Imphal, February 10: At least four more persons have been arrested in deducting 10 pc of FCI rice for an underground organisation. The four are accused of being working as agents of the underground group in deducting the percentage of rice. They have been identified as Ch Rajen of Sagolband Tera Lukram Leirak, Ch Ibomcha also from the same locality, Th Jayanta of Thambalkhong Sabal Leikai and Yendrembam Sanjoy of Malom Tiluyaima. All four were arrested from their respective residences yesterday at about 6.30 am. Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal has remanded them to police custody till February 14. They were arrested under the same FIR in which the eight employees of FCI were arrested earlier.

Imphal, February 10: Troops of 15 Assam Rifles seized six fully loaded trucks of timber while checking on NH-39 on February 4, said PIB Defence Wing quoting Assam Rifles authority. The timber consignment was escorted by a white Maruti Gypsy bearing registration number NL-2080. The Assam Rifles authority added that the timber were being smuggled from Senapati to Dimapur and named the owners as MV Angami and Ngaopuni. The seized trucks and the arrested persons have been handed over to the Forest Beat office, Tadubi, added the statement.

Imphal, February 10: Alleging lack of positive response from the RIMS authorities to the charter of demands proposed by the Trained Nurses� Association of India, Manipur branch, the nursing staff of the hospital will wear black badge from tomorrow onwards as a protest to the indifferent attitude, said a press release of the Association. The nurses will also resort to cease work agitation from February 16 onwards, added the release while conveying that previous agitation schedules had to be deferred in public interest.

Imphal, February 10: Two minors were burnt to death at Khokang Village under Saparmeina PS this afternoon at around 4.15. The two young victims have been identified as Seiminglem Kipgen (5) s/o (L) Lamlun and Lamlunkim Chongloi (4) s/o Changpou Chongloi of Khokhang Village. The bodies of the two victims were handed over to their respective family members after post mortem.

Imphal, February 10: After assuming charge as the new Chief of Army Staff, Gen JJ Singh made his maiden visit to the North East and visited Rangapahar today. The Corps Commander Lt Gen Daljeet Singh briefed the Army chief on the current situation, said PIB Defence Wing in a statement. Addressing the troops of the SPEAR CORPS, the General emphasized upon all to adopt a �humane approach� while dealing with the local population, and severely with the insurgents. The General also interacted with the troops. He is accompanied by his lady wife Mrs Anupama, President Army Wives Welfare Association. Gen JJ Singh is a decorated soldier.

Imphal, February 10: The Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Ukhrul has strongly condemned the February 6 bomb explosion at Itham village that killed a Johnstone higher Secondary School student - Taiyoching Hungyo of Risophung village. The body also termed planting of bomb at residential area as barbaric act and the organisation/group responsible for the explosion as uncivilised while urging the State Govt to extend ex-gratia to the family members of the victim student. Meanwhile, Zingsho Mapithel Katamnao Long Phungyar Ukhrul Dist while strongly condemning the bomb blast which killed an innocent students has appealed to the concerned organisation to rein in their cadres and help prevent similar incidents in future.

Imphal, February 10: For the first time in Ukhrul district, aid and kits were distributed to the disabled people of the district under the Assessment-cum-Distribution camp organised by the district Social Welfare Department under the ADIP scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, reports our correspondent. The scheme was implemented by the Kanpur based ALIMCO. Altogether 200 disabled persons were provided with wheelchairs, walking sticks, hearing aid and crutches etc during the programme.

Imphal, February 10: A one day awareness camp on Women's Empowerment jointly organised by Yoga and Naturopathy Research Centre Changangei Makha Leikai and Manipur Voluntary Health Association was held at Changangei today. Altogether 40 persons participated at the camp which mainly discussed on health of pregnant women, child spacing, prevention of control of HIV/AIDS and STDs etc.

Imphal, February 10: Imphal East police arrested a KNF cadre during frisking check at New Checkon yesterday at about 4.15 pm and seized one M-20 pistol with five live rounds. The arrested KNF cadre has been identified as Khaidem Khelemba (23) of Wangkhei Palace Compound. During preliminary interrogation, the arrested KNF cadre admitted that he is working for the KNF under one Ajang and was involved in extortion activities in the valley area, said police.

