Category: Imphal Free Press

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 14

Imphal West arrested three persons in relation with the second blast of Kakwa Naorem Leikai yesterday. Huge quantity of bomb making materials were recovered from the culprits, Imphal West superintendent of police Themthing Ngashangva told a press conference today at his conference hall.

Speaking to media persons, Themthing said after yesterday’s second blast Imphal West police team immediately conducted a massive search and raided different places to nab the perpetrators.

During the search and raids credible information was received that the IED blast was carried out by proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) under the command of one Aheiba Nagngom alias Tamocha alias Premkumar alias B. Koijam of Bashikhong who is self style finance in-charge of PREPAK (VC).

He said in the raid one person namely Sapam Nanda alias Makar (50) son of S. Sanatomba of Bashikhong Torban, CDO Imphal East was apprehended. On interrogation he revealed the name of two other persons namely Pipa Yaima Maring (29), CDO Imphal East, son of B. Angphun of Kangkoi Khullen under Machi police station and Thingbaijam Sanjoy (35) son of Th. Dronjit of Kakwa Naorem Leikai who were involved in the crime. The two were also arrested yesterday without delay.

On further interrogation the three accused confessed to have committed the crime and revealed the details of the plan. They confessed that they assemble the IED yesterday morning and planted it at around 7 am and waited for opportune time to target the security forces, Themthing said.

He further said they exploded the IED by using a remote control device from a distance of about 300 metres. They also disclosed that the bomb materials were kept at different places to be used during the Independence Day celebration Themthing added.

Police recovered bomb making materials from their disclosure such as 81 number of Gelatin sticks (power gel), two TNT cases of 500 grams each of military grade, six electronic circuits, one remote control device, three mobile phones, and five subscriber identity module (SIM) cards.

A case has registered under FIR number 252 (8) 2017 under Singjamei police station u/s 307/506/427/34 IPC and 20 UA (P) Act read with three explosive substance Act have been registered in c/w the IED blast at Singjamei police station and further investigation is in process, Themthing said.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 6

A minor girl from Churachandpur district is suffering from an unusual breast enlargement believed to be a rare side effect of Efavirenz, the first line of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS.

Life for 17 year old Jenny (name changed) has become a daily struggle physically and mentally for the past two years, since she developed the rare side effect.

But, things got worst during the last six months when her deformity increased at a very unusual way.

Jenny who is studying in class XII standard had to even stop her schooling since then.

When Imphal Free Press first contacted Jenny’s family they initially hesitated to disclose her HIV status.

Yet, the family was apparently desperate to know the cause of the unusual physical changes that has been bothering the minor.

According to Jenny’s family she had undergone pregnancy test six times following advice from doctors.

They have been even told that the minor girl could have been suffering from cancer.

When this reporter informed of similar case occurring to a man, who was on ART, several years back, they finally found themselves in the position to be more open.

The minor girl disclosed that she started having the physical problem after taking ART two years back.

Initially, she felt discomforting and had itching sensation on her chest which continued for about a year.

After a year on ART, Jenny said that she started experiencing excruciating pain on her chest occasionally followed by enlargement of her breast.

Jenny said that when she told her relative of the problem they assumed puberty could be the cause.

With each passing days, her unusual physically anomaly was taking over her life to the extent that she finally forced herself from stepping outside of her home.

Her physical changes attracted the unwanted attention of everyone and everywhere she goes, claimed Jenny.

“Whenever I step outside I hear people talking bad about me. Some of them think that I was pregnant or I have intentionally enlarged my breast for getting attention of boys. Sometimes don’t wish to live”, she said with a trembling tone.

Jenny contracted the virus from her parents. They (Jenny’s parents) contracted the virus from their cousins who were drug users. With no background of drugs and possibilities to get HIV, the parents were believed to have contracted the virus while taking care of their sick cousins.

Jenny’s parents came to know of their status when her (Jenny) mother felt terribly ill just months before her death in 2010. The father who could not comprehend the lost of his wife turned to alcohol and passed in 2011.

Before his death, Jenny’s father had his daughter tested HIV status and found positive when she was about six years old.

Since her parents passed away, Jenny is taken care of by his maternal relatives particularly her god father A Guite.

DIMAPUR | Aug 14 (NNN)

The Dr Shurhozelie group of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) claimed that a local court has passed an interim order restraining Neiphiu Rio from using the name of Naga People’s Front, its symbol and flags and also against the opening of any office using the name of NPF party.

It may be noted that the Naga People’s Front (NPF) led by Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu and the other NPF led by Neiphiu Rio have been engaging in tussling work to hold the forte of the party.

According to the NPF led by Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu, L Yanlong, president of the NPF Mon division had filed a civil suit in the court of the Civil Judge (Senior) Division in Mon district  submitting that the defendant Neiphiu Rio has been appointed as the “Interim President” of the NPF on July 31, 2017, by a group of expelled and suspended legislators of NPF and had opened an office at Hotel Legacy, Kohima, using the name of NPF and its symbol and flags.

