Day: August 14, 2017

IMPHAL | Aug 14

The governor of the state, Najma Heptulla has extended heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of the 71st Independence Day. In her message the governor said India is a big country where diversities abound.

In India people from all communities live in harmony and unity in diversity is the hall mark of the country, her message read, and adding diversity is the strength of India.

“On this day in 1947, we freed ourselves from the Briish yoke after a long struggle and innumerable sacrifices. Today, while celebrating the country’s independence, we should remember that we did not get our freedom on a platter”, the message read.

The governor also maintained that we should be thankful to our brave forefathers whose love for their motherland and sacrifices made it possible. As Indians, this is our duty and responsibility to treasure this hard earned freedom and work hard to make India a proud and developed country in the comity of the nations, she said. 

She has also greeted the people on the occasion of the Krishna Janmastami, stating that let us remind ourselves of the teachings of Lord Krishna and propagate love and affection for all and usher in era of peace and prosperity in Manipur.

From Our Correspondent

CCPUR | Aug 14

Food Safety Department of Churachandpur district today took sample of the alleged plastic rice to Imphal for testing after an entire family of five members from Chapel Lane, Hiangtam Lamka Churachandpur got sick after consuming the rice yesterday morning. The head of the family, Ginzalian Paulsaid said that he brought one bag of rice from Rajban Shah variety store on August 11 and the tragedy started yesterday morning after consuming the rice. He said that all his family members, his wife and three children had a stomach related problem, chest pain and gastric soon after consuming the rice. Assuming that it was just a routine stomach issue and all the family members took Pantoprazole tablet but did not work out, he added.

He further said that after checking the rise, he reported the matter to the police which was forwarded to the Food Safety department, after which the officer of the department, Bisosana Loitongbam went to the shop and brought a bag of particular kind of rice. Later, the bag was taken to Imphal for clinical testing.

When enquired by the IFP correspondent, the owner of the variety store, Rajban Shah said that the rice was taken from a wholesaler named Prem from Bishnupur, who delivered 140 bags of rice.

From Our Correspondent

CCPUR | Aug 14

Food Safety Department of Churachandpur district today took sample of the alleged plastic rice to Imphal for testing after an entire family of five members from Chapel Lane, Hiangtam Lamka Churachandpur got sick after consuming the rice yesterday morning. The head of the family, Ginzalian Paulsaid said that he brought one bag of rice from Rajban Shah variety store on August 11 and the tragedy started yesterday morning after consuming the rice. He said that all his family members, his wife and three children had a stomach related problem, chest pain and gastric soon after consuming the rice. Assuming that it was just a routine stomach issue and all the family members took Pantoprazole tablet but did not work out, he added.

He further said that after checking the rise, he reported the matter to the police which was forwarded to the Food Safety department, after which the officer of the department, Bisosana Loitongbam went to the shop and brought a bag of particular kind of rice. Later, the bag was taken to Imphal for clinical testing.

When enquired by the IFP correspondent, the owner of the variety store, Rajban Shah said that the rice was taken from a wholesaler named Prem from Bishnupur, who delivered 140 bags of rice.

From Our Correspondent

CCPUR | Aug 14

Food Safety Department of Churachandpur district today took sample of the alleged plastic rice to Imphal for testing after an entire family of five members from Chapel Lane, Hiangtam Lamka Churachandpur got sick after consuming the rice yesterday morning. The head of the family, Ginzalian Paulsaid said that he brought one bag of rice from Rajban Shah variety store on August 11 and the tragedy started yesterday morning after consuming the rice. He said that all his family members, his wife and three children had a stomach related problem, chest pain and gastric soon after consuming the rice. Assuming that it was just a routine stomach issue and all the family members took Pantoprazole tablet but did not work out, he added.

He further said that after checking the rise, he reported the matter to the police which was forwarded to the Food Safety department, after which the officer of the department, Bisosana Loitongbam went to the shop and brought a bag of particular kind of rice. Later, the bag was taken to Imphal for clinical testing.

When enquired by the IFP correspondent, the owner of the variety store, Rajban Shah said that the rice was taken from a wholesaler named Prem from Bishnupur, who delivered 140 bags of rice.

IMPHAL | Aug 14

Chief minister N. Biren Singh urged the general public to elect the right leaders without taking money in elections. He was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of a community hall at Luwangshangbam Maning Leikai in Imphal East district today.

Reiterating that the present government has a firm commitment to root out corruption, he opined that cleansing of the society should begin from elections.

People should put in effort to settle for consensus candidates instead of encouraging the idea of having multiple numbers of candidates; the chief minister observed that extending collective support to the consensus candidate is the only means to cut down election expenditures.