Imphal, February 10: All Manipur Kom-Kwa and Meitei Mana Sales and Plantation Association expressed deep condolence at the demise of its vice president Aribam Basantakumar. The assn members while sharing the pain and grief of the bereaved family also observed two minutes silence in respect of the departed soul. The association also appealed to organisation concerned to identify themselves and furnish reasons for slaying A Basantakumar.

Imphal, February 10: Extending solidarity to the ongoing stir of FCI employees, Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Association appealed to the Govt for an amicable solution and release the eight FCI staffs unconditionally. In a statement, the Assn secy informed that the indefinite strike launched by the FCI employees have put the truck drivers in difficult position as they have not been allowed to unload goods. Informing that the State would run out of essential commodities within a few days if the agitation persist, the secretary warned of joining the agitation if the State Govt continue to neglect the demand of the association.

Imphal, February 10: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has assured to forward a grant of Rs 5 crores to help development of infrastructure at Sainik School, Imphal. The Chief Minister gave the assurance during a meeting held on February 8 with Captain VS Babeley (Indian Navy), the Inspecting Officer of the Sainik School Society, said a PIB (Defence Wing) statement today. Principal of the school, Wing Commander MS Bhandari was also present at the meeting. Other issues concerning development of the school were also discussed thoroughly at the meeting, added the statement.

Imphal, February 10: Setting down its agenda of governance and making its priorities clear, the SPF Legislature meeting held today at the Chief Minister's conference hall decided to spare no efforts to finish all the developmental projects on time. Talking to The Sangai Express a well placed source said that the Chief Minister expressed his keen desire in ensuring that all developmental works taken up by the Government Departments are finalised in good time. Road construction works, black topping and other improvement works are to be finished before the onset of Monsoon, decided the SPF legislatures today. Since Delhi is ready to pump in the required developmental funds, today's meeting stressed on the importance of finishing all works on time and not to keep anything pending, added the source. The Chief Minister asked the Ministers present to ensure that their respective Departments speed up all the works taken up and ensure that there are no unnecessary delays, informed the source. It was made clear that any delay or inability to finish the task at hand will have a negative impact on the credibility of the SPF Government. The meeting also discussed the prevailing law and order situation minutely as well as the steps needed to be taken up to nullify the activities of militants, so that there are no hindrances to any developmental projects being taken up in the State. Performances of the Ministers also came up for serious discussion during the meeting, said the source and added that the Ministers also put forward the problems faced while going about with their works. The SPF MLAs present at the meeting also put forward their complaints and grievances during the meeting. A number of MLAs expressed deep resentment over the manner in which the appointment of cooks for the Mid Day meal scheme has been handled by the Government. Pointing out that no formal order has been issued on the appointment of cooks for the said scheme, the MLAs urged the Government and the Ministers concerned to do the needful and come out with a formal announcement of the cooks. At the moment there are no clear cut policies for appointing the cooks and many hands are being seen in the appointment ranging from the Ministers and ZEOs and others concerned. The Government was asked to evolve a clear cut policy for appointing the cooks. A number of MLAs had earlier given their recommendations for appointment as cooks for the Mid Day meal scheme. To augment the power supply, a number of new transformers are set to arrive in the State. The meeting agreed that there should be no clamour for the transformers and to install them at areas according to their needs.

Sly appt slur on MPHC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 10: The State Government may institute an inquiry into the alleged irregular appointment of 50 employees in the Manipur Police Housing Corporation, effected during the time of a former Managing Director of the Corporation. Speaking to The Sangai Express a well placed source said that a senior police officer may be involved in the irregular appointment of the 50 employees in the Housing Corporation. The board of the Corporation has already discussed the matter during a meeting earlier. The number of regular employees in the MPHC was 70 but over 50 employees from the rank of Junior Engineers to LDCs were appointed during the tenure of the former Managing Director, informed the source. The irregular appointment of the 50 staff also came up for discussion during a meeting of the Board of the Corporation. Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh is the Chairman of the Board. The meeting discussed on the possibility of instituting an inquiry into the matter, added the source. When The Sangai Express contacted the current Managing Director, JC Dabbas on the matter, he refused to comment.

