Day: November 26, 2017

IMPHAL | Nov 26

The two -day 18th Manipur state conference of Communist Party of India (Marxist) Manipur State Committee which began yesterday, concluded today in which a draft report was passed and 15 resolutions were taken up.

Khetrimayum Shanta was appointed as the new secretary for the next term, a release said. The delegates to attend the 22nd congress of the party that will be held at Hyderabad were also announced, it added.

The conference resolved that the party will give solidarity to the left front government of Tripura, to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Soyam Satradhari for a year. Further the conference resolved to demand employment to the youth, benefits to the building and under construction workers without corruption.

The conference also pledged to raise the issues of the farmers; to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur and to handle the communal forces which are anti-peole etc., said the release.

IMPHAL | Nov 26

The two -day 18th Manipur state conference of Communist Party of India (Marxist) Manipur State Committee which began yesterday, concluded today in which a draft report was passed and 15 resolutions were taken up.

Khetrimayum Shanta was appointed as the new secretary for the next term, a release said. The delegates to attend the 22nd congress of the party that will be held at Hyderabad were also announced, it added.

The conference resolved that the party will give solidarity to the left front government of Tripura, to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Soyam Satradhari for a year. Further the conference resolved to demand employment to the youth, benefits to the building and under construction workers without corruption.

The conference also pledged to raise the issues of the farmers; to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur and to handle the communal forces which are anti-peole etc., said the release.

From Our Correspondent 

KANGPOKPI | Nov 26

Many more organisations have condemned the alleged murder of principal of MBC Higher Secondary School, Kangpokpi by unknown miscreants inside the forest area of Tumuyon Khullen, which is also locally known as Haijang Hills near Kangpokpi district.

Condemning the alleged murder, Lenkholal Chongloi, also commonly known as Sir Helen, Sadar Hills Private Schools’ Association (SHIPS) has termed the killing as ‘Senseless act of violence’ and expressed deepest condolence over the untimely demise.

President SHIPS, Hemang Singsit said that Helen was a dedicated, sincere, honest, disciplined and gentle school leader. He was a gem of a person, an exemplary figure amongst his contemporaries, and is dearly loved by each and every member of the teaching fraternity, he added.

He also said that his untimely demise in such a tragic manner is a great loss to the entire student community and the public at large and appealed to the authority concerned to bring justice at the earliest.

He further said that as a mark of respect and honour to the departed soul, all the schools in Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district shall remain closed on November 27.

Meanwhile, Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) also condemned the alleged brutal murder of the school principal in the strongest term while terming it as ‘against human rights’. The organisation also conveyed its deepest condolence and shared the pain and grief of the bereaved family.

President of KWOHR, Hahat Touthang has entreated the person(s) responsible in the elimination of the school principal to come out openly at the earliest and further sought for immediate intervention of the authority concerned to book the culprits and take appropriate action according to the law of the land at the earliest.

Kangpokpi Town Committee, Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organisation and Kanggui Youth Union also have condemned the killing of Lenkholal Chongloi and expressed its deepest condolence while sharing the pain and grief of the bereaved family.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Nov 26

Executive member of ADC Sadar Hills, Lunthang Haokip has drawn the attention of government of Manipur for early redressal of the people’s aspiration, regarding immediate devolution of complete powers and functions to deputy commissioner, Kangpokpi.

Lunthang also sought the attention of the government, more particularly the works minister to revamp the stretch of Asian Highway-1 between Koubru Laikha and Kanglatongbi before Christmas.

Speaking to media at his Sapormeina residence on the sidelines of distributing LED lamp under Science and Technology department, Lunthang, who is also the executive member of Science and Technology, ADC Sadar Hills said that the initiative of deputy chief minister in providing LED lamps is indeed laudable and it will boost the relationship with the public.

He further conveyed his anticipation from other concerned ministers in taking up initiatives that would help people in the near future.

Underlining the necessity of complete devolution of powers and functions to Kangpokpi DC, Lunthang said that state government has already given the full-fledge district status to Kangpokpi and it is obligatory that all powers and functions of DC and SP be devolved instantly.

However, it has been almost a year that the DC haws remained without the powers of DEO and DRDA which is the backbone of the district development and electioneering in the district, he added.

He urged the current state government to seriously consider the issue and devolve the powers and functions of DEO and DRDA apart from others to DC Kangpokpi so as to march forward faster and in equivalent with other districts in the larger interest of the people.

