SENAPATI - A 48-hour shutdown against the Central Government’s decision to deploy additional forces has crippled life in five hill districts of Manipur.
The shutdown called by the United Naga Council (UNC) is supported by some tribal organisations.
In Senapati district, life came to a grinding halt as shops and other establishments closed in compliance with the shutdown call.
Vehicles remained off the roads and busy market areas wore a deserted look.
Last month, the Manipur Government deployed around 700 India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel and 300 police commandos in some districts of the state to help the local police combat rebels and maintain law and order.
Many residents feel that the presence of security forces would result in clashes with militants in the region. (ANI)
Pineapple queen contest
Imphal, July 21 : As a part of promotional campaign and to harness the talent of young girls of Manipur, the Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee is organising the prestigious Manipur Pineapple Queen Contest on August 21, 2009 at Khousabung DCC Headquarters, Churachandpur, as a part of the forthcoming State Level Manipur Pineapple Festival, 2009, according to a statement issued by the secretary of MPFC.
Aspiring contestants between the ages of 15-25 years may collect contestant forms at any of the counters given: Film Care, Yaiskul, Imphal (9862577217); Machaleima Telecommunication (Boyai PCO), Moirang Lamkhai, 03879-262498; and Songbul News Agency, Thangzam Road, Churachandpur.
The last date of submission of form is August 5, it added.
Aspiring contestants between the ages of 15-25 years may collect contestant forms at any of the counters given: Film Care, Yaiskul, Imphal (9862577217); Machaleima Telecommunication (Boyai PCO), Moirang Lamkhai, 03879-262498; and Songbul News Agency, Thangzam Road, Churachandpur.
The last date of submission of form is August 5, it added.
AFSPA to remain in force in Manipur
Imphal, July 20 (PTI) The controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) would not be withdrawn from Manipur because of continuing militant activities, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today said.
Replying to a question in the House, Singh said that although the AFSPA was withdrawn from seven assembly constituencies in Imphal municipal area last year following protests from NGOs, the act would remain in force in all other areas in view of the militant activities.
On steps taken by his government to save the life of social activist Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has gone on a fast unto death demanding withdrawal of the Act, Singh said special facilities, including medical care and security, is being provided to her at the J N Hospital here.
Replying to a question in the House, Singh said that although the AFSPA was withdrawn from seven assembly constituencies in Imphal municipal area last year following protests from NGOs, the act would remain in force in all other areas in view of the militant activities.
On steps taken by his government to save the life of social activist Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has gone on a fast unto death demanding withdrawal of the Act, Singh said special facilities, including medical care and security, is being provided to her at the J N Hospital here.
German measles outbreak in Manipur
Satyajit Usham
With confirmed cases in Imphal East district, the state of Manipur is witnessing an outbreak of German measles, for the first time in its history. German measles, a contagious viral disease that is a milder form of measles, lasts three to four days.
FDA Seized of Paracetamol Overdosing
FOR THE first time in its history, the state of Manipur, is witnessing an outbreak of German measles, with confirmed cases in Imphal East district. German measles, a contagious viral disease that is a milder form of measles, lasts three to four days and can damage a foetus during the first trimester.
Dr W Motilal, Director of Health Services, in the Manipur government, said that the State's first-ever outbreak of German measles, had been confirmed in the Khurai Puthiba locality of Imphal East district. The results of nine samples which had been sent to the National Institute of Communicable Disease (NICD) in New Delhi for testing, have returned as positive.
Dr Motilal reported that the laboratory testing for German measles was confirmed on July 16, though the report was received only on Friday (July 17). He added that the test conducted in the Indian Council of Medical Research at Dibrugarh on the urine samples and the throat swabs collected from Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai,following suspected outbreak of measles in first week of last months, have been found to be negative.
Following suspected cases of measles in Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai area in the first week of June, health workers have also screened 832 children in the age group of three to 13 years in the neighbouring Khurai Puthiba Leikai. Out of the 30 children showing signs of fever, samples of nine children had been send to the NICD for testing and all nine samples tested positive for German measles. Taking serious note of the development, the director of health services has written to the State government recommending inclusion of MMR - Measles, Mumps and Rubella in the normal immunisation of children.
According to doctors of the health services, German measles is a milder form of measles that lasts for three to four days. The main symptoms include fever and distinct red spots followed by rashes. The viral infection can be spread through droplets from sneezing and coughing. In the case of a male child, the virus normally attacks the heart, while it may lead to blindness in case of female child. The doctors added that the outbreak of German measles was common during summer season.
With confirmed cases in Imphal East district, the state of Manipur is witnessing an outbreak of German measles, for the first time in its history. German measles, a contagious viral disease that is a milder form of measles, lasts three to four days.
FDA Seized of Paracetamol Overdosing
FOR THE first time in its history, the state of Manipur, is witnessing an outbreak of German measles, with confirmed cases in Imphal East district. German measles, a contagious viral disease that is a milder form of measles, lasts three to four days and can damage a foetus during the first trimester.
Dr W Motilal, Director of Health Services, in the Manipur government, said that the State's first-ever outbreak of German measles, had been confirmed in the Khurai Puthiba locality of Imphal East district. The results of nine samples which had been sent to the National Institute of Communicable Disease (NICD) in New Delhi for testing, have returned as positive.
Dr Motilal reported that the laboratory testing for German measles was confirmed on July 16, though the report was received only on Friday (July 17). He added that the test conducted in the Indian Council of Medical Research at Dibrugarh on the urine samples and the throat swabs collected from Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai,following suspected outbreak of measles in first week of last months, have been found to be negative.
Following suspected cases of measles in Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai area in the first week of June, health workers have also screened 832 children in the age group of three to 13 years in the neighbouring Khurai Puthiba Leikai. Out of the 30 children showing signs of fever, samples of nine children had been send to the NICD for testing and all nine samples tested positive for German measles. Taking serious note of the development, the director of health services has written to the State government recommending inclusion of MMR - Measles, Mumps and Rubella in the normal immunisation of children.
According to doctors of the health services, German measles is a milder form of measles that lasts for three to four days. The main symptoms include fever and distinct red spots followed by rashes. The viral infection can be spread through droplets from sneezing and coughing. In the case of a male child, the virus normally attacks the heart, while it may lead to blindness in case of female child. The doctors added that the outbreak of German measles was common during summer season.
