Photo – Page 18 – Manipur News

Photo exhibition to showcase developmental activities at Lilong

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 18 : Carrying forward the campaign for mass awareness on the various developmental projects initiated by the Government of India, a five-day photo exhibition on the theme ‘Development Initiatives in North East’ was set rolling Tuesday at Lilong Higher Secondary Madrassa, Lilong in Thoubal District of Manipur. The exhibition with a collection of 130-odd photographs was opened by Md Shah Alam, Chairperson, Lilong (Tbl) Nagar Panchayat. The five-day campaign which would continue till September 22 is being organized by the Field Exhibition Office, Directorate of Advertising & Visual Publicity, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, Imphal.
Addressing the gathering, Md Shah Alam noted with satisfaction about the photo exhibition that aims at creating mass awareness about the pace of centrally-sponsored schemes in Manipur. ‘This photo exhibition teaches us the road for development, particularly in Lilong’, said the Chairperson and called upon the public for grapping the opportunity of photo exhibition to learn about the programs of the Government. The outspoken chairperson mince no words in hitting out the lapses in implementation of various centrally-sponsored projects in Manipur.
‘The tragedy is , about 90% of the populace is not aware of those beautiful schemes. On the other hand, the 10% of those who have the knowledge of these schemes misused it’, lamented the chairperson. Narrating his survey, Alam said that 90% of beneficiaries who have availed Old Age Pension schemes were between the age of 25-45. Widow pensions were taken away by those whose husband were still alive and mid-day meals were pocketed by the school authority’, said the chairperson. On NREGS, Alam said that funds were being misused so much so that there are occasions where cases have landed into Court! Putting up the case for Lilong, the chairperson regretted that there is no Community Hall worth the name in Lilong.
Md Islauddin Shah, Principal, Lilong Hr Sec Madrassa said that the success of centrally-sponsored schemes lies in sincere and honest implementation. ‘We all have the responsibilities for the successful implementation of centrally-sponsored schemes’, said the Principal and informed that his Madrassa is getting the benefit of central schemes such as RMSA, SSA, Mid-day meal, Pre-Matric & Post-Matric scholarships, etc.
In a fitting response from the public, many visitors were seen visiting the exhibition hall, glancing the photos one after another. Commenting on the exhibition, O Noyon Singh, Lecturer (Physics), Lilong Hr Secondary Madrassa said the photo exhibition is an excellent platform to know the development of the people of our country, particularly the North East. ‘It helps in knowing the development in North East’ echoed RK Sanatomba Singh, Lecturer (Eco).
Md Nasir Hussain Shah, Lecturer (Edn) feels that the photo exhibition is a good medium to educate the public on various government projects. ‘Good exhibition and first time at Lilong’ concludes Shah. Adding more significance to the campaign, the photo exhibition is an excellent source of information and knowledge for the students and young learners. ‘This photo exhibition teaches me many things. It’s informative’, said Kh Rukshana, a Xth grader of Lilong Hr Secondary Madrassa while talking to visiting media persons on the sideline of the exhibition.

Repoll held

The re-poll in eight polling stations in respect of Panchayat elections was held today. The polling stations where voters cast their votes were Phunal Maring Junior High School, Andro Khunou UJB School Imphal east, Yengkhom Leirak community Hall, Nambul Mapan High School Imphal west, Wangjing Khunou LP School Thoubal, Phubala High School, Thanga, Samukol Primary […]

The re-poll in eight polling stations in respect of Panchayat elections was held today.
The polling stations where voters cast their votes were Phunal Maring Junior High School, Andro Khunou UJB School Imphal east, Yengkhom Leirak community Hall, Nambul Mapan High School Imphal west, Wangjing Khunou LP School Thoubal, Phubala High School, Thanga, Samukol Primary School and Thanga Salam govt. High School, Bishnupur.
No untoward incidents were reported from anywhere.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/repoll-held/

