9th December 2013 News
AR Trooper turns gangster; tried to pull up a civilian by placing 2 hand grenades
IT News
Imphal Dec 9: Some Assam Rifles personnel turned gangster last night after a team led by Havildar had tried to pull up a civilian by placing two hand grenades at his residence. Heingang Police personnel whom they said that they had informed them were found to have been misreported. None of the Assam Rifles authority had approached the Heingang Police station regarding the case
According to report some of the Assam rifles troops led by a Havildar acting upon the instigation by a surrendered PULF cadre who was yet to be officially recognized and is presently taking refuge at the 30 AR camp at Khurkhul came at Kairang Mamang Leikai last midnight and entered the residence of one Suleman Shah (49) son of Late Issac Shah of Keirang Mamang Leikai. Shah is a small time supplier to the Assam Rifles camp. The AR troop who was also accompanied by one MD Samir@ Inao (35) s/o Isman B of Kairang Maning Leikai another surrendered cadre entered to the stor room of Shah and allegedly placed two hand grenades. The AR troop than tried to pull up Suleman which was failed due to interventions of various local meira Paibis and local Pradhan. The AR troop than delayed no time and fled by telling them to come at Heingang Police station in the morning. When the Local Pradhan went to Heingang Police station it has been found out that the police station authority had not been inform about the incident neither did the Assam rifle persneel told them about the seizure of the two hand grenades.
Locals of Keirang today staged a sit-in-protest against the incident.
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Rally staged, memorandum submitted over Manisana’s assassination
IT News
Imphal Dec 9: Hundreds of people today staged a rally demanding to produce the culprits who have killed Haobijam Manisana, Vice-President of the Manipur People’s Party (MPP).
Workers of MPP, members of the JAC against the killing of Haobijam Manisana, friends and relatives gathered at the Office of the MPP located near the Polo Ground this morning. They staged a rally starting from the MPP office and heading towards Raj Bhavan. However, police stopped the rally near Bir Tikendrajit Park.
Later seven persons including the President of MPP were taken to the Raj Bhavan to meet the Governor. However, they did not meet the Governor as the Governor is presently out of station. A memorandum addressed to the Governor was however submitted.
The memorandum it is mentioned that the present Government of Manipur failed to take up serious steps and to find out the culprits of Manisana’s assassination. Negligence and irresponsible manner of the government caused hindrances to the investigation of the murder case. It might be mentioned that the Vice-President of the Manipur People’s Party was assassinated by some unknown persons on the 13th of November, 2013 at Changangei Uchekon of Tiddim Road when he was driving towards Imphal from his home.
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Lament of a Widow selected
IT News
Imphal Dec 9: NT Theatre’s play ‘Lament of a Widow’ has been listed among the plays which will be played during the Bharat Rang Mahotsav International Theatre Festival of India 2014 to be held in Delhi from 4th to 19th January, 2014. The play will be shown on the 13th of January at 5.30 evening at the L.T.G. Auditorium, Delhi.
NT Theatre started taking part in the prestigious festival since the last couple of years by showing ‘Mythical Surrender’ in 2012 and ‘A far Cry’ in 2013. The play is designed and directed by Ningthoujam Dipak and written by Niladhaja Khuman. It might be mentioned that the play was also shown in the Abhinaya National Theatre Festival 2013 held at Hyderabad.
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Seeds and agricultural inputs distributed
IT News
Imphal Dec 9: District Agriculture Officer, Imphal East distributed Rabi seeds and agricultural inputs under RKVY 2013-2014 to the farmers of Seijang, Imphal East.
The seeds and inputs were distributed during a one day training program on Rabi Crops held today at Seijang Community Hall. During the training program eight begs of mustard seeds, eight begs of pea, two sprayer pump set and five begs of Urea were distributed to the farmers of the village.
The one day training program was attended by UCM president, Y. Nabachandra, executive officer of Agriculture Department, H. Modhumangol and chairman of Seijang Vegetable Group, Kh. Sarat as chief guest, president and guest of honor respectively.
The function was jointly organized by District Agricultural Officer, Imphal East and All Manipur Young Farmers’ Union.
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Legislative Assembly cum advance Christmas
IT News
Imphal Dec 9: The All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) Manipur held its 2nd Legislative Assembly cum Advance Christmas at Mahadev (Ngashanphung).
The assembly was hosted by the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS). Twelve constituent units participated the program.
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A success story of Bamboo farming in Churachandpur District
Siamchinthang Tangpua
LAMKA, Dec. 09: A private commercial bamboo farming have been taken up at Matamualtam village, under Churachandpur sub-division of Manipur south district at the adjacent to the Khuga Dam water body, by the Christian Minority Upliftment Agency ( UCMUA), Churachandpur Manipur.
