ATSUM disagree ST tag

 ATSUM disagrees with ST tag for

 Meitei /Meetei; Submit MeMO  to CM

(ATSUM term it as illogical claim) 

HungHao/The Dawn Tantak

UKHRUL, Sep'1,021: THE All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday with regards to "the matter of Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur (STDCM) processing for granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei/Meetei. In the memorandum, ATSUM sought the attention of the Chief Minister to "defuse the claim of the STDCM for recognition of ST status to the valley people".

The memorandum said that it doesn't have any political affiliation or allegiance" to any political party. "Nevertheless, as an apex hill based tribal students' organisation living in , it is our bounden duty to share our shared opinion and displeasure over the ill-conceived demand of the STDCM for recognition of ST to the Meetei who have been living at par with the rest of the privileged sections of societies in all spheres of lives for the past seventy-four years of independence," the memorandum of ATSUM also said. 

Terming it as the "illogical claim", ATSUM said that the Meetei fulfilled all the criteria to become a Scheduled Tribe on the basis of Mongoloid race and prevalence of distinctive religion and culture is irrational. In other words, having religion or separate culture doesn't necessarily mean or constitute the prime reason to include a particular community to be in the list of Scheduled Tribe, the tribal students' body said. In the Constitution, no criteria have been spelt out for specification of a community as a Scheduled Tribe, it stated. It then said that the Scheduled Tribes are the tribes or tribal communities or part of groups within these tribes and tribal communities which have been declared as such by the President through a public notification partly by habitat and geographical isolation but even more on the basis of social, religion, linguistic and cultural distinctiveness  their tribal characteristic.

The memorandum further said that Scheduled Tribes are spread across the country mainly in the forest and hilly regions who are segregated from the rest of the world socially and economically. The ATSUM memorandum then mentioned that during a debate in the Constituent Assembly, Dr Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee was very particular about the word Schedule to be used before the 'tribe and the caste' to mean the 'selected or the chosen ones' . "Thus in the context of India, Scheduled group tribe means the selected tribes for protective discrimination to be valid on for 10 years after the promulgation of the Constitution of India", it further said, adding, "But since the scheduled group couldn't come up at par with the rest of the citizens in all the spheres of lives, protective discrimination continues even after sixty years of independence" . 

The ATSUM memorandum also said that, it is quite obvious that the plain people viz. Meetei/Meitei were included in the general category of the people by the Central Government due to the simple fact that the meitei have superseded the component characteristic of a tribe. "In the course of a continuous process of civilization for over a period of 2000 years dating back from 33 AD, the Meetei/Meitei have abandoned their primitive culture traits from being tribal to general, from rural or urbanization, economic backwardness to economically advance people in the valley of the golden kingdom (Sana Kunung). Therefore, the empirical points of arguments and the modalities for deciding claims for inclusion of the Meetie/Meitei in the Scheduled Tribe category involves rational philosophy to ascertain that the proposals are based on the broad criterion such as 'way of living'; 'social custom and religious practices; 'dialect'; 'educational and economic status'", the ATSUM memorandum added. While analyzing the above criteria, the tribal student body said that it should be well noted that the tribes in India are tribes in transition. It added that the criterion of backwardness does remain as the main criterion. It added that the relative backwardness of a community as compared to the society at large and other communities in the areas has therefore to be judged. 

ATSUM further added that such data should, inter-alia, include the data on the representation of the community in the Government/public sectors services, political institutions like Parliament, State Assemblies and local bodies. The ATSUM memorandum then said that in the wake of the STDCM pressurising the Central Government as well as the State Government for recognition of the Meetei/Meitei as ST status, a number of penal discussions "encompassing" tribal leaders, intellectuals and experts in the field of Anthropology and Sociology had been organized at different intervals and unanimous resolutions were adopted to protest vehemently against the move of STDCM.



CM distributes E-cart

  E-cart waste collection vehicles distributed to various Urban Local Bodies

 HungHao/The Dawn Tantak

UKHRUL, Aug'31,021:   CHIEF Minister N Biren singh distributed E-Cart waste collection vehicles to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of the State at a solemn function organized by Department of MAHUD, Government of Manipur at City Convention Centre. 

It may be mentioned that the vehicles are procured under the Project “Management of Solid waste on Regional Basis (Cluster-B) in Manipur” under NLCPR scheme funded by the Ministry of DoNER, Government of India.

 The total cost of the project is Rs. 13.52 crores. 

The Department of MAHUD is the implementing agency of the project. 75 E-carts are being given to seven Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) viz. Thoubal Municipal Council, Lilong (Thoubal) Municipal Council, Yairipok Municipal Council, Wangjing Lamding Municipal Council, Sikhong Sekmai Municipal Council, Andro Municipal Council and Heirok Municipal Council.



Chiphang Cash Award

 Chiphang Shang  falicitation cum Cash award and Blessing program held

(Ajakum wui sada lairik katamnao mi 20 chili Ph. D pass sakahai 2 zangdalei) 

The HungHao

UKHRUL: Aug'021: Academic session 2020- 2021 li Class- X, Cl-XII, Graduate kala Ph. D pass sakahai athum katamnao mi 20 li Zingkum shirinda Chiphang Shang na lairik katamano bingli kakatom sada cash award mirada khaleiji ajakum wuila achahon Sunday-thang Rashing Hall Awungtangli Chiphang shang wui Shimva, Ava shi,shang youth kala committee bingna mapungphalak eina yaomi haira.

Aja kum pass sakahaiy katamano bing chiya Class-X li mi 12 ; Class -XII wui eina katamano mi 3 ; B.Sc- Nutrition 1(1st div) BA . Arts (1st div) ; BA- Hon's (Sociology- 1st div) kala Ph. D (degree)- 2nos hibing hina. (2020-21) 

State TPR

 

State sees lowest TPR, daily fatalities since Aug 1

DH, Ukl

HungHao/The Dawn Tantak
Ukl/Imphal: Gaining some respite from the miseries brought by the Covid-19 pandemic in the State, 221 persons from the general population and two personnel from the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) were confirmed as new positive cases out of total 2509 samples tested on Monday registering a positivity rate of 8.90 percent, lowest since August 1. The State also recorded lowest daily fatalities in this month with only two persons succumbing to the viral infection in the past 24 hours. Altogether 269 persons were also discharged in a single day improving the recovery rate further to 95.49 percent.     

As per Covid-19 Common Control Room, the positive persons were tested at RIMS (17), JNIMS (1 1), District Hospitals (100) and other testing centres (95). The positive cases from the general population are from imphal East (45), Imphal West (69), Thoubal (8), Bishnupur (14), Kakching (34), Ukhrul (10), Churachandpur (17), Chandel (5), Senapati (3), Tamenglong (1), Noney (2), Pherzawl (12) and Kangpokpi (1). All necessary medical precautionary measures like containment and contact tracing are in place.

The State Level Covid-19 Deaths Audit Committee reported two deaths in the last 24 hours. The District wise distributions are Ukhrul (1) and Kakching (1). The cumulative number of deaths is 1781. Out of the two deaths, none of them had Covid vaccine. The discharged 269 persons are from Home Isolation (127), RIMS (13), JNIMS (3), CCCs (81) and CHICs (45), the control room informed in a press release.

The cumulative number of positive cases is 1,13,551 (General Population - 1,09,442 and Central Security Personnel - 4,109) while the cumulative number of recovered cases is 1,08,430 (General Population - 1,04,341 and Central Security Personnel - 4,089). The number of active cases is 3,340 (General Population -3,325 and Central Security Personnel - 15), it conveyed. 

