Manipur Mail – Page 38

Ibobi opens his heart “I cried when I won and I laughed when I lost”

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 5 : Chief Minister O. Ibobi while speaking at a function held in connection with the unveiling of the bust of Pnadit jawahralal Nehru first Prime Minister of India and one day state level conference of unit Congress Committee held at Congress Bhavan said the stutue was kept at the Congress Bhavan proper attention and care. Congress party office complex isnthe right place for keeping the statue he added.
He informed the gathering that the UPA I and UPA II Government led by party at the centre declared flagship programmes for the people living in the country. Did any non Congress Government think of framing such policies and programmes he said.
In Manipur the people of the state sent up 42 members in the house of 60 members in appreciation of the works done by the Congress led Government in the state. Unlike others who rejoiced on seeing the mammoth figure he had sleepless nights thinking how the gesture shown to the party could be reciprocated. That victorious night I immersed my head in the pillow and cried profusely. “ I cried when I won the election, but I Laughed when I lost. People expect a lot but the Government can do very little.”
He however appealed to all including Ministers to remain prepared to face the opposition attack. All elections are important, he added. He also appealed to the Ministers to hear the voice of the masses and work honestly and sincerely.
MPCC President Gaikhangam, who is also Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home said, policy, programmes and philosophies of the party need to be enthused in the minds of the party workers. “They are the foundation on which the party stands. If the foundation is weak the construction will collapse”, he also said.
In democracy the most important thing is the people particularly the voters. The status of a nation can be judged when the development is taken down the grass root level, he said. We all must work hard to enhance the status of the state. He sought cooperation from all in this connection. Ridiculing the opposition nature of scoffing at the ruling party he said those who work hard do not find time to speak the ills of others. Opposition finds time to shower invectives on the ruling party as it has nothing to. But Congress is a working party so it does not find to speak the ills of others. He said, opposition has no issue except showering venoms on ruling party. Their main issue is to oust Congress party, come what so ever it may be. But the main issue of the Congress party is development, he also said.
What the opposition parties do not know is when they declare they will fight election as one force they just reveal their weakness. Theirs is false dream, Congress is a reality, he added.
Louzinho Faleiro AICC General Secretary in charge of Manipur said Manipur is marching ahead in terms of peace and development. Manipur had experienced sufferings in the past, he said adding “ I salute Congressmen, who worked hard against all odds to put the party in power and also the state on the path of development”.
The party flags are flying high in every nook and corner of the state. Credit goes to Chief Minister O. Ibobi , party President Gaikhangam and the workers of the party, he also said.
Saying there is no opposition in Manipur he gestured it cannot be seen when we look at it using microscopic glasses. He mentioned the sacrifices made by Gandhi family to keep the party strong and united. The nation is proud of them, he added.
Calling Manipur and other states in NE region as jewel, he said the precious stone cannot be concealed forever, it has to be shown. It will be done as the Government of India focuses on Look East policy.
Earlier the Chief Guest of the function Faleiro unveiled the statue of Pandit Nehru. Garlands and floral tributes were offered to the statue by the visiting dignitary and other leaders of the Congress party including Chief Minister O. Ibobi and Party President Gaikhangam.
S. Achouba Singh Vice President MPCC (I) gave the welcome address while Youth Congress President proposed the vote of thanks. The others, who spoke at the function were Thangso Baite MP and Priyomala Devi Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee.

Congress wants development at grass root level : Faleiro

IMPHAL, May 4 NNN: AICC general secretary in-charge of the Northeast, Luzinho Faleiro stated on Tuesday the Congress Government at the Centre always tries to bring development in the country at the grassroots level.
Faleiro was attending a one-day block level conference at Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Chingmeirong in Imphal organized by Phungyar Block Congress Committee (Phungyar BCC).
He said the Congress Party is dynamic by nature and that the foremost task and major aim of this party is to implement development programmes at the grassroots level and ensure all the benefits of these programmes to all.
Under the UPA Government currently as much as 16 flagship programmes are being taken up across the country, the Congress leader said.
He said benefits of these programmes have extended throughout the state of Manipur and these must be reached every nook and corner of the state.
(MPCC) president and Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Gaikhangam, Congress leader and MP Rishang Keishinh and Amo Samuel, president, Phungyar BCC also attended the function, apart from Faleiro.
Gaikhangam commented the people of Manipur in general lack sense of belongingness which have caused conflicts among communities.
He said the Congress Government in Manipur works hard to balance development between the valley and the hill, assuring that SDO/BDO offices in the hills will be upgraded into full- administrative units in the concerned areas within 2013-2014 and for this purpose, the state Government will construct a number of SDO/BDO office buildings, banks, office headquarters and other necessary infrastructures.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/congress-wants-development-at-grass-root-level-faleiro/

