Tag: State

IMPHAL, Sep 11 NNN: The United Committee Manipur (UCM) said Wednesday the present Manipur and Central Governments have no explicit knowledge of the state’s actual boundary area along the Indo-Myanmar border, announcing it would launch a mass movement to push for a final settlement to the alleged flawed boundary fencing and demanded for a demarcation of the border to determine the state’s political boundary.
Talking to mediapersons at the UCM office here, the committee’s president Y Nabachandra demanded that the Central and Manipur Government take steps for demarcation of the alleged disputed Indo-Myanmar border to determine the definite political boundary of the state. Manipur Government should convene an emergency special session of the state assembly to discuss the border issue and bring an ultimate solution, he further demanded.
He said UCM had earlier on September 1 organised a seminar on the border issue here at Imphal Hotel to seek advice from intellectuals on the matter which is very sensitive by nature.
The discussion came after a team of the committee visited the border to oversee the Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing, he said.This was followed by a technical session held at the committee’s office yesterday to deliberate on the next course of action, Nabachandra informed, adding six resolutions were taken during the session.
It resolved the territorial integrity of the state should not be severed at any cost and the concerned should immediately stop taking such steps. An emergency special assembly session should be convened by the Government to discuss on the border issue and take resolutions to bring a final solution.
Any sort of fence construction on the Indo-Myanmar border must be immediately discontinued until the dispute is ended by a political solution, it resolved.
It also resolved that the state Government should bring out a white paper on the issue. Further resolved that a coordinating committee comprises of social organizations and leaders of the ethnic communities of Manipur will be set up to deal with the issue and launch a mass agitation to fulfill all the demands.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/centre-state-oblivious-of-border-problem-ucm/

Imphal Sep 11 UNA : Hundreds of students of Presidency College Motbung gathered at the Jubilee Hall to celebrated the 40th Fresher’s Meet 2013 organized by the Students’ Union Presidency College Motbung on Wednesday.
The event was graced by Shri. Tongminlen Haokip, Jr.MCS, SDO/BDO Chandel District, Khengjoi Block as Chief Guest while Dr. T.Gangte, Principal Presidency College Motbung and Y.Biren Singh, Associate Professor, Chemistry, Presidency College, Motbung attended the event as Guest of Honour and Functional President respectively. All teaching staffs of the College apart from the special invitees attended the event .
During the celebration event, various cultural dance were on display by different cultural troupe including Pahlingnei Cultural Troupe, Presidency College Cultural Troupe, Chungmang Pathen(PYC), etc.
A prominient Kuki Pop Artiste Lovejoy and others like Boipu Khongsai, DJ.Kay, Chongneo Khongsai, Kamgoulen Joewa and Golden Age Band enthralled the audience with their performance in the event.
The audience had a great time listening to Lovejoy hit songs like “Gamtui Theng”, “Thangvan Ponkang Sil”.
One of the highlight of the event which charged up the crowd was the Westerndance from Pipi & Lulun, Pahhoi & Party, Themshi & Friends as well as Kh.Mangpi.
“Enjoy your College life with positive attitude and approach” noted the event Chief Guest while adding that a good student always maintained the value of Education well in positive path.
Dr.T.Gangte urges the freshers and other students to tread on the example of humility in greatness, necessity of continual learning and significance of student involvement in social services as examplified by respectable high ranking top official in the state as well as in central service who are once good pupils of the college.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/supcms-celebrates-40th-freshers-meet/

IMPHAL, Sept 11 NNN : The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is 55 years old today and the people affected by this ‘black Act’ have come all along protesting for over half a century against the Act but the largest democracy in the world, India is unperturbed and callous.
The United Naga Council (UNC), Sharmila Kanba Lup (Save Sharmila Movement) and Just-Peace Foundation (JPF) today strongly advocated for the repeal of AFSPA.
“As an organisation, we also demand for the repeal of AFSPA at the earliest,” said UNC president L Adani while talking to NNN.
Meanwhile, Sharmila Kanba Lup, a movement supporting hunger striker Irom Sharmila has termed today, the September 11 as Black Day’.
On September 11, 1958, the AFSPA came into existence.
Women folks under the banner of Sharmila Kanba Lup carried out sit-in-protest today to mark the day near (JNIMS), Porompat in Imphal.
Also marking the occasion, Just Peace Foundation, Imphal questions the rationality of continuing imposition of AFSPA by the government for over half a century.
“In many parts of the North East India, the Act has been in operation for all these 55 years generating and invigorating this feeling of alienation,” said the Just Peace Foundation in a communique made available to the media houses today. It then pointed out several instances where numerous government constituted review committees on AFSPA going against the continuing of the Act.
The JPF cited the reports of the 2005 Committee to Review the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the Supreme Court appointed Santosh Hegde Commission and many others.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/55-long-years-under-afspa/

