Day: October 17, 2017

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 17

The apex body of government employees, Joint Administrative Council of All Manipur Trade Unions’ Council (AMTUC) and All Manipur Government Employees’ Organisation (AMGEO) demanded the application of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations in the state.

President of the council, senior advocate, Khaidem Mani said in a press meet held at its Babupara office that Manipur is the only state of the Northeast states to still not enjoy the benefits of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations.

The 7th Pay Commission released its recommendations last year and many states have started enjoying hikes in salary accordingly. “Eight states in the country have not taken the benefits of salary hikes and among them is our state and the only one in the NE states,” he asserted.

“We have met the Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh on April 21st and August 29 and he had given assurances that it will be done soon. We have also met the deputy chief minister Y. Joykumar Singh on September 1 but nothing positive has resulted till now,” he said.

The president was speaking on behalf of around one lakh government’s employees in the state.

He said that the JAC has been working and meeting officials for the implementation of the new commission since last year. They have other 21 demands in their charter of demands for better working conditions of government employees in the state.

He notified that the council will also go to meet the union ministers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and finance minister, Arun Jaitley in the coming days to extend assistance to the state government in giving a final nod.

Mani made an appeal to his fellow workers to work together for a common purpose and to consult the council for organising any democratic agitations like cease-work strike, mass casual leave and so on. He pleaded with his workers not to create a division with vested interests.

The press conference was also attended by the secretary general, L. Biken Singh and founding secretary general, Soraisam Keshoram.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 17

Spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, the 14th Dalai Lama, has arrived in Imphal today to attend an international peace conference to be held tomorrow at the City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, Imphal.

The Dalai Lama arrived at the Tulihal airport around 10.35 this morning by an Indigo plane along with 18 others including a Tibetan minister, an official each from Ministry of Home Affairs and External Affairs etc.

At the airport, the spiritual leader, who was declared a state guest, was warmly received by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly Y. Khemchand, Khurai MLA L. Sushindro, Chief Secretary and representatives of various ethnic groups of the state dressed in their traditional attires.

From the airport the Dalai Lama was escorted to Raj Bhawan under heavy security measures and met with the Governor. The Dalai Lama will be staying at the the Raj Bhawan during his stay in Imphal.

The state will be organising a civic reception programme tomorrow for the visiting spiritual leader at the City Convention Centre where he will be felicitated by the state.

After the reception programme the Dalai Lama will address a peace conference organised at the City Convention Centre followed by interaction with public and dignitaries. Prior to that programme he will be holding a press conference at the mini auditorium.

The Dalai Lama is here in Imphal following an invitation extended by the Speaker Y. Khemchand, during the latter’s visit to Dharmasala. He will leave Imphal for Dharmsala on October 19.

This is the second visit of Dalai Lama in the Northeast this year.

He had visited Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the month of April amidst strong protest from China to India not to allow the spiritual leader to visit Arunachal Pradesh.

IMPHAL | Oct 17

All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) said certain rules implemented by the directorate of other backward classes and scheduled castes regarding the pre matric and post matric scholarship for the year 2017 – 2018, is going to cause disadvantages to the applicants belonging to scheduled caste category.

A notification released by the department on October 12 mentions that the applicants must include the original certificate for scheduled caste while applying for the scheme, said a release.

The is going to cause unnecessary wastage of time for the students as they will have to undergo process of making original certificates every year, it said. Ironically, the department has requested for self-attested xerox copies of OBC certificates for OBC students, it continued. The union has appealed the department to look into the matter and make the required changes urgently, it added.

IMPHAL | Oct 17

The district authority of Imphal East district has banned the use and sale of fire crackers during the celebration of Diwali festival within the jurisdiction of the district with immediate effect.

According to an order issued by the deputy commissioner of the district, it said fire cracker should not be used in public places, crowded areas, streets etc., and not to create public nuisance to the general public.

Meantime our Moreh correspondent adds that under the supervision of SDPO of Moreh, Lawrence along with 2nd OC, Md. Akbar, a team of Moreh police seized various fire crackers from the town.

The action was taken up by the police department after having a consultative meeting with various civil body leaders of Moreh town and as per order given by deputy commissioner of Tengnoupal, Kh. Raghumani Singh to ban the sale and usage of all kinds of fire crackers within the district.

IMPHAL | Oct 17

MLA of Yaiskul Assembly constitution, Thokchom Satyabrata Singh has been appointed as chairman of the committee on public undertaking for the year 2017-18. He has been appointed by the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly as per the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the Assembly.

