Category: Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | Aug 27

For the first time Manipur film artists will present special live performance on September 9 at Iboyaima Shumang Lila Shanglen as a part of fund drive for Cine Actors’ Guild Manipur in connection with the celebration of its 12th foundation day.

Speaking to media persons, the guild’s president, T. Lokendro said that the actors’ body was formed for the welfare and development mostly for Manipur cinema, to make cultural ethos reflect in Manipuri film and to encourage members to participate in social activities.

As the guild has no source of income, fund drive has become one of the priorities for many activities of the guild, he added.

By A Staff Reporters

IMPHAL | Aug 27

Cyber Crime Unit, Imphal West today arrested one fraudulent person who was accused of offering job appointment to others by acting as chief minister’s PRO. A sum of Rs. 95,000 was recovered at the time of arrest.

The person was identified as Nameirakpam Abung Singh (36), son of (Late) N. Bihari Singh of Ningthoukhong Mayai Leikai, Ward No. 9, Bishnupur district.

According to police sources, Abung admitted to have taken Rs. 75,000 and Rs. 8 lakhs from two different women in the month of July by promising them to offer jobs in JNIMS. He had offered job appointments to many other persons in various posts at different departments of state government through phone calls from mobile number 8258843617. He was arrested from his residence today at 1:10 pm by a team of Cyber Crime Unit, Imphal West led by SI K. Abhijeet Singh and a team of Narcotic Cell, Imphal West.

IMPHAL | Aug 27

The proscribed umbrella organisation, CorCom of different outfits operating in the state is all set to pay revolutionary homage to “Athouba,” Haipou Jadonang on his 86th death anniversary that falls on August 29.

Our forefathers have protected our sovereignty, culture and traditions from the hands of foreign invaders and passed down a way of living our lives independently, said a release signed by media co-ordinator, Ksh. Yoiheiba.

One such forefather who maintained such traditions with pride and gave his life earnestly, without fear for the sake of freedom was Haipou Jadonang, who was born in Zeilangrong community, it said.

After the defeat of Manipur in the Anglo – Manipur War, 1891, the British Raj started implementing its “Divide and Rule” policy by creating a demarcation of Hill and Valley between the people, it further said. Many patriots were sentenced to death and many exiled, it added.

During this horrendous, conflicting era of colonial rule, Haipou Jadonang was born in 1905 in Manipur (Kangleipak) at Kambiron village, Tamenglong district to his parents Thiudai Malangmei and Tabonliu, it continued.  

Upon seeing the oppressions of the British Empire and schemes of Christian missionaries to obliterate the culture and traditions of Zeliangrong community, Jadonang started the war for freedom, it further said.  The British Empire soon felt the influence of Jadonang spreading like wild fire amongst other communities, and arrested him on February 19, 1931 at Cachar, it continued. He was hung to death on August 29, 1931, it added.

Even though the colonial rule of British Empire was over, Manipur have fallen again into the colonial rule of India, it further said adding the unity of hilly and valley people are on the verge of collapsing completely under the oppressive regime of India.

On the 86th death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang, CorCom prays to Tingkao Ragwang to let the people realize that unity is the only possible means to save this endangered community from the colonial rule of India, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 27

A team of Manipur state disaster management authority (SDMA) led by its vice chairman Adim Pamei today inspected devastation caused by flash flood on Saturday in Senapati district.

The SDMA vice chairman was accompanied by deputy commissioner Senapati, SDO Tadubi and other officials.

The team inspected villages affected by the flood including the Compassionate Children Ministries (CCM) a children home at Kathiko Karong, wherein 120 children were displaced as a result of the flood. The 120 children of the CCM are currently taking refuge at the Unique Girls hostel.

It is learnt that under the initiative of the DC, SP and civil organisations of the districts, immediate relief material was provided to the children of the CMM.

It has been informed that besides the boarding for children there are quarters of the teaching and non-teaching staffs bringing the total number of the CMM family to 140.

However, almost all the properties including infrastructures within the campus were totally ravaged by the flood and leaving behind nothing to salvage from.

Athem Muivah, DC Senapati said that altogether 35 bags of rice have been distributed for the flood affected areas besides other basic essential items.