TAMENGLONG, Sept 11-The Bharat Sansar Nigam Limited(BSNL) has started to introduce 3G internet services connectivity in Manipur’s Tamenglong in the current year.
This was disclosed by M Maheshkumar Telecom Technical Assistant of BSNL during the question and answer session soon after delivering his presentation on BSNL’s activities in the backward district of the state on the first day of the on-going 3 day 15thBharat Nirman Public Information Campaign which was organized by Press Information Bureau (PIB)Government of India,Imphal in collaboration with Directorate of Field Publicity(DFP),Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity, Song and Drama Division, All Indian Radio and Doordarshan and District administration of Tamenglong at Town Baptist Church Hall in Tamenglong district today.
He also admitted that the BSNL is planning to launch Wi-max internet service in the hill district headquarter, about 150 km west of the state capital soon once the necessary infrastructure are established.
There are three 2G Base Trans-receiver (BTS)mobile towers, one each of 3G BTS and WLLtowersin Tamenglong district headquarters.There are limitations for setting up of BTS towers as it requires proper infrastructures.
But unfortunately one BTS tower is going down in Tamenglong since the last four/five days back due to frequent cut down on the existing Optical Fibre Cable(OFC)located somewhere along the 40 km stretch of Tamenglong headquarter and Khongsang points, he added.
So far BSNL has been providing telephone and internet broadband services to 410 landline telephone subscribers and 50 broadband telephone services.
Seeking public help and cooperation from the general public of the district the BSNL official also admitted that the up-gradation works of the BSNL services are still on in the district.
The AADHAR number, a unique identity numberof every citizen of the country, issued by government of India will remain valid for their lifetime. This AADHAR number will serve as Identity of a person anywhere in India. It is a must for the citizens to enrolfortheir respective AADHAR numberin the country.
This was stated by Senior Journalist Salam Enaomacha during the first day technical session of the on-going the Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign at Town Baptist Church Tamenglong organized by Press Information Bureau, Government of India, Imphal in collaboration with DAVP, DFP, Song & Drama Division, Prasar Bharati and District Administration Tamenglong, today.
“The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme will prevent the misuse of subsidy amounts provided by the government for every beneficiaryas the government authority or the implementing agencies will directly deposit their money to their respective bank accounts which are linked to Aadhar number”, Enaomacha added. However at present, since many beneficiaries are still to be provided the Aadhar card, the benefits are deposited to the bank accounts even without the Aadhar number.
Under the scheme, all LPG consumers with Aadhar numbers and whose bank accounts linked to Aadhar numbers will be given and advance amount of Rs 435/- per cylinder booked, immediately on booking a cylinder.While the LPG cylinders will be supplied at the market price,the subsidised amount will be credited automatically in their accounts.
It may be mentioned that the DBT which was launched on January 1 this year in 43 districts in 16 states and union territories for 25 schemes, also aims to cover some of the central sponsored schemes such as Indira Gandhi Matritiva SahyongYojana,Dhanlakshmi scheme, Janani SurakshaYojana,housing subsidy for beedi workers, stipend for SC/ST for coaching , guidance and vocational training.
A public discussion on Aadhar and DBT followed by another quiz among the school students of Tamenglong at the concluding part of the technical session. Later magic show and a theme based short play by artists of the Song and Drama Division,Imphal enthralled the gathering.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bsnl-introduces-3g-at-tamenglong/

TAMENGLONG: The newly implemented Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyaram (JSSK) scheme which entitles pregnant women delivering in public health institutions to absolutely free and no expense delivery including caesarean section under the National Rural Health Mission(NRHM), has benefited as many as 252 pregnant women in Manipur’s Tamenglong.
This was stated by District Program Manager Ms Abuana Gonmei of NRHM, Tamenglong on the first technical session of the 3 day Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign on the flagship programs of the Central government at Tamenglong today.
She said ASHAs(Accredited Social Health Activist)and the health workers are mobilizing the interior village women in their village. They are the back born of the National Rural Health Mission in Tamenglong, she added and narrated the role and activities of ASHAs.
She said that another new scheme called Adolescence Friendly Health Clinic also launch six clinics in Tamenglong for all adolescence who did not want to consult their health problems to their parents. The adolescence may consult the doctor on every Friday afternoon(2-4 pm).
The district program manager also revealed that the first referral district hospital Tamenglongis running acute shortage of manpower as it has only 20 doctors against around 50 each in the other district hospitals. However besides 252 ASHAs, there are around 11 staff nurses,27 ANMs,12 ASHA felicitators and 6 Ayush doctors under NRHM Tamenglong.
“No one is willing to be posted in Tamenglong due to many reasons including lack of infrastructure, lack of electricity or bad telecommunication etc ”, Abuana opined. The Operation Theatre building has completed but there is no special doctor posted here, to be functional the district hospital has organized two surgical camps in the recent time where as many as 26 major and 17 minor cases were operated successfully. The next surgical camp would be organized in November 2013, she informed.
She further said that the District Mobile Medical Unit has organized 103 camps till date despite having Ultra- sound machine due to lack of technician.
She also mentioned that under NRHM scheme in Tamenglong, Village Health Sanitation Committee also formed with the village authority with ASHAs as president and secretary of the committee respectively. The District Health Mission Society has sanctioned some fund to organize awareness campaign on health and sanitation. “The committee is responsible for any health program or issues related to the health in their respective village”, she said. “As many as 15 government schools have been covered this year besides conducting school health programme”.
Later a public interaction followed by a quiz competition among the school students were also held in the day’s afternoon session.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/252-pregnant-women-benefited-under-jssk-in-tamenglong/

