27 captured labourers released unharmed
By Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 24: All 27 labourers from Wangoo area in Bishnupur district who had been captured by the villagers of Lamta were released unharmed. They reached Imphal today, ending the 16 day capture drama.
Their release was secured after the police intervened. Additional DGP, V Zathang, IGP (range-III) Sushilkumar, CO 15 Dorga Regiment, OCs of Kumbi, Sekmai and Tamei police stations, and social worker Ningombam Ibohal took major initiatives to convince the villagers to release the labourers, sources said.
Lamta villagers had confined them from December 8 in the house of the village chief for allegedly felling trees in the forest within the jurisdiction of the village without prior permission of the village authority.
One of the victims Namoijam Achou (57) recalling the incident of their detention told Hueiyen Lanpao that he and the other 26 labourers were taken to a place near the Manipur-Nagaland border by two local contractors, Khangpui of Makui village and Thangpu of Thonglal Akup village.
Out of the 27 labourers, 16 of them were engaged by Khangpui while the other 11 were engaged by Thangbu to cut trees in the forest at Kuilong village. From November 19 to December 8, they fell around 10,000 cubic metres of timber, he said.
They were accosted by the villagers of Lamta on December 8 and the villagers had summoned the two contractors to give the reasons behind the felling of the trees.
The villagers had set a deadline for December 22 to the contractors. N Achou said the villagers had threatened that all of them would be handed over to UGs if the contractors failed to respond.
The two contractors failed to turn up even after the deadline expired and it was only after troops of 15 Dogra Regiment came and negotiated with the village authority that they were released yesterday around 2 pm, Achou said.
The security personnel escorted them up to Makui village where they halted for the night and headed for Imphal today.
Two dead, two injured in road mishaps
By Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 24: Two persons are dead and two others were injured in road mishaps at different parts of the state today. A six month old baby was killed while his mother and his six year old brother were injured when the Mahindra Jeep (MN 05-3992) they were travelling in collided with a Shaktiman truck at a corner of Seimang hill along NH 53.
The deceased baby was identified as Baogailung son of Sona Gangte of Rengpang village. He received severe injuries on his head and died on the spot. The injured mother and child were identified as Bonmeilun and George Gangte. They were coming from Imphal to their village for Christmas.
In another incident, a youth died when a loaded truck ran over him as he fell after his Bajaj Pulsar smashed into the back of a Gypsy of BRTF near Biramangol College, Sawombung. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot. He was identified as Jangpilung Haokip (21), son of Ngangkho Haokip of Siyang village under Saikul Police Station. Lamlai police registered a case regarding the incident.
Woman raped by sister’s lover Rapist circulates video clipping
By Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 24: A woman was raped by her her elder sister’s lover in a cafeteria where he took her to have some snacks. In a brazen act he has circulated a video clipping of the rape to others including the elder sister of the raped woman.
Thangjam Doren son of Bihari of Bamon Kampu raped the woman who is a grade-IV employee in RIMS on June 7. She hails from Thoubal district. The shocking matter became exposed when the video clipping reached the RIMS staff.
Doren had been having a love affair with the elder sister of the rape victim for the last one year and their love affair was open to all.
On that fateful day of June 7, the raped girl met Doren at RIMS gate and on the insistence of Doren, they went to a cafeteria, “Blue Bird Café” where she was raped. The victim alleged that Doren made her to drink a cup of spiked tea and raped her taking advantage of her unconscious state.
The victim charged that the rape had been preplanned. Doren in a sick manner then circulated a video clipping of the rape which was recorded by his mobile handset, she added.
Interestingly, after raping her, Doren eloped with the victim’s elder sister who had been in love with him. The day after the elopement Doren handed her the video CD of the rape scene.
The matter finally reached RIMS Superintendent, Dr Y Mohen when he was informed by RIMS security guards about a quarrel between the rape victim and Doren in the institute’s campus today.
Dr Mohen immediately called up the victim and her elder sister and enquired about the facts in the presence of media persons. Doren was overpowered by the security guards and was handed over to Lamphel police.The father of the victim has also lodged a complaint with the Lamphel police today.
Bank asks farmer to repay loan declared waived by govt:Basanta Thokchom
By Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 24: The Union Ministry of Finance under its Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme had in 2008 announced the waiver of loans to farmers. Three years later authority of the United Bank of India (UBI) has inexplicably asked a farmer to repay a loan of Rs. 2 lakh obtained by him in 2005.
When the present Home Minister, P Chidambaram was the Finance Minister at the Centre, his ministry had announced a waiving of loans. This was effected across the country by a circular issued by the ministry on May 28, 2008.
Kajam Purnima son of Ibotombi of Kodompokpi Mayai Leikai in Imphal west, had availed a loan of Rs. 2 lakh from the UBI Singjamei branch in 2005. In defiance of the Union Government’s decision the bank’s authorities have insisted that he repay the “loan”.
