Day: December 28, 2017

IMPHAL | Dec 28

The All Manipur Newspaper Sale’s and Distributor’s Association have sent New Year greetings for the coming year 2018 wishing all a peaceful life filled with abundance, as Imoinu Ima arrives to usher  in a new and progressive Manipur. A release signed by secretary publicity, N. Sushilkumar Meitei has requested all to the clear the pending dues and the newspaper bills including the month of December as the New Year arrives.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 28

Former chief minister, O. Ibobi asked the government to implement the schemes which were assured by the national leaders of BJP during the election campaign at the state.

He was speaking as a presidium member during the observation of the 132nd foundation day of Indian National Congress held today at Congress Bhavan, B.T. Road, Imphal.

Ibobi said that the new government cannot fool the public for long and sooner or later, the truth will surface that the BJP have only made hollow promises.

He said that some people might have hated the previous government as they were not allowed to do anything which may harm public interest. He said further that, in his former government there was very amicable relationship between the people of hills and the valley, “And they say that the new government has bought back the close bonds between people of hills and valley” added the former CM.

He said that the projects being completed now were commenced by the Congress government and the new government simply claims the credit with loud rhetorics that they have brought rapid development in the state. 

Congress party as being one of the oldest political party in the country has been working to safeguard the integrity of the country as well as for the state, continued Ibobi.

The former CM added that the Congress  will work as befitting a sound opposition and will strongly stand for the welfare and development of the general public.

The observance was attended by Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president, T.N. Haokip, former deputy chief minister, Gaikhangam, and other leaders of the party as presidium members.

IMPHAL | Dec 28

Joint Action Committee against acid attack on Mangshatabam (O) Menaka has appreciated the financial support tendered by New Checkon Women Development Committee Meira of Soibam Leikai, Wangkhei Khunou. The organization donated a sum of Rs. Forty thousand for Meneka hospitalization.

In a press release, convenor of the JAC, Naorem Mahendra said the accused Md. Sahadat and his family still has not come forward to help the victim in any manner. It stated that Sahadat and his should take the responsibility if any bad consequences befall the victim.

IMPHAL | Dec 28

A meeting on discussion about the ban on National Railway Project Work imposed within the jurisdiction of Makhuam village was held today at the office chamber of Tamenglong MLA, Samuel Jendai.

In the meeting, the memorandum submitted by village chiefs regarding recovery of illegal payment of land compensation and further to take action against the deputy commissioner of Tamenglong district was discussed. According to a release, the meeting was being held in the absence of chief minister N. Biren as presently he is out of station, but it was organised in accordance with his instructions.

An understanding was reached between the villagers and authorities  and resolved to suspend the ban imposed on railway works within Makhaun village jurisdiction with immediate effect. However final resolution will be taken only after conducting a round of talk with chief minister, the release states.

Amidst the tussle between the Northern Railways and Marangjing village in Noney district , another vehicle belonging to the Shusee company was burnt down on yesterday for defying the ban on railway works. The arson of a truck occurred  around 5 pm near tunnel no 4 of the ongoing railway works.

Earlier on December 23, a vehicle belonging to the Coastal Company was completely burnt down for defying the ban on railway works by the villagers. The arson  occurred near Kharam  Village.

The ban on railway works is was imposed by the villagers of Marangching village since 20 December  protesting the arbitrary compensation and rehabilitation works of the Railway authorities. The villagers earlier submitted a  petition to the Chief Minister on 10 December last urging the Government of Manipur to constitute a committee comprising of a senior officer not below the rank of chief secretary to recover the compensation amount allegedly siphoned off by one Thaunkulung Gangmei and Kh. Lovejoy, who had claimed individual ownership over the major portion of lands, which are actually village land of Makhuam  and  Marangching, and was acquired for construction of NF Railway Broad Gauge . The villagers also alleged that withdrawal of the compensation amount was aided by deputy commissioner,  Armstrong Pamei and mainly based on nullified copy of the court orders and fabricated documents.  

The villagers appealed the railway authorities to stop the railway works till the matter is amicably resolved in accordance with the demands of villagers. It was urged that the government authorities should take responsibility to recover the compensation amount which comes to nearly 36 crores.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Dec 28

The 48 hours ultimatum served to the state government over the alleged suspicious death of Thangtinmang Haokip, has been made to relax and extended until January 3.

