Month: October 2017

IMPHAL | Oct 31

Minister of social welfare and co-operation, government of Manipur, Nemcha Kipgen, minister of works, RD and PR, T, C and I, power, IPR, A, R and Trg, government of Manipur, Th. Biswajit Singh, minister of CAF and PD, revenue, relief and rehabilitation, government of Manipur, Karam Shyam and minister of MAHUD, town planning, forest and environment, horticulture, soil conservation, Th. Shyamkumar have extended their heartiest wishes to the people of Manipur especially the Kuki-Chin-Mizo on the auspicious occasion of Kut on November 1.

The ministers have also wished that the festival may bring joy and happiness in the hearts of the people and spread the message of peace, love, harmony, friendship and brotherhood amongst different community of Manipur.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 31

A one-day mega conference on promotion and conservation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, MAPs, in North East states, promotion of community herbal garden, interactive meet on medicinal plants with the government line departments and re-launching of MSMPB was held today at the conference hall of City Convention Centre, Palace Compound.

The mega event was all about sorting out solutions for betterment of MAPs which includes creation of market and employment generation.

The function was attended by minister for health, family welfare and AYUSH, L. Jayantakumar Singh, as chief guest. He said the state can also be a pioneer in culturing different types of species of medicinal plants suitable to the climate of the state.

He said there is no need to copy other states as environment is different from place to place. “Let Assam be Assam and let them produce their own and let us produce our own varieties of plant species suitable with our climate and environment type,” he urged.

Director of AYUSH and member secretary of AYUSH, Dr. A. Guneshwor Sharma, who was one of the guests of honour of the programme, said that MSMPB which was formed in the year 2005 is slow in progress as it is delicate. It is however on the verge of development now with the coming of good ministerial leadership, he said.

The idea of having this conference is to boost the marketization of the state medicinal plants. SYNERGY Technofin from Delhi had come to the state to get more information of the state’s available species and their market potentials, he added.

Guneshwor said that this will make the state’s economy better with more employment generated and economic value raised.

A plan is set to make Imphal East, Imphal West and Chandel establish an organised market of medicinal plants like Lemongrass and Citronella and mapping for this project has already started in Chandel, he said.

The event was organised by Manipur State Medicinal Plants Board (MSMPB) and State AYUSH Society, Manipur.

The function was also attended by additional director and member secretary of state AYUSH society Dr. Y. Lukhoi Singh who attended the function as guests of honour and secretary of H,FW and AYUSH, Sumant Singh presided over the function. It was also attended by farmers, potential marketers and government officials of the H, FW and AYUSH department took part in the function.

Regional co-ordinator of Synergy Technofin Private Limited, Pinaki Ranjan delivered a speech on “purchase of pharmaceutical companies on raw materials from Manipur”.

He said that India is one of the biggest exporters of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) but Manipur which has a great potential of MAPs, has not marketed a single plant. He said this is so unfortunate. He pointed out that the cosmetic market and consumer market are the two biggest sectors for MAPs in India.

IMPHAL | Oct 31

The governor of Manipur, Najma Heptulla has extended her warm greetings to the people of Manipur, particularly the Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities on the auspicious occasion of Kut festival on November 1. The governor also stated that the festival is celebrated as a post-harvest festival for ‘thanks giving’ to the Almighty and more people of different communities of the state have joined in to spread the message on oneness.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 31

A recent blacktopping within Thanga assembly constituency has been so deplorable that the top layer can be peeled off.

According to residents of Thanga Moirangthem Leikai, the work has been done by a contractor from Bishnupur recently.

The residents complained to the media and according to Oinam Maipakchao, the work is carried out without adherence to any quality control. He said that the top layer can be peeled off by hands easily.

The locality requested the concerned minister and the PWD authorities to take corrective action.

IMPHAL | Oct 31

The present BJP led government in the State is working for an inclusive development without any differences between the hills and the valley, said Works Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh today. The Minister was speaking at the Chagaa Ngee – Liangmai Cultural Festival at Makui (Liangchi) Village, Senapati District.

Minister Biswajit said it is important to develop every village in the State to develop the State.

He said India is a unique country, inhabited by people belonging to different communities with different language, culture, tradition, festivals. Likewise there are also more than 40 ethnic groups in Manipur, he said, adding that each and every community has made their contribution towards the betterment of Manipur.

Stressing on the need to bring unity among the different communities, Minister Biswajit said that Manipur is made up of both the hills and the valley. He said that we should encourage the age-old love between the different communities that was there during the times of our forefathers.

The Minister also delved on the importance of the festival and said that the way people from different communities residing in the area were involved in the festival was an example of unity among the people.

