Category: Imphal Free Press

Two distillers arrested, liquor samples collected

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 30

Two more persons died after allegedly drinking spurious country liquor and a total of 64 persons were admitted to RIMS till today afternoon.

Khumanthem Mohindro (55) son of late Kh. Tombi died last night at around 10.30pm and Oinam Brojendro brother of late Oinam Shyam (who died yesterday) died today afternoon at around 3pm.

Altogether four individuals of Oinam Sawombung died after drinking spurious wine bought from two vendors of their locality and around six persons including owner of a drinking joint identified as Ashem Shyamkumar (50) son of late A. Ibocha are in critical condition, official sources said.

Another vendor owner was also hopitalised yesterday at RIMS. However, he was found missing from the hospital since yesterday evening. He is also not at his residence, according to the locals of Oinam Sawombung.

Police seized all the liquor and liquor making items from Thiyam Leishangkhong Kabui Khul today as the liquor sold by the two vendors is allegedly manufactured in this village.

Moreover, Wangoi police have arrested two individuals identified as Apu Kamei (24) son of Khamba Kamei and Bina Kamei (48) wife of Khamba Kamei both from Thiyang Leishangkhong as they are suspected to be the manufacturer of the liquor sold to the two vendors.

They were produced before the chief judicial magistrate, Imphal West today and the court remanded both the accused persons to six days police custody for further investigation.

Imphal West food safety team led by food safety officers Soubam Purnila and Nongallei Pebam collected the liquor sample sold at the vendors and also sample from the manufacturer for laboratory testing.

While observing the sample of the wine sold in the vendors, the food safety team observed some suspended white particles in the wine.

Around 15 individuals were discharged from RIMS until today afternoon according to patient party.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 30

Death rate of consuming intoxicants like alcohol and drugs is 10 percent more than the rate of encounter deaths under Armed Forces Special Power Act in the state, said president of Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA), Yumnam Ratankumar during a press conference held today at conference hall, CADA head office Pureiromba Khongnang Makhong, Konung Mamang.

Ratankumar blamed the government for the deaths on July 27 due to consuming distilled indigenous country (DIC) liquor at Oinam Sawombung, Thoubal district. He said incident happened due to freely availability of liquor though Manipur is a dry state.

Those who were involved must be punished at the earliest and compensation must be given to the victim’s family, he demanded.

The government must take a resolution in the ensuing Assembly session to strengthen Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991 in the state firmly.

Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991 was implemented in the state on April 1, 1991. Under this act no one is allowed to distil, carry or sell alcohol in any part of the state. But alcohol is freely and abundantly available so there is suspicion that high level officers and representatives of the state are involved in the liquor business.

As under Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991 DIC liquor can be produced for customary and religious purpoises. By taking advantage of this relaxation they are producing liquor in huge quantity which is punishable under the act, he added.

Ratankumar said the incident which occurred on July 27 must be investigated thoroughly and the culprit must be punished.

He said there is no reason for announcing Manipur as dry state, as the state is ignoring the alcohol business. The authority concerned which is making the act ineffective must also be punished under the law.

CADA and Nupi Samaj visited the victims who were hospitalised at RIMS, Shija Hospitals and Research Institute and Raj Medicity today.

Speaking to the media persons, president of Nupi Samaj, Th. Ramani said the victims who were hospitalised at RIMS were facing a big problem as the treatment was not properly given as today being Sunday by the hospital. It is because of this reasons many victims have gone to private hospitals by paying huge amount of money.

She said no government official visited the victims though the condition of the victims is critical. Government and authority concerned must visit the victims at the earliest and appropriate help should be given by government, she demanded.

Medical department should also take proper care for the victims as most of them are from poor families. In order to stop such incident in the near future respective localities must take initiatives to stop selling and buying of alcohol and other intoxicants, she cautioned.

IMPHAL | July 30

JAC Against Discriminatory and Unceremonious Removal of Chief Secretary O. Nabakishore Singh IAS has today demanded the reasons for the removal of Nabakishore Singh from the post of chief secretary before July 31.

Convener of the Joint Action Committee, R.K. Tombisana Devi said that the chief minister N. Biren Singh had given positive response and assured that he would do his level best to sort out the problems and reasons for the removal of the former chief secretary Nabakishore Singh.

“But till date he has failed to stand by his promises, and even after we had approached him and gave several memoranda there is no response. We condemn the negligence of the chief minister and the responsible authorities for not acting on their words”, she said.

