Day: October 12, 2017

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 12

Former project director and presently officer on special duty of Manipur Development Society (MDS) Yambem Ningthem, has filed a pre-arrested bail (anticipatory) at the High Court of Manipur.

The bail petition (AB/28/2017) has been listed for hearing on October 13 by the bench of Justice Kh. Nobin Singh.

Advocate Sheela Khumukcham, M. Gunedhor will represent the petitioner while Government advocate Shyam Sharma, represent the respondent (state of Manipur).

A case was lodged against Ningthem and five others including former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh on September 1, alleging huge financial irregularities totalling Rs.185.79 crores were committed.

The others in the FIR included former chief secretaries, D.S. Poonia, P.C Lawmkunga, O. Nabikishore Singh and also S. Ranjit Singh (administrative officers, MDS).

The FIR was lodged against them by Dr. Th. Muhindro Singh, joint secretary planning, government based on findings of the investigation conducted by the state vigilance commission.

The state vigilance commission had in its inquiry report stated that Ningthem had kept several files pertaining to MDS projects at his residence.

Following the FIR Ningthem’s house was raided by the police on September 4.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 12

Former project director and presently officer on special duty of Manipur Development Society (MDS) Yambem Ningthem, has filed a pre-arrested bail (anticipatory) at the High Court of Manipur.

The bail petition (AB/28/2017) has been listed for hearing on October 13 by the bench of Justice Kh. Nobin Singh.

Advocate Sheela Khumukcham, M. Gunedhor will represent the petitioner while Government advocate Shyam Sharma, represent the respondent (state of Manipur).

A case was lodged against Ningthem and five others including former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh on September 1, alleging huge financial irregularities totalling Rs.185.79 crores were committed.

The others in the FIR included former chief secretaries, D.S. Poonia, P.C Lawmkunga, O. Nabikishore Singh and also S. Ranjit Singh (administrative officers, MDS).

The FIR was lodged against them by Dr. Th. Muhindro Singh, joint secretary planning, government based on findings of the investigation conducted by the state vigilance commission.

The state vigilance commission had in its inquiry report stated that Ningthem had kept several files pertaining to MDS projects at his residence.

Following the FIR Ningthem’s house was raided by the police on September 4.

IMPHAL | Oct 12

Child welfare officer, department of social welfare, L. Dhaneshwor said that the new disabilities act of 2016 is better and has more benefits than the previous act of 1995. He made this statement on the opening day of a two-day residential awareness programme of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, held today at Hotel Tampha, North AOC.

Dhaneshwor said that the new Act provides special court and a special prosecutor for any differently abled person who needs legal assistance in seeking justice. He also said that under section 25 of the Act, free health care is also guaranteed and special provision for people from rural areas.

He further mentioned Section 47 which provides equal pay for equal work, non-discrimination in government employments and to dodge promotion denial.

Dhaneshwor also lectured on many other new features and new benefits of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Head member of State Platform of Disabled People’s Organisation Manipur (SPDPO), Md. Yunus Khan said that the awareness programme was organised by SPDPO and funded by Manipur North Economic Development Association (MANEDA), Shishu Sarothi, Guwahati and Light for the World of Christoffel Development Cooperation.

Director of social welfare, Jacintha Lazarus attended the function as chief guest of the function and advisor to SPDPO, Dr. Sapam Jasobanta as guest of honour.

The workshop was attended by five representatives from each district and organisation of PWD. State has a total number of 54,100 persons with disabilities.

IMPHAL | Oct 12

Child welfare officer, department of social welfare, L. Dhaneshwor said that the new disabilities act of 2016 is better and has more benefits than the previous act of 1995. He made this statement on the opening day of a two-day residential awareness programme of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, held today at Hotel Tampha, North AOC.

Dhaneshwor said that the new Act provides special court and a special prosecutor for any differently abled person who needs legal assistance in seeking justice. He also said that under section 25 of the Act, free health care is also guaranteed and special provision for people from rural areas.

He further mentioned Section 47 which provides equal pay for equal work, non-discrimination in government employments and to dodge promotion denial.

