Manipur News

IMPHAL, May 23: Congress MLA from Heingang constituency has said that if there is no governance in the State`™s hill districts, we cannot claim to be maintaining the territorial integrity of Manipur.

The MLA was speaking at the 29th Foundation day celebration of the North Imphal Development & Sporting Union today at Luwangshangbam Makha Leikai.

If the State fails to punish anti-socials who create nuisance in the State, then it is not an indication of good governance, he continued.

Everyone, including the government is aware of the land encroachment issue at Dziiko (Dzuko) valley and Koziirii, however, no action has been taken up so far, Biren rued.

He said even the concern Senapati DC has continued to remain silent on the issue.

Knowingly or unknowingly, the DC has failed to take up any action, he said adding further that it is quite unfortunate and dissatisfactory that the State`™s leaders and authorities have failed to take up action against the official.

Asserting that the DC has failed to perform his official duty, Biren said the government and the concerned authorities should take appropriate action against the DC.

The Congress MLA, who was a minister in the previous Congress-led government in the State expressing deep remorse said he is still with the ruling party and very much a part of the government but is powerless to contribute his mite to resolving these crisis situations faced by the state today.

He said he has been severely handicapped since he is no more in the decision making unit of the government. Biren also added that during his stint in the government, he had acted for the welfare of the people and the State.

The people are fully aware of whether we are moving ahead or going backwards when a neighbouring States have knowingly intruded upon the State`™s territory inspite of the presence of a State government, he said.

He also said that it is disgraceful that the State capital has been ranked 32 out of 1300 cities of the world in the index of cities at `extreme risk`™ of a terrorist attack.

Further raising his concerned over claims of development imbalance between the hills and the valley districts, he said such claims have been raised due to the incapability of the concerned authorities to properly utilize the funds to bring development in the hills.

At the same time, certain individuals with vested interest continue to loot the government sanctioned funds for development, Biren continued.

Meanwhile, floral tributes were also offered before portraits of departed members of the North Imphal Development & Sporting Union.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/dissident-cong-mla-biren-unhappy-with-govt-approach-to-dzuko-issue/

IMPHAL, May 23: A two-day 8th Plenary Session of National Council Member of Indian Journalists`™ Union (IJU) was inaugurated today at the Convention Centre, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar by Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Information & Public Relations Department, Government of Odissha attending as chief guest.

According to a release of All Manipur Working Journalist Union, the inauguration function was presided over by president of IJU, SN Sinha and was attended by 500 journalists from 27 states including Manipur represented by Ratan Luwangcha, vice-president of AMWJU; general secretary Jit Ningomba and convener of Gender Cell Sonia Sorensangbam.

Addressing the gathering, Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak said that a resolution has been adopted to implement the recommendations of Majithia Wage Board in Odisha for which a tripartite committee has been formed.

He further said that health insurance is also included under the welfare scheme of working journalists while adding that journalists`™ welfare fund has been also incorporated for well-being of journalists.

Along with adoption certain national resolutions meant for welfare of journalists, representatives of the states placed detailed reports on plights and grievances being faced by media persons in the respective states during the session.

During the concluding day of the session, new office bearers of IJU including three vice-presidents, six national secretaries, one treasurer and 15 national executive members will be elected.

Prior to the inauguration of the 8th Plenary Session of IJU, a meeting of National Executive Committee of the union was held at the KIIT campus on May 22 during which the AMWJU team highlighted arrays of problems being faced by journalists in Manipur

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/amwju-highlights-plights-of-state-scribes-at-ijus-plenary-session/

KLAMKA, May 23:The Thengra Meritorious Award Committee of Ccpur, today, organised its 3rd felicitation programe of successful class X and XII students.

A total of 13 students from class X and XII who successfully made through the exams were felicitated with cash incentives as well as citation.

A lady, Dr Nganbi Chanu was also felicitated along with the other students on her completing her PhD thesis on `Lai Haraobana Piriba Maheigi Mangal`.

The program started at 3:00 in the evening at the Thengra Leikai Mandop and was attended as chief guest by the addl SP of Ccpur Mr. H. Balram Singh, EE ,DRDA, Ccpur K Tomba Singh as guest of honour and committee president Asem Ibotombi as functional president.

Speaking on the occasion, Balram said he was pleased that the students are doing well in their education.

