Tag: Photo

IMPHAL, Sept 29: The first batch of 196 pilgrims from Manipur was seen off by Chief Minister O Ibobi at Imphal Airport today.
The chief minister while interacting with the Haj pilgrims prayed for their good health and wished them successful Haj performance.
He also wished them a safe journey and safe return to the state. The Haj Committee expressed their gratefulness to the chief minister for his concern for them.
Agriculture Minister Md Nasir, Chairman of the Manipur State Haj Committee, MLA Amin Shah and its Executive Officer Syed Wahidur Rahman were also present on the occasion.
A total of 380 pilgrims including 188 females would take part in the holy pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
The second batch of 184 pilgrims will leave the state for Mecca tomorrow.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cm-sees-off-haj-pilgrims/

IMPHAL, Sept 28: A powerful roadside Improvised Explosive Device (IED) apparently planted by People’s Liberation Army (PLA) exploded at Kwatha Khunou Lamkhai under Moreh Police Station, Chandel district on Friday killed three persons including two Assam Rifles jawans of 24 Assam Rifles – B Coy, Kwatha post and one civilian. Two more women civilians and four AR jawans were also injured in the attack.
Kwatha Khunou Lamkhai is located about 1 km from the village of Kwatha.It is located about 18 km northeast of Moreh Police Station and around 90 km from here.
The civilian killed in the blast is identified as one Ningthoujam Sananjao aged 55, son of late N Wahongshang, a resident of Kwatha Khunou Lamkhai, while the two jawans are identified as Jagendra Kaushik, a native of Alwar Bhawadi village, Uttarkhand and Kewal Singh of Sanaddi village in Shahpur district of Rajasthan.
The injured have been identified as Angom Kaboklei aged 45, wife of A Ito and Angom Ritu aged 35, wife of A Tomaljao, both residents of Kwatha village.
The duo was shifted to Moreh Hospital for treatment. Ritu was discharged from the hospital after receiving first aid as she suffered minor injuries on her left thigh but Kaboklei has been brought to Imphal for further treatment as the splinters hit in her head and the chest.
A team of Moreh Police Station led by Sub-Divisional Police Officer Balaram, Officer-in-Charge O Doren and Officer-in-Charge of Moreh Commando Police, upon receiving the information about the attack, rushed to the site. In addition, Chandel Superintendant of Police Priyokumar and Brigadier Upendra Dwevedi, CO 26 AR also came at the spot.
Meanwhile, a release of Inspector General of Assam Rifles-South Sector-( IGAR-South) said in yet another incident of IED blast at kwatha Khunou, the CorCom (Coordination Committee of various militant groups operating in Manipur) has been instrumental in disturbing the fragile peace in Manipur by targeting local Meiteis of Kwatha and AR personnel.
In the blast on Friday at 1:15 pm near the village of Kwatha, one Manipuri man was killed and two women severely injured, the release added and said the injured were evacuated by the AR to the hospital in Imphal.
It added due to the IED blast, two jawans of AR namely riflemen Jagendra Kaushik from Uttarakhand and Kewal Singh of Rajasthan succumbed to injuries and four other jawans were also injured.
The Assam Rifles condemn the barbaric action carried out by CorCom whose cadres instead of directly facing the might of Security forces prefers to target civilians and AR personnel in a cowardice manner, it further said, adding it shows the frustration among the insurgent groups who are frustrated because of large number of their cadres deserting their camps and surrendering to the security forces.
The recent surrender ceremony at Headquarters IGAR (S) and peace initiative by various groups with security forces bears testimony to the fact that many underground groups have shown their faith in the security forces and the state Government and trust them to resolve all issues peacefully, the release added.
It added Assam Rifles will not be deterred by such violent and nefarious action of the underground activists and will continue to encourage misguided youths to join the mainstream. It also said the AR appeals to all underground groups and their cadres willingly to come forward for peace talks.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/three-including-two-jawans-killed-in-bomb-attack/

