Month: October 2017

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 1

Defence secretary, Government of India, Ashok Kumar Gupta arrived today in the state on official visit.

Gupta who arrived this afternoon at the Imphal international airport said that he is on a personal visit and declined to give further comments.

Although the visiting defence secretary declined to revealed the purpose of his visit, sources said that it could be related with the ongoing Rongiya refugee crisis in the neighbouring state of Myanmar.

He will be staying at the hotel Imphal today at leave for an official visit to Moreh border town tomorrow.

After returning from Moreh he will leave Imphal for Nagaland tomorrow.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 1

Secretary of Women Welfare Association, Hiyanglam Sorokhaibam Bijenti claimed one Elangbam Sulendro founder member and administrator of Elangbam Sulochana Academy, Hiyanglam must be punished for alleged sexual assault against two minor girls.

 Bijenti was addressing the media during a press meet held at Indigenous People’s Association of Kangleipak (IPAK) Keishampat office this evening.

Bijenti recalled on September 20, Elangbam Sulendro (45) of Hiyanglam Lai Panganba, Wabgai Kakching district punished the two minors for not performing well in the class. The two minors who are sisters of same parents were detained at the time of school break and were instructed to stay at a class room of KG-II.

“Sulendro instructed the two minors to lie on the desk without facing each other. And he tried to touch the private parts of the minors”, she alleged.

Bijenti continued that the matter came to light when the two minors refused to attend parents meet of the school on September 24. “The elder sister revealed to her mother about the incident that their teacher Sulendro tried to touch her private part and she feel hesitant to attend the school”, she said.

Consequently when the parents tried to file a complaint against the teacher at Hiyanglam police station on September 29 late night, officer of the station refused to take the complaint due to late office hour and told them to come the following day to file the complaint.

However when the parents went to file the case on the following day the police officer of Hiyanglam police station allegedly told them to shorten the case through negotiations between the two parties, said Bijenti.

Meantime in the late evening the grandmother of the minor called Sulendro on the matter and asked him to apologise to the family but on the following day, instead he charged the former of defaming him with sexual assault charges, she added. 

As the police allegedly shrugged off from its responsibilities, the parents of the two minors discussed the matter with local club, Youth Pioneer Club, Hiyanglam. Accordingly the parents called Sulendro and asked him to apologise but on the contrary the latter threatened the former not to inform about the matter to anyone, Bijenti continued.

Bijenti demanded that Sulendro must leave his profession under moral ground and to surrender within three days. If Sulendro fails to surrender himself within the deadline intense action will be taken by joining hands with civil voluntary organisation of the state, she warned.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 1

Social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen stressed on the importance of women in the present modern society at the second day of the 2nd Manipur Catholic Women Convention organised by Manipur Catholic Women Organisation (MCWO).

The three-day event was held at Christ Jyoti School, Mantripukhri under the theme “Women in the family, church and society”.

The minister said that as a lone woman representative of the state government, she felt associated with the women delegates of today’s function. She said the role of women in the establishment of a strong stable home, society and Church is vital and the contribution of women can be referred to as the cornerstone of the house.

She also said that there is a strong need to acknowledge the pivotal role played by women in the society in the formation, upbringing and establishment of the family and the society and as much as in Church.

Retired Reverend Gerald Almeida, chairman of Justice and Peace Commission, Catholic Bishops’ Council of India also attended the second session of the day as guest of honour. In his speech, he stressed on the role of a Christian woman that fearing and trusting God is the foremost liability.

He also said that men and women are equal in the eyes of God as women are created neither from the head nor feet but from his side so that both are equal and walk together. He said that women are the hope of the society and appealed to the gathering of women to cultivate good manners and characters in their children and family, society and the church.

Most Reverend Dominic Lumon, D.D. Archbishop – Archdiocese of Imphal, Father Loius Pallikunnel, general convener of the event, Ms Ts. Shelvi Monsang, president of MCWO as presidium members.

MCWO was established in the year 2006 with its motto as “empowerment of women” and goal as “building the church based on culture and tradition within the doctrine of the Church”.

Catholic women delegates from over the state took part in this mega convention. Mao Catholic Women Association (MCWA) was the main choir of the function, St. Peter’s Parish of Monsang Pantha, St. Joseph’s Cathedral Parish of Mantripukhri and Maram Catholic Women Association gave choreographies during the function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 1

Speaker Y. Khemchand said a new revolution in the electoral process is needed to change the system in the state during the 29th foundation day celebration of National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) held here today at Akampat.

