Day: October 29, 2017

IMPHAL | Oct 29

Manipur state unit of Naga People’s Front reiterates that Awangbow Newmai will continue to serve as its president, said a release from working president Robert T Maram and Secretary Kh Armstrong Charang.

A meeting of all office bearers, legislatures, state executive committee members including all divisional presidents and NPF-led council chairmen held on September 13 unanimously resolved that Newmai will serve out his full term till 2020 as per the approval of the general convention of the party in November 2014, the release said.

The release also said that though this stand was made clear to public immediately after the meeting, “there are some people who are trying to mislead the public”.

It added that the appointment of Morung Makunga as president of the NPF Manipur unit, reported in some dailies, is “null and void” since it came after a crisis within the party had already been registered with the Election Commission of India on August 17.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 29

Women activists under the banner “Stop oppressing women and transgender of Manipur , we are entitled to equal human rights and fundamental freedom” held a sit in protest at Keisampat Leimajam Leikai today.

The main objective of the protest according to associate professor of Nambol Sanoi College, Shreema Ningomam is showing solidarity to the transgenders who have recently been dictated from certain elements, and at the same time standing up for women’s rights.

She said that there has been certain instances in the social media where women have been slandered for the dress they wear.

She said that if the way a woman dress is not doing any harm to the society, then the people needs not be vindictive and their outlook needs to change.

“People need to be more sensitive about regarding gender justice and gender awareness, transgenders are also a part of society, we need to stand up for them too,” she said.

In humiliating women and transgengers the society is humiliating everybody. The protest is also is for all the public who are humiliated by the society, she added.

She recalled that in the last few days a picture of a women participating in a Thabal Chongba in Delhi went viral on social media for her dress. She condemned the authorities for not taking up any action on the matter. “State Cybercrime unit and even the media are not taking any initiative on matters of violation of individual rights”, she added.

Dress code diktats are shameful, she said. “Nobody should impose dress codes. Instead they should stop people misinterpreting and cyber harassing others. Dress codes cannot contribute anything towards making a society progressive”, she added.

The protest was joined by EEVFAM, WAD and HRA.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 29

Manipuri documentary film, ‘Ima Sabitri’ will have its European premiere in London. The film is directed by Bobo Khuraijam and has got official selection to the prestigious ‘Women Of The Lens’ film festival in London.

Among 54 selected films, ‘Ima Sabitri’ has been entitled to be screened under the theme ‘Free Form Artist’. The three day international festival will be launched at the Goldsmiths University of London, and the film will be screened on November 26, 11 am (local time), at The Cinema Museum, Lambeth, London.

Besides, the film has also been officially invited to take part in the competition section of 11th edition of the international film festival, FSA 2017 (Film Southasia). The four day biennial international film festival will begin on November 2 at Yalamaya Kendra, which is at Patan, Lalitpur Kathmandu. ‘Ima Sabitri’ is one among the 45 films selected for the festival and among 300 film entries. It will be screened on November 4.

It may be mentioned that ‘Ima Sabitri’ was the opening film of India Panorama documentary section in the 47th edition of the International Film Festival of India, held in Goa, 2016. The film was also recently declared winner of the 10th Manipur State Film Award in non-feature section.

The film is an intimate portrayal of Sabitri, a household name among theatre enthusiasts in India and abroad.  She is addressed as ‘Ima’, which means mother. The figure of the mother, who is a teacher, a partner, a daughter…a woman, weaves a range of events, on and off the stage. Shot over a period of three years, the film explores inspirations behind a vibrant and original theatre company.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 29

Horticulture and soil conservation minister, Th. Shyamkumar, today assured he would gradually bring about an organic revolution in the state.

Shyamkumar was speaking during the inauguration function of the newly constructed vermicompost farm of Chingtam tam organic producer comanpy limited at Haraorou Imphal East district.

He said the sharp increase in diseases caused by consumption of chemical fertilizers indicates nothing but the failure of the department concerned.

As such, he expressed the urgent need to bring about an organic revolution in the state after consulting experts.

Shyamkumar said that the matter would be consulted with the chief minister and fellow minister adding that a sum of Rs. 14 crore would be included in the next budget for production of vermicompost to ensure that organic fertilizers is available in abundance in the state.

