Category: Imphal Free Press

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 25

For the first time in the history of Manipur, four MLAs including speaker, Y. Khemchand pledged formally to donate their eyes to facilitate blind people. They signed the pledge today during the inaugural function of the Eye Donation Campaign Fortnight at Iboyaima Sumang Leela Sanglen, Imphal.

The other three MLAs are L. Radhakishore Singh, Sapam Ranjan Singh and Heikham Dingo Singh and the campaign was organised by Samdrushti Kshamata Vikash Evam Anusandhan Mandal (SAKSHAM), Manipur.

As a part of the campaign the chief guest, speaker Y. Khemchand along with the other three MLAs walked blind-folded with other volunteers to highlight the plight of blind people.

Delivering the chief guest speech, Khemchand said that his heart is touched by the plight of blind people as they are not able to see the colour and beauty of nature.

Donating eyes after death will be a great contribution to uplift the misery of blind people and is an act of true humanity, he added.

The president of the function, MLA, L. Radhakishore said that because of the advance of medical science, people affected with polio have been on a decline. Donating eyes after death will be great contribution in doing the same for blind people, giving them a whole new life.

He appealed to the people to join the campaign and pledge to contribute their eyes with pride as it will be the greatest gift they can think of giving blind people and humanity.

Giving the key note address, SAKSHAM general secretary, Jasobanta Sapam said that reason for very low number of eye donor in the state is lake of awareness among general public, insufficient facilities in hospitals and social and religious myths.

He said that eyes transplantation is the most successful organs transplants and the rate of successful surgery is 95 percent.

Jasobanta appealed to the people of the state to pledge to donate their eyes to give a new life to blind people.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 25

The traffic police in maintaining regulation have not spared even armed forces from breaking traffic norms.  A truck belonging to the CRPF( MH-14V/7798) was parked at a no parking zone today afternoon near Khuyathong traffic point. A team led by Traffic DSP Rattana arrived at the spot and clamped down the wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle was fined and later released.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Aug 25

Awangbou Newmai, parliamentary secretary of Minor Irrigation, CADA, Agriculture and PWD, Government of Manipur has assured to restore the damaged suspension bridge over Barak river at Namtiram village before forthcoming of Christmas.

He was speaking at the mammoth gathering at Namtiram village under Tousem sub-division during his maiden inspection to the damaged suspension bridge.

The landslide with big rocks had damaged the stringing of suspension bridge over Barak river between Tousem sub-division and Tamenglong district on August 16.

The parliamentary secretary was accompanied by Tamenglong ADC members including Pouhotlung Panmei, Charles Liangdiyang, Ramning Pame, Micah Panmei, Deputy Commissioner of Tamenglong, Armstrong Pame, SDO Tousem S Khupboi Aimol, assistant engineer, Bridge Division, PWD Manipur, Irom Irabot Singh, executive engineer, PWD Tamenglong Division, N. Gunadwaja.

Awangbou Newmai further said that he had come to inspect the damaged suspension bridge and study to construct a permanent bridge. He said that more than 40 to 50 villages’ life line has been cut off. The bridge must be constructed as early as possible even though there is no fund allotted, he added.

He further informed that the chief minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh and other officials to take initiative concerning the plight of the Tousem area. He also urged all to give full cooperation and support to all government officials posted at Tousem division.

While speaking about the damaged suspension bridge, Armstrong Pame mentioned how he faced hardship when Makhru bridged was swiped by flood water while he was posted as SDO in Tousem.

Meanwhile, Light Commercial Vehicles Association, Tamenglong also submitted a memorandum urging the parliamentary secretary to maintain the ring road. The association also sponsored vehicles to reach Barak river during the parliamentary secretary’s visit to the damaging bridge.

Chairman of Namtiram Village Authority, ID Arangbou, expressed his disappointment to the authority concerned for not checking and maintaining the bridge despite of several petitions.  He further expressed his gratitude to Armstrong Pame, for providing financial assistant to construct temporary bridges and for donating one boat. He also thanked ADC members, Ramning Pame and Micah Panmei.

I D Arangbou also submitted a memorandum to the parliamentary secretary to include in the work programme to construct new Barak bridge at Namtiram village.

IMPHAL | Aug 25

IGP of Delhi Police, Robin Hibu has alerted the people of north-east India in a notice issued by him in social media and others, to avoid travelling in Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan and especially NCR regions (Panchkula, Ghaziabad, Sirsa, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida, Punjab).

