Category: Imphal Free Press

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 12

The process of translating “Puya” to English will begin soon so that the unique history of Manipur will be made known to all, chief minsiter Nongthombam Biren said at the first foundation day of Manipur University of Culture at Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Palace Gate today.

The function was attended by the top officials of the state including state’s governor, Najma Heptullah and Biren Singh as chief guest and president respectively.

The chief minister said a committee would be formed to look after the translation work. Distinguish and eminent scholars and academicians would be invited to form the committee.

Deputy chief minister, Yumnam Joykumar Singh, art and culture minster L. Jayantakumar Singh and education minister Th. Radheshyam Singh attended as guests of honour.

Biren Singh said that culture plays a very important role in bridging the gap between the differences of both the hills and valleys and therefore it is to be developed and given main focus.

Najma Heptullah, applauds the university to preserve and propagate the rich and unique culture and heritage of the state. She pointed out that culture is one area which the state of Manipur is easily identified from the rest of the world.

She said that Manipuri dance is a sensitive and an elegant type of classical dance and reiterated that it is the art of Manipur alone but India as a whole, so development is important as development of cultural heritage.

The governor said youths of Manipur should be encouraged to keep the skills and creativity alive and robust. “We must ensure the survival of traditional art, handicrafts, dance form and music so that it may continue to enrich the country”, she added.

Fifteen eminent contributors to the field of art and culture were felicitated by the university during the programme. Two Padma Shree awardees, Laishram Birendrakumar Singh and Rajkumar Jhalajit Singh were among the felicitators respect and acknowledgment at the function.

Souvenir of the university was also released by the dignitaries at the occasion. Various cultural items were showcased during the programme by students of the university.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Aug 12

The much waited 50-bedded hospital of Tamenglong is ready to become functional by August 14, though the basic amenities are yet completed in few days.

Deputy commissioner, Armstrong Pame told media that after a joint inspection of the hospital and some doctor’s quarters at Duigailong some 2.5 km from district headquarter was conducted today afternoon.

The inspection team included the DC himself and Dr H. Ranjit Singh, MD (Obs Gynae) additional director (MC), medical directorate, Dr H. Subhaschandra Singh, MD Anesthesia, DH Thoubal, Dr Chinglaiphaba Chongtham, MS Surgery DH, Thoubal, Dr N. Pratapchandra Singh, consultant (Planning), medical directorate, Dr Chambo, chief medical officer Tamenglong along with the engineers and staffs.

The DC further said that he had engaged more than 50 labourers to complete the hospital before August 15 as the deployed 30 security forces to guard the hospital will also be withdrawn on the same day.

For security reasons, the DC also requested the chief medical officer of Tamenglong to shift to the new hospital after necessary cleanliness at the earliest.

Armstrong Pame informed that he had used all his resources to make the hospital functional and added the CMO is from local and it is his priority to give good health facility to the people. He further urged people to give full support to complete the modernised hospital.

IMPHAL | Aug 12

Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) has called for 12 hours public curfew on August 15, starting from 6 am to 6 pm in the entire Kangliepak region, denouncing the Indian Independence Day celebrations.   

Calling August 15 as the 71st transfer of colonial hegemonic day of neo-imperialist India, KCP-People’s War Group has appealed not to celebrate the day in any manner, said a release signed by secretary, central media coordinator, KCP People’s War Group, Lenin Meitei. However, Fire service, water supply, ritual service, electricity, print and electronic media may resume their normal duties, it said.

Indians did not get their independence on August 15, 1947; it said adding it would be correct to define it as the transfer of colonial hegemony from the colonial system of British India to the neo- colonial system of a neo-imperialist India. Kangliepak never existed under the British India as its colonial state, it further said. There was no annexation either as it was kept under the British Crown as a protectorate province, it continued adding history provides the evidence that the origins and India and kangliepak are entirely different.

After British India gave Kangliepak its independence on August 14, 1947, the sovereign nation started its own assembly on October 18, 1948 by implementing Adult Franchise for the first time at South East Asia, it further continued adding unfortunately, Maharaj Bodhachandra was forced to sign the merger agreement after getting mental torture and its independence was robbed.

KCP-People’s War Group is denouncing the day by imposing the public curfew as a part boycotting and total shut down of all the celebrations related with Neo-imperialist India, it added.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Aug 11

People of Kangpokpi district organised a lighting rally against the UNC’s decision of roll back of recently created seven new districts in Manipur ahead of the tripartite talks involving government of India, government of Manipur and United Naga Council (UNC) today at Senapati district.

Hundreds of people lined up along the Trans Asian Highway-1 and passed through the district headquarters of Kangpokpi displaying their strong resentment, over the UNC firm stand to roll back the newly created districts.

