Category: Imphal Free Press

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 16

The court of special judge (POCSO), Imphal East remanded an SSB personnel of 23rd battalion SSB, Green Land Lalpool to judicial custody for 15 days on the charge of kidnapping, molesting and trying to sexually assault his 12-year-old niece.

The accused, Irungbam Yaima (48) son of I. Bijoy Singh of Lamlong Thoidingjam Leirak was arrested on August 11, after the victim’s father lodged a complaint to the police.

In the complaint the father stated that on the evening of August 10 the accused took her daughter from his house for medical treatment in the accused person’s scooter and on the way he started touching her thigh and told her that they were going to hold the night at a hotel.

The accused stop his scooter at a remote area in between Top Moirangkampu Awang Leikai and Sajeb Leikai and started molesting her by holding and touching her breast, according to the complaint.

It added that luckily her daughter managed to escape from the accused and met on old man of their locality and she was rescued.

During the course of police investigation and interrogation the accused person admitted that he committed the crime.

Medical examination was conducted for both the accused and the victim and accordingly the police seized two sterile plastic tubes containing urethral and vaginal swabs and two sterile plastic tubes containing urethral and penile swabs and one EDTA vial containing samples of blood. The reports are awaited.

The investigating officer (IO) submitted to the court that the from the above facts and circumstances, it came to light that the accused person had wrongfully confined, concealed with criminal intimidation and caused aggravated sexual assault to the minor victim.

The IO prayed to the court to remand the accused to judicial custody for 15 days to complete the investigation and deliver justice to the girl during his judicial remand.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Aug 16

Thousands of Catholics turned up at Ukhrul headquarters to take part in the peaceful rally organised by JAC for burial of Ritah Haorei’s mortal remains at Leingangching and for the abolition of the village Constitution “one village, one denomination’’.

The rally started from Sacred Heart, Hungpung and ended at Viewland. The JAC submitted a memorandum to the chief minister of the state through the deputy commissioner of Ukhrul. The morning drizzle did not dampen the spirit of the protestors.

There was some information doing the rounds that the Tangkhul Naga Long, a civil body was against the rally. None of the representatives of TNL could be contacted to ascertain their stand on the rally.

Convenor of JAC while addressing the gathering before the rally took off remarked that necessary permission for organising peaceful rally was obtained from the district administration and TNL has no right to force and stop the proposed peaceful rally.

Coming down heavily against the village constitution of Leingangching, the JAC convenor pointed out that the said constitution violates Indian constitution, its secular spirit and fundamental rights. The controversial Article 18 of the village constitution read, “There should not be any denominational activity dividing the existing religion (i.e. Baptist Christianity)”.

 Most Rev. Dominic Lumon, Archbishop of Imphal, Manipur asserted that we are here to protest against the violation of our rights and register our grievances to the authority concerned.

The memorandum called for abolition of “One Village One Denomination” as it is inhuman and violates basic fundamental rights. It also demanded full security protection for the burial of Ritah at her home yard.

The memorandum calls for enabling the persecuted victims to return and settle in the village and also to provide compensation for rebuilding their destroyed houses and punishment to the human rights violators according to the law of the land.

The JAC also appealed for constituting a fact finding body under chief minister’s watch.

The district administration provided security to the peaceful rally.

It may be recalled that Ritah Haorei (42) wife of Yangmi Haorei passed away in August 7. The denial of the burial of her body by Leinganching because she was a Catholic led to the formation of JAC, consisting of various Catholics from various districts of Manipur says the memorandum.

THOUBAL | Aug 16

President of Lamding Educated Welfare Association (LEWA), Sorokhaibam Ojit made a narrow escape today when he was allegedly chased with a harvest knife by one Md Ayamuddin Khan (42), son of Md Amubi Khan from Sangaiyumfam Ningthou, Thoubal.

The incident happened around 1.30 pm when Ojit and his team of LEWA, Lamding Khumanthem Leikai was conducting a drive against drugs at the said area. Ojit and his team were allegedly attacked and chased by Amubi Khan, who is presently a rifleman at 3rd IRB.