It said, after conviction of Ram Rahim by court, supporters went on a rampage and there have been serious report of violence and arson in the particular places. Many people are reportedly injured and few are believed to be killed ‘ in the violence. Curfew imposed on many areas in the mentioned places.

The IGP further informed to send sms or WhatsApp to his 9810083486 if anyone is in the curfew imposed locations or look out for Gurdwaras or any police station if anyone is stranded. He also advised north-east people working or studying in the areas to take leave for two days and look out for other north-east people in their areas to stay together.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 25

Manipur University Tribal Students Union (MUTSU) and All Tribal Student Union, Manipur (ATSUM) urged the authority concerned to review the Manipur University entrance examination, 2017 and adopt the 31 per cent reservation as per the High Court order and UGC clarification.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal, MUTSU, president, Duigaipao said that the tribal students are shocked to learn that the authority of MU did not follow the 31 per cent reservation norm for tribal students in the result of MU entrance examination which was declared on August 23.

The High Court of Manipur had directed the university to follow the reservation norm of 31 per cent for scheduled tribes on August 21, 2017 and moreover the University Grants Commission had also given a clarification advising adoption of the 31 per cent reservation, he added.

He charged that the authority of MU is misleading the tribal students’ community by trying to divert reserved seats of tribal students in the interest of the general students.

“Where is the meaning of the slogan “people of hills and valley are one” if the tribal students are not given their rightful reservation,” asked the president.  

ATSUM general secretary Seiboi Haokip endorsed this point of view, adding that the same issue come up every year but is never resolved, demonstrating that the authority of MU has never cared about tribal students.

He asked, “What is the agenda behind for increasing the percentage of reservation for other categories and decreasing the percentage of reservation for the tribal students.”

The students associations warned that if the authority of MU failed to give the 31 per cent reservation for the tribal students, the authority has to face the consequences.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 25

Art and Culture minister, Langpoklakpam Jayantakumar Singh said the cultural relationship between Manipur and Tripura should be made firmed especially with those Manipuri settled in Tripura since after Chahi Taret Khuntakpa.

Speaking to media persons during a press conference held today at the conference hall of Old Secretariat, Jayantakumar said the cultural affinity and linkages between the Tripura Manipuri peoples cannot be ignored.

Reviewing the experience of his first visit to Tripura as Art and Culture minister during “Tripura Manipur Socio-Cultural Meet” which was held on August 20 at auditorium hall of Sahid Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel, Agartala, Jayantakumar expressed his desire to renovate and upgrade Ibudhou Puthiba Shanglen and Major Chongthamia memorial at Agartala.

He further said Rs.1.5 lakhs has be sanctioned by the state government as assistance for Ibudhou Puthiba Haraoba festival as an initiative to promote Manipuri art and culture in Tripura.

Jayantakumar also assured that the proposal for constructing a guest house at Agartala for Manipuris will be considered after consultation with the chief minister at the earliest. His personal support and commitment to the proposal is assured, he added.

Minister also appreciated the people of the place for preserving their original cultural identities. He also appealed to the people of Manipur to understand the feelings and longings of the minority Manipuri in Tripura.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | Aug 24

Three members of Patriotic Writers’ Forum were felicitated today at the hall of Institute of Rural Education (IRE), Wangjing, for being recently appointed as the executive members of Film Forum Manipur for the year 2017-2019.

Vice-chairman of Patriotic Writers’ Forum, Yaiskul Khwairakpam and principal of IRE, Narengbam Rajivkumar were the presidium members in the ceremony jointly organised by Patriotic Writers’ Forum and IRE, Wangjing.

On the occasion, the newly appointed chairman of Film Forum, S. Mangoljao, its secretary of information and communication, Rakesh Naorem and executive member O.C. Meira were warmly welcomed on geting their new posts. All of three of them are the key members of Patriotic Writers Forum.

Film actress L. Tonthoi while speaking in the ceremony, said that keeping the idea of supporting each other is a good step. The ability to love a profession can assure success, she added. 

IMPHAL | Aug 24

The State Food Safety commissioner, government of Manipur has notified that all the food business operators in eleven districts namely, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Senapati, Kamjong, Noney, Kangpokpi, Chandel, Pherzwal, Kakching, Tengnoupal and Jiribam to avail the online services for food licence/registration and comply with the provisions of Food Safety Standards Act, 2006 and Rules and Regulations, 2011, said a release.

It said that manual applications will not be entertained by the State Licensing and Registering Authority for food license/registration for the eleven districts of the state in which online services have been launched.