In the last 24 hours, a total of 1199 D-type Oxygen cylinders and 314 B-type Oxygen cylinders have been made available to different health facilities of the State. The number of doses of Covid-19 vaccine administered on Sunday is 990 while the cumulative number of doses is 1519826 (first dose - 1185319 and second dose - 334507), it disclosed.
(Inputs: TMB)

NE heading

 NE heading towards development under PM Modi: CM Biren

HungHao/The Dawn Tantak

Imphal (DIPR): Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stated that Northeast India is heading towards development under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Chief Minister was addressing the flagging off function of reintroduction of Jiribam-Silchar passenger train service via videoconference at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Sunday.

U

nion Minister for State of Railways, Coal and Mines Raosaheb Patil Danve, Minister for Transport Vungzagin Valte, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Leishemba Sanjaoba, Additional Chief Secretary P. Vaiphei, concerned Administrative Secretaries, Government of Manipur, top officials of North East Frontier Railway were also present during the function.

Delivering his speech, the Chief Minister expressed his happiness that the Central Government is giving special focus on improving connectivity in the Northeast and to link all the State capitals by rail. He stated the State government is looking forward to completing the Jiribam-Khongsang railway line by December 2021.

Biren congratulated the officials and staff of Railways for their sincere and hard work towards the completion of the Jiribam-Imphal Railway Project. He also assured that all the disputes related to land compensation etc. would be resolved soon as he had convened a review meeting with Administrative Secretaries, concerned DC’s and officials.

Union Minister for State of Railways, Coal and Mines Raosaheb Patil Danve said that it is a proud moment for all of us in reintroducing Jiribam-Silchar passenger train service at this juncture. He maintained that the main purpose of his visit to the State is to inspect the current status of the ongoing Jiribam-Imphal Railway project. He assured that the railway project would be completed soon. He instructed the officials of Railways to expedite the work and complete the work before the deadline.

The Union Minister recalled that it was the aspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to connect all the State capitals of Northeast India by rail.  He praised Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for his commitment to extend all possible support and cooperation to the Railways for early completion of the project.

After the flagging off function, the officials of Railways made a detailed powerpoint presentation about the current situation and progress of the rail work in the State.

Article on Hill-Valley

 

The Hill-Valley conundrum around the Manipur Autonomous District Bill

(The contestation and opposition from the valley instil a distraction to assess and examine the content of the ADC bill 2021) 

                                      - Richard Kamei

THE  Imphal valley has opposed the recently introduced Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bil, 2021 (ADC). Their opposition follows their similar objections to the announcement for delimitation exercise in 2020, the valley of Manipur expressed similar opposition against the recently introduced Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021 (ADC). Civil societies representing the valley of Manipur submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Manipur on August 22, 2021, rejecting the ADC bill 2021 on grounds that the separate administration will lead to “bifurcation of the state”. They also cautioned that the major stakeholders of the state must not be kept in abeyance. The opposition echoes the sentiment that the territorial integrity of Manipur should not be compromised. But the ADC is in place in Manipur since it gained statehood in 1972, wherein the hills come under different administrations from the valley of Manipur. This separate administration is in place since the time of the British conquest of Manipur in 1891._

In essence and intent, the proposed ADC Bill 2021 aims to expand what the existing ADC has failed to achieve so far since its inception. The existing ADC is framed under Article 371C. In ADC, the hills gained trust to carry out their way of life while anchored under the Manipur state. However, the past six decades of experience of hill people in terms of their relationship with the state and valley people informs that they are at a disadvantageous position socially, politically, culturally, and economically. The recently released book by Raile Rocky Ziipao entitled “Infrastructure of Injustice: State and Politics in Manipur and Northeast India” presents the huge infrastructure disparity between the hills and valley as an injustice of infrastructure through empirical data.

The current ADC Bill 2021 proposes a possibility for securing interests, aspirations, and rights of the hill peoples to a greater extent by expanding the scope of ADC. On this note, it is imperative to mention that the Sixth Schedule, which was notified to be implemented in the hills of Manipur, is yet to see its day.

Article 371C of the Constitution of India empowers the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) and District councils for self-administration in the hills of Manipur. In the just introduced, the ADC Bill, 2021, the HAC of the Manipur Legislative Assembly intends to bring development to the hills. They formulated the Bill on August 16. The Bill is set to ‘repeal and replace’ the existing Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act, 1971. In response to the failure of the government in tabling the Bill in the ongoing Monsoon session of the state assembly, the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) called for a bandh on 23 August. The bandh has united both the Nagas and the Kukis in the hills and received support across the hill districts of Manipur. The bandh demanded the State Government table the ADC Bill 2021 and ensure its passage and implementation. The bandh witnessed total closure of offices, shops and other commercial establishments.

According to the HAC, the Bill under Article 371 (C) of the Indian Constitution of 1972 asserts that the Hill Area Committee can recommend any legislation or executive action concerning the scheduled matters. It is in this line that the HAC introduced the Bill to the assembly. As per the copy of the Bill, HAC and the Autonomous District Councils would gain more autonomy concerning the administration and management of the hills. The Bill also pertains to include provisions like increased constituencies of the Autonomous District Council to 31. The establishment of the Hill Areas Secretariat to manage and coordinate the functioning of the Autonomous councils is also listed. This extends into reviewing and monitoring projects and programmes under the councils and coordinating and managing the budgetary allocation across departments or areas for the Hill Areas of Manipur. It also touches upon a provision for ‘delimitation of constituencies.’ One significant mention in the Bill is the ‘Hill House Tax’ which is under the ambit of the Autonomous District Councils._

The contestation and opposition from the valley instil a distraction to assess and examine the content of the ADC Bill 2021. With outright opposition to the Bill by the valley people, it appears to convey that the Bill is absolutely in the best interest of the hills. This confrontation prevents the scope for deliberation, discussion, and debate on the contents of the Bill. For instance, Section 29 (3) of the Bill empowers the Autonomous District Councils to allot within the hills respective to each council for Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the name of development. The lack of the mention of consultation with the village head/chief/chairman or villagers signals that it needs a scope to keep a check on SEZ, which may be detrimental to the interests of people, land and ecosystem. In this light, though the ADC Bill offers a path towards bridging inequality and introducing development, its scope must not be confined only to the hill-valley contestation.

Considering all these varied provisions, the ADC 2021, in its move to incorporate the concerns and interests of hills and bridge the existing gap between the hills and valley, must invite comments from scholars and activists of the hills. With that, it can deliberate on the pros and cons of each provision in the Bill. This is also to ensure that commodifying land and resources at the cost of tribal communities of the hills do not become a reality.

+Rate goes past 11pc

 

Positivity rate goes past 11 pc; 4 succumb

HungHao/The Dawn Tantak

FOUR days after the State saw a declining trend in daily Covid-19 tests, a total of 3469 samples were tested on Sunday and out of them, 384 persons from the general population and three personnel from the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) were confirmed as new positive cases logging a positivity rate of 11.20 percent as compared to 9.50 percent recorded on Saturday. While four persons succumbed to the infection in the past 24 hours, 419 persons were also discharged pushing the recovery rate to 95.44 percent. As per Covid-19 Common Control Room, the positive persons were tested at RIMS (19), JNIMS (47), District Hospitals (242) and other testing centres (79). The positive cases from the general population are from Imphal East (52), Imphal West (159), Thoubal (35), Bishnupur (14), Kakching (13), Ukhrul (10), Churachandpur (38), Chandel (8), Senapati (5), Tamenglong (16), Tengnoupal (1), Noney (2), Pherzawl (50) and Kangpokpi (1). All necessary medical precautionary measures like containment and contact tracing are in place.

