Manipur Mail – Page 32

Decision to take over Royal Palace opposed

Imphal Jun 23 MNS UNA : Family members of the last Manipur King were upset with Manipur government’s decision to take over the Sana Konung (Royal Palace) of elsewhere kingdom of Manipur even as residents of Palace Compound where the royal palace located and would be affected by the government’s decision strongly opposed the government move.
A sit-in-protest to register a strong objection to the government decision was staged today at Palace Compound.
A cabinet meeting held on Saturday evening chaired by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh after a thorough deliberation on plans to renovate historic structures of the Royal Palace so as to retain the glorious era of Manipur’s existence as an independent nation has decided to take over the place by government.
The cabinet meeting further endorsed necessary construction activities at the Royal Palace and adjacent areas in order to replenish the taste and decorum of Manipur being a kingdom.
For accommodation of the family members during the renovation/construction activities a spot of choice within the Royal Palace would be refurbished for the king’s lodging, besides not to intervene in customary and traditional rituals of the royal family were other decisions taken in the cabinet meeting.
Manipur government has been trying to take over the Royal Palace so that it could be developed as a historic site for tourist attraction along with preserving Manipur’s rich cultural heritage.
Government had taken such a similar decision earlier in 2006 to undertake renovation works at palace complex with no compromise on its original form. However, the decision could not be translated into works with the best reason known to the government only.
The decision of the government has upset grandson of King Buddhachandra, Leishemba Sanajaoba who had fallen ill. His health was deteriorated for the last many days since chief minister O Ibobi announced on May 20 last that government was considering for taking over the Sana Konung.
“He is now bedridden,” informed P Araba Mangal, general secretary of Sana Konung Semkat Lup, a body formed by 37 civil organizations, mostly based in localities within the Palace Compound including a civil organization of Kuki, Naga, Muslim (Meitei-Pangal) and Meitei, speaking to reporters at the site where the sit-in-protest was staged today.
He recalled an agreement signed between the Sana Konung Semkat Lup and state government on February 2, 2006 which agreed to prior consent of the body while government takes a decision regarding the Royal Palace.
The government has broken the agreement. Government should review the decision. If government failed to review the decision, they would launch a series of agitations and would not retreat until government review its decision, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/decision-to-take-over-royal-palace-opposed/

KSO opposes medical entrance test cancellation

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 23 : The Kuki Students Organisation General Headquarters KSO-GHQ said it was astounded that state government has cancelled the Common Entrance Test (CMT) 2013 for MBBS/BDS slated to have been held on 9th June 2013 notwithstanding the Supreme Court standing order of 15th January, 2013 which states, the Medical Council of India, the Dental Council of India, as well as the States and Universities and other Institutions, will be entitled to conduct their respective examinations for the M.B.B.S, B.D.S. and Post Graduate courses, but shall not declare the results of the same, until further orders of this Court.
Indeed there was a Notification published on 27th December, 2010 being No. MCI-81(1)/2010-MED/49070 dated 21/12/2010 issued by the Medical Council of India, notifying Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) for admission to Post-Graduate Medical Courses conducted in Colleges all across the country. However, the Christian Medical College, Vellore and others have filed a case being T.C.C. No. 98 of 2012 before the Hon¬(e Supreme Court of India assailing the said notification and all the analogous cases were clubbed together for hearing before the Supreme Court.
There is no any interim order prohibiting conduct of the Entrance Examination by any state/Union Territory in the Country. Some states like Puducherry, Tripura and Sikkim have conducted the Entrance Examination and in some States, the result has also been declared.
KSO in the interest of aspiring medical students appealed the state government to revoke its Cabinet decision taken on 6th June 2013 which cancelled the Common Entrance Test (CMT) 2013 as there is no reason why the Examination should not be conducted in Manipur unless the state government has a secret agenda on this issue.
KSO endorsed and lauded the Manipur MBBS/BDS 2013 Entrance Examination Parents/Guardians Association in pursuing the case thus far and pledge to support the association until justice is done on MBBS/BDS 2013 candidates.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/kso-opposes-medical-entrance-test-cancellation/

Justice in rape case demanded

IMPHAL, June 23 NNN: The joint meeting of all Manipur women organisations today demanded that justice be brought to the 68 year old woman who was raped on June 17 by a 25 years old man at K Somrei village of Ukhrul district within 3 months’ time.
Taking a five-point resolution, today’s meeting demanded that the culprit should be given a fitting punishment by the authority concerned. The meeting further demanded that adequate compensation be given to the victim and rehabilitate her by the authority concerned. Today’s women organisations then demanded that the government create a safe environment for the fairer sex. The meeti meeting finally asked that all the pending cases related to molestation or rape be expedited.
On June 19, a 25-year-old man raped a 68-year-old tribal woman and robbed off her money at the village of K Somrei under Yairipok Police Station in Ukhrul district of Manipur.
Alphonsa (not real name), the victim while talking to reporters here said that Mohammad Sanayai of Mayai Leikai in Thoubal district, sexually assaulted her in a paddy field on June 17. She disclosed this to the media outside the Forensic Science, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal where she had come for medical examination in connection with the incident.
She said Md Sanayai raped her around 2 pm on the same day in Antelok hill about 2 km from her native village K Somrei adding that the accused suddenly jumped out of a bushy hillside and committed the crime.
The accused also robbed of her Rs 9000 after the rape, she had further alleged.
Md Sanayai had been taken into custody of the Yairipok Police Station.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/justice-in-rape-case-demanded/

