Month: January 2018

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Jan 3

Upgrading the knowledge from time to time would help in bringing productive, relevant and sustainable form of education system in the society, said minister of education, labour and employment Th. Radheshyam Singh in the 16th foundation day of Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM).

The foundation day was celebrated today at the auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical of Sciences (JNIMS) and in connection to it 65th Mega Blood Donation Camp was organised in the same premises.

Speaking as a chief guest Radheshyam said education has three aspects such as enhancement of knowledge, skill and deeper understanding of the subject matter. The real meaning of education can be achieved only when these three aspects are fulfilled, he added.

In various dimensions the modern education system is focussing on political, social, legal, technology and economy. Anyone who acquires all these knowledges and utilizes it in a right direction would lead a meaningful life. And one should not consider the purpose of education is all about just getting a lucrative job, he stated.

He congratulated DESAM for the endeavour and commitment they made in bringing quality education in our society. However he also suggested them to introspect the work they are doing so that any mistake they had committed intentionally or unintentionally while functioning their duties may not recur.

He appealed to young generation to become a good human being who can contribute something to the society.

He also appealed to teachers in making the classroom student friendly so that students can create the interest of learning. And teachers should also help in building positive attitude of the student as well as encourage their strength and talent, he added.

The president of Kuki Student Organisation Paotinthang Lupheng, who was guest of honour, said that in a state like Manipur where there are frequent turmoils, education can be powerful source of medium in bringing peace and tranquillity.

Considering as a common lacuna of every student organisation, he said that “Many student organisations are operating for the welfare of students and development of education system. However most of the students organisations always used bandh, economic blockade, which hamper in education, as an instrument in the process of agitation.”

As a part of the programme Dr. Bishanjit Loitongbam gave a lecture on “The role of education in economic development of Manipur”.

In his lecture he stated that Manipur bagged as third poorest state in India according to annual report of Reserve Bank of India published in 2013. In order to bring economic revolution the first and foremost thing is to bring a real education because the inner potential of an individual comes out only when the individual gets proper enlightenment.

In connection to foundation day best three teachers had been awarded ‘Chingoo Maichou Khongnangthaba Award’. They are head master of Kumbi Sandhong Government Primary School Khangembam Indrakumar Singh, principal of Lamlong High School Hijam Sobita and Science graduate teacher of Oinam High School Thingbaijam Swarankumar Singh.

A slide show on an overview of blood donation was also presented by medical officer in-charge Blood bank JNIMS Dr. K. Surjit.

Other dignitaries attended were president of DESAM Moirangthem Angamba, director of JNIMS prof. Th. Bhimo Singh, president of All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) Seth Shanthsang as president and guests of honour respectively.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Jan 3

The judicial magistrate, 1st class Imphal West-II remanded two individuals to judicial custody including one who impersonated as PRO of MAHUD minister, Th. Shyamkumar who tried to extort huge amount of money from three tobacco traders.

The accused are identified as Brahmacharimayum Biki Sharma, 36, son of late B. Bihari Sharma of Nagamapal Singjubung Leirak Machin and Lourembam Omorjit Singh, 36, son of L. Saratkumar Singh of Uripok Sorbon Thingel Haorongbam Leikai.

They were apprehended by City police on December 26 from their respective houses following an complaint lodged by one Lourembam Ranjit Singh who is the current PRO to MAHUD minister.

The complaint stated that both the arrested individuals planned to extort Rs.50 lakhs each from three non-local tobacco traders who have their shops at Ngari Galli of Khwairamband Bazar.

During police interrogation it is learned that they summoned the three non-local tobacco traders identified as Badri Singh Yadav, Kishore Kumar Prasad and Santosh Gupta to hold a meeting at Hotel Kristina, Paona Bazar on December 25 and demanded Rs.50 lakhs each from the said non-local traders if those traders want to continue their business.

On the other hand the investigating officer of the case submitted that statements given by the arrested persons as well as prosecution witnesses reveals prima facia evidence against the arrested persons had been well established to substantiate the charge levelled against them.

