Author: Imphal Free Press

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 25

Comptroller and Auditor General of India report for the year ended March 31, 2016 said the state government did not plan and allocate adequate budgetary resources to accommodate the actual number of children attaining the age of enrollment due to non-preparation of database of children who had attained the age of elementary education while implementing RTE Act, 2009,which covered the period of 2010-11 to 2015-16.

The report further said there were 4,670 teachers who did not have the minimum academic qualification. Text books and uniforms were not distributed to the students on time. The creation of basic infrastructure for school suffered due to non-release of fund, diversion of fund and non-utilization of fund.

No action was taken to close the 106 unrecognised un-aided private schools as per provisions of the Act. State government was yet to issue an order for reservation of 25 per cent of seats in class 1 for children belonging to weaker section and disadvantage groups in aided private schools.

The audit covered implementation of various aspects of the ACT at state, district/block level and local level.

The excess of child population from the anticipated number of children who had attained the age of enrolment as per Annual Work Plan & Budget(AWPB) was ranged from six to 55 per cent. Also, during 2010-16, out of total functioning unaided private schools, 11.04% to 13.62% were un-recognised schools, it said.

Around  4,670 teachers in the state does not have minimum academic qualification as on date of audit. 76 are under Class 10, 1664 are class 10 pass only and 2,930 are 10+2 only without other qualification as envisaged in the notification.

The details of free books distribution by the State Mission Authority (SMA) found out that distribution of text books to the districts of Manipur was delayed in all the years (2010-11 to 2015-16) under reference and the period of delay was in the range of more than one month to more than six months.

 Sarba Shiksha Abhiyan(SSA) stated that Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (the supplier) did not supply the text books on time.

Furthermore, there was delay in release of fund directly to the SMA by the government of India ranging from 4 days to 365 days in release of Central share and 175 days to 246 days in release of State share.

The audit report stated that State Project Officer diverted Rs. 3.31 crore meant for construction of school buildings without any authorisation which adversely affected creation of basic infrastructure in schools.

Audit scrutiny revealed that SSA, Manipur retained heavy bank balance during 2010-11 to 2015-16. Whereas the State Project Director, SSA stated that the reason was due to release of major part of fund at the end of the financial year.

During 2010-11 to 2015-16, the numbers of seat required for students to be reserved in Class 1 for weaker and disadvantaged group in recognized unaided private schools was 48,894. However, till the date of audit there were no reimbursement claims from these schools.

The state is yet to issue orders regarding 25% of reservation of children belonging to weaker section and disadvantaged group in private/unaided schools and reimbursement of expenditure incurred by the schools.

The report recommended that the state government should prepare a reliable database of children who had attained the age of enrolment and update it periodically to ensure that all eligible children are brought under the RTE Act, ensure early completion and adequacy of infrastructure as mandated under the RTE Act, prepare action plan to provide training to teachers not having minimum educational qualification; ensure timely distribution of text books and uniforms to students, prepare a well laid action plan and implement it to regularize the un-recognised schools in a time bound manner, and ensure the provision of 25 % reservation in private unaided schools as per Section 12(1) of the Act.

IMPHAL | July 25

In view of  the upcoming Manipur panchayat election on September 14, lottery for the pradhans and members for women seat reservations in ST, SC categories for gram panchayat under CD block Moirang and Bishnupur, was held yesterday.

The lottery was held at the multipurpose hall of mini secretariat, Bishnupur district and was presided over by deputy commissioner, Bishnupur, Bobby Waikhom.

The gram panchayats where women seats were given reservations out of 24 total seats are Leimapokpam, Toubul, Khoijuman Kwasiphai, Thinungei, Torbung, Wangoo, Borayangbi, Kwakta.

It has also been notified by the office of the district election officer, DC, Imphal west that the number of reserved seats for ST, SC, Women in respect of gram panchayats and gram sabha territorial constituencies of the 14 zilla parishad constituencies falling under the two DC Blocks within Imphal west district are 4 seat for ST (inclusive of 3 seats for ST women), and 14 seats for SC (inclusive of 6 seats for SC women).

The total number of ward seats is 327.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 25

Deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar who holds the finance portfolio while replying to a joint question by opposition members K. Ranjit and Okram Henry of Congress in the Assembly today said that steps are on for implementation of the 7th pay commission.

Finance minister informed that there are around 74,200 state government employees excluding some employees working in the educational institutions, judicial services etc as per information provided by the state chief secretary led feedback committee which was set up on December 14 last year to study the feasibility of implementing the 7th pay commission.

Explaining the reason for the government’s inability for the implementation of the 7th pay at this juncture, he said the state government will have financial implications of about Rs 1768.33 crores only on salaries (without pension).

