Category: Imphal Free Press

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Aug 18

Shirui Kashong Area Forest Land Owners Conservancy (SKAFLOC) organised a social work in the vicinity of Shirui Kashong Peak, for which signboards were put up in various points and intersection.

Around 50 households participated in the social work and took pledge to protect and preserve the rich flora and fauna found in the Shirui village.

The headman of Shirui Aze, AW Khavangpam mentioned that the state bird of Manipur, Nongin is gradually diminishing with each passing year at Shangphungrei and Ngarahanrei of Shirui village.

Chairman of SKAFLOC Mayopam Shangh remarked that the habitat of Tragopan birds at Maiharam and Rongngai at Shirui are facing threat due to constant landslide caused by the ongoing road construction of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) from Shirui to Ngapum and Zingsui areas. Deforestation in the Shirui peak and its adjacent range is also one major factor for the disappearance of Tragopan, he added.

Newmai News Network

IMPHAL | Aug 18

The Zeliangrong Baudi Manipur (ZB-M) in a statement alleged that a combined team of 23 Assam Rifles and 14 Sikh Regiment Tamenglong raided the ‘region camp’ of the NSCN (IM) Zeilad Zeliangrong Region in the wee hours of August 14, 2017 at Inrianglong village of Tamenglong district headquarters. While condemning the incident, the ZB-M termed the alleged act of the security forces as “unwarranted actions”.

“In the said raid by the said combined team 9 cadres of the NSCN (IM) were arrested and an AK-47 rifle was also seized from the region camp,” the Zeliangrong Baudi-Manipur further alleged. “When Naga people led by the Collective Leadership of the NSCN (IM) has been engaging in a peaceful dialogue with the Government of India which is nearing to its logical conclusion this kind of act of raid by the security forces is uncalled for and highly condemnable by all right thinking citizens of the land”, it added.

Narrating the turn of event the ZB-M said that, in quick reaction to that “unwarranted raiding” and subsequent arrest of 9 cadres of the NSCN (IM) of Zeilad Zeliangrong region camp a lightning bandh was called in Zeliangrong areas and the vehicular movements on the NH-37 (Imphal – Jiribam Road) came to a grinding halt in the afternoon of the same day. “On the pressure of the Zeliangrong public including several civil society organisations led by Zeliangrong Baudi, women folks, students, youths front etc. those 9 arrested cadres of the NSCN (IM) were allowed safe release to the public,” it claimed.

Accordingly, 8 cadres were handed over to the public in the morning of August 15, 2017, it also said.

“Many brave hearts, Zeliangrong women, youth fronts, students, individuals, civil society leaders had spent sleepless night on that very night that resulted in the safe release of the 8 cadres except one detained with an assurance from the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary to release him after 3 days in police custody as per law,” the ZB-M further said. It was further assured that the detained cadre will not be harassed or tortured in police custody, according to the ZB-M. “Therefore, both the civil society leaders and the public were allowed to receive the 8 cadres of the NSCN (IM) Zeiled Zeliangrong Region as a reciprocal gesture to the appeal from the authorities of Government of Manipur. We would like to remind the Government to translate its assurance in letter and spirit,” it demanded.

Zeliangrong Baudi Manipur then extended its gratitude to the Zeliangrong public particularly women folks of Tamenglong headquarters, Longmei area, Nungba area and leaders of various civil societies who had participated and contributed “their might” and mite in securing the safe release of those cadres of the NSCN (IM). It also extended its gratitude to the district administration particularly Armstrong Pamei, deputy commissioner Tamenglong and the SP of Tamenglong etc. for their intervention in bringing the “chaotic situation” to an amicable solution. This organisation also extended its gratitude to the Government of Manipur, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, the Chief Secretary and many others for allowing the said problem into peaceful settlement in the larger interest of peace and tranquility in the district in particular and state in general.

“Zeliangrong Baudi Manipur and Zeliangrong public in general will not leave the stone unturned in maintaining peace and social harmony with government, every section of society in the days to come,” it affirmed.

By Jeijei Newme

IMPHAL | Aug 17

Promoting Manipur’s disparate indigenous cultures at the national and international level is her main aim, said 18-year old Lansana Thokchom Chanu, a singer, dancer and an artist par excellence.

