Month: November 2017

IMPHAL | Nov 2

The Manipur Proletariat Peoples Democratic Union (MPPDU) said that PDS items are not being properly distributed to the public and requested the chief minister to draw his attention on the issue and make the PDS items properly available.

A release said that the people are not getting the PDS items properly and the government must consider the negative outcomes if the issue continues.

On the other hand, the farmers are living in fear of facing food shortages due to constant flood caused by the rain.

The government must draw its attention to the prevailing issue, and investigate how the PDS items are not being distributed properly.

If any party are found involved in the misappropriation of the PDS items must be given stringent punishments, it added. 

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 2

Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) today said that the party will join hands with all opposition political parties of the state in observing a “Black day” on November 8, the day  demonetisation of Rs.1000 and Rs.500 was announced last year by BJP led government. The state political parties in opposition will take out a mass rally and other agitations against the BJP led government.

General secretary of the party, L. Sotinkumar announced this in a press meet held at its Irawat Bhawan office.

He said that demonisation which was claimed to be a step to do away with black money has proven false and that it also didn’t help remove black money. Instead it gave a lot of trouble to the public. Demonetisation has flopped miserably, he said.

The BJP government also made other many changes that stirred the country such as beef ban, demonetisation, GST, and now Taj Mahal issue.

 Sotinkumar also said that CPI will observe the great October socialist- revolution centenary celebration on November 7 at Roop Mahal Theatre. It was a revolution which led to the establishment of the Soviet Union.

The Russian Revolution took place in Russia on November 7, 1917. This revolution became a historical landmark worth celebration because it was the first revolution that peasants and the lower classes overthrew the ruling bourgeoisie and formed a new state based on socialism.

CPI-M leader also commented on the recent NSCN-IM and Government of India’s peace talks saying that the party will not allow any compromises on the state’s territorial integrity. Instead he urged the government to give full autonomy to the district authorities and gram panchayats so that such uprising and demands will not happen.

He mentioned that the BJP government has also stirred the north eastern states especially Manipur by its decisions. He noted that in 2001, an agreement was signed between the government and the NSCN-IM to have ‘cease-fire without territorial limit’, and in 2015 again, Framework Agreement was signed and the contents are not made public till now.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 2

Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) has today extended support to the plan to torch copies of a controversial book by Omar Khanglem portrayed “The writers of Mahabharata and Ramayana as the Real Religious Scientists”.

In a press meet held today at its Konung Mamang office, convener to the religious organisation, Mutum Manaoton said that every book regarding religion and Manipuri cultural tradition should be proofread and screened properly before publishing. A book without screening should not be published again in the future, he added.

He also urged the government and other concerned authorities to set up a book screening committee so that such confusion would not be committed again in the future.

An agreement was signed between UKAL and the writer, Omar Singh Wangkhem and his family members before the press today. In the agreement, the writer agreed not to write and publish any more books in the future. If he at all wants to write another book, he also agreed to consult the organisation formally before doing so.

The agreement also required the writer to apologise to the public through the media both electronic and print for five consecutive days.

Secretary general of the organisation, Ingba Mangang Yumnamcha added that the author of this book should collect all the 1000 copies that have been published before destroying the book.

He said that Omar himself should collect all the books including the copies exported outside the state

Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) had also banned the book and declared all copies of it would be torched on November 4.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Nov 2

Students of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Tamenglong along with the faculty staged a rally today, organised by Zeliangrong Students’ Union Manipur (ZSUM) against the non- release of funds for the school.

According to the school management committee and ZSUM, Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) Tamenglong had been closed down since October 18 due to the lack of ration fund and maintenance of the school.

ZSUM had served an ultimatum to the state government earlier. Since the government had not made any response, the rally was staged today demanding early release of school fund.

The rally which staged banners and placards started from their residential school and ended at the deputy commissioner office, Tamenglong.

A memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister of Manipur was submitted through deputy commissioner, Tamenglong.

 Slogans like ‘we demand release of fund’, ‘we want justice’, and others were raised in the rally.

Deputy commissioner, Armstrong Pame has received the memorandum which was to be submitted to the chief minister of Manipur.  He also urged all students to quit the agitation and attend their classes by assuring them that he would forward the request to the authority concerned.

The memorandum demanded the chief minister of Manipur to redress the issue at the earliest for the interest of the students. It also mentioned that the shopkeepers and vegetables refused to give essential commodities on credit to the school anymore.

The school management committee could no longer request the shopkeepers and vegetables vendors to extend some more time to clear the pending dues. The school has left with no option except to close down as it could no longer run on credit.

From our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Nov 2

District Agriculture Office, Ukhrul organised a one day District Level Sensitisation Programme on different schemes related to agriculture at Ilongshim Hall, Awungtang, Hungpung, Ukhrul district today.

