Day: December 15, 2017

IMPHAL | Dec 15

Peace and Development Coordinating Committee (PDCC) Khundrakpam assembly constituency and neighbouring Saikul today said that the organisation will impose a total shutdown along Imphal-Saikul road if the government fails to repair the road within 24 hours.

General secretary of the organisation, Thoudam Hemjit said that the CSO had earlier set a dateline to start repairing work of the road stretch on December 15, in the form of memorandum and public announcement through a press conference. However, the authority concerned remained deaf ear, he added.

Hemjit said that the people of Saikul and surrounding areas have been facing untold problem as a result of the deplorable road condition for more than two years and the government has also not paid attention.

He condemned the local MLA, Lokeshwor Singh for allegedly ignoring the road condition and the plight of the people.

The general secretary of the organisation said that many accidents have occurred along this road and the matter was apprised to the government through several memorandums but to no avail.

The work order of the Imphal-Saikul road was taken on May 24, 2016 by M/S L. Singh and Company, M/S Rangnamai, M/S Tarpon, M/S Kalachand and M/S Continent.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Dec 15

The 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly passed a resolution on Naga political issue today, the second and the concluding day of the winter session that, “solution to the Naga political issue cannot afford any more delay and thereby interminably deny the Nagas their democratic right to self- determination and other concomitant rights and vestments”.

The resolution also said, “And therefore the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly assembled on December 15, 2017 during the session, hereby urged upon the Government of India to take emergent and extraordinary steps to usher in an honourable and acceptable solution to the Naga political issue well before the Assembly elections to the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly slated for March, 2018”.

It can be noted here that, at the ‘consultative meet’ of the Nagaland Legislators’ Forum (NLF) with the parliamentarians and ex-parliamentarians held on December 7, 2017 in Kohima, a resolution was passed urging the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to pass a separate resolution on similar lines for “solution before election” during the “current session” (December 14 and 15) of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

To this effect, a note containing today’s resolution issued by the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly said, “This House appreciated the various measures taken by the ‘Government of India in regard to early solution of the protracted Naga political issue, especially the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015 between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) as well as the further written Agreement on November 27, 2017 between the Government of India and the Working Group of the six Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs)”. The note also said that various stake holders are sincerely and seriously engaging their minds to the core details of the Naga political issue in order to arrive at an early solution.

The Nagaland Legislative Assembly then urged upon the Election Commission of India (ECI) not to announce the assembly elections to the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly until the Government of India arrives at “an honourable and acceptable solution to the Naga political issue in order to enable all Nagas to enjoy their due democratic and other rights and function as a more empowered electorate during the elections that may be head after the solution”.

The Nagaland Legislative Assembly also called upon civil societies, tribal hohos, church and other organizations concerned, to cooperate with the vision of the State Government in this regard. The Nagaland Legislative Assembly also called upon all political parties and Independent candidates to implement the demand for “solution before election” in the field, whenever necessary, so that utmost unity is displayed before the Government of India and the Election Commission of India.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 15

Chief minister, Nongthombam Biren Singh announced that there will be a new healthcare scheme to uplift the poorer section of the state with Hakshelgi Tengbang scheme and will be launched in January 1, 2018.

Under the scheme, the beneficiaries will be receiving cashless benefit of maximum Rs.2 lakh per year for Below Poverty Line and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) card holders on floater basis.

This statement was made while press briefing at the 8th Meeyamgi Numit (Peoples’ Day) held today at his bungalow.

He said that preparations have begun for the launch of the scheme. Five companies participated in the bidding process out of which one company has been selected.

The selected company in collaboration with the panchayats (local clubs) would conduct a joint survey for identifying the possible beneficiaries, he stated. He lamented that for better identification of actual beneficiaries, fresh survey will be conducted and survey camping will start soon, he said.

He also said that with this scheme, widows and poorest section of society will be benefited.

Biren said that he took this decision as most grievances are prayer for financial assistance in health check-up by BPL families.

He said that CMST has been launched in connection to this and urged the PWDs to make of the scheme.

Also realising the importance and need of Neurosurgery department in JNIMS, the chief minister said that it would be opened soon. “The required infrastructure and machinery and operation theatre are ready for use and six nurses are given special hands-on training to assist the doctors in Neurosurgery department,” he added.

