Category: Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | Sept 10

Brother of an allegedly murdered man, Phijam Manikumar Singh of Thangmeiband Hijam Dewan Leikai, Imphal submitted a memorandum to the chief minister, N. Biren Singh last week urging the latter have the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigate the deaths of his younger brother Phijam Naobi and two other Manipuris by the Intelligence Surveillance Unit of the 3-Corps of Indian army at Ranghapahar, Dimapur on March 10, 2010.

A release said that the Supreme Court of India in Writ Petition (CRL) No. 129 of 2012 on July 14, 2017 asking the CBI to probe into 83 cases of Extra Judicial Killings in Manipur. Unfortunately, the case of his younger brother was not included in the list of 1528 cases submitted before the Supreme Court as the place of their murder was outside of Manipur in Nagaland, it added.

It said on March 13, 2010, R.K Singh, brother of R.K. Roshan alias Ronald filed an FIR with the Dipuhar police station, Dimapur stating that his brother Ronald along with his brother Phijam Naobi (Phijam Manikumar) and Thounajam Prem alias Romen were abducted from the Char Mile area of Dimapur by a group of Army personnel led by a Lady Major who spoke non-local language.

On March 17, 2010 the Dimapur police was informed by the Assam police that three bullet ridden bodies have been found in Lakhijan area under Bokajan police station of Karbi Anglong district of Assam. Subsequently, the bodies were identified to be those abducted on March 10 at Char Mile, Dimapur, it added.

The FIR No. 36/2010 registered at Bokajan police station in Karbi Anglong district of Assam was transferred to Dipuhar police station, Dimapur and registered an FIR No. 40/2010 as the report of abduction was first filed at Dimapur and the Dimapur police subsequently approached the Army authorities at the 3-Corps Head Quarters but were denied any co-operation claiming immunity under AFSPA, it maintained.

It reiterated that on March 12, 2010, Major T. Ravi, who belong to the Intelligence unit of 3-Corps, turned whistle blower and wrote to the GOC-in-C, Eastern Command of the Indian Army stating that the three Manipuri persons were abducted in the March 10, 2010 by the Intelligence Surveillance Unit of the 3-Corps and after subjecting them to severe torture were shot dead behind the Unit mess.

When the matter was reported in the local as well as the national media the Army authorities at 3-Corps tried their level best to cover up the entire matter making a sham inquiry into the matter as many top brass of the Army would have been involved, it alleged.

The release stated that Manikumar moved the Gauhati High Court in April, 2014, after seeing no justice coming from the side of the Army, seeking for justice but the Army has been managing to keep the case pending till now on some pretext or the other.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 9

Senior reporter of Sanaleibak daily, Taorem Biswajit Singh was awarded with Kangabam Chaoba Memorial PACRECPA Society Journalist Award with cash award.

The award was distributed at the 30th foundation day cum annual award presentation of Panthoibi Cultural Research Centre for Performing Arts is held today at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound with a good number of attendance.

The function was attended by titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba as the chief guest. He said that the successive governments do not seemingly show interest in arts and culture. He urged the present government to change that attitude now.

He acknowledged the efforts of PACREPA in uplifting the rich culture of the state. He also said that he would talk to the chief minister N. Biren Singh to look more deeply into the development of arts and culture of the state.

The annual book publication of the organisation called “Larei Lathup” was released during the function by the dignitaries.

While Taorem Biswajit Singh received the Kangabam Chaoba Memorial PACRECPA Society Journalist Award. Tonjao Meidingu, literary personality was awarded Th. Priyobarta Ningshing Nongpok Ningthou Lifetime Achievement award for his contributions to Manipuri literature.

Eminent social leaders namely Y. Kiran and Dhanabir Laishram delievered lectures on the topic “Role of NGOs to build an ideal state” and “Human life and socio cultural responsibilities” respectively.

Dhanabir said that the rich and profound cultural heritage of the state is slowly losing its importance. “Now should be the right time to start the process of getting back to our culture and do more promoting and protecting,” he added.

R.K. Nayansana, former director of Agriculture and Dhanabir Laishram, social scientist attended the function as presidium members.

