In highlights of the weeks that was, Manipur government distributed Free school uniform in Government aided schools, precautionary preparations are underway to meet possible COVID third wave, power plant for Jiribam tea estate, GOI opposes NSCN(IM) taxation and more.
Free School Uniforms Distributed to Maintain Quality Education under School Fagathansi Mission
Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren distributed free school uniforms for students of government and aided schools of the state on June 25 with the aim to maintain quality education under the School Fagathansi Mission.
Reports said the uniforms were distributed at a function organised by Samagra Shiksha, Manipur at its office campus located at Babupara, Imphal. The chief minister also distributed items, including K-Yan System (Projectors), sports equipment, blankets and cooking utensils among others through the concerned zonal education officers (ZEOs) of different districts. The items will be provided to students of Government schools studying in Class I to VIII.
“To provide quality education to children, we need schools with proper infrastructure, experienced teachers, better teaching and learning equipment and so on. With this thought, the state government had come up with the School Fagathansi Mission covering 120 schools till now, and such initiative would help children to become creative and bring up certain innovative ideas which would be useful for overall development of the state at large,” Biren added.
Delivering his presidential speech, Education Minister Sorokhaibam Rajen said the distribution of free uniforms had been taken up under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. Under this scheme, students of government schools consisting of 76,185 girl students, 42,344 boys belonging to Schedule Tribes, 2,899 boys belonging to Schedule Caste and 27,436 students from Below Poverty Line would be provided free uniforms, he added. He also said that the scheme also covers distribution of blankets, sport equipment and other items to Residential Schools, reports added.
Government Has Taken All Necessary Steps to Tackle COVID-19 Third Wave, Says CM Biren
The Manipur government has taken all necessary preparations to tackle the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic in the state, said Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren on June 24 during his visit at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) to take stock of the situation of 20 KL Liquid Medical Oxygen Cryogenic Tank and PSA Oxygen Plant installation work.
The Chief Minister said that with the increase of beds, the need for oxygen supply has also increased. The government is aiming to complete the installation work of the oxygen plant by July 15. Moreover, the government is planning to install oxygen to supply for post-COVID-19 patients and a 100 bedded COVID-19 dedicated hospital, reports said.
The Chief Minister further said that people of state are not that serious enough to fight the pandemic despite the fact that a highly contagious mutant of Coronavirus called ‘Delta Variant’ has been confirmed in the state. Saying that whatever steps taken up by the state government is for the welfare of the people and the government may even use force when people do not follow COVID-19 SOPs in the state, CM Biren warns.
Manipur Cabinet Resolved to Ease Restrictions on Buying and Selling of Land
The Manipur Cabinet at its meeting convened on June 23 at the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat resolved to ease the restrictions on buying and selling of land, and changing of names of owners.
Reports said that concerning the difficulties faced by the people on buying and selling of land, and registration processes, it was decided to ease the restrictions that were earlier imposed. As per the resolution taken on June 23, it is now permitted to give land to another member of the family or relatives through the process of ‘gift deed’, Works Minister Thongam Bishwajit said. However, verification reports from DC/BDO and Police and the land buyer’s source of income will be checked, he added.
600 Acres of Tea Estate at Jiribam for 100 MW Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant
The 600 acres of land of once ambitious Tea Estate at Jiribam under the department of Textiles, Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur will be transferred to Power department (MANIREDA) for development of 100 MW Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant under the 15th Finance Commission.
Reports said, the State Cabinet held on June 23 at the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat resolved to transfer the 600 acres of land from Tea Estate to Power Department particularly MANIREDA for development of 100 MW Solar Photovoltaic Plant.
GOI Opposing Taxations by NSCN (IM) Violates Framework Agreement, Says NSCN (IM)
The NSCN (IM) on June 23 announced that it is not working for packages from the Government of India but for an honorable and acceptable political settlement with India and the nominal taxations will continue as it is.
Reports quoting a release issued by the ministry of information and publicity, NSCN (IM) said the NSCN (IM) questioned why India should interfere in the internal matters of the sovereign Naga people.
