Women agitators corner Work Minister at Kpi, asked to grant districthood then and there [Hueiyen Lanpao]

Imphal, October 27: A large number of women agitators detained Works Minister K Ranjit at Kangpokpi Bazar today insisting that the Minister cannot leave without giving his signature on a blank paper to the effect of granting district status to Sadar Hills.
The incident occurred at around 3.45 pm today. Minister Ranjit was returning along with other officials of PWD after inspecting the progress of the construction work on the Mini Secretariat complex, 50-bedded district hospital and guest house at Senapati, which are scheduled to be inaugurated by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on November 2, when around 1000 women agitators stopped the Minister and his team from proceeding towards Imphal at Kangpokpi Bazar.

According to information culled from the site of the incident, after detaining the Minister and his team, women agitators insisted the Minister sign on a paper stating that the demand for upgradation of Sadar Hills to a full-fledged revenue district has been granted. The Minister, however, refused.

Later on, leaders of Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) requested for a meeting with the Minister. During the meeting, the SHDDC leaders contended that since Minister Ranjit is trusted confidant of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, the latter would not mind anything if the latter granted the district demand. However, Minister Ranjit made it cleared that he is not the only person who is running the government and there is the Council of Ministers.

The Minister further said that he has no objection to being detained if the agitators felt that the demand would be met at once.
As the agitators did not relent, the Minister and his team went back towards Senapati side again. After crossing a bridge, the Minister stopped his vehicle and informed the DGP of the road block.

Accordingly, the DGP dispatched a large team of Police Commandos from Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishnupur to bring back the Minister and team.

The police Commandos numbering around 100 were fully equipped with riot control equipments and were jointly led by Additional SP (Operation) of Imphal West Dr AK JHaljit and DSP Krishnatombi.

All along the way, the police commandos confronted agitators who were trying to block the road. A spokesperson of SHDDC has informed that a woman pharmacist sustained injuries in the action of the police commandos at Sapermeina one man had a broken leg in Kangpokpi.

Source: Hueiyen Lanpao

 

Infantry Day – 2011 observed [Hueiyen Lanpao]

Imphal, October 27: GOC 57 Mountain Division Major General Binoy Poonen led other Infantry Officers, JCOs and soldiers in paying homage to the ‘brave sons of India who have made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty’ at the occasion of Infantry Day observance held at Leimakhong today.

According to a statement issued by PIB Defence Wing, Infantry, the Queen of the Battlefield, observes October 27 each year as the Infantry Day. On this day, 64 years ago, in response to the first threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our Nation, elements of the Indian Infantry, landed in Srinagar and resolutely defended Kashmir from falling into the hands of the enemy.

Procrastinating in the dilemma of choosing between remaining an independent state or joining the dominion of India or Pakistan, the Maharaja of Kashmir found himself in a precarious situation in the wake of independence. Pakistan stakes its claim on Kashmir and exploited the vulnerable situation by launching an attack with their raiders on October 18, 1947.

By October 26, 1947, the situation turned grave as the raiders advanced along Uri-Baramulla-Srinagar Road. Much devastation had been caused; Baramulla was overcome and the enemy was within 30 miles from Srinagar when Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to India on October 26, 1947.

At 5 am of October 27, 1947, the Battalion Headquarters and a company of the First Battalion of the Sikh Regiment, hastily musteed from internal security duties in Gurgaon, were flown in to Srinagar. These valiant soliders fought a gallant action reversing the tide of the battle and saving Kashmir as part of independent India. To commemorate this maiden action of the Infantry, October 27 is observed each year as Infantry Day. Today’s observance was also attended by about 25 retired Infantry officers from across the state of Manipur.

Source: Hueiyen Lanpao

 

Doctors furious over due salary [Hueiyen Lanpao]

Imphal, October 27: The newly absorbed 282 medical officers and dental surgeons of Manipur Health Services, who were recruited through MPSC, have not been paid their salaries for the last 9 months. Highly agitated over this negligence of the state government, they are all set to approach the High Court.

Speaking to media persons at a press conference held at Manipur Press Club, Dr Noren, President, Medical Officers and Dental Surgeons Association, said that the salary of the 282 newly recruited Medical Officers and Dental Surgeons of Manipur Health Services have not been given for the last 9 months on the ground of non completion of MGEL.