North East Olympians honoured with cash prize

Imphal, Sep 15 UNA: A three Day Seminar on the Development of Sports in the North Eastern State kicked off today at Manipur Film Development Cooperation (MFDC) . Chief Minister of Manipur O. Ibobi Singh inaugurated it.
In the opening function of the Seminar, London Olympic 2012, bronze medalist in 51 kg women boxing Mary Kom was awarded with Rs.40 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh each were given to the Olympians of the northeastern states by the Manipur Olympic Association and The Youth Affairs and sports department government of Manipur under the sponsorship of Northeastern Council (NEC).
The inaugural function was attended by, O. Ibobi Singh Chief Minister, Manipur, Paban Singh Ghatowar Union Minister of state and in-charge of DoNER/ Chairman NEC, and Bijoy Koijam president Manipur Olympic Association as chief guest president and guest of honor. Dr. Meinya and Thangso Baite, MPS council of cabinet ministers, MLAs and high ranking officials attended the function.Two Olympians from Sikkim and Assam however could not attend the function as their flights reached Imphal late.
Expressing his gratitude to the Union Minister and Chairman, NEC for providing resource for the event and consenting to grace this function, Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh said Manipur is now emerging as powerhouse in sports in the country. Organisation of seminar and felicitation of the Olympians jointly organized in Imphal is a welcome gesture.
Chief Minister further said that we have so far been content doing well at the national level. But recent London Olympic has raised the bar. We now aim for International level successes. Rio Olympics in 2016 will have to be a special target. We have to carve out our place in certain disciplines that are most suitable to us, such as, Archery, Boxing, Weightlifting and contact games etc.
Manipur has always been proud of producing Olympians, Arjuna Awardees, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Dronacharya and Dhyanchand Awardees. And it is proud to add another distinction, the Olympic medalist with Mary Kom winning a bronze medal in London Olympic. And “I am confident that this would only be the beginning and more will follow in future”.
Today, all sportspersons are needed to pay attention to the basic challenges at a more fundamental level in a state where there is talent in Sports the opportunities would need to be broader based. Our young ones need to be exposed to sport facilities and in an environment where committed coaches and sportsperson are accessible. Despite our apparent successes so far, many have also been denied the opportunities added the CM.
Chief minister further said in view to broad base promotion of sports, government of Manipur has taken up to establishment of Mini-sports complex in all the Hill district head quarter and in valley areas, under the financed of DoNer, NLCPR and under Plan through SPA.
Manipur is gifted with talented football players both boys and girls, and so, the state has been moving the NEC for establishment of a Regional Football Academy in Manipur. The Academy could be moulded into a centre of excellence in football and fulfill a genuine need of the footballers of the North East.
Ibobi, Ghatowar , Bijoy also handed over a cheque to the London Olympians of the North East state and further handed over gifts (Laptop) sponsored by the Sara Jeevan Staff Welfare Association to Manipur Olympians. And further receipt the Jarkhand National games medalist with cash award of Rs. 17 lakh and below.
The opening of seminar was attended by all the Olympians of the North Eastern state.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/north-east-olympians-honoured-with-cash-prize/

Bar assn can bring changes : Guv

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 15 : The closing function of the Year Long Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the All Manipur Bar Association was held today at Cheirap.Governor Gurbhachan Jagat, Minister I Hemochandra, Justice T Nandakumar and others attended the function.
The Governor said “ The primary objective in setting up this Association was to help in ushering in a more just society in Manipur and helping in dispensing of justice to all.
The legal fraternity is not only there to argue cases in court but it has a far bigger role. The work of this fraternity begins with the introduction of Bills in Parliament, the debates in Parliament and outside the Parliament, the response of various civil societies to certain Acts being proposed or those which have already been passed and finally to actively engage themselves in these discussions in the forums that are available to them. The Bar Associations are in the unique position of initiating such debates and dialogues and make suggestions to the State and Central Governments through their elected representatives or through the media or by directly meeting the concerned representatives of the Government. The Bar Association should be constantly holding Seminars, Workshops, etc on subjects of topical importance which impact even the common man. The common man is not aware of the intricacies of the various Bills in Assemblies and Parliament or the various Acts that have been passed, especially in the field of social legislation and the taxation regime which have a direct impact on their daily lives.
An active Bar Association should also hold Workshops and Seminars where distinguished legal experts from different specializations can come and participate along with retired Supreme Court and High Court Justices and top known lawyers of various Bar Associations. This would go a long way to educate the younger Members of the Bar Association and also nudge the senior Advocates to keep updating their knowledge.
There is another field in which they can play an important part and that is in rendering help to poor litigants. There are various rules and regulations regarding admission of BPLstudents in Schools and Colleges in various professions, in hospitals, etc, but these are more often flouted than
followed. I would request this Association to deal with this problem, through their clinics, etc. Litigation is an expensive affair and begins with villagers coming from some outlying areas of the State spending money on travel and lodging, payment to those representing them and then these cases can carry on for years if not decades. This will really be a major step in social upliftment of the poor. Another area where initiatives of the Bar Association could prove to be very useful, especially in troubled States is in conflict resolution. The Bar Association normally enjoys great respect amongst common people and various organizations and if it takes the lead in conflict resolution also, it would be serving a great National purpose.
We are in a situation today where investigation levels of Police all over the country has gone down abysmally. Standards of prosecution are even poorer but I would not like to comment on the state of the third pillar of the system. The common man has almost lost faith in the criminal justice system and has started resorting to various unfair practices in order to achieve his objectives, that is, through corruption or extraneous influences. We have reached a stage where local people even in Manipur have started destroying houses of suspects and lynching them even before the Police reaches the spot. This is a matter of great concern and has to be taken up at all levels because providing security of life and property is one of the basic functions of the State.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bar-assn-can-bring-changes-guv/

