Manipur Mail – Page 246

CM inaugurates power sub-station, Police Station

IMPHAL Dec., 16, 2011: Chief Minister Shri O. Ibobi Singh today inaugurated a 33/11 KV power sub-station at Yumnam Patlou, Sagolmang and Sagolmang Police Station in Imphal East District. He also laid the foundation stone for construction of District Hospital Imphal East at Sagolmang.
The 33/11 KV power sub-station which would cover 69 villages under Sagolmang and Yumnam Khunou was constructed under NLCPR at a total amount of Rs. 537.13 lakhs.
The Sagolmang Police Station was constructed under SPA at a total cost of Rs. 4, 02, 66, 716 and would cover about 61 villages. The total area of the complex is about 5 acres.
The 100 bedded District Hospital Imphal East at Sagolmang has an area of 10 acres and would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 62 crores. It is targeted to complete within three years.
Speaking at a public meeting held at Ereima Playgound at Sagolmang, the Chief Minister stated that these constructions will go a long way in helping the people of the area and urged upon them to properly utilize the schemes and projects given to them by the government.
He also stated that the Sagolmang police station is an effort of the state government to strengthen the functioning of the Police and also to bring administration closer to the people of the area. He said that the people should extend their cooperation with the police in their efforts to maintain law and order in the area. He also stressed on the need that the police personnel should maintain discipline while on duty and ensures that the people feel protected and secured in their presence.
The Chief Minister also said that the power sub-station which was inaugurated today would lend stability to power supply to the area to a great extent.
Power Minister Shri T. Phungzathang, Health Minister Shri L. Jayentakumar, Deputy Speaker Shri Th. Lokeshwar Singh, Chairman, Manipur Pollution Control Board Shri E. Dijwamani Singh, MLA Shri Prithiviraj Singh and DGP Y. Joykurnar Singh were also present at the functions.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cm-inaugurates-power-sub-station-police-station/

Nachane appointed Second Chancellor MU

Mail News Service
Imphal, Dec 16: The President of India, in her capacity as the Visitor of Manipur University, has appointed Professor Nachane Dillip Madhukar as the second Chancellor of the university for a period of five years with effect from 4th November 2011.
Professor Nachane Dilip Madhukar, MA (Economics), MA (Mathematics), Ph D, is currently a Professor Emeritus in Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai. He is also (l) Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Fellow, (2) Honorary Fellow Institute of South Asian Studies, University of Singapore, and Honorary Fellow of Indian School of Political Economy.
He was the Professor of Quantitative Economics (1978-2003), Director, Department of Economics (1993-1999) of the University of Mumbai, and Director of Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (2007-10).
He is well renowned and acknowledged for his academic achievements. He has received several awards and distinctions. He has to his credit the publication of six books and ninety four research articles in journals of repute.
He has visited many foreign universities for academic and research interactions. He is a member of various academic bodies and has held concurrently official and honorary appointments.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nachane-appointed-second-chancellor-mu/

NCP, MPP alliance sealed

Imphal, Dec 16 NNN : The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) today strengthened its position as part of its preparations for the ensuing polls to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly, with the party formed a pre-poll alliance with the opposition Manipur People’s Party (MPP) and it also indicated to maximize formation of further alliance with other like-minded political parties in Manipur.
NCP leader and Union minister of state for rural development Agatha Sangma who is here on a three-day visit said NCP always opens its door for formation of pre-poll alliance with any party it considered to be like-minded.
“I am here to forge ahead for making pre-poll alliances in the State as I have been appointed as a NCP observer for the State of Manipur, the Union minister told a joint press conference at the Manipur State NCP office at Thangmeiband here during which MPP president and other leaders were also present.
She once again said she was very much concerned on the issue of military law, the AFSPA and expressed unhappiness over the manner in which the Government remained as a mute spectator to the 11 years of struggle of Irom Chanu Sharmila who has been fasting to remove the controversial Act from Manipur.
Saying that NCP stands for withdrawal of AFSPA and wishes to end the insurgency movements in the State through political dialogue, the party’s Manipur State president Radhabinod Koijam said during his tenure as chief minister his government declared one-month cease-fire during the Holi festivities so that the militants could visit their loved ones and added that the effort was the part of solving insurgency problem.
Discussion for formation of pre-poll alliance with other political parties is still continuing and it is expected that two to three more parties will be in alliance with NCP, Radhabinod who is also a former chief minister said.
MPP president Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, apart from Agatha Sangma, Radhabinod Koijam and other leaders of both the parties were also present at the press conference.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ncp-mpp-alliance-sealed/