Braving the scanty downpour along the highway, the lighting rally participants hold giant banners printed with, “No Roll Back of Kangpokpi District, No Alteration of boundaries”, etc. while placards which read, “Kangpokpi District for Administrative Convenience and Justice”, “No Roll-Back of Kangpokpi District”, “No Alteration of Kangpokpi District Boundaries”, “Kangpokpi District is Sadar Hills”, etc. were displayed to the Senapati’s Tripartite Talks.

Men and women from different communities shouted slogan as ‘No Roll Back of Kangpokpi district’, ‘No alteration of its boundaries’ when the delegates were passing through the town. All business establishments in Kangpokpi town were remained closed during the lighting rally which began from 8 am to 1 pm, while movement of traffic continued normally.

President of Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) Sadar Hills, Thangminlen Kipgen handed over a memorandum addressed to the Prime minister of India to be submitted through Joint Secretary, NE, Ministry of Home Affairs, Satyendra Garg and to chief minister of Manipur to be submitted through chief secretary, Government of Manipur, R.R. Rashmi, and to the Agriculture, Veterinary and AH minister, V. Hangkhanlian and TD and Hills minister, N. Kayisii who are going to participate in the tripartite talks.

The memorandum stated that Kangpokpi district was created on December 8, 2016 by the state government on administrative convenience. However, the constant threat of roll back of Kangpokpi district instilled insecurity on the minds of the people. It also said that Kangpokpi district was created after a long suffering and politicisation of the creation of district spearheaded by United Naga Council (UNC) is uncalled and vehemently opposed by the people of the district.

The memorandum which was signed by president of Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi district, Seikhomang Khongsai and president of KSO Sadar Hills imploring the Prime minister of India and chief minister of Manipur to intervene in the matter to safeguard Kangpokpi district and to ensure no roll back of the created districts.

Speaking to the media, Thangminlen Kipgen said that people of Kangpokpi are very much pleased with the government creating the Kangpokpi district for administrative convenience and development and the people will not tolerate on alteration of its existing boundaries.

A giant banner with ‘No Roll Back of Kangpokpi District, No Alteration of Boundaries’ welcomed the delegates and other representatives of the Senapati Tripartite Talks at Gamgiphai, the entry point of Kangpokpi district from the state capital.

IMPHAL | Aug 11

All the affected land owners will call an “Indefinite Bandh” on the 22 bridges constructed between 145 km to 216 km on Phaitol to Barak road of NH-37 from the midnight of August 17 if the state cabinet fails to issue an order for disbursement of compensation, said a release.

The release said that the land owners have no other option except to impose bandh in their portion of land where the bridges had been construction without any payment of compensation till today.

It further said that in connection to the said 22 bridges, an estimate for land acquisition and compensatory payment was submitted by Tamenglong DC vide letter number DC (TML)/11/296(NHDL) 97(Pt-2) dated January 10, 2013 received on January 21, 2013 at 765 BRTF and accordingly DPR for the subject work had been processed for sanction of the competent authority vide letter number 2233/BJ/LA22 bridges/km145-km216/06/E2 dated February 4, 2013.

“It is further intimated that the DC/TML and 765 BRTF that as soon as the DPR gets sanctioned, the payment will be made to DC/TML immediately without any delay for further disbursement to beneficiaries,” it added.

It further said that since the compensation has been sanctioned and deposited in Tamenglong DC bank account, the Social Welfare Forum, Barak to Phaitol (NH-37), Tamenglong demanded its disbursement for several times since 2014 in all concerned offices from DC/LA/Tamenglong to Deputy Commissioner, Revenue office, it continued. However, the DC wrote for the decision of the state cabinet on July 19, 2017.

KOHIMA | Aug 11 (NNN)

Taking a sharp dig on Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya for dismissing Dr. Shürhozelie’s Government and installing TR Zeliang’s unconstitutional Government in the state, the Naga People’s Front under the banner of Youth Wing today began its four-day sit in protest in front of the Raj Bhavan, Kohima.

Demanding that the Centre recall back the Governor immediately, hundreds of NPF youths gheraoed the Raj Bhavan and asked for dismissal of the unconstitutional Zeliang government.

The agitators strongly voiced that if the Indian government considers Naga people as its citizen, the right form of Constitution should be made functional to run the Nagaland government.

Angered with the way the Governor “hijacked the mandated Shürhozelie’s Government”, the youths further warned that if the Centre do not recall back the Governor, the youths would be “compelled to seek other ways and means to chase him out.”

“The Governor being the Custodian of the Indian Constitution in the state should protect the state but instead, he is breaking every norm of the precious Constitution”, the youths expressed.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA, Yitachu maintained that the Governor who earlier talked about corruption in various department has “lost his integrity and principle and is indulging himself in the mother of all corruption by installing an unconstitutional government.”

“In no state, we expect a Governor like PB Acharya who is supposed to be the guardian of the law of the state to snatch away the rights of the people in this manner”, Yitachu said.

