Officials from Manipur to speak at Vietnam summit

New Delhi, Feb 10: With an aim to attracting more investment from the ASEAN countries to the north eastern states, the ministry of development of north eastern region (DoNER) in association with the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Indian diplomatic mission in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industries is organising a three-day ASEAN North East India Investment and Trade Opportunities Summit in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from February 12 to 14 this year.Officials at the DoNER ministry said the event is being organised in Vietnam so as to ensure maximum participation from the ASEAN countries. They said all the chief ministers of the region had been invited to the meet to showcase their states as attractive investment destinations.The DoNER ministry had earlier organised a `North East India Trade and Investment Opportunities Week` in Bangkok and a North East Investment Opportunity Day in New York. The decision to hold an investment week in Vietnam came after envoys and representatives of over 10 ASEAN countries participated in the 4th North East Business Summit held in Guwahati in September 2008. The summit generated a high degree of investment interest in the region by the ASEAN countries and now we want to take it forward, officials said.They said the ASEAN countries as well as many European nations had shown interest in investing in the region. "We are also planning to take envoys of many European nations to the north east as they have also shown keen interest in investing in the region," they said. Officials said even envoys of some Arab countries have expressed interest in visiting the region to explore possibilities for investment.The state delegations from the north east states today left their respective states to proceed to Ho Chi Minh City for the summit. The state delegations will discuss trade and investment in the agriculture, infrastructure, tourism and IT sectors with their Vietnamese counterparts at the event.Sources from the DoNER ministry said more than 70 companies from different business sectors in north east India had already confirmed their participation in the event.A high profile delegation of corporate organizations from various parts of India will be present in the Ho Chi Minh City for the summit and have their first time one-to-one meeting with Vietnamese counterparts.Laos minister of industries and commerce, Dr. Nam Viyaketh will deliver the inaugural address on February 12 in the presence of ministers of the north-eastern states of India and dignitaries from Vietnam and India.In the inaugural session, the secretary general of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Rajeev Singh will deliver welcome address. It will be followed by a multimedia presentation on `Opportunities unlimited` introducing north east India. Secretary of DoNER Jarnail Singh will present the keynote address, tourism minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma, trade and commerce minister of Mizoram Lalrinliana Sailo and agriculture minister of Sikkim Somnath Paudyal will make special address to the gathering. Deputy minister of Vietnam Bin Xuan Khu will also deliver his speech as guest of honour. It will be followed by the inaugural address of Dr. Nam Viyaketh. The inauguration of exhibition of the products of north east India will take place on the first day.The session on tourism to be held on the second day will be chaired by the tourism minister of Meghalaya Conrad K Sangma and the managing director of Himalayan Holidays Tsering Wange will make a presentation on tourism opportunities in north east India followed by a panel discussion to be attended by agriculture minister of Sikkim Somnath Paudyal, parliamentary secretary of Nagaland Dr. KC Nihoshe, trade and commerce secretary of Mizoram Esther Lal Ruatkimi, tourism director of Manipur H Deleep Singh and industries and commerce director VG Jenner. People`s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, department of culture, sports and tourism, Vietnam will make a presentation on Ho Chi Minh City in respect of tourism. In the session of infrastructure, trade and commerce minister Lalrinliana Sailo will be the chairman. The Indian Chamber of Commerce will make a presentation on the infrastructure opportunities in north east India which will be followed by a panel discussion of agriculture minister of Sikkim Somnath Paudyal, chief secretary of Meghalaya Ranjan Chatterji, commissioner of Nagaland Imkonglemba, industries and commerce director of Tripura VG Jenner and superintendent engineer of power, Manipur, N Dwijen Singh. In the session on agriculture, food processing, handloom and handicrafts, agriculture minister of Sikkim Somnath Paudyal will be the chairman. Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre, India director and president of World Bamboo Association Kamesh Salam will make presentation on agro and food opportunities in north east India which will be followed by a panel discussion comprising of parliamentary secretary of Nagaland Dr. KC Neosho, principal secretary of Meghalaya VS Oberoi, industries and commerce director of Tripura VG Jenner, managing director of Manipur Food Industries Corporation Ltd. N Joykumar Singh and Mizoram Entrepreneurship Network Joseph I Ralte. In the afternoon of the second day, there will be a session on Cambodia-Lao-Vietnam Development Triangle (CLV-DT) and NE India with secretary of DoNER Jarnail Singh in the chair. In the session, additional chief secretary (planning) of Manipur DS Poonia will make a presentation followed by one-to-one meetings.In the valedictory session on February 14, the topic on - `Southeast regional Integration-building international partnerships` will be discussed by eminent leaders from the countries namely Singapore, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Canada, Malayasia, Korea, Lao, Bangladesh and Cambodia. It will be followed by one-to-one meetings exclusively between Indian delegates and foreign delegates present in Vietnam so that the concrete business and investment deals can be generated in the near future.