PHED employees to stop water supply Kidnapped man, son shot dead, condemnations galore

The Chawkidar of Irilbung water supply Scheme Soram Ibomcha (56) and his son, Yaipu (20) who were kidnapped by suspected KCP(MTF) Kesho Meetei from the quarter of the Scheme on December seven around nine p.m. were shot dead at Lemba Khul Keibi (Keitanbi) under Yairipok PS this morning around five a.m.
The father received bullet injuries near the left ear and it pierced through forehead. Yaipu also received injuries at the back side of the head. Their eyes were blindfolded and hands were tied behind. The bodies were rushed to JNIMS morgue.
Angry residents of the area after hearing the news of their death blocked Bamon Kampu to Irilbung. The mob also burnt dawn the PHED office, Irilbung. In the fire, engine, pump filters and some electronics items were damaged.
They also stormed Irilbung PS demanding to punish the assasins however they were dispersed by police. In order to control the situation, police fired tear gas shells injuring six persons. These injured were identified as Soram Gandhi (22), Pukhrambam Inaobi (40) Keirao Mayai Leikai, L. Beker (18) Irilbung, L. Milan (22) Keirao Awang Leikai, Maibam Mani (30) Irilbung Kalika, Khamnam Basanta (26) of the same village.
They were hospitalized at JNIMS Hospital.
A meeting organized by JAC was held at Irilbung Bazar and a silent rally was taken out and proceeded towards CM bunglow however they were interrupted on the way. Later some representatives of JAC submitted a memorandum to CM tonight.
As the news of the death the employees of Porompat Water Supply held a meeting and decided not to supply drinking water to the public and VIP till an agreement is reached between the govt.
Yaipu was married last year and his wife is eight month pregnant. The Irilbung areas was tense after the incident. After their abduction the KCP(MTF) Kesho Meetei demanded Rs 20 lakhs from the deptt.
Meanwhile All India Students’ Federation, MSC in a press release condemned the brutal killing of a chawkidar and his son. It is very unfortunate as the Manipur police failed to trace them. What is the use of state govt. Manipur police who failed to protect public lives and property. Therefore the CM who is also the holding the Home should resign immediately.
The federation also shared the sorrows of the bereaved family, adds the press release.

RTI activist harassed

Guwahati, Dec 16 NNN : Cases of harassment meted out to the applicants of the Right To Information (RTI) Act in Assam has been increased in recent past which worried activists of RTI. Pn Friday, Assam RTI Forum (ARTIF), the leading forum of RTI activists in thestate alleged that the nexus between corrupt bureaucrats, contractors which enjoyed blessings from state ministers and MLAs are responsible for the increase in the harassment cases meted out to the RTI activists.
“The number of cases of harassment to RTI applicants are fast rising in Assam in recent times. We have got large number of complaints and these cases are mainly from rural areas. We are tracking several such cases and disseminate these informations to concerned authorities”, said Manisha Behal, chairperson of ARTIF. Manisha Behal said that it was high time for the state to have a full bench in the state RTI commission as it would help in tracking different kind of cases relating to the Act in the state.
Citing an instance the ARTIF alleged that one Hiteswar Lahkar hails from Nalbari district of the state sought information under RTI Act on spending of NREGA funds meant for two village panchayats of his district. Lahkar alleged that after filing an RTI application, he received threatening calls several times from unknown callers who pressurized him to withdraw the application. “I finally lodged an FIR at Ghagrapar police station. Initially the police hesitated to register the case but later registered it when State Information Commission took up the matter”, said Lahkar.
Debajit Goswami , secretary of ARTIF said that transparency of RTI machinery in the state is very important as almost everyday in the state there have been reports about misuse of government funds in many government departments but in most cases.

, PIO (Public Information Officer)s of these departments failed to provide information to RTI applicants.
IH Borbora, another RTI activist alleged that the government of Assam’s tendency to appoint retired bureaucrats as information commissioners had diluted the very spirit of the Act.
ARTIF has decided to start awareness campaign in rural areas about the use of RTI Act.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/rti-activist-harassed/

