Category: Imphal Free Press

From Our Correspondent

MOREH | July 18

A combined team of 12 Assam Rifles-F Coy (Khudengthabi) and a team of police commando, Moreh led by JC No 621 N. Pritamkumar Singh under the supervision of SP of Tengnoupal, S. Ibomcha seized contraband items worth Rs 3.39 crore in the international market.

The team launched an operation in Kwatha junction and one juvenile carrying a backpack was detained along the route of forest. Further, on the juvenile’s disclosure, a woman named Liam Haokip (30), wife of Thingkojim Gangte of Chikkim village, Moreh was detained.

Later, based on the information by both the suspects, a man and a woman were detained in an auto rickshaw and they were identified as Letkhothang Lhungdim (38), son of Jilhun Lhungdim of Lhangkichoi Veng Moulhoi, Moreh and Domjahat Haokip (35), wife of Thankulun Haokip of Chikkim village, Moreh.

The contraband items seized in the bag were 127 grams of brown sugar, 509 grams of heroin and 6970 numbers of WY tablets, along with bank details and other unauthorised items.

Further, the individual who was involved in sending the contraband items from Moreh was also apprehended and he was identified as Thenkhojam Gangte (36), son of Lumcha Gangte of Chikkim village, Moreh.

The apprehended 14 years old juvenile will be produced before the Juvenile Justice Board for necessary action.

IMPHAL| July 18

National Sports University Construction Demand Committee will be organising a “Welcoming Function of NSU” on July 23, 3 pm for the newly proposed site of National Sports University at Koutruk.  

Since the last three years, NSUDC have been appealing to the authorities to build the university at a place where land and properties will not be affected, said a release. NSUDC is immensely thankful to the central government of BJP for listening to their pleas and sending a technical expert team and relocating the site to a proper area, it added. Sports enthusiasts and people of Manipur are invited to come at the function, it further said.

IMPHAL| July 18

National Sports University Construction Demand Committee will be organising a “Welcoming Function of NSU” on July 23, 3 pm for the newly proposed site of National Sports University at Koutruk.  

Since the last three years, NSUDC have been appealing to the authorities to build the university at a place where land and properties will not be affected, said a release. NSUDC is immensely thankful to the central government of BJP for listening to their pleas and sending a technical expert team and relocating the site to a proper area, it added. Sports enthusiasts and people of Manipur are invited to come at the function, it further said.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 18

Officials of RIMS, OPD counter tried to attack journalists today when a team of journalists visited the counter to inquire about alleged collection of money from patient parties for medical tests.

They allegedly tried to attack the journalists when the former tried to capture the photo of the counter.

The journalists came to RIMS after getting an information that the counter is taking money for medical tests which is to be done free of cost.

The new government as a part of their 100 days programme announced that 57 different medical tests will be done free of cost in JNIMS and RIMS.

“Taking advantage of not having separate counters for the free test facilities, the counter continued to take money from patients for medical tests which are to be done free,” claimed a patient party.

The journalists tried to meet the medical superintendent on the issue but they could not do so.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 18

Officials of RIMS, OPD counter tried to attack journalists today when a team of journalists visited the counter to inquire about alleged collection of money from patient parties for medical tests.

They allegedly tried to attack the journalists when the former tried to capture the photo of the counter.

The journalists came to RIMS after getting an information that the counter is taking money for medical tests which is to be done free of cost.

The new government as a part of their 100 days programme announced that 57 different medical tests will be done free of cost in JNIMS and RIMS.

“Taking advantage of not having separate counters for the free test facilities, the counter continued to take money from patients for medical tests which are to be done free,” claimed a patient party.

The journalists tried to meet the medical superintendent on the issue but they could not do so.

Ibobi walks out of meeting

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 18

Opposition leader and former chief minister, Okram Ibobi Singh today reportedly staged a walk out of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting convened at the Assembly secretariat, discontented with sudden change in schedule of the budget session due to be held from July 20.

The Congress party has termed the sudden change in the last minute as unethical and a mockery to the democratic tradition of the country.