Counsel for the Plaintiff pointed out that 20 legislators of the NPF were expelled and another 12 were suspended on various dates from active and primary membership of the party, it said.

The basis of the contention was that there is no post by the name and style of “Interim President” as per the Constitution of the NPF and that any official post of the party will have to be appointed by the General Convention of the party as per para 2 (c) of Article IV of the Constitution of the NPF party.

The learned Civil Judge was satisfied that the plaintiff had made out a case for grant of ad-interim injunction and accordingly passed an order restraining the defendant Neiphiu Rio from using the name of NPF, its symbol and flags and further restrained the defendant from opening of any new office using the name of NPF party till the next returnable date which has been scheduled for September 27, 2017.

IMPHAL | Aug 13

The 126th patriots’ day was observed today at the Manipuri Kala Mandir, Dhalpukhri, Hojai district, Assam. A statue of Bir Tikendrajit was unveiled as part of the function organised by the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Assam, district committee, Hojai.

A one minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the supreme sacrifices made by the martyrs of the historic Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891. Floral tributes were also paid to the martyrs.

Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Yumnam Khemchand, Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, recalled his days spent in Assam for more than a decade as the founder president of All Assam Taekwondo Association promoting the martial arts in various districts of Assam.

He said people now trust the government led by chief minister N. Biren Singh which believes in performing action rather than just making statements. He concluded his speech by expressing his desire to attend more such functions in the future.

Guest of honour at the function, Thounaojam Shyamkumar, minister MAHUD, town planning, forests and environment and horticulture and soil conservation talked about the visible changes in Hojai since his maiden visit in 1991.

Stating that costumes of Meitei women are the reflection of the rich cultural tradition which has survived for many years, he requested the women to keep the tradition alive. He also said it is an emotional experience to witness the Meiteis living in Hojai for their contribution in keeping the traditions and culture alive.

Minister Th. Shyamkumar said he has been specifically advised by the chief minister N. Biren to visit Hojai to look into the problems faced by the Manipuri diaspora and promised to extend all possible help.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 13

The chief minister Nongthongbam Biren Singh today announced that the joint interrogation cell at Kangla Fort will be shifted out, so as to to maintain sanctity of the fort. He was making this announcement while addressing the Patriots’ Day function at Bir Tikendrajit Park.

“The joint interrogation cell is being shifted from Kangla fort to another place as per the wishes of the people. This is to maintain sanctity of the fort and I don’t want to hear cries,” Biren said.

The joint interrogation cell was opened inside Kangla fort when the Assam Rifles was headquartered here. The Assam Rifles was remov ed from Kangla in 2004. After the Assam Rifles left the place the joint interrogation cell continued to exist.

However Biren did not give any hint where the joint interrogation cell will be opened.

He reiterated that the “Nongpokthong” which is an important gateway according to “Puya” will also be installed in the campus area of Kangla. Study of maps and the process will be started soon, he added.

He also warned civil organisations or any individuals not to pollute the minds and thinking of the public with vested interests and disturb the harmony between the people of various indigenous groups. It will only create misunderstandings, he added.

He also requested the general public especially the student community to focus on studies rather than just beating around the bush and going for strikes and bandhs. He made a big appeal that a solution be achieved through dialogue rather than violence.

Patriots ‘Day is observed to pay respect and honour to the martyrs of the 1891 war between the Manipuris and Britishers. Twenty two leaders including Maharaja Kulachandra were exiled for life and five were hanged to death on this day and the other five were hanged to death on different dates on the false charge of waging war against the British Empire.

The governor of the state Najma Heptullah, during the occasion said that series of battles in 1891 showed the courage of the Manipuris who fought against the strongest force of the then world and it showed that freedom is more important than their lives.

In the present situation of the state facing many problems, she commented that “we should amicably resolve all our differences to make our state strong rather than harping on our differences.  

Bandh culture, economic blockades etc at the drop of a hat even for minor incidents has harmed the pace of development in the state and such acts need to be avoided. The administration and the population must go hand in hand to ensure that divisive forces do not have an upper hand and that peace is the hallmark of the state, she remarked.

Floral tributes were paid by the state officials at Shaheed Minar, Kangla western gate before the main function at BT Park.

Prestigious award of Manipur Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Gallantry and Manipur Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Outstanding Devotion to Duty were given to five police personnel each during the function.

1) Kh. Henery Singh, SI of CDO unit IE, 2) Thangkhochon Haokip, MPS, Dy. SP (Ops) Imphal West, 3) Micro Wahengbam, Hav.No. 2nd MR attached with CDO Unit/IE, 4) P. Achouba Meetei, inspector, OC-CDO/IW and 5) L. Rocky Singh, SI of CDO unit Thoubal were conferred Manipur Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Gallantry.