Growing up in a family deeply rooted in art and culture, Lansana has learnt a good deal of art and culture from her elders including, grandfather, uncle and her father. Her father was a state level and national awardee for film and performing arts and Bal Sahitya Puraskar.

She said that she does this not just to upkeep her family’s traditional occupation or because she is a daughter of a well-known artist. Instead it is her own passion and interests which is driving her.

The first daughter of Thokchom Thouyanba Meetei and Thokchom Manileima, she start performing since the age of four on AIR Imphal and by the age of six, she had already sung 40 songs at the radio station.

She has participated in various school, state and even national level competitions and won many first positions and in these.

She got the best dancer award in the year 2010 organised by Allahabad Natya Sangha, Allahabad. She is a recipient of Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) scholarship since the age of six.

Lansana juggled studies and her interest in art and culture since her school days and she confessed it has been hard keeping up her excellence in both. She even managed to get first division in both Class 10 and 12 exams and is now pursuing her further studies in Maharaja Bodhchandra College, Palace Compound.

She has also completed her Bisarat level which is equivalent to diploma level for dance from JN Dance Academy.

The 18-year-old artist said that one of her proudest moments is representing India in the ABU Radio music festival held at Beijing, China in 2016. She said that she had stiff competition and got selected in all national level to represent India. “I felt proud at that moment showcasing my culture, my identity as Manipuri to the whole world, and let my culture’s presence felt in the stage”.

She got interviewed in various international media but felt despondent coming back home in Manipur as her fame and her work was not encouraged by the government as well as the media.

Her most recent big gig was participating in Bangladesh during Yaoshang festival, 2017.

In an exclusive chat with Imphal Free Press, she revealed that it has been a wonderful journey. She knows how to sing, and dance different dance forms, not only of Manipuri, but of Odissi and Kathak.

When asked if she has any interest in contemporary music and dance, she says she respects the different art forms but she rather prefer her own culture and said that it can’t be found in other place else and it should be well preserved.

“My pupu is my role model and he has has taught me a lot of things, I admire him not just because he is my grandfather but because of his achievements and his interest and his passion that taught me a lot”, she said.

She would like to give a message to her generations and younger ones that “we should follow our hearts, I did and I am on my way to conquer the world with my talents. It is not that I am successful already but doing what you want to do gives the fullest dedication and you could achieve the highest”.

By Jeijei Newme

IMPHAL | Aug 17

Promoting Manipur’s disparate indigenous cultures at the national and international level is her main aim, said 18-year old Lansana Thokchom Chanu, a singer, dancer and an artist par excellence.

Growing up in a family deeply rooted in art and culture, Lansana has learnt a good deal of art and culture from her elders including, grandfather, uncle and her father. Her father was a state level and national awardee for film and performing arts and Bal Sahitya Puraskar.

She said that she does this not just to upkeep her family’s traditional occupation or because she is a daughter of a well-known artist. Instead it is her own passion and interests which is driving her.

The first daughter of Thokchom Thouyanba Meetei and Thokchom Manileima, she start performing since the age of four on AIR Imphal and by the age of six, she had already sung 40 songs at the radio station.

She has participated in various school, state and even national level competitions and won many first positions and in these.

She got the best dancer award in the year 2010 organised by Allahabad Natya Sangha, Allahabad. She is a recipient of Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) scholarship since the age of six.

Lansana juggled studies and her interest in art and culture since her school days and she confessed it has been hard keeping up her excellence in both. She even managed to get first division in both Class 10 and 12 exams and is now pursuing her further studies in Maharaja Bodhchandra College, Palace Compound.

She has also completed her Bisarat level which is equivalent to diploma level for dance from JN Dance Academy.

The 18-year-old artist said that one of her proudest moments is representing India in the ABU Radio music festival held at Beijing, China in 2016. She said that she had stiff competition and got selected in all national level to represent India. “I felt proud at that moment showcasing my culture, my identity as Manipuri to the whole world, and let my culture’s presence felt in the stage”.

She got interviewed in various international media but felt despondent coming back home in Manipur as her fame and her work was not encouraged by the government as well as the media.

Her most recent big gig was participating in Bangladesh during Yaoshang festival, 2017.

In an exclusive chat with Imphal Free Press, she revealed that it has been a wonderful journey. She knows how to sing, and dance different dance forms, not only of Manipuri, but of Odissi and Kathak.