He said having a PhD scholar amongst them will only act as an inspiration for the younger students.

He continued it is also a day of rejoice for the locality irrespective of caste, creed, community or religion.

He also said that the parents and guardians should understand their wards and vice-versa.

Young students should be physically and mentally fit, the police officer, who is himself an accomplish sportsperson and a fitness freak also said.

The young students should also never forget to give credit for their success to their parents.

Balram also urged the young students to focus more on their discipline and self control.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/class-x-and-xii-successful-students-felicitated/

KANGPOKPI, May 23: Whatsoever the circumstances I need the people to put into effect their rights of voting in the upcoming 5th ADC Election said MLA Nemcha Kipgen while calling the attention to free and fair election to let the people decided.

The MLA was speaking at the public meeting of Bhumi Prasad alias Vikash, INC candidate of Irang Part-II today at Panikheti Junior High School along Imphal-Tamenglong road.

The local MLA also appeal everyone to completely avoid threatening and creating fearful environment during the election so as to ensure that every voters exercised their rights in the election to vote their chosen leader.

She further said that development comes only through peace and added that hatred, violence and vested interest never bear any development and peaceful environment.

The MLA continued that Indian National Congress is the oldest and unsurpassed secular party in India and divulged that she join the Congress party being Mahatma Gandhi as her role model by birth while emphasizing the ideology of the Father of the Nation.

She also pointed out that in Congress governance there is no dividing wall in respect of caste, creed and religion while adding that every single denizen of the country enjoy his/her entitled rights at the maximum.

Haokholal Hangshing said that India is a multi-party system and the largest democratic country in the world while adding that BJP might form Government in the centre but there are also many states within the country where another political party other than BJP form the Government.

Likewise, in Manipur the state and the local Government has been form by the Congress party added the sitting ADC Sadar Hills Chairman.

Therefore, any political party might formed Government at the Centre but the state concerned shared, development scheme, facilities, etc could not be ignore since it is a constitutional binding further added Haokholal Hangshing who confidently said Congress party will form the next Government in the state as well as in the local Government.

The public meeting was attended by MLA Nemcha Kipgen, sitting ADC Sadar Hills Chairman Haokholal Hangshing, INC Candidate Bhumi Prasad (Vikash), village leaders of Irang Pt-II and surrounding village GB apart from more than 200 people.

A part from the Candidate himself many other village GB, area leaders also spoke on the occasion.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/mla-nemcha-calls-for-free-and-fair-election/

IMPHAL, May 23: Union Minister Independent Charge for Youth Affairs Sarbananda Sonowal met Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh regarding the status of the National Sport University to be set up in Manipur today.

The meeting was convened around 11am following the Union Minister`™s inspection of the SAI complex Takyelpat.

Informing media persons about the meeting while waiting to board his flight for Delhi at the Imphal airport, he said the discussion which was on the issue of site selection for the university went well.

Senior officials from the Centre will soon be visiting the State to conduct a spot visit of the site approved for the construction of the university by the State government, Sonowal said.

The State has approved a site, and the officials from the Centre will be inspecting the site for the whole process of setting up the university to move forward, he continued.

While stating that he wishes to see the university set up soon, Sonowal added that until the officials take a look of the site, he can`™t say much on the issue at the moment.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/meeting-with-cm-on-sports-university-went-well-sonowal/

IMPHAL, May 23: A sudden hailstorm that swept across the State today around 2 pm damaged several houses and properties in Khurai, Lamlai and Khundrakpam constituencies in Imphal East. The worst hit areas are Kangla Sangomsang, Sawombung, Phaknung, Yourabung, Nongada, Waiton and Sagolmang.

It is said that many electric posts erected in the areas were also damaged.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/hailstorm-levels-houses/

KANGPOKPI, May 22: The two intending INC and BJP candidates of 4-Tujang Waichong District Council Constituency under Kangpokpi AC have kick-started their poll campaign along with hoisting their respective party flag at different location and time.

The sitting and local MDC Seikhosat Kipgen, who represent the INC in the forthcoming 5th ADC Election began his poll campaign by organizing a public meeting at his home village at Selsi along IT Road on Wednesday during which the party flag was also hoisted.

On the occasion Tongkholal Hangshing, president of Block Congress Committee Kangpokpi hoisted the flag in the presence of sitting ADC Sadar Hills Chairman Haokholal Hangshing, who is also the uncontested INC candidate from Kangpokpi DCC in the election.