Panchayat elections held

IMPHAL, Sept 13 MNS NNN: The 4th Panchayat polls in four valley districts of Manipur recorded a heavy turnout today with 85 per cent voters exercising their franchise but violence marred some polling stations.
Poll violence was witnessed in some parts of the four districts when two persons sustained injuries and an incident of booth capturing was also reported during voting. No voter was turned up in five different polling stations.
Voting was started from 7 am and ended at 4 pm. Till 1:30 pm, around 50 per cent voting was registered but 85 per cent turnout was recorded at the end of the polling.
Repoll is likely in Thanga Part-I under Thanga constituency in Bishnupur district where two rival groups of workers of two Zilla Parishad candidates engaged in a disorderly fight which impeded the voting process. Repolls are also expected at Kameng polling station in Seijang Gram Panchayat in Imphal East and another polling station in Thoubal district where polling did not take place following violence.
At the start of polling at a booth at Chanam Sandrok LP School under Irilbung Police Station in Imphal East, two workers were hurt when supporters of two rival candidates engaged in a violent standoff.
Takshellambam Kameshwor, 55, a resident of Chanam Sandrok Mamang Leikai and Thiyam Nabakumar, 47, a resident of Sandrok Awang Leikai sustained injuries in the heads when one Huidrom Dhamendra, brother of Pradhan Huidrom Suresh attacked them with the butt of a double barrel gun.
Meanwhile, reports said not a single voter was turned up in five different polling stations in the four districts. In the meantime, unidentified miscreants have captured a ballot box from a polling booth at Wangjing Khunou in Thoubal district.
A total of 6,51,817–3,18,122 male voters and 6,51,817 female voters– were officially declared valid for the Panchayat polls. In all, 9096 polling personnel were used at 1,516 polling stations spread across the four districts. During the polls, 5,000 security personnel including state police, Manipur Rifles, India Reserve Battalion, Village Defence Force and Home Guards were deployed to ensure free and fair polls.
The polls were held to elect 60 Zilla Parishad members, 161 Pradhans and 1,514 Gram Panchayat members from four valley districts of Imphal East including ADC Jiribam, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur.
In the Panchayat polls, 231 candidates are contesting for the 60 Zilla Parishad seats, 595 candidates for 161 seats for Pradhans and 3794 candidates are in the fray for 1514 seats of Gram Panchayat members.
The Government this time had opted secret ballot papers replacing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the Panchayat Polls. EVMs were used in the last state general elections.
In Imphal East ADC Jiribam, 10 polling stations were officially declared as hyper- sensitive, 19 as sensitive and 23 as normal out of 57 polling stations, while in respect of Sawombung, Porompat and Keirao Bitra of the district having 433 polling stations, 77 had been declared as hyper-sensitive, 218 as sensitive and 138 as normal.
In respect of Imphal West’s Lamshang, Patsoi and Wangoi which had a total number of 327 polling stations, eight were declared as hyper-sensentive, 48 as sensitive and 271 as normal.
For Thoubal district’s Lilong, Thoubal and Kakching, all the 480 polling booth were declared hyper-sensetive. For Bishnupur district’s Nambol, Bishnupur and Moirang which had 219 polling stations in total, no official statement was released regarding sensitivity of the polling booths.
Counting of votes fo the Panchayat polls will take place on September 17 .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/panchayat-elections-held/