The minister also launched a website of the newly inaugurated farm in the presence of Dr. Vachspat Pandey, scientific officer, R.C.O.F government of India, K. Kipgen, director of horticulture and soil conservation, Dr. P.K Bal, chairman Manipur rural bank and Dr. Naorem Iboton, former Dean CAU.

From Our Correspondent

Kangpokpi | Oct 29

Almost a year after it was granted district status, complete powers and functions remain to be discharged to Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi’s deputy commissioner and superintendent of police, civil society organisations have alleged.

On December 8 last year, then chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh had created seven new districts in the state, including the 45-years-old Sadar Hills, now Kangpokpi district. The next morning its first DC and SP assumed office.

But various civil society organisations in a joint-meeting with the district at Motbung on Sunday alleged the absence of necessary powers and functions, especially District Rural Development Agency, power of district election officer to DC and full powers to SP, adding that their non-implementation by the state government has kept the district administration handicapped.

Participants of the meeting said they want to move ahead like other districts for their development and welfare but are held back by the government. They resolved to serve an ultimatum to the state government regarding the issue.

While briefing media persons on behalf of the district and its CSOs, General Secretary of United Welfare Committee Tonglen Khongsai said that with the BJP government talking much about development of hill districts, the hill people of Manipur have soaring hopes of meaningful development.

But the yet-to-be-formed DRDA, he said,  is a principal organ at district level to manage and oversee the implementation of different anti-poverty programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development, and also serves as a supporting and facilitating organisation with a very effective role as a catalyst in development.

“Apart from DRDA, deputy commissioner who is to be conferred with the powers of district election officer as per section 13 AA of the Representation of People Act, 1950 and the standing instructions of the ECI still remained without designation of the same”, Khongsai said.

He said the non-conferment of DEO powers to deputy commissioner is utter disregard to the very principles in which the new districts were created.

The UWC General Secretary added that despite of having full-fledged superintendent of police, sufficient police force is yet to be delivered and enough police stations are also yet to be opened.

Even transfer and posting powers have not been deferred to the SP, he said.

Considering all such hiccups, Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi and its CSOs have decided to serve an ultimatum to the state government for implementation of all the inevitable necessary powers and functions, especially formation of DRDA, discharge of DEO powers to DC and transfer and posting powers to SP before November 8, UWC general Secretary added.

He said that if the government fails to fulfil the legitimate demand within the stipulated timeframe, the district and its CSOs will lead the public to launch a severe agitation against the government, which will be solely responsible for any untoward incident.

He also asked the state government to implement and disburse the 100 days’ wages of MGNREGA scheme equally in both hills and valley without any bias.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 29

In what is obviously a damage control exercise to pacify irate residents of the Moirang area, official teams led by ministers and high ranking officers have been inspecting the Keibul Lamjao area to ensure the people that Keibul Lamjao will remain as one of the three venues of the upcoming Sangai Festival 2017.

This followed a misunderstanding that the opening ceremony of the festival originally planned at the Keibul Lamjao would be cancelled as the condition of helicopter landing facilities at the spot was in some uncertainty.

In this regard, chief secretary Manipur, RR Rashmi was the first to lead a team to assess the present condition of deplorable roads of Imphal-Moirang-Keibul Lamjao-Thanga-Sendra route today.

He visited all the spots where the upcoming Sangai Festival is going to be held, Keibul Lamjao Makha Leikai Club ground, Keibul Lamjao National Park IB-II, Takmupat. He was accompanied by senior officials from different departments, Forest, Tourism, Power, MIDA, LDA, DC and SP of Bishnupur. Vice-chairman of MIDA, Asnikumar Singh was also present during the visit.

RR Rashmi also interacted with the locals of Keibul Lamjao area and the misunderstanding between the government and locals of Keibul Lamjao on the modalities of organising upcoming Sangai festival was cleared after the interaction. Later the team visited Takmupat, Loktak Lake and reviewed the preparation works over there for the unique Lake View Cultural Show which is going to be a part of the upcoming Sangai festival.