 It has been alleged that Khan is involved in selling Heroine and SP Capsules. It is further reported that around 20 – 30 people visits his house daily to buy or consume heroine and SP tablets.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 16

A public meeting organised by the National Sports University Haraothel Protection Committee (NSUHPC) today demanded that the government should carry out social impact assessment from the respective villagers if the government wants to take up a project or scheme.

The public meeting held at Haraothel ground.

The meeting was attended by representatives from 26 civil society organisations (CSOs) of the state.

After a long deliberations among the various CSOs, working chairman of NSUHPC, Irengbam Ranjan Singh said the meeting resolved not to compromise those who try to obstruct building National Sports University at Haraothel.

The land for construction of the university has been donated by the people of Senjam Khunou, Senjam Chirang and Koutruk.

State observes 71st I-Day admits boycott 

IMPHAL | Aug 16

As in other parts of the country, the 71st Independence Day was celebrated in the State as well. The State level celebration was held at 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles ground with chief minister N. Biren Singh as the chief guest.

The observation was held under tight security as different underground outfits have boycotted the Independence Day. Educational institutes, government offices and commercial places wore a deserted look while a few commuters were seen on the road.

Meantime the chief minister hoisted the national tricolour amid playing of national anthem by various band contingents.

Speaking at the occasion, N. Biren observed that people need to march forward together with an objective to achieve progress and development of the State by forgetting all the differences and past mistakes.

He urged all concerned to resolve the issues through talks if they have any dissatisfaction with the initiatives being taken up by the present government.

Celebration of the country’s Independence Day and paying homage to the martyrs and freedom fighters, who gifted freedom to the current generation, would be meaningful and bear fruit only when people concentrate on accomplishing their tasks and objectives with a strong sense of patriotism by forgetting all the differences.

He also appealed to the public to put in collective effort to make Manipur a peaceful and strong State having egalitarian development.

Though Manipur had also achieved many milestones of development being a part of the vast and strong India in the past 70 years, the State still needs to work hard to enhance the State’s economy and improve connectivity infrastructures, communication and conditions of children and women etc., he said.

Mentioning the achievements of the newly formed BJP-led coalition government, the chief minister said that the government had successfully resolved UNC’s economic blockade and the stir of JAC Against Anti-Tribal Bills within a short period of time.

He also said the government has a firm commitment to bring equal development in all parts of the State to regain emotional integrity between hill and valley.

Admitting that the current financial health of the State is not that good, the chief minister informed the gathering that the State government had started taking up necessary measures to maintain financial prudence and improve resource mobilisation.

Effective implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an important step towards this end, he added.

Earlier, he took salute from 43 march-past contingents of BSF, CRPF, Assam Police, civil police, India Reserve Battalion, Manipur Fire Service, Home Guards and VDF personnel, NCC Cadets, Government Department employees and college and school students.

Commandant of 3rd IRB, Thokchom Vikramjit Singh, was the parade commander.

Eleven band platoons of different security forces, Home Guards and Sainik School also took part in the march past.

The chief minister later decorated two police officers with President’s Police Medal for distinguished service and presented Police Medal for meritorious service to 20 personnel.

Recipients of the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service were: A Ghanashyam Sharma, (Dy. SP of Imphal West) and jemadar Bisham Dev Thakur of MPTC, Pangei while the recipients of Police Medal for Meritorious Service were H. Gyaneshwar, (Dy. CO of 7th MR), inspector T Sanatomba Singh (CID SB), inspector Kh. Shashi Kumar Singh (CID SB), inspector O. Jibonchandra Singh (CID Security), inspector Palmei Shantikumar Kabui (CID Security), inspector A.S Masongam Shimray (Senapti), subedar T.S Chamna Anal (8th Bn. Manipur Rifles), inspector Th. Nilamani Singh (Noney district), sub-inspector S. Guni Singh (CID SB), sub-inspector Kh. Debananda (CID SB), jemadar Th. Bharatchandra Singh (1st IRB), assistant sub-inspector N. Dilip Singh (CID SB), assistant sub-inspector O. Achoubi Devi (CID SB), Havildar Y. Manglemjao Singh (MPTC), Havildar Lunkhosei Haokip (2nd MR), Havildar R.K Sarat (2nd MR), Havildar Md. Rahimuddin (2nd MR), head constable L. Khamba Singh (Imphal West), rifleman Mangjathang Haokip (MPTC) and rifleman Kh. Babudhon (MPTC).

