Day: August 6, 2017

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 6

The family members of Laishram Bedamani of Koutruk Maning Leikai who died under mysterious circumstances on August 4 have urged the authorities concerned to speed up the investigation process to determine how she died. 

In a press meet at Manipur Press Club, Premjit Leishangthem, one of the family members of Bedamani said that her corpse has been kept at RIMS mortuary after the post mortem and that the family will not take the body until her husband Hemanta Thounaojam is produced and given the punishment he deserves.

Laishram Bedamani left three children. Her second child Rinky Thounaojam today recounted that her father came drunk that day with a friend and ordered her to go and buy alcohol from their locality. Her mother refused to let her daughter go out and that was at around 6 pm, then her father hit on her mother’s head and she fell down saying “kok ngaowe” (head spinning).

Rinky continued that when she came back after procuring the alcohol, she could not find her mother. She maintained that her father had locked her mother in one room. She along with her siblings in another room was also locked up, she said. When she woke up, she found her mother not breathing anymore.

One of the members of Khabam Bamdiar Meira Paibis, who does not want to be named, said that they condemned such alleged killing of their sister and should not be repeated in the future.

An FIR has been lodged at Lamsang police and a memorandum was also submitted to the deputy chief minister, Y. Joykishan yesterday. As of now, we have not received any positive response from the minister, said Premjit.

IMPHAL | Aug 6

Education should not only focus on providing literacy, but also help the children to reach their full potential and become productive citizens of the society. To make the young students a better citizen the teachers and the guardians have a big role to play.

 This was stated by consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister, Karam Shyam during the annual school day function of Trinity Public School at Mongshangei, Imphal West, while addressing the function as the chief guest.

He said children must be motivated in learning new knowledge, discipline and to develop their moral character. He urged the teachers of the School to be the perfect role model for the young students so that they are inspired to become fine human being.

Speaking as the guest of honour, Dr. RK. Lenin Singh, department of Psychiatry, RIMS said that, teachers should not only help students in scoring good marks but also identify and nurture their hidden talents. Highlighting the benefits of physical fitness among students, Dr RK. Lenin said it is deplorable that some of the schools do not have enough open space for physical activities.

President of the function, Wangkhemcha Shamjai, president All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) lauded the principal, teachers and the staffs of the School for making the school premises into a plastic free zone and said it is a good way to educate the young children on the harmful effects of plastic in the environment.

He also encouraged the teachers to continue with their effort in moulding the young students to become better citizen.

Speaking as the guest of honour, Khoisnam Sarma Devi, SP traffic control Wing, Imphal City gave the students valuable lessons on traffic safety and said the police and traffic police are friend of the people to enforce laws for safety of the public.

 As part of the function, prizes were given to the meritorious and successful students of the school on HSLC examination 2017. Students, teachers and parents, guardians also attended the function.

Govt. to probe misuse of fund in IMC

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 6

MAHUD minister, Th. Shyamkumar today informed that the state government has constituted a committee to conduct an inquiry into the alleged misuse of public funds in works taken up in all the 27 wards of Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) particularly ward No. 3.

Speaking to media persons in a press conference convened today in his office chamber, Shyamkumar revealed the decision to conduct the probe was taken following the allegations raised by the Opposition bench during just concluded budget session of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly.

He further said that the committee will be headed by the special secretary MAHUD as chairman while joint secretary MAHUD and assistant municipal commissione, will be the members.

The committee shall submit its reports within 15 days’ time from the date of issue of the order.

At a time when the BJP led government under the leadership of chief minister, N. Biren Singh, is taking strong initiative to uproot corruption, no individual or official if found guilty during the course of investigation will not be spared. And, stringent action will be taken against the guilty as per the law, he said.

Subsequently, an order released by the under secretary of MAHUD in this regards issued directive to the municipal commissioner to take action against the officers responsible and recover the funds misappropriated in the said works.

The MAHUD minister further informed that the government will also investigate the alleged manipulation conducted during an auctioned recently conducted for eight condemned vehicles of the IMC.

He pointed out that the matter was clarified on the floor of the House following complaints queries raised by Thangmeiband MLA, Kh. Joykishan during the last session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

However, the matter resurfaced today in the local media with the Opposition councillors of the IMC accusing that the auctioned was conducted by overlooking all the norms of the auction, he asserted.

