Category: Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | Aug 31

The inquiry committee, which was constituted to probe the irregularities in the procurement of digital radio sets with repeaters in Manipur Police department under modernisation of police forces 2013-14, submitted its final Inquiry report to chief minister N. Biren Singh today.

The committee was constituted with additional DGP (AP) Anand Prakash as the chairman and IGP (Adm) S Ibocha Singh and transport department director C. Arthur W as members. The final report contains 32 pages and 1-61 annexures.

IMPHAL | Aug 30

Woman footballer of the state, Oinam Bembem who received the prestigious Arjuna award will be inducted in the state sports expert committee, in recognition of her outstanding achievement.

This was announced by youth affairs and sports minister, Letpao Haokip and art and culture minister, L. Jayantakumar during the grand reception ceremony of Bembem organised by United Pioneers’ Club today at Ereima Shanglen, Pishumthong Oinam Leikai.

Speaking at the reception ceremony, Letpao Haokip said Bembem is the pride of Manipur and her perseverance has paid dividend. He promised a playground to the locality where Oinam Bembem belongs in acknowledgment of her outstanding achievement. He further said that Bembem would certainly be an inspiration to many talented women footballers of the State.

The minister also lauded the achievements of the State sportspersons of the State despite several constraints. He further encouraged sportspersons of the State to strive for excellence in whatever disciplines they have chosen.

The minister was all praises to the sportspersons who made the State known to the world as Sports powerhouse. It was the achievements and strides made by the sportspersons that pave the way for a National Sports University in Manipur, the minister said.

The reception ceremony was attended by L. Jayantakumar, MLA of Mayang Imphal A/C Kongkham Robindro, corporator of ward No. 13 IMC, Oinam Romeo, teachers of Oinam Bembem and sports lovers.

Addressing the gatherings, Bembem, who is the second Indian woman footballer to win the Arjuna Award after Shanti Mullick (1983), said she dedicated the award to the people of the State and to all women of the country.

Saying that her focus now would shift to giving guides and trainings to women footballers as coach, Bembem urged budding women footballers of the State to shed any inhibition and take up the sport.

Bembem, who is also known as the flag bearer of Indian women’s football for over two decades, represented India in 85 games and scored overwhelming 32 goals before she finally hanged her boots about two years back.

Earlier in the day, a rousing reception was accorded to the footballer by family, locals and sports lovers at Imphal Airport.

It may be mentioned that sportspersons from the State Bembem (footballer) and Devendro Singh (Boxing) were among few other sportspersons of the country who received the prestigious Arjuna Award from the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind yesterday.

IMPHAL | Aug 30

Education minister Thokchom Radheshyam Singh said best use of time is the only way to attend success. The people of our state should use time economically by avoiding oneself to remain idle so that the state could grow.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the 45th annual prize distribution function of Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BOSEM). During the ceremony he congratulated all the achievers and encouraged those students who could not reach such feat to work harder.

 Radheshyam said that development as per the motto ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ means a collective effort towards inclusive growth to work for the improvement of the most deprived and downtrodden section of the society. He also appealed to the teachers that imparting the best education in the school should begin with the weakest student, nurturing the weakness of the students.

He said that the world is moving in a fast pace, with the future lying in the hands of young minds. Through discoveries and inventions these young people of today will surely find an answer to the issues faced by the humanity. For this the teachers and guardians should mentor them to make them capable to contribute for the betterment of the society, he added.

Any developmental step should deal with issues related to socio, political, economic status of the state, he added.

Further he continued nature and man are always in conflict. Decline in natural resources as a result of the developmental construction work carried out by man lead to frequent natural disaster, he said, adding people, as a whole, need to come together to sustain the natural environment.

Retired principal Manipur College L. Sadananda, also the senior member of BOSEM said parents should not impose upon their children in making career choice.

On the occasion of  66 prizes were distributed which includes award to top – ten students, award for subject toppers, state government award for popularisation of science, award for producing highest ranked students among state government schools and award for best performance school.

The function was attended by secretary, BOSEM, Chingangbam Sarat, members of BOSEM, teachers, students and parents.

IMPHAL | Aug 30

A home maker accused one Khangjarakpam Deepak (34) son of late Kh. Ahongjao of Langjing Achouba Mayai Leikai attempted to rape to her and appealed to the government and authority concerned to take appropriate action against him.