The State Level Covid-19 Deaths Audit Committee reported four deaths in the last 24 hours. The District wise distributions are Imphal West () and Imphal East (3). The cumulative number of deaths is 1779. Out of the four deaths, three persons had co-morbidities and none of them had Covid vaccine. The discharged 419 persons are from Home Isolation (168), RIMS (5), JNIMS (14), CCCs (158) and CHICs (74).

The control room in a press release also disclosed that the cumulative number of positive cases is 1, 13,328 (General Population - 1, 09,221 and Central Security Personnel - 4,107) while the cumulative number of recovered cases is 1, 08,161 (General Population - 1, 04,075 and Central Security Personnel - 4,086). The number of active cases is 3,388 (General Population - 3,372 and Central Security Personnel - 16), it informed.

In the last 24 hours, a total of 1340 D-type Oxygen cylinders and 359 B-type Oxygen cylinders have been made available to different health facilities of the State. The number of Covid-19 vaccines administered on Saturday is 7161 while the cumulative number of doses is 1518836 (first dose - 1184851 and second dose - 333985), it conveyed.
Source:IT

China protest US Navy

 China protests US Navy, Coast Guard ships in Taiwan Strait

HungHao/Dawn Tantak

Aug', 021: BEIJING China’s defense ministry protested Saturday the passage of a U.S. Navy warship and Coast Guard cutter through the waters between China and Taiwan, a self-governing island claimed by China.

A statement posted on the ministry’s website called the move provocative and said it shows that the United States is the biggest threat to peace and stability and creator of security risks in the 160-kilometer (100-mile) wide Taiwan Strait.

We express firm opposition and strong condemnation,” the statement said.

The USS Kidd guided-missile destroyer and Coast Guard cutter Munro sailed through the strait Friday in international waters, the U.S. Navy said. Such exercises are seen as a warning to China, which recently conducted drills near Taiwan and has not renounced the use of force if needed to bring the island under its control.

“The ships’ lawful transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” a statement from the Navy’s Japan-based 7th Fleet said.

Taiwan, home to 23.6 million people, split from China during a civil war that led to the Communist Party taking control of the mainland in 1949. The U.S. does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but maintains a representative office in the capital, Taipei, and is its biggest supplier of military equipment for its defense.

The U.S. Coast Guard has been stepping up its presence in Asia, as the Chinese coast guard patrols near disputed islands that both China and other governments claim in the South and East China Seas.

The 418-foot (127-meter) long Munro, which is based in Alameda, California, arrived in the region in mid-August for what the U.S. Coast Guard said would be a monthslong deployment. It trained with a Japanese coast guard ship, the Aso, in the East China Sea for two days earlier this week.

The U.S. and Taiwan coast guards held talks this month after the two signed a cooperation agreement in March. China has denounced the agreement.

Saturday’s defense ministry statement said that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China,” and that China would not tolerate any interference in what it called its internal affairs.



Uday Scho Scam

 

FIR filed in Ishan Uday scholarship scam 

HungHao/The Dawn Tantak

Ukl/Imphal: FOLlOWING  the detection of irregularities and tampering of documents submitted for availing Ishan Uday Scholarships, 2020-21, the Directorate of University and Higher Education has lodged complaints at Wangoi Police Station to take legal action against those persons involved in the mess.

The Directorate submitted written complaints to the Officer-in-Charge of the police station on August 24. It may be mentioned that the matter came to light after the Government received complaints in this regard from some sections of the public in the latter part of July this year.

Acting promptly on the matter, on August 3 last, Higher & Technical Education Department sent letters to Manipur University, National Sports University, Central Agricultural University, Manipur University of Culture, Dhanamanjuri University, Manipur Technical University, NIT Manipur, Controller of Technical Education and Director (U&HE) asking the authority of these institutes to verify the student beneficiaries under the scheme in respect of colleges under their administrative control by downloading the list of students from the National Scholarships Portal (NSP). It was also instructed that the verified list, duly authenticated and signed should be submitted to Higher and Technical Education Department by August 10. 

The Government also wrote to the University Grants Commission (UGC) to share the lists of verified applicants of Ishan Uday Scholarship, particularly for the students hailing from Manipur and studying in colleges outside the State. The UGC was also requested to keep the payment in respect of selected beneficiaries from Manipur on hold until a communication was received from the Higher and Technical Education Department, Government of Manipur. Response from UGC is awaited on this.

On August 17, University & Higher Education Directorate submitted a verification report of the selected students of different colleges under Ishan Uday Scholarship, 2020-21 to the Commissioner (Higher & Technical Education). As per the report, 138 students of Kamakhya Pemton College and three students of Mayai Lambi College were found tampering marks while submitting documents to avail the scholarships under the scheme. Moreover, the report also stated that 17 colleges of Manipur had failed to submit verification reports of selected students till date despite repeated reminders.
(DIPR inputs)

9 Govt' HS upgraded

 

9 govt high schools upgraded to higher sec level

( Kasom Kl HS; Kamjong HS ;and New Tusom Frontier HS:  three from Ukl)

               ( Representational pic) 

The HungHao/The Dawn Tantak

UKHRUL,Aug' 021: IN view of the pressing need to provide admission to students to higher studies in government schools; the State Government has upgraded nine government high schools to higher secondary schools with effect from academic session 2021-22.

Commissioner of Education (S), Government of Manipur M Harekrishna has issued an order to this effect on Friday.

The government high schools which have been upgraded to higher secondary level are Kasom Khullen High School, Praja High School, Khonghampat High School, Kamjong High School, Urup High School, Oinam Government Girls' High School, Siribon High School, Wabagai High School and New Tusom Frontier High School.

According to the order, there are 59 higher secondary schools as compared to 363 high schools in the State and the recently declared high school leaving certificate examination 2021 have registered a 100 percent pass percentage.

Due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic in the country, parents/guardians are still apprehensive of sending their wards to other states for higher studies and there is a felt need for establishment of more higher secondary schools in the state in order to provide admission avenue to the students who have cleared the HSLC examination 2021 conducted by BOSEM and its equivalent.  Besides, the State Government also strongly felt the need to upgrade some of the existing high schools to higher secondary level.

The government decided to upgrade the nine high schools to higher secondary level in view of the pressing need to provide admission to students to higher studies and to allay the fear and uncertainty among the students and their parents over inability to get admission in higher classes, it maintained.

The order further mentioned that services of senior most lecturers in the existing schools have been allowed to be utilized as Principal and Vice-Principal in the nine upgraded schools along with utilization of the services of qualified graduate teachers of the department wherever required in their respective grade pay and without any extra remuneration.

Mnp Civid-19

 Daily fatalities down to 3; TPR below 10 pc

The HungHao
UKHRUL/Imphal: SHOWING a declining trend in daily Covid-19 fatalities after claiming lives of thousands in the State, three persons succumbed to the contagious infection in a span of 24 hours pushing the cumulative number of deaths to

1770 while 308 persons from the general population and three personnel from the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) were confirmed as new fresh cases out of 3199 samples tested on Friday recording a  positivity rate of 9.70 percent. A total of 418 persons were also discharged in the past 24 hours bringing the recovery rate back to 95.33 percent.

According to Covid-19 Common Control Room, the positive persons were tested at RIMS (17), JNIMS (20), District Hospitals (193) and other testing centres (81). The positive cases from the general population are from Imphal East (78), Imphal West (125), Thoubal (22), Bishnupur (30), Kakching (2), Ukhrul (15), Churachandpur (13), Chandel (4), Senapati (8), Tamenglong (7), Tengnoupal (1) and Kangpokpi (3). All necessary medical precautionary measures like containment and contact racing are in place.