The minister warned that any officials who fed him the wrong reports, which led to the prevailing misunderstanding in connection with the auctioned, will also be dealt with accordingly.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |Aug 6

The Naga People’s Front headed by Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu said that “legality is with Dr Shurhozelie and TR Zeliang continues to be the chief minister by blatant aberration of the laws“. 

In a hard hitting press release issued today, the NPF headed by Dr Shurhozelie blamed TR Zeliang for the expulsion of Neiphiu Rio from the party in 2015. The statement also said that Neiphiu Rio’s ministry was reduced to a minority as there was a revolt within the party in 2004 but it was Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu who came to the rescue of the former.

Neiphiu Rio and TR Zeliang are now joining hands against Dr Shurhozelie. Rio is the “Interim President” of one of the two NPF factions which supports TR Zeliang.

According to the statement, Neiphiu Rio, during Jamir’s Congress ministry, found it “suffocating to remain under his leadership when his ego and ambition ballooned into the size of several football fields and his colleagues found it obnoxious and began to avoid him as best as they could”.

It also stated, “By the fag end of the Congress ministry, Rio found he had landed himself in a not-so-enviable position of possibly being denied even the party ticket for the ensuing elections in 2003. And so, he orchestrated a grand political manoeuvre, hollow though it was to those who were in the know, by resigning from the ministry in September 2002. It was a huge political development at that point of time because he was the then Home minister; and to his erstwhile colleagues, a huge relief as they considered his departure as a very good riddance”.

Further the release said, Rio was reduced to a minority when in the later part of 2004, Z Obed mustered the support of 17 NPF legislators and demanded that Rio be replaced. “But party president Dr Shurhozelie, who was elected to the post at the General Convention of the party in Dimapur in the later part of 2003 replacing Vizol even though he, Dr Shurhozelie was an elected member, extended full support to the then minority chief minister and Rio could overcome the revolt within the NPF party.

It continued Rio is the “disrespected and dejected” President. “Dejected because he is the “interim President” and according to the NPF Constitution, there is no such post as interim, Ad Hoc or work charged president; dis-reputed because Rio will go down the annals of Naga history in infamy as the successor of Noke whose flash-in-the-pan tenure as president of the dissident NPF camp lasted only till the crisis lasted and had to attend the Special General Convention of the NPF on April 30, 2015 donning a skin thicker than that of a rhino, the Mascot of Kaziranga,” it also stated.

The statement then said that, it is “astounding how the expelled NPF legislators” could console themselves with a make-believe “amnesty period” of fifteen days when the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India clearly mentions that the political party can condone defiance of the Whip within fifteen days. “This period is in no way an Amnesty as the erring legislators seem to think. Anyhow, defiance of the Whip issued by NPF chief whip Kiyanilie Peseyie occurred on July 21 and the fifteen day period to condone the travesty had already expired and there is no turning back,” it added.

According to the statement, the “ill-advice” that the chief minister TR Zeliang seems to be receiving has been made conspicuous when he filed disqualification petition against the ten NPF legislators.

“He is not the ticket-issuing authority for the NPF party and he never was. To begin with, he is not the Chief Whip of the NPF party and he would do well to keep in mind that if it was not for the queer action of the Speaker to support him. The whip issued by him ought to have been rejected outright,” maintained the release.

Talks on with Centre for helicopter service

Our Bureau

IMPHAL |Aug 6

Manipur is likely to start employing helicopter services so as to address the “miseries of the people” living in far flung areas regarding health related matters, said governor Najma Heptulla.

She was speaking at the prize distribution ceremony for the dedicated staffs of Japanese Hospital Manipur at the conference hall of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Porompat here today.

The event was sponsored by Japanese Second World War Victims Memorial Hospital Trust, Manipur.

The governor continued that talks are on with the Civil Aviation minister at the Centre to allocate Rs 25 crores to get helicopter services in the state very soon in order to provide necessary equipment to meet the needs of those not only in the city but also those in far-flung remote parts of the State.

Drawing serious concern over the present health scenario in Manipur, Najma Heptulla said that not much attention has been given to remove the miseries of the people regarding health related matters in spite of the State being endowed with a beautiful climate and great biodiversity.

Giving a brief insight of the old relation between Manipur and Japan the governor said, “There is already a Peace Memorial Hospital known as Peace Park at Maibam Lokpa Ching (Red Hill) in Bishnupur district constructed by the Japanese War veterans in memory of Japanese soldiers killed here in the Second World War. The hospital is another step to foster further friendship and cooperation between Manipur and Japan.”

