Day: July 30, 2017

IMPHAL | July 30

Manipur Library Association (MALA) has demanded that the government must take initiatives for the development of libraries as a part of the National Mission on Libraries under National Knowledge Commission, government of India.

Maintaining that the importance of libraries is still relevant in India, MALA has raised question about how libraries are no longer required in Manipur, said a release. It further inquired on how Manipur can decide the direction of education in India, when the state itself comes under India.

Educational departments maintains that schools should include playgrounds and gardens but libraries are mentioned nowhere, it said adding if they are no longer required the schools should not take library fees.

If library fees are collected, then they must be returned, it added. These schools must not take funds from the government to construct libraries, it further said. The guidelines provided by BOSEM and COHSEM to include libraries in schools and colleges must be erased by the government, it demanded.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | July 30

A bandh free district envisaged with the attainment of district status of Kangpokpi could suffer a set back with a bandh in the offing. The proposed bandh is in connection with the controversy over the National Sports University alleged land encroachment. 

Several civil voluntary organisations in the district are all set to launch agitation from August 6, 6 pm if their demand over the issue of National Sports University is not addressed positively within the stipulated time.

The decision to begin protest has been taken during the joint meeting of CVOs held today at Kangpokpi district headquarters over the National Sports University alleged land encroachment at Koutruk, Senjam Chirang and Sejam Khunou in Imphal West.

The CVOs mainatined that in spite of repeated appeals and numerous memoranda submitted to the chief minister of Manipur to look into the dispute in connection with the setting up of National Sports University the state government has turned blind towards the issue of land encroachment at the proposed site.

It pointed out that as per the orders by the governor of Manipur, dated December 28, 2016 allotting 325.60 acres of land to the director, Youth Affairs & Sports, Manipur under Dag.No.1 of village No.47-Koutruk included a land measuring about 137.62 acres of Haraothel, now L. Tangnaum village.

“L. Tangnaum, previously known as Haraothel village is legitimately under Saitu-Gamphazol Sub-Division in Sadar Hills, now Kangpokpi District”, they asserted and added that unfortunately the state government has ignored this fact and fail to acknowledge the same in the orders. 

They also alleged that despite all these facts, the state government is avoiding all disputes and the playing party to the illegal encroachment of Hill land under Kangpokpi district administration.

They also pointed out that the chief of L. Tangnaum (Haraothel) village is not against the setting up of the National Sports University rather his demand is that his ownership of the land be acknowledged by the state government and rectify the orders to begin the process of land allocation that too after including Kangpokpi district as a land measuring around 137.62 acres of L.Tangnaum (Haraothel) is also included in the orders under C.S. Dag.No.1 as listed under No.47-Koutruk.

The CVOs further said that after examining all these facts, they have decided to demand the state government to halt all construction works undergoing at the disputed site immediately and begin the process of dispute settlement.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |July 30

The prevailing trend of Nagaland State politics will depend so much on the result of the by-election of northern Angami-I assembly constituency which result will be declared on August 3.

Things will speak so much whether Naga People’s Front (NPF) president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu who is also a former chief minister becomes a member of the Nagaland legislative Assembly or not.

The by-poll was held yesterday. It was a straight fight between Kekhrie Yhome, a 41 year old academician from Kohima and Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu.

Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu lost the post of the chief ministership on July 19 to TR Zeliang.

Meanwhile, Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu while calling his rival Kekhrie Yhome as “proxy candidate” has said that the by-election was a “big fight for him because all the tall leaders of the State are against him”.

Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu who became the chief minister of Nagaland on February 22, was not an MLA. He had to become an MLA within six months which period lapses on August 22. Unfortunately for him, soon after the by-election date was announced the political crisis cropped up.

Kekhrie Yhome was a former guest lecturer at Nagaland University, Kohima campus, a former Assistant Professor at the university of Delhi and headmaster of Khedi Baptist School, Kohima Village.

Kekhrie Yhome had said earlier that, a bold direction on governmental ethics is absolutely imperative. “There is a serious need to build an intelligent society that will see incremental growth in our common consciousness, discourse and accountability”, he said.

