Category: Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | Aug 9

An awareness programme on cyber crime was held today at Brilliance School, Uripok Imphal West. The programme was organised by Manipur Cyber Crime unit led by officer-in-charge state cyber crime unit Mohit Kumar Garg along with sub-inspector N. Bhubonchandra and his team under Swachata Abhiyan programme.

The programme was launched on August 7 and will continue till August 14.

During the awareness programme Mohit explained how to handle a social networking site in a safe mode like Facebook, WhatsApp, and bank fraud.

A slide show including fraud demo video was shown to the students of the school.

Speaking on the awareness programme, Mohit said people need to be aware of fraud calls and to avoid surfing in unknown web link. In this technological age many frauds are out to loot easily from the public who have less knowledge on cyber crimes especially from the older people.

Mohit advised that people must aware as many skilled robbers have come to the society so people should not give any bank details to any unknown person. With the opening of cyber crime unit in the state, the unit has able to solve 80 percent of the cyber crimes cases. People can get help from its official website cybercrime.mn@gov.in and can also ask any queries related to cyber crimes, he added.

IMPHAL | Aug 9

Chief minister N. Biren Singh stressed on promoting people to people connectivity between Manipur and Laos during his meetings with different ministers of the country yesterday.

At their capital Vientiane, the chief minister had separate meetings with Prime Minister’s Office Minister Alunkeo, Commerce and Industry Minister Khemmani Pholsena and Information, Culture and Tourism Minister Bosengkham Vongdara during his recent visit to the South East Asian country which began on August 6 and ended yesterday.

Biren had fruitful discussions on myriad issues including culture, tourism and trade potentials with the ministers.

He told the ministers that Manipur and Laos would automatically witness upswing in bilateral trade and co-operations once people to people connectivity is boosted apart from enhancing surface and air connectivity.

The chief minister pointed out that Manipur shares close affinity in terms of culture, customs and food habits not only with Laos but also with most of the ASEAN countries.

The ministers expressed astonishment when Biren mentioned about the similarities of Laos and Manipur in food habits and many other things.

All the ministers expressed their willingness to visit Manipur when the chief minister invited them to this year’s Manipur Sangai Festival.

Biren said that the government of India had transformed its ‘Look East Policy’ into ‘Act East Policy’ with a renewed vigour to enhance ties with ASEAN countries in terms of bilateral relations and trade.

The India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, which would connect Moreh in Manipur with Mae Sot in western Thailand through Mandalay in Myanmar would certainly boost trade between Manipur and ASEAN countries, Biren observed.

During the meeting, the ministers sought investment in IT sector from the government of India.

Biren presented shawls having Sangai prints and Pakhangba mementoes to the ministers and top officials, whom he met during the tour.

The chief minister was accompanied by parliamentary secretary (Tourism) Dr. S. Ranjan, parliamentary secretary (Home) L. Susindro, advisor to CM Rajat Sethi and Personal Secretary to CM S. Rajen during his visit. The team returned Imphal today.

IMPHAL | Aug 9

On the second day of the student’s agitation demanding withdrawal of the order for admission of 120 extra students in Dhanamanjuri College of Arts, students boycotted their classes and staged sit-in-protest at its college campus today.

Speaking to the media persons, Oinam Gandhi pursuing 5th semester in B.A. political science honours said, as a part of agitation administration block of DM Arts has been shut and in continuation of the agitation students staged the protest.

He said admission of first semester has already been started with one thousand students since July 4. But the government has released an order on last Sunday for re-admission of 120 more students.

The government must withdraw the order at the earliest. If the government fails to take action till tomorrow noon then intense agitation will be launched, Gandhi warned.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 8

The Congress party asked the MAHUD minister to punish those who were involved in holding the controversial Imphal Municipality Corporation auction.

Speaking to media persons today, Congress spokesperson, MLA Kh. Joykishan said that only getting back the actioned vehicles and machineries is not enough the MAHUD department should also punish the officials involved in the auction.