The doctors and surgeons have been posted in different CHCs and PHCs of the state and have been performing their duties hence. But, they have not paid their salaries so far. They have lodged a complaint with the CM in this regard and the CM had given a one time relaxation on MGEL and arranged the salary for 6 months.  However,  the salary was also not given based on the status of an employee, but on a lump sum basis as wages.

He further went on to say that after a writ petition was filed in the Gauhati High Court, the court had directed the state government to complete the formation of MGEL for the doctors by March 31. Concern officials never gave a satisfying answer when they were enquired about the non completion of MGEL. On some occasions, they said that it would be completed in a month’s time and on other occasions the officials said that the documents furnished by the doctors are insufficient for its completion.

There were even instances where the office doors of the Health services remained closed from inside and the concern staffs were busy playing cards inside, keeping aside the work for the completion of MGEL, he further alleged.

He further  informed that the process of MGEL is not completed till today and the salary of the doctors have not been released because the Health services is not under the organized services recognized by the state government. Manipur Finance Services, IAS, IPS, MCS and IPS etc are all under the organized services. Hence, even police constables, as soon as they get recruited, receive their salaries without any problem. So looking at all these, the Health Services need to be placed under organized services recognized by the state government and the MGEL of doctors be completed at the earliest possible time.

Source: Hueiyen Lanpao

 

One shot dead, AR personnel found dead at Kangla Park [Hueiyen Lanpao]

Imphal, October 27: Unidentified gunmen shot death a man at Senjam Chirang Maning Leikai, under Sekmai Police station last night, meanwhile, an AR personnel was found death at Kangla Park early this morning.

According to police sources, the incident took place at Senjam Chirang Maning Leikai last night at around 10:30 pm. The person is stated to be around 25 years of age, fair in complexion and wore a jean and a coffee colour shirt. He was blind folded and his hands were tight at the back. He was shot in the head. His identification and the reason behind the killing are not yet known. The dead body is being kept in RIMS morgue for identification.

Meanwhile, a personnel of 10 AR was found death early this morning at Kangla Park, just adjacent to M Sector. The deceased has been identified as one TP Ase Kabui (40),s/o TP K Mangang of Tamenglong ward number 9.

Family members of the deceased told media persons that TP Ase went out of home to his in laws house and said he will be going to Chandel along with his wife. But he left his wife at Chandel and return back to Imphal.

A scar mark was found on his forehead as if he was struck by a sharp object by someone or was caused in an accident. The dead body is being kept at RIMS morgue for post mortem.

Source: Hueiyen Lanpao

 

Planning Department gets a new building [Hueiyen Lanpao]

Imphal, October 27: The newly constructed building of the Planning Department, with an estimated cost of Rs 2.9 crores was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, O Ibobi at Babupara today.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister O Ibobi said that the Planning Department is the only department concerned with the development programmes which will determine the future of the state. Employees who are sincere in their work are required.

He further went on to say that the funds allocated for a particular project needs to be used up in the right time. For the present financial year, there are many departments who have not submitted their utilization certificates (UC). They should submit it at the right time so as not to create any problem in applying for the next plan proposal. Work proposal and UC should be passed to the Ministry at the right time to avoid any unwanted problems. He also assured that the shortage of staffs in the Planning Department will be looked into and recruitment process will be done.

Delivering the Presidential speech, Bijoy Koijam, Deputy Chairman, State Planning Board, said that the Planning Department is the backbone of the state. All developments programmes are first discussed and planned in the department and later taken up. To develop the state, the state needs to give special priority to the Planning department. Chief Secretary, DS Poonia was also present on the occasion.
BJP launches fish fair: The BJP Fisherman Cell launched a Fish Fair on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba at its party office at Nityaipat Chuthek today.

Speaking to media persons at the sidelines of the fair, Shantikumar Sharma, Party President, said that the BJP Fisherman cell was established primarily to help in reducing the huge amount of money drained out of the state in procuring fish from other states.

He further went on to say that in every household in the state, on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba, a fish curry is being prepared. To provide fish at a reasonable rate, the BJP Fish Farmers Cell is organizing the fair where fishes are sold at the government rate. This will certainly help in reducing the amount of money spent on transporting fish from other states.

Source: Hueiyen Lanpao

 

TKS condemns assault on ANSAM President [Hueiyen Lanpao]

Imphal, October 27: Tangkhul Katamnao Shaklong (TKS), an apex students’ body of Tangkhul community, vehemently condemned the physical assault on the ANSAM president Kumo Sha by the Assam Rifles on 24 October, 2011 at Senapati.

