Day: November 20, 2017

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 20

With favourable climatic conditions and growing prospects of floriculture and horticulture, Mao district synonymous with rich horticultural produces is once again gearing up to be a centre for rich variety of flowers, fruits and vegetables this year.

Adding to the beauty is the picturesque cherry blossom that covers the hills of Mao each year and it calls for a celebration of its own. The northern most hill station of Manipur, Mao is a transit point for travellers and visitors.

It is also a home to the ancestral Makhel village, a belief in the Naga history that the Tenyimei Naga tribes lived there together before departing to the present settlements.

Come November 25 one will witness the grand celebration of the 3rd Flower festival cum Manipur 1st Cherry Blossom Festival at Mao Gate. To the delight of trekkers, cyclist, participants and visitors, lying against the silhouette of Mt. Esii, the state highest peak, the beautiful white waters of Elei waterfall and the undulating green hills with cherry blossom is the site for the 3rd Flower Festival cum Manipur 1st  cherry Blossom Festival.

Mention may be made that it was professor Dinabandhu Sahoo, director of Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBDS), Imphal who initiated the celebration for cherry Blossom Festival at Mao.

The Flower Festival was first held in 2015 organsied by Song Song Youth and Students Organisation under the guidance and initiation of Hopeson Chiplang, the then officer incharge of Mao Police Station with a purpose to celebrate the rich flora and fauna of the district.

In 2016, the festival took a big leap with the dedicated effort of Jacintha Lazarus the then deputy commissioner of Senapati District and the department of horticulture. With the theme ‘Celebrating Natures’ Abundance’ the festival this year will have flower, fruits and vegetable exhibition cum competition, trekking to Mt Esii, cycling expedition to the foothill of Mt.Esii, a musical night  and much more.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 20

Social welfare and cooperation minister Nemcha Kipgen today urged the cooperatives of the state to identify and use suitable skill development programmes and schemes of government for improving the quality of services and products.

She said that facilities such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and other flagship skill development programmes being implemented by the government of India and State government and other counterparts should be explored and used by the cooperatives.

Nemcha was speaking as the chief guest at the valedictory function of 64th All India Cooperative Week Celebration 2017 held at Institute of Cooperative Management, Cooperative Complex, Lamphelpat.

The cooperative week kick started on November 14 and was held under the theme ‘Empowering people through digitalisation of cooperatives’ and topic on ‘Cooperatives as key partner for skill development.’ The minister said that the topic is very appropriate to be addressed in the current scenario of modern technologies.

She stressed that skills should serve as an integral part of employment and economic growth. She added that cooperatives are the right choice for self-employment, income generation for all walks of life to develop their socio-economic development.

Till date, there are 9148 cooperative societies are registered with the total membership of 7,26,671 members in our State. These societies include different sectors such as agriculture, dairy, fisheries, livestock, urban and rural credit, housing, consumers, transport, labour, handloom & handicrafts, fruit processing, etc.

As a part of the programme, various meritorious awards were distributed by the dignitaries. The Nongpok Musti Cooperative Thrift Society Limited, Nongmeibung was awarded Shri Kangjam Lukhoi Best Management Cooperative award.

Sukham Surajkumar Singh was awarded 1st best meritorious award (HDCM), Shijagurumayum Olisriani was awarded 1st best meritorious award for BBA.

MLA of Phungyar assembly constituency, K. Leishiyo who also attended the programme as guest of honour, said that there are many varieties of vegetables in the state which cannot be found in other states. Manipur has a great potential especially the hills, therefore he urged the cooperatives to make the best use of resources in the state. He assured that he and his government will be always there to help the cooperatives building a self-sufficient economy.

Principal secretary of cooperation, J. C. Ramthanga and principal scientist of CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, H. Birkumar Singh also attended the event as presidium members.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 20

Expressing serious concern over the raising health problem among the public, MAHUD minister Th. Shyamkumar observed that it could be due to intake of harmful food and unhealthy agricultural practices.  

He was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function of organic outlet at the directorate of horticulture and soil conservation, government of Manipur Sajenthong here today.