MEELAL concerned over 50% mixture of English with Manipuri
Imphal, Jul 20: President of Meetei Erol Eyek Loinashillon Apunba Lup (MEELal), Ngaseppam Yumjao today expressed serious concern over "almost 50% replacement of Manipuri words by English words".
In an exclusive interview, Ngaseppam Yumjao told this newspaper said that the lingua franca of the state, Meeteilon also known as Manipuri has been inccreasingly mixed with English language to the lelvel of almost 50% day by day.
He said, since the parents were interested in sending their children to English medium schools so that they would learn English language, the influence of English language has become deeply rooted in the mindset of the students.
Giving an example, the president of MEELAL said, since the olden days of our forefathers, we have been using the word of gate of our homes as Konthong.
But today the word Konthong has disappeared, and it has been replaced with the English word "gate." The present day children do not know that the word Konthong is their mother-tongue, he said.
Yumjao also pointed out the word Amangshang and said that the younger generation of today use the English word "latrine" only in place of Amangshang.
Thus, the Meeteilon is losing its vocabulary day by day, Yumjao lamented.
A community, of which language and script are slowly disappearing, is a community that is also slowly vanishing, Yumjao said adding that even though the script is being studied as part of the syllabus in the schools, we need to protect the language and script properly.
Even in the highest centre of education in the state, which is Manipur University, the number of students who come for studies in Manipuri department has gone down considerably this year, Yumjao said.
But the number of students who want to study English is very high.
Therefore it high time experts and intellectuals of Manipur got together and discussed the issue which is a matter of serious concern, the MEELAL president opined.
In this regard, MEELAL joined hands with Kangleipak Loinashillon Apunba Lup (KALAM) and Manipuri Language and Literature Development Forum, Manipur University and formed a body called Maheiroishingda Meeteilon Tamhannaba Apunba Takshin Lup.
The body will organise a two-day seminar on the same theme on August 27 and 28 at GM hall here.
Teachers of MU and Colleges and many eminent personalities are expected to take part in the seminar.
Certain resolutions will be taken by the seminar which will be implemented, he said.
In an exclusive interview, Ngaseppam Yumjao told this newspaper said that the lingua franca of the state, Meeteilon also known as Manipuri has been inccreasingly mixed with English language to the lelvel of almost 50% day by day.
He said, since the parents were interested in sending their children to English medium schools so that they would learn English language, the influence of English language has become deeply rooted in the mindset of the students.
Giving an example, the president of MEELAL said, since the olden days of our forefathers, we have been using the word of gate of our homes as Konthong.
But today the word Konthong has disappeared, and it has been replaced with the English word "gate." The present day children do not know that the word Konthong is their mother-tongue, he said.
Yumjao also pointed out the word Amangshang and said that the younger generation of today use the English word "latrine" only in place of Amangshang.
Thus, the Meeteilon is losing its vocabulary day by day, Yumjao lamented.
A community, of which language and script are slowly disappearing, is a community that is also slowly vanishing, Yumjao said adding that even though the script is being studied as part of the syllabus in the schools, we need to protect the language and script properly.
Even in the highest centre of education in the state, which is Manipur University, the number of students who come for studies in Manipuri department has gone down considerably this year, Yumjao said.
But the number of students who want to study English is very high.
Therefore it high time experts and intellectuals of Manipur got together and discussed the issue which is a matter of serious concern, the MEELAL president opined.
In this regard, MEELAL joined hands with Kangleipak Loinashillon Apunba Lup (KALAM) and Manipuri Language and Literature Development Forum, Manipur University and formed a body called Maheiroishingda Meeteilon Tamhannaba Apunba Takshin Lup.
The body will organise a two-day seminar on the same theme on August 27 and 28 at GM hall here.
Teachers of MU and Colleges and many eminent personalities are expected to take part in the seminar.
Certain resolutions will be taken by the seminar which will be implemented, he said.
Khuga dam breaching not a big problem, says CM
Imphal, July 18 : There is no question of any major breakdown at the Khuga dam in Churachandpur and the government is considering official inauguration of the Khuga Multi-purpose Project by December this year.
This was mentioned by chief minister O Ibobi Singh in a supplementary answer made in the House this morning in addition to the reply of state IFCD minister N Biren, during a calling attention motion jointly moved by senior opposition MLA, O Joy Singh and MLA, T Hankhanpao on the collapse of an earthen embankment of the Khuga canal at T Daijang village.
The chief minister further mentioned that the state government is promoting the Khuga Multi-purpose Project as one of the state’s prestigious projects and operational activities for the construction had been activated with the establishment of the SPF government way back in the year 2000.
He further said that the small complaints over the leakages and breaching of the irrigation canal of the dam are operational problems which can be repaired. The officials of the concerned department have been giving full attention to the trial operation of irrigation through the canal and the breaching of the embankment had occurred due to prolonged exposure, he maintained.
The chief minister also mentioned that the SPF government overcame many problems in the speedy construction of the Khuga Multi-purpose Project, officially started in 1983 by the then government in the state which had given priority to the construction of the canal portion only.
He said with the installation of the SPF government during 2000, the priority work of construction of the main earthen dam, spillway and power component of the project had been taken up. On completion of the earthen dam and spillway portions of the project the department addressed the problem of water scarcity and started the irrigation component of the project on trial basis. The leakages and breaches on the canal portion of the earthen dam was due to lack of maintenance, and the problem would be solved in near future as the department’s officials are aware of the problem, he added.
In the meantime, state IFCD minister N Biren gave an assurance to the House that there is no need for apprehension on the dam breaking down in its final stages of completion, and the earthen embankment of the canals are not a source of worry.
The IFCD minister further said the earthen canal of the project was not constructed under the tenure of the SPF government. He maintained that in view of the irregular maintenance of the canals officials and engineers of the state IFCD had been assigned to look for any malfunctions during the trial run of the irrigation components of the dam since last year.
In the meantime, while raising the calling attention senior opposition MLA, O Joy and local MLA, T Hankhanpao pointed out the apprehension felt by the public following the breaching of the earthen embankment of the irrigation canal and questioned if the same would not happen to the main earthen dam.
Both the MLAs also drew the attention of the state government and concerned ministers towards taking of necessary steps for preventing any irregularities in the various components of the project as the local people have high expectations from the dam and its resources.