Edn Dept in fake cert mess
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 10: Even as rationalisation of transfer and posting of Government school teachers have been effected, an officer of the Education (School) Department had been found using fake certificates. According to informed sources, the said officer is currently serving as a Zonal Education Officer at a hill district and the Education Commissioner has lodged a complaint at Lamphel police station to arrest the officer. Similar information has been relayed to the Superintendent of Police concerned to round up the accused person, said the source. However, police department source disclosed that till date there is no information of arrest of the accused. In the meantime, an order has been issued regarding transfer and posting of 1304 teachers out of which 1075 are reported to be from valley area while 242 are from the hill districts. The transfer and posting includes 151 science graduate teachers from valley districts compared to only three from the hills besides affecting placement of one primary level school headmaster. The mass transfer policy said to have been implemented amid tremendous pressure from influential persons particularly from Ministers/MLAs and vivid sign of reluctance from the teacher community themselves also affects 280 arts graduate teachers from the valley and 15 in the hill districts. the most affected are 744 primary teachers including 215 in the hills while the rationalisation of teachers� transfer and posting also shuffles 43 hindi graduate teachers. The source further revealed at Education Minister had come under pressure from many SPF Ministers and MLAs to exclude their close relatives from the mass shuffling of teachers.

CS cracks punctuality whip
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 10: To ensure punctuality of officers at the Secretariat and the enhance efficiency, Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh has issued an office memorandum listing certain provisions to pull up erring officers. As per the office memorandum, dated January 31, all staff below the rank of Under Secretary have been asked to sign in the register at the reception, indicating the time of arrival when any of them happen to come to office after 10 am and also to note down the departure time if they leave before 4 pm. For employees below the level of Special Secretary, the receptionist/official in-charge will note down names and designations of the officers who come after 10 am, said the office memorandum. To penalise habitual late comers, the Chief Secretary decreed that if any official comes late to office or leave office before office hour for more than three days in a month, then the official concerned will be given Extraordinary Leave (Leave without pay) without seeking any explanation. Disciplinary action will however be taken up against repeated offenders, said the office memorandum. In case any official arrives late or has to leave office early due to some official works or engagement, outside the Secretariat, then the same may be intimated to the senior officers concerned. The office memorandum was issued after a surprise check was conducted on the instructions of the Chief Secretary on January 14. During the inspection drive, it was found that 48 officers were not found in their offices between 9.30 am and 10.30 am, said the office memorandum. Explanation calls were served on the officers found missing, said the office memorandum and the excuses given by the officers have established the fact that there is a trend among the officers to come late to office and leave early. No doubt there some genuine cases, noted the Chief Secretary. The Chief Secretary made it clear that punctuality, especially in a busy office like the Secretariat is of utmost importance to promote efficiency and there is the need for responsible officers to set good examples for their subordinates. The new measures will also go a long way in conveniencing the public as they do not have wait endlessly for their work to be finalised.

AR clarifies on Kpi incident
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 10: Making their position clear on the incident at Kangpokpi yesterday, where women folks had gheraoed their post to free a man arrested earlier, PIB Defence Wing quoting 14 Assam Rifles said that the face off occurred due to a misunderstanding. In a statement PIB Defence Wing said that it was earlier understood that the man would be handed over to the public leaders on Feb 9. However due to a communication gap the public leaders failed to turn up at the AR post. The statement assured that in future such misunderstanding will not be allowed to be repeated and added that it was agreed that in future, public leaders will be asked to prove the antecedents of suspects. The public leaders also thanked the 14 Assam Rifles for the recruitment rally scheduled to be held at Kangpokpi on February 18 and have urged the AR to check the domicile certificates of the candidates thoroughly.