The State Level Covid-19 Deaths Audit Committee reported three deaths in the last 24 hours. The district wise distributions are Imphal West (1) and Imphal East (2). Out of the three deaths, two persons had co-morbidities and none of them had Covid vaccine. The 418 discharged persons are from Home Isolation (180), RIMS (11), JNIMS (13), CCCs (76) and CHICs (138).

The control room in a press release conveyed that the cumulative number of positive cases is 1, 12,666 (General Population - 1, 08,564 and Central Security Personnel - 4,102) while the cumulative number of recovered cases is 1, 07,410 (General Population - 1, 03,339 and Central Security Personnel - 4,071). The number of active cases is 3,486 (General Population - 3,460 and Central Security Personnel - 6), it informed.

In the last 24 hours, a total of 1334 D-type Oxygen cylinders and 326 B-1ype Oxygen cylinders have been made available to different health facilities of the State.

The number of doses of Covid-19 vaccine administered on Thursday is 3508 while the cumulative number of doses is 1503839 (first dose - 1181 800 and second dose - 322093), it disclosed.

Mnp Ace Weightlifter Mirabai

 Mnp Ace Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu Starts Training For 'Mission Paris Olympics 2024'

The HungHao

Aug'021:  WEIGHTLIFTER  Saikhom Mirabai Chanu bringing home the first medal for India during the Tokyo Olympics 2020 has made her country proud with the feat.

The 27-yrs-old Indian weightlifter and the silver medalist has defied all odds set by the society, thereby rising to success.

Now, after getting a Medal in Tokyo 2020, Mirabai is all set to start her training for the upcoming games, Paris Olympics 2024.

The silver medalist weightlifter took to social media platforms, informing fans about the commencement of her grill for the upcoming big day.

She shared a picture with the coach, during the coaching session. “Back in action! #missionparis2024”. – she tweeted.

Meanwhile, German sportswear company Adidas has also signed the ace weightlifter as the new face of their brand.

Adidas has made the Olympic medalist, Chanu the face of its new product techfit period-proof tights.

Similarly, the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) direct selling company, Amway India has appointed the silver medallist weightlifter, Saikhom Mirabai Chanu as the brand ambassador for its Nutrilite range of products.

According to reports, Chanu will focus on company’s campaigns stressing significance on products such as – Nutrilite Daily, Omega and All Plant Protein among others.



US President warns

 We will hunt you down, we will make you pay: Biden warns Kabul airport attackers

The HungHao

Au' 27, 2021: AMERICAN PRESIDENT  Joe Biden, his voice breaking with emotion, vowed on Thursday the United States would hunt down the attackers of twin explosions at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan and said he has asked the Pentagon to develop plans to strike back at them.

Biden spoke hours after the two blasts killed a dozen American troops and wounded more, the worst day of casualties for US forces there in a decade. The Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing, and Biden reaffirmed that when he blamed the terror outfit's Afghanistan affiliate, ISIS-K for staging the attacks.

We will not forgive, we will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay," he said in remarks at the White House.

Biden said US evacuations would continue. He gave no indication of a change in next Tuesday's US pullout target. As many as 1,000 Americans and many more Afghans are still struggling to get out of Kabul.

"I have also ordered my commanders to develop operational plans to strike ISIS-K assets, leadership and facilities. We will respond with force and precision at our time, at the place we choose and the moment of our choosing," Biden said.

He said there was no evidence the ISIS-K colluded with the Taliban, who now control the country.

We have some reason to believe we know who they are,” he said of the bombers and gunmen involved. “Not certain.”

Biden was briefed on the attacks, which also killed dozens of Afghans and came 12 days into the rushed evacuation and five days before its scheduled completion. Some Republicans argued to extend the evacuation beyond next Tuesday’s deadline.

The US general overseeing the evacuation, General Frank McKenzie, said after the attacks, “If we can find who is associated with this, we will go after them.” He said it would be a mistake for the United States to call an early end to the evacuation, despite the risks.

The administration has been widely blamed for a chaotic and deadly evacuation that began in earnest only after the collapse of the US-backed Afghan government and the Taliban’s takeover of the country. More than 100,000 people have been evacuated so far.

Thursday’s attacks were sure to intensify political pressure from all sides on Biden, who already was under heavy criticism for not beginning the pullout earlier. He had announced in April that he was ending the US war and would have all forces out by September.



Mnp Gov La Ganesan

 La Ganesan to be sworn in as Manipur Governor

(La Ganesan will be taking oath as the 17th Governor of Manipur on Friday) 

The HungHao

Aug' 26, 2021: GOVERNOR  designate La Ganesan, who will be taking oath as the 17th Governor of Manipur, arrived in the state on Thursday afternoon.

On his arrival at the Raj Bhawan, Imphal he was felicitated by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Speaker Y Khemchand, council of ministers and other high ranking officials of the state government. He will be taking oath as the new governor of Manipur on Friday.

La Ganesan was also given the guard of honour by a contingent of Manipur Police. Ganaesan was appointed as the new governor of Manipur by President Ram Nath Kovind on August 22, succeeding the interim governor of Manipur Ganga Prasad. 

La Ganesan is a senior BJP leader, presently serving as the party's national council member and a former Rajya Sabha MP.



Mnp CM Welfare scheme

 Ensure smooth implementation of welfare schemes: Mnp CM Biren

(directs state departments) 

The HungHao

Aug' 021;  MANIPUR  Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday said he has issued necessary directions to all state departments to ensure smooth implementation of welfare schemes and early completion of developmental projects.

"Chaired a review meeting with all Head of

Departments along with Administrative Secretaries to take stock of the ongoing programs and projects. I have issued necessary directions to ensure smooth implementation of welfare schemes and early completion of developmental projects," Biren said in a tweet on Wednesday.

On August 22, the chief minister launched the Chief Minister’s COVID-19 Affected Livelihood Support Scheme. He said the scheme was launched “considering economic dislocations, which had severely affected the livelihood of a large percentage of the population leading to an inability to maintain a basic minimum standard of living”. He also said the state government had been working to uplift the poor and weaker sections of the state and is always ready to serve the people.

Who can avail the Covid-19 livelihood support scheme?

During the launch, the chief minister said an officer of the Social Welfare department would be deputed to Manipur State Cooperative Bank (MSCB) Ltd, located at Old Assembly Road. Those who are sincere about starting an activity for earning their livelihood could meet the officer stationed at the bank and avail loan without requiring any guarantor, he said.

As per the Social Welfare Department notice, a family whose members are domiciled in Manipur and are employed in the informal sector and whose livelihoods have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is elefigle for assistance under the scheme.  The applicant must be above 18 years

The scheme can be implemented in phases, with priority to be given to the following categories of beneficiaries possessing valid registration card/permit/license or those including in the specified variable list issued by competent authority of the state government, namely Street Vendor under PM Svanidhi and Licensed Vendor, Public Transport Driver (auto rickshaw, cycle rickshaw, tata magic, winger, bus) school van driver, artists/performing artistes availing assitance under Chief Minister's Artistesingi Tengbang.

How to avail the scheme?noon

Applications were invited for the scheme through proper survey at the district level, the chief minister said.

How many have applied for the scheme?

A total of 22,336 applications have been received so far including, 13,651 from street vendors, 4,890 from transport drivers, 3,680 from van drivers and 145 artists, Biren informed during the launch of the scheme.

How many have received the benefits of the scheme?

The chief minister said that of the applications received, 7,943 had been verified. And the first instalment of Rs 2,500 was distributed to each of the 6,276 applicants amounting to Rs 1.56 crore on the launch day.  The second instalment for the same would be disbursed in September, he had said.