CM stated that awareness programmes regarding organ transplantation from the dead bodies will also be started soon in the state. He also urged cooperation from the public and stated that organ transplant would save many lives in the state.

On the occasion, chief minister released a half yearly bilingual journal titled “Phijeegi Mani Laktagee”(The Hidden Treasure). The journal is published by Relief Centre for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Manipur.

Hundreds of people came for the 8th Meeyamgi Numit to address their grievances to the second head of the state. The chief minister attended to as many as 620 complaints and personally met nearly 1500 people from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm today.

By B Rakesh Sharma

IMPHAL | Dec 15

Pursuing art of tattoo as a career can be fulfilling both as an artist and financially said Mo Naga who is a traditional tattoo researcher and founder of Headhunters’ Ink, Manipur and Godna Gram-The Tattoo Village, New Delhi.

Mo Naga was born at Khangshim Village, Tengnoupal district as the first sibling of Syelsaangthyel Khaling and A.S. Vayola Khaling in the year 1985 and has two younger brothers and one younger sister.

He stepped in to the world of tattoo while pursuing his studies at NIFT, Hyderabad in fashion designing and later started research on Naga traditional tattoo.

Speaking exclusively to IFP, Mo Naga elaborated on the risk of spreading disease while making a tattoo at home by unprofessional artist but assured that it is totally safe to make a tattoo in a studio from professional artists as they follow the norms and maintain quality and hygiene.

He said “there has been no history of transfer of HIV while making a tattoo at a studio” and a professional artist will never dare to make a tattoo on minor unless and until the minor got his or her parent’s permission.

Suggesting that it would be wrong to judge the character of an individual by the tattoo on his/her body, Mo Naga said such perception of the society can be changed if people stop street tattooing.

Street tattooing can be risky for it can spread contagious disease, he said.

Pointing out that Indian tattoo industry has seen a phenomenal growth in the last five to six years, Mo asked the artist to also collaborate with other artist from outside the state to able to compete with the professionals.

Mo Naga’s work has featured in the ‘World Atlas of Tattoo’ amongst the top 100 artists of the world and helped three more artists from the subcontinent to get featured in the book and has also featured in ‘Tattoo Masters Flash Collection’ and has become the only artist from the subcontinent to do so.

Moreover he has rated in the top five artists in Asia by ‘Asian Geographic Magazine’ and also becomes the first and only Indian to demonstrate his tattooing skill in National Museum of Kolkota.

IMPHAL | Dec 15

Youth’s Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) and Women Action for Development (WAD) in a press release had announced the results of the various competitions which were held from December 7-9, 2017, in connection with the 16-days Activism on Gender Based Violence and International Days for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, said  a release.

In the painting competition, Venish Keisham was declared the winner. While, Juliana Thoidingjam and Laiphrakpam Rohit won the 2nd and 3rd prize respectively, the release mentioned.

Meanwhile, in the debating competition, Usham Ningthoukhomba Meitei, Elangbam Lalheiba Meitei and Joyshree Heisnam won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize respectively.

Further, in the slogan competition, Nongthombam Abraham, Gyan Mangang and Makakmayum Anjum were the declared the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners respectively, the release mentioned.

Several consolation awards had also been declared for the said competitions, it added.

Lastly, all the successful candidates are requested to kindly attend the closing ceremony on December 17, at Classic Grande (Imperial Hall), at 10 am sharp, the release informed.

IMPHAL | Dec 15

The Handicapped Development Foundation, Manipur, will be distributing kits and appliances, such as smart cane, smartphone, braille kit etc., to visually impaired persons on December 17, from 9:30 am till 2 pm, at the office premise of the foundation, located at Sagolband Tera Pukhri Mapal, Sayang Road, Imphal West, said a release.

All the concerned beneficiaries who had undergone an assessment on Feb 23, 2016, at Takyel Blind School are requested to collect one’s appropriate kits by showing one identity proof, namely, Aadhaar card, disability certificate, etc., the release informed.

Detailed information could be obtained from the office of the said foundation, it added.

IMPHAL | Dec 15

The Minorities Development Forum, Manipur (MDFM), appealed to all the CSOs and the general public in the state to refrain from any agitations on December 18, in view of Minorities Right Day which will be observed throughout the country.

