Day: November 14, 2017

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL| Nov 14

 National Library week celebration began today at the lecture hall of department of library science and information science, Manipur University (MU). The programme was organised by the said department.

Speaking as the chief guest in the inaugural function, vice chancellor of Manipur University, Prof. Adhya Prasad Pandey said, “Library is a right place where everyone can purify their thought and ideas. With the development of information technologies in the past few years, the mode of accessing library is shifting from conventional means to modern technology.”

Comparing library with the heart in a human body, he said we still need library as the habit of reading in library with physical text book is better than acquiring knowledge from e-books.

Prof. Th. Purnima, head of department of library and information sciences, MU, who also spoke on the occasion, pointed out the affirmative steps taken up by the librarian of MU. “Innumerable number of authentic as well as fraud information are exploring in websites. The librarian of this university is wholeheartedly engaging in filtration of authentic information”, she added.

Dr. Kirti Singh delivered a lecture on “American Presidential Library Past and Present”.

In the inaugural function, vice chancellor of MU, prof. Adhya Prasad Pandey, retired director Education (U), Padmashree awardee Dr. M. Kirti Singh, dean school of social sciences Prof. N. Lokendro Singh, head of department of library and information sciences MU, Th. Purnima attended as chief guest, special guest, guest of honour and president, respectively.

With the purpose of disseminating the importance of library, the weeklong celebration is going to be conducted in seven different places of Manipur. The program will conclude on November 20.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 14

CAF and PD minister Karam Shyam today said that the role of students is not merely to earn degrees but also to learn moral values, good manners and discipline from their teachers and environment and indulge in social and extra-curricular activities.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the 4th annual day cum Children’s day celebration at S.I. School, Canchipur.

Sinam Rezia, a class X student got ‘Student of the year’ award and Urikhimbam Chittaranjan Singh and Maibam Babita were awarded best teachers award for the academic year 2017.

Shyam appreciated the efforts of the teachers in private schools for producing brilliant students despite low salaries as compared to teachers of government schools.

The minister advised the students to take part in movements for the development of the society and the state. He said that student phase is the most crucial stage in one’s life, and that students should go by disciplines, obey their parents and teachers and also to show earnest interest in learning to succeed in life.

Secretary of school managing committee, Ch. Jotin Singh said that the school was instituted four years ago and have produced cent per cent pass percentage in the first two years and in the third year had 24 students in the top list.

He said that the whole administration of the school will be computerised in the next session and there will be two new subjects, art and craft, and music in the next session.

Talking about the annual event of S.I. Fest, he said this time Red house is the overall champion in competitions such as sports, literature and cultural.

The function was also attended by headmaster of Canchipur High School, N. Ibohal Singh and principal in-charge of the school, S. Chaoba attended the function as presidium members.

IMPHAL | Nov 14

The second meeting of memorandum drafting subcommittee of all political parties in connection with the Centre’s talk with NSCN (IM) was held today at the office of the deputy chief minister, Yumnam Joykumar Singh at Manipur Secretariat (North Block) in Imphal.

The meeting which was chaired by Y. Joykumar who is also the chairman of the subcommittee discussed thoroughly the draft proposals submitted by the members representing different political parties in the State. Various points mentioned in the proposals brought out by the members present were discussed and noted.

Chairman of the subcommittee expressed that the memorandum drafting process is in good progress and it will be finalised soon. The first meeting was held on November 2 at the official chamber of the deputy CM. The next meeting of the subcommittee will be held on November 17 at the same office.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 14

Socialist Students’ Union of Manipur and Manipur Proletariat Peoples’ Democratic Union will stage fast-to death protest if the government fails to take up necessary action to amend Article-3 of the Indian Constitution to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state by tomorrow. 

Addressing a press meet today at SSUM office at Keishampat, SSUM convenor, publicity and propaganda, N. Tanoranjan said that they had placed great expectations that the new BJP led government will take up action in the interest of the indigenous people of the state. But till today the government has not taken up any action in this regard, he lamented.

He said moreover some of the individuals are misusing the PDS items for their own benefits as a result many of the poor have to buy rice at higher price from the retailer. Such action of misusing PDS items is ruining the lives of the poor”, he added.

The convenor continued that the government not taking up any measures and initiatives to safeguard the indigenous people of the state is very unfortunate.

Stating that the indigenous people of the state are in a precarious condition, Tanoranjan asked the government to take up necessary steps to safeguard the indigenous people of the state. 

SSUM and MPPDU demanded to the government to punish all the individuals who are misusing the PDS items.

