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Zomi convention

NNN: The 3rd World Zomi Convention will bring varied personalities, organisations and political leaders of different ideologies under one roof to be commenced from October 25 at Churachandpur district headquarters in south Manipur.
Union minister and AICC member Oscar Fernandes, former Mizo separatist leader and ex-Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga, leaders of United Naga Council (UNC), All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) representatives, Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh and others are expected to participate in the three-day mega event.
Under the nomenclature Zomi there are various tribes.
Meanwhile, a pre-mega programme christened as ‘A Lead Up Event’ has been planned on October 5, which is 20 days before the actual event. The ‘Lead Up Event’ will be held at SYO Hall, Simveng under the theme, ‘Marching on…be a blessed nation’.
In the run-up to this three days programme, the Zomi Council under the chairmanship of LB Sona is spending sleepless nights preparing for the success of the Convention.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/zomi-convention/

March past during birth anniversary of Hijam Irawat at Uripok Ningthoukhongjam Leikai

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/march-past-during-birth-anniversary-of-hijam-irawat-at-uripok-ningthoukhongjam-leikai/

Hijam Irawat remembered

The leader of Manipur Janneta Hijam Irawat was remember throughout the state and some parts of outside Manipur by remembering his 117th birth anniversary today.
A function was held at Uripok Ningthoukhongjam Leikai in which candles were litted and the club building being decorated with colourful lights.
The main function was held at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace compound. Veteran CPI leader com. M. Ibohal, M. Mangi, Chairman of Irawat Celebration committee, Dr. M. Nara, CPI state secy. and others attended the celebration. A march pass competition participated by 40 contingents was also held.
The day was also held at THAU ground. A march pass competition was also held. 22 contingents took part in the competition. The day was also held in Assam state. Various NGOs, clubs also observed the historic day in different localities. The day organized by Janneta Irawat Birth day celebration committee was also observed at MDU Hall. Ex-MLA, N. Sobhakiran, N. Tombi, president JD(U), Dr. Yumnam Ibopishak, Sarat Salam and N. Kabita Devi were the presidium members.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/hijam-irawat-remembered/

5th stage of ILP stir

SHILLONG, Sept 30 NNN: The Meghalaya civil society organisations will enter theor fifth phase of agitation from tomorrow demanding the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Meghalaya.
Rejecting the Mukul Sangma government’s offer to have the ‘Regulation of Landlord & Tenancy Verification Bill 2013’ as a legislative measure to address and enforce regulations to contain influx and illegal immigration, instead of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, the civil society bodies have decided to enforce three nights road blockade on October 1, 3 and 4. According to the civil society bodies, October 2 being the Gandhi Jayanti, agitation will be ralaxed on the day.
Khasi Students Union (KSU), FKJGP, HNYF, Garo Students Union (GSU), JSSU, CSWO, KWWADA, ADE and RBYF have been spearheading the demand for the Inner Line Permit in Meghalaya.
These ongoing series of agitations have begun after the break-down of the August 29 meeting between the Mukul Sangma government and the NGOs in Shillong.
Meanwhile, refuting the allegation that they wanted to topple chief minister Mukul Sangma, the conglomerate of ten civil sciety bodies asserted that it has no interest in power politics.
FKJGP publicity secretary Eldie N Lyngdoh said last evening that the night road blockade will be held on October 1, 3 and 4 from 8 pm to 5am. The night road blockade will be held in all the eleven districts of the state. Lyngdoh informed that the NGOs in a meeting have resolved to continue intensifying their agitations as a mark of protest against the state government’s adamant attitude towards their demand.
The civil society organisations said the Mukul Sangma government decision to implement the proposed ‘Regulation of Landlords and Tenants Verification Bill’ against to the wish of the people of the state.
The state cabinet had recently approved the draft Regulation of Landlords and Tenants Verification Bill which will be table for consultation with the ‘public” on October 3.
Lyngdoh said instead of implementing the ILP the government is buying time to introduce an Act which will only suit the need and requirement of the landlord and also protect the outsiders who come to the state and stay as tenants.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/5th-stage-of-ilp-stir/