Speaking on the occasion, as chief guest Khemchand said the country has many educated people but only 45 percent is employable. If youth are given skill development training they will be employed easily in any avenue, he added.

He lamented that public in their heart do not have respect for those people who are into electoral politics. “On the other hand, people give priority to wealthy people at the time of electing representatives. Electors do not give importance to educational qualification or integrity of the person”, observed Khemchand.

The speaker also pointed out that to bring about a corruption-free Manipur, a revolution in electoral system is needed.

As a part of the programme prize were distributed to the toppers of master in computer application including annual sports of NIELIT.

Executive director NIELIT (Imphal, Kohima, Agartala) as guest of honour said people not only need to be educated but also should have skills. “It is not necessary to be highly qualified in respective fields if one wants to do a job. And people need to utilise their skills to become a successful”, he added.

Works minister, Thongam Biswajit as president of the function said the state need transformation not reformation. He assured to repair the road that reached NIELIT, Akampat immediately.

State informatics officer of National Informatics Centre, Kh. Rajen also attended the function as guest of honour.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Oct 1

Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) today felicitated the ambassador of India to Zimbabwe, Masakui Rungsung at TNL Hall, Ukhrul.

Taking of advantage of his four day visit to his home, TNL organised a blessing and felicitation programme along with other Tangkhul organisations and ADC-Ukhrul.

Masakui Rungsung while thanking the organiser stated that every successful Tangkhul person should be felicitated to encourage for their hard work, success and achievement. He also conveyed his gratitude to the government of Manipur for allowing him to visit home and to take part in the programme.

Masakui Rungsung was born on August 15, 1967. He hails from Lamlang village, Ukhrul district. He is from IFS batch 2001 and had been posted as second secretary in Jakarta, Indonesia, under-secretary, UNES, New Delhi, consul in Johannesburg, South Africa, counsellor in Dhaka, Bangladesh, director in the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi and he became the ambassador of India to Zimbabwe on May 12, 2016.

During the function, welcome address was delivered by vice-president Tangkhul Naga Long, P. Peimi. Vice-chairman ADC Ukhrul, Thanmi Kashung, president of Tangkhul Shanao Long, Grace Shatsang, vice-chairman, Tangkhul Naga Zingtun Longphang, Wungmakhok V. Zimik and president of Tangkhul Naga Long, Weapon Zimik also gave exhortation in the programme.

Another felicitation programme will be organised on October 2 at his village by the village authority.

IMPHAL | Oct 1

Customs Division personnel in Manipur on Sunday confiscated 12 pieces of gold bars weighing nearly 20 kg — and worth Rs 9 crore — along National Highway 37, officials said.

“We got a tip-off that gold smuggled from Myanmar would be taken along the national highway and, accordingly, we laid a trap,” N. Meiraba, Superintendent of Customs Division said. The seizure was made at Yurembam.

“At 6 a.m., one jeep came along and, on checking it, we found the gold bars concealed in it,” the official said.

He said two persons — Mohammad Yakub and Mohammad Nizamuddin, both from Manipur — have been arrested in this connection.

Meiraba said both are being questioned to establish where they were taking the bars and to trace the kingpin.

Myanmarese gold, which is comparatively cheaper, has heavy demand in many states.

Despite seizures and arrests, there have been increasing instances of smuggling of gold bars by road and by air.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Oct 1

Under the theme ‘Stepping into the Future: Tapping the talents, Contributions and participation of Older Persons in the Society’, The International Day of Older Persons was observed at Multi-Purpose Hall, DC office, Kangpokpi.

The programme was attended by deputy commissioner of Kangpokpi, T. Ranjit Singh as chief guest while SP of Kangpokpi, M. Pradip Singh was the president and additional DC of Kangpokpi, H. Balkrisna Singh was the guest of honour.

The event was opened by lighting candle by the chief guest with the participation of other dignitaries to raise awareness of how vital older people are as a part of the community and break down age discrimination and also to recognise the contributions of older persons and to examine issues that affect their lives.

Ranjit Singh emphasised on various urgent concerns of elderly person including quality health care and noted that it is imperative to provide the elderly a stress free life, a place, a living space which is designed to give them a holistic lifestyle.