Twenty-nine other personalities were also given awards.

Ex-CM vows to fight for justice, extends cooperation to probe for truth

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | Sept 9

Denying charges of graft former chief minister O. Ibobi Singh today said the allegations against him of financial misconduct are “baseless,” pledging to fight for clearing his name out of the scam.

Making his first reaction after the Imphal police station registered an FIR under sections of IPC and Personal Liabilities Act relating to cheating, criminal conspiracy and breach of trust on September 1 the former chief minister told a press conference at his quarter at Babupara that “registring an FIR against me without any concrete evidence of my involvement in the MDS case is unfortunate.”

Ibobi, who left Imphal on August 30 on a private tour returned here yesterday. He got interim anticipatory bail on September 6.

“I will extend my fullest cooperation to any investigation by a neutral agency be it CBI, NIA, enforcement directorate of any other agency. I want the truth found out fast. If I am found guilty by the court I will accept the verdict and I am prepared to serve jail term,” he said.

Claiming that he did not do anything wrong and sign any cheque while he was the chairman of MDS for short period of time Ibobi said “truth cannot be concealed for long. It will come out as the fire could not be covered up by a cloth.”

He said the inquiry by the State Vigilance Commission, on the basis of which the police registered the FIR, was initiated by him while he was the chief minister after consulting the then chief secretary. Because of the Assembly election his government could not take further action, he claimed.

“I am not involved in any irregularity in the MDS. I did not sign any cheque. They can confirm it from the banks where the agency has its accounts. As the matter is in the court I don’t want to comment much though I want to say many things. Before registering the FIR they could have first find out any evidence against me,” Ibobi said.

When asked if the charges levelled against him are politically motivated, the former chief minister reiterated that making charges of criminal conduct without any proof is unfair and people can have their own judgements whether it is politically motivated or not.

Responding to another question on why he applied for bail if he is innocent Ibobi replied that since a case has been registered against him he does not want his name tarnished when police arrest him.

“But I will fight against the charges. I will be the happiest person when the truth is dug out,” he said.

Ibobi said so far police have neither approached him for recording his statement and nor send any paper to him till today.

Newmai News Network

IMPHAL |Sept 9

Following an assurance from the State government today the Liangmai organisations have decided to postpone their proposed agitation indefinitely in connection with the August 1 “rape and attempt to murder incident” in Senapati.

However, in the event of the failure from the side of the State government to keep its assurance the Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi (LNKR) and Liangmaipui Naga Ruangdi (LNR) said that they will resort to different forms of strong agitation.

Leaders of the two Liangmai organisations and chief minister, N Biren Singh held talks today in Imphal where the latter assured the Liangmai organisations that the State government will bring justice to the victim at the earliest time.

The chief minister appealed the Liangmai organisations to give the State government some more time in this connection.

It may be recalled that the victim is now surviving with multiple stitches in her head and hands after a month long treatment in a hospital in Imphal. The victim is carrying eight scars in her head and hands.

On September 7, Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi (LNKR), the apex students’ body of Liangmai tribe and Liangmaipui Naga Ruangdi (LNR), the women organisation of the Liangmai tribe, had served 48 hours’ ultimatum to the State government demanding the arrest the culprit involved in the “rape and attempt to murder” incident.

Also on Thursday, the two Liangmai organisations had threatened to launch series of intense agitation if the culprit was not arrested within 48 hours. The period of ultimatum lapsed today.

“We will wait and see whether the State government will keep its assurance or not,” expressed LNKR leader Diphiu. He also said that the Liangmai organisations have decided to postpone their agitation hoping that justice will be delivered to the victim at the earliest.

IMPHAL | Sept 9

The 8th foundation day of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Regional Campus Manipur (IGNTU-RCM) was celebrated today at the university campus at Makhan, Kangpokpi district.

The programme was attended by chief secretary of government of Manipur, R.R. Rashmi as chief guest while the director of IGNTU-RCM, Ramjeevan Singh Thakur was the president. The guests of honour were media advisor to chief minister of Manipur, Irengbam Arun, and former OSD of IGNTU-RCM, Th. Oliver Monsang.