Dhaneshwor also lectured on many other new features and new benefits of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Head member of State Platform of Disabled People’s Organisation Manipur (SPDPO), Md. Yunus Khan said that the awareness programme was organised by SPDPO and funded by Manipur North Economic Development Association (MANEDA), Shishu Sarothi, Guwahati and Light for the World of Christoffel Development Cooperation.

Director of social welfare, Jacintha Lazarus attended the function as chief guest of the function and advisor to SPDPO, Dr. Sapam Jasobanta as guest of honour.

The workshop was attended by five representatives from each district and organisation of PWD. State has a total number of 54,100 persons with disabilities.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 12

The Special Judge, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Imphal West today sentenced a 62 year old man to rigorous imprisonment for a period of 12 years and imposed a fine of Rs. 20,000 on him for sexually assaulting a 9 year old minor girl.

The man identified as Huidrom Bheigya Singh, 62, son of late H. Anagangyaima Singh of Komlakhong, Ereima Maning Leikai, was convicted under section 4 of the POCSO Act for committing penetrative sexual on minor.

The convict was produced before the special judge of POCSO, M. Manjokumar Singh today and the sentence hearing was conducted.

During the hearing the special public prosecutor submitted that the accused is convicted under section 4 protection of POCSO for committing penetrative sexual assault on a minor girl, which is very serious offence particularly because the accused is a matured person, having full knowledge of the situation and prayed to award the sentence to maximum like life imprisonment.

The counsel of the accused in his submission however contended that the accused is now an aged person of 62 year and has a wife with an unsound. He also said the accused has no antecedent of criminal activities.

It also further mentioned that on that day of the offence the accused was drunk and the act was done under the influence of alcohol. Moreover, the counsel submitted that his client has also been in judicial custody since the day of the incident and prayed for awarding minimum sentence by considering these mitigating factors.

The court after hearing submissions of both the counsels and considering the materials on record, observed that the act committed by the accused to a victim, who was a minor of 9 years and who also used to call him “pupu” (Grandfather) is a very much an inhuman act.

The Special judge therefore ordered that the convict Huidrom Bheigya Singh be sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for a period of 12 years and fine of Rs. 20,000 under the section 4 of POCSO Act and in default of payment of fine, the accused has to undergo another six months simple imprisonment.

It is also further ordered that the said fine of Rs. 20,000 shall be deposited to the court and the said amount be given to the victim as compensation. The period which the victim has already undergone in judicial custody during the period of investigation as well as during the trial will be set off from the sentence awarded, the order said.

The court has also recommended for providing compensation of Rs. 2 lakhs from the scheme “Financial Assistance and Support Service to Victim of Rape” a scheme for retrospective justice launched by the Ministry of Women and Children Development, Government of India.

The convict Bheigya Singh was apprehended by the police following a written complaint lodged by the mother of the victim girl on September 2, 2015 stating that on September 1, 2014 at about 4.30 pm her two minor daughters went to their nearby shop to buy some eatables.

On their way home, the accused who is their neighbour and also the so-called grandfather of the said kids, called them inside his house.

The report further stated that the accused sent the younger sister of the victim to play outside his room but he accompanied the victim insides his room and on the pretext of scratching the skin itches, he raped the victim on his bed.

The incident came to light when the victim girl disclosed the same to her aunty on September 2, 2015 thereupon a regular case FIR No. 45(9) 2015 WPS, IW,u/s 4 POCSO Act was filed.

Following the completion of the investigation by the women PS, Imphal West submitted charge sheet against the accused on February 23, 2016 before the special judge POCSO, Imphal West and continued trail during which statement of 13 witnesses have recorded and examined by the court.

The accused was convicted by the judge on October 9 and sentence was issued today.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 12

The Special Judge, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Imphal West today sentenced a 62 year old man to rigorous imprisonment for a period of 12 years and imposed a fine of Rs. 20,000 on him for sexually assaulting a 9 year old minor girl.