Speaking to media persons in this regards at the Congress Bhavan, Congress spokesperson, Kh. Joykishan Singh, pointed out that a BAC meeting held on July 13 earlier had resolved to convene the budget session from July 20 to August 16.

But, in a drastic change a BAC meeting held today has shortened the session to August 4, he said.

Joykishan further informed that Opposition leader who took part in today’s BAC meeting staged a walk out showing his disapproval over the decision of the BJP led government.

He contended that the development comes against the backdrop of the Congress’ commitment to raise certain issues confronting the people of Manipur including the Framework Agreement, Inner Line Permit system, flood etc.

The decision has surprised all sections of the society but has become a cause of concern in the minds of the people, maintained Joykishan.

According to Nambol MLA, N. Loken, he has never come across a conflicting decisions such as the one taken by the BAC meeting today.

The MLA revealed that an earlier meeting of the BAC held on July 13 not only resolved to convene the full budget session from July 20 to August 16 but also published the matter in the bulletin of the Assembly.

The order copy of the resolution taken by the BAC was also issued to all the elected representatives, he continued.

Against the backdrop, Loken alleged that he had submitted four questions yesterday to the Assembly secretariat to be asked during the ensuing session.

However, only two of its questions were received by the secretariat on the pretext that the Assembly session will conclude by July 31.

Loken further pointed out that as per his experience, BAC review meeting is known to extend number of sittings of a session if the agenda to be deliberated are more instead of cutting it short.

The MLA opined that the action of the government speaks for itself that it is unethical outlook towards the Constitution and the democratic set up of the country.

He further appealed to the government to govern responsibly taking into consideration the welfare of the people so as to avoid unwanted consequences.

It has been further informed that unlike the past, the present Assembly sessions will have sittings on Saturdays.

Ibobi walks out of meeting

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 18

Opposition leader and former chief minister, Okram Ibobi Singh today reportedly staged a walk out of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting convened at the Assembly secretariat, discontented with sudden change in schedule of the budget session due to be held from July 20.

The Congress party has termed the sudden change in the last minute as unethical and a mockery to the democratic tradition of the country.

Speaking to media persons in this regards at the Congress Bhavan, Congress spokesperson, Kh. Joykishan Singh, pointed out that a BAC meeting held on July 13 earlier had resolved to convene the budget session from July 20 to August 16.

But, in a drastic change a BAC meeting held today has shortened the session to August 4, he said.

Joykishan further informed that Opposition leader who took part in today’s BAC meeting staged a walk out showing his disapproval over the decision of the BJP led government.

He contended that the development comes against the backdrop of the Congress’ commitment to raise certain issues confronting the people of Manipur including the Framework Agreement, Inner Line Permit system, flood etc.

The decision has surprised all sections of the society but has become a cause of concern in the minds of the people, maintained Joykishan.

According to Nambol MLA, N. Loken, he has never come across a conflicting decisions such as the one taken by the BAC meeting today.

The MLA revealed that an earlier meeting of the BAC held on July 13 not only resolved to convene the full budget session from July 20 to August 16 but also published the matter in the bulletin of the Assembly.

The order copy of the resolution taken by the BAC was also issued to all the elected representatives, he continued.

Against the backdrop, Loken alleged that he had submitted four questions yesterday to the Assembly secretariat to be asked during the ensuing session.

However, only two of its questions were received by the secretariat on the pretext that the Assembly session will conclude by July 31.

Loken further pointed out that as per his experience, BAC review meeting is known to extend number of sittings of a session if the agenda to be deliberated are more instead of cutting it short.

The MLA opined that the action of the government speaks for itself that it is unethical outlook towards the Constitution and the democratic set up of the country.

He further appealed to the government to govern responsibly taking into consideration the welfare of the people so as to avoid unwanted consequences.

