Day: November 5, 2017

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 5

All India Students’ Federation (AISF) today informed that it will take action against schools that does not fulfill the criteria given by the Board of Secondary Education Manipur and Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur.

Speaking to media persons at the federation’s office at Rupmahal tank, Kh. Rameswore state secretary AISF, alleged that many private schools in the state are operating for commercial purpose on the pretext of education.

AISF state unit has recently conducted an inspection of many private schools operating in the state and has found that many of them (school) are unregistered and some are attached to government schools, he said.

He further pointed out that some of the private schools attached to government institutions are found conducting their classes at government schools.

The AISF leader asserted that since most of the government schools lacks infrastructure parents prefer to send their children in private schools. Taking advantage of the situation many private schools have come up with the sole intention of earning easy money, he contended.

The secretary appealed to the authority concerned to take necessary action against these schools that does not follow the norms and criteria given by the Board and Council.

He further warned that the student’s body will take matters in their own hand if the authority concerned fails to act to prevent the mushrooming of unauthorized private schools within five days.

IMPHAL | Nov 5

Women play a pivotal role in all spheres of life, be it at home, in religious activities or professional life, said social welfare and cooperation minister, Nemcha Kipgen, who was the chief guest at the evening session of the sixth Northeast India Choral Competition held yesterday in New Delhi.

She said, ‘role of women is very vital in establishment of a stable society. The contribution of women is often like the corner-stone in the foundation of a house’.

Lauding all the contestants, especially the women who took part in this competition, Kipgen said that without women, the church and home will be half-empty.

Highlighting the theme of the competition ‘togetherness’, she urged all the people to come together as one despite the fact that they speak different languages or hail from different tribes, communities and states.

She also expressed optimism that such a competition will not just bring together huge number of talented participants and delegates from various churches to showcase their talent but will exhibit oneness among diverse ethnic groups and spiritually enrich the participants as well as the audiences.

The competition was organised by Tangkhul Christian Charitable Trust, Delhi where nine choir groups from different parts of the northeast competed.

Independent Church of India won the first prize and a cash award of Rs. 3 lakhs, while Poumai Baptist Church, Delhi and Tangkhul Church, Delhi were in second and third positions respectively.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Nov 5

The ‘Lifetime Service Award’ by Balipara Foundation was conferred to the former cabinet minister, Haokholet Kipgen on November 3, during the 4th edition of Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics Forum 2017 at Vivanta By Taj, Khanapara, Guwahati.

Haokholet Kipgen is the president of Foundation for Environment and Economic Service (FEEDS) and the award was given to him for embodying the core values of sustainable development through FEEDS. He received the award from the Tibetan President in exile, Lobsang Sangay in the presence of founder trustee of Balipara Foundation, Ranjit Barthakur along with various other leaders of the South East Asian countries.

The forum was attended by more than 1200 participants and around 270 eminent invitees across the world.

While honouring the former minister, Ranjit Barthakur said that FEEDS have adopted many innovative and unique community inclusive projects under the leadership of Haokholet Kipgen. He made the best uses of the natural resources and brought into complementary relationship of the needs of economic development with the living environment, he added.

He also said that FEEDS is of relevance not only to the Himalayan region and India but the world as a whole for its contribution towards development of rural upland agro-forestry, family base tea plantation, commercial flower cultivation, conservation of orchids and extension service.

He further said that FEEDS is the first in India to grow Emu in cold regions and the first to introduce it in northeast.

‘The major focus of the organisation is to impart education and facilitate rural livelihoods, skill training and capacity building for the millennials’, said Ranjit Barthakur.

Speaking to media persons at his Hengbung residence this evening, Haokholet Kipgen conveyed his gratitude to Balipara Foundation and its founder trustee for conferring him the award. He also thanked the Tibetan President in exile for impressive conferment and all the jury of the award.

Kipgen said that it is indeed a proud moment for Manipur to achieve such award among many other South East Asian Countries and across the globe while I feel privilege personally for being conferring such an important award.

He also said that God has given us such a beautiful environment and nature but manmade disaster have annihilated them without much concerning of its importance and necessity which has become a serious concern worldwide. He continued that the menace towards the environment and nature should be immediately redressed from the concerned department as well as the people itself.

He also said that since dry paddy cultivation is a common practice in the hill districts of Manipur as wet paddy cultivation is not that common, the authority concerned and the state government should initiate various measures to improve the cultivation without affecting the environment.

Kipgen also thanked all the staffs of FEEDS for their sincerity and dedication for which the achievement could be made.

It may be mentioned that Balipara Foundation Lifetime Service Award is given to an individual of legendary proportions. A personality, whose life has been devoted to the ecological of the people of the Eastern Himalayas and whose philosophy and purpose has been guided by the need to protect, restore and care for nature.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Nov 5

The State Government of Nagaland headed by Chief Minister TR Zeliang and Neiphiu Rio has intensified its campaign on Naga political issue in New Delhi by meeting various Central leaders.  TR Zeliang and his team also met leaders of six Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) in New Delhi yesterday.

