Day: December 24, 2017

IMPHAL | Dec 24 

Volunteer of the People of Naga (VIPN) has claimed the Chinese hand grenade placed at Ukrhul Town Viewland on December 22.

A release signed by publicity secretary, VIPN, S Shirat said the grenade was served as a final warning to all non Naga shop owners, Naga or non Naga pharmacist, owners of taxi and heavy vehicles for business purposes operating at Ukhrul district, for not reporting at the top office of the party. 

If they fail to report at the office of the party, non locals will not be allowed to open shops at Ukhul district and the rent owners will be held responsible if their houses blow up, the release warned.  Any accidents, if faced by those who do not report to the organisation, will be their own responsibility, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 24

Fifth death anniversary of Thangjam Dijamani alias Nanao was observed yesterday at the hillock of Cheiraoching, Thangmeiband.

Speaking in the ceremony, MLA K. Joykishan said that media fraternity is taking a vital role in shaping a society and in communication in the state and throughout the world. Media persons work with heart and soul even in harsh condition to circulate the news. The brave souls must be honoured with dignity by each and everyone in the society, he added.

Joykishan stated that some incidents had occurred in the last few months that violated the freedom of expression by burning newspapers by some political parties. He also condemned life threat given by some politician against a journalist. Manipur is a democratic state and people should honour media rather than humiliating its right, asserted Joykishan.

President of All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU), W. Samjai said that Thangjam Dijamani was one of the renowned journalists for Primetime Guwahati and a stringer in DDK Imphal. He died on the spot during gunshots by police while doing news coverage of the agitation for assaulting a Manipuri film actress, Momoko by an NSCN-IM cadre in Chandel district on December 18, 2012, he added.

Samjai continued that that blueprint for constructing a memorial for the martyred journalist at Chingmeirong has completed and construction work will be started shortly. Thangmeiband MLA, K. Joykishan has assured to give financial assistance for the construction work, he added.

He further appealed the people that media fraternity of the state should be respected. Journalists face life threats and even get injured while covering news, so the freedom of expression should never be humiliated, added Samjai.

IMPHAL | Dec 23

Manipur Zoological Garden (MZG) has witnessed yet again successful breeding of nine of its Zoo animals.

An official statement released by the MZG, there were 9 (nine) births such as Manipur Brow Antler Deer (Sangai), Hog deer (Kharsa), Spotted deer, Sambar (Sajal), Barking deer, Purple swamphen during the month of October to December.

While the mothers are protective of their babies and secretive in hiding its babies from strangers, the young ones are now out of its hiding place and are actively exploring their exhibits, it said.

Sufficient roosting place/bedding were provided for the breeding species and dietary habits were improvised as per the animal requirements, it said.

Infant development is being closely monitored and their dietary needs by a team of Veterinary unit as per guidelines of Central Zoo Authority, Ministry of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Government of Manipur, it continued.

With particular reference to ungulates, the survival rate of the new born is 75%, validating the fact that the ungulates can be bred successfully in the Manipur Zoological Garden, Iroisemba, the released claimed.

It further informed that MZG, Iroisemba also received 5 Days old Barking deer from Tengnoupal District handed over by one Sh. Ngamkhulal Mate and team of Tengnoupal Range Office. The barking deer was abandoned by its mother in the wild. The rescued baby barking deer was given neonatal intensive care and hand reared with formulated milk by a team of Veterinary unit and dedicated animal attendants. Now, the baby barking deer is a healthy two month old calf.

The office of Directorate of Vety. & A.H. Services has rendered a praiseworthy cooperation in examining the health of Zoo animals and giving feedback for better management of zoo in the health care sector. The Zoo authority also received 3 month old barking deer from Kangpokpi Forest Division officials.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 24

Closing function of 26th Imphal Book Fair, 2017 was held today at DM college of Commerce ground. The book fair was organised by State Central Library, Department of Arts and Culture and dedicated to Mahakavi Hijam Angahal Singh.