Six suspected NSCN (K) cadres killed

Imphal Jun 23 MNS UNA : At least six militants suspected to be cadres of NSCN K were Sunday killed during a security forces’ operation in Manipur’s Tamenglong district. Police suspect the killed militants to be cadres of NSCN (K).
Sources said that the six militants were killed after a brief encounter with a combined force of 10 Assam Rifles, Paratroopers and Loktak Brigade in the forest located between K Shonglung and Khuman village in the interior Tamenglong district early this morning.
Security forces recovered four AK rifles, one M-16 rifle and one AF-3 rifles with a large quantity of ammunitions, the source said.
The combined force had entered to the area from Kangchup side of Imphal West district yesterday afternoon to flush out the militants based on specific information that well armed cadres of a militant outfit were taking shelter in the area.
The six militants were killed in a brief exchange of fire which reportedly lasted for 10 minutes, the source said, adding that the combined force intercepted with the militants in their further operation after armed militants opened fire towards the troopers yesterday afternoon, around 4 pm.
There was no report of casualty on both sides in the first encounter and the second encounter took place after the combined force moved further to track down the militants who escaped after the first encounter.
A team of Sapermaina police station of Senapati district has moved to the place where the encounter took place to collect the dead bodies and necessary investigation. The team was likely to reach the place tomorrow morning as apart from locating at a far off distance, the place has a bad road communication system.
Even though K Shonglung village is in Tamenglong district, the area of operation lies within the jurisdiction of Sapermaina police station of Senapati district
However, police quoting the army source suspect the slain militants belonging to the NSCN (K), the faction maintaining ceasefire trust with the government of India.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/six-suspected-nscn-k-cadres-killed/

Assam Rifles special recruitment rally

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 22 : Special Recruitment Rally for the border districts of Chandel, Churachandpur and Ukhrul which commenced with the filling up of application forms from 25 May till 02 June 2013 received an overwhelming response where in a total of 1,944 applications from all the three districts were received. After the scrutiny of application forms, Physical Standard Test and Physical Efficiency Tests were conducted at the respective Assam Rifles Sector HQs. A total of 1,096 candidates passed the physical tests and appeared for the written examination which was conducted on 09 July 13.
After the evaluation of examination sheets, the result was declared on 13 June 2013 out of which 936 candidates passed and were given admit cards for the medical examination which was subsequently conducted wef 15 June 13 to 19 June 13.
Post the medical examinations, 666 candidates successfully cleared the requisite tests and candidates who were found lacking the required mandate have been given admit cards for a review medical examination scheduled to be held on 5th and 6th of July at Assam Rifles Composite Hospital, Sukhovi.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/assam-rifles-special-recruitment-rally/

Political leaders of north east must go with a vision for future of the region: Odisha Governor

Manipur Information Centre
New Delhi, June 22: Odisha Governor S. C. Jamir today said that the people of the North East India should have alertness with the forthcoming developmental changes which would happen in the region under the ‘Look East Policy’.
He was speaking as an elder of the North East India while launching an evening English newspaper in tabloid size entitled ‘Access North East’ at the YWCA auditorium, Ashoka Road here this evening.
He appealed to the political leaders of the North East India to go with a vision for the future of the region. The time would come when the people of both ASEAN countries and Indian mainland accessed to the region with the emergence of globalization and economic integration under the ‘Look East policy’. There may happen many things including inter marriage of the people of the North East and the South East Asian Nations. “We must caution that we are not crushed by the outside forces in cultural aspects, economic aspects and civilization aspects.” he stated.
Jamir congratulated Suvendu Roy Chawdhury, the publisher, editor and owner of the Access North East for his bold step of publishing a newspaper meant for the people of North East India at the National capital Delhi .
Roy Chawdhury, who was the editor and owner of the North East News Agency which served the people since 1997, said, “ The main objective of the newspaper is to act as a bridge between the North- East and the rest of the country. It will bring news and development from home to the people of North East Region living outside the region in places like Delhi , Mumbai, Pune etc. At the same time it will also open a dedicated window in the farthest corners of the region to those in the rest of the country interested in knowing the truth about the beautiful region”. The newspaper will spread its wings in due course to Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore , Dehradun and Kolkata, he added.
The inaugural issue carried the articles like ‘ Look East Policy and NE ‘ by Probir Pramanik, ‘A Dedicated Gandhian Forgotten’ by Abdul Gani, ‘Traditional Media and Manipuri Culture’ by Meghachandra Kongbam. ‘Bane of NE Power Shock’ by Irfan Khondker, ‘ Assam’s Shame’ by Neelakshi Bordoloi, ‘Living on the Edge’ by Zodin Sanga , ‘Fading Away’ by Sikha Jyoti Saikia , ‘Mineral Wealth to Propel Nagaland’ and ‘On the Top of the World’.
Printed at glossy paper with colour, the newpaper has eight pages and costs Rs. Five per copy.

