Manipur News

IMPHAL, Dec 10: Reacting to reports about squandering of funds meant for the development of the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, the director Youth Affairs and Sports has issued a clarification.

The official clarification said according to the report of the 13 Finance Commission, Rs 100 crore was awarded for upgradation and renovation of the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.

In the Memorandum to the 13 FC, provision for upgrading the Main Stadium, Hockey Stadium, Renovation of Cycle velodrome, upgrading aquatic complex, upgrading the Main Indoor Hall, improvement of Kangshang, internal roads, special repair of wall, electrification, and pavilion for the practice fields amounting to a total of Rs. 75.00 crore and another Rs. 25.00 crore for a Corpus Fund for maintenance of KLSC was indeed proposed by the department, it said.

However the proposal for Corpus Fund or in its place stipend/scholarship to outstanding sportspersons had all been rejected, it clarified. Even proposal for procurement of sports equipments from the 13 FC award had been rejected, it added.

Both the items were dropped in the revised DPR as these are considered cost ineffective, it said.

The statement said the prevailing power situation of the State is very poor and the requirement of about 25 MW for a flood lit match is unrealistic when vied against the available power supply.

It further said the number of matches which are attended by more than 20,000 spectators are very rare and few and hence high investment for increasing the capacity was dropped.

State government felt that facilities for the players need to be augmented to train and compete at national and international level rather than of spectators at this juncture, it said.

It may be mentioned that any changes in the DPR was first approved by the State Level High Committee, which is then submitted to the Ministry of YAS and only after their approval, would the fund be released, it continued.

The statement further clarified that works for renovation and upgradation of the hockey stadium is still under progress and some minor damage on the synthetic surface had been rectified which has no impact on the use of the surface.

The YAS director has further clarified with regards to iron goal post allegation, this has been fixed for practice purpose and the fibre goal posts are yet to arrive and once the posts arrive, it will be fixed immediately.

It further said the selection of the PIA for up-gradation of Khuman Lampak Sports Complex was taken in January, 2011 and the State PWD was requested on October 28, 2010 to indicate its willingness to prepare the DPR and execute the works, however, there was no response.

Therefore the works for the floodlighting of the two stadiums was given to the Power department and the remaining works to MDS.

It said since the establishment of MDS, the chief secretary has been its chairman and only in July 2013, on the basis of a decision of the General Body of the MDS, the Chief Minister was made chairman. But, since MDS was not a constitutional body or established through legislation, the chairmanship of the society has again reverted back to the chief secretary in September, 2014, it continued.

Earlier, KLSC was an open complex. However, after a series of incidents where visitors were found using illegal substances and some even in compromising positions, it was decided to restrict entry to one and all. The Main gate is opened during national level competition and important events, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/yas-refutes-fund-squandering-allegations-in-sports-complex-renovation/

IMPHAL, December 10: The International Human Rights Day was observed widely in the State as in other parts of the world.

Speaking at one such observation, BJP, Manipur Pradesh president Th Chaoba Singh said there is no guarantee for Human Rights in the State, and the State government continues to neglect the issue.

He was speaking at an observation of the day organised by the Centre for Human Rights and Duties Education, Manipur University which was held at the university.

People of the State are deprived of human rights as is evident from the fact that the State human rights commission has been lying non-functional for many years now, he said adding that the State however, continues to neglect it giving numerous excuses.

This has meant that for long the people have no place to make any complaints on human rights violation, he continued.

Manipur must be the lone State without a functioning human rights commission, he added.

At the same time, the Right to Information has also been rendered non-functional in the State, Chaoba charged.

He further appealed to the Manipur University vice chancellor and the Centre for Human Rights and Duties Education give more effort to promote understanding of human rights in the State as the government has failed in doing so.

VC prof H Nandakumar Sharma said there are reports of human rights violation in the State on a daily basis which needs to be checked at the earliest.

The university is taking up steps to upgrade the Centre for Human Right and Duties Education into a full-fledged department, he said adding that the centre continues to organise several seminars and awareness campaigns on human rights violation in the State.

Former editor RK Ranendrajit Singh said every individual should be aware of their own identity and nationalism.