Rishang’s body laid to rest at Mantripukhri

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 24

A pall of gloom descended over the Mantripukhri residence of the former chief minister, Rishang Keishing as his body was laid to rest this afternoon. A sizable number of cross-sections of people including the chief minister, N. Biren were present to pay their last respect.

Several Cabinet colleagues of the chief minister, including deputy chief minister Y. Joykumar, MLAs, top civil and police officers, family members along with their well-wishers took part in the funeral service of the late parliamentarian.

The gathering observed two-minute silence, followed by gun salute by a contingent of the Indian Reserved Battalion as mark of honour to the departed leader.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the funeral service, N. Biren said the nation has loss a tall leader whose guiding light had shown path to many. “The late leader always worked towards uniting the people of the state cutting across religion and ethnic affiliations”, he said, adding “he had wanted us to stay united under one roof”.

On being asked on the last minute change of the funeral site of the late leader out of pressure from the NSCN (IM), Biren brushed aside the question stating that he had just arrived from a tour and had no idea about it.

It may be mentioned that the funeral service was earlier planned to take place at Bungpa village, under Kamjong district the birth place of Rishang. There has been unconfirmed report of NSCN (IM) prohibiting the funeral at the late leader’s native village.

Further the chief minister said the contribution made by the late parliamentarian will never be forgotten. “He had expressed satisfaction on the effort made by the new government to unite the hills and the valley. He advised me never to look back”, added N. Biren.  

Earlier a memorial service was held at the MBC Centre Church in the morning. Speaking on the occasion, work minister, Th. Biswajit said that there will be everlasting peace and harmony in the state if the people of the state follow the ideology of the veteran political leader, Rishang Keishang.

The demise of Rishang is a big loss for the whole country, and no one in the world can replace him, said the minister.

Former chief minister, Okram Ibobi said that till his last breath Rishang was concerned about the welfare and unity of the people of the state.

“Rishang was a man of principle and punctuality, and besides he had great patience, and such quality made him one of the greatest politician leaders ever,” added Ibobi.

He can be referred as the teacher of many politician of the state as he gave lots of valuable advice and suggestions to most of the politician, continued the former chief minister.

Among others, Irrigation and Flood Control minister, Letpao Haokip, MLA, L. Radhakishore, BJP spokesperson, former MLA O. Joy, Lok Sabha MP, Thangso Baite, Lok Sabha MP, Thokchom  Meinya  along with others opposition MLAs attended the funeral service.

The memorial service was also attended by MBC general secretary, W. Konghar as minister and MBC Central Church, pastor, L. Simon Raomai as master of the ceremony.

Manipur Pradesh Congress party also paid tribute to Rishang Keishing at the Congress Bhavan, BT Road. Leaders and workers of the party gathered to pay tribute to the leader, whose body was brought to the Party office before the funeral service.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 24

The Supreme Court has asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that it would be appropriate to appoint a senior officer at least the rank of DIG to lead the SIT team to investigate the fake encounter killings of Manipur.

Acting on the petition filed by the extra judicial execution victim families association, Manipur (EEVFAM) against extra judicial killing cases of 1528, the apex court on July 14 directed the CBI to form a special investigating team (SIT) for inquiring into fake encounter killings of Manipur.

As per the direction the CBI on July 27 last constituted a five men SIT team headed by the SP of CBI, New Delhi.

The petition was heard on Wednesday by a division bench comprising of Justice Madan, B. Lokur and Justice Uday Umesh Lalit.

During the hearing the bureau submitted before the SC that the order of the court was complied with by forming an SIT headed by SP rank.

The team will scrutinise various cases which have already been investigated by the higher and lower courts, commissions and Manipur Human Rights Commission and chargesheeted. The team is to submit their report to the Supreme Court by December 31, 2017.

The SC observed that it will be appropriate if a senior officer at least of the rank of DIG is appointed by the Director, CBI (if already not appointed) to monitor the investigation so that the investigation can be concluded expeditiously.

Given the 98 number of cases, the Court questioned whether the five men team would be enough to take up all the cases.

In response, the counsel of the respondents submitted before the court that although the SIT was headed by an SP the entire operation was to be carried out under the supervision of officer above the rank of SP.

With regards to the number of strength, the respondent’s counsel reportedly submitted that if required the investigation team will used man from other agencies.

In the meantime, division bench also made it clear that members of the team (SIT) should not be changed without leave of the court and should exclusively undertake the task in terms of the directive, except with regards to any pending matter which is nearing conclusion. The same directive will apply equally to the monitoring officers, added the SC.

