Category: Imphal Free Press

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 10

The Tengnoupal district police led by its superintendent of police, S. Ibomcha Singh today conducted traffic awareness drive at Indo-Myanmar gate number one at Moreh under the theme “Obey Indian traffic rules.”

During the drive the police stopped and briefed commuters particularly coming from Myanmar to follow the Indian traffic rule, to drive on the left side of the road, when in Indian territory.

The police team also erected billboard saying “Obey Indian traffic rules”.

The SP also issued ordered for the deployment of police officer and personnel of Moreh police at the Indo-Myanmar Friendship Gate number one, on Indian side from 6 am to 6 pm.

In the meantime, the deputy commissioner of Tengnoupal also wrote a protest note to the DC of Tamu, Myanmar against traffic rule violation by Myanmarese vehicles on Indian sides near gate number one.

It said that vehicles entering India through Indo-Myanmar Friendship Bridge at gate number one have been violating Indian traffic rules and regulation while proceeding towards Namphalong market.

As a result, frequent accidents have been occurred in the past and there is risk of traffic accidents taking place in the future again, it observed.

It maintained that no Myanmar vehicles would be allowed to violate Indian traffic rules and regulation on Indian side with immediate effect.

The statement further requested the Myanmar authority to instruct all Myanmar vehicles to abide by Indian traffic rules and regulation while entering Indian territory without fail immediately.

IMPHAL | Aug 10

BB Singh, CMD of MSTC (Metal Scrap Trade Corporation) Ltd, a mini ratna category-I PSU under ministry of steel, Govt. of India met chief minister N. Biren Singh at CM secretariat today to discuss the thrust areas wherein MSTC’s expertise and experience would be utilised to execute various e-commerce projects in the state of Manipur.

A release issued by Bashanta Sharma, media co-ordinator to CM, Singh apprised CM about MSTC’s e-commerce services which are being utilised in many flagship projects of the Centre viz. Deen Dayal Upadhayay Gram Jyoti Yojana, Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme, e-auction of mining lease and composite licence.

MSTC is already conducting e-auctions to sell various agro-forest products of Northeast like ginger, pineapple, hill grass, black pepper etc, the release said.

It further said recently in collaboration with CRWC (Central Railside Warehouse Company Ltd), MSTC launched e- Rashtriya Kisan Agri Mandi (e-RAKAM) in New Delhi which will help farmers/FPOs of Manipur to auction their agri-produce in advance of harvesting season enabling them to receive appropriate remuneration for their produce.

In association with NAFED, MSTC has successfully conducted e-auction of 1000MT of moong dal within one week.

The chief minister is looking forward to utilize MSTC’s platform and start e-auctioning of agri products and other materials of various departments at the earliest. MSTC has already gained success in auctioning of timber, coffee, pepper, sandalwood etc. for Kerala forest department and red sanders wood for Andhra Pradesh forest department bringing transparency to the whole process, it said.

Apart from a-auction MSTC is also providing e-procurement services to various govt. departments, PSUs and private entities all over India.

IMPHAL | Aug 10

Various insurgents of WESEA have called for a total ban of Independence Day in the region and called for total shut-down of the entire region for 12 hours from 6 am to 6 pm on the day, the August 15.

Observance of Indian Independence Day is one of the symbolic instruments, sacred for mainland Indians, but malicious to the colonized peripheral non-Indians and celebration of such occasions can create a false consciousness of enjoying political freedom in the minds of subjugated people, said a joint press release signed by secretary publicity and research, KYKL, A. Yaiphaba, publicity secretary, HNLC, Sainkupar Nongtraw, president, KCP, Ksh. Laba Meitei, Chairman, KLO, Jiban Singh Koch, chairman, KYKL N. Oken, general secretary, NDFB, B. R. Ferengga, organizing secretary,NLFT, Sengphui Borok, and chairman, PDCK, J. K. Lijang.

With the departure of the British colonial masters, the new country embarked upon an ambitious project of occupation of the rim-lands. Thus a new India was forged as an unnatural union or as an expansionist freak and it became a “prison-house of nations,” it added.

