Category: Imphal Free Press

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 22

The Film Forum Manipur (FFM) maintaining that the Manipuri cinema is at the receiving end due to frequent interference, appealed to all concerned to refrain from giving further hindrances to secure the future of the cinema.

Speaking to media persons during a press interaction at the Manipur press club, S. Mangaoljao, FFM chairman, said it is a well-known fact the future of Manipuri cinema hangs in the balance for several reason. But, despite the fact, inference from various pressure groups continues putting the cinema at the receiving end, he said.

 The forum chairman appealed to all concerned to stop asking for donations and monetary demands of any forms.

Mangaolja further appealed to all concerned to avoid the trend of imposing frequent ban on Manipuri cinema for unintended error committee by film makers.

“As a human being we make mistakes. There may be loopholes while making a film but instead of targeting the film by banning it. We request any concerned groups to approach the forum and settle any issue amicably”, said Mangoljao.

The FFM chairman informed that the forum has reviewed its norm with regards to screening and producing Manipuri cinema.

Spelling of some of the new norms, he said that the forum will start conducting preview of film and music video weekly basis, every Saturday.

To do so film maker or producers are asked to approach the forum for the preview with relevant document on Friday, he said before adding that fine would be imposed if any of the film makers crosses the stipulated timeline.

He further informed that fine will also be imposed on producers or film makers, to seek registration of the title prior to filming.

To put up advertisement for films, to screen Manipuri cinema and music video through cable TV outside Imphal etc, permission should be sought from the forum failing which action would be taken against the producers, warned Mangoljao.

IMPHAL | Aug 22

Kangliepak Student’s Association (KSA) called off the 48 hours general strike which was scheduled from August 23 to 27 after coming to terms with the minister of CAF and PD, Karam Shayam and DGP L. M. Khaute, this evening.

Sources said that it was agreed between the two parties that a further meeting will be held along with the chief minister at 3 pm on August 25. It was resolved that the arrested students will be released without any conditions within the next 3 days, it said.

It was also agreed upon that the ongoing search and arrest of students is to be stopped altogether, the source continued.

DIMAPUR |Aug 21 (NNN)

Tension ran high as one of the two rival factions of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) is all set to hold central executive council (CEC) meeting in Kohima tomorrow.

Former Chief Minister of Nagaland Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu who is leading the other faction of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) said the meeting of CEC of NPF led by Neiphiu Rio scheduled for tomorrow in Kohima as illegal and unauthorised.

“Take notice that this meeting is illegal, unauthorised by me or the CEC and is thus unconstitutional. Those who attend this illegal meeting will be doing so at his/ her risk of being automatically disqualified/ debarred/ suspended from the Naga People’s Front ‘s primary and active membership,” said Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu in a statement.

Meanwhile, NPF led by Dr Shurhozelie said in another statement that, “it has come to the notice of the Naga People’s Front, central headquarters, that an unauthorised person by the name of Thangsat Kuki, formerly office secretary of the NPF and presently with the Rio group, has been circulating on the social media an illegal circular calling for a meeting of the CEC on August 22”.

Pointing out a clause in the party constitution, the Dr Shurhozelie group said, “Article IV (3) (c) (iii) of the Constitution of the NPF party clearly states that ‘any member of the Party may requisition a meeting of the CEC by presenting to the president a memorandum signed by 1/3rd or more of the CEC and such a meeting be convened within 15 days from the date of receipt.”’

Meanwhile, the Neiphiu Rio led NPF said that the ‘Media and Press Bureau’ of Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu “has no legality in propagating the agenda of the minority group since the voice of the majority in the Legislature and the Party set up is solidly behind Neiphiu Rio who has been popularly chosen to lead the NPF party”.

The Rio NPF camp also added, “If there is any illegality anywhere, it is with the minority NPF group and its ‘Misinformation and Propaganda Bureau’ which is relentlessly trying to confuse the people with concocted versions and misinterpretations of the laws of the country and the Constitution of the NPF.”