VVIP security

IMPHAL, Feb 10: Taking into account volatile law and order situation and security of officials, particu- larly VVIPs while moving within and beyond the State, it has been decided that all VVIPs travelling from Tulihal Airport be advised to inform the Joint General Manager of Imphal airport in advance so that intensive security arrangements can be made in time.A decision to this effect was adopted at an official meeting presided by the Chief Minister on February 4. The meeting decided to inform the Joint General Manager in advance about movement/arrival of VVIPs including the Governor and the Chief Minister from/at Imphal airport.On other hand, the State Government has proposed two new IRB battalions to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram during his visit to the State recently. The proposed IRB battalions would be used for guarding National Highways, Tipaimukh Dam and other important structures.Meanwhile, following approval by the Union Government to convert 8th IRB battalion into a commando unit, the State Government has issued a notification in this regard.

Kuki bodies flay IRB for assaulting UKLF cadre

IMPHAL, Feb 10: A cadre of the armed United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF) which is a signatory to the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the Government was allegedly picked by three personnel of 3rd IRB posted at Molnoi from near Pallel Bazar last night and released today after subjecting him to severe torture at their post.Decrying the conduct of the IRB personnel and terming it as violation of ground rules of the SoO, Kuki Women’s for Human rights, Tengnoupal area and Kuki Chiefs’ Association, Tengnoupal Block have demanded immediate removal of the IRB post from Molnoi.Addressing a press conference in this connection at Molnoi village today, president of Kuki Women for Human Rights Lalam Mate informed that the UKLF cadre identified as Lalboi Haokip (22) s/o Thangkhu-sei Haokip of Pallel was picked up and taken to their post by three IRB personnel of the Molnoi post who were in inebriated condition and in civvies from near the village gate at around 7.30 pm yesterday. At the time of his arrest, Lalboi was not in uniform or armed.Asserting that the conduct of the IRB personnel is in violation of the ground rules of SoO, Lalam Mate observed that in the event of retaliatory action from the side of UG group, it is innocent public of the area who would have faced the brunt.Maintaining that there have been similar instances in the past of violating the ground rules of SoO by the security forces , Lalam Mate demanded that the State Government and other related authorities take up necessary action against the security personnel involved in such cases.The president of Kuki Chief’s Association, Tengnoupal Block TM Holkhokhai Haokip categorically stated in case of confrontation between the two parties, the IRB post at Molnoi and the State Government should be held responsible.The Joint Monitoring Group should also pay due attention to violation of the SoO ground rules by the security forces, Holkhokhai added.On the other hand, talking to some mediapersons somewhere in Chandel district today, TL Jacob Thadou, who is a member of the Joint Monitoring Group of UKLF strongly condemned the conduct of the IRB personnel.“We respect and adhere to the ground rules of SoO. But the State forces have been acting on the contrary. Even if the security forces arrested any person, he/she should be duly handed over to the JMG’’, he said, adding that the conduct of the State forces has belittled the very purpose of JMG. ‘Everytime, an underground cadre was arrested, the State forces charged him/her with extorting money. It is true that no UG group which is a signatory of SoO should serve monetary demand or impose taxes on the public. On the other hand, the Govt is also supposed to provide monthly stipend to the cadres. But so far no such benefits have been extended. So how the UG cadres are supposed to survive without money’’, Jacob demanded to know.S

Centre discusses NE planning

IMPHAL, Feb 10: To bring about all round development in the North East re- gion including Manipur, the Central Government has started discussion on setting up a regional planning body on the pattern of the Union Planning Commission.Disclosing this to The Sangai Express, a highly placed source said that the initiative has been taken up by the Central Government to bring the North eastern region at par with other States of the country in term of development and reap the benefits of the Look East Policy of the Union Government to the fullest.The proposed Regional Planning body of the North Eastern States would be set up on the same pattern of the Union Planning Commission and the Government would extend all possible assistance with regard to research and other related works, the source said, adding that setting up of the regional planning body has been initiated subsequent to the concern shown by the President and the Prime Minister for paying special attention to development of the North East region.The proposed regional planning body would look after developmental needs of the North East region giving due attention o the specific charater of the region, the source added. It is said that a recommendation had also been submitted to the Centre for setting up the regional planning body during the meeting of the North Eastern Council held at Tripura last year. On the other hand, a Vision 2020 document has already been prepared to bring about the development of the North Eastern States at par with other States of the country by 2020.