The chief minister also presented Police Trophy for community service and Police Trophy for anti-drug campaign for the first time from this year at the function.

The award included a trophy, a cash reward of Rs. 20,000 and a chief minister’s commendation certificate.

Ministers, MLAs, top civil, police and military officers, government employees and general public also took part in the celebration.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 16

The 13th To Excel Right to Life was observed today by Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF) to pay tribute to the departed soul of Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang (21st Centuary gi Athouba).

Floral tributes were paidto the statue of Chittaranjan at Bishnupur in the morning and a mass silent rally was taken out from Takhellambam Leikai till THAU ground, Thangmeiband.

Speaking to the gathering at THAU ground, Senior Citizen for Society, general secretary, L. Sadananda said that men like Chittaranjan who made supreme sacrifice for the right to life is born once in a century and he is the only one in the state who had made such sacrifice for the people’s rights. 

He said that implementing of AFSPA, 1958 which is an anti-democratic act in the state of a country which has the largest democracy, is very unfortunate.

Though the former Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh assured to replace the act with another act with human face and the Administrative Reform Committee of India submitted recommendation to remove AFSPA from the state, no single initiative has been taken till now, added Sadananda.

The general secretary said that announcing “disturbed area” is the main reason for implementing AFSPA in the state. It is in the hand of the state government to remove AFSPA by removing the disturbed area status and taking up the matter with the central government.

“As the new chief minister has assured to examine removing AFSPA from the state, let us hope for the best to bring back the right to life in the state,” added Sadananda.

The guest of honour, Working Committee of Apunba Lup, Manipur, coordinator Phulindro Konsam said that any kind of development is meaningless if there is no right to life.

And unless the draconian AFSPA, 1958 is removed from the state, the people cannot enjoy the right to life, which is the most important fundamental right, he added.

Phulindro said that youths and students across the world have been taking a big role in fighting for human rights and Chittaranjan is one of the student leaders, who made a supreme sacrifice fighting for the rights of the people at his young age.

His sacrifice gave a message to the people across the state that “it is better to die than to live without getting our rights,” he continued.

The delay in delivering justice in the B.T. Road fake encounter case clearly shows that the people of the state is subdued by the central government of the largest democratic country, added the coordinator.

MSF, president, N. Muktangamba said that MSF will take the AFSPA issue to the state government, central government and even to the United Nations. For this MSF needs cooperation of the public, he added.

The function was attended by advocate, Khaidem Mani as guest of honour.

A blood donation camp was held at THAU ground in connection with the day.

TAMENGLONG | Aug 16

The Barak bridge between Tousem sub-division and Tamenglong at Namtiram was collapsed at 8 am today. The bridge was the only lifeline for the people of Tousem area.

The locals of Tousem have appraised the authority concerned to take up immediate action for its restoration.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Aug 14

NSCN (IM) vice president, General (Retd) Kholi hinted today that the Naga political issue will be settled “at any moment from now”. He said that the Naga people “are now blessed with the finest opportune time to see the glory of God”.

At the same time the NSCN (IM) leader however said, “Let us remind ourselves that, nothing is certain until it is achieved. Therefore, all the sons and daughters of Naga motherland, both the national workers and the public, should make concerted efforts with full sense of responsibility and accountability towards achieving a lasting solution to our political problem with India.”

This speech of the vice president was read out by the outfit’s home minister Hukavi Yepthomi during the Nagas’ Independence Day observation at Camp Hebron, off Dimapur today.

