Day: December 20, 2017

IMPHAL | Dec 20

A non-local man was shot by armed miscreant today evening at around 6.25 in front of his rented house near Nityainanda temple RIMS road.

According to police report, the person has been identified as Abhas Malllik, 33, son of Bhramanand Mallik from Argalsasan district, Odisha. He sustained two bullet injuries on his back and one on his left arm.

The victim is currently kept at intensive care unit of Shija hospital and said to be in critical condition. 

It has been informed that the victim has been staying in Manipur for the last six years as plumber along with his father and a younger brother in the rented house.

Soon after the incident, a team of Imphal police station rush to the crime scene and conducted spot enquiry. A case has been registered under Imphal police station for further investigation.

IMPHAL | Dec 20

Congratulating the villagers on the occasion of 125th Quasquicentennial Celebration of Ragailong Pei (Village), Education and Labour and Employment Minister, Thokchom Radheshyam Singh said the sense of oneness to thrive together harmoniously abiding the laws of land, respecting the religion and valuing the elderly of the “Pei” is the key for a compatible society.

Commemorating the forefathers who had stood for the being of the village, the minister said that today’s young generations should be made aware of the contributions so that the youths and the generations to come could realise their responsibility towards the community and village and safeguard the legacy passed down on them from the elders.

Releasing the souvenir, Th. Radheshyam said that the sacrifices and courage the forefathers had shown had all been inscribed in the souvenir, making it one of the best gifts to the youths on this special occasion of quasquicentennial celebration.

MLA, Wangkhei assembly constituency, Okram Henry Singh assured that attempts to provide the foremost necessity of the village for drinking water and drainage system will be carry out. The MLA also unveiled the Memorial Column Erected in the memory of the construction of the culvert over the rellak Duithok (Rivulet) for the village approach road.

Established in the year 1891 at Khuman Lampak, the Ragailong village was founded by the earliest seven families who lived at the Bajanam (Band Party colony). The village facing certain natural calamities was shifted at the present location after the great flood of 1928. Though faced with numerous disputes and affected by the war and other man made calamities, the villages has now flourished to one of the most beautiful and promising village of the Rongmei community.

The two-day 125th Quasquicentennial Celebration is being observed under the theme “Passing on the Legacy of Oneness” with great enthusiasm resolving to march ahead to realise the objective of united, prosperous and peaceful Ragailong as envisioned by the ancestor. The living and the departed leaders and villagers who had rendered commendable contribution and who had struggle for the development of the village were also honoured at the occasion. The observance was organised by the Organising Committee of the Ragailong Quasquicentennial Celebration.

The celebration was attended by MLA, Nungba assembly constituency, Gaikhangam, MLA Tamenglong assembly constituency, Samuel Jendai, and the locals of the Ragailong villa.

Thangjam Joykumar, the man behind Lilkla

‘Likla’, the brand name is associated with mineral water and other packaged products. It is one of the most popular local brands in the state. Imphal Free Press met the man behind the product, Thangjam Joykumar Singh, a successful entrepreneur, awardee and the managing director of the company for a short chat on his journey so far.

IFP: Could you mention a brief background of yourself ?

Joykumar: I was born to late Thangjam Birchandra and late Thangjam ongbi Maipakpi in a house at Sekmai. I was the 7th among ten siblings. My late father was a businessman, he traded in handlooms, fruits etc. and even went to Nagaland to conduct business. I did my schooling at Sekmai Neelpadma Higher Secondary School and finished my Pre-University Course (PUC) at DM College. I finished my Bachelor in Business Management from Mysore University and completed my masters in Economics from Bhopal University.

IFP: When did you start getting interested in doing business?

Joykumar:  It was at a very early age, I was 16 then and studying for my metric exams. I decided then that that I would go into business, to start an industry was my only passion, I just didn’t know what to do then. We had a small grocery shop at Sekmai and I would help in selling the wares whenever I could and mainly after I came back from school.

I tried my hand in the readymade garment business first in the early 80’s after finishing my masters. I had decided in the flight back home that I would start business immediately. I started shop and it was located at Polo Ground and called Joy Junction shop. I also ran a saw mill and did some timber business afterwards.

