Manipur Mail – Page 11

ATDSU calls 72 hr bandh

IMPHAL, August 30 NNN: Anguished over Manipur Government’s negative response on its series of demands, the All Tribal Disabled Students’ Union (ATDSU) has on Friday announced to call for a 72-hour bandh in the hill districts of Manipur from September 8-11 as the August 30 dateline set by the union to the Government ended.
KG Khamgonglung, information and publicity secretary, ATDSU said that
the union will impose a 72-hour bandh in the five hill districts of Manipur from midnight of September 8 to September 11 midnight.
It said the Government is not responding to the union’s legitimate demands that prompted it to take up the agitation.
Due to lack of education, the tribal disabled people are unable to claim their rightful job quota in the Government establishments and these post vacancies have remained filled up by general candidates, it accused.
ADTSU had also on July 19 last sought an appointment from Social Welfare minister for discussion on its demands, but no positive response has been given till date, it said.
It has urged the state Social Welfare minister to realize the decentralization of the authority for issue of disability certificates and to set up a special school with hostel facility for tribal disabled students in one of the hill districts in the state, the union added.
It said that physically challenged persons are first examined and treated at J (JNIMS)and then related medical documents are submitted to the office of the Social Welfare which issues disability certificates to them after taking about four months time in the process.
This procedure adopted by the state Government has denied disability certificates to more than 70 percent disabled persons residing in far flung areas .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/atdsu-calls-72-hr-bandh/

5 years RI for advocate, CBI official

MNS: The Special Judge, Anti Corruption UP(West), Lucknow has convicted Sanjay Kumar Singh, then Constable of CBI (on deputation from Punjab Police) and S.C.Agnihotri, an Advocate and sentenced them to undergo five years Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs.40,000/- each in a bribery case.
A case was registered U/s 120-B of IPC r/w Section 7 & 8 of the P.C. Act,1988 on 12.03.2004 by CBI against Sanjay Kumar Singh and S.C.Agnihotri on the basis of a complaint.
It was alleged that an amount of Rs.One lakh was to be paid in two installments of Rs.50,000/- each to Sanjay Kumar Singh and S.C.Agnihotri for excluding the name of Complainant from the charge sheet of case which was being investigated by CBI. Accused Sanjay Kumar Singh was then posted at ACB, Lucknow as Constable (on deputation from Punjab Police) and S.C.Agnihotri, an Advocate was a practicing laywer in Courts at Lucknow.
Accordingly, a trap was laid on 14.03.2004 and both the accused persons, namely Sanjay Kumar Singh and S.C.Agnihotri were caught red handed while demanding & accepting a bribe of Rs.25,000/- at the residence of S.C.Agnihotri at LDA Colony, Lucknow.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/5-years-ri-for-advocate-cbi-official/

Talks held on AA

DIMAPUR, August 30: The The tripartite talks on ‘Alternative Arrangement’ involving the United Naga Council (UNC), the government of India and Manipur government is likely to be upgraded to a political level in the next round of talks.
The 6th round of talks on the issue was held today ending in a ‘positive note’, according to the UNC.
The today’s talk was hekd at Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi from 6:30 pm and dragged on for little more than hour, sources from UNC said where eight members represented the Naga team.
From the government of India side, Special Secretary of Internal Security (Ministry of Home Affairs), S. Jayaraman, Joint Secretary incharge of North East Sambhu Singh and others represented while from the Manipur government side, state chief secretary PC Lawmkunga, Principal Secretary (Home) Suresh Babu and others represented.
Talking to Newmai News Network over phone, UNC president L Adani expressed that the Naga delegation was not disappointed regarding today’s talks as they managed to convince the government of India representatives to upgrade the ongoing tripartite talks to the political level.
Bureaucrats both from the government of India and from the Manipur government have been representing the tripartite taks on the Alternative Arrangement right from the start.
When asked whether the Manipur government representatives agreed to upgrade the talks to political level, L Adani said the former did not give their commitment in this regard in today’s talks. “However, the officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have told us that they will persuade the Manipur government to upgrade the tripartite talks to the political level,” Adani conveyed.
The UNC president said the government of Manipur has been opposing to upgrade the tripartite talks on Alternative Arrangement to the political level right from the first round of talks a couple of years ago.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/talks-held-on-aa/