IMPHAL | Oct 17

Youth’s Forum for Protection on Human Rights has appreciated the prompt action taken by the Thoubal Youth’s Child Protection officer (DCPO), Thoubal District Child Marriage Prohibition Officer (DCMPO) Reena and her team, Thoubal District Childline team and Thoubal police team under the direction made yesterday by the Social Welfare department and Manipur State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights to rescue a 12 years old minor from getting married.

A release said that the marriage of the child was fixed today at the residence of the bridegroom somewhere in Thoubal district and the said team rushed to the residence of the bridegroom and enquired about the marriage and asked to produce the girl and the boy.

However, the parents of the boy failed to cooperate with the team as a result father of the boy was taken to the police station concerned for further query, it added.

The girl child was handed over to the police and the team of DPCO, DCMPO and Chlidline and later the child was produced before the Child Welfare Committee, Thoubal district, said the release.

It said that the incidence came to light when YFPHR made a written compliant along with sufficient age proof document of child girl to the social welfare department and Manipur State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights soon after receiving a report from the field urging upon the departments for their urgent intervention.

Further it said that after filling the complaint YFPHR along with advocate Laimayum Sevananda and Thounaojam James the lawyers of the complainant, that is, the father of the victim, rushed to the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Thoubal district, A. Shanta Devi and submitted a petition to grant an injunction of the said marriage of the 12 years old minor under the Child Marriage Protection Act, 2006.

Responding to the urgency of the case, the CJM, Thoubal have issued an injunction of the said marriage until further order, it said adding that the next hearing is fixed on November 6.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 17

Anglo-Kuki War 1917-1919’s hundredth commemoration was held today at Longpi village, Chandel district, organised by Anglo-Kuki War Centenary Commemoration Committee (AKWCCC) under the theme “In defence of our ancestral land and freedom.”

Speaking on the occasion, education, labour and employment minister Th. Radheshyam, said the government will consider making October 17 an official holiday in honour of the martyrs of the war.

He said the martyrs who had sacrificed their lives defending the land, should inspire all to continue to wage a collective war against poverty, illiteracy and underdevelopment in order to make the commemoration a meaningful one.

Radheshyam said hatred can be conquered by love and urged all the concerned to promote love and peaceful coexistence by emulating the patriotic spirit of the forefathers.

He said different communities living in the state have their own weaknesses and strengths, and weaknesses can be overcome by the strengths so that a common good for Manipur can be achieved.

The education minister further promised to do the needful after consulting with the chief minister for the inclusion of the ‘Anglo-Kuki War’ in state school curricula. He also assured possible assistance to fulfil the proposal for declaration of October 17 as State Holiday.

Also speaking at the function, water resources and YAS minister Letpao Haokip said the valour of the forefathers in defending the land should not be let to go in vain. He urged all concerned to stop pursuing narrow agendas and rather work for the common good of all. He also distributed red blankets to a number of chiefs to mark the centenary celebration.

He assured to bring up the matter of electrification of all remote villages of Chandel district by 2018 and construction of houses for all under the central scheme for consideration by the state cabinet.

Other speakers urged all concerned to follow the footsteps of the brave forefathers by promoting unity among brothers and forgiving each other mistakes. They also called upon the gatherings to shun pursuing clan-centric agendas and show goodness instead for the larger good of the people.

They added the celebration will help to establish the rightful place of the iconic leaders of the Kuki War of Independence.

Radheshyam unveiled a centenary commemoration monument and inaugurated the foundation stone for construction of Anglo-Kuki War Museum cum Kuki Heritage Centre while Lhukhosei Zou, Chairman, ADC Chandel inaugurated the Anglo-Kuki War Memorial Park.

Chairman of Anglo-Kuki War Centenary Commemoration Committee, Khaimang Chongloi said there are two major wars fought against the British in the soil of Manipur. The state has given due recognition to the Khongjom War by observing it every year. He requested the government to accomplish the hope and aspirations of declaring October 17 as state holiday in recognition of the longest war fought against the British in Manipur, i.e. Anglo-Kuki War.

The programme was attended by Kumpipa, Kuki Inpi, Thangkhosei Haokip, DC Chandel; Krishna Kumar, Kamei, SP Chandel, Angam Romanus, Brigadier Rajesh Kumar, DIG, 28 Sector, AR along with village chiefs and CSO leaders.