Shyamkumar said, “Though we have a small population comparatively with other states, the growing number of private hospitals is a worrisome health indicator. It seems there is something wrong in our agricultural sector.”

The prices of organic products are costlier than chemically fertilized agricultural product, however, the risk of causing health hazard is minimal, he said.

Expressing a deep concern about the challenges that are being faced by farmers, he continued that any welfare schemes that are only meant for farmers should be farmer-friendly otherwise it is of no use. And to make the product available easily he advised the department to plan for home delivery service and open a website for the online shopping.

President of today’s function, additional chief secretary of agriculture and adult education government of Manipur, Suhel Akhtar pointed out that farmers who practice organic farming usually face many hurdles as the input cost is higher than the selling price.

“People have to spend more money in buying organic product. Hence most of the people opt for cheaper product. This led to reduction in production of organic produces,” he said.

Further Suhel continued creating awareness about the health and environment benefit of organic farming, maintaining fine balance of demand and supply of produces and to give training to farmers are the mandatory steps to be taken up by the department concerned and government. Unless these steps are taken up the mission for organic cultivation will not be successful, he maintained.

Initially this organic outlet will run by the Garden Care, a service provider engaged for implementation of Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) schemes under the supervision of Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA). It is the first shop of organic products in Northeast India.

Both fresh and processed organic products of vegetables, fruit, spices etc are available in the outlet. So far 5000 organic farmers are registered under MOMA.

Other dignitaries who attended the function are additional chief secretary (horticulture and soil conservation and home) J. Suresh Babu and director directorate of horticulture and soil conservation AK Kipgen.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 20

The government has not sanction any fund from April for the functioning of the Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa and Imphal Central Jail, Old Lambulane claimed Manipur Central Jail superintendent, W. Phanilphang.

Speaking to media persons during a visit today to both the jails organised by All Manipur Working Journalist Union, the superintendent said as the fund is not released from April the construction of the two new blocks which has already completed almost 75 percent has been halted.

The prisoner capacity of the jail is 720 but currently a total of 807 inmates are in the jail so construction works of the two block need to be finished very soon, he added.

Phanilphang said as the fund is not released for almost eight months the jail authority has been facing a lot of difficulties in maintenance. “As there is no option we have to manage on credit system and sometimes we have to spend from our own pocket,” he added.       

The Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa has a total strength of 222 staffs and currently there are 807 inmates.

Among the 807 inmates 62 are convicted prisoners, 49 National Security Act prisoners, 454 under trial prisoners (non-extremist), 137 under trail prisoners (extremist) and 105 under trial prisoners (drug addict).

There are a total of 22 foreigners inmates serving in the jail, among them 16 are convicted prisoners and six are under trail prisoners.

Interacting with the media team, some of the prisoners said they are satisfied with the kind of food served to them by the jail authorities. However the water supplied to the inmates is unhygienic, they said, adding the inmates have raised demand for more vocational training programme to the authority concerned.

The prisoners who were convicted as life-imprisonment appealed to the government to give them opportunity of premature release like in the past. On the other hand some of the foreigner prisoners who claimed themselves as ‘Rohingya Muslim’ said that they were convicted for only six months but they have been serving in the prison for almost six years.

They appealed to the government to take up necessaries action so as to release them and to keep them in a refugee camp as their families have all shifted from Myanmar owing to the recent mass exodus.

And for the Imphal Central Jail, Old Lambulane there are currently only 37 inmates out of them five are convicted male prisoners, two convicted female prisoners and the remaining 30 are female under trial prisoners.

All the prisoners are satisfied with the treatment given to them and they also appealed to add more vocational programmes.

The buildings of both the jails are in dilapidated condition.

IMPHAL | Nov 20

The canteen owner of Catholic School, Canchipur was shot dead by armed miscreants late in the evening in near the school campus.

According to reports the incident occurred around 7 pm under Singjamei police Imphal West district.

The deceased has been identified as one Murali Thakur, 49, son of Bidesh Bari Thakur of Bhirganj, Bihar.

It is learnt that the deceased has been running a canteen inside the Catholic School, Canchipur and staying at a rented house near the school campus.