During the occasion, the chairman of the organising committee, Ng. Ngalengnam highlighted the importance of celebration of foundation day of the university.

R.R. Rashmi congratulated RCM for its achievements in the last few years. He also extended the contributions made by the state government and expressed the desire to continue support to the university.

Ramjeevan Singh highlighted the existing structure of the campus, recent achievements and future plans to be taken up in the days to come, while Th. Oliver explained how IGNTU-RCM was established and contributions made by the state government.

Irengbam Arun congratulated the IGNTU-RCM and mentioned the importance of the higher education in today’s contemporary Manipuri society.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 9

A one day seminar on “Emerging printing technologies and scope of Manipur vis-à-vis India’s Act East Policy” was held today at Hotel Classic Grande, Imphal. It was organised by the All Manipur Press Association (AMPA).

Delivering the chief guest’s speech at the inaugural function of the seminar, printing and stationery minister, L. Dikho congratulated all those people who are taking the initiative to find out the endless possibilities in printing, publishing and packaging market and who are prepare a platform for future globalised market.

“The adaptation and installation of modern printing processes of computer to plate (CTP) imaging technology in place of the older technology computer to film (CTF) is very encouraging and promises of a bright market and job opportunities,” he added.

Moreover, the proximity of the state with Myanmar and other South East Asian countries couple with Indian’s Act East Policy adds up to another advantage in the field of printing and publishing, continued the minister. 

Dikho said that though Manipur is a small state it is never behind other states as the people of the state have abundant talent and knowledge in every field. He hoped that the printing technology in the state will witness accelerating growth in the near future.

The minister assured that the state government will give full cooperation and support the All Manipur Press Association in their developmental works.

The guest of honour of the function, MLA, Heikham Dingo congratulated the organisers for providing a platform for the members associated with press and its allied business to understand the emerging trends in the printing industry.

“Organising such seminar will help in adopting the latest technology and accelerate the growth of printing business in the state,” he added.

The function was attended by AMPA president, Laiphrakpam Kumar Singh as president, information and public relation director, Meghachandra Kongbam, Konica Minolta representative, Sanjay Kumar Anand, DIC Color and Comfort representative, Prabir Ghosh as guests of honour.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL| Sept 9

The 2nd community radio station of Manipur named ‘Radio Loktak’ was inaugurated today at Uchiwa Leirak Achouba, under Mayang Imphal assembly constituency, Imphal west.

The radio station which will broadcast at 90.4 Mhz of Frequency Modulation (FM), has got its wireless operating license (WOL) under ministry of information and broadcasting, and ministry of communication and information technology, government of India. The first of its kind in Manipur is Daimond FM Radio, Khongjom, Thoubal district.

Health minister L. Jayantakumar and MLA, H. Dingo expressed happiness that the radio station will give awareness programmes to the people about saving the Loktak Lake.

Mayang Imphal A/C MLA, K. Robindro also expressed that he will provide all the support he can and urged that efforts should be made to make the radio station a popular one by broadcasting programmes that would be beneficial to the people. He also urged that the radio station should take a big role in saving the Loktak Lake.

 It may be mentioned that the first programme of Radio Loktak will broadcasted daily from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm and its second programme will start at evening from 6 to 8.30. Variety programmes will be broadcast during these hours.

The station director of the newly installed Radio Loktak, S. Suranjoy said that a community radio station comes under the third phase of the broadcasting system of the government of India.  Such stations provide information and programmes about the welfare schemes and initiatives undertaken by the government for the people residing at villages and remote areas.

This would help fill the existing gap between the government and the people. Community radios have reached an advanced stage in India; around 200 such stations have been opened, he said.

He further said that planning for the construction of the community radio station had been going on since 2012 and today was a dream come true. However, there is so much more steps to be taken up.

 The people had provided a big support in the making of this radio station. Radio Loktak can broadcast its signal up to 30 kilometres. It aims to provide signals to Mayang Imphal area, and listeners from other three surrounding assembly constituencies.  The radio station will be run by integrated community development organisation; he said and urged the people to provide further support. 

