Author: Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | July 22

Bangladeshi woman who had been arrested from Churachandpur district died at RIMS hospital on July 19 after she was hospitalised for two days.

The woman was identified as Sakala Bibi(45) wife of late Muabi alias Abumunsi from Gabtoli, Bangladesh. She was arrested under the foreigners act 1946 on February 25, 2015 under FIR number 1(2)2015 and under section 14(A) where she was kept at central jail, Sajiwa.

According to official source, she was admitted at JNIMS after suffering BP stroke on July 18. Later on the same day she was referred at RIMS for further treatment but Sakala passed away on July 19, 7.15 pm. The dead body has been transferred to RIMS morgue for post mortem. Nobody has claimed the body till then.

IMPHAL | July 22

By A Staff Reporter

Shija Hospital and Research Institute is going to launch “Shija subsidized OPD scheme” in its nine departments with a consultation fee of Rs. 50 only per visit every Thursday, 2.00-4.00 p.m. from July 27.

The departments include under the scheme are Breast & Thyroid Clinic, Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgery, Shija Dental White, ENT (Shija ENT Hospital, Sanakeithel, Lamphel), General Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Palin Khundongbam, chairman and managing director, said 10 per cent discount on investigations, surgeries and room rent will be applicable to all the subsidized OPD patients if performed within 30 days from the date of advice by the consultant.

“The main objective of introducing this scheme is to implement new technologies and maintain world-class quality service in affordable price.” said Dr. Palin. He also announced that new medical equipment will be installed and the equipment will start functioning from next month in order to remove the inconvenience of patients in travelling to other states for treatment.

Palin claimed that the hospital has achieved several milestones in the field of surgery. Shija hospital has performed numerous cataract surgeries in Manipur. Its doctors can operate more than 80 patients per day through Phacoemulsification, a modern cataract surgery, he claimed further.

Dr. Palin said he is disappointed with the allegation of keeping dead body of patients inside the ICU to charge extra money and also disallowing the families to enter the ICU. “Due to hygienic, psychological and other factors, such restrictions are imposed.” said Dr. Palin, adding that the patients and their parties need to be counseled and educated for such matters, which they have begun.

IMPHAL | July 22

The Manipur Legistaltive Assembly today unanimously passed five demands for grants amounting to 502,85,21,00 crores for the year 2017-2018.

The demands passed by the House includes demand No. 1 state Legislature for a sum not exceeding Rs 80,35,08,000, demand No. 2 council of ministers for a sum not exceeding Rs 8,62,00,000, demand No. 3 secretariat for a sum not exceeding Rs 77,85,04,000, demand No. 12 municipal administration, housing and urban development for a sum not exceeding Rs 324,37,01,000 and demand No. 27 election for a sum not exceeding Rs 11,66,08,000.

The House also unanimously passed the Manipur Appropriation (No.3) Bill, 2017.

As soon as the House convened, the leader of the House, chief minister N. Biren Singh said that the clash between students and police on Friday was an unfortunate incident. During the clash the police had to fire tear gas shells to control the mob during which three persons were injured including a police personnel. The chief minister also said an FIR was registered in Imphal East Police Station for unlawful activities and disturbance in government movement. 

Clarifying on the transfer issue, the chief minister said, the higher secondary lecturers were given promotion and transfer for the benefit of schools. He said, the incident could have been avoided by proper communication with the concern authorities.

N Biren further informed the house that he invited the students for talks over the issue and gave assurance that the matter can be reviewed if error was found in the transfer process.

Opposition member Thangmeiband MLA Kh. Joykishan expressing his concern over the injury of students and police personnel said that, the Speaker had denied the rights of the Opposition by not giving time for question hour and zero hour during the full budget session.

Deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar (in-charge of Finance) moved for discussion and voting for five demands for grants, 2017-2018 on the floor of the House. Opposition MLAs Kh. Joykishan Singh, Okram Henry Singh, RK Imo Singh, K. Meghachandra Singh and Md. Abdul Nasir cut motion for demand No. 12 – Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development. The policy cut motion was moved on account of inability to increase honorarium of the ward members, failure to check work executed by work development committee of Imphal Municipal Corporation and misuse of fund, inability to communicate with the ward development committee and local MLAs, failure to run IMC as corporation properly, Inability to implement PMAY scheme properly, Absence of proper policy to control flash floods in municipal areas, Absence of proper policy for functioning of Imphal Municipal Corporation and lack of proper policy for development of municipal area.

Th. Lokeshwar Singh, N. Loken Singh, AK Mirabai and P. Saratchandra Singh also gave their observations on the five demands for grants. MLA Lokeshwar Singh said that, vehicles carrying raw materials for construction are polluting the city and that the waste materials should be collected on time by the concerned authority.

MLA Loken Singh appealed to the House to revive the Nambol water supply scheme (Khoriphaba water supply) and asked on the status of the repairing of the Nambol Bazar, damaged during the Jan 4, 2016 earthquake.  MLA P Sharatchandra Singh said demand No. 12 – Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development is deserving. He also spoke on strengthening of local urban bodies and said there is a need for satellite towns to ease the high population density in Urban areas.  He also opined that, the Liaison offices (Manipur Bhavan) in other states could help in promoting art and culture, tourism, and health services. It can also serve as information centres for students and people from other states.

Replying to queries of the Opposition MLAs Joykishan over low ranking of Imphal in the list of Smart cities, MAHUD Minister Shyamkumar said, the concerned department were unable to send the necessary documents in January, due to election code of conduct. He said, 90 percent of the works have been streamlined and continuous cleaning is taken up in the core areas of Imphal city after he took up the charge as MAHUD Minister. He was hopeful that Imphal city could become number 1 city in cleanliness in the coming years.

With regards to querires on the Imphal Smart City Mission, Shyamkumar said, Imphal Smart City Limited (ISCL) was incorporated on November 25, 2016. He said that, Rs 109 crore has been released by the Centre while a sum of Rs 17 crore has been earmarked as part of the State matching share. The Central Government and State Government will share 50 percent each of the total expenditure, he added. He said, the Board of Directors of ISCL comprises 8 directors including the nominee Director of the Central Government. The chief secretary of Manipur is the chairman of the Board of ISCL and the municipal corporation is the chief executive officer (CEO) of ISCL, he added.

Replying to the query of MLA N. Loken Singh, Shyamkumar said, the beneficiaries for PMAY were selected based on Socio-Economic Caste Census. He said, 1,330 beneficiaries were selected from the Nambol Constituency, the Minister explained that the scheme is yet to gain momentum as most of the land deeds (patta) are not in the name of women/housewives.

In response to MLAs K. Meghachandra and Abdul Nasir on AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation), Shyamkumar said, under AMRUT a minimum of 2.5 percent of the total cost is earmarked for development of parks and green spaces with children/ elderly citizen friendly facilities. He said, the total Government allocation for Manipur under AMRUT is Rs 180.32 crore out of which Rs 175.81 crore for water supply and Rs 4.41 crore for parks. The funding pattern is 90:10 (Centre/State). The State Government has submitted 3 State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) to the Ministry of Urban Development.

Regarding the query of MLA Okram Henry Singh on Solid Waste Management Plant at Lamdeng, Shyamkumar said, the yet to be inaugurated plant is fully functional. Replying to AK Mirabai during discussion over present status of renovation/reconstruction of Ima Keithel, the Minister said, as the damage incurred during the earthquake was intense so the renovation/reconstruction will be finished in due course of time.

During cut motion put up by MLA Joykishan on lack of communication between the Ward Development Committee and local MLAs, Shyamkumar said, there is no provision for involvement of local MLAs in ward development activities. He however, said that, he would try to involve local MLAs for overall development. Over the misappropriation of funds for ward development, Chief Minister said, as the investigation is still in progress, the details of the report can not be tabled in the House. He said, the status would be made available to the MLA as per his request.