Inspection must cover nature of payment

Estimate committee of the state assembly has done a wonderful job by making on the spot assessment of the work done by the Government officials. After exposure by a news paper the committee made surprise visit to the godown of the GAD. They had known the under hand dealing between the suppliers and officials of the department. Newly bought carpets were in the godown and the missing if any were those that had been used during the VVIPs’ visit to the state. That implies something wrong was done. Yesterday construction of the national highway road was inspected. Officials in charge of the road had trouble time in explaining to the members of the committee why they could not follow the rules and procedures laid down in the rule book in the up gradation of the highway roads. The members of the committee were very smart and they quizzed the engineers why earth work was done at the area where it was not necessary at all. This is a new phenomenon employed in the allocation of work order. No contractor is willing to take road development work unless earth work is added in the work order. The cut at various levels starting from SO up to the highest level plus extra cut for unknown elements empty contractors’ pocket. But a contract work is done to make some money. Poor contractors fume when they get the bill. Shameless officials demand heavy cut without knowing whether the contractors have made any gain. The estimate committee as it inspects the construction work and supply done by contractor should try to know whether the contractors had actually received payment for the work done. Under an ambitious project retaining walls at the major rivers of the state including Nambul River was done in the recent past. Nobody cares about the poor contractors, who mortgaged even the homestead land for taking up the construction work. Now they lament having joined the construction spree. They regret had they known the payment would not be prompt they would not have done the work. In future none will come out for doing retaining wall construction. They had tasted the pang caused by inhuman attitude shown by engineers. They do not want to suffer again. The poor contractors were made fools. They spent sleepless night supervising the work done by labours. At the end they have turned out to be the real losers. Sadder is the fact that the engineers at the time of making some payment ridicule them for not bringing bribe money. Estimate committee should inspect how these engineers are thriving like lion devouring helpless animals.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/inspection-must-cover-nature-of-payment/

Girl dies after dog bite

A 21-year-old girl succumbed to dog bite injuries she suffered nearly two months ago here on Tuesday.
Ayekpam Reena, daughter of A Mohon Singh, a resident of Kongba Nongthonbam Leikai in Imphal East district succumbed on the way to hospital. She was a student of GP Women’s College, Imphal who was doing BA Second Year.
A pet dog belonging to one Moirangthem Inao, a neighbor to her, bit on her left hand on April 10.Then, she was treated by a local maiba (physician) and since then she had been living in good health until she started suffering from high fever and bodyache in the last three days and suddenly died today.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/girl-dies-after-dog-bite/

Talks with Hmar outfits

AIZAWL, June 4 NNN : Date for the resumption of talks between the Hmar militant outfit and the government of Mizoram is yet to be fixed.
Mizoram Home minister R. Lalzirliana said the programme for resumption of talks between the state government and Hmar Peoples Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) is yet to be scheduled.
However, the state Home minister disclosed that the HPC (D) had demanded for the political level talks and the files in this connection are being processed.
“We will be take a decision in this regard after the consultation with the Chief Minister when he returns from New Delhi,” said the Mizo minister.
It may be recalled that the political level talks between the state government of Mizoram and HPC-D was proposed for the first week of June.
The last meeting between the HPC-D and the government was held in April.
It worth mentioning here that for the first time on February 9, 2011 the Suspension of Operation’ (SoO) was signed betwen the two parties for six months. However, after signing the earlier SoO, the relation between the HPC-D and the Mizoram government experienced a rough weather. In view of that, the SoO was never extended again even after the lapse of the six month period.
Since 1986, the Hmar People’s Convention (HPC) has been demanding for the creation of Hmar Autonomous District in Mizoram. In spite of the Peace Accord that was inked between the Government of Mizoram and the HPC, there was no concrete solution to address and redress the rights of the Hmar People. “ Following this and to pursue the unfinished agenda, the Government of Mizoram and the HPC (D) signed the Suspension of Operation (SoO) on November 11, 2010 for a period of six months. The SoO document was signed by Lalropui, Army Chief HPC (D) and the Home Secretary Shri. Lalmalsawma, Government of Mizoram,” HPC-D leader L Sangma Hmar had stated sometime in last October.
The Hmar outfit leader had then alleged that the Government of Mizoram had failed to nurture the peace process with seriousness, which resulted in derailing the hard earned peace
process. Taking note of this, the Centre (Ministry of Home Affairs) continued to pressurise the Government of Mizoram to settle the Hmar political problems. The government of
Mizoram digressed from peaceful approach and acted untowardly when the HPC (D) on the other hand, is made to engage in finding the channels for political dialogue with All Party
Leaders of Mizoram, he stated. While handing out the carrot, the Government of Mizoram arrested the HPC (D) Army Chief Lalropui and Deputy Army Chief Lalbiaknung from Silchar airport on June 16, 2012 by the Mizoram police. Similarly HPC (D) Chairman Zosangber was again arrested from Delhi Airport by the Mizoram police when he was on his way to meet officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Government of Mizoram has severely failed to respect the peace process that has seemingly built, the HPC-D had rued.
HPC (D) political interest is collectively shared with the United People’s Front (UPF), currently under SoO with the Government of India and the Government of Manipur. The UPF demands for an Autonomous Hill States within the state of Manipur. The HPC (D) did not sign the SoO documents in Manipur alone but as UPF, the document is collectively shared and signed along with the UPF members: KNF, KRA (U), UKLF, ZDV and ZRA. The HPC (D) has its designated Camp in Ankhasuo with ninety four (94) cadres enlisted. In Manipur, the HPC (D) will continue to abide by the goals shared within the UPF.
“The HPC (D)’s goals and objectives are independent in all its respective context and is free from the other. The SoO terms and conditions in Manipur, has no validity in other States. Therefore, the HPC (D) Manipur Region is not answerable for the HPC (D) of other regions/States as the HPC (D) Manipur Region is particularly confined in Manipur under UPF,” L Sanga Hmar had also statedr.
For all time to come, the HPC (D) Manipur Region as signatory of SoO in Manipur cannot be made responsible or related to any acts of the HPC (D) of other regions, L Sanga Hmar said