The present-day descendants of Gandhi have no qualms in using the ultimate forms of violence – like annexation of new territories, state-terrorism under AFSPA, collective fine, rape with immunity etc, it further charged.

To reinforce their hegemony over the peripheral non-Indians, in addition to the hard violent tools, they use soft ones like education, mass media, films, literature, arts and culture, and symbolic instruments like the national flag, national anthems, observation of national days, celebration of national festivals, and ritual obeisance to national heroes etc, it alleged.

The objective is to manufacture consent of the subjugated peoples in an easier way, in order to facilitate assimilation, or in reality, ethnocide of the rim-land nations, it further said. Using uncivilized and sometimes, inhuman tools, the entire WESEA region have been subjected to forceful occupation of the mainland Indian regime, it added.

To resist Indian occupation and hegemony, almost all communities of this WESEA region have risen up in arms and armed struggle is still going on, it further said. In order to successfully materialize the total ban, the mentioned organisations have called upon all peoples of this subjugated region to do the needful to make it a success, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 9

The Imphal East police today arrested one drug peddler at around 1.25 pm and seized 20,890 spasmo proxivon (SP) capsule worth around Rs. 5,22,000 from his residence.

The arrested drug peddler is identified as Sangomshungbam Mujibur Rahaman alias Ango (27) son of S. Amu Shah of Khurai Khumidok Kongba Turel Mapan.

Police said that the team lead by Imphal East commando officer in charge, L. Vaiphei were able to arrest the drug peddler after the Imphal East police got a specific information about the presence of drug smuggler at Khurai Khumidok Kongba Turel Mapan area.

Earlier the team arrested two drug peddlers from Bishnupur district by giving prior information to the Bishnupur police control room.

Police said that they arrested Talkhellambam Shashikanta Singh alias Sashi alias Atomba (36) son of T. Thambalngou from Nambol Kabowakching at around 11.35 am and seized one mobile phone from his residence.

Following his disclosure the team arrested Ningthoujam Angangtomba Singh alias Tomba (52) son of late N. Nilachandra Singh from Leimaram Waroiching at around 12.20 pm and seized 25 grams of heroine (no. 4) powder and one mobile phone.

Police said that they were able to make the arrest after getting a reliable information of presence of drug peddler at Nambol Kabowakching area and the two arrested peddlers are partners in their peddling business.

IMPHAL| Aug 9

The proscribed United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has informed that Sandam Bhogen (37) son of S. Bheigya from Sairemkhul Mayai Leikai was given punishment for raping a three and a half year old girl.

Bhogen was shot at yesterday near SAI complex at Takyel Khongban around 1.40 pm by UNLF, said a release signed by M. Sakhen, department of publicity.  Bhogen had raped the three and a half year old child, who was from the same locality where he resided, in the noon of December 3, 2013 when her family had gone to harvest paddies leaving the girl behind, it said. Bhogen committed the crime to the helpless child by taking advantage of the situation, it added

UNLF will continue to give stringent punishment against such criminals who are terrorising the women community by committing rape etc, it further said. The front has urged the people not to provide protection to theses criminals and requested to support the steps being taken by UNLF, it added.

IMPHAL | Aug 9

The Tribal Fish Farmers Committee, Manipur has expressed dissatisfaction over the implementation of Paddy cum Pisciculture (NEC) 2013-14 for manipulating the tribal fish farmers by not releasing the final payment.

A release signed by general secretary of Tribal Fish Farmers Committee, Machungailung Gangmei said that the committee also condemned the action of the department of Fisheries, government of Manipur for carrying out inspection on implementation of Paddy cum Pisciculture in the month of July-August, 2017 without releasing the final fund which was already implemented in 2013-14.

It further said that as the government fails to redress the grievances of the farmers, the committee in an emergency meeting of executives observed that different schemes implemented in hill districts have totally failed and further resolved to call 12 hour bandh in all tribal inhabited areas from the midnight of August 10.

IMPHAL | Aug 9

Deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh said it is time to tap renewable energy as alternate sources of energy at maximum level in view of growing concern about exhausting fossil fuel. He was speaking at the inaugural function of state level painting competition held today at Lamyanba Shanglen in Imphal.