On the inaugural ceremony, minister of Health, L. Jayentakumar attended as chief guest, MLA of Mayang Imphal assembly constituency, K. Robindro as president and MLA of Hiyanglam assembly constituency, Dr. Y. Radheshyam, MLA of Sekmai assembly constituency, H. Dingo, DIG, Manipur police wireless department, S. Dwijamni, project director of LDA, S. Bhagaton and others well known people from the villages attended as guests of honour.

IMPHAL | Sept 9

Social welfare and cooperation minister, Nemcha Kipgen today lauded the exemplary achievements accomplished by the differently-abled persons of the state in various field, while delivering speech as chief guest at a felicitation ceremony.

In the ceremony, differently-abled persons who have achieved success at national and international level in sports and other fields were feted.

The minister expressed that persons with disability are gifted with extraordinary skills and talents. As such, our state today has witnessed many awardees among our own brothers and sisters. She urged PWDs to come forward and exemplify their hidden talents to all so that their talents do not go wasted. 

In today’s felicitation function, M. Premier Singh, international excellence awardee for service to disabilities, S. Luwanglakpa Meetei, international bronze medallist (Archery), L. Amarendra Sharma, national awardee – best individual in the category of professional working for the cause of persons with disabilities, Th. Sarju Devi, national awardee-best creative child award, Mandakini Takhellambam, 2011 Northeast Eshei competetion – 1st position & 2012 Sa-Re-Ga-Ma-Pa mega position and S. Birla Devi, State awardee (Handicraft) & Guru Shishya Parampara were felicitated.

The function was jointly organised by Relief Centre for the Welfare of Differently-abled Persons Manipur & Disabled Development Association, Manipur at the Classic hotel.

Former president, relief centre, Ch. Opendro Singh, State commissioner for persons with disabilities, government of Manipur, Dr. R.K. Kumarjit Singh, Professor & HOD medicine, RIMS, Imphal, Brogen Singh Akoijam, social worker Ayam Meiraba Khuman, chairman and managing director Nongin Integrated Business Solution-NIBS, Lenin Hirom attended the occasion as president and guests of honour, respectively.

IMPHAL | Sept 9 

North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) along with other organisations including Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS) and Delhi Association of Manipur Muslim Students (DAMM) among others protested against the Myanmar government for persecuting the Rohingya community, today in Chanakyapuri, Delhi.

A release signed by convenor of NEFIS, Chinglen Khumukcham said the Rohingya community has historically been discriminated in Myanmar with an active help from the ruling dispensation.

In the recent months, however, their persecution has increased manifold taking the form of ethnic cleansing, it said, adding instead of strictly curbing their persecution, the Myanmar government is actively denying the validity of incidents of their oppression.

The release further said Rohingya community in Myanmar has been denied any citizenship rights since decades, which has left them deprived of basic subsistence. Their plight has had been further intensified by their open persecution periodically, which has forced them to leave Myanmar or live in camps for internally displaced in Myanmar itself, it added.

 Even in these camps, little need is felt to acknowledge their basic human rights. Before the present spate of ethnic cleansing campaigns by Myanmar military, the community had been facing military violence in recent years, it said.

 The release continued, however, what is appalling in the present crisis is the role of Aung San Suu Kyi, a peace activist and the de-facto leader of Myanmar, who is vehemently denying the veracity of reports citing persecution of Rohingya community. Aid agencies estimate about 75,000 Rohingya people have fled into neighbouring Bangladesh from Myanmar since the violence erupted, it maintained.

NEFIS strongly condemned the Myanmar government for orchestrating a systematic campaign for killing Rohingya community and demanded that the Indian government to exert diplomatic pressure on Myanmar government to end the plight of Rohingya community.

NEFIS stands for equal citizenship rights for the Rohingya community and would be intensifying its campaign for building international solidarity for their rights and justice, said the release.

IMPHAL | Sept 9

The Rongmei Naga Youth Organization has demanded a clean sheet regarding the suspension order of one F. Gonglin (IPS) SP Senapati and other two officers who also have been kept under suspension and their pensions blocked.

A release signed by president of the organisation, G. Gwangphun said that the article published under the caption, “Sub- Standard belt supply to police, 2 cops suspended…” on September 2 in a local newspaper is a matter of serious public concern demanding prompt and remedial measure.

