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Myanmar delegation in Imphal to discuss health services

Imphal Apr 2 MNS UNA : A 12-member Myanmar’s delegation led by a member of the Parliament of Union of Myanmar Tuesday arrived at Imphal to hold a meeting with the authority of the Shija Hospital and Research Center of Manipur, a private healthcare centre planning to extend healthcare service provider to the neighbouring country (Myanmar).
The delegation led by MP U Khin Muang Shwe who is also a member of Bill Committee arrived at Moreh, the border town at the international border with Myanmar this morning and proceeded to Imphal this afternoon.
The delegation was received by the government representative led by Ksh Shanta, OSD Export and Import promotion cell of the Department of Commerce and Industries at Moreh.
As soon as they arrived at Imphal, held a meeting with the managing director of the Shija Hospital and Research Institute Dr Kh Palin and discussed about the health care services of the state.
The meeting discussed for enhancing the proposal for extending the Smile Train project, being implementing by the private healthcare centre with the support from the Smile Train USA in the state of Manipur, to Sagaing region of Myanmar.
The Myanmar delegation has proposed to conduct a camp of the Smile Train Project in their country in association with the Mongya Hospital of the country.
The Shija Hospital and Research Center of Manipur was all set to create history by becoming the first ever country’s private health service provider to the neighbouring country Myanmar after a proposal for extending the Smile Train Project to the country was accepted by the Myanmar government.
For extending the project, the private healthcare centre has reportedly sought a final clearance from the Manipur government and New Delhi to hold a free treatment camp at Saigang division of Myanmar.
Smile Train Shija Project had already extended to Nagaland and Tripura where it was successfully implemented, and the authority of the Smile Train USA has agreed to the extension of the project to the neigbouring country Myanmar, managing director Dr Palin had earlier informed.
After meeting with the authority of the Shija Hospital and Research Institute, the delegation further met with the authority of other private health service provider including Babina Clinic.
Led by MP U Khin Muang Shwe, other members of the delegation included U kyaw Win, Power Minister Sagaing Region, U Htan Lian Nar, member of
Sagaing Region Parliament, U Khin Maung Zaw, Township administrator, General Administration department Tamu Sagaing Region, U Tin Maung Win, Director of Electric Power Division, U Myo Nyunt, District
Manager of Electricity, Tamu District and U Hla Maung President of Border Trade Chamber of Commerce, Union of Myanmar.
The delegation is scheduled to leave Imphal for Tamu on April 6.
During their camping at the state capital, the delegation would meet with state chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and power minister to discuss about the electric power plants in and around Imphal.
The delegation is further planning to meet with state commerce and industries minister K Govindas to discuss on the improvement of the cross border trade activities between Moreh and Tamu.
Meanwhile a statement from Shija said During the interaction, the Managing Director of the hospital Dr. Kh Palin proposed the following to the authorities of both India and Myanmar;
Free cleft lip and palate surgery under Smile Train Shija Cleft Project in a suitable hospital in Monywa, the capital of Sagaing Region by regular visits by a team of doctors from Shija Hospitals. More than 1, 00,000 populations estimated to be suffering from cleft lip and palate in the country of Myanmar. We have earlier submitted an application for the same proposal to the Chief Minister of Sagaing Region on 15th March 2013
Render our special service at the identified hospital on regular basis.
Short term Doctor’s and Nurse’s training in critical care & operation theatre technology.
GNM and Paramedical course for students after higher secondary examination (equivalent to XII Standard)
Dedicated accommodation for Myanmar patients and their party in the campus of Shija.
Setting up of a dozen of Shija Information centres in various towns of Myanmar to facilitate transportation and logistic support.
He also appreciated the India and Myanmar bilateral initiative of Mandalay –Imphal bus service and Visa on arrival for Myanmar patients visiting Manipur for healthcare. Dr. Palin appealed to the Commerce and Industry Department, Govt. of Manipur to facilitate in setting up dedicated accommodation facilities for the Myanmar citizens who visits the state for various medical reasons.
O. Nabakishore, IAS, Principal Secretary, assured the visiting delegates that Visa on arrival for Myanmar citizens will be operational very soon. He emphasized that Shija Hospitals is today synonymous with quality healthcare and the idea of bringing the visiting delegates to visit the hospitals in the state is to familiarize them with the healthcare services Manipur state can offer.

A cultural group performing during Yaoshang

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/a-cultural-group-performing-during-yaoshang/

Chief Minister, O Ibobi interacting with a girl at Takyelpat Observation Home who was of the children rescued from Jaipur Children Home.

Governor’s Polo Cup begins

MNS: The 23rd governor’s cup invitation polo tournament 2013 and 12th governor’s cup women’s polo tournament 2013 organised by MHRPA were begun today at Imphal Polo Ground.
D.S Poonia IAS chief secy. Manipur inaugurates the tournaments as the chief guest. Nine polo teams including one from Jammu and Kashmir are taking part at the 23rd governor’s cup polo tournament and six polo teams are taking part at the 12th governor’s cup women’s polo tournament.
The nine teams were Manipur police sports club A,B,C Tekcham Polo club A, Khurai Polo club A, Imphal Riding club, Chingkhei Hunba polo club B,C and Himalayan Sports Assn. Jammu and Kashmir.
The six teams of 12th governor’s cup women’s polo tournament are Imphal Riding Club A,B,C, Chingkhei Hunba Polo club, Eastern students club and District Pana Sagol Kangjei Lup.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/governors-polo-cup-begins/