The decision to relax the ultimatum came after a joint meeting of Kuki Inpi, CVOs of Saikul, victim’s family and KSO-GHQ with IG, Clay Khongsai and SP, Themthing Ngasangva, Imphal West as government representatives today at the office chamber of IG, Imphal.

According to Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai president, Seimang Lupho, the IG and SP of Imphal West have given a concrete assurance to investigate the suspicious death of Thangtinmang Haokip at the earliest during the meeting and appealed to withdraw the ultimatum served to the government.

He continued that considering the assurance and the hectic Christmas and New Year festive season the decision to relax the ultimatum was made till January 3.

Post mortem of the Thangtinmang Haokip was conducted today at RIMS and later deposited at again at the Mortuary since the family members, Kuki Inpi, CVOs including KSO refused to claim the dead body before the authority concerned and state government solve the case.

The civil bodies also informed that if the case of Thangtinmang is not solved within the stipulated time, it will resort to any form of intense agitation including total bandh along the National Highway 2.

It may be mentioned that Thangtinmang Haokip was the joint secretary of Konghom Area Youth Development and he was found critically injured by some bullet riders along the road side at Khongampat crossing area. He was taken by the riders to Shija hospital for treatment where he was admitted to the ICU ward but later succumbed to his injuries at around noon on Christmas day. The Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai and CVOs of Saikul suspected assault leading to the death of Thangtinmang and threatened to impose a total bandh along NH-2 if the authority concerned and the state government fail to solve the matter within 48 hours on December 26.

IMPHAL | Dec 28

The civil society organisations of Manipur had a meeting with the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi today at 11 am regarding the framework agreement.

A memorandum was handed over to the PM in the brief meeting that lasted for around 15 minutes, said a release.  A ‘Leiyum fee’ and a statuette of Kanglasha were presented from the side of the CSOs, it said.

The meeting began with the CSOs clearly stating the reasons why the people are being apprehensive of the Framework Agreement, the release informed. It was relayed in the meeting that even if the Prime Minister himself and leaders at the Centre have expressed that the boundaries of Manipur shall not be compromised, alarming statements that came from different circles and the manner in which the framework agreement has been kept in secrecy have caused all the apprehension, it said.

The Prime Minister in turn asked the CSOs whose words they should believe in, and asserted that they keep faith in the Indian Government, as it has not made any declarations about doing anything yet; it said adding the PM requested the CSOs not to believe in rumours that came from unreliable sources.

The release further said the PM further assured that the only true information will be the declaration made by the centre after making it official by the Indian Government.  The PM expressed that the government is keeping its doors wide open to hear every wish of its people and the appeals should be made timely and appropriately to the concerned authorities, it continued adding there are no reasons why the government should not consider them.  

What can be considered fortunate is that the CSOs found that the PM had been very well informed about Manipur, the release continued. The CSOs reiterated their stand that they will never accept if India takes up any resolutions which will compromise Manipur’s territorial integrity internally from inside the boundaries of Manipur, after giving assurance the territorial integrity will not be compromised, the release maintained. He replied by telling that they should trust the words of the Prime Minister as he was representing the country, similar to the CSOs who were representing the State, it continued.    

The PM was made aware of the fact that the incident of June 18, 2001 will take place again in a much worse and larger scale if the Centre takes steps against the wishes of the people and request were made that they should not allow it to happen again, the release said.   

After listening to all the statements made by the CSOs in the meeting, he gave his assurance that the government of India will not make a hasty resolution without duly considering the wishes of people and everything that relates with the matter, the release further informed.

At the end of the meeting, he expressed that Manipur amongst the NE states, is the most economically underdeveloped and therefore, there is a need for the people of NE to put interest and give more focus towards bringing in progress and development, it said. The PM said development only, will bring in peace and progress to the region, and therefore is the responsibility of all, it further said. The CSOs parted with the PM with his request that they should part happily without keeping doubts in their minds, it added.

IMPHAL | Dec 28

Locals of Khurai Leirikyengmbam Leikai today staged a sit-in protest at Lamlong Thongkhong, condemning the burglary at the house of one Yumkham Sudhir and alleged police atrocities to Sudhir himself when he went to file the case regarding the burglary at his house

The sit-in protest was organised by Solidarity Group of Justice of Y. Sudhir.

Briefing  media persons, Leirikyengmbam Leikai Women Development Organisation president, R.K. Dhanabati claimed that on December 24 evening at around 7.30, four unknown miscreants entered  the residence of Sudhir located at Leirikyengmbam Makha Leikai and has looted money and jewelleries when only his wife, Y. Ranjana and son, Y. Nitish are staying at the house. The robbers took around 8 lakhs in cash and gold after tying up his wife and son.