He said presently the government couldn’t pronounce the time frame, he added.

Job seekers

Labour minister Th. Radheshyam said the total number of job-seekers registered with the state employment exchanges is 8,16,888 including 2,45,305 as on January 31 this year. Those registered do not include those who are self-employed and working in private sectors.

The minister further said a person on getting a job can also register in employment exchanges as an employed person on production of no objection certificate to the effect that the employer has no objection on applying for a better job. The minister was replying to Opposition member Surjakumar Okram.

Healthcare

The health minister L. Jayantakumar told the state assembly that the state has a total of 697 doctors against sanctioned post of 1384. Of the 697, 197 are pursuing MD and MS while 40 of them are engaged in Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences.

Stating that because of shortage of doctors the minister said the government cannot provide adequate doctors at district hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres and public health sub-centres.

The minister said the government is planning to recruit 300 doctors 11 dental surgeons through Manipur Public Service Commission. Jayantakumar was replying to Congress member K. Meghachandra.

Advertisement

Information and public relations minister Th. Biswajit told the Assembly that the information department and other departments spent Rs. 55,00,371 on advertisements. The DIPR has not made any payment while the other departments made the payment except for an amount of Rs. 34,928. The minister was replying to Surjakumar Okram.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | July 25

 Many wet fields in Phalong (Bhalok) village of Tamenglong have been destroyed recently by recent heavy rainfall and flash flood that occurred on July 20. Phalong village is located about 10 km away from Tamenglong district headquarters.

Speaking to this reporter, Ramliamang of Phalong said that due to lack of dumping ground for mud, stones and other materials from the construction work of Tamenglong-Kangchup road, the debris are carried down to the arable fields. The construction works are being carried out by Hindustan Construction Cooperation Company funded by ADB.

At least, 25 acres of land including 15 houses have been affected by the flash flood, which has been made worse by the debris of the said construction work. As of now none of the authorities concerned have visited the site.

Ramliamang appealed to the authority concerned of the district and as well to the state government and NGOs to come and take stock of the damage that has been done by the flash flood and the construction work.  He also appealed to take appropriate measures to compensate the losses in time.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | July 25

The Naga People’s Front in the ‘emergency’ meeting of the party’s Central Executive Council held today in Kohima resolved to take up disqualification petition against all NPF legislators who defied the party whip issued by ‘NPF Chief Whip’ Kiyanilie Peseyie.

The whip was issued on July 21 on the floor of the Assembly under the Tenth Schedule para 2 (1) (a) of the Constitution of India.

Today’s NPF meeting condemned the “unconstitutional action” of the governor of Nagaland in installing TR Zeliang as chief minister “without” letter of support from the original political party letterhead, and demanded that the President of India immediately recall him.

The meeting also condemned the Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly for his act of “favouritism and nepotism, and unconstitutionally siding with his brother-in-law” TR Zeliang. The meeting demanded the Speaker’s resignation on moral ground.

The meeting further condemned the “unconstitutional” government headed by TR Zeliang for “violating” all Constitutional provisions, and demands his immediate stepping down.

The NPF CEC emergency meeting further endorsed the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) coalition partners’ decision to elect Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu  as DAN chairman. It also endorsed the decision of the Disciplinary Action Committee of the party to expel 20 members of the party MLAs and suspend 11 party MLAs for anti-party activities which are detrimental to the unity and integrity of the party.

The meeting recommended immediate suspension of EE Pangteang from the party for anti-party activities. The meeting also extended full support to the leadership of party president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu.

It further endorsed and “recognised” the election of Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu as the Leader of NPF Legislature Party, “considering that he has more than one-half support of the NPF party legislators”. It also demanded that he be officially recognised as such by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly with necessary protocol arrangements due to him.

The meeting also endorsed the support extended by the partypPresident Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu to the Prime Minister of India for his sincere attempt to bring an early solution to the Naga political problem and to curb corruption in the country.

The NPF CEC meeting approved the Core Committee constituted by party president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu on July 24, 2017. It also approved the dissolution of NPF Working Committee and Finance Committee by the party president in accordance with the powers conferred on him vide Article V, Clause 10 read with Article IV, Clause 4 of the party Constitution.

The meeting then resolved to introduce Personal Confidential Report (PCR) system for all responsible members of the party with effect from July 2017.

The meeting also resolved to issue a clarion call to party legislators who have been “misled by selfish elements” to come back to the fold of the party to avoid severe penal repercussions since henceforth, all forms of anti-party activities will attract immediate disciplinary actions, be they party functionaries or legislators.

Finally, the emergency meeting of the NPF CEC recommended the dissolution of the NPF Peren Division and all frontal organisations of the party in the division for siding with expelled legislators.

