Day: November 12, 2017

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Nov 12

Kuki Inpi and CVOs of Kangpokpi have called off the 36-hour total highways shutdown on NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur road) and NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam road), which was scheduled from 6 am of November 15 till 6 pm of November 16.

The decision has been taken by the civil bodies after assurance was given to fulfil their demand for complete implementation of powers and functions of Kangpokpi DC and SP within this month by minister Th. Biswajit Singh, who assured as in-charge of chief minister of Manipur.

The minister invited the representatives of Kuki Inpi and CVOs yesterday and urged for withdrawal of the proposed highways shutdown in the presence of social welfare and cooperation minister Nemcha Kipgen.

He had also proposed for a public consultation meeting, which was held today at KSO Sadar Hills administrative office building at Kangpokpi, where the civil bodies decided to call off the proposed 36-hourstotal highways shutdown.

Speaking to media after the meeting, general secretary of Kuki Inpi, Lamminlun Singsit said that the civil bodies have appreciated the immediate intervention of the state government in settling the issue and for stopping others form of agitation.

He said that during the meeting, the minister Biswajit assured for complete implementation of powers and functions of Kangpokpi DC and SP, especially the powers of District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) and district election officer by November 30 and appealed to withdraw the highways shutdown.

He further said that the civil bodies have also conveyed to the minister about the aspiration of the people of Kangpokpi to celebrate the first anniversary of getting district status, with complete powers and functions of DC and SP along with all necessary infrastructures and man powers, which will be organised widely on December 8.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 12

The Socialist Students’ Union of Manipur (SSUM) and Manipur Proletariat Peoples Democratic Union appealed to the government to amend the Article 3 of the Indian Constitution and give special provision to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state.

Addressing a press meet today at SSUM office at Keishampat, SSUM convenor, publicity and propaganda secretary, N. Tanoranjan charged that the present government has not taken up any action till today for the welfare of the general public.

Moreover the PDS items which are meant to be distributed to the public in cheap rate are not made available to most of the general public, he added.

Many civil bodies have taken up the certain decisions and action to safeguard the territorial integrity and to save the indigenous people of the state but the government has not taken up any initiative regarding the matter, charged the convenor.

Tanoranjan cautioned to take up severe forms of agitation if the government fails to take up certain action and measures to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state within November 15.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 12

United Peoples’ Front appealed to the government to give compensation to the farmers of the Thoubal district whose crop yielding capacity have allegedly decreased five times  after using the seeds supplied by the agriculture department. 

Speaking to media persons today at UPF office at Keishamthong, UPF Thoubal district committee, general secretary, W. Jiban said that UPF along with the farmers of the district agriculture officer, Thoubal have supplied high yielding varieties rice seeds (DRRH2) to the farmers of the district as requested by the farmers of the district.

But the outcome of the crops have reduced five times as compared to the outcome from the normal seeds used earlier, he claimed, adding three varieties of rice crops were grown in the field after using DRRH2 seeds.

Jiban said that such poor harvest has devastated the dreams of the farmers as their livelihood is heavily depended on it.

The general secretary appealed to the government to look into the matter urgently and take up necessaries action for the welfare of the farmers.

IMPHAL | Nov 12

The governor of Manipur, Najma Heptulla interacted with the team members of Assam Rifles tri nation motorcycle expedition today at Raj Bhavan, Imphal.

On the occasion, the governor appealed to the expedition team members to pen down their journey experiences to make a book, so that people of the country can get knowledge from it. She also appreciated and encouraged AR for initiating such expedition in memory of the great freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Sharing his experience, team member Col. PKS Gaur said that the main objective of the expedition is to foster connection between border guarding forces of the three countries, India, Myanmar and Bangladesh and pay homage to the fallen heroes of wars.

Moreover, it is to spread the message of peace and brotherhood and indulging with formal and informal activities including sports, social and cultural by covering a distance of approximately 2150 kms, he added.

He continued that there are 33 members including seven officers and 26 other ranks in the team and started its journey on October 20 and will complete on November 17 at Shillong. So far, it had covered Bangladesh and Myanmar borders and some parts of the northeast states of India for about 1600 Kms and will further ride to Nagaland and Assam from Manipur.

As part of the programme, students of Assam Rifles Public School, Keithelmanbi performed cultural shows.

IMPHAL | Nov 12

A condolence meeting over the demise of writer, Sanjenbam Bhanumati Devi was organised today by Sahitya Thoupang Lup at the office of the organisation.

The sudden demise of S. Bhanumati who shone as shining star amongst female Manipuri writers is something that can never be replaced, said a release. In the condolence meeting presided by advisor, Saratchand Thiyam, it was acknowledged that S. Bhanumati, who came after three female writers of Manipuri literature namely, Thoibi, Pramodini and Binodini, further took the lead in writing and inspired many other female writers to come forward, it said. Her contributions will never be forgotten, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 12

The state government is planning to dredge the river bed of the Imphal river by December as maintaining a clean river bed will be helpful in controlling water pollution as well as flood, said MAHUD minister, Th. Shyamkumar.

He was delivering the chief guest speech today during the closing ceremony of the 7-day campaign and observation of Swachh Bhart Mission (urban) 2016-2017 organised by Lilong Nagar Panchayat.

