Day: December 4, 2017

IMPHAL | Dec 4

Social welfare and cooperation minister, Nemcha Kipgen condemned the recent acid attack against a woman, in strongest terms and said that the culprit will be given a befitted and lawful punishment.

She expressed this during her visit at RIMS, Imphal today to inspect the condition of the victim, Mangshatabam Menaka Devi.

The minister highlighted the fact that though acid attack is common in other parts of the country, this is the first such incident in the state, “May this be the first and the last ever gruesome acid attack incident to ever happen to anyone in the state,” she added.

Nemcha, who personally visited and inspected the victim, assured that the culprit will not be spared under any circumstances and that any possible assistance from the government will be extended to the family. She also extended financial assistance for Menaka’s treatment.

It may be mentioned that the victim was attacked with acid on her way back home in the evening of November 29. She sustained 10 percent acid burn injury on her neck and chin. At present, she is undergoing treatment in RIMS after she was being referred from JNIMS hospital.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 4

Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) submitted a memorandum today that stated five points for adoption and implementation of certain rules and regulations of Inner Line Permit System to the chief minister at around 3.30 pm.

After the memorandum was submitted, a press conference was held at the evening today at the head office of JCILPS located at Keishampat.

Speaking to media person, convenor of JCILPS, Arjun Tenheiba said the memorandum is the resolution taken during the one- day people’s convention on December 1, held at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound under the topic “ILPS gi eihou ashigidamak houjic meeyamna louminagdaba khongjang amashung lalong”.

He said the memorandum includes the five points taken unanimously during the convention without keeping any biases or mistrusts against the different ethnic communities. Arjun said the State must give an assurance to pass ILP bill before December 8 as deadline, before the winter session of Manipur legislative assembly.

The first point of the memorandum stated that all the ethnic groups of the state must be included in the movement of ILP to save the indigenous people. It also stated that in the coming winter session of Manipur legislative assembly, a new bill must passd on public acceptance for the welfare of the state.

Arjun further said if the state failed to give assurance before the deadline, then intense public agitations will initiated from December 13.

The memorandum was submitted by executive members of JCILPS including the convenor and co-convenor of student wings and women wings.

IMPHAL | Dec 4

Social welfare and cooperation minister, Nemcha Kipgen said if cooperative movement are successfully implemented in the state, the socio-economic condition of the masses will be increasingly developed.

The Minister addressed the gathering as chief guest at the ‘Discussion for the Development of the Cooperative Societies, Manipur’ held today at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, palace compound, Imphal.

Nemcha highlighted that the cooperative sector has been playing a very important role in the socio-economic development of the country as a whole and it is necessary to promote the cooperative societies especially in areas where socio-economic developments still lag behind, especially in our state.

With a vision of the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi who repeatedly emphasised on keeping ‘cooperative spirit’ alive and strengthened, the present government in Manipur inherited the legacy of a cooperative departments that have many years of long pending problems and liabilities, with a sincere effort to improve and make the cooperative sector as active as it can be. She believed that once the state cooperative act is properly implemented, genuine and active cooperative societies can be promoted properly.

As stated by Nemcha, proposal has been already sent to the central government through DoNER to further develop cooperative sector in the state with the help of Integrated Cooperative Development Project (ICDP) which is under National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)

Cooperation Minister also lauded the Manipur State Cooperative Union (MSCU) for taking up the topic ‘Discussion for the Development of the Cooperative Societies, Manipur’ at this time and urged the union to take up such programmes in other districts too.

MLA, O. Lukhoi Singh, principal secretary, cooperation, government of Manipur, J.C. Ramthanga, deputy secretary, cooperation, government of Manipur, K. Bono Singh graced the occasion as president and guests of honour respectively.

The function was organised by the managing body of the Manipur State Cooperative Union (MSCU).

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 4

Investors and staff of Living foundation, a microfinance company has threatened to file a legal suit against the chairman of the company who has been allegedly absconding after collective huge amount from the investors.

It has been alleged that the chairman, Soubam Momon, has disappeared without a trace along with about one crore rupees invested by the clients in the company.

Speaking to the media person at the press meet held at press club today, Wahengbam Leima Sana, one of the staffs of the company lamented that they (staffs) have been facing a lot of inconveniences since the chairman went into hiding.

The staffs particularly the agents often have to face the wrath of the angry investors, who are demanding to return the money they have invested, he said.

“Sometimes helpless investors make threats to the agents and staff”, she lamented.

Urging the chairman, branch manager and state co-ordinator, who are absconding to come out without further delay failing which she threatened to file legal suit action them.

The real name of Living Foundation was Real Indian Group which was changed in November 2014 and its head office is at Silchar Assam. There are reportedly seven branches in Manipur including Imphal, Senapati, Bishnupur, Kakching, Nambol, Thoubal and Mayang Imphal.