As a part of the programme dignitaries and villagers of the function paid floral tribute on the commemoration stone and villagers gave gun salute to the martyrs during anglo-kuki war.

IMPHAL | Oct 17

Union minister of State for external affairs, M.J. Akbar along with deputy chief minister, Manipur, Yumnam Joykumar Singh today launched promotion campaign of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna in Imphal.

In a mega event held at the Multipurpose Hall in DM college campus, the union minister along with deputy chief minister launched the campaign.

Speaking at the Campaign, M. J. Akbar said, various financial inclusion and social security schemes have been launched in the country to improve the quality of life of people, making them economically independent for a better living.

He said the government is committed to ensure a better living for those who have been deprived for years in the country. Women are the important stakeholders who have been contributing a lot in all aspects of development and therefore their decisiveness will be the main driving force to contribute further for economic development in the country, he added.

Stating that 70 to 80 percent of women have been benefitted under MUDRA Yojna in the country, M. J. Akbar said, there has been denial of credit to women and children before Jan Dhan Yojna was launched.

That is why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done something that was not in the past 70 years. Under social security schemes, all can avail opportunities in different forms in the country, he continued.

Further he appealed the people to co-operate with the various initiatives taken up by the government for the welfare of the people to make India a prosperous and economically developed nation.

Deputy chief minister, Yumnam Joykumar said, mass economic activities are needed to improve financial health and overall economic growth in the State. He said there have been a lot of financial inclusion schemes through which various economic activities can be taken up.

On MUDRA, he said, altogether 12,646 people have been covered and they have been given loan under the scheme in the State. Productive small business like handloom & handicrafts, poultry and piggery etc. can easily be taken up with the loan amount. Rate of women participation has been increased a lot and it is a good sign of financial inclusion in the State, he added.

J. Akbar with Y. Joykumar Singh distributed sanction letters to the selected loan beneficiaries in the campaign. Altogether, 35 Stalls from nationalised and private banks, Co-operative banks, and insurance companies were opened in the campaign to facilitate people to apply for loans through MUDRA Yojna.

Anjana Dubey, deputy director general, department of financial services, government of India, Digmanu Gupta, general manager, State Bank of India also spoke on MUDRA Yojna. Principal secretary (Commerce & Indusrty) P. Vaiphei and a large number of women participated among others in the campaign.

IMPHAL | Oct 17

Newly Regularised Staff Association categorically stated the allegations that 38 employees were wrongly appointed and regularised at Council of Higher Secondary Education beyond the rules, are false and baseless.

A release said the 38 staffs were appointed as per the order of high court that came out in 2015 and they were regularised on December 31, 2016 after making resolution in the year 2015 and 2016.

Their regularisation was not related to election code of conduct, it said. As for the employees regularised recently, they were regularised after the resolutions that were made in the year 2013 – 2014, it added.

IMPHAL |Oct 17

Karam Shyam, minister CA&PD today mooted providing financial assistance towards the Manipuri diaspora settled in Hojai district of Assam and elsewhere. In this regard he will consult with the state chief minister to translate it into action, said the minister.  

Shyam was speaking as the chief guest during the 56th foundation day celebration of Assam Manipuri Sahitya Parishad at Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Bhavan, Hojai district, Assam.

Expressing his happiness, Shyam said Manipuris settled in different parts of the country, including those settled in Hojai are continuing with their efforts in keeping the rich cultural heritage of Manipur alive. It is a sign of advanced cultural society where the traditions and rituals are followed with passion, he added.

Shyam also assured the gathering that he will help in installing the statue of Jana Neta Hijam Irawat at Manipuri Kala Kristi Kendra, Manipur Basti, Hojai and will attend the Irawat day celebration.

He also said he will convey to Himanta Biswa Sarma, health minister, Assam to help the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Hojai and the Manipuri community members with financial assistance.

Paying tribute to the Manipuri ancestors, Shyam said each and every Manipuri must remember the hardships faced by them in keeping the traditions and culture alive. He said Manipuri community expanded as a minority community in Tripura, Assam, Bangladesh and other states due to the efforts of the ancestors who fled Manipur due to internal disturbance.

He also advised the students to carry out good deeds and carry forward the works of our ancestors. Stating that it was encouraging to see that youths are keeping up with the traditions despite the rapid modernisation across the globe, the minister said Manipuri community is still alive because each one of us feels proud of being a Manipuri.