Speaking to media persons the victim said yesterday the accused (neighbor of the victim) rang her several times when her husband was not present in the house.

She said, “I was taking a nap in my bedroom with my two-year-old daughter. When I woke up at around 2 pm I found Deepak staring at me standing near my bed.”

When the victim asked the accused to go out of the room, the accused threatened to kill the victim if she told anyone and offered her Rs. 500 in exchange of having sex with him, charged the victim.

At that moment the victim escaped from the house to seek help from the sister-in-law of the accused as no one was present at that time near the house, she continued.

Later she told her family members and the matter was taken to the locality meira paibi and club, said she.

The accused who runs a liquor vendor in his house today surrendered to Lamphal police after a complaint was lodged to the Lamphel police station.

According to the local clubs and meira paibis, they decided to throw out the accused and his family from the locality.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 30

Human Rights activists urged the chief minister, N. Biren Singh to initiate criminal proceeding against the police officers who allegedly collected fund to fight the alleged fake encounter cases which are being investigated by the CBI.

The human rights groups also submitted a memorandum today to the chief minister, who is in charge of home department in this regard.

The groups are Extra-judicial Execution Victim Families Association, Human Rights Alert, Working Committee of Apunba Lup and Just Peace Foundation.

The memorandum asked the chief minister to clarify to the public if the act of collecting the fund is carried out with the consent of the chief minister.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, Human Rights Alert executive director, Babloo Loitongbam said that the collection of fund by the police to fight the fake encounter cases is diametrically opposite to the state policy of the government.

The chief minister assured on the floor of the House that the government will fully cooperate with CBI investigation into the fake encounter cases and bring justice to the victims and the same assurance is also given by the BJP state unit during the assembly election, he added.

Babloo claimed that the collection of fund amounts to “extortion” by high level police officer from lower ranks of police department by “abusing authority and power” to seal off the “murderers in uniform.”

Such action to seal off some “murderers” from police department is defaming the whole department though there are many innocent and honest police personnel, said Babloo.

Senior advocate, Khaidem Mani said that the collection of fund to help the police personnel who were allegedly involved in the fake encounter cases instead of helping the CBI in their inquiry is very unfortunate.

He appealed to the chief minister to take action against those police officers before the public think that all police personnel including the innocent ones are all criminal.

In its judgement the Supreme Court on July 14 directed the CBI to constitute a special investigation team to investigate 98 cases among the 1528 cases filed by  Extra-judicial Execution Victim Families Association. The CBI was asked to submit report by December 31.

IMPHAL | Aug 30

“We need to learn to live in harmony with nature. While utilising biotechnology, let’s not forget how to conserve our precious biodiversity wealth and traditional practices and indigenous wisdom,” said chief minister, N. Biren. 

He was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the 7th review and monitoring cum mentoring meeting of department of biotechnology (DBT) sponsored Biotech Hubs in Northeast India at Hotel Imphal today.

He called for exploring scientific means to conserve the precious biodiversity wealth of the State including rare Shirui Lily and Sangai. Let’s listen to the soulful cries of the sick Loktak lake, pangs of the precarious Sangai and anguished whispers of Shirui Lily, he added.

“I hope biotech can do something to conserve these precious biodiversity and ecosystem resources urgently as I believe such rare plants and animals once extinct will not come back again”, the chief minister said.

Biren contended that as someone who has been associating with governmental efforts in various capacities since 2002 in the service of the people of Manipur, especially in the area of forest and environment, he can foresee the potential role of biotechnology in every sector of the economy, be it agriculture, food, energy or environment.

He further said that it is imperative to work in concert to harness the natural resources of Manipur and the rich biodiversity of the Northeast, its flora, fauna, rare and endemic medicinal plants, aromatic and ornamental plants and microbial resources.

Biren also expressed hope that the biotechnologists present at the function would extend help to the State government towards harnessing biotechnology for the overall growth and development of the State and the region, and thereby contributing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a New India by 2022.

Stating that Manipur is famous for its pineapple, Kachai lemon, orange, rare orchids, endemic medicinal plants and rare animals and wildlife, the chief minister said that the State government has been celebrating different festivals to promote these bio-resources.

Vice-chancellor of Manipur University, Prof. Adya Prasad Pandey, advisor of department of biotechnology, T Madhan Mohan, dean of school of life sciences (Manipur University), Prof. W. Vishwanath, HOD of department of economics MU, Prof. Amar Yumnam, dean of school of physical and mathematical sciences MU, Prof. N Rajmuhon, former director of institute of life sciences, Bhubaneshwar,. B. Ravindran and director of Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo also attended the function as presidium members.

