Imphal Dispatch

Central Government approves ten water supply projects for Chennai city.

2013-12-30T22:08:00.000+05:30

New Delhi, December 30: The Central Government has approved a proposal for 10 new projects for providing comprehensive water supply to various areas of Chennai city. These projects were approved at the meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) of the Union Ministry of Urban Development in New Delhi recently. These projects include water supply scheme for Pallikarani, Chinnasekkadu, Puzhal, Surapattu, Puthagaram, Kathirvedu, Vadaperumabakkam, Theeyambakkam, Edayanchavadi, Sadayankuppam, Kadapakkam, Palavakkam, Mugalivakkam, Manali, Kotivakkam, and Perungudi. These projects have been sanctioned at an approved cost of Rs. 27114.11 lakhs. The Central Government will contribute 35% towards the total cost.

The highest amount of Rs. 6959.90 lakhs has been sanctioned to Puzhal, Surapattu, Puthagaram, and Kathirvedu.

Borewells is the primary source of water in many of these areas. At other places, majority of the existing distribution systems in these areas are very old and not sufficient to carry the required water to the population. Water connections are also not metered. Also, there is prevalence of high water loss in the distribution network. The projects aim to improve the quality and quantity of service, water metering, reduction in leakages and energy consumption and enhancement in customer satisfaction and revenues to water supply organizations.

The projects will also ensure that the distribution pipeline network reaches out to the maximum population. Also, since the population for these areas is increasing there is a demand for an increased supply of water, which is aimed to be provided through these new water supply projects sanctioned by the Ministry of Urban Development.

CM inspected Marjing Pony Sanctuary at Heingang

2013-12-29T21:53:00.004+05:30

Imphal, December 29, 2013 : Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh today inspected the Marjing Pony Sanctuary site at Heingang, Imphal East. He was accompanied by Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLA N. Biren Singh, renowned filmmaker Aribam Shyam Sharma, Ratan Thiyam Chairperson National school of Drama, Prof. Th. Tombi Singh, Commissioner Art & Culture R.K. Nimai Singh and other top officials of Vety & AH Dept etc.

Inspecting the site Shri Ibobi Singh said that the required land acquisition of the sanctuary will be done at first and then an eco-friendly fencing in the form of a ring-Bund will be constructed.

For this he also gave his advice and suggestion to Shri Govindas to prepare and submit the DPR for the project at the earliest to the Union Agriculture Ministry. He said that a race course and a training polo ground are also to be developed in the site. Later, when meeting with some land pattadars of the proposed site, CM assured that the government will give compensations accordingly and will not acquire their land by force. He appealed for cooperation from the public in this project to preserve and promote the endangered Manipuri Pony the population of which is less than 1000 at present.

Central team arrives to scrutinise border impasse post Tamu rally

2013-12-28T22:14:00.000+05:30

IMPHAL, December 28: A three member official team sent by the Ministry of Home Affairs has arrived at the State on Friday to scrutinise the current impasse of the Indo-Myanmar border issue.

The team are officials sent by the Surveyor General of India and will meet the Chief Minister and other delegates of political parties of the State at the CM Secretariat at 1 pm today.

The meeting has been called by the CM to discuss the current imbroglio of border encroachment.

It may be mentioned that the international border at Moreh was sealed off on December 24, following a public rally when Myanmarese civil bodies, Tamu Youth Network and Chindwin Youth Network demonstrated the building of the integrated check post at Moreh.

The civil bodies had also mentioned that the construction work at border pillars number 77, 78 and 79 need to be halted and there are also another nine border pillars which are controversial.

From the Indian side, several visits have been conducted to inspect the border controversy and a visit on November 7 last had included members of the Surveyor General of India, BRO officials, Shambu Singh who is the joint secretary in charge of northeast.

Shambu had also stated that the Union government will invite authorities from Myanmar for a bilateral meeting by the end of the year or first week of next year.

The border issue is a confusion of border pillars or fencing dividing villages, Shambu had mentioned.

Maharashtra Gets Rs 489 Crores Under PMGSY to Improve Rural Roads

2013-12-28T21:52:00.002+05:30

New Delhi, December 28: The Centre has sanctioned Rs 488.59 crores to Maharashtra for improving rural road network under the Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) –II. An Empowered Committee meeting held in New Delhi on Friday, approved Maharashtra’s proposal for building 829 kms length of rural roads during the year. Out of this, Solapur (126 kms), Pune (88 kms), Latur (71 kms) and Osmanabad (53.35 kms) are the largest beneficiary districts. In a letter written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Union Rural Development Minister Shri Jairam Ramesh has conveyed that Batch II of Maharashtra’s proposal under PMGSY II, for 227 roads having a road length of 1,550 kilometers will be taken up during the next Empowered Committee Meeting to be held on January 7, 2014.