Estimate committee members meet officials

IMPHAL, Sep 30 NNN: The 12-member delegation of Lok Sabha Committee on Estimate that arrived here yesterday met top officials of various Government Departments of Manipur including Ministry of Textiles on Monday to discuss various Central sponsored projects, especially Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal rail link undertaken in the state.
State Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga and other top officials of various Government Departments including Forest, Transport, Revenue and Commerce and Industries attended the meeting held at Hotel Classic here. The meeting discussed about various projects now undertaken in the state under the sponsorship of the Central Government, but prominently the Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal rail line and performance of North East Frontier Railways (NEFR), official sources said.
The Lok Sabha Committee on Estimate also gathered a detailed report from the officials of Ministry of Textiles on Manipur’s textile projects funded by the Centre and enquired about further requirements of these projects during the meeting.
“W emphasised on the railway project during the meeting,” Francisco Sardinha, chairman of the committee told newsmen after the meeting. Fransico further said coordination among various Government Departments of the state is needed to meet the 2016 target set to complete the railway project.
Asked if the Lok Sabha Committee on Estimate is satisfied with the current progress of the railway project, Francisco said they were partly satisfied and partly not, but there is certain impediment in the progress of the project and this would also be put up before the Railway Ministry.
The Government of India would be urged to take more steps to ensure the project finish on time and to provide all the further necessities so that the completion of the project is facilitated, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/estimate-committee-members-meet-officials/

Fodder scam: Lalu held guilty

Ranchi, Sep 30 (ANI): A CBI designated court on Monday declared Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav guilty in a case related to the Rs. 950 crore fodder scam.
The judgement is a major blow for Yadav, who faces immediate disqualification as a Member of Parliament and won’t be allowed to contest elections for six years. The court said that it will announce the sentence on the RJD supremo on October 3.
The verdict has come at a time when the ruling UPA Government and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are locked in a war of words pertaining the ordinance with regard to convicted politicians.
Yadav moved the Jharkhand High Court and later the Supreme Court, seeking change of the judge in the case. Both the courts dismissed his petition, and directed him to complete argument in the case before the CBI court.
Yadav had in his petition alleged that trial court judge P K Singh was biased against him as he is a relative of P K Shahi, Education Minister in the Nitish Kumar Government in Bihar, “who is his (Yadav”s) biggest political enemy”.
The case pertains to alleged fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 37.7 crore from Chaibasa Treasury in the 1990s. The FIR was lodged by Bihar government in February 1996 but the case was transferred to CBI a month later.
CBI had investigated the scam for a year and the charge sheet was filed in 1997. The charges were framed in 2000 following which the Special CBI court commenced trial against Lalu Yadav and 44 other accused.
RJD’s plea had faced stiff opposition from JD-U leader Rajiv Ranjan who submitted that it would be a ‘travesty of justice’ if the judge is transferred at the far end of the trial.
He submitted that it would give a wrong impression to the entire country if the judge is transferred and raised a question on RJD supremo’s petition seeking transfer of the judge who has been hearing the case since 2011.
The fodder scam also known as “Chara Ghotala” involved the siphoning of funds from the Bihar Government treasury. The alleged theft spanned over several years, and many Bihar state government administrative and elected officials across multiple administrations were allegedly engaged in it.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/fodder-scam-lalu-held-guilty/

Gaikhangam on the right path

The manner with which Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, who is also in charge of home portfolio indicates his desire to bring a change to the police set up. As he told he will be visiting several other units of the police organisations. Having talked to the middle and lower ranked security personnel he might have known what their requirements are. But our thinking is very simple the drive for cleansing the moral should start from the top level. Always remember all good things come down from above. Ganga water flows down from mighty Himalaya. As it run down it gets murkier and dirtier. Ganga water purification cannot be started from Hoogly. It must start from Gangotri or Haridwar. If the head is clean the lower ranked will also be clean. It is human nature we tend to imitate the nature and style of our boss or mentor. A youngster will surely follow the foot step of his brother. If his brother is a drug smuggler the younger will take up the same business. Because he knows how his brother earns sleazy money. The same is the case with contractor brother. Political family will have brothers and sisters showing propensity to take up politics as a resort. The drive if any to cleanse the police morals, it must cover higher ranked officers also. What we see on the road is despicable. Common people are always at the receiving end of law enforcing agencies. For fear of being targeted they cannot go to police station to lodge a complaint. But the Home Minister has given a thrust to bettering the relation between police and public. If there is better relation between police and public, no criminals will be able to live in our midst. Because general public want to live peacefully without the thugs around them. In the developed countries police can arrest too many criminals acting on the specific information provided by common people. Neighbours know what his neighbours are doing. Therefore steps have to taken to ensure that the complainant is protected no matter whether the information provided by them is half baked. If the investigating agencies perform their duties judiciously and cautiously too much information about the wrongs done by criminals wearing the garb of common men will be known. Gaikhangam had earlier declared that he will reform police organisation in such a manner it provides human touch even in dealing with serious crisis. Let him achieve his goal.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/gaikhangam-on-the-right-path/