Members of Tuilang Area Kuki Chief Association (TAKCA); Kuki Women Union, Tuilang Block; Kuki Inpi Tuilang Area; KSO Tuilang Block; Kangpokpi Town Committee and area chiefs also attended the public meeting.

Pastor Ngamneo, KBC Gambih No.6 conducted the blessing ceremony of the candidate and his election committee during the function.

In the meantime, BJP candidate of the same DCC Lamminthang Kipgen organized a flag hoisting program and public meeting at Songjang Pakang yesterday wherein Thangkholen Kipgen, president of BJP Sadar Hills and Kajaiga Dangmei, general secretary of BJP Sadar Hills hoisted the BJP flag for the candidate in the presence of the congregate.

Gambih Pastor KBC No.6 Ngamneo administered the blessing ceremony of the candidate and his election committee in the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Thangkholen Kipgen said that BJP is not an anti-Christian party as claimed by the Congress and assumed by some innocent denizens who have been brainwashed by the Congress party.

He continued that the unconstitutional activities of some vested individuals who have been involved in burning down Churches cannot be totally taken as the party activities as a whole while clarifying that the origin of prohibition of killing cow is not from the BJP but that of Janata Dal party in the year 1978-79.

However, BJP emphasized the need to love and care the animal since it gives milk to those motherless children and replicate as mother for them, asserted Sadar Hill BJP president.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/sadar-hills-tujang-waichong-dcc-candidates-kick-start-adc-poll-campaign/

IMPHAL, May 22: Special Judge (POSCO) Manipur East has issued notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur for non-compliance of the Court`™s order dated March 24 last wherein the state government was directed to pay a sum of Rs 2 lakhs as compensation to the victim of sexual assault for rehabilitation as mandated under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2002, which shall be paid within 30 days, according to press release issued by Human Rights Law Network (HRLN).

The Court issued the said notice to the Chief Secretary after the mother of the minor victim namely Soubam ongbi Thoibi Devi filed an application for the enforcement of the said order.

It may be mentioned that on March 24, the Special Court after completion of trial under POSCO Act passed a order wherein the accused person namely Golmei alias Boy, 29 son of Late Pantiphun Golmei of Ramji Khun Tera Makha was sentenced to undergo 10 years rigorous imprisonment with a fine of Rs 25, 000. And the state government was directed to pay Rs2 lakh as compensation to the minor victim for rehabilitation as mandated under POSCO Act, which shall be paid within 30 days. However, even after serving notice to the Chief Secretary for compliance of the said order by the counsel of the victims`™ mother on April 8, the Government of Manipur has miserably failed to comply it without assigning any reason. Thereafter, Soubam ongbi Thoibi Devi has filed the application before the court for the enforcement of the said order.

The present petition is being filed at the active initiation of HRLN.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/cs-served-notice-over-noncompliance-of-courts-order/

IMPHAL, May 22: Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister Independent Charge for Youth and Affairs assured to fulfil the demand of KSO for expansion of SAI complex and Mini-Stadium at Churcahndpur district, and also appealed for the support of the people for BJP candidates in the forthcoming ADC elections.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest at the public meeting of BJP Manipur Pradesh in connection with the ensuing ADC election at YPA Hall, New Lamka Churchandpur today, Srabananda Sonowal said that to bring good governance, the first priority and turning point for BJP in Manipur will be during the June 1 ADC poll.

He further appealed to root out the Congress government from the state for the betterment as the 13 years of Congress reign have only witnessed looting of the people.

He said that BJP wants to bring justice to the poorest of the poor and give benefit to all sections of the people. So the one year completed NDA led BJP government has sanctioned a potential amount of money to the northeast states. So that northeast states will be shining and become visible in the World map.

He assured that the demands raised by the KSO was for construction of a mini stadium and SAI centre will be materialized once if the people of the local support BJP and came to power. While appealing the gathering to cooperate with BJP, he said that lots of changes shall be introduced if the BJP is given the chances to rule in the state as well as in local bodies. People should know that states and centre government have to go hand in hand in order to change a new system.

He sought the people`™s co-operation to BJP as the party can bring lots of changes in the state. ADC election is very important for people of tribal communities. We need to elect right person district ruler to fulfil the Narendra Modi Clean India mission in Manipur, he added.

