Day: November 18, 2017

IMPHAL | Nov 18

Th. Shyamkumar, minister of Forests and Environment, MAHUD, Town Planning and Horticulture & Soil Conservation today said the government led by chief minister N. Biren Singh is committed to safeguard and protect the territorial integrity of Manipur at any cost.

He was speaking during a press conference at the New Secretariat office which was attended by minister Thokchom Radheshyam, K. Leishiyo, parliamentary secretary (PHED/P&S/Horticulture & Soil Conservation) and Kongkham Robindro Singh, parliamentary secretary (Education, Youth Affairs and Sports). 

Advising the Opposition parties to play a constructive role for the welfare of the State, minister Th. Shyamkumar said the intention of the Opposition parties for bringing up the Naga ‘Framework Agreement’ and the alliance with the Naga People’s Front (NPF) party is questionable.

He also reminded that Naga ‘Framework Agreement’ signed between the Centre and the NSCN (IM) was during the tenure of the previous State government.

The minister said constructive participation of the all political parties is important on any State issue and welcomed all the political parties for discussions and suggestions to the State government.

Stating that the NPF is an alliance partner in the government led by N. Biren Singh, minister Th. Shyamkumar said the State government is committed to bring equal development in the hills and the valley.

The minister also said the State’s financial condition is on a path of recovery and the government has started receiving funds from the Centre after sending utilization certificates to concerned ministries.

Speaking on the yet to be completed market complex at the Tombisana Higher Secondary School, the minister said the remaining construction work will be completed, as soon as the State government receives the fund from the concerned ministry. He also said details of the various programmes/schemes/projects undertaken by the new government can be availed through RTI.

Education minister Th. Radheshyam appealed to the opposition parties to play a constructive role and said all political parties must work collectively for the welfare of the people.

He said the leaders at the Centre have repeatedly reaffirmed that the territorial integrity of the Manipur will not be compromised. In the interest of the State, the Opposition parties should refrain from creating mistrust and unnecessary tension among the public, he added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 18

Antibiotics sale in the state is one of the highest in the country and need to take control of the situation, said director of health services, Dr. K. Rajo during ‘World Antibiotic Awareness Week’ observation function held at Indian Medical Association, Lamphelpat here today.

The observation was organised by Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) under National Health Mission.

Rajo continued that one should leave the harmful habit of relying entirely on antibiotics. He said that once started with antibiotic dose, the dose should be completed even if one feels better with just one tablet.

He also advised not to take any antibiotics without prescription from health professionals. He added that even if antibiotics are taken following doctors’ advice one should be aware of the side effects.

Health minister L. Jayantakumar today delivering the chief guest’s speech said that it is high time for the state to give awareness of knowledge on adequate use of antibiotics to the public.

He gave the statement as the chief guest at the “World Antibiotic Awareness Week” observation function at Indian Medical Association, Lamphelpat. It was organised by Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) under National Health Mission.

Jayantakumar said that he was disappointed as there is no drug inspector in the state. He said that people should not buy and consume drugs without the prescription issued by health professionals.

He also reminded the responsibilities of health professionals in serving people that they should do their duty well even in prescribing medicines to patients.

Deputy director of health, Dr. L. Somorendro also said that the irrational use of antibiotics has affected the resistance pattern and is becoming a global problem. Giving awareness about antibiotics to public, health professionals for giving correct and needed prescriptions and policy makers to check the use of antibiotics are the need of time, he added.

Regional director of ministry of health and family welfare, Dr. L. Ashananda Singh and HOD of Community Medicine, RIMS, professor Akoijam Brogen Singh attended the function as presidium members.

IMPHAL | Nov 18

Yambem Laba has been elected as a member of the governing Council of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation in the elections that followed the 53rd Annual General Body Meeting of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation in New Delhi today.

Speaking to this reporter, Laba said, “I am glad that I will now be part of the decision making body of the apex body that controls mountaineering and adventure activities in India”.

He further said that it has been a long march beginning from 1971 as a member of the adventure club at his old school, North Point, Darjeeling to his association with the Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association (MMTA) from 1983 to his becoming an individual member of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation in, 2000.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 18

Recalling the movement taken up by the civil voluntary organisations on the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System in Manipur from the past 20 years, ‘The 2nd Decade Celebration of ILP Movement in Manipur (Kangleipak)’ was observed at press club today.