Tombisana warned that if the chief minister’s office and the concerned authorities do not act on their words till tomorrow i.e July 31, the committee will take up different kinds of agitations. “We have made the necessary arrangements for the agitation and urged CSOs also to take part in the agitation”, she continued.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 30

Chief minister N. Biren Singh has said that state government has set up three check posts with medical surveillance teams at Jiribam, Moreh and Beihang to check people entering the state from today in wake of the unknown pandemic gripping Churachandpur district.

The chief minister was speaking to reports on the sideline of an inspection tour of the Sports University at Koutruk, Imphal West today.

He said the medical team will be equipped with electronic device to detect fever and examine entry of people inside the state particularly in the border.

The check post was established particularly in border area following reports of outbreak of swine flu, dengue and Japanese Encephalitis in Myanmar, he continued.

Altogether 30 medical teams including 15 doctors and 15 paramedical staffs with necessary medicines have been dispatched today to Churachandpur led by a senior medical officer of the Health department.

Altogether 100 villagers from different villages in remote Henglep constituency have been evacuated yesterday and presently sheltered at the Churachandpur youth hostel, he said adding that Rs. 1 lakh was sanctioned to Henglep MLA, TT Haokip as financial assistance.

The chief minister further said that another two trucks have been dispatched to collect another 80 villagers.

Biren opined that there was no need for the people to be panic as preventive measures have been taken up by the state and that affected villagers could be airlifted if required.

Underlining the plight of the hill people particularly those in Henglep due to the deplorable condition of the roads, he said that his government will give priority to areas with similar condition while taking up developmental projects.  

Only three suspected cases including two dengue and one swine flu cases have been reportedly detected from samples collected from affected villagers of Henglep.

IMPHAL | July 30

Maintaining that the state government should fulfil its promises made regarding free treatment of patients with Hepatitis-C, the Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE) has appealed to the authority concerned to take up the matter in the ongoing assembly session and ensure free treatment.

A release said Manipur is one of the worst affected state by viral hepatitis particularly hepatitis C in India, and perhaps in the whole world. The true extent of the epidemic is difficult to gauge because surveillance systems for hepatitis including HCV are not in place in Manipur and, treatment demand is also not well documented, it said.

Though a state-wide data on hepatitis C infection is not available, data from independent studies carried out by researchers and healthcare professionals shows an extensively alarming prevalence of HCV in the state particularly amongst PWID, it said, adding some studies indicate prevalence rates of up to 92 percent in Imphal and 98 percent in Churachandpur district.

The prevalence rate of HCV in the state is 82 percent among IDUs.

The release further stated that taking the case as an epidemic and considering the damage Hep-C has inflicted upon the people of the state during the last many years, health minister, L Jayentakumar had announced provision for free treatment and care for hepatitis-C patients of the state during a function held on May 13.

The announcement had given a sigh of relief to those people who have been affected by the deadly disease and the people had been eagerly waiting for the day when the announcement would actually come knocking at their doors, it said.

However, till this day, the announcement of free Hep-C treatment is still a far cry since the government despite its assurance has failed to keep its promise. As such the people have been left shattered by the false promises of the state government, the release added.

It further urged the government to act as a responsible government and fulfil its commitment to the public considering the graveness of the situation and the number of people dying of the deadly disease on a daily basis.

CoNE further appealed to the MLAs of the state to discuss the matter during the ongoing state assembly session and ensure free treatment of patients with Hep-C as was promised by the health minister.

IMPHAL | July 30

Chief minister N. Biren Singh inspected the site of National Sports University at Koutruk in Imphal West district today.

 Speaking to media persons, N. Biren said that he had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lay the foundation stone of the varsity on a convenient day after August 15.

Clarifying that there is no more land dispute or controversy at the proposed university site, the he informed that demarcation and initial fencing works had already been completed.

Biren further said that blacktopping of the 2-km long portion of the approach road from helipad to university site would be completed within a week.

 Soon after laying of the foundation stone, the first session of the university would be commenced at Khuman Lampak Sports complex by using the existing infrastructure, the chief minister said.

Necessary office rooms and other required infrastructures had already been developed there by sanctioning Rs 5 crore by the State Planning department, he added.

Biren also appealed to the people of the State to collectively request the PM to visit Manipur and lay the foundation stone of the varsity as soon as possible.

Works and IPR minister, Th. Biswajit said that the University would not only provide multiple opportunities to the villagers of nearby villages but also create many jobs for the people of the State.

