Day: November 19, 2017

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Nov 19

District Water and Sanitation Committee (DWSC), Ukhrul, today observed World Toilet Day 2017, with the theme ‘Wastewater’, at the Common Facility Centre, Lunghar Village, Ukhrul district.

Executive member of ADC-Ukhrul, Ngamsung Hashuwo attended the function as the chief guest. In his address, he urged the gathering to reap the benefit of this project so as to live a clean and disease free life. He further added that it is also the duty and responsibility of every citizen to keep their courtyards, roads, and surrounding clean.

According to the district co-ordinator, SBM Ukhrul district, Themreishang Marei, 50 percent of the planned construction of 30,000 toilets in Ukhrul district under Swachh Bharat Mission has been completed. That by 2030, it aims to halve the proportion of untreated wastewater in Ukhrul and increase recycling for safe reuse.

ZSBP (MDWS) Ukhrul, Rinshang Pheiray, also informed that with the aim to eliminate open defecation in India, ZSBP Ukhrul is undertaking a project on creating hygienic toilets with sealed pit or tank, separated from human contact. He further mentioned that treated wastewater and waste products can be used for energy generation, and as fertilizers in food production.

In the said programme, IHAO Group and Kasom Tang, Hunphun, Ukhrul district, were felicitated with an appreciation certificate and a cash award of ?5000/- by SBM-Ukhrul, for their contributions made towards ‘Clean India Movement’.

A short video clip on ‘Clean India Movement’ was also aired during the programme.

IHAO group members, Kasom Tang executives, TNFC members, Lunghar Village Authority, elders and youths of Lunghar village attended the said programme.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 19

The first North East India Regional Women’s Conference was held today at Marwari Dharamsala Hall with an aim to empower women of the Northeastern states and to focus on development.

The event was organised by Bharat Vikas Parishad (BVP), Manipur and Bharat Vikas Parishad, Imphal (Mahila).

Works minister Thongam Biswajit Singh attended the function as chief guest. Speaking on the occasion he said almost half of the population of the state are women but they face certain problems such as unemployment.

He said poverty could be eradicated from the state when women are given the right kind of education. When women are given the right space, they can grow and bring development in the state economically and socially, he stressed.

He emphasised the importance of women’s education to develop a state. Women need to be educated and at the same time they should be able to take part in social activities, he pointed out.

He said that when compared to other states, the status of women in the state fares much better. In spite of shouldering household chores women’s participation in the field of education, government jobs, competitive exams are greater in the state.

The women conference outlines the problems faced by women in various fronts. National president of BVP, Sitaram Pareek, vice-chancellor of Central Agriculture University, Iroisemba, M. Premjit Singh and chairperson of Manipur State Women’s Development Corporation Ltd, S. Satyabhama Devi among others attended the function as presidium members.

BVP is a service and a ritual-oriented political, socio cultural NGO. It is dedicated to all round human development (culture, society, education, policy, spirituality, nationalism, etc).

IMPHAL | Nov 19

All Manipur Madrassa Modernisation Teachers’ Welfare Association (AMMMTWA) demanded regularisation of teachers recruited under Madrassa modernisation scheme, by November 30,  a release said.

The release further mentioned that the said teachers had been recruited on a contract basis, after undergoing due process of selection, on November 24, 2011, as a part of Madrassa modernisation scheme, implemented by WAQF Board, which functions under the directorate of Minorities & Other Backward Classes, Manipur.

The selected teachers had been working in various Manipur traditional Madrassa in the interest of the minority Muslim students, despite not even receiving salary for the past 36 months, it added.

Further, in the midst of such dilemma, the joint secretary of MOBC notified the CEO of WAQF Board on May 8, 2017, to withhold the regularisation process of the said teachers, the release continued.

In light of the above situation, AMMMTWA had expressed their grievances and demands to the chief minister of Manipur, N.Biren Singh, on June 15, 2017, and October 15, 2017. However there has been no positive response so far, it added.