Border trade not progressing

IMPHAL, August 30 NNN : Border trade of the Indo-Myanmar has not been benefitting the traders as expected because the 1995 trade agreement is quite primitive in nature. Another negativity of the border trade is that the food items that come from Myanmar to India are also not been checked whether they are fit for consumption in want of laboratories to test the food items. The luke-warm border trading has been due to the lack of knowledge in trade by the local people.
These were deliberated during the 18th Foundation Day celebration of the Indo-Myanmar Border Trade Union (IMBTU) held at Manipur Press Club in Imphal today.
All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) president W. Shamjai while speaking on the occasion pointed out that food items coming to India from Myanmar side through the border town Moreh need to have a laboratory test to see if these food items are safe for consumption.
“However, this cannot be done now as there is not a single laboratory for such task,” rued the senior journalist while Manipur commerce and industries minister Govindas Konthoujam assured that a laboratory only to test the food items coming to India through Moreh be set up by next year.
It said the above packaged food items are reportedly imported from Myanmar for selling in Manipur without labelling and import license and without indicating the name of the manufacturer, batch number, date of expiry.
Such imported food items are selling in the state in violation of Section 23 & 25 of the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 and Regulation No-22 of the Food and Standards (packaging & Labelling) Regulation, 2011, the order said.
Meanwhile, in today’s function, speaking as the chief guest, minister Govindas Konthoujam said due to the primitive nature of the 1995 border trade agreement, the traders are not getting benefits as expected. The minister mooted to modify the agreement to cope with the fast changing business scenerio in the South Asian countries impacted by India’s Look East Policy.
Prof N Mohendro suggested for the awareness campaigns both in the hills and in the valley districts injecting the people the knowledge of the border trade.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/border-trade-not-progressing/

FSB will ensure return of Congress to power

Just as Sudarshan chakra is to the Lord Vishnu, supreme God of Hindus and the Trishul to Lord Mahadeva, Food security Bill, which will become an act after it is passed by Rajya Sabha and assented by the President of India, will be a weapon of the Congress party. Congress party will use the provisions contained in the bill to attract the voters on the Congress side. Heavily armed with all these policies and programmes that had been declared in the past one decade all the people oriented in the party will take on the opposition parties in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. If MGNREGA could ensure smooth sailing of the Congress party to power after 2009 elections, there is no reason as to why the bill will not ensure the return of the party to power. Congress is making all out efforts to emulate the record set by the same party under leadership of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru winning continuously three terms. Since then no party let alone Congress party has been able to win continuously for three terms at the centre. Food security bill envisages to help nearly 81 crore people in the country. No one will go to bed without food; hunger will be a thing of the past. This is a big claim of the Government. Such a vast dream is going to materialise in India having one billion plus population. The other nations in the world might be looking to Indian Government enviously for doing something that they cannot even dream of doing it. Congress leaders heaved a sigh of relief when the bill was passed by Lok Sabha the other day. Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi understands that the bill will increase the burden of the state Government in transforming the provisions contained in the bill into action. But he has decided to play pro active role for the smooth flow of the benefits to the people. He has asked the officials concerned of the department, which will be playing key role in making the dream a reality. Chief Minister O. Ibobi having swept the assembly elections continuously for three terms understands how the party can return to power at the centre also. Let him do what he wants to.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/fsb-will-ensure-return-of-congress-to-power/

PM’s statement on the current economic situation

Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s statement in the Lok Sabha, on the current economic situation in the country:
“The movement of the exchange rate of the Indian Rupee recently has been a matter of concern.
The Rupee has depreciated sharply against the dollar since the last week of May. There are concerns, and justifiably so, of the impact this would have on our economy.
What triggered the sharp and sudden depreciation was the markets’ reaction to certain unexpected external developments. On May 22, 2013, the US Federal Reserve Bank indicated that it would soon ‘taper’ its quantitative easing as the US economy was recovering. This led to a reversal of capital flows to emerging economies which are now sharply pulling down not just the Rupee, but also the Brazilian Real, the Turkish Lira, the Indonesian Rupiah, the South African Rand and many other currencies.
While global factors such as tensions over Syria and the prospect of U.S. Federal Reserve tapering its policy of quantitative easing have caused general weaknesses in emerging market currencies, the rupee has been especially hit because of our large current account deficit and some other domestic factors. We intend to act to reduce the current account deficit and bring about an improvement in the functioning of our economy.
In 2010-11 and the years prior to it, our current account deficit was more modest and financing it was not difficult, even in the crisis year of 2008-09. Since then, there has been a deterioration, mainly on account of huge imports of gold, higher costs of crude oil imports and recently, of coal. On the export side, weak demand in our major markets has kept our exports from growing. Exports have been further hit by a collapse in iron ore exports. Taken together, these factors have made our current account deficit unsustainably large.
Clearly we need to reduce our appetite for gold, economise in the use of petroleum products and take steps to increase our exports.
We have taken measures to reduce the current account deficit. The Finance Minister has indicated that it will be below $ 70 billion this year, and we will take all possible steps to ensure that outcome. These are already showing results with a declining trade deficit in both June and July. The Government is confident that we will be able to lower our current account deficit to $70 billion. Our medium term objective is to reduce the current account deficit to 2.5% of our GDP. Our short term objective is to finance the current account deficit in an orderly fashion. We will make every effort to maintain a macro economic framework friendly to foreign capital inflows to enable orderly financing of the current account deficit.
Coming back to the effects of the Rupee depreciation, we must realise that part of this depreciation was merely a needed adjustment. Inflation in India has been much higher than in the advanced countries. Therefore, it is natural that there has to be a correction in the exchange rate to account for this difference. To some extent, depreciation can be good for the economy as this will help to increase our export competitiveness and discourage imports.

