Day: November 15, 2017

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 15

Former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh today came out to join the chorus of charges in the present times that whatever the BJP government is claiming to be their achievements are all works that the Congress government initiated.

“The BJP government is merely continuing with what the Congress government began, but are making loud noises now that it was they who conceived of, and pushed for initiatives for the development of the economy of the country”, he said.

It may be recalled that another central Congress leader, Shashi Tharoor, had mockingly pointed out that most of the development initiatives claimed by the new BJP government are actually schemes designed by the Congress government, but given a new name.

He said that BJP has come to power only very recently, even the Central government has only 3-4 years of governance behind it, and that all their achievements are made easy because of the painstaking foundations laid by the Congress government for decades beginning from Jawaharlal Nehru time.

He challenged both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state Chief Minister N. Biren, to not only take credits for the development work, but also to work for peace and harmony of all people and not to fragments the country and the state for their political gains.

Ibobi was speaking at the sit-in-protest today held at Mayang Imphal demanding the BJP government to disclose the contents of the Framework Agreement that was signed between NSCN-IM and BJP government in August 3, 2015.

The sit-in-protest was organised by Mayang Imphal Block Congress Committee and was attended by big names of state Congress party including MPCC president T.N. Haokip and former deputy chief minister Gaikhangam and MLA of Khundrakpam constituency Thokchom Lokeshwor Singh

He urged the government to disclose the contents of the Framework Agreement to all public so as to allay fear, curiousness and confusion among them.

The former chief minister also said that the BJP government have been talking about transparency in governance all along. He urged the BJP government to show transparency by disclosing the Framework Agreement.

He also said that “he respect the brotherhood with Nagaland, but asserted that peace and harmony of the state should not be disturbed by demands of their ‘Greater Nagaland’ and disintegrate this small state.” The indigenous people of the state and the territorial integrity of the state should always be preserved by the government, he added.

The boundaries of all North-eastern states were set after independence, but for places like Manipur and Assam the histories of their boundaries go back much longer, he said.

He urged the Biren led BJP government in the state and Modi led BJP government in the Centre to understand this and not to affect the territorial integrity of the state.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Nov 15

The chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh overwhelmed the public during his visit at Tamenglong district. A large crowd gathered at the Mini Stadium waiting for him under the hot sun.

The chief minister assured gathering that Tamenglong-Khongsang road will be blacktopped by February 2018. He said that he was not happy at the present work progress. However, temporary restoration works of Tamenglong- Khongsang road has been improved after state assembly election and it has been given to NHIDCL with high hopes of speeding up the works, he added.

Numerous of memorandums were passed on to the chief minister, while he appealed all the government officials who are posted in Tamenglong to station at respective work place without fail.

‘If there is no place to stay, stay in rented house. The state government will pay back your rent’, said N. Biren.

He also assured that the state government will soon launch free treatment and financial aid of upto Rs. 2 lakhs will be provided to the BPL family. Another scheme for disabled person and widow scheme will also be launched very soon, he added.

The CM inaugurated the new building of 50 bedded District Hospital, in the presence of cabinet ministers and other dignitaries at Duigailong village. He also visited the patients.

The hospital has been constructed with a budget of Rs. 21 crores by DRDA Tamenglong under NLCPR fund. Construction works was begun in 2009 and completed in 2017. The hospital has already been occupied and atleast 54 patients have been operated successfully few days ago.

Later, the CM and cabinet ministers laid the foundation stone for construction of Transit Hostel for doctors, nurses and teachers. The estimated cost for construction of Transit Hostel is Rs. 10 crores and construction works will be done by Manipur Housing Corporation.

Foundation stone was also laid by the CM for construction of Rani Gaidinliu’s market with a budget of Rs. 10 crores and works will executed by Police Housing Corporation.

Moreover, the CM laid the foundation stone for Water Supply Scheme and 5000 metric tonne FCI Godown at Mini stadium, where the public meeting was held today.