AMMMTWA reiterated its demand for the regularisation of the said teachers and the release of their pending salaries by November 30, as well as the suspension of the CEO and Chairman of WAQF Board, it added.

Failing which, AMMMTWA in collaboration with other CSO in the state will be compelled to launch severe agitations to meet its’ demands, the release maintained.

IMPHAL | Nov 19

The Maoist Communist Party said the organisation has lifted the ongoing cease work agitations as per the assurance given by the state government that the indigenous peoples of Manipur will be officially identified in the state’s official Gazette.

A release signed by coordinator, standing committee, Kyonghan Mangang said the resolution made by the government to exclude those, who are not amongst the immigrants who arrived and settled in the state, and give them recognition as the indigenous peoples of Manipur, is the biggest achievement.

Many times, the people have witnessed non locals claiming themselves as indigenous peoples of Manipur, it said. However, there will be no need for any further hassle if the official Gazette identifies the indigenous peoples, it added. 

The government’s decision to repair the Mongba Hanba Khubam, Khurai Ahongpung and Koubru Laipham and sanctioning of Rs. seven crores for the project, truly deserves the biggest applause from the public and party commends the current government for the move, the release continued.

The party welcomes the assurance given by the government that it will punish those who are involved in the misappropriation of PDS items, and for coming into terms with the people who were undergoing hunger strikes against the issue, it added.

IMPHAL | Nov 19

Chief minister N. Biren informed the State is ready to host the first ever North East Development Summit (NEDS) 2017, during a press conference held at Cabinet hall today.

Speaking to the media, Biren said that around 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) is expected to be signed between various departments of government of Manipur and national and international companies/investors. The primary objective of organising such festival is to showcase the existing economic potential and to attract investors in terms of food processing industry, bamboo industry, fisheries, real estate etc., he added.

Stating that preparations for the Manipur Sangai Festival 2017 are almost completed, Biren seeks the support and co-operation to make the upcoming North East Development Summit a grand success. We should not create any inconvenience and troublesome to the tourists and visitors both from the country and abroad, he added.

Stating that altogether 175 delegates will be participating in the Summit, Biren stated the Summit will be attended by Union minister for Commerce and Industries, Suresh Prabhu, chief ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, director of India Foundation, Ram Madhav, vice-chairman NITI Ayaog Rajeev Kumar, ministers and officials from NE states, ambassadors, high commissioners and officials from various countries including Malaysia, China, Japan, Sweden, Taiwan etc.

Around 36 companies/firms from India are participating in addition to associations like FICCI, CII, NASSCOM, Border Trade Moreh, Myanmar India Business Chamber, India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce etc. Among others United Nations Resident Co-ordinator Yuri Afanasiev, high commissioner of Malaysia H.E Dato Hidayat Abdul Hamid will also attend the Summit.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 19

Qaumi Ekta Diwas was observed on the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, at Congress Bawan today organised by the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee.

The programme began with floral tribute paid to the portrait of Indira Gandhi followed by oath taking ceremony. Leaders of the Congress party took part in today’s ceremony.

In his speech on the occasion, former chief minister O. Ibobi Singh said, “We are celebrating her birth anniversary not just for the purpose of remembrance of her birth anniversary, but also for the sacrifice and remarkable role she played during her tenure as Prime Minister.”

He elaborated some of the unforgettable incidents that occurred during her period and the manner she handled it. “It was during her regime that Bangladesh liberation war was fought and she extended full support for the liberation of the former from Pakistan. After two decades of independence from British rule, Privy Purse which was considered as one of the illegal practice in democratic India was also removed,” he added.

When it comes to Northeastern State, new states like Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh were formed out of Assam

Manipur also got statehood in her time, he pointed out.

Highlighting the present situation of Manipur, the former chief minister said, “If every individual follows the ideology of secularism which Indira Gandhi fought for and adopted in Indian Constitution, the problem of ethnic disintegration may not occur.”

Member of Parliament, Th. Meina who also spoke on the occasion said, “Her commitment includes secularism, women empowerment, propagation of unity and integrity and so on.  Hence we cannot consider Indira Gandhi as a political leader only but also as a revolutionary with long – term vision.”