MNS:- David Haokip, Secretary, Deptt. of Political Affairs, Govt of Khulmigam(UKLF) today said 13 September every year is observed as Kuki Black Day by some section of Kuki people since the last some years. It was on this day the largest numbers of innocent Kukis were eliminated in 1993 at few different places at the time when the Naga-Kuki ethnic clash was at its peak.
However, being a peace loving organization, the UKLF is not in favour of observing the day as Kuki Black day owing to some pertinent reasons. We have consulted several church leaders, peace loving individuals, social and political leaders and we came to the conclusion that observing the day as BLACK day will bring nothing good to the society as a whole. Hence, we used to speak out our mind to the public disfavouring its observance many times in the past as wel as in the present. But in this particular point we are being misunderstood by some people even in our own community. Neverthless we cannot remain a silent spectator when we have a commitment to bring peace and tranquility in the society.
Therefore, we have decided that there will be no Black Day observance in UKLF operation area and any body who defied this decision/order shall be dealt with accordingly.
We requested the Kuki church leaders, Pastors/Reverents, social and political leaders to think deeply on the matter and take a decision whether it is in line with the principle of the Bible or not. The Bible’s focal points are forgiving and forgetting the mistakes/misdeeds of others. Peace, unity, harmony, oneness and cooperation among human beings are the main theme of the Bible. There might be a time when we lost love and harmony among us and go into war with one another but we must also have a time to forgive and forget the past unwanted happenings. This is all about the divine law found in the Holy Bible. But whether we put this into practice or not is purely in our hands.
It is also a a request to the general public to ponder seriously and think for the demerits and merits of the actions and thoughts we have. We the UKLF is of the opinion that it will do no good to the society. This is what we believe and accordingly taken a stand point. Our assertion is that remembering and observing the day as such will only renew the past bitter memories which will obstruct the road to peace and social harmony.
Some of the people who supported the Black day say that the day is not for vengeance but for peace and social harmony between the two communities but the result of it seems to be the other way round. Of course we may not openly instigate the people to pound upon and wage war on the other community but it will be a spring well of hatred and animosity against the other which could be a harbinger of another conflict in future.
Black day, though observed by some section of the Kukis, many of the 22 Kuki tribes are not observing it. Thus, the term Kuki Black day is not correct since all the Kukis are not part of it.
Now it also learn that some Kuki people are attempting of erecting memorial stones to remember those Kuki wictims of the Naga Kuki conflict. These people might have anumber of justifications to justify their actions but it will only elongate the memories of those days and the ugly incidents are not erased for good.
Thus, UKLF is not infavour of it. If we want to erect memorial stone we may do so for a particular village or a family but not for the entire Kuki community as it may be a permanent obstacle in process of peace and reconciliation in the society.
We should keep in mind that 20 year before and today is not the same. Time is fast changing and yesterday and today is not the same. We must think for the future more than the present. In the past we might have many mistakes and committed heinous crimes but we cannot be on that path of life always. We should be able change ourselves with the changing of time otherwise we shall be left behind. Looking back and busy recalling and recollecting the past things are doing more harms than good in most cases.
Now is the time to reconciles and come together for building a better future. Singularity is not appreciated since the call of the time is for unity and cooperation. Brethren Nagas had been singularly struggling hard for the last so many decades but achieve very little. They might have suffered heavy casulities in the processes but in the field of achivement it is so little.The Kukis, though late in the field of politics, are also following the footstep of the Nagas and they are likely to end up at nothing if they are not wise enough before it is too late. If the two communities forgive and forget the past and walk hand in hand they may have future other wise a big avelanche is ahead of them.
Right from the beginning, the UKLF has been striving for unity, peace and social harmony in the society. We did whatever we could to achieve something to this end though our success rate is still not up to the mark. We left no stone unturn to bring the two communities back to normalcy particularly after the so call Naga Kuki ethnic clash of the early 90s. Disfavouring Kuki Black Day is one basic step to endeavour our mission. We might be misunderstood by some but we are very clear in our vision and mission.
Now let us be intelligent and careful for the future ahead of us. Let the by-gone be by-gone. We must look for the things a head and not behind us. All farsighted and right thinking citizens should not opt for conflicts and confrontations. We must apply the best intention we have not to allow past bitter experiences to resurface. We must give peace a chance so that security to life come first and economic prosperity comes in the next. Then only we can enjoy the beauty of our blessed state – Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/stand-of-uklf-in-regard-to-kuki-black-day/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Sep 10 : Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Governor of Manipur and Nagaland today presented Governor’s and RK Sanatombi awards at Asha and Jina hall. Addressing the function he said “It is a pleasure and a privilege for me to be here today, at the presentation and felicitation ceremony of the prestigious awards, to the brightest students, best teachers, outstanding sports persons and the most dutiful traffic woman.
My heartiest congratulations to all the awardees and all the prize winners who have been conferred the awards and prizes today. It is no easy task to climb the highest peak in the worjd and it is no easy task to stand first in the class and to so excel in sports that you defeat all your competitors. We all know that it requires a lot of hard work, courage and dedication to make it to the top. Dear awardees, prize winners and summiteers, what you have achieved is creditable not only for you but the entire state of Manipur. It is time for you to feel happy and congratulate your self. At the same time, please do not forget to thank those who have helped you to reach this height. While you struggled, your parents were praying for you. Your teachers, mentors and coaches gave you all the guidance you needed. I am sure you received moral and financial support from your families. Without these, you will agree with me, it would have been difficult or even impossible for you to succeed. Therefore, this is the time to acknowledge the contribution made by others in your success and express your gratitude to those who have helped you in your journey to the top.
On behalf of the Government of Manipur, on behalf of the people of Manipur and on my own behalf, I compliment the individuals and Institutions for making this happen. At this stage I must thank the members of the selection committee for helping me decide the recipients of Governor’s Award and the same committee for selecting the R.K. Sanatombi Awardees. They have done their work in choosing the best candidates in a most transparent and impartial manner.
I also thank the Managing Committee of RKSD Vidyalayas, especially it’s Chairman, Padmashri Haridas Singh ji, for inviting me and my wife to participate in these celebrations. You have given us an opportunity to visit this place called the Asha-Jina Complex. Had it not been for this invitation, we would not have known who is ‘ Asha’ and who is ‘ Jina1 and how important this complex is for Imphal.
Ladies and gentlemen, I consider it a privilege to be given this opportunity to distribute the awards and address all of you gathered here today. I am aware that among the audience we have so many intellectuals, educationists, leaders of political parties/civil society, media persons and most important of all, the best( teachers and students. I have been most impressed reading about the social work being done by The Leirik Memorial Charitable Society in the field of Health and Education. I have been told that this Society and RKSDV institutions have been providing excellent services to the community in Health and Education since the early 1980′s.