Wherein, a selected quality species of bambusa nutan well (Saneibi), bambusa tulsa, and bambusa arunadicaia ( woody bamboo) have been planted with a total of one thousand and three hundreds number by covering more than four hacters of area lands with a technique support of Department of Forest and Khrishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Churachandpur.
Talking to IMPHAL TIMES, the Co-ordinator, of the CMUA, Shri Zakai Thomte said, the bamboo cultivation are being adopted to scientific management and appliede of latest bamboo agro – forest cultivation technical inline with the operative guide-line of the National Bamboo Mission (NBM), and Ministry of Agricultural, Government of India. He said, the scientific management of bamboo farming is the first of its kind in Churachandpur district which is determined as a model economic farming and to motivate local tribal jhuming communities. Thomte said that the bamboo can be a great economic potential of the district.
The prime objective of Green Gold Farming project is concerned increasing productivity of a large scale green bamboo in the district, and it is also subsequently aimed to promote bamboo value application and its by-products for making of items like production of green bamboo clums, production of young bamboo shoot vegetable foods, industrial processing and production of bamboo based furnitures,
including bamboo structures for construction materials, and production of quality bamboo charcoal briquettes through through brick kilns, he added.
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Editorial
A good decision
State government’s invitation for fielding the post of Manipur State Chief Information Commissioner and the State Information Commissioner from eligible candidates is perhaps a sign of good governance even though the matter should have been done long time back. But better late than never, now the peoples’ demand to commission the State Information Office has been heard and the Okram Ibobi Singh led Congress Government has done one better thing by showing its concern to the necessities of establishing a fully fledged State Information commission which will convert the Right to Information Act into reality. Since the commissioning of the state Information Commission many of the corruption level has been check, misappropriation of funds have been exposed and people have been empowered the freedom of living in a democratic country.
Now, points that Imphal Times concerns is the way the government will field he top two posts. Many prominent figures of the state are going to apply for the top two post and many who were much more qualify may not even give a damn of applying for the post as it could meant a matter of prestige for them. Someone who has been known to the people as a public figure and someone whose integrity of performing his or her duty has been well received may have been missed out from appointing to the top two posts as they might be reluctant to apply.
By inviting the application, the Ibobi led government is perhaps showing off the transparency nature of his government. But many still fails to believe in its credibility towards selecting an appropriate person for the post. Imphal times sincere appealed to the state government authority is that there should not be any political hands in selecting appropriate personality to the post. Instead of conducting an interview (as mentioned in the government advertisement), records and qualifications should be treated enough or else who will interview the candidate which has already been invited with not less than 30 years of experiences.
We do hope that the existing Okram Ibobi Singh led government in the state will fulfill the desire of the general public
Political party’s delegation took stalk of Indo-Myanmar Border fencing
Shantipur
Moreh Dec 7: After assurance from the prime Minister of India, a joint delegation of All Political Party led by the Home Minister Gaikhangam today visited the disputed border site accompanied by the officials of the Union Home Ministry. Unofficial source said that a Myanmarese body tried to submit memorandum during the visit of the all political party’s delegates. However, the memorandum was not accepted by the Indian Officials as it was not in order of the official procedure. The political party delegate led by Home Minister Gaikhangam was accompanied by Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home affairs SK Mishra, Joint Seccretary of Ministry of Border Mangaement Naveen Singh and other officials of the survey of India.
A lasting legacy
EDITORIAL
The world over, people from all walks of life mourned the death of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, often referred to as Mandiba by his close and trusted friends and associates in reference to the clan to which he belong. He is known as the first black president who successfully, albeit with extreme difficulty, made the transition from an all-white apartheid government to a truly democratic one. The person is gone, but the vision he showed the world by living it will become clearer with each passing day. Almost every one of us have read his story, or at least heard about the man and how he became what he is, but very few of us have actually thought about the impossible hardships and oppressions he had to endure to become the man the world revered. Therein lay the tragedy. It would be our own loss if we could not learn and grow from the example Mandela set for the whole world to know. It would seem far-fetched for a few who would argue the relevance of drawing a comparison with our present society- yet that argument only strengthen the need for comparison, as we would be saving ourselves from the deepest living nightmare similar to what the man had to endure. It would be fooling ourselves if anybody in our society thinks that ours is better and more developed. Flattery is addictive and so is self promotion, yet it would be only when somebody else tells us we are good at anything, then we should accept it as true. His words ring true because he had experienced the worst and the best, and made the most of his disappointments and angst to make the world a better place. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Doesn’t that mean something to every one of us in our present day society living in fear and insecurity as it is? Or what about “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”- doesn’t that strike us as unusual, an anomaly to the way we have been forced to lead our lives in the society where the mighty, with a gun in hand spouting ideologies, or a handful of armed protectors ready to do their master’s bidding, have always had their way, be it with our hard earned properties or even another’s life. “A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger. You don’t have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial, and uninformed”- just the description for the person everybody in the State has been looking for, but a task which is proving easier said than done. Where might is right, words seemed to have lost it’s beauty and usefulness, and yet it would augur well for everyone to remember that power- real power, does not flow from the barrel of a gun- it flows from the human mind which made the guns, and the knowledge that made everyone capable of wielding one. Mandela had lived an example for us to improve upon. It is up to us to grow or rot in self-denial. We need to break out of our comfort zone and put in efforts to keep pace with the rapidly changing times. holding on to archaic beliefs and irrelevant methods for fear of change will prove to be our own worst undoing. nobody can afford to live the life of an ascetic, nor should we aspire to be.