 The Rio led NPF then said that the rival group “utterly disregarded the voice of the majority” and contended, “It has now become incumbent upon Neiphiu Rio to function as the full-fledged President of the NPF party.”

By A Staff Reporter

AGARTALA | Aug 21

United Committee Manipur (UCM) in association with Programme Committee Tripura have organised the Tripura Manipur socio cultural meet at Sahid Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel, Agartala, Tripura. 

Minister of art and culture, L. Jayantakumar who attended the meet as the chief guest, said a statue of major Chongthamiya, who took a big role in the war against the British and later exiled from his birthplace, to breathe his last in Naran Kharam village, Tripura, will be erected in the village.

 The occasion was attended by member of Meetei Students Union, Tripura, Sahitya Parishad and representatives of civil organisations. Jayantakumar further expressed that the meet was crucial and necessary for strengthening the bond between those Manipuris who had been staying at the said village.

He further urged that the people should not shy away from trying to find out their identity. One must try to protect one’s identity. The Manipuris who had settled at different places should not feel disheartened for being a minority. They should rather try to maintain their identity. Otherwise, fear will enter their lives when they are unable to know their roots, he added.

 It may be mentioned that major Chongthamiya (1841 – 1908) whose real name was Chongtham Iboton, was sent as a spy in disguise of a Muslim by Chandrakirti to draw information from the Muslims who were revolting against him. Chongthamiya was successful in his task and prevented much bloodshed from happening.  

He was an individual who took a major role in the war against the British. On May 12, 1891, a death sentence was passed against him for conspiring against the queen of England. He was to be hung on May 15, 1891. One the day of execution, a new order was passed and he was exiled to Andaman Nicoabar where he stayed till 1896. After his release, he went to Radha Kunda and Brindavan as the British prevented him from returning back to Manipur.

He arrived at Tripura in 1898 to stay with his relatives at Naran Kharan village, and last breathed his last there in 1908.   

President of UCM, Elangbam Johnson speaking on the occasion said that the effort to maintain a good relationship with Manipuris who has settled outside is crucial. He said Manipuris who have settled outside the state should not be bogged down by inferiority complex. One should be proud to assert his/her identity, he added. Johnson further said that UCM will provide all necessary help to the Manipuris who are settled in Tripura to get equal political and social rights.

Veteran writer of Tripura, L. Birmangal Singh and chairman of the reception committee, N. Niranjan Datta Das also attended the function as presidium members.

IMPHAL | Aug 21

The government of Manipur has notified complete ban on the use of plastic carry bags of more than fifty microns in thickness with immediate effect. Any person found using such plastics bags will be punished under Section 15 Environment protection Act, 1966.

A release signed by the deputy secretary of forest and environment, government of Manipur said the notification is in pursuance of Section 4 of the Plastic Waste Management rule, 2016, notified by the ministry of environment, forests and climate change, government of India.

It said the notification specifically directs the manufacturers, imported stocking, distributors, sellers and users of plastic bags, plastic sheets or similar to it, or cover made of plastic sheet and multi-layered packaging.

Further the release said whoever fails to comply with the notification under the said Act is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or with fine which may extend to Rs one lakh, or with both and in case the failure or contravention continues, with additional fine which may extend to Rs 5000 for every day during which such failure or contravention after the conviction for the failure or contravention.

If the failure or contravention referred to in the above mentioned clause continues beyond a period of one year after the date of conviction the offender shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, added the release.

IMPHAL | Aug 21

The Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) has called 48 hours general strike from the midnight of August 23.

A release signed by its president Moirangthem Lakshman said that the general strike is a protest against the ill treatment by the state government towards the activists of indigenous rights in Manipur.

KSA has requested all the individuals, clubs, Meira Paibi leaders and other organisations to support the general strike. It further stated that plying of vehicles will be strictly banned during the 48 hours except for the purpose of medical, ritual ceremonies and other emergencies.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |Aug 21

 Nagaland chief minister TR Zeliang has expressed hope that the government of India would work out a formula for “inclusiveness” and that all “stakeholders” would be taken into account before signing of final ‘Framework Agreement’, according to a release of the chief minister’s office.