He asked the MAHUD minister to clarify to the public on how the auction process was conducted.

He claimed that he did not get any report on the drainage system in his constituency though the chief minister and the MAHUD minister gave assurances in the House that the report will be given to him as he is the MLA of the constituency.

The spokesperson said that construction of drainage system at Takhelambam Leikai, which was stopped, continued after the councilor of the area inspected the place.

MLA Joykishan asked “why the government allowed the work process to continue without taking any action against the contractor for halting the work? What is the hidden agenda behind, he questioned.

The MLA continued that the Opposition party will support all the good steps taken for the development and welfare of the state but they will not remain silent if the government works only for personal gains.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 8

An accused in a minor rape case was shot at today by three unknown armed persons on his way back to his house after appearing before the special court of POCSO.

The accused, who was shot is identified as Sandam Bhogen (42) son of Sandam Bheiga of Sairem Khul, Imphal West and the incident took place at around 2 pm at Tera Khamnam Leirak along Sagolband road.

Three rounds were fired at him by the three unknown persons in that area while he was riding a scooter towards his home from Cheirap court, Imphal.

Later he was taken to Regional Institute of Medical Sciences for treatment as he received two bullet injuries on his chest and on his arm and he is in critical condition.

A case has been registered at the Lamphel police station in connection with the attack.

Eyewitness said that the three unknown person came on a scooter and were seating near a cobbler shop for a long time and fled the spot after they shot him.

Eyewitnesses said that the three persons told the locals of that area that he was shot as he was misbehaving to woman, before they left the spot.

Bhogen appeared before the special court POCSO as he was the accused in a minor rape case which occurred on December 3, 2013 at Sairem Khul Mayai Leiak and he is currently on bail.

Today the IO of the case submitted the supplementary charge-sheet and the court has fixed the next case trial on August 22.

Till now 15 persons have deposed as prosecution witnesses.

Earlier on July 28 this year Irom Bobo son of I. Kameshore who was charged with raping his 12 years old niece was shot dead by United National Liberation Front (UNLF) in Imphal West.

A released issued by UNLF claiming responsibility for the killing said that the outfit will give extreme punishment to those who commits such crimes against women and children.

Punish rapist

Taniulong (Langka) Students’ Union and Taniulong Welfare Association have urged the government to nab the culprit of the Senapati rape case as soon as possible. It also appealed to all the civil voluntary organisations of the state to support in seeking justice. It further requested the department concerned to give attention to the JAC formed against the crime.

Diphu, president, Taniulong Students’ Union, said that the suspected accused persons of the rape case are intimate friends of the victim. He further added that the victim, who is a bright student of the locality, is currently in a critical condition and her future is uncertain.

The students’ union and the association also decried disclosure of the identity of the victim in some newspapers of the state dated on August 7. Diphu alleged that the release was issued by the police department.

Newmai News Network

IMPHAL |Aug 8

The JAC againstt Anti Trbal Bills (JAC-AATB), in a statement, said that the August 9 tripartite talks of KNO and UPF in New Delhi, the two umbrella bodies of “Kuki armed nationalists”, will determine the “socio-political survival of the Zo people in present Manipur”.

While appealing the “Zo descendants” to set aside a time from 11 am to 12 noon on August 9 as an ‘hour of prayer’, the JAC said it “sincerely appreciated” the forthcoming round of tripartite talks scheduled with the “armed groups belonging to the ethnic Zo people.” 

It reminded that the JAC had signed a MoU with the state government on May 10, 2017 in the presence of a witness from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), government of India. “The government of Manipur in its MoU with the JAC-AATB acknowledged the demand for a separate administration for the indigenous tribal people of Manipur and assured all possible help and cooperation in the tripartite talks with the armed groups of the Zo people (Chin-Kuki-Zomi/Mizo) of present Manipur,” said the statement.

“It is our humble plea that every indigenous Zo participate during the hour of prayer with humility and sincere commitment, and visit the nearest church to pray and seek the Lord’s intervention and guidance at this juncture in Zo history,” the statement added.