CM lays foundation stones for technical studies

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh laying the foundation stone for setting up Govt Polytechnique Institute in Ukhrul district
IMPHAL, Feb 10: Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has laid the foundation stones for setting up one Government Polytechnic Institues each at Ukhrul, Senapati and Ta-menglong district head- quarters during a whirlwind tour today.Addressing the gathering at these places, the CM said Government has been giving special emphasis on water supply, power, health and education in the hill districts to ensure equal deve- lopment in both the hills and the valley areas of Manipur. Towards this end, the State Govt has been exerting pressure on the Centre for setting up one Polytechnic Institute in all the dis- tricts. This would ensure ge-neration of employment among the educated youths and help in improving the economy of the State ultimately, the CM said.The Centre has already approved setting up of the Polytechnic institutes at an estimated cost of Rs 12.3 crores each as Central assistance and the amount would be utilised for construction of administrative buildings and purchasing necessary equipments, he maintained.The Chief Minister further said that as of now there is already a Polytechnic Institute in Imphal West district which is imparting training courses on civil, electrical, mechanical, electronics, communication engineering and pharmacy at diploma level. Over and above these courses, plans are afoot for introducing courses on hotel management, food technology, travel and tourism, modern office management, fashion technology and beauty culture.To be set up under the main responsibility of the Technical Education Department, the Chief Minister announced that the construction of the Polytechnic Institutes whose foundation were laid today are being targeted for completion in time for the next academic session. Education Minister L Jayantakumar Singh, TD Minister DD Thaisii and officials concerned accompanied the Chief Minister during his tour of laying the foundation stones.

Astronaut from space thrills CAU

IMPHAL, Feb 8 : Space technology perhaps had its first brush with Manipur, when the Commander of the 18th Expedition to the International Space Station, US Astronaut Mike Fincke had a telephonic talk with students of College of Agriculture, Central Agriculture University for 10 minutes today. Mike Fincke immediately struck a rapport with the awe struck students when he greeted them with the Manipuri word ‘Khurumjari’ and described Loktak lake as ethereal. The interaction progra-mme was jointly organised by Friends of Assam and Seven Sisters and NASA. Mike Fincke is not exactly a stranger to the North East as he is married to an Assamese woman, Renita Saikia, who also works at NASA. Fincke had on an earlier occasion also traversed to the Russian space station, SOYUZ-TMA-13.The telephonic talk was relayed via the control room of NASA to the auditorium of CAU today at 3.25 pm. A total of 400 people including students and teachers were present at the auditorium hall during the brief interaction programme. The talk was facilitated by the Amateur Radio Ground Station based at Queensland in Australia which linked up NASA to the space station and the talk was relayed to the auditorium at CAU. Fourteen students took part in the interaction with the Astronaut. Fielding questions from the enthusiastic students, Fincke said that the Astronauts carry Oxygen with them while at the same time Oxygen is also manufactured at the space station. Fincke further said that Loktak could be seen from the pace station and added that it looks beautiful from up there. Numerous expeditions aimed at the betterment of human lives are also being conducted at the space station continued the US Astronaut. Fincke is also fluent in many languages.

UNLF profiles MPA cadres on its 22nd B’day

IMPHAL, Feb 8 : Greeting the people of Manipur on the eve of the 22nd raising day of the MPA, the armed wing of the UNLF, its Chairman Sana-Yaima, besides giving a brief profile of the MPA cadres, has announced that it has adopted a policy of extending financial aid to the families of the MPA cadres to the tune of Rs 2000 each per month. In a statement issued to the press, Sana Yaima, while noting the performance, grit and determination of the MPA cadres, said that most of the MPA cadres are not from well to do families. They have not had the opportunity to receive education from outside Manipur, had to discontinue studies due to the acute financial position of the families or due to the addictions of their fathers. Many have left behind their mothers who eke out a living by selling vegetables and doing odd jobs while there are many others who have left behind their only sisters.However their love for the motherland is above board and the task they have taken up is National liberation struggle and should not be construed as class war, said Sana-Yaima. On the other hand, the struggle taken up by the down trodden section of our people against the rulers from India can also be called a form of class war, he said. The UNLF has been extending whatever help it can to the families of the MPA cadres, said Sana-Yaima and added that it has been helping some to start their own self employment schemes. Families of MPA cadres who have married are also being helped without taking their position into consideration. To help the families of the MPA cadres further, UNLF has embarked upon a new policy from January this year, said Sana-Yaima and explained a sum of Rs 2000 each per month will be given to the families of unmarried cadres. The money will be given in two installments every year, announced Sana-Yaima. This will go a little way in helping the impoverished families of the cadres. On the challenges besetting the liberation struggle now is the emergence of dubious groups which have tarnished the image of all revolutionary outfits as well as the movement, Sana-Yaima. In fact the job of neutralising such elements should be the collective responsibility of all genuine revolutionary outfits, said Sana Yaima and added that the UNLF today calls for a united effort to carry the fight against India as well as in rooting out all such dubious groups. The Military Affairs Committee of the UNLF also extends its greetings and wishes to all the revolutionary outfits, their leaders and cadres, said Sana Yaima.The outfit also paid its salute to all the cadres who have laid down their lives in the fight for liberation as well as those who have suffered at the hands of the enemies as those maimed in the continuing fight.