AFSPA meet at Kolkata
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 10: As part of the ongoing campaign for total repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958, a mass convention was organised by West bengal unit of Yuva Bharat at Students Hall located at College Street of Kolkata on February 5, said a press statement of Working Committee of the Apunba Lup. The mass convention was held with Yuva Bharat (WB) president Dr Gautam Paul as the chief guest and Yuva Bharat�s National Convenor Ashok Bharat as the functional president. Apunba Lup representatives Phulindra Konsam, Aslam Khan, Dayanand Chingtham and Babloo Laishram attended the convention as guests of honour. Speakers from across the country including human rights activists, social workers and student leaders were unanimous in declaring the Act as �undemocratic, inhumane and repressive�, said the statement. Three point resolution were also adopted at the meet pertaining to immediate cessation of army repression, scrapping of AFSPA and to launch national campaign in solidarity with the people�s movement in Manipur. In addition to attending an interaction session on AFSPA 1958 organised at Ideal Youth Centre of Nadia district in West bengal where draconian aspect of the Act was highlighted the Apunba Lup representatives also took part in a similar programme held on the same evening. The evening programme was organised as part of the closing ceremony of Kolkata Book Fair wherein retired Chief Justice Shyamal Sen graced the occasion as the chief guest. A book titled �Focus on Human Endeavour� authored by Dr Syed Murad Ahmed and another titled �Bidrohi Manipur� in Bengali language penned by Prithiviraj Sen were released on the occasion, informed the statement. The 168-paged second book illustrates detail of the Th Manorama Devi killing case and subsequent movement by the Manipuri people. After the Lup representatives highlighted on plight of the people of Manipur to a huge audience who had gathered for the closing ceremony of the Book Fair a protest march was also organised with banner and slogan shouting protestors raised strong objection to continuation of AFSPA. Phulindro, Aslam Khan and Dayananda are currently at New Delhi to attend a national convention on AFSPA to be organised in the national capital by People�s Union for Democratic Rights on February 13, added the Lup statement.

28 AR CO summoned in Bungte Chiru firing case
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 10: The Commission of Inquiry probing the facts and circumstances leading to the death of LD Rengtuiwan has issued summons to the personnel of 28 Assam Rifles including its CO to testify on the incident. LD Rengtuiwan, a retired teacher was shot dead and his wife Thangmuchin seriouly injured on her leg when personnel of 28th AR stationed at Thoubal opened fire at Bungte Chiru on the night of November 16, 2004. Three villagers were also allegedly bashed up by the AR personnel. Mention may be made here that Bishnupur police registered two FIR cases in connection with the incident. One AR personnel who is an informant in one of the FIRs is reported to have refused to extend co-operation to the police investigation. The matter came to light when some officials of Bishnupur Police were examined by the probe panel headed by retired Judge C Upendra. Yesterday the commission issued summons to the CO 28 AR Colonel Pillay asking him to appear before the commission on Feb 19 at 11 am. The probe panel also issued summons to captain Budhwar, Adjutant, Havildar Surajkumar and rifleman Chaoba intimating them to appear on Feb 18 at 11 am, said a reliable source in the commission. The summons have been issued to the four to testify what they know pertaining to the incident. If they fail to appear before the commission on the fixed date and time "coercive measures will be taken up to compel their appearance" the source added. The commission had already examined the injured Thangmuchin and her son along with the three villagers who were thrashed by the AR personnel. Meanwhile, the commission has today examined three witnesses in connection with KR Lane firing inquiry set up to probe into the facts and circumstances leading to the death of three Kuki students on October 25 2004. The three students all from Moreh were gunned down in an alleged staged encounter by personnel of Imphal East police commandos. The three witnesses examined today include Md Sudhir (21), Md Khomi of Hapta Golapti and Roshni Vaiphei of Checkon area. The commission may summon the head master of Moreh Govt High School on Feb 14 to ascertain whether two of three students killed were students of the same school, the source added.