KCP-MC spells out thinking on Look East Policy

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 28 : An emergency meeting of the ‘Steering Committee for Chin Confederation’ with an agenda ‘Look East
Policy’ and the Indian Imperialism at the Sino-Indian-Burman Region was held according to a press hand out issued by Comrade Kou ‘Steering Committee for Chin Confederation’ (KCP-MC) and Comrade Tamnganba‘Steering Committee for Chin Confederation’ (KCP-MC).
Status of the border was discussed and various operations like ‘Look East Policy’, ‘Operation Hifajat I’, ‘Operation Hifajat II’, ‘Operation All Clear’, ‘Operation Restoration’, . The meeting expressed concern and expressed need to act so that the future generation do not feel sorry for being born as offspring of the present generation .
The region needs a strong Communist movement to turn the historiography of the Mongoloid people of the Sino-Indian-Burman. The Look East Policy activated a new form of neo-imperialism at the region in general and at Mizoram and Manipur in particular marking a negative yardstick at the realization of Chin Confederation.
Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi’s journey to Myanmar had an adverse impact to the movement of the Chin-Mee. Myanmar government ordered shoot at sight along the boundary line and at the town of Tammu and nearby villages. It was follow by border dispute and visit to New Delhi and Haolenphai
It alleged that in 1954 India and China signed Panchseel followed by the Nehru meeting with U Nu leading to the complete Transfer of Manipur’s Kabaw valley to Myanmar.
. In 1960 Myanmar and China settled the boundary dispute then this was followed by the 1967 India and Myanmar boundary agreement in which Manipur gained 9 sq km (22347 to 22356) at the cost of Kabaw Valley. Before the 1994 India and Myanmar agreement of friendship we had lost 29 sq km (from 22356 to 22327).
As a follow up of the Operation All Clear and fencing will be in length of 398 sq km and 10 metre inside our land from no man’s land. This literally means 398x10x1000 metres will be lost .
Kabaw Valley, Khekman, Namfalong, Khampat, Samjok, Tammu, etc. were lost to Myanmar one after another . On Ibobi’s visit to China it was claimed that it was to end revolutionary movement . It said resource and analysis wing of SCCC (KCP-MC) had confirmed that the business possibility between China and Manipur is very minimal as well as and the specified destination (Kunming, Beijing and Sanghai) is not a business or trade and commerce centre.
The resource and analysis wing of SCCC (KCP-MC) report cited that this step is to lure China in exchange of crude oil. Our brothers Kuki, Hmar, Tiddim Chin, Paite, Lai, Mara, Chin, Eastern Naga had been alienated from by artificial boundary. Now Holenphai and its people are alienated .It was stated that an Appeal of Petition will be sent to China about the movement in the region.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/kcp-mc-spells-out-thinking-on-look-east-policy/

