Month: November 2017

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Information and Public Relations minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh today said that a Media Park for the journalist fraternity will be opened soon in the state. The Media Park will serve as a meeting place for all the pressmen and also a platform to disseminate information to the media fraternity of the state.

He was making this speech at the observation of the 69th Information and Public Relations (IPR) day at old DIPR complex, Moirangkhom.

The minister said that construction of a press colony is also in the pipeline, and this is besides the Media Park. He acknowledged the efforts of DIPR for doing their duty well and for achieving a milestone that it had never achieved before in getting the most press notes published in local dailies this year.

He also advised the media-persons present at the celebration to work effortlessly to bring accountability and transparency. He also said that the pending road construction and renovation is because of the bad weather conditions, and he appealed the public to understand the situation. He gave an assurance that the work will be completed by the end of this financial year.

Commissioner for IPR, K. Radhakumar Singh who was the president of the function said that the role of DIPR is important and is a two-way traffic. It is not only to inform the public about the activities and achievement of the government but to receive feedback from the public as well, the Commissioner said.

The existing rules of Pension scheme and Advertisement policy of the department needs to be amended so that journalists and media houses would be benefitted, he added.

 He said that manpower in the department is good enough as of now and office building at Keishampat would be completed to some extent within this current financial year for better functioning of the department.

Director of IPR, Meghachandra Kongbam and deputy director of IPR administration, Chongtham Noyon Singh attended the function as presidium members.

As part of the celebration, the dignitaries of the function also inaugurated the three-day photography exhibition on government’s achievement which is to be held at the office complex.

A number of photographs depicting several programmes and activities taken up by the government and press releases issued by the department were also displayed.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Every single person residing in the state irrespective of the community they belong to has got their role in fostering oneness, peace and development in the state, said PWD minister Thongam Bishwajit Singh.

The minister was addressing a gathering during the Chavang Kut celebration organised at Tengnoupal district.

The Chavang Kut, the post-harvest festival of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities of the state, was celebrated today with much fervour and gaiety at Tengnoupal District Headquarter for the first time since the creation of this District.

The celebration was organised by Tengnoupal District Chavang Kut Celebration Committee, 2017.

Bishwajit said Kut is one of the most important festivals of the state for it not only highlights the cultural heritage of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo (CHIKIMS) but echoes the theme of unity, peace and integrity of the CHIKIMS.

He further said the festival also provides time to rejoice after a tiring harvest season and at time like this the spirit of love and harmony help enable us to remove the difference amongst ourselves.

“We are all the children of the state, by working together we can foster love which will eventually lead to peace and followed development in the state”, he asserted.

As a gift to the newly created district on the occasion of Kut, the minister assured to construct a guest house for the district. He also promised to expedite infrastructural development and to address the grievances faced by the district.

Chavang Kut marks the end of the harvest season. It is also a thanksgiving ceremony and prayers are offered for a bountiful harvest season and prosperity of the people.

Colourful cultural dances of various ethnic tribes including dance troupes from Chin State, Myanmar, musical performances by various artistes and beauty pageant of Miss Kut contest marked the celebration. Altogether 19 participants took part in the Miss Kut pageants.

The celebration was also attended by deputy commissioner Tengnoupal, Kh Raghuman Singh as chief host, Superintendent of Police, Dr. S. Ibomcha Singh, ADC chairman, chief of Tengnoupal, village elders and Church leaders, civil society leaders and people from different part of the district.

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Chief Minister N Biren Singh said Kut festival is playing a pivotal role in building oneness and harmony in the state with diversity in language, religion, costumes and rituals.

Speaking as chief guest at the evening session of the state level Kut celebration at 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles parade ground on Wednesday, Singh said Kut has now become an important festival for the whole country and it is being taken up by people of different communities.

The chief minister said Kut had been celebrated since olden days in every village but seemed to have witnessed a decline with the advent of Christianity in Manipur at the end of the 19th century.