M Kaimuanthang adds from Churachandpur: The Khuga Dam Contractors Association has yet again threatened the government to launch an agitation within the next few days if the government fails to pay up all pending liabilities pertaining to works executed in the Khuga head works and other components by the authorised or unauthorised contractors.
The president of the association, Hauthang while disclosing this plan has reiterated to the IFP that if "we are not given funds by this month we will resort to any form of agitation."
According to sources, a high power meeting held earlier in the presence of the chief minister O Ibobi Singh, IFCD minister N Biren, power minister Phungzathang Tonsing, works minister K Ranjit and MPCC president Gaikhangam apart from others gave an assurance to pay up the pending liabilities to the contractors.
At another meeting with the IFCD minister, it was promised to the contractors that their dues would be paid at the earliest. However, the promise has not been kept with till date, said the president.
This was mentioned by chief minister O Ibobi Singh in a supplementary answer made in the House this morning in addition to the reply of state IFCD minister N Biren, during a calling attention motion jointly moved by senior opposition MLA, O Joy Singh and MLA, T Hankhanpao on the collapse of an earthen embankment of the Khuga canal at T Daijang village.
The chief minister further mentioned that the state government is promoting the Khuga Multi-purpose Project as one of the state’s prestigious projects and operational activities for the construction had been activated with the establishment of the SPF government way back in the year 2000.
He further said that the small complaints over the leakages and breaching of the irrigation canal of the dam are operational problems which can be repaired. The officials of the concerned department have been giving full attention to the trial operation of irrigation through the canal and the breaching of the embankment had occurred due to prolonged exposure, he maintained.
The chief minister also mentioned that the SPF government overcame many problems in the speedy construction of the Khuga Multi-purpose Project, officially started in 1983 by the then government in the state which had given priority to the construction of the canal portion only.
He said with the installation of the SPF government during 2000, the priority work of construction of the main earthen dam, spillway and power component of the project had been taken up. On completion of the earthen dam and spillway portions of the project the department addressed the problem of water scarcity and started the irrigation component of the project on trial basis. The leakages and breaches on the canal portion of the earthen dam was due to lack of maintenance, and the problem would be solved in near future as the department’s officials are aware of the problem, he added.
In the meantime, state IFCD minister N Biren gave an assurance to the House that there is no need for apprehension on the dam breaking down in its final stages of completion, and the earthen embankment of the canals are not a source of worry.
The IFCD minister further said the earthen canal of the project was not constructed under the tenure of the SPF government. He maintained that in view of the irregular maintenance of the canals officials and engineers of the state IFCD had been assigned to look for any malfunctions during the trial run of the irrigation components of the dam since last year.
In the meantime, while raising the calling attention senior opposition MLA, O Joy and local MLA, T Hankhanpao pointed out the apprehension felt by the public following the breaching of the earthen embankment of the irrigation canal and questioned if the same would not happen to the main earthen dam.
Both the MLAs also drew the attention of the state government and concerned ministers towards taking of necessary steps for preventing any irregularities in the various components of the project as the local people have high expectations from the dam and its resources.
M Kaimuanthang adds from Churachandpur: The Khuga Dam Contractors Association has yet again threatened the government to launch an agitation within the next few days if the government fails to pay up all pending liabilities pertaining to works executed in the Khuga head works and other components by the authorised or unauthorised contractors.
The president of the association, Hauthang while disclosing this plan has reiterated to the IFP that if "we are not given funds by this month we will resort to any form of agitation."
According to sources, a high power meeting held earlier in the presence of the chief minister O Ibobi Singh, IFCD minister N Biren, power minister Phungzathang Tonsing, works minister K Ranjit and MPCC president Gaikhangam apart from others gave an assurance to pay up the pending liabilities to the contractors.
At another meeting with the IFCD minister, it was promised to the contractors that their dues would be paid at the earliest. However, the promise has not been kept with till date, said the president.
Twin protests affect Manipur
Imphal | July 16 : The twin protests in Manipur on Thursday have affected normal life in the state. The Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM)'s 120-hour bandh demanding the release of detained student leaders under National Security Act (NSA) and the indefinite economic blockade imposed by All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) over the reservation issue kick-started since midnight of Wednesday.
Though educational institutions have been exempted from the purview of the DESAM bandh, the attendance percentage of students in their respective institutions were quite low today while goods transporters failed to ply along the two national highways leading to Manipur owing to the ATSUM protest. Large numbers of goods laden Imphal bound trucks are reportedly stranded at the Manipur-Nagaland border.
Meanwhile, inspite of the efforts of the state government to make the bandh called by Democratic Students’ Alliance (DESAM) ineffective, shops and business establishments in the Imphal area were mostly closed with attendance in educational institutions and offices being poor to nil.
Passenger buses plying between the districts of Manipur were mostly off the road and the inter state buses were also not to be seen. Traffic was thin in the streets of Imphal where only vehicles of security personnel and some private two wheelers and four wheelers were seen. Traffic police were seen at some traffic points in the forenoon but not in the afternoon.
The senior superintendent of police of Imphal West L. Kailun had appealed to the public not to support the bandh and come out for their normal activities. In the morning police vehicles were seen going around the commercial area in Imphal asking shopkeepers to open their shops through loud speakers.
Though educational institutions have been exempted from the purview of the DESAM bandh, the attendance percentage of students in their respective institutions were quite low today while goods transporters failed to ply along the two national highways leading to Manipur owing to the ATSUM protest. Large numbers of goods laden Imphal bound trucks are reportedly stranded at the Manipur-Nagaland border.
Meanwhile, inspite of the efforts of the state government to make the bandh called by Democratic Students’ Alliance (DESAM) ineffective, shops and business establishments in the Imphal area were mostly closed with attendance in educational institutions and offices being poor to nil.
Passenger buses plying between the districts of Manipur were mostly off the road and the inter state buses were also not to be seen. Traffic was thin in the streets of Imphal where only vehicles of security personnel and some private two wheelers and four wheelers were seen. Traffic police were seen at some traffic points in the forenoon but not in the afternoon.
The senior superintendent of police of Imphal West L. Kailun had appealed to the public not to support the bandh and come out for their normal activities. In the morning police vehicles were seen going around the commercial area in Imphal asking shopkeepers to open their shops through loud speakers.