IFP: How did you decide to start the food processing industry?

Joykumar:  I saw Magfruit Industries and how they prepared the juice and bottling technique. I felt that I could do it too and Manipur has all the rich agri-potential to start and sustain an agro-based industry. Later,I started Thangjam Agro Industries back in 1991, my brothers helped me out in starting  up the business. I started manufacturing soft drinks, candy and further diversified into making tomato sauce, jam etc. and sales went up really well.

IFP: How did you name your company Likla ?

Joykumar :As a matter of fact, naming things is not my strong suit. It was one late evening and I was chatting with my brother Dr. Nabachandra about naming the product. It was him only who suggested the name “Likla”, I guess it stuck. I started the mineral water packaging business then.

IFP : How is the new foray into the baking business doing ?

Joykumar : We had a small backery at Sekmai when I was a teenager. I also helped in making the bread and other items after learning it from migrant workers. I always wanted to open up a bakery and have a well modernized one now. I feel that the Likla bakery division is doing quite well. I have four divisions including the processed food division, 2 divisions of packaged water including the plastic bottle manufacturing unit and a bakery.

IFP: Which product would you say is the best seller ?

Joykumar: I would say my Likla juice, it has been one of my best sellers. The ready to serve (RTS) beverages including Nimbu Paani, Lichi flavor etc. are all doing well in the market. I have five flavours.

IFP: What problems have you faced in conducting your business?

Joykumar : I divide my problems into Internal and External. The Internal problems is within my capacity to solve and augment. The external ones are not within my ambit. I would say that electricity was a big problem as erratic power supply in the past was a main hurdle in maintaining the product line. The others are the bandhs , blockades and landslides. My materials which come from other states couldn’t arrive and I suffered a lot due to those external problems.

IFP : How many people do you employ ?

Joukumar : From 2010, my employment went up. I have 380 workers in the Industry and another 140 in distribution.

IFP: To whose hands are you leaving Likla ?

Joykumar : I have my son Jimmy and am presently showing him the ropes of the business. He did his graduation in the commerce stream and has finished his MBA. He is doing good and I know that Likla will progress more in his hands.

IFP: What message will you give to the unemployed educated youths?

Joykumar : We have virgin untapped resources, we need to tap it in a sustainable manner. I want the youths to come out and take the opportunity. There are many areas including medicinal plants and fruits processing etc. I have my limitations and a man can do only so much at present. There is a whole area of bio-resources which we can tap and market. I want the youths of the state to harness that potential.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 20

Inter State Youth Exchange Programme 2017-18 under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat concluded today which have been continuing for the last 15 days at Kangshang, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Imphal.

The programme was participated by a team of forty-six youths from Madhya Pradesh and fifty-four from Nagaland and Manipur.

The main objectives for organising the programme was to celebrate the unity in diversity and to strengthen the emotional bond between the people.

It is also to showcase the heritage, culture, customs and traditions of the partner states which are Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur. To fulfil the objectives various types of programmes and activities were conducted during the fifteen days.

Addressing on keynote address, district youth coordinator, Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYKS), Imphal West Yumnam Luxman brief on the programmes conducted for the last fifteen days. The group discussion which was held as a part of the programme brings a big impact between the youths to know the heritage, customs, culture and traditions.

Speaking on the occasion, vice-chancellor of Manipur Univesity, professor Naorem Khagendra Singh as chief guest said the youths can bring a change for the nation.

Youths have lots of potential in every field and if they exchange their thoughts and ideas between themselves it can bring a great nation from others.

World is divided into two process exclusiveness and inclusiveness, exclusiveness is a divided communities and inclusiveness is oneness between the communities. In the small state of Manipur also people are in exclusiveness that is the reason to bring lag in integrity, he added.

Speaking to media persons, co-coordinator of Madhya Pradesh, Pravesh Khan said it is glad to participate such programme and with the help of such programme youths can exchange the ideas between themselves in the field of food, culture. Despite from the news heard about the state about the crimes and unwanted happenings the people of the state found to be friendly and open hearted.

With the help of such programme by organising at different parts of the state oneness between the youths of different parts of the country could be brought for a peaceful nation, he added.

