her traumatised. She quit going for classes in fear and shame of her principal and her school mates.

Thoibi (name changed) said on the ill-fated day, she and her younger sister, Tombi (name changed) were called out from their math class by the teacher cum principal cum founder of the school, Elangbam Surendro for not doing their homeworks.

Thoibi narrated that both of them were of the same class, standard II, and were called to the dining room of the school and were made to lie down opposite each other. They were detained after all the other school children had gone after the classes.

Then he instructed the elder sister to strip her innerwear and attempted to molest her while covering her younger sister’s face with a cloth. Sorendro was disturbed by his own mother calling him to do his other duties.

“After that incident, I don’t want to go to school again, I feel scared as our principal threatened us not to tell anyone, even to our parents”, Thoibi said. “But the thought of it makes me feel uncomfortable and I didn’t go to school after that.

Her mother, Tamphasana (name changed) said she noticed that her daughter didn’t go to school for 2-3 days. On parents’ meeting day on September 23, Thoibi refused to attend the meeting so she insisted Thoibi to tell her the reason for not going to school. Thoibi hesitated at first but told her the whole truth later.

After knowing the truth, Tamphasana consulted meira paibis and the club and went to Hiyanglam police station on the night of September 29. But the police officials did not register a case as it lacked detailed information and formality.

But the next day also, the case was not registered and according to police, once a case is filed, the process is complicated and takees long. But rather suggested them to shorten it through negotiations.

Thoibi said that she wanted her principal to realise his mistakes and not to repeat such type of demeanour in the future with anyone.

A case was filed on October 1 by Hiyanglam police station and on the day itself the case was transferred to Thoubal women police cell. The case was registered under POCSO Act, under Section 12. And the accused is on nnticipatory bail from October 3.