The government had made the disciplinary penalty order without making a proper enquiry and appears that the matter is politically motivated and influenced, it alleged. The order was issued without considering the stage in which the parties concerned, tender committee and the purchaser had already established terms of agreement and verification made on numbers and quality of the belts at the first stage of negotiation and agreement made between the responsible agents of the firm and police department, it further said.

The matter calls for through enquiry to unravel the action or omissions that had taken place at various stages and processes of the procurement, it continued. The organisations expressed disappointment over the act of character assassination or defamation made towards a respected and abled officer in such a manner before establishing his fault, continued.

 Such acts committed must be remedied and the prestige of the officer restored all in the interest of upholding the reputation of the government and the nation, it added.   

IMPHAL | Sept 9

Social Welfare and Cooperation minister Nemcha Kipgen today expressed that under ‘Accessible India Campaign’, the State government is in the process of making 30 government office buildings to be easily accessible for the Persons with Disabilities.

The minister stated this during her speech as chief guest at the 44th foundation day celebration of Ideal Blind School, Takyel.

For the welfare of persons with disabilities, the department is implementing various social security schemes under State plan like scholarship for the students with disabilities, unemployment allowance to the educated unemployed persons with disabilities, financial assistance to the PWDs, marriage incentive award, grant-in-aid to the organisations formed by the persons with disabilities or parents of severe disabilities, Nemcha added.

As a part of the celebration, the minister felicitated the students of this school who excelled in their academic and in the field of sports at various state and national level competitions.

The authority of the school lauded the assistance extended earlier by the minister for renovating the toilets and for installing water reservoir in the school campus.

Director social welfare, Jacintha Lazarus, state commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Manipur Dr. R.K. Kumarjit Singh and joint director social welfare, Surrender A Shishak attended the occasion as the president, guest of honour and special guest, respectively.  

First to concentrate on basic education: Y. Joykumar Singh

IMPHAL | Sept 8 (DIPR)

51st International Literacy Day, the day to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies was celebrated today. State level celebration jointly organised by department of adult education and State Literacy Mission Authority was held at GM Hall in Imphal.

Speaking on the occasion, deputy chief minister YumnamJoykumar Singh said imparting basic education to the illiterates is the first and foremost step to bring down the rate of illiteracy in the state.

He said to educate is to infuse rationale thinking which will be the basic parametre of human development. Therefore, at least imparting basic education i.e. reading, writing and basic arithmetic operations to those who are illiterate should be made possible.

He further said, with the fastest growing technological development, the world is becoming a global village. But, for those who are illiterates, it is almost the same as that of olden days. They cannot contribute even to their families rather than the society.

Reiterating the fact that government alone cannot educate the illiterate people Joykumar said to eradicate illiteracy every literate individual should volunteer himself with a determination to teach illiterates around.

He said there have been a number of literacy programmes in the country. Many Adult Education Centre (AECs) have been opened in Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Thoubal districts where besides imparting basic education, skill development programmes were also introduced.

He also mentioned the need to minimize school dropout rate to the lowest so that maximum students can get the benefit of learning.

Education minister Th. Radheshyam Singh while speaking at the function said, although the state has a comparatively higher literacy rate than the other North Eastern states except Mizoram, it has to go further to improve the rate.

He said, efforts are being made under Total Literacy Campaign and other centrally sponsored literacy programmes. Every household has at least a literate individual and therefore, it is the responsibility of the individual to teach those illiterates around them so that the movement to remove illiteracy can be made a success. He appealed to endeavour to teach whoever illiterate in any field to make a totally literate state.

Deputy chief minister distributed Jan Shiksha Santan award to the representatives of District Literacy Societies of Senapati and Thoubal districts.

Altogether, 40 volunteer teachers (VT) and successful learners were also awarded in the function. Additional chief secretary (Adult Education) Dr. Suhel Akhtar, B. Laltanpuia, director, State Resource Centre (SRC) North- Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, teachers and students from various schools participated among others in the function.