In a keynote address, general secretary of International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) Khuraijam Athouba recalled the movement and steps taken up by civil voluntary organisation right from 1989 till today for the protection of indigenous people of Manipur.

He said, “The first organisation that formed for the protection of indigenous people was Poramlan Apunba in 1989 and demanded implementation of ILPS which is yet to be achieved till today.”

From November 18, 1997 onwards, IPSA and several other allied organisations played a crucial role and intensified the movement as there was a sudden demographic imbalance in the state, he added.

He further pointed out the expansion of organisation stating, “After due course of time a civil voluntary organisation was formed that only include IPSA and allied organisations of IPSA called Inner Line Permit Demand Committee in July 2, 2006. The office bearers appointed was Sapamcha Jadumani, Yumnamcha Dilipkumar as joint convenor and Heikujamcha Ibotom Singh as consultant.”

The committee had organised many public awareness cum meeting in various districts. They had demanded to enact and implement Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873 in Manipur which was implemented in neighbouring states like Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.

The movement was continued by FRIENDS for six years all alone but the government did not give any concrete solution. Finally with some positive aspect, several other civil organisations collaborated and formed Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) on July 4, 2012.

 “In July 13, 2012 the Manipur Legislative Assembly unanimously resolves to urge the government of India to extend the provision of the Bengal Eastern Frontiers Regulation, 1873 for extension of Inner Line Regulation of the state of Manipur or to enact a suitable law under clause (5) of the constitution of India,” he said.

But unfortunately the Centre turned down the resolution with negative response. Till then the government of Manipur has not taken up any affirmative steps, he concluded.

Speaking as a chairman of celebration committee H. Ibotombi said that if we continue the movement involving all the people from hill and valley, the government may pay heed our demand someday.

The programme was jointly organised by IPSA, All Club Association and Meira Paibi Lup (ACOAMLUP), Indigenous People’s Association of Kangleipak (IPAK), Kanglei Ima Lup (KIL), Chanura Lamchinglen Kangleipak (CLK), Kangleipak Lamjing Apunba Meiralup (Kanglamei) and PANDM.

IMPHAL | Nov 18

Manipur has become the first State in the country to introduce DBT system in the transfer of funds to beneficiaries regarding sericulture schemes.

The DBT launching function cum inauguration of a training programme was held with chief minister N. Biren as the chief guest at sericulture complex, Sangaipat, Imphal East today.

With this, Rs. 3, 07, 84,000 was directly transferred to the bank accounts of 520 beneficiaries of Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Thoubal districts, who have planted 3500 to 4000 mulberry plants at their plots.

Under this project, every beneficiary received Rs. 59,200 each as first instalment.

The function also marked the inauguration of a one-month training programme of these beneficiaries.

Speaking at the occasion, N. Biren said that DBT is one of the most effective tools of warding off space for corruption.

With the introduction of this new system, beneficiaries have now started receiving their entitled benefits in their bank accounts directly and instantaneously without any hassle, he added.

With such innovative systems, India is marching forward towards progress, and it is a matter of delight that Manipur has also joined this positive change, N. Biren said.

The chief minister said that Manipur Sericulture Project Phase-II is being implemented in four valley districts. The project having a target to provide employment to 8000 beneficiaries has a fund outlay of Rs 149.76 crore, he said while adding that the project was introduced in 2015.

Sericulture department is also implementing Integrated Sericulture Project for Mulberry and Eri in the hill districts. The project which began in 2016 has a target to provide employment to 700 beneficiaries.

The chief minister expressed hope that a sericulture project for Ukhrul district having a fund outlay of Rs. 30.08 crore is likely to get approval from the Central government soon.

Reiterating his government’s commitment, N. Biren said that the government would never indulge in any form of favouritism and nepotism in the posting and promotion of employees, and at the same time visible positive and progressive outputs are also expected from them as well.

Maintaining that the new government’s ‘Go to the Hills’ campaign is a determined mission to bring unity, peace and progress in the State, the chief minister urged the public to support the initiative instead of giving unwanted remarks.

He reiterated that the State government had already spelt out what it is aspiring to accomplish within a stipulated time in written.

Tamei AC MLA Awangbou Newmai attended the function as the president while Yaiskul AC MLA Th. Satyabrata, Imphal East Adhyaksha P Bimola, principal secretary (Sericulture) PK Singh and director of Central Tasar and Research and Training Institute, Ranchi, Dr. AK Sinha attended the occasion as guests of honour.