They appealed to all the public, civil bodies and student bodies of the state to support them in their protest to safeguard the territorial integrity and indigenous people of the state.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 14

Acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar said that it is the responsibility of every parents and citizen of the society to properly guide their children as children cannot decide what is right or wrong.

He was speaking as presidium member during the observation of children’s day today at the Observation Home, Takyelpat organised by Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA).

The acting chief justice said that in order to make a better society people need to give importance and care to children as they are the future of the society.

Stating that children have much potential to learn many things, however they may get influence by bad things, he said adding it is very much necessary to give good guidance to children. Kotiswar wishes the children good luck in making a bright future.

As a part of the observance children Observation Home and Blind School students performed cultural programme and gifts were presented to the children present in the function.

The function was attended by MASLSA member secretary, R.K. Memcha, district and session judge, Imphal West, M. Manojkumar, district and session judge, Imphal East, Gaiphuishillu Golmei and All Manipur Bar Association president, H. Chandrajit as presidium members.

IMPHAL | Nov 14

Najma Heptullah, governor of Manipur inaugurated a State level painting competition on Energy Conservation at Raj Bhawan today. The painting competition was jointly organised by ministry of power, government of India, NHPC Limited, government of Manipur and MSPDCL.

Addressing the audience at the prize distribution function later in the day, Heptullah expressed her admiration on the talents of children of Manipur. Exuding her excitement on today’s event, she expressed her desire to see more programmes for children at the Raj Bhawan.

While citing her wish to see children’s imagination being ignited, she wished to see   different theme-based events conducted each year where children could paint on themes like Swachh Bharat Mission or Tree Plantation, etc.

Drawing a comparison between an artist and a camera, she said that a camera cannot see and capture what an artist does. Expressing her observation on children as being innovative, she said that children are like plain papers where you can paint anything or that of a computer which can be fed with any information.

She congratulated the prize winners while consoling the rest by saying all the paintings she saw today were all good.

Also speaking on the occasion, the guest of honour of the ceremony, Th. Kiran Kumar, director of education (S) lauded the initiative of NHPC for boosting the participation by 60 percent over that of last year. He also echoed appreciation on the chief guest’s suggestion for more events for children from next year onwards.

Altogether one hundred participants took part in the competition in two categories for a coveted cash prize of Rs. 20000, Rs.15000 and Rs.10000 as the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes alongwith a certificate in each category.

In the first category out of the 50 participants from classes IV-VI, Doulas Lambamayum of St. George High School bagged the 1st prize while Martin Tongbram of Pitambara English High School and Y. Sameer Singh of Little Birds School were adjudged as the 2nd and 3rd prize winners respectively.

In the second category for classes VII-IX, Oinam Catherin of Maria Montessori Sr. Sec. School, Ningthoujam Narmada Devi of Heritage Convent School and Yumlembam Udoynanda Singh of Tiny Tots Unique School won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively. Ten participants in each category were also awarded with certificates and a cash prize of Rs.5000 each.

The prize distribution ceremony was also attended by P. Chitaranjan, chief engineer, NHPC Ltd, Rajesh Kumar, Nodal Officer NHPC, NHPC staff, competitors and their guardians.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 14

Social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen today on the occasion of children’s day celebration urged every parent to encourage their children for holistic education as they are the key to inclusive development of a society.  

“Children should be guided on the right track to become successful in the future and it can be only done by providing right education, care and peaceful environment to promote their growth and development”, she stated.

She was making this statement as the chief guest at the state level function of children’s day today organised by department of social welfare at GM hall.

The minister drew the attention of all to come forward for children’s rights, care and education so as to empower children to be innovators, scholars, researchers and torch bearers in the road to development.

Keeping the vision of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in mind, minister Nemcha urged everyone to join hands from this moment to work for the well-being of the children.

Social welfare minister assured that all possible assistance for the welfare and development of children’s community will be extended and that their rights will not be curtailed in any way.

Director of social welfare, Jacintha Lazarus and joint director of the department attended the function as presidium members.

Children and students who attended the programme were handed over gifts by the dignitaries.

The programme was enchanted by mime play by the students of Deaf and Mute School Takyel, group dance by children of Bal Bhavan, Imphal and students of Blind School, Takyel.

It may be noted children’s day is celebrated in commemoration of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday since 1965. The profound love for children is the big reason for celebrating this day.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 14

MPCC spokespersons Kh. Joykishan Singh, today urged the BJP and its coalition partner to take a decision in tomorrow’s cabinet meeting scheduled to be held in Tamenglong district, assuring Manipur’s aged old hill and valley ties will not to be allowed to be affected by the ‘Framework Agreement’ signed between the NSCN (IM) and the Centre. 