For the Manipur Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Outstanding Devotion to Duty, 1)Thahgen Khaikhojam, JC No.584, Subedar,1st IRB, 2) S. Joychandra Meetei, head constable, IW, 3) Y. Robindro Singh, head constable, Bishnupur 4) Ng. Sanakhomba Singh, head constable, IW and 5) K. Ranjit Singh, inspector of police, narcotic cell, IW were named.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 13

Breaking security measures taken in view of the 70th Independence Day celebration a bomb blast rocked Imphal.

The blast occurred at around 9: 40 am this morning at Kakwa Naorem Leikai under Singjamei police station in Imphal West. The bomb believed to be improvised explosive device (IED) was planted near the base of a transformer located beside Nongpok Panthoibi community hall, Naorem Leikai.

The impact of the blast damaged the barb wire fence around the transformer. However, no one was injured. It is said that at the time of the blast some second hand dress dealers were selling their products just 20 metres from the blast site.

SP Imphal West, commandant of 6th AR and personnel of Singjamei PS inspected the site. Police bomb squad collected samples of fragments. Experts said, it is suspected to be a timer IED.

A similar bomb exploded yesterday at the border on Myanmar side opposite to Sunrise playground, Moreh at around 5.15 am but no causality has been reported.

Police picked up Naorem Bhume (55) son of late N. Komol.

Cordon and search operation have been carried out in different parts of the state.

Today at around 5 am to 7 am CASO was conducted at Thingkangphai, Churachandpur by district police teams led by Add. SP L. Khongsai, SDPO Churachandpur, SDPO Thanlon and women police.

Thoubal police conducted cordon and search operations at Yairipok Huidrom Leikai from 4.15 am to 6.00 am. Three persons were picked up for further verification at Yairipok police station.

Similar operation was conducted today at Kakching Lamkai under the supervision of Kakching SP and the teams of OC Pallel, Hiyanglam, CDO Thoubal, along with female personnel between 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm.

More than 120 persons were verified on the spot and 19 persons were found without any identifying documents and they were handed over to Kakching police station for further verifications.

Later, house to house search and verification of households was also conducted at Kakching Ningthou Pareng and nearby houses of the place of function.

Women folks of Naorem Leikai staged a sit-in protest condemning the today’s bomb blast infront of Nongpok Panthoibi, Naorem Leikai.

Eyewitness said that the spot of the blast was a place where Assam Rifle personnel came and usually have lunch.

Today’s blast took place just a few minutes after Assam Rifle personnel left the spot, added the eyewitness.

Speaking to media persons, Singjamei to Lilong Meira Paibi, advisor, Naorem Dasumati said that in their locality bomb blast has never occurred in the past.

Such action brought a big terror to the people of their locality, she added.

The advisor said that the person or organisation who is responsible for the blast should clarify within three days.

The women folks asked the government not to deploy Assam Rifles in their area as it become unsafe for the general public.

The women folks claimed that Norem Bhumen (55) son of N. Kumol of Naorem Leikai which was arrested by the Imphal East commando just half hour after the blast from his residence is innocent and asked to released him without any condition.

JIRIBAM | Aug 13(JNN)

A fierce gun battle between Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) and National Socialist Council of Nagalim – Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) reportedly took place today at around 12 noon at the Namdailong village which is approximately 5 km towards North from Jirighat Bazaar and lies under Lakhipur sub-division of Cachar District.

According to report received that the gun battle lasted for half an hour in which an alleged cadre of ZUF was apprehended by NSCN-IM. The apprehended ZUF cadre was identified as Malek pao Gangmei (24).

During the gun battle, the NSCN – IM destroyed a kitchen, office and prayer centre of NNC/FGN and few bags of rice which was stored in the kitchen was burnt down.

Later, after the gun battle a team of Assam Rifles and police went to the spot and investigated.  In the queries of media person about the reason of gun battle, the local reported that NSCN-IM and ZUF are enemies and draws gun on the sights of each other.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 13

The North East Catholic Community of Delhi has expressed shock over the denial of an honourable burial of one Rita Haorei, wife of Yangmi Haorei, who passed away on August 7, by villagers of Leingangching under Kamjong district, as she was a Catholic Christian.

A release signed by the president of NECCD, Philip Thanglianmang said ‘this inhuman behaviour and gross violation of basic human rights is not only condemnable, but it has shamed and tarnished the image of all Christians.’

At a time when building Christian community and brotherhood is gaining ground through inter-religious dialogues, such incidents of dividing people on the basis of their religious practices and denominations by so called Christian leaders is most unfortunate, it added.

It may be mentioned that Leingangching hamlet is predominantly a Baptist Christian village. In 2009, a group of families approached the village authority to allow them to embrace Catholic faith. But their request was turned down by the village authority.

