IMPHAL, Sep 11 : Madhu Gurung, president, Army Wives’ Welfare Association, Red Shield Division visited Churachandpur from 8 to 9, September 2009. During her stay with 27 Sector Assam Rifles, she went around the CCpur town visiting the NGOs taking care of AIDS patients and providing health care to the needy.
The visit to the NGOs commenced on 8 Septe,ber 9 with the visit to Shalom, Society for HIV/AIDS and Lifeline Operations Manipur, an NGO dealing with HIV prevention, AIDS Care and HIV/AIDS Impact Alleviation.
After being briefed about the activities being conducted by Shalom, she met the patients and provided them a healing touch and presented gifts to the ailing people.
Her genuine concern for the effected people was exhibited when she even presented gifts to the administration of the Shalom so that good care could be taken of the patients.
This was followed by a visit to the District Hospital where she interacted with VC Pao, the District AIDS Officer and appreciated the efforts of Anti Retroviral Therapy Centre.
Thereafter she, also visited an NGO named Love In Action, looking after an orphanage and AIDS victims. Here she was greeted by 150 children who also showed a cultural program. Gurung once again appreciated the good work being done by the NGOs and distributed gifts to the children and presented a rice cooker to the administration so that the children staying in hostel could be benefitted.
In the afternoon, she paid a visit to the internationally renowned MSF, Medecins Sans Frontieres, where once again she was given a detailed brief on the activities being undertaken by the NGO. She also met the patients in the OPD and distributed gifts to them. Gurung highly appreciated the work being done and complimented the staff of MSF.
On 9 September, 20 09 Madhu Gurung attended a function organized by 27 Sector Assam Rifles where she interacted with the Veer Naaris and the families of 27 Sector.
The locals of the Churachandpur town were moved by the gesture of Gurung and hailed the efforts being taken by the Army and the Assam Rifles for the betterment of the society in Manipur.
Showing posts with label imphal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label imphal. Show all posts
Appeal to end use of bandh
Imphal, September 11 : A convention cum prayer meeting was conducted at Chingmeirong in Imphal today which was organised by the Ministry of Peace and Development-North East India (MPD-NEI) whereby large number of leaders hailing from different communities participated with regard to the restive Manipur and Assam's NC Hills and also a special prayer meeting for the bountiful harvest inspite of the deficit Monsoon rains.
In this connection MPD-NEI has appealed to all sections of people in the region not to call any “bandh or blockade” in the interest of the peace loving people, students and poor people who have already been facing all these social unrest and natural calamities.
Driving home its stand, the MPD-NEI said that the year 2009 was unfortunate for the farmers due to the deficit rainfall. Given this grim situation calling of bandhs and blockades will give further hardship to the cultivators who will be struggling with the poor harvest.
Ashang Kasar, chairman, MPD-NEI and Rev. Khular, executive committee of the Ministry said that a prayer programme was conducted at the MPD office at Chingmeirong, Imphal which was attended by 45 leaders from different communities. The main aim of the prayer programme which was led by Rev. Khular and Ashang Kasar is to bring peace and harmony in the Northeast, particularly in restive Manipur and NC Hills district of Assam, they said.
The participants resolved to request all civil organizations and groups not to call bandh or economic blockade in future, particularly during September to December, as the period is the season for harvesting of crops and conduct of final examinations in most educational institutions of Manipur, they added.
In this connection MPD-NEI has appealed to all sections of people in the region not to call any “bandh or blockade” in the interest of the peace loving people, students and poor people who have already been facing all these social unrest and natural calamities.
Driving home its stand, the MPD-NEI said that the year 2009 was unfortunate for the farmers due to the deficit rainfall. Given this grim situation calling of bandhs and blockades will give further hardship to the cultivators who will be struggling with the poor harvest.
Ashang Kasar, chairman, MPD-NEI and Rev. Khular, executive committee of the Ministry said that a prayer programme was conducted at the MPD office at Chingmeirong, Imphal which was attended by 45 leaders from different communities. The main aim of the prayer programme which was led by Rev. Khular and Ashang Kasar is to bring peace and harmony in the Northeast, particularly in restive Manipur and NC Hills district of Assam, they said.
The participants resolved to request all civil organizations and groups not to call bandh or economic blockade in future, particularly during September to December, as the period is the season for harvesting of crops and conduct of final examinations in most educational institutions of Manipur, they added.
Fake encounter, cry victims’ families
Imphal, Sep 10 : Manipur police commandos are in the eye of a storm once again after gunning down six persons, four of whom have been identified and are said to be innocent.
The incident took place last night in Imphal West district as protests continued to singe the state over the alleged July 23 fake encounter.
Yesterday’s was the first strike by commandos of Imphal West after the July 23 incident in which Rabina Devi and Ch. Sanjit were killed in Imphal city.
The police shot dead six persons — two riding a motorcycle and four others in a Tata Sumo — at Awang Khunou Lamkhai along National Highway 53 in Imphal West around 10.30pm.
Four of them were identified as Ngaseppam Danny, 27, a resident of Khwairakpam Leikai, his friend Kshetrimayum Govind, 28, of neighbouring Hodam Leirak in Imphal West, Md Tomba, 35, and Md Rahman, 38, both residents of Golapati in Imphal East.
Families claimed Danny and Govind were mobile recharge card hawkers, Tomba a rickshawpuller and Rahman a Tata Sumo driver. While Danny and Govind were coming on a motorcycle the other four were found dead inside a Tata Sumo.
The bodies of two, who are yet to be identified, have been kept at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences here.
The police are maintaining silence over the incident. Patsoi police station told the family members that they were killed in an encounter with police commandos.
The families quoted the police as saying the two motorcycle-borne youths fired at a police team in the area and in retaliation the two youths were killed. Four others were found dead inside a Tata Sumo nearby in the follow-up search by the police. The commandos also claimed to have recovered an M16 rifle with 62 live rounds and three 9mm pistols from them.
Residents of Hodam Leirak and Kwairakpam Leikai held a meeting, formed a joint action committee to take up the matter with the government and demanded a judicial inquiry.
Bilashini Devi, mother of Govind, and Chaoba Devi, mother of Danny, said the two went out together on Govind’s motorcycle last evening to collect money from people to whom they had sold recharge cards. “My son is innocent and had no link with any outfit. It was a fake encounter. I want justice,” Chaoba Devi cried.
The committee is planning to take up the matter with local MLA L. Jayentakumar Singh, who is also the education minister. They will then petition chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh. “We will not accept the bodies until the demands are met,” Salam Sarat, president of Hodam Lairembi Club, said.
Residents of Awang Khunou also staged a sit-in at the site of the killing today to protest the incident. “We heard gunshots around 10.30 last night. No one went out in fear. The six were killed in the same place and we suspect that it was a fake encounter. Shots were also fired at some of the houses,” N. Mani Singh, president of Awang Khunou Sporting and Youth Organisation, said.
Apunba Lup said the six were killed in fake encounters.
Meena Rashi, wife of Tomba, said her husband told her over the mobile phone around 9pm that unknown persons caught him while he was delivering firewood at the Games Village of Imphal West. “When I called him again around 10.30pm, the phone was switched off,” she said.
The All Manipur Rickshaw Drivers and Pullers Welfare Association president, A.K. Kom, said the association would chalk out the agitation course. Kom claimed Tomba was innocent.
The incident came as Apunba Lup was spearheading a campaign against the July 23 Imphal city killing of Rabina Devi and Sanjit.
The Kuki community also erupted in protest against the killing of four cadres of the Kuki Liberation Army, a militant group having a suspension of operation agreement with the security forces and the killing of a truck driver by the army in the Litan area of Ukhrul on Monday.
“We are asking the government how the killings took place. If it failed to tell us, we will launch an extreme form of agitation. It was a fake encounter,” Hangkholun Helun, president of Kuki Students Organisation, Ukhrul unit, warned.
The incident took place last night in Imphal West district as protests continued to singe the state over the alleged July 23 fake encounter.