TSF seeks support for Sourabhee

IMPHAL, Feb 8: The Tripura Students’ Federation (TSF) has sought support of the people of the North East region to Sourabhee Debbarma who is taking part in the Indian Idol contest being sponsored by Sony Entertainment Television.Speaking to media persons at Hotel Tampha here today, TSF president Upendra Dev Barma accused people of mainland India of not recognising the talents of the youths of the region. Recalling that Tripura and Manipur had close relations since the time of monarchy, he said that the people of North East region should promote talents of the youths.Saying that the success of Sourabhee Debbarma in the Indian Idol contest lies on the votes given in support of him, Upendra sought votes in support of Sourabhee. While competi-tions for Indian Idol are held every Friday, weekly results are declared every Satur-day, he said while appealing to the people to give votes in favour of Sourabhee by sending SMS “Sourabhee” to 52525.

First optical fibre link with Myanmar opened

Mandalay Feb 8: India and Myanmar today operationalised their first optical fibre telephone link, a USD seven million state-of-the-art network that will bring the two countries closer and give a boost to bilateral economic coo- peration.A staff manning the Moreh telephone exchange received the landmark telephone call today at 9.30 am, reports our reporter quoting an official source.Watched by Vice President Hamid Ansari, Myan- mar's Communication Minister Brig Gen Thein Zaw made the first call to Indian Telecom Minister A Raja in New Delhi, applauding the quality of the project funded by India and executed by public sector Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL).The high-speed broadband link for voice and data transmission connects Mandalay, Myanmar's second most important co- mmercial hub after Yangon, and the border town of Moreh in Manipur.The two towns are separated by a distance of 500 km.TCIL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Rakesh K Upadhyay later told PTI that the call rates between India and Myanmar are bound to fall sharply with the installation of the optical fibre link between Mandalay and Moreh.Myanmar announced it was planning to construct optical fibre network in the entire area along its border with India which could then have another direct link also with China, Laos and Thailand. Implementing the tele-com link, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and Myan-mar's Post and Telegraph Department signed the International Telecom Services Agreement (ITSA) under which the two countries will also negotiate telephone call tariffs.Launching the project, Brig Gen Thein Zaw said it would greatly help his country's information technology, telecom sector, business industries, schools and universities in their utilisation of broadband internet access.He said Myanmar is planning to continue to construct optical fibre network in areas along Myanmar-India border.Gen Zaw said the cross-border telecom links would be greatly useful to both the countries as India could have another direct link to China, Laos, Thailand besides Myanmar.Noting the strides made by India in software and other areas of Information Technology, he said Myanmar was willing to work with Indian companies in IT and telecom sectors which have emerged as new areas of bilateral cooperation during Ansari's four-day visit to this country. Upadhyay said before the launch of the optical fibre link between Mandal-ay and Moreh, calls betwe- en India and Myanmar had to be routed through third countries like China, Thai-land and the United King- dom. But now the phone calls could be made without third-country routing, he added. He suggested that India should respond to Myanmar's call for assistance to develop telecom links between the two countries as these entail low investments but give "big visibility" in terms of direct benefits to a cross-section of the people of Myanmar.Ansari also visited a 19th century palace built by the last royal family of the regi-on and a Buddhist pagoda.