The IO further prayed for 15 days judicial remand of the two accused persons.

THOUBAL | Jan 3

A cycle rally was held today at Sangaiyumpham, Thoubal district with the theme “Education for All, Drugs for none” organised by Muslim Students’ Development Organisation (MSDO) Sangaiyumpham.

The cycle rally, which was flagged off from Sangaiyumpham Moirangpalli by Sangaiyumpham zilla parisad member, Md Hijur Raham was attended by pradhan, Sangaiyumpham part I, Md Zakir, pradhan (Nominee),  Sangaiyumpham part II, Md Wahidur Rahaman and representatives of the clubs and organisation from the area.

General secretary, MSDO, Md Jiaul Haque said on the occasion that the rally was held with the purpose or saving the youths from drugs and directing them towards education and to make them live healthy and productive lives.

The present day has become advanced and very competitive, he said. It is known to all that education is the spine of progress. It is not at all easy to provide quality education when being merely educated is not enough, he added.

Today’s rally intend to give message to the people of the region and the government that all should give efforts to save the youth from the traps of drug abuse, and take responsibility in turning towards education to create a better society, he further said.

It is high time that a policy be introduced in the State to eradicate all forms of substance abuse, he said.

“No dustbin, no shop license” policy hits rule hurdle

By B. Rakesh Sharma

IMPHAL | Jan 3

“No dustbin, no license” policy for shops under Imphal Municipality Corporation (IMC) area will be implemented very soon in the state as announced by MAHUD minister, Th. Shyamkumar on December 27 during the launch of SP Group Private Limited.

IMC commissioner, Th. Harikumar said according to the present rule dustbin was not mandatory to obtain a shop license so approval of the House is needed to implement “no dustbin, no shop license” policy. The matter will be taken up in the House discussion which will be held on January 25, he added.

“If dustbin is made compulsory for all the shops it will be very helpful in maintaining a clean environment and moreover the mindset of the public also plays an important role in keeping a clean society,” the IMC commissioner said.

Regarding the compulsory parking facilities for big shopping complexes the IMC commissioner claimed that only the shopping complexes which were constructed from 2014 onwards have parking facilities in their basement as it was not mandatory before 2014.

When enquired about the parking area approved by the Traffic Regulation and Parking Committee (TRPC), Harikumar said that there are many “self-styled” parking in many areas which were not approved by the government. The self-styled parking were mostly run by local clubs so it is difficult for IMC to evict them, he added.

Harikumar said IMC is working at its best level to streamline the past mistakes and the present government is giving huge support in it.

According to officials of the IMC, there are approximately 12,000 shops which acquired shop license and from the parking tickets IMC were able to collect around  Rs. 7 lakhs per month.

When Imphal Free Press conducted a survey in some areas under IMC today it is found that only a few shops keep dustbin despites Shyamkumar’s announcement of cancelling shop license which does not have dustbin from the beginning of this year.

Moreover, big shopping complexes which were constructed after 2014 mostly do not have basement parking. Instead they let their customers parked on the road side and the shopping complex which have basement parking also let their customers parked their vehicles on the road side.

Shyamkumar had announced to implement ‘no dustbin, no shop license’ policy with the objective of keeping the environment clean which is one of top priorities of the present government.

Imphal is one of the 500 cities selected under the Shachh Bharat Mission and the survey for competition among the 500 citires will begin this month. Last year Imphal ranked 122.

IMPHAL | Jan 3

Directorate of Education (S), government of Manipur has stated in its orders that Khumukcham Kritichand Singh, who is the primary teacher of Kakching Khunou New Primary School has been placed under suspension with immediate effect as the disciplinary proceedings against him is contemplated.

It further ordered that Kritichand shall not leave the headquarters at Imphal without obtaining prior permission from the director of Education (S).