America Tallest man

 AMERICA'S TALLEST MAN DIED AT AGE 38

Tallest man in US, who stood at 7ft 8in tall, dies aged 38  

(Igor was being treated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for a heart disease, when he passed away on August 20) 

Born in September 1982, the Ukrainian-American was a law student, an actor, and also an interviewee. He became the tallest man in America by overtaking George Bell who stood at 7-feet and 8 inches (234 cm).

Igor's height was attributed to having a tumour pressing on his pituitary gland, causing his body to have released an excessive amount of growth hormone.

Igor Vovkovinskiy, America's tallest man who stood at 7-feet 8-inches tall (234.5 cm), has died aged 38.

 Igor was being treated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for a heart disease, when he passed away on August 20.

His mother, Svetlana Vovkovinska, informed the public about the demise with a Facebook post, that said Igor remained positive until the very end despite being in a lot of pain.

"Igor Vovkovinskiy Igor died on August 20 at 22:17 pm in hospital from heart disease. He and his older brother Oleh were with him until the end," she wrote.

 he post added that Igor was accompanied by Oleh's wife Alla and children a few hours before his death and his last meal was a piece of Kyiv cake and Fanta.

"Igor was glad to see them, and although it was difficult for him to speak, he tried to joke about his nephew Andriy, whether he had learned the Ukrainian language in a month in Ukraine," the post added.

Born in September 1982, the Ukrainian-American was a law student, an actor, and also an interviewee. He became the tallest man in America by overtaking George Bell who stood at 7-feet and 8 inches (234 cm).

Igor's height was attributed to having a tumour pressing on his pituitary gland, causing his body to have released an excessive amount of growth hormone.

He first came to Mayo Clinic for treatment in 1989. By the time he was 27, he was declared as America's tallest living person by the Guinness World Records. Almost 10 years later, he revealed on his YouTube channel he was undergoing treatment for a heart condition.

Igor grew up with his mother and graduated from Rochester's John Marshall High School. He also secured a two-year college degree from the city's community college.

The 38-year-old had wanted to become a lawyer.



UK withdrawal fr Afghanistan

 

UK says Afghanistan withdrawal may not go beyond Aug 31; cites Biden statements

The HungHao

Aug'021:  WESTERN nations are unlikely to extend the evacuation window in Afghanistan to allow more citizens and Afghan nationals to fly out of Kabul, British defence minister Ben Wallace said on Tuesday.

Britain was reportedly pushing for an extension even though for that to happen the Taliban need to agree to it as well.
According to a Reuters report, Wallace cited US President Joe Biden's public statements as a reason for suggesting the evacuation window may not extend beyond August 31, which is when US troops are scheduled to withdraw from Afghanistan. 'Not only because of what the Taliban has said but also if you look at the public statements of President Biden, I think it is unlikely," Wallace told British broadcaster Sky News.

Biden had told reporters on August 22 he would not like to extend the timeframe for evacuation beyond month-end, but discussions on the same would be held. 'There's discussion going on among us and the military about extending,' he said, adding, 'Our hope is we will not have to extend, but there are going to be discussions, I suspect, on how far along we are in the process'.

A meeting of G7 leaders is scheduled to be held during the day where one of the key topics of discussion will revolve around extending the evacuation window in the war-torn nation following its takeover by the Islamic militant group that was overthrown by the US 20 years ago.

The G7 meeting will be attended by leaders of the UK, US, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, and Japan and chaired by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Biden's plan to complete evacuation by August 31 was hampered by the unexpected advance of the Taliban who took over Kabul on August 15 without minimal resistance from Afghan forces. American troops were expecting Kabul to hold strong for at least a month following the final withdrawal.

In recent weeks, Biden has come under pressure from his Western allies for over extension of the evacuation window beyond August 31. In a call to his American counterpart, French President Emmanuel Macron 'underscored the absolute need for swift, concrete coordination between the allies to ensure the evacuation of our citizens, Afghan men and women who worked for the allies, and those who are in danger', according to this office.

The Taliban have, however, cautioned that presence of US and its allies in Afghanistan beyond August 31 would invite 'consequences'.

For HT: Sign on to read the HT ePaper epaper.hindustantimes.com


Afghan Pop Star

 Afghan pop star blames Pak for empowering Taliban, terms India ‘true friend’

The HubgHao

August 021: AFGHANISTAN's famous pop star, Aryana Sayeed* has blamed Pakistan for empowering the Taliban and expressed her utmost gratitude to India for helping Afghan people during the ongoing crisis. Sayeed fled Afghanistan after the country was taken over by the Taliban “They're being instructed by Pakistan, and their bases are in Pakistan where they get trained. I hope the international community, first of all, cut their funds and don’t give funds to Pakistan so that they don’t have enough money to fund the Taliban”. “I blame Pakistan. By now, over the yrs, we've seen videos and evidence that Pakistan is behind empowering the Taliban. Every time our govt would catch a Talib, they'd see identification & it'd be a Pakistani person, it's very obvious that it's them, she added.

Source:ANI



Mizoram bridge

 Mizoram stops construction of bridge in disputed border, not to pursue ‘theft; case against Assam Police

GUWAHATI: THE state of Mizoram has decided to stop the construction of a bridge in Kachurtal area in Hailakandi district along the disputed border with Assam.

This decision was taken after Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla held a video conference with Home Secretaries, Deputy Commissioners and other higher officials of both the states on Monday.

Meanwhile, Assam police has also handed over the construction materials that were seized from Kachurtal two days back to Mizoram.

Talking to InsideNE, Gaurav Upadhyay, Superintendent of Police of Hailakandi district said, “To de-escalate the tension between both the states, we handed over the construction materials that was lying in Kachurtal area inside Assam territory. A team of Assam Police handed over the materials to people of Mizoram in Bairabi town inside Mizoram. We have also told them to use these materials for construction in their land and not on Assam land which is illegal.”

Notably, on Saturday, Deputy Commissioner of Kolasib had filed a case of ‘theft’ in Bairabi Police station in Mizoram against Assam Police._

He also wrote a letter to his Hailakandi counterpart where he alleged that personnel of Assam police entered Mizoram territory at Zophai area near Bairabi town in Kolasib district which borders Assam’s Hailakandi district and allegedly stole some construction materials, including iron rods, from a bridge construction site. Later a case of theft was registered in Bairabi Police Station.

After returning of the construction material, Vanlalfaka Ralte, Superintendent of Police of Kolasib district that shares boundary with Hailakandi has said that no probe and further legal proceeding will be initiated against the case of theft.

Talking to InsideNE Vanlalfaka Ralte said, "As they have returned the materials we don’t have anything to probe now. So we have stopped pursuing the case against Assam police."

-Insidene



Aadhar Card

 Aadhaar card:

 UIDAI removes THESE two services from website 

Aug 24, 2021:FROM  official documentation to seamless banking activity, having updated details on your Aadhaar card is vital. There are several services provided by UIDAI to change or update details like name, picture, address etc. in your Aadhaar card.

The authority regularly changes or updates these services to ensure smooth provision for users. In the most recent update, UIDAI has shut down two services linked to the Aadhaar card.

Address proof validation letter

Address validation letter is used to update your address in Aadhaar card. UIDAI has suspended the service until further notification. The option for Address Validation Letter has been removed from the UIDAI website.

This may come across as problematic for those who need to get their address updated on Aadhaar card, particularly in the case of people staying in rented accommodation. You will need another address proof in this case to get the change updated.

UIDAI has also closed the service of giving large paper prints of Aadhaar Card as has been the case since the beginning of the exercise. Now, only plastic Aadhaar Cards will be offered by UIDAI

Users can order the PVC cards online or take a print out of the e-Aadhaar themselves, as UIDAI explained to one user on Twitter.