Streets innundated with flood water on Tuesday in Imphal areas

Rahul Gandhi visits relief camps in violence-hit Assam

Kokrajhar, Sep 11 (ANI): Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday met victims of ethnic violence in relief camps and held discussions with Bodoland Territorial Council (BTAD) leaders on the prevailing situation in Assam.
Gandhi, who arrived here on a day-long visit, undertook trips to the Kathalguri and Gambaribeel relief camps.
He would later go to Salakati in Kokrajhar, besides two relief camps in Dhubri district.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde have already visited Assam.
Home Minister Shinde earlier on Monday said sufficient security arrangements have been made by the security forces in the vulnerable areas of Assam to prevent recurrence of communal violence.
Presenting the report card of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for the month of August, Shinde said that normalcy is returning to Assam and people are going back from relief camps to their native places.
“I am happy to note that normalcy is returning to Assam gradually and people are going back from relief camps to their native places. I had requested the state governments to take all possible measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future,” Shinde said.
“It is unfortunate that the recent violence caused by the ethnic groups in Assam has been given communal colour and has resulted heavy loss of lives and displacement of people to relief camps,” he added.
The Prime Minister had earlier on Saturday said that the increase in the communal incidents in the country in the past few months and the revival of ethnic tensions in the northeast in recent weeks have been causes of concern.
“The ethnic disturbances of the northeast assumed a national dimension with the flight of people belonging to the northeast from various towns of South and Western India,” he said in his speech at the Annual Conference of DGPs/IGPs here.
It may be recalled here that there was exodus of northeasterners from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra following rumours of backlash over the ethnic violence in Assam.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/rahul-gandhi-visits-relief-camps-in-violence-hit-assam/

COPTAM conclave on tribal rights held

IMPHAL, Sept 10 NNN : Committee for the Protection of Tribal Areas, Manipur (COPTAM) in its 3rd Intellectual Conclave-2012 in New Delhi with a theme, “Protection of Indigenous Tribal Land Rights” has deliberated various issues pertaining to the tribal people and their land in Manipur.
The COPTAM conclave that was held at Constitution Club, Rafi Marg in New Delhi on Saturday was attended by many tribal leaders and intellectuals in Delhi. The programme was also attended by Lok Sabha MP from Manipur outer parliamentary constituency Thangso Baite.
On being learnt about the conclave held in New Delhi, Newmai News Network when contacted to tribal leaders in the national capital, they disclosed that various tribal leaders and intellectuals in the programme deliberated on the ‘threats’ posed to the tribal land and the possible means to redress such problems.
After a prolonged brainstorming session and exchanged of views on the matter, the tribal intellectuals and activists unanimously decided to affirm the legitimate demands of the COPTAM for protection of tribal areas in Manipur. The participants then expressed their concerns to the indifferent attitudes of the State Government to COPTAM’s numerous petitions, protests and democratic agitations to address the tribal grievances in Manipur.
The tribal leaders appealed to all elected representatives including MLAs, MPs, MDCs and others to co-operate at their own level to favorably solve these sensitive issues.
They also appealed to the Union Government for immediate intervention in the matter and initiate steps for protection of Manipur tribal areas under existing Constitutional provisions.
The conclave then endorsed for the transfer of hill land records from the adjoining valley districts to their respective hill district headquarters and to maintain land records by respective Autonomous District Councils.
“Hill Land Survey or any other form of Survey in tribal areas should be discouraged until the local self-government institutions i.e., ADCs are fully empowered to maintain land records,” the tribal participants stated.
They also demanded the state government should ensure that the original district boundary is restored and maintained on the basis of the villages’ land boundary recognized and recorded in the Manipur State Hill Peoples’(Administration) Regulation, 1947.
According to the tribal leaders in the conclave, the superfluous provision of Section 1(2) of the MLR & LR Act, 1960 provided that the State government may, by notification in the official Gazette, extend the whole or any part of any section of this Act to any of the Hill Areas of Manipur also as may be specified in such notification” should be deleted from the Act.
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 per se may not be applied in the Hill areas of Manipur State. Reserved and Protected Forests declared without the knowledge and consent of the scheduled tribe land owners may be returned to the rightful owners, the New Delhi meeting deliberated.
“Government should rather provide Statutory Constitutional Protection of Tribal land, culture, customs, values and traditional institutions such as Chieftainship rather than piecemeal Amendments to the Manipur (Village Authority in Hill Areas), 1956 and Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act, 1971,” the participants said.
The conclave asserted that Moreh is a tribal/rural area and should be treated as such in all aspects.
They said the proposed creation of Jiribam district should not include even an inch of tribal areas or any villages that falls under the ADCs of Churachandpur and Tamenglong.
“Any part of hill districts which has been included under the Municipality/Panchayati Raj without the consent and approval of Hill Areas Committee (HAC) should be totally withdrawn,” the tribal leaders demanded.
The conclave further demanded that appropriate Constitutional safeguards should be extended as enshrined in the Indian Constitution so as to be uplifted and protected at par with our Tribal sisters and brothers of other North Eastern States.
At the end of the programme, the conclave unanimously agreed to appoint Dr. L. Lam Khan Piangas the COPTAM co-ordinator of New Delhi.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/coptam-conclave-on-tribal-rights-held/

