Day: October 7, 2017

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 7

Chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh announced that a scheme will be introduced in the state soon to cater healthcare expenditure for the BPL families. He also announced that a special scheme will also be launched for differently abled persons.

He made this statement at the inaugural function of the two-day 22nd annual conference of the Association of Surgeons of India, Manipur State Chapter which started today at RIMS Jubilee Hall. The conference is held under the theme “Trauma: Early intervention.”

Addressing the delegates of around 300 and other representatives from various parts of the country, he said that he would do his best for the betterment of healthcare services in the state and that the framme a legislation to protect hospitals and medical personnel after discussion with the health department.

He said that Manipur is no less than other states if compared to the availability of good doctors, the only difference is that the state has no proper equipment to compete with the other states. He also said that he would do his best to bring better health financing system, revitalisation of health infrastructure and to promote health tourism.

He urged doctors of the country that the world today is talking of robotic surgeries and tele-surgeries which are certainly great advances, but losing human touch in the process of dispensing health services is not appreciable.

Biren urged the medical fraternity to empathize with patients and their worried parties while discharging their valuable services.

Urging the medical fraternity to keep up the spirit of humanity and kindness which are the true traits of a healer, the Minister also stated that the Government would not tolerate any harassment meted out to health personnel and damage caused to medical properties.

He also assured that he would do whatever possible in his capacity to ensure that shortage of infrastructure and technologies do not come in the way of providing quality healthcare to the people.

Director of RIMS, Professor A. Santa Singh, director of JNIMS, professor Th. Bhimo Singh, secretary of ASI Quarter, Dr. Ebenesh Bensam and president of ASI Manipur State Unit, Dr. Kh. Palin Singh attended the function as presidium members of the function.

The souvenir published annually was also released by the dignitaries.

Secretary of ASI Manipur state chapter, Dr. Ak. Ibohal Singh while giving a report for the year 2017-18, he said that many initiatives have been taken so far, the state chapter is on a plan to organise a rural surgery camp in the hill districts especially Ukhrul and Churachanpur. The camp is likely to be conducted in December or January 2018.

IMPHAL | Oct 7

The chief secretary has notified that a large number of employees did not attend office today on the ground of Panchayat election in rural areas.

A release signed by R.R Rashmi said very few of them have applied for special causal leave as per the general administration department’s order no. 8/20/77 – R and L/Pt dated September 12.  All administrative secretaries/HoDs are advised to compile list of such officials who absented from duty, on the basis of biometric records of the attendance register and furnish to the secretary (GAD) by October 9 without fail, it added.

IMPHAL | Oct 7

The National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) organised today ‘One day interactive session with the centre in-charges of Urdu, Arabic and CABA-MDTP centre of Manipur’ at Hotel Imphal, North AOC.

In the inaugural session of the interaction, the governor Najma Heptulla attended as the chief guest. Director of the NCPUL Prof. Syed Ali Karim and social activist Mohd. Afzal were also on the dais.

Appreciating for organising the programme in Manipur where less number of people speak and understand Urdu, the Heptulla appealed for more such programmes in the Northeast. The 10 percent of the sanctioned budget must be utilised in this area within the existing schemes of the respective department as per the guidelines of the government of India, the governor added.

She also shared her experiences pertaining to Urdu language.

The main thrust of the today’s programme was to have an interaction with representatives of Centres in-charge in order to understand their problems and look for solutions for giving benefits to target group.

It may be mentioned that NCPUL is an autonomous regulatory body under the ministry of human resourced, government of India. It is the main authority of Urdu language and education in India. And CABA MDTP is one of the significant initiatives of the NCPUL.

It has been the transformation of Urdu speaking population into part of the employable technological workforce in the age of technology and computer. It not only provides job opportunity to Urdu speaking people but also increases computer literacy rate of the country including Manipur.

To transfer the information technology to language and making Urdu speaking boys and girl’s part of employable technology work force of India, NCPUL establishes computer applications, business accounting and multilingual DTP centres (CABA-MDTP) across the country. There are around 40 centres in the State.