Th. Shyamkumar continued that the government will upgrade the market shed of Lilong Chajing and Andro as soon as possible. Cleanliness starts from one’s home and people should at the same time take the ownership of the state as their own home, he added.

The guest of honour of the function, consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister, Karam Shyam said that cleanliness will be maintained only when the public has a good civic sense.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has launched the Swachh Bhart Mission as cleanliness is one of the important things to prevent unwanted diseases and to make a healthy society.

He assured that the government will bring significant development in Langthabal Assembly constituency as well in the whole state within three years.

As a part of the function prizes were distributed to the winners of the essay and painting competition organised by the Lilong Nagar Panchayat in connection with the campaign and observation.

The function was also attended by Lilong Nagar Panchayat, vice-chairperson, S. Sanatomba as president and BJP Manipur state unit treasurer, Robin Blackie as guest of honour.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 12

Former chief minister, Okram Ibobi Singh has questioned the BJP Manipur on the purpose of the all-political-party meeting it convened and the formation of a consultative committee, when the latter is confident of the promise made by the Prime Minister that Manipur’s territorial integrity would not be compromised by the ‘Framework Agreement’ signed between the NSCN (IM) and the Centre on August 3, 2015.

Ibobi was speaking on the sidelines of a sit in protest demonstration organised at Thangmeiband Andalon Keithel, as part of an intensified campaign demanding to know the contents of the agreement.

The sit-in demonstration was organised by the Thangmeiband block Congress committee to mark the launch of its campaign to mount pressure on the government to disclose the contents of the agreement.

Ibobi disclosed that similar protest would be organised in all the 60 Assembly constituencies of the state besides meeting the Prime Minister, Union Home minister and relevant officials as a part of their campaign.

He clarified that the objective of the protest campaign was not a political vendetta but a voice of dissent against the failure of the NDA government to maintain transparency despite its tall claim.

The Congress party has no intention of gaining ‘Political Mileage’ by disturbing the tranquillity but the Centre’s adamant nature to keep the agreement’s contents concealed till date has made the Congress and the people wary, he said.

Ibobi revealed that he had witnessed several proposals like formation of Pan-Naga body, special autonomous district council etc, as options to the settlement of the Naga peace talks during his tenure as the chief minister.

Similarly, granting administrative, financial or cultural autonomy, on the pretext of averting disintegration of Manipur’s territorial integrity, would be a step towards Manipur’s worst nightmare, he opined.

Contending that granting the demand of a militant group would amount to encouraging insurgency, the former chief minister said it would give rise to more UGs and demands.

Creating a problem in order to solve another would not be a wise step, he suggested.

MPCC spokesperson, Kh. Joykishan, reiterated that the Congress party appreciates the serious initiative of the Centre government trying to bring a settlement to the decades old Naga movement.

However, the settlement should not be at the cost of Manipur’s integrity and any other Northeastern states, he said.

Joykishan, asked the NDA government to stop tormenting the sentiment of Manipur by coming out with a concrete assurance not to compromise Manipur’s integrity while finding a solution to Naga peace talks.

He maintained the Congress along with the people will fight tooth and nail to safeguard Manipur’s integrity.

Former Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Th. Lokeshwar, cautioned the BJP government to disclose the agreement’s content before things get out of hand.

The sit in protest was also attended by Patsoi MLA, AK. Mirabai, Wangkhem MLA, K. Meghachandra, Wangkhei MLA, Okram Henry Singh and congress workers of Thangmeiband block.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 12

The only living indigenous religion of tribal communities in the state is Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak of Rongmei community. The 18th house of worship in the state was today inaugurated at Ramji Kabui Khul, Imphal West.

MLA of Patsoi constituency, Ak. Mirabai Devi attended the function as chief guest. In her speech, she said that Manipur is like mini-India with diverse cultures. She appreciated the Rongmei community for upholding their forefather’s religion when many have forgotten and forsaken their identity.

She stressed on her belief that god is one and that religion is translated into peoples’ own conveniences. “The origin of all human beings is same. It is all God’s will that such differences are created, giving us the opportunity to learn how to live together”, she said.

She promised to construct a community hall for the Ramji community near the TRCP house of worship and also to renovate the road connectivity of the village as it also falls under her own constituency.

Giving the progress report of the indigenous religious group, general secretary of Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak Phuam (TRCP) Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, Chaoba Kamson said that this Ramji site is the 18th house of worship in the state and the 22nd in the three states.

The aim of constructing the temple is to preserve, protect and propagate the doctrines and teachings of Tingkao Ragwang.

He recalled that believers of TRC initially had no idea of worship place but started constructing when Jadonang during his short period constructed four temples at Puilon, Luangkao, Tajeikaiphun and Binnakandi.

Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak is an indigenous religion of Zeliangrong and is a constituent unit of United Religious Initiative (URI) which is a global organisation having its head office at San Francisco (USA).

The devotees of TRC believe in the concept of polytheism which means worship of many gods and goddesses. The followers believe that the teachings of Tingkao Ragwang purify mental, physical and spiritual life. The worshipping day of TRC is every full moon day and every Sunday in the morning.

The inaugural function saw many cultural contents of Rongmei community such as Ho-hoing, blessings by the headman of the village for the house of worship in traditional manner and so on.

The function was also attended by president of TRCP (AMN), Meisonglung Pamei, joint secretary of NE region ABVKA, Manoj Bhatt and member of MSCW, Ranjita Golmei as presidium members.