As per National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Zoroastrians (Parsis), and Jains are notified as minorities in the country, and as such given protection by the Indian government, said a release.

That, Manipur state minorities commission in honour of the minority communities in the state, will also be observing Minorities Right Day with forest and environment minister, Th. Shyamkumar, a the chief guest, the release mentioned.

Lastly, MDFM reiterated its appeal to the people of Manipur for their cooperation and to refrain from any agitation, such as general strike, bandh, etc., for the successful observance of the said day.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 15

State president of National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), P. Bangkimchandra said the chief minister has reassured to investigate the mysterious death of Pravish Chanam (22), son of Ch. Jugindro of Uripok Achom Leikai who went missing for five days at Noida from September 22 and later found cremated by the authorities of Dr. BR Ambedkar hospital in Noida.

Speaking to media persons during a press meet held today at state office of NSUI, at Congress Bhavan, Bangkimchandra said on September 22, people had staged protest against the death of Pravish, to bring out the truth behind the mysterious death.

On September 25, brother of the deceased, Chandam Rabikanta appealed that CBI should investigate the incident. Later on September 27, after the national executive meet, the chief minister assured that the incident will be investigated with the CBI to find out the truth behind the mystery, he added.

After the assurance was made by CM, no action had been taken up to find out the solution of the case. Instead of bringing out a permanent solution, it seems the present government is playing a technique to find out temporary solutions in order to stop any form of agitation, he added.

NSUI condemns concerned authorities as protests were conducted since September but CM reassured to bring out the truth behind for the mysterious death only now. He appealed the state to find out the culprits involved in the mysterious death and to give punishments under the law. The government should be concerned that many people from the state are settling and studying outside the state and for their safeguard, necessary steps must be taken at the earliest, Bangkimchandra appealed.

Bangkimchandra also said the pending stipend of second batch RIMS BDS student should be given immediately in order not to affect the normal routine of dental OPD of RIMS. He appealed the concerned authority to give proper and actual amount of stipend for the BDS interns.

Besides, he said exams conducted by Manipur Public Service Commission should be conducted under transparency, as issues came up against exams conducted by the commission. The issue of Tribal Research Institute (TRI), deputy director has been under process since years. The post of deputy director for TRI was appointed under the examination held on January 8, 2015 by MPSC. But it is said that the person is not qualified for the post by AMSU. NSUI appealed the concerned authority to conduct examination by maintaining its quality.

IMPHAL | Dec 15

The Citizens Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD) expressed its grave concern over the pursuance of the chairman and managing director, national hydroelectric power corporation (NHPC) with chief minister N. Biren Singh, for early commencement of the construction of 66 MW Loktak Downstream Hydroelectric Project across the Leimatak River, said a release.

CCDD considers the said NHPC’s pursuance as a complete disregard of the longstanding call of the indigenous peoples of Manipur to commission the Ithai Barrage of the 105 Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project, in view of the severe environmental impacts and its detrimental effect on the livelihood of communities living in and around the Loktak wetlands, namely, Laphupat Tera Khordak Nongmaikhong, Arong, Ithai Wakokpi, Kumbi, Thanga, etc., it mentioned.

That, NHPC continues to reap maximum benefit at the cost of destroying the livelihood of several communities and devastating Loktak wetlands. The most notable impact being, the submerging of over 83000 hectares of agricultural land, the release added.

Further, the construction and operation of the proposed project on Leimatak River would mean the continued operation of Ithai Barrage for another 40-50 years, which will result in the complete devastation of Loktak wetlands due to the increased sedimentation aggravated by forest loss in the catchment areas of rivers flowing into Loktak wetlands, the release informed.

Lastly, CCDD urged the NHPC, the state government, as well as the central government, to decommission Ithai Barrage as demanded by the people of Manipur, and as recommended by the chief minister and governor of Manipur. That, the destruction of Manipur’s land and resources for the multinational companies should be stopped at the earliest, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 15

Huge number of locals from parental side of Sagolsem Ningol Longjam Ongbi Mirnalini, (24), wife of L. Rabichandra of Keishamthong Maning Longjam leikai marched a rally towards chief minister’s secretariat today evening, demanding that the culprit involved in the incident must be brought out.