TR Zeliang said this during his meeting with a three-member delegation of Nagaland Gaon Burah Federation (NGBF) in Kohima today when the latter called on him at his office chamber to apprise him of their (NGBF) recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

TR Zeliang has assured the delegation to look into the matter at the earliest and urged them to play a constructive role to voice fearlessly for the unity of all Nagas. 

The NGBF delegation also submitted the copies of memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and Centre’s interlocutor for Naga peace talks RN Ravi, in which they appealed the government of India to take on board all the “stakeholders” for final solution, it added.

NGBF president L. ShahlemKonyak presented a Bible and a ‘law book’ as a token of appreciation to the chief minister for being supportive and extending financial assistance in the past.

NGBF general secretary Shikuto Zalipuwhile congratulating TR Zeliang on his comeback to chair as chief minister informed him that the 15-member delegation of GBs also met R.N. Ravi, Th. Muivah and Khole separately at Delhi to urge them for inclusiveness of all stakeholders.

On the issue of Rongmei tribe recognition, Zalipu informed the CM that they held talks with Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) on the issue earlier during which the council clarified that they were not opposed to recognition of those 1313 and their ancestors who settled in Nagaland before statehood in 1963. In this connection, Zalipu urged the CM to implement the cabinet order so that children of those early Rongmei settlers do not suffer.

Zalipu also cited the allotment of plot for construction of office for Nagaland GBFederation at old DC’s office that has been pending in Secretariat office for long. Further, the delegation requested the chief minister to issue a vehicle for the federation, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug  21

International award winning filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar yet again makes history with his debut feature film Loktak Lairembee by entering in competition section at the prestigious Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA), the region’s highest accolade in film.

In collaboration with Paris based UNESCO and FIAPF-International Federation of Film Producers Associations, this year’s award will be held on November 23 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in Brisbane, Australia.

Paban’s Loktak Lairembee has created history for Manipuri cinema by becoming the first film from Manipur to compete for this prestigious international award. Since the inception of APSA, thousands of films from the region have competed in the international event, demonstrating a rich state of diversity, telling a unique story from its country of origin.

The Asia Pacific Screen Academy has forged an international academy in alliance with the European Film Academy which presents the prestigious annual European Film Awards. The Academy encourages dialogue, collaboration and business opportunities for the region’s filmmakers.

It may be mentioned that the film Loktak Lairembee had created waves with its entry at the prestigious 67th Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year, followed by winning the German Star of India award at the 14th Indian Film Festival of Stuttgart Germany.

The film was also awarded the Best Environment Film at the 64th National Film Awards 2017, Special Mention – Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, 26th G. Aravindan Puruskaram for the Best Debut Director 2016, FIPRESCI India Critics Award – 9th Bengaluru International Film Festival 2017, Silver Bodhisattva Award – 2nd Bodhisattva International Film Festival 2017.

It also won the prestigious Golden Gateway Award at the 18th Mumbai Film Festival last year and the NETPAC Award (Asian Select) at the 22nd Kolkata International Film Festival 2016.

It was world premiered at the Asian New Currents of the 21st Busan International Film Festival held in the Korean city during 2016, screened in the Indian Panorama section of the 47th International Film Festival of India at Goa and took part in many other reputed international and national film festivals.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 21

The Cyber Crime police, Imphal West arrested a person, Brahmacharimayum Naoba Sharma (23) son of B. Deben Sharma of Pangantabi, under Kakching district for misbehaving with a 52 year-old woman through mobile phone by using abusive language every late evening starting from August 8.   

Speaking to media persons the victim said that the Naoba has been calling her every evening. He has been using indecent language with her, so the latter filed a complaint to the Cyber Crime police, Imphal West on August 14.