According to a reliable source, these families have been facing many hardships ever since they announced their conversion to Catholic faith. In May 2010 their houses were ransacked by the villagers and they have been remaining as outcasts since then in their own village, it continued.

A peaceful march on August 9 to the Leingangching village from Litan village (where the dead body is kept) with the coffin of the dead body was vehemently resisted by the Leingangching village who came armed with weapons. Sensing the danger the protesters were persuaded by the police to withdraw but the sit-in-protest continues, said the source.

Further the source maintained that burial of Catholic followers were denied by the same villagers in 2014 and 2016 when deaths occurred. Attempts to solve the problem through customary laws had also failed, and moreover visits and appeals from organisations like Thangkhul Naga Long, All Manipur Christian Organisation and Tribal Christian Leaders Forum have fallen on deaf ears.

In this regard a case before the CJM of the Ukhrul is also pending continued the source, adding the response from the DC of Kamjong has been very casual.

The All Manipur Christian Organisation, (AMCO) in a release has appealed to the village chief and authority concerned to look into the matter with Christian love and human dignity. The Tangkhul Christian Fellowship Delhi has condemned the incident and urged every right thinking individual to rise above sectarian and parochial mind-set and respect one’s right to freedom of conscience, according to a statement.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 13

Haobam Paban kumar’s ‘Loktak Lairembi’ – Lady of the Lake, has received yet another feather in its cap. The acclaimed Manipuri feature film has been invited to be screened in the 15th Anniversary Open Russian Festival of Film and Theater to be held at Blagoveshchensk city, Russia.

The festival will be from September 16 to 24 this year. It features both national and international competition sections. Pabankumar’s ‘Loktak Lairembi’ will compete with nine other films from around the world. 

The film before its screening in the Russian city in September, it will have a stopover at New Delhi for The Fresh Lense: New Cinematic Voices from Northeast India screening. It will be held from August 18 to 19, organised by the by India International Centre and North East Media Forum.

 According to the organiser this festival presents some significant voices among a new generation of filmmakers who following in the footsteps of veterans like Aribam Syam Sharma, Jahnu Barua and the late Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia, have made a mark at the international and national level.

Far away from the glamour world of big budget Hindi cinema – and consequently the gaze of the usual film goer in the Indian heartland – filmmakers in Northeast India have, over the years, been consistently telling their stories in an artistic and grounded manner.

Speaking on ‘Loktak Lairembi’, Paban kumar maintained that gun – a symbol of authority and ownership regimen others. “We forget that fear and anxiety instils further worries resulting in cross violence! I sincerely believe in resumption of our cultural values that propagates an inclusive society imbued with love, trust and tolerance and my film symbolically delves into the ‘fear psychosis’ that leads to mistrust and irresponsible conflicts”, he opined.

‘Loktak Lairembi’ has travelled as many as 19 international film festivals so far. The debut feature film of the director has garnered prestigious awards like: German Star of India Award – 14th Indian Film Festival of Stuttgart 2017, 26th G. Aravindan Puruskaram for the Best Debut Director 2016, FIPRESCI India – Critics Award – 9th Bengaluru International Film Festival 2017, NETPAC Award (Asian Select) – 22nd Kolkata International Film Festival 2016 and Golden Gateway Award – 18th Mumbai Film Festival 2016 among others.

It may be mentioned that Paban Kumar came to limelight with the film AFSPA 1958 winning the FIPRESCI and Jury prize at the 9th MIFF 2006. Some of his other notable films are ‘A Cry in the Dark’, ‘The First Leap’, ‘Mr. India’ and ‘Floating Life’ etc.

Fear of law and order collapse in Kohima

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |Aug 13 

Rivalry between the Naga People’s Front (NPF) led by Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu and the other NPF led by Neiphiu Rio is becoming tense day by the day.

Yesterday a large number of NPF Youth Wing members from Northern Angami-I assembly constituency came to the temporary office of NPF (Rio group) at Hotel Legacy Complex, Bayavu Hill in Kohima and served an ultimatum to close down the office by August 13. However, the Rio led NPF did not pay heed to the ultimatum.

Following this development, tension is fast mounting in Kohima as there is apprehension of law and order issue if things are not checked on time.

“It has come to our notice that an office said to be NPF office has been inaugurated at Hotel Legacy, Bayavu Hill, Kohima, which was unauthorised and illegal, by so-called Interim president Neiphiu Rio on August 10, which falls under the jurisdiction of 10 Northern Angami I Assembly Constituency,” said the NPF Youth Wing of Northern Angami-I assembly constituency.

It also said that the NPF has only one president, and he is Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu “who was duly elected in the general convention on November 26, 2014 and the same was reaffirmed on April 30, 2015 and there is no other president, Interim or otherwise”.