The festival however has regained its glory and it is a matter of pride that Kut is now celebrated not only in different parts of the country but also in many foreign countries where Kuki-Chin-Mizo people are settled, he said.

Speaking at the event, public works and IPR minister Th Biswajit said Kut is an effective instrument of socialising across the community boundaries.

Water resources minister Letpao Haokip said the festival occupies a special place not only among Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups but all the communities of Manipur.

“Let us all pledge to promote peaceful coexistence and harmony and work together for the prosperity of the state”, Haokip said.

Health minister L Jayantakumar, TD and hills minister N Kayisii, social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen and Rajya Sabha member MC Mary Kom were also present at the celebration, which hosted musical presentations and the Miss Kut beauty pageant.

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Najma Heptulla congratulated the people of the state for unity amongst the people despite diversity and expressed her gratitude to the artists for not just performing the cultural dances but also going back into history of the ancestors.

The governor was attending as chief guest at the noon session of of ‘Kut 2017’ at 1st Manipur Rifles Ground, Imphal, where said that ‘culture is beyond religion’. She further said that the people of the state should continue sharing their belongings as their ancestors did with the entire village.

She also expressed her happiness for the prayer made in the Kut celebration as a remembrance of the creator.

‘We should remember our creator while we enjoy the bounty of nature which has been given to us’, said Heptulla.

She appealed the people to embrace ones’ culture, tradition, art, crafts, dresses and foods and also help one another to bring growth and development in the state.

During the premiere festival of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo group of Manipur, traditional dances from cultural troops different tribes like Thadou, Hmar, Kom, Vaiphei and others were shown as part of the celebration. It was also attended by minister of agriculture, veterinary and animal husbandry, V. Hangkhalian as functional president, along with deputy chief minister of Manipur, Yumnam Joykumar Singh, minister of MAHUD, forest and environment, Th. Shyamkumar, minister of CAF and PD, Karam Shyam, minister of PHED, Losii Dikho, MP of Lok Sabha, Thangso Baite, chairman of State Level Kut Committee, GS Haopu, chief secretary, RR Rashmi and DGP, LM Khaute.

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Tousem Area Students’ Organisation (TASO) notified that the organisation is set to have its first public consultative meeting on November 8 at Tousem United Baptist Church (TUBC), Tamenglong to discuss concerning issues of the area.

President of the students’ body, Nehemiah Daime told IFP that the meeting will discuss and sort out solutions for the non-functioning of government offices, roads and communication of the Tousem subdivision area among others.

He urged all the village chairmen, leaders, intellectuals and denizens of the area to come and participate in the said public meeting.

TASO is a body of students and youths formed on June 29 of this year to look into the present status of the area. It is a platform to discuss and work for developmental issues and other issues concerning the remotest part of the state. It is an alternative platform besides other civil voluntary organisations for mainly students and youths to take part in decision making of the area.

IMPHAL | Nov 1

The All Kangliepak Students Union (ASKU) said Y.K. College, Wangjing which is a government college under Thoubal district, is on the verge of becoming defunct as there are no teachers left in the college.

AKSU, in a release alleged that the government has dissolved the college by not providing any replacements for the teachers who had retired. The organisation has appealed the authorities concerned to save the college by urgently providing the required teachers, it said.  Though the routine for exams have been declared, there is no teacher for Manipuri subject in the college for a year, it added.

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Manipur State Pensioners’ Union (MSPU) has urged the state government for immediate revocation of the suspension order of five state government employees so as to forestall any possible agitations from various sections of the society and organisations of the state.

A release said, an emergency meeting of the executive committee of MSPU was held on October 29, in which the members expressed their serious concern in the suspension of five state government employees for taking part in the mass casual leave on October 25. The agitation was organised by Manipur Government Services Federation demanding immediate implementation of 7th pay commission for the state government employees.

The executive members of the apex body of over 45000 pensioners have stated that the five employees have been victimised for participating in democratic agitation in the interest of over 85000 employees.