Yesterday’s was the first strike by commandos of Imphal West after the July 23 incident in which Rabina Devi and Ch. Sanjit were killed in Imphal city.
The police shot dead six persons — two riding a motorcycle and four others in a Tata Sumo — at Awang Khunou Lamkhai along National Highway 53 in Imphal West around 10.30pm.
Four of them were identified as Ngaseppam Danny, 27, a resident of Khwairakpam Leikai, his friend Kshetrimayum Govind, 28, of neighbouring Hodam Leirak in Imphal West, Md Tomba, 35, and Md Rahman, 38, both residents of Golapati in Imphal East.
Families claimed Danny and Govind were mobile recharge card hawkers, Tomba a rickshawpuller and Rahman a Tata Sumo driver. While Danny and Govind were coming on a motorcycle the other four were found dead inside a Tata Sumo.
The bodies of two, who are yet to be identified, have been kept at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences here.
The police are maintaining silence over the incident. Patsoi police station told the family members that they were killed in an encounter with police commandos.
The families quoted the police as saying the two motorcycle-borne youths fired at a police team in the area and in retaliation the two youths were killed. Four others were found dead inside a Tata Sumo nearby in the follow-up search by the police. The commandos also claimed to have recovered an M16 rifle with 62 live rounds and three 9mm pistols from them.
Residents of Hodam Leirak and Kwairakpam Leikai held a meeting, formed a joint action committee to take up the matter with the government and demanded a judicial inquiry.
Bilashini Devi, mother of Govind, and Chaoba Devi, mother of Danny, said the two went out together on Govind’s motorcycle last evening to collect money from people to whom they had sold recharge cards. “My son is innocent and had no link with any outfit. It was a fake encounter. I want justice,” Chaoba Devi cried.
The committee is planning to take up the matter with local MLA L. Jayentakumar Singh, who is also the education minister. They will then petition chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh. “We will not accept the bodies until the demands are met,” Salam Sarat, president of Hodam Lairembi Club, said.
Residents of Awang Khunou also staged a sit-in at the site of the killing today to protest the incident. “We heard gunshots around 10.30 last night. No one went out in fear. The six were killed in the same place and we suspect that it was a fake encounter. Shots were also fired at some of the houses,” N. Mani Singh, president of Awang Khunou Sporting and Youth Organisation, said.
Apunba Lup said the six were killed in fake encounters.
Meena Rashi, wife of Tomba, said her husband told her over the mobile phone around 9pm that unknown persons caught him while he was delivering firewood at the Games Village of Imphal West. “When I called him again around 10.30pm, the phone was switched off,” she said.
The All Manipur Rickshaw Drivers and Pullers Welfare Association president, A.K. Kom, said the association would chalk out the agitation course. Kom claimed Tomba was innocent.
The incident came as Apunba Lup was spearheading a campaign against the July 23 Imphal city killing of Rabina Devi and Sanjit.
The Kuki community also erupted in protest against the killing of four cadres of the Kuki Liberation Army, a militant group having a suspension of operation agreement with the security forces and the killing of a truck driver by the army in the Litan area of Ukhrul on Monday.
“We are asking the government how the killings took place. If it failed to tell us, we will launch an extreme form of agitation. It was a fake encounter,” Hangkholun Helun, president of Kuki Students Organisation, Ukhrul unit, warned.
Ranjit promises 13 bridges in hill areas by March'10
Imphal, September 9 : Works Minister K Ranjit said the government is having a plan to inaugurate thirteen bridges in the hill areas before March 2010.He was speaking at the inauguration function of the RCC Bridge over Khuga River at Bualjang in Churachandpur district.
Ranjit said the work order for the RCC bridge was issued on December 20, 2007 to GS Haopu for an amount of Rs 216 lakh.
The work was targeted to be completed by December this year.
He said with the cooperation of the people of Churachandpur, the construction work has been able to be completed before the stipulated time.
He further appealed the people of other districts to follow the footsteps of Churachandpur residents.
The inaugurated RCC bridge is said to give benefits to 20 villages of Thingchom, Nganukon, and Saikul areas.
Further, Works Minister Ranjit also announced to allocate fund for the construction of the road connecting Bualjang village and NH 150.He also said that the stretch of NH-150 from Imphal Airport to Churachandpur will be repaired within the current working season.
He said a hot-mix plant has been installed at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district to connect Bishnupur and Churachandpur while seeking the cooperation of the people.
Speaking on the occasion, IPR Minister TN Haokip, who was also the functional president, said the state has seen development since the coming of the Congress in power.
He called for the people to work together with its leaders in order to facilitate more development.
The two ministers have also inspected the hot-mix plant at Tronglaobi village where the hot-mix plant has been installed.
Ranjit said the work order for the RCC bridge was issued on December 20, 2007 to GS Haopu for an amount of Rs 216 lakh.
The work was targeted to be completed by December this year.
He said with the cooperation of the people of Churachandpur, the construction work has been able to be completed before the stipulated time.
He further appealed the people of other districts to follow the footsteps of Churachandpur residents.
The inaugurated RCC bridge is said to give benefits to 20 villages of Thingchom, Nganukon, and Saikul areas.
Further, Works Minister Ranjit also announced to allocate fund for the construction of the road connecting Bualjang village and NH 150.He also said that the stretch of NH-150 from Imphal Airport to Churachandpur will be repaired within the current working season.
He said a hot-mix plant has been installed at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district to connect Bishnupur and Churachandpur while seeking the cooperation of the people.
Speaking on the occasion, IPR Minister TN Haokip, who was also the functional president, said the state has seen development since the coming of the Congress in power.
He called for the people to work together with its leaders in order to facilitate more development.
The two ministers have also inspected the hot-mix plant at Tronglaobi village where the hot-mix plant has been installed.
Police seized poster with July 23 fake encounter from courier
Imphal, August 28 : Driver of an inter-state bus who transported copies of Tehelka Magazine carrying posters of July 23 fake encounter and manager of a courier service were detained for a brief period of time by the police today.
The driver who was detained by the police was identified as Khumbongmayum Peto (30) of Nongada Thongkhong.
He is the driver of Kangla Rajdhani.
He was detained by the police with the manager of Super Zet Courier Service identified as Laishram Seityam (42) of Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai.
The consignment of poster was sent to one Bakta through the Super Zet Courier.
The Kangla Rjdhani transported the pack yesterday to Imphal.
A team of Imphal west police this morning raided the office of the courier service and seized the pack of posters.
They also picked up the manager for interrogation on the matter.
Later the driver of the bus transporting the consignment was also picked up for verification.
They were released this evening.
The picking up of the driver of the inter-state bus caused a chaotic situation as the bus was about to leave Imphal for Guwahati after passengers step in for the journey.
However, the matter was subsided after the travel agency arranges another driver to replace the picked up driver.
The driver who was detained by the police was identified as Khumbongmayum Peto (30) of Nongada Thongkhong.
He is the driver of Kangla Rajdhani.
He was detained by the police with the manager of Super Zet Courier Service identified as Laishram Seityam (42) of Kwakeithel Laishram Leikai.
The consignment of poster was sent to one Bakta through the Super Zet Courier.
The Kangla Rjdhani transported the pack yesterday to Imphal.
A team of Imphal west police this morning raided the office of the courier service and seized the pack of posters.
They also picked up the manager for interrogation on the matter.
Later the driver of the bus transporting the consignment was also picked up for verification.
They were released this evening.
The picking up of the driver of the inter-state bus caused a chaotic situation as the bus was about to leave Imphal for Guwahati after passengers step in for the journey.
However, the matter was subsided after the travel agency arranges another driver to replace the picked up driver.
Women launch protests in Imphal
The women defied night curfew at many places in Imphal East and West districts of Manipur.
The protesters were demanding resignation of Chief Minister Ibobi Singh on moral grounds over the killing of a youth in an alleged fake encounter on July 23.
Women, carrying torch lights, turned up in large numbers at Chingamakha, Tidim Road and other areas around 8.45 pm on Saturday night.
Police tired to prevent them but were forced to burst teargas shells when the protestors went on with their agitation. Sources said that no casualty was reported.