There are many sectors which are regaining competitiveness in export markets as a result of the fall in the exchange rate. Over the next few months, I expect the effects of this to be felt more strongly, both in exports and in the financial position of exporting sectors. This in itself would correct the current account deficit to some extent.
However, foreign exchange markets have a notorious history of overshooting. Unfortunately this is what is happening not only in relation to the Rupee but also other currencies.
The RBI and Government have taken a number of steps to stabilize the rupee. Some measures have given rise to doubts in some quarters that capital controls are on the horizon. I would like to assure the House and the world at large, that the Government is not contemplating any such measures. The last two decades have seen India grow as an open economy and we have benefitted from it. There is no question of reversing these policies just because there is some turbulence in capital and currency markets. The sudden decline in the exchange rate is certainly a shock, but we will address this through other measures, not through capital controls or by reversing the process of reforms. The Finance Minister has clarified this matter at length, and I take this opportunity to reaffirm our position.
Ultimately, the value of the rupee is determined by the fundamentals of our economy. While we have taken a number of actions to strengthen those fundamentals, we intend to do more.
Growth has slowed down in recent quarters. I expect growth in the first quarter of 2013-14 to be relatively flat, but as the effects of the good monsoon kick in, I expect it to pick up. There are many reasons for this optimism. The decisions of the Cabinet Committee on Investment in reviving stalled projects will start bearing fruit in the second half of the year. The full effects of the growth friendly measures that have been taken over the last six months, such as liberalizing norms for Foreign Direct Investment, resolution of some tax issues of concern to industry and fuel subsidy reform will come into play over the year resulting in higher growth particularly in manufacturing. Exports are also starting to look up as the growth performance of the rest of the world is showing signs of improvement. So I believe growth will pick up in the second half of the fiscal year barring extreme unforeseen eventualities.
There are questions about the size of the fiscal deficit. The government will do whatever is necessary to contain the fiscal deficit to 4.8% of GDP this year. The most growth-friendly way to contain the deficit is to spend carefully, especially on subsidies that do not reach the poor, and we will take effective steps to that end.
Inflation measured by the Wholesale Price Index has been coming down, even though inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index is still too high. The depreciation of the rupee and rise in dollar prices of petroleum products will no doubt lead to some further upward pressure on prices. The Reserve Bank will therefore continue to focus on bringing down inflation. The favourable monsoon and the anticipated good harvest will help bring down food prices and ease the task of controlling inflation.
All in all, the macro-stabilization process which should support the value of the rupee is under way. I expect that as the fruits of our efforts materialize, currency markets will recover.
Even while we go about doing what is necessary, it is important to recognize that the fundamentals of the Indian economy continue to be strong. India’s overall public-debt to GDP ratio has been on a declining trend from 73.2% of GDP in 2006-07 to 66% in 2012-13. Similarly, India’s external debt is only 21.2% of our GDP and while short-term debt has risen, it stands at no more than 5.2% of our GDP. Our foreign exchange reserves stand at US$278bn, and are more than sufficient to meet India’s external financing requirements. Many foreign analysts worry about banking problems that may arise in the wake of the currency crisis. The Indian banking sector has seen some rise in bad loans. The question that needs to be asked is whether there is a liquidity problem or a solvency problem for the borrowers. My belief is that there is a liquidity problem. Many of the projects are not unviable but only delayed, in contrast to the overbuilding that has characterized the banking sector problems in many other countries. As these projects come on stream, they will generate revenue and repay loans. Our banks are fortunately well capitalized much above the Basel norms and they have the capacity to provide for any non-performing assets until those assets are turned around.
The easy reforms of the past have been done. We have the more difficult reforms to do such as reduction of subsidies, insurance and pension sector reforms, eliminating bureaucratic red tape and implementing Goods and Services Tax. These are not low hanging fruit and they need active political consensus.
It is here that I urge Honourable Members across the political spectrum to reflect on the need of the hour. Many laws that are necessary are held up for lack of political consensus. Reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax, which everyone agrees is essential to restore growth and boost revenues, require States to come to an agreement. We need to forge consensus on such vital issues. I urge political parties to work towards this end and to join in the government’s efforts to put the economy back on the path of stable, sustainable growth.
There may be short term shocks to our economy and we need to face them. That is the reality of operating in a globalised economy, whose benefits we have reaped over the last 15 to 20 years. We will need to ensure that the fundamentals of the economy remain strong so that India continues to grow at a healthy rate for many years to come. That we will ensure. We are no doubt faced with important challenges, but we have the capacity to address them. It is at times like these that the nation shows what it is truly capable of.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pms-statement-on-the-current-economic-situation/