Five days after filling the complaint, the Cyber Crime police were able to arrest Naoba, she added. The victim extended her appreciation to the Cyber Crime police, who also deal with such criminal acts by using phones, for taking up immediate action the alleged culprit.

She appealed to the public that as a citizen one should not feel hesitant to complain to the police whenever there is any occurrence of such crime.

IMPHAL | Aug 21

Porei Apunba Leimaron Meira Paibi (PALMP), Manipur has sought financial support for treatment of a woman who got struck by lightning on July 29 while working in a paddy field at Kharasom Awang Leikai, Imphal East.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal PALMP, secretary, K. Meirajaobi said that, treatment of Yengkhom Pakpi (59) wife of Y. Dhana of Kharasom Awang Leikai who got injured by lightening is currently going on at Shija hospital.

Currently the hospital bill has reached Rs. 6 lakhs and her family is not in a condition to pay the amount owing to their poor financial status, she added.

The secretary said “As it is an accident similar to natural calamity” PALMP want the government to give financial support for her treatment on humanitarian ground.

Meirajaobi appealed to all the kind hearted people and civil bodies of the state to financially support in Pakpi’s treatment.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 21

Forest and environment minister, Th. Shyamkumar said that the government has been taking up certain steps and measures to conserve Sangai which is the only species found in the state.

He was delivering the chief guest speech during the inaugural function of the one-day state level sensitisation cum consultation workshop on “Conservation of Sangai” for legislators, administrators and media today at Hotel Classic Grande, Imphal.

The consultation workshop was organised by principal chief conservator of forest, head of forest force and director, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun.

He asked the officials of forest department to not to wait for tomorrow in performing their duties and urged them to work at their best level to save the endangered animal with a sense of urgency. 

In order to conserve the animal which represents the state, the officials should also take suggestion from senior citizens who have ample knowledge of conserving and protecting the animal, he added.

Wildlife Institute of India, scientist-G, S.A. Hussain during his short presentation on Sangai conservation said that threat to the continuous survival of Sangai is largely because of single isolated small population, increased probability of diseases, deteriorating habitat condition, lack of connectivity for re-colonisation, biomass demand of the park and inadequate of staff, infrastructure and fund.

He said that considering the fact that the availability of land is a limiting factor in Manipur valley, increasing the size of Keibul Lamjao National Park which is the habitat place of Sangai will be a challenge.

So strengthening the population in the park by preserving and restoring the habitat, reducing mortalities and establishment of second population within the state is a way to conserve the environment, he added.

Moreover steps should be taken up to improve the habitat condition and protection measures, to mobilise the local communities through awareness and sensitisation programmes and to conduct applied research, continued Hussain.

The function was attended by principal chief conservator of Forests and head of Forest force, K. Angami, additional chief secretary Shambhu Singh, MLA, L. Radhakishore and MLA, S. Bira as presidium members.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | Aug 21

Moirangthem Lukhoi, who was arrested for trying to kidnap a 7 year old girl on August 19, was given five days police remand on August 20 at the court of CJM, Thoubal in order to carry out further investigations.

The police are still continuing with their investigative work after registering a kidnapping  charge against Lukhoi (22), son of Ibomcha from Umang Laikon, Heirok part I. Meanwhile, a public meeting was held at Heirok Bazaar regarding the kidnapping incident. Several resolutions were made in the meeting. It was resolved that a JAC of nine members will be formed to bring justice to the case of kidnapping. As the incident was reportedly related with drugs, it was also resolved that a meeting will be held on August 29 with NGOs, clubs, Meira paibis and law enforcement agencies to completely ban drugs and alcohol abuse in Heirok. This resolution was made to prevent further happening of unwanted incidents to the students of the school in future.

Lastly, it was resolved that a reward will be given to Moiranthem Tomba, son of Thambal from Hierok part II, who saved the child from the hands of the kidnapper. 