From Our Correspondent

BISHNUPUR | Aug 24

The 45th foundation day of Kanglei Enat Yokkhatpa Lup (KEYL) Nambol was held today at the community hall of Nambol Bazar.

On the occasion, founder secretary, K.M. Blooming School, Khangabok Thobal, Kh. Menjor, president KEYL, Nambol, N. Tomal, social workers, Ayam Meriaba and L. Naba Khuman attended as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

In regards to the foundation day, a total of 35 men and women from Nambol area were given old age pensions of Rs. 5000 each which was the amount for one year. Amongst the news reporters of the district, Dr. H. Romen was awarded with a customary shawl for performing his duties well.

Menjor said that the works done by KEYL to promote culture, social work and healthy relationships amongst the people are worthy of praise. The act of providing financial support to the age old people is highly motivating and truly honourable. He gave his prayers that the organisation may be able to provide such financial support every year.

IMPHAL | Aug 24

Consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister, Karam Shyam today said measures have been taken up, to check the sale of LPG cylinders in the black market. He was speaking as the chief guest during the LPG Safety Clinic cum Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Awareness programme.

Shyam said a survey has been completed and a meeting with the officials of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) will be held to check the sale of LPG cylinders in the grey market. He also said a meeting with the LPG distributors will be held, to find out beneficiaries having multiple LPG connections.

LPG cylinders from consumers having multiple connections are allegedly sold in the black market, he added.

Expressing concern over the low numbers of beneficiaries availing the benefits of the PMUY scheme, the minister said more awareness programmes are needed for the target beneficiaries.

Since the launch of the PMUY Scheme in the State on June 5, the total numbers of beneficiaries who have installed LPG connections are just 8,572 (till August 21, 2017) and 13,119 application cleared (till August 21, 2017).

Further the minister urged distributors, IOC officials, and stakeholders for more active participation for enrolling beneficiaries so that the scheme can reach the targeted 2.43 lakh beneficiaries eligible for the scheme.

Speaking as the guest of honour, Stephen Chinkhanson Guite, Manager- LPG Sales, Imphal II urged the consumers to follow the guideline of one LPG connection per house to curb the shortage of LPG cylinders.

Urging the distributors to upgrade their services to include home delivery, SMS services among others, Stephen Chinkhanson Guite urged the distributors to identify women beneficiaries within their trading area to make the scheme successful.

As part of the function, K. Shyam gave LPG connection to 88 women beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and a safety demonstration was held for the LPG consumers. Shri Wairokpam Gonendro Singh, Advisor- AMUCO, Manipur attended the function as the President, which was organised by M/s Mahalakshmi Indane Gas.

IMPHAL | Aug 24

The Khurai Thangjam Leikai Apunba Nupi Lup urged the government to take up legal action against one Ngairambam Bhubaneshwore (26) of Leirikyengbam Leikai for alleged sexual assault of a 5 year-old girl today.

Speaking to media persons today, the victim’s mother said that her daughter was not present at her school when her uncle went to pick up her from the school.

The mother said that she was waiting on the road side for her daughter but suddenly she saw Bhubaneshwore coming out from their house.

When she went inside their house she found her daughter crying sitting on the bed and when she asked her daughter explained the matter to her, she said.

She said that a case has been lodged to the Porompat police station regarding the matter, and according to police they said that the culprit was arrested today evening.

Sources said that angry mob has vandalised the room of Bhubaneshwore after the incident came to light.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | Aug 24

Kangleipak Students’ Union district committee, Thoubal have organised today a demonstration at Lamding as a part of the ongoing agitations for the demand of introducing a law that prevents non locals from entering into politics.   

The demonstration was held by blocking a section of the road that connects Sangaiyumfam and Lamding i.e. from EEO Club to Lamding water supply scheme. A large number of students from Progressive English School, Lamding took part in the demonstration.

Playcards that said ‘Reservations should be made for indigenous people, starting from 8 districts and further towards all the remaining districts where non locals are in dominion’, ‘cancel the existing names of non-locals from the electoral role’, ‘the promises made by the CM on July 31, 2017 must be turned into actions’, ‘create a government free of non-locals to save the indigenous people’ etc. were displayed.

The student leaders expressed their wishes that pressure groups, Ima lups and students should support them.

IMPHAL | Aug 24

Two days workshop for supervisory officers of Customs and enforcement officials was inaugurated today by chief secretary of Manipur, Sh. RR Rashmi.