The bank has intimated him to repay Rs. 25,875 for the loan taken on his Account No. 0651303600012 opened under Fish Meat Pisciculture Farm,Rs. 20,700 from account no. 0651303600010 opened in the name of Kajam Fish Farm, Rs.1,82,622 from Account No. 065136200434 open in his name and Rs.25,875 from another account 065130360012 opened in the name of his Fish Meat Pisciculture Farm.
The bank’s transaction statement said that Purnima has a due amount of Rs. 71,122 on his account no. 0651303600012 and Rs.1,05,463 on an another account no. 0651006200100.
Keeping aside the facts of the Union Government’s waiver of farmers’ loans Purnima asked the bank’s manager to clarify why the bank has charged him of availing loans under four accounts when he had availed of from only one account. The manager however could not give a satisfactory answer.
Three UG cadres held
By Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 24: Three PREPAK cadres were apprehended by a combined team of Thoubal district Police Commandos and 29 Assam Rifles in the last two days.Thoubal district Commandos apprehended two active cadres from Kakching Shumak Leikai during a routine frisking and checking on Thursday. They were identified as Yumkhaibam Momocha (27), son of Y Boro of Laimanai Makha Leikai and Nameirakpam Bobi (40), son of Babudhon of Singjamei Chingamathak Haoground. They disclosed that they are active cadres of PREPAK working in its Finance section.
In another incident, troops of 29 AR under 26 Sector HQ IGAR (S) nabbed one active cadre of PREPAK on NH 39 from a Maruti Van bearing registration number MN 01W-1805 while heading for Imphal from Moreh around 12.30 pm on December 23. He was identified as Abujam Kanak Kumar (29), son of Abujam Noresh of Yumnam Huidrom, Imphal West. He has been handed over to the Imphal West Police.
Innovative dryer machine: A boon for Food Processing Industries: Amukhomba Ngangbam
By Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 24: Innovative Dryer Machine, which consumes less power and can dry vegetables, fruits and meat products in just a few hours has been developed in the state recently. Food processing industries have received a boon with the introduction of the new dryer machine.
Imported dryer machines now in use run on three phases of electric power and consume about 9000 to 11000 watts. They also cost Rs.1.5 lakhs per piece. The new dryer machine runs on single phase electric supply of 115 volts consuming just only 5000 watts. Moreover the machine costs only about Rs.60,000.
The Innovative Dryer Machine was developed by Manoharmayum Manihar of Nongmeibung Pung Makhong. He had been honoured with a national award for his development of Automatic Pump Operator (APO) in the 5th National Grassroot Technological Innovations and Traditional Knowledge by the National Innovations under the aegis of Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
The Innovative Dryer Machine is an efficient mechanism to preserve fruits, vegetables and meat products by dehydration method. Heating rods and air blowers blow hot air to the drying chamber. An air guide is attached to every drying tray in the drying chamber to supply uniform heat to the products which are to be dried. A fan in the upper corner of the machine blows out water vapour.
Manihar said that the machine retains the natural taste and colour of the fruits or vegetables and it does not burn the products unlike the standard imported machines which sometimes burn products during the drying process.
Manihar said he conceived of the idea of developing his machine keeping in view of the poor power supply and the weak economic conditions in the state. He said he received a grant from the NIF, New Delhi to aid his work. He is not thinking of selling the machine in the market. However, he will manufacture the machine if people engaged in the Food Processing Industries demands.
Rapists arrested: Tension in Ccpur village
By Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 24: Situation in and around Thingkangphai and Yaiphakol in Churachandpur district turned tense after police arrested three men suspected of gang raping and murdering a housewife on December 13.District police has requested additional deployment of two police platoons in and around the two villages to prevent any untoward incidents.
The situation is tense but under control following the burning down of two houses of the alleged rapists and murderers said Churachandpur Police. Police arrested the three suspects, Konthoujam Ibocha (20) of Thingkangphai, Wangkhem Tomba (40) of Yaiphakol and Chingangbam Inao (30) of Yaiphakol, and produced them in the court today. They have been remanded for further investigation.
Rs.84 cr to develop Tongjei Maril
By Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 24: The state government today inaugurated a bailey bridge at Nungleiband, along the Old Cachar Road, also known as Tongjei Maril.
Works Minister K.Ranjit said that the Union government has approved a budget of Rs. 84 crore for development of the road. The developmental work will commence from 2012.
The Nungleiband Bridge over the Leimatak River in Tamenglong district was constructed under the Special Plan Assistance with a total cost of Rs.2.3 crore. The bridge which was inaugurated today and was presented to the people as a gift for Christmas.
Works Minister, K Ranjit, who was the chief guest of the function said that the union government has approved the proposal of the state government for the development of Tongjei Maril. He said, the Union government will be sanctioning an amount of Rs. 8.4 crore through the NEC.