CHURACHANDPUR | July 25

A three year old minor was found dead today evening after drowning in a road side drain of CYA road of Gouchinkhup Veng, New Lamka.

The minor identified as Man Hat Hoih (3), daughter of NgamKhan Suan Guite, fell into the drain while her parents were at the hospital for a check-up of her elder sibling. The child was left with her parents at her grandfather and former MDC of Singat ADC, Sianzadong‘s place and got missing. Later, she was found by a resident of the area.

After the news, the concerned MDCs, CT Lian and Suanchinpau Guite rushed to the spot where the police and the Churachandpur district SDO, Thangboi Gangte along with the chairman of ADCC Khaipau Haokip were present to examine the case.

The deputy commissioner of Churachandpur sent officials for the same and later a post mortem was done at the district hospital morgue. The last rite of the deceased minor will be done tomorrow at the cemetery of New Lamka’s YPA.

In an another unfortunate incident, a 12 year-old-boy named Thangjam Ngouba, son of Inao from Khongjom Tengol Maning Leikai died after falling into the foundation of a mini dam built on the Langathel River, Langathel Thingel Leikai under Khongjom police station.

The incident happened around 5 pm when the boy was cycling near the dam and fell into the foundation after falling off the cycle.

People present in the surrounding area rushed to the spot and tried to rescue the boy but he drowned as the current was too strong.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI |July 25

A massive protest rally was staged by the agitating students of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University-regional campus Manipur at Makhan in Kangpokpi district. The students have intensified their stir yesterday against the non-fulfilment of various demands. 

The students had shut down the lone national tribal university since July 10 under the aegis of the university student body IGNTUSU-RCM supported and endorsed by ATSUM, KSO and other student bodies while it had also ceased all construction works inside the university campus.

The protest rally which begin at Kanglatongbi proceeded towards the university shouted slogan, “We want immediate construction of hostel, staff quarters, regular facilities for the department of Tribal Studies and Sociology, and vice chancellor to solve the long standing issues immediately or step down on moral ground, etc”, and held a sit-in-protest in front of the university main entrance gate.

The protest rally and sit-in was participated by Kuki Students’ Organisation, Sadar Hills, Hmar Students’ Association-Imphal Joint Headquarters (HSA-IJHQ), Chothe Students’ Association (CSA), Tribal Students Union, DM College of Arts, Manipur University Tribal Students’ Union (MUTSU), Liangmai Students’ Union (LNKR), Makhan Students Union (MSU), Thadou Students’ Association, Sadar Hills (TSA-SH), Zeliangrong Students’ Union Manipur (ZSUM) and PRJA Education Cell.

The protesting students also hold placards which read, “No Solution No Rest, No Teacher No Class”, “Education is our rights, we want proper facilities”, “Save tribal students of Manipur”, “Management Committee, Where are you?”, “Director, where is your authority power”, “Prof.

Kattimani stop playing politics, Stop playing anti-tribal activities”, etc.

Khazi Bapna, President IGNTUSU-RCM said that the student bodies are constrained to directly bring forward various issues that need to be addressed and solve with utmost urgency.

He said that construction works for crucial infrastructures such as hostels and staff quarters should be initiated immediately keeping in mind the location and distance of the campus from the main urban area.

He also said that pending appointment of regular teaching staffs for the department of Sociology and Social Anthropology and department of Tribal Studies should be solved immediately since these two departments have been functioning without any permanent staffs for more than 4 years now with 6 guest faculties.

Khazi further said that adequate teaching and non-teaching staffs as per UGC norms for all existing departments and regularisation of all contractual non-teaching staffs of the campus should be engaged at the earliest.

He continued that a joint representation of IGNTUSU-RCM and ATSUM had also been submitted to the minister, ministry of Human Resource Development, government of India on July 18, requesting him to impress upon the VC and the university authorities the urgent need for their response and appropriate interventions to solve the current imbroglio at the campus.

The student body president recalled that in spite of the campus authority holding parleys with the students two times no concrete solutions or agreements could be reached as the demands are beyond the authority of the campus director and his colleagues.

IMPHAL | July 25

The district magistrate, Imphal East has promulgated Section 144 of CrPC in the whole of the district for a period of two months starting from last Sunday.

In its order the district magistrate said there were reports about certain anti-social elements indulging in unlawful activities and threatening to certain sections of the population from certain quarters.

By A Staff reporter

IMPHAL| July 24

On the second day of fasting by five women home guard personnel, one of the volunteers has been admitted at RIMS due to her deteriorating health condition. The hunger strike was launched demanding increment of pay since June 20.  