State director NYKS, Imphal, Sahib Singh and state director NYKS, Kohima, Jackie Ruivah also attended the function as guests of honour.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Dec 20

A new born baby girl was found abandoned near Sangaiyumfam Nungfou kabarstan under Thoubal district. The baby has been handed over to government’s Specialist Adoption Agencies (SAA) by         Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

The baby was discovered by early morning walkers around 4 am near the mentioned site, after hearing her cries.

A team of Heirok police who was on their way noticed the crowd gathered at the area and came to know about the matter. After CWC and Thoubal Childline were alerted, the baby girl was then collected and brought to District Hospital Thoubal for medical treatment by the workers of CWC, SAA and DCPU. Afterwards, the baby was handed over to SAA by CWC.

A younger brother of the man who discovered the baby, expressed his wish to adopt the baby as  he was childless. However, CWC advised him to make his pleas through proper channel by registering. 

Protection officer, District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Thoubal, Gajoo Rajkumari stated that it had been only 24 hours since the baby had been born, and that she must have been abandoned by her parents. Having been exposed to the cold, the baby is still receiving treatment at the District Hospital Thoubal. As per the law, the baby had been handed over to SAA, though her parents can make claims at DCPU Thoubal within a month.  

A commotion was raised at the hospital by those who were keen to adopt the baby, demanding that the child be handed over to them. However, they were informed that they can only make claims as per the law, and would not be allowed to get hold of the baby girl unless they were her true parents.

A report from SAA said it will release information to the public through media in order to find out where the baby came from.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 20

After a gap of 11 years, the daily shuttle bus service between Imphal and Jiribam resumed today with transport commissioner, L. Lakshmikumar Singh, officially flagging off the first bus to Jiribam from Inter State Bus Terminal, Imphal.

Briefing media persons, the commissioner said that re-launching the bus services between Imphal and Jiribam after a long gap will not only improve the connectivity between Jiribam and Imphal but reassure the people of the newly created district of the commitment of the present Government.

Lauding the transporters (Imphal Silcher Road Bus Owners’ Welfare Union and United Bus Owner’s Welfare Assoction) for taking up such initiative of providing services to the people, he said that such services would substantially help in brining development to the district.

Manipur State Transport (MST) department’s main objective is to provide connectivity to every nook and corner of the state, he said adding that irrespective of private or government, the department would support such noble initiative.

Lakshmikumar appealed to the private transporters to render their services without thinking much about profit in a rational way.

According to B. Dhanabir Sharma, bus services stopped plying along the Imphal-Jiribam road since 2006 due to deplorable condition of the road.

However, with Jiribam having upgraded to full-fledged district it has become urgent requirement to improve connectivity to the district besides connecting all the districts and remote places in hills is the dream of chief minister who is also holding the transport portfolio, he said.

Sharma informed that a total of eight buses, four from Imphal to Jiribam and four vice versa, will be pressed into service initially along the route with a gap of one hour (starting from 6 am to 9 am) and added that ISBT will be the starting point with two stopped along the way, one at Wangheng Leikai and another at Baba Fish Centre.

He further informed that the two transports bodies (Imphal Silcher Road Bus Owners’ Welfare Union and United Bus Owner’s Welfare Assoction) will also launch Imphal to Khoupum buses service at the earliest.

IMPHAL | Dec 20

Details regarding Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015 between government of India and NSCN (IM) are being sought by people of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh without much success.

A release signed by MP, Dr. Thokchom Meinya said that recently in Hornbill Festival, president of India has said that the final solution of vexed Indo-Naga issue is coming soon.

Ministry of home affairs has informed me in a reply to my question in this House that all stakeholders shall be taken on board before a final solution is worked out, it said. The real issue is the question of whether there is any hidden agenda in the whole process, it further said.

We are all for an amicable solution the Indo-Naga issue, the release said adding but it should not disturb the territorial integrity of the State of Manipur. Manipur got merged with Union of India in 1949 with a clear-cut territory – Geographical boundary, the release asserted. There shall be no compromise on the territorial integrity of Manipur, it said. Hence I urge upon the Union Government not to try to disturb the same, the release added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 20

The third session of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly began today with the House giving obituary reference in connection with the death of  veteran politician Rishang Keishing, former chief minister of Manipur, Khundongbam Jugeshwor Singh, former Lamsang MLA, former MLA Sagolband Salam Damudor Singh, and Th. Krishna Singh, former Minister from Thoubal Assembly Constituency.