2 ZEOs in ONK net, to quit jobs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 10: Cracking the whip against corruption in the Education Department starting from the primary level, the proscribed KYKL under its ONK has ordered two ZEOs to resign from their posts on graft charges. Speaking to the press somewhere at Senapati district today, a spokesman of the outfit said that the two ZEOs are Athokpam Shamu ZEO of Wangoi and Moirangthem Sanatombi Singh ZEO of Thoubal. Presenting the two before media persons, the spokesman said that the two should carry out the diktats issued by the outfit within 20 days time. Detailing the graft charges, the spokesman said that A Shamu was involved in pocketing Rs 32,000 meant for mid day meal scheme from six persons including three head masters. The three Headmasters from whom the ZEO took the money are Md Salauddin of Bengoon Mamang LP School (Rs 8000), Md Otei of Bengoon LP School (Rs 5000), Md Yusuf of Bengoon LP School (Rs 5000), another Rs 4000 from one AK Rashi on the promise that she would be appointed as a cook at Konchak Hyboon Yangbi LP School, Rs 5000 from one N Nimai and Rs 5000 from one Md Olke. The other ZEO, M Sanatombi Singh was accused of not releasing the rice meant for the kids and instead pocketing Rs 60,000 in cahoots with the Circle AI and DI. The spokesman said that Sanatombi was involved in pocketing Rs 5000 to Rs 10000 every month through the AIs and DIs. The AIs and DIs serving under him are, S Ranbir (DI), S Anita (DI), Tompok (AI), Bihari (AI), Manglem (AI), Binodini (AI) and Achou (AI). The money pocketed by the two should be deposited to the Khongnangthaba Trust of the ONK within 20 days time, said the spokesman. If the diktats of the outfit are not obeyed, then they will be punished by the gun, warned the spokesman. The number of schools to be covered under the Mid Day meal scheme in Manipur is 3035 and the number of students to get its benefit is 5,05695, informed the spokesman. The salary for the cooks to be appointed for the meal scheme is Rs 1500/- per month. The bribe taken by Ministers, MLAs, ZEOs and Pradhans for appointing the cooks range from Rs 5 thousand to Rs 10,000 said the spokesman. All these mean that corruption at the Education Department starts from the primary level, said the spokesman adding that this is nothing but robbing education. To earn more money through dubious means from the Mid Day meal scheme, ONK has come to learn that in many schools, inflated number of students have been submitted, said the spokesman. The schools which have submitted bloated number of students are, Wangjing Primary School with fudged strength of 426 students, Sangaiyumpham PS (423), Pungdongbam PS (397), Tronglaobi PS (385), Haraolou Cosmopolitan PS (362), Langathel Mandakini PS (345), Heitupokpi PS (347), Heirok Kabo LPS (329), Umathel PS (325), Khangabok PS (306), Sekmaijin PS (304) , Phubala PS (315), Lamlai PS (310), Yambem PS (305), Yorbung PS (305), Sawombung PS (304), Bpr Chingning PS (300), Lamjao PS (302) and Khongsang PS (254). These schools have given a bloated figure of the students not in terms of one or two but in hundreds, said the spokesman. The total amount sanctioned by the Centre for the Mid Day meal scheme is Rs 12,53,39,550, informed the spokesman and questioned how much of the money has been actually utilised for the benefits of the children.

Tamei glows under Liangmai festival
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 10: The five day long seventh general conference cum cultural festival of Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi (All Liangmai Naga Students� Union - Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) got off to a colourful start at Piulekluang village of Tamei sub-division in Tamenglong district today. The inaugural ceremony was held with Lok Sabha MP Mani Charenamei, MLA Samuel Jendai and president of Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) D Dikambui as the chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively. The main highlight of the inaugural session was traditional method of lighting fire with display, presentation of cultural dance based on war themes, rendition of folk songs and music and unfurling of LNKR flag by the chief guest and witnessed by representatives of several LNKR units including from Assam and Nagaland. In his address, the MP stated that cultural and identity are the two most important instruments for sustenance and to ensure the pace of development in the society. Mani Charenamei also stressed on constant communication among the people in enhancing development of the area. He also unveiled a memorial stone at the conference venue besides donating Rs 1.5 lakh to the programme organiser and host village. Speaking on the occasion Samuel Jendai highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Zeliangrong community called upon the students to enact their role positively to preserve the cultural heritage and to restore the prestige of the Zeliangrongs. The MLA also donated Rs 5000 to LNKR. The cultural festival being held under theme of �Our Culture Our Identity� will continue till February 11. In addition to deliberation by various resource persons on related topics during the conference, cultural and recreational items like traditional dance competition, indigenous games, traditional couple show, fashion parade, musical shows and conference queen contest would be held.