These days we come across many,individuals and Institutions whose only task is to keep criticizing others and pointing out what is wrong with us and what is -wrong with Our society. They specialize in finding faults rather than in finding solutions. On the other hand, here in Manipur, we are fortunate to h.ave with us, the perfect example of individuals and Institutions, who have been voluntarily doing the noblest task, of looking after the sick and educating the students. We are indeed lucky to have amongst us illustrious personalities like Padamshri Haridas Singhji and his two daughters, Ashaji and Jinaji,. In fact, what they are doing is also a perfect example of how to pay lasting tribute to your partner and to your parents.
7. Two days ago, on 8th of September, the world celebrated the International Literacy Day. An interesting article in a newspaper, made a comparison of the literacy rates prevailing in various parts of the world. I was happy to read that our State of Manipur has made tremendous progress in the last few years. However, in comparison to many countries and states, we are still far behind. As per the comparative statistics, the world Literacy rate in 2011 was 84.1%. Whereas, the literacy rate of Manipur was only 79.85%. Our two neighboring states of north east India, Tripura and Mizoram have high literacy rates of 94.65% and 91.58% respectively. Similarly, the male literacy rate in the world was 88.6%, whereas, the male literacy in Manipur was 86.49%. The female literacy rate in the world was 79.9%, whereas, in Manipur it was 73.17%. Therefore, we all need to work much harder under the “Saakshar Bharat’ program to ensure that no one remains illiterate inManipur. We should implement the plans in right earnest and our target should be to make Manipur 100% literate in the next few years.
8. Dear students and dear friends, the best way of changing people and transforming society is through education. However, there are some individuals and groups among us, who believe in bringing about change through the use of force, through use of violence and through use of bullets and guns. Any change brought about through these means will not be lasting. It will be only temporary. History is testimony to the fact and our scriptures also say it, “Those who live by the sword, die by the sword.” It has been established through sociological studies, that the most effective and quickest way to change and transform society, is through the education of girls and women. It is said if you educate a woman you educate the whole family and Kofi Annan, the former Secretary General of United Nations has said, “To educate girls is to reduce poverty.” In management, they say educating females has a multiplier effect. »
9. I have had the opportunity of discussing the education scenario in Manipur with Shri Haridas Singh ji. He has also been kind to give me a written note pn the need to improvejtha quality_of education being imparted in the schools and colleges of our State. As per his analysis, there has been a decline in the quality and standards of our education in the last few years. I will urge the’ Govt. of Manipur, the Dy. CM and the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, present here today, to consider the various suggestions being made to improve the quality of education. I think there is an immediate need to link our courses and curriculum with the issues of livelihood and employment. We need to lay greater emphasis on vocational education and finding avenues of livelihood and self employment for all the girls and boys passing out each year from our Schools, Colleges and Universities.
10. I have something to say particularly the girl students of R.K.S.D. Vidyalayas. Dear girls, you are lucky having had this opportunity of studying in Schools like this. Shrimati RK Sanatombi Devi Ji, was not so fortunate, neither was my mother. You are also the brightest girls we have in our State. We are all proud of you and we have lots of hopes from you.
We are sure you will be the harbingers of change in our society. We hope, when you leave the precincts of this Institution, you will provide leadership to all your siblings and family members. Please remember to be always honest and truthful. Never tell lies. Remember to be always respectful to your parents, elders and teachers. However, high position you may attain in life, always remainhumble. We will pray for you. Our blessings and good wishes will always be with you.
11. In the end, I will like to once again congratulate all the award winners and prize winners. May you continue to achieve still greater heights in your chosen fields of study and sports. Those who missed the prizes or did not get any award need not feel disheartened. Sky is the limit for you.
There will always be a next time. I am sure each one of you is capable of the best and each one of you will get an opportunity to showcase your talent and make us and your parents proud of you. With these words and my blessings –

