Day: October 16, 2017

From Our Correspondent

MOREH | Oct 16

As the biggest festival of Manipur, Ningol Chakouba and Kut festival approaches, the international border town Moreh is chocked with traffic caused by early shoppers today. The border town has been teeming with shoppers coming from different parts of the valley in particular. 

Shoppers thronged the town and could be seen scattered everywhere. Having no empty spaces, privately brought vehicles were parked on both sides of the road causing huge traffic jam.

From Moreh Bazar bridge to fire brigade service station which lies ahead of the police station, the highway was lined with parked vehicles. Under the supervision of SDPO, Laurence K. Munlou, Moreh police are putting all their energy, in the heat of the day, to prevent the traffic jam. The efforts to control the jam, has been very trying for the police. 

On the other hand, the lodging hotels opened at the Moreh town bazaar area are all booked, causing difficulties to those looking for rooms. Some are making adjustments by sharing rooms. 

Nanpalong Intenational Market of Myanmar was also heavily crowded by shoppers that came from Manipur.  As usual, the Myanmarese vendors who are aware of all the dates of Manipuri festivals have raised the prices of goods.

However the price rise has not discouraged the shoppers from buying the items they came for looking.

Regarding the matter, Meetei Council Moreh has extended every possible help to the tourists and shoppers coming from the valley by providing shelter and food. A representative of the organisation informed, in order to avoid difficulties in getting places to stay, shoppers may contact the office of MCM for booking hotels and other places, prior to visiting Moreh.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 16

The six-week entrepreneurship skill development programme on photography studio and Photoshop organised by Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute, government of India, ministry of MSME concluded here today.

The skill development programme which began on August 31 ended today with a valedictory held at the MSME-DI, Imphal office at Takyelpat Industrial Estate, Imphal.

Speaking on the occasion, Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of the Imphal Free Press maintained that such a training programme on photography studio is very meaningful in the current situation of digital technological advancement in photographic equipment, which may completely change the future of conventional photography. 

Therefore, those practicing photography as a profession should prepare, if necessary, to evolve with the changing times, he said. Pradip further suggested the trainees to develop the unique photographic eye in addition to the photographic knowledge and skill obtained from the training programme.

Mitra, deputy director (in-charge) of the institute speaking as the president of the function said the current programme is a sort of experiment and he is more than satisfied on seeing the high quality photographs taken by the trainees during the training which were on display.

He further informed all the participants that another training programme on digital photography & videography is in the pipeline for next year’s training calendar.

Sanajaoba, general secretary of All Manipur Food Processors Association who also spoke on the occasion said amongst the many ESDP & EDP programmes conducted so far in the state of Manipur, the ESDP on Photography is the first of its kind in the State and he is grateful that such an innovative initiative is taken up by MSME-DI, Imphal and Manipur Amateur Photo Club for the building up of entrepreneurship amongst the young photographers who may one day provide employment to themselves and also to others.

Certificates were distributed to 25 trainees who have successfully completed the training programme. Photographs taken by the trainees during the training programme were also displayed in a mini-exhibition during the function.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Oct 16

Eighty percent of the hill ranges of Machi block which comes under the newly created Tengnoupal district have all become barren as there are no more trees growing there. Deforestation has reached an alarming level in this area.  

The villages of Machi block, Tengnoupal district are Thamlai, Heinoikhong, Wabaching, Konaitong, Parington, Thabi keithel, Warongthel, Ringpam, Khoibu, Tonghang, and Meryland etc. Number of households ranging in between 150 to 300, are there in most of the villages.   

Deforestation for the purpose of producing firewood, coal, wood for house construction are carried out and “Uyok Kaiba” wherein trees nurtured for many years, are being cut down and sold for the sake of increasing the income of the village are being practiced.

After years of such deforestation, the hills have become all barren and only the stumps remain.

These villages can be reached through Heirok, Thoubal district and they are located near Ingalok village under Heirok Assembly constituency.

Agriculture has been the main source of income for the villagers. They also rely on the production of seasonal vegetables as another source of livelihood. Terrace farming is still carried out by the villagers.

On the other hand, the natural lake known as Ising Thingbi that lies amongst the rolling hills between Thamlai and Konaiton village under Machi block, has become swamped and blocked due to rapid deforestation. If the present satiation continues to prevail, Ising Thingbi lake will cease to exist and will no longer be visible.                    

There is an urgent need for the authorities concerned to look into the matter without any delay.

IMPHAL | Oct 16

Additional chief secretary of agriculture, Suhel Akhtar said the department needs to calculate input and output production to get more production in agriculture during World Food Day, 2017 held today at training hall, directorate of agriculture.