Initially, Maharashtra received little Central assistance under the PMGSY as compared to other states, under the plea that state road connectivity was much satisfactory. However, Shri Chavan continued to pursue the need for central funding for rural roads with the Rural Development Minister. The Rural Development Ministry introduced PMGSY II to benefit states like Maharashtra to improve upon their already existing rural road connectivity and the State is expected to construct and upgrade a total 2600 kilometers of rural roads under this project.

While Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana is 100% centrally funded programme, PMGSY II is on cost sharing basis between the Centre and states at 75% : 25%. For special category states, the central funding is to the tune of 90%.

Construction of Rashtriya Smriti Likely to be Completed Next Year

2013-12-28T21:51:00.003+05:30

New Delhi, December 28: The construction work on the “Rashtriya Smriti” on the banks of River Yamuna is likely to be completed by October next year. The “Rashtriya Smriti” is to be the permanent place for holding last rites of departed national leaders like Presidents, Vice Presidents, Prime Ministers and such other leaders as approved by the Government. The Government further proposes to develop the locations where former Prime Minister, late Shri I. K. Gujral and former President, late R. Venkataraman were cremated as samadhis and integrate these with the “Rashtriya Smriti.”

The “Rashtriya Smriti” will be landscaped with bold and simple geometry of nine squares of monumental dimensions and it will have a central court surrounded by stepped green area to accommodate large public attendance. The plaques of departed leaders will be placed in their memory.

The Government had in August, 2000 decided not to build any more samadhis of departed national leaders. However, Government has since permitted cremation and construction of samadhis of some departed leaders. Consequently, in January this year, it was decided to construct the “Rashtriya Smriti” on the banks of River Yamuna. The construction is being carried out by the Central Public Works Department.

TEJAS Team Sets New Record of 500 Flights in One Calender Year

2013-12-28T21:50:00.002+05:30

New Delhi, December 28: TEJAS attained another significant milestone on 27th Dec 2013, by flying the 500th sortie this year, the highest achieved in a calendar year thus far. The achievement is significant, given that the highest number of sorties attained earlier in a calendar year was less than 300 sorties This feat follows close on the heels of attaining IOC on 20 Dec 13. The pace of the programme continues with greater enthusiasm towards achieving newer milestones.

Congratulating the Tejas team Avinash Chander, SA to RM and Secretary Deptt of Defence R&D said, "the single most important factor behind the achievements is the synergy of teamed efforts of ADA, DRDO, CEMILAC, HAL and IAF."

Year 2013 has been exceptionally successful year for Tejas in achieving key milestones while participating in seven detachments all over country, an excellent achievement in itself. Noteworthy accomplishments are In-flight relight (shutting off and then reigniting the single engine), high energy brake testing, flight envelope expansion, R73E missile firing with radar guidance, Air to ground weapon tests, Emergency jettisoning of entire store, Aircraft in wake tests, Wet Runway trials, demonstration of Swing Role capability during exercise IRON FIST. All these led to a big leap towards achieving IOC 2.

A man convicted and sentence for three years imprisonment

2013-12-27T21:42:00.000+05:30

Imphal, December 27: After 904 days in judicial custody, A. Naobi aka Naocha Sharma was on Friday sentence for a three years imprisonment for committing culpable homicide but not amounting to murder by the Court of the Sessions Judge Manipur East.

The convict A. Naobi was produce before the Court of A. Guneshwar Sharma, Sessions Judge, Manipur East where the court convicted A. Naobi for three years imprisonment with a fine of 10,000 rupees and in default of the payment of the fine the accused was ordered to undergo another three months imprisonment.

It can be noted here that the convict A. Naobi Sharma using a stone hit a person identified as A Sunil Meitei on June 15, 2011 at around 7.30 pm at Leirenpat near RMC Cinema Hall along the Kongba Yairipok road who succumbed to his injuries.

The court verdict stated that A. Naobi did not intentionally kill the deceased Sunil Meitei. The deceased Sunil hit the wife of the convict by his motor bike on that day on his way back home from work and as a result his sustained injuries on her body and on seeing blood coming out of her mouth the accused with a sudden provocation hit the deceased on his head by a stone available nearby him.

Tuinuphai residents condemned the unruly, peace shattering act of intruder

2013-12-27T21:41:00.002+05:30

Imphal, December 27: The residents of Tuinuphai village condemn the unruly, peace-shattering and provocative activities of some men and women who forcibly entered Tuinuphai village on December 20, around 2pm under the guise of celebrating Christmas and to permanently settle down in the village said Letsei Vaiphei, the Chief of the village.

Addressing a press conference here at Manipur Press Club today afternoon, Letsei Vaiphei, alleged that around 31 men and women in collusion with Zou Defence Volunteers-ZDV (a SoO signatory) arrived in the village in a truck owned by one Kaizathang Tungdim of Zou Veng, Churachandpur, along one Tata Winger without the prior approval and permission of either the Village Authority or the local church which is the norm in a tribal village.

Those people who intruded in Tuinuphai village came on the behest of one Michael Zou, Home Secretary, ZDV who send a letter addressed to both Letsei Vaiphei, chief of Tuinuphai village, and Tongkhogin Tungdim, former chief of the village added the village chief.