Assembly session begins, vote on account introduced

Mail News Service
Imphal, Mar 6 :   Governor, Gurbhachan Jagat here today addressed the 4th Session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly. Addressing the House he said, “ My Government has been striving for equitable and inclusive development of our people residing in both Hill and Valley areas. My Government has once again obtained a quantum jump in our Annual Plan, 2012-13 which rose to Rs. 3,500 crores – a growth of 9% over the previous year plan outlay of Rs. 3,210 crores. My Government has also obtained sanction from the Ministry of DoNER to a total of 150 NLCPR funded projects with a total approved cost of Rs. 1,206.40 crores. Most of these projects are located in the hill districts. As many as 66 projects have been completed with a total approved cost of Rs. 451.36 crores.”
He said the government started this fiscal year with a negative opening balance of Rs. 495 crore. The Government regulated expenditure by placing a temporary ban on non-salary items of expenditure. He informed the House that on 13th February this year, three insurgent groups have entered into agreements with the Union and State Governments and 197 cadres and their leaders joined the Home-coming Ceremony with 138 weapons.
He added the government along with the Union Government has signed the extension of Suspension of Operations agreement with the United People’s Front and has offered to sign a similar agreement with the Kuki National Organisation. Under the MGNREGS, 474926 job cards have been issued upto 31st January, 2013. The total person-days generated in the current financial year as on 31st January, 2013 were 225.17 lakhs with a total investment of Rs. 46614.73 lakhs. The average number of person-days provided employment per household is 50 days.   Since 2001, a total of 317 habitations have been linked through inter-village roads.
The government has initiated the “Tribal Area Inclusive Growth Project” under SPA to construct integrated Block Offices, Bank Branches, Police Out posts and residential accommodation in 27 backward Blocks of the Hill districts in two phases. The work has already commenced.
An amount of Rs. 199.13 crores has been provided in the year, 2012-13 for implementation of various developmental schemes for assisting 2,900 Scheduled Tribe families under various income generating programmes, 500 tribal women societies/ organizations for carrying out various activities, 1,166 S.T. families foGCI sheets roofing of their dwelling houses and 57,096 Scheduled Tribe students under the Post-Matric Scholarship.
Infant Mortality Rate has improved to 11 from previous level of 16, while the All India average is 50. The government has taken part in the North East Transmission Company for construction of the 400 KV D/C Pallatana – Silchar – Bongaigaon trunk transmission system for evacuation of power from the (a) Pallatana Gas Power Project having two units of 363 MW each and (b) Bongaigaon Thermal Power Project having three units of 250 MW each. These Plants are expected to be commissioned during 2013 and 2014 from which we have a share of 80 MW. A 400 KV Double Circuit line charged at 132 KV from Silchar to Imphal is under construction by the Power Grid Corporation of India as a part of the Associated Transmission System. The Government has formulated a State Hydro Power Policy, namely, the “Manipur Hydro Power Policy 2012”.
The Government is taking up 12 important works with Rs. 181.56 crores Plan funds and 103 other works with SPA funding during 2012-2013.
During the year 2012-13 afforestation was taken up in an area of 4250 hectares and rehabilitation of jhum land.   For the development of irrigation facilities, the Government had taken up eight Major & Medium Irrigation projects.
He concluded by saying that , “my Government is conscious of the fact that the integrity of the State and communal harmony are two critical challenges. We should, therefore, all join hands and unitedly protect and preserve the territorial integrity of our State. I solicit the whole-hearted support, cooperation and understanding of Honorable Members to make Manipur a peaceful and prosperous state.”
After the Governor’s address the House condoled the death of former member Th Achouba Singh. Chief Minister, O Ibobi presented supplementary demands for grants, budget estimate, vote for accounts for 2013.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/assembly-session-begins-vote-on-account-introduced/

Saikul constituency most neglected : Yamthong

Imphal, March 5 NNN: Saikul assembly constituency MLA Yamthong Haokip has made a contribution to the development of Saikul road under Sadar Hills of Senapati district, Manipur.
“Although Manipur Government has claimed that the Saikul road development and expansion works, including other projects being taken up in the area cannot be taken up instantaneously due to lack of proper fund, I will take up all these projects and finish them from my own pocket,” Yamthong Haokip pledged.
Haokip on Tuesday inspected the development works of Saikul road and other development projects being taken up in the area—a bridge at Molkon bazaar, a playground at Wakan village and a community hall at Ikou village.
He claimed that the Saikul constituency has remained neglected over four decades. Saikul is located over 30 km from Manipur capital Imphal.
MLA Haokip also pledged that the construction work on the road stretch from Sagalmang to Saikul will be finished by May this year.
During the visit, Haokip also inspected the work progress of the bridge being constructed over Ithoi River at Molkon bazaar. The construction work on the bridge started in January 2011.
A bailey bridge at Ithoi, now in dilapidated condition, connects many villages in UKhrul and Imphal East districts. The under cosntruction new bridge will replace it soon.
The bridge construction project will cost about Rs 5 crore, the MLA said, assuring that it would be completed by May or June this year.
Notably, black topping of Saikul bazaar to Molkon bazaar is now in progress after the state Government recently sanctioned Rs 3 crore for the purpose.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/saikul-constituency-most-neglected-yamthong/

Govt trying to improve law and order : CM

Chief Minister, O Ibobi inaugurating a workshop “on new township at Moreh:.