Earlier five male home guards personnel who were on hunger strike were arrested by the state police on the evening of June 22. Following their arrest, the five women personnel joined the strike.

The arrested woman home guard has been identified as L. Surbala Devi. A brief skirmish took place between the agitating home guard personnel and the state police, which was led by led by Imphal West additional SP Priyadarshini Laishram.

This reporter saw heated exchanges of words between the police and the agitators. Eventually hunger striker Surbala was taken into police custody as her health condition was deteriorating.

Speaking to the media, one of the personnel, Ibetombi said the agitation will continue until their demands are met. “Today’s forcible arrest will not bog us down. We are strong personnel of 2000. The fast agitation will be joined by more and more volunteers phase wise”, she said.

She lambasted the present government for not considering their rightful demand though the agitation has already completed one month.

Our Bureau

IMPHAL |July 24

The shocking incident of killing a minor girl by a cadre of the Kuki National Army (KNA) yesterday at Moreh came up for discussion in the state Assembly today with the chief minister N. Biren Singh taking a firm stand against unlawful activities by cadres of groups under Suspension of Operation agreement.

The issue was raised by Congress member K. Ranjit Singh during zero hour. Though normally no reply is given to issues raised during zero hour the chief minister responded to the Opposition member, who also pressed for a reply from the leader of the House.

Coming down heavily on illegal activities by SoO groups Biren said he would apprise the matter to the Union home ministry request them to review the agreement during his visit to Delhi.

The chief minister today left for Delhi in connection with the election of the new President of the country.

A cadre of Kuki National Army belonging to a SoO group, shot dead a girl identified as Nengneingah Khongsai (13) at Moreh early yesterday morning.

The police arrested the cadre identified as Seikhosat Haokip along with a country made 9 am pistol yesterday. The accused is said to be the boyfriend of the girl. Kuki organisations and residents of Moreh strongly condemned the incident.

“It is a shocking incident. We will take action against the accused. The case would be handed over to the newly opened fast track court for speedy trial,” the chief minister assured the House.

Expressing serious concern over alleged violation of ground rules by SoO groups the chief minister said “The Suspension of Operation agreement should be reviewed if the groups are not going to strictly follow the ground rules,” Biren said.

Biren said as it is a tripartite agreement the state government alone cannot do much. He, however, assured that action would be taken against cadres if they violate ground rules.

Ranjit urged the government to rein in the cadres of SoO groups. The member alleged that the cadres of the groups are moving freely with arms and committing crimes.

The Centre, state government and about 30 Kuki militant groups grouped under two umbrella organisations – United Peoples Front and Kuki National Organisation – signed SoO agreement in 2008. Cadres of the groups are staying in designated camps.

Earlier during question hour the chief minister said as the army and Assam Rifles have also been engaged in patrolling in national highways to prevent disruption of movement of supply trucks.

As a result their highway duties sometimes affect the counter insurgency operations.

The chief minister said that after declaration of the results of earlier recruitments the state government will raise some India Reserve Battalions for deployment along the national highways as dedicated force.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 24

The state Assembly unanimously passed four demands for grants amounting to Rs 1405,89,62,000 for the year 2017-2018 on the fourth day of the ongoing full budget session.

Today’s sitting by far is the longest sittings of all the sessions during the last 15 years. As usual the sitting began at 11 am but ended at about 9.20 pm.

The demand passed by the House during the marathon sitting includes demands No.6 transport amounting to Rs. 14,30,54,000, demands No.8 public works department Rs. 1011,17,89,000, demand No.37 fisheries Rs. 35,52,47,000 and demand No.44 social welfare department Rs. 344,88,72,000.

The demands were moved by the deputy chief minister, Y Joykumar, who is also the finance in-charge, for discussion and voting.

Motion for disapproval of policy cut was moved by the opposition bench for all the demands.

The MLAs who moved the cut motion were Y Joykishan, RK Imo Singh, K Ranjit, Surjakumar Okram, Th Lokeshwar Singh, Okram Henry, Md Abdul Nasir, N Loken, Md Fajur Rahim, AK Mirabai, Yamthong Haokip.

MLAs from the ruling bench including P Saratchandra, S Subaschandra also participated in the discussion.

Responding to queries of the opposition bench, deputy chief minister, Y Joykumar, clarified on the delay in renaming the Tulihal airport to Bir Tikendrajit was due to some technical shortcomings.

He informed the House that necessary proposal for renaming the Tulihal airport was submitted to the ministry of civil aviation. However, the process was put on hold with the ministry advising to submit the proposal with a resolution of the state assembly.

He assured that no further delay with be made adding that the matter will be finalised after consulting with the chief minister.

