Month: November 2015

IMPHAL, Nov 28: With an aim to encourage and development of dying narrative art forms of Manipur, All Manipur Waree Leeba Association & Research Centre (AMWLA&R), Khurai Soibam Leikai in connection with Regional Centre for Cultural Heritage,Yairipok and Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) will organise a two-day seminar under theme ‘Narrative Arts of Manipur’ at the hall of JNMDA on December 5 and 6. AMWLA&R 12 scholars will present papers on Waree Leeba, Pena Phamshak, Khongjom Parba, Lairik Theeba and Moirang Sai.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/seminar-on-narrative-art-on-dec-5-6/

IMPHAL, November 28: The Manipur Naga People’s Front (MNPF) has claim responsibility for the powerful IED bomb blast triggered yesterday around 6.45 pm at Somdal Village of Ukhrul District.

A statement issued by the outfit’s Assistant Publicity Secretary, Thomas Numai, said that Somdal village is the native village of the top brass NSCN (IM) leaders including TH.Muivah-General Secretary NSCN (IM), Phungthing Ruivah Commander in Chief (C in C) NSCN (IM),Tamreipam Muivah Deputy Chief NSCN(IM) and Chipemmi Ruivah Chief Finance of the NSCN (IM).

The blast at Somdal village was not intended to target the innocent villagers but to warn the NSCN (IM) leaders to stop misleading and trading the Manipur Naga People for their benefit, it said.

It is well known by every Naga that due to the sinister politics of the Somdal NSCN (I.M) leaders particularly TH. Muivah, responsible for the death of hundreds of innocents, alluding to the number of Tangkhuls killed in 1988 at Eastern Nagaland, during Kuki and Naga ethnic clash, Tangkhul killed in 1997 at Nagaland etc.

MNPF is for Manipur Naga People, it said adding that any matter which harms the Manipur Naga People will be countered by the organization in the interest of the Naga.

It also warned the NSCN (IM) Somdal leader to immediately stop the suppressive policy and to stop the mindset of creating communal tension in Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/mnpf-owns-somdal-blast/

IMPHAL, Nov 28: The United Naga Council (UNC) urged the Nagas not to extend any form of support to the appeasement policy of the Government of Manipur in the Nagas and Tribal areas especially the upcoming Orange festival due to be held on December 9.

A statement issued by the publicity wing of the UNC, stated that the communal government of Manipur by adopting its anti Naga and tribal policies and by sponsoring state terrorism had suppressed, oppressed and exploited the Nagas and tribal people by terrorizing them till date for which the Naga people had declared severance of all political ties with the Government of Manipur as our land, history and peoples’ rights are not secured under the present oppressive political system.

The Naga people should not succumb to the appeasement policy of the state government in enticing the people in the guise of organizing different forms of festivals in Naga and tribal territory just to fulfill and strengthen their selfish political objectives, it urged.

This government has not been addressing the rights and interest of the orange growers and thereby, production is decreasing year by year, it alleged adding that there is a strong apprehension that a day will come when people of Tamenglong district will celebrate Orange Festival san orange fruit.

Once again, the O. Ibobi Singh government is organizing the ‘Orange Festival’ in Tamenglong district head quarter on December 9th 2015 by spending crores of Rupees in the name of Orange, he said. The government have made several hollow/empty promises in favor of the poor and needy orange growers of the district but nothing has been shown or done practically till date. It is most surprising to note that no Horticulture and Agriculture offices and staff are found in the district, it claimed.

It said even the UNC encourages and supports the spirit of the festival, it appealed to all the Naga and tribal people not to extend any forms of support and co-operation to anti Naga and tribal Chief Minister and his Deputy Chief Minister branding the leaders as ‘Judas of Tribal and Nagas’ in the Orange Festival, 2015 being organized and sponsored by the communal Government of Manipur. And also, as decided, banned from entring in Naga territory. The UNC also appealed to the Naga and tribal general public to stand unitedly against all forms of oppressive policy of the state government till they achieved their long cherished political aspiration.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/unc-calls-nagas-not-to-support-state-govts-orange-festival/

IMPHAL, November 28: Based on a reliable information, about the presence of some active members of KCP (MC) in and around Takyel Khongbal Moirangthong, a team of District Police Commando, Imphal East conducted frisking and checking and arrested one active member the outfit On November 26, said a PRO police statement.