He further informed that the state bank of Senapati also extended help by providing essential items and Rs. 35 thousands in cash for the flood victims.

The team also inspected other areas in the Senapati district headquarters including Viewland, Yapao colony where houses were destroyed by mud brought down by the torrential rain.

Moreover, sensitive areas where there could be possible landslide or mudslide was inspected within the district headquarter.

Adim Pamei, speaking on the sidelines of the inspection said that an initial report have been communicated by the concerned district administration.

He informed that altogether 22 houses were severely damaged by mudslides and storm in Chakamai, 8 houses in Viewland, several others in Makhan village etc. besides leaving behind trial of destruction of crops and other properties.

Adim asserted that the situation of Senapati will be briefed to the chief minister, who is the chairman of the SDMA, so that necessary action can be taken to help the flood affected people.

He further informed about the prevailing situation of the National Highway 2 which has been cut off due to landslides occurring in many places.

IMPHAL | Aug 27

There will be no power supply in the area fed by Assembly-1 feeder from Imphal Power House on August 28 from 10 am to 2 pm as the feeder is planned to shut down for a preventive maintenance, said a release by DGM, IED-1, MSPDCL.

It further said the area fed by Ghari feeder from Sangaiporou sub-station will also have no power supply on the same day from 11 am to 3 pm as the feeder is planned to shut down for HT pole shifting and line stringing at Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 27

A one day consultation on “Criminal Justice System in Manipur and AFSPA, 1958” was held today at Classic Hotel, Imphal.

The programme was jointly organised by North East Dialogue Forum, Youth Forum for Protection of Human Rights and People for Human Rights and Climate Change.

Speaking as resource person, advocate Ahanthem Romen highlighted that ample provisions are provided in Indian constitution to safeguard the rights of the women. “Under the said provisions, any slight attempt to breach these rights of women can be severely deal with”, he said. 

The former police officer continued that investigation process of any crime scene in the state is mostly done without any forensic expertise and it is very informal. Such action leads to more unnecessary consumption of time in the investigation process, he added.

Romen suggested that keeping a reward for fast and good investigation will be helpful in making the police to concentrate in their investigation. 

LMS Law College, guest lecturer, Sapam Dilip speaking as resource person said that the judgment of the Supreme Court regarding the fake encounter cases gives a new hope for justice.

He appealed to the Meira Paibees and other civil bodies to give maximum cooperation to the special investigating team of the fake encounter cases so that justice can be done to those who have been killed on false charges.

A good administrator of a democratic country has to run the country by the rule of law but not ‘to be ruled by law’, he added. 

Leihaothabam Saratchandra, political analyst, U. Nobokishore, secretary of United NGOs Mission Manipur and Meihoubam Rakesh, state unit director Human Rights Law Network also spoke on the occasion as resource persons.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | Aug 26

A team of the social welfare department headed by deputy director K. Jiteshwor personally visited visually impaired Chaobi who was languishing without any pension benefits today at the latter’s Thoubal Wangmataba residence.

She was handed over with the Manipur old age pension scheme card (MOAPS) and the beneficial amount of money.

It may be recalled that Chaobi’s story was highlighted by the IFP in its August 23 issue.

Eighty seven year-old, Chaobi got her first pension amount of rupees 2400 for the year 2016-17 starting from March 2016 to February 2017 today.

She has become a beneficiary now. Social welfare department gave the pension scheme to Chaobi under a special case.

Chaobi will receive the pension benefits from time to time in the years to come.

 Deputy director, Jiteshwor thanked the media for bringing out such a story.

In today’s handing over of the pension money, he was accompanied by research officer W. Birhari, N. Jotish devi, district social welfare officer, Thoubal and other staffs.

It may be mentioned that Mainam ningol Chaobi devi (87), who was blind ever since birth, was living without getting any pension benefits from the government.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | Aug 26

A 78 year old, sick man hailing from Singat village was reportedly deprived of medical test at a facility in Churachandpur district hospital, forcing him to leave and do the test by himself at a private clinic paying the price triple times higher to that of the government hospital.

