Manipur News

IMPHAL, Sept 30: The High Court Bar Association of Manipur today organised a social service cum tree plantation programme in the complex of the High Court.

The association planted tree saplings and organised a cleaning programme under the theme `Mother Earth`™ in the High Court Complex at Chingmeirong today.

Today`™s programme was also attended by advocate general Th Ibohal Singh, addl advocate general Kh Nobin Singh and Justice N Koteshwar Singh alongside other bar members.

Bar association secretary, S Jhaljit Singh said the programme was conducted so as to coincide with the court holiday today.

The advocates over and above of rendering legal services to the people have also a social responsibility to keep the environment clean, he observed.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/tree-plantation-at-high-court-complex/

IMPHAL, September 30: There have been cases of people outside the media fraternity using media house issued id-cards to avail certain benefits, All Manipur Working Journalists Union president Wangkhemcha Shamjai said today.

He lamented that many contractors have been often found possessing media id-cards and taking undue advantages.

This has tremendously tarnished the images of the media houses of the State, the AMWJU president claimed before appealing to all concern against issuing id-cards to people outside of the media fraternity.

Shamjai also said that the union will be providing 50 kgs of rice at a subsidised rate of Rs 9.50 per Kg to its members on a monthly basis starting this month.

The initiative has been taken up with support and collaboration from the State Consumers Affairs and Food & Public Distribution, he told fellow media persons during a press conference at the Manipur Press Club.

This will be followed by provision of SK Oil at subsidised rate from next month and if in case the demand for sugar is there it will also be provided, he continued.

However, due to a constraint in fund, the union is unable to pay upfront the amount of Rs 1.80 lakh for 200 quintal of rice and as such appeals to the members desiring to avail the 50 kgs of rice to deposit Rs 455 for the first month at the front desk of the union`™s office during October 1 to 3, he said.

Shamjai also appealed to all media persons holding DIPR card to submit their names for the pension scheme with the department in case they haven`™t done so.

With support from the State Chief Minister, pensions for the media persons have been increased to Rs 4000 per month from Rs 2000 while the pension for widows have also been increased to Rs 2000 from Rs 1000, he said.

He continued the Chief Minister has also assured that the government will allot Rs 5 lakhs on an annual basis for the pension fund for journalists.

Shamjai also appealed to all non-working staff of media houses not to stick `Press` labels on their vehicles and instead to stick the names of their respective firms.

The press meet was also attended by AWMJU general secretary G Naocha Sharma and AWMJU standing committee president Asem Bhakta.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/contractors-found-holding-media-idcards-amwju-president/

IMPHAL, September 30: The Sarda Translation Award, 2014 was conferred to Tayenjam Bijoykumar Singh during the observation of the International Translation Day, organised by Sahitya Thoupang Lup (Sathoulup), in recognition of his translation work at the Manipur Press Club here today.

The award named after Ningombam Sarda Devi (1969-2006) was presented by former director of the Song and Drama division, Govt of India, N Nabachandra Singh, also the chief guest of the function.

The function was attended by JN Manipur Dance Academy director L Upendro Sharma as the president, and other poets and literary enthusiasts of the State.

The lecture was followed by recitals and narration of translated poems and short stories of some of the well known poets and writers of Manipur such as the poems of Raghu Leishangthem recited by Simran Lairenjam, poems of R K Bhubonsana recited by Athena Thiyam, the poems of A Minaketan recited by Eureka Yurembam, a short story of Yumlembam Ibomcha narrated by RK Sanathoi, a short story of Lamabam Viramani narrated by L Jimmala and a short story of Bimabati Thiyam Ongbi narrated by Ch Lamnganbi.

Tayenjam Bijoykumar was conferred with the Katha Award for Translation, 2005. He received the Second prize in the International Online Funga Wari (Folk tales) competition, 2007 organised by the Internatonal Manipuri Progressive Forum, UK and the Sulekha.com-Penguin Online Writing Contest (December, 2007).

His original writings and translations in Manipuri have appeared in Sahitya, Wakhal, Poknapham, Saklon etc.

While delivering the keynote address at the function, Saratchand Thiyam said that Sathoulup was established on November 25, 2003 at Imphal.

The Lup works for the development of the Manipuri language and literature and to uplift it to the national and international level, he said, adding that Sathoulup has been observing the International Mother Language Day on February 21, World Poetry day on March 21 and International Translation day on September 30 every year.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/tayenjam-bijokumar-receives-sarda-translation-award-2014/

IMPHAL, September 30: `Political parties with Congress as the suffix` are secondary routes for becoming a part of the Indian National Congress, so people of Hiyanglam must beware of this fact in the bye-poll, stated Manipur People Party president Nongmeikapam Sovakiran.