He said that efforts are being invested on mission mode to keep the approach road in tip-top condition prior to PM’s visit.

The minister urged the people of the nearby villages to join hand with the government in collectively fighting the challenges which come on the way of setting up of the university.

Later, the CM inspected the construction works of Ibudhou Marjing tourist complex at Heingang hills in Imphal East district.

The components of the complex are a gigantic polo statue atop Heingang Hill, a cafeteria, garden, approach road, parking and Marjing temple.

The CM was accompanied by works minister Th. Biswajit, Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) minister, Letpao Haokip, parliamentary secretary (Home) L. Susindro, Sekmai A/C MLA H. Dingo, chief secretary, R.R. Rashmi, works and IPR commissioner, K. Radhakumar and other high ranking officials.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |July 30

The prevailing trend of Nagaland State politics will depend so much on the result of the by-election of northern Angami-I assembly constituency which result will be declared on August 3.

Things will speak so much whether Naga People’s Front (NPF) president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu who is also a former chief minister becomes a member of the Nagaland legislative Assembly or not.

The by-poll was held yesterday. It was a straight fight between Kekhrie Yhome, a 41 year old academician from Kohima and Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu.

Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu lost the post of the chief ministership on July 19 to TR Zeliang.

Meanwhile, Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu while calling his rival Kekhrie Yhome as “proxy candidate” has said that the by-election was a “big fight for him because all the tall leaders of the State are against him”.

Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu who became the chief minister of Nagaland on February 22, was not an MLA. He had to become an MLA within six months which period lapses on August 22. Unfortunately for him, soon after the by-election date was announced the political crisis cropped up.

Kekhrie Yhome was a former guest lecturer at Nagaland University, Kohima campus, a former Assistant Professor at the university of Delhi and headmaster of Khedi Baptist School, Kohima Village.

Kekhrie Yhome had said earlier that, a bold direction on governmental ethics is absolutely imperative. “There is a serious need to build an intelligent society that will see incremental growth in our common consciousness, discourse and accountability”, he said.

The public needs to reassert its ultimate power, which is to decide the fate of who represents them and question what is minimum for civil life. To regain the original values of democratic principles, the people must freely decide who should become their representative rather than allow feudal politics to dictate what the citizens should do or think”, he continued.

The young academician also said, “Petty but detail power mongering has always inflicted Naga politics. It has given the impression that leadership is a royal entitlement rather than being a representative of the people”. 

It may be recalled on May 24, the then Nagaland chief minister, Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu’s son Khriehu Liezietsu who was a sitting member of Nagaland legislative Assembly (MLA) had tendered his resignation as MLA vacating the seat for his father to contest.

Dr Shurhozelie Lietzietsu was sworn-in as the chief minister of Nagaland on February 22,. The eighty-one year old regional political leader Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu was unanimously elected as leader of Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Legislature Party though he was not an MLA when TR Zeliang was forced to step down by the public in February this year over the local body election controversy.

As per rules, anyone who is becomes chief minister should become an MLA within six months.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | July 30

A bandh free district envisaged with the attainment of district status of Kangpokpi could suffer a set back with a bandh in the offing. The proposed bandh is in connection with the controversy over the National Sports University alleged land encroachment. 

Several civil voluntary organisations in the district are all set to launch agitation from August 6, 6 pm if their demand over the issue of National Sports University is not addressed positively within the stipulated time.

The decision to begin protest has been taken during the joint meeting of CVOs held today at Kangpokpi district headquarters over the National Sports University alleged land encroachment at Koutruk, Senjam Chirang and Sejam Khunou in Imphal West.

The CVOs mainatined that in spite of repeated appeals and numerous memoranda submitted to the chief minister of Manipur to look into the dispute in connection with the setting up of National Sports University the state government has turned blind towards the issue of land encroachment at the proposed site.

It pointed out that as per the orders by the governor of Manipur, dated December 28, 2016 allotting 325.60 acres of land to the director, Youth Affairs & Sports, Manipur under Dag.No.1 of village No.47-Koutruk included a land measuring about 137.62 acres of Haraothel, now L. Tangnaum village.

“L. Tangnaum, previously known as Haraothel village is legitimately under Saitu-Gamphazol Sub-Division in Sadar Hills, now Kangpokpi District”, they asserted and added that unfortunately the state government has ignored this fact and fail to acknowledge the same in the orders. 

They also alleged that despite all these facts, the state government is avoiding all disputes and the playing party to the illegal encroachment of Hill land under Kangpokpi district administration.