The former chief Tongkhogin Lungdim and his eldest son Khamminthang Tungdim has issued No Objection Certificate on October 16, 2008 for transferring and recognition of chief ship in favour of Letsei Vaiphei added himself.

Even the Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur, issued an order for recognition of Chiefship in favour of Letsei Vaiphei on May 23, 2009.

Letsei further alleged that camping at Zogal Hall as refugees is a ploy to hoodwink the public and the govt. the fact is that all of them have their own respective home in and around Churachandpur. A person who has never settled at Tuinuphai village has been paraded before the media as a refugee even from Haokip veng, Imphal.

Appealing to all the concerned to cease following the path of hatred and violence for sake of peace and harmony and further urge the concerned authority to take up necessary action according to the law of the land to avoid further problem said Letsei.

Narendra Modi will kick off 16 Lok Shaba election campaign for NE region from Imphal

2013-12-27T21:40:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, December 27: The Prime Ministerial candidate of BJP, Narendra Modi will be coming to Manipur on February 8 to kick off the 16 Lok Shaba election campaign for the North East region said a reliable source.

Narendra Modi will arrived Imphal in a charter plane around 8 am where he will took part in a public rally in Imphal and will kick off the Lok Shaba election campaign for the whole northeast region.

Modi will spend around three hours only and will headed for Guwahati where he will again join a public rally, source adds.

In the meantime SS Alluwalia, BJP National vice president and Tapir Gao, National general secretary will be arriving Imphal on December 29, 2013 to chalk out the strategy for the forthcoming Lok Shaba election campaign.

Centre Provided Rs. 1.10 lakh Crore to the states under NRHM : Santosh Chowdhary

2013-12-27T21:27:00.002+05:30

Hoshiapur, December 27: The UPA Government is fully committed to provide improved health facilities to the people at their doorstep and does not discriminate with any state in health matter says Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Smt. Santosh Chowdhary .

She was speaking at a health awarness camp held in Hoshiarpur of Punjab today. Mrs Santosh Chowdhary said that National Rural Health Mission has proved to be a boon in strengthening the health infrastructure in the country.

She said that the centre has provided an amount of Rs. 1.10 lakh crore to the states to improve the health infrastructure and facilities. She said that the centre has sanctioned Rs. 2200 crore in the last six-seven years to the state of Punjab. She added that Rs. 65 crore has been sanctioned for the Punjab under the National Free Medicine Programme for the current fiscal. She emphasis on to create awareness among the general public so that they can take full benefit of the health scheme. Expressing her satisfaction over the improved sex-ratio in Punjab, She said that the credit for this achievement goes to the ASHA and Anganwari workers.

On the occasion Smt. Santosh Chowdhary dedicated 9 Ambulance cum Mobile Medical Lab to the people which has been fabricated with financial support from Member Parliament Local Area Development Fund . She flagged off these ambulances for the nine-assembly segment of Hoshiarpur Parliamentary Constituency, which is being represented by Smt. Santosh Chowdhary. Hundreds of people throng to the Roshan Ground the venue of the health awareness camp to avail the health facilities of free test, free medicine and health check up . Senior Doctors from Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Delhi and PGI Chandigarh participated in the camp.

NALCO achieves ‘Excellent’ ratings for FY 2012-13

2013-12-27T21:25:00.002+05:30

New Delhi, December 27: National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Mines has got ‘Excellent’ MoU score of 1.5 by the Department of Public Enterprises for its outstanding performance in 2012-13. NALCO had last achieved the ‘Excellent’ MoU score in FY 2006-07. Besides, during the FY 2012-13, NALCO has also been rated as ‘Excellent’ with a score of 97.5 for compliance with guidelines on Corporate Governance for CPSEs.

During the financial year 2012-13 NALCO has reported a highest ever net sales of Rs.7247 crore against a target of Rs.7073 crore. This represents an increase of 2.46% against the MoU target. The company reported a net profit of Rs. 593 crore with metal sale of 4, 03,102 tonnes and alumina sale of 9, 84,722 tonnes in the financial year 2012-13. NALCO also produced highest-ever bauxite of 54.19 lakh tonnes and highest-ever alumina of 18.02 lakh tonnes in 2012-13. During the period, the company also generated 6076 units of power from its Captive Power Plant.

Moreover, NALCO’s significant achievements and activities towards CSR, Sustainable Development and R&D also contributed towards company’s excellent ratings.

It may be mentioned that as part of MoU on harnessing renewable energy sources, NALCO has entered into a new business of wind power generation with commissioning of 50.4 MW wind power plant at Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh at an investment of Rs. 274 crore, which was synchronized in December, 2012 and sale of power has been commenced.

Tewari expresses grief over acid attack victim’s death; seeks fast track trial

2013-12-27T21:24:00.002+05:30

LUDHIANA, December 27: Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari today expressed profound grief over the sad demise of the 22 year old acid attack victim who breathed her last at National Burns Centre Mumbai early today after battling for life for 20 days.