IMPHAL | Jan 3

Forests and environment minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar said his department is keeping a strict vigil to safeguard the Loktak Lake, including the wildlife.

He said the department will take stern action against those who are found hunting and trapping of migratory birds. He also warned the fishermen to refrain from fishing at night time.

He was addressing media persons at his office chamber at New Secretariat while releasing the 2018 calendar of the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) which functions under the aegis of department of forests and environment. The calendar depicts developmental projects undertaken during the previous year including pictures of wildlife and periphery of the lake.

Shyamkumar further said his department’s officials are committed to work for the development and saving the largest freshwater lake of the North East India.

He appealed to the people living near the periphery of the Loktak to encourage and support the staffs of the department.

Indrajit Singh, MLA and LDA staffs were present during the release of the calendar.

IMPHAL | Jan 3

The Socialist Student’s Union of Manipur (SSUM) has appealed to all organisations of the state not to organise any form of festivities from January 31, 2018 onwards for the sake of the students who will be taking the upcoming class X and XII exams.

A release said the organisation appeals to all not to organise any activities which will harm the students, from the mentioned date. Those who go against the prohibition will be held responsible for any untoward outcome which may result by the steps taken up by SSUM Manipur, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Jan 3

Ashok Kumar Agarwal appealed to the state government to take up the case of Parvish Chanam seriously and to hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to find out the culprits immediately.

Addressing a press conference today at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul, Ashok said Pravish Chanam went on missing after he attended a music concert at Noida, Uttar Pradesh on September 8.

On the next day his brother, Ravikanta Chanam filed a missing report at Knowledge Park police station at Gautam Budh district of Uttar Pradesh. But by declaring the body as unclaimed without informing to anyone even without flashing at newspaper Pravish was found cremated on September 13 by Uttar Pradesh police, he lamented.

He said the Centre should take up the case of Pravish seriously and hand over the case to CBI immediately to find out the culprits in the mysterious dead of Pravish Chamnam. It has been four months but the state and the Centre have failed to find a clue, he said.

All the communities of the state including Punjabi Samaj, Brahman Samaj, Bengoli Samaj, Agarwal Samaj and Jain Samaj are also participating in the movement of Pravish to bring justice and to punish the culprits involved in the case, Ashok asserted.

On the other hand report of the post-mortem conducted on September 11, states that Pravish died of “haemorrhage and head injuries.” The report also said that the time of death is “2 to 3 days” ago.

Meanwhile, a protest was carried out in front of the Uttar Pradesh Bhavan, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi. It was participated by six Manipuri meira paibi leaders namely vice-president of Apunba Manipur Kanba Lup (AMKIL), L. Ngangbi, president of Kanglei Ima Lup (KIL), R.K. Shanahanbi, secretary of Iramdam Kanba Apunba Lup (IKAL), W. Satyabati alias Luwngleima, president of Kangleipak Women’s Welfare Association (KWWA), Ak. Memchaleima, president of Women Association for Socio Economic Development (WASEDEV), R.K. Tharaksana and secretary of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (PLMPAM), Th. (O) Apabi. They headed for Delhi on January 1 to seek justice for Pravish and the matter to be handed over to the CBI.

They staged the protest with slogans “We want justice”, “We demand CBI enquiry” and holding banners “Justice for Pravish Chanam, Stop racism against Northeast people”. The protestors also held placards reading “Stop racism against North-East”, “Organ trafficking must be stopped”, “Silence is not the solution shame on U.P. government” and others.

The protest was jointly organised by AMKIL, KIL, PLMPAM, KWWA, WSEDEV, IKAAL, PAC, MASAD, UNIKAS, DAMMS.

In support of the six meira paibi leaders at Delhi, a meira rally was held yesterday in Uripok Kangchup Road, which was participated by many student bodies and meira paibi organisations of the state.

The rally began at Uripok Achom Leikai and moved towards Bir Tikendrajit fly-over bridge and after passing through RIMS road from Nagamapal road it ended at the residence of Pravish Chanam.