Day: December 11, 2017

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 11

Federation of Farmer Clubs (FFC), Manipur appealed to the authority concerned to waived KCC loan around 800 farmers of the Rural Bank claiming that their crops were destroyed during the recent flood occurred in the state.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal the federation’s president, Kh. Ranjit said that the matter has been taken up to the chief minister, N. Biren taking the opportunity of Meeyamge Numit on July 14 and the chief minister has forwarded the application to Imphal West district commissioner to look into the matter.

Subsequently, on August 17 the deputy commissioner has forwarded the application to the Agriculture department. The department however responded that the matter is not related to them as they have no connection with the bank, he added.

Later on November 16, the FCC again took up the matter to the chief minister, who assured to forward the matter to the finance department from where it was again forwarded to the Industries department, he continued.

With the application going in circle from one department to another without any result, the FCC has raised their concerned on the seriousness of the authority towards the plight of the famers.

Ranjit asserted that the Rural Bank are ready to waive the loan if the state government gives the approval.

The FCC president further pointed out that a district food security mission executive committee comprising of nine members was formed in 2012 to monitor the implementation of National Food Security Mission (NSFM) in Imphal West district where he was also selected as a member of the committee.

The NSFM-Rice of 2012-2013 was implemented with an outlay of Rs.1145.17 lakhs and the committee has to hold meetings on the 10th of every month to submit a progress report to the ministry of Agriculture, he added.

Claiming that not a single meeting of the committee was held, he sought the intervention of the government into this matter.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Dec 11

In the sit in protest organised by Khangabok Block Congress Committee under the supervision of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee at Wangbal bazaar, former chief minister Okram Ibobi said Congress party will not bear with the secrecy that is being kept for more than two year regarding the framework agreement. 

The sit in protest was part of the ongoing campaign of the Congress demanding that the contents of the Framework Agreement signed between the Central Government and NSCN(IM) in 2015 be disclosed to the public. He further said that during the congress rule, when Rajiv Gandhi was holding the post of Prime Minister of India, the Punjab Accord, Assam Accord, and Mizo Accord etc. were signed but they were not processed under any form of secrecy, and they were disclosed to the public along with the media, he said.

However, the details of agreement that was signed between the government of India and NSCN – (IM) on August 3, 2015 had been kept under veil of secrecy, he said. This makes the congress conclude that something suspicious is definitely included in the agreement, he added.

Expressing his dissatisfaction over the suggestion made by the centre and the state leader of BJP that there are no such things in the agreement, he further said the question of it affecting territorial boundaries of the state may not be included, but if the agreement grants financial administration and cultural autonomy to NSC – (IM), then it is equivalent to charting out the process of breaking up Manipur. It is akin to keeping two, separate governance at a same region he said inquiring if BJP does not understand its implications.     

He further said the state BJP leaders have been telling frequently that there is nothing in the terms of the framework agreement. This shows that they know what is there in the agreement, he said adding if they know what is included in the agreement, then it is requested that the details be released to the public tomorrow and the sit in protests will be immediately lifted. Otherwise, they should not make irresponsible statements, he added. 

Former deputy, CM, Gaikhangam said it was unfortunate that agitations taken up by the congress had been portrayed as something aimless and unworthy. The statements made by the chief minister about the demands are irresponsible, he alleged. He being the leader of the people, must consider the long terms before making statements, he added.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | Dec 11

Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Churachandpur today celebrated its golden jubilee with a motto ‘Ever onward: Celebrating 50 years of Excellence Service’, at Peace ground, Tuibong, Churachandpur.

The celebration was attended by chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh as chief guest, while minister of Agriculture, Vety and AH, V. Hangkhanlian was functional president. The guests of honour were, minister of Social Welfare, Nemcha Kipgen, chairman MANIREDA, GS Haupu and chairman of Hill Areas Committee (HAC), TT Haokip.

The chief host of the function was president of KSO-GHQ, Paotinthang and father of the jubilee was Semjakam Touthang, who is the founding president of KSO, Churachandpur.

During the function, the chief minister expressed his gratitude for KSO as the students’ organisation has turned 50 years and celebrating its golden jubilee. He also urged the people of the state belonging to different communities to forget and forgive the past mistakes and put in collective effort towards upholding the integrity and unity of the nation and the state.

Biren said, ‘Let us work hard collectively for the future of our children and youths, and also for a new Manipur where there is no community difference. Let us create an environment where people would live with mind without fear’.

In regards to the vision of the state government and concerning the people of the district, the CM said that immediate steps will be taken to improve the road condition and added that medical department is also one of the top priorities, which included setting up of a medical school.

He also said that education sector is also a prime concerned and a collective effort is required to explore the hidden talents of Churachandpur.

The CM also lauded the Kukis as brave, hugely talented and high principled people and added that the community has many imminent personalities and high ranking officials in almost all the departments of the state government.

‘In future we expect KSO to excel and be an example in the society apart from the immense contribution they already made in the past’, said N. Biren.

Regarding the signing of framework agreement between the centre and state government with the NSCM (IM), the CM assured that it will not be in anyway a factor for compromising of territorial integrity of Manipur.

‘Let us be clear that the government at the centre will not take any decision without the consent of the people of Manipur’, said N. Biren.

He further said that let KSO, Churachandpur be a frontrunner in bringing development even if there is disruption going on the existing unity. Blame game and politics based on community or religion should be stopped and game, he added.

The CM ended his speech by raising slogans as ‘Long Live KSO’, ‘Long Live Manipur’ and ‘Long Live India’ together with the gathering. A monolith which testifies the glorious achievements of KSO was also unveiled by the CM, along with release of a souvenir. During the function, various cultural programmes were also showcased by students of different schools.

During the programme, KSO submitted a memorandum to the CM, which included requirements of health education and road improvement. It also demanded that the  Kumbi Jr HS and Tuibong Jr HS of the district  to be upgraded to high school and functioning Gandhi Memorial High School to Higher Secondary School, followed by improvisation of PHSC, PHC, CHC in various sub-divisions of Churachandpur district. The memorandum further included setting up of skill development training centres in the different locations of the district and also establish sports complex for the sports enthusiast.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Dec 11

Tousem Area Students’ Organisation (TASO) along with civil voluntary organisations of Tousem sub-division today shutdown the Tousem SDO camp office which is camping at Tamei-Tousem guest house at Tamenglong district.

President of Tousem Area Students’ Organisation, Nehemiah Daime said that a memorandum and ultimatum has already been given to the state government, demanding for shifting of Tousem sub-divisional offices in Tamenglong district headquarter to its sub-division, however, the voice of the people is left unheard.

He also informed that the ultimatum has expired on December 10 and if any official or individual(s) attempt to open the office, any outcome should be taken on its own. The CVOs of Tousem will launch intense democratic form of agitation which will affect the state, he added.

The indefinite boycott and office shutdown will continue till the demand for shifting of offices including medical and police department is fulfilled, said Nehemiah.

The sub-divisional officer, Khupboi Aimol and other staffs were chased out from the camp office today.