Sangma government in dilemma over ILP stir

SHILLONG, Sept 28 NNN: The Mukul Sangma government has failed to convince the civil society organisations with its ‘Regulation of Landlord & Tenancy Verification Bill 2013’ as a legislative measure to address and enforce regulations to contain influx and illegal immigration, instead of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system.
The civil society organisations of Meghalaya have just completed its fourth phase of agitation yesterday and they are likely to announce to its fifth phase of agitation tomorrow, according to sources from the civil bodies.
Khasi Students Union (KSU), FKJGP, HNYF, Garo Students Union (GSU), JSSU, CSWO, KWWADA, ADE and RBYF have been spearheading the demand for the Inner Line Permit in Meghalaya.
These ongoing series of agitations have begun after the break-down of the August 29 meeting between the Mukul Sangma government and the NGOs in Shillong.
The Mukul Sangma government wanted other mechanisms instead of implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to control the influx issue in Meghalaya but the civil society organisations rejected the state government’s proposal.
Yesterday, in a move to address the issue of influx, a Meghalaya government cabinet gave its nod to the ‘Regulation of Landlord & Tenancy Verification Bill 2013’ as a legislative measure to address and enforce regulations to contain influx and illegal immigration.
“The bill will provide an effective mechanism to put into the loop the local authorities in scheduled and non-scheduled areas in which the enforcing agencies along with local authorities will have a mechanism mandated through the new law,” Chief Minister Mukul Sangma told reporters after the cabinet meeting.
He said, this is common concern of all the citizen of the state that we need to understand that illegal immigration and influx do not confine only in the localities of cities and towns but beyond these.
Defining the ‘Landlord’ as covering all those people who are providing accommodation in their premises, the Chief Minister said the idea is that people who come for some work can stay here and can go back besides that the landlords are regulated as to why their tenants need renting accommodation.
The cabinet has also approved the proposed drafting of the bill and then notified it for public consultation by October 3, he said.
Alleging the Opposition coalition, the United Democratic party-led Meghalaya People Forum (MPF), to be behind the pro-Inner Line Permit activists’ anti-government stirs in the state since September 4, Mukul said, “I have reasons to believe that they adding fuel to the fire and I have reasons to believe that they must be in close contact with these agitating friends/pressure groups… We are politicians we know who operates how.”
Stating that the kind of pressures that his government is facing on the ILP is “coercive and dictatorial”, the Chief Minister questioned if imposing or infusing a sense of fear psychosis by violent and militant activities is a democratic form.
“Or is it not a coercive measure, a dictatorial attitude so that people will fear them,” he said, adding that he is sure that none of the citizens like the kind of situation, the bandh associated with violence.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sangma-government-in-dilemma-over-ilp-stir/

Miss Bharat, Lina felicitated

IMPHAL, Sept 28 NNN: Newly crowned Miss Bharat 2013 Lina Lamneilhing Chongloi was felicitated today at Haijang village in Sadar Hills, Senapati district.
Organised by the Haijang Youth Club, the auspicious ceremony took place at Brig.SK Sharma Playground, Haijang. Lina also holds the title of Miss India North East 2013.
Lina was crowned Miss Bharat 2013 at June 24 at Bhopal. She earlier arrived Manipur amidst pompous reception at the Airport and in her native village.
On Saturday, to felicitate the beauty queen, a grand programme was organised where MLA Nemcha Kipgen and Chairman of ADC, Sadar Hills Haokholal Hangshing were the respective Chief Guest and Guest of Honour of the felicitation programme.
MLA Nemcha Kipgen speaking on the occasion expressed her happiness to learn of such an achievement from the remotest area where transportation and living is difficult. She promised to improve it by constructing the road and a bridge from connecting Haijang and Kangpokpi. She appealed to all underground organizations to abstain from making any demands.
Lina Lamneilhing greeting the audience at the ceremony gave all the credits of her achievements to her parents who have supported her unceseasingly in all her feats. She thanked the students organizations and civil organizations for giving her such an opportunity to show her true self. She also gave sincere gratitude to all the media organizations who have made her known to the people. Pursuing her studies at Presidency College along with a deep interest in fashion and modeling, Lina pave the way for Haijang youths to explore modeling as a career, said Lunkholal Chongloi, Secretary of Haijang Youth Club.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/miss-bharat-lina-felicitated/