IMPHAL | Nov 26

Today, at the flagging off ceremony of ‘Cyclothon’ from Malom depot IOCL, minister consumer affairs, food and public distribution, Karam Shyam announced that he will be riding a bicycle to his office every Thursday.

In his address, minister Karam Shyam stated that his intent to ride cycle, is to send out a message to all the citizens, about the importance of fuel conservation. As a political leader and as a citizen of the state, he seeks to encourage and promote cycling, he added.

Further, he appealed to all parents and guardians to promote bicycle among students and youth. He added that it is necessary to opt for alternative modes of transportation, in order to conserve oil, which is a non-renewable source of energy. Highlighting the scarcity of oil, he said that 80 percent of crude oil requirement of India is imported and only the remaining 20 percent (37.46 million metric tonnes) is produced in India.

Appreciating Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a visionary, minister Karam Shyam also urged the people to follow his suggestion of not using petrol or diesel once a week. That, it is the collective responsibility of every citizen in this country to use fuel judiciously and make fuel conservation an integral part of one’s lifestyle, he added.

Furthermore, minister Karam Shyam also mentioned that if cycling becomes popular among the citizens, the government can consider providing special lanes for cyclists.

In the said Cyclothon, along with minister Karam Shyam, former VC, Manipur University, prof. H. Tombi Singh, IOC officials and around 100 cyclist enthusiasts, rode bicycle from Malom till Keishampat oil pump.

The Cyclothon is being held across the country from November 12 till December 31, 2017. And it is organised by public sector oil companies in Manipur, in association with Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), under the aegis of ministry of petroleum & natural gas, government of India.

IMPHAL | Nov 26

Today, at the flagging off ceremony of ‘Cyclothon’ from Malom depot IOCL, minister consumer affairs, food and public distribution, Karam Shyam announced that he will be riding a bicycle to his office every Thursday.

In his address, minister Karam Shyam stated that his intent to ride cycle, is to send out a message to all the citizens, about the importance of fuel conservation. As a political leader and as a citizen of the state, he seeks to encourage and promote cycling, he added.

Further, he appealed to all parents and guardians to promote bicycle among students and youth. He added that it is necessary to opt for alternative modes of transportation, in order to conserve oil, which is a non-renewable source of energy. Highlighting the scarcity of oil, he said that 80 percent of crude oil requirement of India is imported and only the remaining 20 percent (37.46 million metric tonnes) is produced in India.

Appreciating Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a visionary, minister Karam Shyam also urged the people to follow his suggestion of not using petrol or diesel once a week. That, it is the collective responsibility of every citizen in this country to use fuel judiciously and make fuel conservation an integral part of one’s lifestyle, he added.

Furthermore, minister Karam Shyam also mentioned that if cycling becomes popular among the citizens, the government can consider providing special lanes for cyclists.

In the said Cyclothon, along with minister Karam Shyam, former VC, Manipur University, prof. H. Tombi Singh, IOC officials and around 100 cyclist enthusiasts, rode bicycle from Malom till Keishampat oil pump.

The Cyclothon is being held across the country from November 12 till December 31, 2017. And it is organised by public sector oil companies in Manipur, in association with Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), under the aegis of ministry of petroleum & natural gas, government of India.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Nov 26

The tribal in the Northeast region are left behind and are neglected in all spheres. Even after more than 70 years of Indian independence, conflict in the area is raising, said Lok Sabha MP from Tripura, and the chief whip of CPI (M), Jitendra Chaudhury.

The MP was delivering keynote address at the talk cum panel discussion on ‘Democratic Space & Economic Development of the North Eastern Tribals’, organised by Tribal Youth Development Foundation, at St. Joseph College, Ukhrul, asserts for democratic space for the tribal of northeast India.

Speaking at the meet, Jitendra Chaudhury stated that the Northeastern region represents a total land mass of 8 percent and a population of 4 percent, in India. That, according to 2011 census report, Northeast region have the highest literacy percentage and has the most availability of land, but it is yet to be explored and put into use, he added.

Economic development and a democratic space for the minority tribal of the Northeastern region is the need of the hour, the MP pointed out.

He also expressed that the Northeast has enormous space to improve and develop. The scenic beauty and natural resources of the Northeast region which nature has bestowed have not been promoted and are yet to be fully utilised, he continued.

Furthermore, he exalted the region as having a massive prospect for hydropower projects, besides the potential to generate surplus horticulture and agro-based product, which could be exported to the rest of the country. He also added that in the field of tourism, medicare and sports, the Northeastern region could be a powerhouse, provided that the area is equipped with all the necessary infrastructure.