Developmental Programmes for Tribals

Mail News Service
Imphal, Dec 16: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing Central Sector, Centrally Sponsored and Special Area Programme for the integrated socio-economic development of all Scheduled Tribes in the country. These schemes/programmes are meant for welfare of the tribal people, including those living in Maoist affected areas The Integrated Action Plan (IAP) was approved on 25.11.2010 for 60 selected tribal and backward districts of nine States with a block grant of Rs. 25 crore and Rs. 30 crore per district during 2010-11 and 2011-12 respectively. This grant is utilized by the implementing agencies for a plan drawn up by District Level Committee which includes activities for public infrastructure and services such as school Building, Angwanwadi Centres, Primary Health Centres, Drinking Water, Electric lights in public places etc.
Implementation of the Integrated Action Plan (IAP) in Selected Tribal and Backward Districts has commenced and Rs. 25 crore per district for 2010-11 has been released. For the year 2011-12 an amount of Rs. 10 crore per district has also been released to all the districts and the next tranche of Rs. 10 crore to 40 district i.e. an amount of Rs. 1000 crore has been released. The expenditure reported by the districts is Rs. 1421 crore i.e. about 56.84% of the total amount of Rs. 2500 crore released so far. Planning Commission has also developed a Management Information System (MIS) to monitor the progress of implementation of the major schemes in these Selected Tribal and Backward Districts covered under the Integrated Action Plan (IAP).
The above information was given by the Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri V. Kishore Chandra Deo in the Lok Sabha today.
Central Sector Schemes
1. Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Orgainzations (under which residential, non-residential schools, computer training centrers and knitting, weaving & handloom training centres run by NGOs for Scheduled Tribes students are supported, apart from hospitals, mobile dispensaries etc.).
2. Vocational Training in Tribal Areas. The Schemes of Vocational Training in tribal Areas a self-employment or employment oriented scheme aimed at benefiting ST boys and girls equally.
3. Scheme of Strengthening Education among Schedules Tribes (ST) Girls in Low Literacy Pockets.
4. Development of Primitive Tribal Groups
5. Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for STs.
6. Top Class Education for ST students.
7. Scheme of National Overseas Scholarships for STs.
Centrally Sponsored Schemes
8. Schemes of Post Matric Scholarship for ST students.
9. Upgradation of Merit of ST Students.
10. Scheme of construction of hostel for ST Girls and Boys.
11. Scheme of Establishment of Ashram Schools in Tribal Sub Plan Areas
Special Area Programme
12. Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan for employment-cum-income generation activities.
13. Grant-in-Aid under Article 275(1) of the Constitution for promotion of Welfare of Scheduled Tribes and upgradation of the levels of administration of Scheudled Areas. A part of grant under Article 275(1) of the Constitution is used for setting up of “Ekalavya Model Residential Schools” for providing quality education of ST students (both grils and boys) from Class VI to XII.
This Ministry is also implementing the Schduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 which seeks to recognize and vest forest rights over forest land in forest dwelling STs and other traditional forest dwellers.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/developmental-programmes-for-tribals/

An Eye Opener on Alternative Systems of Medicine

Dr K Parameswaran
Assistant Director, PIB,Madurai
There is a legend in Kerala about the famous family of Vaidyas (Ayurveda physicians) called Alathur Nambis. The traditional house of the Alathur Nambis is part of the modern district of Palakkad. They form part of the group of Eight Physician families – each family reputed for their exceptional ability in each branch of medicine.
It seems that once the heavenly twins called Aswini Devas – they are the guardian deities of Health and Medicine – appeared on the form of crows and used to sit on a tree beside a temple pond repeating the sounds “korukku”.
One day, the then head of the family of Alathur Nambi came to worship at the temple and hearing the noise produced by the crows stood their and recited a Sanskrit couplet, the meaning of which, was as follows: he who eats only that amount of food that he needs at the proper times and only when he needs them, he who passes urine and stools without with holding them for long periods of time and he who drinks adequate amount of water will be one who will not be plagued by illnesses of any sort! It seems that what the crows were doing was to ask the question ‘who is he who does not have illnesses?” Don’t you think the answer given by the Ayurvedic physician is modern by all standards?
It is against this back ground that the Union Government is giving due importance to alternative systems of medicines like Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Tribal Medicine etc. Besides being more eco friendly, these systems of medicine also have the advantage that they stress more on the preventive aspect of medicine.
AYUSH
At the recently concluded Bharat Nirman Public Information campaign (PIC) at Karur in Tamilnadu, an experiment was made where in the free medical camp conducted as part of the PICwas organized by the Department of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Unani and Homeopathy) working under the Union Ministry of health and Family Welfare. Besides attracting a large number of patients, the camp was also successful as a platform from which the availability and advantages of the alternative systems of medicine were made known.
Doctors and a team of paramedical staff attended the three day campaign from the various institutions in Chennai. The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine, Research Centre for Ayurveda and the Clinical Research Unit for Homeopathy were the institutes that organized the medical camp. They were led respectively by Dr Hafiz Md Salam, Dr P Srinivas and Dr K Raju.
Besides a medical camp of one day, the units had also set up stalls in the Campaign where they distributed informative pamphlets and dispensed low cost medicines for various common ailments.
Feedback from Patients.
Venkteswaran, a resident of the Thanthndrimalai agraharam near the PIC exhibition site, had been suffering from pain in the forelegs and heels for quite some time. He consulted the Ayurveda doctors at the camp who suggested a daily oil bath with medicated oil and a powder to be mixed in water and drunk early morning before food. By the time the camp ended itself Venkateswaran was all smiles.
He said that there was perceptible relief from pain!
Jagadamma, a daily wage earner from Karuppatti near Karur had come to see the exhibition. The medicine prescribed by the Homeopathy doctors was able to give her big relief from eye reddening and dryness.
Unani doctors also attracted a large number of patients. The Unani doctors said that they were able to distribute a record number of almost 1000 book lets on “Tips for Healthy Living” produced in Tamil.
In short, the camp was eye opener on the efficacy and effectiveness of the alternative systems of medicine. It helped in giving an impetus to the popularity of the cost effective and eco friendly systems of medicine that can easily be accessed by the common people in rural areas also.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/an-eye-opener-on-alternative-systems-of-medicine/