The competition is organised as a part of the observance of World Bio-Fuel Day which is to be held tomorrow.

Deputy chief minister said, as the fossil fuel deposits in the world have been exhausting at a faster rate, now is the time to tap alternate sources of energy mostly renewable energy and bio-fuels to meet the growing demand of energy in the world. He said, bio-fuels have a major role and therefore, attention have to be drawn for all the concerns in the area. Although, there have been adequate sources of alternate energy in the State, tapping it still becomes a question to all.

Observing that, the state has maximum potential to generate renewable energy, deputy chief minister said, adequate solar energy can be generated to sustain its uses as an alternate source of energy. Wind energy can also be generated in large scale, he added.

Joykumar further said, younger generations should also be taught to know the potentials and possibilities to generate renewable energy as an alternate source of energy in the state in view of the exhausting non-renewable energy especially for fossil fuel.

Professor Ph. Ranjit Singh of Central Agricultural University, Imphal said, Manipur is one of the bio-diversity hotspots in the world and it has a huge potential to develop bio-fuels. Non-edible oil producing plants should be grown in the state so that bio-fuel can be developed as an alternate source of energy.

Ministry of petroleum and natural gas in association with National Yuva Cooperative Society (NYCS) Limited is organising a series of nationwide events to create awareness about non-fossil fuels (Green Fuels) and it aims to bring into focus the various initiatives that the ministry is undertaking in the country in the field of bio energy. A cycle rally will also be organised tomorrow in Imphal.

100 students in category A (VIII-X) and 11 students in category B (XI-XII) participated in the painting competition.

IMPHAL| Aug 9

The outlawed United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA/UTLF) has informed today that the organisation is not involved in the killing of an innocent person (L) Ranjen Das, and in the kidnapping of a NFR Engineer who were abducted in the Vangai range for a ransom.

(UTLA/UTLF) has appealed to all underground outfits that kidnapping, killing of innocent people, ransom and other such as keeping in hostage are strictly unwanted, said a release signed by T.   Robert Singson, general secretary, UTLA/UTLF. The organisation has appealed not to indulge in such a crime against humanity in the Vangai range, it said.

The organisation has requested the cadres of UTLA/UTLF who have gone to their villages to report on August 20 at the peace camp, it further said. Otherwise, the monthly stipend and the other income organised by the government would not be pro

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 9

Health minister L. Jayantakumar asked the people to focus and give special provision to children to make a strong nation as they are the future of the society.

He was delivering the chief guest speech during the launching function of National Deworming Day to be started from tomorrow till August 17 at Ramlal Paul Higher Secondary School, Keishamthong today.

The minister said that the duties of a government is to make a strong and healthy nation so all the departments give special focus to children in different ways as they are the foundation of making a healthy nation.

Many beneficiaries schemes and package are made available for the children, and it started from the pregnancy of the mother, added Jayantakumar.

Jayantakumar said as a result of environment changes many new disease arise and it becomes very challenging for the health sector to fight against such disease so the minister asked the people give cooperation in fighting against such diseases by following the do and don’t given by the health department.

He said that many doctors and nurses do not want to be posted in hill districts but there are many people in hills who need their help so he asked the doctors and nurses not not hesitate to work in hills districts and appealed to work with dedication.

The president of the function, health parliamentary secretary, S. Subhaschandra appealed to all the parents to make sure to deworm their children to make them healthy.

The function was attended by health services director, K. Lokendro Singh, family welfare director, K. Rajo Singh, health services, additional director, H. Ranjit Singh and education (S) additional director R.K. Tennedy Singh as guests of honour.

IMPHAL | Aug 9

The Manipur Committee for Parliament has appealed the department of Fisheries, government of Manipur to look into the grievances of Hill district fish farmers of Paddy cum Pisciculture (NEC) 2013-14 which has been demanding for release of final payment.

A release signed by vice-president of the committee, S. Ningshen said that the committee also condemned the action of the department of Fisheries, government of Manipur for carrying out inspection on implementation of Paddy cum Pisciculture in the month of July-August, 2017 which should have been conducted in 2013-14.