The two-day meeting was organised by advanced level state biotech hub, department of biochemistry, MU under the sponsorship of department of biotechnology, government of India.

IMPHAL | Aug 30

Donations to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to help the flood affected people are still coming in. A team of Imphal East district level officers led by Imphal East DC Th. Chitra and Imphal East SP K. Kabib donated Rs. 2, 59,700 to CMRF to the fund.

Alongside, K. Jugeshwor of Kumbi College, K. Subhash of Mangolnganbi College, Ningthoukhong, I. Jugeschandra of Royal Academy of Law, Oinam, Ng. Akashini of Naorem Birahari College, Khundrakpam and Prabhavati College, Mayang Imphal principal also jointly donated Rs. 1 lakh. The chief minister expressed gratitude to all the donors who have donated to CMRF so far.

IMPHAL | Aug 30

Minister Karam Shyam said the sale of LPG cylinders in the black market can be controlled if all the stakeholders work together, and appealed to the public to cooperate with the government and the officials in bringing a positive change in the system. 

The consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister today chaired an interactive session of officials, IOC officials and LPG distributors at the conference hall, Old secretariat to streamline the public distribution system. 

The interactive session was held to find mechanism to control the sale of LPG cylinders in the black market. During the meeting all the stakeholders agreed to jointly work together to tackle the issue of the sale of LPG cylinders in the black market.

Shyam said the sale of rice in the open market under NFSA (National Food Security Act) and SK Oil (kerosene) has been minimised due to the joint efforts of the stakeholders. Benefits given by the government under various schemes are now reaching the target beneficiaries, he added.

He also said the public must help the authorities by giving constructive criticism. 

Speaking to the media after the interactive session, the minister said streamlining the system will take time and urged the public to encourage the government. He also said the government is fully committed to solve the grievances of the public.

He also appealed to the public not to send in applications demanding rice as all the rice under NFSA are earmarked for the target beneficiaries.

SI Singh, IOC (Indian Oil Corporation) Imphal divisional retail sales manager and State level coordinator said IOC is ready to assist the State government to control the sale of LPG cylinders. He also encouraged LPG consumers to do their refill booking through SMS service and IVRS (Interactive Voice recording System).

Probin Baruah, DGM LPG operations, Guwahati said from September onwards a concrete planning will begin to eliminate backlog by October. He also said by January 2018, the Sekmai bottling plant will be filled up with 1,800 MT (metric tonne) of LPG.

To improve bulk-loading constraints, a loading station at Guwahati and downloading facility at Sekmai will be commissioned in September. He also said, to reduce the supply requirement, some distributors and transporters will bring LPG cylinders from Silchar and Dimapur.

1. Kailun, IGP (Zone- II) & IGP (AP/Ops) assured to give all assistance including increasing vigilance on national highways to check unauthorised movement of trucks carrying LPG cylinders.

The interactive session was attended by Shri K. Radhakumar Singh, commissioner CAF&PD, Y Ranjan, director CAF&PD, Stephen Chinkhanson Guite, manager- LPG Sales, Imphal II, Z. Panmei, senior manager, Sekmai bottling plant and more than 50 LPG distributors from across the State.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 30

Many may know and many might not but a faithful worker of BJP, K.S. Khaie Leo had just celebrated his long lasting service/membership with BJP of 25 years and it was celebrated in a grand manner with gaiety.

The celebration was held at Multipurpose hall, Senapati district HQ on August 26. Heikham Dingo Singh, parliamentary secretary of panchayat raj and rural development, Meinam Bhorot Singh, former president of BJP, R.K. Ranjan Singh, chairman of BJP Vision Document attended the function as chief guest, guest of honour and functional president respectively.

The celebration was enthralled by cultural dances of Kuki, Zeliangrong Inpui, Poumai, Nepali and western music besides exchange of gifts and greetings.

Dingo, in his chief guest speech, praised Leo for his great achievement to celebrate the silver jubilee of service in BJP and extended his best wishes for his future endeavours.

He responded positively to a memorandum submitted by the Jubilee Committee requesting for construction of a guest house cum conference hall for BJP ST Morcha at Senapati district HQ and construction of road connectivity from Saikul via Gulam to Thingba Khullen/Khunou upto Oinam hill village.