They also pointed out that the chief of L. Tangnaum (Haraothel) village is not against the setting up of the National Sports University rather his demand is that his ownership of the land be acknowledged by the state government and rectify the orders to begin the process of land allocation that too after including Kangpokpi district as a land measuring around 137.62 acres of L.Tangnaum (Haraothel) is also included in the orders under C.S. Dag.No.1 as listed under No.47-Koutruk.

The CVOs further said that after examining all these facts, they have decided to demand the state government to halt all construction works undergoing at the disputed site immediately and begin the process of dispute settlement.

IMPHAL | July 29

A woman was injured by lightening this afternoon at Kharasom area, Imphal East district under Lamlai assembly constituency. The incident took place at around 3:30 pm when the woman along with 8 others went to work in the paddy field.

 The injured woman has been identified as Yengkhom (O) Pakpi Devi, wife of Y. John Singh. She has been evacuated at JNIMS hospital, Porompat. According to eye witness, Pakpi was hit by the lightening as they were walking together. She was walking at the front. The cloth she was wearing was shredded into pieces when she was hit by the lightening.

From Our Correspondent 

CHURACHANDPUR | July 29

There has been unabated rise in the number of patients hit by mysterious epidemic in Henglep sub-division of Churachandpur district. More number of sick people are being transported today for treatment by the sub-division’s administration using Shaktiman trucks.

The disease is suspected to be Swine Flu though it is not confirmed as of now. Villages like Henglep, Najang, Ainujang, Vongmol, Thinghizang, S. Khonom, Mollien and Khanpi have been hard hit. The patients have to be carried by foot owing to the rain and unfriendly terrain.

Henglep village has been affected most by the epidemic. Around 140 households have been reportedly affected by the disease, while 45 households have been affected in Nazang village. 89 patients are from the said village.

Till the time of filing this report, 139 patients are being transported. More number of patients is yet to be transported who need immediate medical attention. Two kids among them are reported to be in critical condition. They have acute symptoms of loose motion and vomiting. 

 The CMO and the district hospital superintendent are trying hard to meet the demands of the heavy number of patients who have been lodged at the hospital. Most of the hospital rooms are being occupied by the rush of the patients. Today 39 patients were discharged and their test results of the blood sample are awaited.

One volunteer talking to the IFP said the most effective way to deal with the epidemic now is to send medical team by the authority concerned without any delay.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL |July 29

Dhanamanjuri College of Teacher Education (DMCTE) demanded its inclusion under the Dhanamanjuri University as DM College of Teacher Education, maintaining that it is run by the government and oldest college of teacher education in the state.

Speaking to media persons at the teacher education college, general secretary of Trainee Union, Manjit Sarangthem said the union appreciates steps taken by the government for establishment of DM University.

DM college was established in 1946 and certificate on teaching (CT) in 1959. CT course was replaced by a basic training college in 1961-62. After that post graduate training (PGT) college got established on September 15, 1972.

It changed the nomenclature from PGT to DMCTE on January 17, 1997 and master in education course was opened in 2005.

Manjit said the DMCTE has appropriate infrastructure with well qualified faculties recognised as research guide under Manipur University. In order to improve the education sector in the state research activities should be strengthened in the teacher education area.

The Teaching Union condemned the decision of the government for not including DMCTE in the list of cluster of colleges while passing the university bill. DMCTE is accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and lone government college of teacher education which is also a Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) beneficiary.

Debate and extension secretary, DMCTE, Md. Imran Khan said to bring quality education qualified teachers are needed. The government should take into consideration based on history and its role, DMCTE has been an inseparable part and parcel of the composite DM College.

“If DM University is to be established by a conglomerate of cluster colleges, why is DMCTE not included in the list of cluster colleges?  If DMCTE is removed from the university set-up what will be its future?”, he asked.

Professional college LMS Law College is not a part of DM College and it is inserted in the list of cluster colleges projected to be a part of DM University. “What is the intention of the government to remove DMCTE and bring LMS law college in the proposed DM University?” he asked.

“What is the specific weakness of DMCTE ?” Imran asked. What is the hidden agenda of government for excluding DMCTE in the cluster list, government should clarify the reason and re-consider the decision at the earliest, he said.

He appealed to the government that DM College of Teacher Education should be included in the cluster list of DM University.

Besides, magazine secretary of DMCTE, Kh. Shyamkumar said if DMCTE is not inserted in the cluster list then Teacher Union will take several actions.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 29

Two individuals died and 30 others, all them from Oinam Sawombung Makha Leikai, Wangoi under Imphal West district, were hospitalised today after drinking spurious country liquor bought from two vendors. 