IMPHAL | Nov 1

The proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) has clarified that Moirangthem Rajkumar, (47) son of (L) M. Manggijao from Kakching Wairi Sabal Leikai Leisangthem Pareng, who was arrested by a combined team of Thoubal district police commando and Kakching police on October 28 at the bus parking of Kakching Chummang Leikai, is not related to RPF and its military wing PLA, in any manner or form, said a release signed by assistant secretary, publicity, Bangkim.

IMPHAL | Nov 1

The proscribed umbrella organisation CORCOM said the president of RPF, I Chaoren has been appointed as the new convenor for the fourth term of CORCOM.

A release signed by publicity committee, CORCOM said I Chaoren was unanimously selected as the convenor in the 18th meeting of the organisation that was held from October 25 to 30. The leader will hold the appointed post of convenor for two years, starting from November 2, it said.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Nov 1

MLA of 53-Tamenglong ST/AC, Samuel Jendai today organised thanks giving programme on his successful winning in the state assembly general election.

The programme was held at the resident of the MLA, Model Village Ward No. 3, where asst. pastor TCC, MG Gairiulung led the programme while pastor TBC, Rev. Namsadai Kahmei shared the gospel short sharing. A special congregation prayer was also held for the MLA and Rev. NH. Adui took the benediction.

Speaking on the occasion, Samuel Jendai expressed his sincere thanks to all the voters who had casted for him. He said that his slogan ‘Better Tamenglong’ will only take shape when all the people come together, including the ones who did not vote for him.

He informed the gathering that the chief minister of Manipur, N Biren would be visiting Tamenglong on November 15 to announce highest development package and lay foundations of water scheme, grain gown, polytechnic, AYUS and others. He also mentioned some of the works to be done by the CM during his visits to Tamenglong.

Jendai also urged the deputy commissioner of Tamenglong to execute the policies without any pending.

Locals of various villages came forward and presented traditional shawls to the local MLA and his wife.

President of BJP Tamenglong Mandal, Phungan Phaomei also spoke on the occasion and he immensely thanked all for supporting the BJP candidate. He also urged all to continue to support the BJP ruling party candidate in the future.

According to Phungan Phaomei, Awangkhul segment, Dailong Segment, Akhui Segment have the highest votes casted for Jendai segment wise, followed by Rangkung, Kajinglong and Kahulong villages. 

Deputy commissioner of Tamenglong, Armstrong Pame also joined the thanks giving programme and urged people to give full cooperation while taking up development projects in Tamenglong.

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Battalions of 9, 10 and 26 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of IGAR (South) headquarters celebrated national unity day on the occasion of 142nd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on October 31.

5 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and 6, 26 and 45 Battalions of 9 Sector Assam Rifles celebrated Rashtriya Ekta Diwas at company operating bases and Battalion headquarters.

The “run for unity” was organised at all unit locations, along with flag hoisting ceremonies and drawing competitions for school students in Thoubal, Yaripok, Chandrakhong, Upper Khoripok, Andro, Lilong, Canchipur, Singjamei and Keithelmanbi.

A lecture on Sardar Patel’s contribution to the country was also held at 45 battalion headquarters.

5 JAKRIF organised a unity march and a football match at Khuman School in Mayang Imphal. Students of Azad English School, Maitram and Pole Star Public School, Patsoi-III also gave a cultural performance. Former servicemen in Patsoi and Mayang Imphal were invited to be a part of the event.

In the unity run organised by 27 Battalion of 10 Sector Assam Rifles, 138 students of four Ukhrul schools participated along with the troops. 

The company operating base commander at Ukhrul gave a speech about Sardar Patel.

26 Sector Assam Rifles celebrated the day across various locations like Pallel, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Moreh and Moltuk.

Apart from the unity run and lectures on Sardar Patel, a drawing and painting competition was held at Assam Rifles Public School Pallel.