The public needs to reassert its ultimate power, which is to decide the fate of who represents them and question what is minimum for civil life. To regain the original values of democratic principles, the people must freely decide who should become their representative rather than allow feudal politics to dictate what the citizens should do or think”, he continued.

The young academician also said, “Petty but detail power mongering has always inflicted Naga politics. It has given the impression that leadership is a royal entitlement rather than being a representative of the people”. 

It may be recalled on May 24, the then Nagaland chief minister, Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu’s son Khriehu Liezietsu who was a sitting member of Nagaland legislative Assembly (MLA) had tendered his resignation as MLA vacating the seat for his father to contest.

Dr Shurhozelie Lietzietsu was sworn-in as the chief minister of Nagaland on February 22,. The eighty-one year old regional political leader Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu was unanimously elected as leader of Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Legislature Party though he was not an MLA when TR Zeliang was forced to step down by the public in February this year over the local body election controversy.

As per rules, anyone who is becomes chief minister should become an MLA within six months.

IMPHAL | July 30

Chief minister N. Biren Singh inspected the site of National Sports University at Koutruk in Imphal West district today.

 Speaking to media persons, N. Biren said that he had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lay the foundation stone of the varsity on a convenient day after August 15.

Clarifying that there is no more land dispute or controversy at the proposed university site, the he informed that demarcation and initial fencing works had already been completed.

Biren further said that blacktopping of the 2-km long portion of the approach road from helipad to university site would be completed within a week.

 Soon after laying of the foundation stone, the first session of the university would be commenced at Khuman Lampak Sports complex by using the existing infrastructure, the chief minister said.

Necessary office rooms and other required infrastructures had already been developed there by sanctioning Rs 5 crore by the State Planning department, he added.

Biren also appealed to the people of the State to collectively request the PM to visit Manipur and lay the foundation stone of the varsity as soon as possible.

Works and IPR minister, Th. Biswajit said that the University would not only provide multiple opportunities to the villagers of nearby villages but also create many jobs for the people of the State.

He said that efforts are being invested on mission mode to keep the approach road in tip-top condition prior to PM’s visit.

The minister urged the people of the nearby villages to join hand with the government in collectively fighting the challenges which come on the way of setting up of the university.

Later, the CM inspected the construction works of Ibudhou Marjing tourist complex at Heingang hills in Imphal East district.

The components of the complex are a gigantic polo statue atop Heingang Hill, a cafeteria, garden, approach road, parking and Marjing temple.

The CM was accompanied by works minister Th. Biswajit, Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) minister, Letpao Haokip, parliamentary secretary (Home) L. Susindro, Sekmai A/C MLA H. Dingo, chief secretary, R.R. Rashmi, works and IPR commissioner, K. Radhakumar and other high ranking officials.

IMPHAL | July 30

Maintaining that the state government should fulfil its promises made regarding free treatment of patients with Hepatitis-C, the Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE) has appealed to the authority concerned to take up the matter in the ongoing assembly session and ensure free treatment.

A release said Manipur is one of the worst affected state by viral hepatitis particularly hepatitis C in India, and perhaps in the whole world. The true extent of the epidemic is difficult to gauge because surveillance systems for hepatitis including HCV are not in place in Manipur and, treatment demand is also not well documented, it said.

Though a state-wide data on hepatitis C infection is not available, data from independent studies carried out by researchers and healthcare professionals shows an extensively alarming prevalence of HCV in the state particularly amongst PWID, it said, adding some studies indicate prevalence rates of up to 92 percent in Imphal and 98 percent in Churachandpur district.

The prevalence rate of HCV in the state is 82 percent among IDUs.

The release further stated that taking the case as an epidemic and considering the damage Hep-C has inflicted upon the people of the state during the last many years, health minister, L Jayentakumar had announced provision for free treatment and care for hepatitis-C patients of the state during a function held on May 13.

The announcement had given a sigh of relief to those people who have been affected by the deadly disease and the people had been eagerly waiting for the day when the announcement would actually come knocking at their doors, it said.

However, till this day, the announcement of free Hep-C treatment is still a far cry since the government despite its assurance has failed to keep its promise. As such the people have been left shattered by the false promises of the state government, the release added.

It further urged the government to act as a responsible government and fulfil its commitment to the public considering the graveness of the situation and the number of people dying of the deadly disease on a daily basis.