Indefinite curfew relaxed for 12 hours in Imphal
Imphal, Aug 13 (PTI) Indefinite curfew in Manipur's Imphal East and Imphal West districts was today relaxed for 12 hours.
Police and security forces kept vigil during the relaxation period which began at 5 am.The curfew was relaxed to enable people to buy essential items.
The curfew was imposed on August four in the wake of widespread protest against the killing of a young man in an alleged fake encounter by police commandos.
Prohibitory orders were also in force in Imphal and surrounding areas.
27-year-old man Chungkham Sanjit was killed in an alleged fake encounter by police commandos on July 23. A pregnant woman was also killed by stray bullets.
Police and security forces kept vigil during the relaxation period which began at 5 am.The curfew was relaxed to enable people to buy essential items.
The curfew was imposed on August four in the wake of widespread protest against the killing of a young man in an alleged fake encounter by police commandos.
Prohibitory orders were also in force in Imphal and surrounding areas.
27-year-old man Chungkham Sanjit was killed in an alleged fake encounter by police commandos on July 23. A pregnant woman was also killed by stray bullets.
Imphal protest fire refuses to die down
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| Women protesters block a road at Khurai in Imphal East on Wednesday. Picture by Eastern Projections |
Imphal, Aug. 13 : Five hundred women defied curfew and marched down the streets of Imphal West today as the embers of protest against the July 23 killings refused to die down despite the governor and chief minister’s pacifying overtures.
A former militant, Ch. Sanjit, was gunned down by police commandos in an “encounter” in Imphal city on July 23. Rabina Devi, a pregnant woman, was also killed in indiscriminate firing when the commandos were chasing the former rebel.
Though protests against the “fake encounter” began rending the air soon after the deaths, the agitation heightened after newspapers in Manipur published pictures released on a web portal showing police commandos dragging a calm Sanjit into a medicine store and emerging with his body.
Since then, hundreds of people having been defying curfew and marching down streets in both Imphal districts led by Apunba Lup.
The Okram Ibobi Singh government announced a judicial inquiry and suspension of seven personnel involved in the incident.
But the government salve failed to calm the agitators.
Rallies, sit-ins and demonstrations continued in most districts and were especially violent in Greater Imphal.
Though a security cordon and curfew managed to thwart a massive rally planned by Apunba Lup on Monday, the police allowed a five-member delegation from the organisation to meet Governor Gurbachan Jagat and submit their memorandum.
The memorandum demanded dismissal of the Ibobi Singh government, punishment to the commandos responsible for the deaths and release of the protesters arrested by the police.
An uneasy calm enveloped Imphal for a while today till it was broken when 500 protesters, led by Meitei, Kabui and Kuki Apunba Lup and Rongmei Women Union under the aegis of the Apunba Lup, marched 4km from New Keithelmanbi to Moidangpok village.
The protesters dispersed after the police fired in the air.
“We will continue to support the Apunba Lup agitation until the demands are met. We demand punishment of the commandos, resignation of Ibobi Singh and release of the arrested protesters,” Panti Golmei, a women activist, said.
A team from the Sanjit action committee met leaders of Rabina action committee to chalk out the next course of agitation.
“We have decided to continue the agitation until the commandos are punished, but no specific programme has been fixed yet,” Th. Anita of Sanjit committee said.
The Opposition Manipur Peoples Party president Nimaichand Luwang today reiterated the party’s demand for resignation of Ibobi Singh.
He said the MPP would soon hold a “public dialogue” on alleged fake encounter killings and file a public interest litigation in the Imphal bench of Gauhati High Court against the imposition of curfew.
Protesters also staged a sit-in at the gate of private residence of Congress MLA, E. Kunjeshore Singh, at Wanbgkhei in Imphal East when the curfew was relaxed between 9am and 2pm.
Another sit-in was staged at Naoremthong of Imphal West.
There was another rally at Wangoo in Bishnupur to protest alleged harassment of civilians by Assam Rifles personnel in the area.
But the rally broke up when the police fired teargas shells and burst mock bombs.
Curfew imposed in Manipur again
IMPHAL: The partial relaxation in an indefinite curfew, imposed here following protests over the killing of a youth in an alleged fake encounter, was withdrawn on Tuesday after agitators tried to defy the restrictions.
The indefinite curfew was reimposed from 9:00am and security beefed up around Raj Bhawan and the Chief Minister's office complex after agitators made an attempt to submit a memorandum to Governor Gurbachan Jagat, violating the curfew restrictions, official sources said.
The eight-day-old curfew was relaxed for four hours over the weekend.
The sources said security forces were deployed at all entry points to Imphal and anyone entering the capital area was subjected to thorough checking.
Police mobile parties were patrolling at different parts of the city asking the people to remain indoors.
The curfew was imposed after several organisations led by major outfit Apunba Lup began agitation protesting the killing of one Sanjit by police commandos in an alleged fake encounter at Imphal market complex on July 23.
A pregnant woman was also killed and five others were injured by stray bullets in the incident.
The indefinite curfew was reimposed from 9:00am and security beefed up around Raj Bhawan and the Chief Minister's office complex after agitators made an attempt to submit a memorandum to Governor Gurbachan Jagat, violating the curfew restrictions, official sources said.
The eight-day-old curfew was relaxed for four hours over the weekend.
The sources said security forces were deployed at all entry points to Imphal and anyone entering the capital area was subjected to thorough checking.
Police mobile parties were patrolling at different parts of the city asking the people to remain indoors.
The curfew was imposed after several organisations led by major outfit Apunba Lup began agitation protesting the killing of one Sanjit by police commandos in an alleged fake encounter at Imphal market complex on July 23.
A pregnant woman was also killed and five others were injured by stray bullets in the incident.
Rabina’s husband wants justice not compensation
Imphal, Aug 11 : The husband of late Rabina, Thokchom Chinglensana of Lamsang Lamdeng Khunou has sought justice in the killing of his wife in the recent shootout at BT Road in Imphal involving police commandos. This was mentioned by Chinglensana this morning at his residence during the visit of the delegates of MPP led by party president, Dr. Nimaichand Luwang who provided financial assistance to the family.
Chinglensana emotionally expressed his grief over the demise of his wife and said his family was going through many hardships with his two-year old son, who was witness to the gruesome killing of his mother, calling for his dead mother every now and then.
He also said his family never wanted any form of compensation from the government for the death of his wife, but desired that the state government take necessary measures to prevent such killings in the future.
In the meantime, the JAC formed in connection with the killing of Rabina also expressed its firm stand to continue its agitation till its demands, including resignation of chief minister O Ibobi Singh on moral grounds and termination and punishment of the involved police commandos, were met.
The delegates of MPP led by its president Dr. Nimaichand Luwang along with office bearers donated Rs. 2000 to the bereaved family this morning.
Thereafter, the MPP delegation visited the RIMS hospital where two victms of the July 23 shootout identified as G Mangal Golmei of Maha Kabui Namching, New Keithelmanbi and Kesorani, 42, of Narankonjin and two other perosns who were seriously injured during the mass agitation were presented Rs. 1000 each.
Chinglensana emotionally expressed his grief over the demise of his wife and said his family was going through many hardships with his two-year old son, who was witness to the gruesome killing of his mother, calling for his dead mother every now and then.
He also said his family never wanted any form of compensation from the government for the death of his wife, but desired that the state government take necessary measures to prevent such killings in the future.
In the meantime, the JAC formed in connection with the killing of Rabina also expressed its firm stand to continue its agitation till its demands, including resignation of chief minister O Ibobi Singh on moral grounds and termination and punishment of the involved police commandos, were met.
The delegates of MPP led by its president Dr. Nimaichand Luwang along with office bearers donated Rs. 2000 to the bereaved family this morning.
Thereafter, the MPP delegation visited the RIMS hospital where two victms of the July 23 shootout identified as G Mangal Golmei of Maha Kabui Namching, New Keithelmanbi and Kesorani, 42, of Narankonjin and two other perosns who were seriously injured during the mass agitation were presented Rs. 1000 each.