Speaking on the occasion, Akhtar as chief guest said till now the concerned department has not surveyed the production of agricultural products. It is necessary to do a survey for each district on crops production, he added.

Akhtar said for promoting agricultural products, the Central government has implemented many schemes but due to lack of awareness many farmers, they remain unable to take advantage of these schemes.

Director of agriculture, Ph. Rajendro Singh as president said with the continued conversion of agricultural land to real estate, agricultural land in the state is shrinking at an alarming rate. Most of the agricultural land have been occupied in the name of development and reclaimed for construction of infrastructures.

He said to make the agriculture more effective, proper administration is needed and the department also needs to function cautiously and should take a special interest in formulating ways to preserve agricultural land and products.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 16

The social welfare department in response to a petition challenging the procedure that appointed the new chairman of the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has clarified that necessary selection procedure were followed and there was no violation of any Act or rules while appointing the chairman of MCPCR.

The department on October 13 through its counsel submitted a counter affidavit against the petition which is pending with the single bench of acting Chief Justice, N. Kotiswar Singh, High Court (HC) of Manipur.

The counter affidavit was submitted by Sonia Oinam, serving as under secretary of social welfare, on behalf of the respondent No. 1, state government.

Advocate S. Syamacharan Singh, who is also one of the members of the MCPCR on October 3 in his petition challenged that new chairman of MCPCR was appointed violating the rules under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 and pleaded the HC to passed an interim order to stay the appointment.

In the affidavit the respondent brought to the notice of the HC that the petitioner was one of the two applicants who had submitted their applications for appointment to the post of chairperson of the MCPCR and that he has concealed this fact as such the petition deserve to be dismissed.

It said the other applicant is Sumatibala Ningthoujam, (respondent No.2) was appointed for the post of chairman MCPCR following recommendation made by a three member selection committee formed by the department as per rule.

The department claimed that three member selection committee was constituted (as per government order No.9/25/2005-S(SW)Pt.I dated September 8, 2017) with Nemcha Kipgen minister social welfare as the chairperson and H. Deleep Singh commission (social welfare) and Jacintha Lazarus, director social welfare as members.

The advertisement or wide publicity for selection of chairperson or member of state commission was not mandatory, said the department adding that the interim relief sought for by the petition if granted shall amount to granting final relief.

It is pertinent to note that the petitioner in his petition pointed out that under section 18 of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 any vacancy for the post of chairperson or member shall be given wide publicity through open advertisement in at least four national daily newspapers before appointing the chairman.

Subsequently, the appointment should be conducted following the recommendation of the three member selection committee which shall consist of the chairperson of the committee, who is the minister in-charge of the department (social welfare) and two members of the commission. However, the department violated the procedure, it alleged.

After having examined the counter affidavit the HC fixed the next hearing of the petition on November 13 and also issued notice to the respondent No.2, to appear before the court.

IMPHAL | Oct 16

It does not matter whether one win or lose, all that matters is the performance and spirit.  The whole population of Manipur, both hill and valley, felt so proud of the eight players who represented the country in the prestigious global sporting event.

This was stated by chief minister, N. Biren while according rousing reception to eight Manipuri players, who had participated in U-17 FIFA World Cup, at chief minister’s secretariat today.

Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Boris Singh Thangjam, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Nongdamba Naorem, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Ningthoinganba Meitei and Md. Shah Jahan were specially invited at the CM’s secretariat along with their guardians for the reception.

Biren encouraged the World Cup heroes with warm hugs apart from presenting them bouquets and shawls.

He also handed over cheques of Rs. 5 lakh each to all the players. The cash rewards were earlier announced by the State government in recognition of the hard work, achievement and performance of the players.

The players also reciprocated CM’s warm gesture by touching his feet amid loud applause of officials, media persons, guardians and friends.

Despite some on-field mistakes, the overall performance of the team was satisfactory, the Biren further opined.

Stating that the cash rewards do not imply that the State Government is financially sound, Biren maintained that it was just a token of appreciation and love to the players on behalf of 28 lakhs people of Manipur. 

He also wished all the players for a great career ahead and to perform better in future tournaments. Later, Biren also had a photo session with the players and their guardians at the lawn.

Works minister, Th. Biswajit, parliamentary secretary (Home) L. Susindro, chief secretary, R.R. Rashmi, CM’s media advisor, Irengbam Arun, commissioner (Youth Affairs and Sports) H. Deleep and YAS director N Praveen also joined the chief minister in feting the players.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 16

The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Thoubal, A. Shanta Devi, today issued order restraining proposed child marriage of two minors in Thoubal district.

The CJM Thoubal issued the order in response to a petition filed by the father of the 12 year old bride to be to grant injunction order against the accused No. 1 (the father of the 16 year old groom) under section 13 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.