In a statement, President of TKS Yangmi Khapai asserted that the conduct and behaviour of one accused Major Marathi is unbecoming of an officer and unfit to be in the service of the country.

How could the AR officer and his troops resort to such an action which is nothing but inhuman, Yangmi questioned and demanded the culprits to tender public apology at the earliest.

Yangmi pointed out that TKS is an affiliated unit of ANSAM, the apex student’s organization of all the Nagas in Manipur and Kumo Sha is an elected head of the organization and carries the mandate of all Naga students. So, it is his duty to uphold the dignity and ensure justice to the organization.

It is an irony that the Assam Rifles boast themselves to be the “Friends of the Hill People.” Can they proudly claim that to be true? , he further questioned, adding, “Let our actions be guided by reason not by power from the barrel of guns”-this is our message to the Assam Rifles.

 

Source: Hueiyen Lanpao

 

Indigenous fishes in short supply at the State Fish fair [Hueiyen Lanpao]

Fishes on display in one of the stall at Hapta kangjeibung Fish exibition

Imphal, October 27: The State Fish fair organized by the Fishery Department on the eve of Ningol Chakkouba, at Hatta Kangjeibung, Palace Compound, today witnessed a scarce supply of Ngaton and Prawn, and many people went away disappointed at not being able to get a taste of these rare indigenous fishes.

After the inauguration of the Fish fair, most of the people who came to the fair thronged the stalls where Pengba and Ngaton were sold. As the saying goes “Early bird catches the worm”, those few buyers who came in early were able to buy Pengba and Ngaton, while many others who came a bit later went back disappointed. Some of the Pengbas were sold alive in a polythene bag of water, which were on average of smaller sizes.

The inaugural function of the Fish Fair was graced by Md Allaudin Khan, Minister, Fisheries and RK Sukumar, Secretary, Fisheries as the Chief Guest and President respectively. K Sarat kumar, Director, Fisheries and Devendra, retired Director, Fisheries, GoM were the Guests of Honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Md Allaudin said that with the increase in population the production of local fish needs to be increased.  Since the production of fish in the state is far behind the demand of the state, a large quantity of fish is being imported from other states.

With the advancement in science and technology, scientific methods are also being used in the state by fish farmers. And gradually the production rate is also increasing. In the next few years the fish production in the state will hopefully be able to meet all the demands of the state, he said.

He further went on to say that the quantity of fish which is brought in to the state has been reduced to a considerable level due to the ongoing economic blockade on all NHs of the state. But still, the demand is being met by the local production. This shows that the production of fish in the state is increasing.

The state is 9 metric tones short of the daily requirements of fish. To make up the shortage, fish farmers of the state need to use advance technology. The state, on its part, will also try its level best to solve the problem. To encourage the fish farmers of the state, the price for this year Fish Crop Competition has been increased, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, K Sarat Kumar, Director Fisheries, said that the Fish Fair has been organized on the eve of Ningol Chakkouba since 1976 to make available fish to the general public at reasonable rates. There are 65 stalls participating in today’s fair.

Source: Hueiyen Lanpao

 

Triple bomb blasts rock Imphal area 6 including a minor girl injured [Hueiyen Lanpao]

Imphal, October 26: As the people of the state were engrossed in celebrating Diwali with lighting of lamps and bursting of crackers, a twin bomb blasts at Thangal bazar brought to a grinding halt the festivities and left four persons including a minor girl of 12 injured. 

In another bomb attack by unidentified armed persons at the residence of Chief Engineer, PWD Loken at Canchipur Heijigang under Singjamei Police Station at around 10.10 pm today, a personnel of 7 MR and the personal driver of the Chief Engineer sustained injuries.

The first bomb exploded at around 8pm this evening at Alu Gali in Thangal Bazar, at the entrance of Overseas Bank. The other bomb exploded a minute after the first explosion, around 100 feet away from the previous spot, in a shop.

The four persons who were injured in the bomb explosion have been identified as Manisha (12), d/o Dasharat of  Alu Gali, her brother Manish (16), Mohammud Mustakim (16), s/o  Jayauddin of Mashjid Road and Md Farukh (17), s/o Jakub of Lilong. Manisha was injured on the right leg with bomb splinters, her brother Manish was injured in the left hand, Mustakim in the right hand and leg and Md Farukh suffered a head injury.
According to police reports, the incident did not cause many casualties as the spot where the twin bombs exploded had no major celebration taking place and not many people had congregated there.