IMPHAL | Sept 8

Chief minister N. Biren Singh has said that the central government has sanctioned Rs 100 crore to study the causes of frequent floods in the North East region and prepare an action plan to check it.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of a Convention on climate change – Manipur state action plan on climate change, 2013, organised by Centre for Social Development (CSD) at 1 MR banquet hall today.

The chief minister said during a recent review meeting on the recent flash floods, Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed the chief ministers of the North East states about sanctioning of the said amount.

Biren said that North East region is home to around 280 ethnic communities speaking around 170 dialects.

Biren said that people are talking about protecting the indigenous population of the region, whereas it seems that they take less interest in protecting the indigenous properties – the rich floras and faunas of the region.

Stating that the Prime Minister has a long-term plan to tackle climate change and global warming, Biren contended that Ujwala and Housing for All Schemes are part of it.

He contended that the government should be practical in its approach and it needs to provide replacements of the traditional way of living and livelihood to the people.

Biren said that free LPG connections are being provided to BPL families under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana so that deforestation for fire-woods can be checked.

Likewise, the government is also helping people to own concrete houses under Pradhan Mantri Awaj Yoajana (Housing for All scheme), he added.

Stating that mere shouting of environment protection slogans without being practical would lead to nowhere, the chief minister said that efforts are being made to convert garbage into fuel to replace charcoal as well.

Maintaining that people must be aware that heavy rainfall and flash floods had started wreaking havoc in the hills as well apart from valley areas, Biren reminded the gathering that natural calamities never spare anybody on the basis of religion and community.

As such, the humankind should join hands as one family to take up necessary measures in advance to avoid natural calamities, he observed.

PHE minister Losii Dikho and environmentalist and BJP spokesperson R. K. Ranjan also attended the function as guest of honour and president respectively.

In his speech, Losii Dikho opined that people should begin environment protection from personal levels. Mere holding of functions and conventions without dedication and conviction in this regard would not serve any purpose, he added.

Speaking at the occasion, Ranjan said that all the development plans of the government should be prepared taking the possible impacts on environment into consideration.

North East region is not only known as the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot but also as a confluence of species migrants because numerous species from Indo-Malaysian, Chinese and Indian regions had migrated to the North East.

As such, people of the North East should do whatever possible to protect this rich bio-diversity resource for a sustainable living, he opined.

Delegates from all the eight North Eastern states also took part in the convention.

IMPHAL | Sept 8

Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) organised a ‘One day consultation on the formulation of Manipur state policy for children 2017’ today at Sangai conference hall, Hotel Imphal, in collaboration with Department of Social Welfare and Child Rights and You (CRY).

While delivering a speech as chief guest, the acting chief justice, Manipur High Court, N. Kotiswar Singh stated that formulation of policy for children in the state is indeed a welcome step towards the welfare of the children and to mould them to the right path during this formative phase of one’s life.

Considering the alarming rate of crimes and abuse against children in the state, minister of Social Welfare and Cooperation Nemcha Kipgen, who attended the event as president stated that the formulation and development of Manipur State Policy for Children, 2017 is the need of the hour. She continued that the policy will provide a safe and positive environment for children in the state.

The minister also drawn attention of all the stakeholders to comply with all relevant local legislations, administrations and other measures on child rights and welfare to protect and ensure child rights and to provide what is in best interest of the child, since keeping children safe and secured is everyone’s responsibility.

“All of us have the responsibility to do all that we can to mould our children for their lives as productive citizens in the future,” she added.

She asserted that children, who occupy an essential part of every population, are the most vulnerable section of society. They suffer from abuse every day. As the future of a nation utterly depends on the level of care provided to its children, children’s rights should be made one of the main mandated priorities of everyone and be committed to their welfare and protection.

Commissioner of Social Welfare, H. Deleep Singh, chairperson of MCPCR, S. Saratkumar Sharma, director of Social Welfare, Jacintha Lazarus and general manager of Development Support, CRY Mahua Chatterjee were the guests of honour in the programme.

1. Saratkumar Sharma stated in his keynote address that the Manipur State Policy for Children has been developed after a series of consultation with the stakeholders and CRY, concerning the strong need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in Manipur. The policy institutes the respective responsibilities of personnel or individuals in relation to the safeguarding, promotion and protection of children. The policy also aims to raise awareness on safeguarding children issues, he added.