The obituary reference was initiated by the leader of the house, chief minister N. Biren Singh, wherein he referred the demise of the veteran politician Rishang Keishing as a great lost for the State as a whole adding that the vacuum left by him could not be filled easily.

He pointed out that the deceased was elected as first Lok Sabha member from Outer Manipur Parliamentary during the year 1952-1957. He was a Member of the Manipur Territorial Council from 1957 to 1962 and 1967 to 1971. He was elected as 3rd Lok Sabha MP from 1962 to 1967. He was elected as first Manipur Legislative Assembly member from Phungyar Assembly Constituency in the year 1972.

During the period from 1974 to 1979 he was a minister and held a portfolio of Finance, Education, Tribal Affairs, Transport and Forest. He was Chief Minister for the first time in the year 1980.  He was not only a politician but also contributes a lot  for the welfare of the society.

He was a member of the 9th Finance Commission in the year 1989 and attended as an Indian delegates in the 35th General Assembly of United Nation. He was soft spoken, simple, polite and humble. Rishang worked for equal development for the people of both the valley and the hill and peaceful co-existence of the people of the State.

Khundongbam Jugeshwor Singh, born in Awang Potsangbam Khullen was elected as a member of the 2nd Manipur Legislative Assembly from 17-Lamsang Assembly Constituency from 1974 to 1979. Salam Damudor Singh was a member of the Manipur Bar Association from 1968 to 1970. Municipal Commissioner from 1978 to 1983. He was elected as Member of the 4th Manipur Legislative Assembly from 11-Sagolband Assembly Constituency in the year 1984.

Th. Krishna Singh, elected as Member of the 3rd Manipur Legislative Assembly from 31-Thoubal Assembly Constituency. He was Minister of State and held the portfolio of Agriculture, Minor Irrigation, Vety & AH, PWD, Revenue and Transport from 1982 to 1983. Again, in 1990 he was elected as member of the 5th Manipur Legislative Assembly from 31-Thoubal Assembly Constituency and served as a Forest minister.

Biren praying for the departed souls to rest in peace, shared his grief with the bereaved families.

Opposition leader, O. Ibobi Singh in his obituary remarks, recalled the achievements and legendary contributions made by the late leader Rishang Keishing for the State of Manipur.

Others, who gave obituary reference in today’s session were deputy chief minister Y. Joykumar, agriculture minister V. Hangkhanlian, forest minister Th. Shyamkumar, MLA Md Abdul Nasir, MLA T.N. Haokip,  MLA S. Rajen, MLA P. Brojen and MLA K. Leishiyo.

The Speaker move resolution that the House express it deep and sorrows to the demise of the late leaders and observed a two-minute silence by standing as mark of respect to the departed soul.

Later, today’s session, secretary of the Manipur Legislative Assembly intimate Governor’s assent to Bills to the House.

The Bills which have been given assent by the Governor of Manipur are The Manipur Appropriation (No.3) Bill, 2017 assented on 24th July, 2017. The Manipur Fiscal Responsibility and Budget  Management (Amendment) Bill, 2017 assented on 14th August, 2017. The Manipur Appropriation (No.4) Bill, 2017 assented on 24th August, 2017. The Manipur Private School (Registration and Regulation) Bill, 2017 assented on 31st August, 2017. The Manipur Coaching Institute (Control and Regulation) Bill, 2017 assented on 31st August, 2017 and The Dhanamanjuri University Bill, 2017 assented on 25th October, 2017.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh while presenting the Fourth Report of the Business Advisory Committee, 2017 also move that the House agrees with the allocation of time recommended by the Committee. In view of the ensuing Christmas festival the session which was supposed to conclude on December 23 will now conclude on December 22, 2017.