Protest against eviction at Singda area

IMPHAL, June 22 NNN: The Joint Action Committee protesting against Manipur Government’s policy to evict Kadangband village in Singda burnt effigies of the Chief Minister, IFCD minister, Sekmai constituency MLA and IFCD Chief Engineer showing stiff opposition to the plan on Saturday.
The JAC organised a huge public meeting at Panthoibi Ground, Singda New Bazaar in protest against the government’s plan for eviction of Kadangband village. The meet among others took tough resolutions to stand collectively against the proposed eviction.
Manipur Government intends to evict the village for expansion of the Singda Dam.
Addressing the mammoth gathering, Lairenkabi Kadangband Gram Panchayat Pradhan Boby said people from different communities have been residing in the village of Singda Kadangband located between Imphal West and Senapati districts in harmony since 1975.
He recalled that Singda Dam was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Manipur RK Dorendro in 1995 and blamed the Government for not looking after it till date ever since the inauguration.
The dam has not given any profit to the surrounding villages until then and the Government is now planning for development of Brindaval Garden by acquiring land by means of eviction of houses, granaries and shops in the village, Boby said, adding, “It is unacceptable.”
He dubbed the Government policy as an attempt to incite enmity among the ethnic communities in the village and called for a joined struggle against the policy. Zeliangrong Union (Manipur, Nagaland and Assam) president Amu Kamei in his speech at the meet said that the state and Central Governments have constructed several dams in the state making false promises to the people.
He said no dam in the state has ever made any return to the people other than woes.
Dams built by the Governments for irrigation purposes have failed to supply water as they are now below the grounds where water should be given, Kamei pointed out saying such dams are no longer running now.
“We cannot allow the Government to do such things further. The Government has to be defeated by our joint resistance against its policy,” Kamei added.
Former MLA of Sekmai constituency, N Biren, Zeliangrong Students’ Union (Manipur, Nagaland and Assam) president, John Pamei, village chiefs and members of several social organizations also attended the meet.
Meanwhile, the 24-hour bandh imposed along Imphal-Kangchup road by the JAC resisting the Government’s proposed eviction to be carried out on the village of Kadangband disrupted traffic movement on the route.The strike which began 6 pm yesterday ended at 6 pm Saturday.
Later on, the JAC burnt effigies of Chief Minister O Ibobi, IFCD minister Ngamthang Haokip, Sekmai constituency MLA Devendra and IFCD Chief Engineer Indramani protesting the eviction plan.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/protest-against-eviction-at-singda-area/

Rescue works in full swing as bad weather predicted for next 48 hours

Rescue and relief operations by Armed forces, at Gauri Kund, in Kedarnath valley

Mail News Service
New Delhi, June 22 : A series of major breakthroughs were achieved by the Army and the Indian Air Force today, catalyzing thereby, the rescue and relief operations in some of the worst flash- flood affected areas of Uttarakhand.
All the 500 people stranded in and around Gangotri have now been evacuated. Barring 25 people, Gagariya on the Hemkund axis has been evacuated. Weather permitting the balance 25 will be evacuated at the earliest. Army troops, skilled in mountain rescue operations, have established contact with more than 1000 persons stranded in mountain folds in Jungle Chatti between Gauri Kund and Rambara on the Kedarnath axis.
Till reports last came in, Army helicopters have evacuated 350 people so far and search operations are continuing. Food and medicines have also been dropped. Two medical teams have now been established at Gauri Kund to treat patients. Besides, a composite relief staging area has been opened at Gauri Kund providing food, water and medicines to the people.
Early in the morning today, dedicated Army teams worked tirelessly to prepare a helipad at Jungle Chatti which facilitated evacuation from one of the most dangerous and inaccessible areas of Kedar valley. This helipad is now being improved to facilitate landing of Dhruv helicopters. Army also constructed two helipads at Gauri Kund.
Army created history when a heli-bridge was created at Govind Ghat to transport pilgrims across the Alaknanda River. Helicopters did shuttle service from either banks of the river as the temporary crossing made earlier had collapsed.
Army today operationalised the foot track between Govind Ghat and Lambagar on Badrinath road. Another column conducting road clearing operations from Badrinath to Lambagar successfully launched a foot bridge over Alaknanda this evening, thus opening the foot route from Badrinath to Govindghat. Road Govindghat to Joshimath is open to vehicular traffic.
Army achieved another milestone on Gangotri axis. All stranded people in Gangotri have been evacuated. Road is now open for light vehicles from Gangotri to Harsil. Due to a series of landslides between Harsil and Uttarkashi, Army is now moving people using ‘Staging Area’ concept. Across all landslides, people are being made to cross on foot and in between any two landslides, vehicles are being used. Two staging areas at Sukhi and Gangnani have been established to provide food and medicines to evacuated people.
Army column reached Barkot on Yamunotri axis today. The column would start evacuating people from Yamunotri by tomorrow. As per the latest data, approximately 700 people are at Yamunotri.
In Tawaghat – Dharchula axis in Pithoragarh district, Army is in the process of establishing link up with approximately 1000 people in Sobala valley and medical teams and food has already been sent there today. Army column evacuated all 45 children who were stranded at Pindari glacier in Bageshwar district. Search operations are on to link up with 10 to 12 people stranded on Sunderdhunga glacier.
Eight columns of Army have also been deployed in 08 districts of North Western UP. 2500 people have been evacuated to safer places in Pilibhit district and 260 people have been moved to safer places near Palwal.
Army has so far deployed 19 medical teams in Uttarakhand with each team led by a doctor. 45 satellite phones have also been deployed in various parts of the state to enable stranded people to contact their families. More than 2300 people used Army communication facilities to talk to their loved ones at home.
Army so far has evacuated 18,500 people and deployed 10,000 soldiers for rescue and relief operations.
In a very innovative, yet daring move, the IAF today established an aviation fuel supply bridge at Dharasu to give greater impetus to rescue operations which were severely restricted due to non availability of aviation fuel.
The first C 130J aircraft landed at Dharasu (a landing ground only 1300 meters long) in the early morning today for the first time despite inclement weather. On landing the aircraft defueled 8000 litres of fuel into an empty bowser which was airlifted yesterday from Sarsawa by a Mi 26 helicopter. With the availability of additional fuel now at Dharasu, the extraction, evacuation and rescue operations have picked up pace and the available helicopters are now able to make more number of trips.
Apart from the carrying fuel to Dharasu, the first C130 J on its return trip carried about 40 and the second about 100 injured and stranded pilgrims to the safer plains of Air Force Station Hindan. An emergency medical centre has been set up at Air Force Station Hindan for the medical check-up of all the arriving tourists for immediate attention.
The first two C 130J aircraft carried fuel to Dharasu while the third is carrying a Medical team of the IAF to attend to sick people at Dharasu itself before they are moved out to safer place.
Having paved the way for fixed wing aircraft landing at Dharasu, the IAF pressed its An 32 aircraft also into action. These aircraft are carrying Disaster Communication equipment vehicle, some more aviation fuel, Sudan pumps for refueling the helicopters and 4200 kgs of bridging equipment of BRO. The heavy lift Mi 26 helicopter will also be airlifting the heavy equipment of BRO to facilitate road repair and construction work.
While the fuel bridging has given impetus to rescue operations, increased flying activity in the narrow valleys is posing a new challenge to traffic management and safe flying. IAF has inducted additional personnel to ensure smooth planning, coordination and execution of flying operations, be it Air Force, Army or civilian operators.
Today since morning, till 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the IAF has flown about 149 sorties in which 26700 kgs of load and 1355 passengers were airlifted.
In all, the IAF towards ‘Op Rahat’, has flown 768 sorties in which 103350 kgs of load has been dropped/landed and 5347 passengers airlifted. The IAF is committed to using all the available resources to speed up the rescue operations, especially in the face of bad weather forecast by the Indian Met Department in next 36 to 48 hours.