He stated that the policy for children is guided by the existing legal frameworks of Child Protection Policy of India and the ratified International Convention. The Children Policy predominately draws its guiding principles from ICDS, National Charter for Children, NPA, ICPS, POCSO Act, National Policy for Children 2013 and Juvenile Justice Act 2015. He continued that the department of social welfare shall be the nodal department in context of the present state policy for children.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 8

Governing body of Standard College, Kongba  former secretary, Koijam Sarat appealed to the government to elect two guardian representatives as per the provision of Manipur Education Code, 1982.

Addressing a press meet today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal he said in the past two guardian representatives have been elected as governing body members but this year the returning officer of the guardian election Standard College has decided to elect only one representative.

On the other there is a lot of irregularity and illegal activities in the functioning of the governing body, he added.

The former secretary continued that N. Jibanta who is working as a lecturer in DIET, Senapati was elected as the secretary of the governing body of Standard College from the year 2012 to 2015.

But a government employee cannot perform other activities unconnected with his or her official duties during his or her working hours, added Sarat.

So according to law such act of enjoying doubl ebenifits being a lecturer of DIET and secretary of governing body at the same official working hours is punishable, said the former secretary.

He asked the authority concerned to look into this matter to have a fair governing body of the Standard College.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 8

Mayang Imphal and Wangoi police allegedly refused to register a case against the rape of a woman from Uchiwa, said father of the victim.

Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club, the father said the incident took place on August 30. He said his daughter told him that on August 30 she was called out from her home at around 6.30 pm that evening by her boyfriend Md. Ibomcha alias Boicha from Mayang Imphal Bengun Mayai Leikai.

He said she was severely beaten by whole family of Ibomcha including his father Md. Abdul Manan, Hajira (mother) and Md. Tomba (brother). After she was beaten black and blue she was fed with poison forcibly by the whole family.

She fainted with the effect of the poison and she was left near a graveyard located at Mayang Imphal.

People found the victim and she was admitted to Ragina Hospital. At around 11.30 pm doctor of the hospital called her father from her cell phone. Due to the serious condition of the victim, doctors advised the family members to take her to JINIMS hospital for further treatment.

In connection with the incident when the victim’s family filed a case at Mayang Imphal police station, the concerned officer of the station said the case should be handled by Wangoi police station.

Further Wangoi police station said the case should be handled by women police, Lamphel.

Father of the victim further said women police also refused to handle the case, as concerned authority of women police station said there are lots of pending cases and they had lacked of investigating officers.

Father of the victim appealed to the government to investigate the case and take necessary legal action against the accused and his family.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 8

To breach the gap between the general public and the government an MoU was signed today among SALAI Infotech Pvt. Ltd, KAINOS Business Solution Pvt. Ltd and SUMATO Global Tech Pvt. Ltd to set up “Online Project Management and Evaluation System.”

SALAI Infotech Pvt. Ltd will be the implementing agency and is represented by its managing director, Narengbam Samarjit, KAINOS Business Solution Pvt. Ltd will be the business solution provider and is represented by its managing director, Augustine Reading and SUMATO Global Tech Pvt. Ltd will be the technical solution provider and is represented by its director, Tamnoy Goswami.

Speaking to media persons today at SALAI Infotech Pvt. Ltd office at Sagolband Tera, Imphal SALAI vice-chairman, Elangbam Brojendro said that the online project will help the public monitoring all projects operation under various government department.

If the project is implemented it would speed up the works in government departments and institution and will be making room for timely redressal of gravences providing effective implementation of works and policies with traking tools in itself, he added.

The vice-chairman continued that the project will have benefits in providing quality, efficiency, transparency and timely execution of almost every nature of work for a good governance giving no room for any kind of corruption.

The project will cover all North Eastern states paving the way for speeding up the progress towards “Act East Policy”, he added.

To project will ensure transparency by showing the work progress, financial information and regular reports on operation for every level of management in websites or mobile application, added Brojendro.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Sept 8

Villages of Tujang Waichong sub-division of Kangpokpi district expressed their grievances over Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).