Chairman of ADC Ukhrul, K. Dickson and additional deputy commissioner of Ukhrul, Kh. Leiyaphy Rita attended the occasion as chief guest and president respectively. The meeting was attended by hundreds of farmers from Hungpung area.

In his keynote address, the district agriculture officer highlighted the various schemes and programmes implemented by the department. He emphasised that the sole objective of the programme was to sensitise the farmers on the various schemes of agriculture being undertaken at the district level.

Leiyaphy Rita urged the farmers to put in practice the technique and method as instructed and provided by the concern department so as to produce positive result for determining the agriculture growth and movement in the district. She also mentioned about the importance of having Soil Health Card as the concern department can test the soil of the farmers and recommend appropriate measures for the same.

Dickson implored the concern department to release seeds, pesticides, weedicides and others at the appropriate time for the greater benefit of farmers. He also urged the authorities concerned to sensitise farmers at all village level in the district on the apt usage of all the aforementioned agricultural supplements. He further stated about the harmful usage of pesticides, insecticides and weedicides by farmers which is the reason for death and maiming of many livestock.

Dickson remarked that the proposed 20,000 Soil Health Cards meant for the farmers of Ukhrul district are not sufficient to meet the needs of the huge populace of farmers in the district and urged the concern department to appeal the higher authority for sanctioning of more cards.

IMPHAL | Nov 2

Chandel unit of Bharatiya Janata Party will organise a grand reception ceremony for chief minister N Biren Singh at the Maha Union Government Higher Secondary School ground when the CM visits the district with his cabinet ministers on Saturday.

A release from the Chandel unit invited all residents of the district to attend the reception, and appealed to the people of Manipur not to call any ban or blockade on the day of Singh’s visit.

DIPR adds: Preparations are on in full swing for Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s maiden visit to Chandel District on Saturday.

The District Administration has made elaborate arrangements for the upcoming Chief Minister’s visit to the district. Deputy Commissioner, Chandel Krishna Kumar said that the people of Chandel District are eagerly waiting for the Chief Minister.

Chandel District Administration is fully prepared to host first ever Cabinet Meeting in the district, he added.

Giant gates are being erected to greet the Chief Minister at various points like Thamlakhuren Village, Ziontlang Village, Liwa Maring Village etc. These gates are especially arranged for the occasion imprinted with ‘Welcome Shri Biren Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur’.

All the speed breakers/road humps are being removed along the Pallel-Chandel District HQ road.

On his visit to Chandel District, Chief Minister will inaugurate Liwachangning Girls’ Hostel at Komlathabi. Chief Minister will also lay the foundation stones for Women Market near SDO office and Town Hall, Panchai. Chief Minister would also inaugurate 50 bedded District Hospital at Chandel Christian, ADC Office Complex at Monsang Pantha, and Science Lab at United College at Lambung, Maha Union Girls Hostel. A public meeting would be held at Maha Union Ground, where Chief Minister would be addressing the people of the district.

IMPHAL | Nov 3

All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) will be organising a debate competition in Imphal Evening on the topic, ‘Imphal Sahar Lu-nanna Thamnabagi Thoudang (Daita) Asi Sarkargini’ on November 5.

A release said, the competition is under the sponsorship of MAHUD and will begin at 7 pm  at the Western Gate of Kangla.

The debate competition is open to all students from class X to Classs XII.

Interested students can obtain the registration form at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul ImphaL by paying Rs.50. The fully filled form has to be submitted on or before November 5  by 11 am, said the release.

The prizes of the debate competition are Rs.15000, Rs.10000 and Rs.7000 for first, second and third prizes respectively, along with five consolation prizes carrying an amount of Rs.2000 each.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL| Nov 2

Minister for education, labour and employment Th.Radhyeshyam Singh said conservation of sustainable resources is top in the priorities list of young people. He also added that young minds need to innovate and link their concerns with researches and studies aimed at forging a better future for the society.

A round table discussion on the topic Research and Education Priorities for transforming North-East India was held at the Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) Takyelpat where Th. Radeshyam Singh and Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo were chief guest and the president respectively.

Many learned doctors, scientists, professors and scholars joined the discussion.

The minister said mankind is faced with many problems related to nature and its resources, and the reason behind this is that they no longer care about living in harmony with nature.

He said for a solution, we have to do research and studies prioritising the importance. Every day in the newspaper we can witness many researches are been carried out but will the research sustain and benefit the people and society.

He further said now is the right time for the people to conduct researches on new frontiers of science such as nuclear energy, solar, the wind and other sustainable resources, which hold the key for a better future.

In today’s world, globalisation has taken top priority and has made this world very small. In competing successfully in such an environment, the key is in the hands of the youth, he added.

He said we need to bring change, and for this we need to have varied knowledge in different fields.

He later expressed his gratitude to the organisers for making such a timely function possible and expressed the faith that this will be towards bringin a better future for the state and the country.