The CM also stated that construction of FCI Godown will be executed by CPWD with total estimated budget of Rs. 27 crores while water supply scheme of Rs. 39 crores.

Biren Singh also said that development package for Tamenglong of Rs. 50 crores has already been sanctioned. He further announced another Rs. 325 crores for Tamenglong and Noney district including Khoupum block, Tamai, Nungba and Tousem for road and connectivity, water supply, electricity and others.

Meanwhile, the Zeliangrong Baudi in press statement appreciated the chief minister and cabinet ministers for visiting Tamenglong district despite of deplorable condition of the road.

The statement signed by chairman of Zeliangrong Baudi Tamenglong zone, Agipou Pamei said that the meeting was supposed to be held at Mini secretariat but due to incomplete construction of the building, it was held at DC Bungalow and the Zeliangrong Baudi has deeply regretted for it.

He further mentioned that PWD minister, Biswajeet had assured that the mini secretariat will be completed by 2018 and the general public is eagerly waiting for it.

IMPHAL | Nov 15

Narcotics and Affairs of Borders police arrested drug sellers from Kiyamgei Imphal East district, along with 820 numbers of Spasmo Proxyvon on November 14, said release by PRO Police

The arrested persons were identified as Md.Mustakim (23), son of Allaudin, Lilong Turel Ahanbi, Thoubal district and Md. Imtiyas (21), son of Md.Ibungo, Wangoi, Imphal West district.

On the same day, another team of Narcotics and Affairs of Borders police arrested Md.Abir khan (22), son of Md.Abdul Gaffar, Irom Chesaba Bazar, Mantripukhri, from North AOC Imphal, along with 1 gram of Heroin powder, 26 numbers of Spasmo Proxyvon capsule worth about Rs.2260 in the local market and other incriminating articles, said the release.

It further said that in a special drive conducted today by a team of Narcotics and Affairs of Borders police, along with the volunteers of Awang Chaokhong Development Club, North AOC Imphal, drug seller Md. Hafi alias Akash (27), son of Md.Jabar of Komlakhong Mayai Leikai was arrested. 18 small paper packages containing Heroin powder weighing 500 gram, worth about Rs.2000 was seized from his possession, it added.

In all the arrests, cases have been registered at Narcotics and Affairs of Borders Police Station, said the release.

Moreover, Cyber Crime police arrested and registered a case against one Ningthoujam Amitkumar Singh alias Danao (23), son of (L) N. Shamabi singh of Arong Nongmaikhong Makha Leikai, Kakching district, on November 13. The said person has been arrested for sexually harassing several women through social networking media, it added.

IMPHAL | Nov 15

The proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front said a combined team of PLA’s 252 Mobile battalion and MNPF soldiers launched an attack today against 4 AR jawans who had been residing at Sajik Tampak. 

While fighting against a large number of army jawans, who came advancing from the three sides, the brave friend, sergeant Loko alias Themreiyo Ningsheng gave his life in the battlefield while brave friend, private Pheiroijamba alias Thokchom Ningthem was caught by the hands of the enemy, said a joint release signed by assistant secretary, publicity, RPF, Bangkim and assistant publicity secretary, MNPF, Thomas Numai.   

RPF and its military wing PLA bows their head in utmost reverence for the relentless battle that was undertaken against the enemy for the sake of delivering independence to the motherland, it said.

The bravery they have shown today ignited a new strength to the ongoing revolutionary movement, it continued.  

Ever since the army started settling at Sajik Tampak in 2004 as a part of their colonial expansion, they have been giving disturbance to the peaceful lives of the people who had been residing there, it said. The army had become a hindrance to the people who struggle to earn their daily bread and involved in terrorism by instilling fear upon innocent civilians of the state, the release alleged.   