Mail News Service
Imphal, Mar 4 : The CM of Manipur Shri O. Ibobi said, the govt. targets to complete the railway line from Jiribam to Tupul by 2016
The govt is trying to improve the conditions of law and order, connectivity and power which were frequently asked by entrepreneur of other states for the development of the state’s industry. He was inaugurating a two day workshop on new township at Moreh organsied by commerce and industries dept. at classic Hotel today.
To improve the Imphal airport to international level, govt. has acquired additional 700 acres of land. The govt. is at present pressurizing the concerned union minister to upgrade the airport to international level. For the improvement of power, connection of line from Yurembam sub station to Jiribam (KV400) is in good progress. After completion the state can take state’s share from Tripura in order to improve the condition of power.
To construct integrated check post at Moreh, govt. acquired about 50 acres of land and govt. is pressuring the G.O.I to construct in no time.
Govindas Konthoujam,, industries minister presided over the function.
Additional CTP, urban development ministry, KK Joadder DS Poonia CS, O. Nabakishore, principal secy, industries and John director and other officials attended the function.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/govt-trying-to-improve-law-and-order-cm/

Festival of tribal marriages

Mail News Service
Imphal, Mar 1 : When the dream turns into a reality one gets ecstatic pleasure. But the pleasure of this kind occurs rarely. It happened, on February 25 at Rup Mahal Theatre on the concluding day of Nimita Devi Nritya Ashram Sagolband Vijaygobinda’s festival of tribal marriages and their accompanying dance and music of Manipur, the spectators were enthralled by the show on the stage.
The programme organised under the aegis of Ministry of Culture Government of India CFG Department and presented on stage was appreciable. The main speaker of the function, who was director of the project, Hidangmayum Achouba Sharma said, the aim and object of the project are to preserve the dying traditional culture of the tribal and also to nurture emotional integrity of all the indigenous people of the state by reviving cultures of the people. He mentioned about the problems faced in establishing contact with tribal elders, who know too much about tribal culture, living in remote and far off places of the state.
Chief guest of the function Secretary Manipur State kala Akademi S. Vedeshwor Sharma was of the view that more such project that depicts tribal marriage and accompanying music needs to be preserved in digital format for viewing by future generation. Such research project will incur huge expenditure if it is done by Government. Therefore kudos goes to Nimita Devi Nritya Ashram for conducting the research with least expenditure. This shows where there is a will there is way. He also said, as Manipur Government is going to have a separate language directorate all these cultural traditions of tribal should be preserved in written form of all tribal major dialects.
In his presidential speech Padmashree S. Thanil expressed unhappiness that a new cultural trend sweeping across the world has buffeted traditional culture of the minority community. A good attempt is made by the ashram to preserve in digital format the cultural traditions of the tribal communities, he said.
The crowd fixed their eyes on the stage when the tribal presented dances and songs sung during the marriage ceremony. It gave a new taste to the spectators when the artistes presented their sequences one after another. The tribal dances presented were different from what we are seeing these days.
Secretary of the ashram, who also spoke on the occasion said unless there is help from the Government no such research can be conducted. But if we stop conducting research a time will come when we will not be able to trace the originality of many communities. Hence the importance of protecting cultural identity of all communities, he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/festival-of-tribal-marriages/

Development Photos attracts visitors in Imphal East

People looking at a photo exhibition organized by DAVP.

Imphal, Mar 1: Aimed at creating mass awareness of the various centrally-sponsored schemes among the general public, a five-day photo exhibition on the theme ‘Development Initiatives in North East’ was set into motion Friday at Khomidok Heigrumakhong Primary School hall in Imphal East district. The exhibition which would continue till March 5 is being organized by the Field Exhibition Office, Directorate of Advertising & Visual Publicity (DAVP), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, Imphal.
Rolling the five-day long campaign into motion, Th Ruhini Kumar, Asstt Inspector of Schools (Zone II), Imphal East, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest narrated the various initiatives undertaken by the Government of India. Addressing the gathering, Ruhini Kumar, who himself has participated many times in such campaigns outlined the various flagship programs of the central government such as MGNREGS, NRHM, SSA, RMSA, Total Sanitation Campaign, amongst others. Pointing out that these schemes are for the welfare and benefit of the people, he exhorted the public to take advantage of these schemes. Amongst the various central schemes that are being implemented in the state, the Chief Guest has a special mentioned for Total Sanitation Campaign and RTE. Taking advantage of the occasion, Ruhini Kumar emphasised the importance of education for the all round achievements of the goals set by the Government of India.
Delivering the key-note address, Dr Gin Gangte, IIS, Field Exhibition Officer, DAVP, Imphal says that the aim of the campaign is to give mass awareness of the various central schemes through the medium of visual communication. Noting that the success of these schemes depends on sincere and transparent manner of implementation, the IIS officer also exhorted the public to be vigilance and alert for the over all successful implementation of these schemes. The Field Exhibition Officer also informed the gathering about the mass awareness campaign organized by DAVP and said that similar photo exhibitions have been conducted successfully at Mayang Imphal, Wangoi, Lilong, Lamsang, Bishnupur, Nambol, Wangjing, Thoubal, Ukhrul so far during this fiscal year covering a total of 46 exhibition days. Apart from the on-going photo exhibition at Khomidok Heigrumakhong Primary School, Dr Gin Gangte further informed that similar campaign will be held at Lamlai Community Hall in Imphal East from March 7.
‘It’s a nice exhibition. I learn many things about North East’ said Ibemcha, a local visitor. An elderly woman was seen strolling the exhibition hall many times hoping to see the glimpse of Rajiv Gandhi photograph, whom she was reported to shake hands during the latter’s visit to Imphal, while many others appreciates the beauty of the North East. A collection of 115 photographs that are being displayed will definitely ignites visitors to move forward to the path of development.
The inauguration of the five-day long photo exhibition was also attended by Smt Leimaram Indu Devi, Pradhan, Khurai Konsam Gram Panchayat, L Shyam Chand, Asstt Inspector of Schools (Zone II), Imphal East, Smt S Chandrakala Devi, Headmistress, Khomidok Heigrumakhong Primary School, amongst others.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/development-photos-attracts-visitors-in-imphal-east/

BJP wants probe into drug case

BJP chief Th. Chaoba speaking during a protest against drug trafficking.

