Day: October 18, 2017

IMPHAL | Oct 18

Imphal west district magistrate, Ninthhoujam Geoffrey has prohibited the use of crackers during the celebration of ensuing Diwali festival in the area with immediate effect and until further orders.

A notification said no person, persons of entity, firm by whatever name known, shall engage in possession and sale of crackers and explosives without valid licence issued in this behalf by the district magistrate under the section 84 of the explosive rules, 2008.

SP, Imphal West and SP, Bishnupur are also informed that no temporary licence for possession and sale of crackers and others have been issued by the district magistrate and any case of possession and sale of such items are in violation of the explosives act, 1884,  it said. Action as per law will be taken against such violators, it added.

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | Oct 18

The Coalition for Indigenes’ Rights Campaign in its ‘Manipur National Day’ observation today has demanded that Manipur should be accorded separate membership of the British Commonwealth as it was under the suzerainty of the latter and allow participating in the 2018 Commonwealth Games as a separate entity. 

To commemorate the first session of the then Manipur Legislative Assembly which took place on October 18, 1948, CIRCA organised a public discussion forum on the theme, ‘Rights of the Indigenous People on Education, Natural & Environment, Cultural, Sports and Pre-Merger Status’, with Prof W. Nabakumar in the chair at state guest house Sanjengthong here today.

The public discussion took five resolutions, which includes the demand that India should recognise the distinct history and political status of Manipur as a step towards finding a peaceful political solution to the protracted armed conflict prevalent in Manipur. It also includes restoration of the pre-Merger status to Manipur under the framework of the Instrument of Accession and any such political solution should be on the basis of it.

The exploration of natural resources of Manipur should be stopped until the restoration of pre-Merger political status or until a satisfactory resolution on the prevailing armed conflict in Manipur is achieved, the discussion resolved, adding a free, prior and informed consent of the indigenous people of Manipur as mandated by the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2007 should be taken before initiating any development programme.

Further it also resolved that the United Kingdom has the moral responsibility to intervene in finding a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Manipur since it was partly responsible for the controversies and confusions surrounding the political status of Manipur in the post-empire period.

History of pre-Merger Manipur should be included in the educational syllabus and curriculum from the grass-root level up to university level so as to promote communal harmony among different indigenous communities settled in Manipur and a people’s council be instituted representing all the indigenous ethnic communities of Manipur as the ‘Upper House’ of the State Legislature to ensure peaceful co-existence, also resolved the CIRCA discussion.

1. Sanatomba of MU, O. Kulabidhu, former assistant registrar, MU, advocate S. Sarat, Somorendro Thokchom and Ningthouja Lancha spoke as resource persons during the discussion.

Members of various civil bodies and scholars also took part in the discussion.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Oct 18

A massive car rally was held on October 17 along Imphal-Tamenglong road, the historical route of World War-II in Twilang area to commemorate the worldwide centenary celebration of the Anglo-Kuki War 1917-1919.

The car rally was jointly organised by Kuki Inpi Twilang Lhang, KSO Twilang Block and Twilang Area Chief Association. Thousands of Twilang people congregated at Songjang Pakang village, where the rally was flagged off by local MDC, Seikhosat Kipgen by beating a traditional gong in the presence of his colleague MDC, Seilen Lhoujem and various Kuki chiefs with gun salute during a brief commemoration ceremony.

Around 90 vehicles including 36 two-wheelers, 17 bolero, 19 cars and vans, 13 Tata Sumo and five Shaktiman participated in the rally from Songjang Pakang village to the end of Kuki village called Govajang covering around 22 Km.

The massive rally was greeted in every Kuki village with beating of traditional gongs, folk music and songs by the villagers standing along the roadside while some greeted with gun salute and others by clapping or raising their hands in honour of the unsung Kuki heroes of the Anglo-Kuki War. Students, villagers, church leaders and many others participated in the greeting of rally. Every Kukis were restricted to do any other activities on the day.