The victim was attacked while she was getting ready for her marriage in a Ludhiana beauty parlour on December 7 last.

The Minister demanded that those responsible for this heinous act must be tried in a fast track court in a time bound manner and handed over exemplary punishment for the brutal crime they committed.

Expressing grief over her death, Tewari said, it was unfortunate that the young victim could not survive. Sharing the pain of her family members, Tewari prayed that they come out of this trauma and tragedy over the loss of their dear daughter.

The Minister said, as a parent himself he could feel their trauma and pain about the loss of their daughter who while getting ready for her marriage was handed over a brutal fate in a most inhuman and barbaric manner.

Blame MU authorities for any untoward incident: MUSU revival committee

2013-12-27T04:04:00.002+05:30

IMPHAL, December 26: The Manipur University Students’ Union, Revival Development Committee has announced that the Manipur University authorities should be held responsible for any untoward incident occurring inside the university during the different stages of agitations to be launched by the committee.

The committee has been demanding the revival of the Manipur University Students’ Union which had been abolished during the 2006-07 session by the then university authorities.

Speaking at a press conference today, convenor of the committee, Th Suresh said that the vice chancellor had been providing assurances to revive the MUSU since the past two-three years back.

However, there has been no action in this regard so far, he continued.

Now, the committee is all set to launch various forms of agitations and the MU authorities should be held responsible for any untoward incident during the agitations, he said.

The committee has already submitted a charter of demands to the Prime Minister; President of India; Union HRD minister; Chief Rector, Manipur University on December 3 and had even set December 20 as deadline for a response regarding the revival of the students’ union, he said.

However, there has been no response in this regard, provoking the committee to take up agitations, he said and added that the agitations will also include black badge campaign, signature campaign along with distribution of pamphlets, he said.

He continued that according to the University Act, the VC of the university may issue an ordinance for setting up of an elected students’ body.

However, the MU authorities have diverted the demand for the revival of the MUSU to the ministry of HRD, although it is an open fact to all and sundry that the VC issues ordinances in his personal whim from time to time in various other matters, he alleged.

In a democratic tradition, an elected students’ body takes conservative roles towards the well-being of students, he continued.

Th Suresh further appealed to the student’s organizations of the state and non-teaching staffs to support the movement for the revival of MUSU.

Reproductive child health camp held at Thoubal

2013-12-27T04:03:00.002+05:30

IMPHAL, December 26: A mega reproductive child health camp (RCH camp) for the pregnant woman living with HIV/AIDS was held today at the office of the CMO Thoubal.

The camp was organised by District Health Mission, Thoubal district under National Rural Health Mission.

During the camp, the CMO Thoubal, Dr Kh Radheshyam mentioned that 12 RCH camps will be held in Thoubal district out of which two camps are reserved for the people living with HIV/AIDS of both sexes adding that one such camp will be organised at Sugnu.

The CMO further stated that the RCH camp is being organised with the assistance of four doctors who will check up the health condition of the PLWHIV and provide medicines free of cost.

A PLWHIV woman said that she got a lot of benefit from the RCH camp adding that the ART consuming patients have been always facing the problem of vitamin deficiency and such deficiency could be compensated as the camp has provided various kinds of vitamins during the camp.

The woman further mentioned that other health related basic investigations were also conducted during the health camp.

She also mentioned that the social discrimination, that a PLWHIV experiences in the society have only added to their trauma sometimes creating suicidal tendency in some.

To cop up with this problem, a counselling centre is necessary in the district, she demanded.

She also narrated their grievances of not having ART doctors at the ART centre in the district has compelled them to visit RIMS or JNIMS thereby wasting time and money.

Taking advantage of expressing her point of view on social welfare schemes, the woman further demanded more emphasis to the widow benefit scheme of the Social Welfare Department to PLWHIV.

Locals stop works at TBL sports complex

2013-12-27T04:02:00.000+05:30

IMPHAL, December 26: The All Wangjing Development Organisation has today ceased all construction work at the Wangjing Kodompokpi Sports Complex in Thoubal district and plans to carry it on until the concerned authorities assured maintenance of proper quality.

The step was taken up after it was found that the contractors had failed to maintain quality and use suitable materials for the construction work.

Parts of the eastern and western spectators’ gallery of the under construction sports complex swayed when kicked but parts of the concrete fell apart on being slightly hit by a hammer.

A team of the organisations today called a press conference after an inspection of the under-construction complex.

MYDO Club, Wangjing SK Leikai general secretary L Inaocha said the eastern and western galleries of the only sports complex in Thoubal district has turned out to be regrettable.

He said that the galleries have the capacity of atleast 30 thousand people each.

However, the ingredients including the iron rods used in the construction of such big galleries have turned out to be below standard, he said.

He continued that the stairs of the main galleries which are construction under contractor Suresh Jain, proprietor of SK Construction have already developed cracks.