Centre giving 7887 tonne rice every month to Manipur
Manipur is being allotted 7887 tonne of rice every month from Central allocation, which includes 2182 tonne of APL variety, 3478 MT of and 2227 MT of AAY. According to UNI report, food and civil supplies minister Y Erabot informed this to the Assembly on Wednesday while replying to a question raised by MLA Radhabinod Koijam. Manipur also gets 606 tonne of wheat, 400 tonne of palmoline oil, 1812.2 MT of sugar, 2131 kilolitres of sk oil and 17,066 tonne of salt.
Minister of Public Health Engineering Department TH Haokip, while replying to a query raised by MLA O Joy, informed that during 2008-09 Rs three crore was sanctioned for drainage and sewarage work.
Minister of Information TN Haokip informed the House, replying to a question raised by Dr Ng Bijoy, that from 1997 the state information department had started televising via DDK, Imphal, the Question Hour of the Assembly.
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, who also holds the Finance portfolio, moved demands for grants for Rs 375.50 crore for Police department, Rs 1.76 crore for Vigilance, Rs 8.85 crore for Jail and Rs 7.92 crore for Home Guards department to defray the charges which will be incurred during the current financial year.
MLA Radhabinod Koijam moved a policy cut for the alleged failure of the government to maintain jails. He urged the government to manage prisons properly. The matter was also discussed earlier in the House following the alleged involvement of three inmates of Saijiwa jail in the killing of a contractor.
After the incident the state home department had decided to revamp jail security and the Chief Minister informed that mobile jammers would be installed to stop misuse of cellphones in the jail premises.
Minister of Public Health Engineering Department TH Haokip, while replying to a query raised by MLA O Joy, informed that during 2008-09 Rs three crore was sanctioned for drainage and sewarage work.
Minister of Information TN Haokip informed the House, replying to a question raised by Dr Ng Bijoy, that from 1997 the state information department had started televising via DDK, Imphal, the Question Hour of the Assembly.
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, who also holds the Finance portfolio, moved demands for grants for Rs 375.50 crore for Police department, Rs 1.76 crore for Vigilance, Rs 8.85 crore for Jail and Rs 7.92 crore for Home Guards department to defray the charges which will be incurred during the current financial year.
MLA Radhabinod Koijam moved a policy cut for the alleged failure of the government to maintain jails. He urged the government to manage prisons properly. The matter was also discussed earlier in the House following the alleged involvement of three inmates of Saijiwa jail in the killing of a contractor.
After the incident the state home department had decided to revamp jail security and the Chief Minister informed that mobile jammers would be installed to stop misuse of cellphones in the jail premises.
Students’ strike, economic blockade hit life in Manipur
IMPHAL: Life was disrupted here on Thursday, following a 120-hour strike called by the Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur demanding the release of five students who were detained under the National Security Act in connection with the killing of a professor of Manipur University on May 25.
The All Manipur Tribal Students’ Union also imposed an indefinite economic blockade on National Highways 39 and 53, the lifelines of the State, demanding revision of the reservation for tribals.
Both the strike and the blockade started at the midnight on Wednesday night.
The Democratic Students’ Alliance said that as the Kanglei Yawol Kunna Lup, an underground organisation, claimed responsibility for the killing of Mohammad Islamuddin, professor of economics. there was no reason for arresting the students.
All 12 students who were arrested in connection with the case were released on bail. The government later detained five of them under the NSA.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, who also holds the Home portfolio, said the students were arrested for their involvement in the killing.
He instructed the police and para-military forces to act against the sponsors of the strike. On the tribal students’ demand, Mr. Ibobi said the reservation policy would not be revised.
The All Manipur Tribal Students’ Union also imposed an indefinite economic blockade on National Highways 39 and 53, the lifelines of the State, demanding revision of the reservation for tribals.
Both the strike and the blockade started at the midnight on Wednesday night.
The Democratic Students’ Alliance said that as the Kanglei Yawol Kunna Lup, an underground organisation, claimed responsibility for the killing of Mohammad Islamuddin, professor of economics. there was no reason for arresting the students.
All 12 students who were arrested in connection with the case were released on bail. The government later detained five of them under the NSA.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, who also holds the Home portfolio, said the students were arrested for their involvement in the killing.
He instructed the police and para-military forces to act against the sponsors of the strike. On the tribal students’ demand, Mr. Ibobi said the reservation policy would not be revised.
Manipur govt. passes Rs 296 crore grant for four state deptts
Imphal | July 17 : The Manipur legislative assembly today passed four demands for grants amounting to Rs 296,07,29,000 in the ongoing budget session of the assembly. The demands were for finance – Rs 279,23,85,000, information & publicity – Rs 4,02,64,000, excise – Rs 10,65,93,000, and sales tax, other taxes/duties on commodities and services – Rs 2,14,87,000.
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh who is also in charge of finance admitted that there is lack of proper management and transparency in the finance department in reply to a question put up by MLA Dr Ibohanbi during discussion for demands for grants. As an example, he said that he could not understand why the employees of the Imphal Municipal Council (IMC) are not getting their wages reportedly for 24 months when the government is giving an amount of Rs 19,00,000 every month to the IMC. He also wondered where Rs 3,00,00,000 was gone which was given to IMC for the plot of land at Khuman Lampak where the inter state bus terminus is now situated.
Senior opposition leader O. Joy Singh raised a cut motion during the discussion for grant of demand for excise saying that social organizations like AMADA and CADA are doing the duties of the excise department by carrying out various campaigns against abuses of drugs, alcohol and other intoxicants. State minister for information and public relations (IPR), T. N. Haokip informed the house that government-public-bridge day is organized every year on Nov 1 by the department. He also said that as an encouragement to state journalists who perform their work honestly, an award carrying Rs 25,000 is given to the best journalist and a tour program for journalists is arranged every year.
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh who is also in charge of finance admitted that there is lack of proper management and transparency in the finance department in reply to a question put up by MLA Dr Ibohanbi during discussion for demands for grants. As an example, he said that he could not understand why the employees of the Imphal Municipal Council (IMC) are not getting their wages reportedly for 24 months when the government is giving an amount of Rs 19,00,000 every month to the IMC. He also wondered where Rs 3,00,00,000 was gone which was given to IMC for the plot of land at Khuman Lampak where the inter state bus terminus is now situated.