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president, TN Haokip recalled the life story of Indira Gandhi. He lauded Indira Gandhi as the most well trained politician in the world and the only Indian politician who was well versed in Northeastern states of India.

We all aware about the initiatives taken up by Mrs Gandhi for the upliftment of women’s status in India, said general secretary MPCC Bidyapati Senjam. “Because of her dedication women get the opportunity to utilize their franchise and contest election”, he added.

As a symbol of giving gratitude, members of MPCC distributed

essential commodities at women home of All Manipur Women Association, Purana Rajbari in connection with 100th anniversary of the late Prime Minister.

IMPHAL | Nov 19

Directorate of Tourism today announced the launch of Sangai festival mobile application to help ease visits to the festival.

The free app, which can be downloaded from the Android play store, will provide online information about the festival across venues, said a release.

To avoid last minute hassles, tickets for the festival can also be booked through the app or online at www.sangaiticket.com, the release added.

News about the festival will be updated daily on the app, which will act as a personalised guide for visitors, it said.

The release added that Google map locations of each venue embedded in the app will help visitors who are new to Manipur.

The tourism department has announced Reliance Jio as this year’s digital partner for the festival. Visitors will enjoy free wi-fi at Hapta Kangjeibung by selecting the JioNet option on the available wi-fi networks and logging onto JioNet after entering an generated automatically password, it said.

Tickets for Hapta Kangjeibung are priced at 30 rupees for adults and 20 rupees for uniformed students.

For Khuman Lampak and Lamboi Khongnangkhong the tickets are worth 20 rupees for adults and and 10 rupees for uniformed students. Tethered hot air balloon flights are priced at 500 rupees for adults and 200 rupees for uniformed students.

Tickets are also available at all venues of the event and at various counters at Kongba, Singjamei, Lilong, Kwakeithel, Keishampat, Uripok, Lalambung, Khoyathong and Lamlong, the release added.

Sangai population has increased with local support says Biren

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 19

The state government has created history in the field of tourism by bringing in a positive change, said chief minister, N. Biren delivering the chief guest speech during the curtain raiser function of the Sangai festival today at YICC ground, Keibul Lamjao, Bishnupur.

The chief minister said that the seven-month old government’s commitment is to preserve and protect the history of the state and also to create new history.

Mentioning that Sangai population has increased mainly due hard work and efforts of the locals of Keibul Lamjao and forest department, Biren appreciated the works taken up by them. Saving and conserving Sangai would not have been be possible without their support, he added.

Highlighting various public beneficiary schemes and developmental works taken up by the new government, Biren said the government is working at its best level to compete with other states and foreign countries to surge ahead.  

He informed that around 100 investors will be visiting the state during the Sangai festival to invest in certain developmental projects. The state government is also all set to sign MoU with almost 20 companies and groups to take up developmental works in the state, he added.

Stating that tourism can bring economic development of the state with its uniqueness natural beauty, he appealed to the people of the state to give full cooperation, hospitality and make the tourist feel homely when they are visiting the state.

Biren further appealed to the people of the state not to call any kind of bandh or blockade as it give a negative image of the state. He asked the public to directly meet him or the minister concerned or MLA as and when problems arises.  

The chief minister announced that every year Sangai festival will be kicked off from Keibul Lamjao and assured the locals of Keibul Lamjao that the government will construct a new Junior High School at Keibul Lamjao very soon.

He said, “We need some sacrifice to march ahead like other developed states. The locals residing around Loktak Lake should cooperate with the government to make the state one of the most attractive tourist sites in the world.”

Later cultural shows were performed as a part of the curtain raiser function of the Sangai festival. The function was attended by MP, ministers, MLA, public leaders and high ranking officials of both civil and police.

Earlier the chief minister has inaugurated the Loktak Inland Transport Complex of the Loktak Development Complex at Sendra.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |Nov 19

Leaders of the Working Committee of the six Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) returned to Dimapur today from New Delhi after signing ‘an agreement’.