Observing that electing the right candidate without taking money would be a huge positive change, he urged the gathering to begin this reformation from Heingang and set itself as an example for a corruption-free constituency.

 Expressing serious concern over involvement of two policemen in a recent bomb blast, the chief minister pointed that there is an urgent need for rectification of recruitment process of Manipur police department.

 He further said that the Special Investigation Teams (SITs) constituted to probe the mass recruitment of employees by the previous government were successful to gather some interesting points.

He added that 30 candidates were found interviewed in 30 minutes by a DPC board of a department.

 Speaking on bringing about an egalitarian development in the State, the chief minister said that construction of important roads and highways would commence soon after the rainy season.

MLAs Y. Surchandra and L. Rameshwor, Imphal West adhakshya Y. Dasumati, Laipham Khunou Zilla Parishad member, P. Sundar and BJP Heingang unit president Kh. Jila also attended the function which was presided by Kontha Khabam zilla parishad member P. Bimola.

IMPHAL | Aug 14

Chief minister N. Biren Singh urged the general public to elect the right leaders without taking money in elections. He was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of a community hall at Luwangshangbam Maning Leikai in Imphal East district today.

Reiterating that the present government has a firm commitment to root out corruption, he opined that cleansing of the society should begin from elections.

People should put in effort to settle for consensus candidates instead of encouraging the idea of having multiple numbers of candidates; the chief minister observed that extending collective support to the consensus candidate is the only means to cut down election expenditures.

Observing that electing the right candidate without taking money would be a huge positive change, he urged the gathering to begin this reformation from Heingang and set itself as an example for a corruption-free constituency.

 Expressing serious concern over involvement of two policemen in a recent bomb blast, the chief minister pointed that there is an urgent need for rectification of recruitment process of Manipur police department.

 He further said that the Special Investigation Teams (SITs) constituted to probe the mass recruitment of employees by the previous government were successful to gather some interesting points.

He added that 30 candidates were found interviewed in 30 minutes by a DPC board of a department.

 Speaking on bringing about an egalitarian development in the State, the chief minister said that construction of important roads and highways would commence soon after the rainy season.

MLAs Y. Surchandra and L. Rameshwor, Imphal West adhakshya Y. Dasumati, Laipham Khunou Zilla Parishad member, P. Sundar and BJP Heingang unit president Kh. Jila also attended the function which was presided by Kontha Khabam zilla parishad member P. Bimola.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Aug 14

Terming the denial of an honourable burial of Catholic Christian faith follower, H. Rita by the villagers of Leinganching under Kamjong district, as inhuman, the Tangkhul Catholic Council has taken a serious note on the issue.

The general secretary of the TCC referred to the present crisis as a denomination issue. Meanwhile the convenor of “JAC for Denial of H. Rita burial” informed that they will organise a rally on August 16 at Ukhrul and on the following day at Imphal and if the state government cannot bring an amicable solution, the JAC will call for indefinite bandh in the state.

The JAC has been formed by apex body of all Catholics of Manipur. The JAC was formed on August 10. Paotam Zimik, convenor of the JAC informed the press that the rally is being organised mainly focusing on three points: peaceful burial of Late H. Rita wife of H. Yangmi, right to exercise freedom of religion, amendment of the Riyan/constitution of the Leinganching village.

The president of TCC also informed that they have met chief minister of Manipur and submitted a memorandum on the prevailing situation and pressed upon the administration to look into the matter and diffuse the situation at the earliest.

The memorandum stated that “as a good citizen of the secular democratic republic of India, where Right to Freedom of Religion is enshrined in the constitution of India now being violated by the Baptist (majority) at Leingangching”, the memorandum appealed to put an end to such activities.

He also added that H. Yangmi husband of the deceased had approached the Litan PS three times for lodging an FIR but was denied as there was a strict instruction by the higher authority not to entertain any FIR on this matter. President TCC added that they were able to lodge FIR only after the intervention from the chief minister. 

The president of TCC recalled that as per directive given by CAO WTR on  August 28, a home coming program for H. Yangmi and party was arranged by TCC, AMCO ATCA, SDA Union Manipur, AMCWO (All Manipur Catholic Women Organisation) AMCYO but because of strong opposition by the villagers, the program was cancelled.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 14

The titular king of Manipur, Sanajaoba Leisemba said “unless we are united we cannot go ahead so it is necessary to stay united and stand together as one for a bright future of Manipur.”

Sanajaoba was addressing the crowd during the celebration of 71st Manipur Independent Day today at the Old Royal Palace, Imphal organised by the members of Old Royal Palace and Coalition for Indigenes’ Rights Campaign (CIRCA), Manipur.