From A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 18

Governor Najma Heptulla said she has convinced the union government to allocate funds for a flying dispensary which will use a helicopter to provide medical services to remote and hill areas of Manipur.

The governor was speaking today as the chief guest at the second anniversary celebration of the first open heart surgery in Manipur, by Sky hospital and research centre in Imphal. She added that the union civil aviation ministry on her recommendation is deliberating five new airports in the state.

Getting funding for the flying dispensary is her first victory for the people of Manipur, the governor said, adding that her next goal is to make Manipur a tourist attraction. She will have a village or part of Imphal painted so beautifully that it will look like Italy or Spain, Heptulla revealed.

Heptulla said she visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi on her third day as governor and asked for a flying doctor service such as one she had seen in Australia. “I told the Prime Minister that we have military and paramilitary helipads all across the state which could be used for providing medical services,” she said.

Heptulla also requested the Prime Minister to improve connectivity to Manipur by introducing direct flights to and from major cities at least three times a week. “We lose one and a half hours because of connecting flights from Guwahati,” she said.

She lauded Sky hospital chairman and chief cardiologist Dr L. Shyamkishore, who presided over the ceremony, for leaving behind his kids and a flourishing practice in London and returning to Manipur to open a heart care facility. “I wish all Indians, wherever they are, follow his example and come back to contribute in building our nation,” she said.

The governor also said that she too had once wanted to be a doctor, but was below the age limit when she passed high school. Upon the advice of her grand uncle and India’s first education minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, she took up research instead. Her doctoral thesis was on the development of conducting tissues in the hearts of birds, Heptullah said.

The governor called the staff at Sky hospital its most valuable reason for success. The hospital has performed 56 open heart surgeries since the first such operation in 2015 on Grace, a young girl from Tamenglong who had a hole in her heart. Grace and her family were also present at the function and thanked the doctors for saving her life.

Health and family welfare minister L. Jayantakumar Singh, guest of honour at the ceremony, said government and private hospitals have to work collectively to ensure delivery of medical services to all the people of the state.

Children who had undergone successful open heart surgeries at the hospital cut a cake celebrating their new lives with the governor and the minister.  Chairman of BLK multi-specialty hospital Dr Ajay Kaul and wife of chief minister Hiyainu Devi also attended the event.

IMPHAL | Nov 18

Chief minister N. Biren presented Thiyam Leirikmacha International award to cultural and language activist from Bangladesh, Thokchom Anil Kishan Singh. The award presentation ceremony was held at the Cabinet hall.

President of Bangladesh Manipuri Sahitya Sangsad, AK Sheram also attended the occasion. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 along with a citation and a shawl. Thokchom Anil Kishan Singh is the fourth recipient of the award instituted by Sahitya Thoupang Lup.

Speaking at the occasion, the Biren said that the State government would never compromise on culture, language and identity of Manipur.

It is a matter of pride that Manipuri diasporas are protecting Manipuri culture, language and identity in different parts of the globe despite facing different challenges, he added.

He said that the present government is planning to construct a guest house for Manipuri diasporas so that they may have a comfortable stay during their visits to the State.

Stressing the importance of literature in identifying a community to the world, he said that the State government would also consider the proposal for setting up a ‘Sahitya Bhavan’ in the State.

Stating that a team of delegates from Bangladesh is likely to visit the State during Manipur Sangai festival, Biren said that he would discuss the issues pertaining to Manipuris residing in the neighbouring country with them.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 18

Normal life was affected in Imphal area today due to the indefinite cease work strike which started from today’s 5am called by the Maoist Communist Party, Manipur as part of the agitation to save the indigenous people of the state.

Business establishment, educational institutes, petrol pumps, markets and most of the shops remained closed. However hospitals, medical stores remained opened and a few vegetable vendors at Khwairamband Keitel were also seen waiting for buyers.

Only a few private vehicles were seen running on the street. The intra state bus services were totally paralysed by the strike. Later in the afternoon a few passenger auto rickshaw were seen on the streets and the number of private vehicle gradually increased. As petrol pumps were closed black market retailers were also seen on the roadside.