The slogan of the rally was sung as ‘Be bold and of good courage’ to commemorate the 100 years of Anglo-Kuki War in the historical route of World War-II presently known as Imphal-Tamenglong road or Galngam road by the local.

The commemoration function was also held at Chalwa village where resources persons including chief of Tujang Vaichong village, Lhunkhohen Kipgen and other prominent civil body leaders of the area and Kuki chiefs were present apart from the two local MDCs.

Seikhosat Kipgen said that Kuki forefathers bravely fought against the British without fear of defeat in all the Kuki dominated areas in the state while Laijang, now Tamenglong is the main war field where many of brave forefathers valiantly defended the lands and sacrificed their lives.

Galngam road in Twilang area was used by the British as the only route for connectivity during the Anglo-Kuki War, he added.

He further said that the commemoration of the centenary celebration will go on till 2019 and the people of Twilang will place a giant monolith in honour of the martyred forefathers.

President, KSO Twilang block, Enock Kipgen said that the rally has been organised to pay rich tribute to the unsung Kuki heroes on the prestigious occasion of its centenary celebration. He also pointed out that the inspection bungalow in between Tujang Vaichong and Chalwa village (already damaged) and other existing bungalow at Tujang Vaichong indicate the significance of Galngam road or Imphal-Tamenglong road.

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI |Oct 18

Rovienai Paotei, the first Naga woman pilot from Manipur gave credits for her success to God and her parents. The young woman pilot said this during the ‘thanks giving’ programme was organised for her at Poumai Baptist Church in Senapati today.

Rovienai Paotei, daughter of PD Sele of Purul Atongpa Rosofii, Senapati district, came home few days ago where she was accorded warm welcome at Imphal airport by a large number of people.

Sharing at the ‘thanks giving’ programme, the young woman pilot said that she dreamt of becoming a medical doctor but she changed her mind later. Sele Rovienai also shared about her initial struggle.

Citing an instance, the young woman pilot said during her preparation for the final examination in Australia she learnt of her father’s health condition which was serious. She said, though it disturbed immensely on her preparation for the examination the “testing and trying times” did not last long.

Rovienai Paotei graduated from Basiar Aviation College in New South Wales, Australia, where she studied the commercial pilot course. The woman pilot is currently employed at the Jet Airways.

Meanwhile, today’s programme was attended by Losii Dikho, minister, PHED, Alexander Pao, ex-MLA, ML Markson, chairmen, ADC, Senapati, R.K Thekho, ex-Minister, president Naga Mother’s Association, president, Naga Women Union, SDWA,SDS, PNU, PNTM, SKABU pastors, Fr, Sisou John, family, friends and well-wishers congregated to the service.

Minister L. Dikho said he saluted the pilot “who has achieved such thing” through her determination. He also added that Rovienai Paotei has become a “prominent woman” in the Naga community. “It is a proud moment for every one of us for her achievement and she has served as a role model in breaking the shackles of tough profession”, L. Dikho added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 18

President of Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK), Arjun Telheiba ask how long the state will run under two administrations during 2nd observation of Manipurgee Puwarida Meeyamgee Leingak Leiba Numit today at Manipur State Film Development Society, Konungmamang.

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun said the main objective for observing the day is to lift the awareness of the history of Manipur amongst the people. He said Manipur came to be in British India during 1891-1947, and thereafter Manipur was annex by independent India on October 15, 1949. Since then people have been led to ignore the real history of the place.

He said CCSK wants to bring awareness of the real history of Manipur especially of the event that led to its annexation by India in 1949.

He further said, during the instrument of accession other than controlling the economy, administration was run from the Centre. He said Manipur did not handover absolute sovereignty to India and during that time the rulers hardly know English or Hindi language fluently.

The programme began with the presentation of Lengyan Phi and gifts to the presidium members of the function followed by watering flowers. The presidium members released a book name “political status of Manipur before merger” and the editors of the book are H. Indrakumar and Rakesh Moirangthem.