Minister of works, power, commerce and industries, RD and PR, Th.Biswajit Singh also inspected the present conditions of roads from Imphal airport to Sendra via Thanga and he was accompanied by P. MLA of Moirang, P. Sharatchandra, MLA of Thanga, T. Robindro Singh along with other high ranking officials.

It may be noted that the chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren had already held different rounds of meetings at his level for smooth conduct of Manipur Sangai festival 2017, which is going to be organised in a different way in comparison to the earlier.

The state government has already taken decision in principle to organise a ‘Curtain Raising’ function at Keibul Lamjao along with half marathon participated by approximately 2000 athletes which is going to be attended by the chief minister as chief guest along with his cabinet colleagues on November 19.

State forest and wildlife department has been entrusted with the responsibility for organising the event. The programme will continue till November 21 at Keibul Lamjao.

On November 22 and November 23, there will be a unique Lake View mega Cultural Show at Takmupat, Loktak Lake which will be based on traditional cultural ethos of Manipur with preference to cultural diversity of the loktak lake.

Sangai Festival is going to be celebrated from November 19 to November 30, which is three days longer compared to the previous years. Altogether, the festival will be organised at Keibul Lamjao, Takmupat, Hubitek Loktak Pat, BOAT, Hapta Kangjeibung, Pologround, Lamboikhongnangkhong, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Kangla Ford, Sirui hill of Ukhrul, Lamdan, Churachandpur and Zeilad Lake of Tamenglong.

The president of India is likely to inaugurate the festival on the evening of November 21 at BOAT.

DIPR adds: State government spokesperson Thongam Biswajit Singh, today, asserted that the Manipur Sangai Festival 2018 will be held at three venues including at Hatta Kangjeibung, Lamboi Khongnangkhong and Keibul Lamjao.

The government spokesperson, who is also the Works Minister, inspected road conditions in Thanga and Moirang areas ahead of next month’s Sangai Festival.

He also met members and representative of the JAC formed against the reported shifting of opening ceremony of Sangai Festival from Keibul Lamjao. He assured the JAC members that there is no question of shifting the venue from Keibul Lamjao.

Minister Biswajit said that Keibul Lamjao is a historical place and is of utmost importance to the State. Keibul Lamjao will be a venue of the Sangai Festival and 25 stalls including food stalls will be set up there, he said before adding that the stalls will be increased if the need arise.

However, the inaugural function will be held at Hatta Kangjeibung, he said citing the convenience in preparing the inaugural function in Imphal as the function will be attended by several state guests including the President of India.

Stating that Keibul Lamjao venue will host State events till the end of the festival, the Minister also invited the locals and the JAC to share suggestions and ideas if there is any to add to the programs to be held at Keibul Lamjao.

The Minister, who was accompanied by Moirang MLA Shri P Sarat, Thanga MLA Shri T Robindro, Chief Engineers Works Shri Kh Temba, visited and inspected Moirang-Sendra Road, approach road to Takmu Water Front Resort, and roads in Thanga Tongbram Leikai.

Briefing media persons at Keibul Lamjao after the inspection, Minister Biswajit said that repairing of roads and mending of potholes will be completed ahead of the festival. Preparation of programs for road repairing is already complete and the government is sure of meeting its commitment to complete all repairing of roads at the earliest if the weather permits, he continued.

He said that today’s inspection was part of the BJP led government’s commitment to bring development and improve road connectivity in the entire State including the rural areas.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 29

The state government has made arrangements for a three-dimensional, or 3D, technology light show as a special attraction for the upcoming Sangai festival.

The show will be held at the beginning of the festival at Takmu water sports complex in November, and this show will be the first one ever to be held in the state.

The company which will organize the light show has already been awarded the contract and all plans are set to make the event a breath taking one. According to sources, the light show will make a 3 dimensional multi-colour gateway at Takmu, more light shows will encompass of various illusions made by lights like martial arts, dance, sports action etc.

A huge floating stage is also being constructed at Takmu which can accommodate about a 100 people. The floating stage is also set to be another main attraction as the stage will be on the water.

IMPHAL | Oct 29

United Naga Council (UNC) said the elected representatives from the Naga community working “at this crucial moment“ against “collective history” of the Nagas will not be spared.

The statement came on Sunday against the backdrop of an all political parties meet on the territorial integrity of Manipur with reference to the peace talks between the Government of India and NSCN-IM.