When asked if she has any interest in contemporary music and dance, she says she respects the different art forms but she rather prefer her own culture and said that it can’t be found in other place else and it should be well preserved.

“My pupu is my role model and he has has taught me a lot of things, I admire him not just because he is my grandfather but because of his achievements and his interest and his passion that taught me a lot”, she said.

She would like to give a message to her generations and younger ones that “we should follow our hearts, I did and I am on my way to conquer the world with my talents. It is not that I am successful already but doing what you want to do gives the fullest dedication and you could achieve the highest”.

From Our Correspondent

MOREH | Aug 18

A combined team of 12 Assam Rifles and Moreh Custom Preventive force reportedly arrested a gold smuggler carrying 140 gold bars weighing approximately 23.230 kgs worth Rs 6.969 crores at vehicle check post, Tengnoupal yesterday.

During a press briefing, superintendent of Moreh Customs Preventive force, Whk. Luwang said that following an intelligence input, a combined team of 12 AR and officials of Moreh Customs intercepted a bus bearing Registration Number MN 04 7351 carrying wooden planks and stopped at motor vehicle check post (MVCP), Tengnoupal for checking.

He further said that during checking, some suspicious modification was noticed near radiator of the bus above the driver side head light and on further checking some suspicious packets were recovered from the modified compartment which came out to be the gold bars.

The driver of the bus has been identified as Md. Kamal Hassan son of Late Hazi Salim of Kwakta Sevla Ward Number 3, Bishnupur district, he added.

BISHNUPUR | Aug 18

Two shops at Ningthoukhong Bazar, Bishnupur district were gutted by fire last night at around 11:30 pm.

The owners of the shop were identified as RK. Ranjit and L. Surjit. The adjoining shops were saved by the timely arrival of the firemen of Bishnupur Fire Service and Moirang Fire Service.

According to sources, Bishnupur police nabbed a woman who was suspected to have set the shops on fire.

BISHNUPUR | Aug 18

Two shops at Ningthoukhong Bazar, Bishnupur district were gutted by fire last night at around 11:30 pm.

The owners of the shop were identified as RK. Ranjit and L. Surjit. The adjoining shops were saved by the timely arrival of the firemen of Bishnupur Fire Service and Moirang Fire Service.

According to sources, Bishnupur police nabbed a woman who was suspected to have set the shops on fire.

IMPHAL | Aug 17

Ashok Kumar Singh, Inspector CBI anti-corruption branch (ACB) Imphal has been conferred with the prestigious President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service on the occasion of Independence Day, 2017.

Altogether 28 officers and officials of the CBI have been awarded the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and Police Medal for Meritorious Service by the President of India on the occasion of Independence Day, 2017.

Ashok Kumar Singh was amongst the 6 officers awarded with President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. Altogether 22 CBI officials were awarded with the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

Ashok Kumar Singh, son of (late) W. Duhar Singh of Nongmeibung Ayangpali, joined the Manipur police in 1981 as an ASI and later promoted to Inspector in 2009.

He joined the CBI as an Inspector in 2007 on deputation from Manipur Police for five years then extended for 5 years (2+3).

During the tenure of deputation in CBI, ACB Shillong and Imphal branches he finalized 15 cases including 3 cases relating to the forcible breaking of Central Jail, Dimapur, Nagaland and subsequent lynching of the person who was accused for the rape of a Naga girl.

IMPHAL | Aug 17

The State Cabinet decided to constitute a state level committee for effective implementation of Act East Policy in the State.

The chief minister will be the chairman of the committee and the principal secretary (Planning) will be the member secretary. The committee will also have a vice-chairman and nine other members.

The decision was taken in the State cabinet meeting held with chief minister N. Biren Singh in the chair at CM’s Secretariat today.

 The Cabinet also decided to pay Rs. 32, 42,300 as compensation to 10 victims for properties damaged during the violent incidents which occurred at Nungei on April 11, 2016.

The State cabinet also approved the revision of Land Revenue Rate and Policy Reforms. As per the revised rate, the increase in land revenue is to be limited to five times of the existing rate.

 It also endorsed the Draft Amendment to Section 64 of Imphal Municipal Council Building Bye-Laws, 2013.