Bhorot congratulated Leo’s completion of 25 long years service in BJP. Bhorot recalled that he first met Leo in 1991 in the party office when he was the president of BJP Manipur. Leo seemed enthusiastic from the start and got enrolled as primary and active member in the party in august 1992. Bhorot said.

Appreciating the jubilarian for his dedicated service with heart and soul for the sake of the party, Ranjan said that such a personality is very rare in the state. He called upon the youth to follow the footsteps of such a strong personality. He also extended his best wishes to Leo.

The “man of the day” in his speech expressed gratitude to his near and dear ones for the unconditional support for all these years and promised that he would be always with them whenever they need him.

Leo pledged that he would work further for good governance, economic development and peaceful co-existence among all people irrespective of caste, creed and religion for peaceful living in the North Eastern region in particular and the nation in general.

The jubilee celebration was participated by some 800 people.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 30

Imphal East superintendent of police, Kabib K. said one armed cadre of United National Liberation Front (UNLF) who was masquerading as Manipur police commando was arrested this morning by Imphal East police commandos.

Speaking to media person Imphal East police station, Kabib said on receipt of information about the presence of one armed cadre of proscribed UNLF at Kiyam Mayai Leikai, Patsoi, Imphal West district, a joint operation was conducted by teams of CDO/IE and 5 JAK Rifles under the command of Imphal East, DSP (Ops) R. K. Saklemba and OC, army camp Patsoi under the supervision of additional SP (OPS), Imphal East, M. Kumarjit.

During the operation one former self styled corporal of UNLF identified as Salam Dinachandra alias Poireiton of Kiyam Mayai Leikai was arrested from his residence 5 am. Police recovered one AK-56 type modified double barrel rifle (DBBL) bearing registration number 112646, one forged gun licence, one white Maruti Gypsy marked as SDMK/IW on both doors and 4977 within a circle similar to the label on the vehicle of CDO/IW and one mobile phone along with one Airtel SIM card.

Kabib said Dinachandra admitted that he forged his expired gun licence and modified his double barrel rifle to look like AK-56 assault rifle. He also admitted that he painted his gypsy to look like commando vehicle which he used along with his AK-56 type modified DBBL gun to intimidate the public posing as Manipur police commandos.

The SP further said on receipt of reliable information about the presence of some active cadres of UNLF around Hatta Golapati, a team of CDO/IE unit conducted frisking and checking at Hatta near Orient Hotel.

Two suspected persons identified as Md. Yunus Khan (30) son of Md. Chaoba Khan of Keirao Makting Makha Leikai, Irilbung police station and Mutum Naobi Singh alias Mahindra (40) son of late M. Kalachand Singh of Nongmeibung Pung Makhong A/P Khanglabung, Soibam Leikai who came on a Suzuki Alto car bearing registration number MN-01AK/3983 from Minuthong side were detained and one mobile phone Reach (R2401) along with one Airtel SIM card having card number 89911603000055106523 was recovered from their possession.

He said while checking detainee Mutum Naobi, two extortion notes of UNLF along with one mobile phone was found and recovered. On further verification, both the detainees were found to be over ground workers of UNLF who are presently working under the command of one self-styled major of UNLF Boicha alias Lukhomba alias Imocha.

Further, they disclosed that, they were proceeding towards Babupara to deliver the extortion notes on the advice of Lukhomba.

On the other hand,  Kabib said on receipt of a reliable information about the presence of one lost vehicle reported in c/w FIR number 45(9)16 CCP. PS u/s 420/406/34 IPC, a team of CDO/IE led by DSP(OPS) Robinsun Khamnam along with OC-IE  detained a Swift Dzire, believed to be the stolen car at Ayangpalli crossing at around 7.30 pm.

On questioning the driver of the vehicle, Heikhrjam Bijanda disclosed that the vehicle was bought from one Ningthem who is accused in c/w FIR number 45(9)16 CCP/PS u/s 420/406/34 IPC. The vehicle along with the driver was handed over to IO of the case, he added.

IMPHAL | Aug 30

Consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister Karam Shyam today strongly condemned the attack on oil pumps in the State. He said the State government condemns the bomb blast in strongest possible words.  Violence has no place in our society, he added.