Meanwhile, the NPF led by Dr Shurhozelie said, “It is simply amazing how stubborn some people can get repeating ad nausea that majority of the MLAs had elected Neiphiu Rio as the interim president of the Naga People’s Front party”, adding, “These people have obviously learned nothing from the 2015 crisis when majority of NPF legislators elected Noke Wangnao as the president of the NPF and moved the Election Commission of India for the party symbol.”

“Did the ECI recognize Wangnao as the NPF president then and allot the group the party symbol?” it asked.

 Just as in 2015, majority of the Central Office Bearers and the Central Executive Council members along with, in the instant case, twelve out of thirteen Division Units, are with the party and President Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu, it added.

So, it brings us to the question of how the illegal party of expelled NPF legislators and the political gypsies could claim that the interim president elected by the legislators on July 31, has any legal backing, it added.

According to the statement, party workers/ supporters elect the legislators, and not the other way round. “And once these legislators are elected, they cannot be replaced at one’s whims and fancies before expiry of their tenure, namely, five years, even if they make fools of themselves, gallivant in Kaziranga or shift their allegiance to the highest bidder just as persons in the world’s oldest profession do,” it stated.

It continued, “Having shredded legalities into tatters with the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly acting like the main villain, and the governor of Nagaland playing the role of the Godfather in the whole sordid affair, this group of illegal persons had presumed that they could do anything and get away scot free, like setting up an illegal office, appoint someone to a non-existent post as interim president, and also make absurd demand to the legally-elected president to step down within fifteen days and hand over the properties of the party to them!”

By Thomas Ngangom

IMPHAL | Aug 13

Raw meat shops in the Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) area mostly sell “uncertified meats.” The certificate they have is only for retail sale or whole sale. Certified meat can be brought for consumption after creation of slaughter houses in the state.

Commissioner of IMC, Th. Harikumar told IFP that meat shops are holding certificates for opening shops. The state needs slaughter houses and creation of meat inspector’s post.

He said MAHUD minister Th. Shyamkumar’s decision not to allow sale of meat without license from IMC and veterinary department is a good initiative.

According to the rules and regulations governing the licensing of meat shops in Imphal, meat shops should be regulated as per the directions of Manipur Municipalities Act 1976, Prevention of food Adulteration Act 1954 and related bylaws (municipal license byelaw) named The Municipalities or Nagar Panchayats (Regulation of market) Model Bylaws 1998 and the Sale of Meat Bylaws 1987 framed under provisions of the Manipur Municipalities Act 1976.

He said “meat shop” means any premises used wholly or in part for the wholesale or retail sale of raw meat for human consumption. “License” means licence granted to an owner or a keeper of meat shop.

As per Section 163 of the Manipur Municipalities Act 1976, no place shall be used for any of the purpose listed in the section in the limits fixed by the Municipal Board without a license.

It is said that in the reply to an RTI application the Municipal Board said meat shops require license. As per the byelaw, no meat shop shall be established or run or continued in the Imphal Municipal Area except under the order of a licence.

According to the reply, IMC is the supreme body in its area regulating licenses and the executive officers of IMC is the authority to issue the license. Veterinary and animal husbandry department also has a key role in licensing the meat shop.

Under Manipur Municipalities Act 1976 the meat shop must follow the conditions that is “meat should be brought from the licensed butcher. No slaughtering of animal is permitted in the premises of the shop. The shop should be properly walled. The meat should be kept in a properly arranged place or box where flies cannot enter. All articles such as scale, knives and others should be properly washed. No person shall be employed in any room who is not cleanly clad or who is suffering from  any  infectious,  contagious or  loathsome  disease  or  who  has  recently  been attending  upon  any person  suffering  from  such  disease  nor  shall  any  person  be permitted to enter any meat shop who is known to be suffering from any infectious, contagious or loathsome disease. The premises of the meat shops shall not be used for residential proposes or as eating house. No animal should be killed in the premises of the shop and the meat to be kept for sale should be from a licensed slaughterhouse.”

Harikumar further said, IMC has completed survey of 80 percent in IMC area. During the survey IMC collected data on number of meat shops with licence and  without licence.

He appealed to the concerned minister and the government to take initiatives for creation of slaughter houseand appointment of meat inspector. Before the appointment of meat inspector a veterinary doctor can be deputed, he added.

Director of veterinary and animal husbandry, H. Chaoba told IFP that a slaughter house is a must for selling certified meat. Only after having a slaughter house people can get certified meat for healthy consumption. The department is ready to co-operate with the initiatives taken by state to bring a healthy society, Chaoba asserted.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 13

Chingai MLA and parliamentary secretary, planning and transport, Khashim Vashum on yesterday inaugurated the M/S Chingai K.K Indane Gramin Vitra as a part of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) at the Chingai village community hall.