Joykumar said, as civil aviation is under his jurisdiction, he reportedly met the officials of the ministry and discussed about upgradation of the infrastructure of the airport to international standard.

In his clarification with regards to lack of proper traffic plan and regulation, he divulged that the present government has taken up many initiatives by constituting many committees to oversees the traffic menace and that inauguration of SP Traffic office was one such initiative.

He said that the government is also mooting on establishment of multi storied parking systems and other options like allowing registration of new vehicles only after producing proof of garage to ease congestion of traffic.

Underscoring separate pool transport system for government employees, he assured that the matter will be serious discussed.

Spelling out some of the initiative taken up by the department, he informed that altogether 400 fake license cases were detected by the department during its drive of which 13 FIRs was lodged against defaulters.

To further regulate the traffic policy, he asserted that altogether 4 driving schools have been recognized by the transport department and in addition the centre government has sanctioned Rs. 12 crores for setting up institute of driving and training research centre near Yaralpat Imphal East.

Social Welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen, in her response, said there are two types of old aged pension in the state namely Manipur old age pension (MOAP) scheme and national social assistance programme (NSAP).

Under MOAPS there are altogether 6,80,160 pensioners and 4,50,905 pensions (nearly 4 percent of the population) and the beneficiaries are selected by committee constituted by state headed by deputy commissioner concerned as chairman and elected representatives as secretaries etc.

She said to ensure transparency implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and added that 100 percent accounts have been open for the beneficiaries.

Moreover, the banks will be responsible for the payment of pension to beneficiaries and that Adhaar seeding to DBT is in progress.

Nemcha further informed that instruction has been given to DC and district social welfare officers to find out undeserving beneficiaries who have expired, or which are fake and the report for the same was asked to submit within a month.

She further said that there was no report of death of beneficiaries was registered during the past five years.

In her clarification regarding failure to supply nutrition in time to Aganwadi centres and for lactating mothers, she pointed out that sanction was stopped by the ministry concerned as no new tender was floated since 2013.

Clarifying on irregularities on construction of Aganwadi centres, she asserted that the DCs concerned of all the district have been asked to construction of Aganwadi along with photography proof and document.

Although, the DRDA is the implementing agency a committee is formed with the elected representatives as chairman to oversee construction of Aganwadi buildings.

“The local representatives has every powers to stop funding if they find that the Aganwadi centres are not being constructed as per norms”, said Nemcha.

Fisheries minister, N Kayisii, claimed that the department cannot be developed as desired with the budget provision very low. Yet, the department is trying its best to pool in funds from many sources from centre like RVKI, NFDB, NEC, new kranti mission etc, he said.

He said that the state government has submitted a memorandum to government of India seeking Rs. 213.7 crores assistance for the damaged inflicted by the recent flood. Of the total amount the state government has proposed Rs. 14.7 proposed for fisheries department, he added.

The minister further pointed out that as per guideline of government of India Rs. 8,200/hac is given as improved subsidy for fish seeds during flood loses but the state have proposed Rs 16,968/hac.

Responding to queries related PWD, the minister concerned Th Bishwajit, said that the basic shares of all the representatives will be equally taken into consideration, irrespective of ruling or opposition while preparing a plan of the department.

Informing that necessary initiatives have been taken up by the works department to meet all the requirements, he said that a proposal of Rs. 500 crores for Central Road Funds (CRF) has been submitted to the ministry concerned and is under active consideration at the Prime Minister’s office.

Noting that there is Rs. 59.55 crores inherited liabilities, he further assured that all the liabilities will soon be clear phase wise.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 24

A public meeting was held today at Sairem community hall, Sawombung jointly organised by victim’s family and joint action committee against the mysterious death of Kaguisinlu Palmei of Sawombung Sairem.

The meeting was also attended by Imphal East police led by superintendent of police K. Kabib including members of Women Action Development.

After a thorough deliberation, the meeting resolved that Imphal-Ukhrul road indefinite bandh which was scheduled to commence from July 25 has been postponed. The decision was taken considering the active action taken by Imphal East police.

During the public meeting Kabib assured to re-investigate the case as the victim’s family and the JAC have expressed dissatisfaction over the post mortem report.

Speaking to the media, convenor of JAC Panti Gonmei said the bandh has been postponed in order to give co-operation to the police department. Nonetheless, if the government fails to take necessary action within three days’ time the JAC will not remain silent and it will launch agitation along with the public.

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | July 24

Nambul river is among 302 polluted rivers in the country, based on Bio-chemical oxygen demand (BoD) levels, a key indicator of organic pollution. The list has been prepared by the Central Pollution Control Bureau in association with respective state pollution control boards. 