Development photographs attract visitors at Moirang

Photo exhibition organised by DAVP at Moirang

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 22 : Aimed at creating mass awareness about the centrally-sponsored schemes in Manipur, an 8-day photo exhibition on the theme ‘Development Initiatives in North East’ kick-off saturday at Moirang Multipurpose Higher Secondary School. The exhibition which would continue till June 29 is being organized by the Field Exhibition Office, Directorate of Advertising & Visual Publicity (DAVP), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, Imphal.
Setting the campaign into motion, S Kumar Singh, Principal, Moirang Multipurpose Higher Secondary School, who grace the occasion as Chief Guest exhorted the students and public of the area to advantage of the program. He said that visual being a strong medium of communication, the exhibition would be beneficial for everyone who whish to know and understand the program and policies of the Government of India.
Earlier, proposing the key-note address, Dr Gin Gangte, IIS, Field Exhibition Officer, DAVP, Imphal said that the aims of exhibition is to disseminate information about the various development projects taken up by the Government of India.
A total of 130 photographs are on display as part of the 8-day long campaign.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/development-photographs-attract-visitors-at-moirang/

Improve PDS, frame policies to save pony, fish : Opposition

Mail News Service Agencies
Imphal, June 21 : Opposition Members today called upon the government to make essential items made available to the people. The members raised issues related to consumer affairs, food and public distribution during discussions for demands for grants of three departments. The House discussed and passed demands for Consumer Affairs of Rs 21 cr, for Animal Husbandry of Rs 81 cr and for Justice of Rs 21 cr.
Consumer Affairs Minister M Okendro said quantity of wheat given to a BPL card holder per month is 1.04 kg. He said there are 1.02 lakh BPL card holders and 2.4 lakh AAY card holders in the state. Only 20 percent of the beneficiaries have valid cards he added. Kh Joykishan said there is discrepancy in the amount of rice and wheat given to the general public.
RK Imo said there is lack of supervision and the benefits are mostly taken by middlemen. He demanded establishment of a strong vigilance squad. The entire distribution system should be computerised so that there is no room for misappropriation he said. He further said undeserving people hold BPL cards and there is a need for complete review of the card distribution system.
Th Biswajit demanded the distribution system should be made accountable. He also demanded framing of proper pony and fish policies. Fifty percent of the PDS items which were meant for distribution to the people living below poverty line (BPL) went missing while delivering to the authorized agents by the officials of the from the consumer affairs, food and public distribution (CAF&PD) of the state government, opposition leader Dr I Ibohanbil Singh alleged.
The opposition leader brought the matter in the house of the Assembly while moving a policy cut motion to the discussion for passing of the demands for grant of the consumer affairs, food and public distribution.
He said, “There is a leakage between CAF&PD and the agents before distributing to the beneficiaries. Everyone even a minor knows it and yet nothing to improve the distribution system was seen taken up from the government side.”
Ibohalbi further alleged that PDS items have been deducting by various groups both legal and illegal. He was referring to the deduction of percentage by the militant groups and other powerful NGOs in the name of raising funds for each group.
Asserting that at present a total of 1,66,000 households in Bishnupur district where he belongs were benefitting under the PDS as per an assessment done in 2000, Dr Ibohalbi stressed the need for re-assessment for verification of the beneficiaries. Joykishan said itemallocation of the PDS should be done as according to the demand from the district or constituencies. He said that there were more demands of wheat in his constituency and the government should allot more wheat quantities as according to the demands.
Contradicting to the observations made by the opposition members, minister for consumers affairs food and public distribution, Moirangthem Okendro said that people in his constituency were getting all their share of PDS items since the last three four years in his reply. He also informed that at present there are 2, 40, 593 APL, 1, 20, 400 BPL and 63, 600 AAY card holders in the state and the total number of households is 4, 07, 152.
Indicating the need for the representatives in ensuring the public getting their share of the PDS items, Okendro said people should be alerted always time in the matter of the distribution of the PDS item. He said after the Food Security Act come into force there would raise no question of depriving the rights of the beneficiaries.
However, he stressed the need for awareness of the PDS and benefits that could be received by the BPL families before enforcing the Act. Questioning the credibility of the MLAs while ensuring voters of their respective constituencies in getting the share of the PDS items, the minister said that he had information of the price hike of rice in the markets.
“This is an artificial one which is being played by some vested interested business men,” the minister said, adding that government was considering for a mechanism for effective checking of artificial price hike of essential commodities in the state with a stringent law to award befitting punishment to those offenders.
Chief Minister, O Ibobi informed that there is no village recognised as scheduled caste village however S C certificates were issued as per provisions laid down by the Constitution. Earlier SC certificates were only of six villages but it was gradually increased he said.
Transport Minister Kh Ratan informed the House that in 2011, 39 vehicles were damaged during economic blockade and so far compensations were given to 29 vehicle owners.