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/governors-r-k-sanatombi-awards-given/

NNN: The ongoing 72-hour Manipur hill districts bandh imposed by All Tribal Disabled Students’ Union (ATDSU) has been suspended today. “The bandh which began since Monday was suspended following numerous appeals from various quarters,” said ATDSU president Momo Tangtago.
According to Momo, ATDSU has decided to suspend the ongoing bandh considering the hardship faced by the people.
“However, we will resort to other forms of democratic agitation if our demands are not met,” warned Momo.
Momo then expressed his gratitude on behalf of the ATDSU to the public for their co-operation in the last two days.
Anguished over Manipur Government’s negative response on its series of demands, the All Tribal Disabled Students’ Union (ATDSU) has called the 72-hour bandh in the hill districts of Manipur from September 8 midnight as the August 30 dateline set by the union to the Government ended.
ATDSU said the Government is not responding to the union’s legitimate demands that prompted it to take up the agitation. Due to lack of education, the tribal disabled people are unable to claim their rightful job quota in the Government establishments and these post vacancies have remained filled up by general candidates, it accused.
ADTSU had also on July 19 last sought an appointment from Social Welfare minister for discussion on its demands, but no positive response has been given till date, it said.
It has urged the state Social Welfare minister to realize the decentralization of the authority for issue of disability certificates and to set up a special school with hostel facility for tribal disabled students in one of the hill districts in the state, the union added. It said that physically challenged persons are first examined and treated at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) Imphal and then related medical documents are submitted to the office of the Social Welfare which issues disability certificates to them after taking about four months time in the process.
This procedure adopted by the state Government has denied disability certificates to more than 70 percent disabled persons residing in far flung areas of the hill districts, it alleged.
At the same time, the union has demanded for setting up of a special school with hostel facility for the tribal disabled children and students in one of the hill districts of the state, it added.
It further said that there are a number of tribal disabled children in the hill areas intending to go to school, but they have failed to do so since they have certain problems of physical inactivities and the society at the same time discourages them to get education.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bandh-suspended/