According to locals of Oinam Sawombung  Makha Leikai, Wangjam Herojit (35) son of W. Thoiba died today morning at around 7 after drinking the spurious liquor brought from the local vendors yesterday during a feast.

Few hours before he died, he claimed that his eyesight was getting blurred and started vomiting blood.

In the afternoon at around 3 Oinam Shyam (50) son of O. Tombi Singh who drink the same liquor yesterday during the feast also died after getting the same symptoms.

The 30 individuals who were hospitalised today evening also drank the same liquor bought from the two vendors today while attending the funeral of Herojit at around 1pm.

According to them they started to get headache, vomiting and muscle cramp etc followed.   

Out of the 30 individuals, four are in critical condition and one is currently in the ICU of Shija hospital and three in the ICU of Raj Medicity, including one of the vendor identified as Ashem Shyamkumar (50) son of late A. Ibocha.

The other vendor is identified as one Elangbam Imo (50) son of late E. Ibocha.

The remaining 26 were admitted at RIMS. Samples of the liquor have been sent to forensic department for investigation according to local club members. The liquor is brewed at Thiyang Leishangkhom Kabui Khul.

In the meanwhile the Thoubal Food Safety, designated officer collected the sample of the liqour and has been sent to lab for testing.  Some more patients are reported to have admitted to the hospitals at the time of filing this report.

A good library is needed now more than ever in this generation where social media is taking over

By Priyashree Sharma Ph

The Education minister, Th Radheshyam Singh practically obliterated the importance of libraries in the schools and colleges of Manipur when he opined that libraries could be replaced by Google as it provides all the required information. He said this in the light of his visits to various schools and colleges where he found battered, cobwebbed ridden rooms with little to no books on the shelves as libraries.

It is doubtful whether he meant it ironically and took the route of a sarcastic jibe or he actually meant it in its entirety and thinks Google can actually replace libraries. Honestly, if it’s the former then kudos to his witty remark. But if it’s the latter one need to be careful because the very person responsible for education thinks Google is the all-encompassing knowledge bubble where all the information in the world resides. 

What is disturbing is that the solution sought for unkempt, disarrayed libraries is not an official direction from the Ministry for better upkeep and proper maintenance. If Google provides all the information then why are there still major libraries thriving throughout the world? Granted the libraries in Manipur do need modernisation and better functioning albeit some major changes. For a library to run with efficiency a constant flow of funding is required without which it would be hard to function in this ever changing socio-economic equilibrium and the government should play an important role in keeping the libraries updated.

Truth be told, I don’t think I would ever have been able to read a Harvard Law Review without the facilities of my college library as they are massively expensive, also one simply cannot access these on Google considering they are copyright protected.

One cannot deny how useful Google is but when a student needs to write a paper on a certain topic or needs analytical or thorough research for a project, one cannot find all the information in it. Yes, Google does give a certain direction as to ‘where to look for the information’.

It may show snippets of the topic written by a certain author but definitely not the entire content, so if a person cannot afford to purchase the said book then what would be the next step? It obviously would be logical to go to a library and look for the book. Also, during a research a student sometimes only need a single chapter for reference from a particular book, without an access to a proper library, where would the student go? Google? Probably to try their luck but will they find the required information?

A Library is a space, a safe space for everyone who loves to read or learn or research. A good library is needed now more than ever in this generation where social media, memes, online gaming et al is taking over. A proper library creates a healthy relationship between the students and information. A shabby and dodgy library would naturally repulse anyone. No one wants to go read or think or acclimatize in a dingy, dirty and dilapidated space. Therefore, a proper library with properly trained librarians with proper degrees should be hired. The better a librarian is at the job, the number of people accessing the library would escalate.

(The writer is a law student)

IMPHAL| July 29

Irom Bobo (43) was given capital punishment by the proscribed United National Liberation Front yesterday at Pukhrambam Leirak, Sogalband Tera around 7: 40 pm for the alleged crime of raping his 12 year old niece.

In the night of July 1, 2013, Bobo son of I. Kameshore raped the daughter of his wife’s sister at his home, said a release signed Sak-hen, director department of publicity of the outfit.

He committed the crime in the absence of his wife who had gone to visit her in-laws; it said adding he took advantage when rest of the children had gone to sleep and raped the girl who was also sleeping in the house.