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/talks-with-hmar-outfits/

Protection of ancestral property discussed at Tamei

IMPHAL, June 4 NNN : Protection of ‘ancestral territory and its management’ was echoed during the Third Liangmai Peoples’ Convention held at Langmei village, off Tamei headquarters on May 30 last.
Liangmai elders confining in Tamei area and few from Imphal spoke on the occasion.
Dr K Pouchunbou, I.D Akubou, Mani Charenamai, K Daimai, Dr Hunibou, N Awangbow, Rev Z Mairilungbou, D Anoibou Marenmai , B Kaidinlungbou, NK Khinlakbou, Normal Wijunamai, Rev H Newmai, P Takam, Namthombou Pamei and many others including village chairmen dwelt on the theme of the programme.
The event was organised by Liangmai Naga Council (Manipur) and hosted by Langmai village authority.
Speakers harped on the judicious utilisation of land. They then stressed the urgent need to conservethe forest and urged the village authorities to chalk out plans in this regard.
Meanwhile, the convention lauded the Manipur cabinet decision to recognise the Liangmai dialect as one of the major tribal dialects of Manipur.
At one part of the event, retired joint director of Tribal Research Institute (TRI) K Daimai related how the Liangmai literature society came into being and the process he had undergone in pressurising the concerned authority for the recognition of the Liangmai dialect. He said it took 27 years altogether for the Manipur cabinet to obtain approval.
At the end of the programme, the convention resolved to protect the ‘ancestral land and to conserve forest.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/protection-of-ancestral-property-discussed-at-tamei/

Assam, Nagaland border area tense

DIMAPUR, June 4 NNN: Tension is brewing again between Adivasis and Nagas in the Nagaland-Assam border of Mariani following the succumbing of an Adivasi villager allegedly fired by villagers from Nagaland side at Mokochung-Mariani area on Monday.
The deceased has been identified as one Sanjay Bhumji.
Reports said, villagers from across the borders exchanged fire on Monday morning at around 9 and a bullet hit Sanjay Bhumji’s chest. He was rushed to Jorhat Medical College but succumbed shortly.
This incident happened barely after a week’s of imposing blockade and counter blockade in the border area.
On May 27, under the banner of the All Assam Tea Tribes’ Students Association (AATTSA), the Adivasis had imposed blockade to Nagaland at Mariani area of Assam-Nagaland border accusing the Nagas of assaulting the some Adivasis. On the other hand, the Nagas had alleged that the Adivasis were encroaching into Nagas’ land and had destroyed the standing crops in the fields of the Nagas at Mariani area.
“Unable to restrain further, the villagers waylaid the encroachers on May 23 and caught two encroachers red-handed in the act of destroying plantation and cultivated land within the village ancestral land near the Assam border. The encroachers culprits were handed over to the Police Station of Longchem Hq for necessary action,” the Naga villages of Nokpu Village Council and Saring Nokpu B Village Council had stated.
Vehicles from Nagaland and travelers at Mariani were blocked since last week demanding that the government of Assam arrest those Naga villagers involved in the abduction and assault incident on two Adivasis failing,which indefinite road blockade would be imposed on Nagaland.
Countering to the act of the Adivasi community, the apex body of the Ao Nagas under the banner of Ao Senden had imposed counter-blockade from 6 am of May 28.
The Nokpu Village Council and Saring Nokpu ‘B’ village Council of Nagaland alleged that activities of the ‘encroachers’ from Assam side, comprising of armed Adivasis and illegal immigrants under the instigation of some individual with selfish vested interest from the area are still continuing.
The village councils had then said there are historical facts and evidence that tells us about having very good Ahoms Naga relationship which exist till today; and even closer relationship between the communities living border areas, both village council re-iterates that people of Nokpu village still maintained the age old close relationship with the people of Ahoms. And there is no misunderstanding with the people of Assamese people except that we are against illegal immigrants who are encroaching our ancestral land, it added.
“Therefore, the action of the villagers in apprehending the encroachers/culprit and approaching authorities for taking action as per law should not be construed as kidnapping case, and further, both the council appeal to the local residence not to resort to false allegation .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/assam-nagaland-border-area-tense/

ATSUM strike not affecting Ccpur

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 4 : The Kuki Students Organisation General Headquarters (KSO-GHQ)expressed deep resentment over some state news agencies and reporters with regard to the news report of ATSUM’s bandh badly effecting Churachandpur district? that has been published on state dailies.
The student body clarified that, there was no significant of the bandh in Churchandpur to that extend as reported by news agencies and New Lamka correspondents that has been published in local dailies. In contrary to the reports, schools and offices remain opened, inter-district passenger buses, local auto transport and other public transports rendered services as usual in the district headquarters as KSO and other likeminded student organizations had opposed to the pseudo ATSUM bandh in the state. Imphal to Churachandpur Bus Association and Winger Association can also be quizzed if they had any problem with their services during the 38hours pseudo ATSUM bandh to reached Churchandpur district headquarters. Perhaps there is little impact of the bandh at a place called New Lamka located approximately 3km away from the district headquarters Tuibong which is almost negligible notwithstanding the reports published.
KSO expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all concern in combating the menace of “pseudo ATSUM”. KSO hopes to see a genuine ATSUM installed within the month of June as an ‘election commission’ with W Shinglai (former ATSUM) general secretary as the chief election commissioner has given maximum effort in conducting the prolong pending ATSUM election. said Mangcha Baite , Vice – President (Adm.)KSO .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/atsum-strike-not-affecting-ccpur/