Suangin (78) from Singat, which is about 32 km from Lamka, had come for a check-up and was told by doctors to take the Rante Blood Sugar (RBS) and Kidney Function Test (KFT) at the district hospital last Saturday.

When he went for the test, the staff of bio chemistry department asked him to come on Monday, so he stayed at his daughter’s place. But to his surprise, he was again told on Monday to come the next day.

Since he was very sick and fragile, he approached the district superintendent. 

The district superintendent told the department technicians to take the test as the patient was weak and making him wait for more days will not be in the best interest of his health.

But on the contrary, the technician at the bio chemistry department became more aggressive towards him and allegedly told that that since they approach the MS, they will never do the test for him.

 The son in law of the patient, his friends along with local press men further took up the case to the MS, who became visibly upset that his request was negated by his own staff and promised that he will look into the matter. 

 On the next day, local press men went to inquire at the department as a man from New Lamka had also made complaints to the hospital authority that his blood test was wasted by the biochemistry department.

 While one of the lady staff was talking to them, another questionably took photos of the pressmen inside the biochemist room using her mobile phones which did not go well with the scribes who asked her to delete the photo. The pressmen also came to know that many ASHA workers also had problems with the department. 

It was also found that the department in charge, Dr. Prem rarely attends his duty and would be on leave for most of the days.

Many patients also narrated similar incidents of waiting for blood tests only to hear the technicians of biochemistry department telling them that they have not done the test and cannot avail the testing facility for them.

IMPHAL | Aug 26

After the weather forecast report of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) of occurrence of heavy to very heavy rainfall measuring 115.6 to 204.4 mm in most places of the state during the next 72 hours, under-secretary (Relief and DM), government of Manipur, Bidyarani Ayekpam has directed all the deputy commissioners to make the 24×7 district control room operational to attend distress call from public.

A release issued by under-secretary (Relief and DM) said that all the deputy commissioners are advised to take necessary steps to mitigate the impending flood situation in the state and added that state level control room functioning at Disaster Management Institute (DMI) may be reached at helpline number 0385-2443441.

It further said that joint secretary (Relief and DM), government of Manipur and other directorate level officers are deputed to receive calls from the public at the state level and to coordinate with DCs and directorate level officers.

The helpline numbers of the nodal officers at State Disaster Control room are 9436035836 and 9856292805, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 26

Additional Director General of Police (HG), Chr. Doungel clarified that the Supreme Court did not give direction to increase Home Guard salary. The court has given only guidelines, he added.

Briefing media persons today at Manipur Police head quarter, Babupara, Imphal, Doungel said that the matter of increasing the home guard allowance has been taken up in the state Home department but the Centre has not sanction any extra budget for the home guard.

He said that the contention of the home guards personnel that 90 percent of their salary will be given by central government is wrong. The Centre has sanctioned only Rs. 4500 as monthly allowance for each personnel, he said, adding the state alone has to bear the financial responsibility if in case the allowance is to be increased.

Speaking on the matter of home guard personnel who never attended their duties, he said that an enquiry will be conducted very soon and action will be taken up. The monthly allowance of the home guard personnel is delivered through their bank account from the year 2012, so there will be no cases of corruption in giving their monthly allowance, said the additional DGP.

He further said that such guidelines given by the Supreme Court is still not implemented in any states of the country.

Regarding the matter of keeping separate battalion for women home guard Doungel said he will discuss the matter with other officials in order to implement it.

From Our Correspondent

MOREH | Aug 26

Miscreant exploded a bomb this evening near LIC office situated at Moreh ward no.3.

The bomb explosion took place at around 7.30 pm. Although there is no report of any casualty the blast impact damaged the wall of a photo studio and also shattered window panes of the LIC office.

A team of police commando led by Moreh SDPO rushed to the spot and inspected the blast site. The motive behind the blast is yet to be ascertained till the time of filing this report.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 25

A team of eleven tourists from Spain including women stayed at a house at Thanga Ngaram Leikai. They helped in the cooking, ate what the host eat, and enjoyed the state’s traditional dance and sport, to be left fascinated.  

They are from Barcelona, Spain who arrived on August 22.