He sustained a bullet injury on his fore head which according to police could have been shot at point blank range.

The body of the deceased has been deposited at RIMS mortuary for further verification.

IMPHAL | Nov 20

Chief minister N. Biren has said that good education is required in giving good governance to the people. He was speaking at the inauguration function of an indoor stadium and a girls’ hostel at Regional College, Lilong in Imphal West district today.     

The chief minister contended that a failed education system will lead the whole society to shambles. He said that the State government would mull over providing aid/incentive to private and aided colleges based on their performance.

Stating that he never overlooked the inconvenience faced by the teachers and staff of aided and private colleges, the chief minister said that the new government would definitely look into the inadequacies and grievances of these colleges.

Age-old legends and history should be traced and reminded to the people in order to regain the lost love and sense of affinity among people of different communities, the chief minister said, while adding that sacred sites of Ebudhou Koubru, Ebudhou Thangjing and Ebudhou Khana Chaoba Wangbren would be developed soon.

Stating that he was told that King Kiyamba used to play polo at the space currently used as helipad inside Kangla Fort, the chief minister said that the government would put in effort to develop this plot of land as a memorial complex to honour the King and the game of polo.

Contending that the new government has been working hard day and night to realise a new Manipur, the chief minister sought cooperation from the public in this regard.

Biren also opined that Imphal Evenings can be expanded to Leishang Hiden area if the available space is properly developed.

Education minister Th. Radheshyam attended the function as president and CAF and PD minister Karam Shyam and public health engineering minister L. Dikho as guests of honour, respectively.

In his speech, Karam Shyam sought help from the chief minister in developing the sacred site of Ebudhou Chajinglapka Pureiromba as an ecological park.

 He also requested the chief minister to look into the grievances of teachers of Regional College. Speaking at the occasion, Th. Radheshyam mentioned about the important roles played by schools and colleges in materialising a good and peaceful society.

Later, N. Biren and Karam Shyam visited the sacred site of Ebudhou Chajinglapka Pureiromba.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 20

The High Court of Manipur has today directed three contractors, Ashiho Pfuze, W. Sonajit Singh and Khelendra Singh who have been executing works at different portion of National Highway No 2 to personally appear before the court on Wednesday.

Contractor SN. Pavei who have been assigned to execute work from Taphou to Changoubung highway portion, and Paokhotilien Vaiphei who have been assigned to execute work from Changoubung to Kangpokpi and Kangpokpi to Kanglatombi areas today appeared before the division bench of the High Court, acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar and justice K. Nobin.

During the hearing they submitted that filling up of pot holes have been completed and the works have now been taken over by M/S Bharatia Infra Project Ltd. along the said portion of NH-2.

Meantime PWD assistant engineer, Arun Singh submitted that he has verified the execution of the works executed by the aforesaid two contractors.

On the other hand contractor, Ashiho Pfuze, contractor W. Sonajit Singh and contractor Khelendra Singh failed to appear before the court.

In regard of the Imphal-Jiribam road National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) general manager, Sunil Kumar has submitted overall picture of the progress of the work going on the basis.

The division bench felt that there is satisfactory progress of the work far as Imphal-Jiribam sector is concerned though there are certain areas which requires attention of the higher authority for which NHIDCL has already apprised the central government for necessary funding.

The bench took serious note particularly relating to drainage system which is almost non-existent, without which the works so far executed may be rendered ineffective very soon along the highway.

Further the court has directed NHIDCL general manager to file an affidavit by 29 November for further consideration.

The court has also directed PWD retired chief engineer, Joykumar who was present before the court today to also be present on Wednesday.

From Our Correspondent

MOREH | Nov 20

Khetrimayum Tilotama Chanu who won a bronze medal at the international XXXl AHMET COMERT Boxing Tournament at Turkey was welcomed by the residents of Kwatha Village in a ceremony held at Kwatha Community Hall.

At 10 am yesterday, bronze medallist Khetrimayum Tilotama Chanu, the second daughter of Khetrimayum John Singh and Khetrimayum Ongbi Thoibi Devi from Kwatha Village, under Moreh sub division, Tengnoupal district was warmly welcomed by the residents of Kwatha Village.