Senior opposition leader O. Joy Singh raised a cut motion during the discussion for grant of demand for excise saying that social organizations like AMADA and CADA are doing the duties of the excise department by carrying out various campaigns against abuses of drugs, alcohol and other intoxicants. State minister for information and public relations (IPR), T. N. Haokip informed the house that government-public-bridge day is organized every year on Nov 1 by the department. He also said that as an encouragement to state journalists who perform their work honestly, an award carrying Rs 25,000 is given to the best journalist and a tour program for journalists is arranged every year.
Vision 2020 action plans being prepared by working groups
Imphal, July 15: State government has already discussed the document Vision 2020, and action plans are being prepared by the 17 Thematic Working Groups of NER constituted by the ministry of DONER with representatives from the state line department.
This was mentioned by the chief minister in the House today while replying to the questions raised by senior opposition member O Joy Singh during the question hour.
The chief minister said a series of thematic group meetings were held during October and December last year, besides a two-day conference of Thematic Groups of NER Vision 2020 convened by the minister of DONER on December 3-4 last year at Shillong which was attended by Speaker and deputy chairman of the planning Board and other state MLAs.
Answering a supplementary question, the chief minister further said in November 2007, state level discussion on Vision 2020 was held at the State Guest House at Sanjenthong which the MPs, ministers and MLAs, tribal leaders and academicians of the state attended. Moreover, successful holding of public hearing on Vision 2020 was conducted at Churachandpur, Bishnupur and Chandel districts.
Answering a question raised by opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam, he said improvement of IT, tourism, commerce and industries are some of the priority sectors and with this in mind the existing IT, STPI at Mantripukhri has been upgraded with an extension of 25 acres of land from the existing complex at an estimated cost of Rs. 25 crores.
To another question raised by MLA Dr. Khasim Ruivah, the chief minister replied that there was no such new provision to allot some stalls for tribal women in the newly constructed shopping complex at Luxmi bazar and Ima keithel.
He said the existing plots at the new Ima market, Purana bazar and Nupi Keithel at Khwairamband bazar have ben allotted to the original vendors and there are about 1803 vendors recognised in New Market, 1252 in Luxmi bazar and 840 in the old market.
The chief minister further said the state government has already taken up the matter separate tribal market in the greater Imphal areas under tribal development department and the tribal market is under construction at New Checkon in Imphal east.
The chief minister replying to a question raised by MLA, Wungnaoshang, reaffirmed that a sum of Rs. 13,00,000 had been stolen from Ukhrul police with the involvement of the police personnel of the Ukhrul PS.
Two personnel of the police department identified as Th Robindro Singh, LDC, the then cashier to SP Ukhrul and SI Kapangkhui Shimrah, the then reserve officer to SSP Ukhrul were involved in the case and have been arrested. A departmental enquiry has also been initiated, he said.
This was mentioned by the chief minister in the House today while replying to the questions raised by senior opposition member O Joy Singh during the question hour.
The chief minister said a series of thematic group meetings were held during October and December last year, besides a two-day conference of Thematic Groups of NER Vision 2020 convened by the minister of DONER on December 3-4 last year at Shillong which was attended by Speaker and deputy chairman of the planning Board and other state MLAs.
Answering a supplementary question, the chief minister further said in November 2007, state level discussion on Vision 2020 was held at the State Guest House at Sanjenthong which the MPs, ministers and MLAs, tribal leaders and academicians of the state attended. Moreover, successful holding of public hearing on Vision 2020 was conducted at Churachandpur, Bishnupur and Chandel districts.
Answering a question raised by opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam, he said improvement of IT, tourism, commerce and industries are some of the priority sectors and with this in mind the existing IT, STPI at Mantripukhri has been upgraded with an extension of 25 acres of land from the existing complex at an estimated cost of Rs. 25 crores.
To another question raised by MLA Dr. Khasim Ruivah, the chief minister replied that there was no such new provision to allot some stalls for tribal women in the newly constructed shopping complex at Luxmi bazar and Ima keithel.
He said the existing plots at the new Ima market, Purana bazar and Nupi Keithel at Khwairamband bazar have ben allotted to the original vendors and there are about 1803 vendors recognised in New Market, 1252 in Luxmi bazar and 840 in the old market.
The chief minister further said the state government has already taken up the matter separate tribal market in the greater Imphal areas under tribal development department and the tribal market is under construction at New Checkon in Imphal east.
The chief minister replying to a question raised by MLA, Wungnaoshang, reaffirmed that a sum of Rs. 13,00,000 had been stolen from Ukhrul police with the involvement of the police personnel of the Ukhrul PS.
Two personnel of the police department identified as Th Robindro Singh, LDC, the then cashier to SP Ukhrul and SI Kapangkhui Shimrah, the then reserve officer to SSP Ukhrul were involved in the case and have been arrested. A departmental enquiry has also been initiated, he said.
Manipur to enact legislation to conserve cultivable lands
IMPHAL, July 13 – Manipur Government is likely to enact a legislation to conserve paddyland and wetlands in the State to ensure food security.
The move is being taken up after State Chief Minister O Ibobi acknowledged the need to conserve paddyland and wetlands following a discussion in the Assembly on Friday where opposition MLA O Joy of Manipur People’s Party urged for immediate legislation to conserve paddy and wetlands.
Earlier, moving a private member’s resolution, O Joy expressed the need to adopt a proper legislation to have food security in the State by preventing uncontrollable conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural activities.
He further said that Manipur was facing the problem of limited agricultural products due to decreasing area of cultivation.
In the valley alone, where concentration of population was very high, only about 1,76,000 hectares of cultivable land existed which is disproportionate to the population growth in the valley districts.
On UPA’s emphasis on food security in its annual budget tabled recently, the opposition leader pointed out the contradictory situation in Manipur where paddy fields are fast shrinking. Kerala Assembly had recently enacted a legislation to protect wetlands and paddy fields, sources said.
MLA Dr Ng Bijoy of MPP, said it would be right to have an Act to save cultivable land in Manipur from diminishing.
The Forest and Revenue Minister Thoudam Debendro said that the State Government during 1983, had started a Land Use Board on the instruction of the Union Agriculture Ministry for preservation and conservation of agricultural lands in the State with hundred percent funding from the Centre, but the Board had been abandoned with the lapse of Central funds.