Tikendrajit wins Guitarist award

IMPHAL, Sept 28 NNN: Tikendrajit Keisham from Keishamthong Bazar, Imphal has won the coveted Furtados Ultimate Guitarist 2013 (Judges Choice) award.
The prize is a Gibson Les Paul 60’s Guitar. He was adjudged as Judges Choice from amongst the top 15 finalists who hailed from different parts of the country. Tikendrajit Keisham, a student of first year Computer Science and Engineering at Manipur Institute of Technology Takyelpat,Imphal participated in the competition by submitting his live video of playing backing track provided by the Furtados for the competition in the video sharing channel Youtube. The backing tracks for his particular video was composed by Daniel Kenneth Rego who was one of the members of the jury of the contest. With hundreds of guitarists (including professionals) competing nationwide, 15 finalists were selected.
Furtados”, headquartered in Mumbai, India. Established in 1865, with a heritage of 145 years, Furtados has been deeply associated with the development of music culture in India – whether it be hosting the Trinity Guildhall examinations, importing the biggest and the best brands of musical instruments or providing a variety of gear to musicians across the country. In the past few years, it has taken pioneering steps in developing a modern and internationally comparable retail network across the country.
The Furtados Ultimate Guitarist Video Contest is a 3-month long Battle in search for the best guitarist in India. The Battle went through a series of public voting rounds and selection by prestigious judges.
The judges are Sahil Makhija (Demonic Resurrection) Daniel Kenneth Rego (Demonic Resurrection) Bryden lewis (Raghu Dixit Project) Reinhardt Dias.
Tikendrajit has been playing the guitar since childhood. He is influenced by his two elder brothers who are also are musicians and played together in the same band. He has performed at various local acts since 2002 and also at The Sangai Festival along with some local bands of Imphal.He is pursuing a Bachelors Degree Course in Computer Science and engineering Engineering at Manipur Institute of Technology,Takyelpat Imphal.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tikendrajit-wins-guitarist-award/

Uchiwa club claims man held for threatening media innocent

IMPHAL, Sept 28 NNN: Thokchom Priyokumar who was arrested by police yesterday on a charge of sending threatening notes to the media houses in Manipur is innocent, claimed a local club on Saturday.
Jadumani Ningthoujam, president, Hayen Youth Popular Club, Uchiwa Hayen Ingkhol Lai Umang claimed that two unidentified people suspected to be militants forced Priyokumar to send the threatening notes on email through his laptop to the state media houses and newspaper hawkers after All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) turned down a press note issued by a militant outfit.
Priyokumar, 30, a resident of Uchiwa Hayen Inkhol Lai Umang in Imphal West district, was arrested by police on Friday. Shortly after his arrest, Gaikhangam, who is also the state Home Minister, had claimed to the media here that Priyokumar was one of the suspects behind the recent threat issued to the media houses.
Jadumani also claimed that Priyokumar is a soft spoken man and he has no link to any militant group.
Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam had claimed that the police had arrested the accused who had repeatedly threatened the newspaper firms and media fraternity including newspaper hawkers in the state recently.
He was nabbed by the police with the help of phone tracking from Kakching Khunou in Thoubal district.
Priyokumar works as a technician with a private company Infra Tel, the Deputy Chief Minister had said, adding further investigation was on to find more clues in connection with the threat.
The threat had caused a serious problem to the state scribes and media houses last month for over two weeks during which publication of newspapers and hawking was stopped for days.