42 AR displaying arms to school children at Pallel.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/42-ar-displaying-arms-to-school-children-at-pallel/

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh honours Smt. Mary Kom, the London Olympic Bronze Medal winner, at the All India Conference of Directors General/Inspectors General of Police -2012, in New Delhi on August 08.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh honours Smt. Mary Kom, the London Olympic Bronze Medal winner, at the All India Conference of Directors General/Inspectors General of Police -2012, in New Delhi on August 08.

Income Tax mascot contest, winner gets Rs one lakh

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/income-tax-mascot-contest-winner-gets-rs-one-lakh/

Income Tax mascot contest, winner gets Rs one lakh

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/income-tax-mascot-contest-winner-gets-rs-one-lakh/

Education system will see a change : Minister

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 7 : The education minister Shri M. Okendra said there will be a change in education system in Manipur. Only education can unite people living in hills and valley. The govt. is trying to improve the conditions of schools both govt. and private.
He was speaking at the inaugural function of the newly constructed building of food testing laboratory and opening of a two day national seminar at SK Women’s College, Nambol today.
There should be good academic atmosphere between teachers and students. Various teachers have been recruited for the schools and a website has also been launched. He appealed the gathering to extend co-operation so that the system can be improved.
N. Loken, Dr. J. Alexander Pao, MLAs, Dean Professor, Amar Yumnam and Professor Ajanta Borgohain Rajkhowa, NE sub-regional co-ordinator, Capacity building for women manager in higher education graced the occasion as president and guest of honours respectively.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/education-system-will-see-a-change-minister/

Olympic bronze medalist from Manipur M.C Mary Kom during a felicitation programme at ICC Auditorium in Kolkata on Thursday hosted by Byatikram Masdo and Saraswati online.com where she was presented gifts by West Bengal Sports minister Madan Mitra and Assam PHE minister Goutam Ray. Mary Kom also received Mother Teressa Award. At the end of the programme West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee gave her a sum of Rs 2 lakh

Olympic bronze medalist from Manipur M.C Mary Kom during a felicitation programme at ICC Auditorium in Kolkata on Thursday hosted by Byatikram Masdo and Saraswati online.com where she was presented gifts by West Bengal Sports minister Madan Mitra and Assam PHE minister Goutam Ray. Mary Kom also received Mother Teressa Award. At the end of […]