Donate salary : Sonia Gandhi

Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Friday asked Congress Members of Parliaments and Legislative Assembly to donate their one month’s salary for relief work in Uttarakhand.
In addition, Sonia Gandhi asked the MPs belonging to the Congress Party to mobilise Rs 10 lakh each for relief work there, party’s communication department in-charge Ajay Maken said. The Prime Minister has announced a grant of Rs. 1000/- crores for flood relief work. State governments too have announced grants. They include: Bihar Rs.5 crore;Odisha Rs.5 cr; Uttarakhand Rs.5 cr; UP Rs.25 crore Haryana Rs.10 cr; MPRs.5 cr Karnataka- Rs.5 crore ;Maharashtra Rs.10 cr; Gujarat Rs.2 cr Delhi Rs.10 cr and Chhattisgarh Rs.5 cr.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/donate-salary-sonia-gandhi/

Check posts to control fish import : Nasir

IMPHAL, June 21 NNN : All kinds of fish trade in Manipur from the border town Moreh and other states will be thoroughly checked on the way by setting up two proper check-posts by June or July.
Manipur Fisheries minister Md Abdul Nasir told the House that fishes bringing in the state from Indo-Myanmar boder commercial hub Moreh in Chandel district and other states that connect with Manipur through the National Highway-2 are to be checked before reaching the capital Imphal on the way.
Proper check-posts will be established at Moreh and Sekmai to ensure whether different kinds of fish transporting into the state from other states are hygienic or chemical is added to them.
Nasir informed this to the House after MLAs Th Biswarjit and Dr I Ibohalbi moved a policy cut motion while discussing on the demand for Fisheries.
He said there is no departmental check-post at the above places as of now however the proposed two check-posts will be set up there by July or August in view of the public health.
Apart from these check-posts, a laboratory will also be put in place for further testing of these fishes, he said.
Nasir also assured that although various lakes in the state are not under the Fisheries Department, they will be promoted as pisciculture/fishery farms soon after consulting with the Revenue Department in this regard.
He went on to say that about 10 tons of fish are currently being transported into the state from the outside to meet the demand and that the Government is planning to take up a project at the cost of Rs 1.67 crore at Takmu where fish will be reared by using nets deep into the fish ponds.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/check-posts-to-control-fish-import-nasir/

Assam Rifles provides assistance

MNS: As part of its ongoing efforts towards improving the quality of life of the local communities, 40 Assam Rifles under aegis of HQ 9 Sector AR of IGAR(S) provided aid to the members of disabled school and vocational training centre under International Handicapped Welfare Mission (INHAWEM), Manipur located at Maidangpok near Keithelmanbi. A variety of indoor recreational items were gifted to the differently abled children in presence of Mr. Lokendro Singh, secretary of the centre and centre staff.
INHAWEM since its inception in 1995 has been playing a key role in upbringing the community and serving the needs of differently abled persons, widowed, old aged and orphans. At present, around 202 differently abled members are benefitting from the centre with financial assistance from Handicap Mission and other NGOs.
Meanwhile 44 Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ 10 Sector Assam Rifles and HQ IGAR(S) provided assistance to an Orphanage located at the remote border area of Kamjong which is being run solely on the assistance provided by Assam Rifles. Rations and educational facilities including fees, uniforms and books are being provided apart from all possible help to the children to enable them to grow and have a bright future. Recently a LCD TV with DTH and other gifts were presented to the orphanage by Mrs Nishi Pandey, President 10 Sector ARWWA on the occasion of Founders Day of AR High School, Chassad.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/assam-rifles-provides-assistance/