Speaking as chief guest on the closing function, commissioner of PWD, CAF and PD and IPR, K. Radhakumar Singh said that pension plan for artist should be imposed because without supporting artists, art and culture of the state will never have further development.

He said that art and culture of the state is playing a major role in showing the identity of the state to the world. He mentioned that one of the Sumang Leela artists, popularly known as Keirao Rajen, is currently struggling with his life with half paralysed body. He has been serving the society in the field of theatre through Sumang Leela. There are many other artists who are still struggling with their lives at the time of old age and bad health condition, and government should take necessary steps like pension plan to support them individually, he added.

As president of the function, director of Arts and Culture, K. Sushila said that Act and Rules of state archives was passed in 2000 and imposed in 2002 but still the Act is not enforced. The government should make the act compulsory. Moreover, Manipur Public Library Act and Manipur University Act have passed and implemented but there is no room for the Acts in the state, she added.

She continued that comparing with the last year, this year’s book fair is reaching more success as larger number of people came. The government should inspect district libraries regularly on the basis of infrastructure and availability of books in order to give the benefit of library to the public, she added.

The function was also attended by principal of DM College of Commerce, Ph. Ibomcha Sharma as guest of honour.

IMPHAL | Dec 24

Secretary, minority affairs of the proscribed,  Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), Y. Shyam  sent Christmas greeting to all the fellow brethren of Manipur that let the coming Merry Christmas on December 25, usher in a life of harmonious and peaceful co-existence.  

Lord Jesus Christ as per the will of the Creator, took birth amongst mankind as one of their own people, and had been providing guidance and direction towards the rightful path to all, said a release signed by assistant secretary, publicity, Bangkim. The essential message of Jesus Christ is to live peacefully and harmoniously in this world, it said. There is no fear or high-handedness, deception and falsity in love, and therefore love for one another is the most triumphant pathway to arrive at a life peaceful coexistence, it said adding this is the message of Jesus Christ (John 13: 34). 

Lord Jesus Christ gave his life on the cross so that mankind can be saved from their sins, and went to the place of God by creating a path for mankind to follow, the release said. This shows how much Lord Jesus, the saviour loved mankind, it added. Following his example of forgiveness and generosity, the fellow brethren of this region should forgive the wrong doings and past mistakes committed amongst each other, the release maintained adding this is the wish of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:32).   

What the people who are settling in this region regardless of faith should remain vigilant, is the narrow view kept by India, the oppressor who is making demarcations based on faith by considering Hindu faith as the only religion and ill treating other religion, the release said.  

The statement made by chief of RSS, Mohan Bhagat on December 17 at a function held in Tripura that Indian as Hindus, proves that the religion followed by non Hindus in India are not respected, the release alleged.

Lastly, the release wished Merry Christmas greeting, saying the people of Manipur who had been residing here since time immemorial should try to follow the teachings of Lord Jesus Christ and have love for one another, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 14

Division bench of High Court of Manipur comprising of acting Chief Justice, N. Kotiswar Singh and Justice Kh. Nobin Singh on Friday directed state government to submit status report of Hayel Loubuk Water Supply Scheme, Thoubal which was constructed since 2007.

The directive was issued in response to PIL case No. 47 of 2017 filed by one Hashina Ayub, 22 daughter of Md. Ayub Khan of Hayellabuk, of Thoubal District on December 21.

The petitioner filed the PIL taking into considering the grievances face by the people living at rural areas of the State due to lack of safe and pure drinking water.

The petitioner felt that the existing grievances as a result of uncompleted constructions and non-commission of the Water supply schemes at different parts of the State taken up under National Rural Water Development Programme could be solved through strong directives of the court.

The counsel of the petitioner during the hearing prayed for an interim order for directing the respondents including State of Manipur through Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary/Commissioner/Secretary PHED, Govt. of Manipur, Chief Engineer (PHED), Govt. of Manipur, Executive Engineer, PHE Thoubal division and Union of India, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Govt. of India for timely completion of Hayel Loubuk Water Supply scheme, Thoubal which was constructed since 2007.