vijay divas observed

The Vijay Divas celebration organized by state govt. was observed at Secretariat South Block today.
Gracing the occasion as chief guest, The law minister Thoudam Debendra said, the day has been observed to remember the victory of India over Pakistan in Indo-Pak war held in 1971. The nation won the war due to effort of Indian armies. As a result of war, Pakistan freed Bangladesh on December 16.
DS Poonia, Cs of Manipur and top officials took part in the function.
In an effort to reach out to veterans of the Army and Assam Rifles on the occasion of Vijay Divas, an Ex-servicemen Meet was oragnised by 42 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector under the aegis of Headquarter Inspector General Assam Rifles (South). The meet was also organised with a view to address the problems of veterans of the region and also to seek their involvement in establishing cordial relationship between the Assam Rifles and local populace. In an encouraging response, approx 42 veterans and 10 dependents of Ex-servicemen participated in the Meet. The gathering was also briefed on filling up of application forms for recruitment rally of Rfn/GD in Assam Rifles which will be held in Feb 2012. The Battalion will run a training capsule of one month for all the applicants in the month of Jan 2012.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/vijay-divas-observed/

Railway Projects in North-East

Gauge conversion of Rangiya-Murkongselek (510.33 kms) section is a sanctioned National Project. On this project, land acquisition, earthwork, bridges and track work have been taken up on entire stretch and the works are in various stages of progress. Rangiya –Rangpara North (123.6 kms) section of this project is targeted for completion by March 2012. An expenditure of Rs. 565.27 crore has been incurred upto March, 2011 and outlay of Rs. 283.00 crore has been provided for this project for the year 2011-12.
A dedicated non lapsable fund namely “North Eastern Region Rail Development Fund” (NERRDF) has been created for providing assured fund flows to National Projects of Northeast Region. Besides, efforts are being made for early completion of these projects by close monitoring of progress of the works, follow up with revenue department and forest department for handing over of remaining revenue and forest land, deployment of security forces in the areas affected by law and order problems by coordinating Ministry of Home Affairs, etc.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Bharatsinh Solanki in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/railway-projects-in-north-east/