The tour is organised by Quimet Martinez as a monsoon trail starting from Guwahati Haflong with Dimasa, Hmar and Kukis, Jaintias and Khasis at Meghalaya, Angamis at Nagaland and Meiteis in Manipur.

This kind of trip has been organised before but this is the first time that Manipur has been included.

Host Oinam Maipakchao said that this is a means of sustainable tourism. The locals are empowered and earn revenue from the tourist with whatever they can offer. At the same time providing a homely atmosphere which further educates the tourist about our social bonds and culture is a rewarding experience, he added.

Mapiakchao entertained the tourist educating them of what this land is all about. At the same time, revenue was generated by the residents thus empowering the locals and promoting tourism.

During their stay the tourists were taken to Keibul Lamjao national park. They were lucky enough to watch the Sangai particularly at a time when they are seen coming out very rarely during this season.

The Spaniards expressed their happiness to be able to visit the floating national park, Keibul Lamjao. Besides they were taken to a firoi ceremony in the locality, which introduced them to yet another journey into the ritual ceremonies and the food preparation of community feast. 

They were later taken on the canoes and showed them how the fisher folks lived, how they survive on the lake atop the floating bio-mass. The aquatic plants like heikrak, yelli, thangjing, thambou etc. were gathered and they were shown how the dishes were prepared from them.

They had a sumptuous meal with the local fishermen of Langol Saabi area. After coming back from there the tourist were taken to Thanga island by boat and given a tour.

In the evening, the tourist were shown some cultural shows which commenced with a pena recital, they were also briefed on the importance of the cultural aspects and the importance of the musical instruments.

 A Leima jagoi was also showcased and the tourists were given a brief synopsis about the dance and how it displays the beginning of creation. The evening culminated with a thabal chongba and the Spaniards also joined in with delight. The women were also dressed up in traditional potlois later. The tourist also donated generously to the cultural troops. After the program, they helped in preparing dinner.

Orphanage properties worth Rs. 25 lakh swept away by rising Barak torrents

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI |Aug 26 

An unexpected and sudden burst of wrath of the Barak river rendered 120 orphans homeless early this morning. The river, suddenly swollen by a cloudburst, flooded the campus of Compassionate Children Ministries, one of the biggest orphan care home, at Kathikho Karong in Senapati district.

The heavy downpour last night caused the Barak river  to rise unprecedentedly flooding the entire campus of Compassionate Children Ministries Caring Home and Compassion Residential Academy carrying away properties worth around Rs. 25 lakhs.

The river torrent which rampaged through the heart of the orphanage campus washed away all the properties including utensils, furniture, keyboard, PA system at the chapel hall, livestock raised to fund the orphanage, books, notebooks, clothing of the children, other personal belongings and even a Swift car parked inside the campus belonging to the Home proprietor. Four classrooms were also completely destroyed.

The devastating flood ravaged everything that stood on its path and left the children without a home, food, spare cloths and other basic amenities leaving them to battle the bad weather and water contamination exposing them to danger of illnesses.

At Veiwland colony, more than one kilometer village road was destroyed by torrents rushing down from numerous streams. The mud washed down by the water entered more than twenty houses and destroyed furnitures and food items worth Rs. 30 Lakhs. It was also reported that at Yapao Colony, Senapati road and vehicles were left half buried in mud. 

Speaking to media persons, Robin Raomai Heni, care giver of Compassionate Children Ministry lamented that the sound of water tanks and other utensils falling woke him up at around 2 am. “When I got up from the bed the water level reached almost my knee and I immediately rushed towards the children and rescued them”, he said.

However, within a short span of 15 minute the water level reached almost neck level and we could not save anything from the wrath of the catastrophic flood, he added while conveying the tremendous hardships faced by the children and the Ministries.

Visibly disheartened Robin said that Compassionate Children Ministries Caring Home and Residential Academy is the same Ministry under the banner of Compassionate Children Ministries while adding that they have been working voluntarily for the past one decade and as of now they have 120 children giving them free education till seven standards and from VIII to till XII.  The home sends the children to other school but sheltered here in the campus, he said.

He continued that the school is mainly for drop out children, orphaned, abandoned, surrendered and living under below poverty line children.  “We accept all kind of children those even disowned by the society. Our mission is to nurture them and make them a responsible member of the society”, he said.