Subsequently, the division bench directed the respondents to furnish status reports of Hayel Loubuk Water Supply schemealong with similar datas of uncompleted water supply schemes with regards to the rest of the state within three weeks. The matter was listed on January, 17, 2018.

IMPHAL | Dec 24

The chief minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh has greeted the people of Manipur on the joyous occasion of Christmas.

He further stated that time has come take the message of Christmas with utmost seriousness and shun involvement of oneself in any evil activity and bring peace and development on the state.

The deputy chief minister of Manipur, Y. Joykumar Singh also extended his greeting on the auspicious occasion of Christmas and stated that Lord Jesus sacrificed His life for the cause of human being and may the light of Christmas give peace, harmony and prosperity amongst the people of Manipur.

Moreover, best wishes of Christmas have also been extended by CAF and PD, Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation minister, Karam Shyam, Works, RD and PR, T,C and I, Power, IPR, A, R and Trg minister, Th. Biswajit Singh and MAHUD, Town Planning, Forest and Environment, Horticulture, Soil Conservation minister, Th. Shyamkumar.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Dec 24

As part of the ongoing ban on Railway works in Marangjing (Makhuam) village, a vehicle owned by Coastal Company was burnt down on December 23 for defying the ban on railway works.

According to the villagers, the incident occurred at around 8 pm yesterday, in which one Bolero bearing registration number MN02F12690 was totally burnt down into ashes near Ejei River, Kharam village. Another vehicle was also reportedly destroyed today by villagers of Marangjing village near Marangjing Part III village.

The villagers had imposed the ban on railway construction works in the village starting from December 20 on unresolved controversy on the impacts of railway and protesting the arbitrary compensation and rehabilitation works of the railway authorities.

The villagers earlier submitted a petition to the chief minister of Manipur on December 10 urging the state government to constitute a committee comprising senior officer not below the rank of chief secretary or additional chief secretary to recover the compensation amount illegally siphoned by Thaunkulung Gangmei and Kh. Lovejoy. The duo had claimed individual ownership over the major portion of lands of Marangching village, which was acquired for construction of NF Railway Broad Gauge (BG). Thaunkulung and Lovejoy also had withdrawn illegal compensation amount due to illegal acts of deputy commissioner, Armstrong Pame based on nullified copy of the Court orders and fabricated documents.

Consequently, the villagers of Marangjing village have decided to completely ban the railway works and appealed the Railway authorities to stop the railway works till the matter is amicably resolved in accordance with the demands of villagers. Moreover, the villagers stated that the railway authorities and concerned companies should bear all responsibility for all untoward incidents arising for non-compliance of the request.

The government should take necessary legal action against Armstrong Pame and his subordinate officials involved for causing the siphoning and the loss of public exchequer which values of more than 36 crores, demanded the villagers.

Further, the state government should also take action against the authority of United Bank of India for allowing the withdrawal of amounts despite the persisting controversy and timely notifications on illegal and fraudulent attempts by Thuankulung and Lovejoy.

It may be mentioned that on March 21, an award order was issued by the Tamenglong DC, Armstrong Pame stating that the ownership of the land is under dispute and any compensation payment be made based on the court decision. On June 9, the Court of Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, Resettlement Authority, Tamenglong District fixed June 30 as the date of hearing to appear the DC based on the summon letter dated June 13. Later, the DC modified the compensatory award two times in favour of Thaunkulung and Lovejoy on June 15 and 16. The Civil Court of Tamenglong dismissed the case on June 16 on non-application of jurisdiction. On the same day, the DC made cheque payment to the two individuals. On June 23, the villagers of Makhuam rejecting the DC’s compensatory award to the two individuals, submitted a memorandum to the chief minister of Manipur to halt the payment. On July 5, the villagers met with the DC and resolved to freeze the account of the duo. On August 28, the DC informed the villagers through SDO and SDC of Tamenglong district that compensation money had already been withdrawn by Thaunkulung. The petition by Makhuam villagers expressed concern with the arbitrary payment of compensation for land affected by railway works by the DC on July 16 to Thaunkulung and Lovejoy, despite objections of villagers of Makhuam village and also without considering the pending court matter. Eventually, the villagers submitted a memorandum to the DC on July 22, demanding re-transfer of the arbitrarily sanctioned amount to an appropriate government account before the July 31, followed by furnishing the related bank statement to the villagers of Makhuam village.