According to the amendment, it will be mandatory to have a Grid Interactive Rooftop SPV Power Plant of capacity ranging from 1 KWp to 500 KWp in all the new buildings with a roof area of more than 100 sq.m. and in all plots with an area of more than 1000 sq.m. The only exception to these Bye-Laws will be in those cases where it is not technically viable.

The State Cabinet also gave its nod to extension of retirement age for Manipur Health Service (MHS) doctors (Allopathic and Dental cadres) to 65 years of age from the current retirement age of 62 years.

This rule will be however applicable only to specialist and super specialists doctors.

After a thorough discussion, the Cabinet also approved the terms and conditions of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be entered between the State government and Manipur Tourism Forum for the construction of Imphal War Museum and memorial complex at Maibam Lokpa Ching.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 17

Condemning the denial of burial of late Ritah Haorei of Leingangching on the ground that she was a Catholic, a mass rally was taken out today by Christians from Don Bosco school, Chingmeirong. It was organised by the joint action committee which was formed by Catholics from different districts.

All the catholic schools in the state are shut down as to protest and condemn the “inhuman act” of the Leingangching villagers. A similar rally was taken out yesterday at Ukhrul.

Family of late Ritah Haorei wife of Yangmei Haorei of Leingangching along with four other families of Leingangching were driven out from their village on May 3, 2010 as they converted from baptist to catholic in 2009 and are living as refugees at Litan.

Ritah passed away on August 7, but the Leingangching villagers denied her burial at her home yard at Leingangching on the ground that she is a catholic. So her dead body is lying for the past eight days.

On the other hand the Leingangching villagers claimed that they denied her burial as there is some land issue and it is not related with any religious matter. 

Speaking to media persons the JAC’s, co-convenor, father T.S. Dominic said that “one village, one denomination” is an inhuman rule and it violates the right to freedom of religion of the Indian Constitution.

Denying the burial of late Ritah is the result of an inhuman village constitution (Riyan) enacted by Sharkaphung (Leingangching S. Laho) village on January 3, 1973, he added.

Five families of Leingngaching including late Ritah’s family were chased out from the village as they changed their religion from baptist to catholic on the ground that they violates the village law, “one village, one denomination” , said Dominic.

The co-convenor continued that the houses and properties of the five families were destroyed and they were also not allowed to enter their cultivation land hence the five families have been suffering till today at Litan, where they are taking shelter.

The rule and action of the village have snatched away all the rights of the five families for changing their religion, which is the fundamental rights given by the Indian Constitution, he added.

“Leingangching villagers’ claim that the issue is about is totally false. They are trying to twist the issue as they know that they are not going to win in this matter,” said Dominic.

Later a memorandum was submitted to the chief minister, N. Biren Singh by the JAC seeking full security protection for the burial and abolition of the “one village, one denomination” law as it is unjust.

The memorandum demanded that the government should allow the “persecuted victims” to return and resettle in their legal village, compensation to rebuild their destroyed houses and punishment of the human rights violators.

The JAC warned agitation if the government fails to fulfill their demands within 48 hours.

IMPHAL | Aug 17

Advertisement on recruitment of Indian nurses for Kuwait with the employers’ name as ‘ministry of health, Kuwait and Kuwait Oil Company’, circulated in social media using Whatsapp and various private media is a fake.

It is to dupe prospective nurses of the country financially or otherwise sending them to Kuwait via Dubai or Bahrain without involvement of authorized state-run agencies. Embassy of India, Kuwait, informed that the agency mentioned in the advertisement is not registered under Section 10 of Emigration Act, 1983 and hence is not authorized to carry out overseas recruitment business without a valid registration certificate, said a press release issued by under secretary (Home), government of Manipur.

The release further said that parents should not encourage their sons/daughters possessing nursing degree/diploma to apply for the above private illegal agencies in the name of working at higher salary at Kuwait or any Gulf countries. There is no authenticity in the matter and the advertisement is a fake.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 17

A division bench of the High Court of Manipur comprising acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar and justice, Kh. Nobin on Tuesday directed the judicial magistrate 1st class, Jiribam to inspect the road from Makru bridge to Jiribam and submit the report within two weeks.

The division bench along with a team consisting of advocate general and advocates of the court as well as officials inspected the Imphal-Jiribam road last Saturday but the team could go only upto Makru bridge as repairing work of one of the bridges was in progress.

As the road is filled with pot-holes, landslides, and there is lack of proper drainage system at various portions the division bench did not consider the condition of the road as proper.