Further Robin said, “They come to us without knowing a word of English but they create history of our orphanage by scaling the tough competitive HSLC and HSSLC examination with flying colour”.

Responding quickly with the crisis situation, the Youth Act and Herald Today, a daily newspaper published in Senapati DHQs has collectively set up a dedicated relief material collection center at the Herald Today’s Head office in Senapati DHQs while immediate relief has been provided by the District Administration and others individuals.

The relief material collection center is accepting donations towards providing relief to the victims of the CCM flood.  Relief materials that are of immediate requirements are dry ration (rice, vegetables, biscuits etc), basic medicine, water, cloths, plastic sheets, sanitary napkins, blankets, books, notebooks and stationeries for the students along with cash for meeting the daily needs of the orphans and also help rebuild the orphanage.

While conveying his heartfelt gratitude to all those who addressed their grievances immediately, Robin urge the state government and authority concerned to help the poor and helpless children.

Newmai News Network

 SENAPATI |AUG 26

Even as internal crisis of the Naga People’s Front persists in Nagaland State, the Manipur State unit of the NPF has resolved that it will “extend support to NPF Central which is in alliance with the BJP in the state as well as at the Centre.”

This resolution was taken today in its ‘office bearers’ meeting’, according to the Manipur State unit of the NPF. It also said that during the meeting it also “unanimously re-affirmed the previous resolution taken in its office bearers’ meeting held on August 12, to continue its alliance with the BJP in Manipur”.

 Today’s meeting condoled the demise of former chief minister Rishang Keishing. The party termed Rishang Keishing as one “veteran politician who was not only recognised as a political figure in the state but a well-known national political leader”.

The Manipur State unit of the NPF also said that Rishang’s demise is a “great loss not only to the Naga society but for the state as a whole.” The party further said, “the vacuum left by his demise cannot be filled again, and that, it is not easy for any leader to grow into such a stature.” The party shared the grief of the family of the departed leader.

The NPF, Manipur State unit also condoled the demise of Nepuni Lossii, father of minister L Dikho. The party said that Nepuni Lossii was a God fearing church leader. It also said that Nepuni was a well-known social leader. “He was a proud father who had given a son to be a leader among the Nagas who is an entrepreneur as well as a politician”, said the NPF, Manipur State unit. While condoling the grief stricken family members of Nepuni Lossii, the party said it shared their pains.

IMPHAL | Aug 26

The NSCN (IM) has clarified that the outfit has not imposed any kind of restrictions regarding the burial of late Rishang Keishing at Bungpa village. A release said it has neither issued direction on the movement of Victor Keishing, son of the late political leader. The news circulated in various newspapers and social media are false, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 26

The public must get rid of the misconception that law is only about court, lawyers or judges. Law is an integral part of democracy which governs the public and the society to impart justice said acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar Singh. 

He was speaking as the chief justice at a one-day legal awareness programme on “Issues relating to Muslim Personal Law” held today at Lilong Higher Secondary Madrassa, Lilong.

The programme was organised by Manipur State Legal Service Authority in association with Students in association with Students Union Lilong Higher Secondary Madrassa and Muslim Advocates’ Legal Services Organisation (MALSO).

He urged the public to make themselves aware about the rights and duties enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The acting chief justice further asked the people of the state to take the opportunity of legal service authority in fighting for their rights.

As to enjoy the full rights under a democratic country and to be an enlightened and a responsible citizen people need to at least have the knowledge of the Preamble and the Fundamental Rights, said the acting chief justice. 

Kotiswar asked the people not to be hesitant in asking question to the legal authority to know the rights as it will help in clearing the doubts and know the rights better.

Supreme Court, advocate, Aatyab Siddique spoke on the topic “Issue related to Muslim Personal Law”

The function was also attended by MALSO president, Md. Jalaluddin and Lilong Higher Secondary Madrassa as presidium members. 

Later the same awareness programme was conducted at Jamia M.U. High School, Azam Nagar, Khabeishoi in association with Jamia Halima Aziz Educational Trust and MALSO.