The JAC appealed to all churches to keep their doors open at this time, and organise mass prayers to coincide with the hour of prayer if possible. “Establishments and institutions are also requested to kindly organise prayer meetings at their conveniences, while those working  in farms, construction sites, home-based businesses  and various other forms of livelihood are also requested to kindly set aside time for prayer to coincide with the hour of prayer,” it added.

“It is our sincere hope and prayer that a positive amicable solution is reached through the political talks, and that each and every Zo descendant extends every possible co-operation for the success of the dialogue,” the statement maintained.

IMPHAL | Aug 8

A gold smuggler carrying 25 gold bars weighing approximately 4.160 kgs worth about Rs 1.2 crores was apprehended yesterday by 12 Assam Rifles of 26 sector AR under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) at Khudengthabi, Tengnoupal. 

A release said at around 8:15 am, a Maruti van was stopped at the vehicle check post of Khudengthabi for checking. During checking, suspicious package was found with 25 gold bars.

The driver of the van, revealed that he was transporting gold from Moreh to Imphal. He has been identified as Raju Muniyandi (45) son of R Muniyandi of Moreh Ward No 1, Tengnoupal district. Raju along with the recovered item was handed over to custom authorities of Moreh, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 8

The Judicial Magistrate First Class, Imphal West today remanded the four accused persons who were arrested in connection with the Oinam Sawombung hooch tragedy, to judicial custody for 15 days.

Two of the accused mother and son identified as Bina Kamei (45) and Apu Kamei were the manufacturer of the alleged spurious liquor and the other two accused identified as Elangbam Imo (50) and Ashem Shyamkumar (50) were the vendor owners, which sold the liquor.

The defence counsel of the mother and son submitted bail application before the court.

The additional public prosecutor of the case said before the court that more time will be taken for further investigation of the case and to find the origin of the spurious liquor.

So he said that the accused persons should not be released until the investigation process is finished as the spurious liquor has led to death of five persons. The IO of the case prayed for remanding the four to judicial custody as investigation is in process.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 8

Information and public relation minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh has urged that the existing media houses of the state do their duty well in providing credibility, trust and reliability in news reporting and to correct the government system.

He was speaking at the inaugural function of 1-year diploma course in journalism and mass communication, at DIPR complex, Moirangkhom.

The minister said that the media has a great responsibility in disseminating information as most people refers to newspapers and media houses for credibility and authentification of of news uploaded and found in social media.

The minister acknowledged the importance of media in the state and asserted that it is indeed the fourth pillar of democracy and power should be wisely maintained.

Giving the keynote address, director of IPR, Meghachandra Kongbam said that this is the first full-fledged program introduced by the IPR of the state.

The diploma course which is due to be started on August 10, has 30 students intake and has students enrolled from almost all the districts of the state, he said. The art of writing will be mainly focused so that the students will be fluent in their language construction even if they choose different media line be it radio, television, print, advertising and so on, he further cited.

There will be six different papers including reporting, advertising, different mediums of communication among others. After completing the course, the students will be sent to New Delhi for internship in leading media firms, he added.

Commissioner of IPR, K. Radhakumar Singh and deputy director, Chongtham Noyon Singh attended the function as president and guest of honour respectively.

IMPHAL | Aug 8

Th. Shyamkumar, minister MAHUD and forests & environment took serious note of the garbage dumped along the Indian side near the Indo-Myanmar friendship bridge.

Terming it as dangerous for the environment, the minister express fear that if the dumping continues, than in the coming years, the garbage could pollute the river which flows between the two countries and the neighbouring country may complain over the matter.

Speaking to the media Shyamkumar said earlier Moreh was under MAHUD department when it was under one town committee. He said there is a need for a meeting between the MAHUD officials and councillors for the introduction of solid waste management programme. He opined that necessary steps are needed to be taken up to stop pollution of the environment.

He also appreciated volunteers of Worker and Trainer’s Association, Moreh for voluntary cleaning the area.