The welcoming ceremony was attended by village chief, L. Kamal Singh, members of Kwatha Village Authority, Kwatha meira paibis and Kwatha Youth Club. 

Tilotama said even if she could not procure the gold medal, she struggled hard as per the guidance and blessings of her coach Ibomcha and Dingku to get the medal in the tournament wherein 22 countries took part and was able to grab the bronze medal at least.

Narrating her story, she said Kwatha Village; having poor connectivity due to bad roadways, is a place where newspapers do not even reach. When asked how she managed to get into SAI and continue her trainings, she replied amongst the villagers of Kwatha Village she was someone born under a poor family who were struggling to make both ends meet.

It was Meetei Council Moreh that sent her to SAI and provided her a path to become the first female boxer from Tengnoupal district to play in international boxing and also procure a bronze medal, she added.  

After coming to stay at SAI, coach Ibomcha and coach Dingku worked extremely hard with her and that resulted in her success. She managed to get a bronze if not gold and her success saved the face of her teachers, she said. On being asked if she will continue playing further, she said “Under the love and blessings of the two teachers of SAI, I will continue to work hard.” 

Lastly, she expressed her gratitude to Khundrakpam Jadumani Singh, whom she considered as her own father, who provided her financial help whenever she went to play at a tournament.

Jadumani would arrange financial help during hard times when sending money from Kwatha village became difficult and whenever there was no money, he would shower her with affection, something which he would not show even to his own children, and made sure all her necessities were provided, she said.   

She also expressed her immense gratitude to the organisers and Meetei Council Moreh for the warm hospitality.

It may be mentioned that at the recent International XXXl  AHMET COMERT Boxing Tournament held under Turkey Boxing Federation at Turkey from September 11 to 17 where 22 countries took part including India, Khetrimayum Tilotama Chanu lost by a difference of a only one single point to a Russian boxer in the semi-final round and settled for bronze under 60 Kg category.

IMPHAL | Nov 20

All Manipur Village Level Worker/ Lower Divisional Clerk Selected Candidate Assn. of  Rural Development & Panchayati Raj 2016 has urged the state government to provide the appointment letter for the selected 189 LDC candidates by November 25, 2107, a release said.

The release mentioned that the recruitment result of the said candidates had been declared last year, on December 31, 2016. But till date, they have been left hanging as they are yet to receive the joining letter, it added.

In spite of repeated appeals to the state government and the concerned officials, there had been no positive response, the release continued. So, the association will be compelled to launch severe agitations from November 26 if the state government fails to address their grievances by November 25, the release reiterated.

In empathy with the plight of the 189 selected candidates, the association also request the public and the CSOs in the state to extend their co-operation in the proposed agitation in order to meet its demands, the release added.

IMPHAL | Nov 20

 As a follow up of the meeting on September 5-7, 2017 between President of Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U.Htin Kyaw, and Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, a 2-day inter-regional media interaction between Myanmar and India will be held on November 27-28, 2017, at Sangai Hall-Imphal Hotel, Imphal, during Sangai Festival, 2017.

In the said 2-day interaction, twelve journalists from Myanmar, five senior journalist from national media organisation, as well as local media personals will interact on two topics, namely: (1) Co-operation and understanding in media activities between India and Myanmar; (2) Media’s role in promoting Act East Policy and regional connectivity.

Individuals who want to participate in the said event are requested to submit the delegate form along with two passport size photographs on or before November 24, at the DIPR office, Moirangkhom, Imphal.

IMPHAL | Nov 20

All stall applicants for Sangai festival will be accommodated at Hafta Kangjeibung, Khuman Lampak and Lamboikhongnankhong by increasing the number of stalls from the already constructed 525  to 840, including government, security and media stalls. Exhibition sub-committee made this decision on November 14, said a release.

THOUBAL | Nov 20

Under the new efforts of the government for providing benefits to the differently abled citizens, an assessment camp for identifying the differently abled citizens of Thoubal district was organised yesterday at Thoubal district hospital.