IMPHAL, Sept 10 NNN: The NPF Manipur State unit demands immediate halt to the construction of border fencing in Chandel district of Manipur, bordering Myanmar until such time the international boundary is clearly demarcated by competent authorities of the two countries namely, India and Myanmar.
“It is matter of surprise that that so called construction of border fencing commenced immediately after the visit of a team led by O Ibobi, the Chief Minister of Manipur to Myanmar,” NPF, Manipur state communique signed by its serectary Athuan Abonmai said.
According to NPF, in the visit, Ibobi had offered to construct a hospital if the Myanmarese authorities could provide land. “Apart from that, sadly, what are the things transpired in the visit could not be for the benefit of the people. But, what is clear is that he had donned the role of a prime minister or external affairs minister of a country as the visit showed. An the construction of the border fencing discreetly,” the NPF added.
The NPF then said that it was only after a report on the illegal border fencing by an organization called Information Centre for Hill Areas of Manipur (ICHAM) that the state Government was quick enough to claim that it was only for security purpose.
“The question here is, if it is for security purposes why did the state Government set up the border fencing committee? And why and how should the Chief Minister and his deputy apprised the Prime Minister on this issue? It is all an eye wash and for how long the people have to be taken for granted by the Ibobi led Congress Government. Now, the security fencing could not control the infiltration/enchroachment of the Myanmarese as the Myanmar army has constructed base camp at Haolenphai village inside Indian territory right under the nose of the Indian authorities,” the NPF stated.
“When the people of Manipur particularly those at the border area are suffering due to loss of huge chunks of their land to Myanmar because of the border fencing, the state Government is claiming that it is only security fencing. Can it afford to barter away thousands of hectres of land to Myanmar in the name of border fencing? The NPF takes serious view over the nonchalant attitude of the state Government towards the pathetic plight of the people,” the NPF further said.
Notwithstanding the myriad ills already affecting the people of the state at large arising out of the total mismanagement of the Congress led Government in all fronts, it is even more unfortunate with regard to the latest issue of losing our territories along the international border due to the weak and corrupt policy of the state Government, it pointed out, adding., “At last, we wonder if New Delhi is aware of all these”.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/npf-demands-halt-of-border-fencing/

Churachandpur, Sept 10 MNS/NNN : Manipur Health minister Phungzathang Tongsing today said the Churachandpur District Hospital will be upgraded to a medical college soon.
Tonsing said this to newsmen after carefully making an assessment of the Churachandpur District Hospital during a visit. He said that the 100-bedded hospital will be raised to 300 beds soon.
The minister also said 10 more seats will be added to the 145 seats currently provided to the state for medical courses and therefore the total number of the seats will become 155, informing the Medical Council of India (MCI) has already given approval to this effect.
Tonsing further said the Government is all set to broaden the area of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal complex to 10 more acre.
The minister was accompanied by Commerce and Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam, Parliamentary Secretaries M Pritiviraj and Vungzagin Valte, and Principal Secretary (Health) Dr Suhel Akhtar, Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur district Jacintha Lazarus and other officials of Health Department and Family Welfare.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/medical-college-at-ccpur-soon-phungzathang/

London Olympics bronze medalist MC Mary Kom had an operation at a private hospital here to remove stones from her gallbladder early Tuesday morning. Doctors at Shija Hospitals and Research Institute successfully removed 26 stones from Mary Kom’s gallbladder through a keyhole surgery that lasted about an hour, Medical Superintendent of the private hospital, Dr Jugindro told NNN.
He said, “Mary is fine now. We took for about an hour to complete the operation. A total of 26 stones were successfully removed from her gallbladder.” Her body will be normalised in four days, he said, adding the boxer will not be weakening owing to the surgery.
The pugilist, a mother of three, including a 4-month-old baby is now strong and healthy, Dr Jugindro said. Mary said that she was brought to Shija Hospitals and Research Institute for a health check-up yesterday after she had a complaint of pain in her upper abdomen and then she was diagnosed with bladderstones after a test at Babina Diagnostic and Research Centre here. She said her body was in good physical shape after the operation.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mary-kom-operated-upon/

IMPHAL, Sept. 10: NNN Inspite of strong opposition from some quarters in observing “13 September Kukis’ Black Day”, with the onset of September a social networking giant Facebook group photos of Chin-Kuki groups viz “Kuki Kahi Kakipah E” (I’m Proud to be Kuki), BOMBIEL and VOICE OF THE HILLS have gone black with “KUKI BLACK DAY” inscribed on it, while group members mostly students, employees and professionals have too blackened their prolife pictures to commemorate and as a tribute to the 900 plus Kukis killed during the early 1990s ethnic violence.
September 13 has been observed as Kuki Black Day for several years now by the Kukis as on this day maximum number of Kukis were killed in 1993 in the 1990s ethnic problem between the Kukis and the Nagas.
Meanwhile, when asked by NNN as to why they have blackened their profile pictures, a young student activist Mangcha Baite said, “As usual for several years Kukis have been observing September 13 as Kukis’ Black Day and as we feel it is our moral obligation to commemorate we’ve blackened our profile pictures in reverence to the departed souls who were killed during the early 1990s ethnic violence at the least through this social networking site and it’s very unfortunate that since the last couple of years some sections have misconceived the observance of the Kukis Black Day saying it could instill negative impression to the younger generations.”
He further said that, “There’s nothing as such, instead the day is observed as a day of prayer to the Almighty and purely in remembrance of the departed souls and a day of introspection.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/commemoration-of-kukis-black-day/