IM-Centre begin ice-breaking effort
Source: The Sangai Express

New Delhi, February 10: Seeking to break the ice and take forward the peace process in Nagaland, the Centre and major insurgent group NSCN (I-M) today held four hours of talks. "Today�s talks lasted a total of about four hours. It was more of an ice-breaking session. The Naga leaders explained their stand," informed sources said. Today, much of the talking was done by NSCN (I-M) leaders headed by its general secretary Th Muivah. "The talks between the Government and the NSCN (I-M) will continue," the sources said. NSCN (I-M) chairman Isaac Chisi Swu was not present at today�s meeting where the Centre was represented by a Group of Ministers comprising Oscar Fernandes, Prithviraj Chavan and S Ragupathy. The NSCN (I-M) leader had held a half-an-hour meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday. Muivah along with Swu returned from Nagaland last month after a nearly seven-week stay there eliciting the views of a cross section of the people of the state on how to resolve the Naga problem. The Naga leaders, who met Home Minister Shivraj Patil last week, have been demanding unification of Naga-dominated areas in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, a move opposed by these states. This demand saw bloody clashes between Naga and Kuki tribes in 1990s and had triggered fresh round of unrest in Manipur three years back. Swu and Muivah, who came to India for the second time in November-end last year, had met the Prime Minister before going to Nagaland. They had come to India for the first time in three decades in January, 2003 and held talks with the Vajpayee Government. PTI

IW cops deliver justice
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 10: Even as an individual was lynched on the alleged charges of stealing a Yamaha motorbike, Imphal West police personnel arrested two persons reported to be the real culprits in the same case. Seven other suspects are currently in police custody while another accused is likely to be arrested tomorrow. Mention may be made that one Moirangthem Akomcha alias Ibomcha (30) from Khangabok Cherapur was lynched at near Kakwa Laiphrakpam Leikai on February 6 evening, on the charge that he had stolen the motorbike. An Imphal West police team under the supervision of its SP, S Ibocha picked up the two accused from their homes today at around 10. The two have been identified as Huidrom Nongdairemba (31) s/o (L) H Matum and Laishram Ibungo (21) s/o L Indramani. Both are from Kakwa Laiphrakpam Leikai. Police sources said the third accused is likely to be picked up tomorrow as preliminary interrogation of the two had already revealed identity of the person. In unrelated development, personnel of the same police station picked up eight persons, including two women today evening and charged them under Public Gambling Act. The eight were hauled up for indulgence in gambling at he residence of one Irom Memma in Moirangkhom. Identity of the eight had been established as Wahengbam Dinesh (37) of Sagolband Moirang Leirak, Oinam Nando (28) of Pishumthong, Khumanthem Susanta (42) of Yaiskul Chingakham, S Somorjit (31) of Yaiskul Chingakham Leikai, Hawaibam Umakanta (38) of Moirangkhom Bokul Makhong, M Priyokumar (38) of Khagempalli Nganappithong, Irom Choudhury alias Memma (51) of Moirangkhom Loklaobung and H Sumati Devi of Moirangkhom Bokul Makhong.