The governor appealed to the authorities of the hospital to go to the far-flung rural areas where medical facilities are almost nill to provide the much needed health services apart from establishing good rapport with their patients who are poor and needy.

Focussing on health as a quintessential part of life, she also said, “Investment for eradication of diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, cholera etc. and also for prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and H1N1 especially in the context of Manipur is of great economic value. Right now, the State is also facing the challenge posed by a bout of dengue and Japanese Encephalitis. But we have great hope that we shall overcome such viruses/diseases.”

Here, the selfless services endered by the staffs of the Japanese Hospital is of immense value, she added.

Member of the Japanese Hospital, Yumnam(o) Jamuna Devi presented the governor a bouquet and a hand product comprising of phanek and lily (tharo).

The prize distribution ceremony began with an opening song titled “Ho ima nungshibi, poknapham lamdam paamubi, ima nangi natambaakshe, yengbagi penba naideda” from the artists of Khonjel Artist Union. The song was scripted by.W .Gojen Meitei.

Director JNIMS, Dr. Th Bhimo Singh, medical superintendent JNIMS, Prof. L Ranbir Singh; nursing superintendent JNIMS, P. Landhoni Devi, president of Japanese Hospital Manipur, T.M. Rajen Ayangba,  national secretary, All India Dalit Development Association, Yumnam Mahendrakumar Singh and treasurer of Japanese Hospital Manipur, H. Suraj Sharma shared the dais with the governor in the function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 6

The Manipur Students Federation (MSF) and Pangal Students Organisation (PSO) strongly condemned the alleged thrashing of a VI standard student by a teacher, Kh. Menon of DSAC Academic Centre, Irelbung yesterday which caused the student unconscious.    

Speaking to the media today at MSF head office, Keishampat MSF president, N. Muktangamba said that the student got unconscious by the teacher’s action and was taken to JNIMS for treatment. The said student has been taken away to Guwahati for further treatment as the health condition of the student did not improved, he said.

Muktangamba said that such unwanted action by the teacher shows that he is against the moral awareness programme which was conducted by MSF as a part of their academic campaign.

He continued that MSF and PSO are ready to give full support to the JAC which was formed against the unwanted conduct of the teacher. Muktangamba appealed to the government and to the police station concerned to take up legal action against the said teacher.

IMPHAL | Aug 6

Directorate of Social Welfare Department, government of Manipur has notified that the state rules for persons with disabilities are to be framed with regard to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Comments, objection, suggestions and ideas are invited from organisations, individuals, persons with disabilities or any other interested persons on or before August 11 for effective implementation of the act, it added.

THOUBAL | Aug 6

The five-day training on life skills, leadership and personality development organised by National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell, Manipur University was concluded today in the court hall of Manipur University.

A release issued by PRO, MU, Ganesh Sethi said that as the chief guest of the valedictory function, vice- chancellor of Manipur University, Professor Adya Prasad Pandey expressed that the NSS organisation is quite different from other organisation and no organisation is as vast as NSS.

He further said that there should not be any boundary for offering voluntary welfare activities for the society and he is very happy that the NSS volunteers are taking advantages of it, the release said.

It further said that Professor Pandey asked the NSS Cell of Manipur University to adopt and maintain a park of the University Campus and added that he will render all administrative support and co-operation in this regard.

Attending as guest of honour, regional director of NSS, Guwahati, H.K Sharma appreciated Professor Pandey for his initiative, cooperation and support towards NSS Cell of Manipur University while urging the volunteers to work with full spirit and enthusiast throughout the year to make the environment clean and green, it added.

THOUBAL | Aug 6

A public meeting was organised today by the women folk and elders of Nongpok Lourembam at Arong Ningthou ground Nongpok Sekmai, Thoubal district, in protest against the act of planting and exploding a bomb yesterday at the residence of the pradhan of Lourembam GP, Yambem Shyamo.

The bomb that exploded around 7.45 pm yesterday was planted in the tractor that was parked in the garage of Yambem Shyamo’s brother at Nongpok Lourembam.

It was resolved in the meeting that the people who are behind the explosion must claim responsibility within 5 days and clarify the reasons behind the act otherwise, the development committees of north and south Nongpok Lourambam will take up extreme measures.