Following the incident, Sudhir went to Lamphel police station to file a case in the regard, but a police personnel of the Lamphel police station physically assaulted him inside the police station instead of helping him, she added saying that the common people cannot tolerate such atrocities by a police personnel when they should be helping the person, continued the president.

Dhanabati appealed to the government to initiate an enquiry regarding the matter and take up action against the irresponsible police personnel who mistreated Sudhir.   

The Solidarity Group of Justice of Y. Sudhir warned of launching intensive agitation from January 3 if the government fails to take up action against the police personnel who physically assaulted Sudhir.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 28

National Investigation Agency (NIA) sleuths raided the residences of two functionaries of the KCP (People’s War Group) today. The raid was conducted at the Yurembam Awang Leikai residence of Laishram Ranjit alias Tamnganba, he is said to be a top functionary of the proscribed outfit.

The NIA conducted another raid at the residence of one Khumanthem Jack of Kwakeithel Moirangpurel Leikai. He is also another functionary of the KCP Peoples War Group.

According to sources, the mentioned individuals were arrested from Delhi on August 14 last. The NIA has been investigating the case in furtherance to an arrest made earlier in 2017. It may be mentioned that the NIA arrested two functionaries of the KCP namely Khoirom Ranjit alias Rocky alias Poirei of Yaripok Top who was the self- styled commander of the outfit and his associate Irungbam Sanatombi Devi of Pungdongbam Mamang Leikai from Delhi on January 12 last. Later, another person namely P Prem Kumar alias Ibomcha was arrested from Manipur. The NIA had charge sheeted the above three individuals and are being kept in the NIA custody

On further investigation, the NIA also nabbed one Sanabam Inaobi Singh of Yambem Mathak Leikai for having involvement in raising funds for the KCP, supply of arms and ammunition etc. He was also mentioned to have a close association with a minister of the present government. He was arrested from New Delhi on November 29 last. On further investigation of the said cases, the NIA has raided the residences of the above named individuals today.

IMPHAL | Dec 28

Four government officials were suspended today by CAF and PD, Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation minister, Karam Shyam in connection with the irregularities in the utilisation of land resources, records and public assets.

The decision was taken in consultation with the state revenue commissioner, Th. Chittaranjan and other concerned high ranking officials of the department after detailed inquiry and proper, thorough investigation of the irregularities and public offence committed by the culprits.

The suspended officials are SDC Imphal west central, N. Suran Singh,circle mandol, SDC Office, Imphal West Central, O Dhanabir Singh, supervisor kanungo (just recently transferred to look after SDC/SDO Office, Chandel), Th Ibomcha Singh, and supervisor kanungo, i/c  registrar kanungo, Directorate of Settlement and Land Records, Government of Manipur,  A Iboton Singh.

Talking to media persons, Karam Shyam said that he received several complaints in relation to improper land resources utilisation and its mismanagement from the public during his 9 months tenure as revenue minister.

Suspending the above four officials for misappropriating land assets that is a public property for their own personal profits and interests, he stressed that stern action would be taken against those who misuse public assets wrongly and found guilty.

During a press meet held at the conference hall of the minister’s office, he stated that both SDC Suran and mandol Dhanabir are responsible for wrong entry of Tarunibala’s mother as dead instead of alive regarding land property entitlement and it would be justified on the part of the government to punish them for distorting facts and their involvement in the matter.

Th Ibomcha is suspended on charges of irresponsible behaviour in connection with irregularities regarding 33 Khangabok land records, he accused. There are also cases of computerisation and manipulation that the revenue officials of the State are looking into for details from time to time.

A Iboton misused the dakshitha (patta) legal papers of the Sports University which is a state or national property without prior permission of the concerned higher authorities, he said.

The minister awarded cash prize to, zilladar, SDO Office, Bishnupur, Ningthoujam Ibochouba for his sincere service regarding revenue tax collection of Rs.50,000 within a short span of 10 days.

Drawing serious concern that the revenue department is not having a good image in the public eye, the minister assured that his department shall abide strictly by the law and order and norms of the state and conveyed the message that concerned officials should not commit such irregularities in future to pursue personal motives.

State revenue commissioner, Th. Chittaranjan; special secretary revenue, M.Joy and deputy secretary revenue, Y Rajen Singh attended the press meet.