The first bomb which exploded at the entrance of Overseas Bank left the iron shutter of the bank partly torn apart. The impact of the explosion even reached the other side of the road and broke the doors and windows of shops on the ground floor of Chongtham Iboyaima Shopping Mall. There were also blood stains besides the shops and four persons were said to have been injured at the spot.

The second bomb exploded minutes after the first one, around 100 feet away from the previous spot, in a shop selling clothes. The shop was among other shops labeled as Robin Market.

Police sources said that the shop belongs to one Milan Biju (55). The shop had closed around 6pm this evening. The shutters of the shop were found metres away from the spot. A huge lot of goods and clothes are believed to have been destroyed by the blast, but the actual amount of the destroyed items could not be found out as the owner had not yet arrived at the spot. It is believed that no one was hurt in the second blast.
Bomb experts were of the opinion that the bombs which exploded were powerful ones. The second bomb was even more powerful than the first one. But police are yet to determine the device used to explode the bombs and also its components. It is suspected that the bombs could have been planted well before the blast.

As soon as the explosion occurred police rushed to the spot and carried out an intensive search. People were checked and all roads to and from the site of explosion was blocked. The light festival came to a halt and all shops were forced to close down. Burning of crackers was prohibited for the moment. No arrest related with the incident has been reported till the filling of this report.

All the injured in the Thangal bazar twin blasts are being treated at RIMS. Meanwhile, the bomb attack at the residence of Chief Engineer Loken was carried out taking advantage of a musical concert organised not far off in connection with Diwali festival.

The bomb landed and exploded just outside the residential gate. One Ngouba of Thoubal, a personnel of 7 MR, who is deployed as security escort of the Chief Engineer and O Johnson of Singjamei Kshetri Leikai, who is the personal driver of the Chief Engineer sustained injuries in the explosion. One of the injured has been reportedly admitted to RIMS while the other to Raj Polyclinic for treatment. Both the injured are said to be out of danger.

Source: Hueiyen Lanpao

Locals inaugurate Khurai Salan Bridge without govt officials [Hueiyen Lanpao]

Imphal, October 26: The locals of Khurai Lairikyengbam and Nandeibam Leikai inaugurated the long completed Khurai Salan Bridge today in the absence of any concern government officials.

The bridge built on the Imphal River is the only way through which a person of Khurai Lairikyengbam can cross over to Khurai Nandeibam Leikai. The people of both the locality have time and again pressed the government to inaugurate the bridge which have been completed two months back to and hand it over to the public.

As the concern authority paid no heed to their request, the locals were forced to inaugurate the bridge without any government officials, in the interest of the public, said the locals.

Speaking to reporters, the locals said that the people of Leirikyengbam Leikai mainly the students while trying to cross over to Lamlong bazaar find it really hard in crossing the old diversion bridge which is all badly damaged. Above this, the road along the river side leading towards Lamlong bazaar is also in very bad condition with one side of the road tilted towards the river. Written complaints have been made to the Works Minister, local MLA, PHED Minister and all other concern officials to inaugurate the bridge. It has also appealed through the local media to do the needful before October 26. Since nothing has been done so far, people of both the localities formally inaugurated the bridge today along with all the required rituals.

 

 

Source: Hueiyen Lanpao

3 KCP men arrested with explosives [Hueiyen Lanpao]

Imphal, October 26: Three militants belonging to the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (Military Council) were nabbed with five kilograms of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during an operation jointly carried out by personnel of 23 Assam Rifles and Imphal East police commandos at Yumnam Khunou in Imphal East district, a police source said Wednesday. 

The arrested militants have been identified as Akhom Premkumar alias Mobi, 40 s/o A. Yaima Singh, Moirangthem Birmani alias Kangleipurel Singh, 33 s/o M. Khomei, both from Phubala Awang Leikai under Bishnupur police station in Bishnupur district and Oinam Tomba,42 s/o O. Angou Singh of Nambol Leimapokpam under Nambol police station in Bishnupur district. The trio was apprehended from Yumnam Khunou under Heingang police station at about 12:30 during an operation jointly conducted by personnel of 23 Assam Rifles and Imphal East police commandos after a tip about their presence in the area, the source said, adding that the combined security team also recovered five kg of IED from their possession.

 

Source: Hueiyen Lanpao