The programme which was attended by president and secretary of the BJP minority wing, Manipur State, representatives from different centres, students etc. had many interactive sessions too.

SENAPATI | Oct 7

Parents are the true visible God and the first teacher to educate their children said Kayisii while addressing the parents’ day celebration of St. Xavier’s High School, Makhan as chief guest today.

Continuing his speech, the minister for tribal affair and hills and fisheries said compulsory education for all sections of the society is the urgent need of the hour. He encouraged the parents to take extra care to send their children to schools and give them education in best possible way.

Kayisii lamented that the attitude of most parents in the hills towards imparting quality education to their children is still very deplorable. Most parents are illiterate, and they do not have the aptitude, resources, time and energy for their children’s education which is a big challenge for our society particularly for the tribal people, he said.

There is a need to improve the economy and lifestyle of the people in the hills to enable them to impart proper education to their children said the minister. 

Further Kayisii pointed out that there is still a huge gap of educational avenues and facilities between the hills and the valley in the state. “We need quality teachers to teach our children especially those in the interior villages”, said the minister.

There is an urgent demand for better educational facilities and technical know-how in the hills, he said, adding examination centres like matric and other competitive exams are very much lacking in the hills.

He pointed out that in this regard his ministry in coordination with the departments concerned of the government will try to bridge the gap, while appreciating the management of the school and the Catholic missionaries for introducing educational institutions and other quality disciplines in the region.

Athem Muivah, DC Senapati, K. David Khrasi, EM-ADC, Senapti, Henry K. Hriini, retired commissioner, founding member of the school, S.P. Peter Khrasi, founding member and first head master of the school along with hosts of dignitaries attended the occasion as functional president and special guests, respectively. 

Earlier in the day, Kayisii also inspected the landslide affected area of Maram Centre village and interacted with the local community leaders and the affected families. The minister listened to the affected local communities and shared the concern to preserve the nature and plant more trees to maintain ecological balance in the area.

From Our Correspondent

JIRIBAM | Oct 7

Voting was peaceful in Jiribam panchayat areas and no major problem was reported. Voter turned out across 57 polling station of the constituency covering the six panchayat areas of Jiribam district was high.

Among the 57 polling station, polling station numbers 1/2/1,1/2/2,1/1/2,1/1/3, 1/1/5 and 1/1/6 were assigned to women polling officials which is first of its kind held in Jiribam Panchayat elections.

As reported, polling station 1/3/4 of Lalpani part – I, Jiribam recorded highest turnout of 95. 28 percent with 283 votes polled out of 297 total votes while polling station 2/6/1 of Goukhal, Jiribam recorded lowest voting percentage of 68.66 percent with 309 votes polled out of 450 total numbers of voters among the 57 polling stations of Jiribam Panchayat election.

Out of 23058 voters in the Jiribam panchayat area, voters cast their votes briskly, recording an over percentage  around 81 percent vote.

At the time of filling this report at around 8:15 pm all the polling officials reported at the deputy commissioner office,

Jiribam with their respective polling station ballots boxes with votes where the fate of 10 Zilla Parishads in two seats, 25 Pradhans in six seats and 153 wards members candidates in 96 seats will be decided on October 11.

By A Staff Reporter 

IMPHAL | Oct 7

“Heisnam Kanhailal’s theatre is neither national nor international but it’s universal. It is unfortunate that recognition of his contribution in the world of theatre has come too little, too late.”

This was stated by Prof. H.S. Shivprakash of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi while delivering the memorial speech on the occasion of the first commemoration of the theatre exponent, Heisnam Kanhailal at Lamyanba Sanglen here yesterday, organised by Kalakshetra Manipur.

Elaborating on the works of Kanhailal, Prof. Shivprakash said though the former had no proper formal education he was able to create a language of his own. “Kanhailal’s vision was very complex. Sometimes it was difficult for him to express in the language we speak”, he added.