Briefing the media at the MPP office this afternoon, he said parties affixed with Congress such as the Trinamool Congress, MSCP, NCP are gateways to INC as a secondary route.

Suggesting that these parties are the two sides of the same coin, Sovakiran opined that the Congress is the capital while the parties suffixed with Congress are the interests. Interest is dangerous because it doesn`™t sleep the whole night, he added.

The Congress was established as a public platform for the people of India before independence by an Englishman known as AO Hume in 1885 but became a political party taking an active role in gaining independence from the British. Unfortunately, the leaders of the party post independence lost its bearings with its dynasty rule of the Gandhis, Sovakiran said.

In the context of Manipur, the MPP was formed under leaders like Salam Tombi, Sekmai Chaoba and Yumnam Yaima after separation from the Congress but the party has never used the suffix Congress again from then on, he added.

Sovakiran further said that parties like the P Chidambaram led Tamil Congress Party, Nationalist Congress Party, Trinamool Congress formed by Mamata Banerjee and MSCP formed by Nipamacha are always in favour of the Congress and, in scientific terms, they carry Congress blood in their DNA.

Five MLAs of MSCP have joined INC after getting elected in MSCP tickets. MSCP has now splintered into two parties and people are confused about which of the two represents the real MSCP in the ensuing Hiyanglam bye-election, Sovakiran added.

He said that unfortunately, the returning officer has rejected the MPTC candidate purportedly to stop the confusion created by the two groups of Trinamool `“ the MPTC and MPTCC. The action of the RO of the Hiyanglam bye-poll seems biased.

The Congress is always creating confusions for the people of Manipur, he said, appealing people to refrain from voting for the Congress suffixed parties too if they hate the Congress and instead elect a regional party like MPP in the Hiyanglam bye-election.

BJP is in a friendly fight with the MPP and people should be aware that the Congress has sunk at the Centre and the trend of its sinking will soon reach to peripheries of the country too, he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/parties-with-congress-as-a-suffix-are-secondary-routes-to-the-congress-says-mpp-president/

IMPHAL, September 30: The 118th birth anniversary of Jananeta Hijam Irabot was observed today at various place of the State. Apart from paying tributes at the portrait of Lamyanba Irabot, various functions, patriotic songs and recitation contests, social service camps, tree plantations, March past competitions, quiz competitions were also held.

The Hijam Irabot Memorial Charitable Trust observed the 118th birth anniversary commemoration of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot at Pishumthong Oinam Leikai, Irabot Road Statue Complex today.

Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Dr Th Meinya led the others in offering floral tribute to the statue of the leader.

Altogether 15 contingents from different schools also took part in a march past competition during the day`™s observation.

Today`™s observation was attended among others by MP Dr Meinya as president, HIMCT president H Joykumar, retd DGP, Manipur Y Joykumar, All Manipur Recognised Private School Welfare Association president Ph Landhoni, Manipur Rural Bank general manager Khwairakpam Yaiskul, Hijam Irabot Memorial Charitable Trust chief advisor Namoijam Tomba, and HIMCT legal advisor Ng Nongyai as guests of honour.

Tomba said September is an important month as both the death and birth anniversaries of the great leader falls in this month.

Both his death and birth anniversaries are commemorated to remember his huge sacrifice for the land, he said.

People should not take lightly the leaders`™ statue erected on the riverbank in Pishum Oinam leikai, he added.

Retd DGP, Joykumar said he knew since his time in Delhi preparing for the UPSC exam that Hijam Irabot led the first communist movement in the State.

Irabot, he said, was unsatisfied with the government and came out to fight injustice and for the truth.

People need to follow the rule of law, he said.

MP Meinya said teaching today`™s growing youth about the lessons from Irabot`™s life is good.

This should be encouraged, and we should follow in the footsteps of the leader of the State, he said.

He said Irabot fought for women`™s rights.

Hijam Irawat was a leader of the masses, and any political party or group cannot claim that he was their leader. Indisputably, he was a great human being, whose name will forever remain etched in history, stated MLA Dr Ng Bijoy during a seperate observation of the day at Manipur Dramatic Union hall, Yaishkul. The function was organised by the Jananeta Hijam Irawat Birthday Celebration Committee.

Dr Bijoy, who was the chief guest of the function, urged that the statue of the pioneer leader must be erected at a suitable public place, so that people can view it, instead of erecting many statues at different corners.

