Manipur News

KANGPOKPI, May 25: Politics is not a dirty game but when the people itself involved in it becomes polluted it is said to be a dirty and evil game asserted Ngamtinmang Haokip, BJP candidate of Lhungjang DCC under Saikul AC who also asked if it politics can be made a dirty and evil game why not a holistic and Godly game too.

The candidate was speaking at the interaction program organised by civil society organizations of Sadar Hills under the banner of Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills today at Conference Hall, Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council, Kangpokpi under the theme `Know Your Leader`.

Visibly, the political system is overpoweringly dishonored by among other things, the influence of money and the current structure is unsound because it looks to citizens for only two things `” votes and money claimed Ngamtinmang Haokip. While underlining the need for healing of the political culture within the heart of each individual, he further said that citizens should be viewed in a whole new way and looked to for what they can give of their own nobility, virtue, creative thinking, passion, and natural talent for community building and relating to others.

The power to rethink a situation is the greatest tool for transforming and healing the current political culture, added the BJP candidate.

Another BJP candidate from Gamnom-Sapormeina DCC Thenkhosei Kipgen said that his main motive behind the election is primary education and conveyed his determination to developed primary education in his constituency.

SAHILCA President, Tongpu Kipgen, Sir Nehlun Foundation President, Nehthang Kipgen and Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills President, Seikhomang Khongsai also spoke on the occasion while KSO Sadar Hills President and other CSOs leaders interact with the participating candidates in the presence of Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, SAHILCA and other CSOs within Sadar Hills, it said.

The interaction program was attended by various CSOs leaders within Sadar Hills including Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills President Seikhomang Khongsai, SAHILCA President Tongpu Kipgen, Kuki Women Union Sadar Hills President Hatneng Sitlhou, Kuki Women Organization for Human Rights Sadar Hills Vice President Themlhing, Sir Nehlun Foundation President Nehthang Kipgen, KSO Sadar Hills President Thangminlen Kipgen apart from church leaders and several intending candidates for the upcoming 5th ADC Election from Sadar Hills.

However, most of the candidates could not turn up due to their tight schedule poll campaign, said KISH Gen. Secretary.

Meanwhile, Seikhomang Khongsai, President Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills said that perspective road map will be made and declared before the elected candidates after the election.

All the participating candidates were blessed by Rev. Y. Haokip at the function.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/politics-should-be-made-holistic-not-a-dirty-game/

IMPHAL, May 25 : Slamming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for acting against secularism, president of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee Gaikhangam alleged that BJP is not only anti-Christian and anti-Muslim but also anti-Hindu.

He was speaking during a consultative meeting and blessing programme of INC DCC candidates of Ukhrul ADC at Raphei Village, Mantri Pukhri today. INC candidates from Jessami, Nungbi, Chingajaroi, Halang, Chingai, Tolloi, Teinem, Somdal, Tongou and Kachai DCCs in Ukhrul district were present at the programme.

Gaikhangam who is also the Deputy Chief Minister appealed to the hills people to cast their valuable votes in the ensuing ADC election without fear and pressure.

Unlike the BJP, the Congress party believes in non-violence and truth. Be it Islam, Hindu or Christian, the party regards the people of all religion, he asserted.

Right to cast vote is the most important right that Indian constitution guarantees for the citizen of the nation. Voting in the election is for the good cause, Gaikhangam maintained.

Regretting that Ukhrul district is reeling under slew of troubles and unwanted problems which need to rectify so that peace and development in the district are not affected by it, he admitted that the programme could not be held in Ukhrul district as scheduled earlier due to volatile situation in the district.

He mentioned that politics is there to bring development, light the dark, bridge the gaps and uplift the poor people while adding that Zeliangrong Union and Kuki National Assembly were once separate political parties but dissolved later due to disunity.

Lamenting that involvement of non-political organizations in the ADC election will only lead to disunity and chaos among the communities which should be avoided, Gaikhangam exuded confidence that the INC will win at least 16 seats out of 24 in the ensuing election.

Referring to the recent statement made by a BJP Minister that all those who eat beef should go to Pakistan if they cannot survive without eating beef, he pointed out that six churches have been burnt down after BJP came to the power under the leadership of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.

The special category status given to the north eastern states has been also lifted by BJP obstructing special funds sanctioned for development programmes in the region. The Look East Policy has been also converted into Act East Policy by the party just for namesake, he said.

Gaikhangam went on to say that the lifting of special category status from the northeast states will have adverse affects in Manipur which has immense potential in the field of tourism and sports as the two sectors need huge funds for its development.

He also said that the Central Government has planned to utilise Rs 20,000 crores for rejuvenation of Ganga River but only Rs 2000 crores has been earmarked for development of the entire country which is not justified.