After the discussion, deputy chief minister Y Joykumar (in-charge of Finance) moved the five demands to be passed by the House. All the demands were unanimously passed by the House. The House will meet again on Monday.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 22

Under the rules of procedure of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, the motion to elect seven members each to the committee on public accounts, committee on estimates and committee on public undertakings was put up by deputy chief minister, Y. Joykumar today.

The Speaker announced that the election will be held on July 26. It may be mentioned that six parliamentary secretaries had resigned from their post earlier to facilitate their entry into the various committees of the House.

 Teacher transfer is state policy :  N. Biren

Regarding the clash which occurred on Friday among students of CC Higher Secondary School and Imphal East police personnel in which injuries were caused to three policemen including commando officer–in-charge Vaiphei, police have registered an FIR.

Mentioning that the protest occurred due to the transfer of teaching staff of the school, leader of the House, Biren Singh today clarified on the floor of the House that the transfers were done under state government policy.

He said, “It is very unfortunate that there were reports of protest against the transfer of teachers. The transfer is done, following promotion of teachers. This will benefit both the students and teachers. The public should cooperate with the policies adopted by the government as it is meant for the welfare of the students and teaching community.”

Biren said police registered a case in connection with yesterday’s clash between the police and students to find out how the violence broke out.

Reports said there were stone pelting by the agitating students and the police had to use tear gas shells to bring the situation under control.

Biren said some students and three police personnel sustained injuries. “When a police team was negotiating with the students demonstrating on an Imphal street some unknown persons pelted stones at the police. The injured persons were hospitalised,” the chief minister said.

Newmmai News Network

KOHIMA | July 22

The present political crisis in the party is a blessing in disguise and this is a God-given opportunity to screen out the grain from the chaff, said Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu, President of Naga People’s Front (NPF) and former Chief Minister.

Addressing party functionaries at his private residence in Kohima this afternoon, Liezietsu said, “We have identified the polluted leaders and had filtered them from the party for good. Only the faithful leaders are now in the party. The party can work peacefully and conveniently for the welfare of the party and the Naga people since corrupt and polluted leaders have been removed from the party.”

He called the 11 MLAs who stood firm with the party as the “seeds of NPF party”.

Urging party leaders and workers to stand firm on their conviction and principles, Dr. Shürhozelie said that NPF will grow taller and stronger with only the faithful and dedicated leaders to lead the party.

Coming down heavily on the BJP-RSS ideology and principles, the former Chief Minister said that NPF has severed all ties with the BJP to protect the identity and the rights of the Nagas. He said that earlier, due to its alliance with the BJP, the party on many occasion could not speak out the truth. However, he said now the NPF does not have any hesitation to speak the truth for the Naga people.

Further, NPF president said that the NPF is not against Hinduism but stated that it will not allow the saffron party to create disturbance to Naga politics and went on to add that Governor PB Acharya, “who is also a hardcore RSS pracharak”, violated all the constitutional provisions and established laws to bring down his government but that he will never achieve his dream to install a BJP government in Nagaland.

He also said that though the NPF party detached its alliance with the BJP he appreciates Prime Minster Narendra Modi for courageously supporting and strengthening the ongoing Naga Peace process and on curbing corruption.

Dr. Shürhozelie cautioned the party leaders that TR Zeliang and group have destroyed the government and now they will try to destabilise even the party. However, he reminded that if the party leaders stand committed and firm, no force of money or power can destroy the party.

He asserted that since rotten potatoes were removed from the sack, the NPF party shall rule beyond 2018.

On MKR Pillai case, the former Chief Minister questioned why so many legislators have reservation to hand over the case to CBI for inquiry.

NPF legislator CL John is his short speech termed the present crisis as “vitamin” for the party stating that filtering the corrupted MLA from the party will now make the party stronger. He also said that the crisis as revival period for the party to go stronger.

NPF MLA, Yitachu in his speech said that NPF party is growing from strength to strength and even expanding its wings to other Naga-inhabited areas that the BJP Government at the Centre got scared and brought all mechanisms at its disposal  to bring down Dr. Shürhozelie NPF government.

Therefore, Yitachu asserted that those who uphold the NPF party principles are upholding the future of the Nagas.