Two days ago,  Dimapur based Nagaland Post had reported that the Working Committee of six NNPGs had signed ‘an agreement’.

However, the signing of the paper was not the final solution. Both the Working Committee of the six NNPGs and the Centre will negotiate based on the ‘agreement’ which was inked on November 17, sources said.

The 6 NNPGs are GPRN/NSCN, FGN, NNC (Parent Body), NPGN/NNC (NA), NSCN (R) and the NNC/GDRN (NA).

Meanwhile, according to the sources, 13 members of Working Committee of the six NNPGs were warmly received by a large number of people at Dimapur airport this afternoon as they returned from the national capital.

Meanwhile, former chief minister of Nagaland and Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio has termed the signing of the ‘agreement’ between the Centre and the Working Committee comprising of six NNPGs on November 17 New Delhi as a “welcome step in the right direction”.

“On behalf of the Nagas, I extend my sincerest gratitude to the government of India led by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister for once again recognising the political and historical rights of the Naga’s right to self-determine their future in consonance with their distinct identity,” Neiphiu Rio said.

He added that this is a significant step in our search for honourable resolution of the Naga political imbroglio. “I appeal to all the negotiating parties, especially the government of India to expedite the political dialogue and bring about a solution that is honourable, democratic and upholds the political rights of the people,” Rio added.

Neiphiu Rio also expressed happiness on the adoption of a 5-point resolution by the Parliamentary Working Committee on November 17 in Kohima with regard to the Naga political issue.

“Although I was unable to attend the meeting due to inclement weather which prevented me from landing at Kohima on the said day, I wholeheartedly endorse the resolutions,” Rio expressed. The Nagas have been a strife-torn people for the last more than 60 years and now is the time for peace to reign in the land, and in our hearts, he added.

Rio continued, “As the Nagas stand at a crucial juncture in our history – at the crossroads between lasting peace coupled with progressive development, and the path to chaos and self-destruction – I pray that wisdom prevails and that the Nagas choose the former.”

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 19

A ceremony to felicitate Rajyogini Brahma Kumari Sheela, sub-zone in charge of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya North East, Guwahati was held at Marwari Dharmasala here today as part of the organisation’s golden jubilee celebration.

Education minister Thokchom Radheshyam Singh attending the function as chief guest said that there will be no peace of mind without instilling love and compassion. 

Radheshyam said he came to learn from the Brahmakumaris, and not as an education minister. Pointing out the importance of developing positive attitudes and good thoughts in human, he said nowadays people are more focussed on grooming the outer beauty.

He said more importantly beautifying the mind is ignored by most people. The minister appreciated the Brahmakumaris for their contribution towards creating a peaceful society free of conflicts and violence.

In these crucial times Rajyoga meditation in our daily routine will act as a tool for creating positive wave, he said.

Rajgogini Brahma Kumari Sheela as the special guest said that the karma is important for positive actions and humanity for peaceful co-existence in our society. She stressed on the need for a positive change saying that we are children of one God and good karma will pave the way to a happy, balanced life in future.

Medical superintendent of Shija Hospital, Langol, Dr. S. Jugindra and dean (Academic), JNIMS, Prof. W. Gyaneshwar Singh and president of Indian Medical Association, Manipur, Dr. Kh. Sulochana Devi attended the function as presidium members.

Founder of Divya Jyoti Ashram, Changangei, Uchekon,Imphal, Ch. Jamini Devi, vice-president of Manipur Mahila Kalyan Samiti, Dewlahland, Imphal, M. Pramodini Devi, professor of department of psychiatry, RIMS, Dr. R. K. Lenin Singh, retired staff of M.U. L. Nabakumar Mangang and other officials from different professions also attended the programme.

Rajyogini Brahma Kumari Sheela has been looking after the operations of over 100 branches in the Northeast and Bangladesh. She joined the Brahma Kumari in 1959 at the age of 10 and helped establish Brahma Kumaris centres in the Northeast.