This was stated by the minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr Harsh Vardhan during the Rajya Sabha question hour while answering to a query raised by the state MP, K. Bhabananda Singh. 

The minister further informed the House that conceptual project report for ‘Watershed Treatment & Clean-up in Nambul and Waishel Maril Basins, Manipur’ amounting to Rs 452.44 crore was received from the state government in May 2015.

The project report was returned back to the state government in the same month itself as it was not prepared as per the guidelines of National River Conservation Plan. Thus, no funds have been released by the ministry to the state government for pollution abatement of the said river, added the union minister.

Dr Vardhan continued that it is the responsibility of the state governments to set up proper facilities for collection, treatment and disposal of sewage being generated and ensure that untreated sewage does not fall into the rivers or other water bodies.

He said the ministry is supplementing the efforts of the state government in pollution abatement in identified stretches of various rivers through the centrally sponsored scheme of NRCP for implementation of project on cost sharing basis between the central and the state government.  

 Proposal for pollution abatement of rivers are submitted by the state government from time to time, which are examined and considered for financial assistance under the NRCP depending on the degree of pollution in the river, he added.

The union minister was answering to K. Bhabananda’s question on whether National River Conservation Directorate has any projects or programmes for rivers in Manipur. 

Replying to another question raised by K. Bhabananda, state minister of Rural Development, Ram Kripal Yadav informed the House that no proposal from the state government has been received for sanction of dwelling units under the PMAY-G in regard to the large scale destruction of houses by the recent flash floods in the valley districts of Manipur.

Minister Ram Kripal also maintained that as and when such proposals are received, the same will be considered by the Empowered Committee.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | July 24

The general secretary of the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), Kimneihoi Lhungdim in a release today said the KWOHR is outraged by the senseless killing of Nengneingah Khongsai on July 23 at her residence by a cadre of KNO/KNA, Seikhosat Haokip.

KWOHR also stated that the crime perpetrated by a national worker is beyond belief and intolerable to the student community and the society and further appealed to the leaders of armed organisation(s) to forewarn their cadres to avoid such recurrence in the society.

The organisation has also called upon the authority concerned of the state government to award befitting punishment to the perpetrator of the crime.

Further, KWOHR has extended its condolence to the bereaved families and friends of the victim.

People for Human Rights and Climate Change (PHRCC) also expressed their deep regret on the killing of Nengneingah.

PHRCC said in a release that the killing of civilians has increased tremendously in Manipur within this year. Out of which the incident of killing of Nengneingah has been the most unfortunate as the accused is from an armed insurgent group who are SoO signatories.

PHRCC has drawn attention of the government of India to clarify to the people of Manipur that from where the insurgent group acquired the weapon which is supposed to be in the custody of the government.

The government of India must review the peace agreement which was signed between the armed groups and must conduct investigation upon the group which has committed crimes against women and children, said the release.

It urged the state government to award befitting punishment to the killer, followed by investigation upon the authority concerned that is responsible for keeping the weapons under SoO and also urged the armed groups to ratify the Geneva Call especially, deed of commitment protecting children in armed conflict and deed of commitment prohibiting sexual violence and gender discrimination.

North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF) also strongly condemned the murder of the teenage girl student Nengneingah Khongsai of Mount Moreh High School at Gilgal Veng by her boyfriend Seikhosat Haokip on July 23.

A release said, crime against women and children is drastically on the rise in Manipur and any armed person is moving without any restriction. It is unfortunate that the authority concerned is still not doing anything. Though, the armed groups who are under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with Government of India should be kept under the supervision of authority concerned.

Moreover, the Government of India and Manipur Government should strictly monitor the movement of insurgent groups as well as the security forces towards civilian. As it may mentioned that a woman named A Shanti was also shot dead by suspected Assam Rifles personnel on April 22, said NEDF in the release.

The forum further stated that there had been a serial killing of about four cases meted out to women and girls within a short span from February to July of this year.

NEDF has appealed the state government to investigate on the cases and to act honestly to give justice to the victims and also urged the entire armed group to act under the provision provided under SoO.

 Dead body: Students from different schools of Moreh town gathered together along the way to Moreh and received the dead body of Nengneingah Khongsai, who was shot dead by her boyfriend yesterday.

The students took the body, which was brought back after post-mortem in Imphal and walked all the way to the residence of the deceased. The students also gave floral tributes to Nengneingah Khongsai.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | July 24

An ‘emergency’ meeting of the Central Executive Council (CEC) of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) will be held tomorrow at its central office in Kohima. This meeting has come as political pandemonium continues within the party.

Speculations are rife that tussle to take hold of the NPF between the supporters of TR Zeliang and Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu group is imminent. As of now the latter is still the president of the party.