Meanwhile the MCP has relaxed the ongoing cease work agitations from 6 am to 6 pm tomorrow, responding to the proposal made by the public to hold a meeting which will decide the resolutions of the people regarding the movement.   

A release said the party finds the progress made today fulfilling. It shows that the people are united as one to give their full support to the cause, it said.

At this stage, the party warmly welcomes the proposal brought up to hold a meeting that will decide what the people want on the matter, it continued. The party will fully support the resolutions taken up by the public, it added. 

As for today, there was bleak attendance of employees in most of the government offices, though the government has not declared a holiday. No strike supporters were seen coming out on the road.

On the other hand, taking good chance of the low volume of traffic, organisers of the upcoming Sangai festival were seen speeding up decorative works in different pockets of the town. 

According to a release signed by Maoist Communist Party Manipur, coordinator of standing committee, Kyonghan Mangang said that the party will carry forward the agitation until a viable system to save the indigenous population is work out.  

It stressed that the main purpose of the strike is to save the indigenous people of Manipur who are on the verge of becoming a minority group in their own land, who are becoming less in numbers due to the massive influx of non-locals into the state.

The released further added that the movement to save the indigenous people will be personally led by Manipur Forward Youth Front president, Sapamcha Kangleipal and after his self-immolation on November 25, the agitations will be handed over to the public.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 18

UCM, AMUCO and CCSK in an open dialogue reaffirmed not to allow ‘Framework Agreement’ affect the territorial integrity of the state. Resolution was also made that any kind of pan-Naga formation based on cultural, provincial, territorial, financial and ethnic administrative will not be endorsed.    

It was decided today in the public open dialogue session on possible outcomes of ‘Framework Agreement’ in the context of Manipur, organised by United Committee Manipur, All Manipur United Clubs’ Association and Committee for Civil Societies of Kangleipak (CCSK) at Lamyanba Shanglen here today.

The resolution taken during the meeting today also said that without the consent of people of Manipur, the government of India cannot take any decisions regarding the ‘Framework Agreement’ that was signed between the Centre and the NSCN(IM) on August 3, 2015. It also added the officials will talk to the Union government officials and urge them to respect the sentiments of the people of Manipur.

The resolution taken today also demanded that state ratification should be made compulsory if Article 3 is to be revoked from the state. It also demanded that Manipur’s unique and rich political, historical and social history before merging into Indian government should be mentioned in Article 371 (C).

State intellectuals and eminent personalities took part and gave their views in the session.

One of the speaker at the session said that people of Ching-Tam of the state are of same ethnic group with shared culture and history. Both fought together to get freedom from the British and also took decisions jointly under Hijam Irabot’s time, therefore should remain united for Manipur.

Human rights activist, Babloo Loitangbam said that what the NSCN (IM) needs are a pan-Naga identity and more power to district autonomy which was given since 1973 besides fighting for freedom. So the need of the hour is to chalk out the details of what they want and counter their steps accordingly.

Social scientist, Dhanabir Laishram said difference should not be created on ethnic lines and urged that the best strategy towards a united Manipur will be going hand in hand with the hill areas people.

One of the representatives of Aimol tribe during the meet said that the issue of ‘Framework Agreement’ is only about NSCN-IM and that all Nagas are not involved in the conflict.

IMPHAL | Nov 18

All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union expressed serious concerns and condemned against the act of burning several copies of ‘Poknapham’ daily by the BJP Manipur Pradesh Yuva Morcha (Youth Front) in front of BJP Manipur Pradesh office.

BJP Manipur Pradesh Yuva Morcha (Youth Front) burnt the said copies in protest against the content of ‘Vox Populi’ of Poknapham’s November 18 edition, said a release.

The release further mentioned that according to AMWJU’s Code of Conduct (Local adjustment), there is no restriction on taking legal recourse against any media content by any civil voluntary organisation, political party, or the general public.

Moreover, if there is any complaint concerning any media contents published in the state, there is a Standing Order to consult AMWJU or the editors and publishers of the media house concerned, it continued.

But without any consultation with the editors and publishers of Poknapham, BJP Manipur Pradesh Yuva Morcha (Youth Front) had resorted in a condemnable act of burning the copies of the said newspaper, which AMWJU consider as an act of violating the rights of media, it added.

AMWJU appeals to all civil voluntary organisations, political parties and the general public in state to refrain from such deeds in the future, the release concluded.