The scheme was launched in the presence of elders from different villages under Chingai block, SDO Chingai, Jessami, ADC members of Ukhrul, officials of IOC.

As an initial part of the scheme the Khashim Vashum handed over consumer kits to seven beneficiaries.

The PMUY which aims to provide LPG cooking gas for BPL family, apparently will not be able to fulfill its objective anytime soon in the absence of bank in the sub-divisional head quarter.

To avail with banking facilities in the sub-division the Vijaya bank agreed to open a branch inside the campus of yet to be inaugurated SDO Chingai, office complex.

However, due to the deplorable condition of the bank building the authority (bank) was forced to retract its decision twice. The bank authority has visited Chingai and inspected the bank building twice but they expressed its disappointment over the condition of the building, said a local source.

The MLA along with officials of the sub-division, ADC members of the block also inspected the building and excoriated on the condition.

“It pains me to see the condition of the entire infrastructure within the campus of the SDO office complex particularly the bank building in the wake of the PMUY and other similar schemes which requires bank accounts to avail the benefits”, said the Chingai MLA said.

Chingai remains one of the underdeveloped blocks despite being one of the oldest blocks next to Ukhrul, he lamented.

The bank building inside the SDO campus resembles an incomplete abandoned building with new paints.

All the important compartments inside the building particularly the supposed strong room was no more than a mere four corner room.

Set aside safety features, the room have no door and has a small window reinforced with iron rod usually found in an old fashion house.

There were tell-tale signs on the poor quality of the works as most of the floor tiles have also damaged and cracks appearing on the ceilings and walls.

Most of the infrastructures inside the SDO campus were in similar condition covered in overgrowth bushes.

The SDO complex was constructed by the previous government and was left un-inaugurated following a boycott.

For being one of oldest sub-division, formally inaugurated in 1971, Chingai is still lagging behind in every aspect when compared to sub-division in other districts.

It is found that there has been no market shed in the sub-divisional head quarter and construction is undergoing for the same. The new PHC building inaugurated in 2003 was found to be run by only one doctor (MO).

Of the total 10 staffs only four individuals were found at the station including the MO, two nurses and a grade four officer.

Roads leading to the sub-divisional headquarter is also in deplorable condition.

IMPHAL | Aug 13

The 126th Patriots’ Day was observed today at Manipur State Congress Committee office at B.T. Road, Imphal to pay tributes to the martyrs of the state.

Speaking to media persons, former chief minister, O. Ibobi Singh expressed the hope that the people of the state and the future generation will have the spirits of the martyrs who gave their lives for the motherland in safeguarding the motherland.

He appealed to the people to unite as was done by the fore-fathers and firmly stand for integrity of the state.

Ningthoujam Prasant & Elangbam Nikita

IMPHAL | Aug 12

Vishal Kumar, from Delhi, father of a lone child, and owner of a stall at the ongoing fair at Mapal Kangjeibung, is having a hard time trying selling his books—used and unused.

He claims he brought along 15,000 books from Delhi and he is now forced to price every one of his books at only Rs. 100.

“The books were sold at Rs 200 and Rs. 100 initially. However, because of an a constant drop in the volume of sale, I had to resort to offering them for only Rs. 100 per book.” said Vishal who came to Imphal with high expectations.

With a heavy heart, he said he has spent more than Rs. 40,000 travelling and transporting he wares. He said  carriage charge to Imphal is expensive.

“I expected good response from purchasers, especially students, however visitors were very few,” said Vishal disappointment writ large on his face.

He asserted he has travelled across India to partake in various book fairs and got great responses in different states. He guessed the reason for slowing down of sales might have to do with the less appropriate setting of the book stall inside the trade fair.

Vishal is a partner of Mehta Book Company, Delhi. He said though many now prefer enjoy e-books and other electronic formats he trusts that these can’t be compared with paper books. Life is in books and books will prevail, he said. Though sale is poor, he is confident he will not lose money.

Vishal said he will once more, return to Imphal in future to partake in book fairs. His stall has books basically of fiction, non-fiction and children books. The trade fair will continue till August 20.

IMPHAL | Aug 12

The state government will observe Patriots’ Daytomorrow at Kangla. Najma Heptulla, governor  and N. Biren Singh, chief minister will grace the function as chief guest and president respectively.

The prabhat phery will  be observed at 4:00 am and will be followed by floral tributes at Hicham Yaicham Pat, Moirangkhom at 8:00 am and at the Thangal General Temple, Palace Compound.

The main observance will start at 3:30 pm with the governor and the chief minister leading the dignitaries and the public in wreath laying ceremony in Kangla. It will be followed by floral tributes at Shaheed Minar, BT Park.  Contingents of Manipur Rifles will offer a guard of honour/general salute to the martyrs of the state.

