Day: December 6, 2017

IMPHAL | Dec 6

The Babri Masjid demolitions remains a black spot in the history of modern India, and it has been one of the biggest assault on the secular democratic foundation of our country, stated CPI (M) state secretary, Ksh. Santa.

He was speaking during the observation function of the 25th anniversary of the demolition of Babri Masjid, at Kakhulong community hall.

Santa expressed that the destruction of Babri Masjid, was not just a demolition of a 16th-century mosque, but it was a direct challenge to the Indian constitution and its secular values.

Speaking on culture and traditions, Santa mentioned that CPI (M) has taken up many initiatives to promote and conserve the culture and traditions of the state and also the country. In this effort, the CPI government in Tripura had declared Lai Haraoba as a state holiday in the interest of the many Manipuri people living in Tripura, he added.

In the context of corruption in Manipur, he stated that the previous Ibobi led government, and the present BJP led government is the same.

Further, he added that the CPI (M) condemns the alleged threat against the president of All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU), W. Shamjai.

In the said programme, Dr. Y. Ibopisak, Hijam Indukumar, Thoiba Moirangthem attended as special invitees.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 6

Lack of civic sense is one of the primary reasons for the pollution of our environment, said health and family welfare minister, L. Jayantakumar Singh,

Speaking as the chief guest in the inaugural function of the two-day symposium competition on ‘Clean India Mission Campaign in the Medical College and Hospital and its importance’, held at Jubilee Hall, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, mentioned that most of the so-called educated people have failed to maintain any civic sense, unlike the older generations who had the sense of keeping their environment neat and clean.

Further, he also mentioned that cleanliness aids in disease prevention. Hence, every individual should make an effort in keeping their environment need and clean, he suggested.

The purpose of this symposium will not be meaningful unless the message of cleanliness is not converted into practice, he added.

In the said occasion, programme director of RIMS, A. Santa Singh expounded that proper drainage system, providing enough dustbins in every place and adding civic sense as a syllabus in schools are some of the corrective measures that would help in keeping our environment neat and clean.

Furthermore, medical superintendent of RIMS, Ch. Arunkumar Singh who is also the guest of honour, related that it was the collective effort of all the employees and students that has made RIMS free from dirt.

Officials from RIMS, as well as students from various schools and colleges attended the first day of the said symposium.

IMPHAL | Dec 6

Social Welfare and Cooperation Minister, Nemcha Kipgen today paid a surprise visit at the head office of the Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur.

 During the visit, Minister Nemcha checked and inspected all the rooms of the department and strongly urged the employees to consider the office campus as their own home and maintain cleanliness all around. As there is a famous saying, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness,” one can efficiently and smoothly complete any task successfully if one’s work in a clean environment.

 Kipgen also stresses punctuality to be of utmost importance to run any organization effectively. She appeals all the employees to complete the official working hours (8 hours) every day. If need be, she encouraged the staff to even extend the working hours with an aim to complete the tasks. There should not be any pending tasks, she asserted.

As the department is one of the most important department which deals directly with the disadvantaged section of the population – women, children, disabled persons, old aged and infirmed etc., Nemcha wants the employees to have a sense of sacrifice from within.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Dec 6

 All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) today said the organisation has unearthed alleged discrepancies to prove their earlier allegations against the recruitment process of college Principal conducted by MPSC as fraught with lapses, discrepancies and blunders to make ways for nepotism.

Secretary education, ATSUM, Kakai Singsit maintained that a candidate who was included among the recently announced, recommended candidates by MPSC on November 24, reportedly failed to produce any Ph.D student, as claimed by the candidate which completely violates the stipulated educational qualification.

He pointed out that the stipulated educational qualification as mentioned in the application form, clearly states that a candidate should be a research guide and produce a Ph. D. student.

 “The matter came to light after a thorough investigation was done by a team of ATSUM at Manipur University and other equivalent universities of India so as to unearth the discrepancies that has inflicted the recently announced principal candidates for the colleges of Manipur”, asserted secretary education, ATSUM.