It has been further informed that unlike the past, the present Assembly sessions will have sittings on Saturdays.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | July 18

After few hours of the Kohima Bench Gauhati High Court’s dismissal of the writ petition of Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Shurhozelie Lietzietsu filed in the same court on July 14 against the Governor’s directive for floor test, Governor PB Acharya has directed the Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly to summon an emergent Special Session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (July 19) at 09:30 am to test the majority support of the present cabinet led by Chief Minister, Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu. This directive of the Governor came following the dismissal of the writ petition filed by Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu at Kohima Bench Guwahati High Court “vide Judgment and Order dated 18th July 2017 as well as vacation of the earlier interim order passed by the same Court on 14th July, 2017”.

According to the Raj Bhavan, the Guwahati High Court, Kohima Bench observed that the Governor had taken the right decision to ask the Chief Minister to have a Vote of Confidence in the floor of the House to see which out of the two contesting claimants of Chief Ministership had a majority in the House.

The Court further stated that there was no merit in the writ petition filed by Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu and the same was accordingly dismissed.    

Earlier the Governor had requested the Chief Minister to prove his majority support on the floor of the Assembly on or before July 15, 2017 was made on July 11, 2017 and July 13, 2017.

Meanwhile, sources said that Chief Minister Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu may go to “higher court” to challenge today’s judgment of the Kohima Bench Gauhati High Court.

There are 43 legislators, both NPF and 7 Independent MLAs, camping at Hotel Vivor in Kohima since Friday.

Interestingly, the 4 BJP legislators along with the Nagaland unit party president have met the Governor this evening and submitted an affirmation letter that, they will support the “TR Zeliang group”. In the letter the 4 BJP MLAs and the BJP Nagaland unit president said, “In the present political crisis in the state government the BJP has decided to remain a constituent of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) led by the DAN Chairman, Shri TR Zeliang.” The letter also said that the BJP has been a constituent of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) in Nagaland, and that, the “BJP has joined the DAN Government and continues to remain as a part of the arrangement till date.”

It can be noted here that former Chief Minister and sitting Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio is fully and openly supporting the TR Zeliang camp.

On July 14, in that writ petition filed by the petitioner Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu before the Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court, it was argued that the decision of the Governor asking the petitioner who is also the Chief Minister of Nagaland to conduct a floor test on or before July 15 was “ex facie unconstitutional, illegal, arbitrary and violative of the basic features of the Constitution.”

Later, the Kohima Bench of the Guwahati High Court had stayed the directive of the Governor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland to go for a floor test on or before July 15, 2017, till Monday (July 17).

BISHNUPUR | July 18

Though the rainfall has ceased, the surface level of Loktak is still rising and this has caused more flooding to the villages near the banks of the lake.  Ishok, Naorem, Kongkham Naorem, Oinam, Kha- Sanjenbam, Toubul, Khoijuman, Upokpi Khunou under Thanga, Moirang and  Kumbi districts have been flooded.

This has damaged properties, fish farms, and many hectares of paddy fields. The rise of the water level is caused by inflow of water from Nambol, Imphal and Nambul rivers.

The reading of project canal mouth at Ningthoukhong is also rising continuously.

The reading recorded today at 3:30 pm was 769.57 meters above sea level. This has been the highest ever recorded so far, till now. The level decreased only after the shutters were released.

The deputy commissioner of the district reported, as per the records from the survey made till July 13, 40 villages under the district was flooded and a total of 4560 families and households had been severely affected.

The animals residing at the Keibul Lamjao national park are in danger as the water level continues to rise. Roadways are submerged and schools have been closed. Many fishermen whose lives are dependent on the income made from fish farming, are in complete loss as all the fish are gone due to the flood.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | July 18

Another earth crack has been reported along Twilang road, commonly known as IT Road connecting T. Waichong sub-division with the rest of the state.

Initially, earth fissures occurred at Maphou Kuki in Island sub-division, Haijang village in Kangpokpi sub-division and Irang Part-II in T. Waichong sub-division.

The earth fissure occurred along Twilang road near Songpehjang village in Saitu Assembly constituency located 4 km from Kangpokpi district HQ was approximately 40 metres long.

There was a massive landslide at the same spot in 2004 that completely carried away the road rendering untold misery to the commuters, more particularly in T. Waichong and Tamei.

Some portion of the road has already sunk while crack started to develop in the middle portion of the road. Few houses below and above the road will also be affected if the earth crack continue to widen.