While, 18/20 mm iron rods should be used for the casting of the gallery, it was found that only single 10 mm iron rods have been used in the construction, he complained.

The gaps between two rods were also found to be 8 inches, he continued.

All such irregularities had made the galleries weak to the extent that it swayed just on climbing the stairs, he said before adding that when kicked a little harder, the concrete fall apart.

The complex has been constructed on the land donated by people in consideration of the necessity of the local players, he observed.

All hopes attached with the construction of the complex have been broken by the condition of the two galleries, he opined.

He further alleged poor quality control in the construction of the boys and girls hostels inside the complex.

The bricks used in the construction of the hostel and the galleries are 3rd quality bricks, he said.

He further appealed to all concerned to look into the issue and start construction by dismantling the galleries with proper quality maintenance.

Mayai Lambi closed temporarily after murder, 2 accused nabbed

2013-12-27T04:01:00.002+05:30

IMPHAL December 26: While other parts of the state was busy celebrating Christmas on December 25, locals of Mayang Imphal Thana Mamang resorted to blocking the Mayai Lambi Road, demanding the arrest of four individuals for allegedly killing a 50 year old during the evening of December 24.

Three of the four accused have been identified. All four accused and the deceased identified as Laishram Madhumangol are from the same locality.

The road block was called off this morning only after the police arrested two of the accused.

Meanwhile, enraged locals had this late morning around 11 dismantled the houses of the three identified accused.

Madhumangol’s body was later handed over to his family after post mortem was conducted at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences this noon.

Speaking to media persons, a family member of Madhumangol identified three of the four accused as Ningthoujam Abungcha, 24, son of Kalamu; Ningthoujam Kipgen, 25, son of N Mani and Sapam Naoba 25 son og Sapam Joy. The fourth accused is also from the same locality, he continued.

He said that in the evening of December 24 around 7, the deceased along with his wife and their 15 year old son were returning home from the Mayang Imphal bazar and found the four accused sitting near his residential gate in inebriated conditions and making noises.

When Madhumangol asked the four why they were making such noises, the four without saying anything attack him with sticks and other objects lying around, he continued.

Even Madhumangol’s wife and son were also attacked, when the two tried to intervene, leaving no other option for the 15 year old son, but to run to his home and called out other family members and locals, he said and added that when the locals and family members came out, Madhumangol was lying in a pool of blood in an unconscious state.

Madhumangol was rushed to the nearby Mayang Imphal Primary Health Centre, however, doctors declared him dead after about ten minutes, he said.

Following his death, locals came out and blocked the road since early morning yesterday demanding the arrest of the four youth involved.

The family member also added that the police have informed that two of the four accused Ningthoujam Abungcha and N Kipgen have been arrested this morning following which the road block was lifted.

Meanwhile, police have said that two accused of the case had been arrested from the Khoyathong Senapati Bus parking and efforts are on to arrest the two other missing.

A case has also been registered regarding the case, police said.

Awareness programme on mother and child care held at Meitram

2013-12-27T04:00:00.002+05:30

IMPHAL, December 26: Nehru Yuva Kendra Imphal West in association with AJAD Club under the Ministry of Youth & Sports, Govt. of India, today, organised a day long awareness and education programme on Mother and Child Care at the Meitram Weaver’s Co-Operative Society Hall.

Altogether 103 youth leaders and women participated in the awareness camp, said a press release of the DYC, NYK Imphal West.

L Tilotama Devi, vice-chairperson, NYKS, ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, government of India and Th Inao Singh, pradhan attended as the chief guest and president, respectively.

Sahib Singh, zonal director NYKS Imphal and Memcha Devi, member Chajing Nagar Panchayat also attended as guests of honour, it continued.

Further according to the statement, Y Laksman Singh, District Youth Co-ordinator in his keynote address, highlighted about the need for promotion of health for the mother and child in the district through the youth club and mahila mandals.

Dr Shyamkumar Laishram, child specialist and Dr Surjit Singh, Medical Officer, Mekola PHC acted as resource persons of the awareness programme, it said and added that the deliberation was followed by interaction and open question hour session with the medical officers.

During the function, Tilotama stated that the NYKS is working for the left out and untouched youths in the rural areas by creating awareness and education through flagship programme of the government.

She further appreciated the efforts made by NYK Imphal by organising the programme for the benefit of the youth and the women, it said.

She further opened a three month skills upgradation training programme in handicrafts for women at Nambol Mongjing Leikai, the statement said.

MPP capable of rising again: Party chief

2013-12-27T03:59:00.002+05:30

IMPHAL, December 26: The oldest regional party of the state, the Manipur People’s Party has celebrated its 46th birth anniversary today. Scores of party leaders and workers attended the observation that took place at its party office and pledged to enact a renaissance to fulfill the glittering dreams of its founding leaders.

President of the party, N Sovakiran declared that MPP is not dead but merely suffered an electoral defeat. The party will regain its popularity and rule the state once again, he said.