IMPHAL| Aug 12

Fraternal revolutionary organizations have called upon the entire peoples of the Western South East Asia region to boycott and prevent the imposed celebration, in any manner, of India’s Independence Day in the region on August 15.

A general strike is called on August 15 throughout the WESEA region from 1 am to 6.30 pm as a strong voice of resistance against Indian colonial occupation as well as repression of the region, said a joint release of CORCOM, GNLA, ULFA, UPLA signed by media co ordinator, CorCom, Ksh. Yoiheiba.

This year, India under the premiership of Narendra Modi who boasted that he confronts the world “Eye to Eye”, is getting ready for the 70th Independence Day Celebration with a grand display of its’ military power and hardware, perhaps attempting to outdo the Chinese PLA’s 90th Anniversary Celebration on July 30, said a release.  It is also a sign of nervousness or apprehension of the Indian government at the border fracas at Drok La or Drong Lam, the tri junction of our close international border with China; and hence to hide the same, it said adding India’s policy towards neighbour China is now wide open as the facts of the Drong Lam (Drok La) impasse is vivisected by the experts exposing her weakness and helplessness of the situation to the full view of the world to see.

In the occupied WESEA region bordering China, especially in Assam and Manipur, the Indian administration is celebrating the event with an unprecedented 3 to 5 days fanfare with road shows, motor cycle rallies etc. called Tiranga rally to colour-coat our people with Indian nationalism, it further said.

Obviously, it is to hoodwink the world that the region is an integral part of India, and quite contented; despite keeping our peoples subjugated under colonial hegemonic rule with repressive and draconian laws, it continued adding it is to saffronise the region by the new Modi government at Delhi with its slogan of “One Country, One people, One culture” ie. the hidden agenda to obliterate and assimilate all the indigenous peoples of WESEA region who are racially, culturally, and in every aspects quite distinct from India; with unchecked and deliberated heavy influx from the Indian mainland.

Keeping faith in the collective strength of our region, the fraternal revolutionary organisations appeal to all the people to once again display their solidarity against India, the common enemy, by making the boycott and general ctrike a complete success and to remain indoors throughout the day, it said.

During the protest hours of 1 am to 6.30 pm the fraternal revolutionary organisations are calling for total shutdown of educational institutions and other training facilities, shops, business establishments, factories and all forms of transport, it said adding however all the emergency services including media and religious activities will remain as usual.

 IMPHAL | Aug 12

Commerce and industries minister Thongam Biswajit Singh, today, said that the Kisan SAMPADA Yojana will encourage the farmers and increase their incomes. He assured mass publicity of the scheme through the department of information and public relation.

Biswajit was attending a road show on World India and seminar on new scheme Kisan SAMPADA yojana at Hotel Classic Grande today.

Addressing the seminar attended by entrepreneurs and officials, the minister said the objective of Kisan SAMPADA is to supplement agriculture, modernise processing and decrease agri-waste. He continued there are seven schemes under the Kisan SAMPADA of which creation of the backward and forward linkages is the most important. 

He said before the implementation of this scheme, the new government had proposed opening of some new Common Facilities Centres.

Explaining that major portion of products in the state go to waste, he asserted today lemon growers in Kachai have been demoralized due to lack of market for their products and entrepreneurs to help them.

Biswajit also spoke about the decreasing production of various fruits suitable in the state including orange in Tamenglong and passion fruit in Senapati and Churachandpur. So four CFCs were proposed, he added.

Biswajit expressed optimism that implementation of the Kisan SAMPADA will provide many opportunities to the farmers. He continued he has already urged the entrepreneurs to invest more to provide new opportunities to our younger generation.

Stressing on the need to create wide publicity of the new scheme, Biswajit explained that, if the farmers whose products go to waste is link-up with the entrepreneurs through the Kisan SAMPADA schemes, it is possible that not a single product goes to waste.

He observed that if we check products going to waste than the farmers and the entrepreneurs would earn more profits. The scheme aims at ensuring maximum benefits for the farmers, he added.

Manipur has huge potential in both agriculture of horticulture due to the fertile soil, however, we are lagging behind in taking advantages of the resources provided to us by nature, he observed.

Drawing comparison between China and Manipur, he said people of China give preference to their own products whereas we give preference to exported products sidelining our own products and resources. We should not forget that this culture has affected our economy, he said.

He said it is only onto us to create our future. Many experts and people may come to provide advice and suggestions, but if we want a change then we have to act by ourselves. We should work to improve our degrading work culture, he added.

Additional chief secretary (agriculture) Suhel Akhtar said production of paddy in the state is around 6.5 lakh tonnes, and if we include other crops like  potatoes, maize, pulses, whole seeds, etc, the production is doubled, which means that we are self sufficient as far as agricultural products are concerned

This means that the state’s condition is very good, but we have to question whether the condition of the farmer is also good and whether he is happy, and getting sufficient prices for his products, he said.