The Manipur Committee for Parliament appealed to all the fish farmers and the government for earliest solution, it added.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Aug 9

To safeguard the deteriorating habitat and environment of Shirui Kashong, the Shirui Kashong Area Forest Land Owners Conservancy (SKAFLOC) was formed on July 30.

The chairman SKAFLOC, Mayopam Shangh has stated that the body has been formed with a strong concern over the drastic ecological changes in the past 20 years, which has resulted in the extinction of valuable medicinal plants in the vicinity of Shirui Kashong. The survival of Manipur state flower Shirui Lily, state bird Nongyin and state tree Uningthou has now become endangered, he added.

During an interaction with the IFP correspondent, secretary of SKAFLOC, Khamshon Luirei has said that 40 local landowners in Shirui Kashong have come together to protect and preserve the forest area with due consent and knowledge of the Shirui village authority.

The members agreed to stop felling of trees, hunting of animals and check forest fire. They also have decided to prevent other resources from being extracted and promised to enhance the bio-diversity by taking up re-forestation programme in the days to come. The members of the body further appealed to the public to extend support in preserving Shirui Kashong.

Meanwhile, construction of PMGSY road from Shirui to Ngapum Zingsui and Sambu area has caused landslide at numerous places at the abode of Shirui Lily, and the source of water of Kokthi Kongrei and Namra Kong has also been disturbed. Shirui village is the main source of water supply for Ukhrul town and neighbouring villages.

However, due to rampant felling of trees and frequent landslide caused by the construction of PMGSY road at the foothills of Shirui Kashing has led to change in the level of water. Maiharam area which is a habitat and a home to Nongyin and Tragopan birds is also facing problems due to occurrence of frequent landslide.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Aug 9

National Rural Health Mission Society, Tamenglong launched National Deworming Day at OPD, Tamenglong District Hospital Complex today.

The launching programme was attended by SDO of Tamenglong, Kachamthai Pheiga Gangmei as chief guest along with chief medical officer, Dr Chambo Gonmei, Dr Namjupou, Dr Guidiathiu Kamei and other doctors.

The chief guest urged for compulsory medication for children from 1 year to 19 years of age. The deworming medicine is free of cost and it should cover all the children of Tamenglong district so as to build a healthy society, he added.

Dr Chambo Gonmei said that covering all the children requires deworming medication in all the schools of Tamenglong district. He also advised the parents to wash their children’s hands properly before meal and after toilet.

Dr Chambo Gonmei also said that the government of Manipur and district administration are trying to complete a new OPD in Tamenglong at the earliest as the present one is small and congested. He further informed that the district hospital of Tamenglong has launched Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi where one can buy medicines at lowest rate under doctor’s prescription.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | Aug 9

The National Deworming Day was inaugurated at Vimala Raina High School Churachandpur today. The programme was launched by DC of Churachandpur, Shyam Lal Poonia and it was attended by more than 700 students apart from health officials, parents and teachers.

DPM, NHM demonstrated hand washing techniques to the students and requested them to be aware of healthy habits. Knowledge of treatment by Albendazole tablet was given during the programme.

The DC stressed on the importance of deworming towards achieving internal hygiene among children. He also appealed everyone to ensure hygienic environment for the students and to maintain a Swachh Bharat. The CEO of ADC, Churachandpur, Kamuanlal Simte also appealed to the gathering to work towards cleaning the locality and town for healthy living.

The National Deworming campaign will be undertaken in all the schools and Aanganwadi centres across the district on August 10.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | Aug 9

A combined team of Churachandpur Police and 25 Assam Rifles arrested one of the accused persons in the murder of KNLF/KNO commander in chief, Tonglianlal Haokip, during a raid conducted yesterday at Kinkin area of Churachandpur district.

Police sources said that the arrested person was identified as Ngamminlien Haokip alias Diamond Haokip (23), son of (Late) Jangpu Haokip of Ward No. 1, Moreh, Tengnoupal district and one 9mm pistol, magazine with three live rounds, grenade, detonator and one motorcycle were seized from his possession. A case has been registered at Churachandpur police station.