The main reason for establishment of the party in 1968 was because many leaders were unhappy with the high command system of the Congress. He dubbed the Congress as a ‘slave party’ and alleged that state leaders have to wait for approval from the Central leaders for taking up any step on even local issues.

The state unit of the Congress has shown that it is incapable of acting on its own volition in many cases, including the molestation of a film artist at Chandel, border fencing row with Myanmar and assault of an elected public representative by an AR Major. If the MPP was at the helm of power then the assailant in the Chandel incident would be given befitting punishment, he added.

United States of America is proud to have a minority president but MPP had achieved the distinguished feat of pushing up a minority leader much earlier by instating Alimmudin as the chief minister. Criticizing the falling standard among representatives of the legislative assembly, he claimed that dubious contractors with a history of haphazardly inferior work execution have been elected on the tickets of the ruling party. He urged the public to correctly identify these sorts of dangerous politicians from those who had become public servants to serve the people.

He stated that Manipur fits the bill of the epithet Switzerland of the East perfectly, but for all the wrong reasons. The European country is a haven for Indian leaders evading payment of their taxes and Manipur has also became a haven for criminals like drug smugglers during the mis-rule of the Congress, he alleged. He vowed to uproot the Congress government from Manipur.

Vice-president of MPP, N Ojit said the party has made fund allocations for re-organisation of the party in every district of Manipur. The process for the same will be accelerated after the anniversary observation, he added. Ojit compared the Ibobi government to a gang of contract killers and drew a conclusion that the MPP has no other option but to strengthen itself and regenerate its power in order to counter the debilitating effects of the mass scale corruption and heinous crimes committed by the administration.

The party will be holding campaign and sensitization programmes on its contribution for the well-being of Manipur, he said. Senapati district MPP unit has been constituted and the party will be planting its feet in Churachandpur district, he added.

Sovakiran later launched the party’s website http://www.manipurpeoplesparty.org/ which will store information and history of MPP.

Sovakiran, Dr L Chandramani, O Gujindro, N Ojit, M Amutombi, L Apabi, celebration committee chairman, N Shinghajit, celebration committee convenor, Y Bhim, working committee member, Ak Sanaton, Working committee member, Y Thambal ex-MLA, Apao, in charge chief of Senapati were among the top notch party leaders present at the occasion.

Power dept corporatisation finds Cabinet approval, process from Feb

2013-12-27T03:57:00.002+05:30

IMPHAL, December 26: The state Cabinet today has granted approval in principle to the proposal for corporatisation of the electricity department.

The process is expected to begin from the month of February, next year.

Government spokesperson and education minister M Okendro stated that the agreement for transforming the government department into a corporate was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by the chief minister O Ibobi at the CM secretariat this morning.

He continued that the meeting also reviewed the previous decision of the Cabinet to cancel the involvement of transport contractors of food grains during the distribution of essential items under the Targeted Public Distribution System in four valley districts. The matter was discussed minutely before the decision was taken, he stated.

The earlier decision had entrusted the district administration to carry out the work for ferrying the items under the TPDS, replacing the transport contractors. However, the delegation of the responsibility to the district administration had intensified their workload and created extra burden, necessitating a re-think, the minister said.

Okendro further informed that the meeting discussed the plans for introduction of National Food Security Act in Manipur from March, next year. In this regard, the Cabinet took a decision to notify the DCs and ADCs to complete the identification of priority households before January 15, 2014. The last date for receipt of forms had been fixed on January 10, 2014. The DCs and ADCs will be advised to carry out comprehensive publicity campaign for maximum circulation of the forms, he added.

The minister added that in order to achieve glorious success in the implementation of the Act, the Cabinet agreed to set up the required number of fair price shops in the Assembly constituencies and the construction of the additional shops will be funded by the Local Area Development Fund of the respective MLA.

The Cabinet further gave its approval to the prorogation of the sixth session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly, said the minister.

Today’s Cabinet also approved the establishment of the State Society for Management of Institute of Hotel Management, the minister added.

NSCN-IM parliament member join KNO

2013-12-26T21:46:00.003+05:30

Imphal, December 26: The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) are privileged to welcome home Songte Kom on Tuesday, the year of the Lord, 24 December 2013 said a release of KNO signed by its Stephen Kuki, under-secretary, information & publicity.

Songte Kom took the honourable decision to leave the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) in which organisation he was a member of parliament to join his own ethnic brother’s in the kuki national organisation.

Sonte’s return to his Kuki people was preceded by affirmation of Komrem Identity as Kuki by the Samulamlan block sub-division demand committee at a customary ceremony held at B Vengnom, Churachandpur, which put to rest previous ambivalences vis-à-vis their sense of belonging.

