Manipur News

Imphal, October 26: Manipur State government has opened an Urban Health Centre first ever in Manipur at Thongju Assembly constituency by Health Minister Phunjathang Tonsing today.

In the inaugural function of the Urban Health Centre at Thongju Konok Khongnangkhong, Health Minister Phunjathang Tongsing said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, the State government is taking more emphasis in the health sectors in state.

He further said that Chief Minister is taking the medical sector seriously, and even though the State face financial constrain there will be no problem for the health sectors in Manipur.

The State government is giving top priority to the health sector, especially in Hills area. The aim is for every health centre to have at least delivery facilities, he said.

The State health department is planning to provide more equipment like ultrasound machine, X-ray machine etc in each Primary Health Centre, Community Health Centre or Primary Health Sub-Centre etc.

He said this Urban Health Centre will provide 24X7 service and is going to function in a very short period of time.

Infrastructure, equipments which will not be less than a hospital will be provide to the Urban Health Centres in the interest of the public, the minister added.

He said that tobacco in our state is very commonly used which is a cause of great health risk. If we control the use of tobacco, various dangerous diseases will be controlled.

He appealed to the people not to continue practice of local birth delivery system by local women or maibee. Now every problem on health should be referred to the urban health centres because such practices of delivery by local mendicants might create problems to pregnant mother as well as the unborn child.

Okram Ibmcha, Health Director said that Urban Health Centre is becoming more vital role in the new globalize era. This health centre may remove or reduce various grievances faced by the people for rust to a Hospital for treatment.

The Urban Health Centre will get various diagnosis or treatment facilities which a hospital likes JNIMS or RIMS getting. Very soon the department will provide infrastructures and equipments machines designed to avail 24X7 hours service for people of Manipur.

Th Bishwajit MLA Thongju said that this Urban Health Centre is a dream of Thongju people from long which remained unfulfilled for many years.

The Health Centre will give more facilities not only to Thongju people but also to the rest fo the people of Imphal East District.

This centre is very suitably located for the public as it is just near the MU gate, he said. He also appealed the public not to create hindrances on to doctors and nurses on duty and instead cooperate with them.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/first-urban-health-centre-24-7-service-opens-at-thongju/

IMPHAL, October 26: A team of enterprising and youthful organisations launched a campaign for cleaning and reviving the Nambul River.

Nambul River originating from Litan Vaiphei of Kangchup hill range crossing through thickly populated area of Imphal merges into the largest fresh water lake in the Northeast `“ Loktak Lake. Over the year Nambul River has been reduced to a drain, chocked with filth and solid waste products from the urban human activities like dumping garbage and draining sewerage directly in to the river, a campaign leaflet said.

Innovative Youth Society, IYS in association with Manipur Cycle Club, MCC today jointly conducted a Nambul River Revival Tour under the initiative of the Innovative Youth Society`™s Save Nambul River Campaign of the fifth edition of Chinjak Festival `“ International, 2014 to be held from 6-16th November 2014 at the river bank of Nambul at Pisum Ningom Lekai YLL Ground, Imphal.

The IFP group editor Phanjoubam Pradip was also among the campaigners of the Nambul River Revival Tour starting from Keisampat Junction roundabout.

The tour wounded its way through Wahengbam Leikai, Thong Nambonbi, Uripok Polem Liekai, Bijoy Govinda, Naoremthong, Sagolband, Keisamthong and concluded with a public meeting at Pisumthong.

The team delivered awareness tips through public meetings at the every spots and by distributing flyers to the locals and commuters.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/nambul-river-revival-tour-launched/

BISHNUPUR, October 26: A person who was kept in custody for ransom for about 55 days at a designated camp of United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF) has success to escape from their custody and reach his home today.

The person who was in the custody at the UKLF camp was identified as Tongbram Ibomcha Alias Ibungomacha (43) son of late Tonjao of Kairenphabi Mamng Leikai. He is an Assistant Marketing Officer in Manipur Hills and Backward Development Co-operation Bank Ltd Lamphel Super Market government of Manipur.

He was abducted from Phutap area of Churchandpur district on August 29 at around 4 pm and has been kept at designated camp of UKLF.

On the night of October 22 at around 7 pm taking advantage of lack guards of four cadre of UKLF he was able to escape from the camp.

Ibomcha while interacting with the press said that on the day of his kidnap, he went to Tuisomjang of Churchandpur district with one of his bank loanee W Meghachandra from Kumbi and his friend one Letmang Kuki to their village.

They asked to meet their village chief to discuss the matters of a loan from his bank.

Instead of going to their village Letmang brought him to the camp of UKLF designated camp located at a foothill.

Letmang told him that they have deposited Rs. 2 lakhs in his bank and the bank is now owes them about Rs. 14 lakhs together with interest, and it is also obliged to extend a loan to them. He asked when amounts would be given to them and when the loan would also be sanctioned.

On August 30 Ibomcha asked W Meghachandra to bring the money and released him from the UKLF camp.