SFs scalp four UG suspects

IMPHAL, Feb 8: Four suspects UG cadres have been slain by security forces in three differents incidents of reported encounter in the last 48 hours. Assam Rifles troops of different units under 26 Sector AR have eliminated two KYKL cadres in two separate incidents of shoot-out last night.According to a press release issued by the PRO of Hqs IG AR (S), the first encounter took place at Wangphulok at about 7.55 pm.The encounter site is located about 30 kms North of Tengnoupal police station in Chandel district, informed a police source.Acting on a specific tip off, troops of 27 AR were laying an ambush at Wangphulok and Shamu-kom when an individual was seen moving in a suspicious manner. On being ordered to halt, the individual opened fire towards the troops and ran away. Immediately, the troops chased and retaliated killing the individual on the spot. On subsequent search, one M-16 rifles, 10 live rounds, one bag, socks, towel, soaps, tooth brush and a hand-book related to KYKL were recovered from the area, conveyed the PRO release.Following hand over to Tengnoupal Police, the corpse has been brought to RIMS morgue. Shortly after the first incident, another KYKL cadre was killed in another reported shoot-out with troops of 20 AR at Unapal near Pallel at about 8 pm.According to police sources, Unapal is located about 9 kms North East of Kakching police station.The 20 AR troops acting on a specific information laid an ambush at Unapal before an individual was observed moving in suspicious manner.On being challenged, the individual opened fire towards the troops who retaliated immediately. He was shot dead in the shoot-out, conveyed the PRO.One 9 mm pistol (made in Bulgaria) and a magazine containing five live rounds were recovered from the site.The corpse has been brought to RIMS morgue after it was handed over to Kakching police station today. On the other hand, two suspected UG cadres were slain in a reported encounter with a combined force of Imphal West commandos and troops of 12 Maratha Light Infantry at Ngairangbam under Patsoi police station at about 6.40 pm today.Two 9 mm pistols and a motorcycle have been recovered from the two slain individuals, informed the police source.

Behiang finally gets to see way to connect with the world

IMPHAL, Feb 8 : Inaugurating the Ngashon bridge on the road connecting Chura-chandpur to Behiang village on the Indo-Myanmar border on February 7, Works Minister K Ranjit has announced that the road, which is a State Highway, will soon be upgraded to the status of a National Highway while warning eight contractors to finish the works allotted to them by March 31 or else they would be nailed and black listed. Ngashon bridge which collapsed and killed 20 people while a Shaktiman filled with passengers and charcoal was crossing it on January 17 last year was built anew and the Works Minister dedicated it to the people of the area during the inaugural function held yesterday. Addressing the gathering, Ranjit said that the Churachandpur-Behiang road, which passes through Singnat and is being built as a State Highway will be upgraded to a National Highway, with the Union Ministry of Shipping and Surface Transport giving the green signal. The result of the work on the Behiang to Singnat road is beginning to show and from a road that measured just 12.5 feet on the Behiang to border pillar number 70 it has now transformed to a 34 feet wide road. When pointed out by the president of the Zou Youth Organisation that though the road has seen immense improvement, there is still the apprehension that it may not be motorable once the Monsoon sets in, the Minister waved away the apprehension with the assurance that shingling work on the road will be finalised before the rain comes. Explaining the stand of the Government, the Works Minister said that since the road is to be upgraded to a National Highway they have deemed it better to first widen the road rather than just black topping the narrow road. Ranjit added that in the first phase involves widening the road, constructing the road side drains, constructing culverts and shingling the road. The road will be allowed to settle down first for the first and second year, said Ranjit and added that once the earth becomes firm, black topping process will be taken up. It will be upgraded to the quality of the Imphal to Moreh road, assured the Works Minister. The Works Minister was however livid with rage when he saw that a stretch, divided into 10 zones, on the 32 km long road between Singnat and Churachandpur, which is to be black topped in two layers with WBM, was lagging behind with only one layer being laid. Not mincing any word the Minister said that if the work is not completed by March 31 this year then all the contractors involved will be black listed and nailed.The contractors include Chingzakhup and H Mon (two zones), Y Sunil, T Ibohal, Ph Adim (two zones) and Lunset Kipgen, Kaos Baite and Kh Joykishan. Claiming that the work was supposed to have been finalised in December last year, the Minister said that taking the situation in Manipur into account, the contractors would be given time till March 31 to finish their assignments. Striking a tough pose, the Minister said that such developmental works are being taken up to ensure equal development between the hills and valley and any misdemeanour by the contractors and Engi-neers will not be tolerated. He also assured that he would conduct frequent on the spot verification. The Minister also drove upto pillar number 70 on the Indo-Myanmar border to inspect the road work. Inspecting the work, the Minister instructed that the road side drains being constructed be made deeper.The Minister paid homage to the 20 people who were killed when the Ngashong bridge collapsed on January 17 last year and led the gathering in offering floral tributes to their memorial sites. The bridge was built by contractor S Kaineipao at the cost of Rs 66 lakhs sanctioned under the SPA. Another Rs 6 lakhs has also been sanctioned for constructing a bridge over the Tuivai river. The Minister acknowledged the contractor for finishing the bridge on time, despite the fact that the sanctioned amount is yet to be released. Singnat MLA Hangkhanpau and Special Contractor Haopu who attended the function as guest of honour and functional president extended their gratitude to the Works Minister for expediting the work process of building the road and urged the people to extend their co-operation to the Government in its effort to maintain the newly inaugurated bridge. A number of villagers turned up to receive the Minister and his team to express their gratitude for the road.