From Our Correspondent

JIRIBAM | Dec 4

ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) activists of Jiribam today organised a public meeting today in front of Emoinu Gas Agency protesting against the alleged defamation charges put against Dr. Sonachand Sharma and trying to evict him from Jiribam. 

ASHAs who attended the protest expressed that Dr. Sharma is a person of strong morals and having good character. Placards that read ‘We condemn the false allegations charged against him’, ‘Dr. Sharma is the one who wants to help the people’ were displayed in the public meeting.

One ASHA said Dr. Sharma is a very good doctor who has deep concerns for the poor people. His presence has let the poor people avoid going outside for treatment as he is available for their treatment.

Supervisor, ASHA, Jiribam, M. Anita Devi said Dr. Sharma’s stay in Jiribam not only has brought progress in Jiribam but he himself is a doctor having good character.

He had been staying here by giving his best efforts to bring more progress till now, she said.

We condemn the false allegations charged against him trying to expel him from Jiribam, she maintained. He had been staying at this remote area and working with the ASHAS by guiding them, she added.

She further said, since there are no doctors for gynaecology at Jiribam, Dr. Sharma had been supervising all the efforts made by ASHA up till now. There will no other doctor like him at Jiribam. Therefore, we appeal to the concerned authorities that he must not be evicted from Jiribam.

On the other hand, upon meeting Dr. Sharma, he expressed to the media that being a doctor who had been staying very far from home in order to do his duties, he is deeply hurt to have received these allegations, which are made without finding out any of the truth. He further said it was very unfortunate that his personal character was brought in to all this. 

He said he does not accept the allegations that he has been involved in crime against women. He was not involved in the incident that happened at the hospital on November 29, he said adding he was at an official tour with CMO, H. Ingomcha at Borobekra.  

Denying the charges made regarding the misappropriation of hospital funds, he further said the funds and equipment, and their management is controlled by Hospital Management Society. About the charges held against him that certain staff who have families are made to stay outside on rent, he said the hospital currently has sufficient quarters to say, and there are even empty rooms available. 

Since 2017, all the management of the hospital and its controlling has been handled by deputy medical superintendent and he will not accept the charges labelled against him, he maintained. He further appealed to the public and concerned authorities not to repeat such treatments to doctors who came from miles away to serve the people, and urged to support him in his efforts to serve the people.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 4

The All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) is going to stage a sit-in demonstration at Keishampat tomorrow to protest the intimidation against the union’s president W. Shamjai, by some BJP leaders.

Speaking to media persons at Manipur press club, AMWJU’s adviser, N. Tombiraj said the union has taken a firm stand to confront any attempts to attack Shamjai in wake of the warning issued by BJP leaders to lodge a defamation case against the AMWJU president.

All the members of the AMWJU showing their solidarity to the president has also unanimously agreed to steadfastly stand by him (Shamjai) in any eventuality, he said adding that a sit-in protest will be staged at Keishampat from 2 pm to 4pm.

He appealed to all who has concern for the media fraternity who is considered as the fourth estate to participate in the protest.

The AMWJU advisor further informed that a memorandum would be submitted to the Governor of Manipur after the protest. The copy of the memorandum would also be sent to the press council of India (PCI), Indian Journalist Union (IJU) and president of India.

He also opined that a case would also be registered with the cybercrime police against derogatory comment made by a BJP leader against the AMWJU uploaded in social networking.

Efforts are being made to abolish VIP culture in the country by Prime Minister, chief minister of Manipur. But on the contrary, some of the leaders are apparently trying hard to revive the trend, he alleged.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 4

Locals of Uripok today staged a sit-in protest demanding to shift Ram Krishna Mission private school to another location and restore the Tondonsana High School at Uripok Khumanthem Kandebo Leirak Machin to its former glory.

The protest was jointly organised by Kangleipak Thoupang Lup, Uripok, UBMLDA Meira Paibi Association and Think-tank Imphal.

Speaking to media persons Kangleipek Thoupang Lup convener, Ahongshangbam Pholen said that Tondonsana High School is one of the oldest schools in the state and have produced many brilliant students since its inception.

The school is also the only hope for many students belonging to poor families who cannot afford to go to private schools. Moreover, the school’s playground used to be the only place for many youths residing in and around the areas to carry out their sporting activities, he asserted.

But after the existence of Tondonsana was discontinued by the government, Ram Krishna Mission Pvt.

School occupied the school many students had to stop their schooling and youths are not allowed to use the playground, he contended.

The locals appealed to the government to revive and restore Tondonsana High School taking into consideration the interest of the students from the poor section and the youths.

In this connection a memorandum was submitted today to the deputy chief minister, Y. Joykumar who is also the MLA of the Uripok constituency.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 4

The High Court of Manipur today directed the state government to give a sum of Rs. 30 thousand to the People for Animals (PFA) Manipur as financial assistance for maintaining seven dogs which were rescued on August 30.