12 hour bandh disrupts life in NE

IMPHAL, Sept 6: The 12-hour Northeast shutdown call given by the Northeast Students’ Organisation (NESO) evoked a near total response as normal life in Manipur was hit by the strike on Thursday.
The shutdown was imposed by NESO to protest against the continue discrimination to the North Easterners in the mainland India.
In Manipur, the All Manipur Students’ Union, a constituent of NESO spearheading the strike in the state enforced it by blocking roads and burning tyres in different areas of the state.
Bandh supporters, mostly AMSU volunteers blocked roads and burnt tyres at places like Singjamei, Kakwa, Sagolband Uripok, Nagamapal and Thangmeiband in Imphal which were totally affected by the 12-hour bandh imposed in protest against racial profiling of the Northeast people residing in different parts of mainland India.
Vehicular movement in the Imphal city was brought to a grinding halt. All the Government establishments remained closed during the course of the bandh which started at 5 a.m. and ended at 5 p.m. All the markets were shutdown and educational institutions were also closed. All the financial institutions including private banks were also paralysed due to the strike.
However, the NESO relaxed essential services including medical related activities, media, religious ceremonies and occasions during the shutdown.
In protest against the discrimination of North Easterners in the mainland India and also demanding the deportation of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from the region, the 12-hour bandh of North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) in the states of the region on Thursday affected normal life.
Except for Assam and Tripura, the 12-hour NESO sponsored bandh was strong in Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.
In Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, business establishments were closed and educational institutions did not operate. However, thin traffics were witnessed. In Tripura, the bandh was partial.
Meanwhile, shouting slogans such as “Bangladeshis go back, “Deport Bangladeshis”, “Save the North East region,” “Update the National Register of Citizens,” “Implement all clauses of the Assam Accord,” “Stop discriminating the people of the North East”, around 30 thousand people led by NESO leaders took out a rally from Latasil of Guwahati today at around 11 am.
Student leaders from the region who conglomerated at Latasil gave fiery speeches asking from the state governments as well as the Central government to formulate effective mechanism to “save the Northeast region” from foreigners.
Representing the Northeast MPs Forum, Birendra Prasad Baishya, a Rajya Sabha MP advocated for the prevention of foreigners influx into the region. He said illegal immigration should be stopped immediately. Birendra Prasad Baishya also said the influx of foreigners into the region has threatened the very existence of the North East people and their lands.
“Given the seriousness of the influx, we have been raising it all along in the Parliament. We all must have to save Assam to save the north-east,” Baishya stated.
Fuming over the failure by the successive governments both in Assam and at New Delhi to implement fully the Assam Accord of 1985, NESO leader Samujjal Bhattacharya said unless the Accord if implemented successfully, problems will persist.
Seeing the mammoth turn-out of today rally, the NESO leader said that the peoples response to today’s protest rally indicated that “we are concerned about the situation” where foreigners are overshadowing the indigenous people.
Samujjal also said that the continuing influx of foreigners into the region is a threat to the integrity of India.
On August 23 in Guwahati, issues on the illegal immigrants in the north east region, the prolonging fencing process of the government of India along the Indo-Bangla border and a policy to ensure the safety of the north east people in the mainland India were disccused in the NESO meeting.
The NESO units from all the North Eastern states participated in that meeting where they had deliberated that the government of India should ensure to check the influx of foreigners illegally in the north east region. The need to have a comprehensive policy to detect and deport the illegal immigrants from the north east region should be made by the government of India was also stressed in the meeting.
The NESO leaders had also pointed out the prolonging period to complete the fencing work in the Indo-Bangla border when the same could be done in the Indo-Pakistan border within a short period. “There are so many porous areas in the Indo Bangla border which have been serving as gate-ways for illegal immigrants,” one of the NESO functionary had said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/12-hour-bandh-disrupts-life-in-ne/

Teachers’ day observed

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 5 : : The teachers day 2012 organised by was observed today at the premises of the directorate Lamphelpat.
M. Okendra minister education, S. Dilip director education, RK Anand MLA graced the occasion as chief guest, president and guest of honour. Seven teachers of different schools were honoured by giving state teachers awards 2012 at the occasion. The teacher were naorem Debal Singh head master Chabung Company Chirai Junior high school, Mrs. Laltheingzo assistant head master Renkai higher secondary school, N. Chandrajini Devi lecturer TG higher secondary school, KSh Promila Devi head master Budhimanjuri junior high school, Dr. S. shantibala Devi head master Bishnupur Kha junior high school, S. Nabakumar head master Kasturba girls junior head master and Th. Indubala Devi head master Irilbung high school.
Seven teachers were given prizes and eleven educational institutes which produced toppers were also given prizes. M Okendro speaking on the occasion said the government is trying to establish a higher secondary school in every constituency. He said to help students from far flung areas hostels will be constructed in the city areas. An education policy will also be framed to improve education system in the state he assured.
On the occasion of Teacher’s day, the Senapati brigade, organized a get-together, to felicitate the teachers of Tahamzam Career point, for dedicating their lives to the noble cause of education. The teachers tutoring here are well accomplished personalities in their respective fields and are putting efforts beyond their regular errands to channelize and motivate the youth to become responsible citizens who could par take with the mainland youth. Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen, VSM, GOC Red Shield Division, has extended his compliments to all teachers , on the occasion of Teacher’s Day.
30 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR(South) organized Teacher’s Day celebration at Assam Rifles Nodal School, Mantripukhri on 05 Sep 2012. Uma Gurung, President ARWWA, IGAR(South) graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Brig SS Mishra, VSM, Deputy IGAR(South), Chairman Assam Rifles Nodal School alongwith dignitaries, Teachers and students were attended the event. The students presented various cultural programmes to include dances, Fashion Show etc. Teachers were honored by special Gifts. The event culminated by interaction with Guests, Teachers and Students.
37 Assam Rifles of 28 Sector under the aegis of IGAR(S) celebrated Teacher’s day in Dingpi area Olive English School, Joupi in Chandel district on 05 Sep 12. Various cultural programmes were performed by the children of the school. The Commandant 37 Assam Rifles presented gifts to the children on this occasion.Similarly,23 Assam Rifles observed Teacher’s Day to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan as and to honour the teachers of Assam Rifles School at Shangshak on 05 Sep 2012. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a Philosopher and a Teacher Par Excellence and his contribution towards Indian Education System was remembered on the occasion and various cultural programmes, Speeches, Songs and Poem recitation were performed by the children.