Mail News Service
Imphal, Feb 27 : BJP, Manipur Pradesh organized a Protest-cum-Dharna led by BJP Mahila Morcha, Manipur Pradesh at its State Office, Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal and attended by more than 300 party workers and leaders from District and Mandal level Th. Chaoba Singh, President, BJP, Manipur Pradesh, Prof. Gangmumei Kamei, M. Bhorot Singh, i L. Jatra Singh and others senior leaders spoke on the prevailing situation of drug smuggling in the State. Later, the Mahila Morcha, BJP, Manipur Pradesh took out a mass rally upto Raj Bhawan, Imphal and submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur .
It was stated that it has become a regular feature that the involvement of high-profile-people in the Psychotropic Drug- Business are on the surface. Even, one Lt. Colonel of the Army, Ajay Choudhary of P.l.B. Defence Wing and Ngairangbam Brojendro Singh, an Assistant Manager of IndiGo Airline have been apprehended. On the day of arrest the Lt. Col. has informed that he was innocent and mislead by one of his friend who is a brother of the senior Police Officer of the State. BJP wants to know, who is that police officer . A son of an MLA has also been nabbed and two of the six arrested persons at Pallel were allegedly close relatives of a senior government official and an MLA.
That, the multi-acre Psychotropic drug-market may, in the course of time, languish the sporting youth who are in the playing arena and thus the image of Manipur’s Sports-Culture may be tarnished sooner or later.
That, the Army, Paramilitary or Police who have to defend the people as well as to preserve the sanctity of law and order, if they are involved in such a drug-racket, it is not only unbecoming of them, but also it makes them detrimental to the society it was stated.
Govt seems to be indolent to take up this pressing issue and thereby casting a slur that there may be a racket among Politicians, Defence Personnel, Police, Airport Authority and Drug-Barons.
Five members of BJP Mahila Morcha, Manipur Pradesh will be meeting with Governor of the State tomorrow at 11:30 AM.
It demanded prompt investigation and the case may be handed over to the Narcotic Bureau, Govt. of India , an independent body may be instituted to investigate the recent drug hauls at Pallel and others, demanded the details of the persons particularly the owner o tthe illegal drugs seized by S.l.U. at Imphat Airport recently. S.I.U. or otherwise an investigation unit of the kind may be urgently set up over and above the existing NAB team. Flights and consignments may be checked as a routine matter at Imphal Tulihal Airport. The culprits be subjected to befitting punishment as per law of the land.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bjp-wants-probe-into-drug-case/

BCIM car rally flagged off

BCIM car rally being flagged off from Kangla by CM, O. Ibobi

Mail News Service NNN
Imphal, Feb 27 : The BCIM (Bangladesh, China, India and Bangladesh) car rally was flagged off here today by O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur from the historic Kangla fort enroute to Myanmar. The rally will enter Myanmar via Moreh and halt at Ka Lay at Myanmar before starting off for Mandalay. The rally which started on Feb 22 last had reached Imphal last night.
After covering 3000 km the participants will finally culminate at Kunming on 5 March 2013. The route is , Kolkata , Jessore , Dhaka , Sylhet , Silchar , Imphal , Ka Lay , Mandalay , Ruili , Tengchong , Erhai Lake , Dali and Kunming.
Inspite of the strong ‘public blockade’ imposed by the Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC), the BCIM Car Rallyists entered Manipur and headed for Myanmar today.
Addressing the reception and flagged off ceremony held at Kangla Fort, Chief Minister Ibobi said the Ministry of External Affairs has now taken several initiatives toward the implementation of the Look-East Policy.
He said this car rally will bring the people living in this region closer and that the historical ties and links among the people will be revived now.
Recognising the need and importance of international dependence among the people in their efforts to realize the dreams of development, it is imperative to open the available channels of transport and communication among the people, Ibobi asserted.
“The restrictions in the movement of goods and services and people across the border need to be eased,” the Chief Minister said.
He said, “We are also keen to improve the connectivity with our neighbours—Bangladesh, Mynamar and China.”
The Asian Highway No-1 and 2 pass through Imphal and they span across the Asia connecting countries in the East Asia and West Asia, he said.
He also said as a first step toward easing of restrictions, the Ministry of External Affairs has decided to provide the facility of visa on arrival at Moreh for the Myanmarese citizens in order to visit India, especially Manipur to get health-care facilities in India.
The visa arrangement with Bangladesh and China may also be eased so that travel between India and its neighbours becomes easier, he added.
“We are looking at the opening up of road and rail passages to Bangladesh through Tripura so that our goods can be exported by using the ports of Bangladesh.”
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker, ministers, MLAs and top officials of both civil and police were also present at the function.The Chief Minister later released a souvenir and presented mementos to the participants of the car rally during the event.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bcim-car-rally-flagged-off/

RPF observed its 34th foundation day “Independent Demand Day” today at its Council Headquarters, Thoupurel Loisang, General Headquarters, Tactical Command, Strategic Command, 252 Mobile Battalion, Units Central Bureau, SR 1,SR 2,SR 3,SR 4 .

RPF observed its 34th foundation day “Independent Demand Day” today at its Council Headquarters, Thoupurel Loisang, General Headquarters, Tactical Command, Strategic Command, 252 Mobile Battalion, Units Central Bureau, SR 1,SR 2,SR 3,SR 4 .