IMPHAL | Aug 20

Chief minister N. Biren Singh today left Imphal for the national capital to attend chief minister meet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Biren left Imphal this afternoon after attending a meeting of the officer bearers at Imphal hotel followed by a “One day lecture on New Indi Manthan”, organised by the party. The lecture was also attended by Union minister for commerce and industries, Nirmala Sitharaman.

As a preparation for the chief minister’s meet due to be held tomorrow, a meeting was convened at the CM’s secretariat conference hall wherein all the departments heads including top police officers attended.

In the meet, the chief minister was reportedly briefed of the progress of various projects and developmental works taken up by the present government including the law and order situation.

It has been speculated that the chief minister is likely to put up the matter of AFSPA act during the meeting.

It is learnt that tomorrow’s meeting is a routine meeting organised after every two to three months to update the welfare works being taken up by the respective governments. All the chief minister of the BJP ruled state would be present during the meeting.

BJP President Amit Shah will also be attending the meeting.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 20

Information and public relation minister, Th. Biswajit said that Manipuri language does not belong to only one community but belongs to the whole community of the state.

He was delivering the chief guest speech on the state level celebration function of 26th Manipuri Language Day today at Iboyaima Sumang Leela Shanglen, Imphal organised by the 26th Manipuri Language Day State Level Celebration Committee.

The minister said that the inclusion of the Manipuri language in the 8th scheduled is a big achievement of the state and the credit should be given to all the people who are working very hard to uplift the Manipuri language.

Promoting and preserving Manipur language is necessary in making a bright future of the state with all round development, he added.

Biswajit said that the information and public relation department will help at its best level to uplift the Manipuri language by organising awareness programme and assured to set up a separate directorate of language.

Education minister, Th. Radheshyam speaking on the occasion assured that the government will try at its best level for the inclusion of Manipuri script in Indian currency.

The minister said that organising of debate and essay competition on the topic “Manipuri language” will be very helpful in uplifting and promoting the language.

Moreover shumang leela, Manipuri film, drama and song also play a big role in promoting the language and to make it popular, added Radheshyam.

Consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister, Karam Shyam said that the people can express his thought fully through their mother tongue so it is important to preserve and promote mother tongue. People should not feel hesitant in speaking their mother tongue, he added.

The function was attended by the organising committee’s, chairman, Th. Tombi as president.

The Patriotic Writers Forum, (PAWF) Manipur also celebrated the 26th Manipur Language Day at Manipur Press Club, Imphal.

PAWF literary awards were distributed during the function and a journal and three books were also released.

The  function was attended by SDC, Kakching, L. Ashakumar as chief guest, PAWF president, Raghu Leishangthem as president and retired project officer, A. Meme as guest of honour.

Delivering the key note address, PAWF, secretary, Rakesh Moirangthem said that people started to mixed Sanskrit and other major language like Hindi and English while speaking Manipuri and such action will one day leads to extinction of many Manipuri words.

So it is high time to preserve and promote the Manipur language to make the language alive for the future generation, he added.

He said that PAWF appealed to the government to take up necessaries steps to make the Manipuri script include in the Indian currency.

All Manipur Students Union also celebrated the 26th Manipuri Language Day at its office at DM College campus.

IMPHAL | Aug 20

Socialist Democratic Party of India, Manipur state has organised its get together function today at hotel classic, Imphal.

The get together was held as a part of the ongoing campaign organised by the Socialist Democratic Party of India from August 1 to 25 against the increasing rate of lynching and mob violence towards Muslims and Dalit community in India, said a release.

The organisation alleged that the BJP government and Sangh Parivar have murdered many Muslims and Dalit in the name of protecting cows, it said adding  the prime minster have willingly turned a blind eye to their plights.

Resolutions were made in the meeting that the lynching without trail must be stopped, those who are doing business on cows should be dealt only under the constitutional laws, and must not be discriminated on the basis of race or caste. Those who are breaking the constitutional laws must be investigated, it added. 