Yitachu also said that if the Indian Government really has concern for the fate of the Naga people then it should send some better person as the Governor of the state who can abide and function according to the Indian Constitution.

The MLA also reiterated that if the octogenarian Governor thinks Naga people will not raise their rights for his unconstitutional politics then it will be his “biggest mistake and miscalculation.”

Yitachu also maintained that if the Governor thinks the Indian Constitution is not for the Naga people, we can understand him but if the Indian Constitution protects the Naga people then immediately Zeliang’s government should be dislodged.

Therefore, Yitachu strongly urged upon the Centre to recall back the present Governor and appoint a person who is well versed with the constitution and act accordingly for the welfare of the people.

Hitting hard at the Rio’s appointing as Interim President of their so-called NPF party as the biggest blow to the Naga people, he said Naga people were not foolish enough to accept such kind of self-style Interim President.

The recently launched Democratic People’s Party (DPP) is the son of Neiphiu Rio and this cannot be forgotten by any Nagas. Instead of nurturing his infant party, Rio is now trying to hijack and dismantle the whole NPF set up through his money power, Yitachu said and asked, can such kind of leadership quality take the Naga people to any greater heights?

The MLA also maintained that the younger generation cannot be underestimated by such leaders, the Naga people are well aware of the power hungry and the truthful leaders.

However, Yitachu said that no matter how hard they try to play with the NPF, Naga people will raise their voice of the NPF and the party will always speak for the Naga people.

Another NPF MLA, Tohanba also raised in the occasion that the Naga people will never accept the violation of the Indian Constitution by the Governor and the Speaker. NPF will always be there to protect the rights of the Naga people, he added.

Tohanba also pointed out that in NPF constitution there is no Interim President post and only one president is mentioned which is occupied by Dr. Shürhozelie.

The NPF working President, Huskha Yethomi in his speech urged upon the Centre that if the Indian Government wants the Naga people to live under its Constitution, Acharya should be called back. The Naga people is not against a person in the stature of Governor but it will go against any Governor who do not uphold the Constitution and protect the people with the law, Huskha said adding that if there is no law in the state, the Naga people can enter inside the Raj Bhavan and remove Acharya from the office. He also warned that before the whole Naga people run out of patience, the Governor should either dismiss the unconstitutional Zeliang’s Government or retreat himself from the Raj Bhavan.

It may be mentioned that the sit-in-dharna will end on  August 14.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 11

Official at the agriculture “intentionally re-wrote” the subject course of a student and excluded the candidate from the merit list in the recent examination of All India Entrance Examination Admission (AIEEA) 2017 under Indian Council of Agricultural Research held on June 10.

Assistant secretary general, Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur, Sheetal Oinam said during a press meet today at its temporary head office located at Sagolband Moirang Leirak.

Sheetal said after passing AIEEA, students can get admission for studying at five different degree courses in agriculture under state quota. 

He said Sonia Yenkokpam daughter of Y. Somendro form Top Awang Leikai bearing roll number 1601109 who appeared in the recent examination of AIEEA for B.Sc. community science was not in the merit list of the results declared on July 22. From this year the score card of all candidates who appeared the examination were published on its official website, he added.

Sonia said as her mark score was more than the one who was selected in the second position for the course under unreserved seat. Sonia put an application seeking re-check of her results to the director, department of agriculture. When she checked her application form on July 27 the course of study was found changed into B.Sc. agriculture instead of B.Sc. community science after erasing with ink remover.

When a team of DESAM volunteers along with Sonia and her guardians investigated regarding the issue on August 7, there were two committees, one is Merit Preparatory Committee having six members and another is Selection Committee having three members including one from the government.

In the investigation DESAM also found the course that she had selected was rewritten into B.Sc. Agriculture by erasing with ink remover.

DESAM warned, the culprits must clarify within three days which has over yesterday. Sheetal said an enquiring committee must form to investigate the matter at the earliest and Sonia must put in the selection list as she is qualified according to her marks. Enquiry committee must find out the culprits at the earliest and must take legal action against the culprits, Sheetal claimed.

From Daniel Kamei

TAMENGLONG | Aug 11

Inclement weather in Tamenglong is playing spoilsport as the district is gearing up to celebrate the 71st Indian Independence day celebration of the country in the district headquarters on August 15, 2017.

While the district administration making hectic preparation amidst the weather condition, those who are taking part in the rehearsal of the march past parade particularly students are experiencing untold hardship.

According to Zonal Education Office (ZEO) Tamenglong, as many as 35 contingents including students, police, ASHA, band party, Manipur Rifles and VDF are taking part in the rehearsal at the lower ground of Tamenglong district head quarter.

The contingents particularly students are made to participate in the rehearsal in the muddy lower ground and amidst rain.