The erstwhile national flag of Manipur with the symbol of Lord Pakhangba (in serpentine form) embossed on it was hoisted by the titular king, Sanajaoba at the premises of the palace.

The titular king said that now a days the young generation do not know that Manipur was once an independent country with its own constitution.

The celebration of Manipur’s independent  day will empower the people of Manipur with the historical awareness of their existence as a free nation and enable the people to fight for their legitimate political aspiration, continued Sanajaoba.

Manipur national flag has been hoisted every year in the palace premises but from the last year with the support of CIRCA and people of the state the celebration becomes a big event, he added.

Sanajaoba said that “in order to show the people outside the state that we are united, we must celebrate the Independence Day together at one location grandly from next year.”

He also spoke about the brief history of the independence day of Manipur. 

CIRCA spokesperson, Ningthouja Lancha urged the state government to announce and declare August 14 as Manipur independence day.

He said until and unless a special constitutional status with maximum autonomy for Manipur is given, there will be no peace in the state.

He said that according to the Instrument of Accession any function in relation to the administration of the state and law of the dominion should be exercised by the state, except for the defence, communication, and external affairs.

To restore the pre-merger political status of Manipur for the welfare of the people, Instrument of Accession is the key to it.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 14

The titular king of Manipur, Sanajaoba Leisemba said “unless we are united we cannot go ahead so it is necessary to stay united and stand together as one for a bright future of Manipur.”

Sanajaoba was addressing the crowd during the celebration of 71st Manipur Independent Day today at the Old Royal Palace, Imphal organised by the members of Old Royal Palace and Coalition for Indigenes’ Rights Campaign (CIRCA), Manipur.

The erstwhile national flag of Manipur with the symbol of Lord Pakhangba (in serpentine form) embossed on it was hoisted by the titular king, Sanajaoba at the premises of the palace.

The titular king said that now a days the young generation do not know that Manipur was once an independent country with its own constitution.

The celebration of Manipur’s independent  day will empower the people of Manipur with the historical awareness of their existence as a free nation and enable the people to fight for their legitimate political aspiration, continued Sanajaoba.

Manipur national flag has been hoisted every year in the palace premises but from the last year with the support of CIRCA and people of the state the celebration becomes a big event, he added.

Sanajaoba said that “in order to show the people outside the state that we are united, we must celebrate the Independence Day together at one location grandly from next year.”

He also spoke about the brief history of the independence day of Manipur. 

CIRCA spokesperson, Ningthouja Lancha urged the state government to announce and declare August 14 as Manipur independence day.

He said until and unless a special constitutional status with maximum autonomy for Manipur is given, there will be no peace in the state.

He said that according to the Instrument of Accession any function in relation to the administration of the state and law of the dominion should be exercised by the state, except for the defence, communication, and external affairs.

To restore the pre-merger political status of Manipur for the welfare of the people, Instrument of Accession is the key to it.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Aug 14

NSCN (IM) vice president, General (Retd) Kholi hinted today that the Naga political issue will be settled “at any moment from now”. He said that the Naga people “are now blessed with the finest opportune time to see the glory of God”.

At the same time the NSCN (IM) leader however said, “Let us remind ourselves that, nothing is certain until it is achieved. Therefore, all the sons and daughters of Naga motherland, both the national workers and the public, should make concerted efforts with full sense of responsibility and accountability towards achieving a lasting solution to our political problem with India.”

This speech of the vice president was read out by the outfit’s home minister Hukavi Yepthomi during the Nagas’ Independence Day observation at Camp Hebron, off Dimapur today.

The 71st Naga Independence Day was observed across ‘Naga areas’ in the States of Nagaland and Manipur today. The main programme was held at the outfit’s headquarters Hebron which witnessed the participation of civil bodies and the cadres/officials of the NSCN (IM).

General Kholi on the other hand asked the Nagas to “be prepared with all the requisite skill and resources to build our nation”.  He said that the solution to “our problem will not be the end in itself; rather it will be just a new beginning for Nagas to build our nation”. He further said that it will depend greatly on “our concerted efforts how our nation” should progress and prosper. 

Meanwhile, UNC president, Gaidon Kamei while delivering a speech said that as long as the Nagas remained united the Naga society will remain intact, “our history will remain intact.” Gaidon Kamei also said that Nagas have come thus far suffering and being harassed for the past 70 years. “We have overcome this ordeal,” he stated. He added that the UNC will “support the NSCN till the end.”