UNLF had declared before that the outfit will give extreme punishments to those who commit such criminal activities to women and children, and had been proactive in doing so, it added.

Some of the criminals who had committed similar crimes have run away to other states outside Manipur after being released from Jail, and few are hiding in rented houses by changing their identities, it further said, adding it has caused delays in giving out timely punishments.

Bobo was being tracked for some time after he was released from jail in 2015.  The front has appealed to the people to help in hunting down these criminals who are mostly hiding at rented houses, and urged the landlords and locals to provide information about them.

The women folk, who are suffering the most, must provide a larger role in hunting these criminals down, it added.

IMPHAL | July 29

Consumer affairs and public works minister Karam Shyam launches five kg free trade LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) which will directly benefit the students who came to Imphal for study or the temporary visitors to the state.

The launching programme was held at PCTC Oil pump Khoyathong.

Delivering the chief guest speech Karam Shyam said a state can only be developed when the existing government inspect and measure how far their schemes and their rights have reach to the people. Development can never be attained by building spaceships or war weapons but by ensuring rights and schemes to their people.

Further he said, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2016. It is an ambitious social welfare scheme which aims to provide free LPG connections to BPL households in the country. The scheme is aimed at replacing the unhygienic cooking fuels mostly used in the rural India with the clean and more efficient LPG. This scheme has been implemented in the state.

Now this free trade LPG will also benefit the students and temporary visitors to the state, Karam added.

This five kg LPG will now available at PCTC Oil pump, Lamsang Oil service and Konsam Oil pump. An individual can get the LPG at the mentioned places after giving an identification card.

The price of a five kg LPG including the regulator and pipe will cost Rs 1448 and the refill cost is Rs 300.

The function was also attended by K. Radhakumar commissioner CAF and PD as guest of honour.

IMPHAL | July 29

Chief minister N. Biren Singh today saw off 248 Haj pilgrims at Tulihal international airport today. The pilgrims led by MLA, Abdul Nasir and MSHC executive officer Salauddin Khan left for Guwahati for their onward journey to the holy city of Mecca.

Speaking to media persons after seeing off the pilgrims, N. Biren said that he greeted the pilgrims and urged them to make a ‘dua’ for peace and tranquillity in Manipur.

Stating that Manipur had recently experienced unwanted loss of lives and sudden occurrence of natural calamities, the chief minister said that people tend to yearn for spiritual solace when such tragedies happen.

Parliamentary secretary (MOBC and Commerce and Industries) Ashab Uddin and Manipur State Haj committe chairman, Amin Shah were also present at the occasion.

 In all, 391 people including 178 women had been selected for Haj pilgrimage from the State under MSH committee this year.

All of them will stay at Haji Musafir Khana, Guwahati before they leave for Mecca in two batches on July 30 and 31, respectively.

Mention may be made that 120 pilgrims had already left for Guwahati yesterday and another 17 persons on July 27. The remaining pilgrims will leave Imphal for Guwahati tomorrow.

The pilgrims will be assisted by two Khudam-ul-Hujaaz (guides) throughout their journey.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 29

Commerce and industries minister, Th Biswajit, today informed the House that the survey for exploration of oil in the state have been completed and identified several areas having prospect of oil and gas deposits.

Th Biswajit was responding motion for disapproval of policy cut by Opposition MLAs for demand No. 21 commerce and industries during the ongoing budget session.

He said that survey was conducted by Jubilant Oil and gas private limited.

A total area of 2,217 sq/km was surveyed by the companies including Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Jiribam in the first block, and Tamenglong, Jiribam in the second block, he said.

Clarifying on the sluggish nature of the oil exploration process, he maintained that it was owing to technical grounds and objection from some local civil bodies.

The minister elaborated that the company has requested for force majeure to begin drilling purpose which requires brining in heavy machineries in the state.

However, with the machineries weighing 56 to 59 tons and over 4 metres wide, which is beyond the capabilities of the existing roads and bridges in the state, road diversion is required, he said.

Informing that creating road diversion would only be possible during lean season, Bishwajit said, adding that the department is constantly in touch with the company and BRO.

Bishwajit further informed that House that the department is also likely to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with private companies for setting up of manufacturing unit for cement in the state after the Assembly session.

He revealed that there are about 34.658 million tons of limestone deposit in Chandel and 24.35 million tons in Ukhrul district.

Moreover, he asserted that mining prospect for gold, gemstones and other valuable minerals is in the pipeline of the mining division of the department.