Assam Rifles camps at Lamdangmei, Kangchup, Kotlein, Tupul and Noney also celebrated the day under supervision of the post commanders.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 1

Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) today notified that the book called “The writers of Mahabharata and Ramayana as the real religious scientist” written by Omar Singh Wangkhem will be burnt on November 4, Saturday at its office of Keishampat Top Leirak.

President of the federation, N. Muktangamba Mangang told reporters that the book has no value and has no credibility and also departs from important facts of tradition and culture.

This book can create confusions and conflicts especially Meitei people, so before it reached the larger masses, it needs to be destroyed completely, he added.

The students’ body had earlier banned this book on October 26.

Muktangamba urged people who already have the copy of this book to bring them on the day at 10:00 am to be destroyed together. He also urged intellectuals, writers’ forum and other interested persons to come and join the banishing of the book.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 1

 Dr. Kh. Palin, Chairman Managing director, Shija Hospital research Institute appealed to all the constituency Minister’s, MLA’s and the Member of Parliaments and big business persons of the state to support financial assistance (Rs. 30,000 per patient) so that poor children with congenital heart disease from their respective constituencies will be able to go for the treatment under RBSK- Shija Children Heart Beat program.

The jont press conference was chaired by Dr. Kh. Palin,Chairman Managing Director, SHRI, Dr. K. Rajo, Director of Health Service, govt. of Manipur, Dr. Jugindra S. Medical Superintendent.

Dr. Kh. Palin, CMD. mentioned that a 4-day camp on non-operative closure of holes in the heart of children, was organized by Shija Heart Beat from 22nd Oct’17 to 25th Oct’17 at Shija Hospitals in collaboration with State Health Society, Govt. of Manipur under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), a National Rural Health Mission program aiming to identify and do early intervention for children from birth to 18 years who are born with holes in the heart.

Altogether 10 children were treated non-operatively during the camp. The procedures were performed by Dr. R. Prem Sekar from Chennai, MRCP (Ireland), FRCP (Glasgow), who is one of the leading top 15 paediatric interventional cardiologists in the country. Major treatment cost is sponsored by State Health Society and an additional amount is given by the family of the patient (Rs. 30,000).

However this additional amount for the 11 procedures done on the 10 children during RBSK- Shija Children Heart Beat (1st Phase) was completely sponsored by Shija Foundation, an NGO for the parents couldn’t afford it. According to the 2011 census report, there are more than 28 lakh population in Manipur and in that population 1 % is estimated to have holes in the heart and nearly 30,000 children are suffering with heart defects from birth, so more than 9000 children will require treatment in the state.

He further mentioned that the next camp will be held from 27th Nov to 30th Nov  with a targeted number of 20 patients.

 From the State Health Society, Govt. of Manipur, Dr. K. Rajo, Director of Health Services said that the Directorate of Health Services will improvised the health care delivery system especially in the hills and also in the valley of the state. He also extended that all require needs will assisted by the state government.  Dr. Jugindra S, Medical Superintendent, Shija Hospitals expressed his gratitude for the grand success of the RBSK (1ST PHASE).

IMPHAL | Nov 1

A team of district police commando, Imphal West, 45 AR and 5 J and K arrested one person on October 31, for extortion of money from the general public of Ngairangbam and Haorang area by using the name of UNLF, said a release by PRO Police.

It said, the arrested person was identified as Sanjembam  Herojit Singh alias Espi alias Rocky (31), son of (Late) Sanjembam Babuchou Singh of Haorang Khunou. He further admitted to have threatened a family to withdraw the charges of a rape case on him. A case has been registered at Patsoi police station and investigation is going on.

On the same day, a team of district police commando, Bishnupur arrested one drug peddler during frisking and checking at Ningthoukhong near Haokeithel bazzar.

The drug peddler was identified as Najir Ahamad (30), son of Abdul Gani of Lilong Haoreibi Makha Leikai. He was arrested with 200 numbers of WY tablets and 10 strips of Nitrosun-10 tablets. A case has been registered at Bishnupur police station.