17 state boys on their way to world class sports training at Pune

IMPHAL, Feb 7: Seventeen boys from the state have been selected by the Army Sports Institute, Pune to undergo training with the institute, which has been establshed by the armed forces in pursuit of India`s quest for medals at the Olympics.The Manipuri boys went through a rigid and highly specialised array of tests at the Maha Union Public School ground before they were selected out of a total of 300 young children from the state who participated in the selections. The 17 boys aged between 10 to 12 years were among 26 boys who were shortlisted for the final tests and are now on their way to Pune along with their fathers.The Army Sports Institute had sent a talent scouting team to the state on the invitation of the 20 Assam Rifles and conducted the tests at Chandel from November 10 to 14 last year. The institute has its own officers, international coaches, doctors and consultants.The boys include those from the Naga, Kuki, Meitei and Muslim communities and during their stay at Pune the institute will be providing them free world class training infrastructure, boarding and lodging, public school education till Class X and an honourable career in the Army once they attain the age of 17.5 years.The boys were sent off on their way to Pune at a function at Pallel where the commander of the 26 Sector greeted each one of them and their parents.Mohd Khas Mohammad, the father of one of the selected boys Mohd Warish stated that his entire village in Thoubal district was extremely happy at the boy getting the dream opportunity with the aid of the Assam Rifles.Mohd Warish, who is just 11 years old, said that he never imagined he would get a chance like this in his life. He has already promised to be a army soldire and win a medal for the country.

State govt distributes 100 cycle rickshaws to beneficiaries

IMPHAL, Feb 7: With the main objective of enhancing income generating capacity leading to economic empowerment, the department of minorities and other backward classes (MOBC), government of Manipur distributed cycle rickshaws to 100 select beneficiaries belonging to the minorities and other backward classes under an economic development programme (EDP) for the year 2007-08.The distribution function was held at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles parade ground today with the state Governor Gurbachan Jagat as the chief guest. Md Alauddin Khan, minister for MOBC, RD and PR/FSY and M Prithiviraj Singh, MLA, graced the function as president and guest of honor respectively at the function.The Governor said that the plight of cycle rickshaw drivers and pullers of the state who could not afford to buy their own cycle rickshaws but depended on hired rickshaws would ease to some extent with the distribution of cycle rickshaws to 100 beneficiaries belonging to minority groups and 40 belonging to the OBC communities.The grant of cycle rickshaws to the poor and needy minorities and OBC rickshaw drivers would help them to a certain extent in enhancing their income generating capacity. He further said that everybody should take part in building a society free from caste and class, from exploitation of every kind, social and economic, racial and religious. The rickshaw drivers should also realise that they are contributing to the humanitarian services in society besides earning their livelihood, he added.So far, 21,008 beneficiaries who are below the poverty line have benefitted under various schemes of EDP since its inception in 1999-2000 with a total expenditure of Rs. 1,942.54 lakhs.However, some people in the city who did not take the humanitarian act kindly have said that in Imphal city rickshaws and auto-rickshaws were causing heavy congestion and the distribution of 100 more cycle rickshaws today would give more inconvenience to the traffic movement.

Ansari to open Moreh-Mandalay telecom link today

Mandalay (Myanmar), Feb 7: Wrapping up two days of intensive talks with Myanmar's top leaders focussing on security and economic cooperation, Vice President Hamid Ansari arrived here today on the final leg of his visit that will have a mix of serious business and sightseeing.Ansari will inaugurate an optical fibre link between Mo-reh town of Manipur bordering Myanmar and Mandalay, a bustling commercial town in northwestern part of the country whose importance from the point of business is next to Yangon.Connectivity has been a key theme in talks between the two countries for economic cooperation. The telecom link being executed by TCIL has been set up at a cost of seven million dollars given by the Exim Bank of India to Myanmar Government. The Vice-President will make the first call from Mandalay to Moreh tomorrow.Ansari today visited the picturesque Mandalay Hill which houses an ancient pagoda and attended a banquet hosted by the Mayor of Mandalay city. The Vice President will visit the Mandalay Palace and a pagoda tomorrow before returning to Delhi at the end of his four-day visit.