Leima calls for revitalisation of Co-op movement
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 10: Charting out a ten point programme for revival of cooperative movement in the State, Cooperation and Social Welfare Minister W Leima Devi today called for revitalising the cooperative movement in the State by infusing fresh ideas into the already laid guidelines. She was speaking as a chief guest at the one day block level seminar on Cooperative Professionalisation organised by NCUI, Cooperative Education Field Project, Bishnupur in association with Kodompokpi GP Level MPCS Ltd, Kodompokpi under the sponsorship of NCUI, New Delhi held at Kodompokpi Mayai Leikai. Kh Borkeshor Singh, president MSCU and chairman ICM, Imphal and SC Borah, Principal ICM were the president and guest of honour of the inaugural function. Expressing her displeasure at the state of affairs of registered societies in the State, Leima said that the nodal agency for societies Manipur State Cooperative Union will be more powerful as the fate of more than 4000 societies lies on it. For this she has charted out a ten point programme which includes apex bodies, recovery of loans and proper auditing of societies account. While admitting that the concept of professionalism in cooperative reach late in the State, she said that it is never too late to start afresh and infused the idea to the functionaries of societies who are at the helm of affairs. The Minister who was a Lady Instructor in the department before joining politics said that the department is in the process of assessing the works of State level, district level and primary level cooperative societies in the State and added that societies who failed to clear their fees and renewed their membership will be stuck off the list. For effective showcasing of cooperative products in the State the department is going to held Cooperative Mela from February 18 to 28 at Mapal Kangjeibung, she said and urged all the societies to participate in the mela which is an eye opener to the State Govt, NCUI, ICDP etc. The Minister also warned of putting restriction on loans from State share on societies who do not participate in the mela. She said that due to non payment of loan amounting to Rs 2.24 crores by societies under ICDP, there is every likelihood of closing the project unless the loans are cleared by the societies. Adding to the woes, the Central Government also put a blanket ban on release of second instalment of loan to the beneficiaries after it failed to clear the first installment. She said that yarn bank and cooperative bank will be revived and societies will be provided with kind instead of cash for effective implementation. On the holding of election in MSCU, she said that election should be held as per the guidelines laid down in the act and said that cooperators contesting election should be sincere, dedicated, hard-working. While speaking as president, Kh Borkeshor lamented that the State Govt has not taken up any action on the numerous recommendation passed by the board members of MSCU. On the proposed Coop Mela, he said it is hard to choose 50 societies from among more than 4000 societies for the mela and said that only 50 stalls will be opened in the mela. On computerisation of cooperative societies which is a step towards professionalisation, 15 days computer awareness training programme will be conducted for the members of societies by Centre for Cooperative Management under funding from Delhi.

Tamei denizens cry foul over road construction works
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 10: Even though the North Eastern Council (NEC) had sanctioned funds for construction/maintenance of the 18 kilometre long Tameikonphung road in Tamenglong district the ongoing work is far from satisfactory, said local sources. The main allegation levelled by the villagers against the road construction agency are non adherence to NEC regulation regarding the width of the road, absence of side drain and retaining wall among others. Travellers along this route had been facing severe transportation problem throughout the year with the problem compounded further during rainy season as the said area that borders Nagaland State is prone to landslides even in dry season. With the said area dotted by streams that originate from the hills and flows over the road surface more than fifty landslides had been recorded last monsoon, accounted the villagers. As Tamei area people frequently travel on this route due to underdevelopment of the alternative Imphal-Tamenglong route the travellers had to negotiate narrow and slippery zones with the worst effected point laying between Kowalong and Konphung villages which are located eight and 18 kilometres respectively from Tamei sub-division. Other problems besetting the people are lack of communication facilities including absolute absence of even a single telephone connection. Ironically, the State Government had established a Community Informatic Centre (CIC) inspite of the fact that laying of telecom cables along Imphal-Tamenglong route is progressing at snail�s pace, added the local sources who desired expeditious and sincere execution of development activities in the area to mitigate problems faced by the people of Tamei and nearby areas.