The Government of India (GOI) opposing taxations by the NSCN (IM) instantly violates the Framework Agreement, wherein the two entities agreed to coexist peacefully as two different entities sharing sovereign power, NSCN (I-M) stated, adding that taxation is the legitimate right of every government of a nation state.
The Nagas declared their independence status as a sovereign nation one day ahead of India and defended its sovereign right thus far, it stated. The Naga nation does not require permission from the Government of India for taxation, it further stated, adding the matter remains loud and clear that at no point of time the Nagas became Indians either by conquest or consent, reports added.
Imphal West Narcotic Cell Police Constable Arrested With Heroin Powder
Imphal East District Police arrested two drug peddlers, including one police constable of Imphal West Narcotic Cell who was found in possession of heroin powder on June 23.
Reports quoting Superintendent of Police, Imphal East N Herojit Meetei said that heroin powders weighing about 158 grams were seized from their possession during frisking and checking at Kyamgei Maning Leikai near oil pump, Imphal.
The arrested persons have been identified as one Md Abdul, 32, son of Md Kyamuddin of Hiyangthang Tarahei, Imphal West and Md Angou, 27, son of Md Amu of Hiyangthang Tarahei, Imphal West; reports added.
Kangpokpi Becomes First District to Launch Covid-19 Vaccination Bus in Manipur
Kangpokpi district became the first Assembly Constituency in Manipur to have a Covid-19 Vaccination Bus with launched by MLA Nemcha Kipgen on June 23.
Reports said the vaccination bus is an initiative of the local MLA Nemcha Kipgen to boost COVID-19 vaccination drive in her assembly constituency.
The launching ceremony of the COVID-19 vaccination bus for Kangpokpi Assembly Constituency was held in front of the deputy commissioner Kangpokpi office in the presence of SDO Kangpokpi, SDO Champhai, CMO Kangpokpi, and Covid task force representatives.
The MLA said that the vaccination bus is launched to boost the vaccination drive under Kangpokpi assembly constituency, and the bus will be used to transport any willing individual to the vaccination site at the inspection bungalow hall at Kangpokpi district headquarters, reports added.
Rs 1.2 Lakh Collected on June 22 as Penalty from Lockdown Violators in Manipur
Manipur police continue to collect fine from COVID-19 Lockdown Violators to ensure strict compliance to lockdown norms amid a rise of COVID-19 cases in the state. The police have so far collected Rs 2,29,93,910 as penalty from 1,47,706 lockdown violators since the coronavirus pandemic hit the state.
Reports said as many as 274 people were detained on June 22 for violating COVID-19 norms and Rs 1, 02,300 collected as penalty from the offenders as per law. With 190 violators in a single day, Imphal West district collected the highest amount of Rs 76,000 as penalty on June 22, followed by Bishnupur district with 35 offenders and fine of Rs 14,000.
Meanwhile, of the 16 districts in the state, there were no reports of violators being detained in 11 districts by the police on the day. The districts include Chandel, Tengnoupal, Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Tamenglong, Noney and Jiribam, reports added.
AMSU Expresses Concern on FEGOCTA Strike
The All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) has categorically stated that any protest launched by FEGOCTA should not affect the academic pursuit of the students.
In a statement issued today, the student body said that normal classes have been adversely affected by the prevailing COVID-19 situation and the stand taken by FEGOCTA that their agitation for 7th Pay Commission will resume from June 30 can affect the online classes currently underway. College examinations which have been lined up can also be affected, said AMSU. The decision of FEGOCTA to resume their stir at this moment, when holding physical classes is not possible is unfortunate, added the student body.
AMSU also appealed the Government to consider the demands of the college teachers seriously and work out an amicable solution at the earliest. The Government should stop making false promises AMSU said adding that the 7th Pay demand is reasonable. The only concern is the timing and the approach of the teachers to the issue at hand, reports added.
Manipur to Provide Rs 10 Lakh Incentive to Olympics-Bound Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu
Manipur government on June 23 announced to provide Rs 10 lakh as one-time incentive to Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, India’s lone weightlifter to qualify for Tokyo Olympics, as an act of encouragement.