There is no meaning in living if one is not enjoying their rights, he said.

Meanwhile, the United NGO Mission Manipur, UNMM, Koirengei Awang Khunja Tara (meira paibi and youth club), Women Action for Development, North East Dialogue Forum, Centre for Social Development, Manipur State Women`s Development Corporation, Khwairamband Keithel Lambi Mataida Potpham Phambi Lup jointly organised a mass rally cum public meeting as part of the observation.

The public meeting was held at the Koirengei Uram Mapal Community Hall, Koirengei.

More than 100 volunteers of the organisations participated in the rally which started from community hall and after continuing till Luwangsangbam returned back.

The rally was flaged off by Retired BSF Thounaojam Hemanta Singh from Koirengei.

Meanwhile, the Sharmila Kanba Lup also observed the day under the theme `SAKAL na Khuthang Chara henba Chahi 6 Farakpa Thouram`™ at its shed at Porompat today.

SAKAL member Angom Jibonmala said Manipur was an independent land before it merged into India.

She said the government of India has enforced several draconian Acts in the State of which AFSPA is one.

Taking advantage of the Act, the security forces have been harassing and violating the rights of the people, she said.

SAKAL co-convenor Soibam (o) Momon said Irom Chanu Sharmila has fasted for 14 years demanding repeal of the Act however, the government continues to neglect the demand.

She said SAKAL will continue to support Sharmila and her movement until the Act is not repealed.

The observation was also attended by All Manipur Social Reformation and Development Samaj vice president Ch Jamini Devi as chief guest, co-convener SAKAL Soibam Momon as functional president and president AMKIL Phanjoubam Sakhi as guest of honor.

As a part of function Control Arms Foundation of India and Manipur Women Gun Survivors Networks, Langthabal presented a street play `Nupi Singee Cheina`.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/govt-neglecting-human-rights-issues-in-the-state-says-bjp-chief/

IMPHAL, December 11: The 15 days training programme on extracting yarn from Kewa and Banana plants and colouring it, organised by a consortium of Thongju Handloom Clusters at the Sinthang Handloom and Handicrafts Complex, Thongju Part II, concluded today.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)-North East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST) branch laboratory principal scientist H Birkumar stated that the extraction of yarn from Kewa may be a new development in Manipur but it has been practiced for some time now in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The yarn thus produced have been utilised in various activities as it is found to be 50 percent fire proof, he said, adding that there are plans afoot to install three fibre extracting machines that can extract yarn from natural plants especially Kewa and Banana which are rich in fibre at Imphal West and Imphal East.

There are some plans in the pipeline to take up the project in other districts to start the extraction of yarn from natural plants all over the State, he said, adding these will be of tremendous help to the people in increasing their household incomes.

All Manipur Trained Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Promoters Consortium president P Devkanta who played a major role in organising the training programme said the training programme of extracting yarn from bananas which has already been conducted in various parts of the State in past has made it known that shirts can be sewn with the cloth extracted from banana plants and other items of decoration can be made from it.

He said he made an experiment of extracting yarn from Kewa plants after getting to know during the training programme in Thongju that our ancestors in the past made ropes out of the plants.

He added that he holds a firm belief that if ropes can be made out of the plants, clothes can also extracted and he was proven right.

We have now proven that yarns can be extracted from Kewa plants during the training programme, stated Devkanta who spoke as a guest of honour.

Chandel Agriculture department extension officer K Kullabidhu who is also the president of SEVA Club, Thongju Part II presided over the function while Imphal East development officer(handloom) Ch Surkumar Sharma, Entrepreneurs consultant (Manipur) L Ratankumar and Thongju Handloom Cluster CDE Th Ibeyaima were the other guests of honour.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/training-on-extraction-of-yarn-from-kewa-and-banana-plants-concludes/

THOUBAL, December 10: In a rare incident, unknown miscreants broke into a house and burned two beds, ransacked the wardrobe and stole Rs. 1000/- while the owner was away.