The counsel of NHIDCL submits to the court that they have taken the task of short term improvement and routine maintenance of Imphal–Jiribam road and the task has been assigned to three contractors.

The counsel submitted that the work will be completed in due course without further delay.

In this regards the petitioner’s counsel, submitted that in order to appreciate whether the work has been properly executed or not, it is necessary to know the original work estimate prepared by NHIDCL which is submitted to the central government.

Regarding the matter the court has directed NHIDCL to furnish the details of the original work estimates submitted to the central government and also to produce the contract agreement made between NHIDCL and the three contractors.

As governemnt advocate has submitted that M/S Bhartia Infra Projects Ltd. was given the contract work for improvement of Koubru Leikha to Mao road, the court directed the contractor and the state authorities to inspect the site on August 21 before executing the work.

The court directed the state government to submit details of the work estimate prepared by PWD and also the agreement made between the state government and M/S Bhartia Infra Projects Ltd.

The court fixed the next hearing on September 4. 

IMPHAL | Aug 17

The enquiry committee which was constituted to probe the supply of sub-standard belts to Manipur police department has submitted its final report to the chief minister N. Biren Singh today.

The four member committee headed by additional chief secretary Suhel Akhtar along with additional chief secretary (Home) J. Suresh Babu, special secretary R. Sudhan and IGP (Admn) S. Ibocha handed over the probe report to the chief minister.

Mentioned may be made that after chief minister N. Biren Singh received complaints on social networking sites, the state government decided to constitute a committee to probe into the alleged supply of sub-standard police belts on June 7.

The chief minister had also personally visited the central store located in 1st Bn. Manipur Rifles campus and district store located in Imphal West SP’s office complex and conducted verification of the stocks at these stores.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 17

The state election commission has today announced that the 5th general panchayat election 2017 of the valley districts will be held on October 7.

The announcement was made by state election commissioner, Th. Kamini Kumar Singh, at the election office within the office complex of deputy commissioner (DC), Imphal West.

While the public notification of the election is to be issued on August 18, the election code of conduct will come into effect with the announcement of the election.

The election commissioner divulged that the term for the 4th panchayat body will expire on October 23.

Altogether 7,16,830 voters including 3,48,139 male and 3,68,691 female voters will exercise their franchise to elect 60 zilla parishad, 161 pradhans and 1,513 ward members. Voting will begin from 8 am and conclude at 4pm.

Kamini Kumar Singh, informed that election will be held at 1,521 polling stations for which a total of 9,126 polling personnel are required including 912 in reserved.

The last date for filing of nomination papers has been scheduled on August 26 followed by scrutiny on August 26 and withdrawal of nomination papers on August 29.

While the counting has been fixed on October 11, the entire process of election is to be completed by October 16.

The 6 deputy commissioners (DCs) of the respective districts will be the district election officers, 14 returning officers and general observers will look into the smooth functioning of the election process.

To ensure free and fair conduct of the election, the commission has asked the concerned DCs to appoint a nodal officer from the police department and for this a joint meeting of the DCs, SPs and the state election commission officials will be arrange shortly, said the state election commissioner.

Ballot papers will be used as per the regulation of the Election Commission as the commission was unable to arrange electronic voting machines.

IMPHAL | Aug 17

A journal called “Beyond the horizon” which is going to be published in a quarterly basis is launched today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal.

The editor of the journal, Malem Ningthouja said that this journal will serve as an alternative which mainstream media is not able to voice out. This journal will cover economic, political and social views and other relevant topics, he added.

He further said name of the journal is tentative and the right title is still on the search. He announced that the targetted readers are mostly English readers so that their voice can be heard even from international level, he added.

Jugindro Akoijam, teacher activist, Sagolsem Saratchandra, proprieter of SS Electronics, Athouba Khuraijam, general secretary of IPSA, Ranjeeta Golmei, member of Manipur State Women Commission and Akhu Chingubam, singer and social activist attended the function as presidium members.

Neelima Kangembam, the publisher of ‘Beyond the horizon’ also attended the launching programme.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 17

Good drivers will be awarded under legal service authority and traffic police from September first, announced superintendent of police, traffic wing Imphal city, Khoisnam Sarma Devi during a one day interaction programme on traffic rules and regulations held today at Nongpok Ingkhol community hall, New Checkon.