On seeing the ground reality of Lower ground (Apollo Ground) Tamenglong, many have raised their eyebrows on the district administration on social media.

Nevertheless, it is learnt that the district administration has no other options to organise such a big event in Tamenglong district headquarter.

Despite the weather condition the joint rehearsal will continue till Saturday and all participants are asked to come with full uniform, it has been informed.

Meanwhile, parents of the students who are taking part in the parade rehearsal have expressed their strong concern on the safety of the children.

A parent, under condition of anonymity, told Imphal Free Press that her son returned home with torn shoes after participating in the rehearsal at muddy ground.

Another parent further informed that his son has fallen sick after practicing in the rehearsal in muddy ground and amidst rain.

It has been witnessed that most of the children had to rehear with their bare feet due to the dilapidated condition of the ground.

The children cannot escape rehearsal as they fear that they might get punishment in the school.

As a result, parents have asked the concerned authority to cancel or omit the students from participating in the rehearsal.

One of the teachers, who are supervising the rehearsal, alleged that they were not getting refreshment of any kind.

The teacher further disclosed that in the previous years the district administration gave Rs. 10 per students daily for tea refreshment excluding teachers guiding the contingents.

Armstrong Pame, IAS, Deputy Commissioner Tamenglong is going to unfurl the tricolours national flag of the country as chief guest during the Independence celebration.

With the construction work of the sport complex in district headquarter is yet to be completed, the ground is left isolated.

Recently the district administration has repaired the ground for football tournament, which made the condition of the ground worse.

IMPHAL| Aug 11

Health minister  L. Jayantakumar Singh inaugurated “Interactive Meet on Medicinal Plants With District Level Farmers/Collectors” , Innovation of Mainstreaming of AYUSH & “365 days Activities at School Level”, today at Chandel Indoor Studium, Chandel. 

As Chief Guest of the function, minister explained about the importance of   Medicinal Plants found in the state. He said that growing of medicinal plants will help to generate income of the farmers. Different types of medicinal plants of high value are found in Chandel District, which is not found in the rest of the state. He advocated that the traditional methods of treatment using the medicinal plants during the past were of immense significance.

Minister stated that such programme is launched under the National Ayush Mission.  He also informed that AYUSH has become a supplementary and complimentary to Allopathy. It has reduced the cost of medicine, he added. He also appealed the people to be aware about the value and usefulness of the traditional medicinal plants.

Presiding the function, Parliamentary Secretary Shri S. Subhachandra Singh said that the Government has introduced many schemes to bring a better Health Caring Society. YOGA is also one of such examples, which is recognized by the World Health Organisation, he added.

Prizes were also distributed to the winners who participated in the competitions of various disciplines organised by the Manipur Medicinal Plant Board.

The function was attended by MLA Mayang Imphal A/C K. Robindro Singh, MLA Sekmai A/C H. Dingo Singh, DC Chandel Krishna Kumar, Director AYUSH,Manipur A Gunesor Sharma as Guest of Honours. Staff and Officials of Health and Family Welfare, AYUSH, students from different schools and others were also present at the function.

Later the ministerial team inspected the work progress of the new building of District Hospital, Chaldel that is under construction. Ministerial team also visited the District Hospital and interacted with the staff.

The Programme was jointly organised by Manipur State Medicinal Plant Board, National AYUSH Mission, Directorate of AYUSH & Organisation for Tribal Benefit Programme(OTBP), chandel.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 11

The chief judicial magistrate, Imphal West remanded a foreigner to police custody for six days for illegally entering Manipur and trying to flite to Kolkata via Guwahati by using fake driving license.

The accused foreigner, Sai Tun Win (34) son of Uyi Sar of Muse, Myanmar was arrested yesterday from Imphal airport, after airport security staff lodged a complaint that during a checking of ticket and IDs of passenger in departure entrance gate, one person arrived at the departure gate with a valid e-ticket.

According to the submission of the investigative officer (IO) of the case, airport security found some difference in his driving license and during checking the airport security staff found one driving license issued by Myanmar government in the name of Sai Tun Win and one passport of republic of the union of Myanmar in the same name from the detained person.

Though Sai tun Win possess passport of republic of the union of Myanmar his VISA was found already expired on April 22, 2017 and he could not produced any documents regarding the extension of his VISA, he added.

The IO state that during further interrogation the accused person disclosed that the fake driving license was issued by DTO, Churachanpur on August 20, 2015 and was given to him by one of his local friend at Myanmar.

On investigation the IO was found that photograph affixed on the fake license is tallied with the accused as well as the photographs affixed on the seized passport and Myanmar driving license.

The IO of the case prayed to the court to remanded the accused person to police custody for further investigation of the case and the court has granted the prayer of the IO for smooth investigation.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 11

The divisional bench of the High Court of Manipur, comprising of acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar Singh and justice Kh. Nobin Singh are going inspect work being executed on the National Highway-37 tomorrow.