It may be mentioned that on August 29 at 9:00 pm, a bomb blast was reported at a petrol pump located at Napet Palli, under Lamlai police station.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG |Aug 29

The 86th martyr’s day of Haipou Jadonang was held at Haipou Jadonang park, Tamenglong district with great pomp and gaiety under the theme “Daring to Rise”. Hundreds of people attended the programme despite the bad weather condition.

The governor of Manipur, Najma Heptulla, the chief guest of the observation could not turn up due to unavoidable circumstances. Her message was, however, read out to the gathering by Ramkung Pamei, editor of ‘The Cham’, and who is also the organising secretary of the observance is also.

Heptulla in her message appealed that we must remember the sacrifices made by Haipou Jadonang and follow his value for peaceful and prosperous society, adding that he was a model youth who bore an individual integrity, honesty, gentle bearing and generosity.

Further her message stated, “Jadonang established the Heraka religious movement, and he was referred as the ‘messiah king’ of the Nagas. His movement was widespread in the Zeliangrong territory before the switch to Christianity”.

Hailing the leader, the governor continued that Zadonang took up the cause of delivering his people from the clutches of needless rituals and also from the political dominion of the foreign rule in his motherland.

Zadonang also envisaged an independent Naga kingdom, which brought him into conflict with the British rulers of India, the message read, adding resistance movement started in the hill areas in 1925 also known as anti-colonial movement.

In the occasion a two-minute silent observance was held in honour of the departed leader. Wreaths were also offer by various social leaders at the memorial stone.

Namsinrei Panmei, chairman ADC Tamenglong and Armstrong Pame, deputy commissioner Tamenglong attended as guest of honour. Ramning Pame, chairperson Education Board ADC Tamenglong, Micah Panmei, members ADC, Pouhotlung Panmei, member ADC, Lungniliu Panmei President Zeliangrong women Union, SP Athui, Chairman Zeliangrong Union, Kachamthai Pheiga Gangmei, SDO Tamenglong, and Guangphun president Rongmei Naga Youth Organisation shared the dais.

 Transformation Centre Church presented the welcome song. In his guest of honour Namsinrei Panmei, urged all Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei, Inpui tribe to stand united leaving behind all differences.

 Extra extravaganza programme was held in the evening entertainment.

IMPHAL | Aug 29

The 7th Review and Monitoring cum Mentoring Meeting of the department of biotechnology (DBT), sponsored by Biotech Hubs in Northeastern India will be held during August 30-31at Hotel Imphal.

This high level conclave will be an enabling forum for exchange of ideas among DBT officials and experts, and coordinators of 6 state level and 120 institutional biotech hubs.  The meet will also monitor the progress made by these hubs so far and suggest plans for future course of action.

The biotech hubs scheme of DBT is aimed at developing skilled and trained manpower, establishing biotech labs in universities and colleges in NER and stimulating locally relevant biotech research.

Manipur has one state level and 26 institutional level biotech hubs, out of which six have been upgraded to advanced level biotech hubs recently. The chief minister N. Biren Singh, the vice-chancellor of Manipur University, Prof. Adya Prasad Pandey, Madhan Mohan, adviser, DBT, deans of Manipur University, B. Ravindran, former director, ILS, Bhubaneswar, and Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo, director, IBSD will attend the inaugural function of the summit on August 30 at 9 am. On this occasion, a proceeding incorporating the progress of 126 hubs would also be released.

Biotechnology is a powerful discipline that integrates biological sciences, engineering and social sciences. It would provide useful products for humankind such as drugs for resistant superbugs, biofuels as alternatives to fossil fuels, microbial strains as biologicals and biostimulants for stress-tolerant agriculture, probiotics for enhancing human health and ecorestoration solutions for sustainable ecological health.

Manipur and the rest of NE India falls in the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot and is home to rare and endemic medicinal plants, endangered animal species, and underexplored microbial wealth.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL |Aug 29

A top ranked Manipur Police officer while agreeing that the police department was indeed mobilising fund to meet the legal expenses to fight the CBI cases against many of its personnel for alleged fake encounters they were involved in, clarified there was no question of the department levying “taxes” through its ranks or forcing them to pay.

The officer said on phone that the fund was being raised through voluntary contributions by willing police personnel to aid their colleagues.

The telephonic rebuttal of the news about the fund raising drive of the police carried by the IFP, requested the media to be more discerning so that no harm to reputation or the morale of the police force is caused unfairly.