After meeting Union Home minister, Rajnath Singh few days ago, the Nagaland Government team headed by Chief Minister TR Zeliang met Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region and MoS (Prime Minister’s Office) yesterday. Bhaskar Khulbe, IAS, Secretary to Prime Minister was also present in the meeting. The Nagaland team also met Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor (NSA) with regard to the early resolution of the Naga political Issue.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office of Nagaland, TR Zeliang appreciated the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi “for having ensured that we are very near to the final settlement of the Naga political issue”.

Further, the Chief Minister emphasized that it is essential that the process for finalizing the final solution to its logical end is expedited. The Chief Minister mentioned that it has been 20 years of negotiations and with the State scheduled to have Assembly polls early next year, it is important that settlement of  Naga political issue is done before the elections.

Lo Sabha MP from Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio also highlighted that this is the most opportune time for a final settlement with BJP Governments in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh and it will be in the interest of all if the settlement is done before Christmas. In the same time, the Nagaland Chief Minister and his colleagues also apprised Dr Jitendra Singh of their interactions with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and R N Ravi, Interlocutor for Naga peace talks. Dr Jitendra Singh appreciated the initiative of the Chief Minister Nagaland and his colleagues for highlighting the need for an early solution and hoped that settlement of Naga Political Issue will be done soon, the Nagaland Chief Minister’s Office said today.

Later in the evening, the Nagaland Chief Minister and his Cabinet along with Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio had a meeting with the Working Committee (WC) for the six NNPGs who has been invited by the Government of India to be a part of the talks. The leaders of the NNPGs present in the meeting included N. Kitovi Zhimomi,  Convener of the Working  Committee (NNPGs),  and Co- Conveners  Zhopra Vero,  Hozheto Chophy,  V.  Nagi,   Kiumukam and  Wangtin Naga and  Alezo Venuh. The meeting was held at Nagaland House, 29 Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister appreciated the initiative of involving the six NNPGs in the talks “as it is essential for an inclusive and durable solution to the long standing Naga political issue that all groups and sections of society are involved and taken on board”, according to the Chief Minister’s Office TR Zeliang complimented the leaders of the NNPGs for their vision and maturity in joining the talks and hoped that with the sincerity being shown by the Government of India, “the final settlement seems to be very near”. The Chief Minister mentioned that it has been 20 years of negotiations and with the State scheduled to have Assembly polls early next year, it is important that settlement of  Naga political issue is done before the elections.

Neiphiu Rio also highlighted that this is the most opportune time for a final settlement with BJP Governments in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh and it will be in the interest of all if the settlement is done before Christmas. The Chief Minister and his colleagues also told the leaders of NNPGs of their interactions with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, R N Ravi, Interlocutor for Naga peace talks and Dr Jitendra Singh , MoS, PMO earlier.

N Kitovi, Convenor of the Working Committee of the six NNPGs appreciated the efforts made by the Chief Minister of Nagaland and his colleagues in ensuring that the Government of India involves the six NNPGs in the talks. He further highlighted the need for an early solution and hoped that settlement of Naga political Issue will be done before elections.

Wangtin and other leaders also impressed upon the Chief Minister and all leaders to continue working towards ensuring a final settlement of Naga political Issue that is inclusive, honourable and acceptable to all for long standing peace in the State.

During the meeting with Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor (NSA), the Chief Minister, TR Zeliang along with his Cabinet ministers mentioned that it has been 20 years of negotiations on the 70 year old Naga political issue. “This has been the mother of all unresolved challenges in the North East and it is imperative that the same is settled for long standing peace in the region”, the Nagaland team told Ajit Doval. Given the progress made and especially with the involvement of the six NNPGs along with NSCN IM in the talks, this is the most opportune time for a solution, they mentioned. Further, given that the State is scheduled to have Assembly polls early next year, it is important that settlement of  Naga political issue is done before the elections. It was also highlighted that this is the most opportune time for a final settlement with BJP Governments in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh and it will be in the interest of all if the settlement is done before Christmas.  Imkong Imchen, one of the Nagaland Ministers in the team mentioned that in the interest of a solution, State elections can be deferred also.

Ajit Doval appreciated the initiative of the Chief Minister Nagaland and his colleagues for highlighting the need for an early solution and hoped that settlement of Naga political issue will be done soon. He mentioned that everyone wishes for an early solution and it is important to look at what one can do towards achieving that objective. Ajit Doval also asked the State Ministers to suggest what the Government of India can do for a solution before Christmas. He emphasized that once the agreement is reached it will be essential for all concerned to build the right socio political environment to make all stakeholders join hand for successful implementation of the agreement. Ajit Doval mentioned that the advice of the State Government will be fully considered by the Government of India. It has to be a win-win situation for all.

Finally, the Nagaland Chief Minister assured that State Government of Nagaland will do everything possible for facilitating the solution.

IMPHAL | Nov 5

Chief minister said that the new government’s vision and sole objective is to bring positive change and development in the State. This was stated by him at the inauguration function of Rev. Fr. NV Jose Memorial Multipurpose Auditorium at Don Bosco College, Maram today.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief minister said that the government is trying to reduce the misunderstandings and communication gap between various communities so as to bring emotional integration in the State. He assured that the government would never hurt the sentiments of any communities living in the State. We should respect, help and share feelings of each other only then peace and tranquillity will prevail in the State, he added.