The 71st Naga Independence Day was observed across ‘Naga areas’ in the States of Nagaland and Manipur today. The main programme was held at the outfit’s headquarters Hebron which witnessed the participation of civil bodies and the cadres/officials of the NSCN (IM).

General Kholi on the other hand asked the Nagas to “be prepared with all the requisite skill and resources to build our nation”.  He said that the solution to “our problem will not be the end in itself; rather it will be just a new beginning for Nagas to build our nation”. He further said that it will depend greatly on “our concerted efforts how our nation” should progress and prosper. 

Meanwhile, UNC president, Gaidon Kamei while delivering a speech said that as long as the Nagas remained united the Naga society will remain intact, “our history will remain intact.” Gaidon Kamei also said that Nagas have come thus far suffering and being harassed for the past 70 years. “We have overcome this ordeal,” he stated. He added that the UNC will “support the NSCN till the end.”

Rh Raising, convenor of NSCN (IM)’s highest decision making body ‘Steering Committee’ in his speech said that 70 years ago, the Naga people declared their independence day on August 14, 1947, but “sadly the government of India did not recognise it”. Rh Raising, however, said that the “Framework Agreement will be the beginning of a new relationship between India and the Nagas.”

Naga Hoho leader HK Zhomomi speaking on behalf of the organisation said that there was some misconception on the Naga peace talks. “Actually, the ongoing Naga peace talks is for all the Nagas, and you will know this when you meet the government of India,” said the Naga Hoho leader.

A leader of the Naga People’s for Human Rights (NPMHR) representing the organisation, while quoting John F Kennedy, urged the Naga people “at this crucial stage” to “ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

A leader of the Naga Students Federation (NSF) while speaking on the occasion said that the students’ body “would like to convey a message loud and clear to the world that the Naga younger generation will never give up the spirit of true nationalism and our fight for self-determination will continue till we achieve it fully. We know that the road is not easy but we shall never give up”.

A leader of the Eastern Naga People’s Organisation (ENPO) said that the Nagas are thirsty for peace, and we are hopeful that the ‘Framework Agreement’ will usher in the lasting peace.

Leaders of Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap Changlang Longding People’s Forum while participating in the programme today said that they support the ‘Framework Agreement’.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 14

The titular king of Manipur, Sanajaoba Leisemba said “unless we are united we cannot go ahead so it is necessary to stay united and stand together as one for a bright future of Manipur.”

Sanajaoba was addressing the crowd during the celebration of 71st Manipur Independent Day today at the Old Royal Palace, Imphal organised by the members of Old Royal Palace and Coalition for Indigenes’ Rights Campaign (CIRCA), Manipur.

The erstwhile national flag of Manipur with the symbol of Lord Pakhangba (in serpentine form) embossed on it was hoisted by the titular king, Sanajaoba at the premises of the palace.

The titular king said that now a days the young generation do not know that Manipur was once an independent country with its own constitution.

The celebration of Manipur’s independent  day will empower the people of Manipur with the historical awareness of their existence as a free nation and enable the people to fight for their legitimate political aspiration, continued Sanajaoba.

Manipur national flag has been hoisted every year in the palace premises but from the last year with the support of CIRCA and people of the state the celebration becomes a big event, he added.

Sanajaoba said that “in order to show the people outside the state that we are united, we must celebrate the Independence Day together at one location grandly from next year.”

He also spoke about the brief history of the independence day of Manipur. 

CIRCA spokesperson, Ningthouja Lancha urged the state government to announce and declare August 14 as Manipur independence day.

He said until and unless a special constitutional status with maximum autonomy for Manipur is given, there will be no peace in the state.

He said that according to the Instrument of Accession any function in relation to the administration of the state and law of the dominion should be exercised by the state, except for the defence, communication, and external affairs.

To restore the pre-merger political status of Manipur for the welfare of the people, Instrument of Accession is the key to it.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 14

The titular king of Manipur, Sanajaoba Leisemba said “unless we are united we cannot go ahead so it is necessary to stay united and stand together as one for a bright future of Manipur.”