World Environment Day

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 4 : Tomorrow is the World Environment Day, The theme for this year’s World Environment Day celebrations is “Think, Eat, Save Reduce Your Foodprint”. Think, Eat, Save
Reduce your food print is an anti-food waste and food loss campaign that encourages you to reduce your food print. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), every year 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted. This is equivalent to the same amount produced in the whole of sub-Saharan Africa. At the same time, 1 in every 7 people in the world go to bed hungry and more than 20,000 children under the age of 5 die daily from hunger.
The website of the United Nations Environment programme (www.unep.org/wed/theme) states that given this enormous imbalance in lifestyles and the resultant devastating effects on the environment, this year’s theme – Think, Eat, Save Reduce Your Food print– encourages you to become more aware of the environmental impact of the food choices you make and empowers you to make informed decisions.
It further mention that while the planet is struggling to provide us with enough resources to sustain its 7 billion people (growing to 9 billion by 2050), FAO estimates that a third of global food production is either wasted or lost. Food waste is an enormous drain on natural resources and a contributor to negative environmental impacts.
As a part of celebration of World Environment Day, Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment & Forests will preside over the function here tomorrow. On the occasion, Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Member Planning Commission will deliver the key note address on the theme. Ms. Lise Grande, UN Resident Co-ordinator and UNDP Resident Representative will also address the function.
The RPF has issued a statement as part of the observation.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/world-environment-day-2/

Institute for the Physically Handicapped: Making Life Move

Amit Guin
Hemant Kanwar was suffering from post-polio residual paralysis in the left lower limb. He was not able to walk steadily and had to rely on others to take him from one place to other. Being unemployed, he also had to face problems when appearing for job interviews. Facing severe problems even to accomplish his day-to-day activities, Hemant consulted the doctors of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute for the Physically Handicapped (PDUIPH). Somewhere in March this year, he received a Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO) from the Delhi-based Institute. Now, after wearing an orthosis on his left leg, he feels a drastic change in his life. With orthosis, walking became much easier for Hemant. He is ecstatic that now he does not have to rely on others for support. He looks and sounds confident as he can now commute to different places through public transport systems such as buses among others. He says that the best thing after this surgery is the fact that he gained immense amount of confidence as now there was no mental apprehension of falling down while walking. And now he is employed with a Multi- National Company as an Operations Administrator, where he has to perform desk jobs as well as attend various meetings and conferences in different places. Each time he takes a walk without any physical support, he thanks PDUIPH.
Set up in 1976 as an organisation to empower persons with disabilities under the Disability Division of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, PDUIPH provides out-patient clinical services in physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, apart from providing social, psychological and vocational counseling services to persons with disabilities.
It is known that India is home to a large number of disabled persons from the low-income group. Large number of disabled persons cannot have access to various benefits of the new technologies and appliances as they are unable to purchase them. Paying heed to these concerns, the Government of India decided to make the Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances (ADIP) of the Government of India more accessible and more user-friendly, so that the needy are not deprived of aids and appliances, which are essential for them. PDUIPH provides prosthetic, orthotic and other rehabilitation aids under ADIP scheme at minimum costs.
Take the case of eight-year-old Tisham Ali. Tisham suffered from hip disarticulation since birth. Belonging to a poor family, Tisham’s disability was haunting his family a lot. His father, who does a private job, was told by someone to take his child to PDUIPH. After being examined by rehabilitation professionals in the Institute, Tashim’s father was advised that his child had congenital limb deficiency and that he should be given hip disarticulation prosthesis. The prosthesis was made in the Prosthetic & Orthotics workshop which helped Tashim to walk comfortably without support. The prosthesis, which was light in weight and aligned properly, helped Tashim to execute his daily activities – right from going to school to playing with friends – easily.
The ADIP Scheme provided by the Institute helps disabled persons like Hemant and Tashim by bringing suitable, durable, scientifically-manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances within their reach. The primary objective of the Scheme is to assist lower-income disabled persons in procuring sophisticated, modern, standard aids and appliances that can promote their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation, by immensely reducing the effects of disabilities and enhance their economic potential. The Scheme also include under its umbrella, medical/surgical correction and intervention, which is essential before fitment of aids and appliances. It is to be noted that a disabled person should be certified by a registered medical practitioner that he/she is disabled and fit to use prescribed aid/appliance, so that he/she can be eligible for assistance under ADIP Scheme.
The Institute for the Physically Handicapped (IPH) provides all types of prosthetic and orthotic devices; mobility aids like tricycles, wheelchairs, crutches walking sticks and walking frames/rotators; all types of surgical footwears and MCR chappals; special mobility aids for visually disabled people with muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy like adapted walkers; and various types of hearing aids, under the ADIP Scheme to the disabled individuals. An occupational therapist, Jitendra Kumar was facing difficulties in standing, walking and performing his daily activities due to his shortened lower limb. After an assessment in IPH, an extended lower limb prosthesis was designed, fabricated and fitted to him. With the help of the prosthesis, Jitendra is able to drive vehicles, and he has become fully independent. He is now leading a successful life and contributing to the society by rehabilitating patients and person with disabilities.
In this manner, the Institute for the Physically Handicapped improves and enhances the quality of life of the disabled persons. It also gives them confidence to face the everyday challenges of their life. It also helps the disabled persons become earning members of their family, hence making them achieve economic self-dependence and also be able to live and pursue their activities with dignity.
(PIB Features.)