He said the government will try providing the volunteers a vehicle to collect waste.

Earlier in a visit to Yaingangpokpi Lockhao wildlife sanctuary, Shyamkumar raised serious concern over the increase in number of illegal villages in the area. 

The sanctuary is located along the Indo-Myanmar border in Chandel district which covers a total area of 184.8 sq kms. Terming it as unfortunate, Shyamkumar said the Haolenphai village has always been a disputed village as it lies in the border.

Speaking to the media the minister said he has spoken with the department officials in Moreh. He opined that enclosing of the sanctuary will further avoid illegal entry of people and installation of cameras would help in keeping records of the wildlife animals.

He also visited integrated check post, which is under construction. He was accompanied by department officials during the visit. The minister is on a two-day visit to the border town.

IMPHAL | Aug 8

The IGNTUSU-RCM has temporarily suspended its stir after coming to a partial agreement with regard to the demands laid down by the student’s body. The agreement was reached following a meeting with the VC of the tribal university with the student leaders.

A joint release signed by president of ATSUM, Vareiyo and IGNTUSU-RCM president, Khazi said a meeting was held today at Classic Grande with the VC, Prof T. V. Kattimani and representatives of ATSUM, KSO and ANSAM.

An assurance letter was given by the VC to solve all pertinent issues and development of the regional campus, and accordingly the student body agreed to temporarily suspends its stir. The VC shall visit the campus by September and the executive council meeting shall be held at the same time as per the letter received by the student body, said the release. 

Further it said temporary hostel accommodations shall be arranged and a committee constituting the student body has been formed in this regards. Advertisement for recruitment of permanent faculties for department of tribal studies and department of sociology and social anthropology shall also be initiated within a month of the issue of this press statement which shall also include recruitment of adequate non-teaching staffs, it added.  

However, the student bodies shall resume without further ado if the authorities concerned fail to deliver on the agreements within one month of this agreement, it added.

 It may be recalled that the student bodies have been demanding: initiation of construction works for hostels and staff quarters, appointment of permanent staffs for the department of sociology and department of social anthropology and department of tribal studies, and direct extension of their status to full contractual until such time as permanent posts are created.

IMPHAL | Aug 8

Expressing deep concern over the increasing rate of crime against women in the state, social welfare and cooperation minister, Nemcha Kipgen has asserted that there will be ‘Zero Tolerance’ against such crimes.

She gave assurance to take up all possible steps to deliver justice at the right time without any delay. To bring an end to any forms of violence against women, the minister urged the public for full cooperation in an emergency meeting convened at her residence along with various officials. 

The meeting took serious note of the custodial death of Mutum (o) Indira Devi wife of M. Ibohal Singh of Andro Khuman Leikai who was found dead hanging inside the toilet of the Andro police station earlier this month.

The meeting was attended by Manipur State Commission for Women, chairperson K. Sobita Devi, member of the commission, Ranjita Golmei and Manipur State Social Welfare Board, chairperson, M. Priyomala Devi.

Under the advice of the minister, the team of MSCW and MSSWB had conducted spot enquiries into the death of a homemaker, Sapam (O) Thounaojam Sumila of Utlou Mayai Leikai who was found dead on the 4th of this month after allegedly consuming caustic soda.

The team also took stock over the suspicious death of Bedamani Devi, wife of Th. Hemanta Singh of Koutruk Maning leikai, who was also found dead after she strongly raised disapproval when her husband sent their minor child to get liquor.

Taking into account of all these cases, the minister stated that those involved in all such forms of violence against women will not be spared under any circumstances. She strongly advised the team to take up necessary steps to curtail the increasing rates of crime against women in the state and to look into these matters with grave concern.

It may be mentioned that as per the reports by MSCW since June 2016, domestic violence tops the chart of the case registered in the commission, having registered 18 in numbers (two in the year 2016 and 16 in the year 2017).