Save Mizoram Long March

AIZAWL, August 29 NNN: Invoking the Gandhian way of ‘Long March’ popularly called ‘Dandi March’ where Gandhiji with his 78 followers marched to Dandi to break the ‘Salt law’ during Indian Freedom struggle, Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) here in Mizoram organized a ‘Long March’ to ‘save’ Mizoram.
The purpose this time is not to break the British salt law, instead it is a reason to save Mizoram from its bondage, to heal the wounds that cripple the state, to free the state from curruption that consumed public money, to bring about change in the govt administration for the welfare and development et al.
The Long March under the banner “Save Mizoram” has marched 94 km after the marchers reached Thenzawl on the 4th day today.
Earlier on August 26, 2013, ZNP chief Lalduhawma had flagged off the Long March at Vanapa Hall, Aizawl and said the purpose of this march is to save Mizoram. The Long March is expected to last for 9 days encompassing around 175 km when they reach Lunglei.
Today, the ZNP team was received with a warm welcome. Various leaders including ZNP supremo Lalduhawma have spoken whereever they halt.
Addressing the people, ZNP Vice President K. Liantlinga said Mizoram has several illnesses, and ‘we are encircled by a number of miseries’. “Thus, Mizoram needs to be saved. It has to be saved from poverty, corruption, malpractices and injustice. People have to be delivered from these bondages and our land should be saved from recession”, he said. Let the kingdom of God come in Mizoram politic for her deliverance”, he added.
The Chief Minister according to K. Liantlinga is constantly talking about Mizoram as a served state and that the people are sluggish. “But he is wrong, we are not a sluggard, instead we are not getting equivalent shares and profits”, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/save-mizoram-long-march/

Corporal punishment in Mizoram School

AIZAWL, August 29 NNN: Some schools in Mizoram are still continuing with corporal punishment.
Mizoram State Advisory Council chairman who is also state Education minister Lalsawta has asked schools in Mizoram to do away with corporal punishment as some schools are still practicing it.
The State Advisory Council under the leadership of its chairman, Mizoram Education Minister Lalsawta held meeting today at his office.
Expressing his grave concern that there are still some schools which continue with corporal punishment, the Education Minister said the same must be completely done away with.
Meanwhile, Lalsawta explained in the meeting that the State Advisory Council is constituted to give suggestions to the government regarding the implementation of Right to Education Act – 2009, which envisages free and compulsory education to children in the age group 6-14 across the country.
The meeting reviewed over the various initiatives that have been taken so far and those of the ongoing ones in the implementation of RTE Act-2009 in the state.
The Education Minister explained that the RTE Act with all its provisions and restrictions cover all the government, deficit and private schools.
Further, regarding admission of children to schools, screening test is strictly prohibited and also donation in schools without prior notification is restricted by the Law, the Education Minister added.
The State Advisory Council meeting today resolved to carry out awareness programme in a larger scale in order to educate the general public with the RTE Act-2009.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/corporal-punishment-in-mizoram-school/

Tributes offered to Haipou Jadonang

Dy CM Gaikhangam and others offering tribute to Haipou Jadonang.0

IMPHAL, August 29 MNS/ NNN: The great leader and freedom fighter, Haipou Jadonang was adoringly remembered on his 82nd death anniversary on Thursday in various parts of Manipur, especially in Imphal and Zeliangrong dominated areas.
In one of the observations in Imphal, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Commerce and Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam, former Union minister M Kamson, Hill Areas Committee Chairman and MLA Z Kikhonbou Newmai, MLAs TN Haokip, N Biren, P Janghemlung and former MLA Dr Kh Loken shared the dais at the glittering function marking Jadonangà,death anniversary.
Gaikhangam led the other leaders, including official from the Government departments and many more people from all walks of life in paying floral tributes to Jadonang at the Haipou Jadonang Memorial Park, Keishampat here.
They honoured the great soul by giving a general salute and observing a two-minute silence on the occasion.
Jadonang was hanged to death at the present Jadonang Memorial Park by the British on this day, August 29, 1931on the charges of high treason and waging war against the imperial Crown. Jadonang was born at Kambiron village in Tamenglong district in 1905 and he was a Zeliangrong by birth.
Speaking on the occasion, Gaikhangam announced that plans are afoot to erect a bronze statue of Jadonang at his memorial park, Keishampat.
The 82nd Death Anniversary of HAIPOU JADONANG was observed today at the residence of Jyotin Waikhom, Hijam Leikai, Thangmeiband, Imphal at 5:30 pm under the aegis of Thangmeiband Tribal Development Committee (TTDC).
The function was graced by Jyotin Waikhom, Secretary MPCC as Chief Guest and Presided over by Gangmei Makukao. The program was also attended by Yangsosong Koireng, former President, AMUCO, S.(O) Binarani Devi, Councillor IMC Ward No.1, Kh. Ganbhir, member WDC, IMC and Ajit Panmei, Outgoing Chairman, TTDC, Romeo Palmei, Member WDC, IMC as Guests of Honour.
A brief life history of Haipou Jadonang was elaborated by Dannylung Malangmei, member WDC. The program was followed by lighting of candle by the Chief Guest, paying rich floral tributes and silence observation by the members.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tributes-offered-to-haipou-jadonang/