The proposed inspection tour of the Highway was in response to the PIL filed by Rajkumar Joysana Singh against the Union of India and nine others, on frequent economic blockade imposed along the National Highways.

Acting on the PIL the bench earlier, asked the respondents to repair the National Highways in addition to declaring imposition of blockades or bandhs on Highways as illegal, to ensure free passengers of supply trucks.

The hearing of the PIL continued today, wherein the respective counsels for the state respondents as well as for the Union produced certain reports about the progress of work for maintenance of both the highways of the state.

The divisional bench from the submission observed that the progress of the repairing work is slow owing to rain.

In an affidavit submitted by the state government, it stated that state government has requested the Centre to release Rs. 13.64 crores for repairing the NH-2 in terms of order passed by the court but the ministry has expressed their inability to enhance allocation of funder under O.R.

The counsel of the Union requested before the court to give more time to take necessary and specific instructions in this regards to whether the ministry has declined the additional fund requested by the state government.

Considering the submission made both the counsels, the division bench has decided to make an inspection of the work being executed in Highway-37 tomorrow. Some of the counsels have also volunteered to join in the said inspection. 

IMPHAL| Aug 11

Deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh said, Government is planning to establish a Science City in Imphal very soon. He was speaking at a Lecture Programme held at Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) at Takyelpat in Imphal today.

Deputy chief minister said, to infuse basic knowledge of science to younger generation in the State, Government is planning to establish a Science City in Imphal. Consultations with experts are on and will try to conceptualize it at the earliest. Besides this, Science Centres have been established in some of the districts in the State. He said, with the advancement of Science and Technology, all aspects of life is changing and therefore, we should try to expedite ways for a better living through its application.

Joykumar Singh further said, the State has a number of Institutes and Universities like IBSD, ICAR, Central Agricultural University that have been dwelt upon the application of science and technology, agriculture, agronomy, horticulture etc. for human benefits. Lots of research work should be done to generate new ideas which will be helpful in increasing productivity and overall growth in the State. He appealed for coordination among such institutes for the beneficial of the people as a whole.

Dr. Manju Sharma, former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India who delivered on “Biotechnology for Human Welfare” said, Biotechnology though it came late in India, has now become an important field through which societal benefit can be made. Biotechnology Industry may become the single largest sector in the years to come for employment of skilled human resource. She said, North Eastern states are bestowed with enormity of bio resources which can be used in sustainable manner for the future generation.

 Director IBSD, Dr. Dinabandhu Sahoo said, IBSD has been trying to expand its facilities with the development of state-of -art infrastructures in the campus. 11.5 acres of land have been acquired and development of infrastructures will be taken up soon, he added.

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI | Aug 11

The third round of the ongoing tripartite talks between Government of India, Government of Manipur and United Naga Council (UNC) was held today at the DRDA Conference Hall, Senapati Distict Headquarters with Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary (NE), Minister of Home Affairs, Govt. of India in the chair, witnessed “fiery expressions” from the United Naga Council (UNC) team before they signed a 4-point agreed term. The talks which started at 11 am were chaired by Satyendra Garg, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, and went on for about 4 hours.

One of the points said, “In terms of the agreement of the March 19, 2017 talks to redress the grievances of the United Naga Council (UNC) in respect of the creation of the new districts, the Government of Manipur will initiate appropriate steps in right earnest in this regard”. The agreed point of the March 19, 2017 states that “the grievances of the United Naga Council which led to the imposition of the economic blockade by them was recognized as there was non-adherence to the four Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the Government of India’s assurance on the matter. The Government of Manipur agrees to start consultation with all stakeholders to redress the same”.

UNC sources informed Newmai News Network this afternoon that, in the course of the talks today the UNC team almost walked out of the hall as they demanded from the Manipur Government representatives to “nullify” all the measures including official procedures on the new districts and the various comments of Chief Minister N Biren Singh on the issue in recent times.

The UNC sources also said that the spirit of the tripartite talks was undermined by the measures taken up by the Manipur Government on the new districts. “We have pointedly told the Manipur Government representatives about all these things,” further stated the UNC sources. The UNC leaders also told the Manipur Government representatives that they have been made a hostage of the tripartite talks and victimised by the measures taken up by the latter such as constitution of ‘Boundary Commission/Committee’, ‘assertion of the Chief Minister not to roll back the new district creation’ followed by certain official proceedings on the new districts. “We told the Manipur Government’s ministerial team that the Nagas are all prepared to resume the agitation and we have already taken the position to do so,” said the UNC sources.