The Union Highway Ministry has declared Tongjei Maril which connects Bishnupur district and Tamenglong district through Rengpang and Tousem as “very important”. The Ministry has also given the nod to convert the 185 km long stretch into NH 53 (A). Ranjit informed that an ADC member had asked him not to attend today’s inaugural function however on the other hand he assured to construct retaining walls along the bridge soon.
MPCC President, Gaikha-ngam, presided over the function. N. Lokendro, Chief Engineer PWD and other PWD officials also attended the function.
Imphal: North-Eastern splendou
By Hueiyen News Service
I leave the quaint Imphal airport, with mountains around, and on the way to the hotel, watch graceful Manipuri women near the Rani Market, dressed in their beautiful traditional skirts and colourful shawls. I recollect Tagore’s dance-drama in which Arjuna falls in love with princess Chitrangada, the ruler of Manipur.
At around 5 p.m., Imphal is already dark. I long to take a walk, but the guide Suraj warns us it may be too risky with ‘ugs’ (the local term for militants) everywhere. Instead, he takes us to the Gobindaji Temple nearby, under a big, waxing moon.
Men in white dhotis and chadors play the Manipuri drums, the Kanshi and the cymbals. The temple guards stand near the doors with long spears in their hands. The final aarti of the day is in progress, and the Gods are about to be put to bed. The temple priest holds the lamp with many wicks, and moves it in a circular motion in front of the Lord and his beloved Radha, a time-honoured ritual.
First is the aarti arthifor Radha and Krishna, next is the turn of Krishna and brother Balaram, and after that the three siblings — Krishna, Balaram and Subhadra. As we watch in silence, the priest drops a burning wick from his oil lamp near our feet, a ritual!
After the aarti, arthithe priest, the temple guards and the musicians go around the temple, and chant bhajans. I tag along, as the bells on the temple tower chime. As I leave the temple, the priest calls out to me and offers the prasad — a bag filled with slices of fruit and some flowers.
Myanmar’s neighbour
The next day, we head to Moreh. With bad road, the bone-breaking and breath-taking 110-km drive takes about five hours. After witnessing every shade of green with Himalayan hills in the background, we reach Moreh. Moreh is on the border of India and on the other side is the district of Tamu in Myanmar.
We eat a lunch of toor dhal, rice and cabbage curry at an eatery in Moreh, and I like the food. I find it similar to Bengali food.
Another beautiful place in Manipur is the large Loktak Lake in Moirang district. It has phumdis or floating islands where people live. Unfortunately, attacks by militants are said to arise from around the area. After a Manipuri lunch — dried fish curry, bamboo shoots cooked in a gravy and some fresh fish — at the Imphal marketplace, we leave.
The local market is enchanting with the colours and character of Manipur. Interestingly, it’s an all-women market, and they sell everything from shawls to fish.
On the last day, we visit the Kangla Fort. A historical and archaeological site, it is said to be the old palace and fortress of Manipur, later occupied by the British. There are citadels and ruins of old palaces inside, and a huge moat. The main entrance to the palace and its walls have been destroyed.
The sculptures of the dragons of Kangla Sha, destroyed in the Anglo-Manipur war of 1891 have been restored. The buildings have been restored in parts by the State’s archaeology department.After the fort, it’s time to head to the airport, carrying memories of a tiny Indian State.
DESAM strikes again
By Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 24: It is the third time that DESAM disclosed swindlers under the disguised of Nursing Institute in the state. This time, the unfortunate Nursing Institute is Ibetombi Nnursing Institute. DESAM root out the institute before it sprouted out in the society.
After exposing two fake nursing institutes in the past few days, DESAM inspected the different nursing institutes in the state and found institutes without recognition, and recognized institutes taking more seats.
In a press meet held at the head office of DESAM, Vice President, Wangmayum Isaluddin said that DESAM had shut down Unit School of Nursing at Chingmeirong Khunou for swindling 12 innocent students last year. Founder of the institute, Ningthoujam Ibemcha plotted with one Chanambam Ibetombi an employee of state Fisheries Department to allow the 12 students to seat the annual examination of ANM in S Kumar Nursing Institute.
Besides, Ibetombi along with the Managing Director of S Kumar Nursing Institute established a nursing institute at Porompat under the name Ibetombi Nursing Institute. They were arranging to take admission for nursing courses from the next session. They had collected Rs 1,14,000 from the 12 students for allowing them to appear in the examination.
He said that they had also found that Siroy School of Nursing Institute is an unrecognized institute. DESAM restricted the institute to take admission until the institute earned recognition from the concern authority. DESAM also found many recognized institutes having more students their normal capacity. Keeping in view of the situation, DESAM appealed to the Manipur Nursing Council and the state government to investigate the matter.