Interestingly, chief minister TR Zeliang does not belong to any political party as of now as he was expelled from the NPF by its president the day the former was sworn-in as the chief minister on July 19

Meanwhile, the NPF has said today that its attention “has been drawn” to a news item which appeared in the local media wherein it was reported that a notice has been served to Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu to vacate the official residence of the chief minister.

 “Indeed, a letter was received by the former chief minister (Dr Shurhozelie) this morning, but before he could even open the envelope to read the contents of the letter, it was reported widely on social media that TR Zeliang has already occupied the CM’s residence,” the NPF said in a statement.

The NPF also pointed out that the former chief minister had already moved out of the CM’s residence on Saturday, July 22 and there was a thanksgiving-cum-Homecoming function at his private residence at Ruleizou where party functionaries and well-wishers had a marathon meeting.

“This was widely reported in the local as well as national media. (And with the sole intention to let the department of Works & Housing check and ensure that government property was left intact with no damage or property missing, a reliable person remained at the residence to coordinate with the department.),” it added.

Since the above-mentioned meeting continued till 2 pm on Saturday, it was not possible for the party president to attend the Common Platform organised by the Bayavu Area Panchayat which was scheduled at 2 pm, the NPF statement said.

According to the statement, MLA Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu was asked to represent him in the said meeting. “And certain reports insinuating that he had wilfully avoided the Common Platform that day are erroneous and regretted since it could hurt the sentiments of the Bayavu Area Panchayat and residents of the area who took pains to organise such a platform with the aim of having a clean election,” it added.

By Jeijei Newme

IMPHAL | July 24

A unique flower only found in Shingcha village of Kamjong district, Wuyawon and the only hillock where this flower is found, Wuya Kachui was recently declared as a new tourist spot of the state.

This flower is unique and significant and tourists should visit and explore. Wuyawon is a pink ground orchid which blooms at the peak monsoon season of July month.

One of the unique characteristics of the flower is that its colour changes according to the weather. It ranges from pink colour when rainy to light pink when sunny to red pink colour when misty which makes the flower an interesting species of flora in the world.

Another interesting fact is that this flower is not eaten by herbivorous. Villagers say that herbivorous in the village like cows and goats were sent to graze in the field but these animals would never smell and chew this particular flower which makes it weird. There is no exact findings yet but some believe that there must be some chemical or smell that repels the herbivorous to eat this particular plant.

Legends of the village also say that the hillock of Wuya Kachui where this flower is mainly found gives hallucinating nightmares and sleep paralysis to those who lay over the night. It is said that soldiers who camped at this hillock had many experiences of nightmares.

The botanical name of this flower is called Caulokaempferia Secunda. The flowering season of Wuyawon is most of the time rainy and is covered with mist which makes some of the tourists termed the Wuya Kachui hillock as ‘misty paradise’.

Another interesting fact of the village is that in this modern age of 4g and 5g, there is no network connectivity and it is totally cut off from the other parts of the world which would makes nature lovers and tourists to totally have the time of their own with nature.

Wuyawon flourishes within a periphery of 2 square kilometres of the hillock Wuya Kachui and blooms in bunches of about 2 feet or more covering the whole peak for 2 weeks during the monsoon.

The flower was officially given the name Shingcha Wuyawon on July 24, 2016 by the people of Shingcha village which is dominantly habituated by Tangkhul tribe. The acronym of this flower Wuya is hillock and Won means flower in Tangkhul dialect.

Shingcha village is located about 60 kilometres from Ukhrul town and is roughly 120 kilometres from Imphal.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 24

A person died today morning due to Scrub Typhus caused by insect bite during flood camps at Sekmaijing Mamang Leikai, Heibong Makhong.

He was identified as H. Bishwamitra Meitei (20) son of H, Sharat of Sekmaijing Mamang Leikai. According to locals he was suffering from fever from July 12, when he was in the flood relief camp at Sekmaijing.

Speaking to media persons, Youth Defence Club, president, Elangbam Tiken said that as they thought that the fever was a normal one and due to transportation problem caused by the flood he was not taken to hospital till July 15.

On July 16 he was admitted to JNIMS but due to shortage of bed in the ICU ward, he was transferred to Raj Medicity but the hospital did not take proper initiative, he alleged.

On 20 July Babina Diagnostics confirmed that he was bitten by an insect and on July 22 he was transferred to Shija hospital for further treatment, continued the president.

As the hospital was not able to treat this disease as he came in a critical stage the hospital discharged him yesterday night, said Tiken.

He appealed to the government to take up necessary preventive measures from such disease, and especially in Sekmaijing area and also to provide help to the family of the deceased.