Addressing the interaction programme, Sarma said Manipur is a poor state, most of the people are day earners who are struggling for livelihood. People who commit crimes get punishment according to their crime but people who get injured or dead due to accident get punishment without committing any crime.

She said people need to follow traffic rules cautiously and should co-operate with traffic police. Traffic police are not meant to harass the public, if public co-operate with traffic rules and regulation then no one will meet the fatal accident as well as people can get free from traffic congestion.

“Everyone blamed passenger vehicles for congestion of traffic but people who park their vehicles without at will also cause congestion of traffic. Passenger vehicles have their assigned parking lot by their association and the passenger vehicle drivers should also follow the rules and regulation of traffic in order to make an accident free society,” Sarma added.

She said traffic police punished the public or the passenger vehicles in order to follow rules and regulation made by government. Public should keep in their minds that punishment for breaking the traffic rules is for the welfare of public and to get free from accident, she said.

Sarma further said after September anyone personal or passenger vehicle owner found with complete document and proper equipment will be awarded with a certificate. The certificate will be given by legal service authority with superintendent of police traffic wing, Imphal city. And those who get the certificates five times consecutively will be given state level award, she said.

Imphal East traffic police, officer-in-charge, Y. Santa Singh said with the advancement of technology number of vehicles has been increasing each day. Public also need to understand the rules and regulation of traffic to get free from fatal accident.

The passenger vehicle driver should wear shoes instead of sandals because wearing sandals might cause accident if it gets stuck to the accelerator or other parts of the vehicle.

People should pay fine fully for breaking the rules. The fine that traffic police collected is deposited at the treasury office, he added.

The awareness programme was organised by New Lambulane Tribal Market Auto Rickshaw (Petrol) Association.

Vice-chairman, New Lambulane Welfare Committee, Sumpi Morish, head master of Kasom Khullen High School, Shyamkishore also attended the function.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | Aug 17

A Tata magic and a Honda Activa kept inside the residential premises of one Md. Sabir Ahamed (27), son of Md. Saferula (55) was set ablaze by unknown miscreants in the intervening night of August 15 and 16.

The incident happened at the household of Ahamed from Yairipok Tulihal Mayai Leikai under Andro police station. It was reported that the Tata magic was a used vehicle purchased 7 months earlier from Md. Alam Khan, son of Md. Najiruddin from Sangaimayum Pullie Makhong.

The vehicle was yet to be registered to the name of the new owner, Md. Amir Khan (28), son of (L) Md. Nashiruddin.

The vehicle was kept in Ahamad’s residence as the approach road to Nashirudin’s residence was in a deplorable condition. It is suspected that some unknown miscreant had set the vehicles ablaze using kerosene.

An empty kerosene bottle was found left in the courtyard. The two vehicles were parked in different places away from each other; the Active was parked in the southern side of the house whereas the Tata magic was kept in the courtyard.

Most of the upper body of the Tata Magic was burnt. However, only the seat of the Activa was found burnt.

Andro PS has begun investigations after as case has been registered.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 16

State home department has failed to take up any initiative on the recommendation made by the State Vigilance Commission (SVC) for removal of six women sub-inspectors (SI) for submitting fake OBC certificates and sports certificates while joining their services.

According to source, SVC during August 2012 recommended for termination of Ronita Meisnam for alleged use of false OBC certificate during the recruitment of women SI of police department during 2010.

Similarly the commission during December 2013 recommended the home department to take up necessary steps against five women SIs of police department identified as Chanuleima Pangeijam, Th. Rosie Devi, Aruna Laishram, N. Memtu Devi and Rajana Begum for submitting fake sport certificates by the time of joining their service during 2013, according to source.

The source said that the issue is important now as there is apprehension that the DPC for the promotion to women police inspectors will not be a fair or transparent.

With the advent of the new government people are looking forward for transparency and efficiency of administration and DPC procedure but who will transparency be there if no action has been taken up against the wrong doers, added the source.

The source further said that setting aside of the recommendation of the SVC by the competent authority will amount to underestimate the prestigious SVC department established by the state government to check corruptions and irregularities of different department.

IMPHAL| Aug 16

Calling the ‘home coming ceremony’ on August 14 as a new surrender drama, the proscribed umbrella organisation, CorCoM has alleged the whole ‘drama’ was a publicity stunt to demoralise the people, said a statement signed by Ksh. Yoiheiba, media coordinator of the group.