CoNE further appealed to the MLAs of the state to discuss the matter during the ongoing state assembly session and ensure free treatment of patients with Hep-C as was promised by the health minister.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 30

Chief minister N. Biren Singh has said that state government has set up three check posts with medical surveillance teams at Jiribam, Moreh and Beihang to check people entering the state from today in wake of the unknown pandemic gripping Churachandpur district.

The chief minister was speaking to reports on the sideline of an inspection tour of the Sports University at Koutruk, Imphal West today.

He said the medical team will be equipped with electronic device to detect fever and examine entry of people inside the state particularly in the border.

The check post was established particularly in border area following reports of outbreak of swine flu, dengue and Japanese Encephalitis in Myanmar, he continued.

Altogether 30 medical teams including 15 doctors and 15 paramedical staffs with necessary medicines have been dispatched today to Churachandpur led by a senior medical officer of the Health department.

Altogether 100 villagers from different villages in remote Henglep constituency have been evacuated yesterday and presently sheltered at the Churachandpur youth hostel, he said adding that Rs. 1 lakh was sanctioned to Henglep MLA, TT Haokip as financial assistance.

The chief minister further said that another two trucks have been dispatched to collect another 80 villagers.

Biren opined that there was no need for the people to be panic as preventive measures have been taken up by the state and that affected villagers could be airlifted if required.

Underlining the plight of the hill people particularly those in Henglep due to the deplorable condition of the roads, he said that his government will give priority to areas with similar condition while taking up developmental projects.  

Only three suspected cases including two dengue and one swine flu cases have been reportedly detected from samples collected from affected villagers of Henglep.

IMPHAL | July 30

JAC Against Discriminatory and Unceremonious Removal of Chief Secretary O. Nabakishore Singh IAS has today demanded the reasons for the removal of Nabakishore Singh from the post of chief secretary before July 31.

Convener of the Joint Action Committee, R.K. Tombisana Devi said that the chief minister N. Biren Singh had given positive response and assured that he would do his level best to sort out the problems and reasons for the removal of the former chief secretary Nabakishore Singh.

“But till date he has failed to stand by his promises, and even after we had approached him and gave several memoranda there is no response. We condemn the negligence of the chief minister and the responsible authorities for not acting on their words”, she said.

Tombisana warned that if the chief minister’s office and the concerned authorities do not act on their words till tomorrow i.e July 31, the committee will take up different kinds of agitations. “We have made the necessary arrangements for the agitation and urged CSOs also to take part in the agitation”, she continued.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 30

Death rate of consuming intoxicants like alcohol and drugs is 10 percent more than the rate of encounter deaths under Armed Forces Special Power Act in the state, said president of Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA), Yumnam Ratankumar during a press conference held today at conference hall, CADA head office Pureiromba Khongnang Makhong, Konung Mamang.

Ratankumar blamed the government for the deaths on July 27 due to consuming distilled indigenous country (DIC) liquor at Oinam Sawombung, Thoubal district. He said incident happened due to freely availability of liquor though Manipur is a dry state.

Those who were involved must be punished at the earliest and compensation must be given to the victim’s family, he demanded.

The government must take a resolution in the ensuing Assembly session to strengthen Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991 in the state firmly.

Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991 was implemented in the state on April 1, 1991. Under this act no one is allowed to distil, carry or sell alcohol in any part of the state. But alcohol is freely and abundantly available so there is suspicion that high level officers and representatives of the state are involved in the liquor business.

As under Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991 DIC liquor can be produced for customary and religious purpoises. By taking advantage of this relaxation they are producing liquor in huge quantity which is punishable under the act, he added.

Ratankumar said the incident which occurred on July 27 must be investigated thoroughly and the culprit must be punished.

He said there is no reason for announcing Manipur as dry state, as the state is ignoring the alcohol business. The authority concerned which is making the act ineffective must also be punished under the law.

CADA and Nupi Samaj visited the victims who were hospitalised at RIMS, Shija Hospitals and Research Institute and Raj Medicity today.