Development projects endangering citizens !

IMPHAL, Feb 7: Cases of allergy and asthma among the people has been on the rise as a result of the dust and other harmful particles in the air caused by the ongoing construction of roads and other projects in Imphal city, according to a study report of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases.The report also points out that death of around 30 children in Tipaimukh sub-division sometime during March-April last year was simply due to lack of basic health care facilities in the sub-division.It is said that digging up of the roads in Imphal in connection with laying pipeline of Imphal Sewerage Project, delay in black-topping of approach road after construction of bridges as well as deterioration in the condition of Tiddim Road and others leading to the city even before black-topping have all led to unpreceden-ted level in the pollution of the air with dust particle.When The Sangai Express conducted a survey in this regard, it was noticed that traffic police personnel on duty at various points of the city were wearing masks and pedestrians covering their noses and mouths with cloths to avoid inhaling dust particles.Even though State Government has consistently assured of giving a new look to Imphal city along with black-topping of the roads after the onset of working season, the new look of Imphal still remains illusive from the view of the people.On the possible health hazard posed to the people from being exposed to the dust particle enveloping air of the city, Additional Director of Public Health Dr Th Bhubonchandra observed that cases of asthma and allergy on skin in the State had been on the rise.Instances of coughing, sneezing, etc are becoming very common as a result of inhaling these dust particle, he noted. The Additional Director himself admitted that he too has been wearing mask and caps even while driving inside his car to protect himself from the dust particle. On the other hand, death of around 30 children in Tipaimukh sub-division of Churachandpur district during March-April last year has been attributed to lack of basic health care infrastructure in the sub-division. According to a report of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases forwarded to the State Health Dept, even if the main causes of the deaths were respiratory tract infection, the problem had been aggravated due to absence of doctors, other medical staff and necessary medicines in the hospital of the sub-division. As to the hospitalisation of over 30 villagers of Misao Lhouvom located near Khuga Dam of Churachand-pur district from an alleged unknown diseases recent, results of the clinical test conducted have been found to be negative as the villagers have suffered from fever, another source conveyed. To contain outbreak of any disease at any time and place, the Health Department is prepared along with setting up of its rapid response teams, the source added.

Credit Card facility soon in State

IMPHAL, Feb 7: The State denizens will see ‘plastic money’ soon as the State Bank of India (SBI) is making all out efforts to bring Credit Card facility to its customers. This upcoming development was announced today by Assistant General Manager SBI, Imphal Benu Hazarika while speaking at the golden jubilee celebration of the bank held at SBI Old building at MG Avenue. Benu Hazarika said that the public sector bank had launched the facility in Guwahati recently with similar facility to be extended to the State at the earliest. He further said that despite its low interest rate, the rate of availing Home Loans in the State is very low. He however opined that it might be due to people of the State not aware enough regarding the facilities provided by the bank in Home Loans. Benu Hazarika also said that four more ATM machines have already arrived and will be installed at MG Avenue branch shortly in addition to the two existing ATMs. He also expressed confidence that with the installation of these four machines, the customers would be mitigated from the associated inconveniences of having to stand in long queues.To sort out the technical complicacies, if any, Benu maintained that the Imphal branch has purchased new UPSs and a 100 KVA generator. With regard to ‘connectivity’ with other branches within the State and beyond, it depends fully on the service provided by BSNL, Benu added. The Assistant General Manager further said that the branch has also conveyed to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regarding the ‘mutilated notes’ circulating in the State. The Imphal branch has also a Coin Vending machine from which one can draw out any number of coins, he informed. Benu also said highlighted to the gathering that SBI is providing Real Time Gross Settlement Scheme (RTGSS) in which any SBI customer can transact money to the accounts of other banks with a minimal charge of Rs 25. To provide paperless and hassle free banking to its customers, the bank too is providing Internet Banking (INB) like any other private banks. Business community can enjoy benefits from SBI through Power Pact and Power Gain facilities, he added. The Golden Jubilee celebration function was graced by former Minister Lt Col (Retd) H Bhubon Singh as chief guest and SBISA NE-Circle, CVP Th Rohini-kumar and SBI Develop- ment Banking Division Ma-nager Tonglu as guests of honour. SBI Imphal AGM Benu Hazarika presided over the function. The SBI Imphal which was launched on January 25, 1959 with taking over of manpower and infrastructures from the erstwhile Manipur State Bank Limited now has 20 branches in the State.