Dr Bijoy also maintained that the title `Jananeta`™ must be replaced by a local word, as the title sounds too orthodox.

He also added that Irawat was a teacher of teachers, besides he was a social reformer, who selflessly sacrificed for the cause of the people.

He elaborated that Irawat`™s forte was his fight against the oppressive decrees of the king, by sacrificing his position and power, adding that Irawat ushered a dynamic social change.

Secretary of CPI (M), Manipur, Sarat Salam who also spoke during the function, stated that Irawat was a leader not only for the people of Manipur, but Irawat was revered by people cutting across political and community affiliations.

Sarat continued that leader like Irawat had universal acceptance, because he carried the fundamental message of fighting against oppression and injustice, meted out by the powerful towards the weaker sections of society.

Sarat stressed that it is a good sign that on Irawat`™s birthday, cleanliness drive are carried out at different localities. But, what is even more required is cleaning of our soul; which has been the root cause of social evils that the Manipuri society faces today, Sarat added.

The function was also graced by political leaders like Dr M Nara, Manihar Goswami, Kh Gyaneswor, N Ratan, S Samungou, L Kunjo, M Randhoni and Ksetrimayum Ibohal Singh, president of Manipur Dramatic Union.

As part of the function, a play `Lamyanba Irawat`™ was staged by the artiste of MDU, which was witnessed by a jam-packed audience.

The Lamyanba Irabot Ningsing Thouram Observation Committee (LINTOC) also commemorated the legendary leader`™s birth anniversary at Ima Khunthokhanbi Shanglen.

Delivering the key note address at the function, Irabot Foundation general secretary Kh Sengoi Luwang observed that it has become imperative for the present generation to analyse the message of Irabot and his works.

He was a freedom fighter, politician and social activist, and a perfect leader who stood firmly for the rights of the poor and farmers. He strongly opposed the autocratic rule of the king of that time and worked for social reformation, he added.

During the function, LINTOC convener Joy Nongmaithemcha and co-conveners Kh Nishikanta and S Dilip Meitei also attended the function.

In the other hand, the Naharol Shahitya Premi Samiti, Imphal also observed the day at Dave Literary Centre, Dm College Campus today.

In the function Bal Sahitya Puruskar awardee S Indrakumar, Naharol Sahitya Premi Samiti president P Nabachandra and assistant professor Y Kunjabihari were the chief guest, president and guest of honor respectively.

As part of the function Samitti also organised a reception ceremony of Dr Ibocha Soibam on his receiving the Sahitya Akedemy Translation 2013, Bal Sahitya Puruskar 2013 awardee Raghu Leishangthem and Birendrajit Naorem awardee Manipur State Award for Literacy 2013.

Meanwhile, the Irabot Research and Commemoration Commitee (IRCC), Manipur today observed the 118th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Irabot at Yoga & Fitness Centre, Thangmeiband Athletic Union ground.

As part of observation, a march-past competition and cultural programmes were organised.

During the observation, ex-dean Central Agricultural University N Iboton Singh was awarded with the Manipur Loumeegee Marup award; Unified People`™s Struggle Committee president Radhesana with the Manipuri Thouna Fabi Ema and Meeyam editor Jugol Sai with the Revolutionary Journalist Award while, MU associate professor Dr Chinglen Meisnam was decorated with the Revolutionary Educationist Award.

The observation was also attended by IRRC president S Shyamsunder Singh, Manipur Intellectual Forum President Ch Gopalmacha, AMUCO advisor KT Rehman and AMUCO president Y Mani.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/jananetas-birth-anniversary-observed-in-various-places/

IMPHAL, Sept 30: The Uipo (Khoibu) Maruo Koukartuo (UMK), the apex body of the Uipo (Khoibu) people, in a press statement signed by its president Tongku Saka, clarified against the allegations leveled against the Uipo (Khoibu) people and several individuals by the Maring Uparup Assembly (MUA), the apex body of the Maring people as published recently in different news papers, saying all the allegations are meant to confuse the public of Manipur.

The statement said the Uipo (khoibu) is one of the oldest indigenous ethnic tribe of Manipur having its own history, traditions and cultures. In fact, the Dewan of Manipur enlisted the Khoibu in serial No.18 as a separate tribe of Manipur whereas Maring was enlisted in serial No. 6 when the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India asked for the list of `Scheduled Tribes`™ living in Manipur, (letter ref.no: 2/AG/49/0695-96 of dated 6th June, 1949 , S.B Singh dated 4.6.49).