The camp organised by social welfare department, Health department ALIMCO and district administration, Thoubal was inaugurated by DC Thoubal district, L. Nabakiswar. During the camp, certificates were given to newly identified 290 differently-abled persons and to another 350 individuals who were identified earlier. 

Certificates for differently abled citizens were given to 290 new cases and already identified 350 cases.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Nov 19

Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL-Tangkhul Youth Council) in continuation of their sensitisation initiative on road safety, under the theme, ‘Safe Traffic, Safe Ukhrul’, has released a video on road safety, at a function held today at Gandhi Avenue, Ukhrul.

The said video on road safety highlights the do’s and don’ts for safe traffic regulations in Ukhrul Town.

In the said video release function, executive member ADC-Ukhrul, (Transport, Small Town Development and Science & Technology), Kapangpam Zimik, lauded the initiatives taken up by TMNL on road safety awareness. He added that due to the heavy-vehicle movement and bad road condition in Ukhrul there is a high possibility of traffic snarls and accident related problems.

He further mentioned that street vendors and hawkers occupying the footpath at various intersections in the town are also one major concern for the smooth regulation of traffic. However, he assured that in order to ensure road safety and traffic regulation, taxi stand/point would be allotted on both sides of the road at various intersections in the town. Further, in a few days, guidelines will be issued, and strict action will be initiated to implement the orders. If necessary, sufficient volunteers or force would be deployed to regulate traffic movement, he added.

Lastly, he implored the public to extend maximum cooperation to ADC-Ukhrul in exercising road safety measures in Ukhrul Town.

IMPHAL | Nov 20

Minister of forests & environment and horticulture & soil conservation, Thounaojam Shyamkumar, today attended the second day of the curtain raiser of Manipur Sangai festival, held at YICCL Ground, Keibul Lamjao, Bishnupur district.

Speaking on the sidelines of the function, minister Th. Shyamkumar appealed to all the sections of the society to protect plants, flowers and trees planted on the road median and the roadside. He urged one and all to refrain from harming plants and trees. Instead, he appealed for more plantations of trees and plants for a better environment as well as for beautification of the city.

With regard to the Manipur Sangai Festival 2017, he further mentioned that in this festival the rich art & culture, tradition, and beauty of the state would be showcased.

Th. Shyamkumar also appealed to the general public to accord warm hospitality to all the visitors and fully cooperate with the state government in making Sangai Festival a grand success.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 20

The Regional Tasar Research Station, Central Silk Board organized “Oak Tasar Krishi Mela” at the regional research station at Mantripukhri today.

The function was attended by parliamentary secretary of sericulture, Awangbow Newmai as the chief guest. Director of sericulture, S Kunjakishore Singh and Dr Ajit Kumar Sinha, director of Central Tasar Research and Training Institute were the guest of honor and president respectively.

The function was formally inaugurated by the chief guest and opened an exhibition displaying various sericulture items and farming methods. Prizes were distributed to the Oak Tasar farmers. 

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Nov 20

Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) in association with Social and Youth Progressive Organisation (SYPO) Heirok assembly constituency have observed Universal Children’s Day in a programme held today at Devi Mandap, Heirok part II, Thoubal district.

Thoubal district SP, K. Meghachandra attended the programme as chief guest, chairperson, MCPCR, Ningthoujam Sumatibala as president,  president, CADA, Hijam Priyokumar and chairperson, CWC Thoubal, Kh. Jotindra attended as guests of honour.

Meghachandra said the police department has witnessed many challenges in its efforts to make the children have their rights fully. There are many issues which are not reported to the police and hence remain invisible. The people need to understand together about the rights of the child.  The police are fully determined to root out the issue of child trafficking. He further requested for sharing of constant inputs of information to the police about what it can do to protect the rights of children.

Sunitibala said the children require the help of law to fully express their true potential. Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights is doing what it can to protect them. The programme was organised today with the goal to deliver information clearly about rights of the children to the locality, the village and the overall society.

During the technical session of the programme, member of MCPCR, Gabriela Golmei relayed about POCSO act 2012 and M. Priyokumar spoke about Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006. Member, Nabachandra spoke about the role of the NGOS in implementation child rights acts etc.