Amongst the potentially harmful incidents the soldiers of PLA and MNPF witnessed while conducting operations at the surrounding areas of Sajik Tampak, it was discovered that the opium has been planted in a massive scale under army’s protection; the release alleged adding the Army is waging an opium war in the region.     

Such activities are being ignored by the puppet government, it said. This is a typical behaviour of a puppet government under a colonial rule, it continued. Unless the people become united and fight against the imposed military warfare, drugs warfare and the war undertaken to destroy the culture and traditions of the society, the Manipuri society will become completely obliterated, it added.    

A united force of PLA and other like-minded organisations are undergoing the war of independence relentlessly and will continue to do so, it said. Regarding this, it is requested to the public that support be given by considering it as a responsibility of the people who had been oppressed, it continued. Lastly, the War Office of PLA and MNPF commend the soldiers who were in the battlefield today and those who helped in the mission, it added.

IMPHAL | Nov 15

Atleast three personnel of the 5th Manipur Rifles were killed when the vehicle carrying them plunged into a gorge along Imphal-Tamenglong road near Keikou, Tamenglong district.

According to reports the incident occurred around 5.30 pm in between Keikou part one and two which is about 30 km from Tamenglong district headquarter.

The ill fated vehicle, an escort team of BJP vice president, Adim Pamei, was returning from Tamenglong after attending CM’s visit in the district.

It is learnt that of the six occupants three have been confirmed dead due to the crash and severely injuring the others.

The deceased have been identified as one Havildar Somorjit, riflemen Dominic and riflemen Kh. Bungo Singh.

A medical team along with police reportedly rushed to the accident site till the time of filing this report.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 15

A militant suspect and an AR jawan were killed in an encounter early morning today in Chandel district.

According to report the incident took place around 5.20 am in between Sajik Tampak and Chamol village under Chakpikarong police station.

The report further said troops of 4 AR launched multiple counter insurgency operations to flush out militants from the area following information regarding presence of heavily armed attempting to plant IEDs and ambush security forces.

In the process, a column of the AR reportedly came under attack from the militants following which the AR team retaliated.

Heavy exchanged of fire ensued between the militant and the AR for hours resulting in the death of a militant and an AR jawan, said the report.

 Two AR personnel also reportedly sustained injuries, the report adds.

It has been informed that one AK rifle and three unexploded IEDs have been recovered by the AR troops.

Even as the identity of the slain militant is yet to be established, the AR jawan has been identified Jai Prakash Oran of Raghunathpur village, Ranchi district, Jharkhand.

A statement issued by the office of the PRO Assam Rifles, the AR jawan was survived by his wife and one daughter.

It said his (deceased) valiant efforts and sacrifice in the service of nation will not go in vain.

Prakash was part of the operation column of 4 AR launched on specific information about presence of some armed insurgents in the area when his party came under fire from militants hiding in the bushes at around 5.20, it said.

“In this incident, the jawan got martyred and another jawan suffered minor injuries. Rifleman Jai Prakash Oran displayed tremendous courage and without concern for his personal safety engaged the enemy and played a crucial role in foiling the enemy sabotage action”, asserted the released.

IMPHAL | Nov 15

President Ram Nath Kovind will visit Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur from November 19 to November 22.

A release said Kovind will inaugurate the northeast development summit in Imphal on November 21 at 2 pm. He will also inaugurate Manipur Sangai festival at 4:30 pm in the city on the same day, it said adding the President will visit INA war memorial in Moirang on November 22.

Before his visit to Manipur, Kovind will address the valedictory function upon completion of 40 years of Vivekananda Kendra in Itanagar on November 19, it said. Later in the day, he will later attend the dedication of the new state legislative assembly to the people of Arunachal Pradesh, it continued.

Kovind will spend November 20 in Assam, attending the closing ceremony of Namamim Barak Festival in Silchar at 2 pm and a civic reception at Guwahati University at 5:30 pm, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 15

All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen’s Union Manipur (ALLAFUM), secretary, O. Rajen claimed that Loktak Lake Protection (LLP) Act 2006 is more draconian than Armed Forces Special Power Act 1958.