However, in the modification of the scheduled tribal list of Manipur in the year 1956, smaller communities like Tarao, Kharam, Thangal and Khoibu were deleted from the list and clubbed with larger tribes, the criteria solely being the size of population, it said.

But the Tarao, Kharam and Thangal Tribes had been recognized by the Government of Manipur and Government of India recently and unfortunately the Uipo (Khoibu) tribe recognition is pending, it lamented.

The Uipo (Khoibu) tribe is a highly endangered community of Manipur and in great need of social recognition and constitutional protection from the Government since their identity, traditions and cultures are endangered and today hanging on the brink of extinction, the statement further said.

The UMK statement added that the Uipo (Khoibu) people believe in the principle of unity in diversity, peaceful co-existence and cultural symbiosis with mutual respect, and this belief must be respected by one and all.

It also reiterated that the Uipo (Khoibu) tribe has been recommended by the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) of Manipur Legislative Assembly to be recognized as a separate tribe in the year 2002 and 2011. As such the legitimacy of the demand cannot be questioned, statement underscored.

`Several rounds of talk have been held between the leaders of Maring Frontal Organizations and the Uipo (Khoibu) leaders to work out on an amicable solution acceptable to both the tribes, but to our dismay, the MUA leaders always put their hidden agenda in the meetings to hook and trap the Uipo (Khoibu)`, the UMK statement further said.

It said that it is a fact that the concerned authorities from the GPRN intervened timely and took initiatives to resolve the conflict as they saw serious human rights violations on Uipo (Khoibu) people. The GPRN authorities had meetings with both the Maring leaders and the Uipo (Khoibu) leaders several times separately and later held meeting together at Dimapur on the Dec 4, 2011 (Sunday) and both the parties agreed to reconcile and forgive one another regarding the actions committed by either which may have hurt the sentiments of the other.

`The GPRN took notice of actions such as suppression, subjugation, intimidation & threatening, raiding and attacking of villagers, detention of Uipo (Khoibu) village headmen and imposing fines for not obeying MUA`™s dictates, disturbances in the celebration of religious gatherings and cultural festivals-and resolved not to allow such beastly actions again`, it said.

It also appreciated the GPRN for standing for the rights of the minority by looking into the matter objectively and taking a very matured decision. `The decision of the GPRN in recognizing UIPO(Khoibu) as a separate Naga tribe is a reaffirmation that minorities have hope and there can be justice. It has reaffirmed the people in the RULE of LAW` the UMK observed.

It also said in this regard, the selfless efforts of Angdun Charanga Maring, Deputy Kilonser and Kh. Medar, Kilonser and others are exemplary. They have stood for what is right and have not been swayed by narrow self interest. Being Marings themselves, they did not show any narrow communal bias and worked for the rightful solution keeping in picture the interests of the Naga nation as a whole, the UMK said.

It however resented `the actions of senior leaders like W. Angnaikham Makunga, Kilonser` as very unfortunate. Their bias attitude and actions towards the Uipo(Khoibu) have shown their narrow mindedness the statement accused saying `they have acted as agents of the Marings in particular and not for the Naga people. They have been at the forefront of all efforts to suppress and intimidate the Uipo(Khoibu). And as such, they can be deemed as unfit for national service. What would be the consequence if all national workers start working for their own communal interest only?`

The UMK statement also said `had the Government of Manipur taken a timely decision, the issue would have not snowballed. Isn`™t it the duty of the Government of Manipur to protect and work for the rights of the minority? Finally, to quote a popular saying, `Better late than never`™, we appeal to the Government of Manipur to seriously look into the matter and bring about an urgent solution.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/khoibu-apex-body-resents-baseless-allegations-against-the-tribe/

IMPHAL, Sept 30: Troops of Red Shield Division raided an arms factory in the morning of September 30 in the general area of New Lamka, Churachandpur said the PRO (Defence), Imphal in a press release.

Based on specific input, troops of Red Shield Division cordoned the area and raided the suspected arms factory resulting in recovery of three 9mm pistols, three pt 22 rifles under construction, one 12 bore rifle under construction, two lathod trigger mechanisms and one spare barrel, it claimed.

Various machines and equipment used for manufacture of arms and weapons were destroyed in situ in the factory, continued the statement.

As per the inputs, the factory was functional for more than four years and has been producing various types of arms including pistols, carbines and AK series rifles, it said.

The factory supplies weapons and arms to various valley based insurgent groups, Kuki UG groups, extortionists and drug peddlers, it claimed.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/red-shield-division-raids-arms-factory/

LAMKA, September 30: A team of security forces confronted the local populace resulting in a stalemate at Dorcas Veng, New Lamka today.