NPF launches political campaign at Ukhrul
IT News
Ukhrul Dec 7: A One Day State level Political Conference of the NPF was held today at the Town Hall, Ukhrul. The programme was organized by the NPF ukhrul Unit and began at 1030 hrs with an opening prayer by Rev. Arthur Khamrang,pastor Viewland Baptist Church.The Town Hall was packed with Party workers, Supporters and well wishers from every nook and corner of the district and the sate as well. Oath of secrecy to the Area Unit, Village unit and Range unit was administered by Mr. Soso Lorho, President NPF Manipur unit and the blessing prayer was pronounced by Rev. Remember Remai.Exhortation was given by Hanya, President Women Wing, NPF Manipur Unit and President of CCPur and Sadar Hills Area Unit.Hon’ble MLAs of 41 Chandel A/C and 44 Ukhrul A/CShri. Victor Nunglung and Shri. Samuel Risom respectively also addressed the crowd. Short speeches were given by Mr. Soso Lorho, Mr. O. Lorho, Former MLA, Advisor NPF MNP unit, Mr. M. Makunga, Former minister and prof. M. Horam, Advisor NPF MNP Unit.The summing and remark was done by Athon Abonmei, Organisation Secy, NPF MNP Unit and Mr. Sword Vashum, Working President NPF MNP Unit. The programme ended with a closing prayer from Pastor Somi Kasomwoshi of UTBC and was followed by Lunch.
Editor’s Guild Manipur formed
IT News
Imphal Dec 7: Editors of all daily newspaper published in the state today gathered at Hotel Classic and formed “Editors’ Guild Manipur” to counter any challenges coming to them. In an unofficial talk with the member of the newly formed committee, an executive member of the newly formed organization said that there is no misunderstanding with any persons belonging to the media fraternity but the organization is meant to serve in maintain freedom of press. Ahongsangbam Mobi former editor of Sanaleibak daily, Present Trends and Huiyenlanpao daily presently serving as the editor of an upcoming weekly newspaper has been elected s the president of the newly formed Editors’ body. Yumnam Rupachandra , a noted journalist of the state has been elected as the general secretary of the body.
RPF clarifies
IT News
Imphal, Dec. 7: Kongbrailatpam Chittreswori devi @ Sangita D/o K. Sivas Sarma, Singjamei Sapam leikai who was arrested by a combined team of Imphal West District Police Commando and women police of the State from Singjamei Bazaar near Kumar Pharmacy on December 4 at 1:15 PM, claiming her to be a cadre of the proscribed group RPF and it’s military wing PLA has been denied by Bangkim Chief
Department of Publicity Revolutionary People’s Front, through a press release today. The statement further claimed that Kongbrailatpam Chittreswori devi @ Sangita has no connection whatsoever with RPF of its military wing PLA.
Death Anniversary of Moirangthem Ibotombi observed
IT News
Imphal December 7: 19th Death Anniversary of Moirangthem Ibotombi, ex- Minister was observed today at Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Complex Heirok.
The function which was organized by Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Trust with the theme Unity, Peace and Development was attended by Manipur Chief Minister O.Ibobi, Council of Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs, Chief Secretary and DGP as the dignitary members.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister O. Ibobi said that we need to give co-operation to each other in order to bring peace in our society. He also condemned the act of giving allegation to people after killing them.
Two slogans- ‘stop killing innocent people’ and ‘let us live in peace’ were sought as a part of the observance.
It might be mentioned that Ex-Minister Moirangthem Ibotombi was shot dead by some unidentified persons on the same of 7th December 19 years ago.