AMUCO,WAD blast army officer for involvement in drug trafficking

PRO Def, Col Ajay PRO Defence at CJM Thoubal

IMPHAL, Feb 25 MNS NNN : Accusing the Indian Army of attempting to impair the youth of Manipur by dealing in huge narcotic drugs in the state, the All Manipur Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) today expressed anger against the world’s second largest army in terms of military personnel and said it was time to drive them out of the state.
AMUCO president KT Rahman stated this while addressing a press conference participated by leaders of different NGOs at the organisation’s office here a day after one of the biggest drug haul by Manipur police in the state that involved a Colonel of the Army.
The drugs seizure at Pallel in Chandel district,Manipur from six individuals, including Colonel Ajay Choudhury, PRO, Defence Wing by commando personnel of Thoubal district police yesterday has indicated that the Indian Army is trying to blight the sportive youth of Manipur, Rahman accused.
“This has been carried out on top of the alleged raping of women and killing of innocents in the state by the Army under Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958,” he accused.
He also alleged that certain top officials of the Army might have involved in the drug business and said it was the right time to drive all the Army personnel out of the state in order to protect the people from every spheres.
Referring to the recent drugs seizure by Special Intelligence Unit (SIU), now abolished, at Imphal Airport which worth more than Rs 1 crore, he said the Manipur police have lied that they do not know the real possessor of the seized drugs.
“It is also a blatant lie by the state Government that it has decided to hand over the case to the CBI for investigation,” he said.
He described the alleged drug dealings by politicians and top officials as unfortunate.
In opposition to such drug trafficking, the AMUCO has decided to organize a joint meeting of various civil society organizations in the state tomorrow to take up protest movement against it, Rahman announced.
Women Action for Development at the gravest term condemned the drug Haul worth Rs. 25 crores from the possession of PRO of Defence Wing stationed at M- Sector, Imphal named Col. Ajay Choudhury and five other associates while ferrying in three vehicles towards Moreh. The valorous steps taken up by the Thoubal Police Commandos to seize such amounts of contrabands from the possession of a Colonel is highly appreciated and distinctive. Such valiant and valorous act is demanded by the commoners of the state to uproot and eradicate the pervasive drug invasion and drug trafficking from the soil of Manipur.
The recent disbanding of Special Intelligence Unit reveals the involvement of several high personalities in the existing drug cartels. The Drug hauls worth Rs. 25 crores with the apprehension of a Colonel and his five associates by and large exposed the furtive activities carried out rigorously under AFSPA. WAD gravely condemned such disgraceful and illegitimate code of conduct carried out by the Indian Army under AFSPA and afraid that the consequences of this haul will leave to “Opening of the Pandora Box” like situation. Therefore, such issues should not be neglected at any costs and devalued by the State government. Disciplinary actions must be taken at the quickest way and strictest penalty must be delivered against the accused. If the concerned authorities neglected the issue and remained as scapegoats then the future of the generation next will be at stake and easily predicted for a narcotized society numbing the generation by the influence of these persisting drug menaces.
It is high time to take appropriate measures to completely eradicate these existing drug menaces from the soil of Manipur. It is us to take the initiatives and revolts for the end of drug trafficking. The identities of those personalities involved in the drug trafficking must be exposed and tabled to the public. The attractive hotspots of drug trading like North AOC (Namthilok), Lilong, Kshetrigao, Hapta, Kiyamgei, etc. must be shielded at once without fail else it will rather leave an invitation for a call of another uprising (The Third Nupilal). Equal responsibilities should be shared among us to tackle the issue of drug invasion as collective efforts are necessary to combat it. Let’s us pledge to rise against such social menaces and combat to eradicate it completely from Manipur.
WAD also strongly condemns the stabbed to death of a 45 years women by her husband. WAD appeal to the concern authority for strict punishment to the accuse Yendrembam Ibotombi Singh and the solving of other cases that has been witnessing an increase number of violence and human right abuses so that the social justice should be reached throughout and the State must be free from such crime.

First north east Mt Everest Expedition flagged off

Members of NE Mt Everest delegation with Governor Gurbhachan Jagat at Kangla

Mail News Service
Imphal, Feb 25 : The first ever expedition of mountaineers from north east to Mt Everest was flagged off from the historic Kangla fort here today by Governor Gurbhachan Jagat.
The Governor speaking on the occasion said after the historic event on May 29, 1953 in which Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first people in the world to climb Mount Everest many attempts were made to conquer it. He wished all the 16 climbers a grand success and handed over the mission flag to the team leader Dr L Surjit.
Governor said, “People of the north east are known for their stamina and willpower and the terrain they live in is generally mountainous but it is quite surprising that very few of them join the mountaineering movement. They are one of the best candidates for this discipline. One can still count on one’s fingers the number of people from the north east who have conquered the Mt. Everest, the acme of mountain climbing. No doubt, even the number of Indians who have climbed this peak is not many. One of the reasons may be the high cost involved.
I congratulate the Manipur Mountaineering &Trekking Association for taking the initiative to organize this expedition with members comprising people of the north east in their attempt to scale the highest peak. I am confident that they will achieve the goal that they are setting out for.
In recent years during the climbing season, there is a traffic jam near the peak with a very large number of climbers attempting to reach the peak. Despite such large scale attempts, it still remains as one of the most challenging human endeavours. It pits man against nature which despite tremendous scientific progress man has made, still cannot be tamed.
Nature has its own way of surprising us every now and then. The path to Mt. Everest from the base camp onwards, I am told, continues to surprise and is full of dangerous obstacles, like altitude sickness, crevasses, unpredictable weather and wind, seracs,shifting blocks of ice, etc. That is why the attempt is regarded as the ultimate challenge.
Irengbam Hemochandra, Minister said the 16 climbers from the north east are attempting to script history. He prayed to Mother nature and God Almighty to bless the mountaineers and help them while climbing Mt Everest.
Dr L Surjit President of the MMTA said, “It is the dream of every mountaineer in the world to scale the Mt. Everest in their life . The team members include seven from Manipur, two each from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram and Sikkim and one from Meghalya. There will be three women climbers including Anshu Jamsenpa, the first lady from Arunachal Pradesh, who has scaled Mt. Everest twice . N. Chinkheinganba 16 who is also part of the team from Manipur will be the youngest to scale the Mt Everest. Dr L Nelson from Manipur will take part in the team as the expedition doctor.
This mission is to funded by NEC, Shillong. According to the organizers the main objective of the Mount Everest Expedition is to share the experiences of Adventure-sports to the youths to foster amongst them a spirit of risk taking, co-operative team work and the capacity of ready and vital response and alertness to challenging situations and especially the quality of ‘Endurance’.”
Officials of NEC, north eastern states former Mt Everesters from the state also attended the function. The expedition is expected to last for about 70 days.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/first-north-east-mt-everest-expedition-flagged-off/