JD(U) supports Rahul’s statement on Ordinance

Patna, Sept. 28 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar on Saturday backed Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi for his controversial statement on the proposed ordinance for convicted lawmakers, and said the ruling party’s leader stock will go up for the stance that he has taken publicly on the issue.
“Getting the ordinance out after parliamentary debate was not appropriate. I believe what Congress’ leader Rahul Gandhi has said is correct. In the circumstances, the ordinance should be taken back—this is the best way,” Kumar said.
“As far as bringing in any law goes, I think it should be left to the Parliament to decide and debate. …
One’s standing does not go down when undoing a wrong thing. But if you stop an inappropriate act or don’t let it go ahead, I think that your stock goes up. I don’t think that it is a correct measure of standing,” he added.
Kumar also expressed that he was against bringing in laws through ordinances and strongly urged the Centre to constructively use parliamentary debates to introduce new bills.
“There should have been more debate on this in Parliament. Laws should not be made through ordinances. …They should take it back,” Kumar said.
Earlier, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, regarding his views on the ordinance pushed by the Government, after he made a controversial remark on the issue on Friday.
In the letter to the Prime Minister, Rahul Gandhi wrote: “I realize that what I feel about the Ordinance is not in harmony with the Cabinet decision and the Core Group’s view. I also know it would be exploited by our political opponents. You know that I have the highest respect for you and I look up to you for your wisdom. I have nothing but the greatest admiration for the manner in which you are providing leadership in extremely difficult circumstances. I hope you will understand the strength of my own conviction about this very controversial issue.”
In a major embarrassment to the Congress-led UPA II Government, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi dubbed the ordinance to negate the Supreme Court verdict on convicted lawmakers as ‘complete nonsense’, and said it should be torn up and thrown away.
“I personally think what the government is doing on the ordinance is wrong. It was a political decision, every party does it, and there is a time to stop this nonsense,” he said.
The developments came a day after President Pranab Mukherjee summoned senior Cabinet ministers Sushil Kumar Shinde, Kamal Nath and Kapil Sibal for consultations on the ordinance pending before him for signature.
The Union Cabinet had approved an ordinance to reverse the Supreme Court judgment mandating the immediate disqualification of lawmakers convicted for a criminal offence punishable with a jail term of more than two years.
The ordinance seeks to reverse the judgement that had not only disqualified lawmakers convicted of offences with two years or more , but also barred from contesting elections.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/jdu-supports-rahuls-statement-on-ordinance/

Vaiphei community celebrates ‘Thajing Lap’

Imphal Sept 27 UNA: The Vaiphei community on Friday celebrates the 2nd State Level Thajing Lap 2013 (An Autumn festival of the Vaiphei) at Kulbung Veng, salam Patong village.
The festival is celebrated after a seed showing of Jhum, Paddy etc.
Thajing Lap is inherited from a village called Khawvaiphei now in Myanmar which they started to celebrate since 1560 and in Manipur for the first time the festival was celebrated on 1860 in the same venue where the state level function was celebrated said Rev. S. Prim Vaiphei in his keynote address on Historical background.
The festival was grace by the circle MLA, Yamthong Haokip as a chief guest and promise to give rupee ten lakhs to the organizing committee of the Thajing Lap from his MLA local fund so that the festival can be promoted in a bigger way said the MLA.
The festival also witness lots of special numbers from Vaiphei Artist Association, cultural dance from various villages and schools and even a kids perform a pay how the pass generation use to celebrate the festivals.
The festival was attended by the Vaiphei People’s Council (VPC), Young Vaiphei Association (YVA), Zillai (Student body) etc.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/vaiphei-community-celebrates-thajing-lap/

Probe ordered into killing of two by AR, Police

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 27 : Home Department has ordered a magisterial enquiry into the alleged extra judicial killing of Salam Ajit and Yumnam Binoy Meitei by a combined team of Manipur Police commandos and personnel of 39 Assam Rifles during an encounter that took place at Sekmai in Imphal West district five years back.
A notification to this effect was issued by K Radhakumar Singh, District Magistrate, Imphal West on Friday. Radhakumar has been appointed to conduct the magisterial enquiry.
Any person willing to give oral evidence or material or documents before the enquiry officer in connection with the probe are requested to submit particulars in plain papers addressed to the District Magistrate, Lamphelpat before October 5, informed a statement released by the office of the District Magistrate on Friday.
Salam Ajit, 31, a resident of Thanga Heisnam Leikai in Bishnupur district and Yumnam Binoy, 40, a native of Lamjao Mayai Leikai in Thoubal district were killed by a combined team of state police commandos and personnel of 39 Assam Rifles during a reported encounter at LPG Bottling Plant, Sekmai under Sekmai Police Station on November 7, 2008.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/probe-ordered-into-killing-of-two-by-ar-police/