He was delivering the keynote address of the observation of the 6th Commemoration Loktak Lake Arson Day and public meeting today at Thanga Chinglak Thongkhong Community Hall, organised by ALLAFUM.

The secretary said that the act which lead to the burning down of phumhut homes of innocent fishermen, destruction of fishing equipment and personal belongings including students’ books, uniforms etc, clearly shows that the Act is legally an “anti-social act”.

On the other hand the Loktak Development Authority in the name of safeguarding the fresh water lake has been illegal pocketing money in terms of crores, he charged.

Rajen continued that the LDA banning the public from using any single resource like water, fishing etc by implementing LLP Act is an evil act to wipe out the people who are earning their livelihood from the lake.

“ALLAFUM strongly condemns irresponsible acts of treating the people residing around the lake like animals by the government which has sworn to work for the welfare of the people and in public interest,” said the secretary.

The ALLAFUM and the people residing around Loktak Lake resolved to work together at its best level for the repeal of the LLP Act 2006 and Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 from Loktak Lake.

A 2-minutes silence was observed as part of the observance and “Loktak Protection Act, Muthatkadabane” slogans were shouted.

The public meeting was also attended by AMKIL coordinator, Khagembam Anandi, NIPCO president, O. Premjit, ANULB president, Lourembam Pramo, CORE president, Roy Leipungbam, COHR chairman, Phullendro Konsam, Apunba Lup president, Joy Chingakham, Wade Na Toro Abhiyan convenor, Annie Namala, member, Mashi Singh and Human Rights Alert director, Babloo Loitongbam as presidium members.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 15

Alleging negligence the reason behind the collapsed of a bailey bridge at Nung Dolan along National Highway 37 on Monday, Transporters and Drivers Council (TDC) has demanded the state government to conduct an inquiry to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident.

The TDC also demanded compensation for the ill fated truck that felt under the bridge following the collapsed of the bridge.

Speaking to media persons in this regards, H. Ranjit president TDC, said the bailey falls under the jurisdiction of the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), who gave away the contract for constructing the bridge to private company.

Pointing out that the bridge was constructed in year 2012, he contended that the tragedy could have been averted had the authority concerned does the maintenance work regularly.

Alleging negligence the main reason behind the bridge collapsed, the TDC president appealed to the government to constitute a probe into the incident and take action against the concerned authority.

He maintained that the NHIDCL and Government of India should be held responsible for the lost inflicted to the truck.

The president clarified that the collapsed of the bridge was not the fault of the transporter as alleged by some section.

According to him, as per directive of the High Court of Manipur, the Highway Administration, Guwahati, load restriction was put over three bridges namely Irang, Barak an Makru, but not on the ill fated bridge.

He further contended that the 24 MT limit (including weigh of the vehicles) put on bridges along the Barak was in contradiction to the CMV guidelines which says 40 MT.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 15

Despite having abundance natural resources and known for rich biodiversity, North Easterner are not utilizing it properly said Dr. K. R. Dhiman, vice chancellor of Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh in One Day National Workshop cum Brainstorming session on Jhum Improvement for Sustaining Farm Livelihood and Natural Resource Conservation: Vistas and Frontier held at Hotel Classic Grande.

Speaking as chief guest in inaugural function, vice chancellor of Central Agricultural University Prof. M. Premjit Singh said, “Discussion on Jhum cultivation started from the past 40 years. Many recommendations have been put forward by many experts; several schemes were launched by state and Central government for the prevention of Jhum cultivation in NE states. However the farmers have always failed to accept it.”

He pointed out the main reason for not being able to comply with the preventive measures is, “this system of cultivation binds with socio-economic status and traditional practice of the farmers. Rice, which is the staple food for the entire North East, is the main crop cultivated in jhum farming. Because of these reasons the farmers are not ready to give up this practice.”