Rh Raising, convenor of NSCN (IM)’s highest decision making body ‘Steering Committee’ in his speech said that 70 years ago, the Naga people declared their independence day on August 14, 1947, but “sadly the government of India did not recognise it”. Rh Raising, however, said that the “Framework Agreement will be the beginning of a new relationship between India and the Nagas.”

Naga Hoho leader HK Zhomomi speaking on behalf of the organisation said that there was some misconception on the Naga peace talks. “Actually, the ongoing Naga peace talks is for all the Nagas, and you will know this when you meet the government of India,” said the Naga Hoho leader.

A leader of the Naga People’s for Human Rights (NPMHR) representing the organisation, while quoting John F Kennedy, urged the Naga people “at this crucial stage” to “ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

A leader of the Naga Students Federation (NSF) while speaking on the occasion said that the students’ body “would like to convey a message loud and clear to the world that the Naga younger generation will never give up the spirit of true nationalism and our fight for self-determination will continue till we achieve it fully. We know that the road is not easy but we shall never give up”.

A leader of the Eastern Naga People’s Organisation (ENPO) said that the Nagas are thirsty for peace, and we are hopeful that the ‘Framework Agreement’ will usher in the lasting peace.

Leaders of Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap Changlang Longding People’s Forum while participating in the programme today said that they support the ‘Framework Agreement’.

DIMAPUR | Aug 14 (NNN)

The Dr Shurhozelie group of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) claimed that a local court has passed an interim order restraining Neiphiu Rio from using the name of Naga People’s Front, its symbol and flags and also against the opening of any office using the name of NPF party.

It may be noted that the Naga People’s Front (NPF) led by Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu and the other NPF led by Neiphiu Rio have been engaging in tussling work to hold the forte of the party.

According to the NPF led by Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu, L Yanlong, president of the NPF Mon division had filed a civil suit in the court of the Civil Judge (Senior) Division in Mon district  submitting that the defendant Neiphiu Rio has been appointed as the “Interim President” of the NPF on July 31, 2017, by a group of expelled and suspended legislators of NPF and had opened an office at Hotel Legacy, Kohima, using the name of NPF and its symbol and flags.

Counsel for the Plaintiff pointed out that 20 legislators of the NPF were expelled and another 12 were suspended on various dates from active and primary membership of the party, it said.

The basis of the contention was that there is no post by the name and style of “Interim President” as per the Constitution of the NPF and that any official post of the party will have to be appointed by the General Convention of the party as per para 2 (c) of Article IV of the Constitution of the NPF party.

The learned Civil Judge was satisfied that the plaintiff had made out a case for grant of ad-interim injunction and accordingly passed an order restraining the defendant Neiphiu Rio from using the name of NPF, its symbol and flags and further restrained the defendant from opening of any new office using the name of NPF party till the next returnable date which has been scheduled for September 27, 2017.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 6

A minor girl from Churachandpur district is suffering from an unusual breast enlargement believed to be a rare side effect of Efavirenz, the first line of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS.

Life for 17 year old Jenny (name changed) has become a daily struggle physically and mentally for the past two years, since she developed the rare side effect.

But, things got worst during the last six months when her deformity increased at a very unusual way.

Jenny who is studying in class XII standard had to even stop her schooling since then.

When Imphal Free Press first contacted Jenny’s family they initially hesitated to disclose her HIV status.

Yet, the family was apparently desperate to know the cause of the unusual physical changes that has been bothering the minor.

According to Jenny’s family she had undergone pregnancy test six times following advice from doctors.

They have been even told that the minor girl could have been suffering from cancer.

When this reporter informed of similar case occurring to a man, who was on ART, several years back, they finally found themselves in the position to be more open.

The minor girl disclosed that she started having the physical problem after taking ART two years back.

Initially, she felt discomforting and had itching sensation on her chest which continued for about a year.

After a year on ART, Jenny said that she started experiencing excruciating pain on her chest occasionally followed by enlargement of her breast.

Jenny said that when she told her relative of the problem they assumed puberty could be the cause.

With each passing days, her unusual physically anomaly was taking over her life to the extent that she finally forced herself from stepping outside of her home.

Her physical changes attracted the unwanted attention of everyone and everywhere she goes, claimed Jenny.

“Whenever I step outside I hear people talking bad about me. Some of them think that I was pregnant or I have intentionally enlarged my breast for getting attention of boys. Sometimes don’t wish to live”, she said with a trembling tone.

Jenny contracted the virus from her parents. They (Jenny’s parents) contracted the virus from their cousins who were drug users. With no background of drugs and possibilities to get HIV, the parents were believed to have contracted the virus while taking care of their sick cousins.