IMPHAL | Dec 28

Deputy chief minister, Yumnam Joykumar Singh said that it is high time for people to co-operate each other to preserve and protect indigenous culture. He was speaking at the inaugural function of 3rd Singju Festival 2018 held today at Lamdeng Makha Leikai Lampak in Imphal West district.

The deputy CM said that Singju is one of the most unique foods especially for Meitei’s in the state. He observed that this food item is a mixture of many fresh and raw vegetables with high medicinal values. He continued that just like the food item, people from different ethnic groups having different cultural background have been inhabited from time immemorial in the state.

Stating that organising such festival will showcase the uniqueness of cultural pluralism, Joykumar said that people of the state need to co-operate each other to strengthen the unity in diversity. He also lauded the steps made by the organising committee of the festival for showcasing indigenous games like Likon Sanaba, Mukna, Kang and Arambai.

The deputy CM also assured the people to expedite ways to commission Solid Waste Management Project at Lamdeng and to improve water supply facility.

Chairman of the festival organising committee, Dr. S. Manoaton Singh said that Singju festival is not only a food festival but it is a festival to reflect an ethical idea and to foster the banner of unity in the state. To develop an emotional integrity, we all need to co-operate each other, he added.

Former MLA, W. Brajabidhu Singh also spoke on the importance of maintaining unity in the state.

A number of events like film festival, Shumang Leela, blood donation camp, tree plantation and various indigenous games will be presented in the 12 days long annual festival which is being organised by Singju Yokhatpa Lup (SYOL) in collaboration with local clubs and women associations of the area.

JIRIBAM | Dec 28

The Jiribam Municipality Council has declared Jiribam district as open defecation free (ODF) from December 28 onwards. Executive officer of the Council, M Rajen Singh in a release states that no objection was received from any quarters after a notice inviting objection to the ODF was published on December 13.

IMPHAL | Dec 28

The general body meeting of the Manipur Home Guard Employees Welfare Association was held at GM Hall today. The meeting unanimously resolved to convene a managing committee for deputing the president and secretary of the committee and the charges have been handled over to Khaidem Inaobi Devi for coordinating the meeting.

IMPHAL | Dec 28

A free medical check-up and medical awareness camp for the villagers of Yairipok, Thoubal district was conducted yesterday by 26 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector Assam Rifles, said a release by PRO IGAR (South). It said, the lecture on health issues and general medical awareness was given by the regimental medical officer of 26 AR, followed by free medical check-up and distribution of medicine to the villagers.

THOUBAL | Dec 28

A one –day legal awareness programme was organised by legal aid clinic Sugnu at Serou under the supervision of district legal service authority Thoubal,

Advocate, Khangenbam Arunjoy and advocate Zakir Husain attended as resource persons in the programme and spoke about mob justice and domestic violence. The programme was also attended by SDPO Sugnu, and OC Sugnu. An interaction programme was also held as a part of the occasion.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 28

The 14th edition of the ‘Best of AMMIK -2017 Mega Final’ will be held at Lamyanba Shanglen Palace Compound on December 29. It is organised by The Apunba Manipur Matam Ishei Kanglup (AMMIK) annually.

Speaking to media person at a press conference held at office of AMMIK at Yaiskul Sana Janmasthan, organising secretary of AMMIK, Dhananjoy Singh said that “ The objective of organizing the event is to protect and preserve the traditional genre of Manipuri songs.”

He stated further that “The competition is only based on patriotic and folk songs of Manipuri language and competitors were shortlisted through a screening process encompassing three months prior to the mega final, the singers have been selected from four districts namely Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Thoubal. However, competitors from adjoining places of the districts also participated.”

As per norms, 12 competitors were selected for tomorrow’s mega final event, he added.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Dec 28

Catholic Action Society (CAS) of St. John Catholic Church, Namkaolong (Keikao) village celebrated its Silver Jubilee at Church compound yesterday under the theme ‘You are chosen’.

A colourful traditional dance was performed by CAS of St. John Catholic Church, Namkaolong (Keikao) and song presentation and shared a common feast of the jubilee celebration. Rev. Fr. Stephen Chazhisseril, Parish Priest Tamenglong district attended as main celebrant and conducted Holy Mass and unveiled a monument in the presence of local congregations.

Namkaolong (Keikao) village is under Tamenglong sub-division, situated along Tamenglong-Khongsang road on NH-137. Hundreds of people from surrounding churches took part in the celebration.