Source: DNA



MLA Alfred drills Valte

 

MLA Alfred drills Minister Valte over handling of Departmental affairs

The HingHao
IMPHL Aug'24,021:  TRIBAL Affairs and Hill Minister, Vungzagin Valte was cornered today during a starred question related to details of funds released of 50 departments under Tribal Affairs and Hills. MLA Alfred Kanngam Arthur alleged that proposals of budgets are exceptionally high however actual expenditures are abysmally low for the hills.

MLA Alfred Kanngam Arthur points out the irrational budget proposal and actual expenditure vis a vis the hills citing the instance of Environment and Forest budget 2017-18 where a mere 19 crore out of earmarked 40.85 crores was spent in the hills whereas 70.90 crore which was even beyond the earmarked 66 crores was spent in the valley. He questions the rationality of such lopsided expenses of the department as 90 percent of the forest is in the hills.

The MLA informed that according to the latest financial report, all the departments in the hills have spent only less than 50 per cent of the budget on the actual expenditure. “We are not here to mislead the house or the people in the state. Some people are debating that our own tribal leaders are stealing and should therefore be blamed. We are not thieves, we have not come here to steal and It is never in our intention to disintegrate the state” he clarified citing the official document.

He informed the house that in the year 2017-18, a mere 108 crore was spent in the hills through the department of Tribal Affairs and Hills against total spending of 5,000 crores. Likewise in the year 2018-19, 150 crores was spent in the hills against an actual expenditure of 4900. And in the year 2019-20, 120 crores was spent in the hills against the actual expenditure of 5000 crores. In the year 2020-21 only 41 crores were spent in the hills against an actual expenditure of 7000 crores.

“90 percent of the size of the state is allocated these amounts and we are blamed!” he sighed and questioned if the Hill Minister had brought it up in the cabinet regarding the actual expenditure in the hills against the budget that is sanctioned every year, as demand for grants clearly states hill and valley break up. Emotional integration has to go hand in hand with sustainable and consistent economic growth, he remarked.

He asked the Hill Minister if such concerns about the inability to the utilization of total funds were ever raised in the cabinet and whether he ever consulted the Hill Area Committee as specified in the rule regarding developmental programmes before the formulation of the budgets. He also asked if he has any such intention to discuss the same with the Hill Areas Committee in the future.

The Hill Minister responded that the department has 32 crores of unspent budgets at present. According to him, the respective Ministers are responsible for their respective departments’ performance. He said he has not come across any such discussions and stated, “How can I discussed if it is not on the agenda?” apparently unaware of his powers. The Speaker of the house intervened to suggest a meeting of the two parties to solve the miscommunication.

Courtesy:IT

13th Session of 11th Assembly

 

13th Ssssion of the  ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY Begins   

The HungHao

Imphal, Aug'20, 2021: THE August House of the 13th session (Monsoon session) of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly began today. Obituary reference on the demise of six former Members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, one former Member of Parliament and former Secretary of the Manipur Legislative Assembly was taken up by the House.

Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh  who is also the Leader of the House, while initiating the obituary reference said the untimely demise of the former members were very unfortunate and shocking as most of them are expired due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 The Chief Minister informed the House that Late Shri Paokai Haokip, former Member of Parliament (MP), Lok Sabha from Outer Manipur (ST) was the first MP from Kuki community. He was elected as MP for two terms (4th and 5th Lok Sabha). He worked for better relationship between hills and the valley. Late Shri Laisom Lalit Singh, former Member of the Manipur Legislative Assembly from 12- Keishamthong Assembly Constituency was elected in 1984 from INC ticket. He was cabinet minister (incharge of Finance). 

 The Chief Minister further stated that Late Shri Wangkheimayum Brajabidhu Singh, former Member of the Manipur Legislative Assembly was from 17- Lamsang Assembly Constituency. He was soft, mature and prominent person. He was elected three times in the year 2002, 2007 and 2012. He even held the Minister of State (Minor Irrigation and CADA). He was a successful entrepreneur and established Rural Development Organisation for imparting training in various courses.

Continuing his obituary remarks, the Chief Minister said that Late Dr. Irengbam Ibohalbi Singh, former Member of the Manipur Legislative Assembly from 25 – Oinam Assembly Constituency was elected in 2012. During his tenure, he always advocated for constructive criticism irrespective of ruling and opposition. Late Shri Thangjam Nandakishor Singh, former Member of the Manipur Legislative Assembly from 4 - Kshetrigao Assembly Constituency was elected in 2007. Late Shri Purul Shepu Henry Paotei, former Member of the Manipur Legislative Assembly from 47 – Karong(ST) Assembly Constituency was elected in 2002. Before joining politics, he worked as Social activist and student activist. Late Shri Vivek Raj Wangkhem, former Member of the Manipur Legislative Assembly from 4 - Kshetrigao Assembly Constituency was elected as Member of the house in the year 2000 under By-election and again got elected in 2002. He always dealt with the public with a smiling face.

Late Shri Thangjam Megharaj Singh, former Secretary of the Manipur Legislative Assembly served as Secretary from 2006 to 2010. Saying that the loss will remained a void, leader of the House also shared his sorrow with the bereaved families. 

In his obituary remark, Opposition Leader Shri O. Ibobi Singh recalled the good time he shared with the late members. He said that Late Shri Wangkheimayum Brajabidhu Singh was a true social worker, who worked for upliftment of the rural people. The death of the prominent members is a great lost not only to the people of their  assembly constituency but also for the entire state as well. 

Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Y. Joykumar, Minister of Education Shri S. Rajen Singh, MLA’s Km. A.K. Mirabai, Shri Karam Shyam, Shri N. Indrajit, Shri L. Radhikishore, Shri DD. Thaisii, Shri K. Ranjit Singh, Shri Th. Lokeshwor Singh and Shri N. Loken also gave their respective obituary reference.

Later, the Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly Shri  Y. Khemchand moved a resolution that the House expresses grief and sorrow to the demise of former members and a 2 minute silence was observed by all members of the House by standing as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

PAPERS LAID ON THE TABLE

Deputy Chief Minister (in-charge of Finance) Shri Y. Joykumar Singh today laid “ The Manipur Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (Third Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 (Manipur Ordinance No. 2 of 2021)” on the Table of the House which was promulgated by the Governor of Manipur on 30th June, 2021.

Shri Th. Satyabrata Singh, (in-charge of Law & Legislative Affairs, Labour & Employment) laid “the Manipur (Courts) (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 (Manipur Ordinance No. 3 of 2021) and “ The Manipur Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Ordinance, 2021 (Manipur Ordinance No. 1 of 2021) which  were promulgated by the Governor of Manipur on 2nd August, 2021 and 29th June, 2021 respectively.