MLA, Vikheho Swu admitted that crisis after crisis within the NPF party occurred due to some disgruntlement and power mongering among MLAs themselves that “quality time for the development of the state could not be availed sincerely.”  He therefore, called upon the people to elect only sincere and dedicated leaders in the future.

MLA Chotisu Sazo who also spoke on the occasion appreciated the party leaders for standing firm despite crisis within the party legislature. He went on to warn that many dissident MLAs may come to lure party leaders with lucrative offers but urged to uphold the true spirit of the party.

During the programme, NPF working president, Huska Yepthomi, Women Wing President, Tonlih Wangsa, Youth Wing President, Vihoshe Swu, Farmers Wing President, Lanukaba Ao and Minority Wing President, Bishnu Bhattacharjee also spoke on the occasion.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 22

Ukhrul has a new tourist spot from today besides Shirui Hill, as Wuya Kachui village in Kamjong district is officially declared as a tourist site for the presence of a flower called in local name as ‘Wuyawon’.

Wuya Kachui village in Kamjong district is officially declared a tourist site today after inauguration by deputy commissioner of Kamjong district, Kengoo Zuringla along with sub-divisional officer (SDO), L.H. Ngathungsin.

During the function, the chief guest Kengoo Zuringla while expressing his happiness in the inauguration of such a beautiful site also stressed that the thing of beauty in the district to be preserved especially the local people. 

The opening function organised by Shingcha Katamnao Long was attended by surrounding villages’ headmen including Maku village, Puching, Changa, Yeda, Khangkhui Khullen, Langkhe and leaders of Tangkhul Katamnao Long among others.

Chairman of Shingcha village, Raiyo Zimik said that the during time of war in ancient times, villagers used to camp at the mount of Wuya Kachui, and whenever they do, the people resting there experienced sleep paralysis. Therefore the name Wuya Kachui is given.

Wuyawon flower is a ground orchid, pink in colour and blooms during the peak monsoon season of July month.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 22

Students of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy today protested in front of the school at Nongmeibung, Imphal demanding roll back of the transfer order of the four teachers of the school.

During the protest which started from around 1.30 pm, vehicles were stopped from passing the road in front of the school gate.

Later at around 4 pm police were able to control the situation after negotiating with the student leaders.

Speaking to media persons, Ananda Singh Higher Academy Students’ Union, general secretary, Oinam Bonny said that the students of the school strongly condemn the transfer of the four teachers from the school as they have already covered half of the syllabus.

The transfer of the teachers during the middle of the academic seems that the government likes to separate the bonds between the teachers and students, he added.

The general secretary urged the government to roll back the transfer of the four teachers with immediate effect as it will give a big blow to students’ career, who are going to appeare in the upcoming council examination.

Bonny further asked the government to fill up the teachers, as the school suffers lack of teachers.

The student association warned that certain forms of agitation will take place if the government failed to draw back the transfer order of the four teachers of the school.

Khogen Khoibam

IMPHAL | July 22

The Grassy Knoll BMX boys (GBB) today organised the World BMX Day for the first time in Manipur at the Indoor Stadium of Imphal College, Kwakeithel Lamdong, Airport Road.

The BMX riders commenced the day by riding all the way from Kangla to Imphal College and the event was packed with performances by B-Boying dancers, magic show and drama that entertained the students and teachers of the Imphal College and other audiences.

The founder of GBB, Loyanganba Laishram has said that inclusion and recognition of extreme sports in the Olympics has energised the BMX riders to perform more in the world arena. He also said that the contemporary BMX riders are very thankful to their mentors Umananda and Dipen for introducing the wave of BMX and skateboarding in Manipur.

There will be more to come up in a series in the coming years with more events of competitions, he added.

The guest of honour of the function, Umananda Irom has said that the BMX riders of these days are too fleet-footed in their performance. He said that BMX stunt is a form of art which requires a good discipline and synchronisation to make the show complete.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 21

Principal secretary education (s), Vineet Joshi, reacting to a recent report of transfers of 447 higher secondary teachers, clarified that the transfers were carried out in the interest of the students.