As directed by the deputy commissioner, SDC Kaigoulal Kipgen inspected the spot today morning and took stock of the situation for further necessary action.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 18

Condemning the bomb blast at Minuthong yesterday morning which hurt four civilians, a sit-in-protest was staged today at the blast site.

The protest was organised jointly by civil society organisations in the area including Citizens’s Club, Apunba Meira Paibi Lup of Soibam Leikai Wangkhei Khunou, United Golapati Hatta Development Council (UGHDC), and United Minuthong Golapati Development Committee.

Anoubam Shanti Devi, general secretary of Wangkhei Khunou Development Committee expressed discontentment for the bomb explosion that happened yesterday.

“We totally condemn such kind of act in public places scaring common people,” she said and sought an explanation why the bomb was exploded at civilian area. She urged the concerned authorities to find out the culprits.

She added that the CSOs will continue to fight until the culprits are caught.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | July 17

Following the incessant rainfall in the past many days, earth fissures have been reported at various places within Kangpokpi district.

The sub-divisional officer, Saikul, L. Geetchandra Singh has reported to the district administration yesterday about earth crack at Maphou Kuki under Island sub-division.

The church area and the stretch leading from Mahadev Lok to the BSF camp has been affected while fissure was witnessed even inside the house located in the village and the road leading to Maphou Dam.

The SDO requested the district administration to consult experts as there is strong possibility of the occurrence of mud-slide owing to the earth crack.

The deputy commissioner, T. Ranjit Singh wrote to the Relief and Disaster Management, seeking immediate action for deputing a team of experts from Geological Survey of India (GSI), NER, Dimapur to the site for assessing the situation.

He said the areas have been affected due to the recent rains. He further said the three neighbouring villages, Thangjingpokpi, Siloijang and Bethelphai are also likely to be affected in case there is landslide in the areas. SDO Island block has been directed to furnish a detailed report.

Another earth crack was reported at Haijang village affecting three houses and UJB School.

SDC Kaigoulal Kipgen with his staffs inspected the earth fissure at Haijang village located about 2 km away from the Kangpokpi this noon and found impending danger of similar landslide in the areas.

Speaking to media, chief of Haijang village Thangkhopao Chongloi said that the earth fissure has developed in some location of the village creating panic.

The village chief urged the government to help the victims and restor the school building at the earliest.

In another similar incident, an earth fissure reportedly developed in T. Waichong sub-division and the landslide swept away the road connecting Naibet, Thaldara, Panikhetti and T Waichong sub-divisional HQ in the interior part of Irang Part-II.

General secretary of All Manipur Gorkha Students’ Union Irang Unit (AMGSU), Narayan Adhikari said that hundreds of school children and villagers of the areas have been using the road for their daily activities but sweeping away of the road has brought hardship to them.

He said that the attempt to clear the debris by the villagers and AMGSU Irang unit members has been futile as it requires proper mechanism.

He urged the authorities to take necessary action.

IMPHAL | July 17

Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) has notified that there will power shutdown of Nambul Feeder from Mongsangei 33/11 KV substation on July 18 from 11 am to 4:30 pm due to shifting of HT Line, said a release signed  by DGM, IED-1 of MSPDCL, T. Ibochaoba Singh.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 17

Police have made a significant breakthrough by identifying three more suspects involved in the murder of Haokip Student’s Orgniastion (HSO) president.

In the meantime, the prime suspect of the murder case, Solomon Baite, who is in police custody reportedly confessed to have committed the crime after conspiring with three others.

With Solomon’s police remand having expired today he was produced before the chief judicial magistrate (CJM) L. Tonsing, by the Lamphel police for extension of his custodial remand.

During the appearance the police pleaded the court to remand the accused to 15 days in judicial custody before submitting the accused confession to the crime and revelations of the involvement of others in the murder.

Subsequently, the CJM sent the accused to 15 days judicial custody.

Further it is learnt that the accused shot dead Letkholal alias Palal, near his residence gate at Langol Game village on June 23  from inside a car (Maruti 800) driven by one H. Baite.

