Manipur News

IMPHAL, December 6: `Without the character of Kabui Salang Maiba, the `Moirang Kangleirol`™ folklore would have had a different hue. Though Salang Maiba is not one of the central characters, his role was an important one`, said Nodiya Ngangomcha, secretary of Moirang Thagjing Yageirel Marup.

Nodiya was speaking as one of the resource persons during the observation of Kabui Salang Maiba Ningshing Thouram, which was held today at MDU Hall, Yaiskul, organised by the Kabui Dharma Sabha Manipur.

The observation was graced by T Mangibabu, MLA of Thanga A/C, who is also the chairman of Planning and Development Authority, government of Manipur and DL Kabui, president of Kabui Dharma Sabha Manipur.

Nodiya, deliberating on the theme `Kabui Chiingshang Lakpa Salang Ningthou Leingak Kanglon`, continued that Salang Maiba was a wise leader, who prevented the possible outcome of a fierce battle between the Moirangs and the Kabuis in the early period of history. Salang befriended Puremba of Moirang to prevent the battle, which was a manifestation of a forward looking leader, maintained Nodiya.

T Mangibabu, speaking during the observation pointed out that it is important to organise such function in remembrance of Kabui Salang Maiba. He said by remembering him, the brotherly ties between different communities residing in the State will be enriched. He also expressed the need of carrying forward the observation in a larger scale, with wholesome participation of scholars and thinkers, including all stake holders of the State, so that the message of harmony and peace that Salang Maiba personified can be widely disseminated to the people.

DL Kabui, giving his presidential speech said that one of the most important traits of Kabui Salang was his indomitable spirit of love and friendship. He himself exemplified the spirit through his deeds, added DL Kabui.

Dr Y Mani, president of the All Manipur United Club Organisation, who also spoke as one of the invitees of the function endorsed that a proper memorial site of Salang Maiba should be maintained. He said he was overwhelmed to learn about the feats of Salang Maiba and role he played as a community leader at one point of time in history. He also assured that all possible help will be provided by AMUCO and its members towards maintaining a memorial site of Salang Maiba.

The observation was also attended by renowned public figures of the State and representatives of different civil organisations.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/narrative-of-moirang-kangleirol-would-have-been-different-sans-kabui-salang-maiba/

New Delhi, December 6 (MIC): Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh called on Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region Dr. Jitendra Singh on Friday and invited him to visit Manipur for an on the spot assessment of the diverse range of problems in Manipur.

During the meeting, the Manipur Chief Minister brought to his notice the pending power projects in the State.

He said `One important project for installation of 2×12.5 MVA 132/33 KV Sub-station at Moreh along with associated 132 KV line at an estimated cost of Rs.42.44 crore has also been retained by your Ministry at a cost of Rs.37.00 crore during 2013-14. I am told that the technical vetting of the project has also been completed and the project is now ripe for sanction. This project is necessary to enable supply of power from Moreh to Tamu ( Myanmar ) as part of our International obligations and as desired by the Government of Myanmar.`

The Chief Minister informed him that the State had been utilising the NLCPR funds mainly for power sector which was one of the thrust areas of the Government. In the absence of any Central Sector scheme to meet the investment requirements of transmission sector within the State, funds under NLCPR helped the State in meeting some of the critical gaps in the sector.

Accordingly for 2014-15 also, he added that the topmost priority for sanction under NLCPR had been accorded to transmission projects namely Construction of 400 KV Line on D/C (Double Circuit towers initially charged at 132 KV from Yurembam to Thoubal via Nambol amounting to Rs. 136.76 Crore and Construction of 400/132/33 KV Sub-station at Thoubal amounting to Rs.140.49 Crore, for which detailed project reports have been submitted to DoNER for their approval and sanction.

Apprising him that with the monsoons having ended and the working season in Manipur having started, it would be opportune for the State to start the works soon; the Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to take an early positive decision on the proposals.

Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent) for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Prime Minister`™s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, assured the Chief Minister that he had already released funds for the on-going projects and would also issue instructions for pre-sanction release of funds for them.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/chief-minister-invites-doner-minister-to-visit-state/

IMPHAL, Dec 6: Security forces have arrested several UG cadres and two individuals allegedly involved in an IED blast at Moreh.