The function was attended by Karam Ibongohal, President, Assam Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Laipubam Upendra Sharma, director, JN Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal and Parmanda Rajbanshi, secretary general Assam Shahitya Sabha and representatives of Manipuri community in Hojai district.

IMPHAL | Oct 17

Union RD and Panchayati Raj minister, Ram Kripal Yadav said that poverty-eradication measures for the people living in the rural areas, implementation of the pending schemes of the past Congress-led government are the thrust areas of the new Modi regime.

The minister was speaking at press conference held at the conference hall of old secretariat here today.  Prime minister, Narendra Modi is really concerned about the welfare of the Northeast States particularly with regard to issues relating to rural development like  housing schemes, road-connectivity, women empowerment etc., he said.

PM Modi also would like to inaugurate almost 5/6 schemes in rural development and allocated around Rs. 1, 05,000 crore for the development of villages and rural sector, he continued.

“Till now, 30 crore accounts have been opened, 3 crores women given gas connection and 1 crore houses to be built till 2019. Using new technology, money is provided to the beneficiaries and almost 1 crore job cards are created. One can also avail of the facility to complain using the Meri Sadak App in which users can give their feedback regarding pace and quality of works,” he said.

Further highlighting on PM’s vision to connect roads till 2019, speeding up the overall developmental measures in rural sector by 2018 and implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) at the maximum level, the minister said the new government is determined to fill the loopholes of the past government.

We will conduct a field visit tomorrow and are dedicated to leave no stone unturned to alleviate poverty from the rural areas in the NE states, Ram further said.

Focussing on the main difficulties and challenges that Manipur regularly face  like landslides, incessant rain etc., the Modi government is committed to build a new Manipur by trying their level best to overcome all challenges on the way, he assured.

He stressed to expedite speedy progress of the ongoing projects of the NE states and bridge the development gap of the NE states at par with the rest of the country.

Stating that the rural development and Panchayati Raj as an important department that cannot be ignored  for the development of the country, minister Biswajit said that various schemes aimed at welfare for rural poor and women folks like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana should be properly implemented.

He also spoke by focusing on women empowerment with more participation and also on the role of youths as job creators.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |Oct 17

Coming down heavily against threat and intimidation towards the media community, a joint statement of seven newspapers published in Nagaland has urged all sections of society to enable a free and vibrant fourth estate. 

The statement from Nagaland Post, The Morung Express, Nagaland Page, Capi, Ao Milen, Eastern Mirror and Tir Yimyim has come amid rising cases of intimidation, pressure and coercion against the media houses.

Media houses in the State of Nagaland asked whether they have the space to exercise freedom of the press. It said that every citizen is “responsible to ensure that the media is allowed to function freely”.

The joint statement asked whether the Nagaland State government is “even aware of its responsibility to uphold the fourth pillar of democracy” and added that media is the only means to publicly confront all forms of political, economic and social suppression.

Further it reminded that the Nagaland newspapers are the only active and functioning private enterprise in Nagaland, which continue to render public service amidst a faltering infrastructure and a corrupt system that deprives citizens of even their most basic of needs.

The newspapers have a responsibility to present, not only the sorry state of affairs in a free and open manner to enable accountability, but also provide the platform where solutions, ideas and views are elicited from all cross sections of society, the statement added.

However, in the process of upholding its responsibility, the media continues to be exposed to ongoing harassment and threats by individuals and organisations that coerce the media to publish their articles and statements, it said, adding there are also people who take it upon themselves to determine what the media cannot publish.

This also involves dissuading and threatening journalists and media houses from reporting critical stories that expose ground realities of Nagaland’s situation and condition, it maintained. 

In addition to journalists, another serious issue involves the safety and security of drivers delivering newspapers who travel at odd hours while transporting newspapers through villages and towns across Nagaland. Drivers are regularly stopped, harassed and even physically assaulted by miscreants, it added.

The statement continued such coercive methods only undermine the very purpose and existence for a free press and its role of keeping society informed, and contributing to its health and vibrancy.

“It is not the prerogative of the politician or the bureaucrat. Nor, is it the privilege of the journalist. It is journalists, through their day-to-day work, who are exercising every citizen’s right to free speech by seeking and circulating news, information, ideas, opinions, perspectives and comments. The press provides the public platform for diverse voices to be heard and to raise issues of accountability”, it added.

The joint statement further stressed that Nagaland newspapers are united and resolute in their stand against all coercions and threats in order to function freely as the fourth pillar of a democratic society.