IMPHAL July 24

Chief minister N. Biren Singh today clarified on the floor of the House that use of Manipur PCC president T. N. Haokip’s photo among the posters of BJP leaders was purely a mistake and the BJP has no intentions to sabotage the party.

Responding to a demand from Congress member Kh. Joykishan for a clarification by the leader of the House during zero hour Biren further clarified that the posters were printed and put up along the median by Sharma Enterprises, which is engaged by the BJP. The chief minister further said that the contract with the enterprises has been cancelled.

Haokip, who was present in the House.

Yesterday passers-by were surprised when they saw the picture of Haokip along with the pictures of chief minister N. Biren Singh, ministers, BJP president K. Bhabananda and legislators along the median of Kangla Pat road.

The posters were put up in connection with BJP state executive committee meeting yesterday. BJP flags were also put up along the median.

Raising the issue Joykishan Singh said the poster damaged the image of the Congress and Manipur PCC president.

Joykishan also objected to inclusion of Speaker Yumnam Khemchand’s photo in the BJP poster, saying this has lowered the dignity of the House. Speaker’s photo was removed yesterday itself.

“We have taken every step to correct the mistake and if the Congress wants more action then the BJP is ready to act on it. Please make the suggestions,” Biren said.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 23

The top prize ‘German Star of India’ of Stuttgart’s 14th Indian Film Festival, Germany was given to Loktak Lairembi (Lady of the Lake), directed by Haobam Paban Kumar and the film has become a bestowed film prize amongst Indian filmmakers.

The award recognised the best Indian feature film, along with a cheque of 4,000 Euros sponsored by the main festival sponsor, the entrepreneur from Stuttgart and honourary consul of the Republic of India for Baden-Wu¨rttemberg and Rheinland-Pfalz.

Haobam Paban Kumar’s debut feature film Loktak Lairembi was world premiered at the Asian new current section of the prestigious 21st Busan International Film Festival 2016 and had its European screening at the 67th Berlin Film Festival 2017.

It has travelled to numerous film festivals and has won more than ten awards including the Best Environment Film at the 64th National Film Awards this year.

The film is based on the short story ‘Nongmei’ by Sudhir Naoroibam. It is about Tomba, a depressed fisherman who gets a gun accidentally and marvels with the gun as his power of self-protection.

He transforms himself to an assertive man who began to believe that the gun would solve all his problems.

Paban Kumar created an ethnographic thriller with his debut feature film. It is at Loktak Lake, a scenic paradise in the north-east of India, where extreme beauty meets extreme violence. The 14th edition represented a current cross section and mirror of the Indian society with 40 films.

The festival which was held from July 19 to July 23 July concluded last night with the award ceremony and it took the audience to a five-day journey of modern day Indian cinema. The festival opened with the comedy ‘Newton’ and the German premiere of ‘Lipstick under my Burkha’.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 23

The two youths, who saved father and son from drowning in Nambul river on July 19 in a road accident have been rewarded by Marina Spring package drinking water company today at its head office at Moirangkhom today.

The duo are Mutum Nanao (23) son of M. Sarat from Khonghampat Mayai leikai and Keisham Sunder (32) son of K. Baruni from Kongba Khetri leikai.

Speaking to the media, proprietor of Marina Spring, Khagemba Sanabam said the reward is given to the two brave hearts for praising their bravery and heroic actions. “Besides education certificates the two have achieved social certificates which will add more in their quality,” he added.

If such deeds start developing in public then a well and organised society will come up in the state, Khagemba stated.

According to Nanao, he was at hump bridge when the car fell into the river. He rushed to the spot but people who were near to the incident were not taking initiative to save thse inside the car.

“Instead people were filming the incident with their cell phones. At the very moment without thinking a thought he jumped into the river and while trying to reach the car Seram Ramajit from Nongmeibung Seram Leikai came out from the window of the car. Ramajit shouted his son is trapped at the back seat,” Nanao recalled.

Nanao said, he swam towards the car and pulled out Chingkheinganba (3 years and 4 months) from the back seat of the car. When he pulled out Chingkheinganba, the child was unconscious having pale lips. He was brought to back to the bank and after giving first aid the child was saved, Nanao narrated.

Nanao urged the people to stop the habit of making films recording incidents instead of saving life and if people nearby rushed to save before him then condition of the child would not be worse.

Nanao is a registered football player and now he is playing super division under Northern Crown footbabll club, Khonghampat. And Keisham Sunder is doing passenger service with his diesel auto.

For the heroic deeds of Nanao and Sunder proprietor of Marina Spring package drinking water rewarded both with Rs. 10 thousand and a relevant job in the company.