CPI strike partially affects life

IMPHAL, June 21 MNS Agencies :A 12 hour bandh called by CPI partially affected life here today. The bandh was called from 0050 hours till 1700 hours to demand repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 . The CPI had also organised a rally yesterday during which police resorted to firing of tear gas shells and arrest of activists.
CPI members today shouted slogans demanding repeal of AFSPA, introduction of Inner Line Permit to check influx of immigrants and other issues.
Other Left parties like All India Forward Block, also supported the bandh . Some educational institutes were closed down. Banking institutes, oil depots, government offices remained opened. Inter state passenger bus services did not operate. In the market areas most of the shops were closed down. There was no report of any untoward incident.
Owing to the bandh most market places in Imphal city wore a deserted look whereas normal traffic movement was not disturbed except slight reduction in the traffic volume as besides city buses, inter-district buses stayed off the road for the day.
However, auto and other taxi service vehicles and private vehicles were seen moving as usual during the bandh hour.
Some schools in the outskirt of the Imphal city remained close for the day even though educational institutions in Imphal area opened as usual.
The CPI, Manipur State Council had called the 12-hour general strike from 5 am to 5 pm today protesting against excessive action of the police against leaders and workers of the party when a protest rally targeting to storm the state Assembly complex was foiled at the very start of the rally near the party office at Irawat Bhavan, Imphal yesterday.
Yesterday, police personnel have foiled the rally by using tear gas shells and other mob ammunition devices resulting to the injury of a CPI worker in his right leg after being hit by a mob bomb. Injured Maibam Sanahanbi Singh (35) who was immediately rushed to RIMS hospital where he is currently under medical treatment.
Meanwhile in the state Assembly during zero hour Th Shyam said government should not use powerful bombs while dealing with people.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cpi-strike-partially-affects-life/

Police clarifies on arrest of URF men

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 21 : With reference to news items regarding arrest of URF cadres the SP Imphal West today clarified that “the so called cadres (later on identified as those with signed agreement with the government for peace talk) were arrested by a team of Lamphel PS in connection with case FIR Mb. 133(6)2013 u/’s 307/364/384/506/511/34 IPC & 16/17/20 UA(p) A. Act of Lamphel PS. The FIR was registered on the basis of a written complaint lodged by the President, All Manipur Petroleum Tanker’s Union with DGP, Manipur dated 04/05/2013.
Accordingly, OC-Lamphel Police Station has been directed to conduct discrete enquiry and after enquiry a formal regular case has been registered at Lamphel PS under the aforesaid FIR No. and arrested the involved persons who later on were identified as cadre of URF, namely (1) Puyam Ruhini @ Moiyamba @ Biren Meitei (51) S/o (L) P. Indu Meitei of Khurai Chingangbam Leikai, (2) Huidrom Shantikumar @ Pamei Meitei (37) S/o H. Konungjao Meitei of Yumnam Huidrom Makha Leikai, (3) Yumnam Shantikumar @ Raja Meitei {36} S/o Y. Shyamjai Singh of Irom Meijrao Mamang Leikai and (4) Konthoujam Premjit Singh @ Nimai @ Konthouba Singh (32) of Thiyam Khunja Maning Leikai.
The incriminating mobile phone No. 8414066926 which was used in extortion and intimidation to the President, All Manipur Petroleum Tanker’s Union was also recovered and seized from their possession, one Tavera Car Vehicle bearing regn. No. MN04A5001 black in colour registered in the name of one Kh Lukhoi Singh of Nagamapal which was used by the cadres for their illegal activities was also seized . Investigation of the case in on.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/police-clarifies-on-arrest-of-urf-men/

President dedicates ONGC Tripura Power Plant , single largest investment in NE

Mail News Service
Agartala, June 21 : The first Unit of ONGC’s Mega Power project in Tripura was formally dedicated to the Nation by the President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Palatana (Tripura) on 21st June 2013. Among the dignitaries present on the occasion wereGovernor of Tripura, Shri Devanand Konwar, Chief Minister of Tripura, Shri Manik Sarkar, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dr. M. Veerappa Moily, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Smt. Panabaka Lakshmi and Chairman, ONGC-Tripura Power Company (OTPC) and ONGC Group of Companies, Shri Sudhir Vasudeva. This Unit 1 of the gas-based plant will generate 363.3 MW. The Unit II of the 726.6 MW power plant is expected to be commercially operational later this year.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said nature has bestowed Tripura with abundant natural gas. This power project by OTPC in a land locked, logistically challenged and difficult terrain is an important feat. It would pave the way for effective utilization of discovered gas. He expressed hope that this power plant would meet the requirements of power deficient states in the region and open up avenues for industrialization in Tripura. The President pointed out that the power project not only constituted the largest investment in the North East but it was also the largest project in the world registered under the Clean Development Mechanism of the UNFCC. It would earn India over a million of carbon credits.
The President specially thanked the President, Prime Minister and Government of Bangladesh for their support in making this project possible. He called for increased cooperation between India and Bangladesh in power sector. He said it was a much awaited and proud moment for all stake holders. He lauded the efforts of those associated with this important venture.
Petroleum Minister Dr Veerappa Moily informed that in line with Government’s efforts to enhance power generation capacity in the country, the government allocated ONGC’s Tripura gas for setting up of this mega power project in the state. This project would ensure abundant availability of the power in the region that in turn will provide significant spur to the growth activities. He added that this single project initiative of ONGC would bring in investments in excess on Rs. 10,000 crore in the region, when we consider the upstream investment of ONGC for supply of gas to the project and also the downstream transmission line from the project site at Palatana to the PGCIL grid-point at Bongaigaon being set up by North East Transmission Co. Ltd. (NETC) for evacuation of power from the project.
He added that special credit must go to ONGC to have successfully implemented this bold project at such a difficult terrain from logistics and support infrastructure point of view. ONGC realized the audacious dream of transporting such heavy and over-dimensional equipment through the territories of Bangladesh. Dr Moily underscored fact that the central and state governments provided all the support in helping ONGC realize its vision for the region. “This daring dream will not only make the region power surplus, but also has provided a platform for further improvement of the ties between the two neighboring nations. The credit for successful implementation is also due to the managements of OTPC and BHEL”, the Minister said.
ONGC, a leading oil PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, has ventured into power generation in north-east to monetize its natural gas resources, which were idle for want of an industrial market. With a total investment of around Rs. 3,804crore, this is the single-largest investment in north-east India.
ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC) has been floated as a joint-venture of ONGC, IL&FS Energy Development Company Ltd. and Tripura Government. The 2×363.3 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine based power project has also been registered as a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Third Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Abhinav’ Launched