The third Irabaot day observation was held today at RPC School Campus, Tuiringphaisen Village, Sagang, Churachandpur district from 10 am to 1.40 pm organised by Sagang Area United Club association (SAUCA) L. Sumneithang, D.I. ZEO was the Chief Guest while Guest of Honour was St. Minthang, Headmaster Sagang High School. The functional President was Binoy Singh, Headmaster Tuiringphaisen H/School.
Moderators were Thangthalien and L. Asong. Competitions were held in poetry, Quiz, Solo and talent show .
Students of Dampi JB/School, Khonomphai JB/Sc, RPC School, Tuiringphaisen Govt. H/Sc, New Dampi Eng. School participated in the competitions. First Prize went to New Dampi School, second prize went to Khonomphai JB/Sc and Tuiringphaisen Govt School got the third prize.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/irabot-day-of-celebration-at-churachandpur/

IMPHAL, Sept 27 MNS NNN: “Manipur could be a famous tourist destination if it can foster more favourable environment for the tourists in the state. Tourists cannot visit the State to experience its scenic beauty and learn our cultures; and entrepreneurs also failed to invest and set up industries in the State due to law and order problems , ” rues Manipur chief minister O. Ibobi Singh who also hold the portfolio of Tourism.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the ” World Tourism Day ” held under the theme, ” Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development ” at Hotel Imphal here today.
The function was also attended by Dr. Rajesh Kumar, IAS, Commissioner (Tourism), Government of Manipur; Francis Ngajokpa, Minister of (RD and PR), Government of Manipur as the president and guest of honour respectively.
Referring to “tourism” as one of the means to improve the livelihood of the people of the State, the Chief Minister stressed on the need to develop tourist spots like Loktak lake and others in the state. The Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur is also making a continuous effort to make “Tourism” a vibrant sector, to generate greater employment and to showcase the state as a prime tourist destination, he added.
The Chief Minister also said that efforts are continuously being made by the government to improve urban infrastructure like roads, sanitation, electricity and air connectivity and added that any problem can be solved through dialogues.
While addressing the gathering, state RD and PR Minister, Francis Ngajokpa said that there is a great scope for tourism in Manipur. He urged everyone concerned for creating peaceful atmosphere to attract tourists in the state. The state government alone cannot assure development of tourism without the support and co-operation of every individual in the society, he pointed out.
Adding the needs to develop the sector, Dr. Rajesh Kumar, IAS, Commissioner of Tourism stated that in order to attract tourists, the state needs proper transport system and well-equipped accommodation.
He further mentioned that the state’s tourism department has already spotted three places in Kewaching, Marjing Polo and Kaina Ching to make it as tourist’s spot.
Prof N. Mohindro Singh and Prof Ch. Ibohal also spoke on the occasion.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/law-and-order-affecting-tourism-industry-cm/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 26: In its continuing endeavors to promote peace in harmony in Manipur, IGAR(South) once again created history in motivating 114 hardcore but disaffected UGs is laying down arms unconditionally in joining the mainstream. At a simple yet landmark Homecoming ceremony, a record number of UGs surrendered in front of Shri O Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister at Mantipukhri on 26 Sep 12. The ceremony was attended by Shri Gaikhangam,Home Minister, Shri D S Poonia, Chief Secretary, Shri Joy Kumar Singh, DGP, Dr J Suresh Babu, Principal Secretary(Home) and Maj Gen U K Gurung, YSM IGAR(S) also family members of the surrendering youth.
The UGs belonged to all the major groups including UNLF-18, PLA-11, KCP-09, KYKL-17, PREPAK-18, KNLF-12, UNPC-04, UPRF -01, KNLA-02, UPPK-6, and PULF-16. A large horde of weapons including AK 47s, Lathod Guns, Carbine and pistols were surrendered by the UGs.
Speaking during the occasion, the Chief Minister lauded the bold step taken by the UGs shunning violence and joining the path of peace and prosperity. He explained that peace and freedom from crime and terrorism are catalysts for progress and development. The Chief Minister also applauded the critical role of Assam Rifles in encouraging misguided youth to join the mainstream thereby promoting peace in the area.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister Ibobi said officers and jawans of Assam Rifles and the state police force deserve commendation for this achievement and added Major General UK Gurung, IGAR South and his troops have done a commendable job.
He added due credit must also go to state DGP and his police force who are dealling with a prolonged insugency and law and order problem with fair degree of success.
It has been a conscious policy of his Government to engage maximum number of underground groups in peace talks, Ibobi stressed and added the extend of this engagement has expanded over the years, saying the Government firmly believes that solution to any problem will come only through dialogue and peaceful means and that violence can never solve a problem.
The prolonged armed movement in Manipur has not achieved anything concrete for the people and instead it has only bred disorder and chaos in the society, the Chief Minister insisted.
He noted that today rapid economic development across the globe is creating unprececedented opportunities for people, however Manipur has lagged behind in this race due to some of its very fundamental weaknesses pointing out that one of the these weaknesses is ‘prolonged situation of conflict.’
He added his Government is trying to bring about some path breaking changes in Manipur that one of its priority sectors is ‘power’ and it has initiated a process of total change in the sector by initiating public-private partnership. Initial offers have already been floated to invite capable and specialised private energy entities in Manipur, he further informed.
“We have already identified a number of potential and feasible locations of hydro project. The aim is to invite non-government expertise and capital to harness the hydel potential of our state. We have also started a comprehensive transmission and distribution reforms.”
He said, “Today’s surrender ceremony reflects the mindset of our youth. Their decision is wise. On the other hand we must fulfill our obligation. They must be embraced and welcomed into the mainstream. I assure all them that we will make best efforts for their rehabilitation.”
The family members of the youth, some of them getting carried away by emotions, also profusely thanked the Assam Rifles for guiding the youth towards the right path and leading normal lives henceforth. They also hoped that the rehabilitation of these who surrendered will be done by the administration in an early timeframe.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/114-militants-lay-down-arms-to-cm/