Chief of Kotlen village, Seilet Haokip allegedly said that the local people of Geljang village and its surrounding areas are still waiting for the implementation of PMGSY Package No. MNO6185 for I.T. Road to Geljang, though the work orders had already been issued last year. He also said that the work order has been issued in the name of contractor, Ibocha Khuman but there been no activities carried out under the said scheme till today.

While expressing the discontentment of the local people, Seilet Haokip conveyed his strong condemnation on the contractor’s attitude towards the people of Twilang areas.

He also appealed the authority concerned to look into the matter seriously and initiate appropriate action upon the contractor who failed to execute the works under the said scheme.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that PMGSY Package No. MNO6144 for I.T. Road to Langka also witnessed similar condition with the same contractor Ibocha Khuman, which irritated the local populace for the misconduct of the scheme.

Condemning the alleged fraudulent practice of PMGSY by the contractor in Kangpokpi district, Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Sadar Hills has appealed the authority concerned for immediate intervention into the matter. President of KSO, Sadar Hills, Thangminlen Kipgen said that the lack of commitment by the state government in connection with the matter has created feelings of discrimination among the public.

The student body has demanded the government to ensure the contractor Ibocha Khuman to complete all the works allotted to him and clear the public’s doubt at the earliest.

Jiri News Network

JIRIBAM | Sept 8

In connection with the 22 bridges land acquisition compensation on NH-37 between Barak to Phaithol road, the land owners have called for bandh in the said bridges from the midnight of September 11 till the bridges compensation is not disbursed to the affected villagers.

According to a press statement issued by chairman, S. Khongsai and secretary J. Gangmei of Social Welfare Forum (SWF – Barak to Phaithol), the land acquisition processed has been completed as per the act of 1894 during 2011. An estimate for land acquisition and compensatory payment was also submitted by DC of Tamenglong to 765 BRTF and accordingly DPR for subject work had been processed for sanction of competent authority.

‘It is further intimated by the DC of Tamenglong and 765 BRTF that as soon as the DPR get sanctioned, the payment will be made to the DC immediately without any delay for further disbursement to beneficiaries’, stated SWF.

SWF also mentioned that after DPR has been sanctioned and deposited in the bank account of DC, Tamenglong, the SWF of the region approached for its disbursements several times since 2014. However, the DC recently wrote for state cabinet’s decision on July 19, and hence the disbursement order has not been received till today.

The SWF of the region has appealed to all the concerned public to cooperate during the bandh in order to avoid misunderstanding and stated that the forum will not be responsible for any untoward incidents. Medical, electricity, water supply and religious services are exempted from the bandh, said SWF.

IMPHAL | Sept 8

Horticulture and soil conservation minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar today closed the VIII Sirarakhong Hathei Phanit (chilli festival) organised by the Sirarakhong Shanao Long at the Shining Hall ground near the Sirarakhong Baptist Church, Ukhrul.

The minister expressed his hope that from next year the festival will be organised with more hathei (chilli) production.

This year, more than 5,000 kilograms of hathei production was recorded. All together 16 stalls were opened at the festival. Locally grown hathei were sold at 12 stalls while four stalls sold organic king chilli (U-morok) grown in Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul and Churachandpur.

Speaking as the chief guest of the closing function today, horticulture and soil conservation minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar said the chilli festival held annually in Sirarakhong, Ukhrul district shows that the villagers are hard working and believe in preserving the traditional culture.

Assuring the villagers of Sirarakhong that, the horticulture and soil conservation will continue helping in organising the annual chilli festival, Shyamkumar stressed on need the for planting food crops which suits the climate and soil condition so that farmers can boost their income.

He assured the villagers of Sirarakhong that the horticulture department will plan ways and methods to produce large scale production of hathei so that it can be exported outside the State.

Concluding his speech, Shyamkumar hoped that the chilli festival will succeed to bridge the gap between all communities and bring peace and harmony in the state.

On the last day today, all the hathei (chilli) were sold out.

The festival came to a close with minister Shyamkumar de-hoisting the flag.