Sanajaoba was addressing the crowd during the celebration of 71st Manipur Independent Day today at the Old Royal Palace, Imphal organised by the members of Old Royal Palace and Coalition for Indigenes’ Rights Campaign (CIRCA), Manipur.

The erstwhile national flag of Manipur with the symbol of Lord Pakhangba (in serpentine form) embossed on it was hoisted by the titular king, Sanajaoba at the premises of the palace.

The titular king said that now a days the young generation do not know that Manipur was once an independent country with its own constitution.

The celebration of Manipur’s independent  day will empower the people of Manipur with the historical awareness of their existence as a free nation and enable the people to fight for their legitimate political aspiration, continued Sanajaoba.

Manipur national flag has been hoisted every year in the palace premises but from the last year with the support of CIRCA and people of the state the celebration becomes a big event, he added.

Sanajaoba said that “in order to show the people outside the state that we are united, we must celebrate the Independence Day together at one location grandly from next year.”

He also spoke about the brief history of the independence day of Manipur. 

CIRCA spokesperson, Ningthouja Lancha urged the state government to announce and declare August 14 as Manipur independence day.

He said until and unless a special constitutional status with maximum autonomy for Manipur is given, there will be no peace in the state.

He said that according to the Instrument of Accession any function in relation to the administration of the state and law of the dominion should be exercised by the state, except for the defence, communication, and external affairs.

To restore the pre-merger political status of Manipur for the welfare of the people, Instrument of Accession is the key to it.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Aug 14

Terming the denial of an honourable burial of Catholic Christian faith follower, H. Rita by the villagers of Leinganching under Kamjong district, as inhuman, the Tangkhul Catholic Council has taken a serious note on the issue.

The general secretary of the TCC referred to the present crisis as a denomination issue. Meanwhile the convenor of “JAC for Denial of H. Rita burial” informed that they will organise a rally on August 16 at Ukhrul and on the following day at Imphal and if the state government cannot bring an amicable solution, the JAC will call for indefinite bandh in the state.

The JAC has been formed by apex body of all Catholics of Manipur. The JAC was formed on August 10. Paotam Zimik, convenor of the JAC informed the press that the rally is being organised mainly focusing on three points: peaceful burial of Late H. Rita wife of H. Yangmi, right to exercise freedom of religion, amendment of the Riyan/constitution of the Leinganching village.

The president of TCC also informed that they have met chief minister of Manipur and submitted a memorandum on the prevailing situation and pressed upon the administration to look into the matter and diffuse the situation at the earliest.

The memorandum stated that “as a good citizen of the secular democratic republic of India, where Right to Freedom of Religion is enshrined in the constitution of India now being violated by the Baptist (majority) at Leingangching”, the memorandum appealed to put an end to such activities.

He also added that H. Yangmi husband of the deceased had approached the Litan PS three times for lodging an FIR but was denied as there was a strict instruction by the higher authority not to entertain any FIR on this matter. President TCC added that they were able to lodge FIR only after the intervention from the chief minister. 

The president of TCC recalled that as per directive given by CAO WTR on  August 28, a home coming program for H. Yangmi and party was arranged by TCC, AMCO ATCA, SDA Union Manipur, AMCWO (All Manipur Catholic Women Organisation) AMCYO but because of strong opposition by the villagers, the program was cancelled.

IMPHAL | Aug 14

Chief minister N. Biren Singh urged the general public to elect the right leaders without taking money in elections. He was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of a community hall at Luwangshangbam Maning Leikai in Imphal East district today.

Reiterating that the present government has a firm commitment to root out corruption, he opined that cleansing of the society should begin from elections.

People should put in effort to settle for consensus candidates instead of encouraging the idea of having multiple numbers of candidates; the chief minister observed that extending collective support to the consensus candidate is the only means to cut down election expenditures.

Observing that electing the right candidate without taking money would be a huge positive change, he urged the gathering to begin this reformation from Heingang and set itself as an example for a corruption-free constituency.

 Expressing serious concern over involvement of two policemen in a recent bomb blast, the chief minister pointed that there is an urgent need for rectification of recruitment process of Manipur police department.