Responding to the charges of the UNC, the three ministers of Manipur State Government told the UNC team that “they are participating the tripartite talks for the first time, and that, they will go back and convey things to the Chief Minister”, according to the UNC sources. The UNC team then cautioned the Manipur Government team that there will not be “any next tripartite talks” if the Manipur Government continues to have the “same attitude” as it has been doing things in the past months.

Meanwhile, the other three points of the agreement signed today are that, the “UNC appreciates the Government of Manipur for complying with the May 19, 2017 agreement of conducting the talks at the political level, while expressing resentment on some recent developments”. The next round of talks will be held in the month of September, 2017, and then, “both the State Government and the UNC agreed upon to mutually respect the agreements signed in the previous talks to avoid any provocative action till the dialogue process is taken to its logical end”.

Unlike the earlier round of talks, today’s talks were brought up to the political level with the participation of three cabinet ministers of Manipur, which includes Agriculture & Veterinary Minister V. Hangkhanlian, Tribal Affairs & Hills Minister N. Kayisii and Education & Labour and Employment Minister Th. Radheshyam. Apart from the three cabinet ministers, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr .J. Suresh Babu and Commissioner (Works & IPR) K. Radhakumar Singh also participated the talk from the side of the Government of Manipur. The UNC team was represented by Gaidon Kamei, President of UNC, S. Milan, General Secretary of UNC, UNC Advisor L Adani, former UNC president Paul Leo, another former UNC president Samson Remmei, UNC executive Kaikho, UNC Information Secretary Stephen, Seth Shatsang, President of All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) and Asha Wungnam, President Naga Women Union (NWU) and few others.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 10

The Special Court POCSO, Imphal West, Maibam Manojkumar, today sentenced 42 years old Chanambam Brojen, rape convict to five years’ rigorous imprisonment.

The court also recommended for providing compensation of Rs. 50 thousands from “financial assistance and support scheme to the victim of rape, A scheme for retrospective Justice” launched by the ministry of women and child development government of India to the dependent of deceased victim.

Chanambam Brojen 42, son of Ch. Bihari of Ngairangam Makha Leikai was convicted by the court on August 4 under Section 8 of POCSO Act 2012 for sexual assault on minor a girl and the sentenced hearing was fixed today.

During the hearing today, A. Nilachandra additional public prosecutor (APP) submitted before the court that the accused was convicted under Section 8 of POCSO Act 2012 for committing sexual assault upon the victim girl and the victim expired during the course of trial.

As a result, the crime committed by the convicted accused is a serious offence and prayed to sentence the convict to the maximum sentence of five years imprisonment with fine for committing the offence, said the APP.

Advocate Kanta, defense counsel of convict, on the other hand contended that the convicted accused is a person having a wife and two minor children and that there is no bad moral character of the convict in the past.

He pleaded the court to sentence the Borjen to the period he had undergone in Sajiwa jail. Brojen has been lodged in the Judicial custody for about three years and three months. 

After hearing the submissions of both the counsels, the court sentenced Borej to rigorous imprisonment for a period of five years and fine of 10 thousand rupees under the section 8 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act 2012 and in default of payment of fine the convict has to undergo 3 months simple imprisonment.

As per the court order the fine has to be deposited to the court and the said amount of Rs. 10,000 be given to the father of the victim as compensation since the victim has already expired.

The period which has already undergone by the convict in the judicial custody, during the period of investigation as well as during the trial, if any, will be set off from the sentence awarded, it said.

The court recommended for providing victim compensation scheme under Section 357 A of Cr PC to the victim and forwarded an order copy to the member secretary of Manipur State Legal Service Authority for doing the needful.

A written complaint against the convict was filed by the father of the victim on April 5, 2012.

In his complaint the victim’s father said that on April 4, 2012 at around 2.30 pm his daughter went Brojen’s house to take money from him. While eating pan with the convict’s wife at their home, Brojen assaultd the girl.

After a regular FIR was lodged the investigation of the case was carried out by G. Ketty Sharma women sub-inspector of Patsoi police station and arrested Brojen.

After the completion of the investigation the IO submitted charge sheet against the accused Brojen under Section 4 and 8 of POCSO Act before the then Special Judge POCSO Manipur East and the charge was framed against the accused on January 23, 2013 under Section 4 and 8 of POCSO Act by Special Judge POCSO Manipur east.

The case was then transferred during the stage of examination of prosecution witnesses from Special Judge POCSO Manipur east after bifurcation of district and session Judge Manipur east as district and session Judge Imphal west and Imphal east.

All together 13 prosecution witnesses were recorded and cross-examined during the four year long trial of the case.

DC informs anti-corruption cell, asks CAF & PD director to trace missing rice

By Paojel Chaoba

IMPHAL | Aug 10

In a clear cut case of rampant corruption perpetrated by some officers of the consumer affairs, food and public distribution department, rice quota of Lillong Assembly constituency for six months has gone missing.