It identified the arrested person as Wahengbam Somendro Singh alias Bobby, 37, son of W Ibomcha Singh of Takyel Khongbal Moirangthong.

One 9mm Pistol with magazine loaded with two live rounds was seized from his possession, it said and added that investigation revealed that he was involved in extortion of money from the general public.

A case has been registered at Lamphel Police Station and investigation is going on, it continued.

The next day on November 27, based on a reliable information, a combined team of District Police Commando, Bishnupur and 2/5 GR conducted search operation at Chaiba Village area and arrested two cadres of NSCN(R) organisation identified as Jonathan Gangmei alias Johnson, 35, son of Kamu Gangmei of Dimjanglong and Lucky Gangmei alias Agong, 29, son of Gongkinlong Gangmei of Konglong, New Keithelmanbi, it said.

The statement continued one 9mm Pistol with magazine loaded with four live rounds were seized from Jonathan Gangmei.

Investigation revealed that they were involved in extortion of money from the general public and government offices, it said.

A case has been registered at Bishnupur Police Station and investigation is going on, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/extortionists-arrested-says-pro-police/

IMPHAL, November 28: The 11th Annual Conference of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Meghalaya (MSPM) was held at Shillong today with Thoidingjam Tombi, president of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Manipur and Yengkhom K B, president of MSPM attending as chief guest and president respectively.

The 11th edition of “Mangaal”, the annual souvenir of the Parishad, was released during the function.

Four literary awards for the year 2015 were conferred during the function. Rajamani Nongthomba was conferred with the Kavi Ratna Award while Kabrabam Nilakanta Singh was honoured with the Sahitya Ratna Award.

Khangembam Ibeton Devi and Kshetrimayum Subadani Devi were conferred with the Kavya Bhushan Award and Sahitya Bhushan Award respectively.

These awards are given to the writers for their commendable contributions to Manipuri literature.

Six books written by four authors were also released during the function. The books are “Khenchanglon”, “Kanana Kujaba Yagani”, and “Khurumjabagee Athuppa” by Kabrabam Nilakanta Singh; “Loushingee Pukkei” by Naorem Nilamani Singh; “Manipur 1891: Aronba Khutshil Thourang” by Ningthoujam Munish Singh; and “Mawoo Kanglaba Upaal” by Ningombam Rojit.

The authors gave a brief account about their books and introduced each of them to the audience.

Anil Kumar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Forest and Environment, who was the special guest of the function, lauded the Manipuris for the achievements in all the fields of life, including literature, sports, education, etc.

However, he emphasised the need on how to get the talent to the national and international stage.

Thoidingjam Tombi praised the achievements of the Manipuris in the field of literature and said that Manipuris should be more proactive in publicising and taking our culture and works to the bigger audience.

Yengkhom KB thanked the delegates and invitees from various States for the support and love they extended to the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Meghalaya and making the function a grand success.

A poetry reading programme was also held during the second session of the conference wherein over fifty writers and delegates from different States including Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur and Mizoram read poems.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/manipuri-sahitya-parishad-meghalaya-fetes-writers-from-state/

IMPHAL, November 28: Chief Secretary O Nabakishore today sought public opinion and suggestions for a successful preparation of turning Imphal City into a smart city.

He said Imphal is one of the 100 cities identified for the Smart Cities Mission by the Government of India.

Success of developing Imphal into a smart city can only be achieved with active support, co-operation, participation, involvement and constructive suggestions from the people, he said.

Speaking at a press conference at the Old Secretariat today, the Chief Secretary said the potential 100 smart cities were selected from more than 5000 places on the basis of the first stage of a city challenge.

Maintaining the second stage of the City Challenge to be crucial for all potential smart cities, he said selection in the second stage will mean that Imphal will be one of the 20 selected cities declared for the first round smart cities to be taken up during the current financial year.