 He further said that the Special Investigation Teams (SITs) constituted to probe the mass recruitment of employees by the previous government were successful to gather some interesting points.

He added that 30 candidates were found interviewed in 30 minutes by a DPC board of a department.

 Speaking on bringing about an egalitarian development in the State, the chief minister said that construction of important roads and highways would commence soon after the rainy season.

MLAs Y. Surchandra and L. Rameshwor, Imphal West adhakshya Y. Dasumati, Laipham Khunou Zilla Parishad member, P. Sundar and BJP Heingang unit president Kh. Jila also attended the function which was presided by Kontha Khabam zilla parishad member P. Bimola.

IMPHAL | Aug 14

Chief minister N. Biren Singh urged the general public to elect the right leaders without taking money in elections. He was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of a community hall at Luwangshangbam Maning Leikai in Imphal East district today.

Reiterating that the present government has a firm commitment to root out corruption, he opined that cleansing of the society should begin from elections.

People should put in effort to settle for consensus candidates instead of encouraging the idea of having multiple numbers of candidates; the chief minister observed that extending collective support to the consensus candidate is the only means to cut down election expenditures.

Observing that electing the right candidate without taking money would be a huge positive change, he urged the gathering to begin this reformation from Heingang and set itself as an example for a corruption-free constituency.

 Expressing serious concern over involvement of two policemen in a recent bomb blast, the chief minister pointed that there is an urgent need for rectification of recruitment process of Manipur police department.

 He further said that the Special Investigation Teams (SITs) constituted to probe the mass recruitment of employees by the previous government were successful to gather some interesting points.

He added that 30 candidates were found interviewed in 30 minutes by a DPC board of a department.

 Speaking on bringing about an egalitarian development in the State, the chief minister said that construction of important roads and highways would commence soon after the rainy season.

MLAs Y. Surchandra and L. Rameshwor, Imphal West adhakshya Y. Dasumati, Laipham Khunou Zilla Parishad member, P. Sundar and BJP Heingang unit president Kh. Jila also attended the function which was presided by Kontha Khabam zilla parishad member P. Bimola.

From Our Correspondent

CCPUR | Aug 14

Food Safety Department of Churachandpur district today took sample of the alleged plastic rice to Imphal for testing after an entire family of five members from Chapel Lane, Hiangtam Lamka Churachandpur got sick after consuming the rice yesterday morning. The head of the family, Ginzalian Paulsaid said that he brought one bag of rice from Rajban Shah variety store on August 11 and the tragedy started yesterday morning after consuming the rice. He said that all his family members, his wife and three children had a stomach related problem, chest pain and gastric soon after consuming the rice. Assuming that it was just a routine stomach issue and all the family members took Pantoprazole tablet but did not work out, he added.

He further said that after checking the rise, he reported the matter to the police which was forwarded to the Food Safety department, after which the officer of the department, Bisosana Loitongbam went to the shop and brought a bag of particular kind of rice. Later, the bag was taken to Imphal for clinical testing.

When enquired by the IFP correspondent, the owner of the variety store, Rajban Shah said that the rice was taken from a wholesaler named Prem from Bishnupur, who delivered 140 bags of rice.

From Our Correspondent

CCPUR | Aug 14

Food Safety Department of Churachandpur district today took sample of the alleged plastic rice to Imphal for testing after an entire family of five members from Chapel Lane, Hiangtam Lamka Churachandpur got sick after consuming the rice yesterday morning. The head of the family, Ginzalian Paulsaid said that he brought one bag of rice from Rajban Shah variety store on August 11 and the tragedy started yesterday morning after consuming the rice. He said that all his family members, his wife and three children had a stomach related problem, chest pain and gastric soon after consuming the rice. Assuming that it was just a routine stomach issue and all the family members took Pantoprazole tablet but did not work out, he added.

He further said that after checking the rise, he reported the matter to the police which was forwarded to the Food Safety department, after which the officer of the department, Bisosana Loitongbam went to the shop and brought a bag of particular kind of rice. Later, the bag was taken to Imphal for clinical testing.