The committee was led by Onler kom, husband of the pugilist, Mary Kom, who at the London Olympics in 2012, brought the Indian nation to fame with a win of a bronze in the 54 kg women’s category, the first in the
country. The ceremony was also marked by PS Haokip, president KNO, who composed a song, ‘bangkok a kon kagal dot e kanam mite, a-z kakhop ho chu kukite lentol a kikim hinam?’ (Rough translation: from Bangkok, i yearn to know if my Kuki brethren from Aimol-to Zou (a-z) have all come together.)

The United Komrem Revolutionary Army (UKRA), which represents the Komrem people are member of the Kuki National Organisation. UKRA comprise former members of NSCN-IM, UNLF, KYKL and PLA added Stephen Kuki.

LCA Tejas Gets Initial Operational Clearance for Induction into IAF

2013-12-20T22:13:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, December 20: The Defence Minister AK Antony today handed over the Release to Service Certificate of the country’s own Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas, to the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne, at a function in Bengaluru, marking the fruition of a long and difficult journey of three decades of efforts to make a fighter aircraft of international standards.

Described as Initial Operational Clearance-II of Tejas, the LCA is designed to ultimately replace the Mig 21 fleet of IAF. The timing of IOC- II for LCA coincides with the iconic Mig 21 FL fighter flying into IAF’s history just a week ago.

Visibly happy at today’s event, Shri Antony said, during the last three years, the capabilities of the aircraft have been improved significantly. “In recognition of the enhanced capabilities, IAF has decided to grant the aircraft a higher status, namely, the Initial Operational Clearance for induction into the Service”, he said.

Antony candidly confessed that he had his share of anxieties regarding the future of LCA when he had taken over as the Defence Minister in 2006 but today we are putting behind the moments of self –doubt, frustrations and setbacks which we as a nation have gone through in the last 30 years.

“The improvements to the aircraft have enhanced the flight envelope of the aircraft and also weapon delivery capability of the aircraft. The performance at Iron Fist, Jaisalmer and the recent missile firing at Goa are examples of such improvements. The reliability of the aircraft and serviceability has also been enhanced. The number of flights nearing 500 within this year provides an indication of this. Operating at IAF bases namely, Jamnagar, Jaisalmer, Uttarlai, Gwaliar, Goa, Leh, Pathankot demonstrate the aircraft capability to operate from Air Force bases. There have also been occasions when the same aircraft has flown thrice on the same day, indicating the operational reliability of this home-bred fighter aircraft ”, he said.

Antony said military aviation in the country has got a major boost with the approval of several new programmes. Some of these programmes include – Mk2 variants of Navy and Air Force; Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft; Unmanned Air Systems; Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft and Medium Transport Aircraft, to name a few.

Describing the attainment of Initial Operational Clearance as an important milestone in the long journey towards indigenization through self-reliance, Shri Antony said, our public and private sector must work in tandem to develop and produce world-class military systems of the highest quality.

The Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne said it is indeed a proud day for the nation and particularly for the IAF; since the grant of IOC acknowledges the capabilities of this aircraft and paves the way for the induction of LCA Mk 1 into operational service. He said the progress of such a challenging experimental project without any accident or major incident is unprecedented in the history of aviation.

On a personal note, ACM Browne said as he prepares to hang his uniform at the end of this month, he would have gone home as a disappointed person if the IOC of the LCA had not been achieved.

Today’s event was attended among others by the Scientific Advisor to RM Shri Avinash Chander, Secretary Defence Production Shri GC Pati, Chairman of HAL Shri RK Tyagi, Programme Director of ADA Shri PS Subramanyam, DG- Aero and CE CEMILAC Dr K Tamil Mani.

Consultative Committee on Minority Affairs Discusses Functioning of National Commission of Minorities

2013-12-20T22:10:00.003+05:30

New Delhi, December 20: The 4th Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Minority Affairs(MoMA) discussed functioning of the National Commission of Minorities (NCM) here last evening.

The Meeting was chaired by K Rahman Khan, the Union Minister for Minority Affairs and was attended by the Minister of State, Ninong Ering. Lalit K Panwar, the Secretary, MoMA and other senior officers of the Ministry were also present. The Secretary NCM made a presentation on the Commission.

The Members of Parliament who attended the meeting and participated in the discussions include Charles Dias, Maulana Asrarul Haque, Salim Ansari, Shafiqur Rahman Barq, Ravneet Singh , SK Saidul Haque and Asaduddin Owaisi.

Sashastra Seema Bal Golden Jubilee Raising Day Celebrated

2013-12-20T22:06:00.002+05:30

New Delhi, December 20: SSB celebrated its Golden Jubilee Raising Day today at its Ghitorni Campus. The Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde took the salute which was followed by a magnificent march past and felicitation of the awardees of President Police Medal & Indian Police Medal. The parade was followed by a colourful display by SSB troops, dog squad and motorcycle riders.

Shinde released a coffee table book – The Border Guards, Sashastra Seema Bal – Sentinals of Indo Nepal & Bhutan Borders. The pictorial book showcases the journey of the force through five decades. The book is written and compiled by Sh Somesh Goyal, Inspector General (Operations & Intelligence).