BSNL man sentenced

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Sep 27 : The Special Judge for CBI cases, Visakhapatnam has convicted Rakesh Prasad Yadav(ITS: 1998), then Executive Engineer (Electrical), BSNL, Electrical Division, Chuttugunta, Vijayawada, Krishna District(Andhra Pradesh) in a bribery case and sentenced him to undergo three years Simple Imprisonment with fine of Rs. 20,000/-.
The investigation revealed that the accused was caught red handed while demanding & accepting a bribe of Rs.3,000/- from the Complainant (an Electrical Contractor of Vijayawada) for recommending Extension of Time (EOT) and for effecting the final payment of the bill related to the work of Electrical Installations & other works executed by his firm.
After conducting regular trial, the Court pronounced judgement convicting the accused person Sri Rakesh Prasad Yadav, for the offences U/s. 7 & 13(2) r/w. 13(1)(d) of PC Act, 1988.
In another case, the Special Judge for CBI cases Mirzapur, Ahmedabad has convicted Shri Jayantilal Kalidas Patel, then Superintendent of Central Excise & Customs, Vadodara U/s. 7 and 13(2) r/w 13 (1) (d) of PC Act 1988, and sentenced him to undergo two years Simple Imprisonment with total fine of Rs. 15,000/- in a bribery case.
CBI had registered a case on 19.10.2000 against Jayantilal Kalidas Patel, then Superintendent of Central Excise & Customs, Range-IV, Division-III, Vadodara. Initially, the accused demanded illegal gratification of Rs.5,000/-. He was caught red handed for demanding & accepting a bribe of Rs.1,500/- from the complainant as first installment for clearing the pending defacement of the Invoice of his firms. A charge sheet in the case was filed on 24.11.2000.
The Trial Court found the accused guilty and convicted him.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bsnl-man-sentenced/

Government employees fortunate people : CM

AIZAWL, Sept 27 NNN : Out of the total population of Mizoram (10,91,014) about 60,000 are government employees, receiving monthly salaries, and so they are quite fortunate and ought to be content and satisfied, said Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla today.
He said this while gracing Special Assembly of Muster Roll (MR) employees under Mizoram Government, held at Vanapa Hall here in Aizawl, which was organised by Trade Union Joint Action Committee (INTUM & FOMTU) as a thanksgiving programme to the State Government for raising the salary of the Muster Roll employees.
The Chief Minister lauded the MR employees for their moral sense to give thanks, saying this as per the wishes of God. He conveyed his best wishes to them to receive more blessings in future. The Chief Minister exhorted: “In serving the government, there is no such thing as small or big responsibility. Each duty is crucial, and it is most important to carry out our task with righteousness, faithfulness, God-fearingness and laboriousness.”
Addressing the grievances of government employees in general, the Chief Minister said, even the gratitude of the MR employees who gathered today may not be to the fullest, because other government employees who are paid higher salaries than them are discontent.
“Therefore, to redress the anomalies which they resented for, the state government is doing its best to find ways and means to get over the lacking of fund. For this, the governments take steps to enhance power sufficiency, to create good market for the cultivators, to strengthen business ties with foreign countries, to improve the poor living condition through NLUP, and to construct good roads and highways”, the Chief Minister said. Lal Thanhawla also said on the occasion that Mizoram does not have good labour law and administration as of now, which is a fact even the high ranking government employees are not yet aware of, he added. “It may be necessary to make Labour laws, and even set up labour court”, he added.
Talking about Professional tax, the chief minister said that all the government employees paid the same amount of professional tax, which is because professional tax is a central law, and so to make amendment for the same, the matter has been put up to the central government. Parliament approval will be required, he added.
Guest of Honour at the programme, Lalrinliana Sailo, Labour Minister appreciated for showing their heartfelt gratitude at the increase of their wages. He mentioned that during the term of the present government, minimum wages have been revised three times.
Lal Thanhawla and Lalrinliana Sailo were presented citation at the Assembly today. The salaries of MR employees has been raised through Variable Dearness Allowance and 25% of Wages plan, according to which: Unskilled Labour will now get- Rs. 220, Semi Skilled- Rs. 250, Skilled II -Rs. 310 and Skilled I -Rs. 380 . The new pay scale will be followed from Oct 2013.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/government-employees-fortunate-people-cm/