The move is being taken up after State Chief Minister O Ibobi acknowledged the need to conserve paddyland and wetlands following a discussion in the Assembly on Friday where opposition MLA O Joy of Manipur People’s Party urged for immediate legislation to conserve paddy and wetlands.
Earlier, moving a private member’s resolution, O Joy expressed the need to adopt a proper legislation to have food security in the State by preventing uncontrollable conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural activities.
He further said that Manipur was facing the problem of limited agricultural products due to decreasing area of cultivation.
In the valley alone, where concentration of population was very high, only about 1,76,000 hectares of cultivable land existed which is disproportionate to the population growth in the valley districts.
On UPA’s emphasis on food security in its annual budget tabled recently, the opposition leader pointed out the contradictory situation in Manipur where paddy fields are fast shrinking. Kerala Assembly had recently enacted a legislation to protect wetlands and paddy fields, sources said.
MLA Dr Ng Bijoy of MPP, said it would be right to have an Act to save cultivable land in Manipur from diminishing.
The Forest and Revenue Minister Thoudam Debendro said that the State Government during 1983, had started a Land Use Board on the instruction of the Union Agriculture Ministry for preservation and conservation of agricultural lands in the State with hundred percent funding from the Centre, but the Board had been abandoned with the lapse of Central funds.
Two children from Arunachal land in Manipur
Imphal, July 12: Manipur Police handed over two little children, said to be from Arunachal Pradesh boarded on a bus of the Imphal Rajdhani Express from Guwahati after the travel agency hand over them to the police.
As disclosed by the two children, they are sibling. The elder brother was identified as Kuimo (12) and the younger brother Warspan (7). Their parents were identified as Shanrup and Mela as disclosed by them. They also said that they are from Keishan of Myanmar but residing at Sata of Arunachal Pradesh.
They came out from the home with Rs 150 from their father quietly to go to their original place in Myanmar. They came all the way from Arunachal Pradesh but when they loss the way they boarded to the Imphal Rajdhani express.
The two children are being kept at Deulahland Children home in Imphal under the supervision of Child Welfare Committee, until concerned parents reached Imphal,said the authority of the children home.
As disclosed by the two children, they are sibling. The elder brother was identified as Kuimo (12) and the younger brother Warspan (7). Their parents were identified as Shanrup and Mela as disclosed by them. They also said that they are from Keishan of Myanmar but residing at Sata of Arunachal Pradesh.
They came out from the home with Rs 150 from their father quietly to go to their original place in Myanmar. They came all the way from Arunachal Pradesh but when they loss the way they boarded to the Imphal Rajdhani express.
The two children are being kept at Deulahland Children home in Imphal under the supervision of Child Welfare Committee, until concerned parents reached Imphal,said the authority of the children home.
'State fails to take up steps to remove backwardness of SCs and STs'
Imphal, July 12 2009: No effective steps appear to have taken to remove the backwardness of scheduled caste and scheduled tribes in the state of Manipur even after more than five decades had passed since the Constitution came into force, lamented, the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in its report tabled to the House of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
The committee has examined the conditions of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and has made its recommendations as to the steps that should be taken up by the state to remove the difficulties and injustice being faced by the SCS and STs, said V Hangkhalian, chairman of the committee in a statement today.
The committee was constituted by a decision of the house of the state assembly to look into the implementation of the 100 roaster system with regard to the reservation of seats for the SCs/STs at time of appointment and promotion in the departments under the Manipur government as guaranteed in the Constitution of India.
Almost all the departments under the Manipur have violated the reservation rule prescribed for the scheduled castes ad scheduled tribes in services, though it is constitutionally guaranteed.
The committee conducting verifications to the information and documents provided by various departments, there found almost all the departments not complying with the 100 points roaster system of reservation of seats for the SCs and STs.
Some of the departments could not provide the information which the committee took seriously.
The committee served notice for furnishing the documents/statements regarding the present staff strength to the commissioners/secretaries of the veterinary and animal husbandry, irrigation and flood control department, education, forest and environment, medical, food and civil supply and agriculture department for examination of the same so as to know whether the departments have maintained the prescribed percentage of reservation in services in respect of SCs and STs.
However, the committee did not receive the required statements from some of the departments which the committee took a serious view, the report of the committee said.
Taking a very serious view for non-compliance with the reservation rule provided for the SCs/STs in various departments, a committee on welfare of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes recommended the Manipur government to instruct all the heads of the department to maintain strictly in making of the appointment and promotion to posts and services, he stated.
In Manipur, more than 33 percent of the total population is represented by the STs and SCs.
It is direction of the constitution makers that in consistency with the goal of maintenance of efficiency of administration, the SCs and STs must be duly represented in the state administration.
The rule of reservation in the matter of appointment to a service or post under the state is a part of the constitution scheme.
Thus, adequate representation of the SCs and STs in the services is given over the other considerations, the committee observed.
Mention may be made that alleging that government failed to address the 100 point roaster programme, All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) has been demanding implementation of the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Post and Service (for SCs and STs Act 2007 by framing rules at the earliest.
They have also threatened to impose the proposed economic blockade on the national highways which was differed for four days from mid night of July 15 .
The committee has examined the conditions of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and has made its recommendations as to the steps that should be taken up by the state to remove the difficulties and injustice being faced by the SCS and STs, said V Hangkhalian, chairman of the committee in a statement today.
The committee was constituted by a decision of the house of the state assembly to look into the implementation of the 100 roaster system with regard to the reservation of seats for the SCs/STs at time of appointment and promotion in the departments under the Manipur government as guaranteed in the Constitution of India.
Almost all the departments under the Manipur have violated the reservation rule prescribed for the scheduled castes ad scheduled tribes in services, though it is constitutionally guaranteed.
The committee conducting verifications to the information and documents provided by various departments, there found almost all the departments not complying with the 100 points roaster system of reservation of seats for the SCs and STs.
Some of the departments could not provide the information which the committee took seriously.
The committee served notice for furnishing the documents/statements regarding the present staff strength to the commissioners/secretaries of the veterinary and animal husbandry, irrigation and flood control department, education, forest and environment, medical, food and civil supply and agriculture department for examination of the same so as to know whether the departments have maintained the prescribed percentage of reservation in services in respect of SCs and STs.