Report said the decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Nongthombam Biren and attended by deputy chief minister Y Joykumar Singh and other cabinet ministers at the Cabinet Hall of CM’s Secretariat.
Earlier, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) confirmed that star Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has qualified for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the women’s 49 kg category.
Mirabai Chanu, the 26-year-old weightlifter hailing from Manipur’s Kakching district is the 2017 world champion in weightlifting. Chanu was placed second on the Absolute Ranking List issued by International Weightlifting Federation after winning a bronze medal in the recently concluded Asian Championship in Tashkent, after which she secured her place in Tokyo Olympics. After Rio Olympics 2016, this will be Chanu’s second participation at the prestigious sporting event.
Manipur Judoka Shushila Likmabam Qualifies for Tokyo Olympics
Manipuri judoka Shushila Likmabam has qualified for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in the 48 kg category of judo. The announcement was made by the International Judo Federation (IJF).
Reports said she is the only Indian judo player to have qualified for the Tokyo Games. Shushila, 24, is the fifth athlete from Manipur to have qualified for the mega sporting event slated to begin from July 23 to August 8 this year.
Manipur’s Shushila Likmabam will play in the 48 kg category of judo at the Tokyo Olympics
Other players from the state who have made it to the Indian contingent are boxer MC Mary Kom, weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, women’s hockey player Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam and men’s hockey player Shanglakpam Nilakanta Sharma.
She was also among two Indian judokas fielded by the Judo Federation of India (JFI) to the World Judo Championship held from June 6 to 13 at Budapest in Hungary.
Earlier, Shushila won a silver medal in women’s 48 kg weight class in judo at the Commonwealth Games of 2014 in Glasgow, reports added.
Altogether 21 Including Three Juveniles Arrested in Connection with Vulgar on Social Media
As many as 21 persons, including three juveniles, were arrested under two different FIRs on charges of uploading and sharing objectionable content such as obscene, vulgar, pornographic and private photos and videos of several women, including minors.
Reports said the 21 persons were arrested under FIR number 90(6)2021 IPS U/S 153-A 1(b)/354-D (ii) 509 IPC and 4/6 IRN Act 1986 registered on June 12 at Imphal Police station. The FIR was lodged against one Facebook page titled “Kanglei Emagi…” created by one Yumnam Piba. The members of the said Facebook page created several WhatsApp groups and the members of both platforms uploaded and shared vulgar, pornographic, private photos and videos of several women, including minors, with the intention to insult the modesty of women and creating enmity and conflict and terror in the mind of the general public.
Reports said eight persons including one juvenile were arrested. Among the eight arrested persons, one was arrested on June 14 and had been remanded in judicial custody.
Cyber Crime police arrested eight more persons including two juveniles. Also the account creator of the “MEGA” cloud account where many pornographic materials, including child pornographic content are stored has been arrested.
In the latest development, five more being members of a vulgar Facebook group called “Kanglei Emagi…” were arrested. They had allegedly uploaded pornographic content in the said Facebook page by morphing pictures and videos downloaded from other Facebook accounts, and captioning them with bad, obscene and hateful words, defaming their reputation and outraging the modesty of the women in the society.
CM Biren Flags off Vehicles Carrying Planting Material, Seeds, Sprinklers Sets
Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren on June 25 flagged off vehicles carrying quality planting materials, seeds and sprinklers sets which are to be distributed to registered farmers from Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department, Government of Manipur.
Reports said the planting materials and seeds will go directly to 50 farmer producer companies while those carrying sprinkler sets will go through the district offices to be distributed as part of the component of the Micro Irrigation Scheme which is an end to end solution at their level.
The planting materials and seeds are distributed under Phase-III Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), Manipur while sprinklers sets are being distributed under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY, Horticulture), Manipur.
Speaking at the flag off programme, chief minister said that timely arrangement and distribution of materials required for farming and agriculture are also very much necessary while fighting the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure adequate food production in the coming year.
He also expressed happiness on learning that 268 hectares of land where poppy plantation was widely done earlier will be replaced by other suitable plants for which seeds were distributed today and termed it as a big achievement of the state Government’s War on Drugs Campaign.