He said that at present, India has around 100 million elderly people and the number is expected to be increased to 323 million by 2050 constituting 20 percent of the total population.

He also urged the people of Kangpokpi to step forward together into the future with participation of older persons by tapping their talents and contribution with their vital participation in the society.

1. Pradip Singh asserted, ‘to care and love those who care for you is the dignity of life and greatest blessing’.
2. Balkrisna Singh and district social welfare officer (DSWO) of Kangpokpi, N. Usharani Devi also spoke on the occasion and emphasised the vital roles of older persons in the society.

Blankets and plates were distributed to all the older persons participating in the event as mark of love, care, and honour towards their contribution in the society.

IMPHAL | Oct 1

The governor of Manipur, Najma Heptulla has sent greetings on national cleanliness day, which is observed every year all over the county on October 2, the birth day of Mahatma Gandhi, as the day is being observed in the State.

Mahatma Gandhi who was a believer in the dignity of manual labour and simple living, stressed the need for cleanliness of the surroundings and purification of mind leading to the path of truth, said the greeting. 

The country is also observing the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ which was launched on October 2, 2014 and it is aimed to be completed on October 2, 2019, his 150th birth anniversary, it added.

“While observing the birth of the Father of our Nation, we should contribute our best to ensure peaceful co-existence and to make all out efforts to keep our body, mind and soul clean, besides, cleansing our surroundings,” it said, adding “On this occasion, we should also remember and follow his message of nonviolence, love, peace and universal brotherhood. Only then, the observance of the day will be meaningful.”

THOUBAL | Oct 1

Today at around 2.30 pm, one passenger bus bearing registration number MN-01-1329 which was plying from Imphal towards Sugnu side ran over its own handyman after he fell from the bus, killing him on the spot.

 The incident occurred at Khongjom Bazar in front of M/s Shyta Enterprises along NH No. 102. As a result of which the handyman succumbed to his injuries.

The name of the deceased person is Md. Mustaq, (20) son of Md. Nahatomba from Phundrei Makha Leikai and the accused driver is identified as Khundrakpam Rojit Singh, (29) son of Kh. Rajen Singh from Kakching Turel Wangma.

The deceased person has been taken to JNIMS morgue for further formalities. The vehicle has been seized and kept at the campus of Khongjom police station.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 1

The Manipur Muslim Welfare Organisation (MMWO) informed that it will boycott deputy chief minister, Y. Joykumar until the latter tender apology and arrest his son, Y. Devjit for allegedly disrespecting Islamic religion.    

Speaking to media persons today, MMWO president, Pangal Abdul Pathan said that deputy chief minister’s son, Devjit posting on Facebook post stating that ‘Quarbani is a practice to kill man on the day of Id-ul-Adha’ on September 2 is an insult to Islamic religion.  

Regarding the matter complaint had made to the police and several forms of agitation had took place but still today not a single action has been taken up against Devjit as he is the son of the deputy chief minister, Pathan added.

A leader who cannot even control his son is not fit to be a leader of a state so they have boycotted the deputy chief minister, continued the president.

Moreover the chief minister keeping quiet regarding the matter shows that the government see the minority as second class citizens, added Pathan.

He said on the other hand more than 80 percent of the minority are not getting their rightful MOBC welfare schemes and projects but the government has not taken up any action to make the scheme available to them.

Till today the new BJP led government has not taken up any developmental steps for the welfare of the minority people, he claimed.

If the government continues such action the minority people will stop supporting BJP like in the other states, he warned.

The organisation appealed to all the minority people of the state not to invite the deputy chief minister in any function and not to support NPP in election.

IMPHAL | Oct 1

On State level observation of international day of older persons, social welfare and cooperation minister, Nemcha Kipgen called upon the attention of all the NGOs and stakeholders to lend necessary assistance to those older persons in distress and open doors for them.

The minister also assured that she will urge the government to open hospital specially meant for old-aged people. This was stated by Nemcha attending the occasion as chief guest at the function held today at Khunthokhanbi Sanglen, Thangmeiband, Imphal.

Stressing on this year’s theme “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society”, Nemcha highlighted the major contributions of the older persons in moulding our society. Wherever we, as a society stand today, major credit goes to them, she pointed out. 

On the occasion, social welfare department presented gifts as a token of appreciation to the older persons present at the function today.