L. C. Ponnumon, Media & Communication Officer, PIB, Cochin.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) launched the third Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) named ‘ABHINAV’ being built for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The vessel is the third in a series of 20 numbers Fast Patrol Vessels contracted by Cochin Shipyard Limited for the Indian Coast Guard. The contract was signed in 2010 with delivery of the last vessel slated for 2017. The vessels are being built under the dual classification requirements. The 50 metre x 7.6 metre x 4.65 metre vessels have a designed speed of 33 knots. The primary role of the vessel include fisheries protection and monitoring, patrol within Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and coastal patrol , anti smuggling, search and rescue operations and for anti piracy operations. The vessels have a secondary role of providing communication link and escort convoys during hostilities and war time.
These high speed Fast Patrol Vessels, though small in size are extremely complex and technologically challenging.
The ships are propelled by water jets to attain a speed of 33 knots. The high speed boats are weight sensitive and extensive use of Aluminium in the super structure has been made. Cochin Shipyard has developed special techniques to ensure high quality welding and fabrication of Aluminium structures.
Cochin Shipyard presently has 25 ships on order consisting of 20 Fast Patrol Vessels, 3 Offshore Support ships for Indian and foreign owners, 1 Buoy Tender vessel for the Department of Lighthouses and Lightships and the Prestigious Aircraft Carrier for the Indian Navy. Cochin Shipyard Limited has entered into the high niche technological area of Offshore Support Vessels for the oil industry incorporating high end technology like clean design, electric propulsion, comfort class notation, etc. Since 2005 Cochin Shipyard Limited has built and delivered 40 ships for owners based at various parts of the world viz Bahamas, Norway, Netherlands, Greece, USA and Saudi Arabia. Apart from this Cochin Shipyard Limited has delivered four Anchor Handling Tugs and two Platform Support Vessels to Shipping Corporation of India. In the year 2012-13 Cochin Shipyard Limited delivered six Offshore Support Ships, for various international and domestic owners.
Recently, Cochin Shipyard Limited entered into a contract with Cochin Port Trust for setting up of an international Ship Repair facility at the Cochin Port Trust premises. This new facility is expected to help shipyard to increase its market share in the repair of small and medium ships. The first ship for repair in the Cochin Port Trust repair facility was docked on 25 May 2013. The yard has also identified other expansion plans for growth.(PIB Features.)With Inputs from Cochin Shipyard Limited.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/third-fast-patrol-vessel-abhinav-launched/

Dairy Development

M.V.S. Prasad Joint Director, PIB, Chennai
The Indian dairy sector has acquired substantial growth momentum from 9th Plan onwards as a result of which the country now ranks first among the world’s milk producing nations, achieving an annual output of about 130 million tonnes. This represents sustained growth in the availability of milk and milk products for our growing population. Dairying has become an important secondary source of income for millions of rural families and has assumed the most important role in providing employment and income generating opportunities particularly for marginal and women farmers. The per capita availability of the milk has reached a level of 290 grams per day by the year 2012, which is more than the world average of 284 grams per day. Most of the milk in the country is produced by small, marginal farmers and landless labourers.
About 14.78 million farmers have been brought under the ambit of 1,48,965 village level dairy corporative societies up to March 2012. Farmers of marginal, small and semi-medium operational holdings (area less than 4 ha) own about 87.7% of the livestock. India is endowed with the largest livestock population in the world. It accounts for about 57.3 per cent of the world’s buffalo population and 14.7 per cent of the cattle population.
Animal husbandry and dairying play an important role in national economy and in socio-economic development of the country.
These activities play a significant role in generating gainful employment in the rural areas, particularly among the landless, small and marginal farmers and women, besides providing cheap and nutritious food. Livestock are the best insurance for farmers against vagaries of nature like drought and other natural calamities. Several measures have been initiated by the Government to increase the productivity of milch animals, which has resulted in increasing the milk production significantly.
National Dairy Plan
In order to meet the rapidly growing demand for milk with a focus to improve milch animal productivity and increase milk production, the Government has also approved National Dairy Plan Phase-1(NDP-1) in February, 2012 with a total investment of about Rs. 2242 crore to be implemented upto 2016-17. NDP-1 will help to meet the projected national demand of 150 million tonnes of milk by 2016-17.
This is envisaged through productivity enhancement, strengthening and expanding village level infrastructure for milk procurement and provide producers with greater access to markets. NDP-1 would focus on 14 major milk producing states – Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Kerala which account for over 90% of the country’s milk production.
A total sum of Rs.79.00 crore has been released to NDDB upto 31-12-2012, for implementation of the scheme.
Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme
A modified scheme namely Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS) was launched on 1-9-2010, for promoting private investment in the dairy sector. The Scheme aims at increasing investment in dairy sector for increasing milk production in the country apart from helping in poverty reduction through self employment opportunities. It is being implemented through NABARD and provides financial assistance to the bankable projects through Commercial, Cooperative, Urban and Rural Banks with a back ended capital subsidy of 25% of the project cost for general category and 33.33% of the project cost for SC & ST beneficiaries as Central assistance subject to norms of the scheme.
Farmers, individual entrepreneurs, group of unorganized and organized sector are eligible to benefit under this. Group of organized sector includes self-help groups, dairy cooperative societies; district level Milk Unions, State Milk Federation, etc.
Since inception, NABARD has disbursed an amount of Rs.251.20 crore to the beneficiaries for sanctioning 62,046 dairy units upto 31st December, 2012. Further, the Government has released an amount of Rs.140 crore to NABARD during 2012-13 for the implementation of the scheme, out of which NABARD has released back ended capital subsidy of Rs.127.13 crore for establishment of 32,749 dairy units upto 31-12-2012.
Assistance to Cooperatives
This Scheme was started during the year 1999-2000, with the objective to rehabilitate the sick dairy Cooperative Milk Union at the district level and Milk Federations at the State level. The Scheme is being implemented on 50:50 sharing basis between the Government and the State Government concerned through NDDB. The rehabilitation plan is prepared by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in consultation with the concerned State Milk Federation/ District Milk Union. Each rehabilitation plan is prepared in such a manner that the net worth of the sick Cooperative will become positive within a period of seven years from the date of its approval.
Since inception, the Department has approved 42 rehabilitation projects for the sick Milk Unions at a total cost of Rs.310.91 crore with the Central share of Rs. 155.64 crore upto 31-12-2012 in the States of Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Assam Nagaland, Punjab, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. A total sum of Rs. 120.64 crore as central share has been released to the sick Cooperative Milk Unions upto 31st December, 2012.
(PIB Features.)
With inputs from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/dairy-development/