Priti Patel to receive Akademi Singhajit, Kanhailal to receive Akademi fellow

Manipur Information Centre
New Delhi, Dec 16: Manipuri dance Guru R. K. Singhajit Singh and eminent theatre personality Heisnam Kanhailal from Manipur were among eleven well known personalities of performing arts of the country selected for the Akademi Fellows for the year 2011. Priti Patel, the Director and Choreographer of Anjika Manipuri Dance Troupe based in Kolkata was selected for the Akademi Awards 2011 in the field of dance.
The General Council of Sangeet Natak Akademi, the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama, New Delhi at its meeting held on December 13 and 14 this year in New Delhi selected eleven eminent personalities namely Mukund Lath, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Shivkumar Sharma, Amjad Ali Khan, Umayalapuram Sivaraman, M. Chandrasekharan, R K Singhajit Singh, Kalamandalarn Gopi, Padma Subrahmanyam, Chandrasekhar Kambarand and Heisnam Kanhailal for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellows (Akademi Ratna) for the year 2011 in recognition of their contribution in their respective fields of performing arts. The Fellowship of the Akademi is the most prestigious and rare honour, which is restricted to a very limited number at a given time. Presently there are only 40 Fellows of the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
The General Council of the Akademi also selected thirty six persons from the fields of Music, Dance, Theatre and Puppetry for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for the year 2011.
In the field of Music; nine eminent artists namely Shruti Sadolikar Katkar and M Venkatesh Kumar for Hindustani vocal music, Totaram Sharma (Pakhawaj) and Pushparaj Koshti (Surbahar) for Hindustani instrumental music, Venkataraman for Carnatic vocal music, E M Subramaniam (Ghatam), Ayyagari Symasundaram (Veena) and Seshampatti T Sivalingam (Nagaswaram) for Carnatic instrumental music, and Gopal Chandra Panda (Odissi Music) for Other Major Traditions of Music were selected for the Akademi Award 2011.
In the field of Dance; nine eminent practitioners, namely Narthaki Natraj (Bharatanatyam), Manjushree Chatterjee (Kathak), Thonnakkal Peethambaram (Kathakali), Priti Pate1 (Manipuri), Alekhya Punjala (Kuchipudi), Ramli Ibrahim (Odissi), V K Mymavathy (Mohiniattam), Tanusree Shankar (Creative & experimental dance) and Karaikudi Krishnamurthi (Music for dance) were selected for the Akademi Award 2011.
In the field of Theatre; eight eminent persons were selected for Akademi Awards 2011. They were Alakhnandan and Kirti Jain for Direction, Amitabh Shrivastav, Vikram Gokhale, Neena Tiwana and A R Srinivasan for Acting, R Nageswara Rao (Babji) for Major Traditions of Theatre – Company Theatre, Andhra Pmdesh and Kamal Jain for Allied Theatre Arts (Lighting).
For their contribution to Other Traditional/ Folk/ Tribal Music/ Dance/ Theatre and Puppetry; eight artistes were selected for the Akademi Awards 2011. They were Trippekulam Achuta Marar for Traditional Music (Kerala), Hemant Chauhan for Folk Music (Gujarat), Gurmeet Bawa for Folk Music (Punjab), Kashiram Sabu for Folk Theatre (Chhatisgarh), Mipham Otsal for Traditional Theatre (Jammu & Kashmir), Bellagallu Veeranna for Togalu Gombeyatta, Puppetry (Karnataka), Gopal Chandra Das for Putul Nach (Tripura) and Kasmi Khan Niyazi for making of musical Instruments (DeIhi).
Sundari Sridharani and Shrivats Goswami will receive the Akademi Award 2011 for Overall Contribution/Scholarship to Performing Arts .
The honour of Akademi Fellow had been conferred since 1954 and Akademi Award since 1952. They not only symbolized the highest standard of excellence and achievements on a national basis, but also recognized sustained individual work and contribution to the practice and appreciation of the arts through performance, teaching and scholarship. The honour of Akademi Fellow carries a purse money of Rs 3,00,000/- (Rupees three lacs) and Akademi Awards carry Rs 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lac), besides Tamrapatra and Angavastram.

CBI files chargesheet

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Dec 15: The Central Bureau of Investigation has today filed a supplementary chargesheet in the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Sawai Madhopur (Rajasthan) against 88 accused persons, and against one accused, Kumar Brahamanand Meena, a minor, in the Court of Juvenile Justice Board, Sawai Madhopur (Rajasthan) U/s 147, 148, 149, 152, 332, 353, 307, 304(A), 302, 201, 109, 114, 119, 218 of IPC and U/s 3, 4 of the Prevention of Damage to the Public Property Act relating to the alleged burning & murder of Sh. Phool Mohd. Khan, the then SHO Mantown Police Station in Sawai Madhopur (Rajasthan); rioting; obstruction to the public servants in discharge of official duties; causing injuries to public servants; damage to public property and other offences.
Today, the CBI has also arrested four of the rioters and sent them for trial alongwith the chargesheet.
The case was registered by CBI on 30.06.2011 the request of the Government of Rajasthan and further notification from the Govt. of India. Earlier, CID-CB of Rajasthan Govt. had investigated this case and filed a chargesheet against 19 persons on 21.06.2011.
CBI took up the investigation. During the investigation it was revealed that the riot was facilitated by the material acts of omission by two police officials of Man Town Police Station in Sawai Madhopur (Rajasthan). Further, the CBI was also able to ascertain the identities of 87 distinct rioters of the 150-200 persons who formed part of the mob that indulged in rioting against policemen on that day. The CBI investigation has also disclosed that at this stage there is no material to show the involvement of eight persons earlier arrested by CID: CB of Rajasthan. An application would be moved in the Court of Additional District Judge, SC/ST Cases, Sawai Madhopur, for passing appropriate orders.
Further investigation in this case is continuing to ascertain the role of other suspects, who had animus against the deceased and were involved in abetting or conspiring for causing the riotous violence that culminated in the murder of the jurisdictional SHO Sh. Phool Mohd. Khan; injuries of 15 constables on duty; damage to about Rs. 10 lakh of public property and destruction of the camera of a Press Reporter.
The public is reminded that the above findings are based on the investigation done by CBI and evidence collected by it. Under the Indian Law, the accused are presumed to be innocent till their guilt is finally established after a fair trial.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-files-chargesheet/