He suggested that if the policy makers give them rice in subsidised rate they may follow the preventive measures.

The programme was organised by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya. The other dignitaries attended in the function are former assistant director general, ICAR, New Delhi and Member of International Commission on Water Quality Dr. U. C. Sharma, principal scientist, NRM Division, ICAR, New Delhi and former director, ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi Dr. S. K. Dhyani, director ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Meghalaya Dr. Narendra Prakash, director Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) (Zone IV), Guwahati Dr. A. K. Tripathi and director ATARI(Zone VII), Meghalaya Dr. B. C. Deka.

Joint directors from all the NEH regions ICAR gave presentation on the status report of Jhum Cultivation of their respective states and followed by discussion and brainstorming session.

IMPHAL | Nov 15

Manipur celebrated its day at the 37th India International Trade Fair, 2017 at the Hamsadhwani Theatre, Pragati Maidan in the national capital today.

The Manipur Day observation was attended by minister of Textiles, Commerce and Industries, government of Manipur, Thongam Biswajit Singh as chief guest and principal secretary, P. Vaiphei as president.

Inaugurating the event, minister, Biswajit said Manipur had been making tremendous efforts to come up to the need for ensuring inclusive growth of its people and to become an attractive destination for others. He said some progress has been made but most importantly, a good beginning has been set by now.

Through concerted and coordinated efforts of the state government with the constant support of the people, the state has become a peaceful state after the formation of the new government led by BJP, said Biswajit.

Manipur is a rich organic belt for agro and horticulture products, Biswajit observed adding further that it offers huge opportunities for investment which is mostly untapped so far.

Further promoting the agro and horticulture products of the state, he said pineapples, lemons, oranges, passion fruits, etc of the state are renowned for their high juice contents and sweet tastes as much as the u-morok and other spices like ginger, turmeric and other spices are preferred for their strength and colours.

He continued Manipur today is at the threshold of opening up to a huge horizon, the railways are coming to Imphal by 2019 and with the Trans-Asian Highway expected to connect the state to the South East Asian countries, Manipur will be India’s gateway to South East Asia.

The huge opportunities these openings will throw up will be tremendous and the government is hoping to make the best of it with the active involvement of the people under the inclusive leadership of the state and central governments, he continued.

He also mentioned that Manipur is at the top which is validated in every national games. In 1999, when Manipur hosted the national games, the state was overall champion, he added.

Especially, the girls of Manipur are good in sports and few names can be mentioned like MC Mary Kom, Sarita Chanu, Chanchan, he continued.

Minister Biswajit also said with adequate opportunities, incentives and infrastructures in the state, and the sportspersons of the state will do even better in many more events.

Observing that another area of the state’s strength is its rich culture, he explained that different aspects of Manipur performing arts, Manipuri cinema and theatre are well received not only within the country, but also in international platforms.

He also spoke on the handloom and handicrafts of the state and said that the state’s handlooms and handicrafts are popular among the discerning consumers.

IMPHAL | Nov 15

The construction works for the state’s first ever floating stage is in full swing to attract the visitors at Sendra area of Loktak Lake during the upcoming Manipur Sangai festival 2017.

The 10 day festival which is scheduled to begin from November 21 at Hafta Kangjeibung in Imphal but many cultural shows are expected to be performed over the floating stage during the curtain raiser opening of the festival prior to the main opening show.

The floating stage measuring an areas of about 9600 square foot (120 x 80ft) is being developed by 15 workers including 10 carpenters using 1220 plastic barrels and 3200 kbs of well furnished (wood) ‘upbaks’ since the past 30 days with a target to complete on November 16 to 17,according workers.

So far around 800 kilograms of iron-nails besides other construction materials were used in building up the floating stage under the guidance of chief carpenters Kumam Natum and Laishram Suresh and its main designer Priyojit with financial support from the Manipur Infrastructure Development Authority.