Briefing media persons in this regards at SSA office Babupara, Vineet Joshi, disclosed that the transfers of teachers wer imminent for they (transferred teachers) were graduate teachers who have been promoted to lecturers.

If the transfer process was not affected the teachers would be deprived of their salaries, said Vineet Joshi.

“The teachers themselves have been asking the department for their transfer to ensure that the payment of their salary is not hampered”, said Joshi.

Further explaining on the criteria, he stated that the transfer was affected after having done proper assessment based on the students strength and vacancy of the schools.

There could be an attachment between teachers and students but the department has to take into consideration the general interest as a whole, he contended.

“Everything we have done is in the best interest of the students”, said the principal secretary before assuring to look into the demand of the students.

education (s) director, Th. Kirankumar, deputy secretary, L. Nandakumar and officials of the education department also attended the press conference.

Unanimous stand on amending Constitution to protect state boundary

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL July 21

Manipur Assembly today unanimously reaffirmed a resolution adopted in 2015 by the House to urge the Centre to amend the Article 3 of the Constitution to safeguard Manipur’s boundary.

“This House unanimously resolves to reiterate the Resolution No. 117 passed by this Hosue on 31 st August, 2015 for amendment of Article 3 of the Constitution of India by incorporating that the prior consent of the state legislature of the affected state(s) shall be mandatorily obtained while forming new state and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing states,” the resolution said.

The Speaker Yumnam Khemchand adjourned the afternoon session of the Assembly for half an hour to give time to both the ruling and Opposition members to draft the resolution together, as proposed by leader of the Opposition O. Ibobi Singh.

On August 31, 2015 the Assembly adopted a resolution seeking amendment of the Constititon. The resolution was moved by the former chief minister Ibobi. The government moved the resolution after the Centre and the NSCN (IM) had signed the Framework Agreement on August 3 in the same year.

The members agreed to adopt a House resolution after Ibobi Singh intervened into a debate on what kind of resolution should be adopted during a discussion of a private member resolution seeking amendment of the Article 3 of the Constitution.

The private member bill was moved by Congress members Kh. Joykishan, K. Ranjit, Surajkumar Okram, N. Loken Singh and K. Govindas.

When the movers pressed for passing the bill leader of the House and chief minister N. Biren Singh proposed to pass a resolution moved by the government, saying it would have more significance.

As Joykishan was adamant that the bill should be passed Ibobi Singh intervened, suggesting that instead of passing a private member bill, it should be a House resolution, as suggested by Biren. He also proposed an adjournment of some minutes for drafting the resolution together by the Opposition and ruling.

Earlier during the discussion on the private member bill deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh insisted that the resolution moved by the Opposition members that reads “provided that in the case of Manipur, the Bill for this purpose shall be introduced in either House of Parliament except on the recommendation of President made on the unanimous decision of the Manipur Legislative Assembly,” is not agreeable with him and certain wordings in the resolution need to be changed.

“I cannot betray the people of Manipur and I cannot agree with this,” Joykumar remarked, adding it was in the larger interest of safeguarding the state boundary. “If the resolution is to be put up, it should not be faulty, he said.

IMPHAL | July 21

Chief minister N. Biren Singh replying to a starred question from Opposition member Kh. Joykishan said that there are no authorized camps of the NSCN (IM) in the state. He, however, acknowledged that there are activities of the Naga group and suo-motto case has been registered regarding the killing of two civilians at Kharasom on June 15 last.

Joykishan insisted that it is common knowledge that NSCN (IM) camps exist in Manipur and whether those who are related to the murder of the mentioned two persons have been arrested.

Biren said the NSCN (IM) have mobile offices and the cadres disappear in the vast jungle expanses after committing a crime. There is no question of extension of the NSCN (IM) ceasefire in Manipur, he added.

IMPHAL | July 21

The art and culture minister L. Jayantakumar Singh said that Manipur State Film and Television Institute (MSFTI) plans to start a PG diploma course in documentary from October, with a budget provision of Rs. 1.5 crore for the fiscal year 2017-18. This was stated while replying to a question raised by MLA, Khangabok A/C Surjakumar Okram during question hours, in the second day of the second session of the Eleventh Manipur Legislative Assembly, today.