Central leaders favour Meitei becoming Schedule Tribe

Mail News Service
Imphal, Aug 29 : The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) led by its chairperson Prof. (Dr.) Yumnam Mohendra had got an assurance from Prime Minister of India Dr. Man Mohan Singh for the grant of ST (Scheduled Tribe) status to the Meiteis of Manipur.
The Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Kishore Chandra Deo told STDCM that the central government was ever ready to grant ST status to the Meitei, but the Meitei did not receive it from the central government.
In the same tune, the Union Cabinet Minister of Transport and Highways Oscar Fernandes told the delegation led by the chairperson of the committee that the hill and the valley people of Manipur are two brothers.
The implication is that while the hill people are already with ST status, there is no reason why the valley people i,e. the Meitei people should not be given ST status.
The advice given by the Prime Minister and other Union Cabinet Ministers of India is that the STDCM should request the Government of Manipur for the recommendation of ST status to the Meitei to Union Government of India. In this connection, it is stated that the STDCM has been requesting the Chief Minister of Manipur for more than once to grant an interview to the STDCM to enable the committee to place its views before the Chief Minister. Unfortunately, so far, no interview has been granted to the STDCM by the Chief Minister.
STDCM requested the Chief Minister of Manipur to be so kind enough as to grant an interview to the STDCM, keeping in view of the interest of the Meitei, according to an open letter from Nongmaithem Isworchandra,Vice-President, STDCM.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/central-leaders-favour-meitei-becoming-schedule-tribe/

CPLBF welcomes Indian Govt stand

Mail News Service
Imphal, Aug 29 : The statement made by the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Government of India Sayed Akbar –u- ddin that the Government of India had asked the Indian ambassador in Myanmar Goutam Mukhopadhya to raise the border fencing issue with Myanmar authority was hailed by the Committee on protection of land in border fencing (CPLBF) Manipur. Formation of Joint border working group as proposed by Government of India to demarcate border pillar number 76 is welcome.
The committee through a press release issued today observed that the Government of India took up the step after hearing the voice of the people of the state. There are several other pillars above 10 in number in the border areas, which need to be demarcated. Pillar number 76 is one among them, the committee also said.
The committee reiterated the demand for proper survey and demarcation of the Indo Myanmar boundary areas. That will strengthen ties between the two countries the committee added.
The committee said the media did not misquote the statement made by Principal Secretary Home Dr. Suresh Babu Home. Video recording and audio recording can be used as the proof of what he had stated in front of various dignitaries and also while talking to the media.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cplbf-welcomes-indian-govt-stand/

Protest against killing of driver

IMPHAL, August 29 MNS/NNN: Locals of Tera staged a sit-in protest at Tera bazaar in Imphal to condemn the killing of autorickshaw driver Ayekpam Naveen.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) for Naveen killing later organised a mass rally that started from the venue of the protest dharna. It was heading towards the Chief Minister’s bungalow. Hundreds of people including autorickshaw drivers took part in the demonstration.
However, the police stopped the protestors at Sagolband Salam Leikai. Later, some leaders of the agitation submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh in connection with the death.
The JAC has demanded the state Government to arrest the culprits by August 31and punish them.
It has also urged for special measures for the safety of auto and van drivers. It has further demanded adequate ex-gratia to the next of kin and a Government job to the family.
Naveen aged 56, was brutally murdered by unknown miscreants by slitting his throat at Kiyam Tangjeng Hangen Konjin Irakwa in Manipur’s Thoubal district yesterday.
Body of Naveen, a resident of Tera Loukrakpam Leikai in Imphal West, was found at the spot on Wednesday morning. Several deep cut marks could be seen on the throat, chest and belly of the corpse.
Nobin was an autorickshaw driver and his vehicle plied for passenger service from RIMS to Khwairamband bazaar. He left behind his wife, two daughters and two sons.
He had left home around 5:30 pm of August 27 telling his wife he was going for a reserved service, according to his family.
His mobile phone had remained in switch off mode after he told his wife around 9 pm that he would be home.
At around 3 am Wednesday, one of his daughters tried to talk to him over phone when an unidentified man answered from Nobin’s phone that her father was being chased by some unknown persons, the family said.
Angry local residents of Tera Loukrakpam Leikai had blocked the National Highway 37 (Imphal Jiribam road) at Tera bazaar protesting against the killing of driver Nobin yesterday.
His body is still lying unclaimed at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) mortuary.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/protest-against-killing-of-driver/

Two years rigorous imprisonment for Tax Assistant

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Aug 29 : The Special Judge, CBI, cases Guwahati has convicted Jagjibon Chakraborty, the then Tax Assistant, Income Tax Office, Dimapur (Nagaland) & Keishing James (Private person) of Chingmeirong, Tangkhul Avenue, Imphal (Manipur) and sentenced them to undergo two years Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs. 20,000/- each in a cheating case.
CBI had registered a case on 30/03/1990 and filed a Chargesheet on 31/12/1992 against Jagjibon Chakraborty, the then Tax Assistant, Income Tax Office, Dimapur (Nagaland) and Keishing James (Private person) U/s 120B, 420, 467, 468, 471 of IPC and Section 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of P.C.Act 1988 in the Court of Special Judge, Dimapur (Nagaland), which was later transferred to the Court of Special Judge, Guwahati (Assam). It was alleged that the accused persons had made fraudulent withdrawals of Income Tax Refunds amounting to Rs.5,32,987/-(approx) on the basis of fake/forged Income Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) Certificates in the name of fictitious assessees and thereby cheated the Government of India.
The Trial Court found both the accused guilty and convicted them.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/two-years-rigorous-imprisonment-for-tax-assistant/