Speaking to the media persons, president of Nupi Samaj, Th. Ramani said the victims who were hospitalised at RIMS were facing a big problem as the treatment was not properly given as today being Sunday by the hospital. It is because of this reasons many victims have gone to private hospitals by paying huge amount of money.

She said no government official visited the victims though the condition of the victims is critical. Government and authority concerned must visit the victims at the earliest and appropriate help should be given by government, she demanded.

Medical department should also take proper care for the victims as most of them are from poor families. In order to stop such incident in the near future respective localities must take initiatives to stop selling and buying of alcohol and other intoxicants, she cautioned.

Two distillers arrested, liquor samples collected

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 30

Two more persons died after allegedly drinking spurious country liquor and a total of 64 persons were admitted to RIMS till today afternoon.

Khumanthem Mohindro (55) son of late Kh. Tombi died last night at around 10.30pm and Oinam Brojendro brother of late Oinam Shyam (who died yesterday) died today afternoon at around 3pm.

Altogether four individuals of Oinam Sawombung died after drinking spurious wine bought from two vendors of their locality and around six persons including owner of a drinking joint identified as Ashem Shyamkumar (50) son of late A. Ibocha are in critical condition, official sources said.

Another vendor owner was also hopitalised yesterday at RIMS. However, he was found missing from the hospital since yesterday evening. He is also not at his residence, according to the locals of Oinam Sawombung.

Police seized all the liquor and liquor making items from Thiyam Leishangkhong Kabui Khul today as the liquor sold by the two vendors is allegedly manufactured in this village.

Moreover, Wangoi police have arrested two individuals identified as Apu Kamei (24) son of Khamba Kamei and Bina Kamei (48) wife of Khamba Kamei both from Thiyang Leishangkhong as they are suspected to be the manufacturer of the liquor sold to the two vendors.

They were produced before the chief judicial magistrate, Imphal West today and the court remanded both the accused persons to six days police custody for further investigation.

Imphal West food safety team led by food safety officers Soubam Purnila and Nongallei Pebam collected the liquor sample sold at the vendors and also sample from the manufacturer for laboratory testing.

While observing the sample of the wine sold in the vendors, the food safety team observed some suspended white particles in the wine.

Around 15 individuals were discharged from RIMS until today afternoon according to patient party.

IMPHAL | 30 July

Education minister Th. Radheshyam said the transfer and posting of the teachers promoted to the lecturer was necessary so that they could get their salary according to the pay scale of the promoted position as per the norm and requirement.

He said the process of transfer and posting was carried out with the representation from the side of the teachers. He said nearly twenty schools had been upgraded to higher secondary level. It was a necessity that teachers be provided for these newly upgraded schools, where the students have started taking admission for the higher-level classes, he elaborated.

He pointed out that it was very unfortunate that the students were misguided and used as weapon for some personal gains of the teacher. Teachers need to be evenly distributed to each and every school of the state for better functioning and development of education.

He said, if there are forty teachers in a school where there is a sanctioned post of thirty teachers, then it becomes a compulsion that ten teachers be transferred and posted to other schools so that they could get their salary as per their promoted position. However if there is requirement of more teachers in the said school then the teachers would be utilized according to the need from where they have posted, he explain. 

The minister was speaking at the inaugural function for opening XI-Class Session, 2017-18 of the newly upgraded The Bengoon Higher Secondary School, Mayang Imphal. He said everything should be done on the need base with proper planning to make the developmental work last for years. The establishment of a school as per the guideline of the government should be carried out fulfilling three main criteria – quality, accessibility and equity.

The minister was not pleased to see the dilapidated condition of the newly upgraded higher secondary school. He said the laboratory for the science stream of the upgraded school is compulsory, and need to be constructed extending a room so that practical classes could be carried out for the time being. He assured that he would try to find out what best could be done for the school with assistance from the MOBC, MSDP or NPC.

Education and sports parliamentary secretary K. Robindro Singh had admitted the students of the two higher secondary schools of his constituency M. Tomchou Higher Secondary School and Bengoon Higher Secondary School bearing the cost.

Speaking at the function, he said, the students of government school usually belong to the economically weaker section of the society and should be provided with better facility to nurture the children for better future. For this, everyone should take up the responsibility towards the school for it will take the society to the newer height of betterment, he added.