ATSUM to stop all projects in hill areas

IMPHAL, June 4 MNS NNN: CrPC 144 has been clamped as tension was running high in Churachandpur district headquarters in south Manipur on the concluding day of the 38 hours bandh called by All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) today.
It all began when those of bandh supporters and those who opposed the bandh confronted in the district headquarters. The police had to blank-fired to calm the situation. The situation was brought under control late this afternoon.
Meanwhile, the All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) has expressed it shock over the alleged indifferent attitude of the state government of Manipur on the issues put up by the ATSUM even after the 38-hour bandh.
“We appeal our leaders especially the state MLAs from the hills to wake up and speak out the truth for the discriminated hill people of Manipur,” ATSUM said today. It then pledged to agitate (its sustaned 38 hours agitation) in a democratic manner.
By ‘sustained agitation’ ATSUM here means no more imposing bandh but by way of sudden resorting of any action at any available opportunity and at any place to draw the attention of the government, especially against the government properties.
On Tuesday, ATSUM said all the developmental work under the state government as well as the under the Centre will be banned from working. “The railway construction work, oil drilling or extraction of gas and many other developmental works will be banned,” threatened ATSUM today. ATSUM also said after the 38-hour ‘sustained agitation’ it will further intensify its agitation if there is no response coming forth from the government.
Meanwhile, ATSUM alleged its president Muan Tombing was assaulted by police when he went to plead at Sekmai police station to secure release of members of All Tribal Disabled Union, Manipur (ATDUM) who were detained at the station for involving in the bandh yesterday. The ATSUM also alleged that ATDUM volunteers were also assaulted while using abusive words. However, the volunteers were released this afternoon.Speaking to the media at Manipur press club a representative of ATSUM condemn the act of Sekmai police in its strongest term for beating up a disabled person in their custody after arresting from Kanglatombi bazaar yesterday for supporting the 38 hours intense agitation called by ATSUM.
And from tomorrow in the entire five hills district a representative of ATSUM will carry out any form of agitation according to their convenience said Majabung leader of ATSUM.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/atsum-to-stop-all-projects-in-hill-areas/

The team members of the 1st North East India top of World Mt. Everest Expedition called on the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi on June 03, 2013.

The team members of the 1st North East India top of World Mt. Everest Expedition called on the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi on June 03, 2013.

Women education needed

for better society
Imphal, Jun 3 UNA : We must focus on women’s education as the knowledge and empowerment of one woman can bring about a change in a family and even the society as a whole said Kangpoki assembly constituency, MLA Nemcha kipgen on Monday.
Nemcha Kipgen was addressing as a chief guest at the second Sadar Hills HSLC Top Ten Meritorious award giving out ceremony at the community hall at Kangpokpi under the sponsorship of her and organized by the KSO-SH.
The local MLA further stated that it is the uneducated and illiterate people who think women are not entitled to education.
An educated person has the ability to differentiate between right and wrong or good and evil so it is the foremost responsibility of the society to educate every citizen.
Giving his presidential speech, president KSO-SH president, Thangminlen Kipgen said that KSO shall start a school wise visit to the length and breath of the district whether government or private one, thereby conducting quality education awareness campaign.
The KSO-SH is also planning to organize literary programme from school level to block level and to district level added Thangminlen.
A meritorious award was given to ten students from different schools under Sadar Hills according to their percentage of their marks score.
The awards carry a citation and cash.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/women-education-needed/

Three years rigorous for insurance officer

Mail News Service
New Delhi, June 3: The Special Judge for CBI Cases Indore has convicted Inderjeet Singh Bhatia the then Development Officer, Divisional Office-I, United India Insurance Company Ltd.
Indore(Madhya Pradesh) U/s 13(2) r/w 13(1)(e) of PC Act, 1988 and sentenced him to undergo three years Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs. 10 lakh in a disproportionate assets case.
CBI had registered a Case on 20.03.2003 against Shri Inderjeet Singh Bhatia the then Development Officer, Divisional Office-I, United India Insurance Company Ltd. Indore u/s 13(2) r/w 13(1)(e) of PC Act, 1988 on the allegations that he amassed huge wealth of Rs.20,70,882/- which was disproportionate to his known source of income.
After investigation a charge sheet U/s 13(2) r/w 13(1)(e) of PC Act, 1988 against Shri Inderjeet Singh Bhatia was filed on 17.08.2004 in the Court of Special Judge for CBI Cases, Indore.
The Trial Court found the accused guilty and convicted him.
The Special Judge, CBI, AHD, Ranchi(Jharkhand) has today sentenced 10 accused persons in one of the Fodder Scam Cases tried at Ranchi.
The ten accused persons are Dr Om Prakash Diwakar, the than Regional Director, AHD, Dumka to undergo six years Rigorous Imprisonment with fine of Rs. Four Lakhs; Dr Ajit Kumar Sinha, then TVO(M), Godda, working in the office of DAHO Godda to unergo six years RI with fine of Rs. Four Lakhs; Braj Bhushan Prasad, Retd Budget Cum Accountant officer, AHD Patna to undergo five years RI with fine of Rs. Two Lakhs; Rajesh Kumar Sinha, owner of M/s Tara Pharmaceuticals J&K Towor, Ex Hibition Road, Patna to undergo five years RI with fine of Rs. Two Lakhs; Naresh Prasad, Owner of M/s Vyapar Kutir, Patna to undergo four years RI with fine of Rs. 1.60 Lakhs ; Rakesh kumar Sinha, the then Treasury Officer. Godda, to undergo five years RI with fine of Rs. Two Lakhs; Bal Krishna Dubey, the then Accountant, Treasury office, Godda to undergo four years RI with fine of Rs. One Lakh; Bhanukar Dubey, the then Assistant , Treasury office, Godda to undergo four years RI with fine of Rs. One Lakh; Dr R.K. Rana, Ex-MLA, resident of Narayanpur, Distt. Bhagalpur to undergo five years RI with fine of Rs. Two Lakhs and Dhruv Bhagat, Ex-MLA, resident of Sangrampur, Distt, Munger to undergo five years RI with fine of Rs.Two Lakhs.
In this case chargesheet was filed in the court against 15 accused persons on the allegations that the accused siphoned off an amount of Rs. 36,65,861/- from Godda(Jharkhand) Treasury on strength of forged & fabricated allotment letters, false supply bills raised by the accused suppliers either without effecting the supply of any material, billed for or by making part supply. Out of 15, two died during trial & one pleaded guilty. Remaining 12 accused persons were facing trial. Out of 12, Ten accused persons were convicted on 31.05.2013. Two persons i.e one Statistical Supervisor and other Supplier were acquitted by the Court.
This is 44th Fodder Scam Case so far disposed off from trial at Ranchi.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/three-years-rigorous-for-insurance-officer/