Sources from the family revealed that the incident occurred at Wabagai Mayai Leikai under Kakching Police Station at the residence of Keisham Nonglen Meitei, 45 son of K. Knato Singh when he along with his wife, Anita and their 3 children went to watch a play held at Wabagai Mayai Leikai Heibong Makhong Lampak after locking the door of the house at around 6 pm.

The family returned at around 9.20 pm at night and immediately noticed saw the inside of the house on fire from the window. Upon entering the house, they saw the beds and clothes on fire.

They further revealed that in the next room, the contents of the wardrobe was scattered and noticed Rs. 1000/- missing along with the keys of the wardrobe. The handle of a steel almirah was also broken. A bed was also noticed to be doused in kerosene with the intention of burning it.

It is believed that the miscreant(s) may have entered by drilling a hole next to the bolt of the backdoor of the house and unlocked it.

After entering the house they started lit the beds after dousing it with kerosene which they probably got from kerosene lanterns left in the house, as the caps of the lanterns were opened and the lanterns were found empty of kerosene.

The miscreant(s) also left the gas cylinder on in the kitchen and a portion of wall at the back of the house was also destroyed. However, the bags of rice kept inside the house were found to be safe.

Kakching Police has registered a case after inspecting the site.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/burglers-ransack-house-burn-beds-before-leaving/

KANGPOKPI, Dec 10: As part of the observation of International day for the elimination of Violence against Women or significantly called 16 days Activism against Gender Violence Campaign a massive Rally has been organized in connection with the International Forthnight Observation Protesting Violence against Women at Kangpokpi under the theme `From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World. Let us End Violence against Women`.

The rally participated by more than 800 women coming together from Gamgiphai to Taphou Kuki has been organized by Kuki Women Union Sadar Hills in collaboration with Integrated Rural Management Association (IRMA).

The gigantic rally begin at Old Petrol Pump, IT. Road, Kangpokpi at around 11:30 am and marched toward Kangpokpi main Bazar where they proceed toward ADC Complex to submit a memorandum to Addl. DC Kangpokpi via taking u-turn from SHADC, Kangpokpi office.

Later, the women rallyist who hold placard like `Stop/end abusing Women and Children`, `Ensure safety of women`, `From peace in the home to peace in the world let us challenge militarism and violence against women`, and `Men are part of the solution` held a meeting at Brig. Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi.

DK.Thangboi, addl DC Kangpokpi said after receiving the Memorandum that regrettably crime and violence against women is terrifically high in a country like India where both men and women are equal in the eye of the Constitution while adding that men should take part in solving such unconstitutional activities.

The MCS officer appealed to every man to give equal respect and equal treatment to every woman.

He also lauded KWU Sadar Hills and IRMA for their activities in raising public awareness of the fact that women are no less than but equal to men.

The memorandum signed by Hatneng Sitlhou, president KWU Sadar Hills and Hahat Touthang, Secretary KWU Sadar Hills noted that crime and violence against women in Sadar Hills have grown up over the years while highlighting the magnitude of the situation of the women and the plight they are subjected to.

Women form half of the population even then women have always been discriminated both by men and women and resultantly have suffered denial of rights and privileges entitled to them under various provisions of law including Constitutional Rights and are suffering discrimination in silence it further said before adding that Self-Sacrifice and self-denial are their nobility and fortitude and yet they have been subjected to all kinds of inequities, indignities, incongruities and discrimination.

While imploring the Addl. DC to understand and initiate effective measures to ensure safety and protection of women constitutionally the memorandum of rally harked back that the principle of gender equality is enshrined in the Indian Constitution in its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles while it not only grants equality to women but also empowers the state to adopt measures for special treatment and development of women in every sphere of life.

Speaking at the meeting at Brig. Thomas Ground, Helam Haokip, Secretary IRMA said that the United Nations`™ International Day for the elimination of violence against women is an occasion for Governments, international organizations and non-Governmental organizations to raise public awareness of the fact that women around the world are subject to rape, domestic violence and other forms of violence.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/sadar-hills-women-demand-protection-of-women/

IMPHAL, December 10: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has today expressed doubt that his government will be able to introduce a Bill on the implementation of the inner Line Permit System in the State during the upcoming Winter session of the 10thManipur Legislative Assembly.