 He alleged that in fact the person in question had submitted his thesis after it was hastily compiled with the help of some professors from Manipur University and submitted to his guide but was eventually rejected and returned to him.

 “One fails to understand how the MPSC could entertain such candidate who has failed to fulfil the prescribed educational qualifications. If proper verification had been done at the time of the screening process many of the recommended candidates would have not made the cut”, Singsit asserted.

 He said that the notification issued by MPSC on November 24 wherein, it recommended 13 candidates for the post of the Principals for colleges within the state was circulated with three riders.

 Rider one clearly indicates that Dr. Meisnam Binota Devi had not completed her 15 years mandatory regular service. He asked how was she included in the short-listed candidates and inquired where are the eyes of MPSC.

 How MPSC brazenly failed to notice that the person in question despite her liability was allowed to sit in the interview; is this not cronyism, he further asked.

 He also pointed out that the API calculation is also shrouded in mystery as it has come to light that Manipur University reportedly has only one qualified expert for the calculation of Academic Performance Indicator (API) of research scholars but he was not included among the member of the screening committee.

 The director of the internal quality assurance cell (IQAC) who was the competent expert on the matter was allegedly also not invited; Kakai Singsit maintained while adding that since the API calculation was done in the absence of experts, ATSUM highly doubts the authenticity of the academic antecedents of the recommended candidates.

 ATSUM had earlier slammed MPSC terming it as ‘Mockery’ Public Services Commission while tagging it as ‘Mother of all controversies’ stating that every recruitment conducted by the commission are endemic with controversy.

14th State Level Orange festival begins

IMPHAL | Dec 6

On the occasion of the 14th State Level Orange Festival, horticulture and soil conservation minister, Thounaojam Shyamkumar announced Rs. 50 lakh assistance today for setting up of a cold storage in Tamenglong district, under the mission for integrated development of horticulture (MIDH) for the year 2017-2018.

The minister also announced Rs. 13.75 lakh grant for setting up of rural markets in Tamei and other suitable areas in the district. Further, Rs.12 lakh assistance in aid of primary processing unit for farmers was also declared.

In his inaugural address, minister, Th. Shyamkumar expressed his happiness at being able to attend the Orange festival for the first time although he had visited the district three times in the past. Stating that progeny orchid farm needed to be revived, he stressed the necessity for a series of awareness program to increase the production of oranges in Tamenglong.

Furthermore, he stated that the horticulture and soil conservation department is sending a proposal for procurement of fund up to Rs. 15 crores for 2018-2019 from North Eastern Council (NEC) for the production of Tamenglong orange, Senapati kiwi, Kachai lemon, pineapples of Imphal East and Churachandpur. That, the department received Rs. 14 crore NEC fund for floriculture projects in Sendra, Andro and Shirui, for the year 2017-2018, he added.

The minister also mentioned that budget will be allocated from the next financial year in order to promote bamboo production in the district.

Additionally, he assured to increase the prizes for the best orange growers with Rs. 2 lakh, Rs 1 lakh and Rs. 75,000 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd position, respectively and Rs. 6000 each as consolation prizes for all the participating farmers.

In the said function, DC Tamenglong, Armstrong Pame requested the minister to help the farmers of the district in getting organic certification as they do not use fertilisers. He also informed the gathering that more than 120 stalls are displaying 2 lakh oranges in the festival by farmers from all corners of the district.

On the first day of the festival, MLA Tamenglong AC, Samuel Jendai, flagged off a cycling race, ‘Tour de Tamenglong’, which 28 cyclists took part.

The highlights of the entire festival which will be held from 6-10 at the Lower Ground, Tamenglong, include rock shows, talent competitions, Orange Queen competition, seminars and many others.

The inaugural function of the State Level Orange Festival organised by the district administration Tamenglong was also attended by MLA Tamenglong AC, Samuel Jendai, MLA Tamei AC, Awangbow Newmai, Chairman ADC Tamenglong, DC Thoubal, and officials of various government departments.

IMPHAL | Dec 6

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh maintained that serving the poor and downtrodden people when we are well and healthy is the most important virtue in life. The minister stated the statement on the 22nd foundation day of International Handicapped Welfare Mission (INHAWEM) Manipur which was held at Lamyanba Shanglan,Palace Compound, Imphal today.