INTIMATION OF GOVENOR’S ASSENT TO BILLS

In today’s assembly session, Secretary of the Manipur Legislative Assembly intimated the House on the Seventeen Bills which have been given assent by the Hon’ble Governor.

i)  The Manipur Appropriate (No.1) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 10 of 2021) assented on 13th February, 2021.

ii)  The Manipur Appropriate (No.3) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 12 of 2021) assented on 13th February, 2021.

iii  The Manipur Appropriate (No.2) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 11 of 2021) assented on 12th March, 2021.

iv) The Asian International University, Manipur Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 1 of 2021) assented on 20th February, 2021.

v) The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Third Amendment) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 13 of 2021) assented on 20th February, 2021.

vi) The Manipur Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (Second Amendment) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 14 of 2021) assented on 20th February, 2021

vii) The Manipur Private Universities Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 2 of 2021) assented on 20th February, 2021

viii)  The Manipur Liquor Prohibition (Third Amendment Bill) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 3 of 2021) assented on 25th February, 2021.

ix) The Manipur Legislature (Removal of Disqualifications) (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 4 of 2021) assented on 25th February, 2021

x)  The Manipur Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 5 of 2021) assented on 24th February, 2021.

xi) The Manipur Public Services Delivery Guarantee Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 6 of 2021) assented on 25th February, 2021.

xii) The Manipur Industrial Single Window Clearance Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 7 of 2021) assented on 25th February, 2021.

xiii) The Manipur Official Language (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 8 of 2021) assented on 25th February, 2021.

xiv) The Court Fees (Manipur Amendment) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 9 of 2021) assented on 25th February, 2021.

xv) The Manipur Oil Palm (Regulation of Production and Processing) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 1`5 of 2021) assented on 26th February, 2021.

xvi (The Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 16 of 2021) assented on 25th February, 2021 and

xvii) The Manipur State Planning Authority Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 17 of 2021) assented on 12th March, 2021.

PRESENTATION OF COMMITTEE REPORT

Leader of the House and also the Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh presented the Sixteenth Report of the Business Advisory Committee, 2021 and also move the motion for allocation of time proposed by the Committee which was adopted by the House.

Shri K. Robindro Singh, Chairman of the Committee on Privileges and Ethics Manipur Legislative Assembly presented the Thirty-Fifth Report of the Committee while, Shri Th. Radheshyam Singh, Chairman of the Committee on Government Assurances Manipur Legislative Assembly also presented the Nineteenth Report of Committee.

INTRODUCTION OF GOVERNMENT BILL

Chief Minister, Shri N. Biren Singh introduced “The Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple (Second Amendment) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 19 of 2021) and “The Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland (Second Amendment) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 21 of 2021).

            Deputy Chief Minister (in-charge of Finance) Shri Y. Joykumar Singh introduced “The Manipur Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (Third Amendment) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 20 of 2021) and “The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 21 of 2021).

Shri Th. Satyabrata Singh, (in-charge of Law & Legislative Affairs, Labour & Employment) also introduced “The Manipur Legislature (Removal of Disqualifications) (Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 18 of 2021), “The Manipur (Courts) (Second Amendment) Bill, 2021 (Bill No. 23 of 2021) and “The Manipur Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2021 (Bill No.22 of 2021.

(Inputs fr. DIPR) 

15k Children infected in Mnp

 Nearly 15K children infected so far: Dr K Rajo

The HungHao

IMPHAL,Aug' 16,021:  HEALTH Director Dr K Rajo has informed that stringent steps are being taken up by the state gov- ernment including procuring more protective gears and other related items to protect the children from contracting the virus during the third wave of the pandemic, if any.

He then said that Union Government has issued number of guidelines to protect the young ones.

Addressing newspersons during the weekly briefing of Covid-19 held at the Medical Directorate in Lamphelpat on Monday, Dr K Rajo said that children in Karnataka are facing numerous difficulties due to Covid-19. As such, the safety of children is of utmost concern, for which the Centre has issued and circulated various guidelines, and training for the same has been launched. Thus, stringent steps are being taken up by the government to protect the children during the 3rd wave, he said, while informing that procurement of above items are under process.

The recovery rate of the state is around 92.37 per cent. The pandemic infected 2661 children under 15 years of age during the first wave while 12,322 children have tested positive for the virus during the 2nd wave. The rate of infected children was the highest during the second wave. During the first wave, the positivity rate was 9.05 per cent while it is 15.58 per cent in the second wave, he explained. Remarking that the state has a genome sequencing facility of its own, the director said of the 727 sample reports sent for testing, the result of 400 have been received with 390 confirmed for the Delta variant. Additionally, the number of testing facilities has also increased and a COVID-19 Response Plan Funding proposal has been made to open RTPCR in 8 placesof the state._

The proposal by NESIDS for installing TrueNat testing in every District has been approved. Two RTPCR machines provided by UNICEF have been received, with one each machine installed at RIMS and JNIMS, he said, while conveying that they will soon begin functioning.

Dr Rajo continued that around 3000 beds are available in the 29 CCCs set up across the state. Anyone having difficulty in home isolation must stay at the CCCs or CHICs for 10 days, considering that the transmission rate of the delta variant in the state and its need for early treatment.

Owing to the pandemic, 355 people died in 2020, while 1355 people have died so far in 2021. Of every 10 Covid-19 deaths, 8 are due to co-morbidities”, he said. Stressing that Covid is extremely risking for people suffering from hypertension and diabetes as well as patients with other co-morbidities, the director said that it important to maintain good health and go for physical check up every year.

Dr Rajo further urged for regular exercise, maintaining good sleep, clean hygiene and good mental health, in addition to following strict Covid-19 Appropriate Behaviour even if the curfew has been relaxed. He then said that government is monitoring the pandemic in all aspects and implementing the recommendations of the central team.

The press briefing was attended by Health Department officials, WHO and UNICEF representatives._



ANSAM special assembly

 ATSUM special assembly on August 21

(The special assembly will be held at Amity Hall, Adimjati Complex following the direction of the Tribunal Board and Executive Council) 

The HungHao

Aug'16021:    ALL Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) special assembly will be held on August 21 at Amity Hall, Adimjati Complex following the direction of the Tribunal Board and Executive Council, ATSUM speaker Lovejoy Shimrah said. 

While informing all its federating units, senior leaders, well wishers, All Naga Students' Association Manipur, Kuki Students' Organisation-GHQ to attend the special assembly, the union speaker also said that the special assembly will be held maintaining strict COVID-19 SOPs issued by the authority concerned.



GPRN Yaruiwo speech on 75th Naga ID Celebration

 Speech of His Excellency;  the Yaruiwo of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) on the 75th Naga Independence Day Celebration on the 14th August, 2021

My dear comrades and people of Nagalim!

ON this historic Naga Independence Day, I have the pleasure to greet you all in the name of our Almighty God._

We are proud of our history and the determined leadership of our pioneers who dauntlessly handled the Naga political struggle against all odds. It was on this day the 14th August, 1947, one day before India got independence that the Nagas declared independence before the world. Going beyond that, our leaders put on record before the world. The declaration was sent to the King George VI of England, the Government of India and to the Secretary General of the United Nations Organisation (UNO). It was to deliver the message that the Nagas will decide their own political destiny. No wonder Naga people were never a part of Indian Union. 

My dear Naga people, we have come a long way defending our historical and political rights. It is a story of martyrs with hundreds of thousands gone down the graves as they defied death to assert their right to independent existence. May I remind you that till 1995 we stood our ground as the Government of India (GoI) made a disastrous attempt to solve the Naga political issue by forcing the infamous 16-Points Agreement and Shillong Accord upon the Naga people. However, realising the utter failure of the 16-Points Agreement and Shillong Accord and the futility of dragging the Naga issue, a time came when the then Prime Minister of India Mr. PV Narasimha Rao approached the NSCN Collective Leadership abroad on June 12, 1995 in Paris to offer olive branch. It turned out to be a ground breaking meeting. Two years later it was Prime Minister Mr. HD Deve Gowda’s turn who met Isak and Muivah on the 3rd February, 1997, in Zurich. Finally, it resulted in signing the historic Indo-Naga Ceasefire on the 25th July, 1997, followed by numerous rounds of Indo-Naga political talks passing through five successive Prime Ministers of India.