He added in the second stage, all 100 cities are expected to come up with their Smart City Proposal incorporating two essential components: Pan City Initiative/ Feature and One Area Based Development.

Elaborating further he said the first component of Pan City Initiative involves application of selected smart solutions.

The list of smart solutions includes E-governance and Citizen services (like public information, grievances redressal, electronic service delivery, citizen engagement, video crime monitoring), waste management (like waste to energy and fuel, waste to compost, waste water to be treated, recycling and reduction of C&D Waste), Water Management (like smart meters & management, leakage identification, preventive maintenance, water quality monitoring), Energy Management (like smart meters and management, renewable sources of energy, energy efficient and green buildings), Urban Mobility (like smart parking, intelligent traffic management, integrated multi-modal transport) and others like tele medicine and tele education, incubation/ trade facilitation centers and skill development centers.

According to the Chief Secretary, the purpose of the second component which is the Area Based Development is to drive the economic growth and improve the quality of life by ensuring local area development and harnessing technology.

He said a specific portion of the city is to be selected for area based development so that it becomes a replicable role model within and outside the city.

The Smart City Proposal (SCP) is expected to contain the model chosen, whether retrofitting or redevelopment or greenfield development, he said.

He emphasised, in the retrofitting model, the planning and development in an existing area is to make the area more efficient and liveable and for the North Eastern States it requires more than 250 acres of existing built-up area within the Municipal Area.

Nabakishore said that the redevelopment model is the replacement of an existing built-up area by dismantling the structures and then co-creating and constructing a new layout with enhanced infrastructure using mixed land use and increased density.

Minimum area required for the model is 25 acre for the North Eastern States of existing built up area within the Municipal boundary, he said.

He continued the Greenfield Development model is to develop and introduce most of the Smart Solution in a previously vacant area using innovative planning with provision for affordable housing.

In this model minimum area required is more than 125 acre for North Eastern States within the boundary of the Municipality or within the boundary of Urban Development Authority, he said.

Chief Secretary of the State said that the Government of Manipur and Imphal Municipal Corporation feel that the preparation of an eminent Smart City can only be achieved with active support, co-operation, participation, involvement and constructive suggestion of the people.

He invited innovative ideas, valuable suggestions and constructive inputs to be sent to smartcity.imphal@gmail.com or at the official website ww.imc.mn.gov.in/SmartCitySuggestions.

The Chief Secretary said a facebook page ‘Imphal Smart City’ has also been set up.

He said during the ongoing Sangai Festival which will end on November 30, suggestions can be dropped at Stall No. 18 regarding the Smart City preparation.

A lucky winner with the best with the best suggestions will win a gift hamper everyday, he said.

The Chief Secretary said suggestions from the public should be on how to improve public information system, mobile connectivity; good internet connectivity; installation of CCV for video crime monitoring, regular and timely door to door collection; dustbin at public place; effective garbage grievances Redressal system; on call service for garbage pickup; 24×7 water supply; smart meters & management; leakage identification, preventive; maintnace, reduction in water wastage; water quality monitoring; LED street lightning; smart meters & management; increase use of renewable sources of energy; less wastage of electricity; smart parking; intelligent traffic management; promotion of bicycle & walking zones; good roads; good public transport system; clean roads & public places; penalty to polluters; proper maintenance of children’s play areas; earmark at public space for old & aged.

Appealing to the people to submit their suggestions at the earliest, he said the suggestions will be discussed before the State’s plan is submitted to the Centre on December 15.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/cs-invites-public-suggestions-on-preparation-of-smart-city-proposal/

IMPHAL, November 28: Monika Khangembam, Founder of Women and Youth for Peace and Development (WYPD), has been invited to take part in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a prestigious professional exchange programme being conducted by the US Department of State to foster professional ties and mutual understanding with other countries.