The commission has solved 63 cases from the 78 cases registered. 15 cases are in process and 63 cases are disposed. So far, MSCW chairperson K Sobita Devi and her team had conducted a total number of 57 spot enquiries which includes suo moto cases, murder cases, rape cases, etc.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Aug 8

Kangpokpi district wore a deserted look today with the imposition of 24 hours total shutdown over the alleged encroachment of Haraothel land for construction of national sports university. The shutdown was called by civil organisations of the district. 

The otherwise hectic district headquarters and the road along Asian Highway No.1, also known as NH-2 along Imphal-Dimapur road was empty without any vehicles plying and day-today activities coming to a grinding halt.

The total shutdown from 6 am of this morning till 6 am of August 9 was collectively imposed by CVOs Kangpokpi spearheaded by Kuki Students’ Organisation Sadar Hills seeking the state government’s attention for amicable solution over the controversial university site.

Unlike the past total shutdown in the district, the impact of the shutdown is being experienced by all walks of life from business sectors to educational institutions, government institutions, completely disrupting the normal life in the district.

Volunteers were seen deployed in two strategic locations at Taphou Kuki and Gamgiphai who strictly manned the highway checking the exempted vehicles. The volunteers send back those vehicles which are outside the purview of the shutdown bearing no authorised permit.

There was minimal attendance recorded in all government institution owing to the shutdown. Similar impact was also witnessed in most of the area from Taphou Kuki to Gamgiphai including Keithelmanbi, Bongmol, Leikop, Sapormeina and Motbung.

No vehicular movement has been witnessed along the National Highway. However, security force including IRB, Assam Rifles personnel were seen deployed along the road monitoring the situation.

While speaking to media persons, KSO president, Thangminlen Kipgen said, “Chief minister, N. Biren Singh once assured us when we met him on hill leaders day to seriously consider the issue and initiate for amicable solution.”

He continued that despite his assurance, the CM when he visited the university site blatantly claimed that there is no dispute and even restated his statement during the recently concluded assembly.

He further said that though disappointed with the insincerity of the chief minister the KSO repeated appealed to solve the issue and had even organised a peaceful sit-in-protest followed by today’s total shutdown to draw his attention but no response has been received.

Therefore, we collectively decided to imposed sustain shutdown from 6 am of August 11 till the state government invites us for negotiation and initiate the process for solving the dispute amicably, he added.

No untoward incident has been reported till filing of this report.

Interestingly, the shutdown has been otherwise enjoyed by children and many other peoples. Some children were seen playing in the potholes water logging along the highway, some playing cricket and others loitering along highway has been witnessed.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 7

Manipur Pollution Control Board, chairman, MLA, L. Radhakishore has asked the management section of all the hospital including both private and government in the state to follow the rules and criteria given by the pollution control board while disposing bio-medical waste.

He was delivering the presidential speech during a joint preparatory meeting on bio-waste management today at the state guest house, Sanjenthong here today.

If any hospital is found to be not following the rules and criteria given by the pollution control board of disposing the bio-waste, legal action will be taken but against the hospital, warned the MLA.

Radhakishore said that the state has a total of 539 government hospital and 59 private hospitals, so a big quantity of bio-waste is produced every day from these hospitals. If the bio-waste from the hospital are not treated properly it gave a lots of harmful effects to human as well as animals by polluting the environment, he added.

As a step to prevent the pollution arising from bio-waste the chairman asked all the hospital authority to give awareness to all the officials of their respective hospital regarding bio-waste management.

Radhakishore announced that pollution control board will help the hospital management at its best level in managing the bio-waste.

The meeting was attended by RIMS director in charge Dr. H. Nabachandra as chief guest, JNIMS director, Th. Bhimo Singh and RIMS medial superintendent Ch. Arunkumar Singh as guests of honour, respectively and representatives of different hospital.

IMPHAL | Aug 7

Deputy chief minister, Yumnam Joykumar Singh today inaugurated a five days Special National Training Programme on Advancement of Seed Testing at ICAR research complex for NEH region, Manipur centre at Lamphelpat, Imphal.