Signatures of fair price shop agents have been forged. The anti-corruption cell has also been intimated in this regard by the deputy commissioner of Thoubal, L. Nabakishwar Singh today.

A five-member district level inquiry committee was set up headed by the additional deputy commissioner of Thoubal regarding a complaint received that the rice quota for the constituency has not been distributed for some time.

The investigating team found hidden facts about the rice based on the statements of district supply officer, civil supply officer, fair price shop agents of Lillong constituency and from inspection of the monthly issue register.

It was observed that signatures of fair price shop agents have been forged for some months in the register. The forgery was to avail the monthly honorarium. Further, for the months of April 2016 to September 2016, it was found that the fair price shops had distributed allocations for the first 4 months to the AAY households and to every voter at Rs 3 per kilogram.

For the remaining two months, the rice provided under National Food Security Act was given to two persons namely Babu and Haji Riyaj. The duo later distributed the rice free of cost to voters and not to the entitled beneficiaries.

Further, it was found that rice for six months beginning October 2016 to March 2017 were not distributed at all and the quota has gone missing.

Further, the deputy commissioner of Thoubal requested the anti-corruption cell to move the CAF and PD department to request the director of the department to trace the missing rice for six months and to also initiate a departmental inquiry against district supply officer of Thoubal, namely P. Virdhwaja and civil supply inspector K. Dhananjoy Singh.

It was also prayed for issuing strict instructions to all district supply officers that the NAFSA rice should be given to the identified beneficiaries and not to electors.

The district administration too has taken up corrective measures to ensure fair distribution in future by assigning a specific jurisdiction to the civil supply inspectors, instead of the system of assigning work to a single person.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 9

Works minister Thongam Biswajit Singh has assured that the national highways in the state will be improved and made in a never seen avatar in the state. He gave this assurance while talking to reporters on the sideline of 19 th freshers meet of Mount Everest College, Senapati today.

He said upgradation of the highways will start from next month.

The minister said that work order is out and the construction will start from September when the weather is work-friendly. It will be on both national highways which connects Imphal-Jiribam and Imphal-Dimapur.

Contractors of Bhartia Infra Projects Limited will start work in September and try to complete it in December. The works will be implemented on EPC (Engineering Procurement and Construction) mode, he added.

As the minister of works, he urged civil organisations and the local public to bear the brunt of bad road condition for a little longer so that the bad weather also clears out and so that certain norms in the process of maintaining a national highway will be properly furnished.

He also said that the issue of compensation on Imphal–Jiribam road will be sorted out by incorporating with National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHICDL) so that the on-going work is not disturbed by any civil organisation.

The annual fresher’s meet of the college was observed at the college chapel under the theme “Beautifully created”.

Addressing the gathering Biswajit urged the youths to shoulder the responsibility in burying the hatchet and mistrust between two brotherhoods of hills and the valleys. He also urged the people to forgive and forget past mistakes.

He encouraged the students to excel in studies and co-curricular activities.

The minister assured that he would accomplish the terms submitted by the college and the Taphou-Phiami village memorandum. It includes construction of road with drainage in the MEC road, to create a separate transformer for Senapati and to build a new market shed according to the customary model after consulting with the officials.

The function was also attended by the deputy commissioner of Senapati district, Athem Muivah, college president and former MLA Alexander Pao and NPF Senapati president Soni Mathew among others.

MEC has a total strength of around 2,500 students and offers undergraduate and graduate courses. The undergraduate course has three streams, arts, science and commerce.

IMPHAL | Aug 10

Education, labour and employment minister Th. Radheshyam today attended celebration of 7th birthday of children at the Hope Home, Imphal, a home meant only for girls, at Takyel Khongbal Maning Leikai.

The minister said that the birthday is very significant for all, specially, for the girls staying at the home. Born in different houses at different dates, birthdays for all the girls are now celebrated on this special day for all the sisters of this big family living under a single roof, he added.

He said that positive thoughts and ideas need to be practically ‘converted and translated’ into action for betterment of the society. He added that the human values are diminishing day by day in today’s society.

Moral value is the need of the hour that should be imparted in schools and colleges among the youths, the student of today to restore the beautiful tradition of the society. Once these moral values are imbibed to the young minds, then the selfish and unwanted incidents prevailing in the state could be lessened, he reprimanded.

Education does not just mean to be literate, but, to be able to enrich human moral values enabling to stand and face problems. Taking example of the children of the home, who though lacks in many things in their life, he said, are prepared to face the challenges in their life.

Commitment, hard work, sacrifice, discipline, helping attitude and determination are a must to enhance the youths of today to better present day society. Hope is the faith that builds confidence to achieve goals. Thus, the home itself is the hope for all the girls living here for their better future, he added.

Radheshyam also appreciated and thanks those whoever is extending their never ending support. A single word or deed can bring changes to one’s life. He urged to extend the true love and care to all the children and everyone in need of support, to make their life better and to help them become a productive and contributive citizen.