The man identified as Huidrom Bheigya Singh, 62, son of late H. Anagangyaima Singh of Komlakhong, Ereima Maning Leikai, was convicted under section 4 of the POCSO Act for committing penetrative sexual on minor.

The convict was produced before the special judge of POCSO, M. Manjokumar Singh today and the sentence hearing was conducted.

During the hearing the special public prosecutor submitted that the accused is convicted under section 4 protection of POCSO for committing penetrative sexual assault on a minor girl, which is very serious offence particularly because the accused is a matured person, having full knowledge of the situation and prayed to award the sentence to maximum like life imprisonment.

The counsel of the accused in his submission however contended that the accused is now an aged person of 62 year and has a wife with an unsound. He also said the accused has no antecedent of criminal activities.

It also further mentioned that on that day of the offence the accused was drunk and the act was done under the influence of alcohol. Moreover, the counsel submitted that his client has also been in judicial custody since the day of the incident and prayed for awarding minimum sentence by considering these mitigating factors.

The court after hearing submissions of both the counsels and considering the materials on record, observed that the act committed by the accused to a victim, who was a minor of 9 years and who also used to call him “pupu” (Grandfather) is a very much an inhuman act.

The Special judge therefore ordered that the convict Huidrom Bheigya Singh be sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for a period of 12 years and fine of Rs. 20,000 under the section 4 of POCSO Act and in default of payment of fine, the accused has to undergo another six months simple imprisonment.

It is also further ordered that the said fine of Rs. 20,000 shall be deposited to the court and the said amount be given to the victim as compensation. The period which the victim has already undergone in judicial custody during the period of investigation as well as during the trial will be set off from the sentence awarded, the order said.

The court has also recommended for providing compensation of Rs. 2 lakhs from the scheme “Financial Assistance and Support Service to Victim of Rape” a scheme for retrospective justice launched by the Ministry of Women and Children Development, Government of India.

The convict Bheigya Singh was apprehended by the police following a written complaint lodged by the mother of the victim girl on September 2, 2015 stating that on September 1, 2014 at about 4.30 pm her two minor daughters went to their nearby shop to buy some eatables.

On their way home, the accused who is their neighbour and also the so-called grandfather of the said kids, called them inside his house.

The report further stated that the accused sent the younger sister of the victim to play outside his room but he accompanied the victim insides his room and on the pretext of scratching the skin itches, he raped the victim on his bed.

The incident came to light when the victim girl disclosed the same to her aunty on September 2, 2015 thereupon a regular case FIR No. 45(9) 2015 WPS, IW,u/s 4 POCSO Act was filed.

Following the completion of the investigation by the women PS, Imphal West submitted charge sheet against the accused on February 23, 2016 before the special judge POCSO, Imphal West and continued trail during which statement of 13 witnesses have recorded and examined by the court.

The accused was convicted by the judge on October 9 and sentence was issued today.

‘Leisaa Latpa’ ceremony performed for Barak & Maku bridge 

IMPHAL | Oct 12

First and foremost priority of the new government is to bring development in the hill areas of the State for without the progress in the hill districts, there would be no inclusive development in the State, reiterated N. Biren. 

This was stated by him today at the Leisaa Latpa (Bhoomi Puja) for the construction of Barak and Makru bridge on the NH-37 held near Barak bridge, Tamenglong.

Seeking love and support of the people, the chief minister continued without the support of the people and government, the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) would not be able to complete the project under the stipulated time.

He maintained that the government has kept its door open 24X7 and everyone is invited for to knock the door so that the issues/grievances of the people could be solved as soon as possible.

He further said that the purpose of the today’s visit was not just for Bhoomi Pujah of the two bridges but also to observe how the people of the living in hill areas of the State. The NHIDCL has committed to complete the construction of these bridges by December, 2017.

On the occasion, chief minister said that the construction of the Barak and Makru bridge will definitely improve the flow of traffic in the Imphal-Jiri Road. Apart from the construction of Bridge, the government would be preparing a detailed project report within 6 months for the construction of Irang Bridge, he added.