Deputy Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly MK Preshaw who is also Chingai A/c MLA said that he had wanted to hold the programme in Ukhrul so that he could meet womenfolk and elderly persons of the district and share their grievances.

He expressed hope that there will be a huge turnout of voters in the ensuing ADC election to be held on June 1 and chooses INC candidates considering their potential to bring in development and growth in the hill districts.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/gaikhangam-dubs-bjp-antihindu-too/

IMPHAL, May 25: Along with observing the 125th Death Anniversary of Pukhrambam Kajao today, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh as chief guest unveiled a newly constructed statue of the late warrior at Kangmong in Konthoujam Constituency, Imphal West.

Organized by Pukhrambam Kajao Memorial Trust, the observance function was also graced by Lok Sabha MP Dr Meinya as president; MLA N Loken; MLA K Sarat; MLA W Brajabidhu; MLA Dr I Ibohalbi; Pradhans and Members of Yurembam Yarou Bamdhiar GP as guests of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Ibobi acknowledged that Pukhrambam Kajao was one of the brave warriors who had sacrificed his life fighting against the mighty British forces for the sake of Manipur`™s integrity.

He said that people of the State should always remember the undeniable sacrifices made by Pukhrambam Kajao and added that people should follow footsteps and suit adopted by the late warrior.

Referring to the memorandum submitted by the trust urging to declare state holiday on the day of the death anniversary of Pukhrambam Kajao, the CM assured that the matter put up by the trust will be discussed in the Cabinet meeting.

Ibobi said that the government will also try to dedicate a museum at the site where the statue of the warrior was unveiled and construct a playground at Kangmong in honour of the deceased fighter.

During the function, the CM presented simple gifts to Khutheiba Laishram from Phoijing Awang Leikai, who designed the statue of Pukhrambam Kajao.

Offering of floral tributes at the portrait of late Kajao as a mark of respect and displaying of the spear which Pukhrambam Kajao used in killing Greenwood, a British agent were the main highlights of the observance function.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/cm-unveils-statue-of-pukhrambam-kajao-at-kangmong/

IMPHAL, May 25: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today inaugurated the 3-day long Malem Paphal Art Exhibition at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Sanglen, Palace Compound.

The exhibition organised by Singh Portrait Gallery (Trust) is showcasing 400 different Paphal (flags) associated with different stages of the Manipuri history as well as 400 different portraits of distinguish individuals from both the hills and valley of Manipur. The oil paintings are created by Haobam Sanaton.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said our State Manipur, located in the North Eastern corner of India, is home to several communities who have their own separate culture, language, religion. These communities have been residing peacefully since time immemorial fully understanding their roots and origins, he added.

We have been establishing our identity with our talents in games & sports and arts and culture not only in India but to the outside world as well, Ibobi observed.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh also lauded the efforts of the Singh Portrait Gallery for presenting the history of Manipur through its portraits.

We are all aware that painting is not an easy art, and a painter is a naturally-gifted artists, he continued.

The Chief Minister said although the number of artists in the State is quite negligible, it is understandable that they are facing financial problems because unlike in other States of the country or outside the country there are not many buyers of paintings.

Considering the time taken and effort needed in this profession, we can only laud the artists who are working selflessly with dedication and sacrifice, he observed.

The Chief Minister further lauded the Singh Portrait Gallery and the Singh Publicity asserting that the Malem Paphal Art Exhibition, 2015 is not an ordinary exhibition.

The portraits and other paintings will tell out younger generation about our ancestors`™ origin, customs, tradition, behavior and changes brought to the society, he observed.

Meanwhile, former minister Arts and Culture Dr Moirangthem nara Singh also drew the attention of the Chief Minister to frame a State culture policy to help the artists of the State.

Manipur Sahitya Parishad president Thoidingjam Tombi Singh also attended the inaugural function as a dignitary.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/cm-inaugurates-malem-paphal-art-exhibition/

IMPHAL, May 25: Frequent changes in electing a local MLA of a constituency would only hamper developmental projects taken up, asserted Member of Parliament Dr Th Meinya while inaugurating the Beheigyabati Leikai Community Hall today.

The community hall was constructed under the Local Area Development Fund of the MP and handed over to the people of Yaishkul during today`™s inaugural function in the presence of local MLA S Chand.

He said the hard work undertaken by the local MLA to bring about a change in the Yaishkul constituency is laudable.

An MP gets only Rs 5 crore as his Local Area Development Fund which is not sufficient to meet all the demands of the people, Dr Meinya said adding that there are 32 Assembly constituencies in the Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency.

Further in his speech, he said the people need to elect the right representative to bring any development in their constituency.

The State is facing financial limitations due to lack of income resources, the MP observed.

Stating that he has taken up the demand of repealing the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the Parliament, the MP said a public leader should be able to understand the pulse of the public.