Jenny’s parents came to know of their status when her (Jenny) mother felt terribly ill just months before her death in 2010. The father who could not comprehend the lost of his wife turned to alcohol and passed in 2011.

Before his death, Jenny’s father had his daughter tested HIV status and found positive when she was about six years old.

Since her parents passed away, Jenny is taken care of by his maternal relatives particularly her god father A Guite.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 14

Imphal West arrested three persons in relation with the second blast of Kakwa Naorem Leikai yesterday. Huge quantity of bomb making materials were recovered from the culprits, Imphal West superintendent of police Themthing Ngashangva told a press conference today at his conference hall.

Speaking to media persons, Themthing said after yesterday’s second blast Imphal West police team immediately conducted a massive search and raided different places to nab the perpetrators.

During the search and raids credible information was received that the IED blast was carried out by proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) under the command of one Aheiba Nagngom alias Tamocha alias Premkumar alias B. Koijam of Bashikhong who is self style finance in-charge of PREPAK (VC).

He said in the raid one person namely Sapam Nanda alias Makar (50) son of S. Sanatomba of Bashikhong Torban, CDO Imphal East was apprehended. On interrogation he revealed the name of two other persons namely Pipa Yaima Maring (29), CDO Imphal East, son of B. Angphun of Kangkoi Khullen under Machi police station and Thingbaijam Sanjoy (35) son of Th. Dronjit of Kakwa Naorem Leikai who were involved in the crime. The two were also arrested yesterday without delay.

On further interrogation the three accused confessed to have committed the crime and revealed the details of the plan. They confessed that they assemble the IED yesterday morning and planted it at around 7 am and waited for opportune time to target the security forces, Themthing said.

He further said they exploded the IED by using a remote control device from a distance of about 300 metres. They also disclosed that the bomb materials were kept at different places to be used during the Independence Day celebration Themthing added.

Police recovered bomb making materials from their disclosure such as 81 number of Gelatin sticks (power gel), two TNT cases of 500 grams each of military grade, six electronic circuits, one remote control device, three mobile phones, and five subscriber identity module (SIM) cards.

A case has registered under FIR number 252 (8) 2017 under Singjamei police station u/s 307/506/427/34 IPC and 20 UA (P) Act read with three explosive substance Act have been registered in c/w the IED blast at Singjamei police station and further investigation is in process, Themthing said.

Elangbam Nikita & Ningthoujam Prasant

IMPHAL | Aug 14

 Laishram Guramangi (LG) Rose Garden, a well known and popular recreational garden, has a nursery where plants are cultured and nurtured in bulk before being retailed to other nurseries, who in turn sell them to the general public.

The garden which is owned by Laishram Dewakar is known for floriculture, a branch of agriculture concerned with the development of flowering and ornamental plants for home gardens and and other hobbyists.

The garden creates diverse types of plants such as pot plants, house plants, flowers, fruit bearing and ornamental trees.

“The trend for retailing flowers and other ornamental trees is increasing nowadays. Several women vendors come four to five times in a week to make bulk purchases. Additionally, individuals flock the garden to purchase seasonal flowers and other ornamental plants mainly during festivals, such as Diwali and in the wedding seasons,” said Thokchom Ibochou, an experienced nurseryman of the garden.

He said peak sale generally happen during November and February. The sales can go up to Rs. 10,000 per day during that period, claimed Ibochou, adding that Marigold is the much sought after during Diwali.

Ibochou was despondent about the state not having the capacity to create flowers and plants which can be exported to other states. He said Leihao saplings and other flowers and plants are supplied from Kolkata and Guwahati.

He expressed dissatisfaction on the requirement for saving indigenous plants of the state, for example, Urirei, Nageshwor, Labangga and so forth which are scarcely available.

One reason for such slack in the field of management of plant is the absence of work culture, especially among the young people, he said. Unemployed young people can procure and help themselves by filling in as a gardener or nurseryman instead of indulging in drugs, he suggested. The L.G. Rose Garden will offer a 3-month course from March next year in which 10 ccandidates will be chosen for training in the management of plants and nurseries. The scope of management of plants extends from vegetables to flowers and other ornamental plants, he further added.

Ibochou claims that the garden has more than 500 varieties of roses. Different types of flowers and plants include Kaboklei, Leihao, Azalea, U-thambal, Seed-less orange, sweet lemon, foxtail palm, traveller tree and so on. Some of the techniques used for the propagation of plants are cutting, layering and grafting. He stated, “With various 18 nurserymen, the nursery is kept up in the most ideal approach to keep the plants healthy by utilizing ‘cow dung’ as its main manure.”