The minister further informed the House that the courses offered in the Manipur University of Culture are graduate course in dance, music, sankritana, umang lai haraoba, thang-ta, theatre, tribal studies and visual art with a budget of Rs. 1.5 crore for the fiscal year 2017-18.

On the reason for the delay in the functioning of the Manipur State Film & Television Institute, the minister replied that the recruitment of faculty and staffs of the institute will be taken up. In the absence of faculty members, support staffs, academic infrastructure and acquisition of equipment, academic programs cannot commence.

In another question raised by MLA, Wangkhei A/C, Okram Henry Singh on the present status of the Cabinet decision taken by the previous government to rename the Imphal International airport, the chief minister N. Biren, who is also holding the portfolio of transport, informed the House that the state Cabinet took decision in its meeting held on September 21 last year to rename the Imphal International Airport and decided to recommend to the ministry of civil aviation for necessary action in the interest of the people of Manipur.

The Centre has released a total amount of Rs. 739.44 lakh for National Food Security Mission for the year 2016-17 for the state of Manipur for nine districts including Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Chandel, Churachandpur, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul. The beneficiaries were selected through the extension functionaries of the respective districts. This was informed by agriculture minister V. Hangkhanlian to the query raised by MLA, Lilong A/C Md. Abdul Nasir.

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI | July 21

Much to the disappointment of the United Naga Council (UNC), the tripartite talks on the district creation have been postponed, again. The talks involving the United Naga Council (UNC), the Central Government and the State Government of Manipur were scheduled to be held on July 22 (Saturday) in Senapati district headquarters at the ‘political level’ but the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has “fervently requested” the UNC leaders to have the talks early next month.

Speaking to Newmai News Network this evening over phone, Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA),Government of India said that the State Government of Manipur had “requested” the former if the date of the talks could be scheduled for July 23 (Sunday) instead of July 22.

According to Satyendra Garg, the State Government of Manipur had expressed that its cabinet ministers who are assigned to take part in the tripartite talks would not be able to skip the ongoing session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly on Saturday. To this, the UNC had agreed even to hold the talks even on Sunday but the proposal of the State Government of Manipur gives inconveniences to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials participating in the tripartite talks. According to the MHA Joint Secretary, the Union Home Minister is taking part in the Question Hour of the ongoing Parliament Session on July 24, Monday, for which it has become a matter of compulsion that all the MHA officials are stationed from Sunday.

Now, things have come to such a situation that the next tripartite talks have been tentatively scheduled either on August 5 or August 11, according to Satyendra Garg.  He also said that the Government of India “takes seriously” on the tripartite talks, and “I hope things should be alright for everyone in the early part of next month.”

It can be noted here that the tripartite talks on district creation issue which were scheduled earlier for July 10 at Ukhrul district headquarters were postponed, and the talks were latter fixed for July 22 with Senapati district headquarters as the venue. Apparently reacting to the prolonging of the tripartite talks the UNC has expressed its frustration today again.

UNC president Gaidon Kamei reiterated that Naga people in Manipur “to remain alert to face any eventuality”. Earlier, the UNC had alleged  that a party engaging in the tripartite talks was intentionally trying to sabotage the ongoing dialogue on district creation issue.

On May 19, the representatives of the Manipur Government, the Central Government and the UNC had agreed upon to hold tripartite talks on the district creation issue at the political level within a month’s time. The one month’s time frame to hold tripartite talks on the district creation issue had lapsed on June 19.

UNC had also stated earlier that “since the new government of Manipur under the leadership of N Biren Singh and the Narendra Modi government at the Centre had assured us to redress the problems created by the communal Ibobi Singh government we are fervently waiting for the justice.”