The Union Home Minister applauded the performance of SSB in border guarding duties on Indo-Nepal & Bhutan borders, in Internal Security duties in J&K and in anti naxal operations in Bihar & Jharkhand. He said that SSB is the second largest border guarding force of the country and had the distinction of being the first to deploy women contingent on the border guarding duties.

Shinde also appreciated the civic action programme conducted by SSB for the benefit of border population which brought the latter to the national mainstream thereby ensuring comprehensive border management.

Responding to the request of DG SSB to revive the old role of SSB, the Home Minister assured to consider the proposal seriously. He also announced that funds required to repair the badly damaged campus of SSB Academy, Srinagar, Uttarakhand will also be sanctioned at the earliest.

DG, SSB Shri Arun Chaudhary highlighted the role of SSB and its operational achievements. He also presented the list of activities organized in the Golden Jubilee year such as scaling of the Mt. Everest, 1150 kms long river rafting expedition from Dharchula to Patna, release of a commemorative postal Stamp and a seminar on Indo-Nepal & Bhutan relations.

The Union Home Minister also met a group of 16 girls and 24 farmers who had come specially from Siliguri in West Bengal to witness the Golden Jubilee Celebrations.

The Golden Jubilee parade was witnessed by a large number dignitaries including Information Commissioner, Yashovardhan Azad, chiefs of CAPFs, retired and serving officers and their families.

Encourage and generate innovation, says President

2013-12-20T22:04:00.002+05:30

Chennai, December 20: The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the School of Commerce and Economics of Loyola College today (December 20, 2013) at Chennai.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said he is happy to note that Loyola College has in the last five years produced 131 PhDs faculty and students of Loyola College have to their credit articles in 439 international and 433 national research publications in the last five years. It is also commendable that the Loyola College has made a mark in industrial research through 8 patents and 8 more pending patents.

The President said innovation is the key to future economic progress. China and the US are at the forefront of innovation in the world with over 5 lakh patent applications each, filed in 2011. India, with only 42,000 patent applications, lags far behind countries like China and the US. He said “we must improve our systems to encourage and generate innovation and put in place a system to attract Indian researchers working abroad to return work on short-term projects in our country”.

The President also commended the alumni of Loyola College for having generously contributed for the construction of the new building and said this is how Yale and Stanford was built. The President called upon Loyola College to continue to promote a culture of excellence with determination and consistency.

Gunfights betwwen KNF(P) and KRA(U) at Khengjang, AR apprehends 5 UGs with arms and ammunitions

2013-12-20T21:37:00.001+05:30

KANGGUI, Dec.20: A gunfight occur late yesterday night at around 9 pm at Khengjang village located South West from Sapormeina Police Station between suspected KNF(P) and KRA(U).

There is no report of any casuality from both side though the gunfights last atleast one hour from 9pm to 10pm, according to the local residents.

In the meantime, 43 Assam Rifles 'C' Coy Motbung post apprehended three KNF(P) cadres and another two KRA(U) cadres in the aftermate search operation conducted by the AR in and around Khengjang as well as recovered arms and live ammunitions alongwith a land mine in place suspected to be a hideout of the militants.

Shortly after two three round of gunshot was heard at around 9 pm yesterday night there was a continuous gun shot in the village and everyone in the village bend down the floor due to fear of the gunshot since some bullet hit walls, ceiling, roofs and even utensils narrated one villager of Khengjang adding that the gun shot was heard till 10 pm in the night.

The village community hall wall has been hit by several bullet while the village Golden Jubilee Stone also bored various bullet marked as well as some utensils in a house and one local van has also been hit and damage severely.

We are learning a Gospel Hymns for the Christmas at the Church Hall while the incident occur narrated one Church member of the village adding that we laid down on the floor to saves our life.

In the meantime, 43 Assam Rifles Motbung Post rushed to the spot and conducted a search operation from 10:05 pm yesterday night till 4 pm this evening in connection with the incident and apprehended five UGs with arms and ammunitions including a mine.

Three cadres apprehended by the AR among the five UGs belongs to KNF(P) while another two belongs to KRA(U) said Maj.J Pal, Post Commander 43 AR Motbung Post before adding that one 9 mm Pistol with magazine and live ammunitions, one 7.65mm pistol with magazine and live ammunitions, one .22 Rifles with magazine and live ammunitions, two Chinese hand granade, one No.36 hand granade and one Mine were recovered during the operation.

The apprehended three cadres of KNF(P) has been identified as Tarzan(26), Cavandish(26) and Lunpimang Kipgen(18) while the two KRA(U) cadres has been established as Sgt.Gogou Chongloi(24) and Dehkholal(38).

The Khengjang Village Authority on the otherhand appeal to both everyone not to create fear psychosis among the villagers and avoid disturbing the prevailing peaceful environment during the Christmas season.

The Village Authority further said that gunfight within the village is a threat to many innocent civilian and every right thinking individual should at the best try to avoid such unwanted incident.