Ironically, to solve the political issue of Indo-Naga political magnitude, correct and sincere approach has been ever more elusive. The 16-Points Agreement and Shillong Accord met its damnation as it is not supported by the historical and political rights of the Nagas. It was repulsive and treacherous in nature and defiant in execution. NSCN is keeping a wary eye on the Government of India since its representatives pointed out that we are being too rigid in our stand. However, in reality it is the other way round of repeating the same policy of shifting blames than taking responsibility. It pertains to GoI not respecting the rights of the Naga people. We cannot go on talking with the Government of India to suit its own convenience by dabbling with the legitimate rights of the Naga people. Had the Nagas been too rigid the Indo-Naga political talks would not have lasted this far. Defending the rights of the Nagas that are bona fide cannot be wrongly interpreted as being too rigid. We have exhibited flexibility and spirit of understanding in a very sensible manner by appreciating the difficulties of the Government of India.

Flexibility may be considered as political urgency to hasten the process of negotiation. But in the case of Naga political issue we have to draw the line as it matters safeguarding the identity of Naga people’s historical and political rights. The Government of India must show reciprocal sensitivity in the spirit of accommodating the legitimate rights of the Nagas. The Nagas cannot, however, go beyond the limit as it is the bounden duty of the Naga people to protect the sanctity of Naga political issue that our forefathers have faithfully withstood at the cost of blood, sweat and tears. For the sake of exercising flexibility the Nagas cannot forego the Naga National Flag and Yehzabo (Constitution). NSCN cannot do such abominable thing before our Almighty God and before our Naga people.

In what can be construed as unfortunate turn of irony is that some sections of the Nagas are awed at the coaxing call of the Government of India as gospel truth. This is too big a shame for the Nagas to be manoeuvred. We should not lower down our guard defending our historical and political identity, come what may! Pan Naga Hoho which must constitute as an integral part of the Naga solution should be given the thoughtful consideration it deserves. But to denigrate the Pan Naga Hoho is as good as insulting our own political identity. Significantly, while negotiating for our political rights we cannot belittle ourselves by foregoing nationhood and accepting statehood. This will be tantamount to selling out our God’s given political identity as a nation.

With regard to the crucial issue of reconciliation and unity, it is critically important to look back on the June 10th 2009, Chiangmai, Naga Covenant of Reconciliation and Unity signed by late (L) Chishi Swu, (L) SS Khaplang and S. Singnya. The covenant stated that Nagas have to forgive each other and have agreed that reconciliation and unity shall be obtained on the basis of historical and political rights of the Nagas.

Significantly, as a follow up, FNR (Forum for Naga Reconciliation) relentlessly pursued Naga reconciliation and unity in the following years. Let us recall the five days reconciliation program, “Reconciled for a Shared Naga Future” from August 20 to August 26, 2011 in Dimapur. The two  outstanding agreements among others are: Naga Political leaders are prepared to work towards a shared Naga future based on the foundation of Naga historical and political rights, and any interim arrangements of the political rights of the Nagas shall be outside the purview of the Indian Constitution per se”.

The top Naga leaders that signed the agreement are (L) Isak Chishi Swu, Th. Muivah, (L) Gen. (Retd.) Khole Konyak, Kitovi Zhimomi, Brig. (Retd.) S Singnya and Zhopra Vero.

My dear brothers and sisters and friends, these top Naga leaders have declared before the Naga people that they have reconciled before God and fellow human beings to understand each other and work towards a shared Naga future on the foundation of our historical and political rights. Naga political groups should avoid duplicitous characters but boldly go for the transparent honesty, tempered by sagacity in order to achieve forward looking reconciliation and unity.

My dear countrymen, it is unfortunate to point out that the process of Naga solution has passed the expected timeline. But it is not the NSCN that is at fault, delaying the process. Nor NSCN has ever or tried to change the goal post. It is for the Government of India to examine the urgency of working out all the details of the Framework Agreement it has signed with NSCN on the 3rd August, 2015 and act on it at the earliest without tampering a single word. What has been signed with much fanfare before the world view should be pushed forward in letter and spirit. There is no other way forward. The Government of India need to prove before the world its credibility in handling the Indo-Naga political issue that had hung on for too long.

On this auspicious occasion let us remind ourselves the precarious economic state of affairs. Let us not be comfortable by being too dependent on others to get sustenance for our survivor. Time has come that we activate ourselves to do away with spoon fed attitude and learn to diversify our own means of economic activities. How long we Naga people are going to go on depending on the budgetary sanction from the Government of India? We should not reconcile to this conservative mentality. We need to strengthen our economic base in order to make a meaning of our political struggle. It would be prudent to encourage our students to go for productive line of scientific and technological courses with highest dividends generating money and thereby, doing away with begging bowl habits. This is the worrying trend that needs to change.

It is a painful reality that Naga people including NSCN and Nagaland state government are deeply buried in multifarious nature of corruption deeply seated in all hierarchy. This has blinded them from the real issue that the Naga people are confronted with. This is all the more disgraceful for the Naga people who rallied under the banner of “Nagalim for Christ.” This is an  insult to God. It is however, never too late to correct ourselves. Naga leaders must pull up the socks to put themselves on the right track because so much is at stake for the Naga people.

It is a matter of heavy irony that in the NSCN set up, both Army and Civil; the standard of discipline has been steadily compromised. This disease-like indiscipline is worrisome to say the least. Be it individuals, as well as nations, when they are reduced to indiscipline the painful results will hit us hard driving us away from achieving anything good. It is the discipline that drives the nation. In respect of NSCN, discipline requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect of authority. It is the discipline that trains us to operate by principle rather than desire. Self-discipline demands that we do away with frustration, disappointment and selfishness in the service of the nation. We must push ourselves to the limits of our will and endurance in order to prove ourselves as true soldiers of Christ and Naga nation. No achievement or goal can be realized without self-discipline. Our 

lands are rich in mineral resources. It is a proven fact that we are sitting in a highly valued mineral belt. We have petroleum, coal, chromites, limestone, etc. We only need to exploit the huge economic potential at our disposal and develop our human resources accordingly. God has given the Naga country not barren land but very rich land interspersed with fertile valleys and forested mountains with warm and temperate climate.

In this world of diminishing environment it is time to understand why biodiversity is so important. And what is the value of biodiversity, anyway? Biodiversity is the key indicator of the health of an ecosystem. The biggest impact of biodiversity is on the environment. Healthy ecosystems help to maintain the earth’s natural process. It is time that we look for ways and means to rejuvenate our degrading biodiversity resources- flora and fauna, ecology and environment. Conservation of our natural resources and environment is going to become more crucial for our future existence and nation building in the comity of shared nations.

Let us not put plants and animals including water based species in a vulnerable state. We must safeguard biodiversity to ensure sustenance for generations to come. It is time that we put a stop to reckless exploitation of our land, rivers and forests. It is time to say good bye to use of chemical fertilisers, weedycides, germicides, etc. in order to repair and restore the beauty of our land.

The Naga people have proven their valour in military front and at the same time stood the ground robustly defending their God’s given political rights. This is the reason why we have carried the struggle this far. The world is the witness and in recognition of our historical and political legitimacy NSCN planted Nagalim map among the UNPO’s (Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization) 44 bona fide members. 

We have to admit that Naga nation need to have good neighbourly relation. No nation can survive on its own. Inter-dependent relationship is the system of international diplomatic relationship. The relationship between India and Nagas on the basis of peaceful coexistence must be established to a meaningful level to benefit each other. We can never do away with each other. That is the political meaning in signing the Framework Agreement to protect our sovereign identity. Fulfilling the commitment towards executing the FA details will give us the solution that is honourable and acceptable to both the Naga people and Government of India.

Kuknalim

- Q. Tuccu