When enquired by the IFP correspondent, the owner of the variety store, Rajban Shah said that the rice was taken from a wholesaler named Prem from Bishnupur, who delivered 140 bags of rice.

From Our Correspondent

CCPUR | Aug 14

Food Safety Department of Churachandpur district today took sample of the alleged plastic rice to Imphal for testing after an entire family of five members from Chapel Lane, Hiangtam Lamka Churachandpur got sick after consuming the rice yesterday morning. The head of the family, Ginzalian Paulsaid said that he brought one bag of rice from Rajban Shah variety store on August 11 and the tragedy started yesterday morning after consuming the rice. He said that all his family members, his wife and three children had a stomach related problem, chest pain and gastric soon after consuming the rice. Assuming that it was just a routine stomach issue and all the family members took Pantoprazole tablet but did not work out, he added.

He further said that after checking the rise, he reported the matter to the police which was forwarded to the Food Safety department, after which the officer of the department, Bisosana Loitongbam went to the shop and brought a bag of particular kind of rice. Later, the bag was taken to Imphal for clinical testing.

When enquired by the IFP correspondent, the owner of the variety store, Rajban Shah said that the rice was taken from a wholesaler named Prem from Bishnupur, who delivered 140 bags of rice.

IMPHAL | Aug 14

The governor of the state, Najma Heptulla has extended heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of the 71st Independence Day. In her message the governor said India is a big country where diversities abound.

In India people from all communities live in harmony and unity in diversity is the hall mark of the country, her message read, and adding diversity is the strength of India.

“On this day in 1947, we freed ourselves from the Briish yoke after a long struggle and innumerable sacrifices. Today, while celebrating the country’s independence, we should remember that we did not get our freedom on a platter”, the message read.

The governor also maintained that we should be thankful to our brave forefathers whose love for their motherland and sacrifices made it possible. As Indians, this is our duty and responsibility to treasure this hard earned freedom and work hard to make India a proud and developed country in the comity of the nations, she said. 

She has also greeted the people on the occasion of the Krishna Janmastami, stating that let us remind ourselves of the teachings of Lord Krishna and propagate love and affection for all and usher in era of peace and prosperity in Manipur.

IMPHAL | Aug 14

The governor of the state, Najma Heptulla has extended heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of the 71st Independence Day. In her message the governor said India is a big country where diversities abound.

In India people from all communities live in harmony and unity in diversity is the hall mark of the country, her message read, and adding diversity is the strength of India.

“On this day in 1947, we freed ourselves from the Briish yoke after a long struggle and innumerable sacrifices. Today, while celebrating the country’s independence, we should remember that we did not get our freedom on a platter”, the message read.

The governor also maintained that we should be thankful to our brave forefathers whose love for their motherland and sacrifices made it possible. As Indians, this is our duty and responsibility to treasure this hard earned freedom and work hard to make India a proud and developed country in the comity of the nations, she said. 

She has also greeted the people on the occasion of the Krishna Janmastami, stating that let us remind ourselves of the teachings of Lord Krishna and propagate love and affection for all and usher in era of peace and prosperity in Manipur.

Senior PLA leader Jame among those who returned to mainstream

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 14

Chief minister N. Biren Singh, today said violence is no solution to any problem and that differences can be resolved only through dialogue.

The chief minister was addressing a home coming ceremony organised for surrendered militants held today at 1st Manipur Rifles banquet hall.

Altogether 68 militants of different ranks and files belonging to different groups operating in the state surrendered before chief minister with arms.

Senior PLA leader Jame was among the notable to decide to call the armed resistance quits.

Calling on those who are yet to join the mainstream and presently taking shelter in Myanmar to come forward, he asserted that the government’s door is kept wide open.

Biren assured that security and welfare of the surrendered militants will be given top priority.

He divulged that his government has reviewed the previous ‘surrender policy’ of the state with a better one taking into consideration various aspects of the constant changes around us.

Maintaining that the state government is waiting for the approval of the new policy from the ministry of home affairs, Biren expressed his optimism.