While in their custody he was assaulted with and threatened that the money should be brought to them and no information should be given to police or commandos. If he does any of these he would be killed.

On October 22 when the cadres of UKLF were enjoying a feast in a drunken state, he managed to escape from their custody.

His ordeal he said was exactly for 55 days in the custody of UKLF designated camp, all for a ransom of Rs. 14 lakhs.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/bank-officer-kidnapped-for-ransom-escapes-from-uklf-custody-after-55-days/

IMPHAL, October 26: Health services at Behiang Physical Health Centre, which is under Churachandpur District`™s Singhat sub-division located at Indo-Myanmar border, shall be available for 24 hours a day every day of the week according to O Ibomcha, director of State health Services, who is also the Mission Director of National Rural Health Mission, Manipur.

A high level State officials led by Ginsuanhau Zou, MLA of Singhat, including Lunminthang Haokip, Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur, Samson Sheiro, Additional director of State Health Services, Thangchinkhup Guite, Chief Medical Officer of Churachandpur, T Hatzaw, EE of Electricity department, Rajiv Irengbam, State Programme Manager of NHM, Arun Meitram, UNICEF Consultant and several other officials visited Behiang PHC on October 24.

During their visit an ultrasound machine, a generator, a water storage tank and medicines were given to the said PHC.

MLA Ginsuanhau, speaking to the media on the sidelines of the visit, said that the 24×7 service to be provided at the Behiang PHC is a good step taken up by the State health Services.

He ensured that in consultation with the DC of the district and functionaries of other line departments, facilities like tube well and solar power back-up will be provided for smooth functioning of the PHC.

Ibomcha, who also spoke to the media, said that the initiative has been taken up with a view to provide optimum health care services to the people, who are living near the border.

He continued that the State Health Mission will ensure that required infrastructure and manpower are provided adequately to the PHC.

He added that earlier, only one AYUSH doctor was managing the PHC, but two MBBS doctors have now been posted to make it 24×7 functional. Alongside, three additional doctors will be posted at the PHC, he informed.

He emphasised that effective inter-sectorial convergent action like PHED, PWD, Power Department and community involvement is needed to bring transformation in the health sector, even though the State Health Directorate may strive hard.

Further, he said that people of Behiang widely follow traditional delivery at home. The practice of institutional delivery is very low. Today`™s initiative of declaring the PHC of Behiang, as a `delivery point`™ was conducted in coordination with different line departments and local MLA, he added.

Lunminthang Haokip DC of Churachandpur who accompanied the team said that he wants to further discuss with the village authority and PHC staff as how to improve health care services in the border town by involving different departments.

During the visit, a free medical camp was also conducted, in which many villagers turned up to seek medical check-up. The team also visited the PHCs of Singhat and Zezaw under the Churachandpur District.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/behiang-phc-at-indomyanmar-border-to-get-24-hour-service/

LAMKA, Oct 26: Singat MLa, G.S.Haopu today release an Animation film made In the Zou community dialect, called` EL-Chiin” base on the outdated traditional idea of arranged marriageand how this obsolete practice has been abandoned by the younger generation.

The opening function was began with a prayer by Rev. H.Nengzatun followed by introduction of the cast, and then speeches from dignitaries like Ms.Grace Zamnu MDC, and different tribe leaders of the area, short speeches from the 16 MDC. Seven Executive Member of ADCC also acted as the function presidents of the film release.

The MLA, who act as the Chief Guest, said this was a good for the Zou community and a landmark as this is a leap forward towards the betterment of film in the district.

He said he will be doing his bid to make a biopic film on the Zogal/zou war. We are now blessed with talents and a community hall of our own now and the day of using others hall on rent was over.

The chief guest also expressed his belief that the film will act as a tools for development and peace.

The lone female MDC of ADCC Ms Grace Zamnu, who was producer of the film said “we must all be aware of the technique of film making, the role of the producer and other stake holders of the film for further development of Zou films” adding, `I basically produced the film as a mark of respect to my parents who had been blessed with the golden jubilee of their union/marriage”. She also thanked her own colleagues who help in the film making.

Director of the film James Taithul,speaking on the occasion said, they had a big problem in finishing the film with budget running short, but managed to complete it with a delayed time schedule of six months.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/zou-animation-film-released/

IMPHAL, October 26: Kut Festival a premiere festival of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups of Manipur which is also known as “Chavang Kut” will be celebrated at 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground on November 1 organised by State Level Kut Committee.

This was stated by spokesperson and media in-charge Chunglenmang Kipgen at a press briefing held at 1st MR banquette hall today.

He said there will be two sessions. The morning session will start from 10am and the evening session will starts on 5 pm.

For the morning session Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam will be the chief guest and will be marked by various cultural programmes. He added that every year 22 Kuki tribes showcased their customs but for this year only 11 Kuki tribes will be performing and the remaining 11 Kuki tribes will perform in 2015 Kut Festival.