He further said that to serve the last man in the queue is the ideology of the present government. Recently, the state government has launched Chief Minister Gi Shotharabasinggi Tenbang, a scheme mainly for the differently abled person and old aged people. Minister said people should take benefit of the scheme as it includes scholarship to students with disabilities, free travel & concession to persons with Disabilities, benefits for old and aged, to name some.

Minister also assured to look into the demands of the International Handicapped Welfare Mission. He also announced to provide pension to hundred (100) disabled person every month from his end. Apart from this, Minister Biswajit also assured to increased Khomdram Angou Memorial Bravery Incentive Award from Ten thousand (10000) rupees to Twelve Thousand (12000) rupees.

He also asserted that the state government is keen in providing suitable Vocational trainings for the disabilities.

In connection with the 22nd Foundation Day of International Handicapped Welfare Mission, five families were the recipients of the Khomdram Angou Memorial Bravery Incentive Award (B.I Award) 2017 awarded for their sacrificing spirit and for leading a normal with a differently abled person. The award carries a cash prize of ten thousand rupees (Rs.10000) and a citation. Monthly pension for disable persons were also distributed.

Padmashri L. Nabakishore (Pension Donor), K. Sharat Singh Singh, (Pension Donor) Ex MLA, A. Guni Devi (Award Donor), L. Dhaneshwor Singh, Child Welfare Officer, Social Welfare Dept. were amongst others who attended this auspicious function.

THOUBAL | Dec 6

One person was found stabbed to death last night at Lillong  Chajing  Mamang Leikai under Singjamei police station. The body was found at around 10.30 pm on Monday by locals of the area. The deceased  has been identified as one Elangbam Shyamo, 48 son of late Kumar of Khangabok Khullakpam Leikai.

Police has arrested a person in connection with the crime and presently held at Singjamei police station today. The identity of the person has not been disclosed by the police as of yet, sources said that the arrested person is a co-worker of the deceased. They both work at a nursery farm located at Lillong Chajing of Thoubal district.

The highway was blocked at Khangbok market along the national highway 102 at 11 am today by locals demanding that the culprit be booked. Later, the family members met the Thoubal SP and after an understanding lifted the blockade at around 2 pm. The members of the JAC also met the Chief Minister in the evening.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 6

United Naga Council (UNC) president Gaidon Kamei, has called on the Naga frontal organisations, tribe leaders, politicians etc to strengthen the Naga cause during advent Christmas celebration organised by the Naga body at Ramrei village (Lamlai Khunou) Kamjong district.

The UNC today organised advent Christmas for showing their appreciation to various frontal organisations, tribe leaders, Hohos etc for their contribution for the Naga cause.

“We have organised this programme to show our appreaction to various frontal organizations, tribe leaders, Hohos etc their sacrifices and contributions”, he said.

People of hills particularly the leaders were deprived of their rights to celebrate Christmas as a result of the communal politics of the previous government, he continued.

“Naga leaders raised their voice and vehemently opposed the communal politics of government by resorting to agitations for the interest of the Nagas”, asserted the UNC president.

He further appealed to the leaders to not forget the commitment and confidence shown towards the Nagas.

Leaders of 16 Naga tribes of Manipur, villagers of Ramrei, civil body, ADC members of leaders etc attended celebration.

Veteran politician, BD. Behring, vice president of Naga Hoho, Samson Remei, president Zeliangrong Baudi, Athon Abonmei, president TNL, Weapon Zimmik were amongst the leaders present during the celebration.

IMPHAL | Dec 6

The inaugural function of Thangal Cinema was held today at Dolby Digital Pro-Logic Movie Theatre at Thangal Bazar with honourable MP, Rajya Sabha, Shri K Bhabananda Singh and Director, IPR, Government of Manipur, Meghachandra Kongbam gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest and  President respectively.

Owned by filmmakers- M.C.Binod, Bishwamitra Sharma & Basanta Sharma, Thangal Cinema was launched today with the sole purpose of encouraging the cinema-lovers of Manipur to watch more films apart from promoting cinema in the market and striving hard for the cause of developing Manipuri cinema at a much higher level than its earlier status.