Jitendra also asserted that a democratic space is needed for the Northeast tribal, for them to shine and excel in various fields. He questioned whether the rights, lands and autonomy of the indigenous peoples are ensured and safeguarded. Moreover, due to the minimal representation tribal in the parliament, they are always at the receiving end, he remarked.

In light of all these situations, he opined that there is a need for a common platform for all tribal-dalit leaders, in order to promote their culture and build a better relationship amongst them. Northeast MPs should bring tribal leaders together from various political parties towards a common cause, he opined.

Executive member, ADC-Ukhrul, Khayinghor Valui, one of the panellists, also remarked that the hill districts of Manipur are at the mercy of Manipur government. That the present district councils are empowered neither under the 5th Schedule nor the 6th Schedule of the Indian constitution, he added.

In the said panel discussion, president ATSUM, Ayo Shatsang, also remarked that due to varying aspirations, the tribal of Manipur are not able to come together and function under one platform.

He further elucidated that there is no democratic space in Manipur as the tribal do not have a say. Tribal representation of elected members are not followed on the basis of the population neither the 31 percent reservation for tribal in Manipur University been fully implemented, he added.

General secretary of Siamsinpawpi, Lamka, Nagmuangsang Lethil,  who is also one of the panellists implored that the tribal in Northeast India must unite and fight together for a democratic space. He lamented that the 3 ‘anti-tribal bills’ had killed the aspiration of many youths in Lamka, and it will take a long time for their people to heal, even though the 3 bills have been laid to rest.

Chairman TYDF, Lakpachui Siro informed that the Tribal Youth Development Foundation intends to organise a ‘Tribal Carnival’ in 2018, with the aim of providing a platform where tribal from Northeast India can come together and strive for their aspirations.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL| Nov 26

As a part of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee’s ongoing sit in protest held at different parts of Manipur in demand for transparency of the ‘Framework Agreement’, Kakching Block Congress Committee today organised a protest at Naohallai Hall, Kakching bazaar.

Speaking at the protest site, former chief minister O. Ibobi said NPF has not taken a clear stand regarding the efforts taken up to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister and the home minister to protect the territorial integrity of the state. 

If the NPF signs the memorandum, then Congress MLAs would also agree to put their signature in the memorandum by joining the drafting committee of the memorandum, he said.  Unless NPF makes a clear stand in the matter, Congress would stay away from the drafting committee, he informed.       

He further alleged that NPF which the coalition partner with the current BJP government is supported by the insurgent group NSCN (IM).

In the election manifesto of the NPF, the agenda to unite the Naga settled areas is there, the same goal is also clearly mentioned in the constitution of NPF. The inclusion of this particular agenda has made the Congress to question the NPF, he continued.  

“The NSCN (IM) is currently making demands to have autonomy in the fields of finance, administration and culture etc. This has caused alarm as it could mark the beginning of disintegration of the territorial integrity of Manipur”, he said adding Congress will never come to terms with issue of granting autonomy, he added.

No representatives of NPF are included in the drafting committee; he said and further demanded explanation regarding the matter.  

Since the government is being led at the centre by BJP, the people ought to know beforehand what has been included in the framework agreement, Ibobi demanded. The people must remain cautious of the scheming BJP government, he said urging the people to give their support in the efforts being made by Congress party.   

The former deputy chief minister, Gaikhangam said the detail of the ‘Framework Agreement’ must be disclosed.  It is unfortunate that the agitations being taken up to save the territorial integrity of Manipur, is being misinterpreted by the BJP as if congress is starting up an issue.

The issue concerns not only the Congress party but the entire Manipur as a whole, he pointed out.

The meeting was attended by president MPC, T.N. Haokip along with MLA of Wabagai assembly constituency, Fajur Rahim, former MLA, E. Dwijmani, T. Mangibabu, president kakching block congress committee, Khetrimayum Ibohal, councillors of Kakching municipal council and workers of congress.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL| Nov 26

As a part of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee’s ongoing sit in protest held at different parts of Manipur in demand for transparency of the ‘Framework Agreement’, Kakching Block Congress Committee today organised a protest at Naohallai Hall, Kakching bazaar.

Speaking at the protest site, former chief minister O. Ibobi said NPF has not taken a clear stand regarding the efforts taken up to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister and the home minister to protect the territorial integrity of the state. 