Prof. Shivprakash also pointed out that Kanhailal possessed the quality of a prophetic thinker. “He was not someone who loves to project himself. It was his firm belief that one should rather speak through the body of creative work created”, the professor maintained.

Further he said Kanhailal had so much to teach about theatre and art; however, there were a few to learn.

“He would not hesitate to go into the interior areas of the country to teach theatre. The theatre community of the world, not only of this country, must be grateful to him for planting his seeds of wisdom in many parts of India”, said Prof. Shivprakash.

He lamented that had the book written by Kanhailal, ‘Theatre of the Earth’ been published some 30 years earlier, the name of the latter would be among the world theatre luminaries.

Speaking as the chief guest of the observation, minister for art and culture, L. Jayentakumar said he knows very little about the work of Kalakshetra and Kanhailal.

“But in my brief encounter with uncle Kanhailal when he was alive I could notice that his philosophical outlook was very sharp”, he said.

1. Sushila, director of art and culture was present at the function as the president.

Later, N. Premchand, Y. Rajendra and U. Rojio presented papers on the life and works of Kanhailal. The session was chaired by Prof. L. Joychandra.

Floral tributes were paid by the dignitaries and invitees to the portrait of Kanhailal as a mark of respect on his first death anniversary.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 7

Five persons including two minors, one zilla parishad candidate and two voters sustained injuries in violence during the polling for panchayat elections at Kairang Khomidok in Imphal East district today.

Sources said clashes broke out between the workers of two rival zilla parishad candidates of Kairang Khomidok gram panchayat.

The two minor boys are identified as Zahir Khan, 14 son of Md. Bellan of Kairang Mamang Leikai and S. Talim, 17, son of S. Suresh of Khumidok Umang Leikai, the zilla parishad candidate as Badur Rehman alias Babu, 37, son of Abdul Rehman of Khurai Khomidok and the two voters as Kabir Hussen, 25, son of Siraj Ahamad of Kumidok Umang Leikai and Sahid Khan, 19, son of Ibouchou of Kairang Mamang Leikai.

Zaihir got bullet injuries on his left leg, Talim was hit by a stone in the head. The candidate was also hit by a stone in the neck, Kabir was hit by tear gas on his right leg and Sahid got hit by a stone in the head and currently all the five of them are treating at Public Hospital, Hatta.

Speaking to IFP, the injured candidate said that he was hit by a stone at the backside of his neck while he was coming out from the polling station number, 7/19/7 at Heingang Mayai Leikai Primary School at around 10.30 am.

He claimed that his opponent, S. Lebel who is currently the BJP, OBC Morcha’s president was given security escort but his escort was taken back by the government after he filed his election nomination.

“Such action clearly shows that the government is bias in the panchayat election, added Badur.

The other four individuals including the two minors got injured during clashes between the supporter of the two rival candidate at polling station number, 7/18/12 at Kairang Awang Leikai Pimary School.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Oct 7

Voting was at least 90 percent at Thoubal and Kakching district for the 5th general Panchayat elections conducted by Manipur State Election Commission.

Under Thoubal district, three ballot boxes were set ablaze at Irong and numbers of tear gas shells were fired at Salungfam to control an unruly mob, while ballots boxes and other items kept in the polling booth were scattered by miscreants at Sangaiyumfam.

In today’s election, the voters came out from early morning and stood making long queues at several polling booths under the heat of the day and cast their votes.

Around 10.30 am at the polling station number 2/3/16, Irong Thockhom Moirang LP School under Leisanghthem GP, three ballot boxes were torched after an altercation took place amongst the supporters of two ward member candidates

On the other hand, ballot papers were ripped and torn at polling stations number 8/20/10, 4/20/11 and 8/20/7 of Sangaiyumfam part II under Khangabok assembly constituency, after altercations took place amongst supporters of different zilla parishad candidates over the allegations that proxy votes were being cast.

It is expected that the district election officer, deputy commissioner, Thoubal district L. Nabakiswar may recommend re-polling of these mentioned polling booths.