88 percent voters turn out in Meghalaya, 83 percent in Nagaland

Imphal, Feb. 23 (MNS NNN ANI): Heavy polling was reported from the two poll-bound states from northeast region, as around 88 percent voters exercised their franchise in Meghalaya, while 83.27 percent in Nagaland at the end of the polling on Saturday. “The whole procedures went peacefully except few sporadic incidents in both the states, and […]

“The whole procedures went peacefully except few sporadic incidents in both the states, and the people exercised their franchise in large numbers. As per the information till now, 88 percent voting has been recorded in Meghalaya, while in Nagaland it is 83.27 percent. The voting percentage will go high because as people are still in queues waiting for their turn at some places,” said Chief Electoral Officer Alok Shukla .ontrary to earlier apprehension of violent pollings in Nagaland, it was a comparatively peaceful and brisk polling with 83% turn-out in the state.
Elections were held to the 59 assembly constituencies as the Sadar I constituency has been counter-manded following the demise of one of its contenders P Chuba Chang yesterday. Now, it has been fixed that the poll in that constituency will be held on March 23.
The Polling of Tuensang Sadar I Assembly Constituency under Tuensang district, which was ‘Adjourned’ following the death of the Congress candidate P. Chuba Chang Yesterday, has been rescheduled on March 23.
The contest has been more or less the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the Congress party with straight fights between the two parties in 20 assembly constituencies.
Joint Chief Electoral Officer of Nagaland N Moa Aier told some media persons that the 2013 assembly elections were one of the most peaceful and smooth polls in recent time though the percentage of voters turn-out was a bit higher in 2008 with 85%.
Meanwhile, stray incidents were reported in Mokokchung district and in parts of Dimapur. “However, those are not considered serious,” said an official. At Duncan in Dimapur, media persons rushed there as there was a report that imminent show-down was about to take place between the supporters of the NPF and that of the Congress. But when the scribes reached there, things were already calmed by the alert security personnel.
There has been a total number of 11.9 lakh voters in Nagaland of which 6 lakhs are males and 5.9 voters are females.
In all, 187 candidates are in the fray with two women candidates vying for the 60 seats.
The NPF is contesting in all the 60 assembly constituencies while the Congress party will be contesting in 57 constituencies. There are altogether 39 independent candidates while NCP has fielded in 15 constituencies. The BJP will be contesting in 11 seats while JD(U) has fielded in 3 seats. RJD will be contesting only in two seats while (UNDP) will be contesting only in one constituencies.
At Meghalaya the 36-hour bandh call by the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) had little impact as people across Meghalaya defied their bandh call and turned out in large numbers to vote in the 36 assembly constituencies in the eastern part of Meghalaya.
Polling began at 7 am this morning in all the 2,485 polling booths .
At least, six people had used Rule 49-0 under The Conduct of
Elections Rules, 1961 to record the desire not to vote. ‘Six voters in different assembly constituencies have used Rule 49-O since we are not satisfied with the candidates contesting in the elections,’ Civil Society Women’s Organisation Chief Agnes Kharshiing said.
As per the Rules, if a voter, after his electoral roll number has been entered in the register of voters in form 17-A, expresses his desire not to vote, a remark to this effect shall be made in Form 17A by the presiding officer and the signature or thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark.
The electoral fortunes of 331 candidates, including 25 women and 122 Independents, would be decided by about 12,30,152, voters, including 6,25,534 females.
The United Democratic Party and the National People’s Party have fielded 50 and 32 candidates across the state respectively. Other smaller parties like the Hill State People’s Democratic Party have fielded 17candidates.
Amongst the national parties, the Nationalist Congress Party is contesting in 21 seats, BJP in 13 and the Samajwadi Party has fielded candidates in 11 constituencies.
Altogether, 9940 polling officials have been deployed in their respective zones to oversee the smooth conduct of polls.
Of the 2,485 polling booths, 842 have been termed hyper-sensitive and 257 as sensitive.
91 companies of paramilitary troopers have been deployed across the state to ensure free and fair polls. Mawlai assembly constituency has the highest voter concentration of with 33,869, including 8,594 female voters, while Dalu constituency has the lowest number of voters 15,979 with 7,940 female voters.
The ruling Congress has fielded 60 candidates in all constituencies is hoping for an absolute majority to provide a stable and transparent government. The United Democratic Party and the National People’s Party have fielded 50 and 32 candidates across the state respectively. Other parties like the Hill State People’s Democratic Partyhave fielded 17candidates.

n one constituencies.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/83-poll-percentage-recorded-at-nagaland/