He said that he will try to extend all his helping hand in providing the necessary needs, even books, for better education to the children and will discuss for the support from the social welfare minister and state government.

The home has been home to twenty four girls living together. Six girls had now moved away after attaining eighteen years to pursue higher education in colleges while eighteen girls are still staying at the home. He asked to conduct a follow up action to retract the girls those who had shifted from the home so that further help, if necessary, could be extended to them. The home can also invite them to have interactive session with those presently staying at the home.

Retd. principal Oriental College, Imphal, N. Ibobi Singh, director, The Hope Home, Imphal Ksh. Nilbir Singh, other dignitaries, guardians and children were present at the celebration.

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI | Aug 10

The tripartite talks involving the United Naga Council (UNC), the Central Government and the State Government of Manipur on the district creation issue are all set to be held on Friday, August 11, at Senapati headquarters.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Joint Secretary in-charge of Northeast, Satyendra Garg while speaking to Newmai News Network over phone has expressed his hope for a positive outcome. Satyendra Garg also said that the Government of India is very much concerned with the issue. “The engaging parties must resolve the problem the way it can be,” stated the Joint Secretary of MHA while adding, “Let us hope for the best outcome of the talks.”

 Satyendra Garg will be chairing the tripartite talks on Friday.

Meanwhile, UNC president Gaidon Kamei told NNN this evening that “Nagas believe in finding solutions to all problems through dialogues”. He also said that “Nagas do not exhaust in finding logical conclusions” to any issue. “However, if the Government of Manipur takes advantage of our patience and decency, and start working to victimise us then we will know about such dealings in advance,” Gaidon Kamei added. He also said that the Nagas know the “strength” of the Manipur Government. “We have been asking our people to remain prepared to face any eventuality in the event of the break-down of the tripartite talks,” he asserted. Nevertheless, the UNC president expressed optimistic about the Friday’s talks.

Gaidon Kamei then said that “anything that may hurt the future of the Nagas” will be thwarted with all out efforts by the Nagas.

Earlier, the tripartite were scheduled for July 22 at the ‘political level’ but the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had “fervently requested” the UNC leaders to have the talks in the early part of August.

It can be noted here that the tripartite talks on district creation issue which were also scheduled earlier for July 10 at Ukhrul district headquarters were postponed, and the talks were latter fixed for July 22 with Senapati district headquarters as the venue. Apparently reacting to the prolonging of the tripartite talks the UNC had earlier expressed its frustration.

Last month, UNC President Gaidon Kamei had stated that Naga people in Manipur “to remain alert to face any eventuality”. Earlier, the UNC had alleged that a party engaging in the tripartite talks was intentionally trying to sabotage the ongoing dialogue on district creation issue.

On May 19, the representatives of the Manipur Government, the Central Government and the UNC had agreed upon to hold tripartite talks on the district creation issue at the political level within a month’s time. However, it has been more than two months now that the talks on the issue could not be held for various reasons.

It may also be recalled here that the UNC had stated two months ago that “since the new government of Manipur under the leadership of N Biren Singh and the Narendra Modi government at the Centre had assured us to redress the problems created by the communal Ibobi Singh government we are fervently waiting for the justice.”

Things may further be recalled here that, in the last tripartite talks held on May 19 in Senapati headquarters, it was reaffirmed the “focal point No 1 of agreement arrived at in the tripartite talks on March 19, 2017” which states that “the grievances of the United Naga Council which led to the imposition of the economic blockade by them was recognized as there was non-adherence to the four Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the Government of India’s assurance on the matter. The Government of Manipur agrees to start consultation with all stakeholders to redress the same”.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 10

The Supreme Court directive to the Central Bureau of Investigation to form a special investigating team for inquiring into fake encounter killings has been complied with. The CBI has instituted a five-men team headed by the SP of CBI, New Delhi on July 27 last.

An office order by deputy director (Personnel) of CBI headquarter, New Delhi has posted SP of CBI, Daljeet Singh, additional SP of CBI, Lelkholan Hangshing, deputy SP of CBI, P Shadang, inspector of CBI, BR Roy and inspector PK Roy of the New Delhi CBI.

They have been ordered by the Supreme Court vide its order passed on July 14 in the case of Extra judicial Execution Victim Families Association, Manipur and the Union of India.

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

KANGPOKPI | Aug 10

 Civil Society Organizations of Kangpokpi District have decided to launch lighting rally tomorrow against the UNC decision of District Roll back.

According to the CSOs Kangpokpi, the lighting rally will begin from 10 am at Gamgiphai to Taphou Kuki in Kangpokpi District.

It also said that the lighting rally will continue till the the tripartite talks at Senapati end.

The main rally will be organized at District Headquarters, Kangpokpi.