Dolby Digital Pro-Logic Movie Theatre uses full Hd Sony data laser projector-VPL-PHZ/PWZ10 and has a 1920X1080 resolution. The theatre that has a sound system 6.2 will screen South Indian, Manipuri & selected English movies apart from its plans to conduct film appreciation sessions, seminars & State Level Film related quiz for movie lovers of all age groups.

Three shows are scheduled daily, the morning show at 11am, the afternoon show at 2 pm & the evening show at 5 pm. Thangal Cinema also offers a striking, attractive offer in which movie watchers can collect 15 used tickets , get 1 green card and enjoy 3 shows free of cost. Further, a green card holder can avail of the facility to get 1 mobile handset absolutely free after collecting 15 green cards in total.

Confessing that though  he hardly is an expert in the area of films, MP, Rajya Sabha, Shri K Bhabananda appreciated the concept of Thangal Cinema for promoting cinema. He said, “The arrival of a film craze in the State today with the filmstars considered as icons is really a good sign for the development of Manipuri cinema.” He also appealed to those concerned who are banning Hindi films for quite a long time to review their decision and steps for the larger cause of the movie-loving public of Manipur.

Tracing the history of the growth and development of Manipuri cinema, its ups and downs, challenges and bottlenecks, Meghachandra Kongbam said that cinema is one of the most important media of mass communication and its utility in the society as a tool of education and entertainment cannot be ignored. Cinema is a very powerful audio-visual medium in the global arena and for screening films, halls are essential, he noted. “Life span  of some cinema halls in Manipur are cut short by the banning of Hindi films. Let’s try to open the doors to the film market and industry so that we can learn and develop films with the help of our talented artists”, he also expressed.

Giving a brief insight on the strategies adopted by Hollywood film-makers like Stephen Spielberg, the director of the blockbuster movie, Jurassic Park, M.C.Binod expressed that taking into consideration the deteriorating scenario of Manipuri films at present, film-makers in the State should try to be passionate like them in whatever they do and success will follow suit.

Manager-in-chief of Thangal Cinema, Bishwamitra said that it’s really a pathetic situation to see a 10 Lakhs budget film reduced to the price of merely Rs.10 in the streets by piracy.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 6

State TB officer (STBO), Dr. Y. Gopalkrishna said that TB HIV co-infection is the commonest cause of progression to AIDS and death, and in every one out of three persons who has died of AIDS, tuberculosis is the disease which kills them.

He was speaking to media person today at Manipur Press Club as a part of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) Manipur organised by State Health Society.

The STBO said that central government has set the target of eliminating TB from the country by 2025 though it is currently the TB Capital of the world.

But eradicating TB from the country will not be an easy task as the government will need the help of private health care sectors, professional associates, NGOs and communities to spread awareness as it is one of the most importing tools in eradicating TB, he added.

He continued, in order to detect TB cases from remote areas where people are deprived of medical facilities the government has introduce a new strategy of home to home visit.

During August and September, 37 new TB case were detected during the home to home visit in five districts of the state. Home to home visit is going on in Imphal East, Chandel and Churachandpur, currently, added Gopalkrishna.

As for the year 2016, a total of 1918 new cases of TB were detected, out of it 1564 was detected in the public sector and 354 in private sector. For the year 2017, a total of 2175 was detected till November; out of it 1310 was detected in public sector and 865 in private sector, claimed the STBO.

Stating that the state TB Training and Demonstration Centre has the latest lab and equipment to TB testing and it is done without any charge, he asked the public not to waste extra money by testing in private labs.

He further mentioned that the anti TB drugs of RNTCP, which is given free of cost, is not less in quality with the drugs sold in chemist and pharmacy and it is approved by the WHO the STBO. He requested to use the drugs supplied by RNTCP to save extra money.

On the other hand, the state government has implemented Scheduled H1 medicines under Drugs and Cosmetic Rules from last month to curve over the counter sale of anti TB drugs preventing drug resistance, he added.