Language day observed

Dy CM, Gakhangam inaugurating International Mother day function

IMPHAL, Feb 21 MNS/NNN: Manipur also joined the rest of the world today in observing the ‘International Language Day 2013’ with the Deputy Chief Minister of the state pledging that he would personally take role in developing and preserving the mother language of Manipur.
The observation function of this year’s edition of International Language Day was jointly organized by Research Forum, Manipur (REFORM)) and State Council of Education Research & Training at Kangla Hall in Imphal.
Addressing the function, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said that the impression that ‘I do not know Manipuri or I do not know how to read it’ clearly indicates lack of inquisitive mind and leadership quality and also such notion shows utter carelessness of one’s own mother language.
Gaikhangam appealed that the lingua-franca of the state ‘Manipuri’ (Meiteilon) can be learned either at the individual level or collective level.
The Deputy CM noted that there is nothing destructive in learning a language and called upon the public to render support to the Manipur Government’s latest initiative for setting up of a language directorate for the state.
The function was also attended by REFORM president Mutua Bahadur and Thangmeiband constituency MLA Kh Joykishan.
The day was also observed at the auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy here.
At the function organized by Sahitya Thoupang Lup, Educational minister M Okendro, Parliamentary Secretary, IPR, K Meghachandra and Prof H Nandakumar Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Manipur University were present.
All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) and writer Leihaotabam Sharatchandra were honoured with Suigeneris Mother Language Award at the event.
Dr Anand Longjam, Senior Research Assistant, CIIL, Mysore, who was also present at the function, spoke on a topic “Manipuri Longi Oiriba Phibam” the present condition of Manipuri language.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/language-day-observed/

Nasir meets Tariq Anwar

Manipur Information Centre
New Delhi, February 19: Agriculture Minister of Manipur Abdul Nasir today appraised the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries Tariq Anwar about the decrease of food production in Manipur due to draught like situation last year and requested him for all-out assistance from the Centre to the marginal farmers for better food production in the State. Referring to the Central Sponsored Schemes like National Food Security Mission and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY); Minister Abdul Nasir urged the Union Minister to provide additional fund for Manipur from those central schemes.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture Tariq Anwar assured the Agriculture Minister of Manipur for providing all sorts of help for development of agriculture sector in Manipur. He asked the Manipur Agriculture Minister for submission of project proposals as soon as possible so that the fund could be released before March this year. Union Minister also assured for taking up new projects for Manipur under the National Fishery Development Board.
Manipur Minister Nasir sought for the meeting with the Union Minister to express the grievances of the farmers of Manipur yesterday when the 84th Annual General meeting of the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) took place at A.P.Shinde Symposium Hall, NASC Complex, Pusa here. He had a half hour meeting with the Union Minister today at 11.30 am at the Krishi Bhawan, here.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nasir-meets-tariq-anwar/

Ashalata Gi Hakchang, a play depicting contemporary Manipur

N. Amarjeet
Ashalata Gi Hikchang (Ashalata’ body) a play of Banian Repertory theatre, Imphal directed by MC Thoiba and written by M.C. Arun was shown at NT theatre as part of a theatre festival on Feb 15 last.
A short function was held prior to the play with IS Kangjam as Chief Guest. He commended the organizers for making the festival an annual event. Presiding over the function, Buddha Chingtham said the MC Thoiba, MC Arun combo is well matched for both persons echo similar ideology and thinking. He described the Banian Repertory as one of the most vibrant theatre group which has successfully produced plays regularly.
The play revolves around present day Manipur and often repeated clashes over dead bodies. The abnormal spiritual and political journey of a human body whose soul has untimely left it due to clashes between established state and non state forces is the main theme of the play.
The life of the play is the artistry of the debate between the conflicting or opposing parties . Well supported by amazing sound and visual works thought provoking, soul searching queries flung around like sharp arrows from beginning till end of the play. As the play progressed present day Manipur embroiled in a political clash was showcased in the most exalted platform of theatrical works. The words coming out from the actors of the play were words coined by urgency , war and conflict. Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is different from other spiritual works as it emerged out of urgency and it did not find roots in the caves or deep jungle.
Absence of microphones sometimes snatches away the heat of the debate in such play yet the actors matched up the expectations of the political challenge, people’s expectations by their awe inspiring performances. When the stage was full it was a theatrical journey beyond comparison as each actor was embodiment of perfection. When a solitary actor performed it was another moment of joy. The play shows that every phase of life throws up different challenges and we humans keep faith in different ideologies and main emphasis is given in the second half of the 20th century when Manipur entered a different political map.
Amidst the killings, there is also a rage to strive for peace, each opposing parties believe in different approaches to attain the ultimate goal that is peace. The ever eluding peace for now remains tethered unseen, unexplained. The politically tyranny that has disturbed both the living and non living world can not be better explained or shown. Suffering of those who have died, we do not know but the play shows the ordeals of their near ones. Ashalata’s Body is a masterpiece both literally and artistically. Banian Repertory has many plays to its credit and many are highly acclaimed. What makes this play of the theatre house outstanding is the affinity of the play with the common people. It stands out as a lone voice of the people trapped in the never ending conflict.