The three-day long session will start from December 18 and conclude on December 21.

Addressing media persons at the conference hall of his official bungalow this evening, the Chief Minister said he is yet to study the report of the All Political Parties Committee on Inner Line Permit System.

Earlier during the press conference, chairman of the political committee Gaikhangam had handed a report of the committee to the Chief Minister. The report which is 280-pages long has six points.

Studying the report will take some time, Ibobi said adding that it would be wrong to comment on the report without first reading it.

The Chief Minister said that the issue is a very delicate and sensitive and the first step of the government is to send it to the Law department for examination and then introduce it as a Bill.

Introduction of a Bill also requires the Governor`™s assent `“ which is constitutionally mandatory `“ so any preparation to introduce a Bill requires opinions of constitutional experts and law experts, he asserted.

He continued that the Governor can even express desire to send the Bill to the President, Union Ministers of Law and Home before giving his assent, the Chief Minister elaborated.

At the same time, if there is any need to pay fees to the constitutional and law experts for their consultation, the State government considering the nature of the issue will do the needful, he said.

Considering all these issues, the State government would like cooperation from the leaders of the JCILPS to expedite the process of introducing a Bill based on the report he continued adding that the government has the same desires as the public.

After submitting two copies of the report to the Chief Minister, chairman of the All Political Parties Committee on ILPS Gaikhangam said the committee was formed on August 6 under the initiative of the Chief Minister inside his chamber.

He said the committee had taken opinions from 35 renowned individuals including legal experts, scholars and some from CSOs.

The committee even went to former Chief Minister RK Dorendro`™s residence, as he was unwell at the time, to take his opinion, however, the committee couldn`™t meet Justice (retd) WA Sishak as he was out of station at the time, he said.

The members of the committee must also want copies of the report, however, as for the time being it is being kept as `secret,`™ Gaikhangam said adding that the report would certainly helped in enacting a law concerning the issue of ILPS, he added.

He continued that committee member MLA Dr Ng Bijoy Singh who is presently at Jharkhand and committee convenor MLA RK Anand who is also out of station on medical grounds are unable to attend the press conference.

Today press conference was also attended by members Dr M Nara of CPI, Ksh Shanta of CPM, Dr I Ibohalbi Singh of AITC. N Sovakiran of MPP, N Biren Singh of Congress, Kabita Devi of BSP, Manihar Goswami of JD (S), M Tombi Singh of JD (U), Th Manihar of AAP, L Ibomcha of NCP and K Shyam Singh of LJSP.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/chief-minister-doubtful-of-ilps-bill-introduction-during-upcoming-winter-session/

LAMKA, December 10: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today assured to upgrade the Kangvai Government High School to a higher secondary from this coming academic session, while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function of the two-day long platinum jubilee celebration of the Zillai-Vaiphei Students`™ Organisation.

The Chief Minister today inaugurated the celebration at Kangvai village Churachandpur district and unveiled the jubilee stone of the celebration.

Continuing with his assurance, he said steps have been taken up to construct a girls`™ only hostel at the school at the cost of Rs 2.20 crores under the RMSA which was welcomed by a thunderous applause from the crowd.

The inaugural function started with the beating of the Gong by dignitaries present 75 times signifying the organisation`™s 75 years of existence. The Zillai was formed in 1939 at Maite Village.

Acknowledging Zillai`™s contribution towards the welfare of the students`™ community in the State, the Chief Minister observed that other student bodies should follow in the footsteps of the association which has been working only for the students exclusively.

Expressing desire to see only such student bodies as the Zillai, the Chief Minister said today`™s students will determine our future and as such they should be properly led to become good citizens.

Meanwhile, on an appeal to set up an office of the student body at Imphal, he said he will discuss and consult MLA Manga Vaiphei on the issue.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh also donated Rs 1 lakh from his discretionary fund to the organisers of the function and released a souvenir magazine.

Earlier in the day, chairman of the celebration committee P Vaiphei had said that Zillai has never been involved in politics and has only shown interest in the welfare of the student community.