Bodies re-affirm CM resignation demand
Imphal, August 8 Various civil society organisations of the state have aired their grievances and demands in connection with the 'fake encounter' incident at Khwairamband Bazar on July 23.Here is what the organisations have their say: The Nupi Khunai Apunba Lup, Lamshang - an umbrella organisation of eleven women's associations - said the CM is maintaining double-standard in dealing the issue.
The organisation's president, M Manbi Leima, in a press statement demanded the resignation of the CM on moral ground.
United Clubs Organisation (UCO), Golapati Hata said there is no need to conduct any sort of inquiry as the fact has been clearly established by the Tehelka.
Therefore, the guilty personnel should be dismissed from service and should be booked under NSA.
Kangchuplam Meira Paibi Apunba Lup, Lamshang Thamnapokpi said the CM must resign from his post.
The KAMPAL has also demanded the guilty personnel be terminated and the Apunba Lup leaders be freed immediately.
Maichou Ningshing Lup, Khurai urged the government to remember that we are human.
It also pledged to support the movement for the dismissal of O Ibobi from the Chief Minister post.
All Manipur Democratic Women Assocaition demanded that curfew should be lifted.
It also suggests that the CM should bring an amicable solution to the issue.
Civil Liberties and Human Rights Organisation (CLAHRO), Manipur said imposition of curfew violates the right to life of the people.
The case should be handed over to the CBI instead of conducting judicial inquiry.
Over 300 people have been killed in fake encounter killing incidents.
Curfew should be lifted immediately in order to ensure the right to life of the people.
Consumers' Club, Manipur said a team led by its president W Manglem has begun keeping a close watch on the unnecessary hike of the price of essential commodities by shopkeepers during curfew relaxation hours.
It informed the people to contact the Consumers' Club in case of price hike by shop keepers.
It also warned to take stringent action against shops which hike the price of commodities.
The organisation's president, M Manbi Leima, in a press statement demanded the resignation of the CM on moral ground.
United Clubs Organisation (UCO), Golapati Hata said there is no need to conduct any sort of inquiry as the fact has been clearly established by the Tehelka.
Therefore, the guilty personnel should be dismissed from service and should be booked under NSA.
Kangchuplam Meira Paibi Apunba Lup, Lamshang Thamnapokpi said the CM must resign from his post.
The KAMPAL has also demanded the guilty personnel be terminated and the Apunba Lup leaders be freed immediately.
Maichou Ningshing Lup, Khurai urged the government to remember that we are human.
It also pledged to support the movement for the dismissal of O Ibobi from the Chief Minister post.
All Manipur Democratic Women Assocaition demanded that curfew should be lifted.
It also suggests that the CM should bring an amicable solution to the issue.
Civil Liberties and Human Rights Organisation (CLAHRO), Manipur said imposition of curfew violates the right to life of the people.
The case should be handed over to the CBI instead of conducting judicial inquiry.
Over 300 people have been killed in fake encounter killing incidents.
Curfew should be lifted immediately in order to ensure the right to life of the people.
Consumers' Club, Manipur said a team led by its president W Manglem has begun keeping a close watch on the unnecessary hike of the price of essential commodities by shopkeepers during curfew relaxation hours.
It informed the people to contact the Consumers' Club in case of price hike by shop keepers.
It also warned to take stringent action against shops which hike the price of commodities.
Illegal tax taking toll of State transporters
Imphal, July 27 : Taking grim note of illegal tax collection by activists of various hill-based armed outfits in broad day-light and allegedly in full view of security force personnel deployed at check-post along both the NH-39 and NH-53 routes, a number of passenger as well as goods transport operators have asked the State Government to reign in such elements failing which transport activities would be halted.
Representatives of transport operators interacting with newspersons at Aryan Theatre (Wahengbam Leikai) today, cautioned that in case State authorities do not check such rampant collection of illegal taxes along the Imphal-Jiribam and Imphal-Dimapur routes transporters have no other alternative but to cease service.
Speaking to the media, representatives of All Manipur Inter-State Bus Association, manipur Drivers' Welfare Association, Imphal-silchar Road Transporters' Society and All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers' Union alleged that such illegal tax collections are being carried out close to security check posts manned by State as well as Central forces.
They insisted that failure on the part of the Government to reign in these elements would constrain transporters to halt service that could eventually be a huge blow to the State's economy and specifically lead to hardships of all concerned.
Further alleging that illegal tax collections on these two important routes are being carried out by activists belonging to armed organisations that had signed ceasefire and are involved in peacetalks with either the State or the Central Government, they also pointed out that on numerous occasion complaint memoranda were submitted to the Chief Minister, Transport Minister and DGP of Manipur Government.
Recounting that their complaints included not only urging for preventive measures to stop illegal tax collections but also develop and proper maintenance of NH-39 and NH-53, the transporters expressed serious resentment that till date no positive action had been initiated by the State authorities.
Speaking to the media, president of Petroleum Tanker Drivers' Union, Y Bhupenchandra Ghosh said since the past 20/30 years armed miscreants had been causing immense difficulties to both transport operators and passengers through various forms of criminal acts purportedly linked to extortion of money.
Apart from a number of transport operators being harassed or killed by these elements there had been instances of female travellers raped and molested on these two routes that had literally being transformed into a highway of notoriety, he asserted.
The Union's president further expressed that continued callousness by state authorities to transporters' proposal for parking spots of buses and trucks at Guwahati and Silchar as well as lack of a viable policy to deploy Highway Protection Force and arrange road opening parties had been contributing to the chronic problem.
Bhupenchandra also pondered whether reluctance of the State Government to ensure safe and smooth passage of vehicles on these important highways implies that transporters cease service in order to aggravate suffering of the people of Manipur.
He also informed that due to illegal occupation of substantial portion of the MSRTC campus in Dimapur, trucks and passenger carriers of Manipur have to station the vehicles at private parking zones at Rs 100 per vehicle.
Highlighting sense of insecurity felt by the vehicle operators while parking at private sites, he drew urgent attention of the state Government to station adequate strength of State security force at the Dimapur MSRTC campus for which transport operators would be more than willing to pay relevant parking fee/tax.
Bhupenchandra also suggested that necessary arrangements be made for parking slots at Jiribam, Silchar and Guwahati without further delay.
Joining in the media briefing, secretary of Drivers' Welfare Association M Tomba specifically mentioned that along the NH-39 route the Kohima-Dimapur section and from Mao to Motbung truckers are subjected to constant threats and intimidations from armed elements.
While appealing to the armed persons to desist from any activities that could endanger the live of drivers and handymen (assistant drivers), tomba also desired that Government take all possible security measures.
He further conveyed of moral support of all the truck operators to the SDSA's demand for proper development/maintenance of the NH-39 route.
The secretary also appealed to all concerned to relax the current economic blockade on July 27 so as to enable over 300 goods carriers stranded at Khatkati return home as these vehicles had left Imphal unaware of the agitation plan.
Office bearers of transport bodies operating along the Imphal-silchar and Imphal-Guwahati routes, disclosed that members of armed outfits have been collecting tax at Senapati Gate, Noney and at Kangpokpi police station.
They maintained that in trying to meet tax demand of UG groups, clearing tax liability to the Government has become a difficult proposition.
The duo also highlighted that passenger carriers are faced with the dilemma of having to oblige to monetary demands from the armed groups only to be charged by Government agencies of collaborating and assisting banned outfits.
further claiming that inspite of cessation of abducting driver/handyman of passenger carriers in connection with extortion of money in between Sekmai to Kangpokpi in the recent past, bus owners/operators had been receiving telephone calls to pay up demanded amount, they also insisted that in case of failure to extent protection Government should be prepared to provide compensation for damage suffered by passenger carriers.
Representatives of transport operators interacting with newspersons at Aryan Theatre (Wahengbam Leikai) today, cautioned that in case State authorities do not check such rampant collection of illegal taxes along the Imphal-Jiribam and Imphal-Dimapur routes transporters have no other alternative but to cease service.