Ningthoupham FCI Godown still waiting for inauguration

Imphal, Aug 29 UNA: In-spite of the completion of its construction has been almost one year of the FCI Godown at Ningthoupham village under Senapati district is still waiting for its inauguration patiently.
The FCI Godown at Ningthoupham is situated around 15 Km. away from Senapati DHQ near National Highway 2.
The government has earlier assured to inaugurate the Godown on March this year but it is still to be materialized. Local residents of Ningphoupham today express resentment over the state government and the concern authority for inaugurating the godown and start functioning at the earliest.
One resident who does not want to disclosed said that, since the construction work of FCI Godown we have voluntarily keep vigil and took utmost care so that after its completion and functioning it will relief so many burdens and hardships of the Hills peoples particularly the peoples of Senapati district.
Another resident lamented that, at first the construction of FCI Godown here is of our pride and honour but gradually it turn out to be of our shame and disrespect, since even after its completion the gate remained closed never to be open and not a single bag of rice keep in it.
Another responsible person in the Village Authority of Ningthoupham disclosed that the construction work has been undertaken by TP Cell (Hills) and many laborers’ have been engaged in the work. But unfortunately after the completion of the godown without clearing the bills or wages of the labourer they (TP Cell-Hills) handover the same to the FCI. “Who is going to pay the pending wages or bill now”, they wondered.
The Village Authority member who are on a anonymous condition further stated that there are many internal issues within the FCI department and the state government which account for not inaugurating the Godown. But that is not the problems of the peoples. The Government of Manipur and the concern authority should go on in the interest of the general public particularly the Hill peoples of Senapati district.
He also averred that, recently that Home Guard kept at the godown to look after the same ran away without any information to the Village Authority saying that some unidentified persons threaten them to faced dire consequence if they remain putting up in the FCI godown.
While clarifying the statement of home guard, that everyone give cooperation to them and the villagers can stand for them if they inform the village authority, it’s only a propaganda to leave the area and to turnish the village.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ningthoupham-fci-godown-still-waiting-for-inauguration/

India’s First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier – INS Vikrant

L. C. Ponnumon
Media & Communication Officer, PIB, Cochin.
With Inputs from Cochin Shipyard Limited. Kochi.
India’s first indigenously built Air Craft Carrier (Project -71) christened as INS Vikrant was launched at Cochin Shipyard Limited. With the launch, India joined the elite club of nations in the world capable of designing and constructing an Air Craft Carrier. The keel of the ship was laid on February 28, 2009. The launching of the ship in four years time is a creditable achievement. INS Vikrant became the Country’s most prestigious and largest warship project.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the Country’s premier shipbuilding yard has been mandated to build the indigenous Air Craft Carrier, for the Indian Navy. The basic design of the Air Craft Carrier was carried out by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design (DND). The design was further developed into a detailed design by the design team of Cochin Shipyard Limited.
DND has successfully designed over 17 different classes of warships, to which around 90 ships have already been built within the country. Designing of the Vikrant, at almost 40,000 tonnes speaks of the maturing of the capabilities of DND and represents a feather in the cap of the designers particularly as it is the first aircraft carrier of its size in the world with some unique features such as Gas Turbine Propulsion
At the launch, marking the end of Phase- I of the project, the imposing ramp of the 37,500 tonne Short Take off but Assisted Recovery (STOBAR) Carrier boasted the indigenous design and build capabilities of the country. The ship has attained its designed length of about 260 m and is almost at its maximum breadth of 60 m. The main landing strip is ready. Over 80% of the structure, containing about 2300 compartments has been fabricated, over 75% has been erected, all the major machinery, such as the two LM2500 Gas Turbines developing a total power of 80 MW, the diesel alternators capable of producing about 24 MW and the main gear box have been fitted. Soon after Vikrant floated perfectly upright, she was launched out into the Ernakulam Channel in a pontoon assisted precision manoeuvre. Vikrant was moved out of the building dock to be positioned in the refitting dock where the next Phase of outfitting will be completed The Aircraft Carrier would carry a complement of mix of fixed wing and rotary aircrafts in its hanger.
The Aircraft Carrier is a mini floating city, with a flight deck area covering the size of two football fields.
The length of cabling would be 2700 KM which, if laid end to end would stretch from Kochi to Delhi. The ship would have a complement of 1600 personnel.
Vikrant will be capable of operating an aircraft mix of the Russian MiG-29K and LCA (Navy) fighters being developed indigenously by HAL. Its helicopter component will include the Kamov 31 and the indigenously developed ALH helicopters. The ship’s ability to sense and control a large air space around it will be enabled by modern C/D band Early Air Warning Radar, V/UHF Tactical Air Navigational and Direction Finding systems, jamming capabilities over the expected Electro Magnetic (EM) environment and Carrier Control Approach Radars to aid air operations.
Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LR SAM) systems with Multi-Function Radar (MFR) and Close- In Weapon System (CIWS) will form the protective suite of the ship. All weapon systems onboard the carrier will be integrated through an indigenous Combat Management System (CMS), being manufactured by Tata Power systems. The ship’s integration with Navy’s Network Centric Operations will provide force multiplication.
The steel has come from SAIL’s plants in Rourkela in Orissa, Bokaro in Jharkand and Bhilai in Chattisgarh; the Main Switch Board, steering gear and water tight hatches have been manufactured by Larsen and Toubro in its plants in Mumbai and Talegaon; the high capacity air conditioning and refrigeration systems have been manufactured in Kirloskar’s plants in Pune; most pumps have been supplied by Best and Crompton, Chennai; (BHEL) is supplying the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS); the massive gear box is supplied by Elecon in Gujarat; the tens of thousands of electrical cable is supplied by Nicco industries in Kolkata; Kolkata is also where the ship’s anchor chain cable is manufactured.
The launch marks the end of the first phase of the construction of the carrier with nearly 75% of the vessel structure, including the ski-jump, in place. Vikrant will now enter the second phase of construction which will see the outfitting of the ship, fitment of various weapons and sensors, integration of the gigantic propulsion system and integration of the aircraft complex (with the assistance of M/s NDB of Russia). The ship will then undergo extensive trials before she is handed over to the Indian Navy by around 2016-17.
The Ship is designed to survive in the event of attack by nuclear, biological or chemical weapons.
The project was fraught with many challenges right from the special steel used in construction to the fabrication and erection of the large blocks and lowering of the huge main equipment. These challenges were overcome by the innovative and creative workforce of CSL The shipyard has developed a number of weld procedures and introduced automation to ensure quality of welding and increase productivity. The yard has adopted techniques to increase production rates by going in for grand assembly of blocks and pre-outfitting to the extent possible.
Cochin Shipyard today is the best performing shipyard in India. The Shipyard had built and delivered over 90 ships since its inception. The largest ship built in the Country has been constructed by CSL. In the last decade the company has built and exported over 40 ships to International owners.
The indigenous Aircraft Carrier designed by DND is one of the most prestigious warship project of the Indian Navy.
Indian Navy has now changed the status from buyer’s navy to a builder’s navy.
(PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/indias-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikrant/