Chief host of the programme, T Manga Vaiphei who is also the lone MLA from the Vaiphei community in the State legislative assembly, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the other cabinet ministers for attending the function.

He said he had been researching on the formation of the ZIllai and found out that it was formed in 1939 by some far sighted individuals whose names have been epitaph on the platinum stone.

Education minister Moirangthem Okendro Singh, PHED minister Irengbam Hemochandra, Saikot MLA TN Haokip, deputy speaker P Shimray, Works minister Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh and VPC president K Baite also attended the function as guests of honour.

DC Lunminthang Haokip, SP Kabib and addl SP of CCpur Balram Singh also attended the function.

A pre-inaugural function was held yesterday with the with Autonomous District Council Churachandpur chairman Langkhanpau Guite and other members of the council including vice chairman Demang Haokip in attendance.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/cm-applauds-vaiphei-students-organisation-assures-upgradation-of-kangvai-hs/

IMPHAL, December 9: The winter festival of Hmar Sikpui Ruoi was celebrated at Tribal Research Institute organised jointly by Hmar Students`™ Association and Hmar Youth Association Imphal, joint head quarter.

Delivering his keynote address, general president, HYA GHQ chairman and organising committee, Laldawnlien Varte said that the festival aims to encourage peaceful co-existence among all communities and it doesn`™t glorify only a particular community.

He said it is very much auspicious and fortunate for the Hmar to celebrate Sikpui Ruoi in 2014 as there has been no communal fight in the State during this year.

`We want brotherhood with other communities and lets us not fight, lets us work hard on our own and live peacefully with every community in the State` said the general president.

During the function, SIKPUI PA, director of Veterinary and AH, Government of Manipur, Dr. Saidokhum Jopute unveiled the Platinum Jubilee commemoration stone of Hmar Students Association Imphal, joint Headquarter Platinum Jubilee.

The main highlights of the festival include a children`™s traditional fashion parade, Miss Sikpui Ruoi contest and musical band and artist from Mizoram, Assam, Churchandpur and Imphal.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/hmars-celebrate-sikpui-ruoi/

THOUBAL, December 9: The water supply scheme located at Heirok part II, Litan Makhong has today been reduced to a breeding ground for diseases; the reservoirs have all dried up, instead of water, they are filled up with pebbles and dirt.

This was found during a visit to the water supply scheme by members and volunteers of the Friends in Need Society, FINE Society, Heirok part II accompanied by media persons today.

The water supply which remained malfunctioning and unused for more than 15 years had all of a sudden started supplying water. However, since it has not been used for so long, the public is getting unhygienic water which could create much bigger issues.

The society has appealed to the local MLA and the PHED minister to look into the issue and punished all those involved in supplying the unhygienic water.

During the visit the team found muddy water stored in a tank for distribution and on further enquiry it was found that it had been pumped up from the water source some five days back.

The old water reservoirs were found filled with pebbles and dirt. However what is astonishing is that the dirty water was not treated before being supplied to the public. The water pumped from the water source should be filtered and stored at the reservoir for distribution, however, what was happening at the water supply plant is that the water from the storage tank was directly supplied to the public, according to the FINE Society secretary Kh Romio.

He said the society supported by the public had been holding democratic forms of protest against the failure of the Water Supply Scheme to supply potable water to the public.

As a result, the concerned authorities had started supplying water since some days back; however, unfortunately the authorities seem to consider the public as naïve and foolish and supplied muddied untreated water to them.

This is a big deception of the public by the PHED and the Village Water and Sanitation Committee, Heirok Part II, he said questioning how the concerned authorities allowed supplying water when there is no properly maintained reservoir.

Who would take the responsibility if people fell ill after drinking the unhygienic water, he further questioned.

Since the water pipes have been lying unused and neglected for more than 15 years, the pipes are all leaking allowing drain water to enter, the hydel points along the road sides are also leaking, he said adding that it is unfortunate that the authorities concerned overlooked all these and started supplying water just because the people were agitating.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/heirok-society-bewails-unheigynic-water-supply/

IMPHAL, December: Volunteers of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System, JCILPS supported by local club volunteers conducted a survey to identify non-locals at Kakhulong, Paona Bazar, Imphal and Sekmai Bazar today.