If the NPF signs the memorandum, then Congress MLAs would also agree to put their signature in the memorandum by joining the drafting committee of the memorandum, he said.  Unless NPF makes a clear stand in the matter, Congress would stay away from the drafting committee, he informed.       

He further alleged that NPF which the coalition partner with the current BJP government is supported by the insurgent group NSCN (IM).

In the election manifesto of the NPF, the agenda to unite the Naga settled areas is there, the same goal is also clearly mentioned in the constitution of NPF. The inclusion of this particular agenda has made the Congress to question the NPF, he continued.  

“The NSCN (IM) is currently making demands to have autonomy in the fields of finance, administration and culture etc. This has caused alarm as it could mark the beginning of disintegration of the territorial integrity of Manipur”, he said adding Congress will never come to terms with issue of granting autonomy, he added.

No representatives of NPF are included in the drafting committee; he said and further demanded explanation regarding the matter.  

Since the government is being led at the centre by BJP, the people ought to know beforehand what has been included in the framework agreement, Ibobi demanded. The people must remain cautious of the scheming BJP government, he said urging the people to give their support in the efforts being made by Congress party.   

The former deputy chief minister, Gaikhangam said the detail of the ‘Framework Agreement’ must be disclosed.  It is unfortunate that the agitations being taken up to save the territorial integrity of Manipur, is being misinterpreted by the BJP as if congress is starting up an issue.

The issue concerns not only the Congress party but the entire Manipur as a whole, he pointed out.

The meeting was attended by president MPC, T.N. Haokip along with MLA of Wabagai assembly constituency, Fajur Rahim, former MLA, E. Dwijmani, T. Mangibabu, president kakching block congress committee, Khetrimayum Ibohal, councillors of Kakching municipal council and workers of congress.

IMPHAL | Nov 26

A writ petition has been filed at Manipur High Court to investigate a vehicular collision on November 17 between a police gypsy van and a civilian-owned car near Utlou Lamkhai in Bishnupur.

The petitioner Thokchom Deepak Singh has claimed that he was been driving to Bishnupur when a team of police vehicles raced rashly towards him. Deepak moved to the extreme left of the road but a white police gypsy without a registration number came from behind the other police vehicles, trying to overtake them, hit his car, the petition claims.

Deepak escaped unhurt but his vehicle was badly damaged. He made a complaint on the same day with the officer-in-charge at Nambol police station under whose jurisdiction the accident took place but no action has been taken so far, the petition says. 

Further Deepak said that no action was taken after he wrote a letter about the incident to the Prime Minister’s office, which on November 21 forwarded it to AR and TT commissioner Rajesh Kumar.

Deepak has requested the high court to pass an interim order to make the officer-in-charge at Nambol police station register an FIR while petition is heard in the court.

IMPHAL | Nov 26

Chief minister N. Biren has said that bilateral ties between Manipur and Myanmar will improve further in the days to come. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of Sepaktakraw exhibition match played between Manipur and Thailand at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium today.

He expressed hope that the match would provide a platform for better communication and mutual understanding between Manipur and Thailand.

N, Biren said that he was happy to learn that MoU would be inked between All Manipur Sepaktakraw Association and a sports body of Thailand to develop the game in Manipur.

During his speech, he specially thanked minister counsellor (Commercial), Royal Thai Embassy, Tharadol Thongruang for bringing a large team of delegates comprising of entrepreneurs and players of Sepaktakraw and Muay Thai to take part in the ongoing Manipur Sangai Festival.

1. Biren further informed that friendly football matches between women teams of Mandalay and Manipur had already been organised apart from conducting a two-day interaction programme of media persons of Myanmar and Manipur.

Delegates from different ASEAN countries also took part in the recently held North East Development Summit, he said while adding that all these developments are the positive signs towards actualisation of India’s Act East Policy.

Health and family welfare minister, L. Jayantakumar, youth affairs and sports minister, Letpao Haokip, minister counsellor (Commercial) Royal Thai Embassy Tharadol Thongruang, chief of governor office, Pathumthani province, Thawatchai Srithong, member of Provincial Administrative Organisation, Pissanu Pholtee and All Manipur Sepaktakraw Association president, Kh. Dorendra also attended the function as dignitaries.