A release said, the workshop will focus on implementing the policy and enforcement component of India’s HCFC phase out management plan. During the function, the chief secretary highlighted the role of India in phasing out of HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) and HFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) substances under the Montreal Protocol. He also emphasised about the role of enforcement officials in checking the illegal trade of the items taking place in different parts of the country. Additional chief secretary of Manipur, Shambhu Singh also gave awareness to the participants about the need to save the ozone cell for the welfare of mankind.

Chief commissioner of Customs and GST, NE region, Wilson Hangsing stressed about the role of customs in protection of ozone cell by checking illegal smuggling of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). While senior programme representative of UNEP, Atul Bagai explained the role and responsivities of customs in implementing HCFC phase out plan of the country and also told the participants to make maximum use of the workshop.

The workshop was organised by National Academy of Customs, Indirect Tax and Narcotics, Faridabad in collaboration with Ministry of Environment and Forest under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The workshop was attended by more than 25 officers of customs, GST and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.

IMPHAL | Aug 24

President of Manipur People’s Party (MPP), O. Jugindro Singh have expressed condolences over the demise of former chief minister, Rishang Keishing.

The works done by the leader Rishang Keishing during his lifetime will enter into the pages of history, said a release. His deeds will be studied by the present and the future generations as he was a leader who brought a new direction to the people of Manipur and India as a whole, it said. The president of the party prays for the departed soul and shares the grief of the bereaved family, it added.

IMPHAL | Aug 23

The governor of Odisha, S.C. Jamir has expressed heartfelt condolence on the sudden demise of former chief minister and Parliamentarian, Rishang Keishing yesterday.

In his message, he said, “Having imprisoned during the student days for participating in country’s freedom struggle and later drawn to politics from teaching profession Keishing has the distinction of not only being the member of the first Lok Sabha from Manipur but also represented the state in both Houses of Parliament for the longest period in the history of the state”.  “As the chief minister of Manipur, he served the state with great passion and commitment. Keshing, the tallest figure in North East has vast contribution to the development of North East in general and Manipur in particular”, it said.

It further said, “Besides being a leader of great stature he had been personally been an excellent sportsman and specialised in Javelin throw. Both of us shared intimate relation both in personal as well as political life”.

“Late Keishing will always be remembered for his value based politics and as a popular leader of the masses. His passing away is an irreparable loss to the state and a great personal loss to me”, it added.

IMPHAL | Aug 23

The governor of Manipur, Najma Heptulla expressed heartfelt condolences on the sudden demise of former chief minister and Parliamentarian, Rishang Keishing yesterday.

In her message, she said, “He dedicated his whole life for the development of the people of the state. He served the State and the person tirelessly throughout his life and his passing away is an irreparable loss which is difficult to fill up.” 

It further said that she shared the loss and sorrow and prayed that family members and the people of Manipur may have the strength to bear his loss and for his soul to rest in peace.

IMPHAL | Aug 23

The 12 artistes’ team of the Rhythms of Manipur has returned home on August 22 after successful presentation of folk music performance at Vientiane the capital of Loas People’s Democratic Republic.

A release said the team led by Rajkumar Sanatomba a panel artiste of the Festival of India Abroad Cell of the Ministry of Culture and founder artiste of the Rhythms of Manipur gave about one and half hour music performance at the Don Chan Palace Hotel on August 20 evening.

The event was organised by the embassy of India, Vientiane in connection with the 70th anniversary of India’s Independence and also to mark the 25th anniversary of India-ASEAN relations, it said.

The performance was witnessed by one deputy minister of the Laos, People’s Democratic Republic, Ravi Shankar Aisola, ambassador, embassy of India, diplomatic Staff of the embassy of India, Indian community and local audience.

All present at the event enjoyed at the fine music performance and expressed their desire to host the event again. The tour was sponsored by ministry of Culture, it added.

IMPHAL | Aug 23

The Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Y. Khemchand today condoled the demised of former chief minister Rishang Keishing who expired yesterday at RIMS ICU.

In a statement the Speaker said, “It is a great sadness to the country to see the loss of such a great and oldest parliamentarian, whose contribution towards the cause of the state would ever remain unforgettable”.

“It is highly commendable that he was elected as member of the parliament to the first Lok Sabha from the outer parliamentary constituency of Manipur under the Indian Socialist Party in 1952 and then sworn in as the 11th chief minister of Manipur on November 27, 1980”, it said.

1. Khemchand also extended his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and prayed that the god give strength to bear the loss.