Monika is the only participant from India, among many others from various countries, all of whom have been identified as potential leaders. They will travel to the US this week to meet their professional counterparts and visit US public and private sector organisations related to her project theme ‘Women Leaders: Promoting Peace and Security’. The women leaders will be visiting Washington, D.C., New York, Nevada and Florida as part of the programme. The 17-day programme begins on December 2.

This initiative supports the U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2011), which calls for the empowerment of women as equal partners in preventing conflict and building peace in countries threatened and affected by war, violence, and insecurity. It addresses women’s leadership opportunities by exploring ways in which they can lead in conflict mediation and community transformation. In addition, this initiative will familiarize participants with strategies for directing positive political, social and economic change in a democratic society. Through meetings, workshops, site visits and roundtable discussions, the participants will examine essential leadership skills needed to balance divergent social demands and interests when confronting political, social, and economic challenges

“I believe the IVLP will be a wonderful opportunity to observe how women leaders and organisations in the United States actively engages in mediating conflicts and disputes arising from political, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and regional differences. It will also be a great opportunity to meet experts, women leaders and build meaningful networks that I am sure will help me serve my community better,” said Monika.

According to Monika, her organisation’s goal is to make the women of her conflict-torn state aware of their rights and also help them to become economically independent. Currently she is working with female farmers in a remote corner of Manipur to empower them and bring them forth in the male dominated field of agriculture.

The organisation also aims to get the youth of Manipur to contribute as agents of peace and reconciliation. Monika has worked on issues like human rights and AFSPA, racial discrimination and has spearheaded national campaigns.

She is currently also the vice curator of Global Shapers Imphal Hub, an initiative by World Economic Forum.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/state-activist-selected-for-international-visitor-leadership-program/

IMPHAL, November 28: Family members of Mv Abdul Matalit alias Amu who is currently lodged inside the Sajiwa Jail in connection with the alleged mob lynching of Md Hasmad alias Babu, 55 son of (L) Md Kasim Ali of Keirao Makting Awang Leikai has said that the family including Amu is ready to accept any punishment if he is found guilty.

Speaking to media persons at the Manipur Press Club today, Amu’s brother Mv Abdul Halim who is an imam at a mosque termed the murder an unfortunate one and said that charging Amu of being involved in the murder with baseless evidence is more unfortunate.

Mention may be made that Amu was arrested for his alleged involvement in the death of Md Hasmad alias Babu, a head master of Madrasa. Babu succumbed after being lynched by a mob on November 2 at Uchekon for allegedly stealing a cow.

Amu’s wife Suri Jaha said the JAC formed in connection with the killing had burnt down not only Amu’s house but also vandalised his brother’s houses alleging of plotting the death of Md Hasmad. Moreover, the JAC has also resolved to banish the family members from their locality.

Halim lamented that the JAC not only attacked and destroyed their houses or expelled them from the locality but also threatened them with their lives adding that ever since the incident, the family has been living in fear.

After being rendered homeless, our family have been living like nomads, he said, and added that their family’s attempt to resettle in their locality has turned futile as they were reportedly warned not to set foot again in the locality. He appealed to the authority concerned including the local MLA and pradhan to take the issue seriously and help their family get justice which they deserve.

Amu’s sister in law, Minara said during their recent visit to meet Amu in Sajiwa jail, Amu is still hopeful for justice and mentioned that he and his family is ready to face any punishment given to them if they were found guilty.

She saidthat the deceased who was a headmaster by profession was their neighbour while conceding to have had minor grudges in the recent past however firmly denied that the family had anything to do with the murder.

Lamenting that their basic right to live peacefully has been harmed, she appealed to all concern to help them in delivering justice.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/family-of-accused-of-plotting-hasmads-death-distressed-by-allegations/

IMPHAL, November 22: The 15th State conference of All India Trade Union Congress, Manipur was held today at Sinam Shyama Devi Town Hall, Chingmeirong in Imphal East.