The petitioner pleaded the court to prohibit the accused No. 1 solemnisation of marriage of the accused No.2 (groom to be) with the petitioner’s daughter which is due to be held on October 17 at 3pm.

The court is of the opinion that there is urgency and if notice is issued to the accused at this stage, the whole purpose of this will be infructuous.

Subsequently, the CJM issued order restraining the accused from solemnising the proposed wedding ceremony between the two minors until further order.

The order notice was also issued to the accused which is returnable on or before November 6.

With no material on record to support the age of the accused No. 2 (groom) who is alleged to be a minor of 16 years, the court also directed the district child protection officer, Thoubal for information and necessary action.

It is learnt that the two minors reportedly first eloped on September 9 last however they were separated by both the parents under a mutual understanding.

On their second elopement on October 13 last, the parents of the girl waited for the other party to inform about the same on the next day, on October 14, which the accused party allegedly failed.

Moreover, it has been alleged that the marriage ceremony was fixed on October 17 without the presence of the girl’s family.

In the meantime, the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) also reportedly issued directive to the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer cum Legal-cum-Prohibition Officer (DCPU), Thoubal to take urgent action to prevent the planed child marriage following receipt of a same complaint from Youth’s Forum for Protection of Human Rights, Palace Compound the same day.

IMPHAL | Oct 16

The screening committee of State Level Kut Committee (SLKC) has selected 19 contestants for Miss Kut, 2017, which will be organised as part of the State Level Kut festival on November 1 at Imphal.

A release said that the contested were selected after the screening conducted on October 8 and 14.

It said that the contestants will be given freedom to select the traditional dress and pattern of any Kut celebrating tribes and added that for the evening gown, they will be allowed to select their favourite colour and pattern.       

IMPHAL | Oct 16

Jwalamukhi Battalion under Senapati Brigade of Red Shield Division organised a yoga campaign at Motbung for orphan children and staffs of Damdei Orphanage Home yesterday, as part of Healthy Manipur Campaign and Celebration of Yoga, said a release.

It said that the event was organised to encourage good health, fitness, natural healing and harmony among the people in the area.

A total of 51 children and staffs of Orphanage Home participated in the yoga campaign, it said adding that a lecture cum demo on yoga was delivered and its benefits were conveyed by the trained instructors of 38 Assam Rifles.

Further it said that classes on various asana were also organised and rehearsed to teach the correct techniques during the class.  The campaign has been planned for duration of one year up to June 21, 2018, it added.

IMPHAL | Oct 16

Director General Assam Rifles (DGAR), Lieutenant General Shokin Chauhan called on the chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh today and conveyed his warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Manipur on upcoming occasion of Diwali and Ningol Chakkouba, said a release of IGAR (South).

It said that the meeting which lasted for 30 minutes which was accompanied by IG AR (South), General Virendra Singh discussed the security and law and order situation in the state with the CM and assured him of full cooperation by Assam Rifles to the state administration.

He also congratulated the CM and the state for contributing 8 players to the Indian side in the on-going U-17 Football World Cup, it added.

Further it said that DGAR arrived in the state on a two day visit to IGAR (South) today and added that the senior Army General is the head of Assam Rifles and is responsible for the Assam Rifle personnel throughout North East.

IMPHAL | Oct 16

National Integration Tour was organised by Tamenglong Battalion under the aegis of Senapati Brigade of Red Shield Division to promote the spirit of national integration among the young generation from September 29 to October 14, said a release.

It said that 20 school students and two teaching staff from Tamenglong district, Manipur visited various cultural and historical places in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

The tour was flagged off from Tamenglong on September 29 and the NIT team reached Agra on October 3 and visited Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Sikandra Tomb, Agra Market, it said adding that the team further moved to Jaipur on October 5 and visited Jaipur Zoo, Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Birla Temple and Jantar Mantar.

The NIT team moved to New Delhi on October 7 where they visited Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India gate Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, said the release.

A visit to Rastrapathi Bhawan was also organised on October 9 and during the visit the students had the opportunity to meet and interact with the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, it added.

Further it said that the NIT Team moved back from Delhi by BG Express on October 10 and reached Dimapur on October 13 and further moved from Dimapur to Imphal on the same day. A flagging in ceremony was also conducted at Imphal by Senapati Brigade on October 13, it continued.

The release further said that the NIT team reached Tamenglong on October 14 and a grant welcome ceremony was organised at Tamenglong Bn and the students were received by their parents. During the interaction, students expressed their heartiest gratitude to all Army units for their assistance during the tour, especially the Red Shield Divison, Senapati Brigade and the Tamenglong Battalion to arrange such a huge programme that explored the minds of all participants, it concluded.