Street vendors

Why should street vendors continue to create pestering problems? There is enough space for them and they can do brisk business by going to Sanakeithel. The number of buyers at Sanakeithel is also on the rise and vegetables sold by these vegetable vendors are also cheap. These vendors doing business at Sankeithel are really enterprising they know unless the price is made cheaper none will come for buying at the area. There is no room for price negotiation. Vendors boldly say, fixed price. The old tradition of a simple buyer negotiating the price of coriander leaves is gone. Those who compete shine in life. These street vendors at Khwairamband bazaar areas swimming in the false dream that the gullible buyers, who happen to pass by will buy up all their belonging assuming the items sold by them are cheaper. No buyer wants to buy vegetables from such sellers. Moreover responsibility cannot be fixed in the event of the bought items decaying. Those, who sell items under the shed at their allotted plot behave in a responsible manner for they will lose customers when they sell rotten items to the buyers. All these streets and foot paths are for vehicles and pedestrians. They might not be hearing but they are being cursed for making the road narrower. Vehicles want to move smoothly without facing any hindrance. These vendors are not only making the roads narrow but also spoiling the city, which is the face of the state. The concerned authority should make all out efforts to rehabilitate all these street vendors at the outskirt bazaar areas. There are market sheds at Tera, Kwakeithel, Singjamei, Lamlong etc. All these street vendors can be accommodated at these markets also. We as simple buyers can do a lot to bring the change. We must think of buying vegetables from these out skirt markets. Why should one go to Kwairamband bazaar for buying cucumber and brinjal when all these items are available next door? But the Government cannot treat these street vendor like mad cow. It is pitiable scene and one feels crying when these vendors are chased by men in uniform. They flee when men in uniform approach near them but after they have gone away the vendors come again to occupy the little space available near the stinky nullah. Whatever the case may be they have to be evicted. Roads, which are widened after spending huge amount of money cannot be kept as is being kept. Street vendors must not create problems at the crowded areas.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/street-vendors/

Poor power supply

Unless we inculcate the good habit of paying tax in time and regularly we will continue to face frequent power break down and imposition of load shedding. Someone, who came just recently from Mizoram talked of power supply in that state. But he did not attempt to ask the Mizo people whether they paid tax regularly. When we went to Shillong some time back to attend a conference one word uttered by a pan dukan owner made us a good laughing. We were collecting items for the night. We were told by him no candle is sold. Power is regular so no one comes for buying candles. What has happened in Meghalaya now is different from what happened some time back. Chief Minister Mukul Sangma had declared of impending imposition of load shedding. Surely the people of that state might not have inculcated the good habit of paying tax. If tax is paid power is available. It is sold. After some time Mizoram too will land in the same precarious condition of not getting power supply regularly. Whatever Manipuris are facing is our own creation. Despite warning against taking up heavy fuel power project in Manipur, the men at the helms of affairs went ahead with the foolish task of taking up the useless project. Now fuel is not available. It has to be brought from Bongaigaon. Fuel is costly. Will we pay tax after we have used the electricity generated by the project? Rs 100 core project will be buried any time. It is really amazing that the power department, despite knowing the fact that it does not have electricity for illuminating the main road passing through the state capital, indulges in electric posts erection spree. These are wastage of money. The electric posts standing at Uripok can be uprooted and used in construction of Government officees or schools. Revenue needs to be earned to ensure regular power supply. Amazingly Power Department has not sent meter readers to the houses of the consumers. If meter readers refuse to do the job of meter reading who will come for clearing taxes. Those, who have inculcated the good habit of paying tax, are groaning with anger unable to complain. The Government talks of outsourcing the task of doing meter reading and money collection to the voluntary organisations. That is a good idea. But there is always the difference between words uttered and works done. The state Government will have lots of money if all these Government departments clear tax in time. Nevertheless the state Government is cautioned against involvement of private partners in the generation and subsequent distribution of power supply.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/poor-power-supply/