Border coordination meeting held

Shillong, Dec 15 NNN : The border co-ordination meeting between the Inspector General of Border Security Force (BSF) and Deputy Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) concluded in Shillong on Thursday after dwelling at length on the issues of common concerns such as movement of insurgents, human trafficking, drugs, fake currency, arms smuggling which need greater amount of cooperation and understanding to make the life of border population secure.
The BGB delegation led by Brig Gen Abu Sayeed Khan, ndc, psc, Deputy Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh alongwith Sector Commanders of Sylhet, Rangamati, Comilla, Khagrachari and Mymensingh, four staff officers of BGB and two representatives from Ministry Of Home Affairs and one representative of Ministry Of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh arrived at Shillong on December 12. The BSF delegation was led by S.K. Mishra, IG BSF alongwith R. K Chaudhari, IG BSF Guwahati Ftr, M. L. Batham, IG BSF Meghalaya & Silchar Ftr and Shri P.C. Meena, IG BSF Tripura Ftr and Sector DIsG of Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, Mizoram & Cachar Frontiers, staffs officer from BSF New Delhi and representative of NCB.
During the meeting, it was advocated that both the forces should pool out resources together and combined efforts to put and end to all these menaces with a firm hand. IG BSF stressed for early implementation of Coordinated Border Management Plan to bring paradigm change in border management for both border guarding forces and make the life of border population peaceful and secure.
It then agreed for the joint efforts for prevention of smuggling of FICN and illegal migration/ infiltration by Bangladeshi nationals into India.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/border-coordination-meeting-held/

Developmental works pending due to bad law and order situation : Sangma

Imphal, Dec 15 MNS/ NNN : Union Minister of State for Rural Development Agatha Sangma on Thursday said there are a wide range of developmental projects and schemes with very much potential benefits for the people of Manipur but these cannot be fully put into effect owing to bad situation in the State.
Agatha Sangma who is also a leader of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) , is in a three-day visit to Manipur. She was speaking during a one-day political conference which was organized, particularly for Thangmeiband Constituency in Imphal, a home constituency of Manipur Pradesh NCP president and opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam.
Agatha Sangma rues that in spite of the availability of various developmental projects and schemes, these cannot be fully put it into effect due to the prevailing state of affairs in the State.
“The state Government failed to do anything that could help the people who had underwent hardships due to the 100-day-long economic blockade enforced along national highways leading to Manipur”, Agatha blamed the Government.
She said the public should opt for an “alternative government” to avoid such sufferings in the future, and that the State of Manipur needs a change.
A quite number of well-educated young people are seeking jobs for a living while the government is not giving them such opportunity which in turn disrupts law and order of the State, she further said.
Agatha cited it is against the protocol to meet Irom Chanu Sharmila, who is on fast for more than 10 years demanding the revocation of AFSPA from Manipur, and that she met her because she is also a representative of the Northeast.
She said it is shameful for the mainland India that thousands of people came out in support of prominent anti-graft activist Anna Hazare who broke his fast only after four days while no attention is being paid to the 11-year-long fast struggle of Sharmila, and that she (Agatha) is trying to bring up every issue of Manipur in the Parliament.
Laishom Ibomcha said, the NCP will field its 25 candidates one of which about 15 will be successful in the 10th Manipur state assembly election which may be held in the first week of February.
If NCP is a partner of govt. the AFSPA, 1958 will be withdrawn from the state. The party will also discuss the extension of MLR act or make a land law.
He was speaking as guest of honour at the one-day political conference of Thangmeiband NCP at Ibudhou Naothingkhong Pakhangba Shanglen, Thangmeiband and Lairenhanjaba Leikai today.
There is a total failure in PDS system. No food were distributed since August although there is the report of carrying the essential items from the concerned deptt, he also said.
A one day NCP political conference of Keishamthong A/C will be held at Nambul Mapal Youth Club ground, Keishamthong Ahanthem Leikai tomorrow at 8.30 a.m.
PA Sangma, former Lok Sabha speaker, RB Koijam, MLA and president NCP Manipur State Km. Agatha Sangma, MoS, RD will grace the occasion as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