A group discussion followed with scientist, scholars and doctors on the topic. One of the foremost suggestions was that bamboo is the best solution for sustainable development in the state.

Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo, director IBSD, said that the discussion is been carried out to transform the life of people through science and technology.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 2

Members of the ‘consultative committee’, formed by the Manipur government on Naga issues today met Home secretary Government of India, Rajiv Gauba and R.N. Ravi, interlocutor for Naga peace talks.

According to government sources, the committee’s members, former chief minister of Manipur, Radhabinod Koijam and Lt. Gen. (retd) Konsam Himalay Singh, chairpersons Manipur Public Service Commission, during the meeting with Home secretary and R.N Ravi reportedly had discussion on the progress of the peace talks between the NSCN-IM and Government of India.

It has been informed that committee will also meet the National Security Advisors, Ajit Kumar Doval, (retd) IPS and other stakeholders of the Indo-Naga talks in New Delhi.

The consultative committee is on deputation to Delhi to meet the concerned important stakeholders of government of India and to know the latest developments and facts at the earliest. The committee left Imphal on October 31.

The committee’s Delhi visit was based on a decision taken by an all political party meeting convened by chief minister N. Biren Singh, on October 28.

The all party meeting was convened to discuss the issue of territorial integrity of Manipur with reference to peace talks between the NSCN-IM and government of India.

Meanwhile, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) today branded as “double standard” the statement given by NPF MLA, Awangbou Newmai on Indo-Naga peace talks.

Speaking to media persons on behalf of MPCC during a press meet held at Congress bhawan, Wangkhem MLA, K. Meghachandra, resented the statement of Awangbou who allegedly charged the Congress of being provocative, instead of coming out with a clear stand of the NPF on Manipur’s territorial integrity.

The Congress last Sunday demanded from the BJP led Manipur government and NPF, the clear stand of NPF on Manipur’s integrity and warned government concerned not to give take any decision against the interest of the state including separate administrative unit for hills.

In response, Awangbou allegedly charged Congress’s statement of being provocative and disregarded the sentiment of certain community.

MLA Meghachandra, however refuted Awangbou’s statement as ‘double standard’ for it tried to distort the fact by bringing up baseless allegation.

“We did not use any provocative words or sentence that could hurt the sentiments of others. Congress party is demanding a clear stand from the NPF on Manipur’s integrity for the public is confused with conflicting statements from different angle”, said Meghachandra.

He further stated that the Congress party is not against the Indo-Naga talks but hoping for a peaceful solution to the decades old problems which affecting the interest of Manipur.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Nov 2

Kuki community at Guwahati and Shillong jointly celebrated Chavang Kut on November 1 at Guwahati with much joviality and happiness.

The festival organised by Kuki Welfare Association (KWA), Guwahati under the theme, ‘How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in Unity (Psalm 133:1)’ at GMC Auditorium, Guwahati, where the historic Anglo-Kuki War (1917-1919) was also commemorated.

The programme was supposed to be attended as chief guest by chief minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal but could not turn up owing to emergency official matter. However, it was attended by IRS, Central Goods and Service Tax and Customs, NER Shillong, WL Hangshing as guest of honour while principal commissioner of Income Tax, Mumbai, DP. Haokip, IRS was the Kut Pa (Kut father).

Underlining the importance of Unity, DP. Haokip said that the forefathers had fought British for three years fearlessly during the Anglo-Kuki War. The British has recorded the war as the longest, largest and the costliest military operation in the whole of India since the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.

He said that time has come for us to promote the celebration of Chavang Kut for unity and develop as a platform to seek the blessing of God.

He further cautioned the younger generation of the Kuki community not to use social media for discussion of unnecessary issues and rather take advantages of it for their educational benefit.

Cultural troupe from Hmar, Zomi, Baite, Guwahati Lawm, Maikhuli KCK and KSO Guwahati performed various cultural dances showcasing the unity and oneness through culture and identity while KWS, Guwahati Choir and Hmar Welfare enthralled the crowd with their melodious voice.

A documentary film of Anglo-Kuki War (1917-1919) produced by Kut Media Team under the aegis of Kuki Welfare Association was also screened in the auditorium while students of St. Edmund’s College, Shillong presented as skit on Anglo-Kuki War. Later, the crowd was fully mesmerised by song performance by Benny Khongsai.

Among the four nominees, the silver medallist in Serbian U-17 Youth International Badminton Championship, Andrew Paoginlen Lotzem won the Kut Icon Award 2017. a living legendary singer Benny Khongsai mesmerize the audience with his popular song, “Koi ba khatvei jol’a koi nomdem”.

Leaders of Kuki Inpi Meghalaya and Kuki Worship Service based at Shillong and Happy Valley, Shillong also attended the momentous festival. A massive Kut feast marked the impressive Chavang Kut Celebration at Guwahati.