It may be recalled that a Supreme Court ruling last month had directed the CBI to investigate 98 of the 1528 cases of fake encounter against which an organization called Extra Judicial Execution Victim Families Association, EEVFAM, moved the SC. Manipur based human rights watch group, Human Rights Alert, took up the SC case on behalf of the EEVFAM.

IMPHAL | Aug 29

Manipur Home Guard Employees Welfare Association today withdrew their month-long fast to death protest and decided to start a new agitation from October 2.

Speaking to the media today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal, the association’s president, Y. Mangi claimed that the statement given by additional director general of police, Christopher Doungel that home guard association is misleading all the home guard personnel is “totally false.”

The members of association are all home guard personnel except the president and the association is agitating for the welfare of the home guard personnel. There is no question of misleading the personnel, he added.

Mangi said though allowance of home guard is given through their account. The five battalion commander of home guard keep the bank passbooks of the home guards along with them who never perform their duties but share our allowance, he said.

The president asked the government to select a police officer, not among the five battalion commander to investigate the home guard personnel who never attended their duty.

He appealed to the home special secretary and finance commission to submit their counter affidavit to the High Court of Manipur at the earliest so that the court can take the decision regarding the increment of their monthly allowance.

Mangi said the home guard personnel will take the matter to the Union home minister, Rajnath Singh and BJP national president, Amit Shah.

The association expressed hope that the government will give positive response to their demands within October 2.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 29

Money cannot buy achievements in sports, arts and culture, said arts and culture minister L. Jayentakumar during the 13th foundation day celebration of Film Forum Manipur. The celebration was held today at the auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society, Palace compound.

Addressing the celebration, Jayentakumar said once Manipur was a champion of Santosh Trophy but now the team fails to give good performance in the tournament. Not only in the field of football but also in many disciplines, the state was once on the top in the entire country.

He said Manipur is known to the world for its beautiful arts and culture. Due to lack of a vibrant film industry and improper functioning of Arts college, the state of our arts and culture is at a deplorable stage.

However with the establishment of cultural university in the state the fame for arts and culture can be regained in the near future, the minister exuded confidence. 

Jayentakumar said the state has lots of creative people in many fields, but if there is no proper administrator to support their skills then in some decades the famous arts and culture of the state may become a history.

Director of arts and culture K. Sushila Devi, who was the guest of honour of the function, expressed confidence that Manipur’s film society will shine in the future. Chairman of film forum Manipur, S. Mangoljao Singh also attended the function as the president.

As a part of the function Film Forum Manipur felicitated former chairman of the forum, former general secretary of the forum, present advisor of the forum and present president of the guilds. A website of film forum, www.filmforum.com was launched by the minister.

IMPHAL | Aug 29

There is need to showcase the State’s rich art and culture to the rest of the country. We need to show what wealth we have in our culture and dance to the outside world, said governor Najma Heptulla.

The governor was addressing the Sakalp Parva “Sankalp se Siddhi” function organised by the song and drama division, Imphal Centre, under the ministry of information and broadcasting, government of India. The function, based on the New India Movement, was held at the Raj Bhawan, here today.

She observed that observed that dance and music is still very much active in Manipur and other parts of the Northeast. “I love Manipur. There is so much of dance and music here. That’s life”, she said.

She further encouraged and suggested the artistes of the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy and the Manipur University of Culture to perform more frequently outside the State.

The governor said that Sankalp Parva is such an important function as it is being heralded as 360 degree programme to make India modern by 2022.

She said Sankalp Parva is an initiative under the ‘Sankalp Se Siddhi’ movement which is the dream of the Prime Minister for reforming the nation under the “New India Movement by making – poverty, filth, corruption, terrorism, communalism and casteism Quit India.”

Today’s youth should understand what price our forefathers’ had paid in achieving freedom of India, the governor said.

Lauding an artiste who performed the song “Ae mere watan ke logon” during today’s function, the governor said she became nostalgic during the rendition of the song. She expressed that she was reminded of the time when renowned singer Lata Mageskar performed the same song at National Club, New Delhi in the presence of the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru, during which she herself was present as a child.

Arts and culture minister L. Jayentakumar who also spoke on the occasion said the reasons for establishment of a culture university and Manipur State Film and Television Institute in the State is the unique cultural identity of Manipur despite its limited size and resources.

He also said that Manipur needs helping hands from the Union Ministry of finance in order to exploit the talents of our youths.