Speaking at the inaugural function, he said, development of agriculture & horticulture i.e. overall development of primary sector in the State are important to generate self-sustained productivity and revenue resources as well.

He said, although the State has the potential to generate revenue resources in some sectors like, tourism and healthcare, the most important is the development of primary sector. Problems and methodology in terms of agriculture in Manipur are different from that of the mainland, he added.

 Although, the State has adequate rainfall, there is the need to provide proper irrigation facilities so as to enable the farmers to grow crops successfully thereby increasing productivity, he said.

Further Joykumar said, as Northeastern region has a good climatic condition, there has to be certain type of vegetation which are normally suited to the food habits of the people and therefore, those vegetation are to be cultivated in large scale.

On seed testing, he said, with the advancement of scientific and technological knowledge of how seeds are treated and stored, the traditional methods are also need to be imbibed in the process. If so, agricultural productivity will increase and it can play a major role in economic development in the State.

Organising such trainings will help the farming community to inculcate knowledge which will help in agricultural practices, he added.

Additional chief secretary Suhel Akhtar while addressing the gathering said, keeping in view the importance of self-dependency in food consumption in the State, there has to be adequate agricultural and horticultural productions. Government alone cannot provide the necessities and therefore, all the stakeholders should come together and co-operate each other to make it a success, he said.

S.V. Ngachan, director, ICAR research complex for NEH region said, entire Northeastern States except Assam are deficient in seeds. ICAR with the help of States agriculture departments has been trying to enhance seeds production for the last many years, he said, adding seed production campaign has to be started and such training will go a long way to enhance productivity.

Around 50 trainees from within and outside the State are participating in the training programme which is being organised by ICAR, Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre along with National Seed Research and training centre, Varanasi under the sponsorship of ministry of agriculture & farmers welfare and department of agriculture, Manipur.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | Aug 7

The functioning of Anti- retroviral therapy (ART) centre, Thoubal is under a cloud of fraudulent practices. It has become a place of corruption where the staff are embezzling funds meant for the patients.

The funds are being stalled and not provided to the PLHIV (People Living with HIV’s) who are presently undertaking ART treatments.

In May 15, 2015, a memorandum was released by Manipur state aids control society regarding the introduction of welfare scheme called “Local conveyance support to PLHIV.” As per the scheme, patients who are taking ART medicines from a local ART centre will receive a sum of Rs. 150 per month from the centre.

Records are found that since the implementation of the scheme, 7 ART centres out of 10 in the state, were provided with the funds for only 3 months and the remaining 3 ART centres i.e RIMS ART centre, Senapati ART centre and Thoubal ART centre have been provided for only 9 months.

As per the order released by the former health commissioner P.K Singh on January 12, the total amount of funds sanctioned for three ART Centres (RIMS, Thoubal and Senapati) have been disbursed on a reduced amount.

The patients have informed that the staffs of ART Thoubal are not giving out the funds properly; as they would frequently give only an amount Rs. 100 by making an excuse that they do not have the change or Rs. 50. The patients’ request to add them up in the fees of next month is denied by the staffs.

Moreover, the patients would not get any fees after travelling from remote distances as the staffs who are handling the money is absent.  While conducting the transactions, the fees which are kept in due are not made up and the money is not handed out in a monthly basis.

As per the guidelines, the patients who are 2 days late from the scheduled date for arriving at the office will be declined from receiving the fees. However, it has been found that staffs are giving out money to some selected patients who are 4 or 10 days late, which is a clear sign of discrimination.

The staffs are also going against the guidelines which mention that the fees must not be provided if the patient is absent and someone else has come to collect them. The staffs are giving out money to relatives and substitutes who came instead of the patients.

The most shocking finding is that patients from the hills are not provided any fees on the excuse that that they do not come under the ‘Criteria.’ When asked about what type of criteria, the staff would not give any proper explanation.

Patients who are bed-ridden in Thoubal district hospital are not given any fees and the records of those who are getting the fees are not entered in the cards, making them run here and there.