Speaking to the media, representatives of All Manipur Inter-State Bus Association, manipur Drivers' Welfare Association, Imphal-silchar Road Transporters' Society and All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers' Union alleged that such illegal tax collections are being carried out close to security check posts manned by State as well as Central forces.
They insisted that failure on the part of the Government to reign in these elements would constrain transporters to halt service that could eventually be a huge blow to the State's economy and specifically lead to hardships of all concerned.
Further alleging that illegal tax collections on these two important routes are being carried out by activists belonging to armed organisations that had signed ceasefire and are involved in peacetalks with either the State or the Central Government, they also pointed out that on numerous occasion complaint memoranda were submitted to the Chief Minister, Transport Minister and DGP of Manipur Government.
Recounting that their complaints included not only urging for preventive measures to stop illegal tax collections but also develop and proper maintenance of NH-39 and NH-53, the transporters expressed serious resentment that till date no positive action had been initiated by the State authorities.
Speaking to the media, president of Petroleum Tanker Drivers' Union, Y Bhupenchandra Ghosh said since the past 20/30 years armed miscreants had been causing immense difficulties to both transport operators and passengers through various forms of criminal acts purportedly linked to extortion of money.
Apart from a number of transport operators being harassed or killed by these elements there had been instances of female travellers raped and molested on these two routes that had literally being transformed into a highway of notoriety, he asserted.
The Union's president further expressed that continued callousness by state authorities to transporters' proposal for parking spots of buses and trucks at Guwahati and Silchar as well as lack of a viable policy to deploy Highway Protection Force and arrange road opening parties had been contributing to the chronic problem.
Bhupenchandra also pondered whether reluctance of the State Government to ensure safe and smooth passage of vehicles on these important highways implies that transporters cease service in order to aggravate suffering of the people of Manipur.
He also informed that due to illegal occupation of substantial portion of the MSRTC campus in Dimapur, trucks and passenger carriers of Manipur have to station the vehicles at private parking zones at Rs 100 per vehicle.
Highlighting sense of insecurity felt by the vehicle operators while parking at private sites, he drew urgent attention of the state Government to station adequate strength of State security force at the Dimapur MSRTC campus for which transport operators would be more than willing to pay relevant parking fee/tax.
Bhupenchandra also suggested that necessary arrangements be made for parking slots at Jiribam, Silchar and Guwahati without further delay.
Joining in the media briefing, secretary of Drivers' Welfare Association M Tomba specifically mentioned that along the NH-39 route the Kohima-Dimapur section and from Mao to Motbung truckers are subjected to constant threats and intimidations from armed elements.
While appealing to the armed persons to desist from any activities that could endanger the live of drivers and handymen (assistant drivers), tomba also desired that Government take all possible security measures.
He further conveyed of moral support of all the truck operators to the SDSA's demand for proper development/maintenance of the NH-39 route.
The secretary also appealed to all concerned to relax the current economic blockade on July 27 so as to enable over 300 goods carriers stranded at Khatkati return home as these vehicles had left Imphal unaware of the agitation plan.
Office bearers of transport bodies operating along the Imphal-silchar and Imphal-Guwahati routes, disclosed that members of armed outfits have been collecting tax at Senapati Gate, Noney and at Kangpokpi police station.
They maintained that in trying to meet tax demand of UG groups, clearing tax liability to the Government has become a difficult proposition.
The duo also highlighted that passenger carriers are faced with the dilemma of having to oblige to monetary demands from the armed groups only to be charged by Government agencies of collaborating and assisting banned outfits.
further claiming that inspite of cessation of abducting driver/handyman of passenger carriers in connection with extortion of money in between Sekmai to Kangpokpi in the recent past, bus owners/operators had been receiving telephone calls to pay up demanded amount, they also insisted that in case of failure to extent protection Government should be prepared to provide compensation for damage suffered by passenger carriers.
Resign : Women bodies to MLAs
Imphal, July 26 : Coming out strongly against the shoot out at the busy Khwairamband Market yesterday, which left two persons, including a pregnant woman dead, while five others were wounded, various women bodies have demanded all the 60 MLAs in the State to resign and take rest at home, if the Government is not going to protect its people but go on killing them.
Addressing a joint press conference at Khwairamband Nupi Keithel here today, leaders of All Manipur Nupi Marup, Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup, Khwairamband Keithel Semgat Sagatpa Nupi Lup, Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup and Khwairamband Bazar Sinpham Amadi Saktam Kanba Lup unequivocally stated that the reckless and unrestrained firing by the police commandos deserved strongest condemnation and called upon the Government to ensure such shoot-outs never take in public areas again.
Sakhi, vice president of All Manipur Nupi Marup Shakhi, categorically observed that it was nothing but the recklessness of the police commandos who resorted to unrestrained firing in their attempt to arrest one person that left one pregnant woman killed and five other people injured besides creating fear and confusion among the women vendors and buyers in the busy market.
The Government should understand that public have been outraged by the conduct of the police commandos and initiate investigation to find out the true behind the incident.
On the contrary, if the Government intends to kill all the people then it should not spare none, not even the children, Sakhi said, while asking whether the Chief Minister would be able to adopt the child whose mother had been killed in the yesterday's incident.
The number of such children in Manipur has been on the rise, she expressed concern.
Memma of Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup, said all the 60 MLAs regardless of whether they are in the Ruling or the Opposition should be ready to take the responsibility for the incident of killings taking place in Manipur today.
She demanded all the 60 MLAs to reign and take rest at home if they cannot ensure protection to the people.
K Ibemhal of Khwairamband Semgat Sagatpa Nupi Lup, said the incident of indiscriminate firing by the police in public places like Khwairamband Bazar is not acceptable and such incidents should not be repeated.
Sakhi, president of Manipur Kanba Ima Lup, demanded an investigate into the incident and added that the conduct of the Police Commandos becoming unpardonable.
Meanwhile, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (PLMPAM); Kanglei Apunba Ima Yaipha Lup, Manipur; All India Rural Women's Upliftment Association (Manipur Branch); Manipur Peace & Integrity (MAPI) Council; Centre for Organisation Research Education (CORE); CPI Manipur State Council; AIYF Manipur State Council; AISF Manipur State Council; etc have also strongly condemned the incident.
Addressing a joint press conference at Khwairamband Nupi Keithel here today, leaders of All Manipur Nupi Marup, Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup, Khwairamband Keithel Semgat Sagatpa Nupi Lup, Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup and Khwairamband Bazar Sinpham Amadi Saktam Kanba Lup unequivocally stated that the reckless and unrestrained firing by the police commandos deserved strongest condemnation and called upon the Government to ensure such shoot-outs never take in public areas again.
Sakhi, vice president of All Manipur Nupi Marup Shakhi, categorically observed that it was nothing but the recklessness of the police commandos who resorted to unrestrained firing in their attempt to arrest one person that left one pregnant woman killed and five other people injured besides creating fear and confusion among the women vendors and buyers in the busy market.
The Government should understand that public have been outraged by the conduct of the police commandos and initiate investigation to find out the true behind the incident.
On the contrary, if the Government intends to kill all the people then it should not spare none, not even the children, Sakhi said, while asking whether the Chief Minister would be able to adopt the child whose mother had been killed in the yesterday's incident.
The number of such children in Manipur has been on the rise, she expressed concern.
Memma of Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup, said all the 60 MLAs regardless of whether they are in the Ruling or the Opposition should be ready to take the responsibility for the incident of killings taking place in Manipur today.
She demanded all the 60 MLAs to reign and take rest at home if they cannot ensure protection to the people.
K Ibemhal of Khwairamband Semgat Sagatpa Nupi Lup, said the incident of indiscriminate firing by the police in public places like Khwairamband Bazar is not acceptable and such incidents should not be repeated.
Sakhi, president of Manipur Kanba Ima Lup, demanded an investigate into the incident and added that the conduct of the Police Commandos becoming unpardonable.