The order was passed by the division bench of the High Court of Manipur comprising of acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar and justice, Kh. Nobin during the hearing of the suo motto PIL taken up by the High Court on its own motion for the effective implementation of Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960 and its rules.

The seven dogs have been looked after by the PFA as entrusted by the chief judicial magistrate, Imphal West on August 31 in view of inability of the State Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department to look after the dogs.

Moreover, the PFA has been incurring the expenses for maintaining the dogs till date and sought for assistance from the state government.

On August 30, one L. Bishwajeet lodged a complaint to the police stating that one van carrying seven dogs in a very cruel manner was found.

The complaint added that the dog’s limbs were found tied up by metal binding wires and it is clear that they were being transported for consumption. Subsequently, the police arrested the persons involved in the case.

Thereafter chief judicial magistrate, Imphal West convicted the accused persons and imposed a fine of Rs. 50 each and directed the accused to deposit a sum of Rs. 5,000 as expenses towards maintenance of the seized dogs and the rescued dogs were given interim custody to People for Animal Manipur.

The PIL also mentioned that the Manipur pony is one of the five recognised equine breeds of India and it has been indispensable for Manipuri society for its socio-cultural association for centuries.

It added that most of the ponies were abandoned by their owners and they failed to provide proper shelter, feeds and medical attention to the ponies but the owners collect the ponies whenever they need for polo matches or race etc.

Such abandoned ponies are wandering on streets and roads in search of food and shelter, it said.

The PIL prayed to the court to direct the state government to construct proper animal shelters in all districts at the earliest as specified in Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960 and its rules and to provide necessary infrastructure and funds for proper running of animal shelters.

The court has fixed the next hearing of the PIL on December 20.

IMPHAL | Dec 4

The 4th International Sankirtan Day was celebrated today, organized by the 4th International Sankirtan Day Celebration Committee in collaboration with Shree Shree Govindaji Nat Sankirtana Academy, Wangkhei Palace Compound, Imphal.

The event celebrated at the auditorium of Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal with Dr. Najma Heptulla, governor of Manipur gracing the function as the chief guest.

Addressing the function, Dr. Najma Heptulla said that she felt proud of the rich cultural heritage of Manipur and to the recognition given by UNESCO to Sankirtan of Manipur as a World Heritage, which is richly deserved.

The Governor further said that she had written to the office of UNESCO, New Delhi enquiring as to why the Certificate of Recognition is still not issued to Sankirtan even though it was included in the World Heritage in 2013.

She also stressed that she had proposed to create a Research Centre in Manipur University of Culture to formulate a project with a detailed approach paper on documentation of Sankirtan including its historical, sociological, ethno-musical and folkloristic origins.

Speaking as special guest, Titular King, Meidingu Leisemba Sanajaoba said that the two organisations have been organising the International Sankirtan Day since 2014 while facing financial hardships and appealed the government to redress the problem being faced.

The function also showcased cultural programmes which included Guru Vandana, Jhal Cholom, Pung Cholom, Khubak Ishei and others. Mementos were also presented to the Gurus as a token of respect for the service rendered in their respective fields.

Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly, Y. Khemchand, MLA, Yaiskul assembly constituency, Th. Seityabrata Singh, MLA, Kshetrigao Assembly constituency, N. Indrajit Singh, MLA, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa assembly constituency, Soibam Subhaschandra Singh, also attended the function as the president and guests of honour respectively.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 4

All Manipur Madrasa Teacher Welfare Association (AMMTWA) locked down office of WAQF board located at Minuthong Hafiz Hatta, Imphal East today as a first step of its agitations.

Speaking to media person, vice president of AMMTWA, Md. Abdul Jafar said WAQF board selected thirty traditional madrasa to implement madrasa modernisation. Five teachers were appointed for each madrasa with a total of 150 teachers for five general subjects on July, 2010 as part-time teachers.

On November 24, 2016 the former government during a cabinet meeting, a bill was passed to make regularisation for the selected teachers. Principal secretary of MOBC, M.A.A. Khan had also instructed WAQF board to release the order for regularisation of part-time teachers, he added.

But the CO and chairman of WAQF board did not release the order officially till now, he added. Teachers of traditional madrasa have been suffering without their monthly salary for the last forty months. The issue was also brought to chief minister on “Meeyam gi numit” but the government failed to give any positive response till now, Abdul added.

As the first step of the agitations taken up after the given deadline on November 30, WAQF board office had been locked down. From the midnight of December 9 till midnight of December 10, AMMTWA has called for a total bandh in the entire state. He further appealed the people to support the agitations and warned that those who ignore the bandh will be held responsible for any unwanted outcomes.