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

Vehicle lifters arrested

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 4 : A team of Singjamei PS arrested nine vehicle lifters from different areas and recovered six vehicles which they stole during the past days.
Producing the vehicle lifters along with the stolen vehicles at Singjamei PS, OC, L. Santosh said, following the report of the vehicles, police investigated the case and could apprehended the nine vehicle lifters from different areas.
The persons were identified as Md. Wahidur Rahman also Ithen (36) Lilong Yangli Leikai, Heikrujam Kishan alias Babananda (22) Thongju II Pheija Leitong, Tayenjam Bikas (20) Kakwa Naorem Leikai, Laishram David (20) Nameirakpam Leikai, Pangabam Dinesh (22) Kongba Khunou, Irom Omorjit (19) Chanam Pukhri Mapal, Nameirakpam Robert alias Ithoi (19) Nameirakpam Leikai, Leimapokpam Abung alias Chitaranjan (21) Kyamgei Maning Leikai and Wangkheimayum Lanngamba alias Bicky (27) M.U first gate.
Six vehicles—one Maruti Alto car, one Maruti 800 car, one Yamaha R-15 , two Yamaha FZ and one Honda Activa scooter— were recovered from their possession during the operations, OC Shantosh told reporters.All the nine vehicle lifters are drug users, he said.
He said now there are 24 cases of vehicle theft in various areas in Imphal adding the nine vehicle lifters were arrested after three days of investigation by Singjamei police.
The kingpin behind the vehicle racket is yet to be arrested as further investigation into the case is undergoing to nab them, the OC informed while suggesting vehicle owners to use double lock system on their vehicles while parking anywhere or anytime.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/vehicle-lifters-arrested/

COPTAM briefs centre about tribal issues

IMPHAL, Sept 4 NNN: Committee for Protection of Tribal Areas, Manipur (COPTAM) has apprised the National Commission for Schedule Tribe (NCST) in New Delhi today about the issues pertaining to tribal community of Manipur.
A five-member delegation of COPTAM led by its chairman Letpu Haokip and general secretary Thangkam Lupheng met Dr Rameshwar Araon, chairman of the National Commission for Schedule Tribe in New Delhi and submitted a lengthy memorandum containing the plights of the tribal people of Manipur.
COPTAM leaders informed that Dr Rameshwar Araon gave a patient hearing when apprised about the tribal issues of Manipur by the tribal leaders this afternoon.
Issues such as Land record and District boundary, MLR & LR Act, 1960, Proposed Manipur (Village Authority in Hill Areas) 2nd Amendment Act, 2011, Proposed Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council, 4th Amendment Act, 2011, Forest Acts, Moreh Rural/Urban issue, Panchayati Raj/Municipality in the hill areas, police boundary and Constitutional provisions for protection of tribal land rights in Manipur are mentioned in the COPTAM memorandum.
According to the tribal leaders, on October 15 in 2010, they had submitted similar memorandum to the National Commission for Schedule Tribe (NCST) and today’s intimation was a reminder of it.
COPTAM leaders claimed that the NCST had asked the state government of Manipur to furnish certain reports on the matters pertaining the tribal people of Manipur in the year 2010 but the state government is yet to reply to the Commission till date. “We are shock to learn about the attitude of the state government for its reluctance to co-operate with the NCST on the matter,” said the COPTAM leaders.
Earlier COPTAM leaders in a meeting had resolved that it would oppose tooth and nail regarding the government decision which says that recognition of any new village in the hill districts of Manipur should be done with the consent of the state Revenue department.
COPTAM general secretary Thangkam Lupheng said that they along with the support of the tribal people will oppose the decision. “The final authority with regard to the recognition of a new village in the hills is the Hills department,” .
Thangkam added that another thing that was taken in the recent meeting in Churachandpur has been on the Jiribam issue. The COPTAM leader says that the Committee does not oppose to the “declaration” Jiribam subdivision as a full fledged district. “However, if at all the state government grants the Jiribam subdivision to district status, it should be declared as a “hill district” and not otherwise,” said COPTAM resolution. According to the tribal committee, in case the state government declares Jiribam as a district but still not as a hill district status then tribal villages should be adjusted to include in either Churachandpur or Tamenglong districts. Driving home its point to prove Jiribam is in a hill district, COPTAM claimed that in the 1970s any government employee posted in Jiribam was given the ‘hills allowance’ by the government. “This has proved that Jiribam is very much in the hill district,” said COPTAM.
On the hill land survey matter, COPTAM meeting resolved that no agency or government department should be allowed to carry out the survey. COPTAM’s move on this came after the state Revenue minister had stated in the last assembly session that hill land survey would be carried out soon. However, expressed if certain acceptable mechanism is done by the state governmentfirst then the tribal committee may review its decision. COPTAM cited that all land record should be submitted to the respective Autonomous District Council (ADC) and followed by proceedings acceptable to the tribals before the hill land survey is done by the state government.
On the Autnomous District Councils (ADCs) in the hills, COPTAM said that for namesake it is ‘autonomous’ but in reality it is a hollow ADCs in Manipur hills. “COPTAM demands from the government to make the ADCs in Manipur hills fully ‘autonomous’. “Since the elections to the ADCs were held and though it is only a namesake in existence we can do little now to reverse the whole process except to demand for the real autonomous district councils and empower the local people so as to make the grass root level democracy meaningful,” said COPTAM.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/coptam-briefs-centre-about-tribal-issues/