Another person named Boithang Haokip, who was also involved in the killing of KNLF/KNO leader on August 2 at Tuibong, is still absconding.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 9

The president of All Manipur Muslim Development Committee headquarter today alleged that four individuals had beaten him in the evening of August 6 while he was at a hotel near Turel Ahanbi Mayai Primary Madrassa, Lilong.

Md. Syed Ahmed Sheikh, the president told reporters at Manipur Press Club that the incident took place when he was on his way to meet the committee’s advisors. He was surrounded by around 20 people and four known individuals had beaten him black and blue and left him unconscious.

His family and relatives took him to Noor Hospital and he was later referred to RIMS. He is still on medication and has not been discharged yet from the hospital during the time of press briefing.

Sheikh demanded that the four individuals be arrested and punished according to the law. He named Md. Nasir Khan alias Manao, a home guard personnel and Md. Imran Khan, both sons of Md. Alauddin Khan from Lilong Turel Ahanbi Kalei Khong Mathak Leikai and Md. Arif Khan and his mother Waheeda of Lilong Turel Ahanbi Kalei Khong Makha Leikai.

He reiterated that if they are not arrested within 48 hours, he along with like-minded organisations will take necessary actions so that the alleged defaulters will be punished.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Aug 9

Online applications for army recruitment rally in Leimakhong scheduled from October 3 to October 8 for recruitment of other ranks (OR) will open from August 3 until September 18.

A statement issued by an adjutant of 23 Assam Rifles at Tamenglong has informed that only online registered candidates will be allowed to attend the recruitment rally. Interested candidates may approach the online registration centre opened by 23 Assam Rifles of Senapati Brigade under Red Shield Division at Tamenglong, he added.

He further informed that the battalion is going to give pre-training for all enrolled candidates from August 21 to September 23.

IMPHAL | Aug 9

A team of Bishnupur district police commandos have arrested an alleged cadre of Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) organisation during frisking and checking at Bishnupur Chiningkon near Iron bridge yesterday at around 9 am, said a release signed by PRO, police department, Manipur.

It further said that the individual has been identified as William Kamei (20) son of K. Guida of Noney Khumji Part-I and added that incriminating articles were seized from his possession.

Investigation revealed that he was involved in serving demand notes and extortion of huge amount of money from the officials of National Project at Noney area as their party fund, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 9

Joint Action Committee on Inner Line Permit Sytem (JCILPS) today set August end as the deadline for the government to constitute a drafting committee for a new bill on the line of ILP.

Addressing International Day of World’s Indigenous People held at Keishampat Keisham Leikai Yumjao Lairembi community hall, JCILPS convener Arjun Tenheiba accused the governemnt of not giving serious attention on framming legislation for safeguarding interet of the indigenous people.

Like other parts of the world the day is celebrated in the state also organised by Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS).

“The government should set up the drafting committee,” he demanded.

He said the proposed bill must have the consent of all MLAs including those from the hills, ministers, tribal leaders and civil society organisations (CSO).

“Such a bill should not affect the interest of all the ethnic groups of the state,” he added.

The government must take action before the end of this month. If the state government fails to take action the JCILPS with various CSOs will launch an agitation, Arjun warned.

He said, according to United Nations, indigenous people are those who have unique identity culturally, geographically of the native place. Manipur was once a princely state and it has its own culture, territorial boundary, distinct political system, economic character among others. With these characteristics Manipur can claim as self-determination.

On September 21, 1949 the the Governor General of India and the Maharajah of Manipur signed an agreement. After that restriction of entery by non-local had been removed. After the removal of restriction many non-locals has been entering the state in the name of business, he lamented.

“An appropriate law should be made to stop free entry by non-locals at the earliest, or else in the near future non-locals will dominate the indigenous people of the state,” Arjun asserted.

Chairman of COHR, Pholindro Konsam, president of Aimol Tribe Union, R. T. Akhel Aimol, co-ordinator of ANJUMAN, Alhaj M.V. Muheiyuddin and others attend the function as presidium members.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Aug 9

The third round of Indo-Kuki political talks involving United People’s Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organization (KNO) with the government of India and government of India was successfully held today at Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi.