MLA Chand said government officials should work selflessly in the interest of the people and the State.

He also said that due to certain financial constraints of the government, some roads in his constituency are lying unrepaired however, he is trying his level best to repair the roads.

Chand continued that ever since he became the local MLA, he has inaugurated nine community halls and handed them over to the public.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/frequent-changes-in-mlas-will-deter-development-works-of-a-constituency-dr-meinya/

IMPHAL, May 25: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director Anil Sinha today inaugurated the new office building cum residential complex of CBI, ACB, Imphal branch at Lamphelpat, DC complex.

Speaking at a media interaction post the inaugural, the CBI director said the agency will focus on special crimes and corruption related investigations to the satisfaction of the people and the court.

The number of cases entrusted to the agency is indicative of the people`™s trust on the agency`™s capabilities and the agency is mindful of the public expectations, he continued.

Considering the language barriers the agency would face in deputing only officials from outside the State, he said we have requested the concern authorities to depute local police officers to bridge the barriers which would be essential in the agency`™s working.

CBI has a full-fledged unit in Manipur for a few years now and we hope to play a more pro-active role in the developmental activities and check the elements which could derail the developmental works and lead to corruption, he continued.

The CBI will address the issue of corruption with hardcore seriousness, he asserted.

`The CBI strives to enhance our capacity and improve it to the next level of proficiency; from being the best investigating agency in India to becoming the best globally` he said.

`Besides upgrading our facilities like infrastructure we will also focus on developing and improving our human resources.`

`We would be inculcating three years specialist courses for 500 officers. CBI will continue to improve our methods, systems and procedures to sustain our excellence in serving the people,` he asserted.Our principle and challenge is to remain legally correct in our performance and ensure that we investigate and enquire to endeavor success in the courts, Anil Sinha added.

Several trees were planted in the campus by other attending IPS officers namely Rajesh Subarno, Rajiv Singh, Santosh Mecherla and Anil Sinha.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/state-cbi-building-inaugurated-director-assures-to-meet-peoples-expectations/

IMPHAL May 25: Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam inaugurated a week-long 4th State Level Watermelon Festival being organized by Nahakpam Foundation for Development (NFD) at GM Hall today.

Other guests of the inaugural function included Prof J M Laishram and Dr Chinglen Meisnam.

The festival is being held with the sole objective of promoting the economic benefits of farming water melon. A total of 12 stalls are participating in the festival.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Gaikhangam who also holds the portfolio of Home asserted that the festival is meant for encouraging both the growers and buyers of watermelon which is a potential cash crop.

He called upon the growers of watermelon to accelerate its production so as to boost economy of the state.

Admitting the grievances about the present lack of processing units and market linkage of watermelon in the state, the Dy CM said that feasibility to provide facilities for extracting juice will soon be discussed with the concerned officials.

For the time being, farmers should be mindful that diminishing productivity will contradict the intention of the government towards enhancement of watermelon production, he said.

He appealed to the concerned rich philanthropies to invest and support the endeavours of local farmers in cash crops like watermelon.

The Dy CM further encouraged farming diverse crops and improving work culture towards a self reliant state.

Shanta Nahakpam of NFD in his keynote address stated that farmers have been growing watermelon in the state since the mid 1970s but it was only after the massive import from Burma since 2000 that farmers realize the economic potential of this cash crop.

Regarding the government support, he said that seeds for 300 to 400 acres are availed from the department and its products are exhibited in the festival.

There is a need for more support to expand the watermelon economy with value addition. The government can support by facilitating food processing and encouraging the farmers with irrigation facilities. Several watermelon farmers are dejected due to the lack of government support which further dims their economic prospects despite the high yield, he said.

He expressed hope that the government will extend all possible help in turning the farming of watermelon into an industry and expand the benefits for the watermelon farmers.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/dy-cm-inaugurates-4th-state-level-watermelon-festival/

By Paojel Chaoba

IMPHAL, May 25: Charges were made to the Agriculture minister Abdul Nasir implicating him of harassing two women delegates by self claimed General Secretary of Club 25 International, Manipur, namely K Kanarjit at Manipur Press Club.

The ongoing investigation of Kanarjit and his dubious claims have shed new light on various matters including the charges in this sexual harassment case. Two women were named by Kanarjit, one from UP whom the minister harassed by texting late at night, the other was implied to have done something bordering on sexual harassment by the minister , the woman hails from Nepal.

They both had stayed at the Classic Grande in April for the World Youth Summit 2015.

As charges were hurled and counter claims were made by the minister refuting Kanarjit`™s claim. This reporter was able to contact the activist from UP.