Mao Cherry Blossom Festival to be integrated with Sangai Festival: CM 

IMPHAL | Nov 26

Politicians should refrain from playing politics at the cost of human lives because human life is precious, said chief minister N. Biren at the inaugural function of the 1st Cherry Blossom Festival held at Kayinu Village, Mao Gate, Senapati.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, N. Biren said that we follow different religions, cultures, traditions however we are all human beings after all. Mentioning the fateful incident that happened in 2010 at Mao gate and the previous misunderstandings among the communities in the State, he said we should not let it happen again in the future and we should stand united from the division created by politics and religions.

Biren announced that the Flower Festival cum Manipur Cherry Blossom Festival will be a part of the Manipur Sangai Festival from next year onward. He further stated that the government would construct permanent structures at Kayinu Village (Flower Festival Site) after discussions with architects, Mao council, organisers of Cherry Blosom Festival and tourism department.

He further stated that Union minister for road transport & highways Nitin Gadkari has already announced Rs. 25,000 crore for the construction of roads and highway expansion in the State.

Acknowledging the pains and sufferings of the Mao people for the search of market for selling their products, he announced that the government would construct Mao Market at the Lamphel market area at the cost of Rs. 1-2 crore soon.

 He further said that a transit accommodation would be constructed at Mao for the doctors and teachers who are being posted in the region. The transit accommodation would be constructed at the cost of Rs. 3 crore, he added.

 He further stated that a new transfer policy would be introduced from January 1, next year by the State government. Under this transfer policy, every employee would be posted at hilly areas for 2 years on a rotation basis, he added.

 He also announced that a water supply scheme to provide safe drinking water to the people of Mao would be constructed soon. And a Rain Water Harvesting scheme would be set up at Mao to resolve water scarcity problem during off season.

A total cost of Rs. 5 crore would be sanctioned for both the schemes, he added. Stating the importance of having the office of additional deputy commissioner of Senapati for smooth administration, chief minister stressed that the State government has earmarked a sum of Rs. 64 crore for the construction of the office and necessary infrastructure of the said office at the earliest.

Acknowledging Makhel as a historic place of the State, chief minister said that the government would set up a Heritage Centre at Makhel and Rs 1 crore would be sanctioned for the purpose for initial stage.

While delivering presidential address of the function, minister for PWD, commerce and industries, IPR Th. Biswajit said that Mao has certain peculiarities as it is the land rich of floriculture, horticulture and agriculture. Mao Potato is indeed famous across the State, he added.

Regarding improving better communication system in the State, minister said that the Bhartia Infra Projects Limited have been entrusted for the repair and construction of National Highways in the State and the work is going on full swing. The State government has already directed the Bhartia Infra to complete the said project within 2 years, he added.

Minister for forest and environment Th. Shyamkumar, minister for tribal and hills affairs, N. Kayasii, minister for art and culture, L. Jayantakumar Singh, minister for agriculture, V. Hangkhanlian, minister for CAF & PD, Karam Shyam, minister for PHED Losii Dikho, deputy commissioner of Senapati Athem Muivah, president, Mao Council M. Dilli, director of IBSD Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo, ADC members also attended the function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 26

Nation building is an integrated approach of ideas, actions and future plannings said education minister, Th. Radheshyam while speaking as the chief guest on the occasion of 70th NCC day celebration.  

The celebration was held at NCC campus, D.M. College organised by the All Manipur NCC Officers’ Welfare Association Manipur. The education minister congratulated the National Cadet Corp (NCC) for their contribution towards the nation.

The NCC provides a platform for the young cadets and also other youths who want to serve the nation by joining the army he said. He elaborated that NCC training camp gives the best opportunity to meet, interact and learn new things from one another. Each cadet should know how to build their own image, learn team work, inculcate leadership skills and become a good human being, he added.

The minister further said he will extend all his support to the issues regarding the transfers and posting of the Associated NCC Officers (ANO). He said that it is a part of an employees’ life that one has to part and meet again. He mentioned that the association can utilize junior cadet as an assistant so that the juniors can fill in when the ANO’s are not available.

Speaking about the hangar, the education minister said that the facility will be tried and it will be accomplished soon at Imphal International Airport for the better training of the Air Wing and it will be introduced to the civilians too, he added.

The celebration of the 70th NCC day was attended by Group Commander NCC (HQ) Imphal Brig. Vivek Sharma as the president and Commander Loktak Brigade Brig. Rajan AY, Commander 9 Sector Brig. Joy Singh attended the function as the guest of honour.

Chairman, MPSC Lt. Gen. K. Himalay, founder trustee & chief functionary of DJW Trust, Manipur Dr. Jamini Devi attended the programme as special invitees.