The almost three hours long meeting attended by 6 delegates on the part of the government of India and government of Manipur was chaired by Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary, NE where the newly appointed Interlocutor was officially announced.

The other delegated on the part of the government were Dr. J. Suresh Babu, principal secretary (Home); Dineshwar Sharma, interlocutor; Pramod Asthana, ADGP, Intelligence (Law & Order), Manipur; Col. Amit Tiwari, DGMI and Dr. Baljit, Ministry of Home Affairs (IB).

While the United People’s Front (UPF) was represented by 10 member delegates led by its spokesperson, Aaron Kipgen and Kuki National Organization (KNO) was represented by 9 member delegates led by its negotiator Seilen Haokip.

Handing over the political dialogue to the newly appointed interlocutor, Dineshwar Sharma and extension of the Suspension of Operation agreement for the next one year was the main important thing discussed in the meeting.

The Suspension of Operation agreement effective upto June 8, 2017 on the part of UPF and upto July 21, 2017 for the KNO is further extended by all the parties in the meeting today for another year till August 31, 2018.

The extension of SoO agreement for another year was signed by Aaron Kipgen, Calvin H, L. Sanga Hmar, Romeo Haokip and David Chongloi on the part of and T.S. Haokip, T. Samuel, David Hangshing, Lalpu Hangshing and L.M. Dimo Zou on the part of KNO while Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary (NE), MHA and Dr. J. Suresh Babu, ACS/Home Department, government of Manipur signed on the part of the Governments.

Speaking over the phone, UPF Spokesperson Aaron Kipgen said that during the meeting the Joint Secretary (NE), Satyendra Garg officially announced the appointment of Interlocutor for the UPF and KNO while introducing him to the august house.

He also said that the political issue of the Kukis shall be henceforth dealt minutely by the newly appointed interlocutor while he will visit the Kuki inhabited areas in Manipur shortly in connection with the Kuki political issue.

“The chief minister of Manipur is keen to resolve the aged old political issue of the Kukis and the SoO groups to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur and it is one of the factor as to why interlocutor have been appointed to expedite the political settlement”, the UPF spokesperson quoted Dr. J. Suresh Babu, chairman of the Joint Monitoring Group as saying.

On query, the UPF spokesperson said that the political demand of the UPF and KNO still remains the same, i.e. statehood and the interlocutor shall call another meeting shortly to discuss the political agenda.

He further said that the delegates of UPF and KNO want the government of India to respond to the demand for statehood that was submitted during the second round of talks held on October 19, 2016 but the government said that the new interlocutor shall have a threadbare discussion on the political agenda in the following rounds of political dialogue.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Aug 9

The Kukis across Manipur from various congregate this morning at Kangpokpi DHQs and held rally in support of the Indo-Kuki political talks prior to the scheduled third round of tripartite talks today at the national capital involving the UPF-KNO, representing the Kukis and government of India and government of Manipur.

The support rally was jointly organized by various Kuki civil society organizations spearheaded by Kuki Women Union to show their endorsement and support towards the UPF and KNO who represented the 23 cognate tribes of the Kukis in the talks.

The rallyist mostly men and women in good numbers gathered at Brig. Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi DHQs at around 7:30 am in the morning and after a minutes speeches and deliberation marched towards Kangpokpi Bazar via the Trans Asian Highway No.1.

They hold several giant banner and pamphlets written words of support and demand like, “We Support Indo-Kuki Political talks”, “We endorse UPF & KNO”, “Expedite Indo-Kuki Political Talks”, Statehood, the long cherished dream of the Kukis”, “Kuki National Assembly’s memorandum to the PM, 1964-Statehood for the Kukis, Haipi Declaration of the Kukis, 2015-Statehood for the Kukis, UPF&KNO today-Statehood for the Kukis”, “Why not Statehood for the Kukis”, etc.

Traffic flow along the Tans Asian Highway No.1 was disrupted for few minutes during the support rally and a simple ceremony held at the traffic point of the District HQs main bazar.