During the function, the governor along with the other dignitaries and the participants pledged for building a New India- clean, free from poverty, corruption, terrorism, communalism and casteism.

As part of the function, artistes of the Song and Drama Division, Imphal Centre performed several cultural items including a group song Vande Mantaram, Lai-haraoba, Cheirol Jagoi, Lavani Dance and Dhol Chollom.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL |Aug 29

Reacting to a news report in the IFP that a 78 year old patient was refused free laboratory test facility made available as a policy of the government, the doctor in charge of the laboratory at the Churachandpur District Hospital and the laboratory technician, clarified that the patient was not denied the facility but only asked to return with OPD ticket which is mandatory for availing the facility.

The clarification said the patient came to the Bio Chemistry laboratory and sought to avail of its facility only on the strength of the recommendation of a lady doctor doing private practice, but had not gone through the procedure of first registering and getting an OPD ticket of the hospital.

The lab technician, also a lady, had advised the patient to return the next day after going through the due process of acquiring the hospital’s OPD ticket, and also to come in the morning during the hours reserved for blood sample collection.

The patient party however turned up at the laboratory in the afternoon, and also without the hospital OPD ticket again, and hence the lab assistant was constrained not to allow the use of the laboratory facility.

She was however willing to do the test even though it was late, but only if the patient party first acquired the OPD ticket, they said.

Instead of doing the needful, the patient party went to the press and made unfair allegations against the management of the laboratory, they lamented.

They said they had clear instruction from the top that no patient without proper OPD ticket should be entertained, as this would lead to doctors doing private practices misusing the government facilities for their private ends.

On the charge that the doctor in charge of the Biochemistry laboratory not being always present at the laboratory, they clarified that because of shortage of staff, the doctor in question had been handed additional responsibilities of heading two other OPDs, that of NCD (Non Communicable Diseases) and that of ART (Antiretroviral Therapy), besides being made the nodal officer of NPCDCS (National Programme of Prevention of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke).

This being the case, the concerned doctor could only be present at the Bio Chemistry laboratory for a certain time only during the day, but the lab assistant is always present during duty hour, they further clarified.

IMPHAL | Aug 29

Blue Moon restaurant was closed down today by a local club, Star Volunteer Corps (SVC), Heirangoithong Awang Maibam Leikai for allegedly smuggling of heroin number four.

According to general secretary of the club, Maibam Stellon, club members have been on vigil at the locality following information of drug smuggling in the locality. While the club volunteers were waiting for catching smugglers, some juveniles were seen entering the restaurant in a suspicious manner.

When the club volunteers entered the restaurant they found smuggling of heroin in the restaurant premises at around 8 am this morning. When the volunteers interrogated they were found to be juveniles and the seller and the owner of the restaurant were also found to be juveniles.

He said the seller hails from Kakwa Khonang Feidekpi. About 40 grams of heroin powder was found by the club volunteers from the possession of the seller. Seller of the drug told the club volunteers that the drug was procured from Lilong area and sold it to the said restaurant.

Kakwa police came to the spot but as the culprits were juveniles SVC handed over the juveniles to their respective guardians.

Stellon further warned that any types of intoxicant cannot be sold in the area and if one is found ignoring the warning, the club will take stern actions against them. Bluemoon restaurant has been closed permanently from today, he added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 29

Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi (LNKR) today urged the state government to immediately arrest the culprit involved in the rape and attempted murder of a minor girl in Senapati district within 48 hours failing which it will impose different forms of agitation.

Speaking to media persons in a press meet held at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal, NK. Job, president LNKR strongly condemned the crime meted against the minor girl and said that the LNKR take the matter very seriously.

He informed that the victim girl after having undergone treatment for nearly a month was finally discharged from the hospital.

Job revealed that the victim after having regained consciousness her statement has been recorded by the magistrate concerned. In her statement the victim has identified the culprit who attacked her to the magistrate, he said.

Despite the identity of the culprit having been established the government has failed to act, he contended.

The LNKR president alleged that the failure of the home department to act tantamount to concealing the culprit.

He demanded the government to arrest the rapist and reveal the identity to the public within 48 hours failing which different forms of agitations will be launched.

He also urged the government to award befitting punishment accordingly.

On August 1 evening, the 15-year-old minor girl was found in unconscious state at Viewland Colony Senapati district headquarters.

It was later established that she was raped and abandoned to die after being brutally assaulted.