Altogether three private companies including Kotak Mahindra and other two private companies have approached the department, he said.

Thongam Biswajit, who is also in-charge of information and public relation (IPR), informed the House that a site for the construction of a Press Park has been identified at Langjing Achouba in Imphal West district and that a 3 acre land has been identified for the park.

He further pointed out that in 2007, under the Manipur Working Journalists Pension Scheme, retired journalists (retired) and families of journalists were provided Rs. 2000 and Rs. 1000 which was eventually increased to Rs. 4000 and Rs. 2000 respectively since 2014.

He continued that at the moment the government is considering for enhancement of the amount to Rs. 6000 and Rs.3000 respectively. There is also a provision to increase the amount from time to time, he added.

Although the IPR plays important role in disseminating information regarding schemes and works of the government, there is still shortage of man-power in the department with a total vacant post of 56 against its sanction post of 199, he asserted.

He clarified that some translators of the department are presently utilised as reporters at District Information Offices on temporary basis where there are lack of information staff.

Biswajit further stated that the government is targeting to generate 1.5 lakh employments through the different departments in a year so that 7.5 lakh jobs are generated during 5 years. Under the Commerce and Industries department, job generation will be possible under Manipur Food Industries Company Limited, promotion of weavers under Handloom and Handicrafts, etc. He continued strengthening of the General Manager District Industry Centres will also help in employment generation.

Corporation minister, Nemcha Kipgen replying to cut motion moved by the opposition bench, said that despite the department being neglected for many years the present government during the past three months are leaving no stones unturned to improve the Co-operative movement.

She maintained that under the active and tireless leadership of chief minister N. Biren Singh, the department has been reviewed and a special package of Rs 541.70 crores have been submitted to the Central government.

Regarding salaries of the 142 newly appointed Co-operative Inspectors, the Minister said DCs of Kangpokpi, Ukhrul and Chandel have been instructed to release the salaries whereas that of the remaining districts will be released after due process is completed.

Forest and environment minister, Th. Shyamkumar clarified that due to shortage of staff in the department, prevention of deforestation cannot be launched extensively. The Reserved Forest Area is being encroached by individuals holding Dak Chitas and Pattas.

The minister further stated that as compared to the last decade, the population of Sangai has increased considerably to 260 due to the initiative of the government. He continued the animals are under constant surveillance and they are vaccinated when the need arise.

Forest guards were issued weapons earlier, however with the law and order deteriorating during the 1980s, the weapons were deposited to the government, he said.

The minister also said that 167 wetlands have been identified in the State to be preserved.

He said during the period from April 1, 2017 till date, his department has collected a total tax of Rs. 6 crore 31 lakhs, whereas the previous government during its 5 years (till March 31, 2017) had collected only Rs. 6 crore 21 lakhs.

In order to protect Indigenous plants, the “Green India Mission” was initiated for which Rs 26 crore has been sanctioned for the State, he said.

The House today passed four Demands for Grants amounting to Rs. 3, 74, 00, 08,000 including Demand No. 9 Information and Publicity, Demand No. 16 Co-operation, Demand No. 19 Environment and Forest and Demand No. 21 Commerce and Industries.

Opposition MLAs K Ranjit Singh, Th Lokeshwar Singh, D Korungthang, K Meghachandra, RK. Imo, Surjakumar Okram and Ak Mirabai participated in the discussion of the demands. MLA Awangbou Newmai from the Treasury Bench also participated during the discussion.

State gears up to fight dengue outbreak

IMPHAL | July 29

The chief minister reviewed the situation of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and dengue outbreak in the state in an emergency meeting held at the CM Secretariat tonight. During the meeting, it was informed that positive cases are showing an increasing trend.

Till now, 59 cases have been tested positive for dengue, and 73 cases have been detected positive for Japanese Encephalitis (JE). Two doctors, who did not report for duty at PHC, Senvon and PHC, Henglep have also been suspended with immediate effect.

N Biren expressed that the situation is alarming and it needs to be attended to immediately. During the meeting, it was decided that 20-30 doctors with paramedics and director (Health) will go to Churachandpur tomorrow morning with medicines. Youth Hostel is to be used for the accommodation for the teams.

Necessary funds to the tune of Rs. 10 crore will be released by the Finance department by Monday. Similarly, required money will be given soon for artificial ventilators. To prevent further spread of the disease, fever detection centres will be established at Moreh, Behiang and Jiribam by Monday.