However, the committee did not receive the required statements from some of the departments which the committee took a serious view, the report of the committee said.
Taking a very serious view for non-compliance with the reservation rule provided for the SCs/STs in various departments, a committee on welfare of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes recommended the Manipur government to instruct all the heads of the department to maintain strictly in making of the appointment and promotion to posts and services, he stated.
In Manipur, more than 33 percent of the total population is represented by the STs and SCs.
It is direction of the constitution makers that in consistency with the goal of maintenance of efficiency of administration, the SCs and STs must be duly represented in the state administration.
The rule of reservation in the matter of appointment to a service or post under the state is a part of the constitution scheme.
Thus, adequate representation of the SCs and STs in the services is given over the other considerations, the committee observed.
Mention may be made that alleging that government failed to address the 100 point roaster programme, All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) has been demanding implementation of the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Post and Service (for SCs and STs Act 2007 by framing rules at the earliest.
They have also threatened to impose the proposed economic blockade on the national highways which was differed for four days from mid night of July 15 .
Official fined for failure to furnish documents under RTI
Imphal, The Manipur Information Commission has ordered the Director of Education Schools, Government of Manipur, Lamphelpat, to pay Rs 11,000 as compensation to a person for failure to furnish the required information sought for within the stipulated period of time under RTI.
M Rakesh, Director of Human Rights Law Network (Manipur), said the order was issued on Friday.
One Thounaojam Raseswar Singh of Top Khongnagkhong, Imphal East, had submitted an application under the Right to Information Act, 2005, on July 7, 2008, to the State Public Information Officer (SPIO), seeking information relating to pay revision of his deceased wife K.Tejbati Devi, who was a regular Head Mistress of Top Makha Primary School.
However, the concerned SPIO failed to furnish the required information.
Thereafter, Raseswar Singh lodged a complaint with the Manipur Information Commission against the SPIO for non-furnishing of the required information.
Consequently, on November 20, 2008, the Manipur Information Commission, headed by its State Chief Information Commissioner RK Angousana Singh, directed the SPIO to furnish the required information within seven days.
This time also the SPIO failed to furnish the required information within the stipulated period of time and instead the required information was furnished only on April 15, 2009.
Raseswar Singh again lodged another complaint with the Manipur Information Commission against the SPIO with a prayer for imposition of penalty to the SPIO for his failure to comply with the order of the Commission.
The Commission held that because of non provision of the information in time by the SPIO, the complainant had to attend the Commission repeatedly and suffer detriment and other harassment from the office of the SPIO which needed to be compensated under the Right to Information Act, 2005, and provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure.
The Manipur Information Commission ordered the office of the Director of Education Schools, Government of Manipur, Lamphelpat, to pay Rs 11,000 as compensation to Thounaojam Raseswar Singh on or before July 31, 2009. The Commission permitted the complainant to approach the Commission again in case of any grievance on or before August 7, 2009.
M Rakesh, Director of Human Rights Law Network (Manipur), said the order was issued on Friday.
One Thounaojam Raseswar Singh of Top Khongnagkhong, Imphal East, had submitted an application under the Right to Information Act, 2005, on July 7, 2008, to the State Public Information Officer (SPIO), seeking information relating to pay revision of his deceased wife K.Tejbati Devi, who was a regular Head Mistress of Top Makha Primary School.
However, the concerned SPIO failed to furnish the required information.
Thereafter, Raseswar Singh lodged a complaint with the Manipur Information Commission against the SPIO for non-furnishing of the required information.
Consequently, on November 20, 2008, the Manipur Information Commission, headed by its State Chief Information Commissioner RK Angousana Singh, directed the SPIO to furnish the required information within seven days.
This time also the SPIO failed to furnish the required information within the stipulated period of time and instead the required information was furnished only on April 15, 2009.
Raseswar Singh again lodged another complaint with the Manipur Information Commission against the SPIO with a prayer for imposition of penalty to the SPIO for his failure to comply with the order of the Commission.
The Commission held that because of non provision of the information in time by the SPIO, the complainant had to attend the Commission repeatedly and suffer detriment and other harassment from the office of the SPIO which needed to be compensated under the Right to Information Act, 2005, and provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure.
The Manipur Information Commission ordered the office of the Director of Education Schools, Government of Manipur, Lamphelpat, to pay Rs 11,000 as compensation to Thounaojam Raseswar Singh on or before July 31, 2009. The Commission permitted the complainant to approach the Commission again in case of any grievance on or before August 7, 2009.
CADA officials visit NREGS convergence work
Churachandpur, July 11 : Officials of Command Area Development Authority (CADA), headed by its Addl Chief Engineer today visited the convergence works undertaken under NREGS with technical help from the agency in and around the township.
The convergence work was carried out with the expertise and technical help of CADA in various tributaries of the eastern and western canals of Khuga Dam with an estimate amount of Rs 1 Crore.
More than twenty villages were involved in the manual work which DRDA Churachandpur claimed was successful with around 60 percent of the projects completed so far.
The visiting head, W Kumar Singh and his team express satisfaction on the works undertaken by the villagers under NREGS and informed that they will soon press the government to begin concrete works as the manual has been kicking off very well.
The convergence work was carried out with the expertise and technical help of CADA in various tributaries of the eastern and western canals of Khuga Dam with an estimate amount of Rs 1 Crore.
More than twenty villages were involved in the manual work which DRDA Churachandpur claimed was successful with around 60 percent of the projects completed so far.
The visiting head, W Kumar Singh and his team express satisfaction on the works undertaken by the villagers under NREGS and informed that they will soon press the government to begin concrete works as the manual has been kicking off very well.
IDF launches stir to demand ADC polls
Ukhrul, July 10 2009: Reiterating its demand to decentralize power to the hill districts of Manipur and to hold early election to the Autonomous District Councils, the Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF) launched the mass black badge campaign today.
The black badge campaign began at 11 am from Ukhrul district Hqs, actively participated by IDF volunteers, and soon spread to all the nooks and corner of the district.
The black badge campaign began at 11 am from Ukhrul district Hqs, actively participated by IDF volunteers, and soon spread to all the nooks and corner of the district.
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Interacting with the The Sangai Express, the spokesperson of IDF, William S Shimray, Ukhrul unit, said that the mass black badge campaign has been simultaneously taken up in all the five (5) hill districts of Manipur, as the first phase of the agitation.