The whole exercise is part of the colonial government’s propaganda to deceive the public and to project the revolutionary movement in a poor light.

Those who surrendered in the recent ‘Home coming ceremony’ are the incompetent ones, who were not qualified to be a revolutionary, having failed to follow the principle of the organisation and most of them are runaways who had deserted the group after committing disdainful acts, said the release.   

What makes the occasion all the more interesting, is that those who were staying as runaways since the last 14/15 years and have been working under the Indian army for committing anti- social activities like terrorising the public, kidnap and torture, and acted many roles in repeated surrender dramas, had been randomly gathered and presented to the public in a fresh avatar, said a release.

Sapam Mohon alias Iboyaima from Tentha Khunoi who was presented as a major of UNLF, is not a major but a 2nd lieutenant, it said adding he worked for the party’s department of organisation for some time and became a deserter who started working with the Indian army as a representative of KCP (City Metei), and been involved in committing anti-social activities.  

Longjam Jiten alias Manglem from Yairipok Kekru who is presented as a captain, worked as sergeant major in 2006 but became a ‘lap dog’ of the Indian army after deserting the party, it further said adding he became a representative of URF and was made to commit extortions and kidnapping.

Brigadier Jame alias Uttam, is also a deserter of RPF/PLA who left the organisation becoming incompetent and unable to maintain discipline and codes of the organisation, it further said.

Those who took part in the surrender drama are given their final part by the Indian Army after using them, it further continued. CorCoM lamented that the organisation could not keep these fugitives away from the public and prevent the damages they had caused; it said adding the organisation is prepared to give them punishments anytime.

It urged the public not to be dismayed by the act of defamation carried out by the colonial government and acknowledged that such occasion is actually beneficial to CorCoM as it helps them in a way to delimitates the traitors, it added.

IMPHAL | Aug 16

Hundreds of people turned up on the joint Hill Leaders’ day and Meeyamgi Numit to air their grievances to the chief minister N. Biren Singh at the CM’s Secretariat here today.

The chief minister attended to as many as about 350 complaints and personally met nearly 1500 people from 9 am to 2:30 pm.

On the sideline of the programme, N. Biren told the media that due to the recent flash floods and his urgent engagements inside and outside the country, he could not meet the public on August 10 and 15 last which were the actual dates of Hill Leader’s Day and Meeyamgi Numit respectively. So, a joint Hill Leaders’ day and Meeyamgi Numit was hosted today, he added.

He said, “Today, I have received complaints on not taking proper action in some cases by the departments concerned despite my directives given in the earlier Hill Leaders’ Day and Meeyamgi Numit.”

He contended that that it gave him intense pain when he came to know about the condition of widows, differently-abled and poor people of the State. The government would introduce new welfare schemes at the earliest so that poor and needy people could be benefited, he added.

Health department officials had been deputed at the CM’s Secretariat for the day to attend to the people, who seek medical assistance, reimbursement and health care in government medical facilities, he added.

The chief minister said that with the successful completion of 100 days’ programme, the government is set to announce the list of tasks, which are to be accomplished during the first year of the Government in power.

In a week or so, special meetings would be convened for each and every department so that the departments could identify the thrust areas and set a target under the one year action plan, he asserted.

Replying to a query about the Special Investigation Teams’ (SITs) report on the mass recruitment drive conducted by the previous government, the N. Biren said that after a thorough screening, an official order would be issued soon to make available the investigation reports in the public domain.

After a grievance cell had been opened at the CM’s Secretariat, the number of complaints on corruption charges by government officials had started coming down when compared with the previous Meeyamgi Numit, the chief minister informed.

Biren said that he felt so sad when he was informed about the sufferings faced by the victims whose houses had been torched in a violence which occurred in Nungei some time back.

The government will build new houses for these people within a week, he said while adding that the government will also provide assistance under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and housing schemes under PMAY etc. He also directed the DCs concerned to resolve the issue and rehabilitate the affected people as soon as possible.

Seeking people’s support and co-operation from the people, the chief minister said that that the government needs some time to resolve all the issues and problems faced by the people of the State.

He further said that best efforts are being invested by the government to fulfil people’s hopes and aspirations.  Thus, the government needs people’s love and support, he added