A woman who attended the meeting said that exploding a bomb at the residence of the pradhan who is working for welfare of the people, is an act of terrorism. The public cannot accept it; the people want peace and request not to repeat again such act of exploding bombs at places where people are residing.

It may be mentioned that the bomb was placed under the seat of the tractor and the explosion caused damaged to the tractor and a car that was parked in a nearby shed. It also broke the glass windows and doors.

A case has been registered by the police of Nongpok Sekmai and investigations have started. 

IMPHAL | Aug 6

One-day discussion on the Manipur Private School (Registration and Regulation) Bill, 2017 was held yesterday at GM Hall, Imphal organised by All Manipur Recognised Private Schools’ Welfare Association.

A release said the discussion unanimously resolved to form a high power committee with members selected from among all the concerned stake holders of the state for the execution of all the follow-up steps and to submit a memorandum to the governor of Manipur, chief minister and Education minister for the compulsory exclusion of all the recognised private schools of the bill by highlighting the ground realities of the recognised private schools of the state.

It also resolved to submit a representation to the Director of Education (S) with the plea for the compulsory exclusion of all the existing recognised private schools of the state from the purview of the bill, it added.

The discussion also resolved to declare holiday on August 8 jointly by all the recognised private schools of the state as a mark of protest against the passing of such half-baked, irrational bill by the government of Manipur, it said adding that legal option will be taken up against the bill if all the measures fail.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 6

The present Indian judicial service is lethargic and consumes a lot of time to process a case and even lacks quality justice, said N. Pramod, lecturer of LMS Law College.

He was speaking at a one-day consultation programme to improve ‘Criminal justice delivery system’ which was held today at regency hall, Classic Hotel. The conference was organised by Women Action for Development (WAD).

He was speaking on the topic “Academic inputs of the evolving trend of criminal justice delivery system from gender perspective”. He further said that the legal fraternity considers ‘evidence’ as commodity and has even commercialised available evidence.

Pramod further noted that high courts should also give provision to trial courts in handling a case instead of giving a free hand and criticising later.

Giving the keynote address, secretary of WAD, Sobita Mangsatabam said that this conference is held because of the raising number of cases of crime cases especially of violence against women. Fast track courts had been set up in the state but even after a month “we do not see any progress in delivering justice for the victims and family”, she pointed out.

Superintendent of Police (SP) of Imphal East, K. Kabib said that there are many hurdles faced by investigating agency during the course of investigation. He explained that the main hurdles are delay in lodging an FIR by the victims and family, customary system of a community, lack of forensic science laboratories and shortage of manpower in the police force.

Dr. Th. Bijoy Singh, HOD of Forensic medicine RIMS, explained in detail on the topic “Role of Forensic expert in aid of delivery of justice”. He said that there are lots of methods to identify the causes of death.

Editor of Imphal Free Press, Pradip Phanjoubam spoke on the topic “Challenges and lacuna faced by the media in following a case with special reference to investigative journalism”. The role of presiding judge and counsel of the victim were presented by Th. Surbala, retired district and session judge and L. Sevananda Sharma, practicing advocate in High Court, Manipur respectively.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 6

Joint action committee against unnatural dead of Sapam Ningol Thaonaojam Ongbi Sumati alias Ichal Devi, Wangkhei Ayangpalli, Leima Keithel alleged Th. Jiban and his family for the death of Sumati.

Convenor of JAC, Yumlembam Memma Devi charged the family of Jiban who is the husband of the deceased as the death is unnatural, during a press meet held today at Manipur Press Club.

According to Memma, Sumati when she was alive was constantly tortured by the husband and his family as she was not able to give birth for three years after she got married with Jiban.

After she got In Vitro Fertilization (IVR) treatment of for two times she got pregnant, she added.

Further Memma said Sumati was taken to Nambol dispensary last Friday following food poisoning. Due to her serious condition Sumati was referred to RIMS for further treatment. Subsequently RIMS hospital referred Sumati to Shija hospital for treatment. But when she reached Shija hospital she was declared brought dead by the hospital authorities.

Sumati’s body have scar mark in her back from shoulder to hip, which indicates that she was beaten blue and black, Memma said. In this regard the JAC demands the authority concerned to investigate the case at the earliest and to punish the culprit involved in the case, Memma added.