After Kerala India’s second computer literate village in state

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 20

A month long free computer training course for the villagers of Nungthang Tampak, a Kom village was concluded today with a small but impressive function at the village church. The training programme was organised by Mangaal Rural, an NGO working for rurtal development.

In the function director of Mangaal Rural, N. Surjit declared that Nungthang Tampak has become India’s second 100 per cent computer literate village in India. Kerala’s Chamravattom village is the country’s first 100 per cent computer literate village.

The training programme was opened on July 24, with four computer systems with one Wi Fi server and two master trainers provided free of cost by Mangaal Rural, based in Imphal. The concluding programme held at Nungthang Tampak Baptist Church was attended by the village chief Leivon Romio Kom, former vice-president of United Committee Manipur, Chandramani Khumancha, president ACOAM Lup, Ksh. Somorendro, rural elected members and villagers.

The village, about 65 kms south of Imphal is located in Saikot Assembly constituency of Churachandur district. This is a Kom village and has 45 households having a population of 200.

After the training programme was concluded Surjit donated a computer set with Wi Fi connectivity and a solar power system to the village.

To ensure that all the villagers attend the course classes were opened from 5 in the morning and continued till midnight. A room at the church premises was used as the class room. The two trainers were provided camped at the village during the course.

Surjit explained that as the villagers had to go to paddy fields and other works the classes remained open throughout the day and night so that all of them could join the class when they were free.

A 23-year-old housewife, mangte Shashniya said “I always dreamt of learning computer knowledge and I always prayed. When I married young I did not see any opportunity of learning it. But today I know the basics I thank Mangaal Rural.” She had to stop her speech frequently as emotitons choked her up.

The villagers were taught how to surf, compose text, save them, photoshop, send e-mail, store data and get print outs, etc.

“We do not have enough to pay back for what Mangaal Rural gave us. But this will be an important event in the history of our village. We all are grateful. May Mangaal Rural light up Manipur,” the village chief said.

Chandramani appealed for unity and love among all the communities living in Manipur for all round development.

While thanking Mangaal Rural Somorendro also said people should unite and work together for the betterment of the state.

All the speakers expressed their gratitude to Mangaal Rural for holding the programme and urged it to continue such programmes in other villages as well.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 20

Union minister of state (Independent Charge) for commerce and industries Nirmala Sitharaman announced here today that the construction work of Asian trilateral highway will start shortly to catalyze the Act East Policy.

Speaking at a one-day lecture on New India Manthan- Sankalp Se Siddhi at Imphal, she said, Manipur will be the gateway for the entire South-East Asia.

She also said, Manipur will have a lot more to benefit from the country’s Act East Policy.

This highway connects Manipur’s border town of Moreh with Mae Sot of Thailand via Myanmar.

The Minister further said, her ministry has launched Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme(TIES) for exporting industrial goods outside the country and a sum of Rs. 9 crore will given for infrastructure development at Imphal airport under this scheme.

Nirmala said that the first step taken by the NDA government is the establishment of Special Investigation Team (SIT) to monitor the practice of corruption in the country.

As the NDA government is an anti-corruption government and cannot be tainted by money, there is not a single whisper of corruption in the last three years, she added.

The minister said that earlier at the time of the UPA government only 28 central government schemes were made available to the general public but after the formation of the NDA government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a total of 316 beneficiaries’ schemes were made available to the public.

Such additional schemes were introduced by the NDA government mostly for the needy people in the ideology of “Sabke Sath, Sabka Vikas” to bring every people to equal level, added Sitharaman.

As the NDA government works for the development of the country and welfare of the people the opposition has no power to point a finger to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

She said that one of the priority areas of the government is to connect every village by train to their respective district headquarters. 

The minister said that under the ministry of commerce and industry, Trade Infrastructure for Export scheme was introduced to enhance export competitiveness by bridging gaps in export infrastructure, creating focused export infrastructure, first mile and last mile connectivity for export-oriented projects and addressing quality and certification measures.