Meanwhile, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (PLMPAM); Kanglei Apunba Ima Yaipha Lup, Manipur; All India Rural Women's Upliftment Association (Manipur Branch); Manipur Peace & Integrity (MAPI) Council; Centre for Organisation Research Education (CORE); CPI Manipur State Council; AIYF Manipur State Council; AISF Manipur State Council; etc have also strongly condemned the incident.
Naga nullah parking lots on the card
Imphal, July 18 : Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today informed the Assembly that process are on to implement the recommendations of the House Committee, in connection with construction of parking lots over Naga Nullah after evicting the encroachers, starting from Khoyathong point to Keishampat.
In response to a query raised by MLA O Joy of MPP, during the question hour session of the Assembly today, the Chief Minister observed that from time to time Government in the past had given plots to private individuals for opening shops on either side of Naga Nullah and process is on to evict these encroachers, for construction the parking lot in accordance with the recommendations of the House Committee.
Joy demanded to know whether the recommendations of the House Committee, which had been submitted along with a report on July 16, 1993 have been implemented or not.
In a supplementary question, Revenue Minister Th Debendra informed the House that the plots of shops along the side of Irabot Bhawan, which were found to be issued in the name of 11 persons as well as pattas given to the plots near Babuthong, have been cancelled and the encroachers evicted.
To another question raised by MLA Dr Ng Bijoy, Works Minister K Ranjit said there is no pending case in the Court in connection with the seniority of EE officers in the Works Department though the case of AE is still pending.
Furthermore, the Minister informed the House that there is no final seniority list of SE though there is an order giving the full power of the Chief Engineer/Additional Chief Engineer to the senior most in-charge of SE (Works), for technical sanctions on detailed estimates of Civil works.
To a question of MLA U Deben, IFC Minister N Biren said there is project proposal for repairing the embankment of Imphal and Sekmai rivers.
The project proposal includes Anti Erosion Flood Control Scheme for Sekmai river, Flood Control on Sekmai River Phase-I and II and Anti Erosion Scheme on Imphal River from Lilong Bridge to Thoubal Irong.
To a question raised by MLA Th Nandakishore in connection with Family Benefit Scheme, Social Welfare Minister N Loken informed the House that 1970 families have been provided the benefit under the scheme in 2008-09 .
The beneficiaries include 346 in Imphal West, 301 in Imphal East, 275 in Thoubal, 148 in Bishnupur, 161 in Churachandpur, 76 in Tamenglong, 81 in Chandel, 97 in Ukhrul, 109 in Senapati and 94 in Saitu Gamphajol.
To another question raised by MLA RK Anand, Minister Loken said The Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation, Act, 1995 is being implemented in Manipur as well as for the welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Under this Act, deaf and blind persons are being given free education at the Government Blind School and Deaf and Mute School apart from free hostel facilities, diet allowance of Rs 500 per month to each hosteler, and scholarship, free uniform, text books, exercise books, learning materials, etc to all persons with disabilities.
There is also 3 percent reservation in Group C and D posts of the Govt for persons with disabilities.
Under the Economic Rehabilitation Programme, they are also given Rs 3000 as one time financial grant, the Minister said.
In response to another question of MLA V Hangkhalian, the Social Welfare Minister informed the House that the honorarium of Anganwadi workers and helpers under Parbung ICDS Project have been paid till March 2009 but the honorarium from April, 2009 has not been given as the Central Grant is yet to be released.
Responding to a question of MLA Morung Makunga, Revenue Minister Th Debendra clarified that though interview for appointment to the post of Mandal in Revenue Department had been conducted through Employment Exchange, the result had not been declared following an order of the High Court.
So none of the candidates have been given appointment.
In response to a query raised by MLA O Joy of MPP, during the question hour session of the Assembly today, the Chief Minister observed that from time to time Government in the past had given plots to private individuals for opening shops on either side of Naga Nullah and process is on to evict these encroachers, for construction the parking lot in accordance with the recommendations of the House Committee.
Joy demanded to know whether the recommendations of the House Committee, which had been submitted along with a report on July 16, 1993 have been implemented or not.
In a supplementary question, Revenue Minister Th Debendra informed the House that the plots of shops along the side of Irabot Bhawan, which were found to be issued in the name of 11 persons as well as pattas given to the plots near Babuthong, have been cancelled and the encroachers evicted.
To another question raised by MLA Dr Ng Bijoy, Works Minister K Ranjit said there is no pending case in the Court in connection with the seniority of EE officers in the Works Department though the case of AE is still pending.
Furthermore, the Minister informed the House that there is no final seniority list of SE though there is an order giving the full power of the Chief Engineer/Additional Chief Engineer to the senior most in-charge of SE (Works), for technical sanctions on detailed estimates of Civil works.
To a question of MLA U Deben, IFC Minister N Biren said there is project proposal for repairing the embankment of Imphal and Sekmai rivers.
The project proposal includes Anti Erosion Flood Control Scheme for Sekmai river, Flood Control on Sekmai River Phase-I and II and Anti Erosion Scheme on Imphal River from Lilong Bridge to Thoubal Irong.
To a question raised by MLA Th Nandakishore in connection with Family Benefit Scheme, Social Welfare Minister N Loken informed the House that 1970 families have been provided the benefit under the scheme in 2008-09 .
The beneficiaries include 346 in Imphal West, 301 in Imphal East, 275 in Thoubal, 148 in Bishnupur, 161 in Churachandpur, 76 in Tamenglong, 81 in Chandel, 97 in Ukhrul, 109 in Senapati and 94 in Saitu Gamphajol.
To another question raised by MLA RK Anand, Minister Loken said The Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation, Act, 1995 is being implemented in Manipur as well as for the welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Under this Act, deaf and blind persons are being given free education at the Government Blind School and Deaf and Mute School apart from free hostel facilities, diet allowance of Rs 500 per month to each hosteler, and scholarship, free uniform, text books, exercise books, learning materials, etc to all persons with disabilities.
There is also 3 percent reservation in Group C and D posts of the Govt for persons with disabilities.
Under the Economic Rehabilitation Programme, they are also given Rs 3000 as one time financial grant, the Minister said.
In response to another question of MLA V Hangkhalian, the Social Welfare Minister informed the House that the honorarium of Anganwadi workers and helpers under Parbung ICDS Project have been paid till March 2009 but the honorarium from April, 2009 has not been given as the Central Grant is yet to be released.
Responding to a question of MLA Morung Makunga, Revenue Minister Th Debendra clarified that though interview for appointment to the post of Mandal in Revenue Department had been conducted through Employment Exchange, the result had not been declared following an order of the High Court.
So none of the candidates have been given appointment.
Naturopathy Awareness Camp concluded
Imphal, May 20 : The seven days Free Naturopathy Awareness cum Treatment Camp organized by Nature Cure and Yoga Hospital, Kongba Kshetri Leikai under the sponsorship of National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) Pune at the premises of the Hospital from May 11 has been concluded on May 17 last.
A release of the hospital stated that 30 males and 25 females participated at the camp.
There were Yoga demonstration and practical classes on Naturopathy treatment.
Chief Consultant, Dr K Basanta, MO of District Hospital of Churachandpur, Dr Y Lukhoi, Camp Coordinator of NIN Pune, Dr A Ibotombi, Adhyaksha Bihangam Yoga manipur Branch Dr A Kunjabihari and Chief Consultant of Yoga Dr K Devota took part at the camp as resource persons.
Dr Bijoy Koijam graced the valedictory function as chief guest.
The statement further stated that the aim of the camp was to propagate and to popularize the Naturopathy and Yoga system of treatment among the general health seeker so that people can understand the basic knowledge of Yoga and Naturopathy treatment.
Chronic diseases like Hypertension, Arthritis, Asthma, Gastric trouble and Obesity etc were treated with the help of Yogasan, Pranayama, Hydrotherapy, Massage, indoor treatment and outdoor treatment during the camp.
A release of the hospital stated that 30 males and 25 females participated at the camp.
There were Yoga demonstration and practical classes on Naturopathy treatment.