The evening session will be commence from 5pm and Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh will be the chief guest. This will be followed by a beauty contest amongst 22 participants, he stated.

He further said that there will be awards of Rs 55,000, Rs 45,000 and Rs 35,000 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd position winners respectively for the cultural performers and for the beauty contest awards of Rs 1 lakh, Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.

To enter the Kut festival there will be three entrances and exit gates. VIPs will enter through 1st MR main gate near Kalimai, for the general public through BSNL Bhawan gate and for the invitees through 1st MR second gate jail road.

In-order to prevent unwanted incidents, strict security has been arranged, moreover, 100 meira paibis of Langol Game Village have been detailed for the security measures and to control various kinds of intoxications.

Kut Festival is an autumn festival and marks the ending if the harvest season. It is also a thanksgiving function and prayers are offered for a bountiful harvest and prosperity of the people.

A display and performance of rich cultural traditions and merrymaking form a vital part of the Kut celebrations. One of the main highlights of the Kut Festival is the Miss Kut, a beauty pageant, organized every year during this festival at the 1st Bn. Manipur Rifles parade ground.

Kut festival is of great significance as it highlights the cultural heritage of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups and also a platform to harness peace and harmony among the diverse ethnic communities of the state.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/all-set-for-state-kut-festival-2014-miss-kut-to-keep-rs-1-lakh/

JIRIBAM, Oct 26: As in every year, The All Jiribam United Club Association (AJUCA), Jiribam organised a feast offering ceremony for married women of Jiribam on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba, at the Jiri College, Kadamtala, Jiribam.

On the occasion married womens from all communities of Jiribam invited by the All Jiribam United Club Association (AJUCA), Jiribam, for the grand feast as well as presented gifts to all of them, to mark the unity among the diverse communities of Jiribam.

The dais of Ningol Chakkouba function was shared by the presidium members of all the communities of Jiribam.

Speaking at the function the presidium members deliberated on the traditional bondages of the peoples of the hills and valleys of Manipur. `Lets us give up groupism and to live together as in brotherly manner and thereby maintain the integrity of Manipur`, they echoed.

Maipaksana Mangang, President of All Jiribam United Club Association (AJUCA), Jiribam said that once in a year, it is a great fortune for the club executive that they are able to celebrate Ningol Chakkouba with the communities`™ sisters and daughters, sharing a fraternal bondage from time immemorial.

He added that whatever the gifts heartily presented to sisters and daughters who attended today`™s festival were a reminder of the age old relationship between brothers and sisters of various communities of Jiribam. We must all forget and forgive whatever bitterness there had been among us within this year, he said.

He also appealed to the peoples of Jiribam for their co-operation so as to celebrate next year`™s Ningol Chakkouba in an even better way.

Meanwhile, Jiri Development Organisation (JDO), Jiribam has also organised feast offering ceremony with much gaiety to the married sisters and daughters of Jiribam at the Gularthol, Bazar Complex on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba.

Motum Bina Devi Pradhan Hilghat GP, M.Hemanta-President Jiri Development Organisation(JDO) and B.Sarat Sharam, Advisor, JIMPAL grace as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honours in the function.

Participants from various part of Cachar, Assam, also attended the festive feasting.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/jiribam-club-organises-grand-feast-for-married-women-on-ningol-chakkouba/

Imphal, October 26: At least two persons sustained bullet injuries in a fight which broke out over a dice game (Lagao) at Kakwa Bazar under Singjamei Police station Imphal West District on Ningol Chakkouba festival day yesterday night at around 8pm.

According to police sources the injured persons who are undergoing treatment at RIMS are identified as Hoidrom Trilokchand Singh, 35, son of Late H Bijoy Singh of Kakwa Bazaar and Hoidrom Kanta Singh, 24, son of H Santi Singh of Kakwa Bazaar.

Trilokchand got was injured on the left leg and Santa was hit on right thigh from a licenced gun.

The outrageous incident took place on the eve of Ningol Chakkouba festival at Kakwa Bazar when one identified as Laishram Haridas, 35, son of Late Mangoljao Singh of Singjamei Liwa road came with some of his friends to participate in the dice game.

The source said that Haridas was gambling and suffered huge money loss, whereupon he asked for refund of some amount to him. Unfortunately the dice game organisers refused.

The argument turned ugly and violent with loud exchanges of cuss words. Suddenly, one among Haridas`™ friends took out a licences gun and allegedly fired toward Kanta and Trilokchand.

On hearing the gunshots, locals came out and rushed to the spot where the dice was being played.

After they confirmed that two had been injured, the crowd stormed out to find Haridas and his friends. Later, the furious public destroyed a car which was suspected to belong to Haridas and his friends.

The two injured person have been rushed to the RIMS hospital for further treatment.

Other reports said Haridas was caught by the public and assaulted even as the Singhjamei police registered a case regarding the incident.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/two-sustain-bullet-injuries-as-dice-game-turns-violent/