The programme was attended by MP, Prahlad Singh Patel, chief minister, N. Biren Singh and commerce and industry minister, Th. Biswajit Singh as presidium members.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 20

The Communist Party of India (CPI) Manipur state council, secretary M. Nara Singh, welcoming the Centre’s decision to give up power to impose “disturbed area” status in Manipur, demanded the BJP led Manipur government to repeal the AFPSA and suggested that it was right time to do so.

Speaking to the media in this regards in a press conference held today at Irawat Bhawan, M. Nara urged the government to think consciously and with the support of the people to repeal the act from the state.

The stand of the CPI is clear when it comes to AFPSA, he said adding that CPI has been against the law since the beginning and continue to demand the repeal of the draconian law.

He maintained that CPI played a big role in repealing the act in seven assembly constituency of Imphal in the past.

He recalled that in 2004, when CPI was an ally with the Congress government in the state five of its Cabinet ministers submitted resignation letter to then chief minister of Manipur, Okram Ibobi Singh demanding repeal of AFSPA failing it threatened to withdraw its support from the alliance.

Further pointing out the Left front government led by the CPI (M) repealed the act (AFSPA) after having lifted the disturbed area status from Tripura; he questioned why the BJP led Manipur government is holding back when both centre and state is held by BJP. Moreover, lifting of disturbed area status has been left at the discretion of the state, he said.

“People have become wiser, nobody longer wants any form of violence but to live in peace, Let us hope state government realise the desire of the people”, asserted Nara.

The CPI secretary, alleged that people have started indulging in illicit activities in wake of the panchayat election schedule to be held on October 7.

He contended that the initiative of the Biren led BJP government to uproot corruption cannot be fulfilled unless corruption in electoral system is put to a stop.

Maintaining that government needs strong determination to fight corruption, Nara urged the BJP corruption to declare the upcoming panchayat election to make it free and fair.

Nara, also further alleged that the National Food Security Act (NFSA) has terribly failed in the state.

Beneficiaries of NFSA have been deprived of their rights for several months in almost all the assembly constituencies, he said.

Observing that the Loktak Hydro Project is doing more harm than gain, Nara suggested the government to review the project and decommission it for good.

IMPHAL | Aug 20

All the banks across the country will be closed on August 22 due to one day all India bank strike launched by nine different trade union organisations of bank.

A release by United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) said that the demands of the strike are speedy recovery of bad loans, stringent measures against loan defaulters, abolition of Banks Board Bureau, adequate recruitment in banks and resolution of issues relating to bank employees. The strike was also launched opposing the anti-people banking reforms, write-off of corporate NPAs, increase in bank charges and other issues.

UFBU, Manipur State Committee has expressed its deep regret for the inconvenience to be faced by the customers as all the banking activities will be stopped on the particular day of strike.

Newmai News Network

IMPHAL | Aug 20

The Congress party leaders in the state appeared to be unperturbed by the recent assembly poll defeat as they boasted of being one of the largest parties in the world. The party leaders also expressed their hope of a ‘comeback’.

Former chief minister and Congress leader O. Ibobi Singh said that the party cannot be wiped out easily as it is like an ocean while saying that his party is one of the largest political parties in the world.

This comment of O. Ibobi came while talking to journalists on the sideline of the observation of the 73rd birth anniversary of former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi at Congress Bhawan in Imphal. Ibobi Singh also spoke of the vicissitude of politics saying that one should accept the ups and downs of situation.

 After the defeat in the last assembly election, former chief minister O. Ibobi was not seen much in public platform.

 Addressing the gathering, O. Ibobi said that the contributions made by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi towards nation building were immense. “We cannot afford to forget how much our late Prime Minister had done for our country,” he added.

1. Ibobi Singh also highlighted the ‘achievements’ of India in the field of science and technology under the leadership of Rajiv Gandhi.

 He also pointed out that Rajiv Gandhi was responsible for the passing of anti-defection law.

Various Congress leaders including Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president TN Haokip attended the event.