All India Trade Union Congress Manipur president Dr M Nara Singh; Deputy Commissioner of Labour, Government of Manipur, E Tomba Singh; All Manipur Working Journalists` Union president Wangkhem Samjai; INTUC Manipur general secretary Y Ranapratap; CITU Manipur secretary Ksh Santa; TUCC Manipur president Kh Gyaneshwor; UTUC Manipur secretary K Manoranjan; and AITUC Manipur secretary W Iboyaima Luwang attended the function as president and guests of honour respectively.

Dr Nara speaking at the function informed that the 42nd conference of the All India Trade Union Congress will be held at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu from December 15 to 18.

In connection with this, all the States are holding their State level conference so we are also holding our 15th State conference of All India Trade Union Congress, Manipur, Nara said.

He further said that there is a growing need for the trade union movement to be strengthened in today`s world.

Everyone`s hope and dream of making a society where there is development, where no human harm another human and improving the standard of living in this advance age of science and technology will not be possible without strengthening the trade unions, he observed.

Pay increment for workers and labourers is not the only aim of trade unions. The unions also firmly stand for a social change, he added.

Today`s conference was also attended by AITUC Manipur vice president S Yaima; All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union president S Manglem Singh; All Manipur Shops and Establishment Employees Union president S Chandramani Singh; Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union Manipur president A Nalinibala Devi; Street Vendors Welfare Union Manipur president Ksh Tama Devi; Working Women Forum Manipur president Prof Th Bedamani; All Manipur Asha Workers` Union president Th Purnimashi Devi; All Manipur Asha Workers Union vice president RK Premabati Devi; Bishnupur District AITUC Committee president S Nilakamal; All Manipur VDF Welfare Association president L Deban; CAF & PD LWA general secretary Romendrajit Moirangcha; ATMA Employees Manipur advisor Dr O Nobo and All India State Government Employees Confederation Manipur vice president M Joykumar as presidium members.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/aitucs-conference-deliberates-on-strengthening-trade-union-movement/

CHANDEL, November 23: District Administration, Chandel distributed financial assistance to the next kin of victims of recent natural disasters in a simple function held at the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Chandel today.

In presence of Chandel A/C`s MLA ST. Nunghlung Victor, Chandel DC Robert Singh Kshetrimayum handed over a cheque of Rs 4 lakhs each to the next kin of nine villagers of Joumol Village who were buried alive in recent landslide and 1 flood victim of Chakpikarong village as a ex-gratia under National Disaster Relief Fund.

And relief materials provided by MCS Officer`s Association consists of two each of Mosquito net and Blankets, 4 mats and 1 package of mineral water bottles were also handed over to the victim`s family members today.

The financial assistance and relief materials for Joumol landslide victims were recieved by the next kin of Semson Baite, Semlet Baite, Jangginlal Baite, Nengneichong Khongsai, Thangkholal Khongsai, Hoineilhing Haokip, Nengjoujam Haokip, Paojamang Haokip and Holmang Guite. While Nl. Khungthung recieved the assistance for her husband ( L ) Sp. Kono who was washed away by the Chakpi river at Chakpikarong on 2nd August.

Before handing over the Relief materials, a moment of silence was also observed for one minute showing respect for the departed souls of the natural disaster`s victims. During the function, a copy of condolence message from the President of India was also handed over to the next kin of the victims.

Chief of Joumol Village, Chandel ADC S. Sambhunath Singh and Sub-Divisional Officers of the district also attended the distribution program.

Speaking in the sideline, Robert Singh Kshetrimayum told that it is very unfortunate that in the tragic incident of the natural disaster which hit the district during the first week of August took the precious life of nine villagers of Joumol and a villager of Chakpikarong.

Nothing can compensate the lost and fill the vaccum left by them, he said.

However, to ease the burden of the victim`s bereaved family members somehow, the government is providing some financial assistance as a ex-gratia, he added.

The Deputy Commissioner also maintained that the District Administration also shares the grief and sorrow of the bereaved families and will continue to extend assistance whatever possible to them.

While praying for the departed souls to rest in peace, the Deputy Commissioner also assured to construct houses for the victim`s family members under Special package of IAY Scheme.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/11/chandel-administration-hands-over-financial-assistance-to-journal-land-slide-victims-families/