Imphal Sep 10 UNA: Plantation and export of Marijuana (Ganja) is likely to legalize in Manipur under certain guidelines considering its medicinal value. The Centre is communicating with Manipur government regarding the matter, an official source said Tuesday.
Plantation and export of Ganja is being banned in the state but nonetheless the same is being carried out illegally.
Ganja is producing in Manipur on a large scale and has a high demand in other parts of the country considering the quality of contraband item produced in the state.
The Central government considered that the quality of Ganja produced in Manipur is the best quality in India as the land and its climate is best suited for the plantation of the same.
Following a recent instruction from the Department of Science and Technology, government of India, authority of state council of scientific & industrial research (CSIR) has furnished a report the plantation and production of Ganja in the state.
The Department of Science and Technology, government of India called the report so as to look into the matter of declaring Manipur as the best suited place for plantation of best quality Ganja.
The CSIR, in its report to the Department of Science and Technology, government of India reportedly mentioned that Manipur has the most suitable soil and climate for the plantation of Ganja.
Even though the plantation of Ganja has been done in a secretive way since it is illegal, many of the farmers in state are expert in this business. The quality of Ganja produced in the state is the best compared to that produced in other states of the country.
Although Ganja plantation is done throughout the year, the same sown and reaped during the months from September to February is the best and there is high demand for it.
The trend of planting Ganja has been carried out in the state since early days. It is not only used in smoking but also used as medicines in curing swelling and various other infections, the source added.
Though it is quite certain that the Central authority would give its legal approval considering the medicinal aspects of Ganja, yet the legal authorization would be granted after a serious deliberation and taking into consideration of security measures as Ganja can also be misused.
The step has to be taken up in a like manner where plantation of poppy plants is legalized in some states of the country, the source added.
Though it is not clear as to when the legalization of Ganja in the state would be approved, yet considering the medicinal value of the plant, it is most likely that the approval from the Central government would be arriving at the earliest, the source hoped.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/centre-considering-for-legalization-of-plantation-of-ganja/

IMPHAL, Sep 9 NNN : Manipur Health minister Phungzathang Tonsing today said the Manipur AIDS Control Society (MACS) cannot fight HIV/AIDS in the state without collective support.
Tonsing was delivering a speech during a one day state level convention on mainstreaming HIV/AIDS for Autonomous District Councillors, Manipur at the Jubilee Hall, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here.
The minister said the state and Central Governments are seriously taking the HIV/AIDS issue in the state and taking various measures to curb it.
He appealed to the NGOs and concerned departments of the Government to properly utilize funds meant for controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS in the state.
Tonsing said MACs alone cannot fight the HIV/AIDS threat and control it, but need collective support of the public and political leaders as well.
At the convention organised by Hill Areas Committee (HAC) and sponsored by MACS, members of the ADCs resolved to undertake various steps and contribute their mites in controlling the disease.
They resolved to create an autonomous district councillors’ forum on HIV/AIDS in Manipur to facilitate, review and monitor the state response to the epidemic at least once every six months in a year.
To draft policies guaranteeing universal access to information, prevention, treatment, care and support for the alleviation of HIV/AIDS related impact and ensure its passage, they decided.
Also decided that they will support strengthening of the infrastructure of the testing centres and blood banks including care, support and treatment needs of TB, STI and other co-infection and the 2nd Line ARV drugs considering the drugs resistant cases of ART roll out in the state.
They also resolved that they will support allocation of funds for HIV/AIDS control activities at all levels and encourage contribution from ADCs, MLA Local Area Development Funds as a role model. The ADC members further decided that they will encourage the participation of general public, health staff and other social workers, especially at the village and ward levels by instituting state awards of excellence.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/collective-struggle-needed-to-fight-hiv-phungzathang/

MNS: Three day long Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign on the flagship programmes of the Central Government will be held at Town Baptist Church Hall, Tamenglong from 11th to 13th September 2013.
J. Panmei, MLA, will inaugurate the function. The main highlight of the campaign are creation of awareness among the public on the flagship programmes like National Rural Health Mission (NHRM), Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), Rural Drinking Water Supply, Rural Housing (Indira Awaj Yojna), Rural Telephony, Total Sanitation Campaign, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Aadhar, Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme and Food Security Bill etc.
On the first day Aadhar, Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme, Rural Telephony, National Rural Health Mission; on the second day Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Health Mission (MGNRHM), Rural Housing (Indira Awaj Yojna), Total Sanitation Campaign, Rural Drinking Water Supply, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS); and on the last day Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Mid-day meal and Food Security Bill will be the topics discussed during the campaign. It will be explained by the experts from the concerned departments. There will be interaction with the public after the speech followed by a quiz.
A one-day free medical camp will also be held during the campaign at the venue as a part of the campaign. Around seventeen departments will put up exhibition stalls and display their office activities. Song and Drama Division (S&DD), Government of India, will perform theme based cultural programmes in the form of song, dance, drama and martial art.
Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP), Government of India Tamenglong and Senapati units will organize field programmes from 9th September up to the end of the PIC in different villages in Tamenglong District.
It will be jointly organized by Press Information Bureau (PIB), All India Radio (AIR), Door Darshan Kendra (DDK), Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP), Song & Drama Division (S&DD) in collaboration with District Administration, Tamenglong, different departments, Government of Manipur and Government of India of Tamenglong district under the sponsorship of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, New Delhi.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bharat-nirman-campaign/