Minister, tribal affairs and hills N. Kayisii move for leave to introduce The Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2017. As the Bill was referred to Hills Areas Committee (HAC), HAC will give it report to the House on December 22, 2017.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 20

The additional sessions judge, Fast Track Court, Crime Against Women, Manipur, A. Noutuneshwari Devi, today sentenced the prime convict of Leihaopokpi hillock gang rape case to rigorous life time imprisonment, and also awarded two others 20 years each rigorous imprisonment with fines.

It is learnt that this is the first time in the country that a court has awarded life imprisonment to any person convicted of gang rape after the amendment of Indian Penal Code 376.

The prime accused identified as Khuraijam Bungbung, 30, son of late Kh. Indrajit Singh of Lamlongei and the two co-accused as Nongthombam Bocha alias Biren Singh, 43, son of N. Bihari Singh and Khuraijam Khamba Singh, 26, son of Kh. Guno Singh both from Lamlongei Mantripukhri Maning Leikai, were pronounced guilty by the Court on December 18.

 “The crime committed by the convicts is not only injustice to the victim of the crime in particular but also to the society as a whole”, an order of the court while pronouncing the sentence said.

The court also ordered for providing compensation of Rs. 2 lakhs to the victim from the scheme “Financial Assistance and Support Service to Victim of Rape: A Scheme for Retrospective Justice” launched by the ministry of Women and Child Development.

The defense counsel of Bungbung and Bocha alias Biren Singh, submitted that they are now 30 years and 43 years old, they have their own families having children respectively and there is no previous crime antecedent in their past career and prayed for leniency while imposing sentence to the convicts.

Panel lawyer on behalf of Khamba also submitted that the convict is newly married, till now he has no issue, he also has no previous crime antecedent and this is his first offence and he had no knowledge of the law on the matter. The lawyer also prayed for leniency on the convict.

However, the judge said after carefully examined the case he is convinced the three deserved to be convicted under section 376-D of the Indian Penal Code as act of the gang-rape and acting in furtherance of the common intention of all the convicts caused serious body and mind injury to the victim as well as degraded the very soul of the society and the offence was inhuman.

The court also imposed a fine of Rs. 10,000 on the prime convict and Rs.5,000 each on the co-convicts and in default of payment of fine the convicts are to undergo three months simple imprisonment.

The court also ordered that the said fine of Rs.20,000 in total shall be deposited to the court and to be handed over to the victim as compensation.

The victim was raped on the evening of January 22, 2014 at Leihaopokpi Hillok Imphal East district when she was dating her boyfriend.

Following the incident, the uncle of the victim lodged a complaint with the Heingang police station around 1 pm the next day (January 23). The police lodged a regular case under FIR no. 04(1) 2014 under section 376/34 IPC.

In his complaint, the uncle said that his niece was kidnapped by three persons at Lamlongei when she (Naobi) was coming from Mantripukhri and after detaining for few minutes at Lamlongei she was raped at Lamlongei jungle.

After thorough investigation of the case charge sheet was submitted and then the case was committed to Session Judge, Imphal East as the offence is exclusively trialable by the court of sessions. Later the case was transferred to the FTC.

Subsequently, charge was framed on July 24, 2017 against the accused u/s 109/354/376/385 and 34 IPC of the IPC.

During the trial it was established by the court with evidence on records that it was gang-rape and thus u/s 376-D IPC was slapped against the accused.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 20

Vehemently condemning yesterday’s bomb blast at residential area of Keikhu Muslim Makha Leikai, the womenfolk of Keikhu Muslim Women Welfare Society held a sit in protest at the gate of Albaz Md. Abdul Qudus today.

Speaking to media persons, secretary, Keikhu Muslim Women Welfare Society, Khullakpam Sanaru said the planting of a bomb at resident of Albaz Md. Abdul Qudus is not the first time. “We are very fortunate that nobody got injured and if someone gets hurt then who will take the responsibility. We want immediate clarification of the motive behind the repeated bomb attack.”

This kind of cowardly act has really terrified the people living in the adjoining areas, she added.

The unknown miscreants who planned the bomb attack actually targeted at the residence of Albaz Md. Abdul Qudus. However, it exploded at the roadside of Keikhu Muslim Makha leikai.

The dharna was jointly organised by Youngster Sporting Union and Moholla.