Education Department mulls sponsoring students to US

IMPHAL, Feb 7: To sponsor education of two native students in the field of Atmospheric Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Ecology from Undergraduate level in the United States of America, the Education Department of the State has started holding talks in this regard.Conveying this to The Sangai Express, an official source informed that the State Government has been considering to sponsor ed-ucation of students in the three disciplines and in this connection the State Education Department has been establishing communication with authorities concerned of the United States of America.After finalisation of the matter, the State Government would be signing an agreement formally in this regard, the source informed, adding that the agreement is likely to be signed within the current year after a detailed discussion of the matter very soon.The proposed agreement, however, would not be applicable to whole of United States of America and it would confine only to the States concerned with which the agreement of the signed, the source further disclosed.The number of students to be sponsored may be increased after considering the expenditure and the available resources of the State, the source said, adding that the State Govern- ment is also considering sponsoring the education of the students in the United States of America in the field of Agriculture and Animal Sciences.For sponsoring the education of the students in the three disciplines, preference would be given to those who have opted Physics and Mathematics , the source said.Meanwhile, according to another source the Chief Minister has given his approval in-principle on the proposal of introducing ‘One Laptop per Child’ Scheme for students at the primary level. The State Government has earmarked Rs 3 crores for implementation of the scheme and the officials of the company concerned manufacturing the laptops have been invited to come to Imphal in this connection.

One shot dead, two bodies found

IMPHAL, Feb 7: A suspected KYKL activist has been gunned down by Thoubal police commandos while two bullet riddled bo-dies were recovered from a paddy field alongside an inter-village road in between Phumlou and Lairenkabi this morning with one of the deceased identified by family members later today.According to a statement issued by SP (Thoubal) Clay Khongsai, a team of district police commandos rushed to Phundrei Langathel at about 3 pm today to conduct operation following on information regarding movement of KYKL cadres in the specified area.About 30 minutes later when the commandos were inching towards langathel Phundrei hill 2/3 youths opened fire resulting in a brief encounter during which one got killed and others managed to escape towards the hill.Subsequent search of the encounter spot yielded in the recovery of one 9 mm pistol and a magazine with two live rounds from near the body of the slain militant, the SP added.On the otherhand, bodies where the two persons were found falls within the jurisdiction of Lamshang police station in Imphal West district.According to police report, the victims were found at around 6.30 am today with their hands tied behind and one fatal wound each on the heads.Police speculate both might have been shot in the night.Family members identified one of the deceased as Loitongbam Angelo (33) s/o L Rajen of Konjengbam Leikai who also used to stay at Mongshangei and Yu-rembam.Informing that Angelo’s original birthplace was Konjengbam Leikai but stayed at his mother’s maternal home in Mong- shangei after separation of his parents, the family members who identified the de- ceased at RIMS morgue today further said Angelo used to frequent to his wife’s place in Yurembam as well as his aunty’s at Chirang.They also quoted eyewitnesses as saying that Angelo was whisked away by some unidentified persons at around 8 pm yes- terday from Koutruk area where he had gone to watch a religious programme (lai haraoba).An insurance agent, who was also involved in contract works, Angelo is survived by his wife and three daughters.The other victim is clad in a blue colour jeans, black jacket, T-shirt with red-black stripes and wore a chappal. Lamshang police have registered a case on the matter.In the meantime, official measures have been taken for disposal of a body awaiting identification at RIMS morgue. A statement issued today by Officer in-charge of Moreh Station said the body would be disposed off in case the same is not identified/claimed by tomorrow. The corpse was among two suspected underground activists slain by troops of 29 AAR at Leibi village of Chandel district on January 30 night.

Village Defence Forces Recruitment

IMPHAL, Feb 7: The State Government today issued notification for the recruitment of 1550 Village Defence Forces (VDF) who will be deputed with regular police personnel at police stations and outposts. The recruitment process will commence from February 15. Three hundred and fifty VDFs each will be recruited for Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishnupur districts respectuvely while 500 VDFs would be reserved for duty in Thoubal district alone. The VDFs will be initially engaged for one year with a monthly remuneration of Rs 3000, which can be extended subsequently.Interested persons may participate in the recruitment which will take place at 2nd Bn Manipur Rifles ground, MPTS Pangei, BASU Ground (Khangabok) and Bishnupur Mini Stadium for Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal and Bishnupur districts respectively, informed a press release issued by State DGP Yumnam Joykumar.Application forms for the said recruitment are available in the offices of respective SPs of the district from February 10, added the release.