IGNTUSU warns of closure

IMPHAL, June 3 NNN : The Indira Gandhi National Tribal University Students’ Union, Regional Campus Manipur (IGNTUSU-RCM) has warned the authority of the varsity it would shut down the institution indefinitely unless it addresses various problems confronting it within one week.
An emergency meeting was held at the varsity campus on June 3 on the mal-administration in the institution and grievances of its students, IGNTUSU-RCM said in a statement Monday.
The meeting reviewed the memorandum submitted to the President of India, who is also the Visitor of the varsity, through the Review Committee on the March 15, 2013 to resolve the grievances and difficulties faced by the students and deeply regretted on the failure to give positive response from the President till date, it said.
In fact, since its inception in 2009, the varsity has not been given any approved written ordinances for the Regional Campus and neither the Regional Director till date, the statement said, adding the campus has been functioning without any proper infrastructure and facilities as per UGC norms.
It said no response has been given to the proposal for a separate budget by the students till now and added that though the PhD course has been approved for the Department of Political Science and Social Work, there is no detailed information regarding recruitment process.
“There is lack of faculties and support staffs in the campus as a result of which the campus is facing a lot of difficulties.”
The campus has been functioning without Regional Director since April 1, 2013, as the former Regional Director had resigned from his post, it said, adding that it is unfortunate that such able tribal Director had to leave on ground other than for not approving ordinances for the campus by the Headquarter, it said.
Moreover, the University Headquarter has never entertained with any of the representation or prayers by the students urging to address their grievances, it added.
The statement added that therefore, the students are left with no other alternatives but to take up any sort of democratic agitation to fulfill the demands urging the varsity authority to look into the matter and take necessary actions within one week or before June 10 failing which the students will be compelled to close down the campus indefinitely. It also warned that for any untoward incident that occurs during the strike the Vice Chancellor of the varsity must be held responsible.
Further, it urged all concerned organizations to come forward and extend support to the cause of the IGNTUSU-RCM so that the problems faced by the students of this varsity are resolve at the earliest.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/igntusu-warns-of-closure/

ATSUM stir partially affects life

IMPHAL, June 3 MNS/NNN : The All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) sponsored 38 hours total bandh has mixed reactions in the hill districts of Manipur today.
Ukhrul district and Churachandpur district witnessed strong responses of the ATSUM bandh but Senapati and Chandel district headquarters failed to respond to the bandh call.
However, transport system between Tamenglong and Imphal was halted today due to the bandh.
ATSUM leaders claimed that around 9 trucks plying along NH-2 were damaged today by their volunteers.
Tryres were burnt in some pockets in Imphal by ATSUM volunteers this morning.
Regarding the inter-state transport system along the National Highway-2, the number of passenger buses and heavy goods vehicles were very less today but passenger vehicles like Tata Winger and Tata Sumo were plying between Imphal and Dimapur as usual. However, no vehicular movement was seen along the Imphal-Silchar road (NH-37) due to the bandh.
The inter-district transporter systems between Imphal and Ukhrul and between Imphal and Churachandpur were halted totally for the day. Shops and other business activities were also did not function in the district headquarters of Ukhrul and Churachandpur but there were no bandh impact the the district headquarters of Senapati and Chandel. Some shops were seen opened in Tamenglong district headquarters, reports reaching here said.
Meanwhile, 9 volunteers of All Tribal Disabled Union, Manipur (ATDUM) were arrested by police while the activists were imposing bandh at Kanglatongbi area. They were taken to Sekmai police station this morning but four were released this evening, reports said.
ATSUM reiterated today that there has been been ATSUM’s long standing aspiration to find a State Commission of the Scheduled Tribes in Manipur under the Article 338A of the Indian Constitution which would usher in all round Development and progress in respect of thee tribal people in this eastern most part of the Indian Union. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes which came in to force on 19th February, 2004 has failed to provide adequate service to the state of Manipur a it is based on the distant centre in Shillong, they stated.
According to the ATSUM leaders, the state of Karnataka in 2002 had established the State Commission for SC/ST under the name and style ‘The Karnataka State Commission for Scheduled Tribes Act, 2002′. They said the tribal population is the second largest in the state of Manipur but the pace of development is rather too slow till today comparing to that of the non-tribal populace. There has been the Manipur state Commission for OBC which meant to safeguard the rights of the other backward classes, the ATSUM leaders said.
“In the light of the above facts and circumstances, it is our earnest plea that the Manipur State Commission for the ST be set up in the earnest date, the tribal students’ body stated.
ATSUM then demanded for the setting up of B.Ed centres in hill districts of Manipur.
“Even the HSLC examination centres are very often treated as temporary arrangement subject to omission and commission. It is demanded that B.Ed centres be set up in all the five hill districts where TET can be conducted,” the tribal students’ body demanded.
ATSUM also mentioned that the crisis in the newly set up Indra Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) Regional Compus in Manipur is put to a situation of breaking down totally because all the required infrastructures and issues have not been properly attended to by the authorities concerned. “There is no end to the students’ agitations against many lapses in the University. Xerox copy of the MoU signed between students and the vice chancellor is enclosed herewith for kind perusal. It is our earnest plea for your urgent intervention before things turn from bad to worse,” ATSUM cautions.
One point the ATSUM said is, “We demand adequate number of both teaching and non-teaching staff in the educational institutions in the hill areas of Manipur state. We also demand that proper infrastructures for the educational institutions in the five hill districts be provided promptly as to facilitate smooth functioning of the academic sessions”.
“The recruitment of junior Manipur Civil Service (MCS) rule latest amendment published in Manipur Gazette Extra Ordinary Dt. 06/03/2012 U/S 2(2) & (3) clearly states that there shall be 2 grades i.e. (I). Junior MCS, Junior Grade (II) Senior MCS, Senior Grade. The clauses 3 states that the post of Junior MCS, senior Grade shall be class I Gazetted while the post of Junior MCS, Junior Grade be Class II Gazetted. We demand that justice be delivered at the time of conducting DPC in respect of SC & ST requiring promotion in accordance with the Manipur Reservation of vacancies in posts and Services (for ST&SC) Rules, 2011 published on 17/05/2011,” the tribal students’ leaders pointed out.