UNC said elected members from Naga community indulging in activities which are detrimental to the Naga movement will invite serious consequences. The body added that it will not remain mute to “all those measures which are against the Naga interest” taken up by different elements, including the Manipur government. 

“We are closely observing the unfolding development in Manipur currently,” UNC said. “We will respond befittingly to all those elements and factors which are hurdles to the Naga peace process.”

“We feel our patience has been taken for our weakness,” UNC added.

The body asked Nagas not to extend cooperation or involve in any programme attached with the names of the “seven new districts”. It further asked the Naga people to remain fully aware of the “designs of our adversaries”.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 29

The Manipur Pradesh Congress Party, MPCC, has demanded a clarification from the ruling BJP on the stand of its coalition partner the Naga People’s Front, NPF, on the territorial integrity of Manipur.

The opposition party came up with the demand following reports of the failure of the NPF to positively respond to the all political party meeting convened by the chief minister, N. Biren, yesterday on the Naga peace talks issue.

The NPF not only stayed away from the all party meeting but came out with a release reiterating its pledge to work for unity and integrity of the Nagas, including by tearing away all the Naga inhabited areas from Manipur.

A press conference was held late in the evening at Congress Bhawan in which former chief minister of Manipur O. Ibobi Singh, maintained that latest development has not only confused but fuelled speculations and uncertainties in the minds of the people on the relationship between BJP and its coalition partner NPF.

The all party meet was intended to strengthen the BJP-led government’s stand in protecting Manipur’s integrity but NPF strayed at this crucial time, he said.

Subsequently, the BJP particularly the chief minister should come out with a “clear cut” clarification on the stand of the NPF in Manipur’s unity issue, he contended.

In the meantime, Ibobi opined that the Congress party can be no part of any all political party meeting in the future which lacks clarity on the interest of the people.

“We cannot be a blind follower of any initiative unless there is a clear cut stand from both the BJP and NPF. By this we don’t mean to abstain from our duty of safeguarding our state but we are apprehensive of backlash from the public if the proceedings remain uncertain as was the case yesterday”, Ibobi said.

Ibobi Singh also demanded the government to summon an emergency special session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly not only to discuss the question of protection of the territorial integrity of Manipur but also administrative integrity of Manipur.

According to Ibobi granting separate administrative unit in hills is more serious than compromises on the territorial integrity of Manipur.

Nevertheless, he maintained that the Congress party is not against development of hills but against any deceptive policy that could be detrimental to the unity of the state adding that his party would continue to support development of hills.

He further demanded the government clarification on the status of the resolution on protecting Manipur’s integrity, taken in the House during the July session.

Even as the NDA government led by Modi has been talking about transparency in governance, it is seen that it has kept the people of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in the dark in the case of “Framework Agreement”, asserted Ibobi.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 29

In a step to eradicate diabetes which is regarded the ‘mother of all diseases’, a one-day awareness programme on diabetes and its prevention cum free medical detection camp cum for Imphal West district was held today.

The event was organised by SMART Society of Salai Holdings at Neinashang community hall at Sagolband Tera Loukrakpam Leikai.

President of Smart Society and Salai Laithou Shanglen Salai Holdings Private Limited, Narengbam Dhanabati Devi said that this is an initiative to have a diabetes free zone in the colony. “Four doctors, six nurses, four pharmacists and one associate professor have been hired today for the detection camp,” she said.

She also said that the ones who have been detected with any type of diabetes will be given free medical care.

The president announced that it will continue this chain of free medical camp to other areas citing that it will organise at Imphal East on November 14. The medical camp was sponsored by SMART Medicos, she added.

Retired lecturer of Johnstone Higher Secondary School, Potsangbam Mangi Singh attended the function as chief guest. Confessing that he himself was a diabetic patient, he said that the famous saying of “health is wealth” is true and will realise “when you have on your bed with sickness.”

He urged the people of the colony to make the best use of the free medical camp held in the colony.

President of Neinashang club, Naoroibam Phillips Singh who attended as guest of honour said that it is a great opportunity for his area and fortunate enough to get benefits from SALAI and knowledge about one of the most dangerous of diseases.