General secretary CCSK, Rakesh Moirangthem said for the last two thousand years Manipur was a kingdom. The kingdom was ruled under seven yek salai under a single administration and there were no differences between hills and valleys.

He said during those days people had high skills, creative minds, were brave and the kingdom was peaceful. “Since October 18, 1948 after the first assembly session in Manipur the history had change to something else,” Rakesh added.

People need to study the history of Manipur in depth and not to stay ignorant by, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Haobam Indrakumar said Manipur was a divine kingdom with brave and skilful people. The people then were experts in warfare as well as in administrative strategy.

The kingdom was under British rule due to lack of diplomacy, the history will repeat again now if the leaders of the state fails in diplomacy, Indrakumar added.

Civil society organisation needs to be cautious, he added.

President of Human Rights Defender Manipur (HRDM), Joy Chingakham, president of United All Communities Social Uplifters (UNACSU), Jeetendra Ningomba, president of Kangleipak Women’s Welfare Association (KAWWA), Ema A.K. Memcha Leima and others attended the function as presidium members including retired professor, Manipur University, Naorem Joykumar, assistant professor Manipur College, Nameirakpam Somorendro, doctoral fello, Manipur University, K. Muktasana as resource persons.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 18

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj minister Thongam Biswajit Singh today asked the officials of the MSRLM to provide a platform for grievances to be redressed by opening a toll free number in the office.

The minister was speaking on the occasion of valedictory function of the 10-day regional SARAS fair, 2017 at Iboyaima Sumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound.

He said this toll free number will solve much of the problems faced by self-help groups (SHG) of the state. This will be also a platform to redress grievances and to know more about schemes and beneficiaries and so on. It will improve the livelihood earning activities of the SHGs, he reiterated.

The minister noted that the central National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) is already implemented in Sawombung and Keirao Bitra blocks in Imphal East, Tengnoupal, and Machi blocks in Chandel district. He said that there are plans to implement this mission in another 12 blocks this year and subsequently spread to all blocks by 2019-20.

NRLM is poverty alleviation project which poor women form themselves into SHGs tomake themselves capable for self-employment. It was implemented in the country in the year 2009.

Biswajit said that the department requires at least 276 more staff for the implementation of the mission and is preparing to seek approval of the State Cabinet for recruitment of the necessary man-power at the earliest.

He also acknowledged the importance of women in State’s society and spoke at length on women empowerment citing instances from his recent European tour.

The fair was organised by Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), a registered society under the department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana- NRLM.

The fair which started from October 9, showcased different products of handloom and handicrafts, decorative items, plant nurseries, food items, vegetables, carpets, jewellery and so on produced by different self-help groups from all districts of the state.

Five participants from Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu also took part in the fair. Altogether 149 SHGs participated in the regional SARAS fair.

The closing function was also attended by principal secretary (RD&PR), M.H. Khan and chairman of Manipur Rural Bank, Prasanna Kumar Bal.

IMPHAL | Oct 18

Chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh has extended his warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Manipur on the auspicious and joyous occasion of Diwali festival.

In his message, he said, “Diwali is a festival of lights which marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after completing 14 years if exile and killing Ravana. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil of virtue over vice and light over darkness.”

“As the light dispels darkness, may the light that we celebrate at Diwali, dispelling all the dark forces of mistrust and enmity, show us the way and lead us together on the path of peace and social harmony for a stronger and prosperous Manipur”, it added.

Deputy CM, Yumnam Joykumar Singh has also expressed his greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Diwali festival.

Stating that Diwali symbolises return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile marking good over evil, he said, “Let the Diwali light dispel all the dark and evil forces, mistrust and enmity amongst us and bring peace and harmony to our society.”

Speaker, Manipur legislative assembly, Y. Khemchand Singh has sent Diwali greetings to the public. “On the auspicious day of Diwali, I am sending my warm greetings to the people of the State for peace and prosperity as well as social harmony,” said a release signed by the speaker.