Gaikhangam unsure of PS Home’s statement on fencing issue

IMPHAL, August 28 NNN: Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam today spoke a twisted language on the recent statement made by the state Principal Secretary (Home) that the present fence on the Indo-Myanmar border line was just a security barrier.
Replying to a media query on the sidelines of the Krishna Janmastami celebration at Sri Sri Radhakrishnachandra Manimandir, ISKCON), Airport Raod here, Gaikhangam insisted that the remarks made by Principal Secretary (Home) Dr J Suresh Babu on August 26 that the Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing was just a security barrier has nothing to do with the state Government.
He said it seems either the media had misquoted it or Suresh Babu made a mistake adding however the Government is looking into the matter.
Gaikhangam said that a ministerial team including Union ministers will visit the Indo-Myanmar border and oversee the fencing soon.
The state Government had sent the Indo-Myanmar Fencing Committee to the border where the committee thoroughly examined the current fence construction, added Gaikhangam who is also the state Home Minister.
He assured the Government will make efforts to prevent from ceding lands to neighbouring Myanmar for the Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing after examining the report from the committee.
Meanwhile, a symposium on “Need for Spiritual Education in the Present Day Society” was organised by the University of Bhagavata Culture and Bhaktivedanta Institute Mission Higher Secondary School at Manimandir, ISKCON on the occasion of Krishna Janmastami.
The programme inaugurated by Gaikhangam was attended by a number of scholars who presented papers on the topic.
International dignitaries Iswara Das from South Africa and Shakshi Gopal from Singapore were also took part in the symposium.
Krishna Janmastami, the birthday of Lord Krishna was also celebrated at Shri Shri Govindaji temple and Mahabali Hanuman Thakur temple.
Thousands of devotees thronged the three temples in Imphal to seek blessings from Lord Krishna.

One killed, road blocked

IMPHAL, August 28 NNN: An autorickshaw driver was brutally murdered by unknown miscreants by slitting his throat at Kiyam Tangjeng Hangen Konjin Irakwa in Manipur’s Thoubal district.
Body of Ayekpam Nobin aged 50, a resident of Tera Loukrakpam Leikai in Imphal West, was found at the spot on Wednesday morning. Several deep cut marks on the throat, chest and belly of the corpse could be seen.
Nobin was an autorickshaw driver and his vehicle plied for passenger service from RIMS to Khwairamband bazaar. He left behind his wife, two daughters and two sons.
He had left home around 5:30 pm yesterday telling his wife he was being hired for a reserved service, according to his family. His mobile phone had remained in switch off mode after he told his wife around 9 pm that he would be home. At around 3 am Wednesday, one of his daughter tried to talk to him over phone when an unidentified man answered from Nobin’s phone that her father was being chased by some unknown persons, the family said.
The body has been kept at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) mortuary here for post mortem.
Meanwhile, angry local residents of Tera Loukrakpam Leikai blocked the National Highway 37 (Imphal Jiribam road) at Tera bazaar protesting against the killing of driver Nobin.
They burnt tyres on the middle of the road, chocking traffic along the route. Hundreds of autorickshaw drivers also joined the protest.
A rally was also organised by the protesters. It started from Tera bazaar and marched up to Waheng Leikai. The protesters shouted slogans demanding the state Government to bring the culprits to justice.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/one-killed-road-blocked/