Many patients under Thoubal district have no knowledge about the existence of the conveyance support scheme, as the information is not provided to them by the centre. There are cases when staffs of the centre arrived at the homes of some patients and tried to quarrel or humiliate them, even disclosed their status to the public, simply because the patients came to know about the scheme and started enquiring about it.

The illiterate patients, widows, widowers, children who have lost their father or mother, orphans and many other PLHIVs who would like to keep their status confidential have been discriminated by the staff and these patients have requested the authorities concerned to look into the matter and take actions against the centre.

IMPHAL | Aug 7

Social welfare and cooperation minister Nemcha Kipgen highly condemned the recent rape of a minor school girl who was also attacked and attempted to murder somewhere under Senapati district earlier this month.

The minister while expressing her concern said that the utmost priority as of now is to help the victim regain her consciousness, as she is presently unconscious post the incident. As such, on the supervision of the minister, security personnel have been deployed at the hospital room of the minor girl and have instructed the police not to let anyone directly interrogate the matter to the victim until she regains her normal condition.

“Those involved in this heinous crime will not be spared under any circumstances,” said the minister. The minister had also given assurance for extending maximum assistance in getting justice in time for the victim.

Under the supervision of the SW & Coop. minister, a team of Manipur State Commission for Women led by chairperson K. Sobita Devi have visited the hospital to meet the minor girl and to spot enquire the prevailing condition of the victim.

The team who met the officials concerned of the hospital take accounts of the present condition of the victim. The officials stated that medical examination had already been taken by the RIMS forensic department. As per the doctors of the hospital, there is still very little improvement in the girl’s condition therefore she is being observed under intensive care. 

The team also met Senapati S.P. Faumei Gonglin, to discuss the matter. During the meeting, the S.P. said that an FIR had been taken up in connection with the rape of the minor girl and efforts are being made to find the accused involved in this heinous crime.

In an effort to find out those involved, combing operation had been done in suspected areas, the S.P. added. He urged and appealed to the people of the area to extend cooperation in tracing and finding those culprits involved in this inhuman act.

While condemning this incident, K. Sobita asserted that the commission is alert and gathering time-to-time status of the case from the S.P. in this connection.

The minister also lauded the efficient work carried out by the team of state police led by Senapati S.P. so far in this case and is optimistic that the judiciary will deliver justice to the victim and the family at the earliest.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 7

State government has not notified guidelines for the formation of Village Level Child Protection Committees in Manipur. This is violation of Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS).

State Co-Ordinator Manipur Alliance for Child Rights (MACR), S. Bheiga Sharma said during a meeting held today at MACR office located at Sagolband Moirang Hanuba. And delay in formation of formal VLCPCs in the state has resulted with continued child trafficking and unsafe migrations of children in many villages, he charged.

He said the state is badly affected by scores of issues such as armed conflict, HIV/AIDS epidemic, drugs abuse and others which have fractured the socio-economy of the state thereby putting the lives of thousands of children in highly vulnerable situation.

From November 2013 to October 2016, 80 trafficked children of the state were officially repatriated, while 39 child sexual offences (POCSO) cases were produced before nine child welfare centres during December 2015 to October 2016, he added.

Bheiga said as per recorded by MACR 146 children victims of different child rights violation incidents in the state were reported in the newspapers during the period from January 2016 to July 10, 2017. This year from January to July 10, 23 children became victims of different violent actions such as trafficking, sexual abuse, murder and others.

For protection of vulnerable children in the first place setting up of Child Protection Committees in Village, Block and District level has accepted all over the world.

VLCPCs are primarily responsible for creating a child friendly and safe environment for children, in such an environment, the rights and well-being of all children are ensured. They will be responsible for three core responsibilities such as monitoring, reporting and responding to the issue of child protection in the community, Bheiga asserted.

Considering the emerging needs of VLCPC, MACR with support of Cry-Child Right And You, Kolkata, so far 33 informal VLCPCs in four district of the state since last three years. Nevertheless, since social welfare department has not issued notification for the formation of VLCPS.