Women commission calls on Mizo women for more participation in govt

AIZAWL, Sept 27 NNN: Mizoram State Commission for Women (MSC for W) Chairperson Lalnipuii has voiced concern over the comparatively less participation of Mizo women in affairs of the government, and calls on her fellow women to awake and think over their position. She said that it is about 30 years span already the state has no woman MLA.
She said this today in a meeting held at her office and under her leadership.
The meeting which was attended by representatives of different women organizations in the State, women leaders from different church denominations, and Women Commission Members, discussed over the position of Mizo women in the context of the upcoming assembly elections.
Lalnipuii said that the Women Commission is set up by the government to safeguard and promote the lot of women, such that it is to work cooperatively with the women NGOs and also to be consulted by the government too as regards women issues. This is as per the provision of Women Commission Act, she added.
The several steps taken by the women commission is not to obstruct others, but rather, to enable the women to support the men with all her knowledge and ability. The aim is to make the women more helpful in the family, society and in the state, the women commission chairman said.
The Meeting was attended by various NGOs and 15 women representatives from different churches.

What do these policies and programmes mean to us?

One should attempt to realise what these centrally sponsored schemes are. In doing so one will realise what the Government has done for us. It seems as the trend reveals no one realises what these schemes mean to us. Leaders of political parties can easily hijack public opinion if the common masses are ignorant about the Government policies and programmes. Some leaders also attempt to befuddle public mind by presenting concocted lies of the important policies launched by the Government of India. Food security Bill, IAY, MGNREGA, SSA, RTI etc are for uplifting the living conditions of the common masses. Influential men, who are well to do or moneyed men, have no right to talk about food security bill. If they speak anything on the topic it will be distorted version of the act. For when the act is implemented successfully they will not get anything. The act is for the millions and millions of poor people, who constitute 80 percent of the 1.23 billion people of the country. We feel sad when someone makes irresponsible utterances on the act. Equally irresponsible as they are with the blabbering clash they say, the act will jeopardise the growth of the country. Many others all influential say, the act will make millions of people of the country dullards for when the rice and food grains are made available at cheaper rate they will not like working. Oh God teach these speakers how to show love and care to the needy people. One must know all these moneyed class people were once poor kids, who were brought up by their poor mother selling vegetables or shaking rice at the rice mill. As if they were born with the silver spoon in their mouth like the prince of Buckingham they have forgotten the past and they speak invectives that hurt the sentiment of the poor people rather than comforting them. Congress party understands that the act will wipe out the hungers of the masses. The other parties took time to realise that. Owing to pressure from the masses they followed the line set by the ruling party. The situation now calls for serious thinking by all. It is time we discuss, which party will be able to carry down all these policies and programmes launched by the Government at the centre. Efforts should be made to make all people realise the importance of the policies and programmes launched by the Government. When realisation has dawned better days will step in.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/what-do-these-policies-and-programmes-mean-to-us/

Chakpikarong lads return from Jaipur

NIT team at Hawa Mahal, Jaipur.8

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 27 : The National Integration Tour (NIT) for School Children of Chakpikarong High School, Chandel district returned back on 26 Sep 2013 after an exhilarating 12 days visit to the Pink City of Jaipur. The tour which was organised by 32 Assam Rifles under aegis of 28 Sector Assam Rifles and IGAR(S) consisted of twenty students and two teachers with personnel of Assam Rifles accompanying them. They had left Manipur on 14th Sep 2013 and thereafter reached Delhi by train where they visited the important landmarks before moving to Jaipur in the newly introduced double-decker train.
The children had a very enriching and memorable experience at Jaipur as they visited historical monuments and other key attractions of the Pink City. In particular, they visited Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Jantar Mantar – many of them being well preserved and internationally recognised tourist attractions. The children also visited a Water Park which was perhaps the most fun filled part of the tour. The children had a bite at Mc Donalds and also saw the latest Bollywood movie ‘Phata Poster Nikla Hero’ at the much acclaimed Rajmandir theatre. Apart from the sight-seeing, the NIT met the Honourable Governor of Rajasthan, Smt Margaret Alva at the Raj Bhawan.
The NIT was flagged in at Kakching by Brig RN Mathur, Commander 28 Sector Assam Rifles. In a function marking the culmination of the tour, the children narrated their account of the visit in the presence of their parents who too were overwhelmed. The NIT was organised to promote national integration, communal harmony and showcase the rich and diverse heritage of India to the children hailing from a remote area of Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/chakpikarong-lads-return-from-jaipur/