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

Appeal to MPs to act on woman killing case in New Delhi

IMPHAL, May 3 NNN : Condemning the alleged murder of Reingamphy Awungshi inside her room in New Delhi, the Great June Uprising Unity Day Observation Committee (GJUUDOC) Monday made a fervent appeal to the MPs of Manipur to use their might to bring the culprits in the case to justice.
Speaking to reporters at United Committee Manipur (UCM) office here, GJUUDOC chairman KT Rahman alleged there is tacit knowledge that the mainland India discriminates the Northeasterners on various grounds.
Rahaman also appealed to the two MPs of the state to use their strength to help bring all the culprits in the Awungshi killing case to justice. The 21- year -old girl from Ukhrul district of Manipur was mysteriously found dead in her room on May 29 in South Delhi.
“Responsibility for any unpleasant situation that arises out of denial of justice to the case must be owned up by both the state and Central Governments,” he cautioned.
Y Nabachandra, vice-chairman, GJUUDOC, who was also present there, said the committee condemned the killing of Awungshi in the strongest terms blaming the mainland India for racial profiling against the people of the region.
He also expressed unhappiness over the failure of the concerned authority to take up the case of Awungshi killing in South Delhi in right time.
Nabachandra pledged the committee would render support to the Awungshi Joint Action Committee in its future agitation against her killing.
He also appealed to all not to observe the upcoming June 18 anniversary in pompous manner taking account of the seriousness of the Awungshi killing case.

Grand bungalows of Ministers in Mizoram attract corruption watchdog

AIZAWL, June 2 NNN: Due to the FIR filed recently by the Mizoram corruption watchdog, People’s Right to Information and Development Implementing Society of Mizoram (PRISM) to Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) against Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and his ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries and MLAs on ground of discrepancy in accumulation and construction of their own residential buildings and to investigate over it, the accused ministers and MLAs said they now want to resort to filing defamation case against the PRISM, according to the media cell of Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC).
“After having done verification over the accusations made by PRISM against the MLAs, we found that the accusations are false and unfounded,” the MPCC stated, adding, “We are very much afraid that these out-of-the-way accusations hurled at the MLAs may downgrade even their already secured good names. The possible reason, we supposed, for PRISM doing like this is because they want to contest in the assembly elections. We therefore, supposed that they (PRISM) feel the good MLAs as a hindrance in their plan for the same and so tried to defame them”, the MPCC said.
It can be noted here that this is not the only case where PRISM had exposed the corrupt practices in Mizoram.
On August 18 last year, the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACb) had arrested PWD Engineer-in-Chief, Lianchungnunga, former Engineer-in-Chief Liansanga and PWD Accountant B Thanpuia on the charges of misappropriation of funds for the Serkhan-Bagha Road surfacing, thanks to the PRISM exposure.
Political parties including Mizoram state unit of BJP, Mizoram National Front (MNF), Mizo Peoples Convention (MPC), Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), PC and Zoram National Party (ZNP) along with NGOs such as AMFU, AMIS, CITUM, FOMTU, GDN, HR&LN, HZP, MBCS, MCDC, MMS, MRTU, MUP, MSU, MZP, PRISM, SOSA and TZP rallied behind PRISM in the case.
The Anti Corruption Bureau had arrested the three officials- Lianchungnunga s/o Hranga (L) Chaltlang Dawrkawn, Liansanga s/o Suakkunga (L), Khatla and B Thanpuia s/o B Lalnghaka (L), Upper Republic following the FIR lodged against them for their alleged involvement in corruption in connection with the work of Serkhan-Bagha Road construction. ACB had arrested the three PWD officials through the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Lian¬chungnunga was arrested while he was at his office, Liansanga at his residence, and B Lalthanpuia while on his building construction work.
After receiving an FIR in 2009 against the three PWD officials, the Anti Corruption Bureau had carried out investigations after which they came to arrest the three accused PWD officials last month.
It can be noted here that the BRTF had earlier worked for the 75 km. Serkhan-Bagha construction and after blacktopping was done, it was handed over to Mizoram PWD in 2004. Then, the PWD received Rs. 6, 00, 50,000 during 2006-09 from the 12th Finance Commission, Rs. 1,00,86,000 from Mizoram Plan Fund during 2004-07, Rs. 30,00,000 from NEC in March 14, 2006 and again Rs. 45,00,000 on September 21, 2006.