Chief Consultant, Dr K Basanta, MO of District Hospital of Churachandpur, Dr Y Lukhoi, Camp Coordinator of NIN Pune, Dr A Ibotombi, Adhyaksha Bihangam Yoga manipur Branch Dr A Kunjabihari and Chief Consultant of Yoga Dr K Devota took part at the camp as resource persons.
Dr Bijoy Koijam graced the valedictory function as chief guest.
The statement further stated that the aim of the camp was to propagate and to popularize the Naturopathy and Yoga system of treatment among the general health seeker so that people can understand the basic knowledge of Yoga and Naturopathy treatment.
Chronic diseases like Hypertension, Arthritis, Asthma, Gastric trouble and Obesity etc were treated with the help of Yogasan, Pranayama, Hydrotherapy, Massage, indoor treatment and outdoor treatment during the camp.
CBFC to meet Manipur filmmakers today
IMPHAL, May 11 : A day- long interface between the officials of Central Board of Film Certification and Film Forum, Manipur will be held at the Hotel Imphal on May 11.
Father of Manipuri cinema Aribam Syam Sharma will be the moderator of the gathering. Filmmaker Ningthoujam, convenor of the organizing committee informed this in a press conference today.
Lancha said the interface would be an opportunity for the film lovers in the State to interact and share their ideas with the CBFC officials. Vinayak Azad, Regional Officer of CBFC head office, Mumbai said that the objective of the interaction cum sharing session will give an awareness on rules and regulations of Cinematography Act in the State.
Smoking in films in not banned but glamourization of it is banned as per the Act. Similarly animal issue is hardly reflected in making fims, the officer said. According to him, minimum budget for making a commercial film in Bollywood is around Rs 50 lakh while in Manipur a digital film costs hardly Rs 5-7 lakh.
Father of Manipuri cinema Aribam Syam Sharma will be the moderator of the gathering. Filmmaker Ningthoujam, convenor of the organizing committee informed this in a press conference today.
Lancha said the interface would be an opportunity for the film lovers in the State to interact and share their ideas with the CBFC officials. Vinayak Azad, Regional Officer of CBFC head office, Mumbai said that the objective of the interaction cum sharing session will give an awareness on rules and regulations of Cinematography Act in the State.
Smoking in films in not banned but glamourization of it is banned as per the Act. Similarly animal issue is hardly reflected in making fims, the officer said. According to him, minimum budget for making a commercial film in Bollywood is around Rs 50 lakh while in Manipur a digital film costs hardly Rs 5-7 lakh.
Ibobi vows fight for unity
| Chief minister promises peace at war memorial | ||
| KHELEN THOKCHOM | ||
Khongjom (Thoubal), April 24 : Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh today chose the anniversary of Manipur’s surrender to the British to promise that any threat to the country’s unity would not be compromised with. The chief minister said he would not remain a silent spectator to acts of violence, as it was the primary duty of the government to protect the life and property of the people. “Bloodshed will not bring us any good. It will give us more widows and sonless mothers. There is a rule of law. It has to be enforced,” Ibobi Singh said, a day after having ensured a relatively peaceful two-phase polling and a “successful” flush-out operation. The chief minister, along with Governor Gurbachan Jagat, was addressing a function to mark Khongjom Day function at Khongjom War memorial complex in Thoubal district today. The last of the Anglo-Manipuri wars was fought at Khongjom leading to loss of Manipur’s sovereignty to the British on April 23, 1891. Manipur remembers the day every year as Khongjom Day. “Any threat or challenge to the hard won freedom of our country and the nation, has to be faced unitedly and boldly,” Jagat said addressing Khongjom Day function at Khongjom war memorial complex in Thoubal district today. Without mentioning the armed movement for sovereignty in Manipur, the governor said freedom should not be misinterpreted in the narrow sense of separatist tendency. He said people were fed up with violence and they want education for their children and a secured environment. Though neither the governor nor the chief minister mentioned the peaceful polls or the Loktak operation in their speeches today, they said the government was determined to “restore peace and usher in development” in Manipur by boldly tackling the problem of militancy. “On this sacred day of Khongjom, let’s all take the pledge to maintain peace in the state,” Ibobi Singh told the large gathering. Jagat and Ibobi Singh led the gathering in paying floral tribute at the war memorial stone atop Khebaching hillock of Khongjom. The main attraction of today’s programme was a presentation of Khongjom Lal (Khongjom War), by artistes of the drama division of the directorate of information and public relations depicting the Manipuri heroes’ fight against the British soldiers 118 years ago. People from various parts of the state came to pay homage to the Manipuri heroes. |
Absence of civic sense defaces Imphal
Imphal, February 16 : Success or failure of the efforts to make Imphal a clean and healthy city will certainly depend on citizens understanding their duties and responsibilities.
But this may not be enough.
The Government too need to take up more concerted efforts.
Although, the Imphal Municipal Council used to pick up garbage in Imphal Municipal Areas including the city circle, the same work has been entrusted to four NGOs sometime back.
The Workers Union Manipur is looking after the wastes and garbage picking work in Khwairamband Keithel (ward no 25) and areas under ward numbers 4, 21, 22, 23 and 26 .
After the garbage picking work was taken over by NGOs from the Imphal Municipal Council, there has been noticeable improvement in the appearance of Imphal city.
But this may not be enough.
The Government too need to take up more concerted efforts.
Although, the Imphal Municipal Council used to pick up garbage in Imphal Municipal Areas including the city circle, the same work has been entrusted to four NGOs sometime back.
The Workers Union Manipur is looking after the wastes and garbage picking work in Khwairamband Keithel (ward no 25) and areas under ward numbers 4, 21, 22, 23 and 26 .
After the garbage picking work was taken over by NGOs from the Imphal Municipal Council, there has been noticeable improvement in the appearance of Imphal city.
|
Earlier, Imphal city bore a horrible look with filth, waste material and garbage clogging every drain and being piled up on very streets and corners.
But the efforts of the Workers Union to make Imphal city free from any wastes and garbage are often negated by lack of civic sense on the part of citizens and women vendors.
It is often a common sight at Paona bazar, Thangal Bazar, BT Road and other parts of Imphal, people littering and throwing garbage at improper places.
If one observes, one would see people spitting on busy market places without looking if any one coming behind or beside him/her.
People pissing at improper places is also no rare sight.
It remains a daily sight for people to smoke in busy BT road inspite of the countrywide ban on smoking in public places.
Many people are also seen throwing away wrappers and empty packets of snack items and other packaged eatables in the middle of busy roads.
It seems most people don't have the habit to dispose garbage and other waste materials in dust bins.
As such, many people still need awareness programmes on using dust bins.
Another despicable sight is many people spitting out betel liquid in every corner of public places including RIMS and JN Hospital.
Incidentally, there were instances when security personnel pulled up some insensitive people for spitting out betel liquid in public institutes.
Interestingly, there is no case of any one spitting out betel liquids or smoking in Chamber of Commerce Medical Care and Research Centre, Leirik Memorial Charitable hospital, Raj Polyclinic, Maipakpi Maternity and Child Hospital and other private hospitals located in and around Imphal city.
Wastes materials and garbage littered by women vendors of Khwairamband Keithel are cleansed and picked up volunteers of the Workers Union Manipur on daily basis.
Most of the women vendors don't seem to have any thought to put together their garbage and waste materials in a container like polythene bag so that it can be collected by the volunteers without littering.
Another source of dirtying and contaminating Imphal city is the small rice hotels run by vendors without licence inside Khwairamband Keithels.
A large majority of these hotels used to throw away wastes materials on the side of the road located in front of Family Welfare Office.
They never bother to put their waste materials in the garbage pick-up truck kept parked just beside the BT Flyover.
Although it can be safely assumed that the women running rice hotels would be keeping their home neat and clean, these women are acting as if they don't have any clue to keep Imphal city clean and healthy.
It is the same case along Nagamapal road, near Uripok Cheirap Court along BT Flyover and women vendors at these places too harbour the same attitude.
One woman dealing betel inside Khwairamband Keithel observed that Khwairamband Keithels have become a lot cleaner since Workers Union Manipur took over the garbage picking work.