IMPHAL, Sept 23 NNN: The 3rd Buyer-Seller Meet cum Exhibition on Handloom fabrics which started on Saturday at Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC) concluded here today.
The valedictory function was graced by O. Nabakishore Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary (Commerce and Indurtries), Government of Manipur and V. Tualthang, Director of Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur as the chief guest and president respectively.
The function which was held by Manipur Apex Weavers and Handicraft Artisans Co-operative Society Limited under the aegis of Directorate of Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur saw the participation of total 66 clusters from both the valley and the hills in which 17 buyers from other states got registered.
During the function, the potential buyers presented statements on both the merits and demerits of the state handloom products while adding that the state possesses adequate weaving knowledge which is a sign of the state’s women empowerment.
Further, the visiting buyers also stated that the state’s tribal art of weaving has gained huge demand in foreign markets expressing that the state’s handloom products do not have a systematic rule of price fixation, less elaborateness on fabrication and not maintaining quality control in colour and block fixation.
Stressing on the need for developing the art, the buyers also expressed that the products need extensive exposures by enlarging its diversification sizes stating that it also requires modification with much improved stitching techniques.
For better business transaction, the buyers from outside the state also asked for the delivery of the quantity of different products in time which they have sought.
With an aim to focus on taking advantages of the presence of reputed buyers for exploring the possibility of export of handloom products of Manipur, the 3rd Buyer-Seller Meet-Cum Exhibition 2012 was organised.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/3rd-buyer-and-seller-meet-cum-exhibition-on-handloom-fabrics-concludes/

As usual, the national rose day was observed at RIMS. The former superintendent of the hospital distributed gifts and red roses to cancer patients.
Prior to the previous record, more than 1300 persons are cancer patients in a year, he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/rose-day/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 18 : Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Sunday appealed to all to understand the role of the media in a democratic country. Ibobi who was the Chief Guest of the observation of 39th foundation day of All Manipur Working
Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) held at Press Club said if the media report something which is against the interest of the nation or press ethics the matter can be discussed and corrected.
But if people tries to force one’s opinion to be reported in the newspapers it is not acceptable.
He further said those who tried the media as their enemy are enemy of the people. People with principle will never do anything which will harm the media, he added.
He condemned the bomb attack on the residence of A Mobi, president AMWJU recently by militants. Due to threats by militants some of the journalists are provided security and newspaper houses guarded. How long will this continue he asked. Everybody has to die but nobody wants to die for a wrong purpose, he added.
To strengthen the functioning of a free media he assured to consider making Directorate of Information and Public Relations a major department. If there is land then the government may consider earmarking it as press enclave he assured.
He also assured to provide patta of the Press Club to AMWJU. He expressed displeasure over the ways files do not move up on its own to the decision makers. If individuals do not pursue then the files do not move on its own, he said.
He assured that the files related to the demands of the press do not remain confine in rooms of some officials. Kh Ratan, Minister Works who was the Guest of Honour of the function said media is people’s conscience. A Mobi, president who presided over the function highlighted the problems faced by the media fraternity.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nobody-wants-to-die-without-any-reason-cm/