He killed Letkholal on the instruction of one S. Haokip, who promised to pay Rs. one lakh each to him (Solomon Baite) and his associate H. Baite.

The accused further disclosed that he along with his associates received Rs. 20,000 in advance from a close aid of S. Haokip, during a meeting in New Checkon area just hours before the killing.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 17

Another prosecution witness (PW) in the July 23, 2009 BT road fake encounter case deposed before the district and sessions judge Imphal West, N. Manojkumar, today.

The PW number 98 is identified as Wangkheirakpam Ram, 43, son of (L) W. Modhusudon of Chingmeirong Maning Leikai. His statement was recorded by the court.

The PW is an activist running an organization known as Indigenous Perspective. He was working as a co-ordinator of citizens concern for dams and development, Paona Bazaar when the fake encounter took place.

He deposed before the court that he came to know of Teresa Rehman a journalist of Tehelka magazine New Delhi after meeting her for the first time at Imphal when the former participated in All India Women’s Journalist meeting held in Mach 2009.

He further said that he used to talk to her about the airport expansion over phone and also about her article of the fake encounter published in Tehelka magazine.

In today hearing, some of the accused of the case including prime accused Th. Herojit, did not turned up before the court. 

The next hearing is scheduled to be held on August 5.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 17

Polling for the presidential election 2017 was held in the state Assembly complex, Imphal.

The polling hours was started from 10 am and ended at 5 pm like the other state as fixed by the Election Commission. All the 60 MLAs of the state cast their votes by 1.30 pm.

Assembly, secretary, M. Ramani was the presiding officer.

Konthoujam, MLA, S. Ranjan was the state agent of NDA candidate and Ukhrul AC, MLA, Alfred Kanngam Arthur was the state agent of the UPA candidate.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 17

Condemning the alleged brutal murder of Md. Ateef Sheikh of Keikhu Maning Leikai in Chittagong, Bangladesh on July 14 a citizen organisations staged a sit-in-protest at Keikhu Awang Leikai in Imphal East.

The protest was organised by Youth Star Sports Union (YSSU), All Manipur Muslim Organisations Coordinating Committee (AMMOCOC), Youth Voluntary Association (YOVA), and All Manipur Muslim Women Development Organisation (AMMWDO).

Addressing media persons at the site of the protest, AMMOCOC president SM Jalal said the death of MBBS final year student at Chittagong, Bangladesh is mysterious and condemnable. “It looks like Ateef’s death is a pre-planned execution and the way Winson tried to commit suicide after killing Ateef was just a way he was trying to get away from the crime,” he charged.

Jalal also urged authorities of the state and Bangladesh to produce a clean report of the investigation and not to be partial in any manner.

Ateef Sheikh was allegedly stabbed to death on Friday, July 14, by one of his friends Winson after a dinner party. They were studying together at University of Science and Technology, Chittagong, Bangladesh in final year. Winson after allegedly killing his friend tried to commit suicide but doctors stopped him and currently Winson isundergoing treatment in the hospital.

Jannu Begum, one of the Meira Paibi participating in the protest appealed to the concerned police officials and authorities to deliver justice as soon as possible.

By B Rakesh Sharma

IMPHAL | July 17

With the motive of self employment Wanglembam Sonia (26) daughter of W. Ibomcha of AIR quarter, Lamphel started craft works of creating artificial flowers and pots out of waste papers without any formal training.

She has a passion of craft s since her childhood. She made dolls and even designed dresses from her young age.

To pursue her passion she left her education after completing 12 standards but due to lack of proper guidance she was not able to live up to her her dream for a long time.

As she continued her struggle she got inspired by a Youtube channel which tutors how to make artificial flowers and she was able to make artificial flowers by watching these tutorials from around February this year.

Relatives and friends, who got inspired by her works started buying the flowers made by her.

Speaking to IFP, Sonia said that from the moment she was able to make artificial flowers using only waste papers, glues and paints she started thinking about making a livelihood by selling handmade artificial flowers.