The stalemate between the SF and the locals lasted for about two hours from 11:00am till 1:00pm.

Witnesses said that the SF team had come to arrest a person for allegedly running an arms factory from his residence.

But on finding the man absent from his residence, the team tried to take into custody the man`™s three sons of whom one managed to escape, informed witnesses.

Sources also said that the SF team arrived to the New Lamka locality in three vehicles around 11 am and stopped in front of the house of Hauthianlal Vaiphei and took two of his sons into their vehicle alarming the local womenfolk who came out and blocked their way, informed locals.

A woman who runs a tea stall in the vicinity said the locals have been quite infuriated by the actions of the security forces, who she said had been to the area on several counts in recent times raiding and disturbing the locality.

According to the woman, the most notable recent incident was the raid at the residence of ZRO president, when the security forces had drawn a blank after the raid.

Such raids have only provided an impression to the locals that the security forces are showing off their powers, with no apparent regards of human rights, she lamented.

Womenfolk of the area blocked the team led by a major rank officer from leaving the locality, while an Assam Rifles team from the district came as reinforcement, informed a source.

With emotions getting high on both sides, tension grew and the locals sounded the warning bell which was reciprocated by blank firing from the reinforcement team stationed at some distance from the actual site of incident.

The mob also replied with throwing stones at the AR team.

Later, the police who said they were not informed earlier of the raid arrived at the scene led by SDPO, Churachandpur.

After the tension subsided, commandant of the 27th sector AR Brigadier Aditya Maidan and other officials including ADC, Churachandpur chairman Langkhanpau Guite and his colleagues arrived and released the two boys who were earlier arrested by the security force team.

The agitating womenfolk warned that enough is enough and the security forces cannot make the locality a hunting ground and keep on scaring womenfolk and children.

They said it was good that the incident had occurred in broad daylight; otherwise it could have gone out of control and led to a bloodbath.

Later, the Village Authority called a press conference in the afternoon and said no-one is allowed to come to the locality and disturb the peace without the knowledge of the VA.

Dorcas Veng chairman Tualzathang also praised the womenfolk for stopping the army men who had arrested two young boys.

He added that if in case the army had consulted the VA about the raid beforehand, the unwanted incident could have been averted.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/sfs-bid-to-arrest-sons-for-absent-man-leads-to-faceoff-with-locals-at-ccpur/

BISHNUPUR, September 30: A mega health camp was conducted at Royal Academy AMS, Ishok under Bishnupur District, in connection with the 118th birth anniversary of Jananeta Hijam Irabot today.

The AYUSH mega free health camp was jointly organised by Peoples`™ Resource Development Bishnupur, Apunba Mahei Sanglen of Ishok, India Red Cross Society of Bishnupur branch, Integrated AYUSH hospital of Lamphelpat, Urban Health Centre of Singjamei and Social Development Institute of Ishok.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, L Taruni Leima, Zilla Parishad member of Leimapokpam expressed her happiness for conducting such health camp, which is badly needed. She said seasonal ailments; especially during rainy time the people residing at Ishok Wahengkhuman faces lots of troubles. The sick has to travel long distance, either to Nambol or Imphal for treatment on bad roads.

Dr A Guneshwar Sharma, State AYUSH officer, Directorate of Health Services, delivering his presidential speech said that it is an encouraging development to see more people turning up to seek AYUSH treatment. Nine doctors and 32 other staffs including pharmacists and physiotherapists are taking part in the camp, he added.

The function was also attended by A Bishwarjit, social worker, Upa-Pradhan of Ishok Gram Panchayat S Sobhachandra, members of the Zilla Parishad W Deben, L Ibohal and medical officer in-charge of Integrated AYUSH hospital, Dr Ng memo.

Meanwhile Irabot birth anniversary was also observed at different places of Bishnupur District. Irabot Celebration Committee observed the day at Irengbam Community hall. Floral tributes were paid to the statue of Irabot.

United Library & Sports Organisation of Ngaikhong Siphai observed the anniversary at their community hall. In the observation, social worker Romio Khundrakpam was the chief guest, Kh Ingocha Upa-Pradhan of Ngaikhong Khullen ZP was the president and S Binoi, Registering Officer NBC, WB of Labour department, S Ibopishak, Panchayat Secretary of Toubul were the guests of honour.

Besides, Irabot Observation Committee, Oinam Bazar conducted boat race at Tangleibung River today. The committee had already kicked off the observation from Sept 27, with cleanliness drive at Oinam areas.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/free-health-camp-conducted-at-ishok-on-irabots-birth-anniversary/