Things may be recalled here that, in the last tripartite talks held on May 19 in Senapati headquarters, it was reaffirmed the “focal point No 1 of agreement arrived at in the tripartite talks on March 19, 2017” which states that “the grievances of the United Naga Council which led to the imposition of the economic blockade by them was recognized as there was non-adherence to the four Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the Government of India’s assurance on the matter. The Government of Manipur agrees to start consultation with all stakeholders to redress the same”.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 21

The 24×7 emergency health service of the Community Health Centre (CHC) Yaipripok has been suspended immediately following shortage of doctors.

A statement issued by the hospital management society CHC Yairipok stated that the decision to suspend the 24×7 operation of the CHC was taken by the society during its emergency meeting.

The statement further pointed out that as per the Indian Public Health Standard a CHC requires 11 doctors. However, the CHC is presently run by only two doctors.

It claimed that the matter pertaining to the shortage of doctors has been appraised to the authority concerned several times yet the authority remained indifferent.

As a result, taking into consideration the plight of the two doctors the society has decided to suspend the emergency service until enough man power is provided to the CHC, it said.

According to the society, Yairipok CHC avails service to highest number of patients with over 150 patients per day in the emergency section excluding the OPD patients.

Given the maximum intake of patients, it claimed that the workload could become detrimental to the health of the only two doctors posted at the CHC before pointing out that a doctor is recommended to work for maximum of 48 hours as per Indian Public Health Standard.

Against this backdrop, it contended that in Kakwa PHC and Akampat PHC, areas close to Imphal, have over five doctors each.

It appealed to the authority concerned to look into the grievances of the CHC at the earliest in public interest.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 21

Four students of CC Higher Secondary School got minor injuries and Imphal East police commando OC, L. Vaiphei got head injury during a clash today between the students and the police.

The the clash broke out at around 12 noon when the police tried to stop the students of the school from marching a rally in front of the school gate at Sanjenthong, Imphal.

The student tried to march towards chief minister’s bungalow demanding roll back of the transfer of eight teachers from the school.

During the clash traffic was stop from Sanjenthong bridge till Palace gate for around one hour.

Eyewitnesses said stones were pelted by the students as police tried to stop. To bring the situation under control and disperse the students, police fired some rounds of tear gas cells and also used mock bombs.

Later at around 1 pm police were able to control the situation after negotiating with the student leaders.

Speaking to media persons, CC Higher Secondary School Students’ Union, general secretary, Samson Longjam said that the students of the school strongly condemned the transfer of the eight teachers as they have already covered half of the syllabus.

He urged the government to cancel the transfer of the eight teachers with immediate effect as it will affect the carriers of the students who are going to appear the upcoming board and council examinations.

He further also urged the government to fill up teachers, as the school suffers from lack of teachers.

The student association warned the government that classes will be boycotted until the transfer of the eight teachers are cancelled and will take up different forms of agitation until their demand is fulfilled.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | July 21

Guardians and students of Fundrei High School, under Wangjing- Tentha Assembly constituency had closed down the school yesterday in protest against transfer of two teachers, when the school does not have enough teachers already.

Angry students and guardians held a sit-in protest in front of the school gate. “We are not opening the school until our teachers are provided,” said a protestor.

A guardian expressed that Fundrei High School is the only government school at Fundrei; there are a total of 365 students who are presently studying in the school, from class I to X. Students from the village who are mostly poor families are studying at the school. The school had 21 teachers before, but only 10 teachers are running it now with great difficulty. 

He continued that a few months before, two of the teachers from the school have been utilized, resulting in more shortage of teachers. Recently, transfer orders for two teachers of this government school have arrived suddenly; this means that there will be only 6 teachers left in the school. It would be an impossible task to teach so many students with just 6 teachers, he added. 

The students had raised the issue before since July 7, and met concerned officials who promised that teachers will be provided. The students have even met the education minister himself who also gave the promise they will be given new teachers. However, none of the promises have been fulfilled. The protestors have also met the local MLA but their please have been allegedly ignored.

The guardians have appealed to the authorities to address their issues and provide the required teachers.   

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 21

The Bishnupur police arrested three persons in connection with the murder case 4th Assam Regiment, havildar, Moirangthem Herachandra Singh.