57 militants lay down arms, Probe into PWD blasts to cover employees : CM

Mail News Service
Imphal, Dec 15: Fifty seven cadres of various underground outfits surrendered with arms before Manipur Chief Minister Shri O. Ibobi Singh today in a surrender ceremony held at HQ IGAR (South) at Mantripukhri, Imphal. The CM said the government will conduct a probe into the blast which took place at PWD office. Employees will also be scanned and entry of vehicles will also be restricted.
Security measures have been tightened in and around PWD head office, Khuyathong where a powerful time bomb blasted injuring three employees yesterday.
A cabinet meeting held yesterday decided to issue pass for the entry inside the complex. The employees were allowed to enter the office after proper verification today.
Meanwhile Manipur PWD employees assn. expressed dissatisfaction over the blast yesterday. The assn. urged the concerned not to repeat such incident in future.
The 57 cadres of UG outfits who surrendered today were UNLF 5, PULF (AZAD) 15, PULF (UF) 2, PULF (MI KHAN) 1, KCP (MTF) 1, PREPAK (VC) 2, PREPAK 6, KCP (CITY MEITEI) 1, KCP 2, KCP (TABONGIA) 1, PREPAK (PRO) 1, PRA 1, PLA 6, KNLF 6, KYKL 4, UTLA 2 and NSCN (K) 1.
Speaking at the function, Chief Minister Shri O. Ibobi Singh said that cadres of various extremist outfits entering into the peace initiatives is a significant trend and their decision to come back to the mainstream is extremely detrimental to the development of the State. The Chief Minister assured that the outfit’s initiative for peace would be honoured and the government would also make its best efforts to redress their grievances.
Terming it as very unfortunate the violation of Ground Rules by some of the groups under SoO, which lead to public out-cry and criticism, the Chief Minister stated that SoO should not be used as a shield to carry on extortion and unlawful activities. This is against the principle of SoO and cannot be tolerated, he added and appealed to such groups to give up such violations forthwith and cooperate in the larger public interest.
The Chief Minister appealed to all other UG outfits which are not under SoO to shun the path of violence and enter into the peace process for peace and prosperity in the State. He also congratulated the HQ IGAR (South) for their efforts to bring back various UG outfits to the mainstream.
Shri Joy Kumar Singh, DGP Manipur, Major General UK Gurung, YSM, IGAR (South) and DIG/SP Imphal West Shri Kailun, Officers and Jawans of Assam Rifles and Manipur Police were also present during the surrender ceremony.

AR recovers banned wild life product

Discovering the transportation of banned items, troops of 31 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector under HQ IGAR(South) launched operation in general area Harmol on 14 Dec 2011 and recovered 1,68,000 Nos of Tab Cetri – P (approx- 24 Kg) and 17 Kg x Pangolin Shells. The recovered items handed over to Office of the Narcotics […]

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ar-recovers-banned-wild-life-product/

One held

Troops of 6/8 Gorkha Rifles under Loktak Brigade of Red Shield Division, apprehended a PREPAK cadre from Ningthoukhong, Dist Bishenpur on 13 Dec 2011.
Individual revealed his identity as Self Styled Corporal W Tomba Singh (31) son of Ibobi Singh, resident of Ningthoukhong Ward No 7, Dist Bishenpur. The apprehendee revealed that he is an active member of PREPAK since 2001 and is involved in extortion and other underground activities on behalf of PREPAK, 6/8 Gorkha Rifles distributed clothing and rations to People’s Resource Development Community Care Centre in Bishenpur on 15 Dec 2011. The institute looks after HIV infected individuals.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/one-held-7/

IMC congratulates

The Imphal municipal council has congratulated the state chief minister O. Ibobi, N. Raghumani Chairperson IMC, N. Gitkumar chief town planner, and commissioner Mahud Sunderlal IAS for receiving best basic service to urban poor city award under JNNURM. The award carried cash prize of Rs. 3 lakhs and memento. A reception ceremony was held this […]