Volunteers of Kakhulong Youth Committee, KYC and All Sekmai Protection Committee, an apex body of Sekmai Meira Paibi and clubs along with JCILPS members conducted the survey at their respective locations today.

More than 700 non-locals have been identified so far during their survey held at some locations till date, JCILPS co-convenor BK Moirancha told IFP during a telephonic interaction.

He said the committee is eagerly waiting for the recommendations of the All Political Parties Committee on ILPS which is supposed to be submitted tomorrow, although the JCILPS has not received any intimidation of the same from the political committee.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/jcilps-continue-survey/

LAMKA, December 9: Normal life was disrupted in Churachandpur district today following a bandh called by the Hmar Youth Association, HYA since this morning.

The bandh was called to protest the death of a 60-years-old man identified as Dovel Hmar of Mualvaiphei Village in a road accident.

It may be mentioned that Dovel was hit by a diesel auto rickshaw on Monday at around 4:30pm, when he was returning from Sialmat Christian Hospital after visiting an ailing relative admitted there.

The road mishap ocured some 100m away from the district Police Station, leaving him dead. The driver of the auto rickshaw is still absconding.

A large number of women folk along with volunteers of HYA came out and disrupted vehicular traffic along the road.

It is also learnt that the situation turned almost ugly particularly in the morning when people unaware of the situation were commuting along the road.

It may also be mentioned that with the intervention of the Lamka chief, Thangkhosuanmung, the intensity of the protest subsided to a considerable level.

Later in the day, the bandh supporters narrowed down thier road block to only diesel auto rickshaws.

An auto rickshaw was also damaged by volunteers in the afternoon for defying the bandh.

Meanwhile, HYA has maintained that the body of the deceased, which is still deposited at the mortuary of the district hospital, will not be accepted unless the culprit is apprehended. HYA volunteers have also expressed their resentment against the failure of the auto rickshaw association to turn up for settlement on the hit and run case.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/normal-life-disrupted-in-ccpur-over-accident-death/

R Lester Makang

UKHRUL, December: With the apparent improvement of power supply in the wake of corporatisation of the State Electricity department in 2014, Ukhrul district has seen a growing number of registered power consumer within the same year.

Disclosing this to Imphal Free Press in an interaction, Deputy manager, MSPDCL, Ukhrul Division K Nabakishore said that probably due to improvement in power supply situation, Ukhrul district has seen a growing number of registered power consumers with around 230 new consumers having registered during the period from April till the beginning of December this year.

`With this new consumers, the total number of existing registered consumers in the district has reached 7167 including bulk consumers like Assam Rifles at Somsai,` disclosed Nabakishore, while adding registered consumers are charged Rs. 2.8 per unit upto 100 kilowatt and Rs. 3.40 per unit beyond 100 kilowatt.

He, however, stated that MSPDCL Ukhrul Unit has no control over the schedule of load shedding in the district, while adding that Power Sub-station 33/11 at Khuman Lampak is in charge of the same.

Interestingly, MSPDCL does not even have a copy of the load shedding schedule for the district even as the public here are grumbling over frequent unnotified power cut or interruptions apart from frequent breakage of HT wire or breaking down of transmission technicality.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/number-of-registered-power-consumers-growing-in-ukl/

TAMENGLONG, December 9: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today officially announced the oranges grown in Tamenglong as Tamenglong Mandarin/Tamenglong Orange during the State Level Orange Festival at the Mini Stadium here and continued that his government is consulting with experts to chart out ways to increase production of the fruit to improve the economic welfare of the growers.

He said the Horticulture department is also trying to procure saplings of high yield orange varieties.

The State-level festival was organised by the State Level Orange Festival Organising Committee on the theme `Orange for unity and prosperity.`™

Speaking as the chief guest of the festival, Chief Minister Ibobi said the orange variety found in the district is suitable to the local soil.

He said the government is also mulling construction of a cold storage to store the oranges and make it available even during the off-season, he said adding that this would require 24×7 power supply.