Sanjana (name changed) through mail said that she does not even know the name of the minister. She wanted her exchange with Kanarjit in Messenger yesterday to be printed here, it was at 8.47 pm. Sanjana said ` What did the agricultural minister did with me can you please tell me as of the knowledge I have regarding me, he didn`™t message me nor did anything to me. I am a human rights activist and I know very well how to defend the things and with the proper channel.`

Sanjana mentioned that Kanarjit did not answer her.

She also texted him the next sentences, ` There is a limit of bluffing. For hiding your scams, you are misusing my State and my name. How much more you bluff. My goodness, I had never expected this from you. You have done lacs of scam that`™s why your nomination got cancelled from IYONS. You have two daughters ahead of you. Before bluffing, think of your daughters once. And I am warning you if again you misuse my name or my state name, I am going to sue you under section 500 of IPC. Mind this.` She added that she has been victimized by Kanarjit for no reason. Sanjana has given approval for these statements to be published in other media houses also.

So, the picture unfolds against the claim of Kanarjit by the same person he had implicated. The other woman from Nepal, Sushma,(name changed) cannot be contacted at the moment but reliable sources have confirmed that only a verbal altercation occurred and there was no physical harassment from the minister`™s side. The matter with Nasir was also resolved at the moment as the matter was not very abusive. However, this reporter is still trying to contact her personally.

The Kanarjit affair unfolds of lies and deceit perpetrated by himself for his momentary gains.

In another separate issue, Kanarjit when asked what his designation was by this reporter at Manipur Press Club, he had replied that he is the General Secretary of Club 25, International Manipur. It has also come to light that Kanarjit is misusing the Club 25 name to gain advantage as he did then with UNESCO.

An e-mail came to this reporter from Club 25, International Director Stephanie Benedetti. She had also attended the Global Youth Meet held here in 2014. According to her, `Many GYM members were trapped in Manipur because of the lies of KK Singh. In 2014, I was invited to come as a special guest, we (Club 25) told KK that we would not sponsor the event, and questioned his relationship to UNESCO.` The e-mail links that the director sent stated that many delegates were disgusted with the way the meet was organized. Many who thought that it was organized by UNESCO found out that it was a lie later. `Foreign South East Asian attendees were informed that they would receive $ 300 as travel stipend by Kanarjit, this did not really happen and took a lot of arguing with the organizers, at least some tickets were purchased for some delegates. There were lots of tears, as apparently many of the attendees had taken out loans from family members and their Universities to attend the Meet and now ,they did not find a way to pay back because the amount promised was not given.` This resulted in many foreign delegates almost getting stuck with their finances. The details of the mails of the foreign delegates humiliation and disgust are held back. Kanarjit has managed to promote Manipur in the worst way possible and that also to foreign and domestic delegates.

Club 25 International director also stated her stance in the mail to this reporter. It may be mentioned that during the Press Meet of Kanarjit, he had identified himself as the General Secretary of Club 25, International Manipur. He also said that the Club permits him to use a flagpost for his cars, this too turned out to be blatant lies. The statement made by Stephanie , International Director of Club 25 is reproduced below.

Club 25 has at no time authorized KK Singh to utilize the name “Club 25 International, Manipur”. There is a registered “Club 25-Manipur Chapter” in our formal records, though KK Singh is not listed as the leader. All Club 25s are 100% volunteer clubs who choose their own leaders and organize their own meetings. We have had communications in the past with KK Singh specifically reminding him that he does not have permission to start other Club 25s or to take authority over any existing clubs or start new clubs in other states of India or neighboring countries. KK Singh has attempted to assert himself over Club 25s in other states in India and neighboring countries to take a leadership role and at Club 25 International we have repeatedly turned him down.

2. Any person/youth who donates blood is allowed to be a “Club 25″ member. KK Singhs membership status in Club 25 would be open to all blood donors.

3. At no time has Club 25 International, given permission to Mr. Singh to claim titles or to use VIP flags or other status symbols or to utilize the Club 25 International name or logo to recieve preferential treatment or status.

4. The Club 25 name and logo is owned by Safe Blood for International, Inc, based in the United States. Permission of the use of the name/logo for a restaurant was NOT requested/granted from Club 25 International/Safe Blood and would be operating illegally under that name.

5. At no time has KK Singh or Club 25 Manipur received any funding or fiscal/material support for their activities from Club 25 International.

This statement proves that Kanarjit is a con artist who has been nominated for the World Youth Icon Award, 2015 to be given at IYONS ,2015. He has misled the media, duped people of lakhs, falsely announced himself as a Dr Ambedkar Award recipient, operated under false organizations and misrepresenting Club 25 and UNESCO, puts an unauthorized flag post in his car, falsely charged minister Nasir of sexual harassment and implicating two women delegates in order to save himself.

The report of this paper is based on facts and records and Kanarjit is welcome to claim that the report is baseless.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/up-girl-denies-ministers-misconduct-karnajit-charged-of-illegally-operating-club25-intl/