ATSUM stir begins today

IMPHAL, June 2 NNN: Inspite of the strong opposition from Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) and those with the ‘Interim Body’ of ATSUM, the other faction of All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) sponsored “Intense agitation’ for 38 hours under the code name ROTO (Reckoning of the Others) is all set to begin from 5 am of Monday.
By ‘intense agitation for 38 hours’ ATSUM means total bandh in tribal dominated areas.
Talking to some reporters this evening, ATSUM leaders said their volunteers are now stationed in all the tribal dominated areas of Manipur to enforce the total bandh.
However, media, medical services, power/electricity service, water supply and security forces will be exempted from the purview of the bandh, according to ATSUM.
After the ’38 hours intense agitation’, it will be followed immediately by ’38 days sustained agitation’. By ‘sustained agitation’ ATSUM here means no more imposing bandh but by way of sudden resorting of any action at any available opportunity and at any place to draw the attention of the government, especially against the government properties.
The number ’38 hours’ or ’38 days’ denotes the number of tribes in Manipur.
ATSUM reiterated today that there has been been ATSUM’s long standing aspiration to find a State Commission of the Scheduled Tribes in Manipur under the Article 338A of the Indian Constitution which would usher in all round Development and progress in respect of thee tribal people in this eastern most part of the Indian Union. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes which came in to force on 19th February, 2004 has failed to provide adequate service to the state of Manipur a it is based on the distant centre in Shillong, they stated.
According to the ATSUM leaders, the state of Karnataka in 2002 had established the State Commission for SC/ST under the name and style ‘The Karnataka State Commission for Scheduled Tribes Act, 2002′. They said the tribal population is the second largest in the state of Manipur but the pace of development is rather too slow till today comparing to that of the non-tribal populace. There has been the Manipur state Commission for OBC which meant to safeguard the rights of the other backward classes, the ATSUM leaders said.
“In the light of the above facts and circumstances, it is our earnest plea that the Manipur State Commission for the ST be set up in the earnest date, the tribal students’ body stated.
ATSUM then demanded for the setting up of B.Ed centres in hill districts of Manipur.
“Even the HSLC examination centres are very often treated as temporary arrangement subject to omission and commission. It is demanded that B.Ed centres be set up in all the five hill districts where TET can be conducted,” the tribal students’ body demanded.
ATSUM also mentioned that the crisis in the newly set up Indra Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) Regional Compus in Manipur is put to a situation of breaking down totally because all the required infrastructures and issues have not been properly attended to by the authorities concerned. “There is no end to the students’ agitations against many lapses in the University. Xerox copy of the MoU signed between students and the vice chancellor is enclosed herewith for kind perusal. It is our earnest plea for your urgent intervention before things turn from bad to worse,” ATSUM cautions.
One point the ATSUM said is, “We demand adequate number of both teaching and non-teaching staff in the educational institutions in the hill areas of Manipur state. We also demand that proper infrastructures for the educational institutions in the five hill districts be provided promptly as to facilitate smooth functioning of the academic sessions”.
“The recruitment of junior Manipur Civil Service (MCS) rule latest amendment published in Manipur Gazette Extra Ordinary Dt. 06/03/2012 U/S 2(2) & (3) clearly states that there shall be 2 grades i.e. (I). Junior MCS, Junior Grade (II) Senior MCS, Senior Grade. The clauses 3 states that the post of Junior MCS, senior Grade shall be class I Gazetted while the post of Junior MCS, Junior Grade be Class II Gazetted. We demand that justice be delivered at the time of conducting DPC in respect of SC & ST requiring promotion in accordance with the Manipur Reservation of vacancies in posts and Services (for ST&SC) Rules, 2011 published on 17/05/2011,” the tribal students’ leaders pointed out.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/atsum-stir-begins-today/

Regional mountaineering institute in Manipur likely

Mail News Service
New Delhi, June 2: A Press Conference was organised at Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi regarding the successful summit of Mt. Everest by 11 mountaineers of North East India under the banner of 1st North East India Top of World Mt. Everest Expedition.
DS Poonia, Chief Secretary, Manipur, UK Sangma, Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, were present during the press conference.
UK Sangma on being enquired by the media regarding the setting up of a mountaineering and adventure institute in the region, said the government is considering the memorandum submitted by President of MMTA to the Minister-DoNER. The Minister has in principle agreed to the proposal and MMI, Lamdan is likely to be converted to a regional institute. Manipur is likely to have a regional Mountaineering Institute.
DS Poonia, Chief Secretary, Manipur introduced the climbers to the media and also about the achievement the Expedition have achieved.
Dr. L. Surjit, Leader of the Expedition presented a photo presentation and explained about the factors leading the successful summit of the Mt. Everest by the Expedition Team.
The Climbers narrated their experience to the media. Anshu Jamsenpa, mother of two from Arunachal Pradesh said, for the last thee months she has been out of her house leaving her child to realize a dream as a mountaineer. Chingkheinganba N, said, for mountaineers it is about being a discipline individual and strong perseverance.
On the same day, a reception dinner was organized by Manipur Development Society in honour of Climbers of 1st NE India top of World Mt. Everest Expedition.
On 1st June 2013, on behalf of the Chief Minister, Assam- Rocky Bull Hussain, Minister- Forest, Govt of Assam in the presence of B.K. Handique, former Minister of DoNER, Bhubaneshwar Kalita, MP, Assam, Devbrata Saikia, MLA of Assam, Stayen Sarma, President, Assam Mountaineering Association hosted a reception function and dinner in honour of the Climbers and the Organising Committee of the 1st North East India top of World Mt. Everest Expedition. The OC and Climbers were honored with traditional Assamese Gamcha and a memento from the Chief Minister of Assam.The Function was held at Assam Bhavan, SP Marg, New Delhi.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/regional-mountaineering-institute-in-manipur-likely/