Biren Singh said that the new government is planning to introduce new welfare schemes for the poor and needy people to bring inclusive development in the State.

Mentioning that around 2.62 lakh people are living under BPL in the State, Chief minister said that the Government would introduce a health insurance scheme to provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to those who cannot afford medical treatment. He assured that such scheme would be launched from 1st January, 2018 and every member of those BPL families can avail the benefits of such scheme.

He further pointed out that the State government will launch a special scheme for differently-abled persons of the State. Under the special scheme, the government would provide a monthly stipend of Rs 1,500 to those who are permanently disabled persons. The Government will also provide free education to the differently abled students in the State. No fare would be charged for persons with disabilities travelling in State public transportation, he assured.

Biren mentioned that the primary objective of Prime minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ is to bring an inclusive development with a collective effort towards the improvement of the most deprived and downtrodden sections of the society. Under his leadership, each and every person of the country would have a house of their own by 2022 under PMAY and every household would have LPG connection under Ujwala Yojana, he added.

Chief minister said that education is a means to end violence which can lead to the path of peace and prosperity in the State.

He stated that imparting good and quality education to the students can root out the prevailing corruption in the State. Stating that if education collapses everything will collapse in the society, he appealed the students not to use any unfair methods/means and study well so that every student would have a bright future. Lauding the efforts and contribution of Don Bosco in imparting education in the State, Chief minister said that it is indeed happy to learn that Don Bosco is imparting education to more than 70,000 students in the region.

Chief minister further appealed the students to educate the people about the effects of deforestation which have negative impact on environment and humankind. We should never fight with nature, we need nature and nature doesn’t need us, he mentioned.

On the occasion, Chief minister announced that under RUSA scheme Don Bosco College, Maram would get a total amount of Rs. 1.5 crore as a grant-in aid. Rs. 25 lakhs has already been given to the College and another Rs. 50 lakhs would be sanctioned by the end of next year.

He further said that a proposal of Rs. 6-7 crores would be sent to NEC for the construction of Library cum Science Laboratory of the College. He directed the DC Senapati to co-ordinate with Planning Department and PWD for the black topping of the approach road to the College.

Chief minister said that a total of Rs. 10 crore has been allocated for the construction of various office buildings in the hill areas in the State and PWD has been asked to include the construction of SDO office at Maram Lairouching under the scheme. The up gradation of Maram bazaar PHC to CHC and Maram Khullen PHSC to PHC will be considered in the next Cabinet meeting, he added.

minister for PHED Shri Losii Dikho, Ex-minister Shri Francis Ngajokpa, Principal Secretary(Planning) Shri Vineet Joshi, Secretary to CM Shri M. Ashok Kumar, IGP Shri Lupheng Kailun, DC Senapati Athem Muivah, SP Senapati Shri M. Pradip Singh, Commanding Officer 34 Assam Rifles, ADC members, Principal, Maram College, Rev. Fr. Dr. Sebastian KO, Archbishop of Imphal, Rev. Dominic Lumon DD,  Vice-Principal, Maram College, Sr. Rose Mary Adaphro, teaching, non-teaching staffs and students of the College attended the function.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Nov 5

In a rare attempt that has been seen rarely in the world, Md Jabir Khan (24) son of (L) Haji Salaoddin from Lilong Khunou under Thoubal district today pulled an Alto and a Gypsy together by using his teeth only.    

Jabir Khan pulled the Alto and Gypsy which was tied together one after another, in front of the Lilong police station today. The baffled onlookers watched the unfolding action as if it was in a dream. 

Jabir khan expressed to the media person that some months before, being unable to find a knife to peel open a coconut, he attempted to peel it by his teeth and realised that he was able to do it easily. Afterwards, he had peeled open more than 10 coconuts by his teeth. He once uploaded a post at Facebook in which he peeled open a coconut in front of the camera. The post received more than 700 likes and also received many encouragements.  

After that experience, he started practicing by lifting up cycles with his teeth. Some of his friends repeatedly expressed their curiosity if he could pull a vehicle by his teeth. When he tried it out yesterday, he discovered that he could do it very easily. When he again tried to practice today if he could pull two vehicles together, he was able to do it by the grace of God, he said.

Expressing that he would try to set of genius world record, he said he had never consumed paan that may affect his teeth or taken any other abusive substances like alcohol and drugs in his life. As per the advice of the elders that eating bamboo shoots makes the teeth become stronger, he eats them thrice a week, he said. He further expressed that his wish that the youths should give up the habit consuming paan and gutkhas like talab before taking breakfast and take healthy food instead.

It may be mentioned that the Alto car Jabir Khan pulled today weighed 802Kgs and the Gypsy vehicle weighed 1020Kgs amounting to a total weight of 1822Kgs (4056 pounds).  He also holds the post of the secretary of Lilong Khunou Anti Drug Association currently. His videos are available at Youtube under the channel titled Eramdam vlogs.