Lauding the decision of the surrendered militants to join the mainstream, he urged the surrenderees to extend their co-operation to protect and safeguard the nation and state towards a better future.

He also appealed to those who have decided to join the mainstream to come forward without any fear while assuring all possible help from the government.

Maintaining that the state has got huge potential to shine if given a chance, he said it was high time we give peace a chance to Manipur.

The homecoming ceremony was attended by Cabinet ministers, MLAs, top brass of security forces including Police, Assam Rifles, CRPF etc.

Of the total surrendered militants 17 were members of the UNLF, 23 KCP, four KYKL, seven PLA, 10 Prepak and eight cadres of Prepak (Progressive).

While the identities of almost all the militants were concealed, high ranking officers were amongst the surrendered militants including a brigadier, Majors, captains, lieutenants, sergeant majors etc.

It has been informed that the militant cadres came along with several weapons but only eight were put on display during the ceremony which include three AK series rifles, one M-16, lethode launcher and three handguns.

The remaining weapons, the number of which was not disclosed, are reportedly under verification.

Jaame alias Uttam, senior RPF/PLA leader, speaking during the ceremony, claimed that he decided to come to the mainstream after realizing the futility of armed struggle which is leading to nowhere. Jaame reportedly joined the group in the year 1979.

“During my over 30 years experience in the armed struggle I realize that the struggle is not making any headway. What I witnessed was only bloodshed, many have been killed including civilians, friends, security forces”, said Jaame.

He observed that it was high time the insurgent groups of the North Eastern states particularly Manipur to enter into cease-fire agreement with the governments and start political dialogue.

The same policy is adopted by major insurgent groups in neighbouring Myanmar who are far more powerful than insurgency groups in North Eastern states, he asserted.

Elangbam Nikita & Ningthoujam Prasant

IMPHAL | Aug 14

 Laishram Guramangi (LG) Rose Garden, a well known and popular recreational garden, has a nursery where plants are cultured and nurtured in bulk before being retailed to other nurseries, who in turn sell them to the general public.

The garden which is owned by Laishram Dewakar is known for floriculture, a branch of agriculture concerned with the development of flowering and ornamental plants for home gardens and and other hobbyists.

The garden creates diverse types of plants such as pot plants, house plants, flowers, fruit bearing and ornamental trees.

“The trend for retailing flowers and other ornamental trees is increasing nowadays. Several women vendors come four to five times in a week to make bulk purchases. Additionally, individuals flock the garden to purchase seasonal flowers and other ornamental plants mainly during festivals, such as Diwali and in the wedding seasons,” said Thokchom Ibochou, an experienced nurseryman of the garden.

He said peak sale generally happen during November and February. The sales can go up to Rs. 10,000 per day during that period, claimed Ibochou, adding that Marigold is the much sought after during Diwali.

Ibochou was despondent about the state not having the capacity to create flowers and plants which can be exported to other states. He said Leihao saplings and other flowers and plants are supplied from Kolkata and Guwahati.

He expressed dissatisfaction on the requirement for saving indigenous plants of the state, for example, Urirei, Nageshwor, Labangga and so forth which are scarcely available.

One reason for such slack in the field of management of plant is the absence of work culture, especially among the young people, he said. Unemployed young people can procure and help themselves by filling in as a gardener or nurseryman instead of indulging in drugs, he suggested. The L.G. Rose Garden will offer a 3-month course from March next year in which 10 ccandidates will be chosen for training in the management of plants and nurseries. The scope of management of plants extends from vegetables to flowers and other ornamental plants, he further added.

Ibochou claims that the garden has more than 500 varieties of roses. Different types of flowers and plants include Kaboklei, Leihao, Azalea, U-thambal, Seed-less orange, sweet lemon, foxtail palm, traveller tree and so on. Some of the techniques used for the propagation of plants are cutting, layering and grafting. He stated, “With various 18 nurserymen, the nursery is kept up in the most ideal approach to keep the plants healthy by utilizing ‘cow dung’ as its main manure.”