Mayek activists on the rampage
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 10: Stepping up the tempo for scrapping all Bengali script text books and introduction of Meetei Mayek scripts at schools, Meetei Erol Eyek Loinasilon Apunba Lup (MEELAL) volunteers along with members of various student bodies set ablaze Bengali script text books in different parts of the State to protest the State Govt's failure to introduce Meetei Mayek script textbooks. MEELAL volunteers began the agitation by setting ablaze Bengali script text books at Keishampat Bus parking at around 11.20. The agitation further intensified in the afternoon and similar incidents were reported at Kongpal Netaji high School, Leikinthabi and SSC ground Sekta. Similar form of protest were also carried out by the activist at Chandel district�s Maha Union Govt High School, Oriental Academy, Emanual High School and St Peter's High School , Noney Bazar and Senapati Bazar today. Talking to mediapersons today, MEELAL chairman Ch Akaba informed that intensifying the agitation had become a necessity as the Govt had repeatedly ignored and neglected demand of the organisation for years. He also urged the public to extend cooperation and support agitation launched the Meetei Mayek activists. MEELAL Chandel branch president HB Thumthang Anal led the protest in the district.

Student-staff agreement
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 10: A joint emergency meeting of the Maring Students Union (MSU) and Govt employees of Machi sub-division organised by MSU was held at the sub-division headquarters on January 5. Members present at the meeting minutely discussed on various problems besetting the people regarding water supply, electricity, medical facilities, education, transportation etc. In the meeting, staffs of the ICDS and Medical Deptts highlighting the problems faced by the staffs regarding shortage of manpower and other facilities necessary to keep the Deptts functional urged authorities concerned to look into the matter and take up remedial measures to improve the conditions. Machi PHC which is supposed to have 100 bed presently has not even a single bed, complained the Medical staffs. It may be noted here that Machi PHC which is supposed to have a capacity of 100 beds was inaugurated by the Chief Minister two years back. Elaborating on numerous problems confronting the education system in the area, MSU representatives lamented that Machi Govt High School which is the only high level school in Machi Block has only six graduate and five primary teachers in addition to dilapidated infrastructures. Acute shortage of teachers have not only paralysed the education system but has also demoralised the students community, they rued and further urged the Govt to take up necessary steps so that students can begin the new academic session in a proper manner. They also appealed to the Director of Treasury to allow withdrawal of salary of Govt employees in Machi Sub-Division from the Laiching Kangshang branch of the bank besides opening a sub-treasury office at the Sub-Division. SDO/BDO employees of the Sub-Division who also spoke at the meeting complained on the shortages of residential quarters for the staffs and other facilities which have been plaguing the Department for the last many years.

Imphal, February 10: With the completion of league matches sixteen teams have been lined up for the pre-quarter final matches tomorrow for the ongoing XI sub-junior national hockey championship at Khuman Lampak here. In today's last league matches Punjab drubbed Uttar Pradesh by 5 goals to 1, Orissa defeated Hyderabad by 6 goals to 1 while Karnataka blanked Jharkhand by 6 goals, Namdhari blanked Tamil Nadu by 7 goals, Chandigarh blanked Jammu & Kashmir by 6 goals, Uttar Pradesh blanked Delhi by 3 goals, Punjab blanked Nagaland by 19 goals, Chhatisgarh blanked Kerala by 8 goals. Match between Bengal and Karnataka ended with goalless draw. With the completion of league round sixteen teams two from each pool have been selected for pre-quarter final matches tomorrow. Karnataka and Bengal from Pool A, Namdhari and Tamil Nadu from Pool B, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh from Pool C, Orissa and Hyderabad from Pool D, Manipur and Himachal Pradesh from Pool E, Andhra Pradesh and Chandigarh from Pool F, Mizoram and Chhatisgarh from Pool G and Haryana and Uttaranchal from Pool H. In the pre-quarter finals tomorrow Kanataka will meet Uttar Pradesh, Namdhari with Hyderabad, Punjab with Bengal, Orissa with Tamil Nadu, Manipur with Chhatisgarh, Andhra Pradesh with Uttaranchal, Mizoram with Himachal Pradesh and Haryana with Chandigarh. Eight winning team from tomorrow's matches will play quarter final on February 12. The championship is being hosted by Manipur Hockey Association under the aegis of Indian Hockey Federation. Four selectors including Manipur's first Olympian Nilakamal and World Cupper Ksh Thoiba will pick talented cub from the championship for the forthcoming junior world cup to be held in Rotterdam, Holland from June 29 to July 10.