During his maiden visit to Barak, Tamenglong, large number of people warmly welcomed and felicitated N. Biren Singh, his council of ministers and MLAs at various places such as Tupul, Noney, Khongshang, Nungba, Rengpang, Kambiron etc.

He said he would be visiting Tamenglong district on October 24 of this month and would be announcing some developmental programmes for the district. During his visit to the district, he said that he would announce a Rs. 35crore water supply scheme to provide potable water supply to the people of the district.

Mentioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative of ‘Saab ka Sath Saab ka Vikas’, he stated that the objective of the new government is to render human service for the welfare of the people of the State.

Further he said that new medical insurance schemes to provide better healthcare to the poor and BPL families of the State would be announce soon. The scheme would provide free medical treatment to BPL/poor families. Under this scheme, the beneficiaries will be entitled to medical treatment coverage up to Rs. 2 lakhs per family per year.

Biren also pointed out that the State government is planning to launch a special scheme for differently-abled persons of the State. Under the new scheme, skilled differently-abled persons would be given soft loans to help start their own business.

The scheme would also have a provision to provide monthly pension to fully disabled persons and the said scheme would be implemented from December 3 on the occasion of ‘International Day of People with Disability’, he added.

The team also inspected the construction and progress of Jiri-Tupul-Imphal Railway line at Noney.  He also inspected and reviewed the progress of the world’s tallest girder rail bridge located at Noney.

Speaking on the occasion, executive director of NHIDCL, Ajay Ahluwalia said the total estimated cost for the construction of Barak and Makru bridge is 110 crores.  He further said that NHIDCL act as an instrument for infrastructure development to improve road connectivity and efficiency of the international trade corridor to enable efficient and safe transport.

The company is working for the road construction of 1500km in Manipur, he added. In the first phase, the company would be engaging in the repair and restoring of various roads of the State.

 The Barak and Makru bridge would be having a 154 meter span and 122 meter span respectively on the Jiribam-Barak Road (NH-37) and will be constructed by Bharatia Infra Project Limited.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |Oct 12

The Kohima bench of the Guwahati High Court has deferred the hearing of the ‘Whip issue’ to October 25, according to Dr. Shurhozelie led Naga People’s Front (NPF) today.

The Dr Shurhozelie led NPF, in a release said today’s deferment of the hearing on the ‘Whip issue’ should not be construed as anything negative or positive “for either of the parties since the Judge before whom the matter came up for hearing had excused himself from taking up the case on the ground that two of the respondents to the case are his kith and kin”.

The release continued, “It is a truth universally accepted that it is the president of a political party, or someone authorised by the president, who appoints the chief whip of that political party so as to keep its legislators within the parameters of the party’s principles and ideologies, especially when it comes to voting in either the Parliament or the Legislative Assembly”.

Further it said anyone who deviated from “this universal truth” and practice would be doing so at his own peril, “like what TR. Zeliang and group are doing, since their delinquent behaviour or action cannot stand scrutiny of the law”.

“The case before the Court of law is very simple: Is it the political party or the Legislature Wing which appoints the Chief Whip for the Party?” the statement of Dr Shurhozelie led NPF asked.

According to the release, the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution does not mention that the legislature wing should appoint the chief whip of the party, but makes it abundantly clear that it is the political party which appoints the chief whip so as to enable it to keep its flock together.

The idea behind amendment of the Constitution is to prevent instances such as that of one legislator, Ram Lal of Haryana who defected three times in a single day, giving rise to the phrase “Aya-Ram-Gaya-Ram”, it added.

The statement maintained that a direct bearing to this argument is the fact that Mmhonlumo Kikon, the chief whip of the BJP in Nagaland was not appointed by Paiwang Konyak, the leader of the BJP legislature party in Nagaland Legislative Assembly, but through the direction of the National BJP general secretary, Ram Madhav.

“This ‘Whip Issue’ in the Court is hanging over the TR Zeliang-led government like the proverbial Damocles’ Sword, and sooner or later, the law will catch up with the wrong-doers and rectify the gross injustices they have perpetrated,” the statement added.