MC Mary Kom felicitated

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 2 : 5/9 Gorkha Rifles of Red Shield Division felicitates Indian Olympic medalist MC Mary Kom in a ceremony organized at her village Kangthei on 02 Sep 2012.
Arriving here at about 11 am along with her husband, children, mother and father the pugilist was felicitated by Brig PC Nair, Cdr, Logtak Bde for her London Olympics feat.
People in hundreds gathered to have a glimpse of her as she has brought laurels and joy not only to the Manipuris but to the entire nation.
Her journey to the Olympic medal is full of guts and glory. She has inspired the youth of this nation and the announcement of movie on her by Sanjay Leela Bhansali bears the testimony to her glory and popularity. MC Mary Kom expressed her sincere gratitude to Army for felicitating her and promised to change the colour of her medal at Rio-de-Janerio Olympics.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mc-mary-kom-felicitated/

Pushparani Crowned Miss Pineapple Queen

Mail News Service NNN
Imphal, Sep 2 : Yambem Pushparani Devi (17) of Uripok won the Miss Pineapple Queen at the 5th State Level Pineapple Festival Miss Pineapple Contest 2012 on Saturday held at Sendra Mela ground. Hawaibam Penky of Lilong Chajing and Tingminkim Chongloi of Kangpokpi won the 1st runners up and 2nd runners up titles respectively. The Pine Apple queen was given Rs 50,000, first runners up Rs 40000 and second runners up Rs 30000.
The two day-long “5th State Level Pineapple Festival 2012″ dedicating to the people of Manipur which was held with an aim to promote large-scale cultivation of the fruit in the state organised by Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee concluded at Sendra, an attractive tourist spot in the district of Bishnupur, Manipur yesterday.
Speaking on the second day of the festival, Manipur Home Minister Gaikhangam underlined the need of scientific mode of pineapple cultivation and large-scale production of the fruit which is called ‘Kihom’ in the state.
“Such festival will not only serve to encourage pineapple cultivators but creat a work culture for all the farmers of other fruits,” said Gaikhangam who also holds the posts of Horticulture and TD (Tribal Development).
Gaikhangam also assured that he will try his level best to provide adequate financial assistance to pineapple plantations by joining hands with the state Horticulture Department and the Government as well.
A vast land area of Manipur mainly the gentle and rolling hill slopes are very good for commercial cultivation of pineapple. The agro-climate of Manipur is suitable for this crop.
During the festival, a souvenir entitled “Footprints 2012″ was also released by Gaikgangam marking the ocassion. IFCD Minister Ngamthang Haokip, RD & PR Minister Francis Ngajokpa, MLAs Y Surchandra, Yamthong Haokip, Victor Keishing, T Manga Vaiphei, T Mangibabu and 33 Assam Rifles CO Colonel N Bhardwaj also attended the event.
Certificates were given to the best three women pineapple producers for this year, namely Taiboi of Khoushabung village, Chongthiyam of Bunglon village and T Shenu, also from the village of Bunglon.
Home Minister Gaikhangam also had a glance of all the pineapple stalls participating in the festival and also interacted with pineapple cultivators.
The concluding day of the pineapple festival was held in two separate sessions–morning session and evening session. In the evening session, glittering cultural programme including music and the Manipur Pineapple Queen Contest were held.
Altogether 24 contestants took part at the pineapple queen contest. At the beauty contest, which included six sub-titles, five aspirant pineapple queens were selected in the final round for the title.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pushparani-crowned-miss-pineapple-queen/