Consumer affairs and food public distribution minister, Karam Shyam has sent greetings and wishes to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Diwali.

The greeting mentioned, “May the festival of lights dispel darkness and gloom and bring joy, happiness and prosperity to the people of Manipur.” The essence of the festival is to kindle the light of wisdom in every heart, the light of life in every home, and bring a smile on the face of the people, it said. Diwali is no just about the illumination, but it promotes the awareness of the inner light that is the core of every human being, it continued. The festival is a restatement of the belief that the good ultimately trumps over evil, it said adding may this festival bring peace, harmony and prosperity in Manipur.

Textiles, commerce and industries minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh has sent Diwali greetings and wishes to the people of the State.

The message read, Diwali, the day of lights, is celebrated to enjoy the victory over injustice. Let the lights of the festival strengthen the bond of brotherhood and togetherness among the people of the state, it said. May the warmth and splendour that are part of the auspicious occasion fill the lives of the people of the State with joy, prosperity and happiness.

Manipur Pradesh congress committee sent Diwali greetings to the people especially those who follow Hindu faith, expressing joy and happiness. A release signed by the president, T.N. Haokip said let the day usher in progress, love, peace and harmony in Manipur.

The committee has also sent greeting for Ningol Chakouba festival. The festival puts the daughters and women to a lofty position in the society as well as give reverence and affection which is the overall purpose of the celebration, it said.

Nungba MLA, Gaikhagam has greeted the people of Manipur on the occasion of Diwali and Ningol Chakkouba festival, which is to be celebrated tomorrow and October 21 respectively.

In his message, he said that Diwali is a festival which symbolises the victory of good over the evils and wished that the celebration of this festival would usher in peace, prosperity and development in the state.  

In his greeting, he observed that Ningol Chakkouba is a festival that symbolises the sacred bond between the brothers and the sisters.

In this festival, the brothers invite their sisters for a feasting and seek blessing from them and the brothers presents gifts which they can afford to their sisters, he said.

Further he said that the scope of celebrating the festival has been expanded along with inclusion of sisters from other communities, thereby bringing together all the communities as one.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 18

Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Yumnam Joykumar Singh today said that productive economic activities are important for development. He was speaking at the launch of “Uripok Green City” project of Panthoibi Housing Finance Company Limited (PHFCL).

The project was launched today at Classic Grande, Chingmeirong.

The deputy chief minister speaking as the chief guest of the function said that this project by PHFCL is a way of fostering economic activities of our state. He appreciated and congratulated the efforts and initiatives of PHFCL for starting such an urban project in the state. He lauded the managing director, Th. Hemo Singh, saying he is taking a risk for working in a no-income generating field.

As the finance minister of the state, he also said that the present financial status is not healthy and added that he welcomes any income generating projects for improvement of the economy.

Education minister, Th. Radheshyam Singh also attended the function as guest of honour. He stressed on the importance of town planning. He cited the example of ancient cities like Mohenjodaro, Harappa and others asserting that drainage system were good because they are prioritised while planning towns.

He said that Manipur economy is poor and therefore offers little income generating avnues. The efforts of PHFCL is not only helping the state to grow but also giving employment to the more than lakhs educated unemployed youths.

Chairman and managing director of PHFCL, Th. Hemo Singh said that in “work more, talk less” is the thrust of his plans in his keynote speech. He said he has chosen Uripok as his first target in urban category.

“I am only converting the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modiji’s PMAY project and have given loans of up to Rs.3 crores till date,” he said.

The chairman added that there are also other projects such as Panthoibi Construction and Panthoibi Foundation, which are educational institutions. He has so far helped five to six students and kept them under his supervision.

During the function, loans amounting to Rs. 10 lakhs and Rs. 8 lakhs respectively were distributed by the chief guest to three selected loan applicants.