Meanwhile, at the polling station number 5/12/4 installed at Salungfam Kangyebam Thokchao LP School under Heirok assembly constituency, altercations took place between zilla parishad candidates which resulted in hurling of stones between groups.

The situations worsened as the skirmish resulted in making attempts to snatch ballot boxes inside the booths.  A police force led by SP, K Meghachandra, Thoubal district police immediately rushed at the spot to control the situation which was getting out of hand.

Several tear gas shells were fired and mock bombs exploded in attempts to control the unruly mob.

After the police were able to control the situation, additional forces were brought in and the voters were made to resume the voting. It may be mentioned that the election was conducted peacefully at Thoubal district overall.   

The five teams of women polling personnel who went to perform their election duties for the first time, and the remaining polling personnel returned safe and sound at Thoubal DC complex around 9 pm.

As for Kakching district, the election was performed without any incident of violence and unwanted incidents where the votes were casted at the rate of 90 percent by the voters.

The ballot boxes which will decide the fate of the candidates were moved to the strong room of Thoubal district complex and Kakching Indoor stadium of Kakching district.

The votes will be counted on October 11.    

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI |Oct 7

Joint secretary, ministry of home affairs (Northeast in-charge), Satyendra Garg visited the designated camp of Kuki National Front, Ebenezer Peace Camp at Natheljang in Kangpokpi district today.

People accorded a symbolic traditional welcome when the Satyendra landed in a chopper at around 9:45 am at Kholjang TAYA Playground with trumpets blow and gong beating while the Kuki chiefs presented him a traditional shawl ‘Saipikhup’ apart from the Kuki women garlanding the senior IPS officer. 

Satyendra, who is also the first person to chair the Kuki political dialogue with the Centre was accompanied by J. Suresh Babu, additional chief secretary (Home), government of Manipur, who is also the chairman of Joint Monitoring Groups of the SoO groups along with other department concerned officials.

The Kuki leaders of various civil voluntary organisations under the aegis of Kuki Inpi including leaders of Kuki National Front greeted the visiting team at Ebenezer Peace Camp Satyendra signed on a monolith erected by the KNF in memory of his historic visit before having a brief interaction and visiting the camp to take stock of the situation.

Satyendra said that his idea to come here is to take stock of the camp, how it looks like, how it runs and how people live here.

He continued that it is right that political talks has been initiated after eight years of signing SoO but the government has appointed separate interlocutor talks without much delay. He said he is working on it while visiting the state and studying the issues interacting with the Kuki leaders.

“Whatever issues about the Kukis, the government is very much aware about it that is why we started the political dialogue and the Centre will do whatever is just from every section of society including the Kukis”, maintained Satyendra.

He also said that Centre wants solution as it is the key to prevail peace and the ultimate key to development and everything is for peace.

KNF general secretary, Aaron Kipgen, who is also the spokesperson of UPF said that the reason why they took up arms and fight for statehood is because they have a political issue. “We feel our custom, culture and tradition would be preserved within the framework of Indian Constitution in free India”, he added.

He continued that over the years the government considered the issue of Kuki arms movement, the signing of SoO and confining at the designated Camp as law and order issue which is why the problem have not been resolved on time.

“I want to reiterate today that the issue of Kuki arms movement, the signing of SoO and confining at designated camp is not a law and order problem but a political issue”, asserted Aaron Kipgen.

He also recalled that when Suspension of Operation was signed eight years back in 2008 and the designated camp inaugurated in 2010, the aspiration of SoO cadres as well as the Kuki people in general was to start political talks by initiating a peace process.

“But, things were not going that fast as expected and we have been waiting for more than 8 years for the political dialogue to be initiated”, he added.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur also submitted a memorandum to the joint secretary apprising him to bring an honorable solution to the Kuki political issue while appreciating and conveying gratitude of the Kuki people to the government of India for initiating the much awaited political dialogue with UPF and KNO.