The event was also attended by commissioner, social welfare, H. Deleep Singh, director of social welfare Jacintha Lazarus, and joint director, social welfare surrender A. Shishak as president and guests of honour, respectively.

IMPHAL | Oct 1

As observed in different part of the world, international day for older persons, was held today at the premises of Regional Rural Training Center office, Wangbal Thoubal, under the theme ‘Stepping into the Future; Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Person in Society’.

Education, labour and employment minister, Th. Radheshyam Singh said elders are the mentor; a teacher for the young and their guidance are must for the future. He said that their presence is very important for they guide the children to the right path.

This day is observed to focus on their importance and emphasise on the responsibilities towards the elder to make their lives happier by the younger generation.

He further added that in the past the elders would sat at fire side telling stories imbibed with moral lessons that were the treasures gifted by them to the generations to come.

 The folktales, he said, becomes lifetime lesson of morals which is very must required today.

 Lack of such instances has been one of the main reasons for deteriorating condition of the society due to lack of bonding among the youths and elders, he observed. Radheshyam urged the NGOs to treat the elders as their own parents to provide the best support they could.

The older persons day was organised by the district social welfare office, Thoubal in collaboration with NGOs implementing aged welfare programmes in Thoubal and Kakching districts, Manipur.

Deputy commissioner, Thoubal L. Nabakishwar Singh speaking at the observation highlighted the impact and efforts made for the implementation of the national policy for senior citizens.

The observation was attended by MLA, Hiyanglam A/C, chairman, MANIDCO Dr. Y. Radheshyam, Singh, district supervisors, and older persons from different places.

 From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Oct 1

Tamenglong district has been under total blackout for five consecutive days, with no electricity and tele-communications service.

One of the officials at the control of power sub- station at Tamenglong has revealed that there has been no of electricity in the district since 132 KV power line was cut off on September 27. However, the power line from Laimatak to Rengpang station was checked and the line was repaired, but still the problem was with the 20MVA power transformer, he added.

He further said that enquiry has been made to the officials concerned but it was replied that it may take two-three months to restore the transformer at Rengpang sub-station. For temporary adjustment the department is trying its level best to get power from Jiribam and power might supply within few days.

He said, ‘132 KV power lines from Jiribam has been not functional for quite long time, it need jungle clearance, line check-up, it may take days but we are trying our level best to supply electricity’.

He also appealed all the people of Tamenglong to bear with the inconveniences.

When enquired about the installation of prepaid system in the district, he said that the department is yet to complete the installation of prepaid meter even in headquarter.

Meanwhile, when contacted BSNL Tamenglong, the officials disclosed that due to lack of power for continuous five days, the company is facing problems. Apart from lack of electricity, lack of fuel for generator has compounded the issues and could not supply its services. The issue is faced by AIRTEL Company Tamenglong and in other official works due to lack of electricity in the district.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 1

Health and family welfare minister, L. Jayantakumar Singh today said that blood is equal to life. It should be handled carefully which should not be misused for it would be equivalent to spoiling life, he added.  

Jayentakumar was making the statement as the chief guest at the observance of National Voluntary Blood Donation day at G.P. Women’s college hall.

It was organised jointly by national health mission, Manipur, health department Manipur and Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS), in association with G.P. Women’s college.

Jayentakumar announced that blood storage facilities in the state will be upgraded and the existing capacity of blood banks will also be increased. He said that the government will look into the requirements to maintain quality blood bank in the state.

Parliamentary secretary of H&FW, S. Suchandra Singh in his presidential speech of the function said that a policy should be made to motivate more potential blood donors in the state.

In appreciation to a visually impaired donor who donated blood 56 times, he announced an incentive of Rs.1000 per month from his salary till his office last. He also donated a cash award of Rs.5000 to a donor who has donated blood 54 times for this year.

State mission director and director of Health Dr. K. Rajo Singh, project director of MACS, Valentina Arambam and principal of G.P. Women’s College, Lalhari Singh attended the function as guests of honour.

Ten donor organisations having organised at least three blood camps or have collected more than 100 units of blood during the period of April 1 till September 30 were recognised at the function with mementos and citations presented to them by the presidium members.

All the speakers at the function encouraged voluntary blood donations as it has many health benefits. A person who weighs 45 kgs and more, with 12.5 g of blood and of age 18 to 65 without any health problems are eligible to donate blood.

A public rally was conducted to give awareness about voluntary blood donation.