He said we need processing industry, a place to market, but we cannot market a product if the quality is not good.

Ministry of food processing industries economic adviser Bijay Kumar said the scheme will boost the food processing industry which will eventually help minimize agricultural produce going to waste and help in employment generation as well.

He said the level of food processing is very low and wastage is very high.

He said the scheme is a means to develop the food processing industry but ultimately the objective is to enrich the farmers and increase their income.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 12

The state government is currently discussing ways to implement and check pilferage of PDS rice. Beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) avail rice under the AAY and priority household rice (PHR), but reports state that many beneficiaries are left high and dry.

There has been charges that officials of the department have been engaged in pilfering the rice meant for beneficiaries. The recent investigation by Thoubal district administration found that six months of rice quota for Lillong Assembly constituency has been pilfered. Moreover, rice meant to be given to fair price agents is not given but handed over to private parties, signatures have been forged to avail the rice as reported by Imphal Free Press in its August 10 issue.

In the regard, minister of consumer affairs, Karam Shyam told Imphal Free Press that the problem of rice pilfering is the fault of the previous government. He said that there are no irregularities during the four month old BJP led government and rice allocation has been distributed for the month of July. The government is discussing to place certain safeguards so that the pubic distribution system reaches the intended beneficiaries.

It may be mentioned that the investigation report from the Thoubal deputy commissioner was also handed over to the anti-corruption department for issuing further notice to the CAF and PD department officials.

IMPHAL | Aug 12

The governor, Najma Heptulla has conveyed her best wishes for Patriot’s Day to the people of Manipur and also extended her message to pledge on the particular day to stand and fight as one against all those who challenge freedom and integrity of the nation, irrespective of caste, creed and religion.

The governor also recalled the heroic forefathers, Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Chirai Naga, Pukhrambam Kajao, Niranjan Subedar and other martyrs who made supreme sacrifices for their motherland while fighting against the British Empire.

IMPHAL | Aug 12

Education labour and employment minister Th. Radheshyam presented incentive cash awards to successful students of HSLC, 2016-17 of Keisham Birjit High School(aided) on the occasion of observing the 7th death anniversary of  its founder Keisham Birjit Singh today at Patsoi. Sharing the dais with him were MLA A.K. Mirabai Devi.

The dignitaries along with the school authorities, staff and students paid floral tributes to the photo of Birjit Singh.

In his keynote address, teacher of the school, N. Tuleshwor Singh narrated the journey of the school from 1972  when it started functioning from scratch even without having adequate basic amenities like uniform and textbooks till the present situation when altogether 167 students are enrolled with enough graduate teachers to teach them. The school is right now running  with financial assistance from the government.

After analysing the pros and cons of the school, Radheshyam emphasised that there is a need to see to the loopholes of the school and find ways to solve the problems of inefficiency of the teachers to impart their maximum knowledge to the students with the current 1:13 teacher–student ratio. He also questioned that as per school records , the pass percentage is huge, 87-97 % in 2011-12 and why it has decreased now.

Giving a brief insight on the present education scenario in Manipur, he convinced that he will discuss with the state government and find a way to regularise the aided teachers taking note of the 4000 vacancies of teachers in different parts of Manipur including the rural areas. Keeping into consideration a balanced approach of both the welfare of the teachers as well as the students in perspective, he said that its a crucial matter deciding what will be a priority concern whether to look into the infrastructure first or welfare of the teachers or students adding that one way to regularise the teachers is amalgamation of 3 schools together.

He stated this after seeing the miserable condition of a school at Mao during his recent visit to attend tripartite talk with the UNC and Centre in which there are 28 students with no building and basic school facilities.

Focussing on the main objective of today’s event, he said, “The founder of the school, K. Birjit is a great personality with a big heart who cares for the poor and needy and main task is to identify talented students, groom encourage and inspire these young minds to become  leaders of tomorrow. The strategic location of the school on the outskirts-far away from the noises and hustles and bustles of the city is indeed an advantage for grooming the students in a proper academic environment.”

President of the function, Mirabai, as a first batch student of the school, shared her reminiscence of how there were no proper roads and benches and other infrastructure when she studied in the school in 1972.

She spoke about the role of education in developing human resources adding that students need to work hard to find a place in today’s competitive world of computer age and avoid unnecessary social involvement that could distract them from studies.

Sharing the good news  that Keisham Birjit High School(aided) is currently striving for conversion in spite of the financial constraints and pending Cabinet decision due to the Election Code of Conduct early this year, she appealed the minister to find quick measures to update and regularise the school.

She also initiated of starting a tution centre at the school where students will be taught on 3 subjects from September to December. “I will bear the cost of Rs. 30,000 per month for hiring 3/4 teachers for the purpose,” she said.

Radheshyam and Mirabai donated Rs. 10,000 each today for promoting the developmental activities of the school.