VLCPC needs wider supports from NGOs, Corporate bodies and international agencies like UNICEF apart from government. Bheiga demands state government to form VLCPCs in the state for protection of vulnerable children who remained unmapped and unreached.

IMPHAL | Aug 7

Indian Municipal Corporation (IMC) has today clarified that the present BJP team has nothing to do with the auction of eight government vehicles but instead the previous Congress team led by the then mayor, Sunil is responsible.

Addressing media persons at its Kanglapat office, Oinam Romeo Singh, chairperson of Ward No.13, IMC Works said that the auction process was started while the Congress team was still in office of the corporation.

He said that eight previously used vehicles by the Congress leaders were auctioned and a legal tender was first notified on May 22 and the process ended on May 29 by former mayor Sunil. This case is of when the BJP was in opposition and was in fact on “no confidence motion” to this tender he added.

Indrajit and Gaidon Rongmei (now opposition leaders) were witnesses of that resolution taken regarding the auction, he pointed out.

Romeo reiterated that the new team of the corporation (BJP) assume office on June 9 and the notice tender was out before the present team assume office. There was no signature of any of the present team, he clarified.

The vehicles were delivered during by the BJP team took after taking charge of office according to rule and regulations, he continued.

Romeo was clarifying on the charges of misuse of public fund in works taken up by the IMC where an enquiry team was also set up by the MAHUD minister, Th. Shyamkumar. The enquiry team must submit its report within 15 days’ time from the date of issue of the order.

Ningthoujam Prasant & Elangbam Nikita

IMPHAL | Aug 7

Internet is a “double-edge sword”, meaning, it provides many opportunities to the users, but at the same time, it has also become an avenue to commit crime. 

As there is no censorship some of the internet users are using it as means to expose, tarnish and malign the image of people ‘known and unknown’ to them.

Speaking to the Imphal Free Press in this regard, Prof Mc. Arun, Manipur University said, “Cybercrimes are increasing day by day and it is likely to increase. Social media users commit heinous crimes by uploading obscene content and also, can incite communal conflicts.” 

 He said one of the reasons can be because of more and more people jumping on the technological bandwagon, there is cultural shock happening and also, because of ‘sexual frustration’ and ‘fantasy explosion’. 

In the process of negotiation and adaptation, they have taken liberty a bit too far exposing their evil and unethical perspectives, he added. He also pointed out that parents have to do their part in shaping the youths and also, media has to follow ethics.

A faculty of the department of mass communication, of MU speaking to the IFP said, “It is an age where instead of saving someone’s life when in danger, some of the public are busy clicking photographs and recording video for uploading. It seems like humanity is forgotten at the cost of being a “self-styled journalist”.

The virtual world has given us a platform to connect, but in the process of connecting we are taking our freedom too far and in the whole process they end up defaming others, she said, adding we have even seen cases of ‘sextortion’ and this are not a good sign for the society.”

To curb such menace, the lawmaker should educate the public to file and lodge complaints and also people using social media should be careful while uploading photos, videos and comment, she added.

Another faculty member of the same department said there is an urgent need to educate all sections of the society to the dangers of the Internet and how to stay safe online. Raising awareness of the penalties of online offence and the successful performance of the state cybercrime cell will hopefully deter future offenders, he added.

Further he maintained that youth needs to be motivated in right way to participate in citizen journalism both individually and in the group. It is discouraging that victims, particularly women, are now taking up the courage to stand against such crimes, he lamented.  

 It may be recalled in the recently concluded Assembly Session, chief minister on the floor of the House replying to a query from the Opposition said that there are 39 cybercrimes cases of the state registered during 2016-2017.

Crimes perpetrated by using social media platform have been on the rise in our state. It may be attributed to the increase in the use of smartphone and availability of internet data at cheaper rates wherein some people have resorted to expose others at their own free will, not thinking too much of the consequences that will fall on the victim.