Tapir Gao, Ex-MP and National Executive member of BJP appealed the outfits underthe Suspension of Operation (SoO) signatory groups to maintain peace and harmony in ADC election. He further instructed that SoO group cadres should not interfere in this ADC election slated to be held on June 1, 2015On the other hand he assured them to take up and solve the problems with ADC representative from BJP for pursuing demands for SoO with Union Home Minister or PMO of take up possible step for SoO signatories. When the BJP candidates are elected to power at the ADC level, it promised to give effective local self government in State.

Disclosing this today on the occasion of BJP election campaigned for all candidates hailing from Churachandpur district at YPA hall New Lamka community hall as the guest of honor he further noted that since the Kuki groups have signed the SoO truce it is upto the central government to take up the problems of the groups in order that they have been solved. “Your issues apart from all other will be looked after by the central government” , he said during his speech .

During his presidential speech Th Chaoba said the Khuga dam has been a total failure though a huge amount of money have been spend and till date it could not supply water to the local populace . Ridiculing the independent candidates he said such party could not be formed by any government . He said that, O Ibobi and Gaikhanngam could not sleep fearing the central leaders visit to the state

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/union-minister-assures-expansion-of-sai-centre-and-minisport-complex/

KANGPOKPI, May 22: The Mao Council has suspended its proposed 24-hour Manipur total bandh which was scheduled to begin from today midnight following assurance from the government that an inquiry will be constituted immediately into the land encroachment at Dzuko Valley and Koziirii and that Government of Nagaland will be approached to hold a talk on the matter.

According to official reports from Mao Council, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh assured the council to initiate necessary action against the land encroachment and immediately begin inquiry into it.

It may be mentioned that the apex body of Mao tribe had submitted a memorandum seeking intervention into the land encroachment by SAPO reportedly around 10 kms into the state boundary.

Due to prolonged silence on part of the state government, the Mao Council in an attempt to draw the attention of the government to the encroachment issue had called the total bandh.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/mao-councils-total-bandh-called-off/

IMPHAL, May 22: `The states of north eastern India have had ample opportunities but due to economic isolation, Manipur has remained backward as compared to other states of India.` Chief Minister O Ibobi said in his speech during the inaugural function of a two day `International Conference on India`™s Look East Policy `“ Act East and South East Asia: Beyond Borders`™`™`™

The program held at theCentenary Hall of Manipur University was organised by Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID), Chandigarh in collaboration with MU.

He exuded confidence that the GDP growth of the State will rise to 9% by the year 2020. India is on way to become one of the business centres on account of the NE states of India once they are made the gateway to South East Asia. He added that during the 90s Myanmar was not considered as significant in trade but now Myanmar is considered as one big opportunities for foreign trade with India.

He said that air connectivity is effective in Manipur whereas road and rail connectivity is still a problem.

Manipur has tremendous potentail in tourism sector. It also can do well in food production, he added.

He said that the state has natural beauties such as the Loktak Lake, and the captivating natural landscape of the hill districts. the state now has world class medical facilities, vibrant culture and sports, he further said.

He said visa on arrival facilities has also been made available for Myanmar citizen coming to avail medical facilities in the state.

Because of economic isolation and poor land connectivity, the state has suffered, asserted the CM and said that the need is for developmental works to be prioritised.

He voiced optimism that the two day international conference would suggest ways to bring development and uplift of the state.

Giving a brief background of the conference, professor of CRRID Chandigarh, Sucha Singh Gill called for removal of economic isolation of the NE region.

He said that investment from potential investors are the key to development.

He said important issues such as water scarcity, land connectivity by rail and road and how these will promote international trade through the NE states of India will also be discussed minutely.

Manipur has potential for development in the horticulture sector, as fruits like oranges and pineapples are massively produced. However because of weak land transport facilities, the products are not able to reach beyond the state.

He said said that the conference will also discuss ways and means to bring up the per capita income of the state.

The conference will be attended by delegates from 8 different countries.

The inaugural function of the conference was attended by Vice Chancellor of Manipur University Prof H Nandakumar Sarma; Professor of Strategic Studies, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi Brahma Chellaney; Executive Chairman, CRRID Chandigarh Dr Rashpal Malhotra and also Member of Lok Sabha Murli Manohar Joshi was attended as president of the function.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/economic-isolation-of-state-led-to-backwardness-cm/