UNC wants consultation before implementation of projects

IMPHAL, August 28 NNN : The United Naga Council (UNC) has decided that no land in ‘Naga areas’ would be allowed to be used for development projects or exploitation of natural resources by Government agencies or companies without the free, prior and informed consent of the land owners, the respective tribe council and the United Naga Council.
This decision was taken in the ‘presidential council meeting’ of the UNC yesterday at Mao Gate.
“We reiterate that the Naga people are not against development of infrastructure or facilities in Naga areas. But no objection certificates have been obtained from simple minded villagers surreptitiously through back doors without their informed consent, as in the case of seismic survey for oil and natural gas,” the UNC said today.
The Naga body in a press release alleged that the development aggression through mega projects have sowed seeds of discord among the people and our traditional ownership of land have been disrespected. Such mischief will not be allowed henceforth and the tribe councils will closely monitor such devious attempts in their respective jurisdictions, it asserted.

Farmers appeal to PM to make fertilizer available

MNS/NNN : The representatives of the farmers from Manipur urged Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan to make fertilize available at the subsidized rate of Rs.260- per bag. The Agriculture Minister of Manipur repeated assured to provide the fertilizer which has not been fulfilled.
Fertilizers are available in plenty in the markets at Rs 500 to 800 – per bag. It was asked where the fertilizers for the farmers have gone since 2003, who has taken away the fertilizers, where it is used .
It was alleged that the fertilizers are diverted for the cultivation of poppy and production of heroin. September, October and January to March are the main two seasons when the cultivators of illicit poppy are demanding high amount of fertilizer for fast production of poppy.
According to the report of Agriculture Department, the available agricultural land in Manipur is 1,95. 000 hectares. Many farmers demanded for fertilizers at subsidized rate which is not available. More than 40.000 hectres of paddy field were cultivated without fertilizer on time. About 40% of farmers borrow money from money lenders in order to purchase fertilzers from the market at high price.
This year 2013 farmers bought twice the fertilizers because of unexpected flood. Now. at present also more than 1000 hectares of agriculture land and fish farms are submerged due to frequent flood at Khundrakpam , Lamlai (Imphal East) and Uchiwa areas of Thoubal. How can the farmers repay the loan
Last year farmers were indebted
They demanded immediate investigation by a Special Investigation Learn (SIT) on the issue of fertilizers and punish the culprits who are involved in the smuggling.
It was establishment and introduction of Agricultural and Farmers Policy in Manipur.
They demanded for the de-commissioning of Ithai Barrage and Loktak Project immediately because of artificial flood which cause to damage of crops and submergence of agricultural land at 500 villages in and around Loktak Lake. They urged for investigation by the Central team why Ithai Barrage is not open in the month of agricultural rainy season which cause flood to more than 500 villages in and around the Loktak Lake and destroy more than 40.000 hectares of paddy and submerge houses and land etc.
The North East Dialogue Forum has taken the issue of the non-availability of fertilizers in Manipur to all the central leaders and state Governor.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/farmers-appeal-to-pm-to-make-fertilizer-available/

Make fertilizer available : UCM

IMPHAL, August 28 MNS NNN: The United Committee Manipur (UCM) today urged Manipur Government to address the issue of what it termed artificial shortage of fertilizer in the state and ease the problem faced by poor farmers in the state.
UCM will seek legal action against the agent, dealer and retailers if they are found selling fertilizer beyond normal price of Rs 286.60 per bag of urea, UCM Development Committee chairman Chandramani Khumancha warned while talking to newsmen at the committee’s office here on Wednesday.
He claimed that the concerned authorities have so far given subsidy to a single transporter named Suresh Jain from Thangal bazaar, Imphal for shipping fertilizer while the other transporters have been denied subsidy.
A single transporter cannot do the whole fertilizer delivery service for the entire state, Chandramani continued and said this has created the artificial scarcity of fertilizer in the state.
He appealed to the state Government to bring an genial solution on the fertilizer issue by inviting all the concerned and bring an end to the woe of the farmers in the state.
The UCM leader further insisted it has been learnt that MLAs in the seven assembly segment in Imphal are taking fertilizer from the Agriculture Department using force and issuing diktats.
In the valley districts, each MLA gets 600 bags of urea free of cost under Krishi Vikas Yojna, but active workers of these MLAs are selling out the fertilizer at Rs 600-750 a bag, he accused.
He appealed once more to the Government to end the alleged fake shortage of fertilizer in the state to ease the problem faced by poor farmers in the state.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/make-fertilizer-available-ucm/