TG students demand life imprisonment for rapists
IT News
Imphal Dec 7: Demanding to award life imprisonment to the rapists of a student of TG Higher Secondary School, hundreds of students of the school today staged a sit in protest in front of the school gate.
A student who took part in the sit in protest said that the student community wants the two rapists namely William and Tarun who raped a student of the school on the 20th December of last year in a restaurant located at Changangei to award life imprisonment for the crime they have committed.
It might be mentioned that the final hearing of the case has been scheduled on the 9th of December 2013.
Both the culprit were arrested after the family of the victim girl lodged a complaint to the police regarding the alleged rape incident..
Man missing from brick farm
IT News
Imphal Dec 7: A man identified as Satrajit Kanghujam (65) s/o (L) Tomchou of Taobungkhok Awang Leikai has gone missing since the 18th of November, 2013.
A press meet was held today at Manipur Press Club in connection with the incident. During the press meet the AK Umeshkanta, Secretary of JAC on missing of Satrajit said that Satrajit went missing from a brick farm at Hengbung, Senapati since the 18th of November. Family members of the missing person report the incident to the police on the same day. But, nobody can trace him till now.
Secretary of the JAC said that if the government fails to trace him till the 15th of December, the JAC will organize various agitations including band and general strike.
On the day of the missing the brick field propreiter had reportyedly anserwed that the person might have been caaried away by evil spirit .
Transparency-an alien concept?
EDITORIAL
The spurt of developmental activities being carried out in the state in recent times is an indication of the Government realizing the need to keep in pace with the rest of the country. Various spheres of public utilities has been undergoing changes and one can feel the impact of these changes. What remains a matter of deep concern for the general public is that of reports and news of underutilization of funds being written about with increasing regularity. The authorities may well have their valid reasons for not being able to utilize these funds or take up certain activities, but these reasons and circumstances should be made known to the general public. Various mechanisms have been formulated to make governance more transparent and accountable, yet much remain to be cleared about regarding these activities. The government, being representatives of the public should always be responsible and accountable to the public. sanctions and aids, whatever be the amount, means little if not utilized to the optimum. Another aspect of all these activities are the integrity and resoluteness of the government in seeing to the timely completion of these ventures with the specified quality. The achievements of the government in this regard is rather miniscule, the delayed and scrapped projects and cost overruns overshadowing the little successes. Adding to the mayhem are the “organisations” purportedly working for the public good while pusuing personal gains through means foul and fair all in the name of serving the society, disrupting these development activities when their wishes are not catered to. The sign of a good and fair government is in the trust and support the people displays towards it. Adopting an elitist attitude and flaunting and abusing the powers bestowed upon them by the people will only alienate them from the same people who put them in their exalted positions in the first place. Only an earnest pursuit for the welfare of the public and an open approach in their working will ensure their position in the public domain. Maintaining and building on the already existing works is what the public is eagerly waiting and watching out for. Unless diligence is displayed in right earnest, it will only be a matter of time before the Government becomes “four the people, bye the people and off the people”.
Ramananda @ Ronson innocent- KCP(MC)
IT News
Imphal Dec 6 : The reported arrest of Ramananda @ Ronson from Khomidok Mamang Leikai as an accused in connection with the kidnapping of Suresh Prasad, a non-manipuri as claimed by Angam Romanson, SP Imphal East is baseless, stated Yoiheiba @ Nabakumar, Army Chief of KCP(MC) at a press conference held today at an undisclosed location in Imphal East. elaborating on the circumstances leading to the arrest of Ramananda, Yoiheiba stated that Ramananda@Ronson was whisked away from the designated camp inside the 7th MR complex at Khabeisoi by CDO SI Saktisen, (Gypsy No. 17), saying that the permission of ADGP (LO) IM Khaute who is also the Chairperson, Joint Monitoring Group has been taken for a meeting with the SP at 9.30 AM on 4th December.
Yoiheiba once again reiterated the innocence of Ramananda in the kidnapping of Suresh Prasad. Meanwhile, Sanakhomba Meitei, Publicity Secretary of KCP Lamphel Group has claimed that the kidnapping of Suresh Prasad was carried out under Operation Just Cause.
Encounter
IT News
Imphal Dec 6 : A fierce gunbattle took place between the cadres of suspected PLA and the troop of 4/4 Assam Riflle at Kamjong area in Ukhrul district at around 10.30 am today . Report reaching here said that nearby villagers heard several gun shots similar to the firing of automatic guns. Bomb blasts like sound were also reportedly heard suggesting possible use of lethod gun or other grenade launchers during the gunbattle.