The Chief Minister also said that the feasibility of the steps should also be discussed beforehand.

At the same time, it is necessary to increase the production, he said.

The Chief Minister further appealed to the people to cooperate and make all these possible.

Meanwhile, replying to memorandums submitted by different organisations of the district, Chief Minister Ibobi said Tamenglong headquarter is today regarded as the farthest district headquarter from Imphal.

The State government in collaboration with the Centre is in the process of repairing and developing the road stretches from Bishnupur to Tupul, Bishnupur to Joujang to Nungba with a Rs 277 crore funding from the Asian Development Bank, he added.

He said the government is trying to take up the road development work of Imphal-Kangchup-Tamenglong via Tousem-Haflong road before March next year and at the same time repair work of the Imphal-Tamei via Kangpokpi road is presently underway under the North East Council.

Repair work of the Imphal-Jiribam highway is also in process, the Chief Minister said announcing that the Khongsang-Tamenglong road is also now a stretch of the national highway.

He said the Jiribam-Imphal via Tupul rail line will have the highest rail bridge in the world and will attract tourists to the place. However, all these will not be possible without the cooperation and support of the local populace, he added.

Construction and repair work at the Bishnupur-Joujatek-Nungba road had already started, but machineries used in the work were set ablaze. The projects and works undertaken are all for the people, the Chief Minister said in the function while appealing to the people to stand up against such miscreants who are out to disturb development works.

After the completion of all these works, Tamenglong would become the nearest district headquarter from Imphal, he observed.

He further assured to look into the issue of water supply in district headquarters and discuss ways to do so with the PHED minister to restore the old Water Supply Schemes and make them functional once again.

The Chief Minister also assured to look into the question of shortage of science teachers and fill in the vacant posts at the soonest. He also said his government is earnestly looking into the matter of repairing the Operation Theatre in the district hospital and lack of blood bank and the concerned minister has been alerted.

He said his government will also consider setting up of a separate Wildlife division with the Forest minister to safeguard wildlife found in the Zeliad Wild Life Sanctuary, Makru Wild Life Sanctuary and Buning Wild Life Sanctuary in the district.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhagnam who presided over the inaugural function appealed to the people to make the land self-reliant by producing different kinds of crops.

He said the Orange Festival is being organised to encourage the farmers, however its main objective will be defeated if the production decreases every year.

Gaikhangam further appealed to the farmers to move forward adding that the Horticulture department has already procured orange saplings from Nagpur to increase orange cultivation in the State.

Meanwhile referring to the boycott call of the festival by the United Naga Council, the deputy Chief Minister without naming any organisation said boycotting the festival is not only unfortunate but it is also anti-development, anti-production and anti-people.

Boycotting an effort to provide market to the farmers and awarding them is an act of anti-people, he asserted before appealing to the people against participating in activities which are against the development and interest of the land.

Gaikhangam also appealed to the people against deforesting for farming saying properties worth crores should not be sacrificed to earn a few lakhs.

He said the government had adopted a land used policy to safeguard the enormous wealth of the hills, however, after a few phony leaders misinformed the public, a movement erupted leaving no option for the government but to recall the policy.

Nevertheless, the loss will be felt in a short period, he observed.

Meanwhile, more than 300 orange growers participated in a competition with Akin from Sibilong, Akindina from Chirong and Hagarna from Dailong taking the first, second and third positions respectively.

Akin went home richer by Rs 1.5 lakhs, Akindina by Rs 1 lakh and Hagarna by Rs 75 thousand.

Today`™s festival was also attended by Health minister Phungzathang Tonsing, Commerce and Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam, IFCD minister Ngamthang Haokip, RD & PR Minister Francis Ngajokpa, Agriculture minister Md Abdul Nasir, Tamei MLA amasung vice chairman Hill Area Committee Z Kikhonbou Newmai, MLA Kh Devendra, MLA Jagnhemlung Panmei, principal secretary Horticulture and Soil Conservation JC Ramthangana as guests of honour.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/cm-spells-out-big-time-projects-for-tamenglong-district-during-orange-fest-inauguration/