IMPHAL, Sep 9 NNN : The Manipur unit of Janata Dal-United (JDU) on Monday said it would launch sustained agitation if the National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam) road was not repaired by second week of next month.
Addressing a simple function welcoming minister T Hangkhonpao, who has joined the party at the state JD-U office here, party president N Tombi explained the party’s concerns about the NH-37, the second most important lifeline of Manipur, and the Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing that has become a political issue in the state.
Tombi, who is also the convenor of Non-Congress All Political Party, said the state unit will launch sustained agitation if the Government fails to restore the Imphal-Jiribam road within second week of October.
He further strongly criticised the Centre asking the intent of the Government in ceding massive border land areas of Manipur to Myanmar after erstwhile Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru in the past had ceded Manipur’s Kabow Valley to the neighbouring country in exchange of Andaman and Nicobar Island.
The Centre and state Governments should come out with a white paper on the border issue and bring it to the public domain soon, the JD-U leader demanded.
He also announced that the Non-Congress All Party has decided to visit the border line for a spot assessment at the end of the current month.
He pledged the party will not compromise on the boundary issue and recounted that the Non-Congress All Political Party has already sent memorandums to the Prime Minister, Defence Minister and Home Minister calling for a halt to the Indo-Myanmar fence construction and bring an unambiguous solution in this regard.
Despite the appeal the Centre has not given a positive response on the matter and Myanmar Government has recently set up an army camp at Pillar No 23 inside Holenphai village of Manipur’s Chandel district deploying its 40-50 army personnel there, Tombi said.
He warned that both the Central and state Governments should own up responsibility for any eventuality that could come out of the flawed boundary fencing.
A six-member team of the state Opposition had visited the Indo-Myanmar boundary to oversee it on September 7 following that it has demanded the state and Central Governments to take steps to immediately stop the fence construction and pillar erection on the international line.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/jdu-to-launch-stir-on-highway-issue/

IMPHAL, Sept 9 NNN : The 72-hour Manipur hill districts bandh called by All Tribal Disabled Students’ Union (ATDSU) gets underway, partially affective.
The volunteers of ATDSU were seen today enforcing the bandh in the Imphal-Ukhrul district bandh. Traffic along the route was barren but it was not that affective in the Imphal-Dimapur road.
Volunteers of ATDSU were seen burning tyres near Litan area under Ukhrul district this afternoon.
It is not clear how affective the bandh was today in other districts.
Anguished over Manipur Government’s negative response on its series of demands, the All Tribal Disabled Students’ Union (ATDSU) has called the 72-hour bandh in the hill districts of Manipur from September 8 midnight as the August 30 dateline set by the union to the Government ended.
ATDSU said the Government is not responding to the union’s legitimate demands that prompted it to take up the agitation.
Due to lack of education, the tribal disabled people are unable to claim their rightful job quota in the Government establishments and these post vacancies have remained filled up by general candidates, it accused.
ADTSU had also on July 19 last sought an appointment from Social Welfare minister for discussion on its demands, but no positive response has been given till date, it said.
It has urged the state Social Welfare minister to realize the decentralization of the authority for issue of disability certificates and to set up a special school with hostel facility for tribal disabled students in one of the hill districts in the state, the union added.
It said that physically challenged persons are first examined and treated at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) Imphal and then related medical documents are submitted to the office of the Social Welfare which issues disability certificates to them after taking about four months time in the process.
This procedure adopted by the state Government has denied disability certificates to more than 70 percent disabled persons residing in far flung areas of the hill districts, it alleged.
At the same time, the union has demanded for setting up of a special school with hostel facility for the tribal disabled children and students in one of the hill districts of the state, it added.
It further said that there are a number of tribal disabled children in the hill areas intending to go to school, but they have failed to do so since they have certain problems of physical inactivities and the society at the same time discourages them to get education. There is only one school in the state located at Takyelpat in Imphal West district, especially for the blind, deaf and mute persons, but still there is not a single school for Locomotor Disabilities (LD) and mentally retarded persons.
It added, therefore, it is quite necessary to set up a school for LD and mentally retarded persons in the state so that they can get proper education.
“Time to rethink traditional practice of funeral rites”- Mizoram Chief Minister.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/atdsu-bandh-going-on/