The rally started from the locality of the deceased, Heirangoithong Maibam Awang Leikai. When the rally was heading towards CM’s secretariat Imphal, Kakwa police personnel put a halt to it at old Thumbuthong Bridge, Moirangkhom.

After long deliberation between the agitators and police personnel took place, seven representatives were allowed to meet chief minister.

Speaking to media persons, uncle of the deceased, Sagolsem Dhanabir said the meeting that took place between the representatives of the rally and CM was also attended DGP, high rank officials including MLA, Karam Shyam.

He said one person identified as Ken Roger reportedly posted a status on Facebook today around 9.27 am according to post-mortem she had committed suicide, but the accused family members found the report from Superintendent of Police, Imphal West at around 2.30 pm today. He further said according to CM, Kem Roger has been arrested and investigation has started against him.

He said CM assured to take necessary action against the culprits involved in the case of Mirnalini and will be punished immediately under law.

IMPHAL | Dec 15

Today, a combined team of 5 JAK RIF under 9 Sector Assam Rifles and Lilong police, along with the help of local anti-drug organization, All Lilong Anti drug Association (ALADA) and a women based organization Anti Social Prevention Organization (ASPO), launched a search operation in Lilong Haorebi Makha Lekai, said a release.

In the said operation, three male and one female involved in drug dealing were apprehended, namely Md. Erishad, Md. Iliyakat Ali, a lady named Olivia, and the owner of the house Abdul Manan alias Amir Khan (23), the release mentioned.

During the search, one non-prohibited bore Shotgun Modified (DBBL) without license, 25 grams of Heroin, 2014 WY tablets, 19 SP capsules, 8 small containers containing suspected no. 4 drug weighing approximately 16 grams, along with Rs 68,950 were recovered from the apprehenders, the release continued.

All the accused, except Md. Iliyakat Ali being a juvenile (17), along with the seised items have been booked at Lilong police station. While the said juvenile was warned and released, it added.

IMPHAL | Dec 15

Singju Yokhatpa Lup (SYOL) has appealed the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) to relax the ban imposed on the festival and urged the public to provide  cooperation in making the festival successful.

A release said the main focus of the festival, which is to take place from December 28 to January 8, will give focus on nurturing and protecting our culture and traditions. Singju itself is a part of our life and culture, it said. The festival was planned to be organised under the theme “Preservation and Protection of Indigenous Culture” and in the previous singju festivals, there was no any feature included that went beyond our culture and tradition, it maintained. A mega blood donation camp was held in association with RIMS Hospital and JNIMS as well as a symposium on Singju along with a marathon race was organised, it said.

The forthcoming festival will include stalls that highlight varieties of traditional food and have other features like Likon Sanaba, Arambai, Kang exhibition match, Mukna, Thang  Ta,  Blood donation camp etc., the release informed, it added.

IMPHAL | Dec 15

North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) has condemned the firing of bullets on tea-garden workers in Numaligarh area of Golaghat district, Assam.

A release said that on December 12, the said workers who had been denied their wages went to the bungalow of the tea-garden owners, Samir and Sudhir Roy, to press for their pending payments.

However, the owner became infuriated at the workers’ protest, and on the persistent demand for clearance of their dues, they fired upon them, grievously injuring at least 20 workers, it added.

The Assam government under BJP has not only failed to condemn the incident but has posted CRPF personnel in anticipation of protests that the workers may organise, the release maintained.

Further, it should be known that the tea-workers work under highly oppressive conditions and have historically been exploited and coerced to work, in active collusion with the state, the release continued.

NEFIS condemned the state government’s apathetic attitude towards the plight of tea-workers and demands an immediate probe to look into their working conditions in Assam. It also demands that the victims’ families be provided adequate compensation and action should be taken against the officials of labour department for allowing such illegal work-relationship to function unhampered, the release added.

IMPHAL | Dec 15

The Manipur Loumee Marup has urged the government of Manipur to repeal its order of September 17, 2017, which notified the increased tax on agricultural land.

The increased tax has put an enormous burden on the people of Manipur, particularly the farmers, said a release.

That if the state government fail to revoke the said order and continue the previous tax rate, it will be compelled to organise massive agitations to meet its demands, the release mentioned.