The havildar was found death with a bullet hole on his forehead on July 10, in a canal in between Kwaksiphai and Nachou, Bishnupur district.

Police arrested one a suspect identified as S. Ibosana Singh (54) son of S. Biramangol of Keibul Awang Leikai on July 15.

From the disclosure of Ibosana yesterday police were able to arrest two more persons who were allegedly involved in the killing of the personnel including late Herachandra’s wife, Moirangthem (O) Indira Devi (41) of Moirang Khunou Khonang Makhong.

The other person is identified as Ningthoujam Tomcha Singh (52) son of N. Kullabi of Keirrenphabi Maning Leikai.

The police also seized a Maruti, Sentro car with registration number, MN07D-003 which is allegedly used in the killing of the personnel.

The court remanded all the three accused persons to police custody till next Friday.

IMPHAL | July

In the evening session of the second day of the ongoing budget session, the House unanimously passed Rs. 1035,05,43,250 for different departmental expenditures to be incurred during August, 2017.

Questions and observations raised by the opposition members in connection with the general discussion on budget estimate 2017-18, the finance minister clarified that the reason for small budget is due to inability of submission of utilization certificates (UC) by some departments and conversion of ACC Bills to DCC Bills.

He stated that with the implementation of GST and proper management of financial resources, there will be surplus revenue and also further stressed on the major thrust areas of the budget.

DBT is one of the major thrust areas for prevention of misappropriation of benefits, proper and timely delivery system of fund allocations and also stated that to take grants from the Centre is easy but proper utilization of the grants is difficult.

He maintained that the present budget is clear and ambitious since it is meant for the developmental projects in the state.

Participating in the discussion, the chief minister N. Biren Singh said that to prepare a budget is not an easy task as it needs collection of data and information from each government department and different financial resources.

The government does not have any partiality in distribution of aids, relief materials and welfare schemes to the public. All the aids for flood affected people are being entrusted to the concerned DCs particularly to avoid political biasness.

The main purpose is to serve the people and to regain the lost trust between different communities, the government is action oriented and stood for corruption free government and lastly appealed to the House for keeping confidence in his government.

Finance minister Y. Joykumar Singh moved the Manipur Appropriation (No. 3) Bill 2017 and the House passed it.

IMPHAL | July 20

The All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) strongly condemned the merciless killing of the Md Ateef Sheikh at Chittagong, Bangladesh.

Ateef was from Keikhu Maning Lekai, Imphal East district,who was pursuing MBBS final year at the private University of Science and Technology, Chittagong, said a release. His death came as a big loss to the people of Manipur and Indian, it said adding, his father Abdul Khalique Sheikh had struggled very hard for his education in the hope that Ateef will serve the people of Manipur someday.

AMSU appealed to the government and the authorities concerned to thoroughly investigate the crime and punish the guilty, adding the organisation is ready to give its assistance.

The organisation has also requested the students studying in others parts of India and abroad, not to indulge in such crimes and urged the parents to be strictly observe their children studying outside.

IMPHAL | July 20

Goods trucks have begun moving on the Imphal-Dimapur highway, which was cut off due to recent landslide and the deterioration of the Barak bridge located along Imphal-Jiribam highway has been repaired.

But, prices of essential items have not come down in some retail stores. More than 200 goods trucks left Jiribam for Imphal according to a source.

The source said other than the goods truck, oil tankers and trucks carrying cooking gas have also left for Imphal.

Prices of onion, garlic and potato have increased by Rs. 5-10 per kg in some retail shops whereas the price of petrol and cooking gas have reached Rs. 80-100 and 1700-2000 in the black market respectively. 

“We buy essential items daily to run our hotel but the hike in price has brought us some problems in our daily earning.” said a hotel owner. “The price hike of goods has hit the sales added another shopkeeper.”

One of the women vendors who sell vegetables in the city said due to the flood affecting in most areas, there is increase in the price vegetables also.

“It is high time that the government checked the rising prices of essential commodities to offer some help to the common man. Sudden rise in prices makes the life of ordinary and poor citizen’s live miserable,” said one buyer.