The IDF will continue with their campaign for early elections to the ADCs, till the demands of the indigenous hill people are met to enhance grass root democracy in the State, he added.
Charging the State Government of dragging its feet on the issue, William said that various representations had been submitted, highlighting the heterogeneous nature of the State and society.
Despite this, the SPF Government continues to ignore the rights of the hill people, he asserted.
Maintaining, that the election of the ADC has not been held for the last 20 years, the IDF spokesperson said that the present Government had, last year, promised that it would be held soon.
Shimray further stated that the IDF's demand is purely to evolve a democratic system of self governance, based on indigenous democracy, which is best suited for the indigenous people of Manipur.
Along with the black badge campaign, posters were also displayed on the roads and streets of the town, inscribed with slogans such as; "Give us back what is Constitutionally ours," "It is a shame that Manipur Government cannot breathe life to ADC in the hills since the past 20 years," "Devolve power to the grass root," "We want local self governance," etc.
The IDF also warned that it would take up a series of agitations in all the hill districts of Manipur until the demands of the indigenous people of Manipur are met sincerely.
Manipur theatre gets a fresh lease of life
| After 3 decades, Shumang leela council reproduces play for researchers, tourists, dignitaries & GenX | ||
| KHELEN THOKCHOM | ||
Imphal, July 9: Shumang leela is dead, long live the Shumang leela. Manipur’s conventional theatre, dead for over 30 years, has received a new lease of life in Eshei leela (play with songs) because of the efforts of the Manipur Shumang Leela Council. For the second time in three decades, the council has re-produced successfully an original Shumang leela play with the objective of preserving the theatre for the benefit of researchers, foreign tourists and visiting dignitaries. The experiment started last year with the successful reproduction of Abir Khan, a popular play, encouraging the council to produce another form of Shumang leela. Produced during a 45-day-long Shumang leela workshop, an extension programme of the National School of Drama, Delhi, the council staged the latest reproduction at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Sanglen last week to a packed audience. The council chose Eeyaithakki Thambal (Lotus in mid water), one of the most popular plays in the eighties, for the reproduction. It depicts how a family can be ruined if the housewife is wicked, and was a trendsetter at that time. Laishram Kunjaraj and his troupe had then held 400 shows in every nook and corner of the state. Interestingly, the reproduction has four of the play’s original cast, including 82-year-old Kunjaraj, one of the finest comedians Manipur has produced. “I accepted the request to perform in the reproduction of the play as a mark of protest against the murder of conventional Manipuri Shumang leela,” Kunjaraj, who is also the director of the reproduction, said. The veteran artiste blamed new artistes who introduced Eishei leela for the death of the conventional theatre. “I stopped performing in Shumang leela in protest against Eishei leela. Today is the first time I am performing after I quit nearly 25 years ago and I am very happy (to be back),” Kunjaraj said. Shumang leela (courtyard theatre) emerged in 1918 after the then king banned Moirang Prava, another traditional theatre, in 1895 because it lampooned those in power. The first full-length Shumang leela, Harishchandra was staged in 1981. “The theatre instantly became a hit,” Loitongbam Dorendra, one of the supervisors of the workshop, said. Shumang leela is staged in the courtyard with the audience surrounding it. It has only a pung (traditional drum) and two mandiras for accompaniment. Eishei leela, the new theatre form, is replete with modern instruments like guitar, organ, electric drum and other wind and string instruments. Songs are an essential part of this genre. “The reproduction of a famous conventional plays, also known as “dialogue leela,” during the workshop was an attempt by the council to preserve conventional drama. The reproduction is meant for exhibition shows and for those researching in conventional play,” the workshop director and secretary of the council, Sougrakpam Hemanta, said. “Those born after mid-eighties do not know about our conventional plays. Now they can see it,” Nomita Khongbantabam, the co-ordinator of the workshop said. |
Team to test dengue outbreak in Moreh
Imphal, July 7: The state medical directorate today rushed a team to Moreh in Chandel district following reports of outbreak of fever with dengue-like symptoms.
The border town of Manipur has a record of outbreak of dengue. The outbreak was confirmed by Imphal’s Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in November 2007 after blood samples collected from an eight-year-old girl, M. Vidya, tested positive for dengue at the Mumbai-based SRL Ranbaxy Lab.
Vidya was saved but her elder sister, Puni, 10, who was also brought to the hospital, died of suspected dengue.
The state health department announced total control of dengue outbreak in Moreh within eight days of confirmation of the outbreak.
The medical team headed by Th. Bhubanchandra, additional director (public health), left Imphal for Moreh this morning to investigate a possible outbreak of dengue.
Medical personnel posted at the border town reported that by June 19 a large number of people with fever and nearly 200 patients with dengue-like symptoms, were admitted to the government hospital in the town.
“We could not say whether dengue has returned in Moreh. We will carry out investigations and confirm only after testing blood samples,” Bhubanchandra said before leaving for Moreh.
The medical team, which will stay in Moreh for a few days, will collect blood samples of patients and try to conduct tests to find out if any of the mosquito species carrying dengue virus are present in the town.
After the team collects the samples, the state health department will send them to the Vector Control Research Centre, Pondicherry, for confirmation of dengue and other diseases.
An expert team on malaria is already carrying out investigations in Moreh. Reports said some patients have tested positive.
Moreh, the border town between India and Myanmar, has a large number of floating population, mostly on business trips. Health experts suspect that the source of dengue that broke out in 2007 was the South Asian countries.
Protest
An organisation of Manipuri elders, the Evening Glory Prayer Team, today staged a sit-in at Langol Tarung in Imphal West and demanded a review of the Delhi High Court ruling that gay sex among consenting adults was not a crime.
“Gay sex is against nature and this is not allowed by any religion. The court ruling should be reviewed,” said Rev. Ramkhul Pamei, spokesman for the group and a former general secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention.
The team has 60 members from different parts of the state and its members are above 60 years of age. They hold daily prayers for world peace at the centre at Langol Tarung from 7am to 9am.
Two killed: Two persons identified as Kopani Rabha, 52, and Panchu Rabha, 45, were killed by unknown criminals at Nalanga Pahartoli under Baguwan police station of Goalpara district on Tuesday night, reports our correspondent.
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