The villagers of Makhuam had made the representation to the CM demanding immediate intervention on the issue from the state government within 10 days, which is until December 19, failing which the villagers will launch intensive agitation including total ban of all construction works of Northern Frontier Railways within the areas of Makhuam village.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 24

Intensifying its drive against influx of illegal migrants, Jiribam district police today dismantled one unauthorized bamboo bridge built over the river running at inter-state border.

The dismantled bridge was constructed over Jiri river at Ningthembam river bank connecting Bakhal of Cachar, Assam with Manipur.

The district police also dismantled five similar unauthorized temporary bamboo bridges constructed at the various location of Jiribam few days back.

The police intensified its drive in wake of the arrest of a Rohingiya Muslim on December 20 while trying to infiltrate in the state along with six others who are reportedly at large.

Chief minister, N. Biren Singh, on Thursday informed the House during concluded 3rd session of the 11th Manipur Assembly Assembly, that the police is on manhunt to arrest the six Rohingiya muslims who escaped in the jungle. As for the arrested man, he has been reportedly detained under Foreigners Act.

With the arrest of the Rohingiyas, chief minister N. Biren also announced Jiribam as the most sensitive zone when it comes to migrant influx.

According to the CM to restrict the infiltration of non locals with no proper documents, verification is continuously and consistently going on at vital places, opened two temporary police packet & re-enforce police personnel even by buying boats at Jiri, patrolling at borders, opened police outposts at bordering villages.

Moreover, since the present government came to power altogether 178 non-locals who tried to enter in the state without proper documents have been pushed back at the Jiribam border, he said.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 24

National Consumers’ Day observance was held today at the Manipur Cultural Integration Conference Hall Palace Compound organised by Consumers’ Club Manipur and Manipur Cultural Integration Conference (MCIC).

Yaiskul MLA, Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, Aribam Brajakumar Sharma president of Manipur Cultural Integration Conference and T. Phulchand Sharma president of Consumers’ Club Manipur attended as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.

According to T. Phulchand Sharma, National Consumers’ Day was observed with the motive of protecting the interest and rights of consumers after a historic act called ‘Consumer Protection Act 1986’ was given assent by the then President of India on December 24, 1986.

Since then December 24 has been observing as nation National Consumers’ Day across the country but in Manipur it was the act was implemented in the year 1989, said Sharma.

The Act is enshrined with six important rights such as Right to safety, Right to inform, Right to choose, Right to heard, Right to Redressal and Right to consumer education, he stated.

As the people of Manipur are ignorant of these rights its gives opportunity for businessman and traders from other states to do market monopoly resulting in drainage of large economy from the Manipur, he contended.

Blaming the government of Manipur for its failure to give awareness to the consumers about their, he said “It is very unfortunate that our government is not observing National Consumers’ Day. This shows that they don’t have any interest in safeguarding the consumer rights of the people. Rather they steal the rights of people by manipulating Supreme Court guidelines of fair price shop under public distribution system.”

He drew the attention of the government take serious initiative for protecting the consumers’ interest and rights citing the drainage of huge amount of money.

15. Phulchand Sharma also informed that Consumers’ Club along with MCIC is going to organise a series of informative programme on consumers’ rights to make the consumers aware of their rights from starting from today till World Consumers Rights Day that falls on March 15.

Thokchom Satyabarta Singh said that “The purpose behind the observance of consumer day ceremony is to create awareness about the consumers’ rights and it is very essential to observe too as the consumers activities are reducing day by day.”

He assured the gathering to apprise the government about the wishes of the people and converts them into action soon.