According to a PRO IGAR (s) statement, two individuals involved in an IED blast at Moreh, identified as Bempu Haokip, 20, son of Zamlet Haokip, of Chavangphai village, Ward no 7, Moreh and Paolin Kipgen, 21, son of Kesho, of Ward No 9, Moreh were apprehended by troops of the 9 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector AR under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) on December 4.

It said the two were handed over to the Moreh Police Station.

In another operation, based on specific intelligence regarding movement of an arms smuggler, troops of the 30 Assam Rifles and 40 Assam Rifles alongwith Imphal East Police commandos launched a joint operation in the general area of Thiyam Konjin Makha Leikai and apprehended one arms smuggler on December 5, it said.

It has identified the arrested individual as Mujibur Rehman alias Ithem, 32, son of Md Abdul, of Usoipok Tharaorok near Waithou.

He revealed that he was involved in smuggling of pistols to various VBIGs, it said adding that one 9mm pistol along with two magazines and a mobile phone with two SIM cards were recovered from his possession.

The arrested person along with the recovered items has been handed over to the Irilbung Police Station, it said.

Meanwhile, according to a statement of the PO Police, one December 12, during a counter insurgency operation, a team of Imphal West District Police commando unit arrested three active members of United Revolutionary Front (URF), a breakaway group of KCP, identified as Salam Keshorjit Meitei alias Manja, 35, son of S Samungou Meitei of Khurai Salanthong, Khundrakpam Biren Meitei alias Manao, 22, son of (L) Kh Ingocha Meitei of Sairemkhul Mayai Leikai and Wangkhem Shyamkanhai Singh alias Wareppa, 35, son of (L) W Heramot Singh of Naranshena Maning Leikai from Sairemkhul Mayai Leikai.

It said investigation revealed that they were assigned to serve monetary demands to various businessmen in Imphal area especially gas agencies located at Imphal West district.

One Access Scooter bearing registration no MN01M/9481, registered in the name of Salam Shamungou Meitei, along with incriminating articles were seized from their possession, it said adding that a case has been registered at Lamsang Police Station and investigation is going on.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/two-involved-in-ied-blast-in-moreh-arrested-pro-igar-s/

IMPHAL, December 6: The BJP, Manipur Pradesh has today called for a CBI investigation into the State government`™s failure to renovate and upgrade the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex for which the Centre had awarded Rs 100 crores.

Speaking to media persons today at the party`™s office, BJP State president Th Chaoba demanded the State government to clarify on the issue within five days before the general public.

The government should clarify as to how the tender for the work was invited and name the newspaper through which it was advertised, he demanded while questioning whether the government had followed the standard norms adopted by the CPWD which is necessary if the tender amount touches the figure of Rs 75 crores.

Chaoba also demanded the government to name the firm which was selected for the work.

Turning his attack towards the Manipur Development Society, the BJP State unit president demanded clarification on the exact role of MDS in the State and whether it is mandatory for the MDS to have the sole responsibility of taking up all development projects in the State.

He said the MDS is registered as a society and it has nothing to do with construction of buildings and at the same time it is a small agency which is lacking in infrastructure, manpower.

Meanwhile, coming back to the Rs 100 crore allegedly awarded to the State, Chaoba said Rs 75 crore of the total sum was meant for the upgradation of sports infrastructure and the remaining Rs 25 crore for recurring expenditure.

He elaborated that the Rs 28.82 crores were meant for the upgradation of the main stadium, Rs 18.8 crore for the hockey stadium, Rs 2.4 crore for the cycle velodrome, Rs 14.63 crore for the aquatic complex, Rs 2.71 crores for the indoor stadium, Rs 0.29 crores for the shooting range, Rs 0.29 crores for the kangshang, Rs 2.39 crores for the internal road, Rs 1.1 crores for compound wall, Rs 49 lakh for electrification and Rs 60 lakh for the upgradation of the practice field pavilion and toilet facilities.

If such conduct of the government is allowed than the State and it people will not be able to gain much from the proposed Sports University, Chaoba observed.

BJP State spokesperson RK Shivchandra said the party will establish a cell to look into allegations of corruptions in the government departments and it will provide a complaint box for the public to use.

He said the State unit of the party has also started its online membership drive for the year 2014-15.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/state-bjp-chief-seeks-cbi-investigation-into-sports-complex-contracts-blasts-mds/