Speaking to media persons during a press meet held at Congress Bhawan, the MPCC spokesperson said Congress party would intensify its campaign demanding to know the contents of ‘Framework Agreement’, which has created a lot of confusion of late.

He informed that the campaign will be held at Mayang Imphal on November 15 and at Khundrakpam on the following day and at other districts thereof.

The people are wary of the threat the agreement is posing to the peaceful co-existence of hill and valley in the state, he said.

If the present government is sincerely committed about its ‘go to hills’ initiative, aimed at bridging the gap between hills and valley, it must end this confusion conclusively, said Kh. Joykishan.

Joykishan further said the state government should reassure the people by announcing its readiness to take full responsibility for any unwanted consequences arising out of the ongoing Naga-peace talks.

Contending that tomorrow’s Cabinet is a test for the BJP led government, he urged the people to ponder on the policies of the government.

The press conference was attended by Bishnupur MLA, Govindas Konthoujam, MLA Th. Lokeswar, MLA K. Meghachandra and other key members of the party.

IMPHAL | Nov 14

State paid last respect to the two Assam Rifles jawans who were killed in a bomb blast at Chandel district headquarters yesterday Chief Minister, N. Biren led the people in laying wreath on the mortal remains of the two jawans of 18 AR at Imphal international airport today.  

Talking to the media on the sidelines of the ceremony, Biren termed the incident as unfortunate.

He said it is a cowardly act to kill jawans who are here to serve the people and condemned it in the strongest term.

Government will not tolerate such acts and appropriate action will be initiated against those who are responsible for the killing and no one will be spared, he said. Soon after the blast additional forces including police commandos rushed to the area and large scale combing operations has already begun and if required, reinforcement will also be sent, he informed.

1. Biren continued that he has already spoken to the ministry of home affairs and appropriate action will be taken in this regard.

Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Ksh. Bhavananda Singh, director general of police, L. M. Khaute, deputy commissioner of Chandel district, inspector general Assam Rifles (South) Major General Virendra Singh and other top paramilitary officials also laid wreaths to the mortal remains of the two Assam Rifles jawans namely, Sohan Lal and Inder Singh. The two bodies will be sent to their respective native States for the last rites later today.

It may be mentioned that, besides killing two jawans, six others were injured in the blast suspected to be triggered by militants near Chandel district headquarters yesterday morning at around 6 am. One jawan killed on the spot while the other succumbed to his injuries on the way to hospital.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Nov 14

Around 72 bird traps seized by the Kakching range from different wetlands such as Loushipat, Kharungpat, Khoidumpat, Pumlenpat and Moirangkom pat were burnt today at Kakching Lamkhai on the side of National Highways, 102 in front of Kakching Range office in presence of the media fraternity. 

Starting the wildlife conservation drive, a search operation under the guidance of range forest officer, Kakching district, N. Munal Meitei, forest beat officer, Waikhong, N. Brojen Singh, honorary wildlife warden, Thoubal W. Ramchandra Singh, wildlife warden, Kakching districting, M. Opendro Singh, deputy ranger, M. Biran Singh and N. Mangi Singh F.G. took part in the drive.

During the drive, four bird traps were recovered from Komnao village which is very important place for migratory birds at conjuncture of the Khoidum Pat and Pumlen Pat. Taking advantage of the darkness due to fogginess, the offenders were escaped. The members of Youth Organization, Komnao expressed keen enthusiasm to help the forest department to save the wildlife and migratory birds in future.

While checking the Moirangkom Pat later at the Western of Kakching Khunou village, 3 bird traps were again detected and removed without the offenders.

Again from Langmeidong Makha Pat, one trap was also recovered and removed.

Later altogether around 72 bird traps including the ones which were seized last year were burnt at the side of N.H.102 in front of the Kakching Range office. Media fraternity were present during the disposal.

The range forest officer, N. Munal Meitei said that departmental drives to protect the wildlife including the migratory birds will be started in the Kakching district from today onwards in a strict manner.

He appealed to the general public not to kill wildlife by trapping or poisoning. Further, he said that the office will start checking the transportation of birds etc. in market areas including the buses where the trappers make the women fish sellers carry the killed birds in their fish boxes.

The Kakching range office will start checking the hotels as they are suspicious of selling the cooked, fried birds and wildlife products.

The range officer further appealed not to burn hay stalks or start wild fires since they cause harm to our environment and ecology. If all the hay stalks of this district are burnt, then the pollution level of Manipur will be much higher than present Delhi, he said.