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/imc-congratulates/

Three injured in bomb blast at PWD office

Imphal, Dec 14: A powerful bomb exploded at the Public Works Department (PWD) office building located in the heart of Imphal, injuring three staffers, including a woman on Wednesday.
Additional Deputy General of Police (ADGP) V.Jathang who was at the site told the media that they believed the blast was caused by a very powerful time-bomb which was put inside a dustbin.
“As of now, we don’t have any suspect responsible for the blast but investigation is underway to ascertain who was behind the act”, the police officer said when asked to comment on the identity of the suspects who might have carried out the blast.
The explosion took place at around 1:30 pm. All of a sudden a powerful bomb blasted inside a room on the second floor of the PWD building which houses the rooms of Assistant Engineers of Thoubal, Ukhrul and Churanchandpur districts. Three staffers, including a woman were wounded in the blast. The injured were rushed to the RIMS hospital and Raj Polyclinic private hospital here. One of them is stated to be in critical condition.
The walls and ceiling of the office room, including the window glass panes of the first floor and second floor of the building were extensively damaged due to the powerful impact of the explosion.
The injured have been indentified as Haorungbam Nirmala, 27 D/o H. Ibomcha of Sagolband Sayang, Imphal west, Y. Yaima from Khongman in Imphal east and Md Manal from Lilong Leihaokhong, Thoubal district.
Sources said the blast occurred at a high security zone manned by a company of CRPF, including three personnel of the CID and another eight Home guard personnel.
State police and Central Paramilitary forces rushed to the site and cordoned off the area minutes after the blast and conducted a massive search operation inside the PWD campus. But there was no report of any arrest in connection with the incident.
Besides ADGP Jathang, Works minister K. Ranjit, DGP Y. Joykumar, Imphal West DIG, SP in-charge were also visited the scene.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack and it is also not known the motive behind the blast.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/three-injured-in-bomb-blast-at-pwd-office/

Camera to be installed for Manipur elections

Imphal, Dec 14: NNN The Election commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced that cameras would be installed in certain remote areas of Manipur for the purpose of live broadcasting of polling in the forthcoming polls to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly due next February while the commission has also decided to rope in MLAs who are misusing local area development funds in the polls.
This was announced by Chief Election Commissioner (CIC) Dr. SY Quraishi while talking to the media in Imphal today.
Earlier the ECI chief, who arrived here this morning along with his four- member team, also met with leaders of six different political parties of the State during which Quraishi held consultations with the leaders on the upcoming general elections and discussed in length about their views and opinion.
“All the political parties have suggested having only one single day for voting in the elections showing their apprehension the possibility of double voting”, Qureshi told the media after the meeting.
The six political parties apprised him on the present situation of the State and indicated of possible proxy voting. They also suggested that cameras must be installed in every polling booth, the ECI chief added.
The parties also demanded that micro observers should also be appointed for every polling booth, particularly in the hill districts of Manipur where armed militants move freely and said sufficient deployment of Central security forces is to be ensured so as to make free and fair polls, Quraishi further told the media.
Qureshi repeated MLAs who are misusing their local area development funds will be strictly monitored by ECI. He stated this when the political parties present at the discussion told him that some MLAs are using their local area development funds to woo voters and spending them in preparations for the polls.
Polling stations will be classified as normal, sensitive, hyper-sensitive, apart from this the ECI has also made some changes with regard to voting where it would study with great care if the voting percentage goes up above 90 per cent, and if 20 per cent -25 per cent voting is done then the ECI would take it as vulnerable, Quraishi said.
He also assured that adequate Central security forces will be provided for the general elections to ensure Manipur to have free and fair voting.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/camera-to-be-installed-for-manipur-elections/

Boundary hearing on Dec 16

Mail News Service
Imphal, Dec 14: The next Public Hearing before the Committee on Re-organization of Administrative and Police District Boundaries in the State will be held on Dec 12 at 3:00 p.m. in the Office Chamber of the Chief Secretary, Manipur in the Old Secretariat. :
The Committee shall hear the following organizations in its next meeting scheduled on 16-12-2011:-
Committee Against the Creation of Sadar Hills District, Zeliangrong Building, Kakhulong, Paona Bazar, Imphal.
Apunba Khurkhul Nupi Lup, Khurkhul.
Thangting Area Chiefs’ Association, Part-l, Churachandpur District.
Thangting Area Chiefs’ Association, Part-ll, Churachandpur District.
Chief & others of Pongringlong (Charoipandongba) Village, Sadar Hills.
The above listed organizations may contact H. Balkrisna Singh, Under Secretary (Revenue), Government of Manipur for their confirmation to appear before the Committee.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/boundary-hearing-on-dec-16/