Govindas urges centre for proper conservation of manipur pony & mithun

Govindas, Md Nasir attending a conference6

Manipur Information Centre
NEW DELHI, February 18: The 84th Annual General meeting of the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) was held today at A.P.Shinde Symposium Hall, NASC Complex, Pusa here today with Union Minister of Agriculture Sharad Pawar in the chair. The meeting was also attended by Union Ministers of State for Agriculture Tariq Anwar and Dr Charan Das Mahant. Other dignitaries who attended the meeting were Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Director General, ICAR, Agriculture and Animal husbandry Ministers of various States and representatives from international organizations.
Speaking in the meeting, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Minister of Manipur Govindas Konthoujam stated that the Manipur Government was intending to undertake a project for conservation of the threatened breed of Mithun (Bos frontalis) whose number in Manipur came down below 10,000 and another threatened breed of Manipur pony ( Equuas ferus caballus) which was well-known for its unique features such as its firm-footedness and suitability for wars and sports. He requested the Centre for undertaking a study or research on various aspects of the threatened breeds including proper measures for their conservation. He also stated that Manipur as well as North Eastern States had many local breeds of animals and emphasized the need for identification of the local breeds which were of economically importance and in need of conservation. He drew the attention of ICAR to conduct research projects for the purpose.
Veterinary Minister Govindas also said, “The ICAR has a NE Hill Region Research Centre at Imphal. However, the Centre appears to be concentrating mainly on crops. Veterinary and animal husbandry is not given its due importance and there are only two posts of Scientists in veterinary sciences.” He urged the ICAR to upgrade the Imphal Centre and the Krishi Vigyan Kendras in Manipur with the facilities of veterinary and animal husbandry sciences and posting scientists in the field.
Speaking in the meeting Agriculture Minister Abdul Nasir highlighted the achievements of the Manipur centre of ICAR at Lamphelpat. The Centre produced six high yielding paddy varieties namely RCM-6, RCM-6, RCM-7, RCM-10, Lungnilaphou and RC-Maniphou-12 which were suitable in Manipur. The tomato varieties namely Manileima, Manikhamnu and Manithoibi produced by the Centre were very popular in Manipur. He pointed out that the cultivation of high yielding paddy varieties was mainly confined in the valley. In view of the increasing population, the Minister stressed the need for cultivation of high yielding paddy varieties in the hill areas which occupied 9/10thof the total area of paddy and low-lying areas which had an area of 14,000 hectare. He proposed to set up a research station at Ukhrul district and at Kharungpat in Thoubal District.
Agriculture Minister Nasir stated that all nine districts of Manipur had one Kishan Vikash Kendra(KVK) each. He expressed the inconvenience of the farmers in Jiribam, one of the Sub-division of Imphal East District, located at the border of Assam and at the distance of 222 km from the district headquarter passing through hilly road, to get the facilities of the KVK.He proposed the ICAR to open a KVK at Jiribam.
The Minister also proposed to increase the intake of B.Sc (Agri) seats from 16 to 20 and B. Tech (Agri Engg) from 4 to 8 at Central Agricultural University, Iroishemba and College of Agriculture Engineering and Post Harvest technology, Gangtok respectively to meet the increasing demand for the students of Manipur. He further proposed to reserve a seat at Central Agriculture University for post graduate studies of the in-service candidates for strengthening human resource development in agriculture.
While addressing the 84th AGM of ICAR the Union Minister Pawar said, The ICAR has established the National Institute for Biotic Stress Management at Raipur in Chhattisgarh, Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology at Ranchi in Jharkhand, Regional Research Station of CAZRI for cold arid agriculture in Leh, Jammu & Kashmir and 5 new KVKs, one each in Andhra Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Orissa, Maharashtra and Karnataka, raising their total to 631 KVKs across the country. The ICAR has also added 19 new Experimental Learning Units to the existing 264 units in 51 State Agricultural Universities and created a centralized Statistical and Computational Genomics Lab Facility.”
The Union Minister further added, “I must flag some of the potential areas where we need to concentrate more. Tapping rich potential of North East Region is one such important agenda on which there have been more talks but less action. I expect that this ICAR may give special attention towards North East region. Equipping the farmer to tackle the climate change and erratic behaviour of monsoon should be an important agenda. The production of pulses and oilseeds are well below the demand and major thrust needs to be given on this front. Availability of fodder has become a major hindrance in growth of our animal husbandry sector. The labour cost has become major component of the production cost; however, our track record in introducing appropriate farm mechanization is not up to the mark. A lot is also required to be done in post harvest management.”

Trade Union calls bandh on 20, 21

IMPHAL, Feb 17 NNN: Lok Sabha MP and secretary of All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Mr Gurudas Dasgupta has called upon the people to start countering the UPA’s economic policy which has given tremendous hardship to the common people.
Addressing a meeting in Imphal today in connection with the 48 hours nation-wide bandh on February 20 and 21 against the price rise, Dasgupta said the bandh has been called as the common people could no longer bear continuous price rise of essential commodities in the country.
According to the AITUC leader, several organisations have decided to impose the bandh country-wide to send a serious signal that common people are dying due to constant sky-rocketing of commodities.
The Lok Sabha MP billed the proposed nation-wide bandh as ‘historic’ saying it is a common people’s movement against ‘anti-people policies of the UPA government such as the neo-liberalisation. Guru Dasgupta also said that the UPA government policies are helping the foreign companies and thereby the small time business community in India are finding it difficult to make both ends meet today. “Big companies of both foreign and India are the owners of the country today and not the Indians anymore,” lamented Gurudas Gupta.
The AITUC leader then pointed out the instances such as the 2G scam, the chopper scam and said, “The common wealth of the country today has become the coffer of the people in power.” He said that foreign companies are playing monopolies in India and that the Indians are at the receiving end. ‘This is because of the anti-people policies of the UPA government,” accused the AITUC leader. “We have to fight for right to live and to bring a change in the country,” he asserted adding, “The citizens of India have right to vote but not the right to live.”
Gurudas Dasgupta then said the AITUC supports the people’s movement against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). “We will support your movement to remove AFSPA for a better life,” Gurudas Dasgupta assured.
Meanwhile, Women Working Forum, Manipur took out a rally in Imphal today as part of the AITUC protest.
The Forum demanded for the reviewing of the order of Anganwadi workers and helpers. It also demanded to look into the minimum wage issue on Anganwadi workers.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/trade-union-calls-bandh-on-20-21/