Police would also help provide accommodation for the doctors, if needed.  The CM directed DC, Churachandpur to arrange transport facilities to shift the patients in co-ordination with Director (Health) K. Lokendro.

He further instructed director (Ayush) and director, RIMS to provide necessary medicines, doctors and diagnosis facilities and other logistics support. DC, Churachandpur will extend all necessary assistance in this regard.

The meeting was attended by minister for Health and Family Welfare L. Jayantakumar Singh, minister for Agriculture V. Hangkhanlian, chairman of Hill Areas Committee T. T. Haokip, chief secretary R.R. Rashmi, DGP L.M Khaute, secretary (Health) Sumant Singh, director (Health) K. Lokendro, director (RIMS), director (Ayush), Director (JNIMS) and other specialist doctors.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 28

Kangleipak Students Association tried to storm the BJP state office demanding safeguard of indigenous people of the state and police arrested four volunteers of KSA including the president.

The volunteers arrived at the BJP office, Nityaipat Chuthek at around 2.30 pm by chanting slogans “save the rights of indigenous people”, “non-local must not be candidate”.

To control the protestors, police resorted to lathi charge in front of BJP office on the other side of the road.

Another team of KSA volunteers also tried to storm the BJP office. While the police personnel blocked the agitators, they threw pamphlets having their demands listed inside the office.

The demands were “non-local cannot involve while ruling the state”, “rights of indigenous cannot be handed over to non-local”, “neighbours cannot be the owner”, “reserve seats at eight constituencies for indigenous people” among nothers.

The agitators fled towards Tidim road and pelted stones at the police.

On the other hand, some students of Johnstone Higher Secondary School were injured during the agitation held today at BT road at around 1 pm. They were demanding withdrawal of the FIR filed against students. Students of the school tried to stage sit-in-protest in the eastern side of the school.

Section 144 of the CrPC has been implemented in the city area during the hour of Assembly session. Under this section an assembly of more than four people in an area is prohibited.

As a police team led by additional SP Priyadarshini Laishram tried to control the situation, some unknown persons started pelting stones from the campus towards police personnel.

Police personnel used tear gas, smoke bomb and mock bomb to control the situation. Teachers of school also helped in controlling the situation. After a long negotiation between the police and students the situation came under control.

During the protest some of the police personnel sustained injuries.

Imphal West additional SP (Ops), N. Madhunimai Singh said there is a wrong concept among the students that police cannot beat students during agitation. But if the students turn violent and harm the public then to control the situation police can take necessary actions under the law.

An interaction programme or open debate between public, students and police is highly necessary to avoid such situation at the earliest, he added.

Students urged to end agitation, invited to talks

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 28

Chief minister N. Biren Singh assured the Assembly today that his government will introduce a bill to safeguard the interest of the indigenous people.

The chief minister’s assurance came as college and school students are agitating in support of the demand for protection of indigenous people by not allowing outsiders to contest elections. The movement is being spearheaded by Kangleipak Students Association.

Biren, who is also the leader of the House, appealed to students to end their agitations, maintaining that the government is working on a bill.

“The government is working on introducing a bill. I appeal to students to end their agitation. Let us sit together and discuss how we can approach the Centre for safeguarding interest of the indigenous people,” Biren said while responding to a question raised by Congress member R. K. Imo Singh.

Imo expressed serious concern on population influx and also pointed out the ongoing agitation by students demanding constitutional safeguard of the indigenous people and barring of outsiders from contesting elections.

Biren said it is a serious issue in the whole of Northeast, which shares border with Bangladesh and Myanmar while the problem is more acute in Tripura.

Stating that foreigners entered from Bangladesh in Assam and Tripura Biren said efforts are on to check entry by foreigners under foreigners’ act 1968.

Three foreigner check posts have been opened at Moreh, Jiribam and Mao. The government is considering opening one more check post each in Churachandpur and Jiribam. He said foreigners even entered Manipur by flight and therefore the vigil at he airport is strengthened.

Replying to another question raised by Congress member K. Meghachandra Singh on present status of the three bills passed by the state Assembly in 2015 the chief minister said Protection of Manipur People Bill was withheld by the President.

“We cannot work on the bill hastily as the bill should protect interest of all the people in the state. We need to discuss with all groups of people. First we will consult all the stakeholders and will try to introduce the bill as soon as possible,” he said.

Meghachandra urged the chief minister to take up the issue of the other two bills – Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill and Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill so that the President’s assent is given to the two bills.

He further urged the chief minister to introduce the bill without further delay.