However, most of the women vendors seem to be lacking in civic sense and understanding, she noted.
Some of these women are reluctant to donate a single rupee when volunteers of Workers Union Manipur come for donation once in a month, she said.
Talking to The Sangai Express, general secretary of the Workers Union Manipur L Joykumar explained that as per the agreement signed with the Government, monthly charge of Rs 100 hundred should be levied from every consumer if it is commercial area.
If it is non-commercial area, the monthly charge should be Rs 50 .
For hospitals, godowns, grocery shops and Government offices, the monthly charge for garbage picking work should be levied according to the volume of wastes discharged.
Some grocery shops located inside Khwairamband Keithels have been disposing wastes and garbage on roads in night as they are not willing to pay tax for garbage disposal, Joykumar disclosed.
Many other consumers are also disposing waste materials at road sides in late night.
As the particular persons disposing waste materials at night could not be identified, volunteers of the NGO have started watching for such defaulters at night, he disclosed.
Informing that the Workers Union has been entrusted to cleanse the temporary market shed of Khwairamband Keithel too, the general secretary claimed that filthiness of the market has reduced by 80 percent.
However, consumers are still paying tax to IMC.
When volunteers of the Union went for donation once a month, vendors contributed Rs 2/3.Some others lauded the Union for its works and donated Rs 10.But some vendors refused to make any contribution, he said.
In case the whole work of picking up garbage from the entire Khwairamband Keithel is handed over to the Union, piles of garbage and waste materials seen at the roadside near Family Welfare office will be removed completely and no garbage will be allowed to pile up on the spot, he assured.
He observed that wastes materials seen littering around in Imphal city is due to lack of understanding on the part of citizens.
Lack of coordination between police and traffic police is also contributing to the mess, he added. Notwithstanding the fact that the responsibility of cleaning Imphal city and keeping it neat has been entrusted to the Workers Union Manipur, the union often felt let down and helpless as it is not authorised to take up any action when consumers dispose waste materials at improper places, Joykumar said.
IMC Chairperson Ranisana has already instructed the union to levy separate tax for cleansing the interiors of Khwairamband Keithel.
However, the same work has not been formally handed over to the Union, he conveyed.
Saying that the ongoing efforts to keep Imphal city clean needs cooperation of the IMC, Joykumar said that the union is facing shortage of pick-up vehicles.
Conveying that the IMC is planning to purchase some pick up vehicles, he exuded that the IMC will be able to help the union in its work in a big way once the vehicles are procured.
Loktak fishermen protest over compensation demand
Imphal, February 13 : Fishermen of the Loktak Lake Thursday converged to the office of the director of the Loktak Development Authority in Imphal demanding release of compensation for the loss fishing ground and also remove phumdis (floating biomass) piling up near the Thanga village on the shore of the lake.
Thanga, to mention here, is an island in the Loktak Lake which now connected by a land road with population of around 20,000 with fishing as main occupation.
The fishing practice is done here by keeping encircling phums (in the water which fishes are attracted.
They call it as Athaphum (planted floating biomass) .
However, the Loktak Development Authority, in order to save the only fresh water body in the entire north east banned the fishermen the practice and works for removal of the phums has been doing since the last around three years after assure adequate compensation to the fishermen.
The step has been taken up phumdis are the main factor behind the reduction of the depth of the lake.
The LDA authority has already compensated fishermen smaller villages in the island in 2007 but around 5000 fishermen of the largest village Thanga Heisnam Leikai are yet to get the compensation even though, they were banned from making Athaphums, protesting fishermen said.
The fishermen today converged at the office of the LDA in Imphal Babupara and demanded immediate distribution of the compensation.
They also urged the authority to remove the phums piling up near the shore of the village.
They also submitted a memorandum to the chief minister, O Ibobi Singh drawing his attention to relief the fishermen whose main living earning has been cut off after banning the making of the Athaphum.
In the memorandum, it was mention that no appropriate action has been taken up by any authority of the government to remove around 500 Athaphums from the lake at Heisnam area and to release the compensation amount of the Athaphums of the fishermen till today.
The fishermen said the Athaphums from their area have already removed without releasing the compensation.
The authority promised of Rs 13,000 per Athaphums, they said.
On the other hand, the way large phumdis coming down from main area of Loktak Lake with strong wind blowing towards Thanga Heinsam are spreading and stranding over the surface of water covering across the length and breath of shore of the lake to Heinsam village and ause not only trouble in water transportation but also contaminated the water, they said.
This may led to the spreading of diseases to the residents, they said.
If the state government do not take up appropriate action to their demand, they will launched other forms of agitation, the protesting fishermen warned.
Thanga, to mention here, is an island in the Loktak Lake which now connected by a land road with population of around 20,000 with fishing as main occupation.
The fishing practice is done here by keeping encircling phums (in the water which fishes are attracted.
They call it as Athaphum (planted floating biomass) .
However, the Loktak Development Authority, in order to save the only fresh water body in the entire north east banned the fishermen the practice and works for removal of the phums has been doing since the last around three years after assure adequate compensation to the fishermen.
The step has been taken up phumdis are the main factor behind the reduction of the depth of the lake.
The LDA authority has already compensated fishermen smaller villages in the island in 2007 but around 5000 fishermen of the largest village Thanga Heisnam Leikai are yet to get the compensation even though, they were banned from making Athaphums, protesting fishermen said.
The fishermen today converged at the office of the LDA in Imphal Babupara and demanded immediate distribution of the compensation.
They also urged the authority to remove the phums piling up near the shore of the village.
They also submitted a memorandum to the chief minister, O Ibobi Singh drawing his attention to relief the fishermen whose main living earning has been cut off after banning the making of the Athaphum.
In the memorandum, it was mention that no appropriate action has been taken up by any authority of the government to remove around 500 Athaphums from the lake at Heisnam area and to release the compensation amount of the Athaphums of the fishermen till today.
The fishermen said the Athaphums from their area have already removed without releasing the compensation.
The authority promised of Rs 13,000 per Athaphums, they said.
On the other hand, the way large phumdis coming down from main area of Loktak Lake with strong wind blowing towards Thanga Heinsam are spreading and stranding over the surface of water covering across the length and breath of shore of the lake to Heinsam village and ause not only trouble in water transportation but also contaminated the water, they said.
This may led to the spreading of diseases to the residents, they said.
If the state government do not take up appropriate action to their demand, they will launched other forms of agitation, the protesting fishermen warned.
Road stir, deadline set
Imphal, January 22 : Demanding a white paper on the proposed expansion of National Highway 39 stretch at Yaiskul as well as on the development of the road along Yaiskul Police Lane, the Social Action Committee (SAC).
Yaiskul has announced its decision of calling a 12-hour bandh along the National Highway stretch with effect from 6 am of January 24 if the Government fails to give a positive response before that.
Yaiskul has announced its decision of calling a 12-hour bandh along the National Highway stretch with effect from 6 am of January 24 if the Government fails to give a positive response before that.
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Addressing a press conference in this regard at Yaiskul this afternoon, SAC spokesperson Dr L Debabrata Roy informed that the decision to call the bandh along the National Highway stretch from in front of Ist MR gate to Thumbuthong point has been arrived at during a public meeting today.
The decision has been constraint to take in view of the fact that the construction of the road along Yaiskul Police Lane has been pending for over one year now, cracks have already started appearing on the RCC retaining wall being constructed in place of the earlier embankment of Imphal river and cutting down of the sacred Peepul tree which is considered to be the abode of Heisnam Lairembi has begun in connection with the proposed expansion of the National Highway, Debabrata explained.
In this regard, a memorandum has also been submitted to the officials concerned of the Government and the copy of the same forwarded to the Works Minister.
But so far no response have been received, he rued.
Apart from resolving to stop the ongoing construction work on the retaining wall and all other activities related to the road expansion work, today's meeting has also decided to submit a memorandum to the Chairman of the 13th Finance Commission Bijay Kelkar who arrived at Imphal today and lodged a complaint with the Manipur Human Rights Commission, Debabrata conveyed.
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