MOREH | Aug 25

Two IED exploded simultaneously today at 1:50 pm and 1:54 pm at the river bank of Khajing river near Seijang village.

The twin blast occurred 2 km away from Moreh Police Station, along the way to Haolenphai village. A team of SDPO, OC and police commando of Moreh police along with 11 Assam Rifles rushed to the place of explosion and inspected the area. The reason and the group or Individuals behind the blast have not been ascertained till the time of filing this report.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 25

Chief minister, N. Biren assured the demands of Kangleipak Students Association (KSA) will be fulfilled, and he will personally make sure the demands are turned into action as they are genuine.

A six member team of KSA including president of the association met chief minister today at CM secretariat. Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution minister, Karam Shyam, education minister, Th. Radheshyam and DGP also attend the meet.

After the meet, president of KSA, Moirangthem Luxman said N. Biren has assured the that demands of KSA will be fulfilled after a cabinet meeting in relation with the matter at the earliest.

Luxman said the CM has instructed respective deputy commissioners of eight districts and others to find out the exact figures of illegal registration of non-locals in the electoral list within three months.

He said during the meet N. Biren assured to release the three KSA members who were earlier arrested during their agitation, and to withdraw the FIR lodged against them.

KSA condemned ASI Pakpa alias Nandakishore of Mayang Imphal police station for allegedly meting out third degree treatment on Sinam Mohen, father of Sinam James, presently a member of KSA Mayai Lambi zonal council.

In relation to the incident chief minister has instructed Mayang Imphal SP to conduct an enquiry against ASI Pakpa alias Nandakishore of Mayang Imphal police station.

Luxman further said that if the assurance given by CM does not turn his promise into action within three months, several actions will taken up.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 25

General secretary of Manipur Home Guard welfare association, Th. Inaobi demanded the removal of battalion commander’s post as there is no such post for Home Guard.

Speaking to media persons during a press conference held today at the Home Guard head office located at Lamphel, Inaobi said number of Home Guard personnel is 2143 and out of this 1000 Home Guard personnel are enjoying their salary without performing any duties.

She said the 1000 Home Guard personnel paid half of their salary to the battalion commander and skip their duties. She claimed that there is no such post of battalion commander in Home Guard. She also implied that the post might have been created to facilitate corruption and bribery.

Though an anti-corruption cell was created recently by the state in order to remove corruption, the cell has not been able to take any action against such act of corruption by the battalion commander, she said.

She said the Supreme Court has already given an order for the increase in allowances of Home Guard personnel but the state has taken up any initiatives. “We want only the sanctioned allowances and we do not demand anything extra,” Inaobi said.

The five battalion commanders are Md. Zanab Ali of battalion one, Lamphel, Md. Nizamudin of battalion two, I/W, Md. Tolen (incharge ) of battalion three, I/E, Md. Abdul Hei of battalion four, Thoubal and Md. Rashimudin of battalion five, Bishenpur.

Among them Rashimudin is misguiding some Home Guard personnel in order to remain as the battalion commander. Every month the battalion commanders are collecting around Rs. 20 lakhs from the 1000 personnel so that the personnel can escape performing their duties, she claimed.

“Anti-corruption cell should take necessary against the five battalion commanders at the earliest,” Inaobi asserted.

IMPHAL | Aug 25

Students of Wangoo Higher Secondary School along with representatives of Socialist Students Union, Manipur took out a rally today from Keishampat Lemajam Leikai to Keishampat Junction demanding vacant teacher posts in their school be filled at the soonest.

The students were trying to march to the education minister’s office but police stop them at Keishampat Junction. Later five students were permitted to meet and submit memorandum to the education minister.

Speaking to media persons, SSUM publicity secretary, N. Tanoranjan claimed that the school has only 10 teaching staff and 550 students. Everybody will agree it is literally impossible for 10 teachers to handle 550 students, he added.

Moreover the school is faced with lack of classrooms, improper toilets, lack of a peon as well as non-availability of materials for practical classes in the laboratory, he added.

It is very unfortunate that the government is not looking into the matter and allowing the government school, where many poor students are studying to deteriorate, said Tanoranjan.

The students appealed to the government to look into this matter and take up positive action.