He said that it is time for the people to start thinking for the collective good and to work towards a ‘New Manipur’. He continued the people cannot expect the government alone to bring development.

Meanwhile, responding to memorandums submitted by the local village authority regarding improvement of road connectivity in the area, the Minister assured to complete the PMGSY road extension work from Neibet Road to Makui Village via Saramjao at the earliest. He said he will also ensure that other IVRs are also repaired at the earliest.

Stressing that improving road connectivity is of major concern of the government, the Minister urged the local leaders to identify roads connecting the nearby villages and make proposals of the same so that he may look into it.

Replying to another demand for installation of a 33 KVA Power Sub Station at Makui Village, the Minister also assured to look into how to improve power supply in the area although installation of a 33 KVA sub-station in the village may be inappropriate.

Minister Biswajit also assured to change the present 25KVA with a 100 KVA transformer within 3-4 days if the weather allows. He further assured to improve power supply in Langka Part II.

The Minister said he will send a joint team of PWD and the Power department officials to look into the demands of the locals at the earliest.

Minister Biswajit also inaugurated a Football Ground at the village. Other highlights of the festival included a cultural dance competition, cultural dance performances of different communities, etc.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 31

Former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi was remembered today on her 33rd death anniversary all over the country. The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), as well as the BJP led Manipur state government paid rich tributes to the Prime Minister assassinated in 1984.

Former Congress Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi Singh told reporters in the side-lines of the MPCC programme at the Congress Bhavan that Indira’s sacrifice for her nation was huge. She strongly believed in protecting and safeguarding national integrity and her ideologies are becoming more relevant in the state’s context.

A famous quote from the departed leader: “I don’t mind if my life goes in the service of the nation. If I die every drop of my blood will invigorate the nation”, was written in bold on the banner of the observance.

Former MLAs, MPs and ministers of the state Congress party including, T. Meinya, R.K. Imo and T.N. Haokip among others came to pay their tributes on commemoration day of the 33th anniversary of the assassination of Indira Gandhi.

DIPR adds: Meanwhile the state government also observed the day as Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas (National Re-dedication Day) at Secretariat South Block today.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Y. Joykumar graced the occasion as chief guest and president respectively.

The Chief Minister said that he has full trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance on Manipur’s territorial integrity issue.

As such, people need to shun all forms of discord, mistrust and blame-game at this juncture, he added.

As Manipur is home to many ethnic communities, people need to learn to sacrifice and share, the Chief Minister said while adding that the State must concentrate more to bringing unity and maintaining harmony, he added.

The Chief Minister informed that different developmental works would commence soon after the retreat of rain. In this regard, he sought co-operation from the bureaucrats and officials.

Observing that the State has very short working season, the Chief Minister asked the officials to work over time when the weather permits.

The Chief Minister exhorted the people of the State to adopt the idea of Nation and State first. He urged them to equip themselves to become the ‘warriors’ of the Nation towards bringing progress, unity and development.

Biren said that the bold decision of storming Golden Temple to drive out militants cost the former Prime Minister her life. However, her decision strengthened India as a Nation, the Chief Minister contended.

As such, no citizen of the country should forget to honour the late leaders, the Chief Minister said while adding that it is because of their sacrifices that India is now standing as a strong Nation.

Speaking at the occasion, Y. Joykumar remembered Indira Gandhi as a strong leader, who had the courage to take a hard decision, when there were possibilities of disturbance to the national integrity.

Had Indira Gandhi not taken the decision of driving out militants from Golden Temple, Punjab could have been separated from India, the Deputy Chief Minister opined.

As such, fitting tribute must be given to the late Prime Minister by the current generation, he added.

Joykumar also urged the people to take the responsibility of protecting the integrity of India and Manipur.

Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary R.R. Rashmi, DGP L.M. Khaute and top civil and police officers also attended the function.

Indira Gandhi was assassinated on this day 1984, by her bodyguards believed to be Sikh nationalists a few months after she ordered the storming of the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar in Punjab.

IMPHAL | Oct 31

The chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh has conveyed his heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur especially the Kuki-Chin-Mizo on the joyous occasion of Kut festival on November 1.The CM stated that Kut is all about sharing, understanding, harmonious co-existence, co-operation and merriment and the festival has now occupied an important place in the hearts of all the people of Manipur.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 31

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) along with non-BJP opposition political parties in the state are going to organise “Black Day” on November 8 to mark the launch of demonitisation of Rs. 1000 and 500 note, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi led BJP government in 2016.

The proposed “Black Day” in the state is planned as part of a nationwide protest to be organises by Congress and non-BJP opposition parties to denounce the demonitisation carried out by the NDA government which was launched at 8pm of November 8, last year.