“Though making of artificial flowers was not a heavy work it needs a lot of efforts and time to make it. Sometimes it took a whole week to materialise a complete flower with the flower pot,” she said.

Sonia expressed her desire to participate in the upcoming Sangai festival as it will give her a platform to showcase her work of arts.

Since she does not have a good guidance in this field, she got stuck in the middle of her dream of giving self employment by selling artificial flowers, said Sonia.

She is planning to open a shop for herself as a first step of pursuing her ambition.

“In the world where getting of government job becomes a very big task, I will be able to give self employment to women of the state if my dream is fulfilled,” continued Sonia.

She added that, “As I do not have proper guidance and enough capital, it will be very thankful if any company or people support me in uplifting my craft works.”

IMPHAL | July 17

Repairing of the damaged Barak bridge, which has disrupted vehicular movement along the important Imphal-Jiribam Highway, is underway, Works minister Thongam Biswajit Singh said this afternoon.

The minister was speaking to a team of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union led by their president Wangkhemcha Shyamjai who called on the Minister at his New Secretariat office to discuss welfare measures of the journalists’ community of the state.

The minister also appealed to the people to bear for a few days before the bridge is fully repaired and movement is restored, since the other major lifeline of the State, the Imphal-Dimapur Road, is also cut off due to major landslides in neighbouring Nagaland.

Minister Biswajit also said that the present government under Chief minister N Biren takes the issue with all seriousness. He said that he is in constant touch with the Chief minister on the issue.

The highway is under the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, however, since the road is a major lifeline of the State, the State PWD has initiated and offered all possible help in repairing the bridge, Biswajit continued.

Stating that reports have suggested that overloaded trucks passing over the bridge and a few lapses on the part of some officials manning the bridge in checking weights of vehicles had resulted in the damage, the Minister continued that authorities concerned have been instructed to look into the lapses of the officials, seize the vehicles as well as interrogate the drivers.

Meanwhile, addressing the AMWJU team, the Minister who also holds the IPR portfolio called on the journalist community to come together and work unitedly for a better Manipur. He also expressed the need to refurbish the Manipur Press Club and provide rooms for all the journalists’ community including those coming from the interior parts of the State to the State capital.

The AMWJU team highlighted several issues including increase in journalists’ pension scheme amount, Press Akademi, Press Colony, allotment of plot with building for the union’s branch office at Moreh (Chandel), Jiribam sub-division (Imphal-East), Ukhrul HQ, Tamenglong HQ and at Mao, Senapati district, increased of ex-gratia to deceased journalists, Journalists’ Family Benefit Scheme, Increase budgetary support for maintaining the Manipur Press Club to Rs. 3 lakh, Accredited Journalists’ Assistance (Operational Subsidy Scheme).

The Minister assured to look into all the charter of demands with due consultation with Chief minister N Biren.

IMPHAL | July 17

Naharol Sahitya Premee Samiti, Imphal awarded Dr. Chongtham Jamini Devi ‘Writer of the year, 2017 (Lifetime achievement award) while observing Writers’ Day at Dave Literature Centre, D.M college campus, today.

The programme was attended by Moirangthem Luxmikumar, commissioner, as the chief guest, L. Jugendro Sharma, president, Naharol Sahitya Premee Samiti and many other notable veteran writers of Manipur. Wareppam Jugindro Singh, Bal Sahitya Puraskar awardee, was also felicitated during the programme.

“Writers play an important role in preserving the culture of our society”, said Dr. Jamini. She also added that having links between different cultures help in the interchanging its elements which ultimately helps in growing one’s cultural values. Dr. Jamini said she is deeply honoured to receive such respectable award.

While speaking in the programme, Luxmikumar said that culture has an important role in bridging the gap between historical values and modernity. He added that the government also, has to play a role in making the cultural movements better.

Born in 1936, December 5 at Keishamthong Top Leirak, Imphal, Dr. Jamini passed matriculation examinations in 1956 from Tamphasana Girls’ High School and graduated from Guwahati University in 1961. She was awarded doctorate of philosophy in education in 1980 from Allahabad University. She has published 45 books.