Speaking to media persons during a press meet held today at Congress Bhawan, MPCC president, TN. Haokip, said a meeting of the Congress and non-BJP opposition parties was convened at Congress Bhawan today to discuss the mode of protest to be carried on November 8.

Subsequently, the meeting unanimously appointed Govindas Konthoujam, as the chairman of the observation sub-committee, which will oversee the entire operation of the proposed observance, he said adding the day would be marked with sit-in demonstration, rally and other forms of agitation.

Haokip further explained that the sub-committee will also decide on the future course of action to campaign against government policies like GST, which has added to the woes of the common people.

The MPCC president, opined that the fallouts of demonitisation, GST etc. have taken a heavy toll not only on the lives of people but also the economy of the country which is on a nosedive currently.

About 105 people lost their lives in the country including one from Manipur during the mayhem caused by demonitisation and prices of commodities are skyrocketed due to GST, he asserted.

Stating that demonisation was branded as a “monumental mismanagement” by former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, he said the so called welfare policies implemented by BJP government have turned against the people’s welfare.

Further responding to queries of the confusion surrounding the participation of NPF during the all political party meet, Haokip confirmed that NPF MLA, Awangbou Newmai took part in the meeting.

The press conference was attended by Gonvindas Konthoujam, former minister, AK. Mirabai and ex-MLA, M. Prithiviraj.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 31

Manipur joined the rest of India to observe the 142nd birth anniversary of the “Iron man of India”, Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel, popularly known as Sardar Patel, under the theme Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. Governor Najma Heptulla and chief minister N. Biren Singh flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’, from Khuman Lampak Main Stadium today.

Speaking on the occasion, Najma Heptulla, said India is proud of its different communities and religion, and this diversity came under a united banner because of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He also went to jails many times for the welfare and fighting for freedom, Heptulla said.

She said because of the Iron man of India many princely states of the country were brought together to form a unified country. That is why his birth anniversary deserves to be celebrated as National Unity Day, Heptulla added.

Heptulla further mentioned that she has emotional attachments with many freedom fighters. Due to those freedom fighters the people of the present generations are able to enjoy a free country. She said the people should follow the path of the good deeds done by them.

She urged the public to take a pledge to follow the ideals and path of these freedom fighters.

Chief minister, N. Biren and youth affairs and sports minister, Letpao Haokip were the president and guest of honour on the occasion.

Addressing the function, N. Biren said to bring a unified country people need to have co-operation among all the groups and between the states.

He said Sardar Patel knew the princely states of India would falter if they were not unified as a nation. Just as in India as a whole, Manipur too would falter if the communities or the ethnic groups of the state are not unified, he said.

“The state’s different ethnic groups and the communities need to co-operate with each other in order to save their common integrity”, he added.

Maintaining that raising unity slogan alone would not serve any purpose at this juncture, the chief minister urged the people to not only put in serious efforts in maintaining harmony but also stay from all forms of activities which may disturb unity and integrity of the state.

Biren said people should stop finding negative connotations and implications every time any group or government speak up or try out any initiatives for the betterment of the state as a whole.

Calling for all to join the peace train, Biren said peace negotiation started even in Jammu and Kashmir to resolve the problems of the state. There is no reason why all stakeholders should not also try to resolve their problems through talks, he asserted.

“We should learn to appreciate those who wish to join us, and we should also not forget to ask the reason to those who try to leave us,” he said.

Minister for youth affairs and sports, Letpao Haokip as guest of honour said National Unity Day celebration aims at fostering and reinforcing the country’s dedication to preserve and strengthen its unity, integrity and security.

Around 600 participants took part in the run and the minister expressed hope that through this run, India would reaffirm its inherent strength and resilience to withstand the threats to unity, integrity and security.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | 31 Oct

Workshop on “No Accessibility, No Achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2030” in connection with the closing ceremony of the 10th Fortnight Barrier Free Campaign organised by the Barrier Free Campaign Committee along with Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Manipur was held at the Manipur Press Club.

Dr. R.K Kumarjit Singh State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Govt. of Manipur,  Jacintha Lazarus Director of Social Welfare Department govt. of Manipur, Th. Saratkumar Singh, Convenor, Barrier Free Campaign Committee, Nongmaithem Noren Singh, Chief Engineering P.W.D. govt. of Manipur, Dr. Ch.Rupachandra Singh, Chairman Handicapped Development (HD) Foundation, Manipur and Prof. N. Mohendro Singh, Former, Steering Committee NER Vision, 2020, DONER, Govt. of India were among the dignitaries present.